by Beaux Riley
"I couldn't find you because I lost the Light." Serict's words left Kimura confused.
"How could you have? Zahn made you of the highest rank just as he did me and Aedrius." Said Kimura.
"I saved the people here. I watched my fellow brothers die. I hid when I could have fought." Serict said truthfully. "Maybe this is my atonement. To preach the wisdom of a dead man until I die."
"I've lost it." Serict turned his head to Kimura, curious. "The Char stole the Beacon of Light from me."
"A fat load of good it'll be to them. Only Zahn could ever tap into its hidden potential." Serict said. "And what of you, boy? The fact of the matter is you and your brother are the only ones left."
"Aedrius died at Stoneholt." Kimura said quietly.
"What happened?" Asked Serict, seeming surprised.
"He tried tapping into the power of the orb, and was left a pile of dust." Said Kimura, reliving the moments before being knocked out by Aedrius.
"I...I'm sorry." Serict placed his hand on Kimura's shoulder.
"It isn't all lost. I've found students, a new kind of imbued Light users." Kimura stated.
"How is that possible?" Serict asked as he placed his book down beside them.
"I imagine that the Light within Aedrius spread across the land and chose them." Kimura slammed his fist down on the wooden seat, hurting his fingers. "There is so much I don't know about this damn power."
"They are the ones who accompanied you here? The man and the two women?" Serict asked.
"You had me being watched on the way here?" Asked Kimura.
"Worren doesn't have that many new visitors. You stood out and my counterparts made me aware." Serict said making a few notes. "Might I ask who they are? Would you say they are reliable?"
Kimura tried his best to pick his words. Seeing past Serict's blatant disregard for Zahn's final orders struck him wrong. It made Kimura see the lives of Lossetta, the mangled bodies in Stoneholt and the fires of Maiden's Point feel meaningless by Serict.
"A few Zirris, an Archivist, even a few key people that were from Elementalist nations we'd never heard of. They are a mixed bag and I care for each of them." Said Kimura.
"I may have something that could help you." Serict said. He pulled open his book and with a similar disorganization of notes that would make Lizoke jealous, he gave Kimura the very old fragment of a map. Upon it had what seemed to be, a fortress city.
"What or where is this?" Kimura asked genuinely interested.
"Before the Light forsook me, I felt as though the Light was taken north, further than the Ela'syn Forest. There is said to be a Prison built into the lower depths of a fortress. I felt the Light coming from there. I am sure of it." Said Serict, closing his book and standing.
"I ask that you never come back to Worren. Death will follow you until the Char is brought to an end." Serict's words struck Kimura deeply. He then understood Serict's request.
"Perhaps you'll find your way with this 'Kaeoth' religion." Kimura tried to sound sincere. "It's a shame, you were a fine paladin."
As Kimura made his way outside of the chapel, Serict did not rise. The friendship, the alliance and any ties that the former paladin had with Kimura, was now over. Once Serict knew that Kimura had left entirely, he stood and closed his book.
"Just as I requested. You really are supporting us, 'Father'." A woman with a white hood over her head, dressed similarly to the other servants within the church had said. She placed her hand openly on his shoulder, walking around him, into his line of sight.
"It couldn't have gone any better, for you, I mean, Lady Char." Said Serict.
"Oh 'Lady', now? You certainly want to remain on my friendly side." Said Vinesca. "Now, show me how to use the Beacon of Light."
"It...Comes at a price." Said Serict grimly.
"So long as you keep your end of the bargain, I'll pay it." Said Vinesca.
Chapter 8- Bait...
Jaya was in the front of the group with Kimura. Her attitude seemed happier than usual, demanding interest by the others.
“So what has you so peppy?” Asked Kimura.
“I found some books that Lizoke was looking for. She has interesting taste.” Jaya said with a grin of content. “I take it you found nothing relevant there?”
“I did. A man of equal rank to myself lost his Light. He can’t help us face the Char, let alone protect himself.” Said Kimura. “I’d hoped Serict would have aided me. He gave up and now runs a church in a belief that he can wish himself to regain his lost power. He’s a fool.”
