“I'm all ears.”
“I'm from a small town in Pirfwandis, Little Salt. I wasn't born there, but we moved shortly after. Might as well be home. I’m one of six kids!”
“Why’d you leave home? Doesn’t sound too bad.”
“Most people who show an abnormal affinity for magic show signs of it at around six or seven, right?” she asked, to which Dedricus nodded in acknowledgment, “When I was four, I accidentally burned a kid from my town. It wasn’t fire though.”
“It was your Light Magic, of course. Wait, FOUR?! Four years old?”
“Yup. Rather than take me to the College of Magic at Sehanakkat, the capital, my parents hid me away. Naturally, all the stories grew twisted over eleven years and I became some kind of monster. I had one friend though, Ehmile. Last year, she moved away and I decided there was nothing left for me in Little Salt.”
“So you ran away from home too.”
“Too?” she asked, almost as if she hadn’t understood what he let slip.
“You left home, then. Sorry. I guess you told your parents?”
“Oh, yeah. After careful planning, I confronted my parents about it and they supported my decision. My dad gave me some money and I was off. I went to the College at Sehanakkat to find Light Magic is a sensitive topic and very few people even know about it. Some say it’s not even real! They told me to keep it quiet. After some studying there, it turns out the one place that might have answers is here, The Buervan Highlands.”
“Why here?”
“The Nienilef. They were experts at every type of magic. Surely they have something I can learn from.”
“So that’s why you’re all up on them and being buddies with Ari.”
“He’s also just a good person. Anyway, let me finish, I was almost done. I came here to try and find any information the Nienilef had on Light Magic. So far, I’ve come up blank.”
“A whole month and Ari hasn’t been able to come up with anything? I’m shocked.”
“I’ve danced around the question a few times. He doesn’t know.” she said with shame.
“Well that’s kinda disappointing. Ari usually has Nienilef answers for everything.”
“No, not that. He doesn’t know about my magic.”
Dedricus had to pause before laughing aloud. An entire month had gone by and she still hasn't told him of her powers. Despite her goal being to learn Light Magic, she didn’t want to get anymore attention about it. At that point, trying to hide it was more trouble than it was probably worth hiding.
“Better yet, how has he not figured it out?”
“Maybe he never saw the corpses at Relothra? Either way, I’ll tell him when I’m comfortable bringing it up. For now, he hasn’t really come across much in the realm of Light Magic. He did say there are answers out there for sure.”
“That’s on you. I’m sure he knows a thing or two.”
As the blade finished his meal, Kasyra snatched the plate and utensils before placing them atop hers. He thanked her before she stuck her tongue out and pranced to the kitchen. Realizing how tired he was, he stood up and pushed his chair in.
Stopping before the sofa, Dedricus looked down at his “bed” and sighed. Rolling over the back of it, he landed on the cushions and got comfortable. He swore he’d only rest his eyes for a moment as he nestled his head against the arm of the sofa. The lure of sleep took him over almost immediately.
Chapter 11
Ari had them meeting at Andrew Folgrysce’s home. It was located on the northern end of town, in a much nicer area. It was little wonder the Half-Elf had made a research partner out of him, considering they had gained a vast amount of knowledge working together.
He had taken the opportunity to “borrow” many of the warlord’s volumes on the Nienilef. The last month, for him, had been spent looking over the texts in search of new information with Folgrysce. According to the letter, they had found something to do with the Core Trees.
At the home, all were seated around the living room table. Folgrysce came with an armful of drinks for his guests. He was a lanky man with fading dark hair and sharp features. Before he set the refreshments down on the small table, he moved aside a small brass-colored cube.
“Hmph. The Soul Prison.”
“How perceptive. Yes. Sadly, we still don’t know much about it.” responded Folgrysce, looking at the evil cube, before handing out the drinks.
