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Post by Mishael on Jan 26, 2015 16:00:21 GMT -8
NOT ALONE
Kamina regretted her hasty decision to head out on her own in search for information.
Her stomach twisted nervously as she stared at the people weaving around her. One man strode purposefully past, eyes fixed straight ahead and gait quick and sharp; he clearly had somewhere to be. A pair of women chatted amiably as they crossed the road, moving in the direction of the shops. Someone near her shouted, causing her to jump in surprise. He raised his hand to catch someone’s eye several yards away, continuing to call loudly. She backed up, allowing him to pass her as he moved toward the other person. He didn’t even notice her.
She felt out of place. It had been years since she was last here; and while there was a familiar ring to the town, something was off. Everything seemed shrouded in grey, and the bustle of activity felt like a façade. Here and there she caught a glimpse of the secret pain many were trying to mask. She recognized it because she held the same pain in her heart. How many of these people she passed had lost loved ones as well?
Putting her head down, she focused on moving forward. Don’t think. Don’t speculate. Just move.
Her feet carried her aimlessly. Where should she go? Who might have the information she sought? Kamina had never been particularly outgoing, and even her strong desire to find out if there was any chance her parents were still alive wasn’t enough to give her the courage to approach anyone.
She didn’t want to admit it to herself, but she knew that part of the reason for her hesitation also lay in the fact that she feared the answer she might get. All she had to cling to at the moment was hope. If that was taken away...
Suddenly she saw a familiar face across the square, and with a gasp she spun around and slipped into the nearest booth. Jarren was here! Was he looking for her? No doubt. A small voice in her mind questioned her stubborn refusal to accept his help. He would most likely be more successful at gathering information than she would, anyway. What did she have to fear?
The scent of fresh, warm bread filled the area, and Kamina realized only now that she had had nothing to eat all day. Someone bumped into her as she dug through her satchel for her coin purse, and she nearly snapped at the young man for not watching his step. Then she stopped and blinked. “D-David?”
The tall young man with a mess of auburn hair and bright brown eyes faltered mid-apology, his mouth falling open as his hand shot up to his hair in surprise. “Kamina?” Then he wrapped her in a tight, brotherly hug. “Goodness! What are you doing here? I haven’t seen you in ages!”
She gave him a relieved smile. “It is good to see you. Your grandmother told me you had come here after the—after the—”
As she stammered, he reached out and put a hand on her shoulder, giving her a knowing look. “Yes. It was horrible. I couldn’t stand by and do nothing after it happened.”
“She is worried about you, you know,” Kamina said.
“Yes, I do know,” he chuckled, shaking his head. “When does she not?” She shrugged and exchanged a rueful smile with him. “Hey, are you hungry?” he asked, holding up a bag. At her poorly masked eager expression, he laughed. “Come sit with me and I’ll share.”
As they found a place to sit together, Kamina looked around for any sign of Jarren. He appeared to have moved on. She felt a twinge of guilt but quickly pushed it away.
“So what are you doing here?” David asked her again around a mouthful of bread.
She picked at portion slowly. “Pretty much the same reason you’re here, I guess,” she answered quietly. “You—you know my parents were taken?” He nodded and looked at her sympathetically. “Well, since they were taken and not outright killed, I was hoping someone might know where they are and if they’re still alive. The only problem is...I don’t know who to ask about it.”
“Well,” David said slowly, “I might be able to help you there.”
Her head shot up, and she stared at him expectantly. “Really?”
Leaning in close, he lowered his voice. “I’ve heard things since I’ve been here. Not all of it can be confirmed, but I do believe there’s a good chance that those who have been kidnapped are still alive. Why they’ve been taken, no one knows for sure, but I think there’s a group planning on going out to find them.”
Her eyes widened. “Do you know where this group is?”
He winced and shrugged slightly. “Eh...not exactly, but I have an idea of where to go to talk to someone about it. I was going to go there this afternoon, in fact. I only just learned this information myself, you see.”
“Can I...go with you?” She looked at him hopefully. It would be so much easier to do this with someone she knew, and a friend at that. Again the thought of Jarren crossed her mind, but she did her best to ignore it.
Uncertainty crossed David’s face. “You can come with me,” he said, “but if there is a group heading out, I don’t think—that is, they might not—” He dropped his head apologetically. “The truth is, they probably won’t let you join them.”
She took a deep breath. That wasn’t unexpected. She knew she wasn’t prepared for anything like that, which could put her directly in the path of the monsters herself. At the moment, however, it didn’t matter. If she could learn something more concrete at the very least, then she could contemplate her next move.
Glancing up, she met David’s eyes once more. “I’m ready when you are.”
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Post by Iron Kaiser on Jan 28, 2015 20:36:19 GMT -8
May 20th
It's my first week in the Ryn desert. I thought it was going to be really hot, but it's actually not so bad. Around Port Clearwave, it's actually more a marketplace than a desert. The Ryn here are really nice. They're calling us heroes, and we haven't even done anything yet! Captain says not to get used to it--that it'll get worse once we're fighting. Still, if today is anything to go by, this little expedition may not be so tough. I can't wait to get started, and rip some K-bot chassis!
![]()  ~The pen is mightier than the sword!
~Grigori-- Chres smiled to himself as he pushed the leather diary into his back pocket. Four years ago, he'd felt a similar sense of adventuristic idealism. He remembered standing in the shadow of the command tent, much like he now stood before the Billowing Brim Tavern, ready to receive orders and fight evil. Yesterday, his mind would have told him that those days were long gone. Chres had thought that such naivete had died the day he set aside his uniform. Yet on this day, he once again wore the Dashalian army blue. His choice of outfit had been purely pragmatic: they were the only combat-ready clothes he had brought. But leather belts that held together his gear and the bronze buttons emblazoned with the Dashalian eagle filled him with a familiar pride. Grigs hadn't lost that righteous fervor over the years. Maybe he had been onto something... Inside the tavern, all manner of adventurers and mercenaries lined the bars. Amaranthian huntsmen, easily identified by their sunburned skin and coarse beards, leaned against their giant iron axes as if the weapons were extensions of their arm. A few Dashalian fighters were gathered by a table near the east window. Guns were littered about and upon the table. They reminded him of some old army compatriots. Their code: If you can't shoot it, you need a bigger gun, or more of them. Beside them, a hooded figure strode his way through the crowd toward the back. He wore a bright cream robe, which obscured his features, and a vibrant red sash. Not a local style... He seemed to have no weapons, either, which only further contrasted him with most of the other hunters. Chres' curiosity, however, was quickly pulled away from the robed man to a speaker standing in the tavern. Regal armor was clad all about him - the lion of Amaranth and the dragon of Ridgewood were etched across his armor and stitched in his billowing cape. Power and conviction reverberated within his words, and he held everyone's rapt attention captive as he spoke. "-defense. We will not allow this plague, this mindless swarm to weaken us. Our Prince Artor stands with us, the whole of Amaranth stands with us, and you have come to add your strength to ours!" He thrust his armored fist into the air. The crowd exploded into cheers, raising their fists as well. As he reveled in the crowd's fervor, he caught sight of the Dashalian Lieutenant standing in the doorway. His smile faded, and he locked eyes with Chres. "We will not falter!" he continued, "We will not succumb! We will not fail! We will win!" The tavern again erupted into cheers and applause, before breaking into a chant, "Proyos! Proyos! Proyos!" The chanting and cheers continued as the Lord of Ridgewood stepped into the crowd and strode up to Chres. Chres felt dwarfed by the imposing size of the man. "You are the one Julian spoke of, from Dashale?" Proyos asked over the din of the crowd. It was more a statement than a question. "Yes!" Chres replied, raising his voice to remain audible. Proyos nodded. "We appreciate Dashale's sons who are willing to spill their blood for our own. Serve well and true, and you shall make all of Talland proud." "Thank you, sir." Chres nodded, his mind again turning to Grig's sacrifice. Proyos examined him a moment longer, before striding out of the tavern. Finally, the chants and cheers died away, and the patrons returned to their former business, whether that be playing cards, swapping stories, sharing strategies, or simply drinking away the time. As Chres examined the scene, he felt a leather palm set atop his shoulder. "An inspiring speaker, isn't he?" Sir Julian Barden said. "Evidently." Chres replied. "Yes." Barden chuckled, setting his hand on the bronze pommel of his sword. "I'm more comfortable with my weapons than my words, but my lord has shown me time and again that the right message can sometimes be the greatest weapon of all. Anyway, Follow me." Barden and Chres slipped through the Billowing Brim Tavern crowd, toward a table in the back where three others sat. "Proyos," the first scoffed as he toyed with a silver coin between his fingers. "A mighty fine speaker. Mighty fine. He could talk the stripes off a tiger." He wore a wide-brim hat which hid his eyes, but as he leaned back against his chair, a bandolier filled with thin knives was easily seen. "Are you insinuating that we aren't going to win against these creatures?" The second said. Chres recognized him as the robed man from earlier. His face, now unobscured by his hood, was olive and weathered. His hair was graying but finely kept. He subconsciously stroked a turquoise bracelet across his left wrist as he spoke, which seemed to shimmer as his thumb brushed across it. The sun, moon, and stars, which have always been iconic in southern Talland, was woven into his robe. Ryn, possibly, but the accent and mannerisms don't sound right. Old Wesslingstock, more likely."Naw," said the first, spinning his coin on the table. "I'd wager we've got a good chance of making it out the other end. Just saying he's got a way with words, t'sall." However, it was the third man who first noticed Barden and Chres approaching. "My friend, the fresh meat!" He exclaimed. Chres laughed as he recognized him - the Amaranthian who had helped him yesterday. He was characteristic of the many huntsmen of Ridgewood Chres had seen thus far - a burly, tanned frame, thick arms, and stocky posture. The chair seemed too small for him, though he made do well-enough. A giant iron axe, taller than some of the patrons in the tavern, leaned close by his side. "Take a seat," Barden said, pointing Chres to a chair. "Shem, Drake, Kohl, meet Lt. Chres Harwick of Dashale. He's our fifth man." "So Chres, what do you do?" The burly one, Kohl, asked jovially before Chres even took his seat. "Ah, I'm an anthropologist. I teach history to-." Kohl burst out in hearty laughter. Drake scoffed as he plucked his coin off the table. Only Shem seemed to take this answer seriously. "Great, Barden. You brought an egghead down from the ivory towers next-door." Drake said. Finally, Chres understood the nature of the question. He felt himself heat up with embarrassment. He looked over to Barden, who nodded to him expectantly. The hidden message was clear: hit him with it. Chres was wearing the military uniform anyway, so no need to keep it secret... "I served in the Dashalian army as a sergeant sniper and Battalion C.O." Chres said, slinging his rifle out from across his back and slamming it on the table, eyes focused on Drake. "I've a record of one-hundred thirty-nine Kennisalian drone decommisions, and nineteen kills. I have a four-hundred and fifty meter effective range, and can make six shots a minute at range. I'm not just a gunman, I'm an eye in the sky. My job is to keep my team alive, and I do a good job of it." "Yes!" Kohl said, slamming his palm down against the table. "I like it! Ha ha ha!" Meanwhile, Drake leaned back in his chair, doffing his hat with a concessionary smirk. "That's not it, though, is it?" Shem, the robed essentialist, said quietly. His eyes passed from the ring on Chres' finger to his pack, before staring at him expectantly. Does he know about the bracer? Chres panicked. This was one secret he hadn't been planning on sharing. Fortunately, as Chres struggled to respond, the group caught site of a man and a woman watching them from afar. The man pointed at the group, but seemed to shrink back from approaching. The woman briefly conversed with the man, before approaching the table. She curtsied before Barden. "Excuse me, sir. I'm sorry for interrupting. May I have a moment of your time?" "We're in the middle of important bus-" Shem started to say. "It's just that my father and mother have gone missing," she quickly continued, reaching up to remove her hat and clutching it tightly in front of her. "We're from Moreton. Our town was attacked some time ago, and I know that makes things less certain, but...no one has found their bodies, and we've heard rumors that they might have been taken somewhere...that they might still be alive." As she spoke, Chres was reminded of Meinhard. Her light-blonde hair and pale skin tone looked almost Vehrian. But the way she gestured as she spoke, and her accent, was undoubtedly Amaranthian. "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can tell you," Barden responded. The young man behind her stepped up beside her. "We heard that you're going to look for them," he said. When Barden turned his gaze on him, he looked down and pressed closer to the girl. "We were hoping to help," she added, glancing briefly at her friend. "Perhaps even join the search, if you'd let us." "What's your name?" Barden asked. "I am Kamina Reede, and this is my friend, David Macey." She said, curtsying again. "We are at your service." "Well, Kamina, David, give me a moment to finish up with my compatriots, and I'll be right with you." Kamina curtsied a third time, and David bowed, before leaving the table. As they did, Barden's voice drew low. "They aren't getting anywhere near the Timber Palisades. The last thing we need to do is to give the people false hope and have them throwing themselves into the wilds, looking for their lost loved ones." "Who are most likely already dead," Drake added. Barden nodded before turning to Chres. "The truth is, though, we're looking through the Timber Palisades partly because there is some evidence that the monsters are taking the villagers, or their corpses, back there. Why, I can't tell you why. It might even be a wild goose chase. But if they are alive, and they're holed up in there, we've got to get to them. That's why we're here." "So tomorrow, we take off for the Timber Palisades, and put an end to this thing!" Kohl said. He tried to keep his voice down, but his enthusiasm was palpable. "And a generous heaping of gold won't hurt none," Drake mused. "Right, tomorrow at dawn," Barden said. "Meet here, and we're off." Each man nodded his assent, and soon, Shem, Drake, and Kohl had each left the table. Chres started to follow them, but Barden held out his hand. "Hold a second longer." Chres eyed him inquisitively, and sat back down. "I expect the Timber Palisades will be dangerous. Very dangerous." "How do you mean?" Chres asked. He knew Barden wasn't simply stating the obvious. "I told you yesterday of Lord Proyos' other champion, and how she fell to the monsters." Barden continued, his voice becoming even quieter. "Yes, I think I remember that." "And that's all the people need to know. But if you're going to the Palisades, you need to know the truth. And the truth about Lady Teriel is more complicated than that." A small sigh escaped the champion's lips. "Every day, hunters are out there, fighting rabid wolves and bears and other such banes. Truth is, we're lucky that's all we're dealing with. The hunters who've made it deeper into their dens... they've found deadlier abominations. One such creature is a giant, writhing mass of scales. We call it the Siren. It might be like a giant snake, but no one really knows. What we do know is that it's strong as the smith's fire. Smart, too. But worst of all, it has the voice of an angel." Chres furrowed his brows in confusion. "What?" "The Siren lulls its prey into a false sense of security. And then, when it looks into their eyes... it takes over their mind. That's what happened to Teriel Dane." "So... she's been captured?" Chres asked. "Worse. It's possible, if she's not dead, that she's actually out there with them, doing their bidding. It's assuming a lot, but if it's true, then she is a terrible threat. Teriel was an amazing warrior, and she had access to some of the most advanced technology in Amaranth. A suit of armor unlike anything Talland has ever seen. If we see either Teriel or the Siren, putting them down becomes objective number one." "Wait," Chres responded. "Put down your own champion? Can't we save her, or constrain her?" Barden shook his head. "It will be impossible. She's beyond saving, and even if we could, there's no way we could hold her down. Even though we were friends, I'm not willing to sacrifice anyone else - any of you - and risk Ridgewood, for the impossible. "That's where you come in. You're a sniper, you specialize at long distance. I don't think the siren could affect you from so far away, and we might have a chance against Teriel at distance. If we run into them, I'm counting on you to take the shot." Chres balked at the thought. Back in the war, most of his targets had been Kennisalian drones. He'd done far more life-saving than life-taking. The thought of shooting down a champion of Amaranth, someone who in their right mind would be his ally, didn't appeal to him. This was the dark side of war. The side he always hated. "You can count on me, Sir Barden," he finally said. "Good." Barden got up to leave the table to speak with Kamina and David, but stopped mid-stride. "Oh, and Chres?" he said. "Call me Julian." Chres smiled, getting up from the table himself. "Right, Julian. Tomorrow, then."
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Post by Mishael on Jan 29, 2015 13:00:53 GMT -8
DON'T GO
Kamina and David were silent as they left the tavern. Sir Barden had made his position quite clear to them, much more respectfully than some of the other more vocal members who happened to overhear their conversation with him. David’s prediction had proved true, and not just in Kamina’s case.
In a surreptitious side-glance, Kamina noted David’s frustration. “What happened in there?” she asked quietly.
“You heard him,” David grumbled, looking angrily over his shoulder at the tavern. “They don’t want either of us.”
“No, I meant you,” she said, stopping and facing him.
He did the same. “What do you mean?”
The corner of her mouth twitched upward. “I thought you were going to do the speaking when we went in there.”
“Oh.” His head dropped, and he stared at the ground in shame. “Yeah, sorry about that. I guess I was a bit intimidated when we were actually there.”
“I thought you had spoken with people about this before.”
He glanced up bashfully. “Well...no, not exactly.” When she frowned in confusion, he admitted, “I got my information before from overhearing things. I never actually talked with anyone.”
Her eyebrows shot upward. “You’ve been here for two weeks, and you haven’t talked to anyone?”
“Not about this,” he mumbled, looking away again.
She chuckled under her breath. In a way, she felt better about her own reluctance knowing she wasn’t the only one. She opened her mouth to say something when another voice cut her off.
“I see you found your way here.”
Spinning around with a gasp, she saw Jarren standing several feet away, arms crossed firmly over his chest and a stern glint in his eye. “You—what—how—?” she stammered. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw David turn toward Jarren as well and then look curiously between the two of them. He had never met Lord Galfrea’s son before.
With a quick movement of his head, Jarren indicated that they should follow him. Wordlessly, they did so. He led them to a quiet veranda around the side of the tavern, and they all sat at one of the deserted tables there. Leaning forward, he stared at the two of them silently for a long moment. They squirmed uncomfortably. “Why did you leave without a word?” he said at last, fixing his eyes on Kamina.
“I left a note,” she responded defensively. Even as she said it, she could hear how pathetic the excuse sounded.
Jarren was clearly not impressed. “What are you thinking?” he reprimanded, shifting his gaze from one to the other. “Both of you.”
Kamina saw David sink down in his chair, his own eyes beginning to smolder. “What business is it of yours?”
They stared at each other. Then Jarren shrugged and sat back. “In the end, none, I suppose.” He looked at Kamina again. “I wish you would trust me, though. You know I only want to help.”
Mixed feelings swirled inside her, and she suddenly felt too warm. Avoiding his gaze, she turned her head and watched as a couple more men entered the tavern. Several voices called out loudly in greeting from inside.
“Tessa has been worried sick all morning ever since we found out you had disappeared,” Jarren continued. “Will you at least come back for her sake?”
Kamina sighed and pulled at her sleeve absently. She knew that would happen, and she was determined not to let it influence her final decision. “I...I don’t know...you could let her know you saw me...”
Jarren snorted disbelievingly. “You’re not actually thinking of going with them, are you?” As he looked between them, he shook his head. “You can’t be serious. You know they won’t allow it.”
David made a funny sound, like something between a laugh and a cough. “They’ve already made that quite obvious.”
“There’s a reason for it,” Jarren said, his voice rising slightly. “It’s not safe. It’s not safe for them, who are well prepared for this sort of encounter. How much more so for you, young and inexperienced as you are!” Clenching his jaw, David turned his head away. Jarren looked at Kamina pleadingly. “Promise me you won’t do this foolish thing, Kamina.” She met his gaze, uncertainty creeping into her heart again. “Look,” he said, laying his hands open on the table in front of him. “I’m sending Tessa away to—” Pausing, he glanced around them, as if looking for any eavesdroppers. “I’m sending her to one of our family homes far from here,” he continued, leaning closer and lowering his voice. “It’s fairly secluded, and I believe she’ll be safer there than anywhere else. I’m also going to ensure a strong guard is with her.” He clasped his hands together. “I would like you to go with her.”
Kamina blinked in surprise. “I—I don’t know what to say...”
“Say you’ll go,” Jarren said softly.
“I...can’t promise that,” she muttered, glancing worriedly at David. He just sat back with his arms crossed, still not happy. She looked at Jarren again. “I will think about it, though.”
Jarren nodded slowly. “You’ll have to think quickly about it. I’m sending her out tomorrow morning first thing.” It was apparent that he was not pleased with her hesitation, but the fact that she was willing to think about it seemed to satiate him somewhat. They sat in silence for a few minutes, each dwelling on his or her own thoughts. Muffled voices drifted through the tavern windows. Jarren swallowed visibly and inched his chair closer to Kamina’s. “Please understand, Kamina,” he murmured, “I want you to be safe. I know—” His voice caught, and he stared down at the table. “I know things between us weren’t great the last time we saw each other, and I realize that you probably still hold some resentment.”
Her face flushed. “Please don’t—”
He held up a hand and nodded. “All the same, I still care about you, and I don’t want you to have to see the things I’ve heard from those who have faced these monsters.” He looked intently at her, and she couldn’t help staring back. “They are worse than nightmares, Kamina. They are relentless and brutal. They could tear through a wall of men, scattering them like leaves on the wind. They will rip anyone to shreds without a moment’s hesitation or an ounce of mercy, no matter how young or old.” She paled as he went on, her stomach tightening into a sickening knot. “They’re not mindless, either. There is an intelligence in them, or behind them.” He reached out and gripped her hand. “I was in there, Kamina. I saw how many men are eager to go out and face these creatures, regardless of their individual motivations. And all I could think about was how few would most likely return. You saw them. They are not weak. Everyone in there has faced their own battle hardening.” He grimaced. “But I fear that will not be enough.”
She felt herself shaking and nodded quickly. “I—I understand,” she whispered.
He squeezed her hand, and they rose to their feet. “I’m not exaggerating any of this,” he told her sincerely. “And I’m not saying any of this with the sole purpose of scaring you. I want you think about this realistically. I know you’re emotionally invested in this, with your parents missing.” She sucked in a harsh breath at his blunt words, and he squeezed her hand again. “You need to make sure you make the right decision. What would your parents want you to do? As noble as it might be to die trying to save those you love, would they not rather you live?”
She hated to admit that his words were affecting her, and she knew that he spoke sense. Nodding again and looking down, she said, “You speak wisely. I will definitely consider everything you’ve said.”
He seemed to sense her stubbornness crumbling as his shoulders relaxed at her words, and he smiled. “I will not trouble you any further tonight,” he murmured. “I hope to see you soon.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek lightly. Then he released her hand, bowed, and departed.
As he walked away, she sighed, closing her eyes wearily. “Well,” she said, “that was unexpected.”
David didn’t respond. When she opened her eyes and turned to him, she found that he was gone. Gasping, she spun around, searching for any sign of him. She just caught sight of him disappearing around a corner about a hundred yards away. When did he leave? How did she not notice?
“David! Wait!” she called out, running after him. Reaching the corner, she saw his retreating back continuing down the road as if he hadn’t heard her. She ran once more, ignoring the looks from those around her and quickly catching up with him. “Why did you leave without me?” she asked breathlessly.
“Aren’t you going with your friend?” he muttered, glowering straight ahead as he kept striding forward.
“I haven’t made a decision yet,” she replied. “Slow down! Where are you off to in such a hurry?” He didn’t say anything, but he did slow his pace somewhat. She fell into step with him. “Where are we going?”
“I need to get my things,” he said brusquely.
“Right now?” she asked. He glanced sideways at her and kept moving. “Wait, are you still going with them?” Her eyes widened.
“Of course I am.”
“But you heard what Jarren said,” she reminded him. “And the men won’t let you join them.” Again, David didn’t respond. “David, please—!”
He suddenly pulled her into an alley and pushed her up against the wall. “Yes! I heard what he said, and I know the men won’t let me join them. But they can’t stop me from following them.” She stared at him and shrunk back, pressing herself against the wall, her heart pounding and mouth open in shock. It was then that he realized what he had done, and he stepped back, looking horrified. “I’m so sorry, Kamina! I didn’t mean to...” His face crumbled and he collapsed against the wall beside her.
She immediately knelt beside him. “David...”
“I have to go, Kamina,” he insisted in a trembling voice. “I am so scared, but I have to.” When he looked up at her, she saw tears in his eyes.
She reached up and gently brushed the hair from his forehead. “Why?” she asked softly. “Why is this so important for you?”
“They took her,” he choked. Kamina tilted her head, not sure who he was talking about. “They took Kaly.”
Understanding hit her like a bolt. “Your childhood friend...”
“More than a friend,” he murmured, running a hand across his eyes and doing his best to regain composure. “We’re supposed to get married next month.”
She covered her face with her hand while resting the other on his shoulder. There was no way she was going to be able to convince him to return home. She understood his need to do this. Indeed, she felt it within the core of her own being. Jarren’s words had certainly frightened her and given her pause. She wasn’t sure she would really be of any use in the search for the missing people, especially in the face of the monsters. But she couldn’t deny the drive to do anything and everything she could to try to save them. And now, knowing for certain that nothing would stop David from going, she knew she couldn’t let him go alone. Whether it was true or not, she felt that his blood, his life was now in her hands. He was just a kid, and she would never be able to live with herself, much less face David’s mother or grandmother again, if she let him go off to face this alone. As she made her decision, she trembled.
“You won’t go alone, David,” she said quietly. He stared up at her. She smiled grimly and gripped his shoulder, swallowing the lump in her throat. They were going to face their deaths. She just knew it. But he wouldn’t be alone.
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Post by Iron Kaiser on Jan 31, 2015 21:21:34 GMT -8
That evening, long after the veil of night enveloped Ridgewood, a lone figure slithered about in the shadows. The sneak dashed quickly between buildings, eyes darting about, desperate to find even the smallest signal of detection, or worse, recognition. To the saboteur, this was like a dangerous game, a game of deception with the city. Every shadow and dark spot was an ally. Every candle, every glistening moonbeam and glittering star, and every hint of light was an enemy. The stakes could be no higher, for the sneak would certainly die if caught. There'd be no other possibility. But this was a game played many times before, and the shadows had won every time. As the target neared, this ally of darkness knew that they had won once more.
The figure quickly slithered through the door of the Bristling Brim Tavern. Earlier, it had been packed with hunters, but now, it was silent as the grave.
Victory again.
Relaxing, the shadowed figure moved along the wall. A finger slid brushed across each beam of wood as the saboteur passed by. Suddenly, the finger stopped at one well-worn beam. The finger became a palm and gently shoved. Glittering, golden quintessence flowed from the beam and arrayed itself across the wall. To most, the pattern would have been indecipherable. But not to the intended recipient.
The time draws near, the shimmering magic read. You have done well. Remain vigilant. Your reward is nearly in sight.
Below, another line had been added.
We have heard of one in your midst. Chres Harwick, a Lieutenant from Dashale. He must not learn what the others knew. Use discretion, but deal with him quickly.
The sneak smiled. This was yet another game, with another set of players. Harwick was just one more piece on the board.
Indeed, perhaps I can capture two pieces at once, and with them gone... sweep the board clean.
A raven, black as night, appeared at the shadow's side. The shadow spoke softly, in an old, arcane tongue, of its plans to the attentive bird. Then, with a flick of its wrist, the shadow sent the bird away. It afforded a quiet chuckle as the raven flew away, before also disappearing into the night.
With the rising of the sun, the game would begin again.
