“I don’t know how I’ll ever repay your kindness,” Jan said.
“Ah, ah,” Larai said, waving a hand dismissively. “I’ll hear nothing of it. Just make sure to take the fight all the way to the Coruscalli’s secret lair. To rid Astraeyu Nouvi of that scourge will be more than enough, Grand Arbiter.”
“We have a deal,” Jan said. She gave Larai one final handshake before boarding the life boat.
When all of the Arbiters were loaded into the life boats, they made their way to shore. All of the Arbiters that had accompanied them from Kalvatin were present and accounted for, and none of them exhibited any sign of injury. Talon wondered at this. She was certain that the assassin was one of the Arbiters traveling with them. How else was it possible that they were followed all across the Four Kingdoms and Talon never noticed? Again, she thought of the Ancient devices that allowed the user to remain hidden. Maybe the assassin had trailed them across the Mainland, always staying a safe distance behind to avoid detection.
After the attack in Tarnon’s Watch, Talon worried that the assassin would attack them again, possibly while at sea. She had kept a constant vigil during their voyage, but the attack never happened. Still, that did not mean they had lost the assassin. One determined enough to follow them all the way to Tarnon’s Watch would not give up so easily.
Jan was on edge since the events in Tarnon’s Watch. The usually cheerful woman had grown weary during their journey. Talon was concerned that the duties and perils of leadership were wearing Jan down. Jan mentioned before that she never wanted the position of Grand Arbiter and the responsibilities that came with such a title. When she joined the Arbiters, she had never expected that she would someday be called upon to fulfill such a role. The Coruscalli’s plan to unleash the Firebringer had set many events in motion, forever changing the world of Lythril. Jan was branded by the Coruscalli’s actions, both physically and metaphorically, and if they did not reach the Firebringer first, countless lives would fall victim to the Coruscalli.
“You’ve been quiet,” Jan said, bringing Talon back to the present.
“I was just thinking about the events that have led us here.” Talon looked to the shores of Astraeyu Nouvi and beyond, to the soaring mountains capped in snow. It was a sight as familiar to Talon as her own reflection, yet she felt little joy in returning home. The harsh terrain of her homeland seemed suddenly unwelcoming and as cold as the snowflakes that fell as they approached the shore.
“I’m glad I took your advice and packed my winter gear,” Jan said. “Is it always so cold in Astraeyu Nouvi?”
“For most of the year, yes,” Talon replied. Although she wore fewer layers than Jan and the others, she was not as uncomfortable as they appeared. On the contrary, the colder climate was welcome after the months spent in the southern Mainland. “Our summers usually last only a few weeks.”
“It’s incredible. I never thought that I would someday venture to Astraeyu Nouvi.” Jan gaped in awe at the land rising majestically from the Harrowing Sea before them. “Then, I never imagined that I would someday be Grand Arbiter, for that matter. I suppose it only proves that destiny has a way of surprising us all.”
“You are handling the situation rather well,” Talon said. “For someone thrust completely unprepared into the role of leadership, you have adjusted remarkably.”
“I’m flattered that a woman as strong and courageous as you would say that,” Jan said. Her eyelashes fluttered and she averted her gaze.
For a brief instant, Talon thought she saw her own feelings reflected in Jan’s eyes. She quickly dismissed the idea, deciding that it must be her imagination.
Talon cleared her throat, and said, “It’s true. You have the respect and loyalty of thousands of Arbiters, and that number keeps growing as you find new and unexpected allies, like Larai. Wherever you go, people are drawn to you. It’s like you are surrounded by an aura of light.”
“You must be referring to this strange scar,” Jan said.
“Maybe that is the true power of Astraeyu’s Light, to be able to inspire loyalty in everyone you meet.”
“I hope that is true.” Jan looked again toward the mountains rising above them. “I fear I will need the help of a deity in the trials to come.”
“Astraeyu grants wisdom and guidance to any willing to listen.” Talon could tell that Jan was uncomfortable at asking a foreign deity for assistance, and added, “You needn’t fear the Phoenix. Her love for Lyth is unending, thus she bears no grudge against those of Lythrillian faith.”
