Aphrodite's Acolyte

by J. E. Spatafore

  The trio heard the witch cackle. “My designs are my own, Fidel of Harlow's Hovel. I will rule this land in time, do not doubt that! Perhaps you need some more persuasion!”

  Fidel, Abby, and Noxater heard Cap's screams through their rings, a clear sign of Cap's imprisonment and torture by the vile hag. Fidel could feel his anger rising as his friend's screams were being broadcast over the rings. Abby placed a hand on Fidel's shoulder, reminding the elf of his commitment to the group. His heart and mind were torn between rushing to his friend's aid and keeping to the plans set forth just a few minutes earlier. Cap's agonizing shrieks resided after what seemed like several minutes.

  Pravas' voice returned over the magical intercom, “Do we have an accord?”

  Fidel swallowed hard, knowing his voice was going to transmit across several kingdoms. He feared the crushing blow to his friend's psyche as his words fell on Cap's ears. He imagined the look of disappointment in his father's faces as he was going to reject a friend over duty. He stood frozen, his eyes filled with salty water, the subsequent tears rolled down his cheek. His heart fell to his stomach. He couldn't speak. He couldn't bring himself to reject his friend. He slowly brought the ring to his mouth, his lips quivering as he struggled to find the words. He stared at Abby with a look of helplessness. Abby nodded her head in understanding, offering strength to his conscience.

  Fidel found the strength to respond. “I...”

  A dwarven hand reached up and pulled Fidel's hand from his mouth, placing the ring to the dwarf's lips. “Now ye did it Pravas! The elf is en route wit' bright verdigris eyes and contempt in his step! Prepare yerself for thee wrath of Fidel the Dwarf Beater! He has made his choice. He carries thee amulet ye seek.”

  The dwarf looked into Fidel's eyes, his orange orbs easing the elf's ire. The dwarf signaled to the elf to deactivate the ring's transmissions. Fidel complied then stood visibly shaking in the company of the dwarf and human companion.

  Noxater smiled at Fidel, “Is called a ruse, elf. Ye don't always have to be honest with yer enemies. Actually, ye should avoid it when ye can.” With the last remark, the dwarf gave a hearty slap on the elf's back. “Now let's go to thee Captain Sizod, I believe 'is will change thee strategy of thee forthcoming battle.”

  The trio returned to the captain's tent and filled him in on the details of the exchange. Captain Sizod gave a very sympathetic look to Fidel after hearing the news. “I've been in that position before, Fidel. Choosing duty over love is not an easy decision. I appreciate your adherence to your honor.”

  The captain and Noxater spoke for a while, discussing the possibility that the lack of Fidel's arrival could lead to Pravas' taking the offensive and marching on the camp. The group formulated defensive plans to fortify their current position. Scouts were doubled within the hour to keep a consistent flow of reports regarding the silver camp's activities. The trio, still hungry, made their way to the mess tent to eat their lunch.

  The next day, the troops from Puldechra and Harlow's Hovel arrived. Regiments of thousands densely populated the camp and expanded the borders. Fidel, Abby, and Noxater spent the entire day sparring in the training ground, Fidel showing the many spell directing abilities Methvas taught him back in Harlow's Hovel.

  Noxater faced off against Fidel and requested Fidel to use his magic. Fidel and Noxater exchanged a few blows and parries before Fidel unleashed a paralyzing spell through his staff. As Noxater's axe slammed into the staff, he felt the energy transfer from the staff to his axe, then up through his arms. His axe dropped as he could no longer control his arms. The look on his face turned up in surprise as the magic filled his body and rendered him unable to move.

  The elf stood over him and smiled. “That's my favorite!”

  The dwarf could only sit helpless for a few minutes until the spell wore off. Finally in a sitting position, the dwarf could respond. “Aye, elf, that one is definitely good fer melee.” The dwarf rose back to his feet and retrieved his axe.

  The primary assault group continued to spar for the rest of the day, Abby and Noxater allowing Fidel's magic to both aid and defeat them at will so the elf could gain more focus. The regiments of the new arrivals often stopped by and watched for a few minutes. They commented quite often on the colorful flashes emitted from the magically charged staff every time Fidel blocked or attacked.

