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L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
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<blockquote data-quote="Laurel" data-source="post: 1885775" data-attributes="member: 17067"><p><strong>Chapter 4- “A Debt Repaid”</strong></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><em><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Day Fifteen- Hywrl</span></span></em></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Eyes and bodies weary we all try to hold our heads and spirits high, maybe something for those who watch us to hold on to. A few hours ago, Justice rejoined us on the ground, Thane, her brown and gold flying beast gone from sight. The waning moon told us dawn would be approaching in a few hours a few of the smaller children slept on Yoshi’s rigged platform. Their parents concentrate on simply walking along behind us. We had taken a few moments over thirty miles ago outside the walls of Oceanus to hastily secure a small line and platform to Yoshi’s back. Yoshi, the name I have given the leathery beast. Kareth seems the only other one who has needed to be reassured about the beast. After this distance and his extra cargo even Kareth’s long strides falter occasionally. A young girl with a scraped knee and now badly burned face holds tightly round his barren thick neck. Her parents liked the look of Kareth’s smile full of tusks instead of Yoshi’s smile full of sharp meat tearing teeth. Eventually, as the hours dragged on, others realized they would not make it children in tow. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc">Through the night as we passed through, around and finally in front of the long line of refugees, people looked at us strangely, something each of us has gotten used to for our own reasons. But this time it was curiosity at obvious warriors who showed more battle sense then the king’s men of Oceanus. The tale of what we had accomplished spread through the line faster then our feet, but with easy words we could taper some of the outlandish tales. With such worries, our feet finally drag us to an end of the forest trees. Only not the end, rather an edge of the tree line that we stand on. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">A layer of dead trees and decaying foliage surround the almost hundred feet of solid wall before us. A muddy trail leads from our position to the great mass of green, but only wide enough for a small cart, to a great gate with no visible handle or opening.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Welcome to Hywrl,” Farathier mutters under his breath whipping a grimy hand across his brow sweeping the few stray dark sandy locks away. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I hesitate knowing I cannot let Yoshi get too close and scare our chances of bargaining the walls open. I look at him and try to command him to stay, knowing his small brain will not heed me this time. Farathier comes up beside Yoshi, puts a hand on the beasts great leathery hind leg, and smiles a humorous smirk tells me to go join the others. I smile my thanks, and taking one last look to make sure Yoshi is not following, I walk to join the others at the gate. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> As I approach, I see that the walls are actually trees and vines intertwined into a seamless wall. The chest and heads of lightly leather armored sentries can be seen on a walkway high along the wall, yet they seem to pay us no mind as they stand bows at the ready on the horizon. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Xath and Justice are yelling up at them commanding them to let the refugees in and of our need for assistance. The guards stand mute, not shifting in body language to heed what they say. Seeing this is not helping at all, I walk past them to the gate. The vines along this wall are different; my eyes pick up a subtly differing of color. I slowly reach out and touch one vine, but with a silent cry snatch my hand back as a shock of pain shoots into my hand as if from a thorn. Magic. There is one inside who wears the green mage cloak. This is interesting indeed, since their green cloaks are scare.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Justice and Xath stop shouting as a tall regal high alder slowly stands on a parapet about a hundred feet up. He waves his hand in front of his face as he scornfully glares down his nose at us, “I am Irellion Greyclaw. Be gone from here. I have orders not to open the gates to any until Lord Hywrl arrives.” Justice steps forward scowling, “We have refugees, you must open your gates!” He looks over to the tree line and seeing the haggard scared faces of people filtering in wavers. This last but moments, for he turns back to us, “The gates of Aralack, Krosport and Crisoth are open. Go there!” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Xath steps to Justice side, shouting with venom, “We have injured and wounded, please let us in, will you turn all away!” The old man suddenly lowers his hand and with tears in his eyes looks at Xath, “Is it you my darling. I feared you lost, but it is you… isn’t it, my daughter?” I look to Xath not knowing what she will do. I forgot in that moment for Xath pretending to be someone else is familiar territory. Evasively Xath shouts back, “Then let us in.” With tears now rolling down his cheek, “Even for you my sweet daughter, I can not open the gates. In two days my lord Hywrl will be here though. And then… then I can hold you again.” Confused and hurt, but hold to his orders he rushes off. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Looking at Xath, I mutter, “We should not have let him believe his daughter still lives. He will be crushed a second time now.” Xath grunts, “L’Aurel, we do it for the benefit of these people. If we can use it to gain entrance then so be it. I did not ask for this body.” <em>No, I did it to you</em>. Xath turns away quickly and nearly falls over the Duke. His dark silver hand gently grabs her arms to make sure she is steady, and looks her over warmly for any harm, “Xath is correct, but if we can not get in then we must see to the people now.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Let us have them make camp here around the city,” Xath says as she jerks herself from the Dukes hold. He releases her, but smiling, “That is an excellent idea.” With that the Duke turns looking Kareth over. “You will do. Follow me.” Justice and Arfin quickly follow his red-cloaked back. Archonus stands slightly off to Xath’s side muttering something. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Catching this from the corner of my eye I quickly walk back over to the wall. I am no war planner; I can barely make it through the small battles we wage. This magic I know though. Wrapping one hand with an extra shirt I again touch the vines. This time watching, studying. I hear the squish of soft leather in mud, and <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> my head sideways to see Xath alone approaching me. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Her long deep brown hair has started to run free over her narrow shoulders as she uses slender delicate fingers to push it back out of her way. Her pale face looks up at me uncertainly for a moment then an unreadable look passes on her face as she tells me, “I know where Link Woodshadow’s place of birth is. It is not far at all from where we now stand. The only danger is a large wolf that guards it- protects it. It is said that those deemed worthy can pass, however.” I look at her confused, as she continues, “He is your past L’Aurel, and more importantly we need a place for these people.” Nodding slowly, “Yes. You are right, my friend. Let us go ask the others, for I think this is not a task for us alone.” As she races off to ask the others, I gaze over the slowly swelling crowd filling the area. Watching as some of my companions approach, I am starting to know true friendship and the love that can exist in a friendship. But if this is the love of friendship what is it that I feel towards him?</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> The three Xath reached first trudge up slowly and declare their agreement to go search the old home. Arfin lets me know that, Xath with an ill covered roll of the eyes had gone to the Duke explaining that we had to scout for another place for the people to rest till they can enter Hywrl. The short dwarf then went on to scratch his head not understanding how a Duke could like the look of anything that tall, thin, and hairless.