by A R Maloney
That’s when the chaos began. The shouts of an alarm being raised in the company hall rang out through the building. I bolted for the door, despite the muttered curses behind me, ordering me to stop… to wait. I whispered a spell of protection and brought forth a fireball to my hand as I rounded the corner, racing down the hall. Headed towards where the shouts of alarm had come from. There was a riot of noise coming from the bunkroom when I kicked the door open with my foot and raced in.
Confusion hit me as I tried to make sense of what I was seeing. Niera, Dimitri, and Andre stood in a corner of the room, with a group behind them, all members of Company Damagus. Across the room, in the other corner: Clarissa, Gema, Markus, Shea, and Ruaa, along with the other members of Eclipse Company. Mera stood in the middle of the room with Sonarim and Kumar on either side, all three had their arms stretched out wide, trying to form a barrier between the groups.
“I know we were to return to Nabaru, but it was not a possibility.” Sonarim shouted.
I let the flames dissolve from my hands as I moved into the center of the room. “Niera!”
Joy covered her face as she heard her name escape my lips. They had seen the memories. They knew me!
She ran at me full tilt and we collided, wrapping our arms around each other in a fierce hug.
Lancer entered the room. “Can I assume we have come to an accord, Kumar?”
“Sir, we have definitely found some common ground if nothing else. We have a problem.” The ranger’s voice was serious as he looked at his friend and commander. “The Lluren have attacked the Kauri. We had to bring them here.”
Immediately the joy I had felt was replaced by a heavy knot of dread and I turned, “Seriously?” I looked around the room, at the Lucenians here, seeking refuge in Ustenia. Ready or not, the gods were pushing us towards our fates it seemed.
Lancer walked through the room, looking over each sentinel, Lucenian and Ustenian both. He exuded calm, strength, and control as he greeted each person, friend or stranger. “Cole, Naofa, go now. See that the shades have remained drawn. Then take over guard at the front entrance, no explanations are needed.” They nodded their assent and left the room. “Mera, would you mind covering the prisoner’s door?” She nodded and moved quietly, hugging her daughter as she left the room. Lancer then turned his attention to the newest group of refugees. “Welcome to the home of Eclipse Company. Let’s see what we need to address first. Do you have any wounded?”
Niera spoke up, “Nothing we cannot handle. We had casualties.” She looked at me. “I’m sorry, Skye, but Masio and Ian are gone, and I’m not sure if Espencheid will be able to recover.”
“What?” I didn’t want to believe my ears.
“Masio was injured in the badlands, attacked by our own people.”
I had remembered learning that when we found Sonarim at the home of the Kauri, Nabaru.
Niera continued, “Ian and Torres were there, bringing supplies, when the Lluren attacked.”
“And Torres?” I’d been holding my breath. They were both dear friends to me.
“Devastated.” The answer passed through Niera’s lips like a whisper. “He left for Plano. He went to bring the high priests back—to try to save Espencheid. The word is out that we are all wanted now, that’s why Sonarim brought us here.”
Sonarim turned to address Lancer, “General Lancer, forgive me for bringing this intrusion into your home. I thought it would be the safest place. If the Lluren are attacking Espencheid, who knows if they are attacking the homes of other Kauri as well.” She watched his brow furrow in thought. He nodded before she continued. “I’ve not yet made it back to Eno. I still have your package and he must be made aware of this. We need to check on the Kauri, both here and in DuPage immediately. I’d planned to return, but I believe I must go without delay, if this is agreeable with you.”
Lancer gave a long sigh, shaking his head lightly in contemplation. “Well, this is probably the last place anyone will look for any of you.” Lancer’s voice was calm as he addressed Company Damagus. “But I’m not sure how long we can keep you hidden. We haven’t quite gotten the general population to come around yet.” He looked at me and I nodded glumly. He then addressed the other Ustenians in the room. “It looks like this is going to be mixed quarters, our house is going to be a bit cramped until we can sort things through. Can I count on you all to play nice?” His gaze moved to the Lucenians as well, and he raised an eyebrow.
