Hope in the Shadows

by Umut Ersezer

  “She has grown weak over the centuries Volare,” stated Ferox.

  “Is she alive? We’re not too late, are we?”

  Without another word, Ferox placed a hand on top of her back, feeling the gentle and worryingly shallow rise and fall of her body with each strained breath. Ferox closed his eyes, releasing a rumble from within his throat.

  Volare could feel a tingling sensation within his body, he felt power, both rising and falling within him at the same time. A sensation he hadn’t felt before.

  “What’s happening!?” Volare exclaimed.

  “Focus, Volare! I must make a transfer of essence,” instructed Ferox.

  Ferox’ hand started glowing a deep blue, fading into orange at the point of contact on Peritus’ back.

  Peritus shot her eyes open, leaping away from Ferox with a threatening roar. Volare had to cover his ears the roar was so loud, echoes amplified by the sleeping chamber. The dragon flared her scales, showing her serrated teeth, extending her razor talons and pointing her triangle tipped tail at them. Her eyes were alight with a wave of deep red anger.

  “Calm Peritus! You were in slumber!” Ferox reassured.

  Peritus’ scales flattened, overlapping with each other.

  “Ferox, it is you. How…how long was I…”

  “Too long Ferox interrupted. There is not much time Peritus. The Shadow Lord has come. This world is under threat. Your children fight to protect us above ground as we speak.”

  Peritus let out a deep grumble from within her throat. Without another word, she pushed past Ferox, marching through the doors towards the mine opening.

  Volare felt the rush of battle returning to him. His heart fluttered at the idea of two dragons now on their side fighting with them.

  Ferox ran behind her, keeping up with her rush. Both dragons burst from the mine opening, leaping into the air. Peritus stretched her stiff wings, flexing them, relishing in the fresh air and freedom she dearly missed. Both dragons flew around each other in a dance, rekindling their bond, energising each other as they purred. Volare could only hold on and watch.

  Thunderous cheers erupted from below as the dwarves witnessed their god take to the skies. Volare noticed the dwarves had once again engaged with a rampaging horde of darkspawn. They seemed slower, somehow weaker in appearance when Volare compared their movements to the night he saw them attack Vicus.

  It was a patchy sky, only allowing beams of sunlight to penetrate to the ground. The darkspawn seemed to actively avoid the brightest areas. When the sun did emerge from behind a cloud, the darkspawn seem to recoil from his light.

  The two dragons, after dancing with one another for a brief moment, descended upon the darkspawn. They worked as a team, roasting the horde from both sides, not allowing space to retreat. The darkspawn were trapped within walls of blazing fire with no escape.

  Their shrieks were music to Volare’s ears, he wasn’t sure why he enjoyed it, surprised even but he could feel the power emanating from Ferox, basking in it. Their wills merged into one mind as they commanded the skies raining death upon the dark beasts.

  Peritus, now exhausted after destroying the threat to her children, landed safely amongst the dwarves. They once again immediately dropped to hands and knees bowing before her. They showed a deep reverence for Peritus as the dwarves still believed in the gods. They had always believed they would return, today their faith had been rewarded. Peritus puffed her chest as she breathed heavily trying to catch her breath.

  Volare and Ferox landed beside her with the two dragons affectionally bumping heads. Volare found it odd for such powerful beings, gods even, vicious-looking as they were, be so warm and affectionate with each other.

  “Volare, go with the dwarves, share with them all that we know,” instructed Ferox.

  “Aren’t you coming?” replied Volare.

  “I will go hunt with Peritus and return later,” said Ferox as Volare slid down his side.

  Peritus now stepping forward “Rise, my children,” she boomed. “I am eternally proud of you. For standing up in the face of darkness. I am with you now. Together, we will bring an end to the darkspawn.”

  Cheers once more erupted as the dwarves stood.

  “Who amongst you is the leader?” Peritus asked.

  Nanus stepped forward once again, now bloodied with black and red viscera from battle.

