by Levi Samuel
Rezerik noticed a tear roll down her cheek. He knew it was in his best interest to remain silent.
Breaking away, Izaryle glared into the mirror once again. “If you're to use this gateway, you must appoint a new nightking. Though not just anyone will do. Only a select few have the potential to harness the power coursing through you. I'm afraid you won't find many in this—” She paused, selecting the appropriate word. “—prison. Even rarer will be one who can free me.”
“Do you know where I can find such a being?” Rezerik kept his eyes locked on her. Despite her caring demeanor, he'd fallen prey to her tricks before and wasn't about to fall again.
“There isn't one. At least not yet.”
His face solemn, Rezerik schemed against her. I may not be able to find one to free her. But I can find one to free myself. “How will I know when I've found someone capable?”
Izaryle closed her eyes, forcing the tears back. There was so much she wanted to say, but couldn’t. Stowing herself, she spoke, refusing to look at him. “Memories of your past will guide the way. Though I warn you, perception has a way of tainting what we thought we once knew.”
Rezerik watched her form shift back into shadow and fade away. The sparse rays of flickering light returned to the chamber. “You're leaving me with riddles? Why can't you just tell me what I need to know?”
The booming voice returned, dropping him to his knees. “Not all answers are black and white!”
Heavy flakes of snow rained from the clouds, layering into heavy drifts along the forest's edge. Beyond the tree line, frozen leaves could be seen protruding through the light layer of white, most of it blocked by the thick canopy.
The whinny of horses echoed from the open wasteland, frantic in their unease. Several figures rested in the blackened saddles staring into the dark woodland. A legion of orcs stood behind them, quiet in their ranks, refusing to draw the attention of their masters.
Rezerik stood in the stirrups and threw his leg over the black-haired steed. Jumping down, the powdered snow exploded around him adding to the constant flurries. It clung to his black cloak and smoked armor, contrasting against him for the briefest moment until it melted from his body heat and soaked into the fabrics. Handing the reins to one of his mounted companions, he turned and marched into the forest.
The chilling wind rolled against the tree line creating a vortex of snow at the edge. Pressing through, Rezerik took his first steps into the dark wood. The crippling breeze fade away, blocked by the slightly warmer forest air. He stared into the natural darkness, glancing into the tree tops. He had no illusions he was being watched. In fact, he'd be a bit disappointed if he wasn't. Such a failing wouldn't speak well for the thousands of men he'd lost to the forest. A faint smile on his lips, Rezerik marched into the depths listening to the frozen ground crunch beneath his boots.
The hair at the back of his neck stood on end. He could smell the power radiating within this place, though he couldn't identify much else. It was simply a wellspring of the mystical energy overflowing all around him. It was a shame his men hadn't been able to claim these lands. Such a site would grant untold advantage over the other nightkings.
A familiar scent reached his nostrils. Rezerik stopped, sniffing the air for its direction. Finding his query, he altered path and marched along the dark forest, stopping just outside the unseen barrier. Extending his hand, he touched it. The glimmering waves of magic swirled around his blackened glove.
Stepping through the protective dome, a large fortress stood just ahead of him, wrapped in a fortified wall. The ring of a hammer echoed in the distance, accompanied by the scent of cooked meat.
“So this is Haidengal?” Rezerik questioned aloud, casually walking toward the sealed gate. He didn't expect them to let him in. Were their roles reversed he certainly wouldn't.
“Halt at the gate!” The guards froze at his sight recognizing who he was.
Rezerik could smell their fear. It had a sweet stench. Like that of rotting flesh. His cheeks tightened, smirking his superiority over the frightened collection of humans and elves. Certainly his presence had circulated their little sanctuary by now. Not so much as a whisper could be heard on the other side of the towering wall.
“Wha— What do you want, Rezerik?” The guard choked on his words, clearly unhappy that he had been the one to speak.
