Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  Allahandra rapped her fingernail on the table repeatedly as she considered many subjects such as the time he would be gone, how his mere presence gives hope to the fighters, what will happen if he ends up being harmed, the time they have remaining before they have another battle that will weaken them further while the Royal Guard continue to call in nearly limitless reinforcements from three powerful lands to harass her and strengthen their own numbers. Eventually she caved. “Very well, but do be careful and take as many assets as you deem necessary.”

  “The fewer people I take with me, the more quickly we can move.” He said evenly. “And if all goes well we will have more mouths to feed, but in return you’ll get the extra muscle to tighten our defenses.”

  As she was just about to dismiss them Janken stood quickly and tugged at his clothes to straighten them. “What is going on, Janken?”

  Travis looked to the prince to explain on his old friend’s behalf. “I have forgotten to explain, but this is what Janken does as he feels his item being activated. He has about twenty seconds to look presentable before he is linked to his item. Grooming ones self is important since he doesn’t know who exactly he will be speaking with. He has dozens of mirrors out and anyone can use them, if they know how to utilize them. It must be one of our patrols contacting him again.”

  Alex watched as Janken quickly finished looking presentable and asked “Just how many mirrors does he have exactly?”

  Travis smiled. “Two hundred and sixty seven, but he keeps forty on hand.”

  Quite a large amount, but as a level five I’m not too surprised. He thought.

  While Alex watched Janken he had to blink to make sure he saw what he think he did. Janken’s eyes had turned a liquid silver. It looked almost like Lily’s item, but in his eyes. Janken’s eyes looked up and around until he seemed to be staring at a seam in the tent, but Alex knew he was staring at whomever activated his item. Then he became slightly alarmed as Janken’s features blanched and his jaw dropped. Just before Alex, Travis and Jakz were about to say something color rushed into his wrinkled features.

  Suddenly Janken went down on a knee as he said reverently “My king.”

  The entire room went still and Alex knew of only one person who could make either of these three older men bow at a mere glance or be referred to as My King.

  It could be none other than his grandfather, Gerieg. Alex slowly stood and looked at the tent wall, but was disappointed to not be able to see his grandfather. While the interior remained silent Alex felt the room grow heavy with danger and looked at all the fiends who assumed there was a threat and were getting ready for an attack. To ease their malice he growled quietly “It seems as if one of the Fury we sent months ago has found my grandfather. He is talking to Janken as we speak.”

  Then he went silent as Janken stood straight and stared upwards. “Aye, King Gerieg it is good to see you healthy as well… Aye, Prince Alex is right here beside me…” Janken’s metallic eyes met Alex’s grey. “The king wants to know the secret words he gave you to know that it was you who sent this information.”

  Alex grinned and remembered without pause. “‘When we find ourselves in our darkest moment there should always be compassion to guide us back.’” While Janken repeated the response Alex saw the confusion on his friends and family’s faces. In a lower tone he explained “It is one of the rules of being a Furion. When we are utilizing our abilities, we usually are about to demolish or harm something irreparably. To return to ourselves we must remember the cost to others should we become solely entrenched in destruction.”

  Then Janken looked at Alex and finished “For without compassion we cannot create.” It was truly Gerieg, for that was the other half of the saying.

  He sighed knowing his grandfather truly is well.

  Allahandra thought heavily on just what a Furion has to live by and knew she could study a Furion for five lifetimes and never fully understand them. Lily and several others also thought on those words and knew how true they were, even to normal humans.

