Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is LIVE! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Laurel" data-source="post: 2019647" data-attributes="member: 17067"><p><strong>Chapter Five: “A Hidden Kingdom”</strong></p><p></p><p><em>Day Seventeen- Hywrl</em></p><p> </p><p>Edriss’ funeral was simply one of a long list that kept seeming to grow by the thought. So I call my companions and the Duke of Oceanus to all gather in a small room by midday. As I wandered around gathering them up, I also asked Korienne, the commanding talon guard now stationed with his men in Hywrl, and Irellion Greyclaw, the high alder who acted as regent of Hywrl. Hopefully now we can all set the first wheels in motion for the future. Luckily the Duke was the first to arrive. Still unable to suppress the mixed feelings of guilt, dislike, but trust I ask him to teach me all he knows of power and ruling. He is the only tutor I can hope to gain, while still maintaining some small curtain that I know what I am doing. He agrees though not too happily it seems.</p><p> </p><p>Finally we are all assembled in the small room. I spy two talon guards standing post in the open archway of the doors as everyone mills about waiting for the start. Archonus wearing simple clothes edges midway between the corner and the group while Justice, Arfin, Xath, and Korienne seem to have no problems chatting. Korienne it seems is still trying to edge his tusked smile closer to Xath, but Kareth made a quick move to stop it. Perfect timing even if he, Kareth, didn’t know it. Irellion and I have greeted and with a lot of effort try to put my best foot forward. I can only feel sorry for the way this was sprung on him, but he seems not to care much. He prepared for Edriss to take over, so being replaced by me instead he has just slid the mood, title, and all associations over to me.</p><p> </p><p>With a simple raise of his slim ebony hand and a graceful few steps to the table, the Duke signals the start to this meeting. I walk slowly to the spot next to the duke hoping I can play out the part I have set. As he opens his mouth; however, I stand up. Time to remind him that we agreed he would help me, but that he gave me this rule, and that he shall live by it as well.</p><p> </p><p>Before he can force my hand again, I quickly glance about the table and taking a deep breath to calm myself, begin “I have something that should be said first, and needs viable witnesses. To keep order and erase any confusion should anything happen to me, there should be a set second to rule here. A second to help me learn the ways of these people, and a second to ensure the safety and well being of all those within these walls.”</p><p> </p><p>Looking at Irellion directly, “He has served them well to this point, so I can only hope he would continue to do so. Irellion Grayclaw, will you continue to serve as Regent of Hywrl?” He looks confused for a short second glancing quickly at Justice and the Duke, but then straightening his back nods solemnly in acceptance, “Of course, my Lady Countess.</p><p> </p><p>It was hard enough to hear the ‘my lady’s’ throw after and at us, but now to add a title. Michael is probably laughing at me from above about my very ill suited new role. Later I would think on why Irellion looked at those two, and only come to suppose he must have thought them the more likely to lead. How close his thoughts are to the truth, for within our group there is no one absolute leader but one always steps forward as our voice and within politics the Duke is far the superior.</p><p> </p><p>I quickly take my seat and allow the Duke to preside for the rest of this gathering knowing I need to watch and learn quickly. It is a very eloquent opening about calling us to order and thanking us for being there. He pointedly looks at me, chastising me as a tutor would with a single glance for not doing this before. Another list starts to form in my head of all the proper ways of court and leadership. Even as a simple general to the army we hope to amass, I will need better skills to command a large part of the force.</p><p> </p><p>As the Duke continues with the formalities, I continue to look around the room. I smile at Korienne’s sleepy expression. If the Duke kept it shorter his audience would pay more attention, I think with satisfaction. Directly across from the Duke, Justice site countering Korienne. Her eyes bright and brow furrowed, she looks as if she is trying to memorize each word uttered. The duke’s hand clutches his side as he chokes the end of a sentence. Chairs are thrown back as a deep red liquid ebbs between his fingers. One of the talon guards leaps onto the table top and stabs the Duke in the shoulder.</p><p> </p><p>We have been fighting for too long, and seen to much to truly let our guard down completely. So with a strange ease all of us move quickly to protect and attack. Xath pulls the injured Duke down and under the table in one pull of her hand. Archonus, Kareth and Justice stab at the man on the table. Arfin, Farathier and I go to the other guard as he raises his weapon poised for attack blocking the doorway. Adding in Korienne’s blade both are easy to overcome.</p><p> </p><p>Both talons remain alive, though scratched, bleeding and currently unconscious. While I tie the door guard up I look around for my new regent. My eyes roam the room, then quickly turn again to Justice. Watching her clean the blade. Then it dawn on me… she fought. She must be over her grieving and that strange vow she took.</p><p> </p><p>Farathier grabs the one at my feet twisting him to his feet, “I’ll take this one down a few doors. Archon, you take the other?” Archonus answers by reaching down to grab the other one and forcing him out the door. They are lead to two different rooms, as Justice and Arfin follow Farathier. Kareth and I follow Arhconus. Justice’s voice floats into the hallway, “Xath see to the Duke.” I smile knowing the Duke won’t mind the attention.</p><p> </p><p>Archonus tries to intimidate and get the man to talk, but nothing seem to be working. He looks at Kareth and I, his eyes like stone. He lets the injured man drop to the floor, then leaves the room. We remain unmoving simply watching from opposite sides of the room. Kareth’s hands pulse open and closed as if imagining the man’s head between them.</p><p> </p><p>I hear the approaching footsteps of Archonus and moving quickly open the door to his glaring face. His eyes however have changed, as they now hold a strange spark. With back turned to the prisoner, I smile knowing this will be a good show. Moving out of his way, I move back along the wall content to watch the hunter at work.