by Jeff Gunzel
“I’m so sorry, Drend,” said Shantis, her voice cracking with emotion. “I’m sure they’re safe. You’ll see them again soon.”
“We don’t even know where our families are! Sending scouts back to the village was too risky. For all we know Filista has taken them all the way to Taron. Maybe they have become slaves, or maybe they now serve her out of fear as so many already have. Did they try to follow us days later, only to succumb to the wilds of the forest? We just don’t know.”
He took a deep, calming breath before continuing on. “Everything is different now. I don’t even recognize my own life anymore. I accept the decisions I’ve made and the changes they’ve brought. But I can’t help asking myself...what was it all for? Have our unthinkable sacrifices been for nothing?”
“No, they have not!” said Shantis. “I promise you that—”
“And what of Filista and her band of traitors? She is the cause of this!” he interrupted, before realizing they had drawn quite a bit of attention. Many eyes were now on them, listening to their spirited conversation. “Because of her, we’ve all had to sacrifice the ones we love. We’ve been forced to make choices no one should ever have to make! But we are here, and we still stand with you! Now I ask you as your soldier loyal to our cause, what do we do now?”
Shantis drew herself up. Seeing the fire in this young man had renewed all her spirit. No longer did she feel like a victim of circumstance, plagued by matters out of her control. She was the High Priestess, no matter what Filista claimed. She had always been, even if that fact had escaped her for a time.
“What of Filista and her band of traitors?” she repeated, her voice eerily calm yet seeming to carry on the wind. “They’ve made their choice, and I’m long past the ability to forgive. I will not listen to any sentimental tales of how they had no choice, or why the laws of our people somehow should not apply to them.” Others began to crowd in close, listening as their High Priestess not only spoke for the first time in weeks, but spoke with confidence and rising urgency.
“They were once our brothers,” she continued, her eyes sweeping the growing crowd, “our sisters and our friends. I say to you all with no shame or regret that I loved each and every one of them. But make no mistake: they are traitors. And not only to their fellow crytons, they have turned their backs on the humans, the Gate Keeper, and the very world we live in. This, I cannot forgive. They searched their own hearts as has each and every one of you...and they chose wrong! There will be no quarter given to our enemies. Before this is over, the streets of Taron will flow with their blood...”
There came no cheers for her chilling message. This war was not a thing to be celebrated. They were going to take the lives of their own people; kill their own flesh and blood. How could any day in cryton history prove to be darker than this?
Chapter 5
A few days had passed since Shantis had reassured the rebels she was fit to lead, yet in that short time the mood in camp had changed significantly. Everyone worked together in shifts, some taking turns standing guard over the camp while others helped with the cooking fires. Everyone was contributing any way they could. When given a free moment, it was a chance to train and prepare for the upcoming battle. Driven and focused, no one stood idle.
On the edge of camp, Shantis had drawn the attention of a small group. They watched as she stood tall, her golden bow in hand with an arrow notched. Other arrows impaled the ground around her, points down and feathers up, making them easily accessible. She took a deep breath, shoulders relaxed with her eyes zeroing in on her far-off target. “Loose,” yelled a man from behind. In a flash, her streaking arrow took flight, cutting the air like a hot blade.
Seconds passed before it thundered into a tree trunk, driving deep into the red painted circle. In a single movement, she notched another arrow and sent it on the same trajectory. It zipped into the circle right next to the first arrow, white feathers still quivering. Another, then another, then another...each new arrow in flight before the prior had found it mark.
It was hard to determine which was more impressive, the speed and ease at which she was able to launch each projectile, or the pure accuracy of her shots. Piling up on top of each other, the shafts of several arrows were either splintered or split entirely.
With only a few seconds gone by, there were no more arrows left in the ground. The tree stopped quivering from the bewildering assault, several of its leaves still fluttering down. The amazing feat was met by a round of clapping. A bit embarrassed, she held her bow up in the air, prompting an even louder response.
