The Ossard Series (Books 1-3): The Fall of Ossard, Ossard's Hope, and Ossard's Shadow.

by Colin Taber

  “I was so angry with Kave for allowing such a thing that I walked away from my duties and sought the peace of Ossard. I’ve barely served him since, and in truth there’s still a reckoning to come between us.”

  I didn’t know what to say.

  He laughed at my silence. “Not your average tale, it’s true. And that’s the short version. Maybe I’ll tell you more of it when we’re sitting about a fire in Marco’s ruins.”

  I remained silent.

  He joked, “Come now, so I’m not on speaking terms with my god, worse things can happen.”

  Finally, I said, “I had no idea you harboured such pain.”

  He stilled his laughter, giving me a quick nod of thanks. “That’s all for now, that’s what happened, but now we need to worry about today.”

  It was my turn to nod.

  He asked, “Do you still want to go and tell Kurgar about your chat with the Lae Velsanan, this Felmaradis?”

  “Yes, perhaps he’ll laugh at me, but he should know in any case.”

  “And what about your people downstairs? They can't all go, and I doubt they'd even let the Heletians amongst them in.”

  “Marco and Baruna can come with us, the others will have to stay.” I paused, considering. “Perhaps we should take a few more just for appearances.”

  “Appearances?”

  “If we take two more, Flets, it might put any fears about Marco and Baruna to rest.”

  Sef offered, “Perhaps, but we could just leave them all behind and be done with it.”

  “True, but maybe it’s not a bad idea to give the Guild a sense of what’s happening here. It might help add weight to my opinion.”

  “Alright, but who?”

  “I don't know. Marco and Baruna will be familiar with some, they can pick two.”

  “I'll go down and get them organised. That'll give you a moment to get ready.”

  -

  After changing and soothing my red eyes with cool water, I made my way downstairs. It was crowded, more so than the night before, the kitchen bustling as it served up a porridge breakfast. Sef greeted me at the bottom of the steps and grinned at my surprise. Simply, I asked, “How many?”

  “Enough, the courtyard is full so they now gather in the street.”

  My smile dropped, replaced by an embarrassed blush. “The street?”

  He nodded. “You should look, but compose yourself.”

  “Tell me, how many?”

  “I think we’ve a hundred in the house and maybe that again in the courtyard and stable...”

  “Stop it, Sef, how many?”

  “And well over a hundred in the street, perhaps closer to two. They just keep coming, but ask for nothing.”

  “Nothing?”

  “Well, nothing but to see you.”

  “What?”

  “They’re looking for the lady who saved so many in the square. They’re calling you their Lady of Hope, and the rose that blooms from Ossard’s despair.” He paused, “They gain comfort in just being here.” His voice softened, “We all do.”

  I turned from him to see the people in my home continue their bustle, yet slow and look my way. Standing in the shadows at the base of the stairs my blush only deepened. It was hard to believe.

  So much was changing...

  Despite my awkwardness I smiled, a small thing that grew. Those around me took it as my acceptance of them, and from it their own smiles were sown. The air tingled with their relief. Strangely, their feelings gave me succour, it coming to me as a rising high.

  After a long moment of basking in that feeling it began to fade. It took me a while, but I soon realised that it wasn’t because they tired of me; I’d just grown used to it. I needed something stronger to attain the same feeling.

  I needed more of them!

  One taste of their gifted power – their faith – and I was hooked. I could now understand why the gods thirsted for being followed: It wasn’t about ego, morals, or even perhaps power for power’s sake, it was for the high built of the elation it generated.

  It also explained why they hungered for Ossard’s chaos and the soul harvest it promised. If something as simple as faith gave the gods a rush, what would the consumption of a soul feel like? What about a dozen, or a hundred, or even a thousand? I shuddered.

  Were the gods addicted to it?

  Of course they were!

  In a hoarse voice I said, “Take me, I need to see them.”

  Sef nodded, but my hungry tone aroused his concern.

  He led me through the crowded room to the entry hall, all the way clearing people from my path. They looked to me offering their devotion with their souls and their hope with their hearts.

  They trusted me.

  Adrenalin coursed through my body while my mind burnt through thoughts and emotions as my soul lifted itself to a higher state. I sucked in their offered faith like a whirlpool guzzling at water. I forced my steps on, but celebrated every stride, and each revealed yet another soul that wanted to nourish me.

  I was elated, but also struggling to come to terms with the feeling.

  When we reached the door, Sef asked, “Are you alright?”

  My voice rumbled, “Yes.”

  He looked to me with anxious eyes.

  I reached out and touched his shoulder to let some of my gathering power flow.

  He gasped as his eyes opened wide in wonder.

  “Sef, the door.”

  “Of course.” And he opened it.

  The street spread before us packed full of people sitting on the cobbles even at this early hour. They stilled their hushed conversations, hundreds of them, a mix of Flets and Heletians, men and women, and from across the ages, as they turned at the door’s sound. The morning air hung cool about them as the smoke-stained sky spread gold above, and there, like magically sprouting from Spring’s garden, they all rose together as one.

