by P. G. Thomas
Before Lauren could ask another question, Steve stated, “As well, I think they sailed from the Bright Coast.” Quickly explaining what information the dead assassins had provided, he advised them on his conclusions, and that the attack was a diversion for the attempted murder of the Earth Mothers.
Ramy then added what he had learned from the three traitors.
At that point, Zack explained about the two attacks that had happened years before.
John turned to Edrock, “In the great play, does it mention how Zack found the Darkpaye spies by smell?”
“He is not mentioned, but the traitor’s stench on night eight is first revealed.” Then Edrock added, “Of him I know, but his name is absent from the dwarf stage.”
“Dudes, I couldn’t change my postal code like you did. Since I was staying here, they just substituted animals helping you all out. Only Ironhouse knows about me, and they promised not to tell the other clans. Even though most here know, none would ever jeopardize my family or me.”
“They must know about their distinctive smell,” John thought out loud, “and they found a way to use magic to eliminate it, I imagine.”
“Speaking of magic,” everybody turned to Gayne, who was holding the branded skin, “I suspect this is also, but I have never seen such a thing before.”
Ramy held out his hand, taking the brand back. “I will use some ruse of medical exams to have everybody here checked for the same. If we find any more of these marks, we will cut them off and distribute them for protection—after we hang them.”
Revealing the odd yellow root, when John placed it on the table, he refused to let anybody touch it. “Earth Mother, have you ever seen anything like this?”
She could smell the foul, pungent odor, “I know not what that is, but it is not of Mother.”
“I wondered what that smell was,” and then Zack looked at Ryan, “I thought it was you, Raw Farts.”
Ryan sighed, turned to Lauren, “I’ll explain it to you later.”
Gingaar sat down, “Plant foul, what is its purpose?”
Carefully wrapping up the offensive root, John tucked it back into his pocket, “I don’t— at this point, it’s just another piece to the puzzle. When we get to the Bright Coast, I’ll examine it to see if I can determine why it was brought here.”
Lauren cocked her head to one side, “What do you mean, brought here?”
“That assassin we fed to the spider,” Steve smiled as he said it, “His hands and boots were covered in dirt, and he had a yellow stain on one hand. Where we found this, it looked like somebody had just planted it.”
“Why would a—?” Ryan scratched his head. “None of this makes any sense.”
John nodded, “I wish there were an actual army invading so we would know what’s going on. All of the events last time were linear, and when you connected the dots, for the most part, it formed a straight line. This is like a connect-the-dots puzzle without any numbers. There’s no way to know what the image is supposed to form, or even—I don’t know. I’m sorry Lauren, and I know you told me you didn’t want to hear those words, but absolutely nothing makes sense anymore.”
“Connect-the-dots puzzle?” asked Mirtza.
“Just a reference from my home.”
“I think the Kid is right in some ways. Finding an army is easy, but they’re also bloody and expensive. A series of random, unconnected activities, well, that’s how you overtake a foreign government since they can’t fight what you can’t see. The most classic example is the French Underground during World War Two. They attacked the invading forces, provided Intel to the allies, and disrupted the axis with sabotage missions.” When he saw the confused look on the group, he rephrased his sentence, “When the bad guys invaded, the good guys organized themselves to fight back, like what happened here the last time.”
“What?” Ramy asked.
“Let’s try this,” Steve began again, “Whether you invade with an army or undermine their power indirectly, you’re still attempting to overthrow a government.”
“But who?” Zack asked.
“My best guess, someone from Darkpaye. As a general rule, when anybody loses power, they tend to get upset and want it back.”
Mirtza then advised them of the immigration on the Bright Coast, and the rumors that the first were from the Royal House. How those freed from the Blood Bond had created friction in Darkpaye, causing the privileged that once ruled the populations to flee the lands.
“We know at least one of the assassins was from there,” concluded Steve, “so they would be my number one guess.”
