Ch. 4
Writing on the Wall
The Astralarium was the greatest and largest center of academics on the island of Istan. It had been established by the Order of the Sky, a society of scholars and astronomers who were preoccupied with the study of the heavens. The town was, in actuallity, a single large laboratory, outfited with solar reflecting dishes and astrolabes. At the center of the town was a great stone dais, into which was set a massive golden bowl inscribed with a star chart of the Istani sky. As the days passed and the years moved forward, the bowl turned slowly, its chart reflecting the ever changing position of the stars in the night sky.
"The bowl isn't entirely accurate though," Kydar finished explaining, "Since the sky actually moves this way and not that way. Now it's more of a monument than anything."
"Are you going to do that everywhere we go?" Rakiv demanded.
"For the most part, yeah," he smirked at her.
"That's fascinating!" Alendra responded with genuine enthusiasim, "What are those reflectors for?"
Rakiv quickly walked away as the scribe launched into a long explaination, Anicara and Alendra listening with rapt attention. The ranger and her pet strode through the busy market around the dais, the stalls of which were mostly filled with tourist trinkets anyway. As the ranger rounded the dais she caught sight of the party she was looking for, the bright white headwings of Kormir's helmet giving her away.
"And when the sunlight reflects off the dish, the astronomers can look at what is more or less, a closer picture of the sun," Kormir was saying.
"Oh gods not you too," Rakiv groaned as she approached.
"Oh, Ranger Maelstrom," the Spearmarshal turned and smiled, "How good of you to come so quickly."
"Well the corsair's have been slow recently," Rakiv shrugged, "I figured I had some extra time."
"Well I am glad you were able to make it," Kormir said, "Our class reunion is now complete," she smiled as she turned, "Varesh, surely you remember Rakiv?"
Rakiv's gaze turned from Kormir to the two persons standing next to her. The first appeared to be a middle aged man, dressed in orange Kournan armor and grey stripes running through his hair. The second was a woman, dressed in robes of rich purple with gold plates that surrounded her arm and rose off the back of her collar. Slowly the woman turned, fixing Rakiv with a critical gaze that developed into a smooth smile.
"Sister Maelstrom," the woman said, her voice flowing and elegant as silk, "It has been far too long has it not?"
"Mmm, so Kormir tells me," Rakiv responded with a hint of sarcasm, "It's good to see you again too Sister Ossa."
"My my, it's been quite some time since either of us was called 'sister' hasn't it?" she chuckled lightly.
"Mhm," Rakiv nodded, "Though I can't say I was surprised, you two were always destined for greatness. Warmarshal of Kourna and Spearmarshal of the Sunspears? I wouldn't have expected anything less," she smiled.
"Would that you had joined us sister," Varesh said, a touch of sadness tinging her features, "We have missed you you know."
"Yes well…" Rakiv chuckled lightly, looking up at one of the large solar disks, "I gave up my titles a long time ago."
A mildly uncomfortable silence followed, before Varesh cleared her throat and extended a hand to the man beside her.
"Ranger Maelstrom allow me to introduce my escort, commanding officer, and very dear friend," Varesh smiled, "General Morgahn, Rakiv Maelstrom."
"A pleasure to meet you Ranger," the general spoke in a deep, nearly rumbling voice, "Varesh used to tell me stories of your… adventures together."
"Mmm that would have been back in Gandara, years ago now," Rakiv chuckled, "We were quite the troublemakers."
"So I have heard," he chuckled, "But it seems you've become quite a warrior. I've heard tales from the Battle Isles of your exploits."
"Yeah, I keep pretty busy," the ranger smiled.
"As Kormir may have told you, I came along on this journey hoping to learn something from the Sunspears," the general nodded, "I brought some of my best men to test our mettle against theirs."
"Though we have not the forces to spare at the moment," Kormir said, "I was hoping you would indulge the general's request."
"Me and my 'command'?" Rakiv chuckled, "It seems I've been drafted… Speaking of my command.."
