A rush of hands from other Legionnaires supported him. Nrath hobbled over and bowed to his master.
"Yes, Legatus?"
"You are well to take blame, but enough has been taken by you. Perhaps in the coming weeks you may take back your leg from the enemy."
His voice was deep and strong; the feeble and tired voice from before had rested out. He tapped his men away from him, having gained the balance to stand, and felt about his waist.
"My sword?" he asked.
"I have it, Legatus Arsus," Sediya said.
He turned and knelt before the woman, but not without significant struggle to steady himself.
"I am sorry, Priestess. Once again we asked too much of you and your kindness. We did not know what had pursued us, but I hope none of your village was harmed."
"No, we escaped any injury for now."
She placed his sword before him.
"It is the young boys that found your rescuers, and they have since been given food and time to rest. But those that they brought are here, and I feel we will all have mutual interests of which to share words."
Slats and Euso went to Arsus, joining Berie, who stood behind him.
"Are you well, Legatus?" Slats asked, looking up to him with a curious stare.
"I am well now. I have feelings that my current set of questions, as I stare upon you and that ax, are better left for another time. But I say to you and those two with you, thank you. It should bring you comfort that we are not of the Grand Protectorate any longer and should be of no worry to your kind."
The dwarf and elf both nodded but were surprised by the Legatus.
“But just as we cause questions for your mind, we are confused at your words,” Slats said.
"Very good," said Sediya, "A meal shall be prepared, and it will be had atop the great hall as the sun sets. Our newest guests shall have time to wash themselves, if they please. We have hot water from the mountain springs that can heal tired bones."
The warm spring offered by Sediya was something Slats remembered from his childhood in Harrodarr. He had enjoyed it many times, and more so once he began training in ax fighting, with the bruises and sprains that came afterward.
Going ahead of Berie as well as Euso, a female servant led Slats away from the spire of the great hall. He soon found himself at the end of a long hallway that twisted into the depths below. It was here, past a red cloth doorway, that he saw a torch lit grotto. The water glowed a bluish hue, and Slats could not see a source for such a light.
The servant left and he disrobed. Stepping into the warm water, he felt the soothing spring caress him.
As his body relaxed, the soreness in his legs lessened as the tension caused by their hikes and sprints over the past few days left his muscles.
He thought of the beasts on the mountaintop. He knew of those creatures. Literal offspring of a demon, known to be capable not only of direct attacks but also to drive a person insane and to commit heinous acts. It seemed to him that their enemy from Elinathrond had followed them and gained further power. The Demon of Ustavis lived, or so it seemed.
Finishing his bath, he went to put on his clothes and found that his belonging were gone, save only his ax. A brown robe awaited him, and, although not his own, it was relief to wear less weight than he had for some time. Besides, his old clothing still smelled of seawater from their time on Meredaas’ ship.
The others each took their turn in the bath, and as they cleaned themselves, their clothes were cleaned as well. Berie and Slats both insisted on keeping their weapons, and there was no protest from Sediya, who led them to a circular stairwell that took them to the highest point of the great hall.
It was an open-sided terrace. Covered with a thatched roof, a sweet breeze came off the nearby snowcapped peaks.
A large wooden table greeted them, laden with plates of berries, as well as grilled fish, and a soup with vegetables. An enormous, carved, wooden falcon sat on the far edge of the terrace, its wings outstretched. To the sides of it were perches for the real version of the bird. Slats curled his nose, catching whiff of a foul smell.
As they took their places around the table, a falcon flew into the terrace, and to Sediya it flew, landing on her arm.
"We hold the hawk and the falcon in high regard here. This spire above the chasm has been their roost long before us, and as priestess to them, I do not take well to any harm coming to a bird upon these mountains."
A warm setting sun in the far distance colored the horizon in a blend of red, purple, and blue. In the far distance, the mountaintops cut into the light, and, just visible from as far away as the mountains, the ocean sparkled.
