Chapter
Ten:
Altoda's Return
Altoda's POV:
It was time. I didn't know what compelled me to return, but I was going home. Not my true home, but a place that had been my home for so long, where we were exiled to after Graupia.
What do you tell a multitude that blames you for their exile? I guess the High Elder will take care of that later.
A plethora of questions keep running through my mind. Had my status as elder been revoked? I wouldn't be the first. Nimoloc had ruled when I left, years ago. Was he still alive? Or was Delagog, his son, in charge? Would Alinqua, Supreme General of Istean blast me out of the sky? Or would my best friend even still hold that title?
A lone ship stood in my way. I heard a familiar voice over the speakers, and my fate was not mine anymore.
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Alinqua's POV:
The captain in charge of the station called me over. "General, we have incoming! It looks to be one of Elephande's!"
"Elephande?"
"Shall I hail it, sir?"
"Yes, you should! When I left, that was standard!" The voice was one I would recognize in a moment.
"By the High Elder! Altoda!"
"Alinqua!"
"Get down there! Delagog's looking for any reference of you!"
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"Father?" asked Delagog. "I've found him."
"Elder Altoda," started Nimoloc, in a barely audible voice, "you have returned."
"Nimoloc! Old friend, what's happened here?"
"It's my time now. The High Elder spoke to me earlier. He said you would return victorious."
"And so I have, Patriarch."
"Why would he report a victory against him? Why would he bring me news of Elephande's loss?"
"Elephande's... No, Nimoloc, the curse is gone. It is gone, and the Dreg and Elephande are in dire need!"
"Gone? Shattered? By who, Elder?"
"Heh. Our old friend, Zambiandë!"
"Young Zambiandë? Amazing!" He paused for a moment. "But what of this General He told me of?"
"The General? He's an Adept, no less!"
"From Elidion? The one Elder Higenti spoke of was of Elidion ancestry."
"Elidion? No, I don't think he's from there."
Nimoloc paused again. "My time here is done, Altoda. Take the cause. Elephande will need the Elder Children before long, I have been told."
"Patriarch? How did you know?"
But he spoke no more. Nimoloc, fifth patriarch of Istean, had died. Altoda's gaze fell to the floor. Delagog walked back in.
"I was told. Patriarch Altoda, come with me. The people must know this."
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Delagog, Altoda, Alinqua, and the five elders stood on a raised platform in front of the mass of Istean. They stood in all directions, as far as the eyes could see. Delagog was speaking.
"I present to you all, Altoda, sixth patriarch of Istean!"
Altoda stepped forward. "My fellow Istean, I have returned! The Elder Children are bound no more by our curse! The High Elder has need our the might of Istean. I shall ride to Chilaquand, to our ancient homeland, and support the High Elder's chosen one. I shall go with all who wish to accompany me, and with this deed our name might be renewed! So, who follows me? Who will ride with their patriarch?"
There was a moment of silence. Then, Alinqua stepped to Altoda's side. "I shall follow you, to whatever awaits us, my friend."
Delagog stood up. "My father respected your decision, even though it brought exile upon us. Surely these Cladlen are puppets of the Fallen Elder! I will ride with you, for glory and Istean!"
The elders also moved forward. It started softly, growing louder as the mass chanted "Istean! Istean!" long a rallying cry used to stir up fervor.
Altoda spoke, his words carrying over the voices of the mass. "Then it is decided! Come, my fellow Istean! We ride to war! Akiz Elder Higenti!"
Alinqua's loud voice echoed the words of Isteanoc, first patriarch of Istean. "Istean akiz Elder Higenti! Akiz gloric delqune Istean!"