“They already own most of the Bright Coast,” stated Mirtza, “having even elected officials into the local government. They have no need to undermine it, as in a few years, they will most likely be the governing body.”
“I agree, but your lands are in chaos. Just look what’s happening here. Of course, I’m new, but I don’t think this is natural. Where we come from, I could turn on the news, finding a dozen countries having similar issues to what’s happening here. It could be religious fanatics, people rising up, governments suppressing the people, invading armies, or insurgents, but in every case, the common thread is chaos.”
Mirtza shook his head, “I still fail to understand.”
“Look, while they might own a lot of properties and have elected officials, they don’t have real power or fear. You said most were associated with the Royal House, and that sounds like old supremacy. Basically, the Blood Bond held the people in check, which created fear or obedience to those who ruled them. However, when chased off of their property, they had to leave behind their heritage, and well, that had to sting. I wouldn’t be surprised if some lost a lot of wealth, leaving behind expensive real estate. They come here to purchase security, but this Mother character appears to be the influencing government. From their perspective, you need to remember that eight years ago with her operatives, these six, they defeated them. What happens if she wanted the same to happen again? Where would they go? They lost the war, their power, their homes, and probably much more. Not wanting history to repeat itself, they’re afraid it could happen again. To do that, they most likely took steps to replace the current government with their own, and not just in the Bright Coast but everywhere.”
Lauren shook her head, “Okay, they control the Bright Coast or most of it, but what about the trollmares?”
“They have to be connected somehow,” replied Steve.
Ramy called to Evesnight, ordering a round of dwarf beer for the table, “So why attack Alron?”
Edrock scanned the group, “It was here that Earth Mother declared peace. Our great saga, the words written with black-clad blood, but we did not have enough. We injured their pride and angered them.”
“It makes sense; like a long-running feud between rival teams,” added Eric. “While one can be on a losing streak, meeting their hated opponents on the field, they play differently.”
“That’s what I mean, Kid. From the sounds of it, not only did you take their trophy, but you also had them kicked out of the league, and they want both back.”
“Why send assassins here to kill Earth Mothers?” asked Lauren.
John downed his drink, “This is where the final battle ended, and it was ended by Earth Mothers. Steve makes sense, and if Mother took offense to the immigration because of something they were doing, she might tell everybody to chase them out again, and she speaks through her Earth Mothers.”
“What about the Peace Bond?” asked Ryan.
“It is Mother’s gift,” Gingaar advised, “and if necessary, she can revoke your words.”
“So why kidnap my daughters?” As Lauren said it, Ryan reached out, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, but she pushed him off.
Steve jumped onto the question, like a fat cat on a dropped treat, “There’s no way to tell.” His voice seemed more authoritative, being afraid that someone might speak the words that he wanted to be left unsaid; that somebody wanted to make
it personal, and he quickly changed the topic. “Ramy, you said that you were in contact with the north and south towns. Are they being attacked by trollmares?”
“Yes, but not to the extent that we see. The gardens of suffering that Earth Mother planted for them keep most at bay, but here, bigger ones keep trying to knock down our walls.”
“I don’t think we’ll find any answers here,” replied Steve, “so we should go back to the Bright Coast.”
“I like that idea since our daughters are there,” added Lauren, “so we should head back tomorrow,” and then her voice went quiet, “after the Earth Guard funeral.”
“We will search the town for that brand,” advised Ramy, “and if we find any, we will cut it off them, using it to protect our fighters. Be safe friends,” and then he headed out to check the walls.
Lauren walked over to Edrock, “A long time ago, the Master Weapon Smith of Ironhouse asked a favor of me, to name a great sword, and I did. As Earth Mother Ironhouse, I now ask a favor in return to repay the debt to me. The Earth Mother of Alron is without her Earth Guard, taken by threats that we don’t understand, but she fights for the west, and even though this town will try to protect her, I do fear for her. Your mighty Granite Guardians, from history reborn, have impressed me since legends now protect the same. To Aaro Ironhouse, Master Weapon Smith, take the message of Earth Mother Ironhouse. Granite Guardians, I request—no demand from Ironhouse. Earth Mother Alron, many trips to Mother’s forest she’ll have to make, and protection she’ll need. Only the granite of Ironhouse will be able to shield her from the troubles that invade my thoughts.”
