Tarriel looked at Lucian and a smile of gratitude flashed on her face, but then vanished quickly. "Do not speak of this to any of the others. Do you hear me?"
The threat behind her words was unmistakable. Lucian couldn't help but smile as he promised. She didn't like that at all.
"Tell me more of these scrolls you read,” prodded Lucian.
Tarriel cut her eyes at him as if in warning about keeping his promise. "The scrolls spoke of a man who came to Los long ago, and from this man spawned a great nation, Drahvanael, named after him. It was written that he ruled with compassion and love for his people and his kin ruled the same, for generations after his death." She looked at Lucian for a moment before continuing. "It was written, that Drahvanael was the greatest nation to ever rule Los."
"And did it also say how the nation fell?" Lucian asked with a hint of disdain in his voice.
"Yes, it did. It spoke of a man that was relative to the King, who started the rebellion. Soon after, a great war ignited. The nation was divided and eventually dissipated into nothingness. Not much of this kingdom was mentioned after the war."
"That is because the people were so ashamed of their heritage and what they had caused, that they would not tell their children about it, and in so doing, throughout the years, slowly erased the history of Drahvanael." Lucian seemed to become more irritated the more he spoke of it.
Tarriel put a hand on his shoulder. "The history was not erased, only pushed into the dark recesses of time. But not everyone thought it too embarrassing to remember, or the story would not be left to find. The fact remains, that if you truly are of Drahvanael, you are descended from a great line of Kings."
"And what does that mean exactly?” asked Lucian, growing more frustrated. “The Kingdom of Drahvanael is extinct, and I am a simple man from a small farm on the outskirts of a weak village."
Tarriel gave him a serious look, as if she were an instructor scolding a student. "Your kingdom may have fallen, but that is not what the prophecy is about."
Lucian was now confused as to where this conversation was leading. "What do you mean…prophecy?"
"There is another scroll, written after the fall of Drahvanael, long ago, when the Culdorans first became a tribe." She paused to make sure she had his attention. "It makes mention of a man, descended from the line of Drahvanael, that will reclaim his kingdom and fight back the evil that descends on the world, bringing peace to all the tribes of Los," she waited to see if he would speak. "How do you know if you are truly a descendant of Drahvanael?"
Lucian waved his hands in the air in frustration and felt like screaming, but he kept his voice low, knowing that they could still be in danger if they were discovered. "That’s just it. I don't know if any of this is true. The old man told me that he dreamt that I was the chosen one…a dream!!" He dropped his arms back down into his lap and sighed. "I am no divine child meant to reclaim a kingdom. I'm no leader. I’m just a simple hunter, whose parents were murdered because of some ridiculous prophecy."
Tarriel reached over with a tender hand and turned his head to face her. "What I saw today, was no simple hunter from Yavasura. I saw a great warrior, fighting for a people who only weeks ago, nearly killed him and meant to lay waste to his homeland." She kept her eyes locked on his. "That is not the way of a simple man, Lucian." She dropped her hand back down and gestured for him to leave. "Now go back to camp and get some sleep. I won't be hearing any more of your senseless banter tonight. I know you care deeply for me, but your affection is only wasted. I prefer a stronger man." She stood and turned her back to him, peering out into the dark like a stone sentinel.
Lucian realized she was only trying to snag him. He stood and gave her a little push, causing her to lose her balance and jump off the boulder. "I'm beginning to think you’re just as loony as that old Shaman." He quickly retreated down the other side of the boulder and made his way back to the camp, grinning the whole way.
Tarriel climbed back up to her perch and watched him walk back. A rare smile stretched across her face. "No simple man indeed."
The next morning Lucian and the others headed up further into the mountains, cutting a path that would lead them west of Yavasura. They would have to travel through Sanjeera, but Yavasura held close ties with them, so Lucian told Tarriel not to worry. He also wanted to tell the Sanjeeran leaders about what had happened in Ganth. He would see to it that Ganth received no help in their quest to attack Culdora. He hoped that without any help from other tribes, Ganth would abandon the attack. He didn't want any more blood to be spilled because of him.
