The Secret of Azuron (The Sword Empire Book 1)

by J. R. Kearney

  The sun had set and the horses found rest, Brom gathered the scattered debris of dense Juniper branches to further their fire, whilst Sam and Jema prepared a game bird hunted from Lyeanna's bow. Hal gathered the juniper berries that covered their branches, and crushed them to season the meat and give it a strong flavor.

  "Fire…warms us when we're cold, burns us when we're close. No matter how much ye feed it, its hunger never ends," Brom uttered in pride of his effort to make it soar so furiously.

  "You couldn't give the enemy a bigger beacon to announce ourselves?" Lyeanna proclaimed at the powering flame.

  "Sorry sister," he called her. "I was unaware ye jungle women knew what fire was. This must be impressive to ye."

  "Dragon's fire couldn't warm the enormity of your self-admiration."

  "Guys please," Jema intervened. "Children quarrel less."

  "How do you know of these mountains, for I would think few travel this path?" asked Halwende of Jema.

  "I have seen the temples of Atricia, in the presence of the Queen. I had no respect for them until the White Hall revealed a history of the Archaians that wasn't just tale. It was a lonely path to take, but within the temple was a beautiful sight now buried. The Queen admits few men have breathed its air since her rule, yet she has always offered her respects to the old religion. Even now I struggle to believe it, even when it threatens our livelihood."

  Away from the others Landau rested by Vhalen's side, the half-moon stared down upon them as he watched Brom and Lyeanna exchange disrespect toward each other. Of all his companions Vhalen gave him most comfort, his wisdom of the world and fatherly presence denied him any fear. Alas there were few else that paid him much notice since leaving Arwendel, and he felt much the hindrance in the eyes of others.

  The wizard entertained him as he clutched his staff and waved it gently toward the night sky. Landau peered upward to notice Vhalen's gestures engrave the surface of a moonlit cloud, etching a runic symbol to Landau's amusement, though not entirely for the purpose of mirth.

  "Wizards of old used to communicate across great distances with this craft."

  "What does it mean?"

  "I'm simply letting Anduniel know all is well, for once we pass the Nettleborn bridge into the Rift, I can no longer assure her of our present state."

  Landau gazed at the cloud that gently drifted westward to Arwendel, the inscribed rune on the cloud remained intact as it floated away. The wizard's magic was subtle but brilliant indeed.

  "Vhalen, back in Arwendel, the night of the festival, how is it you did that trick? You know the one where you swapped bodies with that fat man?" Vhalen simply laughed in the recollection of his wizardry, though his reply was humble.

  "Magic is merely illusion my dear boy, for the most part. All our senses our vulnerable to deception and there is no greater trick than to mislead the mind into thinking something is real."

  "So it wasn't real?" clarifying the wizard's riddled statement.

  "Even if it's not, and you know it's not, your mind will still convince you it is. Such is the complex understanding of the mind."

  "But I heard tales of mages who could wield magic to destroy. How can that be illusion?"

  "Not all magic is illusion I'm afraid. Indeed it is possible, though comes with great consequence, not to others, but to the mind of those who wield it. Magic after all is the power of the elves Landau, only they are wise to contain its power. Men were never meant to wield magic, for that power can poison the mind and scar the very soul. That is why we use a staff, or in Anduniel's case a scepter, they are a conduit for us to control our magic, along with all our adornments. You don't think I wear this hat because it's fashionable do you?"

  "Back home I only knew people who enjoyed working the farm and sailing for fish. Sometimes it hurts to think of all I've discovered in the last few weeks, I wouldn't know where to start in telling my dad about them. How I miss him," he mourned, his gaze lost in the fire. "The least of all magic. I wish I could live so long as to understand it better."

  "A long life is not as wonderful as a good life," Vhalen assured him and spoke no more of it.

  While Lyeanna scouted the cliffs and Brom conversed with Hal and Sam, Jema sat quietly among the horses with the assassin close by. From across the camp his hooded, inert glare directed forever toward Landau.

  "Do not pay him any mind," Vhalen noticed his obvious irritation.