“Earth Mother Ironhouse, your request I will deliver. Worthy it is, and I will fight for your cause. To you, in granite, my words I carve,” then he left the meeting.
Logan walked over to Horac, “I have to leave tomorrow, but I’ll come back. Keep training the Bastards until your red feather tattoos are full, so play with as much fire as you want. With the guardian out front, Sister’s presence will remain for a long time.”
He hugged Logan, “Bastard, you’re making me cry.” Then Horac ran out of the inn.
Birdel walked over, “I am in your debt. The words Panry spoke to me of you, they not true. When I am able, a new Earth Guard I shall train to protect Earth Mother. Until then, granite shall protect my Earth Mother.” He bowed, and with his crutch to support him, headed to the doorway.
Gingaar stood and hugged Lauren, “My friend, I thank you for the gift. The west, I shall continue to protect. Go back to the Bright Coast and find your daughters.”
As Gingaar left, Pintar and Evesnight walked over, “Since I promised you a celebration, return here after the burial tonight, so we can talk of happy things. Besides, you still have a credit for a week’s rent sitting on my books, which I need to clear off.”
Evesnight added, “As well, we just received a fresh case of an interesting cider, which I think you will enjoy.”
As the first sun set, the entire town gathered around the statue of Alron. Into the ground, they placed Noyce Lightbreeze, his four Earth Guard brothers, and the three wolves that had helped defend the Earth Mothers. After Gingaar had performed the ceremony, there was a gathering at Pintar’s, which was both a life celebration and wake.
*******
Lauren and Ryan were the last to walk down the stairs at the inn the next morning. Her hair still wet from the long bath in which she had soaked, letting the water absorb her tears of sorrow and anger. When they had consumed their meal, they wandered over to Zack’s house to see if there was any improvement in Nur and to ask him for his help. Before Eric headed over, he had Gayne materialize a wagon, and they placed the armor in it, but the massive sword remained on his back.
Once at the house, Lauren chatted with Nur, apologizing for not staying at the house.
Ryan talked to his old friend, “I need your help, buddy. Somebody here stole my daughters, and you have so many gifts. I need your zoo, need your help.”
Even though Zack could see his pain, the one he loved lay injured in a bed. Should he leave, and she breathed no longer when he returned—thoughts he was unable to imagine came forth. “I can’t.”
“I understand but I had to ask, and I could never leave Lauren like that. Maybe we’ll come back in a few weeks, a month, and then she’ll be better.”
“Yeah, Smelly Farts, let’s give it some time,” replied Zack.
Ryan shook his head, “It’s Raging Farts, I mean—”
“Yeah, I know,” smiled Zack. “I just wanted to hear you say it. Ryan, Dude. If Nur wasn’t hurt, if Alron was safe, Dude, you know I would help. Yeah, Ramy told me that Gayne left some of his flying horses, Logan has protected the skies, but I know the land, know what to look for. If I left, came back to this place, and all were dead. Man, I would never be able to live with myself.”
“I know, and I would never ask you to accept that crushing weight. We’ll find a way so don’t worry about it.”
Zack heard the front door open, turned, “You two, back inside now.”
Sam and Hope stepped out onto the porch. He spoke, “Dad, can we talk to you?” They sounded like his children but different. Sam walked up to his father, “Aunt Lauren is hurting as is Uncle Ryan.”
Hope stepped down, “If somebody abducted us, you would chew off your back leg to get us help. Mom and Alron need you, but nobody will miss us.”
Zack was shaking his head, “I don’t understand.”
Sam hugged his father, “We are older than we look, and we just act like children because it makes you and Mom smile. We love you both, and we will do anything to see the joy on your faces, but right now, Aunt Lauren and Uncle Ryan can’t see the smiles on the faces of their daughter’s.”
