Chapter 16
The Village of Rand
"Hold him down!" Caleb exclaimed. "I'm almost done. One more to go."
Thaddeus and Rasmere pinned Azonis back down to the ground. For his size, Azonis was strong, but the weight of his companions was too great. Azonis thrashed his head from side to side, screaming in pain.
"River, hold his head," Caleb ordered.
River nodded and sat down at Azonis's head. She placed her knees on either side of the Sestian's head and secured it in place. She placed both of her hands on his forehead and pressed down with all of her might.
"Don't!" Azonis cried. Why are they doing this to me? "Don't! The pain is unbearable! I cannot stand it!"
"I am almost done. I-"
"I will kill you! I promise I will kill you! Leave me be!"
Caleb looked to Thaddeus and Rasmere. They nodded their heads.
"I am sorry," Caleb said as he produced the curved needle and thread once again.
Caleb put a small branch in Azonis's mouth and poked the needle through his cheek. Azonis moaned like a grieving hound and tried to throw Thaddeus and Rasmere off of him. Caleb pulled the thread tight, pulled the needle through the other side of his cheek, and knotted the ends together. He cut the excess thread with his knife and stood.
"It's done," he said, rubbing dirt through his hands to remove Azonis's blood. It is not pretty, but it is done.
"We are going to let you up, Azonis. Please do not do anything you may regret," Thaddeus told him.
River, still not strong enough to stand, scooted out of the way. Azonis rolled onto his side and spit the branch from his teeth.
The Sestian jumped to his feet. By the light of the fire he looked like a monster, bent forward and taking deep breaths, chest heaving up and down at a rapid pace. His once beautiful face was now held together by thick, brown, thread that ran the length of his cheek. He found it difficult to stand. When Rasmere went to his side to offer him support, he swatted his hand away and pulled his sword.
"I am going to kill you!" he cried as he charged at Caleb.
But after three short shuffled steps he fell face first to the forest floor.
"Is he all right?" River asked from a seated position.
As well as one could be after having a spear rip through your face. "Yes," Caleb said as he rolled Azonis onto his back. "He has lost some blood. His body is tired and needs rest. Thaddeus, help me with him."
Thaddeus and Caleb carried Azonis to the camp site. Rasmere had gathered long, thick strips of moss from the forest and made a makeshift bed for the Sestian.
This is not what he is accustomed to, but it will suffice, Rasmere thought.
They positioned him, making him as comfortable as possible. Rasmere placed a hand full of herbs, mashed to a paste, in his mouth.
"What is that?" Caleb asked.
"Kroot grass. It will ease the pain and help him find rest," Rasmere replied.
"Why did you not give it to him when Caleb was fixing his face?" Thaddeus asked.
"It was not ready yet," Rasmere answered.
"I could've waited until it was ready, you know," Caleb said.
"One never knows how long it will take before kroot grass will be ready," Rasmere told him.
"It is done with now. Let's go gather wood for a fire. It will be a cold night," Thaddeus said.
Within a few hours, night had blanketed the land, and the stars went into hiding, but it failed in comparison to the night they spent in the Dead Lands. Sitting by the fire and eating roasted jopie, the group found very few words. It had been a long, tiresome day. Azonis still had not woken, but from time to time he would moan and shuffle his feet, letting the others know he was well.
Ever since they emerged from the cave, River had not been acting like herself. She was quiet and withdrawn, sitting far away from the fire and not eating. The only interaction she had with the others came when Caleb stitched Azonis's face back together, and then, only because they called upon her.
"What do you think is wrong with her?" Caleb asked, watching River as she sat with her chin on her knees.
"She has been thrown in the middle of a situation far beyond her comprehension. Far beyond any of our comprehensions for that matter. The events of the last few days have taken their toll on her, that's all," Thaddeus said as he sat, patting the Hormut on its head.
"She will fine by tomorrow," Rasmere said.
Caleb forced himself to focus on something else. "That is quite the animal you have there, Thaddeus. Have you thought of a name?" Caleb asked.
Thaddeus rubbed the coarse fur behind the Hormut's ear and said, "I think I shall call him Ryker, as homage to my ancestor." The Hormut put its paws on Thaddeus's chest and licked his face with its long, wide tongue. "Down, boy," Thaddeus said as he pushed the Hormut off of him.
"He seems to like that name, Thaddeus," Rasmere said.
"He should," Thaddeus replied. "It is the name of a hero. One of the first Saviors."
"Ah yes, the fabled Ryker Graystone. A brave man to say the least," Rasmere said.
"Who's Ryker?" Caleb asked.
"He was my grandfather seven lines ago. He was the Human Savior who destroyed Hasbarie over five hundred years ago," Thaddeus said, puffing up his chest. "The armor I wear once belonged to him."
