Runefell_The Tempest's Fury

by Shawn Sodman

  A'ranah begins to follow behind the last one before the house of Ree begin to emerge. When they reach the stairs, A'ranah pulls back the hood of the last Amazon, and reveals a young dark-haired elf with a black rose and spider webbing painted on her cheek. A'ranah says, “Thalia, what are you doing here?”

  The three suspicious figures all stop and turn around as Thalia replies, “We want to help.”

  A'ranah looks at the other two and says, “Show yourselves. Now.”

  The one in the middle pulls back her hood. She is also a young Amazon, in her early teen years. Her hair is tightly curled and light brown. She has moons and stars painted on her face. A'ranah says, “Miguella Ree, your mother is going to be very upset with you.”

  A'ranah pulls them aside as Arioch joins them and asks, “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes,” A'ranah replies. “I just have a few young ones to send back through the gate.”

  “I see,” Arioch nods.

  “Please, don't send us back,” Miguella begs.

  Thalia says, “Va'leen will vouch for my skills when she gets here. She has been training me herself.”

  “I am sorry,” A'ranah replies, as the Amazons from the house of Ree begin to come through the gate. “Your enthusiasm is admirable, but your skills are not ready for war.” A'ranah looks at the third Amazon, who has not yet pulled back her cloak. A'ranah says sternly, “Remove your cloak. I am not going to ask you again.”

  The Amazon slowly pulls back her hood. She looks down at the floor in embarrassment. She has long dark hair and markings of the house of La'harn on her cheek. A'ranah says, “Meadow, I expected more from you.”

  “I am sorry, mother elder,” she replies.

  A'ranah sighs and says to the king, “Arioch, this is Thalia, Meadowlyn, and Miguella. Meadowlyn—most of us just call her Meadow—is Gelana's younger sister.” A'ranah looks to Miguella and says, “Miguella is younger sister of Evelena.”

  “Are they here?” Miguella asks, referring to their sisters.

  A'ranah looks around a moment before answering, “They were here earlier, but it appears they have left. I will let them know that the two of you send your regards, but I am afraid that you cannot stay.”

  Meadowlyn protests, “But we can fight. I am as strong as any La'harn, Miguella is good with her daggers, and Thalia is good with her bow and darkness spells.”

  Arioch looks at Meadowlyn, who is about the same size as Lyra. He says, “I don't mean to doubt your strength, but are very small for a La'harn.”

  A'ranah says, “Meadow is very talented when it comes to increasing her strength with magic. In fact, all three of these young women will make great Amazons someday.” A'ranah looks at Meadowlyn and adds, “But that is not today.”

  Miguella asks, “Can Meadow and I say goodbye to our sisters, then?”

  “I am afraid I don't know where they went,” A'ranah replies. “And the gate will not be open much longer.”

  “Miguella!” an angry voice calls. Miguella turns to see an Amazon from the house of Ree rapidly approaching. Her short hair reveals the many piercings on her pointed ears.

  “Mother,” replies Miguella. “I just wanted to see Evelena.”

  The woman snaps, “I told you to stay at Elonfar.”

  Miguella sighs, “I know.”

  A'ranah says, “Arioch, I would like you to meet, Adolayn, Evelena's mother.”

  The king nods to Adolayn. Though she is from the house of Ree, she appears to be Dri'el. She is smaller than average. Instead of heavy armor, Adolayn dons a pale green cloak with only light leather underneath. Arioch says, “It is a pleasure to meet you. You must be proud of Evelena. She did well in the north.”

  “Yes, I am proud of at least one of my daughters.” Adolayn replies as she gives Miguella a stern look. She then asks A'ranah, “Have you already given these three their beads of dishonor?”

  “No,” A'ranah answers. “I'll leave that to you.”

  “That’s not fair,” Thalia protests. “We were only trying to help.”

  Adolayn replies. “If I were you, I wouldn't be nearly as concerned about a black bead as I would be about your mother when she finds out.”

  “Yes, ma'am,” Thalia replies.

  Adolayn reaches into a pouch on her belt and takes out three black beads. She says, “Now, take your beads and get back to Elonfar right now, and I won't mention this to your mothers.”

