by Cole Pain
Fraul had his own theory. He believed the Avenger had too much pain inside, so much so the very pain he avenged ended up driving him mad. The Avenger needed a way to banish the pain. Fraul hoped he would be able to help the man find a way to do just that. He wanted to help Aaron live. Fraul was sure the Avenger would be extremely important in the war about to begin.
As if on its own accord, his foot began tapping the rhythm of the Avenger’s song. Fraul began humming to himself:
When the earth moves beneath your feet
And rebirth is in the hearts of men
The betrayer will walk upon the land
And the Avenger will come again.
His love will lead him to the one
His pain will lead him to his prey
But as the betrayed reveals her twin
Will the Avenger be strong enough to stay?
If he can’t find the purpose there
If he can’t give his love away
The Avenger will walk the land no more
And the world will be betrayed.
Leaning back in the chair, Fraul stroked his goatee and thought about the first stanza. He had always considered the “rebirth” as the rebirth of the Avenger. Now he wasn’t so sure. It was clear The Legend of the Silver Dragon was truly prophecy. Could the Avenger’s song be prophecy as well? If the song was prophecy the “rebirth” could refer to magic’s rebirth. This could be the Avenger’s last mission, unless he could find a purpose.
Fraul had always firmly believed that things happened for a reason. Had the Maker allowed him to miss Ramie’s ship in order to find Aaron, and help him, somehow, find a purpose?
Fraul heaved a sigh and tucked an onerous strand of gray hair back behind his ear. “Hang tight, Ramie, I’m coming. I’m just going to be delayed a little longer than I thought.”
As the twin moons rose higher in the sky, shadows crept into the small room. Fraul crossed the floor to the oil lamp beside the bed, noting Aaron’s electrifying current emitted the only light in the room.
Although Fraul didn’t fear Aaron, he also felt uneasy with something he didn’t understand. Before reaching the lamp he stopped and cocked his head to the side. Aaron’s breathing had changed. Instead of being soft and disjointed it was smooth and rhythmic, like one just waking from a deep sleep. Aaron heaved a tremendous sigh. The luminous current surrounding him became more frantic with his deepening breaths.
Aaron stood and went to the window. “It begins again, doesn’t it?” he whispered, deep voice sounding strange in the silence of the room. “Maybe this time I won’t fail.”
Fraul cleared his throat, unsure of how to announce himself to the legend before him. When Aaron turned Fraul wasn’t staring into the eyes of the Avenger, but into the eyes of Aaron, full of resignation and regret, torment and agony, caring and love. The intensity of the emotions shocked Fraul, but when the shock subsided Fraul decided the emotions fit the face. Fraul’s theory of Aaron’s life re-formed in his mind. Aaron’s pain was too great for him to bear.
Aaron’s shoulders relax as he recognized Fraul from the downstairs bar. As he looked around the room a small smile threatened his somber face. “It seems I owe you my thanks.”
Fraul nodded as best he could, suddenly overcome with reverent awe. After a brief pause he managed to find his voice. “I’m Captain Fraul Joste of the Yor army.”
“Why are you here?”
The look in Aaron’s eyes was frightening, but when Fraul realized their severity held no anger, but disbelief, he managed a small smile. “To help you.”
Aaron raised his eyebrows. “You touched me?”
“Yes, I touched you. Why?”
Aaron laughed a deep, rich laugh. It echoed around the room with the same intensity as the current flowing over his body. “Either you’re a very dumb man or a very smart one. I thought everyone believed if they touched me they would die.”
Fraul smiled, Aaron’s joy contagious. “I like to think I’m on the side of very smart, but some may have a different opinion.” Aaron’s laughter boomed louder. Fraul chuckled in mirth, his prior hesitation fleeting. “The legend claims if someone tries to stop you they’ll die. It says nothing of helping you. Besides, I’ve never believed the Avenger would kill innocents. It would go against everything you are. I took my chances.”
