In A Time Of Darkness

by Gregory James Knoll

  * * * * *

  "So this is it?" Jeralyle gazed off in the distance, staring at the wide city made up of massive buildings with red rooftops and cream colored exterior.

  "That's Davaina, the City of Dreams." Merial marked, turning her head up and over his shoulder to look at it as well.

  "Dreams? Where did that name come from?”

  But Merial could only shrug against his back.

  "Davaina was the original city that began to thrive after the Plague war." Elryia stated, it being the first thing she had said since leaving. "It was here where everyone gathered to restructure themselves and society. It was a sort of meeting point from where everything else spawned. It was in those halls that the world's leaders discussed their plans and dreams for rebuilding Eldonia, once they had been saved."

  Jeralyle wore a large, childish grin on his face, one more piece of knowledge he had earned. But with his joy, came a sad thought. "Is this the first time you've been back?"

  "Aye...almost two years now." Merial said, still keeping her eyes forward.

  As much as it strained him to do so, Jeralyle turned to wrap his arm around her shoulder and kiss the tip of her forehead. "I'm here with you." He whispered. As soon as he learned where they were headed, he was glad he came. Coming back here would be hard for anyone, but on top of that the loss of Grahamas, he knew that Merial would be in no mental state to deal with it alone.

  "I know you are and I am thankful. I would not want to have anyone else with me."

  With a wink, he turned back around as not to steer his horse in an obscure direction. Merial had placed her cheek against his back, and turned her gaze to the side, placing it upon the young woman next to her, looking just as sad as she had a day ago. With a warm and gentle stare, Merial extended out her hand, waiting for Elryia to take it.

  A moment later, she did. "What is it, Mare?"

  "It's you, Ely. I can't stop worrying about you and I don't know how to help..."

  "You are... it's just going to take time for it to get easier."

  "I know... it will for all of us. I just want to make sure that you're aware if you need anything you simply have to ask." She squeezed her hand lightly, nodded her head reassuringly.

  "I do, Mare. Thank you, I do."

  Jeralyle turned back occasionally to Elryia, letting her know he felt the same. Once they had neared Davaina, however, the Mage could not take his eyes off it.

  The straight dirt trail lead into the city, on either side were thick, circular pillars. The same off white color of the buildings and red roofs, though these were rounded, like the tops of castle towers. Behind them were four one-story buildings; two right, two left of the trail. The roof tops were made of brick, and slopped down several feet over the smooth, flawless walls, and on each of them, facing out towards the group were three equally separated windows. The tops of them arched in a half circle, the bottoms a yard long rectangle, and each was stained a bright yellow, accented by the soft pearl of the walls.

  Behind the first buildings were four more, twice the original's size in height, exactly the same width. Their three windows were perched directly over the tip of the first rows tops. After the first and second building, a third set lay, with just as many stories.

  The road the group traveled on was twenty feet wide, perfectly straight as it drove into the heart of the city, covered by patrons. Humans, dwarves, elves and even a few gnomes meandered about, leaving not an inch of the soft dirt un-trampled. Some were moving slowly, laughing and taking everything in, others in a harrying pace, pushing their way through the massive crowds in an obvious rush.

  Every story Jeralyle had ever heard about the town’s size and population was now blaringly true. "Are you sure we're going to find who we're looking for in this?"

  For the first time since leaving Sayassa Elryia wore a grin. "Aye. Even in this I'm positive."

  "Then I trust you." He replied, just happy to see her smile.

  Jeralyle had imagined he would ride straight into town like this, yet several feet from the front towers, Merial had tugged at his back. "Off the horse."

  "Huh?" He muttered, but slipped off all the same. "Oh. Of course." He realized that of all the people in town not a one was riding. Once his feet hit the ground, he turned to advise Elryia, but she had already removed herself.

