by A R Maloney
I turned back and looked at Lance questioningly. He nodded so I entered the room. They took seats at the table and I poured three glasses of sweet wine, passing them out before I sat down.
“I would like to go with Sonarim… to Espencheid.” Of all the things he could have said right now, this one surprised me. I sat forward in my chair, eager to hear what would be decided.
Lance sat quietly, considering the request. “Over the years I have known many sentinels. I have known you, Kumar, since you were a young child. You have had many reasons to hate the Lucenians, as you have lost nearly everyone to them.”
I winced inwardly, remembering the day I killed the ranger… who was probably Kumar’s brother. We’d never discussed it, I’m not even sure he knew it was me for certain… or if it really had been his brother that I’d killed. It may as well have been.
“So, this being the case, why? Why do you want to go?” Lance waited patiently for the reason to be spoken.
Kumar looked at the door, as if the answer would suddenly appear. “Someone should be protecting her.”
“Her?” Lance looked at me as he and I both uttered the same word in unison.
“Sonarim. I cannot explain it. I never would have guessed this myself. But I find that I am at peace when she’s near, and I don’t want to see her go off on her own.” Kumar shrugged as he spoke, his head shaking with the admission of his confused feelings.
Lance spoke up next, “And what will you do then? Are you just going to follow her into DuPage Fortress? It’s not like you can teleport back here directly by yourself.”
Kumar gave Lance a look, “I always carry scrolls to return, should I need to make an exit. But think on this. Would we have been so willing to consider this idea of working together had she not been with Nabaru already? I am aware that I may not be well received, that even showing up there could mean my death… but I am willing to reach out to them.” He took a long drink from his glass before continuing. “And it would just be too risky for either you or Skye to go there first. I have always been here to protect you, Lance. You’ve been like a brother to me, or maybe even like the father I lost so long ago. Please, let me do this. Let me be her shield, as well as your envoy.” Kumar looked at Lance expectantly.
Lance scratched his head and looked at me. “You know both Espencheid and Company Damagus. What do you think his chances are?”
“So long as you come in peace, Espencheid will be fine.” I spoke plainly. “But Company Damagus… it sounds like they have been through hell. They will be on guard. Kumar, if they have any question as to the veracity of why you’re there… ask for Niera. Ask her if she remembers me coming to my first day of training still half drunk and with a hangover. Ask if she remembers us talking at the waterfall after my return from Morland. Tell her I still remember her….” My eyes teared up as I stole a glance at Lance. “Tell her I still remember her showing me wings for the first time as she checked Cooper’s injuries.” I gasped as I was hit by a flood of emotions, ones I’d not expected to hit me again. “I’m sorry.” I shook my head. “But she will know for sure that it’s really me.”
***
Two hours had passed. In that time, I’d written my letter for Niera and Company Damagus, and watched as a group of sentinels escorted a bound Cyrus from the company hall. They were headed to Nabaru immediately.
I stood in the bunkroom watching Mera hug her daughter again as the small magus prepared to leave. I had given her my letter to be shared. Lancer approached Sonarim and held his hand out. It looked as if he meant to grasp her hand, but he ended up pulling her into a warm embrace. When he released her hand, she looked at the small bundle he’d placed into her palm. “A letter for Eno and for Company Damagus as well.” He leaned in, whispering low so not many could hear. “I have given this much thought. In the pouch you will find three coins for Eclipse Company. Should there be a need for you, Eno, or the company to find safe harbor you have my permission to port directly to the Kauri Nabaru. From that point Nabaru may summon any member of Eclipse Company, just show a coin.” She nodded and pushed the small bundle into the folds of her tunic.
Sonarim looked over to Kumar with a shy smile. “Are you ready, ranger?” He nodded and stepped forward, grasping her forearm.
I held my fist over my heart and bowed my head. “Be well and strong of spirit, sentinels.” Sonarim slid her arm away and grasped Kumar’s hand with a shy smile. She began speaking the spell which would take them to Espencheid. Moments later a small flash brightened the walls of the room, and they were gone.
