by Dan Mat
“First, you must allow me to congratulate you, on your appointment.” Eilonna sat beside the halfling, taking his hands into hers “With the wishes this would officiate the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration between our two towns.”
“Thank you milady.” Xavnier answered “I do hope that would be the case.”
“Is it me, or you don’t seem so sure of it?” Eilonna curiously cocked her head.
“Can you blame me?” Xavnier was honest “What should I think after your last surprise?”
“What surprise?” Eilonna asked “What are you talking about?”
“I am talking about Mird!” Xavnier said, somewhat angrily.
“Mird?!” Eilonna almost giggled “Why is he a surprise?”
“My heart almost stopped, when he informed me, that you wish to meet.” Xavnier said.
“Well, I said I’ll help you.” Eilonna smiled.
“You should’ve told me about him.” Xavnier said “I thought he was going to ruin it all.”
“Forgive me for that.” Eilonna answered “But I deemed that would be for the best. For the sake of authenticity. To make sure no one suspects the integrity of the vote.”
“I see.” Xavnier scratched his chin “And I thank you for it.”
“But?” Eilonna asked.
“But I implore you, for the sake of our future dealings, don’t keep me in the dark anymore.” Xavnier said, with a serious tone in his voice “I spent far too much time in the dark. Too many things caught me by a surprise lately.”
“Fair enough.” Eilonna nodded “Although, I think you should focus on your wins, in spite of these obstacles.”
“You think so?” Xavnier sounded like a child.
“Well off course.” Eilonna retorted “The way in which you’ve dealt with Hven and Setl was impressive to say at least.”
“Only positive thing, from the whole messed up situation.” Xavnier was honest.
“What do you mean?” Eilonna asked “What situation?”
Eilonna felt uneasy, almost flustered. That would always happen, whenever she’d heard something unbeknown to her. It would sneak up, crawl in her mind and annoy her. Forcing her to learn everything there is. Just like now, she had no idea in what predicament halfling found himself. Luckily, she knew how to extract that information from him, and with ease.
“They fucked us.” Xavnier shook his head “They completely fucked us.”
“Who?” Eilonna asked “Hven and Setl?”
“Mhm…Yes.” Xavnier answered “And Panmorn, and Fletcher, and Zaanven, and probably half of the fucking councilors of this fucking town.”
“What are you talking about?” Eilonna was interested more and more.
“About everything.” Xavnier slouched even more “About our work. About our lives.”
“What is going on?” Eilonna was giving everything, not to sound too curious “What happened?”
“Bah, I don’t even know where to begin with.” Xavnier sighed “Everything is against me.”
“Listen. I have an idea.” Eilonna said, as she stood up “I suggest we have a couple of drinks, and you can tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Drinks?” Xavnier said, glancing after Lady Falkner “I could use a drink.”
In all his confusion, this was the first time he looked at her, since he entered the room. And he was glad he did. For the sight of that perfectly shaped body, left him breathless for a moment. Deliberate or not, Eilonna’s choice of clothing, at each of their meetings, always intrigued halfling. And that black, silky, and quite a revealing gown, she was wearing now, made him feel something else also. His trousers suddenly became very tight.
“What do you want?” Eilonna asked, turning for a brief moment.
“Something strong.” Xavnier gulped, quickly lowering his eyes, realizing he was starring at her, for far too long “It’s your choice.”
“D’onnol brandy it is.” Elionna exclaimed, hiding her smile.
She noticed the halfling’s transgression, momentarily deciding she’ll use that in an attempt to get all the information out of him. If nothing else, she thought, she’ll at least have some fun, whilst making a fool out of the new Vallsynk Lord. For starters, she allowed him to feast his eyes on her, pouring their drinks as slower as she possibly could. It was a tad amusing, seeing him afterwards, shaking, clasping onto the glass with his both hands, trying not to spill anything. And by the swift way in which he emptied his glass, Eilonna knew halfling wasn’t taking his eyes from her.
“You really are in some serious trouble?” Eilonna smiled “Do you want more?”
