Ch. 12
Seeking Sanctuary
All through the night the defeated Sunspears ran, the storm only intensifying as it moved inland over Kourna. It was only the cover of darkness and the pouring rain that spared them from the spotters' eyes, thus causing the bombards of Gandara to lay silent. The Sunspears ran doggedly, forced to keep the pace set for them by their ranger commander. Rakiv moved tirelessly through the darkness, her crocodile leading the way westward and away from the Moon Fortress. The ranger ran almost unaware of her followers, her mind cold and her heart numb with the horrors of the day. The Sunspears were defeated, Varesh had begun Nightfall… and Kormir was dead. It was this final pain that stung her most deeply. Kormir had been a friend to her all her life, a sister to her despite all her differences. In a world that had all but destroyed her, Kormir was one of the few people Rakiv had ever considered family. And now… she was gone.
A heavy splash behind her drew the woman back to reality with a snap. Rakiv sloshed to a stop and turned around, squinting at her troops in the darkness. It was almost pitch black, the only illumination provided by the random flashes of electricity through the clouds. Reaching out blindly Rakiv caught on to something, something that returned her grasp with a firm and steady grip. Anorah pulled the ranger closer as the party felt for each other in the darkness and huddled together.
"Kydar, light!" Rakiv shouted, the downpour even more deafening now than it had been during the day.
A ball of flame flickered to life in their little circle, sputtering for a few moments before the pounding rain extinguished it. The scribe tried a second time, producing a much larger burst of fire that he managed to maintain with a steady flow of energy. Looking around Rakiv took stock of the faces of her party, each haggard, worn and weary. These warriors were not so used to the cruelty of the elements as Rakiv was, though the ranger admitted that even she would have sought shelter on a night such as this. It was only the very real fear of what lay behind them that had driven these poor souls onward, and it seemed they could run no more.
"What happened?" Rakiv asked.
"Tahlkora collapsed!" Alendra shouted back.
"We all will if we don't reach the Haven soon!" Melonni cried out.
"We've been going for hours…" Anicara called wearily, "Shouldn't… shouldn't we be there by now?"
"We're almost to the Marga Coast, if I remember right…" Rakiv shouted in return, "Yohlon Haven should be just to the north of us!"
"Well we can't stop here!" Kydar broke in, "And we can't risk this light much longer or they'll spot us!"
"We can't even see where we're going!" Alendra exclaimed.
"Then there's nothing for it," Rakiv decided, "Kydar! Send up a flare! We need to see this landscape. Where's Tahlkora?"
"H-Here…" the girl responded shakily.
Rakiv tromped to the young healer, wrapping an arm around her waist and hefting the girl over her shoulder. She threw her other arm over the girl's back to hold her tight as she turned to the group.
"As soon as that flare bursts, we make a dash north!" Rakiv shouted over the din of the storm, "There should be a passage that'll take us to the Coast and out of range of the bombards. Unless I miss my guess, that's where Yohlon is too!"
"Alright… on your mark," Kydar called, pressing more heat and energy into his fireball.
"Fire!" Rakiv ordered.
The elementalist concentrated his orb one last time before throwing it high, sending a streak of flame up into the night sky. With dazzling brilliance it burst high over their heads, showering the landscape with bright red light. Just as the ranger had guessed they stood facing a wall of rock, the old seawall that had protected the northern farmlands from flooding when storms rolled in. An old pass had been hewn into the rock long ago, and now it was a narrow corridor that led them north and out of the region.
"Let's go!" Rakiv screamed at the top of her lungs.
The party broke into a run, heavy panting all around as they dashed across the soggy sand. The storm howled at them, the rain roaring as it lashed at them with merciless fury. A high pitch whistle carried to them on the wind, a sound that was not from the storm.
"Bombardment!" Kydar shouted, just as the first shell hit.
An eruption of sand and water threw a sonic blast over them, as the shell landed off to their left. A second shell landed behind them, tossing up a column of mud into the rain. The bombardment came down heavily on them, much heavier than when they had forced their landing at the docks. Varesh meant business this time. Around them explosions detonated, as the shells blew apart on impact and the party ran onward. As Kydar's flare slowly flickered away they were once again plunged back into darkness. A moment later the bombardment lifted, just as the party made it into the seawall pass. Though the others straggled, barely left with the strength to stand, Rakiv pressed doggedly onward. Her perseverance was rewarded as she emerged on the other side of the pass to see lights hanging on the thatch walls of the outpost they sought.
"We're here!" she called back to her group, "We made it!"
Clamoring up the rocky slope the red haired woman reached the outpost gatehouse, pounding on the door and screaming for all she was worth. A hatch in the door opened up and a gate guard peered out. At the sight of the petite woman carrying a young girl over her shoulder he immediately unlatched the door and flung it wide.
"I've five more with me," Rakiv announced.
"Balthazar's flame…" the man swore, "What happened here?"
"Uh…" Rakiv paused, telling him they were Sunspears from the failed invasion of Kourna might not help them here, "Our ship ran aground in the storm. Most of our crew was washed away… or got the worst of the rocks. We're all that's left… wouldn't be surprised if the ship's gone too."
"Aye, the sea's be harsh in this weather," the warrior nodded understandingly, "Well get inside then, no sense standin' out in the rain."
"Thank you sir," she bowed slightly as she tromped in over the threshold.