  “I am General Nanus of this army, Great One. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for returning to us. The winter encroaches upon us, we must pull back into the city walls before it takes hold. We are grateful for the timing,” he said as the dwarves nodded their heads in agreement.

  “Return to your city Nanus, you have all earned my respect. I will arrive at your city later for I wish to hunt, the centuries of slumber have not been kind to my stomach,” she said with a half-smile.

  “Of course Great One, we will prepare for you, for both of you and I will spread word to our king,” said Nanus with a deep bow.

  Ferox and Peritus shared a glance, then beat their mighty wings to lift them into the air. The wind generated by their combined power pushed down upon them all, some bracing themselves on a knee.

  Volare walked to Nanus “so, where are we off to?” he asked.

  “You ever been to a dwarven city boy?” replied Nanus.

  “I haven’t, but the stories say they’re grand!” said Volare with youthful excitement.

  “The stories don’t do it, justice boy. We head for Brevis, the capital of Nni, the most spectacular city in all the world. We’ll hold up in there for the winter. It’ll be much easier defending with walls and machinery than trudging through the snow here. Our legs ain’t exactly built for it, you know,” he said as he slapped his short thigh.

  Volare nodded with a smile. He was genuinely excited to see Brevis. He turned to watch the two dragons fly away. Although Ferox was not with him at this moment, Volare still felt a deep sense of connection with the dragon. A link he hadn’t noticed before until now.

  “General Nanus?”

  “Yes, boy?”

  “I…I’d like to learn how to fight. I also have some gems with me that I need to embed into new armour for myself. Are there any master warriors and smiths in Brevis?” asked Volare.

  Nanus’ face broke into a huge smile. Volare, my boy, we have the finest warriors in all the lands in Brevis. By the time this winter is over, you’ll be as deadly with a sword as a dragon is with fire,” he said with joy. Now about forging some armour for you…funny you ask. Our finest master smith has just returned to us this winter after a uhh…brief holiday, and he’s looking for work. I’m sure he will be thrilled to forge gem infused armour for you.

  Volare’s face lit up at the news. Finally, he would learn to fight. He was no longer the whimpering boy from Vicus, he was now a dragon rider. He wanted to fight. To contribute. He couldn’t save his mother and brother, he was too weak. But not now. He would train, wield weapons and armour just like the warriors from the stories, and he would finish his mission of rescuing his father. He could envision it now, and it invigorated him.

  “The finest smith? I can’t wait! I wonder if I’ve heard about him before,” Volare exclaimed.

  “I’ll be sure to introduce you to Faber when we get there,” he said as he slapped Volare’s back.

  Volare’s eyes lit up, his face now beaming with delight.

  This is going to be a good winter, he thought to himself as he marched with the army, on his way to the most beautiful city in the world.

  ** Chapter 26 **

  Brevis

  Volare looked on with astonishment at the sheer measure of Brevis. He stood before its double timber with metal inlay gates, towering high above him. Everything about this city was truly on a grand scale.

  Built into the side of the Dwarven Ranges, the city stretched not only far and wide but scaled the mountain face as well. Even from a distance, Volare could see the intricate stonework of the grand cathedrals and central palace high up on the
ranges. The buildings were built with a handcrafted charm, even the dwellings of the common dwarves at the lower levels of the city showed sophistication in the stone and timber work.

  “She’s a beaut isn’t she?” Nanus asked rhetorically.

  “I’ve never seen anything like this,” breathed Volare, gawking at the city in awe.

  “We built her right into the mountain itself, gave us all the raw materials we needed. The architects worked wonders in their design too, harnessing the natural beauty around us. I never get sick of coming home, boy,” said Nanus with a sigh of contentment.

  Volare walked through the gates of Brevis, to be greeted by a welcoming party of dwarven citizens, cheering the army as they came home. Family members came running to the soldiers to embrace them.

  Volare found it to be a heart-warming moment, but he couldn’t help but feel profound sadness. He knew he would never have this moment, this feeling of being reunited with his mother and brother again.

  Nanus sensed Volare’s turn of mood.

