Runefell: Crossroads

by Shawn Sodman

  “Exactly,” Resheck says. “We thought it was unusual for them to request so many. Well, as it turns out they had opened a training camp for their shamans. For years now they have been training hundreds of shamans.”

  “By the gods,” Chance says. “They have created an army.”

  Resheck says, “And a very powerful ocean force as well. They have been building ships at all of their cities along the coast. Now normally, Mr. Na'Moon, we would never share such information as it is none of our concern. We are not in the business of being spies. But now they have attacked one of our ships. They have crossed the line, so we have pulled all of our shops out their cities.”

  “I must go now. The Red Dawn may be in trouble,” Chance says.

  “I understand,” says Arioch. “It appears that we may once again be at war. I have sent a small scouting party to the north. They will check out the old orcnea lands to see if they have returned. I have also sent word to the Amazons of the Silver Moon. If the orcneas are back, we will need them once again. Oh, and Chance,” Arioch puts his hand on Chance's shoulder, “be careful, my friend.”

  “I will,” Chance replies.

  Chance turns and transforms into his great eagle form and takes flight. As he flies off, Resheck says to Arioch, “Don't you think you should have told him who you sent in the scouting party?”

  Arioch replies, “You want me to tell him that I am sending his oldest daughter? The same daughter who witnessed her mother die at the hands of orcneas when she was five year old? No, I think not.”

  “He'll be upset when he finds out,” Resheck says.

  “Yes, he will,” Arioch replies, “but do not forget my daughter is also in that scouting party.”

  “Why would you send them on such a dangerous mission?” Resheck asks.

  “You have never met our daughters,” Arioch says as he watches the great eagle fly off out of sight. “When they found out about the orcneas, I couldn't stop them from going.”

  *****

  Back in the apartment Josh asks, “So the King sent Chance's daughter and the Princess on a scouting mission? How old were they?”

  “Well,” Kyles answers, “at the time they were eighteen.”

  “What!” Haley says in disbelief. “Eighteen?”

  “Back then you could have been married off at age fourteen,” Laura laughs.

  “Your sister is right,” Kyle explains. “However, eighteen was still a little young even then, but you have to understand that King Arioch rose to power from a common soldier. He never forgot his roots, and made sure that Princess Kianna was trained and skilled as both a royal princess and a worthy fighter. Her best friend, Ya'leigh Na'Moon, was of course trained in combat as well. Their friend Gena Lotusblossom, was a halfling who was very good at magic.”

  “What is a halfling?” Haley asks.

  Kyle smiles and answers, “A halfling is kind of like a dwarf, but without all the facial hair. They are less stocky as well. They are often mistaken as children when they are among humans. Gena met Ya'leigh and Princess Kianna at the magic school of Dicean. Gena knew many spells that were useful for adventurers.”

  “So, did the king just send girls?” Josh asks.

  “No,” Kyle replies. “No matter how talented Kianna and her friends were, Arioch would never send them without two of his most trusted warriors. One of them was Garrin Silvertin. He was a hardened warrior from the Second orcnea War. He was also a skilled blacksmith, and was trained by both dwarves and elves in armor and weapon making. Then finally there was Isen. Picked more for his brawn than his brains, he was the personal body guard of the Princess. He was taller and stronger than most men, and was always ready to put himself in harm's way for the others when trouble started. Many times it was trouble that had been started by him. This was the group that Arioch sent to scout the northern territory. Now, before I get further side tracked...”

  *****

  Along the road heading north, Princess Kianna is leading her group. Her long black hair covers her pointed half elven ears. Her well-crafted armor is polished and looks new. She has a sword at her side and a shield on her back. She looks more like a soldier than royalty. She is driving a wagon full of supplies for the town of Troven. The supplies are covered by a large canvas. Riding alongside her in the wagon is Ya'leigh. Much like her father, Chance, she has long blonde hair. Without a shield, she prefers to use two curved swords similar to small katanas.”

  *****

  “Katanas?” Josh asks, interrupting the story.

  “Yes,” Kyle explains, “after the different worlds were mixed up during the Great Collapse there were many cultures in Runefell, including Asian cultures.”