Chapter 25 - The Meeting
~Droghel~
I ENTERED THE SMALL decrepit building. The structure had half-collapsed; the wood rotted. Whether its destruction came from the wars, or from nature and time itself was unknown. My guard had been placed strategically, ready to react should the need arise. I detested these meetings, but they must happen. War… must go on. I moved to look out the window. They’re late. It’s bad enough that I need to even deal with these filthy outsiders, but at least we had come to a tentative accord. I bit my tongue, plastering my best fake smile on my face as they arrived.
“Tchotal. Thank you for coming. I trust you had no problems with the checkpoints?” His name felt filthy as it passed from my mouth, but not nearly as bad as the sound of my language coming from his own.
“Droghel. We’ve had good progress. I hear you have removed the white-winged whore. Too bad, I would not have minded the chance to take her out myself.”
The Lluren Warlord’s voice was like course gravel as it tumbled from his mouth. Perhaps I should have saved her for him. It may have been fun to see the smile wiped from her face as a band of marauding Lluren took her by force, one after the other. The thought excited me, perhaps I would have to find a whore to share with my guard tonight.
“Yes, she was not long for this world. However, Cyrus was to have returned with her wings. He is now several days overdue. Should you hear anything of him, please do send word.”
The scaled beast nodded.
Gods he was ugly. His huge nose and overbite, all accentuated by a massive forehead and wide eyes gave him the appearance of a lizard. The scales only emphasized that.
“We have begun sending scouting groups out into the far eastern side of Ustenia. Only one group has not returned at this point. It appears they have increased their presence in Dramheim. We would continue pushing there until you say otherwise.”
I paced the room; my hand rubbed my chin in thought. “Actually, I do have another idea. How are your numbers? Are you ready for a large assault?”
The demon responded with a nod. He moved forward towards the table and looked at the spot circled on the map. Droghel’s finger jabbed at the small group of green markings and our eyes met, along with a matching set of cruel grins.
“Your father had always said to stay away from these ones. Are you certain, this is what you want?” the Lluren asked.
I nodded. “This will set the world back into chaos. We hit this group first.” I stabbed at one marking. “Then this group here,” my finger jabbed at another mark, “and then here, in Morland. After that, we will conquer the rest. We will be kings!” A maniacal grin covered my face as I imagined how fortress after fortress would fall under my control. Eventually even the great city of Plano would be mine to rule.
Tchotal returned my grin with an insane one of his own, and together we set our plans in motion.
Chapter 26 - Envoy?
~Niera~
I HADN’T ANTICIPATED JUST how difficult it would be, staying up in the treetops. What was initially almost a comfortable albeit dangerous adventure had quickly turned into something resembling a prison of sorts. To stay in such close quarters, no matter who my companions were, had really began grating on my nerves. It had not been long at all before I’d found myself begging the elder Kauri for any reason to be on the ground. I didn’t want to appear ungrateful for his sanctuary, but I needed to get my toes into the earth belo
w.
The occasional visits from Ian, Torres, Riven, Anara and Roman were welcomed, but lacked any of the information we craved. Eno had been back once, yet he had no new information either. When he visited, the signs of the stress he carried seemed to increase. His eyes were heavy and ringed purple, hallmarking his lack of sleep. He hadn’t heard back from Sonarim yet, and it appeared to be wearing heavily upon him. Masio’s condition was stable, but he hadn’t woken for more than a few minutes at a time. When he did rouse, he was a man lost in his own mind. Unable to make any connections with any in his company. The time was coming closer for us to make some decisions about the future of Company Damagus.
The sound of a portal appearing hit my ears like the tearing of a heavy fabric. A flash of light and a heavy “POP” resonated through the branches below us. I found myself clambering to look over the sides of Espencheid’s heavy branches along with many of my brothers and sisters-in-arms.
