by Cadman, Dean
“When the first Guardians emerged and they bonded with their dragons the tide of war turned. Aamon was furious at his huge losses, and ripped open a tear in the very fabric of reality, allowing all kinds of foul creatures direct access to this world; if he could not control it, nobody would. Hundreds of Guardians and their dragons battled for days at the rift. Thousands upon thousands of dark creatures poured into our realm, extinguishing any life they encountered. Many Guardians and their dragons lost their lives at the breach trying to stem the flow of evil that was now flooding into our world. Driden and Aysha tried desperately to close the rift for days, but Aamon held it open from within. It was said he somehow tapped into the power of the other realm and was able to hold it open, even against his siblings combined strength. It was on the twenty first day of battle, and when all hope seemed to be lost, that a single Guardian and his dragon turned the tide forever. As the last of his fellow Guardians fell from the sky, broken and defeated, he took his dragon high into the sky, he turned his mighty dragon and dived for the open rift. As he entered the rift a huge explosion occurred from within, destabilising the connection between worlds. Aysha and Driden working together finally managed to seal the rift, with Aamon still trapped on the other side.
“Five Guardians survived that final battle, their names and fates lost forever in the passage of time. Men and dragons went their separate ways, no longer needing each other. Most of the creatures that entered our world were destroyed, a few still remain, but without the link to their realm they are much weaker than they once were. The creatures who inhabit these forests are from that time, left over from the great Dragon-Mage Wars millennia ago. It is believed the rift that was opened was in this general area, and these foul creatures constantly search for a way back home to their own realm, thankfully never straying far from this forest.
To answer your question of what other creatures are out there, nobody really knows. There are a few books in the great library of the High Temple that describe various encounters throughout the ages, maybe when we arrive you could read about them.”
Lusam had lots of questions regarding the Dragon-Mage Wars and the Gods, but remembered he had agreed to not ask any further questions until Renn had finished, so he just nodded for Renn to continue.
“That brings us nicely on to the question of who the man in the black robes trying to kill you was. He was a follower of Aamon, a necromancer, one of many in our lands sent to wipe out magic here. Magic has been in decline in Afaraon for a long time now. Nobody knew why fewer and fewer children were being born with the ability to use magic. As it turned out, around two hundred years ago we found out why. It wasn't that fewer children with the ability to use magic were being born at all, we discovered instead that the Thule Empire had been sending assassins to kill all newborn magi for decades, or even longer, we simply don't know for sure. They have a large network of agents hidden amongst our population, when they sense the birth of a newborn mage, they descend on the location and kill the child and mother.
Two centuries ago a new secret order was formed to help ensure the continuation of magic in the land of Afaraon. They called themselves the Hermingild. They are mainly comprised of ageing magi, usually of limited magical ability. The word Hermingild actually means: The all giving. Their only role is to sacrifice themselves at the exact moment a newborn mage enters this world, thereby masking the magical pulse of the birth with the larger pulse of their deaths. Asima, the woman you knew as your grandmother was actually in fact your mother's Hermingild. I'm afraid your mother suffered complications during your birth, and did not survive the process. Asima agreed to protect you and raise you as her own, she was to teach you the basics of magic and educate you in reading, writing and mathematics. She sent yearly reports to the High Temple on your progress, but when she died the reports obviously stopped arriving. When the High Temple noticed the report was overdue they sent me to look for you, so I could bring you back to complete your training.
Your mother was a powerful mage, maybe the most powerful mage we have had for centuries. Her loss was felt deeply by our nation. Afaraon is almost defenceless at the moment, if the Empire knew how weak we are right now they would strike without hesitation. When I left the High temple they were already periodically sending small bands of magi to probe our defences. It's only a matter of time before they realise we couldn't possibly defend ourselves against an all out magical strike, even using the temples own power reserves. We simply don't have the manpower to use it effectively. If the Empire take the High Temple of Aysha we are all doomed. Our scholars have warned that if Lord Zelroth gained access to the power of the High Temple, and combined it with his own, it may be possible for him to re-open the rift, releasing his God Aamon back into our world, along with whatever other nightmarish creatures lurk there.”
Renn leaned back against the log, waiting for a fresh barrage of questions to come from Lusam, but none came. Several minutes passed and still nothing. He began to think maybe he should have refused to answer any of his questions until they had reached the High Temple, then he heard a slight rustle as Lusam shifted his weight.
“Did you know my mother?” Lusam asked softly, fighting to hold back the tears now threatening to break free.
“I'm afraid not. Your mother chose to live a life outside the confines of the High Temple, even though she was offered a high position within its ranks. Our paths never crossed, but I knew of her, she was a good woman, and well respected. I know she would have been very proud of you Lusam,” Renn replied quietly.
“Thank you Renn,” Lusam whispered as he lay down and looked up to the stars high above, tears now rolling freely down his cheeks. Reaching into his tunic he removed his mother's pendant and held it tight in his hand. Silently he thanked the two women who had given so much for him to survive, one he thought he had known, and the other he would never know.