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Post by Mishael on Feb 4, 2015 22:05:25 GMT -8
DEPARTURE
Kamina stayed with David that night. Although she didn’t want to admit it, she was afraid to let him out of her sight. It also helped her avoid being swayed by Jarren or his sister. As she sorted through her pack in the early morning, her thoughts turned to them. She squirmed inwardly with guilt. Neither of them would be happy with the fact that she didn’t show up last night, and she wouldn’t be showing up this morning, either. Her decision had been made, and now all she had to do was make sure nothing happened to weaken her resolve.
Now that it came to it, she was frightened. What were they doing? Her mind echoed Jarren’s rebuke from the day before. If all else fails, I’m there to protect David, she answered her doubt. She may not have combat practice, but she was skilled with quintessence. Her hand wrapped tightly around the bound jewel buried safely in her bag. It would require a fair amount of creativity for what she could do, but she would do whatever she could.
Glancing upward with a soft sigh, she gazed at the pale blue slowly growing on the horizon. They didn’t know when the men would set off this morning, so they both made sure to get up early. They had spent the evening before purchasing some supplies for their journey, but neither of them really knew what would be needed. David had a handgun and a short sword that he brought from home, and she had two medium daggers in her belt. They were not meant for fighting, but they could be useful all the same. Running a hand along one of the daggers, she shook her head and laughed under her breath.
“What is it?” David asked quietly as he moved beside her. He was dressed and clearly ready to go. Looking over him critically, she noted that he probably got as little sleep as she did.
“Nothing,” she murmured, latching her pack closed and hoisting it onto her shoulder. Then she rose to her feet. “Are you ready?”
“I’ve been ready since last night.” He fidgeted nervously, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
She nodded. “Lead the way.”
The hunters were already gathering near the Billowing Brim Tavern, along with a number of others preparing to leave Ridgewood. Carts and pack animals lined the road, filled with supplies of food and clothing and arms. As David and Kamina peered around the corner, Kamina clicked her tongue in dismay. “They’re bringing horses.” David didn’t say anything as he stared at the men, clustering in groups and talking quietly together. “There’s no way we’re going to be able to get one ourselves.”
“Shhh,” David shushed her, waving a hand at her impatiently. “I’m trying to listen.”
She shut her mouth obediently and turned her ear toward them as well. She recognized some of the men from the day before. There was Sir Barden and the man in the blue uniform and the one with the scarlet sash. The man in blue gripped what appeared to be a small book in his hand, and he leaned back to murmur something to the man with the sash and a couple of hunters behind them. She squinted. Yes, she was pretty sure they had been at the table yesterday as well.
Sir Barden raised his voice, calling the attention of those gathering. “Once the sun has risen above the rooftops, this supply team shall depart for the Timber Palisades Outpost,” he announced in a strong voice. “We shall ride with them and assist in re-arming the outpost before pressing forward in our mission. Due to the rocky and sometimes treacherous nature of the Palisades, no creatures of burden will join us beyond the outpost. I hope you have all brought your sturdy boots for today’s outing.” His eyes swept over the men around him as a chuckle rolled through the crowd. “As we make our final preparations at the outpost, any and all who do not wish to venture onward may join the supply team for their return trip.”
A few men stepped up to Sir Barden and his comrades and began discussing something with them in low voices. Kamina was about to turn to David when something caught her eye. Another man was approaching Sir Barden, tall, dark—“Oh no!” she gasped, falling back to hide around the corner.
“What?” David asked anxiously, turning his head to look at her.
“He’s here,” she said, her voice hollow. “Jarren’s here.”
David’s eyes narrowed, and he peered out again. “Oh yeah...I see him...” He shifted. “Do you think he’s here to take you away?”
“I don’t know,” she said, pulling the hood of her cloak up in an effort to hide her face somewhat. “I can’t let him see me, though, otherwise I’m sure he’ll try.”
“Well,” David murmured, keeping an eye on the activity, “Here’s what I’m thinking. You and I should try to join the supply group. It will be our best chance at joining in without raising any suspicion. I can come up with a story to get us in, if you’d like. Then maybe we can hitch a ride on one of the carts or something, since we don’t have a horse like you pointed out.” He glanced sideways at her.
Her eyes met his. “Jarren is going to recognize my cloak,” she said in a low voice.
David pursed his lips and stared at the ground as he thought. Then he looked up at her again. “I have an idea, but I don’t know how much you’re going to like it.” She raised her eyebrows. “The shops are beginning to open by now,” he continued, glancing down the road behind her. “There should be time for you to go...maybe exchange your cloak for a different one.” He reached out to touch her cloak. “This is a nice one. I’m sure someone will be willing to trade.”
She reached up and gripped the cloak in a flash of possessiveness. It was her favorite one and fairly well-made at that. It had been through a lot with her. Did she really want to give it up?
But they didn’t have much time. Neither of them had much money. Did she want to risk Jarren finding them out because she was unwilling to part with a piece of clothing? She knew how important this was to David as well as herself. Slowly she nodded.
David nodded as well. “You do that, and I’ll get us a place on the supply team. If I do it while Jarren is distracted,” he checked to see where Jarren was, “then I’ll have the best chance. Good luck.”
“And you.” Kamina turned and hurried away.
When she returned, David was waiting for her. “Success!” he grinned. “And you look great,” he added, looking her up and down. “I didn’t recognize you until you were right here. It looks like you got an entirely new outfit.”
She smiled tightly. “I sold my hairpiece instead. It caught the shopkeeper’s eye more readily than my well-worn cloak.” She held out a hand and a foot. “So I got some new boots and gloves as well. Something a bit hardier than what I had before.”
He nodded approvingly. “Well, I think you’ll blend in just fine.” He pulled a hat out of his bag and donned it proudly. “Let’s go! We don’t want to miss our ride.”
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Post by Iron Kaiser on Feb 9, 2015 17:00:56 GMT -8
An Inquisitive Interlude
May 23th
Now that we're here, I'm finally getting to know my team. Our commander, Lt. Palle, isn't a bad sort. He runs a tight ship (Ha. A ship in the middle of the desert. Sounds like a Ryn koan.). But he's not very friendly. Most of the battalion are nicer, but we're not connecting very well. I did meet a couple of interesting fellows, though. For example, yesterday I met one of our snipers, Chres, and a rocket trooper, Max. It seems like they're pretty good friends, and good men, and have the same focus on helping the Ryn that I do. I feel like I can trust them.
~The pen is mightier than the sword.
~Grigori, or "Grigs," as they're calling me now.
--- "One of your text books, Professor?" Chres glanced up from the diary to spy Drake and his horse saddling up next to him. He quickly slid the diary in his coat pocket. "Ah, no," Chres chuckled. "Just some light reading for the road." What he didn't mention is how he had found that "light reading." Why would Grigs have hidden away his diary? Between the magic hidden within and its resting place underneath a secret panel, the diary was no doubt important - important enough to keep hidden away. Until he got more information, Chres thought it wise to follow Grigs' lead. Drake shrugged. "To each their own." Chres nodded. The conversation died away to the soft clip-clap of hooves and wheels. The caravan consisted of three covered wagons, filled with weapons and supplies. Alongside the caravan trotted an escort of about a dozen on horses, including Sir Barden and his group. The travel had been slow going thus far. As they neared the Palisades, the clear plains of Ridgewood began to give away to forest and rough terrain. It'd only get worse from here. Chres turned his white mare to the side and looked back at Ridgewood. He focused on two of the towers which lined the city walls, and held out his index finger so that it would cover his vision of the two towers. "About 30 mils." He muttered, alongside some other numbers and calculations. "What are you doing?" Drake asked, confused. "Measuring our distance from Ridgewood," Chres said. "We're about 11 kilometers out." Drake stared at him, perplexed. "Oh, right. About seven miles." Drake chuckled. "You are Dashalian, through and through." Chres scoffed. "Is that a compliment, or...?" "Good point!" Drake laughed. "Naw, I'm not bad-mouthing you. Most of the guys I see come through here only care about the fighting. You see those Dashalian boys back in the tavern?" Chres nodded, remembering the table of gun-heavy hunters. "Give it a week, and I bet you every last one of 'em will be six feet under. Most of the Dashies are like that. All about the guns, as if they're just going to blow away all our problems. But every once in a while, a hunter comes along who knows there's more to hunting monsters than fighting." "What's that?" "Oh, depends on who you ask. Take a look at Kohl." Drake pointed three horses up, where the burly axeman was jovially talking with another rider. "He's a tracker. Can't kill 'em if you can't find 'em, and he's the best there is at that. If there really is a beating heart to this monster hole, Kohl's going to be the key to finding it. Now Shem? Shem's-" "Oh, this is bound to be good." Shem said as his horse trotted up from behind the other two. "Well speak of the devil!" Drake laughed. "Oh, don't let me interrupt!" Shem responded with equal mirth. "By all means, continue." "Well, Shem's a no-good muskrat that always pops up whenever you could go without, and sticks to your backside like a wart - until the moment you might need him!" " Please. Even a wart would be more worthwhile than whatever it is you contribute to this group." "Yeah, well you're-" As Drake spoke, one of the caravan guards pulled up alongside the three. "Drake, Barden wants you at the front." "Right. Well, boys, we'll have to continue this fine conversation some other time. Hya!" With a kick to his horse, Drake and the guard galloped toward the front of the line. Shem watched as he rode away. " A rider defiant in the stride..." He muttered. " Cradles his weakness, his own pride." Chres replied. Shem smiled widely. "You know your Rignan poetry. A rare trait in this part of the world." "Any student of history worth his salt would study the foundations of literature." "You're right." Shem replied. He rubbed the medallion that hung across his neck as he spoke. "The old words shape us and define us. They make us who we are, and fix our paths like the stars in the heavens." "The pen is mightier than the sword." Chres responded, thinking of Grigs' signature. "Yes," Shem mused. "The two are not always enemies, however. Mr. Harwick, do you know anything about the history of the Timber Palisades?" "Not much." Chres' mind went racing back to his old history books. "I remember that this mountain range used to be the boundary between Rigna and the Vehrian empire centuries ago." "Nearly a millenia," Shem nodded. "And if I remember right, back when the Greenwood Rangers were first formed, they built a fortress atop one of the mountains. "Exactly. As any good eye can tell you, the mortar and stone have long since disappeared." Shem gestured towards the wooded mountain ahead of them. "But this place is infused with history, and I believe magic." "And that's why we're here?" Chres asked. Shem shook his head. "Not strictly speaking, no. Sir Barden has brought us here because of more imminent, current evidence. But I don't believe it is a coincidence that all this monster activity is happening around an area of such history. The stone and mortar that used to grace these mountains is long gone, yes, but perhaps the mountains' legacy of magic lives on." Stroked his greying beard as he thought. "How much do you know about magic?" "...I have some amount of academic knowledge." Chres replied hesitantly. "Is that all?" Shem asked, his eyes trailing to Chres' finger. "I can deduce facts too, Mr. Harwick. That is a magic ring, used by Dashalian magicians. They don't just give those out to lovers of poetry." "I- I was trained in some very basic, preliminary essentialist skills, to help in my duties as a reconnaisance and support officer." It was the truth. Not the whole truth, but all the truth Shem needed to know. "I see," Shem said, his fingers once more running through his beard. "Well, I hope you're ready to use your power. I fear that Barden may not realize what he's leading us into. None of the others understand magic. Our team has been relying on me to understand the magical situation surrounding the monster threat, and guide them to the right response. You're the only one equipped to help me understand. I'll need you to work with me." Chres nodded. "I understand." "Good," Shem responded in kind. He glanced up at the mountain range, and the outpost which was only beginning to come into view. "That makes one of us."
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Post by Cyphir on Feb 24, 2015 21:29:14 GMT -8
Silence is Golden
The town seemed to be under a gloomy overcast even in the mid-afternoon sunlight. The mud between the cobblestone squished underneath Westle's boots as he made his way across the market square. The brave-hearted and foolish had already departed for the day, and the market was disturbingly empty as a result. The trade carts still present were set far apart from one another, leaving openings to see the buildings surrounding the market square. They were rough, to say the least--all damaged in one way or another, with the worst looking fit to fall at any given moment. That Westle could see that some were still living in those buildings told him enough of Ridgewood's situation.
Ridgewood was exactly what he had expected it to be.
Near the back of the market square, he spied a registrar situated beside a trade cart selling apples and began to make his way toward it. The registrar was seated behind a weather-beaten desk, his legs propped up on the corner and a ragged cap drooped over his eyes.
Westle stopped in front of the registrar, cocking an eyebrow up at the mud-soiled boots just below his chin before clearing his throat.
"Last hunting party left this morning," the registrar muttered with all the energy of a dead yak. "You just missed 'em."
"Not a hunter, mate. I'm lookin' fer somebody."
The man gestured lazily behind himself. "Morgue is outside the western wall. Plenty of unidentifieds."
"Eleonara Praetheon," Westle said, keeping his tone even. "Older gal--professorly type. Prob'ly set up shop a few months ago."
That seemed to get the attention of the man. He drew up a hand and lifted up his cap, one eye peeking out. His lips twitched into a smile before offering a dry chuckle. "What, the old kook?" His eye drifted to Westle's bag, and the metal fingers sticking out. "You one of her suppliers?"
Westle reached into his pocket. "Jus', where she is, if'n y'please," he said, flicking a coin at the man.
The registrar grabbed it with a surprising amount of speed, quickly examining it in his palm before jerking a hand towards Westle's side. "In the old church, back past the market."
Westle looked to his side, spying a prominent bell tower poking up over the other rooftops in the distance.
"You just be careful with yourself," the man added in a lower tone. "Rumor's going around that she's a witch doctor, helping to draw out the monsters."
Westle muttered a "thank you" to the attendant before walking back into the market square. Just as he was about to figure out where Issa was, she appeared at his side, a half-eaten apple in her hand.
"Didn' realizh E'eo'ara dabbl'd 'n sor'sry," she mumbled through a mouthful.
"Neither did I." Westle grinned. "How 'bout we go'n see what the professor has to say fer 'erself?"
---
If Eleonara had picked the church for its unassuming disposition, she had gone too far.
The church was in bad shape, even for Ridgewood's standards. Shattered benches cast about the hall, puddles of water resting where chunks of the floor were missing, and several sections of the wall once decorated with stained glass were missing entirely. It looked as if a monster had been set loose in the church, which wasn't as impossible as it should have been. It was to be expected that Ridgewood itself would have suffered attacks from monsters - they were easily provoked creatures after all - but the town was worse off than first imagined if the beasts had crept this far into its heart.
At the front of the church were gathered several townsfolk, seated on a mixture of surviving benches and obviously patchwork chairs. A robed figure approached Westle and Issa, and after a brief conversation relayed them to a back hallway in the church. There they found a spiraling staircase leading up to the belltower above.
Halfway up, there was a small room that cut away from the staircase. It was sparse, but certainly in better shape than the bottom floor. Shelves covered both sides of the room, each one filled with jars of various sizes. At the far end of the room was a large, oak table--ornate by Ridgewood standards. Letters, ink jars, and strange instruments of all kinds littered the table, but most notable was the elder woman seated behind it.
If there was a single word that could be conjured up in describing Professor Eleonara Praethon, it was "sharp." She held her head high, her mouth a tight, prim line above a pointed jaw. Her graying hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and even the numerous wrinkles on her face couldn't soften the hawkish eyes currently boring into a sheet of paper. She reached over to dab a quill in ink, the gloves on her hand doing little to hide her almost skeletal fingers.
As she moved to make a scratch the quill upon the paper, she spared a quick glance at Westle.
"You took your time," she called out, the accusation all but said. Her academic years had sharpened her voice into a fine tool, and age had not dulled it.
Westle took a long step into the room, hands in his pockets. "Heard tell that y'fancy yerself a sorc'rer, Professor."
As Issa moved to join him, Eleonara waved a hand and said, "Send your friend off. I'd like to speak with you alone."
Westle looked at Issa, her expression suddenly on-edge. She looked at him expectantly, and he shrugged.
"Professor's orders." In a lower tone, he added, "Scout around while I'm gone. Meet me at th' tavern later." He grinned. "An' go easy on th' drinks."
She frowned at him before curtly nodding and turning back to the stairway. For a moment, Westle stood staring at Eleonara, who continued to be preoccupied with the paper in her hand. As soon the sound of footsteps faded off into the first floor of the church, the elder woman set aside the paper and looked up at Westle.
"You brought company with you?" she said, her tone not so much accusatory as curious.
"Y'don't think I came 'ere only for you, Professor?" Westle smiled as he approached one of the shelves. "Monster hunters may not have th' wrong idea about that reward..."
Eleonara scoffed. "Amaranth's strongest, dim as some of them may be, haven't managed to root out the cause. You think you could?"
"S'why you're here, isn't it?" Westle shrugged, stopping before the shelf and examining its contents.
Limbs, appendages, and organs of various shapes and sizes filled each of the jars, floating in some discolored liquid that must have acted as a preserver. Already, though, many of the organs were noticeably decomposed, and the ones that weren't seemed altogether abnormal. Near the base of each of the jars sat small strips of paper with formal writing detailing the contents within.
"Lungdrake talons, Pelane liver, Tindermice..." Westle read aloud, before scraping a foul-smelling, gummy substance off the side of one of the containers. He regarded it for a moment before looking at Eleonara. "Interestin' hobby y'took up."
Eleonara smiled. "It keeps me busy, and the locals are willing enough to supply me with my research matter." Her expression hardened as she interlocked her fingers and straightened up in her chair. "Where is Edelreich?"
Westle flicked the gob from his finger and approached Eleonara. Reaching at his side, he drew out the severed automaton arm from his bag and tossed it onto the table. It slammed upon the table flat, one of its sharp claws hooking into the wood and swiveling it to a stop before Eleonara, who stiffened at the sight of it.
"Was hopin' you could tell me," Westle said.
Eleonara snatched her eyeglasses up in a swift motion and leaned forward to examine the arm. "Where did you find this?"
"Back'n Aulwuld. In the deep, too, no'ere near the trails."
"Of course not," Eleonara muttered at him, preoccupied with scraping away some of the loose crystal within the arm.
Westle folded his arms, watching as the elderly woman reached into the husk of the arm, prying loose something within. Withdrawing a particularly long vein of crystal, Eleonara ran a studious finger along it. There was an observant silence, then she glanced up at him.
"Where is the rest of it?"
"Stuck up in'n oak. Fools me 'ow it got there."
"Small comforts, I suppose." Eleonara sighed, tossing the shard aside and removing her glasses. "I'm not well-versed in automatons, but it appears to be a KM model. Thankfully, one of the older ones. They're assassination machines. Crude, but very deadly. You probably heard Aram prattle on about them at one point or another. The man was obsessed--always wanted to see one in-person."
"And yer point...?"
"I'm not surprised he finally got his wish." She rested a hand on the arm, gazing at it thoughtfully. "He had been working on developing a new form of weaponry--rifles utilizing essence crystals for ammunition. He'd talked scores about automatons and their vulnerability to essence energy, even managed to lecture about it in the university. Somewhere along the way, I suppose he made enemies."
Westle stared at the arm, where Eleonara rubbed her thumb against the curled, blacked edge. "Do y'think he finished it, then?"
"With KM's on the loose, he must have. Nothing less would do, frankly. I just hope his dangerous habits haven't cost me a student." She offered Westle a sharp look. "And you some your money, at that."
Westle's lip twitched. "I s'pect to get paid whether the boy is dead'r not." He unfolded his arms, shrugging with a smirk. "'Sides, he's one o' yer students. He's already survived a fate worse than iron assassins." Seeing the wrinkles of her face tighten, he quickly added, "I'll find yer kid. Prob'ly got lost somewhere fer a few days, may even be lyin' low. Plenty of nooks and crannies to lose yerself in here."
He turned to head back out the door, then paused. Looking back at Eleonara, he asked, "Why do y'need him, anyway? If anyone, I'd 'a figured you'd be after Aram."
Eleonara frowned, leaning back in her chair. "Automatons hunting one of my students, and you're wondering why I'm concerned about him?"
They stared at each other for a long moment, and the silence in the room began to be noticeably present. A chuckle from Westle, followed by a grin, broke the silence.
"Yer not a good liar, Professor."
Before she could respond, there was a cry in the distance. Several shouts soon followed, and Westle walked to the window and unlatched the wooden frame, swinging it open. He set his hands against the rim of the window, squinting against the breeze that hit his face.
Clever woman--Eleonara didn't choose the church simply because it was inconspicuous. Outside the window, he had a clear view straight above the market square towards the northern gate beyond that. Just on the edge of the horizon, he could make out the edge of the woods from which the monsters threatened to pour. The only better vantage point would have been on the walltops.
Several more shouts erupted from beyond the northern gates, causing Westle to focus his attention on the commotion happening by the entrance. A crowd, stirred by the noise outside, bustled in front of the gates, which soon began to open with a distant groan. As soon as the gates were a third of the way open, the crowd began to part on either side, and all at once the noise was hushed. A dozen figures rushed through the gates, carrying several limp bodies draped over their shoulders. One fell, and the armored man he had been helping collapsed to the ground. Even from this distance, Westle could see the blood splattered across the fallen man's armor.
"They're getting desperate," Eleonara spoke up from behind him.
Westle looked over his shoulder. Eleonara's attention was casually focused back on the sheet of paper she had been studying. She briefly looked up at him. "Every day there are more dead and wounded."
In that moment, Westle caught a glimpse of a very foreign expression on the woman's face. Fear.
"Find Edelreich, Westle," she said, eyes reaffixed on her paperwork. "We'll discuss your payment then and no sooner. You're dismissed."
Slowly, Westle nodded and turned around. As he approached the stairway, his gaze went to the jars of organs lining the walls. Among all the questions currently surrounding this job, a new one was added: what kinds of monsters could frighten someone who had spent their studying aberrant beasts?
Tucking the thought into the back of his mind, Westle descended down the stairs and brought to mind another, more-pressing question: where to find Edelreich Lenzen.
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Post by Drahcir on Feb 28, 2015 21:30:26 GMT -8
At the Bottom of the Glass
Aether twisted the glass slowly on the bar, rotating it clockwise, staring into the depths of the half-finished amber liquid within. The embren burned dully in the back of his throat while the alcohol content blurred the edges of his mind’s ability to function. Neither did any good to ease his mood. The scorch of the drink wasn’t enough to burn off his dark thoughts, and his fuddled wits only made it more difficult to be rational and think of a solution.
He had been right: drinking was a bad idea. But the memories of the dead and dying… the screams… He shuddered and took another small swig of the embren. The vile liquid seared and made him cough, just as before. He wished it would incinerate the images, but it didn’t. They were carved cruelly in the inside of his skull.
He thought briefly of his dear horse, Raven, and found that he was more saddened at her loss than what he’d seen. Ridiculous. What sort of a human being was he? That he should mourn the passing of an animal that was no more than a tool, compared to the lives of real people. But he found that he had thought of Raven as real, a companion on the road. Silent as she was, she had been someone to talk to. He missed her.
Without warning, someone bumped into him as they passed, apparently stumbling and using him as a prop, groping at his uniform in an attempt to steady themselves. Irritated, he tried to turn to face the person, while also attempting to maintain his perch on the barstool he’d claimed. The man, for it was a young man that had collided with him, put an arm around his waist and place his hand on one of Aether’s shoulders, jostling him merrily.
“Sorry about that, mate,” he barked in slightly graveled voice, “tripped over my own feet.”
Aether, annoyed at the accident and more so by the lack of personal boundaries the young man seemed to be exhibiting, spoke gruffly, though that was partly the work of his choice of beverage.
“Think nothing of it, but please, if you don’t mind, I’d rather be left to my thoughts...” he trailed off, realizing that he might actually like some company. But this gentleman was hardly his first choice of confidants.
“Say no more, say no more,” said the young man, winking at Aether with one of his piecing, blue eyes. “In a bit of a rush as it is.”
As the young man straightened and made turn, his eyes lingered on Aether’s and he doubled back. “I uh, I realise it’s none of my business, but... are you alright?”
Aether blinked in surprise. “What do you mean?”
The young pointed at Aether’s face with a heavy ringed forefinger. “Y’look like someone you know just died.”
Aether reached reflexively for his face and realized a tear had escaped and run unasked for down his cheek. He wiped it away hurriedly and turned to face the bar, feeling foolish and embarrassed. He could feel heat in his face and cursed his emotions and the vile liquor he’d subjected himself to.
“Like I said, none of my business.” The young man ran a hand through his bright red hair roguishly. Not the orange red of most but a positively scarlet hue. “My best wishes to you, sir.”
Aether sat rigidly for a moment as the young man made once more to leave, then he turned and blurted out, “Wait!” He’d not meant it to be so loud and looked around, turning red again as many in the room stared in puzzlement or irritation.
The young man approached once more looking wary and sat down on his own barstool, frowning at Aether. His clothes spoke of a well to do nobleman, but perhaps one who’d fallen on hard times, given the slightly worn look about them.
“I’m sorry,” said Aether. “It’s just that I’m not really alright... and I could use some company.”
The young man leaned back and looked regretful. It was clear that he’d rather not waste his time rambling to some stranger. But he suddenly looked aghast and leaned in closer, holding up his hands.
“Alright, alright! Just ease up on the rivers there, mate, alright?”
Aether blinked in confusion. The young man pointed surreptitiously beneath Aether’s eyes. Aether reached for his face again and was disgusted to find that his eyes were watering of their own accord again so much so that tears had spilled over to retrace a path after the previous ones.
‘So much for my mask,’ he thought. He wasn’t sure if it was just the recent events or if drink had so badly compromised his control, but he was not at all pleased. Then the thought occurred to him that he might never have had any control at all. That this whole time his carefully constructed façades had all been as transparent as a still mountain pool. This unsettled him still more and must have played about his features unchallenged.
“Listen, I can see something’s bothering you,” said the young man, confirming Aether’s dull witted musings, “but I’m probably not the best person to chat with, truth?”
Aether snorted and shrugged. “Who am I to judge?”
The young man smiled a wry grin. “Well, you’re military for one thing.”
“How did you know that?” Aether asked, distracted and amazed.
The young man chuckled. “I’ve got eyes. Your uniform, Dashale, truth?”
Aether nodded. “Truth- I mean, yes. I’m a-“ He was about to give his rank, but thought better of it. He’ d made that mistake on his way in and wasn’t about to repeat it. The tirade he’d loosed as he entered the town had included the classic ‘do you know who I am’ speech. So foolish. Now everyone would know... he shook the thoughts off and recalled that he’d been speaking and struggled to find something to tell the young man. Not his rank, not again. He gave his name instead. “Aether. I’m- my name is Aether.”
“Ron,” said the young man, offering a hand for Aether to shake. He did so, feeling a firm grip. Confident, though that was also clear in his mannerisms.
“Pleased to meet you.” He tried to make the words sincere, but it was a poor job.
“Sure, sure,” Ron acknowledged, easily. “Now look, why don’t you tell me what’s up, and I’ll see what advice I can give.”
Aether took a moment to compose himself, then said, simply; “I’ve just arrived from the Riverside Respite.”
Ron’s eyes widened and he leaned in with considerably more interest. “No… you survived that massacre? Call me deaf, you never.”
Aether looked Ron hard in the eye. “Truth,” he said with a bitter edge. Ron stared back, his eyes getting slowly wider.
“Dimmed sun, that is truth. How did you get out of there? The place was chaos from what I heard.”
Dropping his gaze from Ron, Aether stared instead back into the glass which he was now merely contemplating more than he planned to continue drinking. “That... is a long story.”
He explained about meeting a fellow officer on the way to Riverside Respite and their meeting another whom they teamed up with to flee the city. He kept it vague, not using any names, but the essentials of the escape remained the same. The hideous fight through the seemingly endless hoards, the automobile, the loss of the horses. He neglected to mention his subsequent breakdown and instead implied that once he’d reached Ridgewood he came straight to the bar to drown the memories.
