Chapter 24
Reunited
"The demon remained hidden inside of you ever since your parents died. In the days of old, demons prayed on many victims. You have nothing of which to be ashamed, River. The fact that she could inhabit you does not make you weak," Locmire said.
The Wizard sat at the head of a large rectangular table, addressing his companions one at a time.
"Thaddeus, there is no reason for you to feel grief or shame. Shaloul used a very emotional part of your life against you. No one was hurt, and no harm has been done. You must forgive yourself if you plan on leading The Saviors to glory once more."
"What of everyone else?" Thaddeus said with his head hung low. "Can the others forgive me?"
"I am certain of it," Locmire replied. In time.
"I do not feel like Azonis and Caleb are capable of that just yet," Thaddeus answered. They will not even look in my direction.
Locmire turned to Caleb and asked, "Caleb, you do understand that Thaddeus and River's actions were not that of their own, but that of a powerful, ancient being. They are now back to their normal selves. Do you find yourself capable of dealing with this?"
Caleb, who was sitting next to Lot, sat in silent debate. In an effort to alleviate the tension mounting around the table, Thaddeus spoke.
"Caleb, please. I would harm none of you. You and River are dear to me. We have been through so much together. Surely you know me better than that," Thaddeus said, pleading with his friend.
Caleb started to speak, stopped, and started again. "Thaddeus, I was very shaken by the whole ordeal. You did try to take an axe to me while I slept. I know that you did not act out of your own will," Caleb paused momentarily. He never would have tried to hurt us. "Yes, I can put this behind us."
Thaddeus smiled and said, "Thank you, Caleb. You do not understand how it made me feel to think that something out of my control damaged our relationship."
"Well, thar be one down," Red said merrily.
"Be quiet you fool," Urganox said as he elbowed Red in the side.
"What?" Red asked, crossing his arms. "Me be's gettin tired of bein told ta shut up all da time!"
"Shut up," Lot said.
I have heard enough. "How can he lead us if he cannot even control himself?" Azonis asked.
"Azonis. . ." Thaddeus said. "You know me capable of this. I am strong willed. There is nothing else to stand in my way."
"You let yourself act against your will. If a common demon could affect you so, what do you think Hasbarie will do to you? I do not believe you fit to lead," Azonis said.
"It does not matter to me who leads us against Hasbarie," Thaddeus said. "If I am unfit to lead, there are three other kings and a Wizard in our group. Soon, Queen Venumroot will be in our company. Someone will be up to the task."
"Azonis," Caleb said.
Azonis slammed his fist down onto the table. "I do not think him fit to lead."
"This was no common demon," said River.
"It was you who brought this creature upon us all. You have no say in the matter," Azonis said.
"Azonis, that is not fair," River said.
"That is quite enough," Lot interrupted. "I will not sit by as you insult my brother and my friend."
Azonis slammed his fist onto the table and sprang up to his feet.
"I will also not have filth such as you speak to me in that manner. Keep in mind that you are speaking with the Sestian of Lasticall!"
Lot stood and stared into Azonis's wild eyes.
Good thing there is a table between them, Oggy thought.
He looks, and acts, like a demon himself. "Then start acting like one," Lot replied.
Azonis ripped his sword from his scabbard. To his surprise, Lot was a little quicker. He had both dragon bone short swords in hand and ready. What surprised Azonis most was the overwhelming support Lot received. When the Thief stood, so did River, Red, Caleb, Urganox, and Oggy.
"That is enough!" Azonis said, looking around.
He was outnumbered six to one. Azonis looked to Rasmere. Why are you not standing by my side! I am your Sestian! Rasmere’s eyes met his own for a moment. The Forest Engenium turned his head. Fine! I don't need your help!
"I advise you take your seat, Sestian," Urganox said.
"This is about to turn ugly real quick," Oggy said. "We need not be fighting amongst ourselves. Let us all take a seat and talk this out."
Lot smiled at Azonis and said, "Your move."
He inspires others just as Thaddeus does. Maybe we do have another fit to lead. Azonis tried to return the sarcastic smile, but his mangled face would not allow him to do so. Azonis sheathed his sword and fell down onto his chair.
"Very well," Azonis said.
