Discovery at Nerwolix

by C. G. Coppola

  “Fallon…” Jace whispers from the corner of his mouth. “Feel like going whip-crazy again?”

  “Why aren’t they attacking?” Tucker asks.

  It’s silent and after scanning the Vermix faces, I wonder the same thing. Why haven’t they attacked? They’re just starting at us, like they’re waiting for something. After a moment, one of the closest Dofinikes turns to the other.

  …why do we wait?

  …Supreme desires humans for public execution…

  …do we spare all?

  …only humans… kill the Zingfinold…

  “Warze, go!” I scream just as the Vermix start in.

  But before anything happens, before the Dofinikes are able to launch themselves at the Zingfinold and before he’s able to leap onto the closest trunk and escape, a new force pushes through the forest, tackling the Vermix like a tidal wave of swinging and slicing knives. Howls erupt and my pulse takes off as everything happens at once.

  Chapter Twenty-Four: Nerwos

  I’m not sure what I’m seeing.

  They’re not human or Dofinike or Zingfinold or even Mybyncian. They’re something else, something with pointed ears and swords that seem to extend from their arms. But they don’t. Even with the creatures moving swiftly, I can still see that the weapons are strung on with brown straps tied at their elbows and wrists. It’s the same brown material that shields their torsos and lower sections, covering bodies that resemble the Zingfinolds in height and long layers of hair. But they’re not Zingfinold. The pointed ears are different and of course, there’s the golden inscriptions running down their tanned arms and legs, like some tribal tattoo art.

  Flying through the air, they strike into the Vermix with the edge of their blades, slicing and chopping. The Vermix race up the trees but the creatures are right behind them, cutting off their exit and knocking the Dofinikes back to the ground. Traxpire explosions rip through the air and Reid tugs me behind him as we crouch at the base of a trunk. With so many Vermix surrounding us, I’m still not sure how we’re going to be able to get out of this. I could help, but I don’t want to disturb the fighting as these pointy-eared creatures wash over the Dofinikes, immobilizing them with swift slits to their bodies.

  After some time, when the screams and Traxpire blasts have faded, we’re surrounded by the newcomers instead of the Vermix. Warze stands rigid, watching them as they turn to us. One with long brown hair approaches and Reid blocks my body with his, reaching for his Traxpire. The creature slows, studying this movement before focusing on Warze again. When they’re only feet apart, the tribesman lets out a deep breath.

  “Nerwo… I do no expect see you.”

  “We did not expect to come, Zingfinold. King Thias wanted no part in your conflict.”

  “Is no my conflict.”

  “Then theirs?” he redirects his attention to us. “The humans?”

  Warze shakes his head. “Is Dofinike conflict. Vermix seek Gift.”

  “We suspected,” the Nerwo nods, clutching his hands behind his back. “When Hozfin released the Ludins, King Thias agreed to hear out Jothkore. He had been rambling on about some Dellapalanian civil war but the king refused to hear of it. Finally, the Arizal mentioned a threat against the Gift. King Thias knows Hozfin would not release the Ludin easily.”

  “King Thias consent to help?”

  “Help?”

  “Protect Gift.”

  “Oh, yes. He still believes it is a conflict between you and the Dofinikes, but he will do what he can and offer the assistance needed to secure the Hylas Mountains. No more, no less.”

  “Hylas still under attack.”

  “Not for much longer.”

  “The Vermix brought a massive force,” Reid steps forward. “Initially a few thousand, we believe. It is our understanding more may be arriving.”

  The Nerwo glances between Warze and Reid as if trying to decide who to address next. Finally, he settles on responding to Reid. “How do you know this?”

  “We were stationed at the beach when they first arrived this morning.”

  “And you estimate a few thousand?”

  Reid nods.

  “That is not very many at all,” one of the other Nerwos snickers, shaking his head with a patronizing scoff. His long black locks shake as his braid swings back and forth. “We have killed more in a day.”

  “Then why wait so long to help us?” I snap.

  “It is not our obligation to assist, human. You caused this, you fix it.”

  “We didn’t cause anything. We’re trying to help.”

