Cid nodded in understanding. He looked at Alex and Brunick, ready to explain. ‘When Vanapha and myself were scouting the enemy camp, her sight came upon a giant man. He just stood there, waiting, with a battle hatchet in each hand, dressed in Fallen armour. I am rather certain it was our old friend iDartés.’
Brunick and Alex’s faces showed what Cid felt when he had seen the man earlier.
‘Are you sure? And he’s a fallen now?’ said Alex.
‘Yes, he will undoubtedly lead them into battle.’
‘Alive eh? Doesn’t surprise me, he was always a hateful bastard… ugly too,’ said Brunick.
‘Who is he?’ asked Vanapha curiously, Lidayel hunching forward from his stupor to listen in as well.
Cid gathered himself as he sought to explain, his gaze setting on the puffing pile of tinder.
‘Three years ago we were sent into Teritua to acquire the highlanders’ help in securing tighter borders against the Fallen. The high Chieftain uTolais was sympathetic towards us, for he too was wary of the Dey’illumra. Most of the Teritua were highly distrustful though. Within our first few days we quickly learned of iDartés, the highlanders’ champion. He was a man bigger than even Brunick here.
‘Six-foot-ten I’d say, with a pair of shoulders like an ox!’ said Brunick.
‘Please let me finish Brunick. He came off as a power hungry savage from the very beginning, and was keen to convince the high Chief that we were not to be trusted. We were learning as much as we could of the highlanders at the time, so we came upon some of their politics. Although a bit uncivilized the highlanders had the most extraordinary magi, which they called Shamani.
Apparently there was a ritual among the Terituan people where, in times of great distress, they would call up a spirit and impart it to a chosen champion, creating a powerful warrior. We thought it but a story. iDartés wanted that power and brought many arguments to the Chieftain to receive the honour. uTolais was reluctant, he said he wanted no one person with so much power and I suspect he knew of iDartés’ cruel hart.
iDartés was not going to give up. While we were on the travel again he arranged the butchery of one of his own villages when we passed close by. He blamed us, citing us as the murderers, going to the Chieftain and begging for the power of his people so that he may exact vengeance and protect his people from all foes.
In his fury the Chieftain conceded, the ritual was practiced. Imbued with power iDartés gathered his best men to hunt us down, our leading diplomat and Colonel already murdered.
It was a terrifying race across the Terituan landscape, our minds firmly set on escaping death. We came into contact with iDartés several times and it was like fighting a nightmare. He did not breath flames or command thunder like the Shamani suggested he would, but he was much stronger and faster than a human should be, and maybe more dangerous than anything else, he was relentless - tireless - it seemed.
That he had some spirit in him was of no doubt. He carried trademark hatchets with him, although hatchets are a bit of a misleading term, for they were big enough to split a man’s chest without much effort. When we wounded him he simply continued on, our combined efforts doing little to slow him. He killed so many of our men singlehandedly… our escape in the end was timely and I was sure we would never again face such a monster.’
‘I see, our odds aren’t improving are they?’ said Vanapha, ‘but he will not be leading the Fallen, not if he is one himself.’
‘You misunderstood me Valkyrie, the Priests will command the army yes, but iDartés will lead. The instinctual mind of the Fallen will respond to his size and fury in battle, they will see him as a pack leader and they will be stronger for it.’
‘Like a talisman then, we’ll have to kill him quickly if it comes to it,’ suggested Vanapha.
‘Oh, he’s much more than just a talisman, I put three arrows in the guy back then and he still came charging at me!’ said Alex.
‘He’s an impossibility,’ agreed Cid, ‘just before we escaped Brunick wounded him badly. We left him for dead and we thought he would die alone there on the border. As we know now that was not the case. He survived, and now he’s a fallen. All that hatred must’ve caught up with him.’
‘Wait a minute though, we haven’t seen him in the flesh. Cid only saw him in Vanapha’s Sight! Wouldn’t the captain’s fears project themselves into the vision maybe? You know, he might not be alive at all,’ suggested Alex.
