At Storm's Edge
Page 21
The light dissipated as Sawain landed in front of Syd, a huge grin on his face, "Pretty impressive, right? Hey, guess what? I killed a dragon!"
Syd threw his arms around the young hero and drew him into a big hug. He laughed through tears of relief.
"Am I glad to see you alive and well! And it looks like your quest was a success! Oh, wait 'til Axel sees! Oh. Axel! We need to get back into the fight."
Sawain broke free from Sydarion's grasp and regained his composure. He pointed to the mountains beyond the valley, where another army descended from the blue peaks.
"No problem. The others are right behind me. Wait for them here and rejoin us as we finish this."
Terina smiled at Sawain, "It's good to see you too, Swerdbrekker."
Sawain waved at both centaur as his wings crackled back to life, "We'll catch up later. See you all at the gates."
He flew high into the sky, leaving his friends behind. Sawain knew this battle would only end once every last dead thing remained dead. He soared above the sea of confused monsters, unleashing utter destruction upon them with each wide swing of Sturmedge. His blazing wings seared wide swaths of the enemy army with each pass. He cut his way east, where the ferocious wolves and bears of Alfhaven chewed through the crippled army. He waved at lady Tirinele, who afforded him a nod while she busied herself with commanding the earth to swallow a large section of undead.
Jordborg's army made swift work of the dead in their direction, burning straight through their ranks with the Spirar at the helm. Vaskar raised his shining spear at Sawain's presence. The victorious shout rose from the ground as he rained lightning down upon his foes. Another conversion temple stood on a nearby hill, its profane tower pouring dark magic over the fells. Sawain dove headlong into it, shattering the masonry with a single strike. The priest that flittered from it offered little resistance as Sawain stabbed it through the mask.The old familiar burn began to run through his muscles as his divine powers fatigued his mortal coil. He had to finish this fight faster.
He noticed Anvilheim's defenders had spilled out onto the field from the shattered gates. There, in the middle of it all, two warriors fought back to back, cutting an admirable path straight through, but even they looked ready to collapse. He shot straight down, hitting the ground hard and throwing off his electric cloak in a dazzling display that incinerated many of the dead around him. He sliced and stabbed his way to Axel and Jaren as fast as he could.
The three fighters united as their blades cut through the horde. Axel nearly lost his head to an undead sword when he stopped to stare at Sawain in his heroic glory.
"Turin's thunder! Is that you, Sawain? Just look at you!"
"I've heard that a lot today," he laughed as he swiped his great blade through half a dozen foes, tearing them asunder.
Jaren nodded, "I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Jaren Turinthrek, hero and impromptu steward of Anvilheim."
Sawain cut through more groups of enemies, widening their clearing significantly, "Nice to meet you, I've heard many of your tales from Axel. I'm Sawain the Swerdbrekker. Hero of Alfhaven, Jordborg, and Anvilheim. Killer of dragons. Okay, it was one dragon, but he was a particularly nasty one. I think it should count as two. We did have to kill it twice."
Jaren raised an eyebrow, "Does he usually talk this much?"
Axel chuckled, "I think he's just glad to be home."
Chapter Twenty Seven:
The battle ended swiftly as the four armies of Alfhaven, Caer Teallagh, Jordborg and Anvilheim pressed against the shattered remains of the Grey King's invasion force. The final resistance came from a desperate Grey Priest who babbled nonsense as he attempted to keep his dwindling legion focused on defending him against inevitable death. His release came at last in the form of Sawain's holy blade as it pierced his mask and his head. A triumphant shout from the four armies rang out over the Fells as the last remnants of the enemy were put to flame and sword.
Sturmedge withdrew into the golden gauntlet now affixed to Sawain's sword arm as exhaustion washed over him. He smiled wearily as Axel clapped him on the back.
"Fine display of heroism, my lad! Ye really saved our necks today!"
"More than that," Vaskar added as he strode out from behind the Spirar bodyguards that never left his side, "You've saved all of Hammerhold this day."
"Well, not quite yet," Lady Tirinele smirked as she rode up on a slender black wolf.
Sawain nodded, "Lord Vaskar, Lady Tirinele, it’s good to see you again! Thank you for answering my call. You’re right, headmistress. Hammerhold's not safe until the Grey King is dead for good."
"And are you sure you are the one who can do it?" Jaren asked, his arms crossed in suspicion.
Sawain nodded, "I am. I ask that the free Holds stand with me as I march against him for one final battle."
"Hold on, kid," Jaren started, "You can't just fly in here on your magical lightning wings and expect everyone to just do what you ask."
Sawain furrowed his brow, "Well, why not? I proved I have the strength to defeat the Grey King. All I need is an army strong enough to get me to him."
"And how do you expect to command an army of that size?" Jaren growled, "You'd have to be--"
"A Segrammir."
Everyone gasped as Sibilach appeared from thin air, as if she'd always been there, just without anyone noticing. She spread her arms wide.
"And why not, Jaren Turinthrek? Has he not proven himself worthy to lead? Did he not unify four Holds who before the war stood at odds against each other? Do you not acknowledge his championship of Turin?"
