The Aether Knight

by E A Hooper

  He’ll do it, she told herself. He’ll end this war. I know he will.

  Valx’s friend, the so-called Snake King, reappeared and took the hands of a long-haired woman.

  “Is he ascending?” she asked Radu.

  The king’s people, and even those of other nations, looked to him for assurance. “Just wait,” he told them.

  Roz took a long, sad breath. Her body shook with pain, and she wasn’t sure how long she could stay on her feet. Cauli sent vibrations of emotions to her, both comforting and worrisome, but the red-haired woman kept her eyes on the fort.

  White light poured from the entrance of the fort and every window. People in the crowd gasped, and some even shouted in surprise. Overhead, the Red Moon turned bright blue, and Roz thought it an ominous sign.

  The Snake King must’ve thought the same as Roz, and he reacted with worry. “Orphilm, tell everyone to get down.”

  “Everyone, get low to the ground,” a voice called across all the present armies.

  Roz and Myamere dropped to the grass alongside the crowd. As everyone got low, the woman beside Radu motioned with her hands, and the earth rattled. Slopes of dirt rose in front of their entire army, giving them some slight cover.

  The light in the fort dimmed for several seconds, and then it exploded in all directions. The entire fort disappeared inside a white inferno in an instant. The white aether expanded halfway to their army and then exploded toward the sky, reaching so far up that people would’ve seen it from many miles away.

  Everyone shielded their eyes from the intense white light, but Roz squinted into the incredible explosion of aether. For a moment, she thought she saw the dark outline of Valx staring back from inside the blaze. However, his face vanished, and the white inferno collapsed inward and vanished.

  The blast had vaporized the entire fort, leaving a crater that stretched halfway to their army. It had even taken out several blocks of Varsith with it. A white haze sparkled over the crater and then disappeared, leaving clouds of dust.

  When the dust settled, Roz forced herself to stand. She climbed over the dirt incline and limped toward the crater. Myamere and Radu followed first, and others approached after them.

  Roz stared over the ledge, eying the steep drop off. Valx’s power had dug hundreds of feet into the earth. She imagined if he’d wanted to, he could’ve spread the blast in all directions, destroying all the armies and even Varsith itself. Instead, he’d focused his power on destroying the fort and the Northern forces.

  The moon had reverted to its reddish color, and Roz could see the moonlight reflecting off crystalline structures at the bottom of the crater. Almost as if the last fading trace of Valx’s power had hardened into diamondlike crystals.

  Hundreds of people gathered around the crater and gaped at it. Many prayed to the gods, thanking them for giving Valx the power to end the war.

  “He must’ve been a god taken human form,” one soldier said. “No human, not even a greatborn, could’ve ever done something like this.” He and dozens of others fell on their knees and began to pray to the crater.

  Valx is no god, Roz thought, but she didn’t tell that to the men. She knew the citizens of Ter’al would need faith in something after everything that had happened. They need to rationalize this somehow. Just a few years ago, most these people didn’t know greatborn existed. Now, they’ve witnessed the most powerful greatborn in known history cause untold destruction. They need to think that gods are responsible for something like this.

  “My husband,” a tall woman said, gaping into the crater. “He’s gone. Reaper’s really gone.”

  Yahn glared at the woman. “It’s his own fault. You know that, right?”

  The woman lowered her head and cried. “I know you must blame me for what he did to your king and queen. Please, take pity on my daughter, though.”

  Yahn’s face softened. “I don’t blame you. Take your daughter and get out of here before someone gets the idea to take revenge against you.”

  “I won’t let anyone do that,” Radu said. “Thelmia, I’m sure the people of Varsith will listen to you. You can help us forge a real peace pact now that Reaper’s gone.”

  “I can’t,” Thelmia replied. “However, the rightful heir to Reaper’s domain may do so.” She looked at the shaggy-haired man that stood near Radu. “Pyre, your Reaper’s oldest possible heir. Not to mention, the most powerful and well-liked choice. The people of Varsith know it was your idea to move them to the shelters, which likely saved hundreds of lives.”

