by Eric Vall
The sun was at its zenith in the sky when I returned to the city center. We all took a break from our respective labors for lunch. I waited patiently in line though the day’s work had worked up a voracious hunger in me. Thankfully, lunch was a bit better than breakfast. Bread and corn, not much better, but better. With that, we all were given cups of water. It wasn’t a feast, but I’d certainly had worse meals in my lifetime.
With food in hand, I caught up to Nia and Varleth in the middle of a conversation. Or rather, Nia spoke rapidly to him, and he nodded along. She trailed off when she saw me and patted the spot beside her with a smirk.
“You look like you’ve had a long day,” Nia said to me as her gaze traveled the length of me, obviously taking note of all the sweat and dirt that coated me.
“I did, and it isn’t over,” I replied.
“True enough.” She took a bite of her bread, her meal already nearly gone.
I gave her a long appraising look. “You seem to be in very good spirits today, Miss Kenefick.”
Nia shrugged and smiled. “I wouldn’t say good, but I get a lot of energy when I’m helping people.”
“I understand that,” I mused. “I get the same way.”
“I’m so happy for you two,” Varleth added sarcastically. Nia snorted and rolled her eyes in an exaggerated fashion.
“You don’t enjoy helping people, Varleth?” Nia asked, eyebrow arched and lips set in a line.
Varleth shook his head with a scowl. “It’s not about liking or disliking. As mages, we have a job, a duty to protect the people and stop monsters. Nothing more, nothing less. My enjoyment of it or lack thereof isn’t a factor. I do my job, and I do it as efficiently as I can. End of discussion.”
Nia and I shared a look, then we stared at Varleth.
“Well, I cannot deny that I agree with that sentiment,” Nia said. “In fact, I agree with it, but I still feel there is room to feel enjoyment and pleasure from doing your job.”
“I will not argue with that,” Varleth conceded.
Well, that was that then.
Nia finished her meal soon after that and stood. “I’m going to find the mayor, see if I can get in contact with Varle and find out how long we’ll have to wait before they can bring us an airship to pick us up.” With that, she strode out with a purposeful gait, leaving me alone with Varleth.
We ate in silence for a spell, but it was awkward, to say the least. I knew Varleth didn’t like me much, and though I didn’t have anything against him personally, his off-putting personality made it hard for me to like him. So, we sat there and finished our meals before I finally couldn’t take it anymore.
“I have a question for you, Mister Post,” I said as I folded my arms.
He glared at me. “Don’t call me that.”
“Fair enough.” I put my hands up apologetically. “But as a banisher, you’re an expert on how the Shadowscape works right?” When he nodded after a moment’s hesitation, I pressed on. “If someone dies in the Shadowscape, and then it is closed by a banisher like yourself, does the body stay in that hell or would it reappear in our world as we would?”
He cocked an eyebrow at the question which, I’d admit, came out of nowhere. But he did have an answer. “Unfortunately, their body will remain there. Inanimate objects stay in the Shadowscape, and once you are dead, you are no different from an object as far as the laws of magic are concerned.” That was a bit harsh but understandable.
I sighed. “That’s unfortunate, but thanks.”
“Why do you ask, summoner?” he asked, his eyes narrowed.
I fumbled for a moment to say this as delicately as I could without sounding like a common grave robber. “When we were fighting in the Shadowscape, I found the body of some other mages and soldiers that must have come in before us to try to close the rift. One of them was a summoner who had a large collection of crystals, two of which I used to defeat the king fire-eye.”
“I see,” the banisher sighed.
“I hoped that if his body had come back, I could have at least paid my respects and thanked him for the help.” I looked up at Varleth, who chewed on my words with that cold, calculating gaze of his.
“Do not feel bad about it. The crystals would have gone to waste if left there. You used them to defeat a king fire-eye and helped us close the rift. I’d wager that the summoner would be fine with that outcome.”
