Shadows of Home

by James R. Vernon

  "I think about greater things," Ean said, immediately regretting how his tone made him sound like a child. "I've spoken to greater things. I've talked to a deity."

  "Oh?" Qo's skull tilted to the side, his eyes blazing to life like two tiny suns. "Despite your childish tone, I think you're actually speaking the truth. Ze'an himself has actually spoken to you?"

  "Well, no. Not the Lord of the Abyss." Ean hurried on as Qo let out a humph. "But I have spoken to the goddess Kaz'ren."

  Ean had expected an awed response from the creature. Instead, he got a harsh laugh followed by an even harsher tone. "The fact that you think that is impressive just shows how ignorant you truly are."

  "You can't tell me that speaking to the goddess of the Afterlife isn't impressive."

  "Maybe to you or one of the other pathetic creatures you call humans. But no, it's not impressive to someone who sees more than what's immediately around them." Qo raised a halting ivy hand before Ean could respond. "You did not bring me here to have a philosophical discussion, and I would prefer not to waste my time talking about this topic with someone so obviously out of my league. How about we return to your problem at hand, hmm?"

  Ean's hands balled into fists as he tried to control his annoyance. "Fine, except you've already told me you haven't found anything out yet."

  "Yes, but since you pestered me to tell you what it might be, I thought I would continue to educate you on some of the many things you don't know."

  "No, I'll just let you get back to what I want you to do."

  Turning, Ean walked out as fast as he could. It wasn't fast enough.

  "Finally," he heard Qo say loud enough for Ean to hear. "Now, maybe I can work in peace."

  Ean made it three steps before running into Lotrug. Whatever expression covered Ean's face must have mirrored his mood as even the Crux, which was twice his size, took a step back from him.

  "More good news?" The question came out of Ean's mouth almost as a growl.

  "No, Zekarian." He spoke human, as well as he could manage. "The miners have off today. Lotrug will take his turn guarding the Eish'amalga Aren."

  "Good. Be careful around him. If you suspect anything or begin to feel off, immediately find Azalea or Zin. Do not try and confront Qo on your own."

  "Yes."

  Figuring it was the most he was going to get from the Crux, Ean moved past him without saying another word. Leaving Lotrug alone to guard Qo wasn't the best option but honestly, there wasn't an option that wouldn't be risky. If Qo wanted to take over any of the creatures, he apparently could do it without Ean knowing anyway. At least the blank stare that one of Qo's thralls took on was a clear sign. Azalea and Zin had felt strange through their bond, so he would be able to tell if they were being controlled even if they weren't in sight. Hopefully, despite Qo's superiority complex, the creature wouldn't cause any problems for a while.

  The fact that Ean had to add that to a list of his worries only worsened his mood.

  Simultaneously, he received a questioning feeling through his bonds from both Azalea and Zin. He replied with as strong of a feeling of anger and annoyance as he could manage through their link. The last thing he needed was for Zin to try and convince him how important it was to keep Qo around or for Azalea to argue the opposite. What he really needed was some space. And some fresh air and sunlight.

  Instead of heading deeper into the mine, Ean moved towards the exit.

  When he reached the mouth of the mine, the sunlight was blinding at first. Once his eyes adjusted to the natural light, he let himself feel the little amount of warmth the rays provided on the cold day. Ean took in a deep breath of the cool air to help calm his nerves.

  It wasn't exactly fresh air that greeted him. The marsh filled the majority of the valley with the sickly smell that was a mix between something overly sweet and something equally rotten. It was a familiar smell, one he had grown accustomed to growing up in Rottwealth. One that brought back memories of peaceful days wading through the muck to pull out the plants that shared the village’s name. The marsh had always been an escape from the less-than-friendly villagers and the harsh instructions of Old Cleff. It was far enough away from the main settlement that when he was younger, he didn't even hear the hustle and bustle of the villagers and he would spend most of the day slogging about in the mud collecting the valuable Rottwealth plants.

  Ean wrapped his arms around his body to fight off the cold as he made his way to the marsh. Inside the mine, with the Maruks' forges pumping out heat, it was easy to forget the days were getting colder and colder. The simple, long-sleeve shirt and breeches he wore did little to fight off the chill. He took in more energy to fight off the cold, but by the time he reached where the frozen dirt turned into a soggy mush or damp grass, mud, and puddles, Ean's nose started to run and a deep chill settled throughout his body. Even so, he continued on to shore and stood a few feet away from the lightly lapping edge of the water.

  Despite wanting to be alone, Ean couldn't hold back his smile as Sinar swam lazily across the surface of the water towards him. The water elemental, or Vunuanima as she was called in the Abyss, was almost as long as his arm now. As she snaked through the water, the brackish water turned clear around and behind her for a few moments before the dirt and moss reclaimed it. Even so, to Ean's eyes, the water did seem a lighter shade of brown than it had the many years he had spent in it. If he woke up tomorrow, and the marsh was suddenly clean, it would certainly help him win back some of the favor of the villagers. Maybe even convince them he wasn't behind the gruesome murders happening in his village.

  ""You couldn't work a little bit harder?" he asked the fluid form snaking its way towards him.

