Chapter 3: Gathering of the People
Sunlight broke through the open window. A light gust blew in, and the curtains flapped joyfully. It was a beautiful day, if not for what had happened. Kiltan got up and looked around. He was in a makeshift house, one of many that had been set up to house the homeless. The wooden bed creaked weakly as he stood up. He was renewed with energy, and had the rescuers from Henesys to thank. He once again felt like himself, as he got dressed. Not two days ago it was that he had been barely killed in the ruins of Sleepywood, yet it seemed a distant memory now. He could recall a fear, a terrible curse that plagued his mind, which embalmed itself deep into his heart. He though he would never forget that feeling. But now, he wondered why he did not strike back at the demon that had attacked him. Never had he felt such a sense of helplessness in his life. He was still confused as he pushed open the wooden door and stepped out into Central Henesys.
As usual, it was a busy place. People rushing around, eager to show off their stash of weapons, and hopefully get someone to buy their goods. But today, there was nervous air around Henesys. People were still having business as usual, but now they were set in a deep, sober mood. A deep gash in the ground now ran the length of the trade square. Older houses stood no chance against the quake, and some houses had fallen in. Even he could not believe it, as he stepped into Henesys as he had returned from Sleepywood. He had not expected anything more then a mild tremor to be felt from here, but it had seemed that the quake had hit the whole island. Scouts had come from Kerning City, Ellinia and Perion, all giving news of the quake that had hit them. People were still confused as to what had caused such a massive earthquake, for their island of Victoria had never experienced such a natural catastrophe before. They were also stunned when Kiltan and Heera, along with the cleric that had aided them, returned from Sleepywood. Kiltan later found out that they were the only survivors, as Sleepywood was hit the hardest, being the town at the epicenter of the quake.
While Kiltan and Heera were being escorted back from Sleepywood, he had turned to the cleric, wanting to thank him for the aid he had given them. But he saw that the cleric had passed out. He had used all his magical powers to banish the demon from Heera, and now he lay on a makeshift stretcher, being carried by two men towards Henesys. On reaching Henesys, the cleric was carried to a nearby house, where a gentle old lady opened the door and allowed him in. He disappeared inside, and the door shut. Kiltan took note of the house, and now, as he awoke, he got the word from a group of children that the "magic man", as they referred to him, was awake. He patted the kid on the head, and headed to where the house was. Along the way, he knocked on the door of another makeshift house. Heera came out, and he beckoned her to come. She knew where they were heading, and quickly grabbed a long rolled package, wrapped in silk, and followed Kiltan.
Kiltan approached the house and knocked on the door. In a moment, the woman appeared and opened the door. In her hands, she held a cup of herbal tea. "Good morning Maya." Kiltan greeted her, and she escorted them inside. The cleric was lying on the bed, and weakly managed a smile. Maya handed the cup to him, and he slowly sipped it. Kiltan sat down besides him. "We have not gotten a chance to thank you yet, and so now, the both of us would like to sincerely extend our warmest gratitude to you."
With that, Heera took out the wrapped package and handed it to Kiltan. He took it, and slowly unfolded it. He stood up, and the silk fell off, and immediately the room started to glow a deep red. A mighty staff Kiltan was holding in his hands, an object few men have ever seen. It was a deep, pure red, a colour that could not be achieved by the craftsmanship of the best weapon smith. It shone, even in the absence of light, made of a metal only found within the deepest mines of Ossyria, crafted under the might of a demon beast. On its top, it bared the symbol a majestic pair of wings. But its features were not all that drew respect to the staff. A presence could be felt around it, a force of magical powers. "Wielded by the beast of the underworld, imbued with the powers of a fallen angel" read the inscriptions carved along its side.
