The Rising Past: Book 2 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series

by J. G. Gatewood

  Raythum stood. “Yes, High Clan Chief. It all started this morning…” He retold the day’s events while Morlidon translated. He felt it important the Kahloom stayed informed during the entire conversation so there’d be no secrets.

  Ulor and the other clan chiefs listened in wonder as the story unfolded. He could tell many of them had questions, but he asked for them to wait. He felt it vital for the chiefs to hear all of the information, and hoped most of the answers they sought would come out.

  “Leaving the Kahloom little options—as we had them surrounded and wished for no further bloodshed—General T’Kahl agreed to accompany us to seek an audience with you in the hope that an amicable solution could be reached,” Raythum concluded.

  Ulor nodded his head in understanding. He turned and addressed T’Kahl. “Thank you for taking this step. I know it cannot be easy for you. We, the Dwarves, share a similar trait with the Kahloom and if the situation were reversed, I know I would seek out the same form of revenge that has been driving your people for generations.” He let Morlidon, and his translations catch up before continuing. “Let me start by apologizing for any and all pain and misery the Dwarves may have caused the Kahloom in the past.” His eyes spoke to the sincerity of his words. While the words may have come off as generic, he hoped the caring displayed in his body language would be enough to get them to understand. Of course, some of it would be lost through the translation process.

  He waited for T’Kahl’s acknowledgment before proceeding. “I wasn’t there when my ancestors robbed all you hold dear. I have heard the stories and it pains me to realize how much we took advantage of the Kahloom—and other innocent races as well—to further our own cause. If we can find a peaceful solution to the current state of affairs, I vow to do whatever I can to repay you and your people. It’s my hope one day we may look upon each other as friends.”

  T’Kahl studied the Dwarf for a long moment. “I thank you for the kindness you offer today. As I think back on our history, I realize how much hatred and revenge clouded our judgment. We have sacrificed progress in the hope of one day bringing down the Dwarves. It’s clear to me we have wasted our lives on this single point of focus. I didn’t come to this realization until I stared long and hard into Raythum’s eyes this afternoon. It seemed clear he would do whatever it took to protect Drognard. I realized we’d more than likely win the battle, but I would’ve been killed by your Dragon riders, and my armies would have fought on, to see this through to the end.” Morlidon translated for the Dwarves.

  T’Kahl turned and addressed everyone in the chamber. “But at what cost? Many of my own troops would’ve died. Eventually some form of retaliation would have followed, putting my own people—and our future—in great peril. This isn’t something I could allow to transpire under my watch. Which is why I agreed to Raythum’s demands and agreed to his proposal.” He still wore a gruff expression, but his eyes had softened.

  They all turned to the young Human-heir. “It seemed reasonable to seek an alternative solution to all-out war. Everywhere I looked, people were dying. I knew this would lead to the demise of all of our people. There are other demons in this world…demons requiring our full-combined attention. I know it won’t be easy, but we need to find a way to resolve this matter in a way that’ll satisfy the needs of the Kahloom, while preventing further, useless death.”

  Ulor listened intently and pondered the words. “I’m in favor of a peaceful resolution, but what will it take to satisfy you, T’Kahl? And do you even have the authority to sign off on any agreement we might reach?” He leaned forward in earnestness.

  T’Kahl listened to the translation by Morlidon. “I don’t know how you could ever repay us for what you stole from my people so long ago. This kind of conclusion to a battle is a new concept to my people.” He grinned before speaking the next words. “As for your question pertaining to authority, I can assure you I have the full authority of the Kahloom.”

  Murmurings erupted throughout the chamber and Ulor had to rap his scepter on the floor to quiet them down. He motioned for T’Kahl to continue. “As the emperor of the Kahloom people, I have the final say in all matters.”

  Ulor looked to have a new respect for the emperor. He hadn’t expected to have the ruler of his enemy fighting alongside his men, let alone in his chamber, and it provided for an interesting turn of events. Ulor stood and spoke. “It’s a pleasure to have your exaltedness in my chamber.”

