It was evident to Shan that the enemies’ conversion made them bulky and slow. Nevertheless, what they lacked in speed they made up for with pure, brute strength. Their appendages were thick and carried a dark, silver coloring that hauntingly reflected the grim flames. Each soldier wore a reinforced chest piece likely protecting whatever flesh and bone that remained. Belts were at their waists, filled with ammo and equipment. Each carried a deadly looking rifle that added to their foreboding appearance. Their gear was a far cry more elaborate than the grunts Shan had scouted days before. No, this was a group of deadly specialists meant to work in small numbers, with enough equipment and strength to raze a town on their own.
Through the crossfire Shan’s men charged forward. Many more were lost trying to breach the enfolding circle of death. Shan sent the last two arrows of his quadbow into another enemy before discarding it. As both arrows sunk their edge into his target, he drew his sword, Modasta. Taking over a year to carve and perfect, the wooden blade was at home in his hands. Tempering had made it strong enough for any metal, and Modasta proved this as it carved its own path through the carnage.
By the time they had passed through the thick of it, only nine of Shan’s squad remained. In the next 50 feet, three more Vallance soldiers found eternal peace through well-placed laser shots. Shan felt there was a chance after that. He knew that he and his men had the advantage of swiftness on foot, and he intended to use that advantage. Shan urged them on as they unleashed a speed that none of their assailants could match. Shan hoped that it would be enough.
It was not.
Shan would have heard the new commotion had he not been distracted. Escaping the carnage of the town had occupied much of his focus. Soon, the vibrations on the ground and the rumbling within the air warned him of approaching Thorne vehicles. Transports that had been hidden until now were hunting them. Shan looked over his right shoulder. Through his thick, light hair, he saw their approach. Large and grotesque, the treads that fueled their motion looked like unquenchable teeth as they tore at the ground while giving chase.
To Shan they were hideous looking vehicles of war, at least 10 feet high and 20 feet long. Their backs were an open bed obviously for carrying soldiers. Two hulking treads beneath the vehicles created their motion. Pure metal in their origin, the transports tore into the Earth for purchase as they barreled along after their quarry. In the corner of his eye, Shan saw smoke pouring from two cylinders behind the main body of one of the large vehicles. Vulgar. They cough venom into the air along with death. At least they are tied to the ground. If it had been one of our vehicles, it would have caught us by now. Shan Fellar ran on.
Shan urged his men to give it their all and more. The ground beneath them was rocky, uneven terrain and Shan intended to use that to the best of their advantage. While the large silver monstrosities had difficulty clearing the obstacles, he and his soldiers did not. Leaping over rock and hill, they proceeded with the utmost ease. Even the ardent blue laser blasts at Shan’s sides did not sway the feeling that was building. We have it now. We are going to make it! He thought jubilantly.
And they almost did.
Shan quickly realized that they were being lured into another trap. Someone had anticipated his intentions and the route he would take. Two more of the large transports emerged from cover, blocking Shan’s route of escape. Soldiers were already standing in the open transport beds, aiming their rifles at Shan and his men. The primed firing line trained on the escaping party, stopping them dead in their tracks. The six survivors now looked upon 30 double-barreled tools of destruction.
While this was enough to dampen the heartiest of spirits, Shan continued to weigh his options, still calculating possible routes of escape. We must make it to Bannar. The council must know of this treachery. It was at that moment that Shan’s blood went cold. Surveying his captors, his heart dropped to his feet. Two of the assailants stood out completely. One was a juggernaut of metal, more so than even the soldiers that had assaulted the town. This did not alter the courage of Shan in the slightest. Even his molten eye burning with satisfaction did not falter Shan’s heart. It was the companion of this metallic monster who plunged an icy dagger into his soul.
My Gods, I know this man, thought Shan painfully. His eyes locked on a man flesh and blood wearing no armor, only a long, tattered cloak over his clothes. Shan’s eyes widened as the man proceeded to place a hood over his head. His eyes and face became nothing more than an ominous shadow. Shan could still feel his eyes as he looked down to the captives below. It was a few seconds before Shan could swallow down enough of his amazement to speak. “I know you!” It was all that he could muster.
“And I know you,” was the hooded man’s reply. “And I wish to thank you. Your attack on this little village has forced the hand of Thorne, a country who has no choice now but to stand against continuing Vallance aggressions. At least that is the spin that will get things into motion.”
All hope left Shan in an instant. His men dropped their weapons to the ground, paralyzed by the same revelation that stilled their leader. Shan spoke again. “But why would you do this? Why you of all people? I don’t understand!” he cried.
The hooded man’s head moved slowly back and forth. “It’s not your place to understand. It is as it should be, nothing more and nothing less.”
Shan knew that he had to make it to Bannar. Alderich Ashener had to know the depth of treachery unleashed on this day. The ignorance of this folly could prove fatal to the entire country. Deep was the betrayal that hovered over the men and women who called Vallance home. “This is utter madness! Surely you see that!” countered Shan.
