Ruin & Reliance

by Jeremy Dwyer

  ~~~

  Despite seeing the approach of the man moving in the darkness, Lieutenant Mazavida lacked the strength to resist the binding of her hands behind her back.

  Colonel Lodokus felt the ropes bind his own hands as he watched the spiders retreat to the edges of the field of flowers. “We surrender,” he said.

  ~~~

  From under the cover of darkness, Kaija said: “Come outside and do what is right so that many lives can be saved.”

  Kaija led the way – stepping very carefully along a precise path, according to what she was able to learn from reading the mind of Colonel Lodokus – and Romana followed her. Saku followed them while pushing Colonel Lodokus and Lieutenant Mazavida outside of the chamber that housed the field of flowers. He escorted them toward the shore where several people were standing.

  “It is time we met. There is no need for darkness now,” Kaija said.

  Saku lifted the cloak of darkness to reveal himself, Romana and Kaija.

  “Who are you? What is the meaning of this gathering? Our ship was damaged during the sea serpent attack. We stopped only to make repairs. Is that why all of you are here?” Grand Duke Braden asked.

  “Does anyone need our help to make repairs and get off of this island?” Duke Rowan asked.

  “No. My crew has that covered. What’s with the spies in the darkness? What is this about?” Captain Gijsbert asked.

  “They’re not our spies…or assassins…or whatever they are. And we’re not here for a fight,” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “Whether they’re spies or assassins, I’ve seen more than enough difficulties. Now, I need answers,” Captain Lusala said.

  “And we’ve suffered more than enough sickness, and other problems,” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “And we still need to inspect our ship, repair it and then leave,” Munroe said.

  “My name is Kaija. We are not spies and have no evil intentions. My crew and I came here to find an antidote for the poison spreading across the world. These soldiers are Colonel Lodokus and Lieutenant Mazavida. We found them waiting in ambush inside a hidden chamber. The lieutenant watched us from a distance and the colonel sent out the sea serpents to attack our ships, thinking that we were to blame for the toxic red mist and several other problems throughout the world. They both think that everyone is a traitor to their nation and to their cause. Every day of their lives is dedicated to plotting revenge,” Kaija said.

  “What nation? What cause?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “We’ll get to that. First, I want Munroe to tell us more about the man he observed creating the poison. Then, Colonel Lodokus can explain his mission and motives in his own words,” Kaija said.

  “I am Ximenez, Chronicler of four thousand seven hundred twenty-five (4725) years. Under the authority of the Oath, I will be recording all of this,” Ximenez said.

  CHAPTER 52: Garden of Secrets and Fears

  “My name is Munroe. I am from Lemikozen Island, in the western Provincial Isles. I drink the Lujladia waters and formerly served as a scout under Cardinal Briar-Malgier. He was the pastor, chief herbalist and groundskeeper of the Sanctuary of the Harvest Waters until he was murdered by a madman,” Munroe said.

  “And you know very well, young man, that the Sanctuary was devoted to the restoration of the predators who ruled the world in the first age. Cardinal Briar-Malgier cared little for people, and intended to cultivate a dangerous wilderness, even if those creatures would devastate human life in great numbers. Therefore, the Cardinal was also a dangerous man, if only of a different kind,” Kaija said.

  “He felt that nature was out of balance,” Munroe said.

  “God created nature, and gave this world to humanity to rule over the creatures of the wild. The animals are not given dominion over us,” Kaija said.

  “I don’t know about your religion or your deity, but no animal should be hunted to extinction. In the first age, many species were wiped out by human ruthlessness,” Munroe said.

  “I’ve read the history of some of these creatures and your animal-worshipping faith. Some of these predators – the largest of the sea serpents – were brought back in the first days of the Sanctuary’s efforts, when it was founded in the third age. They are not ordinary animals, young man. They are fierce and poisonous, which makes them a threat to people sailing every ocean. And the Sanctuary is not a noble institution. They have human blood on their hands,” Kaija said.

  “I believe in the importance of animals. The Cardinal was a good man who served a good cause. The Sanctuary is important to the natural balance. I don’t believe in the cause of the madman who killed him,” Munroe said.

  “Are you going to let this kid tell his story or what? I want to know who made the poison, and how,” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “Be patient, Commissioner Hannah. There is much more going on here than you think. You should hear all of it,” Kaija said.

  Romana was about to say “If it’s safe, I think we should get Taesa. She wants to understand as much about the world as possible, so she needs to hear this story,” but Kaija knew her intentions telepathically before she spoke them. “Yes, Romana, I agree. Please return to the ship and ask her to join us. Tell her to come prepared.”

  Romana hurried back to the Consecration of the Hopeful and met with Taesa.

  “We don’t have time to stand around and listen to everyone’s life story, Kaija. We need a cure – and soon – for the poison from the toxic red cloud. Until then, the only thing we can do is try to keep moving, because it alleviates the symptoms. People’s lives are at risk,” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “I know that, Commissioner Hannah. But there’s more than a single risk. Several extraordinary dangers now threaten us all, and we all need to understand them, and work hard to overcome these perils. By the Grace of God, we will. However, great efforts are still required,” Kaija said.