  The three drew closer, and were now able to see the visible doors on either side of the tower, two men wearing red tunics and gold bandannas approached the group. Both had bowed cordially, and the older looking gentleman stepped in front of the other. "Good Morning. Welcome to Davaina. I would appreciate taking your horses here as they are not allowed within the city walls." The man reached out as Jeralyle handed his reins over, then took the same from Elryia. "Thank you." He marked, handing them over to the younger man behind him, who in turn bowed to his superior, hopping on Feiron then holding the reins of the other, riding off and around the edge of town. "Please be patient." The older man smiled.

  Jeralyle's face turned and his feet shifted, the other two had done as asked. Minutes later, the smaller rather quick fellow came rushing back straight through the center of town to stand in front of the group, handing a key to Elryia. "These are your individual stable keys. Please do not lose them. It is the only thing linking you to your horses."

  "Thank you." El smiled, taking the key with one hand, slipping him a gold coin with the other.

  "Thank you very much, Ma'am. Sir, your key."

  Jeralyle took the key and bowed, then stared at the empty hand placed before him, and continued to do so even after he cleared his throat.

  "Tip him." Merial urged, nudging the Mage with her elbow.

  "Oh." Jer blinked, turning down to rummage through the tiny satchel hanging at his belt. "Just a moment..." he continued searching.

  "Here you go." Merial said, hastily tugging a coin from her pocket, reaching around the flustered Mage to hand it over.

  "Thank you, Ma'am. Please enjoy your stay in our wonderful city."

  Both had made it halfway back to their posts when Jeralyle had finally looked up, gold in hand, muttering "huh?" when he saw they were no longer there.

  "You're charming. Do you know that?" Merial laughed, grabbing the bottom of his chin and kissing him on the lips.

  Jeralyle kissed, blinked, then stared at the two women as they walked away giggling. "Huh?" He muttered one final time before chasing to catch up with them.

  "This place hasn't changed since I left." Merial marked, tucking one of her hand's under Elryia's arm, and the other in Jer's as he approached.

  "This is amazing... I can't believe you actually lived here." As they now drew passed the initial towers, Jeralyle could see the city’s detail and its immensity. From the outside he believed there were only three sets of buildings on both sides, and that they stopped after the third, but they only mirrored themselves, another third story building behind the first. After, another second story and finally a single unit. Between each of them the road branched out, leading up to their doors, a heavy oak, painted red with golden knobs and trim. Directly above them, a rod stuck horizontally from the wall. Hanging off them were signs with red borders and lettering on white backgrounds advertising "tools", "weapons". Everything Jeralyle could imagine was written on different facilities—all except Tavern.

  The group worked their way through the crowd, Elryia occasionally casting her glance down one of the alleys, obviously searching for something. Yet with every street passed, she did not find it, and they continued on to the west edge of town. Once they were beyond the final building, enough of the crowd had dispersed for Jeralyle to see further. He imagined the town would have ended there, but it only changed. The start of it was an ivory archway, with ribbons of red and yellow hanging down, the word "Dreams" carved along the half circle. Connected on the outer edge was a mid-sized barricade, the wall made of a heavy marble, the top a dark gray granite. The barrier circled wide around both sides, creating an area which seemed to be half the s
ize of the town itself. Inside were more patrons of Davaina, ones that appeared more relaxed. Jugglers and jesters made their way through the people, playing with the children and taunting the more serious folk. Against the wall's right side, some had stopped to sit and listen to a young man with black hair playing a lute, a curly red-haired woman singing next to him. Along the wall's left side were three different vendors, all sitting on fine rugs. One was selling toys and streamers, another the very rugs they all used, and the final had a child sitting in front, his young face being painted.

  Directly in front of them against the back wall was the largest building within town, adorned with the same red roof and cream colored adobe, but this had massive double doors, both marked with a red X, large enough to fit a small cavalry through, the straw sticking out of the bottom made it evident these were the stables. The barrier continued to the right of the holding area for nearly twenty feet, then led to another archway, attaching to second building almost as large as the stables, far more eloquent. Starting from the ivory entry way a perfectly symmetrical stone path could be seen. Marble pillars were placed on both sides every five feet, torches on each of them facing inward all the way to the double doors. Trimmed in gold as all the others, but these were painted purple, and the tops came to a point to form a triangle when closed, as they were now.