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Once our small group forms, we head out in a Northeastward direction with Xath taking the lead. Archonus languidly walking behind her, only his hands near his blades and darting eyes betray his deeper watchfulness. Farathier stands beside me, a look of unease all through his posture. He holds his strange lance and looks at me with his golden amber eyes. His eyes convey a hope that I could somehow make a horse appear for him. Arfin’s armor clanks so loudly that Justice’s armor is almost mute next to him. Kareth follows behind silent next to the thumping feet of Yoshi. Not trusting Yoshi on his own, I had decided to bring him along. Kareth standing a head above any of us seems the best to handle him with strength if I failed with words, glancing back at them I notice even their green hides almost match in color. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I cannot help but look all around me with solid ground and the untamed colors of the forest around me revive a feeling of freedom and being alive. Each sense seemed heightened as I try to draw and gather every aspect together. Through this exploration of my senses I feel a presence to my right and stop in my tracks continuing to look ahead. Farathier only moves one pace before moving back amber eyes piercing my green with question. The others continue, though as Justice and Arfin travel by their arguing ceases, oddly watching us. When they have gone a few paces past, a low growl starts emanating from the bush beside me. I slowly turn my head to stare into two bright yellow globes. The brush parts to reveal the large hairy form of a mangy gray wolf. With shackles raised, it continues to growl deep in its throat while keeping its hunches bunched ready to pounce. The sharp noise of metal grazing metal tells me Arfin and Justice are drawing weapons, but holding my arm out I wave for them to stop. I smile and linking eyes with the wolf walk closer. I put out my barren hand, and walk toward the beast. I hear a masculine hiss from behind me, but keep my eyes looking into bright yellow ones. As my fingers get mere inches from its face the growling stops and tentatively she sniffs my hand. As my fingertips touch her cold wet black muzzle she slowly sits on her hunches looking now with curiosity at the group. I slowly let my hand follow her hairline to her ears, and slowly rubbing say over my shoulder, “There is naught to fear from her, it seems we have passed the test.” Yoshi, the T-rex, comes lumbering over to see the new creature. I keep my body between them, but let them sniff each other. I repeat ‘friend,’ both in alder and common. With a smile, I hear Justice’s sharp order behind me, “Let’s go.” As the others start back down the path, I stay to watch the wolf disappear with barely rustling a single leaf. “Good-bye silent sentinel, walk with light feet.” Then I turn to catch up to the others taking my place beside Farathier’s golden figure once more.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">We soon break into a large open area under the shade of a huge oak tree. At its base wide stairs are cut out from the trunk, and hundreds of feet above us layers of wooden rooms. Each level connected with vines or stairs, but blending with a natural ease in with the surrounding branches and foliage. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Xath, Archonus, Justice, and Kareth quickly start to climb. I look at Yoshi, commanding, “Stay.” Farathier just puts his hand on Yoshi once more, as he then nods at me smiling his strange smile. For the second time now, I see how easily Farathier seems to be with Yoshi and looking at the beast I see he easily accepts Farathier. I know now what I must do for both of them, but later... Arfin strains his neck back to gaze into the tree looking a little pale, “What good could be up there? Why can’t ye people trust the ground ye come from?” I ignore the grumbling dwarf, for I have never felt a house so natural and welcoming. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> My long legs let me jump a few stairs at a time, so I quickly catch up to the others. Archonus is the first to reach the top of the stairs, but he glances down once before pushing the small door overhead open. As I follow Archonus, Justice, Xath, and then Kareth, I am assailed by a smell of sickness and death as I enter the loft. Kareth stands plugging his nose, “Bad smell. Smell fight, death.” At the first doorway Justice opens the door looking in, while Xath and Kareth follow her. I follow Archonus’ back, tracking the worst of the smell into a single room. As I reach the doorway I see Archonus poking a rag with his short sword, “This is still fresh. A few days at the most.” The rag is stained with dried red blood and an unnatural gray white puss. The room is large and open, but filled with weapons both real metal and wooden practice. This is a training room, a place devoted to warfare and warriors.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Justice enters with blade drawn shifting around Archonus to an open doorway. She pushes the door open with the tip of her blade, and stops in her tracks to raise her other hand to her nose, choking. Her face looses all color as her blue eyes widen. Feeling a sense of dread, I cover my mouth and nose with the bottom of my ancestors cloak and race into the room. I push past Justice, knowing there is someone sick or dead inside, and I am the only one with knowledge of non-magic healing. The windows are covered with a heavy cloth, and though it is full day a single candle burns on a small rickety oak table, and the only other furniture a single narrow bed in the corner. The candlelight is reflected off an ashen wrinkled high alder face. A face, with one eye socket just a scarred empty hole, and in the other a red gem dead of color and light sits. The face and broken bleeding body before me belongs to Link Woodshadow, my ancestor. I run to his side and grab his hand. Trying to find life, I brush my other hand across his brow. His brow is wet, cold, and unmoving. I look down at his body and see open wounds hastily bandaged, wounds too severe to heal, and too diseased to cure. Blood still seeps from some, and as I lean close the faintest of air movement touches the back of my hand as it lies across his mouth. I frantically look at the others who have come silently into the room. Justice stands at the end of the bed, and simply shakes her head. Xath sadly looks down at her hands, while Archonus just moves further into the shadows away from sight. Kareth stays standing in the doorway unsure which way to go.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> I feel tears come unbidden to my eyes as I look back at Link’s face, “If only…just to say good-bye.” Long bony fingers spasm with weak strength as from his bloodied lips he manages, “Who is there?”</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Thank the light! “It is I, L’Aurel. Link, what? Who?” His head slides to one side a faint flicker in the red gem as he struggles, “L’Aurel?… found her, but she… was turned… heh… she finally out did her master.” His normal dark humor even now surfacing, and maybe even pride. Who could have done this to him, even at his age I saw him at the hanging he was still a force to be reckoned with. Then it hit me, “Your daughter? But why?” His voice getting weaker with every strained breath, “She knows the secrets… she knows all that I knew.” Then we are doomed, “but the others, the blades?” I ask uncertainly. He moves his head slightly from side to side, “They can fend for themselves… the tombs are now cages I fear.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">He tightens his hold on my hand, “Your paladin friend… I never told her, daughter of Thane she is.” His voice and his handhold get stronger and commanding, “Tell her.” It lasted a short moment, tears fill my eyes as I glance to Justice’s dark face, “Yes, I will tell her. I promise I will tell her. What of the wolf outside?” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Hehe is she still around… my mothers.” An urgency again enters his voice, he knows he doesn’t have anymore time, “The high alder… tell them… tell them I forgive them” I manage, “I will, I promise you I will tell them.” I cannot stop the quiet flood of tears as with one last sigh he breathes his last, “Oberon was right about them.” The red eye dulls to a colorless almost blackness. I hear the quiet scuffling of the others leaving, but I can not move, “Be at last with your love.”