  Kaija turned slightly and saw Taesa walking toward her, with Romana and Emerond on either side of the pregnant woman.

  “Thank you for joining us, my young friend. Please pay close attention,” Kaija said as Taesa approached.

  “Can I continue?” Munroe asked.

  “Please do,” Kaija said.

  “While Cardinal Briar-Malgier and I were on Lemikozen Island, we met a woman who called herself Duchess Sarita. She warned us of a man who was trying to make poison and the Cardinal agreed to help make the antidote. However, the Duchess and the Cardinal were taken aboard a ship, where he was forced to mix toxic ingredients and test the results on the Duchess, who died quickly,” Munroe said.

  “That was likely the poison the Cardinal was warned about. Do you know anything about the formula for the poison?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “Yes. The ingredients and the mixing instructions were stored inside of a lightkeeper crystal,” Munroe said.

  “That lightkeeper crystal was stolen from the library in the castle of King Hamza Bazavador, which has been nearly destroyed by powerful music,” Captain Lusala said.

  “I am not in the least bit surprised that the Bazavadoran family castle would hold a formula for a deadly poison. They are as vile as the central bank. I’ve warned my own family about them many times. My son, Duke Rowan, knows how to avoid falling into their traps,” Grand Duke Braden said.

  “Do not think yourself so wise, Grand Duke Braden. You have guided your son away from one snare, yet you have misled him in other ways. He has fallen into the same trap as you did. You taught him to have no respect for women. He mistreats and humiliates them, denying their talents and importance, despite their God-given dignity. Some tolerate this, and serve him as slaves, rather than joining him as companions. Others have been deeply troubled and lost their ability to trust men or fall in love with them. Because of your twisted morality lessons, your son has done great harm to the woman he loves most – the Chronicler, Judith,” Kaija said.

  “What?!” Romana asked.

  “Like I said, there is a great
deal more going on than most of you realize,” Kaija said.

  “I’ve raised my son well. Over the centuries, he has learned a great deal, including the proper place of women. Some are sensible enough to appreciate him. Some are foolish or twisted and they marry into the Bazavadoran family, becoming involved in their murderous schemes,” Grand Duke Braden said.

  “Yes, the Bazavadorans are murderers and schemers, we know that. This isn’t helping us,” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “You’re right, Commissioner Hannah. Broad accusations like those are not helping us. Not all of the Bazavadoran children have chosen a path of treachery. Many are benevolent providers. It is not right to judge them all by the actions of some,” Captain Lusala said.

  “I don’t care about that. What about the poison formula? Can you give us details, Munroe?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “I looked into the lightkeeper crystal long enough to remember the ingredients for the poison and the steps for how to combine them, but I can’t say that I understand them, or figure out a cure. Only the Cardinal could have done that,” Munroe said.

  “Romana is a Gradaken drinker. Calm your thoughts, my friend. I know what she means to you. Pay attention to what we learn about the poison,” Kaija said, because she knew that Romana was troubled by what she just learned regarding Judith.

  Romana removed a pen and a book from her coat pocket. She opened the book to a blank page and handed it and the pen to Munroe.

  Munroe wrote down what he remembered into the book and Romana watched, all the while wondering why Judith never mentioned her troubled relationship with Duke Rowan.

  The Chronicler Ximenez looked over Munroe’s shoulder and recorded everything he saw into his own book.

  “You might want to record that under confidence. If the formula for that poison gets to Emeth, our problems will just get worse,” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “They already have. Soon after the poison ingredients were mixed, I watched a pulse of green light cross the Gradaken Ocean from the west. It struck a dormant volcano and triggered an eruption,” Munroe said.

  “Hannah’s right, though. This poison shouldn’t be shared anytime soon,” Romana said.

  “Under the authority of the Oath, then, I will mark this as being told in confidence,” Ximenez said.

  Romana drank anew of the waters of the Gradaken Ocean from her vial to be energized with the power to control plants and animals. With that power came a deep understanding of their nature, and she used it to examine the formula for the poison. “This substance will kill quickly – within minutes. I don’t know of any way – other than drinking the Trerada waters – that a person could resist it,” she said.

  Commissioner Hannah paced back and forth as she felt the poison – or some poison – begin to agitate her. She held her hand over her mouth as she coughed and caught a smear of bloody mucus. She cleared her throat and said: “Then we’re not talking about the same poison. I’ve had this for days. I should be dead by now.”

  “Show me your hand,” Romana said.

  Commissioner Hannah held out her hand and Romana examined the bloody mucus in it, looking into the organic structure. “I do see similarities. There are several varieties of animal venom listed in the ingredients. However, there is a toxin from a single, very rare plant – the nerium oleander – and there are traces of it here, in the blood,” Romana said.

  “You think it is the same poison, only weakened,” Kaija said.

  “What do you think weakened the poison?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “I have no idea…yet. But that might be a very useful – even lifesaving – piece of information,” Romana said.

  “You can read my blood so you know your organic chemistry. Do you have any ideas for an antidote?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “I’m still working on it,” Romana said.

