by Jason Jones
“That too, was intentional.” Zen hung his head.
“I see.” Jardayne looked hard to the dwarf before him.
“Somewhere in those mountains, curselands ye call em, is a city. In that city, be a dwarven realm and mines lost long time ago they tell. Tis a bit of a long story, for the five of us here anyways, but it belongs to me family o’ Thalanaxe. Though, I am but the last o’ that line. So, we been in journey since south in Chazzrynn, to find it. Me friends here did not know it when we met, but me fathers dyin’ wish was that I take our family birthrights and bring us honor. And here we are. That be the short of it then.” Azenairk let out another deep sigh.
“This is no joke?” Sir Codaius was still confused.
“Naye, no joke. If we wasn’t hunted by about every wicked agent n’ creature for it, and a relic the minotaur had, well, we woulda been upfront with ye’. Afraid that everywhere we go, we been followed, and still likely are. We decided not to stir up trouble n’ rumor in yer city, so we had to hide a few things. Me apologies on that then.” Zen felt awful inside, Evermont had treated them like kings, the Shans had entertained and loved them, and here he had to part ways in a fashion he would have otherwise seen done in better form.
“Do I need to relay what I know of that place, from my years in Evermont? Or do you know already what certainly awaits you there?” Jardayne was serious now, sad, a bit disappointed at the misleading of his men.
“We know, we have heard enough of it.” Saberrak huffed, gruff and determined.
“Who hunts them for this place? We could protect them surely Knight General. There is no man in Shanador that could get past me.” Codaius pounded his chest, not liking that anyone would try and hurt these brave folk he had most enjoyed the company of.
Shinayne looked to the knights and bowed her head. “We sunk an Altestani warbarge in the Harlaheim Bay, they knew what Saberrak had, likely what Azenairk has as well. That was after agents of the White Spider tried to kill us in Vallakazz and Valhirst, Sir Codaius.”
“The noble ship from Altestan that went missing, that was you?” Sir Jardayne had heard of it, that is why his low king was in Acelinne, the meeting of kings was to discuss the activities and sightings of several northern ships on the eastern seaboards of Agara.
“Yes it was.” James spoke to the mighty men of Evermont. “And after that, the civil war in Harlaheim, with Saint Erinsburg and Kalzarius, that started over us as well. We were the reason it finally came to a head at least. We barely escaped.”
“Devonmir and Willborne had theirs hunting us as well, we found out after slaying a few dragons in Bailey and freeing Saberrak from the arenas. There are none on the continent that believe us, more that would stop or kill us, so that is the reason for the secrecy and diversion. Even my own mother, the Lady of Lazlette, would see me return home. Please understand, we must go quietly, and alone.” Gwenneth bowed to those gathered.
Only the breeze made whisper. Ten of the little ones stood behind Tubrey, staring at a brave knight, an elven beauty, a regal lady of magic, a gray minotaur, and a black bearded dwarven priest. The knights looked over their shoulders to their cavalry and bannermen setting up tents not three hundred feet to the north. The clouds passed over, too high for rain, but thick enough to keep the day smothered in gray. Everyone here had heard the tales of those lands, knew that no one had ever returned, and in their hearts they realized that they would not see the five heroes of the Misathi Mountains, ever again.
“You are going to die then, for no one has ever survived those lands. No one.” Tubrey choked out his mind into words, full of sorrow and without any melody.
“Aye, perhaps. But not without a fight, I can assure ye o’ that, little man.” Azenairk patted him on the shoulder seeing he was deeply saddened by this. His little blue eyes were open wide and tearing in the corners under his brown curls.
“Fight all you want, Azenairk. Yet, that storm that never moves, the one you can see from here, it is impassible. None have made it through, or never returned if they did. And, at night for that matter, I have heard that the very spirits of the---“ Codaius stopped as Jardayne raised his hand and gave a quick look.
“Lord Thalanaxe, would I be able to discuss this with my low king, I could possibly arrange an excursion. As those lands are part of Armondeen, it will take time and several meetings, but it could be done if you would allow some patience.” Sir Jardayne did not want to see these brave comapnions die, not if he could do something about it.
