by Dan Raxor
“A community?” I asked, realizing I knew far too little besides what the wolf-kin were.
Rivinia cleared her throat. “Fey are animals and yet humanoid. While we cannot talk to them, they can converse with each other. Most fey survive and prey on humanity through groups. Either of one kind or many.” Rivinia turned to the scout. “If you stumbled on this group, I’m glad you both made it out okay.”
The scout furled his brows. “I'm sorry, miss. I dun left Harven there ta watch the -”
“You fool,” Rivinia said and even Norlan sighed.
“It's already done,” Norlan said in a stern tone. “Hopefully he is safe.”
“I don’t get it,” I admitted.
“Fey have superior senses. The deer-kin smell, the bunny-kin hear, and the snake-kin sense movement. Harven will have been spotted. Hell, they let themselves get spotted if you saw a full clump. And before you think they ate him. No, they will have mated him first. Both sexes. The males see a hole and fill it,” Rivinia said with a grunt.
“This is on me,” Norlan said, straightening his spine. I could see he was bothered at the failure. “They should have never split, and both were over eager. Hopefully they are still using him when we arrive, but we should hurry.”
At this juncture I decided I wanted to go. I found Tsar curled up among the other horses. The stallion was grumpy at being roused. Libby helped me saddle the handsome brute. A few minutes later we set out to the west as a group of forty hunters on foot. Tsar seemed unfazed by the falling snow and chilly winds. Visibility was shit, but thankfully the scouts’ tracks back to us were easy to follow.
Susanna caught up a few minutes into the trip to take up a spot on my side. Honestly, I was a bit surprised the scouts even found anything with how intense the blizzard was.
Our progress slowed when the scout led us down a hill and into thick blackberry bushes that were devoid of life due to winter. Once we entered this area the winds struggled to push the snow in drifts and the forest canopy absorbed most of the falling snow. There were thick trees akin to a pine, except they were fuller with green undersides and snow on top.
I was in the middle of the group that was at most three wide, feeling the frustration of Tsar from the crawling pace.
The horse nickered when the sudden sound of cries and grunting erupted ahead. I craned my neck to see further into the forest, eager to spy the battle.
Two fey fell from thick evergreens above us, landing on a scout, and the other just missing me. I felt oddly shaped hands trying to grip my robe as the fey fell.
I learned something in that instance. Pissing off a horse by almost jumping on it was a bad idea. The bunny-kin who landed by us was covered in brown fur with human legs. The missed drop resulted in the fey sprawled on the snow-covered forest floor.
Tsar stomped on the fallen fey, cracking leg bones in such a manner even my stomach twisted.
I yanked his reins to keep him from killing the stupid creature, pissing off the horse. Susanna struggled, locking arms in a battle of dominance with a deer-kin male that had her on size.
Tsar spun, turned his rear, and let out a walloping kick.
Crack!
The deer-kin went flying into a tree.
I was stunned.
This was the kindest horse ever, and he ate out of my palm like a babe. When there was a purple tendril of power rising from the deer-kin, I gasped. A single kick resulted in a death.
I wasn’t going to cry over the matter, absorbing the power the sacrifice provided with glee. Yes… I needed like another dozen of these to be fully restored.
Two deer-kin came rushing in from the side. With a soothing pull of magic, I prepared an ice spell. Tendrils of magic left my reserves to spool through me. I let my relaxed nature contort the magic to my whim and unleashed.
Glacial blue magic shot forward from the ruby in my staff, encasing feet in a thick ice.
“Yes!” I shouted for joy.
My victory was short lived. The fey burst from their confines, continuing their charge. I consumed more energy this time. Magic shot forward in a torrent, creating thicker ice prisons that went up to their hips.
Scouts arrived, tossing rope over the trapped fey.
“Master!” Norlan called out from the front, breaking me of my transfixed viewing.
“Alive!” I shouted back. I led Tsar for where I heard Norlan. “On my way. Susanna, I need you to keep this bunny-kin alive.”
