The Keeper's Codex: Ashen Memories

by A. D. Wills

  The moment Workal charged in, his body collapsed under the immense pressure, killing him in an instant—-encasing him and his madness in the same tomb he sent his captives to die in.

  “Guess that's it then...” Caden exhaled through a pained cough, spurting up globs of blood beside him, as he looked up at the ceiling above, waiting for it to collapse down on him any second now. “I just wish right now...I could tell everyone I told you so...” Caden mumbled to himself with his usual bright smile, albeit a crooked one.

  In the last few moments, the whole room violently quaked, and boulders crashed down around Caden, barely missing him so far, when his attention was turned to the stone relic that Workal had, rolling next to him.

  “So this...this is what all the fuss was about?” Caden squeezed out, and held the relic in the palm of his hand.

  While he looked at the simple stone, the etchings started to glow, and the ceiling finally collapsed, burying him alongside Workal to finally end this mess.

  Chapter 30: Calaera

  Once Jinta assured Calaera that Shyn just needed his rest, she rushed down into the streets to see everyone, and the wreckage left behind. She did everything she could to help, whether it's clearing rubble, helping carry the injured to the healers, or even moving the countless dead. Anything at all, she was more than willing to lend a hand, or a shoulder to weep on.

  When the others in catacombs emerged, shortly after the battle ended, it broke Calaera's heart. They stepped out, shocked to see the scene before them; bloodstained streets, demolished sections of the city on the way to the keep in a wide harrowing wake. All of them scattered searching for their loved ones—holding their breaths hoping they might be recovering with the healers, but far too many were left behind. Far too many had no one there to greet them.

  But no one in the city let them be alone.

  In their moment of grieving, they all had more of a fire inside of them than anything else. They all mourned for the fallen. They all emptied their sorrows unto one another. But not a single one of them had a look of defeat. None of them would dare sully the efforts and memories of those who bravely stood to make sure they could reemerge to their city once again. Instead, they picked each other up, along with the pieces of their home, piece by piece together.

  With so many homes ruined, Calaera spread word that the Keep would be open for everyone who needs it, for however long it might take to return to normalcy. It was the very least Calaera thought she could do to help during what was sure to be an extensive rebuilding effort.

  In the middle of Calaera helping clear the way to a home that looked to be salvageable, she noticed the others around her peering behind her over her shoulder with unsure looks.

  “My lady, may I have a word?” Xokun grumbled, approaching with a hint of shame.

  “Of course.” Calaera dropped what she had off to the side, and stepped away with Xokun for the moment. “And how did your meeting go, I'm assuming it's all settled?”

  Shortly after the battle, Xokun was ordered to contact Kohos for an unknown reason.

  “It was...brief, yes,” Xokun nodded. “I have been removed from the council of elements, and banished from ever returning to Faella, by decree of Kohos.”

  “You don't sound very disappointed or surprised, for something as important as this,” Calaera was a little puzzled.

  “When I intervened, I knew what my fate would be. We're forbidden from interfering, let alone attacking someone like I did, but I certainly have no regrets about that. No, my regrets lie in having done nothing until then, for which I once again apologize for.”

  “You saved Shyn, and myself. Not only that, you warned this city when we would have otherwise been blindsided. You have nothing to apologize for, my friend.”

  “Thank you.” Xokun relaxed his shoulders, and his hands. Finally, he felt some semblance of relief.

  “But about this Kohos, can he be considered an ally?” Calaera asked.

  “Kohos is strict, and stubborn, but righteous and just. As abrasive and absolute as he is, should you two meet, I assure you, he will uphold Zaes' values and rules, albeit without much leeway,” Xokun assured Calaera. While he and Kohos had very different beliefs and methods, Xokun ultimately felt no hesitation in trusting him.

  “That still however leaves you being banished from Faella, so it would seem you're now in need of a place to call home,” Calaera heavily hinted at.

