Song of Echoes

by R. E. Palmer

  Bardon swayed. ‘Whatever you do, don’t look down.’

  Elodi edged back to the solid wall behind while keeping one hand on the rail. ‘I have no intention.’ She gazed at the horizon beyond the forest where a faint gray smudge emerged from the far reaches of the trees. She pointed. ‘Would that be the southern peaks of the Kolossos?’

  ‘You are lucky, Lady Harlyn.’ The Archon beamed, appearing to take pleasure from their awe of the view. ‘It’s a rare day when it’s clear enough to see them, they are many, many leagues yonder.’ Elodi felt the air thicken as the Archon stepped closer, as if it repelled her. ‘But unless you have the power of farsight, you are most likely looking at a cloud.’

  Elodi glanced to Bardon. ‘Then it is an impressive cloud.’

  The Archon placed his hands on the railing. ‘I come out every day regardless of the weather.’ He took a deep breath. ‘It reminds me of what I am fighting for. And’ — he turned and walked around the tower — ‘if you look to the south, of what I seek to resist.’

  Elodi edged her way to the south side of the tower. Her jaw dropped. The view to the north inspired; the view to the south threatened. Even from the top of the tower, the mountains still dominated. Seeing them from the high vantage point gave Elodi the impression they stood even taller and steeper. Inevitably, she could not help but seek the narrow pass dissecting the Caerwals. The light from the midday sun picked out the gray stones and rusted iron of the great gate. From her elevated position, it seemed the very gods themselves had brought a slab to the world and wedged it between the steep slopes. But she could not prevent herself thinking it appeared too small to hold back the menace in the south.

  Elodi allowed herself one step away from the wall at her back to take a closer look. Were those flickers of light beyond the gate? Could they be reflections from war machines moving to their border? She swallowed as the pressure in her ears grew.

  ‘Yes, I believe we are seeing the movements of the enemy.’ She jumped; the Archon stood at her side. In the bright light, his eyes looked different. At the gate she would have described them gray as a dull blade, but now they comprised many colors that changed as his eyes moved.

  She stammered, speaking before she could think. ‘Are… are we ready, Archon?’

  A flicker passed across his eyes. ‘Of course, Lady Harlyn.’ But Elodi could see the veins in his temple bulge. He sensed her attention. ‘I won’t deny we face a determined, well-armed foe, but I believe my superior mind and the skill of our forces will win the day.’ The pressure in her ears subsided as he turned and strode past Bardon. ‘Please, follow me.’

  She stopped and placed her hand on Bardon’s resting on the rail. ‘Can you see movement? Over the gate?’

  ‘I’m afraid these aging eyes of mine can barely make out the gate. What do you—?’

  ‘Lord Broon, Lady Harlyn. Here if you please.’

  Bardon spoke into Elodi’s ear. ‘Is it me, or is he different?’

  She checked the Archon couldn’t see them. ‘He seems more… like us?’

  He nodded. ‘Maybe he doesn’t feel the need to put on his airs and graces away from his subjects.’

  She took his arm. ‘But I’d still prefer not keep him waiting.’

  The Archon stood opposite the doorway. He raised his hand to the rail. ‘Please, come and see.’ Bardon edged closer and peered over the edge. Elodi shuffled forward and looked down onto a courtyard surrounded by stables. A dozen knights on horseback rode slowly across the cobbled yard. As one, they leveled their lances and rode at speed towards a line of targets hanging from a beam spanning the opposite end. The Archon described the scene. ‘Behold, the First Horse as you witnessed late yesterday. Two-hundred and forty of our finest knights are ready to ride to the pass in a moment’s notice. They have taken an oath to lay down their lives should the Golesh break through.’ He lowered his voice. ‘I have their absolute loyalty. Do I have yours?’

  The hairs on the back of Elodi’s neck prickled. She turned, feeling suddenly vulnerable. ‘You do not need doubt my loyalty, Archon.’ He held her gaze. Elodi felt as if he searched her thoughts. ‘The people of Harlyn will stand with you, whatever the danger.’

  ‘I hope that is a vow you can keep, Lady Harlyn.’ He turned. ‘And you, Broon. Can I trust you in these troubled times? And before you answer, be aware the Castellan informed me of your nocturnal activities.’

  Bardon moved back from the rail. ‘Of course, Archon. But that does not mean I cannot follow up on my own hunches.’