  Thalia takes a bead before making her way back to gate. Meadow takes one as well, and says, “Please tell Gelana to be careful, and that I love her.”

  “I will,” Adolayn says.

  As Meadow walks to the gate, Miguella is the last to take her bead. Adolayn says, “I am glad that you want to help so much, but I need to know that at least one of my daughters is safe from this war.” She embraces her and adds, “I love you.”

  Miguella replies, “I love you too, mother.” Miguella walks back to the gate as A'ranah and Adolayn watch to make sure the three young Amazons make it back to Elonfar safely.

  Chapter 37

  Territorial

  As the last of the Amazons from the house of Ree come through the gate, one in particular stands out among them. She has light blonde hair and bright smile. She seems to glow with a jovial aura. Her face is freshly painted with a crescent moon that arcs from her right temple to the cheek below. Within the moon's arc is a small birthmark, high on the far side of her cheek, that gives her a unique asymmetric beauty even without her face paint. She has two large daggers forged from Star Steel at her sides. Each has a three-sided twisted blade, and are among the deadliest weapons in close combat.

  A'ranah calls out to her, “Nicari!”

  The Amazon from the house of Ree rushes over and hugs A'ranah. “Grandmother,” she says. “It is good to see you.”

  “It is good to see you too, Nicari,” A'ranah replies. “I was just asking Belron how you were doing.”

  “I am doing well,” she replies.

  A'ranah turns to Arioch and says, “I would like to introduce you to my granddaughter, Nicari. She is Belron's wife.”

  “I believe we met once,” Arioch says, “in the Second Orcnea War.”

  “Yes, we did,” Nicari replies. “It is good to see you again.” She turns to A'ranah and says, “Now, if you will excuse me, I would like to find my husband.”

  “Of course,” A'ranah replies. Nicari excuses herself as the last Amazon of the Silver Moon comes through the gate just before it closes behind her. A'ranah greets her, “Va'leen, I am glad you could make it.”

  “I wouldn't miss this for the world,” she replies. Va'leen strides across the marbled floor of the royal atrium with the confidence one can only attain after living for over a century and a half. Her long hair is as dark as a starless night sky, and complements her lips and eyelids that are stained black. In contrast to her dark characteristics is her flawless skin, which is so fair that one may think it has never been touched by the light of the sun. Painted high on her right cheek is the outline of a five-pointed star as dark as her other stained features. Nearly a dozen more stars of varying sizes are tattooed down her right arm. The cosmic spectacle all seems to culminate within the gaze of her deep brown eyes. While most elves her age temper their hubris with modesty, Va'leen is no such individual. Even her choice in armor flaunts her beauty, as it is little more than a tight leather corset that offers no protection to anything other than her vital organs. Her leather skirt barely covers her upper thighs, and her feet are protected by leather boots. For a weapon, she only carries with her one dagger.

  Va'leen looks around and says, “I would have expected Chance to be here to greet us.”

  Arioch says, “He left a short while ago. I am sure you can find him at the King's Shield getting a drink.”

  “Well then,” Va'leen says with a smile, “I think I will head over there now. It’s nice to see you again, King Arioch.”

  Va'leen abruptly departs. A'ranah says to Arioch, “I have a bad feeli
ng that there’s going to be some trouble at the King's Shield.”

  “Why do you say that?” Arioch asks.

  “It's just a mother's intuition,” A'ranah replies.

  Out in the courtyard, the seven sisters have been talking with Captain Belron. Kel'ana is petting Nimbus’s long neck, admiring the shine of the drake’s scales. Yentroc looks hopefully at Belron and asks, “Do you think you could take us on a ride?”

  Belron replies, “I don't usually give out rides.”

  “Aw, come on,” Yentroc wheedles.

  “Forget it, ladies,” Nicari says as she approaches. “This drake rider is all mine.” She stands next to him and puts her arm around her husband.

  Yentroc says, “And you are..?”

  Nicari says, “I’m his wife. I left the sisterhood six years ago to take my vows with him.”