</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Why again… now this… the only family left. No, on that I am wrong, since there is another still very much alive. She beat her master, but soon we shall see how she fares against me. She knew everything Link knew, and so much more then we do. They now hold a very powerful weapon indeed. I slowly move Link’s hands over his chest and wrap the dirtied blanket around his still form. After I have covered his face, I move to the drapes and pull them open. I glance over my shoulder to the bed. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> I cannot dwell on what I cannot change. He died as he lived, in the shadows with almost nary a person to weep for him. “You will not fade so easily, grandfather. There are many wrongs I will make right, and another vengeance that must be avenged. I promise to find her.” He will have the proper burial and funeral for the hero he was. I then notice Archonus leaning on the doorframe, quietly he whispers, “I will get the Duke and the others.” Almost as an after thought, he adds in, “This is the best place for a base camp.” Not sure if that is a question or command, I nod my head. The future, that is what he fought and lived for that is what will carry on. Archonus looks back to me and tosses me his white robe from back at the Amastatian temple. I grab it from the air. Not able to say anything and not knowing what to ask, I turn back to Links still form. For now I can only move the bloodied sheets and place the clean garb over him, but I know the whole place must be thoroughly cleansed. I eventually go into the other room, closing the door behind me and look around. I hear Justice and Arfin quibbling over what to do with the weapons. Arfin stands holding a master axe in his hand with Justice struggling to hold the middle. Though he only comes to her chest, his larger weight seems to perfectly offset it. It seems they are at a stand off, and now are resorting to only angry looks back and forth. Arfin not wanting to see such masterful weapons destroyed or lie to simply rust, while Justice wants to honor the fallen. Apparently for those of the Apectin order a warrior is to be burned with their weapons, for Justice keeps insisting it at every honored death.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">As the door thumps into the frame, they both stop and turn to me. Just to stop the fighting, without emotion my voice echoes through the room, “These weapons are for teaching and fighting wars. That is what we intend to do- start an army and win back this land. I think he would have rather seen this go toward fighting the evil that sweeps this land then rusting here as a tomb.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Without waiting for reaction or further comment, I go down to see about Yoshi. Only to find Farathier trying to teach him as he would a horse. I walk up quietly, yet Yoshi easy catches my scent and comes to push his great nose at my arm. Having to dance around him so I don’t get injured I think these are creatures I understand. There is no complexity to their loyalties or lives. I stay with Yoshi and Farathier helping them train as the first survivors arrive. Then as more and more refugees enter the clearing some run up giving praise or thanks to us and the guards of Oceanus. Needing heroes they have easily latched onto ours names. After the first man with child approaches me to give thanks I try to smile, but quickly retreat to the room with Link before more can ‘thank me’. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> From the window high above, I witness Xath at ease with taking their thanks easily pushing them onto to some task to start. Archonus, Farathier, and Kareth take to the forest and road trying to bring in any stragglers or any searching for a safe place. Justice and Arfin stay mostly out of the windows view. I hear people moving about the upper rooms, in a hurry and still dealing with so much throwing and breaking things. I would be little help to them now; at least here I can do something. He didn’t need nor want my protection when he was alive, now he has no choice. Watching the people I get an odd feeling… Something not quite right… Looking back at Link, I admit not much is right within the kingdom these days.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">An hour later Xath enters the room quietly telling me she has some women who will clean this room, I look at her nodding. Her hand on my arm and sympathy in her eyes, “There is another room upstairs that is already ready for him. Until... well, for as long as he needs it.” I nod my head and slowly wrapping him securely in the white robes. His long frail body was light in my arms as I carry him to another room. There are some women there as well, Xath tells me to clean him and his clothes. I can hear the bewilderment in their mummers of who this blinded old elf is. I even hear one whisper, “Why should he be given such treatment when my husband lies in the streets of Oceanus for those things?” I have no answers for them, not yet at least. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Once that task is completed I carry him to the last resting place he will know before going to the light. My shoulders give a slight crack as I move about the room stretching. Two days already gone by and no sleep to be seen on the horizon, there will be time later. I walk to the water basin to throw some cool water on my face and see a haunted face reflected back. Ghosts and fear and doubt, I go so far only to look them full in the face again. The water splashes to the white oak as my hand plunges into the cool water. Washing my face I feel the dry salt of tears and the weariness of dark thoughts start to dissipate. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Link rests with white cloth under him the black leather and metal of his armor hastily worked to cover the wholes and rips. His empty scabbards lie on a tabletop. They are empty because of me, and then I left him with only a staff. What a fool I was. I should have known better, and taken better care. I will not do so again. I let the anger flow through me, as it is easier then the sadness. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> I walk from the room with measured steps to find the Duke. He is standing with a guard from his palace a tall dark skinned orc and Justice. As I walk up the Duke stops mid sentence and turns fully to look at me. “I must speak with you inside, now,” I know my voice reflects the empty cold I feel. He looks questioning at Justice and the guard, but then shrugs his shoulders and motions me to go in front saying, “As you wish.” I lead him to the new room holding Link with the window shutter parted and a candle lighted to keep any remaining stenches at bay. As the Duke follows me inside, I ask him to close the door. Then I gently lower the cloth from over Links face. “Link Woodshadow did not die all those years ago, but just hours ago in a room below.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> The Duke’s face turns to one of wonder; “It is rare that one gets to see his hero, and a great honor even if it is to see him in death.” Maybe I will only have to tell it once, “Another story you may have been told was that the Amastatian carried a second child before she was killed. It is said by some that the child died.” The Duke looks puzzled, “A second child?” Even I had heard the wild tales, most saw as ramblings or crazy theories. Keeping my voice steady, “Yes, the Amastatian had another child before she died. I am of that fated bloodline. Link and his daughter told me but weeks ago.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> He looks from me to Link’s face, “You should be wary who you tell this to as some will see it as only for personal gain.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> I sigh, “I know this, but in order to hear the rest you needed to hear that as well. My companions and one other are the only ones to know of this… but for now and possibly forever it will be a burden.