‘So, are you intent to return home?’ prodded Cid.
‘Hmm, it’s as you say, my warriors owe no allegiance to a treacherous Commander. I’ll send them back to Rade’Remar tomorrow. As for me…’
Cid’s face formed the question. ‘What is it?’
Vanapha turned her face away for a few moments before answering.
‘A few weeks ago I got a letter. There was no name on it save for my own. The man who delivered it was nearly shot dead by my sisters, for he appeared as nothing more than a desert bandit. He made tracks the moment the letter was handed over. He seemed pretty determined not to linger.
‘It wasn’t a Kingdom letter so I had no obligation to look at it. It was a curious thing though so I read it before I could decide to burn it for good measure; we have never much trusted the world of men outside the Kingdom, and even the ones on the inside do not escape our suspicion. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but I was completely thrown by the message. I couldn’t fathom who would send me such a thing, or know so much about me.’
‘What did it say?’ asked Cid
Keeping a glassy gaze on the fire, Vanapha cited:
“I hold your answer, a truth long discarded.
In Durandal I await your fair approach, for the light outside shadow’s sake permits me not.
Know I that your blood is touched by a flame that withers all, a tempest chained but not laid to rest.
Seek forth a war imminent, betrayal abroad a sign of the times,
then follow the Winged Serpent to guide your way.”
Cid shook his head in disbelieve. He didn't like the sound of that at all.
‘Alex!’ he called. The trailblazer's gaze shot up where he sat.
‘Come here a second will you?’
Alex stood up, coming closer unsure, his eyes darting between Cid and Vanapha.
‘Show her the wings.’
‘Oh, right,’ said Alex, hastily taking the wings from his back and holding it so that it glinted by firelight.
‘Those come attached to my spear, Mindevhier, also known by the name of...
‘The Winged Serpent,’ finished Vanapha in understanding. ‘I had thought the reference might allude to some obscure star formation, but this makes much more sense.’
‘Thank you Alex,’ said Cid, dismissing the man, and he returned rather disappointedly back to his spot.
‘I guess I found you. But now what? I don't suppose you have any answers for me?’
Cid pulled up his shoulders. ‘None. I don't even have answers for my own men. Unless...do you have the letter here?’
From her pack Vanapha took a fine slip of paper and gave it to Cid.
It was written exactly like she said, giving Cid some indication of how many times she must have read over it. More than anything he was looking for familiar handwriting. After years of reading Bennam’s war reports he could distinguish the old man’s handwriting without much effort.
This is not it.
Bennam’s writing used to be neat and had a pull on his letters from being right handed. Whoever wrote this letter pushed hard down on the paper with his left hand and his crooked letters was a terrible mismatch to the stylish riddle of words.
Cid sighed. ‘This is not Bennam's writing. Someone is playing us…’ he said hopelessly, thinking of the very letter he had received. The two were connected in no way, but considering Lidayel’s situation as well left little doubt in his mind that someone was manipulating them, and quite possibly, the army. To what ends though?
‘I get the last part, but “your blood is touched by a flame that withers all...” What is that about?’ asked Cid.
‘That is my burden and my burden alone Colonel, it’s a matter that I will not divulge, not with anyone,’ said Vanapha evenly, yet making it clear she wasn’t open for discussion.
Cid nodded to show understanding, ‘and this person who wrote the letter is leading you out to Durandal, because he is informed on this… matter?’
‘It is not keeping any secret I’m worried about, it is answers that I’m looking for,’ said Vanapha.
‘You are troubled by this, the letter is written to prey on your need for knowledge and you know the words by heart from reading it obsessively. It is likely then the reason I saw that fearlessness in your eyes. Further you take it upon yourself to share this with me because I’m mentioned in this letter.’
‘Hmm, insightful on your part. Fearlessness is a bit of a strong word though, but I take your point; yes I am looking for answers, and someone is leading me on by some pathetic riddle, and it troubles me that I’m so easily drawn out to the most cutthroat city in the world.’