Kiltan handed it to him, and the cleric took it, in awe of the power he held. "We found it deep within the caves. It was a weapon found from a mighty beast that lurked deep within, near to the entrance of the Sanctuary." He looked up, and with a weak voice, said "How can I thank you for this?" Kiltan replied "You owe us nothing. This is a gift, our sign of gratitude for saving our lives." The cleric held the mystic staff in his hands, still in awe of the burning powers that were encapsulated inside. Even though it was made of a solid metal, he felt that he could look into it. He saw a swirl, a vortex of red that churned within. He knew what it was. The blood of a slain demon, its powers not sealed within a single weapon, ready to be harnessed by the might of a mortal that would cast his hands onto it. He finally drew his eyes away from it, and said "We have yet to formally introduce ourselves. My name is Leiguin, cleric of Ellinia." "And I am Kiltan, an assassin. And this is my girlfriend, Heera, an archer." And there they sat, chatting about themselves, and how they have trained.
Leiguin was a skilled cleric, as they found out. Mastering the art of wielding holy strength, he could smite the undead with a single blow. Apparently, he had also arrived on Victoria Island soon after Kiltan, and was among the first magicians to be bestowed by the magical powers of Hines, the mystical leaders of the magi. Then Kiltan asked "So, what exactly happened to you at the Sleepywood Hotel?" Leiguin fell silent, his eyes suddenly downcast. Heera quickly spoke up "If you do not feel comfortable about it, then there is no need to bring back any bad memories." But Leiguin looked up, and said "I have nothing to fear now of that dreaded place. I can remember a terrible evil force that lurked the place, but now, it seems as if it was so far away. I do not fear to speak of in now. Sit and I will tell you my story."
"As usual, Sleepywood was in a hustle. I had just arrived and was ready to head into the caves, but I had decided to restock my potion supply in the hotel. I went in, and as usual, there were people in the sauna. I headed in and made my way to the herbal section, and there stood the alchemist. He recognized me, and turned around to grab the potions I requested. And then the ground shook. Potion bottles rattled, as he frantically tried to stabilize them. But there was more to worry about then just the alchemist. People from the sauna had begun to panic, and more were running out to see what was happening. I decided to quickly run out, when suddenly; a loud cry was heard behind me. A cabinet had fallen onto the alchemist, and he was struggling to push it off him. I leapt over the counter, and together, we managed to get the cabinet off him. But the cabinet had held his potions, and the glass bottles had shattered against his body. His shirt was stained with blood, pierced by the stray glass shards. But with a quick chant, I healed his wounds. I knew there was no time and quickly pulled him out, just as more shelves collapsed. I looked out, and saw a few people still trying to push their way out of the sauna. It was too crowded, as they all tried to squeeze out through the tiny door."
"And then a massive crash was heard. It was as if time slowed down. The roof broke in. Immediately, all eyes turned to it, as they looked on in horror as a huge slab of wood burst through, its jagged edge heading straight into the crowd. Then, it struck. Nothing could have stopped it. The wooden slab had fallen straight into the center of the room, where the crowd of people had stood. I could not watch it, and I turned my face away from the horrible deaths that had befallen these people. All I heard was screams, as the remaining people rushed out towards the exit. Holding the alchemist's hand, I pulled him out towards the exit. But the alchemist grip on my hand loosened. I looked back, and I saw the alchemist standing there, with a wooden pillar driven as a stake through his body. I let go of his hand. Now, I was in shock. Never had I seen such a massacre of death. My only hope was to escape this death trap. I headed for the exit, narrowly missing a falling beam. But then, a support column fell from behind, and knocked me down, and then I blanked out."
"However, I had troubled thoughts as I lay there. I was unconscious, but I felt death approach. I could feel an evil presence of great power, standing in the room, mocking the dead. I had the urge to grab my staff, to destroy this evil being. But then it looked at me, and suddenly, I felt my powers going against me. It pinned me to the ground, and stood hovering over me, a deep cold stare that bore into my eyes. I can recall every detail of that moment. I don't know how long it was, but then, it stepped back, never taking its eyes off me. Then it faded away. Then I opened my eyes, and found out I was in complete darkness, only surrounded by the dead. I groped my way to the side, and there I sat, not wanting to think of what lay around me, or what might be standing, hiding in the shadows. I could not see it, I did not want to see it, but I could feel it, looking at me. And then I heard the scream, and slowly crawled out to the lobby of the hotel, and that's where I saw you and Heera."
