Chapter 12 – Enigmata

The soothing sway of the ocean put Ryudo asleep by midday. As he arose, he was not surprised to find that he preceded the sun by a few hours. A small creak above aroused his curiosity and he felt it his duty to investigate. Not really, yet that is what he told himself. In reality, the fresh air is what he sought. A peaceful night in the open sea simply spoke of tranquility.

On the deck, he could see Gadan in the distance, staring into the dark night's water. Ryudo walked up beside him and propped his elbows on the exterior of the ship with his back to the sea. It made for a comfortable position at his height before he began speaking softly, "Does he know?"

Gadan jumped a bit as he apparently hadn't noticed the young man beside him. Ryudo prodded further, in a soft tone that somehow still demanded an answer, "Does the captain know of our first encounter?"

The man let out a long sigh before staring at the ground. "Ryudo, my friend," Gadan turned to face him as he went on, "we all have our secrets." He gave a quick chuckle before he went on. "There was a time when Baka was my biggest secret. The trade embargo St. Heim issued on Western Silesia left the lands as far as the Inor Mountains without much needed supplies." The man proceeded with a hint of sadness, "During hard times, it is unfortunate that people tend hoard the essentials."

Despite the boredom, Ryudo managed an attentive look as he listened further. "It was The Captain and I that smuggled various things across the cliffs. At the time, the only ways to safely cross the Granacliffs were on land. The Cathedral Knights were camped along strategical points to enforce the blockade. It was then, in fact, that I designed the primary models for the 50/50 myself. With a ship capable of crossing the cliffs at any given point along the vast ocean, there was no way for them to stop us. Our secret saved many lives. That story is near twenty years past, and Baka and I have remained friends ever since."

A disappointing look was barely visible in the dark windy night. Ryudo realized that Gadan had dodged his question, and let his tone display disapproval, "You must tell him. If Captain Bakala is your friend, like you say, then you owe him the truth." The geohound ended with a sharp tone. This boat and its captain had helped him in the past, and he would not stand by and let him be deceived. "I'm giving him the chance to hear the words from your lips," he paused to indicate that there exists no room for discussion. "Instead of mine," Ryudo concluded.

"It is not wise to keep secrets from a friend." Gadan turned back to face the dark water. "To conceal the truth from a true friend, it must be guarded very closely. In doing so, you start to behave in a manner that is untrue to oneself. As the friend becomes more suspicious, just as any good friend who cares for you will do soon enough; one guards the secret even tighter. To keep the secret safe, one eventually becomes the guard. His actions become cold, defensive, and distant, covering the secret with lies in order to remain hidden. A guard cannot be friends with those who seek that which he protects." Gadan looked back to Ryudo as if telling a joke, "The life of a guard must be a lonely life."

Ryudo stared at him with a quizzical expression. After the long pause it took to digest what the man had said, he announced, "So, we agree. You will tell him tomorrow, then?"

"He knows," Gadan looked down before proceeding, "Sort of. Well, that is to say that I have told him." After Ryudo returned a concerned look as the little man went on, "Despite my sincerity and persistence, he finds my words facetious. I suppose it is to be expected." After a quick smirk he indulged further, "It sounds far too reminiscent of the fables told to children."

Ryudo gave a quick laugh before speaking, "It does, doesn't it. Well, that can't be helped, I guess." A quick pat on the man's shoulder signed his answer as acceptable. "You can't be blamed for it. I'm glad we had this little chat." Ryudo stood and began to retreat back to his room. He halted at the calm sound of Gadan's voice.

"Remember my words, Ryudo." He turned to face him but could not return the man's stare as he continued, "Secrets can isolate those from the ones they love." Gadan's focus on Ryudo's eyes signified the importance. "I suppose that whatever you have done, it was necessary."

Ryudo was deeply confused at this point. "Do not be surprised, my friend," Gadan kept his calm voice while being quick to reassure him, "I have developed considerable skill at reading other people. Too many long nights spent weaseling drinks with the undesirable types, I'm afraid." He looked down for a moment almost as if apologizing before speaking again with far more spirit, "Although I have found it to be quite an effective means of gathering information."

"So what can you read from me?" Ryudo questioned with a bit of curiosity.

