Rakzar knew a demand like that would come, but he didn’t care who came along. If they couldn’t keep up, they’d be left, plain and simple. That included Urza and Rayah. “He’s proven his worth. Anything else?”
“I’m coming, too,” said Ridan.
Everyone in the room turned and looked at her.
“There be no need,” said Normak, concern creasing his brow.
Ridan folded her arms and scowled at Normak. “I insist.”
“You’ll never keep up,” said Urza.
“With Bakkan, I’m almost as fast as Normak.”
“Who’s Bakkan?” asked Rayah.
“He’s a black-and-silver mastiff familiar.” Ridan smiled wide. “He runs like the wind, even with me upon his back.”
“Devil dog if ya ask me,” gruffed Normak.
“No one’s asking you.”
“Your circle of friends keeps growing,” said Amicus. “It makes my heart sing.”
“Don’t you dare start singing,” growled Rakzar.
“Where’d that come from?” asked Normak, a hint of hurt in his voice.
“Never mind.” Rakzar eyed Torbrek again. “We good, or is there more?”
Torbrek licked his lips and smacked his tongue on the backs of his teeth. His stare intensified, any hint of humor gone. “This may sound a bit strange, but I want the body returned here. Käíeƨ you said, correct?”
“Ugh. What the gods do you want with her body?” asked Urza.
“As you know, threats of many kinds rise up as the years pass. As craftsmen of some of the finest weapons and armor in the realm, we strive to innovate.” Torbrek folded his arms in front of himself and paced. “Having her body, we can study how she manipulates herself to become a fluid-like mist. Understanding physical attributes like those would allow us to create weapons that penetrate any substance and armor that can absorb a weapon’s force by displacing the impact. Imagine all the possibilities.”
“Once she’s dead, I don’t give a damn what happens to her body.” Rakzar crossed his arms. “But that’s all on your brother.”
Torbrek nodded. “Agreed.” He held up a finger. “However, there is one last thing. We’ll need that dagger back once you’re finished with it.”
“Fine.” Rakzar eyed each of the people in the growing group, including Amicus. “Gather your belongings and any provisions you might need and meet me on the first level of Tectus. We leave within the hour.” He turned and walked out of the armory.
Your time has come, Käíeƨ.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Dawn painted the sky in shades of pink, red, yellow, and orange, oblivious to the trouble it brought with its passing, but Savric knew. He sat atop the outcropping and watched the camp rouse from sleep. Had he the power, he’d turn back time and alter key events, namely those surrounding Alderan and Aria. But he didn’t. No one did. At least no human did.
Savric sent a quick note to Morcinda informing her that the army would begin their march north within the hour, and then he woke up Calen and Eshtak who both somehow managed to stay asleep despite the growing ruckus. Twenty minutes later, the three of them stood on the outcropping and watched the army pack up the camp.
Calen rubbed his stomach. “Can we eat before leaving?”
Savric’s stomach rumbled in agreement. “I dare say, we must take a few moments to re-energize ourselves.”
“Eshtak hungry too.” He bounced back and forth on his toes and twirled a few times.
“Good.” Calen found a stone worthy of sitting upon and took a seat. “What do we have left to eat? Anything besides fish? I’m a little tired of fish. But I’ll eat fish if that’s all we have.”
“Eshtak loves fish.” He plopped down next to Calen.
“How about some dates, honey, and a bit of bread? Would that satisfy you more than a few fish?” asked Savric.
Calen’s eyes brightened. “We’ve got dates? Why didn’t you say so?”
Savric smiled. He’d missed Calen so much over the weeks prior to this last one. He’d never been away for such a long time. On top of it, he’d missed Calen’s fourteenth name day. He’d never forgive himself for that.
He sat down on the other side of Calen, and the three of them ate in silence after he doled out the food. He’d been to Ūrdär Dhef Ƨäfn Dhä a few times during his early years to check on them, but he’d neglected to do so for the last few decades. With everything that had happened with Qotan and Zerenity, he’d lost his fire. Why events had happened the way they did would likely never be revealed to him, but he’d give anything to go back four decades and make different choices. Had he realized what’d happened to Qotan back then, they wouldn’t be in the mess they were in now.
