Into Storm

by Jason Hamilton

  Yewin tightened his grip on her shoulder. “We’ll find a way to remember her, to remember all of them.”

  Jak grit her teeth. “The best thing we can do is ensure that no one else needlessly dies.”

  The rest of the bodies were placed in their respective graves, and everyone began piling the dirt back on top. But there was one grave that was still empty. A big one.

  Jak scanned the area. They didn’t have anyone else. Perhaps they had miscalculated.

  She caught sight of the troll leader a short distance away, dragging a huge form towards them. Of course, it was for the fallen one-armed troll.

  When the troll arrived with his fallen comrade, he laid the corpse into the remaining grave. Without question, Jak stepped up beside the grave, and began shoveling loose dirt back into the pit. Other trolls gathered around them, watching. But they did not participate. None except for the big one, who knelt and shoveled giant handfuls of dirt back into the grave. Jak’s contributions were nothing compared to the troll, but she continued until the grave was fully covered.

  When it was all over, she stood straight and stared up at the large troll.

  “I’m sorry this was necessary,” she said, waving a hand at the grave. “It’s never easy to lose a friend.”

  The troll grunted, a sound that appeared to be a confirmation.

  “But I’m glad you’re on our side,” Jak continued. “We’re going to need you, I think. And not for fighting.”

  The troll cocked its head at Jak, not quite understanding.

  “I’ll have Seph tell you all about Illadar some time. That’s our goal, and I think you’ll have a part to play, if you’re willing.”

  The troll said nothing, but gave no indication that he disagreed or had any intention of leaving. That was a good sign at least.

  “What should I call you?” she asked.

  The large beast raised a hand to its chest.

  “Yes, you personally,” Jak said.

  The troll hesitated. Its hand dropped and it looked from one side to the other, staring at its companions as if looking for the answer there.

  “You don’t know?” Jak guessed.

  The troll nodded sharply. Light flashed from its eyes, though not in anger. It looked more like confusion, though Jak was not sure how she could tell. That was the feeling she got from the giant Fae.

  “Is it okay if I give you a name?”

  It waited, saying nothing. Perhaps that was its way of agreeing.

  “If it’s alright with you, I’d like to call you Rael.”

  The troll cocked its head at her again. It was a question.

  “Rael was my father, and he meant a lot to me. He protected me, and that sheep that you found, that belonged to him. He was always good at finding the things that were lost. Just like you. I think he would be honored if you took his name.”

  The troll straightened. Something in its posture had changed. It turned to the others and growled something she couldn't understand. The others rumbled back something excitedly. Jak smiled as several of the others trolls took steps forward, looking to Jak as if expecting something from her.

  “Don’t worry, we can find names for all of you eventually.”

  “Jak,” said Skellig’s voice from behind her. Jak turned to see the major approaching her at a trot. “And you too, Seph. The council wants an informal meeting to discuss our next steps.”

  Jak nodded, then turned back to the trolls. “We’ll get you all sorted out soon, don’t worry. You’re among friends now.”

  Without waiting for a reply, she began following Skellig, though she did not run with her chest wound. Seph followed, staying close beside her, instead of pushing past to catch up with Skellig. Was he making sure she was okay? That was really sweet. Unnecessary, but sweet.

  Finally they came next to the river. It wasn’t their usual spot, but the river was calmer here, so that made it easier for the Water Fae. As Jak and Seph approached, both Cerai and Amelia emerged, carried by their magical control over the water to where the rest of them stood waiting. Naem was there too, surprisingly. Well, Jak supposed he did represent one of the leaders among them. It made sense to have him there.

  “Good, we’re all here now,” said Skellig. Then, to Jak’s surprise, she turned to Naem. “You called this meeting. What did you want to say?”

  “Ah,” Naem looked at each of them in turn as all eyes stared in his direction. Amelia had her arms folded, probably still distrustful of Naem, but she listened. Naem had saved Jak’s life after all. The former Watcher continued, “Well...um, I think you can all agree that what we need most right now are numbers.”