  The Vunvuanima swirled about in front of him, creating a large patch of clear water. When it slowed, the patch of clear blue lasted a little bit longer but returned to its brown a moment later. Sinar flowed upward so it was upright, its little arms making the barest appearance of a shrug.

  "Thanks for trying. You just worry about growing up and having fun. Its been a marsh for over a decade, so no need to rush the healing process on my account."

  Behind him, a female voice cut through the air. "This is unexpected."

  Ean spun around. Their was nothing threatening about the woman's tone, but it had only taken him a moment to remember it from their meeting in Lurthalan.

  A tall woman strolled towards him, easily a foot taller than even him but still no where near the height of a Crux. She was dressed like a hunter, although one with leather hardened for battle against man rather than beast. A belt holding a multitude of pouches and knives sat snuggly around her waist. But what made her really stand out was how her crimson skin seemed to glow in the light like the embers of a dying fire. Her expression was curt as she approached, not hostile but certainly not friendly either.

  As she came to a stop a dozen or so feet away, he tried not to appear to tense as he replied.

  "I didn't think you were here. I've seen your friend a few times but not you."

  The woman's lips turned down for a moment and her fingers curled into fists. For a moment, Ean thought he had already somehow angered her into a fight until he realized she wasn't looking directly at him, indicating someone else had stoked her anger.

  "Esmerelda..." the woman paused and took a deep breath. "Esmerelda thought it smart to leave her friends behind in an attempt to get to you while we were not around." A predatory smile touched her lips that almost made Ean take a step back. "I made sure she understood my annoyance over her decision when we arrived last night."

  "I see." Not wanting to rile the woman up, Ean decided to take the diplomatic approach. "You seem to know who I am, but I didn't catch your name the last time we met."

  "Shayua Durluin. And yes, I know who you are, Ean Sangrave."

  "And your Esmerelda's...what? Bodyguard?"

  "At the moment, I am her mentor." She paused for a moment and that frown returned. "Although she does get into enough trouble that I fi
nd myself protecting her more often than I would like."

  "I see. And you support her whole quest for vengeance?"

  "I support her hunt for justice. There is a difference."

  "Then you can help me convince her that if she wants justice, she needs to stop going after the wrong man."

  "She believes you are the right man." Shayua shrugged. "Until it is proven otherwise, I will support her desire to bring you in."

  "So, we're enemies then. I hope you haven't come here looking for a fight." Ean glanced around. "I don't see your student or her Vithalos."

  Shayua rolled her eyes. "I am out on a walk, getting a lay of the land. This is my first time in your valley. Running into you happened by chance. You are Ezzy's focus, not my own. I am here to continue her training and supply support, not do her work for her."

  "You'll excuse me if I don't take your word for it. You hit pretty hard for a mentor."

  That earned him a smile. "And you are quite durable. It would have been an interesting fight if we had been allowed to continue."

  "I don't know. I've received some training recently, but you seem to have me quite outmatched."

  "You never know." Shayua took a look around. "We seem to have some privacy out here. We could spar uninterrupted. Test each other's skills."

  "Feel out a potential threat?"

  "You do not listen very well, do you, Ean Sangrave. Ezzy seems content to let the Hero decide your innocence in what is happening here. If you are found guilty, and resist your arrest, then perhaps we will face each other as enemies. For now, though, I was just wondering if you wanted to test your skills against mine. Warrior to warrior."

  "I'm not a warrior," Ean stretched out his arms above his head, "but I have been training so I can protect myself and the ones I care about. A friendly sparring match sounds like an excellent idea." He favored her with a smile. "Besides, I was starting to get cold."

  After all, it would be good to test myself against someone not as imposing as a Crux, Ean thought.

  Shay gave him a curt nod and reached down to unfasten her belt. "Excellent. Since this will be a friendly match, I will not use any of my weapons. And you will not use any form of magic, correct?"

  "I'm almost always filled with magic." Ean hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. There seemed no point in withholding the information from the woman. "It adds to my strength, speed, and general endurance. Will that be a problem?"

  "No." Shayua tossed her belt to the side. "If that is all you do with your power during our match, I have no problem with that. It might even give you a chance." Shayua moved her head around to stretch her neck. "Alright then, Ean Sangrave. Whenever you are ready, we can begin."

  Ean took in a deep breath "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

  The words were barely out of his mouth before the crimson-skinned woman came charging towards him.

  Chapter 31

  Ean braced himself as Shayua charged. He expected the larger woman to try and bowl him over and braced himself. Instead, she dropped to the ground, letting her momentum slide her across the frozen dirt. He tried to get out of the way, but her legs swept his out from under him. He hit the ground hard, instinct kicking in, making him roll away just as the woman rolled towards him and planted a fist where his head was a moment ago. He rolled a few more times and then stopped and pushed up to his feet, muscles tense as he prepared for the next attack.

  But Shayua was standing where she had taken out his legs, her dark gray eyes watching him closely.

  "Who trained you?" she asked.

  "A Crux," Ean said between pants. The woman looked perfectly at ease, which did not bode well for his chances in this friendly match.

  "This Crux fellow. It is clear he did not instruct you to guard your legs."

