It was Chiang.
“No!” Jak realized what was happening just as the man to one side of Chiang raised the axe and brought it down in a swift strike.
The crowd roared, but Jak stood in silence. She could have saved Chiang. Back in the jungle she could have gone with him and kept him from being captured. If anyone had seen her face, she could have eliminated them as well.
Just then, she noticed that not everyone in the crowd was cheering. Some were visibly angry, throwing themselves at the soldiers who formed the perimeter around the raised platform. One of the bystanders raised a knife, brandishing it at one of the nearest soldiers.
Who promptly cut the man down.
The crowd erupted into chaos. Many pulled out knives, clubs, pitchforks, anything they could use as a weapon. Soldiers shouted at everyone to get back, while those dressed in finer clothes backed away, doing their best to find a safe exit.
Jak watched for a time, the commotion seemingly flowing around her, yet not touching her directly. Chiang’s death had sparked an avalanche. Then a familiar voice uttered a battlecry. Jak turned to see Li there, raising a weapon in her hand, urging the opposition forward. Whatever happened from now on, it would be bloody. They were up against trained soldiers, but perhaps this was the start of something great. A true revolution. Jak could almost see it now.
“Sometimes sacrifice is necessary.” It was Perchel’s voice. “Thanks to that young leader’s martyrdom, the dream will live on until it consumes this corrupt government.”
“I understand,” said Jak. “If I had chosen to save Chiang over his people…”
“They would have all perished. His sacrifice, and your choice, brought about a greater good.”
“Is it too much to ask why sacrifice is even necessary to begin with?” she said, watching as the chaos continued to unfold around her, moving almost as if she was suspended in time, moving at great speeds while she observed. “Could there be a way to save both, and end the corruption without bloodshed, or without hardship.”
“Perhaps, but perhaps not. To learn why we suffer, there is one last part of the test to complete.”
“So I passed this part?”
“You did,” Perchel confirmed. “You allowed the needs of many to take priority. The lesson you learned from your father’s death, that sacrifice is sometimes necessary for the greater good, has manifested itself in your decision to let the nobility take Chiang. In doing so, you saved the greater portion. And that decision will have a positive impact on this people. One that will last for centuries to come.”
Yet Jak felt no elation at her accomplishment. There was nothing to rejoice about here. “I wish such choices weren’t necessary,” she said. “I will make the hard decisions when they are needed, but that doesn't mean I will not stop searching for a better way.”
“As we should all strive to do. Your final lesson awaits.”
Ripple.
Jak clutched at her arms as a sudden cold enveloped her. Light was dim, either early morning or late evening, and snow fell from clouds that blanketed the sky in a dull, gray winter. Wind whipped at her clothing, and goose flesh rose on her exposed skin.
“Does your test involve freezing me to death?” she cried. But Perchel didn’t respond. Only the howling of the frozen wind greeted her.
She took in her surroundings. In the dim light, she could barely make out trees in the distance. But there was nothing but a white blanket of snow in all other directions. She’d best make for the forest.
While she walked, she activated her Flamedancer brand, directing just enough fire at the path in front of her to melt the snow and clear a path. This served the dual purpose of making it easier to travel, and warming the air around her. She rubbed at her arms to increase her blood flow. At least she knew she could stay warm if she had to.
When she drew closer to the forest, a light smell of woodsmoke wafted past her.
She scanned the trees, doing her best to find the source of the smell. If she hadn’t had her Sightseer brand, she might have missed the faint glow coming from much deeper into the forest. With that in sight, she marched forward as best she could given the weather conditions, which thankfully eased up once she was underneath the forest canopy.
The trees here were much more similar to what she had seen in her first test, right before she’d witnessed the transformation of Yewin and his comrades. They were tall and thick at their base. While most had lost their leaves for the winter, their many branches wove together above her, halting the passage of snow and making it easier to get around without heating the ground in front of her, though she still kept a trickle of her magic surrounding her, if only to keep her from freezing to death.
The faint light ahead finally revealed itself to be coming from inside a small cottage. It wasn’t large, about the size of the cottage that she had grown up in. It probably didn’t have more than two or three rooms. But the soft glow and chimney smoke suggested a warm interior. Even with her magic to aid her, Jak couldn’t help but long for the warm embrace of a fireplace, perhaps with a warm drink and a blanket in hand.
The thought encouraged her to draw closer, where she climbed a few small steps to the cabin’s main deck. Hopefully these people were hospitable.
She knocked three times on the small wooden door.
17
Immediately, someone inside moved to answer. Hopefully they were hospitable enough on such a frozen day. Sometimes harsh times could make for harsh people. Though Jak could survive on her own if it came to that, but she’d prefer to wear something a little warmer at least. Besides, seeing as these were the only people in sight, they probably had something to do with whatever test she had yet to face.
The sound of a bolt unlatching thudded through the door before it swung open.
“Bless me,” came a voice from inside. A woman stood silhouetted against a warm firelight on the inside. “What on earth are you doing out there without a coat? Come inside at once!”
