“I second Brethor’s recommendation,” said Knasgriff, “Is that suitable?”
Tvila and Ruir nodded.
“That is well with Taria also,” said Lord Utros.
“There you have a plan for the people,” said Brethor, “You are free to go from here. But know that any acts of violence against our peoples will be dealt with.”
“There are some that will have not any wish to be a part of those of magic,” a Poluti voiced.
“Then they may leave,” Garoa said.
“You cannot kick them out from their homes.”
He raised his eyebrow, “I cannot? I threw open the gates of your keep with my hands and was kicked out by the First Legion from my home in Elinathrond. Do not take our kindness as anything less than a true desire to keep peace and fight only those we must. If our people are threatened, we will fight.”
The man was silent and looked down at the ground.
“Thank you,” another of the Poluti said, “We will go to the people.”
Chapter 9 Enemies and Friends
Those within the chamber filed out one by one. Brethor and Sviska watched as the Iolas flew to the ground. Turning, they looked at the Saints of Wura.
“What deed would you have us do?”
“None. Continue your watch as of now,” said Garoa.
“Wielder of the Staff of the war god,” said Sediya, “We do as you say, faithfully.”
Bloodhawk stood, “When the pleasantries of the wolf cub turn from suckling to ripping off the nipple of the mother, the cub should not wonder why the mother bites back.”
“Quiet, old man,” Sediya growled.
The other of the Iolas stood next to her, their glares unceasing towards the Falacar.
Brethor stood placing his hand on Bloodhawk’s shoulder.
“Go on, Sediya,” Brethor said, “Let us not let the past shroud the future in murkiness and ill thought.”
“Brethor, you know of our plight. Do you not see as we do?” she asked him.
“I care not to take sides in your issues, I was not part of those events then and I do not plan to be of them now.”
Sediya had a small smile creep from the sides of her mouth. She then turned with a jerk, walking out. The other harpies followed her.
Knasgriff and Ruir joined the Falacar, “They are allies and should be respected as such.”
The Falacar were unmoved by the Chieftain’s sentence.
“When you have suffered at the hand of the Priestess Sediya, you may know yet of the evil she hides.”
“What of her is evil?” asked Slats.
The Falacar looked at him and then to Brethor.
“Tell them the telling of our fall,” Bloodhawk said.
He nodded. “Swunock village is not just a mountain town of people; it was a place of power in the old days. The ruins below the village were the foundations of the home of old gods akin to the ones of the north and south. The nests of the eagle and the hawk once stood high above the world at this place.
“A balance existed for a while and then came strife, desire, and the loss of unity. It was then the eagle attacked the hawk, throwing it down to the earth. Sweeping down from the high sky, it screeched, bearing down on the hawk whose wings were broken. The hawk became a horse to outrun the eagle but never did the hawk desire to run upon the ground but soaring into the sky was not something it could ever do again. A power was within the nests of the eagle and the hawk, and the power to become as human was there also but held in secret.
“The gods of the old did not wish such a power to be given to the eagle and forbade it, but Sediya was a young and powerful harpy even then. She tricked one of the gods, used her knowledge to murder them, and in doing so, destroyed the nests.
“The gods of the north banned her from further power but it was in those days the faltering of magic ensued. The acts of Sediya was one of many others that spurred the war of the gods that would lead to the issues we faced today. She worked a deal with Kel, to spare her life but bind her to the mountain, watching the east. He cared little of the issues of the Eagle and Hawk, his own mind busy with the deeds of the rest of the world. It is there she retained her power although I had even believed her dead. She should not have escaped the curse of the Itsu.”
“We the Falacar,” began Bloodhawk, “are the descendants of the great hawk that became as a horse. Sediya has not yet shown her real intentions.”
“I hear what you two say,” said Knasgriff, “But given even the world’s view of you, of magic as a whole, I cannot discard Sediya when we need every ally willing to fight.”
“Do not trust the Iolas, that is all us of the Falacar can say. She is not with us for the good of us all.”
With the Falacar done speaking, they departed the Palace of Lokam and each went about to do their own tasks. Garoa went to check on Asnea, her health returning with hours of sleep and good nourishment. The Leechers had posted guards near her and the northern gate of the town. The Drean brought in injured from the battle to the east, along with healers and herbs for those within Lokam. Euso arrived with them and Slats worked to bring him into knowledge of happenings until now.
Brethor stayed cloaked. Rather than risk sunlight, he made his way into the tower of Lokam, opening the doors of the tower from the inside after deciphering a runic lock that impressed even himself. The items of the Order were gathered and guards placed on the Galhedriss Arcana. The Priors of Kel were to reside in the tower for now, although the center column leading down into the vault that had held the war god was undoubtedly damaged. There was much debate on the integrity of the structure but generally it was believed to be safe.
Berie and Sviska began clearing rubble and assisting those of the west and east of Lokam with individual needs. The Poluti were everywhere, holding discussions outside of the homes of many prominent residents of the city. The discussions were heated at times and many looked out from the crowds, staring at the invaders of their home.
