Thorik sat by himself looking into his mug of ale feeling sorry for himself. Months earlier he had watched his friend’s death, whose last images of suffering were etched into Thorik’s memories forever. “Save my son,” was Ambrosius’ last request before Thorik had condemned him to his final demise.
Thorik’s short Polenum body and soft facial features were hidden by the shadows of the pub. The evening sun was setting and only a few lanterns had been lit. Humans roamed the broken down structure while cats chased rodents in and out of openings in the walls.
The city of Rava’Kor had been destroyed by a series of major storms, including the latest one that nearly took the life of everyone on Captain Mensley’s ship. Most buildings lay flat, or at best leaned to one side. The pub stayed standing due to pure luck, although it looked as if it could collapse at any time. Flying debris had punctured holes in the structure and hot humid air of the surrounding tropical forest saturated everything. Even Thorik’s mug was clammy to the touch.
Calls from tropical birds and monkeys could be heard in the distance, while local insects and frogs had ventured into the broken city to make their presence known. The city had evolved within the forest over a period of many years. However the hot and humid climate and thick vegetation still remained in control of these parts.
The city reminded Thorik of himself; tired and depressed. He took another sip of the drink he had been nursing for over an hour.
“Thorik!” Avanda shouted as she noticed him through an opening in the wall, close to where he sat. The youthful Num sprinted around the outside of the pub before entering through an area that once held a large window. Her long straight hair was dirty but still showed hints of flowery colors.
Three thick lines of darker skin interlaced around her neck and wrists. A similar pattern coiled up from the top of her feet, around her ankles and up her calves before the three lines separated and continued their spiral up her legs.
All Polenums had these dark lines, except for her friend and former teacher, Thorik. The markings changed slightly as the Polenums grew older, becoming more detailed or bold, or flourishing in length and pattern.
This was the case of Avanda. She had matured quickly since they had left their hometown of Farbank. Her markings had grown in length on her legs and two dark paths had extended from her neck and tightly twisted their way down her front to surround her navel.
Soft sensitive skin lay in the dark lines and patches, causing her to shiver when traced. Coined as soul-markings, it was believed that these lines touched their inner soul because of their tender nature.
Avanda had also matured physically; her height had increased and her body had begun to fill out. It was obvious she was crossing the bridge from child to woman.
She walked past the humans in the pub as they looked down to her; some with disgust while others with catcalls and rude comments.
Bouncing up to the table, Avanda peered into Thorik’s half full mug and scrunched up her nose at the smell. “I don’t think you should be drinking that.”
Obviously uncomfortable about seeing her, Thorik watched as three military guards entered the pub. “Avanda, you shouldn’t be in here. You need to get back to the group quickly.” His eyes never looked directly at her.
“I’ve been looking all over for you. They’ve finally fixed the ship.” Taking a piece of bread from his plate, she sniffed it and took a bite. Setting her purse of magic onto his table, she pulled out a few items to show him. “Do you want to see what I did? I was able to enchant this mirror. It now reflects the true you. Want to try it?”
“Not now. Maybe later.”
“And I also remembered Sharcodi’s magical phrase to activate this string of beads.” Without even a pause, she changed the subject. “I don’t think Captain Mensley appreciates how hard it is to learn magic all by myself. You’d think he would’ve been more grateful that I saved his ship.”
“Great, hurry back and I’ll see you when… Just get moving.” Nervous inflections could be detected in his voice as his hands tightened into fists.
“I still don’t understand why we had to come all the way up the river for repairs, when the bay’s port cities looked a whole lot more fun to explore.”
Thorik kept his eyes on the guards as they sat down at a table near the main doors. The barkeep had their drinks ready in an effort to hold true to their daily routine in spite of the storm’s destruction.
“Don’t question the captain. We…He knows what he’s doing.” At least Thorik hoped the captain did. Thorik was about to embark on a dangerous venture based on Captain Mensley’s plan. If the captain was wrong, it could be Thorik’s end.
Ripping another chunk from the small bread loaf, she ate the soft inside and tossed the crust back on the table. “Did I tell you I made a wish to the lights over Lu’Tythis Tower last night? As soon as I finished, lightning raced across the sky. It must have heard me.”
“More likely a distant thunderstorm.”
“No, it was a clear night. It came from the center of the night lights, where the tower is.”
“Captain Mensley should have never told you that folk tale. It’s only a distant ancient structure.”
“No, it’s more than that. It answered me. You’ll see.”
“I’m looking forward to it. But for now, hurry back to the docks.” Nervous, he took a sip of his liquid courage. He was on edge and was not in the mood to talk.
“What’s gotten into you?” She was one to continue to pry until she got her answer.
Thorik’s voice was now fast and agitated as he stood up to address her. “It’s going to get dangerous in here very soon. Go back to Gluic and Brimmelle, now! Gluic can explain to you why.”
