FARHAYVEN: VENGEANCE

by S. K. Ng

  Ray and Clover stepped into Command and Control. Serene bowed to them and they bowed in return.

  “Nature’s wisdom _ may you have of this, Serene! Report _ what is yours of this?” Ray asked.

  “Nature’s wisdom _ may you have of this, Minvian Iddell, Clover! Report _ of this, Minvian Iddell, is that I have arrested a weapons dealer who is now in prison at the local garrison but the assassin Dawn Breven’s location is still unknown; and it is suspected that The Lair is in the nearby forest somewhere,” Serene answered in response.

  “Patrols _ have you sent of them out into the nearby forest, cousin?” asked Clover.

  “No! Patrols _ of them, I have not sent any as 1st River had only arrived yesterday afternoon and I had to send back the soldiers from Garrison Timberstock,” answered Serene.

  “Rest _ you go get some of this and that is an order!” said Ray.

  Serene smiled, bowed and retired to her quarters, which was one of the tents set up in the backyard.

  Ray immediately called for his river commanders. He tasked Clover and 2nd River to immediately go out on deep patrols. They were to break down into the five streams that comprised it and patrol along five separate planned routes with several rendezvous points. Ray and 3rd River were to relieve 2nd River five days later and carry on from where they would have left off. They were to repeat this process indefinitely until the whole forest had been covered. 1st River was to be responsible for base security and to carry out only security patrols near the base. Clover and the river commanders bowed and set off on their tasks. Ray, meanwhile, set out to inspect and improve base security.

  Hidden in a huge tree some 500 paces away, was Dawn Breven. On the evening prior, she had recovered her canvas sling bag and made her way to town. She had the intention of selling all her belongings to Gust Smullon at The Spot and then proceeding to Fallsbay Town via carriage. From Fallsbay, she had the intention of leaving the continent via a merchant ship. However, she had noticed from a distance a significant number of soldiers at The Spot, and had then decided to observe them instead.

  Dawn realised that the Sollenthars knew that The Lair was nearby and it would be a matter of time before they discovered it. She was frowning. Her mud-smeared face said it all. She was in a dilemma. Should she just leave and let the Shadow Deathmerchant Clan fall in defeat to the Sollenthars or should she try to save them, or at least warn them. Her thoughts floated from her uncle Rake to Clanmaster Collart to the many widows, wives and children of the original clansmen who would fall in harm’s way when The Lair is discovered. What would she do? What should she do? And how would she do it?

  Meanwhile, back in Fallsene City, Minvian Thorn Sayvion lay down on his bed. He stared at the dungeon ceiling above him. The term ‘wasted gamble!’ was what he cursed himself with over and over again. He had laid down a gamble that if he admitted guilt during his court martial and was sentenced to death, the Fallsian Military would grant his dying wish for a Liberation Raid. But he was wrong! The court did no such thing. He would be hanged and Caramel Verance would be trapped and enslaved until the day she died. He had failed yet again to fulfil his pledge to his blood brother Salmon Verance. He was so distracted by this thought that he did not notice that there were two men standing in front of his cell door.

  The sharp click of Thorn’s cell door lock opening snapped him out of his trance-like stare. The other man stepped into the cell and sat on Thorn’s chair. The guard locked the cell door and walked away.

  Thorn sat up straight and took a hard look at his guest. The visitor wore typical civilian clothes; a thick, dark blue canvas coat over a light, white cotton shirt and dark blue canvas pants. He looked like the typical 70 year old Fallsian, except for the face. The hardened expression on the face said it all. This man was a warrior, a battle hardened warrior.

  “Minvian Thorn Sayvion, I am retired Orgavian Dagger Lidell. We have never met before, but I think you have heard of me,” said the old man.

  “Yes, sir, I have! You were a hero of the Third Liberation War. Sir, although we have never met, I had served under you briefly during the Battle of Shadow Pass. But I was transferred to another lake immediately after that. Therefore I did not stay under your command long enough for us to have met. May I ask why you are here?” said Thorn.