</p><p> </p><p>Though we get no sizable information, we do get a confession that they were sent to kill. Not just kill, but assassinate. As it was stated I felt cold eyes on me and the prisoners cracked lips part in a sly grin.</p><p> </p><p>I let him think whatever he would for I had gained some knowledge this day. It seems the chameleon draconids were still out to find me. As their features changed back and forth, I also realized they couldn’t keep it indefinitely. I also watched its movements, each time Archonus forced it to shrink in fear or try to strike in hate. Later I even returned to the small room to play back every motion of the fight. My blood is of warriors, and I will fight whatever they throw at me.</p><p> </p><p>At least one thing got accomplished at the meeting. As the group easily parts, I realize we had to stay as a group. For the first time we had a place, room to spread out, and soon our own smaller agenda’s again. I had learned that together we can do better by focusing those agenda’s, as we had done time and time again before. It was time to focus once more.</p><p> </p><p>Through the day I quietly went to each one asking if they would meet on the morrow to break their fast with the group. Each replied that they would. All but two remained, Xath and Archonus, as Irellion came to find me.</p><p> </p><p>He had way to make some food, and had seem me use some similar magic. Together we found a quite place out back of the palace. A place as good as any to start a garden, so past the falling of the sun from our view we raised plants, fruited trees, and vegetable vines. Looking at the small area we knew it would not be enough, but it would help. We agreed Irellion would let the kitchen’s know of it’s existence, and tomorrow we would add to the supply. Winter was midway through, but the worst of the snows and cold was just beginning.</p><p> </p><p>I knew with Xath it would be a harder conversation then simply asking one question, but I had already put it off too long. It was time I was there for my friend as I should have been days ago. It took me a long while to track her down, finally I find her, sitting on the palace roof, watching the last bits of smoldering ash on the morning’s funeral pyre. I stop within sight of her, thinking, this has changed all of us, but her the most... How it must be to go through that change I can not know or understand. Was I wrong to let her slowly come into herself, does she still not know everything? She now holds such grace, poise, a soft light voice, and beauty. She has had to deal with all sorts of men following her and women finding it hard to hate her good looks when her spirit is so good.</p><p> </p><p>Coming to her side I quietly ask, "Xath, may I have a moment?" Xath turns and nods, gesturing for me to sit next to her. "I am asking the others," I continue into the silence, "Will you break your fast with us on the morrow?" Xath slowly moves her head agreeing to join us, strangely silent for one who always has so much to say. "I thank you and will greatly appreciate your wisdom, my friend." As the silence continues the smile slowly fades from my face, "There was so much going on when we left Oceanus I never got to ask…What do you remember from before the temple in Oceanus?" Xath still staring at the glowing embers from the funeral pyre responds, "I remember everything, at least, as much as anyone remembers of their past." Again silence descends.</p><p> </p><p>I follow her gaze to the charred bits of ash, "I know you could not be brought back against your will, but I still let him. He wrestled with it- your soul. Then after-” I look down at my scarred and calloused hands. “How was I to tell a friend thank you for saving my life, hope you like your new body. If I had waited, if I had trusted that Arfin and the others would get there in time. If only…"</p><p> </p><p>Xath turns to face L'Aurel then, glancing up I see emotions sweep across her face. First a startled look, then pained, but it passes. She smiles slightly at me. "Do you blame yourself for what happened that day? It was my decision, you know. My choice, and mine alone. Had I not wanted to come back, I would not sit here with you now." The grin broadens across her face, but her eyes contrast the smile cruelly with a pained look. "And as for the body..." Xath says a few words in a strange tongue and brushes her hand across her face. Her fair alder complexion fades, and I find myself seated next to a rotund dwarf with dusky features. The same Xath with whom we had been traveling for almost a month now... so short a time. The round body was familiar, but now seemed at odds. Even with the magic she could not hide the look, a look of frailty. After a few seconds she lets the image fade, and I am sitting again next to the lithe elf I have come to see as friend.</p><p> </p><p>Xath continues, "It hardly seems to matter what body I am in, as I never seem to stay in the same form for long, anyway." Another pained look towards the pyre. "I suppose it's fitting really, as I never really was much of a dwarf..." She trails off and begins to stare out again at the embers, which have finally faded so that there is not even the faintest glow coming from the pyre. Her family taken from her so early on and then to be raised by elves. She must have felt the outcast amongst her own people, but never apart of the other either.</p><p> </p><p>I was told by the others how the battle with Edriss was fought and won. Another choice thrown on Xath. "I am honored to call you friend in whatever form. It seems every time I turn around more and more has changed... becomes unclear... so many things forced on us." I lower my gaze to catch the flash of torch light on a silver plated dwarf standing on the ground across from us in an alleyway. Arfin true to his word continued to watching over her. Looking at Xath that first time after the battle it seemed her core has changed, maybe Arfin is right to worry. Finally turning to look at Xath, I quietly ask, "Do you regret it?"</p><p> </p><p>Xath furrows her fair brow, and then leans back to look at the sky. "Regret...I do not regret any decisions I have made, rather I regret those I could not make." She brushes her hand out encompassing the pyre below. "Perhaps it is those decisions we fear to make that hurt us the most." She pauses, then speaks again. "It seems a trail of sorrow follows wherever we tread. It is...difficult to be happy when you seem to continually spread loss." Another pause, and then brusquely, as if chastising herself, "What am I saying? These people would be much worse off had we not come along." Less convincingly, "I regret nothing. Nothing at all." With that, Xath turns so that she faces away.