Chapter 5: Enemy Within
Ardougne. A huge city with many inhabitants, Ardougne belonged to the nation of Kandarin. With skyscraper buildings and towering walls, Ardougne was the heart of trade in the Kingdom of Kandarin and twice the size of Falador. Kaeryd and Jasmine were utterly lost, having never been in anything like Ardougne. They both gaped, oblivious of staring eyes, until their stomachs notified them to its predicament with an impatient gurgle.
"I'm starving!" Kaeryd complained.
"Well, I have a few gold pieces. Maybe we can go find a restaurant or something," Jasmine suggested, just as famished.
Kaeryd and Jasmine had teleported to somewhere in the middle of the city. Wandering around, the two young warriors enjoyed the jovial smiles on everyone's faces. People were happy. Little children played and scurried about the streets while the adults and traders haggled on interminably for furs and jewelry. The sun was out, illuminating the whole city and making it look all the more peaceful. As the two strolled down a paved road, passing gardens and trees, they arrived upon a fountain.
"Hey, this fountain is even bigger than the one in Falador!" Kaeryd said sitting atop a nearby bench.
"Yeah," Jasmine tilted her head to one side, admiring the water spout, "Hey wait, look!" she exclaimed and pointed to a building behind the fountain. Kaeryd craned his head around. A green sign hung over a door reading: Ardougne Inn.
"Come on, maybe they have some food in there," Jasmine nearly ran over to the building, opened the door, and went in, closely followed by an equally hungry Kaeryd. Inside, their eyes met an inn bigger than it looked from the outside. Across from the entrance stood a sturdy counter with a plump, bearded man perched behind it. Round tables sat at intervals across the dark wood-paneled floor. Men and women were gathered around the tables eating their meals, talking and gesticulating with their forks and knives. Jasmine and Kaeryd chose a table in one corner as a middle-aged blond waitress strode over to them holding a quill and parchment.
"Hello, what would you like?" she asked amiably.
"I'll just have some stew and bread," Kaeryd answered quickly. Food of any kind sounded great.
"Same here," Jasmine agreed. The waitress scribbled a moment, thanked them, and then excused herself to talk to the man behind the counter, obviously the cook.
May I ask you a question? Sifias spoke up.
"Go right ahead," Kaeryd replied, leaning back in the wooden chair to unbend his spine. Great runes, it felt good to sit down.
"Huh?" Jasmine had laid her head sideways on the table the moment the waitress had finished. Now she peered at Kaeryd questioningly.
"Nothing," the boy waved his hand dismissively.
Why is it that you humans…"eat"?
"So we can live of course," Kaeryd answered the Ancient.
"Huh?" Jasmine asked again, a bit louder.
"I'm talking to Sifias," Kaeryd explained.
"Oh," the girl gave a sigh and returned to her previous prone position, "Just don't talk too loudly to yourself or people will think you're insane, ok?"
I can read your mind, remember? Just think it, and I'll know it. Sifias said.
Oh right. Kaeryd thought, though the process of actually thinking in complete sentences was a bit strange. Well the reason we eat is because our bodies need food. We need energy to keep our bodies going.
I see. Odd, I always thought having a body would be better. It seems though that there are disadvantages.
Well, some food is good…really good.
Yes. In order to keep the bodies I went into alive, I did oblige to eat this "food" you speak of. Some tasted horrible.
Yeah.
"Our food is here," Jasmine noted happily, bringing Kaeryd back to his surroundings. He suddenly became aware of the aromas drifting toward his nostrils. The waitress stood next to their table, placing bowls of stew in front of each of them. Jasmine paid her hurriedly and the lady left with a grateful nod.
"Time to eat!" Kaeryd wolfed down the soup and bread, nearly pouring the contents of the bowl down his throat all at once. Jasmine stared at him.
"What?" Kaeryd mumbled incoherently with food in his mouth.