“May I?” Xavnier waved towards the bar.
“Help yourself.” Eilonna answered.
Halfling jumped like he was on fire. He had to drink more. Much more. To try and calm his nerves. To calm his mind. Above everything that happened in the last couple of days and weeks, beside for him quite intense council assembly, now Eilonna tried to cloud his mind. And that was probably her idea from the beginning. Just like always, she was trying to gather the information from him.
With the second drink, Xavnier’s mind cleared. He decided to check, how far was Lady Falkner prepared to go in her flirt. As if that beauty could have any serious romantic intentions towards someone like him. With the third drink, Xavnier got the idea. He downed the fourth for the courage. And poured the fifth, before returning to the sofa.
“Are you better now?” Eilonna asked.
“Better.” Xavnier nodded.
“Enough to explain what you meant, when you said that the councilors had fucked up.” Eilonna said.
“They haven’t fucked up.” Xavnier corrected her “They fucked us.”
“Alright, alright.” Eilonna smiled “How?”
“Can we talk about it some other time?” Xavnier asked “We already have a lots to discuss about.”
“Why waste our time on pointless discussion, when you oh so poetically said, that we are fucked?” Eilonna asked.
“What then?” Xavnier asked.
“Help me help you.” Eilonna answered.
“Why are you always doing this?” Xavnier sighed.
“Doing what?” Eilonna asked slyly, moving a bit closer.
“Confusing me.” Xavnier answered.
“I am only offering my help.” Eilonna said, placing her hand on halfling’s knee.
“And all while looking so damn fine.” Xavnier said.
“What now?” Eilonna flinched.
“And smelling so fresh and sweet.” Xavnier continued, as he closed the gap between him and her.
“Wh…What?” Eilonna was stunned.
“You are confusing me.” Xavnier said.
Eilonna said nothing. She didn’t even breathe.
“A fools hope.” Xavnier sighed “As if someone like you, would have any attentions towards someone like me.
Eilonna remain silent. The space between her and halfling was now only an inch or two.
“You somehow always manage to confuse me.” Xavnier proceed “You always manage to make a fool out of me.”
“Are you done?” Eilonna finally spoke.
“Oh no, I have much more to say.” Xavnier smiled “Why?”
“Because I advise you to shut up, fool.” Eilonna retorted.
“There you go.” Xavnier sighed again “I knew I am a fool.”
“Shut up fool.” Eilonna hissed “Shut up and kiss me.”
CHAPTER 30
Grodish was first through the portal. Impatient, eager to fight and with insatiable taste for blood, he stepped into the space without an ounce of dread and worry on his mind. Without hesitation. He didn’t do it, to serve as an example, for the soldiers who followed. Nor to show them, that the passage was safe. Well yes, he knew it will be. Roshnak said so himself. Grodish was first through the portal, because of the unbearable desire for vengeance.
Vengeance was the sole reason he found himself on this journey. He dreamt of it for years. Fantasizing about
the day he will find and punish the men responsible for the attack and the destruction of Vur-Paan. The village in which he was born. Grodish was fantasizing he will manage to find that loathful human, who killed his mother and brother. He was fantasizing about all those awful, dire things, he would do to him, if they were to meet face to face. He fantasized about every little detail of that encounter. Until this unhealthy obsession became too much for him to handle. Until he found the courage to ask Roshnak for help.
Grodish fully expected, his grandfather would deny him. Explain him of the futility of such a venture. Indicate to the harmful ways of that kind of thinking. Implore him to reconsider, before deciding to throw away his life, when the probability of the success was close to zero. But Roshnak said yes. Even more so, he devised a plan, that led them to where they are now.
By stepping into the portal, Grodish knew the vengeance was now at his grasp. It was so close, he could feel it. And then the reality came crashing down. Because in that exact moment as he stepped into the portal, Grodish realized he couldn’t feel nothing at all. The ground underneath him had simply vanished. He couldn’t feel the breeze, nor the sun. He couldn’t even feel himself. It seemed as if he was floating.
