by Scott Wale
“It’s called a cyphon”, Nevit explained. “It’s typically used in the swamp to cut through thick vines and roots. It’s all about building momentum. As long as the blade is kept sharp and you can get the motion down, then you can cut through almost anything in the swamp and probably almost any hide of a predator you’d find out here on the Jade Plains.”
“Consider me impressed”, Fenrit admitted feeling naïve about the comment he had made earlier.
“A knife is definitely easier to use, but with momentum this can do a lot more damage”, Nevit said. “If there’s any real danger, I’ll make sure to wake you.”
“I appreciate it”, Fenrit said.
“I feel safe enough to rest easy”, Alejade admitted. “Thank you again, Nevit. Good night all.”
Alejade laid down on her cloak with her back on the grass facing up at the stars. She took one last look at the celestial beauty that could only be taken in from a night out on the Jade Plains and then slowly closed her eyes.
“I can definitely say that I feel at ease as well”, Fenrit said. “Wake me when you begin to tire. I only need a bit of sleep to function for tomorrow.”
“I’ll go as long as I can”, Nevit said.
“Don’t kill yourself by sacrificing sleep”, Fenrit suggested. “Remember, I’m built for this.”
Fenrit shifted around on the grass trying to get comfortable. He had always slept in his premalier armament without anything between him and the grass of the plains. He had spent enough nights on the plains that the cool, tingling feeling of the grass would often sooth him to sleep. Fenrit had convinced himself that this is what led to a deeper sleep that allowed him to endure numerous days on little sleep.
“Sleep easy, friend”, Nevit said acknowledging Fenrit’s preparatory motions.
“Tradok wasn’t kidding, I can feel the heat from that thing way over here”, Fenrit said before closing his eyes.
XVII.
The outskirts of Aman were near black out conditions. The paltry amount of light that made its way to the forest floor in the day nearly ceased to exist at night. The few stars that shed their light through the thick canopy were just enough to allow the eyes to grab hold of and form an image of nearby objects. This was not enough of a notice of danger for those that were visually dependent. Nighttime fires lit up the tree structured dwellings, but did nothing to assist one’s vision outside the walled perimeter. It was a well-known fact that predators lurked in the Echo Woods under the cover of darkness and for this reason Aman’s residents holed themselves up each and every night. Even the guards only patrolled within the safety of the city walls. Unfortunately, the refugees did not have this option.
The premaliers had rotated in patrolling their own encampment and had yet to be involved in a fatal encounter. Fire, noise and warning shots from a tenik bow were sufficient at keeping predators at bay. At least once a night something was spotted and successfully driven away. The group of elders had feared that the roaming predators would enter their camp wreaking havoc if given the opportunity. The premaliers had pledged to not allow this to happen.
Under nearly pitch black conditions premaliers were taught to close their eyes and let sound guide their actions. Cerevus did just that by sitting back on his tail and entering what would appear to an observer as a meditative state. It was not Cerevus’ night to patrol, but he had taken on a special assignment to check out a loud crash that had been heard just after nightfall. Cerevus had determined that he could use the cover of darkness as well to aid in his investigation.
The findings had simply been a fallen tree that had unrooted a few others along its descent to the forest floor. It would be a quick jaunt back to the refugee camp, but Cerevus decided to wait and listen for the forest to speak to him. The chirping of bugs and movement of larger forest residents were more prominent away from the walls of Aman, but Cerevus was used to this sort of ambient noise and was easily able to block it out. Crunching sounds nearby drew the premalier’s attention as they came in an irregular pattern. A predator would stalk its prey in a nice smooth motion and the crunching would resemble that flow. This sound was either being made by an herbivore lumbering around for an evening snack or a living being that was unfamiliar with the terrain. The sound grew closer to Cerevus’ position, but he held still calmed by his confidence that the darkness was properly shrouding him. If it was an herbivore, it would eventually flee in terror, but if it was another living being then Cerevus knew he would have the advantage of surprise.
The crunching stopped a few paces away and Cerevus opened his eyes. He could only make out a few nearby tree trunks and nothing more than a few arm lengths away. The Loupiq’s eyes began to adjust to the dark utilizing the minimal light to gain a little more visual range than when he had initially opened them. He couldn’t make out the entire figure, but a few paces away, where he had estimated the crunching had stopped, was a moving object. Cerevus guessed it was a biped rotating its torso based on the movement. The movements were very slow and Cerevus debated with himself whether the being was acting cautious or if the sluggish movements were natural. A slouched position also appeared to be evident as an outline began to form in Cerevus’ head. The being must be carrying a heavy load on its back. After observing the motions for a while longer, Cerevus concluded it must be a Tugos. The slow movement and the slouched position indicating a heavy load, which was likely a shell, on the individual’s back made for a good working theory.
Tugos didn’t just get lost or wander into the Echo Woods. It had to be there on its own accord or under the direction of another. It also wouldn’t be stumbling around in the dark if it weren’t up to some nefarious activity. The bumbling nature of the Tugos didn’t pose much of a threat, but Cerevus knew that it was best to extract more information about the situation.
