Ruin & Reliance

by Jeremy Dwyer

  ~~~

  Yarina Bazavador gestured to the guards to open the bedroom door. She entered the bedroom and the guards closed the door behind her.

  Inside the bedroom, Yarina Bazavador approached the bed where Baron Irsushin was still lying down and chained.

  “You are very fortunate, my dear husband. My brother likes you. So much, in fact, that he looks forward to us having children together,” Yarina Bazavador said.

  “I had warm and welcoming thoughts,” Baron Irsushin said.

  “Now, you will have a warm and welcoming kiss from me,” Yarina Bazavador said. She removed the captive baron’s clothes and then lifted up her dress and mounted him sensuously and firmly. She gripped the baron’s physique tightly within her body while imagining a more physically fit and handsome man as her lover. After intense movements, they both reached their climax and she caught his seed within her. Yarina dismounted the baron and placed the bound man’s clothes back on him.

  “You are a truly wonderful wife,” Baron Irsushin said.

  “Better than you deserve. Fortunately for you, there’s more where that came from. I will send the guards to release you. The crops have been damaged, so you will need to organize the remaining farmers and send them into the fields to work even harder,” Yarina Bazavador said.

  “I look forward to more time together, my beloved wife,” Baron Irsushin said.

  “Good. Until then, focus your thoughts on managing our land. You will have to do more with less, and grow our fortunes,” Yarina Bazavador said.

  ~~~

  Yarina Bazavador opened the bedroom door and then the guards closed it behind her. In the hallway, she spoke to them, saying: “After I leave, release the baron from his chains. He is to manage his farmers and stonecutters to work the land. My authority over you is the same as before we arrived. Though he is my husband, he has no command over any of these guards. Accept instructions only from me or from my brother, Nandru.”

  “Yes, my lady,” the guards said.

  “We have to leave now,” Nandru Bazavador said. He and Yarina walked through the castle hallways toward the entrance.

  “Guards! Open the gate!” Yarina Bazavador said. A different set of four (4) of the eleven (11) guards opened the gate as commanded.

  Yarina and Nandru Bazavador walked out of the castle and a different set of four (4) guards closed the gate behind them.

  Nandru led Yarina Bazavador as they walked across the farmland and approached the Yield Adjuster Twenty-Seven.

  “Drink up!” Nandru Bazavador said. He drank anew of the waters of the Elanatin Ocean from his vial to be energized with the powers of telepathy and empathy. Yarina drank anew of the waters of the Zovvin Ocean from her vial to be energized with the power to connect to the spirit world.

  “Now, we can get to work,” Nandru Bazavador said.

  They climbed up the boarding ramp and stepped onto the deck.

  “Captain Nicomedes, follow me,” Nandru Bazavador said. He led Yarina and Captain Nicomedes into the wheelhouse.

  “Sunniva, chart a course into Cinder Valley. Once inside, elevate the ship to one hundred twenty (120) feet of altitude and circumnavigate the valley’s perimeter, beginning with the southernmost point,” Nandru Bazavador said.

  Sunniva consulted her atlas and then drank anew of the waters of the Atrejan Ocean from her vial to be energized with the power to listen to the sounds of the stars. She concentrated to learn their paths and positions and then used the information to chart a course into Cinder Valley. She pulled levers to retract the boarding ramp and elevated the Yield Adjuster Twenty-Seven to thirty (30) feet of altitude. She steered the vessel over land and brought it down into a river. From there, she sailed the ship through a gap between the mountains and entered Cinder Valley from the west. Once inside the valley, Sunniva pulled levers to pivot the masts and the sails to the sides of the vessel and elevated it to one hundred twenty (120) feet of altitude. She sailed the ship through the air and steered it toward the southern mountain walls forming the inside perimeter of the fifty-two (52) mile wide valley.

  ~~~

  “Come with me, Captain Nicomedes,” Nandru Bazavador said. He and Yarina led Captain Nicomedes out on deck.

  “Captain, when the mountain walls are within range, command your sailors to fire the cannons, then reload and fire again, as the ship sails around the perimeter. The cannons are loaded once, and I know that you have already calculated that there is enough of the crystal supply to reload five (5) times. Therefore, fire them in six (6) batches, distributed evenly over the circular valley,” Nandru Bazavador said.

