The Ocean Hearth (A "Hymns of Evermorn" Story) by Lionelson NY

Eli sat down on a bulk of solid marble with the height of his waist. Quite extravagant for a prison stool. He was locked down in an underground cage where there was a gaping hole on the ceiling that allowed rays of moonlight to pass through. Its bars glimmered radiantly as it was made of enchanted metal. The inner walls were rocky and sprawled with vines. A starborne guard stood by, not letting him out of his sight for not even a second.

If he counted right, two nights have passed since he was locked away. He had been spending his time revising the words he wished to speak to the Tarsya, as his first attempt was clearly rebuked before he even met her. He had been mumbling words ever since he was captured. He was tired, hungry and frustrated.

Suddenly, the creak of hinges disturbed him from his daydream. Footsteps climbed down the stairs to his chamber. And then he saw Laia, dressed in black, coming down with a servant carrying a tray of unfamiliar food. The aroma it gave out was strange but oddly appetizing, like a mouldy smell that made him want to eat it so badly. The servant girl slide the tray beneath the bars for Eli to take.

Eli slowly stood and walked towards it. He sat on the floor to have a closer look at his meal. It appeared to be bread but with quite a moist texture, drenched in gravy. There were also some meat and vegetables at the side. A wooden cup of water sat on the tray as well.

“It’s not poisoned.” Laia said.

Eli glanced at Laia, who had a face of pity for him yet was powerless to set him free. Somewhat cautious but desperate, he took a piece of that moist bread and had a bite. To his surprise, it was actually delicious! It was comparable to the taste of a roasted duck with a hint of pepper. He continued eating more as Laia continued to speak.

“I’m sorry to have brought you in this situation” She murmured.

“You shouldn’t be” Eli replied, munching his food.

Laia watched him swallow their traditional bread while taking a sip of water.

“The Tarsya…she is not in a good state of mind to make decisions. The other Dalharians are holding grudges against the humans as well. So…I cannot promise you the starborne’s alliance.”

“I understand it was a far stretch idea from the start. Also, I may have eavesdrop on your guards’ chattering while they were changing shifts. The Ashosh…he is your king isn’t he?”

Laia only nodded, her eyes fixed on the cobbled floors.

“He did kill Commander Torren, though. The man was quite a legend in Eleazar. Rest assured, your Ashosh’s sacrifice was not in vain.”

“That we all know…” Laia muttered. “But still, to the eyes of the Dalharians, it makes no difference. Even I still have doubts about the duality that is in the hearts of men. Of how both good and evil can reside in all of you.”

Eli wiped off the gravy off his lips and had another gulp of water. But his glance had not left Laia’s saddened eyes.

“How about the Tarsya? Have you talked to her lately?” he asked.

“I don’t know, Eli. She seems a little…”

“Tense?” replied a voice from behind. Laia was startled and immediately straightened her posture. For it was Raenna, making her way down to the cell. “You must understand my situation, Laia. My husband and your king was murdered along with hundreds of Sye’rah and other innocents since the Blue Moon. Of course I’d be tense. But I haven’t gone mad. At least not yet.”

When Eli saw the old starborne with a lavender crown, he immediately stood up, brushed his scarf and gave her a bow.

“Tarsya Raenna. I am honoured to finally meet you in person.”

“As am I, Eli Rivergrove.” She replied. “So…Enlighten me. Why is there a faction of men rebelling against their king? It seems a little counter-intuitive.” Raenna asked.

“How is it counter-intuitive? If we have an unjust leader, we have the right to overthrow him.”

“But the throne is the king’s birth right, is it not? You can change leaders all you want, but the king is still the king. And Velron Allistair is your king.”

“The word ‘king’ is just a title created by man for self-proclaimed power. A title can be passed down to anyone who is worthy of it.”

“So why rebel against this king? What injustices did he committed to the Reds of Elmswood?”

“The king is a madman who wouldn’t stop until he exploit every person and every land there is on this realm. Many have suffered in his rule. A great number of good men were killed recently by a rather inhumane way. So if you were to ask me to list out how each Red was oppressed by the king, lend me a quill with a scroll and I will finish in a fortnight.”

“Is it now? Then why don’t you ally with fellow humans of the Nazari Tribe? They were just as oppressed, perhaps even more than the Reds ever were.”

“They are too far south of the city. Dalhar, on the other hand, is more reachable in the north, giving us the benefit of time. And not to mention, I respect the powers of starbornes as one that shouldn’t be reckoned with. With your Dalharian magic and the Reds’ intelligence regarding Eleazar, as well as the strength of our combined forces, we can dismantle Velron’s government together. Then finally, we can rebuild our friendship on mutual trust.”

“That’s a wonderful play on words, Eli. But to be honest, I was about to deny your offer. I trusted humans before and look at what happened to my city.” She paused. Glaring at Eli’s concerned look, she suddenly gave a wide grin. “But I have been contemplating throughout the morn and I have come to the realization that perhaps it might be possible for humans to be trustworthy. But here in Dalhar, we have a saying that goes ’The mouth is bigger than the eyes”. It means it is easy to say one will do something as compared to actually doing it.”

“So what do you say about me?”

“Oh I don’t have to say anything. But The Ocean Hearth did. Its sapphire glow speaks of the effort and passion that drove you to come to me. I admire that about you.” She smirked. “But one important question comes to mind. How many men can you actually provide?”

“Three thousand strong. Not much, I know. But as I’ve mentioned earlier, the Reds are very familiar with the city. We know the topography of Eleazar. We know how their armies operate and where they are stationed. We know their weapons and how they would use them. We know all this and many more. With our help, you will have a strategic advantage that can win you the war. But…I will only share my knowledge in exchange for your alliance.”

The Tarsya smiled.

“Hunter, open the gate.” She ordered the guard.

The guard took out his key and unlocked the door. The Tarsya stepped in.

“We can have the pact you desire. Both of us need each other’s expertise in order to remove that tyrant from the throne. But I have a condition…after all of this is over, all previous vows and contracts between starbornes and men are to be lifted. We shall renew everything and redefine our relationship. Do we have an agreement, Captain Rivergrove” she offered him a quill and a scroll written with the terms of their alliance.

“Yes we do, Tarsya Raenna” Eli took the quill and signed the contract. The calligraphy of his name written beautifully on the bottom of scroll.

“Wonderful.” Raenna smiled. “However…I need head huntress Keira to stay here in case of another Eleazarian attack from our back door. Therefore, I shall appoint Laia to lead the Sye’rah with you. Could I trust you with that task, former head huntress?” she rolled the scroll and put it beneath her cloak.

“Yes, an-Tarsya. An Akhi Shae Manar” Laia replied.

“Very well then. Eli Rivergrove, I shall allow you to return to your faction. My Sye’rah will meet you at Port Ka’vall on the fifth night. Best prepare the Reds of Elmswood well, for this alliance is the last hope for both our peoples.”

“Don’t fret, Tarsya. Victory belongs to those who are in the favour of the gods and goddesses” Eli smiled.

“Then I shall have no worries then. Go now.”

Eli bowed and stepped out of the cell. Laia followed close behind to escort him.