‘Quarries?’ asked Alex.
‘It would seem so, but there are some abandoned mines around here,’ said Vanapha, ‘most of the entrances are collapsed and those cleared areas you see were once the pack yards.’
Cid was thoughtful. These mines were notorious, even though they rarely came to thought when considering Fafriv. They were never much visited upon by any Kingdom men, even the greedier ones. After many years still, these mines were out in the nowhere, far from everything, unpractical and unsanctioned, and at the moment, abandoned. Gold Cid knew could lure men to strange places, but for now he was thinking along different lines and he became intent on investigating.
‘Vanapha, could you find us a tunnel entrance that is still intact?’ asked Cid.
‘Sure, there are a couple of them in the vicinity, are you looking for something specific?’
‘Yeah, try to look for one that goes down deep.’
His party looked at him with surprise and he hoped his hunch would prove right so that the situation would explain itself in time.
Lidayel lit the way, several globes of fire floating around the party and casting fickle shadows against the tunnel wall. The main tunnel was spacious enough so they could march down without stooping, and the remnant walkways of lumber ensured for safe footing,
Cid in the meanwhile could no longer stave off the others’ questions so he explained:
‘I received a letter just before the march. I wasn’t its first recipient as it was intended for the army’s provisionary officer. It was rather old, stating that some new weapons would ready for the Lanston march.’
‘Yeah, the entire core infantry got new broad swords, all the way from Morshiph,’ said Alex.
‘That’s right. I think someone though, possibly a fellow soldier, was trying to warn me without raising suspicion. The matter had little to do with me in the first place, so I paid it no heed in the beginning, but then, well, you all know what we’ve been through and it points to some conspiracy or another. If Stelinger’s motive is treacherous, then it may well be those very weapons that form part of his plan. If we can just confirm what I suspect is down here, we might have an inkling on where the threads meet.’
It wasn’t long before Lidayel’s fiery globes faltered.
‘Hmm, air’s getting a little thin,’ said Lidayel as he strained to keep the suffocating fires alive.
‘We’ll risk going just a little further,’ said Cid.
The wooden walkways ceased and the tunnels became ragged holes as though they weren’t dug out by humans any more. The tunnel split forth many times.
‘Vanapha?’
‘It’s very distorting down here, I am not sure… Without light I can’t really see…’ she said.
‘Follow your nose!’ said Brunick, taking the lead confidently.
‘What do mean?’ asked Cid, as they reluctantly set off deeper after the big man.
‘Caverns with valuables are usually dug out with multiple intersecting tunnels from all around, it’s just for more practical mining that way. That means they have better air, even more than some of the isolated tunnels above them.’
Cid chuckled. ‘And I thought you were the team scout,’ he said to Alex.
Alex shrugged defeated in the faint light.
Brunick proved right as their path soon gave them a draft of air, leading them on. The chosen tunnel inevitably led them to a mining cavern; a large spacious cavity shaped like a dome, still littered with forgotten and broken mining equipment. They walked to its far side wall, where the last excavation had clearly taken place.
Lidayel focused his light on the wall. The rock was rather smooth as though the miners had taken great care mining here. Instantly noticeable were streaks and smears of a metallic grey on the rock face.
‘Unless I’m mistaken…’ suggested Cid.
Vanapha approached to confirm. She touched the wall with her hand, nodding only moments later.
‘It’s definitely not any normal metal.’
Cid held out his spear. She touched it and within a second she knew.
‘Yes, these are, or were, Hethellean mines,’ said Vanapha.
Alex whistled, the high pitch creating great resonance through the tunnels.
‘That’s a lot of metal,’ said Alex.
‘Don’t be fooled,’ said Vanapha, ‘those veins you see are mostly discoloured rock. Hethellean isn’t a very condense substance in its natural form. I’ve sensed the amount when I touched it, and I don’t think there is even enough to craft a single sword.’
‘Alright then, allow me to explain,’ said Cid, making sure he had everyone's attention, ‘the letter I got spoke of a binding process on the weapons made for Lanston. Now that we know these mines are indeed Hethellean mines we can conclude-’
‘Wait a minute, how can you be sure-?’ said Brunick.
