by Gwynn White
Suddenly, a tarrin burst into the room. He bent over, hands falling to his knees as he fought to gain his breath. “Assirra!” he managed through his rasping.
“What? What is it, Growlen?” she asked, distressed by his urgency.
“They’re...they’re coming!” he huffed. “The reports are coming in from everywhere. There is no mistake.”
“Who? Who is coming?” Assirra pleaded, growing desperate for some clarity.
“The laberaths are on the move,” he bellowed. “They march on Eldham as we speak. They’ll be here by tomorrow evening!”
Chapter Ten
Assirra’s creamy blue eyes swept the silent room, carefully measuring slouching postures and hung heads. “So be it,” she said, her head high and back straight. “I promised you sanctuary for as long as you remain with us,” she said to Viola. “I meant every word of that oath. Now more than ever!” She turned back to the messenger. “Go now and gather the villagers. I want everyone gathered at the base of our sacred tree within the hour.” He nodded and turned to carry out her orders. She grabbed him by the shoulder and spun him back. “Find Orfi as well,” she added, keeping her voice low. “Have him sent here immediately.” The moment she released him he was off and running.
“I’m sorry,” Viola whispered. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. You should have just left me in Redwater.”
“Nonsense,” said Liam, downplaying her words with a dismissive wave.
“People are going to die because of me,” she replied, her eyes tearing up.
Xavier came up from behind, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Of that there is little doubt,” he admitted. “But those numbers will reflect only a fraction of what it will be if you are captured by the laberaths. Owen and I have been bounty hunters for years, and countless times I’ve risked my life for the sake of a few coins. This is the first time I can honestly say I am willing to die for the cause. As long as my body draws breath, I swear they will not take you.” Viola managed a weak smile, not yet certain she believed him.
Just then, Orfi hobbled through the beaded doorway. He must have been nearby to have gotten there so quickly. When he limped up to Assirra, she leaned down and whispered something in his ear. His milky white eyes betrayed her confidence momentarily when they flashed towards Viola. “And hurry,” she said audibly, sending him right back out.
Owen ambled over to Liam. “Might be a good time to discuss a strategy,” he mumbled as he passed right by him.
“Agreed,” Liam replied, following him into the next room. Owen paced twice, then turned to face the mystic with an icy look in his eyes. “However, I don’t think that discussing strategy is the reason you pulled me away from the others,” Liam responded, returning the glare.
“Aye,” the hunter said. “But it be only a half lie. I think we be needing to clear the air on a few matters.” Liam nodded his agreement. There never really seemed to be a right time to have this discussion. Apparently Owen had decided that despite their impending doom looming right around the corner, this was about a good time as any.
“How be your wrist?” Owen asked, getting right to the point. Liam didn’t respond, all the while resisting the urge to glance down at it. “When were ye planning to tell me about your little incident regarding the girl?”
“You already knew,” Liam stated, having known that for some time.
“Aye, I did,” the hunter admitted. “Which was why I gave you plenty o chances to speak up. I thought we were past all of this. You still don’t trust me? What did you think I was going to do, put her down like a rabid dog?”
“Perhaps,” Liam sighed, his hard glare softening. “Yes, I lied to protect Viola. For what it’s worth, I regretted it the moment I did. But I wasn’t sure how you would react to her loss of control. Covering it just seemed like the simplest solution at the time.”
“I can’t keep doing this,” said Owen. “You heard what her messenger said. By tomorrow night this place is going to be crawling with laberaths, and who knows what demons they’ll bring with them? I need to know...and I mean really, really know, that you and I are on the same page.” He motioned towards the other room. “That girl’s life is in danger, and for some unexplainable reason, she seems willing to trust that you and I can protect her. In her own words, she seems to think we’re a family.” He paused, eyes lowering.
“I’ve been called an assassin, cutthroat, mercenary, and even a murderer,” he continued, his voice much softer this time. “But no one has ever used my name and the word ‘family’ in the same sentence. Even Xavier has never gone that far. So my question is a simple one: Was she wrong?”
