Of Armor And Bone

by Sean Clark

  “You must have traveled as well to Xiandolia to meet their king.”

  “That is correct.” Charlstine sighed. “King Halmalch was apprehensive about agreeing to the terms of the treaty, but I think seeing the Emperor’s Seal changed his mind. That, or he may have feared the turmoil that it might have caused in certain Xiandolans of magical blood. They, after all, lost just as many or more magi on the field of battle. Four years ago seems like such a short amount of time, yet so much has changed for us since then.”

  “Four years ago…” Shiloh reminisced. “I was just going through officer’s training. I had yet to meet Milady, Kiaren, who now commands our forces on the front.”

  The Arcanus slowly guided them around and deeper into the city, where the tallest and of the vastest of the buildings had been constructed. “What else do you remember of that time?” She asked.

  Shiloh bit at his lip as he stared out blankly at the structures ahead. “I remember when the Emperor sent out orders to the guard at the time to round up any of those of mage blood who refused to comply with the treaty’s terms. T’was an unsettling time, from the tales I heard.”

  “I find it unfortunate that certain members of our kind didn’t agree with our vision. What your Emperor did was a necessary act, and I applaud him for going about it so efficiently.” Charlstine nodded slowly. “Please, you seem tired. The central hall has spare chambers where you can rest your head.”

  Chapter Eighteen: Into the Forest

  During the night, the snowfall had been replaced bit-by-bit with frigid rain. Chin’s horse made the last few slippery steps through the slush at the edge of the forest. Bently carefully followed after. His neck strained against the back of the helmet as he attempted to size up the massive trees. He gracefully slipped the helm off his head and balanced it between his legs with one hand on the reins. The cold air tingled at his nose and ears.

  “Feeling warmer?” Chin called back to him.

  “It feels nice to be out of this armor once in a while. It’s more stifling…” Bently postured. “More so than regular armor, perhaps.”

  “Your imagination.” The mage declared.

  Bently pursed his dry lips and swallowed the minuscule amount of saliva at the edges of his mouth. “I have a suspicion, Mr. Chin.”

  “Is it so important?”

  “When you examined Scar’s sword, the one that had become rusted by some… strange power. You said you would look into it.”

  “You ask too many questions.” Chin huffed and yanked on the reins of the horse.

  “You must have an idea of what this meeting of the order is about then?” Bently called out, to no reply.

  Chapter Nineteen: Reinforcements

  Kiaren had set up at the gate of the encampment at the first sign of the arriving troops. The afternoon sun glinted off the metal weapons and armor carried by the horse-mounted soldiers. The commander’s eyes focused on the leader of the pack, who steadily guided the group towards the gate.

  The man peered down at Kiaren as he guided his horse under the gate structure. “About time.” The commander prodded at the man whose identity was still hidden under the dull metal helmet. He dutifully dismounted the horse and leaned in close to Kiaren, nearly meeting face to face.

  “Is that how you talk to those who have come to your aid?” The man grumbled with a playful tone, sliding off his helmet.

  Kiaren’s eyes went wide and she recoiled one footstep. “Silvus!” She stammered.

  The man had pale blond hair, cut tight to his scalp, and stood only slightly taller than Kiaren. He held out his hand as if expecting to shake. The commander swatted it away and briskly turned around.

  Silvus ignored the commander and promptly turned back to face his troops, waving for them to enter into the settlement through the gate. Before Kiaren could look back towards him, he grabbed at her arm and pulled her to the side, out of the way of the path. “Mind yourself. You’re blocking the way.”

  “Release me.” Kiaren snarled and yanked herself free. She paced towards the wall and silently leaned back against the thick timber, sulking.

  Silvus approached and leaned in towards her once again. “Is that the welcome I get?” His eyes darted up and around her emotionless face, before turning back towards the encampment, still partially rubble and collapsed buildings. “Seems you do desperately need my help here, though. I figured things were settling down here on this front when your brother’s men returned to Tulefore City. The next thing I knew, they had already left before even having a night to spend at home. It’s a shame. Where is he- your brother- by the way?”