  ‘Hunches?’ The Archon tilted his head. ‘Perhaps you can enlighten me on these hunches of yours. That conveniently brings us to the formal part of our meeting.’ He turned his back and entered the tower. Elodi caught Bardon’s eye; the sightseeing had concluded. The two entered the room to find the Archon already sitting on a smaller version of his chair in the Great Hall. ‘Do make yourselves comfortable.’ He motioned to two seats placed before him.

  ‘Thank you.’ Bardon waited for Elodi to sit before taking the seat on the left.

  The Archon’s eyes darted to Bardon. ‘While Lady Harlyn slept peacefully in her bed last night, I am informed you chose not to avail yourself of my hospitality, preferring instead to roam the corridors.’ His mouth curled at the corners. ‘Would it, perchance, relate to your hunch?’

  Bardon straightened. ‘I shall get straight to the point, Archon. Please, can you clarify an issue that concerns us both?’

  The Archon’s jaw tightened. ‘That depends on the nature of your concern.’

  Bardon took a deep breath. ‘Naturally, the welfare of our people is a responsibility we take seriously.’

  ‘Of course, I would expect nothing less.’

  Bardon cleared his throat. ‘You speak of the Golesh as a primitive horde, but surely, Archon, they could not possibly trouble us if that were so.’ He caught Elodi’s eye. ‘Archon, do you know who commands the force beyond the gate? And would that be the same leader you faced in the last battle?’

  The Archon’s eyes flashed. ‘I defeated…’ he cleared his throat. ‘The head of the enemy forces perished on the plains of Gormadon.’ Elodi held her breath. Few had heard the Archon speak of the battle.

  Bardon held his gaze. ‘How? Surely, a leader with the power to summon the drayloks could not be defeated by a mortal, even one such as yourself?’

  ‘Nonsense.’ The Archon waved his hand. ‘And I’m surprised, no shocked, disappointed even, that a man of your standing should believe such fairytales.’

  ‘But what of the demons? Someone wielding significant power summoned and commanded them.’

  ‘Simply the babblings of fools.’

  Elodi stuttered. ‘But these drayloks? They were real?’

  The Archon spat his reply. ‘‘Of course they were real, woman! Do you think I fought for three days against men in costume? Drayloks were a great evil, a blight on the old world, but no longer.’ He lowered his voice. ‘I fought them to a standstill and thus weakened them to the point they could not recover. No word has been heard of them since.’

  Elodi asked, ‘But why the gate? If you defeated the drayloks, why the need to retreat.’

  The Archon leveled his gaze. ‘May I remind you, Lady Harlyn, behind the drayloks, over eighty-thousand rabid creatures, including wykes, droogs, aralaks and other corrupt beings, howled for my head on a spike. I was exhausted, our forces all but destroyed, our armory spent. What do you suggest I should have done? Ask them politely to come back once we’d had time to recover?’

  Elodi blushed. ‘No, of course not, Archon. I apologize if I’ve caused you offence.’

  Bardon stepped in. ‘But what of their leader?’

  The Archon edged back and waved their concern away. ‘The Golesh are leaderless, it’s the sheer weight of their numbers that is a concern. Even the smallest creatures can take down one many times their size should the numbers be in their favor.’

  Bardon stiffened. ‘Archon. Who is Uluriel?’ The hairs on the
back of Elodi’s neck prickled as the room chilled. The Archon sat perfectly still, but Elodi noticed his face tighten as if trying to prevent his mouth opening.

  After what seemed like a full minute, the Archon blinked twice and finally spoke. ‘The name means nothing to me.’

  Bardon pressed on. ‘I found her referenced in only one scroll, but one kept under lock and key.’ He leaned forward. ‘The archive names her as the head of the Order of Echoes.’

  The Archon swallowed. ‘That is true.’

  Elodi's stomach fluttered. ‘Archon? What is… was, this Order of Echoes?’

  The Archon scoffed. ‘Nothing of importance.’ He spoke through tight lips. ‘A faction claiming to possess knowledge from the ancient days. They once had influence, but the wise leaders of the day exposed the primitive nature of their beliefs prior to the division of the Seven Realms.’

  Bardon glanced to Elodi. ‘But Archon, if Uluriel held a position of power before the Seven Realms failed, I would have thought you’d have knowledge of her?’

  His voice recovered. ‘I did not say I had no knowledge of the woman. I stated the name means nothing to me, and I will not honor it by speaking it aloud.’

