"Blah" – Talking "Blah" – Thinking "Blah" – Written
~I do not own Guild Wars or Guild Wars 2, both are the property of NCsoft and Arenanet~
Chapter 4: Traitor to the Queen
Once more Jai woke to feeling herself rocking with steady motions. "Knocked out again, damn this better not become a habit. I hate feeling squishy." She mentally griped before taking a deep breath and trying to sit up. She was stopped mid-motion however when a hand came to rest on her collar bones, "Hey, easy now. Don't get up so quickly."
Blinking away the bleariness of sleep Jai's vision quickly cleared up to show the same medic who had helped her with Ganes. A brief stab of pain lanced her heart at the thought of the Seraph, "I guess we won't get to toast to our bad luck…may the Envoys guide your soul Ganes." She thought sadly. Opening her eyes again only to meet the medic's own eyes the man seemed taken aback, brief shock taking over his features as Jai realized her hood was down. "Shit on a stick!" Clumsily reaching up for her hood Jai hastily yanked it down over her face before sitting up and drawing her legs up to her body defensively. "What'd I miss?" She asked quickly, praying to Grenth that he'd think her eyes were just a trick of the light. As she waited for a response the assassin looked around to see that they were in a caravan similar to the kind that brought the Seraph to the Hirathi Hinterlands. However this seemed to be the medical caravan as it was filled with sleeping wounded soldiers.
"Not much," The medic said, shooting her a weird look which she ignored, "You've been out for a good six hours. Makes sense since I've heard that you were sent to fight a gods-damned giant, passed out from exhaustion, then walked to Ulgoth's camp, fought a few war beasts and then Ulgoth himself. I'm frankly surprised you aren't still out cold."
Shrugging Jai kept quiet but she was curious as to how he found out about the giant, "Did Kimber and her husband pass through? Or send a report to whoever is in charge now?"
The medic sighed, "As a professional healer I'm going to have to tell you to stop relying on those vampiric blades of yours to keep your body going. Modern day sigils may not have the same potency or even constant utility as your blades but it can't be good for your health to push yourself that much." He gave her a rueful smile, "But I'm sure you'll ignore me."
"Yeah, most likely." She admitted, "Although I think I'll abuse my demonic constitution more."
Rolling his eyes the medic scooted himself across the cramped wagon to check on another patient, his hands lighting up with arcane magic. "Well, then I'll have to ask that you try to get some sleep. It's another two days for the caravan to return to the Reach, although if you have the cash you could waypoint back once we hit Seraph's Landing to resupply."
Frowning at the terminology Jai mentally filed 'waypoint' into a 'read about later' section of her mind as she let her head fall back onto the canvas stretched over the wagon. The coarse fabric giving way slightly under the weight as Jai leaned the rest of her body against a wooden frame pole before deciding she might as well get some rest, it'd pass the time at least and prevent questioning at most.
A couple nightmares of margonites and titans later found Jai staring blankly out the back of the wagon, the early dawn sun just barely breaking over the horizon. They would spend the day at Seraph's Landing, and Jai was already planning on hiding out in the basement of the inn she had seen the first time passing through with a nice hot meal. She'd heard the soldier's gossiping about her having killed Ulgoth; one even enthusiastically describing how she'd ridden one war beast into another, the excitement in their voices just made her grimace. Jai always preferred staying off the stage, and hiding away to quietly mourn Ganes for one night by candlelight sounded much better than being surrounded by drunk soldier's celebrating their victory. She wouldn't hold their enthusiasm against them, she was a mopey drunk anyway, no point going to a party like that. However; the assassin's plans were ruined the moment she stepped into town, a messenger boy handing out letters immediately bee-lined to her once she was pointed out by one of the Seraph in a winged helm. "Ma'am! Ma'am! I gots a letter for you!"
"A what?" She asked dumbly, "Who'd be writing to me? Logan? Why the Torment would he? He gets the reports on my progress. Unless I messed up? Did I do something wrong? Oh damn, I did didn't I?"
Taking the letter of pristine white parchment Jai felt her heart sink as she silently opened it. Within the first few lines she nearly deflated with relief at its contents only to re-read it when the meaning of the words she could read- which was over half of them to her delight- sunk in.
"May this letter reach you in good health at Seraph's Landing. By the Will and Command of Queen Jennah of Kryta, you are hereby formally summoned to attend the royal presence. Make all haste to her throne room in Divinity's Reach, and you will be welcomed there. Until next we meet, may the Six Gods watch over you in all things.—Countess Anise
P.S. You use waypoints by voice activation of location and offering money. Captain Thackeray and I will be waiting for your arrival at Divinity's Reach, Palace Waypoint, the necessary funds are enclosed. Have a nice trip pet, you are expected the moment you get this letter."
Looking up and locking onto the nearest Seraph Jai quickly got directions to the closest waypoint. Slightly jogging to where it was the assassin warily eyed the floating block of carved glowing stone before stepping beneath it. Jumping in shock as a blue tinted and transparent thing flickered into view in front of her Jai slowly read the instructions and her letter again. "Step one, offer money on palm of hand facing upwards." Pursing her lips Jai did as instructed, flinching back as the two silver and a couple copper coins were lifted up into the hole at the bottom of the device. "Step two, state destination." looking back to her letter Jai carefully enunciated "Divinity's Reach. Palace Waypoint."
And then her whole vision when blue-white.
As soon as Jai could feel her own body again she jumped as far away from wherever she rematerialized as she could in a single bound with a very mouse like squeak. "What the ever anguished Torment was that?!" She screeched in her mind as she stared warily at the unassuming floating rock. Jai was torn from her fear induced shock by the sound of chuckling off to her side. Looking over to see Countess Anise and Logan holding back their amusement the assassin quickly crossed her arms and studied a particularly fascinating topiary to her left.
"I don't think I've ever seen anyone react to a waypoint like that before." Logan commented, amusement in every word.
The countess beside him chuckled daintily, "Indeed, why I dare say our friend resembled a frightened kitten. But enough of that," Countess Anise placated, "We must make haste to the throne room. The Queen is waiting."
"Ah," Jai paused, "Um, I don't- If I'm- ah…. I don't think er- this is presentable for a Queen." She stuttered out as she gestured to her still blood stained armor. She had planned on washing it at Seraph's Landing.
Countess Anise hummed as she glanced over Jai's form, snapping her fingers as mesmeric magic shattered reality. Opening her eyes from the flash of magic the assassin looked down to see she was in an outfit that closely mimicked the Countess' own, only it had a feathered skirt of dark blues and lacked the draping mantle. More importantly to Jai however was that even though she was still unnaturally pale the ashen tone of her skin had gained a more pink tone, it looked more human. "Thank you, Countess." She said, and from the other woman's nod Jai was sure the extra thanks was understood. She just hoped the Countess would continue ignoring her unnatural features.
"Let us go then."
Arriving at the throne room Jai let her eyes move around and gaze at the bright room, white marble made up nearly everything as carved figures of unknown importance and historical value encircled the walls. But what caught the most of Jai's attention was the large rough-hewn rock directly behind the tanned woman she assumed was the Queen of Kryta. The rock however was curiously carved with circles rippling out from where the Queen stood, dashes randomly cutting through a ring and all engravings glowing a soft gold as if illuminated from within. Jai felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle; there was power in that rock. She was unable to pinpoint just what and how much power but Jai would swear anything that the rock was important.
Approaching the Queen and flanked by both Countess Anise and Captain Thackeray, Jai fluidly knelt on a knee and lowered her head with a softly muttered "Your Majesty."
Unable to see the Queen but knowing her two companions remained standing Jai waited for the monarch's verbal command; she had experience meeting with a Canthan emperor and Vabbian princes, all of which taught her to defer to the more politically powerful and when in doubt be silent, only talk when asked directly.
"You may rise." A regal voice called out.
Silently getting back to her feet Jai kept her eyes on the floor before the Queen while clasping her hands behind her back.
"I see that this one knows how to show respect." A familiarly slimy voice called out.
Beside her Jai could almost feel the resignation and exasperation coming off Logan in waves, "Minister Caudecus, may I remind you that you are here only to observe as a representative of the Ministry?"
"Of course Captain, I was merely making an observation." Caudecus sniffed. "However, I must add that it is a pleasure seeing you again my dear. I remember that you were the one who helped find that poor lost boy with the whole carnival fiasco."
Jai kept still as stone, she had been recognized? "But of course," she thought acidly, "It is important to keep track of all players on the chess board. One never knows when a pawn may become your enemy's new queen."
The Queen then spoke up, her voice lyrical and lulling, "I have heard as much from Anise and Logan." She stated regally, "The Hero of Shaemoor and most recently a champion in the war against the centaurs. Though that war has not been won you have still dealt a decisive war for humanity. Please, if there is any boon I can give to one who has already done so much for Kryta in so little time I will grant it if it is within my power."
Jai suppressed a shiver, "Damn mesmers, no way in Torment that there isn't even a little mesmerism going on here. That voice is too perfect, overwhelming charisma is always valued by those in power if they wish to avoid fear. Just smile and nod, smile and nod unless she asks for your soul."
"I was only repaying a debt your Majesty; Captain Thackeray had helped me when I had nothing. It was only right that I do what I can to repay him." She said honestly, while also making it clear to those who cared to read between the lines just who it was that held her loyalty.