‘Are you then not willing to tell anyone why you would be so touched by this letter?’ asked Cid again.
Vanapha shook her head. ‘Not when I myself do not understand the matter, Colonel. When I was young some terrible things happened, things I could not explain, and it raised questions that have hung over my head for all my life. More than that I won’t say.’
‘And you’re still determined in going to Durandal?’
‘Initially it was my plan to sign up for this mission. That way I could fulfil my quota of duties for this year and visit Durandal in one go. Now however I just want to go home again, yet…’
‘What is it?’
‘I want to return home because this whole Durandal tale is likely to be a ruse. It is not impossible that some wily well-informed Durandal slave trader is looking for a Valkyrie to catch and sell. Besides, getting to Durandal is difficult enough, even for a Valkyrie. But now I’ve met you and…’ said Vanapha looking at Cid’s spear.
‘Does this mean you want to come with us? You do realize that we have no intention of going to Durandal?’ said Cid.
‘I know, I would like to tag along if you’ll have me, you said you’re going to Jacanta point right? If I do come with you I might still be able venture to Durandal, pending on how the war turns out.’
‘I should warn you, we are traitors still in the eyes of Lanston, you might be in danger if you are seen travelling with us,’ said Cid.
‘Don’t worry Colonel, I’ve spent my years growing up avoiding marauders in the desert. Steering clear of an army will only be easier for you if I come along,’ said Vanapha.
Cid nodded silently.
‘You don’t want me?’ she asked after awhile.
Cid hesitated. ‘I’m reluctant to get anyone else involved with us. If I had any authority in the matter I would have send you home. As a lowly traitor though I guess I could only welcome one such as you. There is something more to it though, I mean more than the letter, right?’
‘Am I this easy to read?’ asked Vanapha in amusement.
‘I would not call it that, but you kept looking at the stars as we talked. Now, it might just be that you are enjoying the sight, but given your occupation I’d think there’s a little bit more to it.’
Vanapha nodded. ‘Look,’ she said and Cid followed her peering eyes into the night sky.
Out in the wilderness the stars were a wonderful display, the landscape free of the ambient city light that diminished the heaven’s radiance. Still Mallova and Rodreon were the moons dominating sky. Between them however was a new moon, Shaki-Halima, a green moon beginning its cycle as it appeared as a small sickle in the sky. Cid knew enough about the enigmatic Valkyrie to know that they were only warriors because they needed to be. Their main occupations however, were alchemy and astronomy.
‘Now, Mallova and Rodreon are common sights…’ said Vanapha. ‘You know the Diamond Box right?’ asked Vanapha, interrupting herself.
‘I know of it,’ answered Cid.
Vanapha pointed and explained like one who often taught younger ones at Rade’Remar. She showed Cid an elaborate network of stars, its shapes called echelons, each with a different name that was used to decipher the purpose of the moons’ positioning.
‘So Mallova and Rodreon in that formation merely suggests the duality of war. Rod
reon is blood. Mallova is life. Life continues after bloodshed. The victor gets to live and the land welcomes the defeated to grow life anew. Now however, we see Shaki-Halima appearing between them, starting its cycle. In our interpretations it means revelation, or the truth uncovered, anything in that line.’
‘And you’re driven now because of this?’ asked Cid.
‘I know what you are thinking. Even we Valkyrie’s look upon the signs with scepticism; it is far too easy to misinterpret or generalize star signs when one is narcissistic or emotional.’
‘But you still think this revelation might concern you?’ asked Cid.
‘I am merely taking it as a sign that I should at least try to find truth. You however I can see are not all that trusting of my stars.’
Cid laughed bitterly. ‘My friend Brunick, the big bloke with the axe, is one of the Mason. He believes in a Creator that acts as a father to us all. Your kind, the Valkyrie, put your trust in stars and moons. Me myself? I believe in what’s up here,’ said Cid, pointing at his head own head, ‘and I trust in this,’ he said, taking Mindevhier and holding it up so that it was bathed in firelight.