  “It’s one thing, yes,” said Skellig. “Our immediate concern is still the queen’s army, but speaking long term, we will need more people if we hope to stand a chance against any army, be it human or demon.”

  “Right, and I have a feeling the queen will not be attacking anytime soon, if ever again,” said Naem. Yewin was nodding, which was a good sign. Yewin often had a knack for predicting what would happen in the immediate future.

  “Well we already encouraged everyone in the army to join us,” said Jak. “Are you suggesting we do something else?”

  Naem nodded, “I am. If my guess is correct, most of those soldiers will not come join us. At least not immediately. They’ll wait until they have a better chance. Some might need a little additional encouragement, or assurances that their families will be safe. And they’re not the only ones. There are others who would join us.”

  Gabriel stroked his beard, “You’re referring to the ones you brought here and others like them. People that have a higher chance of becoming Fae.”

  Naem gave a short nod. “There are still many shut up in Skyecliff, including more Water Fae, and I’m sure there are many more at Tradehall and throughout the kingdom who would be sympathetic. I want to recruit as many of them as I can.”

  “You want to leave?” Jak asked, her eyebrows furrowing. This wasn’t because of her, was it, because of what she said?

  Naem met her eyes, but the unasked question hung between them. He opened his mouth as if to say something to her, but shut it again and turned to the rest of the council. “I think I, and maybe a few others that we could spare, should recruit who we can. There will be many who are willing, especially when they find out that the queen is singling people out. The family and friends of those people might be willing to join us. And of course…” this time he did meet Jak’s eyes. “We have your promise of more brands. That’s sure to help.”

  “I think it’s a good idea,” said Karlona. Jak turned to her mother. She knew better than anyone, except perhaps Amelia, what Jak and Naem had gone through. Was she encouraging Naem to leave because of that, or because she honestly thought it would help?

  “I agree, I don’t think you’ll find much opposition here, Naem,” said Skellig. Had she glanced at Jak when she said that?

  “Then I’ll ready myself. Anyone you could send with me would be appreciated. We might want to split into two or three groups, to cover more ground.”

  Skellig nodded to herself, “I have a few in mind. We’ll see what we can do.”

  “I can send a few of the Shadow Fae as well,” said Karlona. “Our invisibility helps us get around better than the others, and could probably help you get any remaining Fae out of Skyecliff. And I’ve been meaning to send a few west anyway, to pick up the remainder of our people in the Hollow Peaks, as well as our Relic.”

  Jak blinked at her mother. She hadn’t told Jak that, but they could probably use that Relic, an original copy of the Annals of Adam. Seph, Yewin, and Gabriel, at least, would be more than eager to read it.

  “Very well, but keep as many of the Shadow Fae here as you can,” said Skellig. “You’re our most skilled warriors, and should we be attacked again, we’ll need every one of you.”

  Karlona acknowledged the advice with a nod.

  “So if there’s nothing else,” Skellig continued. “We need to prepa
re to move deeper into the pass. Try to find a place that’s more defensible than what we have. And where the Water Fae can live without constantly fighting against the river.

  “I actually have one more thing,” said Yewin, raising his hand slightly. When everyone waited for him to say more, he continued. “It’s a relatively trivial matter, but one that I think will mean a lot to some of us. Concerning the name ‘Fae’...”

  Girwirt perked up, as if he’d only vaguely been paying attention before now. “We don’t like it!” he said for what must have been the hundredth time since they joined the main group.

  “Yes, quite,” said Yewin patiently. “And I agree that it’s become something of a stigma among humanity. I can understand if someone would not want to use it. Though I think it could still be applied to all of us as a whole.”

  “You have a name for the Bright Fae?” Jak asked.

  “I do, it’s an ancient word that refers to humans who were particularly powerful. Or possibly enhanced. And given the final fate of one of our beloved comrades...” He looked at Seph. “I thought it appropriate to choose the name, Elves.”