  “Come Volare, I will show you to Faber’s forge. Then I must attend to preparations. Word of our god returning to us will spread fast,” said Nanus.

  Volare nodded in agreement as he followed the dwarf. He couldn’t help but lag behind Nanus, he was so intrigued with all of the architecture of the buildings. It wasn’t as colourful as the eshin village he had visited, Brevis took on more monotone colours with its buildings and clothing. Browns and greys dominated the scenery here, but they were presented in clean lines and detailed finishes. All of the roads were paved smooth and wide, allowing for carts of commerce to travel back and forth without being impeded. The pops of vibrant colour often came from shop fronts and signs, designed to catch the eye against the more neutral backdrop.

  “Here we are,” said Nanus as he pointed up to a bronzed metallic sign.

  Faber’s Fine Wares

  “Wow. I never knew…”

  “Never knew what?” asked Nanus.

  “Uhh, nothing,” replied Volare sheepishly, cursing himself for not thinking faster on the spot.

  Nanus frowned as he pushed open the door to the store.

  Volare was greeted by a plumb dwarf with rosy cheeks. She revealed a wide and welcoming smile for her new potential customers, inviting them in.

  “Welcome! Welcome! Please come in. My name is Ignis, how may I serve you.”

  “Hello Ignis, I seek Faber personally,” said Nanus in a friendly but formal tone.

  “Oh General Nanus, pardon me, I didn’t recognise you in your armour. Please go through the door, he is working in his forge to the rear of the yard,” said Ignis somewhat startled as she waved a hand towards a door to the side.

  Volare followed the general through the store, taking in the beautiful metal works around him. Faber’s wares hung from the walls, covering every available free space, showing off his skill. He had even more beautiful and intricate creations here than he did in Vicus. His weapons and armour were presented as if they were pieces of artwork within the walnut timbered shop.

  The light from the windows gave a shimmer to some of the pieces, reflecting rays of the sun into Volare’s eyes, catching his attention. He once again found himself lagging behind the general.

  They stepped through the timber door to find themselves in a large courtyard of grass, with a blackened forge to the rear. To the side were training dummies of straw lined up with a couple of dwarves practising their swings and testing their new weapons.

  Volare could hear the tell-tale sounds of billows blowing, fire raging and hammer shaping metal. The sounds and smells instantly transported him back to Vicus.

  “Hoy Faber! I come bearing gifts!” called out Nanus.

  Faber poked his head out from the forge, what little of his face showing through his facial hair was smudged black from the day’s work. Volare saw Faber’s eyes grow wide as he rushed over to embrace him in a crushing bear hug.

  Volare tried to hug him back, but his arms were pinned by Faber’s embrace.

  “What’s this? asked Nanus

  “How in damnation have you ended up here, boy?” asked Faber, ignoring the general.

  “It’s a long story,” said Volare light-heartedly. What about you? I thought you were taken by the army?” he asked.

  “It’s a long story,” replied Faber as he rubbed the back of his head and smiling ear to ear.

  “Ahem,” Nanus cleared his throat.

  “Sorry General, Volare and I hav’a bit of a history you see. I found myself settling in his village, Vicus when I uhh…left.”

  “I see. Well, we are glad you have mended your situation with Ignis, and we are pleased to have you back in these dark times. The king has taken notice of your efforts, and these times can bring upon forgiving winds amongst us all. I am especially pleased Ignis has decided to receive these winds.”

  “Yes, general, thank you.”

  “Can I leave the boy with you, Faber? He has quite the story, accompanied by an even greater task for you.”

  “Y…yes o’course general. I’ll take him,” said Faber, still wide-eyed.

  The general turned to leave the two of them together. Faber once again grabbing Volare into another bear hug.

  Faber released Volare, “come, boy, ill close up the shop early for today.”

  Volare sighed, “I don’t even know where to begin Faber. There’s so much to tell, so much to explain, to show, where do I begin?”

  “Come, lemme show you my forge’n then we can go upstairs in the shop’n share a cuppa beside a fire. You can begin from the start. I think we both can, I’ve got some explainin t’do myself.”