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Almost as if to comfort me, he states, “To be of such blood is not the burden, L’Aurel.” Not wanting his sympathy, I change the subject “That is not the only reason I asked you to come here. Before he died Link wanted it known that he forgave his people, he forgave the high alder. I would ask that you speak at his funeral and that you would relay this to others. It will have more meaning and power from you.” He looks surprised, “Of course I will see that it is attended to, but if you could also ask your paladin friend to speak.” Looking out the window, I remain cold inside, “Yes, she will want to preside… and thank you.” With that the Duke sweeps out of the room. I wait a few more minutes then go in search of my companions, so they can make ready for at dawn the fire would be lit.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Hoping to use the shadows and low light after dusk, I find it easy to avoid the questions and praise of the people of Oceanus. Few mark my passing. I find myself looking over my shoulder frequently, but only see city dwellers valiantly trying to make life work again. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I can feel it again that same gut instinct that told me the Duke was in danger. I slip behind a tree and for the next hour watch and study all those I see. The same feeling that I got from the tree window… Something not quite right…Maybe I am just becoming paranoid jumping at shadows, but no! The hair on my neck rises as goose bumps stand on my flesh. Then it hits me, the lizard men. They are here in the camp, and no one is the wiser. I watch closely, and finally see one from my side vision. I walk from the shadows calling out, “Good-day, sir!” Though I stand taller then most females I am of a compatible height to him, as he turns responding, “Good day, my lady.” He stands hands on hips with his very plain face masked in unease. Realizing my error in singling him out, I try to make it a menial question, “What is it you do here about?” Gesturing to his simple clothes, he answers, “I was a cobbler.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Dumbly I fumble for something to say, “Can you look at these new shoes I got?” I show him the worked fine leather boots I just got. Drat even to my eyes these look fine! </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Um, they are fine boots,” He stutters out, as he looks around distracted. Then he asks in a wary whisper, “If you wouldn’t mind, my lady, could we go somewhere else to have this talk?” Put on edge again, my eyes widen in mock surprise as I quietly ask, “Why is something bothering you?” I cannot keep the venom from my voice as the longer I stand here the more his simple presence grates on me. “Well, it is only that I need all the business I can get, and unless you have some thing to lay at my feet I would rather be questioned privately.” Not seeing an easy way out I nod slowly, “Very well, just give me a moment. I must inform the paladin of the arrangements to be made for a funeral tomorrow.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“I shall wait here,” he says with a small bow. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> I spot Justice’s blue cape a few meters away and hurry towards her. “Justice, I am going to try and question one the villagers. If you remember Asp and Vipern, then you know what we are dealing with. I do not trust this man, but I must do this alone to not raise more suspicion. I need you to send Archonus up to listen at the door. He’s quiet and may pick up something, anything that I may miss.” As her mouth opens in rebuttal, I cut her off, “Please, Justice.” Snapping her mouth shut. “Yes,” Comes the simple response, as with a flip of her long blond hair she stalks away to find Archonus, whom I can only hope is not far away in one of his alone spells. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">I walk back to the creature, for I know now that he cannot be human. “Please follow me inside.” As I walk up the steps, I see Justice talking to a lean shadowy figure in the shadows of the woods, but make no move to actually look at them. I lead the creature into the room that was Link’s deathbed. As soon as he shuts the door, his face reddens rounding on me, “What do you accuse me of?” I need him to slip up, with this display of emotion maybe it will not be hard to get, and “I accuse you of nothing I simply wish to know more of the people we are sheltering here.” I sit in the single chair in the room, motioning him with a smile to the bed, “Have you always lived in Oceanus?” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“No, I am from across the sea,” Comes his short answer, as he ignores the offer to sit. Well, he gave me more then just a yes or no, so I continue, “What brought you here?” And so the questions went, him giving little information and persisting in being as vague as possible. From every movement and every sound of his voice he seemed to speak the truth minus his masters name. Maybe I should have brought one of the others with me. I have never questioned anyone, so I quickly end with just three questions. “Do you serve the king? Do you serve the Bluestar? Do you serve that monstrous beast that was over Oceanus?” He replied very cagily no to all of these, but with nothing else I had to let him go. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> He shifts his feet and smiles smugly knowing he has won this round, but with no proof he also knows I can do nothing. In the hallway I see him jump slightly and look to his right saying, snarling out, “Do you wish to accuse me as well?” As I step forward, I hear the deep voice of Archonus’ saying with his deadly calm, “Do I need to?” The creature waves a hand in my direction, “Your friend thinks so.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">“Then that is enough for me,” Archonus states darkly as he takes another step from the shadows. He wears his silver talon mask only his piercing eyes looking out from beneath the brown hood. I quickly take the final step into the hallway and place my shoulder between Archonus and the cobbler. “I am sorry for my mistake, good sir, and I shall not hinder your business in the future.” We both follow him with our eyes, and Archonus quietly fades back into the shadows of the hallway telling me, “I do not trust him. I will watch and follow him.” Still looking toward the swiftly fleeting cobbler’s back, I utter, “Please do, but be careful they are tricky and deceitful beasts.” </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> Even though I do not hear him go I feel his presence recede and know he has gone from the hallway on his mission for the night. Standing in the doorway looking down I see Justice, Xath, and Arfin all in various stages of helping crafters and families settle in for the night. I see Farathier with a group of the Duke’s guards; Kareth behind Farathier smiling happily over the group. Not wanting to intrude, I climb the small ladder to the room that now holds Link’s body, and simply sit with him for a time looking out the window. Most of the people have grouped into small pockets. Families have adopted others to complete their numbers and make their tents seem like home again. A woman clutches her child, as Xath gently comforts her. She finally gains the release of the red flame haired child, but only to now have the woman crumple at her feet in tears. Xath seems so easy with all people, no matter what they are feeling or who they are. She comforts the woman on the ground, she tells a joke to a child who scrapped his knee, she sings our praises when thanked for her deeds, and she laughs to curb the bloodlust in the eyes of the warriors. She somehow does all this with ease flitting from group to group, changing as the wind changes season. I know in our group alone she will change again, weighed down by many things… some I cannot fathom.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="color: #ffffcc"><span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"> I know that I cannot dwell on the past. What a disappointment my father or even Link would see me as currently. There is a battle to be fought and here I am thinking of personal revenge and petty sorrows. Xath lost all her family in one blaze; Justice has lost all but one of her family; Arfin lost his love and child and hold in one tunnel collapse; and Farathier has lost his faith. I will see them all happy if I can. Finally understanding mine were petty issues in these times. We have a mission; we have a war to fight. I will see that they do that to the best they are able…. The Light help us.