  "The Crux are a race, not a name. And they have legs like tree trunks, so I'm sure protecting their legs from unarmed attacks isn't a priority."

  "I see." Her tone mirrored the disappointed look she cast his way. She extended her hand and waved him on.

  Ean approached, keeping his hands raised but trying to remain loose. She stood still, watching him approach. When he was almost within her reach, she took more of a fighting stance but still looked relaxed as she shifted her weight from one foot to the next. She might as well have been preparing to dance; she moved with ease and an almost bored expression on her face. If Ean had cared about other's opinions, he would have taken her indifference towards him as insulting.

  Since she seemed to be waiting for him to attack first, he complied.

  The few probing jabs Ean started off with were easily swatted to the side as she moved in the opposite direction.

  After the fifth, she countered with one of her own. Ean moved his head out of its way, but still felt a sting as her knuckles grazed his ear. He was forced to duck under the follow-up hook from her other fist and then had to stumble backwards to avoid an uppercut that brushed the stubble growing on his chin. She didn't follow up her third attack, instead watching him as he regained his balance.

  Three shots and she had him stumbling just to dodge them. Shayua seemed as fast as she was strong. It was a good thing Ean was taking advantage of the heightened attributes the Abysmal energy gave him. Without them, he would be quickly outmatched by the woman.

  He approached her again, ready to launch a combo of his own, except she beat him to it.

  Shayua led with a kick to his ankles that almost took him off his feet. As he stumbled to the side, she lashed out with her other foot, catching him in the side between his hip and ribs. The blow succeeded in knocking him over, his shoulder striking the frozen dirt as he hit the ground.

  A dull pain bloomed on each body part where he had been hit and where he had hit the ground. He flopped onto his back to defend against the next attack, but again Shayua had not followed up. Her arms were crossed as she looked down on him with one eyebrow raised.

  "These Crux that have trained you, are they large creatures?"

  "Yes." Ean gripped his side where her boot had struck him as he got back to his feet. "A good foot taller than you. They also have four arms."

  "That makes sense." She placed a hand to her face and tapped at her chin. "Creatures like that would not need a strategy to attack. Strength and the variety of blows four fists could land in succession would be enough to win most fights against something smaller and with half the appendages to defend with. A good fighting technique for their kind, but poor for a human being." More of her incisors became visible as she smiled. "I would guess you have not won often against them."

  "No. Most of our sparring matches are more about how long I can last than if I can actually win."

  "Some advice then? One warrior to another?"

  "Sure." Anything to give me a little time to rub the pain from my side.

  "Your Crux method of 'attack, attack, attack' is good for them as they have more ways to attack. For someone like us, more strategy is involved. Each fight is a song, and every song has its sections in equal measure. The Crux method throws together a long string of notes at random until the right ones produce what they wish. For us, a fight is won not by creating as many notes as possible, but by looking towards the end of each section and how it can flow easily into the next."

  "Poetic," Ean replied. "But confusing."

  A small smile touched Shayua's lips. "In simple terms, do not plan on your first strike as being the one that needs to hit. It is just one of many. Or one of few. Either way, they are steps towards the one you need to find its mark. When a skilled opponent attacks you, you must determine where and when they will launch such a strike." She took a fighting stance again. "Is that more understandable?"

  "Yes." Somewhat. The thought did nothing to increase his confidence. Ean tried to mirror how she stood.

  "Do not try to be me. Find your own song."

  Ean couldn't help but smile as he resumed his own stance.

  "Good. Now show me what you think you know."

  Ean approache
d again, his breath coming quick and steaming the air in front of him. Her body and arms were in constant motion, bobbing up and down with an ease that spoke of how comfortable she was in a fight. Think a few steps ahead, Ean thought right before he attacked.

  He faked a hook towards her head. Her arms snapped together to block, so instead he sent a rabbit punch to her stomach. The blow connected, eliciting a small grunt from the woman and a small jolt of pain that ran from his knuckles up to his elbow.

  Like punching a stack of hides! Ean thought as he tried following up with another punch to Shayua's stomach.

  The woman dropped her hands, effectively blocking his second strike. She shoved him with enough force to cause him to stumble backwards. While he was trying to get his feet planted, Shayua took two big steps and launched a punch straight at his chest. By the intense expression on her face, she might have been trying to punch through his chest.

  Feet still scrambling for balance, Ean's only options were to let himself completely fall backwards or to try and block the punch.

  He chose the less graceful tactic.

  His back hit the ground, only causing him a moderate amount of pain. Shayua's punch flew harmlessly overhead, but where he had hoped her momentum would throw her off balance, it only took the larger woman one extra step to halt her advance. As before, instead of following up with another attack, Shayua took a step back and waited for him to get up.

  "I'm guessing in a real fight, you wouldn't keep giving me the chance to get up." Ean rubbed at his back, already thinking of his next attack.

  "I feel no need to wrestle about on the ground with you during a simple sparring match." Shayua shrugged. "Plus, on the ground, you certainly would be no match for me. I doubt your Crux have taught you either offense or defense while grappling on the ground."

  "True," he replied. "With them, it’s just constantly attack."