Exodus: The Windwalker Archive: Book 3 (Legends of Agora)

by Michael James Ploof

  Talon was speechless. The images of Jahsin’s limp body falling from Fylkin’s deadly grip flashed in his mind.

  Argath nodded. “If we hand these men over to Isladon to be tried as slavers, they’ll be let go, traded back to Uthen-Arden for some political bargain. And in three months they’ll be right back at it. One might even live to slit your throat someday.” He shook his head and walked to the first captive in line. “No, this man will never hurt a Skomm again.” He pushed him overboard. “This man will never rape another Skomm woman again,” he said as he pushed the next man overboard.

  “And this man,” said Argath, stopping before another. “He will never return to slit our throats.” He gave him a shove, and Talon turned from the rail and made his way silently toward Freedom.

  Behind him the bound bodies splashed into the water, one after another.

  Chapter 3

  Plague at Sea

  I once asked a Vald why it was that Thodin wanted the Skomm to be slaves. When he told me it was merciful that they were slaves, and that they had once simply been cast from a cliff at birth, I asked him why his god would want the infants slain. He said that this too was a merciful thing, for it gave the spirits a chance to be reborn into a stronger body. Many would argue that this is true, for there are many among us who believe in reincarnation. I do not know the truth of it. I have no memory of past lives. But what I learned on that day was that the Vald were not entirely evil. No more so than any of the sentient races are evil by nature. In my experience, there is no nature, there is only the world in which we are born, and far too often we are born into an insane world. I believe that there is a force of darkness that is affecting this world. Perhaps it is the gods, perhaps not. I think that whatever it might be, it is somehow above the gods. Something not of this world, something not of this universe.

  -Azzeal, Keeper of the Windwalker Archive

  Talon waited outside of Argath’s quarters, watching Freedom’s crew as they tried to teach the newest members how to man the ropes and sails. It had been decided that the slaver, now affectionately named Redemption, would be commandeered. Neither ship had moved all day, as it would take a while to assemble and train a new crew for Redemption. Luckily, some of the three hundred newly freed Skomm slaves had once been fisherman, and knew enough about sailing to make good candidates for the job.

  The door opened behind Talon, and a tall Skomm walked out, followed by Argath. The man nodded respectfully to Talon before making his way out onto the deck.

  “Come in, Talon,” said Argath.

  Talon followed him into the dimly lit captain’s quarters, which hadn’t changed much since being occupied by the late Captain McGillus.

  “Please, have a seat. Drink?” Argath asked.

  “Sure, whatever you’re having.”

  Argath eyed him thoughtfully as he poured two glasses of rum. He laid one before Talon and sat across from him at the wide desk littered with maps and star charts.

  “How does it feel knowing that you helped liberate another three hundred of our people?” Argath asked.

  Talon sipped the rum and laid it down on the desk. “That’s not why you asked me in here,” he said.

  “Listen, the others look up to you. Hells, they basically worship you,” said Argath. “When you speak, they listen, and I can’t have a divided crew.”

  “So, what? Are you telling me not to disagree with you?”

  “You can disagree with me all you want, just not in front of the crew.”

  “What you did this morning was wrong,” said Talon.

  “Was it? I thought you would have learned the difference by now. This is war, understand? Until the Skomm are free, we are at war. You can have your opinions, and I respect them, I really do. But next time, speak to me in private about such matters. What we have planned will be hard enough without a divided crew.”

  “I’m not trying to divide your crew.”

  “I know you’re not. Just keep in mind how much influence you have over these people, and think before you speak.”

  Talon held his tongue. He wanted to say that Argath wouldn’t be captain of this ship had Talon not given command over to him. He wanted to say that what happened in the morning was murder, no matter how you cut it. He wanted to say many things, but instead he said, “Yes, sir.”

  Argath watched him for many silent moments. He seemed to be gauging Talon’s sincerity.

  “Thank you for understanding,” he said finally.

