Achil & The Kingdom of Jin

by David Papa-Adams

  Chapter XVI

  The Thunder Birds

  They did not ask questions of one another as they fled, Achil glanced back at the forest its dark canopy receding into the distance left him feeling relieved.

  “I hope we don’t keep having to jump into the wash to make our escape, not that I’m counting but that’s the second time we’ve had to do that,” said Nicholas.

  “Didn’t know you could count and besides you needed a bath anyway,” replied Andreas.

  “Come on we’re not out of the woods yet,” interjected Achil. “Okay we‘re out of the woods but we’re not beyond its dark gaze.”

  The grassy plain flew passed.

  “Nishga have you tried the Orb since we got it back?” cried Achil.

  “Just the once remember,” replied Nishga. “Also you told me to be careful with it as it could have been tampered with.”

  “I know but since we are outside the Mandrake Imperium perhaps the next time we stop give it a go.”

  With the Imperium’s gaze looking the other way perhaps for the first time in a long time they had an advantage in that they could risk using the Orb.

  Nicholas who had moved further ahead was hurrying back excitedly. “You lot are not going to believe this, that out crop of rocks ahead of us are the remains of an ancient city.”

  Achil gave him a quizzical look. “Have you got eagle eyes or something, how can you tell from here?”

  Nicholas smiled, “It's not that I’ve got eagle eyes I’ve just got young ones. Besides I scouted ahead and had a look. So that’s how I know.”

  Andreas shielded his eyes trying to get a better look but even he found it difficult to make out any structures. “Well it's going to be dark soon; perhaps it’ll afford us some shelter for the night...”

  Andreas found his sentence cut off, as above their heads they heard a screeching sound. All four of them instinctively ducked at the sound.

  “What was that?” said Nicholas.

  Above them was what could only be described as the largest creature ever to take flight. Known as a Thunder Bird it was shaped like an eagle only much, much larger. Its wings created their own stormy winds hence the name. Its eyesight could pierce the dark, the sun's rays were bouncing off its golden hue its head was surrounded by a crown of white feathers. It circled above them ready to dive down. When in its head it heard a voice. It was Nishga, alert to the danger she had taken out the orb, in the hope of communicating with it the way she had done with Ladon the Dragon. It hovered a moment as the words formed in its mind becoming clearer, only in the legend of Rake Talon had the race of the thunder birds treated with men. He had forged a union out of necessity, known as the Alliance of the Hawks. The two races had fought against Invading Dragons. In that war the men had lost their city and been vanquished, while the Thunder birds had become a scattered race, the remnants of which lived high up in the nearby mountains. There had been no real victor as the Dragons also had been much diminished. The Thunder Bird hearing the words turned and with a few beats of those mighty wings was gone.

  “Did it work.” said Achil realising immediately what Nishga had tried to do.

  Nishga kneeling on the floor with the orb in her hands was still shaking from the ordeal, “Well no one's being eaten, so it must have done; but I will say this that creature had a strong will and more importantly I sensed intelligence.”

  They continued cautiously toward the ancient city. The sun was setting as they arrived; its pale shallow glow turned made the city appear tomb like. It had been laid waste to. The buildings had not just crumbled even in the deepening gloom they could see that they had been destroyed. Nishga took out her crystal and illuminated the scene. As they looked through the ruins for somewhere to shelter for the night, it became apparent to them all that some massive conflagration had once taken place there. It was Nicholas who managed to find a small refuge; it had three walls still intact and was partially roofed. Enough to keep out prying eyes at least or so they thought. Achil and Andreas made a fire. Soon they had something to eat, were warm and felt able to sleep securely. Achil took the first watch followed by Andreas then Nicholas and finally Nishga. The night passed calmly enough, Achil was woken by the mild rummaging of Andreas.

  “Where’s Nicholas and Nishga?” asked Achil yawning.

  “Nishga’s gone to bathe in the river which runs along the side of the city. You know Nicholas, he was up early. His curiosity got the better of him. So he’s gone out into the city to see what he can find.” said Andreas.

