Chapter 15
Rommus snapped awake from a dream. In the near darkness it took a few moments before he remembered where he was and how he got there. Off to his right, he could see the form of Alana sitting with her arms wrapped around her knees keeping watch. He had chosen this place in the woods because it was in a large dent in the ground, something like a tiny valley, and the horizon could be clearly seen all around. They simply had to look up slightly to see any forms moving in the moonlight.
He was unsure of the time, but he knew it must be close to sunrise. The events of the night before were still blurry, but some memories were returning to him. He was also having less trouble remembering things about his life, but things were still not making sense to him. There was a large part missing from the center of all of this, but he couldn't quite put words to the feeling.
"Are you awake?" Alana asked.
"Yes, I am now. I assume you didn't see anything on your watch?"
"No, just a few small animals making noise, but no people. How do you feel?"
"I feel fine. No headache or anything like I was expecting to have. Actually, I feel really good, like well rested and energized. What time is it?"
"Not quite sunrise. What are we going to do about food? I am starving."
He sat up on the robe he was using for a bedroll. "We'll wait a while until there's a little light and then we'll head for Taburdum. It's only a little more than two hour's walk from where we are now. It could be a little longer though. It's hard to tell how far we came in the darkness and I don't know exactly where we are."
"What are you going to do about a shirt?" Alana asked.
He looked down at where his shirt should be and saw bare skin. "Good question. I guess I'll have to cut this robe up and make it look like one. I could buy one in Taburdum if I had any money with me, but I don't think going back to Brinn to get money or another shirt is a good idea. Maybe something will work out when we get to Taburdum."
She put her hand in front of her mouth as she yawned. "Can you remember anything more about last night?
He tried to talk over his own yawn. "No, I don't remember anything new. Everything seems somewhat normal except for a big gap in the middle, and I am not remembering much before meeting up with you in the halls beneath the city. Can you fill in anything I am missing?"
"Well like I said before I was captured after I saw them stab you with that sword you have there, so all I really remember is a cold wet cell. Eventually one of the Mages came to my cell and questioned me. I made him believe I was an ally of some kind and they put me in that room with a guard. I was able to kill him and take his place, and that's when I heard all the commotion and met up with you."
"I got stabbed. I forgot about that." He abruptly sat up straighter. "Oh no, Uritus and Mirra! I remember I had gone to see her. I caught them together and I was stabbed when I was leaving."
"Who is Uritus?" she asked.
"He was a friend of mine when we were younger," he said with his head resting in his hands. "We grew apart somewhat as we got older, but he is the son of the Emperor, so I still see him all the time. I can't believe he would do this to me. They were both so cold about it too."
"You mean you walked in on the two of them together and they were rude about it? You didn't kill him or at least beat some respect into him?"
"No. The thought crossed my mind, but I guess I didn't take it very well and I couldn't do much more than stumble out the door. Maybe if he hadn't have been there I would have been alert enough to avoid getting attacked when I left." He reached down to feel where the blade had torn his skin but had a hard time finding the scar. "Seems like this wound healed pretty quickly. Maybe the Mages have better herbs or something."
"Or maybe they healed it with magic. But I don't get it. The man who stabbed you wasn't wearing a robe, but it's obvious that the Mages were behind it, because we both ended up underground with them. But why stab you and then heal you?"
He stared into the darkness for a moment before shaking his head. "I have no idea. All that really matters is that we both got out of there alive and unharmed." He turned his head in her direction. "Wait a minute, how did you see me get stabbed? What were you doing following me to Mirra's?"
She hesitated a moment before answering. "Well I got up and looked out the window when you left, and I saw the man following. I thought maybe you were in danger so I followed."
"Well I guess I should thank you for trying to help, but I'm not going to."
She smiled in the darkness. "And why not?"
"Because you shouldn't have been out of bed and wondering where I was going, especially with an injured leg."
"You're right, there's no excuse. But things might have ended up a lot worse if I didn't. You can thank me later when you come to your senses."
He smiled back at her. "We'll see. I did get my hands on this sword though. I guess that's one good thing that came of all this. It doesn't really make up for the lost girlfriend and the friend betraying me. Oh and getting stabbed and losing my memory wasn't fun. But at least I took their precious sword from them. This thing must be worth a fortune."
"Yes and I seem to remember someone telling me that there was no such thing as a sword made of gold," she said with a smirk that could just barely be seen in the faint blue of the coming dawn.
"I still stand by the comment. This thing is far too light to be made of gold. And it's way too strong. Gold is soft. You can almost dent it with your fingernails." He picked up the sword and held it closer for her to see. "And look at this. It's hard to see in the darkness but see where the hilt meets the blade? There's no separation. It's like the thing is made of one solid piece of metal. Even the hilt is made entirely of gold. Look at the handle. This wasn't beaten in a forge. Something this intricate has to be poured into a delicate mold."
"So you're saying that it was made by pouring a metal that looks like gold into a mold?"
