Tales Of Eleutheros

by S D Huss

  Boros shot her a fierce glance, warning her against further disrespect.

  Cato sighed and nodded. “Very unfortunate. And I must apologize for my clan. They are blinded by fear. Fear of something they do not understand.” He took a long drink from a bowl of wine. “I assure you, they do not know that you are both here with me. Like I told you before, my son has told me very interesting things about you humans… world changing. I trust my son, and I know he would not say these things unless they were true.”

  “What was the human’s name?” Daniel asked. “Did he mention that at all?”

  Cato looked up and scratched his chin. “Something like… Malex… I must apologize, human names are very interesting but new to me.”

  “Alex?” Daniel answered, trying to spark the Dae’s memory.

  “Yes! That was it. I was close.” He said.

  Daniel nodded, and Katrina put a supportive hand on his shoulder. “You’ll find them, Dan.” She said.

  Daniel and Katrina both shook their heads afterward in silence, and Boros leaned forward. “My Lord, we are here to discuss the wishes of High King Phobos as well. The rebellion of the Rexunii is the greatest threat to Eleutheros.”

  Cato laughed. “My young Prince, if what my son has told me is true, and I certainly believe that it is, this little rebellion is nothing compared to the true threat to not just Eleutheros, but all of Pelemont.” The Hego paused, letting his words sink in. “There is a great threat that has been seen by one of the humans in Vohna-Vix.” He looked at Daniel and Katrina, seeing their confusion. “My apologies, I know you aren’t familiar with our maps and territories. Vohna-Vix is a large island to the North East of Vohnarahv, the continent where we are. This is where my son met this human… and he tells me that human has a particular power… gifted to him by one of the Great Spirits. The power of sight.”

  Boros looked on, his face one of strong skepticism. “A Great Spirit?”

  Cato saw this and sighed again. “There are forces gathering against the Dae, a true evil that would see us all dead. The humans’ arrival here isn’t a coincidence, they are heralds to our salvation. You don’t have to believe me, but please pass these words on to your father. I pray that he will understand. For he is one of the few Dae I know who will heed the call of the Great Spirits, and defy those in power to do what is right… not what they want.” He pointed to Daniel and Katrina. “Your being here is proof enough of that. He could have listened to the fools in the capital of Belos and killed you, but instead, he heard the words of the spirits, and protected you.”

  Several moments passed in silence as they contemplated his words. Boros finally spoke. “Well, my Lord, I will pass this to my father, with the same urgency and care that you have displayed here. However, I still must return with information for the rebellion. We were promised your support.”

  Cato waved his hand dismissively. “Yes, yes, of course. You all are treating this little rebellion like it is some cataclysmic event. Trust me when I say this. I have seen a hundred would be conquerors rise, burning brightly at first, like a raging fire. Only for us all to see them smolder and fade as they are snuffed out. This child king to the south has nothing we haven’t seen before, even less in fact. He has no allies, no trade, no navy, and is surrounded by clans that want nothing more than to pick the corpse of his territory once he is killed. Once his meager forces are defeated, loyal clans will march in and reap the spoils. It is unfortunate, but the Rexunii people will suffer for the sins of their arrogant king.” Cato stood from his chair, waving to a servant to hand him a bowl of wine. “Enough of this business. I would like to speak to the two of you and learn of your people. Please, allow me to show you my gardens.”

  ◆◆◆

  As they walked, Boros took a moment to speak with the Hego. Judging from the hushed voices and informal body language, Daniel could see that this was something he probably wanted to keep private. He pulled Katrina by her arm and slowed her pace. “Another human. With strange powers?” Daniel mentioned, not really as a question, but more as a statement. “What do you think?”

  Katrina pondered for a moment, shaking her head slightly. “I don’t know. It looks like there’s more to us being here, but what the hell do humans have to do with the great spirits? We all lived normal and separate lives from each other. How we got to this world, or why, is still a mystery.”

  “Yeah, we aren’t even sure where ‘HERE’ actually is. Are we in another dimension? Or another planet?” Daniel massaged his forehead. “The question of the century.”

  Katrina stopped and looked up at Daniel, her eyes held an aspect of determination, but also a deep sadness. “Dan, we have to face the fact that we are never going to get home. We probably won't even know how we got here.” She grabbed his arm. “We have to find a way to live here, and stick together.” She looked to check where Boros was and lowered her voice. “We have to think about the future, and…” She paused. “And try to get Robert back… God knows what they did to him, but we have to do something.”

  “How?” Daniel asked. “We aren’t exactly in a position where we can just walk up to him and take him back. What if he doesn’t want to come? Hell, they said he’s a prince now. Don’t ask me how that works, because its a goddamn mystery to me. Not to mention the other humans that are out there. I’ve been thinking about that a lot… you know that though.”

  Katrina turned to walk again, letting go of his arm. Daniel could see her eyes were starting to redden and well with tears. He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder, keeping her from walking away. “We’ll figure something out, ok? Things are complicated right now, but I know we can make it work. I mean, look how far we’ve come.” She stopped but didn’t look at him. Daniel figured it was probably because she didn’t want him to see her cry. “Whether by luck or sheer willpower, we have managed to survive here, thrive even. But you’re right; we need to stick together.”

