The Legend of the Seven Sages: The Blade of Origin

by B. A. Scott

“Do you plan to sail or not?” the Captain asked impatiently.

  “We’re coming,” Dareic told him. “Come on,” he said to the others. “Let’s go before he changes his mind.”

  Dareic made his way onto the Marinean vessel, and saw that Vega and Vexen had followed him aboard, but not Treäbu. The Sage held him behind, and was whispering something into his ear.

  When Ralian finished, Treäbu looked him dead in the eye, and gave him a perfunctory nod.

  As soon as Treäbu joined the others on board, Dareic approached him.

  “What was that about?” he asked quietly.

  “I’ll tell you later,” said Treäbu.

  “Alright, you clods, follow me,” Xado instructed when all had boarded his ship. “That there’s Phynn, my first mate,” the Captain nodded to another Marinean, leaning against a railing. “Do what he says and don’t get in his way.” Xado then took them to a cramped cabin below deck that smelled of old wood and sea water. “This is where you’ll keep when you’re not on deck.”

  “It’s a bit small for the four of us, don’t’cha think?” said Dareic, noticing that Vega had to hunch upon entering.

  “Then sleep in bloody shifts,” said the Captain, agitatedly. “Good night, do I need to find you a wet nurse as well?”

  “Sorry,” said Dareic. “I just—”

  “Let’s get one thing straight,” Xado interrupted him. “This is my ship, and if you don’t like the way I run things, then you can buggar off! Your payment bought you passage, not courtesy,” he glanced at Treäbu. “I’ll get you where you need to go—that’s my part of the bargain. If you plan to sail with me, then leave your insolence at the door. Just eat, sleep, and stay out of my way. Any funny business, and I’ll throw you to the fire sharks myself. Any questions?”

  “Define ‘funny business,’” said Dareic.

  “Anything I don’t like,” answered the Captain, pointing a finger in Dareic’s face. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to collect my payment.”

  Xado ducked out of the cabin, and left the four passengers to themselves.

  “Can you believe that guy?” Treäbu asked. “The nerve! What an arrogant, pompous twat!”

  “He didn’t even ask us our names,” Vega noticed.

  “He doesn’t care,” said Treäbu. “All that matters to him is money. And bloody hell! He could retire on that payment! With servants and hot meals every day for the rest of his life!”

  “You know why he did it,” said Vega.

  “Yeah, he never thought we’d agree to it,” Treäbu said. “The stingy bastard.”

  “No,” Vega said. “If any of his people ever found out he gave us passage, at least he could say he took us for a fortune. Emptied our pockets. Treated us like vermin. Don’t you see? He’s protecting himself.”

  “Or he’s just an arrogant git,” Dareic chimed in.

  “Or he’s just an arrogant git,” Vega agreed.

  At that moment, Vexen brushed through the others, and made for the steps.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Dareic asked, as though Vexen was forbidden to leave the cabin.

  “It’s crowded in here,” she responded. “And I’ve never seen the sea.” Without another word, Vexen proceeded up the steps to the ship’s deck.

  “I think I could use some fresh air as well,” said Treäbu. “It smells terrible down here.”

  “Aye,” Vega concurred. He led Dareic and Treäbu up to the deck. When they emerged, Xado stepped aboard, holding a bulky brown pouch.

  “We’re leaving,” he told the group.

  “You don’t’ have any more crew?” Treäbu asked him, noticing no other Marineans on board. “It’s just you and Phynn?”

  “We can manage the Avenger on our own,” Xado said, then went about his business, untying his boat from the dock.

  As the ship pulled away, Dareic stood with Treäbu and Vega, watching as Ralian and the Skael’adar that had accompanied them put their fists to their hearts, then faded from sight behind an early morning mist.

  Treäbu turned his attention to Vexen, who peered out over the calm, sunlit water, as though she’d discovered an entirely new world.

  When the port of Skaelwood could no longer be seen, Dareic closed his eyes, took in a deep breath, and said to himself, “Here we go.”

  Chapter 8: Estimus

  “There it is,” Kade said when the group finally reached the Erygian port city. Though not as vast or impressive as Avenalora—or even Allestron—it bore the same grandeur and attitude, resting just beyond the wide western branch of the Crescus River.