"You risked your life to avert a bandit plot, continued to do so when investigating the corrupt carnival and then fought in a siege against the centaurs for just being given food and lodging?" Caudecus asked incredulously, "Forgive me if I find that a bit doubtful. Surely there must be more to your reasoning." He scoffed.
Unseen with her head still lowered Jai narrowed her eyes, "Just how does he know so much? I thought Logan and Anise kept most of the information reguarding me to themselves and understandably the Queen. But Caudecus? From what I know they like him just as much as I do- which is to say not at all." Opening her mouth she responded, "He trusted me when others would not. He has become the first person I can truthfully call friend in a very long time."
"Hmm," Caudecus mused, "Loyal aren't we?"
Logan then cut in, much to Jai's relief, "We are not here to discuss Jai. She has more than proven herself Caudecus."
"Yes, yes Captain. However-" "That is enough Minister." Queen Jennah interrupted sharply, "Our guest has the confidence of both Logan and Anise, that is more than enough for me."
"But your Highness," Caudecus placated, "She has no family, no history, she is an unknown and a risk. Surely it would be more logical to-"
"That is enough Minister," Anise interjected coldly, "You are here merely as a Ministry representative, you are not here to question your Queen nor question her subjects on heresy of treason when there is no proof."
There was a tense silence, so thick Jai felt like she could cut it with a knife. Finally, after several minutes there was the sound of footsteps. "As you say, Countess." She heard Caudecus pacify.
"Back to our reason for meeting." Logan redirected, his voice uneasy and defensive. "There's a swamp to the south called Lychcroft Mere. The area's been hit hard by our war with the centaurs. Most of the lumber there goes to build catapults and defenses, so it's common practice to use strips of marsh moss instead of firewood on cold nights. However, the Seraph have brought me recent reports that Risen undead—servants of Orr—have been seen in the swamp."
Blinking in surprise Jai thought back to what she knew of Risen before the Queen continued, "Precisely. The three Orders of Tyria are pushing to be involved but can't agree on a plan. While they bicker, my people are at risk." At this point Jai could feel the woman's gaze on her still bowed head, "Hero, I have summoned you to act as Advocate of the Crown. I want you to meet with the Orders and take charge of the situation."
Caudacus interjected, "I still say that a Ministry Official would be more than enough to delegate the conflict. And it would show a more respectable front to the Orders than if we send them a mere soldier."
"Minister Caudecus, The Orders study the Elder Dragons. So long as they stay out of politics, I allow them to operate in Kryta. I have no desire to entangle them in our government and on that front I feel that our guest here is the best option. She is a neutral party and as a soldier will have a more practical mindset regarding the options available."
Caudecus was silent, Jai dearly wished she could look at him to read his body language but kept her head down. No need to draw attention. However it seemed as though he had stood down once again since Logan continued, "You'll be dealing with the Vigil, the Durmand Priory, and the Order of Whispers." Jai felt her breath catch in her throat, "The Order of Whispers? I knew it'd still be around but so openly? Are they common knowledge now?" But Logan kept talking, "All three specialize in fighting Zhaitan and its minions. However, they all use different methods. It'll be your job to decide which plan is best—and then act on it."
The Queen then concluded, "You will have the full authority of the crown to handle this situation. I hesitate to burden you with this duty, but do you accept this task?"
Bowing deeply Jai firmly said, "I do, your Majesty." "The sooner I join an Order the sooner I get away from Caudecus. Something isn't right with that man, he knows too much."
"Thank you. Go, and meet with the Order representatives as soon as possible. I look forward to your report." The Queen intoned, dismissing those assembled. Looking up at last Jai saw the Queen, her smooth tanned skin and rich chocolate hair paired with her pristine white and gold dress gave her a very regal image. She looked every bit a Queen, as though she were more than just another person but Jai knew better. She'd seen an Emperor dressed in flowing silks reduced to crumpled heaps on the ground, she'd seen untouchable Vabbian Princes cowering in the dark from nightmares. Jai cut through the illusions with experience, ignored the siren call of charisma with cynicism. The glamour was not potent enough to create loyalty where there was none, but it did encourage what fledgling emotions were already there. The Queen gave Jai a small nod, before her eyes wandered to Logan and then the assassin would swear that she saw the monarch's face soften, her stance ease ever so slightly.
Bowing once more the assassin and Seraph Captain left, the other three staying behind. As the doors to the palace shut behind her Jai let out the breath she'd been holding since she walked in. "Damn, deal with Caudecus later, my immediate concerns will have to be addressed first, I'll have to watch myself around the Whispers representative. Is the Order even still the same Order? Jurah would never have let it be seen so obviously. I'll have to pick one to join; I swore my allegiance to Jurah as my Master of Whispers. The Order was so vital to our fight against Nightfall…"
"It wasn't that bad." Logan said as he followed her out, his voice interrupting her mental musings. "You were tenser than a drawn bowstring the whole time."
Jai saw the court finery shatter to pieces around her, leaving the assassin in her still stained armor, "I don't like dealing with politicians, the Countess I can handle since she's more spymaster. But quite frankly Caudecus has me on edge, I've got a bad feeling about him." "And last time I had a bad feeling about someone I wasn't already against; it was Reiko, and she turned the whole Ministry of Purity against me."
Logan rolled his eyes, "Caudecus is a slimy snake, and his sudden knowledge of you worries me too. But there isn't much he'll be able to do with Jennah supporting you."
"And how long will her support last? While I am useful? If I am discovered then her support would put her at risk of mobs, rebellions, or even a coup de grace led by Caudecus himself against the 'demon lover' or she could have me publicly executed herself to gain more support amongst the people, especially the Canthan ethnic group if my lineage gets out." Jai thought cynically, instead of saying anything though she just hummed.
Rolling his eyes Logan groaned, "You're just paranoid, everything will work out."
"And yet, my 'paranoia' as you put it has yet to let me down." She teased waspishly. Sighing she rubbed the bridge of her nose as a new thought made itself to the forefront of her mind, "I'll have to use another waypoint won't I?"
When Logan just chuckled at her she just walked away, reaching for her rune of holding to summon the necessary funds. "It's Kessex Hills, Ireko Tradecamp!" The Captain's mirth filled voice called out from behind her, causing the assassin to roll her eyes but still dutifully memorize the location.
ooo
Once more materializing in a flash of white-blue magic Jai shuddered as she hastily stepped away from the waypoint. Looking around at the mess of various tents and people walking about she nervously tugged her hood lower over her face before looking for someone to ask directions. Jai froze mid-step however when she saw a bipedal avian in blue plumage, a crest of feathers tied into a high pony-tail with Canthan dress. Eyes widening upon seeing the tengu she had to hide the slight giddiness that bubbled inside her. Back when she was still a student at Shing Jea Jai had often been looked down upon for being an Am Fah sewer rat, but Talon Silverwing had been the instructor who taught her of personal honor, of loyalty and the worth of one's word. She had nowhere near the impeccable honor of a tengu warrior but he had been a beloved mentor and often invited her to the Aerie despite her not officially being one of his students. Their bond had only gotten stronger as he accompanied her during the Affliction and fought alongside her against Shiro.
She knew it was a risk, but the tengu's presence was familiar. A small reminder of home; of fond memories, and a temptation to inviting to ignore. Approaching the tengu Jai slipped back into old habits, bowing at the waist she greeted, "Greetings. May I ask where I could find three representatives of the Order of Whispers, the Vigil and the Durmand Priory?"
Straightening from her bow she had to hold back a small smirk seeing the slight surprise in the tengu's stance. He quickly recovered however as he dipped into his own brief bow, "Greetings human, I am Genzhou of the Talonrend clan. The ones you seek are the first tent past the asuran stalls." He said the canthan accent bringing a warm smile of nostalgia to Jai's face before she realized something, "Genzhou… weren't you the one who wrote 'Riding the Wind: The Tengu Exodus'?"
Genzhou was clearly taken aback, "Indeed I was, I assume you've read it?"
"More like scanned it for any mention of myself." Jai thought to herself before answering, "Briefly, I am still learning new Krytan but what I could read was fascinating. And the illustrations of Talon Silverwing among other scenes were magnificent. You are quite the artist."
She could have sworn the tengu was a breath away from preening in pride, "It is good to see someone of your race learning from history. The legends of Talon Silverwing are held dearly by many of the tengu."
Frowning slightly Jai probed, "I'm sorry, but 'one of my race'? Do the tengu still face discrimination?"
Across from her Genzhou pinned her with a piercing gaze, his answer was slow in coming, "…We tengu reside solely within the Dominion of Winds. We do not welcome outsiders; we dare not risk betrayal once again."
His words saddened Jai, "Was it for nothing? I had hoped that by helping the tengu escape the Ministry of Purity they could see that not all humans would hate them. But it is not like I am any better in the rest of humanity's eyes, even before I became a demon." She was brought back to present however when Genzhou asked for her name.
"I am Jai." She stated simply.
The tengu fell silent, seemingly in deep thought before he spoke softly, "Perhaps in time your race may prove itself worthy of our trust." He hesitated, "Our songs speak of one human who stood beside us in our hour of need, only to be turned upon by the rest of humanity and vanish. Never to be heard from or seen again. We honor her sacrifice and her loyalty by vowing to remember the truth. How is it that you share her name? It is not common for one to be named by a Canthan word for 'curse'."
