Ch. 10
Dawn of War
The Spearmarshal cleared her desk of the many odds and ends Jerek had left on it. The man was a pack-rat, and had apparently assumed that the office would remain his for quite some time. Kormir lifted a picture frame from the floor, turning it around to reveal a painting of herself and her family. The woman twisted her mouth as she hung the portrait back in its proper place.
"Goodness that man is infuriating," she sighed as she dusted her hands and sat in her chair, "I'll have to have someone come in and give this room a proper cleaning."
"I'm just glad it's you behind that desk again," Rakiv chuckled, sitting down and propping her feet on the desk, "Another week and I'd have probably killed him."
"Ah, then I arrived just in time," Kormir smiled, leaning back and steepling her fingers, "But idle chatter must wait I fear. Grave have been my days of late, and many dark things I have learned."
The rest of Rakiv's party settled onto the benches in the Spearmarshal's office, turning their attention forward as Kormir closed her eyes in thought. After a moment she spoke, though her eyes remained shut.
"Tell me," she said, "How much do any of you know about Abaddon?"
Rakiv did not answer, merely watching her friend's features as the Spearmarshal listened to the answers that came.
"He's some kind of dark deity," Tahlkora spoke up, "The priests sometimes mentioned him… but not often."
"He's the heretical god of secrets," Alendra nodded, "From what I've heard anyway. It's hard to say really, no one ever seems to want to talk about him."
"He was more than that…" Kydar muttered under his breath.
"Indeed he was Scribe Raelesin," Kormir nodded, "Indeed he was. Ranger Maelstrom perhaps you could enlighten them?"
"Abaddon is not a false god, or at least he wasn't always," Rakiv sighed, relaxing further into her chair and closing her eyes as she recalled the lessons she had forsaken so long ago, "He was once a true god, the first of six who ruled our world since its creation. He was the god of Water and Knowledge, and was the Keeper of Magic. Supposedly everything we know, everything we as a race ever learned came from him."
She sighed, pinching her nose bridge as she continued.
"If you know anything about Tyrian history, you know about the magic wars," Rakiv said, "Which were stopped when the gods created the five bloodstones. But these wars were supposedly started by Abaddon himself."
"Why would a god start a war?" Anicara asked curiously.
"According to the lore, Abaddon saw the mortal races as playthings," Rakiv shrugged, "Toys really. The gods had begun to introduce magic to us slowly, but Abaddon gave us all kinds of secrets and powers… basically just to watch us destroy each other with them."
"The magic wars were ended by King Doric's cry to Dwanya, and the rest is a matter of history," Kormir nodded, "But what history does not tell us, is what happened to Abaddon."
"What did happen to him?" Anicara asked.
"When Abaddon opposed the other five," Rakiv sighed, "They sealed him away. Bound him with chains in the deepest parts of the Realm of Torment. If you believe the story, they did it for the good of all mortal creatures, since Abaddon was intent on releasing magic into the world again."
"All the magic we use now is just a shadow of the knowledge Abaddon had once given us," Kydar put in, "But if you read any of the manuscripts from the magic wars… it sounds like they made the right choice."
"Indeed," Kormir nodded in agreement, "But Abaddon was not content to remain chained. Tell me Scribe Raelesin, what do you know of the Margonites?"
"They were originally seafaring folk," Kydar responded, stroking his goatee thoughtfully, "An entire civilization of sailors. They were among the first to colonize Elona when the rule of the Primeval's had only just begun here in Istan. Naturally they were worshipers of Abaddon, since he was still god of Water at the time."
He looked to Kormir who only arched an eyebrow at him and nodded for him to continue. The scribe furrowed his brow as he tried to recall their obscure history.
"Uh… sometime between the years 100 and 175 of Dynastic Reckoning," he said, "They gave up their ships and headed for the Crystal Desert, searching for Ascension. They built up a new civilization in the desert and devoted themselves to Abaddon while they looked for a way to ascend. The history is never very clear on how it happened, but at some point they began a war against the Forgotten, strange snake-people that lived in the desert. The war lasted for awhile, but in 199 Abaddon gave the Margonites magic to fight back with. It's said that he gave them so much magic that it actually transformed them, so that they were no longer human. People came to regard the Margonites as demons, because they were so powerful. When Abaddon opposed the other five gods' choice to seal away magic, the Margonites stood with him to fight the other gods. So when Abaddon was sealed the Margonites were sealed into Torment with him. Their civilization disappeared and no one's heard from them since."
"Thank you Scribe Raelesin," Kormir nodded, as she leaned forward and propped her elbows on her desk, "In the centuries since the Exodus, there have been many heretical sects that claimed to follow Abaddon. For a time, this was how the scriptures of Abaddon, the Book of Secrets lived on. It was passed down from heretic leader to heretic leader. But in 500 DR, Queen Nadijeh ordered the Sunspear Guard to scour Elona for every trace of these heretical cults. It is of course the case that some members survived, but it is known that every document, and text pertaining to the worship of Abaddon was destroyed. The queen kept only those texts that documented the history of the dark god, but personally saw to it that every copy of the Book of Secrets was destroyed. According to Zaishen records, this was done in an effort to prevent the coming of Nightfall."
The Spearmarshal paused and then turned to Kydar.
"I have to thank you Scribe Raelesin," she said, "Without your connection between the Book of Secrets, the Margonites and the Nightfall prophecy I would never have known what to look for. Even in the archives of the Zaishen, such references were almost impossibly obscure."
"What did you find?" Kydar asked, leaning forward eagerly.
Kormir sighed softly, interlacing her fingers over her mouth as she closed her eyes again. Rakiv couldn't help but frown a little. Something was greatly troubling the Spearmarshal, and very few things ever troubled Kormir.
"Nightfall is not just the end of the world," Kormir said, "It is the release of Abaddon. The Scriptures of Abaddon, the Apocrypha were instructions on how to weaken the seal placed on him, to open the way to the Realm of Torment and release him into this world. The prophecies of death and darkness are only the beginning. Abaddon's power will change our reality, warp the very earth beneath our feet. All will become a land blanketed in night and inhabited by the darkest horrors one can imagine."
"But to achieve this, one requires the Book of Secrets and the resources necessary to follow the instructions therein," Kormir continued, "The heretic in Jahnus' court knew that no copies of the book existed any more, and so they had to summon one directly from Torment itself. According to Zaishen records, many had attempted this but all had failed, as the sacrifice necessary to summon the Apocrypha was usually greater than any one coven could fill. Entire cults were lost to this pursuit, but Jahnus had an entire city to hand over. Were it not for him, the Apocrypha would have remained bound in Torment as well."
Slow nods came from those in the chamber as they listened to the Spearmarshal's tale, feeling the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place.
"When I boarded General Kahyet's ship, I found all manner of evil texts and blasphemous writings," Kormir said, opening her eyes "But most disturbing of all were her personal chambers. It was as though the cabin was a room steeped in evil… it was almost suffocating. An altar to the god had been erected in her quarters and on the wall she had carved an inscription. Four lines that I recognized, for they had been recorded in the Zaishen archive."
Rakiv raised a hand to interrupt and Kormir nodded to her.
"Let me guess," Rakiv chuckled wryly, "There is no Knowledge, only Secrets."
"There is no Wisdom, only Madness," Kydar joined her.
"There is no Death, there is Torment," they concluded in unison, "There is no god, there is Abaddon."
"How did you guys know that?" Alendra asked.
"Because it's the same inscription that we found in Zehlon Reach," Kydar responded grimly, "The translation of the glyphs carved into the digger's chest."
"Indeed," Kormir nodded, "They are words taken from the Scriptures of Abaddon, but they are more than that. When Abaddon was sealed and the Margonites began to fall into Torment, this passage became their creed. For a time they fought the armies of the gods, but were eventually defeated and sealed. But while they survived on earth, this was the mantra of their people. It lived on by word of mouth alone, though it was seldom spoken by heretics, who believed themselves unworthy of ascribing to the Margonite's creed. To write these words, and to speak them as truth is to call oneself a Margonite… which Kahyet claimed she was."