"And what of your people, Rasmere?" Caleb asked.
"What of them?" Rasmere asked, staring off into the dark sky.
"If you are a Savior, then was one of your ancestors a Savior as well?" Caleb asked again.
"He was. His name was Ronmar Elmidas, and I hold a relic of his as well." Rasmere held up his bow. This is all that remains of my people's legacy. "This bow was his. It took many years after the Great War to recover it. This bow, and myself, are all that is left of the Elmidas lineage. Unlike Ryker, Ronmar Elmidas was erased from the memories of Lasticall."
"What do you mean?" Caleb inquired.
Rasmere gritted his teeth. It was apparent that he did not like to talk of his family, or their history, but he continued.
"After the Great War, a new Sestian was named. Mazola Ferrini had promised change once the war ended. He promised that the Forest Engeniums would be treated as equals amongst the High Engeniums. That promise died alongside Ronmar on the field of battle. The High Engeniums sent my people back to slave in the gold mines and forbade anyone to speak of Ronmar Elmidas or the promise made during the Great War. Over the years, the name Elmidas became taboo. My family was treated very badly by the Ferrinis, and the rest of Lasticall. Slowly, my bloodline began to die off when no one would take one of us as a partner, knowing the grief that would follow." Rasmere paused for a long moment. "Even now as Sword to the Sestian, my family name is not spoken of. I have simply become, the Sword."
"I 'm sorry," Caleb said, failing to find the appropriate words.
"Not everyone forgot the Elmidas name," Thaddeus said.
"What do you mean?" Rasmere asked.
"My family has not forgotten, nor will it ever forget the bravery and courage showed by Ronmar Elmidas. His name was spoken of in great regard amongst the Graystones. Even though Lasticall fails to remember his greatness, my family does not," Thaddeus said as he stood. "I am honored to have the privilege to fight side by side with an Elmidas."
Rasmere stood and extended his hand to Thaddeus.
"As I am honored to fight beside a Graystone. You forever have my respect and friendship," Rasmere said as a tear raced down his bronze colored cheek.
Well said, Caleb thought. Only a true king could have spoken such words.
Thaddeus turned to Caleb. Time to get some information from you. "Since you have so many questions, Caleb, I have a question for you."
"Ask away," Caleb replied, smiling.
"I have wondered this since I first became aware of your abilities," Thaddeus paused. "When you were locked in the dungeon of Ravendale, why did you not use your ability to escape?"
"Oh," Caleb smiled. He rubbed his han
ds together, warming them by the fire. "I could've escaped, you know. I chose not to. I guess partially because I had no idea where I was, and you did at least feed me. The other reason. . . I did sneak out of my cell several times looking for an escape, but the dungeon was tight. I found no way to sneak out, even as a mouse. Once, I thought about trying to take the keys from the guard, but I knew that could potentially end up with someone getting hurt." The guard, not me. "So, ultimately I decided I would bide my time until it came to a point that I feared for my life. Lot made life in the dungeon much easier. He helped me get through those times. If not for him. . . I may have done something that I would have regretted."
"You are a good man, Caleb Hawks. Most men, good or bad, would have jumped at the chance to escape, regardless of the circumstances," Thaddeus said. "I owe you an apology, Caleb. I imprisoned you while not knowing you or your circumstance, and for that, I am sorry. That is not the king I strive to be. I did not even question you, or give you a trial. I hope you can forgive me."
Caleb smiled. He apologized. That is more than most would do. "I never harbored ill will toward anyone. I know how it must've seemed."
The night grew late and everyone trudged off to bed. Caleb had first watch. He walked over to River and sat down beside her. She did not acknowledge his presence.
"Crazy day, huh?" he asked.
She did not answer.
Caleb asked, "River, are you okay?"
The Mage did not even blink.
Caleb took her hand in his. Her skin was hot to the touch. She is burning up. "River?" he asked again. "River, answer me."
It was as if she had been in a trance. She turned her eyes to his and asked," What?"
"I asked if you were all right," Caleb said.
"Oh. Oh, I am fine. Just tired," she said as she stood. "I think I will turn in now."
River walked away from Caleb and plopped down beside the fire and fell into sleep quickly.
As Caleb sat looking at the dark night sky, he couldn't help but to worry. It had been a few days since they had last seen Locmire and the others. Things seemed to be getting worse for his group. Azonis was injured, and River's behavior seemed peculiar. On top of that, he felt the hatred hidden deep within Rasmere's soul. He could snap at any moment. A war between Rasmere and Azonis would be all they needed at this particular moment. At least Thaddeus and himself were still holding together well.
