"Thank you, Connor. I'm glad you're here too. Let's make a deal," Laila said as her laughter subsided.
Connor waited.
"When one of us figures out something, anything, about what in the world is going on, we'll tell the other. No secrets."
Connor considered for a moment. That was an easy enough pact to make.
"I like it. No secrets." He reached his hand out toward her, ready to shake her hand to confirm their agreement. She looked at his hand awkwardly, unsure of what he was doing. "Shake on it?"
"Oh!" She chuckled again. "As in, shake hands?"
Connor nodded slowly.
"Sorry," she said, finally reaching her hand out. "We don't do a lot of that in Terus."
Connor nodded again, taking her small hand lightly and shaking once, completing their accord. He still had a lot to learn about her.
Connor woke up as Icarus stepped into their room. The room was still dark, but Icarus was holding a small lamp, lighting his way. Connor immediately swung his legs off the bed although his head was still groggy from sleep. He knew that Icarus would want to leave quickly.
"It's time," Icarus said softly.
Connor nodded, pulling on his boots and standing. As he grabbed his pack and pulled it on, he saw Laila stir slightly. He caught Icarus's attention and motioned at the girl. Icarus placed his hand on her bed and shook gently. She stirred again, rolling onto her back. Her eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the dim light of the lamp.
When she saw Icarus, she gasped and sat up suddenly, scooting away from him toward the wall. Icarus stepped back, putting his hands up. After a moment, Laila's breathing calmed and she lowered her head.
"Sorry. I thought I was back home," she said, lifting her head to look at Icarus.
"It's okay, child. It's time to leave, though. Get your things."
Laila stood slowly, gathering herself after her brief shock. Connor grabbed her pack and handed it to her as she pulled her own shoes on. She half-smiled at him and swung the pack onto her back, ready to go. Satisfied, Icarus led them out of the room and down toward the greatroom. The room was empty now. Icarus left the lamp on the counter near the back of the room with a small pouch of coins. They made their way out into the cool early morning of Balon.
The sun was just under the horizon, giving the streets an eerie feel, like something out of a dream. A low fog hung at their feet, punctuated by small waves as they walked along the quiet streets. They did not see anyone else until they reached the main avenue leading to the city center, and even then they only encountered a few farmers trying to get an early start on the day. The trio received a couple of odd looks as they walked, and Connor wondered at their significance. From what he could gather from Icarus and Laila, few people traveled the Confederacy by foot. All of the cities of the Confederacy but Norden were situated on rivers or Lake Artus, making water the quickest form of travel. Thus, a small group like theirs seemed out of place making their way on foot. Connor hoped that their conspicuousness did not play into Icarus's concerns.
The group made the main gate on the river just as the gates were being opened to general traffic. Connor studied the guards more intently this time. They did seem to be more alert than the guards in Terus. And they were certainly more heavily armed. Icarus had hinted at a reason for that, but as Laila had confirmed the previous night, he had not told either of them what that might be.
Just beyond the gates was the bridge over the river Auster and a narrower road that ran south along the eastern bank. Knowing they were headed to the southeast, toward Grimmere, Connor was surprised when Icarus led them back over the bridge, but he held his tongue. There were no boats to marvel at on the river this morning, and the three of them crossed the bridge quickly, turning south, as Connor had originally expected, when they reached the far side.
Connor kept his questions to himself as they picked their way along the smaller, less- frequented road running along the western bank. This side of the river was rocky, and it rose up above the water nearly twenty feet, leaving a sharp, jagged cliff to their left. The road they took weaved its way through the rocks and scattered trees, up and down along the bank. An hour before midday, the rocks and cliffs gave way to the gentle, rolling hills they had encountered to the north of Balon, and they were able to find their way more easily.
They stopped for a short break in the hills overlooking the river. While Laila and Connor pulled out some of their dried food, Icarus walked a short distance away, taking a seat near a small outcropping of stones. Connor watched the Magus, hoping to get a chance to question him now that they were out of Balon. Icarus sat with his legs crossed in front of him, his hands on his knees, and his eyes closed. Connor heard a short inhalation from Laila. He turned and saw the look of surprise on her face.