The ranger turned as her three party members ascended the steps, still chatting on about the usefulness of the array around them. Rakiv cleared her throat, and immediately both women stood to attention, leaving Kydar to step back and then straighten his own posture as well.
"General these are my men… apparently," she said, "I'd let them introduce themselves but… well, that always takes forever. So I'd like you to meet Alendra, Anicara and Kydar."
"I see," Morgahn chuckled, "Well I do hope they came prepared."
"Actually," Kydar spoke up, stepping forward, "I'm not really a Sunspear. I'm Assistant Professorial Scribe Kydar Raelesin, College of Historical Records."
"Just couldn't wait to say it again, could you?" Rakiv muttered as she rolled her eyes.
"I come representing the Academy's interest in the excavation of Fahranur," he said, ignoring the ranger, "And to discuss certain… measures that we at the Academy feel ought to be taken."
"Speak your mind Scribe Raelesin," Kormir said, "The Spearmarshal will hear you."
"Spearmarshal Kormir," Kydar began, "Since the time of the Scarab Plague, Fahranur has been lost to human eyes. When Istan was abandoned, the way to the city was sealed and all paths to it destroyed. To the casual observer, the Plague's horror is justification for these extreme measures. However we at the College of Historical Records are of a different opinion, one that the Academy has taken under advisement."
"And that opinion is?" Varesh broke in, arching a manicured eyebrow.
"Many records have been recovered from the time of the Scarab Plague," Kydar continued, "Most are diary entries or research books from scholars who did their best to document the phenomenon. However we have recovered official scribal records from recorders in service to the Primeval King Jahnus, whose reign was ended by the Plague. The condition of the records has made them understandably difficult to decipher. However there is the constant appearance of a phrase which, in its closest modern translation, means 'a pact with dark… or eternal forces'. Furthermore, the final pages of the final pages of a record belonging to a scribe named Akila Dhahun, speak of an 'evil' that 'stalks our streets, silent, sleepless and watchful. They slay all in their path, and though we destroy them still they come, inexorable and inevitable as the grave from whence they come.'"
The elementalist paused, rummaging through his belt pouch to retrieve a rolled up letter and extended it to the Spearmarshal.
"This letter is marked by the Academic Dean, to confirm all I have said and express our concern in this matter," Kydar stated, "If there is some malevolence lurking within the First City, it is only with the utmost care that it should be excavated."
"Is that all Scribe Raelesin?" Kormir asked, taking the letter from him.
"It is Spearmarshal," Kydar nodded.
"Then I thank you for your trouble," Kormir said, "As you are their representative, I would like the Academy to rest assured that I have taken all these things into consideration. I too have read the reports of the Scarab Plague, and vaguer stories besides. I believe there is a reason the Primeval Kings sealed it off, but I also believe that the First City is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that Elona cannot be without. It is dangerous to be ignorant of one's history, and I intend to see to it that as a people, we are enlightened."
"In anticipation of your response," Kydar nodded, "The Academy requests that I be allowed to accompany your men into the ruins, to document this historic event."
"It would be an honor," Kormir nodded, "And we thank the Academy for its acknowledgement of our endeavors."
"Thank you Spearmarshal," Kydar nodded, stepping back.
"When the diggers have reopened the City, I am leading a full contingent of Sunspear Guard into the ruins to remove all possible threats and secure the ruin," Kormir stated, "When the time comes I will contact you. For now, however, I would like you to remain in Ranger Maelstrom's command. To further officiate this matter, I bestow upon you the honorary title of Sunspear."
"Again, my thanks," the scribe responded.
"Excellent," Kormir nodded, "Then there is much to be done. I will head to Jokanur Diggings to see that Tonabanza's crew is well organized and under way. Rakiv?"
"Hmm?" the ranger blinked, "Oh right! The general," she turned and gave a small bow, "I'd be honored to engage your soldiers. I'm sure it will be a great learning experience for us both."
"Wonderful," Morgahn chuckled, "Meet me outside of town when you're ready."