Leiguin turned to Kiltan. "So what was it that brought you to Sleepywood at that time?" So Kiltan began his story, occasionally backed by Heera, of how they escaped the Cargo, and only found a dead city on return to Sleepywood. Leiguin was very interested in Kiltan's story and listened intensely. When Kiltan got to the part where Leiguin attacked the demon with his holy arrows, he paused, and said "How was it, that when you attacked the demon, Heera was not harmed. I saw it myself, the arrows piercing through Heera." Leiguin remained calm, and replied "My spells work against the unholy. I knew the evil presence that had captured her, and my shot struck at the demon, not at Heera." He looked up at her, and gave a small smile. Then, just at that moment, they heard the clang of the Henesys Bell. Kiltan ran to the window and saw people starting to gather around the city square. He looked back, and said "Let's go. The meeting is about to begin." Heera stood up, and they headed to the door. Kiltan turned around to bid farewell to Leiguin, but saw him stumbling after them, using the staff as a support to help him walk. "No, you cannot come, you are too weak." Maya came into the room and ran towards Leiguin, helping him to stand up. "I will go. This is a situation the concerns me and everyone I love." And with that, he stood up straight and slowly but surely, he walked out. Kiltan helped him along, and they headed for the town square. Maya closed the door behind them.
The Bell Tower of Henesys continued to ring, as more people came and gathered around. When the bell receded, upon a balcony, the town chief appeared. He was Stan, an elderly man that was frail in appearance, but bore great wisdom in the lore's of the ancients. He had witnessed the banishing of the beast as the great armies of men trapped it within the walls of the ancient Sanctuary. He was wise, but he was a troubled man. After the banishment of the beast, a group of men had been sent into the Sanctuary to rid of the beast once and for all. Amongst the group was his father. They never returned. He spent most of his days within the walls of the City Hall, contemplating his thoughts, and silently managing the business and defense of the town. But seldom had he shown himself in public. Now, he stood there, and old as he may be, a great aura of respect he commanded. He leant on the railings, and with a deep booming voice, he spoke.
"Citizens of Victoria Island! I will not try and hide the truth. You all are wondering, what it is that is happening to us. I have studied the ancient scrolls, and I have discussed this with the elders of the other cities. We have drawn onto a conclusion, and it will not dawn as good news to anyone of you. Now, as you stand here, going about your everyday lives, the beast of the Sanctuary stirs. It has awoken, after gathering its masses of demon hell spawn; it now stands as the greatest threat we have faced." Gasp of shock could be heard all around, and people started to speak up. Many of the newcomers had no clue as to what was going on, but the foreboding disaster the Stan described did not sound appeasing at all. Immediately, questions were raised, but Stan calmed them down. People could see him, and not one bit did he seem anxious. With a calm voice, he spoke again.
"How it is, you wonder, that I can tell you about the upcoming revolution of these beasts? These were documented by our forefathers, and they knew of this day, a day when man would have to face the same terrors that they did. They had banished the beast, but they did not kill it, for its powers alone could not be defeated by the few remaining men that were sent to destroy it." At this, he cast down his eyes. Those that knew his father drew in a deep breath, as they remembered that day when the strongest of men had been sent to their deaths. But almost unhindered, Stan looked up again and continued.
