by John Grover
“The King has called another meeting of the leaders,” Tolan said. “I think that you should come.”
“I am not a leader.”
“You are, here. You lead the Wivering army, now.”
“What Wivering army? Half of them are gone.”
“No, you are part of the Cardoon army, and the army of all the kingdoms. We are one, and now you are a leader. I need you at the meeting.”
“Well, if you need me, then I must go.”
Tolan smiled, and Pim followed suit. The warrior helped him to his feet and guided him to the meeting hall.
###
The leaders were gathered at the great stone table when Olani entered the hall. She stopped in mid-step and stumbled. Pain bit through her. She clutched her gut with her left hand, and caught her breath.
“Are you alright, M’lady?” Tolan took her by the arm, steadying her. Pim looked on with concern.
She feigned a smile and stood up straight. “I am fine. Thank you.”
They walked on, arriving at the table with King Enrille, Drith and his twin, Gyrn, and Jorrel of the High Guard, who Tolan was surprised to see—he thought he hadn’t survived the battle.
“My friends,” King Enrille began. “These are dark days. I am afraid that might and numbers alone cannot stop this new enemy that marches to Cardoon. We seek another way, another plan to save our world. A quest is at hand. Sooth-Malesh?” The King looked around. “Sooth-Malesh! Show us what you have seen.”
They waited for a few moments, and a cluster of shadows writhed in the corner of the room. Whispers echoed, and Sooth-Malesh stepped from the shadows, the darkness sliding off of him like a bed sheet.
“I have seen much,” the mage said to the group. “Your actions have not been in vain, my friends. You have delayed the Neshing. They have stopped at the battlefield and have made camp. They are recovering their dead, and…” the old mage hesitated, “Ravaging the rest of the bodies. Removing the skin and bones.”
The group looked at one another. The implication was ominous, and left the room in silence.
Sooth-Malesh went on, “It is unclear how long they will camp, but my senses tell me a death ceremony is in order. It will be some time before they march on, although there are other bands roaming to other kingdoms in Athora. They march to Cardoon not only to topple our grand city and its palace, but to look for the other pieces of the stone. We must find them first.
“I have scried and consulted for many hours. If we were to possess the other two pieces of the Grimstone, we would level the battlefield… no, we would crush them.”
“How are we to know how to find these pieces?” Olani asked. “Most here had never heard of the Grimstone before now.”
“Aye, M’lady, but my visions have shown me the path. These creatures lack this one thing: the vision and connection of the First People. It is there that we must search: the origin of all life, the ancient home of the First People. We must go to the Graywing Mountains. It is there that we might learn the location of the other pieces, and where the Mulcavrii have hidden them. By studying where they hunted or gathered food or how much of our world they may have charted. They may have left clues. Not exact locations you see, but something to help give us knowledge. This is of the utmost importance. We must get to the mountains before the Neshing do. They will head there, they will know the stone once resided in the mountains.”
“We can’t possibly find the other pieces before they reach Cardoon,” Tolan said.
“That is true,” King Enrille spoke. “That is why we need a few select volunteers for this quest. The rest of the armies will stay to defend the city, as with our mage, Sooth-Malesh.”
“I will do my best, sire.” The old mage bowed his head. His eyes caught Olani’s as he straightened. She winked at him. “Your attack has bought us time, but not much. The assault will commence, but we will not fall. We will keep them at bay until the group returns. It is a perilous quest: there are many uncharted lands, but those brave enough will prevail. I will imbue all those that step forward with a spell of protection.”
“Who will step forward?” King Enrille asked.
Tolan, almost immediately, and without hesitation, stepped forward. Not long after, Pim joined his side. Tolan looked down at him and nodded.
“This is madness,” Drith said. “We don’t even know if these pieces exist, or where they are. We are all doomed.” He turned to storm out of the hall, when his brother grabbed hold of him.