A murmur from the crowd caused Jaren to stammer, "Th-that's... I didn't say he wasn't."
Sibilach continued, "And do you not wish for the leadership of the Hold to pass to another anyway? Would you not rather be on the battlefield than the throne?"
Jaren sighed, "Enough of your confusing words, faerie woman. You make a fair, yet hard to decipher, point. I never wanted to rule, but I don't want to just hand over my city to a nobody who is not tempered by the flames of war."
Sibilach motioned for Sawain's allies to step out of the crowd, "Hear ye now, Jaren Turinthrek, and all of the free Holds present today, the testimonies of Sawain the Swerdbrekker, Not of his own lips, lest anyone call him a liar, but from the mouths of those he served."
Lady Tirinele spoke first as the crowd quieted down, "I am Tirinele of Alfhaven, Headmistress of Rowan Circle and speaker for the Triumvirate of Alfhaven. I testify the heroic deeds of Sawain performed within Alfhaven's borders. He and his team from my academy ventured into the wilderness when no one else in the city would dare. They stopped an invasion that could have crippled our Hold if left unchecked. For this reason, we declare him a hero!"
A halfling in silver mail popped up beside the elven woman, "My name is Faldore Cliffkeeper, acting captain of Underfell Town Reclamation Force. I declare Sawain a hero, because in our time of need, he delivered us from the hand of undeath and ushered our people to safety in Alfhaven. We were able to survive extinction and unite the survivors of tragedy because of his deeds. For that reason, I declare him a hero!"
Vaskar cleared his throat as his allies gathered around him, "I am Lord Vaskar, Segrammir of Jordborg. Sawain fought by my side when my Hold threatened to collapse. He rallied our forces and drove the Grey King from our shores. He restored the honor of the legendary Spirar and lit the beacon of hope for our nation. For this reason, I declare him a hero!"
Vaghn stepped out of the crowd with Magina and Violet on his shoulders. Everyone hastened aside to avoid being trampled by the massive titan. His wife flexed dramatically as she shouted over the noise.
"I am Magina of Caer Teallagh! Sawain went out of his way on his personal quest to save my people, who were enslaved by an insane dragon bent on world conquest. With help from his friends, Sawain cast down the mighty Malsivith and saved not only Caer Teallagh, but the entire world from utter destruction. For that reason, I declare him a hero."
A tumultuous cheer erupted from the crowd as Jaren dropped his posture. He reluctantly smiled at the young man that stood before him.
"Well, it's hard to say much against that sort of testimony. So be it. I, Jaren Turinthrek, Steward of Anvilheim, hereby step down from my post of authority as steward. Does anyone in our present company nominate a rightful ruler of Anvilheim?"
Sibilach flashed a toothy grin, "I nominate Sawain the Swerdbrekker to become the rightful Segrammir of Anvilheim."
Axel slammed the butt of his hammer against the stony hillside as he yelled boisterously, "I second that nomination!"
A chorus of ayes and affirmations sang out the populace's approval of Sibilach's nomination. Sawain scanned the crowd fondly, recognizing so many familiar faces. Naralei stood at her father's side, hand in hand, both smiling broadly. Terina and Binze stomped their hooves jubilantly. Violet blew him a stream of kisses. Even Ilias, the jailer he befriended in Alfhaven, stepped from the crowd with a huge grin on his face. Banthan emerged from the shadows long enough to give an approving nod before melding away again. As the newest acting liaison of the Chandlers, Sawain knew he would not see as much of Banthan any more. He wondered if the fluttering of his heart at the thought was for joy or sadness.
Jaren raised his hands to calm everyone. He sighed as he asked, "Does anyone oppose?"
The silence from the crowd seemed to ring as joyously as the loud celebrations. Jaren waited a moment before nodding, satisfied.
"I thought not. Very well, then. I do not know how your rituals are performed elsewhere, but here in Anvilheim, we prefer practicality to our ceremonies. If it is just the same to those present, we shall begin the coronation immediately."
Axel jumped in surprise, "Oh, wait one moment, Jaren! We need the crown, and there's someone who has already claimed the right to perform this rite."
The old warrior squinted his good eye at Axel, "Can't he just pick the crown up later? We're still in the middle of a war, you know."
"That may be so," Axel started, "But she'd never forgive me if we left her out. I'll just be a moment."
"No need, Axel," Kyra said as she led a small elderly woman from the crowd, "I went ahead and made the arrangements."
Sawain knelt before the ancient lady as she slowly hobbled up the hill, braced by Kyra. Another familiar face followed by her side, carrying a crown of gleaming silver upon a silken pillow. Reisim avoided eye contact with Sawain as his scowl never left his face. The Housemother’s wrinkled eyes brightened as she looked upon the bowing young man.
"Housemother..." Sawain whispered reverently, "Have you come at last to give me my new name?"
She smiled warmly as Reisim lowered the pillow gently to her. The elder lifted the shining crown from its resting place and spoke with surprising strength and clarity.