Aaron extended his arm in greeting. Fraul gripped it under the elbow, allowing Aaron to grip his own. It was an ancient greeting, but one still used on formal occasions. “My name is Aaron Goodenspy, and it’s a pleasure. I’ve never had a friend as I am now. I hope you’ll be the first.”
The Avenger’s conscious touch felt different from when Fraul had helped him to the room. Before, Aaron’s current of power glistened off his skin like a mist. Now, Aaron’s grip was much more concentrated, and it sent a pulse of energy throughout Fraul. It wasn’t unpleasant, but profound.
“I hope you’ll allow me to be. The honor would be mine.”
A smile lit Aaron’s face, and Fraul found himself grinning like a child being offered a taffy.
After a short time of standing with their arms locked in a silent promise of friendship, Fraul became increasingly aware of Aaron’s unfurnished wardrobe. Fraul picked up the package the tailor had given him and handed it to Aaron. “I took the liberty of guessing your size. I don’t know how you managed to buy your clothes on previous occasions but – ”
“I didn’t buy them,” Aaron said, smile withering, “they were normally thrown at me. Thank you. I’m in your debt.”
When the clothes were on a few sparks of power sizzled off Aaron’s hands and ran the length of the black fabric with frightening speed. Fraul winced. He had purchased a solid black outfit. The only color adorning the ensemble was a golden clasp securing the cape.
Aaron stepped to the mirror to inspect himself. He raised his eyebrow and looked at Fraul’s reflection. “Your favorite color?”
Fraul chuckled and scratched the back of his neck. “Just thought it was fitting.”
Aaron didn’t respond. He merely sat down and pulled on the black doeskin boots Fraul had purchased. “I must go. The power won’t let me rest long. I must find the betrayed.”
Fraul wondered how Aaron had become the Avenger. Something tickled his mind but he quickly disregarded it, now intent on traveling with Aaron. “It would be an honor if you would allow me to accompany you. I need to leave as well, and I might be able to provide you with a fair amount of companionship you as you travel.”
“I know not where I go.”
“That’s all right, neither do I.”
Aaron stood and sheathed his golden sword. When the betrayed had been avenged the blade would once again turn silver. Aaron studied him for a short time. “I would enjoy company, but I can’t allow it. The power isn’t dangerous to you now, but as I approach the betrayer it will be.”
Fraul shifted his weight and planted his hands on his hips, determined to leave with Aaron. “I understand your concern, but I believe our paths have crossed for a reason. We need each other in some way. Call me superstitious, but that’s what I believe.”
Aaron studied Fraul for a long time before he spoke. “I was once told I would find a friend who would help me and I him. If you want to accompany me, I will welcome you.” As Aaron spoke, the lightning threads rippled faster and the avenging power came into his eyes. “But I warn you, the closer I move toward the betrayed the more focused I become. When I know the betrayer I don’t want you near me. If you touch me then, you’ll die.”
Fraul nodded without fear. He knew he was supposed to be with Aaron. He thought of the song again. There could be no mistaking it. This would be Aaron’s last mission, or it would begin his life.
“You said you hoped you wouldn’t fail this time. What did you mean? I don’t recall you ever failing.”
Aaron’s face twisted with an indescribable emotion. “I fail every time,” he said softly.
A shiver ran down Fraul’s spine. “How?” Frau
l’s voice was so low he almost doubted he had voiced the question at all. The air in the room had filled with something sacred and Fraul didn’t want to disturb it.
Aaron straightened, shouldering a bag of supplies. “I can’t betray the one I love.”
“That doesn’t sound like failing to me.”
“It’s the only way I’ll be released from this fate, the only way I can live again.”
Fraul felt the sanctity of the room intensify. He glanced about him, a little uneasy. “But that goes against who you are. The Avenger can’t betray – ”
Aaron held up his hand. “No more. There is time yet before I must make the choice again. I don’t want to think of it now. I can’t. Love is pain, Fraul. Love is pain.”
The saying hung in the air like a cold rain. The suffering in Aaron’s voice was an arrow through Fraul’s heart. He couldn’t imagine what the Avenger felt if Aaron could invoke such intense emotions with only a phrase.