  “Will that be all?” Talon asked, beginning to stand.

  A shadow crossed Argath’s face, and both men knew that a wedge had been placed between them, one that might never be removed.

  “That is all.”

  ***

  Talon spent the following days helping Demoore and Crag tend to the many sick and injured Skomm who had come from Redemption. They had carried a sickness with them that swept through both ships and left nearly half the crewmen bedridden. None of the gladiators came down with the ailment, however, which Argath attributed to Thodin’s blessing. Rumors went around the ship that rather than a blessing, it was a curse that the Skomm were getting sick, some even dying.

  Four days after having commandeered the new slave ship, the two ships set out east once again. Half the gladiators went over to Redemption, and the former gladiator Eaglewind was named her captain. Many were surprised when Talon was not given the job, but he relieved their curiosity by saying that he didn’t want to be captain, and added that Eaglewind would make a fine leader.

  During the next four days of travel, even more Skomm became ill. The sickness was killing one out of five, and even those who did not immediately die never seemed to get any better. Demoore had exhausted his knowledge and stretched his skills to the limit. But neither bleeding the victims nor any concoction he could think up did any good.

  The only Skomm to cure himself of the disease was Gill, but strangely enough, Gammond came down with it every time the insane man’s personality changed. Argath called it the damnedest thing he’d ever seen. Talon just thought it was downright creepy. One minute Gill would be talking about Eldalonian cheeses, and the next minute, he would be hunched over and moaning in Gammond’s hissing voice. Welts and bumps would appear on his skin, and his lips would suddenly become cracked, his eyes bloodshot. The only help for him was for someone to keep him calm and keep his mind active. When Gill became restless, Gammond tended to come out. Likewise, when Gammond became calm, he switched over to Gill. In the end, Demoore dismissed Gill from the sickrooms, knowing that if he could dispel the disease so simply, he was in no immediate danger. Not like the dozens dying every day.

  After four days of travel at sea and many water funerals, even Talon began to wonder if it wasn’t Thodin punishing them for challenging his will.

  He was more anxious than ever to reach Elladrindellia. If anyone could help the dying Skomm, it would be the elves.

  More than a week after having commandeered the new slave ship, they passed well beyond the eastern Uthen-Arden border and sailed into elven waters.

  They stayed many miles from the coast, but they could see clearly the strange lights that danced upon the beaches and the high glowing perches within the steep cliffs. When night fell, Talon stood with Crag beside the rail, watching in awe the strange orbs floating in the distance. Elladrindellia filled many children of Agora with wonder, and it was no less true for the children of Volnoss.

  Elves were not trusted by the Vald, who had no dealings with what they called the cursed ones. Argath, however, had a different attitude altogether. He saw the elves as a possible ally; slavery was a practice that they shunned, after all.

  “What you think they’re like?” Crag asked as he stared dreamily at the coast.

  “I’ve met one. They’re…weird, but nice.”

  “You’ve met one?”

  “His name was Azzeal. He helped me escape Volnoss.”

  “Did he have big magic?”

  Talon couldn’t help a small
laugh. “Yeah, he had big magic. He could change into an owl, and he shared a cave with a bear.”

  “A bear? That’s scary.”

  “Yeah, it was at first, but then I got to know him and it wasn’t so bad. His name was Beorn. He saved me from a Vaka one time.”

  “Sounds like a good friend to have. Them Vaka are mean.”

  “Yes they are,” said Talon. “But you don’t have to worry about that anymore; the Vaka are far away.”

  “But they getting closer. We’re sailing back to Volnoss. I don’t want to, I want to sail somewhere else.”

  “Where do you want to sail, Crag?”

  “I don’t know, but not to Volnoss.”

  “We’re going there to help other Skomm escape.”

  “You coming too?” Crag asked hopefully. “I thought you was going to find your girl.”

  “You’re right, I’m going to find Akerri.”

  “Then Crag wants to go with you.”