“I have supplies in my bag, Master,” Susanna said, glancing up at me sadly. “I… I won't let them get this close again, Master.”
“They hid in trees that scouts, Norlan, and twenty warriors before you missed. But yes. I’m disappointed,” I said, leaving her to do her task.
She worked in ways that were opposite of Libby. Motivation to be better drove Susanna on, not false platitudes. Speaking of my babe with the bear tail, the woman had a two legged snake creature underneath her strong frame. Another scout was helping her bind the trapped fey.
I nudged Tsar around the path to reach Norlan. Inside a clearing the main fey force had triggered an ambush. Their trap failed. Our sheer numbers pushing back the attack. I was impressed when I saw a dozen full fey being detained with grunts, shrieks, and groans.
Norlan stood over a man in the snow. When I neared, the area was compacted from struggling. Red snow told me there had been quite a bit of blood loss from -
Lornia, I sometimes forget how cruel this world is. Cruel and gross.
The scout that had been left behind was missing his pants. His butthole had been violated and the offenders ate him while they took turns. There were chunks of flesh missing, and the worst part was, he was still alive somehow.
“Will he survive?” I asked as the man’s head spun in delirious ways.
Norlan shook his head. “If Farlake allows us to use their healer. Maybe. It’d be a long shot because we’re moving slower than I thought,” he said sadly.
“I have to assume Farlake won’t freely let us -” I was saying when Norlan shook his head.
Libby arrived, viewing the scene with a stutter in her step. She locked eyes with me, giving me a thumbs down. Those were sad eyes, pleading with me for mercy.
I sighed.
It dawned on me why Norlan was calling for me. I was the one who had to make the hard decisions.
Did I make this man suffer all the way to Farlake where he’d cost a fortune to cure? Assuming that he survived and that the Viscount there would allow it. If he even had a healer. Or did I give him a merciful death.
The groaning scout transitioned into a deathly wail, triggering a trio of snake men to come charging at us out of the forest.
“Do it, Libby,” I ordered.
Her sword went through the man’s back, diving into the heart.
Norlan roared out, rushing to meet the new threat. He was locked in a fist fight, at a disadvantage because of his short arm. I saw him take a cross jab that knocked him out cold.
Another warrior of mine returned the favor, tackling the offender to the ground before punching the fey into unconsciousness. The last two carried on the scrum for a bit but my troops adjusted.
“Libby, stick Norlan on -”
“I’m fine,” Norlan said, spitting blood into the snow. “It’s this stupid missing eye and arm. Give me a hand up though.”
Libby helped the grisly veteran up.
I ingested the power of the dead scout, feeling a wave of emotion now that his execution was a finality. A merciful death, but a dark fate for someone simply trying to earn gold.
“You sure you like playing a noble, Master?” Norlan asked, scratching Tsar’s muzzle.
I clenched my jaw, stiffening my resolve. “Lornia is not for the weak. I’m not weak, and neither are my troops. Next time ensure your scouts don’t separate, Norlan.”
“The blame does lie on me. I can make excuses, but I won’t,” Norlan said, rubbing his jaw. “They hit harder than I remember.”
Susanna
came over with the bunny man over her shoulder. “Or you're getting older.” There was friendly laughter at this jab. “Are we going to chase the rest or take this with us?”
“This is more than enough to keep. The fey will make that smartass horse look dumb,” Norlan said with a grunt. “Tending to the wounded might make them docile though. At least I had figured we would capture some.”
“Ah… The horse wagon?” I asked.
“Yeah, we stuff the other wagons with that hay and then toss these shits in there,” Norlan said.
I spun Tsar, ready to get back to comfort. “Will the others try to rescue them?” I asked.
He shook his head. “Not how they work. There is some magic to the process, but these will be replaced quickly.”
“Interesting. The books all say the reproductions of full fey is a mystery,” I said.
“Captivity seems to have different effects than in the wilds. Look, I’m no expert, Master. I just know that we clear a grove like this, and then they’re back in a year or two, stronger than ever,” Norlan said, giving me something to think about.