</p><p> </p><p>I can see the glint of wetness across her silken palms as tears drop, I have never had to comfort another. So I press my hand against Xath's shoulder, "Death and life... it is a circle that all things take. Evil has a way to block the path with all the thorns it can, and we have just started the battle. I can not say that there will not be more sorrow, but that is life. You have seen where those deserving go, and the happiness they will have there. We all choose a path, and though it may not lead where we thought, nor travel the path we wanted it to... we chose. We all played a part in forcing your hand yesterday, and I know if we could, anyone of us, we would take a chance and change it." Gently pulling on her shoulder I make her face the direction where Arfin stands, "All of us. We chose to battle the evil instead of each other. I can not understand your sacrifice. I can not take the pain away. Remember, instead, all the innocents we saved in Oceanus, remember the faces and souls you've brought happiness to by singing your songs, remember the hope you have given through your stories,… and remember the friend who you have shown love in the ultimate sacrifice." Dropping my hands, I am at a loss for words. The next step is hers and the internal battle is only one she can fight. We can be here for her, but only to help as the traveling is hers.</p><p> </p><p>Xath wipes the tears from her face, and smiles, perhaps the first genuine smile of the evening. She turns to hug me whispering, " Al nifred, meldis. Efuin tural garo tuuur iire amruuun teli. Wen uuva ta kilana. " (Fear not friend. The night cannot triumph when dawn comes. Your friendship will see to that.) With that, she stands, turns, and walks off into the darkness.</p><p> </p><p>I continue to sit on top of the roof. I watch Arfin slowly leave his shadowy post and follow her traveling shadow. I can not help but smile sadly. Yes, she will get more then enough help from us I fear. I stay up on the roof top for a few more hours, knowing the quite will not last, and the dangers will only increase.</p><p> </p><p>One more to go find this night, but for him as well I must ask more then one simple question. Walking through the pitiful tents the refugees have thrown up, I tense. Thinking suddenly that I should return and take one of the guards of Hywrl with me. No, I can not ask one of them to play nursemaid to me, though they would if I commanded it.</p><p> </p><p>They are needed here within the walls and outside them as well. And I can not show this weakness. A Weakness by letting fear rule me. A fear of the unknown, a fear of the beast that roam out there. A fear of myself. Michael and Link would no doubt have sharp words for such silliness.</p><p> </p><p>So I go in search of a person who may understand in some small way this need to just leave it all. I know my friend has rarely visited the quarters given to him inside the palace, and he would not like me bringing a new recruit along. As I step past the last echoes of light from the tents, I stand for a moment letting my eyes adjust and muscles relax. He instead prefers this the untamed forest around the city. If I had a choice, this is where I too would hide. He has made no attempt to cover his track, I have to take that as a sign. I slowly pick my way through the undergrowth and dead limbs.</p><p> </p><p>I finally see them in a small clearing ahead. He sits staring into the flames of a small fire and next to him my ancestor’s dire wolf, Greylocke, chewing happily on a massive bone. What a strange pair, the man who thinks he is doomed an outcast from all and a beast who thinks he should be loved as easily as s baby kitten. I feel almost wrong intruding on their space, in this moment I am the outcast, the stranger. I hesitate at the edge, I can see his face plainly in the orange glow for he is not wearing his normal red mask. Though he has not moved, I know he has sensed my approach, so on light footsteps I go to Greylocke’s side telling him in my ancestors tongue, "Thank you for watching and guarding." I then hold out a bone still full of raw meat. I can not help but grin as I see the look in Greylock’s eyes. A memory of seeing that same look in Yoshi’s eyes when I brought him the dead cow a farmer had given me flashes into my mind.</p><p> </p><p>Still scratching Greylocks massive side, I do not have to wonder at Archonus’ continued silence. He is waiting for me to go first, I have intruded it is my duty to acknowledge or dismiss him. My father, Michael, was much the same, he would sit there and calculate what I would do or say. I still do not understand why they do it, just that they do. Luckily it has made it easier to deal with him, made it easier to at least on my side become his friend and trust him. There I stand just as comfortable in his silence as I am in the midst of never ending chatter with Xath.</p><p> </p><p>I have put this off long enough, and what is the worst that he could say ‘no?’ I could handle that. I look over at my friend, Archonus; he has raised his head to look at me. He wears the mask of emotionless ness across his face not even his eyes betray anything. So I start, "I would ask to intrude on your solitude this night, that I may accompany you when next you go to... to hunt perhaps." I could almost cringe at my word choice, but hunt is the word that comes to mind. He is a hunter in the most basic sense of the word. I can see him as nothing else. I can not help as my words start to speed up feeling awkward in his continued silence, "I would not ask, but I know I have made myself a target. You can say no, but-” "Of course." Archonus interrupts with short gentle words. The beginnings of a rare smile can be seen on his unmasked face. "Greylocke and I could use some company." He stands up with a quick fluid motion. Greylocke not wanting to miss the action easily dismisses the bone and jumps up. As they dart into the trees I am pressed hard to keep up, but that is what I want, what I need. Looking back that was the start for me of something more.</p><p> </p><p>As the near moon makes her travel across the sky, my mind and soul finally get the release it needs, and balance seems to be restored in me. As we start to return to the new limits of Hywrl, I slow to a walk wanting to ask Archonus two other questions before I leave this night. So I begin, “Archonus?” Looking over at him, “May I join you both again?” Rubbing my hand along Greylocke’s sweat slicked head and back. “Yes.” Such a short word to invoke such a strong sense of peace and happiness. I know now I have my sanctuary, and with that I can return to the city, the people, the duty, and the loss. "Before I leave tonight I must ask you something else." He may not accept, but I must try. From all that has gone on before I must try...