Discovery at Nerwolix

by C. G. Coppola

  Reid squeezes my hand.

  “I…I can’t…” Mae rushes back outside, nearly tripping on her way out. Able stiffens, glancing over his shoulder and then heads after her.

  “Sampson?” Reid looks to him.

  But the Fychu shakes his head, trying to process it like the rest of us. Ehan, Norhra and Ghion are at the other end of the home, moving slowly through the bodies.

  “Are the others like this?” Sampson asks.

  “Every one,” Ghion’s voice is a deadly whisper. “Every home in Gwhenderlin and Vhelsbern.”

  Clarence crouches to the floor, investigating the corpse of a young Nerwo at the edge of the wall. There’s a narrow slit across her chest, starting from her shoulder and ripping down toward the opposite hip. It’s filled with red, just like the tiny canal running the course of her neck. “Whips.”

  “Some with Traxpires,” Blovid nods, crouching over an elderly female in the corner. “It was definitely the Vermix.”

  “But why?” Walker asks, surveying the grisly scene. “I thought they wanted the Floating Ruby?”

  “They do. Badly,” Sampson lowers his head, shaking it. “Enough that they’d slaughter the elderly and young to find it,” he eyes Ehan, Norhra and Ghion. “These were the ones not suitable for battle?”

  Norhra nods, pale and frozen.

  “And you said every home suffered this fate?” he looks at Ghion but the Nerwo refuses to answer.

  Blovid rises to a stand again. “In his desperation, Reuzkimpart has just involved the Nerwos. You know King Thias will not remain neutral at this point.”

  “I will kill every last Vermix,” Ghion growls, pushing past the Dofinikes to get outside. Ehan and Norhra look at each other, then Sampson, Clarence and Blovid. Finally, their focus flies to us. Without a word, they follow Ghion out, leaving the eleven of us alone in the silent, corpse-filled cottage.

  “Do you think they know?” I ask, glancing between the Dofinikes. “The Vermix? Do you think they…” I gesture to the ground, “…told them where the Floating Ruby is kept?”

  “I doubt they knew themselves,” Sampson shakes his head. “Very few are privy to the information.”

  “So this was all for nothing?” Walker grimaces.

  “I am afraid…” Clarence exhales, “that is what happened.”

  “And it does not look like they were just killed,” Blovid pales, examining one of the bodies closest to him with multiple whip indentions. “It looks like they were tortured. Fychu?” he locks eyes with Sampson who begrudgingly nods in agreement.

  “So… ” Pratt’s voice is low. “The rest of the homes are like this? Everyone’s dead?”

  “This can’t be happening,” Jace shakes his head.

  I’m still finding it hard to look away. “What does this mean? In the big scope of things, what can we expect?”

  Sampson inhales. “Well, Blovid is correct—Thias will no longer remain neutral. He will want vengeance on the Vermix… I expect he will launch a full counter attack on Dellapalania. He has the forces to do so, and with Hozfin and Queen Ravan’s assistance, he will succeed.”

  “Attack Dellapalania?” Pratt gasps. “But what about all the Arizals?”

  “I—I am not sure. Only the Vermix attacked and so only they should be targeted but… I don’t know. With all their heinous crimes, they’ve angered the Three Worlds. I would hope all Dofinikes won’t be lumped together but I know Thias doesn’t hold a liking to any of us. This…” he exhales, “this will get infinitely worse.”

  “Maybe an attack on Dellapalania wouldn’t be the worst idea,” Clarence clears his throat. “Take Reuzkimpart out at home.”

  Sampson shakes his head. “If they attack home, he’ll flee and take his army with him… if he feels he is overrun.”

  “Then we would follow him,” Blovid says. “There is nowhere he can flee that we would not find him. He has made enemies in the Three Worlds.”

  “I cannot allow an attack on Dellapalania…” Sampson shakes his head. “Reuzkimpart will try again. And again and again to obtain the Gifts if he must. We cannot spare the innocent lives of our brethren.”

  “But Hozfin and the Mybyncians won’t attack the Arizals,” Booker says. “Right?”