  Kiaren huffed loudly and picked herself up off the fence. “I apologize for this place being in such a state. You will join me in the old mess hall where we’ve set up post.” She ordered, refusing to make eye contact. “We must waste no time preparing.”

  Silvus quickly marched after her as she took off in a hurried stride up the hill.

  The remainder of the troops had piled up inside the walls, tying their horses to rest, and beginning to set up tall, long tents made out of canvas. Carts of supplies had come with them, bringing provisions, fresh water, and bedding for the men.

  Kiaren ushered Silvus through the open door and followed after, slamming it and covering the window with the dull linen curtain. As he turned around to peer at her, she marched up to him and buried her face into the hard plating on his chest. He gingerly placed his hand at the side of her face and ran his fingers up through her short reddish-brown hair.

  “When did you return?” She said, her voice muffled by the armor plating in front of her face.

  “Some of my men and I returned from across the sea about two weeks ago. The uprisings in Slana were quelled easily enough. Had the chance to visit with my parents for a while before I heard word of the conflict still ongoing at the base of the mountain here. I never imagined that it would be this bad. I have to assume… your brother is…”

  “Killed.” Kiaren spat, pulling herself away. She wiped the corner of her eye before continuing. “By Xiandol. They attacked in the middle of the night, unannounced, and burned half the settlement to the ground. Their warriors… they possess magical armaments and weapons. That treaty with the mage’s order is beginning to seem little more than a sham.”

  “Then your mage… as well as that bodyguard of yours who never relents to following you around.” Silvus asked, grabbing at her slim shoulders. “What of them?”

  “Arkyan.” Kiaren stated. “Up north. The mage is to be put on trial for his involvement in this whole situation.”

  “I see. A traitor?”

  “A deceiver.” Kiaren balled up her fist and tapped it against Silvus’ metal chest plate. “I’m just fortunate that it was you who passed through those gates today. Should it have been anyone else…”

  “Should it have been anyone else…” Silvus interrupted. “You would have commanded them just the same. You are an apt leader who shouldn’t let misfortune cloud your judgment.”

  “But in order for me to lead, I must be supported by those I can trust.” Kiaren stomped backwards and kicked at one of the flimsily wooden chairs. “With my brother gone… the mage whom I relied on gone… how long will it be until the rest of the men begin to look down upon me, a woman, sitting atop a crumbling corner of the Tuleforian Empire?”

  “The corner most close to home.” Silvus rebutted. “Our people know Xiandol were always the most pigheaded of barbarians. The Emperor placed you here because he knew you are an immovable force once your mind is set.”

  Kiaren straightened herself up and turned to the door to look out past the curtain outside the tiny window. “Perhaps.” Her voice wavered. “Retreating from this place is the one thing that has never crossed my mind.”

  “The storm your reported in your request for reinforcements seems to have let up.” Silvus said, approaching Kiaren from behind. He placed his hand gently on her shoulder and looked out the window in the direction of her gaze. “It seems t
o me if something were to break, it would be now.”

  Kiaren turned around to face Silvus, his body centimeters from hers. “Scouts early this morning reported unusual movement in the Xiandolan settlement. You know, they manage to hide away in the shadow of the mountain and scheme away.”

  Silvus stepped back slowly, his eyes locked to Kiaren’s the whole time as he perched himself at the edge of the table at the middle of the room. “My men are willing to act upon your orders at any time. Just give the word.”

  “I suspect Xiandol may make a move if we don’t act first.” Kiaren grit her teeth. “At least your reinforcements won’t have time to get too comfortable here.”

  Chapter Twenty: The Neutral Zone

  Shiloh looked out over the edge of the balcony of the building down at the flowing river. The bed he had slept in the night previous was uncomfortably soft, and the breakfast rich and overfilling. Down below on the street running beside the central hall, two women passed by nonchalantly, glancing up at the guard before giggling amongst each other. Shiloh quickly retreated to the chamber, his ears red.