All the blame rested solely on his shoulders. Zerenity held no blame in any of it. She didn’t know. “You’re an old fool, Savvy.” That’s what she’d say to him.
Savric hadn’t told Calen of the change in plans and worried how he might react, but there was no point in avoiding it any longer. He exhaled the nervous energy he’d stored all night and blurted it out. “My boy, you have a decision to make, and it will be a tough one, but I cannot and will not make it for you.”
Calen looked up at him and cocked his head. “What decision is that?”
“I know how much you want to stay with your aunt, and I will not prevent you from doing so, no matter how dangerous it will certainly be. However, I cannot continue to follow the army now that we know their full plans. Instead, I must travel far and awaken those of Ūrdär Dhef Ƨäfn Dhä. I fear they are the only hope we have left.”
Calen chewed on his lower lip for several seconds. “I guess I’ll go with you. As you said, there’s nothing that can be done for Aunt Tahmara right now. I love her like a mother, but following her into a war could get me killed, and I don’t really want to die.”
Savric smiled at Calen. The boy never failed to make him proud. “Very good.”
“Master Savric, what are we going to do once we get there?”
“Simple, my boy. We will wake Cyrus Nithik. He will know how to kill Cinolth.”
“But how is it that he’s still alive after 1200 years? I didn’t think wizards lived that long.”
“Under normal circumstances, we do not. However, the place where we are headed is special. There are things there that I cannot even begin to explain to you. You will just have to see for yourself to understand.”
Calen moped. “I guess I can wait.”
“Indeed.” Savric wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “Now, you and Eshtak go gather up your belongings. We will leave when the army does.”
Eshtak twirled around. “Eshtak ready now.”
“Then you can help me get ready,” said Calen. He grabbed Eshtak’s arm and pulled him along. “Come on.”
In the distance, Cinolth stood next to a large white tent. Smoke rose from his nostrils and plumed in the cool morning air. From where he stood, Savric couldn’t make out the person who mounted Cinolth, but he had no doubt as to their identity.
Aria.
Cinolth took to the sky, circled, and headed right toward Savric. Aria leaned over the side of Cinolth’s neck. They seemed to be looking for something. His pulse rose as realization sank in.
They’re looking for me.
Savric held out his hand, and Qotan’s staff flew into it. He jumped off the outcropping and landed hard on his feet. His knees buckled underneath him. It’d only been about a four-foot drop, but he couldn’t remember why he’d thought it to be a good idea to jump down. He crouched down, drew his hood over the top of his head, and prayed they wouldn’t spot him.
Thump-thump. Whoosh!
The sound of beating wings filled his ears and grew louder. He dared not look up for fear Aria would spot him at the exact moment. Such large wings cracked like thunder as they caught wind on the down stroke. He hunkered lower. Hugged the rocks. Pulled himself into the shadows as he pushed the light away.
>
Thump-thump. Whoosh!
So close now, he could feel the air vibrate. Wind sucking and pushing underneath Cinolth’s mighty wings.
Thump-thump. Whoosh!
His cloak pulled around himself and billowed as they passed by.
“Master Savric?” called Calen, his voice frantic. The boy stood three feet in front of him but didn’t see him hiding in the shadows.
“Eshtak sees.” The little man pointed right at Savric.
Savric put a finger to his lips.
Eshtak nodded and turned away. “Old friend not gone,” he said to Calen. “Eshtak sits and waits with friend.”
Thump-thump. Whoosh!
Beating wings grew louder once again. They must’ve circled back around.
Thump-thump. Whoosh!
Savric grabbed Calen and Eshtak and pulled them into the shadows with him.
Fire roared, and the air crackled with heat.
Sulfuric fumes, smoke, singed grass, and burning flesh blossomed.
