by Gabe Jones
"We will bury him in the morning," Morek said. "Can we put him somewhere?"
"Ask the innkeeper if you can store him in the cellar," a guard said. "Thank you for what you did. The Empire thanks you." Morek nodded. They tied their horses to a fence and entered the inn.
A man stood at the desk. Morek carried Siirist’s body with the help of one of the guards. "It is quite a long story, but we need to place our friend in the cellar until we can bury him tomorrow," Steris said to the man at the desk.
"Allow them this," the guard commanded.
The man nodded and led them to the back and down a flight of stairs. They placed Siirist in the cold of the cellar. The innkeeper never said a word. He just led them to their rooms and left. Morek slept with nightmares full of Siirist.
Chapter Twelve: Capital Calling
Durfur and Morek hoisted Siirist's body up and out of the cellar. The first rays of dawn shone over the trees. They found a nice spot just outside of the city. They dug a hole around the roots of a tree. Siirist was placed in the ground, and the hole was covered. The innkeeper stayed silent as he assisted with the digging.
"Thank you for your help," Durfur said. The innkeeper nodded. The group shared a moment of silence before returning to the inn to pack. They thanked the innkeeper and mounted their horses.
"Where do we go now?" Durfur asked.
"The capital, Voriontu," Steris replied.
"Voriontu?" Morek asked.
"If we are going to continue journeying through The Empire, we need to get registered," Steris explained. "Also, I would like to see if Borious can assist in your training."
"I thought I completed my training," Morek said, confused.
"I am greatly skilled in magic, and I believe that Khuddim is a very good fighter," Steris said. "I also know that Borious is one of the greatest warriors to ever live."
"Okay," Morek replied. "Let's begin moving."
The group departed from Wimborne and headed northwest. The heavens opened and rain poured down on them for the entirety of their five day trip to Voriountu. They passed through a few villages that looked very similar to Wimborne. People looked frightened. On day five, they emerged from the forest to find a war-ridden Voriountu. The once great walls of the capital were crumbling. Fires burned in the rubble of the structure that used to sit on the outside of the city. Smoke rose into the sky. To their left was a camp of humans and Orcs.
"How are we going to get into the city?" Morek asked.
"There must be another way in," Steris said. "A drainage pipe, maybe?"
They moved away from the camp and around Voriountu. Eventually they came across a lake of waste and a pipe sticking out of a hillside. The pipe was covered with chain-linked fencing.
"I will try to get the cover off," Steris told them. "Go hide the horses in the woods."
Morek and Durfur led the horses to the forest and tied them to a tree. They removed their supplies and put them on their backs. They returned to the pipe to find Steris had removed the cover. As they approached, the smell of waste grew stronger.
"Morek will lead and use the light from his sword to light the way," Steris said.
Morek unsheathed the sword and climbed into the hole. The smell was repulsive. Between that and the slimy gunk on his hands, he wanted to wretch. He and Steris had to crouch due to the size of the tunnel. It was perfect for Durfur's height. They crept through at a straight-ahead angle until the light of the opening faded behind them. Eventually, they came to a ladder that led up. They climbed it. Then, the tunnel went forward again.
"What's that sound?" Durfur asked.
"What sound?" asked Morek. They listened closely. The sound of rushing water began to fill the passage.
"They are emptying the system!" Steris exclaimed.
"We have to keep moving," Morek said. The three moved faster. The sound became more distinct. Cool liquid seeped into Morek's shoes. The liquid rose higher. They kept moving.
"A ladder!" Morek shouted.
The liquid waste was up to their midsections and Durfur's chest. They came to the ladder. Light seeped in through the cover above. Morek climbed the ladder and pushed open the cover. He helped Steris out. The waste was almost neck high to Durfur when they pulled him out. All three lay on the ground panting, not aware of the people staring at them.