They each sat and were told by Sediya to serve themselves, and she waited until they were finished eating.
Soon after they had all began, Arsus also joined them. Upon his arrival, Sediya looked to the servants and guards and motioned them to leave.
"I am happy that I am the one to get to meet those that have come in these times to bring back the old."
Berie looked to Sediya, as did Slats and Euso.
"I am a keeper of secrets of the elves from long ago and was given my post by one of the last in this region. It is not just my people that protect this land. I know much of these mountains, and not even The Order can unravel the riddles set here."
"If we are talking of elves, then I trust that Arsus here is no mere Legion Legatus of the Protectorate.”
"It is true," confirmed Arsus. "I know the truth, and it is the Grand Protectorate, or Order, if that term is understood among present company, that is at least partly why my Legion came here.”
Through the window came another bird. This one did not go to Sediya, but took to the ground near Arsus.
“My friend,” he said to it, “how have you liked the companionship of other feathered brothers and sisters?”
“You, too, have a falcon?” Slats asked.
“Every commander of a Legion, whether here in the north or near the seas, or further south, has a bird of war. This is Rokias, and he is a faithful servant. The Legions operate as separate but unified armies; our birds can carry messages across the field of battle or the entire land. It has been a long time since open war has been upon us, though, and most of our operations have centered on less than glorious actions. The entire Protectorate is in turmoil. If it is not the sacking of towns for every person of worth, it is punishment and fighting against rebellion within. As my centurion told you, I am Chief Legatus of the Second Legion. It is a title I hold in name, but to the Grand Protectorate I, as well as my Legion, are traitors. Lokam has searched for us, and Finar to the far south, has sent out scouts. We remain yet hidden."
"The Legatus was sent to the east in search of the Passage of Solitude, a rumor, if you can say, of a way to the east and a supposed place of magic,” Sediya explained. “The Grand Protectorate has taken many paths that before it would have avoided. In this case, it was folly for the Legion. Arsus found himself lost within days and turned back."
Arsus continued, "It was then, upon returning to Lokam, I was told of a new 'cleansing,' something to which my men and I would be subjected. A man of the fogs, unlike any I had seen before, had 'blessed' the First Legion following their march to the far north. The officers of that Legion that returned were not the same as before. They were barely still men, if you can believe that. Their eyes burned with fire, and their bodies could alight with a bluish hue. I did not understand. The Second Legion was to meet this 'man of fogs' and be as the others, blessed. I did not agree of this cleansing we were to receive, but not even my superiors in Lokam listened to me.
“The First Legion had marched to battle days before with an unnatural storm at their heels, and much talk spread through Lokam of the arcane nature of events. It was as something from stories of long ago. When the men returned, I heard of a battle against a city of magic, and I still could not believe. After that battle, well, as I said, the First Legion was different. I had grown up with the Legatus of that
Legion, and he was no longer a man of honor. He fought not for the Grand Protectorate — his fealty lay somewhere else. When we were called for cleansing, I ordered my men to flee while a large group of my closest soldiers attempted to distract the garrisons of Lokam.”
"How many men do you have?" Euso asked.
"In total I hold command still of two thousand. Although, that is less than half of what I had. Within the caves below this place we have made camp and mourn our losses. We attempted to kill the Man of Fogs, and it turned into a blood bath, with legionnaires upon their own brothers. Dark-veiled warriors familiar with blade and in skill beyond that of my Legion were among us, cutting down and then vanishing as a wisp of smoke, if you can believe such things. Never have I felt imprisoned in my own city, but Lokam is lost to us. I fear for the Legions that remain unblessed, but I cannot think too much of it. The priestess here has given us a place to call home in return for fishing the river deep below to feed ourselves and to provide food to the village. A small price."
He nodded in appreciation to Sediya.
"Who is the man, the Man of Fogs?" Slats asked the Legatus.