  “I am here to speak to you. I am a close friend of the Genoxes and Serene has asked me to try to help you,” said Dagger.

  “Why? What is this all about?” asked Thorn, puzzled.

  “This is about a patriotic and capable officer throwing his life away,” answered Dagger.

  “I have already been sentenced. There is nothing anyone can do about it,” stated Thorn.

  “You could always make an appeal,” Dagger pointed out.

  “No, I will not! I did the right thing and I do not mind dying for it,” stated Thorn spiritedly.

  Dagger Lidell shook his head in disappointment. He sat there quietly, contemplating his next few words. After a short pause he looked at Thorn.

  “A Liberation Raid is being organised by families who have relatives enslaved by the Serpentians. We have a few skilled volunteers and a number of mercenaries who have committed to this mission. But we need your help. You were there in Serpentia. You know the terrain and the enemy’s strength and weaknesses. We have planned for you to lead the raid, but you cannot do this if you are in prison or hanging by your neck. You do better alive than dead. Give me permission to represent you. Allow me to make an appeal for a retrial on your behalf,” pleaded Dagger.

  “I am sorry, Orgavian Lidell; but I cannot. I will not! I am fighting an even bigger war here. I want to show the Fallsian Military that it is wrong in its ways, that it has lost its way! The responsibility of carrying out a Liberation Raid rests with the Fallsian Military, not with civilians, volunteers or mercenaries. And if my death awakens them, then it is not a wasted death,” refused Thorn.

  Dagger stood up and pointed a finger at Thorn. There was fire in his eyes. It was the fire of anger, and also frustration.

  “Then you are dead! And your death would be in vain! Your death would not change the Fallsian Military and its policies! If this is your final answer, then I cannot help you at all,” he concluded.

  “It is, orgavian!” said Thorn resolutely.

  “Good bye, minvian” said Dagger as he walked towards the door and rattled it.

  Thorn stood up and bowed. Dagger returned the bow with a sad face. They stood there, both looking at the ground before the guard arrived and opened the door. Just before Dagger walked out of the cell, he turned back and squeezed Thorn’s shoulder lightly; like two best friends parting ways.

  Rake Breven waited patiently in the dimness of a small chamber in The Lair. The small flame of the torch flickered constantly due to the poor ventilation. This was the reason why Rake had chosen this place. Its poor ventilation meant that it was unsuitable for accommodation, thus it remained empty. More importantly, it was also quite isolated. Suddenly, faint footsteps were heard. Two figures stepped into the chamber. They both wore grim looks on their faces. What were once young, innocent faces were now scarred.

  “Founder Rake Breven, you’ve requested for our presence. What’s this all about?” said one of them.

  “Founder Root Swerrell, I thank both you and Bud for showing up. There’s an important matter I wish to discuss with the both of you. It’s about Venom Collart and his deviated leadership. When this clan was founded, it was founded for two very important, almost sacred goals, one of which was to exact revenge on the government of Free Falls and another was to establish an independent state for us to live in, wasn’t it so?” said Rake.

  “Yes, it was,” was Root’s cold reply.

  “What’s your point?” added Bud impatiently.

  “Venom Collart has lost his way. These new recruits, they’re not our people. They’re strangers who did not share our fate, our past and our pain. They’re here for the money! Venom no longer has the intention for vengeance and inde
pendence, he’s just after the money! The sanctity of our cause is polluted. Our loss, pain and suffering are getting to be forgotten, defiled by greed and desire! He must be stopped!” expressed Rake.

  The Swerrell brothers looked at each other and shook their heads. They became silent for a while.

  “Rake, I admire your passion and your sincerity for our cause, but you must be realistic! There was never any real hope to exact revenge and especially not when it came to gaining some sort of independence. Most of us realised this after the first five years of being here. You’re right in saying that our cause has been deviated and defiled, and that the clan is now a business. But Rake, it’s a business that feeds us! It feeds the women and children and the widows and the orphans! It’s now all about survival! Forget about the cause, Rake!” said Bud finally.

