“Here is where all true Furions come to master themselves.” Gerieg stated.
Before them both was where Alex finally understood why it was hotter than usual. Steam blew up from vents around them. Trees grew sparsely, those that did were unhealthy looking and the rocky ground was warm on their bare feet, but the dark rocky soil reminded him of the fertile land he grew up on back in the isles. Foul smelling sulfur carried on the breeze and saturated the entire area. Close by was a hot spring that Gerieg said was bliss to any who wished bathe, but very few animals and fiends left any recent tracks.
That wasn’t the impressive part, for an ancient stone castle had been carved into the side of an active volcano. Escaping the top of the volcano, steam and smoke rose skyward. Some daring trees called its side’s home and the first sign of any human hands inside the Shura ring came in the form of a lone castle-like stone tower. Spiraling as most towers do, it rose nearly two hundred and fifty feet in height. Small reflections and holes showed the many windows were cut into the tower and each faced three main directions; west, south and east. The northern side of the castle tower looked to be melded into the side of the volcano. The heat was intense, but not enough to ruin the impressive sight. Whomever made this had been one to prove he valued supremacy with relentless and destructive power.
As they approached a large and old wooden gate Gerieg warned “It would be to your benefit if you never try sleeping on the ground. The carbon monoxide gasses only come up about a foot high, but you’d fall asleep and die of you chose to take a nap on the ground. That is why we don’t see any small animals for they would die because they couldn’t stand up high enough to breathe the better air.” He joked, pinching his nose closed from the rotten egg smell of sulfur.
“Then what about the hot spring you spoke so fondly of? Surely going for a swim would bring you down into the deadly gas.”
“You’d think, but the ground is higher in that area so it is safe.”
Leading the way, Gerieg walked up the worn gray stone steps until they reached the large wooden door. Opening inwards, Alex followed behind his master, the boulder dragging behind.
Once inside, Alex’s jaw dropped. His previous outside conceptions were wrong, it only looked like a spiraling tower. A long, dark hall led much deeper into the side of the volcano, lined on either side by hundreds, if not thousands, of large, glistening stone spheres with names cut into the base stands, where the stones permanently rested throughout the long stretch of time. The hall’s true depth became too dark to see, even for Alex’s impressive vision. Rising thirty feet up, the roof of the hall ended, but near the only visible entrance a stone staircase led to the upper floors seen from the outside. As the stairs rose above the ceiling he wondered what laid above. The floor was smooth and cooler to the touch and made from what looked like black granite. Air inside still held a cool and moist breeze of sulfur, but less pungent.
After getting a sight-full, Gerieg said “Here is the only remaining legacy of our Furion ancestors. Each boulder you see comes from previous masters who’ve long since passed into the next world. As I said before, it was difficult to understand if not to see with your own two eyes.”
“Aye, you were right.” Alex commented, still awed at the sight.
“Come we have much to see, but not till tomorrow.” Gerieg said. “For now you may leave your stone in the center and work on it until you are satisfied it is completed.”
Setting the boulder in the center he followed his master up the stairs. Light shone through the windows, but no doors were found until the very top of the castle. Ten ancient oak doors were seen up on the highest peak. One door in particular caught the eye for not only was it larger, but made from pure solid and reinforced metal that was securer than anything he’s ever seen so far. Just as he was about to ask Gerieg took the initiative. “It would be best to forget about going in there just yet for only until you become a master you are forbidden entry. I will not ask for your word, for you’ve been trustworthy thus far, do not disappoint me now.” Alex shook his head that he wouldn’t dare enter until he was ready. “Very well, since the day is nearly over we will retire for the night and begin anew. Your room will be whichever you wish.”
Alex chose at random, inside the room was as basic as it got. A simple hay stuffed bed sat under a southern facing window and a basket sat empty, awaiting clothes to be filled with.
Tired from running to exhaustion, Alex drifted off into dreams of Lily and everyone else he loved.
***
Chapter 13
“I’ve been hearing good things recently.” Allahandra commented casually, gliding alongside Lily. It was quite early, well before dawn, especially for the queen to be up at such an hour. Lily was up and ready for her daily chores down in the kitchen that patiently waited. It wouldn’t cook itself after all and the staff appreciated her services and told her such quite often.
Traveling down the stairs together Lily glanced over the ever impeccably dressed queen. Wearing simple attire only added to her bearing for everything about her spoke of authority and leniency. Tucking a loose strand of pale hair behind an ear she asked curiously “What kinds of things?”
“Many,” Allahandra replied with a lilting laugh that piqued her morning companion’s curiosity even more. With a nod to herself she elaborated “As you are well aware, Travis’s information was entirely correct, has proven invaluable and will save a great many lives. Not even an hour ago I received a letter, sent directly from Rakkian stating that the assault was a complete and total success.” The queen had Lily’s undivided attention for she hasn’t been in battle the first time or been to the training arena since she’s been working down in the kitchen and for Maria, being allowed to miss the three month sparring laws, but now it made perfect sense as to why Allahandra was already awake and in such a pleasant mood. “It seems our night attack three weeks ago caught the other soldiers by complete surprise. They didn’t even expect that they’d been found in such a remote place in the forest, that they prepared for the coming war. We lost only six soldiers where they lost near two thousand before the rest surrendered over full control of the estate. If we hadn’t found and seized the foothold when the fortifications were complete we would have lost much more.
