by Toni Cox
They went down to the eating hall of the guest house for breakfast; Maia could hardly believe she was hungry after last night’s feast, but she ate with a gusto that surprised her. They were served freshly baked bread with butter, a variety of cured meats, cheeses and marmalades, as well as fresh, sliced melons, apples, peaches and other fruit.
Once they had eaten, they made their way to the stables to see to the horses, and found them well looked after, well fed and comfortable, but Fire was restless in his stable. Maia took a moment to reassure him that it wouldn’t be for too long. She put a hand to his neck and let him feel her energy to calm him.
“It is only for a few days. Soon we will be home again and you can run with your mares.”
He snorted his acknowledgment and turned to the net of hay hanging in his stable.
Satisfied that the horses were taken care of, they strolled through the narrow streets towards the trading square. It was already busy with stalls set up and people peddling their wares. Although locals had permanent stalls on the square, most belonged to travellers going from town to town to trade.
The people of the Yllitar Plains were well represented, trading their variety of grains and the cured meat of their cattle, sheep and horhogs for smoked fish, furs and leathers, blades and cooking utensils and other commonplace items. Other traders came from neighbouring countries such as Bron, Galaban, Tandemar and Eiken. Yet others came from countries further away, such as Ilondian and Arabat, and had more exotic items on offer. Items such as blown glass lanterns in a variety of colours with matching glowing crystals, strange herbs and spices from the southern lands, black obsidian blades from Smoketop Mountain, combs and brooches out of a variety of materials, precious and semi-precious stones from Crystal Mountain in the east and even jewellery made of pearls from Agoria. All these items one could purchase here.
Maia packed several rolls of suede before they left Shadow Hall. These she intended to trade for the items she wished to procure today. Suede of this quality was always welcome and she silently thanked her grandmother for having given her some extra before she had left. She would often trade medicinal herbs for skins the Hunters brought back. Rabbit and small deer were her favourite. She would work the skins into suede, then either use them for herself or keep them for just such an occasion as this. Because she had been away for long, she did not have a lot to trade with and her grandmother had given her some from her own store.
She was glad to have the extra skins, as there were many items she hoped to acquire today. She wanted to replenish her own medicine bag, as well as put together a new one for Luke. His training with Silas seemed to be going well and if they were to have their own house, it would be beneficial for them to have their own medicine bag at home.
She also wanted to get a few special things for Jasmin for the Home Blessing ceremony. She found a beautiful ivory comb, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, a set of amber earrings and wash sponges from one of the Great Salt Lakes to the east.
Finding something for Aaron, however, proved to be difficult. They went from stall to stall, looking at the wares on offer, but nothing felt quite right. Jaik made suggestions, and Maia was thankful for his input, but in the end she did not find anything she felt was right for Aaron.
Frustrated, she trailed after Jaik as he went to more stalls to acquire things he needed. She was surprised when he stopped at a cloth dealer and traded for several rolls of expensive, embroidered cloth. She was even more surprised when he traded a crystal for the privilege of having it delivered. Only once he gave the name of the recipient, did she understand. It was a gift for Siya.
Having watched the exchange had alerted Maia to the quality of the cloth and by the time Jaik was finished, Maia had concluded her own deal and acquired a roll for herself. She had chosen a roll of a mauve-coloured textile. Although it was not her usual colour, the fabric was exquisitely embroidered with the symbols of Life & Death and she found herself irresistibly drawn to it. It was a fairly small roll of cloth, but it none the less cost her five pieces of her suede.
Once they had given their purchases to a Server to take to the guest house, they made their way to the Library. Maia had only been there once before and she was just as impressed with the building now as she had been then. The Library was a large, white-washed building with a domed ceiling and tall, colourful windows. Each window depicted a different scene of life in the city. Fishermen on the lake, flags flying from the rooftops, traders in Market Square, jousters at Spring Feast, a wedding procession, the residence of His Lordship, and many more. Maia never tired of looking at them.
Inside, the air was cool and the light from the many-coloured windows cast strange shapes across the marble floor. All the walls were covered with shelves, from floor to ceiling, holding a vast amount of scrolls, papers, books and maps. Small tables and cushioned benches were strewn about for people to sit. It was an incredible collection of knowledge and it was hard to believe it all belonged to one man.
Dorien Ivyson was one of Braérn’s Elders and he had been collecting scrolls and Elder writing for close on a millennium. Almost four hundred years ago, he decided to open his collection to the public. Everyone should profit from the knowledge available here. Now, the Library of Braérn was famous for its vast collection of information and people came here from all corners of the globe to do research or study. The locals also used the Library for recreational purposes and in the mornings the children of Braérn assembled here for their studies.
Under normal circumstances, Dorien did not lend out items from the Library, but Dorien and Silas had been friends a very long time, and for him he would make an exception, knowing the scrolls would return to him undamaged.
Dorien poured Maia and Jaik some iced tea and bade them to make themselves comfortable at one of the many sitting areas of the Library. He was just about to leave to retrieve the requested books and scrolls, but as his eyes scanned the list Silas had put together, he paused and tuned back to the siblings.