  Bud’s words infuriated Rake. Anger welled in him like a volcano prime for eruption.

  “So, you mean to say that we should just forget about the tragedy which we went through!? Forget about our loved ones that we lost when it all started and also along the way? You mean to say that their deaths now means nothing and what is now important is how many gold coins we have in the vault? What about Crystal and Daisy. You would defile their memories with gains and profits!?” he argued.

  “Rake, their deaths were due to the storm! The government had nothing to do with it! It’s time you moved on! We can’t live on ideals. Get back to reality, Rake!” counter-argued Root.

  “But that would defile the memories of all of our clansmen who had died on their missions! Do you see their deaths as just an investment for financial profit!?” accused Rake.

  The Swerrell brothers both shook their heads.

  “Rake, for many years we’ve treated human life as a source of income. A life is worth the gold coins one’s enemy is willing to pay to have one killed. In the end, it’s only fair that we see ourselves in the same light! Therefore our lives are only worth the gold coins we can generate. It’s fair! Live by the sword, die by the sword. Kill for money, get killed for money. We’ve accepted this a long time ago. Do yourself a favour, Rake. Let go of the ideals!” explained Bud.

  “Fine. I’ll waste no more of your time. Have a good day!” said Rake as he stormed out of the chamber.

  The cool morning breeze blew gently on the 8th Day of Fifth Month of Dry Season. Clover and her subordinates walked quietly through the forest floor. Suddenly, one of Clover’s scouts gave the signal to stop and crouch. Everyone did so immediately. Their hearts were now pounding fast. Their eyes scanned left and right. Their ears strained to pick up the slightest of sounds. Their grip on their swords tightened. Then they saw them, two young men clad in black clothes, walking casually by. Some of the Sollenthars looked at Clover, but she gave them the signal to stay put and be silent. They repeated the signal to the others.

  The two young men walked casually along, unaware that they were being watched.

  “Ouch! My body aches!” said the first.

  “Mine too! What the hell were we thinking, joining the Shadow Deathmerchant Clan?” said the second.

  “We were thinking about the money, remember? Heaps and heaps of gold coins!” reminded the first.

  “Yeah, right! Heaps and heaps of gold coins, that’s if we first survive and complete this brutal training. Then we have to survive ten years of service to the clan. And only then can we go into business for ourselves and earn those gold coins,” remarked the second.

  “Well, that was the deal!” said the first.

  “Yes, but they didn’t say the training would be this tough! I have bruises all over my body! My palm and fingers have lesions. My joints are all swollen. And I have also got a cut lip!” said the second.

  The first young man tapped the second on the shoulder.

  “Well, a cut lip isn’t as bad as a broken nose!” he said.

  “Yeah! You’re right! How’s your nose? It was that carpenter from Timberstock who gave you that, wasn’t it?” asked the second.

  “Yes! He’s one of the ones who try very hard. Teacher’s pet! I’m sure of it!” answered the first.

  “Why does he try so hard? I mean, we’re all poor folks trying to make a gold coin or two. What makes him different?” asked the second.

  “Oh no! He’s totally different. He’s not in this for the gold. He wants to kill Serpentians. They had killed his entire family during that raid earlier in the year. He wants revenge but he doesn’t have the skills to do it. So he joined the clan to get them. After our ten years of service is over, he plans to go on a killing spree in Serpentia, and he has even asked me to join him. I politely declined, of course,” answered the first.

  The sound of the conversation of the two black-clad men faded into the forest just like their bodies did. Clover gave the signal to follow them. The Sollenthars followed from far behind, barely keeping visual contact with these men, sometimes even relying on the faint sound of their conversations to track them. It was very clear that these two were new, inexperienced recruits. No decently trained Shadow Deathmerchant Clan assassin would allow themselves to be detected, let alone tracked in this way!

