"Friends of yours shall not be welcome here. This includes Onzlyn of Faeth."
Marro turned his head, looking apologetically to his comrade. "Sorry, friend. You are henceforth branded by guilt through association," he said with a shrug, before pointing at the soldiers. "I suppose they require some form of payment in the form of retribution."
"That sounds adequate," said the squad leader as his green eyes narrowed to slits under his helmet.
Just then, one of the soldiers stepped forward, striking Marro upon the face. The mercenary stumbled back, wiping at his lips as the soldiers surrounded him. As Marro looked about, he was struck again at every turn. Kaysa called for him, but her pleas could not be heard amongst the angry soldiers or the townsfolk encouraging the melee.
"Leave him be!" Kaysa demanded.
"Let them enact their payment," murmured Lokus next to him. Kaysa angrily pushed him away as she rushed forward.
Quickly she was stopped by Onzlyn. "Wait, child. This dance is part of the exchange," he said.
"But they are going to kill him," countered Kaysa.
Onzlyn offered her a simple grin. "They may try," he replied.
Before Kaysa, the assault continued with Marro doing little to defend himself. He looked almost helpless to her as he absorbed the attacks of the soldiers. Kaysa fought to assist him, but Onzlyn was resolute in his decision, continuing to restrain her. Accepting she was but a bystander in the squabble, she clenched her fists and watched.
"What do you think, Onzlyn?" asked Marro between strikes, blood spilling from his lips. "Have I paid my fare?"
"Not quite yet," stated Onzlyn loudly, a grin etching on his face.
"Are you certain?" shouted Marro.
"No, but I do cherish a good show," replied Onzlyn.
"Traitor!" teased Marro.
Kaysa could barely breathe as she witnessed Marro take another barrage. The soldiers were intent to take their pound of flesh with interest. At last, she could take no longer as she looked again at Onzlyn. "Onzlyn, please," she said.
"Very well, child," said Onzlyn as he raised his voice again. "Marro, your debt has been paid."
"At last," said Marro as he allowed energy to surge back into his limbs.
Kaysa gasped as she watched Marro's appearance shift drastically. No longer did he stumble and absorb the soldier's attacks. Instead he attacked the nearest guard, halting their attack by striking their arm. Marro then lifted the man on his shoulders before heaving him into three of his comrades. Soon the tides shifted as Marro administered retribution for the pain inflicted upon him.
The surrounding soldiers suddenly could not gain further purchase. Quickly, four of their ranks were felled as the ensuing display of violence escalated. Some of the angered soldiers drew their swords as Marro continued to fight them with his bare hands. It quickly became too much for Kaysa to endure.
Stepping forward, Kaysa reached for the seed around her neck. Removing it from her being, Kaysa held it into the air for all to see. She then walked into the ensuing fight among Marro and the soldiers. Her presence gave a momentary distraction before the fighters prepared for another bout.
"Stop!" cracked a voice.
At the command and the power that was carried it, the soldiers ceased their assault upon Marro and the ones still standing withdrew. Marro wiped at the blood peppering his face as he pushed at the backside of a straggler with his foot. Kaysa lowered the seed and returned it to her neck as the soldiers returned to formation. The commotion died down and Kaysa watched the man who shouted the order approach.
Kaysa gasped as the elf neared, for his youthful resemblance to the Elder Talcoros was undeniable. He held the same stern features and blazing eyes, but the arms exposed by his sleeveless robe revealed strength and vitality. The youthful contrast was more easily revealed as the elf’s face was freed of a beard. Lowering the hood on his cloak, the elf motioned for the soldiers to split as he passed Marro and headed directly for Kaysa.
“You,” spoke the man as he knelt to look at Kaysa squarely. “You and the others are from Quenthell are you not?”
“We are,” murmured Kaysa with a nod. “I am Kaysa. Behind me are Lokus, Vienda, and Khey. We are all that remain, Delegas. The town has been lost. Talcoros charged us with reaching you from Faeth.”
