“Will he die?” asked Finn.
“He might,” answered Borman.
“And turn to stone … like your earl?”
“Until the time that we are all awakened.”
“When is that?”
“The last days of this world. The scattered stones of our kind will break causing the rise of those that have fallen.”
“Why come back from the dead just as the world is ending?”
“To help reclaim it. The end of this world … but the beginning of the next.”
“Then you are not truly dead … just sleeping, in a way,” said Finn.
“Dead as you would be … or anything else. There's a reckoning coming at the end of this world. It's not just for Stone Giants,” answered Borman.
“It feels as if it is here. Occurring now.”
“No. War and battle make it seem so, but the end is not here yet. Have you ever smoked a pipe?” asked Borman.
“No. I haven't,” replied Finn.
“Then I won't ask if you've ever had dried leaves from Tumara. I guess, even if you had smoked a pipe, you wouldn't have had those before.”
“How so?”
“They don't grow here. If you smoked before you'd noticed a different texture. It keeps your wits about you. At least, that's what everyone says. It's as good a reason as any.”
Borman Thyn lit the pipe by flicking a small stick against the leather of his tunic. He slowly breathed in, while putting the flame to the leaves. A rich smoke came from the pipe. It smelled of freshly cut wood with hints of cinnamon and fig. The scent mixed with the breeze. Finn couldn't explain it but it made him feel like he belonged in that very moment. He did not have a family or a home. However, he supposed coming home or visiting loved ones would feel this way. It was familiar in a sense that everyone should recognize it.
“The trees of Tumara are very old. Their leaves are rich. Here, try it. Breathe slowly. The pipe is a little larger than one from here. I suppose it will make you a quick learner,” said Borman, as he gave the pipe to Finn.
The pipe was heavier than Finn had imagined. He slowly breathed in the smoke. He felt it line the walls of his throat and fill his lungs. It was a bitter smoky taste breathing in, but the rich texture of wood, cinnamon, and fig filled his nose and lungs as he breathed it out. Finn could not taste the bitterness the second the time. He enjoyed it and, for a moment, forgot Borman was even there.
“Not even a cough. Seems you were born for it. Alright … alright. Build your own boat and sail to Tumara,” said Borman, laughing.
“Do you pass Tumara … when sailing here?” asked Finn.
“No. Turmara is south of Stone Water. Karth is north.”
“Where is Karth?”
“Where is Karth?” asked Borman, incredulously.
“What? Should I know?”
“Finn, you are standing on Karth. This is Karth,” said Borman, as he motioned around him.
“What? This? This is Altaris,” replied Finn.
“Altaris … ha,” Borman laughed and took a deep drag from his pipe. “You may call it Altaris … others here may call it Altaris. This does not necessarily make it so. Your Altaris is Karth and it has been called Karth for thousands of years. The Bourne named it and lived here before the first Great War. Your kind have lived here for a few hundred and already renamed it and claim it to be the center of the world.”
“I was raised in servitude. Perhaps, others know all these things,” replied Finn.
“Karth is actually one of the smallest of all the lands of Ehlür. These four realms don't make a ripple in the water compared to the other lands. Most here don't know this because of the seas that surround Karth. You are isolated to the other lands. Don't misunderstand me. I like Karth. Our people lived here once before the first Great War.”
“Why are they here, then? The Skin Slavers, wolves, and gorgons. Why are they here if we are so small?”
“There is a war outside your lands. It has spilled over to Karth. Gorgons and such, they are not the true enemy. They are just foot soldiers, at best. The Fire-Hain and other demon beasts of Tur. These are the true invaders. Gorgons and such – just foot soldiers.”
“What do they want here?”
“They are forging weapons for a larger war.”
“It's true then. The gorgons do take your soul.”
“Your lands are easier to conquer. They are split amongst realms. The White Ruins was a dark temple. It has been used before.”
“They are going to kill them all. They will kill her - blacken her soul,” said Finn.
“We are going there too, Finn,” said Borman. “They raided one of our villages. Took children. A nephew of Gilnor and Dord, seven in total. We plan to get them back.”
“Nylah is with them.”
“I assumed you were coming with us,” said Borman.
“I am.”
“Good. We will need your bird as well.”
“It's not mine. We're friends, I believe.”
“A Blood Falcon will follow its companion until one of you dies.”
“Have you seen others?”
“There are some in other lands, but not many. For a former slave, you have quite an impressive pet. Let's see how the others are faring.”
Dord was emptying a pot of dirty water mixed with blood, as Borman and Finn returned. Gilnor was drying his hands with a rag. His needle and clamps had been cleaned and were on the leather skin. Torin slept with his back against the rock. His bandages were new. Some blood had soaked through in patches. Torin's head and hair were soaked in sweat.
“Will he live?” asked Borman.
“I believe so,” answered Gilnor. “He was right. It wasn't rotten. I had to burn the wound before threading it. I do not think he should walk anymore today. We should give it the night.”
“We will lose time. He won’t be able to fight if he cannot walk,” said Borman.
“I can fight,” said Torin, in a haze.
“Our nephew is with them too,” said Dord. “I think one night will not stop us from our business.”