"Kahyet was a Margonite?" Rakiv blinked.
"At least… she believed herself to be," Kormir responded to her friend, "In the letters and journals I read, Kahyet believed that she belonged to a line of humans who were descended from the original seafaring Margonite clans. Not an impossibility I suppose. But it was through this ancestry that she began to believe that the cause of the Margonites was her cause as well. She began to worship Abaddon and was convinced that it was her destiny to bring about Nightfall. However… while reading her writings, it was at this point that I began to lament how blind I have been."
"Why do you say that?" Rakiv asked, assuming the Spearmarshal meant something other than trusting Varesh for the sake of friendship.
"Because General Kahyet was Varesh Ossa's mentor," Kormir said, her shoulders falling somewhat, "Warmarshal Sudahn Ossa died when Varesh was only fifteen, and she was immediately named the new Warmarshal. But she couldn't do the job on her own, and so relied heavily on the Kournan generals."
"I remember that," Rakiv nodded, "She always said she had good advisors to help her."
"By all accounts, she did," Kormir agreed, "General Bayel maintained their army and organized the divisions of their forces. Morgahn oversaw matters of domestic politics. But General Kahyet took it upon herself to train Varesh to be the Warmarshal. Everything Varesh knows about foreign policy, diplomacy, trade relations and matters of state… she learned from Kahyet."
"I don't get it though," Rakiv frowned, flipping her legs off the table and leaning forward, "Varesh learned all the same things about religion, philosophy and discipline as we did. Even if Kahyet started telling her about Abaddon… she knew what Abaddon was. We were told what he was. What could possibly convince her to side with him?"
"I do not know my friend," Kormir sighed miserably, "But somehow, during her years of study under the general, Varesh's mind was poisoned by Kahyet. I could scarcely believe the letters myself, which contained many conversations concerning the dark god. In her own hand Varesh signed her letters to the general with the words, 'Hail Abaddon'."
No body spoke as Kormir rubbed her eyes with her hands. Rakiv sighed and ran a hand through her hair, leaning back in her chair and shaking her head. This was getting worse by the minute.
"Had I but seen…" Kormir sighed, mostly to herself, "Had I but questioned her… been less distant…. Perhaps we would not be here today. Perhaps she might have turned back."
It was a deeply human moment for the usually strong Spearmarshal. As loyal Sunspears, Alendra and Anicara felt a pang of sympathy for their leader as they saw before them a woman who mourned the loss of a friend. A moment later Kormir raised her face, eyes dry and determination returning to her features.
"Varesh Ossa seeks to bring forth Nightfall," Kormir stated, "And she now has the means to begin. We cannot allow her to succeed. We set sail for Kourna in three days. Our Kournan informants tell me that the Warmarshal has moved to the Gandara Fortress, and begun fortifying its defenses. That is where we will find Varesh, and that is where we will go. I will begin negotiations with Elder Suhl and the Seamarshal for aid from the Istani Navy. Since the corsair attacks we've had a resurgence in recruits, and we'll need every man we can get for this operation. I am assigning Nerashi and Rojis to oversee their training… brief though it will be."
"To those of you in this room," the Spearmarshal said after a short pause, "I extend my deepest gratitude. You have all performed admirably in my absence and gone above the call of duty. We are launching a full scale invasion on the province of Kourna, and only the gods know what Varesh will have waiting for us. Some of you here are not Sunspears, some of you are. But to all of you I do not command, I can only ask…" she took a breath and looked to each face before her, "Will you join me?"
"Yes, Spearmarshal!" Anicara and Alendra responded immediately, causing Kormir to give a smile of thanks.
"I came to try and stop Varesh," Tahlkora nodded, trying not to look as nervous as she felt, "And… if that means joining your invasion… then yes! I'm in."
"Thank you," Kormir smiled to the teenager, "Acolyte Basilisk, though General Yurukaro has left the Zaishen under my command… I will only ask you to follow us. Will you join our cause?"
Anorah turned her head, golden eyes staring at the Spearmarshal as she pressed a fist to her chest and bowed her head slightly.
"My blade," she said, "His will. I will help you to vanquish these demons Spearmarshal."
"Thank you," Kormir nodded, "Scribe Raelesin?"
"This is the story of the century," Kydar laughed, "You think I'm gonna miss this? This'll get me a promotion in the department for sure!"
"Then I am grateful for your enthusiasm," Kormir chuckled in returned, "And what of you old friend? Will you follow me into this battle?"
Rakiv smiled and lifted a hand, which Kormir took as both squeezed in a soldier's grip.
"Sure, I'm game," the ranger shrugged, "Me vs. the Kournan Army? Sounds like a fun weekend."
From beneath the desk Butter lazily croaked his allegiance as well. Kormir laughed lightly and nodded as she placed her other hand over Rakiv's and nodded.
"Thank you my friend," she said, "For everything."
"Eh, didn't have anything better to do anyway," Rakiv shrugged nonchalantly.
Kormir only smiled at the ranger's false indifference. Rising to her full height Kormir placed both hands on her desk and surveyed the room.
"Then hear now the words of the Spearmarshal," Kormir said, "There is much to be done to prepare for this war. I will be sending Koss and Dunkoro to Issnur and to the Reach to seek more strong fighters for the coming conflict. Anicara, Tahlkora and Alendra, I want you to travel with Lonai into Lahtenda Bog. We will doubtless be outnumbered by the Kournan forces, so I seek the blessings of our ancestors. Find the shrine of Sologon, the first Spearmarshal and tell him of our cause. We will require their strength if we are to win this war."
"Yes, Spearmarshal!" the girl's chimed.
"Rakiv, I want you to take Kydar and Anorah to the Mehtani Keys," she ordered, "The seas during the summer season are calm, and we will need swift winds to carry us. Elder Olunideh has agreed to perform a ritual to Dwanya, but there is the matter of the waters as well. I want you to accompany the Elder to see Kinya Kela, the leader of the Water Djinn tribes in Istan. With her blessing, we will have strong currents to speed us on our way."
"Heh, I bet she'll be happy to see me," Rakiv grunted under her breath as she rose to her feet.
"I would prefer to send Commander Nyrin but… I heard tell of what happened in the Keys," Kormir murmured to her friend, "I only hope that your presence does not anger Lady Kela."
"If it does," Rakiv muttered back, "I'll have to remind her why she named me Maelstrom."
The short conversation went unnoticed by the others in the room, as they gathered their things and rose from their chairs.
"Back in the good old days we could have just prayed to Abaddon for fair seas," Kydar chuckled.
His weak attempt at a joke was greeted with silence as the girls merely stared at him curiously.
"Cause he used to be the god of Water?" he explained, "Little history joke there… heh.. heh heh."
"Can I switch him out for Alendra?" Rakiv asked the Spearmarshal.
Kormir only chuckled and waved a hand to shoo them out of her office. The party exited into the Consulate halls and everyone looked to Rakiv for instructions. The ranger looked around and raised her eyebrows.
"What are you all looking at me for?" she blinked, "You've got your assignments. Go. And good luck."
The group split up, Anicara waving good-bye as the three girls headed off down the broad hallway. Kydar, Rakiv and Anorah turned the other way and made their way to the entrance of the consulate. In the weeks since the demon attack, Kamadan had managed to recover quite well. Though shaken by the event, the market vendors and proud merchant's of the world's greatest port were not about to be cheated out of their profits by a few nightmares. The group of three made their way down into the general mayhem of the markets when a voice caught Rakiv's attention.
"Ranger Maelstrom!" came the unmistakable Canthan accent of Acolyte Sousuke, "Ranger Maelstrom!"
