Adventure of Exiles

Isaac awoke.

He was in a dark place shrouded in a grey fog. It was not the chamber. Instead, there was a dark blue river in front of him. The water flowing gently downstream.

He looked around, this wasn't the chamber.

Then saw Stannis approaching him.

He looked much younger, his armor now gleamed brightly.

His hair was dark, and his beard was clean shaven. Instead of a sword he had a scythe.

Stannis offered his hand to Isaac.

“Why would you do this? Aren’t we enemies?” Isaac said as he took Stannis’s hand. He helped Isaac back up.

“Not anymore. The battle is over.” Stannis spoke, “perhaps the future is better in the hands of the youth. You have proven yourself.”

Isaac told around, “where are we?” He asked.

“In the realm between the living and the dead. It is now my time to fulfil my end of a deal made so long ago.”

Stannis then put a firm hand on Isaac’s shoulder,

“I hope that you may live a good and honorable life.”

“Thank you.” Isaac replied.

“My duty is done. Now do yours, soldier.” Stannis then faded into the fog.

“What do I do now?” Isaac asked loud out.

“Hello, hello!”

Isaac turned around to see a woman. She was tall and wore a cloak, her face hidden in the shadows of the hood. She had a fearsome black scythe on her back.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“Oh, I go by many names. People just can’t seem to pick just one to call me. But you may call me Halja. Nice to meet you.”

“The goddess of the dead!”

“Well, aren’t you a smart one. Yes. That is me.”

“But...I’m not dead, am I? Are you here to boom! Instantly dead, me?”

She laughed, “no! Who gave you that silly idea? Now come on over and let’s talk.”

She said as she sat down at the edge of the river.

Isaac walked over and sat down besides here.

“Pretty, isn’t it? I love the view of the river. even after all this time.” Halja said as she uncovered her hood. Revealing a pale, beautiful woman with black hair and dark brown eyes.

“I suppose.”

Do you know what this river is?”

“No. What is it?”

“The River of Souls. All souls that come from the living are guided by reapers to their afterlife. It is a very beautiful thing. Don’t you think so? Down the river is the heart of my domain.”

“I wouldn’t know. I have never seen a soul.”

“Oh, you have. You have seen a few souls. You just don’t remember yet.”

“Ah. Can you restore my memory then?”

Halja shook her head, “no can do, kid. That is something you must do on your own. My sister, Herta would not allow that. Besides, I don’t want to.”

“Sister? Herta?”

“Yep, yep. Her. She is always saying stuff like the right path to happiness is to find your own destiny. To find your own life. The journey is more important than the destination. Yawn! But she does have a point.”

“You two get along? Wouldn’t you be jealous of the Goddess of the Hearth and Abundance?”

Halja laughed again. Her laugh was musical. It put Isaac as ease. “Why should I be? We are different but equal. It is all about balance. Death and life. Winter and summer. Light and darkness. She brings the warmth and comfort to life, and I bring the acceptance and peace with death. Also, anything in life, she builds and creates will ultimately become mine over time. And I am a patient woman.”

“So...if you are not here to help me, why are you here?”

“To see you, silly.”

“Oh.” Isaac couldn’t help but to blush a little hearing that from her.

“Don’t you feel bad for Stannis? He died for a country that no longer exists.” She asked as she tossed a pebble into the river.

“Yeah, it seemed rather futile in the end.” Isaac said as the pebble made a few ripples into the water.

“But he fulfilled his duty to his queen. Do you think his sacrifice was worth it?”

Isaac paused to reflect for a moment.

“Yes, he fought to protect his country until the very end. He still had a sense of duty. Because of his service to his nation there are further generations who have come and are living today. He was a true soldier. I wouldn’t say I agree with his methods. He could have been a bit nicer.”

“He was. He was one of my favorites until he was laid to rest.”

“You are the one Stannis made his pact with, aren’t you?”

“Indeed. I always like meeting interesting new people. And it turns out you are very interesting Isaac. So, I have a little question for you.”

“What is it?”

“Would you like to make a pact with me, Isaac? You could be my reaper. You have proven you’re potential. After death you would be back here and I would send you help guide souls to their resting places. You would work directly for me. Of course, I would give you some perks.”

“Like what?”