"I do not know. I did not stay in Lokam long enough to learn much more. Bah, I do not even know if it is man or woman. But it is not natural. He is robed and holds an orbed staff. If he is not in his carriage and followed by dark figures, he walks with an encompassing mist of fogs, hence his name."
Slats took a deep drink, slammed his cup on the table, and pointed at the commander.
"Aye, I've heard your story until now, so tell me why we found your man near the dwarven ruins,” he demanded.
There was a glance between Sediya and Arsus.
"I was searching."
"For what, exactly, was a Legatus doing at a dwarven ruin?" Berie asked.
"I needed to know the truth, whispered by many, if it was indeed truth."
"Truth?"
"It was one thing to be a standing army, but to do what we were asked, to rip people from their homes for no reason and then have those people given over like cattle to be swept to the depths of the earth . . . it made no reason or sense. There was no logic to it. I searched for this eastern path, but could not find it. But with the priestess here, I was not going to find it.”
He looked to her and back to the travelers, then continued, "After we were provided shelter, I began to study what was found in the caves below. Elvish writings in caves was strange, but even stranger was dwarvish next to it. I found the same in the dwarven ruins with the Elven Statue in a dwarven place. Not to mention the cruel vines that struck my men as we entered. I think, had we been elf or dwarf, we could have passed. I know the folly of the two races was their lack of peace, but something united them, and it was not just a threat from men like the Grand Protectorate. They, like all of magic, were not, I fear, the cause of the problems of our ancestors. They worked together, though still their destruction was not to be avoided.
“I could make little of what I found in the dwarven place, and it was no time we had before the darkness came from the passage, as if waiting for us. It was then we ran. In the most deepest regret I wish it would have been me that had fallen instead of those that I took with me to that place. I feel even more at loss, putting my men at risk."
"Now, the rest of the puzzle,” Sediya said.
She looked to Berie and Slats.
"Tell us, strangers, what news do you have?"
Slats looked to Berie, who stared between the Legatus and the priestess. She reached to her head and lowered her covering.
"I am an elf, and this here, Slats, is a dwarf. It is with a careful trust we tell you this.”
The Legatus covered his mouth, though stalwart and knowledgeable of the world, a deep confusion came upon him.
"I know not of a magic race that still lives," he said in amazement. “I saw the ax wielded by Slats, and thought it of dwarven design.”
"Aye, it is. And I am indeed of dwarven design, as well,” Slats said. "And there were more of magic, but Elinathrond, that city of magic you spoke of, has been destroyed."
"We seek to return magic to this world," Berie said bluntly. "If you know the truth of The Order, you know it is by magic's destruction that your world was brought its peace, but it will not last."
"That is the story," he replied. "Memory sickness was an unfortunate happening in those days, but magic was not to be and peace did come."
"That peace was bought by the deaths of many, and it was nothing but a guise for old men to gain and keep power. But their time is limited. That sickness was no ailment, but a curse. A curse that we are free from now. The old gods of the far south, the Itsu, have made their presence known in the world."
"I agree with you, elf; I fear darker power is at work," Sediya said. "That black shroud was no creation of The Order."
"That is true," Slats said. "And I fear it left too simply. The beasts we killed atop the mountain were but spawn from the demon of the mage Ustavis."
"That name is known to me," Sediya said. "Though it was many years ago, I remember a traveling man by that name. Where is he now?"
"Dead,” Berie told her. "Yet he was no simple man, but a Lich of the netherworld in the end, his powers of necromancy quite formidable to summarize the events.”
"That as it is," Slats continued, "the demon has gained strength and became its own entity, if it is creating creatures of its own. There must be some source in these mountains it is drawn to."
"There is," Sediya confirmed. "This is a central location for veins of old magic. Many ranges of mountains have such places, and it is here dwarven magic was abound; however, knowledge of it has been hidden from me. The Passage of Solitute has remained sealed, for the stars would not allow its opening. The rune locks sealed shut, with the taking away of magic in the world. The lands it protects hold much of magic, but it was not for the elves and dwarves. I was told another place would be made for others, and such it must have been for you two to be here."
