Ruin Mist Chronicles Bundle

by Robert Stanek

  Although some held mixed feelings both in support and against, Seth's quest ended there. He could find no others who truly supported his cause. The decision was not a unanimous one. Some were coaxed into swaying the other direction, directed Seth to Chancellor Yi.

  Chancellor Yi stood, indignation on his face. "Brother Seth, we understand the way you feel, but the decision was unanimous. I am afraid we will hold no further discussion on this matter, and please no more outbursts."

  Galan held firm a restraining hand on Seth's leg as she saw his temper swell. He returned her gesture by shooting an angry thought into her mind, Fear and anger are emotions these Men heed to most often. Let them see anger and let them know fear.

  Seth, wait, have faith, my brother, returned Galan, Look to Adrina…

  The council grew quiet and no further words were spoken. Galan had to squeeze her nails into Seth's leg to keep his words in check. She could see his emotions flare, about to erupt again.

  Chancellor Yi stood and turned to face King Andrew, "The resolution stands; I move to dismiss the council." King Andrew nodded in agreement. "The meeting is at an end."

  No, Seth, no! directed Galan to Seth, but her words of restraint could not stop him now. Just as Adrina passed into the chamber from the anteroom, Seth jumped from his chair and began to lash out with a fury unequaled. The council cowered back from him, truly afraid, while those around King Andrew moved protectively, instinctively between their king and Seth.

  Adrina simply stared at Seth, and he stopped. Setting her eyes next on Father Jacob, she did not say a word, the look of disillusion on her face spoke for her. Her gaze forced Jacob to stand. He knew much more than he had said, much more.

  "Perhaps a review is in order, Your Majesty," Father Jacob said then, "There are some things that I have not stated, things that—"

  King Andrew glared at the priest.

  "Yes, sire," said Keeper Martin, "I believe Father Jacob has a point; perhaps we have been overly forthright. Our own concerns are centered on the affairs of the South. Perhaps, our view is too narrow. I would second the motion for a review tomorrow. This is a decision best not made hastily." Keeper Martin nodded graciously to Seth then took his seat. He had known Father Jacob was holding back. The two had been friends too long not to know when the other was withholding something. The question was, what was Jacob withholding? He intended to find out before the day was out.

  "That is the second motion. Are there any who would object?" asked Chancellor Yi.

  Tomorrow? screamed Seth excitedly, angrily.

  Seth, scolded Galan, directing the thoughts to him alone, Faith.

  "Yes, I am very tired. Tomorrow will be a better day," agreed Seth, a small show of charisma as he spoke aloud.

  Adrina cast an angry glare, which was directed momentarily about the chamber, and then escorted Galan and Seth outside. With feelings of disappointment flowing through her mind, she walked alongside the two. She didn't know why the keeper hadn't told the council what he had discovered through the dream messages, or why Jacob's observations about Great Father's presence were not mentioned. She only knew they had been silent when they otherwise wouldn't have been.

  "Seth, Galan," she began, "I'm sorry. Maybe I could've—"

  —No, returned Seth, It is the will of the Father. We will try again tomorrow and this time we won't fail. I am truly sorry about my earlier behavior; there is no excuse for it. I hope you will be gracious enough to forgive me.

  "I know what it is to be so driven," whispered Adrina to herself, forgetting that the two could read minds.

  Tomorrow then, imparted Seth, a hint of sadness in his voice.

  "Then you have a plan?" asked Adrina candidly.

  Seth shook his head, I will find one though, and by tomorrow.

  "Can you not show them your world? Perhaps then they will understand," said Adrina without consideration for the impact of such words—Galan had been exhausted after the momentary image gifted to a single mind.

  Show them my world, repeated Seth as he reached into her mind to perceive what she was referring to. He saw the image Galan had imparted upon her and an idea was birthed. You are truly a good luck charm, Princess Adrina, he called out to her, throwing excitement and enthusiasm into the voice, I think, I know now what to do, what I should have done today. What I must do.

  "Well, what is it?" asked Adrina.

