by B. A. Scott
* * * * *
“He awakens,” Gabrel heard an unfamiliar voice say as he slowly opened his eyes. His back was propped against a large boulder, and tall blades of dew-dampened grass sprung up all around him.
When at last Gabrel fully regained his consciousness at the sudden discomfort of having his face lightly slapped on both cheeks, he saw Dareic and Kaven squatting before him. They had both donned armor of fallen soldiers. Behind them stood Treäbu and one of the Aeroli, who bore light, layered armor over his brown feathers and a white, diamond-shaped marking on his forehead. Another Aerolus—a statuesque black hawk—was perched nearby upon a high boulder, his wings fully spread behind him, shading the ground below.
“What happened?” Gabrel asked, wincing slightly. His wounds were still tender, despite having been tended to during his unconsciousness. He looked around and noticed that only two soldiers remained of their original band.
“You barely survived an attack by Daro’s forces,” said the winged creature before him. “We’ve brought you a safe distance from Trendell, though we shouldn’t idle much longer. The Fated Ones now hold dominion in the skies.”
“Who are you?” Gabrel asked.
“I am Vega of the Valean Aeroli,” the Aerolus replied, “and he is Athalusian.” He motioned to the black-feathered beast.
“Aeroli?” Gabrel asked, trying to get to his feet. “I’ve only ever seen you as distant specks in the sky. Weren’t there more of you—that came to our rescue?”
“There were,” said Vega, offering an arm to help him stand. “But the others have gone to inform King Mercer of Trendell’s fate.”
“And who are you two?” Gabrel asked the two soldiers.
“I am Hexur and he is Ponius,” one of them said.
“Are you all that’s left?” Gabrel asked. “Did no one else survive?”
“Our ambassadors are dead because of you,” Hexur answered angrily. “And most of our horses were slain or scattered during the attack. We found a few afterward, but they’d been bitten. We saw to their peace.”
“Kaven,” Gabrel vented. “What was in your head? I thought Dareic would be the one I’d have to keep my eye on, not you.”
Kaven lowered his head. “I wanted them to pay for what they did to Kiara,” he said.
“But that wasn’t the time to strike,” Gabrel said with a scowl. “You almost got us killed, do you realize that? And if we fail, Adelyne dies!”
“You are very fortunate to be alive, ambassador,” said Vega.
“What did you just call me?” Gabrel asked.
Vega looked to Hexur and Ponius, giving them room to speak.
“We’ve discussed much while you were unconscious,” Hexur said. “Our ambassadors are dead, Gabrel. But their missions remain. Your brothers—they’ve already agreed to it.”
“Agreed to what?” Gabrel asked, his patience thinning. He then took in Kaven’s newly acquired armor a little more closely. It wasn’t from one of the fallen soldiers, he noticed.
“Gabrel,” Kaven said.
“Is that Torren’s armor you’re wearing?” Gabrel asked.
“We have to finish what they set out to do,” Kaven told him. “It’s our duty to our people. To our King. The fate of Caleton may very well depend on our bringing the Erygian and Skaelar armies to fight.”
“What are you talking about?” Gabrel asked. “Ambassadors, Kaven? Us? Why not the soldiers? There are two of them. One to Allestron, one to Skaelwood. And they’re already in the King’s service.”
“We’re no more ambassadors than you are,” argued Hexur. “We’re here to protect.”
“And you’re Caladens,” said Ponius. “It is your legacy.”
“Kaven, this is madness,” Gabrel shrugged off the soldier’s words. “We don’t know the first thing about being ambassadors. We’re not even close to qualified.”
“My mind is made, Gabrel,” Kaven said calmly. “I’m doing this.”
“Is that your guilt talking?” Gabrel asked. “Or have you forgotten why you came with me in the first place?”
“Things have changed,” Kaven said. “But if we stick together, I can still protect you like I said I would.”
“May I remind you that Torren said he was stopping in towns and villages along the way?” Gabrel said. “Are you planning on doing that too? Because I sure as hell won’t.”
Kaven thought for a moment. “Why was he going to those towns?” Kaven asked the soldiers.