Vanapha laughed lightly, carrying her mirth into her words, ‘this whole time I’ve seen a strong man with a great mind. Now I’ve realized that you are a fool also.’
Cid smiled. ‘I wouldn’t argue that point, but in what way am I a fool to you?’
‘My sisters, like Claire did to you today, can see into the minds of men, a power given by the Valkyrie moon; Mallova. You travel with a Summoner of great power, his too is a gift from that lying far beyond what even Star·Seers can see. And your friend Brunick, well, you said it yourself; he is a Mason and he also is empowered by a moon, all the while believing in a father deity.’
‘What!? Wait, what is it that Brunick - I don’t understand?’
Vanapha laughed again. ‘You have the most interesting friends and you don’t even know what they’re capable of or where they come from.’
‘Tell me about Brunick!,’ implored Cid.
Vanapha shook her head. ‘I do not think he wishes you to know yet, besides, where we’re going you’re gonna discover all soon enough for yourself,’ said Vanapha, and Cid could see by her face that she was pleased with herself for having stunned him a little bit in return.
Cid resigned, smiling by himself.
‘So is Alex an interesting friend too?’ he asked in retort.
Vanapha smiled, ‘he is gifted with a bow, that is all. He is however loyal and trustworthy, that is easy enough to see. There are no powers greater than that,’ said Vanapha.
‘I’ll toast to it,’ said Cid quietly.
‘Food’s ready!’ bellowed Brunick from the fireside, having prepared the last meat from their supply given by Harlem.
Everyone stood closer, filing with their clay plates provided by the Valkyrie’s packs as Brunick cut and served. The Valkyrie supplemented the meal with a few fruits they carried with them.
Cid waited at the back with Alex and Lidayel, allowing the ladies to be helped first. Cid kept looking at the sky, his mind connecting the starry dots like Vanapha had explained. Seeing them as a system or pattern gave much more incentive for observing them. He and Elmira used to lie down underneath the night sky for long hours, drawing their own lines between stars, their design prophesying nothing of the world save for the love they had for each other.
I miss you. The thought was not new, often surfacing when Cid was away from Lanston, but came by especially strong now with all the uncertainty of their situation.
As Cid ate his mind wandered to the strange people around him; Summoners, Valkyries and now his friend the Mason as well. Despite their power they appeared as victims in their setting. More than anything Cid was renouncing the notion of bizarre coincidence, starting to speculate whether someone was dictating the players in this war. He found it hard to exclude Bennam, hard to stop wondering if the old man himself was traitorous. But if there was someone out there trying to help, who in heaven’s name could it be?
Later that night Lidayel sat quietly next to Claire, talking. Most of the camp had already retired, scattered around the clearing. The Valkyries slept on their traveling cloaks, the men rolling out their sacks.
‘Your powers really don’t work during certain moon cycles?’ asked Lidayel.
‘When Mallova is at the dark side of Astalus our powers of Insight and Farsight are lost to us,’ said Claire.
Lidayel frowned.
‘Can you explain Astalus to me? My memory isn’t being cooperative,’
Claire was amused and told: ‘Astalus is the titan star, although it is a star in name only. In reality it is a lifeless but giant planet composed of metal compounds that appear as a dark blue crystal to us. It’s even many times larger than our own world. It is impossible to see though save through telescopes because it emits very little light of its own.
‘And it shares its moons with us, right?’
‘That’s right, you can say that Astalus has eight different moons. Astalus however loses some of them to us because of changing gravity patterns, and sometimes, when its pull is strong again, it will take those moons back,’ said Claire.
‘How does that work again?’ asked Lidayel, scratching his head.
‘Astalus seems to be liquid in the sense that it expands and contracts from time to time due to spontaneous temperature flares, ultimately altering its gravity patterns. When we are close to some of its orbiting moons they join Angaria’s orbit given that Astalus loses its gravitational influence. It all needs to happen at exactly the correct time, which makes it hard for even us to predict what will happen in the future. Of course should we be given too many moons, or none at all, .’
