ã€ŠThe Last Landsã€‹


 1.1- A new kind of silence

    CHAPTER 1- A NEW KIND OF SILENCE

    Everyone knew there was only New Peridios. For four-thousand, three-hundred and twenty-two years, everyone knew that. Settled upon a series of temperate islands, everyone knew the city was all there was. Until the night, of course, the night-sky flashed white, and over a hundred million souls gazed up to watch the strange phenomena, and to listen to the screeching thunder that followed. Originally thought to be just a vicious storm, scientists would soon start referring to this event as the dawn of a new age.

    Suddenly, there was much more to the world than just New Peridios. A new era had, begun. The world had entered the Age of Discovery.

    The year is 1DA, the date is Quatro the 15<sup>th</sup>.

    After twelve days amidst the endless, empty sea, the new horizons of the world revealed themselves. Green outcrops that grew and expanded as The Narwhal drew closer. Wrapped in a rough cloak, Busco Quinn gripped the wooden rail tightly, wondering if something else might escape his nauseous diaphragm. The ocean swirled beneath the wood below him, not quite blue, not quite green, flashes of indigo and teal that exploded into white as they hit the bow. Busco watched the azure kaleidoscope below him and felt his feet sink beneath him, and the vomit rising and pushing out through his teeth and into the abyssal waves.

    Busco was tall for his age of seventeen, especially for the humans, standing at six-foot-four, and particularly athletic amongst his Academy peers. Of course, what stood out for most was not his stature or build, but his skin. Busco was one of the rare few who held the old bloodlines between his veins. His ancestry was those of the Nocterran, a secretive and well hidden sect amidst the crowded streets of New Peridios. His skin was charcoal grey, his shoulder-length hair was an astonishing white, and his eyes were chips of the coldest ice.

    The afternoon sun had begun to descend below the green horizons ahead, and Busco pulled at his cloak. The salted breeze cut through him every-time it stirred. The edges of the mountains grew larger, and soon silvery-grey patches of shingle and stone began to reveal themselves. The sight of land sent a rejuvenating breath through his body, and suddenly his legs didn''t feel so loose beneath him. He heard a shout above him as the sentry called out for land, and after a few calls, there was the galloping of excited feet. The ship''s workers and passengers alike scurried around Busco to get a good view, with the Dvergr-or Dwarves, if you were to use the guttural slang- staking a good seat at the front and standing on their toes, the pompous Eves at the back pretending to not be interested, and a myriad of other races all cheerfully gazing at the new world before them, but out of all of them, the largest and heaviest footfalls belonged to Khol.

    ¡°Busco!¡± He called out.

    At sixe-foot-five, Khol Groken was the only other student at the Astral Academy to come close to Busco''s stature. Of the Minotaurs, with fur like bark and mahogany horns at his temples that became golden at their tips, Khol clumsily tried to gently move past his fellow passengers, occasionally stopping to apologise for stepping on their feet with his large hooves. Busco turned round and forced a tired smile, feeling the weight of the last two weeks heavy upon his bottom eyelids.

    ¡°We''re finally here?¡± Khol asked excitedly.

    ¡°Looks like it.¡± Busco replied, tightening the cloak over his chest.

    Like Busco, Khol also wore the grey Apprentice-level robes of the Astral Academy, lined with black trim, but unlike Busco, Khol had a thick all-body jumper of fur to rely on when the chill set in.

    ¡°Wow, just look at it all.¡± Khol said with quiet awe. ¡°H-h-how big do you think it is?¡±

    Busco failed to reply, but set his eyes like stone upon the beachhead.

    This is it. He thought. If he''s here, somewhere on that landmass, I''ll find him.

    His teeth clenched, and he felt them subconsciously grinding against one another, and fought against his instinct to stop it. A hot feeling of shame appeared on the back of his head, and the feeling of being observed. Casting his head back, past the excited and tired crowd that had formed, he saw his and Khol''s master.

    Gybalt Ganders was stood at just under six foot, but his stance was proud and disciplined, a stark contrast to his wild iron-coloured hair and matted beard. Adorned in the black robes of the master rank at the academy, Master Ganders was human, and of less discriminating stock than Busco. His ancestors had amassed from the East of the old lands, his skin was pale and pallid, but his eyes were a curious and vibrant green. In between every other pair of eyes that were locked upon the new world ahead, Gybalt''s were focused solely on Busco. Busco felt the emerald gaze drill into him, and recoiled, turning again to look at the rolling ocean, but not seeing anything. He had to wonder.

    Does he know?

    As his stomach began to tighten and loosen simultaneously again, an uproar from behind him began to eclipse the sound of the waves below.

    ¡°What are ya gawking at, ya lazy gits?¡±

    Parting the crowd, the ship''s captain made their appearance on the deck, pushing aside his crew and passengers alike.

    ¡°You wanna look at the shore? Look at it when we''ve landed, otherwise you''ll be starin'' at it from under the waves.¡± Their voice was gravel grinding against stone, as hard to hear as their face was to look at.

    Captain Rihlat Majida was a human of the West, once, a long time ago. How old they were, what kind of life they lived, and even what gender they were before their first death, was impossible to discern from their appearance.

    Their skin was a ragged and sodden grey, and only covered about half of their body. Stained bones poked through the dried pieces of flesh that still clung to them, and one eye was lidless and wide, but the amber inhabitants were as observant and searching as ever.

    ¡°C''mon lads, everyone back to work now. Come on, move it.¡± They shouted, at no-one in particular as they limped across the deck.

    The crowd around Busco and Khol began to move in a flurry, even passengers not under the captain''s employ began to disperse. Captain Rihlat slowly hobbled towards the bow, their long red coat coasting on the breeze behind them, their red hat with a long white plume threatening to blow off at any point. They jerked one leg forward, and dragged the other behind, with a silver sabre rattling against their thigh bone. Busco watched as they stood beside him, and placed a ring-laden hand on the rail, and dropped to silence for a second. Busco watched them curiously, wondering if they wished for a moment they could breathe in the ocean air, when they turned and fixed their watchful eyes on his.

    ¡°Whatta you lookin'' at, dirt-skin?¡±

    Busco heard Khol behind gasp automatically, and a few onlookers turned with gaping mouths. He himself felt his gaze harden, and his grip loosen at the sound of the slur. The captain noticed the reaction and sent a scanning look around.

    ¡°What? What did I say?¡± They asked to a silent crowd, who did their best to pretend they weren''t listening and watching.

    ¡°Tsk.¡± They clicked at the side of their mouth. ¡°Can''t say anythin'' to young people these days without someone getting'' offended.¡±

    They shot Busco a final, sardonic grin through crooked teeth and tightened skin, and limped back towards the cabins, occasionally throwing out another order or curse at the crew-mates who tried to avoid their gaze. Busco followed him with an intensity in his stare normally reserved only for perceived enemies, when he felt a calm hand on his shoulder, too gentle to be Khol''s. Master Gybalt had silently and hastily moved up towards him without him even noticing.

    ¡°We''re almost there.¡± He said in his low and heavy voice. ¡°You and Khol should head back to your cabin and get ready.¡±

    ¡°Yes, master.¡± Khol replied with a sense of relief in his voice.

    Busco remained silent, but nodded in confirmation. Master Gybalt had a way of sounding completely relaxed and unyieldingly stern in every sentence. Busco fought against the movements in his stomach. He couldn''t wait to be free of this creaking and rolling death-trap, of his racist captain, and of Master Gybalt''s all-consuming gaze.

    Just wait for the right time, he had to tell himself more than once.

    The afternoon sun had only just begun to dip behind the mountains by the time The Narwhal rolled into the shallows, setting the stage for the splendour of a sunset that only appears by the coast. The ship''s crusted, Narwhal shaped figure-head was tainted with algae and weathering. The bow of the ship was caked in barnacles, making it a shabby addition to the coast. By the grey shingles, a rough make-shift pier had been set up by the new founders of Promise Coast, and a settlement had begun to form. There were several dozen figures on the beach-head, of various races and creeds, from all points of New Peridios, and all were in a hurry.

    Several crude structures had been erected by the shore, which was waves of shingle and stony sand, leading towards an expanse of dense jungle. Busco breathed in the air of this new world, happy to feel an air of freshness not tainted by sea salt for the first time in a fortnight. There were a few ragged structures of wood built onto the opening before the jungle, several bunk-houses laden with hammocks, storage sheds, and a mess-hall of sorts, where a Crustacead diligently boiled rice for the hungry workers. The chef wiped condensation off of their brow with a large claw, while his second set of more human like hands continued to stir, only turning to occasionally watch the new arrivals. With his bag swung over his shoulder, Busco led Khol in departing The Narwhal. They were finally here.

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    The gravel rushed up to meet his feet as he stepped off of the pier, like a hundred thousand old friends welcoming him home. A tight smile pulled at the sides of his mouth, and he pressed forward, eyes straining to find Master Gybalt amongst the swirling crowd. Slowly, the haunting sounds of waves that had perturbed his dreams for days were being eclipsed by the sounds of crunching stones beneath his boots. There was an unprecedented air to the beach-head. There was the promise of excitement and opportunity amongst this new-found world, and the otherworldly dread of what may yet lay ahead. He found himself staring towards the trees. The clearing was much larger than it had looked from the bow of the boat. There was almost a hundred people here, moving one way or another, of every size and any race. The promise of the first new land to be discovered in four thousand years had tempted the ideas of every opportunist from each of the twelve districts of New Peridios, and for some who only wished to not be found.

    Having been stood only several feet from the pier, someone immediately knocked into the back of Busco, bringing him back into reality with a crash. He turned, expecting to see Khol''s bumbling over the loose stones, but as he noticed with a taut mouth, it was not. During their time on The Narwhal, there had been many passengers alongside them, and many who wished to converse to idle away the time, or play cards to stake a fortune before they even arrived, and some who did not want to be seen. Busco recognised the figure, standing more than a foot below him, as one who would rarely leave his sleeping quarters, rarely speak, and did not even seem to eat. Dressed in an indigo cloak with the hood permanently up, and purple rags around the lower half of the mouth, it was impossible to see what was hidden beneath, or even what species of sapient they were, Their frame was thin, but their posture was purposeful and direct. A small bag hung to their side, and along their back, a long sword with a strange thickness to the blade was wrapped up in a make-shift sheathe.

    ¡°Hey, watch it, buddy.¡± Busco said, feeling the stress and exhaustion fuel his anger. Though he could not see the figure''s face, he could feel the intensity of their stare.

    ¡°Can you see Master Gybalt anywhere?¡± Khol called out from behind him, oblivious to everything. The sound of his great hooves stepping on the stones almost eclipsed his voice entirely.

    Busco looked round to him, and by the time he turned back towards the figure, they had begun to walk off, once again without a word, heading towards somewhere else on the beach-head. Busco heard a tsk escape him, and turned round to Khol.

    ¡°C''mon, he must be around here somewhere.¡±

    Closer to the edge of the jungle, Busco and Khol had sighted their grey haired master talking with Captain Rihlat, to their dismay. Stoically stood behind them was the bodyguard Master Gybalt had hired for their expedition, a human of the Old Order, Sir Douglas Aeinon. His long silver-speckled hair was tied up behind him, and beneath his world-weary brow were two quick moving pools of blue. His cloak was white with purple stripes, as was gifted to all knights in the Old Order. He stood proudly, chest jutting forth bearing his own personal sigil; a Brown dog on white, fitted to his light steel and leather armour. He turned slowly and noticed the two students, watching them carefully. Not wishing to interrupt and subject themselves to more of the undead captain, the two sighed sadly when Master Gybalt motioned them over to join them.

    ¡°Captain Rihlat tells me The Beaten Path is directly east of here, as the explorers are calling it. From there we will have to find our own way, so we''ll find somewhere to stow our bags, then we''ll be off immediately.¡± Master Gybalt spoke plainly.

    ¡°You mean we''re heading off, now?¡± Busco moaned, hoping to get accustomed to being back on solid ground first.

    ¡°Whattaya moanin'' for? Ya''ve been lounging around for two weeks.¡± Captain Rihlat chimed in. With less of the sting of sea-salt, their breath was much more pungent here.

    ¡°Thank you, captain. We shall make our own way from here.¡± Gybalt said calmly, handing the Captain a golden dynasty from their pocket, which the Captain studied out of habit more than suspicion. They grunted as they put it in their pocket and turned towards their ship.

    ¡°If ya still alive in three weeks, that''s when I''ll be here to take ya back.¡± They stepped and limped with difficulty on the shingles.

    ¡°Course if ya are too scared, I can always take ya back now.¡± They said quietly, turning to Khol specifically, who drained the colour out of their face and pretended he didn''t hear them.

    Sir Douglas spoke to one of the foremen at the beach-head, a huge Gorillon, who pointed them towards an empty shack lined with hammocks, and handed him some coins. Some of the hammocks had been called already, with some possessions stood nearby. The party of four stashed their bags near the empty ones, took some grateful drags of water and a quick snack of salted ox, and prepared their satchels with what they would need for their mission.

    At the base of the jungle, Busco sent a final sweeping glance towards the crowd, watching as many workers boarded The Narwhal to head back to New Peridios.

    Is he here?

    ¡°Busco!¡±

    He turned, and saw Master Gybalt watching him. Sir Douglas Aeinon and Khol stood patiently further up. Busco sucked in a deep breath, and climbed the stony shore towards them.

    ¡°Who are you looking for?¡± Gybalt asked plainly.

    ¡°No-one.¡± He felt a flush creep up his cheeks, as if the sanctity of his thoughts had been plundered.

    ¡°Well then.¡± Gybalt said, turning his back to the beach-head and climbing towards the jungles of the new world.

    The Beaten Path had been carved out of the jungle, it became a clearing but soon narrowed so as to be wide enough only to walk through in single file. The sand beneath them grew smoother, as Master Gybalt led the way, with Khol behind him, then Busco, and the stoic Sir Douglas bringing up the rear.

    The path was empty, and the sounds of crunching stones, hammers on wood and the eternal waves began to fade behind them. The fringes of the forest fought against their intrusion, with thick leaves brushing against their shoulders at every interval. The air began to thicken as they stepped further in. Their boots and hooves sank into the soft sands, and the sounds of rustling leaves enveloped the world.

    ¡°Huh.¡± Busco heard himself saying out loud. It''s so quiet.

    ¡°It''s weird, isn''t it?¡± Khol said, glancing around to Busco quickly, his thoughts once again being read.

    A life-time within one city, a constant shuffle of movement and the flurry of life, to a world where only insects and strange sounding birds seemed to populate. Even Master Gybalt seemed to feel it, slowing his pace and drinking in the foreign air.

    ¡°It''s a whole new kind of silence, isn''t it?¡± He said absently.

    Busco sent a quick glance behind him, and saw Sir Douglas''s watchful eyes widen at the bulk of vegetation around them, soaking in the same feeling they all felt.

    ¡°Look, we''re almost at the clearing.¡± Master Gybalt called back without looking.

    Ahead of them was a small clearing that The Beaten Path collided with, populated by a gathering of small rocks and sand. Someone here before had piled some rocks up deliberately as a marker, and next to it was a crude warning sign, with only a skull and crossbones drawn on it with black paint. Busco saw Khol shiver in front of him, and Master Gyablt reaching past his chest and into his black robes.

    ¡°Here we are.¡±

    He pulled from near his chest a bronze locket that hung from his neck by a thick chain. In the centre of it was a small purple gem that glimmered in the bask of the setting sun.

    ¡°What''s that, master?¡± Khol asked.

    Master Gyablt didn''t turn from his locket, but held it aloft, and closed his eyes. The gem began to pulse slightly with light.

    ¡°This is what will tell us where we need to go.¡± He opened his eyes again. ¡°A present from my dear friend, Master Se, before she passed.¡±

    Busco felt something sting his chest at the sound of her name. His heart dropped below his rib-cage, and the creeping darkness he had tried to escape threaten to engulf him once more. This time, however, Master Gybalt didn''t seem to notice, or at least, did not seem inclined to react.

    ¡°Sir Douglas, are we ready?¡± He called to the back of the line.

    ¡°As we''ll ever be.¡± Came the gruff reply.

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Master Gybalt set forth, watching the pulsing gem in his hand, turning slightly to observe where the pulse was brightest, and followed it towards a deep mass of plants, and pushed against them, and into the undergrowth.

    They trudged through the dark jungle, as the light began to escape the Aerth, The canopy above was thick, and the roots were tangled below them. Each of them tripped at one point, feeling the earth below harden. The heat was hypnotising, a luring song born from a serpents mouth. Flies and mosquitoes flew with direct purpose at them, fluttering amongst their eyes and skin.

    This is stupid. What the Hel are we doing here in the dark?

    The sun had not quite set, but the darkness grew thicker and harder. The only consistent source of light was from the Master''s gem. Around them the jungle rustled and spoke, and cicadas buzzed incessantly from somewhere in its depths. Busco knew he had no other choice than to trust the judgement of his new Master, but this seemed to be a fool''s errand. For one, he and Khol did not even know what the objective of this mission was.

    After almost an hour of stumbling and trudging, the jungle began to thin out, and the walk was less arduous. They emerged onto a slope, reeling from the strain and humidity, The sun was still fighting against the night, sending a final flush of red against the darkening sky, but indigo had begun to shape the land around them. Master Gybalt proposed a quick-break. Khol, Busco and Sir Douglas sat on a rock each and gratefully drank from their water-skins. They were sitting on the base of a single, snow-capped mountain, and through the trees, could see the lights of the beach-head camp beginning to pop up, orange fireflies by the endless ocean.

    An endless ocean that leads back to home.

    Busco thought, thinking of his family back in New Peridios, and the halls of the Astral Academy. Master Gybalt did not join them for a rest, instead still standing with the locket in his hand, which now grew brighter.

    ¡°Ahh, much better.¡± He said aloud, but mostly to himself. ¡°It''s so hard to see this during the day. Night-time is the best time to find what we''re looking for.¡±

    The gem began to pulse brightly , due north.

    ¡°We''re getting closer.¡±

    Busco took out a hard piece of bread and gnawed at it, watching the Master.

    ¡°Master?¡± He called out. Gybalt turned to look at him. ¡°What is it we''re here for?¡±

    Master Gybalt remained silent for a moment, and finally released his grip on the locket.

    ¡°I''ll show you.¡±

    Taking him up the incline slightly, as Khol and Sir Douglas continued to rest, there was a gap between the trees, and Gybalt stood upon a boulder, looking exactly where the gem had pointed him towards. After craning his head, he gestured to Busco, who joined him, and he too stood tall to see over the leaves.

    ¡°Right there.¡± Gybalt said, pointing at something exactly. ¡°Do you see it?¡±

    Busco squinted his eyes against the deep blue backdrop. Somewhere ahead, against the slope of the mountain they were standing at the base of, there was a series of black shapes sticking up towards the sky.

    ¡°No?¡± Busco said, confused. ¡°Maybe? What is it?¡±

    ¡°Look closely.¡± Master Gybalt said calmly.

    The shape was familiar. Perhaps like a building of sorts.

    ¡°Is that a...?¡± Busco started.

    ¡°It''s a castle.¡± Gybalt said, and the realisation began to build. There were two turrets jutting out from amongst the trees.

    ¡°A castle?¡± Busco said without believing. Gybalt grunted in affirmation.

    ¡°That''s right. That''s what we''re here to find. We''ve got a rough idea of where it is now, so we''ll head back to camp, rest up, and start anew tomorrow.¡± Gybalt made a motion to step down from the boulder, but Busco still stared ahead with his mouth gaping open.

    ¡°You mean there''s ruins on this island?¡± He asked absently, and Gybalt gave half a chuckle.

    ¡°It''s not an island, Busco, but yes, there''s ruins here. Quit a lot, I should imagine. Probably more than we could ever comprehend.¡± He cast a look back at the deepening sky.

    ¡°So-what?¡± Busco asked, still confused. ¡°We''re here to find treasure? Artefacts? That kind of thing?¡±

    At this Gybalt committed to a full chuckle.

    ¡°No, no.¡± He said cheerfully. ¡°No, we''re here testing a theory of mine.¡±

    He stepped down from the boulder, awaiting Busco to join him, who did after several seconds of contemplation.

    ¡°A theory, Master?¡± He asked innocently.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Gybalt turned to meet the others, but hesitated, and turned back to him. ¡°Busco, you''re a smart lad. How long does it take to build a castle?¡±

    Busco gave him a stunned look, his sapphire eyes shining through the blackness.

    ¡°It''s alright, it''s not a trick question.¡±

    ¡°Uh, fifty years? A hundred? I don''t know?¡±

    ¡°Something like that. You want to know why we''re studying that particular castle?¡±

    Busco nodded, not caring if it was seen or not.

    ¡°Because it wasn''t there three months ago.¡± Master Gyablt turned to leave through the undergrowth, the fading gem was stuffed back under his robes.

    ¡°And we''re here to find out why.¡±

 1.2- Amongst the stars

    CHAPTER 2- AMONGST THE STARS

    Busco awoke from dreams of fire and smoke to the sound of wind and waves.

    The net below his weight swung below him. The disorientation swirled in his head, his feet struggled to find the ground, and when they did, they hit the floorboards hard. He groped with wild hands, until the realisation had dawned; he wasn''t in his dorm at the Astral Academy. He wasn''t even on board the cursed Narwhal anymore. He was on land, albeit suspended a few feet above it.

    The late morning air greeted him gently, the growing heat had made him already cast aside the scratching blanket he had curled up in at night. The shack was dark and empty, the hanging sheets over the doorways barring entry to the outside daylight.

    Something was amiss though.

    There was a shuffling noise at the end of his hammock, a noise he originally attributed to the dream of destruction and death that had plagued him since Master Se''s death. There was something going through his belongings. He stared at the shuffling shadow, which froze, and his eyes adjusted, fear swimming to the top of his head.

    There''s an animal in here, trying to find food in my stuff! He thought, fighting to stay calm, until he heard it curse in a low voice.

    It was no animal, but a figure, cast in darkness. It grabbed something from his bag, and moved quickly darting out of the sheet and onto the beach. Busco did not see who-or what-it was, for he was already in motion. Swinging himself out, throwing the blanket to the floor, not bothering to cover his near-naked body, and pursued the figure. In his haste, he failed to recognise Khol''s bags strewn lazily along the floor, and tripped, falling face first into the sheet over the door. With a yelp he tumbled, pulling it down, and casting himself once more into darkness.

    His covered head hit the sand hard, and it flew into his mouth and nose. Bright light turned red through his covered eyes, and he hacked and splattered, confused and very irritated. The sound of the wind grew louder, as did the raucous roar of laughter. Sitting up, he pulled the sheet over his head, squinting at the crowd in front of him.

    ¡°Hey, the princess is finally awake!¡± Said a familiar but distant voice.

    The beach was as full and busy as it was the day before, when they first arrived. It was only an hour off of midday, and the day was in full motion. Except for Busco Quinn, of course. Some of the builders had stopped to laugh and gawk at him in his semi-naked state, and he felt a deep rise of heat filling his grey cheeks. Dead ahead of him, and the two causes of most of the laughter, was Khol, and someone Busco did not expect to see.

    ¡°Artie?¡± He asked incredulously, staring at his old friend.

    ¡°How you doin'', Quinny?¡± Artifae Shajaestan asked cheerfully.

    The same age as both Busco and Khol, Artifae was a slim figure, with dark features such as that of the Men of the West. His skin was well tanned all seasons round, his eyes were dark and full of mischief, but his smile was bright and full of life. His waving black hair was well-groomed, and as was the style of many who shared his culture, he was extremely well dressed despite the climate. A long leather coat hung over his shoulders, leaving his white long-sleeved shirt very visible, and his trousers were well kept. The only thing that had shown any weathering was his tall, dark boots, that were splattered with mud and dirt.

    ¡°What in X''s name? What''s going on here?¡± Busco asked panicked, as the crowd began to lose interest and returned to their labours.

    In between the smug Artifae and giggling Khol, was a tall stick, and they had placed a pair of Busco''s grey boxer shorts on top.

    ¡°Do you like it?¡± Artifae asked, as Khol continued to giggle, almost as if he was fighting to control a massive blast of laughter.

    ¡°We-we-we conquered the island for you!¡± Khol said in between giggles, and then sucking in a deep breath to calm himself down.

    Busco stood up, angrily, and felt the sheet slide off of his legs, and hastily grabbed it, and pulled it around his waist, suddenly aware there were women too in the pulsing crowds. Trying to save face, he stormed angrily towards Artifae, feeling the energy instinctively draw to the tips of his fingers, ignoring the fact entirely his magic would not work on the coursing sand below. With fire burning in his eyes, he stood before the smiling Arti, who laughed heartily and hugged him tightly.

    ¡°Happy Fool''s Moon!¡± He chirped.

    Busco struggled, squeezed by the shorter friend.

    ¡°Oh man, it is so good to see you again!¡± He laughed, cheerily.

    Initially shocked, Busco felt the tension rise, before melting away, and with his free hand clasped his friend, who chuckled pleasantly before letting go.

    ¡°Fool''s Moon is tomorrow, you idiot.¡±

    ¡°What? It is?¡± Artie said scratching his head.

    ¡°Yeah, Quatro the 17<sup>th</sup>.¡± Busco said, somehow both smiling and frowning simultaneously.

    ¡°Besides, you''re not meant to prank people until the evening or it''s bad luck.¡± Khol added.

    ¡°You could have told me that before!" Artie said, playfully turning on the minotaur.

    ¡°I-I-I thought you knew!¡± Khol said defensively.

    Artie looked between his two friends, smiling widely, and laughed boldly.

    ¡°Still, what a welcome to the island, huh? Not everyone gets one like that!¡±

    He laughed again, slapping Busco lightly on the back.

    ¡°I didn''t know you guys were here to visit li''l ol'' me!¡± He said excitedly.

    ¡°Well, we didn''t know you were here, either.¡± Khol said amicably.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Busco asked directly.

    He watched Artie squirm slightly, but his attention was drawn to the hulking great figure behind him.

    ¡°Shajaestan!¡± The Gorillon foreman barked, and Artifae winced. ¡°Whatarrya doin'' messin'' round here?¡±

    ¡°Sorry Deniz,¡± Artifae said meekly. ¡°Just chattin'' with some old friends.¡±

    ¡°Do so on your own time, boy. I ain''t payin'' ya to chat up people in their under-pants.¡± Deniz growled.

    He was a mighty figure, rivalling Khol for his size if not his height, and as with all Gorillons, walked awkwardly on his two hind-legs, with his two hulking arms swinging by his side. He wore faded and tattered dungarees, but no boots, despite the scorching sand that stabbed at Busco.

    ¡°An'' you boys,¡± He said, firing a mean look first to Khol, then to Busco. ¡°you better not be workin'' for me, are ya?¡±

    Busco shook his head automatically, and noticed Khol did the same, both intimidated and embarrassed. Deniz the foreman grunted and wandered past the crude flag.

    ¡°An'' take that down an'' all. The guv'' is coming up with a flag for Ajiva as we speak.¡±

    The trio watched him waddle off without another road, before Artifae and Khol both rushed to help the flag pole down. Busco snatched his underwear away and held it low, hoping no-one would notice what was in his hand.

    ¡°Ajiva?¡± Artifae asked, plainly confused, Busco was about to turn to head back into the shack, but hesitated.

    ¡°It does sound familiar.¡± He said, turning to Artie.

    Khol tsked softly.

    ¡°Don''t you guys remember anything?¡± He asked the pair, ignoring the wry glances they shot each-other. ¡°It''s a Montec word.¡± He said confidently, before hesitantly adding;

    ¡°I think.¡±

    Busco scanned his memories for Ajiva and Montec, but frustratingly, struggled to come up with anything. Then a calm but authoritative voice spoke from behind him.

    ¡°Ajiva was the Montec goddess of light.¡± Master Gybalt had said, appearing with Sir Douglas by his side, climbing up the shingles towards them. ¡°The governor has decided to name this new continent in her honour.¡±

    ¡°What''s a Montec?¡± Artifae asked without thinking.

    Master Gybalt did not reply, but sent a scrutinizing gaze towards him, as did Sir Douglas. Artifae looked puzzled, and kept silent.

    ¡°Master?¡± Khol said finally, breaking the observant silence. ¡°You re-re-remember Artie? I mean- Artifae?¡±

    ¡°Artifae Shajaestan, sir.¡± He held out his hand, but Gybalt continued to stare into his eyes, as if he was examining his soul. ¡°Good to see you again.¡± He added humbly.

    Finally, Gybalt clasped his hand, but did not shake it.

    ¡°We''ve met?¡± He asked suspiciously.

    ¡°Artie was in our class.¡± Busco added, drawing Sir Douglas''s gaze to him.

    ¡°Quinn, why are you naked?¡± The old knight asked, repainting the flush in Busco''s cheeks.

    ¡°You are a student of the Astral Academy?¡± Gybalt asked mildly.

    Khol snorted, but looked embarrassed when Artifae shot him a look of steel.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°No sir. I dropped out last year.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Why? Because he can''t do magic. Busco thought, but did not say anything. Artie shot him a guilty look. And he''s too damn stupid to be a scholar there.

    Artifae swallowed, and carefully thought out his answer.

    ¡°I''m not the studious type, sir.¡± He said with a flourishing grin. Gybalt contemplated this, still staring into his eyes.

    ¡°Mhm.¡± He murmured, before turning his attention to Busco and Quinn. ¡°We''re heading out in half an hour. Get some breakfast, and get some clothes on.¡±

    Without another word or glance, Gybalt stepped into the shelter, as the three watched. Sir Douglas followed him slowly, before turning to Artifae.

    ¡°Better get back to work, lad. That foreman''s got a temper as mean as any.¡± He walked off, but towards the jungle instead. Artifae turned and looked at the two, who all shrugged and smiled.

    It is so good to see him again.

    After a filling, but bland, bowl of sticky rice and dried fruit, Khol and Busco donned their robes, despite the heat that began to grow with each passing minute. The four convened, and set off for the same journey they made last night, but without Master Gybalt''s crystal. By the time they had reached the same clearing where Busco had spotted the castle, silver streaks began to stain the blue sky. Away from the trees slightly, a breeze grew and caressed them. They took their break here once more, underneath the single, cloud-topped mountain.

    ¡°Master?¡± Khol asked after a deep swig of water. Gybalt turned around to face him. ¡°Is this where the Montecs lived? In the old age?¡±

    Gybalt chewed at some dried raisins and swallowed.

    ¡°Maybe. The Montecs themselves were actually far older than the old age. It''s what people called the classic age.¡± He threw some more raisins into his mouth.

    ¡°Older than the old age? How old is that?¡± Busco asked, aware of how ridiculous the question sounded.

    ¡°Let''s see.¡± Gybalt said, turning to stare at the clouds. ¡°The New Age was said to have lasted four thousand, three hundred and twenty-two years, until last year, when it was discovered this new land had popped up, all of a sudden. They say the Old age was, I think, just under six thousand years, so the Classic Age must have been, ten thousand? Sir Aeinon? Is that right?¡±

    ¡°Don''t look at me.¡± Sir Douglas said, chewing at some salt beef. ¡°I''m not that old.¡±

    The others chuckled politely, and the sounds of the jungle around them returned.

    ¡°So what happened to the Montecs?¡± Busco asked.

    Gybalt shrugged.

    ¡°No-one knows.¡±

    ¡°There really wasn''t any land except for New Peridios, Master? For all that time?¡± Khol asked.

    ¡°Do you remember ever hearing about any other lands?¡± He asked, almost mockingly.

    ¡°Then how did they find this place?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°Supposedly the merchants got lost in a storm.¡± Sir Douglas said. ¡°If it''s a two week journey, then that must make it, what? A thousand miles?¡±

    ¡°One thousand, five hundred, according to Captain Rihlat.¡± Gybalt added, and Douglas nodded, returning to his tough beef snack.

    ¡°That does sound quite far.¡± Khol said, trying to sound more wizened that he actually was.

    ¡°In the grand scheme of things, it isn''t really.¡± Gybalt said absently. ¡°For thousands of years, sailors in the New Age have put it upon themselves to journey out and find the lands from the myths and legends of the Old Age.¡±

    Gybalt looked up as silence slowly returned, and studied the darkening clouds.

    ¡°Looks like rain. Let''s get a move on.¡± He and Sir Douglas stood up, and grabbed at their bags, and slowly, so too did Khol, but Busco was lost in thought.

    ¡°What happened to the lands, Master? What happened in the Old Age?¡± He asked lightly.

    Master Gybalt turned around, and saw Khol and Sir Douglas talking as they moved forward through the brush. Busco expected the curt answer of no-one knows and to be told to get up and follow the others, but Gybalt instead spoke gently.

    ¡°You remember last night, when I said we''re here to test a theory?¡±

    Busco nodded with his mouth agape.

    ¡°The scholars and Knowledge Spirits at the Astral Academy will tell you; or anyone, for that matter, that the old lands flooded. Probably. There are very few beings old enough to remember the Old Age, even Eves don''t live that long. They current hypothesis from scholars too nervous to actually come here, is that this is probably a new landmass, created from volcanic discharge and carrying seas. A few months ago, I might have believed the same; until I detected that castle appearing over there.¡±

    "You detected it? How?"

    Master Gybalt shrugged with a wry smile, betraying a confidence that was a fine line away from arrogance.

    "I''m a Master of the Spatia tenet, Busco. It''s my job to detect these things."

    Busco continued to stare at his master with heavy confusion. Gybalt turned away back to the forest, then again to his student.

    "Spatia magic is the power to traverse between energy. Teleportation, lodestones, you know this."

    Busco nodded eagerly.

    "There''s no point in me having instruments to measure Spatia energy, because of how much transportation there is in New Peridios. It would just blink every time an elevator, a tram or a shifter-mobile is used. There are dedicated instruments to that in dedicated stations for people to monitor and check, but as an academic, that has no bearing on me,"

    A glint in Master Gybalt''s eyes began to form, and an exuberance filled his voice.

    "What does interest me, is the coloration between these instruments and those for monitoring Balance magic. You are aware of what that means?"

    "The Balance tenet is about drawing magic from other dimension or planes." Busco said as if reading from his old books.

    "Correct. An almost extinct tenet of magic, until recently."

    Busco cocked an eyebrow, enthralled.

    "For almost all of the New Age, Balance users have only been able to utilise the dimensional energies previously stored in artefacts or spirit-orbs. Your previous teacher, Master Se, was a follower of this tenet too, as you''ll remember."

    Busco blinked helplessly as sweat began to drop into his eye, the salt stinging him. He held onto the pain, using it as an anchor as he began to drift away.

    "Something she told me before her...accident." Master Gybalt said carefully, watching as Busco clenched his fists. "Was how the instruments in their study corelated with the ones in ours. There were flashes and measurements of different objects arriving on Aerth, appearing. It took us some time to realise what it was that was happening.

    ¡°What are you saying, Master?¡± Busco asked hoarsely.

    ¡°I don''t believe the lands of old were lost, Busco.¡± Gybalt said with finality. ¡°I think they were hidden.¡±

    Busco silently grabbed his belongings, his head swimming with anxious thought. Master Gybalt silently went to follow the trail the other two, but gave a glance back to Busco, and studied him with his curious eyes. There was a noise in the air.

    There were voices shouting, and Gybalt and Busco sent a quick glance to one another, before barrelling after the two. They could hear the indistinct sounds of Sir Douglas yelling, and another, unfamiliar voice. The two were propelled forwards, leaves and vines whipping at them sharply. There was a louder, crashing sound of something moving through the foliage. It was coming straight at them.

    Khol charged from the thick jungle ahead of them in a panic, and barged into Master Gybalt with a mighty strike. Master Gybalt cried out, and was sent flying backwards, almost into Busco''s arms, and hit the ground heavily.

    ¡°Oh my X¡± Khol said with barely a breath. ¡°I am so sorry, I am s-s-so sorry Master!¡± He pleaded, barely holding back tears.

    Matser Gybalt stared up at the canopy in a daze. Blood poured from his nose and mouth, and he mumbled something. Busco tapped him gently on the cheek.

    ¡°Master? Are you okay?¡± He asked, concerned. The shouting from ahead continued. ¡°Khol? What the Hel is going on?¡±

    He watched Khol stammer, looking back to where he came. Busco sighed, and pulled Gyablt''s surprisingly light body to their feet, and helped him follow the tearful Khol quickly back to where Sir Aeinon was.

    The jungle thinned here, slightly, and below an outcrop of grey rocks, was Sir Douglas, impatiently sheathing his sword and grimacing. When he saw the others arrived, he gasped and walked over to see Master Gybalt.

    ¡°What the Hel happened?¡± He said, examining his broken nose. Khol and Busco merely shrugged, and Gybalt gurgled, still coming to.

    Busco went to help the Master down to the ground again, when he locked eyes on the other speaker he had heard, a woman. She was of the Desert-Eves; tall and thin, with dusky skin and golden eyes. Her thick black hair was tied in two places, and fell down towards her back. She was adorned in a denim jacket, with sleeves rolled up to reveal thin wrists adorned in golden bangles. Her black trousers were tight, covered in dirt and several small tears, and her boots were muddy. On her head and above her long, pointed ears was a tan, wide-brimmed hat, similar to the style of the Men from the West, albeit without a coloured plume. Below her bright eyes was an uneasy smile, and her hands were still up,-presumably, due to Sir Douglas''s commands-but began to descend gracefully. She looked at the Nocterran helping down an East-man with a bloody nose.

    ¡°Uhh...hi?¡± She said awkwardly.

    Khol, Busco and Sir Douglas redirected their attention towards her. Busco gave Sir Douglas a concerned look, but he did not seem alarmed.

    ¡°It''s alright. She just gave us a bit of a scare, that''s all.¡± Sir Duncan said.

    The Eve snorted.

    ¡°That''s an understatement.¡± She said joyfully. ¡°I thought I''d just about made you shi-¡±

    Master Gybalt mumbled slightly, resting on the dirt below. He shook his head and blinked furiously, and the world seemed to make sense to him again.

    ¡°What happened here?¡± Sir Douglas asked Busco seriously, but Busco only gave Khol a look that made him blush beneath his furry cheeks.

    ¡°That-that was me. Sorry sir. Sorry Master. I bumped into him when I tried to find them.¡± He responded guiltily.

    Sir Douglas sighed heavily, and bent to help Master Gybalt up as he began to awaken as he found his legs again, and wiped the blood from beneath his nose with a hand, as Sir Douglas endeavoured to find a handkerchief from his satchel.

    ¡°What''s going on here? Who are you?¡± Busco asked the Evean woman, who had dropped her hands to her sides.

    ¡°Oh, I was just out exploring. Got a little bit lost.¡± She spoke confidently, stretching her chest and neck out. ¡°Say, any of you guys got any spare food?¡±

    Now that Busco had time to notice her, he could see she didn''t have a back-pack or any other belongings with her. Khol looked her the type of adorning interest only a sixteen year old seeing an attractive woman can muster, before snapping to his senses and rummaging for his satchel.

    ¡°You didn''t think to bring any supplies with you?¡± Busco asked.

    Khol had found a fairly stale bread roll, and held it aloft like some great relic he had discovered, and he handed it to her eagerly.

    ¡°Well, I did have some food and water with me,¡± She said, studying the roll gratefully. ¡°But, I sort of, kind of, ran into some trouble.¡±

    ¡°What kind of trouble?¡± Khol asked, watching her swallow a solid bite of bread.

    ¡°Something up in the mountains.¡± She said, struggling to swallow the stale bread. ¡°Sorry love, do you have some water I can have?¡±

    She pulled a face, not noticing Khol blushing a deeper read, and frantically reaching for his water-skin and handing it to her. She washed the bread down and thanked him with a shining smile. Busco was worried for a second she might give the poor boy a heart-attack.

    ¡°What kind of trouble?¡± Busco repeated cautiously.

    ¡°Oh, I ran into a monster.¡± She said, all too casually.

    ¡°And you didn''t think to bring a weapon?¡± Sir Douglas asked sternly, having helped clean Master Gybalt''s face, who now bathed his hand from under his water-skin and applied it vigorously to his nose.

    The Eve took another bite, and thought carefully.

    ¡°No, I didn''t think I''d need one.¡± She said flatly, as Busco could see a vein beginning to bulge on Sir Douglas''s neck.

    ¡°You''ve arrived on a new land-mass, exploring a jungle that potentially no other humanoid has been on in thousands of years, and you didn''t think there would be other creatures here? You didn''t think you might need a sword?¡± He asked, the anger rising to the base of his throat.

    She merely shrugged innocently, and continued to eat. Busco felt something drip on his shoulder.

    The grey skies above had encompassed the sky, and had slowly begun to drop their wares upon them. The others noticed too.

    ¡°C''mon, we better get moving, we can find shelter under the canopy if the weather gets too bad.¡± Sir Douglas barked.

    Khol and Busco adjusted their belongings and prepared to move out.

    ¡°Thanks for the bread, love. I''m Sareta. What''s your name?¡±

    Khol began to stammer, and Busco found himself unable to look away from the awkward scene.

    ¡±I''m K-k-Khol.¡± He said, attempting to deepen his voice, and she gave him a warm smile. ¡°What''s your name?¡± He asked stupidly.

    She looked from the left to the right, trying to process the situation.

    ¡°I''m Sareta.¡± She repeated, somewhat confused.

    Busco snorted with laughter, and Khol gave him a wild look.

    ¡°Alright, enough of this.¡± Sir Douglas boomed. ¡°Camp''s back that way.¡± He nodded vaguely back the way they came. ¡°Keep heading west until you hear the ocean, you''ll find it eventually.¡±

    ¡°Wait, can''t I come with you?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Master Gybalt said, finally bringing himself into the world with them. He did not give her an explanation why, and walked towards the heavy jungle. She looked deflated.

    ¡°We can''t just leave her here.¡± Khol said.

    Sir Douglas stopped and gave them an apologetic look.

    ¡°Sir Aeinon, she doesn''t have a weapon to defend herself with. What if there is a m-monster out there?¡±

    ¡°What if there is a monster out there, and she becomes a liability? We can''t risk it. She can make her own way back to camp.¡±

    ¡°Oh, please, sir, I''ve been lost since this morning! I won''t get in the way, I promise.¡± She said earnestly, smiling into Sir Douglas''s weary eyes. He sighed.

    ¡°Fine, but she''s your charge, Groken. I don''t want anyone getting hurt because you got in the way, got it?¡± He asked her seriously, and she nodded in kind.

    He turned to follow Master Gybalt, and Khol let her pass before him, and Busco wandered mockingly towards him.

    ¡°Smooth.¡± He said, uncomfortably loud, prompting a swift push from Khol''s heavy hands.

    Master Gybalt pushed forwards ahead of them, through the thick vegetation, but stopped abruptly.

    ¡°Sir Aeinon, is this the right way?¡± He asked quietly, and the trail behind him slowed.

    ¡°I think so. Is it dark enough to see the crystal in here?¡± He asked, and the two looked up, as the crystalline droplets began to increase in intensity. The silver shroud above enveloped the sky above the green leaves, and daggers of silver light stabbed through the canopy.

    ¡°Hmm. Not quite. We could keep going, but I don''t want to encircle ourselves.¡±

    Back at the end of the line, Busco and Khol had both pulled up their hoods to avoid the irritation of droplets splashing on their faces. Khol''s horns peeked out from under it, the droplets forming up on the points and dropping neatly down. Busco studied the two wizened mentors at the front, and then Sareta, who had hugged her arms together. The air had cooled, but it was by no means cold, so he could only assume she hugged herself out of comfort and protection. Busco studied her carefully, and could not imagine someone less suited to this environment.

    ¡°Sareta, right?¡± He asked, breaking the silence, and she turned to look at him, with more than a little a fear in her eyes. The golden irises took up most of her eyes, as typical for Eves. There were no red pits in the corners of them like most humans had, and her nose was small and pointed, but home to large nsotrils.

    ¡°I''m Busco.¡± He said carefully, not feeling the same rise of embarrassment that his friend had. ¡°What are you doing out here?¡±

    ¡°Oh you know, exploring.¡± She answered, flashing a quick smile.

    ¡°No, no,¡± Busco said. ¡°What I mean is, why are you here? By yourself?¡± He asked, with perhaps a little bit more intensity than he had planned.

    She clenched her shoulder muscles together and looked down.

    ¡°I don''t know. I just wanted to see the world a little bit.¡± She gave him another one of her easy smiles. ¡°See what''s outside of Arnesfeld, you know?¡±

    Well, that explains it. He thought, accidentally letting a scoff slip out his mouth, causing her to look at him with some concern. A rich kid, trying to escape from overprotective parents. Of course, he might have been making a bitter, envious assumption, but in the four-thousand years of existence that New Peridios had enjoyed, he had never heard of a poor person living in Arnesfeld.

    ¡°So, how long have you been here? On the island?¡± Khol asked, and Busco didn''t think to correct him.

    ¡°Oh, I got here the other day. On a boat called the Narwhal. At first it was terribly exciting, but after a while, I couldn''t wait to be back on solid ground.¡±

    Busco and Khol both chuckled.

    ¡°Yeah, us too.¡± Busco said.

    ¡°So, why did you come out here alone? In the jungle?¡± Khol asked, oblivious to everything in the world that was not her eyes.

    ¡°Oh, you know, I was so excited to be here, finally, I thought I''d have myself a little adventure. Did you see that mountain?¡± She jerked her head up in a rough approximation of where it sat. The boys both nodded.

    ¡°I had this idea in my head that I could climb to the top of it, and watch the sunset from it, but it''s getting dark and I haven''t even found the bottom of it.¡± She said sadly.

    Busco was stunned.

    ¡°Wait, you thought you could get to the top of a mountain and back in one day?¡± He asked, aghast.

    Busco had never seen a mountain before either, but he was sure such a feat was impossible. Sareta shrugged innocently, still smiling.

    ¡°But...¡± Khol began. ¡°wouldn''t that be cold? And-and, you wouldn''t be able to see if there were any monsters or anything.¡±

    ¡°Well, honestly, I didn''t expect there to be any monsters, until I ran into that one earlier.¡± She said plainly enough, but suddenly realised the severity in the two boys eyes.

    ¡°I don''t know.¡± She said defensively. ¡°I romanticised it a bit, I admit it. I just couldn''t help picturing the sunset from so far up high, and the walk back. Just me. Alone. No light pollution, no noise, no anything. Just me and the mountain, amongst the stars.¡±

    Busco and Khol glanced at each other, just as Sir Douglas and Master Gybalt stomped their way back through the foliage.

    ¡°Alright, we''ve lost our way a bit.¡± Said Master Gybalt, assuming control of the situation once again. ¡°Do either of you recall which direction the castle was in?¡±

    ¡°The castle?¡± Sareta asked, full of confused wonder.

    The boys shook their heads silently, and Gybalt nodded accordingly.

    ¡°Right.¡± He said, pulling at his black robes from the collar, now covered in dirt and speckles of blood.

    He reached in, and grunted with pain, immediately retracting his hand, which had a small bead of blood in the palm. The colour drained from his face.

    ¡°Oh no.¡± He said quietly reaching in again and pulling at the locket.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Asked Sir Douglas.

    Master Gybalt did not reply, but carefully pulled the locket out, or what was left of it. The metal box was crumpled, and the violet crystal had been shattered, and much of it lost. The colour drained from Khol''s face too. Master Gybalt tried to salvage what was left of the crystal. The purple shards fell through his fingers and clattered to the rocks below. He remained silent, but his and the others all lifted their stare to focus on the very bashful Khol.

    ¡°Oh my X.¡± Khol said quietly, lifting his massive hands to cover his mouth. ¡°Master, I am so sorry.¡±

 1.3-What was left behind

    CHAPTER 3-WHAT WAS LEFT BEHIND

    They had been gone for almost half an hour, but Sir Douglas and Khol returned to where the trio had sat and quietly made camp amongst the tall trees. The cicadas and distant birds had made more conversation than Busco, Sareta and Master Gybalt, and what had been there had been awkward. All three of them were relieved when the two returned.

    ¡°We''re on the right track.¡± Sir Douglas said, plainly trying to hide his relief from the others. On the horizon, flew a flock of pink and white birds, barely larger than bright spots in the charcoal sky. The rain had been light, but constant, and all of them save Sareta had pulled their hoods over their heads. Thin droplets coursed the rim of her hat, and fell sporadically.

    ¡°Alright, then let''s get a move on.¡± Master Gybalt said, standing up, and the others followed suite.

    Sir Douglas led the path through the jungle, as the rain began to intensify slightly. There was still a clammy warmth to the air, thick and stagnant in their lungs. As they reached the clearing that Sir Douglas and Khol had found, Busco''s forehead was a cocktail of rain and sweat. The trees and foliage thinned out vastly, and they soon found themselves walking on dark grey rocks, as they reached the slopes of the great isolated mountain nestled in between the jungle. The peak rose high above them, with Busco pushing his tall head to its highest point just to see the very, and to his surprise, saw that even amidst the humidity of the jungles, it was topped with snow.

    Their boots crunched on the hard rocks below, and Busco''s breath began to heave as they breached the incline. The thin rain began to thicken, and the grey clouds had stolen the sky. A deep flush had taken over the entirety of his head and chest, and looking to his side, Khol and Master Gybalt had begun to feel the same too. Sir Douglas was ahead of them, and although his age had helped to slow him, he ascended the rocky slope far easier than them. Behind them, Sareta followed them as if on a relaxing stroll, watching the clouds roll forwards.

    ¡°Master...¡± Khol wheezed, pausing his great strides, and bowing in exhaustion.

    Without asking for any confirmation, Master Gybalt also stopped, wiping the mix of sweat and precipitation off of his face. Sir Douglas paused also, studying the party behind him. Busco felt the weight of his muscles as he paused, but stood tall, trying to hide the ragged breath hissing out of his nose. Sareta was humming as she caught up to them, and stretched her arms out above her head, smiling contentedly.

    ¡°You guys okay?¡± She asked sweetly. The three men and a minotaur nodded and grunted.

    ¡°We can''t be too far now.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    ¡°I think it''s just over this ridge.¡± Sir Douglas said, pointing with his head towards the rocky outcrop ahead of them.

    ¡°Let''s hope so. It''s gonna get dark in a bit.¡± Busco said, spinning his satchel over, and taking out his water-skin.

    Khol stood up straight, slowly, and nervously began to rub the back of his neck.

    ¡°Master? I just wanted to say-I am so, so sorry-¡± He began, full of guilt.

    ¡°I know Khol, you don''t have to keep apologising.¡± Master Gyablt said, irritated.

    ¡°Oh okay, sorry. I just wanted to help.¡±

    ¡°We know, Khol.¡± Sir Douglas said, turning towards them.

    ¡°Yeah it''s nothing to worry about, Khol.¡± Busco chimed in, with a cruel smile. ¡°It''s just you smashed an Astral Academy Master''s incredibly rare crystal we needed to finish our mission, and there aren''t anymore in the world like it.¡±

    ¡°Busco, that''s enough.¡± Gybalt said sternly, ignoring Busco''s dark chuckle.

    Khol sat on a set of rocks and dipped his horned head in between his crossed arms, so his face wasn''t visible. Sareta laid a sympathetic hand on his shoulder.

    Gybalt sighed and walked towards the minotaur. Busco felt a pang of guilt for his friend.

    ¡°Come on Khol, we''ve still got to find the castle.¡± Master Gybalt said, placing his hand on Khol''s arm, and gently urging him to stand up.

    Khol looked up at him with sad eyes, before standing up clumsily, his hooves struggling to find a footing on the slopes.

    ¡°We''re in the wilderness now. You''re not just students of magic out here.¡± He turned a grim look between Khol and Busco. ¡°Here, you''re going to learn a lot more than just about the tenets of magic. Anything can happen.¡±

    Khol nodded, his large black eyes welling up slowly.

    ¡°Master Gyablt''s right.¡± Sir Douglas added, descending slightly to meet them. ¡°We''re standing on ground that hasn''t been stood on for thousands of years. This is uncharted territory, we need all of you to focus, and no liabilities.¡±

    Sir Douglas gave a quick and angry look towards Sareta, who was mostly oblivious.

    ¡°Remember, so long as we''re out here,¡± He added, turning to once more take the lead in their party. ¡°Any one decision and wrong move can have consequences for others, so make sure you think through things carefully.¡±

    Khol looked at him solemnly as he walked the slopes, and Gyablt and Busco exchanged looks before setting up to follow Sir Douglas. Behind them, Sareta''s long Evean ears began to twitch.

    ¡°Wait, what''s that sound?¡± She asked.

    The others turned to look at her, focusing on the surrounding area. As far as the humans could tell, there was only the light brush of wind, the drops of rain landing on the rough rocks below, and the distant call of birds within the jungle beyond. Khol, However, also flicked his ears.

    ¡°Yeah, I think I can hear something too.¡± He said quietly,

    ¡°What is it?¡± Sir Douglas asked, firmly clasping his sword hilt.

    ¡°I''m not sure.¡± Sareta said. ¡°It sounds like something moving.¡±

    ¡°It sounds like rain.¡± Khol added.

    ¡°Where''s it coming from?¡± Master Gybalt asked.

    ¡°Over there, I think.¡± Sareta said, pointing towards the direction they were heading.

    Sir Douglas gave Gybalt a concerned look, but the master did not mirror this, instead, Busco thought he seemed to be acting on a theory again.

    ¡°Alright, let''s go see.¡±

    By the time they had reached the rocky ridge, the rain had increased to a much more steady rate. They all stood along it and stared at the slopes along the horizon. The clouds to the east were much lighter, silver amongst iron, and below them, were the yellow towers of the castle they sought.

    ¡°Looks like we''re nearly there.¡± Sir Douglas said, and Busco felt a deep sense of relief, but the sight of the towers themselves stirred a primordial dread at what they might find within its crumbling walls.

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    They began to descend the stony slopes, as the mighty mountainous sentinel watched them from above. Amongst the crunching of rolling rocks, Busco began to hear something too.

    ¡°Hey, I think I can hear it.¡± He said, listening to something that sounded like a continuous crash of water.

    ¡°Me too.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°Sounds like it''s close.¡±

    ¡°Really close.¡± Sareta said, louder than the others, wincing slightly with her sensitive hearing.

    At the bottom of the ridge they descended, was a shallow gorge, and on the straight outcrop of rock to their left came a steady stream of white water, pouring from several orifices in the mountain. The gorge had been turned into a large stream, with the water running furiously past large rocks, and down towards other ridges, before finally plummeting to somewhere unseen in the jungle below.

    Busco, Sareta and Khol laughed happily at the sight of it, it being their first sight of fresh-water since they had entered the jungle that day. Even Sir Douglas and Master Gybalt looked relieved, each smiling as they descended to get closer to the stream. The rain pin-pricked the surface of the flowing water before being swept away, and the group crouched down to wash their faces and refill their water-skins.

    Busco splashed the freezing water to his face, revelling in the refreshing shock of it hitting his face and dripping down its neck. He filled up the palm of his grey hand and drank gratefully, feeling the cold, soothing taste, and thinking that he had never tasted water so sweet. Down the stream, Khol and Sareta were crouching next to one another, talking and occasionally giggling when Sareta playfully splashed water onto him, and he responded with a much larger wave with his large hands. Busco smiled, and Master Gybalt crouched down next to him, refilling his water-skin too and drinking deeply, sighing with satisfaction. Sir Douglas stood closer to the cracks that ushered out the water studying it carefully, before gingerly reaching out a hand and testing the water.

    ¡°Don''t mind him.¡± Master Gybalt said with a wry smirk. ¡°He''s just being cautious.¡±

    ¡°About water?¡± Busco asked with a grin.

    ¡°Knights in the Old Order are taught to be survivors, and to carefully analyse each situation for threats. He''s probably weighing up whether the water is safe to drink, in his mind.¡±

    ¡°It doesn''t taste like there''s anything wrong with it.¡± Busco said, watching Sir Douglas carefully taste the water in his hand, and then draw his own water-skin.

    ¡°A good rule of thumb, apparently, is to only drink water from where you can see a source. Saves drinking anything that''s contaminated it further downstream.¡± Gyablt said as he pawed his hand into the refreshing water, clenching his fist, then releasing it, feeling it course past his fingers.

    Busco thought upon what he said, making a confirmation noise from his throat. Gybalt looked up at him.

    ¡°What?¡± He asked plainly.

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Busco said, hesitating before deciding to commit. ¡°It just seems odd to me that the order would teach such things when before now, when there was nowhere to go except the city.¡±

    Gyablt thought about this for a moment.

    ¡°They say the Old Order pre-dates the city by some centuries. Back when these lands were probably settled. They are a rigid group of paladins, designed to serve the people. They are chaste, loyal, and honourable to a fault, but more than anything, they are taught to be prepared for any such situation. It''s possible that the knights who first came to New Peridios thought that one day they might return to these lands, and that the Old Order would be there to protect those who returned to these lands.¡±

    Busco followed his master''s gaze as he turned it back towards Sir Douglas, who was now putting his water-skin back into his satchel, and descending the stones slowly.

    ¡°Protect them from what?¡± Busco asked, expecting the answer to be obviously about animals or monsters.

    ¡°From what was left behind.¡± He said quietly.

    Sir Douglas stepped towards the East and watched the horizon, where the yellowed castle stood silently.

    ¡°But no-one has left the city in thousands of years master.¡± Busco said quietly. ¡°Even with his training, he can''t be all that much more prepared than any of us. It''s not like he''s seen any action himself.¡±

    Gybalt turned to him, a look of curious irritation in his eyes, which seemed to soften when he remembered that Busco was still a student. No longer a beginner in the eyes of the Astral Academy, but still with a whole world to learn.

    ¡°I think you''d be surprised.¡± Master Gybalt said gravely.

    Busco chewed on this, with only the sounds of running water and the giggling talks of the two down the stream. Master Gyablt had begun to rise, and Busco went to follow, when they heard a scream of fear and a sudden splash of water.

    The three turned their heads quickly, and without a word, descended the stony slop to where Khol and Sareta now stood, on either side of the stream, watching the water intently. Sareta held her hands to her chest, and Khol watched the water intently.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Sir Douglas called down, coming down the slope quicker than the other two.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Master Gybalt called out pulling up the sleeve on his right arm, revealing a series of bronze bands on his wrist and a metal plate the back of his hand, in which an azure crystal was nestled.

    ¡°Th-There''s some-something in the water.¡± Khol said pointing towards the stream.

    Sareta took a step forwards, but her eyes were still locked to whatever was inhabiting it. Busco and Master Gybalt reached the other two, and Sir Douglas was shortly behind them, his longsword already drawn. The trio scanned their eyes for a few seconds, struggling to see what Khol was pointing out, when what appeared to be one of the larger rocks in the wide stream appeared to move.

    ¡°There.¡± Busco said, pointing at it, and Sir Douglas and Master Gybalt followed the path his finger pointed to.

    What was once a large, slippery rock, proved to be a thick, snake-like body, with a large, black round head, with a small, finned tail, and four stubby legs sticking out of its middle. The group watched as it moved slowly in the streaming water, raising its head up to lavish in the rain.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Khol asked quietly. ¡°Master?¡±

    The creature was about five foot long, and as they cast their eyes downstream, there were several more, all moving slowly or not at all. They were all close to the stream, either submerged by it or basking by its side.

    ¡°Hmm, I''m not sure.¡± Master Gybalt said with an air of curiosity. ¡°Some sort of reptile, it seems.¡±

    Busco watched with astonishment, crouching down to examine his first glimpse of life in these newly uncharted lands.

    ¡°Are-are they dangerous?¡± Sareta asked, clutching her hands close to her chest.

    ¡°Doesn''t look like it, or that big one would have had your foot off by now.¡± Busco said with a wicked smile.

    ¡°He''s right.¡± Sir Douglas said, stepping closer as he sheathed his sword, ignoring the scorns from Khol and Sareta aimed at Busco.

    ¡°I''ve never seen anything like it, in any of the menageries I''ve been to.¡± Sareta said quietly.

    ¡°You wouldn''t have. These creatures were thought to have disappeared into legend.¡± ¡°Sir Douglas said, examining them thoughtfully.

    ¡°You know what they are?¡± Master Gybalt asked, impressed.

    ¡°They''re salamanders.¡±

    ¡°Sala-salem-sal-aman-ders?¡± Khol said, frightfully confused.

    ¡°It was the emblem of Helder Schwarz- The Black Salamander.¡± Sir Douglas said darkly, and Busco turned to look at him. Master Gybalt gave him a look that was absolute in understanding.

    ¡°Who was he, Sir Douglas?¡± Busco asked him quietly.

    Sir Douglas replied with a look that appeared to be a wince, and turned away, meaning to continue the way to the castle.

    ¡°A paladin who turned from his oath.¡± He said sadly.

    A restless quiet fell on the travellers, and only the eternal flush of water continued. Busco dropped his eyes to the water, watching the debris wander down. Small bits of green and brown vegetation from deep in the mountains stomach, shards of stone, and occasionally a small black fish.

    ¡°Huh!¡± He said remarkably. ¡°Look, there''s fish in the water!¡±

    They watched as the miniscule creature surrendered itself to the current, and travelled into the open world.

    ¡°Aw! It''s so tiny! I wonder wha-¡± Sareta said, until she was interrupted by a splash as the salamander near them thrashed its head, evidentially consuming the fish.

    ¡°Well, there we go.¡± Master Gybalt said, as more fish flowed down the stream, and more salamanders splashed in their efforts to catch them. ¡°A world forgotten for thousands of years has developed its own ecosystem. Remarkable, truly.¡±

    Sareta''s face was of quiet horror, as she watched nature in its true course.

    ¡°Come on then. Day light''s burning.¡± Master Gybalt said, standing. The others followed suite, with Sareta lagging behind, apparently still coming to terms with the way this ancient world works.

    The group continued their march over the rocky slope, no longer needing to ascend, but the journey was no less arduous. Although Busco felt most at home on solid ground, the sounds of rocks like cries from old friends, they were still treacherous, attempting to betray his every footfall. Still, no-one struggled like Khol, who fell behind but did not complain. The nimble Sareta dancing in between the large rock and stone, but when she saw Khol lagging behind them, she slowed her pace and walked with quiet grace besides him. Sir Douglas and Master Gybalt continued their trek, allowing them to follow in their own time, occasionally throwing a quick glance behind themselves to make sure no harm had fallen them.

    Busco took a brief pause, resting his palms on his thighs. The yellow turrets of the castle had grown exponentially, like dim fires resting on a stony sky, and he guessed they were perhaps only a mile away now. He rested until Khol had caught up to him and turned to see the tired looking minotaur struggle to balance his hooves on the uneven surface.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Busco said, trying not to sound exhausted himself.

    Khol only nodded, taking a brief pause for himself too, wiping away the sweat that had mingled with his matted fur.

    ¡°We''re not far away now, at least.¡± Sareta said, stretching lavishly.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Khol said, in between pants.

    ¡°Who knows, there might even be beds inside and we can nap in something that isn''t a hammock.¡± Busco said with dreamy optimism.

    ¡°Well, isn''t that what you''re doing? Settling in there?¡± Sareta asked, innocently.

    The trio begun to move again, as their master and protector begun to turn into smudged dots.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°Well, you''re settlers, right? I just assumed we would be sleeping in there tonight.¡±

    Busco and Khol scoffed.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You think we''re settlers?¡± Busco asked, smiling incredulously.

    Sareta paused, letting the boys take the lead from her.

    ¡°You''re not? Then what are you?¡±

    ¡°We''re students.¡± Khol said breathlessly. ¡°Well, Master Gybalt and Sir Douglas aren''t, but we are.¡±

    ¡°From the Astral Academy. Don''t you recognise the robes?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°Well I, I just thought they were shabby, settler clothes, you know? Rough but durable, that kind of thing.¡±

    The boys laughed, and Sareta smiled comfortably.

    ¡°No, we''re students.¡± Busco said cheerfully. ¡°Master Gybalt chose us to go on a mission.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Sareta said, understanding.

    ¡°You came along with us without knowing what we were doing? That''s bold.¡± Khol said.

    Sareta shrugged, a little embarrassed.

    ¡°I thought I''d be able to sleep under a roof tonight, that''s all. That and, I was really hoping there would be showers where we were going.¡±

    ¡°Showers?¡± Busco said, laughing again.

    ¡°Well, I don''t know! I was just hoping, is all.¡± She said, blushing.

    The boys chuckled again, and they continued their march towards the faded gold ahead of them.

    ¡°So what are you guys doing here?¡± She asked after a few minutes.

    She looked at the struggling Khol, who just shrugged. Busco continued his walk, concentrating on not letting his feet slip.

    ¡°What? Is it a secret mission?¡± She teased.

    Busco smiled and turned his head slightly to her.

    ¡°You''ll see when we get there.¡± He said plainly.

    The slope descended, and the three moved quickly and carefully down it without incident, but even Sareta struggled. At the bottom, Master Gybalt and Sir Douglas patiently waited. The ground here began to even out, they saw with relief, and beyond was the castle, two towers of mustard-yellow brick with a long wall around it, and the tempered jutting walls of a hall within.

    ¡°Take a break, then we''ll go see.¡± Sir Douglas said, and the students reached for their water-skins.

    The damp humidity had eased itself slightly here, and the air was a refreshing coolness on their brows. Busco swallowed his water and studied the castle. Something about it was off, and not least the unusual colour. It was small, but the walls and towers were also short, standing at just over ten foot, at a guess. The left-hand tower had a tree growing besides it, at least, that''s what he thought at first. The tree was next to it, but its long, thick branches also bore through it, and the top part of the trunk twisted and melded with the towers, but the bricks had no signs of breaks or cracks. The walls themselves, appeared to have shrunk into the ground, the rocks were sticking up around the walls. The front gates were open, the doors too sunk into the barren earth.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°Time to do some investigating.¡±

 1.4-Down but not out

    CHAPTER 4-DOWN BUT NOT OUT

    Behind the golden castle, the stone sky was threaded with copper veins as the suns swan song tried to break through. An evening breeze swept itself through the surrounding thickets, frightening away the dank humidity of the jungle. Before the five of them, the open courtyard yawned, its sunken bricks seeping into the grey rocks of the mountainside. Sir Douglas took the first strides towards it, his right hand on his hilt, and his second leaning towards a dagger sheaved by his left thigh. His stride was calm, but his eyes were of a bird of prey, scrutinising every crumbling inch of the yellow walls before they had passed the gates.

    Busco felt a hammering in his chest as they passed beneath the gatehouse, the shadows being thrown upon them. He watched the sword-master move ahead of them with a dancer''s feet. To his right, was his master. Master Gybalt walked slowly, his eyes were immobile, but Busco knew they hid the complexity of any great machine behind them. He felt his mouth and throat dry up suddenly, but did not let himself fall into anxiety. He was well protected by the two other men here. Behind him, he knew Khol and Sareta were walking slowly. He could picture Khol holding his hands up to his chin, his back hunched with unease, even without seeing him. The courtyard was still and silent, the only sounds were the crunching of stone beneath boot and hoof. A breeze galloped itself past the walls to greet them, and Busco followed it as it sprang past Khol and throughout the gates, and into the jungle. In the distance, a bird called out, the stream babbled, but neither Sir Douglas or Gybalt said a word. They were in a trance, individual to the others, following the walls and structure with their heads, turning to follow its contours.

    Busco instead turned his attention to the ground. He studied the loose rocks on the ground, grey and smooth. He breathed deeply, closing his eyes as he did so, listening to the song of the earth beneath its rocky armour. There was a voice to the old earth, but he couldn''t understand what it said to him. He let the song fade back into wind, as the crunching of stone behind him grew to a halt. Here too, the rocks and wall melded. There were parts of tree jutting out from them, misplaced in between the dull gold, inter-spliced with something that should not be here. Sir Douglas continued to watch the air, a soldier in the courtyard, his hands beginning to relax themselves. As silent as the wind, Master Gybalt walked towards the hall. There were steps that led to the great wooden doors, more intersections of rock jutted out from them like needles from a pincushion. The two students watched as the grey mage ascended them with old knees, and studied the door, hovering a hand over them. There was black metal brackets along them, making a swirling pattern, and in the middle were two brass rings. His weathered fingers hovered over the rings, until suddenly he pulled his hand back with a grunt.

    Khol''s ears pricked up, and his eyes welled with fear.

    ¡°Master?¡± Busco asked quietly.

    The old master traced his eyes up and down the doors, and a quiet smile formed on his face.

    ¡°There''s some sort of spell on these doors.¡± He said loudly, stepping back, crunching one of the jutting rocks with his boot.

    He continued to crane his head, studying the arches that lapped themselves around the door.

    ¡°What kind of spell?¡± Sir Douglas asked.

    Master Gybalt descended the last two steps and walked backwards, his eyes covering every inch of the entrance.

    ¡°One that doesn''t want us to get in.¡± He said with an air of despondence.

    Busco shifted, pulling his cloak against him, feeling a chill form somewhere within the castle walls. Khol scratched the back of his head ponderously. Busco saw from his peripheral that Sareta had separated herself from the group, and with whimsical strides, moved towards the castle wall, and crouched down. Busco watched her, as she led a hand out, cradling a small white flower that pushed itself out of the wall.

    ¡°Sareta.¡± Came a bark, forcing her to flinch, locking eyes with a suspicious Sir Douglas.

    ¡°Don''t touch anything. Stay close.¡± He said in his usual manner of gruffness.

    Sulkily, she moved her head and back up, averting her gaze from the steel swords sent from his pale eyes.

    ¡°No, it''s okay Aeinon.¡± Gybalt called back, still not looking at the rest of them. ¡°I don''t feel any danger here.¡±

    Busco felt himself and Khol both relax, almost ashamed of how much tension he was holding in his lower jaw. The wind return, but this time, it carried the howl of a beast along with it. He and Khol both sent their gazes back towards from where they came, the tension suddenly rushing back like a wave.

    ¡°It''s not close.¡± Sir Douglas said. ¡°Maybe a legua or two away.¡±

    ¡°What is?¡± Busco asked, feeling his heartrate begin to drum again.

    ¡°It''s the monster.¡± Sareta said quietly. ¡°Don''t you think we should start heading back now?¡±

    ¡°We''ll be camping near here tonight.¡± Master Gybalt called out.

    ¡°Is that such a good idea?¡± Sir Douglas asked, lowering his voice.

    Master Gybalt finally turned his head to them, studying the fear in the young students, scratching at his mottled mass of hair.

    ¡°Sareta, it was your idea to join us on this expedition. If you wish to continue back to the settlement, it''ll be of your own volition.¡±

    Busco and Khol shared a look of unease, as Sareta began to deflate.

    ¡°I can take her back.¡± Sir Douglas answered. Master Gybalt looked at him sternly.

    ¡°It''s her decision, Sir Douglas, just like it was when she decided to join us. I commissioned you to protect me and my students, not every lost adventurer we come across.¡±

    Sareta clasped each of her biceps, folding her arms into her chest, the decisions forming in her head.

    ¡°As for you two,¡± Master Gybalt called out, building more and more authority into his voice, ¡°It''s time we tried to open these doors.¡±

    Busco nodded at his master, and then to Khol, who stood, a hesitating giant. Busco shifted his satchel off his shoulder and onto the floor, twisting his arm now free of its weight. Khol, began to do the same, in a more laboured fashion, still throwing Sareta a guilty look. Busco lifted his cloak off, feeling the chill now creeping along his shoulders and back.

    ¡°Busco.¡± Gybalt called, beckoning with his hand.

    Busco breathed in deeply, and strode along the rocks until he reached the steps, feeling the might of the hall and towers standing above him.

    ¡°Let''s try the door.¡± Master Gybalt said, ascending the stairs once more. Busco followed, feeling the traces of the songs below the rocks behind him.

    The great doors stood twice as tall as him, and watched him with unformed eyes. He reached for the great brass rings, feeling his fingers hesitate. Gybalt nodded for him proceed. With a deep gasp of air, he flexed his fingers over the ring, and grasped it. There was no smooth feeling of freezing metal beneath his grip though. All he could feel was static, a curious sensation that sent him bringing back his back, the touch of a thousand invisible tendrils stroking at his palm, each of a different temperature. He sent a shocked look to Master Gybalt.

    ¡°Did you feel it?¡± Master Gybalt asked with indifferent eyes.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°Some sort of barrier, I would imagine.¡± Gybalt asked, studying the door again. ¡°Place your palm on the door, not the rings. Tell me what you feel.¡±

    Busco watched his master carefully before slowly obliging. He placed his stone coloured hand on the door, seeing it ripple in the air.

    ¡°The same, it''s-¡± He started, feeling the ticklish sting of it again. ¡°Some sort of energy. It feels like I''ve placed my hand over electricity.¡±

    ¡°What else?¡±

    Busco felt heat at the back of his ears, the sudden exam flushing heat over the back of his neck. He closed his eyes, concentrating on the strange sensation in his palm.

    ¡°It almost...¡± He began, choosing his words carefully while being monitored by his mentor.

    ¡°It has the same feel of energy to your magic, Master.¡±

    ¡°Very good.¡± Master Gybalt said, turning back down the steps, and beckoning him to follow again.

    ¡°Khol.¡± He called out. ¡°It''s your turn now.¡±

    ¡°To-to-to touch it?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Master Gybalt said, shaking his head. ¡°To try and meld with the door.¡±

    ¡°To...what with the door?¡± Sareta asked.

    ¡°Khol''s gonna break the door with his magic.¡± Busco said with a malicious smile, and was met with a look of hurt from Khol.

    ¡°I just want you to try, Khol.¡± Master Gybalt said calmly.

    Khol stepped towards them, inhaling serenely, and letting it release again. He widened his stance, bringing in his massive palms together. Gybalt walked behind him, watching him next to Sir Douglas. Busco, however, took a step back, throwing a protective arm in front of Sareta, ushering her back.

    ¡°What is he doing?¡± She asked again.

    Busco chuckled.

    ¡°Khol''s an artificer. This is what he does.¡±

    Sareta''s face was one of absolute confusion. Busco rolled his eyes slightly.

    ¡°He can interfuse, or meld, with inanimate objects. Most great artificers say that each object, alive or dead, has a soul a skilled mage can tap into.¡±

    Sareta''s mouth became agape.

    ¡°And Khol can do that.¡± She said in disbelief.

    Busco snorted.

    ¡°Khol can make things explode.¡±

    The young minotaur broke concentration at that, sending an irritated look to his friend.

    ¡°Khol.¡± Gybalt said sternly. ¡°Concentrate.¡±

    With another deep breath, Khol began to slowly raise his hands, hovering them in front of the door. He began to shake slightly, holding his breath. Busco watched as the doors remained inanimate, and one of the rings began to pull itself with invisible strings.

    ¡°Good. Keep going.¡±

    Khol began to grunt, shaking more uncontrollably under the strain. The ring began to pull, but slowly, as if two invisible fingers grasped it from either side. A thin stream of smoke began to drift. With a mighty grunt, Khol released his hands, falling forwards onto the ground, breathing deeply.

    Sir Douglas walked over to him, gently placing a hand on his back.

    ¡°I-i-i-i-''m, s-s-s-sorry master.¡± Khol struggled to say.

    ¡°It''s alright Khol.¡± Master Gybalt said warmly.

    ¡°Why did you stop, Khol? You shoulda kept it up, I wanted to see the whole castle explode.¡± Busco said mockingly.

    Khol grunted, sending a large hand back towards the earth, unleashing a spray of stones and pebbles at his laughing tormentor.

    ¡°Enough.¡± Gybalt said tiredly, turning to address the group. ¡°It''s getting late, so we should start thinking about camp, before any further hypothesises. Still, we''ve learned a lot.¡±

    ¡°We have?¡± Busco asked, eliciting a damming look from his master.

    ¡°Absolutely. You determined the barrier to be physical, barring touch of the door, rather than preventing it from being opened. Khol, however, determined that he could access the door behind the barrier with his own abilities. Which means, the doors can be opened. Just not with any magic we possess.¡±

    The other four shared looks with each other, and then back to Gybalt with a quiet awe. Master Gybalt swept the grey hair out of his face, and rolled up his sleeve, once more revealing the three bracelets around his wrist. In the centre, a jewel caught the dying light of the sun.

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    Sir Douglas stood forward with a questioning look.

    ¡°Just one more test, Sir Douglas.¡± He said, reassuringly. ¡°If this works, we''ll be spending the night in the castle.¡±

    Khol had stood himself up now, and was watching keenly. Busco folded his arms, holding his own chest closely, hoping for the chance to sleep indoors tonight. The four watched as Master Gybalt once again climbed the steps, flexing the fingers on his right hand.

    ¡°Stay back.¡± He called out, raising his right hand.

    With graceful fluidity, he arced his hand up over his ear, and behind him, fingers splayed open. The jewel began to glow a deep blue. With a grunt of exertion, he sent it forward, towards the doors. The blue energy crackled around him, growing, coating his arms. The energy met and struck the barrier of the door, colliding in a brilliant flash, so great Busco shielded his eyes. In the blinding light, was the sound of a hundred knives scraping against a hundred sheets of metal.

    In the midst of a blink, he heard Master Gybalt call out, before watching as the old mage was flung through the air, spiralling, and slamming against the entrance wall. He fell, crunching on the jagged rocks.

    ¡°Master!¡± The two students called out, running to where he lay. Behind him, Sir Douglas overtook them, kneeling by his fallen friend. His dog-face shield rolled to one side on his back, and he whipped his cloak away from under his feet.. Master Gybalt was out cold, and behind him on the ochre bricks, was a spray of crimson.

    Khol knelt beside him clumsily, eliciting a distasteful look from Sir Douglas.

    ¡°Don''t touch him. Leave him be for now.¡± Sir Douglas said, placing two fingers gently under the mage''s chin.

    ¡°I-i-i-is-is-is he-?¡± Khol started.

    Sir Douglas shook his head.