This is good, she thought to herself. Their spirits were high—at least higher than they’d been in some time—and things were beginning to feel normal again. There were dark days ahead, this much she knew for certain. Impending war against their own flesh and blood was sure to be a scarring experience. In the meantime, finding some sort of distraction, even as simple as an archery display, was important moving forward.
“Priestess!” came an urgent call from the other side of camp. “Shantis, you must come immediately!” She shouldered her bow, and began running towards the call. Others were already crowding around as a horse was being led into camp, its rider slumped over, unconscious or maybe dead.
“What is going on here?” asked Shantis, hurrying towards them. “Who is that human and why did you bring her here?”
“A question I was hoping you might answer,” replied the soldier, one hand holding the reins, the other bracing the woman so she wouldn’t tumble to the ground. The rider’s white hair was full of leaves and bits of bark. Clearly she had been traveling for days and probably dropped from exhaustion.
“She was approaching the camp when I intercepted her, already weary from thirst and fatigue,” he continued. “I was only going to give the human water and then send her away. She spoke to me but I could not understand her language. However, I did understand one word she repeated over and over. ‘Shantis.’” The soldier gently lifted the rider’s head. “She lost consciousness shortly afterward. I don’t know who she is or what she wants, but she seems to have knowledge of you.”
Shantis gasped when seeing the old woman’s face. The witch from Taron! It had been a long time, but that face, her unmistakable eyepatch, there could be no doubt. “At best, she really does know you and brings news of our enemies,” the soldier pressed, still holding her head upright. “At worst, she is a spy and we shall send back her headless body as a warning. Either way, I thought it wise to bring the human back so at least we have her in custody.”
“You’ve done well,” said Shantis, trying not to look as shocked as she felt. “But I assure you all, this woman is no enemy of the crytons.” She received several confused glances, but no one questioned her. “Clean her up, giver her water, then have her brought to my tent.”
“Yes, Priestess,” said the soldier, leading the horse along with its unconscious rider away.
* * *
Feeling slightly uneasy, Shantis patiently waited in her tent. In front of her sat a small table with various dishes spread out. Plates of berries, a small assortment of dried meats, and a large pitcher of water were laid out. Even having no idea what the witch wanted, she felt obligated to make the human as comfortable as possible. Whatever news had forced her to ride out this far must certainly be important; the least she could do was act the part of a proper host.
She sighed, glancing around the old tent with holes and stains in the worn fabric. So this was the environment in which the High Priestess of the crytons would be holding business negotiations. It was hard to feel like a commander under such circumstances.
Still nervous, her mind wondered back to the last time she had seen this woman. They had never spoken but she remembered her well. It was during the war against the Dronin. Such a dark time that was—but then again, it seemed there was always war in Tarmerria. When was the last time this world had been at peace? Would it ever know peace again?
The tent flap opened and in walked th
e old woman, escorted by the same soldier holding her roughly by arm. Angrily, Shantis growled something in her native tongue, hands motioning wildly towards the soldier. Immediately, he released her arm and fled the tent.
“You musssst forgive him,” said Shantis, displaying her mastery of the common tongue. “They are all good soldierssss, but find it difficult to trust outsidersss. Especially—” She cut herself off, concerned about possibly offending her guest.
“They don’t trust humans,” Addel said bluntly. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not even sure I trust humans anymore,” she added with a wink.
Shantis laughed at the woman’s dry sense of humor, but was mostly thankful for the tension breaker. It had been a long time since she’d spoken to a human, and this one seemed to have some wits about her. “Pleassse, sssit down,” said Shantis, gesturing to the chair across from her. “I apologize for thessse poor conditionsss.” She couldn’t help but glance around once more. “You mussst understand, thingsss have been very difficult for usss recently.”
“I’ve watched my city fall to the hands of those demons,” Addel scoffed. “Monsters who want nothing more than to force the humans to crawl around on their bellies like snakes, worshipping the very air they breathe. Whether we meet inside your magnificent temple, or sit in the dirt surrounded by insects is of little concern to me now. You and I have bigger problems to deal with.”