  “The forces that hold Direlight and Eyl’Bell will never listen to me,” Pyre said.

  “That doesn’t matter,” Yahn told him. “If you can return Duke Yarlow to us and promise an alliance, we’ll recapture Direlight one day.”

  “If you promise an alliance, I’ll have the Sun Province secede from the Eastern Kingdom,” Lunori said, his tone full of bitterness. “That’s if Radu lets us join his kingdom. I’d rather join with the likes of thieves than bow to those traitors holding Eyl’Bell.”

  “I’ll have to talk with my representatives,” Radu said, “but I see no reason we can’t make that deal happen.”

  “Then it’s settled,” Pyre said. “I’ll claim the title of lord and return Duke Yarlow to the West. Our nations can create a peace treaty and exclude the Islanders and the remaining Northern territories. I suppose this means the end of the Northern Republic.”

  “Good riddance,” Yahn said.

  “What about your nations?” Radu said, staring at members of the Wetlands, Bay Nation, and Mountain Men he had saved during the attack.

  “We’ll have to talk with the various merchant guilds back home,” one Wetlander replied. “However, since you control Quintessence Way, the answer is obvious.”

  “Unfortunately, I can make no promises,” the Bay Nation prince told Radu. “If the Islanders have seized my home, I have no power to make a pact. However, if that’s the case, I’ll do everything I can to gather any factions in my nation that have the will to fight. The fate of the Bay Nation and the Western Kingdom is tied to our ability to fight off the Islanders. Together, we might be strong enough.”

  The Mountain chieftain had been gazing into the crater during the entire conversation, and everyone looked at him to see if he’d say anything. He realized their eyes were on him, and he glanced back. “The gods have spoken today, and I’ll make sure the tribes of the Mountain Territories know what side they’ve chosen. When those Feyans show themselves, call for my people, and we will join your fight.”

  “Thank you,” Radu replied.

  Roz turned away from their conversations. She felt she couldn’t keep herself upright any longer. Myamere must’ve realized, and the Godblade caught her before she fell.

  “Let’s rest,” Myamere told her. “Once you’ve healed, I’ll help you find Lilan. I know you want to keep your promise to Valx.”

  Roz nodded, but her eyes stayed on the crystalline crater.

  Valx is gone for good this time. I’ll never see my friend again. The thought crossed her mind, but as she eyed the crater, a feeling of familiarity passed through her body. But at the same time, he’s not gone. He left this worldscar here, marking this city with his presence. If I ever miss him, I can return to this place and talk to him again. Even if he can’t talk back.

  “Valx,” she whispered, halfway unconscious. “I hope you can find peace now.”

  Epilogue

  Yahn sat in silence throughout the meeting between King Yarlow and his generals. Both he and Maliss had been promoted to generals after surviving the peace summit at Varsith almost a year ago, and since then, the world seemed to be changing too fast for Yahn.

  It’s been almost a year since I lost the last of my friends, Yahn lamented, barely paying attention to the meeting. A whole year, and things aren’t any better. We still haven’t retaken Direlight. If anything, the Islanders are growing more powerful and bolder. They’ve taken half of Embry’s territory already. We don’t eve
n know if they’ve kept Thod’s children alive or not. They’ve made no threats or offerings, and I’m sure Yarlow has noticed.

  He watched Yarlow as the king made a passionate speech about how they’d retake Direlight within another year. Two at most.

  I don’t have the heart to tell him his nieces and nephews are likely dead. Most those kids were developing powers already, so they would’ve tried to fight back against the Islanders. It’s too bad that bastard Tungosk is still alive. He’s really putting a thorn in our attempts to gather strength against the Islanders. That fucking coward flipped sides as soon as it was convenient. But one of these days, he’ll get what he deserves. Either from us or the Feyans. If there’s one thing I learned a year ago, it’s that you can’t play games with fate.

  Yarlow brought the meeting to an end, and the king left the room first, followed by Nevin and Ilona. The two Highguardsmen seemed to have lost a lot of their spirit after Thod’s death, and Yahn even found it difficult to pester Ilona into sparring with him.