  T’Kahl stepped forward and bowed his head. “It’s most gracious of you to allow us into your halls. Now, should we get down to business?”

  Ulor liked his abrupt and straightforward manner. “Yes, well, I have a grievance with the Kahloom for attacking my people. You brought the fight to our doorstep and attacked us unprovoked.” The chief smiled. “However, given the past transgressions initiated by my people against the Kahloom, I feel it appropriate for you to issue your demands first.”

  “Most gracious of you.” T’Kahl sat back down before continuing. He rubbed his bald head while considering his words. “I think a good starting point would be for you to return what your ancestors stole from us.”

  “I can understand your reasoning, but you must know the gold taken has long since been used as currency, or melted down for weapons and armor. I’d like to offer you gold from our coffers, but we don’t have enough,” Ulor responded looking troubled at the potential disappointment.

  “I had a long time to think while we traveled here, and it occurred to me this might be the case. What can you offer in place of the gold?” T’Kahl asked angling his head in inquiry.

  “What is it you’re asking? Are you trying to barter with me?” Ulor hid a smirk.

  Raythum could tell they were getting nowhere and decided to intercede when T’Kahl looked about to speak. “If I may?” he asked waiting for the royal acknowledgment to proceed. “If I understand the situation, the Kahloom have been focused on revenge for so long, you’ve spent all of your resources on improving your weaponry and skill for this battle. Am I correct?”

  The emperor nodded his head. “That is correct. For centuries we have been preparing for this day,” he remarked.

  Raythum continued. “I think the answer lies there.” He turned toward Ulor. “You may not be able to repay them in gold, but there are other methods. Assuming we can reach a treaty here today, I’d suggest an opening of commerce and trade. The Kahloom could benefit from an exchange of goods and technology. It could improve the everyday lives of the Kahloom people.” He expanded his arms to encompass the Kahloom soldiers present. “In return, I’m sure several of the races of Askabar could benefit from the weaponry the Kahloom could offer.”

  Raythum noticed how T’Kahl’s eyes grew large. He looked pleased at the prospect. It seemed like a logical proposal, but would it please Ulor?

  The discussions lingered throughout the evening as they ironed out the details. Eventually they reached an agreement, and ordered the troops called back. In addition to the suggestions Raythum made, they also agreed the Kahloom should send citizens to live in Drognard, as well as among the Humans and Elves, as a measure of faith and to unite the different races. Likewise, members of the different races of Askabar would travel to Xarrechan where they would serve as educators and ambassadors to pass along all of the information and technological advances made in the past centuries.

  All in all, Raythum thought it’d been a productive meeting with both sides walking away contented. He felt sure there would be years of distrust requiring effort to overcome, but he thought it would be worth it. Ulor ordered a feast to celebrate the new-found peace between the races. He offered guest quarters to T’Kahl and his guards while dinner was prepared.

  As the Kahloom left the chamber, Ulor said to Raythum and Yordrinn. “If I may have a moment of your time?”

  They stayed back. Ulor waited for the others to leave before he spoke. He beamed with pride and excitement. “I have to say, excellent work today. I never envisioned a situation where
an amicable solution would present itself, let alone be agreed upon by both sides.”

  Yordrinn looked pleased with the congratulatory remarks. “Thank you, sir. The wall consumed all of my attention. Raythum came up with the peace offering on his own. Given the state of the battle, I fear we may well have lost the fight. His quick thinking prevented the end of our race as we know it. Not only that, but he thwarted an assassination attempt targeted at me. He burst into action at the correct moment and incapacitated the would-be assassin. My life will be forever indebted to this young man.” He patted Raythum on the back.

  “Well…I didn’t know what to expect when I first laid eyes upon you. Your quick thinking saved us from a presumed annihilation, and I’m thankful.” His eyes were both solemn and pleased.