  "He's always staring at me. I think he wonders why I’m here, but he never speaks," Landau realized. "I don't want him to I guess, it’s just Jema seems more than able to guide the way, I don't see why we need his help."

  "We will soon enough…I hope." Vhalen raised his eyes as if to suggest treachery, but in Landau's restless reaction the wizard smiled. "I jest Landau, such a journey will not prevent me from doing so. It is some comfort that he chooses not to speak, but I admit even his silence can be disturbing. The more worry you give him the more satisfied he becomes, let it bother you not."

  "Do you think he knows of our quest?"

  "Someone who spends so much time in the shadows will no doubt hear the whisperings of our company. I suspect he knows, but I fear many will soon learn of the dangers of our enemy, no matter how distant we keep ourselves. Raminus knowing our plight will not alter his task to guide us through the mountain, I will see to that. Try to allay your concerns lad," the wizard smiled to offer him ease.

  "You’re right Vhalen. I think this quest has me more anxious than anything, I feel many here still reject the idea of Ancients, even though it appears obvious now."

  Beyond the assassin's skulking figure, the temple of Atricia reflected a pale light, so silent it stood yet majestic it appeared, and in its presence he felt disheartened.

  "That elf said the Ancients once came to help with the enemy. Can they not help us now?"

  "I do not know the answer Landau," said Vhalen. "The elves believe the Ancients oversee more than just our world. You need only look to the skies to witness the magnitude of their creations. It may well be possible, but we cannot trust our task to their intervention."

  "It sounded like the elves blamed us for their leaving," said Landau of such words proclaimed by Nerelion. "Do you really think the power of the Ancients is in me Vhalen?"

  "You saw for yourself Landau, it was no trickery of any kind. I have no knowledge on the power of the Ancients I'm afraid. If time permitted I would desire to discover more of their history, my time with the elves has been limited since uniting with Anduniel. Alas, we are forced to travel ignorant to the past, and what clues they may provide. For now, you should not let it burden your mind lad, there are happier things to dwell on. Tell me of your village, for I do find wonder in the simpler things in this world."

  It was a way of giving Landau comfort, and Vhalen welcomed his stories of the tavern and the slippery stream, even memories of his friends were happy in his telling.

  The company soon took rest, except Lyeanna who scouted the southern lands, her probing eyes were adapted to the darkness, though the haze of the fire obscured her sight. The lands were shadowed beneath her, and in the horizon she could barely distinguish Lake Erein, except for the moonlight reflecting off its water, where a gradual fog loomed across its surface, despite the low humidity.

  Their journey continued north across the mountains for a few more days, before their descent brought them to the Fields of Ruun that stretched for many miles. Down the White Pass they journeyed through the edge of the Tsun valley. Dark clouds approached and was soon their canopy, to Landau they appeared sinister and promised an imminent downpour.

  Sure enough the rain developed, cows and horses that roamed the fields welcomed its touch yet much like the birds the company took cover. Alas the rain didn’t cease, and only grew stronger, the company bided time for its passing with a prolonged meal, but eventually Jema ordered them to weather the storm and they proceeded onward. Removed from the valley the open grasslands returned and surrounded them, conifers were replaced b
y Elder trees and the grass was short, and soon drowned in scattered pools of water. Their horses trudged through the damp terrain where the puddles grew in size to slow their progress, the rain so thick that Landau hung his head to avoid their pounding drops. The company adorned blankets to shelter them barely, all except Jema who welcomed it as always. Though thunder was absent the deluge was still deafening as walking through any waterfall. They moved into a grove of trees yet no relief did their branches offer, their impact if anything was more threatening and strong.

  "Not even the storms of Skellian bear such bite!" Brommac had to yell for anyone to hear.

  "Jema we must find cover! We cannot withstand this storm!" said Hal.

  "No!" he yelled, and he ushered them onward, though no reprieve did the weather offer.

  Nighttime was upon them and beneath a shallow boulder that barely sheltered three, it was their best hope to bear some comfort. Landau, Sam and Vhalen all tucked beneath the roof of stone, yet their blankets against the muddy ground could not shun the dampness. Jema sheltered the horses with their blankets, and thus removed any comfort for the rest to bear, for even the tent was saturated, and the land was more water than grass. Against their shivered bodies advanced a wind that crept beneath their armor and clothes to chill their very bones, and through the early hours it continued to deny them any respite.