</span></span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Laurel, post: 1885775, member: 17067"] [b]Chapter 4- “A Debt Repaid”[/b] [font=Verdana][i][color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Day Fifteen- Hywrl[/font][/color][/i] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] Eyes and bodies weary we all try to hold our heads and spirits high, maybe something for those who watch us to hold on to. A few hours ago, Justice rejoined us on the ground, Thane, her brown and gold flying beast gone from sight. The waning moon told us dawn would be approaching in a few hours a few of the smaller children slept on Yoshi’s rigged platform. Their parents concentrate on simply walking along behind us. We had taken a few moments over thirty miles ago outside the walls of Oceanus to hastily secure a small line and platform to Yoshi’s back. Yoshi, the name I have given the leathery beast. Kareth seems the only other one who has needed to be reassured about the beast. After this distance and his extra cargo even Kareth’s long strides falter occasionally. A young girl with a scraped knee and now badly burned face holds tightly round his barren thick neck. Her parents liked the look of Kareth’s smile full of tusks instead of Yoshi’s smile full of sharp meat tearing teeth. Eventually, as the hours dragged on, others realized they would not make it children in tow. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc]Through the night as we passed through, around and finally in front of the long line of refugees, people looked at us strangely, something each of us has gotten used to for our own reasons. But this time it was curiosity at obvious warriors who showed more battle sense then the king’s men of Oceanus. The tale of what we had accomplished spread through the line faster then our feet, but with easy words we could taper some of the outlandish tales. With such worries, our feet finally drag us to an end of the forest trees. Only not the end, rather an edge of the tree line that we stand on. [/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]A layer of dead trees and decaying foliage surround the almost hundred feet of solid wall before us. A muddy trail leads from our position to the great mass of green, but only wide enough for a small cart, to a great gate with no visible handle or opening.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]“Welcome to Hywrl,” Farathier mutters under his breath whipping a grimy hand across his brow sweeping the few stray dark sandy locks away. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]I hesitate knowing I cannot let Yoshi get too close and scare our chances of bargaining the walls open. I look at him and try to command him to stay, knowing his small brain will not heed me this time. Farathier comes up beside Yoshi, puts a hand on the beasts great leathery hind leg, and smiles a humorous smirk tells me to go join the others. I smile my thanks, and taking one last look to make sure Yoshi is not following, I walk to join the others at the gate. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] As I approach, I see that the walls are actually trees and vines intertwined into a seamless wall. The chest and heads of lightly leather armored sentries can be seen on a walkway high along the wall, yet they seem to pay us no mind as they stand bows at the ready on the horizon. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Xath and Justice are yelling up at them commanding them to let the refugees in and of our need for assistance. The guards stand mute, not shifting in body language to heed what they say. Seeing this is not helping at all, I walk past them to the gate. The vines along this wall are different; my eyes pick up a subtly differing of color. I slowly reach out and touch one vine, but with a silent cry snatch my hand back as a shock of pain shoots into my hand as if from a thorn. Magic. There is one inside who wears the green mage cloak. This is interesting indeed, since their green cloaks are scare.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] Justice and Xath stop shouting as a tall regal high alder slowly stands on a parapet about a hundred feet up. He waves his hand in front of his face as he scornfully glares down his nose at us, “I am Irellion Greyclaw. Be gone from here. I have orders not to open the gates to any until Lord Hywrl arrives.” Justice steps forward scowling, “We have refugees, you must open your gates!” He looks over to the tree line and seeing the haggard scared faces of people filtering in wavers. This last but moments, for he turns back to us, “The gates of Aralack, Krosport and Crisoth are open. Go there!” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Xath steps to Justice side, shouting with venom, “We have injured and wounded, please let us in, will you turn all away!” The old man suddenly lowers his hand and with tears in his eyes looks at Xath, “Is it you my darling. I feared you lost, but it is you… isn’t it, my daughter?” I look to Xath not knowing what she will do. I forgot in that moment for Xath pretending to be someone else is familiar territory. Evasively Xath shouts back, “Then let us in.” With tears now rolling down his cheek, “Even for you my sweet daughter, I can not open the gates. In two days my lord Hywrl will be here though. And then… then I can hold you again.” Confused and hurt, but hold to his orders he rushes off. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Looking at Xath, I mutter, “We should not have let him believe his daughter still lives. He will be crushed a second time now.” Xath grunts, “L’Aurel, we do it for the benefit of these people. If we can use it to gain entrance then so be it. I did not ask for this body.” [i]No, I did it to you[/i]. Xath turns away quickly and nearly falls over the Duke. His dark silver hand gently grabs her arms to make sure she is steady, and looks her over warmly for any harm, “Xath is correct, but if we can not get in then we must see to the people now.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]“Let us have them make camp here around the city,” Xath says as she jerks herself from the Dukes hold. He releases her, but smiling, “That is an excellent idea.” With that the Duke turns looking Kareth over. “You will do. Follow me.” Justice and Arfin quickly follow his red-cloaked back. Archonus stands slightly off to Xath’s side muttering something. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Catching this from the corner of my eye I quickly walk back over to the wall. I am no war planner; I can barely make it through the small battles we wage. This magic I know though. Wrapping one hand with an extra shirt I again touch the vines. This time watching, studying. I hear the squish of soft leather in mud, and :):):):) my head sideways to see Xath alone approaching me. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Her long deep brown hair has started to run free over her narrow shoulders as she uses slender delicate fingers to push it back out of her way. Her pale face looks up at me uncertainly for a moment then an unreadable look passes on her face as she tells me, “I know where Link Woodshadow’s place of birth is. It is not far at all from where we now stand. The only danger is a large wolf that guards it- protects it. It is said that those deemed worthy can pass, however.” I look at her confused, as she continues, “He is your past L’Aurel, and more importantly we need a place for these people.” Nodding slowly, “Yes. You are right, my friend. Let us go ask the others, for I think this is not a task for us alone.” As she races off to ask the others, I gaze over the slowly swelling crowd filling the area. Watching as some of my companions approach, I am starting to know true friendship and the love that can exist in a friendship. But if this is the love of friendship what is it that I feel towards him?[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] The three Xath reached first trudge up slowly and declare their agreement to go search the old home. Arfin lets me know that, Xath with an ill covered roll of the eyes had gone to the Duke explaining that we had to scout for another place for the people to rest till they can enter Hywrl. The short dwarf then went on to scratch his head not understanding how a Duke could like the look of anything that tall, thin, and hairless.