  I stepped out to be amongst them, seeing their faces light up, and with each smile my soul fed and grew. Some of them called out or reached for me, but all of them unknowingly touched me. And now I knew what I had to do.

  Hope was here!

  Aligned to me they’d sought me out.

  Hope was here!

  And my soul buzzed as I drank in their offered power.

  Hope was here!

  And something strained in the celestial; the last of the bindings that held me. They stretched as I grew stronger, my rising power making my soul flex, until, in one amazing moment, they finally gave way.

  Hope was here!

  And in that other world, a ring of power rushed out to swamp the souls gathered nearby. It surged so strongly that it also manifested itself in the real world as a green mist laced with sparks of gold.

  It was a blessing...

  My blessing.

  And as it touched them I could see their faces light up.

  Hope was here!

  Hope had arrived in Ossard!

  I couldn't deny it:

  I was a god!

  Sef whispered, “You must speak to them.”

  I stepped forward and gestured for those near me to sit so those behind could see. “I am Juvela Liberigo and I welcome you to my home.”

  Some of them cheered while others clapped, but most just sighed with relief. Someone called out, “Thank you, Lady of Hope!”

  I went on, “There’s little room left inside, yet you are welcome to it all the same – and to join us when we move.”

  A man called out, “Where are we going, Sweet Lady?”

  Sef shook his head a fraction to indicate the need for discretion.

  “Our destination is one that welcomes peace.”

  A woman asked, “How can we help?”

  “Spend the day gathering what you can, for we’ll have to leave the city and travel on open roads. You’ll need food, blankets, good shoes, and clothes to protect against the coming of winter.” I smiled. “And deep reserves of cheer.”

  A young woman queried, “I’ve a
young babe, and you wish to lead us from the safety of the city?”

  “The city is no longer safe with only worse to come. We seek a place of hope and compassion where there’s a chance for survival.”

  A voice called, “Does such a place exist?”

  “Yes, a sanctuary, a place of warmth and comfort. It’s free from the new saints and cultists, and even the Inquisition.”

  “Won’t we just be running?” another asked.

  “To stay will see us feed these diabolical flames. We must survive them, and watch for a chance to return and help heal the city.”

  They accepted my words, just glad to have seen me. Above all else they wanted hope, so I’d given it to them.

  Sef whispered, “Well done. Time for the Guild?”

  I nodded as I waved to the crowd, turning from their cheers.

  -

  We rode out with six of us crowded into the coach. I sat next to Baruna and Sef, while Marco sat between two Flets that he’d chosen.

  Marco said, “I wonder how many will be here when we return?”

  I said, “Not too many more.”

  Sef smiled. “I’m not so sure.”

  I said, “We'll only get the people who are certain, and from what I’ve seen so far, they’re the ones with wounded hearts who feel they’ve nothing left to lose. There are still others out there innocent of the city’s madness, but yet to be convinced.”

  Baruna offered, “You convinced a lot of people in Market Square.”

  “Yesterday?”

  “Yes, and when you stopped that cultist from stealing the lady’s child, and also when you fought to stop them taking your family.”

  It’d never occurred to me that at such desperate moments I’d been on display. I opened my mouth to say something, but found myself speechless.

  Baruna smiled. “It showed us something of you, of your strength and willingness to risk yourself for others.”

  Finally my open mouth found my voice, but it wasn’t much of a pairing, “Oh.”

  Marco laughed, the sound soft and rich. The others were swift in joining him.

  -

  Travel through the streets of Newbank was quick at this early hour. We passed a crowd still working at last night’s dark celebration, a good portion of their number Heletian – followers of the new saints. The sight of them unnerved me. While the majority were probably innocent to the truth of their allegiances, not all would be.

  We arrived at the Guildhall to find the grand old building abuzz despite the quiet on the streets. Eyebrows were raised at my entourage, but we pushed past their stares, outstretched hands, and curses, their anger directed solely at the Heletians amongst us. Marco and Baruna bravely walked on, not acknowledging the slights or stares. Through it all they retained their cool and dignity to win yet more of my respect.

  On reaching Kurgar’s office we were asked to wait. Eventually, a guildsman returned, his eyes laying too long on Marco and Baruna. “You can go in.” It seemed that all my company would be admitted.

  We entered his office to find it hosting a tense air. Instead of it being crowded with guildsmen and others who’d watched our previous meetings, this time it held only three; Kurgar, Ciero of the Cabal, and Seig of Kave. The latter’s presence made me uncomfortable, making me wonder again at Sef’s mixed loyalties.

  Kurgar began, “Juvela, you’ve been creating quite a stir.”

  “If you’re referring to what happened at Market Square, I only did what I could to stop the Inquisitor.”

  He nodded.

  Ciero stood to his right, the cabalist staring grimly. “Who’d have thought a novice could best an inquisitor? This stinks of renegade magic!”

  I was surprised by the accusation. “I’m no renegade.”

  Seig said, “My concern is not the magic or where you learnt to cast, but your followers. I believe that’s what they’re calling themselves?”

  Baruna said, “We follow her because of her actions.”

  Kurgar frowned at the interruption. “And who are you?”

  “Baruna, Baruna Discotti.”