</p><p> </p><p>Letting my breath slow from the exertion of the run, I pause for a short moment before saying, "What I ask now may surprise you, but I would ask that you to lead us... You have the talon training and the knowledge of what we fight. You have the skill to kill, but the mercy to taper it. You do not rush into things or let your emotions get the better of a situation. You know best of all what the consequences of failure are, and I believe you could make the decisions needed now and in the future." I let my voice fade at this, staring hard in the dim light, trying to gauge his reaction.</p><p> </p><p>A long silence stretched. I knew this was no easy question and I would receive no simple answer. At long last his gaze finally turned to me and said a little curiously, "Why not Lady Fairweather? Her words carry much more weight and she comes from a very noble bloodline. And many already listen to her." A very noble bloodline, that of Joshua Preston, the cleric with Jaine. It seems he is her grandfather, and yet noble in what he does now. There is still a long process before he would considered anything but a rebel excommunicated from the Apectin church.</p><p> </p><p>Archonus wore such an expression of…of curiosity. I never was good at hiding emotions or thoughts, “Many would follow her, I know, and she is qualified from many fronts. But she is young and innocent. She is still learning so much as are the rest of us. She has the knowledge but no experience. She has the training, but from books alone. She reacts with emotion first."</p><p> </p><p>I see his face take on that normal emotionless mask, so looking around to the trees and surrounding area, I continue, "Know that someday you will have to come out from the shadows. Either by your will or by another's. When that time comes know that we will be with you, in spirit or in body, to stand with you." Are they all feeling the same doubts… have the same questioning for each other. I try to jump back to the topic we were on, "I know whoever takes this charge now takes on so much more then we can even imagine." Looking back toward the walls of Hywrl with a sad look, "Decisions need to be made and consequences dealt with. We are falling apart, and some are.. some have lost the light within. I am trying to gather us together again, but failing. To last we need one." Taking a deep breath and looking back to him, "Justice would be a great leader. She has it in her, and maybe this is the push she needs to full-fill her potential..."</p><p> </p><p>I knew this was not to be an easy task, and I knew it would be more then a simple yes or no… but as the minutes stretched, I became worried. Though we have fought beside each other, here is a man I have barely spoken to, a man who lives in the shadows, and a man who would give his life for us possibly even for Greylocke. But he is one who will not open up completely to anyone, will not walk in the sun, nor live life fully. Maybe I do not know this man at all, maybe it was just a wish to connect to these people I now see as close as any family I have had. He startled me as he spoke once again, "What of the others? Do they share your faith in me?"</p><p> </p><p>As always I could not lie to him, even it would have given me what I wished. So answering him, “I honestly do not know what lies in their hearts or minds.” Archonus replied much as I expected, “Then I would ask that you give young Fairweather the chance to lead. I think if given the chance and enough support she can lead us all to a better tomorrow. But know you this, I will be there to catch her should she fall.”</p><p> </p><p>I can not help but laugh, “I have no doubt of that, Archonus Arreandor!” A wistful smile tugs at my lips, “With all our help this shall be a true team with common purpose and direction.”</p><p> </p><p>Archonus nods in agreement, then stands and walks out just beyond the fire light. A moment passes as he thinks, then he raises his head to the stars and speaks, as if answering them. "I will."</p><p> </p><p>Slowly I pat Greylocke one more time, not sure what to think of Archonus’ last statement. Archonus- Archon. I say them both a few more times while studying him. I have disliked the others shortening his name to Archon. That is for angels, and though he is an angel of mercy and protection to some; he is not an angel in the fullest sense. As Archonus, he is one of us.</p><p> </p><p>As I leave the tree line and approach the gates of Hywrl, I think back to the evening. We had discovered a game, a game Michael would have liked. A game of tracking and hunting each other. I tended to lose most of the time, but I guess then I gained the most knowledge learning. As the moon passes her zenith, I enter the gates of Hywrl. I look back once more, feeling Greylocke hidden in the shadows but not surprised I can not see them. I smile for they have finally found friends to accept them as they are truly. I know he does not know it, but this night he helped save me.</p><p> </p><p>Entering the now quite halls of the palace, I search out and ask a servant for directions to my chambers, since in the excitement of the day I never asked where I was to stay. The petite woman cautiously keeps eyeing me. I realize I must look the worse for wear. Coming in at such a strange hour sticks and leaves twisted in my clock and mud plastering my boots. I try to push the dagger and arrows further into my cloak, so I do not seem on the war path. The more elderly maid goes to the corner a gently pushes around a pile of blankets. A young face soon peers out. The woman turns to me, “This is Sortia, my daughter, she will show you to your room.” The young girl wobbles out a curtsey, then takes my hand and leads the way through the various hallways and stairs. Finally we come to a closed door, without looking up she mumbles an almost inaudible, “This is yours.” She darts off after trying her curtsey again. I can not help but smile. Ah, was I ever that innocent… hmm…Even with all I have seen, I must admit to myself that I am still very innocent of many things. I rub my hand where just moments before her little fingers held mine. Shying from those thoughts for now, I wonder if I look as laughable as the little girl when I try to curtsey, and take note of one more thing Justice will have to show me about court life. </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Turning the knob slowly, I enter the room to a small but cozy fire but otherwise sparsely furnished room. There is a large bed, a small desk with some writing implements and a single chest. I open the curtains knowing the changing light