Ron sat nodding, open mouthed for a short time before he seemed to shake himself and come back to where he was. A strange look crossed his face and he suddenly looked around as if he’d only just realized where he was.
“Look, I need to get going. Like I said, things to do,” he lifted his hand as if to reach into a pocket, but then thought better of it. “Sorry about... what happened. But listen, you got out. Be glad of that, truth?”
Aether took a long time in answering, staring almost without seeing at Ron. Finally he spoke grudgingly, “Yeah, I suppose.”
Ron shrugged. “Anyway, best of luck to you, Colonel.”
Aether nodded absentmindedly, his eyes now completely out of focus. He was thinking about Ron’s words. About his being lucky to be alive. Perhaps. But was it really lucky to witness such horror while powerless to do nothing.
“Coward,” he spit under his breath. “Filthy coward.”
Sudden he realized Ron might think he was addressing his admonitions to him. Aether looked up to apologise, only to realise that he was gone. He now also recalled that Ron had said ‘colonel.’ So he knew. Surely the rumour had spread by now, all over the town. A colonel from Dashale was in the area. A man named Harrow.
He sat for another hour, wallowing in his troubles before abandoning the rest of his embren. It was then that he decided to return to his room, and it was at that time that he discovered his money pouch was gone.
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Post by Iron Kaiser on Apr 22, 2015 8:23:38 GMT -8
I almost died today.
We were making a push on Olivant, a small city turned Kennisalian stronghold. I pushed ahead of the group, trying to find a breach in their defenses. I don't know how it happened, but I turned a corner, and suddenly there were three rotos right on top of me. I knew I was dead. But before the 'bots could do their work, I heard three shots ring out from far away. Blew them all up. Our sniper, Chres, was watching my back and took them all out. I owe him a big one.
-Grigs
--- Of all the environments and situations in Talland, few would have been more different from the battlefields of the Ryn Desert than the Timber Palisades. While the Dashalian skirmisher had sprinted through the desert grains in earlier years, the teacher of the present day, thrust into the role of scout and monster hunter, stumbled across the uneven terrain of the mountains. At least he was in good company. Drake and Shem marched alongside him, and they'd caught their balance on his shoulder at least as often as he had fallen himself. Barden pulled up the rear of their group, alongside Jarren and a small contingent of men, and for all of his bravado and leadership, even he occasionally struggled through the rugged terrain. Only one of their troupe seemed unfazed by the mountain side. Glancing up, Chres caught sight of a burly figure silhouetted agains the rising sun. In two quick bounds, the outline perched itself atop a massive rock before turning to face the company. "Come on, what are you waiting for?" Kohl's unmistakable voice challenged. A small laugh echoed through the mountain air. Though Chres couldn't see his face, he knew an irrepresible grin was plastered across the native Ridgewoodian's face. "I swear, he's cheating." Chres remarked, shortly before stumbling once again. "Oh, he's enjoying this." Drake mused as he and Shem helped pull Chres back up on his feet. "Chres," Shem said between labored breaths, "you're military. Why aren't you up there with him?" "Ex-military," Chres corrected, before gesturing at their comrade, "not mountain goat." "The real question," he continued comically, loud enough for all to hear, "is why Julian isn't up there with him!" "Someone has to guard the rear" another familiar voice cheerfully echoed from the back. "Perks of being the chief," Drake said with a chuckle. "You get to take your time." As the group drew closer to Kohl, he beckoned Chres to run up and see him. Shortly, the Dashalian was perched atop the rock alongside the Amaranthian axeman, revealing the next turn in their path. Ahead, a wide swath of forest blanketed the mountain side. "Isn't it beautiful?" Kohl said, gesturing to the woods. "There's nothing so majestic as nature. It has a way of thriving, even in the midst of the evil around it." He pointed to the western part of the woods, "We need to scout the forest. I want you to scout out this part of the woods here," he gestured to the western part," while I search the downhill section." "Are you sure that's safe, splitting up?" Chres said. Part of him admired the beauty of the forest, but the soldier in him only saw the perfect place for an ambush. "No worries!" Kohl said, jumping off the rock. He knelt down in the tall grass and gestured toward a trampled route within. "Look, a natural road!" "Animal tracks?" "Exactly. From the looks of it, bear. Deer, too. Some of them are moist. Fresh." "So there are no monsters in the area?" Barden said as the group caught up with the scouts. "Let's not be so quick to conclude that. It's easy enough to hide your tracks." Chres added. "These are monsters, Prof., not soldiers," Drake chimed in, "We've been at this for a while, and they've never displayed enough intelligence to hide their tracks." Shem closed his eyes, and a vibrant purple briefly flickered from his amulet. "I do not sense any corruption here," Shem added, "though that doesn't mean there won't be some evidence of their presence if we can get a closer look." "Then it should be safe," Barden said, turning to Kohl. "I agree with your suggestion. We will set up camp here, while you and Chres do a preliminary scan of the forest. Report back if you find anything of note." Finding himself outvoted, Chres examined the dark green forest again. Drake had a point: abominable as they were, the monsters weren't Kennisalian mercenaries and machines. This was a hunt, not a war, and he was the one with the gun. He trusted Kohl and Shem, and his tracking and quintessence knowledge agreed with their assessment of the environment. Still, as he started down the path into the forest, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. --- A chime rang throughout the forest. Once, twice, three times, the distinct sound of bronze rang across the Timber Palisades. The attentive in Ridgewood would have heard it. Those on the peaks undoubtedly did so. Without pause, the leaders of the group mobilised and rushed towards the foreign sound. Kohl was the first to arrive on the scene. He found himself in a clearing alongside the edge of the mountain side. The remnants of stone walls and long-forgotten buildings dotted the expanse. There, leaning against a still-standing belltower, Chres Harwick clutched his head. "What happened?" Kohl said. "I don't know!" Chres said loudly, still recovering from the blasting sound. "I just found this place, and as I was exploring the belltower, the bell went off! I'm amazed it's still in there!" "You accidentally rang the bell?" "I don't think so. Maybe some latent magic picked it up." "Magic, here?" "It's feasible," Chres nodded, his voice finally returning to normal. "Here, look what I found." The Dashalian ran over to one of the pillars and dusted it off, revealing an insignia. A tree and a crown, surrounded by a circle and a triangle, was imprinted into the stonework. "What is this?" Kohl asked. "That's the emblem of the Greenwood Rangers, about seven hundred years ago. There used to be a Greenwood outpost here, remember?" "What are you talking about?" "I didn't tell you about the history of this place? Strange..." At about this time, Barden emerged into view. "We come running all the way out here, and you're giving history lessons?" Barden said, half relieved and half incredulous. "You Dashalians are something else!" "Glad to see you're alive." Shem nodded, catching his breath. "Where's Drake?" Kohl asked. "I don't know. I last saw him back at the camp." Shem replied. "Nevermind that!" Chres said excitedly, "Shem, these are ruins from the old Greenwood outpost here!" "What?" Shem replied with equal interest. "Impossible." "So these aren't Amaranthian?" Barden asked. He slid a hand down one of the stone pillars. "No," Shem replied. "These are older than Ridgewood itself. If you and Kohl want to return to the camp, Professor Harwick and I can examine the relics to find anything of interest." "No, I think I'll stay." "Are you sure?" Shem continued. "There's nothing of value here, and Jarren will want you back at the camp." "Ha! Speak for yourself!" Chres exclaimed as he scanned the ground for artefacts. "We don't know that, Shem. Besides, I want to see you and Chres at work. It's not everyday I get to see your expertise in action." "As you wish." Shem nodded. His pendant again glimmered purple, and he turned to assist Chres in uncovering the mysteries of the ruins. From the cover of the surrounding forests, a predator watched as Barden and his men examined the site. She had found them here, undetected thanks to the obscuring trees. Now, she waited for the right time to strike. She would not wait long. --- Unbelievable, Chres thought to himself. An archeological dig, all the way out here. He knelt down to inspect the foundation on one of the pillars. It was almost too good to be true. He hadn't been able to do field work like this since his time at Oxbridge. The flow of the magical Ryn artifact in his backpack corrected him. Well... since the war. Even so, this reminded him of happier times. It almost made him feel at home. As he stood up, he caught a blur out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see a giant mass of machinery rushing towards Barden. Time slowed as Chres realized its intent. "Get down!" He yelled. Barden turned just in time to catch the contraption barreling towards him. He quickly spun out of its way. His sword quickly broke from its sheath, and with a warcry he swung it at the assailant. Gleaming white quintessence formed across the edge of his blade, and waves of quintessence screamed through the earth towards his target as he swung. The machine, as if sensing the oncoming onslaught, deftly rolled out of their way. Only now could Chres begin to make out the object in front of him, and it chilled him to the bone. Machinery formed much of its dread visage. Exhaust billowed from its back, at times seemed to form a cape of steam. Pistons, gears, and wires were arrayed across its spine and supported its limbs, including a giant pair of gauntlets. Yet the machine was encased with familiar Amaranthian steel. The machine was the modified suit of an Amaranthian knight. "It's Teriel!" Barden shouted, "Take her down!" With an electronic snarl, Teriel pounced again at the knight. A wide-swinging axe intercepted her mid-air, flinging her into the ground. "HA!" Kohl cried out. He deftly raised the axe for another strike, but a piston-powered kick sent Kohl flying through the air. "Save Barden!" Shem cried, grabbing Chres and tossing him into the fray. A purple light pierced from his amulet, and magic coursed about him. Chres, taken by surprise by Shem's move, tumbled dangerously close toward the animalistic knight. Panicking, he pulled out his pistol and fired towards any seemingly exposed opening. Teriel backhanded Chres' gun hand away and placed her palm against his chest. A pulse of pneumatic and essence energy coursed through Chres' body, tossing him to the ground and sending his rifle flying. As he gasped for breath, Teriel brought her foot up to finish the job. But Barden tackled into her first. She grappled with him, her fist pounding him again and again. He slashed his sword into her leg. Its quintessential properties allowed it to pierce the armor and dig deep into human flesh. She roared a guttural cry and quickly tossed Barden across the field, disarming him of his weapon. Knowing that his pistol wouldn't be very effective in this fight, Chres scrambled to find his more powerful rifle. He caught sight of it at the edge of the clearing, on the precipice overlooking the steep mountain side. Suddenly, a figure popped up in front of him. A nearly featureless grey clay figure, mimicking the basic shape of a man, appeared in front of him. Then it ran toward him. Chres braced to fight the thing, but instead it merely ran past him, toward Teriel. Then, another figure appeared, and then two more. Soon, a whole host of grey men charged into the fighting. Chres turned briefly to catch Shem, channeling quintessence in a way he had never seen before. Teriel had hardly thrown Barden off of her when the first clay man hit her. It threw its human-like arm ineptly into her torso, doing far more damage to itself than to her. She swatted it away, breaking it with her swing. But soon, the wave of grey men had thrown itself against her. For a brief moment, she disappeared under the wave of grey. A triumphant smile briefly crossed Shem's face. But from the midst of the pile, a defiant, electronic cry emerged. A pneumatic shockwave shortly followed, destroying all the constructs. Teriel spun about and, seeing Shem, held her hand out. Her gauntlet blasted out from her arm, nearly smashing Shem against a nearby pillar. Wires quickly pulled the gauntlet back toward her hand. But first, she felt a force pulling her arms back. "I have her!" Kohl said. She vigorously struggled to break free from his grip, but he was able to hold on with tremendous strength. "Hurry!" Chres rushed over to the precipice's edge and picked up his rifle. With military precision and training, he leveled the rifle at his target. Teriel pneumatic greaves sent out a shockwave mere moments before he pulled the trigger, causing the bullet to pierce through her shoulder instead. In the moment, she broke free from Kohl's grip and rushed toward Chres. She threw a devastating hook at him, but he was ready and ducked under the blow. He countered by smashing the butt of his rifle right into the side of her helmet. She recoiled, stunned, allowing him to smash his rifle against one of the pneumatic pistons in her leg. He figured she was immobilized. He spun the rifle about and aimed. Something happened. He felt heat from his side. Energy. An explosion ripped across the assailants, sending them both over the precipice. --- Chres hurtled down the mountain side. Every part of him slammed into the rocky terrain, threatening to end his life with each turn. He tumbled for only a few minutes, but it felt like hours. Then, suddenly, he slammed into a tree. He let out an anguished cry. Pain coursed through his whole body. It felt like he'd broken something. Probably a couple things. Still, as the initial wave of pain ebbed from his mind, he realized he was alive. To his left, he heard panting. With effort, he turned his head to find the hulking Amaranthian armor mere feet away from him. Chres' dazed thoughts turned back to the previous battle. He realized Teriel had survived the fall too. He glanced up the mountain. They're hundreds of meters above me. Too far away for anything.
Then he turned back to his enemy.
That's okay. I can finish it.Chres' rifle had gone flying with the explosion, but the pistol remained at his side. How many shots had I fired? Four, five? It didn't matter, he knew he had one, and at point-blank range, he'd only need one. He tried to pick himself up. Pain shot through his leg, nearly dropping him. But he pulled up against the tree and got onto his feet. He hobbled over to the fallen foe. She was trying to pick herself up as well, but was having a hard time of it thanks to the heavy, bulky armor. Soon, Chres stood over her, gun in hand. The machine was badly damaged, with dents and holes all across it. Her helmet had flown completely off during the fall, giving Chres the shot he'd need. He scrutinized his target. Of course, he knew that she was human, but only now did it really feel like it. Her armor was like countless robots he'd fought in the Ryn desert. But the look in her eye as she futilely pushed away from him with her one working arm, that look that was at once determined and slightly fearful, aware of the imminence of death - that was a much rarer thing for him during the war. He'd even admit that she was pretty, in a way. He leveled the gun. It's a shame the siren did this to her. I'll put her out of her misery.She looked into the barrel of the gun. "You can kill me," she said vengefully, "but it's too late. You'll never take over Ridgewood." Wait. What?He hesitated. These didn't sound like the words of a woman controlled by a monster. "What did you say?" Chres asked. "And even if you do, you'll all just destroy each other, fighting over the scraps." Something here was wrong. She wasn't controlled by a siren. She couldn't be. As the thought pierced his mind, he realized he was nearly ready to kill a woman for the wrong reason. He let his aim fall from her face. She looked at him, briefly confused. But determination soon flooded back. In a blur, her arm swung out and knocked the gun from his hand. She threw her palm against his chest, and pneumatic power blasted him to the ground. And then everything went black.
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Post by Mishael on Apr 26, 2015 20:49:33 GMT -8
NO MORE HIDING
The rumble of an explosion rolled over the camp, and then all sounds of battle ceased. Slowly, Kamina crept out of hiding, David behind her. Those with the supply group had drawn back when the bell’s chime first rang down the mountain, and Kamina and David had gone right along with them. She told herself that it was to help keep their cover, but deep down she knew that she wanted nothing to do with fighting at all if she could help it. Glancing at David, she could see that he felt conflicted on the matter, although he had muttered to her about feeling like a coward as he crouched out of sight.
A murmur ran through those around them. “I told you they would draw the enemy to us,” one grumbled bitterly.
“They protected us,” another replied defensively. “That could have been us facing whatever it was out there.”
Multiple voices responded in support of both sides.
“What if this only brings more creatures to attack?” someone else asked, not quite masking the fear in his voice.
Kamina felt cold at the thought, and her eyes darted to the trees, half expecting to see eyes peering out at her, glowing with malice. Would it all end so quickly? She had hoped to be closer to finding her parents and David’s fiancée before reaching this point.
Exchanging glances, she and David sidled away from the others. At the other end of camp, they found Jarren hastily organizing a rescue team. Kamina stared, secretly impressed. He held himself with authority and determination, and men listened and obeyed. She had never seen him in this capacity before. All her earlier memories had been of their time together in school. Clearly the years since had changed them both. Just then she felt David pulling on her arm.
“What are you doing?” he hissed in her ear as he pulled her behind a tree.
“What?” she asked, blinking dumbly at him.
“He was looking in our direction,” David said, jerking his head toward Jarren and his company of men. “He could have seen you.”
“Oh!” She felt her cheeks flush. “I’m sorry, I just...I got lost in my thoughts, I guess.”
“Yes, well, we should probably get lost.” He peeked around the trunk then pulled back hastily. “He’s coming toward us.”
Her heart pounded as she pressed herself against the tree. If he found them now, what would he do? Would he send them back to Ridgewood?
A sudden commotion in the brush nearby made both of them jump. Kamina’s hand flew to her mouth to stifle a startled yelp, and David instinctively pressed himself against her, protecting her against whatever was coming their way. A man stumbled out of the trees, clutching a hat in his hand. His eyes were wide and his breathing labored, as if he had just been running full out. Sunlight glinted off the knives strapped across his chest. They both relaxed, and Kamina frowned thoughtfully. Had he been one of the men they saw in the tavern when they spoke with Sir Barden?
“Stop!” they heard Jarren bark. “Who goes there?”
“Hey!” the man gasped, and it sounded as if he collapsed to the ground. “Something’s out there! You gotta help!”
Footsteps and a rustle of clothing. “You were with Sir Barden’s group, were you not?” Jarren asked, his voice closer and quieter, although there was a hard edge to it. “What happened?”
David and Kamina’s eyes met. He was only a few yards away from them now, but he was distracted, and there were trees and bushes between them. Now might be the time to sneak away.
“I—I don’t exactly recall. I was doing my work when something hit me, hard. When I came to, I was alone.”
“So you didn’t go to help at all?”
Kamina grimaced as she imagined the look that man was receiving right now. David tugged at her sleeve, but she ignored it for the moment.
“How could I?” the man spat. “I was out cold!”
There was a tense silence before Jarren continued in a low voice, “A man lost his life today. We all need to do our part and do it as best we can.”
Kamina felt her stomach drop. They already lost someone to whatever was out there?
“Someone’s dead?” the man asked, surprised. “How do you know that? Have they returned?”
“They got a message through,” Jarren said cryptically.
Another pause. Another tug from David, more urgent.
“What’re you glaring daggers at me for?”
“You know what sort of situation we’re walking into. I expect better awareness from someone of your claimed skill, and I imagine Barden does as well.”
The man huffed something under his breath; but before Kamina could hear Jarren’s response, David pulled her down near the ground, giving her a look that he hoped she would understand. They needed to get out of there before another moment passed. She nodded slowly, and they both crept away as silently as possible.
It appeared to have worked. The sound of arguing rose behind them, confirming that they had remained unnoticed. Once they were far enough away, they both rose to their feet and took off at a cautious jog, weaving through the trees until they were near the supply group once more. As soon as they felt safe from any possibility of being discovered, they slowed to catch their breath. “That was too close,” David said, glancing sideways at Kamina. His brow was furrowed in frustration.
“I know,” she murmured, running a hand over her face. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it.” Jarren’s words ran over and over again through her mind. “David, I have a bad feeling about this.”
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy.”
“I know. It’s just...” She sighed, her hands dropping to her sides. “Someone has already died. Someone who was a trained fighter. And you heard the echoes of the battle.” She swallowed. “Jarren was right. We don’t stand a chance.”
David’s eyes narrowed. “Are you saying you give up?”
They stared at each other for a moment. “No,” she said at last. “No, of course not. But maybe we need to change our tactic.” He tilted his head and looked at her doubtfully. “If Jarren did see me, then he’s probably going to start looking for me. He might even look for you as well, since he knows we were going into this together. Maybe...” Glancing at her feet and lowering her voice, she continued, “Maybe it’s time for us to break away.”
David didn’t answer right away. His gaze swept over what view of the camp they had from between the trees where they were hiding. “Do you know where we’re going?”
She shook her head. “No, but we’ll follow those who do.”
His mouth tightened into a thin line. “And what if we come upon any creatures while we’re on our own?”
She wrapped her arms around her stomach, a shiver running down her spine. “I think I can sense them before they reach us. We’ll stay close to the others as well. All the same, I imagine the group of fighters would be more of a target for the monsters than a couple of kids on their own.”
David’s eyebrows betrayed his lack of confidence in the plan. “And if the group gets attacked?”
Kamina looked at him sheepishly. “We...stay out of the way?”
He crossed his arms, frowning. “So we would run to them for help if we are attacked, but we will leave them to defend themselves if they are attacked?”
She opened and closed her mouth a few times before dropping her head in shame. “It does sound bad when you put it that way.”
“I think our best chance is to stay with the group for as long as we can,” David said. “But you’re right. I don’t think we can remain hiding for much longer, not now.” A hand stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I think, though, that we would have been facing this soon, anyway, once the supply train returns to Ridgewood. I have a feeling that men like Sir Barden and Jarren know all who are under their command. We would stand out immediately.”
“Jarren will send me home as soon as he finds out I’m here,” Kamina murmured morosely.
David’s eyes turned toward her sympathetically. He hated to admit it, but she was probably right.
“Yes, I will.”
Both of them spun in surprise. Jarren stepped out of the bushes, arms crossed over his chest and face dark with fury.
“J-Jarren!” Kamina stammered. “I thought you were going after the others!”
“I am,” Jarren affirmed with a terse nod. “But I could not let this pass.” He gave both of them a stern glare. Kamina wilted, but David stared back defiantly. “Come with me,” he said after a long, uncomfortable pause.
“What?” Kamina asked in a small voice. “Now?”
“Yes. You are coming along.”
“We are?” David asked, his eyes going wide.
“If this is the only way to convince you, then you must see it for yourself.” He turned and stormed off. David and Kamina looked at each other then followed reluctantly.
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Post by Iron Kaiser on Jun 12, 2015 21:01:58 GMT -8
The Truth and the Trouble
“Everyone okay?” Chres called out.
Peering around sand-blasted brick, the sergeant could see his best friend, Cpl. Maxwell Walken, taking cover behind a dune. Max scanned the cratered battlefield from his own position and called back.
“I’m good! I… Yeah, I see Grigs. He’s fine. Looks like we got them all.”
Relieved, Chres pushed himself off of the wall that he had been using for cover. As he stepped out into the open, he took in the carnage that lay strewn across this oasis in the Ryn Desert. Pieces of Morwin Kennis’ automatons smoldered throughout the small town. Chres bent down and examined the chassis of one of his fallen foes. He wasn’t an engineer like some in the squad, but he guessed that these were older models. The frame seemed thinner, and faint traces of rust appeared on the outer plating. He also noticed a small insignia of a red star emblazoned on the right shoulder, which he’d never seen before. Possibly it signified a mercenary company. Kennisalia often employed their ilk. Whatever the case, the automatons were wrecked, and Chres’ team was alive. Chres sent up a small prayer of thanks that they’d all made it out alive.
“I’m good, I’m good!” Grigs cried out as he ran up to his partners. “Jove, what a fight, huh?”
“Nah,” Max replied, slinging his heavy weapon behind him, “these are older models. I see Ratters, a couple of Lemurs, nothing that threatening…”
“Anything with a gun and the ability to shoot is deadly,” Chres corrected. Max simply shrugged.
“The real question,” Chres continued, “is why they were here in the first place.”
“Yeah,” Grigs said, pulling out his map of the area, “this is pretty far away from the front lines. I don’t understand why they’d be all the way out here.”
“Well, this does look like a small Ryn outpost,” Max said as he surveyed their surroundings, “Did you see any bodies?”
Both Dashalians shook their head.
“Me neither.”
Grigs looked out to the horizon, and caught sight of a familiar light flashing in the distance.
“Guys, the squadron is calling us in. Should I tell them we’re clear and on our way back?”
Before Chres could reply, he heard a sharp cry coming from the other direction.
“Did you hear that?!”
“Yeah.” Max said.
Without another word, the three Dashalians sprinted off toward the direction of the noise. On the far end of the oasis, they found a Ryn warrior battling two Kennisalian automatons. Chres swung his rifle about to assist her, but her scimitar had cut down both of them before he could take the shot.
“Hey!” Max shouted down to her. She looked back up to them with panic in her eyes.
“They’re getting away!” She cried out, pointing out toward the desert.
“What?”
“The metal ones! They’re taking away my people!”
“That’s why the town’s deserted,” Chres realized. “They’re herding them away… like animals.”
“Please!” She called out once more.
“Sir, the battalion is calling us back in. What do we do?” Grigs said.
Chres looked to the east, toward the flashing Dashalian signal light, and then toward the west, where the woman had taken off in a sprint to rescue her people. He considered their capabilities, as well as the lives in his hands.
“We’ll follow your lead, either way.” Max said, reading his thoughts.
He made his decision.
---
Slowly, consciousness trickled back to Chres. His whole body ached. Even his breathing triggered a throbbing pulse of pain down his back. He felt bandages and wraps dotting his body, and the stifling support of a cast was wrapped around his left leg.
Chres opened his eyes and took in his surroundings. The first object to greet him was the ceiling of solid rock. A glance at the walls quickly confirmed that he was in a cave. A few small pieces of furniture dotted the abode, but the striking presence of decay and wear on them indicated that they weren’t really supposed to be here. In the corner, he heard a voice in the corner reading aloud. It was a refined voice, with perfect, practiced diction that Chres could tell came from hard work rather than a rich upbringing.
“And after quickly signaling back to the battalion, the three of us rushed ahead to catch up with the Ryn warrior. Thankfully, she knew the terrain well, and we quickly caught sight of a Kennisalian convoy, full of the captive Ryn. Sgt. Harwick formulated a plan and we stormed the convoy. The Ryn woman was able to free the able-bodied Ryn, and we quickly demolished the convoy. The Ryn hailed us as heroes, and we spent the night in their town, celebrating our victory. Anavaile, the Ryn warrior who helped us, could not stop thanking Chres and Max for their help. Chres shrugs it off, but I think he likes the attention. Max, however…”
Teriel Dane glanced up from Grigs’ diary at her captive audience.
“Finally awake, are we?” She said, setting the diary aside. “Good.”
“Where are we?” Chres asked.
“Home,” She responded, “Well, at least the closest thing I’ve got to a home. But that’s not important right now.”
She pulled her chair up close to Chres’ bed. He noticed then that she was almost in as bad a shape as he was. Her right arm was in a sling, and she limped as she approached. Whatever pain she was in, though, didn’t appear across her face.
“The important question is, who are you?”
As she spoke, he noticed a pair of metal gloves propped up against the wall. They were the same gauntlets that had tried to kill him in his last moments of consciousness, though they were now battered and dented and had frayed wires sprouting out of them. They reminded him of Sir Barden’s words of warning and the threat she undoubtedly posed.
“What are those?” He asked.
“Springs and wires, metal and magic. Don’t avoid the question.”
So much for that, he thought.
“I’m nobody.”
“Like Cairn you’re nobody.” She said. “Nobodies don’t fight like you did, with the wind at their beck and call. Nobodies don’t put holes in my suit that’ll take weeks to repair. Nobodies aren’t in the Timber Palisades, working to tear down Ridgewood.”
At this last statement, Chres laughed. Coursing pain greeted the caustic response.
“Lady, you’re crazy.”
“Look, I’m not going to play this game with you. Do you think I need that suit to finish what I started?”
There might have been something comical or ironic in this situation, as the wounded Amaranthian threatened the equally wounded Dashalian, but it passed by them both. For his own part, Chres didn’t doubt her words, and he was certainly not in a position to fight back. She spoke with deadly conviction. He realized that it would be unwise to provoke her. At the same time, he resented being trapped by somebody he still considered an enemy, and his Dashalian pride pushed him to silence.
“Here’s what I know.” Teriel continued, rising from her seat, “I know that you’re traipsing around Amaranth in a Dashalian uniform. I know you’re working with traitors. I know that you just so happened to be at the hideout of a killer I was tracking down. I know that you can fight. I know that you put a gun to my head and nearly pulled the trigger.”