Caleb turned to see Ryker sitting beside of him. "You snuck up on me," he said. Ryker sat staring at him with his tongue hanging out. Caleb lifted his arm and patted his head. The Hormut laid his head on Caleb's lap. What a magnificent creature, Caleb thought.
Caleb had been in this strange land for a few weeks now. He missed his own home something terrible. What he wouldn't give to be back in North Carolina. If he ever made it back home alive, he promised himself that he would make things right between him and his family.
As strange as it was to be in this world, he had always known something like this would happen to him. He had never expected to be in this predicament, but he had expected something worthy to happen in his life. He was glad that worthy moment was not his small part in the Civil War. Caleb always knew that he was gifted this ability for a reason, and right now that reason was to help save an entire world, even if it was not his own.
After Thaddeus came and relieved Caleb of his watch duty, Caleb lay down next to the fire; hoping sleep would find him soon.
From a distance, Thaddeus heard Caleb muttering an unknown chant. He held his breath to eavesdrop on the Shifter.
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen."
Thaddeus watched as Caleb rolled over and fell asleep. Who is his father? Thaddeus wondered as he propped himself up against a tree with Ryker by his side. He must be a good man for Caleb to speak such words to him.
The next morning, Azonis woke with the rising of the sun. He sat on the ground feeling the threads in his face. He looked around and found his shield, laid it on his lap, and looked into the inside of it. The picture he saw turned his stomach. He was hideous. How could he rule a kingdom looking the way he did? His blood boiled. Azonis got up and gathered his belongings. Looking around, he saw that everyone was still asleep, minus Thaddeus and his hound. Someone, or something, would pay for what had happened to his face.
"Get up!" Azonis bellowed. He walked over and kicked Caleb's boot. "Get up, I said!"
Rasmere and Caleb sprang to their feet. River opened her eyes only to decide she was uninterested in whatever it was Azonis had to say. She closed her eyes and turned her back to him.
"What is it?" Thaddeus asked as he approached Azonis.
"It is dawn, far past time to depart. What is everyone doing lying around? It is time to go," Azonis said. Without another word, he marched off into the forest.
"Azonis," Rasmere called out. "Wait for a moment."
He paid him no mind.
"What do we do?" Caleb asked.
"We go," Thaddeus answered. "You two catch up with him. I will get River."
River was lying on her side with her face buried in her arms. Thaddeus knelt beside her and gave her a gentle shake.
"River," he said. "River, it is time to wake up."
She did not answer.
Thaddeus took her by the shoulder and rolled her over onto her back.
"River!"
Her skin was pale, lips cyanotic, dry, and cracked. Sweat drenched her body, and her eyes were motionless. River looked like she was on death's door step.
"River, can you hear me?" he asked, slow and hushed.
She gasped for air. Her breathing became heavier and increased its pace. Her entire body shook. Thaddeus did his best to calm her. This went on for a few minutes until the convulsions stopped and her eyes closed once more.
She is dying. I have to get her help.
As Thaddeus placed his arms under River to pick her up, he writhed in pain. He took off his bracer and looked at his arm. The area around the bite he sustained from the Cold Heart was black. He pressed on it and a green discharge oozed out.
This does not look good. It seems that I am in need of a healer as well.
He put his bracer back on and picked up River, threw her over his shoulder, and set off to catch up with the others.
An hour before sunset, they saw signs of life in the form of smoke coming from a village. Thaddeus's heart filled with joy. River was not doing well, neither was he, for that matter. It had been a long, grueling day. Azonis plowed forward like one possessed. He rarely stopped, and when he did it was for a short time. Thaddeus carried River for a spell, but he became too weak, so Caleb took over the task. River was awake, but she showed no interest in moving or living. She desperately needed a healer.
Thaddeus did not tell his companions of his injury, for the fear of turning a gloomy situation even gloomier. They barely spoke to one another the entire journey. The last few days had drained them, physically and emotionally, and they needed rest.
The village of Rand was a small settlement on the outskirts of Dead Marsh. Rand sat high upon the top of a cliff with a narrow, winding road leading to its gates. Only five Human families occupied Rand. A wooden wall made from medium sized trees with their tops sharpened to a point surrounded the village.
When Thaddeus got closer to the village, he realized where he was. He had visited Rand a few years prior. A high ranking member of the Shadows took refuge in the village. After the bloodbath that occurred in Rand, the leader of the village forbid King Graystone to ever enter its walls again. Thaddeus hoped that he could persuade them otherwise.
"Who goes there?" a man atop the guard tower called out, drawing his longbow to full length.
Thaddeus looked to A
zonis. "Can you speak with them?" Thaddeus asked.
