by B. A. Scott
She wore a cloak of dark blue, but beneath it, Gabrel could tell, she wore little else. She’s probably more comfortable in cooler temperatures, Gabrel thought.
“I will personally sail to Marinar,” Ayden said, “and speak with King Orbibaza. Kaven Caladen and the Erygian Sage, Kade Amirraden, will carry our call to the Boreans. Faelia Malilae,” she addressed the Borean Sage. “I beg of your help. Will you accompany Kaven and Kade to your home in the Northlands? If they sailed with you and your escorts, you could provide them additional protection, and further Kaven’ knowledge of your people. I know it is much to ask, but it’s a long passage to the Northlands. They must leave at once.”
“I’m not scheduled to depart for another two weeks, your Majesty,” said Faelia. “My replacement’s still in Marinar. Why such haste?”
“I know you have your duties,” said Ayden. “And I apologize for asking you to break those commitments, but Daro moves quickly. We must rally the nations while there are still nations left to rally.”
Faelia thought for a moment. “We’ll sail as soon as you’re ready,” she said, with reservation. “I’ll need to leave a message informing the next Borean ambassador of the reasons for my early departure.”
“Thank you,” said Ayden. “General Fortenstar,” she addressed a highly decorated officer, “we need to send as many soldiers as we can spare with Gabrel Caladen to Valea. Above all others, his mission is essential to our success. Without the Blade of Origin, all our alliances are for naught. Should Gabrel fail, our world is doomed.”
“And what if he’s killed during the passage?” asked General Fortenstar. “Three have sipped from the Avenflame. Three hold the power of the Celestial Blaze and can claim the Blade of Origin. Yet you would only send one to retrieve it? Would it not be more prudent to send all three to Valea, to increase our chances of success?”
“We must divide our efforts, General,” Ayden said. “We haven’t time to wait until the Blade of Origin is retrieved to forge this alliance. My hopes are that by the time Gabrel has claimed it, many will have already pledged their armies.”
“But at least send the Erygian Sage with him,” said General Fortenstar. Ayden and Kade looked to one another, remembering their conversation on the very same matter. “Or couldn’t the Borean Sage carry your call on her own? We have many capable ambassadors here.”
“I understand my decision may seem impractical, General,” Ayden said. “But I need Kaven and Kade to travel together. They are living proof that our nations are already uniting. Additionally, Kade has already sipped from the Fountain of Parsali, but not the Fountain of Phorian Mai. It will magnify her power, and aid us immensely in the fight against Daro.”
“But like you said,” the General spoke, “it’s all for naught if Gabrel fails.”
“Then you will accompany him to ensure his success, General,” said Ayden.
The room fell silent as Weylan Fortenstar fumed with composed rage.
“I doubt a patrol of Daro’s forces will attack if greatly outnumbered,” Ayden continued. “If we send a large enough escort to Valea, I’m confident Gabrel will have all the protection he needs.”
The General’s discontent grew thick. He appeared to collect himself into a more reserved mindset before continuing. “My Queen,” he said. “I understand that you’ve been cast into your new role earlier than your father would have desired. The intricacies of logical strategy and tactics in maneuvering our forces is something you’ve yet to fully comprehend. Lord Lirian,” he addressed the High Steward, “surely you can attest—”
“I’ll stop you right there, General,” Ayden cut him short. “I appreciate your counsel. And your perspective,” she proceeded, her voice slightly shaking as everyone judged every word she said. “But I will not tolerate condescension. This is our plan, and you will see it carried out.”
“Mirrorblood,” Gabrel heard in his mind.
“Already?” he thought back to Kaven.
“Gabrel, maybe this General’s right. It makes more sense for us to stick together.”
“It’s no longer our call,” Gabrel thought. “Ayden’s not going to let someone overrule her first order as Queen, no matter how reasonable his argument.”
“Am I clear, General?” Ayden asked.
“Yes, Highness,” said the General, clearly dissatisfied with Ayden expressing her authority over him, despite her obvious lack of experience.