"I know we have not had the proper time to sit and become acquainted with one another, but I ask you to use your head, Sestian. Did you not experience a lack of control recently?" Locmire asked.
How did he know of that? "That was different," Azonis replied, tracing the X's on his face. "My face. . ."
"How so?" Locmire inquired.
"For one, I did not try to kill anyone," Azonis promptly replied.
"Yes, Thaddeus and River lost control of themselves, agreed. We all lose control from time to time, but the difference is Thaddeus and River were being controlled by an omnipotent being. A being who somehow eluded destruction when the rest of her kind did not. This being was an ancient force that once terrorized Calencia. They did not lose control due to emotion or vanity," Locmire said.
Azonis gritted his teeth at Locmire's words.
"You are a logical thinker, so I ask you to think," Locmire said.
All were silent while Azonis sat in private debate, tracing the brown threads in his cheek. "Very well. I still doubt his will, but I am agreeing to move past this."
"Thank you, Azonis," the King said, bowing his head.
"I hope this is behind us now," Locmire said. "We have much to discuss."
Hours seamlessly slipped away as each party told of their time apart since going their separate ways outside of Galdarath.
King Urganox spoke of the destruction of his kingdom and the bravery of his party, particularly Lot, when facing the Lich.
"Your brother is a brave man, Thaddeus. I am sure you are proud to call him family," Urganox said.
Thaddeus, who looked like he could barely hold up his head, said, "It seems that you are coming into your own, brother. The life of a noble man is much more rewarding than that of a thief, is it not?"
Lot shook his head and disregarded the King's statement. Why does he lash out at me still? Moments ago he sought the forgiveness of his party, yet he does not grant me the same.
King Stonefist told of his fall and rise back to the throne. He told of the bravery of his people and the kindness of his present party. He spoke most highly of Locmire and his ability to call upon magic. The spell the Wizard unleashed at Morgorath would be forever etched in Oggy's memory.
Azonis spoke vaguely regarding the attack on Lasticall. He recalled their travels in the Dead Lands, and the most unfortunate maiming of his once beautiful face.
Rasmere remained silent.
Caleb and Red attempted to make sense out of their arrival in Calencia. Neither them, nor Locmire, came to a logical conclusion regarding their unexplained arrival.
River and Thaddeus, Thaddeus in particular, did not appear to be feeling too well, but considering the events that took place earlier, it was not a surprise when they seemed distant.
Everyone had a grand tale to tell, except for Lot. The Thief was a prisoner in the dungeons of Galdarath a few days earlier. He was no king. Nothing spectacular had ever happened to him. He did not come here from another land, nor had he elevated himself to glory. His only bragging rights were of the elaborate heists he had performed throughout his life. Lot did not think Oggy or Thaddeus wanted to hear how he had robbed them of their riches.
Ryker lay asleep at Thaddeus's feet with a smile etc
hed on his thick face.
After everyone had ample time to tell their stories, Thaddeus leaned back in his chair. His skin was the color of new bed linens and perspiration clung to his brow.
Locmire pulled back his hood.
"Thaddeus, are you ill?" he asked.
"I do not feel well. I do believe that I will turn in for the night," the King replied as he attempted to stand. Thaddeus tried to use the table to aid him in standing. He collapsed back into his chair. "It seems that my condition is worse than I thought. Can someone assist me to my quarters?" Thaddeus asked.
Urganox came over and draped the Human King's arm over his shoulder and carried him off to bed.
"What is wrong with him?" Lot asked.
"Was he ill before the events that took place earlier?" Locmire asked.
"He collapsed at the gate just before we gained entry into the village," Azonis answered. "The village healers said he looked like he had been bitten."
"Bitten?" Locmire asked. "Did they mention his condition?"
"They assured us he would be fine," Azonis said.
"Lookin ta me like he got some bad wine," Red added.
"He just needs some rest," River stated. "As do I. Can someone help me off to bed?" she asked, batting her eyelashes at Lot.
"Not a problem. Ole Red will help ye off to da sack."
"Do not trouble yourself," Lot said as he stood and took River by the arm. "I will help her."
"Me do believes dat me sees a hint of jealously," Red said, chuckling.