She eased back down into her seat, and her countenance became less aggressive. “I also know that you didn’t pull the trigger. So as you can see, Mr. Nobody, I’m confused and I need an explanation. So let's try this one more time. Who are you?"
Chres said nothing. She scoffed, before glancing over at the diary on the nightstand.
“How’d you get this diary?” She asked.
“I found it.” He said. “An inheritance from an old friend.”
“Likely story.” She sneered, “You know as little about the author of this book as I do. You stole it.”
She pricked his pride. It was one thing to be strung up in a cave. It was one thing to die. But Chres couldn’t stand by and let his honor be attacked.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about!” Chres charged. “Grigory Tibbett was a friend. A comrade! He and I fought together in that forsaken desert, keeping each other alive while the world crashed around us! We made it out together, only for-”
Chres cried out as a sharp pain streamed through his shoulder. He slumped back into the bed, physically and emotionally worn.
“…only for him to die out here. Alone.”
Teriel’s countenance softened.
“And now you’re here because you don’t think his death is as straight forward as a monster attack.”
Chres ruminated on her sympathetic words. He hadn’t spoken his suspicions aloud. Indeed, part of him refused to think the thought. But he knew it was true as she spoke. But that subconscious part of him that drove him to keep secrets and to second-guess everything in Ridgewood knew. He simply nodded his head in reply.
“Then we’re on the same side.” Teriel reassured.
A question suddenly struck Chres
“But… How do you know about Grigs?”
“I know because I was his friend, and I watched him die.”
---
Meanwhile, several mountaintops away, Julian Barden counted his losses. He had lost one good man. They hadn’t found Chres’ body, despite searching thoroughly down the mountainside. Neither had they found any evidence of Teriel’s demise.
A bowl of soup rested in his grasp.
The best likely scenario was that they were dead. He refused to entertain the other possibilities. Furthermore, Drake claimed that he’d been knocked out just before the ancient Greenwood bell signaled the fight atop the Ridgewood peaks. Barden thought he could trust him, but maybe Jarren was right about Drake…
His clutched the bowl tighter.
And could he trust Shem’s skill? Teriel’s suit was powered in part by magic. Shouldn’t Shem have been able to sense her coming? Perhaps she hid her “scent,” or perhaps there was something treacherous about these ancient mountains. Any of those fears meant trouble for Barden’s group, particularly if Teriel had survived and attacked him again. Then there were the two Jarren found slinking about behind his group. Jarren promised he’d take care of them, and Julian believed him, but what if they spread rumors back in Ridgewood?
And all this was on top of the deaths of Grigori Tibbett, his fellow knights Pinnel and Teriel, and all of those innocents lost in Ridgewood!
With a yell, Barden threw the bowl across the tent. The losses mounted, and they were seemingly no closer to their goal. The hopes of the surviving seemed increasingly in vain. This wasn’t the kind of war he was used to fighting.
I need to hack something, he thought, clutching the pommel of his sword.
At that moment, Kohl walked into the tent.
He’d do, the thought flashed through Barden’s mind. He quickly snapped out of his furious daze. Besides, Kohl was the one man who proved himself atop the peaks. If Barden was the kind of man to strike down one of his own, he certainly wouldn’t pick Kohl.
“Julian, a messenger from Ridgewood is here to see you.”
A diminutive little man slipped into the tent behind Kohl. He wore clerical garb and carried a large book alongside him. As Barden waved Kohl outside of the tent, the messenger placed the book onto the nearby table, and a matching quill pen beside it. He nodded to Barden and stepped outside, leaving the knight alone with the book. This could mean only one thing: Proyos was calling.
Barden opened up the book and turned to the first page. He was not a trained essentialist, but the smell of magic was obvious. He took off his signet ring and placed it into the corner of the page. Words suddenly sprung onto the page.
--Barden, the situation in Ridgewood is getting more complicated. I have Dashalian agents here in Ridgewood searching for a Dashalian colonel.
Barden furrowed his brow. As he picked up the pen, Proyos’ words disappeared, allowing him to write a reply.
~~There must be a mistake. Chres Harwick wasn’t a colonel, just a lieutenant.
As Barden finished his final pen stroke and set the quill down, the words disappeared into the page. Soon, a new set appeared.
--That’s irrelevant. The point is, Dashale’s eyes are on Ridgewood right now. I’ve heard about your contact with Dane.
Barden sighed as he recollected the events. The words soon faded, allowing him to respond.
~~Yes, she and Chres were thrown off the mountainside. We’ve been searching for them, but haven’t found them yet.
--You should assume, then, that they survived the encounter. I fear she may take Harwick to the Siren.
Barden felt his grip around the pen tighten. This was one of those prospects he hoped wasn’t possible.
~~Would Teriel have enough strength of mind to do that?
--Yes. The monsters have grown smarter. I don’t doubt there ability to drag prey back to the brood.
~~If so, I will do everything in my power to capture Chres and bring him back to Ridgewood.
The words jumped back almost immediately.
--No.
No? What does he mean, no?
--The last thing the Dashalians here need to see is one of their own frothing at the mouth. It could cause an international incident and destroy our relationship with Dashale, regardless of their original reason for being here. At this most desperate time for Ridgewood, we’re relying on our allies’ good will. Upsetting Dashale could prove fatal.
--If Harwick’s been converted, then he’s already dead. We’ll have to inform the Dashalians eventually, but it will be better if we can assure them that justice has been done. You must find Dane and put a stop to her, and you must find Harwick and, if he’s converted, put him down. Their martial skill may be a threat to you on the mountain, but at this critical moment, their existence is a threat to all of Ridgewood.
Tetch it! Barden fumed to himself. The war against these monsters was far more difficult than any battle against Kennisalia or the Vehn, and it was proving far too costly. He’d prayed that Teriel would be the only Amaranthian he’d have to kill. God had a cruel way of answering that prayer.
Still, Barden was nothing if not resolved. So he picked up the pen and completed his conversation with his lord.
~~I understand. I will do what is necessary.
---
Teriel sighed as she leaned back in her chair.
“He helped me with my brother. It’s a… long story.”
Chres glanced down at the cast across his leg, then back to the Amaranthian knight. The message in his look was obvious. I’m not exactly in a rush.
“Right,” Teriel nodded. Resignedly, she took in a breath, and began to tell her story.
“I should start at the beginning. My brother and I, we grew up in Ridgewood. We were poor. We had nothing but each other. Lord Proyos noticed my tinkerings and took me in. He gave me an education and a home and a life. Wrenn wasn’t so lucky. I couldn’t bring him with me, you see. I’d have stayed, but he insisted… Well, he may not have had the same opportunities I had, but he made do. He worked his way up the ranks and became a watchman for the city. Nothing glamorous, but it was a life. I was proud of him.”
“You were close,” Chres said.
“Very,” Teriel replied. “We were worlds apart, but stayed joined at the hip. He’d write letters, talking about his life and the town. I’d write back, and tell him about the wonders of the capitol and my latest designs. In one of the letters, he shared with me that there was something suspicious going on in Ridgewood. Then… then the letters stopped.”
Tears bristled from Teriel’s eyes.
“I’m sorry,” Chres said solemnly, reading between the lines.
“They told me they’d found his body in a dark alleyway,” she responded, catching her composure, “likely stabbed to death by some ruffians.”
“But you didn’t believe them.”
“Would you, after what Wrenn told me? We grew up on those streets. He was smarter than that.”
She gestured to the gauntlets in the corner of room. “I took my suit of armor and I made haste to Ridgewood. Whatever happened to my brother, I was going to find out the truth. Except I never had the chance. On the way there, I was waylaid by an assassin.”
“An ambush?”
She nodded. “He was a shadowy figure, and I couldn’t get a good look at his features. We traded blows outside of the city gates, and while he put up a good fight, he missed his mark. The guards and watchmen came running, and we would have had him, dead to rights. Except as the guards coalesced, they turned their weapons on me!”
“I don’t understand,” Chres said.
“And neither did I. The only thing I knew was that my brother died in those city walls, and if I let my guard down, I’d probably wind up dead, too. So I took off running. That’s when the manhunt began.
“It’s a simple thing to outrun a man in my suit, but an arrow pierced one of the anterior pistons as I escaped. I made it into the nearby forest, but the suit started to collapse on me. I frantically began making repairs, but I was too slow. Before I knew it, someone was towering over me and my metal husk. I turned to face my captor, ready to be struck down any moment. Yet I realized that he wasn’t from around here.”
“Grigs,” Chres said.
“Yes, Grigori. He caught me completely defenseless, save the wrench in my hand. I considered a final valiant swing, but it would have been useless. So instead, I dropped it and told him who I was and why I was here. To my utter shock, he believed me. He kept me hidden and sent my pursuers elsewhere.”
“He saved you,” Chres said, glancing once more at the diary on the bedside.
“You Dashalians must have a hard time pulling the trigger,” Teriel responded with a small smile. “Thanks to him, I’d learned that I had been branded a dangerous enemy in Ridgewood. Apparently, I had lost my mind and will to a siren. Well, those rumors were rather exaggerated. But they served to keep me out of the city and away from the truth. Thankfully, I had Grigori. He became my eyes and ears on the inside. He found this.”
She limped over to a small desk and pulled out a sheet of paper. After taking the paper from her, Chres realized that it was an official report from Ridgewood surrounding Wrenn Dane’s death. Just as Teriel had said, the official explanation of his death was that he was likely waylaid and killed at random. After reading the whole report, Chres looked at Teriel inquisitively. She pointed to the corner of the page.
“The seal of Ridgewood?” Chres asked.
“Julian arrived in Ridgewood shortly after Wrenn died. That’s his seal on the report. He covered up the truth behind my brother’s murder, and he’s the one that’s spread these lies about me.”
“Why? Why would Sir Barden do all this?”
“I don’t know, but I’m certain it has something to do with these monsters. Grigori was close to finding out. He had picked up on Wrenn’s trail, and he was going to share something big with me the… the night he died.
“I met with him frequently outside the city gates at night. We’d share what the other had learned. One night, he signaled to me that he’d learned something big, and we should meet at our usual spot. But when I arrived, I saw another man hovering over Grigori. Grigori crumpled to the ground, and was dead before I could get there.”
Chres sighed deeply. Of course, it was old news that Grigori Tibbett was dead. But this sounded like the truth to Chres, and to finally hear how he died made the fact of it fresh all over again.
“I’m sorry,” Teriel apologized. “I was too slow to catch him, and if I stayed behind, the watchmen might have found me.”
“So he was left to rot for the carrion,” Chres mused bitterly.
“I’m sorry,” Teriel repeated.
Chres shook his head after a moment’s reflection, choosing to focus on the living.
“Why don’t you go to Ridgewood and prove your innocence?”
“I’d never get the chance,” Teriel said. “Julian is a knight, and he’s loved throughout the city. Even if I somehow survived long enough to make my case, I don’t have enough evidence right now to go against Julian and prevent a nasty accident. Also, while clearing my name is important, protecting Ridgewood is my life. I may be an outlaw and a fugitive, but I’m still a knight of Ridgewood. Wrenn and Grigs both stumbled across something that threatened the city. I know that whatever Julian’s planning, the heart of it is here, in the Palisades. Did you know that this place used to be an outpost for the Greenwood Rangers?”
“Yeah, though it’s mostly ruins,” Chres replied.
“Mostly,” Teriel emphasized. “Weeks back, I uncovered a bunker of some kind. It’s sealed by ancient magic, and I can’t break my way in. I was convinced that Julian is using the bunker for something, and if I can just get in, then I might be able to shut him down.”
Teriel picked up the diary and looked at it wistfully.
“I told Grigs about the bunker and the old Ridgewood script written all across it. He said he knew someone, and old friend who specialized in these kinds of things.”
She glanced up from the book and handed it to him.
“He told me he was going to write for Chres Harwick. That’s you, I presume?”
His thoughts raced back to the day he received that letter. Now, Grigs’ simple message, “Come to Ridgewood, will explain everything there. Bring everything,” made sense. He found some small joy in the fact that, for all the fighting and danger he’d been through, what Grigs ultimately wanted was the scholar and confidant.
“Chres Harwick, my lady, at your service,” he replied as he took the book from her.
“I’m relieved to hear it,” Teriel nodded. “I wasn't sure until just now. Now I just hope that Grigs’ faith in you was as true as it was fervent. We’re the only ones who can save Ridgewood.
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Post by Mishael on Jun 21, 2015 21:33:40 GMT -8
CAST OUT
Kamina stood in silent shame after Sir Barden had walked off. She could feel Jarren’s gaze resting on her and on David, but she refused to return it. Sir Barden had clearly been surprised and annoyed about the two of them, but when Jarren explained that he would make sure they returned home, the knight seemed almost to forget they were there. Kamina was fairly certain his graphic description of the battle had been directed particularly at them, though.
After he had left, Jarren led them away so they could speak more in private, for which she was grateful. They had received enough stares already. They approached his tent and stood just inside the entrance.
“Do you understand now the gravity and danger of what you have so foolishly joined?” He kept his voice low and carefully modulated despite the harshness of his words. Kamina stared at her feet, and David looked away. “I did not warn you away idly. You should know that.”
“We didn’t come idly, either,” David replied curtly. Kamina could hear the tightness in his voice, evidence of the anger and frustration that had been radiating off of him since they had been caught. “My life, my future has been stolen from me, and I’m not going to cower at home waiting for the end to come.”
Kamina risked a glance at Jarren. He was watching her sternly and seemed to be waiting for her answer as well. “I admit that I am afraid,” she murmured. “I know we’re in over our heads.” Her hands shook, and she closed them tightly to stop the trembling. The wind rushed through the tops of the trees above them and swept down through the doorway to ruffle their hair and rustle their clothing. “But I have nowhere else to go, either. My parents are the only family I have. If they’re gone...”
Jarren’s expression softened, and a short exasperated sigh escaped his lips. “But you do have somewhere to go. I gave you our offer before we left Ridgewood. My sister held out hope until the last moment, believing you would go with her, that you would not leave her to go alone.” Kamina looked away again, feeling guilty about that once more. “And I know we’re not blood family, but I would hope that we’ve known each other long enough for—”
“I know, I’m sorry,” Kamina cut in before he could continue, shooting a brief side-glance at David. “But I can’t stop worrying about them, and I feel like this is the only way I can set aside my fear for them for a moment, by doing something about it. I can’t just forget about them.”
“I’m not asking you to do that.”
“Then why won’t you let us go after them?” David snapped, glaring at Jarren.
“It’s too dangerous for you,” Jarren explained, his patience already wearing thin. “You’ll only get yourselves killed.”
David bristled. “You can’t stop me, even if you tie me up and send me home in a barrel!”
Jarren’s eyes narrowed. “Do you want to test that theory?”
“Please,” Kamina said, holding a hand out beseechingly. “Let’s not fight. Our enemies are out there, not here.” She looked from Jarren to David, her mouth flattening into a grimace. “I’m not going to let David face this alone. Both of us refuse to abandon those we’ve lost. If there’s anything we can do to help them, then we must. It’s the right thing to do, regardless of how foolish others think we are.”
Jarren shook his head. “I think you’re both letting your emotions rule your actions, and that is never wise.” Her eyes met his boldly at that, and she saw him clench his jaw. He knew what she was thinking. Ignoring it, he pressed on, “Don’t get me wrong. I agree that the right thing is to rescue those who have been taken captive.” He refrained from adding “if they are still alive,” knowing that it would not do to show them his doubt that there would be anyone left to save. “But you need to let the right people do the job.”
David laughed disbelievingly. “And you think the men here are the ones to do that? Do you really think any of them really care about those who are missing? All I see around us is a desire for glory and reward.” His mouth turned in disgust.
Jarren nodded reluctantly. “I’m afraid you may be right about that for some of the men, but that’s not true for everyone. I believe Sir Barden can be trusted, and I hope you will trust me.” He looked at Kamina again. After a moment, she gave him a hesitant smile and nod. “Regardless of the reasons the others may have, my mission here is to bring back any survivors. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be forced to fight in the meantime. I’ve had training and am confident in my own abilities, but I’m not certain even if I’ll make it out of this alive.” He fixed David with a hard glare. “We’re fighting the things of nightmares, and I’m positive neither of you are truly prepared, regardless of your motivation.”
David straightened his back to stand a little taller and appear more confident that he felt. “We’re not going to back down just because we face a little danger.”
Jarren’s eyebrows shot upward, and he held up his hands incredulously. “A little danger? Are you not listening to me? This is the greatest danger any of us have seen!”
“Then all the more reason you need more hands,” David countered. “I’m not weak, and Kamina’s training in essence might end up useful, if unconventional.”
“Stubborn kit,” Jarren growled, grinding his teeth and breathing deeply through his nose to calm his rising frustration. Closing his eyes for a moment, he gathered his words carefully. “It’s not just your safety that is at stake here,” he continued slowly. “These are trained men, soldiers and hunters. We are here to fight monsters and find answers. To protect Ridgewood and all the surrounding villages. We can’t risk dividing our attention between battle and—and babysitting—”
David stirred, burning to respond, but Jarren spoke before he could interject.
“I apologize for the bluntness, but that is how most here will see it,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest. “I know your heart is in the right place, but without the proper training, you will only be in the way. I can’t allow you to put other people at risk as well as yourselves.”
David tensed. “Then we’ll leave your group and go our own way,” he replied, crossing his own arms defiantly. “Then we won’t be any trouble to you.”
Jarren spread his arms imploringly. “You don’t understand—”
“No, you don’t understand!” David stepped in close to the older man, his brow furrowed angrily. “You can’t keep us from doing this.” He placed a hand on his chest. “We are adults, not children. We have lost people, and we intend to get them back. If you won’t let us help you in whatever ways we can, then we will move forward on our own.”
“You’re being a fool! You don’t stand a chance!”
“And you’re underestimating us!”
The men glared at each other, hands clenched and bodies taut as if ready to spring into fisticuffs.
“And what are you going to do,” Jarren said in a low voice after a long, tense moment, “if you find yourself standing over her lifeless body,” he pointed at Kamina, “a casualty to your reckless behavior?”
David swallowed visibly and took a half step back, the tension leaving his hands. They both turned to look at her, but she was not even paying attention to them. Her eyes were fixed on the forest beyond the tent, staring wide at something in the shade beneath the trees. Her face had gone paler than normal. “Kamina?” Jarren asked hesitantly. When she didn’t move, he turned to follow her gaze, but he saw nothing.
“I think something’s wrong,” David said in a small voice. His hand reached out to touch her, but he held back, as if afraid of startling her.
“Kamina?” Jarren murmured again, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. At his touch, her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed. Jarren jumped forward, barely in time to catch her before she hit the ground.
~*~*~*~
As the men argued, Kamina’s gaze drifted to the trees. She felt herself torn once more, understanding Jarren’s concern for them yet feeling David’s determination to find those they had lost. Who would win out? Jarren said he was here specifically for the survivors. It made sense, then, to leave the rescue in the hands of someone who she knew to be just as stubborn as young David yet had a much greater chance of success and survival. She hated that she felt herself wavering again, after promising not to abandon David in his zeal for saving Kaly.
As her thoughts wandered, her eyes focused on something between the trunks, something that appeared out of place. Frowning, she stared harder, trying to make sense of what she thought she saw. A cold shiver ran through her, and her heart leapt into her throat: there was someone standing there—someone, or something. At first it seemed just to be a tall, strange-looking rock, nearly the same color as the trees around it; but she felt like it was watching her, studying her as she studied it. A dull buzz hummed at the back of her mind the longer she looked, and she found that she couldn’t move. She couldn’t even blink. Any attempt to speak or warn the others was caught in her throat.
Just then, two thin glowing slits appeared on what must have been the face. Kamina panicked, but she still couldn’t move. The sunlight grew pale and faded. The ground seemed to tremble at her feet, and then she was drawn into the earth, drowning, scrabbling for air. No one noticed.
Everything went dark, but to her surprise, Kamina found that she was alive. Tentatively, she reached out with her hands and found that she could move. Barely. Stone walls closed in on both sides, and as she felt above her, the ceiling was not far above her head. When she screamed for help, her voice sounded muffled. Her breath quickened. Was this a tomb?
A moment later, her eyes adjusted. The walls glowed with a very faint red light. She squinted, looking closer. The rock has thin red veins weaving together across the surface. By its light, she could see that the passage moved forward ahead of her and stretched out behind her. She took a step and fell into further darkness.
Her body ached. Every movement brought a shooting pain through her limbs, spreading into her torso and exploding lights in her head. Was it in her head or in her eyes? She couldn’t even tell anymore if her eyes were open. Just then a hand brushed her arm. Startled, she cried out and jumped back, finding herself falling against another warm body. She spun, confused and frightened. Voices murmured around her, but she couldn’t focus on any of the words. Then—
“Kamina?”
Her mother’s voice.
“Mother?” she answered, her voice breaking.
A hand clasped hers while another cupped the back of her head and stroked her hair. “Kamina? Is that really you?” She felt something warm and wet fall on her hand. “Are you here to save us?”
~*~*~*~
Her eyes opened slowly, and it took a moment for her to realize that she was in daylight again. Two figures hovered above her, one immediately at her side. Another moment passed before her vision and mind cleared of the haze. She sat up quickly. “Where are they? Wha—” A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she fell back again, holding a hand up to her eyes to stop the room from spinning.
“Carefully,” a voice at her side warned gently.
“What happened?” she murmured.
“We don’t know.” That voice. It was Jarren. She was back with Jarren and David. “You seemed to be in a trance, and then you passed out.”
Moving the hand away from her eyes, she turned her head. David was crouched a few feet away, watching her worriedly and wringing his hands. Glancing up, her eyes met Jarren’s. He, too, looked concerned. Looking around, she realized that she was lying on the floor of Jarren’s tent, near the back, away from the front entrance. Jarren’s cloak was stretched out beneath her, and David’s was bundled beneath her head.
“What did you see?”
Blinking, she turned back to Jarren. “I...I don’t know...I don’t know what it was I saw...”
“But you saw something?” The concern in his eyes deepened into something more. Fear?
“Yes.”
The word was barely audible, but both men caught it. Jarren swore under his breath. “This is why I don’t want you here, Kamina. I don’t know what’s out there. I don’t know what monsters are waiting for us, stalking us, hunting us. I don’t know what all of them can do. I came out here—” He caught himself, closing his mouth and looking down at her. A mixture of emotions crossed his face. “I came out here so you don’t have to,” he finished softly.
Kamina’s brow furrowed, and she frowned. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw David do the same. “What do you mean?”
Jarren looked away, hesitating. “I have no other reason to be here,” he said, glancing around the tent. “Honestly, I would rather be escorting my sister to safety myself, but I knew I couldn’t leave you to run to your death.” His voice grew hoarse. “I came in your place because I knew there was no other way. Please don’t make all of this be in vain. I promise, if your parents are alive, I will find them. And you, David,” he added, looking to her young friend, “whoever it is you lost, I will bring them back home. But you must go home. You must stay safe.” His gaze drifted over Kamina’s face once more, and his fingers lightly brushed her hair. “This is already taking its toll on you, I’m afraid.”
“What?” She shot up in panic, grabbing her hair and pulling it around to where she could see it. The white patch had grown, and now both Jarren and David had seen it. Moaning, she covered her face with her hand.
“You don’t need to look so terrified. It’s only superficial.”
“It’s not so bad,” David piped up reassuringly.
Kamina shook her head, keeping her face hidden. Regardless of the attempted reassurances, she was humiliated to have the evidence of her stress laid bare. Taking a deep breath, she turned her mind from it for the moment. There was nothing that could be done about it now. As it was, Jarren’s words rang in her ear.
“You came to find my parents for me?”
“And whoever else may be out there,” he added with a glance at David.
Kamina also looked to David, and their eyes met. He looked uncertain—not about his mission but about her continued commitment to it. She could almost reading the pleading don’t do it in his eyes. Then she remembered her vision, the group of people hidden somewhere deep and dark, her mother among them. No doubt her father and Kaly had been there as well. Had it simply been a vision, or was it a foreshadowing? Was she destined to find them? To rescue them? The seed of hope and determination that she had clung to suddenly took root and began to grow deep within her. Her expression hardened. Both men had been watching her, and she saw David straighten with relief while Jarren’s head dropped to his chest.
“I appreciate what you are doing,” she said, reaching out to place a hand over Jarren’s. “And I would continue to appreciate your help until we find them and bring them home.” She took a breath, steeling herself for the rest. “But I’m not going anywhere except forward. In this apparent trance I was in, I saw them.” David’s eyes widened, and Jarren lifted his head to look at her with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. “They are still alive, and I believe I am supposed to be there to help them.”
“How do you know you weren’t being given something you wished to see rather than what is?” Jarren asked her cautiously.
She shook her head. “I just know.”
He stared at her, not saying anything. Then he sighed. “I didn’t want to have to do this, but I see that I now have no choice.” Rising to his feet, he went to the entrance to his tent and called out to someone nearby. Kamina’s heart started pounding as she and David exchanged worried glances. Jarren returned with someone close behind him. “This is Deputy Tanner of Narrowvale, a village not far from your own Moreton, I believe.” Deputy Tanner bowed his head. David and Kamina moved closer together defensively. The other man removed his hat, revealing greying hair and mustache accompanied by the grizzled, stubbled jaws of one who had not shaved in days. He smiled at them, his blue-grey eyes twinkling kindly. “He has promised to take care of you on your way home,” Jarren said.
“You can’t—” David began irritably.
“I expect you to be on your best behavior,” Jarren interrupted with a glare. “And do as I ask, or this will be unpleasant for all.”
“I promise you that this is the best decision,” Deputy Tanner said, and something in his eye made Kamina start. Go with him, a voice whispered in her mind. She froze. Who said that? And why? Should she trust it?
But even as she looked at the old man, she felt inexplicably drawn to him. Yes, it was right for them to go with him, at least for now. This was the first time she felt peace about something in this whole mess. And it was probably their best chance. Still, she couldn’t give up the fight too quickly or Jarren might become suspicious.
“So we’re to be sent home, escorted like captives?” she said, turning an injured look on Jarren. “And I’m to ignore what I saw like it was nothing?”
Taking a step closer, he gazed at her pleadingly. “No, it’s not like that at all, and you know it.”
Kamina lifted her head, eyes determined. “I can’t help feeling that I was given that vision for a reason. I am supposed to be there, and I know David will be with me.” Shifting her eyes toward David, she knew that he had not been in the vision, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be there.
“I’m still not convinced it was truly a vision of the future,” Jarren replied cautiously. “All the same, while it is in my power, I cannot in good conscience allow you to continue further. If the only way to return you home is in restraints,” he glanced at the younger man who stood glowering on the other side of Kamina, “then I will do what must be done. But I do not wish it.”
For several moments, she made an effort to show the struggle between bending to his will or continuing in defiance, despite the fact that she had already made up her mind. Finally she nodded reluctantly. “Very well, since we have no other choice. We will go peaceably.” David stared at her in shock, but she returned a steady gaze, hoping he could read her intent in her eyes. Trust me. He threw his hands into the air and turned away but made no other objections.
“Thank you,” Jarren said, relief flooding his voice. He took her hand and held it between both of his. “I promise you that I will do everything in my power to bring back everyone who is out there.”
She nodded and smiled grimly. “I know. Just keep yourself safe, too. You have a family to return to as well.”
He nodded in return and seemed to hesitate. Then he released her hand and turned away. She looked to David, and then the two of them followed Deputy Tanner out of the tent.