***
Chapter Five
Neala had remained silent since asking Skelly about Lusam's fate earlier that day. Her mind had been tortured by the countless possibilities of what could have happened to Lusam after Skelly had left him on that cobbled street, bleeding and fighting for his life. Did Lusam have enough time to heal himself? Or had the man in the dark robes caught him unprepared, and maybe even killed him after Skelly had left? She wasn't a religious person by any stretch of the imagination, but she had found herself praying several times already today, asking Aysha to help Lusam overcome whatever difficulties he had now found himself in.
Already twice that day they had ridden past more of the strange looking men in black robes, and twice she had felt that same feeling again. It felt like thousands of insects crawling around in her head, burrowing into her mind. She didn't know why, or how, but Neala knew instinctively they were searching her mind for something as they passed, and it didn't take a genius to work out it was more than likely to do with Lusam. Neala had no idea if it would help or not, but she tried to consciously block out any thoughts of Lusam while they invaded her mind.
Neala realised that the men in the black robes seemed to be waiting at all of the junctions and crossroads, covering all the possible exit routes from Helveel. She felt so helpless not being able to warn Lusam of their presence. If he had survived, and he was now coming to try and rescue her, he would be walking straight into their trap, and she had no way to warn him.
The pace Skelly had set was not fast, nor was it slow, they had remained at a constant trot for most of the morning. When the sun was at its highest point in the sky Skelly slowed his horse and came to a stop in the shade of a large oak tree. Neala was very glad of the shade. She had been far too hot sitting tied to the saddle all day, with no hat to protect her head, and no way to wipe the sweat from her face. Although it wasn't yet the full height of summer, it had still been a very hot day nonetheless. She had been very thirsty ever since she had first awoken; tied face down in the saddle. She wasn't sure if it was due to the residual effects of the poison Skelly had used on her,
or the dust she surely must have breathed in while being carried face down like that, but she needed a drink of water badly. But there was no way she was going to ask Skelly for anything; she didn't want him to think she was weak, and certainly not after what he had done to Lusam. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction, she thought to herself.
Skelly dismounted his horse and tied it off securely to a tree branch before removing his saddlebag.
“Are you hungry?” he asked without looking up. Neala didn't reply. Skelly removed a waterskin and two strips of dried beef from his saddlebag, then placed the bag next to the large tree trunk before walking over to Neala's horse and offering her a piece of the dried beef. Neala didn't acknowledge Skelly's approach and looked the other way.
“Take it or leave it, it makes no difference to me either way,” Skelly said coldly still holding out the strip of beef. Neala hated him, but she knew she must eat and drink to keep up her strength, in case she had a chance to run later, or even had to fight for her life at some point.
“How am I supposed to eat that if my hands are still tied to this saddle?” she asked calmly. She didn't want to unnecessarily provoke him again and receive another bruise for her attitude, so she swallowed the hatred she felt for him this time before speaking. Skelly smiled at her as if reading her thoughts, but said nothing.
He unfastened her horse from his and securely retied it to a stout tree branch, then released her hands from the saddle. Neala was glad to have the coarse rope removed from her wrists, as it had been chafing her for hours. She rubbed at the marks the rope had left behind, then reluctantly accepted the strip of dried beef from Skelly. He stood there staring up at Neala with an expectant look on his face. Neala knew the game he was playing, and knew she had to play along. If she didn't, it would probably be the last thing he would give her to eat or drink before they reached Stelgad, so swallowing her pride, and her true feelings for the man, she politely said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Skelly replied barely hiding his look of joy at making her sing to his tune. She struggled to ignore her burning desire to kick him in the face as hard as she could, and wipe away the smug look he was wearing. Instead she took a long calming breath and forced a smile back onto her face.
“May I have a drink of water please?” she asked amiably. Skelly's smug look slipped a little as he stood there searching her face for any sign of sarcasm, trying to determine if she were somehow playing him for a fool instead. Neala's heart sank as she struggled to maintain the neutral smile she wore, hoping she hadn't just lost her opportunity for a much needed drink of water. After a few moments hesitation Skelly held out the waterskin towards Neala, and she gratefully took it. It was the best drink of water she could ever remember. Before she could finish the whole waterskin Skelly snatched it back from her and re-stoppered it.“Thanks,” she said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Skelly only grunted a reply before re-securing her hands to the saddle and sitting down with his back to the large tree trunk.
It was about half an hour before Skelly moved from his resting place against the tree trunk. He retied Neala's horse to his, unfastened his own horse, replaced his saddlebag, and once again they were under-way to Stelgad.