"You sense no jealously from me," Lot replied. Stupid Pirate. "You have been drinking too much grog."
They all laughed.
"Dat just it. Me gots no grog. Da Old One done and drunk it all," Red said motioning toward Locmire. "Me tinks he gots a problem."
"I will admit," Locmire said. "I have acquired a taste for the grog."
Lot could still hear their laughter as he helped River onto her bed. He draped her with a woolen blanket and secured it around her. "Do you need anything else?" Lot asked.
Her smile stretched from ear to ear. "I am glad you are all right. I was worried about you," River said.
"As I was yours, I mean you," Lot replied. Get it together, Lot. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will be, yet, another big day."
"Don't leave me," she whispered. She sat up and patted the bed for Lot to sit. "Stay and talk."
He looked at her, looked at the door, and looked back again. "Only for a moment. We still have a great deal to discuss."
River scooted over to make more room. Lot sat down beside of her. He lowered himself as if trying to sit on an egg without cracking its shell. She lay still for a moment. Her golden blonde hair spread wide across her pillow. Her eyes were solemn and body relaxed.
She looks like a different person. She is no longer fighting the war that raged on inside of her. He could not stand the uncomfortable silence any longer. "How are you?" he asked.
"I am just so tired," River replied, in a light voice. "I do feel much better now." Now that you are here.
"I am glad," Lot said. I cannot stop staring into her beautiful, blue eyes.
"Do you think Azonis and Caleb will really forgive Thaddeus and myself?" she asked.
"Forgive you?" Lot asked. "For what? For being under the control of a benevolent being and almost killing them all?" he smiled. "Things will be well again. Do not worry."
"Are we good?" she asked.
Stammering to find words, Lot finally answered, "Yes. We are fine."
River took him by the hand and laid her cheek against it. She nuzzled her face against the back of his solid hand. His face went red.
"I missed you, Lot. I worried over you the entire time. Thaddeus had visions of you, you know. I asked him often if he had glimpsed you," River told him.
"Thaddeus had visions of me?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied. "Several of them."
"I had visions of him as well," he said. "It is strange to think that Thaddeus, and I have been connected this entire time. Even when I thought I had no family, he was there the whole time."
"I have heard of twins sharing special connections before, but never anything so profound," River told him as she sat upright. "The two of you are destined to accomplish great things. Namely save Calencia."
"So it seems," Lot replied. Or at least I hope.
"I hope Thaddeus is well. He seemed rather ill when he went to bed," River said. "I wonder why the demon had so much more of a negative effect on him?"
"I do not know. This puzzles me as well. Are you sure nothing else has happened to him?" Lot asked.
"Nothing that I can recall, but then again, I have not been myself lately. It seems that he is the only one of us who did not encounter some undue hardship, minus the whole possession thing." She gave him a small grin. "I was knocked unconscious and expended all of my magic, twice. Azonis met the end of a Cold Heart's spear. Caleb and Rasmere were taken captive by the Hoggins, not to mention Caleb getting swatted out of the air by the Woggen. Thaddeus is a great warrior and the most fortunate man I have ever met."
"So it seems," Lot replied. "River, can I ask you a personal question?"
River's heart skipped a beat. He is going to declare his feelings for me! I know it. Her voice grew low and soft. "Lot, you can ask me anything."
Why is she talking like that? Lot wondered. "While we were separated, did. . ."
Did I reminisce on our short time spent together? Yes! Every free moment I had was spent thinking of you!
"Did Thaddeus ever speak of me?" he asked.
What? Did Thaddeus ever speak of you? Why did he not ask about me? "Umm, yes. Yes he did," she answered, still upset that his question did not pertain to the two of them. "We spoke several times about you."
"Really?" Lot asked with a wide grin. "What did you speak of?"
"I am not sure I should be talking to you about this. It is not my place. You should speak to him," she replied.
"Does he still despise me? I must know," he retaliated.
She wet her lips. "No, I do not think so. His heart has softened, some. Just play it safe when speaking with him. He does have a very ill temper as of late."
They talked for another ten minutes, discussing their most recent adventures when Lot heard Red call out, "Hey lubber boy! Get yer tail in here. We got's us some business ta discuss!" Muffled laughter accompanied Red's comment.