Lucian thought about his parents, about the reason why they were murdered. The story of the old Shaman, now fortified by what Tarriel had said, toiled in the back of his mind. The notion he had been chosen to lead a nation was absurd. He was just unlucky, thrust into this disaster because of the heinous crime against his family. He rubbed at his temples, frustrated and confused. If only he could wake up from this nightmare.
A heavy hand rested on his shoulder, giving him a start.
Eliath stood over him. "We will be leaving soon, is everything all right?"
"I'm fine,” muttered Lucian. “It's just that nothing seems to be working out for us. Ever since mother and father were killed, our lives have been plummeting down into a hopeless void. All our neighbors are on the verge of war, we don't even know what state our own village is in. Who knows what else may have happened since we left. I just want to get back home."
Lucian thought about the irony of his desire. He had spent most of his life staying away from the village, wanting solitude and peace. And now that he was far away from home, he wanted nothing more than to return.
Eliath sat down next to him. "I know you are confused now, but all things will come into alignment soon. The world around us is changing, this much we know. And you are discovering things about yourself that you find hard to believe." He paused, looking for the right words. "You must hold tight to your faith, that soon you will find your path."
"My faith is all that keeps my sanity intact Eli,” said Lucian as he rubbed his eyes tiredly. “I don't know why my parents had to die, but I hold no ill feeling toward the Great Father for it. Everything happens for a reason, I know this. I only wish he would show me what those reasons are."
Eliath patted him on the back, "You have always been a pillar of patience. In this you must also maintain that resolve."
"Why are you always so sure of everything around you?" asked Lucian as he stood up and stretched.
Eliath started gathering up his things. "My only surety is that you need my protection, or you would get yourself killed. All other things simply exist and are what they are."
Lucian cut his eyes at his friend. Behind the jest and the riddle of words that Eliath liked to speak, Lucian knew that there was more to his friend than he ever let on. "Always a mystery," he said out loud so that Eliath could hear him.
"What was that?" Eliath said as he turned, pretending not to hear.
Lucian just laughed and shook his head.
Tarriel, who had been discussing the plan of the day with her warriors, walked up behind the two men. "I'm glad that the two of you are in such good humor. Maybe you could tell us jokes as we travel to Sanjeera?" she said sarcastically.
They just looked at each other and rolled their eyes at Tarriel's mood. The woman could be quiet one minute, eager another, angry most of the time, and on rare occasions she could even be happy.
"Well let’s be off,” she said, shouldering past them. “We can make it to Sanjeera in another three days, and from there it’s only several days to Yavasura."
Tarriel picked up her pack and headed northeast. The other warriors followed in her wake. Lucian and Eliath shared side-long glances, took up their packs, and followed along.
Hope Rekindled
Kyrianna’s cell door creaked open. The guard that brought her food walked in, a broad smile on his face. He was the same one to bring her food every day. He was kind to
her, unlike the others she had contact with. He was a large man, as Voreans go, but he was gentle and had the mind of a child in some ways.
After the first week of captivity, he had started sneaking her better food, which she was grateful for because it helped her maintain her strength. She tried to think of how long she had been captive, deciding that it must have been more than two weeks so far. After the first week of being brought to Yosu's cell, to witness him being tortured, they had stopped. Hihanzo had said that he needed time to heal. They didn't want him dying before they received her confession. Since then, she had not been allowed to see him, and that frightened her even more.
The big guard came into the cell and offered her the food. "Here you are Princess. To’Shinbo was able to bring roast this time." His grin widened in expectation of her delight.
"I am a captive. You expect me to be happy about how I am fed while being held prisoner?" Kyrianna was happy he brought some meat, but she was trying to build up on the relationship she had started with him. "Please forgive me if I do not feign delight." She snatched the tray from his hand and began devouring the meal.