  “Hey remember the last time we found what we thought was a dead city. It was very much alive,” replied Achil.

  “Yes well I don’t suppose there are any Underlings here. Besides you only need step out of the door or wall for that matter to realise this place has been deserted for many, many years.”

  Achil with his curiosity aroused did just that only to find that Andreas's words did not do justice to the vast emptiness of the place. True enough what greeted him outside both shocked and awed him. The city had long since been abandoned. It was made up of crumbled homes that inter connected with one another by a series of enclosed channels. At the centre was what would have been a large domed hall. Though the roof had long since collapsed and in appearance it was more like a broken egg shell. Rusted iron girders that had supported it, stuck out of the walls like dragons teeth and stood solemnly, bowed, as though in mourning for the loss of such a wonder of architecture. Achil stared at their new surroundings he truly had seen nothing of the like in his life and even in its derelict state there was something desperately beautiful and sad about the place, it was not time that had worn down stone walls or marble temples; it was not neglect that had collapsed statue edifices or seen nature entangle and grasp once living structures. No this had been a catastrophe on an epic scale. Achil set off toward what remained of the large dome. On arriving he saw just how magnificent it must have once been. Finding the large entrance way, he warily entered. Nicholas was standing in the middle of a vast hall; at its centre was a circular table. Along it were a number of balls that had slits through their centres.

  “What have you found here,” said Achil.

  “You’re really not going to believe this. Actually with all the strange things we’ve run into, you are going to believe this. Watch what happens when I rotate one of these balls,” said Nicholas.

  He got out a small grooved disc from a draw beneath the table and placed it in one of the slits that all the balls had. He then span the ball, its own momentum propelling it round. To the astonishment of Achil a whirring sound reverberated up from the table which soon took the form of a voice. Nicholas leant forward listening intently, Achil did the same. The voice spoke of the people that had lived there. They were an ancient race probably the first civilisation of Suberia.

  The tale was of a race of men that had warred with the Volkary who had as their allies the great dragons of Suberia led by one particularly nasty beast called Typhon, that brought rack and ruin to the city; The Volkary were unlike any other creatures, more aggressive, more cunning. They were taller than men but not greatly so; moving on two legs with distinctive large rapier like claws to their hands and feet. They could leap higher than any man. They appeared one day from the depths of the forest and were as untamed as the Dragons that came with them, they brutally and mercilessly came upon the inhabitants of that city like a raging sea. The people up and till that point had little understanding of conflict or wars. They quickly learnt lessons of such devilry and dark magic that they ceased to be the people of peace, and became something else. They had been like a cask of the sweetest wine that slowly became bitter, toxic. In the end they turned into what they had feared. Calling their attackers monsters, they became monstrous, subjugating and slaughtering their offenders whenever the opportunity arose. Accordingly the alliance with the Thunder Birds collapsed as they saw that the people's hearts were now cold, and so they retreated to the mountains. After a time those that dwelt in the city an
d thought themselves civilised became austere, relentless, and merciless first against their attackers and then against themselves, creating rifts within their own community. Eventually a civil war took hold bringing famine then pestilence. To appease the Gods they resorted to human sacrifice which ultimately turned to cannibalism. Finally they were destroyed, devoured by both the enemy without and the enemy within.

  Nicholas and Achil stood over the table shocked by what they had listened to.

  “To think that people could do such things to themselves,” said Nicholas.

  “I’m sure there are even worse things people could do. They just haven’t thought of them yet.” said Achil quietly. “This place leaves a bad taste in the mouth let's leave before we get contaminated by the evil that seeping out of its every pore.”

  “You don’t think those creatures that chased after us in the forest were once the original inhabitants of this city?” asked Nicholas.

  “Perhaps they are the enemy that did this, no matter, the sooner we leave the better,” replied Achil.

  They stood a moment in quiet reflection when outside they heard a commotion, startled out of there stupor the two turned and ran toward it. They caught up to Andreas who was standing by what must have been a grand building in its heyday.