A special group was sent out along the north march road finding the many crosses and crucified islanders as spoken by Knasgriff. The number dead was just over two hundred and their ages varied from the very young to the old. It was a solemn task completed in silence. Those taken were loaded onto a boat and burned at sea. It was a horrid act and one not suffered by any people of the north since the time of magic of the age before.
It was now nearing evening and in the shadowy parts of the city, Brethor could be seen going house to house assuring good intents as he spoke with the citizens. Runka was with him and was met with fear and awe by the people.
As the moon began to rise above them, the Poluti gathered on the southern bridge. The other leaders gathered there also.
“As you may assume,” began one of the Poluti, “some of the people are fearful of what is to become of us and our city. Though what repairs and cleaning have been done, have helped many. You have kept your word about violence against our people and we are thankful. We are not of the Legion nor of the Grand Protectorate’s Order.”
“Our strife is with them,” said Ruir.
“We feel it best to convene tomorrow morning, after first light.”
“I think I speak for all of us, that is well,” said Knasgriff.
“Then, goodnight to you all.”
The Poluti departed, heading back to their homes on the east side. With a slow departing, those of the other regions went their own ways. Sviska and Brethor took the path up the tower of Lokam and ascended to the top. Reaching the room where the Galhedriss Arcana sat, they walked outside and to the summit of the tower.
Below them, the torchlights of Lokam flickered; further north, the sea was alight with the moon and the rocking shapes of the anchored Drean loomed near the shore. Looking south, the rocky cliffs of the southern wall of the city dropped into a valley where a dark ribbon of water flowing from the falls of Lokam trekked downward and began its rushing journey to the southern seas.
“You had never visited Lokam bef
ore, had you?” asked Brethor.
“No, my dealings were in the far south down the Irir Peninsula and around further west into the deserts there. My ascent into Taria was far north for me, then. I had never had thought I would be standing where I am now, with the Order abandoning their ground.”
“I would say this was the way things were to be, but I cannot believe that. The Galhedriss Arcana is safe for a time, but now we worry of the Itsu and why the Order fled. Their attack on Elinathrond, however faulty or shortsighted, was a way to destroy all of us. But you were their first plan, to poison us. They wish to do good for those not of magic but there is something else at work. We may not know if it was the wrath of Kel due to a percieved imminent escape or some push from the Itsu Priest that spurred their attack, but I question why they left Lokam and where are they hiding now?”
“There is a city to the south, I have not visited it but it could be where they went.”
“You speak of Finar. It was once a Temple to the Itsu and, yes, though its inhabitants know not of its history, beyond its granite walls and high towers there has been much evil there. We cannot just assume that the Order or, more overtly, the Grand Protectorate are even making decisions. The will of the Itsu Priest appears to have become absolute. With that, the Legions and the cities they hold would cease to be of Grand Protectorate control.” He paused turning to see Garoa joining them.
“We must hope more are like the Second Legion and join our side.”
“You speak of Finar?” asked Garoa.
“Yes,” replied Brethor.
“I have heard that placed whispered among the people, some have thought of fleeing there.”
“It is a strong place,” said Brethor. “Though Lokam is mighty and beautiful, the harshness of Finar is one of a fortress with a garden built upon it. It has been a long while since I was near there; the place Sviska was taken after his parents were killed is to the west of Finar.”
They stood for a moment; Garoa went to Brethor’s side.
“I seek further knowledge, Brethor. Kel spoke to me atop the tower and I feel the answers we seek will be found in the Galhedriss.”
Brethor narrowed his brows, “You are a Rusis and wielder of the Staff of Kel, though Nusian never did such a thing, he was not allowed access. I had gathered the items of the Order that were found in the upper portion of the tower as well as the Palace of Lokam. I think it a wise for us to study not just the Galhedriss Arcana which, of course, pertains to a caster of magic such as yourself, but also any information we can find on the Order. The answers to some of our questions, or at least the most important, where the Order went and why did they abandon the Itsu Priest, might be discovered.”
“Then I leave to begin my studying,” said Garoa.
The Rusis departed, leaving Brethor and Sviska atop the tower. Some time passed and the moon crossed over them. The winds had turned warmer, sweeping in from the south and rushing along the tower.
“I take my leave, Sviska,” Brethor told him, “I need to stretch my legs some. The wolves and I will take a run before turning in for the night.”
He left Sviska, who lay on his back staring upwards at the wisp of clouds and the emptiness of the black sky. He wondered of the happenings of late, the meaning of his path at this point. It had not yet been a year and already the world was changing.
Standing up, he glanced around and then began walking towards the stairwell. A gust of wind rushed over and a thin veil of fog rolled in front of him. The hair along his neck went up and a warmness covered his back. He felt for his dagger, turning on his feet as he did to see a caped figure standing in the center of the tower.
“Sviska, our duel was interrupted at Tuonia and that I do regret.”
“Kasis.”
“Yes, it is me, friend.”
Kasis was not as he had been at Tuonia in the weeks before. Though his cape was black, a literal grayish fire lapped from his arms and face, his eyes were dark.
“I was not here for your corruption of Lokam but that was no easy feat. Kealin says you did well.”
