by A R Maloney
This time it was Kumar and Cole, almost in unison, “We need to set them free.” I nodded to them. Yes. They had heard the prisoner when he gave the information, but I don’t believe they truly felt the impact until now.
Nabaru hushed us all. “Sentinels, settle yourselves. I have new information for you now.” I tilted my head, what more could he have to tell? I gave him access to everything I knew. “Remember, open minds and open hearts.”
He sighed, calming us again. I sank into my seat as new pictures filtered through my mind. The badlands, Company Damagus under attack by their own people. Ported to safety and cared for by General Eno himself. One called Niera sharing the truth of Skye and myself with all. Droghel turned away from entrance at the gates of DuPage Fortress and Dimitri recovered but badly injured. The company being sent to the Kauri Espencheid, where they were currently seeking refuge.
The Kauri spoke slowly, “Remember again, your magics are bound. There are Lucenians, ready to begin working with you now. We need to create and maintain a place where they will be safe, a place unknown to the other Lucenians. We have in our boughs a representative, a brave young one who has volunteered to be a constant messenger between you all. She has offered to work through both Generals Lancer and Eno, as well as the other Kauri throughout Eluna. I will remind you that you are all guests of the Kauri, and all guests of the Kauri are protected equally. A strike against any of our guests is a strike against the Kauri and the gods themselves.” Solemn nods came from the group, even though some still wore expressions of disgust or distrust.
A loud creaking groan sounded as another thick limb descended. Perched on the seat was a very petite Lucenian. Her light grey eyes moved over the crowd excitedly, she didn’t seem at all frightened. They landed on Mera and she squealed in delight; sounding much more like a child instead of the grown and seasoned magus she was. “Mama!” Gasps once again floated through the boughs of the tree as the surprised group sat stunned, looking between the Mera and the small Lucenian.
“Sonarim! Oh, my girl, how are you?” Mera nearly jumped from her seat at the appearance of her daughter. “Eno approved? Of this? I would like to tan both of your hides right now!” Her wide smile belied her scolding, Mera’s cheeks looked like they would split from the width of her smile. Her face lit up in such a way—I don’t think I have ever seen such happiness on the old woman’s face.
“He said you wouldn’t be happy, but I demanded the assignment. It was my idea really. Who better to fill this spot than me?” Sonarim looked over the group and bowed her head, her hand over her heart. “I am Sonarim, magus of Lucen….” she stopped herself for a moment before resuming. “Magus of Eluna.” I watched as the small woman engaged in conversation with each sentinel in our group. Then she approached me and Skye. “General Lancer, I am at your disposal. I pledge before you and the Kauri of Morland to do what’s needed to unite our world.” She then turned to Skye. “It’s really you?” She raised her arms and embraced Skye. “Hero of Eluna, I welcome you back.” A tear was sliding down Sonarim’s cheek and she knelt. “I’m truly sorry for what has happened to you. We will do whatever is necessary to make things right. I am at your service.”
I watched as Skye blushed uncomfortably under the praise, but she embraced the other magus warmly. Her voice was quiet as she spoke, “I saw what your father did for Company Damagus, and what you have done as well. Thank you.” She grasped Sonarim’s hands, asking, “How did you know we would be here?”
As I watched the reunion, I realized… there have got to be many more. More like Skye and Sonarim, with families caught on both sides of the split. Sonarim revealed that her intention was to visit Mera, but there were just so many Ustenians camped at her cabin. She described to us how she had watched from the boughs of a tall tree, listening to Mera as she spoke to the group at the campfire. When she heard of their plans to seek help from Nabaru she left for the elder Kauri, spending the night high in the protection of his limbs. She explained to us how she had given the memory message which Espencheid had sent, and she let Nabaru see her memories in preparation for the visit from the other group.
“Mera? You look troubled,” My statement was more like a blanket fact. As I looked over our group, I saw that many wore the same haggard expressions on their faces.