Talon intended for her words to ease Jan’s concerns, but Jan bit her lip and stared at her hands folded in her lap as the life boats neared the shoreline. Talon hoped she hadn’t overstepped a boundary by mentioning the love affair between Lyth and Astraeyu while in the presence of others. Although Rhys, Beatrix, and two of Larai’s crew accompanied them in the life boat, Talon doubted they could hear the words exchanged between them. Their conversation was private. Even if they had not been sitting at the front of the boat, a fair distance from the others, the winds would have drowned out their words.
The rest of the short trip to the shore was spent in silence, but their true journey was only just beginning. When the Arbiters were safely deposited on Astraeyu Nouvin soil, Larai’s shipmates began the trip back to the Gilded Lady, leaving Talon and the others on their own. Talon stared up at the mountains rising in the distance, the familiar visage of her homeland. Talon felt a sense of familiarity at returning to Astraeyu Nouvi, but it was not the same as the comfort she had come to feel with Jan and the Arbiters. It was a sense of camaraderie she never expected to experience, especially with a group of Mainlanders. Talon truly dreaded having to part ways with her new allies once this was all over. Not wanting to think how lonely her life would be after Jan and the others returned to the Mainland, she focused on the current task. It was too early to declare a victory. First, they had to find the Coruscalli, which was not going to be easy in a land with as many places to hide as Astraeyu Nouvi.
A TEAM OF Garunti was waiting on the shore just as Larai promised, along with other provisions they would need during their travels. One of the beasts extended its nose in greeting as Talon approached. She rubbed its head affectionately, comforted by the sight of something so familiar. The Garunti butted Talon’s hand playfully.
“Are these the Garunti you’ve told me so much about?” Jan asked. She was standing next to Talon, eyeing the creatures with caution and curiosity.
Talon stepped aside, and said, “Come over and make friends.”
Jan did as Talon told her and stepped forward, reaching a hand out tentatively toward the nearest Garunti. The Garunti leaned into the touch, rubbing its head against Jan’s hand.
“Remarkable,” Jan said. “They resemble a cross between a horse and a bighorn sheep.” She studied the Garunti’s large, curving horns, and the shaggy fur that protected it from the harsh winters. “They look sturdy.”
“They have to be to survive in Astraeyu Nouvi’s climate,” Talon said. “Larai has done us a great favor. These animals will be invaluable to our mission.”
“Larai has been most helpful, indeed.” Jan looked uncomfortably at the saddle on the Garunti’s back.
“Would you like some help mounting?” Talon asked. She took the reins and held the Garunti steady while Jan climbed into the saddle. “It’s not so different from riding a horse.” She handed the reins to Jan and stepped back to give Jan some room to get accustomed to the Garunti. When Talon was satisfied that Jan was comfortable, she mounted a large, black Garunti that pawed the ground restlessly.
Jan and the Arbiters rode around in circles for several minutes to get the feel of riding the Garunti, and then they were ready to begin their journey. Talon thought it best to begin the search for the Coruscalli in the southwestern mountains. The region was largely unsettled, but it was also home to many Ancient ruins that had remained mostly untouched throughout the centuries.
&n
bsp; The group was met with indignant reservation from the Astraeyu Nouvins they encountered. Talon knew the suspicious glances ensured that they were being closely monitored by Astraeyu’s Eyes, but she said nothing to Jan or the others. Talon did not know any Eyes personally, but the spies could be anywhere. Even in the sparsely populated areas they traveled through, their actions would be watched. Talon’s presence in a group of Mainlanders would likely rouse suspicion. She debated on whether or not she should stay out of sight, always maintaining a distance between herself and the Arbiters. Ultimately she decided it was no use trying to fool Astraeyu’s Will. Her superiors probably knew of her involvement with the Arbiters long before they set foot in Astraeyu Nouvi. She only hoped Astraeyu’s Will would recognize that her allegiances had not changed. The alliance formed with the Arbitrary Order of Lyth was forged for the greater good. Talon wanted to protect the entire world from the power of the Firebringer.