  **

  “That is extraordinary boy,” said Faber, his jaw nearly hitting the floor the whole time Volare was explaining his story. Porro sitting beside him was even more mesmerised by the recounting of events with the crackling fire setting the ambience of the dark timber living room.

  “It’s been a wild ride, to say the least Faber, literally speaking a lot of the time,” replied Volare with a laugh.

  “Aye you can say that again,” chuckled Faber. “So uhh, can I see’em? The gems I mean…”

  “Sure,” replied Volare as he pulled the two massive ruby and diamond gems from his rucksack.

  “By the gods Volare, these are huge!” exclaimed Faber. Porro was also looking on with delight.

  “Think you can forge them into armour and sword?”

  “For you, boy? You’re not going to fight those blasted creatures, are you?”

  Volare looked downwards at the gems he was holding. He could feel the rush of power emanating from them, filling him. He felt connected somehow to something bigger than him. He could now imagine himself fighting, wielding a sword, slaying the darkspawn. He realised these were unthinkable thought a few months ago, but he felt he had changed since he was in the village, he was stronger.

  “I have to Faber, Koralinth himself spoke to me, shared his memories with me, shared the power of these gems. He wants me to use them. To…close the portal.”

  “Aye, that’s heavy lad. A lot to burden a boy with,” said Faber with a tone of concern.

  “I don’t think I’m a boy anymore Faber, or at least I don’t want to be. I’m ready. I want to fight. General Nanus said he would help me train over the winter. I have the memories of fighting now, the moves, the stances but…I need to train with them. In my armour, with my sword, I need to practice the memories given to me.”

  “Very well…Volare, who am I to deny you such. Lemme take a closer look at’em,” said Faber as he reached for the gems.

  Volare handed them over, feeling the weight of the power leave his fingertips.

  “By the gods, these are extraordinary Volare, said Faber as he turned them over in his palms. I’ve got some treasures of me own that I’ve been savin, I think I’d like you to have’em, forged into your armour that is.”

  “What are they?” asked Volare as Faber walked over to a cabinet. He pulled out two smalle
r gems, holding each in a palm.

  “My father passed these on to me when he was teaching me how to become a master smith. This one is an opal, and this one is a topaz,” explained Faber.

  “They’re beautiful!” replied Volare taking in the shimmering rainbow effect of the opal and vibrant yellow hue of the topaz.

  “These are incredibly rare, only found in the deepest of mines. The opal you see here is said to help one cope with extreme emotions, channelling them to your advantage during times of stress. Invaluable during times of war. The topaz here hastens the healing of body and mind against injury. I believe both can serve in your quest,” said Faber as he puffed out his chest.

  “Thank you!” Volare exclaimed. “They will combine well with my other gems. I’ve got quite a collection now, will they all work together in my armour?”

  “I don’t see why not lad, but I’ve never forged anything with so many gems of power into it. It will be an experiment of such. There is one more thing,” said Faber with a broad grin. “I’ve got this special Platyium ingot in the workshop. It was my father again who passed it down to me, but I’ve never bin able to melt it down. It’s said to be from the time’o the gods, before the destructions. Hardest substance in the world. I’m thinkin…maybe with the help of dragon fire, I can blend it in t’your plate, what do ye say?” asked Faber excitedly.

  “Oh, I think we will definitely need to try that!” beamed Volare. “I’ll ask Ferox or Peritus to see if they can stop by the forge.”

  “Y…you mean here? A dragon god…at my forge?”

  “Sure, it might be a tight squeeze for them, but I think the courtyard is big enough to hold Peritus at least.”

  “Sure lad, sure,” replied Faber as he gulped.

  “So you haven’t told me about this wife of yours Faber. I didn’t know you were married!?” inquired Volare.

  “Aye lad. It’s an embarrassin story to tell if I’m bein truthful. I’d prefer to not share the details you see. Let’s just say I was behavin all kinds of stupid and needed forgivin.”