Where Dragons Haunt (The Diaspora Book 1)

by Scott Meaders

  Zoe spoke up, “Um..I…” He was exhausted and now he was attacked from within the group. Zoe had intended to point out that three of the five voted to go this way, but it mattered not and Zoe picked up on that fact right away keeping silent.

  Kruptos blasted the boy, “Some leader, get us all killed! I would string you up right here if I had rope and no conscience.” Zoe wondered if it were more that Gabriel would stop him or possibly that Kruptos cared more for the quest of gold. “You…I am through with you!” He walked off being hot in temper. It was clear that Zoe would have to watch his back from this point forward.

  As the group made their way back to the fallen rope bridge, Zoe and Gabriel trailed behind talking of the battle and other such things, “So what were they? How did you know they were coming?”

  “They are called Oph-thal-mos, the eye that sees all. They are a strange group of beasts. They travel around devouring animal flesh; ha, a strange thing is they would have drug us off and killed us, but never eaten of our flesh!”

  “Why not?”

  “They don’t like the taste! They would have taken one bite and left us for the birds.”

  “Those eyes were strange,” Zoe commented knowing that Gabriel knew more about the creatures.

  “To be sure, they only have four or five eyes at the most. They will grow them back, like a lizard with its tail. But they will only grow to their maximum; somehow that creates a bond between them; they are always in need of one another. Sometimes us humans become so isolated we don’t need each other, in turn we dispose of our fellow kind because we think we have all the sensory abilities, when we really do need each other.”

  The conversation died down when they came back to their destination of fate, the burned bridge. Gabriel quickly spoke out, “I will not be able to do this as I have yet to learn to swim.” The others were not surprised as many such men and women of their time did not know how. Gabriel added for the boy’s sake, “I also think it best that Zoe does not risk his life on this as he is our benefactor and must stay alive.”

  Nomisma found a place in the background not wanting to be noticed. Kruptos saw his cowardice and despised him giving his mind, “Let the cowards hide, I will do it with the least of effort!”

  The group took the ropes and tied them together and around Kruptos. He repelled down the embankment and came to the swift flowing waters. He pushed off as far as he could, and the group above let the rope slide freely in their hands allowing him to swing out into the fast moving rapids. He sunk down deep into the water and did not come up. They began to worry and thought about pulling in the line to find a dead man, but a little ways down Kruptos emerged gasping for air as he came out on a rock in the middle of the rapid infested river. He leapt from boulder to boulder until he came to the last portion of his excursion where he promptly dove off into a still blue cove.

  He emerged on the other side of the river and found an anchor to tie the rope to as he had not the energy on his end having expelled the vast majority of it on the raging waters. Each person in turn used the rope to make their way across. It was very uneventful except for one place where Nomisma almost lost his grip which would have been certain death. Other than the momentary fear of death, the group had made it across the river without any further concerns, and they were all alive.

  Chapter 39

  Sharing food with another human being

  is an intimate act that

  should not be indulged in lightly.

  ~M.F.K. Fisher~

  The men were still at odds with Zoe keeping their distance. Kruptos had made it clear enough that he would have nothing to do with Zoe. It was revealed that one of the Oph-thal-mos had taken a bite out of his leg and Kruptos held that against Zoe. Tapeinosis kept his distance as well helping to create an allegiance or bond with the disgruntled Kruptos. Nomisma was alone finding that mockery came from the two in bonds, and as Zoe was a child, Nomisma found no connection as he was clumsy with his dealings around the boy, for he was trying to win the respect of Kruptos and Tapeinosis. It was only Gabriel that seemed to have no ill toward anyone in the group as he kept all things in proper respect. He understood that the men were on the trip for the desired gain of wealth, and Zoe he understood to be merely a boy.

  Supplies were thin as they were, but none of them had expected to be out of food. The supply of meat was rancid with maggots and the other food went quickly. They had gone on for two days since the river and found nothing, not even a berry. Everyone was on edge and bickering with each other as the lack of food had gotten on the nerves off all including Gabriel.

