Chapter 18
All Paths Lead to Royal Oak
Millan's experienced a rush of excitement as the walls of Royal Oak came into view. They reminded him of Light's Haven. The horses trotted up to the main gate where he and Eriph were greeted by three guards dressed in armor.
"Name and business in Royal Oak?" one watcher asked firmly.
Millan's travel companion took the lead. "Eriph, former don of Candelux. Perhaps you've heard of me in recent news. This here is Don Millan. He was good enough to keep me safe on the road today."
"Eriph, yes, I've heard the name," the watcher grumbled. "What about you? Don Millan, was it?
The young priest straightened up. "Yes, that's right."
"Does your friend speak the truth?"
"Every word," Millan promptly answered.
"Nothing to add?"
"Nope."
Cities rarely closed their gates, even at night, but with the Prima's new orders, this would be the norm until the demon lord was defeated. The watcher looked to the man in the middle who was dressed in more elaborate armor. Although Millan had never learned the armor differences between the two types of paladins, he found it safe to assume that this was one of the bloodseekers.
"They're clear," the paladin said softly.
"Please, follow us in," directed the first watcher.
The two travelers entered through the gate after the guards. Once the horses had passed through, the door was sealed again.
"Some lockdown you have here," Eriph said casually. "Is it really necessary to close the main gate during the day?"
"Prima's orders. We're taking every precaution against the new threat. I suggest you go and speak with the head archdon. I'm sure he'll be interested in your arrival."
"Perhaps. Are we in danger here?"
The guard snorted. "Inside the walls?"
"Then why's the gate closed? Are we expecting an attack while the sun is up?"
"As I said, Prima's orders," the soldier snapped back. "You should speak with Head Archdon Scarit."
With a friendly smile, Eriph bid farewell to the guards at the gate. Millan was still taking in the city around the entrance when he realized his companion had left him behind. The Nesinu priest jogged after Eriph to catch up. "Shall we head to the rectory?"
"Eventually. Let's put the horses in the stables, and then I'll show you around. I'm sure whatever they fear will happen won't occur until after sunset."
After leaving their horses in the care of the stable hands, the duo walked to the center of the second-largest city in the kingdom. In the distance, Millan could already make out the silhouette of the massive oak tree, backlit by the setting sun. He gaped in amazement as the tree grew larger. He had never seen such a presence in nature. They crossed the square and entered the shadow of the tree. The retaining wall that held back the spring water was at chest level.
"Magnificent, isn't it?" Eriph leaned his back against the wall.
Millan watched as the water flowed around the base of the massive trunk and toward the aqueduct, which carried the water out of the city. "It's hard to imagine there was ever a time when demons didn't threaten the kingdom, and yet this tree stood before any iymed or fray ever existed."
"It's a symbol of our resilience. No matter what happens, it stands tall and proud. For seven hundred years, it's kept watch over these people, and it'll likely do so for another seven hundred."
Millan's eyes climbed the branches to the countless leaves. "I'm glad I came. This alone was worth the detour."
"Uh-oh. Here comes trouble."
A man donning a brown scarf hurried toward them. As the middle-aged squire reached the retaining wall of the spring, he gave a quick bow to the pair. "Don Millan and Eriph, I presume?"
"Yes, how did you know?" Millan asked.
"I was told to look for two men, both dressed as priests—"
"But I'm not dressed as a priest," Eriph interjected. "See, no scarf."
"One of which would be carrying a shield." The squire motioned to the metal plate that Eriph was hauling on his back. "Not exactly discreet."
"What makes you think I was trying to be discreet?"
"My apologies. I didn't mean to imply that you were. Simply put, your shield made it easy to spot you."
"Is there something we can help you with?" Millan asked.
"Yes, Head Archdon Scarit has requested to speak with you. There's talk about a demon attack tonight, and he'd like to enlist your help."
"I suppose we could lend a hand," the Nesinu priest answered.
Eriph raised his eyebrows. "We?"