  Seth didn't have to admit what it was that he was thinking or even open his closed thoughts to Galan, she knew and her face took on a shocked expression. No, you must not. We will find another way. We just have to think that is all. Promise me you won't!

  Seth didn't respond in kind. He tightened the seal on his mind, which Galan perceived as a response and begged him again to reconsider.

  Lost in thought, Seth leaned back onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. Galan attempted sleep, but found none. Slowly her eyes came to rest on Seth. Admiration showed in those eyes for the strength and intellect she saw there. Knowing he would find a way to change the council's opinion if anyone could, she was content.

  Temporarily, she stayed an urge to go to him and comfort him in his time of need. She did want to give him something though—she owed him so much—anything that could take away the pain she knew he was feeling, especially as he faced possible failure and disgrace.

  The floor was cold as she touched bare feet to its hard surface. Her heart told her to go to him, and she did.

  Lost in his plight, Seth didn't notice her approach. Only a few feet from his bed, she stood, looking down at him. A small part of her told her not to go to him, yet a larger voice urged her on. She took the next step toward him carefully and deliberately, knowing what it meant. Her conscious held her no more; there could be no turning back now. The soft, silken dress she wore hung loose about her shoulders as she sought to slip out of it.

  As she did so, a light summons sounded at the door, and she started. Quickly, she retied the strands she held, fixing the dress into place, moving directly to the door before Seth broke from his reverie.

  At the door, begging her forgiveness for the disturbance was Father Jacob. He seemed disappointed to find Adrina absent, having wanted to speak to the three all at once. "Brother Seth, Brother Galan," began Jacob, "I wanted to speak to you personally about earlier. There are things that you don't—"

  —Save your tired words, good father. The fault rests on no one other than myself… Seth's message was mingled with strong anguish. Please leave us, Father Jacob. I have much to consider.

  Father Jacob regarded Seth, seeing the determination and anguish in the elf's eyes. "But Brother Seth, I must insist."

  Latching onto the priest's hand, Galan led him from the chamber. Go, she whispered to his mind, we will manage.

  She watched his retreating form until it mingled with the night shadows of the corridor. Thank you, she sent after him.

  Seth returned to his thoughts, considering and reviewing every word the council had spoken that day. He searched for where he had gone wrong and looked for a way to convince them.

  Galan closed and secured the portal. For a time, she stood quietly watching Seth. She would have turned away as intended, had the impulse to comfort him not returned.

  Her silken dress fell to the floor as she stepped out of it. She crossed to the side of his bed and touched delicate fingers to his hand, crouching down in bed beside him and pressing her lips against his.

  With the aid of her nimble fingers, Seth undressed. A circle of heat bathed the two forms pressed tightly one against the other. Galan redirected her will now, probing with emotion absent of thought. A single finger traced her supple curves, finding reassuring softness amidst the firm and briefly, Seth returned the passion that flowed to him.

  He had to reach deep within himself to find restraint to push her away. Nevertheless, he did so because he could not indulge the temptation.

  I am sorry, he sent to her mind with great sadness, I cannot. We must not.

  I
s this not what you've longed for? Galan asked him, tears in her eyes. Brother Liyan told me of your heart before we left Kapital. He told me to understand the desire in your heart, even if those feelings did not find me. Such feelings are not lost on me. Seth, I need you beside me this night.

  Chapter Forty Six

  For Seth the night had been long, the waiting only subsided to be replaced by anxiety as morning arrived. Through endless hours of darkness, he had formulated a plan, pouring over it step by step in his mind, and now he could only wait to carry it out. Shadows had shrouded the chamber most of that time, although occasionally the unseen clouds would pass allowing the somber light of a few soft stars to filter in. His eyes had been drawn to her then and he had looked upon her still form beside him; regret filled his heart. He could never tell her about the wild rousing she had given to him simply by her touch and purposefully, he tucked these thoughts deep within his mind, locking them away.