"We were wounded, struck down by the initial attacks of the beast, but the unity of men fought back, and one by one, they slew all that stood in their way. And this crippled the forces of the beast. It was wounded, but not dead. And it still bore the power to defend its Sanctuary, its prison where it lay hidden. Here, both sides were wounded. Men began to rebuild their lives, while the forces of the beast grew in strength. Neither side was strong enough yet, but now, we see this tremor as a sign, a warning from below, that it is ready to strike again. It mocks us, challenging us to fight. But it does not know the strength of men! We banished it once, we can do it again! Do not feel discouraged, my people, for I see into your hearts a great strength. And on the day that the beast strikes again, I will stand with you on the forefronts, and with the strength of my father as my support, I will stand with you and smith the beast that dares to challenge us! Do no fear, all you men and women. Pick up you swords and bows, you daggers and staves, for we prepare to fight! Do not let the forces of evil overrun in our lands, these lands that were liberated under the might of your ancestors, these lands that you will now defend with pride. For this will not be the day that we witness the fall of our lands! We will stand and fight!"
And with that, Stan cast aside his wooden staff, the staff that supported him in his old age, and now he stood upright with a new strength, and from his side, he pulled out a mighty sword from its sheath, the sword that his father carried, and now it gleamed in the morning sun, commanding strength and power. The stain of demon blood ran along the side of its edge, a symbol of the dominance of men over the demons. With a mighty shout, he held the sword high in the air, and around him, the shouts of all those who had gathered filled the town square. Men and women alike, they raised their weapons, a great sense of power they felt, as they stood now, ready to fight whatever evils that would be sent against them. "Tonight, we will not worry. Tonight, we will celebrate the victory that we will achieve over the beast! We will show no fear, for no fear should be in your hearts!" Stan gave a final shout, and the cries of the people cheered in supporting unison.
Along the side, Kiltan, Heera and Leiguin stood. Kiltan had a smile across his face. "At last, some worthy action in this place" He said. The crowds of people were now heading out into the wilderness, with a new spirit in their hearts, and started to strike down at all the creatures that roamed the lands around Henesys. He looked up at the City Hall, and saw Stan heading back into his room. He had always thought of the old village chief as nothing but an old man, who was not capable of leading his people during times of trouble. But now a deep respect was felt for the old man. He looked back at Leiguin, who was starting to sweat from standing for so long. He saw in his eyes the urge to fight again, but he knew he was too weak. With the help of Heera, they led him back to the house, where Maya waited for them. The three went in, and there, they continued talking about each other, about there they have trained, and the various monsters that roamed the area, that somehow never seemed to stop spawning. But not once again, did they talk about Sleepywood again.
Night had befallen Henesys. Tired but excited, men and women started to return from the training grounds, their weapons stained with blood of the monsters killed. Exhausted, they headed home to wash up. Kiltan stepped out and breathed in the fresh night air. Lamp post lighted up, illuminating the town in a joyful yellow glow. Children were playing around under the watchful eyes of their parents. The air of uncertainty that had lurked around in the morning was now gone, as people walked around happily. Pretty soon, people started to stream out of their house and headed to the local bar. Joy and merry making could be heard all around, as men got drunk under the influence of the strong ale. But it was a joyful celebration that night, as men danced about in the night light, shouting out in happiness. They jumped around the fissure that had formed along the town square from the quake, laughing at it as a weak attempt to scare them.
Kiltan, Heera and Leiguin headed towards the bar, its warm lights welcoming them in. They took a seat at the corner, watching the newcomers dancing around on the tabletops. "They have no idea what is about to come." Kiltan said. Heera made no reply. Then, then doors of the bar swung open, and in stepped Stan. He was clad in thick steel armour, and he still held his sword. He did not have to say a word, but simply raised his sword up high, and everyone cheered. Withdrawing his sword, Stan joined in the partying men. Never had they seen him in such a state, the silent old man that ruled their town from within the City Hall, now sat with them and chatted wildly. "He is motivating these people. Where they would lack in strength, they would make up with a hope of a spectacular victory in battle. They will most probably die, but they would die willingly. Now I see the power of his words." Kiltan murmured. Once again, neither Heera nor Leiguin said anything in reply. Kiltan stood up and grabbed three mugs of ale, and passed them to the others. He raised his mug, and proclaimed loudly to everyone else in the bar, "To victory! To the victory of men over beast, for no creature shall take back our lands!" With a roar of support, they chugged down on their drinks. Stan looked at him and nodded in approval.