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Once our small group forms, we head out in a Northeastward direction with Xath taking the lead. Archonus languidly walking behind her, only his hands near his blades and darting eyes betray his deeper watchfulness. Farathier stands beside me, a look of unease all through his posture. He holds his strange lance and looks at me with his golden amber eyes. His eyes convey a hope that I could somehow make a horse appear for him. Arfin’s armor clanks so loudly that Justice’s armor is almost mute next to him. Kareth follows behind silent next to the thumping feet of Yoshi. Not trusting Yoshi on his own, I had decided to bring him along. Kareth standing a head above any of us seems the best to handle him with strength if I failed with words, glancing back at them I notice even their green hides almost match in color. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]I cannot help but look all around me with solid ground and the untamed colors of the forest around me revive a feeling of freedom and being alive. Each sense seemed heightened as I try to draw and gather every aspect together. Through this exploration of my senses I feel a presence to my right and stop in my tracks continuing to look ahead. Farathier only moves one pace before moving back amber eyes piercing my green with question. The others continue, though as Justice and Arfin travel by their arguing ceases, oddly watching us. When they have gone a few paces past, a low growl starts emanating from the bush beside me. I slowly turn my head to stare into two bright yellow globes. The brush parts to reveal the large hairy form of a mangy gray wolf. With shackles raised, it continues to growl deep in its throat while keeping its hunches bunched ready to pounce. The sharp noise of metal grazing metal tells me Arfin and Justice are drawing weapons, but holding my arm out I wave for them to stop. I smile and linking eyes with the wolf walk closer. I put out my barren hand, and walk toward the beast. I hear a masculine hiss from behind me, but keep my eyes looking into bright yellow ones. As my fingers get mere inches from its face the growling stops and tentatively she sniffs my hand. As my fingertips touch her cold wet black muzzle she slowly sits on her hunches looking now with curiosity at the group. I slowly let my hand follow her hairline to her ears, and slowly rubbing say over my shoulder, “There is naught to fear from her, it seems we have passed the test.” Yoshi, the T-rex, comes lumbering over to see the new creature. I keep my body between them, but let them sniff each other. I repeat ‘friend,’ both in alder and common. With a smile, I hear Justice’s sharp order behind me, “Let’s go.” As the others start back down the path, I stay to watch the wolf disappear with barely rustling a single leaf. “Good-bye silent sentinel, walk with light feet.” Then I turn to catch up to the others taking my place beside Farathier’s golden figure once more.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]We soon break into a large open area under the shade of a huge oak tree. At its base wide stairs are cut out from the trunk, and hundreds of feet above us layers of wooden rooms. Each level connected with vines or stairs, but blending with a natural ease in with the surrounding branches and foliage. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] Xath, Archonus, Justice, and Kareth quickly start to climb. I look at Yoshi, commanding, “Stay.” Farathier just puts his hand on Yoshi once more, as he then nods at me smiling his strange smile. For the second time now, I see how easily Farathier seems to be with Yoshi and looking at the beast I see he easily accepts Farathier. I know now what I must do for both of them, but later... Arfin strains his neck back to gaze into the tree looking a little pale, “What good could be up there? Why can’t ye people trust the ground ye come from?” I ignore the grumbling dwarf, for I have never felt a house so natural and welcoming. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] My long legs let me jump a few stairs at a time, so I quickly catch up to the others. Archonus is the first to reach the top of the stairs, but he glances down once before pushing the small door overhead open. As I follow Archonus, Justice, Xath, and then Kareth, I am assailed by a smell of sickness and death as I enter the loft. Kareth stands plugging his nose, “Bad smell. Smell fight, death.” At the first doorway Justice opens the door looking in, while Xath and Kareth follow her. I follow Archonus’ back, tracking the worst of the smell into a single room. As I reach the doorway I see Archonus poking a rag with his short sword, “This is still fresh. A few days at the most.” The rag is stained with dried red blood and an unnatural gray white puss. The room is large and open, but filled with weapons both real metal and wooden practice. This is a training room, a place devoted to warfare and warriors.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] Justice enters with blade drawn shifting around Archonus to an open doorway. She pushes the door open with the tip of her blade, and stops in her tracks to raise her other hand to her nose, choking. Her face looses all color as her blue eyes widen. Feeling a sense of dread, I cover my mouth and nose with the bottom of my ancestors cloak and race into the room. I push past Justice, knowing there is someone sick or dead inside, and I am the only one with knowledge of non-magic healing. The windows are covered with a heavy cloth, and though it is full day a single candle burns on a small rickety oak table, and the only other furniture a single narrow bed in the corner. The candlelight is reflected off an ashen wrinkled high alder face. A face, with one eye socket just a scarred empty hole, and in the other a red gem dead of color and light sits. The face and broken bleeding body before me belongs to Link Woodshadow, my ancestor. I run to his side and grab his hand. Trying to find life, I brush my other hand across his brow. His brow is wet, cold, and unmoving. I look down at his body and see open wounds hastily bandaged, wounds too severe to heal, and too diseased to cure. Blood still seeps from some, and as I lean close the faintest of air movement touches the back of my hand as it lies across his mouth. I frantically look at the others who have come silently into the room. Justice stands at the end of the bed, and simply shakes her head. Xath sadly looks down at her hands, while Archonus just moves further into the shadows away from sight. Kareth stays standing in the doorway unsure which way to go.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] I feel tears come unbidden to my eyes as I look back at Link’s face, “If only…just to say good-bye.” Long bony fingers spasm with weak strength as from his bloodied lips he manages, “Who is there?”[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Thank the light! “It is I, L’Aurel. Link, what? Who?” His head slides to one side a faint flicker in the red gem as he struggles, “L’Aurel?… found her, but she… was turned… heh… she finally out did her master.” His normal dark humor even now surfacing, and maybe even pride. Who could have done this to him, even at his age I saw him at the hanging he was still a force to be reckoned with. Then it hit me, “Your daughter? But why?” His voice getting weaker with every strained breath, “She knows the secrets… she knows all that I knew.” Then we are doomed, “but the others, the blades?” I ask uncertainly. He moves his head slightly from side to side, “They can fend for themselves… the tombs are now cages I fear.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]He tightens his hold on my hand, “Your paladin friend… I never told her, daughter of Thane she is.” His voice and his handhold get stronger and commanding, “Tell her.” It lasted a short moment, tears fill my eyes as I glance to Justice’s dark face, “Yes, I will tell her. I promise I will tell her. What of the wolf outside?” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]“Hehe is she still around… my mothers.” An urgency again enters his voice, he knows he doesn’t have anymore time, “The high alder… tell them… tell them I forgive them” I manage, “I will, I promise you I will tell them.” I cannot stop the quiet flood of tears as with one last sigh he breathes his last, “Oberon was right about them.” The red eye dulls to a colorless almost blackness. I hear the quiet scuffling of the others leaving, but I can not move, “Be at last with your love.”