“All nations will unite at Avenalora,” said Ayden. “For all ambassadors present, should the towns and cities you travel to need convincing of its discovery, my written account should suffice as evidence enough. If their armies are ready to travel, and you find yourself without a bearing, the city revealed itself to us. There are no guarantees it will do so for yourselves, but I have faith that in our time of need, Avenalora’s veil spell will permit all who share our conviction to enter. Now,” said Ayden, “if there are no further questions,” she provided the shortest window for response, “Faelia, will you please escort Kaven and Kade to your ship?
“So, you’re the Borean Sage?” Kaven asked as Faelia led he and Kade through the streets of Benevar. Gabrel accompanied them as well, wishing to give his brother a proper farewell.
“Yes,” Faelia answered, drawing water from a nearby puddle to her palm, fashioning it into a liquid orb. “The Transference occurred when I was in Marinar some time ago. The Marineans allowed me to drink from the Fountain of Roh, and acquire the power of Wave.” She toyed with the orb, swirling particles of water into beautiful shapes.
“They let you?” Kaven asked. “Just like that?”
“The Boreans were neutral during the War of Ages, ambassador,” said Faelia. “We’ve maintained our relationships with every nation because so. We are not counted among the abhorred by the Marineans or Incinians. Besides, the Marineans allowing me to drink from the Fountain of Roh was not so much a courtesy, but an act of self-interest.”
“I don’t understand,” Kaven told her.
“Wave is a powerful tool,” said Faelia, dissecting the water in her palm, and controlling it such that streams raced around her body. “But combined with Suspension—the power of the Borean fountain—its possibilities expound. Water can be conjured, manipulated and controlled. But with Suspension, it can be frozen solid, melted or brought to searing boil.”
“So, ‘we’ll let you drink from ours if we can drink from yours,” Gabrel rationed.
“More or less,” said Faelia.
“You seem to have a firm grasp of Wave already,” said Kade.
“Modest tricks,” said Faelia, conjuring water from thin air with a flurry of her ice blue fingertips, and swirling it above her head. But at the sound of a sudden horn upon the docks, she jumped, fumbled in concentration, and all the water above fell—soaking her instantly.
The Borean Sage froze, squeaking in surprise.
“Y-you’re drenched!” Kaven spoke sympathetically.
Faelia recomposed herself, and lifted her chin. “It’s no matter,” she said. “And it tends to happen quite frequently—especially when I practiced at sea. But I’ve already learned to remedy it.”
Her eyes flashed, as she drew every drop of water from her skin and clothing into a perfect sphere before her.
“Dry as wheat, nice and neat,” she said. Gabrel and Kaven beamed at her demonstration.
When they arrived at her ship, Faelia stepped on board first.
“The Agile,” she said, patting a railing. “My Captain, Cyver, and the crew are my escorts.” Kaven counted six Borean women that would be traveling with them. “Thank you for readying the vessel at such short notice. These are Kaven Caladen and Kade Amirraden, ambassador and Sage,” Faelia told her company. “They are guests on our voyage home. Gabrel,” she produced a small scroll, and handed it to Gabrel. “My sister, Kodia Malilae, should be in Valea when you arrive. Please see that she gets this. It holds the news I’ve gathered, and will inform her of my current endeavors.”
“Yo
ur sister?” Gabrel asked.
“Yes. An emissary of the Northlands, like myself. Thank you.”
She left the railing, leaving Gabrel, Kaven and Kade to themselves.
“Well, this is it,” Gabrel said. “You two are on your own now.”
“I’ll do my best to get them to join us,” Kaven said, “but I still have no idea what the hell I’m doing.”
“I know how you feel.”
“Remember what I’ve taught you,” Kade told Gabrel. “Continue to test yourself. Hone your skills. Experiment. And above all, think creatively.”
Gabrel nodded and embraced Kade, who at first, was mildly taken aback. After a moment, she returned the affection. “Please protect my family,” he asked her, then turned to Kaven.
“You’ve got the hardest job of all of us,” Kaven told him.
“I know,” Gabrel said jovially. “Will you be alright traveling with her?” he thought to Kaven.
“We’ll manage,” Kaven thought back.