  “You can’t come with me where I’m going. I’ve got to do it alone. You understand, don’t you, Crag?”

  “You think I’d get in the way, being so big and dumb and all,” said Crag.

  “That’s not it at all,” said Talon, reaching up high to squeeze Crag’s shoulder reassuringly. “I’m not bringing anyone with me. It’s just something I’ve got to do alone.”

  Chapter 4

  A Sight for Sore Eyes

  My dreams are haunting, for in them I witness my own death as I saw it in a vision. I am standing between two great armies. One appears to be the Vald, though there are those among them who might be deemed Skomm. The other is an army of draggard, dwargon, draquon, and other dark elf creations. In the distance, a giant rift crackles and hums.

  Across from me stands Aurora Snowfell.

  -Azzeal, Keeper of the Windwalker Archive

  “Windwalker! The captain wants to see you on deck.”

  Talon woke with a start and found one of the crewmen standing in the doorway to his quarters.

  “I’ll be right there.”

  He hurriedly dressed and rushed up the stairs. The man had sounded urgent. When he arrived on deck, he found it to be early morning.

  “Windwalker!” Argath called from the quarter deck.

  “What is it?” Talon asked as he joined him at the bow.

  “There,” said Argath, pointing east. “They’ve been pacing us for an hour now.”

  Talon saw the two sleek elven ships with sails like bird wings.

  “If they hail us, I’d like you to act as intermediary. You’ve got more experience with them than any of us.”

  Talon thought of Azzeal, wondering if he and Gretzen had made it back yet.

  “I’ll do my best,” said Talon.

  Soon the two elven ships were joined by more, and the four ships fanned out to surround Freedom and Redemption. When the Skomm ships had nearly reached the northern tip of Elladrindellia, they were met with a blockade of four more elven boats.

  “Should we man the cannons, Captain?” one of the crewmen asked.

  “No,” said Argath. “If they wanted a fight, they would have already brought it to us.”

  “Ship approaching!” yelled the sailor from the crow’s nest.

  “Look smart, men!” said Argath. He signaled over to Captain Eaglewind and awaited the approaching ship coming from the shore.

  Talon Windwalker.

  Talon jerked his head this way and that, wondering who had spoken.

  “Did you hear that?” he asked Argath.

  “Hear what?”

  Tell your captain to follow the flagship into the harbor. There, everything shall be explained.

  Talon realized that the voice was that of an elf.

  “They speak to my mind,” he told Argath. “They want us to follow the ship into the harbor.”

  “What are their intentions?”

  “They said that all will be explained.”

  Argath studied the approaching flag ship with a pensive brow. “I suppose that we have no choice in the matter. Very well.”

  Argath ordered the helmsman to follow the flag ship before signaling Redemption to do the same.

  The flag ship led them to the northernmost tip of Elladrindellia, where steep cliffs overlooked the rocky shore. A harbor carved out of those cliffs housed many elven ships.

  Tell your captain to drop anchor. We will send a boat for you shortly.

  Me? What do you want with me? Talon spoke in his mind, hoping that the words would be heard.

  All will be explained.

  “They want us to drop anchor. They’re sending a boat out for me,” said Talon.

  Argath looked concerned; still, he did as the strange elven voice commanded. Freedom and Redemption dropped anchors and waited. The crew looked pensive and watched the ships with trepidation.

  “Steady now, men,” Argath warned as the promised boat sailed out to join them.

  Talon watched as the small vessel approached. He could make out half a dozen figures standing at the helm; one among them stood heads over the others, and as it approached, he recognized the tall figure.

  “Amma Gretzen!” he gasped.

  “What’s this?” Argath asked, squinting to see better.

  Talon took a closer look. “It is her,” he said joyfully.

  “Keep your head,” said Gill, who was suddenly behind Talon. “It could be a trick.”

  The elven ship stopped a few yards from Freedom, and a long plank grew out of the side and attached itself to the rail.

  “I ask permission to board,” came the cracking, familiar voice of Gretzen.