"Yes. What? You won't help?"
"When the Seductress or Erynion crosses the border into Alovajj, then it'll become my concern."
Millan was stunned by his response. "But…but you're here now. If the demons strike, you won't fight by our side?"
"No scarf, remember? I'm not a don anymore. I've been excluded. It means I'm no longer bound by Candelux's code. Why should I risk my life?"
"Candelux's code, no, but what about your own?"
Eriph sighed. "Fine, let's see what the old man has to say. But I'm not making any promises."
The corner of Millan's mouth pushed up as he took pride in his powers of persuasion. The squire led the two men through the streets, and the young priest marveled at the size of the city. Royal Oak was larger than Nolka in every way. Even the rectory was bigger, but it still paled in comparison to the Sanctuary in Light's Haven. The group made their way through the halls until they arrived at a large office where an elderly man sat with a woman standing beside him. Both were dressed in black robes with white scarves.
As the door shut, the old man invited them to approach his desk. "Eriph, I was sorry to hear about your Exclusion. How unfortunate. And Don Millan, my condolences to you for Don Skully and your home."
"Thank you, Your Grace," the Nesinu priest said.
Age had taken a toll on his voice, and the old man struggled to speak louder. "Welcome to Royal Oak. I am Archdon Scarit, the head archdon here. You may already know my associate, Archdon Omana."
"Nice to see you again," Eriph said.
"Archdon Omana? As in, former advisor to Primus Ayristark?" Millan asked incredulously.
"That's correct," Scarit said. "I want to thank you both for coming to see me. For some time now, I have felt unrest in the darkness. My suspicions have been confirmed by recent events: the twisted gate, the demon lord, the reappearance of the Seductress, and the attacks on Nesinu, Nolka, and now Malarekita."
"What?!" Millan exclaimed. "Malarekita was attacked?"
"Yes." The head archdon coughed. "Perhaps you're wondering why we've locked down the city while the sun is up?"
"Well, to be honest, the thought had crossed my mind," Eriph said.
"Earlier today, Don Diche from Malarekita arrived at the city gates. His horse nearly died from exhaustion. It seems the Seductress, along with a brute matching the description of our new demon threat, Erynion, walked into the village last night—amid a rain of arrows—and proceeded to release her Corruption spell."
Millan was taken aback. "What? Another purge?"
"I'm afraid so. The priests of Malarekita prepared for the worst and kept the protection blessings up through the night to ensure the safety of the villagers. When morning came, they realized the demons were long gone and the spell had dissipated. Thankfully, there were no casualties. With no Scriptorum, Head Don Galyval sent Don Diche to come here and warn us."
"And you believe the Seductress is coming here next? Why?"
"Nesinu, Nolka, Malarekita. Don Diche also reported a demonic presence by Lake Ivorus. If they follow the same general direction, Royal Oak would be the next in line. We're not sure what their goal was at Malarekita. It may have been some sort of a warning, a demonstration of power, or maybe just a scare tactic. Whatever the case, we're not taking any chances. I suspect there will be some activity tonight, and I would be grateful if you two joined our ranks in c
ase of an attack, especially since you've both seen this new evil."
"Of course, Your Grace, I would be honored to help in any way I can," Millan stated.
Eriph was slower with his response. "I'm no longer a member of Candelux."
"Yes, I'm well aware of that, but your help would be appreciated nonetheless."
"I'm sorry. My service to Candelux is over and not by my choice. Tomorrow when the sun rises, I will continue to Alovajj. If the demons advance on the city tonight, I will leave them in your capable hands."
"Eriph," Millan muttered.
"I understand," the old man said. "Though I'm sorry to hear it. You're free to leave. If you change your mind, you know where to come."
"Of course."
Archdon Scarit lifted his hands. "May the angels watch over you and guide you on your travels."
"Thank you. May the angels give you all strength in the battles to come." Eriph extended his hand to Millan. "It was a pleasure riding with you, Don Millan. Feel free to visit if you happen to be in my neck of the woods."