  “I was hoping I could remain here, and help with what I can. While I know you say I have nothing to apologize for, all of this destruction, it surely would have been lessened had I been involved. These people here have every right to feel unsure of my being here, so perhaps I might be able to repent in my own way.”

  Xokun closed his eyes, and slowly lifted both of his arms up, as if he were struggling to lift nothing that was there. The ground rumbled and shook beneath them, getting louder and louder, until thick tree trunks covered in sprouting green leaves from its branches shot up from the city streets. The tree trunks swirled and knotted together, stretching to snapping cracks of the bark as they were molded into shape by a focused Xokun.

  It only took Xokun a few moments to replace the once razed home with a new one. Covered in lush foliage, and rich dark wood, this home sitting amid the utterly destroyed city looked strangely surreal.

  Everyone around the area gathered over in amazement, gawking and touching the home all over. They couldn't believe a sturdy finished home could be made so quickly and flawlessly. After all, none of them had ever seen an Etai in action before.

  “I think you've already done a good job of winning them over,” Calaera lightly remarked. “But you're more than welcome to stay here, Xokun. Your council and help would be greatly appreciated, especially now. I can use all the friends I can get right now.”

  “I promise to do my best, my Queen,” Xokun politely bowed.

  “Of course. But I suppose I should be on my way to find Prince Clovis now. It was rude enough to keep him waiting. Have you seen him?”

  “I saw him over by the healer's tent over there,” Xokun pointed over.

  “Thank you, and Xokun, don't exhaust yourself. I'm not going to have you punish yourself, or else I will make sure your punishment is much worse than what you can possibly inflict upon yourself,” Calaera parted with chilling words.

  Calaera went on her way toward the healing tents, and she already noticed Clovis' shimmering armor. He hadn't even taken the time to take it off before helping everyone else.

  “Sorry to have kept you waiting, Clovis.” Calaera approached Clovis, catching him a little off guard.

  “Oh, not at all, my Lady,” Clovis bowed.

  “Shall we get to that meeting I owe you?” Calaera asked. She wasn't going to spend much time with pleasantries right now. She didn't want to be rude, but Calaera also didn't want to be away discussing politics while everyone else tirelessly worked away.

  Clovis nodded, and the two of them made their way on a brisk walk up to the keep's balcony together, where they gazed upon everyone down below them.

  “It's a beautiful sight to see,” Clovis began, gazing down in admiration at everyone working in a way that Clovis thought was only wishful thinking for any leader. “To see the character in your people shining through, even in a trying time like this. It is beyond commendable.”

  “Thank you. My father did his best to make sure his beliefs and morals rubbed off on every one of the citizens,” Calaera paused with a fond smile laced with pained memories. She hasn't even had the chance to properly mourn him yet.

  “It looks like he did a fine job of that,” Clovis added. “I know it's the last thing you want on your mind, you've been through enough, but I first want to express my deepest condolences about your father. Xokun told me everything. My father told me plenty about him to know that he was the best of us all.”

  “I appreciate that, thank you.”

  “But forgive me, I didn't mean to delve into any of that, and drudge up anything
that's none of my own business,” Clovis nervously retracted out of worry he might give off a bad first impression.

  “It's alright, it's nice to hear someone from so far speaking well of my father—knowing he was loved and respected by his allies, it helps just a little bit,” Calaera paused. “I don't mean to be rude in any way, Clovis, but before we go on, I feel we need to clear up this meeting's purpose."

  “Oh, sorry,” Clovis paused and laughed off, picking up on the hint. “This isn't about marriage or anything of the like. And even if it was, I'm not sure I'd be making very much of a good impression using a time like this for something like that.”

  “Then it seems our Fathers both had something else in mind,” Calaera laughed off, with a shake of her head, and a great sense of relief.

  “Yes...It seems they did...” Clovis drifted, averting his eyes.

  Calaera picked up on Clovis' nerves, and she wasn't one to dance around the issues. “If there is anything you need to say, Clovis, this is the place to say it. If you need my help with anything, I would gladly chip away and return some of the favor I owe you.”