The rest were not far behind. Kydar arrived with Anicara clinging to his back, the girl's legs having failed her and the older elementalist piggy-backing her the rest of the way. Alendra and Anorah stumbled in after them, the dervish supporting the sagging paragon with an arm around the shorter woman's waist. Melonni brought up the rear, shaking water from her braids as she tromped into the gatehouse and the guard closed the door behind her.
"Dwanya have mercy…" the warrior blinked, "You lot are awful well armed fer sailors…"
"We're with the Bay Watch," Melonni lied, "From Nundu."
"Yes!" Rakiv interrupted, to prevent the dervish from spoiling her story, "We heard there was some kind of invasion going on, and wanted to keep watch along the coast. The army doesn't come out this way much…" she sighed.
"Hmph, don't I know it," the warrior nodded, "Well at least you survived. Best get to the inn. Most of 'em are filled, what with traders n' such passin' through, but the Dejar Inn is usually pretty vacant."
"Thank you," Rakiv sighed and nodded, "Thank you so much."
"Hmph, don't mention it," the warrior nodded, "And welcome to Yohlon Haven."
The Haven wasn't much to look at. Originally little more than a trading post for the farmers and merchants of the nearby regions, it had been commandeered and built up by the Sunspears during the years that they aided Kourna in fending off constant corsair raids. When Sunspear forces withdrew, Yohlon had continued to do business. Their activity was not as abundant as the markets at the Gandara port, but it was enough to keep them going strong. The Sunspear party made their way across the outpost, ducking from cover to cover to avoid the rain. Most of the structures in the Haven had been built into the very rock wall that protected them from the sea, with access ways provided by stairs and balconies hewn from the living rock. Locating the Dejar Inn was not a difficult task, as it was the last building to be found at the northern end of the outpost. As the wind and rain howled at them, the party of seven stumbled inside, Anorah striding in last and firmly shutting the door behind them.
The party stood in the entry way to a very wide room, set with tables whose chairs had been stacked on top of them. It looked to be some kind of tavern, with a very large fireplace at one end, and a well stocked bar standing at the other. A large lantern hung over the bar, swinging lightly back and forth but aside from this light source and the fireplace… the tavern was mostly dark.
"Bless Melandru!" a hoot came from behind the bar, "You lot look soaked to the bone."
Rakiv pulled back messy bangs and squinted through the gloom. A young woman wearing a brown smock and a grey bandana over her head stood wiping out glass mugs, watching the party from the serving area. The ranger stumbled to the bar, thumping her arms down against it as she panted lightly for breath.
"You the owner 'round here?" Rakiv asked breathlessly.
"Nope, he is," the young lady nodded across the room.
Rakiv turned her head towards the fireplace, making out the outline of a large chair seated near the hearth. The shadowy profile of a man sat in the chair, completely motionless as he stared into the flickering flames.
"But I work here," the woman said with a nod, "What can I do for you travelers?"
"We need a couple rooms," Rakiv said , "Whatever you've got."
"Ooo… don't know if I can give you two…" the woman responded slowly, ducking beneath the counter to retrieve a rather thick ledger, "We're actually pretty full up."
"The guard said you guys always had room…" Anicara spoke up, despair setting in as she leaned against Kydar for balance.
"Well if there's anybody in Yohlon that does have room, it'll be us," the bar-tender laughed lightly, "We tend to get the shadier folks around here, most 'respectable' people steer clear. We do have the best ale for miles though, I'll tell ya that."
"What's caused the business boom then?" Kydar asked curiously.
"The Warmarshal's nonsense is what," the woman snorted in return as she leafed through the ledger, "Ever since she closed the Gandara fortress last week, everyone's had to come here to do their trade. It's good for business, but most of us innkeepers sure weren't prepared for the sudden inflow."
Rakiv shot a glare back at Kydar for starting up a conversation. The elementalist blinked at her cluelessly, mouthing a word of inquiry as to what he had done wrong. The ranger shook her head and sighed, turning back to the bar-tender who continued to turn through the pages of the tome.
"Not that that's the first blow she's struck at our economy mind you," the young lady continued, "Oh no. She's been appropriating farm-land, driving people out of their homes, pressing young men into service in her army, driving up taxes higher and higher… And to think she's the last of the Ossa line. A shame really."
"Do you have anything or not?" Rakiv finally asked exasperatedly.
"Ah, yes I do," she smiled triumphantly, "We have one room left open. One of our largest actually. 'Fraid it's gonna cost though."
"How much?" Rakiv sighed, digging into her purse.
"Five thousand silvers," the young lady responded without so much as blinking.
"Five thous…!" Rakiv sputtered, "That's two platinums! You want two platinums for one room!"
"Per night," the bar-tender added brightly, "Ya won't find much else near-by, unless you fancy tents in this weather."
"Why you price-gouging little…" the ranger started.
"Five thousand," Melonni spoke up, stepping forward and tossing her purse onto the bar.
"Oh! Melonni!" the woman looked up, and blushed rather brightly, "I didn't recognize you… with all the mud and everything."
"Good to see you too Ailonseh," Melonni replied rather flatly.
"You know each other?" Kydar asked, stepping closer to the bar.
"We're old friends," Melonni nodded with a shrug, "Used to work together too. But it looks like she really needs the money," she turned her gaze back to the young woman and raised a critical eyebrow.
"Sorry about this Mel," the bar-tender chuckled sheepishly, "But times are hard you know, and business is business so…"
"Give it to them," a deep voice rumbled across the tavern, "No charge."