  “In the middle of war, mistakes occur. Casualties are a necessity, and I don’t think the Nerwos or Mybyncians will stop to confirm they’re attacking the right enemy. It is why we use our human skin… not because we’re not proud of our heritage, but to avoid confusion. The Nerwos, Mybyncians and the Zingfinolds have all been attacked by the Vermix. I’m sure to some, we have been lumped together. I’m afraid…” Sampson exhales, “…I’m afraid that through their anger and despair, they won’t take the time to separate the two factions of Dofinikes. Many will simply wish to kill any Dofinike they see. If there is an invasion on Dellapalania…I fear for the survival of our race.”

  “Fychu…” Blovid places a hand on his shoulder, “it may come to an invasion. You must know this.”

  “If there is an invasion, I will need to lead it. And I will need to visit Dellapalania beforehand and prepare her for it. An invasion will only work if it’s orchestrated correctly, not by Hozfin or Queen Ravan and certainly not Thias. He has wanted to strike back at the Dofinikes since… well… since me. I will not allow innocents to lose their life at my expense.”

  “Fychu…” Ehan’s soft word comes from the entryway. He looks worn, angered and depressed all at the same time. “It seems… it seems King Thias is arriving soon. He wishes to see what has happened here in the villages. Jothkore will be with him,” a lump rolls down Ehan’s throat. “The king does not wish to keep his company any longer. You… you will need to go.”

  “Of course,” Sampson steps forward. “Thank you for allowing me this short time. I offer my sincerest apologies and condolences for all you have lost.”

  Ehan nods.

  “I promise to keep to the south, per my agreement with Thias. You need not worry about my presence anywhere in the north, anywhere near…” his eyes grow full and sad again. “I will stay and assist Hozfin as much as I can.”

  “Do you know how long you will stay on Nerwolix?” Norhra steps past Ehan.

  “I…”

  “Fychu stay as long as want,” Warze says from the doorway. “Hozfin wishes Fychu do no leave.”

  “It will have to be the south,” Norhra nods, stepping further into the house. “Absolutely no way can you travel here again. I… cannot guarantee your safety if you do.”

  “I understand.”

  A long silent moment passes.

  “Uh… can we get out of this house?” Jace glances around.

  Sampson, Blovid and Clarence nod and we all filter back outside, careful as we step over the bodies. The Fychu, Ehan, Norhra and Warze are the last out and stand besides Ghion, who looks like he’s trying to hold it together.

  “I trust we will communicate openly regarding anything to do with Dellapalania?” Sampson shifts his focus between the brother and sister.

  Ehan nods. “We will keep you informed, Fychu. We are aware it was only the Vermix who invaded and attacked us. We… will keep reminding Thias of this as well.”

  “Thank you. Please let me know if I can be of service,” a small smile appears as he squeezes Ehan’s shoulder. “It was good to see you,” he glances at Norhra. “Both of you.”

  “We have instructed Jothkore to meet you at Zinnollo,” she nods as unsaid words dance behind her blue eyes. Sampson must understand because he keeps his smile intact, releasing her brother’s shoulder with a tight squeeze.

  “Take care, old friends.”

  Ehan steps forward. “I will pass along news of your wellbeing to… to those who would want to know.”

  Sampson stops. He stands rigid and after a long second, he finally nods. “Thank you, Ehan.”

  The Fychu turns to the rest of us. It looks like he has a lot to say, some sort of summary or conclusion to wrap up everything that’s happened so far. Bu
t how can you sum it up? And especially when we’re still so far from the end?

  “Alright,” he inhales. “Let’s get back to the city.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight: Aftermath/Decisions

  I’m surprised how much Zinnollo has been damaged. Parts of the trunk-bridges have melon-sized holes blasted through them while tiny, narrow indentions mar their knotted texture. And it’s the same everywhere I look—evidence of Traxpires and whips mark the city like a disease. A recent, rampant, nearly fatal virus that ran its course through Zinnollo leaving a handful of survivors.

  I’m afraid to ask what this battle cost the Zingfinolds.

  We arrive to the king’s home first and find Jothkore, Vix and Qippert. Ariana sits beside Tucker who has been laid out on a long red cushion next to a few other tribesmen. Hozfin himself sits in his throne, listening as Qippert, Jothkore and Vix explain everything that happened toward the end of the battle, when the Mybyncians arrived. Everyone looks up as we enter.