  “Permission granted,” said Argath.

  Gretzen and two elves walked up the plank, and Talon was there to help her on board. She wore long flowing robes like the elves, which gave her a mystical quality. When her feet touched down on the deck, she took up Talon in a big hug and held him at length, stroking his hair.

  “My boy, you’ve grown,” she said with a smile.

  “It is good to see you, Amma. I’m glad that you found your way from Volnoss safely.”

  “My name is Argath,” said the captain, tilting his head back in respect.

  “Yes, I have seen you in my dreams,” said Gretzen. “You have made your people proud.”

  “What’s going on, Amma? What do the elves want with me?”

  “The elf will soon stand trial. He asked that you stand in his defense.”

  “Trial? Trial for what?”

  Gretzen glanced at the ring on Talon’s finger. “He will explain more.”

  “How long will all of this take?” Argath asked. “We have business in the north.”

  “I know not,” said Gretzen. “Elves are fickle, not good at straight answers.”

  “It’s alright,” said Talon. “I will go and speak with them, see if they are interested in some sort of trade. We need more food, after all. And medicine would help with the recent sickness.”

  “I help with the sick as well,” said Gretzen. “You rest, Captain. Skomm are safe here with elves.”

  “I’ll be back soon,” said Talon, and he followed Gretzen down the plank to the waiting elven ship.

  Chapter 5

  The Queen of Elladrindellia

  I have seen my death, but I have seen my rebirth as well. I have not told Gretzen what part I see her playing in my resurrection, for I fear that I have meddled enough with the fates. Best to leave it alone.

  -Azzeal, Keeper of the Windwalker Archive

  Talon’s mind buzzed with anticipation as the elven ship approached the dock. There was a large group of elves waiting there, some on horseback, others standing, their flowing robes and cloaks dancing in the easterly breeze.

  Gretzen stood beside him quietly, as stoic and mysterious as ever. He watched her closely, though he tried not to show it; there was something about her, an energy, or an aura, that Talon could not place. She had a light in her eyes that he had never seen. It was as if decades of worry had been washed from he
r mind.

  “Where is Azzeal?” Talon asked.

  “We speak more after you have been greeted by the queen,” said Gretzen.

  “The queen!” Talon blurted, then bent his head and leaned closer to her. “The queen?”

  “Yes, queen and elders very interested in you. Not often foreigners allowed on these lands. You are first Skomm to do so. Mind your manners.”

  Talon suddenly felt terribly underdressed. His brown trousers, white undershirt, and dark brown vest were clean enough, but compared to the elegant attire of the elves, he looked like a beggar.

  His trepidation tripled when he spotted the queen standing with her guards at the end of the long dock. She wore a dress of brilliant silver, which sparkled and shimmered in the noonday sun like winter stars. Her crown radiated with a light of its own and wreathed her head in a glowing aura, only adding to her radiance.

  The ship stopped beside the dock too soon, and before he knew it, he was following Gretzen to the ramp. His old amma bowed before the elven queen, who looked upon her warmly.

  “My grandson, Talon,” said Gretzen, stepping aside.

  The queen extended her hand, and Talon hesitantly took it, not knowing if he was supposed to kiss it. She smiled kindly.

  “Hello, Talon Windwalker. I have heard so much about you. I am Queen Araveal of Drindellia.”

  “Hello, Queen Araveal. I am honored to meet you.”

  “The feeling is mutual. Please, enter Elladrindellia as my guest.”

  “Thank you, good queen,” said Talon with an awkward bow.

  His amma offered him a nod of approval when he glanced her way, and together they followed the queen across the dock toward the waiting carriage. A long line of elves stood at attention on either side of the dock. They had neither visible armor nor weapons, but Talon sensed that these were potentially very dangerous creatures. He had seen miracles performed by Azzeal, and he couldn’t imagine what the elves could do if they turned such magic to violence. Glancing at them as he passed, Talon noticed how some of them eyed his ring.