Cerevus knocked an arrow and pulled back the bow string. He knew a Tugos’ shell was thick, but an arrow would pierce it at this range if he drew it back far enough. The important thing was that he was armed and the Tugos’ slow nature wouldn’t allow it to react, thus giving Cerevus the upper hand.
“I don’t think of myself as a wasteful being, yet I’ve already charged this arrow”, Cerevus called out into the dark.
The Tugos froze even though it knew the game of stealth was already over. Cerevus was now in control of the situation and the only decision the Tugos had to make now was either to acknowledge the premalier or see how much more Cerevus was willing to escalate the situation.
“You realize I can see you even when you’re holding still”, Cerevus called out again.
“Fair enough”, a voice responded.
“I’m curious what a Tugos is doing in the Echo Woods in the middle of the night”, Cerevus said.
“You must have impressive low light vision” the Tugos said. “I can roughly make out where you are, but definitely not what you are.”
“I’m a protector of these woods, trying to decide if something living is going to stay that way or eat my next arrow”, Cerevus replied.
“No need for threats”, the Tugos said. “Maybe you can help a lost soul.”
“I’ll be forthright”, Cerevus said sternly. “I don’t believe you’re lost, and I’m hoping you return the favor by being straightforward with me and telling me what you’re doing out here.”
“Are you going to put down your bow and arrow?” the Tugos asked.
“That depends on the answers I get”, Cerevus answered.
“Slaughtering me won’t get you any answers at all”, the Tugos reasoned.
“It’ll help me sleep a little better”, Cerevus countered.
“That doesn’t sound proper”, the Tugos continued the exchange.
“A Tugos wandering around in the darkness of the Echo Woods doesn’t sound proper”, said Cerevus unwilling to be the first to concede any real information.
“It seems we’re at an impasse”, the Tugos argued.
“An impasse would imply we’re on even ground”, Cerev
us began. “I realize your vision is impaired, but in case you forgot, you have an arrow pointed at you.”
“So my only option is to disclose my life story to a hostile stranger?” the Tugos wondered aloud.
“Not your life story”, Cerevus said. “I only need the relevant parts that put you where you stand now.”
“You’re quite relentless, friend”, the Tugos said.
“I’m progressing rather quickly if I’ve moved from hostile stranger to friend in a matter of a few words”, Cerevus responded sardonically. “Faunar would certainly be a better place if everyone were as amicable as you.”
“I don’t intend to tell you anything, so you may as well kill me if that’s what you see fit”, the Tugos summarized his position.
“Then let me tell you your options”, Cerevus offered.
“Finally, something I can make a decision on”, the Tugos sneered.
“I can shoot you now, but then I never do find out why you’re out here”, Cerevus reasoned. “I could also take you captive and let someone less belligerent figure out what to do with you. The downside there is that you live and my opinion of you has gotten steadily worse since I pulled back on my bow’s drawstring.”
“Obviously, I’ll choose the option where I live”, the Tugos said. “Although I’m not sure what anyone would plan to do with a captive that offers no real information or potential value to another party.”
“Then let me tell you what I suspect”, Cerevus started finally willing to add some depth to the conversation. “I don’t think it’s some happy accident that you are rambling around the Echo Woods so close to Aman. I think you’re scouting, so now the question is who are you scouting for? Fortunately, I don’t need to know a specific individual, because that is irrelevant. What is relevant is that you’re working for someone else and you don’t get paid until you deliver some information to that someone else. Looks like you get to make another decision. Do you tell my friends what they want to know or rot in a holding cell wasting precious time and not completing what I assume is a lucrative job? Playing it right could mean more rewards than you initially had planned on.”
Cerevus was only aware of one enemy of the Ipta, which was Grimtav. He had decided it was best not to mention the name in case that proved to be a damaging revelation at some point in the future although he was positive the Tugos was employed by Grimtav. The group of elders would know the best way to handle Cerevus’ newfound captive and all Cerevus needed to do now was successfully escort the Tugos back to the refugee camp outside of Aman.
“Well played”, the Tugos admitted. “It would seem I’m your prisoner now.”
Cerevus aimed his bow to the left and released the arrow which struck a thick tree trunk an arm’s length in front of the Tugos. Cerevus took a few steps towards the Tugos and removed his knife from its sheath attached to his belt. He made sure the Tugos caught a glimpse of his knife so it was clear who was still in control. The Tugos was too slow to be any real threat which made Cerevus question how and why he was ever chosen as a scout. Grimtav may have shown flashes of brilliance, but it was overlooked details like this that made him susceptible to defeat.
“My arms were getting tired”, Cerevus quipped.
***
Cerevus had grown extremely impatient on the jaunt back to the refugee camp. He was unsure whether the Tugos was moving at its normal speed or purposely going as slow as possible. Cerevus would be relieved to transfer custody of his captive to someone else. His duty was nearly complete and now it would become a political issue where the group of elders could spend some time in deliberation.