  ~~~

  Inside the tunnels leading through the mountains bordering Cinder Valley, Erikkos could hear motion far ahead. “I hear them! About two thousand five hundred (2500) soldiers are marching toward us. They are wearing chainmail armor. I know the sound it makes when someone wearing it is walking,” he said.

  “Are these stonecutters and farmers prepared to fight?” Kastor asked.

  “Yes. The song prepared them, they have weapons and they outnumber the soldiers. However, the skill of the soldiers may be more than a match,” Erikkos said.

  “I will keep us shielded, personally. However, I cannot guarantee victory in battle – or even survival – for these laborers,” Kastor said. He drank anew of the waters of the Ursegan Ocean from his vial to be energized with the power to slow the passage of time. He exerted the power both to extend his own long life and to delay the movement of light around himself and Erikkos, thus concealing both of them.

  CHAPTER 62: Power of Stealth and Blade

  Inside the tunnels leading through the mountains that surrounded Cinder Valley, Colonel Rhyence and the two thousand five hundred (2500) soldiers in his battalion met with the three hundred seventy-two (372) stonecutters and the five thousand eight hundred (5800) farmers that were under the command of Erikkos and Kastor.

  Battle ensued, and the soldiers fell quickly along with Colonel Rhyence. The stonecutters were reduced to two hundred fourteen (214) in number and the farmers were cut down to three thousand three hundred fifty-seven (3357) in number.

  At the first sign of conflict, Edorta exerted his own powers to leave the material world and enter the spirit world. He traveled safely away from the battle, and returned to the area near the tunnel entrance along the south side of the mountain range.

  ~~~

  Under the cover of darkness, Ghoukas and Baldovino waited out the conflict, seeing no need to endanger themselves. Baldovino drank anew of the waters of the Ikkith Tar Ocean from his vial to refresh his powers of darkness and maintain their cover.

  ~~~

  Concealed by his power to delay time, Kastor and Erikkos just watched the struggle and waited for the last soldier to fall. They revealed themselves after the battle was over.

  “These farmers and stonecutters fought very well. The soldiers’ training, speed and strength were no match for them. I am impressed,” Kastor said.

  “We should rest,” Erikkos said.

  “Yes, but not for long. We need to keep moving forward and deposit what remains of the tree sap,” Kastor said.

  ~~~

  The spirits of the two thousand five hundred (2500) defeated soldiers and Colonel Rhyence, along with the spirits of the one hundred fifty-eight (158) slain stonecutters and the two thousand four hundred forty-three (2443) murdered farmers, all found themselves confined in a strange realm that was a deep shade of blue. They were weak and restful, having none of their former strength, speed, skill, wit or purpose. Their energy nearly completely left them, and they did not have any understanding of what this meant.

  ~~~

  Edorta emerged from the spirit world and returned to the material world, appearing beside Baron Penko, Hywel and the battalion of five hundred (500) soldiers.

  “My lord, Colonel Rhyence and his battalion came under attack,” Edorta said.

  “How did the battle proceed, Edorta?” Baron Penko asked.

 
“I don’t know, my lord. I left when it began,” Edorta said.

  “You are still a coward, Edorta. At least I can rely on you for that,” Baron Penko said.

  “My lord, you ordered me to give my report to the central bank. I had to step away from the battle so I could do that safely,” Edorta said.