will wake me early tomorrow, and carefully fold my belongings onto the chair. My bare feet make no sound as I go to the door and place my own little alarm on the door Xath normally enters a few hours before dawn. Even here I think she will be my first wake-up call. Now maybe my mind can shut down, without thoughts or worries, and I can relax. Just dreams of him…</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Laurel, post: 2019647, member: 17067"] [b]Chapter Five: “A Hidden Kingdom”[/b] [i]Day Seventeen- Hywrl[/i] Edriss’ funeral was simply one of a long list that kept seeming to grow by the thought. So I call my companions and the Duke of Oceanus to all gather in a small room by midday. As I wandered around gathering them up, I also asked Korienne, the commanding talon guard now stationed with his men in Hywrl, and Irellion Greyclaw, the high alder who acted as regent of Hywrl. Hopefully now we can all set the first wheels in motion for the future. Luckily the Duke was the first to arrive. Still unable to suppress the mixed feelings of guilt, dislike, but trust I ask him to teach me all he knows of power and ruling. He is the only tutor I can hope to gain, while still maintaining some small curtain that I know what I am doing. He agrees though not too happily it seems. Finally we are all assembled in the small room. I spy two talon guards standing post in the open archway of the doors as everyone mills about waiting for the start. Archonus wearing simple clothes edges midway between the corner and the group while Justice, Arfin, Xath, and Korienne seem to have no problems chatting. Korienne it seems is still trying to edge his tusked smile closer to Xath, but Kareth made a quick move to stop it. Perfect timing even if he, Kareth, didn’t know it. Irellion and I have greeted and with a lot of effort try to put my best foot forward. I can only feel sorry for the way this was sprung on him, but he seems not to care much. He prepared for Edriss to take over, so being replaced by me instead he has just slid the mood, title, and all associations over to me. With a simple raise of his slim ebony hand and a graceful few steps to the table, the Duke signals the start to this meeting. I walk slowly to the spot next to the duke hoping I can play out the part I have set. As he opens his mouth; however, I stand up. Time to remind him that we agreed he would help me, but that he gave me this rule, and that he shall live by it as well. Before he can force my hand again, I quickly glance about the table and taking a deep breath to calm myself, begin “I have something that should be said first, and needs viable witnesses. To keep order and erase any confusion should anything happen to me, there should be a set second to rule here. A second to help me learn the ways of these people, and a second to ensure the safety and well being of all those within these walls.” Looking at Irellion directly, “He has served them well to this point, so I can only hope he would continue to do so. Irellion Grayclaw, will you continue to serve as Regent of Hywrl?” He looks confused for a short second glancing quickly at Justice and the Duke, but then straightening his back nods solemnly in acceptance, “Of course, my Lady Countess. It was hard enough to hear the ‘my lady’s’ throw after and at us, but now to add a title. Michael is probably laughing at me from above about my very ill suited new role. Later I would think on why Irellion looked at those two, and only come to suppose he must have thought them the more likely to lead. How close his thoughts are to the truth, for within our group there is no one absolute leader but one always steps forward as our voice and within politics the Duke is far the superior. I quickly take my seat and allow the Duke to preside for the rest of this gathering knowing I need to watch and learn quickly. It is a very eloquent opening about calling us to order and thanking us for being there. He pointedly looks at me, chastising me as a tutor would with a single glance for not doing this before. Another list starts to form in my head of all the proper ways of court and leadership. Even as a simple general to the army we hope to amass, I will need better skills to command a large part of the force. As the Duke continues with the formalities, I continue to look around the room. I smile at Korienne’s sleepy expression. If the Duke kept it shorter his audience would pay more attention, I think with satisfaction. Directly across from the Duke, Justice site countering Korienne. Her eyes bright and brow furrowed, she looks as if she is trying to memorize each word uttered. The duke’s hand clutches his side as he chokes the end of a sentence. Chairs are thrown back as a deep red liquid ebbs between his fingers. One of the talon guards leaps onto the table top and stabs the Duke in the shoulder. We have been fighting for too long, and seen to much to truly let our guard down completely. So with a strange ease all of us move quickly to protect and attack. Xath pulls the injured Duke down and under the table in one pull of her hand. Archonus, Kareth and Justice stab at the man on the table. Arfin, Farathier and I go to the other guard as he raises his weapon poised for attack blocking the doorway. Adding in Korienne’s blade both are easy to overcome. Both talons remain alive, though scratched, bleeding and currently unconscious. While I tie the door guard up I look around for my new regent. My eyes roam the room, then quickly turn again to Justice. Watching her clean the blade. Then it dawn on me… she fought. She must be over her grieving and that strange vow she took. Farathier grabs the one at my feet twisting him to his feet, “I’ll take this one down a few doors. Archon, you take the other?” Archonus answers by reaching down to grab the other one and forcing him out the door. They are lead to two different rooms, as Justice and Arfin follow Farathier. Kareth and I follow Arhconus. Justice’s voice floats into the hallway, “Xath see to the Duke.” I smile knowing the Duke won’t mind the attention. Archonus tries to intimidate and get the man to talk, but nothing seem to be working. He looks at Kareth and I, his eyes like stone. He lets the injured man drop to the floor, then leaves the room. We remain unmoving simply watching from opposite sides of the room. Kareth’s hands pulse open and closed as if imagining the man’s head between them. I hear the approaching footsteps of Archonus and moving quickly open the door to his glaring face. His eyes however have changed, as they now hold a strange spark. With back turned to the prisoner, I smile knowing this will be a good show. Moving out of his way, I move back along the wall content