Fate of the Empires

The ocean. Both beauty and danger lie within its depths yet it can look so calm and plain on the surface. It reminds me of my parents. It’s the smell of the salt in the air and the sound of the waves crashing against the boat that trigger the memory. I’m not really sure why; I never knew my parents. I have come to believe they were both taken by plague when I was just an infant. I was raised by the priests at the Temple of Arus. I had never even seen the ocean until a few days ago, but somehow it is soothing to me like a mother’s song to her sleeping child. Strange that something I’ve never seen before could make me feel such warmth, such…longing.

Magnus hasn’t taken to our ocean journey very well. He has barely held anything down since we left port two days ago. It seems the gods have finally seen fit to punish him for his constant piggishness. Jun may understand and even defend the oaf because Magnus has been sheltered, but there is no excuse for his pompous arrogance and blatant disregard for others!

Draccus keeps to himself mostly, but seems right at home on the ocean. He does nothing to offend, however, his presence alone makes the crew a little jumpy. I, myself, find the cold obsidian of his eyes unsettling. He spends his days spearing large fish and small sharks for his meals. At night he sleeps near the bow of the ship, away from any other living soul. Aside from the occasional verbal altercation with the sickly mage he seems completely isolated from the rest of us. Of course, I keep to myself as well because one learns more from listening than from talking.

Jun is another mystery altogether. There is a darkness to his aura, but I sense no evil in him. He is another that keeps to himself, but at the same time has no problem taking command of a situation. He is a born leader, although I think he would rather be a follower. I catch him staring at me sometimes. I don’t know why he looks, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t take delight in it. It’s not the staring, but the look in his eyes when he does it. They spark life in the part of me that has forgotten how to be a woman. It’s not that my order looks down on marriage or families, but we devote so much of ourselves to the ways of the warrior there simply isn’t time for such luxuries.

We have another three and a half weeks at sea, stopping only at a few small ports to pick up supplies and drop off cargo. Our ship is a small transport vessel with a crew of no more than fifteen men. The captain says with a good wind and the sails at full mast its one of the fastest ships on the water. The ship is named the New Horizon. Our first night on board the captain explained the significance of the name. He and his crew live life by their own rules with no one to control them. Each dawning of the sun over the horizon brings new adventure and possibility for them every day. Freedom. It’s a very poetic notion, but hardly realistic. Still, it would be nice to live so carefree.

It’s curious that we would be sent on such a long journey when the sorcerer could have just as easily gated us to Akkarr in an instant. I thought this war was a very urgent matter. By the time we reach Densetsu this war may have already begun. I would like to believe there is purpose in our chosen method of travel, but at this point it just seems like poor planning.

The northern winds add an almost unbearable chill to the ocean breeze. With the exception of Draccus, the rest of us are bundled in rags, having left our more noble attire back in Lindara. Draccus wears only a few animal hides over places that we humans would deem inappropriate were they not covered. It would make sense that he’s not affected by the cold. The southern portion of Orrock is covered by glaciers and being a warrior race, the Orrocks must have adapted to their surroundings giving them great fortitude against any climate.

While we are still very far away from Cove or even Akkarr, Jun thought it best for us to dress as commoners after the attempt on our lives in Lindara. Who is trying to stop us this early in our mission? It has to be someone within the house of Lord Darkwynde. No one from Densetsu could know about us yet unless they are using magical means to spy on us. I have prayed to Arus for answers, but the only response I have gotten is a feeling in the deep of my gut to prepare for a fight.

Fish and stale bread make up our meal plates morning, noon, and night. I am going to detest fish by the time our journey is over. Our evening meals are spent mostly in silence with a ship’s crew that is not sure what to think of us. They don’t ask any questions and we don’t volunteer any answers.

After dinner I like to stand on the bow and gaze at the stars. I usually stargaze by myself, but tonight Draccus surprisingly approaches me. “Why do you always watch the skies?” Draccus asks as he looks up.

His question catches me off guard. I guess I’ve never really thought about it. I have watched the stars since I was old enough to go outside the temple alone. There is something calming about the night sky. It brings peace to my violent soul knowing that the sparkles in the darkness are the gods in the heavens keeping watch over us. It is something more than mere infatuation, however. I can’t explain it, but I feel connected to the stars somehow.