‘Because Stelinger is acutely familiar with this land,’ said Cid. ‘Remember some years ago he made his name by running incursions into Alparack against the Fallen? I’m sure he discovered these mines, and that’s why he’s carrying that Hethellean sword now.’
‘So what? You have one as well,’ offered Brunick.
‘Yes, but Mindevhier is an heirloom that's been in my family for a hundred years or more, from an age in the Kingdom when resources were used up for weapons without a second thought. Think on it. Stelinger has had that sword for what, three years or so?’
‘But his sword is not newly forged?’ asked Brunick.
‘No. His blade, Giardia, is from the same era as Mindevhier. It was likely though that he obtained the sword from the Shadow Priests, and hence he was corrupted in a way outside the scope of Fallen magic.’
‘And now Stelinger is after more Hethellean for his Masters,’ said Vanapha.
‘I’m not following. Is Stelinger teaming up with the Fallen to mine this land to forge weapons?’ said Alex.
‘That might’ve been their first intentions, but like Vanapha pointed out there isn’t much left here. The greatest stockpile of Hethellean would have undoubtedly rested in Kingdom storage.’
‘I think I know where you’re going with this. Stelinger used the Destinian Blacksmithies to forge the weapons with the Kingdom’s Hethellean stockpiles,’ said Lidayel.
‘Are you saying the entire infantry core has these weapons now?’ asked Alex.
‘No, there isn’t enough of it in the world to supply two-thousand soldiers. They only bound the normal steel swords with Hethellean extracts,’ said Cid.
‘Okay get to the point here because I’m not understanding how any of this fits into anything,’ said Brunick exasperatedly.
‘The two-thousand swords were made to be broken down again, to get the Hethellean that is. What I’m saying is, Stelinger rigged the weapons so that the Fallen can capture them and make use of the Hethellean.’
Brunick ran his hand through his hair nervously as Alex said, ‘gods, he’s going to murder the entire Lanston army so that the Fallen can loot the weapons!’
‘Yes, he’s leading Lanston straight into what must be a massive Fallen ambush. Ultimately he controls the scouts, intelligence and authority, and he’s using the Lanston army’s manpower to carry the weapons safely into Fallen hands.
‘It’s quite a ploy, using the army itself to ignorantly transport the weapons,’ said Lidayel.
Brunick shook his head in quiet anger and disbelieve. ‘Why the mass? I mean, a lot of effort went into obtaining the resources, crafting the weapons, and getting it to Lanston, and that’s not even counting the gold and paperwork involved. Weren’t they better off going a bit more covert?’
‘I would surmise that their effort was a necessity. Nothing passes beyond the border except the Lanston army, not a single trade route is authorized to the north. What’s more should the Destinian Blacksmithies have forged only a few weapons with a dense concentrate of Hethellean our Sekhaimogists would surely have noticed their powers waning around those arms, raisin
g suspicion. No, I’m fairly certain this plan was well conceived and made in no way to benefit Lanston.’
‘So what of Bennam?’ asked Brunick then, his jaw set tight as he uttered the question.
Cid knew well what he was implying; even if Stelinger was at the head of the treachery, it would still have taken Bennam’s authority to approve those weapons. ‘I don’t think either way we’re leaving here with all our questions answered Brunick. That Bennam had a hand in something is going to be difficult to deny, and I’m just hoping the truth reveals him to be the man we all knew.’
‘What I don’t get though is what the Fallen are planning to do with just a few dozen Hethellean weapons? It’s like you said right, they're going to break down the Lanston arms, but the metal just isn’t enough to craft that many pure weapons?’ asked Alex.
‘That is what I can’t understand either. A few extra specialized weapons aren’t going to help them defeat the Kingdom. They must have something else on mind. Though to me it matters not, it is clear what we must to do. Somehow we must intercede, we have to save the Lanston army and thus prevent the Fallen from ever getting those weapons!’ said Cid.
‘That should be easy,’ said Brunick sarcastically.
‘There is little choice in the matter,’ said Vanapha.
Cid nodded. ‘Agreed, let’s go topside, I’m not overly fond of these tunnels.’
