Rising from Dust (Light from Aphelion Book 1)

by Carlsson, Martine

  “I suppose the company of rogues, marauders, and mercenaries is more reassuring,” Selen said. He had avoided the tavern until now. Maybe if he were accompanied, no one would want to bother him. He threw his hood over his head and entered the tavern, followed by Louis.

  The room was noisy and smelled like old smoke and beer. It was better not to ask about the stains on the tables and the benches. Selen was pretty sure that blood was one of the substances. He did not want to know about the others. Selen shrank, lowered his gaze, and walked through the crowd. They managed to find a round table in a corner. Selen sat on a stool.

  “How did you find your way here?” Louis asked.

  “I have felt pain in my chest for some time now. Not as a sickness, but as something calling me, telling me to go south.” Louis leaned closer over the table, turning his head slightly. Selen tried to talk a bit louder. “Eventually, I could not resist anymore, and I travelled across the Frozen Mountains. This mysterious force dragged me here to this tavern.” Selen made a quick gesture with his hand. He was disappointed. “I thought it was some kind of quest,” he said. “I thought that someone wanted to meet me, that I was meant to do something important.”

  Louis looked at him with surprise. “But you don’t need a call for that if it’s what preoccupies you. Anyway, we don’t even know if our pain is over. Maybe there is more to come.”

  Selen looked at Louis. The man had smiled at him. Besides, until now, he had not even stared at him with distaste. “What do you think it’s all about?” Selen asked. “Could it be related to the war?”

  Louis gazed at him. It felt as if his eyes pierced his soul. Selen barely held his look and squirmed.

  “I suppose I can tell you. I have had nightmares these recent months, always about some beasts, and, I’m not sure, but…a dragon,” Louis said. “I don’t know if you can understand. I have amnesia. I don’t remember anything about my past. I worked as an archivist in Neolerim in hopes of finding answers. But whatever I read, it never brought me anything. Then, the nightmares began and the pain. I had hoped that I could learn who I am.”

  Selen could not believe what he had heard. “That’s it!” he exclaimed. “This is the link between us,” he whispered. “I have amnesia too…and the nightmares. They seem so real. Whatever called us here, we were bound to meet.” Selen felt an intense excitement. After so many years of loneliness and questioning, he finally had found someone he had something in common with. Moreover, Louis did not look like everyone. Selen felt lucky. “So, do you think we should head south?” he asked. He would as well have followed east, west, or back north. He wanted to learn more about Louis.

  “I had planned to go south, but it means travelling in the middle of a land at war. I have no equipment. I hate to say it, but I guess we will have to find some on corpses,” Louis answered. “Do you have food? There is not much left to buy, I fear, not for a good price.”

  “I gave most of it to the refugees I met,” Selen said. He realized now that his generosity would probably mean some days of abstinence for him. At least Louis did not voice the disapproval shown by his expression.

  “That was most kind of you,” he said instead. “Can you fight?” Louis asked in a dubious voice.

  “I can use a stick and a spear. I also know by which end to hold a sword,” Selen said. He hoped he did not sound too pathetic. He was not bringing much to their journey by now. “Can you?”

  “I think I am pretty good,” Louis answered with a smirk.

  “But, you are an archivist?” Selen frowned. “You should barely see sunlight.”

  “Sometimes the archives close, and you have to do something with your time, like learning to defend yourself,” Louis said. “I could teach you.”

  Selen would love that. “So let’s do it right now,” Selen said. He got up and pushed his way to the door.

  CHAPTER 4

  Louis saw Selen jump up and rush outside the tavern. Dumbfounded, he followed him out. The man’s motivation startled him. Was all this a game for Selen, or did he just crave adventure? They walked together through the inner courtyard.

  “We can train in front of the inn. I think I saw a merchant standing there. He probably has a sword you can buy,” Louis said.

  They arrived in front of the stand. A round man in a brown shirt and an apron saluted them. Axes and swords of different qualities were on display. Louis picked one, judged the balance, and observed the blade. He tested a few of the finest swords.

  “Try one of these,” he said to Selen.