‘I saw him as well Alex,’ chided Vanapha.
‘Yeah, but maybe the captain’s-’
‘Forget it Alex, the giant is alive, and we’ll meet him again. Best to prepare for that eventuality,’ said Brunick.
Cid understood Alex’s denial. The Fallen already were a terrible enemy and should not have the pleasure of commanding one such as iDartés.
‘You mentioned that a spirit was given to iDartés?’ asked Lidayel, after having listening quietly.
‘That’s right.’
‘Can you remember what was the nature of this spirit?’
‘The Shamani Teritua talked of the spirit of the raging wind, more than that they did not reveal, save for their riddles and chants,’ said Cid.
‘Of the raging wind…’ murmured Lidayel, ‘I would then, assume, that the spirit was in fact an Arrhua manifestation. I had not thought such magic possible, if the Kingdom had known they would have opened a dialogue with the Shamani long ago…’
‘So what is this Arrhua?’ asked Brunick.
‘In a way they are spirits like the Terituans believe. They are called ancients by most and they were central to the Kingdom’s past struggles. I can’t divulge much though, that part of my memories is still dark. What I can tell you is that if Summoners are feared above all, it’s only because most are ignorant of the Arrhua.’
‘What does this tell us of iDartés?’ asked Alex.
‘He is not an Arrhua, he is but a vessel for some of the power of one, but that makes him no less fearsome than you already suggested,’ said Lidayel, ‘and no less unique for that matter.’
‘How do we kill him Summoner?’ asked Vanapha.
‘He can be overpowered, of that I’m sure, but the spirit will protect him and it might be more practical for me to battle with him at range, or even better, a cut by a Ruin weapon will stymie his bond with the spirit, leaving him vulnerable…’
‘I’m sorry Lidayel, I know you mean well, but I will not let Mindevhier be released. I cannot risk it. We will find some other way to drag him down; our victory will count on it.’
‘Ha! Let them all line up, Stelinger, iDartés, Arumcas… I will give them a taste of steel that’ll put em all in their graves,’ boasted Brunick.
‘Best not to worry about the man prematurely, we still have a lot to do before we get the chance to see that ugly mug,’ said Cid.
Silence hung in the air, the struggling fire growing weaker, announcing a time for everyone to roll over and get some sleep.
The following morning carried a serene calm about itself. The cool moist air and gushing water had transformed the setting remarkably, the scent of damp dust still heavy in the air. Cid and company were slow in their movements today, their determination to take cover at the base of Mount Hashur decidedly patient as both Lanston and the Fallen would predictably seek to scout this suddenly altered landscape.
Ultimately it counted in Lanston’s favour that they would run a proper reconnaissance in response to the rains. It would do no good however if that same reconnaissance came upon Cid’s party and were force to kill them. Therefore Mount Hashur was a logical hiding place until they could make proper contact with the Lanston army without being in danger of any kind.
Ironically that would only happen when Lanston realized that Stelinger had betrayed them and that they were in grave peril. Of the foremost of Cid’s thoughts now was confronting a betrayed and angry Lanston army, trying to piece a way to approach them when the time was right. He would have to count on Girdo and Welce having made some
sway among the men or that he could talk reasonably with one of the other Colonels. Either way Stelinger’s presence would be a problem.
For the moment Cid pushed down an old soldier habit of his, the one that came up as a reminder to be always vigilant. It was a taxing mindset and Cid wanted nothing more than to feel the calm of the morning, the sated soil softening the lands touch.
They moved but sporadically, Cid trusting Vanapha to warn them should Lanston scouts come too close. They embarked on a small ridge of a plateau that rounded right around the rim of the Basin. It was just above the water level for now and allowed them to pass by the narrows’ exit into the Basin, from where they’d continue east, mounting one of the rims again to reach the base of Hashur.
Their passage by the narrows would be brief, yet it was here that Vanapha held her arm up, her head turned into the winding way of the canyon.
‘Someone is coming, but they are blocking my Sight!’ said Vanapha in alarm.