  “There's no need to owe...” Clovis began, but Calaera cut him off.

  “I owe you, Clovis. It's only more insulting to feel as if I'm being pitied, and you wouldn't want to insult your host, now would you?” Calaera smirked.

  “Forgive me, it's just, I'm not so sure this is very befitting of me to carry my own burdens into your home like this, especially when you have so much to worry about already.”

  “Then what would you call myself bestowing mine onto you when you least expected them by coming here."

  Clovis seemed somewhat relieved, and for the first time slumped from his once up tight perfect posture that he was trying so hard to maintain. “Then I suppose I should begin by saying this meeting was arranged on a lie.”

  “An interesting start,” Calaera remarked with a puzzled look, but didn't sense anything malicious about it either.

  “I was the one who wrote that letter to your father. My father never wished to arrange for a marriage. Forgive me, it was not my intention to manipulate any of you with any ill will, but it was the only way I thought I could ensure any permitted refuge."

  “Refuge?” Calaera asked.

  The air felt like it was sucked out from all around Clovis. His bright stable, and confident demeanor shattered to an unsure sullen mess.

  “There was a coup in Worros,” Clovis bit his tongue in frustration.

  “What?” Calaera couldn't believe it.

  “The worst part is, I have no idea why it even happened. I walked into the keep to see my father, when I saw him dead on the floor in front of me with the guards waiting to exact the same fate upon me. The council under my father who took over, they branded my company and I traitors to the country—putting bounties on our heads for good measure. If I stayed in Worros, then they would have eventually found us, and I wasn't going to risk anyone in my company because of me.” Clovis clenched his fists beneath the table—trying to hide his emotions from Calaera, but she could easily see and feel his pain.

  “I'm...I'm so sorry to hear that, Clovis,” Calaera knew all too well what Clovis was feeling. “Surely, we can think of how to take your country back."

  “I wish it were that simple, but unfortunately, there's no country for me to return to. The entire country thinks of my family as nothing but traitors. The council slandered the Aquilinus name beyond repair with nothing but lies—saying we stole from the people, secretly imprisoned them, just complete and utter nonsense. What hurts the most though, is how quickly these lies were believed by those who I thought trusted my family.”

  “It doesn't matter how this meeting was arranged, you are among friends here, Clovis,” Calaera assured Clovis, but she knew there wasn't anything that she could say, or even do, that would make this much better for him.

  “Thank you,” Clovis nodded. “I hate to bring this upon you now, or make any of this situation about me, forgive me."

  “You know, I might just consider rescinding your refuge, if you don't stop apologizing,” Calaera dryly mocked.

  “I...of course,” Clovis cut himself off from another apology at the sight of Calaera's sharpened gaze.

  “I have no reason to not believe, or trust you, and I would be rather heartless to turn away someone who helped saved this city, don't you think? So stay as long as you like. Consider this your home as long as you need it to be."

  “And I will do anything I can to serve you however you wish,” bowed his head in thanks as he and Calaera both stood to their feet before parting.

  “Oh, forgive me, am I...interrupting?” Lorin appeared, peering in on Calaera and Clovis' conversation with an off-putting grin from ear to ear.

  “We've just finished our talks, Lorin. But I'm sure you have been eavesdropping long enough to know that,” she chided.

  “I would never, Milady,” Lorin bashfully scoffed, guilty as ever. “I am glad however to see the two of you getting along, dare I say, quite cordially?”

  “Yes, I believe we have been able to see eye-to-eye,” Clovis nodded with a gleaming smile, unaware of what Lorin was implying.

  “Please, don't give him any more ideas than he already has,” Calaera sighed and rubbed her pensive forehead. "Is there something you need to speak with me about Lorin, or were you only here to snoop?”

  “I just happened to have dropped in on a bit of the conversation is all,” Lorin awkwardly cleared his throat. “But yes, I just wanted to inquire if you require anything of me, milady. Shall I arrange accommodations for Lord Aquilinus and his company?”