In the clearing below stood two hooded figures. I tried to make sense of what I was seeing. A Lucenian and a Ustenian stood, hand in hand, before the elder Kauri. Sonarim’s voice rose up like a bell on the breeze, and though she was too far below to understand, the tone of her voice was musical and calm. Her companion, the Ustenian, had a low quiet voice. The cadence was punctuated with an occasional loud pop or click; something inherent to the Ustenian language. His stature was calm, almost caring, as he gazed upon his counterpart.
We all watched in amazement as they presented to Espencheid a small memory, which I could only guess came from a Kauri in Ustenia. Then Espencheid produced a sturdy branch. They both removed their weapons and lay them at the Kauri’s roots and took seats side-by side before the elder tree extended his roots over their weapons and began lifting the two skyward.
They were nearly to our level when Espencheid paused. “Please, I would ask that you all would find a comfortable seat. These two bring news which you all would wish to hear.”
I looked at my group, watching as they shared glances, equal curiosity, equal distrust. A few had hardened eyes, looks of pure disgust. Still, we all wanted news of any sort, no matter the source. And it was Sonarim. If anyone could be trusted, it was her. So, we all took seats, making sure to put the injured behind us. And in true Kauri fashion, Espencheid wove small branches around us to insure we kept the peace, reminding us that all magics would be bound for the duration of the meeting.
“Sonarim, we welcome you back,” I tried to keep my voice calm and even as I turned my attention to her companion. “I am Niera, of Company Damagus, and I welcome you, friend of Sonarim.” I nodded my head to the crimson-eyed ranger at her side.
Sonarim turned to him, translating and shrugging.
He nodded back to me and spoke briefly, “Thank you, Niera, and thank you, Company Damagus. I am Kumar, of Company Eclipse, and General Lancer’s personal envoy to you.” He held his fist over his heart and bowed his head before continuing, “Perhaps it will be easier for us to speak in the old language.” He turned to look at Sonarim, who nodded while I blushed.
I switched to the old language, trying to recover from my blunder. “My apologies, of course that would make sense. I thank you for taking such a huge risk, to bring us news.” I looked from the ranger to the small magus. “What have you learned? Can there be an accord?”
Rapidly, the words flew from her mouth, “We have brought memories from the Kauri Nabaru, which Espencheid will share. What we have learned… it seems impossible. We need you to know that… well… just look for yourself.” Sonarim looked to the Kauri. “Please, Elder Espencheid, share this news. We cannot wait any longer!”
The Kauri nodded and released a fragrant balm into the air, helping us all to relax into his boughs while he shared the images from his brethren. The visions were disjointed. A Lucenian carrying white wings, captured and tortured by Ustenians. The knowledge that these were Skye’s wings. Their companion, their sister-in-arms who had been killed by Droghel. The knowledge that Droghel has been stockpiling wings of both races deep within the bowels of Dusk Fortress. The Ustenian general burning Skye’s wings, releasing her spirit. Even drinking to her spirit’s memory.
Then there was a battle, the Lluren attacking a Ustenian company while training. Heavy losses incurred. One rising from the dead, demanding to speak with Mera or the General known as Lancer. Claiming to be Skye, reborn in the body of a Ustenian. The Ustenian companies visits to the Kauri Nabaru, and his confirmation. Nabaru stating once again that it is imperative for the Ustenian and Lucenian to come together, warning that there are traitors in the ranks. The Ustenians burning the wings which had been in their company halls, releasing the sentinels back to the sky.
The haze cleared from my eyes and I looked to my brothers and sisters in arms. Speechless. Overwhelmed by the news.
Dimitri looked to Sonarim, “This is true?”
The diminutive magus nodded. “Every memory is true. This is why we insisted on bringing the memory directly from Nabaru. It’s impossible to fake, they will not lie to others of their race, they are incapable.”
Ansker squirmed in his seat. “And, how… how is it that this has not been common knowledge?” He looked around, “Wouldn’t such things have been shared before?”
The elder creaked as his gaze fell on Ansker. “A Kauri doesn’t inherently know what is going on in this world… the memories must be… brought to the Kauri….” Espencheid pinned Ansker with a look. A small creak could be heard as his branches tightened around Ansker’s body. “Perhaps there is a memory you would like me to share with your group?”