  Evelena says, “I thought you looked familiar.”

  Nicari says, “You must all be on your Right of Passage.”

  “Yes,” Evelena replies.

  “What a terrible time for it,” Nicari says. “You know, you don't have to stay here to fight in the war.”

  Rehma says, “We don't mind fighting.”

  “I am sure you don't,” Nicari replies. “Just be careful out there.” Nicari looks back at the other drake riders and says to the girls. “If you want to ride a drake, Ashden is available.”

  Yentroc looks over at Ashden, who is feeding his drake, and says to others, “Come on.”

  The girls walk away as Nicari asks Belron, “So, did you enjoy all that attention?”

  Belron, still with his arm around her, says, “They were only interested in riding Nimbus.”

  Nicari laughs and says, “That had better be all they were interested in riding.”

  “You’re beautiful when you're jealous,” Belron says.

  “So, you were trying to make me jealous?” Nicari asks.

  Belron smiles and says, “Not at all, my love.”

  “Good,” Nicari teases. “Because I really don't want to hurt one of my sisters on my first day back to remind them that you belong to me.”

  “I think everyone knows that I belong to you,” Belron replies. “Now those young ones know it, as well.”

  Nicari says, “I’m going to go to the King's Shield to catch up with a few of my sisters that I haven’t seen in a long time.”

  “All right,” replies Belron. He kisses her on the cheek. “I'll see you later.”

  In the King's Shield, Va'leen has already arrived and is looking around the crowded room for Chance. A muscular brute of a man says to her, “Hey there, can I help you?”

  Va'leen sighs quietly and says, “I’m looking for a friend of mine.”

  “I'll be your friend,” he says, “My name is Brock.”

  “That’s sweet of you to offer,” Va'leen says as she continues to look around the room. “But I’m looking for Chance Na'Moon.”

  Brock laughs and says, “You’re wasting your time with him. In all the times that I’ve seen Chance in here, I’ve never seen him with a woman. He prefers to be alone.”

  Va'leen stops her search and says to Brock, “Well, I’m not a typical woman.”

  “I see,” Brock says, misinterpreting her comment. “In that case, why don't you just come up to my room? I can't pay you as much as Chance can, but I’m sure I would be more fun.”

  “What are you talking about?” asks Va'leen.

  Brock stands up and looks at Va'leen from head to toe. He says, “I’ve seen a lot of Amazons around here lately, and while your face is painted like one, you’re dressed more like woman who gets paid for her time with a man.”

  “Oh, I see,” Va'leen replies. She grins seductively and takes his right hand in hers, saying, “In that case...” Before the man realizes what is happening, Va'leen kicks the back of the man's right knee, and he drops to the ground. She twists his arm behind his back and grabs the back of his neck. She whispers loudly in his ear, “I am no one’s whore.” She slams his head into the floor and applies pressure to his neck.

  Brock cries out in pain and yells, “Get off me!”

  Va'leen continues to pin the man to the floor, keeping him helpless, until a voice behind her asks, “Is there a problem here?”

  Va'leen looks over her shoulder and smiles. She releases the man and quickly stands up. Brock stands as well and says, “Hell yes, there’s a problem. This wench...” Brock suddenly stops when he sees that the man asking the question is Chance. His coughs and says, “No, sir, there is no problem, sir.”

  “Good,” Chance replies.

  Brock turns away and sits back down at his table. Va'leen takes Chance's arm and says, “If it isn't Chance Na'Moon, coming to my rescue.”

  Chance laughs as he starts to lead Va'leen back to his table in the corner. He says, “It wasn't you who I was rescuing.”

  “So, how have you been?” Va'leen asks.

  “Good, I suppose,” replies Chance as they reach his table. He pulls out a chair next to where he usually sits.

  Va'leen sits down and says, “I was sorry to hear about Finna.”

  “Thank you,” Chance says as he sits down.

  “She was one of the few Amazons who ever treated me with any kind of respect,” Va'leen says. “I will miss her.”

  “So will I,” says Chance.

  Lee approaches the table and asks Va'leen, “Can I get you something?”