“Was he? Hope is powerful.” Crowlis interjected.
“Hope is what drives all life.” Kimura said pushing his hair out of his face. “Serict’s is misplaced.”
“In any case, were you able to learn something to help our cause?” Asked Crowlis as the tall man attempted to point the conversation in a different direction. Kimura did catch the hint.
“There is much I want to discuss with the rest of the group in Midian.” Said Kimura.
“By all means, fill us in.” Angaea said angrily. “You need not keep secrets from us at this point, Kimura.”
Crowlis and Kimura both eyed each other.
“She has a point.” Said Crowlis.
***
“This is hard for me to say.” Said Kimura. The paladins in training sat giving their utmost attention to him. “We might have found the lost paladins from Vathra’s destruction. If this is true, god willing it's true, we can turn this act of hiding into a true fight against the Char.”
“What would we need to do to prepare for this?” Asked Asa.
“Take what I’ve taught you, and apply it.” Kimura said proudly. “I’ve seen you mold the Light in ways that I couldn’t imagine.”
Lizoke resisted the temptation to write in her notes. Kimura noticed the frustration and smiled at her.
“Cases like Lizoke have taught me that our gift isn’t as simple as training soldiers.” Said Kimura. "Each of you…each of you have taught me more than I could teach you. A time will come that you will pass the lessons of the Light onto others.”
“If I may, Kimura?” Asa raised his hand. Kimura smiled and nodded at the recruit’s request.
“I had no real plans in life when I retired from the Zirris. My father was enthralled into his work and finding people who were long dead, like my mother.” Asa wiped a tear away from his face. “The Light has given me a new purpose. Thank you for giving me a life better than a guard.” Kimura looked happier than he’d ever been.
“As this day ends, you are fellow paladins among me. The Paladine will survive.” Said Kimura.
Asa and the others cheered. It was a proud day for his students and even prouder moment for Kimura.
"The Paladine's leader was once known as the Knight Lord." Said Kimura, watching Lizoke jot down notes. "I am no leader. I've been scared of losing everything. You all have helped me regain my belief in myself. I can't be the one to teach a new generation and be a leader to you. As Zahn passed that mantle and responsibility to me, I will gladly grant it to one of you."
"Your understanding of the Light would demand you be that leader." Crowlis said, trying to appear happy.
"Three long and interesting years you've been my student, Archen. You've all shown me unique ways to master the Light." Said Kimura. "Even in manners worthy of a scholar like Liz."
Kimura pulled out an old piece of paper that Serict had given him and placed it on the table. Everyone gathered around and looked at it.
"This, from all the information I could possibly gather, is the closed off city of Imrosyn. It acts as a prison city with its residents living above ground, while below is the worst of all criminals." Said Kimura. "And that...is all we know. They have cut themselves off from the rest of the world. If they somehow arrested all the paladins...I can't even begin to think how. All I know for sure is that this is the place Serict said he felt the Light Strongest before he lost his power."
"We can't exactly knock
and ask if they have our friends in a cell, can we?" Cray said, drinking what smelled of grapes. Lizoke approached Cray, taking the drink from his lips.
"H-hey!" Said Cray, confused by the elf's actions.
"No drinking in the library." Lizoke pulled a refuse bin and threw the contents with the glass and all into the trash. Cray was slightly embarrassed.
"That was a gift from Jaya. It isn't like I can travel four days to Worren and get another." Said Cray, still trying to taste the remnants on his lips.
"Make it my problem, I dare you." Lizoke eyed him through her thick glasses.
"I'll bet 3 coins she'll take him out in a single hit." Said Crowlis trying to start a wager.
"I'll take that bet. I've taught her how to pull a good left hook." Said Kilo. Asa and Jaya both began to groan at the same time.
"The rivalry between those two is comical." Said Crowlis, bumping Kilo's forearm with his own. For a moment Cray believed that the monstrously tall Archen Crowlis had made a friend.
