by Tom Rogal
11
NEEZA
“Neeza!”
What was that? Who was that? He recognized the voice, but his vision was still faded. All he knew for certain was that he felt cold, very cold.
“Neeza!”
He really couldn’t remember anything past the end of the fall. Did he break something that killed him? No, if he was dead, he most likely wouldn’t have felt cold. That was a relief at least. He tried to open his eyes, but they stung whenever he tried. He suddenly felt the cool, icy hand of cold water being splashed across his face. It felt good, but the temperature was much too chilled for his liking. As far as he knew, there was no way to control that aspect of the spell. His vision became clearer.
“Neeza! Wake up!”
He could now see that he was with Vindar. At least he wasn’t in the clutches of the enemy. His vision finally returned.
“Neeza, thank the gods you are alive!”
Vindar helped the Myyrilian leader up. He was still a little dizzy from the fall. As he reached up to wipe something from his forehead, he winced at the sting. He looked at his hand and saw a red mark. That would explain the stinging sensation. He was definitely bleeding, but it felt mostly dried up.
“How long was I out?”
Vindar explained, “Over an hour or two. I’m not sure how long. I tried casting a healing spell on you, but I’m not sure how much it helped. Condarin’s would have been more powerful.”
He did feel some pain in his right ankle as he tried to stand on it, but that was all. He must have landed on it when he hit the floor. All in all, he should have felt lucky that it was only a sore ankle he suffered. It could have been much worse.
As he looked to see where they were, he was most surprised, “Are we in a cage?”
Vindar answered, “Yes, and it’s magically protected. I tried casting a light spell on it to test it and it bounced back. If no one finds us, we might be here for a long time.”
As he looked past Vindar, he noticed there was another cage. An Ettui soldier sat in it. It was still knocked out as well, but looked like he was beginning to stir. Vindar noticed what Neeza was staring at.
“He fell in about forty minutes ago. They must have reached the gate, but fell under a different trap. I had been making sure none fell in here, and if they did, I was ready to take care of them.”
Neeza leaned against the bars and asked, “Do you know about any of the others?”
“I’m sorry. This magical barrier doesn’t allow me to communicate with them. I don’t know if they are safe.”
He was frustrated, but understood. He truly hoped they were safe. The only reason they were there was because of him and his quest to save his departed wife. He had never lost anyone on his adventures before. He hoped he would not have to feel the regret of losing one for the sake of saving one.
Neeza said, “They must be safe. Haldirin will make sure they are all right. Still, I’ve caused so much pain for our group.”
Vindar stopped him and said, “I have no regrets, Honorable Neeza. Neither do any of the other students, I can guarantee you. Don’t have any for yourself.”
Neeza smiled as he looked at Vindar. The Ettui, who was fully awake, noticed the mages and charged. He was stopped by the cage bars though, never putting them in any danger. They both looked at the soldier, who stopped eventually after seeing it was futile.
Neeza said, “Kind of wish I could speak Ettui so we can at least know what he thinks of this.”
“He thinks only of seeing you bleed. Other than that, it would be quite a boring conversation.”
All three looked ahead of them, surprised at what they were seeing. How could this be?
Vindar commented, “An elf? Are you one of the original defenders of this fort?”
The elf walked in slowly, his hands behind his back. He stood well over six feet tall. His pointed elf ears were easily noticeable, uncovered by his long yellowish hair. His clothes were ragged, like old armor that never saw repair after a lifetime of battle.
“No, sadly the defenders had met a fate more horrible than death. My name is Higalmos, former Elf Eye of The Forthcoming Sun. A grand vessel she was. Sad to see how she met her fate.”
Neeza remembered the name, “That was the ship famous for trying to find a westerly route to Cordca from Formia. Believe she was under contract to deliver goods to an elf stronghold when she disappeared.”
Higalmos nodded and said, “That is correct. You are well versed in the ways of history.”