“So Kealin follows after you, Dark Ones, as well as the Order and the Itsu?”
Kasis began to walk around to Sviska’s side. The dance was returned as Sviska side-stepped, also.
“I cannot speak for Kealin, he is not of the Dark Ones, and you would do well if you could find the Order now. A bit of a lapse in their judgment and a disagreement led them to leave the city. We work to find them.”
“The Grand Protectorate has many troops, it should not be a problem.”
“There is no Grand Protectorate, Sviska. It is not as complex as some would believe. The Itsu Priest can explain such things to you but you seem convinced of your own path. What lies have you been told by those of the north? Not long ago, you would’ve stood next to your old friend.”
“We were lied to. Abused by the Order for personal gain.”
“The gain of not releasing the war god? Of returning magic to creatures too vile to wield it? Magic is meant for only the strongest of people. Under the blessing of the Itsu, we wield it now. I doubt that even your Rusis Garoa could defeat us.”
“There are other ways to kill a man than magic.” His hand slid Sishan up from its sheath.
“Oh, how you know, but do not worry, I am not here to kill you today. I only wish to offer a way out of your curse, the one placed by the Order Hand. Know that it does not matter if he lives or dies, you will still be bound by it. The Itsu gave him the power of that binding, and it is they who may call upon you.”
Sviska paused. He knew his curse bound him to the will of the Order but had no knowledge of the new terms.
“You lie.”
“Sure. But will you ever know? I say, when you have killed the ones you call friends and you swear your blood to the will of the Itsu then you will know if I present the truth or a lie, but then will it not be too late? You are still a pawn to the will of greater masters, Sviska.”
“What did you get, Kasis, what things were promised to you?”
“All of us, the Keepers, as you know and were once one of, were offered a place of power by the Itsu Priest. We command the army indirectly and oversee our vast prisoners until the time is nigh for the revealing of truth in this world. But do not fear, there are no assassins’ blades coming your way yet. We no longer do such work and besides, you are too valuable. This meeting is not for us to discuss my place in the world but yours. You have been personally invited to join us. Come to the city by the sea. You may bring your weapons, but come alone and no harm will come to you.”
“And then?”
“You will be free from your curse and prevent the deaths of your friends by your own hand. It is a path to forgiveness.”
“Myself, is that all you desire?”
Kasis smiled, “Bring that Galhedriss Arcana and things will be easier, but do not worry, we will acquire that again soon.” He paused,” Do not be foolish. Goodbye, Sviska.”
The winds blew towards the south and in a wisp of fog, he was gone.
Chapter 10 Declaration
Sviska did not plan to say anything of his meeting with Kasis to the others. The empty top of the tower seemed colder now as he turned, a sick feeling twisting his stomach. He thought of what was unknown to him. He felt like a chained dog whose handler had fled but could return at any time just to choke him with a leash.
Garoa sat crossed-legged on the floor, the Galhedriss Arcana in his hands. The pages of the book glowed. Garoa’s hand twiddled as he caused random shapes and figures to appear.
“Anything of interest?” asked Sviska.
He looked up, shutting the book.
“A bit. But not so much what I found in here.”
He set the book down and reached over to a stack of torn books, flipping through them with his thumb.
“There is more knowledge in those pages than any man could remember with a hundred lifetimes. I am troubled now. There is word of a place or a sort of place the Order wa
s searching for at one time, or maybe it was the Itsu Priest, but I look at the papers scattered throughout this level and I’m puzzled more. The Order destroyed much when they left.”
He picked up a parchment and handed it to Sviska. A runic language filled the page.
“What is this? I cannot read it.”
“At best, I have deciphered it as the place of keeping. I will read more. Slats maybe can help me or Brethor, but in the next few days it will be of importance in our next step.”
“Next step?” asked Sviska, walking with Garoa to the windows.
“I was set in my path to find my daughter but that is done. Now, I must secure this world.”
“We will convene with the others tomorrow and begin talking of what to do.”
“I am sure, but within these texts there is much power to be had. I need not a lesson on watching myself. Between the blood of my people and my staff I am near unstoppable but by my own folly I may be killed. I will remain in control of this gift, Sviska.”
He looked at Sviska. His eyes had a firm gaze.
“We must stop the Itsu Priest, as well as rescue the people that were taken.”
Sviska smiled, “I am glad to see your mind in this place now. I had worried before.”
“It is our enemies that must worry now.”
Garoa went outside and looked up to the sky. Sviska followed, the wind cupping around his ears cold and causing a chill along his shoulders. Garoa took out his whistle, the same one he had used before when calling his dragons. He blew into it. A rumble shook the air and in the distant sky, the two dragons of Garoa appeared, landing atop the tower.
He approached them, rubbing under their necks. Their scales had bits of ice melting with each breath the creatures took in.
“They are well?”
“Yes, I am blessed that they have grown to such a size and even more so that one is a male and the other a female. I may be able to return the race of dragons to life.”
“Does it not matter that they are close kin?”
Saints of Wura: Winemaker of the North, Arcane Awakening, Reckoning in the Void (Saints of Wura Books 1-3 with bonus content) Page 67