  “You can help by getting off our lands,” the black-haired Nerwo steps closer and Reid throws me behind him again, reaching for his Traxpire.

  “Bhanton!” the first Nerwo snaps. “Calm yourself. My apologies,” he offers a slight bow, returning focus to us. “He does not know his place. I am Ehan. And there is no need to shield your female, human. We are not here to harm you. Only those seeking the Gift.”

  Hesitantly Reid nods, pocketing the gun. “I’m Reid. And this is Fallon,” he motions to me, “and my friends. And this is Warze, second to King Hozfin.”

  “Warze?” Ehan’s eyes widen as he takes in the Zingfinold in front of him. “Yes, we have heard of the mighty Warze. This is Norhra, my sister,” he gestures to the female on his right. She has the same stunning blue eyes and flawless satin skin. Golden inscriptions run the length of all limbs and a long honey-colored braid hangs down her neck. Standing strong next to Ehan, she scans us with uncertainty, especially Jace, whose eyes have grown wide. “I… I must admit. I am surprised to find humans with you, mighty Warze.”

  “These humans friends of Zingfinolds. Friends of tribesmen,” he gestures to Walker and Tucker.

  “They have pledged?” Ehan raises a curious brow.

  Warze nods.

  “You both have conquered the Horrop?”

  Walker and Tucker look at each other and then back to Ehan. Walker is already laughing. “It wasn’t my favorite thing to do, but yeah, we did it.”

  “This makes more sense.”

  “Ehan,” Norhra approaches, “we must continue. The Hylas are still contaminated with Dofinikes.”

  “Vermix,” I correct. “Not all Dofinikes are enemies. You said so yourself,” I look at Ehan. “Jothkore is with King Thias. He is an Arizal and on our side.”

  “How many Arizal Dofinikes are here?”

  “Five. Including Blovid, the last Dellapalanian Leader and Fychu Sampson.”

  “Fychu Sympse is here?” Ehan’s face pales.

  “Yes,” Reid nods. “At Zinnollo with King Hozfin.”

  All the Nerwos exchange looks as a few silent whispers are exchanged. Finally, Ehan returns focus to us. “He is planning on staying there?”

  “At the city?”

  “With the Zingfinolds. He is not planning on approaching the northern territory?”

  “No,” Reid shakes his head. “He is only here to assist King Hozfin in this ambush. He also assisted Queen Ravan and Chancellor Keller when the Vermix assaulted the Northern Shore and Southern Waters of Mybyncia.”

  Barely comforted, Ehan nods. “I see.”

  “We’re aware there is some… history,” I say. “But the Fychu isn’t here for that. Any of that. He’s only here to help protect the Gift.”

  “What do you know of the history?”

  “Ehan,” Norhra tugs his elbow. “It is not time to speak of that. We must continue to clear the Hylas.”

  “There are enough Nerwos covering the mountain, Norhra. This concerns the Fychu,” he looks back to us, his focus flickering between Reid and I. “Tell me, what do you know of the history?”

  Warze turns to us, just like the rest of the group. Besides Walker and the Zingfinold, the others know the same that Reid and I do—practically nothing. I’m not sure I should’ve even mentioned Sampson was here but I can’t go back now. Selecting my words very carefully, I glance at Reid who nods me along.

  “Very little.
Um… supposedly there was some thievery.”

  “Thievery…” Bhanton scoffs.

  Ehan holds up his hand, cutting off his rambling. He nods me on, urging me to continue.

  “Um… that’s pretty much all we know. That the Fychu stole something from King Thias… he said his most precious possession, I think.”

  “Is that how he phrased it?” Norhra’s voice is soft, surprised. She steps forward, genuine interest playing across her lovely features.

  “That’s what he said,” I nod, thinking back on the very little Sampson admitted. “He seemed… really sad about it, actually.”

  Norhra and Ehan exchange looks.

  “Was there anything else?” she whispers. “Does he… has he mentioned anything else? Any other purpose besides assisting King Hozfin?”

  “No. In fact he… he didn’t want to talk about it. Seemed to really upset him. Honestly, we don’t know what he stole or what really even happened.”

