Exodus: The Windwalker Archive: Book 3 (Legends of Agora)

by Michael James Ploof

  The chief of Fox Tribe was the eldest of all the chiefs, with six strapping sons to choose from. He stroked his long braided beard and eyed Talon. “His deeds cannot be denied. My own son was there when Thodin struck his challengers dead with fire from the sky. What is there for me to say that Thodin has not already made clear?”

  Many in the room nodded agreement.

  Boragar eyed them all, and Talon could see the inner struggle play out on the man’s face. Vald were not the best at hiding their emotions.

  “And what of the Skomm’s plan to steal away his people?”

  “My son is no Skomm!” Kreal yelled, shooting to his feet and slamming the table so hard the many tankards leapt and spilled their contents.

  “This is my hall,” he went on, eyeing Boragar dangerously. “This is my village. Talon is my son. You will cage your forked tongue and give him the respect he deserves while you stand in my hall.”

  Boragar bowed his head, suddenly sobering. “I have nothing but respect for you, Kreal. Two of my sons were saved by the medicine that you brought from Agora. It is for this reason that I have not turned my back on this gathering. But I must represent my people. We have sent thousands of our children to Skomm Village. We will not let them be stolen.”

  “How can something discarded be stolen?” Talon asked as he stood before the table.

  “We depend on Skomm Village to—”

  “You depend on the Skomm?”

  “We…we are not farmers. We are warriors. Our time is not worthy of such menial tasks.”

  “You said that you depend on the Skomm. That sounds like a weakness to me,” said Talon. “Are you admitting weakness, Boragar?”

  “I admit no such thing!”

  “Then you agree that your tribe is strong. It does not need the Skomm to survive.”

  “We see what you are trying to do…” Boragar began, and glanced around the chiefs’ table, but none seemed to share his sentiment.

  “The Skomm are leaving Volnoss,” said Talon. “You did not want them, so now they are leaving. What do you say to that?”

  “Slaves are slaves,” said Boragar, raising his chin high. “You can play your word games all you want. They are still our property, like cattle,” he added with a snide grin. “And as such, I demand payment for my village’s share.” He turned from Talon and addressed his fellow chiefs. “Thodin’s will or not, they are ours. Why would we let them go without payment?”

  The chiefs glanced around at each other, nodding agreement.

  “We are talking about twenty thousand Skomm,” said Boragar.

  “Shierdon is willing to purchase the Skomm,” said Han, to Talon’s surprise.

  “What is this?” he asked the general.

  “My king has informed me that if need be, he will purchase the Skomm, to the tune of one gold per head.”

  “You hear that?” said Boragar, eyes gleaming as he looked to the chiefs. “Why give up what men will pay for? Thodin’s arse that is his will.”

  Talon walked purposefully toward Han, who stood beside Kreal at the table. “I will not have the Skomm indebted to Shierdon. Freedom bought and paid for by another is no freedom at all.”

  “What will you do? Go to war with the chiefs?” Han hissed low, as not to be overheard.

  Talon turned from him and untied the sack from his belt and spilled the contents out on the long table. The diamonds poured out, catching the fire and sparking a gleam in the eyes of all nearby.

  “These diamonds are highly sought by the dwarves of Ky’Dren,” said Talon. “But I will not buy the Skomm with them. Instead, I offer an equal share to each tribe as a reward for freeing their forsaken children. Take this offering, else declare yourselves enemies.” He took up the largest of the diamonds and pocketed it. He then split the remaining diamonds into equal shares. The chiefs stared at their respective shares, and Talon could see their minds racing, trying to imagine the wealth that he had laid before them.

  “This treaty gives you back hundreds of miles of fishing waters, as well as exclusive trade agreements with Shierdon,” said Talon. “And the dwarves will pay you handsomely in gold and silver for these diamonds. But the vote must be unanimous. As is the way of the tribes. So vote now, one and all. Do you accept the terms set before you? Or does your heart seek war?”