"You alright?" he asked.
She took a deep breath. "Yeah."
Knowing he was unlikely to get more out of her, he decided to make his attempt at questioning Icarus. He walked over to the stones slowly, worried he might disturb the old Magus.
"A moment," Icarus said, his voice distant, when Connor was within a few steps. Connor stood, waiting patiently. A few minutes passed and Icarus did not move; Connor could barely tell that he was breathing. Then, with a quick breath in and out, Icarus opened his eyes and looked up at Connor. "I know. We're on the wrong side of the river."
Connor opened his mouth to respond and then stopped. "Right. Are we still going to Grimmere?"
"We are."
"Can I ask why we're on this side?"
"As I've said, I'm worried we are being followed. Too many things don't make sense. Your tale of the strange creature a few nights ago, the increase in the Guardians’ intensity in Balon, and Laila and my return from the library. I think we've eluded them for the time being, whoever they are."
"How do you know?"
Icarus placed his hand lightly on the ground beneath him. "The earth can be helpful in many ways. Know that, for now, we are safe. Though the detour will add time to our journey."
Connor nodded, satisfied, though he wondered if Laila would be. Icarus climbed to his feet slowly and he and Connor returned to Laila.
"What were you doing?" Laila asked as soon as they were back.
"Ah, you felt that, did you?" Icarus responded.
Laila nodded.
"You're becoming more sensitive. That's good." Icarus motioned for them to gather their things, and they returned to the path. "I was...how can I put this? I was asking the earth for...help. Few things escape the perceptions of the earth. With enough patience, I can...listen to those perceptions. I was trying to determine if we were being followed or not."
"And?" Laila asked.
"Not right now."
“Who would be following us anyway?” she continued.
Icarus’s face grew darker. “The other day, I spoke of the imbalance in the world. That imbalance that the Magusari is meant to correct.”
She nodded.
“Well, that imbalance is related to one of the three Prime Aspects. During the time of the Moon Kingdom, it was Chaos that reigned. I fear that agents of that same Chaos may be searching for you as I did.”
Connor could see Laila’s eyes grow wide. He felt a rise of panic within his own chest. Agents of Chaos? What would those be? And how could he or Laila stand against something like that?
“We are safe for now,” Icarus said, trying to calm them both, “and, at least, we are a step ahead. I found you before they did.”
He smiled at Laila, and she tried to turn the look of fear on her face to a friendlier one, but it only came across as an awkward half-smile. If Connor had not been just as afraid of the implications of Icarus’s information, he might have laughed.
Deciding that it would be better to not think about, Connor fell into step beside Laila. He occupied himself by using some of his old tracking skills to see what kind of animals lived in the hills around them. He studied the ground beneath them as they walked, half-watching and half-listening to t
heir conversation.
"Is that something else you're going to teach me?" asked Laila.
"In time, you will be able to do much more than that. When you are in full command of your power, the earth will bow to your will. I simply ask it for help," he said, smiling.
"In time, in time. You keep telling me about all these things that are going to happen 'in time.' When will that time be?" Connor could hear the tension in her voice increase.
"I know, Laila." Icarus's voice was disarming. "You know what you can do. You've seen it yourself. You still don't really believe it, though. You rail against your own destiny. I will help you, but first you have to accept things as they are."
"I didn't want any of this," Laila said. The tension had gone from her voice, replaced by withdrawal.
Icarus did not answer; he simply smiled at her reassuringly and continued on down the path.