  “This is all very interesting, and I’m glad I’m here to listen, but I think we need to have more Gradaken drinkers working to help Romana find a cure. I can’t help her with that,” Taesa said. Emerond held her and gave his support, because Taesa was fatigued from the pregnancy.

  “Colonel Lodokus can help, and so can you. Colonel, tell us all more about why you and Lieutenant Mazavida are here. This is quite important,” Kaija said.

  “It looks like you’ll have to do it with your hands tied behind your back,” Captain Lusala said.

  “Yes, but you must listen, and then you’ll understand what needs to be done. I was commissioned to lead the forty-third brigade of the Harvest Defense Corps of the Ihalik Empire. My assignment is to defend this outpost on Sedavidian Island. It serves as a way station and trading depot for traffic between Ihalik and the Provincial Isles. My second in command, Lieutenant Mazavida, warned me when my soldiers formed a plan to turn against us and betray their nation. Using her powers of light and my control over plants and animals, we were able to elude the traitors for a while until we could use tactics to separate the battalions and turn them against each other. Five (5) of the six (6) battalions deserted the island. We were able to overtake and destroy the one (1) that remained,” Colonel Lodokus said.

  “I’m from the Ihalik Empire. I’ve never heard of you, Colonel, but I know about the Harvest Defense Corps. When did this mutiny happen?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “Only two (2) years after my assignment began,” Colonel Lodokus said.

  “When was that?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “During the fifth year of the Emperor of Ihalik,” Colonel Lodokus said.

  “There is no current emperor. The senate in the City of Havinalka has assumed nearly all control of Ihalik. The imperial bloodlines are purely symbolic anymore, holding very little power or money. What Emperor was in power when you were given your assignment?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “Emperor Ferox Dorus,” Colonel Lodokus said.

  “That name is legendary! He ruled seventy-five thousand (75000) years ago!” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “And the colonel is a Gradaken drinker,” Kaija said.

  “This situation keeps getting more perplexing,” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “You’re beginning to see and understand what’s happening, Grand Duke Braden. Please tell them,” Kaija said.

  “The first thing that all of us can see is that you don’t respect the boundaries of anyone’s private thoughts, young woman,” Grand Duke Braden said.

  “I’m here to share information that can save many lives, not to make friends with pointless politics,” Kaija said.

  “Arguing with an obstinate female such as you is a waste of my time, so I might as well get this over with quickly. Let me prepare myself,” Grand Duke Braden said. He drank anew of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean from his vial – an intricately carved pair of cylindrical crystals connected by a perpendicular crystal containing a limestone for purification – and was further energized with the power to manipulate crystals and stones. He walked away from the coast and toward open space on the desert island.

  “Don’t get too close, Grand Duke. You know you’re not immune to the effects,” Kaija said.

  “I know this better than you do. This chamber has to be approached precisely correctly, in order to enter through its opening. Otherwise, it is a great danger, delaying all action,” Grand Duke Braden said.

  “My lord, I will come with you,” Consolata said.

  “No. You are to remain here, Consolata. You are of no use to me where I am going. Calm yourself and kneel,” Grand Duke Braden said.

  Consolata knelt down on the sand and said: “Please do not stray far from me.”

  “What is this? How can you treat someone that way?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “He is my lord. I kneel when he commands, because he is wise and knows my feminine weakness and troubled emotions,” Consolata said.

  “This is a disgrace! Is this what you were talking about, Kaija?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “Yes, this is what I warned you
about,” Kaija said.

  “You call this wisdom? You’re better than this! Why do you not speak up?” Commissioner Hannah asked.

  “Grand Duke Braden is a wise lord. I dare not question him. I know my place,” Consolata said.

  “His son is also very wise and loving. I kneel without him asking, because I wish to satisfy his needs and desires, and he cares deeply for me,” Allegria said. She knelt down and smiled as Duke Rowan played with her hair.

  “You have to respect yourselves! I would never tolerate this. I had a husband who didn’t think much of me. He cheated and wrecked our marriage. I wouldn’t kneel before him when we first got married, and I certainly wouldn’t kneel for him now!” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “This isn’t getting us anywhere. We’re here to solve problems and deal with this poison, right? We don’t really have time to fight over these relationship problems and get into other people’s lives. Who do you think you are?” Captain Gijsbert said.

  “I guess I’m still a bureaucrat, or don’t you remember?” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “Father, is there a temporal refraction stone nearby?” Duke Rowan asked.

  “Yes. Prepare yourself, Duke Rowan,” Grand Duke Braden said.

  Duke Rowan drank anew of the waters of the Kazofen Ocean from his own vial – which had a design identical to that of the Grand Duke – and was energized with the power to manipulate crystals and stones. He waited on the coast near the other visitors, still stroking Allegria’s hair as she knelt beside him. “Please be careful, my lord. Stay with me. I never stop needing you,” Allegria said.

  Grand Duke Braden gazed at the low-level structure of an object no one else could even see. However, he knew quite a lot about how it interacted with the light, so he was able to identify the entrance. He walked forward and disappeared from everyone’s sight.

  “He’s gone!” Commissioner Hannah said.

  “You said temporal refraction, right?” Captain Lusala asked.

  “Yes,” Duke Rowan said.