Meta Gods War 2

by B N Miles

  “Soap?” he asked.

  “Clean your girls,” Key said.

  Felin moved closer and kissed his shoulder. “Clean me good, shaman, or you’re sleeping alone tonight,” she said and handed him the soap.

  He laughed. “I doubt it. But I promise I’ll do my best.”

  He kissed Felin then turned back toward Key and kissed her. Felin laughed and splashed Cam, and they floated into the middle of the bath together to enjoy a little time off in the warm, comfortable water.

  6

  The first light of morning filtered in through the window as Cam stood beside the wooden table lacing up his leather armor. Key lounged on the light brown couch, already dressed and ready, her spear leaning next to the door. Miuri packed some road rations she had prepped the night before, placing them carefully into brown leather satchels.

  Felin prowled in front of the door like a wild animal. Cam watched her pace back and forth as he finished with his armor. He stood and stepped toward her. She looked up as he approached and her eyes narrowed.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “Anxious to get outside,” she said.

  He nodded. “I hear you. But try and stay calm. We still have a little while to go.”

  She let out an exasperated grunt. He knew she’d been struggling in the caves lately and yearned to get out under the sun. The last few days he’d caught her standing alone in front of the window, staring out at the valley below, breathing the crisp fresh air deep into her lungs and basking in what little sunlight she could feel on her skin. He hated that she had to hide what she was and couldn’t live in the open, but they all knew what would happen if anyone found out a Werewolf was living among them.

  And he wasn’t going to risk her safety, not for anything.

  “I don’t know how your people do it,” she said. “Living in this giant cage. My people don’t do well in cages.”

  “Mine don’t either,” Cam said. “But normally, people can come and go from the Mansion. Things are just strange right now.”

  “I hate it,” Felin said. She stopped pacing and faced him. “I feel like I’m being crushed bit by bit. Every day, more and more, crushed smaller and smaller, and soon I’m going to be nothing.”

  Cam put an arm around her shoulder and hugged her against him. He kissed her hair and her cheek.

  “We’ll be outside soon,” he said. “I promise.”

  She nodded a little and forced a smile on her face. Cam let her go and she ran over to sit down with Key.

  Miuri drifted into the center of the room with a pack slung over one shoulder. She distributed the other satchels, and Cam threw his over his body crosswise, letting its weight settle on his back.

  “Everyone ready?” he asked.

  “About time,” Key said, hopping to her feet. She threw her own pack on her back as Felin kicked her feet in the air then jumped over to the door.

  “We have to meet up with the others first,” Cam said. “This is the hardest part, so everyone be quiet, please.”

  Key joined Felin at the door and nudged against the wolf girl. Fel nodded at her and forced a smile on her lips. Miuri came to Cam and slipped a hand through his arm.

  “Ready, shaman?” she asked.

  “Ready,” Cam said.

  Miuri smiled and headed to the door. She slipped between Key and Felin then pushed it open and they moved into the hall as a group. Cam took up the lamp and held it aloft as he shut the latched the window. He closed the door and locked it for the first time using their only key, a heavy brass thing with a rounded ornate end, and followed the others through the stone maze after tucking the key into his leather satchel.

  The way to the main cavern wasn’t difficult, but they had to meet with Dagan first. Cam followed a small mark on the floor, just three parallel lines with a circle at the end of them, the signal for the storage facilities. He marched through the halls and they passed very few people, and all of them were low ranking Wardens that didn’t pay them any mind.

  Cam knew the Wardens reported to First Warden Dore more or less everything they saw in the caverns, and nothing could happen without the fat man hearing about it, but he didn’t care what the Wardens did now.

  It was too late to stop them without violence.

  He turned left down a short slope and followed the hall that connected the eastern wing with the western wing. The west wing of the Mansion held twice the number of people and was almost packed full. Cam liked the quiet of the eastern wing, but he had to admit that the noise and action of the west wing felt like living in a normal village at times. People walked past them, mostly villagers dressed in browns, greens, and grays. The women had long flowing skirts with multicolored patches up along their hems, and the men looked haunted from work. Nobody paid them any mind, though Cam noticed some folks stopped speaking when they got near.