Disappointed at the choice his new friend had made, the Nesinu priest reluctantly shook hands. Fighting back the urge to scold him, Millan managed to say, "May the angels watch over you and keep you safe."
Eriph departed, and Millan turned his attention to the head archdon.
"Thank you for your support, Don Millan," Scarit said. "Though we have many priests and squires in our city, an extra hand is always welcome. A squire will show you to the guest quarters. Please prepare yourself for the inevitable battle tonight."
✽✽✽
You are my weapon and you answer only to me, the voice called out.
Erynion brought his hand to his head.
"Something the matter?" Flinch asked.
Erynion gazed across the peaceful lake. "I'm not sure the meditation is working."
"Patience isn't your best quality," Sonojj quipped. "What are you focusing on?"
"Focusing? I thought I was supposed to clear my mind and let the memories come back naturally."
"Doing so opens your mind to any memory. Yes, you want to be free of distractions, but you should have a goal in mind and focus on that."
"And what goal would that be?"
"Your identity," Sonojj said matter-of-factly.
Flinch smiled. "The aim of the game is to claim your name."
"How am I supposed to focus on something I don't know?"
"Then focus on something you do know," the blind demon suggested. "The name, Erynion, came from somewhere in your past, right?"
"I suppose. I thought it was just a random name given to me by a beggar, but it's clearly in my memory as well."
"So, find out who Erynion was."
Erynion rubbed the back of his neck. "And how do you know that will help with my identity?"
"I don't. But aside from the Assault, it's the only link you have to your memories. Explore it."
The large demon closed his eye once again. Air rushed through his nostrils and into his lungs. His chest grew to accommodate the breath. His shoulders relaxed as he slowly exhaled. He kept his mind clear, save for a single word: Erynion. Scenes flashed in his head. The different pieces of his recurring dream lasted longer and longer with each appearance. The ambient noise of the forest faded away. A young girl screamed for help. Another child reassured her. A third voice called out in the recesses of his mind.
"You fools! You cannot hope to defeat me!"
"You've already lost, Erynion!"
He remained calm as the dream took shape. The surroundings were dark and shadowed, but he could see a figure not far from him. A young boy, no older than ten, was gripping a wooden sword. His face was unclear, but Erynion felt a sense of familiarity. He shared a strong friendship with this child. Behind the boy, Erynion spotted a silhouette of a man holding onto a little girl.
"Come on, get up," his young friend urged. "Go around back and sneak up behind him."
Erynion examined himself and discovered he was barely a teenager. He, too, was armed with a wooden sword. Erynion stayed low and walked through the emptiness that was his dream. Maniacal laughter filled the void, and the figures began fading into shadows.
"Don't worry, Sereyna. We'll save you," the young boy said reassuringly.
Erynion felt his grip on the past weakening, but he refused to let it go. He forced the memory onward and attacked the large shadow who had taken the girl hostage.
"You are brave indeed," the shadow taunted. "But now you must cross blades with the mighty Erynion!"
The name echoed in his mind. Everything else dissipated, and Erynion stood alone in the abyss. "Come back, you coward! Come back and face me!" Nothing remained of his dream but the name.
"Erynion. Erynion," Flinch said softly while nudging the large figure.
The demon opened his eye. "Damn it all to the depths. Why did you wake me? I nearly had it."
"Had what?" Sereyna asked.
Erynion was startled by her presence. "Uh. My memory. My dream."
"You were meditating?"
"Yes, to figure out my identity."
"Hmm." Sereyna bit her lower lip. "I'm afraid I have to ask you stop that for the time being."
"Stop? But you said my identity was the key. You said you would help me."
"It is, and I will. But for now, we need to focus on the preparations for tonight. I can't have you in some trance while we're trying to take the city. Come, I wish to discuss our plan of attack."
Sereyna trudged up the shore and back toward the congregation of demons.
Flinch came alongside Erynion. "I'm sorry for waking you."