Shantis dropped her eyes. “Of courssse you are correct. My apologiesss.”
Addel waved dismissively. “I meant no offense, Priestess. It’s just that these recent weeks have been hard on us as well. These are desperate times, and I’m afraid there is plenty of suffering to go around.” She leaned forward and reached for Shantis’s hand. “Despite the hardships you and I have already shared, I’m afraid we’ve never been properly introduced. My name is Addel. And before you even bother, I assure you the High Priestess of the crytons needs no introduction.”
“Well met,” said Shantis. Again, she lowered her eyes. “My condolencesss for the lossss of your queen. Despite the fact that I am a cryton, she treated me with ressspect and kindnesss. She will alwaysss hold a place in my heart.”
“Thank you. She will be remembered fondly.” Addel shifted uncomfortably, before helping herself to a plate. Stalling, she slowly filled her water glass. “And that is why I’ve come to see you,” she admitted at length. “No doubt you are familiar with the seething monster who currently sits upon the throne.”
“Yesss, I do,” Shantis hissed, her eyes narrowing with anger. “And I promissse you, her betrayal of both the humansss and the crytonsss shall not go unanswered.”
“I hoped you would say as much,” Addel replied, raising her water cup in a silent cheers. “And I promise you will find support from within the city walls. The sooner she is dead, the sooner the rightful queen of Taron can take back the throne.” Addel held Shantis’s gaze, waiting as her words sank in.
“The queen isss dead,” she replied at length, puzzled. “May her ssssoul be at ressst,” she added quickly. “What do you mean, rightful queen of Taron? Of whom do you speak?”
“I speak of Queen Ilirra Marosia’s own flesh and blood. The queen gave birth to her daughter in quiet confidence many years ago. You know of whom I speak of. Jade is the queen’s daughter, heir to the throne, and the rightful queen of Taron.”
Shantis sat in stunned silence while Addel spun the unbelievable tale. How could this be? All this time and nobody knew. It was hard to accept that such great lengths had been taken to protect the Gate Keeper; that such personal sacrifice had been required of anyone. Jade was of royal blood, yet her life had been toyed with without a single care for her own well-being. How does a queen become reduced to a pawn in a much larger game? None of this was fair, and Shantis found the story heartbreaking to listen to. Shantis loved Jade like a sister, and news of this lifelong deceit tore her insides apart.
“Jade Ethrista...is the queen’sss daughter?” was all Shantis managed to say when Addel was finished.
“But that is not her birth name,” Addel corrected. “Her real name is Jade Marosia, and for all our sakes it is imperative she take back what is rightfully hers.” Addel reached across the table, and once again took Shantis by the hands. “We are all in this together. The fight to take back Taron, as well as the battle against the coming darkness... We must stand together as one.”
Shantis squeezed her hands in return. “Very well. It appearsss we will unite our forcesss on multiple frontsss, but our firssst ssstep is obviousss.” Addel flashed her a knowing smile. “We mussst combine our magicsss...and find your queen.”
* * *
Jade flipped down the dirt path in a dizzying display of acrobatic skill. Hands to feet, hands to feet; twenty, thirty, forty straight handsprings without showing any sign of slowing. With a powerful surge she launched into the air, turning slow flips while seeming to defy gravity. With a click, silver daggers flashed into each hand, then zipped from her palms in one smooth motion. Still turning through the air, there came several more clicks as she unleashed a barrage of steel into the nearby trees lining the path.
Landing softly with the ease of a cat, she turned to see her daggers still quivering in the wood, leaves fluttering down from the solid impact. Training relaxed her, and for now it seemed like the perfect distraction to help keep her mind off Eric. Already, she missed him so badly it left a hollow pain in her chest. Still, she had been left with no choice in the matter.