  Unbeknownst to the Sollenthars, Dawn was there too, tracking them. She had managed to sneak up close enough to catch bits and pieces of the two young men’s conversation. At first she cursed them for their stupidity. Then she was thankful that they were not original clan members. This made what she was about to do, what she had to do, much easier. Dawn’s conscience was clear. It was time to act before these two idiots led Clover and the Sollenthars to The Lair.

  Dawn crouch-runs forward as silently as she can, keeping her body hidden by the shrubs. She manages to pass by the flank the Sollenthars without them being aware of her presence. She picks up the pace. She passes the two men unnoticed and runs ahead. She finally sights a huge bush that is suitable for her to hide in. She goes into the bush and crouches down. Her fingers slip into the lapel of her black assassin’s shirt. She feels around for the sharp tip of her Airblades. But she soon realises that she has a problem. She has only one Airblade left, but two men to kill! She pulls out the single Airblade and takes aim. With a flick of her wrist, she sends the Airblade flying towards its target. Then she bursts forth from the bush with her sword drawn.

  The first man feels something cold hit his throat. He gives a barely audible cough and is horrified to see blood spraying from his mouth. He turns to look at his companion and sees the mirrored expression of shock on the man’s face. He felt his head begin to spin and his knees begin to tremble. Then his legs give way and all goes dark before he hits the ground.

  The second man stands frozen in shock. He realises that his companion has just been hit by an Airblade. But why? And where did it come from? And who is this woman running out of a bush? Is that Dawn Breven? What is that shiny thing behind her? It is a sword,…. the blade of a sword! What!? Then he feels the cold steel of Dawn’s blade slide across his left collar bone to his right lower ribs. Strangely, he feels no pain, just the coldness of the blade. Then comes the feeling of warm wetness along the line which the blade has travelled. It is only now that he realises that he has been cut. And he curses himself for not even drawing out his sword. Then the pain sets in. And like his companion, his head begins to spin and his knees begin to tremble. His legs give way and he falls to the ground. His last thoughts are directed to all the gold coins he now knows he will never have!

  Dawn looked down at the two dead bodies. She felt nothing. Neither hate nor anger nor remorse. For her, it was just a necessary action required to solve a problem. She grabbed all the Airblades and coins that she could from the two corpses and ran off into the distant bushes.

  Clover’s lead scout came to a sudden halt. He signalled for his comrades to crouch and for Clover to come forward. Upon seeing the corpses, she commanded her Sollenthars to form a defensive perimeter, which they did by forming a circle with everyone crouched and looking outwards with their weapons drawn. Examining the bodies, Clover came to th
e conclusion that it was Dawn’s handiwork and that she was still in the vicinity somewhere. Clover had only a stream of Sollenthars with her, so there was not much she could do. She decided to send a runner and two escorts back to base to report the incident to Ray. Meanwhile, she sent three Heat Bursts into the sky to signal the other streams to converge on her location. There was no point in keeping their location secret, for clearly Dawn knew where they were and this meant that the Shadow Deathmerchant Clan knew too, or so she thought!

  Meanwhile, at The Lair, another secret meeting was taking place. Rake was fishing in the chamber that had a river flowing through it and a figure stepped out of the darkness behind him.

  “Did Venom send you to kill me?” asked Rake directly.

  “On the contrary, Rake, I’m here on my own accord!” said the female voice, one that clearly Rake did not expect.

  “Founder Menox! I apologise, I was expecting someone else!” said Rake as he turned around, clearly shocked.

  “You mean those two buffoons whom Venom had sent to kill you? Don’t worry about them! I’ve handled them myself. My men are burying their bodies as we speak. Your meeting with the Swerrell brothers wasn’t as secret as you thought. But luckily for you, I agreed with your conclusion. My question is, what should you and I do about it?” said Eclipse.

  A wide smile broke on Rake’s face. Finally, an ally! So it seemed that his efforts were not wasted!