“Already Rakkian has had our warriors wear the uniforms of the Royal Guard so that we can confiscate all supplies heading to the structure for ourselves. Apparently the shipments consist of non-item armaments along with dried and salted food for winter provisions. He will be sending half of the supplies from the captured convoys here to add to our stores. When all is prepared we will begin our final operations and take the fight back to Runkamon.”
Something in Allahandra’s smile felt different to Lily and she commented on it in her usual straightforward manner “There’s more though that you are leaving out. Why do you look so relieved and joyous?”
“That obvious, ya?” Lily nodded to the queen’s suddenly shy expression. They came to a halt and made sure no one could hear them on the stairwell. Leaning closer Allahandra spoke in a subdued tone, suppressing herself for her expression was radiating happiness. “I took the initiative, like you always seemed to do, and pulled Rakkian off to the side before he took his elite troops to take our enemy’s hidden base and explained how I cared for him.” She smiled a little more shyly when Lily grinned, for the queen has said nothing of this at their daily afternoon gatherings with the other women. This was excellent news.
“Well?” Lily asked, prodding for more details.
“Well, when I told him this, he became sheepish. For the first time I’ve ever seen him, he’s never looked so odd, ya?” Lily wondered what a man of the general’s size would look like, for her imagination didn’t give any justice to what reality would have shown. “My general was completely speechless and couldn’t respond to what I had said. I knew he wouldn’t be able to give an answer right away, he could never make such snap decisions in his personal life like he can as a general, he just i
sn’t made that way. So I gave him a compromise. Should all be successful in the castle seizing he had to give me another personal letter. In it” Allahandra looked away, forcing Lily to grin more brightly. “he decided to court me as best he could. When we reunite in this winter, time will tell if he and I will work as one compatible unit.”
Lily startled the queen as she threw her strong and long arms around her. Twirling a few times both women began laughing. Placing her down Lily said “Congratulations and I hope all is successful in that endeavor.”
“Thank you,” Allahandra said, straitening her outfit properly again.
Continuing their slow descent down the cool, stone stairs Allahandra noticed “I see you are letting your hair grow out. It looks nice.” Noticing for the first time, Lily blushed at finally being found out. “It seems like my methods are showing promising results.”
“How so?”
The queen of all of Alluan smiled with satisfaction. “Not one of our people have been injured in your attempt of relieving your frustrations and anxiety. None of the other warriors feels it’s necessary to teach you a lesson anymore. That is a burden lifted from my shoulders. Down in the kitchen many of the staff have commented on how well and precise you section the beef and venison to get the most meat from the bones and how quickly you’ve adapted to cooking. The chefs say there is still improvement to be made in your attempted recipes, but you are getting on the right path. Tell me, how are your hands?”
Allahandra grinned as she watched Lily looking more closely at her palms and fingers. Surprised she whispered “The calluses, they aren’t as pronounced! What? How?” She then began rubbing her fingers against her thumbs together to feel just how softer they had become without ever realizing it. Not vanished, but not as manly, Lily’s calluses had shown improvement and became more feminine.
“You’ve not gripped your item in battle like your life depends on it nor have you been doing hard physical labor. Plus kneading dough has helped soften your hands in preparation for helping out Maria in her shop. You’ve been saturating your hands with oils and water, constantly keeping the calluses from drying out. Your fingers are still retaining their strength while also making them softer, as most women’s are.”
Touching a few loose pure white strands Allahandra commented “You’ve also been using the softening soaps Maria has given you for your hair is healthy and smooth.” Removing her hand the queen stated “Maria says that you’ve refused payment for all the work she makes you do. Might I inquire as to why?”
“Because all of my needs are taken care of. You have provided me food and clothes, what more do I need? Even if I accepted the money I’d only give it back to you for allowing me to continue to use your state guestroom. And Maria still needs it more for her husband is ill at the moment and he cannot run his trading business until he recovers.”
“Although I am slightly insulted that you’d think the need to pay me to stay in your room, I understand that your reasons are sound. Anyway I see it beneficial to have you so close for I value our friendship and loyalty. Using a room that has been vacant for months is a waste. So think of it as your room and not my guestroom.” Then they came upon where they needed to be separated. “We must part from here. Our duties await.”
Lily continued down to the kitchen while Allahandra went into the main hall. During the end of preparation and cooking, the hall above roared in applause. Lily had guessed the queen told the good news about the siege.
Nearing noon Lily washed up and headed outside to see several mounted riders, led by the cavalry commander, Quinn. His enormous javelin stood at the forefront of the other riders in the open courtyard. They were all waiting for something and either stood or sat at ease. One steed in particular caught her eye for it was larger and more striking than the others of his kind.