  “At last,” Ayden vented, speaking for the first time since learning the truth about Gabrel.

  Tension gripped the group, having traveled in uncomfortable silence all morning. The fact that Ayden hadn’t spoken a word to anyone disturbed Gabrel beyond anything he thought he’d face in Estimus.

  “We’ve much to accomplish while we’re here,” Kade said, directing their attention to the task at hand. “We need to inform the Enchanters of our plan to unite the nations at Avenalora, and ensure their commitment.”

  “Maybe Kaven and I should let you do the talking,” Gabrel said. “I didn’t have much luck with the last Erygians I asked for help from.”

  When the group approached the river, they were met by three Erygian warriors, who guarded a lengthy bridge.

  “Good morning,” Kade told them. “May we cross?”

  Upon seeing the four travelers, one of the guard’s eyes grew wide.

  “Are you Kade Amirraden?” he inquired.

  “I am?” Kade answered.

  “It’s them,” he told his fellow warriors.

  “Have you been expecting us?” Gabrel asked.

  “For some time now,” said the guard. “Please, pass through. We’ll signal the other side of your arrival.”

  “Thank you,” said Kade.

  The warriors parted, and Gabrel, Kaven, Ayden and Kade made their way across the bridge.

  “Alright, how could they possibly have known we were coming?” Gabrel asked Kade. “Are you mind-marked with anyone in this city?”

  “No,” said Kade.

  Kaven looked to the water below. “The western branch of the Crescus River” he said. “It’s funny to think, had we taken it from Palthea—like we were supposed to—our lives would be very different today.”

  After a few minutes of walking, they reached the other side, and found a beautiful young Erygian woman waiting for them. Her long white hair flowed backward beneath a wide, decorative headband, and her pristine, draping garb revealed much of her deeply tanned skin.

  “And here she is—our new Sage,” said the woman. “Kade Armastus Amirraden, it’s been too long!”

  “It has, Calusia,” said Kade, stepping forward to embrace her. “The last time I saw you, you’d just had your spirisortium! That was nigh two years ago, wasn’t it?”

  “Aye,” said Calusia. “You’ve no idea how happy I am to see you alive and well. When we heard what’d happened, we feared the worst.”

  “What do you mean?” Kade asked. “Who told you we were coming? And how did you know I’m the Sage?”

  Just then, everyone looked beyond the Erygian woman, and saw two armored figures with very familiar faces rushing toward them. Upon recognizing the twin soldiers, everyone’s heart filled with joy.

  “Asos and Domini!?” Gabrel belted. “How the hell!? We thought you were dead!”

  “And we, you!” Domini spoke. “Where in the name of the Creator have you been all this time!?”

  “Well, we took the wrong branch of the river, for starters,” said Kaven. “And went over the Jurisian Falls. Then, we happened upon Avenalora, and had to travel here on foot.”

  “What!?” Calusia gasped.

  “How did you two escape the docks at Palthea?” Kaven asked the Guardians.

  “With difficulty,” said Asos. “We fought our way into one of the boats, and fended off Daro’s demons as the river
carried us away.”

  “Fated pursued us for days,” added Domini. “We feared they’d already plucked you from the water. But we knew, if ever there was a chance of seeing you again, it would be here.”

  “And so we’ve waited,” said Asos. “We’d almost given up hope of seeing you again, your Highness.” He bowed to Ayden.

  “Thank you,” she said, “for your loyalty. It seems a brittle thing these days.”

  “Did I hear you right?” asked Calusia. “Did you say you found Avenalora?” she looked from the brothers to Kade.

  “Yes. Will you take us to the other Enchanters?” asked the Sage.

  “Follow me,” said Calusia.

  The Enchantress led the group from the port, through the outer gates of Estimus, and into the great city. Kaven paid special attention to Estimus’s magical elements, instantly recognizing the use of hover charms throughout the city. The most impressive, he noticed, was the large, hovering summit before them—what Kaven assumed to be their destination. The use of the hover charm seemed, in Kaven’s opinion, completely unnecessary, but an incredibly impressive feat, nonetheless, as the circular summit looked at least fifty paces wide. It was fashioned entirely from black stone, not more than a foot’s length thick, which hovered a tall man’s height above the ground. Against the golden backdrop of the Erygian city, the summit looked to Kaven like a large, dark coin that landed in the very center of Estimus.

