A New Beginning part 2

As soon as he opened his eyes, he felt confused.

"This is not where I was last…"

Archon lay in a large bed, with a soft matrass and a feather-stuffed pillow was tucked under his head. The soft, but thick, layer of blankets and covers were clean and smelled nice. He moved a lock of his hair out of his eye and tried to sit up straight. This was impossible as he felt a fierce pain fire through his chest and abdomen and he grunted in pain. He decided that he would stay put for now and he looked around. The high walls of the room were made from dark stones, and he saw many a tapestry hanging against them. the room bathed in a deep, blue light and when he turned his head he saw the high, stained-glass windows. He saw that he was in Rathir.

After a little while he heard a few footsteps in another room. A voice was dulled by the door and he could not hear who it was, but it sounded like a friend. He pushed himself up again and ignored the pain in his chest. When he looked down at his body he saw that it was almost entirely covered with white bandages, and he felt his beard scratch over his throat. Both his arms were also covered with white bandages, leaving only one hand open. He pushed himself up a bit more and felt his head bump onto something sharp. He looked up and saw that it was a knife. It was pinned into the headboard of his bed, and a long sheet of paper was hung from it. As he pulled the dagger out of the wood, and grabbed the sheet of paper, he recognized the shape and size of the blade.

"This is Alyn's knife…." he whispered to himself.

He held it in his hand and unfolded the sheet of paper, and saw that it was a long letter addressed to him. It was written in the fluent letters of the Common Tongue, and whoever wrote it, had a supple hand. He read:

From the beginning, we were wrong. And only now, well into the second decade of the Conflict, have we begun to understand the mistakes we have made.

We lived in harmony among the Fae, in a world awakened to new Magic. Perhaps we should have foreseen what might be born on this rising tide. What force might awaken. A force powerful enough to twist even the eternal and immutable Fae Folk.

But Gadflow, the new king of the Winter Court, surprised us all. Singular among his people, he was all other Fae were not; aggressive, ambitious, visionary. He had powers like none had ever seen- terrible and deadly.

Gadflow and his followers, the Tuatha Deohn, believed that a new God was born in the east, beneath Gadflow's crystalline fortress of Amethyn. In the name of that God, they marched to war against the young races of Amalur. Against a mortal army, no matter the power of their god, we might have been victorious. But he Fae are creatures of magic, not bound by the laws of life and death. Each Tuatha fallen on the battlefield would soon rise again, for the Fae do not know death as we do. How could we stand against such a force? For ten years the war raged. For ten years the armies of Men and Alfar fought and died. But as our numbers dwindled, we knew that it was only a matter of time. Our Fate had been written. At least, that is what we believed,

Untill you died….

How could we have known that this would be the beginning? I wonder now if we should have foreseen this outcome. But who knew then what Fate would bring. I would have liked to have delivered this message in person, to see you one final time. That, however would have been.. complicated. The Order to which I belong had… other plans, were you ever to leave the crystalline fortress. When it comes to you though, no Fate is written in stone. It was only through my assurances that your silence could be counted upon that either of us still draws breath. I trust you will not make of me a liar.

Where stories of what we have seen begin to surface at the inns and taverns of Amalur, I would be asked to seek you out. And, as we both know, the next time you die, there will be no return. But let us not speak of this. Your life is your own. Go now, and see what Fate may bring you… or what Fate you may bring.

Perhaps, one day, in happier times, you and I will meet again. Until that day, I am, and remain

Yours. Alyn Shir.

Archon had read the letter. His face remained unchanged throughout, but as he read the last parts again he felt a slight smile appear on his face. A few lines popped out and he found himself reading them, over and over again.

"I would have liked to deliver this message in person, to see you one final time."

"Perhaps, one day, in happier times, you and I will meet again. Until that day, I am, and remain, yours."