  "Mare?" Jeralyle turned his attention towards it. "What's that?"

  "That's Davaina's theatre."

  The Mage smiled quickly, then peered around the left side of the stable to see yet another arch. This one had the same dirt path that was found in the city’s circle, leading to over two dozen smaller buildings, all perfectly spaced from one another. Some with flowers growing in the front, others had statues placed. There were no markers, and much smaller than any buildings in town giving them a much cozier look—softer edges, more wear and tear. It was obvious to Jeralyle this was where the residents of Davaina made their home.

  What he gazed, to the left of that, the barrier separated again and a third arch surrounded a great, vacant lot filled with only grass and patches of dirt. It seemed an area designated for something, yet none tread there. It looked as if no one had in years.

  "And what is that for?" He asked.

  Without warning, the Sage's eyes grew very sad, falling on the area for only a moment before she pulled away from the two. "It's... nothing anymore." She turned from it, rather abruptly, not wanting to say anymore. "I am going to get a room at the Inn before it gets too late."

  "Mare what's wrong?" But she was halfway through the crowd, and the Mage could only look on stunned.

  "Walk with me, Jeralyle." Elryia asked, stepping forward into the circle.

  "Was it something I said?"

  Elryia pushed her way along and stepped up to that same empty area before she answered. "This was where her bar was Jeralyle: The Raging Phoenix."

  "I... I had no idea. I wish I didn't ask."

  "It's understood. You didn't know. I just think it's hard for her coming back like this and finally seeing it completely gone."

  Jeralyle stared over the empty space, allowed a deep breath, then turned to look at her. "I know how she feels, and I'm sure you do as well." His head had turned down to lock on her eyes, his hands raised to place on her shoulders. "To have to wake up everyday and realize that the one thing you love is gone; forever. And I know right now you feel as she probably did when she looked upon it that night. You think everything is shattered and burned to the ground. But over time, it will wash away. Not completely, but enough that you'll be able to rebuild, just like she will one day do with this bar. I hope you know I'm here to help you both do that."

  "I..." Elryia blinked, as though she was surprised the Mage could be so insightful, for a fleeting instance in time, his eyes reflected an unearthly knowledge, the mark of an age old soul. "Does Merial know how lucky she is?"

  Within an instant, the same boyish, charming smile washed away his learned and intelligent gaze, pulling her close into a hug. "Yes... but if she forgets, you can tell her."

  "It's a promise." She whispered, turning her head back towards the first entrance to lean into the embrace. "Is that..." She whispered, pulling away from him suddenly, her gaze remaining on the front of Davaina.

  "What El? What is it?" She did not respond, only hurried through the crowd and across the field, the same way Merial had went. "Why does everyone keep doing that?" He huffed, trying to catch up to her.

  Merial stood at the entrance, waiting for them, but Elryia rushed right passed her without saying a word. So she instead asked Jeralyle "Where is she off to in such a hurry?"

  "No idea. Maybe she found what we came here for." Jeralyle slipped his hand in hers and tugged her along to make chase.

  They twisted and turned, pulling and pushing their way through the crowd, following Elryia who was obviously hunting something else. They thought she was going to leave town altogether, but at the last moment she made a sharp turn to the right, heading down Davaina's first alley.

  Jeralyle and Merial were right behind her, and as they rounded the corner they barely caught glimpse of her blonde head disappearing through a door, the banner above it had the painting of a sword over a shield. When they finally caught up and entered behind her, Elryia stood in the middle of a hard-wood floor. To the right of her was a rack loaded with swords, axes and clubs—each completely different from the other—to the left a wide variety of shields hung on the wall. In front of her was a three foot high counter, an attractive woman with short black hair behind it.

  "I could have sworn..." Elryia whispered, glancing at the other two people aside from Jeralyle and Merial, neither of which she was searching for.