"Please Princess, forgive To' Shinbo, he sorry this has happened to you." He looked around nervously. "If To’Shinbo was smart, he might be able to think of a way to free you." He sunk his head in shame. "But To’Shinbo not smart at all. To’Shinbo can barely remember what he must do throughout the day. All To’Shinbo can think of is bringing you food." He smiled at her sheepishly.
Kyrianna felt sympathy for the man. He had told her the first day he brought her food, that he too was a Vorean, and that he knew she was the Princess. At first she was taken aback and thought him to be lying. But he told her that when he was young, he had done some bad things and was exiled from Vorea. This was not uncommon in her city. Those who would not adhere to the laws were often banished if their crimes were not great enough to warrant death. She had asked him what it was he had done, but he wouldn't say, obviously too embarrassed to tell her. She didn't push the issue, but started playing to his favor. He was a simple minded man and Kyrianna believed that he was often downtrodden for it. He always mentioned how stupid he was. That kind of negative self-assessment could only come from years of hearing it from others around him.
"Do not say such things To' Shinbo. You are very smart. Who else would be able to sneak me this wonderful food all the time?" She thought his head would split from the smile that broke across his face.
He looked awkwardly to the ground and kicked at pebbles. "To’Shinbo glad that it pleases you Princess."
Kyrianna nodded as she finished up her chunks of meat, mixed in with bread and soup.
To' Shinbo jumped up as though he had just remembered something he wanted to tell her. It startled her at first.
"Oh, To’Shinbo want to show you how smart he can be when he try really hard." He leaned close to her and looked around the cell nervously again. "Someone important has been in jail longer than Princess. He used to be on other end of dungeon, but To’Shinbo had him moved to cell next to Princess." He clutched his hands and tittered, obviously proud of himself. "To’Shinbo told Head Guardsman that old man was urinating on other cellmates around him and that they were getting angry." He giggled again. "They don't like that sort of thing, so they tell To’Shinbo to move him to another cell, so To’Shinbo move him next to Princess." He looked at her with big expectant eyes, hoping to get some praise for his work.
Kyrianna was shocked at how strange, and yet, ingenious, his plan had been. "That was a remarkable plan To' Shinbo. See, I always knew you were smarter than they all thought you were." She thought he was going to jump up and do back flips. "But, why would you put this man next to me?"
His smile turned from a radiant one, to that of a mischievous child. "To’Shinbo thought maybe two of you have lots to talk about. He is old High Priest of city."
Before Kyrianna could say anything else, To' Shinbo stood up and hurried out of the cell. He knew enough not to be caught inside for too long. Despite his simplicity, in many ways he could be very clever. She was glad that she hadn't treated him indifferently when she first met him. She hoped it would pay off.
That night, when the guards moved out of the cell hall and into the main guard post to tell jokes, cast lots, and get drunk together, Kyrianna slid close to her cell door and looked out of the small window to the left and right, making sure the hall was clear. She had told To’Shinbo to leave the portal open for her. To her delight, no guards patrolled. She whispered as low as she could. "Old man, Are you awake over there?"
A few seconds passed and no voice called back to her. So she called out a little louder. "Old man, hang it all, wake up!"
"Confounded wench, keep your mouth shut and let me sleep." He mumbled some more curses that she could barely hear.
"Ok, but just so you know; the guard put you next to me for a reason. He said that there might be some things we should talk about."
"That dimwit," his voice was louder now. "He urinated all over the cellmates around me when they slept and then blamed it on me! I couldn't give two hoots what that fool has to say. Now leave me be."
Kyrianna’s patience was breaking. She raised her voice to a low growl. "Listen to me you old fool. I don't care if you are the High Priest of Kaheendra. You are speaking to the Empress of Vorea. I suggest you show some respect!"
There was no sound for a few moments. Then she heard the Priest sliding along the ground closer to his door. "Empress of Vorea you say?" His voice was a low whisper. "How could that be, the Emperor and his wife were both murdered together, only a few weeks ago."
