A World Beyond the Dark

by Andrei Navala

  “Honestly, I was hoping you’d explain to me what happened, that time at Death’s Pass…” It was still hard for him to talk about that event. He couldn’t tell why, but he hated that day more than anything in his life.

  “All I remember that time was that we were assaulted and I probably lost consciousness during battle. I don’t know how I survived and the others didn’t tell me anything, but I woke up right in camp, while a few of our comrades were missing, along with you. Even they were really skeptical of my survival and questioned me as if I was an intruder. They went so far as to think I was possessed.” His final sentence awakened a memory, hidden deep in the back of Anvalth’s mind.

  It was complete darkness, but he could feel his rapier slash and stab through hordes of demons. Fiendish howls chilled his marrow but he strived to survive, not only for himself but for Liam and his mercenary friends. He chose the path against Rilwen’s will. He continuously prayed to Tela, forfeiting anything only to survive and save the others, and the god of fate took away his vision, in exchange giving him the powers of his Telaar at will. His senses were much sharper and in battle he was a force not to be reckoned with. The corpses were amassing underneath his feet but the only one standing against the demons along with him was Liam. His body was full of wounds and his arm and legs were going numb but he continued to senselessly slash around with his rapier, fending off the hordes. It was with great sacrifice that they managed to slaughter the fiends, resting upon their corpses at the end. Anvalth could feel the gentle, warm rays of light against the back of his neck. He was standing back to back with Liam and was leaning on his sword as he lost consciousness.

  “We fought the waves of demons together until our last breath and beyond. We emerged victorious from that massacre, but it cost us the lives of my comrades who were forced to stay behind.” He was speaking right as his visions were shown to him. The gravity of his words changed the mood of their reunion to something grim, a reminiscence of the past.

  “I see… We should try to forget about the past and live only in the present. Say, how’d you get so far and where are you headed to? I might be able to help you out, not only as payment of my debt to you but as a friend.” His words were sincere as far as Anvalth could tell.

  “I got lucky to meet someone who guided me this far. I want to return home to my wife. We lived in a small village not far from the capital.”

  “Darnaeth perhaps?”

  “No, that’s a respectable town. Mine was a farming village named Bavey. I doubt you know of it, but it is close to Darnaeth as you said. If we wanted to sell our grains we would go there once the harvesting season was over. We were in good relations with the people there. My wife Liliana actually is from Darnaeth but she had a relative in my village which she would often visit. Hope my story is not boring for your noble ears.”

  “It’s not and I understand if you still hold some resentment towards what I did. I know I was foolish… but I try to change. War was never really my thing, I hated to fight and I never really did try to learn. Ever since I was small, I wanted to become a renowned merchant like my father but he forced me into joining the army to earn a name for myself like that. All I could do was bluff my way through those days but in truth I was useless. And honestly, as much as I hated you for joining, I also admired your skill and accomplishments. For an unknown mercenary to be personally picked by one of Élerion’s most trusted paladin it was quite a feat. That was until I learned of your Telaar and went through so much to steal it. I guess I’m kinda sorry for both my actions and my words at that time.”

  “I accept your apologies, Liam.” Anvalth stretched out his hand and Liam shook it with vigor, even though a bit unusual for he had to shake with his left.

  “I’m not planning on staying around here for too long so perhaps I can take you back when I’m done selling my wares and buying new ones. Mind accompanying me?” Anvalth nodded and the two walked all the way to his cart. “This isn’t much but I started on my own, without any financial support. I’m quite proud of myself so far.” He said with the same confidence he had back when they were in camp. Liam took the reins and Anvalth was silently sitting next to him as they rode through town in their cart. Anvalth could tell he was very proud and thought the work of a merchant suited him better indeed. Eventually they stopped and Liam whispered him to wait there as he hopped off.

  “What may I help you with?” said a voice unknown to Anvalth. It was that of a woman, but it sounded harsh and powerful.