    ¡°He''s unconscious. Still, we should be careful moving him until we can see what damage has been done.¡±

    He slowly placed his hand behind the mass of grey hair, and when it returned, his two fingers were splayed with blood.

    ¡°He has a head injury. I''ll have to treat it now. We can''t move him until he wakes up.¡±

    Busco watched, feeling suddenly very helpless and vulnerable without his mentor beside him. He looked back towards the old castle, the doors were unharmed, unchanged. From here, they now looked very small.

    ¡°What can we do?¡±

    Sir Douglas wiped his hand on his trousers, then cupped his mouth in thought.

    ¡°We may have to stay here until he''s awoken. Can''t risk all that open ground, especially if he has a spine injury.¡±

    ¡°There are medics back at the camp though, surely?¡± Sareta said, suddenly appearing behind them, watching him curiously. When she saw the blood on the wall, her eyes widened and her skin grew paler.

    ¡°Might be.¡± Sir Douglas said quietly, watching Gybalt''s chest rise and fall slowly.

    The wind grew in ferocity, rustling their cloaks. Sareta pulled her denim jacket tighter around her.

    Once more, there was a monstrous howl in the air. The same one as before, only louder now.

    Busco watched as Sareta began to shake.

    ¡°Sir, I really think we should head back.¡± She said, no more than a whimper.

    ¡°Are you so desperate to meet the monster?¡± Sir Douglas said with a venomous glance. ¡°This is the safest place we can be.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we''re not in Arnesfeld.¡± Busco said bitterly, feeling a pang of guilt as he watched the walls around her crumble.

    Khol stood up, and offered a comforting arm around her, but she walked away, sitting on a large rock with her back to them. She took her hat off, and held her head in her hands.

    ¡°So what do we do now, Sir?¡± Busco asked, trying to keep the steel in his voice from shaking.

    ¡°We''ll have to do something about those doors. Can either of you do that?¡±

    Busco looked around at the massive gates behind them, taller than if he stood on the minotaur''s shoulders.

    ¡°I can try.¡± Busco said. ¡°If not, Khol could always make them explode.¡±

    ¡°Will you stop?¡± Khol asked, distressed.

    Busco stood up, nodding thoughtfully as the guilt of teasing outgrew its enjoyment.

    Sir Douglas stood up, walking towards the packs and pulling out a rough grey blanket he draped over the unconscious Ganders, placing another roll under his head.

    ¡°You two.¡± He said, wiping the dust of his hands. ¡°Try and get a fire going, use the flint in my bag and some of those dead logs.¡±

    He pointed with his head at a piece of black wood, displaced by improbable circumstances, now discarded by the grey rocks of the mountain.

    ¡°How do we make fire? Magic?¡± Sareta said quietly to Khol, who set about picking up the pieces of dried wood strewn across the floor.

    What use are you here? Busco thought bitterly, as weariness, hunger and despair began to stew inside of him. He stood up, watching the oddly peaceful face of his master beneath a blanket, and strode towards the gates

    This is it.

    He stood beneath the open maw of the castle, reaching his arms forward, palms down, facing the earth. He closed his eyes, listening to the song again. The earth spoke to him, and this time, he could hear what it was telling him. A tightness grew in his palms, a concentration of great energy. He could feel the earth below him, and it was calling out to him. With a sharp exhale he pulled his arms upwards, but they did not raise. He felt the resistance of the earth, and he pulled harder. With a deep rumble, the earth began to rise. He pulled up again, straining against the weight of it. He had never connected with earth like this before. There was a beauty to its song, but it was unfamiliar. Coarser, harder than anything close to it on New Peridios. With a grunt he pulled further, and the earth rose more, a wall of dirt up to his waist.

    Just a little more.

    He gritted his teeth, his muscles began to scream, but still he pulled, the earth rose again, and with a roar he yanked his arms up over his head, and the wall rose over his head, to almost eight foot in height. Sweat began to pour from his head, and the tightness in his body loosened. He fell backwards, stopping himself with a weakened hand. He sat there panting, marvelling at his creation. There was a large gap between the rough wall pulled from beneath the skin of stone and the top of the archway, but it was enough to block the entrance.

    ¡°I think...¡± Busco said between pants. ¡°That''s the best...I can do.¡±

    ¡°Good work.¡± Sir Douglas said, impressed. ¡°That should keep us safe for tonight.¡±

    Busco walked back, with suddenly shaking legs, feeling every muscle in his body yearn for rest. Khol deposited a massive piled of wood into a pile, as Sir Douglas set about assembling a ring of stones around it. Sareta only stared at him, which he met with an annoyed glance.

    ¡°What was that?¡± She asked, incredulous.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You just made a wall? From earth?¡±

    ¡°Yeah? That''s my thing.¡±

    ¡°But I thought you would all have the same kind of magic. You know, the object-soul-exploding stuff?¡±

    Khol shook his head.

    ¡°No, the academy tries to mix us all up, so we can get used to working with other abilities and learn from them, all that stuff.¡±

    ¡°We do have our masters who teach us with the same tenets. Khol does, even I do.¡± Busco said absently, suddenly remembering his mistake.

    I did. I did have a master.

    "Well, Busco was the exception. See, Master Se does Balance magic, but there weren''t any Elementa Masters free for Busco. It''s like the most common tenet, right Busco? Whereas Balance has hardly any, but Master Se went out of her way to try and teach him some anyway. Right, Busco? Busco, am I right?"

    Busco turned his spear-like eyes onto the minotaur without saying a word. The swirls of fire consuming Master Se returned to the forefront of his mind again, consuming the castle and the people around him.

    ¡°Wait a minute, tenets?¡± Sareta asked, clueless. Busco tsked at her.

    ¡°Don''t you know anything about magic?¡± He asked bitterly.

    Sareta looked up in thought.

    ¡°Well, father had a gardener come in every fortnight. He used to wave his hands and the plants would move. Plus, I''ve seen the people pushing the trams with their hands. Oh! There''s that Moon Orkan restaurant where the chef puts on a fire show as he-¡±

    ¡°Right, right.¡± Busco said, waving her to be silent, rubbing his head that suddenly began to throb.

    Khol had finished piling the wood and stood up to his full height, stretching slightly.

    ¡°It''s the twelve tenets.¡± He said. ¡°Every person who use magic has access to one of these. We can use the energy that goes through us, and it mixes with the tenet inside of us, and then it comes out differently for everyone.¡±

    He scratched his head beneath one of his horns.

    ¡°I-i-i-is that right, Busco?¡± He asked coyly, glancing at the unconscious Gybalt as if he was about to wake up and scold him.

    ¡°Sort of.¡± Busco said sourly, wiping the sweat of his forehead.

    The night descended quietly save for the chirping of insects. The flies and mosquitoes began to gather in a swarm around the fire as they ate some of their rations.

    ¡°I''ll take the first watch tonight. We should be safe in here, thanks to Busco, but I''d rather not take any chances while Gybalt is unconscious.¡±

    ¡°Sir?¡± Sareta asked, in between chewing on her dried meat. She had pulled her jacket over her front as a makeshift blanket. Sir Douglas grunted in response as he stood up, silhouetting himself behind the crackling fire.

    ¡°You said the monster was about a legua away. How far is that?¡±

    Busco snorted. Not this again. Not just as we''re about to fall asleep.

    ¡°A legua is about 3 and a third miles, or roughly how long it takes for someone to walk in a hour, or so the old texts say.¡±

    Sareta continued to nibble cautiously on her dried meat.

    ¡°But it could have gone further away, right?¡±

    ¡°Even if it does come back, we''re well fortified here. Just try to get some sleep. I''ll douse the fire now, can''t risk anything smelling it more than it might already have.¡±

    He waved away a cloud of insects, and stamped the fire until only embers remained.

    Busco was wakened from more dreams of inescapable fire and burning smoke with a nudge from Sir Douglas. The forest was at its eeriest when it was silent. There was the occasional rustle and chirp from far away. It wasn''t until his eyes began to droop, when he heard a rough scraping and heavy breathing from outside of the walls.

    It was dawn that woke him next, this time from dreams of fantastical, many faced monsters. To his shame, he realised he had fallen asleep upright, not waking Khol for his watch. Relief washed over him as he saw everyone was still here and asleep, with Sir Douglas gently snoring and Khol breathing loudly. He poured his water-skin over a rag and dripped it into the still unconscious mouth of Master Gybalt as instructed by Sir Douglas, and used the rag to wipe at his forehead as the others began to stir.

    The four ate their breakfast quietly. Busco chewed on his stale bread, letting the sound of uneasy mastication envelope the sound of the courtyard. He studied the nervous Khol, the confused Sareta and the concerned Douglas as they ate their similar meals without a word of conversation. Sareta met his eyes and darted them away, beginning to study the empty castle.

    ¡°What do you think this place is?¡± She said, swallowing some bread.

    Khol looked round to study, but Busco and Sir Douglas remained staring at the empty halls.

    ¡°I dunno. S-s-s-some kind of castle, I guess.¡± Khol said with a mouthful of food.

    ¡°What a guess.¡± Busco said, snorting.

    ¡°Yeah, but what is a castle? Like the ones from fairy-tales and stories? I don''t know, I just thought they would be grander than this.¡±

    ¡°Those are stories, of course they''re going to be different than that in real life.¡± Busco said grumpily.

    Sir Douglas wiped his hands of crumbs and stood up.

    ¡°We''ll find out when Gybalt is awake.¡±

    Busco popped the last of his bread into his mouth, wiping his hands on his robes.

    ¡°Whatever it is, it''s not supposed to be here. That''s what Master Gybalt said, anyway.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Sareta asked.

    ¡°It doesn''t matter now.¡± Sir Douglas said sternly. ¡°Right now we need to think about getting your master some aid.¡±

    ¡°I thought we weren''t going to move him.¡± Busco said as he stood, stretching his still aching arms.

    ¡°We don''t have much choice. We don''t have enough supplies to wait long, and if he''s still unconscious, he might require more serious help.¡±

    ¡°So w-w-w-wha-what do we do?¡± Khol asked.

    Sir Douglas scratched at his beard.

    ¡°Khol, Busco, you come with me. We''re going to try and fashion a stretcher to bring him back to the settlement.¡±

    ¡°We''re going to carry him back?¡± Busco whined.

    ¡°We''re going to try. Come.¡±

    The three went to their bags, as Sareta watched on.

    ¡°What about me? What should I do?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Stay here. Get the supplies together to leave, and watch Gybalt.¡± Sir Douglas ordered.

    Sareta''s head sunk a little bit, and Busco began to pity her, lost and alone in a new world.

    ¡°We won''t be long.¡± He said, trying to reassure her, but she met his eyes with a look of sadness.

    He strode back on the crunching grey stones to his bag and kneeled down. Sir Douglas and Khol were talking quietly, and Busco used this moment to be discreet. Tucked inside his rough-spun blanket was the hilt of a dagger. Throwing another look at the distracted two, he took his moment quickly, grasping the polished, dark wooden hilt. It was curved slightly, and gave room for a silver serrated blade. He breathed deeply, feeling his heart race at its touch. His brother''s dagger, given to him before he went away.

    He never said why or where he was going. Only that I might need this soon.

    He fought against an escaping chuckle, realising now he was right. It was of exceptional craft, with a mark of the Silver-Dvergr, the dwarven crafts-folk that were unparalleled in their production of swords and armour. Not a cheap knife, and maybe not one best suited for hacking against trees. He felt himself lost in the silver blade, staring against angry, youthful eyes in its reflection.

    ¡°Busco.¡± Sir Douglas called.

    Busco whipped his head around, snapping himself out of his trance. Sir Douglas beckoned him towards the two of them. Busco instinctively pushed the dagger back into its hiding place, and stood up. Sir Douglas had unrolled a set of tools, with several small knives. As Busco walked towards them, he saw Khol was already holding a small, stumpy knife that had shrunk in his giant hands. Sir Douglas pulled an even smaller one out of its sheath and flipped it, the handle facing Busco. Busco held it, feeling his heart-rate began to dull.

    ¡°We''ll use these.¡± Sir Douglas said, pulling out his own, much larger dagger. ¡°try to get some good sized branches, we''ll tie them together for a stretcher.

    ¡°Okay, sir.¡± Khol said dutifully., while Busco only nodded.

    The trio stepped towards the earth wall, and Sir Douglas gave a signal. Busco adopted his stance, feeling the energy well in with him, the sound of the earth in front of him. He contained the energy in his hand, clenching it into a fist, and threw it forward. The wall exploded, the rush of force sending the debris ahead of them. The sound reverberated under the gatehouse, forcing Khol to cover his ears. Busco felt his heart throbbing. The dust began to clear, and the three stepped out, back into the base of the mountain, kicking away stray clumps of dirt. There was a dip in the earth where the wall had been pulled from. The morning heat rushed out to meet them, as they stood staring at the mass of the jungle before them. It stretched out beyond reckoning, seeming to grow only deeper and taller.

    ¡°Stay close together.¡± Sir Douglas said. ¡°No wandering off, and watch your fingers when you''re using those.¡±

    The three fanned out, blades in hand. Busco began to make himself a pile, sawing and hacking at the branches, clearing off the stray twigs as he lay them. He could hear the louder smacks of blade against tree from the other two, but save for that, the jungle was quiet. Sweat began to bead on his forehead, and he moped at it with his wool cloak. He took a moment, hearing the swipes of metal against tree fade out, and the distant sounds of the empty jungle take point. Bird calls and rustling of leaves, insects buzzing. Directly in front of him, the movement of an animal. He stood upright, clenching the tiny knife tightly, wishing for his brother''s blade. His eyes were iron, focusing directly on the mass of trees and ferns in front of him. It was silent again, for a second, and Busco assumed whatever it was had bounded away, until he heard it breathing. It was loud, far louder than an ordinary person''s breath. It reminded him of the noise from last night. He steadied himself, ready to call out, when he saw the golden orbs in the black spaces between the leaves, just before they moved towards him.

    With a snarl the creature moved with ferocious speed, knocking him down, onto the rocks behind him, every bit of air escaped him. The creature bounced off of him, the great weight of it freeing his burning muscles. His vision began to blur, but whatever was on top of him was huge and powerful, reeking of damp dog and blood. One of its mighty paws pushed itself down on top of his shoulder, squeezing his lungs and forcing jagged rocks into his back. He opened his mouth to scream, but his chest was empty. Its great jaws opened, and soon the only thing that existed this world was a row of swords embedded into gums. The knife had been thrown from his hand, and his arms were useless.

    With a great roar, the minotaur threw himself against the creature. Its weight was thrown of him, leaving him gasping and coughing. He rolled over, feeling the stones against his fingers, willing his vision to stop swirling. His ears rang with the chorus of a thousand church bells, as he heard the crunching of stone heading towards him. Before he had time to be afraid, he saw the burst of silver dust beneath leather boots and a reverberation that resembled his name.

    ¡°Busco! Are you alright?¡± Sir Douglas asked, reaching for him.

    Busco turned to see the panting Khol, looking back at his two companions, eyes a mass of fear and adrenaline.

    ¡°Get back!¡± Sir Douglas shouted, brandishing his shining sword.

    Busco scrambled away, his flight response rewiring his brain to be a creature that knew nothing except to flee. He felt two great paws on his shoulders, twisting in fear, only to see the kind eyes of his friend, who yanked him to his feet. Busco stumbled, falling against a tree. Sir Douglas stood in front of him, gleaming sword held in both hands, and before them, was the creature, reeling in the dust before the trees and dirt.

    ¡°Run! Back to the castle!¡± Sir Douglas yelled.

    In an instant, Busco and Khol spun on their toes and raced up the mountain slope, scrambling with both hands and feet. Busco turned and saw Sir Douglas, deftly moving backwards, keeping the beast in his sight, as it began to stand up again on its four feet. As they reached the top of the slope, they broke into a full sprint, back to the open gates of the old golden castle. There was a beating of a drum. Claws against stone. The beast was on them again.

    It pushed its massive head against Sir Douglas as it sprinted past him, lifting him off his feet with its great snout, his yell muffled with surprise. His sword flew through the air, landing after he did, closer to the castle than they. Busco grabbed at Khol''s arm, trying to push him behind him, but his strength couldn''t move the minotaur.

    ¡°Sir Aeinon!¡± Khol called out.

    The creature spun on its paws, a great dust cloud birthed from its landing. Here, in the dismal grey light of morning, Busco could see it for what it was. It stood almost as tall as he, well over six foot, on four massive palms. Where it not for the size of its jaw, Busco might of thought of it as a massive wolf. It''s jaws were elongated, like a crocodile''s, and through its snarl he saw dozens of razor-like teeth. It was several shades of brown, growing darker towards the bottom of its limbs and its speckled hide, and along its back reached a long, black mane towards a bushy tail that whipped at the wind. Busco stared at its golden eyes, sensing a feral hatred unlike anything he had ever witnessed before.

    There was a moan below it, as Sir Douglas struggled his head up, in between them and the beast. Busco felt his boots sink into the mountain''s surface, song at the ready. The creature leapt towards Sir Douglas, a mighty pounce on fallen prey. Busco pushed his foot into the earth, feeling it swallow him up to his ankle, feeling it like a warm embrace. He was a creature of instinct now, and flight had given way to fight. As soon as his foot was one with the earth, a piece of jagged earth had jumped out in front of him, coated in stones and ore. Busco felt it, an extension of himself and the earth had separated, hovering in the air. He pushed his fist forward, striking at it like he did at the wall. With a clap of force, the earth went sailing towards the creature like a cannonball, striking it in the side just as both paws landed on either side of Sir Douglas''s shoulders. With a whimper the creature was sent flying back down the mountain slope, scrabbling as it fell, until only a cluster of dust remained. Khol immediately set towards Sir Douglas helping him up and checking for wounds. Busco stared at where the beast once was, and to his hands. He had channelled the sounds of the earth and made them move. Not anywhere in New Peridios, from the training grounds of the academy to the parks of Heather Gardens had it been so easy.

    ¡°Busco, you did it!¡± Khol shouted, elated.

    ¡°Nice shot.¡± Sir Douglas wheezed, stumbling towards his sword.

    ¡°You took it out!¡± Khol continued, opening his arms to embrace his friend.

    There was a snarl, and the sound of moving rock, as the creatures'' head revealed itself again.

    ¡°Down, but not out.¡± Sir Douglas said, clutching his weapon. ¡°Move! Back to the castle!¡±

    The three sprinted once more, this time with more of a lead. The gates seemed only to grow further, as Busco''s mind whirled, ready to hear what the earth had to say. This time, the wall would be twice as tall, ready to collapse and bury it. Every organ and muscle began to cry out, but soon they would be inside and safe, at least, that''s what he had been hoping for before he saw that she was outside.

    Like a lost child, Sareta stood with trembling hands both clutching a small knife she had taken from Sir Douglas''s arsenal. She was ten feet from the gates, her hat sitting on top of her shaking head. Her eyes were wide, and looking at the creature, her legs looked like they were about to buckle. The three reached her quickly, waving their arms madly.

    ¡°Get back! Get back inside!¡± They cried.

    She would not move, staring at the pursuing creature.

    ¡°It-it''s the monst-¡±

    Busco and Khol reached the great doors, looking back to see that Sareta was a statue, and Sir Douglas had turned, sword raised, and the creature leapt once more. Before Busco could even feel the energy dwelling in the base of his palm or the bottom of his finger tips. Sir Douglas was in front of her, with only his blade before the beast. The great creature''s jaw snapped shut, as the blade slid in between its great teeth, crunching against the steel. Sir Douglas yelled out, as its massive jaw was long enough to reach his forearm, sinking into his leather bracers and chain, dropping small blots of blood. Busco ran towards Sareta, pulling her behind him.

    ¡°Get back!¡± He yelled, moving towards the creature, which twisted its head, lifting Sir Douglas once more off of the ground, as he struggled to pull his arm from the monster''s mouth, dragging him along by his knees along the jagged surface.

    Busco ran to help, just as the creature turned, knocking him down with its mighty hide. He felt the surface rise up to meet his back, the rock and stone sinking their teeth into him. The beast dropped the struggling Sir Douglas onto the ground, and he slumped, the sword once more slipping through his fingers. Busco felt the earth beneath his fingers and heels, heeding to the earth''s song, but he was deaf to it. The creature turned to him, Aeinon''s blood leaking from his mouth. It set its golden eyes on him again. He was the prey, and it was the predator. This was the order of things on this world.

    There was a flash of blue, white and violet. A burst of energy that sprung past him, rustling against his platinum hair and wool cloak. It struck the creature, a blinding flash that rippled and screeched as it had when it had struck the door. The creature roared, as the screeching overtook its sound, and the flashing died down with its silence. As Busco''s eyes began to spot from the light, he saw the creature had disappeared. The blood remained on the rocks, and soon only dust and pebbles remained. Sir Douglas struggled himself up, looking back with amazement, and Busco followed the direction.

    Leaning against the doors, was the bandaged and wheezing Gybalt. His cloak was roughly thrown on, and the bracelets on his wrist were steaming.

    ¡°Don''t worry.¡± He panted. ¡°I got him.¡±

 1.5 -Its all or nothing now

    CHAPTER 5-IT''S ALL OR NOTHING NOW

    The water stole his air when it collided with his chest. Busco sank into the sapphire water, salty fingers penetrating his nose and poking at his eyes. He returned to the surface, his eyes stinging and sinuses burning. The golden rays jabbed at him like a sword, as he swished his drenched hair about. The humid heat baked the cold water pooling on his chest. He snorted the last of the sea-water out from his nose, his feet balancing delicately on the sharp, uneven stones beneath him. He turned back to the beach-head, where the nervous Khol stood anxiously, feeling the gentle waves splash against his hooves.

    ¡°Come on Groken, it''s not so bad.¡± He called back.

    A piece of human shaped debris floated past him, lying flat on his back, letting the current take him. Busco watched Artifae, feeling a sense of serenity at seeing his friend half submerged in the sea. He looked back and saw Khol hesitate, looking back to the moving workers and sailors still on the beach.

    ¡°Just run in. It''s not that cold.¡± Busco shouted, as Artie pushed himself up, bobbing in the water.

    ¡°You''re sure there''s n-n-nothing in there?¡± Khol shouted back, faintly.

    ¡°Just dive in already, you big muss.¡± Artie shouted, laughing.

    The two watched Khol suck in his breath, stepping back, and running full pelt into the water, the stones crunching under his mighty stride. With a yell, he stumbled and fell face first into the water, sending a wave of cold water at the two boys. The minotaur disappeared, replaced by large sinking bubbles, until he jumped back up, gasping and shaking from the water.

    ¡°It-it-it-it''s sol c-c-c-cold!¡± He shouted.

    Busco and Artie laughed, waving their hands beneath the surface, feeling its sensations between their fingers, the gentle brush of vegetation and debris that drifted past them. Busco felt his legs sink, the cooling caress against his skin and muscles.

    This isn''t so bad. So long as I can still touch the ground.

    The trio dried themselves with their cloaks, feeling the sticky warmth on their chests, even as the sable clouds began to roll in. Artie had locked steely eyes with Deniz, the Gorillon foreman, and rushed back to work, while Busco and Khol took their time making their way through the clearing. By the time they reached the settlement, there were small spots of rain appearing on their shoulders, yet the heat still remained.

    The main settlement was half a mile away from the beach-head, and had been cleared of trees. There was a river, over thirty feet wide, that winded itself north before feeding into an estuary. There were numerous leather tents, and multiple cabins, with more under construction. The largest building was very central, even boasting two stories already despite the roof not being finished yet. Everything was built from dark wood from the lumber of the cleared trees nearby. There were talking figures by it, of various species and in different fashions; from merchants, politicians to sea-farers. It seemed to be the central government building for the settlement, but their destination was a smaller tent.

    Under the dark-green leather, the medical tent was hanging low, but wide. There were half a dozen beds, straw mattresses without frames, laid out, but only one was occupied. Sir Douglas was sitting upright, bare-chested, with a bandaged wrist. His hair was undone, spilling towards his shoulders in gentle waves, giving him the look of a younger man. Besides him were two figures-one was the distraught Sareta Chebe, who had taken off her hat and jacket amidst the heat, who watched the two enter with a relieved smile. As they held aloft the canopy for their tall frames, the outside world disappeared, replaced with the gentle drumming of accelerating rain on the tarp. As they entered, Busco became suddenly aware of the smell of salt-water being dragged in, mixed in with the smell of anti-sceptic balms.

    Opposite to Sareta, still winding the bandages over Sir Douglas''s wrist, was the only medic on the new continent. Ruroro was one of the River Elementals, with an ethereal teal glow to her skin. She hovered her webbed hand over the bandages, feeling the energy flow through Sir Douglas''s wrist. Her hair was clear, like perpetually running water, flowing downwards towards her back. She was adorned in a green vest and cargo trousers, with thick black boots. There were spots of dark green and brown pigment all along her arms and shoulders.

    ¡°We''re going to have to put it in a sling for now.¡± She said directly. Sir Douglas only groaned in response.

    Khol pushed himself in under the cover, bumping clumsily against Busco. One of his horns caught on the tarp, tearing it, forcing Ruroro to whip her head around quickly, tsking as she did.

    ¡°Be careful with that if you''re coming in.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I''m-i''m-i''m-i''m so-¡±

    ¡°Groken.¡± Sir Douglas croaked. ¡°Why don''t you go see Master Ganders? I''ll be outside in a bit.¡±

    Khol looked sadly at Busco, and then to Sareta, who both gave him reassuring smiles, as he ducked out and wandered back into the rain.

    ¡°Great, another thing that needs repairing.¡± Ruroro muttered, closing her aid-box.

    ¡°He didn''t mean to. He''s just clumsy.¡± Busco said defensively.

    Ruroro muttered, taking her box and standing up, swiftly heading for the exit. As she did, she coughed grotesquely into a fist.

    ¡°What''s her problem?¡± Busco asked, walking to her stool and seating himself.

    She turned, catching him with bright but dark eyes, like pools of mud with green flashes of algae in their depths. The River Elementals lacked any external ear appendages, with orifices in place of them. She held one of her almost amphibian fingers and wagged it sternly at Busco.

    ¡°I came here to help people out, and all I''m doing is plucking out splinters and nursing ego''s back. Still, I don''t have time to fix a constantly tearing tarpaulin. Who''s gonna fix that? It''s just me here.¡±

    She ended her tirade with a thick cough into her hand that led to more, and Busco saw there were dark pools under her eyes, a common trait for most River Elementals, that made them look sick or tired. She turned and pushed up the sheet and walked into the rain.

    ¡°I''m not surprised no-one else wants to be in here.¡± Busco muttered to himself.

    Sir Douglas sat up, wincing.

    ¡°How are you feeling, Sir?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°I''m alright. Just a fractured wrist bone. Shouldn''t get in the way too much if I''m careful.

    ¡°Is there anything I can get you?¡± Sareta asked quickly, searching his face with her eyes.

    ¡°No, I''m fine. Ready to get up now.¡±

    He made to move and she made to catch him as if he were falling.

    ¡°I''m serious, I''m fine.¡± He said gruffly.

    ¡°I just want to help.¡± She said, flinching slightly. ¡°After all...¡±

    Busco held his tongue, fighting against the urge to drill in the guilt. He looked at Sir Douglas, expecting a stern, venomous glare, but what was there was soft and reassuring.

    ¡°You don''t owe me anything, Sareta. A knight''s duty is to protect those in need. I''m just glad I was able to.¡±

    Busco watched as the glaze of fear and anxiety began to dissolve and vanish from her. Her eyes began to glisten.

    ¡°Although next time I ask you to stay away, I need you to stay away, understood?¡±

    She nodded, wiping at her eyes. She looked at Busco, as if noticing him in the room for the first time.

    ¡°I''ll leave you two to it.¡±

    She stood up gracefully, stepping past Busco and outside. Sir Douglas reached for his tunic, noticing the strange look Busco was giving her.

    ¡°You shouldn''t blame her. I don''t.¡± Sir Douglas said, pushing his left arm into one of the sleeves, and dragging it over his head.

    ¡°I guess.¡± Busco said, feeling strangely annoyed.

    ¡°She was careless. We all are, from time to time. Especially when we''re young.¡±

    Carefully, he pulled his bandaged arm through, and pushed it over his coarsely haired chest. Before they disappeared. Busco saw faint ghosts of scars along his side and stomach.

    ¡°I don''t know. There''s just something about her that bothers me.¡± Busco said, wringing his hands softly.

    Sir Douglas chuckled lightly.

    ¡°I noticed. Something about her upbringing.¡±

    Busco met his cool blue eyes, less vibrant than his own, but swimming with archaic knowledge.

    ¡°She has a naivety to her, sure. I grew up in the Lynchlands, like you. I never saw the houses of Arnesfeld until I was already a man. It staggered me to think of having your own house, not to be in one of the stacks with a hundred other families.¡±

    He pushed his left hand onto the bedding raising himself to meet Busco at eye level.

    ¡°At the end of the day though, she''s never left New Peridios before, just like you, and just like me. This is a whole new world for all of us.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Busco said, rubbing his forehead. ¡°I was just thinking about when she was talking before, about how her only experience of magic was people using it as a service for her. My mother was a waitress, and my father was a builder. He has similar magic to me, so they used him in the tunnels connecting the Lynchlands to Matala''ana. Just feels like we''re all in service to the rich, and they have no idea how any of it works.¡±

    Sir Douglas watched the young student, feeling the hidden anger beneath the surface. Busco felt his cheeks redden.

    ¡°Sorry, Sir. That came out of nowhere. You have other things to worry about.¡±

    ¡°No, it''s okay. It''s a good thing to be angry about.¡± He placed a firm hand on Busco''s shoulder, kindness seeping through his eyes.

    ¡°It''s not an easy life, to come from where we have, the poorest parts of town. Especially as a Nocterran. You and your family would have endured hardships I couldn''t fathom even if I tried.¡±

    Busco found himself nodding, validation sweeping itself through his chest.

    ¡°The hatred, discrimination of who we are and where we''ve come from, often-times it comes from above, but it can stop at the bottom. Who we chose to be kind to and protect, that defines a man. When I joined the Old Order, I swore an oath to protect everyone and anyone I could. You, Groken, your master, and even her, at the cost of my life and body. As long as I can, I will. Those who can, have an obligation to help. That''s what I''ve always believed.¡±

    ¡°Even if they don''t deserve it?¡±

    Sir Douglas shrugged, releasing his grip on Busco''s shoulder.

    ¡°What someone decides to do with said help defines their character, but less so than that of someone who chooses to give it.¡±

    Sir Douglas stood up with a groan, stretching his back. Busco continued to sit, watching the old knight.

    ¡°It''s the same with forgiveness.¡±

    Busco felt something in his chest. Behind his eyes was a roar of fire and the glint of a silver dagger.

    ¡°Now, I''m going to find somewhere I can go to the toilet at. You should get some rest. I''m sure your master will want to head back to the castle soon.¡±

    Busco nodded, standing up, resuming his stance of looking down at the old dog.

    ¡°Okay. Thank you Sir.¡±

    Sir Douglas smiled gently at him, and turned to gather his affects. Outside, the rain had calmed, and the clouds began to slowly dissipate. The crowds began to resume, coming out of their tents and cabins. The soft ground gave in under his boots, a new type of song for him to hear. He watched as the crowds billowed around him, and found his gaze falling on the larger building again. In the mix of it all, was Gybalt Ganders, talking calmly to a large Black-bear adorned in a velvet robe. Along his claws were numerous gold rings, and a chain hung around his neck. In between his two ears was a matching hat made of similar material to his robes, and a pair of spectacles were balanced on his snout. He gesticulated frequently, flamboyantly so, as Busco approached the two.

    Master Gybalt turned to Busco with a half-smile. The bandage was still on his head, but he looked well rested, much younger than his grey hair and beard would say. Upon seeing Busco, he beckoned him to meet with the two.

    ¡°Master.¡± Busco said, bowing his head slightly, suddenly glad to see him moving about.

    ¡°Busco, I¡¯d like you to meet Mahaan Blare, the one who discovered the coast here. Mahaan, I¡¯d like you to meet Busco Quinn, a student of mine.¡±

    Busco straightened himself up. The bear was taller than he, though not as much as Khol, towering over the old human between them. Mahaan stared down through his spectacles with curious eyes. The hair around his muzzle and eyes had grown grey, and there was a sag of skin around his neck. With a jewelled claw, he rubbed his chin.

    ¡°A student, you say?¡± Mahaan growled. ¡°One who might help you with the way-stone?¡±

    Gybalt shook his head.

    ¡°No. As I said, it would require a colleague at the academy. One of the same school of teaching as I-¡°

    ¡°Hmmm. A pity.¡± Mahaan said absently. ¡°A teleportation network would greatly increase the number of migrants to Promise Coast.¡±

    ¡°As I said, creating a way-stone takes a tremendous amount of communication and ability to create. Without the usage of comm-stones or a through-line, I wouldn¡¯t be able to co-ordinate with the mage on the other side.¡±

    ¡°To create a portal, right?¡± Busco said, attemtpign to assert his own knowledge.

    ¡°Correct.¡± Mahaan said, now studying him with much less interest. ¡°Perhaps this is something you will speak to your colleagues about back in the city, mister Ganders?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Gybalt said with a forced smile.

    ¡°Very well.¡± Mahaan mused as he passed the two of them, his exquisite robes rolling in the wind until he disappeared into the crowd.

    Busco looked at his master with a puzzled glance.

    ¡°Promise Coast?¡± He asked.

    Master Gybalt chuckled, moving away from the building, and towards the thicket of trees. Behind it, Busco could hear the running of water.

    ¡°Blare¡¯s decided that¡¯s what this settlement will be called. Or future city as he calls it, and he will be its governor.¡±

    He laughed again.

    ¡°He¡¯s nothing if not ambitious.¡±

    The two walked towards the foliage, as the trees became shorter, and the bushes became taller.

    ¡°Have you checked in with Sir Douglas?¡± His master asked him.

    ¡°Yes master. He seems well.¡±

    Master Gybalt raised his eyebrows.

    ¡°In good spirits?¡±

    Busco only nodded.

    ¡°Did he say something that bothered you?¡±

    Busco took a moment, staring through the thicket towards the rolling river. It was almost mud coloured, and moving deceptively fast. He could feel his master¡¯s eyes, coursing past clothing, flesh and bone.

    ¡°No, Master.¡±

    Master Gybalt continued to study him, before finally giving way, and following Busco¡¯s stare into the water. There were much fewer people here, save for a few who filled buckets and washed clothes. On the other-side of the river, the bank was mirrored, with thicker clusters of bushes and a denser coalition of trees.

    ¡°Can you drink the water?¡± Busco asked naively, cutting the silence.

    ¡°As Sir Douglas says, you shouldn¡¯t drink water from anywhere you can¡¯t see the source of, but yes, it is fresh-water. It will be the main source of water for Promise Coast for a while.¡±

    Busco laughed.

    ¡°Promise Coast. It¡¯s a Hel of a name.¡±

    Gybalt laughed in return.

    ¡°Just wait to you hear what he¡¯s named the river. The Blare Water.¡±

    The two laughed together, perhaps for the first time. Afterwards, Master Gybalt sighed deeply, and passed a reassuring look to his student.

    ¡°Sir Douglas told me you handled yourself well with the creature, and the wall. He said he was impressed with how you used your magic.¡±

    Busco fidgeted, suddenly embarrassed, as Gybalt bared down on him with a heavy stare.

    ¡°Were you taught in the art of Hran-Thu?¡± He asked his student.

    ¡°A little.¡± Busco answered carefully. ¡°My father is an active member of the Nocterran community they have in the Lynchlands. Every Sunday we''d go to hear the Stone Sage preach, and afterwards we''d have classes.¡±

    His eyes began to glaze as he remembered the smell of sweat and dirt in the white halls behind the chapel. The art of Hran-Thru was an aggressive martial style, focused on strong strikes and defensive curls, all while utilising the earth magic most Nocterrans possessed through heridetary means.

    ¡°I rose a couple of rings. My brother, Havrok, was the second highest ring. He took it a lot more seriously than I did. I wasn''t into the fighting so much.¡±

    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    He let his mind drift to when Havrok held his black ring around his waist, only one year away from going to brown. The delight in his parents eyes that he tried to match, but felt it fall away when he saw the hatred, and the anger in his brothers eyes.

    ¡°That''s what drew you to the academy.¡± Master Gybalt assumed.

    Busco nodded.

    ¡°It wasn''t the fighting that I was good at. What I was good at, they said, was using the earth to my advantage. I didn''t win a lot of my spars, but I impressed the Stone Sage. He wanted to train me, to be like my brother, and I think it was hearing him say that, that made me want to go to the academy.¡±

    Gybalt nodded sagely, feeling every word and listening to every intake of breath Busco took.

    ¡°Master Se saw that. Even more than the Elementa masters. She knew what it was I had to listen for. She basically told me to forget everything they taught us at the chapel about fighting, and now I think I understand it.¡±

    ¡°I thought you might.¡± Gybalt said, casting his gaze over the river. ¡°The earth here is different, isn''t it?¡±

    ¡°It is.¡± Busco nodded, almost gleefully, but fighting to remain stoic.

    ¡°She was an incredible teacher, Master Se.¡± Gybalt said fondly. ¡°She had a way of understanding people, in her own abrasive way. She could read people like a book, and she often used that to irritate them. Not to me, though.¡±

    Busco studied his master, seeing the adoration in his eyes, and brought his own gaze into the mirror of water. The brown current began to turn silver, and he saw Master Se for the first time, with her arms folded, waiting impatiently for him to follow her. She was of the Theropodii, a race of reptilians. The Theropodii were descended form carnivores, with front facing eyes, and long jaws filled with sharp teeth. Her claws were long and her tail always swept unpredictably behind her, threatening to batter whomever was in her wake. Yet, despite the maroon scales and orange eyes, there was a kindness to her gaze. It was of a curiosity few possess; one of the world and the people who inhabit it.

    ¡°Soon you''ll be assigned a new teacher, Busco. Perhaps when we return to Astral.¡±

    Busco whipped his head around, his eyes behind flint, but Gybalt did not meet his stare.

    ¡°It''s one thing to miss and to morn, but you''re still learning.¡±

    ¡°I''m supposed to just move on? Just forget all about Master Se?¡± Busco asked hoarsely, coaxing Gybalt to finally meet his eyes.

    ¡°It''s not about forgetting, Busco. It''s about taking what she taught you, and applying it. We''re always learning, Busco, not just in school.¡±

    Gybalt turned his back to the river, but did not make to move.

    ¡°I knew Se a lot longer than you did. I will miss her everyday, but I don''t hold anything to my chest.¡±

    He turned, and gave Busco a soft smile.

    ¡°She''s still with me. Every time I think of her, she''s still with me, and every time I ask for her advice, I know what she would say.¡±

    Slowly, he pushed his way past the bramble, and began to make his way towards the camp. Busco remained still, held in place by a crushing force.

    That''s because you don''t know. You probably still think it was an accident.

    Busco unclenched his jaw, feeling it tightly fused. He released his fists, feeling the humidity spread along the back of his hands. He forced his feet ahead of him, but his head was bent low, his brow pushing towards his chin. He needed to find somewhere quiet. On this new continent, he suddenly felt too crowded.

    He saw a clearing, perhaps one that ran perpendicular to the Beaten Path, and strode towards it, daring any one of the crowd to bump into him and incite a confrontation they might regret. Through the swarm of words, he heard his name called, clear and consistent. He turned on instinct, and grimaced when he saw the huge hand of a minotaur waving above a gaggle of workers.

    He increased his pace, making his way for the wall of trees when the stomping behind him grew louder and louder.

    ¡°What?¡± He hissed at Khol.

    Khol bent his back, recovering his breath.

    ¡°Oh good, you heard me.¡± He said cluelessly.

    ¡°Leave me alone, Khol, I''m going for a walk.¡±

    ¡°Great, I''ll come with you.¡±

    Busco gritted his teeth but held fast against the thoughts in his head. His teeth became a barrier for the hurtful truths that threatened to burst past them. Awkwardly, the two pushed past branches, Busco ducking easily, but Khol complaining loudly when a tangle of leaves became trapped in his horns.

    ¡°Ow! Are you sure this is a good place to walk, Busco?¡±

    ¡°If you don''t like it, stay at camp.¡± Busco grumbled.

    He heard Khol murmur defeatedly, and continued to press his hooves against the roots and leaves of ancient trees. The light began to diminish.

    ¡°So, I have to talk to you about something.¡± Khol asked, pushing past a large branch.

    Busco sighed. There was a great metal weight in his forehead, dragging him down. He pushed past another branch, and a small opening around a large tree emerged. The light was almost non-existent here, but what did exist cast golden stripes on the trunk and floor. There was a host of flying insects here, that the two swiped at, but to no avail. One left a great buzzing sound in his ear as it almost flew into it.

    ¡°Okay, so-he-he-he-here''s what I wanted to talk to you about.¡± Khol said, swatting away, his small ears twitching beneath his horns. He straightened himself out, pushing his chest out, breathing daringly, preparing himself

    Busco turned, placing his hands on one of the large jagged arms of wood that sprang from the tree, feeling its silver surface, but recoiling after noticing the amount of ants that populated it. He clapped his hands together, and saw Khol in his confident stance.

    ¡°What?¡± He finally asked.

    ¡°What do you think of Sareta?¡± Khol asked quickly, the traces of nerves in his voice evident.

    Busco clenched his jaw, not the least bit surprised, and pretended to muse upon it.

    ¡°That she''s a spoilt rich kid who thinks the world should behave exactly how she wants it to? That she''s entitled and annoying?¡± He spat.

    Khol looked horrified, causing Busco to smirk cruelly.

    ¡°Why? What do you think of her?¡± He asked, little more than a taunt.

    Khol bent his head down, his tail whipping in front of him, and he cradled it with both hands, ringing it gently.

    ¡°I-i-i-i- don''t know. I-i-i-i-i- I think she''s nice.¡± He said bashfully.

    Busco scoffed.

    ¡°You like her, right? Is that what this is about?¡±

    Khol blushed under his coarse fur.

    ¡°X-almighty, Khol, you''ve known her for what? A day? You don''t even know how old she is, she''s an Eve, she could be fifty for all you know.¡±

    ¡°She-she-she''s twenty-one, actually.¡±

    ¡°Right, and you''re sixteen.¡±

    Khol released his tail sulkily, kicking his hoof against a rock.

    ¡°I don''t know. I just thought she was nice.¡± He said sadly.

    Busco tsked and shook his head angrily.

    ¡°Yeah well, you''re an idiot.¡± He said, blinded by persistent rage.

    Khol shot his head up, the tinges of anger and betrayed seeping into his great brown eyes.

    ¡°Why are you being like this?¡±

    ¡°Why? Because I have more important things to worry about than this. I came her to be alone, Khol, and you''re following me here to ask me about your weird crush, and I don''t want to hear about it.¡±

    Khol began to bristle.

    ¡°Ever since we landed her you''ve been nothing but mean to me, but you''re not like this.¡±

    That was it. That was the hammer that broke the barrier.

    ¡°You don''t know anything about me!¡± Busco shouted, his teeth clashing against each-other like swords.

    Khol''s eyes began to soften and his face began to sink.

    ¡°I thought I did.¡± He said mournfully. ¡°You''re my best friend.¡±

    Busco felt the icy armour around him crackle and break, revealing what was beneath. His teeth were sheaved and his hands released themselves.

    ¡°Me?¡± He asked Khol softly.

    The minotaur rubbed at his eye with his wrist. He turned to go, pushing past one of the branches. Busco made to call out to him, but the words never got past his throat, as he watched the great lump trudge through the bushes, the last few moments replaying in his head and sending a strike of agony through his head. He sank against the tree, ants be damned, and let his body fall to the floor. There was so much pressure in his head, he thought it was going to explode. The anger and the sadness hardened into a resin behind his eyes, and began to seep through his tear ducts.

    ¡°Busco?¡± Came a voice behind him, so sudden he jumped to his feet.

    As he watched with a pounding heart, the Desert Eve peered through the leaves.

    ¡°Oh X-almighty, you nearly gave me a heart-attack.¡±

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Sareta asked, gently pushing herself through the branches.

    Busco nodded, clearly in pain.

    ¡°I didn''t mean to eavesdrop, I swear, but you know.¡± She said, embarrassed, as she pointed to her elongated ears.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Busco said, deflated. ¡°You did?¡±

    She slipped herself through the bushes gracefully, wrapping her delicate hands around the larger branch, watching him carefully. She was absent of her jacket and hat, wearing a black shirt and shorts. He shamefully pulled his robe sleeve over his fingers and wiped at his mouth, feeling the pressure begin to subside. He tried to think of something to say, some way to build a defence for himself, but nothing was coherent. She spun on the trunk she was cradling and laid her arms over the large branch that diverted itself from the trunk, and rested her chin peacefully on her arms, The rain began to increase again, bouncing gently off of the leaves around them.

    ¡°What are you doing out here?¡± He asked, finally.

    ¡°The same as you, I suppose.¡± She mused. ¡°I needed some space to think.¡±

    Busco sniffed, rubbing at his eyes with the heel of his palm until he saw spots.

    ¡°I guess you heard what he said about you.¡± Busco grunted, and Sareta chirped in response.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± She said awkwardly. ¡°That was sweet of him.¡±

    Busco scoffed.

    ¡°He''s an idiot. He knows you''re too old.¡±

    Sareta raised her head defensively.

    ¡°Hey, I am not too old.¡± She said bitterly.

    Busco chuckled darkly, scratching at the back of his neck as raindrops continued to drip down his back.

    ¡°You know what I mean. He''s a teenage student. We both are, but he just fell for you because you''re the first female to give him any attention.¡±

    Sareta stood up straight.

    ¡°You know, you don''t deserve Khol as a best friend.¡± She said venomously.

    Busco pushed himself up along the trunk.

    ¡°I didn''t ask him to be my best friend, I didn''t even know we were best friends.¡±

    ¡°You didn''t?¡± She said, scoffing. ¡°How? It''s obvious!¡±

    ¡°We were just partnered together at school. He was so dorky and clumsy, I wasn''t asking him to latch on to me.¡±

    Sareta crossed her arms, looking at him with dissatisfaction. Busco looked her in the eye, suddenly under a spotlight, and unable to do anything but shrug.

    ¡°I wasn''t looking for friends. I have a lot going on.¡±

    It was Sareta''s turn to tsk at him.

    ¡°I don''t think that matters Busco.¡± She said, relaxing her voice slightly.

    ¡°Why?¡± He asked, frowning.

    ¡°He came to you, he looks up to you. Even I can see that.¡±

    Busco pinched at the skin on his forehead.

    ¡°I don''t want to think about this. I''ve got other stuff to worry about, without upsetting him.¡±

    Sareta sighed, placing her hand delicately on the trunk.

    ¡°You''re lucky to have a friend like Khol. I never did.¡±

    Busco straightened his neck.

    Save me the sob-story.

    He turned to silently leave, back towards the settlement.

    ¡°What brought you out here?¡± She called to him, causing him to turn his head. ¡°Don''t say your master or a boat or anything funny. You came here with them for a reason, but not for the same reason as the others.¡±

    Busco felt his shoulders relent.

    ¡°I''m...I''m looking for someone.¡± He said slowly.

    He could hear her light footsteps on the undergrowth stepping towards him.

    ¡°Someone who hurt you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± He exhaled. ¡°Not really. They hurt someone close to me.¡±

    ¡°When you find them,¡± She asked carefully. ¡°Are you going to kill them?¡±

    Busco turned to look at the settlement, but there was nothing there, just a blurred painting of what a still life should be. Outside, the sun began to bare down once more.

    ¡°Yeah. I am.¡± He said, as stoic as he could be.

    ¡°Busco,¡± she said, almost desperately. ¡°Wait a second.¡±

    She stepped closer to him.

    ¡°I''m not sure what I''m doing here.¡± She said, almost a plea. ¡°I know I''m not cut out for this kind of thing, but I''m learning. I promise, I am. I feel terrible for putting Sir Douglas in the way of trouble, I really do, but I know he''s forgiven me.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Busco growled, the anger beginning to bubble inside of him again ¡°You think I want to forgive him for what he did to her? I don''t. I want to find him, and I want to kill him. Painfully.¡±

    She gaped at him fearfully, not recognising the beast he had transformed into.

    ¡°You don''t have to.¡± She whispered, he only snarled in response. She placed a hand on his shoulder, one that he shrugged off.

    ¡°You have friends here. You should focus on being with them, helping them, rather than hurting someone else.¡± She said, bringing the confidence back into her voice.

    ¡°You don''t know what this is like! To lose someone you care about. Oh, everything''s so great and fine and lush in Arnesfeld, where everyone can pay to make everything better, but it''s not like that in the stacks, the Lynchlands, or anywhere else in the world!¡±

    She waited for him to finish, but was clearly wounded.

    ¡°My life hasn''t been so easy, just because I''m from Arnesfeld. You shouldn''t judge people for where they came from.¡±

    Busco snorted.

    ¡°Right, because no-one in your family would judge me, or Khol, or Sir Douglas because we came from the Lynchlands?¡± He stared with forced determination into her eyes, and she did not relent.

    ¡°I left, Busco. I left because I wanted to meet people outside of Arnesfeld.¡± She stepped past him, and pushed towards the bushes, and turned her head, looking at him sadly.

    ¡°I know you''re angry, Busco. All I''m suggesting is to try and replace the hate.¡±

    ¡°With love?¡± Busco scoffed, folding his arms.

    Sareta only nodded, as she dissapeared from the dark grove. Outside, the rain finally stopped. The velvet curtain of the evening draped along the shoreline. Far beyond the sea, the horizon was a deep black. Behind them, the Silver Tooth, the mountain where they had been to and from, glittered against the last of the light.

    ¡°Everyone''s been talking about the monster you guys saw.¡± Artifae said, unleashing a stone into the water, listening to the satisfying plop against the indigo water.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Busco said, picking up a handful of stones, inspecting each one, and dropping the unsatisfactory ones.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Artie said, chuckling. ¡°Some of the workers are too scared to leave the camp now, even to take a dump.¡±

    Busco laughed lightly, taking a perfectly flat stone and attempted to skim it across the waves.

    ¡°The mountain-hunter, they''re calling it. Some want to go out, see if there''s any more to hunt like that one Master Gybalt obliterated.¡± Artie continued,

    Busco sent him a confused look.

    ¡°He didn''t obliterate it. He teleported it. Don''t you remember? That''s his thing.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Artie said, unleashing another stone as far as he could into the untold darkness.

    The pair wiped their hands, and stood still for a moment.

    ¡°What was it like? Fighting against something like that?¡±

    Busco became statuesque, remembering the hot breath and smell of carrion on his cheeks, the sheer force of will pinning him down. His throat became dry, as he remembered what it was like to stare into the void that became that monster''s throat.

    ¡°Like nothing you can imagine.¡± He said quietly as his friend continued to watch him.

    ¡°I''ve been thinking about going with them.¡± Artie said after a pause. ¡°Learn how to hunt things like that. You never know, there''s probably even bigger and scarier monsters than that I can learn to kill.¡±

    Busco shot him a serious look.

    ¡°Don''t talk like that. You have no idea what''s out there.¡±

    Artie only shrugged.

    ¡°It''d beat making huts for stinking old sailors.¡±

    ¡°What did you expect when you came out here? Some grand adventure?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Artie said nonchalantly, and Busco felt the anger begin to simmer in his stomach again.

    ¡°X almighty, you sound just like that girl.¡± He turned, crunching up the sloping stones and onto the sand as Artie gracefully kept up with him.

    ¡°Yeah, what''s with that Eve girl? You think you could introduce me?¡± Artie asked with a wicked smile. Busco turned to meet him in the eye.

    ¡°Yeah, if you both promise to stay out of our way. She almost got Sir Douglas killed because she wanted some grand adventure,¡±

    Busco turned to walk, as Artie stayed, stung.

    ¡°Hey, what''s with you?¡±

    Busco bristled, turning slowly.

    ¡°I''m so sick of everyone acting like this is some game, back in school or whatever. It''s serious out here, and I''ve got to-¡±

    He stopped himself, the words trapped behind his bottom teeth, as Artie looked on, concerned.

    ¡°What''s going on, Quinny?¡±

    Busco looked around, not seeing anyone he recognised, and gestured with his head to a secluded part of the beach-head, and they stood by some trees that swayed gently in the wind. A small crab fled from their boots, and the two were alone. Artie continued to look at his friend gravely, the most serious the two had ever been together.

    ¡°Artie, we''re friends right?¡± He asked.

    Artie looked cofnused, stung and surprised all in one roll of his facial features.

    ¡°Yeah, of course.¡±

    ¡°I need to tell you something. Something I haven''t told anyone else. Something you absolutely cannot tell anyone else, got it?¡±

    Artie nodded slowly, but Busco did not answer right away. Still scanning the darkening beach, the words auditioning in his head and falling to the way-side until he could come up with the perfect summation.

    ¡°I found out who killed Master Se.¡± He said cautiously. ¡°He''s here. On this island.¡±

    Artie''s eyes grew wide until they were likely to push themselves away from his head.

    ¡°Killed? What-you''re, what?¡± Artie bumbled, and Busco continued to fix his stare at him. ¡°But that''s not possible. It was an accident, right? Everyone knows that.¡±

    Busco felt his jaw clench one more, the foundations below beginning to give.

    ¡°I was there Artie. I saw the flames that took her in the hall, and when I went to help her, there was a figure. A man, I think. He was tall, with silver hands.¡±

    The wind whipped through them, an invisible flail. The sounds of the ocean grew dim, and the two friends existed alone, on a beach within infinity.

    ¡°Silver hands?¡± Artie whispered, feeling the words decay on his tongue.

    ¡°I thought it was a trick of the light or something at the time, but now I know it''s true.¡± Busco nodded. ¡°Apparently he wasn''t alone, however. There was a secret trial, one that I was allowed to give testimony for, but not allowed to witness.¡±

    ¡°What? What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°The guardsman captured someone else, who was imprisoned secretly. A Consumer.¡±

    ¡°A Consumer?¡± Artie hissed, shivering. ¡°Creepy.¡±

    Busco nodded.

    ¡°The Consumer was sentenced by a panel of judges, all appointed by the council. I gave my testimony that there was a different figure, the one with silver hands, but it wasn''t considered that it was anyone else. They took what I said and applied it to this guy, but I know he wasn''t a Consumer. Too tall, for one. He was sentenced to life in Braddock''s Dungeon, and everything was swept under the rug. Not even a statement was released, and the official statement to the rest of the academy was an unfortunate accident, caused by this poor Consumer guy.¡±

    ¡°But how do you know it wasn''t them? What makes you so sure they weren''t the one with silver hands? Gloves, gauntlets, magic or something?¡±

    ¡°A feeling.¡± Busco said slowly. ¡°At first.¡±

    Artie watched him, dumbfounded,

    ¡°I got some information.¡± Busco said dangerously. ¡°From The Whisper.¡±

    Busco watched the colour drain from Artie''s face, as he knew it would, for he had just said the most dangerous name in the known world.

    ¡°No.¡± Artie said, the ghost of a whisper. ¡°Busco, tell me you didn''t.¡±

    ¡°I had to.¡± Busco said solemnly.

    ¡°No.¡± Artie said again, looking to the ground, then to the sea, then around for spies, then back into his friend''s eyes. ¡°Are you insane?¡±

    Busco shrugged.

    ¡°What else could I do?¡±

    ¡°What else?¡± Artie said, more furious then Busco had ever seen him. ¡°You''ve just signed your own death warrant.¡±

    ¡°It was a trade.¡± Busco said shortly. ¡°Information, for-¡±

    ¡°For a favour.¡± Artifae finished bitterly.

    ¡°Eventually.¡±

    Artie took a step back from Busco, his head lost in a cloud of thought.

    ¡°I can''t believe this. This, Busco, this is the worst thing you could have done.¡±

    Busco felt his fists clench.

    ¡°I had to.¡±

    ¡°Stop saying that. Please¡± Artie pleaded. ¡°No-one, and I mean no-one, knows who this guy is, but he knows everything, they say. He could be an immortal spirit, a demon, or just some guy with connections, but he''s the Hel-damned spectre of death, Busco. If he wants you for a favour, you''re never getting out of that, he''s got you for life.¡±

    ¡°He''s here, Artie. The man with silver hands who killed my master.¡± Busco said, bracing himself against the expected onslaught. ¡°His name is Sylo Teht.¡±

    Artie stepped back again, kicking at a small rock, sending a plume of sand towards the shingle.

    ¡°And if he did? If he is here? You really think you''re gonna kill a trained assassin, or whatever?¡±

    Busco felt himself freeze, feeling his fingers enclose around an unseen dagger.

    ¡°I''m gonna find out why he killed Master Se. Then I''ll find out what I''m gonna do.¡±

    ¡°This is stupid Busco. This is so, so-¡±

    ¡°Imagine if someone killed your mother, Artie, or one of your siblings. What would you do if you were the only one who knew who killed them?¡± He said with finality.

    ¡°Master Gybalt brought me here for a reason, and this is it.¡± Busco turned, fighting against the rage that had been threatening to burst through his veins all day.

    ¡°This is it, Artie. It''s all or nothing now.¡± He said, wandering back towards the settlement.

    There was laughter in the night.

    The darkness that fell upon the Ajivan coast was all consuming, unlike anything that could be replicated in the city. The sky melded with the sea, and all became black. Fires had been lit all along the coast and settlement, with groups huddled around the warm air. Lanterns had been attached to the cabins, and below them swarms of moths and flies circled each-other in endless rhythm.

    ¡°Maybe we should let them.¡± Master Gybalt said, his face draped in orange and red, a playful smile beneath the sinister hues.

    ¡°What? Soil themselves or find the monster?¡± Sareta asked, inciting another bout of laughter from the group, particularly from Khol.

    ¡°Seeing some of them sailors,¡± Sir Douglas said, digging into his tin can with a spoon for the last remnants of his stew, ¡°I''d reckon they''d do both.¡±

    Even Busco managed to smile at that, despite the weight that had collected beneath his scalp.

    ¡°Perhaps we should recommend Busco to them, as protection.¡± Master Gybalt said, peering over the smoke.

    Busco smiled to himself, as Khol clasped his shoulder.

    ¡°Then who would we have?¡± Khol said gleefully.

    ¡°Sir Douglas.¡± Busco said, feeling his cheeks begin to burn. ¡°Or Master.¡±

    ¡°Well, I suppose we''re lucky it''s the three of us then.¡± Sir Douglas said, smiling.

    ¡°While we''re here Busco,¡± Master Gybalt said, ¡°It might be a good idea to spar with Sir Douglas.¡±

    Sir Douglas made a murmur of agreement as he scraped the last of his stew.

    ¡°I''d be interested to see how well trained you are in Hran-Thru, Quinn.¡±

    Busco shifted, embarrassed to have the attention brought to him.

    ¡°I don''t think that would be a great idea with your injured arm, Sir.¡±

    ¡°If Sir Douglas is using his left hand, it might actually be a fair fight.¡± Master Gybalt said, and the group laughed.

    Even Busco felt his tension release, smiling into the fire between them. Behind them, was the clattering of tin and glass as Artie stepped behind them, over the log were Busco was sitting, and clumsily through himself down, sighing.

    ¡°Looks like we''re in luck.¡± Artie said, excitedly, brandishing his glass jug filled with a dark liquid.

    ¡°Oh no.¡± Sir Douglas said quietly, licking his spoon clean.

    Artie cackled as he poured the viscous liquid into one of the six cups and passed it to Busco, as Khol tried to peer at what was inside. It smelled like some sort of chemical cleaning agent, not something Busco wanted anything to do with. Artie eagerly poured them out into small measures and handed them out, with only Sir Douglas declining.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Sareta asked, wincing as she sniffed it.

    ¡°Ship-shine.¡± Artie said, pouring himself a measure, gleefully. ¡°It''s what the sailors have been making from the plants and sugar here. They put it in barrels on the ships, and it''s usually ready after one trip back to the city, then one trip back here.¡±

    ¡°Is it good?¡± Khol asked, gingerly sniffing it with his large snout, and snorting in response.

    Artie took a large sip of his own, gritting his teeth and twisting it into a smile.

    ¡°You don''t drink it for the taste.¡± He said happily.

    Gybalt smiled and raised his tin cup to Sir Douglas, who shook his head, but held with a grim smile. Busco raised the cup to his lips, and as the cloying liquid passed, felt his lips and throat immediately burn. He pulled away from it, feeling his lungs begin to burn, fighting against a cough that eventually burst out through his teeth. Sareta took a dainty sip, pulling a mortified face at the taste. Khol, however, took a more brazen gulp, and immediately spluttered and coughed, shaking his head fiercely, while the others laughed.

    ¡°Th-tha-that''s...actually quite nice.¡± He said hoarsely.

    ¡°No it isn''t, you liar.¡± Busco said, and Artie laughed, offering to refill Khol''s cup.

    ¡°Don''t drink too much. We still have a mission to continue tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Are you guys going back to the castle?¡± Sareta asked, almost hollow.

    Master Gybalt nodded, swallowing a small sip of Boat-shine.

    ¡°Ar-are you not coming?¡± Khol asked, cradling his cup as the fire crackled and sparked.

    ¡°No.¡± She said, bashful. ¡°I''m actually staying to help with Ruroro.¡±

    Busco raised his eyebrows.

    ¡°Really? You''re staying with her?¡± He asked.

    ¡°She''s actually really nice once you get talking to her.¡± She said happily. ¡°I think she was just in a bad mood when you spoke to her, Busco.¡±

    ¡°River Elementals are known for being eclectic.¡± Sir Douglas added. ¡°If you believe in such stereotypes, of course.¡±

    Busco nodded, staring into the dark liquid that turned amber beneath the fire-light.

    ¡°When are we leaving?¡± He asked.

    ¡°As soon as we''re ready tomorrow.¡± Mater Gybalt answered, finishing his drink.

    ¡°More, Master?¡± Artie asked, and Gybalt nodded.

    ¡°You don''t have to call me Master, Artifae, if you''re not a student.¡± He said, as Artie stood up to refill. He paused a second, before nodding and refilling his cup.

    ¡°Where did you get this stuff, anyway?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°Ah.¡± Artie said, sitting back down, and pouring himself a hefty measure. ¡°I traded a shift for it tomorrow. Just moving some logs and materials around, shouldn''t be too hard.¡±

    ¡°It will be if you keep drinking that stuff.¡± Sir Douglas said, poking the embers with a stick, causing embers to flee and dissipate in the night air.

    Busco finished his drink, continuing to wince.

    ¡°You want more?¡± Artie said, his face relaxing greatly.

    ¡°No, not right now. I gotta go.¡± Busco said, feeling his head beginning to spin as soon as he stood.

    He stepped clumsily in the darkness, leaving the laughing group around the fire behind him, feeling a relaxed smile pull at his cheeks. He stumbled towards an empty stretch of trees, preparing to lift his robes up, when he saw someone in the shadows.

    ¡°Who''s there?¡± Busco asked, steeling himself.

    Slowly, a figure stepped out from between the trees, almost invisible, save for the dim light of distant fires. It was the strange fellow from the boat, wrapped in an indigo coat. Beneath his cowl, it was impossible to see what was there, but whatever it was had been watching him. The purple wraps were still present, coating his face and arms. Busco felt his fists tighten.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± He asked, trying to embolden his voice. The figure continued to only watch. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Finally, the cloaked figure began to talk.

    ¡°I know what you''re looking for.¡± The voice said, a gravelly hiss.

    Busco stood, swaying in the warm breeze. The figure was smaller than who he remembered from around the burning halls of the academy.

    ¡°Show yourself. Let me see your hands.¡±

    He sunk his foot into the soft earth, calling upon it.

    ¡°He''s here. I''ve seen him.¡± The voice was almost serpentine.

    Busco was too stunned to think, to move.

    ¡°You''re a Nocterran. I know Nocterrans...You all have a distinct smell.¡±

    Busco tightened with anger, ready to strike.

    ¡°Enough with this cryptic nonsense. You better start talking some sense, and quickly.¡±

    The figure hissed wordlessly, clacking its tongue against its teeth, turning to disappear into the night. His hands were grey, but not silver.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Busco called, stepping towards it.

    ¡°Busco?¡± A deep voice called behind him, followed by the stomping of hooves.

    Busco pulled his eyes away from where the figure was.

    ¡°Who were you talking to?¡± Khol asked, concerned.

    ¡°No-one.¡± He said absently sitting himself down, his thoughts were of hands, grey and silver. Khol drained another cup, wincing comically loud and shaking once more, eagerly holding out his cup for more, as Gybalt watched, concerned.

    ¡°I think that''s enough, Khol.¡± Sir Douglas said seriously.

    ¡°Oh come on, Sir.¡± Artie complained, pouring out a measure anyway. ¡°One more won''t hurt.¡±

    ¡°I''m afraid it will.¡± He replied, staring into the flames.

    ¡°What''s the matter, Sir? Do you not like it?¡± Sareta asked innocently.

    ¡°Oddly enough, I can''t imagine I would.¡± He said wryly. ¡°In any case, considering what we''ve seen here so far, I would say it''s best if one of us had a clear head tomorrow.¡±

    Master Gybalt grinned at the old dog.

    ¡°I appreciate you for helping me get my money''s worth out of you, captain.¡± He said coyly.

    Sareta''s ears pricked up at that, as she cradled her drink with both hands.

    ¡°You''re a captain, Sir?¡±

    Busco and Khol both looked at him with renewed interest, and he nodded solemnly, absently poking the fire.

    ¡°Of a ship?¡± Khol said suddenly, swaying slightly. Sir Douglas was the only one to chuckle.

    ¡°No, not of a ship, Groken, it''s a rank in the Old Order. It goes, initiate, rookie, journey-man, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, chaplin, commander, and then chaplin-commander.¡±

    ¡°You missed out cleric, and cleric-captain.¡± Master Gybalt added numbly.

    ¡°There are other branches in the Old Order yes, but for the bulk of us, those are the ranks.¡±

    ¡°Sounds similar to the academy.¡± Busco said.

    ¡°Probably similar to a lot of things.¡± Master Gybalt said, only half of his grin was visible by the shadows.

    ¡°So, you''re pretty close to the top then, Sir?¡± Busco asked.

    Sir Douglas only nodded, twirling the stick within his fingers slowly, not daring to look at any of them. Master Gybalt watched him gravely.

    ¡°Who is the top dog now, Sir Douglas?¡± Artie asked, reclining on his log.

    ¡°There isn''t one.¡± He replied quietly.

    ¡°No Chaplin-Commander?¡± Busco asked curiously.

    Sir Douglas still shook his head.

    ¡°So who runs it now?¡± Sareta asked, leaning forwards to study his face through the ember filled smoke.

    ¡°I suppose that would be me, the last captain.¡± He said, little more than a mumble.

    ¡°But you''re not a Chaplin-Commander?¡± Busco asked, frowning.

    ¡°No.¡± He responded sadly. ¡°To be anointed as a commander, or any rank above, must be by someone at the highest rank of a branch, and there aren''t any of those left now.¡±

    A silence fell upon the group, but it was endemic to only here. Across the coast were the echoes of songs and laughter. Busco shifted uncomfortably on his seat, feeling the rough bark dig into his buttocks. Artifae drank quickly, while Khol swayed in the wind, the others stared into the fire.

    ¡°I guess that''s not so surprising.¡± Artie said boldly. ¡°I''d always heard the Old Order was dead anyway.¡±

    Sir Douglas slumped, wounded, and Gybalt sent a furious steel look at the Westerner who only continued to drink.

    ¡°What happened to them, Master Douglas?¡± Khol slurred, still swaying.

    Busco smiled at him, but then turned to see the old knight, whose face was painted red and gold by the flames.

    ¡°You said something before, about a paladin turning from his path. Was that something to do with it?¡± Sareta asked carefully.

    Sir Douglas stared into the burning void, suddenly alone. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and transcendent.

    ¡°Helder Schwarz, the Black Salamander, was a captain, like me. Before me, I should say. It was a commander who turned him, and half of the order. They turned on us. It was a bloody war, a civil war of sorts. Many of my friends were killed, brothers and sisters. Those of us that survived, turned away from the path. It was forsaken in many ways.¡±

    The group watched him, transfixed.

    ¡°It was the last Chaplin-Commander, a great Evean warrior called Sanyi Cua. He promoted me with his dying breath, to rally the last of the knights against the uprising.¡±

    ¡°Sanyi Cua.¡± Master Gybalt repeated, feeling the memory flow past his lips. ¡°A stoic but diligent knight. Perhaps more preoccupied with the politics relating to the council of New Peridios than his order, if I remember correctly. If he had been...¡±

    Sir Douglas turned to study Gybalt''s passive face, his own wrought with grief and regret.

    ¡°No-one could have seen the uprising coming. By the time the war had broken out, many who wished to stay true to the old code had left. It was never an even fight, for those best skilled in blade-craft were the dissenters. After Sir Sanyi''s death, I was left with a rabble of priests, healers and infirm.¡±

    ¡°But didn''t the guardsmen help?¡± Sareta asked, perplexed.

    ¡°They were bound not to interfere, even at the cost of innocent lives.¡±

    ¡°By who?¡±

    ¡°The government.¡± He sighed. ¡°As much of it was burnished under as possible. Battles were blamed on gangs, the decline of the order on planned obsolescence.¡±.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Artie asked, screwing his face up.

    ¡°It means something that was always planned to fail eventually.¡± Master Gybalt answered. ¡°The New Peridios council tried to argue that the Old Order was redundant, as there were no enemies to fight, a waste of tax-money and council funds.¡±

    ¡°Hence why your commander was a politician?¡± Sareta asked.

    Sir Douglas gave her a questioning look, but nodded sagely.

    ¡°The Old Order gave me meaning. Purpose, as it did for everyone who came to it. It wasn''t about fighting enemies. It never was.¡±

    He pushed the stick he wielded fiercely into the flames, embers cackled and flew up higher and higher.

    ¡°So why did the others rise against you?¡± Busco asked.

    Sir Douglas only stared at him, the flames swirling in his ocean coloured eyes.

    ¡°I think that''s enough.¡± Master Gybalt said sternly. ¡°We should be up at day-break tomorrow to prepare ourselves.¡±

    Artie laughed.

    ¡°To Hel with that, I''m gonna get some more Ship-shine, anyone want any?¡±

    Khol was the only one to eagerly raise his hand.

 1.6-Gone again

    CHAPTER 6- GONE AGAIN

    ¡°Gone again!¡± Deniz snarled.

    He stomped around the sand as Busco pulled the curtain close on his sleeping cabin.

    ¡°Oi, you! Where''s your mate gone? He''s supposed to be covering a shift, right bloody now!¡±

    Busco shrugged, the gleaming sunlight jabbing at his eyes.

    ¡°I haven''t seen him.¡±

    Deniz snorted heavily, and waddled off along the beach.

    ¡°Probably off chasing a butterfly, or somethin''.¡± He grumbled.

    Probably asleep in the sun, more like.

    Busco breathed out his anxious thoughts. From within the cabin, feral snores poured out.

    From along the shoreline, he could see the river elemental woman, Ruroro carrying a covered basket, smiling in the sun. The humidity was heavy on Busco, the palms of the sun were pressing into his shoulders, and his brief excursion into daylight had already elicited sweat on his brow.

    ¡°Good morning!¡± She called out happily.

    Busco grunted and nodded, suspicious of her good mood.

    ¡°How are you?¡± She asked, one hand shielding her eyes from the solar glare. Her teal body was glistening.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Busco said, still defensive, looking back towards his hut, hoping to scurry away.

    She emitted a strong smell of salt from her cradled basket. He looked at it curiously, though the concentration began to make his head throb. She noticed, and smiled at him, pulling away at the white towel that laid over its contents.

    ¡°I''ve just been gathering materials. Foraging, I suppose you''d call it.¡± She chuckled to herself, as she revealed a damp clod of indigo seaweed.

    ¡°I''ve read it''s supposed to be very healthy, and tasty too. There might be some medical benefits to it, as well.¡±

    Busco grimaced, the thought of damp sea vegetation made his stomach roll.

    ¡°Right.¡± He managed to say, wishing this encounter would end.

    For the second time, Deniz popped his head around the corner, and snarled in disappointment.

    ¡°Hel''s daemons, I thought I heard Shajaestan.¡± He grumbled.

    ¡°What are you up to, Deniz?¡± Ruroro asked playfully.

    Busco was astonished to see Deniz had blushed under his furred cheeks. The great, intimidating Gorillon relaxed his shoulders, and scratched at one arm bashfully.

    ¡°Just looking for another one of scallywag workers, is all. You seen Shajaestan, the western boy? Always goofing around with that stupid grin on ''is face?¡±

    ¡°I don''t know him.¡± Ruroro said, shaking her head. ¡°If I do see him, I''ll let him know you''re looking for him.¡±

    Deniz grumbled, struggling not to look her in her eyes, and when he did, he smiled, revealing an arsenal of sharp teeth. Ruroro was not intimidated though, smiling right through the large foreman. Busco shifted awkwardly, desperate to get away from the two of them.

    ¡°Y''know, I''m going to try one of my old recipes for sea-weed snacks later today. If you boys get hungry, you should drop by and try some. Hopefully, they should be good.¡±

    She smiled at Busco again, who was still fighting his revulsion.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Deniz said, smiling in a vain attempt at appearing smooth. ¡°That would be lovely.¡±

    Busco felt a snort escape him, not expecting to see the great Gorillon melt in the palm of her hand. Deniz slowly turned his head to meet Busco''s gaze, teeth still bared, but no longer smiling. Quickly, Busco took this as his time to escape, and pulled himself into the darkness of the cabin. There was a strange, fetid smell in the air, a mix of wet clothes and alcohol induced flatulence. The rhythmic snoring was briefly interrupted as Khol smacked his lips, and turned, the hammock struggling under his great weight.

    ¡°Hey, come on.¡± Busco said. ¡°Time to get up, Master''s expecting us.¡±

    Khol murmured but did not budge, not until Busco put a heavy hand on his friends side and shook him. Khol splutted, looking around in a deep state of drowsy confusion.

    ¡°Busco?¡± He croaked.

    ¡°Come on, time to get ready. Master Gybalt will want to leave soon.¡±

    Khol slowly pushed himself up onto his hands, the rough-spun sheet falling from his shoulders, exposing his massive hairy chest. He groaned and placed a hand on his head.

    ¡°Oh, I don''t feel well. Busco, I think I''m coming down with something.¡±

    He threw himself backwards into his net, causing the beams that held him aloft to scream, he pulled the blanket around him like a cocoon.

    ¡°Oh no, I really don''t feel well Busco. Please, get some help, I might have to go back to the city.¡±

    Busco sighed.

    ¡°You''re not coming down with anything, you big muss.¡±

    ¡°How do you know? What if it''s some jungle disease? From the water? From the food? Oh X above, what if it''s fatal?¡±

    He tossed and turned, groaning in a fit of melodrama. Busco watched exhaustedly, sighing.

    ¡°You''re not dying Khol.¡± He said impatiently. ¡°You just drank too much Ship-shine last night. It''s what they call a hangover.¡±

    Khol stopped moving, staring at the ceiling.

    ¡°A hang-over?¡± He blinked confusedly, turning to look at Khol directly. ¡°How do I get rid of it?¡±

    Busco shrugged.

    ¡°I have no idea. Just get dressed, I''m going to meet them now, and get some breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Wait, Busco! How long will it last?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea. Come on, don''t take too long.¡±

    Busco found Master Gybalt and Sir Douglas sitting by a large boulder before the stretch of jungle. As always, the grounds were a hive of movement. Builders had begun their work already, the smell of sharp sawdust and cut grass battled with the thick jungle air. There was also a smell of cooked meat and fish, from a tent were the Crustacead chef was diligently pouring thick stews of different kinds into tin bowls, but the smell only served to make matters within his stomach much worse.

    He approached his two mentors who wolfishly devoured the contents of their bowls. Sir Douglas noticed him first, and choked down a mouthful.

    ¡°Ah, he survived.¡± He said with a grin, squinting in the sunlight.

    Master Gybalt continued to spoon the stew into his mouth, only look at Busco from over the bowl.

    ¡°How''s your head?¡± He asked with a full mouth.

    Busco smiled, shrugging lightly.

    ¡°Not too bad.¡±

    Sir Douglas chuckled as he tore a piece of a bread roll and dabbed it into his stew.

    ¡°Where''s Khol?¡± Sir Gybalt asked.

    ¡°He''s not doing as well as I am.¡± Busco said, smiling.

    The two elder men shared a knowing smile, before retuning to their eating.

    ¡°You hungry?¡± Sir Douglas asked, reaching behind himself. ¡°We saved you both a bowl of fish stew. Should still be warm.¡±

    He held it aloft, a golden, thick liquid with white chunks of fish in it, with red pepper flakes and onion, with a chunky bread roll by its side. The smell hit him instantly, and he waved his hand at it.

    ¡°I can''t stand fish.¡± He said, nauseated.

    ¡°You ever try it?¡± Sir Douglas asked, putting it back down beside him.

    ¡°Once, when I was little.¡±

    ¡°Not fish like this, you haven''t.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    ¡°It''s nothing like in the hatcheries at Skalett. This is fresh, from the river and sea.¡± Sir Douglas said, spooning the last of it into his roll. ¡°It''s incredible.¡±

    Master Gybalt murmured in reciprocation, frowning at the culinary pleasure.

    ¡°No, I''m good, thank you Sir.¡±

    Sir Douglas shrugged, picking up the bread roll and tossing it to Busco.

    ¡°Here, you eat that. I''ll have your stew.¡± Sir Douglas said, pouring it into his tin bowl.

    Master Gybalt noticed and held his bowl towards him, and Sir Douglas poured some out for him too. Busco sat heavily on the ground, softened by rain throughout the night, feeling more at ease closer to the earth. He bit into the roll, the outside was crisp and the inside was soft, a delight by itself.