Jai felt her insides turn to ice, "What?! The tengu…what? No, no no no no," "I have never heard of such history." She deflected honestly, after all who would tell Jai her own history? "As for my name it is one I've always had. Perhaps not all humans tried to forget?" shrugging she decided a retreat was best, "Thank you for your time Genzhou of the Talonrend. Ancestors guide you." And with that she left, turning towards the direction Genzhou previously mentioned. Never seeing the tengu gaping after her with his beak wide open, a clawed hand half raised in her direction.
As she approached the tent Jai could hear heated voices even before she ducked inside.
"I'm telling you Hiroki, there is no need to waste lives when there is a much more elegant solution available." A lean man with auburn hair, bright green eyes and garbed in scholarly robes of pale blues and greys argued. The canthan woman across from him angrily pointed an accusatory finger clad in a thick gauntlet that matched the rest of the black and silver heavy plate armor she wore. "And I refuse to rely on some flimsy toy and hoping I don't get my face ripped off!" She yelled back.
A man who was leaning back and half obscured in shadow stepped forward as Jai entered the tent. His leather armor was practically padded with extra daggers while the leather itself was dyed in blacks, reds and golds. His tanned skin and dark chin length hair giving him a more mysterious look than the other two. The scholar was the first to address Jai, "Finally! Thank Dwayna, you're here. I am Scholar Josir of the Durmand Priory. We've been expecting you."
The man in back added, "You're here to make decisions, and that's exactly what we need. I'm agent Ihan with the Order of Whispers." He began, confirming her suspicions, "We brought this to the Queen's attention, but we'll leave the frontline fighting to the others. I'd like to gather a bit more information before acting."
"For once, Ihan's right about something." The woman groused, "I'm Hiroki, a crusader with the Vigil. The Risen forces are active in Lychcroft Mere. There are missing villagers; mostly children. We've got to get soldiers in there!" She added, ramming a hard fist into the palm of her other hand to emphasize her point. "The Vigil has a squad standing by. They're ready to sweep the area on your signal, Advocate. Just give the word."
Josir however stepped in, "Advocate," He began placatingly, "I'm sure you can see that such an approach could only cause more problems. The Durmand Priory has a wondrous device called the "Mortis Verge." We believe in using intellect to fight the dragons. Saves on manpower, you know — and we have achieved some marvelous advancements."
Hiroki sneered, "Your device is theoretical! Untested! You want to risk children on that? Vigil steel is tried and true."
Jai frowned, "Wait, what do you mean there's children in the swamp?"
The other three fell silent before Hiroki spoke up, "I meant it exactly as I said, Ihan's sources said that some children haven't come back from collecting wood. It's assumed their still in there."
Stilling the assassin felt a flash of anger, "And you three are sitting here arguing instead of doing something about it?!" She hissed in a deadly tone.
All three were clearly taken aback by her sudden vehemence, "Hiroki refused to allow the Mortis Verge, its use could prevent the inevitable injuries or loss of life when risking soldiers." Josir defended.
"I don't trust untested magic!" Hiroki shot back.
Feeling her eye twitch Jai silenced them both, habit of command taking over after years of overruling disgruntled souls under her command who refused to follow a demon. "Why are you even arguing about this?! There are children in that swamp surrounded by undead! Josir, what does this device do?"
"Oh, so we're going with my pl-" she cut him off, "No we're not. You and I won't be able to search the whole damn swamp in time and a group of soldiers would be no better if they have to fight their way through. I don't care for whatever petty rivalry the Vigil has with the Priory or vice versa, you are going to set it aside and work together. So what does the thing do?" she said dangerously, her magic boiling and darkening the nearby shadows in her anger. There wasn't time for arguing like whiny brats.
"I- it allows the holder to easily distinguish the living from the Risen dead—but also confuddles the undead, making it harder for them to find you." He stammered.
Nodding she crisply began issuing Orders, "Hiroki, deploy those soldiers. Josir give each one a device or use yours on each of them; however it works. Use the manpower to search faster and each crusader's skills should be enough to kill any straggling risen should the device falter. The Mortis Verge should let them spread out and guide the children back safely." Looking over to the agent she continued, "And what can you do?"
Ihan looked at her curiously, "I'll be reporting to my superiors. The risen activity here is an anomaly I intend to investigate."
"Fine," Jai said, "I'll draw the attention of the bigger undead as bait. Let's go."
With that Jai turned on her heel and in a swirl of dark leathers she was marching out of the tent, followed by Hiroki and Josir. Just outside the small group was met with six Vigil troops, a few of which Jai recognized as asura, and sylvari but one of them was a giant of a man as he towered over the others, reminding the assassin of the stories of Turai Ossa from Elona. "Crusader!" The large man boomed out in a loud voice, "Are we to be deployed in the mere?"
Stepping forward when Hiroki hesitated Jai spoke up, "We are. Josir; how does your device work?"
The scholar brought out a mechanical looking scepter, a magical focus on it glowing a soft gold, "Using this I can enchant each of us with a Mortis Virge shield. It will function like an elementalist's aura in that it will shield another if their within range but since the device is still a prototype the child will have to be carried."
Eyes glancing over the gathered soldiers Jai came to her conclusion, "Ok, I want two groups. Make sure you have a member who will be capable of carrying at least two children; whoever isn't carrying will defend the one who is should the device falter. I want one group to take the south, the other goes north. Keep each other in shouting distance."
The grey-blue sylvari spoke up, "Are you the Queen's Advocate?"
"I am." Jai confirmed, "I will also be scouting under stealth and culling the numbers as best I can while drawing the risen away."
The small asura's eyes widened under her helmet, "That's preposterous! An unacceptable risk! There's too many risen to count in that swamp."
Beside her a human snorted, "That's a big help, what asura can't count?"
Rolling her eyes Hiroki broke up the beginning argument, "Ready your blades not your sarcasm. Are you ready Scholar?"
"Right away Crusader."
It didn't take long for the magical shields to be applied and for the Vigil recruits to be separated and for all of those gathered to go into the swamp. One group headed north while Hiroki and Josir joined the other going south; Jai started marching straight down the middle. Drawing her magic to her hands Jai quickly crushed the fuchsia spark against the peat at her feet, vanishing from sight as she did so but this time making sure to be as loud as possible, even hitting the flats of her blades against each other to draw the risen to her location even though they wouldn't be able to see her.
Josir scowled at the swamp water soaking his robes as he yanked a foot out of the mud yet again with a disgusting suction sound. "Ugh, I always enjoy a Priory expedition but this is just foul. Experimentation, research, discovering lost artifacts in an old musty tomb, then more experimentation. Now it's just mud, bugs," He swatted a gnat buzzing in front of his face, "and risen."
He could hear two blades being banged together coming from his left, and he was sure the sound was being made by the Advocate sent by the Queen. Beside him Hiroki sighed, "Oh shut up bookworm. You signed up for this when you offered your plan."
"I did," He acknowledged, "But my plan also included avoiding the risen."
Beyond the swamp grass the sound of clashing metal briefly fell silent before inhuman wails and the warbling voices of orrians began drifting over the mere. Shuddering Josir nearly screamed when he felt a small pair of arms wrap around him. Calming his heartbeat the scholar looked down to see a crying child with her mud smeared pigtails and face buried in his robes. "Shhh, it's okay now. We've got you."
She trembled, "M-monsters everywhere. I wanna go home mister."
Sarrena the sylvari quickly crouched down by the little girl, cooing softly. "Hello little one, we're here to get you out. Stick close okay? Josir gave us some fancy new magic to hide us from the risen and we can protect you too but you have to stay close."
The girl nodded while simultaneously tightening her grip on Josir's waist before he pried her off with an offer of a piggy back ride. By then the sounds of the Advocate fighting had quieted down and he could hear the rhythmic clanging of two blades once again. "The Advocate's courage does her credit." Hiroki commented. "Taking command, coming up with this plan so quickly, and obviously capable in a fight. She'd fit well in the Vigil."
Not wanting to give up on a new promising recruit despite internally agreeing with the Vigil Crusader Josir argued, "She shows outside the box thinking, initiative and isn't afraid to test new things. I think she'd fit the Priory better."
Everyone fell silent, quickly crouching behind a nearby tree as a massive abomination lumbered past. The behemoth of undead flesh dragged an equally large club of rotted wood and metal spikes behind it as it headed towards the metal clangs the Advocate was making. "Misery."
"Are you talking about the nice lady with a hood?"
Josir squeaked when a soft voice breathed on his ear, his heart pounding in terror as the child he had honestly mostly forgotten about on his back spoke up. "Yes, she- hmm, come to think of it I don't think she told us her name- anyway she was the Advocate sent by the Queen herself."
"She's my brand new hero! She found me before one of the grey monsters did and sprinkled me in this pink and black magic that made me see through and told me to run to you guys. I used to like the Seraph, but after I saw that man with the undead—I don't like them anymore!" She whispered.
Pausing, he asked, "Seraph?"
The girl nodded against his neck, "The bad man in the swamp! He was wearing Seraph armor, and muttering to himself, and he was really scary. I think the undead came to talk to him."
"Are you sure he wasn't a risen as well?" Josir asked, it seemed likely.
"Oh, he was alive. He still had his hair and his skin wasn't grey like the rest of them. The undead didn't attack him, either. They just followed him around. Can I go home now?" She babbled.