“To tell the lords and nobles to fall back under the protection of Caleton’s walls,” Hexur answered. “It’d add another couple hundred men to our numbers.”
After further contemplation, Kaven spoke, “I’m staying with my brother.”
“But you can’t just—” Ponius began, but Kaven cut him off.
“I’ll be your ambassador,” he said. “But I’m not leaving Gabrel.”
“Your younger brother is,” Ponius reasoned, nodding to Dareic. “Why can’t you?”
“Wait, what?” Gabrel asked. “Dareic, what’s he talking about?”
“There are three of us, Gabe,” Dareic said. “You and Kaven can go to the Erygians. I know Treäbu wants to go back to Skaelwood, so since he’s stuck with me, I agreed to go there in Ralindur’s place.”
“Are you kidding me?” Gabrel asked. “You’re gonna leave us? Just like that?”
“I don’t want to leave you two. It just seemed like the most logical thing to do, given the circumstances.”
“Logical?” Gabrel asked skeptically. “Logical? Since when has logic ever played a part in anything you do? The thrill of going off on your own—that’s what’s attracted you, and don’t deny it! You have no idea what you’re getting into, Dareic. I can’t believe you’d just leave us. And Father would kill us if he knew we let you.”
“Someone has to go to Skaelwood, Gabe,” Dareic reasoned. “Are you gonna do it?”
Gabrel eyed him menacingly.
“You should be warned,” Vega chimed in. “The major roads to Skaelwood are being watched as well. We saw patrols of Daro’s demons upon them as we flew overhead.”
“Any chance you and your feathered friend here could come with us?” Dareic inquired.
“Athalusian and I have business elsewhere, I’m afraid,” Vega told him.
“So, what should we do, then?” Dareic asked. “I don’t want to run into any more demons.”
“We alter course,” Treäbu spoke. “Vega, are all the paths to Skaelwood being watched?”
“There is a trail that remains hidden,” Vega answered. “But the dangers in taking it are considerable.”
“If it will veil us from the eyes of Daro’s forces, it is the path we must take,” Treäbu spoke reluctantly.
“What path?” Dareic asked. “What are you talking about?”
“The path through the Corren’dai,” said Vega. “An ancient haven, home to a beast from before the Goddesses of this time were given our world.”
“For the poor souls who wander into it,” Treäbu added, “most are never seen again.”
“What kind of beast are we talking about, exactly?” Dareic asked.
“It is Calcifera—the Golgril beast,” said Vega. “One of the last Zelvanyan of the Infernal Trine.”
“Blimey, Torren told us about those things,” said Dareic.
“It is malice made flesh,” Vega answered. “And has attracted like-minded creatures of our world to its realm. I myself, have spotted Nemesi beasts from the skies.”
“That enough risk for you, Dare?” Gabrel asked. Suddenly, the idea of taking the road through Daro’s forces seemed much more favorable to Dareic. He did not wish to be torn limb from limb by some unfathomable horror.
“You know, maybe we should take our chances with Daro’s patrols,” he said.
“Vega,” Athalusian spoke. “We’ve idled too long. They can see their own way now.”
Vega nodded in agreement. “You can find the road to Allestron just beyond those hi
lls,” he directed Gabrel’s attention to the east. “We could not see any demons patrolling it, but as you’ve discovered for yourselves, their presence grows in these lands. Travel it with caution. Keep your blades sharp and your minds sharper. Good fortune to you all. And good luck.”
“Journey fast, ambassadors,” Athalusian added. “The fate of Caleton depends on you.” Then, the great winged beasts soared into the sky, and headed southwest across the plains of Adoran.
When they were gone, Kaven turned to Gabrel, and pulled something from a new pouch at his waist. It was a small scroll, bound in a leather casing.
“This was Torren’s,” he said, handing it to Gabrel. “It’s King Mercer’s call for aid. Dareic has Ralindur’s. We’re all that’s left, Gabe. We’re Caleton’s only hope now.”
“We just ask them to fight?” Gabrel asked, weighing the scroll in his hand and the decision in his mind. “That’s it? Army or no, we return to Caleton?”
“That’s all,” Kaven confirmed. “Adelyne’s our priority. This is just something we’re doing along the way.”