“Do you think we will find the Coruscalli out here?” Jan sur-
veyed the seemingly endless miles of wilderness, her brow furrowed with concern.
“Most of the Ancient ruins are located in the unsettled regions. Those that are in more populated areas have been thoroughly explored centuries ago, and now serve as the foundation of our modern cities.”
“The Astraeyu Nouvins built their civilization upon the ruins of their ancestors?” Jan asked.
“The Ancients were far superior to anything we have ever known,” Talon replied. “Instead of tearing down their architecture and starting over, the Astraeyu Nouvins decided to preserve their history, adding to it a new layer with every generation, to chronicle the progress of our own civilization. Even after all these centuries, we still have not come as far as the Ancients.”
“The Ancients must have been more advanced than I realized.”
“It is little wonder why the Coruscalli would dedicate so much time and resources to uncovering the secrets of the Ancients.” Talon could not begrudge the Coruscalli their curiosity, but the cult was much more than a group of archaeologists wishing to learn of an ancient civilization. The Coruscalli’s beliefs and goals put the entire world at risk.
“The region along the southwestern coast of Astraeyu Nouvi remains largely unex plored. It is as good a place as any to begin our search.”
Keeping to the unsettled areas would take them through a few outlying towns bordered by Astraeyu Nouvi’s formidable wilderness. Fewer people meant that the Arbiters’ presence would be less likely to raise the ire of the masses. Unfortunately, it also provided an assassin with plenty of cover from which to launch an attack. Talon knew the assassin was still following them. Although she had seen no visible signs of pursuit, she sensed they were not alone. Knowing there was hidden danger somewhere close by was frustrating, but what was truly maddening was wondering where and when the assassin would strike next. Talon was ready for that moment, whenever it came. She cared deeply for Jan and made a silent vow not to allow any harm to come to her. After coming so far, she could not afford to let the assassin succeed now.
AFTER A WEEK’S journey, the Arbiters made it as far as Dalengard, a mountain town located in the middle of Astraeyu Nouvi’s volcanic region. Known as the Wildlands to Mainlanders, the region was the heart of the Land of Fire and Ice. It was isolated, cut off from the rest of the country by its natural barrier of mountains, many of which were active volcanoes. Even Talon had scarcely visited the region before. Very few people lived here. Before the Coruscalli there was little need to venture beyond the mountains.
“It’s hard to believe that people live here,” Jan said as they rode toward Dalengard.
“The people here are as hardy as the land they call home,” Talon replied.
“I’m sorry. I meant no offense. It’s just that I can not imagine living in such an isolated community.” Jan shivered and stifled a sneeze. “Does it ever get warm here?”
“It does when the volcanoes are erupting.”
“That is another thing I find amazing about the citizens of this region.” Jan’s breath formed clouds of mist as she spoke. “They live right at the foot of active volcanoes and yet somehow manage to prosper.”
“As I said before, the people of these mountains are survivors. They are resilient and resourceful, always building back what the fire and ash from the volcanoes destroy.” Talon reined her Garunti to a halt on a hillock overlooking Dalengard. “In many ways, these people personify what the story of Astraeyu rising from the ashes represents. They are the living testament to the Will of Astraeyu. These people are what I have sworn to protect.”
“That is a very noble cause,” Jan said. “At one time, not so long ago, I wouldn’t have understood the need to dedicate one’s life to the protection of strangers, but since becoming Grand Arbiter I’ve come to realize that the people are Lythrillian. Without them, the world of Lythril would cease to exist. That’s why we must stop the Coruscalli. So many innocent lives are counting on us.” Jan’s eyes gleamed with unshed tears.
“We will be victorious,” Talon said. She wanted to comfort Jan, to encourage her, but long speeches were not her forte. Instead she smiled and said, “The Coruscalli don’t stand a chance.”
Jan looked ahead to Dalengard. “I hope you’re right,” she said, but she did not sound as convinced as Talon would have liked.