“Those lands belong to him, not Armondeen. He has the deed to Kakisteele, passed down for generations. The longer we wait, the more that get involved, the further we will truly be from…from…” Shinayne stopped, she did not truly know what would happen. As much as she believed what was there, she had not thought of what they would do with a lost realm if they succeeded.
“…from..being closer to…”
“…From seeing the lands and sacred temples there freed.” Saberrak spoke up.
“…From having another reminder of Altestan and their curses undone, for justice, against wickedness and evil.” James replied.
“…From making good on Zen’s promise to his father, and taking back what is rightfully his.” Gwenneth commented.
“Ye’ see me friends, I have companions here that can speak for me, know what we must do as much as I, and sometimes more than me. When I feel that it be futile, they be my strength and reminder of what we is doin’ and why. So, it is time for us to see it done, to whatever end.” Zen knelt by Tubrey now, eye to eye with the human pygmy with a big heart.
“I want to go with, I can fight and I am very small you see, and I won’t eat much, I---“
“It is dangerous, ye’ heard the tales o’ the dead and the demons there. Ye’ are brave little one, but just the five o’ us be goin’, I am sorry.”
“But, but..I will never see you again then. I have songs, so many ballads I was writing, and not just for Lord Agrannar either, I had..I..had one for you too, I..”
Tubrey covered his eyes. He had never met much more than big Shanadorian knights and lords, perhaps a few kings, but none like these five here, and none that paid him much mind. They were the stories of legend and he had seen their bravery firsthand. They were not mythical figures long past, but here in the flesh, and he had hoped to travel with them across the realms in song and adventure.
Zen put his stocky arms around little Tubrey, everyone quiet. He let him cry, he knew what it was like to lose a hero, or to be losing one. The dwarf had lost his, all three in fact, over the years. He thought of what his father would do, if he were here.
“Allright, allright. We be seein’ each other soon, no worries now. I want ye’ to have somethin’ then, in case it be a while longer than I hope. This was given to me, since ye’ like stories and all, by a savage lion-man, a lewirja. He helped us through the Misathi, and this stone axe o’ his killed a Mogi cannibal giant in the mountains. He gave it to me, Dalliunn Cloudwatcher was his name, and I will give it to you, Tubrey o’ Tarnobb. Just to hold, until we meet again.” Zen handed Tubrey the stone and bone handled weapon he had traded his family warhammer for, back in Marlennak.
Saberrak walked forward. He lifted the necklace of seven dragon fangs from his neck and placed it over the head of little Tubrey.
“These were from the giant at the crossroads, he asked for a brave death, for honor. I gave it to him, but not before he asked me to take these from his neck. They may be a bit big for your size, but not too big for your courage, little one. I think they fit you fine.” Saberrak nodded to Tubrey.
“I cannot, you saved us and I am just, just a---“
“And these, my little minstrel, are for you as well.” Shinayne put three coins, platinum, with the griffons of Kilikala stamped upon them into his little hand. “These were given to me by my adopted mother, Queen Eohrina of Kilikala. One from myself, Gwenneth, and Sir James. Whenever you think or worry for us, pull them out and rub them in your fingers, for luck
.”
Tubrey looked wide eyed at the dragon fangs around his neck reaching below his waist, then to the savage stone axe in his hand, lastly at the shining coins with elven writing decorating them. He had no words, he felt guilty for a moment, having asked nothing from these five besides to travel with them to the western curselands. He knew he was not a warrior like them, he could not truly fight, and he had not thought of his band behind him when he had asked to go. He resigned with a smile, that they would part ways. He wiped his eyes and bowed low.
“Well done my brave friends, well done.” Sir Jardayne bowed as well.
“All this honor inspires me to dare gather the army of Evermont and charge in with them.” Sir Codaius of Norninne slapped Jardayne on the back, again.
“I think low king Symond would have us renounced for such an action, Sir Codaius. Just traveling to Freemoore and leaving Evermont with but three knights to guard her will likely earn me a few hours in the throneroom under scrutiny. But, I feel as you do, there is no doubt in that. None at all.”