  Still unsatisfied, Ehan tugs at his chin. “I do not believe Jothkore mentioned that the Fychu was on Nerwolix. If he had…King Thias may not have assisted with the Vermix so easily. He may have sent us to expunge the Fychu from the planet instead.”

  Reid tenses beside.

  “We will not,” Ehan shakes his head, “as there are more pressing matters to be dealt with. I will instruct my men not to allow word of his presence to reach King Thias. It is the best I can do.”

  “What if it does?”

  “I…” Ehan starts, but closes his mouth quickly after. A moment passes and he tries again. “I cannot promise that we will not be forced to remove him, if he does not leave on his own. With that said, perhaps once this invasion is over, it might be prudent for the Fychu to seek inhabitance elsewhere.”

  “He’s really not welcome to stay?” Jace asks. “Even with the Zingfinolds? It’s their territory.”

  “It is King Thias’s World.”

  “It our World, too,” Warze growls. “Fychu allowed to stay as long as want.”

  “Assuming the king does not know about it. It is not my wish, nor my desire to remove the Fychu from our lands but if—”

  “Can you tell us what it was he stole?” Walker asks.

  Ehan pauses, his mouth still hanging open but no words come out. He glances at Norhra next to him and she nods, stepping forward.

  “He was right,” her voice is soft, soothing. “It was King Thias’s most precious possession. The one thing he cares about more than anything else. You say Fychu Sympse was saddened… I believe the king shared this heartache when the Fychu robbed him. He wept for years at the loss and vowed the Fychu would never be allowed near his home again. This has not changed for a hundred and fifty years.”

  “Jesus,” Walker whispers. “I can’t imagine Sampson stealing anything.”

  “It was a surprise to us all,” Ehan nods. “Especially the king. He had high hopes Sympse would become the next Dofinike advisor, taking the place of his father, Leader Theon.”

  “They had groomed him,” Norhra adds. “That is why he was here. To learn the ways of the council so he could become one of the next Leaders of Dellapalania. But while he was here, he got distracted… he… found something he wanted from King Thias more than diplomatic peace.”

  Ehan and Norhra look at one another.

  “But you can’t tell us, can you?” I ask after a long, silent moment.

  “We are not allowed to speak of the Fychu’s crimes. It is known throughout the Three Worlds what he did… but it is forbidden to speak of it.”

  “Do you know?” I turn to Warze.

  He nods only once.

  “Shit—it must’ve been bad,” Jace frowns, glancing to the rest of us. “Sampson’s a good guy. I can’t imagine him doing anything bad,” he looks to Norhra. “Whatever he did… I’m sure he didn’t mean it disrespectfully.”

  Ehan steps closer. “If you can guarantee he stays away from the Nerwos’ kingdom, I promise King Thias will never know about his presence. Perhaps then… he can stay here,” he glances at Warze, “until the unrest on Dellapalania ceases.”

  “It is too dangerous…” Norhra shakes her head. “If the king were to find out—”

  “He will not.”

  “But if it he does, you will be killed, brother.”

  “I trust my men.”

  Norhra tugs Ehan closer. “But what if the Fychu cannot resist himself? What if it happens again?” she peers over us with a frown. “The proximity may be too much. After this assault is over, what distraction is left?”

  Ehan exhales, looking between me, Reid and Warze. “My offer stands. Keep the Fychu to the Zingfinold territory only. If he passes the northern part of the Hylas Mountains, I will be forced to remove him.”

  “We can make you that promise,” Reid nods.

  “Then it is settled.”

  “Ehan,” Norhra pulls him back, lowering her voice. “You are making a mistake.”

  “It is only until Dellapalania rights itself. Once the Fychu can return home, he will. I am correct?” he turns to us.

  Hesitantly, Reid nods.

  “You see? There is no reason to bother King Thias when the Fychu is merely here to assist in the assault. He may stay on with Hozfin for a bit, but only until he can return home. I do not see the damage it will cause.”

  “Because you are not seeing the danger. There is much, much possibility that—”

  “Norhra, please. My mind is made up,” Ehan turns. Glancing at the night sky, he looks back at us. “The Ludins have all gone. If you say the assault is far from over, please understand that King Thias has ordered everything be done to keep the Gift protected and hidden. Despite our troubled history,” he focuses on Warze, “we are at this moment allies in our common goal.”