  They set out begrudgingly, if only to rouse some warmth within them, and in the haze of rain even Lyeanna struggled to find her bearing. They moved in the hope it was north, the wind scattered the rain now and Landau could no longer hang his head to prevent its jab. It was ruthless and endless and all held some regret on leaving their hearth filled homes to be here. When afternoon snuck upon them the downpour became a drizzle, and soon a small weaving of blue sky shot through to tease some relief, yet the breeze was still harsh, and with their bodies wet the relief was none. Come night it had stopped and any lingering danger they gave no concern, for all anticipated a roaring fire to rid them of their monsoon memories.

  Within a cluster of grand Elder trees they bore the warmth of flame, its height and visibility did little to conceal them, but their bodies were cold, and they desired the burn on their skin. Brom and Sam helped do retrieve kindle, eager to send their fire ablaze, even the horses sauntered alongside it for some reprieve. Jema and Hal unfastened their apparel to dry their clothes and polish their sodden armor. The intense rainfall had many withdraw their weapons to pour water from their sheaths, Lyeanna's quiver was just as brimming; shoes were drained also, and supplies were purged of anything damaged.

  "Ancients be damned if this is the aid they allow us," said Halwende frantically wiping his glistening shield.

  "We are being tested there is no doubt," Jema replied, for the first time Landau saw him with his hair untied to wring it of water. "We shall bear comfort here tonight, tomorrow if the day is good we will continue north, for the sooner I see the peaks of Nelroar the better."

  All those with swords used whetstones to sharpen them. Sam was tasked with checking their equipment, while the others remained busy within their own space. Landau had learned little of his companions so far, for none of them had offered him a word since their departure. Halwende appeared quite creative, his weapons were odd and forged from his own hand, even his armor comprised of markings chiseled to his steel which he would often scrape his fingers across as if they were dedicated to someone’s memory. In his pocket were pouches of spices, and no supper went without their sprinkle, and in another pocket he harbored a knife and fork, and whatever meal they ate, even fruit, he refrained from using his hands, adamant on using his cutlery. Lyeanna was a hardened warrior, her commitment to the quest was paramount and her eyes and focus were ever attentive. However, she was humorless in Landau's eyes, never had she smiled nor engaged in friendly chatter, her words were always tinged with concerned comment, and only ever spoke to Vhalen, if she wasn't at Brom's throat.

  The Barbarian was harder to read. He appeared an oaf, but if Landau was afraid to oppose anyone in battle, Brom would be it; his giant axe was the weight of stone yet with ease he carried it, and with force he could swing it. When he removed his tunic to rinse it of water his chest bore many stretched tattoos, as though he’d had them since childhood, markings of black and blue ink that Landau couldn’t understand, other than they were tribal. Their reasons for coming may have been unclear, yet despite their distance he was always glad they were near.

  "How far do you think we are from Bruna?" asked Sam of Jema.

  "Should be a couple of days at best if the weather holds out."

  Lyeanna ate quickly before opting to scout for the night, with great agility she climbed the branches of the Elder and perched herself up high to settle.

  "Wow," Landau muttered to Sam, but Brom was quick to criticize.

  "Don't be too impressed youngen, women be naturally skilled in leavin’ men behind," he jested, from above a broken branch collapsed over Brom's head to rattle him, his words did not escape the Amazon.

  Sam went to feed the horses, while Jema took a seat by the fire with Landau.

  "I wager you’ve never done so much camping?" he said, it was the first time since leaving Arwendel that he chose to talk with him.

  "A little, never far from home, not in the weather we've had. That would be enough to drown a village I reckon."

  "These lands can be harsh, and though I hope we will not have to experience similar conditions on our journey I cannot guarantee it."

  "I don't mind I guess. I'll be happy to sleep in a warm bed that's for sure."

  "Soon enough," Jema assured him, as he continued to disarmor his water-logged apparel.

  "Why is it you like the rain?" Landau asked, though upon the knight’s glare he wondered if it was an appropriate question.

