Chapter 21

The Nefarious Union

A sled being pulled by a team of clydesdales was gracefully cutting through the snow with the swift rapidity of an arrow. It was the coupe that supported none other than the tyrant Lord De Buhr who had been delayed in his return journey two days.

It was not long until his mansion came into view like a beacon in the wild where Cyrus, who was sitting in his study, heard it and arose. He was at the door ready to receive Jurgen faster than his footman could dismount and fulfill the duty himself.

De Buhr moved out of his coupe and scarcely acknowledged him with his annoyed eyes.

"I had nearly organized a search party. Had you not returned today I would have gone out searching for you myself." said Cyrus.

With an attitude of a man who did not wish to discuss it, De Buhr hastily responded, "Yanaguski, fearing a trap lay in wait for his braves, demanded I accompany them here. Of course as you know an army moves at a much more sluggish pace than a lone traveler, in which my tardiness is a result."

"I take it then, the chief agreed to assist you?"

"Very much so."

"I do not see this army you speak of."

"They will be here shortly, I insisted I move on ahead and have them to follow my tracks."

Cyrus opened the mansion doors and proceeded De Buhr through. Once inside he slipped off his gloves and untied his scarf, "What has been accomplished on your end during my absence?"

With that impeccably evil glimmer in his eye, Cyrus responded with a salute of the head, "Bringing on army of my own."

Jurgen took the news full heartedly then inquired with curiosity, "Has Lawrence said anything?"

Grimacing with malice he replied, "His lips are a bit more durable than originally anticipated."

"Fear not, even the most hardened of stones tend to crack after prolonged exposure to the elements that would do them harm."

"Well then, would you prefer to attempt another swing at it?"

De Buhr adjusted his collar, "Not presently, I wish to meet this army of yours to secure the faith in the investments I have in you."

"Perhaps we should await the hour of the arrival of yours and cross examine them to prove their effectiveness." said Cyrus.

It was within that moment when one of De Buhr's servants entered via the main chamber, who was sent to deliver a message from the footman, that a group well in large number was approaching. Quickly Jurgen slipped his arms through the sleeves of his coat and had Cyrus come out to meet them.

Coming through the trees was Korihan upon a painted mare with a considerable number of braves following behind, side by side and cautiously looking about. He put his fist in the air to signify a halt and glared at Jurgen who, after waiting a considerable time, threw his hands out to the wayside and said loudly, "Well!"

Korihan spurred his horse and the group moved forward. Cyrus was moving his lips as he was counting the number of men who followed. When finished he leaned towards De Buhr's ear and said in a whisper, "I count nearly sixty with at least twenty upon horses."

"If Yanaguski can provide anything, it is man power." replied Jurgen.

Eventually the bends of the horses feet stopped roughly ten feet from where the two men stood. Korihan said nothing, he simply gazed upon their fair complexions with a self underwhelmed scrutiny.

With a notable tsk on his lips, Jurgen became the first one to address, "Let us skip the obsolete ceremony of salutations and discuss that element which unites us."

Korihan turned his head abaft and motioned for a member of his party to come forward. It was Inola who appeared agitated from the apprehension and became more so when seeing Cyrus.

"Nukpana the Sawatii will answer to you but never to this great defiler!" said she.

"If you vow to answer to me then you will answer to those whom I choose."

Korihan dismounted while she continued to say, "This one betook our young maidens and lied with them in the night. And when their loins bore children he took them away when they no longer needed suck!"

Cyrus said nothing but allowed Jurgen to advocate for him, "I have no authority to control what a man does in his personal time."

"The wombs of our maidens were tainted because of him, therefore they were no longer worthy to bring forth our posterity. And their tears still wet their pillows for the babes they could not keep."

Cyrus came forth, "It was years ago and my reasons were my own."

"And your reasons were?"

His eye brows lifted in a slant, "To raise a special breed of warrior."

Inola looked upon Korihan in which they both seemed to have a discernible communication with their eyes before responding, "Show us then."

A handful more of braves were called to heal to provide support should the unthinkable happen. Cyrus led them around the mansion and into a dark thicket of pines and spruces that roosted not afar off from the river that flowed like a shimmering glacier. Once within the embrace of the thicket Cyrus had them stop.

"Behold gentlemen." said he.

Korihan glanced about then scoffed, "I see no one here."

With a nod he responded, "Exactly."