The blue elementalist waved above the crowd as he tried to push his way towards the party. Rakiv chuckled and watched as he slowly progressed towards them, finally breaking free of the throng to give her a quick salute.
"Ranger Maelstrom," Sousuke addressed her again, "I'm afraid Field General Hayao has summoned Acolyte Basilisk. There is a… uh… shipment that has arrived, and it requires her immediate attention."
Rakiv arched an eyebrow at the Canthan elementalist but only shrugged in response. Kydar stole a quick glance at Anorah, somewhat surprised to see her features relax in what appeared to be an expression of relief. The dervish gave a curt nod Sousuke and bowed to Rakiv.
"Forgive me Commander," she spoke softly, "I must report to the Field General."
"Yeah go ahead," Rakiv nodded, "Kydar n' I will probably be done with this by afternoon."
Anorah saluted and turned away wordlessly. Sousuke quickly gave a salute of his own and stumbled after the dervish, pleading with her to wait up as he attempted to match the tall woman's strides. Rakiv chuckled and gave a small yawn as she cast about the marketplace for the local Xunlai agent.
"A very strange woman," Kydar commented.
"She's a Zaishen," Rakiv shrugged, pushing aside the miscellaneous city folk that barred her path, "If you ask me, they're all a little out there."
"Isn't their general your friend?" Kydar chuckled as he followed in her wake.
"And she's just as combat crazy as the rest of them," Rakiv laughed.
"This coming from the legend of the Battle Isles," Kydar shook his head with another chuckle as they approached the Xunlai.
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Kodlonu Hamlet was a much quieter place, now that the threat of corsairs had lifted. The hamlet folk went about their business quite leisurely, enjoying the peace that the Sunspears had helped them to earn. Rakiv and Kydar stepped away from the travel portal and the elementalist shielded his eyes against the bright noonday sun.
"So where's the Elder?" he asked the ranger.
"I unno," she shrugged and looked down at her animal companion, "Butter, sniff him out."
The crocodile would have responded that he was not a blood-hound, and that if she wanted things 'sniffed out' she ought to have tamed a canine of some sort. However, this argument had proved largely ineffective on his mistress before, as they both knew that his sense of smell was quite excellent. Still, Butter felt it was the principal of the matter that counted, and was convinced that sniffing things out for people was beneath his reptilian dignity. Nevertheless he did as he was asked, lumbering forward and snuffling along as the humans followed behind him.
"Ranger Maelstrom?" a deep voice called from the tents to their left, "Ranger Rakiv Maelstrom?"
"Who wants to know?" Rakiv asked, turning to face the speaker.
He was a big man, dressed in traditional Istani fisherman's wear which consisted of rough pants, a very large tool belt and knee-high waterproof boots made from reeds. He walked on a crutch, limping only slightly as he approached the pair.
"My name is Rahlon," he introduced himself, "I didn't get to thank you the last time you were here. You saved our village."
"You guys were a big help," Rakiv shrugged, "Wouldn't have been able to take on that many corsairs without the village men."
"Nor could we, without your skill," Rahlon extended a hand, "Would that I had been able to join you in your triumph."
"I'm just glad to see you guys recovering from that ambush," she responded as she accepted his hand and shook it firmly.
"Slowly," he chuckled deeply, "Slowly. But might I ask what brings you back to Kodlonu?"
"Actually we're looking for your dad," Kydar piped up, "We're supposed to be helping him with some ritual or other."
"Oh yes," Rahlon nodded, "My father has already left to perform the ritual to Dwanya. He asked that you meet him at the Cyclone Palace, at the far southern end of the Keys. That is where Lady Kela resides."
"We'd best get moving if we want to catch him," Rakiv replied as she released the fisherman's hand, "Good to see you up and around Rahlon."
"It is good to see you Sunspears," he bowed lightly, "And again, you have my thanks."
With parting waves Rakiv and Kydar made their way to the south of the village and out towards the warm salt waters of the Mehtani Keys. The island chains were quite beautiful during the day, the water sparkling like diamonds and the dunes crusted with white sand. The recent corsair invasion had subdued most of the regional wildlife, and so the two Sunspear agents were able to stroll through the Keys in peace.
"You know you never did give me a real answer," Rakiv broke the relative silence as they crunched through the sand.
"Hmm?" Kydar glanced down towards the much shorter woman, "An answer to what?"
"To why you're still here," she said, "And don't give me that 'story of the century' crap. If that's what you wanted you could stay safely in Kamadan and interview me when I got back."
"Yeah but everyone does that!" Kydar exclaimed, "Do you know how few eyewitness reports exist in historical records? This is going to be something that the bards will sing about! Do you have any idea how valuable an eyewitness account of the Sunspear assault on Gandara will be?"
"Do you have any idea how many people are going to die at Gandara!?" Rakiv suddenly snapped.
The words left her mouth before she had a chance to think about them, and she immediately regretted the statement. It was an instantly sobering thought, how many soldiers they were going to throw at the Kournan defenses… and how few would survive the endeavor.
"You're afraid I'm going to get myself killed?" Kydar asked after a long silence between them.
"You're a civilian," she grumbled, folding her arms over her chest, "You've got no place in a war."
"If you hadn't noticed Ranger Maelstrom," Kydar chuckled, "I'm no stranger to danger. My mentor at the Academy took me with her on her excursions all the time, I'm well used to be slashed at, shot at, knocked down and blown up. Okay so maybe I'm not tougher than drake's hide like you are, but you gotta admit I'm useful to have around," he grinned, lighting a flame on the tip of his index finger.
"You're giving me reasons to keep you on the team," Rakiv replied rather flatly, gazing off across the bright blue ocean, "And you're not answering the question."
"Warmarshal Varesh is about to bring about Nightfall," Kydar said, much more serious now as he extinguished tongue of fire, "What am I supposed to do? Just sit around when the Spearmarshal needs good men to fight for their homeland? For the entire world? What kind of man would I be if I simply ignored the call of duty?"
Rakiv said nothing, plodding onwards across the beaches as her boots crunched into the beautiful white sand. She could understand that point of view, understand the obligation he felt. But he was still dodging the real answer to her question.
"Do I have more personal reasons for doing all of this?" he finally admitted, "Yes, of course. Abaddon is a threat to us all… and I still have family left in this world, family that I'd like to know are safe."
He glanced down to Rakiv, who looked back up at him and nodded respectfully. She'd never had any blood relatives of her own, but she knew what it was like to have people she cared about. People who she'd do almost anything to see that they were safe.
"But if you want to know why I'm here," he said with a chuckle, "Instead of back in the city waiting for the invasion… well to be honest, I'm mostly just following you."
The ranger balked, and her violet gaze shot up to him. The elementalist wore a mirthful grin, one that was almost mocking and yet sincere at the same time. Her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Me?" she exclaimed.
"Yup," he nodded, "You're a good leader. You dive right in to situations, instead of deliberating and arguing it forever. You face problems head on, you lead from the front and are always ready to put yourself in danger to keep your troops safe. Perhaps not the best way to lead an army, but it is the most inspiring. Not to sound starstruck or anything, but I've learned a lot from you these past couple of months… including how not to take a dive off of a cliff."
The ranger couldn't help but laugh at that, the vivid memory of the enraged elementalist tumbling head over heels through the air proving all too amusing. Kydar chuckled himself as he adjusted his gloves and shrugged.
"It's rare to find someone who is willing to step into the gap," the scribe explained, "To charge bravely into the breach to defend the defenseless, without a second thought. Those are the kind of leaders you want to follow. And right about now Raki, I'd follow you to the Gates of Torment and back," he chuckled.