Rezerik suspected the man had lost a game of chance, leaving him the duty of addressing him. He stared at the man, holding complete silence. It wasn't that he didn't have words to say. He simply found it amusing to watch the man squirm in discomfort. He could feel the unseen archers trained on him. He imagined their shaking palms struggling to hold the string of their bows, drawn and ready to fire. It was good they were on edge. It would make his task easier. “Send out Elalon. I'll have my words with her.” Rezerik turned, presenting his back to the gate and took a few steps away.
Moments later, he heard the gate creak open slightly. Slowly turning, he locked eyes on the elf standing a few feet from him. Her steps were so light he hadn't heard her approach. She wore fine garments of white silk. The oversized cuffs draped past her waist, blending into the flowing material. Her long, golden hair was braided and hanging down her back. He didn't have to see a weapon to know she was armed. If not with unseen steel, he could smell the magic flowing through her. “Lady Elalon.” Rezerik greeted, offering a mock bow.
“Why have you come here, Rezerik?” Her voice carried into the thinning tree tops like spring flower on the wind.
“Can't a man visit with his old friend without having ulterior motives?”
“We're anything but 'old friends'. We fought together once, a long time ago. Any friendship that may have flourished has long since shriveled into a husk of remorse. I'll ask again, what are you doing here?”
Rezerik sighed heavily. “Down to business then. I've come to offer a truce. My men will never again step into this forest, under my command. Any who do will be subject to your penalty.”
“And what do you want in exchange for such a deal?”
“Oh, nothing much. I simply require the services of your scouts. My own are unsuitable to the task. However, yours know how to acquire their target without killing them.”
“And who would my scouts be seeking?” She kept her eyes locked on the nightking. He was conniving and deceptive. Even the slightest shift in his eyes could alert her to his schemes.
“Travelers from a land different than this one. I can’t say what they'll be wearing or what they may have with them, only that they'll be unfamiliar with these lands and coming from the ruins outside of Alegon.” Rezerik hid his intentions knowing she was searching for them. Truth was it didn't matter who found them first, only that they were found. If the resistance got to them before his men, it would allow him to kill two birds with one stone. Of course, he didn't expect her to agree. She'd try to play him just as he was playing her. “So, do we have a deal?”
“I'll consider it.”
“I'm afraid I need an answer now. You know as well as I, you don't have time to move your little settlement here before my men can be upon it. And I'm sure your scouts have already reported the army parked right outside the forest's edge.”
Elalon considered her options. He was right. She didn't have time to evacuate, at least not without calling the sharliets to their position. They could hold them off for a while, but there was no way to save them all if his men came. Damn him for forcing me into this position. I should have seen it coming! Refusing to betray her demeanor, Elalon let her emotions subside. “Very well, Rezerik. You have a deal. I'll have my men search for these travelers. If we find them I'll send word by way missive.”
“That doesn't quite work for me. I'll leave one of my men in your custody. Beat him, lock him up, torture him— I don't care. Just make sure he lives and is able to travel when the time comes. Release him with their location and you'll never have to fear assault from me again.”
She took a deep breath. “Fine. Wh
en you reach the field send your man in. My scouts will pick him up from there.”
Rezerik spun around and headed for the unseen barrier.
“Oh, and Rezerik. Don't bother coming back. We'll be long gone before you'll have the opportunity to get this close again.”
Chapter II
From the Ashes
The roar of a waterfall echoed through the spathic landscape. Tiny beads of water sprayed from the base creating a mist of color in the beaming sunlight. The walls of the shallow ravine were covered in bright green grass and dark colored mud at the water's edge. Two children ran along the top of the narrow canyon laughing in the spring morning.
“Whoa, did you see that?” One of the children slowed to a stop looking down at the river bank. Refusing to wait for an answer he made his way to the source of his focus, careful to keep his footing.
“Is— Is that a body?” The other child asked following after her friend.