"Up!" someone shouted at them. Morek opened his eyes to see a man in armor standing over him. "Get up!" the man shouted again. They stood up. Four guards encircled them, bearing spears. They tied rope around Morek, Steris, and Durfur's wrists.
"Move," a guard said. They moved forward, following the guard. The group moved through the city, followed by the stares of the townspeople. They reached a stone building with a sign that read ‘Voriountu Prison.’ They were led inside and put into a small, cold room. Hours passed. Eventually, someone entered.
"What are you doing climbing through our pipes?" he asked with a stern voice.
"The goal was to not get killed by the bandits outside your front gates," Durfur replied.
"So, you're not bandits?" the man asked.
"Of course not," Morek said. "We are here to get our registration papers and meet with Emperor Borious."
"That's a lot to ask," the man replied. "You are just two people and a Dwarf."
"I am Guardian Morek of Harthwait. This is Steris the wizard, and Durfur of Nerngarohm," Morek said. "I believe my title will convince him to meet with us."
"A Guardian?" he asked.
"Indeed," Morek replied.
"My apologies," he said. "I will send word to Emperor Borious that you are coming."
They were released from the prison and escorted by guards up to the huge castle at the top of the city. Morek, Durfur, and Steris received their weapons back. Their clothes still reeked of waste. A man in a long, red robe greeted them at the gate. He wore a crown and had a short, orange beard.
"Steris?" he questioned.
"Hello, Borious," she said. He ran to her and embraced her. She gave him a warm smile.
"Where have you been?" the emperor asked.
"After the war, I hid in Umard Woods. I stopped using magic so they would not find me. Diroqrax said I was the last. I guess they killed the others."
"I am sorry. I am just glad you made it out alive. Did you kill Diroqrax?"
"I did not," Steris said. "He did. She pointed to Morek. Morek stepped forward and bowed.
"It is an honor to meet you," Morek said. "I am Morek of Harthwait."
"You do mean the Dwarf, right?" Borious asked Steris.
"Morek killed Diroqrax," Steris told him.
"You are jesting me, correct?" Borious asked again.
"No, Borious," Steris said. "Morek is a Guardian."
Morek pulled the sword out of its sheath and held it to his side. The blue glow climbed through the sword to the tip.
"This is a trick," Borious said. "I am the last of the Guardians."
"My father was a Guardian Knight," Morek explained. "He settled down in Harthwait after the war. Father passed a few months ago. Steris cast a preservation spell on him. We are on our way to retrieve the Nesur Crystal from the Orc capital."
"You really think you can make it to Uzdrag?" Borious asked.
"With your assistance--" Morek began.
"My assistance! I have a war to fight. I do not have time to help a boy like you."
"Borious!" Steris shouted. "Do not take that tone."
Borious spun on his heel to face Steris. "You are not over me Steris," he said. "You can stay in my castle, but I will not assist your training." He turned and stomped through the gates. Morek and Steris stood in shock.
"He was pleasant," Durfur said.
Steris turned to Morek. "I am sorry about that. I do not know what has gotten into him," Steris apologized.
"It is fine. I was just in high hopes of him helping me train," Morek replied, disappointment in his voice.
"At least we have somewhere to stay. I would like to get out of the
se clothes," Durfur said. Morek nodded. He began walking through the gates. The capital was definitely not what he expected.
Chapter Thirteen: Voriontu
Morek, Steris, and Durfur did not see Emperor Borious much after that. They were treated to the amenities of the palace. The table was set with a feast three times a day. They decided that it was best to stay for a fortnight. On the third day of their stay, they retrieved their registration.
"Next," said the woman behind the wooden counter.
"We are here to receive our registration," Morek told her.
She handed Morek and Steris documents with places to fill in information. "The Dwarf will have to fill in a Guest Registration," she told them.