    ¡°Did you get Khol up?¡± Master Gybalt asked.

    ¡°I tried to.¡± Busco said with a mouth full of bread. ¡°I think he''s coming.¡±

    Sir Douglas chuckled.

    ¡°I knew this would happen.¡±

    Master Gybalt nodded, fighting against a smile.

    ¡°I was hoping to be on the trail back to the castle by now, but if our sweet minotaur is feeling a bit tender, I can think of something to occupy our time while we wait for him.¡±

    Sir Douglas smiled, looking directly at the confused Busco.

    ¡°We were talking.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°If the opportunity for more wild animals, or any other danger presents itself, it would be a good time for you to learn how to defend yourself.¡±

    Busco shrugged.

    ¡°I thought I was already okay at it. I hit that mountain hunter, didn''t I?¡±

    ¡°You did.¡± Sir Douglas said carefully. ¡°But you''re still not trained in combat. You can never be skilled enough in that regard, Busco.¡±

    Busco scratched at his head, the thought of too much moving only serving to spin his head more.

    Master Gybalt placed his bowl by his side.

    ¡°Remember what I suggested yesterday?¡± He said, grinning.

    The two combatants had moved away from the busy parts of the clearing and onto a hill, still in eyesight of the site. Sir Douglas had his sword within his sheath, and removed his cloak and shirt, revealing his bare chest. He flexed his right hand, still bandaged. Busco watched, as he too removed his robes until he just wore his black vest and grey trousers that lay beneath.

    ¡°Is he going to be okay to spar like that, Master?¡±

    Master Gybalt smirked.

    ¡°Fight like you mean to kill, or you won''t stand a chance.¡± Sir Douglas said, unsheathing his sword.

    ¡°Whoa, hey, what''s going on with that? We''re not actually-¡± His words stammered as he looked between the two men who only chuckled.

    ¡°Don;t worry you won''t be hurt.¡± Sir Douglas said.

    ¡°Not physically, anyway.¡± Master Gybalt added, still smirking. ¡°Turn the other-way and take ten paces, Busco. The duel will start on my command.¡±

    Busco gulped, watching Sir Douglas move towards him, twirling the blade deftly in his hand. He met Busco''s eyes with an unfamiliar look, one of pure focus and will. He was not the same man he had been travelling with.

    ¡°Good luck.¡± He said coolly.

    Busco nodded, and spun on his bare heel. The ten steps away were laborious, each foot on earht sounded like a heartbeat within a colossal beast. As he stopped, he took a moment to watch the way the ocean curved around the shoreline, the clearing and beach-head were hidden, and somewhere over there was a city, the largest city in the world, as far as anyone knew. He turned to see the two men were watching him.

    ¡°Get ready Busco.¡± Master Gybalt called out.

    Breathing out as if out of automation, Busco dropped to his stance, his arms tensed, ready, his feet dug into the cool soil, ready. Master Gybalt continued to watch his pupil, who remained tense, sweat beading over his body.

    ¡°Begin.¡±

    In between the beats of a hummingbird''s wings, Sir Douglas had moved, bounding towards him, his sword kept low and to his side. Busco barely had a second to realise what was happening, before half of the distance had been covered by the striking attack dog. Out of instinct, Busco called upon his muscles to bind with that of the earth''s. He pulled upwards, haphazardly, not knowing what would come out. A jutting of earth emerged, a saw shape with jagged teeth, but it was already behind Sir Douglas, who was now only a few steps away. Busco called upon the energy in his other arm, pushing it upwards, and a tall spike appeared, again from behind his attacked. By now, it was too late.

    The sword was arced high in a curved motion, glinting in the sun, and with barely a grunt, it was sent towards Busco''s head. He dodged it, adrenaline piloting his body, energy and lightning mixing in his veins. Again, the blade came for him, as Sir Douglas readjusted its trajectory before it hit the ground, this time aiming for Busco''s waist. Busco pushed himself downwards, forwards-rolling away from the Old Dog, but he could get no distance. Again the blade came towards his head. Busco pushed upwards again, another dirt spike rose somewhere on the hill.

    ¡°Pay attention to what''s around you, Busco.¡± Master Gybalt called out.

    What the Hel does that mean?

    He felt his body lose control, no longer commanded by himself, but by some other pilot. Sir Douglas brought the sword, barely missing Busco''s throat. He tried to step backwards, to gain some semblance of control, but he stumbled over the emerged dirt from before, landing heavily on his back. Suddenly, the shining point of the blade was at his throat again, and the cold look of his killer was above him.

    ¡°I win.¡± He said softly, letting his eyes relax. He offered a hand, and pulled Busco up.

    ¡°Again.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    Busco panted, rubbing at his thighs, as Sir Douglas walked towards his starting point.

    ¡°I hope you can make me sweat as much as you are this time, Quinn.¡± He teased.

    Busco winced, and stomped back towards the starting point.

    The round was even shorter this time.

    Frustration overtook Busco, as he blindly hurled spike and ball at Sir Douglas, determined to get him before he could get anyway close, but the old paladin was too evasive. Busco was so prepared for a long distance attack, he hadn''t let himself think about what to do in close quarters this time. Sir Douglas came in this time with his shoulder, knocking the wind out of the Nocterran student, and again onto his back.

    ¡°Again.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    Frustrated, Busco pounded onto the earth, willing it to behave under his control as he wished.

    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°You''re not thinking, Busco. You''re giving in to adrenaline and fear. Those who stay alive in combat, are those who can keep their wits about them.¡± Sir Douglas said, walking once more to his starting position.

    Busco could hear a thunderous clomping up the hill, as an exhausted Khol finally appeared, immediately blurting into some sort of apology, which Master Gybalt tried to gesture away, and beckoned him to watch.

    Sir Douglas resumed his stance, and pointed the blade at Busco, before returning it to his side.

    ¡°Oh my X!¡± Khol shouted in complete dismay. ¡°What are they doing?!¡±

    Master Gybalt hushed him harshly.

    ¡°Just watch.¡± He hissed. ¡°No distractions Busco. Begin.¡±

    Busco let the air escape him. Sir Douglas did not move so suddenly this time, stepping move erratically, hopping from one foot to the other. Busco watched him, aware of the game he was playing. He breathed in, the smell of soil reaching deep into his body.

    Quickly, without hesitation, Busco pushed his fist forwards, this time, aiming where Sir Douglas was going, rather than where he was. A large mound of earth pushed itself up, and Sir Douglas stepped onto it, the momentum carryign his foot through it, but throwing off his rhythm.

    ¡°Good!¡± Master Gybalt called out. ¡°Anticipate his movements.¡±

    Sir Douglas had lost speed, but it was no time to celebrate yet. Busco twisted his whole body, feeling not just the energy connect to his hands, but to his wrists and triceps. He gestured like a scythe, feeling the power build, snapping his arm forward like a whip. The mound was much larger this time, bending upwards like a snake, catapulting itself directly towards Sir Douglas''s face. With a roar of exhaustion, he pushed his sword through the earth, dashing it into pieces. Busco felt his heart quicken, but he kept himself in control.

    Feeling the earth under the soles of his feet he pushed down with them, roaring himself. Using both of his arms, he grasped as if holding an invisible boulder, feeling the energy link his body to different nodes, and to the earth itself. Roaring, louder, and fiercer, he pushed upwards, and the earth beneath Sir Douglas shifted, upheaving, launching into the air. He heard Khol gasp, bringing his concentration back, and the earth began to sift and fall. His arms burned, and Sir Douglas had moved, coming from his right, the sword beginning to curve into attack formation. Busco swiftly moved his open palm towards the earth before it returning to the hilltop ground, feeling it curve and tighten into a ball, and dragging it towards them. Sir Douglas was forced to swing his sword towards it, and it exploded on his wrist, and the old knight winced in agony.

    This was his moment.

    Busco pulled at the ground beneath Sir Douglas, pulling at it like a rug, causing him to stumble, his sword clattering to the floor. Busco pushed upwards, another mound, and Sir Douglas bounded backwards, and seeing the glint in his opponents eyes, was forced to bound back towards him, to take the fight out his eyes. Busco threw another ball, and then another, but both were smartly evaded. Sir Douglas was back within close quarters, but now, he had no sword.

    He threw a couple of fists at Busco, who dodged, ducked and weaved, before sending a small, but concentrated ball upwards. It struck Sir Douglas on the chin, leaving soil and dirt in his beard, and Busco roared as he sent a fist towards Sir Douglas'' face. Abruptly, he let it stop, just almost close enough to touch. Sir Douglas looked at Busco, the two men sweating heavily, the determination had not left his eyes.

    Busco smiled.

    ¡°I win.¡± He said in between breaths.

    Before the final syllable was out, Sir Douglas had moved again, positioning his foot behind Busco''s legs and striking with his elbow. Once again, Busco was on his back.

    ¡°Hey! No fair, I won that one!¡± He called out from within the cloud of dirt.

    ¡°No.¡± Sir Douglas said, standing over him. ¡° You hesitated. I didn''t.¡±

    Solemnly, he let out a hand to let Busco up, but this time, he batted it away, pushing himself up, and stomping away.

    ¡°Hey, don''t let it be personal.¡± Sir Douglas called back. ¡°This is what sparring is for, for you to learn, not to win.¡±

    Busco grabbed his robes, bitterly muttering as he forced it over his head.

    ¡°He''s right Busco.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°If you want to win every-time, I would suggest fighting a dummy. The best way to learn, however, is to take a few defeats every now and then.¡±

    ¡°Only a few.¡± Sir Douglas said, smiling as he readjusted his bandages.

    ¡°What like what you did with the paladins?¡± Busco said darkly, not looking at the two men, but feeling the jab had hit its mark.

    ¡°Busco, watch what you''re saying.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    ¡°It''s alright.¡± Sir Douglas said sadly.

    Busco stormed away down the hill.

    ¡°Busco! Where are you going?¡± Khol called out.

    ¡°To get my things.¡±

    He had reached the beach-head by the time the sun was highest in the sky, but he did not go to his cabin. He sat on a mound of stones hugging his knees. He could see workers cooling themselves off in the ocean. Among them, was Artifae, drifting slowly along the waves before reaching the shallows. He stepped out, shaking the sea-water from his hair, and grabbing his towel. He ruffled his hair, until the two boys met each-other''s gaze, but they did not smile at each-other. A gruff shout called out for Artie, and he took his clothes and began to make his way down the shoreline. Busco rested his forehead on his arms, the heat magnifying himself, hopefully enough to immolate himself and take him away from these blasted people.

    ¡°Busco?¡± A voice gently called. ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    Slowly he rose his head, to be met with the gentle face of a desert eve.

    ¡°Yeah. Fine.¡± He croaked.

    Slowly, Sareta dropped herself down next to him. Her hair was tied up, and her denim jacket was tied around her waist.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± She asked.

    Busco thought about this for a minute.

    ¡°No.¡± He said quietly.

    ¡°No, you''re not sure, or no, you''re not okay?¡±

    ¡°Probably a bit of both.¡± He chuckled.

    The two sat there, quietly again, as the soft waves lolled and rolled before them. The sea breeze cut against the blaring heat.

    ¡°Is there anything you want to talk about?¡± She asked.

    He only sighed in response.

    ¡°I don''t know. Maybe.¡±

    She smiled, and placed a hand on his shoulder. He felt his back stiffen at the touch.

    ¡°Well, I''m here if you do. I''m gonna be working with Ruroroa for a bit, so you can find me there.¡±

    ¡°You''re really going to do that?¡± He asked. ¡°How come?¡±

    She tittered lightly, placing her hands together in front of her.

    ¡°Well, I needed some work. Apparently, I owe one of the builders fifty Legacies for staying in his cabin. I didn''t think he wouldn''t take a Zwipe for it.¡±

    ¡°A Zwipe?¡± Busco asked, incredulously. ¡°You really thought they would have machines that could take Zwipe cards out here?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah!¡± She said, embarrassed. ¡°Everywhere in Arnesfeld and Draper''s Rise takes Zwipe now, hardly anyone takes cash!¡±

    Busco laughed, rubbing his head.

    ¡°That''s why I was up there.¡± She continued. ¡°The Silver Tooth, they call it. The mountain where we saw the...y''know.¡±

    Busco nodded, trying not to think about the stench of carrion between blade-like teeth.

    ¡°Wait, you went up there to find silver?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± She admitted.

    ¡°Not to find yourself, or whatever it was you said?¡±

    ¡°Well I mean, yeah, that too.¡± She laughed. ¡°I figured if he thought I owed him fifty silver Legacies, then I could find a big chunk that would cover it, and any equipment I needed.¡±

    ¡°But you would need equipment to get the silver.¡±

    ¡°Look,¡± She said laughing. ¡°It wasn''t my best idea.¡±

    Busco shared within the laugh. She had a nice sounding laugh, a lower pitch than her speaking voice, but a beautiful rhythm to it.

    ¡°I suppose it wasn''t all bad though.¡± She said calmly.

    ¡°No?¡± Busco asked, still chortling.

    ¡°I got to meet you guys, at least.¡± She said, smiling. ¡°This island''s better having friends on it.

    Busco felt heat on his cheeks, and something forming in his throat.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± He said quietly, looking into her eyes, the pupils and irises so much larger than a humans, easier to get lost in. ¡°I suppose we might not have if we were still in New Peridios, huh?¡±

    She nodded, looking down at the stones.

    ¡°We might have.¡± She looked back at him. ¡°I would hope we would, anyway.¡±

    Busco''s heart began to race. His hands were suddenly very sweaty. He now knew exactly what Khol was talking about.

    The waves receded through his ears, as people began moving around them.

    ¡°What''s going on?¡± Sareta asked, looking towards the horizon.

    Busco was still entranced by her, only laboriously drawing his attention back to the outside world. Some of the labourers were running towards the coast line, all of them were looking up and pointing. There was a dot within the sky. Sareta bolted upwards.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Busco said, standing up too.

    ¡°No, it can''t be.¡± Sareta said, her hand became a visor her eyes, her excitement building.

    The dot was getting larger.

    The crowds began to point and wave, and Busco still could ascertain what the dot was, and why he should be excited and not terrified. Over the waves was a distant hum, growing in size as the dot did.

    ¡°Can you see it?¡± Sareta asked with a wide smile.

    Busco shook his head, concentrating intently, and as it got closer, he saw it wasn#t a dot shape at all. It was oval, and it had wings.

    Perhaps not wings, but fins anyway. It almost looks like a boat. A boat in the sky...

    ¡°Is that a...?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Sareta said, clambering down the stones, closer to where the tide came in. Busco hastened to follow.

    ¡°An airship?¡± Busco asked, feeling stupid for saying it.

    ¡°That''s right! The one the government have been making to help explore the new lands!¡±

    She suddenly turned to Busco with a concerned look.

    ¡°You didn''t hear about that? It was in all the papers?¡± She asked.

    Busco snorted.

    ¡°I''m seventeen. I don''t read the newspapers.¡±

    The hum grew louder, a consistent hammering on a drum, with a slight hissing sound. As it slowly grew larger, Busco could see it wasn''t as long as The Narwhal, and it was made of sleek metal. There were four fins at the top and back, each containing a drum of its own, that when properly observed, seemed to crackle with green electricity.

    It was still small when it reached the beach-head, casting a brief shadow over what was now a packed beach. The sounds of whoops and whistles was abundant, and even Busco smiled as he waved. He liked to think whoever was up there could have waved back at the ants on the shoreline.

    He and Sareta laughed together, before he noticed his other travel companions also watching, Khol''s mouth wide open. Busco''s smile faded, and Sareta noticed, looking back to the others. She made her way back to them, beckoning Busco to follow, and he did, albeit sulkily. He dragged his legs, arriving after Sareta had already embarked in conversation with them, pointing at the dissapearing air-ship, as the humming lingered a little longer.

    ¡°Where do you think it''s going?¡± She asked, craning her head to see more of it.

    ¡°Just seeing what''s out there.¡± Sir Douglas said, squinting as he set his head back to study the ship.

    ¡°The newly formed New Peridios Recon Unit.¡± Master Gybalt said with a touch of excitement. ¡°That''s the Luxoria. I was hoping we''d be here to see her in action.¡±

    Khol mouthed something, in complete awe.

    The hum grew quieter, and the whooping subsided, but the people were still excited. Some moved to the sparring hill to get a better look, but for most, it dissapeared beyond the tree line.

    ¡°Recon unit, huh?¡± Busco said. ¡°So they just scout the island out from up there?¡±

    ¡°It''s not an island.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    ¡°Well, they''ll know better than we do.¡± Sareta said.

    ¡°Let''s hope it just sticks to scouting.¡± Sir Douglas said darkly, and Busco could see his eyes were glazed beyond a veil of something only he could see.

    ¡°Right, we better start getting ready.¡± Master Gybalt said quickly, moving towards his cabin.

    The others followed, except Sareta who watched them, until Khol turned to her.

    ¡°Are you coming, Sareta?¡± The minotaur asked.

    Sir Douglas watched her suspiciously, as she sadly shook her head, looking down at the shingles and sand.

    ¡°No, I''d better stay.¡± She said quietly.

    Khol pulled a disappointed face, but followed Sir Douglas back. Only Busco lingered.

    ¡°It''s a good thing you know.¡± He said, trying to sound chipper. ¡°Staying with Ruroro.¡±

    ¡°It is?¡± She asked earnestly.

    Busco shrugged.

    ¡°Well y''know, you were saying about finding your purpose, and she''s a healer. A medic, or whatever. Maybe your purpose could be healing people.¡±

    Sareta scoffed, rubbing her arm bashfully.

    ¡°I don''t know anything about healing people, though. So far, I''ve just been doing her laundry.¡±

    ¡°She''ll teach you. Everyone needs a mentor, like me and Khol. I think you''ll be good at it. You''ve got a-¡±

    He stopped himself, his cheeks flushing, as she watched him expectedly. The time crawled for a second, and he fought for a way to get away from those big, dark eyes of hers.

    ¡°You''ve got a-¡± He tried again, gulping heavily. ¡°You''ve got a good heart, Sareta. You want to help people and prove you can look after yourself.¡±

    She smiled, nodding slowly, her eyes glistening for a second, and Busco watched her guiltily.

    ¡°You''ll be fine.¡± He said eventually, leaving her on the beach.

    The skies opened as soon as they hit The Beaten Path, but the heat did not die. Through mud and thick humidity, they trudged through the jungle, and only once they reached the salamander creek, did it stop. The great amphibians were out in force, and Busco thought about Sareta, smiling as he remembered her reaction to them.

    When the rain stopped, the mosquitoes returned, preying upon their exposed faces. The petricholor that released from the soil after the rain was refreshing, sweet, almost, and soon the animals began to return. Squawks, squeaks and rhythmic roars, and the ever persistent buzzing of flies. When the castle was once again in view, they took a quick breath to massage their blisters and sores. The sweat had left Busco''s sole stinging with every step, but as he took his bare-foot to the ground, he felt a sense of reassurance. It was a soothing feeling, and he wondered why he confined his feet to boots at all, but still he returned to them.

    The rain began again as they reached the castle, just as the golden curtain began to draw itself. Once again, Busco fortified the gate, but the group was on edge. In the treeline before them, he saw and heard something within the jungle. It was not the mountain hunter, but something far more delicate.

    It was an empty sleep, with Busco barely sleeping before he rotated to guarding. He looked through the wall, and beyond it, to where he knew the jungle was, keeping a careful ear out in case of further noise, but there was nothing to concern him this night.

    After switching with Khol, he took a final few hours of sleep before the lilac sky roused him back to consciousness. They made a small fire and broke their fast on dried meat and slightly stale bread. Sir Douglas and Master Gybalt mused upon the absence of the fresh fish stew from yesterday. Busco felt a restlessness behind him, an itching at the back of his skull. He took a big bite of bread and chewed.

    ¡°Did anyone hear anything last night?¡± He asked without thinking.

    ¡°No.¡± Khol said, swigging out of his water-skin, sun shining through droplets in his fur.

    ¡°What did you see?¡± Sir Douglas asked, studying him closely.

    ¡°Nothing.¡± Busco said, swallowing. ¡°Just thought I heard something last night, when I was on watch.¡±

    ¡°Probably just an animal.¡± Master Gybalt remarked, buttoning up his satchel. ¡°Jungle''s probably full of them, Busco.¡±

    ¡°Oh X.¡± Khol whimpered. ¡°You don-don-don''t th-think it was anoth-another monster?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Sir Douglas said, relaxing. ¡°I heard something as well, it didn''t sound big. Something small.¡±

    ¡°You think something''s out there?¡± Master Gybalt asked.

    ¡°Someone, maybe. I heard something close to muttering.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Busco asked, leaning in.

    Master Gybalt watched his old friend closely.

    ¡°What''s the plan?¡± He asked.

    Sir Douglas shrugged.

    ¡°They haven''t approached us yet. We stay behind the wall for now, we''ll be fine. Might just be someone travelling through.¡±

    ¡°Or they were lost.¡± Busco added.

    ¡°Maybe.¡± Master Gybalt said, scratching his beard. ¡°We might have to be careful while trying to get into the castle, then. We''ve come this far, I don''t want anyone to interfere.¡±

    ¡°With Busco''s barricade up, I think we''ll be fine, let''s just keep our wits about ourselves.¡±

    ¡°Agreed.¡± Master Gybalt said, standing up slowly, massaging his thighs as he did.

    Busco took a deep breath, looking up at the foreboding castle above them. With so much anxiety surrounding them, he hadn''t taken time to recognise the great yellow fortress stnaidng in front of a pale sky. The group doused their flame, leaving a thin trail of smoke that drifted past their ankles, as they stood before the huge doors.

    ¡°Right.¡± Master Gybalt said, stretching his arms forward. ¡°Ideas?¡±

    He looked from Khol, who rubbed his neck nervously, and back to a stoic Busco.

    ¡°I could try burrowing a tunnel under it.¡± He mused.

    ¡°I don''t like the sound of that.¡± Sir Douglas answered. ¡°That''s too much of a risk.¡±

    ¡°Agreed.¡± Master Gybalt said, looking up as he rubbed his chin.

    ¡°Khol?¡± Busco asked, his cheeks heating.

    ¡°I-I-I-I can''t do anything, I don''t know.¡±

    ¡°It''s okay, relax.¡± Sir Douglas said. ¡°We''re just coming up with ideas.¡±

    Master Gybalt kept a patient stare on Khol, who continued to squirm.

    ¡°I-I-I-I c-c-c-could try to open the d-d-doors again?¡±

    Master Gybalt shook his head.

    ¡°As far as I see it, we need to do something about the seal, which I suspect might be on the other-side of that door. Furthermore, we need to ascertain how far up or down the barrier goes.¡±

    ¡°Another reason why we shouldn''t go tunnelling underneath.¡± Sir Douglas added.

    Master Gybalt stepped backwards, and down the stone steps to get a better look at the castle. He squinted in the morning light. The sun was not quite visible through the silver shrouds of cloud, but its light was still perforating. Busco swayed, feeling the heat even when shaded.

    ¡°There''s a window.¡± Master Gybalt said, pointing upwards. ¡°Right there.¡±

    The others joined him, craning their heads to see it. Busco and Khol, being the tallest out of the four, still struggled to see anything except a reflected gleam.

    ¡°You want to try and climb it?¡± Sir Douglas asked.

    ¡°No.¡± Master Gybalt answered ponderously. ¡°Although it would certainly help if we could see inside. If I get a clear view, I may even be able to use my Spatia magic to get ourselves in.¡±

    He pulled the sleeves of his robe down to expose his forearms that had begun to wrinkle, but were still strong. The Viosta crystal in its brass cage along his wrist winked at Busco in the day-light.

    ¡°Do you think you could get us up there, Busco?¡± He asked, still looking upwards.

    ¡°Me?¡± Busco said, taken aback. ¡°How would I do that?¡±

    ¡°Create a platform for us, from the earth.¡±

    Busco thought for a second, staring at the grey ground. He remembered the strength it took just to fling a large clump of dirt, let along to lift one with a bloody great minotaur on top of it.

    ¡°I don''t know if I can.¡± He said sadly.

    ¡°Can you get just me up there?¡± Master Gybalt asked, stretching his left arm along his sternum.

    ¡°I can try.¡± He said, gulping.

    Khol and Sir Douglas backed off, and Master Gybalt poised himself. Busco inhaled for four, and exhaled for four, striking the pose of the Hran''thru. His concentration was solely on the ground beneath Master Gybalt. In his mind, he mapped out a circle, and listened to what it told him. He braced himself, his hands tensing. He felt the earth in front of him as if he was holding it.

    ¡°Take your time now.¡± Sir Douglas said quietly.

    Sweat began to bead down Busco''s forehead, irritating his eyes with its saline quality. Clenching his teeth, he pushed down his fist, roaring as if striking an enemy. The ground beneath Master Gybalt broke, shards of it flinging towards the air, and Master Gybalt was gone, launched into the air like a child on a rogue sea-saw, but only up to the height of the archway before the doors.

    Oh no, not enough!

    Before Gybalt began to fall back to earth, his forearm was pointed at the ledge like a weapon. With a brief crackle of blue energy and a hiss of air, he had vanished, reappearing directly in front of the window. Busco and the others watched with great smiles as Gybalt steadied himself, before giving a thumbs up.

    ¡°Good work, Busco.¡± He called down.

    ¡°What do you see?¡± Sir Douglas called up.

    ¡°I can see through the window.¡± His voice was nearly taken by the wind, and they watched as he struggled to keep his balance. ¡°It''s empty, we should be able to get inside.¡±

    ¡°How?¡± They all asked.

    ¡°Get ready.¡± He called down, aiming his fist at them.

    ¡°Hold on a second-¡± Sir Douglas tried to say before the blue blast came for them.

    Busco felt himself flinch as the cyan fist of energy came hurtling towards them. It was cold, moving like hundreds of strips of wind tearing at him, but there was heat and light within it. For a brief second the sounds of carving metal shrieked within his ears, before suddenly snuffling itself out. The blue began to dissipate like a doused flame, oxygen returning to greet them, and they three were in the foyer of the castle.

    The air was stale and musty, like an attic or an old bookshop, but more suffocating. The inside was surprisingly large, with great stone pillars. Walls hung with tattered banners of red and gold, and before them was a set of steps that led upwards. There was another brief shriek, as Master Gybalt appeared beside them. He dusted off his robes, and turned away from the steps, heading for the door.

    ¡°Well, here we are.¡± He said.

    Sir Douglas continued to study the hall, his fingers tickling the edge of his sword, but Khol and Busco walked hurriedly to follow their master.

    For an abandoned castle, it was decidedly clean. There was no rot on the door, or dust to speak of. Master Gybalt stood before the doors, placed in between them was a grey stone, with curling brown runes carved on top of it. Behind it, the doors shimmered slightly when Busco stared too closely.

    ¡°I thought as much.¡± Master Gybalt said quietly, reaching his hand towards the stone shaped object.

    ¡°Wait a second-¡± Sir Douglas called out, quickly strolling towards them.

    Master Gybalt gently touched the object, pulling at it until it came clear, the sound of its departure echoing slightly. He held it as if it were a baby bird, before watching it slowly crumble and break apart. The shimmering beyond it disappeared.

    ¡°That should do it.¡± Master Gybalt said, letting the crumbling shards hit the floor.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°Old spells. Arcane runes, placed on to an object. Clay I think.¡±

    Master Gybalt rubbed some of the dust together on his fingers, leaving a muddy brown stain.

    ¡°That was what c-c-caused the barrier?¡± Khol asked.

    Master Gybalt nodded.

    ¡°We should be free to leave now.¡± He said, breathing deeply. ¡°Well, we''re here. Finally. Let''s have a look.¡±

    Sir Douglas withdrew his sword, its shining swipe ringing lightly in the great halls of the castle.

    Busco lingered as the others turned to leave. The doors were closed up tightly, no air seemed to be coming in. He waited for a second, straining to hear if anything, or anyone, might be outside. Finally he followed the others, who had begun to ascend the stairs. Khol''s hooves clopped against the stone, though the scrapings of leather boot where much softer. It was not a second floor the stairs led to, but a raised part of the hall. Indeed, there were no balconies above them, giving the impression it was all one story. There were two doors opposite the main set, presumably to the two towers that watched over their camp within the courtyard.

    Busco felt a writhing in his chest, an anxious presence that would not vanish. At the top of the stairs, the room continued, stretching towards another set of doors. More banners hung limply above. There was nothing here, except a sword buried into a plinth ahead of them.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Master Gybalt asked.

    Sir Douglas frowned, his sword only slightly raised. He carefully walked towards it. It was a longsword, albeit a demented visage of one. Surrounding it on the floor, the stones were neatly arranged into a series of stacking circles, each with a different rune in an ancient language. Busco felt compelled to follow him, but Master Gybalt stayed him with a hand, fifteen feet or so away from it.

    ¡°Wait.¡± He said coolly.

    Sir Douglas crouched as he appeared, not daring to touch it or the stone rings that enveloped themselves around it.

    ¡°Runes.¡± He said distastefully. ¡°Stay away from it, don''t even think about touching it.¡±

    Busco gulped as he studied it. There was a malevolence to it, a forbidding warning that hung in the air. It appeared black at first, but the blade was red. It was coated in a strange material, almost organic, that dripped in furious spikes towards the hilt. Embedded within said hilt, was an orb. More than that, Busco saw, it was a clock. Within the orb were two stationary hands, a large red one, and a small black one.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Busco asked quietly.

    ¡°I don''t know.¡± Master Gybalt said, taking a slow step towards Sir Douglas. ¡°He''s right though, keep away from it. We''ll see if we can find anymore clues about it, but we don''t know what kind of properties it may contain.¡±

    ¡°I don''t like this.¡± Sir Douglas said, standing, his fist tightening around his sword.

    ¡°This is what we''re here for, Sir Douglas.¡± Gybalt said calmly, walking past the knight and the sword, and towards the set of doors at the back. The room grew lighter as the sun revealed itself through the windows at the top. Busco reached his head upwards, and saw the timber supporting the old stones.

    They''re yellow on the outside, grey on the inside. What kind of place is this?

    Master Gybalt pushed the doors open, revealing a spiralled staircase, and three sets of doors below.

    ¡°I''ll take the stairs.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°Busco, you can come with me. You two, take a look through these doors, see what you can find.¡±

    The other three nodded, their conscious thoughts overriding anything they might think to say. Master Gybalt took the steps slowly, and Busco followed, his legs beginning to ache under the cumulative strain of the week''s hiking. The more steps they traversed, the darker it got, and they reached the unseen second floor. Similarly, it had three doors, one left, one right, and one reaching to the back of the castle, the third spire.

    Master Gybalt gave a curious look to his student, then set his eye on the middle door. He gestured with his head for Busco to follow, and the Nocterran steeled himself. Slowly, Gybalt pushed against the brass ring, and the door creaked in agony. Immediately, there was a thick, sour smell that hit them. Busco winced, pulling his sleeve over his nose and mouth. The air was heavy with dust, but a slither of light poured through a small circular window at the very top. His eyes began to adjust, as he saw he was within a study of some sort. To the sides were crooked bookshelves, stacked with scrolls and pages that toppled to the floor. Ahead of them, directly under the window, was a casket.

    ¡°Wait.¡± Master Gybalt said, ushering with his hand once again.

    Gingerly he stepped forwards, his right hand raised and his body poised. It was made of an ornate stone, the same colour as the walls outside. It was carved with decals and various sentences in what seemed to be Universal, but the words were unclear. The stone lid was not on top, but to the side, askew. Busco took a careful step forwards, and even as he did, the smell intensified.

    Master Gybalt leant in to see, and recoiled, looking sourly at Busco.

    ¡°You don''t want to see.¡± He said.

    Busco steeled himself, and nodded. With every second,t he smell grew more and more putrid.

    ¡°Who was he?¡±

    ¡°Let''s try and see.¡± Master Gybalt said, leaning on the stone casket as he lowered his ageing knees, and began to read the hieroglyphics indented into stone.

    Busco felt his legs moving, slowly, compelled towards the grave of the ancient dead. Master Gybalt gave him a quick warning look, but did not say anything. Slowly, Busco peered his head over. The casket was relatively cushioned along the sides, but they had begun to fray and decay. The body itself, was clad in chain-mail and a red and gold tunic. It was almost a skeleton, but tight brown, leathery skin still hung to it. On its head, was a silver circlet, with a gleaming pink jewel. Clasped tightly in its hands, was a dusty sword, and in the other, a decomposing book. Busco held a stare with the eyeless corpse as long as he could, but the smell drove him away. He stepped back coughing and gagging, as Master Gybalt shook his head.

    ¡°Did you see the book, Master?¡± He said in between wheezes.

    ¡°The what?¡±

    ¡°In his hands.¡± Busco said hoarsely. ¡°There''s a book inside.¡±

    Master Gybalt stood slowly, and looked inside with a grimace. He looked back to Busco and then back to the corpse, rolling his sleeve up further. He reached in, and slowly took the book, whose fingers remained tightly wrapped around it. He gently shook them off, and Busco shuddered at the clatter of the skeletal bones falling back onto its chest. He studied it carefully, some pages threatening to fall out of it. It was a small book, leather-bound, and coated with dust. Master Gybalt carefully brushed the dust off of it, flipping it to the very front. He strained his eyes within the dim light, walking away from the casket as Busco watched carefully.

    Gybalt began to mutter quietly, flicking through some old pages with ease, and others very delicately.

    ¡°What does it say?¡± Busco asked eagerly.

    Master Gybalt slowly rolled his head in between his shoulders.

    ¡°This appears to be Lord Oster, of the line Morrow.¡± He said, looking back at the casket.

    ¡°And this is his castle?¡±

    ¡°One would assume, yes.¡± Master Gybalt replied, still straining to read.

    ¡°Is it all in Universal?¡±

    ¡°Mostly.¡± He said, moving the book back a bit before returning it in front of his eyes. ¡°There are some words I don''t understand, but I think I can get the just of most of it.¡±

    ¡°Does it say anything about the sword?¡±

    Master Gybalt shook his head.

    ¡°We should get this back to the scribes at the academy. They''ll go crazy for this.¡±

    Busco smiled, though a thousand thoughts still presented themselves as knives within his forehead.

    ¡°Wait.¡± Master Gybalt said, reading one page, then turning to the one behind it again.

    Busco watched patiently.

    ¡°The Sword of Seconds...?¡± He murmured with an alarmed look in his eyes.

    ¡°The one downstairs?¡± Busco asked quietly, but his master continued to read, and as he reached the end, he held it before him, contemplating the information he had just absorbed.

    ¡°''Tis the last days of Aerth.¡± Master Gybalt said, reading again. ¡°''Let this be the lastest record of Oster, last of the line of Morrow. The tide of the Daem crash against our''re doors. The Sword, devoted by the life of mine friend-''Ah, I can''t read that bit. The hand-writing here is elclectic, shall we say. Let''s skim this bit...''The Sword of Seconds, that terrible weap, the blade that should not be, I bid it to it''s resting place beneath the halls of my fatherers. I take thee away from our fair Aerth, let this castle remain free from the touch of the Daem. I protect thee, and yet, my body fails. With my lastest breath, I take the Sword from mortal hands. Let no Daem touch it, let no man touch thee. With this, I save the Aerth. I will not be remembered.¡±

    A silence fell upon them both, drifting debris floating between them. Busco frowned, trying to let the information sink in, but it strained itself within. Before he could open his mouth, he saw the fear build in his master''s eyes. There was a creaking noise from within the castle, a groaning of stone and wood.

    ¡°We have to find Sir Douglas.¡± He said, clasping the book, and quickly pushing past Busco. ¡°Now.¡±

    The two moved past the door, and into the dark hall. Busco gave one last look to the casket and the long lost lord. Their boots hammered against the steps as Gybalt called out for the knight. They heard the shuffling from within one of the doors. Stumbling outwards, Khol ducked his head under the doorway.

    ¡°Master?¡± Khol asked, concerned.

    ¡°Where''s Sir Douglas?¡± He asked quickly.

    ¡°Behind me.¡±

    Master Gybalt needed only a second to comprehend, and moved towards the door in the hall, where the sword lay waiting. The grey light had returned, spilling itself into the empty hall.

    Only, it wasn''t empty. Standing before the Sword of Seconds, was Sareta Chebe.

    ¡°Sareta.¡± Busco breathed.

    She was silent, staring as if in a trance.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Gybalt yelled, unveiling his bracelet once more.

    She slowly reached her hand out, flinching at the sound of his voice. She looked up, confused and almost tearful. Her gaze went straight behind the hastening master mage, and straight into Busco''s.

    ¡°Busco?¡± She said, little more than a whisper.

    ¡°Sareta.¡± Busco said, stepping forwards. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I came to see you.¡± She said, swallowing. ¡°To make sure you were all okay.¡±

    ¡°We are. We''re all okay-¡±

    ¡°Step back.¡± Master Gybalt called out harshly, his hand aimed towards her.

    ¡°Sareta, step away from the sword. Please.¡± Busco pleaded.

    She did not take her eyes off of the sword. It captivated her in a way that was beyond dream-like.

    ¡°I stayed away this time. So no-one got hurt. Sir Aeinon told me I needed a weapon. I needed to protect myself, and everyone else. Never again.¡±

    She took her eyes off of the sword, setting them deep into Busco''s.

    ¡°I won''t let it happen again.¡± She said, summoning all of her strength.

    She wrapped her hand around the Sword of Seconds, and the screaming began.

 1.7-Always breaking, but never broken

    CHAPTER 7-ALWAYS BREAKING, BUT NEVER BROKEN

    Light overwhelmed them.

    There were voices within the bright burst of eternity, names were called out, passages of love from an unheard poem, deliverances of hate from creatures beyond the veil. The light was so prevalent, it tainted itself, rotting into darkness.

    Busco''s ears were ringing, a thousand church bells thronged in his brain. He was transported through time, through the great flash of his life above the city he knew, back through the end of the Aerth, to its very creation. For millennia he travelled, a soft speckle of dust that became a footnote to nothing, and within a single blink, he was back, in the halls of the castle of Oster Morrow.

    The ringing grew louder, deeper, it was a scream of pain. Through blurred eyes, he saw Sareta struggle and squirm with a hand enclosed over the malevolent sword. She pulled at her arm, but she could not escape it. His Master had been thrown to the floor, and Busco was on his back, looking upwards.

    The runes along the floor began to glow, blue red and white, her face was a patch-work of venomous colour. As she pulled and jolted, the sword itself began to move. From the handle, were six thin circles which began to open. Six thick coils sprung themselves out, writhing and metal. The serpentine wires buried themselves into her forearm, drawing thick, blackened blood. Her scream was something unholy, and through her distraught eyes, Busco saw there was something there beyond regret, beyond hopelessness.

    Khol and Sir Douglas tried to get to her, but the air sparkled with glittering waves of light. The energy surrounding her was translucent, tangible to the touch, but swirling with a foul presence. Through the cascade of colour and sound, there was a rough scrape of metal and stone, as she finally pulled her hand away, and the sword came with it, freed from its earthly prison after thousands of years. The coils remained buried within her arms, the sword wrenched itself away, spots and splatters of blood following it. It clattered on the floor behind her, as she frantically tried to pull the coils out. Busco and Master Gybalt pulled themselves up, still in a daze.

    The coils whirled and moved, retracting the sword, and almost smoothly, it was back in her hands. With a feral desperation of a trapped animal, she tried to free the sword from her hand. Suddenly, there was a moment, a frozen frame within a second, when she paused, realising its futility. Her dark, tear-filled eyes met Busco''s. He couldn''t say anything, he could only strain to hear what she whispered.

    Make it stop.

    She flicked her head back, screaming in agony. Her hair rippled and the energy throbbed and reached their apex, concentrated and pulsating around her. Busco tried to call to her, as she rocked and twisted within the circle. She folded her arms around herself, before releasing them, and with it, came a wave of sheer force that bowled them other again. Busco tried to keep his head up, but the air screeched around him.

    Through the whirlwind, he saw her wield the sword, the sphere within it had begun to move, the hands were ticking, wildly, spinning, until they stopped, and so too did the wind. A sudden, discomforting silence dropped heavily on them. It lasted only a second, but it was an anvil upon the halls. The sword glowed, and something was released.

    Sareta turned, a white flame was unleashed with a dragons roar, a scythe blade hurled towards the great doors, cleaving them apart, soaring towards the walls ahead. Cowering from the debris and shards of grey light flying within, Busco did not even see her flee. Without looking at the others, his feet pounded down the stone steps, and stood at the ruin of wooden doors. He heard the others, but only barely over his pounding heart. Master Gybalt said something as he placed a hand on his shoulder, but Busco shook it off, staring into an empty courtyard.

    Sir Douglas pushed past him, and down the steps, alone, sword gleaming in the light, spinning around. He wiped at his sweating forehead, cursing to himself. He heard Khol pant behind him, whispering something. He stepped forward, slowly, not daring to believe she was gone. He looked to his master for any kind of wisdom, but his face was blank. It was that of a scientist''s, studying the case of events in his mind.

    Khol sank himself down on a step, cupping his massive head in his hands. Busco turned to look at Sir Douglas, whose sorrow seeped through his steely eyes. He began to shake his head, but before the gravity of that motion hit him, Busco turned, stomping towards his satchel, his hands shaking as he packed his sleeping bag into it, and slung it around his shoulder. Confused, he turned behind him to see the others still had not moved.

    ¡°Come on.¡± He said weakly. ¡°We have to find her.¡±

    Sir Douglas looked to Master Gybalt, who only looked to the sky. He slowly walked towards Busco, his sword twirling in his hand. Khol rose, and finally Master Gybalt turned to look at them.

    ¡°No.¡± He said softly. ¡°We can''t.¡±

    The silence was stunning, it struck Busco in the chest. Sir Douglas turned to him.

    ¡°Gybalt.¡± He pleaded. ¡°We can''t leave her.¡±

    ¡°This is our mission, Aeinon. She was not part of our entourage, nor our concern. There''s still much we don''t understand about this castle.¡±

    ¡°But the sword-¡± Busco said.

    ¡°Is dangerous, yes.¡± Gybalt said sternly, with the eyes of a hawk. ¡°We knew better than to touch it, Quinn. The fact that someone else has, again, is not our responsibility.¡±

    ¡°The sword is dangerous, Gybalt!¡± Sir Douglas said, stepping closer to the mage. ¡°Who knows what power has just been unleashed, what it might even do to her.¡±

    Master Gybalt did not flinch, staring his old friend in the eye.

    ¡°You think it''s going to kill her, don''t you?¡± Sir Douglas said quietly.

    ¡°I think it''s a distinct possibility.¡±

    ¡°Th-th-th-then we have to help her!¡± Khol interjected.

    ¡°I will not waste anymore time or resources of this mission on that girl.¡± He turned to his students, taking the time to bring some humanity back to his stare.

    ¡°It''s...a sad accident, it''s true, but she should not have been her. Whatever is happening to her is a consequence of that. Busco was right about what he said before. This isn''t Arnesfeld. This isn''t New Peridios. This is a strange, new world we are in. One with unpredictable-¡±

    Before he could finish, Sir Douglas had turned, sheathing his sword. He silently picked up his shield and satchel with calm movements, but Busco could see his jaw was tensed.

    ¡°Aeinon.¡± Master Gybalt said, exasperated.

    ¡°It''s okay.¡± Sir Douglas said, struggling to remain amiable. ¡°You three stay here, I''m going to go look for her.¡±

    ¡°Sir Douglas.¡± Gybalt said with an air of authority. ¡°Need I remind you, you are here for me and my students protection.¡±

    ¡°They have you, Gybalt.¡± He said, fastening his belt, tightening the shield straps around his wrist. ¡°Three mages would presumably have little need for an old swordsman in this castle.¡±

    ¡°Aienon.¡±

    ¡°I''m a paladin, Gybalt. A knight of the Old Order. I serve whoever needs me.¡±

    He sunk a final look of swords into Gybalt''s flesh, and turned to Busco''s barricade. Beside it, along the wall, was a length of rope, with a grappling hook sunk into a part of the wall.

    ¡°Busco.¡± Sir Douglas called. ¡°Drop the barricade for me. Bring it back up when I''m through.¡±

    Busco hurried to his side.

    ¡°If you''re going then I''m going to.¡±

    ¡°No. Gyb-¡± He replied, anger muddling his words. ¡°Master Gybalt is right. You have a mission to accomplish. I have mine. I''ll bring the girl back.¡±

    Busco grabbed at the knight''s arm, and was met with a fierce look of fury, one that made him shrink. He released the arm.

    ¡°Please Sir. You might need my help.¡±

    Sir Douglas turned to look at the stoic Ganders, who only watched. He turned back to Busco, then set his way towards the mage.

    ¡°Busco wants to come with me.¡± He said. ¡°So should you and Khol.¡±

    Khol gave an expecting look to his master, whose expression did not shift.

    ¡°We have a mission, Aeinon.¡±

    ¡°Think about why you brought them here. What are they going to learn in that old castle they won''t out here?¡±

    ¡°You could stay here, Master. And Khol, if he wants, but I think I should go.¡± Busco said earnestly.

    The three gazed upon the old mage, whose face was that of a younger man.

    ¡°Even if it''s only to bring back the sword.¡± Sir Douglas said. ¡°We have to find it.¡±

    ¡°Her.¡± Busco corrected.

    Gybalts green eyes were piercing, gleaming in the morning sun.

    ¡°Fine.¡± He said, reluctantly. ¡°Take all the supplies, just in case. We''ll find that bloody girl.¡±

    *******************************************************************************

    The barricade was brought down hastily, into a clamour of dust. The slopes that led to the jungle were relatively unscathed. They followed the wall around, until they saw that part of it was disturbed. Yellow rubble was strewn along the floor, leading to a trail of broken plants and hewn trees.

    Sir Douglas was at the lead, quickly and thoroughly investigating the plants and soil. Busco kept behind close, but careful not to interfere with the tracker''s progress. Khol clumsily tried to keep up, but the roots proved challenging, and the flies and mosquitoes chose him as their prime target. After ten minutes of frantic exploration, the brush began to thin out, and the trees grew larger and taller. In the undergrowth, they were darkened by shade.

    There was a clearing ahead, and the trees gave way to a field of grass. Here the sun grew stronger, as too did the wind. A refreshing brush against their sweating bodies, the knee-height blades rocked to its gentle persuasion. Sir Douglas stood, staring out towards a series of craggy mountains ahead.

    ¡°Can you see the trail?¡± Busco asked.

    Sir Douglas kept his focus abroad.

    ¡°Quiet.¡± He said, concentrating. ¡°Listen.¡±

    All Busco could hear was the stomping of the minotaur desperately trying to keep up with them. He strained his ears, only hearing panting breath and bristling wind. Then came a scream, deep in the distance, one of pain and anguish. An explosion was carried along the breeze, dull but booming. Sir Douglas pointed ahead.

    ¡°There.¡± He said.

    A small cloud of dust appeared on the slopes of the crags.

    How did she get so far away, so quickly?

    Sir Douglas looked back to a disapproving Gybalt Ganders, and pressed forward, breaking into a run.

    ¡°Come on, we have to get to her, quickly.¡±

    The four of them ran through the field, as insects darted around them. The sun broke through the clouds, roasting them as they ran. By the time they reached the dark grey stone, Busco was completely out of breath, and Khol was bowed in pain. The clouds had seeped back to the bruised blue sky, and the air had grown substantially colder.

    Busco turned back to where the blue sky still lay, in the jungle beyond. The Silver Tooth sat alone, suddenly not so much of a fang jutting from the earth. The golden walls of Oster''s Castle were still visible, rolled in yellow light. Sir Douglas had already begun his ascent. The mountains were each smaller than the Silver Tooth, and none so high as to gather snow on the top. They clung like the teeth of the lower jaw of some colossal beast. They were a lighter grey, but sharper. There were patches of vegetation threaded through the teeth. Dark greens, yellows and purple heather.

    Sir Douglas scanned the stony slopes for clues, rubbing the silver dust between his fingers.

    ¡°There''s no trail here. We have to find where we saw that explosion.¡± He said, no more than a mutter.

    Master Gybalt stretched his back out, and Khol splashed some water on his forehead, shaking his dark fur flamboyantly. Busco rubbed at his thighs, and inclined himself, ready to move out again. Sir Douglas stepped his boot onto a jagged rock, his hands positioned ahead, although awkwardly with his dog-emblazoned shield, and pulled himself up. Busco breathed in the scent of the mountain. It was invigorating, a refreshing connection between him and the natural world. He effortlessly followed Sir Douglas as they climbed the spiky incline, that was sloped enough to make it only a matter of finding which stone-step was the quickest route to make it over the next hurdle. Busco felt himself bounding ahead of Sir Douglas, standing on a tall boulder, watching the line of ragged hills stretch on indefinitely. The tall brushes besides them bristled, and he followed the breeze back to where they came from.

    ¡°Sir.¡± He called out, pointing to the minotaur and the old man.

    Sir Douglas turned with a sweaty brow, seeing how Khol struggled against the scattered stones, sending a land-slide behind him. Master Gybalt was clearly feeling the strain, though he tried to mask it with a prideful stride. The two were several meters behind them, and rapidly losing distance. The two ahead watched as they slowly trudged to meet them, but clearly they were rearing to go.

    ¡°Are you two alright?¡± Sir Douglas asked seriously.

    They both nodded with a slight wheeze.

    ¡°I think me and Busco should go on ahead. You two have a break, catch your breath.¡±

    He turned to study the hill they were on, seeing that it peaked not far away. Behind it, taller and spikier mountains lay waiting.

    ¡°We''ll look for the trail up there. Head for the peak of that mountain, we''ll wait for you there.¡±

    Khol sat down with a heavy slump, rubbing at the fur between his horns. Master Gybalt nodded weakly, slowly lowering himself down too.

    ¡°Be careful.¡± He said gravely, as Sir Douglas and Busco turned.

    Busco gave a small smile to his master, and set out to follow the Old Dog up the hill.

    We''re coming, Sareta.

    Busco''s new found energy began to sap as they reached the bottom of the larger, spikier mountain Sir Douglas had singled out. Sir Douglas had begun to slow too. The heat had subsided, but there was still a viscous quality to the air that draped itself over them. The sky had grown steelier, and the wind was far more biting.

    Sir Douglas stopped, waiting perceptively, and signally to Busco. There was a sound, at first like a beehive, but in the empty quiet crags, it wasn''t difficult to discern that it was running water. With a sweaty face, he turned to Busco and smiled. With a revitalised motion, they climbed the bladed rocks, until they found a clearing. There was a small waterfall pouring out, far above their heads, onto a small smattering of rocks, and trickling further down the mountain. A wreath of scattered plants and grasses swayed here.

    Sir Douglas immediately cupped his hands over it, covering his face and beard, and exhaling, refreshed. Busco did too, wiping his forehead and back of neck. He was compelled to drink from it, but remembered Sir Douglas''s lesson. The two stared at the lesion from whence the water came.

    ¡°It should be okay.¡± Sir Douglas said calmly.

    The two of them filled their water-skins, and drank the cool water. Busco wiped his mouth, startled to feel that the water tasted extraordinary. The fact that it tasted at all was remarkable, compared to what they had in New Peridios. Not that you drank the water from under the Lynchlands, that was a guaranteed spell chained to the toilet.

    ¡°Do you think there are salamanders here too?¡± He asked.

    Sir Douglas was crouched over the pool, gliding his hand through the oncoming stream. He shook his head.

    ¡°Shouldn''t think so. The stream''s too small.¡±

    He retrieved his hand, flicking it, and watching to where Khol and Master Gybalt were. They had begun to ascend the first hill.

    ¡°Let''s wait here for them. No point in getting ourselves too far ahead yet.¡±

    Gratefully, Busco swung his satchel and sat next to the pool, watching the white mountain flowers bob themselves to the alpine music.

    ¡°Have we lost the trail, Sir?¡± He asked carefully.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Sir Douglas unstrapped his shield and sword, and sat opposite Busco.

    ¡°Maybe. I''m not sure.¡± He said wearily.

    ¡°But we saw her, she made some kind of explosion.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Sir Douglas said, rubbing his neck. ¡°It must be further up, from what I saw. I don''t think we''re far, though.¡±

    He sighed, and leant in closer to Busco, their two glimmering eyes meeting.

    ¡°Tell you the truth Busco, I''ve never had to track anyone like this before. This is where theory meets practice, and it''s not quite as simple as I thought it would be.¡±

    He leant back, finding a rock to rest his back on, and Busco finally saw him as armour-less. He nodded, trying to process how his tracker wasn''t sure how to track.

    I suppose it makes sense, now that I think about it. There aren''t mountains or jungles in the city.

    ¡°I hope we can find her.¡± Busco said quietly, and Sir Douglas smiled.

    ¡°I know we will.¡± He watched ahead, seeing how the mountains melded with the jungles. Only the very crest of the Silver Tooth was visible from here.

    ¡°Did you like her?¡± He asked, and Busco flushed red beneath his charcoal cheeks.

    He felt his brain stumbling as he searched for something to say.

    ¡°I dunno. Khol does, that''s for sure.¡±

    Sir Douglas chuckled.

    ¡°Yeah. I bet he does.¡± He began to rub and massage his hands together, now looking at the floor. ¡°I only ask as you seem to be the only one so eager to come help her. Even Khol wasn''t so sure.¡±

    ¡°Khol gets scared easily, I guess.¡± Busco said, shrugging.

    ¡°So, how come?¡±

    ¡°I dunno. She got cursed with a demon sword or something, seems like the right thing to do was help.¡±

    The two laughed, and Sir Douglas nodded thoughtfully.

    ¡°You make a good point.¡± He said. ¡°Still, the desire to help and protect anyone, even if it costs something to yourself, that''s the main tenet of the Old Order.¡±

    Busco cocked an eyebrow.

    ¡°I think you would make a good paladin, Quinn. You''re strong, persistent and adaptable, but you''re also compassionate, that''s the most important quality.¡±

    Busco began to shrug, then took a second to imagine himself in the armour, with a shining sword, taking the oaths before the Chaplin Commander.

    ¡°I think I''d be useless with a sword, honestly.¡± He laughed.

    ¡°You''d learn.¡± Sir Douglas answered simply. ¡°Not just how to fight, or track, but how best to serve those around you. It isn''t all swordplay and oaths, you know.¡±

    Busco grinned.

    ¡°Now I think you took me up here just to recruit me.¡±

    Sir Douglas laughed heartily, a friendly bark.

    ¡°It''s true, there''s not many of us left.¡± He shifted his weight on the rocks he perched upon. ¡°Still, it''s not about how many paladins there are, it''s the quality of them. It took me a while to realise that. My mentor, Li Shen, a great warrior, taught me it after we made the decision to rebuild the order.¡±

    Busco chewed at his lip, knowing what he wanted to say, but fighting the urge to do so.

    ¡°I think I wanted an army, not an order. I was so angry, that my fellow brothers devolved into fighting us. I wanted to prove that I, no, that we were strong again. He brought me back, made me remember why we became paladins in the first place.¡±

    Busco felt the floodgates emerge.

    ¡°That''s something I never really understood, Sir.¡± He began, trying to word it as tactically as he could. ¡°Why have paladins? All these things you say they stand for, protection and what-not, that''s what we have the Guardsman for though, right? Don''t you think that makes the paladins...you know...¡±

    He stopped, seeing through Aeinon''s eyes he had wounded him. Sir Douglas cleared his throat, and left a swift breath out through his lips.

    ¡°The Guardsmen are not there for your protection, Quinn.¡± He answered sternly. ¡°Always remember that.¡±

    Busco blinked in confusion.

    I swear I''ve heard Havlok say that, too.

    ¡°The way it works, I suppose I should probably say, is that we are what the Guardsmen should be. We take on private contracts, that have little or nothing to do with them, but have to be approved and monitored by the government, who also take a tax on whatever payment we receive.¡±

    He grunted darkly.

    ¡°From what I''ve read, we used to be these saviours in the Old Age. One main citadel, but outposts and chapters everywhere. They were self sufficient, too. Meaning, we rarely had to take payment from those we helped. It was a glorious thing, to be a paladin then. Now, it''s all tangled in bureaucratic nonsense. It''s no longer we''re dying out.¡±

    He sighed wistfully, staring out into space.

    ¡°So why not call it quits? If the Guardsmen are so bad, why not try to change it?¡±

    Sir Douglas scoffed.

    ¡°It''s not about that, Busco. Even if I thought I could, I doubt I''d be able to. It''s about purpose, Quinn. After all, isn''t that why you joined the academy?¡±

    Busco shrugged.

    ¡°I suppose, it just seemed like the right path.¡± He said quickly. ¡°Bed and board, guaranteed a job for life if you make it through.¡±

    He stopped himself, noting how he sounded like a brochure.

    ¡°I mean it''s hard enough to try and find a job these days. Best I could do, is being a server at some restaurant, and even then there''s a lot of competition. I always knew I wouldn''t be able to get my own place. Not that there are any, and they''d all be so expensive.¡±

    ¡°Well, things are changing now, aren''t they?¡± Sir Douglas responded.

    Busco nodded, kicking against a stray stone, listening to the wind and the water behind him.

    ¡°She wanted to help people. I think. I think that''s why she followed us.¡±

    ¡°Who, Sareta?¡±

    Busco nodded, feeling a tightness in his throat.

    ¡°I think she felt like she owed us a debt, or something.¡±

    He shook his head, thinking about how they got here.

    ¡°And now, you feel like you should help her.¡±

    Busco looked at the old knight in the eyes. They were sage, experienced, but still hopeful.

    ¡°Well that''s a start.¡± Sir Douglas said, smiling.

    There was a bright blue flash, and a familiar screeching sound, and through barely visible rifts, an exhausted Khol and Gybalt Ganders stepped out.

    ¡°We made it.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    ¡°That''s cheating.¡± Busco teased.

    ¡°Sh-shut up.¡± Khol panted.

    ¡°I''m not so young as you three.¡± Master Gybalt said, hands on hips, trying to hide his ragged breathing.

    ¡°I can''t believe it took you this long to teleport here.¡± Sir Douglas said playfully.

    ¡°I wanted to make sure we knew where you were.¡± Master Gybalt said, findign a rock and sitting.

    Khol immediately began to wash his hairy face, spraying Busco with the excess.

    ¡°Have you found the trail?¡± Master Gybalt asked.

    Sir Douglas shook his head.

    ¡°It must be up ahead. If you want to stay here and rest, we can continue scouting.¡±

    ¡°Oh no.¡± Master Gybalt said, waving a hand. ¡°We''re done trying to catch up to you.¡±

    Sir Douglas smiled, rising slowly, stretching out his limbs.

    He reached for his shield, when he noticed some cascading stones before them.

    Khol had begun to complain, but Sir Douglas raised a hand. Busco punched his friend in the arm, and pointed to him, poising himself. The wind had begun to quiet, and a brief plume of dust drifted slowly to them. Quickly and quietly, Sir Douglas grabbed his shield and unsheathed his blade. Busco and Master Gybalt began to stand, but Khol sunk lower.

    ¡°I-I-is-is-issit a-an-a-another m-m-m-¡± He began to whimper.

    Sir Douglas through his hand out again, harsher, crouching slightly.

    ¡°Get ready.¡± Master Gybalt said in a low voice, stepping quietly in front of his students.

    Their attention was steel upon the corridor of jagged stone, but nothing else stirred.

    Maybe it was just the wind, Busco dared to hope.

    Sweat trickled down from his forehead, the salt stinging his eye, but he dared not blink. Those few minutes stretched on beyond reckoning, and none of them dared move, until Sir Douglas finally relaxed his shoulders, reaching over the immediate outcrops ahead.

    ¡°I think it''s clear.¡± He said finally, relaxing his grip on his sword.

    Khol let out a long breath, reclining back onto his seat. Busco still felt the tension in his arms, and began to flex his hands. Master Gybalt sat down opposite Khol, refilling his water skin from the stream.

    ¡°In any case, we should get going.¡± Sir Douglas said, sheathing his sword.

    ¡°Yeah, right.¡± Master Gybalt snorted. ¡°You two have already had a break, let Khol get his breath back.¡±

    Khol rubbed his head, groaning slightly.

    ¡°I do not feel well.¡± He whimpered.

    ¡°Maybe we should scout ahead anyway, Sir.¡± Busco said, the adrenaline still lingering in his system.

    The old knight nodded, and stepped onto the rugged stone-step eagerly.

    ¡°Don''t get too far ahead.¡± Master Gybalt called out.

    ********************************************************************************

    The jagged spikes seemed to ease out as they climbed the slopes, round rocks speckled with ancient scars and yellow lichen were passed, ever in the shadow of the spears that lay at the very top. Past them, more mountains stretched out, rugged vertebra flocked with deep green forests. The vibrant dense jungles ceased to be here, slowly transforming into trees that grew thicker and taller. The wind snarled around them as they rose to a crest flanked with purple heather. Before them was a small bush filled with blue berries. Busco looked at them longingly.

    ¡°Don''t even think about it.¡± Sir Douglas said, stepping his foot onto the boulder to adjust his boot.

    ¡°I wasn''t.¡± Busco lied playfully. ¡°Although it would be nice to eat something that isn''t dried meat or stale bread.¡±

    ¡°Then you should''ve had the stew.¡±

    Busco felt a queasy sensation in his stomach.

    ¡°Yeah, no thanks. You know what I really miss from home, though? Bakrals. I could kill for one of those now.¡±

    Sir Douglas straightened out his trousers and dusted his hands, nodding with approval.

    ¡°You know, I''ve never actually had a Bakral.¡±

    ¡°Then you haven''t been to a Nocterran birthday party.¡± Busco grinned like a starving wolf.

    He felt drool collecting as he thought about the deep fried pastry, filled with cheese, potato and ham, the smell of it lighting up the room filled with noisy kids as his mother brought in a big plate, and within a blink of an eye, they would be taken. There was something about the way she used to prepare them that outclassed any meal in any restaurant for him. Sir Douglas smiled, stepping closer to the edge, letting the cool mountain air coarse through him.

    Busco studied the old knight, whose shield and sword lay by him, as trusty as both his hands. His clothes were ragged, his body tested, but there was always a fair dignity to him. He struggled to imagine himself in a suit of armour, gallant and heroic, a shining sword by his side. The knight turned and met him in the eyes.

    ¡°You alright, Quinn?¡± He asked.

    Busco nodded, turning to stare at the floor. In between the lose stones was a small black beetle, oblivious to the woes of the giants that stared at it from above.

    ¡°Do you really think I''d make a good paladin?¡± He asked, squinting against the struggling sun.

    Sir Douglas looked at him thoughtfully, before turning upwards to their set path, scanning for anything suspicious.

    ¡°Anyone can be a good paladin, Busco.¡± He said wearily. ¡°The distinction between that and being a good man is caring for others. You have to ask yourself; can you sacrifice what others can''t to help someone?¡±

    Busco chewed on this for a second.

    ¡°I dunno. I never really thought about it.¡±

    Sir Douglas studied him without any surprise in his wizened eyes.

    ¡°Have there been many Nocterrans who served as paladins, Sir Douglas?¡±

    ¡°Not in a while.¡± Sir Douglas admitted. ¡°There may have been more in the Old Age, but very few in the New Age. From what I''ve heard, you Nocterrans have a tight-knit community from birth, I guess there''s few who want to stray from that path.¡±

    Busco took a moment to study his charcoal hands, seeing them flex in the afternoon light.

    ¡°Yeah, I guess you''re right. I don''t think the Stone Sage would approve if I changed from student, to knight.¡±

    Sir Douglas nodded, understanding covering his face.

    ¡°To be born into a community like that, it''s a rare thing. You''re lucky to have that right off of the bat. I had to find mine at the Order.¡±

    Busco felt his cheeks flush.

    ¡°I don''t know if I would call it lucky. We were discouraged from talking to outsiders, I didn''t really talk to any other races until I joined the academy.¡±

    ¡°Understanding others is the key to understanding yourself.¡± Sir Douglas said, lost in the rhythm of the wind. ¡°At least, that''s what Sir Sanyi taught me.¡±

    ¡°He was the Chaplin Commander before you, you said?¡± Busco asked, taking the time to watch the knight.

    ¡°He was.¡± Sir Douglas said, nodding. ¡°The man who made me a knight. Gave me a purpose, after his was fulfilled.¡±

    Busco felt something twitch in his brow, and he turned away. Sir Douglas noticed, studying him closely, waiting for him to speak, casting a spotlight on the student.

    ¡°Speak freely, Busco. I won''t judge you.¡±

    Busco hesitated, letting all of his thoughts flow.

    ¡°I just don''t understand, Sir.¡± He said carefully. ¡°You sound so devoted to the paladins, but you also said there were others who broke their oath, in that uprising you said about. Doesn''t that mean the order itself is broken?¡±

    Sir Douglas turned away, if he had been wounded, Busco couldn''t see it.

    ¡°It''s not broken if we keep trying to fix it.¡± He said quietly.

    Busco felt a deflation flow through his body. He felt weakened, staring at the ever-strong stance of the man before him.

    ¡°I''m sorry sir.¡± Busco mumbled. ¡°I didn''t mean to upset you.¡±

    Sir Douglas turned back with a pained smile.

    ¡°No, don''t apologise for telling the truth. It''s something I have to think about everyday. Still, if there''s anyone who has to keep trying, it''s me.¡±

    ¡°You''re right Sir.¡± Busco said, finally understanding. ¡°For what it''s worth, I think if there''s anyone who can stop it from breaking, I think it''s you.¡±

    Sir Douglas smiled gratefully at him.

    ¡°It''s always breaking, but never broken. Not while I can still try to help others. That''s what I believe, anyway.¡±

    Busco smiled back.

    ¡°I can see there''s an understanding to you, Busco.¡± Sir Douglas continued. ¡°There''s anger, too, but I think there could be a wisdom to what you see. You know, you might even make a great Stone-Sage one day.¡±

    Busco felt the words strike him like a hammer. He tried to imagine himself in the anointed robes, carried all of the way from the Old Age. Thousands of years of wisdom were sealed within their fibres. He tried to imagine himself as the leader of a people, but it was unfathomable. Every image he had was of him falling through the massive robes, a naked teenager pretending to be something that wasn''t a student.

    When he returned to the mountains, he saw something moving. There was something behind Sir Douglas. The knight opened his mouth to speak, still smiling warmly, but Busco was struck cold at the black creature behind him. On long thin legs it was balanced on serrated rocks. His blood became ice, and a sickness filled his stomach. Sir Douglas said something, but the words were static, and he watched the students face, his own becoming a mire of concern.

    The creature was deftly balanced, eight pole-axes jutting out of a deep grey circular head, it''s mandibles were twitching. Silently but swiftly, it moved towards the knight. Sir Douglas watched the reflections in Busco''s eyes with seething horror, quickly moving to his sword. With a smooth, curved motion, the shining blade was relinquished, swerving in an arc towards the colossal spider.

    Its huge legs were longer than even Busco, spiked with dagger-like fibres. Busco tried to move away, puppeteered by fear, his boot sliding beneath his foot against a rock. He felt himself stumble, and as he did, he saw the rider on the monster''s back.

    Sir Douglas roared as the sword sliced at the creature, which moved its long front leg as he did, the blade skimmed against it, and struck the gravel below, he took a moment to study the creature, fighting against his legs buckling beneath it. Busco could only watch, feeling a terror unlike anything else he had ever felt before. It''s two front legs pushed at Sir Douglas striking him in the chest, and knocking him to the ground. It began to push its fanged mandibles towards him, clear liquid was dripping off of them. Sir Douglas pulled his shield to black them, and they grotesquely groped at the painted visage of the hound. His sword flew towards Busco, and he stared at its gleaming blade. It its reflection, he saw something akin to a saddle, and whatever was in it, began to shift.

    There was a roughly made saddle, made of different materials, but none of them were leather or cloth. They were light brown, almost shiny in the daylight. It was stitched together with thick white rope, and adorned with small animals skulls and symbols painted in black. There were wooden spikes at the back of the seat, similarly covered in tiny skulls, and ribbons of torn fabric. In the centre, was a small humanoid, with pallid grey skin. His armour was spiky and dark, made of some chitinous material that Busco did not recognise. Its half-helm covered its eyes completely, sitting above a pointed nose and a drooling snarl. In its hand was a crude spear, the tip was made of the same material as its armour, tied tightly with more white rope. As Busco shifted. It twitched, sending its sightless gaze towards him.

    Lightning flew through Busco, a deep unknown horror, imagining the creature''s hateful eyes beneath its helmet. He felt the stones bite against his hand as he pushed himself up, the other hand reaching for the sword. The spear pointed itself at him. The spider continued to bite and claw at Sir Douglas, and the blade struck against the spear, sending it to the side, and opening up a space for him to send a curving strike. The blade sunk into the front leg that pinned Sir Douglas, only buried itself it halfway through one of the joints, spilling sticky, translucent liquid that was almost a cyan hue. It hissed, a sound that scraped against air, and retracted itself from the knocked down knight. The rider buckled, struggling to keep itself in its saddle as the creature retreated, its back legs nimbly stepping backwards towards the inclining rocks, but Busco stepped forward, yelling as he brought the sword down a second time, cleaving its leg free from its stump.

    It hissed again, still no grotesque sound escaping it except for the moist sound of its feet molesting the rocks behind it. The rider shouted something guttural, as he slid from the saddle, grabbing on to it as he hit the rocks below. Sir Douglas pulled himself upwards, staring at the enemy, and deftly taking the sword from Busco''s hands. Quickly he stepped to the rider, who flipped itself over, its spear grabbed in both hands, poised into a crouched position. With another guttural curse, it thrusted its spear at him, which Sir Douglas swiftly cloven in two, bringing his sword back down, slicing the creature diagonally. Dark blood splattered through the air, and it screamed in pain, an almost unworldly sound, unlike anything ever experienced back in the city.

    The creature fell, trying to grab at Sir Douglas as it sunk onto the rocks below. Busco looked beyond the two, as the spider backed itself away. Its eyes were in four pairs, emotionless and cold, but Busco knew it was scared, focused solely on them. They were no longer prey. Busco brought his hand up, feeling the skeleton of the mountain. One of the rocks shot directly upwards striking the creature in the middle of its thorax. More light blue blood seeped from the holes born into the spider. It let out one last hiss, its legs quickly struggling and flailing become coming completely still. The rider''s ears twitched, and it cursed again, reaching for Sir Douglas one last time, who gently placed the edge of his blade against its throat, and pulled sharply.

    In the dust of the skirmish, there was a disturbing stillness to the mountain. The wind returned, striking against the drumming in his chest and throbbing in his head.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Sir Douglas barked, spinning as he scanned the area.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Busco panted. ¡°Are you?¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh.¡± Sir Douglas said, his eyes were that of a hawk''s.

    He wiped each side of his longsword against his paladin''s cloak, scanning every part of the mountain peaks before them. Busco slowly stepped towards the corpse that still twitched lightly. Its long fingers relinquished what was left of the spear. There was a sickly quality to the hue of its skin, not rock like like his own. It was half the size of Busco, skinny and lean.

    ¡°Holy Hel.¡± He hissed. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°No time now.¡± Sir Douglas said, backing away. ¡°Back to the camp, move.¡±

    Without another word, Busco turned to run, somewhat clumsily as the adrenaline still coursed through his body, piloting his feet over the uneven, descending surface. The two sent down a scattering of stones, leaning against the rocky outcrops. Along the wind was the sound of Master Gybalt calling out to them. They continued to drop, until they saw the other two running upwards at them. Master Gybalt and Khol stopped on a small crest of rock, the mage''s hands cupped around his mouth.

    ¡°What is it? What do you see?¡±

    ¡°We don''t know!¡± Sir Douglas shouted, jumping down onto a slope between spikes, still above them.

    ¡°You won''t believe-¡± Busco began to shout, when he heard the tell-tale pitter-patter of too many legs tapping along rock.

    He whipped himself around, and Sir Douglas did too. He heard Master Gybalt gasp, and Khol curse.

    Another spider, with another rider aloft, was quickly gaining on them, hissing at the air. This rider was dressed similarly, but had a light grey horn hanging from its neck. In its hands was a crooked short bow, as it nocked a chitinous arrow onto its string. Without hesitation, Busco moved his arm to its side, and bringing it quickly down before him. The tip of the nearest outcrop snapped neatly off, and was sent as a torpedo towards them. It smashed itself against the spider''s face, its silent agony spilling into the air. The rider struggled again as the monster tried to escape, but it held its aim true, sending the black feathered arrow towards him.

    Busco''s instincts instructed his reflexes, moving him smoothly out of the way as it whizzed past him. He heard it scrape the rock behind him, and heard the scurrying of hooves and boots against cover. Sir Douglas darted in front of him, shield held before him, sword close and primed. The spider shook itself, as the rider pulled at his horn, and bellowed, releasing a deep screech. Before the sound even registered itself in his ears, he heard more scurrying. They were coming from his left, and approaching quickly.

    Two more riders, one with a curved sword and a scarred spider came at them quickly, leading the charge before one with a spear and black chain attached. Another arrow was loosed, splintering against the wooden shield of Aeinon. Busco looked beyond his enemies, and threw out both arms, aiming for a peak behind them. With fingers stretched out as far as they could be, he bellowed as he pulled, and the mountainside splintered, exploding with a deep boom. A wound opened, bleeding a torrent of dust before the scraping rocks barrelled down towards them, a land-slide of shrapnel.

    Sir Douglas hastily pushed him to the side, both covering beneath an outcrop. More guttural screams and crunches as the peak fell, crumbling into more shards which flew down the slope and past them. As the sound quietened, Busco felt a brief surge of relief, but it was quickly diminished as he saw that new harrowing sight of black, hairy spears creeping over their cover. Before them, he saw Master Gybalt spring forwards, his fist pointed at the creature. It quickly barrelled over them, hurtling itself at the old master.

    Busco scrambled out, ignoring Sir Douglas''s call for his name. The creature landed on Gybalt, pushing him to the ground, the rider raised its cruel blade. There was a roar, the anger of a bull charging, as Khol rammed his horned head at the spider. It was lifted off, standing on half of its legs as the rider clenched itself. Busco prepared himself for a final strike, in his haste ignoring the last rider behind them. He turned in time to see the spear launched at him, its snaking chain following. Its bladed edge bit into his thigh, slicing through robes and trousers below. Immediately, his leg buckled, and the chain was pulled again, and the spear was back in its owner''s hands. The spider was nearly on them.

    Behind him, he heard Khol groaning as he pushed all of his strength against the spider, finally grabbing it with both hands, yelling and screaming as he tossed it to his side, hurtling the spider and rider down the jagged slope, bouncing as they crashed against the rocks.

    In front of him, Sir Douglas waited for the next strike, as the spear was thrown once more at him. He deflected it, ducking as it was pulled back towards his head. The throbbing legs were upon them, but he was able to avoid them this time. He sent a shallow slice at the spider''s face, popping one of it''s eight eyes as he did. It''s mouth was slobbering, and its curved fangs were desperate to bite into him.

    ¡°Get down!¡± Master Gybalt yelled, and the two obliged.

    With a thrown fist, the world became blue again. The creature dissapeared in the envelopment of light, and only a small spray of tainted water was left behind. Several miles to the east and above the ground, another blue sparkle opened in the air, and what was caught within was unceremoniously dropped to the ground. The four looked amongst themselves, as Busco stumbled to his feet.

    ¡°You alright?¡± Sir Douglas said, helping him up.

    Busco nodded with gritted teeth. Master Gybalt rubbed his messy hair, and Khol was looking downwards.

    ¡°M-m-m-Master?¡± He called out weakly.

    The other three slowly stepped towards him, looking at the descending slope. Beneath the brief wisp of smoke and dust, was the curled up corpse of the giant spider, its legs were bowed towards it, completely still. There was a slight scraping sound, and a foreign muttering. Slightly below it, in between several crags, was the rider. Its body was bloody, and one of its legs twitched uncontrollably as it tried to pull itself up the rocks. It reached for its blade, some dirty curse still hanging from its lips.

    Without a word or any desire to seek approval, Busco sent his foot behind him, and reached an open palm behind his ear. Quickly he brought them both before him, and one of the outcrops burst, flying like a cannonball towards the creature''s head. It called out a final time, and became completely still. Busco let the breath he was holding out, not daring to seek the horrified look of his friend. He grunted as he stepped past him, sitting against a rock and holding his thigh above the wound. Blood ran down his leg beneath his trousers, an uncomfortable warmth left behind.

    ¡°Here.¡± Sir Douglas said, kneeling before him, whipping out a long white cloth, tying it tightly around his thigh.

    Busco winced, and Sir Douglas studied him behind his pupils, a look of pride and concern perfectly blended together.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Khol finally breathed.

    ¡°I don''t believe it.¡± Master Gybalt said, almost hollow. ¡°Life. Sapient, or potentially sapient life.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Khol asked frantically. ¡°Is that a name for those things wi-wi-wi-with those l-l-lo-long legs?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Master Gybalt said, irritably. ¡°Sapient. Like you, me, or any race back in Peridios. Life that can think, communicate. To think, there''s a species out here all along, existing alone in this world and we never knew.¡±

    He sank against a wall, hands intertwining, anxiously rubbing against themselves as he became lost in a haze of thought, occasionally muttering to himself.

    ¡°But what are they?¡± Busco asked, as Sir Douglas stepped away from him.

    ¡°We can speculate later.¡± He said, once more taking his sword. ¡°That one over there sounded a horn. We have to assume there''s more on the way.¡±

    Busco turned to where he shattered the mountain. Underneath a pile of rubble was a set of long legs that lay still, besides a single grey hand that rested behind it. Khol stood there, studying the others, his large figure visibly shaking. Sir Douglas looked to the muttering mage,

    ¡°Gybalt. Come on. We can talk about this later.¡±

    Master Gybalt met Sir Douglas'' eyes, continuing agitate his fingers.