“No, she was not,” Liam said. “Viola trusts you and Xavier implicitly, just as I do. My deceit of the situation was a kneejerk reaction, an unjustified fear I felt in the moment. I panicked, thinking you might do something rash. Although my intent was to protect her, my deception was a foolish choice. Your every action has done nothing but reinforce my trust in you, Owen. I do indeed believe the word ‘family’ now applies.”
The angry mutterings of villagers outside began to filter their way into the room. “Word spreads quickly in these parts,” said Liam, eyeing the doorway.
“I’m pretty sure that anger be directed at us. After you,” said Owen, sweeping a hand towards the doorway. The two of them marched out onto platform where the others were already waiting. They gazed down at the growing mob. Angry mutters blended together, the occasional fist shaking up at them. For such a supposedly peaceful race, these tarrins seemed rather livid right about now.
To no avail, Thatra waved her arms, trying to calm them down. “Quiet yourselves,” she called down. “Show respect in the presence of your High Cleric!” Viola peeked over the edge to a chorus of hissing. Realizing she was only making things worse, Thatra gently pulled her back.
“My fellow tarrins,” Assirra boomed, her powerful voice much stronger than it should have been. Perhaps Odao was working through her once more. “I do not stand before you today to offer false promises of hope and comfort. I shall be honest and forthright as I have always been. I know you have heard the rumors regarding an impending attack from our most ancient enemy. These are not mere rumors my friends, but a certainty we must face together. Indeed, the laberaths are coming. And true to their very nature, they shall show no mercy!”
Re-energized by the foreboding message, a hateful roar rose up like a storm.
“It’s her they want. Just let them have the dead girl!”
“I’m not dying for a witch!”
“She led them here. She’s working with the laberaths! Kill her now!”
Call after call for blood rose from the crowd, and none of it for laberath blood. A few even began inching their way up the steps, burning torches in their hands that they pumped menacingly.
“Enough!” came Owen’s deep voice like rumbling thunder. Startled by the human’s reaction, they quieted down. “For over a decade now, I have been the only human to set foot in your village. For a time I deemed that a great honor. Despite our differences in culture and race, you trusted me and I trusted you. Xavier and I have spilled blood defending your village and asked nothing in return. I took that blood on my hands so each of you could sleep at night. We did what you couldn’t do. Is that all I am to you now? A butcher, summoned only when something threatens your village?” Where there was roaring anger only a minute ago, you could now here a pin drop on wet grass.
“What happened to that trust we once had?” he continued, no longer shouting. “They are coming, and nothing we do can stop that. And even if you send Viola away, they’ll still cut your families apart just like the butcher you seem to think I am. And if they do find her, then you’re all just as dead.” He groaned, wiping the sweat from his forehead. “I can’t force you to defend yourselves. You must look into the eyes of your family and make that choice for yourself. If I have to stand alone, then so be it. I always knew I would die in battle, but I didn’t think it would happen defending cowa
rds who would sooner sacrifice a young girl than defend their own village.”
He turned away, leading Xavier by the arm. “Leave them to their tarrin business,” he said. “You and I must prepare to make a final stand.” They disappeared back into Assirra’s private temple. Liam glared down at the group, then followed the warriors inside.
“So the humans do not fear to make a stand when my own people will not?” Thatra hissed down from the platform. “So be it. Then I shall stand with the humans, and perhaps even fall as one. Their blood and title bring me no shame. But I will fall with a blade in my hand, not cowering behind some tree.” Snatching Viola by the shoulder, she, too, went back inside.
“I cannot tell you what is in your own hearts,” Assirra called down to her people. “That is between you and Odao. I make no demands of any of you this day. If you want to flee, then do so. I harbor no ill will for any who make such a choice. They will hunt you down anyway, but you just may live another day or two. May Odao go with you and guide your path. As for me,” she pulled a dagger from her side and dragged the blade across the palm of her hand, “I am prepared to shed blood in his name.” She held out a closed fist, blood trickling to the ground below. Onlookers stepped back, watching as spots of soil darkened at their feet.