The boy reached the bottom and knelt beside the damp figure, half buried in dirt. He reached out and grabbed the man by his shoulder. Pulling hard, he rolled him, exposing a mud-covered face. The body bounced lightly with the rushing water suspending the lower half.
“Is— is he alive?”
“I think so. He’s still warm.” The boy pulled him further onto the shore and shook him. “Hey, are you alive?”
“Joshua, don't touch him. What if he's diseased?”
“He's laying in the water, Susan. If he's dead, I think it's more likely from drowning.” The boy pulled the man’s tan vest open, searching for any clue to his identity.
Susan pointed to a leather sash strapped to his right hip. It was emblazoned by a golden shield with a black trident in the center. “I think he’s a dreuslayer. You see the trident?”
Ravion felt the sun on his skin. Muffled voices echoed around him. He could feel something touching him. Panic set in. He couldn’t breathe. Coughing, his mouth filled with water. Spitting it, he took a deep breath. The air made its way into his lungs, offering relief. He opened his eyes seeing the two small children kneeling over him.
“Are you alright, mister?” Joshua asked, both surprised and delighted at the man's awakening.
Ravion coughed again, forcing the last bit of water from him. Catching his breath, he rolled over and pressed his hands into the muddy earth. Getting to his knees, he weakly stood. “Where am I?”
“Northern Krondar.” The girl calmly stated.
“Where’s the nearest city?”
“Fender’s Spear is the closest city, but you’re about a week from there by horse. You might be able to catch a wagon from Tamora. It’s just over the ridge.” Susan continued.
Ravion gathered himself, checking to make sure he still had his father’s sword. Happy it remained in its sheath, he looked around finding the direction the kids had pointed. “Is it safe to assume it’s a human settlement?”
“Mostly. We have a couple half-orcs left over from the occasional raid. And the myrkalfar pass through sometimes, but it’s mostly human.”
Ravion gave an extended bow offering thanks. Standing to his full height, he scanned the top of the hill. He couldn't see anything at this elevation, but the landscape was fairly straight forward. He was certain he'd be able to see something when he climbed from the crevice. Assurance in mind, Ravion turned to face the children once again. “Thank you for your assistance. If you ever make your way to Marbayne, be sure to visit the keep. I’d be happy to repay you for pulling me from the water.”
“It’s no problem, mister. Just remember our faces when we’re old enough to join the army. I want to be a border warden.” Joshua smiled, barely able to contain his excitement.
“Do you now? Well, come visit me when you’re old enough. I’m sure we can work something out. Until that day, be well.” Ravion smiled and turned to make his way up the incline. Reaching the top of the hill he could see for miles. The land was remarkably flat. He recalled the bits of research he'd done on the area. How they ever had to worry about raids was a mystery. Any advancing army was sure to be spotted hours, if not days, before arrival. This was the only area that held any form of natural defense and that was simply because it bordered Evinwood. As the children directed, he could see Tamora resting between two branches of the winding river. It was a small settlement, little more than a dozen buildings comprising the entire town. It'd be a miracle if they had a single horse available.
Ravion passed a split rail fence lining the single road going through the center of town. Several of the rails were broken and lying half rotted in the dirt. He couldn't help but feel like they were a metaphor for the entire village. Every building was rundown, missing many of the essential components to make it a comfortable residence, let alone a safe one. The population wasn't much better. They appeared next to starving. They wore dirty and tattered clothing, barely suitable for rags. How they could live in such a capacity was beyond him. The children of this place had done him a favor though. If able, he'd see to it that they got what they needed to live comfortably. At least until their fortunes shifted and they were able to fend for themselves. One thing was plainly certain, this place had nothing to offer him currently.
Continued on, Ravion crossed the wooden bridge just on the other side of town. It was a rickety thing matching the upkeep of the other structures he'd seen in the area. Stepping into the browning grass of the unkempt road, he found the sun and headed south.