“When we were younger, jousting in our early twentieth seasons, we would have charged in, Jardayne.”
“Yes, before we were knighted and swore to our low king and the high king upon the Shield of Shanador. Yes we would have then, two decades past, before title and responsibility were honored upon us.” Jardayne smiled, seeing the little stunted men, women, miniature elves, bearded gnomes, and even the two goblins of the travelling minstrel band all line up to receive farewell embraces from the five companions heading west. Word had spread that they were leaving.
“Very well, your resolve and duty are paramount, as always Knight General. To Freemoore then, to king Symond?” The Bear looked up to the wandering eyes of Jardayne, glancing from here to the west, then back down.
“Yes, to Freemoore. Let us part ways, and let them go.”
The knights of Evermont shook strong forearms with Azenairk, Saberrak, and Sir James. They kissed the cheeks of Gwenneth and Shinayne. Everyone smiled, bowed, and talked of seeing each other soon, wishing safe journeys each direction, and then their steps seemed to part. The cavalry stared from a distance in wonder and curiosity, the Shans o’ Little Door stood beneath Codaius and Jardayne, and they were all on the east side of the road. On the west side, just a few steps, stood the five they were wishing would not leave them. All watched as hands waved farewells, and one by one, their backs turned and their steps headed west, away from them.
“No turning back now, agreed?” James looked to Zen.
“Agreed.” Zen looked up to Saberrak.
“You know my answer, priest. Gwenneth?” The gray minotaur huffed and flared his nostrils.
“Agreed here, just keep walking, and do not turn around.” Gwenne looked to Shinayne.
“Why?”
Shinayne looked back and stopped. The little ones, the fifty cavalry, and the two knights of Evermont were all in formation on the road, swords drawn and raised toward them in silent honor. None of them moved, only the banners and flags had motion, then they saw that she had stopped and turned around. She heard it loud, they all did.
“Three cheers of honor for Lord Azenairk Thalanaxe priest of Vundren!” Sir Jardayne shouted at swordpoint.
“Yay! Yay! Yay!” All fifty soldiers, gathered little folk, and the knights yelled their praise in unison.
Zen drew and raised his blacksteel warhammer back at them from hundreds of feet away. He pounded it hard to his shield, but kept his pace westward.
“Three cheers of grace for Lady Shinayne T’sarrin and Lady Gwenneth Lazlette!” Sir Codaius bellowed with his greatsword in hand.
“Yay! Yay! Yay!”
Gwenneth bowed as Shinayne drew Carice and raised it high toward the people of Evermont.
Tubrey raised the stone axe in two hands. “Three cheers for bravery and safe return for Sir James Andellis of the falcon and Lord Saberrak Agrannar!!!”
“Yay! Yay! Yay!”
Saberrak simply turned and nodded with his horns. James drew Arlinne T’Vellon’s griffon hilted broadsword and saluted it to his cheek.
“I told you not to turn around.” Gwenneth wiped her eyes and headed west, silently lifting off the ground and hovering a foot above it. She watched Shinayne and Saberrak step ahead to scout. Then James and Zen moved to protect her on each side. All five were quiet, listening to the cheers that still unleashed in the distance, fading more and more as their steps covered the sound.
“Men of Evermont, at ease. Carry on and make ready the travel plans to Freemoore.” Jardayne relaxed and looked to his men. The blades sheathed, the formation broke, and everyone mingled about preparing to head north.
“Codaius.” Jardayne was staring at Tubrey who was still by the road in silence.
“Yes Knight General?”
“Have the men swear silence on the matter, the little folk too. You should be imposing in size and title to see it done.”
“I shall. And you?”
“I think I will go and comfort the leader of the minstrels small and wondrous. Perhaps offer him some travel with us and the king?” Jardayne smiled.
“Splendid idea, honorable in fact.”
“Do you think we will see them again, Sir Bear?”
“I hope so Knight General, for the little ones at least. They need heroes like that.”
“For now, we will have to suffice. Ready the men to Freemoore. I will be with you in a moment.”