The son of Talcoros nodded to this. “I already knew this, for you are here with the seed,” he offered, pointing to the magical item on Kaysa’s neck. “I am sorry for your losses, but we mourn together, for Quenthell was once my home as well.”
“Then you are aware of our plight,” said Vienda from behind them.
Delegas shook his head bitterly as he stood once more. “I am aware of the peril my father’s foolishness has cast upon you and this world. But he must be truly desperate if he sent you here for my help and council.”
“He is dead,” uttered Kaysa softly. “His journey ended in Faeth.”
Delegas looked sternly upon Kaysa as his father would, discerning the truth of the young elf’s words. Slowly he lowered his head, sighing in a moment of sadness. But this was brief as he soon regarded Kaysa again. “I will mourn for my father, yet it will be long before I shall allow myself to forgive him,” he said, motioning for Kaysa’s group. “Come with me inside. You require rest and refreshment,” he added curtly as he eyed Marro savagely.
“He is one of our party,” said Kaysa of Marro. “We would surely have fallen if not for the company of him and Onzlyn.”
Delegas growled his next words. “It makes him no less welcome within our walls,” he said before motioning to the mercenary. “But very well. Just rest assured this reprieve is but a one-time allowance.”
“That is the maximum cordiality I would ever expect from this town,” said Marro as Onzlyn joined him and followed.
As Delegas led them, Vienda helped Khey forward as she spoke. “If you are the son of Talcoros, then how do we not know you?” she asked.
Delegas practically scoffed at the question. “Because for the ‘greater good’ of Quenthell, much of the past has been hidden and clouded in your minds. Subtle spells were decreed by the Elders, for none were to know of the travesties that befell all of Kel’Thara. It was a safety and balance that was to be kept at all cost. Those of us that disagreed and resisted were either banished or left. I was one of the latter,” he said.
“And you are doing wonderfully for yourself here I must say,” said Marro humorously.
“Silence yourself, mercenary, for it is not beyond my means or authority to reverse my decisions.”
“He’s still no fun,” said Marro to Onzlyn.
“Running a town has sapped all the joy from him,” said Onzlyn.
Delegas said no more as he brought Kaysa and her friends within the walls of Everspire. Several sets of wary eyes rested upon them as they traversed in the wake of Delegas. Kaysa kept close to Lokus as they both watched Khey. The healer still moved with considerable pain from his amputation. The exhaustion and wariness made it difficult to fully absorb town.
Save for the fresh air offered from the height, little else comforted Kaysa. The dull hues of rock and clay offered little warmth. Coupled with the attire adorning the town’s citizens and the general mistrust, Kaysa wanted nothing more than to be free of the place. Yet she reminded herself that answers were needed, and so she followed Delegas diligently.
Delegas looked over his shoulder, seemingly picking up on Kaysa’s misgivings. “It is a far cry different from Quenthell,” he said.
“In every possible way,” replied Kaysa.
Delegas nodded to this. “It is easy to feel out of place here when you are used to the forests that were your home. But we have adapted to the real world. I helped build this town when it was but an encampment scratching for life. Our home is not stylish, but it is practical. We take care of our own and make do with what we have.”
“Which is very little,” offered Marro.
“We have life and freedom, mercenary, and that is enough,”
said Delegas.
Kaysa found herself whisked through the town quickly and offered entrance into the town’s main hall. Delegas motioned for an attendant who quickly guided the group to a large room. The attendant urged the group to sit at the large, simple stone table that filled the room. The seats were firm, but Kaysa was grateful for the rest. It was not long before water was brought to them, as well as sliced vegetables and cheese. Kaysa ate gratefully as another elf tended to Khey’s wound.
After a spell, Delegas returned, placing himself at the head of the table. He watched them patiently as they dined, waiting for their inevitable questions. Kaysa returned the favor as she finished her cheese, haunted equally by his resemblance to Talcoros and the gravity of his features. The somber mood of the table did little to offer any levity to the situation.
At last, Kaysa could remain silent no longer as she spoke what troubled her heart. “Why did you leave Quenthell?”