  Jak opened her mouth as she understood. Elva. Elves. Judging by the way Seph was blinking so rapidly, he probably understood as well. Seph raised a hand to his eyes, wiping away a tear. “I think that would be very appropriate.”

  “The ancient meaning of the word does make it appropriate,” said Gabriel. “I think it’s a good choice.”

  “I’d suggest the same name for others of the Fae, but will leave it up to them.” said Yewin. “Especially seeing as some have already chosen names.” He nodded at Girwirt and Noralim.

  “Elves,” said Karlona, testing out the name. “I like it. Perhaps we will use it, though we’ll need some way of differentiating ourselves. Shadow or Dark Elves perhaps. A fitting tribute to Elva, and all those who have fallen for our cause.”

  “I agree,” said Jak. “Thank you, Yewin.”

  Yewin inclined his head but said nothing more.

  Skellig looked at each of them, pausing to meet Jak’s gaze. “May we do all we can to prevent more deaths like hers.” At that remark, each of them stood a little straighter. That was something all of them could get behind. “If there’s nothing else, we have to get going. Naem, come talk to me after and I’ll introduce you to a few who can travel with you. Karlona, would you come as well?”

  Karlona nodded. Skellig surveyed the rest of them. “I know there’s a lot for each of us to do, and the worst is far from over. But we’ve made it this far, and I’m confident that if we were meant to die, it would have happened by now,” she glanced at Jak. “Your orders, Jak?”

  Jak resisted the impulse to take a step backward, surprised as everyone turned to her. Skellig had already issued the orders, why ask her?

  The sun was rising in the east. It was a new dawn, a new opportunity. They were still alive after one horrific night of one trouble after another. They still had hope.

  She nodded, “Let’s do it. Let’s find a new home.”

  27

  It took most of the morning before everyone was ready to move out. No one had come from the queen’s army yet, but they had still refrained from attacking. Jak wondered, idly, what the queen was thinking. Had she tried to attack and the army wasn’t willing? Or had she sensed that attacking was useless?

  They were traveling now, moving in a few miles. There they would leave a few scouts to wait for anyone who wished to join them, while the rest of their group continued until they reached a better place to set up camp for a few days.

  Jak had walked with them for an hour or so before her wound and exhaustion finally caught up with her. After she had collapsed, they placed her in one of the wagons for the rest of the trip. Silly. She’d just stumbled. She could keep going if she tried. Instead she was being carried by a very tired horse. That horse looked like it could use a break as much as she did.

  Regardless, she dozed off for a while, despite her Sleeplessness brand. Her body needed to heal. She slept, clutching at the Pillar of Eternity, which Naem had finally returned to her. When she awoke, it was already beginning to get dark again. The wagon pulled to a halt.

  Even though her muscles still ached, she was feeling much better after the short nap. Perhaps the others had been right to force her to sleep. Maybe. She would never tell them that, though.

  She hopped down off of the wagon and went to see what was going on. A quick glance told her that they had come to a slightly larger opening in the canyon. The river continued to rush by at a fast pace, but there was a slight inlet here where the Water Fae could gather.

  “This will do,” called Skellig to everyone within earshot. “Get ready to set up camp here tonight. Sightseers, position yourselves on either side of us.”

  “Glad to see you’re up and about.” Jak whirled to see Seph standing behind her.

  “I could have been this whole time,” she said. “If Skellig hadn’t insisted.”

  “I’m sure you’re right about that,” he said, with a slight wink. “Even if I did see you drooling on your pillow.”

  She pouted and restrained herself from throwing something at him or wacking him over the head with the Pillar of Eternity.

  He looked like he was about to laugh, but the smile slowly faded. “I’m glad you’re safe, ultimately. We were worried there. I was worried.”

  Jak let her face relax. “I know, and you’ve already lost a lot,” she said, speaking of Elva.