All attention turned to the back of the room, to the chair that sat in front of the fireplace. The man sitting there had not moved, but as there was no one else present it could only have been he who had spoken.
"But…" Ailonseh began to object.
"No. Charge," the owner commanded, his voice barring all question or debate.
"Oookay…" Ailonseh sighed, and pushed the money sack back to Melonni, "You can take that back… and uhm, if you'll follow me I'll show you to your room."
The party fell in behind the young lady, who led them up the stairs and out of the tavern. Kydar could not help casting one last curious glance at the man in front of the fire. If he'd learned anything in his travels, it was that nothing came free. He only feared what the man would want in return for their stay. The inn went up four levels, with the most spacious suites at the very top.
"So, Ailonseh…" Melonni struck up a conversation as they walked, "This is where you're working now?"
"Mhm," Ailonseh nodded in response, "Things uh… haven't gone so well recently."
"What happened to all your charities and such?" Melonni asked, and then chuckled, "Don't tell me they fell apart without me."
"No, no… they fell apart without money," Ailonseh sighed slowly, "Daddy lost the ranch."
"What?" Melonni blinked, "How?"
"Warmarshal Varesh," Ailonseh snorted bitterly, "She claimed that she required the lands as a matter of Provincial Security and her soldiers just seized it and everything on it."
"Did your father take the matter to the Tribunal?" Melonni asked in shock.
"Yes," Ailonseh sighed, "But apparently its somehow helping to deal with the recent centaur 'insurgency', and the Tribunal supported the Warmarshal's decision. Everything daddy had, all the goods, livestock, crops… all gone."
"Gods…" Melonni whispered.
"So I've been working to try and help make ends meet," Ailonseh sighed, "The Warmarshal offered to let us buy back the ranch, but her price is monstrous. Still… we can try."
The rest of the way was walked in silence, the Sunspear party unsure of what to say and Melonni seeing little point to further inquiry. Ailonseh led them to the very end of the hall, where she plucked a key from the ring at her belt and fit it into the door. The portal opened into a very wide room that boasted a large window at the far end. Several beds lined either wall, their feet facing inward and creating an aisle up the center of the suite. To their right a closet hung open, with a number of racks for hanging clothes on. To their left was a wash room, with some rather curious accommodations.
"This room comes with its own private wash," Ailonseh indicated the room on her left, "Don't worry about drawing water for anything, we direct water from the local viaduct through here so all the water you need is pumped in and drained."
"Indoor plumbing?" Kydar blinked curiously, "I thought they only had this in Cantha."
"We like to think we're cutting edge," Ailonseh responded with a smile, "Anyway, what you see is what you get. So uhm… enjoy! Call down if you need anything."
"Thanks," Rakiv nodded, "We'll do that."
"Alright!" the bar-tender bowed to them, "Enjoy your stay!"
The young lady beat a hasty retreat, closing the door behind them and leaving them in the room. The party filed inside, exploring a bit as the women stepped up to the beds. There were eight beds total, all dressed with clean sheets and sporting mattresses of soft goose down. Melonni pulled aside the drapes over the window, only to be greeted by a blinding flash of lightning. The dervish quickly closed them again, turning away and blinking in an attempt to restore her sight.
"Well you ladies sleep tight," Kydar spoke from the entry way, turning to the door.
"Where are you going?" Alendra tilted her head curiously.
"Figured I'd grab a chair downstairs," the elementalist said, opening the door, "Fire place looked nice and warm."
"What?" Anicara blinked, standing next to her bed, "Why?"
"If you hadn't noticed," Kydar chuckled, "I'm the odd man out… literally. So uh, I'll leave you girls in peace."
"Psht," Rakiv snorted in return, "Nonsense. You're staying here."
"But…" Kydar began.
Whatever else he might have said was drowned out by the high-pitched whine of wood sliding against wood. Rakiv grunted as she pushed one bed all the way to the far corner of the room. It wasn't a great distance, putting it only five feet further from the rest of the beds, but she stood and dusted her hands with satisfaction nonetheless.
"There," she said, as though having made a great accomplishment, "You'll sleep here."
"It's still the same room!" Kydar exclaimed, pointing at the bed, "You only moved it a few feet away!"
"You're sleeping, here," Rakiv commanded.
The elementalist gave a whine of protest, but the decision was immediately made for him. Anorah stepped past the taller man and shut the door, staring at him and nodding towards the other side of the room. With a defeated sigh Kydar slunk across the room and sat down on the bed as ordered. With a satisfied nod Rakiv turned to her own bed, kicking off her boots and flopping down. Butter gave a tired snort as he shuffled under her bed, thumping down heavily and instantly began to snore.
"I'm gross, muddy, and bloody and I don't care," the ranger sighed, "Good night girls."
There were murmurs of agreement all around as the party retired, Alendra blowing out the lamp and plunging the room into darkness. Beaten, battered, and thoroughly exhausted, the Sunspears fell immediately to sleep, a slumber from which not even the howl of the wind or the crack of thunder could wake them.
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Kydar awoke to a great deal of hustle and bustle, blinking blearily as he opened his eyes. He found himself facing the wall against which his bed had been pushed, and frowned as he sat up to rub the sleep from his eyes. Turning around the elementalist took stock of the room, and his eyes immediately widened. The young scribe sat in a room full of recently showered young women who were still in the midst of dressing themselves.