  “Sorry, my fault, you're not going to believe what I‘ve found in there,” said Andreas.

  “Actually we probably will,” replied Nicholas soberly.

  Andreas entered a building followed by Achil and Nicholas. Like all the others it was shattered and broken. Their boots left ghostly imprints, as they followed Andreas they walked passed faded frescos that were reminders of the civilisation that had once lived there. He had already cleared away a path into a small area. He had pushed back a stone slab which had been the cause of the earlier commotion; as it had fallen to the ground it had knocked over a row of standing spears, the slab had covered an underground chamber. Andreas lit a torch and stepped down the cold stone stairs. Inside, beneath some dried out furs was a long narrow pointed boat. It had lain still, in its dark airless surroundings, untouched by the outside since the fall of the city. Achil and Nicholas joined him in that musty stale room. The three of them hauled the boat up to the surface and out onto the street. Nishga was waiting outside the building for them; she had quickly made her way over when she had heard the clattering and ran to investigate what was going on.

  “What are we meant to do with that?” she asked.

  “It’s a good idea Andreas,” said Achil.

  “What’s a good idea?” asked Nicholas.

  “We continue on down the river across the great Lake using…” Andreas pointed at the boat.

  Nicholas nodded smiling as he pulled a paddle from the boat, “This place gives me the creeps so the sooner we leave frankly the better.”

  They lifted the boat above their heads and carried it to where the river ran. They plunged it in to test first whether it was still water tight and secondly to see whether it would float with the four of them on board. Both tests proved successful. They could leave at once. Nishga and Andreas stayed with the boat while Andreas and Achil went back for their baggage. By the time they left it was early afternoon. They pushed the boat away from the bank and steered it into the centre of the river. At first it was a bit of a struggle paddling against the flow. Soon they were at the gaping mouth of the river and crossing into the great lake. It was many leagues wide, deeper even than Claw gorge. It took them the rest of the day to get to the other side landing at the foot of the mountain. The four of them barely had the strength to haul the boat ashore. They made a small camp, while Andreas and Nicholas went scavenging for food. Achil went to fetch some kindling to get a fire going. Nishga took time to study more closely the Orb before using it. How tired she was would have to come secondary to the advantage gained if she could contact the Alchemist.

  Nishga carefully concentrated and as she did so the Orb began to pulse with energy. Andreas and Nicholas returned and were immediately hushed from making any noise by Achil.

  “I’ve managed to get through to the Alchemist,” said Nishga. “I have some not so pleasant news. It appears the Mead under the direction of the Mandrake Imperium made another incursion into the lands of Findolin. King Paladin thinks they were trying to test the resolve of the Finns once again. They have thankfully been chased back across the border. Subsequently the King ordered the immediate expansion of all border forts. More Warriors have been dispatched from Osgaroth and Askalon to help provide additional manpower for the new border Fortifications. I told them about how Jin walled off the Wilderness, and intended to wall off the lands of the Panthurians. Unfortunately although the Alchemist likes the idea of walling off the border between Findolin and the Mead, he feels that it would merely put off a problem until a later date. There’s something else, spies have reported that a large army is massing in secret in Lower Mead. We do not know how many Legions but from what‘s understood. The armies made up of Marauders, Mead Cavaliers and two other large detachments that we have not encountered before known as the Vandals and the Berserkers; strangely no Wrath.”

  “Is it for another attack on Findolin?” Asked Achil.

  “The council believes not,” said Nishga. “Other spies have reported there’s something brewing in the Imperium itself, though they don’t know what.”

  There was a pause as Nicholas shared the food out between the four of them. They sat eating quietly contemplating what threat was posed by the new factions employed by the Imperium.

  “I wonder if it has anything to do with this 'Night of the Scythes,' you spoke of,” said Achil. “At least we know some troubles a brewing in the Empire. If we stay true to our course concentrate on our mission we should be okay. We cannot afford to get distracted by news concerning what’s occurring elsewhere. It would just make us vulnerable to indecision at a time when we will all need to be decisive. We‘ll stay here for the night make our way round the mountains and hopefully be on the final leg of our journey. In the meantime Nishga see if the Alchemist can help find out how the silver sphere works. I have a feeling that before we're finished we're going to have need of it.”