He was there for just a blink of an eye. Or perhaps, a hundred years had passed. Grodish wasn’t sure. Nor he had the time to find out. Because a moment later, he was flying through something, he could only describe as a narrow, dark tunnel. He traveled for miles, despite not moving an inch. And then he heard Roshnak. He was calling him. Guiding him towards the exit. And ultimately bringing him to the other side.
“W-what…how?” Grodish stammered, as he found himself in a rather large cave, lit with tens of torches, placed on the ground.
“Sit for a moment boy.” Roshnak held him under his arm “Don’t worry, it’ll pass soon.”
Grodish felt lightheaded. His legs couldn’t support him for much longer. Hence he decided to listen to shaman. The trek through the portal weakened him for a moment. But not for long, for soon he felt his energy was slowly returning. His soul had to catch up with his body. And now that it did, he begin to feel whole once again.
Grodish stood up, realizing that in the meantime, several orcs, soldiers from Khoill, also arrived through the magical gate. They too, just like him, were forced to sit down.
“Help Waghein, with helping the newcomers.” Roshnak said, noticing that Grodish is feeling better.
“Where do you need me?” Grodish asked eagerly.
“Everywhere.” Roshnak answered, as he pulled another soldier from the portal “This cave will soon be too small for all of us.”
Shaman was as usually right to say so. And that turned Grodish’s task to be much harder than it seemed at first. As soon as he took care of one soldier, another two would appear from the magical doorway. But half-orc remain calm and collected. Despite all of the commotion. Despite him being young, and without experience. Grodish showed, he was a born leader. He organized the troops in no time. He made sure everyone have enough space. And to keep clear from the area surrounding the portal. He kept issuing orders, even when Ghnot, chieftain of the Khoill tribe, joined them.
The old warrior immediately indicated, he had nothing against letting the newly crowned king of Zhinnaeg, commanding his soldiers instead of him. Not just because half-orc was the one leading them into the battle. But for the fact that he wasn’t getting any better, when everyone else did. Traveling through the magical passageway had a different effect on him. Ghnot was struggling to catch his breath.
“Stay near me.” Roshnak said, realizing the chieftain of Khoill wasn’t well “And try to stay calm.”
Ghnot complied. Something in shaman’s voice told him this weakness could be the sign of something serious. But he also knew, Roshnak couldn’t find the time to help him right now. A lot more soldiers were due to arrive, and shaman was the only one with the knowledge to bring them safe. Ghnot knew this was a priority, before anything else.
Soldiers kept coming for the rest of the day. A couple thousands of them, surely. Perhaps even more. The cave was almost filled by now. Many begin wondering, how much is this going to last? Surely, shaman will need to take a break soon. How long could he go like this? Eyes of several hundred orcs, gazed on him in amazement.
But Roshnak needn’t no rest. For he was replenishing his energy through the portal itself. He could do this for days, if needed. Until every single orc chosen for this mission, was safely transported here, under the mines of Gollvin. His only worry was, that this whole ordeal lasted much more, than he initially thought it would. He feared those forces on the ground would grew restless and impatient. That they would attack the town on their own. Roshnak wondered how long was this going to last?
And the answer came some several minutes later, with the arrival of Uggut, sorcerer of Zhinnaeg. He was ment to pass the last through the portal. As a sign that no one else is coming. As a sign for Roshnak, he could stop tending the magical passage. A sing for all, that the wait is finally over. But before Grodish had a chance to assemble the troops, shaman invited him over.
“Take the soldiers into the tunnel.” Roshnak said, as he helped Ghnot to his feet “Waghein marked the path, leading to the mine.”
“Very well.” Grodish answered impatiently.
“The shaft is buried in the pile of stones.” Roshnak proceed “If it happens that you open it, before the two of us join with the group, do carry on.”
“Wait.” Grodish was confused “Why are you not coming with us?”
“Ghnot is not well.” Roshnak explained “But everything should be alright.”
“If you say so.” Grodish sounded a bit reluctant.
“And remember to be extremely quiet.” Roshnak added “The success of the attack depends on whether we manage to surprise the humans or not.”