I leaned back and allowed a smile to play across my face. “Huh. That’s probably the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.” Which of course wasn’t saying much. “And here I thought you didn’t like me.”
“Why would you assume that?” he asked, as if offended.
“Well…” I frowned as I decided how best to put it. “You’re always rather…” I fumbled for a word that wouldn’t be too offensive. “Cold? Yes, cold. And sometimes you’re a tad standoffish.”
Varleth scoffed. “I like you and the others just fine.”
“Then why act that way?”
“I try not to get close to anyone. I’ve seen too many people I care about hurt and killed in my life, and I don’t wish to see that happen again.” He huffed and dropped his gaze. “It’s easier to do that when there’s no one you truly care about.”
I blinked and sat back, stunned. “Wow… Varleth… I’m sorry, I--”
“Enough.” He held up a hand to silence me. “I don’t need sympathy, Gryff. All you need to know is that you are my comrade, as well as Orenn, Nia, and Miss Hamner. I will fight and die for you all if need be but do not expect me to be all buddy-buddy. Is that understood?”
I blinked at him again, still at a loss. I sighed. I supposed that was the best I could hope for out of him for now. Nia had been a lot like him too at first, but I’d worked on her well enough. I would get through the hard shell that was Varleth Prost, I just knew it.
So, I gave him a nod. “Fair enough, Varleth, fair enough, but for what it’s worth. I consider you my frie--”
“Don’t say it,” he interrupted me, and then I nodded.
He nodded back and stood to leave, but then he paused as he saw Nia striding back to us. I stood as well and crossed my arms over my chest. Nia looked annoyed, which I assumed meant that she had less than good news.
“Well?” Varleth asked.
Nia grunted. “The military is on high alert across the continent, as you might expect. Unfortunately, they have all airships on standby and ready for combat deployment in case something major happens. I was told it will be at least two days until they can send for us.”
I frowned. “What about trains?”
“Same situation with them too. So, whether it’s a train or an airship, we’re stuck here for another two days at a minimum.”
“Fantastic,” I said sarcastically as I slumped in my seat.
Varleth sighed and cracked his knuckles. “I guess you two will get to help all these people, as you so love to do.”
I rolled my eyes. I suppose that was a silver lining after all.
Chapter 8
That day was like working with Maelor all over again. Stagnant air permeated through the Enclave, and the sun beat down on top of us. It didn’t care about what had happened here the previous night. I was tired, sweaty from work, and the sun hadn’t even risen to its peak yet. The people of Bedima were kind and receptive to the help at least. My monsters and I were doing all kinds of work.
My cementrolls assisted in laying new foundations for homes and shops, and my axe goblins were able to provide wood and cut other materials. None of it took too much mana or concentration which allowed me to offer my hands in physical labor. I didn’t mind. It was the kind of work I had done for years before the Academy.
The only difference was that Maelor wasn’t barking at me to work faster. I never thought the day would come that I’d miss it, but I did. I needed to see the old man again soon.
It brought me joy to see people come together after a tragedy. If I could be a part of that and offer what I could, then tha
t was fine with me. It built trust and comradery. Many of the people offered me something in return despite everything they had lost, but I would have none of it. I couldn’t possibly take from anyone that had already had so much taken from them.
I did take a cold drink when presented with one though. The nearby mountains were both a blessing and a curse. It kept the chill air at night, but once the sun rose over the mountaintops, the heat became trapped, only dissipating when the night winds came back once again. Besides, there was nothing quite like beating the heat with an ale thrumming through my veins.
Even as I worked, my mind wandered. I wanted to know more about the angelic monster inside the rift and wondered if there could be others like her. That certainly might be the case.
I shook my head. It was better not to dwell on heavy matters. It was counterproductive when trying to maintain a certain air of hope.
That was how many people saw us. We were the beacon of light that shone through even the darkest of circumstances. That was the weight we carried on our shoulders as mages, and it was a weight I would willingly carry. At the end of the day, I wanted to help people. It was that simple, and if that made me a hero, well, I’d wear that title willingly, too.