Mera looked at me, “I’m speechless. This is a lot to take in.”
I nodded for her to continue.
She looked at Sonarim. “I’m frightened for your safety. You came at such a risk.”
“I did,” she nodded, “but every second with you is worth the risk for me.”
Nabaru spoke again, his voice rattling and shaking the branches surrounding us. “These memories I have shared, these things you are learning…. These are meant to awaken you; those who learn the truth will no longer be lost to the pulls of those who spread false truths. They will not let you sleep better at night. The time for dreaming has ended.” I’m watching Mera, her face morphing with emotion as she realizes the truth behind his words. “Mera?” the elder Kauri continued, “May I share your memories with these ones?” Mera looked at her daughter and with tears sliding down her cheeks, she nodded.
We all found our places once again and received the soothing breeze that always seems to proceed the visions once more. Moments later the story of Mera and Eno began to unfold in our minds. Both ascended before the Great Break, Eno was at DuPage Fortress when the weapons detonated. The blast was felt over half of their world.
Mera was en-route between the capital of Eluna and Savannah Fortress. The blast was horrific, the damage, vast and too horrific to express in words alone. I watched, assaulted by visions of the world terraforming right before Mera’s eyes, from her point of view.
Everyone caught in the blast became very ill. Many died. The ones who didn’t, who had lived, many had been burned severely, but they all began to change. The blast had affected their very DNA, almost like a cancer, but instead of causing death, it changed their bodies, their eyes.
We saw Mera, fighting to survive the sickness that wracked her body following the blast. We watched as the illness ravaged her, changed her. We saw her hands and feet lengthen and become more claw like each and every day. And her eyes, the bright hot flash of the explosion, to be forever reflected in shades of crimson and blood. Even her wings were changed.
A chill ran up my spine as I watched how Mera had sobbed when the day came. The day she was finally healed enough to open her wings once more, only to learn they had become as black as the twisted world surrounding her.
She was pregnant. She gave birth to a girl with the light color of the Lucenians. She and Eno had always talked about what would happen if they were to ever have children. If one or the other died.
Mera had found her way back to the old world, had managed to get quite close to DuPage Fortress with her small baby. Mera had visited the elder Kauri, Pramta, in DuPage with the child. She explained what had happened. This child could not be raised in Ustenia. Tensions were too great. The child and Mera would both be killed. Mera begged the Kauri to create a memory for Eno and she placed it in a small pouch.
She waited until a Lucenian came to visit that Kauri. Mera kissed her baby then she watched with silent tears, from a hidden limb, as the Kauri gave her precious bundle to the sentinel with only one instruction. Bring the baby to General Eno.
I learned how over the years they had managed to send messages back and forth between each other with the help of less than a handful of trusted sentinels. How she missed him.
The haze of the visions melted away and I turned my eyes on the woman, the one we had called witch. She had separated herself from the rest of the world because she could not bear the thought of being among others in this world. This was the only way that she could ever hope to hear from her loved ones.
Mera looked into her daughters eyes, “When I see you, I see Eno smiling back at me. You have the same impish grin as my love.”
Sonarim smiled at her before turning
to me. “General Lancer, General Eno has sent Company Damagus to seek the protection of the elder Kauri Espencheid. They are safe there for the moment, but perhaps it would be prudent to find a safe place to for them to fall back, should trouble arise.”
She turned to gesture to the rest of the group. “You and your people here—they know the truth. Eno has begun sending every sentinel at DuPage fortress to the Kauri to learn the true memories for themselves. Too many years have passed. Too many times we have let anger and revenge fuel and direct our rage. The message I carry is not only for the Kauri, but for you all as well. It is our wish to create a united front against those who would see our world further destroyed. I am to here to offer myself as an envoy, to be used by you, General Lancer, and my father Eno.”
Turning back and pointing to both myself and Skye she spoke once more. “It is happening. You two have started a revolution.”
