The Aspect: The Cessation's Harbinger

by Ajax Lygan

  “Finally, I will grant the orc’s their desire to break the curse, once my allies and I have completed the rebuilding of Dorthomir.” Nods and murmurs of agreement seemed to permeate throughout the room as Tempest took his seat. Catching Chieftainess Wildfang’s wide, genuine smile was icing on the cake.

  Vatia, once again, was found staring off into the distance. She only responded when her name was called. She took her seat before nodding to Tempest as she spoke. “Your Eminence, if you wouldn’t mind leading the rest of the votes, I seem to be feeling rather unwell.”

  “Most certainly, Queen Vatia,” Tempest said, rising from his seat.

  For the next ten minutes, Tempest blitzed through the voting with experienced speed. With the support of Viktor, Chief Thunderhoof, King Wulvenson, and Chieftainess Wildfang, all his measures passed successfully.

  The IRC voted to approve all territorial acquisitions, save for the Ubian one. However, Tempest did commit to increasing the territory for the land kingdoms from ten to twenty-five miles offshore, noting that any additional land could be leased from Empress Poliko, as she saw fit.

  The measure to allow Halairim unlimited access in their pursuit of The Cessation failed, however, the majority of the members committed to assist with the pursuit of finding the remaining members of the cult, should Halairim share the information.

  King Bogdim and King Orum were the only two who seemed displeased with the conclusion of the day’s voting, with King Bogdim holding his head in silence as the other members left the table. King Orum glared at Tempest as he pulled Queen Vatia close and slowly exited the room.

  Tempest frowned as he watched Queen Vatia walk absent mindedly alongside her lover, like a member of the elderly who had lost wits. When he exited the floor, he found many of the council’s members gathered in a circle waiting for his arrival.

  Alfonso hurriedly handed out cups and filled them. He shoved one into Tempest’s hand as he approached.

  “Well done, your Eminence,” Chief Thunderhoof began. “You make your ancestors proud by leading with such authority and integrity.”

  “It’s good to have a powerful divine leading us on a just path,” Empress Poliko added.

  “A toast to his Eminence,” Alfonso said, raising his glass. “A man as approachable as any commoner but as large as the peak where we stand.”

  “To his Eminence,” they shouted in unison.

  What followed was a combination of coughing, yacking, and laughter.

  “Gods, Alfonso, is this your piss?” Chieftainess Wildfang asked.

  “If it is, you should get yourself checked,” Empress Poliko added.

  “If any of you are interested, it’s going to be our kingdom’s first export.”

  “You’ll go broke before the year’s end if that’s the case,” Alyndra said, elbowing the man in the shoulder. As the laughter died down, many of the members gave their last respects before saying goodbye, leaving Viktor, Chieftainess Wildfang, Alfonso, Alyndra and Tempest behind.

  “Well, I believe I should be on my way, as well,” Viktor said, handing his cup to a nearby acolyte. “Your Eminence, I will reach out as soon as I have anything to report. Will you travel to Dorthomir soon?”

  “I plan on staying a few more days at Joromund’s Peak to get my affairs in order,” Tempest said, leaning against a nearby railing. “Once we have everything ready to go, we’ll be heading to Dorthomir. Although, it may take some time, as I have no intention of traveling through another infinity mirror.”

  “Quite right! I’ll take note of that and begin investigating that as well. The adverse effect it had on you is something that requires investigation as soon as possible.”

  “Don’t trouble yourself too much Viktor, I’m sure the affairs at Metrovenius Castle have some attending to.”

  Viktor gave a slight bow and waved as he talked and walked. “I’m sure there are, but yours are just so much more fascinating. Good travels everyone.”

  Chieftainess Wildfang was next to leave, but made an impression as she exited. She walked over to Tempest, her giant cloak concealing her movements as she grabbed Tempest by his manhood and smiled vivaciously. “Just as I thought, only a man carrying all this meat would be able to do the things you did today. My tribe will be waiting for your visit at Ungroth’s Path. If you and your wardens would like to assist the tribe with our…efforts, you’ll be most welcome—but I claim first right.”