  “Of course you did, Edorta, but not at the beginning. Now, what will you report? That there was a battle? The Premier Governors will want to know the outcome. You fled before it was determined. Now, we will have to wait here and see if the attacker comes within view,” Baron Penko said.

  ~~~

  Arngeirr caught sight of two (2) men and three (3) women moving under the cover of darkness. Kerenza probed his mind and telepathically transmitted a message to Cahal, Arngeirr, Lygia and Baron Helladius: “Keep still. I sense the five (5) people hiding in the darkness and moving toward the valley entrance. I will inform the soldiers to attack once Arngeirr sees that they are close enough.”

  The eleven thousand two hundred (11200) soldiers under the command of Baron Helladius began to attack each other. The massacre was quick and their bodies littered the road.

  Cahal felt the swarm of spirits attacking and did all that he could to protect himself, Baron Helladius, Lygia, Kerenza and Arngeirr from the haunting attack. The swarm of spirits retreated to some unknown place.

  Kerenza probed Cahal’s mind and learned what had happened. She telepathically transmitted a message to Lygia, Cahal, Arngeirr and Baron Helladius: “The spirits attacked our soldiers, possessed them and caused them to kill each other. We are still under orders from the central bank. We need to go into Cinder Valley. We certainly can’t defend it, but we can at least give a report of what occurs.”

  Lygia stayed in the center of the group and maintained the cloak of darkness over herself, Baron Helladius, Cahal, Kerenza and Arngeirr as they walked along the northern road passing between the mountains and entered Cinder Valley.

  ~~~

  The spirits of the eleven thousand two hundred (11200) soldiers and their lieutenant colonels, formerly under the command of Baron Helladius, all found themselves confined in a strange realm that was a deep shade of blue. They were weak and restful, having none of their former strength, speed, wit or purpose. Their energy nearly completely left them, and they did not have any understanding of what this meant.

  ~~~

  Vadim maintained a cloak of darkness over himself, Rexana, Fenella, Brant and Zoe as they marched toward Cinder Valley along the northern road passing between the mountains and then entered the valley’s interior. They saw the corpses of the fallen soldiers, but not the attack that defeated them. A cold breeze swept volcanic ash through the air and irritated their lungs, slowing their pace.

  Fenella maintained telepathic communication with her companions, transmitting messages and sharing knowledge. She probed Zoe’s thoughts and learned that the valley was clear in the south, except for the lava flows, which crisscrossed the region, and Mount Rurik, which dominated the valley’s center. Fenella probed Rexana’s thoughts and learned that she saw the armies and navies docked on dry ground concentrated in the east, along with the gray-blue lake and more lava flows. Fenella shared this knowledge with the others and came to a consensus: they would have to stay near the mountain walls forming the valley’s perimeter, carefully avoiding the lava flows and avoiding getting too close to the armies. She drank anew of the waters of the Elanatin Ocean from her vial to further energize her telepathic powers and to attempt to deflect notice by any other telepaths who might be in her vicinity. She telepathically advised Vadim: “Strengthen our dark cover.”

  Vadim drank anew of the waters of the Ikkith Tar Ocean from his vial to be further energized with the power of darkness. He continued exerting his power to cloak himself and his companions in darkness.

  Fenella telepathically advised both Zoe and Rexana: “Maintain as much awareness of what is around corners or hiding in the darkness nearby – which will be the greatest threat – as what might be in the distance.”

  Zoe and Rexana followed the recommendation, and each drank anew of the Lujladia waters from their vials, then used their powers to bend light and search for danger in close proximity that might be hidden by darkness.

  Fenella telepathically advised Brant: “Keep your distance from the soldiers, but deflect any sword or arrow that might come our way. Speed of defense is more important than any offense, and your skill at parrying will be the most important factor in our survival. There is no need to attack.”

  Brant drank anew of the waters of the Nabavodel Ocean from his vial to be energized with the powers of strength and speed. He drew his sword from its sheath and readied himself to block any shots.

  The journey from the northernmost point in the fifty-two (52) mile wide valley toward the eastern limit – along an arc that measured one quarter (1/4) of a circle – was a distance of forty point eight four (40.84) miles. It would be a two (2) day trek under the best of circumstances. Their pace was halved by the network of lava rivers which could only be crossed at the points where they narrowed to a trickle, which were not always near the perimeter. Worse still, their four (4) days of erratic movement were made very painful by the acrid air.