“We’ve seen enough, we’re with you… if you will let us stay.” Dimitri spoke up for his group. “There will be no problems coming from us.”
Markus nodded to the group and then to Lance. “You brought us in, you are our General. We are yours to guide and yours to lead. Though some may still feel the sting of our past, we know the truth. There will be peace in your house, General.”
That’s good enough for me. “Gema, you may help the women get cleaned up. Markus, you take the men.” Then he turned to me. “Looks like you’ve got more coffee to make, love. Let’s get some breakfast going. We can debrief everyone after their needs have been met.”
I nodded and followed him from the room, pausing at the door. I turned, my eyes looking to find Niera once more. “I’ll save you a seat in the dining hall, sister.” She smiled and I jogged to catch up to Lance.
Chapter 30 - Return to DuPage
~Sonarim~
I FOUND MY MOM standing watch in front of the prisoner’s door. Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her to me tightly once more. “Any other messages for Dad? I’ll be returning to DuPage in a few minutes.”
She gently placed her palms on my cheeks and leaned her forehead to rest against mine. Her skin was cool, and I welcomed her gentle touch. Inhaling deeply, I closed my eyes, basking in my mother’s attention. I had missed her so much. “Sonarim, my girl, I am so proud of you. This is a good thing you are doing. You have grown to be a woman any mother could be proud of. Tell Eno I send my love. Gods willing, we will be together soon.”
“Do you really believe so?” I asked hopefully.
“I have to. It’s much of the reason why I have stayed so far from society all these years. I must keep faith that we can be together someday.” She grasped my hands and squeezed them firmly. “It is my constant prayer that we will all be able to stand, side by side one day soon, my girl.”
I sighed wistfully, “That would… be great.” the long breath of air catching my mom’s attention.
Her long index finger lifted my chin gently, “Kumar?”
I blushed and nodded my head. “It’s complicated.”
“I’m sure it is.” Her eyebrows raised in response. “We can speak of this later, child. You can come to me with anything.” She smiled gently, “Now go.”
The words began spilling from my lips and moments later I was enveloped in a cool flash of light. When the world came back into focus, I was on the landing platform at DuPage Fortress, my home… but for how long would it be? My heart tore briefly as my mind thought of the ones I had just left… Mom… Skye… Kumar. I felt a wild flutter deep in my gut as I considered telling my dad about Kumar. He’d understand… wouldn’t he?
I hurried away from the platform, keeping it open for those coming and going, getting nods and calls welcoming me home from the many guards and sentinels. Normally, I would stop to talk to them. Many I’ve known for years. Not today. I had a spring in my step as I hurried to the tree in the middle of the fortress. The tree where Eno’s offices and war rooms were located.
The door to his office was cracked open. I rapped three times quickly to announce my presence, reminding myself that it’s important to keep up the façade that he’s just my general.
“Enter.”
I stepped into the room, my gaze sliding from left to right, assuring that we were alone before closing and locking the door behind me. Eno cocked his head to the side when I begin whispering a spell to soundproof the room. “Dad! It seems like it’s been so long!”
He stood and
moved around his desk, giving me a huge hug. “I’m so glad to see you have returned safely. You look well. What news do you bring?”
I motioned for him to sit and I took a seat as well. “Firstly, Mom sends her love.” These words lit my father’s eyes and a warm smile crossed his face.
“She’s doing well?”
“She’s perfect! She misses you like mad. She prays you will be able to meet soon.” I watched his eyebrows raise at this.
“You had luck? With the Ustenians? Did you contact General Lancer?” He was firing questions at me quicker than I could answer.
All I could do was nod and nod until I finally raised my hands. “Dad!” I waited for him to settle down. “Listen, it’s been crazy. Have you not heard yet? The Kauri Espencheid was attacked by the Lluren. I had gotten there just in time. I’d contacted the Ustenians, had one accompanying me to speak with Company Damagus and the Kauri.”
“You traveled with one? Alone with a Ustenian?” He’d begun peppering me with questions again.