As the group neared Dalengard, they were greeted by an entourage of the town guards. Talon rode ahead of the Arbiters and met the guards first. It was not going to be easy to explain why a group of Mainlanders was traveling so far north. It would likely be even more difficult to persuade the townsfolk to allow those same Mainlanders to stay in Dalengard while they searched the area for any signs of the Coruscalli.
As a show of respect, Talon dismounted her Garunti when the guards approached. To her surprise, the guards knelt in the snow before her, their right fists clasped over their hearts as they bowed their heads.
“Astraeyu’s Talon,” the first guard, and the obvious leader, said. “Let us be the first to welcome you to our humble village. It is not often that Dalengard receives such esteemed guests.”
So they recognize my armor, Talon thought as she glanced briefly at the rising phoenix on her cuirass. Upon returning to Astraeyu Nouvi, she had wondered if displaying her rank would be to her advantage or if it would be a hindrance to their progress. When Talon saw the reverence with which the citizens of Dalengard regarded the emblazoned phoenix, she was glad that she chose to wear her usual armor instead of traveling in disguise.
As Jan and the Arbiters approached, the guards glanced uneasily at the faces of the Mainlanders before returning their attention to Talon.
“These Mainlanders are my guests,” she said. “I assure you they are trustworthy. I trust that they will be treated well during our stay here.”
“Of course, honorable Talon,” the guard captain said. He saluted Talon once more before turning to lead the group into Dalengard.
“The townsfolk are surprisingly accommodating,” Jan said quietly as they rode along the narrow road leading through the center of Dalengard. “I didn’t expect them to be so welcoming of a group of foreigners. The Astraeyu’s Talons must be highly respected.”
Talon watched as the citizens of Dalengard lined the streets, pausing to lower their heads in respect as the procession passed. Perhaps Dalengard’s willingness to help stemmed from their recognition of Talon’s armor, but she suspected there was more to it than that.
“The Astraeyu’s Talons are respected and feared,” Talon said. “That much is certainly true. When I donned this armor I didn’t expect less than the polite cooperation of any citizens we happened to come across during our journey.” But there was something else. Talon sensed an underlying fear lurking just below the surface of the smiling faces that greeted them. She wondered if any of the Arbiters felt the unease emanating from the townsfolk, or if it was the gift of Astraeyu’s Fire that enabled her to see so clearly the fear haunting thes
e poor people.
“The townsfolk are wary,” Jan said, surprising Talon out of her reverie. “I suppose they have never seen a Mainlander before. I’m glad you talked us out of wearing our traditional Arbitrary Order of Lyth uniforms. Our presence causes enough offense and unease without the added weight of our affiliation with Lythrillian government.”
“Don’t take it to heart,” Talon said. “As you said, many of these people have never seen a Mainlander. Also, I believe it is more than your presence that has them on edge. I can’t explain it, but I see genuine fear in their eyes, certainly more than the arrival of a few strangers should warrant.”
Once they were settled in at the local inn, Talon went for a walk. Town gossip traveled fast, especially in a settlement as small and close-knit as Dalengard. If something was bothering the townsfolk, Talon was sure to hear about it. Talon’s keen observation skills were rewarded when she overheard a small group of people talking outside of the inn.
“They’re multiplying like gnats, these foreigners,” a man said.
“I don’t think the new Mainlanders have anything to do with the others,” a woman said. “These newcomers are dressed differently, and they have an Astraeyu’s Talon with them.”
“True,” a second woman agreed. “The Talons wouldn’t be traveling with them if they were common criminals.”
“That still doesn’t explain why those other foreigners are here,” the man said bitterly. “There are no Talons with them, and from what I’ve seen, that lot is trying its best to keep its presence unknown. A Mainlander has no business in these parts. The entire situation looks suspicious to me.”
So the Arbiters were not the only foreigners seen in the region recently. No wonder the citizens of Dalengard regarded Jan and the others with suspicion. Seeing so many Mainlanders in such an isolated community in a short time must be shocking for the townsfolk. Talon wondered who the other Mainlanders could be. If they were trying to hide their presence from the locals, it seemed likely that these foreigners might be Coruscalli agents.
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