  “And the elves use katanas?” Josh asks.

  “Sort of, yes,” Kyle replies. “They respected the craftsmanship of the Japanese sword and some elven blacksmiths worked with the Japanese sword-smiths to learn their crafting technique.”

  “That's cool,” Josh says. “They are like, Elven Samurais.”

  Kyle laughs and replies, “Yes, something like that.”

  “Okay, Josh,” Laura says impatiently, “let Uncle Kyle continue with the story now.”

  “Sorry,” Josh says.

  Kyle smiles and continues.

  *****

  Aside from her two swords, Ya'leigh has a finely crafted elven bow on her back. Riding next to the wagon on horseback is the tall body guard Isen along with Garrin, both heavily armored. In contrast is their friend Gena who has no armor. Aside from her regular clothing she only has a robe and a staff.

  “I wish Aria was here,” Ya'leigh says.

  “Me too,” Kianna adds. “We could use her if we get into trouble.”

  The hard of hearing Garrin asks, “Why are we in trouble?”

  “We said we could use Aria if we got into trouble!” Gena says loudly so he can understand.

  “Oh, right,” Garrin replies.

  Up ahead they can see a family of four with a pack mule. They have stopped for a rest along the side of the road. The young father and mother look exhausted. Their two children, a boy and a girl no older than ten, are eating some rations as they sit on the ground. There cloths are tattered and their faces are dirty.

  “I'll go and make sure they aren't a danger,” Isen says.

  Kianna looks at Ya'leigh and laughs. She then says to her over protective body guard, “Isen, I don't think those kids are much of a threat.”

  “You never know, Your Highness,” Isen replies. Then with a grin he adds, “They could be orcneas in disguise.” He then rides his horse up ahead of the group towards the family.

  “Did he say orcneas are wise?” Garrin asks.

  “No,” Gena answers with a sigh.

  The princess continues to approach the family on the wagon while Isen reaches them first. “Good morning,” Isen says with a friendly smile.

  “Good morning,” the father says as he gets to his feet.

  “My name is Isen,” he says as he dismounts his horse.

  “I am Marcus,” the man replies as he looks over the massive dark haired warrior before him. “This is my wife, Ellen, and our children Orin and Cassie.”

  Isen nods at Ellen and the two curly haired children. “Which way are you heading?” Isen asks.

  “We are heading to Sheathelm,” Marcus answers. “We are from the north along the base of the Northwind Range.”

  “We are heading to the north,” Isen explains. “Have you seen any orcneas lately?”

  “Seen any? No,” Marcus replies, “but we have heard that there have been sightings to the north western side of the range.”

  “Near Sapphire Lake?” Isen asks as Kianna and the others reach them.

  “Yes,” Marcus answers. “I heard there was a small raid on the monastery there.”

  Kianna looks at Ya'leigh and says, “That's where the Iron Fist Monks are.”

  “Skunks?” Garrin asks. “Where?”

  “I said that is where the Iron Fist Monks are!�
� Kianna repeats.

  “Ah, yes,” Garrin says. “I believe the Iron Fist Monks are near Sapphire Lake.”

  Shaking her head Ya'leigh says to the scruffy looking Garrin, “We know.”

  “Your Highness,” Isen says, “we should be able to go there straight from Troven.”

  “I am sorry, but did he say “Your Highness?” Marcus asks.

  Ya'leigh shakes her head and says to Isen, “Isen, you're an idiot.”

  Isen cringes and replies, “I am sorry, I forgot. I don't think they are much of a threat though.”

  “That's what I said earlier,” Kianna says with a laugh.

  “Oh,” Marcus say nervously. “I assure you we mean you no harm. We are just heading to Sheathelm in case there are more orcneas coming.”

  Isen replies. “Well, this is Princess Kianna, of Sheathelm.”

  The man bows his head and says, “It is an honor, Your Royal Highness.”

  Ellen quickly stands and curtseys. “Your Highness, my apologies.”

  Kianna, feeling a bit awkward, smiles and says, “There is no need for apologies. I hardly look the role of a princess right now.”