  “You’re in Newbank as a guest, and you’ll not use the Guild as a forum.” He shook his head. “Juvela, I was told that you wished to speak to me, please, I’m here to listen?”

  “Thank you, I have some information.”

  “About your family?”

  “No, about what’s happening in the city.”

  “Go on?”

  “The source will be mistrusted by most...”

  He interrupted, “But not by you?”

  “I trust it, but it was from a Lae Velsanan.”

  His eyes went wide. “Really?”

  “From an officer in Lae Wair-Rae’s military.”

  “And what is this information?”

  “He believes Ossard is to fall, only to rise again as a city of the Horned God – a power they call Terura. He said it will become a nest of corruption, so they’ve left to carry word to King Giovanni of Greater Baimiopia.”

  “Really, and what do they care of what happens in Ossard?”

  “They worry it’s the beginning of something bad, a place from which dark armies will come.”

  “And their work is sanctioned by their High King?”

  “Yes, the expedition is commanded by one of his sons.”

  “And this officer told you all this?”

  “Yes, a senior officer. He said that if the Heletian League couldn’t recover a fallen Ossard that High King Caemarou would send a Dominion fleet.” I licked my lips. “He also said that such a force, once assembled and with its task complete, would then be put to work in nearby Fletland.”

  Kurgar raised his eyebrows. “A very helpful Lae Velsanan, isn’t he! I suppose he also gave you their battle plan?”

  Seig burst out laughing.

  I kept quiet.

  Kurgar joined the laughter, as did the cabalist.

  I felt a fool.

  Well, Sef had warned me...

  Kurgar began afresh, “Perhaps this Lae Velsanan was trying to misinform you. If that’s the case, it would be safe to say that we should be doing the opposite of what he said.” His brow furrowed. “Did he suggest, for example, that you should work against the Reformers and instead support the Inquisition?”

  “Yes,” I whispered.

  “Predictable, isn’t it? He wants us to side with the one force in the city that wants us dead!”

  I didn’t believe it, but realised I wasn’t going to change Kurgar’s mind. “But the kidnappings?”

  “Are probably a trick of the Inquisition. After all, Inquisitor Anton didn’t lift a finger to help you when your family was taken from right in front of him.”

  It seemed hopeless and the world too confused. “Felmaradis spoke of coming rituals, of magic that would eat up countless souls and...”

  “Countless?”

  “He said they’d want to open a gate, a celestial gate, and that eventually they’d need ten thousand and one souls to fuel it.”

  Seig again burst out laughing while Kurgar and Mauricio joined in. Finally, the Guildmaster said, “Juvela, that's an awful lot of power!”

  I sat there in silence.

  He added, “You know the Inquisitor has issued an order for your head?”

  I nodded.

  His voice softened, “Please, Juvela, I’m sorry for my harsh tone, but I’ve so many people depending on me that I just don't have time to consider such a thing. The people of Newbank would never support it in any case.”

  And that was true. “I understand.”

  “Please, tell me how your hunt for your family is going?”

  “I've had no more success.”

  “Please, if you need anything, just ask.”

  I whispered my thanks.

  There was nothing left to discuss. The Guild had made its choices, just as the people of Newbank had. In the end, I said, “I have one last question.”

  “Yes?”

  “Did you discover who�
�s leading them; the new saints?”

  He shook his head. “While it’s been difficult to identify their leadership, everything they’ve promised through their messengers has been honoured.”

  I nodded, rose, and left.

  -

  On the way home, I stopped by to check on my parents.

  We passed through streets growing busy, though thankfully our passage remained quick. From a distance their house seemed calm and orderly enough, standing silent with its windows shuttered. I had Kurt stop the coach and the others – except Sef – remain behind. This, I hoped, would be a short visit.

  I entered the house expecting to be greeted by a maid, but none came. The hall spread about me dark and quiet, the room lost to shadow.

  Everything seemed to be in order. The only thing unusual was the lack of light and the absence of anybody to greet me. I moved in deeper. That’s when I noticed that the door leading to the courtyard was open – the only source of light and also a faint breeze.

  Soft murmurs sounded from outside. My steps quickened, and that’s where I found them.

  My father sat on a bench with slumped shoulders and shadowed eyes, his gaze locked onto the rose garden, but I doubted he saw a single petal of its ash-dusted blooms. He was lost to us. Mother sat on another bench across from him also adrift in some trance of gloom. One maid sat with her, stroking Mother’s hair with one hand while the other held a cloth to her brow. The other maid knelt on the cobbles between them whispering hopeful nothings.

  They hadn’t noticed my arrival.

  “What’s happened?” I asked as I stepped into the courtyard with Sef.

  The maids turned to show their pale and drawn faces, but neither of my parents responded.

  The maid sitting with my mother said, “Lady Juvela, such tragedy! Your mother grew distant yesterday not long after you left, and then news came of a mob looting your father’s business. He went out there with a group of guildsmen, but they were too late. When he returned, he was so shattered, he could only join your mother in grief.”

  She turned back to my mother to stroke her hair. I noticed she wasn’t just doing it to comfort her, she was also brushing ash away from where it landed to settle on her head.