Ravion walked for what felt like hours. The golden field was just over knee-high and unusually dry for the time of year. Tiny bits of grain clung to his dark blue pants, still damp from the river. Growing tired from the trek, he spotted a small forest in the distance. If he could reach the shade of the trees he could take a short rest to regain his strength.
As if the fates were aligned against him, a deep, guttural tone sounded in the air.
It churned his stomach. Ravion froze, lowering his head with the horn’s recognition. Sighing heavily, he drew his longsword and spun to face the approaching war party.
At least a hundred orcs charged toward him. Their axes raised and ready to cut him down. Green-tinted flesh blocked out most of their features, but there was one detail he could make in the closing distance. The rage in their eyes announced intent, stronger than he'd seen them display. This was personal. If only he knew what they were after.
Ravion took a defensive stance and waited, knowing they would swarm him within minutes. I’ve never been the praying type, but gods, if you’re listening, I sure could use some help right about now! Timing his attack, Ravion brought his sword low catching the first orc in the stomach. Spinning around, he slashed another while twisting to avoid the deadly edge of an axe.
Another horn sounded behind him, this one much more pleasant. It had a gentle melody, much like the alfaren horns, but this was different. It had a sharpness that couldn’t be mistaken.
What is that? Ravion couldn't look back to see who, or what, approached. To do so would lower his guard to the advancing orcs. Sword at the ready, he silent watched the large, brutish creatures rush past him giving wide girth. It wasn't their way to ignore a threat. That meant only one thing. The source of the unfamiliar horn had to present a much larger danger. He'd have to proceed carefully. Lowering his guard, Ravion watched the last few orcs pass by, leaving him baffled in the shadow of the forest's edge. Curiosity growing, he turned to see what he was dealing with.
Hundreds of pink-skinned humanoids stood along the edge of the trees. Their crude scimitars, rapiers, and other weaponry raised and ready for battle. They swept across the field with blinding speed, clashing against the smaller war party in a shower of death. The two armies roared against one another like an ocean wave against a cliff face.
Taken back at what he was seeing, Ravion watched the battle from the distance. The newcomers tore into the orcs with ease, washing over the first several ranks in seconds. There was something familiar about them. Something he knew he had seen before. They fought with the grac
e of the alfar, but looked more human than anything. But they were neither. They were more like him, like dalari. The realization hit him. How could he have forgotten what his own people were like? Gripping his sword. Ravion charged into the rear of the embattled orcs. He cut them down mercilessly, slicing his way toward the front line.
Orcs fell in troves, helpless to the superior numbers ahead of them, and the lone attacker at their rear.
Ravion spun around, slicing another orc in half. For the first time he could see the army in clear detail. His stomach churned from excitement, nervousness coursing through his veins. His hopes nearly beyond containment, he studied them, lost in their unique beauty. They weren't what he'd thought. At least not in the traditional sense. These were different, broken in a sense. Calming himself, he cut down the next closest orc, hoping his actions would label him an ally. If these unknown creatures were hostile he needed to show them he was there to help. That was quite possibly the only way to escape with his life if things didn't go according to plan.
The last few orcs grouped together, trying to fend off their execution. They sloppily moved backward, trying to retreat into the field, but it was no use. There were too many of the pink-skins. They were surrounded. Nowhere to run, they fell to the tarnished, once elegant weaponry.
A strong gust of wind blew across the plains flinging Ravion's long, red hair about his face. He held his sword low, but at the ready to assure he meant no threat unless provoked. His beaming blue eyes were locked upon the remaining force.
They stared at the lone ranger, standing his defiance against them. He was brave to say the least, but likewise foolish. There was no way he could hold against so many, regardless of skill. They knew who he was. Just because they'd changed didn't mean their memories were robbed.
“Do you speak common?” Ravion asked. “My name is Ravion Santail, Dreuslayer and Co-founder of The Order. I’m afraid I’ve never seen your kind before, therefore I hope you won’t take it as sign of disrespect if I refuse to lower my guard.”