Avanda grabbed her purse and whipped her head around to see the oncoming danger. “Where? What’s going to happen?” Her voice caught a few ears and then eyes.
“Avanda! Get out of here!” His voice was loud enough to wake the man sleeping at the bar before he took a drink and put his head back down. The other patrons turned as they watched the loud Num try to control himself.
Thorik slowly sat back into his chair, while Avanda crossed her arms. It wasn’t like him to yell at her, and she didn’t appreciate it, especially in public.
Most of the customers went back about their own business. A few of the men at the bar, however, kept their attention on the two short Nums.
“Hey, little girl. That guy bothering you?” one of the men said. “I’ll take care of you and make sure no one hurts you.” Eyelids at half-mast, the drunken man gave off a creepy smile while gazing at her.
Thorik watched as all three of the men, who had turned around from the bar, were eyeing her. This was no place for a young teenage girl, regardless if they were human or Num.
Thorik needed to prevent any conflicts. “Sorry to bother you. We’ll keep it down.” Avanda had been his student for many years and he felt very protective of her. He desperately wanted to avoid conflict.
The widest of the three men continued to smile at Avanda. “Sure is pretty. How’d ya like to sit on my lap and share a drink with us?”
The tallest one grinned at the thought. “Maybe you could do a little dance up on the bar for us, seeing that you have our attention.” The three laughed at the idea as one of them began clearing off a section of bar for her.
Turning to face the men head on, she glared at the drunks as they continued toying with her and laughing among themselves.
Trying to prevent any issues, Thorik slowly reached over and grabbed the back of Avanda’s shirt to prevent her from charging them. “Don’t do it,” he said softly.
Still a little annoyed about Thorik ordering her to leave, she needed to make a point. “I can take care of myself.” Pulling out of Thorik’s reach, she stepped toward the small group of men teasing her.
“Avanda, don’t,” Thorik ordered without shouting.
She didn’t listen. Walking the last few steps, she looked up at the hairy and dirty drunks. A
ll of them stood at least a few heads taller than her. Swaying and belching from the alcohol, they waited for her to respond to their invitation.
“Do you have something you’d like to say to me?” she challenged.
The three men laughed at her boldness. “Yes,” the thin man said as he pushed his grimy and untrimmed blond hair out of his face. “I’ve heard that Num females have the softest skin of any species.” His buddies laughed out of support without knowing where he was taking the conversation. “So, seeing that we don’t see too many Nums, I thought you could show us if it were true.” He finished and provided a tooth-missing smile as his eyes glazed over from intoxication.
“Avanda,” Thorik said softly as he stood up to walk over to her.
She was a girl in a young woman’s body, coming of age and knowing just enough to be dangerous. She didn’t like these men and quickly responded before Thorik could arrive. “If you want to feel something soft, try reaching between your own legs.”
Avanda had overheard her Uncle Wess say the sarcastic remark to one of his brothers. It had been followed with a round of laughter by all. However, she did not receive the same response as he once did.
The blond recipient of this barb stopped smiling. His friends became silent as they waited for his response. Tension immediately elevated as all of the patrons now waited for a reaction. Even the seated guards turned to see what would unfold.
“I’d rather feel what’s between yours.” He then lunged at her, grabbing her by the shoulders.
Avanda screamed as the other two men helped by holding her still while their friend stood in front of her. She had prepared for a verbal battle but never would have expected it to become physical. No one had ever physically assaulted her for speaking her mind. But this wasn’t her home village of Farbank and they played by different rules here.
The guards looked at the drunks and turned away, avoiding any view of their doings.
Brushing his long oily hair out of his face again the thin man gave off an evil smile. He stood over her and cupped his palm behind her head as she looked up at him. “First I want to see how soft your lips are. I’ll work down from there.” He held her head tight as he leaned down to kiss her.
“Stop!” Thorik yelled from behind the men. His battle-axe was held up and over his shoulder, ready to be swung. “Let go of her before you feel the blade of my axe.”
A head shorter than the men meant very little as the sharp weapon prepared to swing and take someone’s life. The men stopped and one of them stepped toward the battle-ready Num.
Swinging the axe, it grazed the man’s leather vest, triggering the realization that Thorik was serious.
Placing the battle-axe back into swinging position, Thorik stepped forward. “Let go of her!”
They conceded as they all turned to face Thorik while spreading out to surround him.
Stepping up from the table, the guards had decided to get involved, until the thin drunk waved them back. “I’ll take care of this. Sit down and enjoy your drinks.” And to the surprise of Thorik, they did just that.
“Avanda, get out of here,” Thorik yelled as he watched them slowly complete the circle around him.
Instead, Avanda reached for a red and gold purse within her cloak and pulled out a string of red beads. She chanted a few words before dropping the beads onto the ground.
Incredibly, her spell had worked and a rainstorm of fireballs fell from the ceiling hitting the three men. The illusion was weak and those not intoxicated from ale could tell it was a hoax. Fortunately, the three men could not.
