“As will I.” the old arcane master agreed as he rolled then handed the scroll to Saberrak.
“And what are we to do while you are away?” Shinayne spoke up, watching the two men hurry toward the stairs.
Kalzarius stopped, and turned. “Pack your things Lady T’Sarrin, have everyone ready. We must get you to Ansharr.” he proceeded down the stairs behind the Lord Knight Errant.
“Wonderful! Well done, minotaur, now we have to leave.” Gwenneth stomped out to get her belongings. “Nearly two months of work, ruined by your pride, my thanks!” she had waited too many years to see her old master, and now her anger brewed at having to leave suddenly.
“I am going with Savanno and Kalzarius, I know enough to shed a good light on this.” James headed down the stairwell after them. Hiding his hand, not knowing why it glowed without him wishing it, James was confused.
“Well I cannot speak for anyone else, but I say it’s about time we left this depressing city anyway.” Zen patted his taller friend on the arm again, feeling better that his stay here was almost over.
“Come on horned one, your moment of glory is past, time to get ready to leave.” the elven swordswoman cheerfully stated, trying to snap him out of his stupor. Not the time for questions, and she had many.
“Yes, time to leave.” he opened the scroll just a few feet, looking at the ancient words, words that he now could read as if he had written them himself. “Shinayne?”
“Yes Saberrak, what is it?” she was already half out the chamber.
“What would you say if I told you I could read this?” his daze was slowly wearing off, and he rolled the parchment back up around the cylinder.
“I would be shocked, to say the least. Now let’s go, we have to get ready.” Shinayne paid it little mind, knowing that whatever came from the scroll had the minotaur not thinking quite clearly.
Saberrak shook his head, trying to clear his mind, and walked out behind the rest. The scroll weighed less now, and his mind felt distracted. Saberrak could not read anything, yet the words made sense when he glanced at them. He put the scroll away, for now. Whatever it was, he did not care for it.
Angeline II:I
Vallakazz, Chazzrynn
Blonde curls blew around her face in the freezing wind, winter had hit Vallakazz with a final swing of late season snow and storms. The woman had been summoned to the Academy by Hithins, the snow vulture pet of incredible intelligence, for a bird. The rumors and stories still flew daily about the populace of the great arcane city. The treason of Dasius of Caberra, the Nadderi elf killer, assassins and fugitives that had fled over a month ago, all still on the breeze and thoughts of the people every cold morning. Captain Shilde had been overwhelmed with queries, cleanup, damages and reports for the city, for Lady Aelaine, the church, and even the court of King Mikhail in the capital city of Loucas. Chazzrynn had been in turmoil from Southwind Keep and the loss of Lady Kaya T’vellon, all the way to an Altestani warship that had been docked south of Valhirst on the other side of the kingdom. There were many questions that needed answers, and they all circled around Gwenneth Lazlette and her allies. Angeline Berren was sure that she was somehow going to be involved, whether she cared to or not.
Her green robes kept her warm with all her armor seeming to invite the cold, her hand-and-a-half sword held tight at her side. Angeline had felt great sorrow and freedom in this morning’s meditation within her warm room. She had anointed herself with the oil that her small tree produced, and breathed life and love into its leaves. She always asked forgiveness and guidance, every morning for seven years now with Middir of Kivanis, the great wizard and professor she was sworn to. Angeline felt the earth beneath her feet, the sleet in her hair, the cold winds of the west on her face, and the blessing of yet another day she was grateful to have. She climbed the steps of the southern of the four arcane towers, heading for the eighth floor great hall to meet with Lady Aelaine and Middir.
A gush of air flung the door open harder than she would have liked, startling the three at the table. Lady Aelaine bowed, as did the white vulture, and Middir gave her a warm hug as quick as his old plump self could get to her. His braided beard of white and gray was frayed and in need of tying again. The two black robed wizards of the Academy sat back down at the black glass table in an otherwise barren room. Statues of stone wizards greeted coldly, the torchlight aflame and false with the arcane, Angeline felt a serious matter of emotion in the air. Hithins fluttered over to an empty chair, anxious about something. The secretive bodyguard flipped her braided hair back over her robes, relieving some of the cold moisture. Angeline bowed and sat at the foot of the table, awaiting what she already knew.