"Nothing," Jasmine took up her spoon primly, but as soon as the hot stew touched her lips, she was rapidly speeding up the slurping. Kaeryd shrugged and resumed eating.
After they finished (Kaeryd with a second bowl), the two left the Inn.
"Now what?" Kaeryd asked, stretching his arms above his head.
"Well, we need to find the others," Jasmine replied while finishing her personal item check.
"We always went to the Head Quarters if we got separated. But with the HQ gone, I guess we'll have to wait here," Kaeryd said doubtfully.
"Maybe."
Kaeryd led the way around Ardougne. Towering buildings loomed right beside the streets. People of all ages jostled about, each on his or her own business. A woman and a man walked together smiling. Another man followed them angrily, grumbling something about cheating. One boy Kaeryd saw was mischievously trying to steal an apple while his pals distracted the shopkeeper. Chuckling at the boys' antics, Kaeryd nearly collided with a stout old lady, whose arms were rather muscular.
"Excuse me," Kaeryd apologized automatically. The lady gave him a sidelong stare, then nodded, and strode away without a word. So crowded was this city. How were they supposed to find even remote friends was beyond Kaeryd's imagination. He could guess that Jasmine was beginning to think the same thing.
Suddenly, as they were passing a square, they heard loud, yet familiar, voices.
"I'm tired! There has got to be an Inn somewhere around here," Hale whined. The group definitely looked very travel-worn. Dust covered their lower halves and heads and noses seemed a bit gritty.
"All right, all right, lets find a place to--" Etherian was cut off by Tysan.
"Kaeryd! Jasmine!" Tysan darted toward them. Everyone turned immediately to follow Tysan's path. Their eyes alighted as they saw the pair.
"Hi, Tysan!" Jasmine greeted him.
"Hi! How did you escape?" Tysan asked inquisitively.
"Well, we found out that the Vault was made of Rune Essence. We crafted a few runes and teleported here," Kaeryd explained. Jasmine made a face.
"It was such a waste not to take more with us!" she complained.
"Good to have you back. I thought you were a goner," Hale said.
"Yeah," Enterran agreed. The group of friends talked for a while, exchanging pats on the back and warm handshakes. Then Kaeryd saw him, his mentor and friend, Etherian. A broad smile bloomed across his face and Etherian returned it.
"Dang, Etherian. How do you get out of everything?" Kaeryd teased, feigning jealousy. In reality, Kaeryd was overjoyed. He had begun thinking he'd be constantly wondering what to do next without Etherian.
"Well, it was all thanks to everyone else," Etherian said, hands resting on his leather belt. Kaeryd noticed that dark circles had appeared under the man's gray eyes. Etherian must have been exhausted after his ordeal, naturally.
What the…, the Ancient's voice suddenly said inside Kaeryd's mind.
What? Kaeryd asked mentally.
Him…what's he doing here. I thought he was trapped in the vault.
Who? Etherian?
Yes. I thought he was killed. That last word, Kaeryd thought came out a bit pointedly.
No…one of the others carried him out.
No…kill him quickly. Before he escapes. No doubt about it, Sifias was angry at Etherian, which made Kaeryd defensive.
Kill him? Why? He's my friend.
A momentary pause passed before Sifias answered.
You know how I told you I could read the mind of the person I "possess"?
Yeah.
I read his mind as well. He's insane. Just like Zarin. They are working together.
What? No. I don't believe you.
You can read my mind too. You know I'm telling the truth. Etherian is evil.
The words rang like an alarm in Kaeryd's head. Sifias was telling the truth. Nothing could mistake that definite feeling of certainty Kaeryd felt when he had probed Sifias' honesty. It was just so horrendously concrete, like the fact that fish did not fly.
"No…," Kaeryd said aloud.
"'No' what, Kaer?" Tysan asked.
"No…," Kaeryd repeated. He started to back away from Etherian.
"Kaeryd? Are you okay? You should rest. You look a little off," Etherian said drawing closer, a look of concern plastered on his face.