Neeza added, “That happened nearly four hundred years ago.”
“If you say so. I have no way of telling time here, and honestly, down here time is unimportant. The ship was sank, but not in the way you were probably told. Our captain was drawn to this island, saying it would be wise to get more supplies. I advised him not to, but he was unwilling to listen to reason. The ship took too much damage, sinking near the northern island and marooning us here.”
Neeza found it truly amazing! There was a survivor of that incident and he ironically was able to find shelter in one of the most dangerous places on Gyyerlith. But how did he survive all this time with the Garchai? Did he know something about them that allowed him to last as long as he did?
Higalmos said, “I do find it curious how you know about that incident. It was supposed to be a secretive one that few knew about. I know you aren’t an elf either, yet you have a long enough lifespan to remember it. You wouldn’t have made it this far if you were. The Valendritaii would have made sure of that.”
Valendritaii? They must have been what the elves called the Garchai. What else could they have been talking about? Vindar was about to answer, but Neeza stopped him. He didn’t trust Higalmos one bit. Was he telling them the truth about his history? He was pretty certain that he was. But what was to say he was on their side? Maybe he struck a deal with the Garchai to help them lure food for a safe life. He needed to find out more about their new ‘friend’ before he would tell them what they were. Plus, it seemed like keeping the identity of their race had kept them alive longer.
Neeza asked, “Since you mention them, how have you been able to survive the Valendritaii? As you said, an elf would not survive this place with them here.”
He could tell the question took the elf by surprise. He looked at Neeza giving a sheepish smile. He now realized he was dealing with someone who had a lot of sense. Anyone else would have just given their secret without even asking.
Higalmos replied, “A very tactful question, my friend. Sacrifices had to be made, but my safety here is secured.”
A very tactful answer. He knew how to play the game as well. He was telling them the facts, but with the vaguest of answers.
Higalmos continued, “Personally, I have no hatred of you, but you did trespass Mount Hrithgorn.”
Vindar exclaimed, “Then let us go! If you have no ill-will toward us, then free us at once! We will leave as you say.”
Higalmos laughed and said, “It doesn’t work that way, I’m afraid. Now are you going to tell me what you are, or am I going to have to ask your friend over here?”
He looked at the Ettui, who looked back at the elf. Neeza had a bad feeling. The Ettui could tell Higalmos what they were. And with the magical shield, there was nothing they could do to silence him. The former Elf Eye walked dangerously close to the Ettui cage. The soldier seemed ready to pounce.
Higalmos suddenly asked, “Huii frumon otraii?” (Who are they?)
The Ettui seemed surprised. It could actually speak their language. Except for high leadership of the elves, the Eratuu language was not known by many.
Higalmos asked again, “Onmuaii morta timmta, huii frumon otraii?” (I ask one more time, who are they?)
The Ettui answered, “Nuntaii. Unakaii ninta.”(I don’t know them. I have never seen them.)
Neeza could see the disgusted look on his face as he said, “How disappointing. So you’re nothing but a stupid soldier. So be it.”
The Ettui ga
ve a quick glance. Just by the look on his face, he could tell that the Ettui lied to him as well. He knew they were mages, but the Ettui probably were the only other race that didn’t trust the elves more than he did.
Higalmos stopped when he reached the far wall in front of them and said, “This is your last chance to tell. If you will not tell me, then I will be forced to bring you before Commander Zondiir. And I promise you, he will make you tell whether you want to or not.”
All three stayed mum. Neeza was certain that he wasn’t joking when he said that, but one thing he learned over time was that they would be apt to find out more by remaining silent then spilling their life story now. Higalmos kept looking at one then the other, trying to get an answer, but getting none.
He finally said, “Very well. I suppose I have no choice but to inform Zondiir of your unwillingness to cooperate. Farewell.”
Neeza yelled, “Wait!”
“Ah, so one finally wishes to talk now? I could hardly blame you with the choices you have.”