"You know, for the elite warriors that the Sunspear's are supposed to be," Alendra grunted, tugging her panties up over her hips, "I always thought our underwear was awful… shiny."
"You think you're shiny?" Anicara giggled, turning to face the paragon with her hands on her hips, "The ones they issued me are practically made of pixie-dust. I mean honestly, they're mostly see-through!"
"It's not like your uniform covers much more," Rakiv snickered in return.
"You… you hush!" Anicara blushed fiercely, "It's what we're supposed to wear!"
"They really call that stuff armor?" Tahlkora queried from her bed, as she clipped together the cloth wraps across her chest, "How much protection does it actually provide?"
"We use runes!" Anicara flailed, as she spun to face the monk, "It helps protect us and… oops! Kydar's up!"
The male elementalist immediately spun on his mattress, whipping the blanket over his head and smacking his face down into the pillow. A chorus of chiming laughter filled the room at the scribe's embarrassment.
"Morning sleepy-head!" Alendra called.
"I'm not up!" Kydar shouted from beneath the blanket, "I'm sleeping! I didn't see anything!"
"Well you'd better get up if you wanna grab a shower before we leave," Rakiv chuckled to him.
With a grumble the elementalist kicked off his blanket, rising from the bed and striding across the room. He mumbled darkly, his conversation centering around certain party members and a general lack of shame. Upon reaching the door he turned back, grumbling something unintelligible at the group before stepping into the bathroom and slamming the door.
"Hey Raki, I think he likes it," Alendra giggled.
"Did he tell you to call me Raki?" the ranger exclaimed, "Why is everyone calling me that now?"
"I guess it's kind of a thing now," Melonni shrugged indifferently, "People call me Mel sometimes."
"I've had my name shortened to Tahlk," the young healer spoke up, wrinkling her nose, "I don't really like it, but once a nick-name starts there's just no stopping it."
"What about Kora?" Alendra asked, pulling on her breast plate, "That's prettier. Oh dang it… Anorah could you help me with these clamps?"
The dervish obliged the paragon's request, snapping closed the back of Alendra's armor. Anicara lifted her own robes and gave a sigh of dismay. Torn and stained with mud and blood, they were effectively ruined but unfortunately were all she had.
"I'm gonna need some new robes…" she sighed as she pulled on the remains of her clothing.
"You'll have to make do for now," Rakiv said, clipping on her breast plate over her shirt, "But I think the most important thing is to figure out our next move."
The room was silent for a moment as everyone was reminded of their unfortunate position. Rakiv bent down and began lacing Butter's armor as the crocodile cleaned his claws on a bed sheet. Minutes passed and still no one spoke, as there seemed to be no solution to their predicament. Kydar finally stepped out of the shower room, his pants belted around his hips as he rubbed a towel over his shoulders.
"We need a plan ladies," he said, hanging his washed tunic and jacket over the end of his bed to dry, "I think we should take stock of our situation."
"What do you mean?" Melonni asked curiously.
"Well the facts are these," he responded, sitting on the edge of his bed and running the towel through his braids, "We're wanted men and women in enemy territory. Our forces are scattered, and finding them again is unlikely at this point. My guess is Varesh will be watching the shores, since it makes sense that we'd be trying to get back to Istan. So we have no boats, and we can't get out of Kourna."
"So we're trapped and alone," Alendra sighed, sitting down, "And as we speak, Varesh is still trying to destroy the world."
"Exactly," Kydar said, "But fortunately we only need two things to improve our standing."
"And those are?" Melonni queried.
"First, and foremost, we need a place to hide," Kydar nodded, holding up a finger to illustrate his point, "And I don't mean a room at an inn. Kournan troops are going to be everywhere, searching every town, outpost and village. We need to disappear, need to find some place that is so remote or well hidden that there's no way she can find us."
"Oh well that's easy enough," Rakiv snorted sarcastically.
"Second, we need information," Kydar continued, ignoring the ranger, "From what the inn-keeper girl said, people in Kourna aren't too happy with Varesh… which could work to our advantage. I'm betting that there are at least a few people in the province who are desperate enough to deal with Sunspears. And the more people we deal with, the more likely we can pick up information about Varesh's activity."
"So… a place to hide and a source of info…" Anicara muttered, "And no way to get either."
"Ehn, that's just my idea," Kydar shrugged in response, "If anyone's got anything better…"
"How about something a little simpler," Rakiv suggested, "Like getting something to eat?"
There was a round of agreement and the party gathered themselves to head out the door. The tavern downstairs was a much livelier place than it had been the previous night. Many men and women sat at the tables, drinking and munching away while carrying on various bits of conversation. There was no denying, however, that the Dejar Inn's clientele was lower scale than the other nearby hotels. Indeed many of the persons around the tables appeared to be only a step away from corsair, and there were several that looked like outright brigands. The band of soldiers took their seat at a large round table near the back of the room, out of the way of the other customers.
"Hello dere!" a man in a tall red hat addressed them as he approached the table, "My name is Kahan, and I will be servin' choo today. Order whatevah choo wanna, eet's on dee 'ouse!"
"This owner's generosity is starting to bother me," Kydar muttered to Rakiv.
"Just uh… bring us some breakfast, eggs, fruits, rolls… the works," Rakiv shrugged in response to Kahan.
"A'right den," the Kahan nodded, "'Twill be comin' out in a moment. I'll bring ya a few tankards as well."