It was then that Cyrus made a crips whistle from his lips which caused a series of delineations to come forth. Human bodies who were unseen began to emerge from the bushes and drop from the low hanging branches. They were all exceedingly young men who were armed well conditioned and sternly disciplined. The braves went on guard which was responded with the surrounding force to wield their weapons upright.

"I would let cooler heads prevail if I were you." said Jurgen who seemed dully impatient.

Korihan commanded his own to let low their arms in which Cyrus had done the same. With the scene at ease Korihan began seething, "So this is what has become of our lost ones? Abducted the bastardizations of our pure heritage?"

Cyrus moved in with eye brows locked in at the angles of eternal fury, "These bastards as you call them have a heritage above and beyond the confines of men, my heritage."

Korihan was about to speak when Cyrus rashly cut him off, "Before I am to endure further criticisms from you, need I remind you that I have come through by presenting my most elite support, where are yours?"

"You saw them only a moment ago."

"I mean the Chinua. Where are they?"

Inola quickly stepped in to articulate, "They are close by in watching."

"I see nothing."

"You may not see them but had best believe they are there."

Korihan in the aggressive spirit of speculation and doubt quickly observed, "I can see the need for many braves to combat the great Kenrou, however what is a single man? Surely this is not a hunt that calls for such numbers Nukpana."

Inola turned to him and said with terror, "The one whom the blood of Helushka travels with is not a simple creature. Nukpana revealed to us that many things."

She then whispered the details to Korihan who betook the same shock that Lawrence had when Matthias revealed it unto him.

"Do you see now, why we have escalated the quality of support?" said Jurgen.

Korihan's head moved slightly up and down while De Buhr moved on, "Now is the precious time to plan and coordinate our efforts. For my informant, Libert, had sent a report before I had departed to your village that another expedition upon the Northlands was being organized. It had been well underway by the time he had learned of it which means the march has already begun as we speak. If our targets were to unite with them it could mean the beginning of the end of all that has been accomplished here for the last few decades."

"What do you propose be our first course of action?" asked Korihan.

Jurgen turned then handed the conduction over to Cyrus who began divulging the plan, "First we must discern the exact route they are traveling, therefore have your horsemen work as the scouts to quickly navigate to and fro. Once their whereabouts are made known is when we must divide the efforts evenly."

"How so?"

"If you can, try to get the two of them separated and drive them away from the Kahotoe territory."

Korihan huffed through his nose like a stubborn bull, "They guard their borders relentlessly, scouts could go unnoticed, but the foot soldiers will not move so secretly."
Cyrus then motioned to his disciples, "That is wear my support steps in. They can move as swift as shadows and strike as swiftly as the wind."

"Can they slay a Kenrou?" retorted Korihan.

He then gave such a look towards the brave that it instilled a chill colder than the winters air itself down his spine, "These ones are not meant for the wolf, they are meant for the warrior."

Inola quickly voice to her dispute, "If anyone is to kill him it should be the Sawatii! After all he had done to us!"

Jurgen then snapped back, "The last few run ins with him left you crippled nearly beyond repair, I believe it is time to pass the mantle on to a more qualified specter. Hmmm?"

"You dare deny me my vengeance?!" caromed Inola who was rapidly becoming more unstable by the moment. The small escort Korihan had brought with them were slowly being filled with nervous energy whilst the band of Cyrus casually glanced at each other with their eyes to communicate a plan of retaliation should this union turn hostile.

De Buhr however would not suffer it to be so and quickly de escalated the situation by reassuring, "Vengeance will be served, is it such a terrible thing to your tribe to explore a different means?"

Trembling with rage she nodded her head and choose to hold her peace. Korihan however, still had one final item of interest he wished to finalize, "I do hope Nukpana, that this aid in vengeance has not led you do believe that this is all in retribution to our help."

Jurgen gave off a forced grin in passiveness, "And your idea of retribution is?"

"Gold and Silver."

De Buhr was taken aback, "You ask of me what you can already gain for yourself?"

"No, for ever since the evil Delink pale face group began wounding natures mountains, the jaws of Bountiful have been closed."

Jurgen rolled his eyes, "Can't one of you simply talk to Shalashaska?"

"None can approach him for the Frost Mother has prohibited it."

Cyrus then inquired, "What is this they speak of?"

Jurgen replied hastily, "The reason mining has been so rich in Yoites is due to the workings of one of the remaining wolf gods named Shalashaska (or Shaska for short) who dwells within the mountains providing coal and precious metals within their crags."