  He stopped just outside of a wooden door at the end of a long, abandoned hallway. There were no other lamps lit nearby, and the only other light spilled out from underneath the door and all around the cracks. Cam gave Miuri a look and nodded. The Elf pushed it open and they stepped into the room as a group.

  Dagan was the first to turn, his face tense, but he relaxed as soon as he realized it was Cam.

  “You’re late,” Dagan said.

  Cam shrugged and scanned the room, a smile coming to his face.

  Fifteen Medlar warriors were spread out around the large space. Sacks of grain were stacked all along the walls, and there was room for much more on the empty stone floor, but it had been depleted over the last few days as Lord Remorn tapped deeper into his stores to feed the swelling Mansion population. Cam knew that was going to be a problem, but it wasn’t pressing. This was just one of hundreds of storerooms spread all throughout the mountain.

  Fifteen men watched him, including Theus, Kenden, Godug, Yarin, Marap, and Rador. He nodded to them and felt a strange relief wash over him. He realized there was a part of him that thought they might not come.

  Theus approached and they clasped forearms. Cam’s eyes flicked up to the still-healing burns that licked along his neck and onto his face, and he felt a stab of regret and self-loathing. He thought of those burns every night, of losing control of his magic and hearing his friend scream in pain.

  Cam hadn’t seen Theus in over a week, not since before they arrived at the Mansion. He was left in the care of an Elven healer, and although Cam was told repeatedly that Theus would be fine and would rejoin everyone soon, he couldn’t stop worrying.

  And now, finally, his friend was back. He felt a surge of both joy and pain.

  “Glad you came,” Cam said, then pulled his friend into a hug. “I was worried you might not be able to.”

  “And miss all the fun?” Theus pulled back and stomped the butt of his spear on the floor, the clatter echoing throughout the room.

  “Still, you’re okay, right? You can… handle this?”

  Theus nodded. “That Elf healer put all sorts of nasty smelling crap all over my skin, but it barely hurts anymore.” He twisted his head and lifted his arm. “I can move around, no problem.”

  “All right,” Cam said and hesitated. “I just… if you’re not up for it. You can stay behind.”

  “Cam.” Theus put a hand on his shoulder. “I’m okay. I really am. This is important, and I’m not about to be left behind.”

  “Yeah.” Cam forced himself to grin at his friend. “But you look like hell.”

  Theus laughed “Still more handsome than you.”

  Cam grinned and turned away to look at Dagan. “Where’s Frew?”

  “I don’t know,” Dagan said. “But he’s late now, too.”

  “You told him which storeroom to come to?’

  “Of course,” Dagan said, his tone sharp. “The man runs on his own schedule. He’ll show up.”

  Cam nodded and looked over at Miuri. She hung back toward the door, a frown on her face. Key and Felin moved in to talk to Theus, and Cam took the opportunity to slip awa
y over to Miuri. He joined her at the door and leaned up against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.

  “You didn’t bring your spear,” she said without looking at him.

  “I know,” he said.

  “Is that a good idea?”

  He rubbed at his hair. “I guess you don’t think I’m good enough with the sword.”

  She looked back and frowned at him. “Of course you are, Cam,” she said. “I just didn’t know you were ready to put down the spear.”

  “I’m ready,” he said. “Or at least I guess I’ll never be fully ready, and now’s as good a time as any.”

  She nodded once and a little smile creeped to her face.

  “You’ll be terrifying in battle,” she said.

  “I hope so.” He tilted his head toward her. “What’s wrong, Miuri? You look tense.”

  Her smile faded. “I don’t like that Frew’s late,” she said.

  “He’ll show.” Cam put a hand on the hilt of his sword, resting it there gently. “And we’re not breaking any rules. We can come and go as we please.”

  Miuri gave him a look. “Do you really think that’s true?” she asked.