[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] Why again… now this… the only family left. No, on that I am wrong, since there is another still very much alive. She beat her master, but soon we shall see how she fares against me. She knew everything Link knew, and so much more then we do. They now hold a very powerful weapon indeed. I slowly move Link’s hands over his chest and wrap the dirtied blanket around his still form. After I have covered his face, I move to the drapes and pull them open. I glance over my shoulder to the bed. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] I cannot dwell on what I cannot change. He died as he lived, in the shadows with almost nary a person to weep for him. “You will not fade so easily, grandfather. There are many wrongs I will make right, and another vengeance that must be avenged. I promise to find her.” He will have the proper burial and funeral for the hero he was. I then notice Archonus leaning on the doorframe, quietly he whispers, “I will get the Duke and the others.” Almost as an after thought, he adds in, “This is the best place for a base camp.” Not sure if that is a question or command, I nod my head. The future, that is what he fought and lived for that is what will carry on. Archonus looks back to me and tosses me his white robe from back at the Amastatian temple. I grab it from the air. Not able to say anything and not knowing what to ask, I turn back to Links still form. For now I can only move the bloodied sheets and place the clean garb over him, but I know the whole place must be thoroughly cleansed. I eventually go into the other room, closing the door behind me and look around. I hear Justice and Arfin quibbling over what to do with the weapons. Arfin stands holding a master axe in his hand with Justice struggling to hold the middle. Though he only comes to her chest, his larger weight seems to perfectly offset it. It seems they are at a stand off, and now are resorting to only angry looks back and forth. Arfin not wanting to see such masterful weapons destroyed or lie to simply rust, while Justice wants to honor the fallen. Apparently for those of the Apectin order a warrior is to be burned with their weapons, for Justice keeps insisting it at every honored death.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]As the door thumps into the frame, they both stop and turn to me. Just to stop the fighting, without emotion my voice echoes through the room, “These weapons are for teaching and fighting wars. That is what we intend to do- start an army and win back this land. I think he would have rather seen this go toward fighting the evil that sweeps this land then rusting here as a tomb.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] Without waiting for reaction or further comment, I go down to see about Yoshi. Only to find Farathier trying to teach him as he would a horse. I walk up quietly, yet Yoshi easy catches my scent and comes to push his great nose at my arm. Having to dance around him so I don’t get injured I think these are creatures I understand. There is no complexity to their loyalties or lives. I stay with Yoshi and Farathier helping them train as the first survivors arrive. Then as more and more refugees enter the clearing some run up giving praise or thanks to us and the guards of Oceanus. Needing heroes they have easily latched onto ours names. After the first man with child approaches me to give thanks I try to smile, but quickly retreat to the room with Link before more can ‘thank me’. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] From the window high above, I witness Xath at ease with taking their thanks easily pushing them onto to some task to start. Archonus, Farathier, and Kareth take to the forest and road trying to bring in any stragglers or any searching for a safe place. Justice and Arfin stay mostly out of the windows view. I hear people moving about the upper rooms, in a hurry and still dealing with so much throwing and breaking things. I would be little help to them now; at least here I can do something. He didn’t need nor want my protection when he was alive, now he has no choice. Watching the people I get an odd feeling… Something not quite right… Looking back at Link, I admit not much is right within the kingdom these days.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]An hour later Xath enters the room quietly telling me she has some women who will clean this room, I look at her nodding. Her hand on my arm and sympathy in her eyes, “There is another room upstairs that is already ready for him. Until... well, for as long as he needs it.” I nod my head and slowly wrapping him securely in the white robes. His long frail body was light in my arms as I carry him to another room. There are some women there as well, Xath tells me to clean him and his clothes. I can hear the bewilderment in their mummers of who this blinded old elf is. I even hear one whisper, “Why should he be given such treatment when my husband lies in the streets of Oceanus for those things?” I have no answers for them, not yet at least. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] Once that task is completed I carry him to the last resting place he will know before going to the light. My shoulders give a slight crack as I move about the room stretching. Two days already gone by and no sleep to be seen on the horizon, there will be time later. I walk to the water basin to throw some cool water on my face and see a haunted face reflected back. Ghosts and fear and doubt, I go so far only to look them full in the face again. The water splashes to the white oak as my hand plunges into the cool water. Washing my face I feel the dry salt of tears and the weariness of dark thoughts start to dissipate. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Link rests with white cloth under him the black leather and metal of his armor hastily worked to cover the wholes and rips. His empty scabbards lie on a tabletop. They are empty because of me, and then I left him with only a staff. What a fool I was. I should have known better, and taken better care. I will not do so again. I let the anger flow through me, as it is easier then the sadness. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] I walk from the room with measured steps to find the Duke. He is standing with a guard from his palace a tall dark skinned orc and Justice. As I walk up the Duke stops mid sentence and turns fully to look at me. “I must speak with you inside, now,” I know my voice reflects the empty cold I feel. He looks questioning at Justice and the guard, but then shrugs his shoulders and motions me to go in front saying, “As you wish.” I lead him to the new room holding Link with the window shutter parted and a candle lighted to keep any remaining stenches at bay. As the Duke follows me inside, I ask him to close the door. Then I gently lower the cloth from over Links face. “Link Woodshadow did not die all those years ago, but just hours ago in a room below.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] The Duke’s face turns to one of wonder; “It is rare that one gets to see his hero, and a great honor even if it is to see him in death.” Maybe I will only have to tell it once, “Another story you may have been told was that the Amastatian carried a second child before she was killed. It is said by some that the child died.” The Duke looks puzzled, “A second child?” Even I had heard the wild tales, most saw as ramblings or crazy theories. Keeping my voice steady, “Yes, the Amastatian had another child before she died. I am of that fated bloodline. Link and his daughter told me but weeks ago.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] He looks from me to Link’s face, “You should be wary who you tell this to as some will see it as only for personal gain.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] I sigh, “I know this, but in order to hear the rest you needed to hear that as well. My companions and one other are the only ones to know of this… but for now and possibly forever it will be a burden.