  That evening, the trio sat around the main fire of the camp, talking with the various brave allies joining them. Fidel noted the feeling of the eve of a major battle. The soldiers all recalling their loved ones and their reasons for fighting. The mood was heavy with burden but absolute in direction.

  The feeling was strange to Fidel, his actions being mostly reactive and quickly executed. As he reflected on the reasons in his mind to fight, he felt fear starting to creep into his heart. The possibilities of losing his friends and family started to weigh heavily on his conscience. The look on his face must have shown his fears as Noxater questioned the elf.

  Fidel explained his feelings to the dwarf, knowing Noxater must have fought many battles, being a Knight of Deeder's Pass. The dwarf had advice for the elf. “Fidel, ye canno' think of thee losses. Thee eve of battle is to remember yer friends an yer family for what they are: yer kin and yer reason to survive.”

  The dwarf stared at the elf. “Yes, ye may lose yer friends. Ye may lose yer family. Ye may lose yerself, even. But this fight is thee fight that changes whether ye will lose them or not. If we let this threat linger, this sycophant of evil, would we not be guaranteeing thee loss of all we love an' know?” The dwarf let the words sit on Fidel's shoulders for a bit while he watched the elf stare deeply into the blaze before them.

  Abby, sitting beside the elf and hearing all the dwarf had to say, looked to Noxater. “Thank you, wise dwarf. I too was questioning our course. The last time I had similar thoughts I was in the forests surrounding Harlow's Hovel, before I chose to follow a kindly elf who showed mercy to me. An elf I now consider a dear friend.” Abby placed an arm across Fidel's already burdened shoulders. “An elf that has reminded me I make decisions of my own free will.”

  Noxater smiled at Abby, placing his arm on the elf's opposite shoulder. “Know that thee weight ye feel now, kind elf, is that of your companions, an' goodly folks. But it is lighter than it should be, is it not? We are a trio. We should be a tetrad. Our group is not complete without thee inclusion of a duo of you clever types.”

  Fidel continued to stare into the fire for a while longer, taking in the dwarf's and human's words. Fighting an internal struggle between asking his friends and family to get in harm's way and his fear in getting in the way himself.

  He looked to Abby, then to Noxater, and cleared his throat. “No better companions to have in the rescue of Capi Advor.” Fidel smiled and looked into the flames dancing before him. “A trio is good company, fine dwarf. A tetrad will be better.” Fidel's thoughts turned to the rescue of Cap, a task set forth to Abby. He turned to Abby. “Do you believe you'll be able to get to him quickly?”

  Abby smiled, “Certainly. My skills are well tuned for such an infiltration. And my hope is the wicked sorceress, herself, will be getting in the way.” Abby's face displayed a wry smile. Fidel smiled back, envisioning the sorceress trying to cast spells with a flurry of daggers constantly pressing her.

  Noxater jumped in sarcastically, “O' don't worry 'bout me guys. I got thee dozen or so minotaurs covered.”

  Fidel responded flippantly. “Oh we won't, dragon rider.”

  The dwarf smiled at the remark and the group continued talking about the forthcoming battle. Captain Sizod watched from across the flames as the group sat in front of the fire late into the night, the human and dwarf arms draped across the shoulders of the tenacious elf. He smiled wide, remembering his own friendships formed during his early battles when he was just a Private in the army of Harlow's Hovel.

  Chapter X

  Forgiveness of the Divine

  Fidel awoke to a familiar room, so bright he coul
d not make out any shapes. The light dimmed and the form of a beautiful woman appeared before him. Once again, Aphrodite waved her hands, the table and chairs appearing from their first meeting along with a ready-made feast.

  Aphrodite gave a warm smile. “Welcome back, Fidel.”

  Fidel allowed his eyes to adjust then sat down in the same chair he used prior. His tone was warm. “Hello again, Goddess.” His tone turned to one of concern. “Don't mistake me for being ungrateful, but may I ask why you summoned me on the eve of probably the most important battle in my life?”

  The goddess' smile disappeared. “Yes, I have information for this forthcoming battle. Have you heard of the Crown of Iocus?” Fidel shook his head with an uneasy look in his eyes. He sensed the information the goddess was about to share would not be news he wanted to hear.