Chapter 20 - A Decision Awaits
~Gema~
NABARU WAS WATCHING ME. Time and time again I would look up and his ancient wooden eyes would be gazing at me in his quiet Kauri way. He knew I was conflicted; holding so much anger and I didn’t know where to direct it. If what I had been shown is true, and it must be… the Kauri don’t lie…. Not ever. Fuck.
She should be my enemy. My hand kept moving to rest on my thigh where my dagger would usually be. I felt frustrated that I had been left unarmed. I didn’t like this feeling of the rage towards her… this ‘Skye’… whoever she is… was. I couldn’t seem to stop myself from bouncing my knees or grinding my teeth. My hands began to dampen with my own blood again… the result of me driving my sharp clawed nails into my palms repeatedly.
Nova was my best friend. I couldn’t seem to wrap my head around what I’d just learned. And now there was another one here? I wanted to rage! I wanted to tear something up! I wanted to… something. I had a hole deep in the pit of my stomach, that felt like it would consume me if I were to let it.
Finally, the ancient tree spoke. “Fledgling, let’s speak privately.” It was not a request.
I bristled as I felt the limb which was my seat split away from the others. I began to rise higher into the tall canopy of the elder Kauri.
When we were far enough away to converse without other ears listening in, he spoke again. “Tell me, what did you see that last day of battle with your friend Nova?” Nabaru waited patiently. The Kauri are good for this. They are the epitome of patience and never cast judgment, always leading us to make our own decisions, always gentle… and utterly frustrating.
“You’ve seen it. Why would you need to ask?” I cannot stop the sharp edge of my voice. I cringed, expecting to receive a snap from a branch, but let loose a breath when it didn’t come.
“Yes, fledgling, I have seen it. But tell me, what did You see?
Coppery blood filled my mouth. I’d been biting myself to the point where I had torn a small piece away from my lower lip, yet I continued to chew at the same spot angrily. “We were attacked. A party of five Lluren came upon us while we were training. We managed to kill four, but the fifth… the fifth drove his blade straight through Nova. I saw her fall, Nabaru.” Tears slid down my cheeks and my nose burned as I tried unsuccessfully to hold them back. “The blood… there was so much blood—it was everywhere. Clarissa was there immediately, but there was nothing she could do. The blade had sliced through her lung and deep into her heart, there was no way to mend so much damage. She was dead before we could even lay hands on her.”
I barely recognized my voice as I continued, “We killed the last Lluren beast, but we lost so many. They had never come in this far before. I’m told not since the time of the Great Break. They have always stayed in the badlands since that time. What is happening? Why do they come here? Why now?”
Nabaru gazed upon me. “Outside forces are playing a part here. Tell me, fledgling, you have seen the memories. Why do you hold such anger towards the one known as Skye? You do understand Nova is gone, but do not despair. Your friend will return, her spirit does live on. Know this though, the gods had great need for her husk.”
I hated that he could refer to my friends body so clinically, it felt so cold. “Elder, Nova’s spirit, it has truly been released, even though her body persists? How can this be?”
“This is the doing of the gods, young one. You are one who has always been strong in your faith, now is not the time to falter.” He continued, “And your anger, consider this…. A drop of water alone will leave the land parched. The people and the beasts of this world would die before that single drop of water slaked their thirst. But many drops together can create a force to be reckoned with. While that single drop will dry up and be gone without notice, a great deluge can not only slake the thirst of the masses but can also change the very landscape, affecting everything it touches.” The wise Kauri smiled gently. “I ask you now, young sentinel, would you be that lone drop, destined to dry up, giving nothing to this land but your skin, blood and bones? Or would you join these others—becoming part of the great flood which is destined to change our world?”
I looked through the dense leaves and branches, gazing over the edge, down to where to Skye sat with the rest of our group then back to Nabaru. I shook my head. I could not deny the truth, but my heart remained so troubled. “What am I to tell our families? What do I say to my brother?”