The next four days went much the same as the first. The hills grew increasingly steeper as they approached the southern mountains, where the river originated. Icarus gave no indication that they were being followed. Laila's mood began to improve over time. She would talk with Connor about Custos, curious as to how people lived outside of the Confederacy. Connor felt it soothing to remember his home. Icarus had not indicated whether they would ever return, so he could not fully relate to Laila's situation, but she did not speak of her past. And she seemed content to learn of his ways. He tried to teach her some of his mediocre hunting skills when he could. During their marches, he would point out different animal tracks and markings, explaining what they meant and how you could use them to follow the animals when hunting. Connor found he had a much better grasp on the theory of hunting than its actual implementation.
Icarus passed the days mostly in silence, leading the two young people along. Connor had become accustomed to his reserved nature when he and Icarus had left Custos for the Confederacy, and Laila did not push her questions on him after their brief conversation that first day.
On the fourth day, they came to a small settlement situated on the banks of the river. It was a small town, and it reminded Connor of Custos more than any place else in the Confederacy. Farmers worked their fields on the outskirts as the group moved toward the center of town. There were no Guardians here, and no walls. A simple farming village.
As they entered, Connor caught the smell of cooking fish. Looking around, he saw a young boy, not much older than ten, sitting near a cook fire, watching five large fish steam. Connor’s mouth watered at the smell, and he could almost taste the flaky fish.
Unfortunately, Icarus led them past the small boy quickly, hurrying toward the riverbank.
“I’m so hungry,” Connor said to himself.
“Me too,” Laila said, smiling at him briefly, “but the Magus is on a mission. No time to stop for pleasantries.”
Connor chuckled slightly.
Icarus continued toward the riverbank. An older man was standing on a small jetty, cleaning another set of fish.
“Are you the owner of this fine vessel?” Icarus said, gesturing toward the small fishing boat.
The older man looked at the boat and then back at Icarus, taking in the Magus’s odd dress. He then leaned to one side, glancing at Connor and Laila. Connor he passed over quickly, assuming he was an outsider. But his eyes lingered on Laila. She still wore garb that identified her as Terun. They were not the formal robes she would have worn as a Consul, but they still were distinct enough to mark her as a Citizen, at least in the older man’s eyes.
“A Terun? What’re you doing so far south, Shi?” the old man asked accusingly, ignoring Icarus.
Laila fumbled for words. “I… well…” Finally her upbringing came back. “Is the business of a Citizen really yours to ask about?”
“When one travels with a couple of Xenos, perhaps.” The man’s words were still sharp, but his voice began to waver slightly.
“Well, it’s not your concern, I assure you. My matters are my own. Now, if you’d kindly answer my friend here.” Laila gestured to the Magus.
The older man snorted, shaking his head. “Very well, Terun. Yes, friend,” the last word was strained as he turned back to Icarus, “that is my boat.”
“I would like to hire it as we need to cross the river.”.
They bartered briefly, finally agreeing on a price that Connor thought was far too high for taking them across a river that was only a few hundred yards across. But Icarus had already shown that he was willing to ignore fairness when it came to speed. Connor watched as they moved away from the western bank. The smells of the small town drifted to him, diminishing quickly, and he wished, once more, that he were back in Custos.
After their short river crossing, they spent another two days skirting the feet of the mountains, moving eastward. Connor knew they would eventually have to move into the mountains themselves to reach Grimmere. The lake that was their destination was in the mountains to the north of Custos, and the range ran all the way east to the Red Bay. Connor did not know the way, so he followed Icarus eastward, Laila at his side.
Eleven
Flight
On the evening of their seventh day from Balon, they made camp in a small cave that faced north toward Lake Artus and the distant plains. Connor made a small fire near the mouth, which provided them a little light and warmth. They had passed out of populated lands the day before and were now in the wide emptiness between the River Auster and the coastal cities. As Connor prepared a small meal, Icarus walked to the back of the shallow cave, and Laila sat near the fire, absently rolling a small stone through her fingers. Connor sat next to the fire and looked out on the plains below them as the sun set.
When the meal was ready, Connor grabbed a bowl and began eating, gesturing to Laila to join. She approached the fire without speaking, grabbing her own bowl of the thin stew. Connor spooned the mixture into his mouth, passively watching the darkness deepen on the plains. Just at the edge of his perception, there was a brief flash of light below them, bringing his attention back to the land before him. He watched the plains carefully, but could see nothing more.