"Thanks," Rakiv nodded as the man walked away.
"Okay now this is just weird," Tahlkora spoke up, "I mean… why all the free service?"
"I agree," Melonni nodded slowly, "It's making me a little nervous."
"Then allow me to allay your fears," a deep voice addressed them.
The party looked up as a tall man in rather expensive looking clothing sat down at their table. He crossed one leg over the other and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. A broad, engraved circlet sat on his head and streaks of grey highlighted his top-knot.
"Or perhaps confirm them," he added.
"Trademarshal Dejarin?" Melonni blinked in surprise, "You own this place?"
"I am Trademarshal no longer. Varesh Ossa stripped me of my title as well. Though I thought you might have guessed who I was from the name of this Inn, Melonni," the man responded with an unimpressed snort, "Not to mention Ailonseh's presence."
"But she said you lost everything!" Melonni exclaimed.
"Exaggeration, by far," the Trademarshal chuckled with a wave of his hand, "I am not the pauper she makes me out to be, though perhaps I soon will be. But I can see that your Sunspear friends do not know me, and that we ought to be properly introduced."
Immediately everyone at the table tensed, Kydar's hand flying to the wand holster at his thigh. The exception was Rakiv, whose posture did not shift and she appeared relatively calm. The warning hiss from Butter under the table however proved that the crocodile would not remain so passive.
"Yes I know you are Sunspears," the former Trademarshal snorted, "Most around here may have forgotten your armor, but I know a Sunspear uniform when I see one, no matter how scraggly it is. And you can all put your weapons down, if I'd meant you harm you would have been greeted with Kournan soldiers this morning instead of breakfast."
As if on cue Kahan and a pair of servers appeared from the kitchen and began setting the table with all manner of bowls, cups and vessels containing food and drink. The Sunspears sat back, watching as the food rolled in and Alendra gave a little giggle of joy. Just as quickly as they had come the servers retreated, Kahan snapping at them to move faster as they made their way back to the kitchen.
"My name is Zudash Dejarin, one time Trademarshal of the Province of Kourna and former owner of the Dejarin Estate," he introduced himself, "Please, eat."
Alendra dug in immediately, while the rest of the party hesitantly selected the items for their meal. Rakiv reached forward, spearing a large slice of ham on her fork and tossed it under the table. Butter's jaws snapped loudly as he devoured the meat and opened his mouth for more.
"Okay, I have some questions," Rakiv spoke up, as she threw another meat slab to her companion, "First of all, how do you two know each other?" she asked, waving a hand back and forth between Melonni and Zudash.
"Oh," Melonni replied with a chuckle, "Mr. Dejarin is Koss' father. Koss grew up on the estate here in Kourna, and my village did a lot of business with the Estate. We grew up around here."
"Oh, you know Koss that well?" Tahlkora piped-up in surprise.
"Pretty much all our lives," Melonni chuckled, "Which is probably why I can't stand him half the time."
"No, my son is just incorrigible," Zudash put in with a grumble, "But Melonni speaks the truth. She has been a friend of the family for quite some time, and a rather well known political activist in these parts."
Melonni gave a shrug and a small chuckle as she lifted a pineapple slice and took a hefty bite. Rakiv reached forward, selecting an apple for herself, taking a bite and chewing thoroughly before swallowing to ask her next question.
"Alright so next thing I want to know is," the ranger began, "What do you want from us?"
"I'm a business man," Zudash replied with a shrug, "And I'm considering this… an investment."
"So… you don't want anything from us now, but you soon will," Kydar translated.
"Sharp boy," Zudash chuckled deeply, "But please do not be deceived. I've no love for your foolish Order. As far as I'm concerned you're nothing but glorified Pup Scouts with too much idealism for your own good."
"And I'm sure Koss' enlistment with the Order has nothing to do with it," Melonni smirked in reply.
Zudash shot the woman a withering glare, but Melonni was well used to such stares from men in positions of power. The dervish returned his gaze with one of calm confidence as she munched on a piece of flatbread.
"Ahh, so that's it," Rakiv noted with a small smirk, "Well now that our cards are on the table, am I to assume you're blackmailing us to keep us in your pocket. We deal or you squeal?"
"To put it colloquially, yes," Zudash snorted with irritation, "Despite your overreaching ambitions, you Sunspears are rather useful. And despite what your failure at Gandara might indicate, I've seen your forces in action and you are quite capable in battle. I'm sure I could use some muscle in the near future."
"Well, former Trademarshal," Kydar spoke up, leaning over the table, "All your generosity is well and good, but it won't mean squat if we end up swinging from Varesh's noose. Now you know you can't keep us here. Hell, you're risking charges of treason just by letting us stay the night aren't you?"
Zudash narrowed his eyes at the scribe. It seemed that the young man hadn't missed a beat, and knew both their positions to be quite precarious indeed. He did not interrupt however, as the scribe went on with a satisfied nod.
"So," Kydar continued, "We're going to need some things from you if we're going to be useful."
"And what might that be?" Zudash inquired.
"Well if you know any good places we could hold up, we can at least stay alive until you need us," Kydar shrugged, leaning back in his chair, "And as former Trademarshal, I'm sure you've got connections to some kind of information network, a grape vine of gossip at the very least. Send us whatever you can on Varesh's troop placements and we have a deal."
"A deal?" Zudash chuckled deeply, "My boy you've nothing to bargain with. How exactly are we making a deal?"