“Tell them the truth. Nova no longer walks this land. She is a hero of not only Ustenia, but Eluna as well. She has returned to the sky, and she will return again.” A light breeze passed over me carrying a calming fragrance, a gift from the elder Nabaru. “Keep the memories strong in your heart and know, Nova did not die so that Skye could be returned. This doing of the gods was not meant to take your friend away but was purely based on timing alone. Nova was due to return to the sky regardless. Know that the gods have given Nova a great honor in allowing her body to be used in such a way. Perhaps you may find solace in the knowledge that a purer soul could not be found to take her place. Skye is truly the connection that will bring our world together, if any could be found. I believe you also have more of a part to play here.” The great tree was silent for several moments, allowing me to digest this information.
Finally, I nodded. “This, what you are asking of me, is difficult.” Why does the tree have to be so wise? Why can’t he have a little indignant fury too?
He looked at me, his eyes filling with watery sap. He did know my grief, what the loss of this friend meant to me. “Young sentinel, you are strong, and you will be a source of strength for all around you. Remember. Nothing worth having comes without great struggle. Skye has struggled much.”
Sighing deeply, I motioned to the elder Kauri. “Yes. It would appear so. Very well. I will do as you say, Nabaru.” He grunted, satisfied with my answer and lowered me to the thick boughs where my group waited.
I stood looking at my companions as they prepared to leave. The elder Kauri looked over us all. “Be well, my friends, for you are all to be friends. The breeze brings news of great changes on the horizon.”
Chapter 21 - Morland Fortress
~Lancer~
I LOOKED AROUND AT my group, well at both groups. I considered them all mine regardless of origin. We needed to discuss things, come up with a plan of action. I knew all have given their word to the Kauri, but I’m needing them to give their promise to me. Skye was doing a great job of keeping it together. I reached out and gave her shoulder a light squeeze, not missing how Gema looked away when I touched Skye. I’d have to keep an eye on the young chanter.
Mera stepped up and clapped her hands loudly, getting everyone’s attention. “I don’t know about you all, but I’m hungry. You are welcome to stay at my home.”
“Thank you Mera, but I’ve been thinking on this. Yes, I am sure many here would like to eat, but perhaps we should consider this. We have guests here who need the protection of numbers. Additionally, half of our group here has just lost a great many of their company.” I looked towards Gema as well as t
he remaining members of Company Aphos. “You all need time to send your brothers and sisters off properly, and time to grieve.”
They nodded their heads in agreement. Clarissa placed a hand on Gema’s shoulder… the young chanter had been taking the losses especially harder than the others. I needed to take this opportunity to offer them a place of comfort, a reprieve… where they could properly mourn.
I turned to address the war-torn group. “While I am aware you would probably be most comfortable in your own company hall, your numbers are so reduced… you would certainly end up being separated and reassigned fairly rapidly. I would offer you the opportunity to remain together, to join Company Eclipse. We would be proud to call you ours.”
Clarissa moved into the center of the group, turning to face her brothers and sisters-in-arms. “Our fallen have been brought to Morland Fortress. Their bodies have been prepared and they are ready to be sent off. I vote we go, at least temporarily. We can send them off properly and after we have rested, we can make a final decision.”
Markus, Ruaa and Shea all nodded. They turned to look to Gema.
It was the quiet warrior, Shea, who moved next, clasping Gema’s hand with her own. “Sister, let’s do this together. You’re not alone in your pain.”
Gema’s lips were smashed together in a frown and her eyes glistened, damp with the tears she was trying to hold back again. She finally nodded numbly as she let Shea move their hands together to rest on Ruaa’s forearm.
It was decided. I pulled off my company cloak and handed it to Sonarim. It was enormous and would easily envelope the small magus. “Pull your own cloak up and over your head, and your hands into your sleeves. We will wrap you in my cloak and if you trust me, I will carry you through the fortress to Eclipse’s company hall. Mera, stay at her feet to assure they remain covered.”