‘Incredible, although I expect I might’ve once known this before you were even born,’ said Lidayel in embarrassed amusement, ‘though there is a rather unexpected pleasure at learning things anew.’
Claire smiled. ‘Now Rodreon, Castilleon and Mallova are moons orbiting Angaria on a regular basis. Relatively speaking of course. Greathir, Ellock, Loikana, Trigon and Shaki-Halima are much more uncommon, some of them taking centuries between appearances. At the moment we are witnessing Shaki-Halima make a rare appearance. Personally, it’s the first time in my life I’ve ever seen it,’ said Claire, staring fondly at the night sky.
‘To think a moon gives you your power,’ said Lidayel in awe.
‘They of course influence many things - tides, volcanic activity, animal migration, seasons and even people’s mood or magical capabilities.’
‘Insight and Farsight… Farsight, is that how you tracked us?’
‘We track trails the old fashion way as well, but yes, Farsight allows us to see mental enhancements of sights our eyes are too weak to see; it comes very handy in archery.’
Lidayel laughed, ‘poor Alex, he doesn’t stand a chance. And Insight allows you to see into men’s minds, like you did with Cid?’
Claire nodded. ‘We also use it to see more clearly into stars or chemicals, hence our specialties; Alchemy and Astronomy.’
‘How come only you though? What singles the Valkyrie out?’ asked Lidayel, also feeling that he knew the answer once.
‘We are similar to the Masons, our teachings say that we were born from the moon Mallova as the Masons are of Greathir. Ordinary folk were born from the dust of Angaria itself, though some of them are given power of magicks through Castilleon, the sapphire moon and then of course by Summoners like yourself.’
‘Fascinating…’ said Lidayel.
‘It is said that your kind witnessed creation itself.’
Lidayel shrugged.
‘It is said that the Summoners were breathed to life and then assigned to be the architects of our very constellation, taming the mighty Arrhua spirits to assemble the earths and skies from out of the chaos. When life flourished on Angaria you grew jealous of humanity’s corporal existence and thus descended you from the echelons of power to live among humans… Or so the
story goes.’ said Claire.
‘Wish I could tell you whether it’s true or not, but right now I can’t even remember my own wife’s name.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry about that,’ said Claire, sympathy on her face.
Lidayel was in thought for a moment.
‘You can look into men’s memories right? Like you did with Cid earlier?’ asked Lidayel.
Claire nodded, hesitant as she saw eagerness lit up on Lidayel’s face.
‘Then try to look into mine, you might not see much, but maybe it can help me remember things faster,’ said Lidayel.
‘Sure,’ said Claire, already reaching out.
Lidayel caught her by the wrist.
‘Be careful and go slowly, my memories are sealed by the powers of another Summoner, do not go farther than you feel comfortable with or you might hurt yourself.’
‘Okay.’
Claire touched Lidayel lightly on the temple. Earlier that day she easily entered a willing Cid’s mind. Lidayel’s mind however was like a cage of locked steel doors. She tried to force her way through and could see her efforts hurting the Summoner. Still she pushed a little harder, determined to get something…
Images flickered, so distorted that they were impossible to interpret. Sights and sounds washed intertwined, the both of them almost drowning in recollections ages old. She broke away, pain lancing through her own mind in time.
‘I’m sorry, I should’ve pulled out sooner,’ said Claire, breathless and exerted.
Lidayel looked at Claire, somehow struggling to find words after the probe.
‘No, it’s fine actually,’ he managed, ‘it might be my imagination, but it felt like you’ve loosened things up a bit. Thank you.’
‘I hope you remember everything,’ said Claire with a smile, catching her breath.
Lidayel noticed how tired she suddenly seemed, much like he now felt.
‘I have pestered you enough for the night, why don’t you rest now?’
‘I might just do that. It was good speaking to you Summoner, I hope you can tell me all about your kind one day,’ Claire said, standing up.
Remnant Pages Spearhead Page 23