Azonis stared at him with cold eyes. Why would he ask me to do such a thing considering the condition I am in? He would not ask me without good reason.
"I am the Sestian of Lasticall, Azonis Ferrini. I have with me, my Sword, Rasmere Elmidas, a friend of mine, Caleb Hawks, an injured woman, River Tolcutt, and King Thaddeus Graystone."
"Who was the last person you named?" the guard asked.
"King Thaddeus Graystone," Azonis replied.
The guard muttered something to someone below him. Their conversation did not last long.
"You may not enter," the guard called out as he disappeared behind the safety of the wall.
"It is because of me," Thaddeus said.
"Why do they show ill will toward you?" Rasmere asked.
"A few years back when I marched against the Shadows, one of their clan heads was hiding here. I made quite a mess of things once I found him," Thaddeus replied.
"Well, what are we to do now?" Azonis asked.
Thaddeus stepped forward and called out, "Guard!"
The guard's head popped back up over the wall. "I told you that you are not welcome," he cried.
"Listen to me, for a moment," Thaddeus replied.
The guard nodded his head.
"My friends and I are on an important quest to save Calencia. Have you heard of the attacks on Galdarath, Lasticall, and Morgorath?" Thaddeus asked.
The guard nodded his head.
"I do not expect you to offer me your hospitality. One of our party members is very ill. All I ask is that you give shelter to my party. I will stay the night on the outside of the wall. They have never offered you the hardships that I have." Thaddeus paused. "Please, do not let my transgressions bring undue treatment to my companions."
The guard disappeared once more. A moment later the gate swung open and several men, all armed, stepped out.
"I thought I told you to never come back to Rand!" the leader of the village called out, marching toward Thaddeus.
"You did," Thaddeus said. "I only wish shelter for my friends. I will not set foot in the village."
"Your friends can enter," the man said. "But you. . . By the gods! Are you well?" the man asked.
"I. . . I . . ." Thaddeus's eyes rolled back into his head, and he collapsed onto the ground.
"Thaddeus!" Caleb called out as he ran to his side.
The leader of the village and his men also ran to the King's side.
"Is he alive?" the man asked.
"He is hot with the fever. We have to get him inside," Caleb demanded.
The man looked at Thaddeus for a moment, and said, "Tie up the hound and bring the King inside. He will die out here."
Inside the village, they laid Thaddeus and River in a three room, unoccupied home. The village's healers went to work on them. They informed Azonis and the others that Thaddeus had received some sort of bite, and his wound ran thick with poison. Rasmere told them of their encounter with the Cold Hearts. The healers hurried off to mix a brew to heal Thaddeus. They had no insight to offer on River's condition.
"Her eyes are open, but no one is home," the healer said as he hurried away.
The villagers treated them well. They gave them a hot meal and aged wine, both of which were delicious. The women of the village drew water from their well and fixed them all a hot bath. After their bath, they showed them to their sleeping quarters and brought them fresh linens, along with bread and spiced butter for a late night snack.
The quiet little village did not stay quiet for long. Thunder shattered the silence and lightning tore through the sky. Heavy rains plummeted down, muddying the ground. Nature's fury fell upon Rand with a vengeance.
Late in the night, Thaddeus awoke. He made his way to a seated position on the side of his bed. A lantern lit the room. Someone had changed him into his breeches and tunic. He took to his feet and walked around the small home, using the furniture for aid. Through the sound of the exploding thunder, he heard someone call his name.
"Thaddeus."
This time a little louder.
"Thaddeus."
Thaddeus opened the door to the home and looked into the darkness. He could barely see anything through the downpour and blackness of night.
"Thaddeus."
He walked outside in the rain and called out, "Hello! Is anyone out there?"
"Thaddeus."
"Hello?" he called.
"Thaddeus, help me."
"Where are you?" he asked.
"Thaddeus, I need you. Please, come help me."
He walked through the village calling out to the mysterious person. No matter how many times the strange voice answered him, and no matter how far he walked, the voice seemed to get further and further away.
I am dreaming, he thought. I need to wake up.
Thaddeus slapped himself hard across the face. The sting told him he was awake. He came to a large, square hole in the ground that was at least twenty feet deep, undoubtedly the beginnings of a cellar.
"Thaddeus."
This time the voice was close. Thaddeus turned. At first he did not see anyone, but a figure appeared from the darkness dressed all in white. He pushed his drenched hair back behind his ears. Out of instinct, his hands went for his weapons, but they were not there.
"Thaddeus, my love. I have missed you," the figure said.
He squinted his eyes to prevent the rain from blurring his vision. Thaddeus stood frozen in horror, mouth gaping wide. His heart thumped against the wall of his chest trying to escape.
"Emilia?" He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Is that you?"