Ten minutes later Neala could hear the distant sound of many horses galloping along the road behind them. She wasn't able to turn far enough in her saddle to get a good look, but what she could see made her heart skip a beat. Galloping at full speed towards them were a group of about a dozen men, all wearing black robes. Neala was about to say something to Skelly when she noticed him looking back at the fast approaching men. He pulled both of their horses over to the side of the road and quickly dismounted. Neala noticed him retrieve two small throwing knives from his belt as he put his horse between himself and the approaching men. She knew he was using her as bait, but she couldn't do anything about it tied to her saddle like she was.
“Cut me free, I can help,” she said desperately. Skelly ignored her.
Neala sat there feeling totally exposed on her horse, waiting for a sword or knife to pierce her back as the sound of the horses thundered towards them. She closed her eyes and held her breath, waiting for the inevitable pain that was about to assault her, and end her life. It didn't come. Instead the horses raced right past them, not even slowing down. There were no strange feelings of insects crawling inside their heads this time either, they simply ignored them completely. Neala's heart was pounding in her chest as she released the breath she had been holding for what seemed like minutes. Relieved to be still alive, and not on the end of someone’s sword or knife instead, she silently thanked Aysha for her good fortune. Skelly remounted his horse and simply continued as if nothing had happened.
“Where do you reckon they were heading in such a hurry?” Neala asked breaking the silence.
“Stelgad of course. That's the only place this road leads,” Skelly replied without looking back.
Chapter Six
Even though Lusam had been almost exhausted from the previous day's travelling, he had found it impossible to sleep that first night in the forest. His mind kept going over and over the information Renn had given him, about his mother who died giving birth to him, and about his grandmother, who apparently was not actually his grandmother at all, but instead his mother's Hermingild. Until yesterday he hadn't even heard of the word Hermingild, let alone knew what a Hermingild actually was.
He found himself torn between anger at his grandmother not telling him the truth of who she really was, and gratitude that she had taken him in as her own, and raised him with so much love and affection as she had done. He of course knew her name was Asima, and he now also knew she wasn't actually his grandmother at all, but he decided that night he would always remember her as if she were his real grandmother. She had been the only family Lusam had ever known, and he couldn't possibly imagine anyone doing a better job of raising him than she had done. He knew for certain deep down that she would have told him a great many things, if she had lived long enough to see him grow old enough to understand them. Unfortunately she hadn't, and he was beginning to understand as a result there were many things he didn't know about himself, or the world around him.
Long after Lusam had finally started to reconcile his thoughts about his mother and grandmother, he lay there listening to the gentle rhythmic snores of Renn. He wondered how he could possibly sleep so soundly knowing what foul creatures inhabited the forest around them? Then he realised the answer to his own question; Renn had faith. Faith in Aysha, faith in his weapons, and faith in his abilities to use them. How comforting it must be, to have such faith that everything would turn out the way it should Lusam thought to himself, as he finally drifted off into a restless sleep.
It felt like only minutes had passed since Lusam had closed his eyes, when he was awoken by the noise of movement within their camp. Startled, he sat bolt upright quickly searching for the danger, but only saw Renn quietly moving around the camp area. It took him a few moments to notice that the sun had already started to come up through the thick forest canopy. Although it wasn't yet full daylight, there was enough light to see the camp clearly. “Good morning,” Renn said whilst retrieving his sword that was still stuck in the ground at the edge of their camp.
“Good morning,” Lusam croaked back. He could not help looking at Renn's blade as he withdrew it from the ground, expecting to see gouges or scars in the metal due to the way he had plunged it into the ground the night before, but he saw none. The blade was unmarked, not even soil clung to the spotless blade as he returned it to its scabbard. Lusam's mind inevitably went to Neala, and the daggers he'd magically imbued for her. Reaching down to his belt he removed the dagger he'd retrieved from the battle in Helveel and held it in his hand, it was the only thing he had left of her now. Looking at the dagger he guessed Renn's sword must also carry a similar enchantment to make it so strong and durable.
Renn noticed Lusam staring at his sword as he returned it to his scabbard.
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br /> “Blessed,” he stated simply.
“What?” Lusam asked, not making the connection in his still sleep-hazed-brain. Then he realised what Renn was talking about. “Oh, your sword. I guessed it had an enchantment on it like this dagger, to make it stronger,” he said holding up his finely crafted knife.
“No, not enchanted. It is one of many that was blessed by Aysha herself many centuries ago. Its power comes directly from Aysha herself, not from a mage like a normal enchanted weapon. Only a paladin of Aysha may wield such a weapon, in any other hands it would be only a regular sword of no significance. Its power is channelled only by the faith of the paladin who wields it.”
Lusam also remembered the previous day when they had first set eyes on each other, Renn's shield had absorbed his powerful magical missile as if it had been nothing more than a wet sponge thrown at him.
“Your shield too?” he enquired.
“Yes, but the shield is much more unique though. It's thought to have belonged to one of the original Guardians who fell in the great war. Even though they were carried by all of the Guardians, only this one is believed to have survived that period,” Renn replied.
“But if they are so powerful, how could all of the others have been destroyed?” Lusam asked confused.