Gadan took a moment to ensure a properly constructed response. Little time had passed before he began with a confident tone, "You mask it rather well. I must say it actually took some time before I was sure of it myself." Another pause served presumably to deepen the impact. "It seems that you feel you've done the world some grave injustice. It's like your apologizing with every step. I'm not entirely sure what it could possibly be, but I am sure that it was not your fault."

A mischievous presence came about the young geohound as he walked back to his original place beside Gadan and pressed the conversation further. "Let us speak of this unusual talent that you possess. At times, information can be deadlier than the sword." Ryudo gave a smile as he looked down upon the far smaller man.

He was met with an equal look. "This is not necessary, Ryudo. You need not change the subject as it was not my intention to pry." Gadan pretended not to notice the defeated look that came across Ryudo's face. "You have done far more for me than you could possibly imagine. My curse was neutralized by way of your actions. For that, I must thank you." His unusual smile was a result of a difference in interpretation.

Ryudo looked at the situation quite differently. He felt the words, curse and neutralized should be replaced with body and stabbed repeatedly. Then again, the town is now safe and Gadan is alive and healthy, despite his slightly malnourished state. "Well, then, maybe you can tell me something useful."

"Indeed." The response was peculiar as he brought about a cautious tone, "But you may not like what you hear." Gadan sought approval before proceeding. After a quick nod, he spoke, "The world is in chaos." The man spoke with a dismal voice, "Monsters roam about everywhere. Towns have been completely destroyed and there are some cities under constant attack." A moment was needed to let the information settle and allow for the seriousness of the world's state to sink in. "The Day of Darkness changed so much, and I hear this from men that have seen some ghastly sights firsthand."

"Well, heh, heh," Ryudo gave his usual chuckle while scratching his hair, "That seems fairly grim."

"There's more, I fear," he was nearly cut off as Gadan began to speak of even greater disasters, "the allegiances are not likely to hold strong much longer. War is only a matter of time." A hint of sadness would indicate this to be the ultimate travesty. "With all the destruction and sorrow flailing about, you would think that the people would look to join together, yet it would seem that they would rather seek out a scapegoat."

Ryudo looked uncharacteristically disappointed. He had just seen a town that brought itself up from the depths of despair and into prosperity and joy. The savage realization that the rest of the world was looking bleak was enough to crush him for the moment. "Although I am not glad to hear it, I am glad I know of the trouble ahead," Ryudo's words were sad yet strong.

"You are about to find out soon enough. We are set to arrive at Cyrum in two days. They are the ones most likely to take the fall." Gadan stopped as he saw Ryudo flare out.

"Cyrum! Why them!?" Ryudo cried out in frustration, eagerly awaiting a reply.

"Ryudo," Gadn responded quietly, "You must not yell, else you wake the crew. I keep watch so they can slumber." Ryudo felt a bit embarrassed about his outburst. As his face held calm, the former tongue of Valamr continued, "We are returning with Garlan's supplies in hopes to better prepare them for what I hope shall never come."

"Okay, okay," Ryudo pleaded, "But why Cyrum?"

"Well, most are laying blame upon them because they fly the flag of Valmar atop their castle." Gadan spoke as a simple matter of fact.

"Ah," Ryudo let out a painstakingly long sigh. He rolled his eyes before speaking again, "The flag of Valmar being raised the same year as the Day of Darkness. Roan, you fool. Must you always throw yourself in harm's way to make your point?" The words were meant for himself yet still audible for those near.

"Roan?" Gadan question before exclaiming, "Roan! That little blonde haired boy! Roan the prince!" A raised eyebrow from Ryudo was all he needed to know the truth. "My Ryudo, indeed, you have some interesting friends."

"Interesting is one way to look at it," Ryudo chimed in, "and you are rather quick to draw a good conclusion."

"Well, I may have some more information that may aid you." Gadan noticed Ryudo's peaked interest. He proceeded slowly, "Now this could be just hearsay, but there may be a way to divert the attention away from Cyrum. I have gotten wind off one who claims to be a prophet of Granas. Some even say him to be the god reincarnate." His eyes shifted back to the same calm waters they have seen all night. "I am not certain as to the veracity of these rumors, but a man such as this may be just the redirection necessary to lift the world from chaos. Perhaps he can even serve as a powerful ally."