  “I do,” he said.

  “I’m not so sure. Lord Remorn knows he needs every man to fight for him at this point, and I don’t think he’s above forcing people to take up the spear with violence.”

  “He doesn’t seem like that type,” Cam said.

  “You always want to see the best in people,” Miuri said. “But believe me, Cam. Lord Remorn is a dangerous man.”

  Cam frowned at her and let a grunt escape his chest. He stood leaning against the wall and scanned the room. His warriors seemed in good spirits, talking to each other in hushed tones, lounging around the storeroom with their spears in hand and their shields slung over their backs. Dagan was going over the plan with Theus, Key, and Felin, and for a moment Cam thought they were all back in the Medlar column, still marching to safety.

  But now they’d found it. They’d reached the Mansion, risked everything to get here, and they were going to leave it again for more danger.

  It was the right thing to do. Cam had saved the most vulnerable villagers, and now that they were safe, he could afford to take risks again.

  He had to take risks. He just couldn’t sit back in the Mansion and wait for the world to unfold all around him.

  “Someone’s coming,” Miuri said, perking up and leaning toward the door. “Cam, someone’s coming.”

  “It’s Frew,” he said. “Or a Warden.”

  She chewed her lip for a moment. “I don’t know. I don’t think…” She trailed off, her head cocked. “I think I hear armor.”

  Cam stood up straight. There were several suits of fully plated brass armor in the Mansion, but they were reserved for the Mansion guards. The brass armor was in a wrap style, with a basic chest piece, shoulder and arm pieces, plus several round, interlocking skirt plates to protect the lower body. A high collar protected the lower face, and a helmet completed the suit. There were gaps, but it would take a very skilled warrior to find them.

  “Back up,” Cam said, taking a step away from the door. His hand tensed on the sword.

  “What’s going on?” Key asked, coming over.

  “Someone’s coming,” Miuri said. “Wearing armor.”

  “Are you sure?” Dagan asked, joining them. The other warriors began to stand, some of them gripping their spears tight, some of them taking the shield off their back and preparing it.

  “I’m sure about the armor,” Miuri said. “But I don’t know what it means.”

  “Back,” Cam said, moving the group away from the door. A moment later, he heard footsteps out in the hall, and he heard the dull clank of armor as they banged against each other.

  “Move back,” he said again.

  They formed up just beyond the door. The footsteps got closer then stopped, and Cam could feel his heart racing.

  The door burst open and four guards spilled inside, each of them fully armored. Cam didn’t draw his weapon, but his hand was tense on the pommel. The guards had spears, though they weren’t lowered. His Medlar warriors kept their spears raised and their shields lowered, but they were armed and ready, he could feel them at his back.

  “Hold,” Cam said to the room.

  The guards halted in front of them, staring straight ahead. A moment after they arrayed themselves across from Cam’s group, Lord Remorn stepped in behind them.

  The Lord looked tired. His eyes were puffy and he wore a black tunic that hung down to his mid thighs and a pair of black trousers. His boots were dark brown and covered in oil, enough to make them shine. He stared with an intense expression at the gathered group then held up his hands.

  “Stand down,” he said. “Guards, stand down.”

  “Sir,” the leader said. He had a large plumed feather in his helmet. “These men are armed. We shouldn’t—”

  “Stand down,” Lord Remorn said.

  The guards moved aside and stepped back against the wall.

  “What’s going on?” Cam asked. He stepped forward, meeting Lord Remorn in the center of the two groups.

  Lord Remorn’s eyes drifted onto Cam and he let out a breath.

  “I thought it would be you,” he said. “I hoped it wouldn’t, but here we are.”

  Cam’s jaw tensed. He was ready to fight if he had to, but he didn’t want it to come to that.

  “Lord, we’re gathered here to help,” Cam said. “We have no quarrels with you or your men. We only want to go back out and do what needs to be done.”

  Lord Remorn stared at him for a long moment before letting out another breath. He rubbed his face with one hand and gestured at Cam.