It was as the sounds of fighting picked back up that Josir realized that this wasn't just a mere coincidence. The risen weren't here as just some strange excursion. Exchanging glances with Hiroki beside him the Priory scholar knew she had heard the girl too and for once they agreed on something.
Jai threw herself to the side, ignoring the swamp water that quickly re-soaked her as a small wave sprung up around the massive club that slammed into the ground where she once stood. Quickly scrabbling up the assassin readied herself to finish cutting the massive hulk of rotting flesh down to size when suddenly an arrow buried itself inside one of the eye-slits of the metal helmet fused to the flesh. Groaning the beast recoiled away, giving Jai an opening to sever the narrow spine its rotted gut exposed. Looking back from the now bisected abomination as more arrows were loosed into it Jai was surprised to see the tengu she had asked directions from appear from the tree branches. "Fighting you is my duty. Killing you is my honor." He said, sighting the undead down the haft of a final arrow that finished it.
Looking at him curiously as the avian lowered his bow Jai waited for an explanation, but she never expected what did come out of his beak. "Jai Tagachi."
Recoiling as if struck Jai's blades dropped from numbed fingers, "No! How did he- But I- No, not so soon! Not now! Oh Kormir…" She couldn't deny it, the conviction in his voice too strong to change and her own reaction surely gave her away. "How- Please, please don't tell." She begged, "Please…"
Genzhou frowned, or at least the tengu equivalent by pressing his ears low against his head and clacking his beak. "So it is true. I recognized your blades and the magic of a tahkayun; they were the final proof I needed. But how is it a two-hundred and fifty year old legend lives and fights before me?"
Shushing him frantically Jai's mind whirled as she tried to think of damage control, "I'll explain later, I swear. But not now, I need to find the missing children first. Please don't tell anyone."
A few heartbeats of pause before, "Very well, let us find the hatchlings. But you will explain."
Nodding tersely the two set off. It would have been nice to fight alongside a tengu bowmaster once again, Genzhou's quick shooting would have been a comforting back-up had Jai not felt such trepidation in her gut or how her heart seemed to have been turned to stone with how heavy it weighed. "Only back in Tyria for a month and a half and I screw up. Gods I'm pathetic."
ooo
Settling down in Genzhou's private tent away from the rest of the trade camp after the mission Jai stared into the small fire burning inside the tent. Unsure of how to even start talking with the tengu she reviewed the mission in her mind. After Genzhou had arrived all three groups had shortly met back up at the far end of Lychcroft Mere, there had been some brief questions about the tengu's presence but he had merely brushed them off using the risen and the children as his excuse for helping. The children were escorted back home by the Vigil troops and Jai agreed to meet back up with the Order representatives in Salma's District of Divinity's Reach the following day.
"How did you know it was me?" She started after a long pause.
Genzhou steeped his talons, "To be honest I first thought you were perhaps a decedent of the one spoken of in tengu song. After helping the Angchu escape genocide in Cantha following the Ministry of Purity's rise to power the honored Soar Honorclaw herself had accepted Jai Tagachi- you- as tengu in soul if not body by offering you sanctuary. When you came to me with a bow and the phrasing of how tengu 'still face discrimination' I was intrigued, after that I admit to testing you after learning your name by mentioning the- your- legend which we had kept from any outsider's knowledge. You recognized it." He sighed, "Pust Emberclaw had created a portrait in your memory after you vanished by request of Talon Silverwing himself. The painting hangs in a great library in the Dominion, carefully restored and preserved. You have the same scar over your eye as in the portrait, even now I can see it on your cheek and Silverwing himself was there when The Deceiver passed his blades to you."
Jai sighed as she ran a hand through her short hair, pushing her hood down. "And you're still sure it's me? Even though it has been as you said: two-hundred and fifty years? Even though I've changed?"
"Indeed." Genzhou confirmed, his sharp golden eyes lingering on her own purple ones, "But how? And why should such wondrous news be kept silent? I could understand not telling the humans as they have betrayed you before but the tengu would keep it secret."
"I was lost…" She started, "After killing Reiko I ran, making sure that it appeared as though I cut all ties to my former allies to prevent any tahkayun from being sent after them in retaliation. From there I joined the Istani war on Kourna…but everything fell apart. Demons everywhere and so many injured, people were missing and I-" She swallowed, "I helped them hide, taught the Sunspears how to fight when surrounded by the enemy. Eventually things got too deep too fast and there was a rift to The Mists ripped open spilling demons everywhere."
Jai stared into the fire, "The others had lives, loved ones, duties, a future without the threat of tahkayun assassinating them. I had none of that, all those I cared for I had made sure were safe and that was what mattered to me. So when someone had to close the portal from the inside…" She fell silent.
"You sacrificed yourself," Genzhou realized, eyes wide.
"Yeah, I did." She whispered. "The Mists were…I can't really describe it, it was dark, always dark. No wind, no sun, no rain, no stars, I couldn't even feel time really. Everything blurred together, and then I just woke up. Suddenly there were stars, rain, and wind. I thought it was a dream, I just followed the road in front of me wondering where it went and ended up in the middle of a fight." She chuckled lightly, "Got knocked out and woke up again still in Tyria only to find out two and a half centuries had passed. From there I've just been trying to put my past behind me, to live my second chance. To use the blank slate I was given."
They both feel silent, staring into the fire as both reflected on the information shared. Finally Genzhou sighed and rubbed his temples. "To not even feel the wind, such a terrible fate." He murmured, "And you could not have picked a worst time to return with the Elder Dragons threatening Tyria."
"Worst? Or best?" Jai mused cynically, "I always get dragged into something, and I'm already on the path to fight the Dragons. I am Weh no Su, and zi wei dou shu, closer to the stars and following my destined path wherever it may lead me."
"This is not the first time the Elder Dragons have risen," Genzhou said softly, "But perhaps, this will be their last. I will keep your secret, if that is your wish. It has been an honor, Eternal Hero of Cantha."
ooo
The following day had Jai arriving at the central plaza of the Salma District in Divinity's Reach; there was an extra bounce in her step since the previous night when Genzhou promised to keep her secret. She could trust the tengu to keep his word, and to be honest it made her feel warm to have proof she was remembered. It was heartening to finally have actual proof that she wasn't just villainized, that not everyone cursed her name, that she was remembered. Jai would never want people to idolize her for her actions, but she never realized just how much of a weight it put on her to read through the books of history and find nothing. She had wanted her friends to forget her so as to have no regrets but it was as if she had never existed in history, unmentioned even by the other people she had helped before entering the Realm. But the tengu remembered, Talon remembered. Jai softly brushed her fingertips against her rune of holding; Genzhou had given her a copy of his book, written in Canthan and even signed.
Crusader Hiroki's shouts drew Jai's attention as she started walking over to the already bickering trio, "We need to deal the undead a decisive blow. Remove the army, and we remove the threat."
Ihan disagreed, "There's an intelligence to their movements. We need to discover the root of the problem—not just follow them from fight to fight."
"At the cost of lives?" Hiroki questioned, "The undead are attacking now. If we sit idle, people will die." She emphasized her point by slamming a fist onto her palm.
Coming to stand next to Logan who watched the argument with a pained expression she could only huff in amusement when he complained, "Jennah said you'd be able to soothe their ruffled feathers. For your sake, I hope she's right."
Mouth curving into a sardonic half grin she said, "I think I can get a word in, maybe two."
Chuckling, the Captain gave her a light push, "I got your report, good job rescuing all the children. A few scrapes and bruises but they were all accounted for with no casualties. You did well."
Feeling her face darken as blood rushed to her cheeks Jai ducked her head down, nervously grabbing an elbow with one hand behind her back.
It was then that scholar Josir noticed them, "I'm told the children saw a Seraph soldier in the swamp—and their stories were quite appalling. They were as frightened of him as of the undead. If this was that soldier, the children say he's become violent and incoherent. They also say that the undead weren't attacking him."
Logan frowned, "There aren't any Seraph outposts in Lychcroft Mere. What's a lone soldier doing out there? Corporal Kellach didn't report for duty. I'd assumed he was AWOL in Lion's Arch, but maybe there's more to it."
"Was he risen?" Jai mused under her breath but still loud enough for others to hear.
Hiroki scoffed, "We don't have time for theories, Advocate. Vigil scouts marked more undead approaching the town of Triskell Quay. The corruption is spreading."
"If so, then Triskell Quay is just a symptom." Ihan asserted, "Whatever's drawing the undead inland will continue to do so even if we save the town. We should investigate what happened to Kellach. He may be the key to these attacks. Until we know what's going on, we're just plugging leaks."
Hiroki clearly disapproved, "You want to go on a wild goose chase, Ihan? Fine. But don't risk Triskell Quay! We need soldiers to defend the town, or people will die."
Ihan didn't even bat an eye, "A few will die now, but we'd be saving many in the long run. The Order of Whispers is prepared to make that exchange."
Furrowing her brow Jai thought quickly, "I don't like the idea of Ihan investigating this alone when we know so little. Hiroki, how are your troops looking? Could you evacuate Triskell rather than defend it?"
Blinking but also seeming to give it some serious thought the Vigil Crusader slowly began nodding, "I think that's do-able. With Josir's device and your plan at the Mere none of my squad were injured enough to have to sit out of this fight. And evacuating would prevent a prolonged fight."