Archon stared at the letter for a few moments, and unless his eyes were playing tricks on him, he thought he saw a small part of the parchment that had a different colour. As if it had been wet for a few moments… like a tear had fallen on it. He smiled and held the letter in his hands, like it was a most precious possession. He looked at the knife, and saw that it was just as sharp as always. The same knife that had defended him on more than one occasion.

After another few moments he stepped out of the bed. Again he felt the pain in his chest and back, but it was more dulled now. He tried to stand up, and he was delighted to see that his legs were still working, and after a few careful steps he cast a powerful healing spell. Blue and yellow orbs of light circled around him in a rapid pace, and he felt himself invigorated by its effect. He now also saw that he was wearing no trousers, and a only a simple set of underclothing covered his loins. He turned around to look for clothing, and saw that a set of silk and woollen clothing were folded on a small dresser next to his bed. A comfy pair of trousers, a simple, yet beautiful tunic and some soft leather shoes made up the outfit, and he felt that they fitted him like tailored clothes.

The door to the next room opened and an all too familiar face appeared. Agarth stood in the opening and he had a wide smile on his face, the likes of which Archon had never seen before. His golden-white hair and beard had not changed a bit since the last time Archons saw him, except that neither was now covered in blood. Agarth was wearing clothes fit for a prince, made with gold and silver, and his sword hung on his back as always. The old Fateweaver walked up to Archon and laughed.

"Well well, awake at last! You gave us quite the scare. But you're here, alive, and the war is all but over, so who are we to complain."

Tarrion felt himself smile as well, as Agarth's wide grin was almost comical, and seeing Archon smile, made Agarth even happier.

"I see that you're in a good mood." Archon said to his old friend. "And you're not drunk… it seems like a good day indeed."

Agarth laughed openly. "True my friend, very true indeed. And although I am not drunk right now, trust me when I tell you that I was drunk for almost three days straight, and I'm not the least bit ashamed of it! We have something to celebrate at last, so I seized the opportunity with both hands… literally."

"It sounds like you wasted no time celebrating. I think I have some catching up to do after I'm done here." Archon said, and he felt his mood lighten up more and more.

"Oh, you have no idea." Agarth said and he gave Archon a harsh pat on his shoulder, which hurt. "You should have seen the parade here in Rathir-."

"Wait. You had a parade without me?" Archon asked. "How could you?"

"The men and women of all the cities wanted to celebrate, and you were still asleep." Agarth defended himself. "But don't you worry. We made sure that your name would live on, and the entire parade was held in your honour. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. We have brought peace, and lived to enjoy it. After you're fully healed, you should get out as well."

"Maybe I will, but first, how about you tell me what happened. What happened after I left you at Bhaile?"

Agarth's smile faded a bit. Archon could see the echo of the battle in his eyes.

"After you left to kill Gadflow, we had to fend off the Tuatha. Cydan and me plus the remainder of the battalion that escorted us held them off as best we could, but after a while they started to overwhelm us."

Agarth sighed and he dropped himself on a chair.

"We must have cut down at least seventy of them. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a hundred, but without you there with your magic, they started to overwhelm us. Cydan was wounded by a troll, and I was… don't tell anyone that I said this… but I was starting to think we might not make it. We had to fall back to a separate room, but as soon as we entered it, we saw that it was a mistake. There was no way out, and we were trapped like rats. We barred the door, but we couldn't hold them off for long. We heard that they rammed on the door, until two trolls eventually shattered it. The only hope we had left was you."

Agarth sighed again, and Archon felt uncomfortable. He always hated it when people looked at him like he was their last hope. Agarth seemed to notice this, and continued.

"But then out of nowhere they started to drop to their knees in this unholy wailing. I don't know what they were chanting, but they stopped fighting as if something stopped them instantly. The Tuatha dropped to their knees and the trolls ran away. We quickly broke through and retreated away to a safer area, but after a while the sounds of battle stopped and the Tuatha laid down their arms."

