A Summoner's Calling

by Jacquelyn Evans

  “Vladimir, this is no way to enter a peaceful village,” the bishops says.

  “What are you talking about? I just wanted to share some new discoveries among your people,” he shrugs.

  “If you don’t stop, you’ll be invoking Zaravarn’s wrath,” the bishop warns as men run up and stand by Vladimir.

  “Sir, all of the people are gathered along the entrance,” Cory salutes.

  “Very good. Now take some men to clear out the temple. Secure it with our new trinkets,” Vladimir orders, grabbing a metal ball for himself as they run past the bishop with the rest. Two other soldiers stand on each side of the bishop, “You can’t do this, this is my village.”

  “Wrong! This is my village! It always has been! I’ve allowed your autonomy for so long due to other more pressing concerns to which I’ve had to attend. Now please, if you would, let’s go remind the people who they follow,” Vladimir grins, and with a polite gesture, offers for the bishop to walk ahead. Homes are still smoldering and broken from the debris thrown by boulders as soldiers who’d gone to the temple return.

  “Very nice. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for cooperating. What you have witnessed today is only the tip of what you’ll have to worry about from the outside world,” Vladimir begins.

  “The only outside source we must worry about is you,” the bishop says.

  “Oh, you think so? And here, I thought we were such good neighbors. Beseech your eyes on this, for it is a cosmic ball which diffused your protective aura. Your precious god has a weakness to what’s inside it. But if his power was to protect you, then how am I here, instead of out there?” Vladimir exclaims.

  “What’s in it?” asks a civilian.

  “I have a connection that discovered a substance we have come to call Kozrot,” Vladimir answers. Vladimir looks with satisfaction as the bishop’s afflicted face sweats.

  “Then on who are we to depend?” a young woman asks as Vladimir smiles at their shaken faith.

  “If the world were healthier and stronger, I would claim that our magic would be enough. However, I feel as if we have no choice but to accept his aid,” the bishop sighs. Chatter mutters among the villagers.

  “I’m delighted to hear of your decision carrying such wisdom. I will station thirty of my men here, twenty of which will be soldiers patrolling and keeping everything in order. They’ll be accompanied by ten newly added Mage Razors. You’ll forever be safe from any terror,” Vladimir says, smiling in victory before turning to the bishop.

  “Zaravarn will come for you, mark my words,” the bishop whispers.

  “Simon, remember this,” Vladimir starts placing the metal ball in his hand and promises, “You plot, think, breathe, or anything the wrong way… I will destroy Nija. I’ll activate all of those and unleash Kozrot on everyone.” Vladimir signals all his troops, but the thirty he assigned, exit Nija as he stops before leaving.

  “Something cross your mind, Vladimir?” the bishop says, crossing his arms.

  “You know, after everything that’s happened. I want to be sure you won’t double-cross me. I want you to pick five individuals, bishop,” Vladimir faces him as a carriage pulls up to the entrance, and Cory walks to his side.

  The bishop says, “No, I won’t do it.”

  “Really? Over just five in comparison to the alternative,” Vladimir reminds him.

  “You can have anything else, just not that,” the bishop begs.

  “You’re wasting my time, and I’ve somewhere to be. Now choose,” Vladimir demands, pointing at him. Everyone looks to him puzzled as he picks five individuals. They step forward as the bishop orders his guards to stand in front of the crowd.

  “Hm. I believe everything will work out fine now. Well, bishop and loyal subjects; until next time. Cory,” Vladimir says, turning to his carriage.

  Cory grabs his scythe and slaughters all five people in front of everyone. Leaving Nija with people wailing over the sudden spray, the bishop walks back to the temple. His head hung low, and his shoulders are slumped.

  Vladimir continues marching his army back towards Pinya, but he’s eager to get his main agenda in motion. So, he pushes his men to hustle to the rendezvous point.

  As the moon rises on the darkening sky on their fifth day of travel, Vladimir reaches the outpost where he eagerly anticipates joining the rest of his stationed army. Cory opens the door and steps to the side as Vladimir exits with a stretch from the long ride. Vladimir looks around for Gesthal as the carriage pulls off and hides in the brushes.