“Madness rests merely in the scope of perception. What you see before you now is what’s necessary,” the hooded man replied before he sat back down in his seat. He then casually addressed the metal man next to him. “Janzen.”
It was then that a smile burned into the man called Janzen’s scratchy face. It seemed to Shan that this man’s real eye was as cold as the replacement he wore. With a casual flick of a metallic hand, the men around him opened up with their guns. In a few short seconds, Shan saw the rest of his men riddled with blue death. Their screams tore upon him fiercely, as did the realization that he survived their fate at least for the moment. He looked down at the ground around him. Smoke whispered from charred wounds, but at least his men had not suffered long. It was a small comfort at best.
With a deft move of his other hand, the one known as Janzen brought up his own rifle. One shot pierced Shan’s leg. Another blast went into the other. Shan screamed as he dropped to his knees. He would find no support in his legs now. Blood trickled from his smoking wounds, down his knees and onto the ground. It took everything that Shan had to hold himself enough to look at his assailant. However, the man did not finish the job. His gun returned to his side but the satisfied look on his face remained.
“To be honest with’ you son, I was looking forward to killin’ ya.” Janzen wiped his nose with his free hand and spat. “But then it dawned on me quickly enough that letting you live to see what happens next would be worth more than any death I could possibly give you today.” He sat down in the driver’s seat. The rolling monster came to life again. He waved gently to Shan’s direction. “You take it easy now. If and when you get the chance to tell anyone what you have seen it won’t matter none.” With a cold, relishing smile, Janzen spat down at Shan. “The question is though, how do you plan on living, knowing that you have just completely failed your country? Have a nice life now.” Janzen chuckled as his vehicle pressed on and out of sight.
Shan urged himself to his feet, but his legs refused the notion. He dragged out of himself a few inches of pure agony before he collapsed in desperation. There must be something I can do! This can’t be how it ends. I must reach home! Unfortunately, no solution crossed his thoughts through his symphony of pain. Everywhere he looked, he found reminders of his failure in the dead eyes of his men, his friends. Bleeding and hopeless, Shan F
ellar buried his face deep into his hands and wept.
{16}
With heated excitement, Norryn Ashener and Serra Landring both woke excitedly to face the rising enthusiasm that the new day brought them. For several days it had been very difficult for either of them to sleep, with the previous night being the most impossible. The anticipation that both had felt was overwhelmingly troublesome to deny. Autumn was upon them. Summer had finally closed its eyes for the year. The last week entailed the gathering of a great and bountiful celebration.
Now it was time for the Grand Harvest.
It was now the start of a week-long festival that brought all the surrounding communities within the walls of Bannar. It was a week of every year etched easily in the memories of two lifelong friends. The harvest marked the culmination of a season of hard work, and it was a celebration of food, life, friendship, and love. Since Alderich had proclaimed the Grand Harvest week so many years ago, it had been an instant success and joy, drawing thousands from all around the regions of Vallance.
The Grand Harvest lasted for seven days while the country enjoyed a celebration of an all-encompassing scope. Throughout the week, the town filled with drinking, dancing, singing, readings, games of skill and chance as well as contests of strength and knowledge. It was a celebration that carried through every major town of Vallance, but none were as splendid as Bannar’s. Alderich himself had seen to it to add many great events, including fighting tournaments and night displays that filled the evening skies with great works of fire and beauty, or fireworks as the kids were apt to call them. It was almost impossible to cover it all in a week, but most of the participants were determined to acquire as much of the fun as humanly possible.
The seventh day marked a day of great respect for the gifts given and the work needed to produce them. A tremendous feast followed and lasted for hours. After the meal came a few hard-earned hours of rest before the masses headed back to their homes. The residents of Bannar opened their doors for friends and strangers alike. Others found shelter within Bannar’s Gate and Solace, but at this time of year the town was always beyond full capacity and welcomed it gladly.
As every year for the past five years, Serra and Norryn were up and around before sunrise to watch the still incoming festival participants. As always, Norryn met up with Serra as the sun fluttered its first light on the horizon. For hours, they wandered the streets, talking and planning their upcoming week. Somehow, they never grew tired of the opening hours as Bannar transformed from simple familiarity into a wild and unknown place of colors and splendor.
“So, what should we do this year?” asked Serra as she and Norryn made their way down rows of vendors from all reaches of Vallance.
Norryn rubbed his chin as he thought and calculated his answer. “Everything. If we don’t sleep, we have a shot at pulling it off this year,” he replied whimsically.
“You say that every year,” countered Serra.
“And I mean it every year too.”
“And then we fall asleep.”
Norryn glanced over at her. “I think you use that term ‘we’ a little carelessly, sleepy head.”
“Hey, I am not the only one who fell asleep last time, Norryn Ashener.”
Norryn rolled his eyes. “Oh sure! I go to sleep once because I tried to out eat Lancer Vanmorth, and I never hear the end of it.”
“That’s right. Besides, no one your age should eat that much anyway. It serves you right for trying to beat someone three times your size.”
Norryn patted his stomach proudly. “And I will get him this time too.”