“Alright. Let's hope we keep them contained until Farlake. Ming is looking worse by the day,” I admitted sadly.
The trip back was slow, especially when we left the dense forest for the trees stripped of leaves. The wind kicked my ass feeling like a headwind both ways.
When I finally arrived back in my carriage I unfolded the bed to lie down and jot some notes in my research book and my journal.
Lornia certainly held many mysteries that fascinated me. Maybe this Farlake Academy would unlock some answers.
CHAPTER 33
Lornia - Farlake Academy
338th day of the 1st year of King Partel’s Reign
“And why exactly couldn’t Rivinia come?” I asked Norlan.
He sighed, sending frosted breath to envelop his face. “It’s not that she couldn’t. It’s that she shouldn’t. Rivinia is rare. Elves barter with humans to reclaim their lost children. The more you let her be seen the more issues you’ll have.”
“I value her insight,” I muttered.
We were walking up a long road for Farlake. Our caravan was set up in a camping posture with big fires going. The only trailer we hauled was the creaky horse trailer with the full fey inside.
They never tried to run and we surmised it was because of the one with the broken legs kept them frightened. In the driver’s seat Susanna and Libby with straight backs. Both ladies gave me smiles when I eyed them.
A chest of gold was lodged under their feet for spending purposes.
This was a big moment for Ming who had stayed in her cabin where she fought her illness without modern medicine. Most of the trip northwest so far had been with her in a fever.
While she paled, and grew clammy, there was little else to do besides hurry for aid. All her pills she tried to bring with her never transitioned to Lornia.
This was her last shot anyway. Sit in a wagon and die with a chance. Or sit in a comfy bed in New York City, and just die.
“Yes, I understand you find Rivinia wise, just… You’re not the all-powerful son of a fire god here,” Norlan said with hesitation.
“Ha!” I joyfully exclaimed. A giggle at the notion warmed me on the chilly gray day. I had to step high because the snow was so tall on the road. It was clear we were the only visitors recently.
“You shouldn't find that humorous. The dwarven lords who rule armies capable of marching forth and crushing swaths of humanity view you as such,” he said with concern. We’d gotten ahead of the others so he paused for the horses to catch up. “Fire mages. Do. Not. Burst into flame, Master. Something you should keep guarded. And in Farlake Academy, you may just be ordinary.”
I think I caught onto his warning. The fancy horses and elven maiden were not on display for our initial greeting. I was not the all-powerful mage going into a mage academy. I sighed ingesting the sight up the hill.
The designer of Farlake had built it so the fortifications were up high. There was no moat but the castle certainly rested on a hill. The exterior was a darker stone that contrasted a mountainous backside with steep cliffs. Beyond the right side walls were cleared farm fields and the distant left held a massive lake that was only partially frozen.
A twenty foot tall thick wall enclosed more soaring buildings than Trimi held. You could see where the walls had been expanded recently, both to the left and right. New construction halted for winter as sections of new walls were just stopped.
Atop the walls there were no soldiers pacing or guards with half drawn bows. A single eagle fey had flown over us a day ago, and the rest of the way there was no other sign of life. The actual gate was open, the portcullis pulled high, and a mage of immense power waited for us with an entourage waiting behind her.
I could never see how powerful I was, but this woman that wore blue robes radiated power. She eyed us with impatience. I saw her second set of fox ears proudly on display. Beside her was a daughter, who appeared to be around nineteen. The crazy part was, because of her fey nature, she did not age the same as pure humans. This master mage appeared to be in her mid-twenties.
A quick inspection of her daughter revealed she was powerful; only her mother shone brighter with the gift.
We crossed under the wall with me in the lead. My toes were numb from stomping through the snow and I wished for a warm bath. Each step across the stone underway echoed loudly.
“Welcome to Farlake, I am Sorceress Holly,” the mage said with a warm smile. “This is my daughter Siofra.” She pronounced this name in two parts. “The Master Mage is indisposed to greet weary travelers who brave blizzards.”