"Until recently?"

"Shaska made an agreement with the human tribes that he would provide rich metals for them so long as they rotated the mountains they dug out and only took what was permissible."

"And if this agreement was violated?"

"He would simply close up the mountains until they learned to control their desires. However, ever since the Delink company started mining in Yoites, Shaska has become hostile towards man such as causing the mines to collapse on the workers, or causing the mountains to become barren and even made a personal appearances to kill those who wandered too close to his dwelling."

"And this 'Frost Mother'?"

Korihan, out of a perceived defense of that which he held sacred, spoke up to resist the memories of his deities becoming defiled by the tongue of the common man, "She resides in the driven snow with a coat of the purest and untainted white. When she is compassionate the summers are long and the winters are gentle. When she is angered the storms of her rage is made manifest in long winter and punishing blizzards that can swallow any man in its tempest. In the language of my people she is called Shenu, the Frost Mother.

She watches over all of Yoites but for some mystery she guards the Telesh mountains with her snow storms making their once safe passages impossible to traverse. My people have suffered the most for we live within her domain."

Cyrus then reputed with little to no care, "Winter here has not been so merciless."

"You do not live within her territory."

With casual intrigue he responded, "And whose territory are we in?"

At this point Jurgen retaliated against this deviation of topic by speaking clearly, "The history of Yoites can wait. For now I do have a means of compensation for the Sawatii people that can equal its weight in gold. Please follow me."

The four departed from the thicket leaving the silent warriors alone with the single braves, whose presence felt agitation, caused their nerves to tilt on edge. Though each appeared the ripe and tender ages of ten and seven to twenty years of age they had an exceeding coldness in their hearts as one could only imagine was obtained from a life time of abusive conditioning by the hands of Cyrus, the fallen foil of Ranger.

In natural occurrence, Jurgen proceeded his two additional guests within his dreary abode. Korihan and Inola looked about the gloomy confines of Jurgen's mansion that translated so well the demeanor of his spirit.

Shaking off the cold winters night air from his persona, Jurgen rang a bell that was sitting upon a small table near the entrance in which two servants appeared.

"Take us to the armory." he commanded which need no more impression than than from the lips that uttered it.

Quickly after, a ringlet of keys was fetched which resulted in the escort to the chamber desired. They took the passageway behind the main stair well that divided itself into a familiar hallway that connected to Cyrus's office. As they were approaching that door to bypass it, it had opened and a body exited hence into their path accompanied by a guilty and stunned face.

It was Emilio who was returning from one of his frequent yet discrete visits to the cells. Unbeknownst to the rest of the staff, his first visit with Lawrence had sparked a series of unscheduled appointments fueled by his adolescent curiosities. And now he stood before his master and enforcer with a mind furiously racing to make up a valid excuse as to why he was just scene exiting the office of his superior.

He bravely stood at attention while Jurgen crooked his head at him with an unwanted inquisitiveness.

"Skulking about are we?"

"I have been assigned in the feeding of the prisoners…master." said the lad with a nervous undertone in his unconvincing air.

"Unattended?" returned De Buhr as any other man would when he preys upon another with his scrutiny.

"I-it won't happen again sire." returned the agitated young man.

With a stern stare that led to a ridiculing shake of the head, Jurgen waived him along and said, "Indeed it won't, starting now you are not to wander around alone, therefore you will be joining us this instant."

Emilio got in formation without further dispute and followed the group to the armory. Jurgen was cordial enough to allow Inola and Korihan to be the first ones to enter. There they were introduced to a few standing crates that were encircled by staffs, halberds, spears and swords that were neatly aligned along the walls.

The crates were pried open in which a servant moved the packing straw and withdrew a pristinely designed cross bow. The servant then aimed it towards one of the straw dummies mounted on a post and fired. The bolt was dead on with little to no deviation from its intended placement.

"I may not give you gold and silver, but I can definitely arm your men with more effective tools." boasted De Buhr.

Korihan was vaguely pleased, "These toys are nothing compared to the might of the gods."

Cyrus then gave a passive glance to Jurgen who nodded with assent, "Indeed; Emilio fetch a lantern."

The boy quickly departed and returned with as much haste as he went out, yet was holding a candle.

"I said a lantern boy!" reprimanded Jurgen.

With disgrace the boy did as he was commanded and returned with a lantern that kept its flame enclosed within a glassy prison.