Neeza explained, “I just have one question. You have been here for four hundred years. Why hasn’t the power of the Relic overtaken you?”
He didn’t want to give him a hint as to why they were there, but it was important to know. If it had such a strong magical force that drove the elves mad, it would be good to know what he had done to be able to resist its power. It was a five day trip back at least, one that he didn’t want to spend worrying every minute if the relic would cause one of their own to betray them.
Higalmos replied, “Ah, so it is the relic you seek. You are more foolish than I originally imagined. Most come here for our gold. You, however, have come for the greatest prize left here. It is not leaving this mountain. Zondiir has it well protected, and even if you happen to reach it, the relic has a spirit to it, one that these people here feed from. They crave it. They will not allow you to leave here with it alive.
“To answer your question, no one can live here and not be influenced by its power. This amulet, however, makes it tolerable. A gift from Commander Zondiir to me so I may complete the task I was chosen for.”
The amulet was nothing elaborate, but it did have a large orange jewel that had a dull glow to it. How something so small could defend against a powerful magic like one the Relic exhumed was amazing. He was going to ask him more about this ‘task’ he did, but Higalmos had already left. An eerie silence filled the room.
Vindar asked, “What do you think they will do to us?”
Suddenly the ceiling above them rose. Standing above them were three Garchai in a very well lit room. Torchlight was seen from everywhere. The Garchai grabbed the cages and began dragging them past the rock alcove Higalmos exited from. As they cleared it, the sight shocked him. There had to be a hundred of them lined up, leaving a pathway toward a large throne. The Ettui soldier even knew it was not a good situation and was racing around the cage for an escape.
The Garchai were chanting something in a foreign language that he was not aware of as they dragged them forward. All of them looked the same with exception of the remaining armor some had. As they neared the throne, he once again looked at the Ettui. He wasn’t sure if what he was about to do was the right thing, but there was an old saying in Myyril: The enemy of my enemy is my ally.
Neeza yelled, “Ettui! I don’t know if you can understand me. Whatever you do, don’t move and be silent! They can’t see you if you don’t move!”
The Ettui did hear him and instantly stopped. The cages were brought to an open area in front of the throne and dropped roughly, causing all three to fall. That didn’t help his ankle any as he stood up wincing. The Garchai went silent as well, expecting what Neeza could only imagine was their leader. Instead, the only person to come up front was Higalmos. He had to use his elf jumping skills to reach the large steps leading to the throne.
Higalmos faced the crowd and yelled clicking his throat, “Hua’gwu nu, frie la’juantwai solantuman. Oola’hiu Commndrai Zondiir!”
The elf leapt down the steps as the Garchai screamed and cheered. Some were mashing their maces and swords on the ground, causing the mountain to shake. Some had lances designed the same way as the maces, with blades that retracted at the user’s demand. Where did these creatures learn to make these horrible weapons of death? As Higalmos walked near the cages he looked all three in the eyes.
“If I were you all, I would kneel when he arrives. It is a small gesture, but you would be surprised how even the tiniest of respect can save your life.”
The elf took his position toward the base of the stairs. They began to feel the ground shake as Zondiir made his grand appearance. He was much different than the rest. He was taller than the normal Garchai, and his helmet was more elaborate than the others. Again, there were no eye slots in it, so like the others he must have moved based on smell and sound. He also had a large scepter that reminded Neeza of an over-glorified staff but without the jewel. Unlike the others, he also wore metal boots and chainmail leggings.
Neeza signaled for Vindar to kneel, the Ettui following suit. He didn’t know what good it would do them because they couldn’t see them anyway. Though, he supposed Higalmos could tell him what they were doing.
The elf jumped on a special platform near Zondiir’s ear. He began whispering, and Neeza wished he could hear what they were saying. If only they could be taken out of these cages so he could use his abilities to the fullest.