"I am afraid I must be off as well," Varesh said, turning and giving a small bow of her own, "General Kahyet has been conversing with Elder Suul about our trade relations, but the Elder wishes to speak to me as well. General when you've finished here, meet me back in Kamadan."
"Yes, Warmarshal," he responded, giving her a salute.
The Spearmarshal and Warmarshal departed, striding towards the gates as the group watched them leave.
"Well then," Rakiv said, turning to the general, "Shall we?"
"Indeed we shall," Morgahn responded with a nod as he strode away.
"Everyone got everything?" Rakiv asked, turning to examine her troops.
"I'm good," Kydar nodded.
"Ready and waiting," Alendra smiled.
"Standing by," Anicara added.
"Move out!" Rakiv ordered.
The girls immediately turned and marched off as Kydar and Rakiv followed.
"Hey," he said, "You seem to be pretty good friends with the Marshals."
"We were good friends in our younger days," Rakiv admitted.
"I see…" Kydar said, "You seem a little… skittish, with the Warmarshal though."
"So?" she asked, turning to glance at him. How closely was he watching her?
"I'm… wary of her," he nodded, "I think it's a bit much for the Warmarshal herself to come over a matter like this. My Academy only sent an APS to look into this you know?"
"Mhm," Rakiv nodded, "You got a point?"
"Well…" he paused and looked around, slowing so that the others would move a bit out of ear range, "I talked to some of the scholars around here. They said that one of Varesh's generals was here asking them about Nightfall."
"Nightfall?" Rakiv blinked, slowing to a stop, "You mean the doom n' gloom 'end of the world' thing? It's just a doomsayer's babble from what I hear about it."
"I've only read a few stories myself," the scribe nodded, "But it just seems… suspicious. Two generals and the Warmarshal herself for a trade mission and some ruins? And then the suspicious questions?"
"Mmm…" Rakiv murmured, "I'll talk to Kormir about it. Let's just play this little game and get it over with."
"Yeah… alright," the scribe nodded, striding away.
Rakiv stood still and silent for a long moment in contemplation. Violet eyes narrowed as she looked upwards.
"Varesh what are you up to…?" she murmured.
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An hour later found both Sunspear and Kournan parties sitting on the ground panting for breath. The teams had run a couple mock battles, both ending in Sunspear victories. For most of the battle Rakiv had held the front line alone, after having shown the Kournans they could not afford to let her fire on them. Her reflexive speed had been indomitable however, and Alendra's inspirational abilities had kept team moral high. In the end however, Rakiv had served merely as an obstacle, holding the Kournan's attention while Anicara and Kydar pelted them with magic.
The combination of fire and water was devastating, and while the Kournan strategy changed in the second round, their attention to the mages meant that they suffered heavily from Rakiv's barrages. Morgahn had conceded the second match, when the ranger's instinct got the better of her and she very nearly killed one of his men with her shot. Alendra had healed the soldier by way of apology, but Morgahn had seen what he'd come to see.
"Impressive," the general nodded, "Very impressive."
From the direction of the town gate came slow clapping and a deep chuckle. The Sunspears looked up to see Koss applauding their performance.
"Now that's how real Sunspear's fight," the warrior congratulated.
"What brings you here Commander?" Alendra asked, sliding her spear back into her quiver.
"Just came from the Dohjok camps and ran into Kormir," he explained, striding towards the group, "She said I could find you here, and that I should ask your help with my mission."
"What's up?" Rakiv asked.
"It's uh… official Sunspear business…" Koss said, giving a sidelong glance to the general.
"Don't worry," the general chuckled, "We are done here. You fought well Ranger Maelstrom, though I fear you held back on my troops."
"Hope you didn't take it personally," she chuckled sheepishly.
"Not at all," the general nodded, "Thank you for your time."
Rakiv gave a nod as Morgahn marshaled his troops and turned away. The Kournan brigade pulled themselves together and marched back towards the town, though obviously rather demoralized after their defeats.
