Part Three

The Muddied Path

Chapter Eleven

Siuil sat by Danielle, one of the Xunlai Agents in Droknar's Forge, as he listened to her tales of what had happened while he had traveled in the Crystal Desert. Selena was helping him into his plate mail after he had put on the heavier winter underclothes that he wore under it. Once he was in it and could move easily, or as easily as plate mail would let him, he began to pad the inside of his helm so that the cold metal would not touch his skin and would protect his head. Finally, she finished, "But we have not seen Saidra either, lately, and she was in and out regularly."

Terryann walked up and nodded as she saw that her father was now actually dressed for the cold Shiverpeaks. It was winter again, and the mountains were notorious for being cold no matter the season due to the altitude, so it was far worse with a blizzard locking them into the dwarven city for the time being. He looked over at her, "So?"

"It's the same story all over," she said. "When the White Mantle 'killed' us and captured Evennia, Markis rooted them all out, they captured the Henge of Denravi, overran Ventari's Refuge, as well as many other places known for being 'Shining Blade' friendly…"

Selena looked over in concern at her sister's reluctance to continue, knowing that her gaze was on Selena, "What is it, Terryann?"

"They occupied the Ascalon Settlement in Northern Kryta," Terryann's voice was barely above a whisper. "The White Mantle claims that since the murderers of Hablion were of Ascalon that the Settlement could harbor more traitors and spies."

Selena stopped and cursed, and then, "So much for the peace and safety promised by the White Mantle!"

Siuil put a hand on her shoulder, "I know how you feel, but we can't do anything about it here."

"My place was with them," Selena brushed his hand off her shoulder. "I led them here! The fact that they were betrayed rests squarely on my shoulders. And now I have left them to their fates."

She stalked off and Terryann looked at her father, blinked a few times, and said, "I'll handle this."

Cynn stepped up, "No, it would be better if I did."

With that Cynn ran to catch up with Selena. Siuil sighed, "The more that happens the more I hate this. Even if we found both her and Terrence after the Searing, the family has still been ripped apart, perhaps more than it can recover."

Devona turned to him, "What do you think of Glint's prophecies?"

"I don't know yet," said Siuil. "Sure, she knows all a lot about us, but I find it very hard to believe that she for saw all of this and still didn't do anything about it. Although… Devona, Lynn said something rather interesting when you were still asleep."

Devona lifted a brow, "Like what? More of his 'I'm the Master of Time' or whatever the hell it is?"

"Something like that," he answered. "He told us that Selena would be Queen, together with her King, of all Ascalon when he would first appear on Tyria. Then Glint gave her the True Resurrection… do you think it's possible…"

"What?" Devona looked at him in surprise, then the next was in a whisper. "You think that means she might be able to bring back Rurik if she can find…"

What was left unspoken was the 'what was left of him' that neither wanted to voice. "That would explain her sudden mood," said Devona darkly as she walked down towards the market place. "Come on, let's think of something else for now, Siuil."

With a smile, Siuil followed after her. "Like what?"

"Well," Devona rolled her eyes. "Remember back in Ashford when you invited me over for dinner?"

"Vividly," he admitted. "Although, that was the last time I saw my family intact before the Searing."

"I know, I know," she motioned with her hands. "But you also invited me into your family, even for a night. I can't help but keep playing it over in my mind."

"Oh?"

Devona smiled and turned around, suddenly avoiding where it was leading. "Look, Siuil, I know that I said that I could wait for you to come around, but sometimes… well…" she turned around and pointed at him. "I need you to make a decision. I can't wait around forever and it's rather apparent that shortly our paths will split off and who knows when they will converge again."

"Are you telling me that it's now or never?" asked Siuil.

"Maybe, look, I don't know," she said, but didn't get a chance to finish as he bent down, suddenly very close. "Siuil?"

The kiss was light and barely there, and when she opened her eyes again, Siuil was walking through the marketplace again as if nothing had happened. Shaking her head she caught up with him as they walked through the rows of stands. Finally, they came to a hill that overlooked the ice bay. Massive ships meant more for gliding across the frozen rivers were moored there. Devona knelt by a tree, "It comes almost full circle, doesn't it?"

Siuil thought for a moment, "It would seem so."

"Hey Siuil, Devona!" called Terrence as he ran up to them, Cambe in tow. "Selena just spoke with a few of the dwarves. Evidently the Stone Summit is not happy at all with the fact that more humans are desecrating their mountain and is moving on the Deldrimor. With the White Mantle also closing in on us, this means we have to move, and move now to find Evennia."

Devona stood and Siuil sighed, "Well, then there's really no time to lose…"

Selena looked out, and around the tree as she motioned for the others to follow as the Stone Summit moved out of sight, and therefore, could not see them. As they darted across the bridge Siuil looked down to see the first of the White Mantle. Sprinting into the town they watched as the White Mantle closed around it. Cynn pointed out grimly, "We'll have to fight our way out."