  "El?" Mare asked. "What is it? What are you looking for?"

  "Rhimaldez. I know I saw him come in here."

  Jeralyle swallowed hard. "Rhimaldez? The same from Kaldus?"

  "Aye, but it's not what you think. He's whom I came here to find. I thought he could help us, but I lost him." She looked around one last time. "That or I'm going mad."

  "Well now that we know what it is we're looking for, we can help."

  "Let's look elsewhere then."

  Elryia turned towards the door when a soft, stern voice stopped her movements. "Excuse me..."

  "Aye? She asked turning around to respond to the woman behind the counter.

  "Are you Elryia?"

  "...I am."

  An answer wasn't given from the woman right away, she only smiled meekly and came out from behind the counter. Approaching the first person browsing, she rested a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, we're closed." She then moved to the second and advised the same. When both had exited, the woman locked the door behind them. "Please wait here." She asked politely, then strolled behind the counter and through a small door against the wall.

  "What's going on?" Jeralyle whispered, answered with a shrug from Elryia.

  The creek of the door moments later drew their attention back. Jeralyle gasped, Merial quirked and Elryia lit up. "Rhimaldez," came her whisper as she rushed over, meeting at the counter's gap to embrace him.

  Rhimaldez response was at first a chuckle, holding the smaller woman in his arms for a time. "El. It's been weeks. Far too long for you to go without coming to see me." He pulled back to look at her and smiled. "How are things?"

  Elryia tried to hide her true emotions, and thought for a moment before she answered, unsure of what to say. "Things are... complicated."

  "Complicated? Why do I get the feeling that is why you've come?"

  "I wish I could have simply wanted to visit, but yes I need your help."

  "Of course. Anything. Let's talk in the back." His eyes cast upon Merial and Jeralyle with a warm smile, one that faded however, when he realized someone was missing. "Where's True?" In an instant, Elryia's face saddened, and she shook her head. Not a word had to be uttered for Rhimaldez to understand, and he again pulled her against him. "El... I'm so sorry. Tell me what happened." He wrapped his arm
around her shoulder, leading her to the door behind the counter.

  Merial went to follow, but Jeralyle kept his grip on her hand and remained stationary. "Hold on, Mare."

  "Aye... what is it?"

  "I'm sorry if what I asked stung. I didn't know."

  She smiled and pressed her hand against his cheek. "Do not apologize. You didn't know. It just took me by surprise. I know that I need to see it, and to let that part of my past go. I just wasn't quite ready."

  "When you are, I'll go with you."

  She leaned up quickly to kiss him. "I was hoping you would say that. Let us first get settled here, aye?"

  "Aye." He answered, leading her into the backroom, as the door was still open.

  When the two entered, they found Elryia, Rhimaldez and the black haired woman sitting at a small table. In the corner of the room a kiln, an anvil and a box filled with scraps of metal—all different sizes. El was in the middle of relaying what had happened, various bits about why Grahamas sought Fate and information about Valaira. When she was finished her eyes turned back. "I'm sorry. How rude of me. Jeralyle, Merial, this is Rhimaldez and his wife, Ramia."

  "It's a pleasure to meet you." Jer said, holding his hand out first to Rhimaldez, then to Ramia after he shook it.

  "Well met, you two." Merial answered, bowing cordially before she shook their hands.

  "Please sit." Rhimaldez requested as he stood, allowing them to do so before he found his chair once more. "I’m sorry to hear about Grahamas, El. He was a good man."

  "Thank you. I appreciate it."

  "You're welcome. You both did so much for me, if there is anything I can do in return, you simply need to ask." Rhimaldez reached across the table, holding lightly to her hand.

  "There is something, but it is a lot to ask for."

  "Whatever it is."

  Elryia took her time, finding the right words. "I'm not as well at handling this as Grahamas was, but one thing he did teach me—all of us—is the importance of morale and hope on the battlefield. The soldiers of Kaldus may still hold a loyalty to you. Not all of them, but enough. Seeing you on our side, fighting alongside us may lead at least some of them astray or cause them to hold back. I am hoping you, with us, will make Gerin's soldiers lose heart."