"No. That's not possible either. A weapon like that wouldn't be strong at all. It's possible to pour metal hilts around a blade, but not a whole weapon like this. I am totally confused by it." He held the sword up and inspected it in the pale light.
"Well perhaps you are holding the sword of Arius. Did you ever think about that?"
He laughed. "Of course not, don't be silly. Honestly I totally forgot about that myth. But maybe you're half right and someone went to the trouble to make a sword look like his sword. Whoever did it is certainly more talented than I am."
He took the blade and started cutting the black fabric of his robe into something that would pass for a shirt. He was certain that the people of Medora would be suspicious of the black clothing, but there was nothing else he could do. He cut the sleeves shorter, and then cut off the bottom to make it the correct length. After cutting off the hood and removing some excess fabric, he had something that he thought would work. He hoped that someone in Taburdum would be kind enough to give him a shirt. Perhaps he could stop by the armory and see if there was anyone there that he knew. He wrapped the blade of the sword in some of the extra cloth and put it through his belt. It was probably the worst excuse for a scabbard he could imagine, but at least he could carry it at his hip without cutting himself.
While Rommus was busy with the fabric, Alana threw acorns at random objects in front of her. She almost always missed. "What are we going to do now Rommus?" she asked when she finally hit the leaf she was aiming for.
"We? I don't want you in any more danger because of me. You should go back to Vindyrion where you're safe."
"Rommus those Mages know I left that place. They're not stupid. They saw us together before in the alley, they know I followed you to Mirra's, and I'm sure by now they have figured out that we left together. They're going to be hunting me too."
Rommus scratched his head as he thought. "I guess you're right. But I don't like that I pulled you into this."
"We can debate over who pulled who into what later. Right now we are both in danger and we are b
etter off sticking together. So what's the plan?"
"I hadn't really thought about a plan. I just wanted to escape safely. I suppose for now we should worry about getting to Taburdum and getting some supplies. It's too bad your experience here in Medora has been so bad."
"Oh it hasn't been bad. I mean, don't get me wrong there are parts that I could do without, but I love this place. It's more beautiful than I ever dreamed."
"Oh! That reminds me. I had a dream. That's what woke me up."
"Well what was it about?"
"Now that I have waited so long to talk about it, it's hard to remember. But it was something about the Columns of Inshae, visiting there or something. They were huge, just like my father said. Have you ever seen them?"
"No I haven't. I have not been that far north in Vindyrion. Not a lot of people go up there."
"My father said they are huge, and that the temple that once stood there was carved right out of the mountain. The bridge to the Land of the Gods no longer exists though."
"Yes I have heard that, but I don't know anyone who has actually been there."
"Well isn't there some other way across? Like over a mountain or something? People could have built the temple and then made a bridge that was already collapsed in order to fool people into thinking that one really existed."
"Yeah I never thought of that. That seems just as believable as gods making it, in fact more so. But I have heard people say that the mountains there are sheer walls, straight up higher than birds can fly."
He laughed. "That's a pretty big mountain. I don't know about all that."
The woods were lit with the soft blue glow of the morning. They gathered their things and started the long walk to Taburdum. Both of them were hungry and thirsty, and were glad to find a small stream where they could drink. The food would have to wait until they reached the city, and then only if they were lucky enough to get any. Neither of them had any money and no way to hunt for any food. They walked for a while in silence but finally Alana spoke.
"How long were you with Mirra?"
He answered after moment. "About three years, maybe a little longer."
"And how long have you known him? What was his name again?"
"Uritus. I've known the both of them for pretty much my whole life. My father is the General of the seven Legions, so I grew up in the company of the Emperor and his two sons. We used to play in the hallways of the Emperor's Hall. We always fought over who got to be the Medorans and who had to be the Vindyri in our little play wars."
"Who wouldn't want to be a Vindyri?" she asked with a smile.
"Well, times were different then. You know how it is I'm sure. Don't Vindyri children fight against imaginary Medoran attackers?"
"I guess. I don't know I never really played games like that. Girls play with other girls and with dolls and things."
"Yeah I guess that's true anywhere."
"Rommus, don't you let this Mirra bring you down. You are a good man. Handsome too. There is another girl out there who will complete you and make you happy. Don't let one silly girl ruin it all."
"I am not worried about being happy right now. I also think it's pretty silly to devote yourself to a person like that. Looking back I am sorry that I ever did. I cared for her, and I thought she cared for me, but so what? What could ever come from it? It seems so pointless."
"Finding happiness is pointless to you?"
"Yes in a way. There are much more important things to worry about. Do you think the Emperor or your King focused on a woman while they were coming to power? There's so much more going on in the world, and to focus on finding happiness seems a little selfish."
"So you want to be a leader then?"
He laughed so hard that he almost fell as he walked. "Me? No way. You haven't seen the way people treat me. No one cares about anything I have to say or about anything I do. People either ignore me totally or avoid me at all cost. People get quiet whenever I get near them. No one would ever follow me for any reason."
"I followed you," she said smiling out of the corner of her mouth.
"I hardly think following me to Mirra's house is the same as believing in someone and following them as your leader."