  On this bright morning when they all awoke having gone the previous two days with no food, the group had noticed that Kriptos was gone. They were suspicious, “Where is Kriptos?” Tapeinosis questioned as he felt the misgivings of betrayal.

  Nomisma came up with the idea first, “I bet he found food!” They all were desirous and angry at Kriptos.

  “I’ll gut him when he gets back and spill his guts upon the ground!”

  Nomisma decided if he found food he would share it with Tapeinosis rather than face his wrath. He spoke up in hunger, “I don’t know that I can go on much longer. I…I am not use to this. I need to eat!”

  “You fools,” Gabriel shot at the two of them, “letting your hunger get the best of you. Can you not master your own body?” He turned to Zoe, “Now as I see it we must move on. I know that will not be good for…”

  Gabriel fell silent as the figure of Kriptos came from the underbrush. He had a young meaty Trophe, a medium sized animal that ran on two legs and had a deliciously meaty tail for nourishment. He came to the center of the group and threw it down in their midst. A smidgen of shame spread through the group as they realized their false accusations. When the creature hit the ground soundly in the midst of them, Kriptos spoke, “I saw this beast running by in the night. It took me a long time to hunt it down and kill it. I’ve spent all morning making my way back. I don’t suppose it would be too much of me to ask one of you to cook the foul thing.”

  Nomisma responded, “I’ve cooked a few meals in my time; if permitted I would be helpful in this endeavor. If Zoe would collect wood…”

  “No!” Kriptos shot out, “he will have none of it, and whoever gives him a scrap, I will gut! The boy can find his own food! I found this and freely share it with the rest of you, but not Zoe!” Tension was tight as no one spoke a word in objection, not even Zoe.

  As the meal was ready for consumption, all looked on with longing eyes and watering mouths. None more than Zoe as he believed that he was to go hungry. He felt a growing anger inside as he watched Tapeinosis and Kruptos take large portions of meat, the best cut of the tail. Kruptos took a large bite out of the cooked meat while his steel gaze focused on Zoe. He didn’t move his eyes from Zoe all the time while he ate. Zoe in return focused his attention only on Kruptos. The two, a boy and a man, looked bitterly at each one in turn and allowed for the hatred to grow.

  While this staring contest was coming to an end, no one had noticed Nomisma cutting a portion of meat from the hindquarter of the legs. He had already eaten and had his fill, but something else was gnawing away at his conscious. He realized that the child had no food. He also remembered his own hunger. Nomisma argued inside of himself that Kruptos really wouldn’t follow through with his words. He also knew Zoe to be the benefactor of the quest. Motivated more out of greed than a mind to do what was right, Nomisma found himself walking toward Zoe as the others had focused on gathering their items for the journey.

  “Here eat this. It will give you strength” Nomisma said as he tried to hand it to Zoe.

  Zoe’s inward body craved the food, but his heart and mind feared for Nomisma, “No, you need to go sit down now!” He sternly said in a whisper.

  “No, you need food, take and eat.”

  “What are you doing?” Kriptos shot out over the camp as he realized Nomisma was standing near Zoe with food.

  “I was going to give him s
ome food. He needs his strength for the remaining part of the journey.” Nomisma had turned toward Kriptos holding the food in his hands.

  Kriptos got up and the other men became tense with surprise. Filled with rage as his words were overlooked, Kriptos leaped upon Nomisma pulling out a ten inch blade from his left boot. Nomisam’s heart raced as fear enveloped his heart. They clashed and fell upon the ground. Nomisma found himself on his back with Kriptos on top pushing the blade toward the heart of the man. A surprising strength arose in Nomisma to withstand the force of Kriptos. He held the blade away for a moment’s time. But the strength of Kriptos worked the blade closer toward the man inch by inch until the blade was nearly pricking the flesh.

  “Please no!” Nomisma grunted out as he gave too mush strength to plead for mercy.