Eric was going to need all his strength and concentration to finish his training, and distractions simply weren’t an option. Still, part of her wanted to run back to him. Yes, she could help with his training, work with him on perfecting the finer aspects of his abilities. At least, that’s what she told herself.
But deep down inside, she knew better than to tamper with something so important. The Gate Keeper needed to finish his training with no distraction, and more importantly, free of emotions. Her presence would surely cripple his ability to focus. Her burning urge to be at his side was just greedy when compared to what was really at stake.
Broken from her thoughts, Jade glanced up when a large shadow passed overhead. The familiar whooshing sound of powerful wings cutting the air made her grin. Jade’s hair blew about as Asami came down from the sky, landing only a short distance away. She reared back her head and screeched, her slitted tongue flapping about wildly.
Like a wide-eyed child, Jade rushed up and threw her arms around Asami’s neck. “Well hello there,” Jade squealed, rubbing her cheek against the krackledon. “It’s so good to see you, my friend.”
At first, allowing the krackledon to simply roam the skies at will had not been a popular one. What if its wild instincts were to suddenly kick in, and it began attacking the village? But with the Gate Keeper gone, and no one willing to watch over her day and night, there had been little choice in the matter. Once released, she did little more than fly about searching for her owner—her best friend. Once in a while she would come down for a visit with the few she trusted. Now was such a time and her timing couldn’t be better. Jade could certainly use a friend right now.
The scaly creature let out a slow, rolling gurgle. “I know,” said Jade, rubbing down the length of her neck. “I miss him too.” As if she needed another reminder of just how bad she wished he were here, hearing her own words out loud made her eyes tear up. Determined not to think about it anymore, she wiped her eyes and said, “I had a feeling you might pay me a visit today. Follow me, I have something for you.”
She led Asami over to a nearby bush. Sure enough, three shiny apples lay on a bed of leaves. Without the slightest hesitation, Asami’s long tongue snapped out and speared one. She happily crunched away, ignoring Jade’s mild scolding as if she weren’t even there. “You’re supposed to wait until I offer you one,” said Jade, giving the beast a light tap on the snout. “Now, let’s try this again.”
Jade picked up a second apple and held it out. “Now Asami, would you like to
try a delicious—” Again, her lightning-quick tongue speared the apple from Jade’s hand before she could finish her sentence. But instead of being angry, Jade just laughed and threw arms around Asami’s neck again. “You’re hopeless, you know that?”
“Jade,” came a call from off in the distance. She turned, a little irritated at being disturbed. Picking this remote location to train at was no accident, and aside from Asami’s visit, she had hoped to be left alone today. “There you are,” said Jacob, emerging from the trees. “We’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Being found easily was not a priority today,” she said dryly.
“Yeah, well, maybe it should have been,” Jacob retorted, more than a little irritated. More often than not lately, he’d been quick to anger. “The next time you decide to run off and sulk all by yourself, you should be courteous enough to let someone know where to find you. There is something going on with the circle, and they need you right away.”
Jade bit her lower lip. “I’m sorry Jacob, but how was I supposed to know? I just wanted to be alone for a while. I have a lot on my mind. Eric believes I’ve abandoned him for one thing, and I—”
“Don’t you dare,” Jacob hissed, his irritation suddenly becoming outright hostility. “You don’t get to hide behind the Gate Keeper each time you feel upset or don’t get your way. The darkness is coming, and soldiers like us don’t get to take the day off just because we feel like it. He may not like it, but Eric is doing what he must because he doesn’t have a choice. And neither do we.”
He let out a deep breath and shook his head. “I’m sick of all this too, but you can’t hide from your friends who are depending on you. You know, you’re not the only one who’s lost someone, Jade.” The blunt reminder gave her a start, and she looked away in shame.
Jacob turned. “Next time you decide to run from your problems while leaving me to face mine, remember one thing,” he said, already beginning to walk away. “Sooner or later Eric is coming back, but I’ll never see Athel again.” His words cut her like a blade.