    ¡°Don''t you know what this means, Douglas?¡± He said quietly.

    ¡°It means everything''s gonna change.¡± Sir Douglas snarled. ¡°Come on, we have to go. Busco, can you stand?¡±

    Busco nodded, grimacing as he used a rock to help himself up. Sir Douglas offered a hand, but Master Gybalt stood up independently, and quickly moved towards the pile of rubble. Busco watched curiously as the mage tried to peer through the rocks for a better look at the rider.

    ¡°Gybalt.¡± Sir Douglas called out impatiently.

    ¡°You fought another one, right? Up there?¡± He said idly, moving towards the ascension,

    Sir Douglas growled.

    ¡°Come on, you two. Stay close.¡±

    The three followed an almost frantic Gybalt Ganders to where they fought the first rider. The skewered spider has sunk lower on its stake, just before the collapsed figure who lay in a pool of its own blood. Master Gybalt stood before it, his mouth open. Slowly, he crouched before it, with an open hand above it as he struggled to find the will to bring it to the corpse.

    ¡°Gybalt. Be careful.¡± Sir Douglas said sternly.

    Busco saw the frustration pull at his master''s mouth.

    ¡°This is unbelievable.¡± He said quietly. ¡°I mean, look at it.¡±

    The three joined him, staring at the grey body. Its white tongue lolled above its teeth and past its cheek. Master Gybalt brought his hand towards the concealing helmet.

    ¡°It almost looks like a...¡± Busco began.

    ¡°Like a Consumer.¡± Khol finished, and Master Gybalt nodded.

    Busco felt a shudder, thinking of the Consumers, always with covered faces, sickly grey skin, pointed ears. He was always told to keep away from them, that they were a menace to the society of New Peridios.

    It can''t be. Consumers, all the way out here?

    He heard Master Gybalt gulp as he took the chitinous helmet in his hands, and gently lifted it. Immediately, he heard Khol wretch.

    ¡°What in Hel''s name?¡± Sir Douglas cursed.

    He felt fear alight itself in his hands.

    That''s no Consumer. What the Hel is it?!

    What the helmet concealed was not eyes, in face, they seemed to have been melted over. Over the skin that covered where its eye-holes should have been, were hundreds of boils and warts, some where red and angry, but most were grey and sickly. On top of its head, was a small crop of greasy black hair tied-up with a piece of white rope.

    Master Gybalt dropped the head, backing away. He looked to his hands, wiping them on his robes.

    ¡°What the fu-¡± Busco began, before the scattering of more stone and rock from further up the mountain interrupted him.

    Higher up on the mountain, quick, black dots began hurrying towards them. Sir Douglas roughly pulled him up to his feet.

    ¡°We have to move, now!¡± He growled.

    Master Gybalt snapped himself out of his studious trance. Sir Douglas nudged him forwards, and the four sprung quickly away, moving along the side of the mountain. They stepped on the rocks gallantly, dropping down to a stony slope. Sir Douglas led them back towards the forest, jumping onto more level ground. They hid behind trees, with Sir Douglas carefully watching the mountain. The black dots continued to scurry along the mountainside, but they did not come towards the forest.

    Sir Douglas sighed deeply.

    ¡°I don''t think they saw us.¡± He said quietly.

    Busco felt relief wash through his body, as he began to feel the strain of the battle exhaust him. He shared a brief smile with Khol, and saw it wash through him too. Sir Douglas beckoned them through the forest, past a large set of mossy rocks. They stepped over a felled log, now hollowed, and the source of new plants growing through and from it. The silence was prevalent. A gentle bird call beckoned the way, and the skittering of a squirrel made them all flinch. A cautious smile was shared between the four of them, before a deep rumbling echoed in the distance. Quickly, Sir Douglas moved to the treeline.

    The trees thinned, leading towards a set of grassy hills. Beyond the first two peaks, was a cloud of smoke. They could hear voices yelling. Sir Douglas led the charge up the hill, past the thick grass where white flowers grew. They reached the top, and saw the point of the explosion. There was a crater born into the hill-side, and several scars were burned into the grass. There were two figures, staring at each-other, panting gently, swords drawn.

    ¡°Oh my X.¡± Sir Douglas muttered.

    ¡°It''s Sareta!¡± Khol shouted, excited and terrified.

    He was right, he saw the tall, slender figure, still gripping that terrible sword. Her body was crouched, the tip of the sword submerged into the earth between them. Before them, was a figure not as tall as she, his sword held aloft, pointed directly at her.

    Busco gasped.

    It''s him.

 1.8-Forgotten Roots

    CHAPTER 8-FORGOTTEN ROOTS

    Above the craggy outcrops of rock, a murder of crows descended upon the feast of slain spider and the mysterious remnants of a forgotten world.

    The cawing from over a mile away did not reach Busco, whose world was deafened by the sound of pounding feet and hearts. The group descended towards her, not daring to call out her name. The figures remained still, watching each-other closely, although as Busco grew nearer, he could see she was twitching with pain. With gritted teeth and a dangerous snarl, she wrenched the sword out of the earth, flying clumps of grass and dirt were freed from the ground, and with both hands, swung it fiercely at the figure ahead.

    Deftly, adorned in a indigo cloak, with a hilt-less sword that curved at the tip, he leapt away from her, and once more her blade buried itself into the ground. The effort carried her, slumping over the sword, panting desperately. The blood around the coils that buried themselves into her arm had grown thicker, and its copper smell flew to meet them.

    The hill was not steep, and they could see the two closely, despite being still over thirty feet away. Khol stopped, breathing heavily.

    ¡°I know that guy, I''ve seen him before somewhere.¡± He said between pants.

    ¡°He was on The Narwhal.¡± Busco said, fixating the cryptic, hidden fellow with his bright eyes.

    The figure''s face was still covered, but beneath the hood and wrappings, Busco could see his head switch, as if he was detecting the scent of the new comers. He made a clicking sound from within his hidden mouth, before aiming his blade truly at Sareta. With a gallant leap, he bounded towards her, blade moving swiftly.

    ¡°We have to help her.¡± Sir Douglas said, sword at the ready.

    Sareta groaned, her long ears flickering. With both hands, she took the heavy sword and thrusted it to her attacked. The blades scraped against each-other, and the assailant darted back, poised, ready for the counter-attack. By now the four were running towards her. Sir Dougls dared to shout her name, and she turned back with wild, angry eyes. Her face was covered in dirt and blood, her hair was mattered and her denim jacket was torn in multiple places. For a moment, her eyes met Busco''s, but they were no longer filled with warmth or hope. He was looking into the eyes of a beast, bloodshot and terrible. He felt a sickening fear strike his stomach and his spine simultaneously. He stopped before her, as did the others.

    ¡°Help me.¡± She hissed. ¡°Please-make it stop, the sound, make it stop!¡±

    She roared and contorted with pain. She dropped the sword, and it dangled from the wires within her arm. Her arms groped her shoulders, her head bowed in agony. The figure took his chance, blade balanced in both hands, leaping forward to strike once more, not noticing the crackle of red and black electricity around her.

    With a deafening wail, she unleashed her hands, and with it, a wave of shimmering energy was sent forwards. The hands in the clock embedded into her sword spun wildly, and the figure groaned as the wind was knocked out of his chest. He flew backwards, the shock-wave carrying him several feet before he began to bounce, striking the ground heavily, again and again, his blade flown from his grip and barrelling down the hill. He skidded along the grass before finally striking his back against a tall oak tree. He gave a final cry out before succumbing to sleep, a cascade of leaves and acorns dropping around him.

    ¡°Busco, restrain her.¡± Master Gybalt said, brandishing his bracelet.

    Busco nodded, parting his feet, and readying his hands.

    ¡°This way, Khol.¡± Sir Douglas growled, pointing to the unconscious figure beneath the tree, and the two ran to him.

    Busco scraped his foot along the grassy hill, towards Sareta, listening to what the matter below him told of. It was difficult going from the hard, rigid stories of stone to the crumbling, unpredictable mass of earth beneath him, but time to concentrate was not a luxury afforded to him. He pressed an open palm downwards in front of him, and with a yelp, Sareta sunk up to her knees in the dirt. There was a dizzying flash as Gybalt dissipated, appearing behind the confused Eve.

    She shouted and struggled, and Master Gybalt calmly set about his hands on the infernal sword, trying to wrench it away from her. She screamed, a sob of extreme agony melded within, as he pulled. The cords tightened, unwilling to relinquish their new host.

    ¡°Stop! Stopstopstopstopstopstopstop-¡±

    Her fingers reached the hilt, and it whipped back to her hands. With a final yell, she held the blade close. The hands in the clock spun even further. Gybalt looked with a desperate fear at Busco, who was rooted in place, unsure of how to move. Her body tightened, dark electricity crackled, more this time, and far louder.

    In the blink between seconds, Gybalt had leapt through space, and was by his said, grabbing him by both arms tightly, and the blue flash took over. There was a distant roar, she was still rooted into the hill, but they were by Sir Douglas, Khol and the unconscious fighter, watching helplessly as a dome of energy was born, rendering the hill-top in twain. It surged towards them, burning and breaking grass and stone. Busco hunkered himself down, ready for an impossible impact, while his Master stood firm.

    With an outstretched palm, a gentle muttering within a deep exhalation, his palm began to glow an iridescent blue. As the destructive dome hurtled towards them, he thrusted his palm to it, gritting his teeth as it made contact. There were more flashes, high-pitched, nauseating screeching, but the dome began to dissipate, receding and shrinking as if swallowed by Master Gybalt''s hand. It was vanquished, leaving only behind a stream of smoke and a weary mage.

    Before them, the hill-top was left sundered. Grass had been uprooted, pockmarks were burned into the sloping surface. There was no longer a hill-top, such as a smouldered crater. There was nothing else on that hill-top. No cursed sword, no Sareta. They had vanished again. Busco''s head began to spin, nausea filling his lungs. He fell to the ground, heaving on all fours. He felt the large hands of his friend gripping onto him, and an echo that might well have been his name. He was gently coerced into sitting upright, the hill top still spinning until it became the sky.

    ********************************************************************************

    He woke up on his side. The sky had become stone, the rain was light but persistent, hammering gently on the canopy above. His body was hollow, a vessel for empty wind to flow through and out. His biceps and thighs ached, his hands sliding along the moist grass. He groaned as he pushed himself upwards, and heard the gentle pattering of a pair of hooves behind him.

    ¡°Busco?¡± Khol''s voice was dulled and muffled.

    Busco blinked, darkness framed the edges of his vision as his friend began to refocus. He moaned again, sitting upwards as his head began to spin. Khol offered him some water, which he gratefully accepted.

    ¡°Busco, are you okay?¡± Sir Douglas asked, also coming to his side, and placing a heavy hand on his shoulder.

    Busco nodded as he wiped his mouth, the world began to reset itself. Sir Douglas affixed him with a concerned look, but gave an approving nod. He walked towards the tree, where the unconscious figure still lay, still covered in his cloak. He had been moved to his side, and opposite, Master Gybalt sat watching.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°I think you were just exhausted.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°That was a lot of magical energy you used today.¡±

    Busco thought back to the jaws of the spiders, and their cruel masters, his body shuddering. He looked back to his master, who had bandaged the palm of his hand. The two shared a look of relief; a relaxation that they could spend a moment to relax.

    ¡°What happened to Sareta?¡± Busco asked with a croaky voice.

    Sir Douglas only shook his head.

    ¡°Gone.¡± He said with an air of sadness and guilt.

    ¡°So what do we do now?¡± Busco asked, looking between the knight and the mage.

    ¡°What can we do?¡± Master Gybalt replied.

    The hammering of rain drops on the leaves grew louder, and the clouds grew darker.

    ¡°She hasn''t left any trail behind.¡± Sir Douglas said. ¡°She vanished.¡±

    ¡°Did you teleport her, Master?¡± Khol asked.

    ¡°No.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°I just dissipated the energy she sent.¡±

    He held out the back of his bandaged hand, and placed it back before his lap.

    ¡°What about him?¡± Busco asked, pointing with his forehead to the sleeping figure.

    ¡°Not a peep.¡± Sir Douglas said.

    ¡°M-m-maybe we should w-wake him.¡± Khol said, with a hand to his mouth.

    ¡°Not a bad idea.¡± Sir Douglas walked carefully to them, and nudged their shoe with his boot.

    Busco stood himself up on shaky legs and walked over to him. The distinctive indigo cloak had been soiled by mud. His clothes were simple and grey, his trousers scuffed and shirt was slightly tattered. He was slender, extremely thin, his exposed hands and ankles were grey, the colour of over-cooked meat. Busco felt something move beneath his lungs. Under the hood and facial wraps that covered the top half of his face, was a pointed chin, his mouth was ajar, pointed teeth stuck out like little finger-bones.

    He''s a Consumer. An actual Consumer!

    Immediately, he backed away.

    ¡°Don''t worry, he''s not gonna harm you.¡± Sir Douglas said, crouching.

    By the tree, he had confiscated his sword and a small green satchel, placing them by their own supplies. Busco kept his eyes on him, remembering what he said to him by the fire, back at the settlement.

    He''s here.

    ¡°Bu-bu-bu-but what if he...y''know...¡± Khol said, panicking only a little.

    ¡°He won''t.¡± Sir Douglas said, gently tapping the consumer on the cheek with the back of his hand.

    ¡°He might try to, if he''s been exhausted.¡± Master Gybalt warned.

    ¡°We won''t let him.¡± Sir Douglas said sternly.

    ¡°Try to, what?¡± Busco asked naively.

    Master Gybalt scoffed.

    ¡°Why do you think we call them Consumers?¡±

    After a few slaps of increasing ferocity, the figure began to stir. His long, grey, thin fingers stretched out before him, groping at the grass ahead. Busco watched as his nose and ears twitched, sprung back to life. His long teeth clacked together, and he groaned in distaste. Sir Douglas stepped back, his hand on his sheathed sword hilt.

    ¡°Get up.¡± He commanded, watching the squirming creature.

    The Consumer twisted his head as soon as it heard Sir Douglas''s voice, detecting him without eyes. It''s tongue darted between its teeth.

    Clack.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Sir Douglas asked, as the Consumer leant on its forearms, moaning as he stretched his back.

    ¡°Kad.¡± He said weakly.

    ¡°Your name is Kad?¡±

    Kad nodded as he pushed himself up, now upright and kneeling. Sir Douglas looked taken aback, and studied the Consumer with a strange new interest.

    ¡°What happened with the girl?¡± Master Gybalt asked.

    ¡°What girl?¡± Kad croaked.

    ¡°The Eve you were fighting. The one with the sword.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°Ah. Her.¡± He said.

    ¡°The one you attacked.¡± Busco said aggressively.

    ¡°She attacked me.¡± Kad turned, staring at Busco with sightless eyes.

    He began to sniff like a hound, his ears twitching.

    ¡°Ah, it''s you.¡± Kad smiled.

    Busco flushed, and he felt the eyes of the others staring at him.

    You smell the same.

    Before he could say anything, he heard the screeching of steel as Sir Douglas withdrew his sword, pointing it at the consumer.

    ¡°I know who you are.¡± He snarled, like a dog that had cornered a rat. ¡°Kad, is it?¡±

    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Kad shook his head, panic seeping into his body.

    Clack.

    ¡°Don''t move.¡±

    Kad meant to move, his hand against the earth, his body poised to where his sword lay.

    ¡°Khol, Busco, restrain him.¡±

    The two looked at each-other, then back to the squirming figure. He darted like a snake, and they pounced on him, each grabbing an arm. He tried to wriggle from them, his bony arms slippery in Busco''s grip. He growled like a caged animal.

    ¡°Aeinon? What''s going on?¡± Master Gybalt asked, rising.

    Quickly, Sir Douglas walked to the sword and bag, and grabbed the satchel. He rummaged through, emptying the contents into the wet grass. Kad continued to wriggle.

    ¡°Stop!¡± He called out.

    Sir Douglas reached down, finding a metal chain underneath a water-skin. He picked it up, the dull dark metal ended in a small wooded pendant. It was crudely painted purple, with a white, half-closed eye above a dot, and five short lines like lashes. Sir Douglas gritted his teeth. The Consumer hissed.

    ¡°Before we left the city, we were given a warrant by the guardsmen. A politician by the name of Silus Crassius was assassinated. The description was of a consumer, named Kad. Kad Ekisziku. That''s you, right?¡±

    ¡°No, no. That''s not my name.¡± He hissed desperately.

    ¡°You told us, remember? When you were waking up.¡±

    ¡°No, no, I didn''t-¡±

    ¡°What, mean to tell us? Or are you going to tell us now you didn''t really do it?¡±

    Busco felt a coldness rip through his arms.

    A political assassination? Maybe he was telling the truth. He must know the man with silver hands.

    He felt his grip tighten, and the consumer gasped in pain.

    ¡°He was the one who killed senator Crassius?¡± Gybalt asked with an arched eyebrow.

    Sir Douglas nodded, turning back to him.

    ¡°And now we''ll have to take you back to New Peridios, and justice will be dealt.¡±

    Busco swallowed, his mind a whirlwind.

    ¡°No, no, I didn''t I didn''t!¡± Kad hissed, wailing his head around.

    ¡°What about the girl?¡± Master Gybalt asked Sir Douglas, crossing his arms.

    Sir Douglas rolled his head on his neck, thinking hard.

    ¡°The trail has gone cold. She could be anywhere by now.¡± He said, sighing with exasperation.

    Busco felt that familiar emptiness deflating him of strength. His grip began to loosen, and Kad tried again to wiggle free.

    ¡°We''ll bind his hands, take him back to Promise Coast. For now at least.¡±

    ¡°B-b-bu-bu-but, wh-wh-wha-what about Sareta?¡± Khol whimpered.

    Sir Douglas sighed again.

    ¡°Maybe Master Gybalt, you were right. Maybe she is a lost cause.¡±

    Master Gybalt remained silent, only studying the consumer. The rain began to lighten, the final few drops rolling off of the leaves. The sky did not brighten, remaining a sheet of ivory. Sir Douglas took a length of rope, and roughly bound the consumer''s hands, while he still struggled.

    ¡°No, please. Don''t take me back!¡± He pleaded.

    ¡°Enough.¡± Sir Douglas said as he tightened it.

    From beyond the rolling hills, there were flashes of movement. Along the wind, the familiar screeching of an unfamiliar horn sounded. They turned to study the mountains, which were flecked with speckles of movement.

    ¡°It''s more of those things.¡± Khol breathed.

    ¡°Looks like a search party.¡± Sir Douglas said.

    ¡°We should get going.¡± Master Gybalt said, picking up his satchel. ¡°We won''t be able to go the way we came if they''re looking for us.¡±

    ¡°What do we do then?¡± Busco said, standing away from the bound Kad.

    ¡°It''s gonna be dark soon.¡± Sir Douglas said, looking beyond the canopy.

    ¡°We''ll have to circumvent the mountains until we get back to the treeline. We can camp there if need be.¡± Master Gybalt moved to the edge of the canopy, looking towards the forest that skirted the hillside.

    ¡°We can''t camp with him in our party.¡± Sir Douglas said with disgust.

    ¡°We won''t have a choice.¡±

    The horn sounded a few more times as they quietly walked through the forest, but it grew dimmer and dimmer. Busco was given Kad''s sword, hung along his back. As he affixed himself his own satchel, he made sure to withdraw his hidden knife, wedging it behind his trousers. His leg limped as he followed Master Gybalt, while Khol escorted Kad, and Sir Douglas behind them, always with his sword drawn. He had taken Kad''s satchel, and gripped it with a sturdy hand.

    The group remained silent as Busco thought about the Consumers. He was always taught never to go near them, they were dangerous and hung out in gangs. He had never seen the face of one, they all had wrappings and covers above the nose. He wondered if they too were marked in boils and warts.

    After an hour of walking through the rapidly darkening forest, the storm struck. The rain hit hard, fierce bolts in between the mesh of leaves and twigs above them. Small flashes of light were followed after a few seconds by the deep booms of thunder. Although they were not exposed, they were still battered by the endless deluge. The soft ground and piles of leaves became sodden and slippery, and everywhere under-foot were hidden roots.

    The dark grey sky began to give way to a river of gold by the time they found a clearing beneath a large ash tree. It''s ancient bark melded together like scales, green moss giving way to pale lichen. Before them was yet a green field giving way to a series of hills, but the mountains were now memories.

    The rain continued, but lighter now. All of the twigs and fallen branches around were damp.

    ¡°We''ll stay here tonight.¡± Master Gybalt said, exhaustedly passing his satchel from his shoulder to the ground.

    The others followed, slumping their bags with relief. Busco''s arms cried out with the effort, and his legs felt like fragile sticks.

    ¡°I don''t think we''ll get much of a fire tonight.¡± Sir Douglas said tiredly, gazing out to the field. ¡°If those things are still looking for us, probably safer to be in the dark anyway.¡±

    Kad sunk down on his knees, twisting his wrists against the rope that bound him.

    ¡°Khol could always set fire to the sticks.¡± Busco said, trying to mask his own exhaustion. ¡°Even if they''re damp they''ll still explode.¡±

    Khol was rummaging through his bag when he heard the slight, and threw a pair of damp skivvies at his smirking friend.

    ¡°I''ll scout the area. No point in resting if we''re not sure it''s safe.¡± Sir Douglas said, dropping his cloak and shield to the floor, and tightening the buckle by his sword.

    ¡°I''ll come with you.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°I''d like to see where we are.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure that''s a good idea?¡± Sir Douglas said, hushing his voice and stepping closer.

    ¡°They''ll be fine, Aeinon. Right boys?¡±

    Busco nodded, looking to the consumer, whose hands were still by his back. He swayed, defeated. Khol was standing now, nervously glancing between he and his mentors.

    ¡°We''ll be fine, master.¡± Busco said, taking a bite out of an apple. ¡°He''s not going to do anything stupid.¡±

    Khol gave a quick glance at him, not knowing if that was directed at him or not.

    ¡°Good.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°Because if he does, I''ll be there in an instant.¡±

    Busco smiled cruelly at the unseeing Consumer, as the two elders struck forth, deeper into the dark forest.

    Busco studied the Consumer as Khol nervously rubbed his hands, watching the two men leave. His mouth was moving, almost panting like a dog. Busco reached for his own water-skin, letting the still cool liquid heal his ravaged throat. He savoured the sensation, enjoying the feeling of it as he watched the parched prisoner. His fingers drummed on the skin, realisation setting in.

    He''s a murderer, he should be suffering.

    Still, something gnawed at him. He sighed.

    ¡°You thirsty?¡±

    Kad nodded weakly, still swaying.

    He looked at Khol, whose eyes dared him not to go near him. Slowly, Busco stood up. As he stepped closer, the consumer''s nose and ears twitched. He heard his breath beginning to wheeze. He stopped before him, watching the pathetic creature before him.

    So mysterious, so dangerous. What a load of...

    Khol shuffled anxiously, watching him. Busco steeled himself, staring at his friend in the eye. He roughly grabbed the indigo cloak by Kad''s back. Kad winced, cringing tightly to protect himself. Busco held the water skin with steady hands, bringing it closely, before upending the water into his mouth. His long tongue flailed as it lapped up the water, and Busco watched with disgust. After a short stream, he released Kad who gasped, bowing forwards again.

    He put his water-skin back, and looked at Kad.

    ¡°Come on, let''s sit you down. Khol, give me a hand.¡±

    Obediently, Khol came to his side, and the two grabbed an arm each, hoisting him up. The arms were bony, and the consumer was lighter than any man.

    ¡°Let''s sit him by the tree.¡± Busco said, as they escorted him.

    Roughly, they dropped him by the trunk, in between a mass of roots. The two stood in front of him, and easily, Kad moved his arms and tucked in his legs, bringing his bound hands past his feet and in front of him. He sighed, resting against the tree. Busco rested his hand on the tree, his body callign out for sleep. Something tickled his fingers lightly, and he twitched, before realising what was crawling on his hand were the long, thin legs of a spider. With a mild yelp, he pulled his hand away, shaking it wildly, and stepping back from the tree, stumbling over the hidden roots. Kad chuckled, a dark, disgusting rattle.

    ¡°Someone''s a little jumpy.¡± He rasped.

    ¡°Busco, are you okay?¡± Khol said, concerned.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Fine.¡± Busco said, rubbing at his afflicted fingers, the silent fangs that dripped translucent venom still aimed towards him.

    ¡°Just a spider.¡± He said, stepping closely to his belongings.

    Khol shuddered too.

    ¡°Oh X. Not another one of those.¡±

    Busco chuckled.

    ¡°I wonder, what were they?¡± Khol asked whistfully.

    ¡°What, the spiders or the riders?¡±

    ¡°Both. I mean, were they like us? They had weapons and all. Does that mean they have cities? Towns? That kind of thing?¡±

    Busco only shrugged. He looked back to Kad, the remnants of his face was lost to shadow.

    ¡°Have you seen them?¡± He asked the hidden figure.

    There was a brief silence, where Busco suddenly wondered if he had fled through the darkness.

    ¡°Who?¡± He finally rasped.

    ¡°Those things. The spider-riders, those boily, warty things.¡±

    ¡°I have no idea what you''re talking about.¡± Kad said with a dark laugh.

    ¡°Y-y-you haven''t seen them? Th-th-they were all about the m-mountains.¡± Khol added.

    ¡°They look pretty similar to consumers.¡± Busco said.

    ¡°I wouldn''t know what that means. I''ve never seen what we look like.¡±

    ¡°S-s-s-so-so-so you-you''re face is-is-isn''t covered in w-w-wa-warts?¡±

    ¡°No, it''s not.¡± Kad said, irritable. ¡°Might be the was just similar to us. Might be some other reason, like evolution. No-one knows where consumers really came from, but I don''t think we''d come from something like that.¡±

    Busco nodded thoughtfully.

    ¡°They just look a bit similar. Except for they have warts, and you guys have...well, y''know.¡± He gulped, trying to imagine what exactly it was Consumers hid under there.

    ¡°I keep telling you, I wouldn''t know what they, or I, or you look like. Still, they say Eves and humans were much more similar long ago. Maybe we were the same as those things, long ago. Maybe we were all connected by some...forgotten roots.¡±

    Busco rubbed his hands together.

    ¡°So you haven''t seen them?¡±

    ¡°Those from the mountains? No, I haven''t seen them.¡± Kad snarled. ¡°I''ve heard them, scurrying through tunnels, chattering to each other. I could hear the spiders, too, among other things.¡±

    Khol gulped.

    ¡°Other things?¡±

    Kad shrugged.

    ¡°Whatever they were, they were bigger.¡± He said, smiling throughout the darkness. ¡°And they had lots more legs.¡±

    Busco shuddered, his mind growing dizzy again and his leg throbbing.

    The three remained silent for a few minutes, as Khol fidgeted and squirmed. Finally, he stood up and leant to a Busco who was, by now, struggling to stay awake.

    ¡°Busco?¡± He whispered, but still fairly loudly. ¡°Busco, I have to go.¡±

    ¡°Go where?¡± Busco murmured.

    ¡°N-n-no, no-I have to go, Busco.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Busco said, stifling a yawn. ¡°Well, just go further in the treeline, then.¡±

    Darkness had almost enveloped them.

    ¡°Ar-ar-are y-y-you gonn-gonan be okay?¡±

    ¡°I''ll be fine.¡± He said, stretching, and standing up.

    Actually, I was hoping you would.

    As Khol swiftly pushed past ferns and crunching on sticks, Busco stood before Kad, and sat himself down. Kad was still looking directly ahead.

    ¡°Now that they''re gone, you and I can finally have a little chat.¡± Busco said, shifting as the metal of the dagger bit into his back.

    Kad''s ears twitched again.

    ¡°Then we better be quick. The knight and the mage are on their way back now.¡±

    ¡°You better start telling what you know then.¡± Busco growled. ¡°About the man with silver hands. You said he was here, at the settlement?¡±

    Kad''s teeth glared in the darkness.

    Clack.

    ¡°He''s here. I felt him, just as we all arrived.¡±

    ¡°Where? Where can I find him?¡± He said desperately.

    ¡°I know you, Quinn.¡± Kad said calmly. ¡°Or, to be specific, I know your brother. I know him well.¡±

    Anger flashed through Busco like a lightening strike. He was up, his hand coiling around the thin neck, pushing him against the tree, and Kad wheezed. The dagger was already in his hand.

    ¡°You better start making sense.¡± The dagger was pointed to Kad''s cheek. ¡°How do you know Havlok? What has this got to do with the silver-handed assassin?¡±

    ¡°Put that away.¡± Kad croaked. ¡°You''re not gonna kill me, what would your knight friend say of that? He''d say you''re as bad as I am.¡±

    Busco began to shake, relaxing his grip over the throat. He stepped back.

    Clack.

    Kad cricked his neck.

    ¡°I know your brother. Havlok.¡± He spat. ¡°He killed that senator, not me.¡±

    Busco struck Kad.

    ¡°You take that back.¡± He hissed.

    Kad growled.

    ¡°He killed Crassius, now he''s locked up in Braddock''s Dungeon. I''m what they call an accomplice.¡±

    He began to mutter beneath his breath, as Busco tightened his grip on his dagger. He stepped close again, gripping the cloak of his prisoner.

    ¡°I might not kill you.¡± He panted. ¡°But I can still hurt you.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°It''s the same ol'' story, Quinn.¡± Kad cackled. ¡°Consumer gets blamed for what one of you of the popular races does. Same with that silver-hands. He might''ve killed that mage mentor of yours, but it was one of mine that got blamed for it. Did you know that? Now he and that brother of yours are rotting in Braddock''s together and only one of ''em deserves it.¡±

    Busco gulped.

    ¡°What in Hel''s name are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°We better wrap up this chat of ours, Quinn.¡± Kad smiled. ¡°Your friends are back.¡±

    Soon enough there was a rustle of leaves and branches, and muffled voices. Busco stood back, hiding the knife within his cloak. He stepped back to his satchel, and stashed it within. Gybalt and Douglas were continuing their conversation as they walked back into the clearing.

    ¡°-gonna be a while anyway. Besides, even if they found them, we have no idea what they''ll be like at first contact.¡± He heard Master Gybalt saying.

    ¡°We''ve already seen what their first contact was like, Gybalt.¡± Sir Douglas replied. ¡°If they''re that hostile to the Recon forces, it''s gonna be a massacre.¡±

    They stepped between Kad and Busco.

    ¡°Everything okay, Quinn?¡± Sir Douglas asked cautiously.

    Busco nodded, though it was hidden in the darkness.

    ¡°Where''s Khol?¡± Master Gybalt asked.

    None of the five slept well. The rain continued throughout the night, and the wind flailed through the leaves. When Busco did dream, it was of spiders and silver. He awoke to a picturesque dawn, as Sir Douglas roused them, checking diligently on Kad. Sir Douglas cleaned and re-bandaged his wound. His own wrist had begun to heal, but the strain of battle was still evident. They shared their breakfast with Kad, who was still bound.

    ¡°I''m surprised you didn''t try to flee through the night.¡± Sir Douglas said, watching him carefully as he ate.

    Clack.

    ¡°I would''ve if I could''ve, paladin.¡± He rasped. ¡°It''s been a while since I last ate.¡±

    ¡°B-bu-but you''re eating now.¡± Khol noted innocently.

    ¡°Not like that, Khol.¡± Master Gybalt said gently.

    ¡°He means since he last consumed.¡± Busco added bitterly.

    Clack.

    ¡°I would''ve been fine if that Eve didn''t attack me.¡±

    Sareta.

    His thoughts of venom and metal hands suddenly vanished, changing now to the Desert Eve, naively wandering through the jungle, smiling as she did so. Suddenly, the salted meat in his hand turned to ash, and his stomach became iron.

    ¡°Ar-are we heading back to the settlement, M-Master?¡± Khol asked.

    ¡°We are.¡± Master Gybalt nodded. ¡°At least for now. We''ll reassess our situation when we get back.¡±

    ¡°Even if you can''t come with me, I''ll find her.¡± Sir Douglas said.

    ¡°I''ll come with you, Sir.¡± Busco said, his eyes gleaming.

    ¡°I know, and I''d be thankful for your help, after yesterday.¡± Sir Douglas said calmly. ¡°But you''re not my student.¡±

    Master Gybalt turned to him.

    ¡°If we can help her, then we will, Busco, but only if it aligns with our mission.¡±

    ¡°Yes Master. I understand.¡± Busco said sadly.

    ¡°Good.¡± Master Gybalt stood up. ¡°Last night we heard running water, perhaps a mile to our east. It could be the Blare-water, and if so, following it will lead us back to the beach-head.¡±

    ¡°What if it''s just another river?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°Either way, following it to the coast is our best chance of getting back for now.¡± Sir Douglas added.

    The group readied themselves, and set off, hugging the tree-line as they walked east. After a mile, the sounds of the river were evident, but not yet visible. The forest curved, and before them the grass-lands dipped, another series of hills and boulders that sloped into a depression. Carefully, they descended the damp stone and grass. Kad''s senses were going wild, and Sir Douglas studied him.

    ¡°What''s wrong?¡± He asked.

    ¡°I don''t know.¡± Kad croaked.

    The students looked towards Master Gybalt. He breathed in deeply. The rain and grass were fresh, and the wind was fulfilling. He fumbled his hand into his pocket, and retrieved a familiar gleaming gem. The broken shard of the Spatia-Sen was glowing.

    ¡°What the...?¡± He said to himself.

    He moved to a pillar of rock that stuck itself up through the earth and placed a hand on it. The others watched curiously. Kad dropped his knees, placing and outstretched hand to the ground, and concentrating. Busco and Khol shared a curious look. Gybalt slowly moved his hand along, stepping to another jutting of rock. The crystal continued to glow. He walked to a stretch of rock, reaching up like a wall. He waved the Spatia-Sen around. Busco watched, not daring to believe that part of the rock-face began to glow.

    It wasn''t just a reflection of the shard, there was something on the stone, and it began to glow.

    ¡°Oh my X.¡± Khol muttered.

    There was a symbol on it, glowing gently, a bright blue hollow circle and several dashes in the centre.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Sir Douglas asked.

    Master Gybalt barely shrugged, stepping back to study it.

    ¡°Have you ever seen that symbol before, Master?¡±

    ¡°No, never.¡± He answered, a ghost of a voice.

    Busco looked back to Kad, who had begun to stand, his entire face twitching.

    ¡°There''s something else, over there.¡± He pointed with a grey finger directly to his left while still looking forwards.

    Master Gybalt looked to Sir Douglas, almost as if searching for approval.

    ¡°We should investigate.¡± He said.

    Sir Douglas rubbed at his neck.

    ¡°Alright.¡± He walked towards Kad, and gripped his cloak. ¡°Come on, show us.¡±

    They clambered over the rocks, and were led into another field of tall grass and spreading hills. There were more large boulders. The sky had already darkened, but there was no threat of rain yet. Kad led the way, a hunting hound amongst the fields. Occasionally he would drop his hand back to the ground and twitch wildly, and eventually led them to a rocky outcrop.

    ¡°Here.¡± He said.

    Immediately, Master Gybalt began waving the Spatia-Sen around.

    ¡°I don''t see anything.¡± He said, disappointed.

    ¡°Master?¡± Khol said, pointing to the ground.

    Beneath Master Gybalt''s feet, the ground began to gently exert light. Busco, Khol and Sir Douglas began scrabbling at the dirt while Master Gybalt still held the crystal, his mind lost to any and all thought. As they unearthed the stone flesh beneath the soil skin, the first raindrops fell. They wiped the soil free as best they could, and the same symbol was unearthed. The raindrops shone as they came into contact with the light, but did not dissipate. Gybalt place a hand on it.

    ¡°There''s no heat, or any tangible energy. Kad? What is it you''re feeling?¡±

    ¡°I don''t know.¡± The Consumer shrugged.

    ¡°Are there anymore?¡± Gybalt asked.

    Kad nodded.

    ¡°Show me.¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Sir Douglas said. ¡°Shouldn''t we be getting back to the settlement? This man is a wanted killer, after all.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°Later. Right now I need his help.¡±

    Kad sneered as he was pulled away by Master Gybalt.

    ¡°Pull that face all you want. You''ll still face justice.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°I didn''t realise you were such a supporter for the Union Party, paladin.¡± He hissed.

    Sir Douglas clenched his teeth, and Khol nudged Busco gently in his arm.

    ¡°What''s the Union Party?¡±

    ¡°One of the political parties. You know, the ones who own half the seats in the council.¡± He replied.

    ¡°Bunch of racist, lesser-species hating assholes.¡± Kad hissed.

    ¡°Quiet.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    ¡°Oh my X, does that mean you''re a racist Sir Douglas?¡± Khol asked, unaware of how he sounded.

    Busco laughed at the absurdity, and Sir Douglas fitted him with a metal look.

    ¡°Of course not. I''m a paladin, legally I''m politically neutral, although if I was going to vote, I''d go liberal-the LPR.¡±

    Master Gybalt scoffed.

    ¡°Right, like they are any better.¡±

    ¡°At least they''re not the ones taking away my people''s rights to work and vote.¡± Kad spat.

    ¡°In any case, you killed a man, regardless of motive or political ideology.¡± Sir Douglas countered.

    ¡°I did not kill Cassius.¡±

    ¡°You''ll have your time to plead your case, Ekisziku.¡± Sir Douglas said with finality.

    Master Gybalt hurriedly led them to the edge of the hill, where the ground dropped to a green chasm. Within, the river flowed.

    ¡°Where?¡± He asked the Consumer.

    Kad stopped for a second, sensing it.

    Clack.

    ¡°Tell me where it is.¡±

    ¡°Why? If I''m going to go to jail anyway, what''s the point in helping you?¡±

    Master Gybalt turned to the sightless figure.

    ¡°Because we are standing on ground that has not been touched in millennia. Now, if there is something strange in property, it is my job to investigate, do you understand? So if you can help me, I think you should.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°Only if you free me.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Sir Douglas said, clasping at his sword.

    Master Gybalt held out a hand to the knight.

    ¡°I can''t free you, Sir Douglas has a duty to enact for the law, but, being a master at the Astral Academy, I could argue your services to said academy might earn you the right to a leaner sentence.¡±

    Kad chewed on this for a second.

    ¡°After all, what have you got to lose?¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°It''s underneath us.¡± He said.

    ¡°Underneath? By how far?¡±

    ¡°A fair bit below, I''d guess.¡±

    Master Gybalt held out the crystal again, and peered over the grassy edge. Busco walked over, and felt his stomach tingle. It was around fifty feet to the bottom, but there were rocks and ledges that formed makeshift paths.

    ¡°Master?¡± He said, pointing down.

    There was a ledge of sorts of cobbled stone halfway downwards.

    ¡°Let''s give it a try.¡± He said, handing Kad over to Sir Douglas.

    Master Gybalt led the way, gently down the sliding mud and wet stones. There was a short drop to the ledge, and into the hill, it opened into a cavern. The crystal began to glow. The cavern was shallow, and before them was a wall of mud and soil. Rocks enclosed the walls, and below them, the same rune began to glow.

    ¡°Busco, check that wall for me.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    Busco strode forwards, placing his hand on the wall of soil. He pressed into it.

    ¡°There''s something behind it, Master.¡± He said.

    ¡°Kad? Can you feel anything?¡±

    The Consumer shook his head. Master Gybalt turned to Busco and nodded. With his palm, Busco pushed heavily, and the soil began to crumble and fall. A great crack was cloven into it as the soil fell around him, and behind it, they saw what was held against it.

    ¡°What the...?¡± Sir Douglas said.

    Master Gybalt held the crystal close, stepping past Busco. Before them, were a set of colossal metal doors. There were no handles, or any other discernable feature. They were sealed together, reaching to almost ten foot tall. On each door was a black circle, with a curious white symbol within.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Master Gybalt asked, expecting no answer.

 1.9-King of the castle

    CHAPTER 9-KING OF THE CASTLE

    A semi-circle with a lightning strike through it. Almost looks like a sword.

    Sir Douglas slammed a fist against the metal doors, only emitting a gentle tapping sound.

    ¡°It''s solid.¡± He said, stepping back.

    ¡°Wh-wh-what is it?¡± Khol asked.

    ¡°Looks like a bunker of some kind .¡± Master Gybalt said.

    He placed his hand on the soil stained metal, tracing the strange insignia. Sir Douglas stepped closer, but still working to survey the valley around them.

    ¡°I-I-is this another one of those castles, do you think?¡± Khol said optimistically.

    Kad scoffed.

    ¡°What, like were kings live?¡±

    ¡°This is no castle.¡± Sir Douglas said.

    ¡°Have you ever seen this before, Aeinon?¡± Master Gybalt asked in a hushed voice.

    Sir Douglas shook his head. He turned and affixed Busco with a cautious look. Busco shifted, looking towards his confused friend, and their worried prisoner.

    ¡°We found what we were looking for. We should start making tracks.¡± Sir Douglas said.

    Master Gybalt did not respond, instead the broken crystal still hovered around. The glowing rune beneath their feet began to subside.

    ¡°We should find out what''s in here.¡± Master Gybalt said as if to himself.

    Sir Douglas gently grabbed the mage''s arm.

    ¡°No, Gybalt.¡± He said roughly. ¡°We have two students and a prisoner, and we have no idea what''s inside. We should head back up to the hill, and follow the Blarewater as we discussed.¡±

    Master Gybalt gently shook himself free of the old knight''s grasp.

    ¡°Sir Douglas, if you wish to escort your prisoner back to the settlement, that is your own prerogative. Mine and my student''s, however, is to investigate magical anomalies, and we shall remain here doing just that.¡±

    He turned back to Busco, and pointed to the soil roof still above the doors.

    ¡°Busco, there''s more earth obscuring the doors, can you clear it? There might be more of an indication.¡±

    Sir Douglas growled irritably.

    ¡°You''re just going to cause a land-slide, now.¡± He said bitterly.

    Busco hesitated, looking between the two.

    ¡°Don''t listen to him, Busco. I''ll help you if you need it.¡± Master Gybalt said, somewhat reassuringly.

    Busco breathed in deeply, as Sir Douglas stepped away, standing between him and Kad. He raised both of his hands out-stretched. He pulled downwards, and the blanket of soil and stone fell in a great cloud. A fissure formed above them, and Busco began to strain.

    ¡°Concentrate now.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°Only pull the earth above the metal doors.¡±

    Busco''s body tightened, and sweat began to form. With a final exertion, he yanked away the last of the buried earth. The doors continued for another five feet, until ending in a frame of metal. As Master Gybalt had predicted, there was something above it.

    ¡°Look!¡± Khol said, pointing. ¡°There''s something written up-t-top!¡±

    Busco took a deep breath, returning his hands to the air.

    Visualise, concentrate.

    With gritted teeth, he pulled away the final pockets of soil on to the stone ground before them, revealing large characters stained onto the steel.

    ¡°Sector...thirty?¡± Khol read out.

    The words and number were bold and black, directly above them, chipped and marked by millennia of soil.

    ¡°Gybalt...¡± Sir Douglas breathed. ¡°I don''t like this...¡±

    Master Gybalt waved him away.

    ¡°It appears it''s just a bunker, Sir Aeinon. Perhaps a military bunker of the Old Age. If there were any inhabitants inside, I very much doubt they''re still alive after four thousand years.¡±

    ¡°If it''s just a bunker full of dead people and weapons, then why should we go in? You just said you were searching for magical anomalies.¡±

    Master Gybalt did not reply, but pocketed the crystal. His eyes were affixed to the sign and doors.

    Sector 30. What in Hel''s name is it?

    Master Gybalt continued to press his hands against the doors, even trying to get his fingers between the groove that separated them.

    ¡°We have to find a way in.¡± He said quietly.

    ¡°Can you use your magic, Master?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°Possibly.¡± Master Gybalt scratched his beard. ¡°Although Sir Aeinon''s grumblings are correct, we do not know who or what could be inside.¡±

    He took a step backwards, examining the tall structure.

    Sir Douglas rubbed the back of his head, exasperated.

    ¡°We shouldn''t be doing this.¡± He muttered.

    ¡°Ye-ye-yeah.¡± Khol interjected. ¡°Are-are-aren''t we sup-suppose-supposed to be looking for Sareta?¡±

    Master Gybalt shook his head, annoyed. He turned to Busco, a determined look in his old eyes. Busco stared back, then turned to the door. He walked up to it, placing his hand on the rigid, cold metal, still feeling the last skin of soil.

    That''s as solid as it gets.

    He traced his hand away, turning to the sides, and caressed the earth around it. He brought his hand down, and onto the stone below. It was colder than steel, slightly damp. It''s structure was stubborn and unyielding compared to the far less dense soil, but still it spoke to him. He traced his fingers lightly over like it was a lover''s back, and finally knocked on it.

    That might be it!

    ¡°Stand back everyone.¡± He said as he rose, still facing the stone floor.

    He braced his legs, his thigh was burning. He clenched his hands, his finger-tips tingling.

    Come on now, speak to me.

    His breath whistled through clenched teeth, he pulled as hard as he could. The stone began to rumble. The others braced themselves, backing away from the cavern entrance.

    Come on, concentrate, visualise, feel!

    The stone became an extension of his hands, suddenly breaking like eggshell before them. A small rift opened, its jagged edges rising to claw at the forgotten metal. He pulled farther, the hole widened. He yelled as it opened further, and relaxed his arms. He began to pant, but was determined not to show any exertion. Without a word, he walked to the hole, and jumped in with both feet.

    The rock-face gave way to more soil, the hole was up to his chin. Against the freer soil, he pushed, carving a small tunnel. Darkness overtook him, but he did not let the panic take him, for he was one with the earth. It was ancient and foreboding, or at least it would be to one who did not how to communicate with it. Above him, he applied pressure with the palm of his hand. The earth shifted, jolting forwards, and a new, fresh air rushed to meet him. Kad''s sword banged against the dark walls, leading trickles and trails running down his back. He dusted his hands, and pulled himself upwards. From behind the door, he could hear the voices of his master and the paladin. It was a new kind of darkness, all consuming. He could not see his hands, and was almost overcome with the fear he had lost them, were it not for the sensation of the earth melding with the skin on his fingers. He heard Sir Douglas calling his name, with increased desperation.

    ¡°I''m okay!¡± He called back, his voice echoing. ¡°I''m on the other-side of the door.¡±

    ¡°What do you see?¡± Master Gybalt shouted back, his voice faint.

    ¡°Nothing.¡± He replied. ¡°It''s pitch black.¡±

    ¡°Is there a mechanism or anything to open the doors?¡±

    ¡°No, no I don''t think so.¡±

    There was a brief pause as the others discussed.

    ¡°Alright, stay put, we''re coming over.¡±

    Busco stepped back, coming into contact with the walls. Despite being inside, the air was much cooler. There was a current, and it carried an odd smell, something in between an old bookshop and a vehicle depot. The wall behind him was metal and silent. There was a scrambling sound as Master Gybalt made his way through, and Busco heard him bump his head as he came in. He crouched down to help his master up, pulling him upright. Master Gybalt dusted his hands on his robes. He stepped forward.

    ¡°You were right, I can''t see a thing.¡±

    Master Gybalt rustled in his pockets again, and Busco heard hushed whispering. A violet light, dull at first, then a deep blue illuminating Master Gybalt''s face. It grew stronger, the gem on Gybalt''s wrist shining brightly. Busco could see his left hand was gently placed on the crystal, as he looked around.

    ¡°I didn''t realise that doubled as a light, Master.¡± He said, somewhat impressed.

    ¡°It doesn''t.¡± He replied. ¡°But if I channel just the right amount of energy through it consistently, the gem shines.¡±

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    He smiled through the blue light.

    ¡°M-master? Should I come through now?¡± Khol shouted through the burrowed hole.

    Busco widened it enough for the minotaur to fit his larger frame through, though his horns banged against the metal door edge. Kad was sent through next, and he and Khol both helped the bound, thin figure up. Finally, Sir Douglas joined them. Even in the darkness, his disapproval was evident.

    The tunnel stretched on, and Gybalt led the way. Before them, was another set of doors. Once again, was more signage. Sector 30, and more emblems. The stone floor turned to concrete steps, and Gybalt approached the doors. They were much smaller than the ones that barred the outside world. There were metal crates and equipment put to the side, and in front of them, was a small console, only halfway up to their waists. Gybalt wiped his hand on the metal console, which glowed brightly under the blue light. Clouds of dust sparkled with the motion. On the top was a slot for something, as well as several blacked out circles of glass. There were several black buttons, but all eyes were on the single red one in the middle. Master Gybalt''s fingers hesitated above it.

    ¡°No.¡± Sir Douglas said. ¡°Gybalt, don''t. We have no idea-¡±

    ¡°This button opens doors, Aeinon. Either the ones in front of us, or the ones in behind.¡± He retorted.

    Quickly, he pressed down on the red button before the knight could protest, but nothing happened. Master Gybalt merely shrugged.

    ¡°Look around, maybe there''s a way inside.¡±

    The others fidgeted nervously. Busco heard Sir Douglas grumble, and Kad sink to the floor, leaning against part of the metal frame as he breathed cautiously. Busco followed the tunnel to the curved edge, there was solid concrete in between them. He tapped at it with his palm.

    All these years, it still seems so intact.

    He stepped back to inspect it, when he heard a sickening crunch below him. Master Gybalt turned round at the sound, allowing a patch of blue light to illuminate someone''s toe bones sticking out from a hole in a shoe, and a shin-bone with a large crack in it.

    Busco called out, stepping away, as Master Gybalt came rushing to see.

    ¡°Wh-wh-what is it?¡± Khol asked.

    Master Gybalt crept forwards, slowly showing the exposed skeletal foot. Busco gulped and Khol whimpered. The cracked shin led up to a tattered black trouser that was almost just rags. The skeleton''s legs were splayed open, the other boot was more intact. Their legs are short and stumpy, and as the blue light lifted, the skeleton was leaning against the wall. There was a white uniform with a black collar and cuffs. It was made of a strange, shiny synthetic material that Busco had never seen before. The emblem on its chest was the semi-circle and thunderbolt insignia. The skull was proportionately larger than a human''s compared to their body, their eye-sockets were large holes. It was smaller than any of the races presently here.

    ¡°A sk-ske-skel-skeleton?¡± Khol stuttered.

    Busco rolled his eyes at the obvious, but Master Gybalt was kinder.

    ¡°One of the inhabitants of Sector Thirty.¡± He lowered the crystal closer. ¡°It''s not a race I recognise. What do you think, Sir Douglas?¡±

    ¡°A Dvergr, probably.¡± He said, scratching at his beard.

    ¡°Perhaps. It looks a little small to be a Dwarven skeleton though. Almost like a child''s.¡±

    Busco felt a sickness creeping inside. Indeed, it did almost look too small to be an adult anything.

    ¡°Why would they have children here?¡± He asked meekly.

    ¡°I don''t think that''s it.¡± Master Gybalt mused. ¡°Perhaps it''s a previous species of  Dvergr not seen since the Old Age. Or...¡±

    He trailed off and the others waited patiently for a conclusion that never came to them.

    ¡°Or it''s another species entirely?¡± Busco finally said.

    Master Gybalt turned with a wry smile, half hidden in the darkness.

    ¡°M-m-Master, look at its hands.¡± Khol said.

    The crystal illuminated the skeletal hands together in its lap. Inside one of them was a small chain, connected to a dust coated pendant. Gingerly, Master Gybalt grabbed the chain, careful not to disturb the deceased inhabitant of Sector Thirty. He pulled it away, letting it hang in the violet light, particles floating in the air. Master Gybalt gently blew on it, generating a small zephyr of old dust. It was a blue rectangle with an indentation at the very top, almost like a Zwiper card, but thick. It wasn''t made of metal, or wood, but something much lighter. Master Gybalt grinned, and stood up, immediately walking to the console.

    ¡°Gybalt, wait-¡± Cautioned Sir Douglas, but it was too late.

    Once more, Master Gybalt exhaled on the console, this time a greater cloud of dust leapt up and vanished, and with the small pendant in his hand, he inserted it into the slot. Busco felt every muscle in his body clench, as it fitted perfectly. That was a slotting sound, and through hundreds and then thousands of years of inactivity, the red button began to emit a light. Master Gybalt licked at his lips, his fingers poised. Sir Douglas gripped his sword by the handle, and the button was pressed.

    The sounds of metal crunching and shaking had everyone on guard, event the bound Kad crouched, hissing away. Above them, an orange light flashed from a hidden sconce, periodically and repeatedly. A klaxon boomed, timed with the light, and before them, the great metal doors clicked and shifted. A sound that had not been heard in millennia echoed through the cavern and then the gorge before them, as the doors began to scrape the ancient earth, moving inwards.

    Blades of daylight pierced Busco''s eyes, as Master Gybalt began to laugh triumphantly. Clumps of dirt and earth fell and were swept aside from the giant doors fanning out. The very ground beneath them shook, and Busco felt his body tremble. The doors roared, until they finally reached their end, and with a final shudder, they became still. The klaxon alarm finished in time, and the orange light ceased. Master Gybalt gave Sir Douglas a teasing look as he pulled his sleeve to cover the caged crystal. The afternoon light reached in with its grey tendrils, painting the concrete walls of the tunnel silver.

    ¡°That''s not a bad start.¡± Master Gybalt said cheerfully. ¡°Now let''s see what else we can do.¡±

    Before Sir Douglas could protest, he rapidly began pressing the four black buttons above the red one. Immediately, fluorescent lights lit themselves, casting the entrance room in perfect light. Each time he hit one of the buttons, a metallic sound from somewhere nearby activate something, and with the final one, they heard a metallic click behind them. Master Gybalt gave a curious look to Busco, and the two turned to the set of doors behind them.

    ¡°Well, we might''ve just solved two problems with one stone there.¡± Master Gybalt grinned.

    As they approached the metal doors, they saw that one of them had been pushed slightly away from the other, breaking their apparent seal. Master Gybalt left the pendant in the console, and walked to the doors, placing his ear against it.

    ¡°I can''t hear anything. Kad, can you feel anyone inside?¡± He whispered.

    Kad only shook his head, the weakness making him faint. Master Gybalt fixed Sir Douglas with a serious look, and nodded. Sir Douglas reciprocated, and withdrew his sword. Khol and Busco steadied themselves.

    ¡°Whatever is on the other-side of this door, expect danger.¡± Their Master whispered.

    He wrapped his old fingers around the protruding edge of the door and pulled, grunting as he did so. The door gave way, allowing a small pile of skeletons to pile out. Khol yelped and spun around, hiding behind Kad. Busco watched in horror as half a dozen similar skeletons to the previous one spilled out, all in similar garments in similar stages of decay. With a grotesque clatter, they fell into the hallway. One of their skulls separated entirely, rolling towards Busco''s feet, stopping and staring at him with hollow eyes. Busco tried to steel himself, feeling his feet trying to shuffle themselves away as the empty face gawked at him.

    Sir Douglas spat in disgust.

    ¡°More skeletons?¡± Kad purred with a beast''s smile.

    Master Gybalt took his eyes from them, and towards what was inside. The long corridor ahead was lit, though the long strips of glass above were caked in filth.

    ¡°There''s still Nexos energy.¡± Busco gasped. ¡°How is that possible?¡±

    He imagined the green electricity flowing through the hundreds of meters of wire and cable in the middle of this hill in an ancient land. It had the power to move vehicles, illuminate lights, open ancient doors, and apparently could never cease.

    ¡°There must be one Hell of a generator in here.¡± Sir Douglas muttered. ¡°Either that, or there''s someone still inside.¡±

    Master Gybalt carefully stepped over the pile of skeletons. The corridor was grey, but light. There were thick black lines following all of the way down. He looked to his students for protest, but only saw fear.

    ¡°If anyone''s still alive in here after four thousand odd years, they''ll have one Hel of a story to tell us, but somehow I doubt it.¡± He turned, following the lines, and beckoned for his students to follow.

    Busco gulped heavily, and took a slow, careful step over the corpses. He reached where Master Gybalt was standing, and turned around to watch Khol, sure as anything he was going to trip and fall over the pile. The corridor was much smaller here, and Khol had to bow his head slightly to avoid his horns catching on the strips of light on the ceiling.

    Crunch, as he immediately stepped on one of their wrist bones. Before Busco could snigger, something caught his eyes.

    ¡°Master, behind Khol, look.¡± He pointed.

    Khol was startled, and spun, stepping on a femur and nearly tripping, but made his way to hide behind Master Gybalt. His Master bent down to study the doors. There were silver scratches on the door, dozens of them, scarring the surface.

    ¡°Scratch marks...?¡± He said quietly.

    ¡°Looks like someone didn''t want them to leave.¡± Sir Douglas said darkly, stepping inside.

    ¡°So it would seem.¡± Master Gybalt said wistfully as he stood up.

    He turned, back down the corridor.

    ¡°Come on, it''s time to find some answers.¡±

    ¡°Or more questions.¡± Sir Douglas muttered.

    Before they reached the end of the corridor, there was another skeleton lying against a wall, but this one had some sort of dagger between its ribs. Sir Douglas reached for it carefully. As he pulled, only a handle came into his hand. There was no blade, not even between its ribcage. The hilt was caked in filth, but fashioned like a miniature sword.

    ¡°What in the world?¡± He said, transfixed.

    At the end of the corridor, it split into left and right. The black lines ended here, and instead new lines formed, reaching off down the new corridors. On the left side was pink, green and black, on the right, was red, white and black. There was writing on them, but in no runes or letters any of them had ever seen before. Master Gybalt approached it, wiping off the layer of dirt and dust.

    ¡°I''ve never seen this language before.¡± He said softly.

    ¡°If we were going to head back, now would be the time.¡± Sir Douglas said grumpily.

    Master Gybalt only smiled.

    ¡°Perhaps we should split up, take a corridor each.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Sir Douglas growled.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Master Gybalt said tiredly. ¡°Then pick a direction.¡±

    Sir Douglas sighed, looking at the students, before pointing to his left.

    ¡°This way?¡± Master Gybalt confirmed.

    ¡°Lucky lefty.¡± Sir Douglas said tiredly.

    They followed the pink and green lined walls past closed doors. When they peered inside, all they saw were sterile offices and desks. Many of them were far too dark to see through the dirty windows, most of them were locked. More skeletons appeared here and there, some bent over desks or unceremoniously cast to the floor. The air grew staler and staler as they followed the corridor to the end, where once more, it split into two more corridors.

    The pink line ran to the right, and the green to the left. The right side was empty and well lit, while the green held two more skeletons next to some metallic crates and a trolley. The light was flickering, one and off, one and off. Master Gybalt turned to Sir Douglas.

    ¡°Lucky lefty?¡± He asked.

    Sir Douglas did not respond.

    Cautiously, they stepped down the green lined corridor, the flashing light briefly casting them in darkness, then vanquishing it, then darkness again. The corridor ended in a closed, rounded door. On the top, was the tell-tale insignia again, engraved into a metal tile To the side of the wall, was an embedded module, that seemed to have a similar slot to the console in the entrance room. Master Gybalt examined it and cursed.

    ¡°Check those skeletons, maybe they have something.¡± He said intensely.

    The others hesitated, before Khol finally crouched by the closest skeleton, wincing as he gently pushed it aside. Sir Douglas approached the second one, and quickly frisked it. He called out, and held a chain aloft, with a similar pendant to before, but red. He threw it to Master Gybalt who caught it, and inserted it. The card fit, but did not click. Nothing happened, and Master Gybalt cursed, thumping the module as he did. Busco took a step back, examining the metal crates and equipment left behind. One of the smaller crates had been upheaved, leaving a pile of strange long tools and bolts over the floor. Beside them, was another pendant. This one was green.

    ¡°Master!¡± He said picking it up. ¡°Here, try this one.¡±

    He ran to the door, and Master Gybalt quickly snatched it out of his hand, and inserted it with some kind of fascinated desperation. Immediately, it clicked. Master Gybalt laughed and patted Busco hard on the shoulder. A green light appeared on the module, and the metal door slid as if pulled away by unseen string. Master Gybalt breathed deeply.

    The hidden room was much darker than the others, and released a cloying, metallic smell. The others recoiled from it, but Master Gybalt breathed it in, sampling it for himself. Quickly, he stepped into the dark room. Busco followed, and Khol reluctantly did so too. He heard the scrape fo Kad''s feet as Sir Douglas pushed him forwards. There were Nexos lights in here but dim, and not coming from the ceiling. There were strange cubes on desks with glass windows that spilled some synthetic light, a pale teal. Before them were rows and rows of tables and equipment, beakers and instruments.

    There was a sound of motion and bubbling liquid. More skeletons lingered here, and before them, was a great, silver tank. It was filled with tubes that stretched into it, and ran up to the ceiling and beyond, feeding into a great tentacled mass. There were empty tanks next to it, most with broken glass, some strange metallic liquid spilling out, almost like mercury. The bubbling sound was evidently coming from the central tank.

    Master Gybalt walked towards the middle desk. There was a slumped skeleton here, with an identical dagger sticking out of its back. Like the one found previously, it had no blade. Here though, they could see the ribs and vertebrae of the slain figure glowed almost silver, as if they were metallic. Beside him, was a dusty black dossier with the white insignia on it. He slid it towards him, and opened.

    Busco watched as Master Gybalt scrunched his face in confusion.

    ¡°Project...Silve''Lok?¡± He said.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Busco asked.

    ¡°I''m not sure, it''s the only part that''s in Universal, for some reason.¡±

    ¡°Hey, over here.¡± Sir Douglas called out from the far end of the room.

    They quickly walked towards him, and saw two skeletons on top of each-other. Unlike the others, these did not have the white and black apparent uniforms the rest of the fallen crew here were clad in. They were both in deep crimson, a smoother, almost velvety jacket. The one at the bottom was trimmed in gold, which had been turned to ochre by time. There was no sign of the insignia here.

    ¡°Whoever these guys are, they weren''t part of the same organisation that built this place.¡± Sir Douglas said.

    There was a crashing sound from behind them, that turned to rolling and then breaking glass. They all shot a look towards a guilty Khol, who was desperately halting a piece of lab equipment from falling from a desk.

    ¡°Sorry!¡± He winced.

    Master Gybalt grunted, annoyed.

    He stormed over to either help or chastise the minotaur, when something caught his eye. Directly in front of the silver vat, was another small console. This one had another slot in it, a green one. He looked to Sir Douglas again, who shook his head.

    ¡°Let''s find out what project Silve''Lok is, shall we?¡±

    He pressed it in, click, and then tapped the red button. Another alarm sounded, another orange light. The bubbling sound increased, steam jutted out from the pipes ahead. They shook, and slowly, the vat began to drain itself of molten metal. Some of the pipes and seals began to drip, and the mercury-like substance smoked as it came into contact with anything.

    The others braced themselves, when Kad suddenly began twitching.

    ¡°What is it? What''s wrong?¡± Asked Sir Douglas, worried.

    Clack.

    ¡°I think you should unbind my hands now.¡± He said, panicked.

    ¡°Why? What do you sense?¡± Master Gybalt asked.

    ¡°I think we''re about to meet the king of the castle.¡±

    As the vat began to drain, Busco saw what was inside. The filthy glass was mottled with speckles of grey and silver, but something within shone. There were eyes. They were the colour of blood, and very angry.

    The glass before them burst, shards sent like thousands of tiny knives at them. Khol screamed, Sir Douglas rushed to him. A single claw stuck itself out. Its fingers were shaped like blades, they were long and their silver gleamed.

    Silver.

    A perilously long arm stretched itself out, pulling at the glass. Something shrieked from within.

    Silver hands.

    ¡°Busco!¡± Master Gybalt called out. ¡°Get behind me!¡±

    It''s always silver hands.

    He felt a hand pulling at him. The red eyes glared above two rows of pointed fangs.

    ¡°Why is it always silver hands?¡± He said in a daze.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Master Gybalt shouted, terrified.

    Whatever was in the vat lurched at them both, its long arms and claws stretched towards them. Everything about it was silver, its skin, to its long hair from the top of its head, even its tongue and teeth. All of it, apart from its hate-filled eyes. Before it could land on them, Master Gybalt punched forward. Dark and light blue encased the silver, and beyond the vat, a heavy crashing sound as the creature collided with equipment. Wires and cables broke, spilling out steam and viscous liquid. The creature gargled.

    ¡°Move, out through the doors, now!¡± Master Gybalt commanded.

    The others ran, with Sir Douglas taking the rear. There was a slicing sound as silver blades carved through the air. Sir Douglas screamed in pain and fell. The silver blades retracted themselves as the Silve''Lok reappeared, jumping onto the desk. It was a similar size to the skeletons that littered the bunker, but leaner. Its nose and ears were pointed, but not as much as an Eve''s. Its arms were hideously long, each of them ended in five knives. Its hair was long, metallic tendrils, and its feet were like an eagles. Out of its back were a jutting spike above each of the shoulder blades. It hissed, its red eyes focused on the fallen knight.

    Busco was the first to get to him, even as he heard the others call his name. Sir Douglas''s arm had been sliced, and it bled profusely. From his back, he unrolled Kad''s sword.

    ¡°No, wait-¡± Kad tried to protest, but the creature had already leapt towards them.

    Smoothly, Busco unsheathed the cleaver-like sword, bringing it into an arc just as the creature landed before them. He brought it down onto its head, standing twice as tall as it, a swift killing blow. There was a wrenching sound as the blade shattered on its head. The creature did not react, still and snarling. Busco stood there, stunned, unsure of even how to move his body. The silver hands were on his throat, pushing the air out of it. He was taken off of his feet, flying through the air, the bladed fingers tightening, his throat beginning to bleed. He felt the back of the wall hit him, almost fifteen feet away, but the creatures hand was still on him. From a grotesquely extended arm, the creature snarled at him.

    Within a blue flash, the hand finally released him, and he gasped for breath. The creature was sent again to the vat, landed heavily enough to knock it over. He felt his Master grabbing him by the arm hoisting him up.

    ¡°Come on, time to go!¡± He shouted.

    Sir Douglas rolled over, and scrambled to his feet. The creature roared from within its sealed coffin. There was the sound of a crashing river, and Busco saw that the creature had dissolved, becoming a raging torrent of metallic silver, heading towards them like a tsunami. It shrieked as it reassembled itself, its claws this time trained for Master Gybalt. With the sound of a charging bull, Khol knocked his master to the side, grappling with the silver monstrosity. Busco was bowled over too, too weak to stand. The creature was tangled within the minotaur''s hands and horns, still trying to scratch at him.

    ¡°Owowowow!¡± Khol shouted, blood streaming down his face.

    Busco tried to hear the sound of the earth from within, but it was too far away, too obscured by the dull blankness of concrete. Sir Douglas rushed to aid Khol, his sword expertly interlocking with the creature''s claws. It hissed, as they combined their strength, lifting it briefly off of Khol, but the Silve''lok swung its legs around, kicking Sir Douglas in the chest with its talons. The breath left his lungs, and streams of blood curved through the air as he fell.

    ¡°Enough of this.¡± Kad growled, standing tall and proudly.

    With bound hands, he reached to the wrappings that covered his face.

    ¡°Kad!¡± Master Gyablt shouted. ¡°Kad don''t!¡±

    Kad disregarded the human, his hands tearing at the cloth, revealing the horror that was underneath.

 1.10-Never simple

    CHAPTER 10-NEVER SIMPLE

    Always stay away from Consumers, Busco. They''re dangerous folk, they''ll steal your soul and kill you soon as look at you.

    That''s what they always said. Everyone hated Consumers. The lowest of any and all races in New Peridios. It was by law all Consumers had to keep their heads covered at all times, so much so that no-one really even knew what was under there. Busco wished he could still be ignorant of that. It was illegal for them to feed in New Peridios, whatever that meant. That didn''t mean they still didn''t, although Busco was never quite sure what it was they ate. He was sure that it wasn''t blood like the Vampirics. It was perfectly legal for them to consume blood and they were never reviled. He never knew what made the Consumers so different, until today. The last of the wraps fell to the floor. His hands in their ragged bonds came back to rest before him, and Busco at last saw the Consumer for what he was.

    Grey skin was stretched over where Kad''s eyes should be, rendering them featureless. On the top of his hairless hair was a throbbing, stretching extension of skin and flesh. It was a mouth, tongue-less, with long needle-like teeth, similar to the ones embedded in his gums. It moved, like a worm, stretching away from his scalp. He was smiling, from both mouths.

    What is this?

    Sickness gripped Busco, tugging at his spine.

    ¡°Wh-wh-wh-wh-what the...?¡± Khol struggled to say, blood seeping to his eyes.

    The Silve''Lok turned all attention to him, a curious hatred forming in his evil eyes. It muttered something, perhaps closer to a language than what the spider-riders said, but through its feral jaws it was more of a curse than anything. Kad braced himself, his lower mouth salivating. The jaws opened wide, and the demonic mouth pulsated. A roar of sonic scratching filled the room, an ethereal light flashed before them. The Silve''Lok yelled out, his body tightening. Kad''s body grew taut, his thin muscles stretching. The mouth on top of his head throbbed, and the light passed through it.

    It''s eating something, what is it?

    Master Gybalt grabbed him pushing him up, and away from the conflict.

    ¡°M-master, what is he?¡± He gasped.

    ¡°Later, we have to move!¡±

    Sir Douglas struggled to his feet, beckoning Khol to follow. Still the consumer''s mouth throbbed. The light grew thicker, the noise grew louder. The Silve''Lok buckled, falling to a leg, its arms moved as if pulled by a puppeteers strings. It tried to fight against it, but it was failing.

    It''s energy...he''s feeding off of his energy!

    Busco watched with morbid fascination. The more ethereal light that was siphoned, the more Kad''s demeanour seemed to change. Their weak, lanky prisoner was now standing tall, his body did not change dramatically, but he seemed stronger somehow. The Silve''Lok tried to step towards him, but its energy was rapidly dissapearing. It cursed a final time, fangs bared, when it melted down, becoming another surge of metallic liquid.

    Kad had no time to react, as the stream came flowing towards him, reappearing inches from his face, his claws coming in to the jugular. Busco went to move, but the pain in his thigh screamed, and he stumbled towards one of the equipment laden desks. He needn''t have worried though, as this new, stronger Kad was able to feint past the Silve''Lok, dodging the claws almost effortlessly. With a grotesque grin, his wrists burst through the rope that bound him, and he punched the creature in the face.

    Busco expected to hear a similar crack as every bone in the Consumer''s fist shattered, but it landed true. The Silve''Lok was stunned, knocked back into more equipment. Kad shook his hand, his smile hiding any pain. He poised his body, ready to feed once more. The Silve''Lok, however, had let one of its arms extend as it was sent flying. Its hand was still laying by Kad, and before he could notice, a dozen swords were emitted. Jutting out like silver spikes, the blades punctured everything around. One the electrical cubes was pierced, its glowing screen turning black and sparks flying. It sent a jolt down the arm to the Silve''Lok, who retracted it back. Kad slumped by a desk, having been caught in the arm and leg by two different spikes.

    Through gritted teeth, he poised his other mouth again, draining more energy from the creature. Busco watched as the wounds began to heal around the edges, but before the wounds could close properly, the Silve''Lok broke free again, his extended arms reaching for Kad''s tattered clothes,hoisting him up, and throwing him to the wall. He landed with a dull thud near Khol and Sir Douglas, who rushed to protect him. Another blue flash struck the Silve''Lok, sending it back towards the end of the room again. There was a crash of sparks and shunting metal, one of the cables struck it, and it began to jolt and convulse.

    ¡°You got it, Master!¡± Busco shouted.

    ¡°I think I just stunned it, for now.¡± He shouted back. ¡°Aeinon! How are we looking?¡±

    ¡°Like we should get the Hel out of here, Gybalt!¡±

    ¡°Let''s go!¡± Khol shouted, hoisting Kad up.

    ¡°It''ll just catch up to us if we don''t kill it.¡± Master Gybalt said desperately.

    ¡°Lock the doors behind us as we go!¡± Sir Douglas shouted.

    ¡°With those blades, there''s no guarantee it won''t just carve through them. We have to think of something.¡±

    ¡°I''ll only break my sword on its skin. The only weak points I can see are its eyes, but I''ll never get a true chance to strike it without aid.¡±

    The Silve''Lok struggled away from the Nexos current, its body still jolting, but unable to pursue. It''s breathing was ragged, as if it was in pain. Behind it, was a generator, still churning power through the room.

    That''s it.

    Busco turned to his friend.

    ¡°Khol, that generator over there. Can you make it explode?¡±

    Khol looked horrified at the notion, and tried to snort in protest, sending speckles of blood out.

    ¡°Will that do it?¡± Sir Douglas asked, hopeful.

    ¡°We have to try.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    He pressed the key-card into Busco''s hands.

    ¡°Head for the exit, close the door behind us. I''ll teleport us out just as it explodes.¡±

    ¡°But Master, I c-ca-ca-¡±

    ¡°Don''t try to make it explode Khol. Just do your thing, as if you were back in the class-room.¡± Busco said, as reassuring as he could muster.

    Sir Douglas handed Kad over to Busco.

    ¡°Come on, let''s get out of here.¡± He barked, before turning back to Gybalt Ganders. ¡°Don''t do anything stupid, Gybalt.¡±

    ¡°You think this is stupid?¡± Master Gybalt said with a smile.

    Khol gave a helpless look to his friend.

    Come on Khol, you can do it.

    ¡°Concentrate, Khol!¡± Master Gybalt shouted.

    Busco and Sir Douglas heaved Kad upwards, passing through the door.

    ¡°Now, close it!¡±

    He pressed the green key-card into the slot, the last he saw of Khol was him taking his stance. Master Gybalt was whispering to him. The door slammed shut, and the two men limped along with the unconscious Consumer in tow. They followed the black line, stumbling and crunching over the pile of skeletons before the door. They gently placed Kad, and Sir Douglas readied his sword, waiting by the doors.

    ¡°C''mon, Gybalt, c''mon, c''mon, c''mon...¡± He muttered.

    Busco looked back at the unconscious Kad. His second mouth had retracted a little. He almost looked peaceful. Busco reached over and pulled his cloak, obscuring it. From within the bunker, a deep explosion rolled. The ground trembled, metal screeched. Then, behind them, was a flash of blue.

    ¡°Close the main doors!¡± Master Gybalt shouted.

    Obediently, Busco stood up, slamming his fist on the red button. The flashing light and klaxon sounded again. The doors creaked and screamed as they moved again to submerge the facility in darkness. Busco looks down at his Master, who had his fist pointed at him. The wave of blue energy coated him, pulling on him, and suddenly, he, Kad and Sir Douglas were outside in the blinding daylight, on top of the hill directly above Sector 30. Seconds later, an exhausted Master Gybalt and Khol appeared.

    All of them drank in the canyon air, smiling and laughing. Each of them was bleeding, but joy passed through their mouths. Busco scrunched up grass between his fingers.

    Oh, I''ve missed the sound and feel of you!

    Master Gybalt rubbed the back of Khol reassuringly.

    ¡°You did it!¡± He said.

    ¡°That''s good work, Groken.¡± Sir Douglas smiled. ¡°Did you kill it?¡±

    ¡°I don''t think we should stick around to find out.¡± Master Gybalt said, stretching his back.

    A shadow was cast on Busco, as someone stood directly behind him.

    ¡°Good luck in your search, Quinn.¡± Kad smiled from under his hood. ¡°Don''t forget, you owe me a new sword.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Sir Douglas called, as the Consumer bounded away, barely seen with some new speed.

    Before Busco could get to his feet, the Consumer dissapeared, leaving only a rustle of grass and leaves behind.

    ¡°Oh, damn it to Hel.¡± Sir Douglas said.

    ¡°D-don''t be too hard on him, Sir. He did save us, in there.¡± Khol interjected.

    Sir Douglas nodded bitterly.

    ¡°He''s still a killer, Khol.¡±

    Busco thought about their cryptic conversation the night before.

    ¡°I don''t think so.¡± He said absently.

    Sir Douglas fitted him with a look, but remained silent.

    ¡°Forget him, we have to start making tracks.¡± Master Gybalt said,

    ¡°We have wounds to treat first.¡± Sir Douglas growled.

    ¡°We can do it in a moment, but for now, I''d say it''s time to-¡±

    Before he could finish, there was a scream, one of horror and agony.

    Yet somehow familiar.

    Sareta...?

    ¡°Oh for X''s sake, what now?¡± Master Gybalt said, wearily.

    Below them, there was a rumble, an unseen tremor. There was the screech of metal and something inhuman.

    ¡°Never simple, eh?¡± Master Gybalt said, wiping at his head, baring his bracelet.

    ¡°Below us!¡± Sir Douglas shouted, sword raised.

    The metal below them creaked and whined, unleashing a maniacal roar of terror. There was a sheer scratching sound, as swords groped at plates of metal, and the Silve''Lok scrambled to the surface. It shrieked again, catapulting itself up, and onto the hill. It shone glaringly brilliant in the sunlight. It shielded its own eyes, sparkling in a light it had not seen for presumably millennia.

    ¡°Get ready.¡± Gybalt said, calmer than he perhaps should have been.

    He punched the air, unleashing his blue light, but even in its dazed state, the Silve''Lok was too quick. Surging, half liquid now, the spatial energy sent by Master Gybalt went flying past, dissipating into nothing above a gleaming canyon. The Silve''Lok had his eyes locked on the mage now. Busco readied himself, every part of his body was hurting, but he was softly reassured. The sounds beneath the ground calmed him, soothed him, strengthening him with every breath. He pulled up with his hands. Great mounds of earth sprung up from around him, and he called them to him. It applied itself, coating him like earthen armour. He left two holes in front of his eyes so he could still see, his peripherals growing dark. The earth was cold, even damp, but he felt a strength not felt before.