  “Full of fear and without mercy from the gods, you shall go into the grave!” Kriptos shot back as he gave a thrust of the knife and found his strength to be too much for his victim. The blade forcefully went into the heart and spilled his blood upon the ground. Nomisma coughed three times and died with his eyes looking upon the canopy of trees. Kriptos stood and removed his blade wiping off the blood upon the clothes of the dead man. He turned and walked back to his supplies and prepared for the day’s journey.

  The whole time the onlookers had varying reactions. Tapinosis stood wide-eyed realizing his companion was as he was, vile and capable of blood stained murder. His first thought was to watch his own back and be ready to strike before Kriptos had the opportunity to do as he did this day. Gabriel was calm as if expectant of this tragic end for the man. He seemed to be waiting for it as if the heavens were declaring some mystic fortune spoke in days of old. He sat still and didn’t flinch. The boy however had an altogether different reaction, as he was sitting next to the violent action. His heart raced and his eyes filled with tears as the dreadful act unfolded before his eyes. Zoe’s thoughts came quickly as he sat near the man: he is going to kill him; I don’t believe what I am seeing; my body just moved out of the way (his body involuntarily leaned back as to protect himself); help the man; no. Zoe then saw the blade go in and kill the man within two feet of his being. He felt shame as he turned and dry heaved in repulsion and utter terror.

  All in the group got their things together as Gabriel helped Zoe to his feet and took his arm giving him strength. They walked away from the terrible incident as Gabriel looked behind him at the body of Nomisma from Asphaleia that lay on the forest floor mumbling to himself, “Sharing food is a pleasure we as humans do with friends, it is to be shared with full awareness of camaraderie. Know thy friend that feeds you or you put to your own throat his blade. Be not hungry when evil men bring offerings of food.” Gabriel did not partake of the meal the whole time, as he could not betray the boy or the warning from Kriptos.

  Chapter 40

  They have no manners

  and are woefully unable to deal

  with any social predicament.

  Their idea of a celebration

  is to go to a public house

  and drink six beers.

  They are mean, malicious and envious....

  They are scum.

  ~W. Somerset Maugham~

  “Who wishes to enter the Twin Cities?” No reply came forth. “I said who goes there?” Still nothing was given for an answer. The newly placed guard looked through the slats in the thickly constructed barrier. He saw an old man with a hooded cloak before him. “What is it you wish?” No response. The guard was losing his patience. He peered around and saw no others around. As the last guard was separated from his head with a sharp blade, this guard was not about to let the man in without knowing his business as the last guard had done.

  He closed the slats in the structure, unbolted the gate, pushed the great door open with the help of his fellow guardsmen. Before him was the empty night. The man had disappeared into thin air. “What the…?”

  “A ghost of the foul death of our city!” said one of the other guardsmen. “Quickly, shut the gate before we let in the evil of the night!” The men quickly shut the gate allowing only for an unclean rodent to pass. The rat scampered past the First Passing and came to the drawbridge that was beginning to be drawn for the night. The rascal not wanting to be trapped in the first passing quickly leapt for the ropes that pulled the bridge upward. He made a perfect leap and landed square on the rope balancing perfectly. The little creature made its way up the rope to the top and leaped upon the stonewall that held the pulley system for the bridge. He looked to the left and then hurried to the right down the stone path that was for the outpost. Down the spiral stair case the rat quickly descended avoiding the pattering feet of the approaching soldiers.

  The rascal had passed quickly into the heart of the First Passing and did not find what its little intent body was searching for. The creature looked a little confused as he looked up at the signs and around the buildings. Many people, unfamiliar people were about and the rodent realized something was not in place as it had once been. The Red door no longer existed. A true rodent sees no color, but a rodent of this type knew the color that its heart searched for and could find no such door as had previously been.