"Right, so," Rakiv turned back to Koss, "What's up?"
"Things have been getting weird ever since the Kournan's arrived," Koss said, striding up to the group, "Particularly with this sudden interest in the prophecies of Nightfall."
"What, you've heard about it too?" Kydar blinked, stepping forward curiously.
"The Kournans have been asking about it everywhere," the warrior confirmed, "General Kahyet seemed particularly interested to see any and all texts we had on the subject."
"Curiouser and curiouser…" Anicara murmured.
"But now we've got someone asking about it in the towns and villages," Koss said, "Some Kournan dervish has been going around and getting people all riled up, asking about this event."
"I take it we're bringing the dervish in?" Rakiv asked.
"We can't have people panicking," Koss said, "Not right on the heels of a corsair invasion, we haven't even flushed all of them from the island yet. The last thing we need is someone telling the people about the end of the world."
"So where's this dervish at?" Alendra spoke up.
"She was last seen here in the Reach," he said, "Southwest of here, near the Stoneface Mausoleums."
"Alright," the ranger nodded, "Form up crew. We've got us a muckraker to catch."
With a tired sigh the party pulled itself together, marching through the dark trees and into the marshes of Zehlon Reach. The group found Rakiv's pace to be easy, and resistance in crossing the swamp was minimal. A rather hungry group of skale attacked them once , but beat a hasty retreat when they found that their target would not be an easy meal. The group slowed to a stop as they trudged out of the murky waters and onto dry land. The vegetation thinned here, leaving a broad dirt plain out of which rose large monuments, gathered around a single great tower. Inscribed on nearly every structure was the peculiar image of a great face, its features expressionless as it stared at all who dared view it.
"The Cult of the Stone Face was actually an ancient secret society during the time of the Primeval Kings," Kydar began.
"Please save all lectures until after the mission is over!" Rakiv groaned.
"But this is educational," the scribe blinked.
"No time for that now," Koss said, pointing across the ruin, "I think I see our quarry now."
On the other side of the monoliths, a figure clothed in dark green could be made out among the trees. As they drew closer they could see she was conversing with the guard who manned the local shrine. Upon noticing them, the dervish gave a nod to the guard and headed towards the approaching group.
"Oh I should have know…" Koss groaned.
"What's wrong?" Alendra asked.
"Good to see you too Koss," the approaching dervish said with a wry chuckle, "I take it you missed me."
"Always a pleasure to see that scythe of yours," the warrior responded glumly, "What are you doing here?"
"Investigating," she said cryptically.
"Investigating what?" he demanded.
"I'll show you in a moment," she said, "I'm to bring you to Kormir to…"
"Whoa, hang on," Rakiv interrupted, as she grabbed Koss by one burly bicep, "Could you give us a moment?"
"Uhm… sure?" the dervish blinked.
The ranger hauled the warrior aside, taking several steps away from the group before turning and arching a brow.
"Spill," she demanded.
"What?" he queried, "Oh her! That's Melonni, she's a Kournan dervish, one of the best scythe wielders I've ever seen to be honest."
"You seem awfully familiar with her," Rakiv said skeptically.
"Oh well we've known each other since we were kids," he said.
"Wait, you're Kournan?" the ranger responded in surprise.
"Yeah, yeah," the warrior nodded, "Grew up on the Estates just north of Gandara. Melonni was from a small village called Ronjok to the west. She's trustworthy, and a sweet girl… she just always thinks she's right."
"I heard that!" came the indignant retort several feet behind them.
"You still haven't answered me," Koss snorted, stepping past Rakiv to face the dervish, "What are you doing here?"
"I… I think the Warmarshal is up to something," she admitted with a sigh, "And when I heard about her 'diplomatic mission' here, I took a boat over."
"Well that makes three of us," Kydar chuckled to Rakiv, who shook her head silently.
"Well it's a little surprising she's here," Koss nodded, "But what do you think she's up to?"