Serra threw up her hands and shook her head and curls. “Oh, here we go again! Didn’t you learn your lesson last year? No one out eats Lancer.”
“Yet. Though I am getting pretty close,” said Norryn as he smiled. Serra rolled her eyes at this, and they walked on.
The two of them would continue through the town until darkness blanketed the streets and sky. Somehow, both would catch a deep and long nap, knowing the importance of resting before the true festivities commenced. It was going to be a wonderful week. Norryn and Serra were ready to enjoy every single waking moment.
It was going to be a week that they swore never to forget.
{17}
“Your youngest son grows stronger in intelligence, spirit and charm daily, if nothing else, sis. And for that, you can always be proud.”
Enora smiled in the mirror at the reflection of her only sister lazing on her bed. “Thanks for the reassurance. But fear not, Esaundra. One of these days, my son will sprout and match every bit of the man he is on the inside. Until then, he’s perfect just the way he is.”
Esaundra giggled, looking very much like the spitting image of Enora, save for shorter hair, a sharper nose and more rambunctious eyes. “I’m sure every parent says that,” she said teasingly.
“And I hope that every parent feels the same about their children as I do of mine.” Enora looked back at her younger sister. “Perhaps you should have a child of your own and find out.”
Esaundra somehow managed to relax herself further on Enora’s bed. “Oh no, sister, not me. Being married was enough for a lifetime. I’ll leave the matrimony mushy stuff to you and Alderich.”
Enora shook her head. Rarely did they talk of Esaundra’s husband, who died five years ago. Enora sought to change the subject quickly. “You were always one for the carefree life. I don’t know what would happen should responsibility ever be thrust upon you,” she said.
Enora’s sister looked clearly pained at the notion. “And what responsibility would you wish to be thrust upon me?” Esaundra sat up at this. “Life is good as is. You have found your calling, and I mine. Why mess with a good thing?”
“If you say so, sis.”
“And I do.”
Enora put down her comb before swinging around toward her sister. She had rounds to make, especially at Solace, and she knew that like always Esaundra was visiting before the responsibilities swept Enora to the part of the day that Esaundra would not follow. “You should come with me. It might do you some good to experience a day at Solace.”
Esaundra shrugged helplessly. “I’d love to, sis, believe me I would, but alas, I have . . . dinner plans.”
Enora saw through this easily. “I think you mean another date,” she said as she eyed her younger sister.
Esaundra pretended to think on these words. “Well you could call it that, yes.”
“I think that would make three in so many days, Esaundra,” said Enora.
“But who's counting anyway?”
Enora shrugged. “I normally wouldn’t, but it dawns on me that you got here only two days ago.”
“Details, details,” muttered Esaundra as she sat up on the bed. “Now I am not saying your life is dull Enora. I mean it’s far from that. It’s just not the one for me.”
“What’s his name this time?” Enora went on unperturbed.
“Oh, sis, it’s not like that. There is something special to this one.”
Enora sighed and shivered, recalling some of her sister’s more vivid accounts. “I think we’ve covered this chapter before.”
Esaundra put her hands out, and they remained animated as she continued to talk. “No, I’m serious this time! I think this one really cares for me. I mean I am not looking for anything serious, but even I won’t say no to a little sense and stability from time to time.”
Norryn’s mother shook her head only slightly as she smiled at her rambunctious sibling. “So, what is this one’s name then?”
“Dendral.”
Enora waited expectantly. “Dendral . . .?”
Esaundra’s grin deepened devilishly. “Just Dendral. And that’s just the way I like it. A little mystery adds such a spice to our encounters.”
“You and your adventures.”
“And believe me, he is adventurous!” Esaundra stood and twirled once before placing her hands on Enora’s shoulders. “He has already taken me to places I’ve longed t
o go for some time now!”
Enora scowled at her sister through the mirror. “And tell me then, sis of mine, have these adventures carried further than the bedroom?”
Esaundra gave her sister a playful push. “Oh, sis! Just be happy for me for a change! I am alive, and the world is right, and nothing is going to sway that, not even you being a sour, clucking hen.”
Enora’s eyes narrowed devilishly “Careful with your words. It is still within my power to not only force you to babysit my son, but also give him leave to do his worst.”
Esaundra gasped and froze. “You wouldn’t dare. Not twice in one lifetime.”
Enora smiled with grim satisfaction. “Shall I have his travel bags ready for when you return to Rahn after the festival? I think a week or two with Norryn will give you a fresh perspective, not to mention keep Sindara and her town on their toes.”
Esaundra backed away. “You are an evil sister. Not many people know that about you, but there it is. And that is why I never tell you when I come or go.”
Enora grinned victoriously. “Well I do want you to know what you are missing, and Norryn can give you months of experience in a matter of days.”
Esaundra headed to the door, carefree as ever. “No need, sister of mine. I live all my seriousness through you, and that is enough for me. I was destined to live this life, just as you were destined for yours. Let’s not try to muck up our fates and be content with our blessings. I love you and I’ll see you tonight!” Then Esaundra was out the door and gone.
Ashener's Calling Page 11