"Well, I guess I should get going. Try and find rest," Lot said as he stood.
"I will see you on the morrow," River replied.
Lot turned to walk away. River sighed under her breath. Ever since she had met the Thief, River felt a strong connection with him. She had only met one other man with whom she had such an immediate attraction, and it pained her to think that Lot did not share the same feelings. Her mind drifted as she laid dreaming about a happier day, a day when Lot showed more interest in her. He has much on his mind. Once this business is all over. . . Her eyes shot open as she felt his lips press against her forehead and his stubbly whiskers poke her eyes.
"Good night, River," Lot said as he hurried away.
River pulled the covers in close to her neck, squeezing herself within her own arms. I knew it.
As she lay day dreaming about the man of her dreams, her thoughts kept drifting away from Lot. No matter how hard she tried, she could not stop herself from imagining what it might have felt like if it had not been Lot, but Thaddeus, who pressed his lips against her skin.
Lot sat back down at the table, opposite Locmire. His companions, minus Rasmere and Azonis, attempted to hold back their smiles.
"What?" Lot asked, fixing his stare upon them. No one responded. "What? What are you all smiling about?" he demanded.
Red erupted, setting off a chain reaction of laughter. Oggy laughed so hard that he had to lay his head on the table and cover himself with his arms to keep from waking his sleeping companions.
"Lot, da ole lubber boy," Red chuckled. "He in thar actin all sweet an
tellin lies! Da Thief be tryin to steal dat cute girl's heart!"
"Enough!" Lot said as he slammed his fist down on the table. "Let us speak of our next move."
"Ye would figure dat a man in love would be a little bit happier," Red called out. "Maybe ole lubber boy ain't so much of a lubber boy after all. Maybe, River shot him down."
"One would think that the heir to the throne would have more luck with the ladies," Urganox added.
Lot knew that if he retaliated, it would only incite more laughter. He did the only thing he could do; he smiled and shook his head until they got it out of their system.
It took much longer than Lot could have imagined for the laughter to subside. It appeared that Red had an endless supply of japes. Finally, Locmire, after he quit laughing himself, spoke and everyone settled down to listen.
"In the morning we will depart for Dead Marsh. Once we have spoken with Queen Venumroot, we must all sit down and discuss the entire prophecy," Locmire said.
"Why can we not discuss it now?" Urganox asked.
"I think it would ease our minds if we knew exactly what we have gotten ourselves into," Azonis added.
"Sestian Ferrini, I fear we have not had ample time to become acquainted. I regret I was not able to journey to Lasticall to speak with you myself. I assume that Thaddeus told you all that he knows of the prophecy and Hasbarie?" Locmire asked.
"Yes," Azonis replied, tilting his head to the side. "He told me all you told him."
"Very well then. You are up to speed with the others," Locmire said. "For one, I do not wish to tell this tale every time I meet another Savior. I would prefer to tell it to everyone at once. Secondly, the lot of you need not know all the details. It is not wise to divulge every single detail concerning our current circumstances until all things are in place."
"I do not like having a Wizard, or anyone else for that matter, dragging me off to risk my life and whilst keeping secrets from me," Azonis said, his words like a winter's breeze.
"Your bad disposition is not doing anything to make any of this better. You should learn to stay your tongue from time to time," Rasmere said. It was one of the few times he spoke, but his statement was short and to the point.
"You need to keep in mind who you are speaking to! I am your Sestian!" Azonis barked back.
"I have already told you. You are no longer of any importance to me. My days of servitude to you are over," Rasmere replied.
A person of few words, but powerful ones, Urganox thought. I like him.
"What troubles you, Azonis?" Locmire asked.
"Did you not just hear what I said?" Azonis said, in a controlled tone.
"What really troubles you?" Locmire asked.
Tears wailed up in the Sestian's eyes. He placed both hands over his face and sobbed.
"It is time for us to turn in," Locmire said as he stood. "Azonis, will you accompany me outside?"
Azonis wiped the tears from his face and exited through the front doors.
Locmire sat down in a chair beside of Azonis. The storm still raged on. Rain shot off the porch's roof, and a muddy river ran through the streets of Rand. As they both sat and marveled in the splendid fury of nature, Locmire tried to find the words to say that would soothe Azonis's fury. Much to Locmire's surprise, Azonis engaged him first.