Gyrn sidled up to his ear. “Do not act so hastily, my brother. What if they do find the pieces? Just think of what not one, but two, could do? You could rule all of Athora. Smite all of our enemies, and deliver your people to paradise. You would be worshiped more than Thet, himself. Children would weave stories of your deeds.”
“As usual, you are so much wiser than I. Were it not for you, we would have no hope of leaving the dust behind. I will accept this pitiful quest.”
Drith turned back and stepped to Tolan’s side. “I will embark on this journey, as well. My brother will lead my army in my absence. I will take a guardian with me to fight at my side.”
“Very well,” King Enrille said. “There is one more mission: a backup plan. This is a secret mission, and its existence must not leave this room. A brigade will ride out and head for the Red Coast. While the Neshing armies are divided, the men will infiltrate their camp and try to steal their piece of the stone. In case one quest fails, the other may succeed.”
“Who leads this mission?” Tolan asked.
Jorrel stepped forward, bowing to the King.
“You?” Tolan’s eyes widened.
“It is the least I could do for doubting you. I should have listened.”
“It’s a suicide mission, Jorrel.”
“It’s best we have. If your group fails, at least we’ll have another shot at survival.”
“You won’t even get close to the piece of stone.” Tolan raised his voice. “There are dozens of mages around it; Sooth-Malesh said so, himself.”
Jorrel looked into his eyes. “We have to try. That day you came to me… that day… I should have at least investigated when our men did not return. I am sorry. We would have been better prepared if—”
“It is forgotten, my friend.” Tolan sighed, and reached out his hand. Jorrel took it. “May Thet guide you and watch over you. It is a most dangerous mission.”
“So is yours. May your steps be as quick as a Wivering’s.”
Pim’s ears perked up. The sacrifice these people had made, the camaraderie, the energy in the room all warmed his heart. It amazed him. This was what war was, not the action on the battlefield, not the impressive deed, but the selflessness, the will to do what was right. He’d been so wrong. He hoped to redeem himself on the quest—a quest into the unknown, a quest that was suddenly at hand.
Olani took a deep breath. “I am sorry that I have no champion to volunteer.”
“Typical Northern garbage,” Drith said under his breath. Tolan heard him very clearly, and glared at him in response.
“I will send a few of my warriors,” she said.
“It is not necessary, M’lady,” Tolan said. “The North has suffered enough. You do not even have a home right now. No, it is better we keep the group small. We will travel unnoticed; the Neshing will not waste their time attacking such a speck on their path. They have bigger aspirations.”
“Very well,” Olani nodded, and her eyes dropped to the floor. Tolan knew shame filled her.
“I thank you all,” King Enrille said. “This is a day made in history. Please, Sooth-Malesh, keep me informed of the enemy’s progress, and summon me when they arrive in our lands. I need to rest in my chambers, now.”
The King exited the room through a door in the back, away from the eyes of his other subjects. Tolan simply shook his head. He’d never seen a king quite like this one. Thet forbid that war interfere with his sleep.
Sooth-Malesh slipped over to Tolan in a cloud of red mist. Pim
strained to listen, as well. “Within the Graywing Mountains, there is an entrance to a cave. Start there.”
Tolan smelled the old mage’s stale breath, and the musty scent of his cloak. When was the last time he bathed? “Thank you, arch mage. I will remember that.”
“Good.” Sooth-Malesh grinned. “In the morn, I will meet you all in the courtyard by the fountain carved with water elementals. I will imbue you all.”
Tolan bowed; Pim and Drith followed the warrior’s lead.
The mage started for the back of the room, returning to the shadows in the corner. He looked back once more at Tolan. “I bathed last week.” Then he vanished, engulfed by the darkness.
Chapter Nine
They gathered in the courtyard in the morning, the sun barely a splinter through the dark clouds drifting across Cardoon’s skies.
Pim stood with Tolan and two Cardoon soldiers, drinking from the fountain beside them. The water was cool and refreshing.