Morek filled in his:
Name: Morek Alden
City of Origin: Harthwait
Residency: Harthwait
Occupation: Guardian
Steris filled in hers:
Name: Steris Marth
City of Origin: River Hallow
Residency: Umard Woods
Occupation: Wizard
Finally, Durfur filled in his Guest Registration:
Name: Dufur Ironbrow
Species: Dwarf
Empire: Dwarf Empire
Residency: Nerngarohm
They handed the forms back to the woman. "Guardian? Wizard?" she asked. They nodded. The woman shrugged, stamped their registration forms, and sent them on their way.
One night, Steris took Morek downstairs through the castle. They arrived at a set of heavy, wooden, locked doors. Steris pulled a key from her pocket and unlocked the door. She led him inside.
"Welcome to the Guardian Armory," Steris said.
"This place is real?" Morek asked.
"Of course it is real.”
"I heard stories back in Harthwait, but I never thought it was true," Morek said, amazed. The room dazzled with light bouncing off the metal armor and weapons. Swords like his lined the wall. There were other weapons, such as bows, crossbows, scythes, short swords, and long swords. Heavyweight weapons such as axes and hammers lined the walls. All types of armor were on display, from metal to leather.
Morek went to the swords. "How come some have the Guardian design and others do not?" Morek asked.
"The material designs itself," Steris explained. "The plain swords have not been used. The markings of your father's sword spell the sword's name in ancient dialect."
Morek reached out to touch a long sword and felt something when he touched it. His heart skipped a beat.
"What is it?" Steris asked.
"I do not know," Morek replied. "It felt strange touching it."
"Morek, I think you have found your sword," Steris told him. "Some Guardians search and craft hundreds of swords before finding the one for them."
"What of my father's sword then?" Morek asked. "And when does the sword get the designs and markings?"
"Your father's sword can be displayed here. The sword will receive the designs when you name it. Hold it. Feel its power. Let it tell you the name," Steris explained.
Morek removed the sword from the display, letting the power come through him, yet no name came to him. "I do not know," Morek said.
"That is okay," Steris replied. "It may take some time. The sword does not always reveal itself at first. Take a look around. If you need me, I will await you right outside."
Steris left the room. Morek observed the sword. The silver blade gleamed in the light. The hilt was beautifully crafted with gold and silver. A blue gemstone sat in the circular bottom of the hilt. The golden designs weaved in and out of silver. Though heavier than his father's sword, it was weighted well. He sheathed the sword.
Morek went to another wall and pulled down a leather breastplate, gauntlets, and greaves covered with the Guardian designs. He carried the armor out and met with Steris.
"You found everything you want?" Steris asked.
"I believe so," Morek said. "Thank you, Steris, for everything."
She smiled. "Always," Steris replied. "I will always be with you."
They went upstairs and slept. The company enjoyed their next few days in Voriountu. People still gave them stares. The townspeople moved away when they approached.
The second half of the fortnight, Morek spent more time with Durfur. The Dwarf was much more enjoyable when at a tavern. They even shared a few laughs after a few drinks. Durfur told his stories of the battlefield before he was sent off to be a servant. Morek told Durfur of his family, adventures on his farm, his life in Harthwait, and how much he missed it.
"Morek, my boy, a Dwarf once said that your home is not a landmark, a fortress, or a town, but a home is where you decide. You are the only one who can make your home and family," Durfur said.
"Thank you," Morek said. Tears grew in his eyes. "Your home. I... I left behind your friends in that tunnel. The people you loved, I left them behind.”
"Morek, you had to. I feel their spirits around us. They are here, and they understand. I mourn their loss every day, but I forgive you, because that is who I am. That is what makes me a good man. You have to find what makes you a good man," Durfur explained.
They drank several more drinks before stumbling back to the castle. The last day of their stay, they traveled to the city market to find horses for their journey.
"Is that..." Morek asked, pausing, "Juniper?" He spotted the black Verneck from across the market. Morek ran through the market to the stables. He stopped at Juniper and stroked her mane.
"Hands off the merchandise," commanded a female voice. Morek stepped back and looked at the girl. She was beautiful. Her black hair flowed down her back, and her blue eyes reminded him of the sky.