  “I don’t need such a nice blade if I can barely use it,” Selen told him.

  “Your equipment may save your life. Never spare on it,” Louis insisted. Selen picked a one-handed sword. “Does it fit your hand?”

  “Yes, it fits it.” Selen twisted his wrist. The blade glittered in the last ray of the evening light.

  Louis turned to the merchant. “How much for this sword?”

  “Two gold coins,” the man answered while lighting a lantern on the table.

  Selen took out his purse, but Louis held his hand. “You’re kidding, right?” He stared at the merchant with defiance.

  The man shrugged and frowned at him. “It’s a fine sword.”

  “I’m sure there is a profusion of fine swords down south. One only need to bend his knees and pick one.” He made a sign for Selen to leave. “Come.”

  “One gold and four silver,” he heard the man say as they left.

  Louis smirked. He turned around and took out his purse.

  “No. It’s mine.” Selen put a hand on his arm. “I pay.” Selen counted out the coins. Louis wondered if he also had given his money to the refugees. The purse was nearly empty.

  They went to the sandy alley on the other side of the inn. It was quiet, though a bit gloomy in the shade of the trees.

  “This is a nice place to train,” Selen said.

  “Indeed.” No one could see them from the tavern, and it was all that mattered. Louis stared at Selen. His hood fell over his brow to the top of his eyes. “Won’t you push back your hood? It’s not raining. Or do you hide yourself from someone?” Louis chuckled.

  “I do.”

  Louis turned serious. He had meant it as a joke. There was no one but them outside. “I hope it’s not from me.” Slowly, Selen pushed back his hood. Louis smiled. “If we journey together, I want to see your face. Besides, you have no reason to hide yourself.” Selen pinched his lips. His eyes shone.

  Louis drew out his long sword and moved in place. Selen raised his sword. Louis engaged with a blow aimed at Selen’s shoulder, and he deflected the attack easily. Louis swung his sword and aimed for Selen’s hip. Selen blocked and pushed the blade away. To test Selen’s reflexes, Louis made a feint at Selen’s legs, but he raised his sword diagonally and aimed for the flank instead. The metal clattered as the weapons crossed on their flat. Louis was pleased to see that Selen could defend himself well. He decided to increase the speed. Louis’s blows and thrusts became more violent, until he felt pain in his arms. Selen intercepted every move and never let him complete his blows. Yet, Selen never engaged.

  “Why don’t you attack me?” Louis asked, slightly irritated.

  “Do I need to?” Selen replied.

  “It’s the whole point with the training.”

  To force him to react, Louis swung his sword in a downward blow and stepped forward, reducing the space between them. Unable to raise his sword properly, Selen made a counter-cut on the flat, pushed, and slipped in Louis’s broken defense. Louis saw Selen twist around him and disappear behind his back. He swiveled, but too late. The push Selen gave him with the flat of his sword surprised Louis. Though he managed to block the blow, he lost balance and fell.

  “Why did you lie to me?” Louis rose, his hand brushing his hip. He felt cheated. He never mingled with folk. Yet, Selen had seemed so guileless that, for once, he had considered opening himself to someone. Could he have been wrong?

  “I didn’t lie
to you,” Selen said, startled.

  “You said you have never held a sword. Yet, you fight like a knight.”

  “I have not touched a sword in four years. I can’t explain…” Selen stopped and bent. He staggered, his mouth gaping and his eyes wide open. One of Selen’s hands reached for his chest.

  “Are you all right?” Louis asked, worried.

  Selen fell to his knees and screamed with pain, his hands crossed on his ribs.

  “Selen!” Louis shouted. He ran to him, knelt, and held him up. “What is wrong?”

  “I felt it again,” Selen sighed. He looked pale and nauseous. His breathing was forced. “The pain in my heart. I felt it again. Something, or someone, is coming.”

  “Was it as strong as when we met?” Louis questioned, his hands still holding Selen. He wondered why he had not felt it too. Maybe Selen was more sensitive, or maybe they didn’t feel it at the same time.

  “No. I feel better,” Selen answered, “but I would guess it’s coming towards us, from the south.”