to watch the hunter at work. Though we get no sizable information, we do get a confession that they were sent to kill. Not just kill, but assassinate. As it was stated I felt cold eyes on me and the prisoners cracked lips part in a sly grin. I let him think whatever he would for I had gained some knowledge this day. It seems the chameleon draconids were still out to find me. As their features changed back and forth, I also realized they couldn’t keep it indefinitely. I also watched its movements, each time Archonus forced it to shrink in fear or try to strike in hate. Later I even returned to the small room to play back every motion of the fight. My blood is of warriors, and I will fight whatever they throw at me. At least one thing got accomplished at the meeting. As the group easily parts, I realize we had to stay as a group. For the first time we had a place, room to spread out, and soon our own smaller agenda’s again. I had learned that together we can do better by focusing those agenda’s, as we had done time and time again before. It was time to focus once more. Through the day I quietly went to each one asking if they would meet on the morrow to break their fast with the group. Each replied that they would. All but two remained, Xath and Archonus, as Irellion came to find me. He had way to make some food, and had seem me use some similar magic. Together we found a quite place out back of the palace. A place as good as any to start a garden, so past the falling of the sun from our view we raised plants, fruited trees, and vegetable vines. Looking at the small area we knew it would not be enough, but it would help. We agreed Irellion would let the kitchen’s know of it’s existence, and tomorrow we would add to the supply. Winter was midway through, but the worst of the snows and cold was just beginning. I knew with Xath it would be a harder conversation then simply asking one question, but I had already put it off too long. It was time I was there for my friend as I should have been days ago. It took me a long while to track her down, finally I find her, sitting on the palace roof, watching the last bits of smoldering ash on the morning’s funeral pyre. I stop within sight of her, thinking, this has changed all of us, but her the most... How it must be to go through that change I can not know or understand. Was I wrong to let her slowly come into herself, does she still not know everything? She now holds such grace, poise, a soft light voice, and beauty. She has had to deal with all sorts of men following her and women finding it hard to hate her good looks when her spirit is so good. Coming to her side I quietly ask, "Xath, may I have a moment?" Xath turns and nods, gesturing for me to sit next to her. "I am asking the others," I continue into the silence, "Will you break your fast with us on the morrow?" Xath slowly moves her head agreeing to join us, strangely silent for one who always has so much to say. "I thank you and will greatly appreciate your wisdom, my friend." As the silence continues the smile slowly fades from my face, "There was so much going on when we left Oceanus I never got to ask…What do you remember from before the temple in Oceanus?" Xath still staring at the glowing embers from the funeral pyre responds, "I remember everything, at least, as much as anyone remembers of their past." Again silence descends. I follow her gaze to the charred bits of ash, "I know you could not be brought back against your will, but I still let him. He wrestled with it- your soul. Then after-” I look down at my scarred and calloused hands. “How was I to tell a friend thank you for saving my life, hope you like your new body. If I had waited, if I had trusted that Arfin and the others would get there in time. If only…" Xath turns to face L'Aurel then, glancing up I see emotions sweep across her face. First a startled look, then pained, but it passes. She smiles slightly at me. "Do you blame yourself for what happened that day? It was my decision, you know. My choice, and mine alone. Had I not wanted to come back, I would not sit here with you now." The grin broadens across her face, but her eyes contrast the smile cruelly with a pained look. "And as for the body..." Xath says a few words in a strange tongue and brushes her hand across her face. Her fair alder complexion fades, and I find myself seated next to a rotund dwarf with dusky features. The same Xath with whom we had been traveling for almost a month now... so short a time. The round body was familiar, but now seemed at odds. Even with the magic she could not hide the look, a look of frailty. After a few seconds she lets the image fade, and I am sitting again next to the lithe elf I have come to see as friend. Xath continues, "It hardly seems to matter what body I am in, as I never seem to stay in the same form for long, anyway." Another pained look towards the pyre. "I suppose it's fitting really, as I never really was much of a dwarf..." She trails off and begins to stare out again at the embers, which have finally faded so that there is not even the faintest glow coming from the pyre. Her family taken from her so early on and then to be raised by elves. She must have felt the outcast amongst her own people, but never apart of the other either. I was told by the others how the battle with Edriss was fought and won. Another choice thrown on Xath. "I am honored to call you friend in whatever form. It seems every time I turn around more and more has changed... becomes unclear... so many things forced on us." I lower my gaze to catch the flash of torch light on a silver plated dwarf standing on the ground across from us in an alleyway. Arfin true to his word continued to watching over her. Looking at Xath that first time after the battle it seemed her core has changed, maybe Arfin is right to worry. Finally turning to look at Xath, I quietly ask, "Do you regret it?" Xath furrows her fair brow, and then leans back to look at the sky. "Regret...I do not regret any decisions I have made, rather I regret those I could not make." She brushes her hand out encompassing the pyre below. "Perhaps it is those decisions we fear to make that hurt us the most." She pauses, then speaks again. "It seems a trail of sorrow follows wherever we tread. It is...difficult to be happy when you seem to continually spread loss." Another pause, and then brusquely, as if chastising herself, "What am I saying? These people would be much worse off had we not come along." Less convincingly, "I regret nothing. Nothing at all." With that, Xath turns so that she faces away. I can see the glint of wetness across her silken palms as tears drop, I have never had to comfort another. So I press