  “Since you're so ahead of the situation, yes, they will be staying here as long as they need.”

  “Of course,” Lorin bowed with a bright grin, and he went off to make the necessary arrangements

  “I'm sorry about him,” Calaera smirked with a sigh. “He can be quite...overbearing at times, but he means well.”

  “I can see that,” Clovis chuckled at Lorin's headstrong busy self.

  “If there's anything you need however, don't hesitate to ask Lorin or myself anytime,” Calaera said, sticking her hand out. “I know it could never be the same, but you will be welcomed as someone who belongs here, I assure you that much at least.”

  “Thank you, again,” this time Clovis laughed at his own profuse thanks. “It seems that I haven't been able to do much else but thank you.”

  “It's better than apologizing,” Calaera jested back,

  “I suppose it is,” Clovis replied, shaking Calaera's hand. “In the meantime, I'll go back down to join the others, and aid with what I can.”

  “I will be sure to join you sooner than later,” Calaera acknowledged. “I need to see Shyn first, is he still in his room?”

  “Jinta finished treating him, but soon after, apparently he's been stubbornly walking around on his own when he should be in bed.”

  “I figured as much,” Calaera shook her head. “Thanks, I'll be on my way then. I'm sure I'll run into him.”

  Calaera and Clovis went their separate ways for now, and headed down to what's now her study where her Father would spend so many sleepless nights in. It felt strange though, walking around the keep like this on her own. The eerie silence other than the light tapping echoes of her footsteps peacefully keeping her company along the way.

  “Everything sounded like it went well with Clovis.” Shyn appeared from behind Calaera amid her thoughts.

  “I see you're feeling well enough to continue your sneaking ways. More than ever, I believe you to be taking after Lorin,” Calaera smirked.

  “I wasn't doing anything like that,” Shyn scoffed. “I came to see if you needed anything, but I didn't want to interrupt your meeting.”

  “Oh I see, so you waited and listened in close by without permission,” Calaera continued to tease.

  “I only heard the last bit when you said you wanted to do something first,” Shyn remarked, and shifted his curious eyes over, hoping
Calaera might come out with the answer.

  Calaera sensed Shyn's desperation, and remained silent to keep him in waiting. “You just can't help yourself, can you? If you must know before we actually get there, I want to check my father's study to see if we received any word back from Lorin's messages he sent out. I also think it might be good for us to sort through some of his things.”

  “If you need me to help the others while you take your time...” Shyn began.

  “I would prefer it if you were here,” Calaera cut Shyn off as they approached Dreymond's study.

  Shyn silently nodded, trailing behind Calaera. Despite her acting normal as can be for the most part, Shyn still felt a weight that she was shouldering. He didn't expect anything else, but wished he could take some of it away from her. At the same time, he knew they all had their own weight to bear. It wasn't his to take away, but perhaps he thought he might be able to lighten it bit by bit standing alongside her.

  Calaera pushed the heavy study doors open upon arriving. The windows were left open on the opposite ends since anyone was last in here. Papers blown all over the floor, and Dreymond's desk, it was obvious no one peeked inside for days on end. More than anything, it felt ghostly, and empty, devoid of the warmth it usually had when her father would be sitting behind that desk.

  Calaera slowly stepped around inside to take it all in. Every last piece of paper—be it a message, request or otherwise, this would now be where she would spend most of her days, just as her father had. This was all hers now, but even knowing that, it still didn't feel real or right.

  “Strange, I thought that Rhogar might have sent word by now of Aldriss' condition, or a reply back from Lorin when he sent out a request for aid. I knew at the time they weren't likely to be able to make it anywhere close in time, but even so, some acknowledgement would be nice.”

  During all of this, as composed as she somehow remained, she wanted to at least know Aldriss was within reach of helping her and Lyndenwell, but she hadn't heard of any reply from them.