  “King Hozfin,” Sampson approaches with a quick bow. He glances at the other Dofinikes, before taking a deep breath. “There has been an attack on Gwhenderlin and Vhelsbern.”

  “An attack?” Vix turns to him. “What attack?”

  “All the homes in the villages. Those too young and old and frail to fight…” he inhales, eyeing the Zingfinold king. “It was a… massive slaughter. In some ways… comparable to the Ellae Massacre.”

  “Fychu?” Jothkore frowns, disbelief in his eyes.

  “I wish I could say it wasn’t true,” Clarence shakes his head. “I saw it. We all did.”

  The three Dofinikes look around each other.

  “Do the Vermix know no bounds?” Ariana breaks the long moment of palpable silence.

  “They must have been desperate to find the Floating Ruby…” Sampson says. “When the Nerwos joined and then the Mybyncians, they must’ve felt the need to torture its location out of those left behind. It…” he sighs, “…it is a tragedy. An enormous loss for King Thias.”

  “He dismissed me rather quickly,” Jothkore nods. “I had no idea something had happened.”

  “Nor did I. I’d meant to speak with Chancellor Keller but Ghion arrived and announced the attack.”

  “I am certain the chancellor is still on Nerwolix,” Ariana rises, clutching Tucker’s hand. “I doubt he would leave without me. I will accompany you to the beach to retrieve him so we can discuss what needs to be done next as well as my return home.”

  “You’re leaving?” Tucker frowns, starting to sit up.

  “Rest, please. And I am not leaving yet… not today,” the princess smiles, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. “I will need to go home first thing tomorrow though; see my mother and advise…” she bristles with anger, “…what Varielle has been up to.”

  Still frowning, Tucker nods.

  “If only for a little while,” Ariana adds. “During this time, it would be wise to communicate freely and often with our allies. Since you are part of the Zingfinold tribe, we must remain in constant contact to plan and prepare against the Vermix.”

  A small smile crawls up Tucker’s mouth.

  “Princess,” Blovid extends his hand, “I will accompany you with the Fychu to retrieve Chancellor Keller. We will reconvene here,” he turns to Hozfin, “if that is alright?”

  The king simply nods, hands in fists at the end of his throne’s arm rests.

  “We will be back shortly,” Sampson says and in seconds, he, Blovid and the princess disappear.

  The rest of us sort of look around at each other as Clarence rubs the back of his neck. He clears his throat and with a quick glance at King Hozfin, he redirects his focus to us. “It’s been… well,” he laughs, “It’s been a long day. I believe your homes are relatively in good shape. But…” he shrugs, “…I think it’d be smart for everyone to stay close by… for tonight at least. If you want to head back, I understand.”

  No one moves.

  Except Reid. He squeezes my hand and leads me toward the red cushion where Tucker is laying. Sitting on the ground near the Rogue Leader’s head, Reid gently pulls me down with him, placing me in front and wrapping his arms around my body. I lean back on him, enveloped in his scent and strength, allowing the security to wash over me for the first time since yesterday morning.

  One by one the others do the same—sinking to the floor with their backs to the wall, releasing the built-up tension since the Vermix first arrived. The Rogues line up across from us with Walker on one end and Able on the other. All look worn, utterly exhausted and about to fall over.

  A solid stretch of silence passes.

  Reid tightens his arms around me and I let my head fall back on his shoulder. He kisses my temple and I close my eyes, ready to sink into the sweet comfort of his embrace. Before I can, Sampson, Blovid, Ariana, Chancellor Keller, Maris and Warze appear, filling the King’s home.

  “Chancellor Keller?” Qippert steps forward. “Maris? I am so glad to see you both.”

  They offer a quick bow, the chancellor responding first. “As are we, however, I am saddened it is under such circumstances. I was hoping it would be some time before we heard from you—that you would be safe and thriving in your escape but…” he shakes his head, “…it is not always what we want, is it?” He looks to all of us. “I am deeply sorry to hear of what has happened… of the Vermix attacking again, and only after such a short time. And of course,” he turns to Ariana, “about your sister…”

  “Where is she?” Tucker frowns, glancing around the space.

