The Secret of Azuron (The Sword Empire Book 1)

by J. R. Kearney

  Raminus awoke to notice the woodland beast above him, in his reaction he swiped it with a jagged stone, and its fragile branch flew into the fire.

  The dryad screamed and Vhalen withdrew his staff.

  "Run!" he cried. Raminus rolled to safety while Brom came to his senses. The other tree maidens appeared once more with scowls of resent, hurriedly Vhalen ushered Landau to his horse.

  The branch of a dryad extended from her body and slithered to the wizard’s leg, clenching it with force to collapse him to the ground. Jema readied his claymore but Vhalen shouted for him to stop, Lyeanna instead grabbed a burning branch and threatened the dryad's wood with it. It angrily recoiled and let go of Vhalen's leg. Sam and Hal also grabbed branches notched with flame, and waved the dryads back before they mounted their horses and abandoned their campfire.

  Swiftly they galloped far from its glare, looking back the dryads gave no chase, and their shrieks soon faded, while the Elder grove was left to burn.

  "What just happened?" Brom yelled.

  "I will tell you later, for now let us be rid of these fields," said Vhalen, hinting for Jema to proceed.

  "Why didn't you let me kill them?" asked Jema.

  "You wouldn't have had the chance," he said coldly. "You may as well swing your sword at a ghost," yet he did not elaborate.

  "Thank you wizard," said Brom with sincerity. "It felt like a wonderful dream, and I had been days without one."

  Sam and even Raminus looked vulnerable.

  "Don’t thank me," said Vhalen. "If it wasn't for Landau here, you would have soon become a tree spirit like them."

  The three men were ignorant on how to thank him, they simply bowed and offered their gratitude. Landau was humble but grateful for the attention. Jema headed the pack, and in the darkness of night they were forced to continue north.

  Chapter 18

  CITY OF THIEVES

  Trees soon became sparse upon the Fields of Ruun with hills of untamed grass and seldom shrubs stretching for miles. Landau was overwhelmed at the vastness of the land, and wondered how Jema found such confidence in their path, and without any map to guide him. They rarely stopped, occasionally Jema would halt them to stand on the highest hill, looking ahead and behind, giving the company a chance to stretch their legs, always wary that a threat was waiting for them. The mountain battlements of Nelroar drew closer, and within days they found the Gray road and followed it west. Here the mountains dominated the northern sky, where clouds charged down their slopes like waterfalls and whose peaks climbed ever upward. The highest of them were the Bended Bells, which rose high above them all, and it was evident no way over them was possible.

  The city was close now, a couple days by Jema's estimate, and beneath the chill of the mountain Landau welcomed word of a bed. They made camp at the foot of a bluff, yet as Jema took watch he forbid them from filling the air with darkleaf, distrustful of the Gray road and the attention they might attract. The air was cold beneath the mountain, though they went without fire, and after leaving their blankets in the Elder grove they were forced to wrap any clothing they had tightly to harbor any warmth. Only Brom found cheer to lie beneath the wintry mountain, even in his tunic, though his snore was boisterous and roared loud over the crickets, and Landau swore he noticed Lyeanna jab the end of her bow hard into his stomach to settle him.

  Though the city was close they found no cheer, and in the morning their horses were mounted and the road met, before the sun could reveal itself from the peaks above them. From Halestrom to Bruna the land was all wilderness, save for the mountains that dominated the north. The wind from the mountain blew like an endless breath, and the dirt road they tread sprouted small wisps of dust clouds to irritate their horses. A path that travelled high along the mountain soon revealed itself, and Jema considered taking it, to be free of the road, but if no way down presented itself he feared the time wasted in falling back. They stuck to the road, and slowly it wound south toward the northern fringe of the Faulkham forest, where Lyeanna stopped as if through warning.

  "What’s wrong?" said Jema.

  "I fear ears are upon us. This road appears watched, and the footprints here disturb me. They should travel in straight lines, but here they are scattered."

