Alderich’s words had brought complete silence among the seats of the great hall. Soon though, a distinct voice engulfed what had been recently serene. “Yes, yes, Alderich Ashener, I believe we have heard this all before. And when the forces of Thorne do sweep over Bannar like a cleansing wave, will you still be talking as you are now? Will you let our enemy vanquish us as you drown out our fears with words?”
Ashelia, three seats down from Alderich murmured her dismay. “It’s Corzon,” she murmured.
Vaalin Corzon strolled down the center aisle. His steps were quick and certain. His boots rapped the floor beneath him with seeming contempt. The sentiment appeared to match his face as well. For generations the Corzon family sat near the borders of Thorne and Vallance, ruling Morganne almost since its inception. A proud lot, they held a deep family tradition, passed down from one generation to the next. Like most of Morganne, the Corzons were famous for being warriors of the gun and masterful gunslingers by trade.
Vaalin had long, greasy black hair held back in a ponytail. He wore a dark, finely trimmed mustache over a condescending smirk. A large, leather coat masked his clothes. On his waist were two holsters holding pistols common to the gunslingers of Morganne. Sleek and silver, these pistols each bore a dark handle with symbols denoting a Corzon heritage full achievement. The handles of Vaalin’s pistols revealed his leadership over Morganne and the deadliness he possessed to keep that title.
Alderich nodded his head in their direction. His face remained impartial. “The hall recognizes and welcomes Vaalin Corzon, leader of Morganne. I trust you had a safe journey,” he said. No emotion filled his words. For as long as Norryn could recall, his father and Vaalin had held a strained relationship. Whatever had caused this rift between them, Alderich had never revealed to his son.
Vaalin offered a mocking bow to the ruler of Vallance. “Thank you deeply for your concern, Alderich.” He lifted his head, keeping his tone emotionless but was unable to vanquish all the mocking tones. “The people of Morganne sleep better in our beds knowing that you think so highly of our well-being here in Bannar. I have reassured my people that those here in the capital have not forgotten us entirely and we can still be faint afterthoughts in the reaches of Vallance.”
Alderich rubbed absently at his temples with one hand as his face shimmered with amusement. We have played this game before, far too many times, in fact. “So, what can we do for you today? I know you didn’t come so far to administer hollow pleasantries in this great hall. If it were the case, you would have just sent a courier.”
Vaalin straightened up, putting his arms behind his back. “Actually, we have come here today to see how you planned to address this threat of Thorne. It seems we have come only to hear more of the same, complacent inactivity. Live and let live. You can afford to be generous and passive down here behind Bannar’s walls, but the rest of us live out there in the real world, where such a view could kill us quickly enough,” he said, pointing forcefully toward the exit. “When are you people going to remove the veil and see what is going on with your own eyes?”
Alderich’s patience was threatened by such words. “Did you come here to simply make accusations Vaalin, or would you like to participate in something more constructive?” Alderich raised his other hand and motioned to the table and then to the crowd. “The people of Vallance are one. We stand or fall together. It is my duty to make sure they have all the facts so that we may make the right decisions for all of Vallance."
Vaalin’s eyes narrowed in disgust at this. “You hide behind the people as much as they hide behind you.”
Norryn looked to his father. Alderich now had his arms crossed, but he was smiling. It was Cethric first to speak. “What I see, Vaalin, is a man eager to tempt the fates, adding only to the fuels of dissension and fear. Unless of course there is some information that you can share with us and if so, I would hope you would offer this insight freely. The people of Morganne are as important to Alderich as every region of Vallance. I know you would not send yours to die needlessly and he has intention of doing the same. Perhaps your view on this subject is a hasty one.”
Vaalin was unaffected by this. “And what I see, old man, are a bunch of soft-hearted fools ignorant of the realities that be. I have come here to be heard. Who of you has the steel to hear me now? Who is prepared for the truth you have for so long foolishly denied?”