  "Gerin?" Rhimaldez face looked confused, and he leaned forward. "He was here, only yesterday."

  "Gerin? Here? Did you see him?" Elryia crept up as well.

  "Spoke to him actually. It was strange. I had come out to place a newly finished weapon on the rack and there he was, perusing like any other customer."

  "What happened?" Jeralyle's curiosity spilled out, unable to hold it any longer.

  "He bought a sword from me."

  "He what?"

  "He bought a sword. I thought for sure he was going to attack me, or that Idimus had learned of where I was and he sent Gerin here to kill me, but he didn't say a word about any of it. It was almost like he was relieved to see me. We spoke, as if we were friends, instead of him a General for a kingdom that I was a known fugitive in. Then, we made a deal. He agreed to never mention a word to anyone of my whereabouts, so long as I promised not tell anyone he purchased a sword from me. He paid for it, asked me to wrap it up, and left."

  Jeralyle still seemed skeptical. "And you believe him? That he won't come back here with an entire army?"

  "Oddly, I did. He did not seem to be the same Gerin he was when I knew him. He acted as though he had something even larger to hide than I."

  "I was left with that same impression when we saw him." Elryia interjected. "Yet, he still wishes to engage in this war, and has given us three months to prepare. It's why we came here as soon as we could."

  "I would be honored to fight with you. I owe my life to both you... and Grahamas, but it's not just my choice to make." First Rhimaldez' eyes turned to Ramia, then all others did.

  "I..." The young woman blinked, searching for the right response. "I know how important this is to everyone, and though I'm happy with our lives in Davaina, I would like one where I did not have to constantly worry if the person in my store is a customer or someone looking to capture my husband... but I've just got him back after two years... it is a question I can't answer lightly."

  "I can respect and understand that. It's up to you two to decide." Elryia stood slowly, bowed cordially. "I will leave you to think about it. Rhimaldez, Ramia when you're ready we'll be in town."

  "Thank you. I will come find you." Rhimaldez stood, dipping his horned-head to her.

  With a smile and one final bow, she locked her arms around the arm of Jeralyle, then of Merial and led them through the door. Once outside, Elryia remained close to his building, not wanting to travel too far off in case of a quick decision, though she knew it wouldn't be.

  "Are you well here?" Merial asked, averting her eyes to the back of town. "I have one thing I need to do."

  "I know. I'll wait here for you."

  "Thank you. Jer, will you come with me please?"

  "Of course." He whispered, sliding his hand in hers. "We shall return."

  Merial dictated the way, this time almost pulling Jeralyle through Davaina as he had with her earlier. The closer they drew to the town's circle, the harder Merial squeezed. When they finally arrived at the empty lot, she pulled her hand away, only to tuck herself under his arm. "I never imagined it would be this hard to come back."

  "You miss it terribly, don't you?"

  "Everyday. But it's funny, as I look at it now, and thinking of how things could have ended up. Had I agreed, I never would have left and I never would have met you. It almost makes it seem worth it. And every passing second here with you is making it fade. I would not be able to do this with anyone else."

  "You mean Carsis." Jeralyle soured.

  "Aye."

  "Do you...do you miss him?"

  Merial looked regretful. "Would you think me a horrible person if I said I didn't know?"

  "I would never think you a horrible person."

  "I just, I can't find a reason to. With Grahamas, it's different. He had aspects of his personality that I admired, he was a person I found myself liking, and I know why his absence affects me. With you, I know exactly what I would miss if you left, and why. But with him, I didn't like the person he was, or at least who he was becoming, and as hard as I tried to change it, it was not to be. I find myself more relieved that the pressures he placed on me are gone, rather than upset that he is. Does that make sense?"

  He replied with a solemn nod. "Aye, it does."

  "I'm only glad I found out before it was too late."

  "As am I." He held her a little closer.