That made her stop, watching him as he continued to stride forward into the sloshing azure waters. Though he'd said it with a bit of mirth in his voice, there was the undeniable tone of sincerity in his voice. He would follow her… and it seemed largely due to the fact that he saw her as some kind of hero. The ranger chewed her lip unhappily. She of course knew that she was no hero, that she would have been quite content to hunt through the Battle Isles until the world ended… maybe the end of the world would have finally brought her some peace. But the nagging annoyance of what he'd said stayed with her, and she couldn't fight the conclusion that was quickly arising in her mind.
"Wait… Raki!?" she exclaimed, as she trotted to catch up with him, splashing into the surf, "Since when do you call me Raki? Since when has anyone called me Raki!?"
Kydar only laughed as he broke into a jog, leaving the ranger to race after him as they made their way towards the Cyclone Palace.
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"Ranger Maelstrom," Elder Olunideh said, leaning on his long staff, "We meet again."
The Sunspear agents strode through the shallow waters beneath the Arc of the Twin Queens, gazing up at the great Cyclone Palace beyond. Rakiv stepped forward, shaking the Elder's hand and giving him a warm smile.
"Good to see you again Elder," she smiled, "I hear you need our help with some Dijnn?"
"Unpredictable creatures they are," Elder Olunideh chuckled, turning to slosh out of the waters and up onto the sandy dunes, "Like the elements that give birth to them. Kinya Kela has been a friend in the past… but we believe the pirates tried to plunder the Palace, and so angered her. The Water Djinn now guard the entrance… but only moments ago we saw a procession of Immolated Djinn enter the palace."
"Immolateds?" Kydar blinked, "In Istan? Where did they come from?"
"I do not know but…" the elder gave a small sigh, "The last time Kinya Kela gathered this many Djinn to her palace was almost ten years ago, when she summoned a storm that nearly destroyed the Kamadan port."
"Great…" Rakiv sighed, running a hand through her hair, "So she's pissed and she's about to take it out on us again."
"We do not know what to do," Olunideh confessed, "The Djinn guarding the gate refuse to grant us entry, and Lady Kela will not see us. Without her help and her blessing, the Istani ships will never reach Gandara in time."
"Don't worry," Rakiv nodded, placing a reassuring hand on the elder's shoulder, "We'll take care of it."
Unslinging her bow the ranger strode past the elder and his men, climbing up the dune to look down at the building. The Cyclone Palace was not so grand on the outside as its name might have implied. It was, for all intents and purposes, a box. A very large stone box built into the large reef that ran along the coast of the Key's. It had been constructed by the Twin Queens of the Primeval Era, Nahlah and Dahlah, whose grand monuments could be seen in the distance staring out to sea. The Palace was built by the queens as a gift to the Maelstrom Djinn, whose wrathful storms wreaked havoc on the island. Appeased by the gift, the Djinn caused their storms to cease, and their tribal leader Kinya Kela had made it her seasonal home.
"She returns every summer," Elder Olunideh finished his explanation as he stood behind them, "Which is why the waters of the seas become calm during the season of Phoenix."
"Fascinating," Kydar nodded, and then glanced down to Rakiv, "So uh…we're just gonna… walk right in there?"
"Yup," the ranger responded.
"How're we gonna do that if she won't see us?" Kydar queried.
"Oh," Rakiv chuckled, a rather wild grin crossing her face, "She'll see me."
The Kodlonu villagers watched as the daring duo made their way down the sand dune towards the tall, iridescent gaurds that watched the Palace gate. Kydar wriggled his fingers, summoning a purple mesmer glyph to his palm as he prepared for the fight that would inevitably ensue.
"If this goes bad," Kydar muttered to her, "You take the Water ones, I can handle the Immolateds."
"Gotcha," she nodded, striding through the water towards the gate.
Twin scythes swept down, the weapons crossing in front of Rakiv to bar her path inward. Kydar tensed slightly but held his magic, waiting for the ranger's signal. Rakiv's hand slipped to her quiver, though she did not draw her arrows.
"I am Rakiv Maelstrom," the ranger announced, "I seek an audience with Kinya Kela."
The Water Djinn glanced at one another, strange wavery sounds lilting between them as they conversed for a short moment. Finally the guardians lifted their scythes and both water spirits floated aside as the great doors to the Palace slowly swung open.
"Told ya," Rakiv smirked in triumph.
"Let's just do this before they change their minds," Kydar grumbled.
The pair slowly strode inside, their boots splashing in the ankle deep water that covered the Palace floor. The inside of the Palace was much grander than the outside. Tall pillars carved with symbols for water and various depictions of sea life held the vaulted ceiling aloft, and entire murals of oceanic images had been inscribed into the walls. The walk way proceeded only a few yards into the Palace, where it ended in a stone balcony at the edge of a vast tidal pool that occupied the rest of the single great room. The tidal pool acted as the throne room, with a great spire of multicolored coral bearing an ornate throne of pearls and shells against the far wall. Water Djinn rose out of the tidal pool, turning their attention towards the humans who had entered their Palace.
Upon reaching the balcony's edge, Kydar and Rakiv looked down and found themselves staring into the depths of the Mehtani Reef. Below them an entire ecosystem thrived in vibrant color, with rainbow fish darting to and fro as anemones waved their tentacles in the gentle currents. Far below, Water Djinn could be seen relaxing in the reef beds, enjoying the beauty of the leader's court. Kydar tapped Rakiv's shoulder and pointed towards the center of the room. Barely noticeable, due to its own cerulean coloring, the reef formed a sort of walkway just beneath the water. The narrow path ran from the balcony to the throne of the Djinni leader, leaving a sheer drop-off on either side.
"Humans!?" a shout came from the throne, a sound that echoed deafeningly off of the Palace walls, "Here!?"
"Is she mad?" Kydar asked, holding his hands over his ears.
"Kinya Kela!" Rakiv shouted, "I am…"
"Destroy them!!" the Lady Kela's voice drowned out Rakiv's, one ethereal finger pointing towards the pair.
"Yeeeah she's mad," Kydar surmised as he raised both hands, each palm glowing with a purple glyph.
"Look out!" Rakiv exclaimed, drawing an arrow and pointing upwards.
From the ceiling flickering flames descended, landing just above the water and erupting into spouts of fire. From the burning columns Immolated Djinn emerged, wielding their firey weapons as the Water Djinn closed in on them.
"Your back to mine! Head for the throne!" Rakiv ordered, pausing for a moment to make a swift call to nature, "Spirits of the wild, grant me Favorable Winds!"
The shimmering form of the spirit rose behind her and ranger raised her bow to let fly with an Arching Shot, sending the arrow flying into one of the approaching Water Djinn. Taking a quick breath to focus, she stepped out onto the reef path, notching another arrow to her bow and opening fire. Kydar's back pressed to hers and they moved onto the reef, red fletched arrow's flying into the throng as purple spikes of energy resonated through the crowd. Orange sigils rose above the Immolated Djinn as they prepared to attune themselves with their elements. The scribe brought both hands to his mouth and drew in a deep breath before giving a powerful shout. The Cry of Frustration rang through the hall, immediately halting the multiple attunements and sending many of the Immolateds reeling in pain.
The pair quickly found a rhythm to their movements, and moved down the center of the throne room as a single fighting machine. Rakiv ducked beneath Kydar's arms to deliver a Screaming Shot to a Water Djinn that had raised its scythe to cleave the elementalist. Kydar pivoted past the ranger as they changed positions, his fingers clamping into a fist as he released an Energy Spike into the nearest Immolated Djinn. The Water Djinn closed fast and several scythe blades sang towards the pair as Rakiv's reflexes went into overdrive. Her bow blocked one scythe as she released a Power Shot into the Djinn's forehead. As the water spirit fell Rakiv flipped her bow over her back and caught the fallen Djinn's scythe. With practiced skill and grave the ranger spun on her toe, whirling to defend her and her partner from the myriad attacks that sought their flesh. Still they approached the throne, Kydar finally putting an end to the Immolated casters that had congregated on the balcony in an attempt to rain down fire on the offending humans.