It had been one month since they defeated Ravious and got the Soul Prison away from his clutches. The encounter was branded into Dedricus’ mind as a day marked by pure fortune. Realistically, he should have died and he was doing his best to leave it in the past.
“I’m glad everyone’s here. Perhaps we can begin.” said Ari, perking up in his chair.
“Why don’t we start with that thing. What’d you find out about it? Why was Ravios trying to get his hands on it?”
“Well, it starts with Relothra. Relothra, the whole place… It wasn’t just any ruin after all. It was a prison. A prison for the most dangerous of the Nienilef’s enemies. They actually used a contained pocket dimension as cells. We’ve learned a lot from Ravious’ books, though we still don’t know how the Soul Prison got there.”
Within the Nienilef volumes the warlord had, there was no knowledge of the Soul Prison to be had. It was likely personal findings that he and his scholars had made. There was still a disconnect. Somehow, it wound up in a timeworn prison that had long since been out of commission.
“I can only assume as to how Ravious knew it was there is still a mystery?”
“It is. I had to use unconventional methods to open the portal. He had little idea how to do it, at least I think. Also, frankly, I don’t see his concern towards Kasyra.”
“I don’t know what he was planning either. What did he think I could do to stop him? I mean, you know I’m interested in the Nienilef, but no where close to your knowledge on them. It’s just so weird. What do you think it does?” she asked, poking at the relic.
“Your guess would be almost as good as mine. Not to sound crazy, but I think I can hear things coming from it. Probably just paranoia. It’s clear Ravious had some kind of connection to it because no scholarly evidence we have points to its existence.”
“Then, what’s in it? It’s got all those grooves all over it. Looks like moving parts.”
Ari tried to move one of the parts, showing the Soul Prison was one solid object. He set it back down, with the object making no click as it met with the table. This disturbed Dedricus greatly, as he only ever found the thing foul.
“I've tried messing with it for the last month. Damn thing has given me no answers. Regardless, this meeting has nothing to do with the relic. We believe we’ve found a Core Tree.”
“Those are, like, your thing? No?” Dedricus reaffirmed with a bright smile.
“Yes. They are. I've spent two years learning all i could about them and the last year in search of one. Now, I'm closer than I've ever been.”
“Yes. There's just one problem.” Folgrysce added with a hopeless smile.
“And that is?” asked Kasyra, rubbing her forehead with one finger.
“Droja. We think it's in Droja.”
Just hearing the name gave a visible discomfort to both Andrew and Ari. From the common civilian, to even some warlords, Droja meant nothing. To the intrepid explorer or opportunistic thief, it meant certain peril. Droja was the long forgotten capital city of the Nienilef.
Based on Ari’s findings, in a time before the ancient race disappeared, they populated the Highlands and ruled from the city of Droja. Old texts spoke of its wonder, with soaring towers that pierced the skies and roads paved of the finest gold. In their absence, the city would not trade hands, for its creators left with it an impenetrable defense system.
A thief once told the Elf a story. He had a good band of men with him and figured Nienilef trinkets would fetch them a good price. They had little time to gather anything before a blaring alarm sounded, calling
forth an army of golems and rays of Planar Magic. The group was practically vaporized before his eyes. So he said.
A thief’s tale of a failed heist was often far greater than how it actually went down. As such, he was skeptical to believe the entire thing. The defense system of Droja, however, was a well documented fact.
“So you want to go in there? Get butchered like the rest?”
“I’d like to think we fair better than a collection of thieves.”
“I mean, do we? That defense system sounds like serious business.” Kasyra spoke with a hint of caution to her voice.
“It truly is nothing to take lightly. That said, none of you have to come. I'm asking as a friend.” said Ari earnestly.
“I would, though I offer nothing.” began Folgrysce, shamefully lowering his head, “I can't fight. I can't use magic or weapons. I'm just a man of knowledge.”
The academic was correct, in that he’d be a liability in combat. It was the same reason he hired Dedricus in the past. The Elf felt bad, but there was simply not much that could be done.