Hearing him say it was like witnessing it for the first time. Kyrianna had to squeeze back the tears in her eyes. "Yes, my parents were murdered, three weeks and two days ago. I escaped the assassin, and came here to seek refuge with who I thought were my close relatives and good neighbors. I was born of the moon, on the fifteenth day of the thirteenth month in the year of the dragon. If you could see my eyes, they would be proof enough."
"Princess Kyrianna?" She heard him gasp. "But how did you end up here..." He seemed to think over what he was about to say. "Makashin, he seeks a war with Vorea and saw the perfect catalyst when you showed up....Oh how grave a day this is."
"What do you mean? Even if they kill me, it will only fuel the anger of Vorea. Makashin couldn't possibly hope to stand up against our might. He can't be so foolish."
There was a long silence before the Priest finally spoke behind a deep sigh. "Young child, a giant army is massing to the north, with plans to conquer all of the southern tribes, led by a monster that goes by the name of Thaluzont. He promised Makashin land and riches beyond his dreams if Kaheendra would attack Vorea from the south, while his forces attack from the north. It was my discovery, and objection, of this plot that landed me in here before you. I would not doubt that Makashin even had a hand in the murder of our beloved King."
Kyrianna was in a panic. "But what of the Prince? He still lives. Surely he would not allow such a senseless act?"
"The prince is being manipulated by the new High Priest, Sorintao Yanzin, and Makashin. He probably believes you to be his parent’s killer."
Kyrianna held her head as the room started to tilt. Her whole world was spinning out of control.
The old man must have sensed her dread. "I’m sorry child. If there was anything I could do to help you, I would."
Kyrianna grabbed the bars of her small, cell door window. "But I must warn my people, they must call for aid."
The High Priest was shaking his head. "Even if they knew of the attack, there is not much they could do to stop it. It is said that Thaluzont's army is thrice the size of Vorea and could destroy her without the help of Kaheendra. Thaluzont simply wants a sure victory and he relishes betrayal among his enemies.
Kyrianna pushed her head against the bars now, she had to think. Something had to be done. Her people were going to be slaughtered. "I have to warn them, somehow."
"I’m sorry princes
s. As I said before, if there was anything I could do to help..." His voice trailed off as he realized that his words offered no comfort.
Kyrianna’s eyes sparked as an idea suddenly came to her. "To' Shinbo, he can get help, he is Vorean!" Her voice was an excited whisper.
"That will not work. They have closed the gates to the north and secured the roads. No one is allowed to travel out of the city toward Vorea. And it would take too long to skirt the kingdom from the south."
Despair set in as Kyrianna started to press her head into the bars again. Could she do nothing but sit here helplessly as her people were obliterated?
"What if he went south, to Sanjeera?” asked the old Priest. “They have a large army and could send emissaries to Culdora, and Ganth. Surely they would send aid. If they unite, it might even influence Kaheendra to stand against Thaluzont."
Kyrianna’s voice was full of menace. "Kaheendra is being led by a man with a forked tongue. They threw their own High Priest into a dungeon. What hope is there, that they would do what is right?"
"It is worth a chance. What other choice do we have?"
Kyrianna thought about it. It was really the only option they had. Kaheendra was the largest of the rest of the southern tribes by far, but if all of the other tribes united, Kaheendra would be foolish to stand alone. And with everyone united, they could join with Vorea and beat this horde from the north back up into the mountains. "Very well, I will tell To' Shinbo what I wish of him tomorrow."
"Are you sure he is up to the task, or even willing?" asked the High Priest.
"He will do what I ask of him, that much I do believe."
"Tomorrow then,” he agreed.
"Yes...tomorrow." Kyrianna laid her head against the cold bars and whispered a silent prayer.
The next morning, when her door opened, Kyrianna was devastated to see that it was not To'Shinbo delivering her meal. It was a guard she had never seen before. He laid her food down on the floor, gave her an ugly sneer, and walked back out.
Revelations of Doom Page 19