“You have no right to cast blame such blame.” That was Ashelia. Though she was still young, Ashelia held much renown as a healer in Solace. She wore dark hair short as she clasped and rested her hands upon the table. Her features were quiet, yet her voice held solid determination. “This is no leisure chess game. These are life and death choices with lasting consequences. One wrong move, one miscalculation, one temper flared could be disastrous. Is it your wish to hurry to bloodshed?”
Vaalin fixed a predatory gaze upon the Bannar healer. “I hurry nothing, my dear. Bloodshed is coming whether you wish it or not. When the beds of your infirmaries are overflowing with the wounded and dying, you will not have this conviction in your words. Some disputes can only be resolved with a sword. The question is, what side of the blade will you be on when it happens?”
Brenn Ainsley stood finally, pointing a finger at Vaalin. The muscles in his arm tensed, revealing his healthy physique and frustration. “Is that all you and your gunslingers know, how to rain death down with those weapons you hold? When did life’s value become so low to you? Your abilities have inflated your own self-importance and condescension to unhealthy levels.”
From behind Vaalin the young woman’s head finally rose. Her eyes lit up as she took two steps forward. At that remark, her right hand slowly yet instinctively went toward the pistol at her left hip. Vaalin put his arm out, stopping her motion. Collecting herself, she withdrew and returned to the same stance she held only seconds ago. The Morganne leader instructed her to remain calm before returning his attention to the table.
Vaalin shook his head then. His face wore a sad smile. “I knew coming here was pointless. You still do not see, do you? Do you know what you are called in Thorne? The people of Vallance, especially in Bannar, are known as monsters. You are magicians, tricksters and unholy beings, just to name a few. You are godless creatures with the power to corrupt the mind and taint the heart. Does this bother you, to know that there is an entire populace taught to hate and fear you from childhood? Does it shock you to know that children are put to bed, and their bogey man is none other than Alderich Ashener? Impossible you say? Fear can be powerful in its motivation. Thedron Ralick has proven this and will prove it again when he comes here to kill every last one of you. You are foolish to underestimate him and his reach.”
There was quiet again. Many had heard of such stories from the north, Alderich being one of them. Elnaar Fortis stood then to address this. Elnaar was a devoted citizen and many years the elder to Alderich. Despite the age difference, Alderich had called him a friend for many of those years. Elnaar said few things at the town hall meetings, but when he did speak his wisdom was well regarded. When he stood, the room gave him its complete attention.
Below long, silk white hair he scratched his head, lost in thought. Finally, he pulled his focus up and looked at Vaalin and his companions. “What you have said here may hold much truth. I have seen many things in 168 years, but even I have barely scratched the borders of Thorne. There are many such tales, and I have even witnessed the fear of which you speak. Nevertheless, fear is not justification for bloodshed. It has always been this way. We must strive for peace. I think I speak for all of us at the table by saying that we stand behind Alderich. We must keep our wits about us until a solution presents itself.”
“There will be no such solution, at least not one you will agree to. Or stomach, for that matter,” said Vaalin.
“You do not know this.” That was Esaundra Denore, sister of Enora Ashener, making one of her rare appearances at town meetings. Her voice was rich and clearly audible to all.
/> “You will see. Bannar will fall because of collective ignorance.”
Brenn Ainsley slammed a fist onto the table. “You are out of line, Corzon!”
“No sir, it is you who are out of line!” Vaalin’s voice boomed harsh echoes through the hall. He took steps toward the table. One hand clenched white while the other pointed to those at in attendance “Fools! I have come here to warn you, and still you proceed to spit in my face. You have not heard me before but hear this: It is just a matter of time for you.” He turned to those in the audience. “And for you. And your children.”
Alderich could take no more. “Vaalin, please! Have your wits about you! This is no way to make your point. If you have something to say, say it, but not like this. This is getting us nowhere. I ask you, old friend, come join with us and let’s find a solution to the problem that we now face.”