  Calusia and the others reached the summit via a set of hovering steps. Their eyes were instantly met by a multitude of Erygian citizens. Despite the masses, however, it proved very easy for Gabrel and Kaven to identify the Enchanters among them, as each had drawn a gathering.

  “Our people are growing restless,” Calusia told the others. “Our farms and lands outside the city walls are constantly under attack. And our trade has suffered. We Enchanters are looked to for help, but there’s only so much we can do. You couldn’t have come at a more needed time, Kade.”

  “How many of there are you now?” Kade asked.

  “Eleven,” Calusia answered.

  “Eleven?!” Kade said with disbelief.

  “Aye, we’ve had three spirisortiums in the last month!” Calusia told her. “It’s as if the world knows we’ll need a few more Enchanters in the days to come.”

  As the group moved through the crowds, they drew the attention of all they passed. Soon enough, every head was turned their way. The Enchanters of Estimus politely excused themselves from their gatherings, and joined Calusia. Gabrel and Kaven also noticed a Borean ambassador, curiously observant.

  “Welcome to Estimus,” an elderly Enchantress spoke. “I am Eitherian. Ayden Mercer, the last time we saw you, you were very young.”

  “I was just a child,” said Ayden.

  “And you must be the Caladen ambassadors.”

  “We are,” Gabrel confirmed.

  “Your soldiers have told us much,” said Eitherian, motioning to Asos and Domini. “Most has been news of the ill sort—the plight of Caleton, the death of Athiux Amirraden. Perhaps you bring better tidings?”

  “We’ve found Avenalora,” Gabrel said. “And sipped from the Avenflame.”

  Gasps spread throughout the crowd, and for a moment, the Enchanters could not speak.

  “I believe a veil spell—perhaps a conditional veil—has protected the city all these long years,” said Kade. “It was our destiny to find it—my company and I.”

  “And what interesting company it is,” said Eitherian. “We’ve heard much about you, Gabrel Caladen. Much. But never did we expect to meet you.” She looked to Kade. “The Enchanters of Allestron will be eager to learn of his arrival in Estimus.”

  “That’s a really nice way of saying, ‘why’s he still alive?’” Kaven whispered to his brother.

  “Gabrel is an ambassador, Eitherian,” Kade said defensively, “and now, one of the only people in the entire world who can wield the Celestial Blaze.” She moved closer to Gabrel’s side. “I will do all I can to ensure his protection.”

  “I’m afraid you’re mistaken,” said the Enchantress, to Kade’s surprise. “Your part in this errand is over, Kade.”

  “I promised King Mercer I’d accompany Ayden to Benevar,” Kade spoke.

  “And neglect the needs of your own people?” asked Eitherian. “We need you here. We need you in Allestron, in Tristus, in our towns and villages. I’m sure the Queen will understand. We need you to help us find Avenalora again, so we can occupy it, and drink from the Avenflame ourselves. Do you not see the importance of this discovery? For centuries, we’ve been the only nation without a Fountain of our own.”

  “I will guide you there in time, I promise,” said Kade. “But Queen Ayden needs my protection, and the ambassadors need my knowledge of magic, so that they can further develop their own craft.”

  “You would choose them over us?” Eitherian said, offended by the notion. “These three over thousands of your own? Abandoning your people is not the best way to begin your role as Sage.”

  “But I’m doing this for our people, Eitherian,” Kade spoke defiantly. “After we deliver the Queen, I’ve agreed to help rally the nations against Lord Daro. What I do, I do to ensure our survival.”

  For a moment, a hushed uneasiness spread throughout the crowd.

  “We cannot force you to stay, of course,” Eitherian spoke disappointedly. “But should you abandon us, know that you’ve forsaken and betrayed every Erygian soul you see around you once more.”

  “Once more?” Ayden asked.

  “Quite,” said Eitherian. “Just as you, Ayden, have clearly betrayed your own laws, by the very same sin—allowing this half-breed to keep his life.”