    He tensed his muscles, letting his energy flow through it. The earth hardened around him. He felt the soft soil turn hard as stone. The silver hand came at them, and Busco intercepted it, interlocking his fingers with the claws. The creature snarled, pulling back, scratching at the rock armour, but Busco held it there. With his spare hand, he coiled a fist and struck the Silver''Lok, again and again. The creature recoiled, stunned, but wriggling like a wild animal. Its hand still locked in Busco''s, it struck him in the chest with both feet. The metal struck the stone that collided with his chest, temporarily expelling all air out of him. He fell backwards, the soil turning back to its old state.

    The creature spun its extended arms out, wildly swinging. One of them struck Master Gybalt, sending him flying. Khol was in a daze, unable to move. Sir Douglas decisively parried the bladed arms, but he was losing ground, and all the while, Busco became increasingly aware of a pulsing sound from behind them, growing louder and louder.

    A clear blast of energy swiped down like a sonic boom, blasting the Silve''Lok in the back. It was lifted off of the air, flying away from the near-exhausted Sir Douglas. Khol yelped, and Busco craned his sore neck backwards, expecting to see the Consumer at their rescue, but instead beholding a desert Eve in a denim jacket, holding a cursed sword. The air between them crackled. The Eve wavered, her sword dropped to the ground. Her body slumped, her breathing struggled to escape. She was as tired as the rest of them, and in far more serious pain. The Silve''Lok bounded back to its feet, affixing its new foe with a snarl.

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    ¡°Sareta...¡± Busco called out weakly.

    Her long ears twitching, her muscles in her arms throbbing. She groaned in pain, the sword sinking into the soil. The Silve''Lok bounced towards her, its feral claws extending. With a weak yell, she lifted the Sword of Seconds, colliding with the claws, sparks and gleaming light spilling out like fireworks. She lurched with the sword, swinging it from her right. The blade struck its neck, the metal scraping the silver. The force sent the Silve''Lok back a few paces, and she struck again, knocking it back further. With all of the strength she could muster, she threw the sword at it. The tendrils still gouging her arms grew taut, as the Silve''Lok rolled out of harms way. The sword sunk into the dirt, and the Silve''Lok sent its out extended arms at her. She managed to pull back the sword in time, but the force sent her flying backwards.

    Khol called out, managing to catch her in his burly, furred arms. She began to struggle.

    ¡°Get off me! Get off get off get-¡± She screamed.

    She wriggled free off of his grasp, shuddering in agony. She bellowed in anguish, and another crackle of invisible lighting surrounded her body. She struck him in the nose with her elbow, and something between the spaces of the bodies exploded. The impact launched Khol backwards, crying out pathetically. Her legs buckled again, giving way until she slid almost fully to the ground, only just keeping herself upright. The Silve''Lok grinned maliciously.

    No...Sareta...

    Like a missile, the creature flew. Blades appearing on its forearms, its claws enlarging. Busco placed his palm on the earth.

    It''s so quiet now...

    Sareta had enough energy to look up the assailing creature.

    Please, help me, Busco.

    Its claws were almost upon her. The earth beneath him was silent.

    Please, make it stop!

    He sent what adrenaline he could down to fuel his legs, instinct taking over. Part of his body was bare, but the rest was still coated in earth.

    One last push!

    He turned the soil back to stone, and made it to her just in time. The silver claws sunk themselves into the stone, ripping it apart. Fire bit into his flesh, his wrists and chest were heavily lacerated. As he fell, he could see another blast of energy miss the Silve''Lok, and within the brilliance of the light and the screeching of air being sliced, he was suddenly by Master Gybalt''s side again. He fell to the ground, his torso becoming very, very wet.

    So warm.

    *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

    There was the clash of swords and blades, and another roar. Energy crackled around him. People were screaming.

    Why am I so cold?

    He dreamt of red eyes and silver hands. Spiders legs were wrapping themselves around him, and all around was fire. Master Se called to him, but the silver hands were already there. The world grew so loud and then, suddenly, so quiet.

    Where am I? Where is everyone?

    His hands were numb, but his senses were active. He could hear the dull hum of running Nexos energy in the generators beneath the halls. There was the scent of ink and oil, old books and trinkets.

    That smell, I know that smell better than any.

    It was home.

    Master Se was standing with her back to him, at her workbench, as always, tinkering away. The old bookshelves were as filthy as before, and the floor covered in boxes of old parts. A glass case was at the far wall, rare artefacts ''loaned'' from the Academy scholars, waiting to be fixed before they could be returned. Master Se''s tail flcikered under her black Master''s robes. She turned a single yellow eye to Busco.

    "You''re early." She said, barely turnign away from her work. "That''s a new one."

    Busco laughed, relieved to see her again. His clothes were torn, but the flesh was not.

    "Master? How are you here? You''re-"

    "Busy? Of course I am. What do you want? You want to ask me something, I know that face."

    Busco gulped heavily.

    I can taste blood. Why can I taste blood?

    He stretched his fingers far apart from one another, lightly touchign his own chest.

    "Then it was just a dream?" He whispered. "I dreamt you died, and I...I was so upset."

    Master Se laughed.

    "Good." She joked. "I''d be very annoyed if you weren''t."

    The two shared a laugh again.

    This is what home sounds like. What it feels like.

    Master Se sighed, putting down some contraption onto the desk, and placed her clawed hands face-down, lifting herself up slightly.

    "You shouldn''t be here yet." She said sadly. "It''s too early."

    "But...I want to be here." Busco said, feeling tears fill his eyes.

    Slowly, his old mentor turned to see him, with a warm smile.

    "You''ll be alright kid." She said, fighting back tears herself. "I know you will."

    A great light began to shine behind her, slowly consuming her until all was white.

    "You''re strong, but you''re stronger when you let others help you." Her voice said, gently fading.

    A peaceful chill spread through him, but suddenly it grew colder, and colder.

    Pain speared through his chest, and he felt his body convulse and rock.

    People were shouting his name from a hundred miles away, but soon even their echoes faded. His breath was drawn out through a gaping mouth, his lungs rasping and reeling, and he fell backwards into shadow. Light and darkness melded and fused, sometimes a breach broke through, he heard the sound of rain on a tarpaulin, smells of blood and damp cloths, and could feel an array of needles pulsating in his chest. Then, darkness would envelope him again, his pain would fade, and he would dream of nothing and no-one.

    *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

    He awoke covered in sticky sweat. The bedsheets were damp, and the wet smell filled the tent. In a panic he groped at his chest, and coiled in agony. He heard the scraping of a chair somewhere, and the spilling of metal and glass equipment. The wooden cot squeaked as he slammed his back down.

    ¡°Oh, damn it to Hel!¡± He heard a woman mutter.

    His throat was coarse and cracked. His tongue had turned to desert rock. He tried to reach out in the blurred room, but his arms were so weak. Every part of his body ached beyond reckoning.

    ¡°Busco? Can you hear me?¡± The woman''s silhouette said.

    He tried to respond, but nothing could come through his lips.

    ¡°Are you awake? How do you feel?¡± She asked, growing dimmer.

    I''m fine. I''m just tired, Master Se.

    He fell through to the abyss. There were no dreams this time. A warmth came over him as he wandered through black, swirling clouds. There was something nudging at his shoulder, gently, but firm.

    ¡°Busco?¡± A deep voice said.

    Who is that? It sounds familiar.

    He blinked himself awake, the aid-tent becoming whole again. It smelt of dampness, blood and metal. There was someone next to him, his hand gently placed on Busco''s shoulder. At least, he was pretty sure it was his. His body was almost numb. Something on the man''s wrist sparkled. A jewel of some kind.

    ¡°Busco, can you hear me?¡± Master Gybalt said again.

    His eye-lids weighed more than tonnes, but he forced them open. He could just about move his head, but nothing below it. It was there, he could feel life in his toes, at least, but he wasn''t strong enough to move it yet. He groaned at the pain, moving himself upwards to the rough pillow behind his head.

    Master...?

    ¡°It''s alright, don''t move if you can''t.¡± Master Gybalt said. ¡°Ruroro said you awoke earlier, I though I''d come see how you were.¡±

    Busco tried to focus his eyes on the mage. His hair and beard were somehow more dishevelled before, but he looks clean. There was a small scratch on his forehead, and his eyes were sunken and tired, but filled with a concern he had not seen on him before.

    ¡°What...what happened?¡± Busco asked weakly.

    Master Gybalt moved his hand. He looked at his young student carefully.

    ¡°What do you remember?¡± He asked softly.

    Busco tried to prop himself up on his elbows, but the stinging in his chest stopped him. He winced, trying to think back, trying to decipher what was and what had been a dream.

    I remember Sareta''s face. Her eyes, pleading me to help, then she was behind me, and in front of me was...

    ¡°I got hit.¡± He winced.

    Master Gybalt nodded.

    ¡°That was a brave thing you did.¡± He said sagely. ¡°That move with the earth armour as well, it...¡±

    He paused for a moment, eyes drifting away to another realm.

    ¡°Well, I think Master Se would be proud.¡± He finished, smiling.

    Busco formed a small smile. The fires in his dreams simmered, leaving only the warmth. He imagined her smiling at him, most likely after she had berated him for putting his life so needlessly in a risk like that.

    You would have done the same thing, Master.

    True, but I''m older than you, Quinn.

    His smile turned to pain, as something flared in his arms. He began to struggle in his bed.

    ¡°Easy, easy.¡± Master Gybalt said, reassuringly holding his shoulder again.

    ¡°Sareta...¡± He managed to say. ¡°What happened to her?¡±

    Master Gybalt looked down at his boots gravely, and scratched his cheek.

    ¡°After you fell, she seemed to summon the last of her power, and sent it to that creature. He was knocked off, into the canyon somewhere. In fact, she unleashed so much, she knocked all of us on our asses.¡±

    He tried to smile at Busco, but the Nocterran only looked at him with concern.

    ¡°By the time we got back to our feet,¡± He continued. ¡°She was already gone.¡±

    Busco felt something sink inside of him.

    ¡°I''m sorry, Busco.¡±

    ¡°Then there''s nothing we can do?¡± He asked his mentor.

    Master Gybalt sighed.

    ¡°That fool Aeinon wants to say behind and look for her. He''s right, she does need to be separated from that sword. Somehow...¡±

    Staying behind?

    ¡°Does...does that mean we''re leaving, Master?¡±

    Master Gybalt murmured as he nodded. Busco felt a strike deep inside, his guts dissolving. He struggled himself up, leaning on his elbows. His torso was a mass of bandages. Blood had seeped into some of them. He remained silent, but stared at Master Gybalt, straight in the eye.

    ¡°I know you think there''s something you need to find here Busco.¡± Master Gybalt said, his voice dark and stern, his eyes were ice.

    Busco shivered.

    ¡°But you need to let this go. Okay?¡±

    Busco nodded meekly.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°I''m serious.¡±

    Master Gybalt moved in closer, his omniscient eyes seeing past Busco''s eyes, and what was beyond there. Busco could only nod.

    ¡°Alright then.¡± He stood himself up. ¡°By happy coincidence, Captain Rihlat will be back tomorrow morning. If you''re up for it then, we''ll board his ship tomorrow night.¡±

    Oh great. That guy again.

    He slept for most of the evening, only awakening when Khol and Artie came to see him. Khol had been bandaged up himself, but not nearly as severely as Busco, and Artifae listened to their stories with growing awe. Busco could barely keep his eyes open, and fell asleep just as Khol had told them about the great metal doors beneath the hills.

    The pale daylight roused him not long after dawn. The tent was empty and dark. He managed to swing his legs off of the bed, and with great upheaval, was able to sit upright. His head was swimming and his bladder was full to bursting. Shortly after relieving himself outside, Ruoro came into the tent.

    ¡°Ah, you''re finally up.¡± She said cheerfully. ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    Busco winced.

    ¡°Like I''ve been clawed near to death.¡±

    She chuckled as she examined him, looking directly in his eyes. Hers looked brighter, the dark circles around them had all but vanished, so too had her cough, seemingly.

    ¡°Well, good news is your wounds aren''t infected.¡± She said, undoing the bandages. ¡°They''ll still take some time to heal though. Bad news is, you''ll want to check in with St Sunadaell''s when you get back¡±

    ¡°Great.¡± He said with gritted teeth, ¡°Is that where you trained to be a medic? At the hospital?¡±

    She smiled at him.

    ¡°Actually I never trained to be a medic. I wanted to be an apothecary. I studied pharmacy at university, then had a two week secondment to St Sundaell''s, and hated it.¡±

    She smirked at the memory.

    ¡°So how come you came here to be a medic?¡±

    She shrugged.

    ¡°They needed one.¡±

    Busco smiled.

    ¡°Well I think they got a good one.¡±

    Ruoro laughed, a surprisingly high-pitched, nurturing chatter.

    ¡°Your Master spoke very highly of you. Fighting a monster! Not many students can say that, can they?¡±

    Busco''s smile faltered, but he fought to keep it.

    ¡°No, I guess not.¡±

    ¡°Your knight friend as well, If anything, he was even more impressed than your Master. He said it was very brave of you to keep putting yourself in danger like that to protect people. I''d have called it stupid myself, but he''s been talking about it non-stop.¡±

    She gave him a playful glare as she undid the bandages around his shoulders and set about to rebinding them.

    ¡°I guess it''s a good thing you''re here then.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± She chuckled. ¡°''Spose I should start chargign people if they''re gonna be off fighting monsters and mysterious spider-men.¡±

    ¡°Oh, they told you about that too?¡±

    ¡°That''s all anyone''s been talking about since you guys got back.¡± She said with a sad sigh.

    Busco watche dher carefully, remaining silent.

    ¡°They told me about Sareta too.¡± She said, not looking at him in the eye. ¡°That''s a shame, she was a really sweet girl. ''Course, it would have been nice to have someone help out around here, even if it''s just another woman to talk to.¡±

    Busco spared a final thought for the Desert Eve, her na?ve smile lighting up the beach.

    It''ll be alright, Sareta. Sir Douglas will find you. I know that for a fact.

    Just before midday, Busco said his goodbyes to her, and stiffly wandered out of the tent. The daylight was scorching, beating upon his bandaged chest and arms. His right leg was still, almost limping. There was a bustle of movement around him. The air was excited, even more so then when The Luxoria passed by. There were large groups of miners, their clothes and equipment were clean, but they were rearing to go. A small crowd began to assemble outside of Mahaan Blare''s house.

    He staggered towards them, standing on the outskirts. Many people were shouting questions at the brown bear.

    ¡°Blare, is it true?¡±

    ¡°Blare, tell us!¡±

    ¡°Are there really other people here?¡±

    ¡°What, like actual civilizations?¡±

    Mahaan had his large paws up, trying to soothe and reassure the crowd. His voice was booming, but the words were drowned out. The faces within the crowd were fearful and devious.

    ¡°They better stay where they are then.¡±

    ¡°I''m not sharing any of my silver with ''em!¡±

    ¡°What if they come lookin'' for us?¡±

    ¡°Who are they, Blare?¡±

    Busco watched the crowd cautiously. Labourers and miners of all species and creeds barged past him to join the hysteric masses.

    Looks like Ruoro was right.

    ¡°Boils? Warts? What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°If they''re dangerous, we should kill ''em!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, teach those Boil-Worts to mess with us!¡±

    Boil-Worts? That can''t be what people are calling them...

    He was trapped in a daze, only broken out by a gentle tapping on his shoulder. He whirled round in a panic, to see a smiling Artifae standing next to him.

    ¡°Can you believe all that?¡± He said with a cunning smile.

    ¡°They don''t seem too happy to hear there''s people already living here.¡± Busco said darkly.

    ¡°No, I guess they don''t like the idea of them stopping from mining the silver up on the Tooth.¡±

    Artie shrugged, turning away from the ever-growing crowd.

    ¡°How you feeling?¡± He asked Busco.

    Busco shrugged.

    ¡°Pretty sore.¡±

    ¡°Yeah I bet!¡± Artie laughed. ¡°After fighting all of those monsters!¡±

    The two began to walk back to the beach-head.

    ¡°All this time, and I''ve just been lifting one heavy thing to another place, and then to a different place after that. How come you''ve been getting all of the adventures?¡±

    ¡°I didn''t exactly ask for them, Artie.¡± Busco grimaced.

    ¡°Pfft. Even so, now you''re on your way back, loads of cool scars and stories to tell everyone. You''ll finally be the coolest kid on campus.¡± He said with a snide grin.

    Busco remained silent, thinking about heading home. It was only a week or so they had been on this strange new land, yet the thought of seeing New Peridios again felt alien. It felt like a mistake.

    He''s here though. I can''t go back until I find him. How long do I have until the boat leaves?

    They crested the hill. Busco looked towards the sparring hill, still misshapen after he and Sir Douglas thought, scanning towards the horizon. The sky was beautiful beyond words. The sea lapped gently before the wooden huts.

    ¡°I can''t leave yet.¡± He said, almost a whisper.

    Artie looked at him seriously.

    ¡°Khol said something about you guys fighting a monster made of silver.¡± He said. ¡°Was this the guy you were looking? The silver-hands man?¡±

    Busco shook his head, agitated.

    ¡°No, Artie. That was some monster from the Old Age.¡±

    Artie snorted.

    ¡°Then that''s some weird coincidence, huh?¡±

    Busco ignored him, walking towards the coast-line. There were still people running towards the settlement. There were more boats here than before. Most couldn''t fit onto the small dock-space, and had anchored out at sea, with small skiffs rowing towards them.

    ¡°So you didn''t find him?¡± Artie asked.

    Busco sighed.

    ¡°No. I didn''t.¡±

    He turned suddenly to his friend.

    ¡°Can you keep an eye out for me? Let me know if you see anyone like that? A Mountain Eve with silver hands. Can you do that for me? Please?¡±

    Artie snorted again.

    ¡°You want me to go around looking for an assassin with metal hands? No thanks Quinny.¡±

    ¡°His name is Sylo Teht. Just if you find anything about him. For X''s sake, don''t talk to him or confront him or anything.¡±

    ¡°How am I supposed to let you know if I see him if you''re back in the city?¡±

    ¡°Send a message or something, bribe a sailor, come back and see me, I don''t know!¡±

    Stress muddled his brain, his skull began to hurt, but no more than his flesh. He sank onto the sand, and Artie gently crouched to be beside him, studying him. The two fo them studied the shore-line together.

    ¡°I don''t know what to tell you man.¡± Artie said gently. ¡°But you''re gonna be over there, and we''re gonna be here. If he''s still here at all.¡±

    Busco began to grit himself with anger, but the pain forced him to let it pass. He let his head calm itself. He remained silent, but tried to feel what letting go was like. It was painful, but he began to feel a little better.

    ¡°Look, Quinny, what if we found him? What if you and I were strong enough to defeat him? Whoever this guy is, I doubt it would be easy, but let''s just say we did. You really want to live the rest of your life knowing you killed someone? Got your vengeance? Isn''t it enough to just know you can live your life, free of him, and he''ll be stuck here, scratching mosquito bites on his ass?¡±

    Busco looked down to where the soil met the sand.

    ¡°He killed her, Artie.¡±

    ¡°I know. I''m sorry.¡±

    The two friends said their goodbyes on the beach. Artie hugged him a little too tightly, and Busco bowed away.

    ¡°Make sure you guys come see me again, okay?¡±

    ¡°We''ll try.¡± Busco grinned. ¡°Don''t get yourself hurt out here, huh?¡±

    Artie grinned his typical grin, and began to make his way back to the settlement. Outside of their hut, Master Gybalt, Khol and Sir Douglas had assembled their gear. Gybalt Ganders Douglas Aeinon shook hands.

    ¡°Sure you want to do this?¡± Master Gybalt asked.

    ¡°I have to.¡± Sir Douglas said, tightening his sword belt. ¡°Someone needs to find her before it''s too late. Or even if it is.¡±

    ¡°Well, I left most of the coins I was going to pay you back at the academy. If you want the rest, you''ll have to come see me when you get back.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡± Sir Douglas said, squinting in the sunlight.

    They turned their attention to Busco as he approached, greeting him with warm smiles.

    ¡°I was just about to come see if you were up yet.¡± Master Gybalt said.

    ¡°How you holdin'' up, Quinn?¡± Sir Douglas asked.

    Busco waved his hand from side to side, signalling so-so-, but made sure to still smile at them.

    ¡°I hear you''re not coming with us, Sir.¡± Busco said.

    The Old Dog shook his head slowly.

    ¡°I''m going to find Sareta.¡± He said gruffly. ¡°And if I can find a way to capture or kill that silver monster, well...¡±

    Busco held out his hand, working to keep it steady.

    ¡°Thanks for looking after us, Sir Douglas.¡±

    Sir Douglas beamed, taking his hand with a firm grip.

    ¡°You did well, Busco. I look forward to seeing how strong you get next time we meet. That reminds me, by the time you''ll get back, it should be the annual Hran''Thru tournament, right?¡±

    ¡°We might just miss it. It''s on the first of Quintus.¡± Busco said, a little sadly.

    ¡°Right. Well, if your wounds heal, you might be able to sign up for it.¡±

    Busco laughed.

    ¡°I think I''ve had enough fighting for a little while, thank you Sir.¡±

    The two shared a final look of companionship and respect before Busco stepped away. Khol said a near tearful goodbye to him, and was volunteered by Master Gybalt to take Busco''s belongings to The Narwhal. Master Gybalt and Khol went on ahead, and Busco readied himself.

    ¡°Quinn.¡± Sir Douglas said from behind.

    Busco looked round. Sir Douglas was holding a silver knife out to him by the blade, its handle pointed towards him.

    ¡°I think you''re forgetting this.¡± He said.

    Busco took it quickly.

    ¡°You look after yourself Busco.¡± He said with a knowing smile.

    ¡°Come on, you lazy gits.¡± The undead Captain Rihlat roared at his crew, busy hurrying barrels and crates off of his ship. ¡°We won''t have long to drop all this stuff off.¡±

    Master Gybalt greeted the captain, and was welcomed aboard. Busco made sure not to look the captain in the eye, but he did seem interested anyway. He took one last look at the beach, and the jungle, breathing in the coastal air.

    I''ll be back. Someday.

    The night was a deep indigo. The Silver Tooth sparkled under a full moon, which glowed a pale pink. The jungle was alive with insect and bird sounds, and gentle rustling under the canopies. The star-speckled sky was marred by only a smattering of white clouds. The distant sounds of the camp-fire left as the orkan traipsed through the jungle, but the smell of smoke still lingered on his clothes.

    He brushed the storm of flies away, cursing under his breath. The other hunters in a party jokingly told him to watch out for Mountain-Monsters and wart-covered natives. They were on the slopes of the Silver Tooth, not far from a creek filled with strange, large and slippery reptiles. The sour taste of their meat still hung on his mouth, as he spat to the ground. The salamander''s aroma carried along the wind, smelling much better than it tasted. His thoughts were of lamentation, how they ignored the large herd of sheep on the mountain for something more exotic.

    He walked further into the jungle brush than he probably needed to. They were alone on this land, but the Ship-Shine muddled his mind slightly. He hoisted his breeches down, and relieved his bladder. He tried to relax, but the sounds of the jungle became intense in the pitch-black. Leaves began to rustle in front of him, and he willed himself to stop, but the stream kept going. He muttered nervously, as something was stalking towards him. He stepped back, urine splattering on his shoe. He tried to call out, but the leaves groped at him, the roots below striking at his ankles. He stumbled but did not fall, his eyes trying to adjust in the darkness. Whatever was coming towards him was slow, but determined, larger than he would have liked. He pulled up his breeches, turning back to his fellow hunters. The orange glow of the camp-fire was dimmed. He opened his mouth to shout out, when it came for him.

    It was a silhouette, tall. Not a beast like he was expecting.

    ¡°Wh-who are you?¡± He growled, trying to hide the fear with aggression.

    The figure stepped forwards. Under the moon''s glow, he saw it was a woman. An Eve. Her hair was dishevelled, and she looked gaunt. Her body was covered in dirt. She was a little taller than him, but much thinner. She wore a denim jacket, that was torn in several places. She carried the smell of blood. The orkan snorted.

    ¡°Are-are you okay?¡± He asked.

    Her large eyes were distracted, almost focused on something beyond him, until he spoke. Her eyes snapped to his. He gulped, a little unnerved, but glad to see a woman around these parts. She wasn''t hard on the eyes, either...

    ¡°You lost, girl?¡± He asked, trying to seep some bravado into his voice.

    Still, the woman was silent.

    ¡°You hungry?¡± He asked. ¡°Why don''t you come sit with me and my boys. We''ve got some food if you want. We''re real friendly, too...¡±

    He felt emboldened, stepping towards her with a grim smile. She did not move. He raised a hand to her.

    ¡°Hey, you can hear me? Come on, it''s alright...¡±

    He meant to grab her wrist gently, if only to bring her into the moment, but something was wrong. Her wrist was cold, metallic. As he touched it, she recoiled, baring her teeth like a wild animal. There was a heavy sound, as something large scraped along the ground.

    ¡°What the-¡± He tried to say.

    Something glinted in the light. A sharp pain struck him in the chest, the air from his lungs was drained instantly. His chest became wet.

    ¡°What...what are you...¡± He choked.

    The smell of blood was everywhere.

    There was a dull light, a clear shimmering around the skewered orkan and the sword that was stuck into his torso. He gulped and gagged, as whatever energy was stored in his body was drained, absorbed by the sword. The clock in the middle spun backwards slowly.

    Tick, tock, tick, tock.

    The noise, it''s getting quieter.

    She slid the Sword of Seconds out of the orkan, as he slumped down with a final whimper. The sounds of the forest returned. The sword felt less heavy in her hand, and the dull aching in her body started to subside.

    Tick, tock, tick, tock.

    The two hunters by the camp-fire began to get louder, calling out for their comrade. The coils in her wrist still burned, but the sword felt more comfortable in her hand, now. She gritted her teeth in what could be a wolf''s smile, and slowly stepped out of the jungle to meet them.

 1.11-Crooked was the path

    CHAPTER 11.- CROOKED WAS THE PATH

    The date is Quatro the 28th.

    The handsome man in the water''s reflection smiled brightly at Artifae Sajaestan. He flexed his muscles playfully as small shrimp and fish flew by.

    My arms are getting bigger, at last.

    His ever-tanned body had grown darker around his forearms and face. His hair had grown to almost reach his chin, its waves coiling towards his eyes. His cheeks had begun to sprout out small patches of hair, which began to dust his top lip. What he was most impressed with, was his small patch of darkening hair on his chest.

    Looking good! Now I just need to wait until some ladies arrive...

    He dried his hair on a towel by the sand. He looked towards the sparkling turquoise ocean. It had only been a week since Busco and Khol had left, and the landmass felt so much bigger without them. It was difficult, still trying to be friends with them while their path was set, and his has was not.

    Yeah, they''re going off on adventures, fighting monsters, swooning Eve girls, and I''m just wheel-barrowing rocks.

    He had kept an eye out for the Desert Eve that had been traipsing along with them. He didn''t think she left with them, but he hadn''t seen her since. A pity.

    ¡°Oi, Artie! You gonna do any work or not?¡± A voice shouted.

    He turned to look at the top of the cliffs behind him. He was on a small cove, not as hidden as he was hoping for. He squinted in the golden light, as the Brown-Bear worker growled at him, beams of wood held in his massive, hairy arms.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± He waved back, as the worker returned, grumbling.

    He grabbed his shirt and towel, relishing in the last stretches of sunlight warming his skin. He scrambled up the rocks to the cliff-side. They were on a peninsular that stretched out like an arm, the beach-head was just over a mile away, and the swaying ships in the bay were still visible. He stretched, looking back towards the round stone base of the lighthouse they had begun building.

    As he began to put his shirt on, one of the workers, an Espyder gave him a filthy look. He was half Eve-a tall and skinny body with grey skin and lank, black hair, with a spider''s thorax and eight legs beneath.

    ¡°C''mon Sajaestan, we need that stone now.¡± He croaked.

    ¡°Alright, alright.¡± He said, thinking of what Busco said about the spiders in the mountains.

    Would fighting monsters really be better than this?

    He jogged lightly down the peninsular, empty wheel-barrow in hand. Over the Blare-Water, a crooked raft had been left for him. Using the pole, and accompanying guide-line, he gradually brought himself across, always much quicker without heapings of stone. By the time he reached the stone depot, he had already raised a sweat. The small wooden shack was stacked with rough rocks taken straight from the quarry that had been established near the Silver-Tooth. Stone-masons would take them and carve them for promises of more ornate designs, but Deniz had told them a lighthouse didn''t need to look pretty. Artie groaned as he lifted the large stone sin the barrow.

    Almost a two mile trip each-way, and I can only take a few rocks at a time.

    It was exhausting work, particularly in the heat. Many other labourers had tried their hand at ferrying the rocks, some had fainted, and most had quit. There was only Artie and two others constantly ferrying rocks to the peninsular in different shifts. Mr Blare had apparently been negotiating with his contacts in New Peridios, but without any Comm-Stones or instantaneous travel, it was slow going. The farmers in Heather Gardens were apparently reluctant to relinquish any livestock or beasts of burden for anything other than promises of land, and so, Artifae was designated a skinny ox and given rocks to push around.

    The old callouses had healed, but the new ones threatened to split. His feet were a revolving door of blisters, and the constant chafe around the groin area from perfusive sweat was murder. Still, he estimated if a trip unencumbered took him fifteen minutes, and one loaded with stone took close to half an hour, it was only two more full-round trips until the day''s end, where he could lounge by the beach and drink Ship-shine until the sun set. Of course, he could definitely get them there quicker, but what was the point? They would only give him more stone to move.

    I wish Busco was here. He could move all this with his mind.

    He travelled back to the Astral Academy, all in their smart, dark blue initiate robes. He had cheated on his scholar''s exam to try to be the first Sajaestan to ever attend the prestigious academy, but even as an initiate he struggled against the stiffness and discipline. The memory came into full view once he met Gybalt Ganders'' unimpressed gaze again, here on the beach.

    Let the pretentious have their magic, who needs it anyway? He thought, just as the wheel jammed itself into a pit of mud.

    The afternoon heat failed to subside, beating down on him constantly. His life now was nothing but stifling warmth. Hot days, balmy nights, warm water. The only escape from it was the sea, and every cell within him wanted to be submerged within the water. After almost a month here, he had become quite comfortable in the water. Swimming hadn''t come naturally to him, what with the waves constantly smashing against him, but once he learned how to float, he found a new encapsulating comfort within it. He dragged his forearm over his soaking forehead.

    Just one more trip, then a quick dip.

    After the final round trip, he dumped the last of the stone in the dwindling pile. The cylindrical base was now almost 10 foot high, with an archway for a set of doors. The Brown-Bear was at the top of it, using a pulley system to bring up one of the rocks made with web of the Espyder. Artie slumped himself down by the cobbled-stone wall, bathing in the shade, when a familiar waddling figure came up to them.

    ¡°''Ow we getting; on boys?¡± Deniz shouted, a clipboard in his hand.

    The attending labourers shrugged exhaustedly.

    ¡°You been lazin'' around all day, Sajaestan?¡± Deniz growled.

    ¡°Not all day.¡± Artie said with a wry grin.

    The Gorillon foreman bared his teeth.

    ¡°We''re gonna have to speed this up come tomorrow. Boss-man says we need that lighthouse a-s-a-p-.¡±

    ¡°We''re workin'' on it.¡± The Espyder said, dusting his hands.

    Deniz did not take his eyes off of Artie.

    ¡°You. Sajaestan.¡± He grumbled, pointing with the clipboard. ¡°You better start bringin'' more of them rocks tomorrow. The boys can''t start buildin'' till you''ve brought ''em over.¡±

    ¡°I''m doin'' the best I can.¡± Artie protested.

    Deniz only snorted, and turned to head back to the settlement.

    ¡°If you''d let me build that pulley system over the river like I said, we could do it twice as fast. Faster maybe.¡±

    ¡°Enough. I keep tellin'' ya, ya clod, it''s too risky. I ain''t riskin'' materials we need just ''cos you get a little sleepy.¡±

    Artie rubbed his neck wearily. His plan was to attach a raft to a long-line of rope-or perhaps web,-across the river. It would take at least two people to man, but save them countless hours of exhaustion. Perhaps that way, not so many labourers would quit or collapse.

    ¡°I just think-¡± He started again, as Deniz whirled around.

    ¡°Hands up here who is certified ''ere by the Builder''s Guild?¡± He asked raising a hand.

    The only other one present to do so was the Espyder. Deniz grunted in approval, waddling away. Artie sighed, staying in the shade until the rest of the labourers began to slowly depart. He stood on the stretched out arm of the penannular. The orange orb brought great waves of glittering light over the infinite expanse.

    No-one ever knew this was out here. What else is there?

    He imagined himself on a ship by himself, finding new lands and lost treasures. There must be something out here for him that wasn''t confined to a wheel-barrow. As he watched and wished for something to rescue him, a ship appeared on the horizon. He watched as the sail-ship slowly approached the coast-line. It wasn''t quite as tall or magnificent as the other ships that routinely ferried themselves to Promise Coast, in fact, its sails were battered and torn. The hull appeared to be weeping, splinters of wood were threatening to fall off of it.

    Together with some of the last builders, Artifae picked up a torch and lit it. Him and a few others waved them wildly, all along pointing to the right direction of the beach-head. After a few minutes, they saw the ship change its trajectory, turning towards the rough docks.

    ¡°Soon as we get this done, the sooner we don''t have to worry ''bout doin'' this.¡± The Brown-Bear growled, extinguishing his torch in a bucket of water.

    Artie was gone as soon as he plunged his light into the bucket, before he could be drawn to be part of the evening or night watchmen on duty. Grabbing his leather coat, he jogged towards the settlement. Through waves of flies and hungry workers, he made it to the beach-head as The Hunnigan''s Glory made it to port. The piers have been built to accommodate up to ten ships now, but there were only a few, and none were in quite as much disrepair as the now docking ship.

    Wooden pathways had been laid down on the sand, creating a network of raised paths that made traversal far quicker. Everyday the Promise Coast was growing larger. New waves of settlers and workers came in by the boatload, and every-time Artie blinked a new building was in the process of erection. The beach canteen had doubled in size and was beginning to pack out. Smokey smells drifted outwards, and Artie rubbed his stomach. He was starving, and desperate to escape the crowds and endless clouds of flies, but there was something about the arriving ship that intrigued him. As the ship arrived, there was a clamour of joy and cheering from onboard.

    As soon as the gangplank had fallen, people began to spill out onto the decks, desperate to connect with dry land again. They were dishevelled and dirty, some were hugging and clasping each-other, drowning in relief. More ramps were lowered, and the crew began rolling down barrels and crates. Artie stepped closer, walking towards the decks and studied the ship.

    The Hunnigan''s Glory had certainly seen better days. It was an old ship, created in the styles of the Old Age. The majority of the ships during the New Age were built for short distances, and powered by either Nexos energy or steam and made of metal. This was a wooden ship straight out of the pages of old swashbuckling tales, as many of the ships that made it to the coast had been. Its figurehead was of a human woman, once fair and beautiful, now cracked and faded like much of the ship''s exterior. Behind him, came a great impatient stomping and some raised voices as Mahaan Blare, the Black-Bear founder of the settlement came stomping along.

    ¡°Move aside, move aside please.¡± He muttered as he escorted his entourage to greet the ship.

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Artie stepped off of the dock, and onto the sand below, but continued to watch. As he did so, the tall captain of The Hunnigan''s Glory stepped off gracefully. He was human, perhaps of Western blood like Artifae, with deeply tanned skin. There was an almost royal dignity to him, he stood proudly with his chest baring forwards. His eyes were hazel, and there were dark freckles on his face. He appeared about mid-thirties, and wrapped around his head was an orange turban, a very unusual fashion choice for New Peridios. His clothes were fine linen, with a gold and crimson shoulder-cloak hanging above a purple and burgundy tunic. His plumped trousers were purple and white, bloused under tan leather boots. At his side, hung a silver sickle-like blade.

    Who is this guy? Artifae thought whilst stifling a laugh.

    The captain offered his hand towards the ship entrance, and awaited as a fine, pale hand gently took it. A woman in a black dress carefully stepped off of the ship. She was of the Eastern-folk, pale and adorned with dark hair and almost vibrantly green eyes. There was an aged wisdom to her smile that curved between black lipstick, but her skin and face was completely unaffected by marks or blemish. Unlike the rest of the ship, she appeared completely unfazed by whatever had mishap the ship endured during their journey. Gracefully, she walked down the pier towards the smiling Mahaan Blare.

    ¡°My dear!¡± He bellowed with open arms. ¡°Oh, how we feared the worst!¡±

    Still smiling, she offered her hand and he kissed it with furred lips.

    ¡°What happened my dear? Why, we expected you at least a week ago!¡± He asked, cradling her hand protectively.

    ¡°A terrible storm befell us, Mr Blare. One the likes I had never seen before back in New Peridios.¡±

    As she said so, the captain walked towards them, and from here Artie could see the silver trimmings that emblazoned his outfit. There was a scruffy beard beneath tired eyes, but he stood beside her proudly.

    ¡°It took us wildly off course. For days we were stranded in open ocean. Thankfully, the skills of our young captain here lead us back. Why, if it wasn''t for him...¡±

    The curious bear wrenched his attention away from the woman, and affixed his glasses to study the human before him.

    ¡°A storm you say?¡± He said quietly. ¡°Well, I see. And you are...?¡±

    ¡°I am Dhib Albahr.¡± The captain said, placing one hand on his chest and bowing slightly. ¡°Captain of The Hunnigan''s Glory.¡±

    Mahaan Blare studied him curiously, and Artie studied the pair of them carefully.

    Curious.

    Captain Albahr spoke with an accent. That was unusual. Nobody in New Peridios had an accent, as far as he knew.

    ¡°He really is an extraordinary captain, Mahaan.¡± She said softly, placing a hand lovingly on the captain''s shoulder.

    ¡°I see.¡± Mahaan said, standing tall. ¡°You are to thank for bringing our dear Senator Aldophus to us safely. Then, we should arrange a reward for your hard-work and skill! Wouldn''t you agree, Silema?¡±

    ¡°I was about to suggest the same thing.¡± She smiled.

    ¡°Thank you, but no.¡± Captain Albahr said, bowing slightly once more. ¡°The agreed payment as promised will be most sufficient.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense.¡± Silema Aldolphus said.

    ¡°Perhaps at least we can help with the repairs of your ship?¡± Mahaan said, rubbing his chin with a jewel adorned claw.

    Dhib Albahr looked back at the battered ship.

    ¡°That would be most generous.¡± He said.

    ¡°Let''s get some more help to unload your goods as well.¡± Blare said, turning round to his entourage and barking commands.

    Artifae stayed nearby, watching the scenes unfold.

    ¡°Where is the professor? And your bodyguard?¡± Captain Albahr asked as he escorted her to the edge of the docks.

    ¡°I believe they will be with us presently.¡± She said, admiring the sight of the jungle and the beach, breathing it in deeply.

    ¡°You, boy!¡± Mahaan Blare growled, pointing at Artie, snapping him from his dream.

    Artie had barely a chance to respond when he was ordered onto the ship.

    ¡°Help the crew unload their supplies would you? They''ve had a hard week!¡± He said, wandering back towards his new guests.

    Artie shrugged, walking towards the ship, curious to see the inside of it. As he arrived at the hatch, a large figure carrying bundles of chests and rattling glass bottles stood outwards, cursing as he did so. He was a well dressed Orkan, with light-green skin and small protruding teeth at the bottom. His suit was of linen, with a fashionable boater atop. He had spectacles that were threatening to slip off of his face at any moment, and looked incredibly awkward with encumbrance.

    ¡°Can I help?¡± Artie asked, giving him a wide berth.

    The orkan did not hear him, struggling to step off of the gang-plank.

    ¡°Professor Kasar!¡± Senator Aldophus called out. ¡°Mr Blare is about to give us the tour! Are you ready?¡±

    Professor Kasar only grunted, struggling to keep his belongings up.

    ¡°Please, senator.¡± Artie could just about hear as they walked away. ¡°If you could call me Governor, given that is my new role here on Promise Coast...¡±

    He heard her titter as they disappeared into the crowds. He watched as the professor dropped a heavy casket on the pier, but stepped backwards, heading into the bowels of The Hunnigan''s Glory. There were a few smatterings of crew members left, hoisting large barrels and sturdy crates to dismount. The stale smell of salt seeped into the old timbers of the ship. Fragments of light seeped into the old cargo hold, which creaked and rocked beneath his boots. It was mostly empty, with only a few lolling hammocks and containers left behind. The majority of the noise came from the upper deck, the ceiling squeaking above him as sailors feet stomped above. He lingered by the short set of steps , looking upwards to the bright wall of light. Drops of water fell like old memories, melded into the very being of the ship. He stepped back, turning to scan the hold, both hands on hips. He cocked an invisible hat, its long peafowl feather tickling the back of his neck. He heard a shining sabre rattle against his waist, his fine leather boots tapped gently on the wooden flesh. His coat was no longer shabby, but a luxurious red affair, emblazoned with gold.

    That would be the life.

    He imagined himself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the strange captain of The Hunnigan''s Glory. The majesty of the sea bent to his will, the world open for him to gaze upon. A queasiness festered in the pit of his belly as the motion rolled.

    That would take some getting used to. Still, it beats hauling rocks around.

    He stepped onto the wooden stairs, ready to head topside and help out with the last of the cargo, when a noise piqued his curiosity. A whimpering, following by a murmur, followed by an abyssal hissing sound. He gripped the banister, a cold dread spreading down his spine. He took a deep breath, decisions forming in his head. It came from below, beyond the bowels of the ship. He scanned around the empty room, and saw the closed trapdoor in the corner. He knew he shouldn''t, but he was already moving towards it. As he crouched, the whimpering grew louder. There was scuffling sounds, scraping metal, and through it all, that infernal hissing sound. He held the trapdoor in both of his hands, and slowly lifted it, careful not to generate any noise. There was a slight creak to it, but whatever was below made no inclination of detection. He carefully lifted to his side, revealing another set of stairs towards abject darkness. He stole a deep breath, readying himself. He could hear hidden voices, one was in distress. The other laughed.

    This is stupid.

    He stepped down slowly, the steps creaking beneath him. He stopped, but the chattering continued unabated. There was a slapping sound, and the whimpering grew louder, always followed by the rasping hissing sound. On tip-toes, Artifae descended quickly, but lightly, letting the darkness envelop him. The trapdoor dropped rays of silver light, illuminating corridors lined with rows of small barrels filled with supplies and gentle layers of dust. The murmuring came from the very end of the room, hidden by the barricades of clutter. The rolling beneath his feet intensified, and he began to feel like there was only paper between himself and a watery grave. Still, his deviant curiosity overrode the nausea, and crouching towards the walls of shelves, his footsteps muffled by the sounds of squeaking wood.

    ¡°...You can do better than that, Lortz. This doesn''t have to go on any longer.¡± A stern voice within the shadows spoke.

    It was answered only by a muffled sob, which in turn, was answered by the hissing sound. Here in the room, it was much louder, and dripping with terror. Artie swallowed, sweat pooling at the back of his neck. He crept closer, beckoned by a stream of light let in by a porthole. He heard shuffling.

    ¡°One last time, Lortz, or the next question will be asked by Kielly.¡±

    Hissssss.

    ¡°P-please...I don''t know, I don''t know!¡± A second voice rasped.

    ¡°Well, that''s no good, is it Kielly?¡±

    Hissssssssss.

    ¡°Because if he doesn''t know anything, then we don''t need him, do we?¡±

    ¡°W-w-wait!¡±

    Artifae slowly made his way to a stacked shelf, directly in front of the two speakers. He bent down gently, peering through the gaps, holding on as the room swirled and turned.

    ¡°Mm? You got somethin'' you wanna say, Lortz?¡± The standing figure said.

    He had his back to Artifae, but he could see he was one of the Frost-Kin, those from the ancient Daemon lines. His skin was an icy blue, with two short pointed horns. He had a burst of bone coloured hair, swept back past his pointed ears. He held a thin frame, standing over six-foot, adorned in a long, black leather coat. There was a hook-shaped dagger in one hand, his other was firmly clasped around someone else''s throat.

    ¡°Well?¡± The Frost Daemon asked.

    ¡°It-it-it''s to the south...¡± The victim creaked.

    The one being interrogated was a Dromea, one of the Saurians. They were thinner and shorter than the imposing Theropodii and most other Lizard-folk. He had a thin, fairly long neck and protruding mouth, with short quills running from the top of his head down his back. His scales were black with red patches, and his vibrant green eyes held slit-like pupils. His pointed teeth were gritted, and his body squirmed. He had simple sailor clothes on, and was bound by white rope. Rope that moved to constrict him.

    ¡°The tower, yes?¡±

    Lortz choked under the icy grasp. The hissing grew louder, and Artie fought against a gasp.

    ¡°What do you think, Kielly?¡±

    What he thought was rope was a snake''s body, coil around the Dromea''s arms. The monstrous head of a pink eyed cobra revealed itself, its forked tongue dancing on the sailor''s neck.

    ¡°What did you do with the message?¡± The interrogator asked, bringing the hook-shaped blade to Lortz''s cheek.

    ¡°Sarvi, Please...¡±

    ¡°Who else knows where the tower is?¡±

    ¡°N-n-no-one, I took the message...¡± He squirmed, trying to escape the fangs and the knifes-edge. ¡°I threw it in the sea. No-one else saw it, I swear!¡±

    ¡°Did it say about the others?¡± The Daemon called Sarvi asked calmly.

    ¡°Y-yes, they''re there now, by the ruins...¡±

    ¡°Where?¡±

    ¡°B-by an inlet, up the river, there''s some old ruins near a mountain....a mountain of fire...¡±

    ¡°When did you get it?¡±

    ¡°A couple of days ago...ack...after the storm...please, Sarvi, I won''t tell anyone about this, I promise...¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    The snake bit into the Dromea''s neck and Lortz screamed. Artie felt the shock-wave of his bellow knock him backwards. He tried to hold onto the shelf, but the spinning room hit him in the back. Small pots fell off next to him, and he cursed. Through the cracks, he saw the Frost-Kin whirl round.

    ¡°Come out now.¡± He ordered.

    Artie remained still, only creaking wood and hissing snakes remained.

    ¡°No-one else, eh Lortz?¡± Sarvi asked mockingly.

    ¡°I-I-swear, It was just me!¡± Lortz said as he begun to weep, his shoulders sagging.

    Sarvi picked up the Saurians face in-between his icy fingers.

    ¡°It was brave, I''ll give ya that.¡± He said cruelly. ¡°Thinking I wouldn''t see the dove. I don''t know what you think you would''ve done with the treasure there, Lortz. I really don''t.¡±

    ¡°I..I just wanted to...help my fa...¡± Lortz said weakly.

    Sarvi released him, cackling.

    ¡°Crooked was the path you chose there, Lortz, and brazen was the walk.¡±

    The Dromea sank to the floor of the ship, gurgling slightly. Sarvi studied him for a moment.

    ¡°Kielly.¡± He said, twirling his blade.

    Swiftly, the large white cobra unfurled itself, releasing Lortz who slumped to the ground.

    ¡°Whoever''s there, I''d reveal yourself pretty quickly before Kielly finds you.¡±

    Artie''s heart began to hammer as the slithering came barrelling towards him. It cast its black shadow before the white body came, curling around the corner. With beady fuchsia eyes and a crooked flicker of its tongue, it stared deeply into him. Artie remained petrified, until it slowly came towards him. He bolted upright, sprinting through the labyrinth of storage towards the stairs, but the Frost-Kin was already waiting for him. Artie stopped, his hands up. The cobra slowly slithered behind him, the terrible hissing sound looming by his calves. The Frost-Kin remained still, his curved knife pointed directly towards Artifae''s throat.

    ¡°Oh, hello there.¡± Artie said, forcing a smile.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Sarvi asked.

    ¡°Oh no-one.¡± Artie said with a nervous chuckle. ¡°Just here to help move the stuff topside.¡±

    Quickly and without looking, he grabbed a jar of unidentified preserves from the shelf opposite.

    ¡°The senator wanted me to get this pickled beetroot personally.¡± He said, still flashing his old smile.

    The Frost-Kin grinned in dark amusement.

    ¡°Did she now?¡± He growled.

    Hisssss.

    Artifae nodded enthusiastically, even as Sarvi stepped towards him, his cold fingers seizing him by the throat. The jar fell to the ground, rolling away.

    ¡°Well now you''ve gone and seen something you shouldn''t have.¡±

    Artie was forced to stare into the fierce white irises and furious pupils of Sarvi Natreat. His teeth were jagged and clenched.

    ¡°I-I don''t know what you mean. I haven''t seen anything. Nothing at all.¡± He said, trying his best to keep calm.

    Sarvi grinned sardonically.

    ¡°No?¡±

    ¡°Nope, just got some beetroot, met you and your lovely lizard, uh, snake, and now I''ll be going back to help on the lighthouse, unless anyone needs me for anything else.¡±

    He flashed his final biggest smile, fighting against the fear in his eyes. Sarvi grinned wildly.

    ¡°Alright. Good. Guess you''d best get that beetroot to her then. Bet she don''t like to be kept waiting.¡±

    He released Artifae who drew in a desperate breath, the cold sense of touch still lingering on his skin. He sheathed his knife, and beckoned with a head for Artie to leave, who took no time to be indecisive, and headed for the exit.

    ¡°Wait a minute.¡±

    His blood froze within him.

    ¡°You might want to take this.¡± Sarvi said, tossing the jar over to him.

    Artie caught it, and without another word, headed towards the steps. His feet pounded on the wood, up through the trap-door, closing it behind him as he found it. He raced towards the gang-plank.

    I''ve got to get the Hel off of this boat, he thought, as he collided with Captain Albahr, the jar of beetroot smashing on the deck. The captain glared at him. From behind him was a lanky, figure, another human, with a young, angular face. Their cheekbones were sharp, and their chin protruding. Their eyebrows were thin, if there at all, with pale uninterested eyes beneath them. Their auburn hair was shaved at the sides, but spiked and combed down towards the face, the style of the street-punks from Kingsport. There were several piercings in each ear with one in their lip, and their visible chest and arms under their leather vest and bracers were covered in various types of tattoos. There was a short sword tied with ribbon that hung by their loose, long denim shorts.

    ¡°Hey, thief!¡± First-mate Ban called out.

    The captain remained silent, studying the red carnage amidst glass on the floor.

    ¡°Oh, no, no-I was asked to, I had to get this, I just went down to-¡± Artifae stammered.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± The Captain asked with his silky accent.

    ¡°A-Artifae Sajaestan, sir.¡±

    ¡°You are not part of my crew?¡± He asked, angling his brow.

    ¡°No, no, I was working on the beach-head, Sir, captain, then Mr Blare, Governor Bear, Governor Blare, sorry-¡±

    ¡°What are you doing with my supplies?¡± The Captain asked.

    ¡°I was just asked to get some Sir, sorry, captain, and I just saw, I didn''t mean to, but when I went down there-¡±

    ¡°What? What is it?¡± Ban asked.

    Artie swallowed hard, the fear engulfing his eyes. Captain Albahr and Ban exchanged glances, and with the faintest idea of a nod, Ban stepped forwards, gripping the hilt of their short-sword.

    Oh X, why do I always have to put myself in these situations?

    Quickly moving past Artie, they opened up the hatch. Silence emanated form underneath. Drawing their sword, Ban descended the steps. Dhib Albahr continued to stare at Artie, who squirmed under the scrutiny. He cleared his throat awkwardly.

    ¡°I, uh, suppose I should clean this up for you.¡± He bent down and began picking at the large shards of glass. A couple of fruit flies had already descended on the fermented vegetable.

    ¡°What did you see down there?¡± Captain Albahr asked coolly.

    Artie threw a quick glance at the captain.

    I shouldn''t have come here. These are pirates, they''ll all be like that.

    ¡°Nothing, captain.¡± He said meekly.

    The captain continued to stare, until they heard the creaking of footsteps.

    ¡°Nothin'' down there.¡± Ban said, fixing Artie with a stare.

    Artie swallowed hard.

    Gone? Does that mean...?

    He turned to talk to the captain, but he had already spun on his heel.

    ¡°Take that glass and get off of my ship, boy.¡±

    Ban gave him one last look of distaste as they stepped past, heading to topside. Artie breathed deeply, a melding of relief and anguish forming inside of him. With a hand-full of glass carefully nestled in his hands, he departed The Hunnigan''s Glory. The evening heat clamoured to meet him. The docks were still busy, but Governor Blare and Senator Adolphus had long since left the beach-head. He scurried through the crowds, constantly looking for Daemonic faces and cruel hisses.

    His efforts of seeking into relaxation proved in vain throughout the evening. There was no escape from the dread that had seeped into his skin. He sat with his back to the wall of his cabin as he ate alone, and sought no Ship-Shine or companionship. He tried to hold in his urine for as long as possible, not even daring to step away from the light of fires and the watchful eyes of the people around. He tried to stay away from the beach-head and where the crew of The Hunnigan''s Glory were staying. He passed the idea of going to the captain about his ordeal with the Frost-kin, who appeared to have been acting on his own accord. At the very least, one of the crew members was seriously hurt, or worse.

    Maybe pushing rocks around isn''t so bad. I never should have gone on that ship.

    He tried to shake the anxiety out of his head as he made his way back to his hammock. He wrapped himself up in his coat despite the rigid humidity. Every creak became a hiss, and pink eyes stared at him through creases in the ceiling. He rose with the sun, before any of the surly builders had. He gathered his coat, his plume-less hat, and the meagre amount of silver dynasties that where left from renting the hammock in the dank, overcrowded cabin. He trudged towards the coast just as the world began to awaken to bird-song. He stood before the all-consuming maw of water that sparkled under golden sun. Beyond it, perhaps as far as it would go, was home. His parents, all of his siblings, Quinny and Khol. That was all he knew, and for the first time since he arrived here, he missed it.

    I came here for a reason though.

    By the docks, The Hunnigan''s Glory swayed in the gentle morning waves. Its sails were rolled up tight, and many of its wounds had been patched up, though it remained patchy and hobbled. He gathered breath in his lungs, and let it out in a sharp burst.

    Maybe it is time to be brazen, he thought, as he strode towards the ship on his crooked path.

 1,12-Faded shadows

    CHAPTER 1.12 FADED SHADOWS

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    Maybe I''ve been too brazen here. Got to think of something to save my ass here...

    ¡°

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    ¡°torturing him, all over some...some treasure in the jungles of the south.¡±

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    ¡°them we should be cautious about. Everyone in Promise Coast is talking about how''s there a long lost civilization in the mountains nearby. Not to mention monsters and wild animals. You''ll need as many eyes and swords to watch your back as you can get.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°away.¡± Artie said, putting his hands up.

    ¡°

    ¡°them while I was forgotten. Even at the coast it was like that. I''m just going one place to another and never feeling like I belong. Please. I''m just trying to find somewhere where I can be me.¡±

    ¡°

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    ¡°bad manager, a lofty employer, or some snooty master. They mock me, exploit me, insult me. I was not loyal to them.¡±

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    ¡°you don''t earn my trust, then I want to be clear where you stand.¡±

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    ¡°

    ¡°Now.¡± He barked, before turning to waddle away.

    ¡°sir.¡± He spat.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°me. I saw you squirmin'' like a worm on that deck when they found you wit'' the fish, an'' if you don''t wanna be squirmin'' like that again, you''ll get scrubbin'', right bloody now.¡±

    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ¡°

    ¡°think about it. You get a break when you earned one.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°did try to run away. I was the seventh of eleven. I have six brothers and four sisters.¡±

    ¡°chaotic household.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°me, and my youngest is twelve years younger. By the time my eldest brother started working, I think my dad realised he wouldn''t have to work anymore, so long as we were all pitching in. I think that''s when I realised, I was just a cog in the machine into them. I''m surprised they didn''t just brand me ''No.7'', honestly. I didn''t want to be that, just another match in the box. I wanted to prove to them, me, or anyone, that I can do something. Find an adventure worth talking about.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Something about Eve girls, man...

    ********************************************************************

    ¡°course they get one of the only women on board to help cook and treat wounds.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°dare you. I do plenty around here.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°sermons. That way, you can use your religious work as an excuse, just like people from your church probably do.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°conventional.¡±

    ¡°accent?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°up with him, right?¡±

    ¡°popped out of the sea or something.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Shush, keep your voice down.¡± Misha whispered. ¡°You know, an inorganic life-form.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°were different?¡± Artie asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°alive too, and should be treated as such.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°actual paladins still about. Figured it was like a club or something.¡±

    ¡°Really? Huh, I figured he would never leave Peridios. He''s the most die-hard knight there.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°No, X no.¡± Misha laughed. ¡°Dad told me upfront I didn''t have to join them just because of him, but it was important I''d learn about what they were all about.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°quick.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°something out there. I heard from my friends they found some weird things. I thought it was just going to be jungles and forests.¡±

    ¡°is ruins from the Old Age. Wild, huh?¡± Misha said with a grin.

    ¡°

    ¡°Stand to! Stand to!¡± Ban began shouting, standing up quickly.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    The Hunnigan''s Glory, and quickly.

    ¡°

    ¡°All hands to battle stations!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°pirates?¡± Ban pleaded.

    ¡°we are pirates? We should be ready for contact but not seek it.¡±

    ¡°are we?¡± He said antagonistically.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    The Hunnigan''s, and as they grew closer, the crew could see armoured figures watching them closely. A Mud-goblin in ragged clothes picked up at a banner with a white flag on it, almost taller than he, and waved it gracefully back and forth. He continued to do so until they came within spitting distance, and the captain gave the signal to stop. As the ships slowed, Artie could see there was a golden emblem on the white sails, almost hidden by the rays of the sun, the symbol of a winged horse and two spears crossing below it.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    The Hunnigan''s Glory threw a rope ladder down, landing on the golden ship. The crew of the longboat tied it to their rails, and waited as the ship came closer, then the landing party came. The soldiers came on first, two of them, tall and taller with their plumed helmets, spears held to their sides. Their hair underneath was dark, and their eyes were a deep hazel, flecks of gold, brown and green mingling together. They waited patiently as the veiled woman elegantly climbed the ladder. She stood between her two guards as the ragtag crew murmured amongst themselves. Slowly, she brought her hands up to the veil and lifted it, revealing a beautiful face within. Her eyes were the sea, so blue they almost became purple, and her hair was tied up into black coils. She stood with a distinctive grace, and was half a foot taller than the captain.

    ¡°

    ¡°The Hunnigan''s Glory. How might we serve you?¡± He said with a refined poise.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°gold.¡±

    ¡°Demeterios? It can not be.¡± He said in a low voice.

    ¡°

    ¡°exist.¡± He said, daring for a second to believe they did.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    A Time Spirit? What in blazing Hel is that?

    ¡°

    ¡°Time-Spirit before.¡± He said, looking behind him to see if anyone disagreed.

    ¡°Demestos before.¡± One crew member said.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°is Demert-rios? It sounded like you had heard of them before.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Older than Eves? Is that possible?

    ¡°fathom that they might really exist.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°sure they was lookin'' for me.¡± A skinny Sea-Eve in a bandana said to his friend, a nervous looking Lupine.

    ¡°

    ¡°me''. Got Ol'' Beauty out by me side, ready, just in case. Thought one of the guardsmen might''ve tipped ''em off.¡±

    Ol'' Beauty might be. It was soon after that, the smell of smoke began to drift itself along the horizon. Artie wrinkled his nose at it, scanning the empty seas for what could possibly amount to a fire out here. The other members of the crew were alerted too, each looking along the endless waves for answers. The sky had grown paler, with hints of orange hues beginning to stain the sky.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    flickering. Almost as if vanishing from existence to not, then from pale skin to white bone. Except it wasn''t bone, nor was it white. It was metal, and in the last glimpses of daylight, Artifae saw them for what they were.

    It''s Sylo Teht.

 1.13-Wrong doins

    CHAPTER 1.13 WRONG DOIN''S

    The man with silver-hands.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°The Hunnigan''s Glory.¡± Taisha answered. ¡°We found you in the water.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    He''s here. He''s actually here.

    The man with silver hands. Damn, I''m sorry I didn''t believe you Busco. He''s real, he''s here, and I''m trapped on a boat in the middle of the ocean with him.

    I''m sorry Busco. I don''t know if I''ll get to tell you he''s here. Not that I''d want to know what you''d do if you were.

    Must be the first of Quintus today. Huh, that means he''ll be at the Hran''Thru tournament, if he''s back by now.

    That''s where I probably should be. Home, with my friends, not on a ship filled with enemies.

    ¡°still ain''t openin''.¡± He growled through gritted teeth.

    ¡°

    ¡°mine.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    This was a mistake. He''s not even here.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    The stare terrifies me, but I love that accent, whatever it is.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°their story, from where they came from, to the very first emperor, and its eventual fall.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°The Hunnigan''s Glory.¡±

    ¡°them?¡± Artie asked, with crimson stained teeth.

    ¡°The Hunnigan''s Glory was to be auctioned, although it would appear whomever I brought them from had no idea of the true value of either.¡±

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    He didn''t pay for this with money, did he?

    ¡°are you from?¡± He asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°best friend.¡±

    ¡°with the one who killed her. A consumer. We were paid for the job, we did it, he got caught, an'' I didn''t.¡±

    This is it Artie. It''s all or nothing now,

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Once we drop him off with some authorities, I''ll feel much better. He''ll be off the boat, Busco can see him go to prison, then I can go find some treasure, and start having some real adventures.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    The Hunnigan''s Glory was lucky, the tide was low and the sailing into the inlet was smooth. They weighed anchor at the very breach of the mouth, which had curved slightly to keep them out of sight from any vagabond pirates or thieves. The captain immediately began sorting a scouting party.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Ol'' Beauty.¡± Kutja sneered, a devilish glint in his eyes.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Pfft, she just wants you there to help her grab more treasure for her.¡± Artie joked, before turning to the captain. ¡°Captain? Do you think I could come along?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°promise.¡± Artie asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Ol'' Beauty.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°trouble. Got it?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°salamanders out there. Can you believe that? Like something out of a fairy tail. What''s next, we''re gonna see giraffes?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    I do. I want to see something.

    ¡°

    drenched in sweat, his face slippery and dripping.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°that?¡± Artie asked as Misha stood beside him.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°amazing.¡± Misha said with genuine awe.

    ¡°is it?¡± Kutja asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°is from the Classical Age, could be Montecs.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°supposed to know stuff like that.¡± Misha said mockingly.

    ¡°No touching anything.¡± They said with a venomous glare.

    ¡°

    I''m not going up there to see what that it is, but there''s something underneath us.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°that?¡± Artie said, blushing as he realised it was a breast.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°big.¡± Misha added.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Montecs?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Ha-ha.¡± Artie answered derisively.

    ¡°Isandla. I''ll be fine.¡± She said dismissively.

    ¡°

    ¡°something to protect myself. If it wasn''t gonna be joining the Old Order, then that was the next best thing.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    This wasn''t a temple or anything, was it?

    ¡°entire city.¡±

    ¡°go.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Gettin'' the...hrrnng...treasure!¡± He grunted through gritted teeth.

    ¡°

    ¡°here!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°skull room? Are you kidding me?¡± Misha said angrily.

    ¡°el kind of place is this?¡± The High-Eve asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Oh no.

    Pirates!

 1.14- Hatred and metal

    CHAPTER 14 HATRED AND METAL

    Stay calm. Gotta think of something.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    That''s it.

    ¡°

    ¡°What treasure?¡±

    C''mon, gotta think of something, something that wasn''t just old bracelets or skeletons.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    No matter what I answer to that, it''s not good news. Gotta try and distract them.

    The Hunnigan''s Glory laid in waiting.

    Now, go in for the kill.

    ¡°gold.¡±

    There, that''ll do for a distraction.

    ¡°

    X almighty. If people are gonna keep doing that to me, I might have to start charging.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Ol'' Beauty already procured by a skinny Feline with purple and black fur and a tricorn hat. The cat-like pirate held his sabre to Kutja''s throat, the large gun tied up behind their back.

    ¡°you have it?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    There''s an actual golden skull here somewhere. What are the chances of that? Still, if it is somewhere around here, it didn''t look like it was in that skull room.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°are they?¡± Ban asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    Is that a signal...or?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    This is it. Gotta do something, again.

    ¡°

    Now.

    ¡°Oof!¡± He called out dramatically.

    ¡°no!¡± He called out.

    ¡°Help! Help! I think the treasure...has...cursed...ack...me!¡±

    ¡°happening?¡± He cried.

    ¡°so...cursed...¡± Artie said, curling up into fetal position. ¡°Cannot control...body...¡±

    Islanda, sending the heel of her palm into the forehead of a nother Orkan, forcing him to stumble backwards, dizzy. Their Mud-goblin compatriate locked into combat with the Fisher-Goblin, rekindling an ancient rivalry as the two dragged each-other down into the grassy dirt. Kutja roared as he leapt upon the terrified Feline, trying to pull the gun away from their claws. Artifae jumped upwards, watching the chaos unfurl. Although they had the element of surprise, the brigands still outnumbered them. A skinny mountain eve with a halberd charged him, the spear-point trained on Artie missed and sunk into the ground. Artie bounded out of the way, as different crew members tackled one another.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    This is it, time to do something!

    Ol'' Beauty, and waiting to meet the eyes of her next target.

    ¡°Re...retreat!¡± He called, bolting away from the group.

    ¡°doing?¡± They called out. ¡°Don''t let ''em get away, they know where the treasure is!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°we''ll go find the treasure.¡±

    ¡°

    I can''t stay here, waiting for the captain, even if I''ve only got this cat''s sword, I have to try and help.

    The Hunnigan''s Glory. The Mountain Eve with the halberd was engaging Ban with another Dromea pirate, the first-mate spinning their two inky blades around quickly, but losing ground. Artie yelled as he leapt his sword swinging towards the Eve. Their ears twitched and they spun to meet him, the dulled cutlass sinking slightly into the wooden staff near his hands. Artie pulled back, but the sword was stuck. The Eve pulled too, and they were stuck in a stalemate. The eve released his grip slightly, before pulling sharply towards himself again, and Artie was pulled into the Eve''s forehead. It truck him on the nose, sending a dark splodge into his retinas that stung and sang.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Oh Hel, it''s getting angry.

    ¡°

    The Hunnigan''s Glory away from him. The Moon-Orkan was much, much closer. He began to tremble, slowly reaching for another arrow, when the beast roared again. The brigand yelped, and moved to run back into the trees, but the motion startled the beast. It roared angrily, thundering towards him. It''s large legs moving like pistons, frighteningly fast. It bellowed again as it reached the sprinting Orkan, and barged him with its large head. Artie could hear the wind leaving his lungs as he flew through the air, landign and rolling, and continuing to as the great feet trampled him.

    ¡°

    ¡°Move!¡± They shouted, and Artie followed.

    No!

    ¡°Kutja!¡± He yelled.

    No way we''re gonna make it to the tree-line. Gotta think of something...

    That''s our only chance.

    ¡°

    ¡°Misha!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    The Hunnigan''s Glory reunited warmly.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°sure it wasn''t in the skull-room.¡± The High-Eve said, nursing a scratch on his forehead.

    ¡°skull-room?¡± The Sea-Eve lookout asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Right. Escaping certain death only to get back on a boat with more of the same.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Yeah, you and me both.

    ¡°

    ¡°no...!¡± He began, before bolting forwards.

    The Hunnigan''s Glory.

 1.15-Retribution, and quickly

    CHAPTER 15 RETRIBUTION AND QUICKLY

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    The Hunnigan''s Glory was bathed in flame. Thick plumes of black and grey smoke reached to the ever gleaming sun. The fire had caught the mast and was climbing, battling against the wet wood. The sails caught alight and quickly went up. From the shore-line, they watched as timbers began to splinter and heard as the mast sundered. Droplets of Hel rained down onto the deck, as the powerless crew looked on in despair. Artifae watched as his new home was taken from him, feeling a lonely sting of fear and pain, dreading to think what the captain must be feeling, when a realisation struck him in the ribs.

    Taisha.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°everything we have is still on there. We have to try.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°terrors out there and a buncha skulls. He got us into this mess, we should figure out a solution for it ourselves.¡±

    ¡°

    Ol'' Beauty around until he clasped it in both hands.

    ¡°Command?¡± He spat. ¡°Who the Hel do you think you are, lad?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°stranded in a bloody inlet, and no way out, ''cept for heading towards those terror-tusks or whatever, or pirates. Now, we got no way offa this rock and he''s just bloody sittin'' there!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°boy.¡± Kutja snarled, jabbing Ban in their chest with a thick finger.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°some food around there.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°monsters and mosquitoes.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°is her!¡± Misha said excitedly, as Artie saw the soot-clad, dishevelled hair of Taisha huddled up in the skiff.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    She''s so beautiful, even after escaping a fire.

    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Captain Wrongun Zip, in those books.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°good, I haven''t read them in years.¡± Misha said cheerfully.

    ¡°

    ¡°cool.¡± Misha said, a little shocked.

    ¡°those again.¡± Artie said, annoyed.

    ¡°Rummin? Was it?¡± Taisha asked.

    ¡°Captain Wrongun.¡± Misha corrected. ¡°Wrongun Zip.¡±

    ¡°The Ocean Star, he went around fighting monsters, sleeping with beautiful women...¡±

    ¡°mystery, and there was always a different villain in each story, and always a challenge, and he always beat it. There was never any bugs, or blood, really.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°really.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°corrupting to watch stuff like that.¡±

    ¡°did you do? Just read The Ture all day?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    The Demeterios ships, they''ve come back for us!

    Hunnigan''s Glory were all present, some trying to speak with the stoic and tall Demeterios guards, their golden armour gleaming above their golden skin.

    Oh great, back to Promise Coast. So much for escaping it.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°some loot at least to trade for passage. Maybe we can all still go together? We can ask Taisha when she''s up.¡±

    ¡°If she wants to come.¡± Artie said, looking back at the sleeping Eve, when a shadow appeared in front of him.

    ¡°

    ¡°I should leave?¡± He hissed. ¡°I remember you running away from that tusked thing back in the jungle, whimpering like a coward.¡±

    Captain Zip would never trade the sails of a ship for a modern monstrosity like that. No wonder it''s all beat up He though, imagining himself once again hanging onto the mast of a great ship, long golden curls like Captain Zip and an elegant moustache, the envy of all men and the want of all women.

    Looks like they didn''t need me after all, look how much better they''re doing when I''m away! He thought with a grim smirk.

    ¡°they?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°gold!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°starving. Hopefully they''ll have some actual meat here.¡±

    Lucky. Bet they don''t have to wheel-barrow around rocks for a living, he thought as an Ogrin worker hauled off the marble stone to be taken to a craftsman.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°sick about you!¡± He growled.

    ¡°

    ¡°week! We''ve been goin'' into the jungle lookin'' for ya! Where the Hel you been?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°quit?¡± Deniz snarled, confused.

    ¡°yeah.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°much better off without me, and I''m off doing something better suited to my talents.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°am.¡± Artifae said tiredly. ¡°I''m with a new crew now. We''re treasure hunters.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°sank.¡± Artie said, embarrassed.

    ¡°

    ¡°not!¡± Artie said, a little angry now. ¡°It was-¡±

    The man with silver-hands.

    ¡°workin'' at it.¡±

    ¡°gotta see this.¡± Misha said excitedly.

    ¡°these?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Priam Sejanus!¡± Misha said, taking the coin back and studying it herself.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°west.¡± He said plainly. ¡°The East-men are all pale and slimy.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°high price for this!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°more for an actual Montec bracelet then some old coin?¡± Artie asked.

    ¡°score!¡±

    ¡°fire.¡±

    ¡°Sylo Teht took it. I saw him wearing it as he fled the ship.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Still, this is surely where I''m meant to be, isn''t it?

    anybody as he reached listening range.

    ¡°what am I to do?¡± The captain said with despair.

    ¡°

    ¡°ship and no means to procure another one. My crew have disappeared and I am alone on this land.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°livelihoods?¡± Ban asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°New Peridios.¡± He said gravely.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°curse you bring upon me!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°lost.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Sorry? I don''t want you to be sorry, I want retribution, and quickly.¡±

    ¡°

    Maybe they''re right. I think this place is where I''m supposed to be, but maybe not yet. I have to find a reason to be here, I suppose.

    The Hunnigan''s Glory, Artie wandered the rapidly darkening outskirts of the jungle. He could still see golden flashes of light as the warriors from Demeterios were still here. They appeared to be looking for something. Artie disappeared past a large tree that had made its own clearing, and sat nearby, his mind busier than the denizens of Promise Coast as ideas continued to form and vanish. He kicked at a pile of dead leaves, our of spite, anger and sadness. He went to sink down, when a curious smell caught his attention.

    once--a soldier of Demeterios, thrown into a seated position, his head rolled back. His mouth was wide open, and out of it, was a strange white material, poured out like a frozen waterfall, speckling his face and every part of his armour. It was coming out of his eyes, nostrils and ears, too. It had hints of colour, blue, red and green. Artie fought against the vomit battling his stomach, and crouched closer to see what it was. He hesitated a hand above it.

    It looks like wax...

 1.16- Warm welcomes, cold departures

    CHAPTER 16 WARM WELCOMES, COLD DEPARTURES

    Now that''s a look Captain Zip would be proud of. Just need a sword now...

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°cash only.¡±

    ¡°treasure, thousands of years old. It''s worth a lot.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Best find out where my path leads me next then.

    Not home, not yet. I''m gonna stay here as long as I can.

    ¡°

    ¡°Governor Blare, please.¡± He said, without looking at her, still watching the strange metal cube as it went into the settlement.

    ¡°Governor Blare,¡± Ruoro sighed. ¡°I need to talk to you about the infirmary, right now.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°enough.¡± She said, looking at him angrily. ¡°Everyday there''s more sailors, builders and settlers coming in, but I don''t have enough supplies for every-time someone breaks a thumb or eats a toxic mushroom, not to mention I don''t have anyone to help me. I need more.¡±

    ¡°start charging people, Ms. Hehkuva.¡± He said pompously. ¡°At least that way, it might discourage people from hurting themselves, hm?¡±

    That''s right, she was supposed to have that Eve chick helping her. Guess that means she''s still missing...

    ¡°

    ¡°Look!¡± He pointed towards the disappearing object, being carried off of the sand and towards firmer ground. ¡°We''re about to install the Nexos generator! The first on this continent! How terribly exciting!¡±

    ¡°important, Governor. It might very well involve the safety of the inhabitants of this town.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Wine?¡± He heard Governor Blare''s voice through the gaps in the wood behind him.

    ¡°

    ¡°so urgent, then?¡±

    Must remember to pay for this, when I''m rich and famous.

    ¡°The Hunnigan''s Glory-went down in flames recently.¡± Captain Albahr said.

    ¡°

    ¡°unwilling to return to New Peridios without a vessel.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°not interest me. Promise Coast is a place for people to come and seek a new, better life. A fortune, if they can. Sometimes, it does not pan out for our migrants, and that cannot and will not be the responsibility of our new government here.¡±

    ¡°will interest you, Governor Blare.¡± The captain insisted. ¡°We are seeking a great treasure, and were foiled by a roving band of brigands who attacked us and sank our ship. With a fresh ship, supplies and crew, we can pursue these villains, make sure they befall no other harm on any other settlers in the area, and return with riches and treasures that will greatly benefit the settlement.¡±

    ¡°already riches and treasures here.¡± Blare growled. ¡°We do not call the neighbouring mountain the Silver-tooth because it is just a catchy name.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°making of Promise Coast, what with our new generator, an ever-growing population outgrowing potential for supplies. Of course, there will be a few vile apples amongst the bunch, but we should be nurturing the ones who come here for a change, a second chance.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°are all linked.¡± Captain Albahr said again.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°An accident?¡± Sofia said, growing angry. ¡°He was scouting the woods before that boy came across him, suffocated by wax. Such a thing could only be from a strange type of magic, an unprovoked attack.¡±

    ¡°know it was unprovoked?¡± Blare asked impatiently.

    ¡°My men know what we are seeking, and it is not some rabble. Clearly, he must have seen something no-one wanted him to, and ambushed him with foul magic.¡±

    ¡°not be spilled lightly.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°our interests align.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°believe she would, yes.¡± Blare answered.

    ¡°all of us.¡± The captain said finally, resting his pitch.

    ¡°

    Something''s happening, at last!

    ¡°emissary to address Sofia and failing. ¡°Madam!¡±

    ¡°

    Assumed or hoped?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°insistent on joining us? Why?¡±

    Don''t say treasure, don''t say treasure.

    ¡°

    ¡°if you were a good captain.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    The freedom, the camaraderie, the excitement, the treasure. This really is what I''ve always wanted.

    ¡°

    Alright, now just gotta find them all.

    The Steamin'' Crab, with a tag-line etched into the wood with yellow paint; A promise of a drink!

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°nuthin'' today cept drinkin'' and eatin''.¡±

    ¡°be on that beach, all of you.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°owe me. You need to eb on that ship.¡±

    ¡°think you are, boy?¡± He growled, his reeking breath punching Artifae in the nostrils.

    Like a captain would.

    ¡°me, not the other way round. I won''t be spoken to like that by you or anyone.¡± He said, reaching to jab Artifae in the chest, but he successfully evaded it.

    ¡°ship, Kutja. ''Till then, you''re not part of the crew, so I don''t have to respect you.¡± He said with a steely conviction, before turning on his heel. ¡°Midday, gents. Else we''ll go find that golden skull without you.¡±

    ¡°Eugh, there''s that smell again.¡± Misha complained.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Long before I left.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°myself. I know it''s just a stick, but it''s the only thing I have from the city. From my family.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°life. Everything in me and my sister''s life was to the dictations of The Ture. No Spherevision, no boys, no sweets, no being out after dark. Everything was a sin, to him and Voss Nova.¡±

    ¡°believe in Voss Nova?¡±

    ¡°told to believe in him all my life. I don''t know if I believe in everything The Ture says, or if the after-life is as black and white as they say.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°after the fact?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°community there. Everyone knew each-other, we all saw each-other at least once a week. It was studious, and stuffy, all talking about the church all the time, but it was peaceful, for what it was.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°lord no.¡± She said with a daring look in her eyes. ¡°He was half-Orkan too. He would have hated that, but he was fun. A bit rebellious, and cheeky, like you.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°kiss.¡± He said, laughing.