  All made notice of the numerous footprints, soft and faded, imprinted upon their path. The twitching shadows of the sunlight through the trees did little to assure Jema they were alone, though his eyes were jaded in their gaze, and he appeared aggravated to stop.

  "Allow me to scout the woodland. They will not see me," Lyeanna assured him.

  "Very well," he spoke softly, stepping off his horse to secure Landau. The Dryad attack still left many disconcerted, especially the men, and few ventured close to the trees bar the amazon, who dismounted her horse and held firmly her bow, before disappearing past the tight trunks of elm and oak.

  "Damn amazons, can’t be without their trees it seems. She be no doubt talkin’ to ‘em I wager, who else could suffer her naggin’ for so long," said Brom.

  "She is an excellent scout,” Vhalen told him. “It would be unwise not to make use of such an ability while it is afforded to us."

  Brom only spat at her skill-set. "I need be no scout to find ye trees wizard."

  Jema showed caution, his weary eyes were poised upon the forest, and his cloak he brushed back to reveal his sheath, with his hand primed. The silence here was paramount, and Landau could hear the rumblings of the mountain, from within or atop he couldn’t tell. They spoke little whilst Lyeanna was away, and it was twenty minutes in his mind before she returned at a casual pace.

  "What did you find?" Jema asked.

  "I saw Green-hoods through the trees, though only their backs. It appears our company startled them, or something else, but I found no other threat."

  Green-hoods were common in the northern woodlands if they weren’t bringing their mischief to Arwendel, still to flee so readily only compelled Jema to hurry them on. The pale sun suggested it was midday where it sat, and the chill was not so unbearable the further the day went on. Trees of cottonwood lined the road ahead, and their leaves in the early fall had already started to wilt off their branches and cover the ground beneath them. Beyond them the woodlands of Faulkham followed them the entire way, and only twice since did Lyeanna leave them again to secure their passage. Landau was fatigued to ride the horse for much longer, his breath was stale, and every blink took seconds as he battled to stay awake. Endlessly they traveled westward, when finally, after several weeks since leaving Arwendel, the Daggerbell mountain was sighted in the near distance, whose shadow in the afternoon cast upon the city of Bruna, the oldest city of man in Ruun. There it sat on a gradual hill, alone in the northern country, surrounded by empty farmlands fresh off the harvest, and rolling grasslands that spread all the way to the foot of the mountain. On the outskirts of its stone walls Jema halted their company.

  "The men of this city know my face, our company will bring much curiosity if we arrive together. Landau and Lyeanna, you will accompany me inside, the rest of you come in pairs once we have entered. We will meet in the market. I would have you take caution, even though we remain in Ruun this place is a far cry from the propriety of Arwendel. Remind yourself of your purpose here."

  With that Jema rode his horse beside Lyeanna and soon emerged into view of the guards who patrolled the eastern gate. Brommac and Halwende promptly followed with Sam, before lastly Vhalen was left alone in Raminus' company.

  "Do not try anything," Vhalen warned.

  "That is a vague statement wizard. A hard thing to enforce, even for you I imagine."

  "I have no time for your word play. Keep your tongue silent until it is required, that you should find clearer."

  Raminus smiled at Vhalen's agitation and waited for the men to proceed inside before venturing after them.

  Jema stabled his horse opposite a temple erected for the gods of old, now fashioned into a great hall of meeting. Here the pavement stones were darker tha
n Arwendel, and jagged in their setting, with steps of rough sizes; even the leaves of the few trees that dwelled here were faint in their coloring. In its early days Bruna served as a prominent outpost for the Empire when the way through the Nelroar passage was usable, nowadays it was a place of thievery and debauchery. The city had three tiers of generous width, each one elevated above the other surrounded by a prodigious wall, fortified with crossbows, and patrolled daily by guards. The bottom tier consisted of two inns, two taverns and a number of brothels, and whilst some were hidden in the back alleys, many were present along the main concourse. Landau quickly noticed a foul odor wafting through the town, for Bruna had no sewer, instead street-sweeps were about fighting a losing battle to clean the filth, litter and excreta that accumulated in the streets.