“You could go between the realms of the living and the dead. Death would be only the beginning for you.”

“I...I can’t.”

Halja looked surprised. “Oh? Why is that? Do you not wish to serve me? Did talking to the stick in the mud Stannis change your mind?”

“It isn’t that. It’s just I plan on living a long life. I can’t decide now. I have people that I care for and that I want to protect. I’m not sure what my path in life is yet, but I need to keep on my journey. Regain my memories.”

“I see, I see. Well, that’s fine. The offer doesn’t expire. If you are ever interested, just let me know! You are free to leave.”

She flicked her hand and a bright light like a door appeared.

“Wait! I still have a couple of questions.”

“Go on. Ask away. I suppose I owe you that much for indulging me in a chat.”

“What would you want to be done with the Staff of Eternal Night?”

“Pfft that old thing! Ah, humans. Still looking for the dusty staff even if it’s better left forgotten. What should you do with it, hmm? That is a good question.” Halja said as she twirled some hair around her finger. “I guess you could take it if you wanted. I wouldn’t be bothered if you did. I guess I did bless its creation for Natasha back then. I warn you it’s powerful magic. Enough to warp a person’s mind. It will only bring misery and pain.”

“Why did you do that for her? If you knew the consequences?”

“A gift given freely. Not bound by rules. Even a gift can bring great suffering. She asked for it with full knowledge of what the consequences could be.”

“Ok fine. I have another question...have I ever killed anyone?”

“Oh? Why you ask?”

“It’s just...my instinct in a fight is so natural. It is like second nature to me. And Stannis called me a child, but I fought him off and won. Does that mean that I was a soldier in my past?”

“Hmm...I can’t answer that, sorry. Would be giving away too much.”

Isaac sighed.

“Fine...then may I ask about Felix. He said he killed before, but he refused to tell me more. Can you tell me his past?”

Halja rubbed her chin for a moment before replying,

“Well, well. That is a grey area, that’s not me revealing anything about your past. Sis cannot get mad at that. Well let me answer that with more than a simple yes or no.”

Halja grabbed her scythe and she cut the air and opened a hole in the mist with her scythe.

Out of the hole came out a large man. Who looked like a noble, but his fine clothes and furs were in tatters.

Isaac looked at the man.

“Speak.” Halja commanded in a powerful voice.

“...I was a foolish man. An assassin’s blade ended my miserable life. I was planning on doing such awful things to a poor girl just before my death. I was frustrated and angry at my brother. What a fool he was! Should we not grasp great fortunes and vices within our lives? I foolishly thought. in the end, I was not given a chance to make amends with him. Now I am doomed for all eternity with the knowledge I will never be forgiven by my brother in life. Those I have wronged I will never be able to make right. What a fool I was!” The man cried out.

The man then faded back into the mist.

Isaac was shocked at what he just saw.

Before he could even react, Halja cut into the mist again.

Another man appeared. This one in a military uniform of Lyris. Covered in bloodstains.

“Speak.” Halja said.

“...I was killed by my lifelong friend and companion. I thought we would spend our twilight years in peace. Talking about the war over drinks. But in the end, I was killed for my sins. I killed so many people. Hung so many while saying this was the only way to keep the peace. That this was the good of the kingdom. I still slept so soundly at night...but now for all eternity I have to endure my punishment for my sins.”

“What is your punishment?” Isaac asked.

The man gazed at Isaac or perhaps behind him, tears forming in his eyes. “To see those, I had killed for all eternity. To see the men, women, and children. To know...they forgive me. I could endure cursing, screaming, rage...but to see smiles and an earnest forgiveness in their hearts...May the gods curse me for the monster I am!”

He wailed as he fell to the ground weeping.

Halja swung her scythe again and the man faded into the mist.

Isaac didn’t know what to say. He was left speechless by the revelation.

Halja gave Isaac a knowing look, “people have a lot of time to think after they die. To reflect upon their actions in life. Trust me those two were much different in life than in death.”

“Did he kill innocent people?”

Halja shrugged, “Who is to say who is innocent and who is guilty? Who is righteous or evil? Life is too complicated for such a simple question. I simply guide those in death.”

“I see. Thank you for answering me.” Isaac replied.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you will have a lot to talk about, but you should be heading back. The door is beckoning to you like a bright morning with an inn with bacon and eggs.”