    ¡°pushy. It was at the church X-fast party.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°everyone does, right? It''s not a religious thing to us, it''s just an excuse to celebrate, and eat too much food.¡±

    defined the Sajaestan holiday experience, and although it wasn''t always pleasant, it was something irreplaceable.

    ¡°

    The Hunnigan''s glory with solemn silence, and passed the beach and cove. The cliffs lowered the further they went upstream, and the walls of jungle grew denser and stronger. It was strangely still, the black vegetation eventually giving way to sloping mountains. The wind crept along the ship, carrying the strange smell of sulphur with it. The walls of the jungle grew larger, and the vision of mountains and growing forests dissapeared, leaving only the dense undergrowth beyond to accompany themselves. Darkness began to fall from the sky. What first felt like snow in the jungle was soon realised to be ash. Artie enclosed a spot within his hand, leaving a dark stain.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    How? How have you seen this before?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    The Hunnigan''s Glory, while Sofia assembled an arrangement of her personal guard. Swiftly, they piled into the remaining skiffs and sped towards the bank.

    Ol'' Beauty was clasped in his hands, as the crew quickly went about searching the campsite.

    Where is everyone?

    ¡°

    ¡°Behind!¡± He shouted at the wall of golden shields.

    Ol'' Beauty, but a similar recreation of thunder. A Demterios solider called out and was pushed backwards by an unseen force, a bleeding hole left in his chest-plate. Another explosion, and a high-pitched ding as something ricocheted off of a golden shield. Kutja trembled in confusion, from the shore to the trees, his fat finger close to the trigger, but inactive.

    ¡°Haw, we got you!¡± He boomed, and the brigands cheered louder.

    Yep, got us again.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°all of my crew.¡± The Captain said defiantly.

    ¡°Haw!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Kill?¡± He said, almost shocked. ¡°No, no, little man. No fighting to the death, no! We wrestle! If you beat Dhurz, you and your friends can go!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    tsked with dissatisfaction.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Yes!¡± He called out. ¡°Finally!¡±

    I can''t let us get captured again.

    ¡°there!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°know who''s with you now?¡± Artifae scoffed. ¡°Sylo Teht! He''s an assassin!¡±

    Okay, time to pull something out of the bag.

    ¡°a thousand golden Dynasties!¡±

    ¡°

    Got ''em.

    ¡°

    ¡°worked!¡± Ban shouted, throwing his wrists about, then thin black blades whirling around him.

    The Hunnigan''s Glory crew dashed forwards into battle. With a simple nod, Sofia''s guards did the same, shouting as they backed into formation, and charging at the pirates at the rear. The battle raged around them, as Taisha screamed, sinking into the pebbles. Misha stood by her, ready to protect. Artifae, however, locked eyes with Sylo, before the Eve bolted towards the jungle. Artifae gave chase, meandering past the fighting groups. Dhurz remained in the centre of it all, shaking his head disappointingly.

    Oh X, if he gets into one of those, I''ll never find them.

    Are they more of the pirates?

    Damn, I''ve lost him, and myself.

    He''s too strong...

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

 1.17-Wolf of the sea

    CHAPTER 17 WOLF OF THE SEA

    They''re in such good condition too. They must be worth more than a fortune...

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°you. I was gonna take him as my hostage, negotiate my way through that rabble. You seem much less valuable.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    I''ll just have to wait this out, bide my time...

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    They''re looking for the senator? Were they sent by the government?

    ¡°rescue her, is that what you guys are here for too?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Thieves Guild!¡±

    The Thieves Guild? I thought that was just a joke, I didn''t realise they were real.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°him.¡±

    ¡°help you.¡±

    ¡°

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°hostage, boy.¡±

    ¡°did beat my crew and the Demeterios, they won''t care at all if I''m your captive, and three, and probably most importantly, I just saved your life, and you''re not gonna make it out of this without me.¡±

    ¡°

    be it.

    ¡°not taking you with me.¡±

    Thank X for that.

    ¡°ever squeal on me again, I''ll put two holes where your eyes are.¡±

    ¡°

    It''s just one thing after another out here, ain''t it?

    *******************************************************************************************

    Ever since I left Peridios, there hasn''t been a single moment where I haven''t had at least one insect in contact with my body.

    ¡°

    Thank X, this is nearly over.

    ¡°

    ¡°here?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°there though.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°another boat? Does that mean there''s more fot hose pirates?¡±

    ¡°

    X above, maybe I was wrong about us outnumbering them.

    ¡°

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    ¡°

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    What?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°you, and that golden posse you got on the beach.¡±

    There were going to be three boats of pirates?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°my coat you''re wearing?¡± He called out.

    ¡°

    worse so close ot the water, clouds of gnats and buzzing creatures constantly attacking him.

    X help me, I actually think I''d prefer having that miserable old muss than this constant cloud of insects in my face.

    That didn''t sound like one of those terror-tusks.

    Better go slow, see what''s happened since I''ve been gone.

    The Hunnigan''s Glory standing side-by-side with the Demeterios, and even a few of the pirates, all were fixated on one figure in the middle, standing on a large mass.

    Wait a minute, that''s Sofia!

    That''s that Dhurz guy! Did she actually beat him?

    ¡°Little Dhurz!¡± She laughed.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Haw!¡± He said gleefully.

    ¡°rulers.¡±

    ¡°ten lions. Very well! Dhurz will fight for you!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Haw!¡±

    ¡°us instead. We promise the same reward, if not for more riches. Amend your villainous ways, and fight for us instead!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Looking for the skull?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Haw! She the one who brought us here.¡±

    Why? Why would some rich politician want a golden skull so badly?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°are more of them...¡± The Captain said quietly.

    ¡°

    ¡°

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    Oh no, I''ve heard that before.

    Oh my X, that''s a lot bigger than what I was hoping for...

    ¡°

 1.18-Kindness isnt cheap

    CHAPTER 1.18 KINDNESS ISN''T CHEAP

    ¡°

    Even after being chased by a monster, she still looks so beautiful.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    I swam in the ocean at Promise Coast almost every day, it can''t be that different swimming in a river, right?

    ¡°

    ¡°ship! In the middle of the ocean!¡± He said, incredulously.

    ¡°The Hunnigan''s sank, I probably would have drowned!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°alone with it!¡± He shouted back.

    ¡°

    Turns out it can...

    Captain Zip would have fought, but it was fast. It used its momentum to barrel through the trees, birds were displaced and leaves fell before them. He released her hand.

    ¡°

    No, follow me, damn you!

    No, I can''t. What will I drink when this is all over?

    This is all I''ve got, one shot.

    Can''t throw it, can''t risk missing this.

    Sorry Ship-shine ol'' buddy, this was more important.

    ¡°Over here, you big, toothy quail!¡± He yelled, running quickly, back towards the river.

    It worked, at least! Now to keep this going!

    ¡°Run!¡± He yelled.

    I can''t leave him!

    C''mon, you big quail nugget. If you wanna eat me, I''ll make you work for it.

    Sylo!

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°back.¡±

    ¡°

    Good, let''s hope that monster stays in there and doesn''t run into the rest of the crew.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    ¡°

    ¡°someone has gotta pay.¡±

    ¡°debt.¡±

    ¡°deaths.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°ocean?¡± Ban intervened.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°anything.¡±

    ¡°did burn it, though.¡± Taisha said with a hint of annoyance, fuelling some strength behind her eyes at last.

    ¡°meant to.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Malicious?¡± Sylo spat, growing angrier. ¡°You think this was malice? Do you want me to show you some malice? Because I will.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°was an accident.¡± He said slowly. ¡°You were gone, I was in a rush, I knocked over one of the lanterns in the bottom deck. Stupid havin'' them lit durin'' the day anyway.¡±

    ¡°dark in the brig?¡± Ban said with a mocking tone.

    ¡°

    ¡°my fault?¡± Ban said, stepping towards the Eve.

    ¡°

    ¡°thing comes back.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°leave?¡± Artifae asked, somewhat surprised.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Captain Zip wouldn''t just head back.

    ¡°

    ¡°

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    ¡°

    ¡°

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    ¡°chance.¡±

    ¡°more of them?¡± Taisha said, colour draining from her face.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°what through? You heard what Ogin said, the Senator wasn''t captured at all, what if all this was a ruse? What if she is the one pulling the strings?¡± Ban complained.

    ¡°there! If we go now, we might always regret it!¡±

    ¡°scattered, with no real want or why to continue our journey.¡±

    ¡°try.¡±

    ¡°outnumbered, Sajaestan.¡± The Captain said, exasperated. ¡°I do not even think I can fight with my back this way.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°ship.¡± Artifae reasoned.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°if I come with you.¡±

    ¡°you didn''t reach the camp by yourself either. You need us just as much as we need you. Together, we have a chance.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°not part of my crew.¡± The Captain said with a grimace.

    ¡°

    ¡°off this coast-line as soon as we can, an'' if you want to get a shot at findin'' that treasure, those other guys have got a real head start on us.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°dead thanks to you guys and that walking feather ball, that leaves just one shipment of cut-throats lookin'' for the golden head.¡±

    ¡°

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    ¡°now.¡± Artifae said, a little stung.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°treasure hunters. Soon, you''re gonna start seeing what people are really like outside of Draper''s, and Arnesfeld or wherever.¡±

    ¡°you know?¡±

    He''s an assassin, filled with hate. Hatred and metal, like the Captain said. You only become an assassin if you hate people enough.

    ¡°really like. Number one, take them to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Number two, try and share a treasure with them. You''ll see. Take or be taken.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°still thinking of betraying us for your own needs. Unbelievable.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

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    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

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    ¡°I''m thinkin'' of, let''s just say I''ve got some choice words to say to ''em.¡±

    An assassin who knows a senator? There''s something there...

    ¡°

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    There''s one guy I wouldn''t have been sad for if he got eaten.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Captain!¡± Kutja shouted, and the Captain waved in kind.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

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    ¡°Ol'' Beauty.

    ¡°

    ¡°thing, figured it would be a good place to wait for ya. Figured if anyone was goin'' to them ruins, we could see ''em from up ''ere.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°whole thing was one big city. It looks even bigger from the inside.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Montecs? Isn''t that amazing?¡±

    ¡°

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    ¡°us to find. Could be a trap.¡±

    ¡°

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    Looks like there was a door here once.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Looks like there''s only one room, whatever these old stairs lead to.

    What is this?

    Why would there be...

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    No!

 1.19-Someday

    CHAPTER 19 SOMEDAY

    The stone rumbled below them, ancient timber was rendered to dust. The room shifted.

    ¡°Hold on!¡± The Captain shouted.

    The floor began to give way as the walls crumbled below them. In a flash within a second, Sylo Teht was already moving. With a great swing of one of his metal hands, his fist collided with the stone below the window. It broke into small pieces, and the roof above them began to quiver. He met Artifae''s eyes, a deep sorrow within them. Artifae meant to move his body forwards, towards the new escape hatch, but the floor began to dip. He watched as the Mountain-Eve, quick as a hawk, scooped up Taisha in his silver arms. She was thrown into his chest, one hand cradling his body, the other gripping her staff tightly. The two disappeared through the hole towards the rapidly approaching earth.

    ¡°Grab on!¡± The First-mate shouted.

    With wiry hands, Ban grabbed Artifae and the Captain by the scruffs of their shirts. They twisted their body, and from under their leather vest, two inky-black wings emerged, as if from a skeletal bat. The three ran, powered purely by instinct, as the roof began to turn to pebbles, raining hard hell upon their bodies. They ducked their heads into daylight, the black ground rushing to meet them. Ban''s thin arms strained, they called out in pain as they left the rapidly depleting floor and into mid-air. The wind rushed to meet them, the smell of burning replaced by dust sulphur. Artifae''s hat was thrown away by the hands of the breeze, and Ban''s wings glided without elegance.

    The ground came to meet them quickly, Artifae felt the fingers in his shirt loosen, before letting go, and he dropped. His lungs and heart bounced in his chest, a sickly sensation of floating before the jagged rocks caught him. He landed with his legs first, immediately feeling the searing burning as his right leg was lacerated by the hamstring. He rolled, the blade like rocks cutting through his trousers and new coat, tumbling under a cloud of dust. He called out, until finally stopping under of veil of shattered stone. He was sodden with blood, his face was covered in black particles.

    I''m alive? I must be, being dead wouldn''t hurt this much..

    Before him, the tower finally collapse under the screech of burst stone. A great smog of debris overtook them, sending flailing stones against his battered arms. The ground rumbled as the final parts of the walls fell, before a silence perforated by his ringing ears. Where the tall, thin tower stood before, was now only pile of splintered wood and crumbled stone. He moaned with pain as he tried to set his palms on the sharp rock, struggling to get himself up. His hands, wrists, arms and legs were lacerated. There was a cut on his forehead that bled profusely, and his ribs ached every-time he breathed.

    He looked around, fragments of stone hanging in his hair. He saw some movement as someone got up, ten feet away. It was Ban, on their knees, stretching their back. They too had been cut on the arms, a large gash through their vest, but otherwise seemed unharmed. They waved at Artifae, who waved back. He pushed himself to his feet, walking slowly on the cruel, jagged rocks, when he saw something orange in between them. It was a piece of fabric, almost like a scarf, coated in dirt and rock. He picked it up with bloody fingers, feeling the fine linen between them. It led to where Ban was, and under him, was the Captain, his turban completely unfurled. His hair was a dark brown, with hints of auburn. It was scraped backwards, revealing an uneven hairline. It had been tied up into an extremely neat bun, adorned with a piece of fabric, coated with beads.

    ¡°You alright, Sajaestan?¡± Ban asked, panting.

    Artifae only nodded, the pain in his leg burning brighter. His leg buckled, and he felt his ankle become damp under his boot. He felt the wet flesh, his hand coming back crimson.

    ¡°You guys okay?¡± He croaked.

    The Captain stirred, a great cut on his cheek. His shoulder held a gash too. He groaned as he pulled himself up, feeling his hair, looking to them in a panic. Artifae gently leaned closer, holding the fabric still and offering it to his captain. Dhib Albahr took it gratefully, nodding slightly.

    ¡°I think I''ve changed my mind, Captain.¡± Artifae said. ¡°I think we should have gone back for the ship.¡±

    The three laughed together, a sense of relief between them.

    ¡°What about the others?¡± The Captain asked.

    Artifae stood up, unsteadily, as too did Ban. Closer to the rubble, was a mound that began to move.

    ¡°Taisha!¡± Artifae shouted, limping towards it.

    The mound was wrapped in a leather coat, beneath it were two metal hands. Next to him, Taisha had sat herself up. There were small cuts on her face, as well as her hands. She got up slowly.

    ¡°Captain!¡± She called out. ¡°It''s Sylo, I think he''s hurt!¡±

    ¡°What a shame.¡± Ban muttered.

    They helped the Captain up, and the three of them walked to Taisha, who had stood herself up fully, and slowly made it to Artifae, and the two hugged fiercely.

    ¡°You okay? You sure you''re alright?¡± He asked quickly.

    ¡°I am. Is your leg hurt?¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh.¡± He said, sitting himself down again.

    The Captain slowly ran across the rock to him, as Sylo began to struggle himself upwards. His metal hand crunched against the stone, but his left arm was limp.

    ¡°Teht? Are you hurt?¡± The Captain said, kneeling next to him.

    Sylo spluttered, slowly pushing himself upwards with one arm. The other was almost dangling from it''s socket.

    ¡°Your arm...¡±

    ¡°I can''t move it. It must be broken.¡± He said through a portcullis of teeth.

    ¡°Or just dislocated.¡± Ban said, leaning closer.

    Gently they took his arm and examined it. It had come loose at the very top, separated from a plate attached to his shoulder. Ban carefully touched it the shoulder, and Sylo did not wince. With some strain they lifted the arm back into place, and Sylo helped reattach it. He flexed his arm, and his fingers began to move.

    ¡°That''s got it.¡± Sylo said simply, lifting himself onto his feet.

    ¡°We need to bandage your leg, Artie.¡± Taisha said, concerned.

    ¡°I''m okay.¡± Artie lied, the world beginning to spin around him.

    ¡°Here.¡±The Captain said, kneeling by him.

    As he was wrapping the turban back into its rightful place, he held out a length of it and tore it, handing it to Taisha. She wrapped it around the wound and above, tightening it until Artifae could barely feel his toes.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± He said numbly.

    ¡°So what now?¡± Ban asked.

    ¡°Now we find that wretched Dvergr.¡± The Captain said, tying the orange fabric back into shape around his head.

    ¡°I think they headed back for the jungle.¡± Sylo said.

    ¡°If they''re in cahoots with those pirates and their employer, they might have headed back to the camp.¡± Ban said.

    ¡°I don''t think we''re in any shape to go find them.¡± Taisha said sadly, wiping the blood on her trousers. ¡°Maybe it''s time we cut our losses, headed back to the beach.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps you''re right.¡± The Captain said with disappointment.

    ¡°No, we''ve still got a chance.¡± Artie said, struggling to his feet.

    ¡°What makes you so sure?¡± Ban asked.

    ¡°I''m not sure, but we came this far, we survived an explosion! We can figure something out.¡±

    ¡°Face the facts, kid.¡± Sylo said wearily. ¡°We were outmanned and outgunned before hand, now we''re all cut up and bleedin'' everywhere. We don''t stand a chance.¡±

    Artifae chewed on this. Reality was distorting itself and repairing again with every second. He felt tired, more so than pushing a hundred wheel-barrows of rocks could achieve.

    ¡°At the very least, we need to find the others. Regroup, before we have any kind of plan.¡± The Captain said.

    ¡°Then we should get off of this volcano, for starters.¡± Ban said.

    Slowly, they began to manoeuvre themselves. The ground was a sea of biting fangs, and they struggled to navigate the decline into the waiting tree-line. Artifae''s ears continued to eclipse the entire world with its incessant ringing. The afternoon heat beat them down, and everywhere he saw the exploding rubble as if it was happening over and over again.

    I can''t believe it. That treacherous snake.

    He turned to look at the rabble that they were. Taisha held onto him, helping him slowly descend, caked in blood and dirt like the rest of them. In her other hand was the staff she cradled so dearly, its feathers and beads still hanging on for dear life. The assassin, Sylo Teht, led the way, his coat ragged and battered. After him, the Captain held his head up high, his silver sickle-sword dangling by his thighs, and ever by his side, was Ban Sleuitel.

    ¡°Hey Ban.¡± Artifae called out, feeling like he had drunk an entire bottle of Ship-shine to himself.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°You have wings? Since when?¡±

    Ban chuckled, and stepped slightly in front of them. They pulled at one side of their torn vest, revealing the two black wings inked onto their shoulder blades. Below them were hints of other tattoos, of every other colour, but less vibrant.

    ¡°Wow.¡± Artifae said. ¡°Do they all come to life? Like your bird, and your swords?¡±

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°No.¡± Ban said, shaking their head. ¡°Just a few of them. The rest are normal.¡±

    ¡°What makes those ones special then?¡±

    ¡°A technique from the Old Age. The Rayne Clan found a way to mix magic and particles into ink and put it onto a body. Only a few pass down the technique.¡±

    ¡°The Rayne Clan? What''s that?¡±

    ¡°Bunch of low-life gangster wannabes.¡± Sylo said loudly and with distaste.

    ¡°Says you, assassin.¡± Ban spat back.

    ¡°Are...are you part of The Rayne Clan?¡± Taisha asked tentatively.

    Ban cricked their neck, looking away.

    ¡°My family is, yeah.¡±

    Sylo cut the air with a hideous laugh, stopping entirely and turning to Ban.

    ¡°Did you know a Tully? Tully Steen, I think his name was.¡±

    ¡°Uncle Tully?¡± Ban said with a withholding innocence. ¡°Of course I know Uncle Tully, he was killed in...what a minute, don''t tell me...¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh.¡± Sylo said, nonchalantly. ¡°When I worked for The Whisper.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you son of a...¡± Ban said angrily.

    ¡°Sylo killed Ban''s uncle?¡± Artifae said, shocked.

    ¡°I don''t think they were actually related.¡± Taisha said quietly. ¡°It''s a gang thing, I think.¡±

    ¡°Please, gents.¡± The Captain said amicably. ¡°Let''s not fight among ourselves now. We should find passage away from this foul place, first.¡±

    ¡°Hey, I''ve got no problem.¡± Sylo said with a cruel grin.

    ¡°Luckily for you, he was an asshole.¡± Ban muttered.

    The Captain and Ban walked past Sylo, who watched them, his grin slowly fading. He turned to Taisha and Artifae expectantly.

    ¡°You worked for The Whisper?¡± Artifae asked.

    ¡°Didn''t have much of a choice.¡± Sylo said, shrugging.

    ¡°There''s always a choice.¡± Taisha said, challengingly.

    ¡°Yeah, couldn''t you have gotten a normal job?¡± Artifae asked.

    ¡°Normal?¡± Sylo said, anger building in the vein in his neck. ¡°What the Hel do you think normal is?¡±

    Artifae watched the fury in his eyes, and his bravado melted.

    ¡°There was no normal for me, growing up. My father was a madman. The things he did...¡±He ended in almost a whisper, trailing off into pained memories.

    ¡°What? What did he do?¡± Taisha asked, compelled.

    Sylo turned to her with a viper''s eye.

    ¡°He studied the dark arts, is what he did. Used me as a guinea pig. I spent months in a dark room, not seein'' the sun. For the first twelve years of my life, I''d never seen a face before that weren''t his. I did it because he asked me to, because I loved him. You talk about normality, and choices, you know how I lost my arms?¡±

    The two shook their heads, sullied by fear.

    ¡°I was a Guardsman. I had only just passed the academy exam when I was thrown into a fight, lost my arms trying to save someone. Then they covered the whole thing up, pretended it never happened. Something stupid like an explosion in the stacks. What choice is there, when everything you do, you think is right, ends up hurtin'' ya?¡±

    He bared his teeth at Artifae, who could not respond.

    ¡°I don''t know.¡± He said finally.

    ¡°No. You don''t.¡± He hissed angrily, turning on his heel.

    There was a shouting below them. Suddenly, Ban and the Captain were running back to them in a panic.

    ¡°Oh Hel, here we go.¡± Sylo said, withdrawing his guns.

    Suddenly a clamour began emerging from the jungle, followed by figures.

    Oh damn, it''s the pirates! Again!

    *******************************************************************************************

    The full strength of the remaining pirates emerged charging at them. Sylo readied his guns.

    ¡°Wait.¡± The Captain called out, running to meet them. ¡°Hold your fire.¡±

    ¡°Now''s not the time for that.¡± Sylo said, gritting his teeth.

    ¡°We can''t fight them all. Not right now.¡± Ban said, wheezing.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Taisha said, terrified.

    ¡°Follow my lead.¡± The Captain said raising his hands, and slowly dropping to his knees.

    He winced as the sharp rocks came into contact with his joints, but he remained there. Slowly, Ban, Taisha and Artifae lowered themselves to, as the tide came hurtling towards them.

    ¡°You guys are stupid.¡± Sylo muttered, continuing to train his weapons on the charging group.

    ¡°Teht! Get down!¡± The Captain said angrily.

    Suddenly, an explosion ripped past them, something pinged off of a rock nearby. Kutja Moljac was in the crowd, Ol'' Beauty belching a line of smoke out of her mouth. Sylo growled in fury, before relenting, holding his weapons up, and slowly descending himself. The pirates ran up the hill, slowing slightly, but not relinquishing their fury. For a second, Artifae thought they weren''t going to stop.

    Even if I did try to fight, what could I do? I can barely stand at the moment.

    He clamped his eyes down tightly as the hammering of stone grew closer, until it began to slow. The pirates formed a half-circle around them, bitterly mocking and deriding their new prisoners. The Captain remained still, carefully watching the ragtag group around them. There were even more of them than what ambushed them at the beach.

    ¡°Step aside, outta my way.¡± A gruff voice said.

    Kutja pushed his way through the crowd, the treacherous High-Eve, Southern-Man and Satyr standing behind him.

    ¡°Cap''n.¡± Kutja said, delight and malice melding together in his dirty smile.

    ¡°Kutja, you treacherous toad.¡± Ban hissed.

    ¡°Wot? Why are you angry at me?¡± Kutja asked, pretending to be insulted.

    ¡°You were part of my crew, Moljacs.¡± The Captain said calmly, although anger and hurt showed their signs.

    ¡°Yeah, and you led us ''ere. Your fault really, ain''t it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, all this for no treasure. What was the point?¡± The Satyr said, swinging their hammer onto their shoulder.

    ¡°We were supposed to help each-other.¡± The Captain said through gritted teeth.

    Kutja laughed.

    ¡°An'' we did, din'' we? You led us ''ere, and we found us a new employer, nothin'' personal cap''n. At the end of the day, we came to take what we could.¡±

    Artifae couldn''t help but look around to see Sylo, studying the Dvergr with criss-crossed fingers above his head.

    ¡°Speakin'' of.¡± Kutja said, stepping towards Sylo.

    He stood in front of him, pointing Ol'' Beauty up towards the Eve''s chin.

    ¡°See this? Classic bit of Bronze Dvergr design, this. Unlike your outdated Old Age pieces of crap.¡±

    Sylo remained silent, watching the Dvergr carefully.

    ¡°Still, don''t see how you should have these and I shouldn''t...¡± He said, reaching towards one of them.

    In an instant, a silver hand was on Kutja''s wrist, squeezing it. The Dvergr yelled in pain.

    ¡°Stop it!¡± The Satyr said, standing with his hammer in both hands.

    ¡°Oi! You new guys! Shut it!¡± A Tigron pirate said, his bare-chest showing his gold and black striped fur that covered his body.

    Kutja pulled until Sylo eventually released, and the Dvergr stumbled backwards, muttering and cursing. A fissure appeared in the crowd, as the pirates began to separate. Two sides were formed, and in the middle, was Silema Aldolphus.

    ¡°Ah, Captain Albahr. What a pleasant surprise.¡± She said with her most charming smile.

    Despite the severity of the heat and conditions, she still radiated an ethereal beauty. Her skin and hair were as immaculate as any day in New Peridios, and her clothes showed no signs of wear. Behind her was a flustered Orkan professor, whose sweat seeping through his linen suit. His face was always one of discomfort, as he pushed his spectacles up his light green, sweaty nose. Cradled in his other arm was a thick, old book, its pages barely remaining in place. To her right, was the Frost-Kin. He stood proud, the white cobra wrapped around his chest and arm. When he saw Artifae, he grinned with jagged teeth.

    ¡°Well, look who''s here.¡± He sneered.

    ¡°I wish I could say it was pleasant, Senator.¡± The Captain said sternly. ¡°We came here because we heard you had been kidnapped.¡±

    The Frost-Demon known as Sarvi laughed darkly, and Silema smiled.

    ¡°Oh my dear, you are right. How heroic of you.¡± She said coyly.

    ¡°What''s going on here?¡± Ban asked.

    ¡°Why, we were simply seeking the tower, just like you.¡± She said calmly. ¡°Such a shame, to see it go to ruin.¡±

    Kutja laughed loudly with his friends, and she turned to him.

    ¡°You are the perpetrators, yes? The Dvergr who destroyed it?¡± She asked.

    ¡°We are. I am, I mean.¡± Kutja said, trying to stand tall and puff his chest out as far as it would go.

    ¡°You have my thanks.¡± She said with a sultry smile, and Artifae saw sweat pooling on his forehead.

    There was a crunching sound. Artifae whirled his head behind him. Sylo Teht was on his feet, both guns in hand.

    ¡°You!¡± He cursed, so loud it repeated in the wind.

    She turned to him, surprised. Sarvi stepped in front of her, but she placed a pale hand, keeping him behind her.

    ¡°Me?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Don''t you play dumb with me, witch.¡± He hissed.

    She smiled at that, placing a hand on her hip.

    ¡°Teht! Sit down!¡± The Captain said angrily.

    ¡°Not this time.¡± Sylo hissed.

    What has she done that''s so bad he would risk his and our lives to kill her?

    ¡°We''ve met?¡± She asked playfully.

    ¡°I swore I''d kill you if I ever saw you again.¡±

    ¡°Sylo!¡± Artifae called to him. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Sylo turned to him with glistening eyes.

    ¡°She gave me the contract. She was the one who ordered Master Se Iring to be killed.¡±

    Artifae watched, his head still spinning.

    He killed her Artie.

    He looked down at the jagged black rocks beneath him.

    A senator wanted her dead? Why?

    ¡°She ordered the hit, then had the Guardsmen waitin'' for us outside. It was a trap, an'' all for nothin''.¡±

    ¡°Ah, Sylo Teht, of course. I had a feeling you would be out here, somewhere.¡± She said with an amused smile.

    Sylo gritted his teeth.

    ¡°No!¡± The Captain called. ¡°Don''t!¡±

    Artifae winced as Sylo squeezed the trigger, but nothing happened. He tried again, but neither weapon would fire. Confused, he looked at the barrels. Silema had her index finger raised, her smile evolving into something much crueller than before. At the end of each barrel, was a blob of something opaque, a smooth white substance with hints of red and green.

    Is that wax?

    Before any of them could move, she raised her hands upwards. Wax washed over the mountain, away from the collapsed toward, a multicoloured tide racing towards them. Before they could stand, it surround each of them, wrapping itself around their bodies. It was cold, a sickly smooth substance that moved eerily over Arrifae''s ankles, trapping his wrist by his groin, and moving to his elbows. He struggled, but it wrapped itself tightly around his body, constricting himself.

    Around him, each of his companions had received the same fate. On Sylo, he had been given wax manacles that were manipulated downwards, bringing his hands and weapons to his feet. Each of them struggled, but there was another force at play.

    ¡°There, that''s better.¡± Silema said, delighted.

    ¡°Why?¡± The Captain asked simply.

    She turned to Professor Kasar, who had backed away from her, gulping uneasily.

    ¡°Professor?¡±

    ¡°You...you want me to tell them?¡±

    ¡°The captain and I bonded during our passage over here. I believe he will understand if we are able to tell him. I hope so anyway.¡±

    She turned to him, her smile dropping for a second. Artifae tried to move his arms, but the constrictive wax would not budge.

    ¡°As for the rest of you, you''ll decide your own fate.¡± She said to the others. ¡°You can aide us in our search, or I can keep you here.¡±

    Sylo struggled violently, but even his metal arms could not break the sealing wax, there was something keeping it in place.

    Just who is this woman?

    ¡°Professor, please.¡± She said, ushering him forwards.

    Nervously, he stepped forward and addressed the Captain.

    ¡°Captain.¡± He said, fidgeting his hands beneath the book. ¡°I study Thaumaturgy, as you may yet know, it is the scientific study of the implications of magic. In short, I study how magic works at the Science Guild. When the, uh, flash occurred, my peers were obsessed with trying to find the answer, but I felt I might already have it.¡±

    He presented the book to them.

    ¡°This book, was hinted at by another book, by a scientist called Dr. Kering-Gavata in the very first days of the New Age. There, he hinted to what was occurring, something only old records call The Daem, which may have been stopped by several beings of great power. He called them, The Millennium Priests.¡±

    The bound group looked among themselves, confused.

    ¡°Dr. Kering-Gavata wrote his memoirs and thesis both on escaping whatever The Daem was, revealing his study, a tower built by the ruins of the city of Lomo''oppa, under the fiery mountain of Brak''Hara, protected by some magical seal.¡±

    ¡°What is all this? We thought you were after a golden skull.¡± The Captain said.

    Silema rolled her head back with laughter.

    ¡°A golden skull? Can you believe that, professor?¡± She said lightly.

    The Professor did not smile, drumming his fingers along the book.

    ¡°What we seek is no skull, nor is it gold. Dr. Kering-Gavata wrote his studies on The Millennium Priests. They used their powers to save the people who would inhabit New Peridios, and in return, lost their physical forms. They were contained into urns, shaped like faces, each utilising a single colour, and a power beyond reckoning. No, we''re not after a golden skull so much as we are after a yellow head.¡±

    ¡°A yellow head?¡± Captain Albhar asked, disbelieving what he had heard. ¡°What foolishness is this? I have never heard of Millennium Priests, or whatever this, this Daem is.¡±

    ¡°Did they not teach you that in Jassia, Captain?¡± Silema asked quietly.

    A deep chill washed over Dhib Albahr, as his eyes widened.

    ¡°I suppose that makes sense. Coming from a country of slavers, warlords and killers, why would they aggrandize someone else? No, I bet you were taught your noble country-folk survived on Cranson Point through your bravery and wit.¡±

    Captain Albahr floundered, unable to speak from shock.

    Something flashed in Silema''s eyes.

    ¡°Whomever finds the power of these, can inherit it themselves.¡±

    ¡°Why would you want it?¡± Ban asked angrily.

    She did not reply, but the charming senator seen before had passed, revealing only the face of a mad tyrant.

    ¡°You have found it?¡± Captain Albahr asked.

    ¡°This book reveals only how to find it, hidden by a code. It must be cracked first before we can start our search.¡± Professor Kasar said sadly.

    ¡°That is true. Hand it to me for a second, please Professor darling.¡± She said, reverting back to her old eloquent self.

    Cautiously, it held the old tome in both hands, and held it for her. She did not take it, but placed a single hand on top of it. Her feral smile returned, and Artifae saw something twist in her green eyes for a second. A strange black glyph appeared under her hand, with rotating symbols within a ring. It shifted, and as it did, the book began to decay. Before Kasar could react, the book began to crumble, turning to fine ash until nothing was left but his stained hands.

    ¡°No...¡± He said in disbelief. ¡°What did you do?¡±

    ¡°I won''t let anyone else find it, Kasar. You will help me find it, now we have the proper clues to get us there.¡±

    ¡°There was so much more in there to find! We don''t even know who wrote the damned thing!¡±

    She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, a reassuring gesture, if not for the malice in her eyes.

    ¡°You will help me find the head of Stand, Professor, as was our agreement.¡±

    The Professor''s lip began to quiver, and his legs weakened. Sylo growled beside Artifae, and the captives watched helplessly.

    ¡°I suppose it''s probably too late to ask for your allegiance now, Captain?¡± She said, brushing a thick strand of black hair away from her pale face.

    The Captain looked at her sternly.

    ¡°I have already played my part in this heinous plan of yours, Silema. I will not be a part of this any further.¡±

    ¡°A pity.¡± She said with a smile. ¡°Truly.¡±

    She turned to her rabble of drooling pirates and nodded towards the jungle.

    ¡°Head to the ship. We are leaving this place.¡±

    The band of pirates jeered a final time, slowly manoeuvring around each-other, trying to get a last jab or insult in before they did. Kutja waved again, grinning as he did outside of the tower. Artife felt hatred coursing through him.

    ¡°You''re gonna get yours. Someday, someone''s get you.¡± He said seething.

    The Captain and Sylo gritted their teeth, thinking about the revenge they would get if their hands were not tied. Silema looked amused once more.

    ¡°Someday.¡± She said simply. ¡°Maybe.¡±

    The pirates began to murmur among themselves, as Sarvi and the Professor lingered. They turned to see what the commotion was, and through gaps between legs, Artifae saw people emerging from the jungle. They were golden.

    The Demeterosi! How many times have they saved us now?

    Sarvi looked to Silema, and began pushing his way through the crowd, making it to the front.

    ¡°Surrender now, foul pirates!¡± He heard a faint but noble voice call out.

    The prisoners looked among themselves.

    ¡°Is that Sofia?¡± Ban asked.

    Artifae shared a smile with Taisha and The Captain, looking back to Silema, who had not dropped her smile.

    She doesn''t look worried. Why doesn''t she look worried?

    Without another word, she walked past them, still contained in their wax bindings, and further up the mountain.

    ¡°Are we...are we saved?¡± Artifae asked.

    ¡°Don''t count on it yet.¡± Ban said.

    Silema Aldolphus stretched out her arms, her fingers flexed as far as they could go. The black glyphs appeared by the palms of her hands, larger this time, moving independently of each-other as more rings and symbols appeared. She closed her eyes heavily, her body beginning to convulse, and when she opened them again, they were no longer green. The palms of her hands dropped to the black volcanic rock below her. Beneath their legs, the world began to rumble. A screeching sound pierced the air, the very mountain itself trembled violently. Artifae felt his skull shake within his head.

    The mountain-what is she doing?!

    The screeching stopped suddenly, and the throbbing volcano became eerily still for a blinks width, before its peak exploded. Molten blood escaped the open wound with a mighty roar, smoke and dust escaping. The lava began to slowly bleed down its sides, and Silema slowly lifted her head, revealing her new eyes. That was once green was now black, her irises had changed into white lines, like hands of a clock. She slowly lifted herself up, albeit unsteadily.

    Her eyes, they look like clocks.

    ¡°Silema! Your orders?¡± Sarvi called out.

    Like clocks...is she...could she be the one Sofia was looking for?

    ¡°Kill them.¡± Silema said coldly.

    A roar went up among her pirates, as they charged.

    ¡°Warriors! To arms!¡± He heard Sofia yell.

    Feet pounded on the rough rocks, the mountain rumbled, and dark clouds polluted the sky.

 1.20-Brazen was the walk

    CHAPTER 20 BRAZEN WAS THE WALK

    The heat was beyond intense.

    For the last two months or so that Artifae had been away, it had rained for a month and a half. The heat was still there, but it was cloying and damp. For the past week however, his skin had not known the refreshing touch of precipitation. For all the curses he had given out when his boots were sodden, it had always been there to wash the sweat out of his hair, its calming sound helping lull him into tired slumbers. Here, under the deepening clouds of smoke and roasting rocks, he would give anything to see it again. His mouth and throat became cavernous and desperate for liquid.

    The rocks beneath them burned, rumbling and shaking so violently, Artifae thought if he wasn''t bound by the strange wax, he could have been thrown from the sides of the Aerth. The heat did not do anything to weaken the wax, as he struggled his arms against it, it felt like a clammy hand squeezing at him. As the world vibrated, he looked at the Senator. Her hands were flexing against an invisible force, squeezing something hidden in the air. Her smile grew wider, and her eyes wilder. Some strands of hair began to stick to her forehead. The clocks that became her eyes were stationary, but focused.

    She''s going to bring down the mountain on all of us, her included!

    Suddenly the ground stopped shaking. A heavy tremor rattled through the earth below them, and the mountain spat out a great plume of thick smoke with a tremendous roar. The prisoners looked up as the earth belched fire, a great, thick cloud of dark grey death hovered above the mouth of the mountain. Great pyroclastic projectiles soared through the air, landing dangerously close or into the jungle.

    ¡°Silema!¡± The Captain shouted. ¡°Release us! Please!¡±

    She have no hint she heard him over the clamour, instead watching with perverse glee at the battle unfolding below them. The two sides clashed, rusty cutlass against golden shield, and the wax around them grew tighter. Artifae clenched his teeth as the substance pushed against his bandaged wound. He clamped his eyes down as the noxious scents grew deeper. The ground opened fresh wounds, expelling toxic gusts that threatened to melt the air itself. He heard a new trembling sound from behind them, as the great cloud of ash began to make its way towards them, overtaking the flow of lava.

    She''s going to kill us all!

    There was a flash of metal, dancing on the remnants of sunlight before it was stolen by the volcano. Silema called out as a spear sank into the volcanic glass behind her. Air rushed into Artie''s mouth, happily reacquainting itself with his lungs as the spell around them relaxed. He fought against the wax, feeling it break under force. Silema held a cheek with her dainty hand, a dark grey liquid slowly seeped itself out in want of blood. She looked in shock, to see figures in black bounding from her left.

    We''ve seen those guys before...

    The members of the Thieves Guild bounded elegantly towards her. More projectiles were thrown. The leader had her blade ready, her eyes trained on Silema. Silema turned, withdrawing most of the wax that bound her prisoners, rushing it towards her new assailants, forming a small jagged wall. The leader bounded over it, effortlessly, releasing another small throwing knife. Silema projected a wall of wax before her face, halting the oncoming blade. The wall behind her melted, turning briefly into a hand and grabbing her from behind. The guild-member was dragged away, thrown behind her comrades.

    ¡°Kill her!¡± She shouted, struggling free of the wax.

    Artifae was released, looking first to the Captain, who readied his blade, and then to Taisha, who cradled her stave. The Thieves Guild members leapt towards her, more throwing knives launched and blades readied. Silema effortlessly evaded the projectiles, using her wax to halt the stop of blades and clasp at their feet. One member got too close, aiming for her neck with his blade, but her hand was quicker. She grabbed his masked face, feeding wax through the gaps in his visor. He shook and convulsed, the blade falling to his feet, before turning very still and landing on the ground, body still twitching, face obscured by the technicolour substance. Another member shouted in rage, swinging their sword towards her, and was once more repelled. The Captain yelled as he brought his sickle-sword to the back of her neck, but without looking, she kicked towards him. A wave of wax launched him backwards, pinning him to the ground. Ban released their wolf tattoo, running with their short-sword. Sylo jumped to his feet, tearing the wax off of his weapons.

    Silema whipped round, a whirlpool of wax surrounding her and pulsating like a shock-wave. It knocked the last two standing thieves guild members back, and with an uppercut motion, was sent barrelling into Ban''s chin. They jumped into the air, and landed on their back with a grown. Sylo unloaded a volley of bullets, but they sank into a wall of wax. When the chambers were empty and the guns clicked, she curved the wall into a stodgy sphere, and launched it like a cannon-ball. It struck him in the chest, moulding and pinning his arms to his chest. Finally she set her sights upon Artifae and Taisha.

    We need a weapon,not just a stick!

    Artifae crawled towards Taisha, cradling her, pushing her behind him, but she resisted. She moved forwards, her stave pointed at the Senator. Artifae watched as the indigo feather swayed. The wall of ash was still crawling towards them.

    ¡°Stay back1¡± Taisha yelled, the last of her conviction holding.

    Silema''s smile was withdrawn now. She was no longer gazing upon those who could be manipulated. She was looking down at insects. She lifted her fingers up, a trail of wax slowly following them. Artifae grabbed Taisha''s arm, squeezing it. She did not relent, his new protector.

    Isn''t this supposed to be the other way around? Captain Zip would never-

    There was a sudden gleaming of gold, and Silema yelled in pain as a golden spear sank into the jagged ground behind her.

    ¡°You!¡± Sofia Called out, walking through the battle with purpose.

    Silema snarled, holding her wrist as more grey goo weeped from it. Sofia brought her shield forth, and withdrew her short-sword from within. She roared as she bounded towards the Senator, who frantically arced her arms, withdrawing all of the nearby wax. Sofia leapt, golden blade shining fearsomely. It sank into a wave of wax, which moved to surround her, but she was too quick. She cut the wax through, getting closer and closer, until the Senator''s face was within distance. The blade came towards her, stopping inches away from her neck. The wax had caught her hand, but Sofia did not struggle against it.

    ¡°Many millennia ago, you caused my people great strife, creature. Today, I will right the wrongs of thousands of years ago, and I will have you see justice.¡±

    Silema gritted her teeth.

    ¡°You think you can kill me, Demeterosi? Do you know how many of your people already tried?¡±

    This time it was Sofia''s time to smile.

    ¡°I will not kill you, creature. Not today, least wise.¡±

    She yelled as she pulled her blade back, the wax shattering. Shock filled Silema''s face, if only for a second. Sofia barged the remnants of the wall with her shield, sending fragments of wax through the air, as still the mountain of Brak-Hara launched its burning missiles. Under the cloud of ash, its molten blood crept towards them. More vents burst from the Aerth. Artifae heard people screaming in undue agony, as within the mob of battlers, fiery air burst onto them.

    We''ve got to get out of here, and now!

    Sofia roared as the shield continued surging towards her opponent. It collided with Sofia''s chest, forcing her backwards with a grunt. She hit the stony ground, her chest heaving. She tried to move one of her hands, but her wrist was trapped by one of Sofia''s greaves. The point of the sword was lowered towards her throat.

    ¡°This ends, now.¡± Sofia hissed through her teeth. ¡°Use your magics, reverse the eruption.¡±

    She pressed more pressure onto Silema, who called out in pain. Through a forced laugh, she looked at Sofia with her terrible eyes.

    ¡°The process has already started. I only accelerated it. There''s no going back now.¡±

    The ground rumbled below them as the wave of ash drew itself closer. The sky had become black, with only the light of pyroclastic lanterns soaring through the air. The jungle had begun to burn, flocks of brightly coloured birds flew to escape, and the canopy heaved as great beasts sprinted to safety. Sofia looked back down at Silema as falling ash marred her golden skin.

    ¡°You will face justice, for this crime and more.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± A woman shouted.

    The leader of the Thieves Guild stood, her blade ready.

    ¡°We have to kill her now!¡±

    The blade came down, aiming between her chin and collar-bone, but Sofia moved to intercept, foot still clamped on Silema''s wrist. The sword clanged as it hit Sofia''s shield. Sofia pushed the shrouded attacked backwards.

    ¡°No! I need her alive! She must-¡±

    Another Thieves Guild crept up behind her, blade soaring towards Silema. Sofia whirled to meet it with her sword, releasing Silema inadvertently. Artifae moved to get up to help, but Taisha pulled him back down.

    ¡°Artie, we have to go!¡±

    ¡°She needs help!¡± He shouted, but his leg screamed at him.

    Sofia was propelled back by a blast of wax, as the thieves guild tried to get closer. Sofia battled the new assailants, and was blind-sided by Silema''s attacks. Wax curled around her ankle, sinking her down. The leader of the Thieves curved their arm back, the blade aimed to her neck. Artifae;s hands curled around a broken shard of obsidian, and without aiming, tossed it towards them. The rock narrowly missed Sofia''s face, colliding with the sword arm. The woman called out under the cowl, as Sofia broke free of her wax shackles.

    ¡°Sofia!¡± Artifae called out. ¡°We have to go!¡±

    The ground shook wildly again. The wave of toxic gas was almost upon them. Sofia looked up, despair briefly tainting her face. Around Artie, The Captain and Ban appeared by his side.

    ¡°Captain, we have to get everyone off of the mountain!¡± Ban shouted, barely audible over the volcano''s roar.

    ¡°We need to help her!¡± Artifae yelled.

    ¡°Ban, see to the men, get them off of the mountain! I will help!¡±

    Before he could move, there was a mighty yell, and from their peripherals, people were thrown into the air as a massive Ogrin appeared.

    ¡°I''m here, tiny woman!¡± He yelled, struggling past the fighting group.

    With enormous effort, he ran up the stony incline, until there was a great crack in the air. A whip struck Dhurz in the back, and he winced. He turned around to see the Southern-Man holding a bull-whip with a devious look on his face, He twirled the whip back behind his head, and lunged again. Dhurz was ready this time, letting the whip slap against his wrist and gripping it with a large hand. Taking it with the other, he yelled as he pulled, swinging the human through the air. The man released the whip, flying into a mound of rocks. His chest and face were lacerated, but before he could get to his feet, a great explosion sounded as Sylo fired a perfectly aimed shot at the man''s chest. Dhurz grunted.

    ¡°He was mine, tiny Eve!¡±

    Sylo growled, his metal hands growing dull under the absence of the light. Behind Dhurz, the battle had slowly begun climbing the mountain, leaving trails of dead and wounded behind. The Frost-Kin, Sarvi, grinned maliciously as he stepped towards the fallen bull-whip with a blood covered hand. He held it, first looking at Dhurz, then Sylo, then Artifae.

    Under a volcano, why does my blood suddenly feel so cold?

    ¡°Silema!¡± He called out, waving towards the jungle.

    She looked at him with a neutral expression, flashing her hands to each side. A wave of wax shot out, knocking over the battling Sofia and Thieves Guild members. She surged towards Sarvi, landing delicately next to him.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Ban shouted. ¡°We can''t let her get away!¡±

    The Captain looked at Artie, who could barely stand, then to Sylo.

    ¡°Mister Teht.¡± He said with all authority at his disposal. ¡°Bring her alive, and our debt will be settled.¡±

    Sylo looked at him angrily, then to her. The Frost-Kin began escorting her away from the battle. He looked at Dhib Albahr, his anger slowly fading and nodded. He ran forwards, weapons in tow. The Captain looked back at Artifae.

    ¡°Mister Sajaestan, can you stand?¡± He asked, not waiting for an answer. ¡°Take Miss Paj and get back to the coast, await for us at the ship.¡±

    Artie looked at Sylo, his leather coat floating as he ran.

    ¡°He needs help, Captain!¡±

    ¡°You are in no position to. Take as many people back to the camp as you can, wait for us there!¡±

    ¡°Captain,¡± Taisha said. ¡°Let us help. We won''t get in his way.¡±

    He looked disappointingly at the two, but relented.

    ¡°Fine. Meet us at the ship. How long we can wait there with the eruption occurring, I do not know.¡±

    ¡°We''ll be there.¡± Artie said, forcing his trademark smile.

    Taisha helped him to his feet.

    ¡°Come on, we''re going to lose them!¡± Artie shouted.

    Every step was a shot of agony. He limped across the jagged slope. Fire reigned down, molten glass became meteors, increasing as the dust storm surged further down the mountain. The smell of sulphur and toxic air choked the combatants. Many fled. He heard shouting behind him.

    ¡°Wait, tiny woman! You cannot best her without Dhurz!¡± The Ogrin shouted.

    ¡°Get to safety, Dhurz!¡± She yelled back, sprinting towards Silema. ¡°Help as many people back to the ship as you can!¡±

    She ran, overtaking Artie and Taisha. They looked back, under the black tide, the flash of the silver-sickle blade collided with the remaining bandits. He heard them shouting, but nothing could be heard under the quaking of the earth. Sofia caught up with Sylo, who released a shot at Silema and missed. Artifae ran as fast as he could, but the knives within blurred his vision and reduced the sound to white noise. Taisha overtook him, and as she turned, her eyes widened with fear. The ash cloud was almost upon them. Thousands of tiny stones were flung towards them like shrapnel, although Artifae saw that was not what she was worried about. Through the cacophony, he heard a great sound of exertion, as the Satyr pirate with the great hammer lunged at him. He ducked down, collapsing onto the floor, as the Satyr swung above his head, stumbling with hooves on the rocks, and tripping over Artifae''s body.

    ¡°Keep running!¡± He shouted at Taisha.

    He scrambled to his feet, every cell in his body calling out with pain. The Satyr pushed himself up, great hammer still in his hairy hands, swinging it back towards him. Artifae fell backwards, rolling down the sharp hill. Taisha stepped forwards, yelling as she brought the stick down on the Satyr''s head, splintering the very top of it. He fell backwards, calling out as the jagged knives cut into his back. She grabbed him by the arm, pulling him upwards. The ground roared beneath their feet. The Satyr was dazed, rolling onto his front, freezing when he saw the wall of toxic gasses and stone. Taisha pulled him into a sprint, the roar almost eclipsing the scream of the Satyr behind them.

    Just have to get to the tree-line!

    Pain and Artfae were no longer one in the same. He had ascended it, as his feet slid and hammered across the slopes. The ground trembled beneath him. The sky had grown has dark as the ground below them, even the trees before them quaked. They ran through the trees, the scraping sounds of rock and glass colliding with the vegetation hammering behind them. A great bolt of wind struck them, taking them off of their feet. Artifae grabbed Taisha, who still cradled her staff. The two crawled to the closest tree as the shock-wave of ash struck the forest. The trees cried out in pain, many were torn by their roots. Artifae covered his and her heads, waiting for the onslaught to steady itself. Jagged pieces of volcanic glass and rock shot past them like bullets. They were assailed by stones and fragments, and the world had become a single roar by them.

    After what could have been minutes, the shock-wave passed, leaving a trail of smog and ash. The two coughed heavily, using their clothes to cover their mouths and noses, but the toxic air stung at their eyes.

    ¡°I can''t see anything.¡± Artifae said in the black haze, tears openly escaping him.

    ¡°Hold my hand, follow me.¡± She said.

    The forest had grown ominously silent, though the mountain continued to scream. Above them, pyroclastic fireflies still flew. The smell of burning was everywhere, the noxious smells were beyond disorientating. The fallen trees barred much of their route, and their faces were blackened by the ash. Taisha''s ears pricked up.

    ¡°I can hear the river.¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Artifae said between coughs. ¡°We have to find Sylo and Sofia!¡±

    ¡°We won''t find anyone if we choke to death in the jungle!¡± She fired back.

    She led them, as Artifae swayed, dizzy and nauseous. He trudged, no longer feeling pain or much of anything, just another speckle of ash in the storm. They followed the sloping ground, past burning trees and broken rocks, before the river emerged again. The breeze battled the noxious air here, with the blue sky being a promise by the other side. The two ran to the bank, happily dipping their hands and running the cool water over their faces, laughing. Life was brought back into Artifae, even if it brought the pain with it again, it was back. Barak''Hara still roared behind them, and burning rock was still launched across the land.

    ¡°Which way now?¡± Artifae asked, breath barely registering within his chest.

    ¡°Away from the black-cloud!¡± Taisha said, pointing towards the dark met the light.

    Artifae washed his leg with the cold water, the stinging sensation travelling up his leg and through to his spine. He washed the orange silk in the river, rinsing it and placing it back delicately. He was growing used to the pain, able to numb it for a time. While Taisha washed her face and drank the water, Artifae noticed her staff beside her, broken at the top, one of the feathers struggling to hold on.

    ¡°Ah, your stick.¡± Artifae said sadly.

    She turned to it, inspecting it with dread in her eyes.

    ¡°It''s not too bad.¡± She said optimistically, but her face still held hurt upon it.

    ¡°I''m sorry you had to use it.¡± He said. ¡°Thank you for saving me, though.¡±

    She smiled sadly at him, wiping a damp piece of hair from away from her face. She coughed lightly. Artifae could still feel the toxins in his chest and past his nostrils. The breeze took away much of the cloying effects, but they were still prevalent in the air. The river bank looked mostly empty, for now at least.

    We need to get moving. X only knows what has happened to Sylo and Sofia.

    Artifae limped to his feet painfully, as Taisha slowly twirled the staff in her hands. Something glinted within the broken wood.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Artifae asked.

    Curiously, the two looked within the fibres of the staff, and saw there was a stone embedded inside. It was a deep green, almost black under the darkening sky. Taisha pulled at it gently, and saw it was loose. She plucked it out, and held the stone within her palm.

    ¡°It''s a...gem?¡± Taisha asked.

    ¡°Was that in there all this time?¡±

    ¡°I guess so....but why? I don''t even know what it...¡± She trailed off, the dark stone seemed to hum within her palm. She shuddered slightly.

    ¡°What is it? What''s wrong?¡± Artie asked, concerned.

    She took some hasty gulps fo breath before looking back at Artifae with wide eyes. He felt panic beginning to bubble in his stomach as he watched her take a deep breath.

    ¡°I feel...¡± She said with a strange look in her eye.

    ¡°What?¡± Artifae said, moving closer to her. ¡°Taisha, are you okay?¡±

    Fear flamed in her eyes very suddenly.

    ¡°What is this thing? Is it going to hurt me? Why did my father put this in here? To harm me? Should I keep holding it?¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey, it''s alright.¡± Artifae said, placing a hand on her cheek.

    She turned to him quickly.

    The sky is so dark, but there''s so much light in her eyes.

    He felt a smile burst past his lips as he admired her, even in her anxiety-riddled, half-scorched state. Suddenly, the look in her eyes changed, too. She smiled, gently cradling his hand on her cheek. She gripped the stone tightly.

    ¡°What did your father say when he gave that to you, again?¡±

    ¡°To help me stay compassionate to the people around me. Help me feel what they feel.¡± She said, almost dreamily.

    ¡°There. I don''t think he''d say that if he was going to put something in there that would harm you, right?¡±

    She nodded lightly, still smiling at him, rendering everything below his belt to jelly.

    The two assembled themselves, following the meandering river over muddy banks and slippery stones. The incline presented itself, and they were forced to scramble up it, staining their hands with the wet soil. Ahead, at the river bend, they could see the ship. The camp was still there, and there were moments of movement between it. Firey rain flailed through the sky, as the darkness deepened. Speckles of ash had followed them.

    ¡°Can you see them?¡± Artie asked.

    ¡°No-one yet.¡±

    The jungle in between them swayed under wind and tremor. The dense expanse had movement inside, but whether or not it was friendly, they had no way of knowing.

    ¡°We''d better hurry. Sofia and Sylo might already be there.¡±

    ¡°What if they don''t make it?¡± Taisha said, holding the mysterious gem tightly.

    ¡°They''ll make it.¡± Artifae said with a confident smile, watching as she matched it with one of hers.

    The descent was once again rocky, but they clung to the side of the river, where the breeze was most helpful. The ground quivered under their feet, but soon it became apparent they were not alone.

    ¡°Sylo?¡± Artifae whispered, crouching slightly.

    There was a silence.

    ¡°Can you hear anything?¡± He asked Taisha, who tried to concentrate.

    There was a movement in the trees opposite. Artfae opened his mouth to speak, and before he could, the High-Eve friend of Kutja''s burst from the undergrowth, cutlass overhead. He yelled as he charged them. Without thinking Artifae shoved Taisha out of the way, and awaited his assailant. There was an absence of emotion in the Eve''s eyes as he swung the blade, barely missing Artifae and lodging itself briefly in a fallen trunk behind them.

    ¡°Go!¡± He yelled at Taisha, who bolted through the vegetation.

    I''ve got to think of a way to hold him off of us for a while...

    He watched as the High-Eve struggled to get the blade out, finally pulling it free, he grinned manically, but Artifae stood his ground as an idea reared its head. Artifae took several steps backwards, watching the charging Eve, until he felt the knot of a root tap his boot. He waited, the swing came, and Artifae ducked as low as he could go, ignoring his burning calf. The High-Eve groaned as the blade sunk itself into the tree directly behind Artie, deeper this time, and Artie drove a fish directly under the traitor''s belt.

    The High-Eve groaned in a sickly manner as he fell, cradling his groin. Artifae grabbed the cutlass with both hands, finally freeing it as the High-Eve began to get himself up. With his new stolen blade, Artifae fled, following Taisha through her flight. The world became a whirl of green and brown, when suddenly he burst past a prickly bush and a low-hanging tree, to see a small clearing. He almost collided with Taisha, who was standing very still.

    ¡°Taisha? Are you-¡±

    Before he could finish his sentence, the smell hit him. Meat, and blood. Taisha slapped her hand onto Artifae''s mouth, muffling any curse he was about to utter.

    Oh no, it really is one thing after another. Can''t we catch a break just yet?

    Artifae thought Taisha was staring at a large boulder, but there were ribs sticking out of it. It was a large grey animal, once, now lying on its side. It was a juvenile Terror-tusk, its large ears covered in flies, its trunk half-buried in the dirt. There was a loud chewing sound, and the distinct crack of bone. Something took a bite, and raised a large head, chewing a particularly tough part of muscle.

    It''s the feathered monster that chased us from before!

    Artifae could see this was not the same one that had been wounded by Sylo''s guns, but it had a draconian head and was adorned with indigo and purple feathers. It was slightly smaller, but still towering over the two shivering statues beneath its meal.

    ¡°Whatever you do...¡± Taisha whispered as quietly as she could. ¡°Don''t make a sound...¡±

    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    Artifae dared not even gulp, the new sword feeling suddenly very slippery in his palms.

    It hasn''t noticed us yet, best to keep it that way...

    ¡°Where are you?!¡± Came a shout from behind them.

    The monster jerked its head suddenly upwards, and Taisha pulled them both down. The blade clattered as it came into contact with the ground, and the monster emitted a low rumbling from his throat.

    ¡°When I find you boy, you''re gonna wish that you weren''t born with any-¡±

    The sound of trampling footsteps grew louder, the High-Eve called out as he encountered the prickly bush, and pressed through the leaves, face marred with dirt and ash, wielding a serrated knife.

    ¡°There you are!¡± He shouted, a little too loudly.

    There was time for a brief flash of confusion on his face, as he saw the terrified look of the two crouched down in the dirt, before he heard the terrible growl. The looming creature snarled as it stepped over the fleshy mass, slipping slightly, eagle-like talons sinking into the ground just inches away from the huddled up pair. The High-Eve screamed and turned to run, but the jaws were already around him. The crunch was sickening.

    Artifae pulled Taisha up as the monster busied itself with its side-dish, and past lolling mouth of the dead mammal. He heard Taisha gag at the sight of it, fighting against a sob, but pulled her away diligently. The jungle opened its arms to them, and they were swallowed by it.

    *******************************************************************************************

    The mountain bellowed behind them.

    Though they had escaped the threat of noxious air, the heat was still merciless. Remnants of the sun bared down upon them. Artifae was drenched, filthy and exhausted beyond comprehension. His wounds started to ache again, and he trudged on through the unrelenting walls of foliage as Taisha meekly followed.

    ¡°Wait.¡± She said suddenly, tapping him on the arm. ¡°I can hear something.¡±

    Silently, he followed her as they crept through the mass of verdant leaves, awaiting to find what the jungle had in store for them next. Taisha pushed past a large fern, and in a small clearing, was a large tree. It was ethereally quiet, but Taisha heard what was on the tree. It was a Mountain-Eve, pinned to its large trunk, his silver arms bound by a large shield of wax.

    ¡°Sylo!¡± Artifae said, pushing past Taisha to help him.

    The Mountain-Eve looked up with tired eyes. He had been battered and beaten, and a blob of wax had sealed his mouth. As he saw Artifae, his eyes widened with fear. He began to shake his head, muffle shouts emanating from beneath the wax, but it was too late.

    ¡°What? What''s-¡±

    Something snagged around Artifae''s ankle tightly, sending rivers of pain meandering up his side, and suddenly the world turned upside down as he was whisked into the air.

    ¡°Artie!¡± Taisha shouted.

    He was dragged upwards, dangling in the air as the rope trap lifted him to the top of a tall branch, several feet away from the ground. Before he could even yell out, a figure jumped out from the bushes, pointed spear in hand. He threw it with a great roar, and Artifae could see the sharp-point sparkle in the lingering sunlight.

    Can''t move! Can''t move! Can''t-

    Quick as a flash, Taisha had already turned to him, and with a regretful look in her eye, wielded the staff in both hands, and thwacked him like a pinata. Artifae called out in pain as he swayed inches away from the spear, burying itself in the tree behind him.

    ¡°You rat!¡± The figure shouted, brandishing a curved knife.

    Oh no, the Frost-Kin again!

    Still stuck to the tree, Sylo struggled with the last of his strength. The wax began to weaken from the might of his metal arms, but he could not free himself in time. Sarvi, the Frost-Demon, was covered in dirt and ash similarly, with speckles of blood around his face and body, presumably not his.

    My sword! Need my sword!

    Artifae endeavoured to reach the sword, the handle of the spear was in reach and helped put a stop to his swaying, but the handle of the cutlass was too far from his out-splayed fingers. Sarvi charged Taisha, who twirled to him, determination fuelling her body.

    Come on, you can get him!

    Her shoulders tensed, and before the Frost-Demon could get close enough, she threw an underhand strike at his chin, so hard the staff broke in two. Sarvi yelled as he hit the ground, hard. Taisha looked in dismay at her staff, as Sylo continued to try and free himself. Sarvi sat himself up, wiped some dark blood away from his lip. What was a snarl, soon became a smile.

    What''s he smiling at now? Is he a sicko?

    The answer presented itself as he felt something crawling along his leg. He wrenched his head upwards, to see the pale white snake slowly creeping from down the trunk and towards him.

    ¡°Taisha!¡± He yelled. ¡°Get the sword!¡±

    Taisha bounded towards him, but Sarvi was already crawling along the ground. He pulled out his bull-whip, snapping it at Taisha. She yelled as she fell, droplets of blood falling from her cut shirt. The Frost-Kin laughed, withdrawing his curved knife once more, licking his lips with a dark tongue. He straddled Taisha, who wriggled on the ground, pinning her arms, the curved knife aimed at her throat.

    ¡°No!¡± Artifae shouted.

    Kielly the snake shimmied around his waist, the last of her tail still hanging on the tree branch above. Her forked tongue danced, her pink eyes filled with a cold hunger. Artifae leaned back, as far as he could. His fingers eventually closed along the spear, arms stretched out as long as he could, pulling with all of his might. As he did, he felt the make-shift knot binding him to the tree begin to give. With all of his strength he pulled, until there was a sharp snap!

    He fell heavily, free from Sarvi''s trap, as the Frost-Demon looked up at him, worry on his face. The snake dangled from the tree, and Artifae jumped to his feet. With a heavy kick, he slammed against the tree, watching the snake lose grip, and fall. Quickly, he grabbed the spear still sunk into the tree and pulled at it, exposing more of the blade. Kielly the albino cobra fell onto it like a reverse guillotine. Her head separated instantly from her writhing body, now a tail without a beast, as it wriggled the last of its life in the mud.

    ¡°Kielly...¡± The Frost-Kin whispered, his face overcome with despair.

    ¡°Kielly, no...Kielly! Kielly!¡±

    He released Taisha and staggered towards Artifae, grief and shock slowly coiling around into white-hot anger. He gripped his curved knife tightly, but was soon sunk to the ground as a metal fist collided with the back of his head. Sarvi grunted as he landed face-first in the dirt, out cold. Sylo was panting, and offered Taisha a hand up, as he pulled the wax out of his matted beard.

    ¡°You alright?¡± He asked, and she nodded.

    Artifae got himself up, his sword back in hand.

    ¡°Nice work.¡± Sylo said, crouching down to inspect Sarvi.

    From under the Frost-Kin''s jacket, he withdrew his two magnums, greeting his old friends with a warm smile. Artifae looked back at the dead snake, now completely still with a sense of deep sadness. Taisha came to him, rubbing his arm gently.

    ¡°It''s okay. You had to.¡± She said softly.

    ¡°I didn''t want to. She was just an animal and I...I''ve never had to kill anything before.¡±

    ¡°It gets easier.¡± Sylo said quietly.

    ¡°Maybe we should barely her.¡± Taisha offered.

    ¡°No time.¡± Sylo said, picking Sarvi up by the scruff of his jacket. ¡°Silema will be at the boat by now, Voss knows what''s happened to Sofia.¡±

    ¡°Was she with you when you got stuck?¡± Artifae asked.

    ¡°Course. It was me tryin'' to save her that got me stuck. Ol'' Frosty here was left behind in case someone was stupid enough to come rescue me.¡± He said with a wry smile. ¡°C''mere, give me a hand.¡±

    They used the last of the rope to tie Sarvi up, and offered a quick burial to Kielly, though no words were spoken.

    ¡°Is he gonna be alright, left there when a volcano erupts?¡± Artifae asked.

    ¡°What do you care?¡± Sylo scoffed. ¡°Probably better off if he ain''t, but I get the feelin'' he ain''t gonna be so easy to get rid of.¡±

    ¡°So why not do him right here? Make sure he never comes back for revenge?¡± Artifae challenged.

    A look of guilt washed over Sylo Teht''s face for a second.

    ¡°He ain''t my contract. Silema is.¡±

    Yeah right. Can''t kill a sleeping foe, eh? Maybe you do have a heart, under all that hatred and metal, however black it must be.

    The three bounded through the jungle, the smell of burning wood becoming stronger. A forest fire barred their way, as thick smoke quickly ate up the dry foliage. They darted back towards the river, where the evening blaze had been tainted by the oncoming sea of darkness. As they emerged, the dark sails became clearer, and those that remained in Silema''s employ busied themselves trying to get through the remnants of the camp and onto the ship.

    ¡°I can''t see Sofia.¡± Sylo said, tense.

    ¡°Let''s hope she''s down there.¡± Taisha said quietly.

    Let''s hope she''s still alive.

    ¡°Regardless, we have to go in. You two stay behind me. If one of you falls, we can''t go back for you, got it?¡± Sylo said, looking at them with cold eyes.

    ¡°Got it.¡± Artie said, stifling a gulp.

    The three moved away from the barrier of trees and onto the stony shore. Great swabs of mud impeded their speed, but they moved with purpose, as the mountain sounded again. More fireballs flew through the air, carving red cuts into the clouds'' inky flesh. As they approached, they could hear a clamour. Men were shouting, and the unmistakable shrill ring of swords hung in the air.

    ¡°Do you hear that?¡± Artie asked the two Eves, already knowing they had.

    ¡°Is that a friend of ours?¡± Taisha asked.

    ¡°Could be infighting.¡± Sylo mused. ¡°Pirates breaking under the pressure.¡±

    The ship swayed in its mooring, close to the shore. The wind carried ash and darkness with it, and the sails flapped and rattled in their bonds. The majority of the personnel here did not notice their approach from the shore, and within the remaining camp, they saw a golden figure, sword brightly flashing as it cut down a Porcine pirate, his body another in a trail left in the warrior''s wake.

    ¡°It''s Sofia!¡± Taisha shouted, speeding up as she bounced from slippery rock to wet sand.

    The Demeterosi ambassador was tired, blood and ash streaked her brilliant appearance. She was surrounded by four pirates of different races, all with grim bloodlust seeping from their pores. Her breathing had quickened, and the shield looked heavy in her hands.

    ¡°We have to help her!¡± Artifae shouted, bounding in front of Sylo, who had paused to study the situation.

    ¡°No.¡± He said firmly. ¡°She can manage on her own. Silema is our target.¡±

    ¡°We can''t face her without Sofia!¡± Taisha complained.

    ¡°We''re headed for the ship. If the Senator is anywhere, she''ll be there.¡±

    The Tigron pirate flashed his fangs as he swung an axe at Silema, blocking with her shield. Immediately, the other three came at her from all sides. She deflected two swords, but a spear cut her golden thigh. Her scream perforated the sky, and Artifae felt his legs leading him over the wet, ash-painted rocks. He held his cutlass tightly in one hand, surging towards her.

    ¡°Oi! Kid! Get back here!¡± He heard Sylo shout.

    He looked quickly behind him to see Taisha following, Sarvi''s spear held tightly in both hands.

    Just hold on, Sofia!

    They raced past the broken and abandoned tents, evidence of fire-pits and cooking pots were left behind. Assortments of garments and tools had been hastily strewn to the floor, or left by those who did not survive. Crew members hurried past them, barely noticing either of them, as they hurried to the ship. Sofia still battled, but had been pushed back into a corner, her defences lowering.

    ¡°Sofia!¡± Artifae shouted.

    Her emerald eyes lit up, and her attackers looked back to him. The Cassowara, a bird-like sapient with a short, jet-black beak, a brown crest, and a long plumed neck of red and blue, charged with their spear at him. Artifae sliced downwards, as Taisha charged blindly with her spear. She locked with a gaunt Sun-Orkan, his yellow-green skin covered in blue tattoos and a piercing on his bottom lip, which stuck out within an under-bite filled with yellow teeth, his scimitar catching the spear-point in air. Sofia used the distraction to her advantage, stabbing the Mud-Goblin in the back with her sword, as the Tigron cursed, his battle-axe swerving at her.

    The Cassowara jabbed quickly and repeatedly at Artie, who was rapidly losing ground. His boot slipped on a ragged piece of canvas that had once been a tent. The golden eyes of the Avian glared as he jabbed his spear at Artifae''s neck. Artie fell forwards into a roll, losing his sword, but his hands gripped the light material as he came up again. As he rose, he threw the canvas over the Cassowara''s head. The pirate spun in confusion, spear dropping form his black talons. From where the tent had been, Artifae gripped a small shovel that had been left behind with a bucket, and clanged the attacker''s head. He fell, unconscious, and Artifae ran, shovel above his head, to help Taisha.

    As hot rang out, and the Sun-Orkan cried out, gripping his shoulder. Taisha used the butt of her spear, hitting him under his chin so hard a tusk-like tooth chipped. From behind them, Sylo stood, a disappointed glare and a smoking gun. The Tigron yelled out as Sofia''s sword cut him diagonally, and he fell.

    ¡°Thank you for your assistance, young warriors.¡± She said, her shoulders slumping.

    Taisha and Artifae beamed, as Sylo called out to them.

    ¡°Come on! To the ship! There isn''t much time!¡±

    As they ran through the camp, small fires had swelled, taking the grass and tents quickly. The pirates on the ship noticed their coming, and disembarked the gangplank. They saw the crew quickly the anchor.

    ¡°We mustn''t let the ship escape!¡± Sofia shouted, sprinting past the three of them.

    She waded into the shallows as the ship began to drift away, and turned to them, crouching. She held her shield above her head.

    ¡°Jump!¡± She commanded.

    Sylo barged past the two fot hem, his long legs slowly crossing the wading water, and with all his strength, he jumped, boot reaching the shield, and Sofia pushed upwards. Sylo was propelled upwards, but not nearly high enough to reach the deck. His metal fingers enclosed around a port-hole, and there he dangled.

    ¡°Now!¡± Sofia shouted.

    Taisha sprinted through the water, spear dropping to one hand, and was also propelled. She soared up towards Sylo, who caught her with a free hand, quickly swinging her upwards, and she dissapeared over the railing.

    No, she''s going to be all alone up there!

    ¡°Now you, boy!¡± Sofia called out.

    Artifae felt the cold water cut at his wound, his energy being sapped by the torrent and momentum failing. The cutlass was in his left hand, and with what little strength he had, he leapt out of the water. Sofia crouched to compensate for his lack of altitude, roaring as she thrusted him upwards. His lungs sank to the bottom of his stomach as he raced through the air, past the barnacle and limpet encrusted hull, towards Sylo''s waiting hand.

    The metal grasped him firmly, as Sylo arced his arm upwards. Artifae was hit with instant nausea as he was thrown even higher, and towards the railing. He caught it with one hand, pulling himself upwards. Gentle hands grabbed him, pulling him on board.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Taisha asked.

    Artifae looked past her, as the crew began to notice them, pointing and gathering weapons. There were only a few who survived the battle on Brak''Hara, but it was clear they wanted them dead.

    Oh crap.

    Artifae quickly looked down the railing at the hanging Mountain-Eve. He stuck his hand through the gap, leaning as far as he could. He saw Sylo muster strength, grabbing the port-hole with both hands and jumping as far as he could. The metal hands once again came into contact with Artifae''s, but the weight was too much. Artifae was pulled face-first into the rail, pullign with both hands, but the Eve was too heavy.

    ¡°Come on!¡± Taisha shouted, dropping her spear to run behind him.

    She grabbed Sylo by the coat, and the two of them heaved the Eve up. His metal hands gripped the railing and pulled himself up. Before his boots hit the deck, his hands whirled behind him, withdrawing his pistols. The magnums opened fire, two bullets sinking into an Ogrin sailor.

    ¡°C''mon, let''s find her, quick!¡± He growled.

    ¡°What about Sofia?¡± Taisha asked.

    ¡°I think she''s fine without us.¡± Artie said, peering over the railing.

    The Demeterosi had taken a run up, and sprinted towards the ship, now drifting further out into the current. With a leap far greater than what they could achieve, she dashed up the ship of the ship, carefully grabbing ledges and port-holes, and propelled herself over the railing. She withdrew her sword and sounded a charge, racing into the fray.

    ¡°Get the anchor! Make sure this ship doesn''t move!¡± Sylo yelled.

    Artie nodded, and he and Taisha ran further down the wet deck. The anchor had been recalled into a hasty pile of rope, guarded by a large Lupine who withdrew two blades. He snarled through his fangs. What Artifae first thought was the moutnain crying out, turned out to be a different explosion. The mast splintered as Kutja, aiming from the bow, took aim at them with a dirty smile.

    That bloody Dvergr!

    The Lupine snarled as he lunged at them, slicing with both blades at both targets. Artifae blocked one, as Taisha dodged the other. Another explosion crackled, and part of the deck burst into fragments. Taisha lunged with her spear, but the Lupine sent out a swift kick to her stomach, sending her backwards. Before Artifae could call out, the second blade was sent at him. He dodged, pivoting on his boot, twirling to his attacker''s side. The Lupin spun around, both blades sent down, as another explosion sounded. The Lupine bolted upright, his eyes wide, as he fell forwards. He heard Kutja cursing, as he released the chamber on Ol'' Beauty, dropping the empty shells. The Lupine slumped on top of Artifae, his heavy carcass still twitching, until it fell to the floor.

    ¡°You okay?¡± He called out to Taisha.

    ¡°I''m fine, just get the anchor!¡± She shouted back.

    Artifae ran, grabbing the thick rope with both hands. The jagged metal anchor was not a sizeable one, but it was dense, and Artifae struggled to get it off of the ground. He pulled it back.

    No use in throwing it unless I can make sure it gets caught on something.

    As the ship drifted away, the emerging rocks remained by the shore''s side. Instead, he looked upwards. The mask swayed, tightening against the wind, as molten volcanic rock rained behind it. The sails were bound with rope and netting, and an idea formed. With all of his strength, he tossed the rope upwards, until it snagged against the rope that hung by the banners.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Taisha called out, distressed.

    ¡°It''s alright! I know what I''m doing!¡± Artifae lied.

    Stowig the cutlass in the belt-loop of his trousers, he began to climb the netting. He heard more gunshots and sounds of men dying, before he heard Sylo callign out to him.

    ¡°Where the Hel are you going now?¡±

    Artifae ignored him, climbing up the rigging, until he reached the horizontal spar. Hesitantly, he climbed onto it, struggling with his balance. From his peripherals, he saw the Bronze-Dvergr cock his gun, taking aim once more. The bullet whizzed by, and Artifae lost his balance. He clasped the log as he fell, his feet dangling in the air. From below he saw a tall figure with black hair and shining hands running towards the mast, grabbing at it with both hands.