The narrows still submitted a steady stream of water into the Basin, and fourteen pair of hooves clattered towards them, sending sprays of water up in the air as they came.
‘Stand fast, they’ll run us down if we flee!’ said Cid, automatically feeling the spear assemble in his hands.
Cid’s heart raced as they were quickly approached by a group of seven riders, six of them in Lanston gear. The odd one out was a Sekhaimogist no doubt, distinct by his garb and Cid reasoned that he was negating Vanapha’s abilities with his own.
The leading rider Cid realized in dismay, was Stelinger himself. He looked smug, armoured as a Commander of Lanston, his helm in his lap and a fine green cloak billowing lightly behind him. That he would come out in person should have made Cid cautious by then.
Stelinger advanced and the assumption was made that these men of his were traitors like himself, for Cid could not recognize any of them. This was alarming in the light that a Commander was always accompanied by experienced and thus, notorious soldiers.
They will all die! Cid decided.
Instead of charging Stelinger’s men came to a complete halt a safe distance from Cid and company.
Stelinger took the liberty of speaking first, directing his attentions at Cid.
‘Alive and well, I see. Although you do look a bit tortured, this land will do that you though,’ said Stelinger to his own amusement. ‘You are a fool like Bennam was, just harder to get rid of.’
‘Stelinger!’ said Brunick, losing his verbal capacity in anger like when he argued with Alex, rather moving forward hungrily.
‘I guess we’re not going to be diplomatic today, not that I had the intention on being so. Kill them,’ said Stelinger nudging his head, mirroring Cid’s thoughts. His warriors charged forward like one.
Vanapha aimed, yet it was a furious Cid who met the first fake soldier, having primed himself for a counter charge, rushing the man right out of his saddle with the range of Mindevhier. Cid’s victim fell hard and was dead by impact.
Alex and Vanapha each arrowed down a rider, their horses cantering as their masters’ bodies hit the ground. Vanapha, ready in an instant again, levelled a shot at Stelinger. The arrow came straight at his head and he seemed not even to blink as the tip smashed into a smoky barrier, protecting Stelinger. They had been expecting it.
Lidayel stood ready to overpower both Stelinger and his lowly mage, his hands glowing in preparation. In an instant he focused on the foremost charger instead, the horse and rider coming in fast from the side. The man was a threat for only a second more before the air sizzled and flashed, the compact blast of flames smashing the horse and rider apart.
At the same moment Brunick grabbed at the last rider, who vainly tried to thrust his sword into Brunick’s shoulder. Having halted the man and his horse, Brunick wrenched the traitor to the ground and stomped on his face.
Cid turned his attention on Stelinger, who sneered at him. ‘Come along Ciddie, you wouldn’t let a Summoner do the fighting for you?’ Stelinger veered his horse and was joined by his mage as they galloped away back in the direction of the Lanston camp.
Cid was overcome by a fierce rage and leapt on a dead traitor’s horse.
The horse whinnied and reared in surprise, but with a determined grip Cid subdued the animal and gathered it into chase.
‘Cid wait!’ came Brunick’s voice.
The words were lost on him as he disappeared in the narrows, determined to catch Stelinger before he reached the safety Lanston camp. One way or another, Stelinger was going to pay.
Stelinger halted his horse and strained his hearing above the rushing water, holding his hand up for the others to be quiet.
‘He is following. Good, stay out of sight. You know what to do.’
Reighler nodded.
Cid came around the last bend and charged the horse in a straight line, coming up to Stelinger who had slowed down and turned around again to face. His grip was merciless on Mindevhier, ready to pierce through any magical protection and into Stelinger’s heart. Stelinger had his own longsword out, pointing it casually at Cid.
Cid nudged the horse forward at full tilt, his spear leading the way. Stelinger urged his horse into a counter gallop, holding his sword loosely. Collision drew close. Stelinger could not contend with Cid’s range of attack and at the last moment he caught the spear under his arm and wrenched both Cid and himself clear from the saddles.