  “A truth I’ve only just learned,” Ayden said in her defense, mildly offended by the remark.

  “Regardless, Kade has failed in carrying out our laws,” said Eitherian. “Queen Ayden,” she stressed her title, “you know what must be done.”

  As the group made their way toward the palace of Estimus, a looming fear permeated the air. Ayden walked faster to distance herself from the others. Even Asos and Domini remained silent.

  “I’m not leaving here alive, am I?” Gabrel whispered to Kade.

  “This place isn’t safe,” said Kaven. “We should never have come.”

  “Ayden and I need to tell them our plans. We had to come.”

  “Well let’s do it and get the hell out of here,” said Kaven.

  “Ayden requested a room in the palace,” said Gabrel. “She needs time to think.”

  “And we’re her escorts,” said Kade. “We can’t leave without her.”

  “Spectacular,” said Kaven.

  “Stay close to me at all times,” Kade told the brothers. “I think it wise that we all share quarter while Ayden comes to a decision.”

  “Do you think she’ll go through with it?” Kaven asked.

  “She must face the very same torment that I did,” said Kade. “She must choose between what she feels in her heart is right, and what the laws of her people demand she must do. I only hope, for your sake Gabrel, they are not one and the same.”

  The brothers spent the day in dread, fearful to venture from Kade’s quarters. Night came, and as the sleepless hours passed, Gabrel’s eyes darted to every shadowy corner of the chamber. Beside him, Kaven and Kade sat restless, despite their eyelids growing heavier by the minute.

  “Is this what it’s going to be like everywhere I go?” Gabrel asked. “Will I have to deal with this for the rest of my life?”

  Neither Kade nor Kaven answered. Gabrel dismissed his own question, and drew his sword.

  “What are you doing?” Kaven asked.

  “Trying to fill this ruddy thing with magic,” he said.

  “Just concentrate,” Kade told him. “Let the Celestial Blaze flow through your fingertips into the metal.”

  Gabrel focused his energies, and tried to do as Kade said. His hand lit up with the Celestial Blaze. He strained and strained until his h
and shook, but still, he could not fill the blade with his power.

  “You’re trying to force it,” Kaven said. “Let it flow naturally. Calm and fluid.”

  Gabrel took a breath, and closed his eyes. In his mind, he tried to picture the sword as a part of his body, as if his hand and the hilt were conjoined. When he opened his eyes, for the briefest moment, he thought the hilt might have been glowing within his grasp.

  Before he could be sure, however, there came a soft rapping at the door.

  Gabrel and Kaven shot up. Kade jolted to her feet, her eyes aglow. She went to the door, and spoke, “Who calls?”

  “It’s me,” said a female voice. Kade cracked the door to see Ayden. “I need to talk to you.”

  Kade opened the door and Ayden entered her chambers. The Queen regarded Gabrel and Kaven, but did not speak to them.

  “What is it?” Kade asked.

  “Alone please, Kade,” said Ayden. Reluctantly, Kade took Ayden to her bed chamber, and started to push the doors closed.

  “Are you really leaving us alone out here?” Gabrel asked. “What if an assassin tries to kill me while you’re in there?”

  “Fight back,” said Kade, closing the doors.

  “What do you suppose Ayden needs to talk with her about?” Gabrel asked. He and Kaven looked to each other, then to the closed doors. At once, they both sprang toward them as silently as possible, and pressed their ears to the wood.

  “You lied to me,” Ayden’s muffled voice said. “All of you.”

  “It is our duty to escort you, your Highness. To protect you. Not to confess every shameful detail of our lives.”

  Ayden took in a livid breath. “Do you have any idea how stupid I looked out there—in front of all those people?” she belted. “Everyone in the city knew about Gabrel before I did. Not to mention that now, they think me too weak to uphold my own laws.”

  “You have to understand—” Kade started.

  “Our trust is broken, Kade,” Ayden interrupted. “Every one of you chose to deceive me.”

  “But Gabrel did tell you! He confessed it himself.”

  “Only when he knew he’d be found out.”

  “You know why he didn’t before then—why none of us did,” Kade argued. “His life is at stake, Ayden. What would you have done?”