  “It’s too late to search for it today. We will head south tomorrow.” Louis looked around, but no one had seen Selen’s faintness. “We should go back to the inn before it gets pitch black.” While steadying Selen, Louis’s gaze faced Selen’s. Louis noticed they were of equal height, and that they stood awkwardly close. He took a step back, but he still held one of Selen’s arms.

  “I am fine. The pain is gone. Thank you.” Selen smiled. “I did not lie. I swear.” With such kindness in his voice, Louis could not imagine that the man was or had been a warrior. Yet, his fighting skills proved otherwise.

  They went back to the inner courtyard. Louis headed to the stables, but Selen stopped him.

  “Where are you going?” Selen asked.

  “I’m going to sleep near my horse. I don’t know if you noticed, but the inn is full,” Louis said, nodding towards the noisy inn. By the uproar coming from that direction, it was clear that most of the guests were drunk and in a joyful mood. The stables smelled of horse dung, but at least it was quiet in there.

  “You could share my room,” Selen said in a low, timid voice.

  Louis gave him a surprised look. He tried to look into the man’s eyes, but Selen avoided his gaze.

  “I would love to,” Louis answered.

  They weaved through the crowd in the main room, went up the steps, and entered Selen’s room. The place was small and narrow but relatively clean, with a little table and a single window. The room smelled of dry hay.

  They removed their boots, and Selen took off his tunic. “The mattress is small, but I can sleep on the floor if you wish,” Selen said, facing the crudely constructed bed. Louis wondered if Selen had suggested that they share the narrow bed, or if he had heard what he wanted to hear.

  Louis looked at Selen’s hair. It glittered in the moonlight. Almost hypnotized by this ethereal sight, he approached Selen and ran his fingers through his hair that reached down to his thighs. Delicately, he put his lips on Selen’s left shoulder. The fragrance of his skin reminded him of the forest mixed with the scent of flowers. He felt Selen’s skin twitch under his lips. Louis heard him take a sharp intake of breath. Selen turned around with a stunned look on his face. Shame flooded Louis, and he pulled away.

  “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t…” Louis said, looking down, but before he could finish his sentence, Selen threw his lips onto his and put one arm around his neck. Selen’s move was so straightforward that it surprised Louis. Yet, the touch on his lips was so innocent that he did not pull away. Louis laid a hand against the side of Selen’s head and kissed him back. The feeling of relief and desire that overwhelmed him was intoxicating. Louis forgot everything: the call, the amnesia, and the monsters. All his thoughts were now on Selen. He stopped to observe Selen’s face and knew his candor was genuine. They smiled at each other. Louis kissed him again. He pushed Selen back gently and took the initiative to remove his own clothes. He waited for Selen to do the same. Awkwardly, Selen removed the rest of his clothes. Louis saw by the way Selen shrank his shoulders that he felt shy, even insecure. Louis smiled at such a lovely and silly gesture. He took one of Selen’s hands in his and admired his enchanting beauty. The man was graceful, but in contrast to his face, there was nothing feminine about his body. Louis felt heat fill him.

  He led Selen onto the bed and laid down on top of him. The contact of their naked bodies was heady. Selen’s mouth reached for his. Louis put his lips on Selen’s. As their first kiss had been rough, this one was careful, tender. The light touch sent shivers through his nerves, but yet not as strong as when Selen’s hands closed around the back of his head. In Selen’s arms, he realized how lonely he had been until now. Louis wondered if Selen shared this feeling to have given way to his emotions with such haste. He hugged him tightly. Louis’s lips parted slightly, and his tongue grazed Selen’s teeth. Selen’s mouth opened and welcomed him.

  When Selen waved that he had no air to breathe, Louis grazed his lips from Selen’s mouth to his cheek, trailing a line to his chest. Gazing down, he saw Selen’s arousal, but when he looked again into Selen’s intense, green eyes, he saw fear.

  “I don’t think I have ever…” Selen whispered.

  And I had hoped it, Louis thought with relief and decided to show the same sincerity. “I don’t remember either, but I will try not to hurt you.”