They made camp.
Brunick and Alex had somehow gotten into one of their favourite arguments over how the Lanston Lynxes would fare in the upcoming Bagural tournament. The summary of the situation was simple; Lanston was a struggling team and while both Alex and Brunick rooted for them, their outlook was fundamentally different, Alex being a skeptic, Brunick a diehard fan.
Vanapha, realizing they were arguing over the team prospects, silently shook her head and indicated to Cid that she was going hunting before light’s end.
Cid nodded her off as he gathered a scrap of twigs for a fire, knowing he would have to wander a bit to find proper wood. Lidayel lit the pile of kindling Cid had collected.
Sitting down Cid listened as Brunick and Alex raved on, making a few wagers. At any rate he was glad the two men were preoccupied with the prospect of getting back home. It meant they were hopeful, yet he knew at any time they were focused enough on the task at hand.
Once again Alex proved he knew just how to irritate Brunick as the big man disengaged and announced he was going to find some proper firewood, which was at least a valid and timely excuse. Alex chuckled satisfactorily as he sat down at the smouldering twigs with Cid and Lidayel.
‘Where’s Vanapha?’ he asked.
‘She decided to go hunt while you two were bickering,’ said Cid.
Alex said nothing, but Cid could see him dismayed for some reason.
They grew silent.
Cid kept Mindevhier on his lap, marvelling at the weapon. Knowing it was a Hethellean weapon he realized that it wasn’t just valuable sentimentally, but had true value in the cause of battle.
Lidayel noticed Cid’s clockwork was fixed on the weapon.
‘You’ve felt it, haven’t you? The thoughts stirring within the spear?’
Cid looked unsure at Lidayel and then back at Mindevhier.
‘It is nothing to be afraid of,’ answered Lidayel.
‘How is it then, how can a weapon gain consciousness?’ asked Cid, the look on his face telling Lidayel that Cid was deeming this particular phenomenon as absurd.
‘Be careful how you frame the issue. Let me explain. Hethellean is truly a unique element as it interacts with both Calophrites and Adalophrites, magic in other words, where normal matter would not. Hethellean weapons can cut and dissemble magic as a result of it repulsing these phrites. Vanapha and Brunick’s abilities for example are internalized magic, which are made possible by Adalophrites.’
‘How is Adalophrites different, I mean from Calophrites?’ asked Alex.
‘Think of Adalophrites as Calophrites’ distinct relative, same in a sense, but with its own behaviour and preferences. I assume you’ve heard of the “steel fireflies?”
‘Yes, I’ve seen it as well, several times,’ answered Cid.
‘Adalophrites are much the same, when they are amassed yet undedicated they form a spectacle of “golden fireflies.” Adalophrites do not like to bond as much as Calophrites so they can’t be used as diversely in what you would think of as magic. Yet they form profound abilities in certain individuals, as is the case with Masons, Valkyries and us Summoners as well.
‘Now, Vanapha’s ability may be too whimsical to be effected by a Hethellean weapon, but like you know Brunick’s Stoneskin falters against it. This being as it is Hethellean has another very curious quality. Sometimes, when it comes into contact with a strong soul, it takes an imprint of that person’s personality and memories.’
‘Wait, the soul is made of Calophrites as well right? If Hethellean repulses it, why would the weapon take it upon itself to make imprints?’ asked Alex.
‘That’s what makes it so curious. Fanciful theories have suggested that the soul as a whole is much different than the sum of its parts and that might explain why Hethellean craves the touch of a soul yet repulses the phrites. It only interacts with something of a much higher quality. ’
‘Am I to understand that, every ancestor of mine who ever wielded this weapon, has left some his consciousness and memories in the spearhead?’ asked Cid morbidly.
‘Feelings, memories, experiences… as long as they were powerful they would have embedded on the Hethellean,’ said Lidayel.
Cid took another hard look at Mindevhier.
‘Don’t look so worried Colonel,’ said Lidayel in amusement, ‘your will is your own, unlike Stelinger’s weapon your spear has not been released and cannot exercise influence over you,’ said Lidayel.