“Alright,” said Gabrel, handing the scroll back to Kaven. “I’ll do it.”
“Good man,” said Dareic. “If it makes you feel any better, you’ll have Hexur and Ponius with you. One Human slowing Treäbu down is enough.”
“Be careful, Dareic,” Gabrel said, embracing his brother. “Try not to do anything too crazy.”
“And good luck with the Skaelar,” Kaven added, then looked to Treäbu. “I know you don’t want to be here,” he said, “but thank you for keeping our brother safe.”
“I will see you guys again,” Dareic reassured his brothers. “Until then,” he waved once, turned on the spot and sprinted northward.
“He’s going the wrong way,” Treäbu said.
“You’d better catch up to him,” Gabrel told the Skaelar, who nodded, then dashed toward Dareic. As they disappeared into the distance, Gabrel and Kaven couldn’t help but feel it was the last time they’d ever see their brother.
“We gathered armor from the fallen soldiers for you,” Kaven said. “It’s here.” He led Gabrel around the boulder that Athalusian was perched on, where a pile of armor lay.
“Thanks,” Gabrel said, “but I’ll run faster without it.”
“Are you serious?” Kaven said. “After what we just went through, you’re turning down armor?”
“It didn’t save the other soldiers, did it?” Gabrel asked.
“Just put it on, Gabe.” Kaven told him. “You’re an ambassador now. You can’t show up to Allestron in those rags.”
Gabrel consented and donned the armor.
“Did you take Torren’s gold?” he asked. “What he was going to use to pay for the Tears of Life?”
“He didn’t have any gold,” Kaven answered.
“What do you mean he didn’t—” Gabrel reacted, but Kaven interrupted.
“He had this,” he said, pulling a beautiful, blood-red earthstone from his pouch.
“Is that a fire gem?!” asked Gabrel.
“I think so,” said Kaven, tossing it to Gabrel. “It’s warm.”
“I’ve only seen one other in my entire life,” Gabrel said.
“Do you want to hold onto it?” Kaven asked.
“I’ve got Father’s money,” Gabrel said, handing the fire gem back. “You should keep this on you in case something happens to one of us.”
“Right,” said Kaven.
“Come on then,” Gabrel said. “Allestron’s not getting any closer.”
They cut their way across the plains, reaching the southern road within minutes. Having no horses for faster travel, Gabrel quickly grew agitated by their restricted pace. The injuries everyone sustained in the attack also limited their speed, and dampened their spirits.
They trekked along the road until sundown, when they breached the tree line of Forscythe Forest. Darkness came quickly in the thick of the wood. When they stopped for the night, Gabrel and Kaven started to gather firewood, but Hexur quickly advised otherwise.
“The last thing we need right now is to give Daro’s demons a beacon to our location,” he said. “I don’t trust the road.”
“What, no fire?” Gabrel asked. “We’ll freeze tonight.”
“Trust me,” Hexur said. “We’re safer off without it.”
“If you say so,” Gabrel grumbled. “How far ‘til the nearest town?”
“Why?” Hexur asked. “Have you reconsidered your mission?”
“We didn’t travel nearly as far as we needed to today,” Gabrel said. “We need horses. It feels like we’re crawling toward Allestron.”
“At our current pace, the turnoff for the village of Trill is just over a day’s travel,” Hexur told him. “From there, it’s a few hours off the road. With horses, we could make up for lost time.”
Gabrel had half a mind to deviate from his present course. Then, with a defeated exhale, he spoke, “Maybe we’ll meet someone along the road, and I can buy one—”
“You should at least warn the people of Trill about Daro’s patrols,” Ponius urged. “About Trendell. If you pass them by, you’ll leave them unprepared. It’s just adding half a day.”
“Maybe they already know about Trendell,” Gabrel said. “The towns aren’t that far from each other.”
“Would you leave it to chance?” Ponius asked. “What if Trill was your town, Gabrel? What if it was your home? Imagine what would be different right now if someone had warned you that Genton was about to be attacked.”
The thought struck Gabrel’s heart like a bolt of lightning. “If you want to warn them so badly, then do it yourself,” he proposed heatedly. “No one’s chained you to us.”