  “Do you know where the Gift is hidden?” Reid asks.

  “I do not, no. But the Hylas are not open to outsiders. With the Vermix intrusion, we are granted every opportunity to expunge them.”

  “And how many Nerwos has King Thias sent?”

  “We are a few thousand ourselves. Once the Ludins went up, it was obvious how dangerous the threat had become. King Thias wants them gone immediately. We expect the Vermix to have retreated by morning.”

  “Which is how far away?” Booker asks. “I have no concept of what time it is.”

  “It is mid-night. Morning will be here in only a short while. By then, the Hylas will be empty again.”

  “Well then let’s get them,” Jace nods. “I’m ready.”

  “We do not need human or Zingfinold assistance,” Bhanton scoffs. “We are a few thousand. What need are you to us?”

  “You always need allies,” I retort. “Especially when working toward the same goal. And if King Thias needs this threat gone immediately, every bit helps. Even from the Zingfinolds. Even from the humans.”

  “We cannot protect you,” Norhra frowns.

  “That’s okay,” Reid says. “We’ve been doing fine on our own. We just want the Vermix gone as much as you do.”

  Norhra and Ehan nod at each other.

  “Okay,” she says, gesturing over her shoulder. “The top side of this mountain is covered. Many still linger by the north but Ehan and I have been assigned the south. Come, if you wish, but our orders are not to stop until every last Vermix is gone.”

  “Anyone assigned the north?” I ask.

  “Ghion and Leoh—they are to push the threat south while we push them north so we can suffocate them in the middle.”

  “But many have fled to the beach,” I say.

  “If they are not gone, we will chase them into the waters and kill them there.”

  “Well that sounds like a good plan,” Jace smiles.

  “It is,” Norhra nods, scanning the rest of us. “Good luck. We will see you on the field,” she takes off with the rest of the Nerwos in a tidal wave through the trees. Like the Zingfinolds, they leap from trunk to trunk, a few racing over the forest ground, sprinting past the Yulus. Only Ehan rem
ains and he looks between Warze, Reid and I.

  “I swear to keep every word of the Fychu’s presence from reaching King Thias. But he must not pass the northernmost tip of the Hylas. I am afraid if he does…”

  Reid shakes his head. “It won’t happen.”

  Ehan nods, comforted. “I have great respect for Fychu Sympse. The good he has done…what he stands for… he has been an inspiration to us all. If-if there was a way to make the past right, to change it so that it could benefit everyone…” he inhales, but stops himself. More words are itching to drop from his mouth but instead it curls up, into a smile. “Thank you, mighty Warze, Reid and Fallon. We will see you soon.”

  Ehan takes off after his sister, disappearing through the Eckles in seconds. Once he’s gone, our tight circle turns in on itself.

  “Jeez…” Jace shakes his head. “Wonder what all that was about.”

  “What could Sampson have possibly done?” Walker asks. “For real? What could be so freaking awful?”

  “I can’t believe he can’t even be on the same planet.”

  “Like he’s banished,” Booker nods.

  “Well we knew that,” Reid says. “Back on Mybyncia. He told us he wasn’t welcome.”

  “Ehan is nice for sticking his neck out for him,” I look around the group. “You heard him—he’d be killed if Thias finds out Sampson’s here.”

  “Ehan knows Fychu.”

  “He does?” I quickly turn to Warze. “How?”

  “Ehan and Norhra children of high ambassador – stay in castle when Fychu live with Thias. Fychu teach many things about Dellapalania, spend much time with them.”

  “Well it’s a good thing Ehan remembers and likes Sampson,” Reid says. “Otherwise this could’ve gone very differently,” he looks around the group. “Let’s take a moment to relax. I want to join up with them but I want us going in fully charged…”

  Fallon?

  It hits me off guard. For a second I think someone said my name aloud but Reid’s still talking, addressing the group about a break. Still watching him, I focus, tuning out his voice to concentrate on my own internal one.