"Insolent spirits, tremble and wane!
As I sunder thy souls with Spiritual Pain!"
Rakiv's spirit evaporated in a rush of violet light, and then violently exploded amongst the gathered Djinn. Upon her throne Kinya Kela watched with mounting fury as the humans progressed unpaused towards her throne. A flame alighted next to her and a broad, tall flaming Djinn rose beside her seat. Flexing its brilliant wings it looked down at the aquatic leader, who returned his glance with a nod of her own.
"Slay them Korshek," she commanded.
Wordlessly the enflamed Djinn descended, as it summoned a long scepter to its right hand and a flame artifact to the other. It landed on the walkway, barring their path towards the Djinni leader and pointed the burning lidless eye of its focus wand towards them.
"He's mine," Kydar smirked as he advanced on the Djinn.
"Make it fast!" Rakiv demanded, spinning, blocking and slashing at the Water Djinn who threatened to overwhelm her.
Korshek flung his wings wide, fire engulfing his form as he raised his arms to cast his own attunement. Kydar thrust his palms forward, a purple glyph drawing between them as he began a cast of his own.
"Thy mighty skill, worth naught but dust,
Surrender thy mind to grave Mistrust!"
Korshek paid no heed to the hex, completing his cast and charging forward. A pained cry raised from the water Djinn and the immolated leader turned his attention to the ranger, watching as Rakiv kicked a Djinn off of her blade and turned to deal with the remaining five. The huntress gave a defiant roar as she went on a vicious offensive, spinning and swinging at the elemental warriors. Korshek raised his scepter and focused his power into his strongest spell, intent on burning the ranger to a crisp. A flash of purple distracted him, and he glanced down just in time to see the bolt of violet energy fly from Kydar's fingertips. With a jolt of excruciating pain, his enchantment shattered as Kydar's swift cast destroyed his attunement. A second, and more debilitating, bolt of pain struck him as the mesmer's hex kicked in, blocking the Djinn's spell and sending purple tendrils of agony coursing through his immolated body.
"Too haughty to listen, to proud to learn!" Kydar snorted as he continued his advance, new glyphs coursing over his arms and hands, "Be robbed of thy strength as thy Energy Burns!"
Repeated blasts of psychic power tore through the great fire spirit, crippling his ability to cast as he fell to one knee. Low on energy and even lower on health, the Djinn had just enough left for one final cast. He raised his focus item preparing to Immolate the mesmer, only to have his spell defeated as Kydar snared his last cast in a Web of Disruption. Korshek turned to his last resort, and launched a stream of flame from the end of his focus to ward off the advancing enchanter. But the human proved once more to be the faster of the two, catching the Djinn's wand and spinning close to him. The scribe seized the spirit's head in his free palm, purple energies flashing along his arm as he prepared to end Korshek with a Mind Wrack.
"Enough!" Kela's voice resounded in the chamber.
Rakiv looked up and yanked the scythe blade out of the torso of a wounded Water Djinn as she turned to face the throne. Propping the weapon over one shoulder she strode down the path to stare up at the tribal leader.
"It's been awhile Kinya," Rakiv grinned cockily, "From the welcome you just rolled out, you really missed me."
"You continue to defy the authority of she who rules the wind and waves, Maelstrom," Kinya Kela responded wrathfully, "For what purpose have you entered my court?"
"Well I'm kind of wondering what's going on here," Rakiv admitted as she glanced about at the remaining Djinni, "From the looks of things, you're building some kind of army."
"You humans have released a great evil upon this island Storm Slayer," the Djinni leader spat, "And you have dared to tread upon my holy ground and defeat my righteous defenders! By Korshek's might, I mean to scour this island with purifying fire to burn away this evil. Then the coming storm will cleanse this land of the darkness you have brought forth."
"Or…" Rakiv suggested, "You could give Istani ships fair seas and strong currents to speed their way to Kourna. The Order of the Sunspears is trying to stop the evil that you're talking about, and its source is in Gandara. Give us safe passage, and you wont' have to whip up a storm."
"There is no cleansing power greater than that of the mighty cyclone!" Kela objected.
"Kinya, if you bring a storm I'll have to come back here," Rakiv sighed, as she gave the scythe a toss and let it sink into the crystal blue depths, "And I think I just demonstrated why you first called me Maelstrom."
Kinya Kela was silent for a long moment, two of her four arms crossing in thought. Finally she gave a slow nod, glaring at the humans before her.
"You will have your currents humans," she sneered, pointing at them with two hands, "But be sure that you end these demons swiftly! I will not withhold my storms a second time."
"Thanks," Rakiv smiled, "That's all I wanted. Let's go Kydar."
The mage gave a nod to her and glared down at Korshek. With a quick jerk he yanked the focus wand from the Djinn's off-hand and snorted down at him.
"I'm keeping this," he taunted, as he turned and strode away.
"Not bad with the interrupts," Rakiv complimented him.
"N' you're not bad with a scythe," he returned.
"I was trained as a dervish," she responded with a chuckle.
"You know I'd really like to know how you have so many powerful acquaintances," Kydar grumbled, splashing his way onto the balcony and heading for the doors, "Why did she call you Storm Slayer?"
"Cause," Rakiv shrugged, "I had to fight her once."
"Had to fight her once?" Kydar arched an eyebrow, "There's a story behind this isn't there."
"Maybe," Rakiv smirked coyly as they approached the Palace gates.
"But you're not gonna tell me," he surmised.
"Mmm… maybe," she chuckled in response.
Kydar shook his head as they exited the Palace and the doors swung closed with surprising force behind them. The echoing clap as they slammed shut was enough to make Kydar stumble, and Rakiv winced as she wiggled a finger in one ear.
"Hmph," Kydar snorted, "Sore losers."
"Eh, they did what we wanted, and we only had to kill a few of them to get it," Rakiv chuckled as she splashed out of the water and back onto dry sand.
The pair looked up as the group of villagers from Kodlonu approached, Elder Olunideh leading the way down the sand. The elder glanced somewhat nervously to the imposing Water Djinn that still guarded the gate. The Djinn themselves paid the humans no heed, turning their watchful eyes to the horizon as they scanned for any further threats to the Palace.
"Is it done?" Olunideh asked, "Has Lady Kela granted us the ocean's favor?"
"She has," Rakiv responded with a nod, "Istani fleets will have fair seas to sail on."
"Ahh, thank Dwanya," the elder sighed.
Rakiv frowned deeply, her expression on the verge of a glare directed at the old man. Almost immediately she felt the eyes of the elementalist upon her, studying her once again. Inwardly she swore, though she refused to meet his gaze and instead strode past both men, making her way up the sandbank.
"We'd better get back to the city," she said flatly.
"Ah yes, of course," Olunideh nodded, oblivious to the exchange that had passed from scribe to ranger, "Godspeed Sunspears. Please… bring peace back to our lands."
"We will," Kydar assured, giving a wave as he trotted after Rakiv.
The return journey to Kodlonu was a silent one, the scribe fidgeting nervously as the archeress strode alongside him. The misgivings she had before were gone. She knew what she had to do now. For his own part, Kydar remained mildly confused. The look on the woman's face had been wrathful… almost to the point of pain. It was not the first time Rakiv had exhibited such a reaction when the gods were invoked, and he began to wonder why their very names elicited such a strong reaction from her. It was a question that would have to wait, he decided, for now there was still much work to be done.
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The next couple of days flew by, the members of Rakiv's command feeling almost numb as they prepared for the conflict ahead. Despite the inevitability of the coming encounter, no one seemed to want to talk about it. No one, save for Anicara Nyrin.
"There has to be another way…" Anicara murmured, "This isn't right.."