With a disgusted sneer she turned away and went back inside to join the others. Owen and Xavier had already claimed two chairs in the corner. They conversed at a feverish pace, bordering on yelling as Owen’s hands flailed about. In stark contrast to their flamboyant communication, Liam sat alone at the table near the center of the room. Feather in hand, he scribbled away across an unfurled roll of parchment. He stopped every so often to stare at the ceiling while tapping his chin, then dipped his feather in black ink and continued to write.
In an opposite corner Viola and Thatra sat in silence, mostly just watching the men go about their frantic work. Behind Assirra, the beads from the door flung inward and in came Orfi, quickly hobbling over to bend her ear. He jabbered away, protectively clutching something in both hands. Once again his eyes flashed towards Viola.
“Good,” said Assirra, leading him into another room. After a time she returned, just barely peeking her head in from the hallway. With a curled finger she summoned Viola. Liam took notice, looking up from his parchment as Viola followed Assirra into the next room. Carefully laying his feather across the mouth of the ink vial, he pushed back his chair and followed as well. Waiting a minute or two, he peeked his head inside.
He watched as Orfi presented Assirra with a small syringe, the tip of its needle glistening with a single drop of clear liquid. Viola’s eyes widened, mouth salivating as her lips smacked together. “Lie down, dear,” said Assirra, gesturing towards a cot in the corner. “And you, don’t just stand there,” she said to Liam without ever turning around. “Come on in. I’m afraid you’ll need to see this for yourself.”
Liam stepped through the doorway, eyeing the strange scene suspiciously. “I say now, what foolishness is this?” he asked.
“This foolishness just may be the solution to one of your problems,” said Assirra. By now, the curious gathering had drawn the others as well. Something so blatantly secret simply had to be witnessed by all. They watched on in silence, realizing that whatever was going on here, now was not the time for questions. Viola obeyed unquestioningly, sinking down into the cot. Appearing eager, she pulled down her collar and exposed her skin.
Assirra stepped over and sunk the needle into her neck, clear liquid draining from the chamber. Everyone watched, each holding their breath while not really even understanding what it was they were witnessing. Viola coughed, once...twice, then settled back down with her eyes closed.
Suddenly, her chest lurched, back rising from the cot. Her eyes jetted open, the whites instantly turning blood red. Dark veins pulsed beneath the skin on her neck, then spidered their way up until her face throbbed with interweaving lines of black.
Liam looked on helplessly, wondering what they had done to her. Had he just stood by as they poisoned her and done nothing? A frosty mist expelled from her mouth as the pulsing veins slowly subsided. It dampened the ceiling, noticeably dropping the temperature in the room.
He rushed to her side. “Viola! My dear, are you all right?” he asked, hands on her shoulders. “What did they do to you?”
She turned her head, lazy eyes meeting his as she smiled. “I’m better now,” she said, sleepy eyelids fluttering shut. “Thank you,” she whispered, although it was unclear as to who she was speaking to.
“Leave her be,” said Assirra. “It seems that the serum Orfi prepared has done what it’s supposed to. The thirst will be one less thing we have to worry about. Now let her rest.” She waited until all had funneled back into the front room, then pinched out the two lit candles so Viola could sleep peacefully.
“I am in your debt,” said Liam when she appeared from Viola’s room. “I wasn’t sure how we were going to deal with that issue moving forward. It seems you really have discovered a treatment.”
“Compassion for a friend is not worthy of thanks,” Assirra replied, worry etched all across her delicate features. “As you know, we have more immediate problems that must be dealt with. It is I who should be thanking you. You could have run when word of the upcoming invasion reached our ears. But here you remain, ready to stand by our sides.”
“Well, I thank you all the same,” said Liam.