Siuil nodded and watched Selena walk over to the dwarf near the leaders of the Shining Blade. The woman turned around and her eyes widened in shock, "Lady Selena? Siuil! You're alive? How? We all thought you died when Evennia was captured. Oh, this bodes well—and the White Mantle truly has no idea that you still live. Once they discover this they will both hunt you down and be discouraged. Perhaps we can still win this…"

The dwarf snorted in derision, "That be unlikely. Now that I see the might of your White Mantle, and the might of the Stone Summit, I find it unlikely that we will come out the winner."

Selena turned, "I have someone you should meet… Gatanx!"

With that, Gatanx threw off the desert robes he had been wearing. The dwarves, those of Ascalon that still fought with them, and the Shining Blade all moved back one step while drawing their weapons. Warmaster Grast turned to her, "What is that doing here?"

"His name is Gatanx, and he has something rather interesting to tell us about his people's little problem with the White Mantle…" she said.

Grast and Barradin looked at him, and while Grast was still inclined to attack Gatanx, Barradin, his voice tight, "Very well, we'll listen."

Gatanx sat down and explained about the former peace in the northern lands, and then how armored men came and, without reason or warning attacked a neighboring tribe. About how these armored men more capes of white with, when Gatanx drew the design in the snow, showed plainly the insignia of the White Mantle. Grast sucked in a breath, "But… I don't understand. The damned White Mantle caused all of this? But why?"

"Gatanx does not know, all Ga… I know… is that my tribe did live in peace with Ascalon northerners when I was a mere cub," explained Gatanx. "We had no reason to fight with Ascalon, but these White Mantle attacked a tribe of what you call 'civilian' of us Charr, cubs and mothers, and protector Charr want justice. But you only see what is plain—you saw invasion. Then war start. Now all our land brown and dead. Charr not want this. Want only justice for slain young and mates."

"As do we all," agreed Barradin sadly. "As should we all, but the fact remains, our war was caused by outsiders by an unknown aim. Not to mention that this Pit of Coldfire concerns me. I'll have to discuss this with the King…"

Grast murmured, "After seeing what happened with Prince Rurik, do you really think that King Adelburn will accept this? He's fought this war far too long for him to accept this new development. He'll likely claim the Charr are trying to shift blame to someone else convenient, as little as he likes the Krytans."

"Still," Barradin sighed. "He will have to find out. Who knows? Perhaps his Queen will be more receptive. Queen Farina was always the more open minded of the two."

Grast mumbled, "I still say that it will get us no where."

Barradin glared at him, then turned to Selena, "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Lady Selena. Although, I must say, I do wish you would return to New Ascalon with us, perhaps even Old Ascalon."

"I cannot," she said, lowering her eyes for a moment. "A prophecy needs to be filled. And we have to fill it. Forgive me, Duke Barradin, for asking this but I need you to take a ship to the Ember Light Camp in the Fire Ring Islands in a few weeks time. I need a camp there to be well outfitted."

"The Ring of Fire?" Grast stopped dead in his tracks. "Are you crazy?"

"Trust me, you'd think us more crazy if we explained what happened to us while in the Crystal Desert," Terrence rolled his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Well, Saidra, do you know where Evennia is being held?"

Saidra thought for a moment before answering, "Yes, I do."

The run after saving Evennia was perhaps the hardest part. Selena kept up to Evennia the best, but even she had to stop to heal and raise her own personal army. Siuil watched in amazement, as every time a dwarf fell, two or three minions would raise it his place. Soon she was sending the minions out in front of her and leaving the rest of them to trail behind to stop any that would chase them.

The tactic worked… almost too well… and they boarded the boat. Evennia caught her breath as the boat pushed off and the Mursaat and White Mantle became small dots in the distance. "Damn you all to the darkest pit of the Underworld," she brushed tears away. "Saidra was more than a warrior, she was my friend. One day we will have our revenge, one day the White Mantle will fall to our might."

"Hear me Gods, if you still listen, and listen well. Saidra comes to you now. Treat her well," Evennia shouted to the sky. "And know that if she is mistreated you will all have to deal with me upon my death." Evennia kneeled, muttered a near silent prayer.

Siuil leaned one foot on the low rails of the riverboat. Lynn watched the receding mounts of the Stone Summit. "So, one day I will defeat enemies far worse than this?" asked Siuil.

"On shores much farther than this, Siuil," answered Lynn, then he caught Selena's curious gaze. "You have been watching me since you had time to think. What is on your mind, my Lady?"

"What did you mean that I would be Queen together with my King?" she asked.

"If I told you now, then you would likely jump ship and begin searching," he answered. "When likely I should have said nothing and let you figure out all this on your own. My own fault I suppose."