Giving a sharp nod of her own Jai decided on a plan, "Then do so Hiroki, lives are what's important here. And I'll go with Ihan to investigate. We might even get a hint as to where Kellach's going, in which case we can both be more proactive than reactive."
A couple of hours waypointing across the country side found Jai having to hold back her disappointment. She tried not blaming Ihan; he was obviously not a senior agent if he was the one recruiting her so blatantly, but as she shadowed him while the agent just talked with a Lionguard the assassin couldn't help the stirrings of frustration. Jai knew she was used to working alongside a more experienced agent, hell she had been taught and inducted into the Order of her time by the Master of Whispers himself. Her Order did not send their agents to openly gossip with trade outpost guards while still in full Order uniform. Her Order could have an agent walk through a crowd and leave with a pocket full of reports as contacts reverse pick-pocketed the disguised agent. Her Order was trained to be undetected, to have people work for them and not even know it, to be able to stand in the middle of a busy Vabbian bazar in full Order regalia and still not be recognized as an agent, to take down demons in the dead of night or even under the noon-day sun and have civilians none the wiser to such horrors even existing.
Not only that but when he talked of the Order and its ranks he mentioned Preceptors, Keepers, Creators, Lightbringers and an unknown Master of Whispers. It took an immense effort of will for her to not react to that information. How could the Order function without its lynchpin? The Master was the Master of the Order, the final authority, a living mystery in a tangible presence. And Lightbringers; they were the demon slayers, agents who gained a resilience against the nightmares of the Realm of Torment's denizens and were the first line of defense against demons. Now they were glorified spies who only fought thugs or the amoral, the lighbringer magics long lost. It made Jai's blood boil with rage. Ihan was unaware of how his words made her clench her hands around the hilts of her blades tightly and clenched her jaw so tightly it hurt.
Ihan told her that the Order of Whispers didn't have an army or a ton of researchers but they used politics and blackmail to shape the world. It made Jai want to tell him what Jurah told her, 'Victory does not go to the loudest, but to the most effective.', she could understand that politics were effective, blackmail was effective, but could you threaten an Elder Dragon with rumors? The threat was undead, it cared not for court intrigue, or for being sabotaged. Her Order knew when it was time to eliminate the threat, their numbers may have been few but they were feared. But this Order? This…pale imitation?
Then she just let go. All her anger just washed away, leaving nothing but a great hollow hole. "I knew there'd be differences between now and… then. But, this?" It felt like a slap to the face, by a titan. It showed just how much things could change, that things did change, especially over two and a half centuries.
As she and Ihan thanked the Lionguard at Overlake Haven trade outpost for reporting that there were increased sightings of risen near Black Haven. And that the same information could have been gained from anyone on the road Jai couldn't help the deep frown on her face as she made peace with what was in front of her.
This Order of Whispers was not her Order of Whispers.
Ihan grinned at her as they approached another waypoint, "It seems we're in luck then. My contacts have spotted Kellach - and a host of Zhaitan's minions that are following him in that same direction. Seems like Black Haven is where he'll strike next."
Jai frowned, "It'll be good to be ready for an attack before it happens." She said neutrally.
"The Order of Whispers knows a lot more than most people realize." Ihan said vaguely, but Jai had heard much better attempts at being mysterious. "We pay attention to everything. The more information we have, the more we can help. The dragons don't care if you're charr, human, or hylek, so we can't afford to draw imaginary lines between nations. The Order keeps watch, so that no matter where Zhaitan's minions show up - we know about it."
"But what can you do about it?" She thought mutinously.
Grinning with excitement Ihan continued, "This one was easy. Kellach is leaving a trail like a forest fire, but that doesn't mean it will be easy to find the spark."
"Hopefully we'll intercept him there." Jai said.
Ihan shrugged as he held out the money to pay for both of them to waypoint to Kessex Hills, just west of Lion's Arch. "I can't say. And for the record, that's "I don't know," as opposed to "I can't tell you." I'm hoping the people at the haven can tell us something."
Jai didn't get the chance to say anything else as once more her vision flashed blue-white.
ooo
Storming out of the waypoint just outside of the Salma District Jai ignored the frustrated Whispers agent beside her. "Damn; we were so close, I can't believe we had just missed him. At least we have a lead with Alastia Crow though."
"We don't have a lead." Jai ground out, "What we have is a wild goose chase. What we have is a mad undead lure with an unknown objective that we can't predict. Even worse there's a Torment damned seer involved in this!"
Angrily stalking to the pub and waving off the pig-tailed bar maid she still didn't remember the name of Jai grabbed a seat and sat down with an angry huff beside a surprised Logan. Across from her she saw Hiroki nursing an ale so she figured get the bad news over with first. "How'd it go Crusader?"
Knocking back what was left the Vigil soldier grimaced, "Three civilian casualties; they refused to evacuate. Owt and Sarrena were both severely wounded; they'll be recovering for a while. You?"
Jai scowled angrily, "We didn't find Kellach, but we discovered that he's connected to a pirate named Alastia Crow."
"Alastia Crow?" Josir joined in, frowning as he seemed to be recalling something, "I'm afraid we won't be able to ask her anything, she's dead. Her pirate ship, the Ravenous, was destroyed by an undead attack two days ago."
"Anguish and Torment!" Jai cried out in frustration as she held her head in her hands, wanting sorely to just bang her forehead onto the table. "Can't anything go right for once?"
Agent Ihan shrugged, "Even if she's dead, Alastia was a seer. She might have seen this coming, and left something behind that we could use. Order contacts did mention that a few of her crew are still alive, camped near the wreckage of their ship. She might have told them more about what's going on. We need to find out what Kellach wanted from Alastia. But pirates don't tend to be trusting folk." He paused, a mischievous grin growing on his face, "I think a little nautical infiltration and investigation is in order."
Jai felt an eye twitch.
"The Order of Whispers are a disreputable, shady bunch. You and the pirates would get along just fine." Josir sniped with a scowl. "I have a better suggestion. Even if Alastia Crow is dead, she can still be helpful. I know an accomplished Priestess of Grenth who could summon the pirate's spirit."
Ihan's grin dropped, "The Durmand Priory's "better suggestion" is to disturb the dead? You scholars really will turn over every rock to get your answers—even tombstones." He scoffed.
The assassin had to hold back a snort, defiantly not her Order. They had raised and worked alongside the very lich they had put into the ground to chase Varesh across the Desolation. "Besides, I'm Canthan. We pester the dead all the time. Tahnnakai temple was a prime example what with its ensconced spirits that people can visit and seek knowledge from."
Hiroki slammed her empty mug onto the table, "Well, while you two are squirreling for answers, Vigil soldiers will watch for another undead attack."
Logan leaned back in his chair with a grin, "So Jai, whose plan are we using this time?" At mention of her name however two of the three snapped to look at the assassin.
"What?" She asked, brow raised.
"Nothing," Josir said hastily, a hand reaching up to scratch the back of his neck, "Just that we finally know your name is all."
Blinking in surprise Jai stared at them all incredulously, "…You didn't know my name?"
Logan bust out laughing. "Well, no." the scholar admitted.
"I knew from my contacts." Ihan confessed as well as Hiroki shrugged.
Jai pouted, "I thought I did introduce myself," she muttered, "Oh well, not like it's important." And with that she stood up, ignoring how Logan's guffaws turned into coughs. "Let's go Josir."
Both scholar and novice spy sputtered, "Wait, that's it?" Josir gaped, "No making us work together? No meshing plans together? No picking option C?"
She was not amused, "I'm tired, annoyed and done with wild goose chases. That and I don't like going undercover."
Jai marched out of the bar, ignoring Josir's hasty apologies as he knocked over a chair in his rush to catch up. "Advo- I mean- Jai! Wait up! Please?" Slightly jogging beside her the auburn man nearly tripped before he fell into stride with the assassin. "So, have you given any thought about which order you'd join?"
Tilting her head slightly Jai seriously considered his question, "I think we both know I'm just not suited for the Priory." Jai admitted.
Josir sighed, "True, as much as I've denied it to Ihan and Hiroki I think we all know that the Priory's never stood a chance with you. So, I suppose I should thank you for at least humoring my ideas."
"Never thought they were bad ideas," Jai said dryly as she rolled her eyes, "I just said that I wouldn't fit in the Priory, not that I wouldn't listen to them. Asking Crow herself eliminates the chance of her crew not knowing anything, I'm pretty sure that if she saw the attack she wouldn't be dead at all to be honest."
"I as well," the scholar huffed, "That's a refreshing opinion though. It'd be nice to have someone in the Order of Whispers who thinks that way about the other Orders. We could still meet up as friends every now and then, maybe a few dinners? I could put up with being a Whispers contact I guess."
By that time they had reached the waypoint just outside the district doors, its warping bell-like keening sound easily distinguished. "You think I'd join the Order of Whispers?"
"Why not?" Josir asked, sounding slightly down trodden, "Quite frankly it seems like the best fit for you from the stories Captain Thackeray has shared, although I only made the connection between the Hero of Shaemoor, the Slayer of Ulgoth and you once he mentioned your name."
Thinking back to how Logan had laughed at the representatives' surprise at her name Jai wouldn't put it past him to have lead up to the 'big' reveal. He always was trying to make sure she got credit for what she did to help; Jai's avoidance of recognition seemed to vex him. Cursing under her breath Jai just shook her head, "We'll see. I'm not too sure myself."