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Post by Mishael on Jun 26, 2015 21:01:56 GMT -8
A NEW PLAN
“So, are you going to tell me what’s going on?” David muttered to Kamina as they grudgingly followed their newly assigned guard out of the camp. They both glanced up at the back of the older man as he strode several feet ahead of them.
“I don’t know for sure yet,” she murmured back, her voice nearly a whisper. “I think once we get a feel for things, we can come up with a plan.”
“No, I don’t mean that.” David’s focus shifted to the ground as they navigated a washed out portion of the road. “I mean whatever is going on between you and Jarren.” He gave her a significant look.
“Oh.” Kamina felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She reached up to pull her hat down over her eyes as if the sun was too bright, but really it was just a nervous gesture. “It’s nothing.”
“Clearly.” She didn’t need to look over at him to see that he was far from convinced. “This nothing has been going on since we first ran into him in Ridgewood.” His arm bumped hers as they brushed close to each other, but she had a feeling it wasn’t accidental. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”
Swallowing hard, she could feel anxiety twist a knot in her stomach. She had avoided thinking about this for quite some time and certainly had never spoken of it to anyone. She wasn’t sure she wanted that to change. “It’s really nothing. We knew each other in our schooling days, and I’ve been good friends with his sister for as long.” Her hands absently twisted the fabric at the edge of her cloak. “There’s nothing between us but old memories.”
They continued on for several steps in silence. Then:
“Am I to assume that it wasn’t always that way?”
She hated his perceptiveness and looked away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said stubbornly.
“Hey, what’s all this about?” Suddenly Tanner’s face appeared between theirs as his arms wrapped jovially yet firmly around their shoulders, pulling the three of them together in an awkward embrace. His face was split with a wide grin, but Kamina was sure she saw a keen glint in the man’s eye. “I can keep secrets, too,” he said in a loud whisper.
“It’s nothing,” David said in a voice that warned none of your business. He frowned and tried to pull away, but Tanner held them in a place for just a moment longer, staring the young man down with a warning of his own. Then he laughed and stepped back.
“All right then. I can take a hint.” He stretched his back dramatically, making a face as he did so. “I could also use a break. Let’s hole up over here for a bit.” He nodded toward the trees at the side of the road and marched forward.
“A break?” David asked, frowning again. “Already? We only just left. The camp is barely out of sight.”
“Hey, I’m an old man,” Tanner said with a pathetic grimace. His eyes darted about them quickly, and then he leaned in close, his expression changing to one of dead seriousness. “And we don’t want to get too far before we decide our next move,” he added in a low voice.
David and Kamina blinked at each other as Tanner disappeared into the underbrush.
“Are you coming or not?”
They both jumped and followed the man, curious and uneasy.
There was a small clearing several meters off the road, just big enough for them to sit and stretch their legs. Tanner had already picked out his spot and was pulling off his boots to remove the rocks that had fallen into them. He waved at the ground beside him. “Take a seat.”
“What’s going on?” David asked suspiciously, a hand drifting to his belt.
“I thought it might be best for us to get to know one another if we’re going to be traveling together.” Tanner met his glare evenly; there was no hint of anger or defensiveness. The exaggerated movements and voice were gone, though. Had that been a façade? “Look,” he continued when neither of the young people moved. “I know where you need to go, and I intend to help you get there.” He raised an eyebrow. “And I know it’s not Moreton. Not yet.”
David and Kamina exchanged glances. David spoke for the both of them: “Why should we trust you?”
The man smiled grimly. “I know. You don’t know me. You are wise to be cautious. But I promise that I am one of the very few whom you can trust wholeheartedly.” He looked at David. “I know you’re looking for your fiancée.” His gaze shifted to Kamina. “And you wish to find your—your parents.”
Kamina’s eyes widened. “How do you know that?”
The corner of Tanner’s mouth twitched. “I know many things. I may be getting older, but I am not inept yet.” Slowly, Kamina lowered herself to the ground, folding her legs beneath her. David reluctantly sat near her, but he appeared ready to spring to his feet at a moment’s notice. Tanner smiled to himself and reached into a small sack hanging at his side. David tensed, but the other man merely pulled out some dried and seasoned meat. “Easy there, young buck. It’s just jerky.” He held out a strip of the meat to both of them, but they both shook their heads. With a shrug, he tore a piece with his teeth and chewed thoughtfully. “Do you think you could build us some shelter?” he asked Kamina unexpectedly. “Give us a little more protection from prying eyes?”
“Wh-what?” she stammered, staring at him as if he had asked her to make a presentation before the town council.
He chuckled and grinned toothily. “C’mon now, I know you can do it. Remember, I know things.” He tapped the side of his head.
She looked uneasily between David and Tanner. David shrugged, and Tanner gave her an encouraging nod. Slowly, she set her pack on the ground beside her and dug out the precious quintessence jewel, removing it from the headpiece and holding the pendant itself in her hand. As her gaze moved around the clearing to see what material they had around them, the jewel began to glow green-gold in her hand. The blue crystals surrounding the main stone also glistened as if the sunlight had struck them with fire. David stared with huge eyes. He had never seen someone work essence up close. Kamina’s eyes fell half-closed as she concentrated. At first, nothing seemed to be happening. Then, with a start, David realized that the bushes around them were quivering, their branches reaching out as if to grasp at something in the air. He fell back, unable to take his eyes off of what was happening. The branches were weaving themselves together, forming living walls lined with leaves and berries. A couple a feet above their heads, the walls leaned inward, as if to form a dome. Kamina left a hole in the very top and a gap in the wall behind them in case they needed to make a hasty exit. The sunlight filtered in through the leaves, dappling their makeshift shelter in hues of green. Blinking, Kamina looked around at her handiwork as her hand closed around the pendant.
“Whoa...” David breathed.
Kamina jumped as she felt a hand on her shoulder. “Excellent work,” Tanner said. If she didn’t know any better, she would say he looked almost proud. “Now,” he continued, keeping his voice hushed, “to business.” David shifted uncomfortably while Kamina pulled her cloak around her shoulders. “I’ve had my ear to the ground a lot lately,” Tanner said, looking from one to the other. “There are things going on, bigger than anyone realizes. I haven’t quite put my finger on it yet, but I know enough to know that not everything is as it appears.”
“Like you, for a start.” David’s eyes narrowed in accusation at Tanner. “I have some friends in Narrrowvale whom I visit often, and I have never seen you around there.”
Tanner laughed nervously, taking off his hat and scratching at the back of his head. “Yeh, that. Well, I suppose you caught me, boy.”
“You’ve been impersonating an officer?” Kamina asked, her mouth falling open.
“You could put it that way,” Tanner replied sheepishly. “But it was for good reason.”
Kamina looked appalled. David picked up a stone as if to throw it. “I can’t believe you expect us to trust you after pulling a stunt like that. If Jarren knew—”
“Hey now!” the older man said hastily, putting his hands up in the air. “I was trying to protect you, honest as sunshine. I knew you were going to get caught sneaking around like you were, and if I could step in before you got sent off with someone else—especially one of the more unsavory types—well, then—”
“You knew we were going to get caught? Or you ensured it?” David glared, his fist tightening around the rock. “And how do we know you’re not one of the ‘unsavory types’?”
“Calm yourself, boy,” Tanner said, his voice cooling as a flicker of anger sparked in his eyes. “I realize you’re upset, and I don’t entirely blame you. But I swear on my life that I intend no harm to either of you. If I did, I’d have had plenty of opportunity already.”
Kamina paled, inching backward. David scowled. “Did you have anything to do with Jarren finding us?” he asked pointedly.
“Your own lack of experience led to that,” Tanner said flatly.
“We got away from him before he could confirm that he had seen us. And there is no way he could have found us so quickly afterwards.” David narrowed his eyes again. “Unless someone told him exactly where we were.”
Tanner didn’t respond, but the expression on his face was answer enough.
“You betrayed us?” Kamina said quietly, her eyes wide and her hands clasped tightly around the pendant in her lap. “You lied about who you are, and you betrayed our cover? And after this, you still expect us to trust you?”
Strangely, he looked abashed at her words. His grin was half-hearted at best. “A bit much, eh? But I didn’t know what else to do. It’s not as if I had much time to come up with a plan.”
Kamina stared at the man, more confused than ever. Everything he had said and done painted him in a very suspicious light, but at the same time he seemed so eager to gain her good favor. If she was honest with herself, she did not fear him. She sensed that she was, indeed, safer with him than with most in the company with which they had traveled. But why? Why when all the evidence pointed to the contrary?
“You look so much like her,” Tanner murmured, and that was when she realized that he had been staring at her in return.
She frowned. “Like who?”
“Your mother,” he answered softly.
Kamina felt as if her heart had stopped. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw David startle. “This time you’re wrong,” she said, struggling to control the anger in her voice. How dare he use her mother to drop her defenses! “My mother and I couldn’t look more unlike.” Pain twisted her heart back into its rhythmic pattern. “You nearly had me convinced, Tanner or whoever-you-are, but this just proves to me that you’re a good eavesdropper, nothing more.” She shifted as if preparing to leave.
Tanner smiled sadly. “I don’t mean the one who raised you, my dear. I refer to your real mother.”
Ice flowed through her veins at his words, and she felt as if the world was tilting to the side. Her hand shot out to steady herself. “Wh-what are you talking about?” she asked, unable to keep her voice from wavering this time. David just stared silently.
“I think you know.” Tanner reached up and searched out a hidden pocket on the inside of his vest. Reverently, he removed a small, worn piece of paper, yellowed with age. Unfolding it, he handed it to her.
She took it hesitantly, intensely drawn and yet terrified to see. On the slip of paper was an image of a young woman, a little older than herself. Her breath caught. At first glance she thought it was herself, but she could see the subtle differences, just enough to make it clear that it was not her. “Where did you get this?” she asked in the ghost of a whisper, her finger tracing the woman’s figure. “What deception is this?”
“There is no deception,” the man assured her. “That is my daughter, twenty-five years ago.”
“No. No,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief. “This is impossible.”
Tanner chuckled under his breath. “I think I should know my own daughter.”
“But she—I—”
“Look alike?” he completed for her. “Of course you do. You’re her daughter.”
“I can’t be,” Kamina protested.
“And why not?” Tanner argued, his voice colored by hurt and frustration. “Anyone looking at that picture might think it was you. You know you are nothing like the couple who raised you, as you even said—”
“They are my parents!” she cried, not wanting to listen to the arguments that had been whispering at the back of her mind for years. “They love me and have given everything for me!”
“I’m not disputing that,” Tanner said in irritation. “Of course they did. You were their child in every way except the physical.”
She looked away, her mind swirling with the ground-shattering revelation.
“And if you’re wondering how I know this,” he continued in a quieter voice, “it’s because I’m the one who brought you to them, so you could have a chance at a normal life.” He sighed. “I knew them well. I knew there was no better couple to raise you. I want to save them as much as you do.”
Her eyes burned with tears even as her thoughts tumbled over each other. She handed the photo back reluctantly. “What...what happened? To my real parents?”
Tanner’s eyes hardened into steel, and he turned his head. “That’s not important. They’re gone. That’s all you need to know.” Taking the paper back, he folded it once more and tucked it away safely. “I saved you from certain death and gave you a new chance at life.”
Kamina stared down at the jewel in her hand, watching as the sun played across its surface. So she was adopted. Years ago she had realized that was probably the case, but she had never gathered up the courage to ask her parents about it. It had never been important enough to bring up, and it certainly didn’t change the way she felt about them.
“Why have you chosen now to tell me this?” she asked, raising her eyes to Tanner. “If...if that is my mother, and she is your daughter, then...”
“You are my granddaughter, yes.” Tanner smiled, appearing torn between reaching for her and keeping his distance.
Kamina saw David squirm beside her. He had been silent for a while now. What did he think of all of this? Glancing over at him, she saw confusion and doubt written across his face. “So why now?” she repeated, looking once again at Tanner.
Tanner heaved a heavy sigh. “I’ve left you alone for all these years,” he said wearily. “I had no desire to disrupt your happy family. I was pleased to know that you were safe and well cared for. But I have always been close by.” Kamina shuddered at the thought that this man may have observed her from the shadows for her whole life, grandfather or not. “You’re the only family I have left, Kamina. And I see so much of my daughter in you, that it’s as if—” His voice caught with emotion, and he looked down. A moment passed before he could continue, sniffing and rubbing a hand across his face. “It’s as if she’s not gone.” He gave her a watery smile. “So many times I’ve wanted to speak to you, to introduce myself to you, but I knew it was only selfish of me. Now, though...well, I don’t want to hide behind a false identity if we have the chance to work together, to get to know each other.” His eyes gleamed hopefully.
Kamina didn’t know what to think. Tanner could be lying, but the photo was a rather hard piece of evidence. Could he really be her grandfather? By blood? Who were her real parents, and why did Tanner refuse to speak of them? If her parents were here—the ones she had known her whole life—they would be able to make the truth known. At the reminder, she prayed for their safety and quick deliverance. If Tanner was truly intent on helping them find the missing people, then she wouldn’t refuse his assistance. All the same, she wasn’t going to accept his story without careful consideration and more time.
“Well,” she said slowly, “I’m willing to work together with you for now, as long as you prove yourself better than you already have done.” He nodded eagerly. David looked concerned. Kamina exchanged glances with him. They would talk later, in private. “To start with, you’re going to tell us everything you’ve discovered.”
“Um, Kamina,” David said, tapping her shoulder while staring at the opening she had left in the wall behind them. “Did you make those…statues on either side of the door? I don’t remember seeing them earlier.”
Both Kamina and Tanner spun around to face the doorway. On either side stood two small, thin figures of sand-colored stone. Although they were shaped vaguely like men, they were only a couple feet tall and had no distinct features save for strange markings etched across their surfaces. By their stances, they seemed to be guarding the entrance rather than blocking it.
“No! That wasn’t me!” Kamina gasped at the same time Tanner cried out, “We need to leave right now!” Even as all three watched, the pillars crumbled away. Kamina scrambled backward, her heart pounding. Tanner hit his head on the low ceiling of their shelter as he jumped to his feet. A sudden burst from Kamina’s crystal sent the shelter falling apart, and the three fled as quickly as they could.
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Post by Docboy on Jun 28, 2015 16:16:03 GMT -8
Engage, part 2
The beast was unbelievably fast. It closed the space between it and the captain in lightning speed. The captain anticipated its charge. The training kicked in, all the hours of drilling, all the time spent in the mud and cold. He dodged the first rush, rolling out of the way and sweeping his sword out of its sheath in one smooth motion. His face was flushed and excited; the rush of battle had arrived, and, he would now prove to the world he was a ranger, worthy of the green. Holding his sword above his head, he waited for the beast to return charge. Only it didn’t return charge. The momentum from its first charge had carried it into the middle of the ranger’s line, and it was wreaking havoc in their midst. With no space to maneuver, the rangers were being slaughtered. How long has it been there? Only a couple seconds…but so much blood, so much blood. They’re all dead! No, surely some are left. How to kill it? No time – you have to save them!All the thoughts and feelings flashed through his mind in barely a moment. His arms quivered with the fullness of energy only adrenaline could bring. He was angry at the death of his comrades, he was elated at dodging the first charge. He was a ranger, trained and ready, he was clad in steel. His sword was sharp, his reflexes honed, he was invincible. He ran toward the trench, dropping his sword point low to guard against an attack, and prepared to attack. There was the trench; just beyond it was the monster.
Fifteen meters; Ten meters; five meters and –He was stopped short, his legs had stopped moving. His sword was in his hand, he could still feel the warmth of the leather, alive to the touch, but his fingers were so cold. Why were his hands cold when his chest and legs were so warm? He looked down at the tail of the beast, still impaling his chest. Where did that come from? Why didn’t I block that? I should have; I will next time.It never occurred to him that there might not be a next time. His spine had been severed by the tail, he was vaguely aware of movement but his body would not respond. The only thing he felt was disbelief. How did I miss it? It’s so huge…how did I not see? He managed to whisper “How?” before he nodded off, but it was lost in the clamor that surrounded him, and none of his brothers heard. Victor saw the whole thing unfold. It had happened so quickly, barely five seconds from the time the young man threw the spear to the time the beast had run him through by the beast’s tail, which was apparently much harder than it looked. It was not the first man Victor had lost, odds were it wouldn’t be the last, and he didn’t stop to mourn. The sadness was there somewhere, buried in the rage, but he would leave it locked away for now. The only thing his men saw was his jaw set. Originally, the plan was to force the beast to charge the first ranks and to pelt it from the sides as it did so, but the speed at which it had charge and the quick work it was making of the rangers left this as impossible. Moreover, the ballistae were set to prevent its retreat, and were sighted in at the wrong area. “How to force it in to the Ballistae?” “Steady-ho!” His voice was firm, and carried over the din of battle. “Rangers, break ranks forward! Advance to retreat!” The few left alive moved to obey, many throwing their weapons down to do so. They were having little effect anyway – better to stay mobile. The rangers were falling quickly, but a handful managed to make it to the zone. The bohemoth, sensing their fear and faltering resolve, moved in for the finish. Victor didn’t need to give the order to fire – his men let fly as soon as the beast came into their field of fire. The bolts didn’t go deep enough to cause any real damage, but the heads were hard enough to pierce its hide, and the chains were strong. “Like baiting a bear.” The beast reached the end of his chain and was stopped with a lurch. The rangers backed up to just beyond its range, trying to stay safe but also looking for an opening. The monster was thrashing against its chains, trying to break free from the anchors that held it to the mountain. No opening was presenting itself, but the chains were beginning to strain. “Think, think think…No time, I need time!”
Victor moved to the ballistae he had reserved to himself, its anchor driven not into a mountain, but into one of the larger boulders that lined the hillside, clearly fallen from the ridge above in some sort of rockslide. It was a less secure anchor; the last security against an escaping monster which was the one thing that could constitute a failure of mission. Now that it had been warned, it would not allow itself to be trapped again, and that was incomprehensible. Victor aimed as best as he could in the deep darkness, but it was impossible to tell what part he was aiming at. Nevertheless, he didn’t have time to ‘fuss the shot’ so he put it center of mass and let it fly. Luck was with him, and the bolt sank past it shaft into the bohemoth’s neck, not deep enough to kill or injure the throat but at least the bolt was stuck fast and would not pull free. It turned out to be just in time too – one of the mountain chains broke, bringing the beast back into range of some of the remaining rangers, which were immediately trampled. Victor pulled his bow from his back, nocked an arrow, and began to run towards the beast. He reached in in a just a few seconds, but there were only a dozen or so rangers left alive when he got there. The moment he got a clear shot he let the arrow fly, but it bounced off harmlessly. Clearly, standard weapons were not going to work. He was beginning to feel hopeless. It was then he remembered the quint on his arm. He shuddered from the thought, but he didn’t have many options; he was out of men, munitions, and ‘moments’. The protective clasp was already open, Victor’s mind reached for the stone, and he braced himself for whatever would happen when he let the energy free. He still didn’t have a clear idea of exactly what he would do with the power once he let it out when the second mountain chain broke. The monster bounded forward. One of the rangers bolted towards the woods and was snatched up. The rangers had thrown down their primary weapons in their first retreat; they were down to daggers and throwing knives. They formed up for one last stand, and the monster moved to crush their line. At that moment, Victor let the energy free. The feeling of the quint taking over was unmistakable. It was as if he stepped into another body – one larger and stronger than his. He could see clearly as day, and he was dimly aware of a second viewpoint, like growing another eye, that gave him a bird’s eye view of the field. Memories from battles fought by previous wearers of the bracer hit him like a hammer, distracting him but also giving him experience far beyond his own. The combined effect was staggering and not just a little painful, but it was unmistakably powerful. Nevertheless, he sensed a limit to that power that shouldn’t have been there. Either the monster was stifling it or he hadn’t charged it up long enough, but even with the power of his bracer he would have to be careful. The monster moved in and the rangers closed ranks. Victor needed a shield, and he knew it, but he couldn’t just make one out of nothing. He needed a source. “Light!”There was no time to second guess himself. Instinctively, Victor gathered all the light available from the oil the rangers had lit previously, and threw it into a shield. The bohemoth crashed into it full force. The shield held for a minute, but the shield was tied to Victor, and it threw him backward. The light collapsed, and the battlefield was once again dark. Victor staggered to his feet, still able to see thanks to his bracer, but his rangers were not so lucky. With no weapons and no light to see, they didn’t last long. Victor’s head was ringing with the blow and with the energy he wielded, but he sensed it beginning to fade, and he was now alone. His thoughts raced, trying to find a solution, when his saw the last remaining anchor, still attached to the boulder beside the cliff. He fingered the bottled, still in his pouch, still padded with sawdust and still, he hoped, unbroken. They had to be, or he was a dead man. The bohemoth was in the process of looking for survivors and dispatching them. Victor sent a shockwave into the side of its head. Not enough to damage but enough to get its attention and, Victor hoped, distract it from any of his men that were still alive. The beast shrugged off the blow and moved toward Victor, and paused, sensing the energy. Victor and the beast stood for a moment, sizing each other up, Seeing no clear opening, the beast reached for the tactic that had worked so well throughout the battle. It charged again. Victor fired up his bracer once more, using most of the remaining energy to shift himself inter an ethereal form. It lasted only for a moment but that was all he needed. The bohemoth charged straight through him and skidded to a halt on the other side, tensing up for another move. Victor looked, and the monster was near the cliff’s edge, still anchored to the boulder. Victor sent a shockwave into the boulder, which tumbled over the edge pulling the chain and the monster with it. The bohemoth was taken off guard by the sudden force pulling it over the edge and instead of springing towards Victor, dug in its claws to the ground, trying to hold on, but it began to fall anyway. It began to try to break the chain, lunging forward as it had with the other two anchors, but an anchor and a free hanging weight are two different things, and there was no way to create slack. The monster was going over, and it knew it. Victor knew it too, and heaved a sigh of relief. The energy was almost gone - enough left for one more move, maybe, and if he hadn’t been able to kill it with a full contingent and full power, he certainly couldn’t now. The fatigue was beginning to take over, and he sank back to his knees. “The fall is over two hundred feet – that’ll most likely be enough.” He thought with relief. The words ‘most likely’ echoed in his mind a couple times. What if it *wasn’t* enough? Could he take that chance? No, he decided wearily, he could not. He fought his way back to his feet and began to stagger towards the beast. It was almost over the edge now, claws dug into the side of the cliff. Victor grabbed one of the bottles from his pouch and hefted it. It was a long way to throw, and he couldn’t afford to miss. He needed to get closer. Victor looked – the bolt was stuck fast and all of the bohemoth’s claws were dug in to help it hold on. It should be safe enough to move closer. He moved just above where the monster hung and would up for the throw. Just then, the ground beneath him gave way, and both he and the beast fell. There wasn’t enough time to process what had happened – maybe the ground had been weakened by his shockwave, maybe it had been unstable all along. It didn’t matter. There were only a few seconds left until he hit ground. The beast might survive the fall but there was no way he would. Time slowed, warning Victor his quint was seconds away from being empty. “Seconds!”Victor hoped it would be enough. He looked at the beast. It was falling feet first, it’s teeth snapping as if it meant to eat Victor before it landed. He didn’t have time to aim – he let the bottle fly. The glass shattered, and a fireball erupted around the beast’s mouth. The bohemoth howled in pain, and Victor used the last of his energy to slip into ethereal form one last time. It worked, but not quite long enough – The ground rushed up to meet him, and he felt himself slipping back into his normal form when he hit. The last thing he heard as he landed were the howls of bohemoth, then the darkness took him. |
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Post by Mishael on Aug 2, 2015 13:57:54 GMT -8
ONWARD AND UPWARD
They dashed out to the road and took off running straight for the camp.
“Whoa, hold up!” Tanner called, holding out a hand to stop them before anyone from the camp could see them. All three were breathing hard after the impromptu sprint uphill. “Let’s get within the treeline,” he said, waving his hand vaguely at the forest on their left. The two younger ones followed him as they disappeared once more into the brush.
“What was that?” David demanded, running a sleeve across his brow and staring at Tanner as if this was somehow his fault.
Tanner shook his head, taking a moment longer to calm his breathing and to look around to see where they ended up. The camp could be seen through the trees up ahead, but it was still some distance away. “That,” he said between breaths, “was a bad sign.”
“That doesn’t help.” David straightened and twisted his back to ease a cramp in his side. Then he looked over at Kamina in concern. “Are you all right?”
Kamina nodded, although she looked shaken. “They reminded me of what I had seen in the forest earlier, when I passed out,” she said. “The other one was much bigger, though, and looked more like an actual person standing there.” A shudder ran through her.
“You’ve seen one of these before?” Tanner asked urgently. When she nodded, he ran a hand anxiously over his face. “When was this?”
“Right before Jarren sent us away with you,” she answered, feeling her worry harden into fear at Tanner’s reaction. “Do you know what they are?”
“Besides ‘a bad sign’?” David added sardonically with a side-glance at the other man.
Tanner shot him a brief glare. “Yes,” he answered tersely. Dropping his voice and looking around cautiously, he said, “Briefly put, they are spies. Spies for whoever is really behind all of this.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Come, we need to keep moving.”
“Shouldn’t we warn them in the camp then?” Kamina asked, taking care to keep her own voice down.
Tanner met her eyes and shook his head. “It won’t make a difference. There’s nothing they’ll be able to do about it, and it might make some of them jumpy enough that it could force their hand before they’re ready. Or—” He stopped abruptly, looking behind him again as if he had heard something.
“Or what?” David prompted.
“Or if the enemy is already in our camp, we could be silenced before anyone else hears about it. Now move.”
Kamina and David shared a nervous look as Tanner took off once more, this time at a slower and more wary pace. The dense foliage did not allow for quick movement.
“I don’t like this,” David murmured to Kamina so only she could hear.
“I know,” she all but whispered back. “But what choice do we have now?”
“We could make a run for the camp. If we can find Jarren before this Tanner catches up to us, or whoever it is he thinks might be hiding among the camp, he may know what to do.”
Kamina raised an eyebrow. “So now you’re suddenly on Jarren’s side?”
David shrugged half-heartedly. “He seems respectable enough, even if he was determined to keep us from coming here. You’ve known him for a long time, and he obviously cares about you. I trust him more than I trust this guy claiming to be your grandfather.”
Kamina gave him a stern look. “Tanner only wants to help. He seems pretty genuine to me, and he does know things.”
It was David’s turn to look at her sternly. “So he says.” Holding an arm around her protectively, he helped her around a precarious fallen tree. “He’s playing on your emotions, Kamina. He’s already lied to us once. Even if he mixes some truth in there, he can’t be trusted.”
Kamina stared at the ground in front of them, remaining silent for several moments as they continued to pick their way cautiously through the growth, keeping Tanner within sight. David may be right, but she couldn’t help wanting to give Tanner a chance. “We should at least find out what he knows,” she muttered.
David grunted noncommittally.
Tanner turned to check on them and stopped momentarily so they could catch up to him. “Keep up,” he murmured, glancing at the sky and frowning. “I would like to set up camp before dark, and we need to be much further along.”
“Where are you taking us?” David asked warily.
Tanner started moving again. “I have something to show you,” he said cryptically. “Something I found that could be our key into the mountain.”
~~~
It took them half an hour to pick their way around the camp. All conversation was put on hold as they sought to avoid detection, although several significant glances passed between Kamina and David. The terrain forced them to draw near the camp a few times, but so far there was no sign that they had been spotted. Once the sounds of the camp had faded into the distance, they were able to move more freely. Kamina couldn’t shake the sense of dread that fell on her as they ascended the mountain.