Lynn sighed, and when she did not leave, he answered, "I meant Rurik, of course, silly woman. Who else could I have meant."

"But how?" she asked, clenching her fists. "Where can I find him?"

"That I don't know," he said, and he caught the intake of air from both Grast and Barradin. "The gift from Glint is that you will be able to truly resurrect any person you so choose, so long as you can physically touch them and kiss them upon the lips?"

Selena nodded, "But that would mean that I would find Rurik's body, but the Stone Summit have surely destroyed any remains by now… do you have any idea…?"

"No, all I know is that when I first arrive on Tyria I was brought before King Rurik of Ascalon, and you were his Queen. By this time your son was old enough to adventure on his own, and did so. Like father, like son, I suppose," mused Lynn. "Although, exactly how old Salamar was… is… will be… whatever the case may be, I could not tell you. I do not even know how he is to be brought back. When I found out that there was an Akara during the time called a Searing, I traveled back to that point and that is when you first met me—after I had killed Mack's bull just outside of Ascalon city. Then, upon meeting 'Prince Rurik', and you, I realized that it was the same Rurik and the same Queen I knew in your future. Until traveling with you I literally had no idea on how you two met or even managed to marry. I'm sorry, but that's all I know."

"But Rurik will rule as King?" asked Barradin, his eyebrows lifting. "That means that he will return?"

"I suppose so, although when I met him his hair was mostly grey, in fact I nearly mistook King Adelburn for the King Rurik that I knew, so alike they looked. Only, unfortunately, Adelburn is a larger man than Rurik. Rurik never did manage to gain a lot of weight and will likely be as trim as always, or even thinner. Given that he's been killed and will be resurrected, this no longer surprises me," explained Lynn candidly. "Unfortunately, that is mere speculation on my part. I have no idea if it is due to that or not."

"But I will get him back," said Selena. "Somehow… someday…"

Their travels then took them through the Iron Mines of Moladune, a mining village overrun by the Stone Summit, then the White Mantle. There they met the Seer…
The Seer was a strange creature and even Lynn had a difficult following her… his… frankly he wasn't exactly sure what it was. Siuil looked over at the confused look on Lynn's face. It would have been amusing if not for the fact that they were deep in enemy territory and could be found by the White Mantle or the Stone Summit—or both.

Arya returned with the necessary component and the Seer took it from her. As it chanted, Siuil looked over at Lynn Matheri in shock. He was memorizing what it was saying and watching every last move as if he would try to do the ritual himself in the future. Well, he wished the mage luck on finding the eidolon and taking it on by himself for the shadowy remains it left behind. Each of them stepped forward and, while they could not see a difference in their armor, Lynn smiled as he felt the fabric of his jacket, "Thank you."

"Ah, I rather thought you would notice the change," it said.

"I tend to notice these things," pointed out Lynn.

Siuil harrumphed, "Come on, we have a traitor to kill."

He wouldn't have wanted her there, but Selena had followed at a distance with Terryann, who in concern could leave her sister out here in the cold if she was determined to follow them along. She also slipped into the same cave as the Seer and the Seer said, "I thought I sensed others lurking outside. I did not sense any violent intent, so I allowed it."

"Madam Seer," said Selena. "Can you give me the power to bring justice to those who cry out for it? Can you give me an edge that will stop the Mursaat's spells from stopping me from killing the man who killed my husband?"

"I can, and I will," said the Seer. "But you listened in on what your other companions heard, you know that it will slow the crippling pain and rending that the Spectral Agony causes. It cannot completely stop it."

"Any edge is appreciated," Selena bowed. "Please."

"Come closer," the Seer motioned for them to step closer and she cast the spell on them. "There, now go. Your companions will need you."

Selena bowed, and then she and Terryann walked out of the cave. At this moment, Selena stopped dead, clenching her eyes shut as she clutched at her head. Terryann caught her, "What is it?"

"The earth shakes… the roof, oh Gods the roof…" moaned Selena.

She could remember the moment before the Searing struck. Her and Munne had been training in the catacombs and clearing it of the renegade undead that roamed it. Then it all began to shake and dust fell from the roof. "Back to the Abbey!" shouted Munne as she led Selena back to the entrance of the catacombs just inside the abbey in Ashford.

By then people were being herded in, some marked by ash and soot as if by fire. "What's going on?" asked Selena to Gwen's mother Sarah.

"I don't know, Selena," answered Sarah as Gwen clutched at her. "All I know is that the sky is raining fire. I barely got out of my cottage when I did. Gwen actually decided to come home…"

"But mom…"

"Hush, child," said Sarah. "Selena, you aren't going out there, are you?"

"No, but I have to make sure that the rest of the villagers make it into the areas that are safe," answered Selena. "My father?"