“No! You’re both too young!”
“We are probably the same age as when you arrived here, maybe older.” Hope pushed back her tears, “Let us help them. It is the right thing to do. Tell Mom that we are staying with Evesnight. I am sure Uncle Ryan can have us back soon, so let us do what you want to do.”
“You taught us to do what was right,” began Sam, “and this feels right.”
Zack walked Ryan several dozen feet away from the house, and in a quiet voice, the one once known as the emotionless zombie spoke. “These are my children, and I love them dearly. Should anything happen to them, onto you I’ll unleash all of my anger. Over the past few years, I’ve found out that I cannot die. Even though it may take me a hundred lifetimes, if one of my beloved children doesn’t return to me, I’ll rip the raging heart from the mysterious one. Before you speak your answer, your word on Lauren’s life you need to give me, as should you fail on your word, her heart I’ll devour first—since I know the pain it’ll gift you, but it won’t compare to the pain that I’ll feel. Your word, now, my children you’ll protect.”
Ryan had never known fear in the lands of Calicon. He had known anger and hate, but fear for his own self was new, and the look in the eyes of Zack told him the threat was real, not imagined. “I swear, on the lives of my wife and daughters, that no harm will come to your children.”
“She’s not your wife.”
Ryan took a deep breath, “I swear, on the life of my true love and daughters, who I love as much as you love your children, no harm will come to them.”
“Dude, I understand and love you, so please don’t cause me pain, as I don’t want to cash the cheque that you just signed.” He turned, “You two, inside, pack your bags. You’re going to spend some time with Uncle Ryan and Aunt Lauren.” Then Zack went back into his house.
Eric walked over, “What happened?”
“Rock and a hard place, that’s my new address,” replied Ryan.
“I don’t understand.”
“Then pray you never have to.”
Twenty minutes later, Lauren came out of the house, her arms around Sam and Hope. “Zack said he needs to stay with Nur, but Sam and Hope are coming with us. He thinks they might be able to help find our daughters.”<
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John stepped forward, “They’re just children!”
“We can help, so let us,” replied Sam.
Gayne looked to John, and while surprised, nodded. Then, with the amulet for his house already in hand, he dropped it through the bracelet, seeing the familiar sight of his front room, which the large group entered.
There were two things that caught everybody’s attention immediately: the first, Gayne and Mirtza were absent from the group, and the second, they were standing in a vast forest that towered overhead. John’s look of amazement was reflected on the faces of the other seven, and as for the six Granite Guardians, they avoided looking at each other; so none would see the surprised looks on their faces.
Silently John whispered, “Gayne, where are you?”
Chapter 17
Lauren walked up to John, “Please, tell me you know what’s happening?”
Trees forty feet thick at their bases reached so high into the skies that clouds obscured their tops. As they scanned the massive forest, they spotted a wispy smoke-like figure, eight feet tall, slowly floating from tree to tree. Over the next twenty minutes, it would disappear behind one of the huge trees, and when it appeared on the other side, the form would be more condensed, stable. When the Granite Guardians looked at their metal blades, no runes glowed. Even though the image that filled their eyes was not a trollmare, they moved into formation to protect the Earth Mother.
When it appeared from behind the last, a sleek female figure seven feet tall approached them, having contrasting features of large black eyes to her pale skin and white hair. She seemed to float, her hair and white dress blowing in the motionless air. “Forgive me, as I am unaccustomed to welcoming guests.”
Lauren blinked, “Mother?”
The tall figure shook her head, looked at John, “Do you prefer to be called Earth Mother, Unchosen, Supreme Ruler of Magic, or Tester of Gravity?”
John gave his head a shake, “Let’s go with Unchosen.”
“Earth Mother, Bastard, Unchosen, Champion, Rage Heart, welcome. Brother, our guests have arrived, and they brought the heirs to the Beast Throne. Where is the Master of Furs and Feathers?”