  She turned her face slowly to look at him, having composed herself mostly. “We will.” She said. “No matter what happens.”

  chapter 36

  Robert cursed the sweat dripping into his eyes. He crouched with his hands outstretched, concentrating as best he could to maintain the illusion he had been holding for the last thirty minutes, in the treeline of a forest bordering the capital. Turak’s group of elite Rexunii warriors had finally arrived at their destination, the city of Pontos, capital of Visgo and seat of power for Queen Mundiri. After nearly a week of sneaking and raiding the countryside, terror had been strewn across the land, and miniature rumors of the living dead could be heard whispered on the lips of villagers and warriors. Robert had been extremely efficient in his task of keeping the Visgo forces in the dark. Using his abilities, he was able to keep the Rexunii warriors hidden, passing barricades and checkpoints completely unnoticed.

  “Are you sure about this?” Demessa whispered into Robert’s ear. The woman had been a pillar of support for him since they left on this expedition. She showed dedication and loyalty to his position, often reminding the others of any trespasses they made.

  Robert looked up above his right shoulder, to the familiar sight of Dio’Mar. She floated leisurely, as if sitting on the air itself, her tiny pale legs crossed. “There are many ways… to accomplish what you ask… but I know this will work... ” She said.

  “I don’t know about this plan,” Robert said, his heart heavy with the task before him. “It seems pretty complex… I don’t know if I can do it.”

  “You can,” Demessa said, putting her hand on his shoulder. “We believe in your power, Prince. Dio’Mar has given you her wisdom on this, and she would not give you a task she does not think you are capable of accomplishing. Have faith, in yourself, and in all of us.”

  “I like this one…” Dio’Mar said, floating, invisible in front of the Dae woman’s face. “She will be… useful.”

  The Rexunii warriors that were around him, hiding behind trees and stones, nodded in agreement. They mumbled a few w
ords of encouragement as well.

  Turak approached him from behind, patting him on the back. “Our lives are in your hands, Reku. You’re sure you can handle this?”

  Demessa gave him a glare, deriving a laugh in response.

  “I jest, I know you will do fine.

  Robert nodded his head. “Yes, well… now all we have to do is find a way to convince all the nobles of Visgo to go against their Queen… easy.”

  Turak took one last look at the large city, its walls strong and its spires reaching high into the sky. “This is the easiest way, with far less swinging of blades and killing. Believe me when I say that if we succeed in this, it will be a feat for the histories.”

  ◆◆◆

  The group of Rexunii warriors assembled into a marching formation. Their spears were at their shoulders as they rode on the Cro’kan mounts. At the front, Turak and Robert headed the two columns and they progressed lazily toward the main entrance to the city. They saw warriors with yellow cloaks, who manned checkpoints on the road, looking on in stunned alarm, unsure of what to do.

  “Halt!” One of the sergeants called, raising his spear, along with several others. “State your business!”

  Turak raised his hand in a fist, signaling for the column to stop moving. He reached into a leather bag hooked to the side of his mount and removed a large scroll with the Visgo royal seal upon it. “We are here to meet with your Queen. We have permission to enter your city and special privileges of safe passage.”

  The warrior took the scroll and looked it over. His eyes were wide and uncertain. It was, in fact, the royal seal, apparently written by the Queen's scribe. He turned toward his warriors and asked one to go and fetch the captain. This was something he was obviously not willing to take the blame for.

  Several minutes passed, and then a Visgo officer rode out on a Cro’kan of his own. His dark yellow cloak billowed behind him as he skidded to a stop before the Rexunii band. The sergeant handed him the scroll and relayed the words that Turak had spoken. He looked over it and gave Turak a sneer. “You are well past the date of arrival, my ‘Lord’” he said, malice in his voice.

  “Your clan’s territory seems to be in a bit of disarray. Are you having trouble with something? Rampant brigands, perhaps?” The captain looked at him slowly, his eyes burning with anger. Turak extended his hand, asking for the scroll again. “You may lead us to our host.”

  Without any reason to keep them, the captain led them into the city. Massive doors slid open, larger even than the ones at Vul De Rah. Soundlessly, they slid outward. Robert now knew they were powered by many Dae-Voh. In fact, in terms of importance, the earth wielding Dunamis users were the most recognized for the infrastructure of Dae cities. They could manipulate the stone around them, or even create it out of thin air using the spiritual energy at their disposal, the latter being much more difficult. Robert saw a much more light-hearted interior than the Rexunii capital of Thule. The merchants and peasants of Ponto seemed to wear much brighter colors and had attire that looked much different from the normal Eleutheros styles he had grown accustomed to. -It’s a port city- He thought to himself. -These people must be from completely different countries.-

  Children ran through the streets, playing with sticks and shouting youthful nothings toward one another. The sight brought a warmness to Robert’s heart and a smile to his face. After what he had seen over the past few months, children frolicking while oblivious to the horrors of the world were a welcome sight.