  “Gesthal, my good friend, how is everything?” Vladimir walks over.

  “My King, you’re in a spirited mood today,” Gesthal salutes.

  “Yes, indeed. That’s what happens when you go prepared and claim what should be yours. I suppose being patient has its perks, but don’t you rat me out to Kosmos,” Vladimir smiles.

  “No, sir. Your secret is safe with me,” Gesthal says.

  “So, what about this wall?” Vladimir inquires.

  “Well, they definitely made sure to build a more resistant four-foot thick wall. Engineers have guessed it to be fifty-feet tall with however much of it in the ground. The gate seems durable, but the hinges make it the weakest point on the gate. Ships are in hiding, awaiting your word as per your request,” Gesthal reports.

  “Is that so? It looks like everything is in order. Go to the ships and prep for dawn,” Vladimir orders. Gesthal salutes Vladimir, taking men hustling to the nearby cove. Then as he stares in thought admiring the wall, he hears a noise coming from behind. He turns to see Kosmos.

  “Why hello, sir. What brings you to our festive occasion?” Vladimir walks away from the wall.

  “Was that all really necessary in Nija?” Kosmos sighs.

  “Sure, why not? I tested some new items and gained more control over territories. I don’t see a problem with it. How’s our gem at the mountain doing?” Vladimir asks.

  “Complicated per the usual, but I have come to realize that now is the time to be active. The time of waiting has now past,” Kosmos says.

  “Oh, I’m glad you’ve finally come around seeing it my way,” Vladimir smiles.

  “However, you’re going to need my aid if you’re to survive Pinya, especially with the power that rests within,” Kosmos advises as Vladimir’s eyes light up, not from fear but from excitement.

  “Of what power do you speak?” Vladimir asks as Kosmos feeds a bucket to giant experimented furry beasts.

  Pinya : Erryn

  25

  The sun crests the horizon as the rays reflect off Arthro’s open waters, waking the town of Pinya. Erryn awakens, stretching her limbs as grumblings alert her to her empty stomach. She dresses quickly before tying her boots quickstepping to leave her room in search of breakfast. Upon opening her door, the bridge of her nose is almost met by the knocking of Drotonic.

  “Well, good morning to you too, Drotonic,” Erryn inspects her nose only to find herself fine.

  “Erryn. I’m so sorry. I wasn’t expecting you to be up, let alone opening the door as I’m knocking.” Drotonic’s cheeks flush with embarrassment.

  “No worries. It’s not like you broke my nose or anything. I’m hungry. What’s for breakfast?” she asks with a yawn.

  “There’s an intense matter that’s going to delay that. Come on, I’ll show you,” Drotonic informs as Erryn raises her brows intrigued.

  Erryn closes the door behind her, following him towards the lobby. The vacant hall fills with muffled hysteria carried up the stairs.

  “What the heck is going on?” Erryn looks around at people milling in the lobby. She notices the odd one darting from the entrance, moving to the hall which leads to the bishop’s room.

  “Morning, Lady Summoner. Wish I could say ‘good morning,’ but it isn’t such,” greets the bookkeep.

  Erryn wanders to the temple’s entry doors to discover his meaning. She peers out the door trying to avoid being knocked over by the throng of people. She can see the commotio
n in the street. The guards force their way through the crowds of people making for the gate. Erryn can hear a dull rhythmic banging. Drotonic pulls Erryn back inside. “We have to go see the bishop. He wants to speak to us.”

  Erryn nods, although a sinking feeling clouds over her. Drotonic leads the way to the bishop’s office. However, advancing farther down the halls, Erryn feels the constrictions of limited space as it becomes more crowded with chaos. Drotonic grabs her hand, pulling her through and reaching the inside of the bishop’s room which has turned into a command station. Drotonic waves from the entrance gaining the bishop’s attention.

  “Please, come in. Come in. Thank you for joining us.” The bishop stands behind one of the tables which are covered with papers and books.