“So be it,” said Borman. “We will leave at first light. This will make as good a camp as any.”
“I will fight,” said Torin, as he fell back to sleep.
“I know, friend,” replied Borman.
___________
The evening brought a light chill to the air. The last hint of sun still laid upon the foothills in hues of red and orange. It illuminated the trees and caused shadows to grow long and twist across the grassy foothills. The rock coming from the hill blocked the wind and kept the fire alive. It crackled and glowed an amber red. A boar slowly roasted above the fire. The air around the camp was filled with the aroma of cooking and smoke from Borman's pipe. The boar had been gutted but the falcon's talon marks remained on the skin of its belly. Finn drank a glass of spiced water while they made their plans for the White Ruins. Torin was still asleep. He had awoken for a short time to eat and drink, but soon fell back to slumber.
“We should arrive to the east of the ruins. There is a beachhead there that is close to the altar room,” said Gilnor.
“Yes,” said Borman.
“Why do they call it the White Ruins?” asked Finn.
“He was a slave. He has not seen it,” Borman said to the others.
“It was not truly white,” said Gilnor. “It was an evil place. A great dark temple used for the wicked.”
“For sacrifice - taking souls?” asked Finn.
“At times, but that was not its true purpose. It was last used by the Bourne, before they fell. They did not make the temple, but it was their undoing,” said Gilnor.
“Who made it?” asked Finn.
“I don't know. Few do. It was built before our time,” replied Gilnor.
“Some say Nephalis. The dark one himself built it after his exile,” said Dord.
“Why has it not been destroyed?” asked Finn.
“It's cursed land. Nothing will grow. What
will you put in its place?” asked Gilnor.
“Sometimes it is best to leave evil to rot and decay,” said Borman.
“Over time, the sun, ocean, and sand steadily beat upon it. They slowly chipped away at the walls. They left the temple bare of color. Some of the structures have fallen; some have stayed upright. This is why it is called the White Ruins,” said Gilnor.
“Did you hear that?” asked Finn.
“Yes,” said Dord.
“Something is out there,” said Finn, as he rose to his feet.
Borman looked out into the growing darkness. He clutched his bow. The sounds of horses could be heard in the distance. He turned to see five men on horseback riding towards them.
“Riders,” said Borman.
“Humans. Appear to be soldiers,” said Gilnor.
“Let them approach. We will see what they want,” said Borman.
The five riders had wooden shields that hung from their saddles. The shields displayed the blue and white colors of the Northern Realm with a red sword in the center. The men wore leather cuirasses with steel ringlets. Each man wore a leather cowl and had a crossbow strapped across his back. They left a trail of broken and bent grass in their wake. One of the riders held up a hand and waved slightly. They stopped cantering the horses, as they approached the camp.
“We come only to speak with you,” said one of the riders. He wore a mustache and beard that was combed to a point. His hair was black and curled out of his leather cowl. A small scar went through his lips at one side. There was a wickedness behind his pale brown eyes. “I am Devlin Molt, a warden of King Tellos. These men are, of course, with me.”
“Hello to you,” said Borman Thyn.
“God and kings, look at the size of 'em,” said one of the soldiers.
“We can easily see that you are not from here,” said Devlin.
“No,” replied Gilnor.
“That one maybe,” said another soldier.
“I am from the west,” said Finn.
“Em. I see. You should know that an edict has been passed by the king. The Northern Realm is no longer welcome to outsiders,” said Devlin.
“This may no longer be the Northern Realm given the condition of your neighbors. It might just be the realm,” said Borman.
“Be that as it may, we're having issues with all manner of visitors - friend and foe alike,” said Devlin.
“Gorgons raided one of our villages. They took children. Given that there is not much realm left to traverse, we should be off your king's land within a day or two, at most,” said Borman.
“I am ordered to force others off the king's territory. This could be at sword point, if necessary,” said Devlin.
“I am sorry for you then,” replied Gilnor.
“Obviously, I do not have enough soldiers with me to do this - even if I wanted to,” replied Devlin.
“No. You do not,” said Borman, looking over the five soldiers.
“So, when I leave here, I will be forced by oath to report back to the castle. Get more men. This could take a day … to go there and return here. I trust I won't find you,” said Devlin.
“You will not,” said Borman.
“Good. If I may ask, where are you from? In case the king asks,” inquired Devlin.
“Stone Water,” said Gilnor.
“I see. Well then, one last question for you. We are also looking for a man. You would remember him - very pale skin with red eyes,” said Devlin.
“What do you want with him?” asked Gilnor.
“He is the brother to a rival king,” said Devlin.
“He's cursed,” said one of the soldiers.
“Cursed? How so?” asked Borman.
“By the devil at birth,” replied the soldier.
“Have you seen this man or not?” asked Devlin.
“So, this man is wanted because of his brother? I am glad we do not have this law in Stone Water,” said Borman.
“We would all be wanted men,” said Dord, grinning.
“Your answer,” said Devlin, growing tired.
“No. We've not seen this man,” replied Borman.
“Em. We will leave you then. I trust I will not find you here tomorrow,” said Devlin.