  The rat quickly made its way out of the First Passing into the Second Passing of the Mountains. The rat had intended to make haste and be on its way through to the Twin City by the mountains, but as he scampered through the crowd taking care of the constant danger of feet, a sharp pain was felt in the side of the rodent as it felt the sure kick of a vile man. The rat was sent flying in the air and hit the wall of an unfortunate couple in the city. As the rat hit the wall, an uncontrolled burst of electricity burst forth from the rodent and engulfed the building, spraying static electricity in the air and electrocuting all within the dwelling. The man, woman and child were sizzled to a tender crisp having no life left in them.

  The rat found its bearing and its dark eyes turned to a sizzling blood red as its rage became a furry. The vile man came toward the rat intending to squash the life out of it. It was an odd occurrence to be sure. Why would the man care about the rat when there were hundreds, thousands of them about? The smell of righteousness is vile to the wicked, as the man sensed this rat was something he despised. When he got close enough, he peered down at it and squinted his eyes in anger wanting to kill the little beast. He saw something that brought terror to his heart, the blood red eyes turned to a mirror of his own life; he saw his future demise. In the tiny eyes the man saw himself bound in flames with maggot like creatures crawling on his flesh for all eternity. He opened his mouth in horror and disbelief and fell down stretching out his hand to block any doom that might be intended for him.

  There was no stopping what was to happen once the rat was kicked; the man’s life was at an end. When his mouth was opened, the rat spewed forth vile wicked maggots that leapt into the man’s mouth. When in the man they quickly dug into his flesh and crawled about eating him from the inside out. The man convulsed and floundered on the ground in pain and wailed for help. The onlookers stopped watched and left him in his pain and suffering. To the crowd the sight of the man was a momentary distraction as to what they were about. They were not about to be deterred from their interactions. The hardening of the hearts had begun.

  While the man was being eaten, the rat made his way though the twisted maze, not looking back to see the demise of the man. The rat worked quickly peering around searching like a rat in a maze seeking its cheese. Only this rodent’s desire was not food for the belly, rather the red door was his aim. With the guidance of the gods, the rat came though the city’s maze finding the red door as if he had been there before. The rat quickly scampered into an alley that was covered and discrete from the visibility of the masses on the streets.

  As quickly as the rat entered, the man that was hooded at the cities gate exited and came to the red door. Now the door was not red, but rather a dark wood color just as the other doors. Nothing on the door itself was observable to the common eyes of men and women of the
city that would have led someone to believe that this door was any different. The door itself was not what caused the red glow, but the loyal hearts to the gods of the dwellers within caused the door to be seen as blood red as their true heart was toward the god Tifereth.

  The man knocked on the door with no special secret tap of any kind. Thus the inhabitants when they heard the sound were filled with fear as they expected no one. All became silent and eyes darted from face to face fearing they had been found. No one moved. They heard a knock again repeated, but sounding more urgent than the first. The man that owned the dwelling, a short man that had drawn all the men together, stood and made is way toward the door. He looked behind him and ran his hand over the top of his balding head. He looked longingly and lovingly into the eyes of all the men that had gathered. He said softly to them, “This may be the end.” He turned and opened the door.

  “Good god, Mikael! Oh, by the graciousness of Tifereth!” He exclaimed as he saw the wizard before the door and embraced the man when he entered. A congregational letting out of air happened as their doom passed before them and they were unscathed.

  As Mikael entered the room he spoke softly, “Sustello, do not speak my name in the open air as I have no surety by the gods for my safety. Let me in and we shall talk.” The men entered the dwelling and the little bald man was beaming with joy as he believed that things were going to change for the better. He spoke out to the group, “Ah, friends this is Mikael, our salvation.”

  His name spread in whispers as he looked among the forty so faces. There were many men that he had never known, but his eyes stopped on one, “Men of the Twin Cities, I am not your salvation as all in this room in time will die a martyrs death for the cause of Tifereth. Many faces I do not know.” He paused for a moment, “What is your name?” he said to the one that his eyes had been concentrating on the whole of the time.