“Serenity,” I answer.

“Interesting.”

“Why do you ask?”

“I am trying to understand humans.”

“Any luck so far?”

“I find that humans are very complicated creatures. Understanding you might take every one of my life cycles.”

I can’t help but smile at his comment. If I didn’t know any better I’d say he’s smiling also. Although the thought is funny, it is also sad. Here is this Orrock making an active attempt to learn about humans and understand them, but do we try to understand him? No. We think of him as a savage. When humans don’t understand something we fear it. We shun it. And often times we try to destroy it. Who are the real savages?

Draccus’ glance shifts from the sky to my waistline. Discomfort from his stare consumes me once more. He draws back my cloak and admires my sword. I breathe a small sigh of relief and bite my lip to avoid cursing my human stupidity. “The symbol of your order is a blade,” Draccus allows my cloak to fall back over my sword, “What does Arus represent?”

“Arus is the god of might and battle. His blade protects the innocent and fights for justice.”

“A most honorable deity. How did you come to be in his service?”

“I grew up in the temple. I have been taught the ways of the warrior since I was old enough to lift a wooden practice sword. I believe I was just destined to be a cleric of the Arusian order.”

“In my land we have many gods, maybe even more than your kind, but we have no temples or holy orders of priests. Those that are chosen to serve the gods are very few and we would never think of sending them into battle. Ours is a warrior life, but our shamans do not have to live it.”

“The gods grant us power and in return humans fight for them.”

“Why can your gods not fight their own battles?”

“Because…”

It is a question I don’t really have an answer for. Why do the gods not fight their own battles? I suppose it is in much the same way as an army on a battlefield. Why does a general not fight alongside his soldiers? The general commands the army while the soldiers do the actual sacrificing in battle. Like the general, the gods are wise and know the best path for us, the soldiers, to follow. If the gods were to be needlessly sacrificed we mortals would be lost on the battlefield of life. “The gods keep our world from tumbling into chaos. Defending their honor is but a small task for us in return for their eternal generosity.”

“I see,” Draccus looks up towards the stars.

I follow his gaze to see the constellation Alandria. As part of our theological education at the temple we were taught about all the star groupings and their different mythologies. This particular constellation is named for a legendary heroine. “Alandria,” I point towards the constellation.

“Who?” Draccus looks confused.

“That grouping of stars is called Alandria.”

“You have names for the stars?”

“Yes, we have people who study the stars and the sky called astronomers. They name the stars and star clusters in order to distinguish them from each other.”

“But why?”

“Sailors use the stars to guide them as they cross the oceans and seas.”

“Hmm…and why are those stars called….Alandria?”

“If you connect the stars on a star map they look like an archer. Alandria, was a great female warrior from Athusian legend who used a bow.”

“So you tie these star groupings to your nation’s history?”

“Yes.”

“Then I will call the stars Kahric.”

“Who was Kahric?”

“The greatest hunter in the history of my kind. He too used a bow to kill his prey.”

“Are you going to start naming the stars as we humans do?” I ask with a smile.

“Perhaps,” Draccus looks me in the eyes, “It will give me something to tell my offspring if I ever return home.”

“If?”

“Yes…if,” Draccus looks down.

“I’m sorry,” I put my hand on Draccus’ shoulder. Draccus touches my hand with his. It is surprisingly warm.

“It is alright. Good evening, Priestess.”

“It was nice talking with you, Draccus,” I smile warmly.

Draccus nods and makes his way to where he sleeps, not far from where we stand. I take one last look at the peaceful night sky and let out a sigh. “Serenity,” I say softly to myself.

On the eve of our sixth day we find ourselves on land once again. We have arrived at the port city of Lexoria, which is nowhere near the size of Lindara or Cove, but thrives because of the trade relationship with the neighboring city of Callux.