"For some time, the Warmarshal has had agents researching this thing called Nightfall," Melonni explained, "She's been looking everywhere, gathering every scrap of text, lore and writing about it. She seemed overly interested when the Spearmarshal announced the excavation of Fahranur, then made a grand show of traveling to Istan to discuss new trade treaties… it seemed like a very odd shift of focus. But when I got here I found that her people were researching Nightfall here too."
"We all have our hobbies," Koss shrugged.
"Some of them just happen to be researching the end of the world," Kydar offered sarcastically.
"That's not all," Melonni said, "I ran into Kormir a couple of hours ago when I went to the Zehlon dig sites. We spoke briefly, but she said she feels my fears might be confirmed. She said you'd be coming this way and that I should go and find you… because she has something to show us."
"Then lead the way," Rakiv gestured.
As the party turned to follow the dervish, Kydar turned to Rakiv, arching a brow curiously. The woman looked up at the scribe, her gaze critical for a long moment before she gave a slight nod, and then a tip of her head to indicate that he should follow the rest. The scribe said nothing as he did as she suggested, leaving Rakiv to ponder silently for a moment before following the others as well.
The trail took them back into marsh water, and through an ambush of violent vegetation. Upon bringing down the last stormseed with an arrow, Rakiv grumbled something concerning angry salads as the group pressed on. Soon their feet met drier land, and there was a collective wave as they spotted the white clad figure of the Spearmarshal in the distance.
"It is good you have come," Kormir said gravely as the party squelched onto land, "There is something you must see."
Not questioning her orders, all present followed the Spearmarshal as she led them around the edge of a massive stone monolith covered in vines and shrubs that had grown over it. As they came around the carved stone, they could see that one side had been cleared of all the greenery and dirt that had built up over it.
"This," the Spearmarshal said, not looking up.
The party did look up, at the great wall before them. Scrawled across it were great glyphs within a single larger symbol that pulsed strangely with a deep purple light. The onlookers soon found that they could not stare at it for long, as it felt as though the image was burning itself into their brains. With slight gasps and grunts they all looked away, save Kydar and Rakiv.
"Old inscriptions," the ranger said.
"What do they say?" Melonni asked, "It looks… bad."
"I do not know," Kormir said, "But they are far more ancient than anything we've yet uncovered. They date back quite some time before the Scarab Plague. I was hoping that Scribe Raelesin could shed some light on this."
All eyes turned to the elementalist, who was busily scribbling the glyphs into his notebook.
"The writing is old," Kydar explained, "Really old, and I'm not a student of languages this ancient. If I had to guess… I'd say it was Zununde, a language spoken during the mid Primeval era. The glyphs look similar to the Xicotal hieroglyphs though… I can try to translate but… I doubt it will be at all accurate."
"A close approximation will be better than nothing," Kormir said with a sigh, "But this is not all. This way."
The party followed her up the hill, the setting sun throwing its last rays across the Reach as they strode westward. The Spearmarshal stopped, pointing down before her with her spear. Alendra gasped and turned away, as Anicara's eyes widened mutely. Rakiv and Kydar strode forward, the ranger kneeling down as Kydar resumed scribbling quickly.
"How long has he been here?" Rakiv asked.
"Since at least this morning," Kormir said, "An excavation team went out here at first light… none of them came back. He is the only one I found."
The ranger removed a glove with her teeth and reached forward a bare hand, touching the cold skin of the body. The cold skin refused to yield to her touch, the body stiff as she poked it. Wiping her fingers against her trousers she refitted her glove and rose to her feet.
"Maybe he was attacked?" Koss asked.
"By what!?" Melonni exclaimed, "What do you know that could do… that!?"
Aside from being cold, pale and lifeless, the most disturbing thing about the body was what had been done to it. Carved into its chest, a number of glyphs burned with the same purple light as the writing on the monolith, and it was this very light that poured from the body's gaping mouth and empty eye sockets.
"What does it say?" Rakiv asked the scribe.