  Yahn waited as the other generals and advisors left, leaving only he and one other Highguardsman. The last Silver Knight stared across the room at Odestrog. The tall, powerful man had seemed even less spirited than Nevin and Ilona over the last year. Like Yahn, he often fell silent during long meetings.

  He must be thinking about his old friends too.

  “Hey Odestrog,” Yahn called.

  The Cragslayer lost concentration on his thoughts and lifted his eyes to Yahn. “Yes?”

  “I heard you used to wrestle anyone that would challenge you.”

  “Used to. Haven’t done so much wrestling or sparring lately.”

  “Well, the two of us shouldn’t let ourselves get lazy. We still have a lot of battles ahead of us. You realize that, right?”

  Odestrog nodded.

  “Difficult battles like you couldn’t imagine. Against numerous, powerful foes. We should be ready for it, you know? And not just us, but all those young warriors that have joined us. You and I need to show some of these more inexperienced guys what war and brotherhood is about.”

  “You’re saying we should train Yarlow’s army?”

  “Yeah, why not? You and I, we aren’t made for meetings. We’re fighters. Warriors at heart. We make friendships on the battlefield. Maybe it’s about time we make some new friends.”

  Odestrog smiled. “You know what? You’re right. All these meetings and plans and alliances aren’t really my thing. I’ve been thinking about stepping down from the Highguard anyways. I’d be better suited helping you train the next generation of warriors.”

  “Let’s do it then. I’ll step down from being a general too. I don’t care about all this strategy stuff. I’d like to train and fight and forge friendships that will make the Islanders shudder when they see us charging at them.”

  The Cragslayer stood, his muscles flexed. “Yeah! Let’s train the greatest warriors Ter’al has ever seen.”

  “Let’s do better. Let’s train the greatest warriors that this world has ever seen.”

  ***

  Eddie and Robert sat at a table in a dimly lit tavern. The tavern looked packed that night, and people cheered and drank and gossiped all around them. A barmaid brought them several drinks, and the two friends tapped their glasses and drank.

  Halfway through their first drink, two good-looking women approached. “Excuse me,” one woman said. “Are you two Eddie and Robert? The ones that work for the Snake King?”

  “Why yes, we are,” Robert said, smiling.

  The two women gaped at each other. “It’s really them!” one squealed. She turned back to the two men. “We’ve heard all sorts of things about you two.”

  “Hopefully, nothing too bad,” Eddie said, grinning.

  “Well, we like a little bad,” one woman said, winking at him.

  “Have a seat, ladies,” Robert told them. “Drinks are on us.”

  One woman sat beside Robert, and the other scooted her seat next to Eddie. The men slid them cups, and they all tapped their glasses and took big drinks.

  “So, is it true that you two knew Valx the Wight?” one woman asked.

  “Oh yeah, we met him a couple of times,” Eddie said.

  “It’s a funny story, actually,” Robert said. “We were drinking when he found us—since he’d heard we were good friends with the Twin Thieves.” The two girls gaped at each other again. “Anyways, the two of us were so drunk, we thought he was Zundr, the god of death.”

  “Turns out, we weren’t too far from the truth,” Eddie said, putting an arm around the woman beside him.

  ***

  Velumis stepped into The Rotten Apple. He approached the bar where Pailim and Lorkle were making food and drinks for their few customers. The wife and husband gave him a nod as he neared.

  “You again?” Lorkle said. “I thought you were done coming here to mope?”

  “The anniversary of Valx’s death is coming up,” Velumis replied. “I thought maybe I’d visit this place for old times sake. Think about things I could’ve done differently.”

  “Be careful saying his name,” Lorkle said, keeping his voice low. “The Islanders have spies staying here. Just in case we hear anything about where Valx’s child went.”

  “To hell with the Islanders,” Velumis said. Several guests turned and gaped at him, but he huffed and ignored them. “They might control this city for now, but it’s not their city. They won’t hold Direlight forever.”