"Oh I've got something to bargain with alright," Kydar grinned in reply, "See we're giving you our services as fighters, in return for your silence. Problem is, our services come with an upkeep cost, we're no good to you dead. So if you want to maintain our contract, you're going to have to pay into your… what did you call us? Investment?"
Zudash Dejarin arched an eyebrow, this young man was shrewder than he'd expected. It made sense though, and if he wanted to make use of them he'd have to make them useful. With a nod the former Kournan Trademarshal agreed.
"Very well young man," Zudash said with a nod, "I'll see what I can find out. Contrary to Varesh's belief there are many in her ranks who are perfectly happy to divulge their secrets for a few extra silvers. But as for a place to hide I'm afraid I've no such resources. There are few places that Varesh will not find you in these lands. I would suggest you leave town immediately though. Head north to Ronjok," he paused and turned to Melonni, "I'm sure your hometown would be willing to accommodate you, at least for a little while."
"I had hoped not to involve them," Melonni sighed, "Varesh will surely seek vengeance on them if it is found that they helped us."
"You know as well as I do Melonni that the Warmarshal has made many enemies among her people," Zudash nodded sagely, "And there are many Kournans who would consider you their friends if you prove yourselves friendly. It is perhaps the Warmarshal's own failings as the leader of this province that will save you in the end. Varesh foolishly relies on the loyalty of her people, and does not realize that she herself has severely undermined that allegiance."
"So there's nothing for it," Rakiv shrugged, popping the last of a roll into her mouth, "We're going to Ronjok."
"That is where I will contact you with the information you require, and with summons when I have need of you," Zudash informed them, "It is best that neither I nor my men know where your hiding place will be."
"A pleasure doing business with you Mr. Dejarin," Kydar smiled, extending a hand to the older man.
"Hmph, you're a better businessman than I expected boy," Zudash responded, shaking Kydar's hand, "You deal like a merchant."
"It's in my blood," Kydar chuckled as he withdrew from the shake.
"We'd better get moving," Rakiv suggested, pushing back her chair and rising from the table, "The Haven's not far from Gandara. I wouldn't be surprised if we have soldiers coming through here soon."
"One… last thing," Zudash raised a hand as the party got to their feet, "I assume my son had a part in your little invasion, yes?"
"He did," Rakiv replied with a nod of confirmation.
"He is not with you though," Zudash noted, "Where is he?"
No one answered, all seven giving uncomfortable glances to one another. Rakiv gave a sigh, running a hand through her hair and finally gave a shrug.
"To be honest we don't know," Rakiv admitted, "We escaped with about half a division of men, and only a handful of our commanding officers. I ordered the groups to scatter but… Koss stayed behind to buy us time to escape with the injured."
"I see…" Zudash nodded, "I ask because I heard this morning that a group of Sunspears were captured in Camp Hojanu… but I wanted to know if Koss was even still alive."
"Knowing Koss, he still is," Melonni replied without hesitation, "It's just a matter of where he is now."
"You want him safe?" Rakiv asked.
"We may have our disagreements," Zudash huffed, "But a father I remain."
"Then send us anything you hear about Sunspear prisoners," Rakiv recommended, "The sooner we hear about them, the faster we can get to them. If Koss was captured, then we'll break him out of whatever dungeon they've got him in."
"Hmph," Zudash replied with a grumble, "As you wish. I will expect you to respond immediately to such news. Varesh will not wait long to execute prisoners of war."
"We will," Rakiv responded, and then turned to her crew, "Let's move. I want to put as much ground between us and that fortress as possible."
"Stay alive Sunspears," Zudash said as they strode past him, "You're no good to me dead."
"Good luck to you too Mr. Dejarin," Melonni chuckled, patting the man on the shoulder, "Tell Ailonseh I said good-bye."
The man gave only a grunt of agreement as the dervish followed the rest of the Sunspears out of the inn. The rain had finally let up, though grey clouds continued to obscure the sun from sight. Still, it was an improvement that the party greatly appreciated as they stepped out of the building.
"Ronjok… is north of here right?" Rakiv asked, half-turning to Melonni.
"Yes," the woman answered, "There is a road that leads there… but I think Varesh will have men looking for us."
"Best to avoid the road then," Rakiv agreed, "Don't worry though, I know a way across the coast."
The group made their way through the outpost, making for the north exit when Anicara suddenly gave a frightened squeak.
"Kournan soldiers, in the bazaar," she whispered.
Discreetly the party glanced back towards the marketplace. The bronze helms of Kournan guards shone dully in the grey light as they furiously questioned a bewildered produce vendor. Rakiv pushed her party forward through the gate.
"Move, move quick," she hissed as they escaped the village.
Fortunately Yohlon's rocky surroundings hid them from view, and it was only a short dash from the gate that put them out of sight.
"I know you're not all used to moving at my speed," Rakiv told them, "But we need to get out of here quickly. We can slow down once we reach the beaches, but for now try to keep up."
With that the ranger took off, and the others did their best to follow her pace. The Sunspear party set off at a run that took them away from the trading outpost and into the crimson hills of the Coast.