Callux is nearly the size of Athust and is home to the king’s cousin, Lord Nathanial Fyremane. Cities are so large and spread out nowadays they each have an appointed governor to oversee day-to-day operations. The governor answers to and gets approvals from one of two lords and those lords in turn report to Lord Darkwynde. Lord Fyremane governs the eastern half of Athusia and is quite an influential figure. He established the Iron Merchant Trade Route ten years ago, which runs directly to Lexoria. Guard towers along the road fortify the route to ensure safe passage for merchants and traders.

Before the trade route was established Lexoria was nothing more than a backwater little port town. It has come a long way in ten years and is now considered the most secure port in all of Athusia due to the Iron Merchant Trade Route. Merchant vessels from all around dock here to trade openly without fear of piracy on the water or thievery on the shores.

Magnus is insistent that we go ashore. I wonder why. Jun will not allow him to go into town unaccompanied so it looks like another evening of drinking for the boys. Draccus decides it is safer to remain on the ship and he is probably right. Just because our last tavern visit went well doesn’t mean the denizens of this city will react the same. A good portion of the crew is joining us for the night and ready the longboat to row ashore.

The mage actually mans an oar in an attempt to expedite the trip. The fool seems very anxious to abandon one kind of sickness for another. Magnus will no doubt begin his philandering early in the evening anyway and I won’t have to be around him. At least Jun doesn’t drink as much as the mage. I shall at least have someone with which to converse without the need to pretend I’m interested. I still don’t think this is a good idea in light of our current situation.

“Are you alright?” Jun asks me.

I suddenly realize that I have been projecting my thoughts with a look of anger. “Oh, yes,” I attempt to smile, “I was just thinking, that’s all.”

“About what?”

I look around the boat. Magnus and the others are too immersed in rowing to pay attention to our conversation. “I am a troubled about our mission,” my statement is not entirely untrue.

“Yes, I too have been concerned since Lindara,” Jun looks down.

“Do you know who would want us dead?”

“I have a few theories, but nothing certain…and nothing that makes any sense.”

“Should we really be going to a pub then?”

“Leaia, assassins were sent after us. If there are more, it won’t matter where we are.”

That is not exactly the answer I was hoping to hear. I have no fear of an opponent on the battlefield. As long as I give a good fight I am not afraid to die. You never know when or where an assassin will strike and that scares me. Arus, please watch over us.

We make it to the docks very quickly. Magnus is first off the boat. He doesn’t even stick around to help tie us off before he makes his way inland. The rest of the crew secure the longboat and follow Magnus towards the tavern. Jun and I are the last ones off. Jun offers a hand to help me out of the boat. “Thank you,” I say as I climb onto the dock.

“You’re welcome, my lady,” Jun bows dramatically with a big grin.

I attempt a playful curtsy, but having no formal training on being a lady it looks very awkward. Jun simply smiles. “Come on,” he waits for me to pass and then follows.

Magnus and the crew have disappeared up the road. The convivial sounds of a bustling tavern, where they undoubtedly went into, can be heard ahead. Jun and I make our way passed the darkened buildings and warehouses that line the docks. A few dockworkers load up some cargo crates onto a wagon. They are very cautious as they work. It must be a smuggler’s run for workers to be loading so late.

“Leaia…” Jun slows his pace, “May I ask you a personal question?”

“Of course,” I answer a little uneasy.

“Do you remember your parents?”

I stop walking. What prompted this question? “Why do you ask?” I question in a sharp tone.

“I was required to read up on each of you before this mission started. The documents were not all inclusive, but they did mention you were raised at the temple of Arus. As you know, it was Ethan that raised me and I do not remember my real parents…so I was just wondering if maybe you had remembered yours.”

I should not have been so harsh in my questioning. “No…I can’t remember them at all, but…”

“What? What is it?”

“It’s just that I believe I knew them…I just can’t remember. There are things that remind me of them. Little things and…I don’t know why. I wish I knew what happened to them. Sometimes I have dreams or vague flashes of my father, but it is never anything solid enough to lead me anywhere.”

“I understand. There is a lot of mystery surrounding my mother’s death as well. Ethan says she died in childbirth, but he doesn’t like to talk about her. And everyone else keeps so tightlipped about it that I often wonder if it all happened the way Ethan says. It’s funny…it is my job to find the secrets of others yet I can’t find out my own.”