  Bardon caught Elodi’s eye. ‘So you know the name?’

  ‘Knew? Yes, of course, I knew her name! But she is no more and therefore irrelevant.’

  Bardon pulled a face. ‘Irrelevant?’ He turned and spoke to Elodi. ‘According to the archive, Uluriel rallied and led the mass armies of the Golesh.' Elodi gasped as Bardon’s voice rose. ‘Did she split the Seven Realms?’ The Archon’s jaw clenched until Elodi feared his teeth would shatter. But Bardon was not prepared to let the matter go. ‘Archon, did she summon the Draedalak?’ The Archon’s face reddened as his eyes faded to gray. Bardon continued. ‘Did you face Uluriel on Gormadon Plain?’

  ‘Enough!’ The Archon thrust out his hand. Elodi shrank back at the force of his command. But his hand trembled. His eyes flickered, then closed. His head dropped forward.

  Elodi’s voice wavered. ‘Archon? Are you… unwell?’ But he failed to respond. The Archon sat upright with his head bowed, his lips moved but the words held no meaning. Elodi went to his side. She crouched and touched the back of his hand. ‘Arc—’ She jumped back as the Archon leaped to his feet. His right hand shot out as if clenching a sword; he drew his left arm across to shield his body. His gray eyes bulged.

  The Archon threw back his head and bellowed. ‘Begone! Begone craven beasts.’ Elodi and Bardon staggered back as his voice thundered, shaking the tower. The room darkened. The Archon’s face contorted until he no longer resembled their leader. Elodi stood aghast, certain she could see the Archon in his last stand at Gormadon. He thrust the Sword of the Realms to his right and yelled. ‘Rise! Rise up.’ His body shook as if ready to break; his wide eyes stared, pleading for an ally to ride to his aid. But none came. The Archon flinched, ducked, crossing his arms in front of his face. His voice broke as he sobbed. ‘Help me... I’m finished.’ Lifeless arms dropped to his sides as tears streamed down his face. He mumbled. ‘I beg you. Rise and send these demons back to the darkness.’ The Archon slumped, standing as if held up by a staff.

  The room lightened. The Archon’s eyes opened. Elodi gasped. He appeared frightened, unsure of where he stood. Gone was his power, his authority, he stood as a hollow shell, bereft of its owner. He groaned, ran a hand down his face, turned and strode through the door. Without a pause, he climbed onto the balcony railing.

  Bardon rushed to his side. ‘Elodi!’ He dived and caught hold of the Archon’s legs as the man strove to jump. Elodi ran. She skidded to a halt, crashing into the iron railings and nearly toppled over the edge. She grabbed the Archon’s robe and yanked. All three fell back, but the Archon had not given up. With surprising strength for a frail body, he twisted and pulled, trying to break free of their hold. But Bardon was strong. He held firm, and with Elodi’s help they dragged him back inside. Elodi slammed the door shut, and with that, the fight left the Archon. He lay panting and sobbing on the floor. Bardon stared at Elodi. ‘What…? What just happened?’

  ‘I really don’t know. Let’s sit him down. It’s unbecoming for him to be on the floor.’ The Archon flinched, but otherwise seemed oblivious to their handling. They eased him into his chair and stood back. A trickle of saliva ran from the corner of his mouth, down his chin and onto his robe. Elodi examined his face. ‘Should we fetch a healer?’

  ‘I think it wise if we keep this to ourselves for the moment.’

  ‘Can he recover from this?’

  He shrugged. ‘The Archon has the power to heal, but whether he can heal himself is another matter.’

  Elodi stood and let her head settle. She sat on the chair next to the Archon. ‘The mention of Ulu… that woman must have triggered the memory. I would say he was re-living the battle on the plain.’

  Bardon shook his head in amazement. ‘I can’t begin to imagine what he must have endured in those three days he held the enemy at bay.’

  Elodi stood and blocked the door to the balcony. ‘Just in case he tries that again when he wakes.’ She nodded to the Archon. ‘I wonder if he has buried the memory deep to stop this happening?’

  Bardon peered into the Archon’s face. ‘He must have been successful until our visit.’ He carefully turned their leader’s head. ‘I can’t see any sign of injury.’

  The Archon’s eyelids flickered. His lips moved, but he made no sound. Bardon stepped back as his eyes opened. The Archon looked about the room but seemed not to recognize it.