  Past the old temple the marketplace resided around a grand statue of a prominent figure, yet Jema rolled his eyes. It was apparent the statue had changed from older times, for the foundations of the old one remained.

  Jema held his hand, and dismissed the lure of the wenches that lingered outside, though they couldn't escape Lyeanna's glare. In the cool day she wrapped herself with a hood to conceal her quiver, clearly disturbed by the stench of depravity that was palpable throughout the city.

  "Are you alright?" Jema asked her.

  "The very gates are carved from the Redwoods of our forest. It is a constant reminder why my people remain reclusive from the outside world. There is no respect to be earned from the women here, who welcome the shackles of man."

  "Believe me I am not proud of it either. But keep your pride at bay, we will gather supplies and head out come morning, our time here will be swift."

  Lyeanna didn't complain further, yet Landau realized she saw much of the world in this light.

  "Be wary Landau," said Jema. "Already in the shadows I can sense unwanted stares. Hold your possessions close to you, for thieves that dwell here will acquire anything if left unsecured. It is a shameless city."

  Landau noticed iron grills poised on every window, and doors remained closed and bolted, it was apparent the cutpurse was common here. Even the sword of Azuron Jema concealed beneath his cloak, with one hand closely poised above the hilt of his own.

  The others arrived to meet in the market and while Brom's physique overwhelmed the wenches, the others hustled to gather what they needed for the journey ahead. The aroma of spices here was quite pleasant and the fruits appeared ripe and tasty in their showing. Jema loaded his satchel with rolled oats, barley and rye, sustainable for long periods of time before acquiring some char cloth and timber for their mountain journey, and finally some new blankets. Vhalen happened upon a vendor who traded in teas, while Hal opted for something sweeter in honey and spices. A lot of silver went to purchasing more tobacco for their pipes, a luxury Landau didn't understand, but excited the men to a great degree.

  On a counter Landau surveyed the varying mushrooms, when Raminus appeared beside him, grabbing some Brownbells to show him.

  "You should refrain from eating these boy. Though the cap is quite delicious, the stem has a toxin that can poison the stomach, causing one to seizure or even lose their breath entirely." Raminus appeared all too happy in explaining it, his sinister eyes offered no comfort.

  "Thank you," he muttered, and shuffled to Jema's side.

  The company moved upward to the second tier, removed from the tattered and decrepit buildings that littered the south wall to the more distinguished residences up high, though brothels continued here also. The third tier comprised of an old castle that loomed large over the city, once home to many kings now populated by nobles and remodeled into a barracks. Jema was intent on staying on the second tier and soon they arrived at the 'Oak and Dagger', one of few inns that remained wench free.

  Inside Landau was surprised to observe an open square chimney centered in the inn with tables and chairs encompassing its warmth. Bear pelts and Auroch pelts hung over every booth of amber benches, among other game trophies that decorated the walls. Cats wandered freely here as Jema approached the tavern owner, where he acquired three rooms for his company, all side by side, with their windows facing the alley.

  "I'll keep with Raminus," Jema murmured to Vhalen, who chose to share his room with Lyeanna. Brom joined Jema while Sam and Hal accompanied Landau to the room at the end of the hall. They would spend one night here, the last under a roof before making the journey west to the Undercity.

  Come nightfall a cloudless sky bore the strength of the moonlight over the city. The cressets bloomed bright along the streets, while the guards patrolling the battlements increased to abstain misconduct among its rowdy people.

  Inside the 'Oak and Dagger' was a chorus of laughter, and among the roar of the fireplace the aroma of smoke and spirits lingered in the air like a euphoric fume. Jema remained in his room to watch over Raminus, whilst Lyeanna confined herself to hers away from the ceaseless debauchery. In his quarters Sam kept a strict watch over Landau much to his umbrage, while Vhalen found an upstairs table that overlooked the southern country with Halwende and Brom.