Screams erupted, barely audible over the roaring fire and thunderous wings.
The shadow of the outcropping stretched far against the bright flames to the west.
Then the flames rolled over the edge, licked the air, and blackened the rock.
Savric’s cloak smoked from the heat of the flames as they came within inches of consuming him, Calen, and Eshtak.
Through the smoke and haze, people scattered in all directions. A scene of chaos.
Savric fought back tears as he held Calen and Eshtak against his chest, shielding them from the madness.
Then, just as fast as it had begun, the roar died out and the thump-thump whoosh of beating wings faded into the distance.
With a ragged breath, Savric let the light back in. “Wait here,” he whispered, his voice weighed down with exhaustion and sorrow.
He released Calen and Eshtak and stood on wobbly legs. Leaning hard on Qotan’s staff for support, he climbed back up onto the scorched outcropping and surveyed the damage.
Charred remains littered the field of trampled grass, most unrecognizable as human. More than a hundred from what he could see. It didn’t matter that most of these people would’ve died soon enough. What did matter was the reason they had. He’d brought the wrath of Cinolth and Aria upon them, and their deaths would rest on his shoulders until the day he died.
All this bloodshed for an hour’s delay.
Grief stricken, Savric fell to his knees and wept.
Ƨäʈūr, forgive me.
† † †
An hour earlier, Nardus awoke on a couch in the arms of a beautiful woman. Theyn lay next to him, her heartbeat in rhythm with his own. It was the most peaceful he’d felt in quite some time, but that moment didn’t last. Niesha and Berggren came knocking early. With Sarai’s assistance, the four of them traveled from Galondu Castle to the base of the Aether Mountains in less than five minutes.
Now, Theyn stood at his side, not on all fours as she had for the last several weeks but on her own two feet. Berggren and Niesha stood behind them, and rocky crags and steep terrain lay ahead. The path to Ūrdär Dhef Ƨäfn Dhä was made difficult on purpose so that no one would happen upon them by chance. The possibility of that happening was slim at best anyway.
Several wards protected the cave nestled deep in the heart of the mountains, and a mezhik barrier around the mountains prevented anyone from using mezhik to enter them. Very few would ever venture so far into the mountains without good cause. Nightmares of many kinds lurked about underneath the canopy of trees, waiting for victims to fall into their deadly traps.
Nardus knew the mountains and forest well, but even with his knowledge he treaded lightly, especially with Berggren and Niesha in tow. “We must get to the top of this cliff and then ascend another before we can make our way down into the hidden valley and to the cave where the other members of Ūrdär Dhef Ƨäfn Dhä sleep.”
“Lead the way,” barked Berggren.
The four of them made their way to the top of both cliffs and descended into the hidden valley. Nothing looked the same as he’d remembered. The earth lay cracked and blistered with dryness and most of the grass and vegetation had died. Several dry springs in a row could’ve caused the damage. Most of the Ancient Realm had seen less rain and snow over the last few years. Either way, the sight disheartened him.
Surprisingly, Niesha hadn’t complained at all on the trek. The same couldn’t be said of Berggren. The man moved like a glacier and left a trail of blood in several spots after losing his footing.
At the other end of the valley they climbed again into thick underbrush and tall conifer trees. Two familiar rock formations rose up from the ground, and he knew they were close. A few turns and a bend around another hill and they came up to a rock face that rose more than a thousand feet high. He moved close and put his hand against the rock. When he did, he should’ve felt the tingle of mezhik. Instead, he felt nothing but cold, hard rock. His skin prickled and the hairs stood on his arms and his nape.
Theyn cocked her head. “Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
Nardus grimaced. “Yeah. Someone’s been here and didn’t reset the wards that protect this place.” He stepped forward, right through the face of the rock wall, and into the start of an extensive cave system.
Niesha gasped with wonder, and it made Nardus smile a little. He called to her, “Come on in, Niesha. You can step right on through.”
Niesha emerged from the rock wall. “Whoa! I can’t believe I just did that!”