Instead, my mind wandered to Nia. I hadn’t seen her since we parted ways outside the church earlier that day and I suspected she was still helping at one of the triage tents.
My body ached. I had dismissed it as lingering fatigue in my bones and muscles, but that wasn’t right. I really just missed Nia. I wanted to sit as close as we had when we came out of the Shadowscape. I wanted to feel her against me. Soon.
I hadn’t realized I had broken my concentration until one of my axe goblins brought its bladed hand down on the tip of my boot. I yelped, then laughed with the proper amount of sheepishness as I looked around. Thankfully, there hadn’t been any serious incidents while my concentration drifted. The cement trolls did end up building a wall around themselves though. Funny, but I had to wonder what that meant about my own psyche. Had I mentally run myself in a circle? That seemed likely.
I looked at them again and snorted back a laugh. It was still funny.
By the time I saw Nia again, it was late in the day. The sun had set behind the mountains, and I was covered in the grime of a hard day’s work. Even though my body was tired, it was easy to smile back at her when she waved me over to the table she shared with Varleth, and to my surprise, Renuad. The Napping Nag and my friends were a sight for sore eyes, that was for sure.
My body sagged as I joined them, but I was grateful for the chance to sit and enjoy the company of familiar faces. Even Varleth nodded in acknowledgment of my presence. Knowing that he was nearby was a comfort, and he was an undeniable asset to our squad. I’d break him down yet. If I could befriend Nia Kenefick, then I could certainly take him on.
Renuad clapped me on the shoulder from across the table. His ear-to-ear grin was infectious, and I couldn’t help but crack one in kind.
“You look like you did a good day’s work, Gryff,” he commented as he gestured to what was no doubt a copious amount of patches of varying kinds of dirt and grime.
“You smell like you did a good day’s work, friend,” I jested. It earned me a hearty laugh from him, and an amused giggle from Nia as she took a sip of what looked to be a honey mead. Whatever it was, it looked delicious, and I’d have to get some for myself.
As if reading my mind, Renuad slid me a pint and tipped his in my direction before taking a long swig. I joined him and delightfully realized my assumption had been correct. The mead was like sweet nectar on my tongue, and I let it sit for a moment before swallowing. With the tavern in the state it was in, it was likely that their stock was in low supply. I would savor every drop of it despite how parched my throat was.
Nia leaned close, and our hands found one another under the table. Just her touch was enough to soothe me for now. By the way she gripped my hand, she missed me, too. She looked drained, likely from tending to the patients in the triage tents all day. There was a certain glow about her all the same.
“How are things?” I asked over our meal of seasoned chicken and boiled potatoes. It was more than I was expecting given the circumstances, and while it was a far cry from a meal at the Academy, I’d had worse meals.
Nia sighed heavily. “Not great, I’m afraid.” Her sweet voice seemed strained. It only confirmed that she also felt the ache of working a long day. “There are still many that need more attention than what modern medicine can provide.” She paused and gripped my hand tighter. “There is only so much I am able to do.” I squeezed her hand back.
“You’re doin’ more than what many of us can,” Renuad chimed in between gulps of mead. “We might be an enclave with mages, but few of us were blessed by the Maker with any healing magic.” He set his pint down on the table with an enthusiastic belly laugh. I had the impression that he had started drinking well before I’d showed up. “What I’m tryin’ to say is, thanks, Nia. Because of you, people feel safe. You gave them hope that they’ll get better.” I saw Varleth nod in agreement as he chewed on a particularly tough piece of chicken.
I smiled and turned my attention back to Nia. Her cheeks burned a lovely shade of pink that brought out her beautiful blue eyes. Pink was a nice color on Nia. I would have to remember that.
“I… thank you, Renuad.” She bowed her head. “That is very kind of you to say.”
Renuad placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Think nothing of it. You’ve earned such praise. You are heroes here in Bedima.”
Heroes.