“The hour is late,” she said with a sigh, now speaking to everyone. “There is nothing more we can do tonight that will aid us. I think it’s best that we all retire.” With nods and yawns rattling around the room, one by one they rose and headed for their quarters. All except Liam, who sat back at the table and continued his scribbling. “Will you not join us?” Assirra asked, glancing back over her shoulder.
“Soon enough,” he assured her, flicking his wrist. With an acknowledging nod, she left the room.
An hour soon became two as small stacks of parchments began to thicken with layers. He tipped the ink bottle and frowned into it. It was nearly empty. But no matter, his work was nearly complete. Placing the last parchment on a nearby stack, he gave a big stretch while stifling a yawn.
Assirra’s words rang true in his head. There was nothing more he could do tonight. Sliding back his chair, he pinched off the candle and headed into the hall. Curious, he peeked into Viola’s room. She snored lightly, looking as peaceful as he’d ever seen her. “Good night,” he whispered into the darkness before slipping back into the hall.
She waited for a time, continuing to fake her snores with one eye watching the doorway. To be safe, she sustained the ruse for another half hour. Once she was certain that everyone must be asleep, she rolled from the cot. Folding a small blanket at its corners, she formed a makeshift bag for her meager possessions. Cautiously, she peeked out from the room. Seeing nothing but pitch-blackness, she tiptoed into the front room and headed for the door.
“And where do you think you’re going?” came a familiar voice from the shadows. She froze in place, dropping her bag to the floor. It was all she could do to keep from crying.
“How did you know?” she asked through her sniffling.
“I’m an old man who has seen a great many winters,” Liam replied. With a snap of his fingers he ignited the candle, its flickering light illuminating his face from the neck up. The shifting shadows made him look rather sinister. “I know a great many things. But now, I simply need you to answer my question.” Using his foot, he pushed back the chair opposite of his. Sniffling, lower lip quivering, she reluctantly sank into the seat.
“I just didn’t want to see anyone get hurt,” she mumbled.
“So you believed the best course of action was to leave...on your own...and try to outpace an entire race of beings who won’t stop searching until you are found?” he asked, only barely able to keep his temper in check.
“I’m faster than you,” she stated simply. “They won’t catch me that easily.”
“But
they will catch you,” he replied. “Maybe not tomorrow, or even a week from now, but sooner or later they would find you, Viola. And then what would you do?” She said nothing, chin pressed down against her chest. “You would die, that’s what. Their plan is to sacrifice you so that these...ghatins...can break their curse and roam the world freely as they did once before. I’m not entirely sure what the laberaths have at stake, but considering how hard they seem to be working at finding you, there is little doubt they were promised something. They are working together, and that makes them both twice as dangerous.” No longer able to hold back her tears, she began to sob openly.
“There now,” he said, his large hand engulfing both of hers. “I understand what you were trying to do, but your plan was dangerous. No matter what, we have got to stick together.”
“I’m so sorry,” she managed between sobs. “You and the others have done so much for me already. I just don’t know how to help. I thought if I could lead them away—”
“That’s enough of that talk,” he said, rising from his seat. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I will now attempt to salvage what’s left of the night. I advise you to do the same.” He rubbed her shoulder as he passed by. “I trust I won’t have to go searching for you in the morning?” She shook her head. “Good. Then off to bed with you.”
As daylight crept through Liam’s window, his eyes squinted against its shine. His eyes fluttered open to the sounds of rapid footsteps moving about in the hallway. He sat up quickly, wondering if all the sudden commotion had something to do with not being able to find Viola. “That girl,” he grumbled, throwing back the cover, wishing he had kept a better eye on her. Just as his feet hit the floor, Owen’s head peeked into his room.
“I think ye better come take a look at this,” said Owen. His head disappeared before Liam could speak.
“Good morning to you, too,” Liam muttered to no one, slipping his pants over his small clothes. Heading out into the hall, he was surprised when he nearly ran into Viola. “Oh...em...good morning, dear,” he stammered, now more confused than ever.