I believe I am beginning to understand the darkness that hangs over him. He and I are not that different. “Do you think something is being hidden from you?”

“I’m not sure. Ethan has never given me reason to doubt his word, but instinct tells me that something is not right. What would he have to gain from lying about my mother’s death though?”

“Maybe it’s not your mother he’s lying about.”

“My father…”

Stupid! I need to learn to keep my thoughts to myself sometimes. What if I am placing doubt where there need not be any? It is unusual though. If there is nothing to hide about his parents why would it be such a kept secret? The priests were always very open at the temple. They would share any details they had with me. When I turned sixteen they even aided me in searching to find my parents. We always found dead ends, but they were always there pushing me to keep looking. Why wouldn’t Ethan share every detail he had about Jun’s mother with him?

“I think I need a drink,” Jun says with an artificial laugh, “We should get to the tavern.”

“Alright,” I reply before following his lead.

We walk the rest of the way in silence. The tension in Jun’s jaw tells me he is frustrated. I can’t help but wonder what he is thinking. What is it I find so intriguing about this man? Is it the complexity of his character? The mystery that surrounds his past? The danger of what he does? Are these feelings even real? After all, he is trained to gain the deepest confidence of even the most disciplined individuals. Maybe my will is just not strong enough to resist his charms. Can I trust him…should I trust him? I feel drawn to him in a way I’ve never felt about anyone. I mustn’t focus on these feelings. It is a sign of weakness unbecoming of a warrior.

Jun stops just outside the tavern. This hole in the ground is yet another staple of class and etiquette. The two-story pub also seems to function as an inn for the lower class. The wood that holds the building together is so old and warped from the moisture of the sea it looks as though it could collapse at any moment. The crooked doorway isn’t altogether inviting either. Through the opening I can see that Magnus has already joined a table of sailors for drinking.

Jun looks at me. He wants to say something, but he’s holding it back. His eyes try to speak to me, but the communication is hindered by a language I cannot understand. There is only a moment of hesitation on his part, but the silence seems to last forever. He lets out a sigh and walks through the open doorway. He joins the frivolities with a big smile as though nothing were wrong. I guess it’s time I put on my happy face as well. It’s going to be a long night!

As comfortable as I have been on the sea, the last three weeks have worn on me. I look forward to our arrival at Akkarr later in the week. Draccus and Jun do not seem to be bothered by our lengthy stay out on the water. I don’t really know that much about either one, but it seems the more I talk to them the more mysterious they become. Magnus has cured his seasickness by casting a floating spell on himself. He hovers a few inches above the ground at all times so as not to feel the rocking of the boat. He now mainly stays below deck after a big gust of wind almost threw him off the port side aft. That was a good day!

Last night and this morning have been very dreary. Dark clouds loom in the sky teasing with us the prospect of a squall. The last storm we encountered claimed the life of one of the ship’s crew. Everyone is already on edge and to make matters worse a thick fog has blocked out our visibility. The New Horizon moves very slowly across the dark water. Something here seems very unnatural. It’s quiet…too quiet. I sense an energy in this fog. What is going on here?

I stand on the starboard side of the ship and attempt to see through the haze, much to no avail. Draccus stands at the bow of the ship in an effort to help navigate. His eyes are closed as he deciphers the varying scents in the air to help us avoid crashing or running aground. Jun is with the captain near the ship’s helm. The two of them discuss our current route to Akkarr. Magnus comes up from the crew quarters. It is unusual to see his feet on the ground. He makes his way over to the front of the ship. He is very focused on something. “Draccus, step back a moment,” Magnus orders before reaching the bow.

Draccus is annoyed, but takes a few steps back. Magnus takes his place raising his right hand towards the sky. Magnus begins to mutter something in an ancient language. His palm begins to glow a light red. After a few moments the glow fades and Magnus looks back towards the helm. “Jun!”

Jun looks up from his discussion with the captain. Magnus waves Jun towards him with a very serious look on his face. Jun quickly runs to the bow. I make my way over as well. “This is a magical fog,” Magnus says, “It’s strong magic. I could sense it below deck.”