The spear and sword was lost in the tussle and the horses merely stood clear from their manic riders. The men rolled on violently through the water, struggling for position with elbows and fists. Cid won through, pinning Stelinger flat on his back, blood running red in his face with fury. He reached for his sabre at his waist. Had the water been inches thicker he could have simply drowned the man. Pulling his sabre back he realized Stelinger was going to die now, justice and vengeance done in one swift plunge, and wondered if the man would beg.
With Cid’s hand jammed on Stelinger’s throat the Commander growled breathlessly: ‘Good night Cid!’
Cid froze, only aware for a second as a cold hand closed on the back of his head.
The pain was immediate and his muscles went rigid in his one-knee down position. His first thought was that someone stabbed him in the back of his head, but then realized he wasn’t dying or darkening, the pain seeping into his body as well.
He lost control, his sabre falling into the feeble torrent, the water tumbling it arduously downstream until caught up against a rock. The hand remained on him, taking away all his strength and making of him no more than a puppet.
A terrible whisper came by his ear, a voice in a language Cid did not recognize.
‘Hold fast to your hatred Colonel. Hold fast.’ The words were strange and foreign, yet he could understand them.
A horrifying sensation gripped Cid, as though the will of someone else was pouring into his body. The fact that it hurt so much made him think he could resist it, even if vainly. That strange feeling of an intruder crawled up his neck and he finally blacked out as it entered his head.
Stelinger rolled out from under Cid’s failing grip. With glee Stelinger looked on as Cid’s eyes grew to a dull white, his muscles going limp.
‘He is now ready to be instructed Commander,’ said Reighler.
‘Rise,’ said Stelinger in Twilight tongue. He was well-versed in it.
Cid did so. The emotion of his face remained a moment before fading to nothing.
‘How specific do I have to be?’ asked Stelinger at the Priest.
‘His memories and faculties are still perfect. As long as you use the Twilight tongue he should follow any command flawlessly,’ answered the Priest.
Stelinger could hardly hide his excitability and recited his command in a dark language:
‘Cid,’ he uttered, ‘your friends will come looking for you… Brunick, Alex, the Summoner and the Valkyrie… kill them all… and kill any who travel with them… anyone… don’t hold back.’
Stelinger smiled as Cid picked up Mind
evhier mechanically and searched for his saber downstream.
‘Saddle up Reighler, let’s trust our friend here to clean up,’ said Stelinger, gathering his sword.
They were off within moments.
The party sprinted to keep up with Cid, following the sound of his horse. The narrows winding path made it impossible to see past the next turn. Vanapha took the lead, her Sight telling her that Cid was nearby and that he was alone.
In reality she saw Cid first and she came skidding to a halt in comprehension of what had happened, holding her hand up for Brunick, Alex and Lidayel to stop as well.
‘Where is Stelinger?’ asked Brunick, his axe eager in his hand.
‘He’s already escaped, look at Cid though,’ warned Vanapha.
The soldiers only now realized that Cid was standing far ahead, motionless, with his back turned on them.
‘Hey captain!’ shouted Alex ignorantly.
‘No, don’t he’s-!’ warned Vanapha
Cid turned. Brunick and Alex were speechless.
His eyes were bleached to nothing but a snowy white, Mindevhier ready in his hands and no recognition to speak of. He started to march forward, straight at them, a threat in his stride. Vanapha readied an arrow within an instant, levelling her aim at Cid’s head.
‘Don’t take another step!’ she shouted, trying to exploit Cid’s still intact mind.
Cid indeed came to a halt.
‘Lidayel, you can heal him, right?’ asked Brunick anxiously.
‘Yes, I have to get in close though.’
For awhile Cid seemed thoughtful, a crease forming on his forehead. The party held up their breath as Vanapha remained rigid with her tensed arrow.
As though Cid knew he wasn’t going to win he turned and bounded off upstream, quickly disappearing around the next bend.
Alex was the first to set off after him and Vanapha grabbed him by the collar.
‘Stop!’ she said, wrenching the man back.
‘But we have to get to him before anything else happens, before he loses his mind!’
Remnant Pages Spearhead Page 31