  “I have an offer for you: all these fresh skins for the meager price of forty eris gold coins.” The woman chuckled hearing his words.

  “Let me inspect them.” She approached the cart and Anvalth continued to remain silent. “How many have you got in here?”

  “Exactly twenty skins, no more no less. See with your own eyes their quality.” The woman did as instructed and fiddled around with the skins as far as Anvalth could tell. “What do you say?”

  “I see you have fifteen wolf pelts and five deer hides. Make it thirty and we have a deal.” The woman walked away from the cart and Anvalth suddenly stood up and got off the cart, following her.

  “I would like you to take another look, or rather smell the pelts.” The woman stopped in her tracks and Liam approached him, whispering in his ear.

  “What are you doing?”

  In response, Anvalth only patted him on the back. The leatherworker approached the cart again and inspected the wolf pelts more carefully.

  “You can tell their smell is not at all bad compared to most other furs. These are all of a quality which you might not encounter again at such a reasonable price.” He smiled all knowingly. His sense of smell helped him discern without even looking at them.

  “I suppose you are right. I accept-”

  “How about you make it forty coins for the pelts and five for the deer hides? These will sell immediately, and at a high price.” Anvalth continued, stepping forward as he leaned with his hand on the cart. As strange as he looked, his charisma and determination was something else, and even his arguments were valid.

  “Alright then, bring them inside and I’ll pay you there.” She darted off into her shop and Anvalth gave Liam a smug look as he carefully grabbed some of the furs. Liam took another batch of furs and helped his friend reach the shop without stumbling on anything. The woman paid them in full and they went outside with joyous grimaces.

  “I can’t believe you made her pay more than I already asked for. Were you actual serious about everything you told her?” Liam put his arm around his shoulder, shaking him excitedly.

  “Well, my sense of smell has vastly gotten stronger along with…” He wanted to finish his sentence but the memory of what happened at the enchanted woods proved as a moral impediment. “My loss of sight.” His senses were much keener indeed, but he still had his sight.

  “You would be of really great help during my travels. Perhaps I’ll come visit you sometime and pick you up with me on my journeys.” Anvalth didn’t respond to his offer. “You want to know how much I spent on those furs and skins?” Anvalth shrugged his shoulders, getting in the cart after Liam. “Fifteen eris gold coins.” Anvalth shook his head, smiling. “Yeah, and because you helped me out so much, not only will I give you a ride all the way back home, but I will treat you to the finest meal you’ve tasted.”

  “Can we go look for another inn than the one we’ve been to earlier?” He tried to hide his emotions when talking about the event.

  “Oh, we won’t be going to an inn. My father is acquainted with the lord here and I’m sure he will let us join him for a supper.” His pride of nobility was at its finest.

  “I appreciate the thought really, but I’d rather not visit the lord of Waden. I don’t want this to be my last supper. Let’s just say I got into trouble with one of his subjects.”

  Liam laughed and patted him on the shoulder. Anvalth sketched a faint smile in return. They went through town in their wagon and found a remote bar on the
outskirts. It was a quiet place and the mood was relaxed and laid back. Liam paid for their consumption and they fancied a delicious, warm meal accompanied by two bottles of fine, red wine and a minstrel singing a lovely tune. The bartender even summoned a lady companion at Liam’s request who enjoyed her presence.

  Their rest didn’t last long before the doors slammed open and numerous people stormed inside. By the sound of their dramatic entrance, they were all heavily armed soldiers. They were vastly surrounded and outnumbered and neither was in the perfect mood for fighting, as tipsy as they were.

  “I am Gregor of Waden, son of the lord and captain of guards! We are looking for a blind man with a scarf around his eyes.” The voice shouted from the wide open entrance as a cold breeze blew inside, stirring Anvalth. He couldn’t have known before, but the place was dark enough that the guards couldn’t tell that they were in the corner of the room. He let Liam with the girl that was now crying in his arms and he stood up slowly, moving through the shadows silently, hunting his first victim. A surge of blood rushed through his veins and he felt empowered and full of vigor as the effects of the alcohol faded away.