"I know, I know. I was just kidding. But maybe you intimidate people Rommus. Maybe you are just too big and scary for people to be comfortable around you."
"Well I don't see how that's much better. It's not my fault that I am bigger than most people. And I am always polite whenever I speak to anyone."
"Well maybe it's just your overall look. Do you ever smile at people when they look at you?"
"What reason would I have to smile at someone who is just passing by? They want nothing to do with me. I don't get any smiles."
"I think that might be your problem. You're intimidating, and you don't show people that you have a softer side. It probably makes them uncomfortable."
"I would agree with your answer except that this is all very new. Just a few short years ago people came to me and befriended me. They asked me for advice. They shared their troubles and their joys. It all just went away without anything changing on my part."
"Well I don't know why people who knew you started avoiding you, but you should make an effort to meet new people. It's not hard. You just have to start talking. They'll listen."
He didn't look at her as he spoke but kept his gaze on the trail ahead of him. "Thanks for the advice, but I have tried all that. I just don't think I have anything to offer anyone. I have come to accept the way things are, and I am learning to find the bright spots in my own little world. Of course, Mirra was one of those bright spots."
"I told you not to let her bring you down. A broken heart can destroy you if you let it."
"You sound as if you speak from experience," he said as he turned to her.
"I've had some experience, yes."
"Getting a broken heart, or giving them?" He wished he had thought before he said that. He feared she would think the comment was rude.
"A little of both," she said without missing a beat. "I learn my lessons and move on. It's what I think works best. That's why I gave you the advice."
"It's a sound theory, but all circumstances are different."
"I beg to differ, Rommus. We are all a lot more alike than you probably think. We all need love. We all need to be wanted and appreciated. We all need time alone sometimes. We all have goals and we all have our views. It's the little differences that make us individuals, but we are all human."
"I don't see it that way. There are too many variables. Some men are evil, some are good. Some care about others and some don't. Look at the Bhoors. They are nothing like I am."
"Is that right? This coming from a Medoran who has never seen one."
"So? I know my history and I know that the Medorans before me hated them for a reason. I know the stories about how they torture people, even children."
"Well you seem to be able to accept Vindyri. Or am I wrong in thinking that?"
He ran his hand through his hair. "I accept people if they are decent and do not harm anyone for their own gains or pleasure. I accept you because you have proven yourself to be a good person."
She was quiet for a moment as she walked. "I don't see how you can group all the Bhoors together and dismiss them as evil. How can you truly believe that?"
"I will accept a Bhoor when he proves himself. They have already proven themselves to be evil as far as I am concerned, and I am not going to go digging through jagged rocks to find the few diamonds among them. It's the responsibility of the individual to shine; not my responsibility to go searching for them."
She walked a long time without saying anything. He could tell she was trying to come up with a sharp retort to his comments, but apparently she was having trouble. He let her tend to her thoughts as he walked and enjoyed the scenery. The trees slid slowly by as they moved through the woods toward the city of Taburdum. The sun, now bright in the eastern sky, threw long shadows behind them and sent
shafts of light to dance on the forest floor.
With his fingers, he studied the craftsmanship of the sword at his hip. Each time he touched it he felt a surge of energy tingling inside him. It brought him a joy that was unexpected and hard to explain. He couldn't imagine ever putting it down and leaving it somewhere where someone else might take it. It was a precious treasure that he intended to keep forever, and he would do anything to avoid losing it.
After the silence had gone on for an uncomfortable amount of time, he looked at her out of the corner of his eye. She strode resolutely, looking straight ahead with a slight look of anger on her face. He reached out and grabbed her by the elbow, and stopped in the center of the trail.
"Alana, I'm sorry if I offended you. I don't want you to think I am a hateful person, but I am comfortable in my beliefs and I don't bother anyone. I have never hurt anyone who didn't deserve it, believe me, and I don't intend to. Can't you just accept that I am not as open as you are when it comes to these things?"
Her look softened a little as she looked in his eyes. "I'm sorry too Rommus. I shouldn't be angry. You are free to believe what you want and I have no right to tell you otherwise. Here I am, a stranger in your land, and you have accepted me and taken care of me when I needed it. You have proven to me that you are a good person, and I was wrong to doubt that fact because of your beliefs."
"All right, all right." He smiled. "No need to get all sappy about it."
She shook her head as she smiled. "How close are we to Taburdum?"
He pointed out in the distance. "Well we're taking a shortcut. The main road would take a lot longer. See where this ground drops down and then it rises back up over there at that mountain?"
"What mountain? You mean that little tree-covered hill over there? You must not know what a real mountain is."
"I know what a mountain is. It's true that most of the mountains this far south are a lot smaller than the ones up north, but that is way too large to call a hill. Anyway, this trail leads us down into this valley and around the side of the 'hill'. On the other side is Taburdum."
"Well I don't know if I can go that far without starving to death. You'd better carry me."
"I carried you last time. How about you carry me?"
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Mighty Hammer Down Page 23
