Discovery at Nerwolix

by C. G. Coppola

  He holds nothing but two small blades which are fastened to both wrists—same as Ehan and Norhra. On his body, which is nothing more than the thin curved shell with matching miniscule limbs, he wears only a small brown hide wrapped around his narrowed hips.

  “No…no…” he shakes his head. “She says she will see Curhio again soon. She says Nerwos are friends…” he pauses, raking a look over the rest of us.

  “She says they are friends too,” Ehan starts before the Tunnel Keeper continues, “and that we are allowed safe passage.”

  “Miyons invade…” he growls, “…Vermix invade. Curhio makes it safe for her return.”

  “Yes,” Norhra nods. “You have made it safe.”

  “Must make it safe… Curhio always makes it safe. She says not to harm Nerwos even though they harm Curhio, but Curhio escaped. And then she came. She is Curhio’s only friend. Do you know?” he steps forward. “Do you know?”

  “No, Curhio,” Norhra exhales softly. “I do not know.”

  “It will be soon,” he scurries back to the wall, scraping his finger down the rough rocky texture. “Curhio keeps waiting. Curhio always waits for her. Every time.”

  “Every time what?” I ask, not even meaning to speak. The question somehow slipped out, but before Ehan or Norhra can say anything, Curhio beats them to it.

  “She comes through the pass,” he points a long, skinny finger toward the northern end, “there. She meets Curhio and leaves,” he points to the other end, where we arrived, “there. She comes back the same night and goes home. But she always comes back. Curhio always waits for her. Every time. Every time.”

  “And you’re still waiting?” Jace frowns.

  “Curhio always waits. Every time. Every time. Do you know?”

  No one answers.

  “Do you know?” he looks at me. “Do you know?”

  “Know what?” Able whispers in my ear.

  It’s the only thing Curhio cares about… the only thing he’s been caring about for three thousand years, since she last passed through, I suppose. It breaks my heart that he’s still in here, still waiting for her when she’s been dead all this time. Will he stay here forever, waiting for her? Or should someone tell him?

  Keeping my voice low, I whisper to Able, “When she’s coming back.”

  “Do you know?” Curhio steps forward.

  I shake my head. “No, Curhio. I don’t know.”

  “It will be soon,” he scurries to the wall, scraping his finger down the rocky texture again. “Curhio keeps waiting. Curhio always waits for her. Every time. Every time.”

  Ehan and Norhra exchange looks before focusing on the Tunnel Keeper again.

  “You have made the pass safe again for her return,” Ehan keeps his voice soft. “We thank you, Curhio. But we must be leaving. Outside this tunnel, there is a battle occurring and we must return to it.”

  “Battle?” he frowns. “Curhio does not know of the battle. These are… invaders? Like the miyons?”

  “That is right,” Norhra nods. “The invaders are here to steal the Floating Ruby, just like the miyons were.”

  “Is she safe? Curhio makes it safe for her return.”

  “We will protect her out there. You must stay here and protect the pass for her safe return. If any Vermix come through, same as him,” Ehan motions to the dead Dofinike, “you must stop them.”

  “But only,” Qippert interrupts, rolling the Vermix onto his back, “if they possess these three red lines. You see them there? These are the bad Dofinikes. These are the intruders.”

  Curhio follows his focus and eyes the red lines. He looks back at Qippert. “Do you know?”

  “Soon, Curhio,” Qippert’s mouth turns down. “It will be soon.”

  “Curhio keeps waiting. Curhio always waits for her. Every time. Every time.”

  Ehan gestures past the Tunnel Keeper to the northern end of the pass. Norhra goes first, then Qippert, Walker, the Rogues, Reid and I. Finally Ehan nods back at him and as usual, keeps his voice soft and calm, completely coddling and reassuring.

  “Keep the tunnel safe for her return, Curhio.”

  I’m already a ways down the pass, squeezing Reid’s hand when I hear the Tunnel Keeper mumbling to himself behind us, “…keeps waiting. Curhio always waits for her…”

  His voice dies in the distance and after some time, we reach the north end of the pass where the morning light washes away all evidence of the dark. Emerging from the tunnel, I have to squint, quickly readjusting my eyes. Outside, a thick line of Nerwos wait, standing at attention as we approach them.