"Kiltan! Kiltan!" He heard someone shout his name, and turned around. He saw a familiar face, the newcomer that kept running into him. Now they meet again, and the newcomer eagerly shook Kiltan's hand. "Sir, you are amazing! I look up to you as my mentor, and I think about becoming just like you in the future! Oh, I am sorry, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Jacob, and I have become an assassin, just like you! Look, I even made myself a claw!" Jacob proudly held a small claw, which was basically a thick metal glove that allowed him to fling a throwing star to its full potential. Kiltan looked at it, picked it up, and tossed it to the side. Jacob looked stunned, but then Kiltan pulled out a bigger claw, which was visibly stronger, and put it in his hands. "A simple garnier will not be of use if you are to fight in a war. I will give you my old claw, a meba, blessed with high speed. I hope it will serve you well. Now leave me and my friends to talk amongst ourselves." Thankfully, Jacob clutched at his new weapon and ran towards his friends, eagerly showing it off and pointing towards Kiltan. "Why did you do that?" Heera asked. "It was a good thing, but it's not like you to treat a newcomer nicely." "Well." Kiltan replied. "With that claw, at least he will be able to kill a few more beasts before he dies." Then, he heard the sound of shouts approaching him, and he was all too used to such a thing. "Ok now, its time to get out." And with that, they three quickly left, just as a group of newcomers ran up to where they sat. But by that time, Kiltan, Heera and Leiguin had gone under the influence of Kiltan's haste. They got to Maya's house, and there, slightly drunk, they slept for the night, the sound of cheering people from the bar never fading away.
Dawn broke, and through the curtains, sunlight streamed in. As usual, it was another beautiful day. It hardly rained during this time of the year. Kiltan got up and headed out. Housewives were heading out to do their morning chores. Some men were sprawled on the floor, apparently from the party last night. Then Kiltan cast his eyes towards the centre of the island, towards the north. From Henesys, a small view of the huge central tree could be seen. Such was the majesty of the great tree, but now, as he looked on, he saw its leaves glow a golden brown, slowly dropping form their branches. The falling leaves glittered in the sunlight like golden petals. But within this beautiful sight, lay a deadly curse, a curse of death. The tree was dying, its branches growing bare. Sleepywood had fallen to the powers of evil, and now it was overcoming the area around it.
Kiltan knew this, he had experienced it. A stronghold of the beast, Sleepywood now stood as a danger to all, for none knew where the beast would send forth its armies of demons. He looked towards the gate that led towards the path to Sleepywood, and saw that two small towers were being erected. A tall wooden fence was also being built in anticipation for the attack. Archers were already guarding the area under the command of Helena, the master of the archers of Victoria. Seldom has she roamed out, just like Stan, for she would often reside in her tree house, and grant the powers of archery to the few newcomers that wished to learn the arts of marksmanship. Now, she walked around, giving commands to the archers on their attack positions when the attack should come. Now people were already starting to wake up, and Stan walked out of the City Hall to check up on the building of the fortifications.
But then, from the side gates that led towards Kerning City, a man stumbled in. He was a warrior runner, one of the many runners that had been sent out last night to spread the news of Stan's speech yesterday. Two were sent out towards each city. These runners were fast and versatile, and they could run with the speed and stamina of the wind, and their purpose is to send messages to distant towns across Victoria Island. But now, as the runner entered, he collapsed to the ground. He was panting deeply, and was wounded. A deep gash ran along the side of his leg, and small cuts covered his body. He was sweating profusely, and could barely speak. Stan quickly approached him, and the runner slowly sat up. He took a moment to recover, held a deep breath, and with a nervous voice, stammered "Perion is under siege."