  "Because I have no charge over it," he said, and Landau was confused in his reply. "I have led armies and survived many trials in my time, for some that arrogance can be overwhelming. The rain is a reminder of how little control I have in this world, it is more chaotic than anything I can put my sword to, it helps me remember my place. When my mind is clouded with so many thoughts the rain does well to drown them so to speak…however harsh. I find it is the only time I can truly find peace."

  "What are you gonna do when all this is over?" he said. "Will there ever be a time when you can…you know, just relax?"

  "Indeed there is son. Though I have been expecting it for a long time now."

  Jema smiled at the completion of his answer to give him reassurance, and though Landau smiled back, he was disturbed at his meaning, and the knight spoke no more of it.

  Their blankets lay around the fire to dry, and they enjoyed a hearty meal while the weather was kind. Before long the company perched against trees or stone to rest their head, and the warmth instantly had their fatigued bodies sleeping. The breeze soon waned as the night lingered, but Landau found discomfort lying beside Vhalen, trying to rest his head on his cloak without disturbing him. As soon as he awoke he could no longer find slumber, the fire still kindled and glowed dim against the trees, but beyond its light the darkness was powering, like a void that hastened to surround them.

  Landau looked upward, trying to locate Lyeanna, but if she was there she was ever still. From up high the glare of the fire wouldn't hinder her view, yet he wondered how her eyes could pierce such darkness around them. He lay there with his own eyes open, in the hope they would tire soon, but in his stare he saw a shape linger in the tree.

  It was unclear from where he lay, perhaps it was the haze of the fire for it made no sound, but again it emerged and this time more noticeably. It was a woman of some kind, yet her body was wooden with ears of the elves, covered in branches she drifted above Brommac in curious fashion while he slept against the trunk of the tree. Landau would scream if she wasn't so beautiful, her face was luscious and sultry, her hair was tied back but hardened, and moved only at the ends. Hanging upside down from the Elder she drew closer towards him and k
issed his lips, and Brom kissed back, yet he never awoke, instead he remained aroused in the intimacy of her touch.

  Not far beside him another appeared, more gorgeous than the last, roots dragged beneath her like a draped gown while her hair floated as though submerged in water, with twigs and sprigs intertwined like antlers. She knelt elegantly beside Samson to smother him with a passionate kiss, her clawed fingers caressed his face and leaves draped from her arm like jewelry, the squire lay there enraptured in her desirous lips, but like Brommac he wouldn't wake.

  A third appeared before Raminus, of all the creatures she appeared older, thick vine branches were her hair, and a strong bark covered her body like a tattered corset. Her eyes were wild with a honey glow while her tentacle vine raised his cowl and she kissed him with lust. Landau sat there confused, their presence was peaceful, but soon it became awkward to watch his fellows stimulated before him.

  The kiss lingered on, when Landau noticed Sam's face darken, and his lips turn blue, and in his cheeks stemmed veins similar to the tree maidens. Brommac and Raminus quickly suffered the same fate, yet still they lay there asleep enveloped in the kiss, he shook Vhalen beside him who woke and startled instantly, he leapt to his feet with his staff and bore it in Sam's direction, with a loud, fatherly voice came a repeated chant:

  'Gaia Mah Susthwin, T'el Menn Dunduin,

  Gaia Mah Susthwin, T'el Menn Dunduin'!

  Jema awoke and unsheathed his sword, though Vhalen gestured restraint as the tree nymph broke from her kiss to hiss at the wizard. Vhalen remained calm and re-iterated his chant, his staff hummed and his voice bellowed with it, eventually the creature retreated and Sam's skin returned to normal. Only now did he awaken, with no idea why he gasped for air. Vhalen soon released Brom from his captor while Lyeanna climbed down to calm her companions.

  "Do not attack it, they are Dryads, maidens of the trees," she explained.

  Jema found no comfort, with his grip firm on his hilt, finally Raminus was last and his dryad aggressor was harder to release. Vhalen shouted his chorus louder, the words Landau knew nothing of irritated their ears, she ceased the kiss and snarled with her fearful honey eyes.