  The guard quickly walked through the simple room and out to the inner veranda and down the rickety wooden stairs. The central hall was an open space, containing a massive table carved out of stone, surrounded by chairs and cushions of random shapes and sizes. Above, the lieu of a roof and ceiling, the space peered up at the canopies of the trees covering the area. A smoldering pyre at the center of the table spat gray smoke up and out into the sky.

  Shiloh spied one of the servants wandering across the veranda opposite him. “Excuse me- have you seen the Arcanus?” He shouted out to her.

  The woman, sporting a long reddish robe, shook her head. “The Lady is out, I’m afraid.” She responded, head down. “Possibly welcoming other emissaries for the tribunal.”

  Chin was the first to spot the gate of Arkyan. “Remove that helm, Mr. Bently.” He called back begrudgingly. “It is not for the reason of enjoying your company that I must ask you stick by my side.”

  Bently slid the helmet off from his head. The cool wind flowing among the trees brushed against his ears, and he could hear the gurgling of the small river in the distance. “As long as you don’t ask for me to sleep in the same bedroll.” Bently shot back with a smirk.

  Chin huffed and patted at the belongings at his sides to make sure they had remained in place. He astutely descended from the horse before the watchmen at the gate had a chance to approach. Chin attempted to make eye contact, but the two men’s gazes remained fixed at Bently in the rear.

  “May I trouble you gentlemen for directions to the stables?” Chin chatted them up, to little success.

  Bently slid of his horse gently, aware of the sights locked on him. “Why have you brought your dog of war?” The watchman huffed.

  Chin peered back at Bently with a scowl before turning his attention to the guards once again. “He always has that unsavory look on his face as if he’s caught a stomach bug. It is quite the tool for deterring would-be thieves without even the mention of violence.”

  The first man slapped Chin’s chest with the back of his hand, nearly knocking the wind from his lungs. “What of that armor, then?”

  Bently’s hand reached back reflexively at the sword by his side, wrapped tightly in a heavy canvas covering, and tied shut with long dangling strings of twine.

  “Our King wishes to show off his wealth by providing those who travel to distant lands with the flashiest of armaments. Who knows how it would defend against a sword blow, though?” Chin lied. The watchman turned towards him and looked the mage up and down indignantly.

  “You may pass.” The man grumbled. “Stable your horses down that way.”

  Chin walked deliberately through the gate as Bently followed quickly after, the horse’s reins in hand. The watchmen eyed him once again as he sped up his pace to keep up with the mage. “Is it safe to so boldly lie to them?”

  Chin gritted his teeth and spoke sideways to Bently. “As long as you don’t cause trouble, your presence will be of no consequence. Honestly, I had no need for you to come.”

  “This is Tuleforian territory.” Bently hissed. The horse under his control pulled against his grip on the reins as he looked around cautiously.

  “This is neutral territory; you’ve been told this.” Chin stopped suddenly, turning and looking up to Bently. “There is no doubt going to be people from both sides.”

  Bently scanned the city, the tall buildings seeming to surround him from all angles. “Please focus on the matter at hand.” Chin rebuked him, snapping Bently out of his observations. The mage passed Bently the reins from the second horse. The soldier pushed the helmet under his arm and grabbed up the leather band. “Stable my horse. I must make sure the Arcanus is aware of my arrival.”

  “Mhm.” Bently grumbled.

  “That tall circular building-.” Chin pointed out. “Is most likely where you’ll find me. Try to change out of that armor when you can, you’ll draw too much attention if not.” The mage growled at him.

  Bently nodded purposefully slow. Chin began to trot away hastily, pulling the pipe out of his breast pocket and lighting the contents with a spark from his finger. As he continued along the road, the trail of purple smoke began to form in his path.