Chapter 10
“Ren.”
Quinton’s voice was almost unrecognizable. It was low, muffled, and contrary to his usual boisterousness. Ren turned to see his captain pointing to a creature twenty cubits from them. It was the size of a bobcat, standing on its hind legs and rocking its head from side to side, smelling the air. It had large golden eyes and a golden coat that would be hard to see in a sandy setting.
“I’ve never seen that creature before,” Quinton said, an edge of fear to his voice.
Ren took a quick step back. “Markum?”
“It’s a nesbit,” Markum said.
“Let’s get out of here,” Quinton said. “Now.”
Ren nodded as he studied the weasel-like creature with a rising sense of danger. He had read about the magical creature before. It didn’t have good eyesight, but when it locked on its prey’s position, it could freeze its quarry in place. Once something was frozen, there was no defense. The nesbit’s jaw would open like a dragon and shatter the prey’s neck, while its powerful claws dug into the prey’s flesh, allowing no means of escape. Nesbits would lock on their carcass and slowly drain the juices over days, leaving the rest to rot.
Ren looked behind him. Some of the men were already taking provisions off their horses. Just as he was about to shout a warning, the creature bounded forward, mouth opening into a vicious snarl, eyes crazed with hunger. Where before the nesbit appeared a harmless scavenger, now it seemed to be something from the Abyss. Its jaws were huge; its teeth, long and yellow; its eyes, intent on the kill. Ren mouth went dry. The nesbit had locked onto something.
“Everybody move! Get on your horses! Leave everything and move! Now!”
The desperation in Michel’s voice left no room for question. No one hesitated. A few of the horses screamed a warning as they caught the nesbit’s sent. Ren jumped on his mount’s back as she reared. Just when he was about to urge her forward, Galvin screamed Neki’s name.
Fates, not Neki! Ren couldn’t spin his mount fast enough.
Neki sat on the back of his horse, watching as the nesbit’s lithe form bounded toward him. Ren was too far away to reach his friend in time. A cry came from his lips as Michel screamed for Neki to jump. Neki glanced Michel’s direction, seeming to wake from a dream. Neki’s mount, not Neki, was frozen.
“Move Neki!” Ren’s cry seemed to come from far away.
As Neki slid off his horse, the nesbit took to the air. Neki’s leg moved over the horse’s neck, directly in line with the nesbit’s attack. Neki wouldn’t be able to move fast enough. Ren watched in horror as the nesbit’s gaping jaws began to widen only a hand’s width from Neki’s calf.
Galvin galloped toward Neki, battle-ax high. Just as the nesbit’s jaws were about to clamp hold of Neki’s leg, Galvin let the battle-ax fly. The aim was true, and the ax severed the nesbit’s head with a hollow “thunk.”
As the ax hit the ground, Neki crumbled from the saddle, barely able to catch hold of his horse’s reins as it came out of its daze and reared in terror. Galvin skidded to a stop beside him and helped steady the terrified creature.
It took a few heartbeats for Ren to remember to breathe. The men were silent, their faces drained of color. The body of the nesbit lay discarded in the field, its blood staining the lush grass crimson. Galvin’s battle-ax looked as foreign in the terrain as snow would in the desert. The playful call of a few birds echoed overhead, oblivious to the terror below them. Their cackling cries sounded perverse as Ren gazed at the blood-soaked field. A soft, warm breeze blew, but instead of providing comfort, it caused Ren’s flesh to prickle.
Without a word, Galvin held Neki’s horse steady as Neki remounted. Ren waited until Galvin retrieved his battle-ax before turning. He didn’t trust himself to speak. No words seemed worthy of his feelings. In the stillness, he knew everyone felt the same. The group’s silence was a blanket of protective solace.
If Neki had been taken, the strength of the group would have dwindled, and hope would have been hard to retain. Each person had become a part of the mission, part of the hope of the Lands. No one felt that more so than Ren.