“Angeline Berren, I have to first say that your assistance at the Lazlette Semanarium Arcanum has been outstanding. I do not know your relation to Middir, nor is it my business. However, your skills have helped us greatly with many an issue, big and small, for several seasons now. Myself, and Vallakazz, offer our gratitude.” Aelaine was stalling, keeping her composure as best she could.
Angeline nodded respectfully, always remembering her vow of silence. She kept her blue eyes respectfully attuned to Aelaine’s green orbs that darted somewhat nervously.
“Aelaine, go ahead and ask her.” Middir was calm and warm, his eyes bright and peaceful.
“Very well. I have spoken with Kalzarius in Harlaheim, through magical means of course. My daughter Gwenneth is there with the other travelers that came through Chazzrynn last month. She has something of great power with her, and there are many people hunting it, and her. I fear for her life, for her inexperience in the world, and that she cannot control the arcane power that she has studied. I want you to track her and bring her back to Vallakazz, by any means you deem necessary.” Aelaine looked to Hithins, then to the table, her eyes full of tears. The only person she had, really had, in her life was Gwenne. She was also the only memory of Arlinne, Gwenne’s father, that she had left. Aelaine had leaned and pressured her daughter too much she was told, especially after Lord T’Vellon’s death in the battle of Arouland fourteen years ago. Her guilt, she feared, had drove her daughter to flee into a dangerous journey. “Please bring my little girl back home before something terrible happens to her, I beg you. Middir tells me that your skills are renowned, and that you can find anyone, anywhere.”
Angeline looked to Middir, then to the sobbing Lady of Vallakazz. Tell her I will do this, but I need to talk with you in private, Middir, her thoughts traveled along the air to the aura of her sworn to master.
“She agrees, Aelaine. Now if you do not mind, her and I need to talk.” the words flowed in and out of the old heavy man, like he had just heard them aloud.
“She is talking to him in his mind, my lady. She does that to everyone, even me.” the vulture spoke up, excited to know what was going on. He had been kissing up to Aelaine for three weeks now, since she had found out he had taken the long way home after meeting Gwenneth outside of Valhirst. He knew he was in serious trouble with the high wizard of the academy, and that she knew of his side deals with her daughter as well. He was grateful to not have been turned into something else, or into nothing for that matter.
She ignored her pet, “Of course Middir, take all the time you need. Tell Angeline thank you for me. Come Hithins, I have work for you in my study.” The Lady of Vallakazz got up and strode out the door with the white bird of prey right behind her. If half of what her students had found out was true, Gwenneth was being hunted by a secretive organization with hundreds of killers and wizards in its ranks. A mother had to do what was in her heart and protect her daughter, even from herself.
“I know what you are going to say my child, but do not worry. I will be fine here. Your service to me-“
She spoke, for the first time in over seven years, Middir heard her voice aloud. “I do not feel ready, I do not feel I have done enough yet.” her words even softer than the ones she could send without speaking, her blue eyes ran deep with sorrow.
“It was o
ver almost twenty years ago, Angeline, and you were very young then. Kivanis was going through its own religious and civil revolutions, you were as much a victim as myself.” Middir was no longer joyful as the memories flooded back to him.
“I told the priests your wife was a witch, a devil worshipping witch.” her head lowered, eyes stared at the black table made of glass, her tears falling onto the shiny surface.
Middir sighed, his breathing was difficult with his extra weight and old age. “You were very young, you were drunk and barely seventeen seasons old Angeline. That little inquisition of the church was meant to drive the wizards from the city, so that the church of Alden was not threatened. It was not of your making.”
“They killed her, and your son, and it was my fault because-“
“No! They killed and burned hundreds of wizards and arcane dabblers and even priests of other religions in less than a month! The priests of Kivanis were scared of the Altestani emissaries, and were intimidated into doing something atrocious. Your words merely spoke what they intended to do anyway, and they nearly caught me as well.” the plump old wizard raised his voice, not agreeing with the guilt she still forced upon herself.