"I am Housemother Thelda Ravensoul of Dawnstar Manor. When young Sawain came into my home, he was a lost soul without a family to call his own. He often lamented that he did not even have a real name. I made him a promise then that one day he would earn his true name and that I would be the one to bestow it upon him. Right now, on this sacred hill, I fulfill that promise."
She lowered the crown onto Sawain's head, "I hereby anoint you Sawain Swerdbrekker, Segrammir of Anvilheim! All hail Segrammir Swerdbrekker!"
The hillsides rang with shouts of joy as Sawain rose to his feet. All around him, the four nations shouted his new name. His true name.
"ALL HAIL SEGRAMMIR SWERDBREKKER!"
His heart filled with joy as he waved at the crowd. His mind raced while the free people shouted and danced around him.
Look, mother. I've done it. I'm a hero just like you.
No, my son, his mother's voice echoed in his heart, You are so much more.
One by one, the entire free world came to Sawain to shake his hand and praise him. The entire experience overwhelmed him. The day moved slowly onward until at last, the crowds dissipated and moved into the city proper as the sun began to set. Sawain and his closest friends remained on the hilltop a while longer. He could not take his eyes off the monolith the resourceful artisans of Anvilheim had already erected in his honor. He read the inscription for the hundredth time that day.
ON THIS HILL, SEGRAMMIR SWERDBREKKER ASCENDED THE THRONE JUST HOURS AFTER THE GREATEST BATTLE EVER SEEN BY THIS CITY. HERE, FOUR NATIONS UNITED TO DRIVE THE BLIGHT OF UNDEATH FROM OUR LANDS AND HAMMER THE FINAL NAIL IN THE GREY KING'S COFFIN. LONG LIVE SEGRAMMIR SWERDBREKKER.
"It's a lot to take in, isn't it?" Kyra said as she slipped her hand into his. Sawain nodded, still staring at the stone.
"It's not true, though. Not yet, at least. The Grey King... Tharixos yet lives. We still have much to do."
"Are you prepared to do it?" Sibilach asked as she stepped from behind the monument.
Sawain allowed himself a moment to look around at those who still remained on the hillside. Naralei, Nerelis, Tirinele, Ilias, Vaskar, Magina, Vaghn, Violet, Sibilach, Sydarion, Binze, Terina and Axel encircled him and Kyra.
"I am, and as long as I have you, the Stagwarden Coalition at my side, I know we can finish what we've started."
"It will not be such an easy nor simple feat," Sibilach warned.
"The Grey king knows you are coming for him. He will do anything in his power to prevent you from winning."
Sawain nodded, "I see. You know something I don't, as usual. Care to share?"
Sibilach grinned, "Of course, but oh I am so famished! You must all be! Lord Segrammir, why not invite us into your hall for a grand banquet! Once we have eaten and rested, then I shall share with you my knowledge. For now, enjoy today's triumph."
"Yeah," Naralei laughed, "And maybe let us get a full night's sleep for once? In a real bed maybe?"
Sawain smiled, "Oh look at you lot. You save the world and expect me to lay out the fine silverware. So be it. My first decree as Segrammir is that the Stagwarden Coalition will have a feast held in its honor, as a token of my eternal gratitude and to officially recognize the group's legitimacy."
"Now that's a decree I can get behind!" Axle shouted as he patted his stomach.
The friends descended the hill, laughing and joking. Finally, hope had returned to Hammerhold. Though the final battle loomed on the horizon, the four nations' armies that feasted in Anvilheim' walls that night could sing merrily once more. The bards worked furiously to compose the first song of Segrammir Swerdbrekker while the heartbeat of the city's anvils rang out a triumphant message to all who could hear. A taste of normalcy returned to the world that day as the Stagwarden Coalition announced its resolution to end this war once and for all.
Despite the joyous atmosphere in the city, Sawain walked its streets, watching the living mourn the dead. He heard the ring of blacksmith's hammers against the reforged steel of a thousand swords. He felt the electricity of nerves as the camps of warriors prepared for the next day's march. In the back of his mind, he knew that the morning war council would bear ill tidings. Sibilach withheld some grim new piece of information purposefully, as she often did. He knew it was for their benefit, so that his allies could rest peacefully tonight, bathed in the glory of a battle hard won.
He returned home to the Dawnstar Manor late that night, refusing to sleep anywhere else. Despite Axel's myriad protests and complaints, he chose to sleep in his old room, where the stained hay mattress still resided. It took some time for him to remove his armor, as he had not taken it off since he left Jordborg. He reminisced in the silence of midnight as he lay on his back, shifting as the rogue straws jabbed his skin. A wave of nostalgia washed over him as he pulled his blanket up to his chin to f
ight off the bite of the frigid air so common to Hammerhold. The shimmering gold around his wrist remained, now a part of his body, much like the living tree he called a leg. Despite his initial discomfort, it soon began to feel as much a part of him. He took in one last deep breath of cold air and held it a moment before closing his eyes and letting out a deep sigh that led immediately to slumber.
As he lay in the safe haven of Dawnstar Manor, Sawain dreamed of a free Hammerhold. He dreamed of a day not far off when the Holds could live together in peace. The Grey King never spoke to him nor interrupted his rest that night.
--END OF BOOK FOUR--
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