“It’s our job to protect the King’s ambassador,” said Hexur. “Where you go, we go. But don’t expect us to agree with every selfish decision you make.”
“With every passing moment, Hexur, my wife inches closer to death,” Gabrel said. “I won’t—”
“Oh will you shut up about your bloody dying wife!” Hexur interrupted him.
A black arrow whizzed past Gabrel’s ear, and struck the tree trunk behind him.
“Gabrel!” Kaven yelled, pushing his brother to the forest floor.
Hexur dove in front of them, catching two arrows in his gut that would have struck them dead.
“Hexur!” Gabrel belted.
“On your feet!” Hexur grunted, coughing up blood. Ponius joined them, armed with sword and shield. Gabrel and Kaven rose above Hexur, drawing their swords as well. From every direction, dark figures slowly came into clarity as they emerged from the outlying trees.
“We’ve stopped right in the middle of a bloody hornets’ nest!” Gabrel exclaimed. Primen and Blessed charged the group. But only some. The rest encircled the camp, watching their demon kindred hack away.
Gabrel deflected a blow from one of the creatures’ blades, then plunged his sword into the beast’s heart, retracting it violently to block the attack of another.
Beside him, Ponius cut the head off of a Primen. Not a moment later, a spear came from somewhere high in the trees, and pierced his body. He fell awkwardly to the ground, and died at Gabrel’s and Kaven’s feet.
“Ponius!” Gabrel yelled just as a Blessed collided with Kaven, taking him to the forest floor, eliciting roars of delight from the surrounding spectators.
“I’d rather eat you alive, while your blood still flows,” the Blessed told Kaven.
Out of the corner of his eye, Gabrel caught a glimpse of his brother’s struggle. He moved to aid Kaven, but when he turned, a large Blessed with a scarred face stood before him. Their blades instantly met, and both strained against each other for what seemed like a lifetime.
As the demon forced Gabrel’s blade downward, two more dragged Hexur away. The soldier screamed in agony as a group of ravenous creatures tore his armor off and feasted viciously.
“No!” Gabrel yelled, just as the Blessed One before him let out a roar, and with it, a mighty
shove of his sword, slicing Gabrel’s glove, causing him to drop his blade.
Gabrel fell against a tree trunk, injured and weaponless. He tried to move—to spring away, but two demons grasped him quickly, and held his arms and shoulders against the wide tree’s rough bark. The scarred Blessed managed a smile as it walked slowly toward him. Gabrel strained to break free of his bonds, his vigor rising inside of him with every second that passed.
“Kaven!” he shrieked. “Kaven!” But his brother was on his knees, bound by the demon who had engaged him.
“Watch,” it whispered in Kaven’s ear.
“Kaven…” Gabrel said, tears pooling in his eyes.
“I’m sorry Gabrel,” Kaven told him. “I’m so sorry.”
As the scarred Blessed approached Gabrel, the creature’s steps pounded in his ears, each fueling the fear, anger, desperation, hopelessness and hatred in Gabrel’s heart.
His brother, forced to watch him die, would be the last thing Gabrel ever saw. Adelyne, miles away, hoped for a cure that would never come. His unborn child would never draw a single breath. And King Mercer’s call for aid would never be heard. The need to survive filled Gabrel. It burned him. It felt like a fire inside of him that would explode through his very skin if he would let it—if he would release it.
The Blessed stopped in front of him, and cocked its head slightly.
“I’ll make quick work of you,” it said. “But him,” it nodded to Kaven, “we’ll take our time with him.” It held its sword with both hands, and slowly reared the dark blade back, preparing to stab Gabrel through the heart. Gabrel screamed as if all the world were about to die with him. But what began as a bellow of despair, evolved slowly into a scream of pain, for his emotions peaked so high that the burning inside of him became real.
He convulsed violently as his entire body erupted in a brilliant blue flame that, upon its ignition, blasted away not only his attacker, and those who held him, but the very armor he bore as well.
Rocked by the explosion, the demon who bound Kaven stumbled to the ground. Kaven seized the opportunity, grabbing his fallen sword. He stood and spun, slicing the Blessed’s throat, then returned his attention to his screaming brother.