  Elodi stayed by the door. ‘Are you well, Archon?’ He blinked. She glanced to Bardon. ‘You… passed out. Lord Broon and I were troubled by your distress.’

  The Archon sat upright and straightened his robe. He cleared his throat. ‘You need not concern yourselves.’

  Bardon frowned. ‘But Archon, I think it would be wise to see a healer. You just tried to throw—’

  ‘No need, Broon.’ His voice recovered. He held up his hand. ‘This…’ the Archon regarded Bardon and Elodi as if trying to recall the reason for their presence. He carefully climbed to his feet and walked to the back of the room, running his hand along the wall to steady his wavering stance. He pulled a braided cord and turned to Elodi. ‘This matter is closed. My man will escort you back to your quarters.’

  Elodi stopped at the tapestry of the battle. ‘Thank you. I will spend a few moments here with Lord Broon instead of returning to my room.’

  The tall Palace Guard hesitated. ‘The Archon instructed me to escort you back to your quarters, ma’am.’ He turned to Bardon. ‘My Lord.’

  She looked to the wall. ‘It’s but a short walk from here, and I wish to take courage from the Archon’s glorious victory.’

  ‘As you wish, ma’am.’ He turned as if to leave but changed his mind; suddenly he did not seem so assured in his palace finery. ‘I… I’m not sure if it’s my place to ask, but as my sole duty is to ensure the Archon’s safety, I would value your judgment.’ He checked no one else listened. ‘I could not help but overhear the Archon’s distress in your meeting.’ He glanced to the tapestry. ‘Is the Archon… is… our leader unwell?’

  Elodi read Bardon’s thoughts. She spoke quietly to the guard. ‘The Archon is under great strain at present, but I’m sure we can rely on him to lead us through the next few difficult months.’

  ‘Pardon me, ma’am, but this isn’t the first time this has happened.’

  Elodi’s chest tightened. ‘When? How often?’

  ‘It’s the nights, ma’am.’ He leaned closer. ‘A guard stands outside the Archon’s quarters whenever he is inside. Only three share this duty, myself included. I’ve done this for nigh on twenty-five years, but lately we’ve noticed his discomfort when he sleeps.’

  Bardon held the man’s gaze. ‘Discomfort? Does he have nightmares?’

  ‘When I say sleep, the Archon doesn’t sleep like the rest of us, Lord. He does not have a bed. He sits in his chair and goes into a t
rance. Most nights I can hear him talking the entire time’ — he blushed — ‘but please note, I make no attempt to listen in on his thoughts. The door is thick, and we’re instructed only to enter at the Archon’s request.’

  Bardon raised his hand. ‘I would expect no less from a Palace Guard of your standing.’

  The man relaxed. ‘Thank you, Lord.’

  Elodi placed her hand on his arm. ‘We appreciate your loyalty to the Archon, but we too share your concern. Could you elaborate on what you referred to as the Archon’s discomfort?’

  ‘He’s always talked, but these last few months it’s become nothing short of what I can only describe as panic in his voice.’

  Elodi’s skin prickled. ‘Panic?’

  ‘He shouts, ma’am, and often I detect two voices. It sounds as if another is in the room.’

  Elodi frowned. ‘Yet there’s only one entrance.’

  ‘Two, actually.’ Bardon explained. ‘There’s the door to the balcony. But I guess you could hardly call that one an entrance.’

  The guard stiffened. ‘I may have misled you, Lord. It sounds like he’s arguing with himself, but in two distinct voices.’

  Bardon glanced at Elodi before asking his question. ‘And can you hear what is being said?’

  ‘Only the odd words, Lord. Begone, arise, and lately I’ve heard him yell, imposter. But scream would be a better description.’ He glanced to the tapestry. ‘I hope that helps.’

  Bardon kept his voice low. ‘Thank you, and again, we appreciate your loyalty and concern for the Archon’s well-being. And please, do inform either myself or Lady Harlyn if you feel the need.’

  Elodi watched the guard leave. ‘In a selfish way, his account makes me feel a little relieved. At least we know the mention of Uluriel alone didn’t cause his distress. It’s not like we’ve done him harm.’

  Bardon took her hand. ‘I have to agree. And we’ve learned the enemy were not a leaderless rabble.’

  Elodi looked back to the tapestry. ‘I wonder if he relives the battle every night.’