  Nishga finished eating and retrieved the Orb from her bag. Achil sat up on his haunches his stare fixed on her. When Nishga finished communicating with the Alchemist she placed the Orb away and lay back on her blanket, she rested a moment and gathered her strength before speaking of the encounter. The day had felt longer than usual. Their bodies aching from their recent exploits were succumbing to fatigue.

  “He will try and help, he’s also going to ask the Seer to look through some of the ancient scrolls in the Hall of records,” said Nishga. “To see if there are any answers as to its workings.”

  Achil eased on his back staring up at the myriad of stars, arms tucked under his head.

  “I guess all we can do is wait. Get some sleep Nishga it's been a tougher day than usual. Nicholas you take the first watch then Andreas then me. When it's your turn I‘ll wake you.” Achil looked over at Nishga whose eyes had already closed.

  Nicholas and Andreas were up talking as Achil also fell asleep. It felt like only moments later he was up.

  “You really were out like a light that time my friend,” said Andreas smiling.

  Andreas stoked the fire and then rummaged around for a decent place to rest.

  Achil sat awake staring out over the great Lake. The water was so still, peaceful not a ripple on the surface. He saw a dragonfly free of the cares of the world hovering over it. A bird swooped down caught it in its beak and flew off again. A quick reminder that nature was wild untamed and could not be trusted. He stood up and went over to the water's edge. The sun was beginning to rise, catching the river and creating a golden crown. Little did he know that on mountain heights eagle eyes were penetrating the dawn sky and observing the strange figures below. Achil sat back down and stared into the distance the forests red mantle was lit up as though it were on fire. There was a gentle calm which
was suddenly and sharply broken by Nishga's scream, Achil reacted instantly but was too late as great talons carefully wrapped themselves round her waist and lifted her into the air. Andreas and Nicholas had armed themselves but to no avail they had woken only to see the great bird take flight.

  “What happened? You were meant to stand watch,” barked Andreas.

  “How could I know we would be attacked from above,” retorted Achil.

  “That’s not the point,” shouted Nicholas. “If you were close to the camp she would not have been taken like that; instead you were out wandering down by the lake.”

  “We’ll shout about this later for now everyone gather your things; we’re going after her,” cried Achil, with an agonised look on his face.

  The three of them quickly bundled their things together and set off in the direction of the Thunder Bird. They did not stop to look back as they faced the Mountain. Once more they were fighting against shear climbs, craggy rocks, and deep fissures. The mountain that they were on had a steep rise to it, even the trees did not sit comfortably on its side, the three of them clambered up with difficulty and fought against the aching of tired limbs. In Achil’s mind he could still hear Nishga’s screams.

  “Nicholas you have the sharpest eyes among us can you see where the eagle took Nishga?” asked Achil

  “No sign as yet,” gasped Nicholas.

  Achil saw them tiring and was about to say something when they were forced to stop by the cliffs edge. There was a shear drop in front of them, a gaping hole about a body length long that needed to be navigated before they reached the other side.

  “We’re going to have to jump.” said Achil, “I think we can make it. Throw your gear across.”

  First went Achil then Nicholas and finally Andreas, as he jumped he slipped and almost did not make the distance, but for Nicholas who caught his trailing arm and hauled him to safety. Andreas dusted himself off and the three of them continued their search. Nicholas whose eyes were the sharpest took the lead. He stopped suddenly his arm outstretched preventing Andreas and Achil from proceeding. He turned to look at them and placing his finger to his lip, ushered them toward the rock face.

  “Up there on the steep rise, slightly set back from the ridge are some cave entrances. I saw one of those giant eagles at the entrance and then disappear inside,” said Nicholas.

  “How are we going to get up there without being seen?” asked Andreas.

  They stared up at the shear climb, the three of them knew that they could reach the Eagles eyrie; the problem would be whether they could do it without being seen.