  With the window open Vhalen lit the yellowleaf he bought earlier, sweeter than the darkleaf, and stared upon the guards who looked hazily over darkened lands. The city gates were closed and would remain shut for the night, the security allowed them to relax as Hal arrived with a couple of ales for Brom and himself.

  "Has been too long since I felt the mountain breeze on my skin," said Brom, "’tis a reminder of home. Much time has passed since leavin’ the mountains of Skellian and the cheer of my people. I have not laid eyes upon my kin since, for few wander the southern lands."

  His giant hand engulfed the tankard and with one swift gulp his ale had vanished.

  "I would ask you to appreciate the journey ahead. We will gain little advantage with inebriated minds. Though we may relax within the safety of these walls for tonight, we will need to continue at first light."

  "Our people be famous for holdin’ their drink," he burped. "Though I will give ye peace of mind."

  Vhalen exhaled his pipe in curious guise of Brommac.

  "So what of our journey Vhalen?" Hal asked. "If this enemy is indeed a threat then he toys with us I see. Are we naive to show such caution?"

  "If we remain alive and our destination draws closer then we should refrain from arguing our caution."

  "Jema shows much vigilance in evading these dangers, though I’ve yet to see any hint of a threat. What do you expect we will encounter so readily? How can you put a face on evil I wonder?"

  "If fortune is in our favor then we need not wonder. Despite all we know, we are running on assumptions for the most part, but we cannot be ignorant towards them. This is a unique situation Halwende, and a unique response is required," said Vhalen. "Our quest for now is to make for the Imperial City, and I would hope fortune gets us that far."

  "It is hardly encouraging," Hal said. "There is every chance we can reach the city, but Black Mountain Vhalen is another task entirely."

  "I have no doubt. Landau however must remain comfortable in this quest, and it gives him hope to know the Pale City is our destination. At this stage we need not remind him of our task beyond that. Through all my experience, even I have no knowledge on what lies beyond those scorched mountains. We already ask too much of the lad."

  "Landau seems a great kid but I fear for him. In the thick of battle, he will prove no better than a wounded soldier."

  "He is not fit for battle, he who has not seen his own blood flow," Brom added.

  "We must hope for his resilience, and it would do no harm for the two of you to give him some attention. It will benefit nobody to distance themselves so evidently on our journey."

  Brom and Hal sat in awkward silence, for neither would admit the wizard was right to condemn their disregard.

  "Do you trust this assassin to lead us through the mountain?" Hal asked.

  "He would be foolish to refuse. It is Jema’s will to bring him with us, whose decision I won't
question."

  "I spent many years in the Imperial City, Jema's name is well known through the districts, be they friend or foe. He led the Legion to many victories, his mind would be as plagued with battle as ours, and I have seen it breed madness in many Vhalen. His presence here warrants much respect, to that which I give, but can you be sure his mind is in the right place?"

  "There are few who would lead such a journey. It is foolish for anyone to think his experience will amount to naught. Do not take him for some retired warrior, I mean no disrespect when I say his value here is worth more than any of you," Vhalen told them, though not through scorn. "His concern lies with his old homeland, and the stories I hear of late are hardly encouraging, many it seems have chosen to defect elsewhere from Astiroth. What prestige their great city once held appears forgotten, we can only hope Jema can find some aid once we are there."

  "Depends who runs the city these days. Politicians and generals were in a constant debate to who should lead it last I heard. I doubt they’ve come to any resolve," Halwende said, his words were of shame.

  "I sense he isn’t the only one amongst us to harbor ill-feelings on their time there. Why is it that you left the Pale City may I ask?" he asked of Halwende.

  "My freedom only brought me torment, those that tried to befriend me were the very same who would cheer my death in battle. I was heartened to learn they overturned the law of forcing prisoners to fight in the arena, yet just months after I won my freedom. Uncivilized they declared it, bad timing no doubt. I could not continue there constantly reminded of the disappointment I felt, so I headed south."

  Hal's story earned a disgruntled glare from Brom to which Vhalen could not understand.