My eyes flew to the magus. If someone had told me when this meeting began that I would be questioning one of my own… rather than the dark wing in our presence, I would have laughed. “Espencheid, what are you getting at?” My voice was sharp as my gaze pierced into Ansker.
One by one, each sentinel turned to face the magus in question. “I… I got you all out of there! You’d have all died on that battlefield if it hadn’t been for me.” His eyes flew wildly from face to face, looking for some support.
“But you’ve been disappearing. Often. Where did you go? When we were scrambling to heal our wounded in DuPage Fortress? When we moved here?” Andres struggled at his bindings, trying to reach Ansker. “You were just assigned to our company. Where were you before you came here?”
My eyes narrowed as I remembered him leaving, saying he needed to meet Charna. “You never went to Charna, did you?” I looked to Sonarim. “We could find out easily enough.” I called out to the Kauri. “Is this such a secret that it cannot be shared? Is this something we should know?” Pointing to Ansker, I asked Espencheid, “Does this sentinel put us in more danger?”
“I didn’t know! In the beginning, I didn’t know!” Ansker’s voice was squeaky and high pitched and I gave a malicious grin to the tree for literally squeezing the truth from him. Ansker had pissed himself.
“Tell us!” There was a dangerous edge to my voice. One that dared him to say anything other than the truth.
“He said there were insurgents, and this would be for the good of Lucenia.” Ansker wiggled in his seat, trying to avoid the squeezing limbs which surrounded him. Secretly I prayed the Kauri would bring out thorns, but I listened. We all did. He was nearly breathless with pain when he finally said, “Droghel…. He had me watching Skye. When she and Dimitri were sent away from the badlands, I reported to him.”
I roared out in a mixture of fury, despair, and loss. “Elder Kauri! I beg you! Let me end him!” My blood sang for revenge and I felt wildly out of control. As I looked around at the others of my group, I could see a similar bloodlust in many of their eyes as well.
“You are most fortunate, young sentinel, that I am the one who is moderating this meeting.” The Kauri’s voice was calm as he spoke to Ansker directly. Nabaru then pushed another calming breeze through our branches.
My gaze passed over the group once again. I saw Andres try to shelter the body of his brother, Dimitri—who tri
ed hard to push his brother aside for a better view. The many sentinels who were seated around Masio, who was in no way in any shape to protect himself if need be, sat straighter in their seats. And then I looked at the newcomer, Kumar, who was sheltering the magus who less than a month ago would have been his enemy. He had one arm placed protectively over her middle, as if he would cover her from any attack which would come. Granted, our magics were bound, but that wouldn’t stop anyone from throwing a punch… or anything else they could get their hands on.
Calmer heads needed to prevail. I looked around the gathering. “Company Damagus….” I inclined my head towards Sonarim and Kumar, “Please excuse us for one moment as we deal with one of our own.” They nodded and I continued. “It seems we have a problem which needs to be dealt with. We cannot exactly banish this one, sending him on his way; yet neither can we keep him here where he can listen in as we discuss the future of our company.” Around the group there were several nods, and one very sullen magus. “I suggest we petition the Kauri to keep this one bound from their magic and separated from us for the remainder of our talks. Anyone who would have anything to say on this, please do so now.”
One by one, all agreed, except for Ansker—obviously. Then without another word, the Kauri separated him from us, keeping him bound in his boughs while he moved him up into the higher canopy.
Chapter 27 – Cabin Fever
~Lancer~
THE NIGHT SKY WAS clear, and the cold air blew gently through the fortress. I let Skye lead me tonight. She had insisted she needed to get out of the hall, craving the fresh air on her skin. I didn’t blame her; I was beginning to feel bound in by the walls too. Sure, I spent plenty of time checking in with the soldiers and sentinels manning the gates and running patrols, but the secrets I was holding in my hall weighed heavily upon my mind.