  Marcus says, “Your Highness, I should warn you that if the rumors of the orcnea raids are true, then might I suggest that you return to Sheathelm.”

  “We have some supplies that we are taking to Troven,” Kianna answers.

  “Forgive me for saying so,” Ellen says, “but that could be dangerous.”

  Kianna looks at her group and answers, “Yes, it could be, but I have a good group of companions, if we come across any orcneas.”

  The young boy Orin says, “Mother, I am still hungry.”

  “We are almost to Sheathelm,” she quietly answers. “We will have some money for food soon.”

  Isen opens a bag that hangs from the side of his horse and takes out two large apples. He walks over to the two small children and holds out the fruit and says, “Here you go. That should last you until you reach the city.”

  The soft voice of Cassie replies, “Thank you.” Her hands are so small that she must use both of them to hold the large apple from Isen.

  Kianna asks, “What do you plan to do when you reach Sheathelm?”

  “We plan to sell the mule and what belongings we have,” Marcus answers. “It isn't much but it should be enough to get us buy until I can find work.”

  Kianna looks at the poorly dressed family. She watches as the two children eat the apples as if they haven't eaten in days. She pulls out a small pouch from her belt and climbs down from the wagon. She walks up to the father and says, “Here, take this.” She hands him the pouch.

  Marcus takes the small purse from her he can hear the sound of coins from inside. He says, “Your Highness, you are too generous.”

  Kianna smiles and says, “That should be enough to get you started on your new life.”

  Marcus looks at his wife who rushes over and grabs his hand. “Thank you, Your Highness,” Ellen says, trying to hold back tears.

  Kianna replies, “My father once told me that we are leaders only because the hard work of the good people allows us to be. If our own people cannot feed their families, then we have failed them as leaders.”

  “Long live King Arioch,” Marcus says proudly.

  “When was the last time you two have eaten a full meal?” Kianna asks.

  Marcus looks down at the ground and answers, “Our rations ran low two days ago, and we have been saving them for our children.”

  “Well, I can do something about that,” Gena says. She pulls a silver serving platter from her backpack. She sets it down on the ground in front of her. She takes a deep breath and as she slowly moves her hand over the platter food begins to appear. The family watches in amazement as bread, cheese, and grapes appear from thin air. A few moments later and the patter is full of food.

  “Look!” Orin yells.

  “Is that a magic platter?” Marcus asks in amazement.

  “No,” Gena answers, sounding a bit out of breath. “It is just a platter, but I happen to know a few spells.”

  “Is the food real?” Cassie asks.

  Gena laughs and answers, “Yes, the food is real. Please help yourselves.”

  Orin and Cassie start picking at the grapes. “We cannot thank you enough,” Ellen says as she takes some bread from the large platter.

  Isen takes some bread and cheese from the platter and walks over and sets it down on the back of the wagon. He then walks to his horse to get some water from his wineskin, and as he does a small hand reaches out from underneath the canvas covering the wagon and takes his food.

  When Isen returns he notices that it is gone. He looks around a bit and then looks up in the sky to see if a bird had come and taken the food. He then walks back over to the platter that is now empty. He sighs and asks Gena, “Can you make some more food, something happened to mine.”

  “Yeah,” Ya'leigh replies with a laugh, “you ate it.”

  “No,” Isen explains, “I didn't. I set it down over there and some animal must have taken it.”

  “Alright,” Gena says with a disgruntled tone, “I'll make more, but you have to wait a minute. I still have to rest from the last spell.”

  “Thanks,” Isen replies as he looks around again for his missing food.

  Later, as the two groups finish eating, Orin slowly walks up to Ya'leigh and asks, “Is that a magic bow?”

  “Yes, it is,” Ya'leigh replies with a smile.

  Orin asks, “What does it do?”

  Ya'leigh stands up and takes the bow from her back. The beautiful long bow, with red stained wood, looks graceful in her hands. She says, “You don't need arrows for this bow.” As she draws back the bowstring, an arrow magically appears already drawn. Flames emit from the summoned arrow. “The bow's name is Incendia,” she says as she slowly relaxes the bowstring. As the tension on the bowstring is released the flaming arrow disappears.