  Va'leen looks at the mug before Chance and says, “I'll have what he’s having.” Lee nods and begins to walk away when Va'leen says, “Wait, just a moment.” She takes the mug and looks inside. She grins and says, “Actually, I'll take something a bit stronger. Do you have any dwarven ale?”

  “Only stout,” Lee laughs.

  “Of course,” Va'leen replies, “Is there any other kind?”

  “I'll get you an ale,” Lee says.

  “Thank you,” Va'leen replies. She turns to Chance and says, “I see you’re still drinking goat's milk.”

  “Yes,” replies Chance. “I never liked the idea of drinking anything that can cloud my judgment.”

  “I always admired that about you,” she says. She looks around the room at the other Amazons. “Has anyone tried to lay claim to you yet?”

  “No,” he replies, shaking his head.

  “Hmm, I must say I’m surprised,” she says as Lee brings back a mug and places it on the table. “Thank you,” Va'leen says to Lee.

  “You're welcome,” Lee replies.

  Chance says, “Well, there is a lot going on right now, and I have been making an effort to keep out of sight lately.” Va'leen glances around the room once more as if looking for a fight. The few Amazons looking in her direction quickly turn away when she makes eye contact. Chance asks her, “And what about you, have you made any new claims lately?”

  Va'leen takes a drink from her mug. She says, “It has been a while. I’ve grown rather tired of it, to be honest. I think at some point a woman wants to be the one who is claimed, rather than the one doing the claiming.”

  “I can understand that,” Chance says.

  “Still,” she says with a grin. “There is this one man I have an interest in… but I think I’m going to make him chase me.”

  “Good for you,” Chance replies. “Is it anyone I know?”

  Chance takes a drink of his milk as Va'leen shakes her head. “It’s not important who he is. Besides, I’m not sure he even notices me in that way.”

  Chance smiles, and says, “He would have to be blind not to notice you.”

  “Thank you,” she replies. “But you know how men can be. They can overlook something that is right in front of them the whole time.”

  Chance chuckles to himself and says, “That sounds a lot like me.”

  Va'leen replies, “You don't say.”

  The seven sisters enter the inn. Yentroc says to Lyra, “Look, there’s Chance, talking with Va'leen. You can go ask him what he said to Sven.”

  “Wait,” Gelana says. �
�Did you say Va'leen is talking with Chance?”

  “Yes,” Yentroc says as she points her finger. “Right over there.”

  Gelana looks at Rehma and Kel'ana with a look of concern. Evelena says, “Where did you say Kristieana is?”

  Gelana says, “She was getting measurements for a dress. Maybe I'll go and check on her.”

  “What’s going on?” asks Yentroc.

  Gelana looks at Evelena and asks, “Do you know?”

  Evelena sighs and says, “Unfortunately, yes. Kristieana told me the other night.”

  “Told you what?” Yentroc asks anxiously. “What’s going on?”

  “All right, I'll tell you all,” Gelana says, trying not to sound excited. The girls all gather around as Gelana informs them of what she and Kel'ana had discovered about Chance and Kristieana.

  Across the room, Va'leen and Chance are laughing. Va'leen says, “Your sister and I certainly had some good times together.”

  “It sounds like it,” replies Chance.

  “You know,” Va'leen says, looking down at her mug, “she recently joked with me about our age difference.”

  “Really?” asks Chance. “How so?”

  Va'leen answers, “She said to me that if you were only a hundred years older, you and I would have gotten along quite well.”

  Chance nods and says, “Well, you were always relentless about my age in the Dragon War. You never once called me by my name. You only called me 'pup.' You said, 'come here, pup.' Or, 'hey, pup, bring me some stew.' You seemed to take pleasure in making me serve you.”

  Va'leen, with a saddened smile, replies, “I remember, and I’m sorry if it hurt your feelings.”

  “Don't worry,” Chance says. “There was a part of me that found it amusing.”

  “Well, I was seven times your age,” Va'leen laughs.

  Chance says, “Now you’re only six times my age.”

  “Well,” Va'leen says more seriously, “I don't think of you as a 'pup' anymore.”