The gunfighter put his hands up in front of him. “No Alderich. Dispense of your pleasantries. There will be no friendship today. As pointless as this has been for us, you have been warned. Ready yourselves, all of you. More than that I cannot say.”
“Cannot or will not? With you, I’d bet the farm on the latter.” That was Geyre Windfalls, the most famous knife fighter in the lands of Vallance. He was clearly unimpressed with the Morganne leader’s tirade.
Vaalin stared at Geyre for a long breath, teeth clenching. “I have spoken my peace. Farewell,” he said finally. Casting one more glance at the table, Vaalin turned and made his way for the exit.
Alderich called for a recess then before pursuing Vaalin, Norryn hot on his heels. As they departed from the meeting hall, the crowd erupted in discord. Those seated at the table looked at each other with solemn, contemplative faces. Geyre Windfalls was the exception to this. Shaking his head in humored amazement, the young man kicked his feet on the table. “Well that was a hell of a lot of fun,” he said.
{10}
Alderich and Norryn quickly gained ground on Vaalin and his company. The day still held life, and with the preparation of the Grand Harvest under way, no one seemed to notice as the Vallance ruler pursued Morganne’s keeper. Alderich’s guards soon caught up but he ordered them away. Vaalin continued walking, oblivious to any words that came from Alderich. Finally, Alderich caught up to the gunfighter and grabbed one of his arms. Vaalin turned around to face him with fury in his eyes.
“–if you’d only listen for a moment, Vaalin. The unified counsel of Vallance is on their way to Bannar as we speak. Together we can decide on a path best suited for all of–”
Vaalin brushed Alderich’s hand from his arm. “Unified? You call us unified? That is a day Morganne will never see. The time for talk is over, Alderich. I will not be forced to stand by as you all dig your graves and wait. I will not let you ask that of me. You are avoiding the inevitable. There is much that you don’t see yet, and it will cost you dearly.”
Alderich’s features softened. He tried one last time at reason. “Then stay, old friend. For the good of Vallance, we need your strength. You and I have endured much in the formation of Vallance. Morganne is and will always be an ally and part of our great nation. But differences need to be behind us now. Our nation cannot be divided in such a time. I’m asking you to please hold on for just a while longer. Your seat awaits you on the council.”
Vaalin looked at his companions and then back at Alderich and his boy. “I cannot wait. My seat shall remain empty. I have a duty to protect Morganne and our families. And I want you to be the first to know. When this war comes, and it will, we will not be involved in it. Morganne will tend to its own.”
Alderich bowed his head for a moment. Finally, his eyes met Vaalin’s once more. “I cannot stop you from this decision this I know. But I believe you are making the wrong one. I ask you to reconsider, Vaalin. No matter our quarrels, you are a man of honor. Morganne is just as much of a part of Vallance as Bannar. Your strength in the Unification War revealed your commitment and loyalty to our common dream. Do not give up on it now.”
Vaalin took a heavy step toward Alderich, fists clenched. Redness began to flare at his cheeks as he replied. “You have left me no choice. You will sit and wait for a solution, and all the hells stand ready to unleash upon us! The dream shall die because you stand idly by and do nothing. You know this to be true. I know you see what is really happening. Open your eyes!”
Alderich shook his head. His face revealed the weight of his duty. “My eyes are open, Vaalin. However, mine must see further than just Morganne or Bannar. I am left with decisions that will affect an entire nation. I’m afraid we both are forced to stick to our guns, so to speak on this matter.”
Vaalin lowered his head in defeat. “Then that is how it must be, Alderich Ashener. We are both too stubborn it would seem. I pray for you. And I will tell you this one last time: you must fight!” Vaalin grabbed a piece of Alderich’s tunic, pulling him close to him. “You have no choice! Look at me, Alderich! Hear me, as you never have before. Do it for your people, god’s damn you! Do it for that boy right there, fight now or watch him die!”