  In a lower, but no less even tone Janken nodded while saying “Aye, My lord. It is true what the Fury says, you do have another grandchild, but from Runkamon’s seed. Alex himself faced Zara in combat and was a match for him… You know as well as I that a normal person, no matter how skilled, couldn’t be a match to a Furion, even one who is exhausted.” Janken went silent for a few moments and then nodded. “Aye, she too has a Makkien partner who goes by Kyri. Shade fought her and was minimally injured, but has since recovered in full. Alex resorted to using his Dominance to survive the encounter. Zara couldn’t disobey and left the battle with Kyri to return to Ra’van…” he went quiet and winced as apparently Gerieg yelled. Janken then looked directly at Alex again to ask “The king wishes to know why you sent her away and not have her submit until you had time to learn…”

  A raised hand stopped Janken’s words and then Alex dropped it to explain “Tell my grandfather that she is loyal to her father almost completely and couldn’t have remained because the orders he gave wouldn’t allow her to surrender. The only way to stop the killing at the time was to have her go and get the truth from Runkamon. A parlay wouldn’t have been feasible for she couldn’t bring herself believe me. My Dominance is still in effect and will force her to obey my command to return to Ra’van, even if I’m not around. She won’t stop until she hears the whole truth of our family. That, I’ve made certain happens.”

  It didn’t take long until Janken reiterated the words to his grandfather. There was a silent minute until Janken listened and then spoke on what he heard from somewhere far away. “The king says ‘Tell me what you know of her personality and where possibly she might be.’”

  “Zara is only a few years younger than I, but not by more than two or three and I assume that was why Runkamon killed our family, knowing Zara and her future generations wouldn’t be in line for the throne. Of course he might not even admit it, but that is a logical conclusion. She is an expert swordsman and has a sword like ours, and since I have had time to think over our battle in calm detail I can almost guarantee it is my father’s blade.” Lily and others gasped, but since time was a factor for Janken’s item he simply spoke on. “It is almost a mirror image to my own, but it has a gray crystal pommel and her wrist protectors are that of another woman’s because it was slightly loose on her slender arm. It must have come from one of my second cousins. Zara was most likely raised in some family tower in Ra’van. Travis said you’ll know the one I speak of and regrets not ever hearing about her so do not be upset with him. Furthermore she said before our confrontation that this was the first time she’s been allowed to see the outside world. And as we clashed she never went for any of my vital spots though she could have. I can assume with some accuracy that she has never killed before, but Kyri certainly has. And as for Kyri, she is devoted to Zara as a partner and the two love each other properly.

  “From our very brief encounter I can say that neither of them are truly evil like Runkamon, but if they dwell further in darkness I know not what will become of them. They know only what he has allowed them and taught them, but I believe it isn’t too late to have them learn how to live with freedom and not revel in tyranny.”

  Remarkably Janken remembered every word with crisp clarity as he spoke through his item. But as he ended his briefing the silver film over his eyes faded and vanished. Janken raised a hand, forestalling any questions. “I gave two mirrors to each of the Fury sent out to find King Gerieg. If I know him, he’ll activate the second in a few minutes, once he reflects on what we have told him.”

  Alex sighed as he bent to sit on his heels and think. Many eyes in the room shifted from him to the elderly advisor and back. Where are you, grandfather? Alex wondered. I wish to sit down before a fire and speak with you at length. So much has happened and your guidance would be most welcome. How is Elo and Sheer and just what have you been doing?

  Without meaning to Alex found himself withdrawn and staring at
the dirt and grass. A hand rubbing his back made him turn to look at Lily as she nodded that all is well. She whispered “At least you know he is still alive. That means there is still hope to reunite.” He smiled in gratitude.

  Five silent minutes passed and it tested his patience to wait and not have any way to relieve the building anxiety until Janken said “He calls again.” and all eyes turned to him while his own eyes turned a translucent silver again. “Aye, Mine King, everyone is still gathered and awaiting word of what you have to say.” And once again Janken went silent as his complete attention turned upward.

  “Prince Alex, your grandfather says he is proud to hear of your progress and of the success you’ve had.” Then Janken turned to the leader of Alluan. “Queen Allahandra, he also says he is indebted to you for taking care of his kin and also congratulates you on stirring up the lands like never before.”

  “If he wishes to repay that debt in full, have him explain what he has been doing recently and any plans he is willing to share.”