The Marga Coast was a land swathed in red sand, with vegetation relegated only to the hardiest plants and sturdiest trees. Unlike the tropical island of Istan, much of Kourna was a scrubby desert, populated mostly by monsters and plants that required little water. Storms that moved northward rarely got farther than Nundu Bay, drying out in the hot winds that rolled out of the harsh northern wastes. Across the coast red sand stretched for as far as the eye could see, the landscape peppered by ancient acacia trees that had withstood the tests of time. Rakiv led them at a steady clip northwest, rushing over the wide open plains towards the sound of the sea. As they approached the water the red sand turned white, and the steady crash of great ocean breakers could be heard as they pounded against the scarlet rocks. Rakiv slowed to a stop, allowing the party to take a moment to catch their collective breaths. The ranger panted only lightly, and Butter took the opportunity to enjoy the saltwater, waddling down to the seashore and splashing in.
"Alright," Rakiv announced, turning back to her crew, "We're headin' into the smugglers tunnels up ahead. Might be some opposition, might not be. The tunnels run west past the Marga Fortress, which is where we leave 'em and head north. Now we gotta keep our heads down there, cause the Fortress can spot us."
"How are we hiding from it?" Kydar asked, looking around, "This place is pretty flat."
"The dam," Melonni spoke up, "You mean to use the dam for cover?"
"What dam?" Alendra spoke up.
"A branch of the Elon used to run through Marga, all the way to the sea," Melonni explained, "The soldiers dammed the river near the fortress to provide water for the nearby herds. The branch has since run dry… but the dam is still there and if we stay in the shadow of the dam…"
"We can sneak right past the fortress," Rakiv nodded, "And last time I was out here, they don't keep watch on the eastern side, since all that's behind them is Ronjok."
"It sounds like a good plan to me," Anicara agreed, rising to her feet and gripping her staff determinedly, "I hope there is something in there though. I could use some ass to kick."
"Be vigilant," Anorah said, speaking for the first time in almost a day.
The group nodded in agreement and Rakiv gave a whistle to Butter, who crawled out of the surf to follow his human allies into the coastal caves. The route was actually a well worn path that ran beneath the rock outcropping of the seawall. It was protected by a jagged formation of stalagmites and heavy boulders that formed a low barrier to hold back the tides. The path was visible only from the sea, but the road sat at such a low elevation that the forest of stalagmites hid all activity from view. Much to Anicara's delight, the party happened upon a group of corsairs, who true to their nature attempted to rob the group of Sunspears. The party retaliated without mercy, tearing into the brigands with bow, scythe, spear, and wand. The last of the pirates attempted to escape, running for all he was worth for the cave exit.
"I got him," Alendra called, planting her spear tip first into the ground.
The paragon drew a slim javelin from her quiver, reared back, and put all her strength into the throw. The shaft sailed through the air, whistling as it flew and struck the man hard enough to knock him completely off his feet. With a satisfied nod the Castellan picked up her spear and leaned it over her shoulder as she turned towards the outlaws' camp.
"They have anything good?" she asked.
"Just a few stolen shipments, extra clothes…" Melonni muttered, rifling through the corsair's belongings with the butt of her scythe, "Nothing interesting really."
"There's a few coffers of gold over here," Kydar called, plucking the boxes from the tents, "Not much, but can always use the extra gold."
"You guys finished looting?" Rakiv asked, turning back to the party, "Let's get a move on."
The party regrouped and continued on their way, following the cavern path westward as it curved along the coast. The tunnel's mouth opened out onto the white beaches, with greener grazing lands rolling northwards to the feet of a high fortress. The fort had been built upon a large bluff, its elevation granting a commanding view of the sea and coast line. Rakiv poked her head out of the tunnel, sharp eyes surveying the wall top and then ducking back into cover.
"I count three look-outs," Rakiv reported, "But it looks like they're marching in rounds."
The ranger crouched down and the group gathered around her as she quickly drew a map in the sand.
"Alright, this is the fort see?" she explained, "Now see this rock outcropping here, on the other side of the beach? On my mark we make a run for it, then follow the rock face northward. From there we make a dash into the old river bed and up to the dam. From there stay close to the dam wall and we should be able to make it across the road and to the other side without being spotted."
"Once we're on the other side we can take the riverbed north," Melonni advised, drawing a line to illustrate, "It'll keep us out of sight of patrols and it runs right past Ronjok."
"Good," Rakiv nodded, "Everyone understand?"
There were various responses of confirmation and Rakiv rubbed out her map. The ranger gripped her bow tightly. She still didn't have any arrows, but somehow holding the weapon made her feel better. Peeking out of cover, the ranger watched the wall guard slowly march along his route, glancing this way and that as he walked his rounds. As she had hoped, there was a large gap in their routine, a break between the guards that left the fortress blind just long enough to make their move.
"Go!" she hissed, and broke into a dead sprint across the sand.
The Sunspear's followed, sand flying in their wake as they dashed through the open towards the rock wall for cover. Anicara hit the wall first, crouching down and waving to the others as they slid into the cover of the rock. Rakiv leaned around the wall, peering upwards just in time to see the next look-out begin his circuit across the wall. The ranger leaned back and breathed a sigh of relief.
"One more time," she whispered, "On my mark…"
All those behind her tensed, preparing to run at the ranger's command. Rakiv squinted, watching closely as the second guard made his round of the walls. The watcher's progress was painfully slow, the Kournans seeing no reason to rush through the task they doomed to repeat for the rest of the day. The third wall guard finally began his round, striding slowly across the wall. For no apparent reason he stopped, leaning against the battlements to stare idly out to sea. Rakiv ground her teeth, wishing she had even one arrow with which to shoot the infuriating man. After several minutes of day dreaming he was joined by the first and second soldiers, who appeared to scold him for his dawdling and shooed him on his way. All three departed, and just as they passed out of sight Rakiv waved her hand forward.