  “Wait there must be a misunderstanding. My friend did nothing wrong of his own accord. It must be a mistake.” said Liam from his seat as he finally let go of the girl who darted behind the counter.

  “And who might you be to speak in his defense?” shouted Gregor as he approached the table. That was enough for Anvalth to make his move. He sprinted out of the dark onto a table and leapt off, thrusting forward with his rapier. Sparks flew and his sword was deviated to the side when he aimed for the neck of the man. Gregor burst into wild laughter. “A blind man fighting? This must be a joke. Have you never fought real soldiers, perhaps just hobos found around the corner and now you think you’re something.” He could hear the captain draw his sword from the scabbard and Anvalth lunged again in an attempt to cut off his hand but the rapier was easily parried, but it was not by a blade.

  “Stop it Anvalth! I can hopefully make an arrangement for you!”

  The man laughed again, seeing Anvalth’s efforts which were all unsuccessful.

  “Who taught you to use a rapier like that? The only thing you can hope to achieve is this battle is a broken blade and your life taken if you resist further.”

  Anvalth backed away, gritting his teeth but a spear head went right past his left ear. It wasn’t a duel that he fought and for some reason his sword couldn’t reach the captain. He dropped low and dashed towards the owner of the spear, sweeping with his blade. The rapier rung loudly and he felt the reverberation back in his arm. It dawned on him too late that they were not only armed, but equipped in full plate mail and not some scrawny armor. How could he forget something so vital? In return, two spears were driven into his side and he had to push them away and retreat into a dark corner as they encroached on him. He had to break through but sheer speed and strength wouldn’t get him far. He sheathed his rapier and the knights hastily approached him but he kicked up a table, grabbed it like a massive shield with just one hand and charged into them. They drove their spears into the table which reached only half way towards him before he was able to push everyone out of his way and even disarm the ones that had thrust at him. Once in the middle of the room he threw it back at them, knocking some down and drew his rapier just in time to parry a swing from the captain. He moved around graciously around the captain, trying to overcome his defense with a succession of swift, precise stabs but to no avail. His hits were either dodged, deflected or simply didn’t pierce the armor. He could hear small cracks from his sword and clenched his fist tighter around the hilt. The knights still standing were coming back for him and he was pressed by time to finish off their leader.

  Anvalth feigned a low stab and instead tackled Gregor, forcing him on the ground. He waved his hand for Liam to come but he couldn’t hear his distinct footsteps, as if he was standing in place.

  “What terrible sword play and shameful, underhanded tactics. You’re all out of options now. Either you run away and save yourself while we kill off your friend or you willingly give up your own life and let him live.”

  He could tell as much, that Liam was taken hostage. He was free to run away and had no reason to give up his life for him. After coming so far, he couldn’t simply throw away his life. After suffering so much, he couldn’t take it anymore. Ainnea’s words came back to haunt him “More demon than man, enveloped in an aura of indomitable rage”, but now that he thought about it, it was perfectly accurate.

  Anvalth slowly raised his hand up, but suddenly he swung it forward letting go of the rapier which flew towards the captain’s head. A loud shattering noise was followed by their confusion and he cleared the distance between them in the blink of an eye, smashing the helmet of Gregor with his bare fist, knocking him on the ground and jumping over his body. He swept low with his foot and rolled through some of the falling guards, while dodging spears thrust at him. He swiped away one spear right from a knight’s hand and swung it above his head, gripping it tightly and then stabbing into a guard’s head. He continued with a rotation movement above his head, parrying any incoming hits and slashed another guard. He hit someone behind him with the back of his pole and turned around to slice his throat right through the bevor. He then turned to one of the men on the ground and impaled him with the spear, leaving it there and picking another one off the ground. Gregor stood up and furiously charged at him, swinging wide and fast. Anvalth tried to parry his hits at first but one spear slashed his abdomen from the side and another barely missed his face. He pretended to strike Gregor from above but instead he dropped low and threw his spear into the guard to his left as he rolled by Gregor, dodging his counter attack.