  Aphrodite offered more information, “The Crown of Iocus is a devilish treasure placed in the land of Maserun by one of my chaotic counterparts, Dionysus. It is a crown made of ivy, but unyielding in its form. Once placed upon the head of an individual, even upon a god, the crown drives the wearer to madness. Not only does the crown make one insane, it amplifies the ability of the wearer two-fold, regardless of what abilities the wearer possesses.” Aphrodite saw the look in Fidel's face, a look indicating the elf was putting the information together.

  Fidel's face twisted with curiosity. “I have seen this crown?” Aphrodite's face changed to a serious look as she nodded at the elf. Fidel's eyes narrowed sharply as he asked another probing question. “This crown resides on the head of my enemy, Pravas Medeis?” Aphrodite nodded again.

  Fidel's heart changed. Conflict arose in his soul as his mind battled to put this enemy to rest but his heart now yearned for forgiveness toward this vile victim of Dionysus' wicked contraption. Fidel's green eyes flashed, “Why would you tell me of this information now, on the eve of battle with the wicked sorceress?” His voice raised an octave above normal. “This news changes my feelings for the wretched hag!”

  Fidel's tone bordered on the edge between anger and sympathy. “How do I face my enemy with a clear goal in sight of destroying her when I have learned she is more of a victim than a tyrant!? How am I to face this witch with this information?!?” Fidel's voice was on the verge of shouting at the goddess, completely ignoring her status in the world. He looked at Aphrodite, his eyes becoming narrow slits of contempt for all the gods of Maserun.

  Aphrodite's face reflected the look of a most patient mother. “Fidel, calm yourself, I tell you this information because things are not always as they seem, a lesson you have learned from your father. Pravas Medeis was a follower of mine for many years before she found the crown and donned the wicked treasure upon her head. I wish for her to return to her former self. She deserves such forgiveness.”

  Fidel's eyes flared dangerously. “Forgiveness? She has enslaved and killed thousands! How can she be forgiven for her crimes?”

  Aphrodite looked down at the elf with pity in her eyes, “Clearly she was not in her own mind when she committed such atrocities, Fidel. Even you can not doubt that. A few years before you moved in with your Aranongo family, Pravas Medeis was on a mission for Lord Fineal to destroy a hydra terrorizing the people of Puldechra. She succeeded in her mission, but in the hydra's lair, she found the Crown of Iocus. She fancied the crown and placed it upon her head.”

  The goddess sighed and sat down in her gem encrusted chair. A few doves flew down from the ceiling and landed upon the arms of the throne. Aphrodite ran her hand along one of the dove's backside. The bird cooed, enjoying the loving attention. Aphrodite continued the story. “From that point forward, Pravas was no longer to blame for her actions. I understand the anger of thousands of mortals dying upsets you, for it pains me to hear the departing cries of the souls bound for Hades. But I cannot condemn Pravas' soul for her actions.”

  Aphrodite leaned forward in her throne, closing some of the distance between herself and Fidel. “I must ask you to aid in the release of Pravas Medeis from the power of the crown. For the sake of my follower, my acolyte.”

  Fidel's heart pounded in his chest as he controlled his contempt for the gods. Oh how he hated the gods now, using mortals as their puppets and placing trinkets of such destructive powers around the world.

  Aphrodite, apparently reading Fidel's mind, sat back in her chair. “I understand your distaste for Dionysus. Know that not all gods placed evil treasures within the realms of Maserun. Many of the treasures created by the gods are actually neutral in design, it is how the treasure gets used which is the true evil. The Spear of Judico, for example, allows its possessor to emit deadly rays of light which cuts down all in the rays path. How that power gets used originates in the desires of the mortal, not Athena who created it.”

  Aphrodite continued, “But there are other treasures, such as the Kettle of Ubertas from Hestia, which can feed entire nations. However, even the kettle can get used for evil means, such as controlling people who are starved and leaving them in debt to the beholder. Do not judge the gods so harshly. Mortals are as flawed in both intent and desires.” Aphrodite watched Fidel as he processed her words, petting her doves as the elf battled the thoughts within his head.