    Another shot landed inches away.

    Just need to reach the anchor...

    He was closer now than when he had been standing, but his stretched fingers were not quite close enough. Sweat poured from him, as he reached, so close he could feel the fibres.

    ¡°Kid!¡± Sylo shouted, reaching the spar.

    ¡°I''ve...almost...got it!¡±

    His hand began to slip around the log, as Sylo''s metal hands clamped around his jacket. As he dropped slightly, his free hand grabbed the anchor. With all of his strength, he lifted it up, tossing it to Sylo, who caught it in a free hand. Sylo pulled Artifae back onto the beam, and looked out to the shore. Using his bionic arms, he whirled the anchor around, spinning as he threw it. The anchor soared, the rope growing taut, as it bounced on top of a wet rock, scraping against its sodden surface.

    No! Missed!

    The rock hopped along the rocks, until finally sinking into a crevice. The rope flew, until suddenly growing tight. The entire ship juddered, and the two on the beam lurched forwards, steadying themselves on the netting.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Artie called out, laughing.

    ¡°That''ll do for now.¡± Sylo said, allowing himself a small smile.

    The river roared past them, and the rope struggled against itself. The ship creaked and groaned. They were now in the middle of the current. Sofia climbed to the bow and had been battling Kutja, using her shield to throw him off the landing and onto the main deck. He landed with a heavy crack. Sylo immediately grabbed a guide rope, pulling it towards him.

    ¡°Come on!¡± He shouted, taking a step back.

    He jumped, swinging through the air, his boots aimed at the Bronze-Dvergr who tried to get up. The heavy kick smacked Kutja in the back, sending him into the wooden wall where the crew quarters lay, the wood bending and breaking as Kutja fell through it. He landed delicately next to the Dvergr, walking ominously towards him, guns withdrawn.

    I can''t do that, I''ll have to climb!

    As Artifae neared the mast, a burning meteor of glass punctured the top sail, and the fire quickly spread, consuming much of it in seconds. It began to recede before finally reaching the mast. Another blast of rock struck the hull, and the wounded ship began to toss in pain. The fire caught onto the netting, burning fibres falling onto him.

    Alright, rope swing it is.

    He reached towards the dangling rope, grabbing it and pulling it towards him. He had time for a single deep breath, before pushing forwards. He screamed as he flew through the air, barely missing Sylo, who ducked to escape the contact, as Artifae swung around in a circle. He released his grip and landed ungracefully onto the deck. Taisha came running to him, but as he got up, he saw he had allowed Kutja to get the jump on Sylo. He rammed the butt of Ol'' Beauty into his temple, and again into his stomach. The Mountain-Eve slumped to the deck as Kutja noticed Artifae and Taisha, waving at them with a wicked smile. From behind him he produced a sphere, with a short fuse sticking out of it. With a thick thumb, he clicked at the hammer on the back of his revolver. The heavy metal instantly created a spark, and the fuse began to sizzle. With a filthy laugh, he rolled it towards them like a bowls ball.

    The bomb rolled towards them as Artifae darted tot he side, but realised Taisha had not followed him. Instead, she stepped up towards it, spinning the spear round, wielding it like a club, and pulled it back. With a mighty shove, she propelled the grenade back, flying off of the ground, and landing into the room behind Kutja. He had a second to curse, before the room exploded. Splinters of wood, fabric and metal flew through the air with a great cloud of smoke that consumed Kutja.

    Ol'' Beauty went flying out of his hands, spinning past the unconscious Sylo Teht and onto the deck. The two ran to the Mountain-Eve, helping him off of the deck. Sylo groaned as Taisha gently patted at his face. He scrunched up his face, irritably as he woke up.

    ¡°Wha?¡± He muttered.

    ¡°C''mon, Sofia needs us! Let''s get you up!¡± Artifae said, grabbing him by an arm and pulling up.

    Suddenly, his fingers released him, as a Bronze-Dvergr sat himself up from beneath a blanket of rubble. His shirt had been ripped, and his body was scratched numerous times. He growled like a wounded boar, his hands reaching behind him, this time pulling out a thick machete. The fires behind them spread further, fanned by the wind. The burning sail ripped and fell below, causing more small fires that sprinted along the rail lining.

    ¡°Come on then boy. Let''s see what you can do, eh?¡± Kutja growled, blood seeping through his bottom teeth.

    Artifae stepped forwards, withdrawing his sword.

    ¡°Taisha, find Sofia.¡± He said, speaking like a captain. ¡°I''ve got this.¡±

    ¡°No you don''t.¡± Sylo said, stepping forwards.

    He dropped his guns onto the deck, and took off his torn leather jacket. He cracked his artificial knuckles, and then his neck. Kutja grinned.

    Time to end this!

    Taisha raced past them, up the remnants of the broken steps and onto the heaving bow. Kutja began to circle them, a vulture with a blade, spitting a glob of blood onto the wooden ground. He feigned an attack at Artie, causing him to flinch, and laughed maliciously, but it was Sylo who made the first move. With a metal fist, he struck at Kutja, who dodged surprisingly elegantly out of the way, catching a metal wrist with a downward strike. Artifae charged, sword held high, but Kutja dodged out of the way. Artie collided with Sylo, who shoved him out of the way, and lunged with both hands. He caught Kutja by his thick neck, and lifted him slowly off of the ground by a few inches. Kutja once more dove into the pack by his buttocks, and withdrew his final surprise.

    There were white crystals, translucent under light, and he threw them as hard as he could, clamping his eyes shut and looking away. The crystals sparked and exploded as they hit the deck, a great blast of dust appearing between them, and a flash of light. Artifae was dazzled, his ears ringing painfully, and eyes were blotches with dark spots. Sylo called out in pain, and then again. Artifae shook his head, hearing a manic, booming laugh.

    ¡°Oh X, I love me some blinding powder.¡± Kutja growled.

    His shape began to return, and then a blurred figure crouched on the ground, dark liquid seeping from his stomach. Artifae blinked continuously, until Kutja reappeared, rubbing at his own eyes, and surrounded by dark spots. Sylo was holding his stomach with one hand, groping at the floor with the other.

    He actually looks scared...

    Kutja pressed a thick boot onto Sylo''s chest, forcing him down.

    ¡°To hell with the bounty. This si just gon'' be fun.¡±

    He grabbed the machete with both hands, holding it above his head, his eyes glinting with dark desires. Sylo''s breath was stolen, and his eyes were looking elsewhere. He reached forwards, fingers towards Artifae. Broken timbers began to crack above, the smoke was swept by the wind, enveloping them. Artifae gulped.

    He''s too strong for me to tackle by myself, he''ll kill us both in a single swing!

    Artifae looked around, and found Ol'' Beauty.

    Grabbign the revolver in both hands, he ran full pelt at the Dvergr, not thinking to shoot him in cold blood. With the barrel clenched between his fists, he swung the grip as hard as he could at the Dvergr''s chin, colliding with his blood-stained beard. A dirty tooth flew upwards, followed by a small spray of blood, as Kutja stumbled backwards, hitting the rail. He swung wildly at the charging Western-man, but missed. Artifae swung with the heavy pistol again, hitting Kutja''s cheek, causing him to spin, then Artifae rammed him with his shoulder. Pushing with all of his weight, he managed to lift the heavy brigand over the side, but a sweat, meaty fist grabbed Artifae''s wrist.

    No! He''s too heavy!

    ¡°Either you fall with me, boy, or I take your hand with me!¡± He shouted, machete still brandished.

    The weight yanked at Artifae, threatening to dislocate his arm from his shoulder. He pulled as hard as he could, but the grip was of iron.

    ¡°Fine, arm it is then!¡±

    The machete came down.

    Too...Heavy!

    A metal hand caught the blade.

    ¡°Eh?!¡± Kutja shouted, confused.

    Sylo pulled the machete upwards, yanking it from Kutja''s grip, and swiftly brought it down on the arm that clenched at Artifae. Kutja screamed in agony, and again the second time it came down, and he fell, leaving only a bloody hand of Dvergr meat still gripping Artifae.

    ¡°Oh, gross!¡± Artifae shouted, shoving it to the floor and shivering.

    The two panted, looking voer again, confirming that the Dvergr had been lost to the waves.

    ¡°Thanks for the save. Again.¡± Artifae said.

    ¡°Likewise.¡± Sylo said, offering a small smile.

    The fire spread to the deck, timbers beginning to collapse. The mast broke, sending the burning rigging crashing down. The ship juddered and shook wildly.

    ¡°Let''s go see how the girls got on, eh?¡± Sylo said, patting Artifae on the shoulder as he passed.

    Artifae looked at the Dvergr weapon in his hand, then back to the running Mountain-Eve.

    ¡°Come, to the poop-deck!¡± Sylo shouted.

    ¡°What, now?! Can''t you hold it in?¡±

    Sylo sighed wearily.

    ¡°That''s the top deck, where the captain''s quarters is, idiot!¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± He said, smiling as he bounding after Sylo.

    ¡°Although I''ll be honest, I made that exact same joke the first time I ''eard it too.¡±

    *******************************************************************************************

    The wood creaked below them, the weight of the burning wood disrupting the balance of the ship. Barrels and bodies began to drift to the starboard side. The stairs screamed as they climbed it, and as they reached the elevated forecastle, where the captain''s quarters lay, Artifae could see a crowd had formed on the beach, watching them anxiously.

    Looks like the Captain made it, thank X! Now we just need to survive this...

    The helm groaned as it rotated without provocation, the fire sending great wafts of smoke towards them. There were sounds of fighting within the wooden shack, the door had been wrenched off of its hinges. A new cloud of smoke ran out to meet them, though this one carried undertones of perfume with it. The small office had been filled with candles once, now remnants of their wax remained stained to every piece of furniture and surface.

    Immediately to their left, Taisha had been pinned by wax, she struggled under a great clasp of it, spear out of reach. In the centre, Sofia had her sword buried into a wall of wax, and Silema crouched beneath it, smiling wildly, but her breath growing ragged.

    We need to finish this, quickly!

    In the far corner, was the cowering Professor. His linen suit was dark with ash and dirt as he cradled a black leather briefcase, his spectacles had been chipped and cracked. He gulped with fear as the two entered the room, and he immediately locked eyes with Artie.

    ¡°P-please!¡± He said, shielding himself with a hand. ¡°I-I only led her to find the tower! I''m not with her pirates! I''m a professor!¡±

    ¡°Best be on yer way then, professor..¡± Sylo hissed. ¡°''Cos ship ain''t got long, and neither do she.¡±

    Professor Kasar whimpered, looking at Silema, who shot daggers through his eyes. He hastily got up, almost a crawl, and bounded past them. He stood on the poop-deck, looking from port to starboard.

    ¡°H-how do I get down?!¡±

    ¡°Jump, moron.¡± Sylo said without looking back. ¡°Or burn. Either or.¡±

    He took a step forwards, gun brandished at Silema.

    ¡°Get the girl.¡± He barked at Artifae.

    He unloaded a shot at the wax, breaking what bound Sofia''s sword. Another bullet cracked it entirely. Artifae ran to Taisha, hacking at the wax until her arms were freed.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± He asked fearfully.

    ¡°Yeah, I''m okay/¡± She said, flecks of wax over her chin and neck.

    He looked back, as Sofia and Sylo backed Silema into a corner.

    ¡°You can''t stop me.¡± Silema said, her strange eyes growing wilder than ever. ¡°I will render you into nothing!¡±

    She reached at Sofia with a claw-like hand, the black glyphs appearing within the air. Sofia backed behind her shield, the palm laid upon it. Silema growled, as the glyphs spun and shook the shield. A rumbling sound clattered along Sofia''s wrist, as the shield shrunk and changed, transforming into lumps of ore and rock, leaving only a leather strap on her wrist.

    Silema shuddered, the pendulums in her eyes racing until finally stopping again. She looked faint, swaying, alone. Sofia looked to her wrist, and then sent a furious glare to Silema. She sent a fist into the former senator''s face, and Silema fell.

    ¡°That''ll do it.¡± Sylo said, holstering his weapons.

    Sofia sighed in relief.

    ¡°I''ve done it...¡±

    Outside, the mizzenmast, the support beam for the entire ship, finally fell. The ship cracked in half, as the poop-deck was lifted into the air.

    ¡°Time to go!¡± Artie shouted, barely keeping his balance.

    Sylo picked up the unconscious Silema, hauling her like a sack of grain over his shoulder. The four of them leapt down the remnants of the stairs. The deck was splintering, revealing a fissure that led into the flowing river.

    ¡°Get the rope!¡± Sylo shouted.

    Artifae and Silema hauled it over to them, and Sofia helped quickly bind Silema''s arms. Embers hailed down upon them, the smoke growing thicker. Sylo grabbed Silema, without looking back, leapt into the river. Silema was submerged, waking as she re-merged, struggling against her constraints. Sylo grabbed her, and swam against the current, towards where the anchor still loyally held. The last of the sails and masts fell behind them, as the three followed suite. The drop was dizzying, and the freezing water stole his breath. The opaque water quickly turned to darkness, and the sounds of the dying ship became tremors. As he looked up, the teals and azures became oranges and red, a light to either the surface, or to Hel.

    Swim, damn it, swim!

    He emerged, gaspign for breath, and received only smoke. He choked and coughed, as Taisha called out to him. The river assailed him, and he struggled against it, his hair lank against his face. He fought against the oncoming current, barely moving, before letting it drift him slightly. As the river meandered, it became shallow, and he exhaustedly climbed the slippery rocks, choking and spluttering.

    We made it...I''m not even sure how, at this point!

    He trudged with sodden clothes towards where Taisha and Sofia had emerged. He saw the golden warrior brandish her sword a final time, bringing it down on the anchor. The ship rasped angrily as it was free of its bond, slowly being pushed by the river. It began to turn, passing Artifae, sinking quicker, great bouts of steam and smoke flying forwards. He heard cheers from the remnants of the crew as they made their way back. Sylo dragged a struggling Silema onto the sound, delivering her like a prize before them.

    Artifae slipped and struggled on the legs of a ghost, barely able to feel anything but pain. His boots squeaked as water leaked out of the newly formed holes. His new jacket was torn, and his plumed hat had been lost. Taisha hobbled towards him on shaking legs, clasping him tightly, the spear finally falling form her hands. They held each-other close, pausing only to look at one another in the eyes. Her eyes looked towards his lips, as the two leaned in close.

    ¡°Oh my X, you guys!¡± A woman shouted.

    Artifae and Taisha groaned as Li Misha''s arms wrapped around their necks, pulling them both in tightly, laughing and smiling gleefully.

    ¡°I''m so glad you guys aren''t dead!¡±

    Artifae laughed, pulling away from her embrace.

    ¡°Just barely.¡± Artie said through an easy grin.

    Misha and Taisha went about talking, exchanging experiences of what had only been a day, now that Artifae thought about it, as he approached the Captain, who spoke eagerly with Sofia, even grasping Sylo Teht''s arm. Besides them, Ban stood, surveying the assembled crew, a strange dark hat on their head. When they saw Artifae approach, they offered him a smile.

    ¡°Hey, Sajaestan.¡± They shouted, removing their hat. ¡°I saved your stupid hat.¡±

    They tossed it to him, Artifae catchign it just before it landed in the muddy sand.

    ¡°You found it? How?¡±

    Ban shrugged, grinning. The Captain turned to him, offering him a proud nod, and turned to address the last of his crew.

    ¡°Back to the estuary! We''ll follow the river down.¡±

    From behind the group, the massive Ogrin, Dhurz, pointed at the sky.

    ¡°Look! Big mountain''s getting'' angry!¡±

    The darkness was streaked with flashes of ominous red. Crimson bolts seared through the air, and in the distance, its roar was still heard. Sylo picked up Sielma, now conscious, her mouth tied, her eyes wild, but her strength was not enough to free herself from her constraints.

    The group reached the estuary by the time darkness overtook the land, save for the violent glow of Barak''Hara. The golden warriors of Demeterios were diligently waiting, more had embarked from the three longships in expectation, and greeted Sofia with relief. The pirates ship was still moored, and the camp had been looted. A few of the Captain''s crew remained, having taken The Octavia for themselves.

    Sylo dumped the writhing Silema onto the sand, her hat mattered, her eyes full of hate. Sylo dusted his hands.

    ¡°There you go, ambassador.¡± He said.

    ¡°I thank you.¡± Sofia said, dipping her head. ¡°I thank all of you. Truly a noble group of warriors you have cultivated here, Captain.¡±

    Captain Dhib Albahr looked back at his ragged, tired and bloody crew with a warm smile.

    ¡°They will do.¡± He said happily.

    The Demeterosi picked up Silema, as Sofia said her final goodbyes. Dhurz stomped past the crew with his ragged boots exposing one toe, pushing aside the Captain and first-mate.

    ¡°I go with you, tiny lady.¡± He boomed. ¡°Tiny strong lady.¡±

    She looked up at him with sad eyes.

    ¡°We go now back to our people, Dhurz, brave fighter. I am afraid you cannot follow. Our path is complete, yours is still ahead of you.¡±

    ¡°But-but, Dhurz follows she who is strongest. What is Dhurz to do now?¡±

    ¡°I suggest you follow those of strong will, rather than strong arm. That, is the true test of a leader, and from what I have seen, you would do well to follow the Captain, if he will have you.¡±

    Dhurz looked back, his eyes nearly tearing up.

    ¡°There is always a place on board my ship for those who feel they have no place anywhere else.¡± He said, jutting his chest out slightly.

    ¡°Dhurz follow tiny man? You could not beat me in wrestling, like strong golden lady!¡±

    ¡°Perhaps not.¡± The Captain mused. ¡°However, I dare say our journeys will lead you to fight many strong opponents, if you wish for that to be your path.¡±

    Dhurz chewed on this for a second, before grinning broadly. He offered a hand to Captain Albahr, who grasped it, wincing when the Ogrin squeezed it.

    ¡°Dhurz will follow you, tiny captain. Dhurz will cook too, you will enjoy.¡±

    ¡°Very well.¡± The Captain wheezed, trying to hide his pain.

    Artifae was smiling looking at the scene, but could see something was amiss. As he looked through the crowd, someone was missing.

    Where''s Sylo gone?

    The Mountain-Eve had skulked back towards the jungle, taken a disused bag from the camp and was checking ti for supplies, when Artifae limped over to you.

    ¡°You really gonna leave without saying goodbye?¡±

    Sylo turned quickly, almost reachign fro his pistol, when he saw Artifae standing proudly in his torn attire. He sighed lightly, and stood up.

    ¡°My deal with the cap''n is done.¡± He said, not looking Artifae in the eye. ¡°Best be off, find my next job.¡±

    ¡°There''s always a job here, as far as I can gather.¡±

    Sylo chuckled.

    ¡°Got too high a bounty on my head, kid. Not gonna stick around until you lot realise you''ll earn more money handin'' me in than you would treasure huntin''.¡±

    Artifae shook his head.

    ¡°No-one''s gonna turn you in. We''re a crew, we earn our place, and we look out for each-other.¡±

    Sylo chuckled again, but with a darker tone this time.

    ¡°What do I keep tellin'' you, kid? People ain''t like that. Soon as someone can look out for themselves, they will. Soon as I''m more valuable as a prize than a person, you''ll see.¡±

    ¡°So, make sure you are more valuable.¡± Artifae said, stepping closer. ¡°You save dmy life dozens of times back there. I know you don''t want to be a killer. You''re like the rest of us, purposeless.¡±

    Sylo shook his head, fighting against a grin.

    ¡°People give each-other purpose, Sylo.¡± Artifae said, almost desperately. ¡°We can give you that.¡±

    ¡°An'' be what? A treasure hunter?¡±

    Artie shrugged.

    ¡°Crooked was the path, brazen was the walk.¡± He said simply. ¡°What else have you got? Join a different pirate crew?¡±

    Sylo looked at him with earnest eyes, perhaps for the first time. Behind them, the crowd began to move towards the skiffs. The Captain walked up the beach and cupped his hands over his mouth.

    ¡°Mister Sajaestan! Mister Teht! Are we ready?¡±

    Artifae looked to Sylo Teht, the killer with silver hands, and received a smile. Together, the two walked down towards to meet the others.

    I guess finding a purpose is as good as having one, sometimes. Although, I think my purpose now is to find a bed and sleep for several weeks.

    The ship sailed through the black. As they left the storming clouds, the stars revealed themselves. Great tapestries of cosmic entities welcomed them away from the mountain of fire. Artifae leant across a railing, watching the golden ships disappear into the night. He fought against the heavy eyelids, desperate to close.

    ¡°Hey, kid.¡± Sylo said behind him.

    Artifae slowly turned, with an exhausted smile. Between silver fingers, was a great Bronze-Dvergr pistol, with gold letters emblazoned onto it.

    ¡°Figured you might need a new weapon. Probably best not to keep droppin'' this one, though.¡±

    Artifae studied Ol'' Beauty with awe, tentatively taking it with both hands. It was heavy with one hand. He tried to twirl it on a finger like he had seen on the spherevision, but it was harder than it looked. Sylo watched him, arms folded, amused.

    ¡°You gonna teach me how to shoot?¡± Artie asked, excitedly.

    ¡°I can teach you to shoot.¡± He replied. ¡°Voss knows if I can teach you to hit anythin'', though.¡±

    Artie placed the weapon, leaning against the guard, as Sylo stood next to him, looking at the endless flood of black.

    ¡°So, we''re part of The Sea Wolf, now, eh?¡± Sylo said.

    Artifae chuckled.

    ¡°Looks like it. Better than The Octavia. Sounds more dangerous.¡± He said, studying the Eve. ¡°I''m glad you decided to join us, though.¡±

    He gave him a quick glance, hoping to see a smile, but Sylo looked sorrowful at this.

    ¡°What are you gonna tell your friend?¡± He asked, hoarsely.

    ¡°My friend?¡± Artifae asked.

    ¡°You said I killed your friends teacher.¡± Sylo said carefully. ¡°Se Iring. What are you gonna tell him when he finds out you''re hangin'' out with the one who killed his mentor?¡±

    Artifae felt his chest become hollow.

    ¡°I...I hadn''t really thought about it, honestly.¡±

    Sylo nodded, still staring into the abyssal horizon. The clouds finally departed, letting the pink moon show its face, assembled with the stars.

    ¡°I know he wants to kill you.¡± Artifae said.

    ¡°You think he could?¡±

    ¡°Probably not.¡± Artie admitted. ¡°He''s only my age. He''s a student, and he''s a Nocterran.¡±

    ¡°A Nocterran...¡± Sylo said thoughtfully. ¡°Been a while since I fought one of those.¡±

    ¡°Maybe I won''t have to worry about it.¡± Artifae said, thinking quickly. ¡°Maybe by then he''ll get over it, or maybe you''ll annoy us so much we decide we have to turn you in.¡±

    Sylo laughed.

    ¡°Yeah, maybe.¡±

    The newly christened Sea-Wolf glided through the night, while the crew slept soundly and heavily, ready for their next adventure.

    *******************************************************************************************

    The firey mountain of Barak''Hara rumbled all through the night. Dawn was barely acknowledged as the darkness still lingered. The last three members of the Thieves Union had climbed a mountain to escape it, resting within a cavern, wishing for rain. Their leader, Sagreepa Roosa, had not slept, for she knew what was coming. While her two team-mates had slept, she had risked taking her cowl off, and used what little water was left to wash her face, but the paranoia was there. In the Thieves Union, to risk another member seeing your face, was to risk death. The larger of her compatriots, whose face or race she did not know, but was only known to her as Engel, was the first to stir.

    ¡°Is it morning, yet?¡± He growled.

    ¡°Yeah, but you wouldn''t know.¡±

    The skinnier one, a woman with a raspy voice she called Nuqta, awoke at hearing them. She stretched luxuriously.

    ¡°X above, the volcano is still going?¡±

    ¡°It was going throughout the night.¡± Sagreepa said, irritable from exhaustion.

    ¡°What''s our next move?¡± The male asked, standing up and walking to the entrance of the cavern.

    ¡°We wait here for a spell.¡± Sagreepa said, trying not to let the tremble enter her voice. ¡°Wait for the volcano to cease.¡±

    ¡°That''s it?¡±

    Of course that wasn''t it, for she knew what was coming.

    ¡°Don''t be stupid.¡± The woman said, slinking towards her like a snake, golden eyes peering through the visor in her cowl. ¡°She knows what we have to do next.¡±

    ¡°Stop it.¡± Sagreepa said, stepping away from the two of them, and grabbing her satchel, but she could still feel their predatory eyes upon her.

    ¡°I will do so, privately.¡± She said, still trying to reign in her authority as team leader, though it was painfully absent.

    Engel and Nuqta looked at each-other, though their faces were hidden, Sagreepa knew they were smiling callously at one another. Sagreepa withdrew her blade.

    ¡°I am still your team captain!¡± She shouted.

    ¡°So what?¡± Engel growled.

    ¡°You''re not who''re we''re worried about.¡± Nuqta hissed.

    The two pounced on her, grabbing her by her arms and forcing her to the ground. Engel pressed his weight down upon her, so she couldn''t even scream out, as Nuqta went through her satchel.

    ¡°No! Don''t!¡± She managed to call out.

    Nuqta found what appeared to be a slate disc within her back, and studied it with a mystical awe, her eyes flashing cruelly at Sagreepa. Carefully, she placed the disc in front of Sagreepa,pressing into it with a finger, until a ring in the centre of the disc glowed. She snarled and helped Engel pull her up by her arms, as her legs struggled uselessly behind her.

    ¡°Please, don''t do this...¡± Sagreepa pleaded.

    They waited for several agonising minutes, until Sagreepa heard the noise she had been dreading. The glow faded slightly, and they heard the sound fo clattering stones as the disc itself pulsated, bulging. Reaching upwards until it took the form of a stone figure in front of them.

    ¡°Sagreepa. Finally. I''ve been awaiting your call.¡± The Figure said with a deep voice.

    ¡°Master Kestrel.¡± Engel said. ¡°We have failed our mission to kill The Senator and retrieve the head. We await your orders, and offer our leader for her penance.¡±

    The small figure was masked, but not with a cowl. It was of a bird of prey in flight, closer to a helmet. He had a long cloak, and similar attire to the rest of the Union members, though it was fashioned with a sigil of a similar raptor in flight. He had spiked shoulder pauldrons, gauntlets and greaves, and beside his waist, was a short, thin sword. Small of stature, but dreaded throughout the Union.

    The Kestrel sighed.

    ¡°What happened?¡± He asked calmly.

    ¡°There was another party.¡± Nuqta hissed. ¡°A battle between them broke out, our approach was too direct.¡±

    The Kestrel nodded.

    ¡°What has happened to the Senator?¡±

    ¡°Taken.¡± Nuqta answered. ¡°Taken by warriors with gold skin.¡±

    ¡°Gold skin? Interesting. Was the head found?¡±

    ¡°Not that we could see, Master Kestrel.¡±

    ¡°Very well.¡± The Kestrel said. ¡°Then the head is the priority. If for any reason, the Senator should reappear, I expect you to take care of her, but if she wasn''t the one to find the head, then it hasn''t be found. Is there anyone else who knows of its location?¡±

    ¡°There...was a...professor...¡± Sagreepa wheezed, terror seeping from her pores.

    ¡°Then find him. Eliminate him if need be.¡±

    The Kestrel turned to leave, before returning.

    ¡°This will be your last chance, for all of you. As for you, Roosa.¡±

    Sagreepa felt her eyes swelling with tears, her body began to shake.

    ¡°Remove her cowl.¡±

    ¡°No, no!¡± Sagreepa struggled, terrified.

    Eagerly, clammy hands gripped the mask, pulling ti reluctantly away from her face, revealing the pink, fleshy face of a Porcine. Her large nostrils flared, her dark eyes were terrified. She was lean for a Porcine, her coarse black hair tied up behind her.

    ¡°So that''s what you look like, huh.¡± The Kestrel said maliciously.

    ¡°Please, Master, give me another chance...¡±

    ¡°Oh, I will, don''t worry.¡± He said, withdrawing his sword.

    The small stone figure pointed the blade forwards, and Sagreepa''s body grew still. She felt the tip of an invisible blade against her cheek. She whimpered as the sharp metal drew a line across her flesh, leaving a red streak that began to leak.

    ¡°I''ve seen your face now, Sagreepa.¡± The Kestrel said, its body slowly turning into a cascade of stones. ¡°No more failures.¡±

    The disc clattered back to its original state, and her two compatriots released her. She sat there, gasping for her stolen air, her cheek stinging, in the quiet gloom of the cave.

    No more failures.

 1.21-Running on empty

    CHAPTER 21 RUNNING ON EMPTY

    The year is 1DA, the date is the 15<sup>th</sup> of Quintus.

    The vast savannah stretched on, tall blades of grass turned yellow from the dry season. The grassland was speckled with sparse amounts of acacia trees, turning golden in the morning sun. A gentle drift carved its way through the fields. There were few animals here, sounds of birds were calling in the distance, as mammals buried themselves underground. Although he felt alone, Kad Enkisziku could feel he was being hunted.

    He placed a grey hand to the floor, feeling the movement. A mass of insects swirled and buried themselves in the dirt. Nearby was the rabbit''s burrow, where he had found his lunch, the carcass of it laying by his feet. Almost a mile a way, he could feel great tremors in the earth. The world was darkness to Consumers, their senses became their sight, but every now and then, wisps of energy would form shapes in his mind''s eye. He remembered the outline of the swords-woman, and the creature made of metal, entombed within the earth. What the mages from the Astrex Academy felt like, ad how their paladin comrade was barely a shadow to him.

    There was a trumpeting sound carried on the wind. A herd of large animals travelled together, their footfall rumbling through the soil and towards his fingertips. As he concentrated, he could feel the vibrations as they dug their tusks into the dirt, looking for roots and hidden vegetables. They sounded impossibly large, and something he was determined to stay away from, but that was not the immediate danger.

    It''s on all fours, moving slowly. I can barely hear its breath. Whatever it is, its a creature of total focus. It will probably try to pounce when it thinks you''re not looking.

    The creature was almost silent, perhaps drawn by the scent of the dead rabbit by his knee. He had been preparing tinder and sticks for a small fire. He still needed physical substance, even if it was not what he craved. His tongue was dry, and his hidden teeth itched. The outline of the creature crept towards him. Colours were not something he could be acquainted with, he did not know what the colour of the sky was, and if someone described it as ''blue'', it would mean nothing to him. He did not know the rabbit that lay beside him was a deeper brown than the dirt below him. He did not know the Savanna-Cat that stalked him was a motley of brown and gold, with deep black spots along its side, and its two canine teeth were slightly elongated, just poking out of the fold of its top lip. Its tail was coiled in black stripes, its dark ears were sent back, and its golden eyes were wide. It was larger than any house cat, standing at the size of a wolf, almost half the height of the Consumer.

    Slowly now. No sudden moves or noises....

    Kad''s hand crept to his new sword. It was a curved scimitar, lighter than his previous sword that had been lost in the depths of the hills, in that cold and unforgiving prison where they freed the metal monster. His long fingers reached for the hilt as it lay beside him. The creature''s paws softly sat in front of it, it lowered itself down, its bottom shaking slightly as it positioned itself. It was still a few feet away from him, and in an instant, it bounced off of its paws, crossing the distance dizzyingly fast. Kad''s ears and nose twitched wildly, impulses flying like electricity to his fingers. The cat jumped when it was close, daggers flashing through fur, canines poised. Kad''s hands wrapped themselves around the scimitar''s hilt, bringing it upwards in a perfect arc.

    The cat screamed as the blade cut into it, flailing in mid-air. The slash was a perfect diagonal through its mid-section, and it died as it hit the ground. Its paws twitched, the blades within its toes still extended. It gargled a final breath, before passing it out. Kad felt hot splashes drip down his wrist. His heart was hammering, his breath felt like steel. The adrenaline began to fade, and the same feeling of remorse that he had felt when snapping the rabbit''s neck inches away from where their family hit returned.

    It''s different out here.

    Killing had become easier. It wasn''t the same as when he was back in the city, on the hunt for the racist councillor.

    You hesitated, and it cost you everything. You can''t let that happen again.

    He sat back on one hand, listening to the distant bird song and sounds of insects coursing through the flowing grasses. The ground trembled as the herd of great beasts moved north, trumpets bellowing. He placed a hand tentatively on the fur of the Savanna-Cat. Flies had already descended on its wounds, their incessant buzzes were a loud static that Kad had not been able to be rid off since he arrived on the landmass. The golden fur was softer than he expected, with some coarse hairs arguing against his touch infrequently. He held a limp paw, feeling the weight of the creature.

    It''s heavier than I expected, and its still five legua''s back to Journey''s End.

    He had not been to Promise Coast in some time, not since his run-in with the Evean Swords-woman. Too many people remembered who he was, and what he was worth. Journey''s End was newly established, rougher and meaner than Promise Coast, but a place where coin could buy secrets.

    If you can get this thing back, might get a good price for its meat, maybe the fur, too.

    He scratched at the dark wraps on his head, concealing the Consumer''s truth. It had been weeks since he had last fed.

    At least if anyone does recognise you, we might be in for a feed.

    With a new hunting knife he had bought with the scimitar, he skinned the rabbit and harvested the meat. He had lost his appetite for material sustenance fighting the cat. He wrapped the meat in a thick bit of parchment bound with string, and placed it in his bag carefully. He wrapped the bag-strap around his shoulder, and clumsily sheathed the scimitar. He tried to lift the carcass, but the weight was difficult to get onto his shoulders, and the blood continued to flow. He did not know how to properly prepare a dead animal, that was for the buyer. He dragged it along the dirt towards where the tree-line grew dense and the jungle waited. A long flow of blood followed them, and by a large Acacia tree, he dropped the cat, his arms beginning to burn. The midday sun bore down upon him, and he rested in the shade, reaching for what little water was left.

    Twenty-five feet down, just five more hours of dragging this thing back to the coast.

    The jungle behind him crawled with movement. He could feel and hear dozens of birds and reptiles in the trees, and hundreds, if not thousands of insects. It was a hive of activity, and he was walking into it with a free meal. He wiped the sweat that had pooled under his wraps. Perhaps it was better to take what he could and leave the rest for whatever scavengers were waiting within the trees.

    Won''t get as much money, but at least you''ll get some money.

    He had placed his nearly-empty water-skin back into his bag when he heard a twig snap, less than thirty feet away. His ears and nose jolted into action. Once again, something was stalking him, only it wasn''t alone this time. There were five of them, Sapes of different species. The smell of heavy sweat drifted over to him, and he shivered queasily. His hand reached for his scimitar. They were clumsy, lacking the grace of the cat, boots landing heavily in the dry dirt, their breathing booming through the trees. At first Kad thought there was an animal amongst them, hearing a gentle patter of multiple legs, but it was clear they were belonging to an Espyder. They were getting closer, heading exactly his direction.

    Looks like someone found us.

    He gritted his teeth.

    Clack.

    The hunger began to claw at him.

    He heard the group muttering amongst themselves, feet suddenly stopping. They had finally spotted him. He sighed, standing up, stretching, turning slightly to show he knew they were there.

    ¡°Oi, no sudden movements, yeah?¡± Came a deep shout.

    Clack.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± Came a nasally whisper.

    ¡°How should I know? Let''s just keep our cool, yeah? We don''t harm ''im, he don''t harm us.¡± The deep voice said quietly.

    ¡°Harm us? He''s just one guy. How''s he gonna hurt us?¡±

    ¡°What if he''s got food?¡± Came a third, raspy woman''s voice. ¡°Can''t go empty handed, after all.¡±

    ¡°Can you see what he looks like? What if he''s one of them natives?¡± A fourth voice said, younger than the others.

    ¡°I''m not a native.¡± Kad rasped, almost shocked to hear what his voice sounded like again after so many days of isolation.

    There was a shocked silence.

    ¡°Wait, he can hear us?¡± Came the fifth voice.

    Kad sighed as they argued amongst themselves.

    ¡°Come on out of there.¡± He called out. ¡°I don''t mean you any harm, just passing through.¡±

    Slowly, cautiously, the members began moving. The five of them had drawn weapons, waiting by the tree-line, covering each by a tree.

    ¡°We''re comin'' out. Stay where you are, yeah?¡±

    Slowly, four of them began to emerge, with one hanging back, hiding behind a tree. Kad kept his scimitar sheathed, but close by on the rock where he rested. He slowly raised his hands up, feeling their energies, even if he could not see what they looked like. The leader with the deep voice was a Northman in his early thirties. His ginger hair had been shaved by the sides, but grown long at the top, slicked back in the current trend, and his ginger beard had been braided below his chin. Kad had no eyes to see that the Northman''s were a gentle teal. His kin had been reddened by the sun, skin peeling on the cartilage of his ears by the numerous piercings. He had a dirty, furred leather vest that revealed strong arms, red and freckled under the unforgiving heat. In his fists were two black daggers, both pointing downwards, and held close to his chest. His stance was low and careful, creeping towards Kad like a wounded predator.

    ¡°Just be cool, yeah? We was just passin'' through too.¡±

    Kad nodded slowly.

    ¡°Eugh, he''s a consumer.¡± Came the nasally voice, waddling slowly.

    It belonged to a Duck-man with white feathers covering most of his small stature. He was just below four foot tall, with an orange bill. He wore a black leather jacket, and under it were patches of brown and green feathers. He wore worn shorts that were frayed closer to his orange feet. Under his white wings were more clashes of green, his three white fingers in each hand held a hatchet, that he swung onto his shoulder.

    ¡°You stay over there, Consumey, that''s a good lad, and we won''t have to hurt you, got it?¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°What? What''s that mean? You get it or not?¡±

    ¡°I''d answer him if I were you.¡± Said the raspy female voice.

    The Espyder''s legs tapped quickly. Her legs were stubby for one of her kind, close together, thick and black, with long strands of hair along the joints. Her carapace was cobalt, and the humanoid half of her body was thin. She had a light grey tone to her skin, with a black vest top and headband. There were several tattoos of legendary creatures, like dolphins and elephants along her arms. Her lank hair reached her chin, and in her long fingers were two short swords that curved at the tips.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°Look at what he''s got behind him.¡± The young voice said.

    It belonged to a Vulpine, one of the Fox-people, no older than nineteen. His orange fur was scruffy around his pointed ears, his deep brown eyes awake with anticipation. He licked his lips, revealing to all, except Kad, his short, sharp teeth. Like the Duckman, he had a black leather jacket, though his sleeves were rolled up. A red neckerchief was tied beneath his chin. Behind his dark pantaloon,s his bushy tail ended in a white tip. In one hand was a short sword, the other held a small dagger. He eased on his stance, bright eyes solely focused on the carcass of the Savanna-Cat.

    ¡°Whatcha got there?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Just an animal carcass. Gonna bring it back to Journey''s End.¡± Kad said simply.

    The leader scoffed.

    ¡°You gonna bring that all by yourself? You''ll never make it.¡±

    ¡°Gonna try.¡± Kad replied.

    ¡°You know, we could really use that.¡± The Duckman said directly to their leader.

    ¡°Yeah, probably.¡± He replied, nodding.

    ¡°If you wanna buy it offa me, it''ll cost you thirty dynasties.¡± Kad said calmly.

    The Espyder and the Duck shared a laugh.

    ¡°Yeah right.¡± She said.

    ¡°''Spose we didn''t.¡± The Duckman said. ¡°''Spose you just gave it to us, and in return, we don''t hurt ya.¡±

    ¡°''Spose you try to take it offa me, I sell the cat and make myself some duck rolls.¡±

    He heard the Duckman growl gibberish at him, bringing their axe to both hands, and the leader stepping in front of him, sighing slightly.

    ¡°Sorry pal, but there''s just too many of us.¡±

    He lifted a hand, and the one who remained loosed the bolt on his crossbow that he had been aiming at Kad. Kad felt the vibrations tremble on the air, but chose not to move. The bolt ripped past, tearing at his cloak by his shoulder, and dissapearing into the long grass behind him. He kept his face free from movement, choosing only to bare his long, dull teeth at the party.

    ¡°Get it now, yeah? Got five more of my guys waitin'' for another of my orders to riddle you with bolts. You give us that animal you killed for us, and you walk away easy. No carryin'' it for fifteen miles, no fuss, no muss. Sound good, yeah?¡±

    Kad could barely contain a laugh.

    ¡°I''m a consumer. You think I don''t know you''ve only got one goblin hidin'' back there?¡±

    He felt them exchange looks, grinning at their unease.

    The goblin remained was a half-breed of both Mud and Fisher varieties, with a light brown complexion. He sprung his head out from the trees, confused. He wore a leather half-helm and light armour, with a crossbow almost as big as he was tall.

    ¡°You want me to come out now?¡± He called.

    The Northman sunk his shoulders, defeated.

    ¡°No, stay there for X''s sake.¡±

    Kad chuckled.

    ¡°Even if you had a hundred goblins back there, I still ain''t givin'' this to you. It''s mine, and I''ll fight for it. Besides, savanna''s full of animals you can hunt, nearly all of ''em are bigger than this guy, anyway.¡±

    He heard the fingers tighten around the daggers, and teeth grinding against each-other.

    ¡°Be careful, he''s a consumer. You don''t know what he''s gonna do.¡± The Vulpine said nervously.

    The human chuckled.

    ¡°I''ve heard what they do. They suck the life right out of you, get''s ''em stronger. Bet you''d love a go at us, wouldn''t ya? I know why you''re still ''ere. Haven''t fed in a while, have ya? Otherwise you''d be halfway to Journey''s End by now, wouldn''t ya?¡±

    Kad twitched his head, smelling the sweat fall from the Northman''s forehead.

    Clack.

    The man crouched down slowly, inspecting the trail behind Kad.

    ¡°Running on empty, yeah? Just waitin'' for someone to give you an excuse to feed on us, but it ain''t gonna happen.¡±

    The hands relaxed slightly as he rose.

    ¡°Eugh.¡± The Duckman spat. ¡°Disgustin''.¡±

    ¡°I ain''t interested in feedin'' on you. Hope ''bout we go our separate ways, it''s a long walk to Journey''s End. Need to get a wriggle on.¡±

    The Northman spat.

    ¡°Fine.¡± He said curtly.

    Kad nodded, slowly gathering his weapon and bag. He grabbed the cat by an arm and leg, heaving it up with all of his strength, willing himself not to collapse in front of the opportunist predators that watched every twitch of his muscles. He hauled it onto his shoulders, all of his focus sent into his legs to not shake, as he walked amongst them. He heard a tsk and a grumble, but continued to walk towards the jungle.

    ¡°Y''know, I just had a thought...¡± The woman said suddenly, turning Kad''s blood to ice.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± The Northman said.

    ¡°See, there''s some bounties up near The Steamin'' Crab back in Promise...¡±

    Ah, here we go...

    ¡°...Seems they''re lookin'' for a Consumer, murdered a guy or somethin''.¡±

    The Northman raised his eyebrows.

    ¡°That you, Consumey? You kill a guy and run?¡±

    The Duckman chuckled.

    ¡°Does it matter if it ain''t him?¡±

    ¡°Hand in the Consumey, take that cat and it''s nice fur for ourselves...¡± The Espyder purred.

    Slowly, the group had surrounded him. He turned back to them, dropping the carcass into the dirt.

    Clack.

    ¡°C''mon guys, he ain''t got nothin''. What use is a dead cat anyway? We''d only have to carry it.¡± The young Vulpine whined.

    ¡°You were the one who wanted it so badly.¡± The Duckman snarled. ¡°Besides, that ain''t the point.¡±

    ¡°Well, what''s it gonna be, Consumey? You gonna put your weapon down, come with us without a fight, yeah?¡± The Northman said, grinning viciously.

    Kad smiled, drawing his weapon.

    Not a chance.

    ¡°Thought not.¡± The man said.

    Kad heard the crossbow click as it was reloaded.

    No point in saving anything now.

    Kad''s muscles ached from a lack of feeding, but he was fuelled with adrenaline. Draining the metal monster had lasted him for weeks, but he was starting to run out. He felt the reserves of the energy flood through his body. The sounds became clearer, with less of a radius but a tighter focus. His legs were fuelled with a new strength, already dashing to the side of the Northman, his fingers bringing his blade out of its sheath.

    The shape in front of him moved his hand into the air again, sending vibrations towards him, and the crossbow made a different click as the trigger was squeezed. He could feel the bolt perforate the air as it was release, cutting it as it flew towards him. He heard the boots in front of them sink slightly into the dirt, and all around the tall-grass that surrounded them swayed. The Espyder tapped their six long legs into the earth lightly, the Vulpine''s tail swayed behind them, and the Duck let loose a droplet of drool between its beak.

    Within the majority of a second, he was already strafing the human, who had barely registered Kad had moved, and wrapped his fingers around the top of the vest. Kad could not see the quick terror that flared in the man''s eyes, but he felt it in his energy. His pheromones had already begun to panic before he even registered what was happening. The bolt was still soaring as Kad brought the vest closer, and pushed. The sniper had been aiming at where Kad was, which was now where the man stood.

    He screamed as the bolt ripped across his back, leaving a scar in the jacket and a thin line of blood. Kad was already moving to his next target, the short Duckman, when the Espyder charged him. She galloped on her six legs, her two swords raised high above her head. The Duck was still confused, losing grip on his axe, before giving in to a fury. He swung the axe above his head just as Kad reached him, shoulder barging him hard in the chest. The Duck dissapeared into the grass as he tumbled. The woman yelled as she was upon Kad, her two blades brought down heavily, carving the air as they reached Kad. He brought up his own curved blade, halting both of them, but unable to hear the sound of two of her legs being retracted from the ground. They slammed Kad in the chest, pushigng him back, but not off of his feet. The Espyder charged again.

    ¡°Don''t just stand there, Len!¡± She shouted back to the Vulpine as her blades clashed against Kad''s.

    He could hear the youngster trembling.

    ¡°Len!¡± She shouted.

    Kad saw his advantage, quickly withdrawing his knife from his belt, plunging it into the thin stomach of the Espyder. She screamed, falling backwards with the blade still embedded into her flesh. Before Kad could move, he heard feet pounding on dry dirt behind him. Out of the grass, the Duck yelled as he brought the axe towards Kad''s legs. He jumped backwards as the Duck fell upon him, shouting, cursing and swinging. Kad was careful to avoid the axe swings, relying on the blurry shape of energy and the sounds of the weapon being dragged through the air.

    Behind him, the Northman had stood up, quietly pouncing upon him, bringing his daggers downward. Kad unmannered around him, unable to hear the click from faraway, as his two attackers came from both sides. He met the blades with his own, but was losing ground. The bolt flew through the air, catching him on the shoulder as it broke. Kad hissed with pain, feeling his upper arm quickly grow hot and damp. The Northman cackled maliciously, coming on Kad again. The Duckman swung and missed, but Kad twirled directly into the open attack. One of the daggers caught him on his collar bone, scratching against his thin chest. He fell backwards, and the Duck brought an executioner''s cut down onto where Kad''s neck should have been. He rolled away, quickly bringing his scimitar up. It caught the wooden handle of his axe, lifting it upright and out of the webbed hands.

    Kad threw his hand onto the Duck''s face, just above the bill, and pushed forwards, driving the avian into the ground as his axe clattered nearby. He heard the Duck wheeze and groan, as the Northman charged again, gritting his teeth tightly. He brought the blades towards Kad, who ducked and weaved, catching the human on his bicep with the corner of his blade. The smell of hot metal was instant, if faint. The man yelled out, dropping one of his daggers, and he stepped back cautiously.

    There was a sound of running behind him, and a distinct smell of fox. The Vulpine youth emerged from the tall grass, yelling loudly. The Vulpine brought his short-sword down onto Kad, catching him between his shoulder and neck. Kad felt the blade sear through his skin and flesh, scratching against bone. The Northman laughed, and he heard the Espyder rise with a chuckle of her own. The Vulpine gasped. Kad could smell the fear mixed in with the blood as it dripped onto Kad''s hand. The Vulpine tried to step backwards, but was now only aware he had fallen onto Kad''s blade.

    Clack.

    The scimitar had entered above the Vulpine''s liver. Kad twisted the blade and the fox whimpered, before Kad finally pulled back, bringing the crimson, curved sword out. The lad fell to the floor, his sword slipped away from Kad''s wound. Kad turned to the Northman and Espyder, smiling cruelly. He felt the hatred and anger emerging from them, a feeling so familiar, it was almost nostalgic.

    ¡°You bastard!¡± The Espyder screamed, knife still embedded into her torso.

    Her and the Northman roared as they charged, weapons akimbo and aloft. The tall grass brushed against them as they pushed it away, their eyes wide with

    This is it, unleash me!.

    He grabbed at the wraps around his head, pulling hard. Suddenly the two attackers stopped, leaving a small cloud of dust between them. He could feel it, through their sweat and how they''re bodies changed. They were afraid.

    They should be, they should all be afraid of what we can do!

    Kad fought against a maniacal laugh as the wraps fell, and he felt sunlight on his bare-head for the first time in days. The skin around his forehead and scalp grew tighter as he woke his hidden mouth up. The teeth gnashed slowly, the skin beginning to stretch and elongate.

    ¡°No, no, get back to the trees!¡± The man shouted.

    ¡°But what about Len?¡±

    Kad braced himself, heels gnawing into the ground. His body began to relax, a luxurious feeling of restraint as the wind graced his exposed skin. The tall grass ebbed and flowed around him, dancing to the hidden drum of his heart-beat. The mouth opened itself, its teeth bared. The shimmer if the Espyder rippled, taking shape in the darkness of his sight. The teeth gnashed, as the siphon began.

    ¡°Stop!¡± The human said, charging.

    The energy seeped through the air, and the mouth swallowed it hungrily. Kad tensed his body, tasting the sweet, luxurious sensation of the energy travelling past the muscles beneath the jaw, through his head and into his muscles. It was a singular pleasure, a refreshing, reinvigorating sensation that spread throughout his entire body. The teeth beneath his nose clamped down hard, an effort to stop himself from moaning in delight. He could feel his muscles growing, an electricity forming in his stomach. Pain turned to ecstasy, the flesh that been divided began to sew itself back together. The Espyder screamed as she sunk down to six knees, her blades falling from her hands. He was so entranced by the delighted feeling, he barely heard the pounding footsteps of the Northman.

    ¡°You sonnava-!¡± He called out, daggers falling through the air.

    Kad side-stepped the strike, his mouth still draining the fallen Espyder. He wanted to drain her until there was nothing left, leave her like a discarded juice box. He wanted to empty all of them from life, all of those who looked down on him, called him a murderer.

    They all think I''m a killer, maybe they''re right.

    The energy still flowed through the air, as Kad plunged his curved blade into the human''s torso. The Northman gasped as the air was driven out of his body. Kad felt himself smiling, a demonic grin as the mouth continued to suck down hefty glugs of spiritual energy. The skewered man coughed, thick globs of blood falling through his braided beard. His body was trembling, the daggers dissapeared below into the mass of grass and into the realm of insects. He grabbed Kad''s wrist, which became warm, stinking of metal and flesh. He turned his head towards the trees.

    ¡°Stop...him....¡± He rasped.

    Click.

    A bolt flew through the trees, striking the Espyder in the back, she gasped, arms going limp, and fell forwards. The energy siphon began to dwindle as she gurgled her last few breaths. The Northman grinned, looking at Kad where his eyes should have been.

    ¡°Damn...Consumers...¡± He wheezed, before sliding backwards, away from the point of the sword.

    His body landed backwards heavily, dying just a few second slater. Kad could hear light footsteps hammering as they fled the tree-line. The Espyder''s energy began to fade as she too passed, but Kad had never felt more alive. His arms and hands felt strong, his senses were sharper than ever, hearing the buzzing of flies around a massive pile of dung a mile away, and the short, shallow breaths of the fox nearby. The unconscious Duck did not stir, but the Vulpine had begun to crawl, shifting past the tall curtain of grass that tried to obscure him. Kad felt the gums around his teeth begin to itch.

    More, there''s still more. More we can feed on.

    He strode with ominous purpose towards the whimpering fox. Nestled amongst the roots, was the bloody survivor. He turned when he saw Kad, blood seeping out of his narrow jaws. He placed his hands up in meek protection, trembling violently.

    ¡°Please...¡± The Vulpine mewled.

    Kad stood, obscuring the sun from the snivelling Fox. Flies were already attracted to the scent of blood, a beetle crawled on the Vulpine''s jacket.

    ¡°I''m sorry...I''m sorry....Can you help me?...Please?¡±

    The Consumer flexed his hand muscles, his teeth were gnashing at the air, always hungry. The Vulpine''s eyes widened as he saw that Kad''s wounds had almost fully healed. He had become what they always told him he was.

    A monster. I''m a monster.

    Clack.

    Don''t say that. We are only what they made us to be.

    Fear steamed off of the Vulpine. His wound still wept, his body and clothes were soaked. Kad flicked his tongue out. The fear begun to taint his desire. The teeth snapped in protest, as Kad fought against their wishes. He relaxed his hands, and the hidden mouth began to lose its control of him. He regained a sense of clarity, the adrenaline beginning to fade, and the quiet of the savanna taking hold. There was a trumpeting sound as the family of beasts sang to one another. Kad exhaled, letting out his pain and greed.

    ¡°I can''t help you.¡± He rasped with a solemn tone. ¡°It''s a five hour walk to port, you won''t make it.¡±

    The Vulpine began to choke as the understanding flooded his body. More blood came up, as the end dawned on him. With a shakey hand, he reached for his neck. Under the neckerchief was a glint of metal. He pulled at it, revealing an oval pendant. There was a decal on it.

    ¡°My brother...please...can you...?¡±

    The trembling began to slow until it stopped, the hand falling by his side, the pendant still enclosed within it. Kad sighed. The realization began to set in now.

    Hesitation gets you killed out here. It''s different. Not your fault.

    Kad rolled his head on his shoulders.

    Will you leave me alone? I can''t justify this. I''m a killer. Just like they always wanted me to be.

    They attacked you. Because of what you are. Because they are afraid of you, and they should be.

    Clack.

    The insects were already crawling over the corpses. He brought the three that were slain together, and began ransacking their bags. The Duck had been bound with a small length of rope he found in their leader''s satchel by his arms and legs, and had begun to struggle just as Kad set upon looting the corpses.

    ¡°Wha...what''s goin'' on?¡± He said in a low, confused voice.

    Kad remained silent. There were a few rations of stale bread and salted meat. He took the array of knives they had and wrapped them in a bundle.

    ¡°Hey, who''s there? Why am I tied...¡± The Duckman said, bringing himself back into reality.

    The smell fo blood hit him quickly.

    ¡°Oh no no no no...¡± He said with despair. ¡°Don''t tell me-¡±

    ¡°Yup.¡± Kad said idly. ¡°Sorry to tell ya.¡±

    He heard the duck struggle against his restraints. Kad had already taken the axe into his bundle, but he had left the Vulpine''s dagger by his side.

    ¡°You sonnova...you killed all of them?¡±

    ¡°Not all of them.¡± Kad said, feeling a small book from the Espyder''s bag and discarding it. ¡°Your goblin friend did a runner.¡±

    ¡°Why...why didn''t ya kill me?¡± The Duck growled.

    ¡°You were asleep.¡± Kad replied simply, moving onto the human''s bag.

    ¡°So? I''m awake now, give it a try!¡± The Duck roared, shuffling closer through the grass towards Kad.

    Kad''s fingers wrapped around a small pouch, feeling the distinct disc shape of coins within. He smiled.

    Clack.

    ¡°What were you guys doing out here?¡± Kad asked.

    ¡°We were...we were just looking fro supplies for out settlement.¡±

    ¡°A settlement? Why kid yourselves and not just call it what it is? A bandit camp.¡±

    ¡°You unbelievable...we ain''t bandits.¡±

    Kad laughed darkly.

    ¡°Sure you ain''t, and I ain''t a killer.¡±

    Kad took the coins, weapons and supplies, leaving the Duck''s satchel and a roll of bread behind.

    ¡°You ain''t gon'' kill me? You coward! You want me to just starve here?¡± The Duck shouted with some desperation.

    ¡°I don''t want you to die.¡± Kad said, sheathing his blade and taking the Fox''s dagger. ¡°But I don''t want you following me yet, either. You tried to kill me, you failed, I spared your life. I''d call that even, right?¡±

    The Duck growled incoherently.

    ¡°Here, free yourself with this.¡± Kad said lowering the knife towards him, before suddenly throwing it behind him as far as he could.

    The Duckman shouted in frustration.

    ¡°In a little bit.¡± He said, flashing a final cruel smile at the bound prisoner.

    Under the chorus of cursing and incoherent swearing, Kad silently lifted the corpse of the Savanna-Cat with ease, the silver pendant hanging around his neck.

    Five hours march to Journey''s End, Kad. Don''t worry, we''re in this together.

 1.22-No trust

    CHAPTER 22 NO TRUST

    The Crow''s Nest, the first building erected and the only to be two stories, so far, nestled in the very centre. Some merchants had stalls and shops, but most buildings were more dormitories for workers. The surrounding area had been cleared of trees in a fifty foot radius.

    ¡°

    The Battered Oak was a butcher shop, where the Ogrin, in his white hat and apron, happily paid the Komodos in front of Kad several silver legacies for the animal carcass he brought in. The stall was a long wooden counter, with a metal sheet attached tot he top. There were several counters behind where his apprentices worked on carving animals and fish. There were some large white chest freezers behind them, and several strung up rabbits. The smell of death and meat was pungent to anyone, but for someone with as sensitive smell as a Consumer, it was nauseating As soon as his apprentices had taken away the deer, Kad threw the body of the Savanna-Cat down in front of him.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°each.¡±

    ¡°

    Clack.

    Who''s to say you couldn''t drain this parasite right here, right now? Guards turn a blind eye to smoking White-Spice, who cares if you took this guy''s coin and left him a dried husk

    Too risky, I''ve already got a bounty on my head, don''t need to add to it.

    Whatever you say.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°ten legacies for it.¡±

    My brother...please...

    If its a family crest, then its probably only valuable to the brother, whoever that is.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°beautiful.¡± She said, astonished.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    Still, people seem to love that fur of yours, might be a worthy investment.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    Still, it''s been a while since you slept under a roof. Journey''s End is not like Promise Coast, after all.

    The Crow''s Nest, getting used to sleeping in a cot again. The mattress and pillow was stuffed with dried grass, but the room was warm and dry. The raucous sounds of drinking and fighting eventually faded to nothing as sleep slowly consumed him.

    Hey, do you feel that? You know what that is?

    More of our kind, at last! It''s been a long time since you''ve smelled that scent.

    ¡°

    ¡°khasha.¡± The young woman said, bowing her head respectfully.

    Khasha...it''s been a while since anyone referred to you as their brethren.

    khasha standing before him. An awkward silence fell between the three of them.

    ¡°kitua?¡± Kad asked the woman, invoking the ancient term for sister.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Why does that sound familiar?

    ¡°

    ¡°thought that was you.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°course I know that name. Kad Ekisziku is the Consumer who murdered a councillor, and is wanted by the guardsmen.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°kill him. I haven''t killed anyone.¡± He lied defensively.

    ¡°one Consumer being blamed wrongfully for a murder this year, now there are two.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°pushta. I know how these stories end.¡±

    ¡°you know of it?¡±

    ¡°pushta.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°his help, muymum. We will be fine, and so will he.¡± Bimi said defiantly.

    Don''t listen to him. He''s just a stubborn old man who thinks he knows everything.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Should we help them? The girl, at least. If it was just the old man, I would leave him to starve.

    ¡°

    No, this is their problem. Don''t get involved.

    ¡°told you we should have brought a Zwipe card, just in case!¡± She continued in dismay.

    ¡°

    None of our business. Don''t think about them.

    poppo, and once again he waved his hand dismissively at her. She quickly turned to Kad and began to cross the path between them, darting between workers carrying lumber and tools. Kad fidgeted, unable to pretend he didn''t know she was storming straight towards him.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    This isn''t right. Rude or no, they are Consumers. We have to look after them.

    Why? We look after each-other Kad. They need us, but we don''t need them.

    We have to help them.

    We really don''t.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°ask if you would help, you said no.¡± Naika hissed.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°all have. I always hoped I could help make a better life for the younger generation, and for my muymum.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    You can''t count on them, Kad. Even if they are Consumers, they''ll hurt you, everyone always does.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Are you sure you want to do this?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°settling here? Why? What about the community centre?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°daughters? Is there another one of you aroudn here?¡± Kad asked, tensing to concentrate, to feel if there was another Consumer nearby.

    ¡°muymum, I am sorry. Sometimes I get so...so...¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Its going to be okay. Just one night, then we''ll be off on our own again. I promise.

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°community, for everyone.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    A murderer? No, maybe not. A killer, on the other hand...

    ¡°here, my brothers and sisters! The promised lands we sought! Soon, our divine place shall be found, and peace will be with us all!¡±

    ¡°missionaries.¡± Kad heard a gruff sialor say.

    ¡°they doin'' ''ere?¡± Said a lady of the night.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Poppo!¡± Naika said playfully, bumping into his arm with a smile.

    ¡°The Crow''s Nest.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°you do. They don''t.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°sure.¡± Someone muttered.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°you to stay. If they wanna be in here, they''ll ''ave to pay.¡± The Corvid said, shaking his head. ¡°Ten legacies, for each of ''em.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°should go somewhere else.¡±

    ¡°those things are ''ere.¡±

    Why is it like this everywhere? Can we not have peace anywhere we go?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°meals are we talkin'' ''bout ''ere, old man?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°why?¡± Kad asked. ¡°What have we ever done to anyone?¡±

    ¡°feed. They see it as invasive, dangerous.¡±

    ¡°after they treat us like scum.¡± Kad hissed. ¡°I wouldn''t want to feed on them if they didn''t make me want to.¡±

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°that one before.¡± Kad muttered bitterly.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    A community. Without hatred or persecution. Is such a place even possible?

    ¡°will be a safe place for everyone?¡± Kad asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    No, you''re not. All of these people, treating you like dirt all your life. You don''t want to live side by side with them, do you?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    You just want to hurt them.

    There is no place for people like us. It''s just a dream, Kad.

    ¡°

    ¡°them. Everywhere I go. Everywhere we all go, it''s like that. I should go down there and teach them why we should be feared, because they have no idea. They treat us this way because they are told to. I can show them. I''ll drain them all until there''s nothing left.¡±

    ¡°

    Clack, went Kad''s tongue, baring his teeth at those who could not see them.

    ¡°worse than those downstairs.¡±

    ¡°Worse?¡± Naika said, shivering slightly. ¡°What''s out there?¡±

    ¡°deep below the ground. I''ve seen them, fought them. A couple of ignorant palang don''t frighten me.¡±

    ¡°are a killer, pushta? Is that what we are heading?¡±

    Go on, tell them. They might be your kin, but they should fear you too.

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°didn''t kill him.¡± Kad said angrily.

    I told you this was a mistake.

    You were right.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    What is this feeling? Something feels...different.

    ¡°gutrah...it''s showing.¡±

    gutrah before, and here was this old man, completely comfortable within their own presence.

    ¡°so exhausted last night.¡± Bimi said with a laugh.

    ¡°sees?¡± Kad said anxiously.

    ¡°Yetrai.¡±

    ¡°Yetrai?¡± Kad asked.

    ¡°native name for our kind? You would use the palang name? For shame.¡±

    ¡°

    tsked sadly.

    ¡°

    I already told you old man, I hatred that place and my kind who went there.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°just a new life for my muymum, Kad. I come here seeking what no-one else knows. I wish to find where Consumers really come from.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°, yes? You have heard this, surely.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°another mother from where we came.¡±

    ¡°That is why you came here?¡±

    ¡°your help, Kad, I believe we could find it together!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    It''s for the best, Kad.

    Ame''s Fine Tailoring to find the Gold Dvergr, Ametyst, propping the staff open.

    ¡°can you see it?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    I need to forget about them.

    The Crow''s Nest, pushing past the large doors and into its sweaty insides with a desire to drown his feelings. Several sailors had fallen asleep in various chairs and parts of the floor. A few were still drinking, quietly chattering. Kad stood, almost unable to see above the counter once more, and pulled at a stool. It screeched as he drew it closer, and he climbed on top of it, and waited patiently. The rude Corvid proprietor was nowhere to be seen, an Evean bar-girl in a similar brown apron and light brown hair pulled at a pump, filling a mug with brown ale.

    Looks like piss, but if it gets me drunk, I won''t care.

    Who is that?

    ¡°Hey, it''s you!¡± A voice shouted from nearby.

    Oh no, is that-

    ¡°He''s the one who killed my friends!¡± Came a drunken shout, growing louder. ¡°There, that consumey!¡±

    ¡°you!¡± He said, pointing directly at Kad. ¡°Don''t you ignore me, hic, consumey! We was, we was just, hic, passin'' through an'' he attacked us all! He killed all of them!¡±

    ¡°attacked me. There was five of you and only me, why would I attack you?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Hic!¡± The Goblin said, barely able to stand still without swaying.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Sir?¡± The Blood demon snorted, taking another sip of beer.

    Do it, Kad. Rip off your head wraps, unleash me. Take form all of them, make them know why they should be afraid of us!

    You can''t face them all, pushta. Even if you killed every one of them, more would take their place.

    ¡°murderer.¡± The goblin said, distraught.

    ¡°.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°more killin''? Don''t want to eat us all up?¡± The goblin taunted, as members of the crowd laughed.

    I''m sick of this. Let''s go somewhere no-one will ever find us. Again.

    They''re still here? Shouldn''t they be long gone by now?

    ¡°No, I ain''t given you any more, leave me alone.¡± The guard said irritably.

    ¡°

    ¡°handing in bags of money.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°another one. Leave me alone, go somewhere else. Now.¡± The guard said, his anger brewing.

    ¡°

    ¡°do want to get out of here. Where are your guides?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°monsters out here?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°knew you would come with us!¡±

    ¡°not. I''ll take you to the savanna, but that''s it, and you''ll owe me. For the room and for this.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°unique. Only a Stone Sage may wear it, retired or no. These are artefacts, sought after by museums and collectors. My friend Daman gave me this, after years of joint community companionship, so I might always remember the different links that connect it. A community of metal and stone, yes?¡±

    ¡°better be valuable, old man.¡± Kad grumbled.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°pushta!¡± Bimi cried, hugging Kad tightly. ¡°Thank you, pushta, thank you!¡±

    ¡°

 1.23-Freezes the blood

    CHAPTER 23 FREEZES THE BLOOD

    The Covered Eye sees through the veil.

    I wonder what Nani would say to us if we went back. Do you think she would be angry?

    Maybe it was better this way. Clearly you weren''t meant to be part of their mission.

    That was my mission too. To protect the weak, those who couldn''t fight for themselves and I...

    How can I fight for those when I hesitate?

    It''s okay, you''re not alone.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°ever sleep.¡± She said, not dropping the volume on her voice. ¡°Rocks, bugs, and the quiet! It''s a strange thign to say, I''ve never heard anything like this quiet.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°week?¡± She said, feigning astonishment. ¡°I don''t know if I could dot hat. I don''t even know if I can get through tonight.¡±

    ¡°everywhere.¡±

    ¡°things. Things crawling, or barking, or buzzing. Some things sound and feel big. You said there were monsters here, what are they?¡±

    ¡°big meat-eater hunting them. Huge paws, breath sounded like a Shift-Mobile crashing. There was a group of these enormous monsters that trumpeted to each-other.¡±

    ¡°Trumpeted? Like with instruments?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°crawling on my arm earlier. It had so many legs.¡±

    ¡°really big ones, under the mountains. Spiders, with little men riding on them.¡±

    ¡°Ha ha.¡± Naika said sardonically. ¡°I suppose you''re gonna tell me there are giraffes with little faeries out here too.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°free out here. Sure, people are just as horrible and stupid as they are in the city, but no-one''s telling me where to go, what to do. I can just walk by myself, explore places people have probably never been to before.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Your true self is a killer, Kad. Are you going to tell her that?

    ¡°on. I don''t really think about it.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°fight for us, so we can have a better life than he did.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°you.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°know you said you didn''t do it, but what happened? Why did you want to kill him so bad? Did you think it would change anything?¡±

    Does it matter?

    ¡°just me.¡± Kad spat defensively. ¡°There was a group of us, all different races. We wanted to bring down the IRC systematically, teach people not to stand for those things. Cassius was the first target, then there was to be four more, but it went wrong from the start. When I finally got there, I...I looked him in the eyes, dead to rights, but I couldn''t do anything. I could feel his fear, the shifting of his urine threatening to spill out, I smelled the cowardice on his breath. I wanted to teach him a lesson, to show him fear, and in that moment, I felt like I did. He finally saw the world as a Consumer does.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    She smells so good.

    ¡°

    ¡°community is the best course for change.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°going to Gentle Stream.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    It sounds like singing.

    More than ten, less than twenty. Over a mile away, I would say.

    ¡°beautiful.¡± Bimi said.

    ¡°Shhhh.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Somehow I would doubt that, eh Kad?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°what it is.¡± Kad said angrily.

    ¡°still going?¡± Naika murmured grumpily, rubbing at her exposed mouth.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°distractions, anyway.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°through the mountains tonight, Bimi.¡± Kad said.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    What do these tourists know? You weren''t even that na?ve when you came to these shores.

    ¡°like how they are in Peridios. We have no idea what is out here. If I''m going to be your guide, you''re going to have to listen to me.¡± He pleaded.

    ¡°

    ¡°monsters out her pushta, but people are my speciality.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    Let them go, if they want to see what the real world is like so badly, where''s the harm in a little exposure therapy?

    Well, even if it goes wrong, it should be entertaining.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°is those stupid missionaries.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    There''s sixteen of them. They might be missionaries, but we''re not gonna win a fit of one on sixteen.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    No, this is bad. We have to think, assess the situation.

    I hope you''re ready Kad, if this goes south, you''re going to have to abandon your brethren.

    That''s not going to happen, we ust have to figure out what''s going on here.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°illegal! What should we do?¡±

    ¡°

    Half of these people are armed.

    They don''t smell like the others. They are dirtier, one is a young girl, no older than twelve. From their scents and shimmers, I''d say they are a family, the mother is a High-Eve, and the father is a Silver-Dvergr, the son and daughter are their mixed children. They''re struggling...

    We''ve got to stop them, before-

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Release me Kad, release me!

    Kad? Kad?!

    They''re bound...what happened?

    The river...there''s people around us...

    ¡°

    ¡°Kad? Can you hear me?¡± She said again.

    Who is that?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°gifts.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Out of everyone we''ve been captured by so far, these guys are the worst.

    ¡°move!¡± He roared.

    We told them this would happen, why doesn''t anyone listen to us?

    What we wouldn''t give for one of those cats to find us now.

    When we get free, he''s the first one to go.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°there!¡±

    ¡°Poppo!¡± Naika called out.

    ¡°Move it!¡±

    ¡°found us!¡± He called out with a deep below.

    ¡°Raca, it is good to see you brother!¡± She called out into his cloth.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°ceremony.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°eat us.¡± The Sloukian whined.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°plenty of time to find out.¡±

    ¡°

    What is this ceremony, why do they need captives?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°want from us?¡± She said quietly, trying to look back at him.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    What are we doing here?

    ¡°This is the place, Brother?¡± Ular asked, unimpressed.

    ¡°

    ¡°find this place?¡± The Sloukian follower asked.

    ¡°something behind it.¡±

    ¡°very pleased with what we''ve done with the place.¡±

    ¡°that?¡± Ular asked, a little shaky.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    So cold...so cold...

    ¡°nicely.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°long time for this.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°this how you would worship Voss Nova?¡±

    ¡°with the church. We are against it.¡±

    ¡°

    There''s something in there! Something...beyond malevolence!

    ¡°

 1.24-Sudden moments of clarity

    CHAPTER 1.24 SUDDEN MOMENTS OF CLARITY

    ¡°My soul it stands for you

    my legs hold me still

    as we wait your mighty truth

    standing on the lonely hill

    Our will it waits for you

    our arms outstretch towards the sky

    deliver yourself true

    and we will be free of lies.¡±

    Wait a minute, this is a hymn, a Voss Novian hymn.

    Easy now Kad, wait for the right time.

    ¡°

    It''s the betrayal. It''s taken its toll on the old timer.

    What do these idiots want?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    We won''t be able to pull these out, not without feeding first, anyway.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    They''re not paying attention to us at least, still too busy singing their stupid songs. If we''re going to figure something out, it has to be now.

    ¡°My soul it stands for you, my legs hold me still¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°As we wait for your mighty truth, standing on the lonely hill¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Our will, it waits for you, our arms outstretched to the sky¡±

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Deliver yourself true, and we will be free of lies¡±

    ¡°excitement? After all this time?¡±

    Something''s about to happen, we need a plan, damn it...

    ¡°

    ¡°Shhhh.¡± She hissed.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°

    She''s waiting now, waiting for the opportune time.

    ¡°slaves tot eh churches. The men in power who preached about gods, how we were doomed to punishment for not fulfilling demands we could not possibly achieve? How they tortured us as children, groped us, forced us to comply under the fear of an eternal damnation only they promised us. That ends now. This, my brothers, my siblings, is what we''ve been holding onto for, for so many years.¡±

    ¡°lies, the incessant punishments. I realised that we would forever be trapped by them...if we don''t break away from them ourselves.¡±

    ¡°love those? Those, sudden moments of clarity.¡±

    ¡°we, the scorned, those who were betrayed from the hands of the church, those who claimed to want to help us, guide us, who tortured us for their own amusement, we shall rise, with a new power. We will awaken the great spirit of the spider, taken into Raca''s form, and a new order will be established.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°needs to be someone to help us, because we need to see if this power is useable. It''s only a little blood I require, just a little to awaken the energies that will be. You should all feel lucky, being chosen to awaken that which has slumbered for many thousands of years. ¡±

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Damn it, there''s only one way this can go, isn''t there?

    ¡°

    Not if you keep your fool mouth shut.

    ¡°

    ¡°die, Consumer, though you will face judgement when the Spider is awoken.¡±

    ¡°Consumers.¡± The Umbral follower said. ¡°Won''t their blood be tainted? Or something?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Please pushta, be quiet!¡± Bimi whimpered.

    That might help them believe that load, actually. I doubt anyone here will despite it, after all, that would require knowing anything about Consumers.

    ¡°

    ¡°strong, by far the strongest here.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°that is tainted blood.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    I''ve never felt anything like this before, its stirring, and insatiably hungry.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°leave this place, before-¡±

    ¡°

    immense, multiplying, unlike the feeling of any Sape he had ever felt before.

    ¡°is that?¡± Naika asked.

    ¡°

    two types of energy that grinded against each-other. Kad saw these as colours he had never seen before, what other beings might call a deep crimson and a cold azure. His teeth began to grind and itch.

    Something''s coming, and suddenly, I don''t fear the cultists anymore!

    ¡°go.¡± Kad said, and the other Costumers agreed.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°move

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    clack

    ¡°Run!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Where

    ¡°go

    ¡°Kad

 1.25-Its what you deserved

    CHAPTER 25 IT''S WHAT YOU DESERVED

    The cavern beyond the waterfall was filled with screams that passed through the freezing veil. Blood had begun to pool in the dips of the rocky floor. The last followers of the Sect of the Spider wept and prayed to Voss Nova, recanting their heresy as they bled out in the rapidly darkening cave. The sky darkened rapidly beyond the veil, briefly turning the water silver against the black backdrop. The wind had died within the cavern, and so did the screaming. The smell of blood and rot crept up the walls like a fetid, shadowy creature.

    Kad Ekiszika''s fled, the chains rattling around his wrists and towards his ankles. The spider-like creature roared, its former body still hanging beneath its growing carapace like a bloody marionette. One of its giant legs soared through the air, crashing in between he and the other Consumers. Kad fell backwards as splinted rocks flew through the air. Naika and Bimi had huddled against the captive family who wept and held each-other closer.

    ¡°Kad!¡± Naika screamed.

    Behind them, Kad could feel brushes of chilled wind crawling towards them.

    We have to get to the tunnels!

    ¡°Naika, take the others, run through the tunnels!¡± He shouted as the creature bellowed.

    Naika turned towards where they were, opening her mouth to protest.

    ¡°Bimi, are you ready?¡± Kad asked the cowering old man, who looked at him with reinvigoration.

    The creature crept towards them with its scythe-like legs splintering the stone. Kad turned to it, his teeth gnawing at each-other, bracing himself for the monstrosity as it approached. With a yell, Kad extended his mouth, feeling the muscles loosen and extend, the flesh extending, serpent-like into the air. The jaws extended wide, and Kad began to feed.

    ¡°Wait, pushta!¡± Bimi shouted from beyond a veil.

    The world became a kaleidoscope, energy whirled around him, but it was not the nourishment he had grown accustomed to. It was tainted, sour, filling his body with a sickly delight. The creature screeched, stamping its spear-like feet, digging deeper into the ground. It pulled back, fighting against the draining sensation. Kad dug his heels, feeling the creature recede.

    It''s too strong! We can''t hold on!

    He heard someone shout as a Consumer stood by him, ripping their head-cover off. Bimi yelled as the mouth on top of his head popped outwards, snaking upwards in the air. It was paler than the rest of his body, as wrinkled as the rest of his body, and its jaws opened reluctantly, lazily gaping in the air. It gulped heavily before extending his fangs, swallowing the dark energy heavily. The creature screamed again, its legs beginning to buckle. Bimi did not fare much better, his legs weakening, with Kad only able to watch.

    Have to keep draining it, have to scare it away, or something!

    The creature began to growl with rage, the body still swinging beneath it. It struggled itself upwards, as Bimi began to wane. Kad felt himself grow dizzy, when the third set of footsteps pounded behind them. Naika ripped off her covers too, unleashing her mouth, vicious, teeth gnashing and biting. She grabbed her grandfather''s hand as together they began tod rain the creature. The monstrous cry was deafening as it began to sink lower to the ground, growing weaker. Kad heard Naika call out as the foul energy entered her mouth.