Another traveler? he thought. It was unlikely, but possible. He turned to look at Laila to see if she had noticed anything, but she was absorbed in the small stone in her hand again, bringing her food to her mouth mechanically. Connor glanced back at Icarus; he had not moved from his seated position, legs crossed in front of him, eyes closed. Another quiet night, I suppose.
The sun completed its drop below the horizon and the plains were covered in darkness. The moon was a sliver on the horizon, shedding little light. Connor leaned back on his blankets and stared up at the stars, wondering what his friends were doing back in Custos. The fire crackled next to him. He wondered what had happened after he had left, especially with Tristan and his other friends. Had they simply gone back to their normal lives?
Inevitably, he found his mind wandering to Cyrus and the challenge. Cyrus had meant to kill him. And for what? Because he had been chosen by Icarus. He had not wanted the honor then; he still did not want it now. But he had come to accept his fate. Icarus saw something within him, but Connor did not know what it was. The fire popped again, loudly, stirring Connor from his thoughts.
He rolled onto one side, watching the fire, pushing thoughts of his home to the side. The fire continued to pop and crackle. As Connor watched, it seemed to expand. The flames grew slightly larger, the intensity of the sounds increased. Connor sat up—he was not imagining it. The fire was growing.
Suddenly the fire roared and shot into the sky in a pillar of light and flame. Connor rolled backwards, away from the fire. He was able to see Laila do the same, diving for the cave wall. A sharp, terrifying cry rang out from the darkness, echoing through the small cave and reverberating through Connor. The pillar of fire raged, but his eyes were now drawn to eye-shaped embers staring at him from the edge of the darkness, making their way into the firelight.
As the eyes drew closer, a body formed around them:
a black creature with streaks of red along its back. It moved on all four legs, like a dog or a wolf, stalking Connor. Its ember-filled eyes glinted in the firelight, reflecting and intensifying the glow. The red streaks along its back rose up, revealing sharp spines. A guttural growl tore out of the creature's mouth as its jaws separated, revealing sharp, crimson teeth. Its paws left small scorch marks on the ground as it crept toward Connor. This was the creature that had been following them before Balon! Connor could see Laila backing toward the mouth of the cave too, another one of the nightmare creatures stalking toward her.
A rush of fear swallowed Connor's mind. Nothing could have prepared him for something like this. With the fear, though, came a semi-familiar surge, and the Sword sprang to life in Connor's hands. Blue light seemed to subdue the red of the creature's eyes and the firelight. With the Sword in hand, Connor felt the confidence rise in his chest. He readied himself against the creature, placing the Sword in front of him, alert. The creature hesitated a moment, watching Connor. Connor could see a dark intelligence in the ember eyes as they moved from Connor to the Sword.
Out of the corner of his eye, Connor saw the second creature lunge at Laila, and she stumbled backwards, further into the cave. He turned instinctively, wanting to help her, and the creature in front of him saw its opportunity. A black and red blur flung itself at Connor. He swung his arm toward it wildly. There was a hiss, and the creature dropped back, a gash showing on its front paw.
"Icarus!" Connor yelled. Why had the Magus not come to help?
A deep rumbling began in the ground beneath Connor's feet. The wounded creature in front of him started to gather itself for another lunge. He brought his Sword up, ready. With a howl, the creature tried to jump at him, but found it could not. A similar cry echoed from the other side of the fire. Connor saw that the ground, as a result of the rumbling, had engulfed the creature's front feet. Crimson teeth gnashed and snapped angrily. Connor turned and saw Icarus between him and Laila; he was kneeling on the floor of the cave, his hands stretched out on the ground. His face was strained, and Connor could see the veins in his arms where his robe had shifted.
Bones of the Earth (The Equilibrium Cycle Book 1) Page 16