“Thank you for the welcome, Sorceress Holly. I’m Baron Trevor of Trimi,” I said, giving an awkward bow. I retrieved the reward poster that Viscount Nathanael gave me, handing it to Holly.
“Indeed. Arabel said you caught a few prey for us. These will do nicely. Did you arrive to just sell us fey?” Holly asked.
“No,” I replied.
Her daughter stepped forward and said, “How may we help you, Baron Trevor?”
I eyed her more intently. Brown hair, brown eyes, and a sharp jawline. She reminded me of the latest actress they had playing Wondergal. She was confident, sexy, and smooth in both tone and gestures. She did squirm under my lingering gaze though. Maybe she was unaccustomed to powerful men who were not her father.
“I… I’m new to magic. I’d like to learn -”
Holly chuckled, then burst into a laugh. “Please, no need to lie to us.” When the others of my party tensed she frowned. “We’ve heard the rumors of someone so gifted they are automatically given the title of Master Mage. A title that takes immense amounts of time to earn… And yet, these lackeys react as if you tell the truth.”
“It is,” I told her.
“It can’t be,” Holly replied with a scoff. “That is not how magic operates.”
“Well… I do not lie. Maybe you’re not the place of all the answers I seek,” I said, and she tugged on her sleeve. “You both are very powerful mages, I’m sure I could learn from you.”
“You can see my power?” Siofra asked.
“I can, it is smaller than hers. She blossoms with power to the point I wonder if it is normal,” I said with a shrug.
Holly huffed, perplexed by this news. “My daughter will give you a tour and see if you find her suitable as an instructor. You do not need to be a student lectured in our academy though. You’d be stuck with children becoming adults.”
“What’d you recommend?” I asked.
“Let me talk with the Master of Farlake to get an answer. Do not be surprised if he lacks the time to see you,” Holly said, about to leave. I cleared my throat. “Yes.”
“We need to buy fresh supplies,” I said.
“Very well, pick someone to send with Mother Angie here,” Holly said, gesturing to a tall redheaded woman who waited in the background.
“I’ll do it,” Norlan said, leaving
my side.
“Anything else?” Siofra asked.
I nodded. “I have a woman with a lot of gold or gems or metals who needs healing. Do you have a healer?” I asked.
“You’re a fool. If Siofra wasn’t so smitten we’d wipe your camp and steal your treasures. Clearly something is off about you,” Holly said, sticking her hands on her hips. “I do like honesty though. These two drool over you, and tense at my harsh words.”
“Part of my harem,” I admitted with a smug smirk.
This got Holly roaring into a bout of laughter. She slapped her daughter’s back. “Yes, Siofra. This ignorant Baron is perfect. Wealthy, powerful, in need of guidance, and able to command. Perfect indeed. Please come in. Arden will be escorted down to your woman in need of healing. Thousand coins work?”
“Uh… Yeah. Can we make it two thousand and you heal that man missing the eye and arm?”
Holly’s face fell. She shook her head, realizing she should have asked for more. Ming had brought thirty thousand coins.
“I… -” Holly was flustered.
I bit my fingernail casually as if her reaction was normal. “Everything okay?”
“You surprise me, which is rare,” Holly said with a frown. “Anything else?”
“That should be it for now, thank you again for the warm welcome.”
“Enjoy the tour,” Holly said leaving in a hurry.
We watched her exit the underway, heading into a mini castle in the middle of the massive academy that doubled as a city.
“Can I see the horses,” Siofra asked eagerly.
“What horses?”
“The ones with the furry feet!” she replied.
Ugh… I thought it was just men and their simple natures. She somehow managed to not sound like a child either.
“Teach me a new spell and I’ll consider it,” I countered and she smiled.
“Sure, what do you want to learn?” Siofra asked. She crooked an elbow out confidently. Younger, silly, charming, and yet a lady. “Walk and talk? Kirn, escort these gentlemen to the fey dungeon. Fret not, Lord Trevor, Father ensures they are well cared for.”