  “Well that was depressing,” Walker huffs, scratching down his chest.

  “And disturbing,” Able frowns. “So he’s just going to like, wait in there forever?”

  “Seems so,” Reid nods, turning to Ehan as he moves for the army of Nerwos. “Does he even know how much time has passed?”

  “I do not think so, no. I imagine to him it has been one long night. It would be easy to lose track of the hours and if he was accustomed to waiting for her—especially in the dark—he probably just assumes only a short time has passed,” he approaches the Nerwos.

  One stands in front of the others, arms behind his back and legs apart. He has long black hair like Bhanton, but it’s pulled back in a braid and he stares ahead, dark brows over focused eyes. “Your orders, Ehan?”

  I turn to Reid as Ehan talks with the other Nerwo. “He said she passed through every night and then returned home… where do you think she went?”

  “Sounds like she was meeting somebody.”

  “But who?”

  “Well he said the miyons invaded…” Tucker shrugs. “Maybe she was spying on them or something.”

  “Or something,” Walker winks. “Every night? Sounds like a booty call to me.”

  “Think he’ll ever believe she died?” I look around the group of Rogues.

  “Can’t believe he’s three thousand years old,” Able shakes his head. “I don’t ever want to get that old.”

  “He must be a crazy son of a bitch to live that long,” Jace laughs, “killing everything that comes through.”

  “Except us,” Able laughs. “Glad we didn’t venture further in the other times.”

  Fallon, the voice takes me off guard. Fallon, can you hear me?

  It takes me a moment to recognize the voice because it’s not Sampson and Qippert is here next to me. Signaling to the Rogues, I take a step away, facing the Nerwo army as I close my eyes and concentrate.

  Clarence, is that you?

  Good girl. Listen, Sampson says you’re with Ehan and Norhra toward the northern part of the Hylas—is that right?

  Yeah, we’re actually in the Nerwos’ territory now. We just went through Nhazual’s Pass and met the Tunnel Keeper.

  Silence.

  Wow. That must’ve been… an experience. Look, I’m sorry I haven’t been able to communicate until now. I was still on Mybyncia trying to mobilize Keller’s forces. I didn’t realize the Vermix showed up yesterday and I just got here myself.

  Where are you?

  On the beach with Sampson. We need you back here—all of you. Reuzkimpart is withdrawing most of his forces up north to come back behind the Nerwos. I think it’s his final move. But the Zingfinolds can’t hold all of them.

  I thought the Nerwos were coming to assist?

  They haven’t reached us yet, but that’s alright. Their plan was smart—suffocation. Except now, we need to find a new choke point and it’s the beach. Tell Ehan to keep half his forces north and have the other half push the Vermix back down south. They’ll be cut off on both sides by the Zingfinolds with their backs to the water.

  What if they flee somewhere else? To the city or something?

  I don’t think Reuzkimpart is willing to attack Zinnollo again. At this point, if he hasn’t found the Floating Ruby and with so many of his army killed, he may just retreat. But we need to keep the Vermix locked in one central place.

  I’ll
tell Ehan.

  You have Qippert with you, right?

  Yes.

  Okay. I’ll be there to pick up the rest of you in a minute… see you soon, kid.

  I open my eyes, finding all the Rogues carefully watching me for an update. But I push past them and head straight for Ehan and the other Nerwo.

  “I do not think the king wanted to be involved this long, though,” the stranger shakes his head. “He had hoped for only a few hours… he does not feel comfortable deploying his forces much longer.”

  “I am sorry, Ghion, but the Vermix brought more of a force than King Thias expected. It is no wonder Hozfin unleashed his Ludins. Reuzkimpart must have half the Vermix population out here. But the numbers are looking good and—”

  “I’m sorry,” I look at Ehan, “but I just got instruction from… the Fychu.”

  “Oh?” he raises a brow, quickly glancing at the other Nerwo who is watching me with the same surprise. “This is Commander Ghion, Leader of the Northern forces.”