"I'll let Cray be humiliated further after our next lesson." Said Kimura. "Our next destination will be Ela'syn Forest. Princess Dawnsent has agreed to meeting with us."
Lizoke dropped her pen. Its Light-imbued aura dissipated instantly as she was dumb-founded by Kimura's statement.
“I can finally visit my cousins!” She seemed so excited.
“Just a rumor, not going to spoil it, but Illoke’s private athenaeum is the thing of legend.” Kilo poked at Lizoke. Lizoke’s expression was nothing short of foaming at the mouth. She squealed in excitement. She proved time and again that she craved knowledge. To see something as sacred as the archives of her people, she couldn’t begin to believe what is stored there.
"We'll need to be well rested. The trip is twice as far as Worren was." Said Kimura, trying to contain Lizoke's excited state. "Not to mention we have to meet with the liaison’s from Ela'syn in the forest's entrance. Ela'syn City will be well worth the trip."
"I won't be able to make it." Pate raised himself from his seat. His look was grim.
"Pray tell, why not?" Kimura asked.
"I haven't kept myself secret, Kimura." Said Pate. "Not to endanger the Paladine or anything. I have carrier sparrows sending messages to and from my mother. She was ill before I've committed to your cause...our cause."
"What is the problem, then?" Kimura asked, in the same tone.
"She is dying. If I make this trip, she'll have passed by the time I arrive in Ela'syn. If I go now, I can still make it in time to see her." Said Pate, passing a tear-stained note to Kimura. Kimura looked over the note, feeling remorse at the spots where the ink had become unreadable.
"Pate,
I miss you, my baby boy. I hope Fels has brought this message to you in good health. He doesn't fly the normal route to you anymore, so I know you are travelling again. I am not long for this world and would love to see you one more time.
Your loving mother,
Teleeth Illus.
P.S. Please eat more. You were always too skinny."
Kimura handed Pate the note back and his happy disposition was turned more serious.
"I need you to keep everything here-" Kimura started to speak, but was interrupted.
"I know, I know. No Light, no Paladine, no Midian, nothing. I can't reveal myself or jeopardize the mission." Said Pate. "She lives off of the coast of Averia, in the Partnered Isles. I'll have to take a day boat to get to her. I took the liberty of having everything I need to get the trip done safe and sound."
"I won't stop you, brother. Journey safe." Said Kimura.
***
“I would never have believed it, were I not to witness it.” King Dawnsent proclaimed. His closest guard, those who protected him at the gates of Stoneholt, had been affected by the last of the paladin’s magic. “I made the mistake of allowing them into our archives. Now Zahn’s transgressions are still plaguing us after two decades!”
“Father…please. They aren’t responsible. They were…not who we should be angered with and you know it…” Caliya argued with her father. “Maybe this will help us?”
“That damned Zahn. I warned him of the implications of the Light. He ignored everything I told him. Now…now we must suffer the same burden.” Illoke’s voice boomed in the hall. The elves which kneeled before him kept a resolve unmoving. Caliya slammed her hand, slightly startling her father.
“The druidic way hasn’t been perverted. We can take this to our advantage. Is Kimura someone you’d fear?” Asked Caliya. The soldiers who had been at attention were giving slightly awkward looks to one another.
“His focus is of murder and blindly follows a dead man.” Said Illoke. “Would you argue that?”
“I’d argue that he would follow a dead man faithfully.” Said Caliya. She rose from her throne aside her father’s and left, making the guards stand and salute. Caliya rushed towards the guards, forcing them to stand aside. She heard her father call back to her but she didn’t stop. The Princess forced the doors open using her magic and a loud slamming sound could be heard throughout the city. Caliya could be seen with tears in her eyes. She always hated her father’s closeminded thinking.
“To think he’d allow the Light users to come here just to say they were an abomination and needed to be arrested. His prejudice for days long since passed, I can’t allow this.” Caliya thought to herself.
“Caliya, CALIYA PLEASE STOP.” Illoke yelled out to her. She only did having all the surrounding elves stare at the King and Princess.