  Raythum didn’t know what to say. “Really, it all came down to the look and demeanor of the Kahloom soldiers. When we had T’Kahl and his guards surrounded, I could tell several of the soldiers didn’t agree with what they were doing. It came to me that peace might be an option, so I presented it. I never thought it would work out quite so well. While many died today, we can be comforted in the knowledge countless lives were saved.”

  Ulor grinned. “We’ll thank you when the time is right.” He clapped his hands. “Tonight we dine in celebration of our new-found peace. Come, let us sample the finest foods Drognard has to offer.” He turned and ushered them out of the audience chamber and into the streets of the city.

  The dinner was indeed a celebration; many made new friends, and many remembered fallen comrades. The evening flew by and none of them wanted it to conclude. But as with everything in life, all good things must come to an end. The following day they signed the treaty and a new era of peace began.

  T’Kahl and the Kahloom stayed in Drognard for over a week to finalize their future plans concerning emissaries and trade. Raythum oversaw the affairs to ensure everything remained calm, serving as a liaison. He had to admit, he felt sad when the Kahloom left and promised to visit Xarrechan at his earliest convenience.

  Following the departure of the Kahloom, Raythum informed the Dwarves of his plans for Milenthia and him to depart as well. He had other matters to attend to and needed to report back to his father with the outcome of the battle.

  Ulor approached. “We weren’t anticipating you’d leave so quickly. Before you go, we have one other matter to address. Can you delay your departure until tomorrow?”

  Raythum sighed. He needed to head back, but supposed one more day wouldn’t be an issue. “I think we can accommodate you in this. What is it we have to attend to?”

  A broad smile stretched across the wrinkled and worn face of Ulor. “I cannot divulge any information right now. Meet me in the hall at two strikes past midday and we can wrap it up.”

  Raythum agreed. He couldn’t say he was happy about it, though. He’d spent too much time in Drognard overseeing the treaty as it was, but he didn’t think he was in a position to refuse. He took advantage of the down time to wander through the city. Apparently, the Dwarves had received the news well—people stopped and stared at him in awe, or offered congratulatory words for resolving the conflict.

  He felt embarrassed by all of the attention and his cheeks flushed. He hadn’t expected this much commotion and he needed to get away. Several destinations flowed through his mind; the most logical being his private quarters, but he didn’t want to seclude himself in his room. He continued winding his way through town, following the twists and turns of the curved paths. Eventually he made his way up to the second level and relaxed. There were far fewer people and he felt glad he could think and enjoy the calm.

  He crossed to the opposite side of Drognard by following the stone paths, and found himself standing in front of Yordrinn’s sister’s metal-smith shop. He had met her on a couple of occasions and found her company comforting. She seemed well adjusted and down to earth. Her levelheaded and concise thinking would be just what he needed. He looked through the window and saw her hard at work folding metal on a large black anvil. Her long, braided, red hair fell below her waist, and sweat glistened on her exposed skin.

  He let himself in, rattling the bell on the door and alerting her to his presence. The smell of sulfur permeated the air and smacked him in the face—as did the unbearable heat emanating from the large fire raging in the forge.

  “Come back later, I’m in the middle of something right now,” she barked.

  “Very well, Aglina. I won’t bother you,” he said and turned to leave.

  Upon hearing his voice, she dropped her tools and spun around, surprise written all over her face. “Raythum! What brings you to my dirty little corner of town? Had I know you’d be visiting, I would’ve tidied up a bit.” Her gaze flitted about, then she shrugged her shoulders as if to say ah well—it is what it is.

  He walked forward. “I’d never expect you to go to such lengths on my account. Besides, it was a spur of the moment decision. In fact, I had no idea where I was headed, it just happened. I don’t wish to be an inconvenience.” A smile creased the corner of his mouth.

  She ran forward and embraced him in a hug. “Never you mind. You are welcome to drop by whenever you wish.” She let go and stepped back. “So what can I do for ya?”

  “Nothing really. My intention had been to depart Drognard this morning, but Ulor asked me to stay. He has one more task for me and will reveal it this afternoon, after lunch. Do you have any idea what he is up to?”