“Can you get rid of it?” Jun asks.

“Shouldn’t be too much of a problem,” Magnus boasts.

“Do it quickly,” Draccus’ says as he starts to look around, “We have company.”

Magnus faces the bow once more. He looks towards the skies and chants. “Abiego nebula nubes magicus!”

Nothing happens. Magnus raises an eyebrow. “Very strong magic,” Magnus rolls up the sleeves of his robes, “Expuli nebula nubes magicus!”

As Magnus finishes his incantation a deafening clap of thunder echoes through the sky and the magical haze dissipates. “Pirates! Off the starboard aft!” a crewman shouts.

Everyone looks to see a small vessel approaching quickly from behind. The ship’s flag is red and has foreign symbols upon it. A red flag means these pirates leave no survivors. This could be bad, however, I think these raiders may have chosen the wrong ship today!

“Ready your weapons!” the captain orders to his men.

The crew of the New Horizon spring into action getting their swords and hatchets. They seem to have dealt with this sort of problem before and act without hesitation. The pirate vessel advances quickly leaving little time for preparation.

Piracy cannot be tolerated! I remove the old brown cloak I wear to reveal my sword sheathed underneath. The sword of an Arusian cleric is built for strength in battle, not for show hence it is not decorative. I draw my sword. The blade and hilt are forged of magically enhanced steel and the rune symbol of Arus is engraved on the blade itself. Justice will be laid down in the name of Arus!

Draccus pulls out his two-handed Orrockian sword. Jun makes his way towards the ship’s starboard aft. “Magnus, this weather might be too cold for our visitors,” Jun shouts back towards the mage, “I think they would like to warm up!”

Magnus nods with a grin. He does a quick study of his spell book then stores it back in a pouch that he hides under his robes. By the time the mage gets starboard the enemy ship has pulled along side us. “Adflicto exuro exitium!” Fire shoots forth from Magnus’ hands engulfing the sails and the top deck of the pirates’ ship. Screams of agony can be heard from the marauders caught in the flames. The pirate vessel broadsides us causing damage to both ships!

“Here they come!” the captain shouts.

The pirates toss grappling hooks across to secure the two ships together. When the hooks are secure the pirates begin to board us. I feel it! The sensation I get before any battle! The warmth in my cheeks as blood rushes to my face! The flood of strength coursing through my body! The feeling of being invincible! This is the moment I’ve been waiting for! “For Arus!” I cry as I charge into battle.

Now that I am face to face with my enemy I can see that these pirates are from Densetsu. I have never actually seen a Densetsun before, but their features are similar to Jun’s. Dark hair. Fair skin and an almond shape to their eyes. They have thin frames, yet they are not weak. They move with purpose like a wild animal on the hunt. Many of the pirates wield curved blades with a single-edge. Some have small blades strapped to the tops of their hands like claws and they fight with their hands. There is grace in their movements and efficiency in their fighting, but after a quick study they are no match for me!

Draccus joins me on the front line. Together we cut the enemy down with great ease. Instinctively we keep our backs to each other as the enemy onslaught surrounds us. We defend each other and strike at our foes as though we were one. With Arus on our side we are an unstoppable force!

Jun engages a group of the pirates in hand-to-hand combat. He moves like they do, but his fighting style is constantly shifting making it extremely difficult to find a weakness in his defense. He fights five men as easily as any other skilled warrior would handle one.

Magnus stands alongside the captain defending the ship’s helm. He has conjured up a magical staff and swings it with unexpected proficiency. The captain fights with rage as he rips into pirate after pirate with his cutlass! He is a man who would do anything to defend his crew and their way of life.

Our victory seems certain when a horn sounds from the pirate vessel. The remaining marauders retreat back to their ship and cut the ropes that hold our ships together. A magical force propels the ship away from ours with such speed that we could not follow even if we wanted to. There must have been a sorcerer on board. That is the energy I felt earlier. Strange that he did not aid them in their attack.

Draccus cleans his blade on one of the dead pirates. “You are an outstanding warrior, Priestess,” Draccus says glancing at me, “I will fight by your side anytime.”

