The Last Refuge

by L. A. Blackburn

“Thanks,” he said stopping her hand from tending to him.

  Her hand was small, warm, and yet shockingly strong. He held it for a moment until she pulled it back. What she was feeling was new to her as well. Isha went back to the campfire, wrapped herself in her cloak and lay down, leaving Nathan by the bank. He sat there a moment trying to understand what was happening to him. For so many years, he felt nothing but disgust for anyone but Delgado. But now, feelings were floating to the surface. He wrapped himself in his cloak and went to sleep, trying to put it out of his mind – at least for now.

  In the morning, he woke with a start from a horrible nightmare, sweating from his face and neck. He went to the creek and plunged his face into the cool water with hopes that it would chase away his horror. He glanced around for Isha but couldn’t see her. For a moment, a brutal sadness gripped him as he wondered if she had simply left in the night. But his heart brightened when she appeared around the bend of the creek wringing water from her newly washed hair. She had tied her cloak around her in reverse to form a makeshift dress that covered all but her arms and the bare of her back. The morning sunlight glinted off the droplets on her shoulders and arms, making Nathan very uncomfortable as she approached, causing his cheeks to flush red as she passed. Stealing a backward glance, he saw livid scars crisscrossing her back and shoulders, showing the years of abuse she had endured in her past. Dodie broke Nathan from his trance with a motion of his hand to draw near to him. As he approached, the shrewd tomewright sported a sly smile.

  “Formorians are not known for their modesty young one. But mind yourself, that flower is nightshade,” said Dodie with a glint of caution in his eye.

  “What are you talking about?” said Nathan as he headed for the creek.

  “I’m old, boy, not blind,” said Dodie. “I was young once too, and still am if I’ve a mind to be. It’s said that Formorian women are wild, free and dangerous as the whirlwind so keep that in mind.”

  Nathan didn’t answer but kept washing his face and neck. Suddenly, Elhan approached, tossing some clothes on the bank next to him.

  “Put these on,” said Elhan.

  “No thanks, I’m good,” said Nathan.

  “You stink like a dead bear and your cloths are in shreds. You can’t go into Bero looking like that, you’ll draw too much attention,” said Elhan. “Dodie, make sure he changes even if you have to dress him yourself.”

  “You heard him,” laughed Dodie.

  Nathan reluctantly put on the cloths and felt pleasantly amazed at how comfortable they felt. The tunic was of fine soft wool, the white shirt was linen and the pants were fine leather with matching boots. As Nathan changed, the star-cloth that he had tucked into his shirt freed itself and dropped to the ground at Dodie’s feet. Nathan quickly snatched at it, but not fast enough to keep it from Dodie who stared at it till a look of shock crossed his face.

  “Where did you get this?” Dodie asked, turning to Nathan with an alarmed expression.

  “It came from a madman who tried to kill me,” Nathan said. “You’ve seen it before?”

  “No, but I’ve seen something like it, do you mind if I study it?” asked Dodie.

  “Yes I mind,” said Nathan, taking the star-cloth from Dodie and shoving it into his shirt.

  “I mean no disrespect, but you should know. It’s dangerous to carry that about,” explained Dodie. “If you’re caught with it, the mancers will arrest you immediately. I think this is something Eldar Agabus should know about.”

  “Since I arrived at…wherever this is. I’ve been stabbed at, half drowned, almost eaten and choked by a giant before I was arrested,” said Nathan. “I’ll take the risk.”

  To be honest, he’d thought about destroying the stupid thing since it was the source of so much pain and embarrassment for him. But in this strange place, it was one of the only familiar things he had. Putting it out of his mind, he took a moment to enjoy the countryside as they hiked north following Crossing Creek to its beginning. A brisk autumn breeze blew across a nearby field whipping the grass in a swirling pattern while wisps of clouds chased each other in the crystal blue skies above. He had never in his life been so lost but he didn’t feel alone. He felt a hand on his heart, leading him to purposes both wonderful and frightening.