Delegas smiled faintly to this, surprised that it was the first question he received. “I could stand the lies no longer, Kaysa. All of Kel’Thara was dying and our Elders turned a blind eye to it out of fear and perhaps selfishness. I departed with others who shared my view. In our travels we discovered many who sought a home. The Elders were fools for their shortsightedness, to think Quenthell could be safe forever. They have surely doomed us all in the end.”
“But we still have the seed,” offered Kaysa.
Delegas shook his head bitterly. “It is the last of the seeds of the great world tree. And it is a seed that has endured careless and selfish hands. I am not sure what power is left to that seed, nor if we have a hope to awaken it.”
“All we know is that we must try. It is the dying wish of your father that we attempt to restore this land,” said Vienda.
“It honors me that you wish to respect the dying wishes of my father, but there is no more that can be done. The seed will not wake. I would recommend you accept this and make your peace here or in Faeth and live your lives while there is still time,” said Delegas.
“How do we wake the seed?” asked Kaysa, unfazed by his offer.
Delegas covered his mouth with his hand as he lightly chuckled. “He did not tell you, did he? You know nothing of the process,” he said.
“If we did, we would be elsewhere instead of requiring your aid,” said Marro.
Delegas clasped his hands together as he lowered his head, fighting a bitter laugh for some moments before he looked at those at the table again. “What is truly infuriating is that this surprises me not at all. My father did not tell you the whole story, for surely he knew it would instill doubt upon you and this quest. He was foolish, yet still savvy.”
“What are you getting at?” demanded Vienda.
Delegas offered her a pained smile. “That this quest is even more perilous than your Elder, my father, has told you. I must inform you that you have received enough information to endear you to your plight, but that is all. The seed must be awakened in the mystic waters of A’Lahdain, yet very little if any of these waters remain. And even if that is successful, the seed must be carried to what remains of Tharador. And even if somehow this is accomplished, all that awaits you is pain and death. Even if there is victory somehow, it is still the end of you.”
“How ominously vague,” said Marro as he scowled at Delegas. As he did, he handed the rest of his food to Onzlyn who placed the leftovers in one of his bags.
“I have said too much already,” stated Delegas as he stood. “For now, I would recommend you rest yourselves before making any decisions. You have a truly difficult road if not an impossible one. Make your peace with your decisions and weigh all the consequences.”
Kaysa stood then to face him. “Our decision is made. We must press forward, with or without your aid.”
Delegas evaluated the young elf, nodding with some reluctance to her. “Your spirit is strong and pure, Kaysa the Chaotic Wind. It is why Talcoros chose you to bear that seed. You may not understand the gravity of the choice, but I do. I would weep for one so young and the burden you have been given to bear,” he said before turning to leave.
As more attendants filled the room, Kaysa watched Delegas depart the room as she discovered she was haunted by his words.
10 The Perilous Price
“Are you ready, Kaysa? The next chapter of our adventure awaits us,” said a humored voice.
Kaysa opened her eyes with bitter reluctance. Her rest had been brief, and the bed she was afforded was just comfortable enough to offer her a semblance of sleep. Yet haunting images and unanswered questions plagued her, making sleep difficult to claim. Kaysa knew not the duration of her sleep, yet her body held no qualms about professing that it was not enough.
Kaysa rubbed at eyes that felt like sand as she sat up. Removing the cover, she took a moment to orient herself before setting her scowl upon the door. There standing amusedly was Marro. The mercenary waited patiently for her response as Kaysa put on her boots.
“I find it surprising that one who holds a soul as dour as yours can be so cheery in such a time,” mumbled Kaysa.
Marro shrugged at this. “A sense of humor is a powerful tool, and one that has kept me holding to sanity when it should have escaped me an age ago,” said Marro casually as he motioned to the hallway. “The others are ready.”
Standing, Kaysa stretched as she checked the seed upon her neck. Satisfied it was secure, the young elf fetched her satchel and quarterstaff. A question that nagged upon her spirit chose to escape then. “Other than the paltry compensation I could offer, what is in this for you, Marro? Why do you still carry with us? You could surely call your duty paid in full now that we are here.”