Jun approaches Draccus and I. “Are you two alright?”

“Yes,” I respond, “I think those pirates will think twice before attacking another ship.”

“I don’t think that was an act of piracy.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“I don’t want to talk here,” Jun looks over his shoulder, “We will meet later below deck.”

Draccus nods in agreement. I look across the ship. There are many injured sailors. “I will tend to the wounded,” I say as I sheath my sword.

By the grace of Arus I begin to heal the injured with holy magic. Holy magic is very different than the dark magic used by sorcerers. It is a power derived straight from the gods and can only be used by the faithful. Holy magic is primarily for healing, but when used in battle it can be deadly.

As I make my way to each injured sailor Draccus and Jun help the rest of the crew toss the bodies of the pirates overboard. Jun salvages some weapons and a few pieces of armor from the Densetsun raiders for our mission.

The captain decides that in spite of his losses and the damage to the ship we need to keep moving. With no magic fog to slow us down the ship’s crew sets the sail at full mast. We catch a good solid wind and are on our way towards Akkarr once again.

Before dusk Jun calls Magnus, Draccus, and myself down below decks to the crew quarters. He has a stern look I’ve seen before. I don’t think I’m going to like what he has to say. “I fear someone has betrayed us,” Jun starts off.

Magnus sneers at Jun’s statement. “Tell us something we don’t know,” Magnus says sarcastically.

“We don’t need your attitude right now,” I glower at Magnus, “Let him speak.”

Magnus gives me a dirty look, but remains silent. Jun pulls a blackened knife out from under his cloak. “This dagger is from one of the assassins back in Lindara. I have seen this blade before. It belongs to the Brotherhood of the Blade, an assassins’ guild. What makes this guild so special is that it is controlled by Lord Edmond Ratheburn.”

Lord Ratheburn, Lord of the Western half of Athusia. He has no relation to the Darkwynde bloodline, but the two houses have such history together that it ensured Edmond a position of power. Why would Lord Ratheburn send assassins after us? What would he have to gain by allowing a war between our nation and Densetsu?

“You think the Lord of the West sent assassins to kill us in our sleep?” Magnus questions.

“I don’t know. I just know that after today’s attack something is not right here,” Jun replies calmly.

“You don’t think it was just a random raiding party?” I am curious where Jun is going with this.

“It’s highly doubtful. They attacked us outright, taking nothing from our ship. They didn’t even try to take anything from the ship. They simply tried to kill us and when it didn’t work they fled. The men we fought today were not pirates; they were trained Densetsun warriors. Someone is testing us.”

“Things are going to get a lot more dangerous from here on out,” Draccus speaks with his arms crossed.

Magnus rolls his eyes. “Great,” Magnus again with the sarcasm, “I love these pep talks. They do so much for the team morale.”

“This isn’t a joke!” I find it difficult to restrain my anger with him.

I feel a rush of energy throughout my body! This is the second time Magnus has pushed my anger to these limits. I normally keep my emotions better checked than this, but lately it has been getting more and more difficult. When I was young and I would get angry I had similar sensations. I would get stronger, faster, and I could wield dangerous holy magic with only a thought. The priests at the temple taught me to control my anger, but lately…

“Look, we just need to be careful,” Jun keeps the peace, “We are at a point where we all need to trust in each other and stop fighting or we will fail…and we cannot fail. I intend to find out who has us marked, but I may not be able to do it alone so if any of you come across relevant information I expect to hear about it. Now, there are some repairs that need to be done topside so let’s get back to work.”

Jun leads the way up the damp wooden stairs. Draccus follows silently, but Magnus is more verbal. “They pulled me from the tower to be a shipwright?” Magnus grumbles under his breath, “This is completely beneath me.”

There is so much to think about as I make my way up the stairs. Is Jun right? Is there some conspiracy in the works to stop us? For the first time in my life I feel…fear. Not for my own safety, but for innocents that will suffer if we fail. Deep in my heart I’m afraid of what lies ahead. There was no training for this at the temple. I must pray…for the strength of my god will give me the guidance to seek out our unseen enemy and in the name of Arus…kill them.