The fires of the refugee camps finally allowed Cerevus to get a good look at his captive. The Tugos had an enormous shell on its back even by Tugos’ standards. The shell was tessellated with hexagonal plates that each had unique markings made up of a yellow, brown and green color palette. Black trim rounded the oval shape of the shell creating a boarder for the tessellation pattern. The skin of the Tugos was a dark teal and was textured with tiny bumps that gave the impression that it was rough at the touch. While the shell made it difficult for the Tugos to wear a shirt, he wore simple black cargo pants that held his gear, which Cerevus hadn’t even bothered to check. The Tugos’ face was made up of beady, solid yellow eyes and a beak that looked treacherous for anyone who became the victim of a bite.
The pair walked into the refugee camp gaining the attention of the premaliers who had been on watch duty. One of the premaliers headed into the village ahead of the two to summon the captain for this particular night watch who happened to be Talsend. Cerevus and the Tugos continued forward eventually walking into the center of the camp and gaining the attention of the villagers who were still awake. Cerevus kept prodding the Tugos forward making it obvious that the Tugos was his captive. Talsend returned with the premalier who had sought him out and approached the two.
“Quite a catch you have there”, Talsend said.
“He’s all yours”, Cerevus replied. “I’m glad to be rid of him.”
Talsend proceeded to check the Tugos’ pants for suspicious items. He removed a few things that could potentially bring harm to others or aid in an escape. The Tugos had traveled lightly, which was typical for a scout. The only thing he needed was a solid memory about what he had seen or heard. Getting caught was obviously not part of the plan, but the Tugos appeared unfazed about his current situation.
“He’s ready for holding now, however, Chalfus caught the attention of Virra, so I believe we’ll be making at least one stop in between”, Talsend explained referring to the night watch premalier who had alerted him of the situation.
“Guess it’ll be awhile before you get any sleep”, Cerevus said to the Tugos.
The Tugos simply sneered at Cerevus’ remark and then indicated to Talsend to lead them to their next waypoint. Cerevus decided to tag along, curious about the Tugos’ fate. The Tugos kept looking back at Cerevus expecting him to part ways, but the Loupiq premalier had other intentions. Cerevus knew from the reaction that he was beginning to get under his captive’s rough skin, which was all the more reason to see this through.
The three walked through the refugee camp before coming upon the hall that had been constructed for the elders. The elders all had their own personal huts; however, when there were matters that needed their attention, the hall was the standard forum. The three entered where Virra was already waiting. She was not joined by Arkiva or Halden, which was a relief to Cerevus who wanted swift decisions.
“Hello, Talsend and Cerevus”, Virra greeted the two premaliers. “Also, welcome guest.”
“My name is Ruk”, the Tugos replied.
“Welcome, Ruk”, Virra reiterated. “I hope you’ll forgive the redundancy, but I know little of tonight’s events and I’d also like to hear your input.”
“That won’t be a problem”, Ruk agreed.
“Thank you”, Virra said. “As I understand, Cerevus has detained you under the assertion that you’re scouting Aman. This is very serious given our current arrangement with the Ipta and our proximity to Aman.”
“His assertion is well founded”, the Ruk confirmed. “I was hired by Grimtav to gather what intel I could on Aman.”
Cerevus eyes froze open in reaction to the forthright confession. He had engaged Ruk in an exchange of harsh comments that led nowhere and the Tugos had opened up to a nice, simple question. Was being kind really all it took to get information out of this being?
“Never disclose anything until you’re speaking to someone with authority” Ruk said to Cerevus in response to the premalier’s stunned facial expression.
“Thank you for your openness”, Virra said who was also surprised by the simplicity of the situation.
“I realize I may have caught you off guard, but I believe if you wanted to kill me your guard would have already done so”, Ruk said motioning towards Cerevus. “Clearly, I have information that you don’t wish to reach Grimtav. You can detain me in a holding cell or p
resent me with an offer that persuades me to send a ruse Grimtav’s way.”
“How do you propose going about that?” Virra asked.
“You can’t seriously trust him!” Cerevus objected.
“All options must be considered, Cerevus”, Virra explained. “We must do what’s in the best interest of our people. If you don’t mind, please explain, Ruk.”
“A cymutt is between here and the edge of the Echo Woods that I’m to rendezvous with by next nightfall”, Ruk began. “The cymutt will simply transmit my message almost instantly back to Grimtav letting him know of Aman’s position. Grimtav wasn’t overt about his intentions, but I can’t imagine you’d ask someone to scout a location without intending to follow through with some sort of militant operation. I can just as easily send a message that would dissuade that course of action as I could to convince him that Aman is ripe for picking.”
“This is ludicrous”, Cerevus commented.
“I believe this allows us the flexibility we need”, Virra said ignoring Cerevus’ outburst. “We could simply send a premalier to monitor this transmission. You’d have to understand we can’t just let you go at that point, you’d have to be willing to be detained for a while longer as insurance.”
“I could agree to that for the right price”, Ruk said.
“And what would that price be?” Virra asked.
“Obviously, for starters, my freedom”, Ruk began. “I’d also want ten times the Artum that Grimtav offered to pay.”
“Ten times seems pretty steep”, Talsend commented.
“You have to understand that after I do this, I could no longer stay in contact with Grimtav who has been a steady employer”, Ruk reasoned. “I’d have to disappear from his network just in case he ever found out about my betrayal.”