"This is closer to Ancient Elonian," Kydar said, "Give me a few minutes and I can translate it."
"We should leave…" Anicara spoke up.
"Yes…" the Spearmarshal nodded, "Let us tarry no longer in this evil place."
"What about the body?" Koss asked.
"I will send a unit to bury him," Kormir said, "We do not yet know what happened to him… I think it unwise to bring him into the camp."
"Poor bastard…" Kydar sighed as he closed his notebook, staring down at the body.
"Quickly, night is falling," Kormir said as she turned and strode up the hill.
By the time the group reached the camp, darkness had settled. Jokanur Diggings had been settled in a wide open clearing where the dense jungle thinned. Tents had been erected and scaffolds stood around large monoliths recovered from the encroaching jungle. Several Sunspear units, as well as a handful of Canthan and Tyrian soldiers, milled about the camp, a sense of anxiousness all around.
"Spearmarshal!" a guard called, "The digging team has still not returned from the ruin, and the sun has already set."
"Gather up your swiftest scouts and form a search party," Kormir said, "Station men at all entrances to the camp and order them to remain alert. Post watches throughout the night."
"Yes, Spearmarshal," the guard saluted.
"My friends," Kormir turned, "Please make yourselves comfortable for the evening. These jungles are too thick and too dangerous for work to be done at night. My guards are preparing food for all as we speak."
"Thanks," Rakiv said, as the others wandered off towards the tents.
"You wish to speak with me old friend?" Kormir arched an eyebrow.
"You can still read me hmm?" Rakiv chuckled.
"It takes a certain… knack," the Spearmarshal smiled, "Please, what troubles you?"
"Varesh," the ranger said simply.
"I see…" Kormir said with a slow nod, "I was hoping that perhaps your differences could have been put aside."
"I've got nothing against Varesh, Kormir," Rakiv said, "What happened… happened, and we were just kids anyway. But there is one thing I know about Varesh Ossa, and that is that she is always after something. You knew her as well as I did Kormir, better maybe. There was always an angle with Varesh, always an objective. This trip seems fishy to people who don't know her. For me? This is a warning telling me that there is a lot more to this than meets the eye."
"Varesh Ossa has learned much in her time as Warmarshal, Rakiv," Kormir said placatingly, "As I have learned much in my own position. She understands the importance of inter provincial relations, and the value of friends and allies. She is not the Varesh you once knew."
"So you say old friend," Rakiv sighed, "But I fear that you may be far too trusting."
"I believe in the power of change," Kormir frowned slightly, "That people can, and do change."
"Mmm, sometimes. Some things change," Rakiv nodded, turning away slightly and looking up at the stars, "But some things never do. Whatever Varesh wants, we can be sure she is going to get it," the ranger turned to look at Kormir, "The question is, how much will it cost us?"
The Spearmarshal was silent, before stepping forward and placing a hand on Rakiv shoulder.
"Why must you be so full of anger sister?" she asked gently, genuine concern in her voice, "Why can you not trust me?"
Rakiv gave a soft sigh. Five years, and still she did not understand.
"I came, didn't I?" Rakiv asked.
"Yet still you are not here," Kormir said, placing a hand to the woman's chest, "Your heart… it remains elsewhere, locked up and away from the world. Why can you not trust us?"
The ranger was silent for a long moment. Rage would do her no good here, save to push away the only person who was genuinely trying to be her friend. And while rage was all she had, she pushed it down with a slow swallow and gently pushed the Spearmarshal's hands aside.
"You can never know… sister," she said as she turned away, "Until you have known betrayal as I have."
As the ranger walked away the Spearmarshal said nothing, silently watching her friend walk away into the night. The memory of another night surfaced, one of wind and rain when she had watched as that fluttering crimson hair slowly vanished into the dark. Kormir shook her head. As much as it pained her, she did not have time to help the other woman. Men's lives were at stake, and she was their Spearmarshal. Turning aside she gave a somewhat dejected sigh, before straightening her posture and striding back towards the main camp.