  The mood throughout the morning, well after breakfast, remained tense. No one could break the silence, no one wanted to. Adrina had carried Galan away to the garden, leaving Seth alone with his thoughts, and now he sat in a chair turned to an open window, a place where he could feel a cool breeze blow upon his face. Nature flowed around him and through him better with the green of life before his eyes and concentration became easier. He was soon lost in a cleansing meditation. Mind, center, soul went the whisper in his mind.

  The council was gathered and in full readiness as Seth, Galan and Adrina arrived. This day there was no way Adrina would not be present; she felt she had earned the right to sit beside the two, and she did.

  Several hours earlier, King Andrew, Chancellor Yi and Keeper Martin had gathered to work out a group of questions for Brother Seth to answer. Father Jacob still had said nothing, and his whereabouts at present were unknown.

  The monarch understood the plight of the elven people, but he also knew the Kingdom could not withstand another war now; the timing was wrong. They were on the verge of restoring the kingdom alliance and Great Kingdom needed to rebuild the things years of war with the bandit kings had destroyed. High Province under Princess Calyin and Lord Serant were prospering and had risen to respectable levels of civility. South Province under Lord Valam's steady hand was recovering from the siege on Quashan' and the burning of Alderan. The Western Territories remained as an area of concern, but with conservatism they would succeed there as they had elsewhere. The lands the Kingdom sought to reclaim in the North would be put in jeopardy if garrison troops were withdrawn, especially since the coming winter meant the sea route would be closed by winter storms and those returning to the North must pass through the Borderland region. The Free Cities held mercenaries for hire, but even their numbers weren't that remarkable and their pay was twice the rate of a normal soldier. The balance among the southern nations was too volatile now. They had their own concerns and each would have to be enlisted separately, if at all—an endeavor that could take a very long time. No, the timing definitely was not right, but how could he explain all this to Seth. Andrew did not know.

  When Father Jacob arrived, the proceedings began. Seth was not in a civil mood today. From the moment he entered the council until the very instant he left, he planned to seize their attention. As he stepped into the council chamber, he offered the customary courtesies, being as gruff as possible though not obviously so. A heavy burden of duty pulled down upon him—failure meant disgrace, a yoke around his neck that he silently shouldered.

  He waited for the correct moment to seize the floor and when it was right, he grabbed it readily. Circling his voice from right to left around the room, starting sadly with Galan, he touched the minds around him. What I am about to do may take you by surprise, but when I am finished, I am confident you will have no more doubts concerning your obligations. It is an ancient gift among my people… He sent along with his words, a sense of longing, yearning.

  To focus his will, gather it and caress it until it flowed unhindered through his center, he closed his eyes and began a silent prayer. A glowing light, soft and pure, began to enshroud his body. The rhythm of the chant reached out to all, though few understood its words. Seth launched his spirit upward, spiraling, soaring.

  Please condone my act Great Father, intoned Seth quietly.

  With each word, Galan felt stabbing pain in her heart. She realized what Seth was attempting, and though she could have severed the link, she did not. In that instant, she understood why Seth had refused her at first and why regardless, the pain of loss struck her. She called out with her own hopeful prayer to the Great –Father, and despite her ability to separate her feelings, she burst into tears. You promised you wouldn't, she imparted to Seth alone.

  Fading from whole to distorted to the point where he was no longer visible, Seth's features changed and for an instant, it was as if another stood in his place. His voice followed the changing flow of his body, shifting from the eerie to the captivating, and finally to a strange echoing rasp. Slowly his facial features changed, blended and melted away. A form, beautiful and feminine, filled the place where he had stood. Abruptly, the distortion ceased and the face of a woman began to embody itself upon Seth's, the voice became enchanting, almost delicate.

  I am Queen Mother of the Eastern Reaches, first to convey the will of the Mother and the Father. I have been long in waiting for this day…

  Shocked into a reverent silence, no one dared to respond. Disbelief crossed many of the faces more than once and closely pursuing doubt came wonder, which quickly became speculation. Why did a people of such might want for anything? In the face of an army with such strengths, they mere men were no match. So why were they called upon and why were they needed at all?