  “I accept the terms,” said Waverunner, quickly pulling a pile of diamonds toward him. “I have seen the wisdom of Thodin.”

  The other chiefs declared the same, leaving only Boragar.

  The chief of Dragon Tribe let the diamonds fall from his big hand and watched them shimmer in the torchlight. He looked to Talon, and then to Chief at his side.

  “I agree with the others. I will accept this gift and release the Skomm from their servitude.”

  Two days after the meeting, the first of the Shierdonian ships began to arrive in Timber Wolf Harbor. The Skomm stood upon the beaches, some laughing, others crying with unbelieving expressions on their faces. They cheered when more and more ships came into the harbor. The first of the rowboats that would ferry the Skomm to the larger vessels headed toward shore, and Talon waited on the dock at the head of the large gathering of Skomm. To his delight he saw Argath and Crag on the lead rowboat.

  “Talon!” cried the big lug, waving like a delighted child, and by the looks of it, nearly capsizing the rowboat.

  “Ho! Crag!”

  Argath tossed Talon the line and he quickly tied it off and embraced the man as he stepped up onto the dock. The captain looked at his fellow Skomm with watery eyes and shook his head, overcome with emotion.

  “This be a day I never thought I would see. I wish Forrest was here to see it.”

  “He’s watching even now,” said Talon. “I have no doubt.”

  The rowboats began to pull up to the docks and the Skomm eagerly began to board. The entire affair was quite loud, and Talon found himself yelling over the celebrating Skomm.

  “Is Akerri on the ship?” Talon asked, glancing over Argath’s shoulder.

  “No, she and your friend Majhree are still in Sherna with Freedom and Redemption.”

  “Has she awaken?” Talon asked nervously.

  Argath grinned and nodded. “Aye. Zilena’s strength returned to her eventually, and she healed your girl. Even grew back that hand of hers somehow.”

  Talon was so overcome with emotion that he couldn’t have spoken if he wanted to. He just stood there watching the Skomm setting out on the many rowboats and cheering his name and that of Captain Argath.

  Now that he had dealt with the Winterthorns and secured his father’s position as chief, Talon wanted nothing more than to fly Brightwing to Sherna and see Akerri, but he stayed on the docks until the afternoon, when the last rowboat finally ferried the last group back to the waiting ship. All told, nearly twenty thousand Skomm had boarded some twenty ships. The only Skomm to stay behind were those who had once been Vaka. A few had tried to blend in with the crowds, but they were quickly pointed out and killed by angry mobs of vengeful Skomm.

  Talon had told Argath that he would meet them on Eldon Island shortly, but first he would be returning for Akerri.

  Han came to stand by him as Talon stood, watching the ships depart. “How does it feel?” he said with a strange grin.

  “It feels…it feels like a dream. One that I hope I never wake from.”

  Han put a hand on his shoulder and nodded, watching the ships disappear into the sunset.

  Talon prepared Brightwing for the long flight to Sherna and was pleased to see his father walking down to the docks to see him off.

  Kreal stopped before him and extended his hand. Talon took it, and his father pulled him in for a one-armed hug. “I’m proud of you, son. You come back when you’ve a chance. For you are now chiefson of Timberwolf Village, and you will have duties to fulfill from time to time.”

  “I will see you soon, Father. Now I go to find my girl, and lead the Skomm to their new home.”

  “Go well,” said Kreal
, offering an upward nod of respect.

  Talon turned and quickly climbed up onto Brightwing’s saddle. With one last wave goodbye, he spurred her into the air and steered her east.

  Chapter 42

  A Living Mural

  The visions that I had in the cave of dreams were the most powerful and clear visions that I’ve had before or since. A part of me believes that I was called upon, if you will. I was given the visions for a reason. I knew that then, and I believe it now. What I often wonder is, from whom or where did they come? And, if I was chosen because it was known that I would fulfill the prophetic visions, did I really have a choice in the matter?