my hand against Xath's shoulder, "Death and life... it is a circle that all things take. Evil has a way to block the path with all the thorns it can, and we have just started the battle. I can not say that there will not be more sorrow, but that is life. You have seen where those deserving go, and the happiness they will have there. We all choose a path, and though it may not lead where we thought, nor travel the path we wanted it to... we chose. We all played a part in forcing your hand yesterday, and I know if we could, anyone of us, we would take a chance and change it." Gently pulling on her shoulder I make her face the direction where Arfin stands, "All of us. We chose to battle the evil instead of each other. I can not understand your sacrifice. I can not take the pain away. Remember, instead, all the innocents we saved in Oceanus, remember the faces and souls you've brought happiness to by singing your songs, remember the hope you have given through your stories,… and remember the friend who you have shown love in the ultimate sacrifice." Dropping my hands, I am at a loss for words. The next step is hers and the internal battle is only one she can fight. We can be here for her, but only to help as the traveling is hers. Xath wipes the tears from her face, and smiles, perhaps the first genuine smile of the evening. She turns to hug me whispering, " Al nifred, meldis. Efuin tural garo tuuur iire amruuun teli. Wen uuva ta kilana. " (Fear not friend. The night cannot triumph when dawn comes. Your friendship will see to that.) With that, she stands, turns, and walks off into the darkness. I continue to sit on top of the roof. I watch Arfin slowly leave his shadowy post and follow her traveling shadow. I can not help but smile sadly. Yes, she will get more then enough help from us I fear. I stay up on the roof top for a few more hours, knowing the quite will not last, and the dangers will only increase. One more to go find this night, but for him as well I must ask more then one simple question. Walking through the pitiful tents the refugees have thrown up, I tense. Thinking suddenly that I should return and take one of the guards of Hywrl with me. No, I can not ask one of them to play nursemaid to me, though they would if I commanded it. They are needed here within the walls and outside them as well. And I can not show this weakness. A Weakness by letting fear rule me. A fear of the unknown, a fear of the beast that roam out there. A fear of myself. Michael and Link would no doubt have sharp words for such silliness. So I go in search of a person who may understand in some small way this need to just leave it all. I know my friend has rarely visited the quarters given to him inside the palace, and he would not like me bringing a new recruit along. As I step past the last echoes of light from the tents, I stand for a moment letting my eyes adjust and muscles relax. He instead prefers this the untamed forest around the city. If I had a choice, this is where I too would hide. He has made no attempt to cover his track, I have to take that as a sign. I slowly pick my way through the undergrowth and dead limbs. I finally see them in a small clearing ahead. He sits staring into the flames of a small fire and next to him my ancestor’s dire wolf, Greylocke, chewing happily on a massive bone. What a strange pair, the man who thinks he is doomed an outcast from all and a beast who thinks he should be loved as easily as s baby kitten. I feel almost wrong intruding on their space, in this moment I am the outcast, the stranger. I hesitate at the edge, I can see his face plainly in the orange glow for he is not wearing his normal red mask. Though he has not moved, I know he has sensed my approach, so on light footsteps I go to Greylocke’s side telling him in my ancestors tongue, "Thank you for watching and guarding." I then hold out a bone still full of raw meat. I can not help but grin as I see the look in Greylock’s eyes. A memory of seeing that same look in Yoshi’s eyes when I brought him the dead cow a farmer had given me flashes into my mind. Still scratching Greylocks massive side, I do not have to wonder at Archonus’ continued silence. He is waiting for me to go first, I have intruded it is my duty to acknowledge or dismiss him. My father, Michael, was much the same, he would sit there and calculate what I would do or say. I still do not understand why they do it, just that they do. Luckily it has made it easier to deal with him, made it easier to at least on my side become his friend and trust him. There I stand just as comfortable in his silence as I am in the midst of never ending chatter with Xath. I have put this off long enough, and what is the worst that he could say ‘no?’ I could handle that. I look over at my friend, Archonus; he has raised his head to look at me. He wears the mask of emotionless ness across his face not even his eyes betray anything. So I start, "I would ask to intrude on your solitude this night, that I may accompany you when next you go to... to hunt perhaps." I could almost cringe at my word choice, but hunt is the word that comes to mind. He is a hunter in the most basic sense of the word. I can see him as nothing else. I can not help as my words start to speed up feeling awkward in his continued silence, "I would not ask, but I know I have made myself a target. You can say no, but-” "Of course." Archonus interrupts with short gentle words. The beginnings of a rare smile can be seen on his unmasked face. "Greylocke and I could use some company." He stands up with a quick fluid motion. Greylocke not wanting to miss the action easily dismisses the bone and jumps up. As they dart into the trees I am pressed hard to keep up, but that is what I want, what I need. Looking back that was the start for me of something more. As the near moon makes her travel across the sky, my mind and soul finally get the release it needs, and balance seems to be restored in me. As we start to return to the new limits of Hywrl, I slow to a walk wanting to ask Archonus two other questions before I leave this night. So I begin, “Archonus?” Looking over at him, “May I join you both again?” Rubbing my hand along Greylocke’s sweat slicked head and back. “Yes.” Such a short word to invoke such a strong sense of peace and happiness. I know now I have my sanctuary, and with that I can return to the city, the people, the duty, and the loss. "Before I leave tonight I must ask you something else." He may not accept, but I must try. From all that has gone on before I must try... Letting my breath slow from the exertion of the run, I pause for a short moment before saying, "What I ask now may surprise you, but I would ask that