“Andrew, fear not. You'll be the first I share my findings with.”
“Then I'll leave the rest to you.”
“I'm coming along no matter what!” said the young woman, confidently.
“You have no powers either. Are you sure?”
“Uh, duh. You’re my friend and I’ve got your back!”
“I appreciate it.”
“Besides, I've been practicing with a dagger!” she said excitedly, brandishing her knife and wiggling it in her hand.
“Dedricus, what of you?”
“Yeah, I’m gonna say no.”
The Half-Elf sighed thinly, bearing a sad frown.
“Laser beams? Golems? I have no intention of dying in the skeleton of a Nienilef city. That place just sounds awful. And you know me, I’m usually up for a good adventure.”
Kasyra stood up, her hands placed at her hips. She burst into a tirade of how Ari had helped Dedricus in the past. She specifically cited one point, when the Elf had pitched in his own money to help him purchase his first steel sword. He cursed at himself for telling her the extent of their friendship, though he couldn’t refute the truth in it.
“That’s different! That’s giving some money to buy a sword! This… This is putting my life on the line.”
“And what did you do with that sword, once you got it?”
“I mean, what the hell else do you use a swo-”
The mercenary stopped himself there. His whole work revolved around risking his life. Adrenaline and danger were no strangers to him.
“Or perhaps the time he healed that gash you got on your back that you ‘totally would have died from’ if he wasn't there.”
Growling at her, she took her seat once more with a smirk on her face.
“Fine. Bastards. I’ll go.”
“Wonderful!” exclaimed Folgrysce, clapping with joy.
“Good. If there really is more information to be found on the Nienilef and the Core Trees, it will be in Droja. I won’t be able to do it without you guys. I know you’re skeptical about all of this, Dedricus, but I’m going to need your help most of all.”
“Whatever. As long as I don’t die, I don’t really care.”
“There he is!” Kasyra added with a wide smile, teasing the mercenary about his charming but unpleasant demeanor.
As the Elf rambled on about what they’d find, Dedricus stared off at the young woman. She really was something. He wondered how she felt about him. They got along and she was always friendly.
How would she make as a wife? he wondered to himself. She was more than just a pretty face. Far more.
Chapter 12
The group left Boranath early the next morning. In a twist of irony, Dedricus was excited to get going. He was making the first attempt in his life to look at something with an open mind. His only two friends were interested in the Nienilef and he’d be damned if he was to be left behind.
Exploring ancient tombs and ruins did appeal to his curiosity, though his cautious nature warned against it. Of course, he could never reveal that to Kasyra and Ari. He’d already decided he couldn’t let the Elf have that over him. The mindset was foolish, but his friends had a knack being showy when they were right.
Their final destination would be far to the south, bordering Aldrich and Thogar’s territory. To get to Droja, they’d be traveling along the Plains that bordered the country’s arid heartland. It was vastly different than the area around Boranath.
The land had grown completely flat as their journey went underway. Trees started growing more and more sparse, leaving little calls of wildlife. The sky was blue and clear, while the grass was green and healthy from just enough sun. It was odd, to Dedricus, seeing such a calm area in a place tormented by war.
In all his time in the Buervan Highlands, he rarely ever ventured to the south. All tales sung of how the true horrors went on down there. It was something he could stomach but just didn’t want to face. Ari, on the other hand, had explored most of the known Nienilef ruins throughout the entire country.
“So, what’s it like further south? Everything in ruin? Crumbling cities?” Dedricus asked his Elven friend. Ari bit his lower lip and peered up in thought.
“You’re from Nylevran, originally, right?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Alright. Been to Valencia? Big trade city.”
“Of course.”
“Think of, eh… The bad end of Valencia.”
“That’s… That’s impossible. Even the bad parts of Valencia aren’t bad!”
“He’s right. I was living in a town around Thogar’s capital city. Though I doubt you’ll get to see it. We’re probably not gonna pass by Nuulgarde.”