"So how are we going to summon Crow?" She asked, the question only just hitting her. In Cantha she'd just ask a local ritualist but now?
"Oh!" Josir exclaimed, "I'd almost forgotten about that. We can ask Pristess Rhie, she should be visiting the catacombs this time of year. I had already asked her if she'd be willing to do a ritual should you agree to my plan, I'm sure she'll be thrilled that we'll get the chance to go through with it."
Jai felt a bemused grin on her face at the scholar's enthusiasm. Gesturing ahead of herself the assassin stated, "Lead on then."
ooo
"This is so exciting!"
Jai rolled her eyes as she tried to hide a slight smile at Josir's enthusiasm. The scholar himself was trying to arrange a bunch of papers in his hands, having pulled them out of his satchel. Currently he was trying to get some charcoal out of a rune of holding in one of the satchel's pockets while trying to prevent the papers in his other hand from flying away in the breeze. "I'm tremendously excited to be allowed to participate! My notes may help others in the Priory investigate ancient tombs dedicated to Grenth."
"We're nearly there." Their companion said, her dark red hair tied into a loose bun while the many beads she wore over her black and green robes clattering like small wooden and metal chimes in the wind. "When we're ready I will pierce the veil between this world and the Mists, and call to Alastia Crow's spirit. However; she'll need time to respond. During this time, anything could cross through the portal. We may be faced with something... unfriendly. There won't be much time for notes by that point, if I can't maintain the channel the gate will close and all will be lost."
Raising a brow Jai mused, "A bit dramatic aren't we?" but then again she didn't know the ritual, it could only be done once a day or month for all she knew. Or failure meant being sucked into the Underworld themselves. Stepping into the cavern the two had led her to in northern Gendarrian Fields Jai quickly clamped a hand over her nose and started breathing through her mouth. A sickly sweet stench filled the air with a cloying thickness; Jai could almost swear that the smell hit her like a wall.
Rhie showed only mild discomfort as she waved them on, "Follow me to the heart of these caverns, where the barrier to the Mists is thinnest."
Josir had a cloth covering his lower face, having given up on grabbing his charcoal sticks in favor of holding the filter to his nose. "It should be safe enough to cast the ritual here. Even centaurs would avoid this fetid air." He said with a cough, "This place is the dumping ground for the centaurs' fallen slaves. Gods! It's horrific."
Grimacing at the implications of Josir's statement Jai followed the priestess of Grenth deeper into the cavern, coming to an antechamber of sorts. It was saddening to see the deep pit filled with bones and rotting flesh. "Envoys shepherd those poor lost souls to their loved ones, may they find what they seek in the mists." She prayed silently.
"Are you ready?" Stepping up to an open stretch of rock the priestess set out a ring of candles, lighting each of them while muttering under her breath she then stood and held her arm out to the roof of the cavern as if embracing the air. "Grenth, Prince of Winter, hear your servant's plea!" She cried out, "Open the gates to the Mists! The living call upon the dead—in Grenth's name!"
A cold bitter wind blasted through the cave, rattling bones and swirling around Rhie. "Alastia Crow, seer of Wiley's Scavengers, pirate and oracle, I call your spirit to commune. Appear! Appear and speak!"
Three glowing nimbuses of raw magic faded into existence, their presence sending a creeping cold through Jai's very bones. She could already feel her fingers going numb, a slight shiver in her chest as Jai clenched her toes inside her boots in a vain attempt to keep them warm. Suddenly hands as black as night started to emerge from the portals. They were quickly followed by inky black shadows in the shape of a skale as yellow eyes glowed with unholy hatred.
Quickly unsheathing her blades Jai set to work cutting down the dying nightmares. She easily recognized the Underworld denizens, some of them having been employed by Abbadon in his attempt to escape. The nightmares were easy to kill for her, but she didn't bother enchanting her blades with a hex or use any magical augmentation. A startled yelp quickly drew her attention as Jai looked over to see Josir on the ground with a nightmare on top of him, light blue magic swirling from the scholar into the nightmare's unseen mouth as it ripped the scholar's enchantment from him. "Damnit, I should have warned him!"
Throwing a dagger that made the nightmare disperse into tendrils of shadows with a disembodied scream that eerily mimicked a human's the assassin hastily helped Josir back to his feet. The man was trembling against her, his face pale and clammy looking. "They eat enchantments but are easy to kill if you use something physical." She told him. Getting a shaky nod in reply Jai summoned her dagger and then shadowstepped to Rhie, quickly cutting through a group of nightmares that were getting too close to the priestess for her comfort.
"Grenth preserve us. Something powerful approaches. Be careful!" Rhie called out, her voice strained with the effort of keeping up all three portals.
It was then that Jai felt something slimy wrap around her ankles and haul her into the air and toss her into the bone pit. Yelling out to at least notify the others and also in surprise Jai hit the bones hard, several of them cracking under her weight as she came to a rolling stop. Looking back up she saw a grasping darkness looming over Rhie while Josir tried to get its attention, the poor scholar looking terrified as he sent shards of ice into the incorporeal spectral squid. Quickly shadowstepping back into the battle Jai appeared from the ceiling with a slash downwards to at least distract the nightmare beast. Instead of cutting into it however Jai heavily dropped right through it, heavily hitting the rock floor as it turned to her. A flurry of tentacles attacked her, forcing the assassin to lash out with her blades just in an attempt to make it back off rather than trying to start dismembering them. Suddenly it let out a loud keening wail, the watery scream oscillating as the sound hit Jai, draining a good chunk of her mana as the nightmare suddenly became more corporeal.
Across from her and behind the Underworld monster Josir wasn't faring much better, the draining wail forcing him to his knees as his next spell only sent sputters of frost from his scepter. Seeing that the beast seemed more tangible now Jai quickly retaliated, hissing out a breath in victory as she saw glowing grey blood oozed from the long jagged cut she scored across the beast when it had turned back to Josir. Pressing the attack Jai released her own unrelenting assault upon the nightmare, keeping its attention away from the spell casters it would be most effective against. Charging up a corrosive hex Jai was forced to let it dispel as a tentacle hit her head hard, breaking her concentration and making the assassin see stars. Shaking her head to try and clear it only for the disorientation to get slightly worse she heard Josir cry out, "Jai duck!"
Ducking low she felt something large pass over her, hit with an idea the assassin thrust a blade upwards. A loud screech echoed through the cave as the grasping darkness hit the wall behind her and exploded into bright grey wisps of smoke. Panting slightly with the drain on her magic still affecting her Jai placed her hands on her knees as she waited for her head to clear.
As the metaphorical smoke cleared the three regained their bearings in a brief silence. "I can sense the spirit we seek." Rhie said tentatively as her eyes darted about the cave. "But she has not revealed herself yet…"
Jai focused on the spirit standing before the center portal her general form was transparent and the colors of life greyed and dim. The red-headed former seer was dressed in strips of cloth and fishnets adorned with skulls and skin painted, a grizly stab wound right over her heart. Rhie's eyes passed over the spirit though, prompting her to continue calling out, "Speak, spirit of Alastia Crow! Grenth, god of death, compels you! Tell me of Kellach, the Seraph. Why did he come to you? Did he kill you?"
The spirit's previously impassive face contorted with rage, "He cheated me! Revenge... I wanted revenge... He sought power to protect his Queen, so I made that his undoing."
"Her voice echoes," She heard Josir mutter as he noted something down, "Curious." Curious indeed as Jai could hear the spirit as if she were talking normally. "Probably because I'm Weh no Su. Being ascended has tied my soul closer to the Mists. And that's ignoring all the demon shit."
Alastia continued, "Our crew plundered an Orrian ship. One of the treasures we found aboard was cursed-"
Josir gasped, "Orrian artifacts! Incredibly dangerous! The Priory... ah, yes, I'm sorry, Priestess Rhie. Of course. Later." He finished awkwardly as both priestess and spirit glared at him.
"Kellach took the items. He wanted to find a way to protect Kryta from Zhaitan. I knew he would only become corrupted. I thought that would be the end of it, but Kellach tracked me down aboard my ship. He demanded that I remove the curse. I could not. He was slaughtering my crew! I had to stop him... so I lied." A sinister grin came over her face, "With my dying breath, I told him that the only way to remove the corruption is to bathe in royal blood."
Everyone's eyes widened at the implications, "By Kormir's hand, how could you do that? He'll go after Queen Jennah!" Josir cried out.
It was weird hearing people exclaim in Kormir's name, but then Jai would always remember the woman who she got to know amidst the darkness of the Realm and who had thanked her for looking after her soldiers when she hadn't been able. Jai could remember the mortal Kormir who needed help getting out of thorn thickets and cleaning her armor.
"What do I care? The Queen did nothing to help my starving crew—or save us when Risen ships attacked us on the high sea. My vengeance will be complete when Kellach destroys that which he was once sworn to defend." The former pirate crowed.
Priestess Rhie waved her off, "Begone, foul, vicious spirit! Alastia Crow, I release you into the arms of Grenth. Go, and beg mercy from the Prince of Frost and Ice."