  Another knight was charging at him and in the spur of the moment he picked up a corpse and held it as a meat shield against the incoming attack. He then threw away the corpse over the attacker and knocked off his helmet with a single punch. Something inside was telling him to finish off the captain before it was too late, so he dashed towards him and caught the blade swung at him with his hand forcing it from his opponent’s hand. He then maneuvered it in his hand, grabbing the hilt and slashed right through where he thought the visor on the helmet might be. He could feel blood splatter inside the helmet and kicked him onto the ground as he threw the blade at the only remaining guard, piercing his chest. With his heavily bleeding hand, firstly he picked up the shattered piece from the blade along with the main part with the hilt and sheathed them and then he grabbed Liam, rushing outside where two more guards were waiting for them. With a pair of strikes, he knocked them unconscious and they dashed to their cart, getting in and riding away through the streets. Luckily for them, it was getting dark and the streets were mostly empty. Liam was still speechless and Anvalth was panting and huffing, trying to catch his breath. He pulled out some bandages and took hold of the reins once they were out of the town, while Liam was silently bandaging him. Anvalth was really dizzy from the blood loss but he had to put up with it. Suddenly, he pushed Liam’s hands away and he leaned outside the cart, throwing up. Liam took the reins and continued on the path they were on.

  “I can’t even tell if we’re heading the right way.” Anvalth raised his hand with his thumb up as he continued to throw up. “What an awful fight that was… I can’t believe you slaughtered them all.” Anvalth was just about finished and he sighed in relief.

  “W-What did you expect me to do? Give up my life or freedom when I am this close to home? Or even worse, leave you there to die.”

  “They were probably bluffing but I appreciate you did all that for my sake.” Anvalth still wasn’t used to his buddy to be anything but rude and proud. “I don’t see how we could’ve slaughtered all those demons by ourselves if you struggled with some human guards.”

  “That is why you’re not a combat expert. Our blades cut without effort through demons because they are made of flesh and have no armor, but those guys all had full plate mail armor from h
ead to feet which my rapier could never slash and could barely pierce. Not only that but compared to demons which have to get up close to you in order to hurt you, they had weapons with larger reach than my own and were at an advantage. I got careless and cocky because in my journey, I encountered a group of bandits once and I was easily disposing of them. These were all trained warriors first of all and were actually wearing armor other than a flimsy gambeson at best compared to bandits.”

  “You know a lot more than you show, farmer boy.” Said Liam jokingly, patting him on the shoulder.

  “A friend of mine who had died the day I joined your squad taught me all these things. He had been fighting for way longer than I was, and he even had to fight small wars against other humans.” As Anvalth remembered Tarna, his gruesome death flashed in his memory and something was coming up his throat again but he held it in, tapping his chest. He missed his friend a lot and he considered himself as the one who brought his death. Had he not been so weak at the time, perhaps Tarna would’ve lived. Maybe he would’ve been taken in by Rilwen in his place and make a name for himself there, rather than waste his skill with some mercenaries.

  They continued to travel for some time until they stopped and set camp. Liam refused to let Anvalth help, considering himself indebted to do at least that much. It was chilly outside and Liam gifted him a cloak to shield him from the cold wind. He wrapped himself in the cloak and lied down on the grass next to the fire, with his hand beneath his head. He turned on one side and pulled out the sheath from his waist. He took out the hilt with part of the blade and the other half of the blade shattered from the rest.

  “Perhaps this is a sign that I must settle down at my home just as I intended to when the war ended. What a terrible, gruesome time it’s been up to now.” Anvalth seemed slightly nostalgic in his hate.

  “I have to ask you something…” Liam’s tone was grim and serious, compared to before. “Remember I told you the remainder of the squad didn’t tell me anything? Partly it was a lie.”