“That’ll have to do. Play nice,” Gabrel thought. “Make sure he stays on top of his lessons as well,” Gabrel told Kade. “He’s a much better wielder than I am. Wouldn’t want me catching up.”
“Stay alive out there, Gabe,” Kaven said, hugging his brother.
“You too.”
Kaven and Kade proceeded onto the ship, and Gabrel watched as the Agile pulled away from the dock.
On deck, Kaven and Kade walked to the stern, and waved to Gabrel.
“I’ll see you in Avenalora!” Gabrel shouted.
“Ahem,” Faelia sought their attention. “I should tell you, this vessel only has one cabin for dignitaries such as yourselves. If you don’t wish to share it, one of you may bunk with the crew.”
“She can have it,” Kaven said quickly.
“Thank you,” Kade said, “but we’ve been sharing a camp for months now. Your head deserves a proper pillow just as much as mine.”
“Thanks,” said Kaven. “I’ll be fine.”
On the dock, Gabrel watched as the Agile disappeared into the distance. It reminded him of watching Dareic leave for Skaelwood—the feeling that he may never see one of his brothers again.
“It’s not like it was with Dareic,” Kaven’s thoughts sounded in his mind. “We’re still with each other.”
“Sort of,” Gabrel said aloud.
“Ambassador,” a voice sounded behind him. Gabrel turned to see Asos and Domini.
“What is it?” Gabrel asked.
“We need you to come with us,” Asos said in a serious tone Gabrel was most unfamiliar with hearing from the soldier.
“Sure, why?” Gabrel said.
“Ayden wishes to speak with you.”
Chapter 18: Departures
Asos and Domini escorted Gabrel in silence. When Gabrel entered Ayden’s chambers, the soldiers left, closing the doors behind them.
“Ayden,” Gabrel addressed the Queen, who was preparing for her own travels.
“You will address me as Highness,” Ayden quickly corrected him. “I’m giving you two thousand soldiers, Gabrel. You’re to depart at once. Asos and Domini will accompany you as well.”
“But they’re your most trusted soldiers,” Gabrel said. “Surely they’d go with you to Marinar.”
“I doubt the Marineans will even let me set foot on their shore,” said the Queen. “The Carthrytes will be utilized more effectively with you. If only to ensure your protection.”
“From Daro’s patrols,” Gabrel reasoned. Ayden appeared uneasy.
“I’ve pardoned you, Gabrel,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean some radical won’t step beyond the bounds of my decree. I’ve tried to do all I can to ensure your survival, and so you will go to Valea, not just as an ambassador, but as a Captain in my army. Should anyone get any ideas about killing you, maybe they’ll think twice if you’re a commanding officer.”
“Ayden, I have no—”
“Highness, Gabrel,” Ayden interjected.
“I have no military experience,” Gabrel continued. “None. How am I supposed to lead these men?”
“General Fortenstar will accompany you,” Ayden said. “Leave the leading to him. And seek Asos’s and Domini’s counsel. They are well versed.”
The conversation paused, and Gabrel dared to overstep his bounds once more.
“Ayden,” he spoke. The Queen gave him a menacing look for addressing her so casually yet again, but said nothing.
“For what you did in Estimus, I wanted to thank you.”
“Let’s make one thing perfectly clear, ambassador,” said the Queen, “the only reason you are still alive is because I need you to be.”
“I know,” said Gabrel. “But I’d like to think that a part of you wanted me to live, because—well, because you wanted me to live.”
Ayden remained silent for a moment, then spoke, “Your men are waiting.”
Gabrel’s face turned downcast. He straightened his posture, bowed low, and addressed her, “Highness,” then left the room.
* * * * *
A Fated messenger entered the council chamber of the Adorcenn Tower and bowed at Daro’s feet.
“My lord, Embros offers new terms,” it said.
“Does he?” Daro asked.
“He promised full cooperation. But instead of pledging his armies, he yields the Gauntlet of Wrath.”
“Now that is intriguing,” Daro spoke. “And enticing.”
“He adds that some among his people are rebelling in light of this transitional period,” the Fated continued, “but he assures you, those who refute his orders will be eliminated.”