  ~~~

  Duke Jovan and his two thousand one hundred (2100) soldiers moved through Cinder Valley unseen, fully hidden by the power of his song. Along the way, he drank anew of the waters of the Pirovalen Ocean from his vial to further energize his abilities and thereby reinforce the music’s effect. The harmonious sounds disturbed the air in precise ways, scattering the volcanic ash to and fro, yet away from his army, so that they were not sickened. Their march to the valley had been quick, but their travel through the valley was obstructed by the lava rivers scattered across the area. These fiery flows narrowed to a trickle in a few places that allowed traversal, greatly slowing their pace. Jovan and his army marched from the northern entrance to the eastern limit over the course of four (4) days.

  When they were within range of another army, Jovan used his power over music and sound to stealthily command his army to rest. They would rise to attack in the morning.

  The next morning, Duke Jovan again drank anew of the water of the Pirovalen Ocean from his vial to further reinforce his powers. His army was completely concealed and drew their swords, rapidly slashing and slaying enemies.

  ~~~

  Baron Vizakrid watched in horror as his army began to fall to a force completely unseen. Five thousand (5000) soldiers were slain within seven (7) minutes. His own death came a moment later, and Climaco was killed along with him.

  ~~~

  Zoe and Rexana watched the massacre as if it were up close, despite standing one (1) mile away, and Fenella telepathically shared the knowledge with Brant and Vadim.

  ~~~

  On board the Consecration of the Hopeful, Reko watched in the distance and witnessed the slaughter, one half (1/2) mile to the west.

  On board the Resolute Traverser, docked on the adjacent dry ground, Massimo watched the battle only one half (1/2) mile to the west. Jolene telepathically recognized this and transmitted the message to Captain Pradrock, then to the rest of the crew.

  ~~~

  Kaija telepathically monitored her crew – including Reko – and recognized the threat immediately. “It seems that the battle has begun. One half (1/2) mile to the west, a hidden army has entered the valley and slaughtered another. Reko counted five thousand (5000) soldiers, along with their leader and his companion. Reko couldn’t see the attacker,” she said.

  “Jolene told me that Massimo saw the same thing. Whoever attacked was hidden by some power other than darkness,” Captain Pradrock said.

  “What power is going to protect us?” Ruth asked.

  “Please don’t anybody talk about religion! I don’t want to listen to it! And I don’t want to be here!” Sophie said.

  “Neither do I! Let’s get moving! Let’s get out of here!” Sean said.

  “The spirit guided
us here. I don’t think we’re supposed to leave,” Akantha said.

  “You’re not scared?” Sophie asked.

  “I am scared to be here, but the spirit that told me to come here was unimaginably powerful. We have to stay where we are, even if I don’t know why,” Akantha said.

  “Then you’re either crazy or stupid,” Sophie said.

  “We can’t stand around and wait to be attacked! We need to take some precautions!” Patrick said.

  “We’re looking out for you, Patrick,” Kaija said.

  “How?” Patrick asked.

  “Prove it!” Sophie said.

  “Don’t just tell us to have faith. I want you to show us something real. We need to know we’re safe,” Ruth said.

  “Please, give us something!” Molly said. She started coughing again as the volcanic ash moved about through the cold air.

  “I’m willing to have faith, yet we still need protection,” Ciaran said.

  Ruth, Elise, Odhran, Sophie, Patrick, Sean and Ciaran were affected as well, and were forced to clear their throats before they choked on the ash. The other fifty-six (56) farmers were not immune to the harsh environment and suffered just as much.

  “I can feel it, too,” Lady Onora said and she coughed on the volcanic ash.

  “The ash is thick in the air,” Captain Pradrock said and he cleared his throat with several coughs.

  Akantha coughed and said: “Believe me, I want to leave. But we can’t leave. I just know it.”

  “You’re starting to have faith enough to overcome your fear, Akantha,” Kaija said. She coughed just enough to clear her throat.

  “If we could plant the seeds, even in a small patch of soil, that might be enough,” Romana said. She drank anew of the waters of the Gradaken Ocean from her vial to be energized with the power to control plants and animals. She knelt down and swept her hand around on the dirty ground looking for the smallest patch of soil.

  “You’re wasting your time. If there had been anything, we would have found it, and I would be helping you now,” Odhran said.

  “You need to be patient, Odhran. You do as well, Romana,” Kaija said.