“I pointed them out, and others.” her sobbing slowed, her breathing deep as she controlled her emotions.
“You did as you were asked, and manipulated into doing. If it had not been you at swordpoint, they would have found another youth at the taverns to do the same.” Middir countered, not allowing her to place herself down any further.
“I saw them burn, I thought I was ridding the city of evil and…” she stopped, realizing that the accounts he had not seen would probably hurt him more than doing any real good. “…and I did nothing, I believed what was happening was right and just.”
“Yes, the whole of the city did, guided by men of the cloth that did not know what they were doing, just the fear they had. You came to me seven years ago, in silence, to make amends. You have done that.” he faked a smile as best he could. Nothing could replace his family, nothing he thought of would take that horror away. Yet years had taught him much, and this woman had changed from what she was then for certain. How, he did not know.
“I swore seven years of service, I vowed silence for my words had caused harm. But, I do not want to leave.” Angeline whispered now, her mind and body cool and collected.
“Seven years was over half a year ago, Angeline. I do not want you to leave either, you are like a daughter to me now, but you must. Your religion or whatever it is, has taught you much. I do not know what they would have you do now, but finding Gwenneth Lazlette will be the last thing I ask of you.” Middir stood.
“It is not a religion or an order. You know I cannot share anything with you about those things, Middir. I do have to meet with my elders once this task is done, and I am forgiven.” Angeline stood, then kneeled before her friend that she had caused so much harm to, so many years ago when he was but a stranger. That pain she had kept inside, once she realized what she had done, ate at her to the point of suicide. Many amends she had made, many years of service to others. Middir was the last one, and now Angeline felt lost without another redemption on her list of shames.
Middir placed his hand on her hair, admiring the blonde and red tinged waves and braids. He looked down at her triangle wreath of vines that held a leaf in the center, they decorated her tabard, green robes, and armor. He had secretly researched that symbol in several libraries and temples over the last seven years, finding nothing. “You are forgiven, Angeline Berren. I relieve you of your service and your vows to me, and find them complete. Whomever, or whatever you belong to that guides you into the woman you have become, has my gratitude.”
She stood, holding back the tears that welled in her throat. Bowing once again and touching her hand to her heart, the secretive guardian turned and walked out the doors.
“You will return? I will see you again, won’t I, Angeline?” Middir was now feeling the sorrow of farewell, holding it back as best he could.
I hope we meet again soon, my friend. May the earth guide your steps, the winds bring you good fortune, and the sun and moons shine joy into your life. If you should need me, send word to the mountains northeast of Harlaheim. Farewell. Her words sent on the wind were soft and full of love, even moreso unspoken. The doors closed behind her and she walked out into the world, free of her guilt and past.
Angeline walked and walked, the cold of Vallakazz seemed lessened, the view of the arcane city was more beautiful, and the people more alive than ever she recalled. The city guard nodded to her as she passed through the eastern gate, the captain was on the catwalk, staring at her as she passed. She thought of what a fine man he had been, so few were willing to defend their city or country against any enemy and not be bought. His honor and loyalty were genuine, as were his feelings for her. She knew that he would make a fine husband for someone, but it could not be her, not now, not for many years. She smiled, marching into the cold toward Valhirst, knowing that she had much to do, and for once, she had friends and respect. Soujan Mountain would be expecting her to inform them that her vow had been fulfilled, and that her walk of shame had come to an end. They would want to hear of her forgiveness, and there would be a ceremony. It was the same for them all. Her mind tried to focus on the travel ahead, but not too far ahead.
“There goes your silent lady with a sword, captain.” one of the archers remarked, drawing Kendrynn Shilde’s attention to the green robed woman heading east out of the city gates.
“I should think you’re right corporal, but she’s not my lady.” reserved and stern in his duties, he pretended not to care.
“Doubt that’s any of your decision now, is it?” the corporal and a few other men laughed and patted their leader on the shoulder plate, returning to their posts. “Think she’ll be back, captain?”