  “It seems in our swift departure to the Nerwolix villages, she escaped…” Sampson exhales. “Presumably with Perio.”

  “Are you serious?” Jace’s mouth drops open.

  “No fucking way,” Walker curses.

  “Unfortunately…” Sampson nods, “Varielle is not where we left her. They Mybyncians may find her hiding nearby but… it is most likely she fled the planet.”

  “The Mybyncians?” Pratt asks.

  Chancellor Keller nods. “As the Nerwos have retreated back home, I have commanded half of my forces to do a full sweep of the southern terrain. It is probable that the Vermix have all gone, but it would be wise to check.”

  “You do Zingfinold great honor,” Hozfin’s deep voice rumbles from the back.

  “We are here to assist, King Hozfin,” Chancellor Keller bows. “Queen Ravan and I only wish we could have done more; might have arrived sooner. When Clarence approached us two nights ago, we immediately started mobilizing to assist when the time came. It just happened too quickly. We had only secured definitive plans when Clarence returned and found the Vermix were already here. We came as fast as we could.”

  The king nods, gesturing his hand out. “Mybyncians welcome in southern terrain. Ally of Zingfinolds.”

  “Thank you,” the chancellor bows again. “I will let her majesty, the queen, know.”

  “If half of our people are sweeping the forest, does that mean the other half have returned home?” Ariana asks.

  “Yes, princess, and as we discussed, we will be leaving tomorrow morning as well. I know your mother is eager to see you again.”

  Ariana nods, risking a glance at Tucker.

  “So what now?” Pratt asks.

  “Now…” Blovid exhales, “…is when we decide what to do next,” he turns to Sampson. “You said you were not in agreement with launching an attack against Dellapalania. We will have to consider the possibility that it may come to it.”

  “I agree,” the Fychu nods. “But not as our next option.”

  “Reuzkimpart’s plan failed,” Clarence huffs, approaching his old friend. “He will need some time to recover, just like us. We should strike him while he’s recouping—he wouldn’t expect it.”

  “It would be putting the lives of our allies at stake—that I cannot do. I will not do.”

  “Sampson…”

  “I understand what you are saying, but bringing a war to Dellapalania is the last thing it needs.�
��

  “It could help the Arizals—give them the ability to strike back with assistance. War may be just the thing they need!”

  “And what of the enraged Nerwos who don’t care which Dofinike they kill? As long as a Dofinike is dead—that is what this war will be to them. And Reuzkimpart will not battle two enemies at once. He will slash down all Arizal Dofinikes. There will be no more convincing, no more using my father and other options to subdue their revolt. He will murder them outright, just like he did to the other Arizal Leaders. I am telling you,” he looks around the room, “attacking Dellapalania is the worst thing we can do to help our cause and secure the safety of our brothers and sisters.”

  “Then what can we do?” Blovid asks.

  “We can prepare. We can protect the Gifts.”

  “We do not even know where the Gifts are,” Vix says. “Sypmse, how can we protect them if we do not know where they are hidden? And it is not for us to know their location.”

  “We would not be using them… only relocating them.”

  “Relocating?” the word is gasped and repeated throughout the king’s home.

  “Sympse…” Clarence whispers.

  “It is the only way.”

  “How?” Clarence asks. “How is that the only way? They don’t even know where it’s hidden now. What’s the point of—”

  “They have vague ideas now. Reuzkimpart will be coming looking for the Gifts again.”

  “But he has already brought a massive army. What more can he bring? What more can he do?” Blovid asks. “The Gifts are safest where they are—hidden. Reuzkimpart will try again and when he does, we will conquer him.”

  “But when will he try again? We don’t know. There is no way we can be prepared for his second invasion unless…” Sampson inhales, “…unless we catch him in the act.”

  “Sympse…” Vix starts.

  “He will send spies,” he looks around the room. “You know this. He will send scouts to spy on our plans and progress. What if those spies reported a future attempt to move the Gifts? He will take it as his best opportunity to retrieve them. But we will be prepared this time. We will anticipate his arrival and know where he will be and when he will strike. We will trap him,” Sampson eyes all of us. “We will bring Reuzkimpart to us.”