Zondiir quietly spoke to his elf contact as they continued to converse. Higalmos finally stepped forward. Before he spoke, Zondiir barked an order out, causing the Garchai who dragged the cages out to move toward the gates.
Higalmos said, “The great and powerful Zondiir appreciates your respectful gesture. He wishes you to move forward so he can examine you personally and speak to you in your native tongues.”
Well, at least Neeza was able to figure out Higalmos’ role and its importance. He was more or less a chancellor. He sometimes sent Haldirin to do the very same tasks. His first task was to meet and ascertain if the person was a threat. To a point, he could also act as the Voice of the Chair, which allowed him to issue decrees should he be unable to.
The gates opened and they all walked out, stopping ten feet in front of their cage. He could instantly sense the strong magical properties. They must have been very close to the Relic. He considered perhaps making a run for it and fighting their way through, but there was no place to go. All the exits were covered by the Garchai. Another solution would have to present itself.
Zondiir stood up and began to slowly advance toward them. Neeza could tell the Ettui was afraid knowing full well what the Garchai were, and wanted to bolt. He signaled for him to stay. The Ettui were fast, but so were these creatures. He might make it near an exit, but not before they would get to him. In the open, it might have been a different story, but in this enclosed space, it was a recipe for failure.
Zondiir moved down majestically. He may have only been a commander, but he was being treated like a king. As he reached them, he sniffed around and bent down in front of them. He opened his mouth and breathed on the two mages, much more powerful than the normal Garchai’s. He then began to sniff at the area before giving a grunt.
He moved toward the Ettui next, who remained still and silent too. Seeing it worked for Neeza and his companion, the Ettui seemed less afraid. Its eyes told a different story, not ready to believe it was that easy to elude these creatures. Zondiir did the same, breathing on him and then sniffing at him. He began to lift his head when suddenly the Garchai leader’s hand quickly wrapped the Ettui up. It tried its best to escape, but the grip was too tight. Neeza considered helping it, but a spell wouldn’t have done much except get them all killed. Zondiir brought the Ettui to its mouth and ripped off the top half of its body. Neeza and Vindar had to close their eyes. They may have been their mortal enemies, but that was not the way to die.
After Zondiir finished the Ettui off, he headed back to his throne. Higalmos never took his eyes
off the mages, strangely enjoying their reaction.
“Any Ettui or Elf would have met the same fate. It is not so horrible after a while. Now listen. Zondiir will speak to you. Answer wisely, or you may end up like that simple-minded soldier.”
Great. No pressure. He wasn’t even sure how they were going to talk to this creature. They spoke a language unlike anything he had known. He was convinced that Higalmos would be translating for their leader, but that was not going to be the case.
“What are you doing here? What are you?”
The voice in his head surprised Neeza. Was that really their leader? He looked at Higalmos, whose nodding head confirmed it. There were only two races in the world that could do it, and he was very certain this creature wasn’t a mage. It couldn’t be possible! It must be the power of the Relic that caused this. Yeah, that must be it.
Neeza replied telepathically, “Oh, great and merciful Zondiir. We are but simple travelers who were investigating the disappearances of many lost ships recently. We believed the sacred Relic to be its cause.”
A long silence came between them as Zondiir stared in his direction. Maybe his use of telepathy was his eyes. If that was the case, then it was very easy to see how he could have vision without the use of eyes. He mentioned the Relic because he believed Higalmos informed him of why they were there. If he lied, they would end up like the Ettui soldier.
“No one will take the relic. This is its eternal home. My question is still unanswered. What are you? Your taste is unfamiliar to us.”
Neeza replied, “What do you mean my taste? I don’t understand.”
He truly didn’t. Just when he believed he understood what these creatures were all about, they threw more cryptic jargon his way. One of the benefits, though, was that it allowed him to stall as he desperately looked for an escape. His first idea was to blast their way through with magic. He might be able to surprise them enough with the first spell, but that would be it.
“My patience wears thin. Tell me!”