  Seph sat down on a nearby rocky outcropping. “This is the first time that it’s really hit home that people are dying for me. Most of my people survived the attack on Skyecliff, but losing Elva...is this what it’s like for you?”

  Jak hesitated, then sat down on the rock beside Seph, keeping the Pillar in one hand. “You feel like an imposter? Like you’ve made a big mistake in letting everyone follow you to their deaths.”

  “Sort of. I know what I preach is true, but it’s becoming more evident what that will mean, the sacrifices we will have to make.”

  “Yeah, that sounds familiar. I know what I fight for is right, but there are times when I second guess even that, where I wonder, if everyone fights against me, am I truly in the right? But I know I am, and I’m willing to die for that fact. What makes it harder is knowing that others are willing to do the same.”

  “Yes,” Seph said, staring at the ground. “It...it’s not easy.”

  “No, it’s not,” Jak agreed. She put a hand on his shoulder. He turned, and their eyes met. His gray eyes sparkled in the evening light.

  She kissed him. Not a passionate kiss like those she had shared with Naem, not even a long kiss. Just a simple connection, a tender representation of what they both shared. When she finished, she put both arms around his waist, while resting her head on his shoulder. Slowly he placed his own hand around her back. They sat that way for a very long time, saying nothing more. Nothing needed to be said.

  “Jak!”

  It was her mother, coming at them at a dead run. Jak let go of Seph, rising to her feet. Was it demons? The queen?

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Someone has arrived that you need to see.”

  Jak glanced back the way they came. “A deserter? I didn’t see anyone come in.”

  “Not a deserter, and he didn’t come from the queen’s army. He was on the road ahead of us. He said he was waiting for us.”

  Jak swallowed. Who would have known they were coming? She could only think of one person. Cain.

  “Did he attack you? What’s he doing?”

  “No, he’s...you have to come see yourself.”

  Jak glanced at Seph, who gave her an encouraging nod. She picked up the Pillar of Eternity, gripping it tightly in one hand, before following her mother. Wincing, she ignored the dull ache in her chest as she increased her pace to a mild run. Finally, she arrived at the front of the traveling group, where Skellig, Gabriel, and Yewin already waited with…

  No. That brown hair, th
ose clear blue eyes.

  The Pillar of Eternity clattered to the ground, the sound echoing through the canyon.

  “Marek?”

  Epilogue

  The queen stormed into her tent. “Fools!” she cried. “What do you mean they won’t attack?”

  Her advisor followed her into the tent, sputtering and stammering. “I...I’m sorry, my lady. But we can’t seem to convince them to move against the traitors. Eh...they’re not, uh, directly disobeying your orders, your ladyship. They’re just...uh, slugglish.”

  “Sluggish?” Telma spat, “they’re traitors. Treasonous. I will have every last one of them strung up and made an example of. I’ll…”

  She broke off at the stunned expression on her aid’s face. He was looking behind her. She spun to see a man standing in the corner, a man with a large build. What the devil? This was her tent. No one but her personal guard were allowed in without her permission.

  “Excuse me!” she shouted at the man. She really did not have time for this right now. She began raising a hand to wave the man off. But that was when she realized that she couldn’t lift her arms at all. She couldn’t move a muscle.

  The man finally took a few steps out of the shadows. His clothes were modest and clean, but that fact contrasted wildly with the rest of him. Her eyes grew wide. The skin across his entire body looked like it had been blended in a butcher’s meat grinder and spat back out again. He was hideous. Yet now she could see that skin was covered in dark lines, brand lines. His entire body was full of them, just like the multiple brands the girl somehow managed to keep stable, yet this man had far more. Fear touched her like a vice. Why couldn’t she move? Was the man a Telekinetic? With all those brand lines, he must be.

  “No witnesses,” he croaked in a dangerous voice. With a sickening snap and a yelp that was unexpectedly cut short, her aid fell to the floor behind her. Most likely dead, though she could not turn her head to make sure.