  “We’re going to have to risk it. If we keep to the right, there’s a slight overhang that might afford some protection. Let's go.” said Achil.

  One by one keeping tight to the cliff, they made their slow ascent carefully making their way up the cliff face until they reached the overhang. Achil leant back took hold of it. His feet slipped a moment and he hung precariously by his hands. He summoned the strength to scramble over the edge. Reaching back down he offered Nicholas his hand and helped him, who in turn did the same for Andreas. When the three of them were on the ledge they crept to the side of one of the cave entrances and peered in. The cave entrances actually led into a large cavern. Inside they could see a Thunder Bird standing over Nishga who appeared to be communicating with it via the Orb which was glowing in the gloom. Nishga looked over to the three heads at the cave entrance and shouted to Achil, Andreas and Nicholas to join her. They hesitantly made their way into the cavern.

  “It's alright,” said Nishga waving them in. “I was able to communicate with the eagles via the Orb the way I did with Ladon. When I had spoken to the Alchemist they sensed the use of it, and needed to know what we were about. So they sent an emissary to speak with me, but once they saw your Bow they could not take a chance that you might react angrily as the people of the ‘Great Nest’ would have done long ago that's the abandoned city by the way. They did see your arrival and chose not to interfere. I have spoken to the lead Eagle. They were wondering whether man had returned to reclaim their homes. The last time they used an Orb to communicate with any of them, was when men lived below.”

  Achil on entering the large cavern could not help but be impressed by the stalagmites that reached up from the floor and had been carved into the shape of Giant Eagles. Ranged all around, on high ledges were Thunder birds looking down on them. Light filtered through some high natural openings. One of the Thunder Birds came forward and regurgitated a carcass of a deer at their feet. The three men cordially declined the invitation to eat what had come from the Birds innards. Stepped passed the slimy substance on the floor in front of them and made their way over to Nishga. Behind them the Bird leant over picked the meat back up in its beak and swallowed it down. Nishga told them The Lead Thunder Bird was called, Talon.

  “I have told him of the war in the west," said Nishga raising the Orb to her face. “Apparently they have also fought with the Imperium. That is why they remain in this stony fortress practically all the day, just venturing out at dawn and dusk to hunt. They have informed me that on the other side of these mountains there are two dragons; one has as dark a heart as Jin. The other we have already met; it’s the Orochi, a many headed creature. Typhon, the other Dragon is the most subtle cunning beast in all of Suberia. We would do well to steer clear of him.”

  "Typhon we've heard of him, he led the attack on the city."

  She could hear Talons thoughts touching her mind as she relayed this.

  “Yes, no darker creature walks Suberia. If you are to survive you will have to pass through the Valley of the Orochi,” said Talon. “Typhon holds sway over much of the Wilderness. He is constantly alert for intruders to his realm. So pass through his lands means certain death, Typhon is dark to the core. The Orochi is different; he is indifferent to man or beast alike, this is a creature that has not got a black heart, though he too is vigilant, as he always expects Typhon to invade his lands. You are small and insignificant you may pass unnoticed, if you are fortunate.”

  Nishga nodded as she understood the words forming in her mind, the glow of the Orb lighting up her face.

  “There is something else,” said Talon. “We took from the great nest of men, some things you may find useful. Come I will show you.”

  Talon turned and led Nishga to an opening at the back of the cavern, Achil, Andreas and Nicholas followed behind her, curious as to what they might find. Entering the large cave Nishga illuminated it with her crystal and to her astonishment, arrayed in front of them must have been the wealth of the Lost City. Talon went on to explain that after the city was sacked and burnt, the remnants of the people that had lived their fled into the forest, leaving the city unguarded. So his race had emptied the city, in the hope that one day true men might return.

  The four of them stood a moment staring in awe and disbelief at the hoard in front of them. It was piled up, a mound of gold and jewels. At the very summit was a crystal, standing erect sticking out of the mound, it looked lifeless at first, but as Nishga approached it a light seemed to flicker at its heart.