The men covered their heads as they screamed, for they believed their clothes and flesh were on fire. They bolted out of the pub in an effort to put out the flames in the local river.
Thorik lowered his axe and returned his attention back to his young student. “Why do you have to do that?”
“I don’t like being bullied,” she answered as she picked up her string of red beads.
Thorik put his weapon in its holder on his back. “One of these times you’re going to wish you had just let it go and ignored the situation.”
She looked at him square in the eyes. “You should take your own advice. How many times did Brimmelle try to tell you to let it go? Instead, you had to get involved with Ambrosius and next thing I know I’m on the opposite end of Terra Australis from my parents and you’re sitting here feeling guilty about Ambrosius and sorry for yourself.”
Thorik knew the locals had overheard the conversation, but her statement sliced deep. “I did what was needed. I had no choice,” he said softly with all the intensity as he could muster.
“Grewen says we all have choices,” she said sternly, looking into her former teacher’s eyes. Pulling out a hexagonal stone that hung from her neck by a leather string, she continued in a soft voice, “You taught me to take responsibility for my actions. Was that all Fesh talk?”
“Watch your tongue.” Thorik didn’t like some of the habits she had picked up. Her use of inappropriate words and undisciplined magic were two of them.
Tracing the rune in the center of the hexagonal Runestone with her finger, she remembered the day he had given it to her before leaving Farbank. Thorik seemed so content back then, and easier to talk to. “What happened to you, Thorik?” she asked.
“What are you talking about?”
“In Farbank you kept all of us happy and we loved being around you. Now you’re grumpy and distant.”
“I’ve grown up a lot.”
“You’re only three years older than I am.”
“Growing up has little to do with your age.”
Avanda nodded her head. “I see. So now you’re more mature, like Fir Brimmelle.”
Thorik did not like to be compared to their spiritual leader in such a manner. The Fir was always negative and close minded, opposite of what Thorik considered himself. “You don’t understand,” Thorik spoke firmly. “I killed a man…a good man.” He paused. “A friend,” he finished softly.
“If you hadn’t, Weirfortus Dam would have released its water and this city would be under Lake Luthralum.” Looking around at the disastrous state of the pub and recalling the devastation of the city she continued, “Of course, that might have been an improvement.”
“It’s more than that. I have a lot of responsibility now.”
“I’m not sure I want to grow up if it means I can’t have fun anymore. I’d rather be like my Uncle Wess.”
“And look what happened to him.”
“But Thorik, he lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed every minute. Never did I see him pouting or sulking like you. What a waste of time. Why can’t you let this go so we can move on with our lives?”
Thorik sat back down at his table and looked at the half empty mug of lukewarm ale. This was not the place, nor the time, to explain his plan to be arrested. Captain Mensley’s contacts had located Ericc in the nearby prison mines, and the only way in to see him was to get thrown in himself. Not a mission he looked forward to, but a simple altercation with local officials should get him incarcerated for a few days.
“It’s complicated.” Thorik bit his lip after making the statement. He hated being on the receiving end of that phrase and never thought he would be on the other side of it.
“Sure it is. I’m not mature enough to understand,” she said, dramatically pointing to herself. “Well, I’ll let you do your grown-up soul searching while I head back to the dock. Brimmelle sent me here to let you know the ship is fixed and we can set sail in the morning.” She stared at him before continuing. “And now you know. I’ll see you back at the dock, unless you have time to walk me back.”
“Time?” Thorik began to panic again as his eyes looked at the guards who were finishing up their drinks. His window of opportunity to address the men was quickly closing. “No, I don’t have time. Head back quickly.”
Turning on the balls of her feet, she crossed her arms and stomped through the pub, out the exit, and into the s
treet.
Most of the street lamps had been broken from the storms, many of them bent over like withering plants against the thin haze hiding an unseen moon. Walls of buildings pitched to one side or another and smoke billowed from distant fires. The smell of rotten food and sewage filled the thick damp air while sounds of wild animals were heard from the nearby dense tropical forest.
Avanda turned and noticed a silhouette of a man standing at the corner smoking his pipe. Uncomfortable, she turned the other way instead.
Walking down the street she looked back to see the unknown man following her. She quickened her pace; knowing she only had a few blocks to go before reaching her group at the dock.
Turning the first corner she looked back to see the man gaining on her. Her heart raced as she realized she was in trouble. Charging forward into the dark alley she bumped into a man standing in her way.
“Hello again, little Num,” a man’s voice said.
She reached for her sack of magic but was quickly nabbed from behind. Panicking, she screamed and kicked as the two men picked her up and moved her into the light of a distant street lamp.
A large rough hand covered her small mouth as they held her tight in wait for the approaching stranger who had been following her.
“About that kiss.” The stranger pushed the long stringy blonde hair out of the way and over his shoulder. “I think I’ll start lower this time.”
Chapter 4
Assault
Sacrifice of Ericc Page 3