  Tempest smiled and nodded before Wildfang turned, removing her hand. She bounced each of her breasts individually, eyeing him from head to toe and licking a tusk before walking away. Tempest let out a heavy sigh when she rounded the stairs, adjusting himself as he stood.

  “Do I have something to worry about with the Chieftainess,” Alyndra pouted, flicking a thumb over her shoulder.

  “No, she was just explaining her desire for us to visit sooner, rather than later,” Tempest said, chuckling.

  “Well Alfonso and I should get going, too. We have important expansions to oversee.”

  “Did you pick out a name yet?” Tempest asked, leaning around Alyndra.

  “Not yet, but I was thinking…Semilla.” Alfonso said, looking up at the sky.

  “That’s exquisite.”

  “Yeah, I like the idea of us planting the seed to grow something wonderful.”

  “I think you may have it, then.”

  “All thanks to you beautiful people.” Tears filled Alfonso’s eyes, and he wrapped his arms around Saïgra, Tempest, and Alyndra. The four shared a hug as the large reptikin attempted to shield them from his dripping tears.

  When he pulled away, Alyndra singled out Tempest, giving him a firm hug and a gentle kiss on his cheek.

  “Let me know when you’re free. I can visit you, or you can visit me.”

  “I will. You’re located in Ashwreath’s central spire, right?”

  “Yeah, second floor from the top,” she said with a wink.

  Alfonso wrapped his arm around Alyndra as he led her toward the stairwell. The two headed upstairs, likely to gather the rest of their belongings before heading out.

  Tempest turned to Saïgra, who was looking down at the ground, biting on a nail. “Is something wrong?” he asked.

  “I need to go too,” she said.

  “Go? Go where?”

  “Back to the grove. Now that we are members of the IRC, the Queen wants me to come back and prepare the grove in the event we need to host visitors.”

  “I thought the Queen wanted you to stay with me? Do you know when you’ll be back?”

  Saïgra paused and shook her head once she looked up. “She’s not really making any sense about it. I think there’s another reason she’s not telling me about.”

  Tempest turned and leaned over the railing. Sadness settled around him. He’d become accustomed to having everyone here at Joromund’s Peak. It was like a celebration of friends was ending. Now that the week was over, everyone had to go back to their dutiful lives. He felt Saïgra’s soft hand press into the small of his back. He turned to see her smile as she met his gaze with a kiss.

  “I promise to be quick and return as soon as I can.”

  He followed up the sentiment with a kiss of his own, standing to pull Saïgra into his embrace, kissing her passionately. When they parted, Saïgra held onto his hand as long as she could, only letting go as she headed to the stairway.

  He watched her descend into the courtyard, walking to one of the nearby, blossoming trees and fading into it like a spirit entering a body.

  Tempest leaned back against the rail, looking down at a courtyard that now felt completely empty without a host of tents encumbering it. The acolytes were busy cleaning up the final remains of any garbage left by their decamping guests, while others were already hard at work raking new designs in the stone gardens that had been the IRC’s temporary home.

  While temporary for the others, Tempest felt at peace knowing he had a place that permanently welcomed him here. The beautiful weather, welcoming ho
sts, and serene views were enough for Tempest to never want to leave.

  However, as fast as he’d settled in, he soon found himself wishing to never return.

  23

  Revelation of the Harbinger

  The days following the IRC’s gathering blurred together as Tempest, Ella, and Riika enjoyed a bit of a vacation from the burdens of being the Aspect. They spent their morning’s training and reading in the courtyard, followed by relaxing baths in the hot springs. They ate lunch at midday and became accustomed to enjoying it under the many cherry blossom trees in the gardens. They shopped at the surrounding villages of Tozarc and Maldosto, purchasing decorations and furniture to make Joromund’s Peak their home.

  Travel was quick, thanks to Tempest’s new-found flight ability. It became a new tradition to take the girls flying, exploring the nearby lands, after spending hours trying to coax Riika to try it. While always closing her eyes on the initial lift off, it was a bonding experience and experiment in trust that only drew the two closer together.