The hydromancer walked the torch lit halls of the Consulate alongside her fellow elementalist. On the eve of battle, Kormir had held a rally in Churrir Fields to embolden the Sunspear army. Night had fallen over the city of Kamadan, and even from the Consulate the Sunspear's cheers could be heard. The magical duo had skipped the festivities in order to have a word with their commander, who had deigned to appear at the rally. Giving a small sigh Kydar nodded understandingly to Anicara, though he said nothing as the younger spell-caster continued.
"I mean… this is war… for real this time," she said softly, a hint of despair in her voice, "We're going there… and most of us probably won't come back…"
"The defenses of Gandara are indeed formidable," Kydar nodded.
"It's just… it's insane," she managed as they rounded a corner and dodged a courier that dashed between them, "So many good men… so many wives… sons… daughters…"
"It is for those wives and children that these men go to war," Kydar offered, adjusting his gloves as he looked down at her, "To protect the ones they love."
"They should be with the ones they love," Anicara protested quietly, "Some of these men have infants… little boys and girls that will never know their father…"
"But they will know what kind of man he was," Kydar said, "Many fathers leave their children for their own selfish gain. All too rare is the father who leaves to sacrifice his life for that of his child."
"And what's that kid supposed to do?" she snapped, "Grow up and figure everything out on his own? What are the women to tell their little boys and girls when they're crying in the night? 'It's okay, cause daddy died for you'!?"
Kydar did not respond, sidling past a small group of scribes as they continued on their way through the halls. Anicara gave a small sigh, that had been a bit much. But it was how she felt, and she couldn't think of a better way to put it. Rounding another corner, the pair stopped in front of the door to Rakiv's chambers and Kydar turned to look at the younger mage.
"I hear you Ani," he said with a sincere nod, "Truly, I do. I know what it's like to loose a parent. I watched my mother die fighting… for herself and for me. And though I know that she gave her life for me… it never made it any easier to go on without her."
Anicara bit her lip, feeling ashamed and sympathetic all at once. She hesitantly reached out to place a comforting and apologetic hand on his shoulder, just as his red gloved fingers curled around her wrist.
"But I also know that this is the way things have to be," Kydar said gently, "These men go not only to avert their children's deaths, but to safeguard the very days of their lives. Varesh must be stopped, for if she is not then we are all doomed. Those wives, those sons and those daughters will be sentenced to an everlasting hell on earth, from which even death will grant no escape. These men go to protect all that they hold dear, and each of them knows that without their sacrifice, their willingness to charge into the howling dark… all will be lost."
Anicara looked away, tears welling in her eyes. He was right of course, but that didn't make it better. Kydar smiled softly and released her arm as the younger caster lifted her blue eyes back to his hazels.
"Truly, there is nothing that can be said or done to soothe the loss that this province and every family in it will suffer," Kydar nodded, "But I hope that the children of Istan will remember these soldiers as I remember my mother. For I remember her as one who, for love's sake, stood between me and the darkness that I might be saved. And I remember her as one who, knowing what the evil of this world had taken from me, looked upon me with her last breath… and bid me to be strong."
The water mage said nothing, for no words came to her. Such a strange man this elementalist, wrathful and ruthless yet gentle and loyal. Maybe it was the mesmer in him, or maybe he just had good intuition… but she was increasingly surprised by his insights into the people around him.
"Oh, I'm sorry," came the soft voice of Tahlkora from behind the fire mage, "Didn't mean to interrupt. I'll come back later."
Kydar turned and chuckled at the young healer, shaking his head and waving her over.
"Oh no, not at all," Kydar laughed, "Anicara was squeamish about tomorrow, so I was cheering her up."
The girl frowned immediately. She'd forgotten to add that he could be infuriating. The comment earned Kydar a punch to the shoulder, a blow that the fire mage laughed off as he opened the door to Rakiv's room.
"… and if Kormir agrees there's really nothing I can do," Rakiv was saying, giving a small sigh as they entered the room.
"Something wrong?" Kydar asked.
Rakiv lounged in her chair at one end of the sitting room, drying her hair with a large towel. She could get used to hot baths every day, she decided. Melonni sat on one of the couches in front of the ranger, hands folded in her lap and looking very displeased. Both women looked up as the others entered and Rakiv waved them in.
"Elder Suhl refuses to allow me to accompany the Spearmarshal's forces to Gandara," Melonni complained, "He thinks that since I'm Kournan, I might somehow 'compromise' our assault."
"But… isn't Koss a Kournan too?" Kydar blinked, "And he's a Commander, one of Kormir's top guys right?"
"Yes he is!" Melonni exclaimed, "But Suhl says that since he's Sunspear then it's alright for him to go. Me, I'm just a political activist and a wandering dervish so 'there's no telling where your allegiances truly lie'," she finished, imitating Suhl's voice mockingly.
"And Kormir is also reluctant to let her go," Rakiv sighed.
"That is Koss' fault," Melonni grumbled angrily, "He told her I'd only be one more thing to have to keep an eye on. And when I went after him about it he told me, 'Oh a battle field is no place for a little village girl'," she fumed, performing an imitation of the burly Commander.
"That one was pretty good," Tahlkora giggled.
"Well gods know I've known him long enough," Melonni sighed, "You'd think he'd know me better though. I can hold my own in any fight!"
"Look…" Rakiv sighed, "I really don't know what I can do… but I guess if you come by the docks we'll see if we can't sneak you on."
"Mmm… well thank you," Melonni nodded, rising and dusting off her long skirts, "I'll be there."
The dervish gave a small curtsy to all present and headed for the door. Tahlkora scooted aside as the woman left and swung the door closed behind her.
"And what can I do for you three?" Rakiv asked, wringing her hair with the towel.
"Oh, I'm just here cause I didn't want to be at the rally…" Anicara admitted and gave a small sigh, "I should be getting ready though… so I'll see you all tomorrow."
"Bye Anicara," Tahlkora smiled.
The water mage gave a small wave as she too exited the ranger's chambers. Rakiv shook her head and balled up her towel, giving it a toss to the other side of the room.
"So I take it you two have business with me?" the ranger chuckled.
"Oh, yes. I wanted to let you know I'll be late to the docks tomorrow," Kydar said, "I got a letter about an hour ago saying that the Academy sent a representative and they want my report. I'm supposed to meet him in the city tomorrow, but these things usually take a couple hours… so if you could hold the last boat for me, I'd be much obliged."
"Uh huh…" Rakiv nodded slowly, "I'll… see what I can do."
"Thanks," he smiled, stepping back and out of Tahlkora's way.
"I've kinda got the same problem he does," Tahlkora smiled sheepishly, "My father sent someone to track me down, and I'm to meet him outside the city tomorrow morning. I've written up a letter and everything so hopefully it'll be quick. But if you could hold onto a ship, I still really wanna come with you."
"I'll see about that," Rakiv responded, rising from her seat and stretching, "Try to make it quick though I guess."
"Yes ma'am," Tahlkora replied.
"I will," Kydar added.
"Great," she said, "Then I'll see you all tomorrow. Rest up troopers… tomorrow's gonna be a hell of a day."
Tahlkora nodded, giving a small bow as she exited the chamber. Rakiv flipped her hair back over her shoulder and sauntered across the room, adjusting her brown shorts as she pulled open the larder. She glanced back across the room and arched a brow curiously as she found Kydar had yet to leave her chambers.
"Is there something else?" she asked, pushing up on her tiptoes and reaching for a bread loaf on the top shelf.
Kydar did not respond, simply watching her as she strained for the loaf that sat just out of reach. She cursed her own shortness and made a jump for it, missing it by a hair's breadth. A moment later Kydar was behind her, easily lifting the loaf from the shelf and handing it to her. The ranger turned around and looked up, only to find herself staring into the critical gaze of his bright hazel eyes. Gods damn those eyes; she thought as she snatched the loaf from him and glared up at him with as much intimidation as she could manage.
"I said is that all, Scribe Raelesin?" she demanded irritably.