Before Jak could say a word, two thin hands grabbed her arm and pulled her inside. The speaker, a small, lean woman of middle years, pushed the door closed behind her.
The feeling inside was magnificent. What remained of the snow in Jak’s hair melted straight away, and her gooseflesh returned upon the warmth of the room enveloping her. Even though her brands made survival a lot easier, there was still nothing like stepping into a home with a warm hearth and a savory scent coming from a kettle.
“I’m sorry, I don’t wish to intrude.”
“Not an intrusion, dear,” said the woman. “We hardly see anyone around these parts at this time of year. How on earth did you get all the way out here without something warm on?”
“That’s a long story,” Jak admitted.
“We love stories,” said a voice from the corner. Jak nearly jumped and turned to see a homely man sitting in an armchair, thumbing lazily through a small book while glancing up at her. He looked to be the husband from the way the woman met his eyes affectionately.
“Yes, but first things first,” said the woman. “We should introduce ourselves. My name is Anya, and this is my husband Gerald. We own most of the farmland round these parts.”
Jak hadn’t seen any farmland, though she supposed that’s what the snow-covered fields must have been outside of the forest. “I’m Jak,” she said. “I’m from the south, I think.” She wasn’t exactly sure where she was, but it couldn’t be that far from her homeland. Anya and Gerald both spoke the same language, though their accent was not one that Jak recognized. And given what she knew of the south, you would never see snow storms there. Not like this. It had to be the northern kingdoms.
“You think?” Gerald peered at her over his book. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Now, Gerald, don’t be rude,” said Anya, though she too looked concerned. She grabbed a chair and brought it to Jak, indicating she sit. Jak did so. Then Anya added, “Why don’t I get you a bowl of soup. We have some lovely venison, freshly skinned
.”
“That would be great, thank you,” said Jak. These really were hospitable people. If only everyone was so welcoming, perhaps the Fae wouldn’t have so many problems.
Anya set to work fetching a bowl and dipping a ladle into the large kettle over the fire. Gerald, meanwhile, folded up his book and leaned forward.
“Those markings on your arms and forehead,” he said. “I’ve heard of such things in the south.”
Jak glanced down at the brands on her arms. It was shocking how few outside of her own kingdom were even aware of brands. She thought everyone used them. Why wouldn’t they?
“Yes, they grant certain abilities,” said Jak. “I have a few more than most.” She gratefully accepted a bowl of steaming hot soup from Anya, letting the steam and smell of the meal waft over her.
“Watch that, young one. It’s hot.” said Anya.
Jak picked up a spoonful and blew on it before shoving it into her mouth. Instantly a shiver ran up her spine as the warm liquid went down her throat. She eagerly went for a second bite.
“Well then, I don’t suppose you’d be willing to tell us more,” said Gerald. “As Anya said, we don’t get a lot of visitors here at this time of year. Or any time of year, really.”
“Well,” Jak paused. Where should she start? For some reason she felt like telling the whole truth might be too much, which she hadn’t felt with Chiang and the others. They had been in the middle of a rebel crisis that Jak could identify with. These people had a different air about them, a calm, peaceful life. And it was something that Jak did not want to disturb.
So she told them that she was a scholar from Skyecliff, which in one sense was true. She told them how she had come here because her people were facing a crisis over the emergence of the Fae, and the increase of demons. She did not tell them her own role among the Fae, nor about their conflict with the queen. Instead, she made it seem like she was scouting for new lands that might be more accepting of the Fae. Which was true in a way.
“That is one incredible story,” said Gerald. “If I hadn’t heard of these demons as you call them, I might not believe you. But my friend Hank swears he saw something just like that not two summers ago. Jumped him and nearly ripped out his throat before running off into the forest. I thought they were the sort of tale you give to children.”
Jak nodded, “I guess I don’t really expect you to believe all of that. And I won’t take much of your time.” She passed her empty bowl of soup back to Anya.
“Nonsense, dear,” said Anya, accepting the bowl. “You only just arrived, and we can’t just let you wander off without a good night sleep and some extra provisions at least.”
“Actually, I don’t require much sleep,” said Jak, rolling up her sleeve to point to one of the brands. “This makes it so I only sleep for a few hours every week.”
“Remarkable,” said Gerald, leaning in closer. “What we could do with something like that.”
Jak nodded but said nothing. It was probably for the best that these people didn’t know she could give out such brands. She didn’t want them asking her for any, not when she’d only just met them. Besides, how was she to know if this was even real? It was all part of the test, after all.
“Oh hush dear,” Anya said to her husband. “Let’s just be grateful for what we have. Though I don’t suppose,” she turned to Jak, with a curious expression on her face. Like a mix of embarrassment and intense longing together. “Would there be any of them markings that could…I don’t know.” she trailed off, her hesitation getting the better of her. Gerald’s expression changed as well, becoming something far more sorrowful.
“What?” Jak probed.
“She wants to know if any of your brands, as you call them, will help with childbirth.” Gerald said in a somber tone. He didn’t sound like he expected a positive response.