  After a restful week and chartering a ship from Tozarc, Tempest, Ella, and Riika made plans to travel to Dorthomir. Even with the uncertainty of Dimitri’s killer hanging over them, Tempest made plans to hold to his word and invest his capital into the dwarven kingdom. He planned to work with the remaining nobility and resume the kingdom’s exports of goods. While uncertain how the dwarves might handle a random stranger showing up in their lands, claiming to be the Aspect, Tempest and his companions were optimistic about their ability to win over the hearts and minds of Dorthomir’s people.

  On the day they expected to begin their journey to Dorthomir, their day began with Riika and Ella leaving their bed, promising to return with breakfast and hot tea. Tempest took full advantage of their offer to squeeze out a few more hours of sleep. The flight to Tozarc would be long and require a few stops for breaks, as he hadn’t quite built up the stamina required for a full day of flying.

  After the second time he had awoken, Tempest looked around the room to find neither his companions nor the remains of the day’s breakfast. He yawned and stretched before rolling himself to the side of the abnormally wide bed.

  Riika had the foresight to suggest they have a custom bed made, given their growing list of companions. It was super soft and plush, which made getting out of it somewhat difficult. After throwing his legs over the side of the bed, Tempest walked across the room and slid on his robe. He grabbed a cup and poured some water from the pitcher on the night stand to soothe his parched throat before heading out the door.

  Out of habit, Tempest raised his arm to prepare to shield his eyes. Yet, he lowered it when he saw the sky. The day’s sun hid behind a sea of gray, shielded like a lover’s lost ring dropped in a muddy puddle along a gravel road. As he walked along the patio, he paused to look out into the courtyard. There was no one there. Normally, the courtyard was full of acolytes tending to the garden, running errands, or socializing on the steps.

  Tempest also noticed the doors along the tower’s walls were closed. While not uncommon, the acolytes typically left them open during the day. He leaned over the balcony railing, trying to see if he could see anyone.

  Like he’d been covered with a wet silk sheet, Tempest’s body clammed up with a growing sense of unease. He rushed to the stairwell, shouting for his companions.

  “Riika? Ella! Is anyone around?” As he rounded the corner of the patio, he slammed into someone, knocking them to the ground. “Gregoro, are you all right?”

  “Yes, your Eminence, just fine,” he said, holding out his hands. Tempest reached out a hand and pulled the man up. He winced as he felt a sharp prick of pain on his hand where Gregoro held him.

  “My apologies, your Eminence,” Gregoro said, pulling out a handkerchief. “I must have pinched you with my nails when I gripped your hand.”

  Tempest patted his hand, as the needle sized hole quickly healed itself. “Where is everyone?” Tempest asked, pointing over his shoulder. “

  I didn’t see anyone in the courtyard, and Riika and Ella were supposed to meet me in the room with breakfast. It doesn’t look like they came back.” Gregoro approached Tempest again, reaching out with both hands and sliding Tempest’s between his own, gently tapping.

  “Worry not, your Eminence, they are both… downstairs with the others. Would you like me to take you to them?”

  Tempest winced again as he felt another pinch of pain radiate through his hand, again a droplet of blood revealed a small puncture wound. “What are you doing?” Tempest asked, grabbing his hand and taking a few steps back.

  “What an odd question, your Eminence,” he said, responding with an innocent smile. “I merely wish to take you to your companions.” Gregoro turned and descended to the stairs, waiting for Tempest to follow.

  Tempest followed Gregoro at a distance down the five flights of stairs. At each floor, a pair of heralds was waiting at the bottom of the flight of stairs. As Gregoro passed them, they solemnly queued behind him as the procession descended to the bottom floor.

  Tempest’s skin lit up like a bolt of lightning as his instincts told him something was very, very wrong. His heart began thumping as his adrenaline spiked when a burning sensation flared in his sore hand. But that wasn’t the worst of it. When Tempest took the final step off of the stairwell, his entire body seized up. His eyes shot open as he grunted, unable to move his petrified frame.