Agarth smiled, and let out a slight chuckle. "All I could think of was; 'Gadflow has just met his match'. It proved true, because the Tuatha gave up then and there. We were waiting for you to return, when we finally saw Alyn Shir return, carrying you."

Archon looked at Agarth and felt strange. "She brought me back?"

"Yes, she did." Agarth continued. "She gave you to us, told us to take care of you, and left without another word. I'm not sure what happened to Gadflow, but it seemed like it also affected her. But damn if I know… I may be a Fateweaver, but I cannot read that woman."

Agarth sighed again and then looked up at Archon. "She left a note for you. Pinned it to your bed, but I haven't read it, don't worry. I know a private message when I see one… especially from the likes of her."

He sighed again, but now it was in relief. It was over… it was finally over. After ten years of war without end, it was finally over. Tarrion smiled at seeing his old friend deeply happy, and he walked to the bed and sat down on the soft matrass.

"So…." he said after a few moments. "What happens now?"

Agarth, who had his head tilted backwards, suddenly looked at him.

"I'm not sure, to be honest."

"You're a Fateweaver." Archon said. "I'm sure you'll figure it out, and if not… ask the Cards."

"Aahh… yes… about that… there is a slight problem." Agarth stammered, and Archon looked at him with a surprised look. "The thing is this. After the battle, a few soldiers asked me for a reading. But, try as I might, I cannot see a Fate for any of us."

Archon was now stricken with shock and surprise. No Fate?

"…. What does that mean?"

"I… I don't know. It seems nobody has a Fate anymore. If this is only for now, or not, I don't know… but what I can't get my head around is how? You died, and then returned, so I guess for you it makes sort of sense. But two weeks ago I was able to read someone's Fate, but now, when the same man asked, I couldn't see a thing, and I'm sure he did not die and come back. I all makes no sense to me."

Archon wasn't sure if he felt relieved or not. He knew that without Fate, the world would know freedom like never before, and yet that freedom also gave dangers beyond count.

"I guess the world knows freedom now." he said.

"Yes, I guess you're right." Agarth answered and he stood up. "Freedom is a blessing, and a curse. But it is up to us what we do with that freedom. But enough of philosophy." and he smiled. "It is time for feasting… celebrating…" and Archon saw a slight twinkle in his eyes.

"… And drinking." he finished the sentence.

"Ah!" Agarth laughed and he clapped in his hands. "A man after my own heart. Now if you don't mind, I'm off… I have a bottle with my name on it, and it is served by a lovely lady."

And with those words Agarth left the room and left Archon to himself.

After a short while Archon decided he would join Agarth, and he left the Orbocant and stepped outside. Rathir was still celebrating, and everywhere Archon saw ribbons lying on the ground and people were still happy all around. The streets, both on the upper level of the city as on the lower level, were still decorated with festival decorations and everywhere he saw massive banners of all the races of Amalur. Everyone was happy, everyone was still celebrating, out on the streets, in their houses, and of-course in the taverns.

As Archon looked out over the city below, he saw that the boats were also decorated for a large festival, and the streets were coloured with confetti. As Archon walked through the streets he saw how most people went on with their daily jobs, but with a bright smile on their faces. He heard how the merchants shouted out their merchandize and how Llyrgryf was trying to sell his talismans to everyone looking at them. Archon followed the pathways and left to the Seafoam Tavern for a drink, and it was most likely that half of the city was gathered there.

As soon as he entered it he saw that this was indeed the case. There was barely enough room for anyone to stand, let alone sit, but nobody seemed to be bothered by this. Archon made his way past the hordes of men and women celebrating to the innkeeper, and asked for a pint.

"You're the Hero of Mel Sinshir!" she said. "Your drinks are on the house! It is the least we can do."