"Elinathrond was our home," Berie said, "but it is gone, as said by Slats, and was destroyed by the First Legion."
"I had wondered of where they marched, for other than rebels, there is no actual standing army to face the Grand Protectorate,” Arsus said.
"Not yet," Euso added.
“I recognize your type, of the Islands?” Arsus asked.
“I am.”
“Does the Island Nation plan war?”
“I know not war, only fishing trips.”
Euso and Arsus stared at one another before Arsus shook his head.
“If they do plan war it will be wise advice to say they not do it alone.”
"We must work together," Sediya said, "to assure that not only you two, Berie and Slats, but also those that seek freedom from The Order, can obtain that as well as fight for it. We are fortunate that we are protected, as such, here, but villages to the south not on this vein of magic have been raided and their people taken."
"Do you use magic?" Slats asked.
"Only as a veil. I cannot wield it in any other form, and only as long as the east is sealed do I have this power. When you unseal the east with the restoration of magic in the land, I will lose that power."
"You give that up without regret?" Berie asked.
"I was given this power for a reason, but in so I cannot leave this place. With magic, I can once again leave the mountains. I have long watched the path to the east, long enough to where most do not even remember the way. I much desire to leaves these cliffs."
Arsus stood and said, "Well, it seems the question now is how to help everyone. What do you, Berie, and you, Slats, need?" He opened his arms. "I wish to help, however I might."
Sediya nodded, also awaiting their answer.
Berie said, "We are headed south. To the place of my people. We know of two seals that hold magic from the land, and we seek we keep to ourselves as of now, for it is by charge of Wura that we do this. But I cannot think we need anything."
"Horses would be nice," E
uso offered.
"Aye, horses!,” Slats agreed. “I have read of them, but cannot imagine they are any harder to ride than a goat!"
"But," Berie continued, after an annoyed look at Slats, "further help, if you wish to make it, Arsus. But please forgive us if our opinions of the Legions are ill. Perhaps your men can change those thoughts?"
"I will change that. I feel a deep desire to help you. My men, if the priestess allows, can remain here. I will come with you."
Sediya stood and said, "That is well with me."
"And Euso, Slats — horses will be provided. We will cover much more ground faster, for it is a decent journey to the old place of the Elves."
"Thank you. But it is not necessary for you to come yourself. Your men need you here," Berie said.
"If you will have me, I want to come. I lost many in the dwarven caves, but I seek to continue to learn of the old ways, and I will be able to give my men more of the true histories. We seek not only war, but knowledge. My men are well-cared-for, and my report of you two will be the best for their opinions. It is not only you two that question the hearts of strangers among you."
Berie looked at Slats and Euso, then asked, "Is it well with you?"
A nod came from Slats, but he said, "If you give us reason to suspect anything ill, you will die."
A silence came upon all of them. Slats stared at Arsus.
He nodded, "Very well, dwarf. That is fair, by my thinking. I expect nothing less."
The night air began to blow in, and the last light of the sun had just faded out. Past the overhang of the thatched roof, the stars began to shine.
"I bid you three take rest and go tomorrow. The horses will be brought to the upper levels, and you may join the men in the hall for sleeping."
"I will speak with my men," Arsus said. "It will be strange that I leave, but they will sleep well knowing I go with an elf and a dwarf. Many of them have taken to believing in the old ways. Some even whisper of prayer to the gods. My news will give them hope."
As the company departed and headed downstairs, the priestess stopped Berie as the others descended down to the hall.
"Go well, elf. I have for long admired your kind, and I respect your ways."
Saints of Wura: Winemaker of the North, Arcane Awakening, Reckoning in the Void (Saints of Wura Books 1-3 with bonus content) Page 44