“Stop! This is important. You need to hear this now!” My words quieted him, and he settled into his chair as he listened. “The attack happened while we were meeting. We killed them all… but Espencheid has been heavily damaged. Torres was bringing healers from Plano, so I moved the group to…” I shook my head in disbelief, not sure if I was ready for the reaction that was certain to come, “well, I took them to Morland Fortress.” Eno’s eyes widened in disbelief. I continued before he could say a word. “Dad, I dropped us all right smack dab in the bunkroom of General Lancer’s company hall.”
“Gods sakes, Sonarim.” Eno sunk his forehead down into the palm of one of his hands.
“Dad… hey!” I needed to get his attention back. “I know this is not ideal but….”
“Not ideal?!” I cringed, he rarely raised his voice in anger, it just was never his way. In all my years I can only remember hearing him yell at anyone a handful of times. “You may as well have killed them all. They’re not ready. We’re not ready. Let me think. I need to think on how we can fix….”
“No, that group doesn’t need to be fixed!” My voice surprised myself as well as Eno. “It’s been settled for now. They are safe. It is the safest place for them right now. What I’m trying to tell you is that General Lancer is onboard. You will not believe what’s happened in these past days.”
“Skye…” I shuddered looking for the right words, “the gods have brought her back. I don’t know how, but Skye is returned. She was returned in the body of a Ustenian.” His eyes looked at me skeptically. “It’s true! And her memories are intact. I was there at the Kauri Nabaru in Morland. I saw it.”
With that I pushed my hand deep into my pocket, pulling out the small bundle. Dad opened it to find the two letters, a coin for Company Eclipse, and a small gem, a memory from the Kauri to share.
I waited for him to read through everything before continuing. “Lancer wants to meet with you. Your safety is guaranteed. Mom agrees, he can be trusted. But first, we need to go now. We need to check Pramta and the Kauri in DuPage, see if they are alright. This cannot wait. Lancer will be expecting me back shortly… it would be great if you could come too. Mom is there, she’s waiting.”
His green eyes met my grey ones, “Mera? You say Mera’s there?”
I stood and grasped his hands in mine, “Yes. She’s there, Dad.” I squeezed his hands and smiled brightly. “We can be together… for the first time, ever!”
I watched, as a series of emotions battled over his face. Joy. Elation. Trepidation. Sadness. Hope. “This is… a lot to take in.” His voice had returned to the quiet one I had known for so long.
“Take a minute, Dad. I’ll gather eight sentinels and we will go do this welfare check on the Kauri.”
“No, I’m ready. Let’s go.” He reached under his desk, pulling out a small pack and slinging it over his shoulders. Then he grabbed his bow and quiver and moved to the door.
He left the fortress in the hands of his second-in-command, a tall lithe warrior woman named Dineh. We made our way to the platform with our mixed group of fighters and healers from Eno’s own Dragon Company. They all placed their hands upon my arms and shoulders and moments later we had left the fortress, landing in the home of Pramta, the elder Kauri of DuPage.
A cry fell from my lips as the land around me came into focus. Pramta was gone. They were all gone. There was nothing left but piles of fallen Kauri. The ground was slick with the sap of the elder trees and thick smoke hung in the air. I fell to my knees as sobs tore from my chest. My cries were joined by those of my companions. We were too late.
“They must have attacked here first.” My voice cracked as I struggled to speak. “Eno. We must go, now! Perhaps the others may yet be saved!”
My father’s eyes had grown hard. He wasn’t my dad right now; he was the general who had taken command of DuPage so many decades ago. He stood up and straightened himself, addressing the group before him. “What I ask of you in this moment will certainly put you in mortal danger. This was done by the Lluren. I have just been informed that an attack on the Kauri Espencheid happened a short time ago. Looking at this…” his hand swept out to the destruction around us, “it is my belief that we must do anything we can to safeguard our ancients.”