Norryn stepped quickly from behind his father, placing his right hand on the grip that snared Alderich’s tunic. Applying focus to a pressure point, Norryn was able to make Vaalin release Alderich before getting between him and his father. His voice was even as he spoke. “I understand your frustration Vaalin of Morganne, but there is no need for this.” As he spoke, Vaalin’s young apprentice drew her gun in reflex, aiming it at Norryn’s temple. Her eyes were wide with genuine horror at her own action.
Vaalin’s head turned around with alarming speed. “Jozlyn!”
Jozlyn could not hide her dismay. Years of trained reflex had mingled with inexperience and emotion. Her bottom lip trembled as she tried to explain her mistake. “I didn’t mean to,” she whispered. The moment hung in the air as all eyes focused on Jozlyn.
Norryn’s hand slowly left Vaalin’s arm. His head turned, and his eyes went passed the silver pistol barrel and into the windows of Jozlyn’s soul. The young boy kept peering deep as Jozlyn’s hand began to tremble. Norryn did not flinch as he raised his hand and gently eased the gun barrel toward the ground. For a long moment, he studied the young apprentice. With his hand still on the pistol, he spoke to her. “There is a soul torn in those eyes.” His pupils danced left and right, studying her green irises. His tone was calm, even, and sure. “You are constantly plagued by questions for which you have no answers. It haunts you, the doubt that comes between your duty and your soul. But I see in you the strength enough to carry through. I know you will follow your heart. In you, I see the person that you think you should be and the woman you shall be if only you allow it. You have a choice to make and I will put my faith in the fact that you will make the right one. When the time comes, do what you think is best in your heart.” Norryn continued to look at her as she slowly placed her weapon back into the holster. She watched him in disbelief before she fled alone from Bannar’s Gate.
Vaalin watched all this, his eyes registering astonishment for the first time that day. He backed away slowly from Bannar’s keeper. When he spoke again, his voice was more subdued than before. “Please excuse my daughter. She still has much to learn. I have spoken my peace. Luck to you and Bannar, Asheners. I am sorry.” Vaalin turned then and was gone.
Alderich and Norryn watched him as he left. They stood in silence for every step until the Corzons were out of sight. Both peered at each other for long moments. Looking up at his father with eyes that seemed ages older than the boy who carried them, he said, “It’s not what he is telling us, but rather what he is not telling us that scares me the most, father.”
For what he had just witnessed, Alderich held no words. He merely nodded, clasping his young son on the shoulder. Just eleven years old and still surprising me at every turn. Finally, they headed back to the hall to face the questions that were waiting for them. Their day, along with this nightmare, was far from over.
{11}
Jozlyn Corzon walked a
gain with her head bowed as her shame burned at the back of her throat. She had allowed anger to hamper her judgment, lowering her standards of reflexes to what she would call reckless. She walked behind the rest in her company, hearing bits and pieces of her father’s reprimands as they left Bannar, but her mind was mostly elsewhere.
“. . . know your gun is not a plaything to parade about . . . taught you better than this to . . . you must have more control of your emotions for such weapons . . . what the hell were you thinking?” Vaalin finally stopped and looked at his daughter. She chose to say nothing, looking up a moment only to bow her head again. She could not hold his gaze in that moment. Finally, he shook his head and turned back again, storming off with her and her cousins in his wake.
Jozlyn found she was too preoccupied to focus on her father. How did he know? How did he see through me so easily? No one had ever read her so well, not even her own family. Anyone else she could have fooled, how was it that this stranger knew in only moments? She was angered and scared equally. How in the world was he so right? Jozlyn held her stomach with her arms and continued to trail the others.
The group became quiet as they finished their way out of Bannar. Jozlyn looked at the town around her. In comparison, Jozlyn believed Bannar to be infinitely more open and inviting. As they walked through the capital, most of the people they passed waved or nodded their hellos, hailing them as heroic gunslingers. She could see it at the corner of her eyes, but still did not dare to look up. She might lose what shred of control she had left and be forced to run the rest of the way. Norryn was right. This was where she wanted to be. Jozlyn took a deep breath and sighed as they reached their mounts. He’s right.
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