  “You’ll get yourself in trouble saying stuff like that out loud,” Lorkle said, nervously.

  “I don’t care anymore. Not after those bastards took my home. They found all the old members of the Dair Ro’duge within the city and took everything we had. I’d be living on the street if I didn’t have old acquaintances willing to help me out.”

  “You can stay here if you need. Most our rooms are empty since the Islanders took over.”

  Velumis shook his head. “I deserve no one’s help or pity. Not after what I’ve done. Although, if you want to give me a free drink, I’d be happy to take it.”

  “It’s not your fault,” Pailim said, pouring him a drink. “You only passed Bastion’s message along. You didn’t know where it would take Valx.”

  “I know that,” Velumis said. “But sometimes, I still feel bad about it. And sometimes, I feel like coming to this place to think about old times.”

  “You’re not the only one,” Lorkle said, gesturing across the room.

  Velumis turned and saw a familiar face drinking alone in the corner of the room. He grabbed his drink from Pailim and walked over to join Barthlomex. “Hello again, doctor. How’d you get into the city? I thought the Islanders were restricting who could come and go?”

  “I told them I was a physician,” Barthlomex replied. “They took about half my supplies and let me in. However, I don’t suppose I’ll be getting out of Direlight anytime soon. Might be for the best that I stay in one place for a while. All my traveling has done nothing but wear me down.”

  “I’m so sorry about Mil. You must hate me for telling Valx to trust that monstrous woman.”

  Barthlomex shook his head. “You were only passing information. It’s not your fault. That terrible girl did what she did, and she’s the only one I’ll ever blame. But to be honest, I try not to think about that. I almost hope she’s doing well, considering that child of hers is the only thing that can fulfill Bastion’s prophecy.”

  Velumis glanced around to make sure no one was watching or listening to their conversation. Those gods-damn Islander spies could be anywhere. If I say the wrong thing, they’ll lock me up for the rest of my life. I guess I’m used to the dark, though.

  “I heard from some old contacts that Lilan had some kind of blood disease,” Velumis told him. “According to Bastion, she’ll use her power to keep it from reaching the child, but that girl is destined to die a slow, painful death. I hope that makes you feel a little better.”

  “It doesn’t,” Barthlomex said, t
aking a swig of his drink. “The last time I talked to Valx, I told him to burn Varsith to the ground if he liked. That I didn’t care about peace anymore. Now, I realize how wrong I was to think that way. I’d rather there be less suffering in the world. Even it means a few bad people don’t get what they deserve.”

  Velumis sighed. “I wish I could feel that way. Sometimes I’d rather Direlight burn to the ground than let these Islanders have it any longer. It’s too bad Valx isn’t around. You think he would’ve taken Direlight back?”

  “Of course, he would’ve. That boy could do anything he set his mind to. The North couldn’t even stop him in the end.”

  “Yeah, that man was something incredible. For good or bad.”

  “Despite all the suffering he caused, at least he ended the Northern War. Hopefully, the history books will be kind to him.” Barthlomex raised his glass. “To Valx.”

  Velumis raised his drink. “To Valx.”

  ***

  Grenfei yawned as her advisors argued about the recent rebellion by factions of the Ninnan Clan. “I don’t care,” she said. “Let’s just crush them and be done with it.”

  “But Vassal Grenfei,” one advisor said, nervously. “The people of this territory still respect the Ninnan Clan. It’ll be easier in the long run if you make an alliance with them. Maybe even return some of the land our king took from them.”

  “Have you seen that pit in the back of this castle?” Grenfei asked. “They threw my friend in there and made him fight for his life. Radu made me vassal of Eldsworth’s former territory with the understanding that I’d crush the remains of the Ninnan Clan for what they did to his brother.”

  The advisor nodded. “I understand. However, you promoted me to one of your advisors because I know this territory and its people well. I’m telling you, if you don’t offer the Ninnan Clan at least a small treaty, you’re only forcing them to work with the Eastern Republic against you.”

  “The Eastern Republic is already working against us. Lunori has his hands full trying to prevent their attacks on Kingsland.”