“I’m asking you to follow me into Morland. To protect the copse of the Lluren Nabaru.” His eyes swept over each member of our group. “Pyro, Frost, Becks, Jag, Arisa, Troy, Nick, Smoky… together we will number ten. Know that I will stand firm in my next order. Our only enemy in this fight is the Lluren. Should we encounter even a single Ustenian, be aware that our fight is not with them. We are not to harm them in any way! In fact, should we come into a fight in progress, I would ask that you watch over them. Trust that I will explain my reasoning for this as soon as I am certain that the threat has passed.” I watched him speaking to the ones who had come along, all members of the Dragon Company. They looked between each other, a mix of serious frowns and sharp nods.
Finally, their magus, Pyro, stepped forward. “We follow you, General Eno. We trust you. Let’s go!”
I nodded to Eno and to Pyro, “Wait! One moment.” I pulled a container from my pouch and scooped up pieces of the sap and branches into it and capped it tightly. I placed it back into my pouch, then spread my arms wide. I was beginning to shake from using so much magic. Arisa, the groups healer, called out a spell, bolstering my strength to continue. I spoke the words and we left DuPage behind.
Chapter 31 - A Chance for Salvation
~Clarissa~
“CLARISSA, WOULD YOU AND Kumar take the next group of sentinels to Nabaru? We need to keep on this, our people need these memories. I’ve a feeling we don’t have much time left before things really heat up. Please, bring Cyrus along again as well. I believe extra time with the Kauri may do him some good.” Lancer was pacing, making the hairs on my mane stand on end. I wished he’d just calm down.
“Certainly. He does seem to improve after he has spent time with the Kauri. I’ll grab a dozen from the main gates, they are due to be changing guard soon anyway. I will have Kumar retrieve the pris… Cyrus.” I needed to remind myself that the man had nowhere else to go… not where he could continue to live. It would be better off to use his name anyway. Who knows? Perhaps in time he might be rehabilitated.
I rolled my neck, trying to relieve the stress I’d been feeling. I had been quite unsettled ever since the arrival of the Lucenians. Their accounts… the stories of the attack on the elder Kauri Espencheid… had made my skin crawl.
I turned on my heel and headed down the hall, finding Kumar sitting in the common room. He had a stack of wooden shafts, small feathers, and razor-sharp points in front of him. “I see you’re having a very crafty day….” He nodded while looking down the shaft of one as he checked the balance. “You’re gonna have to save that fun for later, the general has asked us to take a group to Nabaru.”
He looked over to his friend in the corner of the room, “Cole,
don’t let anyone move my stuff.”
“I told Lance that I’ll grab the guards coming off shift from the gate. You’re to bring Cyrus. He would like him to have more time with the Kauri.” I explained.
Cole nodded and tossed another dart at the board. I heard a loud thwack as it hit its mark, and cheers from the others in the room sounded out as I walked down the hall. I stopped at the doors, letting the guards there know we would be leaving with Cyrus. Moments later he and Kumar had caught up with me. We quickly made our way, on either side of Cyrus, to the main gates. The man was definitely healing, getting stronger. I watched as he shivered against the cold breeze which was almost constantly blowing through the fortress. We arrived at the gates just as the shift was changing. I felt bad, pulling the already tired sentinels aside. There were fifteen sentinels leaving this shift rotation, so we just grabbed them all.
Together, Kumar and I explained the orders from General Lancer. They were tired and eyed the broken Lucenian with great skepticism. But they would do anything for our leader. And we were met with several pairs of angry crimson eyes when I shared the news that there had been an attack on the Kauri by the Lluren. We didn’t waste time moving to the teleportation platform. Instead we all grabbed onto the magus in their group and let him take us directly to Nabaru.
We found our footing swiftly as we landed in at the edge of Nabaru’s copse. Kumar and one of the others helped Cyrus to regain his balance and I turned to face the elder Kauri. “Nabaru, I bring news with these sentinels.” A knot rose up in my throat and I swallowed hard against the sadness. I had never met Espencheid, but he was a Kauri… and they were to be treasured throughout the lands.
“My children….” The voice of the elder Kauri was a low, sad tremor. I felt it roll through my bones like the beating of an old drum.