Her form fading slowly the seer locked eyes with Jai, shock taking over her face, "You!" She called out, "I See." "Oh fuck." "Such treachery, such betrayal your fate has been a tragic one." At this point Josir and Rhie started to cast wary glances at her, but Alastia's bitter spirit looked at Jai in pity, "I See the truth, judged too quickly, forsaken too often. Fair seas to you, maybe this time you won't be betrayed again." And with that she faded away with one last sentence drifting on fetid air, "Avenge me while you're at it, yes?"
A stifling silence descended upon the three who were still in the cave. Eventually Jai had enough, spinning on her heel she walked out. "Well, let's go warn the Queen."
There was a scrambling behind her as Josir stuffed his notes into his satchel, "Jai! Jai wait! Please!"
She called out behind her, not slowing her stride, "It's fine, you heard her and have a few doubts. It's okay, I'm used to it." "It's not like I know him that well anyway, probably won't meet each other again either. Tyria's pretty big."
As she turned out of sight after exiting the cave Josir and Rhie came to a brief halt to exchange a glance. "I feel like we just failed a test." The scholar said morosely.
"But whose test?" Rhie mused, "Alastia's or Jai's?"
"Both."
ooo
Jai marched into the Seraph headquarters, Josir, Hiroki, and Ihan following behind her. Placing her hands on Logan's desk she stated in a flat and plain tone, "Kellach's half-undead and going to attack the Queen."
She could see the statement being processed by the Seraph Captain, for a few seconds he just sat there gaping at her like a fish as his quill hung loosely in one hand. And then the words clicked. "Dwayna's mercy!" he immediately stood up, "I have to protect the Queen. We can't let him near her!"
Ihan stepped forward, "My contacts spotted Kellach and a horde of risen a day's travel from the gates of Divinity's Reach. He'll be here tomorrow morning if they travel through the night; which they probably will."
"The Orrian artifacts are probably what's attracting all the undead," Josir added, both he and Jai avoiding each other's eyes, "As long as he's out there, they'll be right on his heels."
Hiroki also added her two coppers, "We don't have much time. The undead mob he's leading is just getting bigger. Kellach's growing more dangerous by the second. No village in Kryta will be safe, that man's on a warpath."
"You're right," Logan grimaced, "Damn this is a mess. Got any ideas how to fix it?"
"It's time to assault Kellach head-on. In the Vigil, we swore an oath to stand between the darkness and the light. The only way to be sure is to face this threat directly." Hiroki stated vehemently, "Advocate, join us. You'd make a fine member of the Vigil, and I'd be proud to fight by your side."
"Kellach has two things on his side: an army of undead and complete insanity. We have to use cunning. Lure him in, and then trick him into destroying himself." Ihan countered, "The Order of Whispers wants you on our side, Advocate. All you have to do is say the word and we'll welcome you into our fold."
Josir sighed, "I know you have no interest in joining the Durmand Priory Advocate, but we can use the Mortis Verge enchantment to protect the Queen, and neutralize this threat intelligently."
Logan seemed thoughtful, and Jai knew she'd have to make her choice. "We can't let Kellach get into Divinity's Reach; he'd kill everyone between the gates and the Queen. We could eliminate civilian casualties if we go to him. Trick him into attacking us, maybe a false trip? A trap? Then we could fight him on our terms." The more she thought about it the more a plan started to come together.
Hiroki frowned, "But how will Kellach know where the 'Queen' is? He could miss your bait all together."
"That's where Ihan's contacts come in," Jai stated, "If we can get the Queen's official carriage to travel on whatever roads he's using then when they inevitably run into each other it'll be too good an opportunity to pass up."
"I like this plan." Ihan said with a grin.
Nodding Jai added, "Ihan and the Order will run interference and make sure we're going in the right direction, while Hiroki and the Vigil can supply the soldiers to make sure Kellach and his hordes are put down. Josir and his Mortis Verge could help getting the wounded out of the fight."
Logan looked impressed, "I vote we go with that plan, I could easily get Anise to lend us the Queen's carriage once I've explained the situation. But which Order are you joining Jai?"
Jai was silent, slowly thinking everything she had seen from each representative over. Then she thought of herself, did she stay true to her past? Or did she take that blank slate like she told Genzhou?
ooo
The next morning had Jai walking alongside a fancy white carriage embellished with so much gold it gleamed bright enough to hurt her eyes, next to her was Logan. They both walked in a companionable silence, Jai was staring out at the trees and watching the tall grass sway in the light breeze. The caravan had just passed the Altar Brook trading post south of Shaemoor and was slowly traveling alongside the shallow creek. "You know, I never would have guessed."
Looking over to Logan she tilted her head curiously, "Hmm?"
"You." The man clarified, "As much as I loathe Caudecus he did bring up a good point. You did show up out of nowhere." He chuckled, "When we first met you wore nothing but rags, refused to tell me anything of your past and I still don't know your last name. I doubted I'd ever trust you and honestly I expected you to be some criminal I'd have to put away."
Jai had a rueful half-grin on her face; she could see what he meant.
"But then I gave you a chance and by Balthazar did you prove me wrong." He grinned, causing Jai to feel her face heat up and darken as her blood rushed to her cheeks, "I guess what I'm trying to say is- well, it's only been a month and a half and my new friend is leaving. Off to fight dragon minions." He shook his head, "Just know that wherever you go you've got a home in Divinity's Reach, I'm sure Jennah and Anise would love to have you in the Shining Blade if things don't work out with your Order."
Making a face Jai replied, "I'm not too sure I'd be comfortable guarding the Queen. I'm not very good at defending, attacking yes, defending no." It came just a tad too close to her own family history and she was pretty sure if said history came to light nobody would appreciate or find humor in the irony.
Logan rolled his eyes, "I still don't get why you're so adamant on leaving. Caudecus is a creep, but Jennah's compassionate, kind, and has done so much for Kryta and her people. She'd be able to do something if he gets too out of hand."
Jai blinked at the warm tone in her friend's voice, the last time she'd heard someone speak like that had been Koss when he complained about Melonni. Thinking back to how the Queen had reacted to Logan and his near panic when he first heard that she was Kellach's target, the pieces started to fall into place, "You love her don't you?"
Her friend gave her a surprised look, "That obvious huh?" He asked dryly, "Yes. I do. I would gladly give my life for her. She's everything to me. Even on my darkest days, her smile gives me hope. If there is purpose in my life, it is to keep her safe. She is Kryta, in my eyes."
Grinning herself Jai couldn't help teasing him, "Aww, that's so cute!"
Sputtering, Logan tried to salvage his dignity, "Cute?! I am not cute!" he huffed, "Have you ever? Umm-"
Jai fell silent for a bit, he had admitted something personal, it was only fair really that she do the same. "There was a boy I had a crush on for a bit. He was kind, a bit of a goofball and always willing to help when he could. One day Yijo was sent to investigate some rumors and never reported back, when we went to check on him it was too late." Logan started to apologize but she continued, "He was already corrupted and attacked me on sight, tried to rip my face off with his bare hands and I had to end him."
Yijo had been Togo's student, once the Affliction started in Shing Jea he had been sent to Zen Daijun to check in with the library for any information. Togo had thought he'd be safe there, nobody had known that it was the area hit hardest by the plague on Shing Jea. Yijo had already been lost to the plague's madness by the time they arrived, there had been no cure.
He looked stricken, "Oh Jai…"
Shrugging she said, "'Yijo' was long dead by the time I found him like that, what was left only wore his skin. And it happened a long time ago; besides, it wasn't like anything had happened. He never even knew I liked him like that."
"I should just stop asking," Logan groused. "Though it would explain your conviction in fighting dragon minions…"
"Hmm?"
"Every time I learn something about your past it's related to some tragedy or another." He said blandly, "It's depressing. I almost understand why you never really talk about it."
Jai frowned, "That's not true, I think?" She thought hard, she had friends…who she had to stab to fake betrayal so they wouldn't be hunted down by assassins for affiliation with her, and other friends who she made forget her after she tricked them into leaving her behind in the Realm. She was a hero who saved Cantha and Elona, maybe even all of Tyria depending on Abbadon's ambitions, but was exiled by her own homeland and purposely forgotten by the other. There was the whole Kormir thing, but that came with armies of demons. "…never mind. I've got nothing."
Logan opened his mouth to say more but quickly closed it again, his face hardening into a glare directed at the road. Following his gaze Jai saw a lone figure staggering towards them as it sloshed through the creek, his once gleaming silver Seraph armor was now tarnished with grime. A frown of her own on her face Jai placed her hands on the pommels of her daggers, "That must be Kellach, but where are the rest of the undead?"
The air had gone silent. No birds, no bugs, everything had gone still. There was a palatable oiliness to the very air the closer the figure got and his stiff shambling walk set her on edge. It was when he got close enough for her to make out the details of his features did Logan breath out a horrified, "Dwayna's mercy…"
Kellach's face was starting to rot, the skin looked like it was being pulled away at the edges and had started to tear under the strain. The rest of his face was a pasty white, like maggot flesh and his eyes a cloudy milky white. The man's hair was thin and wispy, falling out but what remained was a dark red.
Signaling for the carriage to stop the human guards; Vigil soldiers dressed as Seraph, tensed but did not act yet, waiting for the rest of the reported undead to appear. Kellach raised an armor clad hand towards the carriage, "Your majesty...my beloved Queen...Jennah! You...you have to listen. I won't hurt you...I...I just need your blood. It will save Kryta!" He cried out, voice rough and unnaturally deep.