  “That is quite a weapon,” Marcus says.

  “Yes, it was my mother's,” Ya'leigh says sadly as she slings the bow back over her shoulder. Without saying another word Ya'leigh walks back to the wagon.

  Marcus looks to Garrin and asks, “I am sorry, did I say something wrong?”

  Garrin answers, “Her mother died in an orcnea raid years ago.”

  “Oh,” Marcus replies. “I didn't mean to upset her.”

  “It's alright,” Garrin says. “She just doesn't like to talk about it much. My wife and her mother were part of a caravan. They were following along the base of the Northwind Range when they were attacked by the orcneas. Ya'leigh and my daughter, Aria, were with them, and were the only survivors.”

  “Oh,” Ellen replies, “I am so sorry.”

  “Thank you,” Garrin says as he reflects on the past. “It was the raid that started the Second Orcnea War. One of the wagons overturned and Ya'leigh and my daughter were caught underneath it. They were only five years old. If not for being hidden under the wagon, we may have lost them as well.”

  “I can understand why she doesn't want to talk about it,” Marcus says. “I am sorry for your loss.”

  “Thank you,” Garrin replies. “I just hope that the rumors of the orcnea's return aren’t true.”

  “We should be going,” Isen says.

  The groups start to get up and gather their things. Marcus says to them, “I hope that the orcneas have not returned, but if they have I wish you the best of luck.”

  “Thank you,” Kianna says as she gets back on the wagon where Ya'leigh is waiting patiently. “Good luck to you as well.”

  “Thank you again, Your Highness,” Ellen says as Kianna's group starts to move out.

  “You’re welcome,” Kianna answers back to the family. Then turning to Ya'leigh she asks, “Are you alright?”

  Ya'leigh looks at her friend and replies, “I will be. Just as soon as I get to kill some orcneas.”

  Chapter 7

  Storm on the Horizon

  It is late morning on t
he Red Dawn. Fernando is still sound asleep, albeit, uncomfortably in his cell. Ariella enters the small room with Drake and Leon. She has John open the cell door. As he does Fernando wakes up and says, “I couldn't think of a better way to begin my day then with the sight of you.”

  Ariella sighs and says, “Mr. Greythorn, we have arrived at the coordinates that you gave my navigator yesterday. It's time for you to enlighten us all with the next leg of our journey.”

  Fernando smiles and says, “My pleasure, Captain.” He slowly stands up and stretches his back and neck. Fernando then turns and almost runs right into Leon. He stops and as he looks up at the much taller man he smiles and says, “Pardon me.” Then he steps to the side and walks past the big man.

  Leon just shakes his head and follows the group up the stairs.

  When Fernando reaches the top of the stairs he takes a deep breath. “What a beautiful morning,” he says. He walks up to Chris, and looks at the map. He points to a spot on the map to the south of where they are and says, “Right there, Mister...uhh,” Fernando struggles to remember his name.

  “It's just Chris, Mr. Greythorn,” Chris says with disdain. Then he says to the helmsman, “Jackson, come about thirty degrees to port.”

  “Aye, sir,” Jackson replies. “Coming about.”

  Fernando walks back down from the quarterdeck to Ariella and says, “Well, Captain, it looks like we are set for another day. Perhaps now would be a good time to discuss my compensation.”

  The crew looks nervously at each other in an uncomfortable silence. Allen stops swabbing the deck as he now waits for the Captain's response.

  “Compensation, Mr. Greythorn?” Ariella asks while giving him a stare. “The only reason I have not tortured the location from you is because your screams were upsetting Marie. As I told you before, do not mistake my kindness for weakness. If you try to escape us your freedom will be short lived. Torgus can and will track you down, and then, Mr. Greythorn, if you think I made you feel pain before...”

  The crew quietly laughs a bit. Leon in particular has a big smile.

  Fernando's smile quickly fades, but he continues to plead his case, “I understand, Captain, but please, I beg of you to reconsider. I have a personal reason for finding this treasure. Captain, do you even know what this treasure is?”