    We''re doing it, it''s weakening!

    The creature did not remain still, however. With a final flurry of movement, more abyssal webs carved their way through the air, latching themselves onto the rocky pillars and stalactites. Each web seemed to ave a property of its own, some froze the rocks, some exploded, and some caused the pillars to melt. The spiked lumps rained towards them, crashing heavily, exploding into thousands of pieces. They buffeted the Consumers, who could only shield themselves with their arms, tiny pieces of shrapnel tearing at their skin. The cavern air became heavy with the dangerous webs, creeping all the way up to the ledges where the strange cloaked figures watched from afar. Kad could feel the pressure they emitted begin to rise as they gathered closer, energy pooling in their palms. The web quickly struck forwards at them as if it had its own directive, skewering on of the members, then burning him greatly. His shout was almost human, polluted with dread and horror as the webs melted the flesh beneath his cloak.

    I can feel them, they are gathering energy, but it''s so foul! It''s almost like this creature''s!

    Five of the cloaked figures muttered something, a chant among themselves, as energy pooled in their hands, one was the colour of swirling blood, the other was the insides of a glacier, and both began to spiral quickly, forming whirlpools in their palms. Kad felt the two distinct, yet strange energies vibrate, rapidly swirling and lashing as the spell-casters brought their hands together. The energy changed, turning a deep, luxurious purple, a third strange colour lighting in the darkness of the cavern. The Consumers felt the energy drain from them, the strange sensation of the new power becoming heavy.

    What is this? A new kind of magic?

    One of the cloaked figures called out, and the purple energy bounded from between the enclosed fingers of each of them. Five beams of energy soared through the air, carving their way through the shadowy cave and exploded onto the back of the abomination. The creature reeled, lifting several of its mighty legs upwards, pulling away from the Consumers. The energy scorched the creature, which wriggled and struggled away, sinking away like a spider hiding from the light. One of the beams ricocheted off of the creatures chitinous hide, bouncing upwards to the ceiling. The world shook and tremored as the cave began to drip jagged rocks, each splintering as they collided with the ground.

    Kad turned to the weakened Consumers. He could feel the creature''s dark energy coursing through his veins. It was sustenance, but no more than eating rotten meat would be for a Humie. He gritted his teeth as he pulled at the chains, bursting them free from his wrists. His vision was a dizzying blue of noise and overwhelming presence. He could feel Naika helping Bimi up, hear the flesh of the mountain tearing at itself as rock after rock began to crumble and crush the cavern below. Kad lept forwards, feeling the weakened energies of the others, and struck at Naika with his shoulder, knocking her and himself away from crushing debris. She panted, stunned.

    ¡°Take them, escape into the tunnels!¡± He shouted over continuous explosions.

    The purple energies had faded, dissapearing into a different network of unseen veins.

    ¡°Poppo!¡± She shouted.

    Bimi was cradled on his knees as the last of the candle light went extinct. Somewhere in the darkness, the malevolent monstrosity continued to roar.

    ¡°Hurry, we''ll catch up to you!¡± Kad shouted.

    Without looking back, he bounded tot he old man, grabbing him by the shoulders as they were constantly assaulted by solid, sharp rain. There was a terrible thunder as the gap behind them began to close itself with rocks and boulders. Bimi''s feet scratched against the ground, unable to find his footing as Kad hastily dragged him towards where the last of the airflow remained. Further into the mountain, was more sickly thunder, as tunnels were closed by landslides.

    Whoever those people are, they''re sealing off the tunnels!

    He heard Naika scream as she ushered the family through one of the tunnels, her shimmer now obscured by layers of crushed rock. Kad ducked his head, groping with his hands to find his way. Great pillars of rock had been formed, walls enclosing tunnels as he dragged the old man further into the deepening caves. The current of air lingered, but it was fading, now a pile of rocks formed its entrance. He could hear Naika getting further away, disappearing down an adjacent tunnel with a pack of strangers, while he was left with the old man.

    ¡°Up, Bimi! Climb!¡± He shouted, pushing the old man towards the rock pile.

    Instinct took Bimi over, and he scrambled up the rocks. There was a small gap at the top, perhaps too narrow for most Sapes, but the slender Consumer wriggled himself through, and Kad followed, leaving behind the cavern of many screams.

    *****

    The tunnel was even cooler than the cavern, the memories of the constant falling water now faded beyond waking moments. The great bellows of the creature still filtered through the ancient walls as the Consumers scrambled through the make-shift tunnel between the crushing rocks and ceiling. Claws scraped at their backs as they followed the trail of the cooling breeze, the haunting shrieks of wind beginning to die behind them. Kad heard Bimi exclaim as he tumbled slightly, as the landslide descended, the sound of his chains jingling as they dropped. He followed quickly, sliding down the rugged rocks until his feet were reacquainted with the cold floor beneath them. Kad brushed off the excess of dust and detritus on his fine cloak, as Bimi leaned against the wall, his revealed mouth still agape.

    ¡°Muymum....¡± He whispered, pained. ¡°We have to find muymum, we have to find her...¡±

    ¡°We will.¡± Kad said patiently. ¡°She went down another tunnel with the other captives, she''s not alone, Bimi.¡±

    Bimi''s frail hand groped against the cold wall. Even here, the sounds of dripping water were constant.

    ¡°Should never have come...I should never have brought her here...¡±

    Kad sighed as he tightened the scabbard to his waist. Their bags of supplies were gone, and the freezing air was constantly biting. Bimi dropped his hands back to his side, the metal chains rattling.

    ¡°Here, let me help you with that.¡± Kad said, withdrawing one of his looted knives adorned to his waist.

    He crouched down, and using a similar technique to what he heard Naika to be using, inserted the tip of the blade, and wriggled it.

    ¡°She''s a Hel of a girl, your muymum. How she knew how to get out of these, I have no idea.¡±

    Bimi rested his head back towards the wall, whispering a prayer to himself.

    ¡°Forgive me, Mother in the Sky, for straying from the path you lead us.¡±

    Kad grunted as the tip of the blade slipped from the chains, and then again, as he persisted, slapping the hilt with his palm until there was a pop. He laughed proudly as the chains fell to the floor, and Bimi began to massage his wrists, still muttering almost incoherently under his breath. Kad felt the chill creep through both sets of teeth, the top of his head shivering and wriggling. His stomach began to writhe, the tainted taste of the creature''s malevolence refusing to sit still within him. Kad stepped away from the distraught elder, examining the tunnel before them.

    It goes on for a long time, at least a mile. I can hear the wind though, which must mean an exit.

    The cavern stood taller than he, at least seven-feet upwards, wide enough for him and Bimi to walk side-by-side. It was relatively smooth, as if carved with the sole purpose of traversing the depth of the mountains. The mountain was silent, but for the dull thudding that reverberated within it from far away.

    ¡°There''s an exit somewhere down there, Bimi. Can you walk?¡±

    ¡°No, pushta! We must wait! We must wait, and figure out how we can find my muymum!¡± Bimi wailed.

    Kad felt the anger pulsating in his body as he turned to the old man.

    ¡°You want to wait? Wait here then. Wait for Naika, who is travelling down a completely different tunnel to ours, through a place we don''t know, possibly chased by strangers in cloaks. Wait here, after all it was your idea to talk to the cultists, and that worked out just great, right?¡±

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    Kad spun quickly, feeling his fists begin to shake, as Bimi sunk to the floor, sobbing without tears. Kad squeezed his fists, trying to dissipate the rage.

    ¡°Come on, we can feel sorry for ourselves when we''re out of here. Whoever those people are, they could be right behind us. You felt that weird energy right? I''ve never sensed anything like it before, have you?¡±

    Bimi remained silent, cradling his face in his pitiful state. Kad hissed a furious breath between his teeth and stomped towards the old man, hoisting him up by his dusty and ragged cloak.

    ¡°Listen here, old man.¡± He growled. ¡°I''m leaving; I''m heading through the tunnel and towards the current of air. You can come with me, but I''m leaving now.¡±

    ¡°But...but muymu-¡±

    Kad pushed the old Consumer towards the wall, rage swallowing him.

    ¡°Where do you think she''s at now, huh?¡± He hissed. ¡°I felt her leave, with the other family through that tunnel, they were escaping too, like us. So, they''re in one tunnel, and we''re in the other, with no way back. You want to just sit here and feel sorry for yourself? What''s the matter with you? Naika told me you were a fighter, that you were strong.¡±

    He released Bimi, who gaped his mouth idly, turning away in shame.

    ¡°You...you are right, pushta.¡± Bimi said in a low voice, groping at the wall. ¡°I am sorry.¡±

    Kad straightened his back, releasing his frustration, his thoughts becoming clear again.

    What does it matter if he comes with us? Leave him here, he''ll only slow us down.

    Kad sighed, stepping away from Bimi, feeling the tempting breeze call for him.

    ¡°Things are different out here, aren''t they?¡± Bimi said, no more than a whisper.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Kad said plainly. ¡°Like I was trying to tell you.¡±

    ¡°I just thought...I hoped that away from the city, people would have the chance to be good again. Things are different, pushta, much different than my time. Young people are ruder, the streets are more dangerous. People would rather watch the Spherevision than spend time with one another.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°That''s a load.¡± Bimi said, annoyed. ¡°If people didn''t watch the Spherevision then they ignored each-other watching newspapers, crime is the same as it was, and didn''t I hear you got arrested before I was even born? Things haven''t changed, you just got older.¡±

    Bimi squeezed at a lump of rock in the dark.

    ¡°I wish I didn''t, pushta. I wish I had more time. I could have helped so many more.¡±

    Kad rolled his head on his neck, feeling the biting frustration brewing again.

    ¡°Maybe you still can, Bimi. What was that place you are going to again? Gentle Grove or something?¡±

    ¡°Gentle Stream. Oh, Mother in the Sky...what if I''m wrong about that too? What if there is no haven for any of us out here?¡±

    ¡°I suppose we''ll find out, one way or another. For starters, let''s find our way out of these tunnels. With any luck, we''ll find Naika on the way, right?¡±

    Kad smiled, knowing it would be unseen, feeling the doubt gnaw at his ankles like a persistent rat. He felt Naika escape, but she had gone further into the mountain than they.

    What if there is no escape for her?

    Bimi smiled back, Kad felt its warmth in the damp, freezing cavern, the threat of doubt nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°You are right pushta. Let us leave this place.¡±

    The two walked in awkward silence in the great empty tunnel, with only the ever present scraping of wind to keep them company. Kad walked quickly, but Bimi trudged in a dizzy state, still holding on to the wall for safety.

    ¡°C''mon, you''ve got to keep up, old man.¡± Kad said irritably.

    ¡°You always call me old man, pushta. Have you no respect?¡± Bimi said with a tired smile. ¡°Our word for elder is Tanka, yes?¡±

    Kad gritted his teeth.

    Clack.

    He turned quickly, feeling the anger grope at the back of his head, but Bimi could not increase his pace, panting softly with every step.

    Right, like you''re worthy of respect, we''re here because of you!

    ¡°Wait, pushta. I need some water, if you have some.¡±

    Kad growled with frustration.

    ¡°Then maybe you should have brought some with you, old man. Why should I give you mine?¡±

    ¡°Please pushta, I lost mine in the cave-¡±

    ¡°The cave where your stupidity got us, yeah I remember.¡±

    ¡°I-I am sorry, pushta. I only thought-¡±

    ¡°That things would be just like they are in the city, or a hundred years ago when you were a kid, yeah I get it. Except they ain''t, Bimi. People will do anything to survive out here, at any cost of any people, now we''re stuck in some mountain and almost sacrificed to a damned spider-god. Worse, it''s what you deserved, but no, you had to bring me and Naika in to this mess.¡±

    Bimi crumpled.

    ¡°You are right again, pushta.¡± Bimi said in a hollow whisper. ¡°Perhaps things haven''t changed after-all.¡±

    Kad sighed and crouched before Bimi.

    ¡°Things have changed, old man.¡± He said sympathetically. ¡°We''re in the Age of Discovery now. I know I''m not as old as you, but I''ve been surviving out here for a few months now. I''m getting'' the hang of it, so I just need you to listen to me, alright? We''ll find Naika, and we''ll get you to Gentle Stream in one piece, got it?¡±

    Bimi nodded solemnly.

    ¡°I get it, pushta.¡±

    Kad reached for his water-skin and handed it to the old Consumer.

    Maybe we shouldn''t promise getting people out of here in one piece when we''re not even sure what else is in here.

    *****

    The mountain had been opened, a great hole had been bored into the ceiling, revealing a sprawling forest flanked by mist that led towards more mountainous teeth. The path they followed crumbled to a slope of fallen rocks from years past. Kad held Bimi back, sniffing the air. The mountain breeze was invigorating, far from the overwhelming scent of damp rocks and fading blood they had grown accustomed to. The half-moon cast its pink light towards them, stars became thousands of candles that guided their way, illuminating something in front of them.

    There''s something here, something old.

    ¡°Stay close.¡± Kad ordered, before quickly descending the rocky slope.

    There was a musty scent, melded with vegetation. It was not the forest, but newer springs than the ancient conifers that gripped the mountains sides. Kad felt the chill grow as the mountain sent a gale towards them, through his cloak and down into the depths of the dark tunnel. Kad was halfway down the slope when a scattering of rocks collided with something in front of them.

    It''s a building! Here, in the mountain?

    Bimi lowered himself slowly, crouching down and reaching out to Kad for a hand, who helped him down carefully.

    ¡°What is that? Do you smell that, pushta?¡± Bimi exclaimed.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Kad said, reaching out his hand.

    His fingers gently brushed against a solid remnant of a wall, a strange and rough texture, similar to concrete. He gently rapped his knuckles against it, feeling the solid weight give nothing back. It was large, taking up most of the space of the cavern. Its two stories had splintered as if it were dropped through the very hole above them. Most of it was slumped against the pile of rubble, unable to stand under millennia of decay.

    It must have been here since the Old Age, at least. Amazing how it hasn''t completely disintegrated...

    Part of the forest had crept through the gap in the mountain, claiming the old building. It had a strange style to it, unlike any architecture built in New Peridios. It had an ancient feel to it, even still has plants had taken to growing in between its weeping walls. Kad ran his hand along the scaly surface, until he reached something more familiar. There was wood, smooth, although disused by time. It did not feel rotten, but retained much of its solid state.

    ¡°This wood...it''s not even decayed. Its still standing.¡± Kad said, knocking his knuckle against it.

    ¡°Hmm, such mysteries from the old world.¡± Bimi mused, similarly running his hands along the wall.

    More of the wooden structures had been splintered and broken beneath the structure. A pair of ancient doors sat at the face of the building, born torn from their hinges and thrown to the floor. Boulders and rocks were buried into the slanted roof like fallen meteors. The old musk was emanating from within. The cavern curved around the building, the tunnel ending here.

    ¡°What is this place, do you think?¡± Kad asked.

    ¡°I could not say, pushta. It does not look like it should be here, though.¡±

    ¡°The tunnel ends here.¡± Kad said tiredly. ¡°Perhaps there''s something inside.¡±

    ¡°Maybe we should turn back, Kad.¡± Bimi said nervously. ¡°Perhaps we can find other tunnels, one might lead us to Naika.¡±

    Kad sighed, unenthused about the idea of crossing the creature or the strange cloaked figures again.

    ¡°Although, I admit I am curious.¡± Bimi purred, still caressing the old building. ¡°Perhaps there are answers here.¡±

    ¡°Just a quick look, then.¡± Kad said, not admitting his excitement and curiosity.

    The door-frames were built for a larger people, but in its crushed state, it was bowed towards them, barely tall enough even for the short Consumers. The smell of ancient dust seeped through its dilapidated skin, cloying spores and old memories entangled within.

    ¡°Why would this be here?¡± Kad asked, stepping past the deepening frame.

    ¡°A house in the mountains, perhaps.¡± Bimi said solemnly, following.

    They entered into a broken foyer, the jagged rock floor reaching upwards, broken pieces of a building from a different age were strewn around everywhere. The second floor reached downwards, splintered wood and metal hanging like stalactites. The room was deceptively larger than what Kad expected, with the remnants of three other door frames leading to elsewhere. Before them were the remains of a staircase, its marble steps barely recognisable beyond their shape. The upper landing had sunken totally into itself, revealing only a nest of broken fibre and metal. Kad spun slowly, absorbing the entrance room, feeling what it must have been like before its ruin. The air was clean here, the smell of must still hanging to the skeleton of the building.

    ¡°Do you sense anything, pushta?¡± Bimi asked cautiously.

    ¡°No.¡± Kad said in a low voice. ¡°There''s nothing moving, at least.¡±

    From beyond the cavern, the sounds of the mountain wind dulled down to a din. A gentle breeze stirred the moss and hanging plants that had relocated to this shattered shrine to the old world, but the rest was still.

    ¡°Wait a minute, I can feel something. Somethings.¡± Kad said, scanning his head around.

    Bimi stopped and stood at attention, sniffing the air.

    ¡°Yes, yes I can too, pushta. Faint, somehow familiar.¡±

    There were traces in the air of Nexos energy, though not the familiar surge they had become accustomed to back in the city, where it was everywhere. Nexos had the power to fuel Vehicles like the shift-mobiles, trams and elevators, lights and advertisements, but it was also said to the conduit what gave those with magical abilities their power. He could feel traces of it in the wind, no less obtrusive then walking down New Spire, with its huge billboards and constant streams of movement. Here, there were fainter traces of it, leading through the other rooms, sunken into some forgotten relic.

    ¡°Let''s go this way.¡± Kad said, jerking his head towards the door on the very far left.

    Part of the wall collapsed here, but Kad was able to easily lift up the timbers, spraying a cloud of concrete dust over himself. Bimi shimmied quickly past him as he held it, before finally dropping it behind him. The room they had entered grew darker than where they had entered, and narrower. Kad could tell there were objects here, stones that radiated with Nexos. There were the remnants of display cabinets, their glass walls had grown mouldy as they lay in pieces, much of the same wood as the timbers had only just begun to show signs of decomposition. Bimi bent over, feeling the energy that drifted off of the rocks.

    ¡°What are they?¡± Kad asked.

    Bimi rubbed his chin, gingerly reaching for one, but hesitating.

    ¡°Stones with some traces of energy, yes?¡± Bimi said to himself. ¡°I have not heard of such things. Be careful not to touch them, pushta. We do not know how they might react.¡±

    Kad had swung his foot to kick at one of them, and stopped it quickly, stumbling slightly. His boots cracked at the old glass that lay by the rubble. The room ended in a doorway that was slightly askew.

    ¡°Let''s keep going.¡± He said to Bimi.

    The two crouched through the entrance and entered a much larger room. Here the light spilled down freely, illuminating a great marble statue. Kad could not recognise the form, but could feel its majesty, even under unseen starlight. It stood higher than if Bimi was on Kad''s shoulders, a great monument to a forgotten creature. Its plinth had been shattered slightly by whatever impact had sustained this place, and it wavered, leaning towards one of the ruined walls. It was once a great reptile with an open mouth, four sturdy legs and a set of great wings. Now, half a wing was missing, and scratches and weathering had worn much of the detail of the great creature. Bimi whimpered with awe, stepping cautiously closer to it. He placed a withered had towards it, and lowered it, finding a plaque on its plinth. He wiped away at the grime, and traced the writing with his fingers.

    ¡°Ah!¡± He hissed. ¡°It is not braille. I cannot read it.¡±

    ¡°No matter.¡± Kad said, stepping slowly behind him, standing in front of the forgotten creature. ¡°I can''t read that anyway.¡±

    Bimi turned around in shock.

    ¡°You never learned?¡±

    ¡°Never saw the point.¡± Kad said, stretching his back nonchalantly. ¡°Never saw the point in reading.¡±

    Bimi tsked as he stepped away.

    ¡°No, no pushta. To know how to read is to know how to learn. In my day, every Consumer knew had to read, it was mandatory!¡±

    Kad shrugged.

    ¡°If I need to know something, I''ll ask ''em, usually.¡±

    Bimi shook a finger at Kad.

    ¡°Do you know what histories Consumers have before the New Age? Hmm? Do you?¡±

    ¡°I mean, a little-¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Bimi said sternly. ¡°No you don''t. There are no records of our people in the Old Age. We have legends, yes, legends that the Mother of the Sky opened her maw on the night of red darknesses, but that was not long before the New Age.¡±

    ¡°There has to be someone. A scholar, probably.¡±

    ¡°There are no histories, none written, and little passed orally. We are a mystery, pushta, as unknown as we are feared.¡±

    Kad crossed his arms and thought about that for a second.

    I had heard the legend of the Mother giving life to us, but I always thought there was more history to it than that. I just thought I didn''t care enough to learn it.

    ¡°I have read through much that I could, my friends with sight have often translated Evean and Arcane books to me, but there is very little to tell us about where we came from, who we were, what our societies were like before Peridios.¡±

    Bimi walked away from the great statue. Elsewhere in the room were smashed tables and desks, and another door to another room. Along the walls were empty, broken frames, whose paintings had long since faded away or given themselves up to mould. Bimi stopped, wiping at his head, leaning on a large piece of rubble to rest his old legs.

    ¡°You said to me before you thought the Mother of the Sky was real, an actual person.¡± Kad said. ¡°How do you know that if there aren''t any records of us?¡±

    Bimi leant himself down slightly, bouncing on his feet to stretch his joints.

    ¡°An old book. Light of a dying world, by the Knowledge-Spirit, Eyner. It was thought to just be a story of folk-lore, but many believe it is now a document of what drove the people to New Peridios. The night of red darknesses.¡±

    Bimi allowed himself to sit down on the accumulated rocks, exhaling gratefully.

    ¡°And what?¡±

    ¡°It is there, Kad, where the first and only record I could find of a true mother to the Consumers lies. I do not remember the passage text in its entirety, but it tells of a great being, powerful, with many hungry mouths, arriving with an army of sapient creatures with mouths for heads, that could drain a man of their very being. Sounds familiar, yes?¡±

    Kad rubbed at his arms.

    ¡°You really think you''ll find out something about us here?¡±

    ¡°I would like to. To create the first and only history of the Consumer people before I pass on to the next world. That would be my dream, pushta.¡±

    Some dream. Is there really no record of us before New Peridios? How did we even end up there?

    ¡°We''ve gotta find our way out of this cave first, before we start thinking about dreams.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you are right.¡± Bimi said, pushing himself up.

    The two followed the doorway, feeling almost compelled. They could sense something else, more Nexos energy, slightly more concentrated from before. The next room they had been led into held another stairway, broken and destroyed beyond repair. Broken pieces of marble and wood were everywhere, some still resembling parts of faces and animals Kad and Bimi stepped over a fallen door that creaked under their weight, when the smell of Nexos grew stronger.

    ¡°There, can you feel it?¡± Kad asked.

    ¡°It is nearby, pushta, though I know not what it is.¡±

    The third room held figures carved out a strange, synthetic material Kad had never smelled before. Each of them were posing, though most had fallen over, and carried small traces and smells of clothes that decomposed over time. A broken glass cabinet revealed an array of rusted swords and halberds. A door to the right of the room led to another room, but the scent of energy wasn''t coming from there. There was another door on the opposite side, slightly less assailed by tiem than the others they had encountered, and closed.

    ¡°Should we check it out?¡± Kad asked, trying not to sound nervous.

    ¡°I can''t sense anything behind the door, I suppose it would not hurt.¡±

    Kad withdrew his scimitar out of instinct, and stepped towards the door, pulling at its handle. It groaned as it opened, revealing a smog of detritus. Inside was a storage room of some kind, its shelves barely standing, but inside was strange looking cleaning equipment. It was made of a different type of synthetic material, light and sleak, barely showing any damage from time. However, the two Consumer''s felt their attention be drawn to the very end of the room. Away from the fallen furniture, came the gentle caress of the energy, leading to a large black box that stood still.

    Clack.

    ¡°Its a generator. It must still be workable.¡± Kad said, remembering the generators that were buried under the ground where that silver wraith had been kept prisoner.

    ¡°But what is next to it, pushta?¡±

    Next tot eh generator was a plug thrown to the floor, leading to a thick black cable that ran a short-ways, sticking out of the chest of a black skeleton. Though, its bones were made of metal. It sat with its legs splayed, leaning against the wall. It had a rectangular face, with only two black circles for features. Layers of dust and dirt coated its exoskeleton. Its hands held only three fingers, and its blocky feet lay useless.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Kad said, smelling the air. ¡°I don''t recognise the smell.¡±

    ¡°It is a metal man, pushta. Perhaps a robot.¡±

    ¡°Robots? Out here? I thought they were illegal anyway.¡±

    ¡°Ah yes.¡± Bimi said sadly. ¡°To create a life is a deep sin, in the city. Shame to the creators for making something so sapient. Of course, a robot made after the Wendellios Act was not affected. I imagine the Old Age was full of them.¡±

    ¡°Looks like he''s out of juice. Should we plug him back in?¡±

    ¡°Maybe he could shien some light on what this place is, pushta. Or better yet, maybe he can help us out of here.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we''ll see.¡±

    I know why the Wendellios Act was passed old man, maybe it''ll just try and kill us.

    Kad clenched at his scimitar, bending towards the plug. He grabbed the rubber cord and pressed it into the slot on the generator. A whirring sound began to hum, and Kad felt the energy begin to spike. On the robots chassis was a symbol, veiled in dirt, of an orange circle with a white face within. The robots fingers began to twitch.

    ¡°Is it working?¡± Bimi asked gleefully.

    The robots black discs turned red as it opened its eyes.

 1.26-Return to glory

    CHAPTER 26 RETURN TO GLORY

    ¡°

    Just wait for it, this will be some new terror for us to contend with in these cursed caverns.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Destroyed? What do you mean?¡± He rasped.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°pushta, Bimi Enkovu. That is not my designation.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°thing is talking like its from some other planet? Or is it just programmed to be delusional?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°, although my friends call me Cato. They say it is a play on words, but I do not understand it.¡±

    ¡°Cato.¡± Kad said, exasperated. ¡°You said this couldn''t be Aerth, as it was destroyed. Where the Hel are you from then?¡±

    ¡°th</sup> Division, Aurora Company, Scouting squad C.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Cato?¡±

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°humans who are the odd ones out back in the city.¡±

    ¡°find this city and what its defensive capabilities are?¡±

    ¡°Consumers, Cato. My friend, Kad, here is right. There are hundreds of species in New Peridios, all living in harmony amongst each-other.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°th</sup> Division.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°all lost in these tunnels. We can help each-other.¡±

    ¡°non-humans.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°back to life.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°is the last thing you remember?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°terrible noise as the ship fell, and then...¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°can help you find your friends.¡± He said, strangely empathetic.

    Although we probably shouldn''t.

    ¡°

    ¡°If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°look like a cave system.¡±

    ¡°some sort of building, doesn''t look like it was supposed to be here, but we can''t tell what it was meant to be.¡±

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°Look at us, robot. You really think we can see?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Extraordinary.¡± Cato said. ¡°Just wait until Captain Maza hears about this, he will be thrilled.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°charged enough? It may be a long journey yet.¡±

    ¡°The Segadora.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Gently, pushta.¡± He warned. ¡°We may need him to escort us to safety, yes?¡±

    As if these tunnels weren''t dangerous enough. No of course, what are we saying? He is fine, its just his friends who will murder us on sight, and we''ve agreed to help him find them!

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°What was it?¡± Kad said, pulling the blade halfway out fo its sheathe.

    ¡°thing that brought down The Segadora!¡±

    ¡°That was it?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°The Emerald Storm. There''s a word next to it- Quenyata, but I don''t recognise it.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Emerald Storm? You saw this, Cato?¡± Kad asked.

    ¡°parts of it. It was colossal. I remember seeing a green shadow overwhelming us.¡±

    ¡°Green shadow?¡± Kad asked, once again confused.

    ¡°colour, pushta.¡±

    ¡°

    colour was and how it affected those with sight, but it was always a concept he could never quite grasp. He had come to learn that what he saw within energy shimmers were different colours, though they were rarely of any distinction to him.

    ¡°

    ¡°The Emerald Storm, lord of the mountains, protector of the city. There is another name by it, but I can''t make it out. Much of the next sentence is decayed beyond recognition. Then it ends; ''of the Sky-Eves''. Curious. I wonder what that means.¡±

    ¡°Sky-Eves? Is that something to do with the High-Eves?¡± Kad asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°High-Eves?¡± Cato asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°similar to humans, I suppose.¡± Bimi said stoicly. ¡°Humanoid, I should say.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°hundreds of races on this planet.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°created specifically without optical receivers?¡±

    ¡°see then with eyes.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°optical receivers for you and see how we do.¡± Kad growled.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°are from space...¡± Kad asked. ¡°How did you end up here?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°we were told. Seven or eight months ago. A great flash of white in the sky...¡±

    ¡°red.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°this world. We flew for hours before finding a series of mountains, before that great monster overtook us and downed our plane.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°pushta, Bimi Enkovu.¡± Cato said. ¡°You know this is not my designation.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°attacked us. I don''t remember what it was. I remember it was chaos and Johannes was-¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°soul, though if I have one within my mainframe, I cannot detect it.¡±

    ¡°made, Cato.¡± Bimi offered. ¡°It is something that feels and yearns for more. I have no doubt your soul is within you.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°enemies?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°war you speak of.¡± Bimi said carefully.

    ¡°

    ¡°years? Your war has been going on for over a thousand years?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°fight for?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°The Segadora. She was the funniest friend I''ve ever had, and I''ve had two!¡± Cato said with urgent excitement.

    ¡°spaceship.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°become a spaceship, if that is what you wish.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°out of here.¡± Bimi said sternly.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°inefficient.¡± Cato said with an air of distaste. ¡°Not like SCER-3147. We would often laugh about that...boy, I sure hope she survived the attack by that monster.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Nexos you gave me, I was only on charge for a few minutes, wasn''t I?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°''Our enemy, the Ska''Deen''.¡±

    ¡°Ska''Deen?¡± Kad repeated. ¡°Have you ever heard of that word before, Bimi?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Aerth.¡± Kad said, irritated.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°that?¡± Cato asked.

    ¡°

    ¡°New Peridios is a city that encompasses the entire planet? Fascinating.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°hatred, Bimi Enkovu. It is simply our law.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°law?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°wherever we want, and we will scout the universe, and when we return to our home, it will be a return to glory! Accolades, and salutations!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°free.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°, either!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Depends on whether or not they left him here five years ago, or five hundred.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°is your race?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Naika!

    ¡°alive! Naika!¡±

    ¡°Niker?¡± Cato asked.

    ¡°Quiet!¡± Kad growled, placing his palm to the floor.

    They''re tracking us!

 1.27-No time to decide

    CHAPTER 27-NO TIME TO DECIDE

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°feel them, the same ones from the cavern.¡± Kad said.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°sure, Kad Ekisziku? Until I have finished my scanning, the probability percentage of each route is currently at thirty-three-point-three-recurring.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Great, now he trusts us? After getting himself and us nearly killed in the cavern of screams?

    It''s not his fault. Things are different out here, didn''t you say so yourself?

    Oh X alive, maybe we were wrong, I can barely hear her.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°found it.¡± Kad hissed.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Its the captives from the cave!

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°they took her...¡± The High-Evean woman finished.

    ¡°

    ¡°No.¡± Came the strained reply from kad.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°pushta...¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°us, book it through that tunnel and don''t linger, got it?¡±

    ¡°

    Clack.

    Please be alive, Naika. Just hold on a little.

    ¡°

    ¡°Keep it down.¡± Kad hissed.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°please keep it down?¡± Kad growled.

    I''ll never find her with this clanking piece of crap behind me.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°legua or Astral-miles if that helps.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Why waste your time? The tin-bucket behind you told you there was an out, we should take it, not scurrying around like a rat in the walls of Spi''Ra.

    That was no home. These caverns do not reek of disease and urine as much as that place did.

    ¡°

    Naika!

    ¡°silent, okay?¡±

    ¡°help you...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± A fierce voice growled, garbled with emotion.

    I know that smell.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Won''t this woman just die already?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°You!¡± The woman shouted, pulling at Naika by the throat, choking her.

    ¡°

    ¡°your fault!¡± Ular roared. ¡°You and your tainted blood!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°that? Behind you?¡± Ular groaned through gritted teeth.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°let me go...¡± Naika urged. ¡°He won''t hurt, you I swear.¡±

    Does she speak for you now, too?

    ¡°hurt me?¡± Ular said, her hand trembling.

    ¡°possibly hurt me more than you already have?¡± She shouted, her voice sounding in the echo of the silent mountains.

    ¡°known is hurt! From you, from the priests, from everyone!¡±

    ¡°back!¡± She wailed.

    ¡°

    ¡°spider-god started before you can even blink.¡±

    ¡°betrayed us!¡±

    ¡°blood as an offering...a drink to sate an eternal thirst...¡±

    ¡°wishes  to be answered...to hurt those who hurt us...the priests at the church...¡±

    ¡°feel them...their hands...everywhere...begging me not to scream...¡±

    ¡°Raca...sweet Raca...he was so beautiful...he told me that out here, we could finally be together...but I told him it wasn''t enough...I was the one who brought them here...I''m the reason they...they...¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Children! All for her fetid cult!¡± He shouted.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°thing to the world, do not talk to me so gently!¡±

    ¡°both can realise now, that it will not lead to a path, but it is the path. There is no destination to it, only a painful trial.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Gentle Stream, it''s called, it''s not far. You can start again, with us. It''s a place for all people, even those who feel unwanted and betrayed. A place we can all help each-other, live our lives in peace.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°him, or someone like you.¡±

    ¡°right.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°never leave me, do you understand?¡±

    ¡°have my vengeance, not for me, not for Raca, but because it must be dealt!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Kad shouted, pulling at his scimitar.

    Clack!

    ¡°please...¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Kad shouted. ¡°Go to the others, tell them what happened, but stay put, we''ll come meet you shortly.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°okay.¡± She said with a bitter laugh. ¡°At least I can still hear you, I guess.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°horrible.¡± She said sadly. ¡°Do you think I can have it reattached?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°pay.¡±

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°khasha.¡± Naika said calmly. ¡°She was lost, and angry, and she took it out on us, and look where she''s at now. She''s alone, scared and scarred. That can''t be easy.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°know how to fix things. If we let her live, who knows what crap she will pull with the next people she meets? What if more people die?¡±

    ¡°

    Because we don''t want to! Because it''s too painful!

    ¡°wanted to believe you, but you wanted to, right? What happened?¡±

    Don''t listen to her! Nosy wench!

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°survive.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°warning that we could fight back.¡±

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°you?¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°something to help our people!¡± He shouted. ¡°While your grandad sits at his desk and preaches about how we all should be while we''re eating stew made from cockroaches and rat turds!¡±

    ¡°ever do.¡±

    ¡°anything, about this place, how the Guardsman really treat us.¡±

    ¡°think, Kad.¡± She said sternly.

    ¡°

    ¡°ever say something like that to me again.¡± She said, baring her teeth.

    ¡°ever wish on an enemy, including that psycho that cut off my ear for some stupid spider-god!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°good to us, Kad. Always teaching us, always protecting us.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°arrested.¡± She spat. ¡°Can you believe that? A thirteen year old girl, walking home from school got arrested. For what it was, we never knew. The official statement was that she assaulted a Guardsman. Pssh. He was Leonid, six-foot-five, great orange mane and sharp teeth, and he was trying to tell us he was assaulted by a Consumer girl with flowers in her head-wraps. Do you know what they did with her?¡±

    ¡°Braddock''s Dungeon.¡±

    Braddock''s? Surely not, that''s only the place for the worst of the worst...

    ¡°

    ¡°anything!¡± Naika snapped.

    ¡°imagine what they did to poor Keidi. They weren''t put with the other prisoners, they were locked in a room and left to rot at the mercy of the guards. My poppo, bless him, he never stopped trying to help her, calling in every favour, canvassing every politician, but I knew it wasn''t enough.¡±

    ¡°you do?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°was stupid. I didn''t give myself time to plan or observe anything, I just...I just kind of went for it.¡±

    ¡°how? It sounds impossible...¡±

    ¡°not easy.¡±

    This all sounds so implausible, don''t buy into this, Kad.

    ¡°slowly, keeping to the shadows. Eventually, I realised she was on the very first floor, and that''s where I found her.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°out?¡±

    ¡°still...I couldn''t move. I sat by her for hours, even after the other girls returned. None of them tried to talk to me, and I just didn''t move. After a while, I don''t know how long, we were released. I was lucky. Very lucky. It was a stupid plan, and I didn''t think it through, but poppo and the other parents raised enough of a fuss that the girls were released, and I was too. They didn''t realise that I  wasn''t the consumer girl they imprisoned.¡±

    ¡°Please tell me he got what he deserved.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°some compensation to atone for their evil actions, but because of me, she died anyway and we didn''t get a penny in return.¡±

    ¡°really like. I know how the world treats us, and how there''s no fighting back against it. That''s all I wanted to do, but I felt so powerless. Poppo tried to console me, but the anger never really faded. Even now, telling you this, I can feel it, like a caged animal inside of me trying to let loose, but I won''t let it. I can''t, not for myself, Keidi or my grandfather. I won''t.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Maybe we were wrong.

 1.28-Ultimatums do not come with warnings

    CHAPTER 28 ULTIMATUMS DO NOT COME WITH WARNINGS

    ¡°Muymumm!¡± He cried.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°witch, what she did to us...kidnapping us...maiming my muymum...¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Remember when it was just us? So peaceful, so quiet.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°what?¡± She asked sharply, her words slapping his cheek.

    ¡°help out.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Time for us to think about what our next move is, too.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    We don''t need her, don''t listen to her.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    As soon as we find what they are looking for we leave, right?

    Why can''t we give them a chance? What has this isolation brought us?

    We don''t need them, Kad. We never needed anyone.

    Maybe we were brought to them for a reason, maybe it''s time to stop running.

    They will hurt you Kad. They always do.

    Do not think about the girl. She will use you, cast you aside.

    Stop.

    You''re a killer, Kad. If not then, you are now. She will see it. You will think you are doing the right thing-

    Shut up.

    And she will see you for what you are. It is inescapbale. You were not meant for companionship. Or love.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Leave him to it. Only the strong survive.

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Great, another sermon from a boring old man who thinks he knows the world. See what you''ve gotten us into now?Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    I can see her. The light dancing around her body, her smile.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°If we are to find ourselves in more dire situations, Kad, then perhaps it is time I showed you them.¡±

    ¡°fight?¡±

    ¡°hungry. It was not just the great losses I have felt that made me who I am. It was a willingness to learn.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°never too late to change one''s ways, pushta.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Feed me Kad.

    ¡°

    What are you waiting for? Feed me!

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°This is Gentle Stream?¡± He said mockingly, hearing the small trickle of water beside him.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    We should go, now, before anything begins.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    My brother...please...can you...?

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Liar!¡± Luisante shouted, ripping his silver sword from the sheath.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°please!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°killed them?¡± The Gorillon asked sadly.

    ¡°

    ¡°Len...¡±

    ¡°Let them kill me?¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°did tell me to give you this.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    You should send him to his brother. Feed off of him while you can, no use leaving an enemy behind.

    ¡°Go, now!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°Leave!¡± He shouted.

    ¡°

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Luis shouted. ¡°Self-defence or no, you murdered my brother. Leave now before I kill you.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°safe. How can we feel safe with you people around?¡±

    ¡°isn''t a murderer, he was just protecting himself.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°killer least of all.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°stop talking about him!¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°He is not.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    I told you, Kad, how many times must I tell you?

    ¡°

    Leave her, there are plenty more like her in the world.

    ¡°

    ¡°Gentle Stream.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°killed his younger brother. I can still feel the last of his breath on my cheek, smell his blood in the dirt. No matter what I say, or what I do, he will never be able to see past that. I''ll always be the guy who killed his family.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    She never cared about you Kad. You were ust useful to her. Suck it up and move on.

    Move on? After losing all of our gold and supplies, we won''t even get paid for all that nonsense.

    There are always other obs. Just have to keep moving. Always.

    We don''t need anyone. Never have, never will.

    No, not out here, please Mother-In-the-sky, not here!

    Naika, Bimi!

    What are you doing? What are you doing? What are you doing, Kad?

    What have they done?

    Who are these people?

    ¡°Kad!¡± Someone screamed.

    Kad, watch out!

    ¡°Thou art foolish.¡± Said a low voice with a strange accent.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°doth speak''th our tongue? Tell me then first, what business have you in our mountain? Where did ye appear from? And what monstrosity did you curse upon our kingdom?¡±

    ¡°escape.¡±

    ¡°you people? What do you want from us?¡±

    ¡°

    new captors was matching and sinister.

    ¡°

    ¡°what?¡± Luisante asked.

    ¡°

 1.29- Cauterised wounds

    CHAPTER 29 CAUTERISED WOUNDS

    Captured. Again. How many times is this now?

    The prisoners were bound together with thick, vine-like rope. The Gorillon and Lupine were at the front, with the Consumers following, then Luisante and the family of crying children, then the rest following. Cato was still offline, dragged by one of the strange figures who led them back towards the mountain. From under the hoods, each of them was seen to have the curious red and blue pigmentation on the same halves of their bodies. Each of them carried two swords, and none were similar. The strange energies oozed from their bodies, as the bound Consumers were trudged along to the mountain.

    Their captors brought them to a steep curtain of rock where the other mountains dissapeared from view, flanked by outcrops of rock and forest. The wall was strangely smooth, with a set of crude stairs carved up towards it. To the untrained eye, it was blank, plain stone that was suspiciously smooth, but Kad could feel ancient arcane writings at work. If one were trained to see, they would be able to see carved symbols that melded with the rough scales of the mountainous hide. The scars were unseen glyphs and symbols, and as the Capitan alone walked towards it, he placed a red hand in the centre.

    As he did, Kad could feel the purple energy swirling towards each of the cloaked figure''s palms. He placed his blue hand by it next, and the unseen runes glowed. A dull violet barely visible under the veil of sunlight. The birds chattered and the stream trickled, and soon the earth began to move. The face of the mountain began to rumble and tremble, reminding Kad of the metal doors beneath the earth he had encountered a life-time ago. With a tremendous crack, the wall of rock split, becoming gargantuan doors that opened, and once more, his party was escorted into the mountain.

    ¡°Rangers return''th!¡± A deep voice cried out from within.

    The sharp smell of damp rock once again reared its head, as the captives stumbled over the rocks. Bimi held on strong, but his old legs were failing him. Next to him, Naika held her head down, her teeth gritted, but a determined sense of willpower stored within her chest. The group was escorted into a large stone atrium, filled with wooden structures and bridges. Blades of light sliced their way into the stony halls, slits unseen from the outside had been carved into the mountain. Kad could hear stunned whispers and cautious chattering, feeling so much of the strange energy, he was under threat of being overwhelmed. Over fifty of the strange Calistan people were here, his vision becoming a distorted kaleidoscope unlike anything he had ever felt before. Many bore the same smell as the rangers who captured them; damp robes and wild dirt. There were other sensations though, perfumes and noble outfits, and even smaller deposits of the same energies that could be children. All were watching, all mesmerised by the new prisoners. The Capitan brought them to the centre of the hall, and before them was a set of ornate walls carved into the stone, with a second set of stone gates, already opened.

    ¡°Rangers return''th.¡± He called out again, this time to a guard on the wall.

    The guards were adorned in strange metal and leathers, wearing something that was a cross between a coif and a half-helm, wielding terrifying, serrated pole-axes. The guard nodded at the Capitan, eyeing the prisoners curiously.

    ¡°Send word to the Judicator.¡± The Capitan called. ¡°Tell him it is of the utmost urgency.¡±

    ¡°It will be done.¡± The guard called back.

    More of the Calistan people came to watch them, entering through the gates. Inside, they saw buildings of stone, but some were altered with strange, anomalous materials. No buildings were identical, many houses and structures were built roughly, with slanting windows or roofs, no order or delicacy had been instrumental in their placement or construction. The Capitan and his rangers led the prisoners through.

    ¡°What is this place?¡± Luisante asked, half with anger, the other fear. ¡°Where are you taking us?¡±

    ¡°This is Drezwi.¡± The Capitan answered, not looking back. ¡°Soon thou will meet with the Judicator, who guides us in the teachings of The System.¡±

    Kad could feel the familiar air-flow from the tunnels. There were dozens placed around the cavern, leading deeper into the mountains, presumably to where the Sect of the Spider had led them before. He tried not to remember the cavern of screams and horror, but he could hear them through the caves. The sounds of cultists begging for their mothers and gods, the roar of the monstrosity.

    This is the last time. The last time I will ever be captured again.

    He tightened his fists against the vines that bound his wrists. The street they were led through was packed with the Calistan, children and women, all afraid but curious.

    ¡°This is your city?¡± Luisante asked.

    Finally, the Capitan looked back.

    ¡°This is our Outpost in the mountain of Samaragard. Our home-land lies elsewhere.¡±

    ¡°Just what are you going to do with us?¡± The Satyr asked, trying and failing to mask his fear with bravado.

    ¡°Thou trespass in our lands, yet thou fate is uncertain. The System guides, yet they are few''th enough who are trained to dispense thy judgement.¡±

    ¡°Who is this Judicator? What does he want with us.¡±

    ¡°Thou will see.¡± The Capitan said with an unsettling grin.

    *****

    The captives were brought into a town square of sorts. The buildings converged around a stone platform, barely raised, big enough for the population of the outpost to be mustered in. Around it, two large statues were made of Calistan ancestors, each with a different pose. Between them, was a stone plinth on a raised section accessible by stone-steps. The captors mustered the group of confused adults and crying children into the centre. The crowds assembled to gawk at them, as the rangers stood nearby, waiting. The robot, Cato, was dumped unceremoniously in front of them. As soon as his metallic head hit the ground, his red eyes flashed open.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Cato said, turning online. ¡°Is it morning already?¡±

    The robot''s eyes shuttered in a blink, as he turned to study his new surroundings and company, noticing that his arms and legs had been bound together.

    ¡°We have moved? What did I miss?¡±

    His group of comaptriots remained silent, waiting anxiously for this Judicator to arrive. Cato studied the people, and recoiled his head.

    ¡°Oh no.¡± He said, almost in a panic. ¡°Bimi Enkovu! Kad Ekisziku! We are in trouble, big trouble!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we noticed.¡± Kad said grimly, showing Kad his binds.

    ¡°No, you don''t understand!¡± Cato said urgently.

    From somewhere in the crowd, they was a calling of a deep voice, and the people began to shift and part as someone made their way past. Cato looked at Kad with desperate eyes.

    ¡°These are the ones who attacked us, after we fell from the Segadora!¡± Cato''s robotic voice had been infected with fear. ¡°The flashes of red, the chaotic blues and purples...I remember it.¡±

    Kad gulped heavily as the crowd parted to allow a figure flanked by guards. He too was of the Calistan, though there was something different about this one. He carried a nobility to him and a reverence that was hard to place.

    ¡°Make way for the Judicator!¡± One of the guards called.

    The Judicator stood at average height for the Calistan surrounding them, at just over six-foot, but still taller than many of the captives before him. He stood proudly, and was dressed in a way to separate himself from the rest of the herd. His light hair was almost white, tied up neatly and raised high up his head. On his face he wore a veil of white and gold, with an amulet of three jewels draped along his chest, a ruby, a topaz and a sapphire. His fine cloak was shabbily stitched together like the rest of his people''s clothes, but of finer quality. It was of a luxurious burgundy and a deep violet, his robes were a patch-work of green and brown. Most notable, was his skin, for although it was the same red and blue pigmentation, each part of his body had apparently been marked with white symbols embedded into his flesh. No symbol was the same from his forehead to the back of his hands. He lifted his veil, and revealed a face unmarked by either youth or age, his orange eyes burning fiercely. He stepped forward and the crowd hushed, many fo which bowed at his very presence.

    ¡°Your eminence.¡± The Capitan said, bowing his head too. ¡°We found''th the culprits who summoned the Daem from within the cave.¡±

    At the mention of The Daem, hushed whispers flared and burned throughout the crowds. The Judicator studied the group closely, revealing no thought through his eyes.

    ¡°Well sought, Capitan.¡± The Judicator said in a plain voice. ¡°Do they speak''th?¡±

    ¡°Yeah we speak!¡± The Gorrilon shouted angrily.

    Small gasps appeared from the group that surrounded them. Even the Judicator betrayed a look of brief surprise.

    ¡°You speak''th our tongue?¡± He asked. ¡°From where''th do thy come?¡±

    ¡°We''re from the city.¡± The Silver-Dvergr said, his haggard, tired eyes were red and watery.

    Kad could hear the rumblings of people asking which city, wondering if it was their own.

    ¡°From New Peridios.¡± Bimi said with a croaking voice. ¡°Across the sea.¡±

    ¡°The sea? There are none who come from the sea.¡± The Judicator said.

    He turned and began to ascend the stone steps, taking the seat at the top of the mound, and resting easily.

    ¡°It has been many centuries since other people have spotted in our lands. You are not the Eves of the Sky, are thy not?¡±

    Nervously, the High-Evean woman felt people staring at her, and began to shift.

    ¡°This city of yours, if there are more like you there, than why have we not seen of heard from any in this time?¡±

    ¡°We didn''t think there were lands like this either.¡± Luisante added. ¡°Not until the flash of light in the sky.¡±

    At this, the Calistan began to murmur excitedly. The Judicator leaned forward in his chair.

    ¡°Thou saw''th this?¡±

    ¡°The whole city did.¡± Luisante answered.

    The crowds murmured and the Judicator relaxed in his chair, a king on a throne. He clicked his fingers together, and within the crowd, a servant filled a chrome goblet with the contents of a flagon, and hurried to the steps. She climbed them nimbly and offered it to the Judicator, who took it without looking at her. He swirled the contents of the cup, an amused smile on his lips.

    ¡°Tell me of this city, outlanders. You appear''th a motley group. Who does thou bow to?¡±

    ¡°We have no king.¡± Bimi answered stoicly. ¡°Our city was all that was known to us, for four thousand years. Each race was said to have journeyed there after a great calamity.¡±

    More whispers rushed through the outpost. The Judicator bared his teeth in a rueful smile.

    ¡°Four thousand years thou say''th?¡± He said leaning forwards. ¡°A curious number. Our ancients tell that was the time of The Daem, when the world was rushed with great evil that cleansed the lands in a flood of fury and fire, leaving only us. The Calistan survived, as it was, and so it shall be.¡±

    He raised his goblet, and the crowd repeated his words.

    ¡°As it was, so it shall be.¡± They chorused.

    The Judicator took the goblet and swallowed the contents in a single gulp before placing it back onto the tray the servant held, and she hurried back down the stairs and was swallowed in the crowd of scarlet and blue.

    ¡°I find thou to be most intriguing, creature. The old tomes tell of a Daem with two mouths that devoured magic, a terrible threat our ancestors fought against.¡±

    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    Kad and Naika straightened up, heat flooding to both of their faces.

    ¡°We are Consumers, oh lord.¡± Bimi said with great enunciation. ¡°We are a peaceful people, though our origins are unknown even to us.¡±

    Kad heard Luisante snort angrily, scuffing his boots on the ground. The Judicator smiled greedily.

    ¡°A curiosity, is what thou are.¡± He said indignantly. ¡°Here in the company of other curiosities. Tell''th me, what brings thou into our lands?¡±

    ¡°We are from a settlement. Gentle Stream, outside of the mountain range.¡± The Gorillon said, trying to mask his anxiety.

    ¡°Thou come''th from a city, yet wish to settle our lands?¡± The Judicator asked, worry creeping into his face.

    ¡°These lands our new to us.¡± The Evean follower of Luisante said. ¡°Ever since the flash-¡±

    ¡°The flash of light was our sign.¡± The Judicator said bitterly. ¡°A sign from the Demiurge. A coming of a new age.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The Evean said, gulping. ¡°That''s what our people thought so, too.¡±

    ¡°Be silent.¡± The Judicator said angrily. ¡°We welcome thou''s company into the sacred walls of Dwrezi, but we will not allow a Rugta-Wrog to speak in open forum.¡±

    Angry murmurs surged through the onlookers, their angry stares turned to the two Eves in their party.

    ¡°For milleania, the victorious Calistan have stood as supreme rulers of the mountain passes, and where are the Rugta''Wrog now? Vanished, barely traces and whispers left behind, the scars of bitter wars have healed the world, cauterised wounds in the earth that only few can see. To let thy kind speak, is an insult to our ancestors.¡±

    Angry cheers and insults flew from the crowd, an ignited army who fanned their flames onto an old, supposed enemy. Cato noticed this, and whirled his mechanical head around, before turning to Kad and Bimi.

    ¡°Kad Ekisziku, Bimi Enkovu, I believe now we have seen records of these people. On the walls of the destroyed building in the mountain, the ones called the Ska''Deen.¡±

    Suddenly, the anger turned electric, as the Calistan hissed through their teeth, curses and expletives coursing through them. The Judicator turned angrily to the robot.

    ¡°How dare''th thou say that word here!¡± He roared. ¡°Not for four-thousand years have we have heard that curse. The bitter name the Rugta-Wrog spat at us!¡±

    ¡°I apologise for any offence our friend has said-¡± Bimi offered, worried.

    ¡°Offence? I only recall the name they were given.¡± Cato said naively.

    Shouts and jeers were thrown at them, and the group found themselves shrinking in their shackles. The Judicator stood from his throne.

    ¡°I, the sole Judicator of Drezwi, Subruksui of house Piesca, deem these trespassers colluders of the forgotten enemies of the Calistan. Thou enter our sanctified lands and speak dark words within our halls. In repayment for the kindness of sparing your lives and offering thou a chance to speak for thyselves in judicial forum, I can only sentence thy to death.¡±

    A chill crept through the spines of each captive, as increased shouts were thrown at them. The Consumers, stood tall, while the rest of the captives looked to Luisante, who only snarled. People cheered at Judicator Piesca, whose angry grin was that of a predator staring at livestock.

    ¡°It is what the Demiurge demands!¡± The Judicator shouted.

    Naika turned to Kad, her determination slowly fading. Kad could hear the almost-silent fidgeting of her hands on the thorny vines, trying desperately to unhook them.

    ¡°Wait.¡± He breathed to her.

    Wait for an opening. Find the right time to strike.

    She stopped suddenly, his voice almost drowned out by the demands of the Calistan peoples. Judicator Piesca soaked in the adoring shouts of his folk as if it were wine, his smile growing drunker by the second. The Capitan of the scouts who had captured them stepped forwards, awaiting orders. The Judicator looked to his soldier proudly.

    ¡°Capitan Tievs.¡± He spoke loudly, trying to rise above the shouting crowd. ¡°Thou have served the Demiurge with honour. Thou spared their lives, and I charge thee with taking them, as the system demands.¡±

    Capitan Tieves bowed his head, placing a fist over his chest.

    ¡°Thy will be done, Judicator.¡± He said solemnly, before turning to the rest of his scouting party.

    Before he could issue an order, Naika stepped forwards, boldly.

    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± She called out, drowned out by the shouts. ¡°Wait!¡±

    No, what is she doing?

    Some of the jeers began to drown out, as disgusted looks were thrown at her, but the Judicator smiled mockingly at her.

    ¡°Thou wishes to appeal?¡± He said, almost irritably. ¡°If thou is truly one of the devourers, then thou deserves purging more than the Rutga-Wrog. There is no appealing against the system.¡±

    ¡°Then tell us of this system.¡± Naika pleaded through gritted teeth. ¡°If it is a system of laws, then surely-¡±

    Before she could finish her sentence, she was drowned with mocking laughter and gasps of disbelief. Many faces of shock were turned back to Judicator Piesca.

    ¡°The Demiurge is unknown to thee?¡± He said, barely daring to believe it himself. ¡°Thou would admit to being a heathen on top of thy crimes?¡±

    ¡°We follow the teachings of Voss Nova.¡± The Evean woman said. ¡°The true teachings, not like those blasphemers from the cave.¡±

    Judicator Piesca recoiled slightly.

    ¡°Voss Nova? The Rugta''Wrog deity is still worshipped in thy city?¡± He said with a mocking laugh. ¡°A false idol. Superstition. Only those of lesser races would still believe in such things.¡±

    Derisive laughter flared within the crowds behind them.

    ¡°What thou say''th intrigues me though. Who were these blasphemers you speak of?¡±

    ¡°They said they were missionaries for Voss Nova, but they weren''t.¡± The Silver-Dvergr said desperately. ¡°They tricked us, wanted to sacrifice us for some sort of daemon.¡±

    As shocked whispers reverberated, one of the Calistan rangers stepped forwards.

    ¡°''Twas no Daem, your Eminence.¡± She said. ¡°''Twas a dark spirit, one of the Totems of the old age.¡±

    Shock filled the Judicators eyes.

    ¡°A Totem? More faerie tales and myth.¡± He said, battling the belief in his voice.

    The Capitan said nothing, but peered curiously at his captives.

    ¡°A great spider it was.¡± The Silver Dvergr said with great fear. ¡°Horrible. Killed ''em all. She wanted to sacrifice us to it, take our blood.¡±

    He paused and turned a bladed stare at Kad.

    ¡°But she took his instead.¡± He said with no hidden malice. ¡°His blood poisoned it, turned it feral. We only just escaped, we didn''t want to trespass, we were captured then as we are now. Please, let us go, at least our children.¡±

    The Judicator stroked his chin, amused.

    ¡°It is as they say, Judicator.¡± The Capitan finally said in a low voice. ¡°We arrived as the beast grew whole. We wounded the creature, yet it may survive.¡±

    The Judicator smirked, chuckling lightly.

    ¡°I see.¡± He said, throwing a smug look over the crowd.

    Finally, he stood, raising a hand towards his audience.

    ¡°Seal the tunnels leading to the cave immediately. The passage is lost until further notice.¡± He called out. ¡°As for our visitors, I believe it is clear what course The System provides.¡±

    Slowly, Judicator Piesca began to descend the stairs.

    ¡°The Demiurge calls for balance. As Calistan, it is our humble honour to enforce it. An evil act must be responded with a kind act.¡±

    He reached the bottom and stood before the group, his eyes firmly on Kad.

    ¡°A death in exchange for life.¡±

    Luisante''s group began to struggle, but the rangers and guards subdued them quickly, holding them firmly. The other captives, seemingly, had lost their will to resist.

    ¡°The way I judge it, our people rescued thou. A good act, and now the scales are tipped. To balance them, a death must be repaid.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second.¡± Naika shouted amidst the cries of the arousing crowd.

    ¡°Your time for an audience has passed, Devourer.¡± The female ranger snarled.

    The Judicator, however, was intrigued.

    ¡°Judgement has been passed, but last words may be spoken yet.¡± He said, eyeing her curiously.

    ¡°I wish to understand the Demiurge, before sentence is given.¡± She said defiantly.

    Slowly, the surrounding struggle began to ease off, and all eyes were now on the strange, grey woman with two sets of teeth.

    ¡°What is it thou wishes to understand?¡± Piesca asked.

    ¡°A good act for an evil act, you say?¡± She asked as the Judicator nodded.

    ¡°What of it?¡±

    ¡°If it is a good act to save us, then an evil act must follow, that is surely death, correct?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    ¡°So why save us at all? Would it not have been better to let us die to that creature?¡±

    ¡°Neutrality is the life-blood of the Demiurge.¡± The Judicator said with authority. ¡°If one must act in a way, it should be as to not disrupt the balance. If one does, however, then it must be answered.¡±

    ¡°But if it is a neutral act to leave us to die, would that also not be evil?¡±

    The Judicator looked stunned for a second, unused to having people question his judgement.

    ¡°An evil act, to let nature take its course? Absolutely not. Thou are pleading to a Judicator, girl. I have studied and trained in the laws of The Demiurge, and my say is final.¡±

    ¡°Know your place, Outlander.¡± The ranger spat.

    ¡°You have decided that would be neutral, and your say is final.¡± Naika said, raising her head. ¡°Yet we say, if we were left to die, it would be an evil act. Your rangers saved us, and we are thankful. A good act. Yet, after that, we were captured by them. An evil act.¡±

    A stilted hush grew over the crowd, and all eyes turned tot he Judicator. None of the Calistan dared to speak.

    ¡°We spared your lives.¡± The ranger said with spit flying out from her lips. ¡°Gnas''tui, we should have killed them, for The Demiurge.¡±

    The Judicator''s servo''s behind his brain were firing off rapidly. His lips moved up and down, but no words came out.

    Mother-in-the-sky, keep that girl quiet or we''ll die before we can even think about escape!

    ¡°I would say, that capturing us has appeased your system enough. There is no need to kill us, for then a good act will be needed to reset your system, am I correct?¡±

    All eyes began to burn into Piesca. Sweat was forming beneath his nose.

    ¡°No-that is, that is not-¡±

    ¡°You have prized captives now, Judicator.¡± She said, bowing her head respectfully. ¡°Accept our lives as payment for being saved, and we will serve you honourably.¡±

    The Calistan gave meek noises of agreement behind her, some shrugged.

    ¡°No, she doesn''t speak for us!¡± Luisante growled.

    ¡°You would rather die, outlander?¡± The Capitan sneered.

    ¡°I would rather die free than live as a slave.¡± He murmured.

    The children whimpered, the youngest beginning to cry exhausted tears once more.

    ¡°What say thou, Capitan?¡± The Judicator asked with a slight quake to his voice.

    The Capitan looked at Luisante venomously, but gave the others a more compassionate glance.

    ¡°They would be more useful in life than in death, your eminence, as long as thou believes The System to be sated. A boon to send to your father, perhaps?¡±

    A spark flickered behind the Judicator''s eyes at the notion.

    ¡°Curiosities to be displayed back home at Svari? Yes, I find that agreeable.¡±

    Kad released his breath, suddenly aware he had been holding it in for some time. The Judicator stood forwards and addressed his people.

    ¡°Let it be known.¡± He shouted. ¡°That Judicator Subruksui Piesca declares the outlanders lives for the Calistan. They will serve, both here and at Svari, their lives, servitude and gratitude, in exchange for their deaths being prevented.¡±

    The crowd applauded, and Piesca bathed in his own glory. With a wave of his hand, several of Piesca''s personal guard came through. Their armour was heavier than the majority of the guard''s, gold and white half helms, plates and gauntlets were fitted over grey and white robes. Long pole-axes were in their hands, which they banged in unison on the stone floor.

    The rangers and guards grabbed the outlander''s by their arms and forced them up with a struggle, as the crowds began to disperse. Kad tried to resist, but much of his strength had been depleted. From amidst the rancour, there was shouting from the gate, calling for guards, and the Capitan hurried away quickly. The captives were marched out of the square and past the strange, unique buildings. A black-smith ahd been built onto a platform, with great sweeping stairs and a mouth-like orifice that belches smoke. A storage hall had been affixed with stone and wooden spikes over its skin to prevent thieves, leaving it as a rocky porcupine. The stone beneath their feet was uneven and callous, and Kad felt his legs buckle, stumbling.

    ¡°Get out of my way!¡± A voice shouted behind him.

    He felt a boot collide with his ribs sternly, emptying his lungs further. He lurched onto the ground, out of the guard''s grip, and writhed on the ground as the boot struck him again.

    ¡°You stupid son of a-¡±

    ¡°Stop!¡± A guard yelled.

    Before another kick could be delivered, Luisante was grabbed by a second guard, and begin to write and wriggle, a guttural gurgle emanating from the back of his throat.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± The Judicator said, forcing his way through the rabble.

    Kad tried to answer, but the only thing that threatened to leave his neck was bile.

    ¡°Just kill me!¡± Luisante shouted, distraught. ¡°Or him! I won''t be a slave, and I certainly won''t be a slave with a killer!¡±

    ¡°What is thou saying?¡± Judicator Piesca asked, confused. ¡°After the girl saved thy life, you would throw it away so carelessly? Is this not your comrade?¡±

    Luisante spat on the ground at the notion.

    ¡°Not really.¡± Kad wheezed, struggling onto his elbows.

    ¡°If thou would throw thy lives away so willingly, so be it.¡± The Judicator said mournfully. ¡°Or better yet...¡±

    A brief flash of delight twisted at Piesca''s face.

    ¡°What better way to serve the Demiurge? A contest between the two?¡±

    The intrigued crowd began to murmur once more, excitement growing.

    ¡°One will live, and one will die. Fate will be your own Judicator.¡±

    The crowd began to cheer, and Luisante were picked up and carried away.

    *****

    The proving grounds were close-by, into a darker part of the cavern where no natural light dare trespass. Torches were placed along a stone wall, and the pit below was marked by thousands of sword-swings and mishaps. The walls were engraved with ancient warriors and legends, chipped away by time. At the gates, were two larger statues of Calistan on either side. Each held a shield, and one had their right hand to the ceiling, the other, his left. As the captives were brought to it, two of the Judicator''s guards stepped forwards. One raised his right hand, red energy coursing, the other his opposing hand, blue energy surging. A brief flicker of magical particles corresponded in each palm, and was quickly launched into the open palms of the statue. The one on the left was caught by the blue beam, and a fire sparked, but one that the watching outlanders had never seen before. It glowed an ethereal white, with blue crackles and sparkles. The opposite side, the flame flashed a thousand different colours in a single second before burning into a gentle, luminescent fire, that changed and danced quicker than the eye could detect.

    ¡°Prepare the fighters.¡± The Judicator called out to his entourage.

    Kad was taken roughly away from the other Consumers, willing to struggle, but unwilling to spare any more energy.

    This is it. Time to send the bastard to meet his brother.

    The two combatants were taken past the wall and to a set of cages that emerged from the floor. The bars were made of a curious, white material, almost like bone, but colder and harder. Luisante was shoved in first, his shoulder colliding with the dusty ground, then Kad, debris and dirt spraying into the fine fibres of his cloak. The gate was shut behind them, as Kad could feel the energies of the other Consumers being pushed up a set of stairs and into the viewing platform, where the inhabitants of Drezwi began to excitedly fill. Immediately, Luisante scooted himself away from Kad like a turbulent child, resting his head on the solid bars. Kad spat onto the ground.

    Pathetic.

    Through all the scents of sweat and metal, was the ever rising smell of blood from the sandy circle. The proving ground was no Colosseum, the walls standing twelve foot high, with the ramparts of the walls filled with guards and now the gawking onlookers of the mountain outpost. The walls formed a ring with a large, square viewing platform filled with chairs for the social elite to watch their soldiers practise and be evaluated. Kad edged back to the stone wall behind him, and gently rested his head, drowning out the din of the arena. He breathed in deeply, but soon the echoing of Luisante''s laboured, angry breath was eclipsing any notion of peace he could muster. From beyond the arena the rocky wall deepened, and Kad could feel the faint trails of a breeze that betrayed a cavern behind it. He shuddered, listening to the excited chatter, feeling fear among them. Luisante''s group were forced onto the knees next to the Judicator, and Kad could sense their trembling nerves as they waited. Next tot eh cage were stoic city guards, and even they tapped their fingers on their pole-axes with excitement.

    Seems we''ve caused an uproar. The whole city is getting ready for us to each-other while our friends watch on.

    Kad didn''t need to be able to see Luisante to know he wasn''t looking at him. His brown eyes were knives, digging into the sandy floor, waiting to feel the warmth of Kad''s blood as it drained into the dirt.

    Fat chance it will be mine. I didn''t come this far to be slain by some angry Vulpine as hundreds of aliens watch me.

    Kad gritted his teeth, tightening his muscles. Much of his strength had been depleted, but he had enough left to kill the vengeful brother. He imagined himself gutting Luisante. Lying on the floor like Len, gasping for his brother, thousands of miles from home.

    Clack.

    Kad rolled his head. Something sank underneath him. Suddenly the vengeful hatred emanating towards him no longer brought him anger. It began to hurt.

    If this is it for one of us, we should say something.

    Kad turned his head, pulling back his lips, but the words did not come.

    Don''t be stupid. He wants to kill us, we want to kill him. This is the way it is.

    Clack.

    Does it have to be though?

    ¡°Hey.¡± Kad croaked. ¡°For what it''s worth, I''m sorry about your-¡±

    ¡°Don''t even say it.¡± Luis snapped.

    Kad chuckled darkly.

    ¡°''Course. Why talk to me when all you''re thinking about is killing me?¡±

    Luis did not reply, still resting his held on the cold metal. The din continued to grow.

    ¡°You ever thought about what it would be like if it were the other way around? If you killed my brother, but he and a bunch of his friends attacked you first? What do you do in that situation? Let yourself die just so some stranger''s brother can live and they can take your stuff? Would you do that?¡±

    Again, there was only silence.

    ¡°You never even thought about what it''s like for me. For us. Hated wherever we go, called killers and thieves even as we''re stripped of any right any other person and Sape gets. Its no wonder, is it? Why us Consumers have to fall to desperate means to survive. We don''t have any other option.¡±

    ¡°Doesn''t matter the reason.¡± Luisante growled. ¡°You''re still killers and thieves.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Kad spat. ¡°That''s the kind of response I''d expect from some rich kid in fancy clothes. Like you and your brother ever had to struggle to survive.¡±

    ¡°You don''t know what you''re talking about.¡± Luisante snarled, anger growing in his veins.

    ¡°Right.¡± Kad said, knocking his head lightly against the wall again. ¡°I''m sure it was so hard when daddy dearest didn''t give you the attention you felt you needed, you''re only friend was his Zwipe card.¡±

    Luis snarled, finally turning to Kad to meet him with tired, hate-filled eyes.

    ¡°We grew up in the Lynchlands. Why would I be coming over here if I had everything I wanted back at the city?¡±

    Kad shrugged.

    ¡°The same reason as why every other rich kid came over here. Hoping to find themselves and prove their worth.¡± He said with a mocking disdain.

    Luisante turned, stung.

    ¡°My father spent his entire life servign those people. Working for those Vampyric aristocrats-the Trandafirs, in that big fancy hotel of theirs. Six days a week, he would be their server and butler, attending their lavish parties and serving food, for twenty-six years, and when his back was too broken to continue, they sacked him, turned their back on him. I''m not one of those people.¡±

    Kad scoffed.

    ¡°Yet you still dress like them. Even without looking at you, I can smell the difference between a fine jacket and a cheap, dirty one.¡±

    ¡°Len was the one who wanted to be like them.¡± Luis said sadly. ¡°Dad would bring us to some of the parties, sometimes, before we were too old to care for ourselves. Len was mesmerised by them. The clothes, the air of importance. The arrogance. He always thought that the only way to not be looked down by them was to become one.¡±

    Luisante''s gaze drifted away to memories of ancient memories of pained times. Before Kad could respond with some snarky remark, a new chorus of noise arose. Kad could feel familiar energies joining the captives.

    That smell, that dark presence...

    Before the Judicator, Capitan Tievs threw down a new captive his rangers had found, and his smile was that of a predator. The moping, murmuring woman landed on her face, unable to move, shaking with sobs. Naika and Bimi hissed and turned from her.

    ¡°Another from the cavern, your eminence.¡± The Capitan spoke. ¡°Whom we believe to be the instigator of the dark totemic presence.¡±

    ¡°What is thy name?¡± Judicator Piesca asked with an amused smile.

    Spider-scar.

    Ular shook and sobbed in her binds, drool forming by the tusks at her top lip.

    Clack.

    ¡°Can''t that woman ever die?¡± Kad muttered.

    Luisante scoffed.

    ¡°Another one you want to kill, consumey?¡±

    ¡°I don''t want to kill anyone.¡± Kad admitted.

    ¡°But you will.¡±

    ¡°If I have to.¡±

    With a signal, the guards opened the gates, a hand thrown in and grabbed Kad''s cloak, dragging him out of the cage and onto his feet. He was pushed forwards into the middle of the arena, and Luisante was too, too tired to resist. They were placed in front of each-other, and the guards used a knife to cut the vines that bound them. Kad massaged his wrists as their blades were thrown before them. Kad looked up to Lusiante.

    ¡°For what it''s worth, I am sorry about your brother.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    The two grabbed their swords, and prepared for combat.

 1.30-Came out swinging

    CHAPTER 30 CAME OUT SWINGING

    No hesitation this time, Kad.

    Don''t watch this, Naika. Better to see me die than become everything I told you I wasn''t.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    No hesitations.

    ¡°Begin

    ¡°

    He moves unlike any other we''ve fought before, got to wait for the right moment-

    ¡°Kad!¡±

    Now!

    ¡°

    Don''t hold back, Kad, not like you did with-

    ¡°

    Show him.

    Show him who you are.

    Show him the monster you are!

    Clac-

    ¡°

    Send him, Kad, show...him...

    Show him!

    This is the way, Kad. Show him...show them ALL

    Reunite them.

    Show them! Show them, show them, show them, SHOW THEM!

    Don''t.

    ¡°Kad, please don''t.¡±

    Kad, don''t!

    Take his life, Kad, free us of this torment!

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°I keep telling you.¡±

    ¡°

    What are you getting us into now, Kad?

    ¡°

    That''s our way out.

    ¡°doing

    So...refreshing...so much...better than that foul....creature''s!

    swimming

    It-it''s too much! I can''t-I can''t-!

    ¡°Kad!¡±

    Show them.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Kad!¡±

    Kad?

    Who is that?

    What do you mean?

    It''s us. It''s always been us.

    Who are they?

    They are no-one

    Who are you?

    I am all you need, Kad. I always have been.

    We can''t trust anyone else, look where it''s lead you!

    How many times must I say it?

    I am here to protect you.

    I make you strong.

    They make you weak.

    They will hold you back from your true potential.

    Only I can show you the way.

    You must trust me, Kad.

    Because, I am all you hav-

    ¡°Muymum!¡±

    ¡°Cato, grab Kad!¡±

    ¡°Very well.¡±

    ¡°Follow me!¡±

    ¡°Capture them! Kill the Devourers!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°holeYou could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°outside

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    One more fight. Are we ready?

    ¡°

    ¡°run

    One down.

    ¡°Behind!

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°Hafashgna

    ¡°

    ¡°said-Don''t

    ¡°Look out

    Vastus Lateralis

    ¡°

    ¡°

    Clack

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    This is going to hurt, isn''t it?

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    ¡°consume another''s life-force to sustain ourselves, you know this, I know, but there is more. With careful practise, instead of feeding on the energy, we can turn our bodies into conduits for the energy, Kad. Though, there is a right way to do it. It is a forgotten art, for we are forbidden to feed legally in Peridios, so energy cannot be spared, though mostly, it has been forbidden because of the risks that are inherent with it being performed incorrectly.¡±

    Clack.

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°

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    ¡°know, I can''t stay in one place for long.¡±

    ¡°really are.¡±

    Show them. Show them who you are.

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    You can''t stay here, Kad. They will never  forgive you. Every-time they look at you, they will be reminded. They will be reminded of what you did, who you took away from them.

    ¡°

    Clack.

    ¡°You made it here. Your new home.¡± He said sullenly. ¡°I can''t stay here, Naika. You know that.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°know I''ll see you both again.¡±

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    ¡°next for us, Cato.¡± Bimi said happily. ¡°This place was always the goal. A new home.¡±

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    ¡°rustic, will help me become a space-ship.¡±

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    ¡°No<u>,</u> he won''t be.¡± Came an angry growl from behind them.

    clomped over towards them, flanked by an entourage of Gentle Stream inhabitants, all focusing on Kad with angry stares. Kad clasped the scabbard tighter.

    ¡°

    ¡°you-survived in the mountains.¡±

    ¡°my life but take my brother''s?¡±

    ¡°let your brother, and the rest of your people, kill him, then we would have been captured by those Calistico people anyway, and we would all be slaves.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°please, these are good people who have travelled far and endured more than you can imagine. Let them stay. They won''t hurt you like I did.¡±

    ¡°can''t leave!¡±

    ¡°

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    ¡°Calipso guys, or whatever they were called. We wouldn''t have made it back here without any of them.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°

    ¡°learn from the mistakes, how we help others to heal from the damage we have made. Blame will only cause more damage to be dealt.¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°near me. I don''t want to talk to him, or look at him. I can''t. I will only see Len.¡±

    ¡°

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    We can''t stay here. We can''t stay here. We can''t stay here.

    Leave, Kad! LEAVE!

    click his tongue. The two stood there in the afternoon light, the gentle stretch of sun warmly them softly as clouds drifted by slowly, watching them in silence.

    ¡°

    ¡°

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    Stay.

    ¡°

    ***

    ¡°stop!¡± Ular Spider-Scar wailed.

    Oh sweet Raca, what I wouldn''t do to turn back time, change things so we could be together again...

    I just wanted to hurt those who hurt me, why must I always be the one in pain? Why?

    ¡°

    ¡°hurt me...I''m sorry for what I did...so sorry-¡±

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    ¡°thou are talking...talking about...¡± She said in a desperate gambit.

    ¡°

    ¡°me...it was Raca''s idea, he said it was the only we could be...then, it was that blasted Consumer! His tainted blood! It ruined everything!¡±

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    ¡°You?¡± She managed, disbelief rushing into her head faster than blood.

    ¡°all answer the call. Like thou, we all followed the beliefs are foreth-fathers bestowed upon we, and all of us, were hurt by it. All of us, wish to see it burn''th to the ground.¡±

    ¡°How?¡± Ular asked, desperate to understand.

    ¡°touched me, since I was a child, they hurt me every day, told me I was weak and miserable. Everyday I punished myself for what they did to me, told myself I was a sinner and they were right for punishing me!¡±

    ¡°

    ¡°the voice.¡± Tievs said with a soft understanding.

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    ¡°

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    ¡°took from us.¡±

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    ¡°another...?¡±

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    ¡°lesson.¡±

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    ¡°we will seek the true power of the spider totem, and those who hurt us will pay dearly.¡±

    ¡°Voss on high, yes!¡±

    ¡°