“This is interesting material Silas is looking for. It is not a subject most people want to deal with. May I ask the reason for his interest?”
Maia tried to keep her expression neutral, but she felt her heart quicken and blood colour her cheeks. Silas had obviously not mentioned the reason for his interest in his letter. Was it therefore wise to tell Dorien the real reason they wanted the information? Dorien was one of Silas’ oldest friends and one of the most respected Elders in their region. Maybe he had answers. Maia decided to tell him the truth.
“Dorien, I know I can trust you to treat this with the utmost confidentiality.” Maia swallowed hard and then took a deep breath before she continued. “When I returned from my final test on Earth, I brought back three Humans. They have no knowledge of Travelling, so we assume somehow I managed to transport them. Silas and I have spent almost a Moon going through all the information he possesses to find a way back for them, but so far without any progress. Silas is hoping we will find something in your collection to help us send the Humans home.”
Dorien studied her for a long time before he answered. Maia grew fidgety, knowing he did not approve and worrying about what he might have to say to her.
“What you have done is rare, but I have heard of it before.”
Maia’s face brightened and she looked up at him in hope. He held up his hand, indicating that he was not finished speaking.
“I cannot assume your reasons, but I can tell you that it is something shunned when spoken of in public. So guard your secret, at least for a while.” Dorien took her hand and looked at her kindly. “I do not wish to scare you, but what you have done might have serious repercussions if not corrected swiftly. I have several written works dealing with the subject of Soul Reaping. Study them well.” Dorien let go of her hand and gave her a brief smile. “Drink your tea. I will get you what you are looking for.”
Maia stared after him as he crossed the large central floor of the library, ascended some steps and disappeared through
a door into one of the restricted rooms on the top floor. She shivered. Soul Reaping? Is that what she had done? What did it mean?
Jaik put his arm around her and drew her close. She realised she was shivering, although it was warm in the library, and leaned her head against Jaik’s shoulder.
“What have I done?” she whispered, but Jaik did not say anything and just held her close until Dorien returned.
Dorien came back carrying two large, leather bound books, as well as five tightly rolled scrolls. Each scroll was tied with a different colour ribbon and sealed with a wax stamp.
“Maia, I must ask you to ensure the safety of this material. They are the only originals still in existence, although copies exist in other centres of learning across the globe. Do you have somewhere to put them in to protect them from light and water?”
Maia opened her satchel and carefully took the books and scrolls from Dorien to store them within.
“I will protect them well, Dorien, thank you for your help. I will return them as soon as I can.”
“Study them well, Maia. I wish I could help you further, but it is something you will have to do by yourself. Now come, do not look so glum, we have a meeting to attend to. Take the books to your room and I will meet you outside the guesthouse in a short while. Then we can go to the Elder Hall together. I just want to finish up here.”
Maia and Jaik walked back to the guesthouse in silence. Once in their rooms, Maia opened the satchel and stared at its content wistfully. Jaik sat down at their table and helped himself to the lunch that had been set out for them.
“You should eat something before we go to the meeting. With so many clan leaders present it might be nightfall before we get out of there again.”
“I know.” Maia sighed. “Do I really have to go? I would like to start reading these as soon as possible.”
“You know we should both be there. It is expected of us. I also think it would be better if you only read them with Silas, once you’re home.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Maia closed the drawstring of the satchel and packed it among her other luggage. She sat with Jaik while he ate, but did not have any herself. She did not have a stomach for food now.
Dorien was waiting for them when they stepped out the front door of the guest house. Together they made their way through the city to the Elder Hall. All the Elders from Braérn were there, as well as a few from other clans, including Jadae, Ramaer and Lidvar from their clan and Reandor from Tarron Heights. Swelling their number, were an assortment of Guard and high ranking members of Braérn, as well as the leaders of the attending clans and their retinue.
Pushing through the crowd, Jaik and Maia went to find a place for them, while Dorien went to sit by the other Elders. It was almost an hour before everyone was seated, which gave Maia time to look around. The hall was circular, as were most Elder Halls, with tiers of benches encircling the speaker’s platform in the centre. Unlike their own Elder Hall, which was built entirely of wood and was high up in the trees, this one was built on the ground. The walls where whitewashed brick, supported by thick wooden beams arranged in a lattice pattern, both visible from the outside and the inside.
Maia enjoyed the architecture of Braérn, although she could not imagine living permanently on the ground. The tiers were cut into the bedrock and the speaker’s platform was approximately twenty paces lower than ground level. Thick rugs and carpets covered the tiers to ward off the chill from the rock. Thick, stained-glass windows cast a strange light into the hall, dappling the interior. Crystal lanterns hung from hooks at every window, supplementing the light.
Maia was just studying the intricate design carved into the door frame, when she saw Kanarel step into the hall. Quickly she averted her eyes, hoping he had not seen her. But moments later he was beside her.
“My Lady, as beautiful as ever.” Kanarel bowed and kissed her lightly on the hand.
Maia thought he looked a little tense. “May the Mother ever smile on you.”
He let go of her hand and greeted Jaik, then said, “May I sit with you today?”