That word continued to creep into my mind today. None of us spoke any more on the topic, though, and we ate in a comfortable silence.
I found myself wandering the streets after dinner. As much as I enjoyed the company, I needed the time to myself. The people of the enclave still bustled about. They worked by lantern, candle, lamp, any source of light they could. I admired their strength, and I knew they would pull through this. Humanity would prevail.
That thought had me thinking back to that angelic monster again. I shivered, but I didn’t know if it was because of the chill that had settled in the air or if the memory terrified me that much. I shook my head with a frustrated sigh and ran my hands through my hair.
I wouldn’t be troubled by this. One thing at a time. I just had to focus on helping the enclave until the Academy sent a ship for us, and then we could talk to the headmaster.
I continued my walk and kicked a stone along. People sang in the streets. There was laughter in the air. It was so refreshing that it nearly masked the residual scent of smoke from the fires.
I heard quick footsteps come from behind me and I turned. Nia smiled back at me as she slowed her jog and fell in step beside me.
“You took off after dinner. Are you okay?” she asked.
I kicked another stone aside to focus my attention on Nia and laughed. “Are you concerned, or did you simply miss me?”
Her blue eyes narrowed, but her smile remained. I didn’t know if I’d ever get used to her smiling so much, but I liked it. What made it even better was that her smiles were mostly reserved for me. Each one was like a holiday treat. A true gift from the Maker.
Her hand slipped into mine. “Both, of course,” she admitted. I squeezed her hand, and she rested her head on my shoulder, and the ashen hairs that frayed from her braid tickled my skin teasingly. Yes, I definitely had missed this.
“It’s nice to see everyone in good spirits,” she commented.
I nodded. “I agree.” We fell quiet again as we enjoyed each other’s company. We waved politely to those who greeted us and chatted with others who wanted to thank us some more.
I saw the weariness grow on Nia’s face after a while, though. She put on mask after mask and never let anyone see how truly exhausted she was. I knew better though. After saying farewell to an elderly man who told us a tale of how his grandson used to be a mage, we found ourselves in a quiet part of town. There were si
gnificantly fewer people around. It was likely they had turned in for the night.
“We should head back,” I suggested, and Nia hummed as she nodded in response.
“Yes. We have another long day ahead of us before the Academy comes to our rescue.”
I laughed. “You act as though we’re damsels in distress waiting for our hero.”
Nia fell quiet again. A light pink blush painted itself on her perfect cheekbones. “Maybe you are the hero we’re all waiting for, Gryff.”
I stopped in my tracks. That was quite the compliment. Certainly not something that I would ever expect to hear from Nia Kenefick. I fumbled for something to say, but Nia beat me to it.
“I am sorry,” she apologized. “I must be more tired than I thought.” Nia was quick to brush the comment aside and pretend that she had never said it.
I wasn’t ready to let it go. “You think I’m a hero?” She scoffed, and her blue eyes lit up as she flustered. It was cute.
“Don’t fill your head with such nonsense. Your ego is big enough.” Nia refused to look at me, and she bristled when my fingers brushed the hard angle of her jaw. There was so much I wanted to say then, but the more I watched her face twist with emotion, the more I felt like my silence would reward me.
And oh, it did. Nia melted under my touch. She was vulnerable, and I could mold her however I wanted to at that moment. The fire in her eyes dimmed, and she nuzzled the palm of my hand. “I was so afraid that we wouldn’t make it out, Gryff.”
I frowned. “I know, Nia. I was scared, too.”
“Nothing like that has ever happened before.” Her voice trembled. Even when we fought together in the rift that opened at the Academy, she had been able to keep her wits and emotions in check. I wondered what in her had changed between now and then. “Do you think that it will happen again?”
“I don’t know.” I shook my head and sighed heavily. “Look, Nia, there’s a lot we don’t know about what happened. All we can do is be grateful that we did make it back so that we can tell the headmaster about what we saw. We will get our answers. We have to be patient.”