“Oh. I suppose. But why bacon?”

Halja laughed, “who doesn’t like bacon!”

Isaac nodded, “yeah, ok. Thank you, Halja.”

“Anytime, kiddo. Just be sure to not go dying on me too soon, I’ll be watching.”

Isaac walked up to the light and touched it.

He felt his body become heavy.

He closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, he was back in the chamber.

Emily and Michael were by his side, and Noah was leaning on the wall.

Emily noticed him and spoke, “oh! Oh my, oh my. You’re awake.”

“How long have I been out?” He asked.

“An hour at most. Emily was able to heal you, but you were in bad shape.” Michael stated.

“Speak for yourself! You shouldn’t be standing either Michael. You were injured too!” Emily said her hands still glowing faintly.

Michael shrugged, “it isn’t serious. I’ve fought through worse as a soldier.”

“Are you feeling alright, Isaac?” Noah asked.

Isaac was silent for a moment, contemplating his choices.

He then took a deep breath.

“I’m fine.”

Michael clapped the Isaac’s back, “you did good today, Isaac. I’m proud of you. Now let’s go home.”

Noah held on to the staff piece for dear life, “I hate this. This is too scary. But in for a copper, in for a gold now. I am not turning back. I dedicated too much of my life to this.”

Noah’s fear was replaced by sheer determination by the end of his little speech.

Emily clapped for him.

“Oh...ok.” Isaac said.

Michael led the way to leave but was stopped at the entrance by Noah.

“What now?” Michael asked.

Noah clung on his staff for support, his expression was a mix of determination and fear as he turned to face Michael.

“Be honest with me. When you let out that war cry earlier and what I know about you so far...you are a Restorationist aren’t you?”

Michael narrowed his eyes.

“So, what if I am?”

“Because the Restorationists are a bunch of fanatics from the north who refuse to admit the war is over. They are willing to fight and die for their delusions and lost cause of a family that’s dead and gone.” Noah said.

Isaac was shocked and was about to speak up. But Emily shook her head.

“It isn’t that simple.”

“But isn’t it? House Strass is dead and buried! Why fight? It is better to make peace and live together with the south! You northerners are so stubborn and foolish. All the suffering could have been avoided if the north didn’t rebel against the Kingdom of Lyris and House Jailos!”

“You are a brave kid. Calling me a fool to my face. I’ll tell you one thing. We were fighting for the future.”

“What does that even mean? The people of the north suffered the most during the war.”

Michael let out a deep sigh, “what are you getting at? Get on with it. Tell me what you are thinking.”

Noah clenched on his staff, “My mom fought during the last war, her leg was crippled in the conflict. Are you going to continue fighting? Will you drag the country into another civil war?”

“I’ll do my duty.”

Noah was livid, “I can’t believe someone like you would do this! Can’t you see they are using you? They don’t care about you or the people! All they want is to be in control of the kingdom again!”

Michael frowned, “are you finished?”

Noah looked over at Emily, “are you ok with this too? Your uncle is dead set on getting himself killed!”

Emily looked down, “I...I don’t want another war. But I don’t think we can avoid it. There are so many Restorationists and they are gaining more followers.”

Noah stomped his foot, “but that doesn’t mean you should join them, or Michael should either. Is Felix also a Restorationist too? I don’t want any of you to get hurt like my mom did.”

Michael pointed at Emily, “I do all of this because I believe in her. I believe in her future. If a new conflict arises, then I will fight and protect her until my last breath.”

Emily put her hand on Noah’s shoulder.

“I understand how you feel, Noah. I don’t want any more violence either, but I can’t ignore the suffering northerners has gone through.”

Noah sighed and rubbed his eyebrow, “I don’t have any answers, and I know I can’t stop you. I just wanted to know why. Don’t worry I’m not going to do anything about it or tell anyone.”

“Sorry Noah.” Emily said as she ruffed Noah’s hair.

“It’s fine. At least I got an answer, and I said my piece. But can we go now? This place gives me the creeps and I am tired from all of this.”

Michael patted Noah’s back, “let’s go.”

Michael led the way and everyone following him.

Isaac turned back briefly and gave a salute,

“Rest well, soldier.” He whispered and he turned back to leave.