Without waiting for an answer, he took his seat beside Maia and continued to chat about various trivial matters. Jaik rolled his eyes behind Kanarel’s back.
Maia let out a sigh of relief when Kyreon, as leader of the Swiftfisher clan of Braérn, opened the meeting by banging his staff on the flagstones in the centre of the hall, effectively cutting off Kanarel’s stream of words.
“Welcome. I greet you, Elders, Delegates and Guard Members of Braérn, Shadow Hall, Tarron Heights, Thala Yll and Alea Yll.”
The crowed politely clapped their hands in greeting.
“And Braérn extends a special welcome to Lady Maia and Lord Jaik Longshadow. It is an honour to have you among us today.” Kyreon bowed.
Maia blushed as the congregation turned towards the siblings and bowed to them also, chanting the traditional greeting in unison.
Only once everyone had settled again and everyone’s attention was focused on him, did Kyreon continue.
“It is under unfortunate circumstances that we gather here today. We have come together to discuss the reports of attacks on our people. Braérn has so far only suffered one attack, in which three of our people lost their lives. Other cities have reported more than one attack and the number of deaths is rising. It is time we have a closer look at the cause and determine a solution on how to stop the attacks. Four clans have sent speakers to tell us their story. From Shadow Hall, I welcome Jadae Longshadow, son of Jarra.”
Jadae rose and bowed to the congregation before taking his seat again.
“From Tarron Heights, I welcome Lord Cinaed Tallson, son of Cyleon”
Lord Cinaed also stood, bowed and then sat once more, as did the others as they were introduced.
“From Thala Yll, I welcome Lord Skylor Hazelwatch, son of Salassan, and from Alea Yll, I welcome Lord Durinn Plainspar, son of Delron. Jadae, will you begin please?” Kyreon gestured to Jadae, who rose to speak.
“So far, Shadow Hall has only lost two people. But they were not the only deaths in our territory, as Cinaed will tell you later.” Jadae cleared his throat before he continued. “At first it appeared to have been a simple accident. They were on their way to Tarron Heights, when they were killed by a rock slide. But, upon close inspection of the accident site, we discovered that the rock slide might have been triggered by unnatural forces and it looked as if the people had been killed on purpose. When we went to retrieve the bodies, we saw their clothing had been stolen off their bodies. The bodies themselves had serious wounds, which appeared as if they were made by some kind of animal. Most wounds were around the neck, torso and groin. Under normal circumstances, wounds such as those should have bled profusely, but once we moved the bodies, we realised that there only a little blood had soaked into the surrounding earth. At first we were stumped as to why this should be the case, but after the incident with the people from Tarron Heights, we have come to an assumption that might not be well received with this council.” He paused briefly and exchanged a glance with Jaik before he went on. “We believe that Vampyres might be involved.”
There was a sound of disbelief from the crowd, but Jadae continued speaking.
“I do not make these assumptions lightly. However, we have looked at the evidence available to us and all the clues point to this conclusion. I believe that people from other cities have also been found in similar circumstances. Cinaed, will you tell us of your incident?”
The leader of Tarron Heights stood while Jadae went to sit down. The hall was filled with disbelieving voices and Kyreon had to bang his staff three times before Cinaed was able to speak.
“Two Moons ago, we sent four Traders to Rathaés to acquire medicinal herbs. When they did not return within a fortnight, we began to worry and sent out a Regiment to search for them. They returned a few days later, laden with the burden of our dead. And, as Jadae already mentioned, ours were also stripped naked and had horrific wounds, some
of them even missing limbs. As we only found them days after their deaths, we were unable to tell how much blood they had spilled on the ground, but their bodies were strangely pale. Then, last Quarter, we sent two of our Guard to Shadow Hall. They never reached their destination. Their dismembered bodies were discovered by one of Shadow Halls’ Trackers, who then notified Jagaer.”
A murmur went through the crowd and, before Kyreon could nominate the next speaker, Skylor from Thala Yll stood up.
“Our condolences for your dead.” He bowed. “We have fared likewise. So far, the attacks have only happened in the forest and have claimed two of our people. Our grazing herds of cattle and sheep have also been attacked. The herds close to Grildor-Bron Forest were the ones hardest hit, we have lost over forty beasts. We are now flying patrols on our dragons along the edge of the forest at night and this seems to have halted the attacks. We are afraid for our folk, and the herds are our livelihood.”
Skylor gave a short bow and resumed his seat. Durinn, from Alea Yll, rose and cleared his throat.
“It is as you say, we fear for our people. Our fields are spread wide, some of them are miles away from the city and often during harvest season, our Farmers will spend the night in the fields. So far, we have had seven deaths, but we suspect there have been other attempts. Our Farmers never go out without their wolves, which protect them from scavengers during the night. Lately, the wolves have been agitated, howling until late into the night and running around the camps. A few nights ago, one ran out into the darkness, and the Farmer told of noises like a fight, the wolf growling, and then yelping. When he went out in the morning to look for him, he only found scuff marks on the ground and soe tufts of fur, but no sign of his wolf. We have now bidden the Farmers to come in every night, but it is cutting our working time in half.”