‘But what then of those thoughts I’ve encountered holding the spear!?’ asked Cid.
Lidayel smiled widely, clearly enjoying being able to explain things that have only recently returned to memory, as though he was learning all knowledge anew.
‘It was simply recognition Colonel; when your thoughts surfaced by themselves, let’s say for example your pride for the army, or your love for Elmira, similar feelings left by your forefathers merely acknowledges your own.’
‘So a released weapon of Ruin like Stelinger’s will end up influencing his behaviour?’ asked Alex.
‘Most likely, you see that same recognition I mentioned comes into play with Ruin weapons as well. Hethellean can take imprints of any living thing it touches, including its victims. Stelinger’s corrupt and vile mind would draw on memories and feelings of those he has butchered as well.’
‘Whoa, I’d go insane,’ said Alex.
Lidayel nodded. ‘In some way it would be safe to say that Stelinger is already not in his right mind. You see, I suspect that after luring him out with promises of power, Arumcas released Stelinger’s weapon, knowing it would compromise his loyalty to the Kingdom and make him an all the more useful puppet,’ said Lidayel.
‘What use is such a weapon then?’ asked Cid.
‘Apparently, man and weapon becomes a stronger entity as one, man’s familiarity with the weapon becoming absolute. With it, a man like you Cid can draw upon the experience of his ancestors as if it were his own. I have also knowledge that weapons of Ruin are even better at striking down magic, which is why the early Kingdom made these weapons to fight Summoners and Arrhua.
‘The King himself carries a very old Hethellean sword if memory serves. Yet another interesting aspect is that the weapon will kick back at any who tries to wield it except for its rightful owner. If you’d like I might able to release -’
‘No!’ said Cid, his statement hanging in the air.
‘Cid, a Ruin weapon will be of immense value for whatever lays ahead. Even the Priests would be wary of you and it would help if you encounter Stelinger. It might determine whether you lose or win in this cause.’
‘I understand the merits Lidayel, but I would not compromise who I am. If I were to lose track of myself and my reasons for being in this war, it is then that I will surely lose Elmira.’
‘But you can control it Cid. You are not Stelinger. If anything, a weapon of Ruin can strengthen your resolve.’
‘My resolve is at least my own. Should I start feeding on the feelings of others my own may become distorted. Surely you can understand this? If your determination to save your wife was influenced by someone else’s memories, would you even be here with us in this ridiculous situation?’ said Cid.
Lidayel nodded. ‘I understand your concern, and I’ll admit I admire your resoluteness; a lesser man would not have hesitated to claim a weapon of power.’
Alex nodded in agreement and asked, ‘so these Ruin weapons are the most efficient way for non-magical folk to kill off magi and Summoners?’
‘A fair assumption, yes,’ said Lidayel.
‘That thing you mentioned, about weapons of Ruin fighting against those who’d try to wield it without being its rightful owner, how does that work?’ queried Cid.
‘Well obviously weapons can’t move by themselves so they cannot resist the efforts of man physically. It can however flood the person’s mind with random sensations, confusing the would-be warrior so much that he loses his coordination and mindfulness in battle. It’s like fighting with an unwilling weapon I’d imagine,’ said Lidayel.
Cid took note but said nothing. He wondered whether he should have taken up Lidayel’s offer, the temptation of a weapon of Ruin catching up with him now, moments later. He pushed down the notion, repeating what he said to Lidayel in his thoughts.
He had always known Mindevhier was special, but now that he knew its true nature he was almost afraid of it, or wary at least, as though the spear belonged to someone stronger.
Brunick returned right before sunset, with his arms wrapped around and clutching a bulging bundle of wood to his chest. This at least distracted Cid, as they quickly set out to create a proper fire, increasing their light and heat as that of the day faded away.
They did not wait long for Vanapha, returning with a lean buck across her shoulders. The buck was skinned and proper fillets cut, a makeshift grill prepared. Lidayel fidgeted in his satchel to find some spices which he spread sparingly over the meat. A very pleasant aroma of food found Cid’s nostrils then. His stomach responded hungrily and for now at least, he could focus on simpler things.
Remnant Pages Spearhead Page 28