Archon tried to argue with her, but he saw that it was no use and thanked her. He found Agarth sitting at a table, arm-wrestling with an very familiar face. Her dark hair, pale face like every Dokkalfar and heavy armour made her stand out from almost everyone present. She tried to force Agarth's arm down but it seemed like he was a bit too strong for her, and a few moments later, her hand slammed on the table.

"Aha!" Agarth said happily. "It seems you owe me three drinks now!"

"Dammit!" she said "I'm losing all my pay here."

"Then don't arm-wrestle with Agarth." Archon said with a smile. "He is stronger than his age suggests."

The Dokkalfar woman looked up at him, and as soon as she recognized him, she jumped around his neck.

"Archon! It's so good to see you again!"

"Easy, Gwyn." Archon said laughing. "I still have a few bruises, so don't break me again."

Gwyn Anwy let him go and looked at him with tears of happiness in blue eyes. She had not changed a bit since Archon saw her last, which was almost three months ago now.

"It has been a while since I've seen you." Archon said to her, and he grabbed a seat. "Where have you been? What have you been up to?"

Gwyn Anwy sat back down and grabbed a mug. "Oh, where to begin? The Warsworn are treating me exceedingly well since our adventure at Cloudrest Mountain. They restored my status as Oathblade, and after Mel Sinshir was liberated, they made me Amaldor in Klurikon. We were supposed to help hold off the Tuatha, and harass them wherever we could. We heard several stories of forces trying to take the House of Pride. We considered joining them, but we didn't know if the stories were true."

"They were." Agarth said. "Archon single-handily defeated Dren and liberated the House of Pride, giving us access to Alabastra."

"Wait, that was you!?" Gwyn asked in shock. "If I had known I would have been there to help."

"I am sure that you would," Archon said. "but there was no need. You have done honourably in defending Klurikon from the Tuatha, and that was just as important."

Archon sat and talked with Agarth and Gwyn for what seemed like hours, but after a long while he started to feel tired again, and told the others that he went back. He shook Agarth's hand and hugged Gwyn and he saw that she became red in her face.

The night started to fall, but the people did not go back to their homes just yet. Archon climbed the massive stairs to the upper district of the city and entered the Orbocant to his chambers. He felt himself long for a nice bed and a good night's rest. As he entered his chambers he removed his tunic and removed a few of the bandages on his arms. The wounds were closed, and all that now remained were a few large scars, but he did not mind this. He threw the bandages away and was about to drop into his bed, when he heard someone behind him.

"It seems like you wasted no time in celebrating, just like your friends."

Archon turned around and saw her step out of the shadows. The light of the moon fell through the high windows on her pale skin and black hair. She wore the same armour as always, and just as always, Archon was surprised to see her. Alyn Shir stood in his room, and she had a slight smirk on her face.

=End of Chapter=

=Author's Notes=

And that's it for chapter two. I hope you liked it, and as always; stay tuned for the next chapter.

I feel like I should explain a bit more of Archon's background, and what he has done so far. So, here we go:

-Main Quest is completed, plus all that includes it.

-He is Truesworn in the Warsworn faction (that Questline is complete)

-He is Archsage of the Scolia Arcana (Questline is complete)

-He has not done anything for the Travelers Faction (They are thieves, and I see Archon as a hero)

-He is King in the House of Ballads. (Questline is complete)

-He has liberated the House of Sorrows (Questline is complete)

Characters:

Agarth: Old Fateweaver, main ally of the entire game. Fascinated by the fact that you have no Fate. Likes a good drink…. Or two… or twenty.

Gwyn Anwy: Oathblade of the Warsworn, and one of the main characters during that Questline. Fascinated by history, and not too fond of the modern Warsworn. I made it that she has a slight crush on Archon.

Llyrgryf: Random merchant in Rathir. Sells you magical stuff.

Dren: Defender of the House of Pride. Was killed by you, but he was cool with it. You had to kill him in order to get to Alabastra.

PS: I am Dutch (from the Netherlands) so if there are any mistakes in spelling/grammar please tell me about it.