  Azzeal, Keeper of the Windwalker Archive

  Talon, Han, Ash, and Flick flew east all night on strong currents. They cut across the Strait of Shierdon and followed the northern coast of Agora until morning, when the land curved south again and they flew over a bay leading to the western coast of the most northerly part of Shierdon. Sherna lay on the other side, nestled a few miles inland from the eastern coast.

  Over forests and fields they went as the sun slowly rose, bringing with it a clear blue day and warm winds. As they flew the last few miles toward Sherna, Talon’s heart fluttered and skipped. He thought of nothing but Akerri, unbelieving that he would finally see her again.

  The coastal village came into view, and Talon spurred Brightwing faster and faster still. He saw Freedom and Redemption in the harbor and steered in that direction, thinking that Akerri must still be aboard with Majhree, but then something caught his eye far below. The village gave way to a small grouping of steep hills nestled inland. On the tallest of them he saw the unmistakable shock of red hair blowing in the breeze.

  “Akerri…” he said aloud, his voice cracking with emotion.

  Talon steered Brightwing into a steep dive, hurrying to get to her before she blew away in the wind like some apparition from a dream.

  He leveled out ten feet from the ground and sped across the top of the hill. The beautiful sight of Akerri grew sharper with every moment.

  “Down, Brightwing. Put me down!” Talon cried, unable to get the saddle strap unhooked fast enough.

  As soon as the bird’s claws touched the grass, Talon leapt from the saddle and began running toward Akerri with arms wide.

  “Talon!” she screeched joyfully and began to run to him as well.

  They covered the short distance quickly on light feet, and Akerri leapt into his arms. He squeezed her tight and twirled her around.

  “Is it really you?” he asked, laughing and crying with joy at the same time.

  “I thought I’d never see you again,” said Akerri.

  They kissed and fell to the tall grass, laughing and crying together, and confessing their love over and over.

  Talon lay with Akerri in the tall grass, looking up at the clear blue sky. They had a lot of catching up to do, and spoke well into the afternoon of their adventures since parting ways.

  “What do you remember of the dark elf?” Talon asked.

  A dark frown replaced Akerri’s pleasant smile.

  “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

  “It is all right. It was like…like a bad dream, really. My memory is blurry.”

  “Do you remember when I…” Talon glanced at the now healed hand and felt a pang of guilt nonetheless.

  “Yes, and I remember being forced to attack you with magic. Your actions saved me, Talon. Do not feel bad for that. It was I who blasted you over the side of the ship.”

  Talon found it surreal to be laughing about such matters. But it was all over, he supposed. Somehow, it was all over.

  They decided that it was time to join the others. Talon was eager to see Majhree again, and though he would have loved to spend eternity there with Akerri on that hilltop, the wider world awaited them.

  “Come on,” said Akerri, laughing girlishly. “You’ve got to take me for a ride on your hawk!”

  Talon rose with her and whistled loudly. They waited there for longer than Talon thought they might have to, but eventually the hawk shimmered into sight, circling over them. She landed ten feet away and beat her wide wings and gave a soft crooning.

  “She’s excited to meet you,” said Talon.

  Akerri approached cautiously. “What is her name?”

  Talon laughed. “Brightwing.”

  Akerri stopped to regard him with a sweet smile. “You named her after me. How sweet.”

  “That’s the thing. She already had that name when I met her.”

  “Really?” said Akerri, looking to the sliver hawk with renewed wonder.

  “I took it as a sign.”

  Akerri reached out a cautious hand, and Brightwing bent her head so that she might be petted. A laugh escaped Akerri. “She’s beautiful.”

  Talon helped her up into the secondary saddle and strapped her in. When he had strapped himself in as well, he grabbed hold of the reins as Akerri gripped him around the waist tight. “Fly, Brightwing, fly!”

  The hawk ran across the flat hilltop, and Akerri began to squeeze harder the faster they went. When finally the bird leapt off the edge and spread her long wings, Akerri gave a delighted cry. They soared out over the forest of oak and birch toward Sherna and the ocean beyond.

  “Higher,” Akerri called against the wind. “Can she go higher?”