  Erryn can barely hear him over the other occupants arguing on strategies.

  “What’s going on? That’s not who I fear at your gates, is it?” Erryn asks.

  “Yes, our lovely King of Arthro is paying us an unwanted visit. He means to enter with or without my permission,” the bishop sighs.

  “Will the gate be able to withstand all that pounding?” Erryn asks.

  “The walls should be alright, but the gate is not fairing so well.” The bishop reads from the collected information as a knight barges into the room, heaving, bent over.

  “Someone get this man some water,” Drotonic demands, walking over to him. He places the man’s weight onto his shoulder and escort him to the desk to sit him down.

  “Report,” the bishop demands.

  The knight is handed a glass of water and takes a breath after chugging the cup. “My Lord, it’s bizarre they have stopped all attacks on the gates. They appear to be withdrawing.”

  “I see, thank you,” the bishop says, a thoughtful look on his face. He examines the geological map of Pinya.

  “Should we focus on the wall’s repair before they strike again?” the knight asks. Drotonic helps him relax for a moment to regain his depleted stamina.

  “Bishop?” Erryn tries to gain his attention but he ignores her.

  The bishop turns, seeing her raised eyebrows. “You don’t need to worry about a thing. He won’t achieve success by attaining you or Pinya, especially while everything’s going our way. We’ve got the control. You can breathe with ease.”

  “But, Bishop,” Erryn attempts to be heard, but papers get handed to him, stealing his attention again.

  “Meanwhile, I’m working on transportation for you two. I have a vessel in mind that’ll travel fast. However, it won’t be prepared for departure until tonight,” the bishop rubs his chin.

  “That’s great and all, but you really need to hear me,” Erryn clenches her fists as her frustration builds from his arrogance.

  “Just sit over there with the knight and relax. We are more than experienced enough to handle this. It’s just the question of your transportation.” He waves her off as her temper steams. Erryn snatches two daggers from two different knights as she recalls a memory of a large parchment which Jet stole in their younger years. It read among other scribbles, “Plan B: Cloud City.”

  “No, dammit. You’re going to shut up and hear me before you get all in Pinya killed,” Erryn yells, stabbing the two daggers in specific locations on the map. Drotonic gestures for her to remain calm, and the room goes silent.

  The bishop sighs and rolls his eyes. “Alright, I’ll ask before you completely destroy my map. What?”

  “Your assumption of it being Vladimir is wrong. Otherwise, that gate would be nonexistent along with this growing town. If anyone, that was most likely Gesthal testing your gate’s strengths and weaknesses. That way, they can break it when the time comes with ease.”

  “That’s impossible. I have men telling me that Vladimir is there,” He denies her logic.

  “They’re wrong. I know what their operations are because they used them to conquer the volcano. Here, I’ll show,” Erryn steps beside him, as a knight reaches for the daggers to pull them out. Then, she slaps their hand away. Drotonic and the knight step to the table, curious to hear her prediction.

  “Excuse me, but I want those removed from my map,” the bishop complains.

  “Shut up and pay attention. Over here, behind your gate, is dagger A. Over by the harbor is dagger B. These will be the two entry points from which he’ll be assaulting,” Erryn explains.

  “How? He has no way of having ships,” the bishop says.

  “Oh, you mean his personal harbor to which his castle is connected within the mountain range? Yeah, he does. Now Vladimir will stay stationed here with a minimum of at least fifty men by dagger A. Meanwhile, Gesthal and his hundreds of men, including the elite Black Razors, will be entering via the harbor. This’ll give them an advantage over you when you’re focused on just the gate,” Erryn divulges his plan.

  “How can this be possible? He was always using our docks prior for transportation. Will someone bring me my eyes? We must sort this out. I pray to the goddess you’re wrong,” The bishop crosses his arms.

  “You know there is a way you could use this knowledge to your advantage, but you’ll need this town’s cooperation,” Erryn says.

  The bishop looks at her with lost eyes.

  “I don’t follow.”