The party then moved through the main display of the armory and came to a sealed door. The servants were quick to unbolt it and let the party in to the other side. It was nothing but a modest stone walled closet that held only three average barrels.

Then with great care the servants un-topped one of them so that the rest could look inside. There was great confusion, for the only thing the barrel contained was compacted black grains that resembled burned sand.

Emilio leaned closer and held the light up to it until Cyrus wrung his wrist and threw him back, "Stupid Boy!" he screamed.

Jurgen parted them, "Now, now Cyrus, despite the near calamity the boy did sin ignorantly and therefore can be granted a pardon."

"This grain is worth more than gold?" stammered Korihan who was tempted to scalp Jurgen with his tomahawk.

"It is useless!" cried out Inola.

Jurgen quickly turned and reputed their rashness, "This grain is the wave of the future."

"What is it then!?"

"It came from the eastern countries, a deadly mixture of sulfur, charcoal and saltpeter which when bound up and contacting fire becomes a weapon that can destroy andy thing in its path, including rock. It is only known as black powder."

"You deceive us Nukpana." said Korihan.

Annoyed with the barrage of doubts and skeptical comments, Jurgen turned to him and said, "Perhaps a demonstration is in order?"

A servant was then ordered to take a small leather bag and place an overhanging cloth dipped in whale oil within it. Then scooped the black powder until the sack compacted it into an orb then was tied off.

Jurgen took hold of the candle then bade them to return with him outside. They took themselves a sizable league from the mansion with all eyes upon them. The servant then lit the clothe and threw the satchel as far away as he could. Korihan then observed Jurgen and Cyrus cover their ears and waited. In the distance where the device had been lit, the white trail of smoke fainted out.

Then as if fire and thunder formed its own union, the earth shook, the air split and debris shot in all directions at ungovernable velocity.

Korihan and Inola jumped back while the horses in the distance grew frightened with some managing to throw their riders and gallop away without them. The two approached the area of impact and found nothing but a smoldering crater that left all the under layers of sod exposed.

Seeing that they were stricken with terror Jurgen approached them, "As I have said, I can offer you something worth more than gold, victory. This powder is proving to have more uses than just this. Soon their will be weapons powered by this grain that will bring the gods to the mercy of man, save Yanu."

Korihan softened his face in an odd portrayal of defeat to his superiority. "Very well Nukpana we will fight for you." said he.

He then turned about to address his braves until, "Korihan." called out Jurgen with a tone that conveyed another pressing matter. He turned to face the tyrant who stood perched with one hand on his waist.

"To be clear, after you have heckled me at your village, delayed me three days in my journey back home and constantly doubted my every motive and accused my every process, only to be proven sincere at each conclusion, I find a simple 'we will fight for you,' to be terribly off putting and not at all in good taste.

You will do more than fight for me, you will exert every effort, utilize every tool and bleed and sweat every drop of your will to the hunting down of the warrior and the wolf. If you either do not return with their heads or fail to return at all then I will raise your village to the ground with such ferocity that it will be spoken of by the lips of every child of the next hundred generations.

Do we have an accord?"

Korihan nodded with great uneasiness as the stakes of their failure had been raised exponentially.

"By the honor of the Sawatii, we swear it will be done."

The next hour was spent arming the masses and plotting out the course in which they would begin. Once equipped with the more industrious weapons of man Jurgen had the black powder moved out to them in the back of a sled for them to use.

The only ones who did not participate in the preparation were the three whom Cyrus had a professed effectiveness for. They stood not too afar off and simply observed.

Cyrus took his leg bends up to them who in turn bowed their heads to his approach. Looking them over with dignified pride he said, "Be not despaired for what you are called to do. Your foe is great but united you will be greater.

Now these savages will be your greatest asset, however they are expendable. They are out to fetch their heads however you will provide for me no such trophy."

He then wrapped his burly fingers around the young man's neck and brought him in closer, "Bring me his sword."

The young man, whose icy features were in compliance with his progenitor, said, "On our honor it shall be done."

"Swear it."

He, along with the other two standing at his sides, pulled their knives and cut the palms of their right hands. Cyrus rolled up his right sleeve and extended it towards them who clasped his palm with one, wheil the other two wrapping their fingers around his forearms.

"We swear it."

They released their hands which left their bloody patterns upon Cyrus's radial area. They all then united with the Sawatii braves and were given one last point of instruction before they departed into the frozen wilderness.

"Strike fast without mercy and leave nothing behind!"