  While Janken spoke the queen’s request Alex chuckled and brought attention to himself. “Allahandra, I doubt he will. That old man likes his secrets and won’t tell them unless he feels like it. After all no one, not even in your position, even heard a whisper of him before he showed himself. He is crafty and careful with his words. If he wasn’t, he would have been found and dealt with a very long time ago.”

  “Queen Allahandra, King Gerieg believes it is a fair trade.” She smiled smugly to Alex while he stared at Janken with an open mouthed, shocked expression. “Since practically all ears have heard about Freelan finally moving through the lands, nearly all eyes have turned in this direction. That being said, he and his fiend troops have been able to move unimpeded and without worry. With the freedom to move he has made much progress and has completed the task he has set out to do. Apparently all of Nicronane’s troops were called to box you in between Central City, the Royal Guard coming from the north would be reinforced by those from Nicronane. If he hadn’t intervened our cause would have had nowhere to escape to. The king also says you no longer need to worry about enemy reinforcements coming from Nicronane’s land because he has freed the whole province not two days before.” Silence dominated the green and yellow tent after hearing such a feat, but he continued speaking because of the time constraints of his item. Although distance didn’t matter, the activation time did. “Many older men and women were still loyal friends and chose to aid his fiend army. Trade City and nearly all outlying villages have been placed under control, now that the original royal families can reclaim their homeland and heritage again. Thus far the reverting of power is tense, but going smoothly. Many small villages are grateful to be free to do as they once did without animosity, being cruelly mistreated by the Royal Guard or taxed beyond practical means.

  “He regrets that he cannot send you any reinforcements because the fiends will separate when the villages, towns and cities calm and return to the way they once were. When the humans find peace the fiends will leave to their own vices and create new families and carve out territories for themselves.”

  “What will he do next? Join up with us?” She asked curiously.

  “He regrets to say, nay.” Janken informed after he spoke to the eldest living Furion and then turned to Alex. “He says he is delighted to hear he has another grandchild and is going after her himself. He is fearful that she will be corrupted further and will try to get her away from Runkamon. Your grandfather also says he needs you to remain with Allahandra and continue journeying. With your aid our chances of success will grow and fewer lives will be lost. Know that he will be safe and do whatever it takes to rescue your cousin. If anything, knowing that it isn’t just the two of you who remain true to the Furion codes gives him further hope for the future. But he has to ask ‘Do you believe Zara and Kyri are able to be saved?’”

  Alex said “Absolutely!”

  Janken shivered slightly and turned to look upward. “My King, I wish you were here to see the look I just received. He is adamant that they can be brought back. His look alone would say it all… Very well my king, safe journey and be careful.” And a few seconds, after the last word left his lips so too did the time constraint on the item.

  He moved a hand over his heart and turned to the prince. “Lord Alex, your grandfather’s last words were ‘You have made an old man proud!’ and I agree.”

  “And I thought you said he wouldn’t say anything?” Allahandra grinned triumphantly.

  “It was no use hiding what he has done. Word of fiends taking over cities would reach us soon enough. And hearing how Ra’van no longer controls Nicronane or their forces will reach us far sooner…”

  “It is already here, ya.” Takka said as he suddenly stood up in interruption. “My contacts in Nicronane have written down logs of what has happened and it will take time to go through them all, but apparently it only took two days to free all of Nicronane from the Royal Guard and his vile ambitions there. Fiends openly roam the streets, keeping order until the cities reestablish order.” He snapped the item shut and looked at Allahandra. “For things to have gone so smoothly, this old king must have been seriously working on this plan for many, many years to have succeeded so quickly.”

  While everyone discussed the news of Nicronane’s freedom Alex spoke to all the fiends and told them all he had learned. The fiend leaders excused themselves to go inform everyone else of the great news. Ava was the only fiend who remained in the tent while Allahandra had further specialists look into Nicronane and gain insight.