"Wow! If true, that will be useful," Ryudo was enthusiastic in his response in hopes that the praise would convince the man to assist him further. "You have been a great help. There is one more thing I'd like to ask you." Ryudo was not as lively and looked ready to reveal something troublesome. "I am hiding something. Though I do see us as friends, I think that this weight is mine alone to bear." The distance he felt brought about a curtain of darkness that shrouded the men standing only a few paces apart. He spoke in a calm voice, wondering if the man on the other side could hear his words, "There is another riddle I was wondering if you could help me solve."

Ryudo spoke of the events in Carbo Village and then of his trip to the mysterious ruins. He left no detail untold, which is rather uncommon for the young geohound. While carefully recounting each component and describing the sensations he felt before he blacked out, he could feel a minor tingle as if to remind him that it was not a simple case of delirium. When the story was finished, Ryudo reiterated the notion that is was not some sort of delusion brought about from the loss of blood.

Gadan listened with a pensive stare. After a moment he spoke calmly, in part to himself in order to gather a better understanding, "Let us separate each into its own occurrence. The first of which would be your missing things. Now, you say you left them right near the ruins before you passed out?"

Ryudo gave a simple nod to verify the statement.

"Well, I have heard of a geohound's ability to track," Gadan spoke as a simple matter of fact. "And I'm sure that you are no exception." He paused for a moment to think. "Your bag was not stolen, it remains there still." Ryudo gave an empty expression prompting Gadan's explanation, "You said you could not even find the traces of you own fire or even your own tracks. Logically, you must not have been there." His tone weakened as he announced his solution to be faulty, "How you arrived in Garlan is another concern that I cannot began to fathom. And to arrive so expeditiously," his words were beginning to trail off at the end.

"The matter with the shar is even more baffling," Gadan admitted honestly. "But let us attempt to piece that together as well. Now we don't know what happened while the pack was coming down upon you, but I am rather curious about this tree that you mentioned. Can you elaborate?"

Ryudo perked up as he began to speak, "It was just a tree, and it had my knife in it really deeplike. I had to prop myself up with my legs to get it out--"

"No, no, no," Gadan cut him with direct yet gentle words. "I asked about the tree, is there anything more about it that you can remember?"

Ryudo scratched his head and spoke slowly, "Well, I don't know, it was a tree. It was big, and old, and made of wood."

"Old, you say." His pensive stare returned. "Old, or dead?" raised eyebrows indicated his peaked interest.

"Dead." Ryudo responded simply, "but recently." Years spent in the wilderness left him with a vast knowledge as to the usefulness of trees. "I figure it was recent enough to still get some water from the branches." It is common for those living in nature to break things down in such a manner. For Ryudo, a week without rain did not mean he had to run to the nearest town for supplies. All that was necessary to get water from a tree is a dense material, a string, and a well placed container to catch the water.

"That is very interesting," Gadan stared off once more, "Yet I'm not entirely sure how it all pieces together."

"Well, I'm glad to find that my recent troubles have amused you," Ryudo added in a sarcastic tone, "but I was sort off looking for a bit more help on the answer side of things." The annoyance of Gadan's answer had frustrated him. "It's great that we were able to learn so much that I can use."

Gadan flashed Ryudo an awkward smile as he spoke in a cautious voice, "Well there is one thing that I do know. Since there were no footprints in this mysterious ash, as you say, then you must have done something to protect yourself." The smile faded to a stern look. "It would seem that there is much that needs to be in controlled within you. I implore you to learn the reason for its seclusion before you loose control at a less opportune moment. It just may save you the trouble of hurting those that you care about." Glassy eyes reflected some light off the water. "I sometimes wonder the possibilities if I had taken the opportunity to understand a level of control."

Ryudo understood the meaning. Gadan displayed considerable remorse for the curse he had brought upon his town. It is a horrible feeling at par with the one Ryudo had always felt before the revitalization at Garlan. It is one he feels now as a responsibility for the revival of Valmar.

Another look at the emaciated man he stood beside sent a chill throughout his body. He had not paid much attention as to what the man had been looking at until the light reflected off his eyes. The dark night's water reflected a newly formed moon of Valmar. Ryudo turned to face the moon in disbelief as it illuminated a blue glow throughout the sky.