The confusion in Kaeryd's head from the initial shock blurred into sadness.
"Why, Etherian? Why?" Kaeryd asked, almost desperately.
I'm going to tell the others.
Kaeryd felt a contraction in his head, like a nerve working, as Sifias concentrated, transferring the knowledge Kaeryd just learned to the rest of the party. All around, eyes flew open, some mouths hung agape, flabbergasted. Then they all turned to stare at Etherian. Jasmine was the first to act. Silent tears flowing down her cheeks, she absorbed rune after rune, then with a yell of fury, hurled fireball after fireball at Etherian's head.
"Agh!" Etherian was thrown back a few meters, landing with a thud and groaned.
"What…what are you doing Jasmine?" Etherian asked from on the ground. However, his piercing gaze aimed at the girl never matched his innocently hurt tone, Jasmine noticed.
"I hate you!" she charged up another rune but before she could release her fireball, Dysann came charging out of nowhere and smashed his giant hammer on Etherian.
Miraculously, Etherian leapt away, unsheathing his sword, the Chaos Reaver with a flourish. Jagged, sharp thorns thrust up from the earth behind him, but he nimbly dodged them and slashed the roots before they could curl around for another attack. A fireball soared past Etherian's left cheek, only managing to scorch the skin. An arrow flew at him, but he again proved too quick and avoided the fatal shot. He somersaulted onto a building overlooking his once allies. Furious eyes glared at him. All weapons were drawn, including Kaeryds, although he could not recall unsheathing them.
By now, the city folk were backed far away, mothers with children, huddling under awnings with the vendors. All muted with fear.
"So…you found out…how?" Etherian queried sinisterly. No one answered, some because they had no idea how they had just suddenly been hit with the knowledge.
"None of your business," Kaeryd hissed under his breath. His friends turned to the boy, dread clearly on their faces. Even people who did not know him could hear that spiderweb-thin line of control in his words. Kaeryd was angry, angrier than anyone had ever seen him.
"You…monster," Kaeryd half growled through gritted teeth.
"Monster? What's with the insults?" Etherian said smirking.
"'Monster' is nothing compared to what I'm thinking," Kaeryd said gripping his beloved scimitars so hard, his hands ached.
"You are no match for me," Etherian stated confidently.
"You'll find that I am."
"Not a chance. But, if you insist…," Etherian grinned maliciously, then threw his arms into the air, muttering under his breath. He raised his eyes up to the clouds and they glowed an eerie yellow. A force field suddenly began to form around Etherian and it sucked Kaeryd inside. Jasmine, realizing what was happening, started forward, but, realizing that she wouldn't be quick enough, shoved Enterran forward with a gust of air. Enterran ran through the perimeter just in time before the barrier solidified. Etherian scowled, "No matter, I can still beat you easily."
"Glad you could make it," Kaeryd said to his best friend.
"I would never miss something like this," Enterran smiled. He raised his spear in an offensive stance. Kaeryd did the same. Etherian had lied to him…probably the entire time Kaeryd had known him. He was going to pay for those lies.
"Hehehehe…," Etherian laughed. He jumped up high into the air and disappeared.
"Aw, shoot," Enterran cursed and spun around looking for him.
"Feel my wrath!" Etherian appeared from behind Kaeryd, and swung at his neck. Enterran, looking in Kaeryd's direction at the time, jabbed his triple-bladed spear over Kaeryd's right shoulder. The spear and Chaos Reaver met one another's blade. Enterran had blocked Etherian's attack. Kaeryd dropped into a low sweeping kick, successfully tripping Etherian. Enterran then pole-vaulted over Etherian with his spear. As he landed on the other side, he brought his spear down on vertically upon Etherian's head. The man rolled aside quickly, only to block another slash from Kaeryd. Kaeryd thrust his off-hand sword at Etherian's armored chest, but Etherian steered it with his sword to Enterran, who parried with his spear just in time. Kaeryd cursed as Etherian then flipped back to his feet. The Chaos Reaver glowed a blazing red and he slashed horizontally at both Enterran and Kaeryd.