  While the news spread Allahandra asked “Alex, if Kyri and Zara are heading back to Ra’van your grandfather will never beat her there if he still resides within Nicronane. Should either of us dispatch our troops to be with him and see him safely back to his birthplace?”

  “Nay, not only do we not know where he is, because no specialist would be able to locate him, but he has all the reinforcements he needs with Sheer and Elo. They work better alone. Plus, knowing him, he won’t allow anyone to hold him back. He will want to hurry as quickly as possible and few could match Elo’s pace for long. He is like me, if I decided time was a factor it would be impossible for you or anyone to keep up with myself, Shade or Ava. The only worry I’m having is just how Zara and Kyri will react when he meets them. Who knows what will happen? Even if Angie could see a Furion’s future she wouldn’t be able to even guess on which path they will take. Too many variables exist right now. One thing is for certain, my grandfather will stop at nothing to see her now that he knows about her existence.”

  “We can agree on that.”

  Midnight came and not one found any conflicting reports to the freedom of Nicronane. Cheers and parties filled the whole area and the camp reveled that it was possible to win. Dire thoughts left everyone for the night, but as Allahandra excused the tent for the night and her parting words were “I haven’t forgotten of your request. It is granted and I’ll await your return in two weeks time.

  An hour before dawn even thought about revealing itself Ava woke everyone in the tent after only three or four hours of sleep. Since news of Nicronane’s liberation, the whole pack found themselves celebrating before finally returning to the tent after midnight. While Alex and Lily finished packing food, clothes and gear into their backpacks Shade and Crest took the water skins in their teeth to have one of the nearby warriors by a stream fill the empty sacks. By the time they returned with the bulging skins both of their partners were finished packing. Using the fire in their tent they quickly broke out breakfast rations and ate quickly before exiting the tent.

  As they left the tent they stopped when a shadow disengaged from one of the nearby tents. Lily instinctively grasped the pommels of her sword until they noticed it was just Jakz. “What a great morning.” He says to the five of them.

  “Jakz, what are you doing here so early this morning? Your tent is nearly on the other side of the camp.” Lily spoke calmly, but Alex could sense her trepidation.

>   Jakz sighed and Alex noticed he held the reigns of his horse. The bay was already saddled and heavily packed for a journey. “My father told me about you heading out this morning and I was hoping to follow. I’m not doing much else around here and I believe you might need some capable company.”

  “Know any good stories?” Marlin asks as he exits his tent with Clift, Niranene and Krum. It made things easier having Marlin’s tent right beside theirs, Alex admitted silently. It made repeating a conversation much less tiresome.

  “Aye!” Jakz admitted with a wry grin.

  Marlin gave Alex a pleading look while saying casually “One more coming with us won’t slow us that much will it?”

  “I don’t believe so… Alright Jakz you can come, but you need to know we’re going into a dangerous territory.”

  “I’m well aware.”

  Then Lily stepped forward and squinted in the firelight. “Niranene I’ve never seen you not in a dress. Are you coming as well?”

  It is true. Niranene donned a pair of traveling trousers and hiking boots of soft leather while her long brown hair is tied back with an azure ribbon. She had a small pack over her shoulders while her item case hung in her left hand. “I’m officially apart of your ragtag pack right?” she smiled casually. “Besides I received permission from Allahandra to accompany you since you might need a healer for the upcoming tasks…”

  She stopped speaking as Krum knuckled his way over to Shade and asked “Do you mind if I may ride on your back? Niranene and Marlin are riding double on Clift and I do not wish to burden him further.”

  Shade dropped his head and said “No problem. You’ll have to ride behind Alex though. We are friends after all.”

  Krum reached and patted Shade on the nose and received a friendly lick in return before grabbing a patch of fur on Shade’s ribs and pulling himself up. Krum’s small brown eyes narrowed at the others and whooped “Shall we be off? I would like to return here as soon as possible, there are sick and injured that will need my help when we return.”