  “You heard her, Brightwing. She wants to touch the sun.”

  Brightwing gave a cry and turned toward the sky, beating her wings steadily and rising higher by the second. They rose so high that the whole of Sherna was like an anthill beside a puddle. When the air became cold and thin, Brightwing leveled out and soared over the world on a steady current.

  Akerri was speechless, and Talon remained silent as well. For there were no words to express how they felt.

  Chapter 43

  The Promised Land

  I see the child with flaming red hair in my dreams again. I see his stars, stars like his father’s. Outside, I look west. Perhaps it is time for another journey.

  -Gretzen Spiritbone

  Brightwing landed on the deck of Freedom, and the crew gave a hearty cheer. Many of the Skomm sailors had stayed behind to oversee the repairs to the ships, including Gill-Gammond and Torrance. Some of the gladiators were there as well, and offered Talon many congratulations on his success in Volnoss.

  “Is it true, Windwalker? Have the Skomm really been taken from the island?” asked one.

  “It is true. They sail west as we speak. Once the ships are seaworthy, you will join them as well at our new home, Eldon Island!”

  Another cheer went up, and Talon saw Majhree making her way across the deck with Zilena.

  “Excuse me,” said Talon to the man he had been speaking to. He took Akerri’s hand and led her across deck to meet the two.

  “Windwalker,” said Zilena. “It is good to see you well.”

  Talon’s eyes teared, and he suddenly wrapped his arms around her in a hug. “Thank you, thank you so much for everything you’ve done.”

  The princess laughed somewhat nervously, as though she were completely taken aback by his affections. Her rigid body relaxed, however, and she returned the hug. “You are quite welcome.”

  Talon released her, feeling a little silly.

  “A passionate one you’ve got here,” Zilena said to Akerri, and the women laughed.

  Talon’s face reddened, and Majhree pinched a cheek playfully. “He’s a brave lad, this one. I told him he was special from the day I met him.”

  “Again, thank you,” said Talon, hoping to change the subject. “Thank you for healing Akerri. I thought that she might never come back from the spell she was under. And everything that you have done for the Skomm. We owe you our freedom.”

  “You owe me nothing,” said Zilena. “Besides, I didn’t officially do anything for you. I simply dealt with a dark elf sighting.”

  “Of course,” said Talon.

  Han and the hawk rider
s came over to them just then, and Talon didn’t miss the looks shared by Zilena and the general.

  “I have arranged dinner for us all at one of Sherna’s finest pubs, and I invite you all,” said Han, arms wide. “For celebration is in order.”

  “I believe that you are right, general,” said Talon. “Let us eat!”

  That night, the crews of both Freedom and Redemption enjoyed one of the finest meals that they had ever eaten. Talon sat with Han and the riders, with Akerri and Majhree at his sides. Zilena sat beside the general, and together they all drank the house dry and emptied many storage rooms of their wares.

  The night was surreal to Talon. And now that it was all finally over, the entire adventure he had just endured seemed like a dream of fancy, one in which he could not have possibly lived through. He and Akerri were together at last, and he had made his peace with his father. On top of all that, the Skomm were now free with a land of their own.

  Emotion overwhelmed him more than once that night. And more than once he raised his glass high and spoke of those who had died. He spoke of Jahsin most of all, dedicating more than one toast to his first real friend.

  In the morning, Talon and Akerri set out for Eldon Island. Han had vowed to bring him—his last duty in the king’s deal with Talon and the Skomm. Zilena went with them, and Majhree as well, riding with Ash on his hawk.

  Once Freedom and Redemption had been repaired, the Skomm would sail the ships to Eldon and join the others. And while Talon felt bad leaving them behind, he could hardly wait to see the new Skomm home.

  The morning proved to be clear once again, and they set out west with the first rays of dawning. They flew hard that first day, traveling almost entirely across Shierdon and landing to camp on the western banks of Belldon Island at a fortress manned by Shierdonian soldiers. The general and the riders were well received, and the group enjoyed another fine meal before being given soft dry beds to sleep on.