  Ghion bows slightly, glancing quickly at Ehan before returning his attention to me. “The Fychu is here?”

  “In the south,” I nod, turning to Ehan. “He said to keep half your northern forces here and use the other half to push the Vermix back south again. The Zingfinolds are cutting off the east and west sides but the Fychu can’t hold the south alone. We,” I look to the Rogues, “have to go help him.”

  “Why move south when we have them all the way up here?” Ghion frowns. “We are striking now, correct? They are faltering?”

  “They’ve started fleeing south again to come up behind you,” Reid says. “They’re trying to separate themselves… break out of your hold.”

  “We need to keep them locked in one area,” Qippert turns to me. “But if the Fychu cannot hold the south, what are his intentions? How will he corner them?”

  “He wants them with their backs to the water.”

  “I see,” Qippert nods.

  “Fallon!” Clarence calls, rushing up to us. He slows when he sees the brother and sister, his mouth opening slightly. “Ehan… Norhra… it is good to see you.”

  “Clynse?” Norhra looks stunned, a rosy hue painting her cheeks. She takes a small step forward. “You are here as well?”

  “I was in Mybyncia only this past day… I have been with the Fychu since we liberated Harrizel,” he finally lets his eyes wander to me and the others. “It’s time to go. Sampson needs us on the shore.”

  I nod just as Norhra approaches, the slightest frown. “You are leaving?”

  “The Fychu needs our help in the south. Fallon told you what needs to happen?”

  “We are to move half our forces south… put the Vermixs’ back to the water?”

  He nods. “It’ll keep them out of your area and away from the mountains. Plus, I’m pretty sure the Zingfinolds want to deal with them on their land.”

  Ehan steps forward. “We will assist. Ghion,” he turns to him and the Nerwo Commander moves closer. “It would be beneficial for you to accompany them. Leoh can stay with the others while we assist the Fychu and Clynse in removing the Vermix.”

  Ghion nods, throwing a glance to Norhra, who hasn’t taken her eyes off Clarence since he arrived. “I will come with you and assure that the Fychu does not find himself north of the Hylas.”

  “He won’t,” Clarence shakes his head, moving toward us—the humans. “Fallon, Reid, Tucker and Able with me. Qippert, want to grab the second group?”

  He nods and we start clasping hands.

  “So where were you?” Werzo frowns, stationing himself between Booker and Walker.

  “Mybyncia—don’t you listen?” Jace laughs.

  “You spoke with the queen?” Ehan raises a brow.

  “And Chancellor Keller. They are fully aware of everything happening here,” Clarence glances around our group. “Meet us down by the shore and I will explain more.”

  The familiar lavender billows around us as everything disappears. We’re only in the purple fogginess for a few seconds before the beach appears, the lapping water mere feet away. Sampson, Warze and a host of Zingfinolds chat nearby, stopping as they see us arrive. Clarence leads us over and just before we make it, Qippert’s group appears next to Sampson. Ehan, Norhra, Ghion and a small fleet of Nerwos appear within seconds, all gathered around the Fychu who speaks with his usual calm and authoritative voice.

  “They’re relocating to the far end of the beach and up by the trees there,” he points to the edge of the forest where this all started yesterday. “King Hozfin has the Zingfinolds to the east and west and the Nerwos are pushing the Vermix down to us. They should be arriving through the trees at any minute. It is up to us to keep them cornered here. They may try retreating to the water—”

  “Fallon!” Pratt rushes over, leaving Mae, Vix and Blovid behind her. She crashes into me, wrapping her arms around my waist in a tight hug. “I was so worried.”

  “What about us, little Roguetta?” Jace laughs. “Not concerned for our well-being?”

  “You guys have handled worse,” she quickly glances back at Mae before setting her worried gaze on me. “Sampson gave us updates but you were alone out here for a while…and then Walker didn’t come back with you… and Reid was freaking us out worrying. I was scared I’d never see you again.”

  “I’m fine,” I pat her back. “We had some close calls, but we’re fine.”