  “Well, this guy says that he has withdrawn. So, have the town behave as if they believe it such. While they do their normal tasks, like shopping and chores, make sure they are prepared and ready. It’s just like in a drill to find safety. Same with the guards. Have the few that normally guard at their stations while others hide inside buildings waiting,” Erryn suggests.

  “Hm, that could work and help save lives at the same time. Alright, I’ll consider it. What’s taking so long? Where are my eyes?” The bishop yells out as the bookkeep escorts a familiar face walking behind him.

  “You?” Erryn looks at Valedent with dismay.

  “What do you mean, ‘you’?” Valedent throws up his hands as her cheeks become rosy. Drotonic shifts his position to standing as close as possible to Erryn, glaring at Valedent.

  Valedent smiles and looks to the bishop. “You called for my attendance?”

  “What’d you observe beyond the wall?” the bishop asks.

  “Well, they withdrew, but only taking a breather. All the participants attacking the wall were accounted for,” Valedent informs the bishop.

  “Sounds like you may have jumped to assumptions,” the bishop snickers, and Erryn crosses her arms with a huff.

  “Excuse me, sir, but I wasn’t finished,” Valedent says.

  “There’s more?” The bishop’s eyes narrow, and Erryn smiles with pride.

  “Yeah, while observing the small group, there was a man confronting him from the shadows. This leads me to believe that the original man leading previously was Gesthal; that is until saluting and running off elsewhere,” Valedent says.

  “That definitely sounds like Vladimir. He’s the only one to whom Gesthal has to answer,” Erryn explains.

  The bishop hangs his head and asks, “Did you happen to hear any exchanges of words?”

  “The one in the shadows said, ‘Go on. I will see you around later. Don’t screw up.’ Leading to the other guy hustling away,” Valedent reports.

  “I see,” he sighs.

  “Is it something I said?” Valedent asks.

  “No, just wishful thinking on my part. I suppose it’s a good thing we have a strategist on our side.” The bishop turns to Erryn, thanking and apologizing to her.

  “I did miss something, didn’t I?” Valedent asks.

  “No, just someone making an ass out of himself is all,” Erryn gloats and Valedent nods with approval.

  “All right, people. Listen up. If we are to expect another tomorrow within this city, pay attention. I’m only saying this once,” the bishop announces.

  The room turn its attention to the bishop.

  “Do you think they’ll be okay?” Drotonic whispers while the bishop gives orders.

  “Yes, yes I do. As
long everyone sticks to the plan, that’ll be the crucial part. It’ll be fewer casualties that way,” Erryn says.

  “Listen, everyone. I’m going to be straight with you. This will not be easy by any means. Some of you may get hurt but hear me when I say we won’t allow them to take our home. We were fortunate enough to have someone with the intelligence we need to prepare and protect it.

  “So, let’s give them a gift from Pinya they won’t forget. Let’s show them why they should never embark on the Merchant’s Highway. Let’s get to work, and may Froztia bless us all to victory,” the bishop says. Then the bishop turns to Erryn, “Erryn, now I need you to listen and not fight me on something.”

  “Oh, god. That doesn’t sound good. What’s that?” she asks.

  “I want you to remain within the temple during this operation. I want nothing left to chance to happen to you. Drotonic will be with you to protect you,” he says.

  “What? There is no way I am hiding in some room while an invasion is all happening because of me being here. I think I have already proven that I can be more helpful elsewhere,” she says, refusing to follow his instructions.

  “You’re going to stay here whether you like it or not. I don’t care if I even must bind your hands if it means keeping you safe. That’s final.” the bishop says.

  “Excuse me.” Erryn’s eyes flash with indignation.

  “Guards,” the bishop shouts as guards from his doorway enter.

  “Escort both Lady Erryn and her divine sage, Drotonic, to the secured room. There they’ll be safe. They’re to remain there during the entire operation.” The bishop orders.

  “Fine, I’ll go, but I’ll hate every second of it. I’m not happy with any of this, not one bit,” Erryn stomps off. Everyone, including Valedent, clears out of the room.

  “I don’t expect you to be. Valedent, stay for a minute,” the bishop says.