  Yes, it is true, do not disbelieve. The crossing of the minds is an ancient gift, but also a taxing gift. Our council had discussed at length how we could prove our need to our ancient kin. We had faith in Brother Seth's resourcefulness and knew he would choose this method, for only in this way could our point be proven beyond any doubt. Do not mourn Brother Seth, he has given his spirit and his life freely to the task. His spirit will soon rest without pain.

  Adrina, who was sitting to Seth's left, gasped. She could see the expression hidden on Seth's face—the face she surmised only her and Galan could see beneath the Queen Mother's visage because of their proximity to Seth. She looked to Galan and upon seeing her tears, broke into powerful sobs. The anguish with which the words had been spoken was not lost to her as it was to the others, she felt the pain and anguish inside her. It sought to numb her and sweep over her.

  Queen Mother regarded those in the hall for a few moments and then said, Join hands all to complete the link… Quickly now.

  As one, the group joined hands around the table, completing the circle and the link. Suddenly it was as if they were in a different place, seeing through another's eyes. A strange and beautiful place wrapped in white came into view. The royal palace, seen through the eyes of a roaming hawk, soaring on puffs of hot air up into the sky, zooming in through an open window, coming to rest just inside the window, was magnificent.

  The hawk cried out, a high piercing, mournful cry that echoed in the ears long after it passed, then it launched from its perch, bringing with it a light breeze that trickled around the room, blowing in a downward spiral—the same downward spiral it descended with. It landed upon a high-backed chair, calling out one final time, before the vantage point changed. They saw through another's eyes now, a view from the thrown through the eyes of the Queen Mother herself. Her eyes drew up, up to the window on high, waiting until the free-spirited hawk has passed without, then returning to the calm crystalline walls about her.

  What you see before you is High Council Hall of the Eastern Reaches. The Queen Mother paused, continuing in a soothing whisper, Chambers are chosen for specific reasons… As the queen's whispers massaged their minds, the scene focused once more. The hall at first glance seemed cluttered, designed without purpose. Carved from a singl
e piece of solid granite, every inch covered in strange patterns, the chamber had a mysticism about it that with slow eventuality caught the eye. A round oaken table of enormous proportions rested in the center of the hall, or grew, if that were possible, for it seemed a living entity. Forms appeared around the table, seeming to float in the air, perhaps upon the light breeze that flourished pleasantly. As the seconds passed, the purpose of the design started to unfold. The patterns in the walls took on shapes and images, depicting stories, adventures, telling the history of Seth's kind, ever growing, ever changing.

  Keeper Martin held his breath, as the focus returned to the table.

  Designed over a thousand years ago by someone very great, a genius even among our kind, yes it is a very great place. Great structures house tremendous power, a testimony I see you also understand. Everyone in the kingdom hall could feel Queen Mother's mood grow darker and more pensive. The business at hand is unpleasant, but it must be. Sathar has returned from the Dark Journey; even now his armies gather. Thousands flock to his banner. It is truly an evil thing. Already he has overrun his neighboring provinces; soon he will march his troops into the Eastern Reaches, our homes. In time, we will fall and then he will begin the slow, ceaseless invasion of your lands and by that time, nothing will be able to stand in his way.

  The hall shook as the image began to fade, not a flutter or a falter but an emotion filled tremble.

  Galan gasped, even before the vision focused. A murmur ensued, growing steadily loud and disquieted. Ripping winds swam across the chamber. Hands gripped a porous crag as eyes looked down from a lofty precipice. The wind was cool, the touch of the rock cold. The mountain trembled and shook. A great mass of soldiers could be seen in the fields below, spread out like ants, tiny specks of black moving by the thousands across the face of a plain. The earth shook to the beat of their march.

  Behold! The great western plain… This mountain range marks the boundary between the Eastern and Western Reaches. The army on the western plain is the army of Sathar. Soon He will overrun our mountain outposts, pouring through the passes. He will not stop until our lands are his and then—