“You’d arrest them as they come to you for help. Father you are no better than the bastards you allowed to live.” Caliya cursed at her father. Illoke’s reactions were mixed at best. He understood what Caliya meant but could not speak the words he wanted. “I should stop them from entering their own prison here.”
“Daughter. I don’t want to bring our people into a war.” Said Illoke.
“The Char will never harm us. Your sadistic spells assured they’d never grow beyond three. Why do you fear the paladins as badly as them?” Yelled Caliya.
“When will it end?” Illoke asked honestly. “How can we save them?”
“We can save them by letting them end this themselves. They won’t ask our aid, they’ll ask for a base, a place to plan and lead it themselves. Can we not provide them that?” Caliya demanded to know.
“You can’t understand the situation we’ve been put in, Cali.” Illoke said, trying to embrace her. “Before I was blessed with you into my life, The Sorcerer’s War forced us to keep the old magic secret. Our way of life changed.”
“I’ve wanted to idolize you, father. I’ve wanted people to believe you are more than a secluded racist. We aren’t above other races. The Paladine, they want to ally with us to bring the Char to justice. Kimura has brought this to my attention, over the last several years. He’s never killed. Against your better wishes, I’ve invited them to make their searches here. I cannot contest my King, but I will use my power as Princess to allow a sanctuary. You cannot prevent that!” Caliya stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
“I don’t intend to.” Said Illoke. “Let the last paladin set his own path.”
“Will you? Or will you be another enemy to him?” Caliya asked sincerely.
“They’re here, aren’t they?” Illoke asked. He turned his head towards a guard, who upon eye contact made their sweat fall like beads.
“Milord, the Princess did indeed supersede your rule.” A soldier by the name of Gwenith answered Illoke. The King made a face which wouldn’t ever be seen by any other. It was a pure look of anger.
“How long has he been here?” Illoke turned, asking his daughter.
“There is a total of eight of them, including Kimura.” Said Caliya. “There are a few of the Zirris and the half-blood.”
Illoke took a moment to think. He’d never spoken directly to the Adestrin Child. She was a strange case. He remembered she was abandoned by her real parents and taken in by a poor farming family.
; “It’s only a matter of time before they learn the truth.” Illoke sighed. “Allow me to get acclimated to their goals now.”
***
Ela’syn City was comprised of the oldest trees within the exact heart of the northern Ethran forest. The structures were built into hundreds of the trees. Seemingly to those who didn’t understand elven magic, would see gigantic oak trees with homes built onto those natural rises. Modest homes with windowless patios could be seen all around from every edge of the city. Though the elves were a rich society, one could not tell by the lack of jewels or golden treasure.
Men and women dressed in simple white shirts and brown robes walked through the paths made into the short grassy floors. The Paladins, as they were escorted by Caliya, would catch the people kneeling to the Princess and making strange faces at Lizoke more than the others. While the former Maiden’s Point Archivist was enthralled by the beauty of Ela’syn City, she ignored the people staring at her.
The dead center of the city held a huge tree, larger than what seemed to be the entire forest. It had been long since hollowed out, creating a pathway up to the middle section of the tree that one could compare to a castle made entirely out of wood. Guards stood on each side of the staircase, one on each step, wielding long swords and emerald-green long shields that could compare to Crowlis’s own weapon.
Caliya spoke on and off with Kimura, while the new seven paladins followed close behind. Lizoke was off in her own little world, writing and drawing in her personal journal quickly and excitedly. Angaea and Jaya spoke among themselves about the botany that went into maintaining the city, leaving Cray, Asa, Kilo and Crowlis to follow quietly nearby.
Asa had been reading reports from the aftermath of Maiden’s Point. Getting information while in hiding for three years made gaining news from the outside world difficult for everyone. The paladins in training had been listed on the casualties of the fire.
The bodies of many citizens and Zirris had never been recovered…Zirris Commander Stratus Omni reported the loss of his only son, Sargent Asa Koen Omni, who had been confirmed for retirement from the military police of Saebel…