“Oh,” said Jak, understanding dawning. She turned to look at Anya, trying to portray the sympathy that she felt. “I’m sorry. There aren’t any that I know of.”
Anya gave a curt nod. “It’s okay, dear. Just thought I’d check, but I shouldn’t have imposed on you like that. We’ve wanted a child for many years now. But it would seem that perhaps it isn’t our destiny.”
There was that word again, ‘destiny.’ Though Jak better understood the role it played in one’s life, something still bothered her about it.
“I’m sorry,” she repeated. “I’d help if I could.” And that much was true. Now she understood why the couple had been so nice to her. They were lonely.
That made what she had to say next all the harder. “Thank you so much for your hospitality, but I must be going soon.” Jak stood as she spoke and gave a short nod to both of them. “I can’t stress enough how wonderful it has been to meet you.”
The mood had fallen, that much was clear. Anya smiled but her eyes were deep wells of regret. “We’re sorry to see you go. Perhaps you’ll come back to visit once you’ve found what you’re looking for.”
“If I can, I will.” said Jak. And she meant it. For the first time in a long time, she had spent an evening with good people living a simple life. Oh what she would give to go back to a life like that. And what she would give to ensure these people got what they desired. But some things were simply out of her control. Was that what the test was trying to teach her? That sometimes there were things she couldn’t change?
That fact had been hammered home a lot recently. It was not something she liked. If you couldn’t change something, perhaps someone else could, or perhaps under different circumstances she would find a way. But one thing was for sure, she would never stop trying to find ways to make things better for everyone. Even, and perhaps especially, if the situation seemed hopeless.
“Well here, take something warm to cover yourself with,” said Anya, hurrying to one wall and retrieving a small cloak. “And don’t hesitate to come back if it gets too frigid out there for you.”
“I will,” said Jak, accepting the cloak with a grateful nod. She didn’t deserve kindness like this.
“You’re always welcome here,” emphasized Gerald.
Soon after, Jak opened the door and found herself outside again, a strange sensation running through her. It wasn’t the cold. It wasn’t the fact that she had a duty to perform, though that fact hammered at her consciousness. She had to get on with this test in order to return to Mt. Knot, retrieve the second Pillar of Eternity, and use it to fight Cain and save the Fae.
No, what bothered her was even after all that, with all that responsibility weighing on her, she wanted to stay. The life of Anya and Gerald, though she had experienced it only for a moment, was something to envy. And if they lacked a child, she would gladly agree to be their daughter. She could almost see it now, helping Gerald with work around the farm in the summer, or giving Anya a break in the kitchen during the winter. Going out to chop firewood to keep the hearth going. It was mundane, but in that moment, there was little that she wanted more.
Was this the test? If not of her willingness to accept the inevitable, was it a test of her conviction? It was certainly a possibility, and one she was unfortunately willing to make. Because after everything she had just seen, she still treasured her responsibility to the Fae. Something had to be done there, and she was the best one to help. No, this quiet life was not for her. Not yet, anyway.
She stepped through the snow, going deeper into the forest. Surely somewhere she would find what the vision wanted her to find. She was still here, which meant there was more to the test. But nothing jumped out at her, no obvious clues.
“I don’t suppose I could get a little help here?” she said aloud after an hour of trudging through the snow.
But the voices of Harglim and Perchel were nowhere to be heard. Whatever the Pillar of Eternity needed her to see, she would have to find it without their help.
While the snow continued to fall, her surroundings brightened as the sun rose and illuminated the sky. But if the air grew any warmer, Jak couldn’t feel
it. She clutched at her arms underneath her cloak, and continued on. If only she had a direction to go, something to guide her to whatever it was that the Pillar wanted her to see or do. Had she been wrong to leave the cottage? Was there more for her to do there?
The gusts of wind subsided and the snow began falling at a much more leisurely rate. That was good at least. It looked like the snow storm was beginning to end. And with the sun out she could see better too.
Her ears perked up as a new sound reached them. A faint whimper came from beyond some of the trees ahead of her. Finally something new.
She trudged through the snow, which was still thick despite the trees around her, drawing ever closer to the sound.
Not far ahead, she spied what looked like a small camp. There was a thick blanket large enough for two or three people, and upon closer inspection, a fire pit lay next to it, though the fire had long gone out. The whimpering was coming from underneath the blanket.
She approached cautiously, and gently lifted one corner of the thick covering.
18
A young boy, of maybe twelve or thirteen years of age, lay between two larger bodies underneath the blanket. The moment she lifted the corner, his head snapped up and his tear-stained eyes met hers. She didn’t have to look at the pale faces of the other two to know that they were dead. She said nothing, and neither did the boy, yet so much passed between them. Everything that must have happened ran through her mind.
These adults were probably the child’s parents, dead from frostbite most likely. From their dress, they were poor folk, and possibly sickly. Though she couldn’t tell if their hair loss and patchy skin were from a disease or from the cold itself. The way they huddled around the young boy seemed to indicate that their last act was to keep their son warm. But now that they were dead, the young boy probably wouldn’t last long.
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