The next couple hours moved slowly as they pressed onward. The younger two watched Tanner closely as he led them through the wild terrain. Much to their surprise, he seemed to know exactly what he was doing, pulling out various instruments to determine their position and direction. He also had a small book to which he kept referring, muttering to himself as he flipped through its pages. They looked at each other with raised eyebrows.
“All right,” Tanner declared suddenly, snapping shut a compass and sliding it into his pocket. “Let’s find some shelter.”
David and Kamina looked around. “Already?” David asked, frowning. “It’s still quite light out.”
“We’ve been lucky not to run into anything yet,” Tanner said, looking grim. “I’d rather not push it. And unless I’m mistaken,” he added with a sly glance at the young man, “I’m the one leading us, not you. Do you know where we’re going?”
“Well,” David replied with a reluctant shrug, “no.”
Tanner gave him a tight smile. “I can assure you we are just far enough right here. Strange things happen in these hills, especially these days. The sooner we can fortify ourselves for the night, the better.” Squinting, he looked up the steep, rocky hillside to their right. “Help me look around.”
Tanner took off up the hill. David shot an annoyed look at Kamina before moving away to check out the trees to their left. Kamina stood helplessly for a moment, not sure where to go. Her gaze drifted toward the rocky terrain. Not far from where she stood, a narrow path twisted upward among the rocks. Wandering closer, she picked her way along the path to find that it ended at a small rocky shelf with a few stunted trees and hardy bushes. A dark hole gaped at her from between two of the larger boulders. “Hey, I think I might have found a cave,” she called to the others, moving forward to check it out.
“Wait!” Tanner yelled anxiously, turning back and hurrying toward her. “Let me check it first.” Kamina stopped as commanded, although she was certain the area was clear. As he reached the shelf, she stepped back to allow him to brush past her. David soon appeared at her side as well. “Yep, good eye!” Tanner’s voice drifted back to them. “There’s a small cave here, appears empty and unused by any critters. It’ll be a tight fit, but we won’t all go in at once since we’ll need to keep a watch throughout the night.” He came back down the path, wiping his hands on his trousers. “Go on and settle yourselves. I’m just going to do a quick scout around, see what’s about. And Kamina,” he said, reaching out and gripping her arm, “if you see one of those things again, don’t hesitate to shout.” She nodded, eyes wide. “Hopefully we left them back at the camp.” With that, he turned and walked off.
David and Kamina looked at each other then set their packs down against the nearest rock. Seeing the narrow opening for the cave, David walked over to stick his head inside for a look. “It’s going to be cozy, that’s for sure,” he commented dryly.
Kamina sighed and sat down, worn out. It hadn’t really been that long since they left the camp, but the going had been tough and treacherous at times. For all the walking she enjoyed in her free time, she had not been prepared for a trek like this. Her limbs ached, and her head was pounding. On top of that, a heavy weight had fallen on her heart, as well as a sense of foreboding. She couldn’t help feeling that there were eyes everywhere, watching their every move. They could pretend that they were safe here, but the truth was that they weren’t safe anywhere. Not anymore. Taking her hat off, she wiped her brow and closed her eyes.
A moment later, David lowered himself beside her. “Are you all right?” he asked softly.
“Yes,” she said automatically, shooting him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Just tired.”
David’s expression showed he wasn’t convinced. “Are you sure you’re all right doing this?”
She slanted her gaze at him. “It’s a bit late for regrets, isn’t it?”
Pulling his knees up, he wrapped his arms around them and rested his chin on his knees. “I suppose you’re right,” he said quietly.
She watched him silently for a moment. “Are you regretting coming here?”
“No,” he answered, but the bravado was gone. “All the same, Jarren was right, you know. I didn’t want to admit it, not after making it out this far, but we’re in too deep. I...I have a bad feeling this is going to turn out badly.”
“It doesn’t have to,” Kamina said without much confidence. The fact that David hadn’t been in her vision was becoming an increasing concern to her, and she felt her stomach turn over at the possible implication.
“We may rescue them,” David continued, “but at what cost?”
“David...”
He looked up and met her eyes. Then he frowned. “Kamina, you don’t look very good. You should drink some water or something.”
He was changing the subject, she knew, but he was also right. No doubt her exhaustion and headache stemmed from dehydration. She grimaced. “My water pouch is empty.”
“Well then,” he said, reaching around for his, “have some of mine.” His face fell as he lifted it, and he shook the pouch near his head. “Oh. I’m nearly out myself.”
“I think I can see if there’s anything nearby.” Digging in her pack, Kamina pulled out her pendant, curling her hand in a fist around it. Her eyes slid shut as she concentrated. Nothing happened at first, and David was about to say something when water began to bubble up out of the ground a couple feet away like an artesian well.
His mouth fell open. “I, uh...I guess that’s one way to do it...”
Kamina opened her eyes. “There didn’t seem to be anything in easy walking distance, so I thought I’d bring it to us.”
“Ah,” he replied, staring at the water as it slowly formed a growing puddle. “I didn’t realize that was a thing that could be done.” His eyes shifted to her briefly as he shot her an embarrassed half-smile. “I’m sorry. I don’t really know the first thing about essence.”
“Well, I think it can be different from person to person, depending on their training and propensities, and of course the tools they use.” She smiled self-consciously. “My teachers always told me I had strong natural talent.”
“I’ll say.” David reached out to touch the water. “Is it safe to drink?”
“It should be. Here, let me try something else.” The crystal glowed once more. As before, nothing seemed to happen. The water continued to build up into a little pool, its edge drawing closer to where the shelf dropped away steeply. As it reached the tipping point, it tumbled down the hill in a small waterfall. Only then did David realize that the dirt was being washed away by the water to reveal a stone basin in which the water was collecting. Within moments the water was clear as glass. “There,” Kamina said, putting the crystal away. “It is now as clean as I can make it.” Reaching in, she cupped her hands and brought the water to her lips. “It’s nice and cold, too.” Then she filled her water pouch.
David followed her lead, albeit hesitatingly. After his first sip, though, he filled his pouch eagerly. “Remind me to invite you on our next camping trip,” he said with a grin. She grinned in return.
“I don’t remember that being here.”
They both jumped as Tanner walked up, frowning curiously at the newly sprung well.
“We were out of water, so I thought I would find us some,” Kamina explained, rising to her feet and dusting herself off. David did the same beside her.
Tanner nodded, but he did not look pleased. “From now on, we should avoid using essence as much as possible.” He looked up at her. “We don’t want to draw unnecessary attention.” His frown suddenly deepened. “When did that happen?”
Kamina was about to ask him what he meant when she realized that he was staring at her hair. Hastily, she shoved her hat back onto her head. “That’s nothing.”
Tanner ran a hand over his face, and suddenly he seemed much older. “It’s not nothing,” he murmured.
“It’s just stress,” David shot back in her defense, stepping closer to her protectively.
“Sure it is,” Tanner replied flatly, turning away and standing with his back to them. Nothing was said for several long, tense moments. Then he sighed deeply. “Could I, uh, have a moment alone with her?”
“What for?” David crossed his arms over his chest.
“There’s something I need to discuss with her, and her alone.”
“I’m sure you have nothing to say to her that couldn’t be said to me as well,” the younger man said defiantly.
Tanner spun around, his eyes glinting. “I think that should be up to her to decide, not you.”
For a brief moment, David looked abashed. His gaze shifted to Kamina questioningly. She froze, not knowing what she should do. What might Tanner say to her that he would think she’d like to keep secret? She couldn’t quite read his face, only that he was rather distressed. There didn’t seem to be anything nefarious there. Slowly, she nodded to David. “It’s ok. I’ll be all right.”
“Since we’ll be keeping a watch, you can start your shift now,” Tanner added. “Keep your eyes sharp and your ears honed for anything out of the ordinary, understand?”
Scowling, David nodded and turned and reluctantly walked away. He kept within eyesight but allowed the others enough distance to talk privately. Tanner and Kamina moved to sit just outside the cave.
After one final glance at David, Tanner turned to the girl. “There’s no use denying it, Kamina. I have seen it, and clearly David knows about it.” He fixed her with a hard gaze. “When did it start happening?”
Kamina glanced sideways at him before dropping her head. He was right. There was no hiding it from him now, so she may as well answer his questions and get it over with. “I first noticed it right before we left Ridgewood.”
Tanner nodded slowly, turning his head to stare blankly at the ground in front of him.
“You really don’t think it’s stress?” Kamina asked meekly.
His gaze slid to hers again. “No,” he said quietly, shaking his head.
She swallowed hard. “Then what else could it be?” Tanner stared down at his hands and didn’t answer right away. Kamina felt her stomach twist uneasily. “Please, if you know something, I have to hear it.”
“Yes,” he murmured in a low voice, “of course. You should know.” Burying his face in his hands, he paused once more, searching for the right words. She watched him closely, fidgeting anxiously. Her hands felt like ice where they lay clasped together in her lap. When he looked up at her again, his face was drawn and tired. “Your father wasn’t Amaranthian, Kamina.”
She didn’t like the way he said it. “What was he?”
“He—he was a Winter Mage.”
The air suddenly felt thick and heavy, and Kamina’s throat went dry. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
Tanner looked at her once more. “Your father was a Winter Mage. That is why your hair is turning white. Something has...triggered it to change.”
A nervous laugh escaped her. “But—but—that’s not possible,” she argued, her voice rising. “It can’t be. You must be mistaken.”
Tanner threw a pointed look in David’s direction.
Kamina settled down. “That makes even less sense than my hair changing due to stress,” she insisted in a softer voice. “If that was true, wouldn’t I have been born with white hair? You must be wrong.”
“I am not,” he said quietly but firmly. “I don’t know how it works. Maybe stress was indeed the trigger, but one thing I do know is that I lost my daughter to them before you were born. I spent every waking moment the year she disappeared trying to find her, tracking her down.”
His eyes reflected a deep, conflicted pain. Suddenly a vision passed before her eyes: a father wandering the wilds in search of his lost child, alternately struggling with determination and hopelessness as he faced hunger and exposure and an overwhelming sense of loss. His body was worn down to a haggard, weathered shadow of what it had been. Tears burned the corners of her eyes as the color drained from her face. That man now sat beside her. “Did you ever find her?” she whispered.
He turned away, but not before she saw the anguish. “By the time I did, it was too late,” he answered hoarsely.
“I...I’m sorry.”
“They killed her,” he continued, his voice now colored with anger. “She had an infant child, and they killed her and left the child by the body of her mother to cry until death claimed her, too.”
Kamina blanched at his words.
“I saw two warriors approach a cave with a captive.” His voice was soft and distant as he drew on his memory. “Although I couldn’t see her clearly, I saw enough to be certain it was my Aleya. By the time I reached them, the warriors were leaving. Dread filled me. I almost couldn’t breathe.” Tanner’s hands clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white. “When I entered the cave, she was there, stretched out, arms folded as if she had been part of some ceremony.” He spat in disgust. “Her colored was drained, her body too still. She did not even stir when I yelled. That’s when I knew I was too late.” His voice faltered, and he turned his head away. Kamina thought she saw his shoulders shake.
At his words, she didn’t know what to think. Her mind was swirling, and she felt numb.
“I don’t know how long I was there,” he murmured. “But I realized that I had to get you to a nurse soon or you wouldn’t survive, either. So I said my goodbye, took you into my arms, and left.” He shook his head, his face screwing up in pain. “I wanted to give her a proper burial, but I’ve never been able to find her again.”
Kamina just stared, unable to move after this revelation. Had her mother really been part of some ritualistic killing by one of the most feared groups in Talland? Had she really been so close to death that if Tanner hadn’t found her right at that moment, she wouldn’t be here today? Did she really owe her life to this man sitting next to her?
Despite the pain in her heart about the fate of her real mother and the suffering this man had endured, one question burned in her mind. “Are...are you sure my father was...one of them?” she asked after several minutes had passed.
“Who else could it have been?” Tanner snapped. Then his expression softened. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” His eyes widened as the endearment slipped out and he stiffened, as if afraid of how she might react.
She only smiled sadly at him. “Maybe that’s why they killed her, because they found out the child wasn’t one of theirs,” she offered hopefully.
Tanner’s eyebrows shot up as he shrugged listlessly. “I had considered that at one point, to be honest. But now,” he glanced at her hair again, “the answer is rather obvious.”
“But I’m not one of them,” she said emphatically.
“Oh no! Of course not, no.” Tanner reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I would never think that. You shouldn’t be condemned for what is in your blood. It is only what is in your heart that matters—er, th-that is,” he stammered, his cheeks reddening slightly, “your metaphorical heart.”
Kamina couldn’t help the strangled laugh that escaped. Tanner gave her a sheepish smile in return, clearly embarrassed by the slip. She hesitated a moment then gave the man a quick hug. “Thank you for saving my life.”
She felt him squeeze her back. “I’m glad I was there to save it,” he said gruffly. When he pulled back, the affection for her in his eyes made such a stark change to his appearance just moments before.
“I’m going to find out what happened to her,” she said quietly. “After all of this is over, I’m going to find out what happened to my mother, and we will have a proper ceremony for her.”
His eyes widened, and he shook his head. “No, you can’t do that. You can’t go near them. Promise me you won’t go near them.”
She was startled by his urgent plea. “I don’t plan on going near them,” she assured him. “I just want to help you find her.”
“It happened too close to one of their camps,” he said. “You can’t go back without getting near them, and if they find you—” He released an exasperated sigh. “If they find you, they’ll take you, especially if they think you’re one of their own. Then I will lose you, too.”
They stared at each other for several heartbeats. Then Kamina slowly nodded.
~~~
When Tanner relieved David for the watch, David found Kamina sitting up just within the entrance to the cave. They didn’t have a fire since they didn’t want to risk being seen, but his eyes had long been adjusted to the starlight. She sat with her legs pulled up against her chest, and she was staring out into the forest below them.
“Hey,” David said softly, sitting down beside her. “How did it go?”
She didn’t answer right away, and David began to wonder if she had even heard him. Then she shifted. “I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I...it’s going to take some time to process.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
She shook her head. “I will tell you about it someday, but I’m not ready yet.”
David nodded, tamping down the curiosity that had been burning in his mind ever since Tanner had his talk with her. “If there’s anything I can do, just tell me.”
A moment later, he felt her hand slip into his. “Thank you,” she whispered.
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Post by Iron Kaiser on Sept 24, 2015 11:36:13 GMT -8
The Cave of Secrets
"Incredible."
Only moments ago, Chres Harwick walked among the forests of the Timber Pallisades, wondering how long it would take before he would be at the Greenwood Ranger compound. Teriel had assured him they were close, but he didn't think they were that close.
"It is pretty incredible, isn't it?" Teriel responded.
A simple turn down an unmarked, unassuming path, and the two stood before a perfectly hidden enclave. A ring of crystal water marked out the sanctuary, with a single wooden bridge allowing access to the land within. In the center of the encircled land, a lone pedestal of white stone stood. Finally, a massive structure of white stone at least thirty feet high and twice as wide loomed over the ring. The bunker was built into the side of the mountain, so there was no way of determining how large the bunker really was.
"Take a look," Teriel said. She quickly passed by the water and the pedestal to the door.
"It's centuries old, but I don't understand how it works. There's no opening mechanism, nothing even close to a lever or button. And I can't brute-force my way in."
Tracing her hand across the seam of the massive door, Teriel turned to look at her compatriot. But to her surprise, the Dashalian was kneeling down, looking at the grass surrounding the pedestal.
"Why is the grass trimmed?"
"I don't know," she shrugged. "I never noticed."
"And look, the grass here seems more vibrant than outside the ring."
"So that means... what, exactly?"
"Either somone's living in there and has an interest in lawn care, or we're dealing with ancient magic."
A look of surprise flashed across Teriel's face. She turned back to the door with newfound interest.
"So we need to use magic to open the door," she said.
"Maybe." Chres said, picking himself up from the ground. "I hope not, though. I'm an archeologist, not a wiza-Aghr!"
Teriel rushed back to Chres, only to find him splayed out on the ground.
"I'm fine, it's just my leg," he said, waving her off as he reached for his walking stick. "We must look really pathetic right now, huh?"
Indeed, the two explorers were hardly in fit condition. Chres' leg hadn't had nearly the time needed to heal properly. He'd hobbled up the mountain as often as he walked. The walking stick pricked at his pride, but it was better than tripping over everything and nothing in the forests. Even worse, at least in Chres' mind, was the phantom pain where his rifle used to hang. Teriel had later told him that the sniper's tool was ruined during the fall off the mountain. She had a spare sword that now hung around his waist, but he had very little training in sword use. No, he considered himself practically defenseless in this strange land.
Teriel didn't look much better. Where earlier, Chres had fought a hurtling metal behemoth of imposing death, he now stood beside a young woman doing her best to put all the pieces together. Her suit of armor had been effectively tarnished during their fight. She still wore her metal gloves, as well as the harness and wires that controlled their amazing abilities. But she was far less imposing in the grease-smeared smocks of an engineer than in the royal war machine. The lines on her face spoke of a woman who was pushing herself beyond her capabilities, and Chres noticed the way she cradled one of her arms. But her eyes betrayed determination rather than pain.
"Speak for yourself," she said with mirth. She offered him a hand and quickly pulled him up off the floor. "There you go. Now stop playing on the ground and help me open this door."
"Fine, fine." Chres responded, walking over to the door. Teriel immediately turned back to examining the door itself, but Chres' attention was pulled to the engravings bordering the door.
"Hey, take a look at this," he said, pointing to the frame.
"What?" Teriel replied.
"See this artwork?" The Dashalian's finger tracked across the frame. "The sun... darkness... the moon... darkness..."
"I don't get it."
"It's a classic religious expression. I saw a lot of the same imagery in the Ryn desert. Look, see how the sun stands apart, the rays shooting forth from it? And how the darkness stands far apart from the sun? The darkness represents the sin and evil in the world, and the sun represents perfect Divine goodness. The sun, or God, stands totally apart from the darkness, or evil."
"Okay...?"
"And here, the moon is surrounded by the darkness, but the rays push out the darkness from inside. The moon reflects the rays of the sun from within the darkness and fights against it. The moon, it represents the goodness in the world. While God stands apart from the evil and fights against it, His people within the world fight evil in its midst."
"Neat. But how does this help us open the door?"
Chres walked over to the stone pedestal in front of the door.
"Here, look, there's a carving of a book on top of this pedestal. 'Behold, the words of the prophet of God...' Scripture. So the sun is accounted for."
"I've already looked," Teriel shook her head. "There's no lever or button anywhere around the pillar."
"Sun and moon, sun and moon..." Chres muttered repeated, pacing back and forth. "You learn the truth in Scripture, you learn that you are in darkness, you are baptized in the 'sun's rays' and thereby become like the moon, a beacon of light within the darkness."
Chres came to rest upon the pillar. "I'm willing to bet that the secret would reveal itself at night."
"You think the door opens at night?"
"Maybe..." Chres muttered. As he thought, his eyes turned to the horizon. A lone tower, weathered by the centuries, stood on a nearby mountain peak.
"Hey, isn't that the same tower-"
"Where we fought? Yeah. It was a watchtower. Even from there, you wouldn't be able to see this place unless you already knew where to look."
"Yeah, yeah," Chres said hurredly. He rushed around behind the pillar and, peering over the book, held his hand out to the tower. "The moon would come up over the horizon right behind that tower. I bet that centuries ago, that tower used to have some kind of mirror or glass on the roof. Maybe it still does..."
"That's a lot of betting you're doing, Lieutenant."
Chres walked around the pillar, peering and pointing at different spots in the sky. He ignored Teriel, who was tapping her foot with equal amounts anticipation and agitation at not following his train of thought. Finally, Chres stopped at the edge of the ring, between the pillar and the tower. Looking down, he noted that the water was deep.
"Hang on, I've got an idea," He said. He took off his shirt and plunged into the water. The water briefly stung his eyes and his leg, but he quickly acclamated to it. Diving down into the water, he noticed a small pocket, large enough to put a hand through, along the side of the wall. Floating down to it, he spied the lever. I knew it! he thought. Glancing up, he caught the very top of the tower bobbing with the water's edge. He grabbed the lever and pulled, but it refused to move. Planting himself against the wall, he heaved against the lever. Two, three times. But it did not move. Undoubtedly, the centuries had impacted the mechanism. Chres began to float up for breath, but a thought crossed his mind. Once more, he grasped the lever. His essence ring began to glow, and a pocket of pressure appeared around the device. The rush of wind danced about his hand. He pulled.
Ka-chink!
He heard a low rumbling coming from the surface. With a little burst from his ring, Chres rushed to the top of the water.
"You did it!" Teriel rushed to him, pulling him from the water.
"The moonlight would have reflected off of that tower," Chres said between deep breaths, pointing at the tower, "down into the ring here, right on top of the lever. The Scripture speaks of being cleansed of darkness. Well, the water would have been completely dark other than the moonlit path, and taking a bath is a physical cleansing and representative of the spiritual kind, and... well, it was a guess."
As Chres dried off and put his shirt back on, Teriel ran over to the now open door. Rather than secrets or treasures, as she expected, she found a tunnel. The path continued deep into the mountain, without end in sight.
"And look, the passage even speaks about baptism. I should've known." Chres said, still by the pedestal. He glanced up to see Teriel heading into the bunker.
"Wait!" He charged after her. The lady stopped and waited for him. "This is no vault," he added.
"No, it looks like a tunnel."
"Deep into the mountain," he agreed. "This place is more important that I realized."
"So we need to examine it," Teriel replied with a small amount of impatience. "It's even more likely now that this place has something to do with the monsters."
"Yes," Chres nodded quickly, "but the 'important places' in the Ryn desert were always loaded with traps, and we've seen at least one resemblance to them in the puzzle outside. There might be more up ahead. I should go first."
"I can handle myself," Teriel replied tersly.
"Of course, but I've got the experience in spotting and avoiding these traps. Just fall in line behind me, its safest for both of us."
Without waiting for a response, Chres marched into the cavern. A sudden yelp, and he nearly collapsed onto the floor. Teriel rushed up to him and caught him.
"Sorry," he said, "forgot my walking stick. Didn't see that rock."
"It's okay, I'll get it," Teriel said. "You're right. We should go slowly."
"But quickly enough to get to the bottom of this," Chres conceded. "Don't worry, Teriel. As long as we work together, we can handle this."
"I hope you're right."
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Post by Mishael on Oct 30, 2015 20:40:57 GMT -8
AND HERE...WE...GO!
“Just a little further,” Tanner called down to where Kamina and David were struggling to climb up behind him. Both had a rope tied around their waists and clutched tightly in their hands as they picked their way carefully up the steep hillside. It wasn’t quite sheer, but the going was rough; the rope was more for boosting confidence than actually providing support. Tanner had climbed up first and secured the rope. If he could make it, then they should be able to as well.
The rocks were slick with moss, and tall, ancient trees towered over them. The mountain face they were trying to scale was not too high, as the trees reached up beyond the ledge where he waited patiently for the younger two. All the same, it was high enough, especially with the nagging feeling that they were being watched. The forest was silent, eerily so.
With a quiet huff, David pulled himself up the last part of the climb, which was nearly vertical. As he crested the top, he saw that Kamina was in the process of de-tangling herself from the rope. Taking several steps away from the edge, he began doing the same.
“This is definitely the place,” Tanner said quietly, hands on his hips as he gazed up at the flat rock face about a dozen yards from where they stood. Or nearly flat. Looking a little closer, David could see that there was a definite impression, nearly ten feet high and approximately the same from side to side.
“What is it we’re looking at?” David asked as he untied the final knot and started coiling the rope around his arm automatically. Kamina followed their gaze and frowned thoughtfully.
“A secret door,” Tanner answered cryptically.
“Right,” David replied suspiciously, stepping closer to where Tanner stood in case the details of this door were just more difficult to spot from a greater distance. It didn’t help. “A secret invisible door?”
Tanner glared sideways at him and was about to make a snide remark in return when Kamina spoke first:
“Nearly so, but not quite,” she said softly. “I think I see something.”
David squinted and looked hard, but the rock continued to look as impenetrable as before. “Is this something you can actually see, or is it more of a sensing thing? Given, you know...” He waved his hand vaguely in the air.
Kamina grunted non-verbally and walked up to the wall cautiously. Tanner and David followed a couple steps behind. David glanced at the older man, wondering why he was remaining silent rather than explaining what exactly they were going to do next. Perhaps he didn’t know.
Squatting, Kamina inspected the ground, brushing at the dirt and pressing her hand flat as if feeling for something. Then her gaze drifted back up to the rock wall in front of her, and she leaned in close. David shifted nervously. “There is a space behind this rock,” she said at last. “I don’t see evidence of rock shifting on rock here, though. Not externally. So perhaps the door swings inward?” Turning, she looked at Tanner questioningly.
With a grim smile, Tanner nodded. “Correct. It doesn’t swing, though. It just shifts back into the tunnel, enough to allow someone in or out.”
“Wait,” David said, holding up a hand and narrowing his eyes at Tanner. “Have you been inside?”
Tanner shook his head. “No, not inside. But I have seen the door open.”
“Do you know how to open it, then?”
Again, the older man shook his head. “The last time I was here, I heard the shifting of the rock as I was passing nearby and came to investigate. I saw that the door was open, but I stayed out of sight. I didn’t know who or what might be going in or coming out.”
“It’s not very big for a monster’s hideout.”
“Well, there are different kinds of monsters out there,” Tanner reminded him with a stern look. “But no, I do not believe this to belong to a monster. It’s not even the primary entrance to whatever is in the mountain. I would wager it to be more of a maintenance tunnel or a backdoor of some sort.”
David frowned. “What exactly is in the mountain?”
Tanner shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
The younger man gaped. “What—you brought us here, and you didn’t even know what you were leading us into? What if this ends up being a trap? What if this has nothing to do with the missing people?” His voice rose with each question. “Which, I might add, is the only reason why we are out here in the first place.”
Tanner held up his hands in a placating manner. “Slow down, boy. You’re jumping to some might big assumptions there—”
“I think I might be able to figure out how to open this door,” Kamina said, cutting into their argument. While the men had been quarrelling, she had continued to study the door and had discovered some marks she was certain were not random. They both turned to her now, David looking wary and Tanner looking almost proud.
“It might not be a good idea,” David began.
“Do you just want to return to the camp after we’ve come this far?” Tanner countered, throwing an aggravated glance in David’s direction.
“I didn’t say that,” David growled back, hackles rising once more. “I just think it might be better if we wait to see if someone comes out first, see who might be using this tunnel, before we go barging in.”
“Let me just see what I can do first,” Kamina said calmly. “Perhaps if I open the door, we can then find a place to hide and see if it brings anyone to the door.”
“Who will then kill us the moment they find us,” David said, shifting nervously. “I don’t know if this is wise.”
“Getting cold feet, I see?” Tanner said in a low voice. “How do you expect to save your lady if you’re not willing to take the necessary risks?”
“Can we please stop this?” Kamina asked, a pleading edge in her voice. “I am certain that those we are looking for are in the mountain.” She turned her gaze to David. “This is our best chance to get inside. It’s clearly not a highly-used entrance, either, so our best chance of going undetected lies here as well.”
With a sigh, David lowered his head and took half a step back. “It looks like I’m outnumbered, anyway. If you think it’s safe enough, Kamina, I’ll trust you.”
“I didn’t necessary say it was safe,” she murmured as she turned back to the rock wall. She raised her hand and reached out. “But it’s—” Her voice was cut off as her hand came in contact with the rock. David saw her stiffen a split second before it happened.