How many magical creatures were already alive? And how many more would appear? Ren shivered as he thought of his worst childhood fear: the Adderiss. She appeared to the wealthiest kings and the most meager beggars. Everywhere the Adderiss went, adders followed. When the Adderiss came for you, she would coat your body with snakes and make demands. If you refused her demands, or if you tried to escape the adders, you would die. It was that simple.
Because the Adderiss was part human, it was unlikely she would be reborn like the nesbit. She was one being, not a breed of creature. Or at least, that was what Ren kept telling himself.
- - -
“Marianne?”
Marianne jumped. Korin grinned as if he knew her thoughts. She blushed and looked down at her hands. She had been daydreaming about him again, and his scrutiny of her only flustered her.
With a glance toward the main party she discovered why Korin had ridden over to her, or why, she thought with a pang of sadness, her father had commanded he do so. She had wandered a fair distance from the main group. She was always daydreaming and wandering. She had never been comfortable among large crowds, much less a troop of soldiers. To think Korin had come to her because he found her charming was ludicrous. Korin was just checking on her, by her father’s command.
Korin had lost his smile and was looking at her with what appeared to be genuine concern. He was handsome, with long golden hair, suntanned skin and midnight-blue eyes, so dark they appeared brown in scant light.
Korin had spoken with her many times over the past few months, for reason’s that escaped her. At first she held hopes he harbored feelings for her, but she soon discarded the idea. Korin could have anyone he wanted. Why would he want her?
“I saw you at the banquet,” Korin said, cheeks flushed from the ride. “You were the prettiest one there.”
She blinked in surprise, her shyness briefly forgotten. “How did you see me? Weren’t you camped outside the walls?”
His strong eyes turned toward her, causing her stomach to twist into knots. “Yes, but I told the guards I had a message for your father. They let me pass and I peeked inside.”
Marianne’s heart raced. “You told them you had a message just to look in on the guests?”
Korin blushed and turned away. “Actually, I wanted to make sure you were all right.”
“Me?”
Korin shrugged. “I just had a bad taste in my mouth. Maybe I was right after all that happened the next day.”
She wanted to say something, do something that would keep him talking, but she didn’t know what, so she just sat there gripping the reins like a fool, hoping he wouldn’t ride away. When he turned to her again she blinked in shock at the panic in his eyes.
“Did you see what happened, Marianne? Did you see the prince do all those things they say?”
His voice pleaded with her to speak the truth. She twisted the reins and nodded, remem
bering the dragon’s roar, the prince’s mad determination, and the woman falling. Yes, she had seen everything.
“So, you believe the sorceress?”
The question took her off guard. She wasn’t accustomed to anyone asking her opinion. Could she tell Korin her feelings? She thought of the crown prince’s pain and rage as he ran for Valor and Ista. It was terrible. She had never seen anyone so furious, but she didn’t believe the accusations. She didn’t know why, and she wouldn’t voice her feelings to anyone, especially her father. Lorlier was rigorous in his judgments, and if she spoke of believing in Ren, and he did not, he would look at her with disappointment.
Korin’s eyes searched her face, stripping her. “Please, Marianne, don’t be fearful of me. I’m just concerned people are accepting this woman blindly. Was what you saw so condemning no one will question her intentions?”
He reached over and placed his hand over hers. His thumb absently stroked her forearm, sending a tingling warmth to her heart, melting away any apprehension.
She drew in a breath, unable to turn from his eyes. “I don’t doubt Ren went after Valor and Ista. No one does, Korin, but I doubt the charges.”
As soon as her words were out, Korin’s eyes closed. She glanced down at his hand, still holding hers. His grip was strong; his touch, gentle. She laid her palm over his lower arm, feeling his taut muscles. She blinked, shocked at the way his touch made her forget her reason, and turned to see if he had noticed her caress. He was watching her with eyes filled with something she couldn’t describe. It was as if the ocean had come into them. She blushed and took her hand away. His hand stayed where it was, clutching hers with what seemed to be an entreaty for salvation.
“Marianne, I don’t know how to tell you this.” He paused and turned away. “I’m in love with you.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. She felt dizzy and was barely able to focus on his words.