Logan drew his sword and shield, "Corporal Kellach! Drop your weapons and surrender. You're not thinking clearly."
Kellach shook his head, "No. I need her blood! Royal blood. Don't you understand? It can cure the corruption. Make us all free!"
Josir tried to reason with the man, "It's not true. Alastia Crow lied to you, Kellach. She did this just to endanger the Queen." Jai though was channeling her magic into a corrosive hex on her blades. She'd have to incapacitate in this fight, a stab to the heart wouldn't matter to an undead who had no blood. Something she learned from Palawa Joko when she was in the Desolation.
"No...no, you're wrong." Kellach was frantically shaking his head, his movements jerky and forced as though his body didn't want to move. From his half-undead state Jai assumed it was rigor mortis. "No, this can't be the truth! I'll kill you all!" He roared, before lunging forward as a sudden frenzy of movement came from behind the trees as pale grey corpses in tattered stained clothing lurched into a maddened charge.
"We're under attack!" Logan shouted, the signal alerting the other Vigil soldiers hiding inside the carriage as the asura, norn and sylvari fighters quickly burst out to join the fray.
"Jennah? Where is Queen Jennah? The Queen…you lied!" Jai hear Kellach call out when he saw the reinforcements appear, his face contorting in fury as he drew a bloodstained sword. "Traitors, you're all traitors!"
Jai gritted her teeth, but mercilessly pushed her own anger away. She knew being called a traitor was a sore spot for her but now wasn't the time to be angry. Throwing herself into the fight Jai lopped off the head of an undead villager before she started to work on taking others out of the fight, concentrating more on cutting off limbs or heads instead of stabbing. Some risen were humans, others she recognized as asura or norn, there were even a few who seemed like large bipedeal horned cats though it was hard to tell with the state of decay they were in. She found it odd though that there were no sylvari undead but didn't dwell on it, she could always ask later.
Watching as another headless risen fell to her feet Jai quickly scanned the battlefield for her allies. Logan was easy to spot; and he seemed to have Kellach handled judging from his uninjured state, Hiroki was pushing back a risen brute with her shield and Jai could even spot Josir wrapped in his glowing Mortis Verge as the scholar quickly helped a wounded Vigil soldier to her feet and away from the fighting. A warbling roar sounded from the thicket of trees drawing Jai's attention to a massive risen abomination crashing through the trees. The hulking mass of undead flesh wore a gruesome necklace of skulls with ribs protruding from its shoulders around the metal helmet fused to its very flesh. Its gut area was empty, exposing the spine around raw red flesh while chains were embedded into its arms. "By the Pale Tree!" She heard a nearby sylvari exclaim as an asura looked like she'd be sick.
It was only Jai's long exposure to such grotesque sights in the Realm that allowed her to retaliate without hesitation. Shadowstepping to the massive undead she tried to sever its spine like she had done with others of its kind before only to be forced back as a massive club smashed down in front of her. Quickly stepping back she was nearly backhanded but had held up one of her blades in hopes that the risen's own strength would help her in cutting the limb off. It didn't go as planned; her blade being stopped by the chains wrapped around its wrist, forced back as it kept pushing on her blade Jai could feel her magic pulsing through her as she pushed back in kind. The metal helm leaned in closer, its lower half separating like a reptilian jaw as slime and saliva dripped from bony teeth onto her body, a low rumbling voice hissed out at her "I hunger…"
Narrowing her eyes Jai vanished into tendrils of black shadow, the beast's hand smashing into the earth where she once stood as the resistance she gave suddenly vanished. Appearing behind it Jai attacked, both hands on one blade to put as much force as she could into a single blow enhanced with her own demonic strength. The blade cut clean through the upper bicep of the abomination, the narrow portion of rotted flesh offering less resistance as she severed the bone and the lower portion of the arm holding the club fell to the creek with a splash. Unfortunately the momentum from her attack left Jai open, and the risen wasted no time as it felt no pain before striking her hard.
The abomination's punch knocked Jai off her feet as she felt and heard her ribs cracking under the force. She could hear her name being called out as she staggered on all fours while coughing up blood. Another yell made her look up to see one of the norn soldiers glaring at the one-armed abomination. The nearly three meter tall warrior braced himself, chest expanding as he drew a deep breath, and then before Jai's very eyes dark brown fur began to appear. His face elongated into a muzzle with a large black nose and armor vanished as an even larger and more muscular humanoid-bear took the norn's place. Staring with eyes wide in surprise as the norn let out its breath in a roar of its own before charging forwards. Both masses of muscle met with a heavy collision as the abomination caught one of the norn's clawed hands, but Jai's dismemberment of it left it open as the norn's other hand grabbed hold of the helmet. With a mighty pull the norn ripped the helmet- and half of the head- from the body before roaring in triumph as it tossed the head away before releasing his transformation and approaching Jai, "You alright little one?"
Blinking up at the larger man Jai nodded, "Yea, cracked ribs. They'll heal as I fight though."
Looking up into his helmet Jai could see a broad grin, "You ain't seen a norn fight before have ya?"
"No," She admitted, "Damn impressive though…would've been nice couple of centuries ago. I'd love to sic an angry norn-bear on Shiro. Hehe." Shaking her head Jai took the offered hand as the norn helped her up. "Thanks."
"Good hunting," He said before turning back to the fight. Jai doing the same when another risen threw itself at her while saying, "Death good!"
Only to fall to the ground in pieces as Jai mentally mocked, "Death bad."
The fight didn't last long after the abomination was killed. While she had been fighting it Logan had killed Kellach, and it wasn't long after that till the rest of the risen were routed. Currently Jai was walking through the battle ground, dragging the risen corpses into a pile to burn and finishing off whatever started twitching. It was when she came to Logan who still stood looking down at Kellach's corpse that he spoke up, "So many mistakes...made for all the right reasons. The Queen could have been killed by someone who loved her. Even...I mean, it really makes you think."
Startled by the sudden conversation Jai looked at her troubled friend, mentally panicking "What do I say? Uhhh…" "It's okay, Logan. The Queen is safe. And Kryta too." She eventually said before mentally going through what she had stored in her rune before reaching for it and pulling out a wrapped package, "Uh, cookie?"
Logan gaped at her, "What?"
"Cookie? I mean, do you want one?" She stammered, "I bought some from a bakery and well, you seemed upset so…"
"So you offer comfort food?" Logan asked bemused, a small grin on his face making Jai internally cheer in victory, "Yea, it's got 'comfort' in the name for a reason right?" Jai asked rhetorically.
Laughing as he took the cookie Logan just shook his head fondly. Hiroki then walked over, "As General Almorra says, 'Some must fight, so that all may be free.' Recruit, you proved your strength and honor today."
The quote struck something deep within Jai, "Some must fight so that all may be free hmm? Story of my life, I think I'll fit in just fine with the Vigil if that's their motto."
The Vigil crusader continued, "You should head for the Vigil chapterhouse in Lion's Arch. There, you'll get your first formal mission for the order." She then handed her a letter, "I was also told to give you this from your future mentor should you join our Order."
Inclining her head Jai said, "Thank you Hi- Crusader. I shall report as soon as I am able." Before deftly taking the letter and placing it within her rune.
Looking back to her friend she saw him gazing morosely at his cookie, "Logan, are you all right?" she asked softly.
Shaking himself slightly he responded, "I'm glad Jennah's safe, but I realize now that her safety is temporary. Everything is temporary, unless the dragons can be stopped. The dragons can't be defeated by one person, or even one nation. There has to be another way." He looked up at her, his eyes darting over her covered face as if searching for something, "Do you think we can overcome our mistakes, my friend? Make up for things we've done?"
Jai hesitated, "I have made many mistakes in my past, mistakes that I regret, and mistakes that I would never change. Shit happens," She said with a shrug, "But the one thing I've learned from every mistake is to never give up. I nearly did once, and then everything went to Torment." "Literally." She grinned ruefully, "I had to teach what I learned from my mistakes to others, I passed on what I learned and moved forward, found myself a new destiny and a new purpose."
Logan seemed to think about her words, eventually he replied, "You're right. I've been too focused on keeping the Queen safe. I love being at her side, but maybe that's not where I can best defend her - or Kryta. An old friend named Caithe asked me to meet her at Lion's Arch. I think I'll take her up on that." He bit into his cookie, looking slightly surprised, "It's still warm."
Grinning Jai said, "Is this 'Caithe' the one I hear you muttering about whenever I'm being asocial or 'thiefy'?" she teased only to get rolled eyes in response.
Dec 10, 2015
Words: 15869
Pages: 30
AN: So, sorry this took so long but HoT was released and a shit-ton of projects and papers were due (I am a college student) and then FINALS. So I got this done (finally) and I'm heading home for the holidays. That means I won't get the chance to work on this story till I get back for Spring semester since my mother disapproves of Fanfiction. So merry early Wintersday all!
Also, I know Waypoints are supposed to only be active after you've 'unlocked' them but I'm considering that more game mechanic than an actual thing. They're canon and their going to be used. Also Genzhou gained a life of his own, I never expected the tengu to take over so much but I was reading back through GW1 dialogues and I just couldn't resist.
- P.S. Please please please review, it makes my soul and heart sing with joy. Seriously, review, I'd love to hear what you think will happen, what you think of my OC, and how I'm doing. Have any head-cannons with Jai? Share them!