"Did you really watch the Great War's conclusion?" Azonis asked.
"Yes. Not only did I watch the conclusion, I also watched the beginning." Locmire pulled back his hood and looked into the black sky. "I was the Looker who saw the prophecy that told of Hasbarie and his reign of terror. I was the one who alerted the Humans of his diabolical plan. It was I who called the races together at the Calling of the Greats. It was only fitting that I was the one who foresaw the events with which we are currently dealing."
"It sounds like you have just as much stake in this as we do," Azonis said.
"So it seems," Locmire replied.
"I do not mean to come off so harsh. Much has happened in such a short amount of time," Azonis said. "Many High Engeniums died during the attack of Lasticall. I could not stay long enough to see my kingdom safe."
"The Engenium that you left in charge, is he not capable of ruling in your absence?" Locmire asked.
"He is the most capable of any in my kingdom," Azonis replied.
"Then you should not worry. All will be well," Locmire said. "Besides, if we do not stop Hasbarie, there will be no kingdom for anyone to rule."
"I know," Azonis said. "I do not fear my role in the effort to save Calencia. I embrace becoming a Savior, just as my ancestor, Mazola Ferrini, did so many years ago."
"What is it that bothers you so?" Locmire asked.
After several moments of deliberation, Azonis answered, "To begin with, my Sword, Rasmere has turned his back on me. It took many years, but he had finally gained my utmost trust. It only took him a moment to turn on me."
"He gained your trust," Locmire repeated. "But did he ever gain your respect?"
Azonis gave Locmire a menacing look, but it quickly turned to that of understanding.
"No, I suppose not," Azonis replied as he let out a big sigh.
"I fear that has always been the relationship between the High and Forest Engeniums. You must somehow overcome this most unfortunate relationship," Locmire said.
"I tried," Azonis replied. "I made him my Sword. He was the first Forest Engenium to ever obtain a position of power in Lasticall."
"But his position was not willingly given to him, and from what I have been told, it was made evident that you did not wish him in your service. You need to somehow show him that you do appreciate him and that you are not the Engenium that Mazola was. Mazola made many promises to Rasmere's ancestors and those promises have not been met," Locmire said.
"How do you know these things, Wizard?" Azonis asked.
"I know much," Locmire replied.
"So it seems," Azonis answered. "There is that, and this seems petty, but my face. My face has been permanently scarred. I am ruined."
"It is not the face that makes a great ruler," Locmire answered.
"This scar is a sign of failure. A scar such as this, will always remind me of my moment of weakness," Azonis said as he traced the X shaped threads in his cheek.
Locmire smiled.
"You find this amusing?" Azonis asked.
Locmire stood in front of Azonis. He touched the palms of his hands to Azonis's face. Before Azonis could speak an immobilizing heat grow in his face and spread throughout his body. A bright light grew from Locmire's hands. The light became so intense, Azonis had to shut his eyes. Locmire removed his hands, and the light disappeared. Slowly, Azonis regained motion.
"What did you do?" Azonis asked.
"I helped to solve one of your problems," Locmire answered.
Azonis tried to trace the X's on his cheek, but they were not there. His face was smooth once more. The Sestian looked on his lap to find two bloody, knotted threads. He picked them up and studied them.
"My face," he muttered. "You fixed it."
"As trivial as it may seem, scars such as those can do much to break one's will. I need you at your best. I need you to be the leader you were born to be. The Saviors need you to be capable of working cohesively with them. Calencia needs you to put aside your pride and foolish ways. This world cannot be saved without you. If you cannot, Calencia is doomed," Locmire said as he took Azonis's hand in his. He smiled and walked inside.
Azonis looked at his palm to find the hole that the Hoggin spear produced also had vanished.
The storm dwindled down to nothing and Azonis went inside. He entered his room and moved the oil lamp onto a nearby table. He inspected each side of his face in the mirror on the wall.
Not even a scratch, he thought.
The Sestian carried the lamp back to his bed. He blew out the flame and attempted to find sleep in the darkness of the room and to find the light inside the darkness of his soul.