  “Thank God we’re all together again,” Mae glances to Sampson, her voice growing quiet. “Although…”

  “…this is going to be the most crucial point,” he nods, agreeing. “We need to keep the Vermix here. They’ve gone too far north for King Thias’s liking. And personally, I’d like them off Nerwolix for good. They are not to advance. Their only choice is to flee. That is our aim. Force the Vermix to leave.”

  “But what if they come back?” Mae asks.

  “If they return—and I believe they will—we will have Hozfin and Thias in full collaboration by that point. When Reuzkimpart chooses to try again, he will be met with better preparation and a more hostile environment. It will not be this easy for him.”

  “This was easy?” Werzo mutters.

  “King Thias does not wish to be involved,” Ehan shakes his head, stepping forward. “He merely wants the Vermix far from the north end of the Hylas,” he pauses, smiling at Sampson. “It is good to see you, Fychu.”

  “You as well,” Sampson nods, switching focus to his sister. “And you, Norhra. Thank you for your assistance.”

  “It was not something we had originally anticipated. Once King Hozfin released the Ludins, and Jothkore explained the direness of the situation, King Thias finally agreed to our temporary aide. But,” she nods, “we are happy to help.”

  Sampson offers a slight bow, glancing around the group. “Thank you all for your help. As I am sure you understand, this conflict has grown from more than just Dellapalania’s issues… it now involves all Three Worlds. It will take everyone’s help to break this threat and send Reuzkimpart and the Vermix back home.”

  “Zingfinold with you, Fychu.”

  “We are also with you,” Ehan nods.

  “Can’t get rid of us,” Jace laughs. “No use trying.”

  A genuine smile crosses Sampson’s lips before he looks around the group, pointing to the trees. “Again, what we can expect is that the Vermix will be coming from—”

  An orange explosion shoots past Walker, just skimming his arm. He grips it with a curse, turning to the beach behind him. I do the same, my blood running cold.

  Chapter Twenty-Six: Shore Wars

  Black suits rise from the water.

  They’re the kind we wore on Mybyncia, but they’re not filled with miyons or mayans. These suits are bigger, covering a broader and taller frame, and each carry a Traxpire, firing at us. I’m not sure what to think at first, what to do or where to go. Everyone is scattering and I’m vaguely aware that I’m yanked back, Reid’s hands squeezing mine to the point of breaking. Prat
t and Mae are screaming but Jace, Tucker and Able jerk them into a run as the Zingfinolds and Nerwos race into the water.

  There must be a few dozen suits arising from the lapping blue. More and more Vermix appear until the entire beach is suddenly plagued with the familiar black gear. They’re everywhere, storming onto the sand as the handful of Nerwos do their best to disarm them. But there are too many Vermix. Too many for what we have here, right now. And just when I don’t think it can get any worse—a new threat slinks through the Vermix and onto the shore.

  Sage-bodied warriors led by a purple haired-leader.

  Reid sees them too, but he’s still yanking me past the trees as the Zingfinolds rush by, storming the beach.

  “It’s Perio!” I scream.

  “I know.”

  “They have to have Ariana nearby,” I try pulling back but Reid won’t budge. “She’s got to be around here!”

  “We can’t.”

  “Reid!”

  He curses. “Just stay here!”

  “But—”

  “Fallon, I need you to—”

  An orange blast shoots past us, enveloping a trunk behind me in flames.

  “Fuck!” he hisses, whipping out his Traxpire and shooting at the impending Vermix. But the Dofinike dodges and drops to all fours, charging us. Reid fires again but the Vermix leaps onto a nearby tree and then another. He jumps one final time, launching himself onto us.

  I retrieve the whip from my jeans and time slows.

  The Vermix is mid-jump, his Traxpire clutched in one set of talons as his yellow eyes burn behind the protective gear of his dark dome. But I only need a second and I have plenty of them with his eternal leap. Whipping the handle back, I let the sharp end fly. It slices him across his neck and he falls to the ground with a loud thud. Another comes behind him, his Traxpire already firing but I let the whip crack again, severing his hand from his arm before removing his neck like the first. Somewhere in the distance, Mae screams.