Jardayne walked up to Tubrey, knelt down, and put his hand on his shoulder. They watched without as much as a word between them, as the five brave companions disappeared over the hills to the west. Despite only the horizon now to view, Jardayne and Tubrey stood for many minutes, just watching, perhaps hoping, the five from Deadman’s Pass would change their minds and turn around. They never did.
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“The soldiers are but one day north, my queen, I have seen them with my own eyes. Three thousand of yours have answered the secret summons.” The scout bowed nervously with one of the quiet ones staring at him from behind, he could feel it. He kept his gaze to the marble at his feet in the eleventh floor of the Tower of the Talon, as if life depended on his eyes fixating on but the cracks therein. Most men summoned to Castle Arnhast did the same.
“Dismissed, scout.”
“My pleasure, your majesty.” No faster steps could have been found on Armondi soil at this moment, for the scout had thought his eyes would see him dead, or the Nataloni Nochti dark servant would have him bleed the marble for one misspoken word.
“Son, where oh where are our vagabonds now?” Andora was dressed in but a black silk underdress split open in the front, jewels galore, and her dark worshipping cloak that hung barely to her shoulders, nothing more. She knew her legs, chest, and curves were teasing the eyes of any and all. She enjoyed watching men squirm in effort not to stare, even Harron.
“As I have told you, mother. My spies were correct and your wretched uncle Trehad was wrong. They travel to Freemoore, in escort of two of Evermonts finest and fifty cavalry. They are not the ones he mentioned, he was mistaken.” Prince Rohne stared into the glowing pool of swirling blood that filled the viewing fountain made of burned bones and ivory. “Perhaps, this whole tale is a false lead, or a distraction.”
“My queen, they are the ones, I am sure of it. Let me take the army to Freemoore. Let me arrest them on false charges, and I will bring them here, to you.” Lord Amirak Harron took a knee before his lover and bowed his head of dark hair at her naked feet. “Trehad described them as I saw them, and there are rumors from Evermont, that they have been involved in much in their journeys. Let me take---”
“No Harron Vir Magaste, I need you to lead the forces south and prepare. The ritual of opening a sacred temple to the eleven will require practiced precision and devotion. I will need you there when he comes through to your side, to ensure our offerings are perfect.” Andora winked at her paramour and father to the prince.
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��Yes, my queen.” Harron bowed.
“Mother, are you certain of this? I know what I heard as well, but this could take forever if they are not heading directly into those lands. Someone needs to pay a visit to Freemoore, regardless.” Rohne sneered his handsome face over the bloody pool of mystical sight, then waved his hand over it, cancelling the hellborn magic.
“I am sure of it, the voice from the Nochtilian communion told us enough. We offered to find them and lay their blood to a new temple in honor of the underworld, so surely they are en route. Just when, is the only question. The recent prayers have said little more, but whispers in the darkness have told me to stay the course. So, we shall.” The queen of Armondeen smiled to her dark eyed demon-hosted guards, the Nataloni Nochti. They did not smile back, but watched the doors and everyone inside, slowly without sound from their hidden vantages.
“Have you chosen who you will summon to consecrate the site?” Harron raised his head up, admiring every inch of her, from black painted toenails to rich dark painted lips and eyes.
“No, not yet. They are not entertaining any talk of it in the underworld, and I feel it will be something miraculous and special, with the secrecy that now surrounds.”
“Have you sacrificed, to Vasariah perhaps? The mistress of bones may know the deeds that the Hells of the Firstborn plan to reward us with.”
“Wise idea, Lord Amirak Harron, wise indeed.”
Andora waved her hand, summoning force into the air, and levitated an old red leather book toward her throne. All eyes were upon it, cuts and gouges, infernal sigils, red like the fires of hell itself. It was perhaps a thousand or more pages, priceless to those of dark worship, and many millennia old indeed.
“We will need some girls, two should do fine. Their blood will advise us whom they wish us to summon for such a task.”
“I will send for them, on my way out.” Prince Rohne took his cloak from the hook on the wall, then his decorated scimitar, and walked toward the doors. He knew what his mortal spies had seen, where these fugitives with Evermont were heading. It was not west, and Rohne wished to prove his parents wrong.