“What about all the crazy stories?! Everyone says the rest of the country is awful. People are killing each other out there!”
Ari dismissed most of it as rumors and Kasyra shook her head in agreement. He told of how his time spent visiting the many ancient sites were always fun adventures, but did steer clear of some shady areas. While a looming sense of fear was constant in his first few travels, the feeling went away with repeat trips.
The reality was that the mid and south areas of the Buervan Highlands were not so much the war-torn ghettos that the rumors made them out to be. Many towns even had their own charms and quirks. War was a reality of the country, but most battles were fought far from the cities anyway.
“What about the central regions? That’s where all the fighting happens! What’s the deal there?”
“Well, yeah. The rockier areas are pretty torn up from fighting. All the other places are pretty decently kept.”
“Why do you guys never correct anyone then?”
“Hard to pull someone out of their ways. It’s also a very effective tactic used by the warlords. Makes the people think savages are coming for them and keeps them loyal. You’re a prime example.”
Dedricus rolled his eyes, unamused and not entirely sure what to believe. His friends had credibility, but it was just something he’d have to see with his own eyes.
After realizing they hadn’t stopped since the group left Boranath, they figured it was a good idea to take a break. With few trees to be found around, they simply picked the most shade and bound towards it.
The group sat beneath the coverage of a good sized elm tree, resting against their stuffed bags.Ari passed around water while Kasyra opened the tin full of snacks to share. Everyone happily ate and drank before the young woman opened up.
“We haven’t talked much about Relothra.”
“What’s there to talk about?” the Elf wondered aloud.
“Well, it’s kind of where we all met!” she exclaimed with a cheerful grin, only for Dedricus to glare at her maliciously.
“And the pretenses really aren’t anything I want to think about.”
Ari immediately put him on the spot, fronting his lack of desire to discuss their victory there. No one was even r
eally injured. His defensive nature on the subject had his friends confused.
“So, what’s got you all high strung about it?”
“Nothing.”
“Mhm. Haven’t heard that one before.”
“Ari, did you ever stop to think that they were going to kill me? Like, actually kill me. I had my head over a stump, ready to be parted with it. I had just a few minutes to come to terms with my own death. And, you know what? A part of me had come to terms with my profession a long time ago. As a mercenary, I might die.”
“I never saw it like that...” Kasyra whispered.
“No, it’s fine. I’m good at what I do. I’m VERY good, but in that lone moment I felt worthless. Everything I trained for, gone from my mind. I was supposed to die and it never came. Then, I fight a man in full armor and then Ravious himself. How in the hell am I even alive?!”
“You said it yourself. You’re good at what you do. VERY good” the Elf snapped with a smirk.
“Clever bastard. Always know what to say, huh?”
Remaining rather silent, Kasyra hid behind a curtain of her hair. She seemed sad, her eyebrows drooping low. With a sigh, Dedricus’ stern frown melted into a feeble smile.
“It’s not like it’s your fault. You don’t have to feel sad or bad about it.”
“I just… I was ignorant about it. I never once thought you felt like that. We never talked about it, but I just figured you didn’t wanna get hung up on it.”
“I don’t, that’s for sure!” he replied with a laugh.
The mood seemed to brighten from there but a cloud still hung over them. Dedricus felt remorse for how he acted, really only because of Kasyra’s reaction. It was wrong to explode on his friends like that regardless. Ari didn’t seem to mind, having seen it many times, while she was still distraught.
It was an odd feeling to him. What good was a mercenary with a sense of remorse? He was with friends though. The internal struggle angered him, thinking himself of little use in such a confused state.
After eating and drinking, they packed up and carried on the road. Dedricus walked far ahead of his two friends, just trying to clear his mind. And he would have plenty of time. They still had many days of walking ahead of them.
The Sufferer's Chronicle - Book 1: The Soul Prison Page 6