Slowly Kydar shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Still he did not move, nor did his stare waver until the ranger pushed a hand against his chest to remove him from her path.
"Then I'm going to bed," she said as she pushed past him, "I suggest you do the same."
"I will," he chuckled, "Sorry about that though… just trying to decide if I should keep following you or not."
The ranger paused at the door to her bedchamber, one hand on the door post. Something within her boiled… something that wasn't quite anger, but served to irritate her nonetheless. She turned her head, violet eyes glaring at him as he gave a small shrug and a light chuckle.
"You shouldn't," she finally said.
"And yet I will," he smiled as he headed for the door, "I'll see you tomorrow Raki."
"Good night, Scribe Raelesin," she snorted with finality.
Her dismissal was met with a deep laugh, a sound that rang through her chambers even after he closed the door. Rakiv gave a huff of annoyance as she stormed into the darkness of her room. Gods that man was annoying! Good in a pinch, but annoying nonetheless. What made him think he could read her so easily?
The woman angrily flung her tank top across the room, flipping out her drying hair as she headed for the bed. Well after tomorrow it wouldn't matter, she decided as she kicked off her shorts. Tomorrow was the day they ended this madness, and she would see to it that there would be as little collateral as possible. A Khel Varr had begun this, and a Khel Varr would end it. She only hoped that she and Kormir would have the strength to do what was necessary. As she slipped between the cool sheets she took a moment to relish the feeling of the soft fabrics against her bare skin. The wild was an unkind place, and such comforts were rarely afforded. Rolling onto her side the ranger sighed and closed her eyes, doing all she could to prepare herself for the path ahead.
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The next morning was a grey one, with cloud cover moving in over the island. No doubt some doing of Kinya Kela, Rakiv thought, but so long as the Djinn kept to her word the ranger wouldn't be overly worried. She finished the laces of her usual rough hide pants before opening the chest that Kormir had sent up to her room by courier. She picked up the first object, a sort of half shirt that sleeved her right arm while leaving her left arm and mid-drift bare. The second item was a standard issue Sunspear ranger breastplate, colored a deep gold and molded to her size. At the bottom of the chest lay a brand new quiver, bristling with a full cache of crimson fletched arrows. The final gift was a strange package of bound leather, which once untied proved to be a set of hard leather armor crafted specially for her crocodile.
Rakiv laughed and shook her head. Kormir knew her well. Outfitting herself in her new gear, the ranger paused to look at herself in the mirror. The new top looked good on her, and with one quiver at her hip and the other across her back she was more than prepared for war. Tightening her straps she pulled on her gloves and picked up her bow, slinging it across her back and calling out to Butter.
"C'mon boy," she said, picking up the leather helm, "Let's get you ready. We've got a big day today."
A half-hour later found the pair making their way towards the Consulate Docks. The port was busy, with soldiers moving crates of weapons and armor back and forth as the Sunspears loaded onto the vessels. Most of the divisions had already boarded, and Kormir stood upon a platform as she directed the workers who moved the supplies across the docks. Rakiv tromped down the stairs toward the small circle formed by Anorah, Alendra and Anicara who looked up and greeted their commander.
"This is it," Alendra breathed, obviously a little shaky and attempting to cover her nervousness with excitement, "This is the day! This is what it's all about."
"Yeah… this is it alright…" Anicara said glumly.
Anorah did not speak and looked to Rakiv questioningly. The ranger raised her eyebrows at the other woman, and then gave a small chuckle.
"Oh, no orders just yet," she responded to the Zaishen, "We still have to find out what Kormir's plan of attack is."
"We sail in there and we stop Varesh!" Alendra exclaimed, pumping her fist determinedly.
"It's nowhere near that easy…" Anicara grumbled.
"Nothing can stop us!" Alendra replied enthusiastically, "We're Sunspears!"
A brown gloved hand came to rest on the paragon's shoulder and Alendra looked up to Anorah. The Zaishen regarded the shorter woman for a moment before giving a small nod.
"It is alright," she spoke calmly, "To be afraid."
Alendra's brow furrowed indignantly and she opened her mouth to speak, but as she did her vocal chords failed her and all that came was an odd choke. The paragon immediately shut her mouth, and turned away as she tried to stop the tremors that ran through her arms. Rakiv frowned sympathetically and decided to change the subject.
"Well you all look great in your new armor," the ranger nodded to them.
The girls looked up and smiled, save for Anorah who only nodded in thanks. Alendra had donned full Sunspear rainment, her usual molded breastplate now augmented with a high neck guard and shoulder plates in the shapes of gilded wings. Her skirt was plated with gold and gilded spikes hung from its hem. Spiraling armguards wrapped up her forearms, also covered in Sunspear gold. Across her back she carried a standard issue Suntouched Spear in her javelin quiver, while a Goldleaf Defender sat mounted on her left arm.
Anicara, as always, wore Sunspear elementalist robes, but had chosen to augment them for the battle. Across her chest she wore a gilded breastplate, not at all unlike Rakiv's own. A short, gilded tasset hung from her hips and a pair of plated boots bore the insignias of the Sunspear wings. Beneath the Glacial Eye focus that floated before her forehead she wore a small golden circlet that held her dark brown bangs out of her eyes.
Anorah now also sported new clothing, having removed her Zaishen acolyte robes in favor of more Elonian ones. A Sunspear long skirt clothed her lower half, with three large metal sundisks hanging from her leather tasset. On top she had chosen an Istani corset, which admittedly left her middrift bare but granted her a greater range of motion. The dervish had wrapped an Istani hood about her neck, with long guard plates protecting her shoulders. For once the acolyte had left her hood down, leaving her long brown locks to hang down her back. The woman gripped her long Elegant scythe firmly and reached back to draw her hood over her head.
"Officers to me!" Kormir's voice called over the crowd, "Form up!"
"That's our cue," Rakiv nodded, gesturing for the girls to follow her, "C'mon."
Kormir stepped off her platform and strode to a table where Dunkoro stood shifting troop figurines across a large map of the Gandara Fortress. Beside him, General Yurukaro of the Zaishen Order stood watching his placements, making no suggestions as she nodded in silent observation.
"You comin' with us Karo?" Rakiv asked as she approached the table.
"I am afraid not sister," Yurukaro responded with a shake of her head, "The Great Temple requires my attention, and my duty to my god calls to me. I will, however, be sending as many of my troops with you as I can spare, and my acolytes remain under your command. If there is evil to be vanquished, the Zaishen shall see it slain."
"Well, it's good to know some of your guys will be watching our backs," Rakiv chuckled lightly.
"As our energetic sister always says," Yurukaro smiled, giving a sidelong glance to Kormir, "You never fight alone."
As they spoke the commanders of the Sunspear army formed up as Kormir had ordered. The officers gathered around the table included Koss, Nerashi, Rojis, Lonai, several Sunspear division captains and Rakiv's own command. After taking a moment to examine the faces of her soldiers, Kormir placed her hands on the table and leaned forward to address her officers.
"I will not lie to you," she said, "We are charging into the demon's mouth, and this will not be an easy landing. It's been asked why we don't attempt this assault from the land, make landfall north of the fortress and march overland to Gandara. The reason is that Gandara was originally built as a temple of peace, and its highest walls face the land, while its port side is open to the sea. Most of Varesh' bombard placements face the east. Only a handful can be placed on the docks, where they will be capable of hitting our ships as we make our approach. It will be rough going, since we must force this landing, but it's the only chance we have of taking this fort."
The Spearmarshal stepped back, opening the floor to Dunkoro, who smacked his pointer against the map and began to explain his plan.
"Alright, we're going in hard and fast. Varesh can place a maximum of six bombards on the docks, which is where most of the heavy fire will be coming from," Dunkoro began, "Knowing General Bayel's strategies, he will wait until we are well within range before opening fire, but at a distance the bombards are highly inaccurate and we should be able to evade them and get our ships to the docks. The Istani sailors taking us in will be in charge of the evasive maneuvers, your job is to sit tight and keep your heads down until we hit the docks."