"What are you, a new knight?" she asked. Morek kept staring. "Hey!" she shouted. "I asked a question."
"Oh! Sorry," Morek said, composing himself. "I am Guardian Morek of Harthwait."
"Harthwait?" she asked. "Wasn't that city destroyed?"
"I escaped," Morek replied.
"You cannot be a Guardian either," she told him.
"Why is that?" Morek asked.
"Emperor Borious is the last of the Guardians," she said.
Morek's sword was sheathed on his right. His left hand began to glow blue as he pulled the sword to his hand with magic. The girl stood in shock.
"Okay," she said. "Looks like you are a Guardian."
Morek sheathed his sword. "Where did you get this horse?" he asked.
"I bought it from a stable in Umard Woods. The owner left it there," she explained. "By the way, I am Cherise Carol."
"Nice to make your acquaintance," Morek said. "These are my friends, Steris and Durfur."
"Hello," Cherise said. "When will you need your horse?"
"Tomorrow," Morek told her. "Would you like to go to the tavern with me tonight?"
She giggled and blushed. "Sure, Guardian." Morek nodded and walked away.
"You like her," Steris jested.
"No," Morek said blushing.
"It is obvious, my boy," Durfur said. "You like the lass." Morek sighed and walked faster.
That night, they met at the tavern and drank. They told stories of their lives. Cherise's father had passed away when she was only three. She sold horses to support her frail, old mother. The horse business had not been great since the war began. Cherise feared she would soon run out of money. They finished and left the tavern.
"Thank you for tonight," Cherise said.
"It is my pleasure," Morek replied. He was turning to leave when she laid her lips on his. It was beautiful. She pulled away after a few moments.
"Goodnight, Guardian," Cherise said.
Morek rested that night and dreamed of that kiss.
Chapter Fourteen: Through the Darkness
Morek awoke, remembering what now had to be done. The Voriountu Guards had agreed to assist them in leaving the city. It would be hard, but they could fight through the Orcs and criminals who filled the clearing in front of the city.
Mor
ek got out of bed and opened the window. The city was beautiful in the orange morning sun. He washed and dressed. He put on the leather Guardian armor and sheathed his sword. A knock came at the door. Morek opened it.
"Lord Morek," a man said. "Here are supplies for your journey." He handed Morek a backpack.
"Thank you," Morek said. He finished packing and went downstairs. They enjoyed a quick breakfast.
"Are we ready?" Morek asked. Steris and Durfur nodded. The group left the castle to find Borious outside. He walked to them.
"Steris," Borious said, very seriously, "I want you back here. I need you to not sacrifice anything for anyone. You need to survive."
"I will, Borious. Do not worry," Steris replied. Borious nodded and moved aside. They left the castle and descended through the city to the market.
"Does he have something against me?" Morek asked.
"Of course not," Steris replied.
"Yes, he does," Durfur said. "It is very plain to see."
"No, he does not," Steris told Durfur.
"Do not lie to yourself, Steris," Durfur said, laughing. Steris sighed.
They reached the market. Unlike the warmth of the people of Nerngarohm, no one in Voriontu offered even a glance in their direction. Cherise stood waiting, holding the reins of three horses. Juniper whinnied. Morek approached her and stroked her mane. He turned to Cherise.
"Thank you for again for the horses," Morek said.
"I need you to come back, Morek," Cherise told him.
"Okay," he said, confused.
"I am serious. There is something that is different about you, and I... I love you," Cherise said. She kissed him quickly.
"I am coming back," Morek replied. "I will come back for you."
She nodded and handed off the reins. Morek mounted Juniper. Durfur and Steris got on their horses. They rode through the streets down to the gate. The guards stood waiting at the gate out of the city. A ramp descended down from the gate to the clearing outside. The Orcs and criminals did not seem to mind the small group nearing the gate. The Captain of the Guards approached them.