Clift, the chestnut stallion stood proudly with other steeds. Taller and larger than the other warhorses present, he was a prize amongst the other riders and envious breeders. His coat and mane glistened for it had been brushed and the sunlight was just right. Purest in mind and body that they come, his wild heritage and spirit remained intact, even in allowing only a single person to ride him. Beside Clift stood his companion and rider Marlin.
Catching her scent first, Clift turned in her direction as she stepped down to the open courtyard. Surprise lit his eyes and he neighed in delight. Immediately he cantered over and Marlin saw this and followed. Looking more closely, he now donned a new leather saddle, but still didn’t wear anything around his head. Alex explained once that he would never wear a bridle bit or tack ever again. He would go where he pleased and never be controlled for it was akin to slavery.
Lily smiled as Clift’s large nostrils and hot breath ruffled her hair. Neighing again that he recognized her, he then lifted his chin expectantly. She knew just what to do and scratched his bottom jaw. “How are you doing, you big lug?” She said and he just blinked at her. Right, he doesn’t know what I’m saying. She thought quickly.
Biting the shoulder of her shirt he led her over to the grassy area where he could communicate. Using his hooves he dug up a small hole in the grass and began writing. As he stepped away he looked between her and his letter. Taking the hint she looked down and read “What did you say?”
“Here use this.” Marlin said after digging in the saddle’s pack. Then he handed over a square, thin piece of black stone and chalk. “Clift and I came up with this so we can communicate more easily when we are out.”
Understanding, Lily began writing on the stone. Once finished she turned it around and Clift read the question she previously asked with a large brown eye. Then they began communicating; Lily with the chalk and board and Clift using the soil beneath his hooves. “I’m terrific. It has been months since we’ve seen each other.”
“I know.” She wrote. “Anything exciting happen recently?”
Clift neighed and pranced a moment before excitedly writing, scratching and rewriting when Lily read his work. “Much has happened. For starters Marlin got me this new saddle and it feels much more comfortable for both of us when we run together.” Then with a twinkle in his eye he boldly stated “I’ve found a mare! Her name is Starflash. We are expecting a foal in a few seasons.”
Lily proudly patted his thick neck and he appreciated the gesture. “That is great news, Clift. You deserve such happiness, my friend. By the way, you look remarkable. Have you been training on your own?”
Showing his teeth “Of course. Other warhorses have helped, when me and Marlin aren’t together. None I’ve met have my strength, but I’ve yet to beat Quinn’s steed or several others.”
They talked a few more minutes about how Starflash and he met, and they caught up quickly.
Marlin stayed close by, commenting here and there, but something was off about him that Lily noticed. He kept looking over his shoulder, a hidden smile appeared as he glanced down the queen’s garden. He seemed distracted, but overjoyed. Was everyone in such a good mood? Lily wondered.
Bluntly she asked “Marlin, what is it? I know you well enough to see that something profound is on your mind.”
“It’s personal.” He said cryptically, but added to not sound discourteous “You’ll find out soon enough anyway.” His expression was more than smitten, but what could it be?
Not one to pester into someone’s personal affairs Lily instead asked “By the way, what are you doing with Quinn and the other riders?”
“I’m going to help them run border patrol for the next month and see about aiding those preparing for the winter. The other warriors are staying vigilant after learning about Runkamon’s plans. Our borders and citizens need to be as protected as possible and I’m not doing any good sitting around here. Don’t worry, my priorities are always with you and Alex, but until he gets back I’m going to help these good people in any way I can.”
“Mount up!” Quinn suddenly announced.
Clift’s ears turned to the noise and he looked at the speaker. Search
ing for conformation in his friend, Marlin nodded. “Lily, take care and I’ll see you soon enough.” He then grabbed the saddle-horn and swung himself over Clift’s back.
Just before trotting off with the others Lily returned the writing stone and chalk back and patted Clift’s flank as he passed by.
With all the happiness going around, Lily’s spirits were also raised as she walked through the garden and towards the pavilion.
Last to arrive, Lily quickly found her seat besides Niranene and Mistress Marge. Many discussions from the other women were already in progress and she did her best to catch up. It didn’t take long, but she had become one of them and each woman was pleasant to speak with. Not one person let anyone get away with anything, if they felt details were missing. Most of all, they loved gossip in all forms and context.
Near an hour passed and Lily’s newly developing feminine instincts alerted her to a difference in the group. The oddity of today came from the head healer. When the other women took a breath in their talks, Lily sprung her trap when an earlier memory sparked her imagination. “Niranene, is something on your mind? You’ve only answered when asked today, usually you start as many topics as Mistress Marge.”
This gained the entire groups attention.
Slightly blushing she said “Whatever do you mean?” and then smiled.
“I mean, Marlin had that exact same smile not an hour ago before he left. He wouldn’t tell me what was going on, but now I’ve got an idea.”
“What is this? Is our little healer hiding something from us?” Maria asked playfully, twining her slender fingers together on top of the table.
Furion's Trials (Book Two of the Items Trilogy) Page 26