  It was late afternoon when they came to the road to Bero Refuge plodding on before them with thick stands of cedar and pine lining the road on either side. The trees loomed overhead but were fewer in number and size compared to the Avone. Busy travelers trudged up-and-down the lane while parents herded wayward children from the cart-path. Merchants leaned hard against the weight of their wagons packed with wears, filling the air with the sound of tinkling glass, clinking metal and grinding wheels. Sideways glances from the people hinted of mistrust and suspicion. As one of the few remaining refuge cities in Akeldema, the locals are ever watchful of accused murderers who could flee from certain death to throw themselves on the mercy of the Refuge Council. The scattered stones and bones outside the city walls testified of decisions that did not always land in favor of the accused. The city sprawled East to West nestled in the midst of a small pine outcropping that wrapped its arms around each side of the city and the three modest lakes that divided it.

  As the crew approached, Isha wrapped her cloak about her, pulling her hood in place. The watchman announced their arrival. “The Warden returns!”

  Nine

  “On the Fold…”

  Captain of the Guard Onel, emerged from the guard-post to greet Elhan and Dodie.

  “Warden Sungenes…you’re early,” said the captain with amazement.

  “We’ve an urgent matter for Eldar Agabus,” said Dodie.

  “You’ll find him contrary as usual. Who are your companions? I don’t think I’ve seen them before,” said Onel with a hint of suspension in his voice.

  “We need to see the eldar, immediately,” stated Elhan, ignoring the captain’s question.

  Captain Onel stood shoulders taller than most, a fact which helped him in his duties, but his lanky bearing, mousy face and balding head didn’t make him very imposing. Even though his father sat on the Refuge Council, Onel never used that to his advantage. He earned his position, not with the skill of might, but boldness of mind and something didn’t feel right to him. As district warden, Elhan commanded power over the entire area, but once in the city, Onel held command.

  “Good, but first, we check for weapons,” said Onel with agitation as he motioned for a guard to search Isha.

  “It’s urgent,” insisted the Warden.

  Both Elhan and Isha know that, Vengers are forbidden from entering any city of refuge upon penalty of death. This assures the safety of those seeking the protection of the city.

  “You know the council decree, all non-officials will be checked. By rights I should have them detained till I know who they are, but since you are vouching for them, I’ll let it go. But, they will be checked.” Insisted the captain. “Would you be so kind as to open your cloak for sight inspection? We mean no disrespect.”

  “No,” Isha said from under her hood.

  “I must insist.”

  “Go kiss a pig’s…”

  “So be it,” interrupted the captain as he motioned the guard to Isha.

  “I wouldn’t do that,” Elhan inserted with a shake of his head.

  Isha never looked up, but simply intercepted the guards approaching hand at the wrist and began to squeeze. Though experienced, the guard never saw her move till she had him in her grip. He stared in helpless dismay as the sickening sound splintering bone came from his wrist. Clawing at her fingers, he desperately tried to break her grip with his free hand. Then, he fell to his knees and began to wail with pain. Her eyes flashed with a wild delight at the guard’s agony and the scene shook Nathan for a moment.

  “Isha, let him go,” shouted Nathan as Onel leveled his spear toward her neck.

  “Listen to him,” Elhan joined. “Onel will kill you where you stand.”

&nbs
p; “No one but a Warden, or guard, may carry weapons within the walls of a refuge and it’s a miracle you’re going inside at all. Right now you have the Warden’s protection, fight me any further and I’ll have you in chains or on a slab. It doesn’t matter to me,” Onel ordered. “Release him. I’ll not ask twice.”

  Nathan approached, putting his hand on hers with slow deliberate motion.

  “Isha,” he pleaded. “In Heaven’s name, please, let him go.”

  Her fiery gaze met his and something began receding within her.

  “Heaven? What god has had anything to do with her,” she thought.

  Slowly, she released the guard, allowing him to cradle his injured wrist. Slapping Nathan’s hands away, she pulled the corners of the cloak tightly about her as Onel motioned to a rather large female guard nearby.

  “You will submit for inspection,” insisted the captain.

  Isha shot a furious glance at the captain as she moved to a secluded spot.

  “She is very shy. Is it possible to do a hand-check through the cloak?” asked Nathan.