  “I know that,” he said. “Elder Frew told me all about your plans.”

  Cam sucked in a sharp breath and glanced over at Dagan who looked shocked. His face was white and his mouth hung open like he’d just been stabbed.

  “Why would he do that?” Cam asked.

  Lord Remorn snorted. “Because he’s not a stupid man. You wouldn’t have been able to leave the Mansion without me knowing, so you might as well speak with me first. Honestly, Camrus, did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”

  “I knew you would,” Cam said. “But I hoped you would’ve found out after we were already gone.”

  “Well, that’s not how things happened,” Lord Remorn said, almost sounding wistful.

  “We want to go, Lord,” Cam said. “We are going, whether you approve or not. We aren’t prisoners here.”

  Lord Remorn gave him a strange look then shook his head. “Of course, you’re not prisoners,” he said. “And of course you’re free to go if you want to.”

  Cam didn’t relax. “We’re all free to leave the Mansion?” he asked. “Right now?”

  “Yes,” Lord Remorn said, seeming resigned. “Of course you are. I wouldn’t hold you against your will, Cam. Elder Frew came to me and explained the plan, and while I don’t think it’s the best use of our resources, I’m not going to stand in your way.”

  Cam opened his mouth then shut it again. Dagan stepped up next to him.

  “You’re giving us your consent, Lord?” Dagan asked.

  Lord Remorn nodded sharply. “I’m not happy about it, but you were going to do this without my knowledge regardless. So I might as well play along.”

  Dagan gave the man an appraising look. “Thank you, Lord,” he said.

  “What about Elder Frew?” Cam asked. “If we’re allowed to go and do as we wish, where is he?

  “Elder Frew and his men are waiting in the main caverns for you,” Lord Remorn said. “They have been outfitted and supplied by the Mansion, so you’ll find your journey is going to be more comfortable than you realized.”

  “Then why weren’t we told before now?” Cam asked.

  Lord Remorn stepped forward, his eyes hard, his jaw tense. He spoke in a low, quiet tone, but his words echoed through the small space. He was inches away from Cam, who
could tell the Lord was trying to be intimidating, but Cam towered over him.

  “Because I wanted you to understand, Cam,” he said. “I own the Mansion. Nothing happens here without my knowledge and consent. Do you understand me? Nothing.”

  Cam stared back at him and felt his eyes narrow and his muscles tighten.

  “I understand, Lord Remorn,” he said

  “Good.” Lord Remorn turned and walked to the door. “I will escort you and your men to the main caves. And from there, you are free to do as you wish. Captain, with me.”

  The guards filed out after Lord Remorn, and Cam had only a second to look back at his people.

  Key gave him a hard frown and Felin looked angry. Even Miuri seemed confused, her head tilted to the side. Most of the warriors seemed relieved, though, probably because they were no longer sneaking around the back of the Lord of the Mansion.

  “Come,” Cam said. “Let’s get moving.” He turned and followed the guards out of the storeroom. He felt Dagan exit behind him, and heard the others file out after that.

  Cam didn’t like this turn of events. He knew Lord Remorn would never give them his blessing if there wasn’t some sort of profit in it for him. And Elder Frew going to Lord Remorn behind their backs was a very bad sign. Cam knew he didn’t have many allies on the council, and he thought Frew was someone he could genuinely count on.

  He was wrong about that, and now Cam didn’t think he could trust Frew. That was going to make this mission much more difficult.

  But it still had to be done. Politics shouldn’t get in the way of action, and Cam couldn’t sit idly by anymore. Maybe this was the wrong move, and it might weaken his position in the Mansion, but he couldn’t bother himself with that.

  All he cared about was getting outside of the mountain and into the open air again.

  Because out there, his enemies were gaining strength every day, and he was intent on stopping them.

  7

  True to his word, Elder Frew brought another fifteen of his own warriors. Most carried spear and shield, though he had five bowmen with him. After Lord Remorn gave them his blessing, the group gathered together and marched out into the early morning light.