  She sighed, letting her thoughts drift for a moment. "I do miss my bar though."

  "You'll have it back one day. That I promise."

  "I know." Both her arms now wrapped around his waist and she squeezed. "I just hope you're good at building things."

  The Mage quirked, then coughed uncomfortably. "I'll do my best."

  "That" she said as she leaned up to kiss the bottom of his chin "is all I need." He smiled but let time pass in silence. Though it was simply an empty lot, in his mind he could picture what it once was, and he knew right next to him Merial was doing the same. They had spent a good part of half an hour simply looking when Merial tugged him back gently. "Come. I'll show you the rest of town." And that she did, walking him first to the resident's living quarters, pointing out to him which used to be hers. Then, she moved on to the theatre. Though the doors were locked, she described the inside to him, with two pillars on either side, lush, comfortable chairs adorned in the same red that the town was filled with, and red curtains hanging at the side, tied back with gold rope. Jeralyle had wanted to see more, had wished to enter every store within the town, but time was getting away from them and the sun was waning. "Do you think we should head back?"

  "Aye" He said, steering her towards the first ivory arch. "We better."

  When they returned, they found Elryia still stand
ing outside, leaning her head up towards the sky.

  "Any word yet?" Merial asked approaching.

  "Not yet.” Elryia idly peered around. “I don't imagine this is an easy decision for anyone to have to make and wish not to press it. Did you get everything taken care of that you needed to?"

  Merial stopped and let one glance return to it. "Aye. I've not been back since it happened. I just needed to see it one last time. But I'm well now."

  "Good. Did you manage to get us a room at the inn?"

  "Aye. Two."

  "Then maybe we should wait there for the time."

  Merial and Jeralyle were set to agree, but the door creaked open just as they were heading off, drawing back the attention of all three. When they looked, they saw Rhimaldez standing in the doorway, inviting them back in. When inside he led them to his forge.

  Ramia was still sitting, staring at them with a gentle look in her eyes. "I need you to promise that you'll keep him safe."

  "Aye." Elryia bowed in admission. "I will guard him with my own life."

  "Then..." She turned sad eyes, yet all the while a hopeful smile towards them. "For the sake of everyone, for our family, I am well with it."

  Elryia could not bow fast enough, extend her hand out more gratefully if she tried. "Thank you...this means...I...thank you."

  Rhimaldez placed his hand on Ramia's shoulder then leaned down to kiss her head, before turning to the three. "How would you prefer to do this?"

  "If you wish to remain here for a time, I will understand, and as the day draws near we will come to travel with you. Or if Ramia would like to come with us we would love to have her."

  "We've talked about it, and considered that, but I've decided it's best to leave with you—alone. Our business needs to be run, and I don't think where we're headed is the best place for our young one, nor is travel. I also would like as much time as possible to get to know the soldiers I am going to be fighting with. I only ask that you give me one more night with my wife."

  Elryia accepted cordially. "Of course. Merial has already situated us at the inn, and I would hate for those rooms to go to waste."

  "It's settled then." He smiled, and began leading her out when he realized something. "In the morning, where do we head?"

  "Forgas."

  Rhimaldez grumbled slightly. "Dwarves?"

  "Aye. Is that a problem?"

  "They hate me. Any that I've ever met have."

  "Why?" Elryia’s face twisted.

  "I climb mountains better than they do. Comes with the territory." He winked and tapped his massive horns, wrapping his free arm around Ramia. "Come. I will show you my home and let you meet my son, Merick, before you retire for the night."

  As Elryia watched the four of them—Rhimaldez and Ramia, Jeralyle and Merial—open doors for the other, guide and hold one another, she stood back, a small sliver of longing embedding itself within her soul, one she couldn't shake, one that would stay with her all night. It would only grow worse as El saw the gentle look on Ramia's face when she said goodbye to Rhimaldez. It was loss, it was hope. Though it pained her to watch him leave, it relieved her to know that she would see him again.

  That was an emotion and a luxury Elryia no longer had.