“I hope you do not,” said Gilnor.
“Good. You are large men, but I've yet to meet anyone that does not die with enough arrows. We will have plenty tomorrow,” said Devlin.
Finn felt an anger welling up inside of him. He thought of Nylah as a captive. She was probably sleeping on the ground surrounded by other prisoners that were dead or dying. He was not helping her that very moment. She could be dying or worse and he was not there.
She must think I've forgotten - or died. And this fool talks … threatens.
“Stop with your threats,” Finn was brimming with anger.
“Easy, boy,” said Devlin.
“I'm no boy. The boy I see is one that is threatening to go tattle on us. You say you will gather more men. Perhaps, we should just kill you here where you stand. Why wait?” said Finn.
Two of the soldiers raised their crossbows. Their horses became nervous and pawed at the ground. Wind beat down on the camp. The soldiers looked up in shock. The Blood Falcon landed on top of the rock wall behind them. Its wings were outspread as it shrieked at the men. Part of the rock crumbled under its thick talons. Devlin stared at the beast with both fear and desire.
“God and kings, do you see that,” said one of the soldiers.
“You would not even come close to hitting that bird,” said Gilnor, as he motioned to the soldiers crossbows. “It will be living long after we're all dead. I would suggest you leave.”
“Come. Let's go,” Devlin said to his men.
“It is getting dark out. Have a safe trip back to your castle. Remember to sharpen your sticks,” replied Borman.
“That we shall,” said Devlin, as he turned his horse. The soldiers followed his lead. They rode back through the trampled grass and eventually disappeared into the night.
“He will be back tomorrow. I am certain. He would have fought us tonight, if he had enough men,” said Gilnor.
“We will be gone before first light,” said Borman. “It's no wonder the realms fall so easy.”
“We should have just killed them,” said Finn in anger.
The Blood Falcon lifted its wings and ascended back into the night sky.
“They are gone,” said Dord, as he peered deeply into the night.
“You may show yourself, now. They’re gone,” said Gilnor.
“Who are you speaking to?” asked Finn.
“The noise we heard before the soldiers arrived. They came from there, but the first noise was from here,” said Borman.
“It's safe. We could have told them if we wanted,” said Gilnor. “We will not be able to sleep with someone prowling around out there. I'm tired. Come.”
A man left the shadows and slowly walked towards the camp. He had no clothes and his skin was quite pale. In fact, it was almost white. His eyes were a dull red and his grayish white hair reached the middle of his neck. It was tucked behind his ears, but a thick strand fell curving the side of his check and chin. He walked towards Finn and the others, but remained wary of their intentions.
“Come,” said Borman, “we have food and drink.”
“Thank you,” said Ellison.
“I have some wool pants. I'm wearing a linen shirt under my tunic, but I can take it off and give it to you,” said Finn.
“I don’t want to be of any trouble,” said Ellison.
“It’s no trouble,” replied Finn.
“Take it,” said Dord. “None of us will be able to think straight knowing that a tiny pale man is sitting by us in his bare skin.”
Finn rummaged through his bag for the wool pants Imeldris had given him. He gave them to Ellison and began to unbutton his leather tunic. Ellison slipped on the woolen pants and sat by the fire. Finn removed the linen shirt. He gave it to Finn.
“It’
s not washed. In fact, it's dirty,” said Finn.
“I cannot be too picky, can I?” said Ellison.
“Look at that,” said Borman.
“Where did you get that?” asked Gilnor.
“What?” said Finn.
“That marking. You've the seal of the First Kingdom there,” said Borman.
“I've always had it. I supposed my parents had given it to me,” said Finn.
“For a slave, you are a constant wellspring of mystery,” said Borman, laughing. “Someone find a bard to follow this one about.”
“The seal of the First Kingdom?” asked Finn.
“A coin they would use to seal decrees and such,” said Gilnor.
“Who, though,” asked Finn.
“Your kind - back when there was only one realm. A better time than now,” said Borman.
“Do you have a treasure map on your arse, too?” asked Dord, laughing.
The men laughed. Finn put his tunic back on. Gilnor took two long leather straps from his bag. He gave them to Ellison.
“You can wrap your feet in these. They aren't boots but will do better than skin,” said Gilnor.
“Thank you,” said Ellison.
“I am Gilnor, this is my brother Dord, that is Borman, and this is Torin. He was wounded. I am sure he will be awake and angry as ever in the morning,” said Gilnor.
“I'm Finn.”
“Yes, I am sorry. This is Finn,” said Gilnor.
“I’m Ellison. I am not a devil, either. Afflicted, perhaps but that is the sum of it.”
Ellison began to wrap his feet with the leather straps from Gilnor. The inside of the leather was soft, while the outside was stiff and taunt. There was enough of the leather straps to cover his feet and up to the top of his calf. He tucked the last piece of the strap back under itself and pulled it tight.
“What happened to your arm?” asked Gilnor.
“My village was attacked by Storm Wolves. We had formed a caravan to find some type of refuge. The king had locked the gates - stolen the stocks and provisions of the village. We had to do something; go somewhere. The wolves came at us. There was little to be done. They made short work of us,” said Ellison.
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