  Onel knitted his eyebrows for a moment and then reluctantly nodded agreement. The female guard gave her a quick hand-check and assured the captain.

  “No weapons,” announced the guard.

  “Well, that was exciting,” chuckled Dodie, but no one caught the humor.

  Captain Onel shot an angry glance at Elhan as he nodded for his crew to return to their posts.

  “You keep decidedly more intense company these days, Warden,” said Onel as he thought it best to personally escort the group to the Eldar Hall.

  “So it would seem,” Elhan returned with a glance toward Isha.

  Fearful looks followed them down each street as citizens stared when they passed. Isha pulled her hood low to hide her face from the prying eyes. Nathan noticed the reactions of the people so he kept her close in case she lost control again, but he received more than a few questioning glances himself from his appearance. As they walked, Isha thought she saw something familiar in a nearby alley, but when she turned there appeared to be nothing there. A small girl ran up to the group and marched alongside Isha for a moment, trying to get a good look underneath her hood. The Venger glimpsed the girl’s innocent probing and couldn’t help but smile as the child made silly faces at her. Nathan enjoyed the moment while Elhan and Dodie watched carefully for her reaction. Suddenly, the girl’s mother ran up from behind and snatched the child away, scolding her for being so careless with strangers. Isha tried to ignore her but couldn’t. Even in her darkest moments, she had always loved the sight of children and dreamed about having her own someday. Nevertheless, she was of the Grey Branch, and happiness never seemed to find her – only death.

  Nathan marveled at the beauty of the city. Bero nestled itself in a thick wooded area that wrapped its arms around three small lakes. Pine, cedar and oak trees scattered themselves in varying numbers along the interlaced roads and byways of the area. The tree-dotted hills gently descended to the lakes below, hiding the numerous cottages that littered the outcroppings in every direction. As they neared the center of leadership, Eldar Hall, moist smells from the second lake came flowing through the trees on the left. Captain Onel walked to its large iron bound oaken doors and tapped carefully with his spear. Abruptly, the sound of old grating metal preceded an echoing thump as the doors creaked open, quietly revealing the grizzled face of the Steward.

  “What’s your business,” he said.

  “Steward, we have come to see the eldar,” said Captain Onel.

  “He is readying himself for a gathering of the council and cannot be disturbed,” said the Steward.

  “Warden Elhan insists it’s urgent,” said Onel.

  The Steward was tall, heavy and thick of limb but moved with the ease of a lion. He eyed the guests with an air of detached smugness, resting his eyes on Isha the longest. Pulling the doors open, he stepped aside, allowing them to enter while Onel and his guards went on their way. The Steward waved them into a large chamber on the right filled with tables and chairs with tall windows lining the walls on two sides displaying breathtaking vistas of the shimmering lake below. Sunlight poured into the chamber as they were seated to food and drink giving them a long needed repast from their brutal journey. It was an hour before they were taken to an adjoining chamber, where Eldar Agabus sat reading a letter, seated in a large black oaken chair behind a long mahogany table. Elhan guessed the old codger had kept them waiting to force him to be more respectful. Most days this would be true, but not today. His expression was fixed, serious and did not waver as the guests entered the room. In fact, he didn’t acknowledge that they were there at all. At first glance, his visage was unimpressive, but his hazel eyes held a keen, commanding sparkle that revealed a sharp mind riveted to an iron determination. He was an aged man of slight build, wiry, with long stringy gray hair draped about the sides of his balding head. A hawk-like nose and thin lips hovered above a silver goatee that drew its long wispy fingers down to his chest. He wore the brown and black four-tassel scarf of a Tomewright Codex Master, a loose fitting gray shirt and matching pants that complimented a knee-length sleeveless purple robe. On the table before him were two books several inches thick with covers of ornately carved wood. There was a long uneasy silence that began to takes its toll on Elhan’s nerves.

  “Thank you for seeing us eldar, we know you are busy and are in your debt,” said Elhan. He was quickly cut short by the slender hand of Agabus who held it up in a motion for silence. After a few moments more, the eldar took a deep breath and pushed the letter toward Dodie with a questioning glance.