“And miss all this fun? I surely think not,” said Marro.
Kaysa replied curtly, for the exhaustion was taxing her. “Truly, Marro. I want honesty from you.”
“I don’t know,” replied Marro swiftly. “Maybe it is the adventure. Maybe it is more. Perhaps I feel like I am doing something right for a change. But I am committed now and that should be enough for you.”
“It is not,” said Kaysa as she brushed past Marro and into the hallway.
“I shall remind myself not to be the unfortunate soul to wake you in the future,” said Marro as he followed.
Listlessly, Kaysa made her way back to the main hallway of the keep. The others were waiting for her there. Seeing Kaysa with Marro, Lokus offered an impatient glare before picking up his quiver and bow. Vienda was packed and ready for travel, allowing her focus to set fully on Khey. Vienda’s chosen offered her a courageous smile as he held his wounded arm close to his chest. Kaysa could see Khey’s pain, but knew it was bested by his courage and desire to be with Vienda. Onzlyn sat lazily with his back against the wall, munching carelessly on cheese as he waited.
“Our ray of sunshine has risen,” said Marro as he pointed to Kaysa. “I believe we are ready at long last.”
“Please do not stoke my urge to swing my quarterstaff at you,” said Kaysa.
“I could stand a good show,” said Onzlyn between bites.
“That is quite enough out of all of you,” said Vienda.
“She’s not eaten yet,” said Onzlyn pointing to Vienda. “Apparently she is even more dour on an empty stomach if that is possible.”
“Silence, you!” barked Vienda.
“That is quite enough,” said Delegas as he entered the room. Kaysa noticed that he too carried a pack and a long staff, ready for travel. “Such energy should be preserved, for our journey is long.”
Marro looked between Delagas and Lokus. “With the company we now hold, it shall be quite longer than you think.
Delegas opted to ignore Marro as he approached Kaysa. “Are you ready? For once we leave this place there is no going back.”
Kaysa wiped at her eyes once more, weighing the words of Delegas before she nodded slowly. “I’m ready, and I am certain of it,” she replied.
Delegas nodded. “Very well then. Let us proceed,” he said.
“And what is our destination exactly?” asked Marro.
Delegas smiled, for the leverage was his to possess. “That information is secret, mercenary, and will be kept as such should we fail in our quest. The waters of A’Lahdain are considered as sacred as they are scarce. We have long protected such whereabouts and secrecy has been vital in this preservation. If you think I would offer the destination to you, then you are quite mad.”
“Well it wouldn’t be an adventure without the pleasure of a surprise or two,” offered Marro darkly.
Delegas was about to offer a retort when the guardsman Hathold from before entered the hall and rushed to Delegas. “Master Delegas, we have intruders below. The colors are from Thorindale,” he offered nervously.
Delegas clenched his fist as he processed Hathold’s words. “They come more swiftly than my anticipation,” he said before fixing on the guard. “How many, Hathold?”
“At least one thousand strong have amassed so far,” replied Hathold.
“Hmm,” breathed Delegas at this information. “Far less than I would have anticipated. King Thorien has never been one to send less than overkill. Something is amiss.”
Suddenly, Marro’s features hardened. “More than you realize. We must leave at once,” he stated.
Delegas shrugged it off casually. “There’s no way they are being allowed upon this rock.”
Marro brushed by him as he headed toward the exit. “They will not be asking for permission,” he uttered.
Kaysa followed Marro quickly and soon the others caught up with them. Marro pushed toward the gate. Being accompanied by Delegas he received no opposition and the gates were opened for him. Kaysa grew concerned at the mercenary’s state for she could feel the tension bleeding from him. Returning to the lift, Marro stood in front of it, crossing his arms as he waited patiently.
Soon, Delegas spoke as he and the others rejoined Marro and Kaysa. “The lift has been raised. There is no other way up,” he said.
The Last of Kel'Thara Page 13