“If the Incinians are willing to align, perhaps the other nations will follow their example,” Hadaan suggested.
“We shall see,” said Daro. “Return to Kallenshar,” he told the Fated. “Tell Lord Embros our accord is set. Tell him to deliver the Gauntlet.” He turned to Hadaan. “My son, with this development, the time has come for the next phase of our plan to commence. The armies will depart for Skaelwood and Valea. Come, these are your final preparations.”
He led Hadaan to his chamber, where Daro made for small table, on which rested an ornate chest.
“Skaelwood is a fortress,” he told Hadaan. “But our army is primed.” He opened the chest, and presented his bloodson with the trinket inside. It was a small wooden box, polished and latched. “Our most effective assault hinges on the success of this furentus,” he said. “I crafted it in exile many years ago. Now it is yours to wield.”
Hadaan bowed as he accepted the furentus.
“Father,” he started, as though revealing his last inklings of doubt, “you took Caleton with a wave of your hand. They will likely have a Sage. And it is possible Vexen will be there. Are you certain you do not wish to come?”
“You are a leader, my son. A warrior. Cunning and courageous. Cast your doubt aside. My presence will not be necessary for your victory. Skaelwood has many natural defenses. And true, the Sage Ralian Sheen may guard its walls. But this,” he tapped the furentus in Hadaan’s hands, “will lean the odds in your favor. Greatly so.”
“And if it fails?”
“Our strategy plans for that contingency. Weigh the situation and improvise accordingly. But I have faith in my device. And in you.”
Hadaan bowed. “This furentus,” he said. “Have you given it a name?
“I call it what it is,” said Daro. “The Warscythe.”
* * * * *
Two thousand mounted soldiers stood in formation outside the gates of Benevar. Two thousand solemn faces watched as Ayden rode by them, as if inspecting each and every one.
Gabrel, alongside Asos, Domini and officers he’d yet to speak to, watched as General Fortenstar rode with the Queen, exchanging quiet words.
When they finished speaking, Ayden rounded her horse to look upon the force that would seek the Blade of Origin.
“Today, you are a part of history,” she told them. “For you embark on the most critical, the most unp
recedented mission of our time. To claim the Blade of Origin. With every step you take, remember this. This is not a task I have set before you. This was advised by none other than the Goddess Arey’n. It is her will that we would find and use this tool against Lord Daro.”
Her eyes rested on Gabrel. “Protect Gabrel Caladen—your Lord, your Captain—with your life,” she said. “And see to his success at any cost. Your actions—your courage—are forging history as we speak. Good fortune to you all.”
There were no cheers. There were no roars of bravery, eager to embark on such an imperative journey. General Fortenstar gave the order to march, and the soldiers obeyed.
The cavalry snaked its way southward, leaving Benevar behind.
Gabrel rode, surrounded on all sides, like he was a treasure to be guarded. The General rode with him, closer than Gabrel felt necessary.
“You, never leave my side,” he told Gabrel. “And you two,” he spoke to Asos and Domini. “Never leave his.”
“Yes sir,” the Carthrytes responded.
“If this was the will of the Goddesses,” Asos said, “why must we go to Valea?”
“Because that’s where the Blade is?” Gabrel thought the answer obvious.
General Fortenstar scuffed. “He means, if they want us to have the Sword of Creation, why not just bloody give it to us. Save us the trip.”
“Oh,” said Gabrel. “I have no idea. Maybe they can’t. We can ask when we get there.”
“This whole mission seems founded on a tenuous interpretation of your brother’s account,” said Fortenstar. “I recognize your importance in the matter, and will see you get to Valea unscathed, but all this charade of promotion is grossly unjustified.”
“Sorry, what?” Gabrel asked.
The General shifted agitatedly. “Thick as you are, Captain, you’re necessary. But here’s what I take issue with. The new Queen may have given you a title. But you’ve done nothing to deserve it. Do you realize that? Do you know what it takes to achieve the rank of Captain? It’s absolute rubbish. There are men that march with you who have bled in combat. Proven their mettle. Men who have lost brothers and sons, defended their realm, and have yet to attain half your rank.”