  Fidel debated internally, weighing the points the goddess presented. He argued on the side of justice, how people should be held accountable for their actions. He argued on the side of humanity, how all people deserve chances and forgiveness. He argued on the side of the commoner, how nobody has the right to manipulate the wills of others. The conflict in his own mind, the opposing sides of each argument, weighed heavily on the elf's emotions. After a few minutes of internal debate, the elf sighed heavily and asked a question, “How can I free Pravas from this burden?”

  Aphrodite smiled, knowing the conclusion the elf had reached. “You will need to remove the crown from her head. It will not be as simple as flinging it off with an arrow or a spell. The crown becomes an extension of the victim's body.”

  Fidel nodded, showing he had accepted the request from the goddess. He stood from his chair, ready to return to the surface. Aphrodite was smiling as she started to wave her hand, sending the elf back to the land. Fidel shouted as he left, “If she further harms Cap, all agreements are off.”

  Aphrodite lost her smile quickly but nodded her head in understanding. She faded from the elf's view.

  The next evening arrived and the trio stood at the bottom of the embankment outside the compound of the wicked sorceress. On the way to the rendezvous, Fidel informed the human and the dwarf of his promise to the god.

  The dwarf, having witnessed some enchanted situations in the past amongst his own people, completely understood the compassion lent by the elf. Abby, on the other hand, had her own view of the situation. In her eyes, a woman not strong enough to resist the desires brought forth by the crown deserved justice for her actions.

  Fidel enjoyed the debate between the dwarf and the human on the way as it passed the time. The debate ended with Abby stating she didn't approve, but would oblige Fidel's wishes. They agreed that further harm on Cap voided the promise to the goddess.

  The group exchanged a few more words, Fidel casts a few protections on them, and the trio split up. The dwarf and the human headed along the eastern slopes of the embankment. Since they could not use the magical rings to communicate, the trio agreed to start the assault when the moon hit a specific point in the sky, which was about an hour away.

  Captain Sizod, and the army of the two kingdoms, approached from the west, just over one hour's march behind the initial assault trio. The same timing was in place for the army from Marides in the north. The four kingdoms used their own magical communication mechanisms to coordinate their positions for the assault.

  The moon was half dipped in the sky overhead. The night was quiet. The animals of the plains remained silent as they felt the footfalls of the soldiers approaching. Fidel heard the stomps of the soldiers as they advanced from the south. His eyes went wide in surprise as he l
aid his green orbs upon the fighters drawing near.

  The soldiers of Marisali, a place he previously condemned for lawlessness and lack of camaraderie, were well equipped in uniforms of red and white. Fidel knew this army consisted of several factions and guilds, but to an outside enemy, the group appeared as an organized force of unity.

  A human standing half over six feet tall, approached the elf. His brown eyes were curious and his long black hair danced slightly in the light breeze. “Where do you hail from, good Sir?”

  Fidel extended his arm for a handshake. “I know you hail from Marisali. I come from many places in the northern regions. You would be interested that I hail from Harlow's Hovel and Puldechra. The name is Fidel, Fidel Austempes. May I have your name?”

  The man took Fidel's hand in a friendly shake. “I am Captain Tepitus, Herzod for short. Well met, elf of Harlow's Hovel. Your deeds against this great foe precede you. I understand you are the first to breach the walls of the great compound?”

  Fidel's face flashed with a grin. “Yes, I will be the first to enter.”

  The captain smiled back, “You are a brave lad. Our scouts have reported a count greater than five thousand inside this fortress.”

  Fidel held his grin. “That just means my spells will be more effective!”

  The captain laughed at the elf's unyielding confidence. “Looks like the moon is about right Fidel, we will be behind you awaiting the signal as planned. Your response tells me you are quite ready!” Fidel nodded his head and looked upwards, toward the top of the hill. He let out a long breath and pulled his staff from his pack.

  Fidel started slowly up the hill at first, judging the distance in the darkness and measuring his strides. His heart beat slightly faster with every step. He was not sure whether it was from the physical exertion of the light climb or his own fears taking grip. Regardless, he knew it was time for battle and there was no turning back. Over four thousand allies and five thousand enemies were awaiting his arrival.