Rakiv found a sturdy tree trunk against which to lean, staring out into the dark jungle at the edge of the firelight that illuminated the camp. The sound of crickets and night birds joined in with the soft snoring of the crocodile that lay at her feet. Where her thoughts wandered, even she was not sure… but the burning purple glyphs continued to resurface in her mind.
"Rakiv?" a gentle voice broke through her reverie.
The ranger jumped slightly and looked up, turning around to find the tall form of Kydar looking down at her. She gave a sigh, pressing a hand to her chest as she frowned at him.
"Don't do that," she reprimanded.
"Sorry," he chuckled sheepishly.
"Whaddaya need?" she asked.
"You seem to be seeing this the most clearly," Kydar said, relaxing his posture, "Kormir's hell-bent on getting into that ruin, and the rest are just following orders. Neither you nor I are Sunspears, which I think gives us a different perspective."
"You're probably right," she said, leaning against the tree again and folding her arms.
"Which is why I wanted to consult you first," he said, holding out his notebook, "I still haven't gotten very far with the wall inscription… but I thought you might be interested to read what was on that man's chest."
The ranger hesitated, before reaching for the notebook and turning it over to read what he had written. The he had written the glyphs in neat lines, beneath which he had scribbled the translation. The inscription read…
There is no Knowledge, only Secrets.
There is no Wisdom, only Madness .
There is no Death, there is Torment.
There is no god, there is Abaddon.
"Abaddon…" Rakiv whispered, "Dark god of Secrets."
"The same," Kydar nodded.
"But his cults were wiped out in Istan long ago, and in most other places in Elona," Rakiv furrowed her brow, "Do you think a cultist did this?"
"I think…" he paused and then stepped closer, lowering his voice, "I think it was the inscription."
"You think he could read it?" she asked.
"I doubt it," Kydar said, "But you felt that magic didn't you? When looking at the glyphs?"
The ranger nodded slowly.
"I'm actually surprised you were able to look at it so long," Kydar blinked in recollection.
"You didn't seem too bothered yourself," she shrugged.
"I've been trained as a mesmer," he explained, "But… I don't think he could read it, there are very few who can. But maybe if he touched it… while he was digging it out…"
"I suppose.." Rakiv nodded, and then tilted her head, "But why Abaddon?"
"That's… actually part of why I requested this mission from the Academy," Kydar said.
"Care to explain?" Rakiv asked.
The scribe said nothing for a moment, then sighed and nodded.
"I've been assisting our Dean and his colleagues in the restoration of ancient manuscripts, found Kourna dating back to the time of the Scarab Plague," he said, "The texts talk a lot about the horror of the plague and all the death and stuff. But there was a particular passage in which the scribe laid full blame upon the Primeval King, Jahnus."
"Bold," Rakiv blinked, "Why would he do that?"
"The text claims that Jahnus was ever in search of a means to extend his reign," Kydar said, "That one day he might rule all the world. His search for immortality brought him into contact with 'dark forces'… but the word used is almost intentionally vague, as though the scribe feared to name whatever that force was. At any rate, he claims that Jahnus got what he desired, but that he sacrificed his people to gain it. The scribe goes on to say that the while Istan was abandoned for fear of the Plague, the city was sealed to cut off Jahnus 'forces'. Interestingly though, the word used here is the same word that Scribe Dhahun used when he spoke of the 'evil' that stalked the Fahranur streets."
"Inexorable and inevitable, as the grave from whence they come…" Rakiv quoted, then after a short pause she looked up at him, "Why have didn't you tell Kormir about this?"
"Kormir grows more resolute and determined with every warning she is given…" Kydar sighed, "And I believe she may already be aware of what may wait for us in the City."
"Why would she be?" Rakiv asked.
"Because she consulted the Academy before the excavation began," Kydar nodded, "That's why I'm here. The Academy wanted to make sure she was fully aware of the possible danger, and that it was all recorded properly. Personally though, I'm here because of the possible link to Abaddon's lore."