  Bently found his way to the stable, finding many of the spots had been filled. Outside, he hefted the heavy bags belonging to both him and the mage down on the rough, dirty stone street. The horses obediently nudged their way into the cramped stable, eager to find the troughs of water and matted hay beneath their feet.

  The horses around jostled against each other as Bently loosely tied up the two animals under his care. Their large, dark eyes stared at him uneasily. He carefully held his gloved hand out for them to smell while the suspicious horses flared their nostrils. The heavy horseshoes on their feet knocked against the compacted dirt floor and against the wooden structure behind them.

  “They recognize you.” Came a growl from behind. Bently heard the sound of a knife being drawn behind his back. His reflexes send his hand flying out behind him. His gauntlet made contact with the wooden frame of the stable door, ripping a chunk of the plank into bits.

  Shiloh stood just outside the door, the short, gleaming knife poised between his forefinger and thumb. “Remove yourself from here at once.” He growled. Bently peered down at him and took a long stride forward, deliberately stomping his foot against the stone loudly.

  “Who do you think you are? If I wasn’t ordered to be civil, I would have you torn apart by now.” Bently called out loudly, trying to suppress his laugh.

  “Just like our forces, was it?” Shiloh called out. He scraped his foot backwards against the paving stone and adjusted his grip on the knives handle.

  “Tulefore dog, I assume?!” Bently cackled lowly. “Is vengeance so sweet that you would try something so foolish- to attack me in broad daylight, all these people around, with little more than a shiv?”

  “Listen to yourself, you bloodthirsty Xiandolan mongrel!” Shiloh ground his teeth. A few bystanders had begun to gather around.

  Bently made tentative eye contact with the locals who had taken notice. Shiloh jutted the dagger at him, pulling his attention back. “Is it the armor? If you recognize it, you must know what it is capable of.” Bently rapped on the metal plating with a loud echoing series of clangs.

  “That smug face of yours is uncovered.” Shiloh gripped tightly onto the dagger.

  Bently pursed his lips and paused to look around at the slowly gathering group of people. He felt the sword still bound tightly and tied at his thigh, tapping lightly back and forth upon the tassets of his armor. Calmly, he bent his knees and carefully set the silvery helmet down upon the ground.

  Shiloh’s eyes laid open unblinking as Bently stood back up straight. Just as he pulled his hand back to ready the knife to be thrown, Bently rushed forwards and planted his heavy-armored grip around the guard’s throat, picking him up off the ground and slamm
ing him down with a dull thump.

  Bently felt his body freeze, the armor restricting itself around his limbs. “What are you doing, you fool?!” Chin called out, pushing past the rabble of people. His hand was held high, projecting a glimmering translucent aura. A woman in blue flowing robes followed quickly after, rushing down to offer help to Shiloh.

  “What… have you done…” Bently struggled, his body immobile.

  Chin stood up on his toes and spat in Bently’s face. “What did I tell you?”

  “Why can’t I move?”

  “I ought to send you back over the mountain right now. Edrian would have you stripped of rank and put to work in the mines.”

  “This man started it!”

  “Are you a child, Mr. Bently!?” Chin said raspily, his voice going hoarse as his lungs struggled to suck down more air. “Arcanus, do you know this man?”

  The woman helped Shiloh off the ground, the back of his head and clothing muddled with blood. Charlstine cast an aura at the wound from her hand, turning to Chin. “This man came with the mage whom we wish to try, from the Tuleforian front. I shall have one of my healers to tend to him.”

  “I knew this was a bad idea.” Chin muttered under his breath, just loudly enough for Bently to hear. The mage balled his hand up in a fist and the aura disappeared, granting Bently freedom once again.

  Charlstine approached Bently, her eyes studying him carefully. “This is quite interesting, Mr. Chin.” The Arcanus pondered. Her long, dainty fingers brushed against the metal plating of Bently’s chest-plate. He could feel a strange tingling run through his body, and the woman’s eyes studied his for a brief second. “Shall we talk about what you’ve brought us, all the way from Xiandol?”