  She blushed and shifted her gaze. “No, I haven’t heard anything.” He could tell she was hiding something, but wouldn’t reveal it. She changed the subject. “So you decided to spend your time in the presence of the most important woman in all the land?” She looked around with feigned arrogance.

  Raythum chuckled. She always used comedy as a way to change the subject. “But of course. I couldn’t think of a better person to spend my time with.” He looked over at the anvil. “What are you working on? Is that Ruvenkan steel?”

  “It is, you’ve quite the eye. Not only have you sought the most voluptuous and wickedly talented woman in Drognard, but you recognize superior metal with a glance.” She winked at him.

  He smiled and ignored her comment. “Please, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Continue your work. It’d be an honor to watch a master, such as yourself, at work.”

  Her plump cheeks reddened. Her humor couldn’t hide her embarrassment or her pleasure at his comment. He thought that as much as she boasted, at heart, she seemed a humble and brilliant blacksmith. She moved toward the anvil and motioned for him to follow. “I have an order for a cutlass and I’m in the process of forming the steel.” She placed the block in the fire and let it heat back up. After several minutes, it glowed a bright orange, almost bordering on white.

  She removed the block and placed it on the anvil, before pounding it with her hammer, thinning it out and stretching the metal. It turned a darker shade of orange as the metal cooled. She scored the block longitudinally with an axe she had at hand, and then folded the metal on top of itself. She returned the block to the fire and let it reheat.

  She continued the process several times. He watched, mesmerized at how she handled the task. Her muscles bulged with each blow of the hammer. Soot covered her exposed skin, but disappeared in thin lines where sweat trickled down her oily face. He could never do something like this, nor had he ever taken the time to watch a master of a craft, work for quite so long. The whole process fascinated him.

  She wiped moisture away from her forehead and brushed aside several loose, curly tendrils of hair. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed his longing gaze. She knew he couldn’t be at all interested in her, but she couldn’t help herself. “I can see the way you have been captivated by my beauty, but I would ask you keep your eyes to yourself. I’m much too busy to be occupied by a man.” She sniffed.

  He averted his gaze and chuckled. “You’re a bold woman, Aglina. And I must admit you know how to bring a level of humor to everything you do.”
>
  A bell tolled a single time from the courtyard of the city. Aglina jumped. “By god!” She waited for additional tolls. “Is it one o’clock all ready?” She put down her tools and shuffled him out of the door. “I have an important appointment this afternoon and I must prepare.” She bowed her head. “I thank you for the visit, but I must send you on your way.”

  Feeling a bit taken aback, he turned before leaving her shop. “While I’m a bit surprised by the sudden insistence I leave, I thank you for keeping my mind busy this morning. I’m grateful.”

  “Yes, yes. The pleasure was all mine, and what-not. I promise I will make more time to meet with you before you leave, but I’m now in a bit of a rush. I thank you to take your leave.”

  She shoved him out the door and into the street leaving him confused, and if truth be told, amused as well. He turned and looked at the empty corridor as he heard her lock the door and put up a closed sign. He still had over an hour before he needed to meet Ulor, and he felt hungry. He looked for the nearest tavern and went in. He chose a secluded corner of the establishment with poor lighting, hoping people would leave him alone. He placed his order and sat back in the comfortable chair, watching the Dwarves come and go, as he indulged himself in a couple mugs of ale. In no time at all, he had almost forgotten all about his meeting with Ulor. He dreamed of his home in Havenbrook and longed to be on the road, heading west on the back of Milenthia. The time ticked by as he found himself lost in thought.

  A Celebration

  Raythum walked down the stone streets of Drognard, heading for the great hall. He found it odd Ulor had requested a meeting here, but let the feelings pass. He couldn’t help but think the city felt far too empty, given how busy and crowded it’d been only hours before. It seemed several of the shops had closed for the afternoon, and feelings of uneasiness crept into his mind. With each step he took, more apprehension flooded his body and he wished he had already departed the confines of Drognard.