A deafening crack filled their ears as if lightning had struck the ground at their feet, and they were all thrown back from the wall, landing painfully on the ground. David’s ears were ringing, and the ground swayed as he tried to sit up. He stared wide-eyed at the rock wall where now a clear outline of the door shone brilliantly, with strange forms of an unfamiliar language glowing on its surface.
A hand suddenly gripped his arm urgently, and he spun to see Tanner gesturing wildly behind them. David turned a bit more just in time to see Kamina slip backwards over the edge of the cliff they had climbed to get here. He could feel the cry in his throat, but his hearing was still impaired. For a moment, he worried that it might be permanent; but then he shoved the thought aside for the more important concern of getting to Kamina to make sure she hadn’t been injured. Or worse.
Both David and Tanner struggled to reach the place where she had disappeared. Neither could get to his feet, so they were forced to pull themselves along the ground. The wasted seconds nearly drove David to madness. He knew there had been something wrong with this place from the very start. There wasn’t one thing he could place his finger on, but something in the air had set him on edge the moment they made it to the top and stood in front of the door. He knew they shouldn’t have tried anything without further exploration, and now Kamina might have to pay the price for their hasty actions. No, David corrected. His hasty actions: Tanner’s. He could see it in the man’s eyes. He had suspected, hoped that Kamina might be able to open the door for him. Why Tanner was so eager to enter the mountain, David couldn’t even begin to guess. Sure, he had used the excuse of wanting to help find the missing people, to bring down their guard. He had even played on Kamina’s emotions, claiming some connection that David was certain had been a lie. Kamina was talented, that much was certain, and the very thought that Tanner intended to use her for his own purposes made David’s blood boil.
They both reached the ledge at the same time and peered down. David was afraid to look, afraid to find Kamina’s broken body partway down the steep hillside. What he found made his body turn to ice—or rather, what he didn’t find. There was no sight of Kamina anywhere, no indication of where she might have fallen. There wasn’t even a mark of blood or torn clothing, and yet he was certain that she had gone over the edge right here.
Dimly, he heard a voice calling. Turning his head, he saw that Tanner was yelling out Kamina’s name. A small wave of relief washed over him as he felt his hearing return, but it was little consolation. Then he, too, joined in calling out her name, turning back to search for any sign of her. Still nothing.
“I’m going down,” he heard Tanner say.
“No, wait,” David said, reaching out to grab his arm. He didn’t trust the man, but he couldn’t think of a good excuse to keep him from climbing down after her.
“I will only be a moment,” Tanner said gruffly. “I climb faster than you, and every second counts. You yell if you see anything.”
David nodded dumbly as Tanner eased himself down, not even bothering with the rope. “Perhaps you could get the rope ready,” Tanner called to him as he most swiftly away. “I will probably need help getting her back up.” David nodded again, looking around for the rope.
It was back near the wall, and a shiver ran down David’s back. He did not want to go near that thing, not now, not ever. The glow of the door had faded and was now quite faint. He inched near it, staying low to the ground, praying that it wouldn’t again do whatever it had done. As soon as his fingers brushed against the rope, he grasped it tightly and skittered away back to the edge. Nothing happened, but his heart was pounding in his chest. The air felt electrified, and he was ready to get away. He would even go back to the camp and face Jarren rather than attempt anything like that again.
But if Kamina was dead, would Jarren hold him responsible? Would David actually be able to lay all the blame at Tanner’s feet? No. He knew he had a part in all of this, from the beginning, and Jarren would definitely hold him accountable. David buried his face in his hands. This had gone horribly wrong way too soon.
With a grunt, Tanner appeared beside him once more. “I don’t understand,” he said, and David couldn’t ignore the worry and guilt in the man’s voice. “There’s no sign of her. I have no idea where she went. She’s probably unconscious, too, after a fall like that. I have heard no response from her.”
“You mean you didn’t find her?” David cried. He heard the break in his voice, but he didn’t care. Tanner shook his head. Without thinking, David leapt at him, grabbing the front of his coat and throwing him onto his back, David on top. His lips were curled back in a snarl. “None of this would have happened if you hadn’t let her try to open the door before we had a chance to investigate more!” he yelled, and Tanner visibly flinched.
“I know you’re upset, David,” Tanner bit back. “And maybe we should have waited more, but I had no idea this was going to happen! How was I to know?”
“You’re just using her!” David spat. “That’s all you needed us for. All you needed her for. To get you into the mountain!”
With a deep growl, Tanner shoved David, and they tumbled until Tanner was on top, holding David down while he struggled. “Calm down!” Tanner yelled. “Getting hysterical is not going to help her!”
David felt the burn of tears, and he turned his head away, closing his eyes. As much as he refused to admit it, Tanner was right. He ceased fighting against the other man’s hold. Right now, finding Kamina was priority. He would deal with Tanner after that. “What do you want me to do?” David ground out through clenched teeth.
Tanner watched him closely for several heartbeats. Then he released his hold, allowing David to sit up. “We’re going to scour this whole area. She is here somewhere. There’s no way she could have just disappeared.” His mouth flattened determinedly. “We are going to find her.”
~~~
Kamina’s head was pounding, and when she opened her eyes, she couldn’t see a thing. For a moment, she felt panic grip her chest, and her breathing quickened. But as the sound of her breath came back to her, she realized at once why her sight was failing her: she was in a cave.
How did she get here? And were Tanner and David somewhere nearby? Stretching out her arms, she was about to attempt sitting up when she discovered that the cave was quite narrow. She could feel rock on both sides of her. Tentatively, she reached upward. The ceiling was low, too low for her to sit fully upright. Her breathing quickened again as she fought against the fear that the walls were closing in on her. As she kicked her feet out, she discovered that there was room in that direction, as well as in the opposite direction. So she wasn’t in a cave but in a tunnel.
Still, the question of how she got here rang foremost in her mind. “H-hello?” she called tentatively. “David? Tanner?” Her voice was muffled by the rock, and there was no response. She tried calling louder, but to no avail. Turning over onto her hands and knees, she crawled forward until a rock wall blocked her path. However, here she found she was able to see somewhat. Craning her neck, she discovered that the tunnel extended above her, a shaft back to the surface. The light which filtered down to her was dim, as the entrance to the shaft appeared to be covered by some foliage. She tried vainly to climb up the shaft, but the angle was too steep and the rock too smooth. She only succeeded in sliding back down and bruising her feet. Gathering up her voice, she called out for the others again several times, pausing to listen each time. All she heard was the sound of blood rushing through her ears.
Then she heard it: a faint rustling sound, and then a scraping sound. Did someone hear her? She was about to call out again when she thought she saw the outline of someone peering down into the shaft. Hope stirred in her heart, and she was about to call up when two glowing slits appeared on the face far above her. She froze, terror gripping her in icy claws. The glowing slits widened as the creature stared at her, and then suddenly it was coming down the shaft. Biting back a strangled cry, Kamina turned tail and shuffled as quickly as she could down the tunnel in the other direction. Where it led, she had no idea, but she didn’t want to hang around and wait for this creature to reach her.
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Post by Iron Kaiser on Nov 9, 2015 19:48:02 GMT -8
So I missed out on something big yesterday! I've already mentioned that Chres and Anna have grown close. Chres keeps saying their relationship is purely professional. A natural consequence of our growing alliance with the Ryn natives. Doesn't keep the boys from joking about the thing between the Sergeant and the Princess. Frankly, I don't blame them. Chres is a bad liar. And yesterday proved it.
Apparently, last night, Chres, Ana, and Max split off from the group to explore some old ruins. Chres came back with this... magic gauntlet. Apparently, it's some old Ryn artifact. Whatever it is, though, Chres is beaming like a Tylean schoolgirl showing off an engagement ring. Reading between the lines, seems to me like that's exactly what it is. And it makes sense, too. They're a cute couple. Chres says that it's a powerful weapon that'll help us win the war.
I just hope I get invited to the wedding when it's all over.
~Grigs
--- Chres knew that they were there to hunt for monsters. If they were lucky, they'd discover the source of the threat plaguing Ridgewood and save a lot of lives. If they were unlucky, they'd both be dead before long. But a tiger can't change its stripes, and neither could the erstwhile historian ignore the etchings marked into the walls. "Look at these," Chres said more for himself than Teriel. "A history of the Timber Palisades. Incredible." He traced his finger across the image of a huntsman tracking deer, only to find Teriel staring at him. "So?" she asked. "Well, ah... this follows a pattern very similar to some of the digs we found in the Ryn Desert. So my guess is, if there are any traps in here, they'll be similar to what we ran into then." "Oh. Good thinking." Chres hobbled after Teriel, pleased that his pragmatic answer satisfied her. Of course, the truth was that he was simply drawn to these things, but something told him that she wouldn't appreciate that answer. So he was content to muse silently on the murals as they walked. "So, Chres, can you tell me about the Ryn?" Teriel asked without turning as they walked. "About their traps?" "No... I mean about... four years ago." "Oh." Chres replied. The War. He bowed his head for a moment in thought. How much did he really want to tell her? "Well, I joined the militia as part of my education. One of the perks of being a militiaman is that the government helps to pay for your education after your term is done." "So you joined before the fighting started." "Yes. I never thought I'd actually see combat. Morwin Kennis was clearly a bad guy, but nobody thought that he'd expand beyond Wesslingstock." Silence fell over their conversation for a few moments. Teriel wondered if Chres was already done saying what he wanted to. "Truly, though, I'd have joined even if I knew we were going to fight - especially if I knew we were going to fight," Chres continued. "When word got back to us of what the Kennisalians were doing... looting historical sites and destroying cultures... I was incensed. I threw myself into my training when I learned I'd have the chance to join the expedition. One of my friends and I made it, and we joined Lt. Palle's Ninth Battalion." "Maxwell Walken?" "Yes, Max," Chres said somewhat worriedly. Teriel must have read the diary, he thought. He wondered how much more she knew. "He'd been my best friend since childhood. I think he joined primarily because I was going. I know it wasn't for a reason as silly as mine..." "It makes sense to me," Teriel added. "Really?" "Yeah." "Well, thanks. But, looking back on it... I was foolish. It wasn't until we arrived in the Ryn desert that I realized what was really worth fighting for." Chres fell into a somber silence. After a few moments, he noticed that Teriel had stopped walking, waiting for him to continue. "The people," he said with finality. "It's always... sad, when we lose our connections to the past. But the real value in a dusty old vase isn't in the vase itself. It's in the ability for us and our children to connect with our ancestors. However wrong destroying thousand year-old temples is, it pales in comparison with the killing and enslaving that was happening to the Ryn." " Is happening." He hesitatingly added. "I see," Teriel said. She bowed her head in thought. "So that's where Ana comes in," she added quietly. "...yeah." Chres said. "I don't mean to pry," Teriel added. "No, I understand. It's just- careful!" Teriel froze in place at Chres' warning. He walked over to her and pointed at a nearby pillar. A pile of coins were stacked neatly on top of the pillar. "That's a trap," he said definitively. "You're sure?" "Yes. We saw the same thing in the desert. There's a pressure plate underneath those coins. I can't tell you how many mangled remains we found around those coin traps." "Amazing," Teriel responded. "The weight must be counteracting some lever underneath us, which would spring the trap." "I guess," Chres thought. He was reminded of the strange mechanical apparatus Teriel wore even now: the metal gloves and boots that were wired into her backpack. He hadn't the faintest idea how it worked, but she probably knew it like the back of her hand. "So don't touch the pillars. Got it." "Good." They marched deeper into the mountain. Now, Chres' eyes darted back and forth, looking for the tell-tale signs of more such traps. Still, after several minutes of walking without more such traps appearing, the silence grew deafening. "Anavaile Galereaper," Chres continued. "She was the daughter of a local chieftan. It was through her that we really connected with the Ryn people. The story of their suffering wasn't simply a newspaper article anymore. It was a real struggle. It became our struggle. They were the reason Kennis had to be stopped." "Then... what happened after Myrral?" Chres grew silent. How could he talk to her about Myrral? How could he ever explain Myrral to anyone? "Is that why you're here now?" Teriel asked. "No." Chres responded sharply before even fully grasping the thought. The idea that he had come to Ridgewood to... atone? "No," he said again, though seemingly more to himself than to Teriel. "I'm sorry." Teriel responded. Chres struggled to find something, anything, to say to change the subject. The conversation had become painful, as it always did when his thoughts returned to Myrral. It was then that he first noticed the magic. "Do you feel that?" Chres said. He ran forward a few steps, only to then realize that he was running. "Hey! My leg! It's better!" "Yeah," Teriel said, shaking her arm. "Me too. But why?" "It feels like we're near some kind of powerful magic. We must be getting close to the heart of the mountain." He said, dismissively throwing aside his walking stick. It was then that the heroes realized they were not alone. A golem of pure Timber Pallisade rock appeared behind Teriel, trapping their retreat back up the mountain. With surprising quickness, it crashed into Teriel, sending them both careening into the cavern wall. "Teriel!" Chres cried, before he was set upon by another such beast. The monster lunged at Chres, nearly grabbing him before he rolled away. "Don't worry about me!" Teriel responded. A whirring sound sang from her backpack, and the wires connecting to her limbs glowed white hot. She pushed back against the golem and sent him flying into the opposite wall with unhuman strength. Chres, meanwhile, dodged attack after attack from his opponent. After seeing the golem swipe wide and miss, Chres lunged the sword that Teriel had given him deep under the arm of his foe. It was a clean strike that would have killed any man. The golem effortlessly caught the blade with its body and snapped the weapon in two. Chres rolled away before sharing his weapon's fate. "How am I supposed to beat this thing?!" He cried. "I don't know!" Teriel said between trading blows with her foe. "Just stall it!" Instinctively, Chres used the magic of his quintessence ring to hurl a storm of debris at the golem. The rock monster was completely unfazed by the attack, and hurled its fist at Chres. Chres rolled under the attack, narrowly missing the devastating blow that destroyed part of the cavern wall. Meanwhile, Teriel's body blows chipped away at her golem's defenses. With every punch, bits of the monster would fly away. The monster moved with incredible rapidity, but Teriel matched its speed with practiced ease, countering every blow with a debilitating response. Chres was not so lucky. He marshalled his control of the wind to trip up the monster, but to no avail. The golem struck at Chres, shoving him to the ground. Chres pushed against him with a wind wall, trying desperately to keep the golem at bay. The golem pressed through anyway. But as it loomed over Chres, readily to deliver the final blow, the Dashalian realized how to win. Reaching out with his mind, he felt the magic swirling within the golem. In an instant, he felt every crevace and weakspot within the monster. His ring glimmered with arcane power, until it shone like a star. The golem raised its fist to pummel Chres, but in an instant was blown apart from the inside. Chres quickly cocooned himself with wind, shielding himself from the flying debris. Chres ran over to assist Teriel. With martial ease, she was pushed the golem back, deeper and deeper into the cavern. Chres was impressed with her skill, before he saw the danger. Across the floor behind the fighters lay a series of raised panels. He'd seen such panels in the Ryn catacombs. No one had survived tripping them. "Watch out!" Chres called out. It was too late. With a mighty uppercut, Teriel leveled the golem, sending it crashing down atop the trap panels. A series of clik sounds echoed around them. Chres had only a moment to catch a glint along the tunnel walls. "Run!" Teriel didn't need to be told twice. The two bolted into the darkness. A series of sounds rang out behind them. Shaa.... CHANG-CHANG-CHANG-CHANG...
Chres dashed through the tunnel with all his might. He knew better than to look behind him. In spite of the panic coursing through his mind, he could hear the crashing tempo behind him. It was just slightly faster than the pounding of his feet. He saw Teriel pull up ahead of him. Well, at least she might make it.The tunnel swerved left. Teriel braced for impact, slamming into the wall. Chres tried to avoid her, but she grabbed him as he rounded the corner. "Hang on!" She cried. The wires coursing down to her boots glowed white hot again. An explosive burst blasted the two deeper into the cavern and out of the grasp of the death chasing them. Chres could feel the incredible speed with which Teriel was dashing down the tunnel. Fear gripped his mind as he held onto her, both because he couldn't see ahead of them and because he could see what was behind them: panels bursting from the walls and crashing into each other with deadly force. "Whoa!" Teriel cried out. He felt them lean left, before crashing into another wall. He pushed himself to his feet, in spite of the pain. Teriel was already yanking him forward. "Come on, move!" Chres' legs screamed at him, but he threw himself into the sprint, willing with every ounce of his being to keep up with Teriel. He'd seen the mangled remains of the dead treasure hunters back in the Ryn desert. Some unconscious part of his being swore that he wouldn't join them. "Golem!" Before Chres even saw the camoflaged creature, Teriel lept into the air mid-sprint and smashed her fist through the golem. A rock arm flew off the Golem, bouncing across the corridor. Chres pushed against the limb with his magic, causing it to fly mere inches above his head. Crushed rock sounded through the tunnel moments later. "Where are we?!" Teriel yelled as they ran. The desperation, mingled with exhaustion, was clear in her voice. She couldn't keep this up much longer. He knew the feeling. "I don't know! We're going down, into the mountain!" The two skidded around another corner. Chres began his sprint, but stopped short of killing himself. Up ahead, a long chasm blocked off their route. "I can't jump that!" Teriel cried. Chres whipped around. The collapsing tunnel rushed toward them. Death flashed before his eyes. But he had another idea. "Can you burst again?!" He didn't wait for her answer, but immediately clasped himself around her. "Trust me!" He cried. The blast of Teriel's shoes sent them shooting through the cavern. Chres couldn't see the gaping maw, but knew it was close. The tunnel walls chased after them like an enraged animal. Chres held out his hand toward the hazard, revealing the blistering white glow of his quintessence ring. "Jump!" A moment later, and he felt the two of them launch into the air. On its own, it wouldn't be enough. They'd both die. The tidal wave of magic wind that Chres had charged tore ferociously through his ring. The gust blew Chres and Teriel apart, hurtling them helplessly through the air. Chres slammed into the rockface. He tumbled helplessly, like a ragdoll, through the tunnel. The sound of his own rolling kept him from hearing the chasing walls, and he knew he would be smashed at any moment. He couldn't keep running. Tetch it, he knew he wouldn't be able to lift a finger before it was all over. When the rolling finally stopped, Chres braced for the end. He waited. And waited. But the end never came. Fire burned in his chest and coursed through his legs, but Chres could live through that. Hesitantly, the Dashalian opened his eyes. His blurred sight cleared, and he saw the collapsed tunnel, frozen in place at the end of the chasm. A sobbing laugh he was incapable of uttering welled in his chest. He'd survived the gauntlet. "Ha... ha ha! HAAAAAA!" He heard beside him. To his utter relief, Teriel had made it too. Somehow, the pain in his chest subsided, and he quickly found himself joining in. "We're alive! We made it!" Teriel exclaimed between gasping breaths. Chres, exhausted by the effort, simply nodded vigorously. --- "Well, we're not going back that way," Chres said, staring at the blocked-off entrance. The two heroes had recovered their strength surprisingly quickly. Chres theorized that it was because of the powerful magic found within the mountain. Teriel countered that whatever the reason was, they needed to go before somebody found them. As Teriel began to trek into the heart of the mountain, Chres looked down at his hand. The quintessence ring had lost its shimmer. Blown out from the power, Chres mused. Useless. Without his sword or his ring, Chres was nearly defenseless. And whatever was down there, he needed to have a weapon. Teriel needed aid. And Grigs needed to be vindicated. I'm sorry, Ana, Chres thought, as he pulled a glimmering gauntlet from his backpack.
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Post by Mishael on Nov 10, 2015 15:08:36 GMT -8
IN THE DARK
Kamina prayed that the tunnel would not grow narrower as she pulled herself over the rocky surface on her hands and knees. She could feel her throat constricting at the very thought, and it was with great effort that she forced her limbs to keep moving. The blackness around her was thick and oppressive, but she could not risk taking the time to feel her way carefully through the dark. Her heart pounded in her chest as her breaths came out in anxious gasps, masking any sound of pursuit.
Was the creature still behind her? She was afraid to turn, afraid to stop and listen. Any hesitation would give it the opportunity to draw closer, and she couldn’t afford that. What the creature wanted with her, she didn’t know; but she had the unshakeable sense that it was not to return her to her friends.
What happened to David and Tanner? Were they hurt? Injured? Captured? In the flurry before the fall, she hadn’t had a chance to see if the door opened. Now that she thought about it, her hands still tingled from whatever barrier had guarded the hidden door, and the sensation seemed to be moving up her arms.
Stone scraped on stone. Kamina’s heart leapt into her throat. It was behind her! Without thinking, she shot a glance over her shoulder. The creature was not yet within arm’s reach, but it was quickly closing the gap between them. Its wide eyes stared at her unblinkingly, the unnerving gaze casting a golden glow on the rocks as it drew near. A wide mouth had appeared in the lower half of its face, glowing with the same pale light as it grinned eagerly in anticipation of its catch. It moved steadily toward her.
“No! Get away!” she screamed, scrambling away. Her voice was muffled in the tight, rocky corridor. The creature didn’t even react. It just kept coming. She scraped her knees on the rock as she hastily pulled away, a sob lodged in her throat. Any moment now, she knew, a hard, unfeeling hand would grip her ankle and pull her back mercilessly. It’s inevitable. Just give up now.
“No,” she ground out between clenched teeth. “I won’t let you take me.”
Her limbs were weakening. She felt herself slowing down. The panic she had held in check, even if just barely, suddenly broke free. She started hyperventilating as she felt the walls closing in. Her hands were burning, and she collapsed, shaking. The glow of the creature fell around her as it approached. Her ears began to ring, and a painful pressure built up in her head behind her eyes. She dug her hands into her hair, pulling and screeching from the rising pain and disorientation. She couldn’t get away.
A tremor ran through the rock around her, and she felt it resonate in her bones. Something brushed against her leg. Her body stiffened reactively, and lights burst in her eyes as her head slammed into rock. She slumped over, unconscious.
Awareness returned slowly. How much time had passed, Kamina couldn’t say. Every moment was dark in the heart of the earth. She stirred. Was she still in the tunnel? Weakly, she reached out and felt rock. Yes. But was it the same tunnel? There was no sign of the creature. Slowly she pushed herself to her knees again and attempted to move forward. Nothing stopped her. There was no sound of pursuit. A dull ache had settled deep within her skull. Her hands and arms still burned, and the tingling sensation was spreading. What did it mean? Had the creature done something to her?
Kamina felt a shift beneath her, and she had to brace herself against the rock to maintain her balance. Had the ground moved, or was she still disoriented? Pressing forward slowly, she soon discovered that the confusion had resulted from an upward turn in the tunnel. It was not steep, but it had a noticeable effect on her progress.
Now that she was no longer fleeing for her life, she could take her time and focus on her surroundings to keep from running into the wall or smacking her head on low hanging rock. Her eyes strained in the dark, longing for any hint of light. Suddenly she stopped, blinking hard. Her mind must be playing tricks. Very faintly, almost like ghost of an image, she thought she could discern some of the details of the rocks immediately beside her. Reaching out to tentatively to feel the wall to her left, she was shocked to find that what met her hand coincided with what her eyes were telling her.
It wasn’t possible. There was no source of light. There couldn’t be, not with how deep into the mountain she must be by now. Perhaps there was something luminescent in the rock here. It was the only option that possibly made sense. She wished she still had her essence crystal with her. She could use that for light if nothing else in this lifeless place.
A sigh escaped her. The crystal pendant was gone. Her pack had been on her when she reached for the door, but she must have lost it in the fall. It was gone when she woke up in the tunnel. Maybe David or Tanner would find it, but there was no guarantee she would ever see either of them again. Closing her eyes, she fought back tears. Now was not the time for breaking down. If she was going to have a chance to survive this, she had to keep going, to see where this tunnel led.
With an unexpected, heart-wrenching lurch, the ground ahead of her fell away. Kamina lost her balance and tumbled forward with a cry, cut short as she hit the ground again only a couple feet down. Dazed, she sat up slowly, rubbing her chin where it had hit the stony floor.
Clearly the narrow tunnel ended here. But where exactly was here? Moving cautiously, she found that she was able to stand again—and that she did, stretching gratefully, hoping to ease the pain that was building in her muscles. She could breathe easier now, too. But was this another tunnel, or was it merely a room, a dead end?
A preliminary search revealed that the ceiling was high, higher than she could reach, and the far wall was several yards away from where she had entered. The room extended both to her right and to her left, giving her the impression—hope?—that it was actually another tunnel. The floor was smooth, unlike that of the cramped space she had just been traveling through. The walls were clearly cut from stone, but they, too, were smoother than they would be were this cave purely natural. The excitement that stirred within her was soon eclipsed by fear. Which way should she go? The blackness stretched in every direction.
“I’m going to die in here.” Her voice fell flat on her ears. A chill spread over her body. She was lost, completely and utterly alone. Her parents may very well be in this same mountain, but there could be miles and miles of tunnels separating them for all she knew. In the darkness, she could easily end up turning circles until she died of exhaustion or dehydration. The idea of crawling back the way she came grew into a serious temptation. But what if that creature was still in there, blocking her only sure means of escape? She shook her head. It wasn’t a sure way out. The shaft she had originally fallen into was too long and too smooth for her to climb out. Her only hope would be if someone discovered the opening and lowered a rope for her.
The pressure was back. Clutching her head, she fell back against the wall and slid to the ground, rocking slightly. “What am I going to do? I can’t do this. Why am I here? Why didn’t I listen? Why couldn’t I leave this to those who know what they’re doing?” Tears stung her eyes and burned her cheeks. “I’m going to die. I’m going to die.” Her breathing quickened, and the pain continued to spread.
The sound stopped her heart. Stone scraping on stone. She turned her head in horror. On her right, she spotted the unmistakable glow of opening eyes. A second set appeared further back. The heads turned slowly until they both stared at her, the eyes widening as they located their target. “No...no, no! No!” She scrambled backward, away from them, unable to take her eyes off of them. Grins spread on both of their faces. Her heart felt as if it was going to explode as fear flooded her veins with fire and ice. Ponderously, they began to move toward her. She pulled herself to her feet, keeping her hands along the wall as she stumbled away in the opposite direction.
The creatures were not quick to start, but they were steady and persistent and soon gained enough speed to keep her on the move, not allowing her any chance to rest and catch her breath. She sobbed as she ran, unable to help herself, horrible images running through her mind of the things those creatures might to do her when they caught up with her. No doubt they were strong and could pull her apart with ease.
Not being able to see, she had to rely solely on where the tunnel was taking her, and that only as far as the left wall guided her. Was there only one tunnel, or had she ended up down one of its branches? What would she do if she found herself trapped?
Their steps never faltered as they came for her, silent and grinning and relentless. Further and further she ran, despite the pain shooting through her legs and arms, despite the growing migraine in her head, despite the needles in her lungs as she drew each breath. She would rather collapse unconscious than face those creatures head-on.
Just when she thought she could run no further, her end was thrust suddenly upon her.
The wall took a sharp turn and then slowly curved back. As she followed it, she knew that the curve was too steep, and dread settled in the pit of her stomach as her mind began to fill in the mental image. Pressing herself against the wall, she gasped in dismay as her hunters soon entered behind her. One stopped, guarding the way they had just come, while the other approached her confidently.
So she was right. She had trapped herself in a room with no way out. Her body shook violently. Her breathing was ragged and heavy. Her vision began to swim as she became light-headed. It was at that point when the hallucinations started. Pain coursed through her body like an electrical current. The air around her shone with a pale blue light, and she felt her hair rise as with static charge. Her mind grew numb and detached.
A shockwave blasted the room, and the creatures crumbled to dust. Kamina stared at her hands dumbstruck. Had she done that? But how? What was going on in this mountain? What was happening to her?
Pain overrode all her other senses, and she collapsed once more.