  When Gregoro turned around, his smile went unnaturally wide. It was one he had seen before, the same one plastered on the cloaked man The Cessation’s leaders referred to as The Seer. His voice was high pitched, like an instrument played out of tune. He issued commands to the others when he noticed Tempest’s state.

  “Imina, place the binders on The Aspect. Arigore, Mala, and Qi, prepare the ritual chamber immediately.”

  Tempest grunted and jerked as he strained to make some kind of movement, any kind of movement. It was when he felt the clamp of the binders used by The Cessation’s agents at the inn that he grew concerned. He felt himself being drained, as if a hole had been drilled into his body’s stamina supply. His very energy leaking into the ground. Gregoro poked and prodded at Tempest’s drooping face before giving a firm nod to Imina.

  In unison, their skin turned translucent with a thick mucus interior lined shell hiding behind a white inner body. The bodies inside wriggled around like parasitic insects trying to escape their hosts. With protruding dagger claws, the two cut through their shells’ outer skin, shedding them like rubbery cocoons, leaving behind costumes of skin just like the one Tempest had seen of Headmistress Krenik back in Sophia’s home.

  Standing before him now were two eyeless creatures with purplish white skin, like that of a creature who rarely, if ever, saw the sun. Their gaping mouths were nearly as wide as their overly large, circular heads, revealing rows of jagged teeth scattered among bleeding gums. Their comically enormous hands and feet were fitting for their thin, elongated bodies.

  “Ah, that feels so much better,” Gregoro said, his bones popping as he stretched his thin limber body. “It’s quite rare I get the chance to flex myself out of a shell, but I do feel that this is a momentous occasion. You know, I was a little worried at the start, when I hit you with two doses of the toxin and yet you walked around freely.”

  “What…are…you…” Tempest grunted through his teeth.

  “What am I? Such a trivial question, compared to who.”

  “Then…who…”

  “You know who,” the creature said, lightly slapping Tempest across the face. “I’m astonished you are able to speak right now. I would hit you with another dose, but I’d be worried it might kill you… and he needs you alive. You’re much too important to our plans, now that we’ve captured you alive.”

  “The Cessation…”

  “The Cessation?!” The two creatures leaned back and shared a laugh. “Those fools were nothing but single purpose tools, to be used and then tossed aside. You did us a favor when you killed those
damned ingrates.”

  “WHO!”

  “Ah, I completely forgot about your question,” the creature said, planting a hand on his forehead. “I’m just rambling with excitement. My associates and I are His chosen. We are The Gray Hand, disciples of Nysit.”

  Both creatures took a slight bow before grabbing onto each of Tempest’s arms, carrying his ossified figure into the center of the main floor.

  He watched them as they moved the sliding walls in a cryptic sequence which revealed a lever in the center of the floor. With the two back at Tempest’s side, the one formerly known as Gregoro slid the lever downward. The floor descended with a faint whish.

  Lacking the sound of grinding gears or the screech of metal on metal, the stone and dirt walls that were revealed seemed to have been crudely carved—as if some enormous creature had burrowed a hole beneath the tower. Green ever-burning torches lined the walls without a set pattern, casting an ominous glow the deeper they descended into the cold, damp hole.

  “You would not believe how long it took us to build this facility,” Gregoro said. “It was years of painstaking labor, removing all the dirt with no one noticing or witnessing. The others tried so hard for us to move it to their own location, but I knew this was the perfect spot. Do you know why?” the creature asked, walking in front of Tempest’s eyes. “It’s because if an Aspect is going to come anywhere, guaranteed, it would be to the place they prove he is an Aspect!”

  Gregoro slapped his knee before dancing a jig around the descending floor like someone who had just won an inheritance. When he stopped, he let out an exaggerated sigh and shook his head.

  “But alas, we never needed to use this place, because the one thing The Cessation became rather proficient at was capturing and killing Aspects when they were still children. All based on our direction from His word, I assure you. If they hadn’t played their part, he may never have had the chance to sway young Akatar. See, young Akatar is the entire reason for Nysit’s recent shift in power, and why you’ve seen our kin portal into your world. Which, if you don’t mind me saying, it wasn’t very kind of you to kill our brothers like that.”