"It's fine. I just thought I'd have more time."
"More time? It's been almost an hour. Did you remember anything more this time?"
"Sort of. It's becoming clearer, but I still don't know who anyone is. Or who I am."
Sonojj offered some consolation. "I understand it can be frustrating, but progress is a good sign."
"You know what the strange part is? All demons use pseudonyms, right?" Erynion asked.
"Sure."
"In the memory, I could swear the young boy is yelling to a girl named Sereyna. Could it be a coincidence that she shares the name with…?" Erynion jerked his head in the direction of the Seductress.
"Maybe you should ask Sereyna how she came to choose her name," Flinch suggested. "I've heard that she's been called other things before, right, Sonojj?"
The blind demon nodded. "When I first joined, she called herself Mantira. But ever since the Assault on Light's Haven, she's demanded to be called by only one name. And, that's Sereyna."
Erynion had a sinking feeling in his chest he couldn't explain. Something urged him to exercise caution around his benevolent leader. There was more to the name "Sereyna" than he knew. And if he wanted to find the connection, if any, between the girl in his dream and this demon, he would have to do so quickly. Erynion replayed the dream in his mind. "Flinch, you were right."
"Of course I was." The jester grinned for a moment before turning serious. "Right about what?"
"About Erynion. The one in my dream. Or my memory. Whatever. He doesn't speak Kisejjad."
"Well, maybe he's not really a demon.".
"Yeah, I don't think he is. Erynion was the name of my enemy in the dream. I was just a boy trying to slay him with a wooden sword."
Sonojj mused, "A man pretending to be a demon and fighting with children? Sounds like a game to me."
Chapter 19
Skully's Gift
Millan was shown to his quarters to rest from his journey. Placing his small travel bag on the bed, he slowly opened it. A multitude of emotions tugged at his heart. He feared the new terror, worried about the upcoming battle, was disappointed at Eriph's decision, and despite being surrounded by hundreds of Candelux members, he was alone. However, as he unpacked his bag, an overwhelming sorrow replaced all those emotions. He carefully reached into the cloth sack and took hold of the final object resting at the
bottom. As he pulled it out, he sat on the bed and stared at the item in the palm of his hand. It was a gift on his day of Acceptance from his teacher, but it represented so much more. It was the reason Millan had decided to join Candelux. The young priest closed his eyes and recalled that fateful night from his youth.
"Millan! Millan! Where are you?"
Nine-year-old Millan had spotted his mother frantically searching for him along the streets of Nesinu. He had ignored her calls as he played with his friends.
"Aren't you going to be in trouble?" his friend asked.
"I'll just pretend I didn't hear her. It's not like the sun is—hey!"
"There you are. Didn't you hear me calling you? How dare you ignore me!" she scolded as she twisted his arm and pulled him away from his friends.
"Come on, Mom, the sun isn't even below the tree line."
"I don't care where the sun is. When I call you, you come. Understood, young man?"
"Yes, Mom." Millan's tone was sullen, upset his mother had embarrassed him in front of his friends. Other parents were now combing the streets for their children, which Millan found strange. His mother took him straight home. They resided in a two-story building near the stables, but Millan and his parents only lived on the top floor. Inside the small home, Millan sat in his little room and tapped the back of his head against the wall. He had been sent to bed right after supper even though he insisted he wasn't tired. A commotion in the other room made him pause. He strained to listen but could only hear the muffled voices of his parents arguing. Tiptoeing to the door, he gently placed his ear to it.
"But why trust him?" his father said.
"Why not? He would know, wouldn't he?"
"Yes, but you know what they say about him, about his involvement with that sect."
"Well, what choice do we have?" his mother asked. "Would you rather our boy wander the streets and be attacked by a demon?"
"It's not that. What if this isn't a random attack?"
"What are you suggesting? That he called them? Is that even possible?"
"Why not? It's just like Candelux to stir up trouble. Nice quiet town that hasn't needed a priest to date, but now they need to justify their presence."
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