Nardus winked at her. “You’re well on your way to becoming a great sorceress.”
Niesha scoffed, “I know how things work. My father and mother most definitely didn’t exhibit any sort of special abilities.”
“You’re quite perceptive given your age.” Theyn tousled Niesha’s hair.
Niesha shrugged. “My mother called me a handful.”
“Can attest to that,” said Berggren.
“Əllíʈ ʊb.” An orb lit over Nardus’s open palm and then flew ahead of them, lighting up a good section of the caves as they headed through several corridors. The place was purposely setup like a maze. So many paths led back to the beginning, each twisted with mezhik. Nardus knew the correct path and could’ve led them through the maze without incident, but he didn’t need to. Someone had drawn arrows on the walls, marking the way.
This isn’t good.
Ahead lay a door. Steel and black. No handle protruded from it. Nardus drew several runes in the air with his finger but nothing happened. The door should’ve unlocked. He pushed on it and it creaked as it swung inward several inches.
After finding his true self in the Valley of Dragons, he’d known someone had awakened him and Ilia, but he hadn’t allowed himself to think about it further. Now, he feared what he might find inside the room that stood before him. Thunder crashed in his chest with each heartbeat.
Nardus peered over his shoulder. “The three of you stay here. I’m uncertain of what I might find inside and don’t want to risk any of you getting hurt. Do you understand?”
Theyn and Berggren nodded.
Niesha groaned and hung her head. “Yes, sir.”
“Good.”
Nardus pushed the door open farther and stepped inside, leaving the floating orb of light with the others. He wouldn’t need it inside the room. Fluorescent tubes lined the ceiling and buzzed with life as they filled with energy and lit the room. Many things occupied the giant room, but he only cared about the seven metal chambers sitting in a circle at the center of the room. Each chamber sat at a slight incline, the head end higher than the foot end.
Derrik Spencer, a man from a place they called the Shadow World, had referred to the chambers as cryogenic chambers—a technology that would preserve an individual by lowering their core temperature and basically freezing them. Mezhik from the Shadow World. Each of the seven chambers accommodated a single member of Ūrdär Dhef Ƨäfn Dhä.
Two of them had preserved him and Ilia for nearly 1200 years.
The lights buzzed and flickered overhead, casting shadows throughout the room and distorting his vision. From his angle, he could only see the fronts of two of the chambers. Both of them lay open, as he knew they would. The other five looked like they were still sealed.
He moved toward the center of the room, each step harder to take than the previous. His gut twisted with angst and the arteries in his neck jerked with every heartbeat.
Glass crunched underfoot as he approached the first chamber.
The sense of death crawled across his skin.
Every indication of trouble along the way heightened his fear, and he’d expected the worst, but he still hadn’t prepared himself mentally for what he found. His gaze settled on cracked glass and a puncture hole through the chamber lid.
Only a skeleton and clothes remained inside the chamber.
A single hole right through the center of the skull.
Pharius. I’m sorry, my old friend.
The four remaining chambers each had a similar hole through cracked glass and the remains of one of the other members of Ūrdär Dhef Ƨäfn Dhä.
Anger and sorrow raged within him. He didn’t know how it’d happened, but he could think of only one man who might be responsible.
Pravus.
Nardus spat on the floor. He headed toward the exit and met the others at the door. “There’s something else I must do, so it’s going to be a while longer.”
“Can we come inside now?” asked Niesha.
“I’m not sure that’s the best idea,” said Nardus.
“I might be young, but I know how adults think,” said Niesha. “Something happened in there, didn’t it? Something horrible. I can see it in your face.”
Nardus rubbed his bicep. “You are perceptive. All my friends have been killed, and I’m the last member of Ūrdär Dhef Ƨäfn Dhä still alive.”
“I’m so sorry.” Theyn took his hand and kissed it. “What can I do to help?”
Berggren nodded and took Niesha’s hand. “We’ll wait out here. Do what you need to.”
Rended Souls Page 45