Drith walked around the corner of one of the city buildings with a warrior. They were both painted azure and emerald green, and carried the sharpest swords. Every movement of theirs was hostile. Pim was glad they were on their side, at least for now. He had a feeling that if things were different, Drith wouldn’t tolerate his presence for more than a minute. The people of the desert were known to be very angry, and inhospitable. Their customs were strange. Their blood boiled; they were known to pick fights over the slightest things.
“Where is the mage?” Drith asked. “Where is our protection?”
Before Tolan could answer, a dust devil spun into the courtyard. Wind howled, and the devil spun into the middle of the group. The dust and sand subsided, and Sooth-Malesh stood in their wake.
“Impatience can get one killed,” the mage said. “In any event, you shall wait no longer.”
King Enrille stepped into the courtyard, stretching, and yawned. “Splendid, splendid. Such an exciting day! The saviors of Cardoon!”
“Of Athora,” Tolan corrected.
“Of course,” the King agreed.
“The protection?” Drith reminded.
Sooth-Malesh grumbled something under his breath, and then reached into his robes. He pulled out yet another crystal, but this one was black. He stepped to each of the volunteers, and placed it against their foreheads.
Drith flinched as the crystal touched his head. Pim wanted to laugh, but he held it in.
The crystal glowed with gold light each time it touched someone. After the mage recited some arcane words, a glittering light flickered over each of them, and then evaporated.
“It is done, but know this: it is not all powerful. No magic is forever. The further you are away from Cardoon, the weaker the spell, and some enemies will be immune to it.”
“Wonderful,” Drith said. “So we’re still on our own.”
“Belief, Southerner, belief. It will serve you well from time to time.”
Drith shook his head.
King Enrille opened his arms. “It is time. Go, and serve us well. Bring us back the other pieces of the stone.”
With the decree, stable boys led the group’s horses down the cobblestone roads, directly into the courtyard. Pim saw that he had his own horse this time. Excitement surged through him.
As they mounted their steeds, Pim looked over at Tolan. “Have you ever been to the Graywing Mountains?”
“No, no one in Cardoon has. It’s a sacred place. The remnants of our ancestors are there. Our people believed it best not to disturb them out of honor. The great Thet would want it that way.”
“So no one knows what may wait there?”
“We’ll be the first to find out.”
“You won’t be the first,” Drith said. “Many creatures have walked the mountains, even some of my people. Of course, some of them went mad after going there.”
Tolan rolled his eyes. Pim swallowed air. “Don’t let him scare you,” Tolan said.
“He didn’t.”
“Let us make our leave,” Tolan called, and the six riders headed for the gates.
“I will place a barrier around Cardoon to hold the Neshing at bay,” Sooth-Malesh called as they galloped. “If it still stands when you return, touch your foreheads where the black crystal imbued you, and a passage will open!”
Tolan waved as he approached the city gates. They opened with a great bellow.
“Thet be with you!” The King called as they rounded the corner.
They headed toward the rear of the city, through the farmlands, and to the Blackberry bogs. Pim turned to look behind him, and watched a red veil fall over the city. Sooth-Malesh’s magic was at work. He wondered how it would stand. He wondered how long they would last, as well. Thet only knows what lies ahead.
###
The stark peaks of the Graywing Mountains came into view as Pim and the group crossed the covered bridges of the Low lands—a region of valleys connected and formed by dry stream beds. Many indigenous people lived in the valleys, having built the bridges to cross from one valley to the other, and circumvent the gaping stream beds, some of which collapsed into dark chasms.
The air smelled of cooking fires and roasting meat. Painted stones marked the territory between the different villages and tribes. The people were among the poorest in Athora. There were no cities or castles, no government, or money. There were wise men and women, superstitions, hunting and gathering, dancing, bonfires, and sacrifice.
The scent in the air made Pim hungry, but the bread, cheese, and water in his pack would have to suffice, especially in the wild.
“Do not stop for anyone,” Tolan told the group. “Beggars and the lame are not what they seem. They are thieves and swindlers.”