  “Tractmaster Dodie, what do you make of this,” said Agabus while ignoring Elhan.

  Dodie reluctantly took the letter from the table and scanned its message. Dodie’s face took a somber appearance as he placed the letter back on the table.

  “Eldar, this confirms information that was given to Elhan and myself from the Malakim. The demons are gathering on the highland for some reason,” said Dodie. “Apparently, they are near Pelan.”

  “Other questions are unfolding as well, I see,” asked Agabus with a questioning look at Nathan and Isha.

  “I rescued them from the Avone,” said Elhan.

  “Captured,” Nathan cut in. “You mean captured.”

  “Come closer, let’s have a look at you,” said Agabus.

  Nathan took the invitation readily but Isha held back, arranging her cloak about her.

  “Shy to the eye are we,” chuckled Agabus. “You’re not the first and won’t be the last. Many come to the cities of refuge trying to hide something. Many have done terrible things and think they can somehow conceal it, but no matter how fast they run, the past catches up to them. Are you sick? You don’t seem well.”

  “I’m fine,” she shot back.

  “Then come, prove it to me with a hearty handshake and let me test your grip,” Agabus, insisted.

  A sly grin pasted her lips as she approached the table and held out her hand. She wasn’t prepared when the old man snatched her hand and slammed it on the large book on the table in front of him. Light shot from the cover, coursing between her fingers and encircling her arm like a luminous rope. She tried to pull free but her fingers glued themselves to the cover as white-hot flashing of lightening shot through her body and brought her to her knees. Her cloak fell away as she began to convulse. Suddenly, she threw her head back with her face toward the ceiling. A greenish-blue light began pouring from her eyes and mouth until a primal scream of anguish bolted from her lips.

  “Stop,” shouted Nathan as he lunged forward.

  Sparkling radiance from the book danced on the old master’s face, giving him an eerie ethereal look as he shut his eyes, muttering some ancient prayer under his breath. Nathan moved forward, but was stopped short by Elhan’s muscled arms around his chest, holding him fast. Then, a flashing flame circled the room and vanished with a rushing thunder. Isha crumpled to the floor, shaking like a leaf in the wind.
Nathan struggled to free himself from Elhan’s clench but couldn’t break the iron grip of the Warden. Dodie went to Isha’s side and held trembling form.

  “Bring the boy,” said Agabus.

  Fear gripped Nathan for a moment so he swallowed hard to muster courage. Elhan moved Nathan into position, gripping the young man’s wrist so tight the fingers began to tingle with numbness.

  “I trusted you,” Nathan said to Elhan.

  “Trust me a bit longer,” Elhan whispered, clapping a hand over Nathan’s mouth as he pushed the young man toward the book.

  Agabus took the boys hand and pulled it toward the book’s cover as Nathan resisted with what strength he could muster. With betrayal on his heart, he finally gave in as his hand hit the top of the huge tome with a clap. Both warden and eldar watched in disbelief as absolutely nothing happened. Agabus repeated the prayer once more, but no sign came.

  Nothing.

  “What does this mean?” asked Dodie, who watched the whole procedure in disapproval.

  “Warden, release him,” Agabus ordered.

  Elhan relaxed his grip giving Nathan the chance to twist from his grasp. But in the process, they tore the star-cloth loose from its hiding place and sent it sailing to the floor. Elhan bent down and quickly snatched the cloth. Nathan tried to retrieve it only to see it passed into the hands of the eldar before he touched it.

  “Give it to me,” demanded the young man.

  “Where did you get this?” said Agabus, ignoring the order.

  “Just give it back,” stated Nathan as he tried to snatch the cloth from the old man. It was then that Nathan’s matted hair fell away from his face long enough for Agabus to see his pointed ear. The eldar suddenly grabbed Nathan by the hair and pulled his head close.

  “By the bringer’s staff, this boy is Mag Mellian! Elhan, I should have your hide for this,” said the eldar with disbelief as he pushed Nathan’s head away in disgust. “You not only bring an Eldritch within these walls but a Formorian Venger no less. Do you realize what would happen if Regent Mano’s spies found her here?”