Block it! Block it! Sifias screamed at Kaeryd.
Holding their weapons ram-rod straight against the attack, they drove the sword back causing the flat side of it to hit Etherian in the face. Kaeryd smiled and kicked the man in the chest. Enterran jumped a few feet up and jabbed at his head. Etherian lost his balance trying to recover and avoid Enterran's spear, and tumbled to the ground.
Enterran, still in the air, came rushing down with his spear pointed to the ground. Etherian rolled away back onto his feet, blocking a slash from Kaeryd once more. He blocked another one, and another. Over and over, Kaeryd hacked at his now most hated enemy, but to no avail.
Etherian was having trouble blocking Kaeryd's quick slashes, but he suddenly found an opening, elbowing Kaeryd in his stomach with his pointed armor. Kaeryd winced in pain and Etherian swung his legendary sword at him.
Enterran shoved it away with the three-prong side of his spear and swung the other end straight into Etherian's stomach. Kaeryd, regaining his balance, heaved the scimitar in his right hand at Etherian, tossing his other sword into the now unoccupied hand. The thrown weapon flew at Etherian but instead of hitting its target, only nicked him, as he pushed himself away from Enterran in an attempt to dodge it. His already bruised face began to bleed. Etherian screamed, furious. Suddenly he let out a howl and a gust of wind sent Kaeryd and Enterran flying backwards.
"You…will be destroyed," Etherian let out a maniacal laugh. He roared and his sword burst into flames. The legendary Chaos Reaver was on fire.
Uh-oh. Be wary of that. Sifias warned.
He swung it around a few times, then charged at Kaeryd, still struggling to stand. Enterran managed to gain his feet first, and tried to intervene but was sent flying into a nearby house by a wave of fire from Etherian's hand.
Get up!
Kaeryd got up just in time to defend against the flaming sword. Their blades were in a deadlock. Gradually, heat poured into Kaeryd's scimitar. The hilt started to burn into his palms. Kaeryd cried out in pain.
Let go of your weapon!
Kaeryd released it immediately. It was either that or have his hands burst into flames as well. Etherian laughed.
"Weakling…," he taunted.
"Traitor," Kaeryd retorted, pained but still raging inside.
Etherian stabbed at Kaeryd, who quickly lunged to the right despite the sting in his singed hands. He had to end this fight soon. From the ground, Kaeryd kicked at the nearest thing he could find with all his might. That thing just happened to be Etherian's shin. His ears heard a sharp crack.
Ouch, that must have hurt. Sifias winced.
"AAARRRGGGHHH!" Etherian roared. Then Enterran, recovered from the blast of fire somewhat, sliced at Etherian's back. A direct hit. A deep gash appeared in Etherian's back. He collapsed heavily.
Kaeryd stumbled to his feet and swiftly retrieved his weapons. Enterran put his spear up to Etherian's neck. Kaeryd walked to the prone figure hugging its leg.
"…Run," Kaeryd managed to say through tightened jaws. Angry as he was, he found himself fighting back tears.
"What?" Etherian said looking up.
What are you doing? He's a threat to us. Sifias voiced urgently.
Quiet. came Kaeryd's silent command. He could sense Sifias' incredulity, but pushed it away roughly.
"Run. I never want to see your face again," Kaeryd said without emotion, his voice completely flat.
"You'll regret it," Etherian growled before a purple aura formed around him and he dematerialized into the wind. At the same time, the force field keeping back the others faded away.
"Wow, you guys kicked his butt!" Tysan ran up to them in relief.
"Yeah, he never stood a chance," Hale agreed, coming to touch his two friends on the shoulders, just to make sure they were really there.
"Good job, Kaer. But he didn't deserve your mercy," Jasmine said, looking away.
Kaeryd peered up to the sky.
"Maybe. Maybe not."