“The most uncivilized people in all of Athora,” Drith said.
Pim couldn’t believe the King of the South’s remarks. He’d seen him in action, had heard his harsh words to others. He was not the most regal of people.
Miles passed like a blur, and before Pim realized it, they were roaming about the slopes of the mountains. The air was cooler and the skies were brighter, but they remained layered with gray tones.
“Hark, a path,” Tolan pointed his sword at a rocky, dirt road that twisted up into the mountains to a notch circled with trees.
“That’s the only one?” Drith asked.
“I see no other.”
“It seems that a single path out in plain sight would be a dangerous one to take.”
“It’s either this, or we climb the mountains on foot,” Tolan said to him.
Drith thought about it for a moment. “Path, it is.”
Pim grinned at Tolan, who winked back at him.
The six riders drove their horses onto the path, and started up. The Cardoon warriors took the lead; then Tolan followed with Pim. Drith and his guardian brought up the rear.
It was not long before stone and brush swallowed them. The path twisted and climbed, getting steeper and steeper. In the dirt beneath them, Pim thought he recognized the mark of wagon wheels. It seemed that the mountains weren’t as desolate or unvisited as Tolan’s people believed. Someone had made the same trip into the mountains that they were making now.
The trees grew smaller and thinner the higher they went. Winged creatures fluttered from the trees at their approach. Something scuttled across the ground. Pim listened to everything intently.
At one point, the group had to dismount, and they led their horses by their reins as the path grew narrower. They crossed great ledges with steep drops.
From here, Pim could see a panorama of the lands. The black spires of Cardoon stood out in the distance. Further from them, dark clouds swirled in the sky, their insides crackling with dark green light. They were moving closer to Cardoon.
Pim saw the outer edges of the Salt Lands; they looked like they were in flames. Beyond that, a hint of the Fifling Sea winked at him.
The situation seemed so dire. The scourge now known as the Neshing was knocking at everyone’s doors. No one was sa
fe. What if he and the others couldn’t find the other pieces of the stone? What if the Neshing destroyed every city in Athora? What if no one could stop them? What of Gonnish and his mother, his father, and Tal?
It was too much to think of. The questions never stopped entering his mind. Doubt, fear, guilt: they were there constantly, nagging at him, confusing him. Now was not the time to second guess. Now was not the time to give up.
He pulled himself from the view and continued to follow Tolan, who remained strong and silent. He listened to the rhythm of his horse’s hooves, and felt his breath on his arm. Pim realized then he was on this treacherous journey for this animal, too; for all animals. Every living thing in these lands was at risk of extinction. They had to succeed. They just had to.
They came to a notch in the mountains and decided to stop for a rest. Grass surrounded them on all sides; a deadfall stretched across their path. A cluster of boulders provided a hiding place.
Pim tore into his bread and ripped at his cheese. He gulped at his water.
“Pim,” Tolan said. “Slow down. Ration your food. Our journey has just begun, and we do not know how long it will last.”
Pim froze, pulling his water skin away from his lips. “Will we not come by more food and water through the lands?”
“We may or we may not. We cannot depend on the kindness of strangers.”
“We know that first hand,” Drith said after taking a small sip of water. “My people have learned to evolve through the centuries, and we store the water in our bodies for long trips. We have become one with our hot, dry desolation. A kingdom of sand passed down to me through my father, and his father, and his…”
“So you can go a long time with no water?” Pim dared to ask.
“Indeed, but were it not for the people in the port towns, and the ships that sail on the Baltha Sea, we would have starved. Not even all of the water in Athora could have prevented that.”
Pim didn’t know how to respond. Coming from a people that had always been farmers and knew nothing else, he didn’t know what it was like to be hungry. To have no food was unimaginable. Food grew in his backyard ever since he’d been alive. He didn’t know what life would have been like not knowing where or when they’d receive food. He was beginning to understand how important it was what his father did, what all of his people did. His father tried to instill this in him, but it was only now that Pim was finally beginning to realize this.