There were nods all around. Rakiv leaned in closer, studying the map with a critical eye. Though Gandara had once been a temple, it had been constructed by the Dervishes who saw it as their home, their place of peace and their mighty fortress. Though its sea side had been left open to offer an unimpeded view of the ocean horizon, it remained a very easily defended position and one that would not yield easily to invaders.
"We're splitting into three divisions," Dunkoro continued, smacking the map again, "Koss and I will lead the Third Division to the southern most dock and make for the wall. Our goal is to take out the wall mounted bombards and clear out as many defenders as we can so we can land more ships. Nerashi, you and your command are leading Second Division, and will be landing at the central dock. We believe that this is where Varesh will station her dock-mounted bombards to give them maximum range to hit our ships. Your job is to hit this placement, take out the bombard crews and hold this position."
"What are we holding for?" Nerashi asked.
"For First Division," Dunkoro explained, smacking the map yet again with his pointer, "This detachment is the smallest, but will be led by Kormir herself. First Division's job is to escort Ranger Maelstrom's unit to the wall and then press south to meet up with Second Division. These two contingents will then push south to meet with Koss' Third Division. We will then hold for reinforcements before making our final assault on the heart of the fortress."
"I'm a little fuzzy here," Rakiv raised a hand and pointed at the northern dock, "Why are we being escorted to the wall?"
"Well, here's where it gets tricky," Dunkoro sighed and drew his pointer along the eastern wall of the fortress, "Varesh has a number of bombard emplacements on this wall, out of range to hit our ships at sea. But they can hit us inside the fortress. Once we make landfall, Bayel will turn these on us to thin our ranks as quickly as possible."
"That's insane…" Anicara balked in horror.
"General Bayel is a ruthless man," Dunkoro nodded, "The docks can be repaired and they are far enough away from the main fortress that the damage done will be minimal. But if he turns those bombards on us, our forces will be devastated."
"So I'm going to take out every bombard along that wall?" Rakiv tilted her head, "I don't know if I can work that fast."
"No, I didn't expect you to," Dunkoro shook his head, "The bombards are long range artillery, and therefore require spotters to call out the firing positions. The spotters will be the field marshals, who will not only be relaying orders to the troops but also calling the shots for the bombards. Ranger Maelstrom's job is to infiltrate the fortress, find these field marshals and eliminate them. We believe Bayel will employ no more than three, as he will want as many men on the field as he can get. Find them, kill them and the bombards will be blind."
"Can do," Rakiv answered with a nod.
"Now," Kormir spoke up, taking over again, "Varesh will be employing Guild Emblems to facilitate communication between her troops, be aware of this because if we can capture any of these we'll be able to listen in on their troop movements. However, we will also be doing the same as she is."
The Spearmarshal lifted a large crate and placed it on the table. Removing the top she revealed it to be filled with white capes, each emblazoned with a golden sun insignia and fastened by a metal sun disk emblem.
"Every officer is to wear one," Kormir instructed, "And make your reports to me as soon as you accomplish each objective," the Spearmarshal paused and lowered her voice somewhat, "We are walking into uncharted territory my friends. No one has ever tried to take the Gandara Fortress by sea, for fear of the Istani navy that protected it. Every attempt to conquer it overland has failed. The Warmarshal is cunning and her generals are ruthless. Do not be deceived, we face a most terrible foe, an enemy I never wished to face. But each of you must remember what we are fighting for… what we are fighting to prevent. We cannot… nay, we will not fail."
The assembled officers thumped their fists against their chests in salute. Kormir watched them carefully, studying the resolve with which they committed themselves to the task at hand. Finally she gave a slow nod and returned their salute.
"Then go," she said, "Prepare your men and sharpen your spears. Today we end this evil, once and for all."
"Arra!" the group shouted, and the meeting was adjourned as the commanders made for their respective ships.
"Ranger Maelstrom," General Yurukaro spoke up, as the last of the commanders departed, "If I may be so bold… where is the rest of your command?"
Rakiv was silent, standing still for several seconds before she turned to face the general. Yurukaro stared her intently, apparently in tune to something that Rakiv was not. But Karo had always been that way, playing the oldest sibling to their unlikely sisterhood. Kormir turned to look at Rakiv and blinked in surprise as well.
"Yes, where are Tahlkora and Scribe Raelesin?" she asked curiously.
Rakiv held Yurukaro's gaze wordlessly, the two women eyeing each other with permeating scrutiny. Finally Rakiv gave a shrug and a feigned a small sigh.
"They aren't coming," she said flatly, "Tahlkora said her father sent someone to bring her home to Vabbi before the war gets worse. As for Scribe Raelesin… he's returned to the Academy to publish his work on our efforts."
"I see…" Kormir nodded slowly, "Pity, he was a very useful man. But I hope that his writings will bring support to our cause. May Dwanya speed his way and Lyssa bless his work."
Rakiv ground her teeth, the locked gaze between herself and the Zaishen general remaining unbroken. She arched an eyebrow quizzically at Yurukaro, who finally gave a small smile and shook her head.
"Is that all?" Rakiv asked both women.
"Yes, yes of course," Kormir nodded, "Your ship is waiting, we'll set sail within the hour."
Rakiv nodded curtly and turned to stride away. She made it three steps before Yurukaro's voice called out to her.
"Sister Maelstrom, my apologies," the general called, "But I would like to have a word with my acolytes. Please tell Jin and Sousuke if you happen to see them."
Anorah turned to Rakiv, gave a short bow and left the party to stride to her general's side. Rakiv gave a sigh and rolled her eyes.
"Of course sister," the ranger responded somewhat irritably, "If I see them, I'll tell them."
As the ranger walked away Alendra and Anicara trotted after her. The girls waited just until they passed out of earshot before the questions began to fly.
"Kydar left?" Anicara exclaimed
"Why didn't either of them say anything?" Alendra demanded indignantly.
"Wait, was that why they went to see you last night?" Anicara asked.
"They went to see her last night?" Alendra blinked, turning to the hydromancer.
"You were at the rally," Anicara waved a hand at her dismissively, "Did they even say good-bye?" she asked Rakiv.
The ranger stopped and held up both hands for silence, glancing to either side at the officers accompanying her.
"Kydar and Tahlkora did come to my chamber last night," Rakiv said, "And they will not be coming with us. That's all there is to it. We need to focus now, because we have a very important mission ahead of us."
Both girls frowned, far from pleased with this answer but said nothing more on the subject. They did need to focus, and be ready for what was to come. Rakiv strode down the wooden pier, the beams thumping beneath her steps as Butter waddled alongside her. Some part of her conscience remained alert enough to nag at her over what she had just done, but the little inner voice was quickly silenced. She had done what she had to do, Kydar and Tahlkora were just civilians, caught up in a needless war. Followers were a distraction, a responsibility that not only slowed her down, but put them in harms way. She was dangerous, she knew that now… not just to her enemies but to anyone near her. If the beast within her was to be released, it would be upon those who had spilled the blood of innocents and not upon her own friends and allies. She didn't need a lot of hangers-on following her around, tagging along and thinking she was some kind of leader or hero. A hunter and a killer she was, a savior she was not.
A horn blast broke her thoughts as she looked up, finding herself seated on one of the carrier vessels as they set out to sea. Beside her Alendra held Anicara's hand comfortingly as the young elementalist did her best to focus and concentrate. Rakiv leaned against the wood railing to her left, her fingers slowly curling into a fist. She would not let any of them follow her, she decided, not if she could help it. She would carve a path through that fortress, and would give neither mercy nor pity to the fools who stood in her way. The ranger gave a short and resolute nod to herself as she steeled her focus on her prey. Varesh had begun this, but Rakiv would finish it.