you to lead us... You have the talon training and the knowledge of what we fight. You have the skill to kill, but the mercy to taper it. You do not rush into things or let your emotions get the better of a situation. You know best of all what the consequences of failure are, and I believe you could make the decisions needed now and in the future." I let my voice fade at this, staring hard in the dim light, trying to gauge his reaction. A long silence stretched. I knew this was no easy question and I would receive no simple answer. At long last his gaze finally turned to me and said a little curiously, "Why not Lady Fairweather? Her words carry much more weight and she comes from a very noble bloodline. And many already listen to her." A very noble bloodline, that of Joshua Preston, the cleric with Jaine. It seems he is her grandfather, and yet noble in what he does now. There is still a long process before he would considered anything but a rebel excommunicated from the Apectin church. Archonus wore such an expression of…of curiosity. I never was good at hiding emotions or thoughts, “Many would follow her, I know, and she is qualified from many fronts. But she is young and innocent. She is still learning so much as are the rest of us. She has the knowledge but no experience. She has the training, but from books alone. She reacts with emotion first." I see his face take on that normal emotionless mask, so looking around to the trees and surrounding area, I continue, "Know that someday you will have to come out from the shadows. Either by your will or by another's. When that time comes know that we will be with you, in spirit or in body, to stand with you." Are they all feeling the same doubts… have the same questioning for each other. I try to jump back to the topic we were on, "I know whoever takes this charge now takes on so much more then we can even imagine." Looking back toward the walls of Hywrl with a sad look, "Decisions need to be made and consequences dealt with. We are falling apart, and some are.. some have lost the light within. I am trying to gather us together again, but failing. To last we need one." Taking a deep breath and looking back to him, "Justice would be a great leader. She has it in her, and maybe this is the push she needs to full-fill her potential..." I knew this was not to be an easy task, and I knew it would be more then a simple yes or no… but as the minutes stretched, I became worried. Though we have fought beside each other, here is a man I have barely spoken to, a man who lives in the shadows, and a man who would give his life for us possibly even for Greylocke. But he is one who will not open up completely to anyone, will not walk in the sun, nor live life fully. Maybe I do not know this man at all, maybe it was just a wish to connect to these people I now see as close as any family I have had. He startled me as he spoke once again, "What of the others? Do they share your faith in me?" As always I could not lie to him, even it would have given me what I wished. So answering him, “I honestly do not know what lies in their hearts or minds.” Archonus replied much as I expected, “Then I would ask that you give young Fairweather the chance to lead. I think if given the chance and enough support she can lead us all to a better tomorrow. But know you this, I will be there to catch her should she fall.” I can not help but laugh, “I have no doubt of that, Archonus Arreandor!” A wistful smile tugs at my lips, “With all our help this shall be a true team with common purpose and direction.” Archonus nods in agreement, then stands and walks out just beyond the fire light. A moment passes as he thinks, then he raises his head to the stars and speaks, as if answering them. "I will." Slowly I pat Greylocke one more time, not sure what to think of Archonus’ last statement. Archonus- Archon. I say them both a few more times while studying him. I have disliked the others shortening his name to Archon. That is for angels, and though he is an angel of mercy and protection to some; he is not an angel in the fullest sense. As Archonus, he is one of us. As I leave the tree line and approach the gates of Hywrl, I think back to the evening. We had discovered a game, a game Michael would have liked. A game of tracking and hunting each other. I tended to lose most of the time, but I guess then I gained the most knowledge learning. As the moon passes her zenith, I enter the gates of Hywrl. I look back once more, feeling Greylocke hidden in the shadows but not surprised I can not see them. I smile for they have finally found friends to accept them as they are truly. I know he does not know it, but this night he helped save me. Entering the now quite halls of the palace, I search out and ask a servant for directions to my chambers, since in the excitement of the day I never asked where I was to stay. The petite woman cautiously keeps eyeing me. I realize I must look the worse for wear. Coming in at such a strange hour sticks and leaves twisted in my clock and mud plastering my boots. I try to push the dagger and arrows further into my cloak, so I do not seem on the war path. The more elderly maid goes to the corner a gently pushes around a pile of blankets. A young face soon peers out. The woman turns to me, “This is Sortia, my daughter, she will show you to your room.” The young girl wobbles out a curtsey, then takes my hand and leads the way through the various hallways and stairs. Finally we come to a closed door, without looking up she mumbles an almost inaudible, “This is yours.” She darts off after trying her curtsey again. I can not help but smile. Ah, was I ever that innocent… hmm…Even with all I have seen, I must admit to myself that I am still very innocent of many things. I rub my hand where just moments before her little fingers held mine. Shying from those thoughts for now, I wonder if I look as laughable as the little girl when I try to curtsey, and take note of one more thing Justice will have to show me about court life. [font='Times New Roman']Turning the knob slowly, I enter the room to a small but cozy fire but otherwise sparsely furnished room. There is a large bed, a small desk with some writing implements and a single chest. I open the curtains knowing the changing light will wake me early tomorrow, and carefully fold my belongings onto the chair. My bare feet make no sound as I go to the door and place my own little alarm on the door Xath normally enters a few hours before dawn. Even here I think she will be my first wake-up call. Now maybe my mind can shut down, without thoughts or worries, and I can relax. Just dreams of him…[/font] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
Top