“I hope so corporal, I certainly hope so. Her blade was most helpful to the city of Vallakazz.” Kendrynn kept his remarks to the city and his responsibilities in front of the men. He tried not to think of the times he had wished to hear her voice, share anything, something with this woman from the north.
“Right, captain, certainly.” the guards let out more laughter, knowing that their captain had trouble taking his eyes off of Angeline most of the time. “We know it’s not her blade that intrigues you sir.”
The captain smiled, blushing, his men laughing more. He joined them, and watched the silent lady march out of his city and into the east, alone.
Exodus II:II
Castle L’Herrim , City of Harlaheim
Savanno marched into the heart of the city, Sir James on his left and the famous Kalzarius on his right. The Knight of Chazzrynn kept in step while the old bearded man floated alongside them. He could see the Bishop many city blocks ahead, nearly at Castle L’Herrim already. The Lord knew that the Bishop would have the ear of the king first, and in matters religious, he would also have a stronger word. Sir Savanno Lisario needed help, and his first thought was his cousin, the Lord of Saint Erinsburg to the north.
“Sir James, I need you to deliver a message for me.” he stayed focused and calm, knowing full well the possible implications of what Javiel would say to the court. He turned toward the castle stables, unfortunately giving the bishop more of a lead.
“But Lord Savanno, you need me in court to explain the-“
“No. A foreign knight might make things worse, despite your testimony. I believe you, but your word over the Bishop’s in this country will never happen. I need you to take my steed and ride half a day north.” the Lord Knight Errant removed his golden necklace with a large feathered cross of Alden, also of solid gold. He handed it to James Andellis. “Give this to my cousin, Cristoff Bradswellen the Third, Lord of Saint Erinsburg. Tell him we require his assistance here, and to meet us on the road to the Saint Tarumin Mission, at the first foothills of the Zuran Mountains.”
“And what are we to do in the king’s court then, Lord Savanno, if you plan already to he
lp them escape?” Kalzarius trusted the Lord, but wanted to know what he was thinking.
“Delay them. As long as possible, for I know Richmond the Second, he is not his father. He is young, greedy, and will want to see the scroll and take glory any way he can since his rule is unpopular. He will see this as an opportunity to get the church behind him, you and I discredited, and the people rallying toward his crown. Javiel sees this only as a religious matter, yet it is about to become very political.” Savanno was stone faced and serious, and pointed his white stallion out to the southern knight. He handed him the reins that were wrapped around a post outside the castle gates. “Ride hard, and tell him to bring supplies and men if possible. Go, Sir James of Chazzrynn.”
James mounted the lord’s horse, looked to the north, and gave a bow to the wizard and Savanno as he kicked the mount into a gallop. He had never been to Harlaheim, let alone rode through her streets and out to another city. He thought of the others, hoping they would make it safely to the meeting place without him. Desperately wanting to be in the court of the king to speak the truth of the matter, James felt his duty to his friends and their journey rise above his ambitions. That duty swelled in his chest, realizing now that he was on a mission from a high lord of a foreign kingdom. James Andellis felt useful and needed for once, and rode even harder to Saint Erinsburg.
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Dark brown rough stone surrounded them in the grand hall of L’Herrim. The pillars and decorated ceiling of old Altheac design made every soul that entered feel much smaller and watched. Harlaheim was one of the oldest settlements on Agara, and the castle felt like the ages old stones it was made of. Even the circular mahogany table holding thirty chairs was dwarfed in comparison to the grand chamber and its epic and ancient dimensions. They sat at the two polished thrones that were laid with blue velvet and trimmed with golden crown inlays. Tapestries of twenty or more feet in length lined the walls, walls long enough to house a small army. The King and Queen of Harlaheim listened, not entirely, to the tax collectors findings, the morning sermons from the church, and the reports from the knights and lords of the realm. Most of these men were here on behalf of the true officers or nobles, which bored the young royalty even more. Rosana, a former princess of Caberra, waved her hand giving her royal approval as queen, after she saw her arranged husband do the same. Order after order, report after dull report, it was the same every morning.
The Exodus Sagas: Book II - Of Dragons And Crowns Page 5