“I understand.” Grodish retorted, already heading towards the tunnel.
Mere thought of the imminent battle, made his blood boil. He was eager to fight. He wished for it. Lusting to spill some blood, and bash some heads. Lusting for the kill.
“Should I go, too?” Waghein approached, somewhat shyly.
“Are you certain, the humans won’t be able to see the signal?” Roshnak asked.
“Yes.” Waghein answered.
“Very well then.” Roshnak nodded “Go.”
“Good luck.” Waghein said, as he begin ascending the long rope, to the surface.
At the same time, Grodish signaled for the advance. Already in line, soldiers funneled out of the cavern. Slow at first, but soon the pace picked up, as more and more of them disappeared into the tunnel. Roshnak waited for the last of them to leave, before turning towards Ghnot.
“You should’ve listened to me.” Roshnak finally said.
“I don’t understand.” Ghnot said “In regards to what?”
“You should’ve listened.” Roshnak repeated himself.
“Listened to what?” Ghnot asked.
“Who did you see?” Roshnak frowned.
“It was just for a second.” Ghnot said “I swear.”
“Who did you see?” Roshnak repeated himself.
“My wife.” Ghnot confessed.
“Alright.” Roshnak sat down, facing the Khoill chieftain “What was her name?”
“Wha…why?” Ghnot was puzzled with shaman’s inquiry.
“I need her name?” Roshnak persisted.
“Sharn.” Ghnot answered “Her name was Sharn.”
“Alright.” Roshnak said.
“Why do you need her name?” Ghnot was curious “Is this about me?”
“Yes.” Roshnak answered.
“Am I in danger?” Ghnot asked.
“Yes.” Roshnak answered.
“But you can fix this?” Ghnot asked “Whatever this is.”
“I sure hope so.” Roshnak was honest.
“Alright.” Ghnot sounded surprisingly calm “What now?”
“Now.” Roshnak said, closing his eyes “Be q
uiet and don’t move.”
Shaman begin with his meditation. It took him just under ten seconds to reach the peak. And another ten to transcend from this plane, into the realm of the shadows. In the blink of an eye, he found himself in the exact center of Khoill. Something he immediately regretted, wishing he did it in a much more measured, wary way. Because Roshnak had found himself completely surrounded with souls.
Thousands upon thousands of them. They aimlessly wandered inbetween the main town square and the fighting arena. Imprisoned to this place, where their lives ended in violent and premature ways. Lost in their moment of death. Mournful, lamenting, without the means to find the consolation. To find the peace. Most of them, Roshnak knew, were beyond salvation.
Shaman resumed towards Ghnot’s house. Not long ago, Khoill chieftain hosted him there. He knew where it was. And how to get there. The doors to the cottage, fortunately for him, were wide open. Otherwise, he’d waste a significant amount of time, trying to open them. The rules of the shadow realm, differed from those in the plane of existence. There was no lock to pry, nor a knob to turn.
The inside of the house was neat and tidy. Without a single speck of dirt or dust. With its every window wide open. Probably just like Sharn remembered it to be. Or wished it was. This place was the projection of her mind. Her creation. Roshnak was certain of it. Even more so, once he saw her in the adjoining room.
It was the kitchen. Sharn just begin to prepare the meal. Probably a lunch. Probably Ghnot’s favourite. She looked committed to making it. She looked happy. In the stark contrast to all of the souls, Roshnak saw just a few moments ago. And soon, he found out why. For Sharn wasn’t alone. She was talking with someone. Or rather talking to someone.
Roshnak cast a brief look, wary of the surroundings, before stepping inside. There, behind the crude table, sat Ghnot. Part of his soul, as a matter of fact. It happened, what shaman had feared from the beginning. Khoill chieftain’s carelessness, allowed Sharn enough time, to grab a piece of his soul. To take it with her, into this place. And to create this pretend happiness. Roshnak knew he had to rectify this, and rectify it fast, or Ghnot wouldn’t be the same again. Besides getting physically weaker, his mental health was also at risk.