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Post by Mishael on Nov 20, 2015 20:37:58 GMT -8
OUT OF THE FRYING PAN...
“I don’t understand it!” David growled, kicking his pack where it lay on the ground. “We were literally here moments after she fell. How could there be no trace of her whatsoever?”
“I don’t know,” Tanner answered, his own irritation barely masked. “It would seem there is something else going on here. We have both been over every inch of this area twice.” He ran a hand anxiously over his face and then up through his hair. “The only explanation I can think of is that someone has taken her.”
A half-crazed laugh tumbled out of David’s mouth. “That makes me feel much better about being here,” he said with a nervous glance around them. “And who exactly would that be, since you ‘know things’?”
Tanner met David’s desperate, angry glare with a steady one of his own. “I don’t know everything, boy, and I would appreciate a bit more respect in your tone.”
“Why?” the younger man demanded, throwing his hands in the air. “What have you done to deserve it? All you’ve done is lead us to this dead end and get Kamina captured by who-knows-what.” He turned away hastily, grinding his teeth and clenching his fists tightly. He knew he was taking his anger at himself out on Tanner, but it wasn’t as if the man didn’t deserve it.
Tanner sighed heavily, and David heard the rustle of clothing as the older man wearily lowered himself to the ground. “We will find her,” he said quietly, although it sounded more like he was trying to convince himself than reassure David.
Throwing a quick look over his shoulder, David almost felt sorry for him, almost regretted his harsh words and negative attitude over the past couple hours. But it was Tanner’s fault they were here and Tanner’s fault that Kamina was missing. “We need to go get help.”
At David’s words, Tanner’s head shot up. “What are you talking about?”
“We have to go back to the camp.” Stooping, David retrieved his pack, checking its contents before securing it to his back. “They’re wanting to get into the mountain, anyway, right? Here’s a door. While they’re working on that, we can get extra eyes on the search.” He looked at Tanner. “If she really has been taken, then there must be some sign somewhere that we have missed.”
“Whoever took her would be long gone by now,” Tanner argued. “And more people here means more opportunity for any sign that might have been left to be trampled.” He eyed David. “It will take us hours to get back to the camp, and hours to get back here, not to mention the time it would take to dismantle the camp. We’ll be far too late.”
“Well, then, what do you suggest?” David demanded, his voice rising in frustration. “Sit here and see if they come back for us?”
Tanner didn’t answer, and he very obviously avoided David’s eye.
“You can’t be serious,” David muttered, incredulous.
“No, not really,” Tanner sighed, but David could tell he only half meant it. “I suppose the more people know that she’s missing, the more likely someone might find something, whether here or there.” Shoving his hat back on his head, he pulled the brim down to shield his eyes. “Let’s get moving then. There’s no time to waste.” Rising to his feet, Tanner took one last look around the area and then led the way back down.
David had expected a bit more arguing, given how reticent Tanner had been to leaving, but he wasn’t going to complain. Not that he didn’t understand the other’s hesitation. What if by walking away they lost the last chance they had of finding Kamina? Tanner was clearly as upset by her loss as David was, or nearly so, and it wasn’t simply because he missed out on his chance to get inside. David would expect more anger and less of the outright panic he caught in Tanner’s eye if that was the case. In a strange way, it made David feel a little better.
Now that they were going back to the camp, fear of actually facing Jarren and explaining what happened fell heavily on David. He was already feeling ill over the sudden and unexplained disappearance of his old friend, terrified that they may never find her. Something had been between Jarren and Kamina in the past, that much he could see. What would Jarren’s reaction be to learning that she was missing? Given how angry he had been that she had even sneaked into the camp, David felt himself tremble at the prospect of being the bearer of that bad news.
Tanner said nothing as they descended. David didn’t encourage any conversation, either. There was nothing to be said, not at this point. As they stepped out onto an outcrop that gave a view of the land before them, Tanner withdrew his binoculars from his belt and peered through them silently.
David stared out in the direction of Ridgewood as his mind drifted to the events of the past several months. What horrors had Kaly and the others gone through when they were taken? Were they actually still alive? What would he do if they found everyone dead? His throat tightened painfully at the possibility. What was happening to their world? Why couldn’t everyone just have a normal life, doing honest work, raising families, living fully and at peace with everyone else? Why did there have to be monsters? Why did so many people have to suffer, innocent people who just wanted to be left alone? Why was the world such a cruel place sometimes? Was there any hope in the end?
“That’s what I was afraid of,” Tanner grunted as he scouted the area, shifting his binoculars and searching the hills carefully.
“What?” David asked, straining to see whatever Tanner had seen.
“The camp has moved.” He pointed to where it had been, but David couldn’t see anything from where they stood. “If I’m reading things correctly, I believe they have been traveling in that direction,” Tanner said, moving his hand toward their left and following the ridgeline of the hills. “How long they’ve been traveling, I couldn’t say. They may have packed up and moved out at first light, or they may have left at midday. I can’t tell from here how fast they’re moving in this wilderness.”
“What does that mean?” David asked, trying but failing to see whatever it was that Tanner detected through his enhanced sight. “What are we going to do?”
“Well,” Tanner said, taking a deep breath and lowering the binoculars, “we could continue on and return to where the camp was, try to pick up their trail from there. Or,” he glanced sideways at David, “we could cut across the country and meet them where they’re at now.”
David had the feeling that Tanner preferred the second option and was watching to see the younger man’s reaction. Diving back into the trees on an estimated course to potentially meet up with the others—and that only if Tanner’s calculations were correct—was taking a great risk, especially given everything that was happening in these mountains. David would have to place his entire trust in Tanner, believing that he knew what he was doing and that he wouldn’t get them killed.
The recent failure to keep everyone safe was fresh on both of their minds. The look that passed between them confirmed it. But Tanner had so far proved himself competent in the wild, and David had already been placing his fate in the other’s hands since he and Kamina had agreed to follow him up the mountain. In the end, the only difference between going back to where the camp had been and trying to cut across the landscape to catch up with where they were now would be a matter of hours of traveling. If they could save time by following Tanner’s way, then they may as well go for it. David doubted one way was safer than the other.
“You’re sure you can find them?” David asked, shooting a skeptical look at Tanner.
The older man nodded. “It’s not as easy hiding a group of men as it is two or three. There will be signs we can follow. As it is, I have a pretty good idea where they are now.”
David stared out at the hills. The dread that had been growing within him did not abate, but it did not increase, either. He couldn’t give up now. Things had gone too far, and running away in fear was not an option. “Very well. Lead the way.”
~~~
Fire coursed through her veins. Kamina could feel it as it flowed through every part of her, could sense the rush with each beat of her heart. It hurt. She longed to cry out, to beg for relief, but she was immobilized. Her limbs would not respond to her command. Her eyes would not open. The only awareness she had was of this pain as it filled her body.
There was no way to tell how long she lay sprawled on the ground of that room, surrounded by the dusty remains of her pursuer. Was she dying? Was that the reason for this merciless, fiery ache? Perhaps she should just give in to it, embrace it, and allow it to sweep her away.
Gradually, the shock and the agony faded. It wasn’t gone, she knew; she merely had grown used to it. Accepted it. It was her life now.
Her arm twitched. Slowly, she blinked her eyes open, expecting blinding darkness as before. So it was that she was surprised to see that remnants of the blast remained on the wall and floor near her, dimly glowing blue. She stared at it for several minutes, her mind struggling to comprehend what it was seeing and what had happened. She couldn’t seem to hold onto a coherent thought.
At last she struggled to push herself into a sitting position. The room swayed slightly and then fell still. A faint buzz rang in her ears, but shaking her head only served to compound the headache that hovered just beneath the surface. Groaning and putting a hand to her face, she carefully stood to her feet.
She had to get out of there before more creatures came and trapped her once more. Stumbling for the doorway, she barely registered the fact that her sight wasn’t nearly as restricted as it had been before. Even in the hallway, she was able to discern the wall nearest to her and the floor at her feet. Without thinking further on it, she pressed herself forward.
She had no idea where she was going. Her feet merely carried her along. It took most of her energy just to keep the pain at bay, to keep it from overwhelming her again. Her senses felt simultaneously heightened and dulled, overloaded to the point where she had a difficult time determining what was real and what was phantom.
“I have to get there...I have to get there...”
Where “there” was, she had no clue. She couldn’t even remember why she was in here. What madness had driven her into this darkness? What could possibly be so important that she would endure this pain to reach it?
Something ahead of her moved. She froze, staring hard into the dark, willing her sight to pierce the impenetrable. Something soft brushed against the floor, and her head jerked sideways, listening intently. Voices. Whispering. Someone was here.
“Show yourself!” At least, that’s what she meant to say. The sound in her ears was more of a moaning cry, and she startled herself with it, her hand flying to her throat.
Further down the tunnel, two figures slowly stepped out from the wall. Each bore glowing quintessence crystals, casting their features in a mix of light and shadow. Their faces were masked, light shining from the eyes and along carved patterns in the masks themselves. Kamina tensed as her heart pounded. These were living beings, not the stone creatures she had encountered before. But that did not mean they were friendly. On the contrary, they stalked toward her, crouching as they moved as if ready for a spring attack. One held a weapon in his hand. It may have been a spear. She couldn’t tell.
She also couldn’t move again. The taller of the two was holding his hand out toward her as he murmured under his breath. Panic set in. Breaking free of whatever trance she was in, she made a mad dash for the taller, unarmed man, snarling like a wild animal. Throwing herself at him at the last moment, she caught both of the men off guard by her sudden movement. She and the man tumbled across the floor, each scrambling for a hold on the other. The other man tossed his weapon aside and joined the fray, pulling on the girl to get her off his companion. She managed to slide some fingers beneath the taller man’s mask before the other one yanked her forcefully off of him. As she was pulled away, so was the mask.
She gasped. The man’s eyes shone with a brilliant blue-white light, set in a thin, pale face surrounded by pure white hair. She collapsed, shaking. A Winter Mage!
He rose up before her, his gaze fierce. From his side, he removed something, moving deftly as he strapped thick leather cuffs on her, covering from her wrists to halfway up her forearms. Even as he did so, she felt the fire within her die down, as if water had been thrown onto a flame. Her energy quickly drained away so that she no longer had the power to fight back, much less the will. Slumping back against the wall, she stared up at him, dazed. He was watching her as well, a strange, unreadable expression on his face. Turning his head slightly while keeping his eyes on her, he muttered something to the other man, but the words were gibberish in her ears.
The pain had been managed, but her mind was still dulled. Kamina was only vaguely aware as they pulled her back to her feet and marched her down the tunnel, continuing in the direction she had been traveling. There was no hope of rescue now. No one ever escaped the Winter Mages and lived.
Not even after two and a half decades.
~~~
The group had stopped and was now setting up another temporary shelter as David and Tanner cautiously approached the edge of the new encampment. Given that the sun was nearing the horizon, it wasn’t a surprise that they were settling in for whatever the night might bring.
David would never admit it aloud, but he was impressed with Tanner’s tracking skills. They had moved swiftly and efficiently through the forest, Tanner pausing at every available outlook to confirm their position and their destination. It was hard work; there was no getting around that. And Tanner did not coddle David in any way. He expected the young man to keep up and hold his own. There were a few times when David wished the situation might be different, as it would be fascinating to learn survival skills from this man who had clearly spent a lot of time in the wild.
While David was grateful that they passed over the countryside fairly unimpeded, he couldn’t help feeling nervous at the relative ease with which they moved. He had expected the mountains to be crawling with creatures and monsters, but they hadn’t seen a single animal. That almost unnerved him more, as if everything was merely building to an imminent, dreadful climax.
“Now, when we get in,” Tanner spoke in David’s ear as they stooped side-by-side, peering between the trees and watching the men move about, “let me do the talking. Don’t interrupt. Don’t object. Do you understand?”
David frowned, but before he could say anything, something cold and hard pressed against his neck. He stiffened as a voice from behind them barked, “Stand slowly and keep your hands where I can see them.”
Out of the corner of his eye, David saw that Tanner was in the same position, with the barrel of a gun held to the base of his head. They both rose cautiously, keeping their hands out and visible. A hand brushed against David’s side, removing what weapons he had strapped to his body.
“Who are you and what are you doing here?” the voice demanded harshly.
“I am Deputy Tanner of Narrowvale, and this young man is with me,” Tanner spoke, his voice surprisingly confident given their situation. David obeyed Tanner’s earlier request and kept his mouth shut. “We are part of your company from Ridgewood.”
A disbelieving snort came from behind them. “If you are part of the company, then what are you doing lurking out here, looking for all of Talland like spies?”
“We left yesterday per Captain Galfrea’s orders,” Tanner explained calmly. “However, since our departure, an issue has arisen that we must bring to his attention immediately.”
There was a slight pause. “Why did the Captain send you away?”
“That is confidential business. You will have to ask him about it directly.”
The man holding the gun to Tanner reached out and gripped his arm painfully. There was a hiss as Tanner sucked in air between his teeth. “You have not given me any reason yet not to dispose of the two of you here and now,” the man growled.
“And if Captain Galfrea finds out what you’ve done to us without giving us a chance to talk to him, you will be in for more trouble than you’re prepared to handle,” Tanner spat back, grimacing as the hold on him tightened.
David felt the man behind him step closer. “The Captain doesn’t need to know,” the man said in a low, menacing voice, causing David to shudder. Words were trapped in David’s throat. He longed to plead their case, but he knew he would do far worse than anything Tanner might come up with. He just prayed that they would get out of this alive.
“What is going on here?” an authoritative voice interrupted. Reflexively, David tried to turn to see who it was. The man behind him grabbed him roughly, shoving the muzzle of the gun painfully against his spine.
“We caught these two snooping at the edge of camp,” the man holding Tanner said, disgust and distrust evidence in his voice. “They claim to have information for Captain Galfrea.”
“Has someone been sent to inform the Captain?”
“No,” the other man answered hesitantly. “We only just captured them. There hasn’t been time—”
“Do it.” The command was sharp. “Both of you. I will take these men myself.”
David was barely able to catch the look that passed between the two men with the guns. “Yes, sir,” they both muttered, slowly withdrawing from David and Tanner. As David turned around at last, he saw them give the confiscated weapons to the third officer before storming off to find Jarren.
As soon as the men were gone, the newcomer shot them an apologetic smile. “Don’t mind Strats and Coupley. They’re a bit overzealous at times, but they mean well.” He gave both of them back their weapons. “My name is Frances Polton, by the way. I recognize you from the last camp,” he added with a nod toward Tanner. David hadn’t liked the sour looks on the faces of Strats and Coupley as they left, but thankfully Polton did not seem to share their attitude. Friendly green eyes shone out from a kind face.
“We appreciate you stepping in when you did,” Tanner replied as he returned his blades and his own pistol to their proper places. “Thank you for that.”
“I think you saved our lives,” David said, nodding gratefully to Polton.
Polton chuckled. “They’re just getting anxious, as are we all,” he explained, waving at them to follow him. “I’m sorry, I don’t recall your names.”
“I’m Tanner, and this is David,” Tanner said, jabbing a thumb in David’s direction.
“And you said you have a message for Captain Galfrea?”
“Yes.”
Polton looked between Tanner and David curiously, but David did not see any of the suspicion that had been dripping from the other two men. “Is it something we need to be worried about?” Polton asked quietly, clearly sensing that Tanner was not up to sharing any details.
“I...am not sure.” He met Polton’s gaze. “That will be up to the Captain to decide.”
Polton nodded and fell into silence. It did not take them long to reach the place where Jarren’s tent had been erected, and the three of them stood outside the entrance as they waited for him to arrive.
“I don’t know if you’ve heard,” Polton said, leaning in and lowering his voice, “but rumor has it that we might be onto something big here.” David and Tanner exchanged looks. “That’s why so many of the men are on edge,” Polton went on. “If we make one misstep, who knows what fury may be unleashed on us. To be honest,” he said with a nervous chuckle, “I sometimes wonder if it was really that smart to come out here.”
“I suppose it depends on your definition of ‘smart,’” Tanner commented, keeping an eye out for any sign of Jarren. David certainly understood how Polton felt.
“Very true,” Polton agreed with a nod. “Someone has to find out what’s behind these monster attacks, or pretty soon there won’t be anyone left to stand against them.” His gaze shifted to the mountains beyond them. “The sooner the better as well. I just can’t help wondering what the cost is going to be.”
At that moment, Jarren came into view, Strats and Coupley trailing behind. They looked disappointed that the Captain knew the men they had captured and was interested in talking to them rather than having them drawn and quartered.
David swallowed nervously. They might still get their wish.
They all straightened as the three approached. Polton saluted.
“Thank you,” Jarren murmured to the man, nodding tersely. Then, with a stiff wave, he motioned for Tanner and David to enter the tent behind him.
David felt his stomach drop. The look in Jarren’s eyes had turned his blood to ice. After he and Tanner had entered, Jarren dropped the door flap so that the three of them were alone with some privacy. Then the Captain whirled on them.
“What is the meaning of this?” he hissed, his eyes darting from Tanner to David and back again. “Why are you here and not in Moreton? And where is Kamina?”
“There has been an incident, Captain, and we need your help,” Tanner said, holding his hands up placatingly.
“Where is Kamina?” Jarren asked again, slowly, emphasizing each word. David flinched.
“I...we don’t know,” Tanner admitted reluctantly.
“How can you not know?” Jarren demanded, his voice rising angrily.
“We were waylaid not long after we left the camp,” Tanner explained, surreptitiously taking half a step back so that he was not quite in Jarren’s reach. “It was a...a man of stone. Rather disquieting, really. She said it was the same thing she saw when she apparently passed out outside your tent in the previous camp.”
At that, some of the fight drained from Jarren’s posture, and he even paled a little. “I should have known...” he muttered, a hint of regret in his tone.
“Well, thanks to the girl’s ingenuity, we were able to escape it for a time,” Tanner continued with a close eye on Jarren. “Unfortunately, we ended up further up the mountain than intended, in our effort to escape it. We did manage to survive the night, however, without any other intrusions.” Sighing, Tanner shook his head. “But this morning was another story. We were soon cornered in a small clearing, backed up against what ended up being a door of some sort. We had nowhere else to go.”
“What happened?” Jarren asked, his voice low and forced, as if he had guessed the outcome and was afraid to have it confirmed.
“We tried to open the door, but there was some sort of barrier that threw us back.” Tanner’s mouth stretched into a thin line. “It was at that point where we realized that Kamina was missing.”
Jarren took a step toward Tanner and then visibly held himself back, but David could see that his hands were clenched tightly into fists, shaking, ready to strike. “You were supposed to protect her,” he growled, glaring hard at the greying traveler. “You promised me you were up to the task.”
“I did everything in my power!” Tanner snapped back, his own eyes flashing with anger. “We searched desperately for her for hours before coming here for your help.”
“It’s true,” David added, and Jarren’s gaze slid toward him. “We looked for any possible sign of what happened to her or where she might have been taken. There was absolutely nothing. It—it was my idea to look for you.”
Jarren turned away sharply, and for a moment David was afraid he was going to throw something across the tent. Instead, he wearily covered his face with his hand, working hard to control his emotions. They stood in tense silence for several minutes.
“We can take you there,” Tanner offered softly.
“I can’t go,” Jarren answered, bitterness in his voice.
“But there’s a door there, and if you’re trying to get into the mountain—”
“There’s some sort of entrance here, too,” Jarren snapped. “At least, that’s what it seems to be. It’s why we’re here in the first place. One of our scouts from yesterday found it and reported it, and Sir Barden sent me here with these men to see if we can discover how to open it.”
“But Kamina—”
“I am well aware of the situation now, thank you!” Jarren all but yelled, half glancing over his shoulder at them. “You don’t understand. I have a responsibility here, to Sir Barden and to these men. I can’t simply abandon them for—” His voice broke, and he stopped abruptly, clamping his mouth shut. A moment later, he continued in a faint voice, “I can’t leave my post just to search for one missing person.”
“I see,” Tanner replied stiffly. “Of course. You must do what you must do.”
“Yes, I must.” In a swift movement, Jarren spun around and stepped past them, sticking his head out the door of the tent. When he turned back to them, his expression was carefully guarded, hiding any sign of whatever emotional turmoil may be happening underneath. “A tent is being prepared for you. Do not leave the camp without notice.” He tied up the door and stepped aside, indicating that it was time for them to go.
When Tanner and David were out, Polton stood nearby waiting for them. Strats and Coupley were gone. He gave them a quick smile. “Follow me, and I’ll show you where you’ll be staying,” he said. His voice was more subdued than it had been earlier, and he didn’t say anything more as he led them away. Had he overheard their conversation?
When they reached their makeshift tent and went inside, the first thing David did was collapse on one of the rolled out blankets. This day had been long and wearying. He could hardly think anymore and was glad that Tanner had been the one doing the talking. Oh, the story he had woven had been a clever mix of truth and fiction, more misdirection of details than outright lies. How much of that skill had he used on Kamina and himself? David still wasn’t sure what to think of the man. Right now, he wasn’t too sure of anything, really. He would just close his eyes for a few minutes.
Upon waking up, he realized that it was completely dark outside. At least a couple hours must have passed. The flicker of various fires played on the side of the tent, and there were muted voices as men huddled in groups, discussing topics which David couldn’t decipher. Turning his head, he could see the dark shape of Tanner as he lay asleep on his own side of the tent. Moving as quietly as possible, David pushed himself into a sitting position and then rose carefully to his feet. After taking a moment to stretch, he approached the entrance to the tent and cautiously peered out.
No one took notice of him. Some men sat around fires while others wandered between the tents. Pulling his head back in, he listened. Tanner hadn’t stirred. A debate bounced back and forth in David’s mind, and finally he decided to go for it. Slipping outside, he did his best to remember the path back to Jarren’s tent. It soon came into view, and David stopped. Did he really want to do this? Earlier, Tanner had borne the brunt of Jarren’s frustration, even if Jarren had enough self-control to avoid any physical confrontation. Did David really have the courage to speak to him on his own and risk the wrath he had been dreading since this morning?
David was just about to turn away when Jarren walked up to the tent from the other side. It only took a brief glance for Jarren to see David hesitating several feet away from his door. “David,” he called. “Good, I was hoping for the chance to talk with you. Please come inside.”
David’s heart was pounding. Jarren wanted to talk with him specifically? Although the other man’s voice and expression were much calmer than they had been before, even almost genial, David wasn’t certain that the change was very reassuring. All the same, he had effectively been summoned and had better not turn it down. He followed Jarren into the tent.
He did not see the dark figure that had been watching him from the shadows. Tanner sighed as he watched the young man enter the tent. What would he tell Jarren? Would he reveal who Tanner truly was? Would he tell Jarren that he could not be trusted because of his earlier masquerade? If Jarren found out not only that Tanner had lost Kamina but had faked his way into a position that would allow him to take Kamina away in the first place, then Tanner had no hope of going free any time soon. He couldn’t risk that. Turning away silently, he slipped into the darkness, making his way to the edge of camp and then disappearing into the night.
The warm glow of a lantern shone between them as David and Jarren sat across from each other on the ground. The door was secured, and the two of them had the moment to themselves. Jarren allowed an uncomfortable silence to stretch between them as he watched David carefully. David squirmed inwardly.
“What really happened?” Jarren asked at last, his voice quiet.
David’s gaze shifted briefly to meet Jarren’s. Then he looked away. “What do you mean?”
“David.” The word was spoken calmly but firmly.
David sighed. There was no getting around it. “What Tanner said was true...partly,” he admitted, surprised by the feeling of guilt that washed over him, as if he was betraying a friend. But Tanner wasn’t a friend, not really. They had only met yesterday. “We did come across a creature similar to what Kamina had seen, or so she told us. But it didn’t attack us or chase us. It merely...watched...” David frowned, uncertain. They never really figured out what those things had been doing.
“Watched?”
David shrugged. “To be honest, I don’t really know what it—they—were doing.”
Jarren nodded slowly, his expression neutral. “And how did you end up further up the mountain?”
There was another sigh. “Tanner...wanted to help us rescue the missing people.” He could tell that Jarren was not pleased with that and purposefully avoided his eyes. “He pretended to take us to Moreton, but only as far as it got us out of sight of the camp. Then he guided us around the camp and beyond until we found a place to camp for the night.” David wasn’t sure he wanted to explain Tanner’s claimed connection with Kamina. He couldn’t see how it would help anything, and it might be something Kamina didn’t want shared at this time.
“You really survived the night on the mountain, just the three of you?” Jarren asked, raising his eyebrows.
“We’re here, aren’t we?” David countered, but his heart dropped to his stomach even as Jarren’s eyes narrowed.
“Not all of you.”
“I-I promise, she was with us this morning,” David insisted, nervousness causing his voice to jump higher than normal. “She was there when we found the door. I didn’t believe it was actually there until she revealed it.”
Jarren frowned curiously. “She revealed the door?”
David nodded. “When she touched it, after it threw us back, I could see the outline of the door glowing.”
Jarren fell silent for a moment. “How exactly did you find this door?”
David stared at the ground, his fingers absently tracing a pattern on the blanket beneath them. “Tanner brought us there. He said he had been there before.”
“How did he know there was a door there?”
“He said that he had seen it open before.” David shuddered at the memory in that clearing, the deafening crack, the static in the air, the sheer horror of whatever might lie behind that door.
“Did any of you go through it?” Jarren asked.
David shook his head.
“Are you certain?” he pressed, staring intently at David.
“We couldn’t even open it,” David said, raising his hand helplessly in the air. “All I saw was the outline of it. And then—” His voice faltered, and he looked away again.
“And then what?” Jarren prompted, an edge to his voice.
“She went over.” David closed his eyes, covering his face with his hands. “We had climbed a steep hill to get there, and she fell over the edge of it because of the blast of...whatever it was barring the door.” Jarren didn’t say anything, and David took a deep breath. “As soon as we could regain our balance, we went after her. We searched for her, any sign of where she might have gone. But there was nothing. She was nowhere.” His voice had fallen to a whisper.
Again, there was nothing but silence between them. As David risked a glance at Jarren, he saw that the other was pensive. His brows were pulled together in concern, his mouth flat and grim. Several moments had passed when David mustered the courage to ask, “What is your relationship with Kamina?”
Jarren’s head jerked back just enough to tell David that he had struck something. “What do you mean?”
Straightening, David crossed his arms and gave the other man a suspicious look. “Kamina tried passing it off as nothing as well, claiming that you were merely classmates years ago. But I am not blind, nor am I a fool.”
Jarren’s countenance turned impassive. “If she didn’t offer you any details, then I must respect her wishes and keep whatever was in our past where it belongs, between her and me.”
David frowned. “But there is a past,” he confirmed.
“Of course,” Jarren answered carefully. “We have known each other for years. Having a past is unavoidable.”
David’s eyes narrowed this time. “You know what I—”
His words were cut off by a sudden cry outside the tent:
“To arms! To arms! A creature approaches!”
David’s eyes widened in fear, and he was certain he saw a flash of it reflected in Jarren’s own eyes. But then the older man rose to his feet, his face grim and determined. He held out a hand to David, helping him to his feet. “Stay close to me,” he said gruffly, leading David to the door.
The sounds of panic outside sent a chill throughout David’s body. His chest tightened painfully, and he struggled to breathe. Was he really about to face a monster? Somehow, he never believed this day would truly come. He prayed that it would never come. And now it was here. He was shaking all over, and he couldn’t even focus enough to try calming himself.
Was he about to die?
Startled, he felt a heavy hand fall on his shoulder. Jarren met his eyes, giving him an encouraging nod and squeezing gently. Then he opened the tent flap, and they both stepped outside.
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