"Dammit Kormir…" Rakiv grumbled, pushing away from the tree.
"What?" Kydar queried.
The ranger began to reply, when a cry went up from the opposite side of the camp. The ranger and elementalist started back towards the main camp, where the commotion grew as soldiers crowded around to see. A sharp whistle caught their attention as all made way for the Spearmarshal as she approached the returning scout party.
"What happened?" she demanded.
"We found one ma'am," the scout leader reported, "Digmaster Gatah."
The Digmaster knelt on the ground, wrapped in a cloak and shivering uncontrollably. Kneeling next to him Kormir placed a hand gently on his shoulder as she spoke slowly and calmly.
"Gatah," she asked, "What happened?"
"Th-th-th-the…" he tried to begin.
"Shhhh…" Kormir urged, "It's fine, you're safe here. Tell us what happened?"
"The men… they're all… all dead!" he managed.
"How?" Kormir queried.
"W-w-we… we f-found the entrance this morning," he stammered, "And, and, and… and we cleared away the silt… and vegetation... and set up firebarrels to blast."
"And?" the Spearmarshal asked gently.
"We triggered th-the barrels," he nodded, "And the stone exploded… and then… oh gods!"
For a moment he was nearly lost to hysterics, before bravely gathering himself and continuing.
"They started screaming! Screaming as they clawed and attacked each other… and themselves!" he said, "I was at the back… I didn't know what was going on… and then I looked up. The stone was gone but… these eyes… these horrible eyes!"
"What eyes?" she asked.
"S-s-six of them… they were purple… but black as hell…" he related, "They just floated there… staring at us. Soon the men around me began screaming as well, and attacked each other. They scratched at their own flesh, beat themselves and one another… and then…"
"Yes…?" she encouraged.
"Their eyes!" he wailed, looking up at them franticly, "They clawed… they clawed their own eyes out! There was blood.. and screaming… and bodies… and the next thing I knew I was running. They chased me, howling… screaming. I… I don't know when it stopped… but the sun went down and I could still hear the screams…"
"That's enough. Thank you Digmaster," Kormir rose, "Take him to the healers. See that he is well tended to," she instructed the guards.
"Kormir… there is great evil here," an older man with monk tattoos across his face and balding head spoke up, "We should leave this place, and seal it once more…"
"If there is evil in the heart of our island Dunkoro," Kormir said, "Then it threatens all of Istan. And I will not sleep while a darkness grows strong among us."
The Spearmarshal mounted a stack of crates, raising her hands to gather the attention of all those assembled.
"Now hear this!" she called out, "What you have heard is a chilling tale, one that will not soon be forgotten. And though it gnaws upon our courage, our valor will not be quenched! We are Istani! We are Sunspears! By fire and blood we have earned this land, and all that is in it! Let not our hearts be swayed nor our spears stayed by so nameless a fear! Let instead our shouts ring through these ruins, and our battle cry make all before us quail as we declare our claim to this land!" she hefted her weapon, and as she did a roar went up from the crowd as they lifted their own armaments up, "So Sunspears, raise your spear tips high! Shine forth with the light of the Golden Sun, that we might purify this land!"
An emboldened cheer went up from the crowd, as the soldiers beat their spears upon their shields. The uproar continued until the Spearmarshal raised a hand for silence.
"Prepare yourselves, sharpen your spears and batten your shields," she commanded, "Tomorrow we drive this evil from our lands!"
The cheer went up again as the Sunspears scattered to see to it that all was in readiness. Those attending the fire pits brought forth the slaughtered boars they had cooked and somewhere in the camp someone started up a song on their lute. As the crowd milled about Kormir looked down, to find the silent and piercing purple gaze of her friend locked upon her. Neither woman spoke for a long moment, before Kormir finally opened her mouth. Above the din Rakiv could not hear the words, but she knew what the Spearmarshal said all the same.
"Trust me my friend," she said, "And remember, you never fight alone."