  He kissed him again and grazed his hands on Selen’s soft, white skin. He would be gentle and slow, ignoring the ache in his lower parts. He went down Selen’s body and traced the shape of his delicate muscles with his lips, down to his groin. The moisture that pearled on his skin tasted of salt and honey. As he pleasured him, he sensed Selen’s long fingers on his head, gripping his hair. Louis heard how he tried to hold back his moans. Selen did not last. He screamed out his pleasure as he came. His grip on Louis’s hair eased, and his breathing calmed down. Louis moved slowly upwards. Selen’s eyes were wide open, but his eyelashes twitched. Louis smiled and kissed him passionately.

  While they tasted each other, Louis moistened his fingers and prepared Selen for more. He looked into Selen’s eyes, searching for any sign of doubt, but the fear was gone. When he felt him ready, Louis’s left hand ran down Selen’s back and grabbed one of his cheeks. Selen’s long, muscular legs closed around his waist, and he disappeared into a world of pleasure.

  CHAPTER 5

  Selen felt lips kiss his. He opened his eyes slowly.

  “We have to pack our things,” Louis said with a smile. His companion was already dressed and ready to depart.

  Selen was relieved to see that what had happened last night had not been a dream. He had had but little hope that Louis could have such inclinations, let alone be interested in someone like him. It sounded too good to be true, and it almost made him cry. However, he did not want to put words to his feelings yet. Years of persecution had taught him to be wary of the human nature. He just hoped that Louis would not leave him. He raised his head, still feeling drowsy, and looked out the window.

  “It’s barely dawn. Do we need to leave so early?” Selen groaned.

  “I want to be gone from here before the charming assembly sleeping nearby notice it was just us in this room. You were not really…quiet,” Louis chuckled. “Besides, we have a potential enemy coming at us,” he added seriously.

  Understanding the threat, Selen gave up arguing. He got up, got dressed, and packed. They slipped outside the silent inn and made for the stables. No one was to be seen. They fixed the bridles and saddles, attached the bags, and pulled gently on the bits to move the horses to the porch. Once outside, they got on their horses. Selen realized that this was going to be a long day.

  The way leading south was still clear of people. “I see you do not hide under your hood anymore,” Louis said.

  “Considering all you have seen of me, a hood would be a bit pointless.” Selen flushed.

  “But why did you hide? You are a bit different, but you are no monster.”

 
“You would be surprised to know that you are the first one to think that way,” Selen responded. He would nearly thank Louis for that, for bringing him the warmth and comfort he had so much longed for. Yet, pity was the last thing he wanted of him.

  “You mean that your look is unusual in the Frozen Mountains as well?” Louis asked.

  “I had to live in the wilderness,” Selen answered. His mouth twitched. He hoped it was the last question.

  “I’m sorry.”

  And there it came. To be seen as a victim irritated him. All he did was to survive. He had no choice. The world hated him, and he had been unable to adapt, partly because he was useless, and partly because he refused to be someone else. “Please, don’t be. I don’t want…”

  “Commiseration?” Louis said. “What would you say my life was in Neolerim?”

  Selen had thought about it a bit. With his beautiful look, Louis must have had an intrepid life in a rich world full of pleasures. Until last night, Selen would have added a world with women. Now, he considered it less probable. Only the fact that he was an archivist had given Selen a little hope to get his attention. Archivists were usually calm and austere. “I would say, popular.”

  Louis laughed. “Do you see me as a brat? I could take it as an insult.”

  Selen was relieved to have guessed wrong. “No, I prefer you as an archivist.”

  “Please, stop. I don’t need your commiseration,” Louis said. They both grinned. Louis closed his eyes and put a fist to his chest. He grimaced with pain.

  “Louis? Is something wrong?” Selen stopped his horse and laid a hand on his friend’s arm.

  “I can feel him now,” Louis said. “He’s probably coming right at us.”

  “Should we ride straight to him, or should we plan something?” Selen inquired.

  “What do you propose?”

  “I can follow the road through the bushes. If it’s someone on their own, I may surprise him.”