  They made their way to the large palace in the center of the city. Royal guards, wearing dark yellow, ran out to greet them and insisted on escorting Turak the rest of the way.

  “Prince Reku is coming as well,” Turak said, pointing to Robert. “He is our royal representative, and I am the King’s emissary.”

  They hesitated, but agreed, as he had official documents from Alektor supporting the claim.

  When they entered the throne room of the palace, Robert was surprised to see hundreds of nobles on either side of the vast hall. In the center sat a Dae woman. She was beautiful and regal looking, with a large gown of golden velvet. Her skin was a pale blue, and her hair, of course, was the pearl white color of most Dae. She wore a troubled expression but waved at the two men to approach. To her left was another woman, with a black gown, and to her right, a man with a fine purple tunic and trousers.

  Turak bowed his head as he approached, and Robert mirrored his action. “Your Majesty.” He began, aware that they had arrived unannounced, so he would have to introduce himself. “I am Lord Turak of house Skotos, emissary to the King, and high general.” He gestured to Robert, who bowed his head lower. “This is Prince Reku of house Roh, brother of King Alektor, Spirit-Sent, and prophet of Dio’Mar.”

  The crowd gasped at the title and introduction of one of the infamous humans. Robert clenched his teeth together, feeling the gaze of every noble in the room. It brought back extremely uncomfortable memories.

  Turak continued. “Your Majesty, we have traveled from Thule, and brought the written word of our sovereign King, Alektor.”

  Mundiri was higher than Turak and Robert, her throne being placed on a platform with several large steps being required to reach it. She looked down at him, her eyes harder than bone. “Lord Turak, I am quite surprised to see you have arrived here.” She said, her voice imperious, but taking very little care to hide her agitation. “We have heard extremely disturbing reports of your clan, reaping destruction across our land”

  “Reports of what, your majesty?” Turak asked, his eyes narrowing to her.

  “Villages burned!” She hit her fist on the arm of her throne. “Demonic creatures, ravaging and terrorizing our people! Is this how you repay my invitation to parlay? With a blade in my back? And you still come here before me? Speak your lies, son of Rexun, so I may decide how best to kill you.”

  Turak took in a deep breath but glanced to Robert. He looked confident and sure, as though everything had gone according to his plan.

  “Your Majesty,” Turak said, grinning and looking the Queen. “What you say is true.” The hall erupted in outrage. Shouts and curses echoed in the hall, but Turak raised his voice in a booming shout. “Silence!” The voices ceased, and the walls of the throne room rattled with the Dunamis-enhanced power of his voice.

  Robert stepped back, slightly startled from the outburst.

  “You people are rotten.” Turak continued. “Scheming behind the scenes, to ruin any chance of brokering a peace between our clans. Your lies are convincing, dear Mundiri. This, though, is not something that can escape the vision of someone like me; of the Rexunii.” He began to turn, looking at the faces of the nobles in the hall. “Dio’Mar has revealed your treachery to us, and she now plagues your lands with the creatures you speak of… warriors under the command of rogue lords, who died attempting to fulfill their orders. That’s what is terrorizing your people. You should know this since you are the one who orchestrated this.”

  The Queen’s eyes bulged at the claim. “Excuse me?” She asked, shocked. “You dare attempt to blame me for such a thing? My council and I agreed to accept your inquiry and grant you an audience, we extended our hand in friendship, despite the Rexunii reputation for death and destruction.”

  “Well, I am happy to hear our reputation precedes us.” He said, pointing at the Queen. “With that thought in mind, you must know that we are not afraid of our enemies. See how your clan scrambles, afraid of unseen bereavement. We were able to avoid any unwanted contact with your murderous brigands, and approach your capital with little resistance.” His smile darkened. “Your betrayal is not unexpected, Mundiri, but it does hurt us, knowing that the word of a Queen means very little in Visgo. We could have turned around and gone back to Rexun, pondering all the way what it is we could have done that would have merited such a diabolical reaction…” He held his gaze on her, feeling the pulse of his heart in the silent room. “But no… We decided to come here, to brave the threats of your treachery and
look you in the eyes when I say that your reign is finished… your line is finished… you have made enemies of the Rexunii today, and I will not stop until you are cast from your throne, and a true monarch of integrity sits upon it! If you wish to join the Torre’ and find us on the field, you will find nothing but failure and death. If it comes to that, Visgo will burn, its waters of trade will be oceans of blood, we will dance the corpses of your dead warriors like puppets to the tune of your wailing women and children.”

  “You!” the Queen finally said, standing in outrage. “You dare speak to me in such a way!? In my halls!? My people have suffered your arrogance and villainy for too long.”

  She raised her hand to them. “Here is my answer, you cur!” Her hand hissed and a massive blade of wind slashed toward Turak and Robert. Robert raised his hands to defend against it, but the blade slid through his hands and his body, crashing into the door behind them, sending pieces of stone and wood flying across the crowded hall.

  There were screams at first, as the violent attack was unexpected, but silence ensued from the onlookers, when the two victims of her attack still stood, completely unaffected.