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Almost as if to comfort me, he states, “To be of such blood is not the burden, L’Aurel.” Not wanting his sympathy, I change the subject “That is not the only reason I asked you to come here. Before he died Link wanted it known that he forgave his people, he forgave the high alder. I would ask that you speak at his funeral and that you would relay this to others. It will have more meaning and power from you.” He looks surprised, “Of course I will see that it is attended to, but if you could also ask your paladin friend to speak.” Looking out the window, I remain cold inside, “Yes, she will want to preside… and thank you.” With that the Duke sweeps out of the room. I wait a few more minutes then go in search of my companions, so they can make ready for at dawn the fire would be lit.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] Hoping to use the shadows and low light after dusk, I find it easy to avoid the questions and praise of the people of Oceanus. Few mark my passing. I find myself looking over my shoulder frequently, but only see city dwellers valiantly trying to make life work again. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]I can feel it again that same gut instinct that told me the Duke was in danger. I slip behind a tree and for the next hour watch and study all those I see. The same feeling that I got from the tree window… Something not quite right…Maybe I am just becoming paranoid jumping at shadows, but no! The hair on my neck rises as goose bumps stand on my flesh. Then it hits me, the lizard men. They are here in the camp, and no one is the wiser. I watch closely, and finally see one from my side vision. I walk from the shadows calling out, “Good-day, sir!” Though I stand taller then most females I am of a compatible height to him, as he turns responding, “Good day, my lady.” He stands hands on hips with his very plain face masked in unease. Realizing my error in singling him out, I try to make it a menial question, “What is it you do here about?” Gesturing to his simple clothes, he answers, “I was a cobbler.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]Dumbly I fumble for something to say, “Can you look at these new shoes I got?” I show him the worked fine leather boots I just got. Drat even to my eyes these look fine! [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]“Um, they are fine boots,” He stutters out, as he looks around distracted. Then he asks in a wary whisper, “If you wouldn’t mind, my lady, could we go somewhere else to have this talk?” Put on edge again, my eyes widen in mock surprise as I quietly ask, “Why is something bothering you?” I cannot keep the venom from my voice as the longer I stand here the more his simple presence grates on me. “Well, it is only that I need all the business I can get, and unless you have some thing to lay at my feet I would rather be questioned privately.” Not seeing an easy way out I nod slowly, “Very well, just give me a moment. I must inform the paladin of the arrangements to be made for a funeral tomorrow.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]“I shall wait here,” he says with a small bow. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] I spot Justice’s blue cape a few meters away and hurry towards her. “Justice, I am going to try and question one the villagers. If you remember Asp and Vipern, then you know what we are dealing with. I do not trust this man, but I must do this alone to not raise more suspicion. I need you to send Archonus up to listen at the door. He’s quiet and may pick up something, anything that I may miss.” As her mouth opens in rebuttal, I cut her off, “Please, Justice.” Snapping her mouth shut. “Yes,” Comes the simple response, as with a flip of her long blond hair she stalks away to find Archonus, whom I can only hope is not far away in one of his alone spells. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]I walk back to the creature, for I know now that he cannot be human. “Please follow me inside.” As I walk up the steps, I see Justice talking to a lean shadowy figure in the shadows of the woods, but make no move to actually look at them. I lead the creature into the room that was Link’s deathbed. As soon as he shuts the door, his face reddens rounding on me, “What do you accuse me of?” I need him to slip up, with this display of emotion maybe it will not be hard to get, and “I accuse you of nothing I simply wish to know more of the people we are sheltering here.” I sit in the single chair in the room, motioning him with a smile to the bed, “Have you always lived in Oceanus?” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]“No, I am from across the sea,” Comes his short answer, as he ignores the offer to sit. Well, he gave me more then just a yes or no, so I continue, “What brought you here?” And so the questions went, him giving little information and persisting in being as vague as possible. From every movement and every sound of his voice he seemed to speak the truth minus his masters name. Maybe I should have brought one of the others with me. I have never questioned anyone, so I quickly end with just three questions. “Do you serve the king? Do you serve the Bluestar? Do you serve that monstrous beast that was over Oceanus?” He replied very cagily no to all of these, but with nothing else I had to let him go. [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] He shifts his feet and smiles smugly knowing he has won this round, but with no proof he also knows I can do nothing. In the hallway I see him jump slightly and look to his right saying, snarling out, “Do you wish to accuse me as well?” As I step forward, I hear the deep voice of Archonus’ saying with his deadly calm, “Do I need to?” The creature waves a hand in my direction, “Your friend thinks so.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana]“Then that is enough for me,” Archonus states darkly as he takes another step from the shadows. He wears his silver talon mask only his piercing eyes looking out from beneath the brown hood. I quickly take the final step into the hallway and place my shoulder between Archonus and the cobbler. “I am sorry for my mistake, good sir, and I shall not hinder your business in the future.” We both follow him with our eyes, and Archonus quietly fades back into the shadows of the hallway telling me, “I do not trust him. I will watch and follow him.” Still looking toward the swiftly fleeting cobbler’s back, I utter, “Please do, but be careful they are tricky and deceitful beasts.” [/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] Even though I do not hear him go I feel his presence recede and know he has gone from the hallway on his mission for the night. Standing in the doorway looking down I see Justice, Xath, and Arfin all in various stages of helping crafters and families settle in for the night. I see Farathier with a group of the Duke’s guards; Kareth behind Farathier smiling happily over the group. Not wanting to intrude, I climb the small ladder to the room that now holds Link’s body, and simply sit with him for a time looking out the window. Most of the people have grouped into small pockets. Families have adopted others to complete their numbers and make their tents seem like home again. A woman clutches her child, as Xath gently comforts her. She finally gains the release of the red flame haired child, but only to now have the woman crumple at her feet in tears. Xath seems so easy with all people, no matter what they are feeling or who they are. She comforts the woman on the ground, she tells a joke to a child who scrapped his knee, she sings our praises when thanked for her deeds, and she laughs to curb the bloodlust in the eyes of the warriors. She somehow does all this with ease flitting from group to group, changing as the wind changes season. I know in our group alone she will change again, weighed down by many things… some I cannot fathom.[/font][/color] [color=#ffffcc][font=Verdana] I know that I cannot dwell on the past. What a disappointment my father or even Link would see me as currently. There is a battle to be fought and here I am thinking of personal revenge and petty sorrows. Xath lost all her family in one blaze; Justice has lost all but one of her family; Arfin lost his love and child and hold in one tunnel collapse; and Farathier has lost his faith. I will see them all happy if I can. Finally understanding mine were petty issues in these times. We have a mission; we have a war to fight. I will see that they do that to the best they are able…. The Light help us.[/font][/color][/font] [/QUOTE]
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L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
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