Sarah shook her head, "I don't know, but you know that Prince Rurik sent him on a mission with his brother and that Mesmer no one likes."

Don't I know it, thought Selena darkly. Although she had liked the caustic mage, as did her father. Now, perhaps, both would be dead. No, I won't think of that. "Can I help, Selena?" asked Gwen. "I can be quick as a messenger between all you Necromancers."

"I don't know Gwen," said Selena. "Adventuring with us topside is one thing, the Catacombs are another."

"Is it truly that dangerous?" asked Sarah as more rumbling caused more dust to fall. "Oh dear, is this safe?"

"Has to be safer than being out there if the sky is raining fire," came Selena's vaguely sardonic reply. "Okay, come on, Gwen. But mind everything Munne tells you! Now run!"

Gwen ran to the other end of the tunnel. At that moment, water began to join the dust. Sarah held out her hand and looked up at the roof, as did Selena as what that meant began to connect in her mind. "Oh no, the lake floor is cracking…" whispered Selena, then she shouted, "Everyone back up to higher ground! Now!"

The townsfolk ran up the hill to higher ground just as major sections of the cavern roof began to give way and streams of water began to spill in. Screams of terror could be heard. Selena was knocked flying by a piece of debris, and as she struggled to get back up, she held together the ripped fragments of her leggings together. A woman's booted foot peeked out from under the boulder, and when Selena ran around to see if, by some miracle, that she still lived, she recognized her as the body of Sarah. Selena tried to guide others up and out, but just as the last of them were evacuated, the roof finally fell with a terrible finality…

Selena caught her breath and grasped the front of Terryann's tunic. "What happened," asked Terryann as she looked at the roof of the Ice Cave.

"I remember it all now," said Selena with a whisper. "Before I could sense that I knew all of you." She pointed to her heart. "I knew you were my family here," then she pointed to her head, "But I could not remember anything of before the Searing. But now I do. I remember Sarah dying… I could hear Gwen screaming her mother's name. Gods…"

She straightened and looked at her sister in the eyes, "I remember being your sponsor into the Ascalon Academy… I remember meeting Lynn Matheri outside of Ascalon City—I remember Lady Althea. And I remember an Ascalon that was green when all I knew was the Ascalon that was dead."

Terryann smiled sadly, "Then you remember mother."

"I do," said Selena as she closed her eyes. "I do." She opened her eyes again. "Now it is time to save our friends and our family and take the revenge that is so rightly deserved after all that the White Mantle has done."

With that Selena followed her father's footsteps in the snow. Terryann watched as her sister ran. "How is it that the paths we choose, even the ones written in the stars, are never wandered so clearly as ones like Selena. What paths have we left unwandered?"

When the battle joined with Markis, Markis at first laughed at their foolishness. Quite frankly, it was amusing that they actually thought they could win. It was as if every fool out of Ascalon had thrown themselves at them, only to be crushed by the Jade Armors that defended him. When he saw Siuil La Rune, however, he was surprised that the man still lived. Even more so, when he was joined by others that should have been dead on that island in Sanctum Cay.

He strung his bow and motioned the Jade Armors, smiling as the warriors for Ascalon and the Shining Blade stopped momentarily… but the smile fell off when Spectral Agony failed to have the effect that it usually had.

They simply kept coming, seemingly able to withstand the magic of the Mursaat. The Mursaat Elementalist that had first interrogated Evennia turned on Markis, "How is this possible? You said that there was no way for them to gain any sort of defense and that they did not have the resources!"

"I do not know," he stammered, then his voice grew in strength. "But they won't live long enough to enjoy the advantage."

He threw himself into the fray, only to have a well-placed arrow end his life when it buried itself in his neck…

Terrence lowered his bow, and signaled to Siuil. His arrow had been the one to kill Markis, and the Inquisitor soon fell to Arya's sword. Soon the battle ended and they stood in the courtyard. A dwarf shook his head, "Incredible, your skills have improved since we last met…"

It was at this point a messenger eagle landed on the dwarf's shoulder, and he read the message in its beak. He paled and then passed the message to Selena, "It says that Thunderhead Keep has fallen to the Stone Summit. King Jalis Ironhammer will await us in a pass to the South of Thunderhead Keep one fortnight from now… or he will attempt to raise his own army to clear them out himself."

"Aye, lass, what do you want me to send back?" asked the dwarf.

"Send a message telling the King that we will join him. It is time I paid Stonepate a personal visit…" Selena smiled darkly. "Yes… one that he will learn what it means to incur the wrath of Ascalon."

The dwarf looked up helplessly at Arya, who also held a similar smile on her face, "Dagnar Stonepate killed her husband outside of the Frost Gate. And he did it personally… and so she will take her revenge on him… just as personally."

"Then I look forward to freeing Thunderhead Keep," said Akruan. "It's time we repaid the Stone Summit for Rurik's death."