"Move!" she whispered as they broke from cover.
The party took off, pounding turf and sand in a mad dash for the dam. The sand soon turned to mud, which slowed their progress but still they ran. The Marga Dam towered before them, a large construct of wood and earth that had once held back the river. Now it remained as a silent monument to the amount of labor it had taken to halt the flow of the mighty Elon. With their backs to the dam, the Sunspears progressed as quietly as they could, the bulk of the edifice shielding them from view. The eastern side of the dam had been walled off with large boulders, to direct the river's flow when the floodgates were opened. With nimble grace Rakiv scaled the makeshift wall and landed in a crouch on the other side. Her party was not quite so agile as she, but soon enough the other six crouched behind her, though Anicara whined a bit as the long tresses of her robes was torn off by the jagged rocks. The elementalist girl blushed deeply and squirmed a little with embarrassment, as the remains of the bottom half of her robes now constituted little more than a loin cloth. It was a quick fix however, as Kydar lent her his leather vest which she belted around her waist with the bits of torn cloth that had once been a part of her 'armor'. With the situation under control, the Sunspears crept uphill and Rakiv peeked around the corner of the rock.
A road ran along the top of the dam, leading from the fort down into the eastern valley where it joined the main causeway into Arkjok Ward. Small patrols roamed up and down the road, on alert for the Sunspears that had infiltrated the countryside. Rakiv watched as one such patrol made its way across the dam and up towards the fort, marching to the pace set by their officer. As soon as they were out of earshot Rakiv motioned to her team and quickly scrambled across the road, skidding down the rocky slope on the other side and hopping down into the riverbed. Butter flopped down the embankment with an alarmed croak as he hit the ground hard, giving a snort if displeasure as he shook red sand from his scales. The others were not far behind and soon the party had regrouped in the river bed.
"Good," Rakiv whispered, "Now keep your heads below the top of the bank. Move quick and quiet."
As carefully as they could the Sunspears shuffled northwards, scuffling lightly through the rocky riverbed while doing their best to make no sounds. The going was slow, and every so often the sounds of a Kournan patrol drew too close for comfort, but soon Melonni stopped them and poked her head up over the top of the trench.
"We're here," she said, "There's a patrol in the distance… I don't know if they can see us."
"Wait for them to turn around," Rakiv advised.
Melonni nodded, watching the patrol group carefully as they meandered across the plain. Finally the soldiers turned their back to the trench and Melonni climbed up out of the riverbed.
"Let's go," she whispered, and made for the high wooden walls to the north.
Ronjok was a small village, situated at the northeast of the Marga Coast. Traditionally a village of herdsmen, the people of Ronjok were responsible for most of the cattle and goats that roamed and grazed on the hillsides. Drake farming had been another popular career, as the large drakes provided an excellent supply of meat. However, the village of Ronjok was best known for its Dreamers, those who brought forth visions of the future while they slept beneath the stars. In the past the village had been honored by previous Warmarshals, who sought the Dreamer's insights. But under Varesh's rule the village had become impoverished, and their herds thinned by the lack of water. Ronjok had withdrawn into itself, surviving as best it could behind its tall wall and closed gates. It was against these gates that Melonni pounded her fist and demanded entry.
"Who's there?" a voice from behind the doors asked.
"You know who I am Bahsi!" Melonni hissed with annoyance, "Open up!"
"Melonni?" the man inside queried.
"Yes!" she exclaimed, "Open the gates now!"
With a creaking of wood the guardsman shifted the door's brace away and opened it wide. Melonni stepped in and waved for her companions to follow. The group clambered out of the riverbed and rushed inside, Bahsi shutting the gate door behind them.
"By Melandru," the man's eyes widened, "More Sunspears?"
"More?" Alendra blinked, "What do you mean, more?"
"There was a group of Sunspears that arrived almost an hour ago," Bahsi reported, locking the gate with the large wooden beam, "They came seeking shelter… you should go to the village circle, that is where they've been speaking to Chuno."
"Oh great…" Melonni sighed, "We'd better get over there."
"Is them talking to Chuno a bad thing?" Anicara asked as they followed the dervish away from the gate.
"Chuno can be very… bullheaded," Melonni decided, "And if I know him, he won't take kindly to ragged fugitives showing up on the village doorstep."
The Kournan dervish led them past the huts and into the village square, where several painted logs formed a ring in the middle of the village. A large group of Sunspear warriors sat in the center, their armor battered, beaten and broken. Rakiv strode up to them, and someone responded with recognition.
"Ranger Maelstrom!" a young monk exclaimed, "General Dunkoro, Ranger Maelstrom is here!"
The small crowd shifted as the middle-aged general stepped forward, crossing his arms and giving a chuckle. He was flanked by three other officers, Nerashi, Rojis and Lonai.
"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Dunkoro said with a smile of relief, "I was beginning to think we'd never find any of the others."
"What can I say? I'm a survivor," Rakiv responded, "What brings you fellas to Ronjok?"
"Elder Jonah is an old friend," Dunkoro explained, "I had hoped he might give us shelter for a day or two while we gather ourselves and tend to our wounded. But unfortunately it seems things have taken a turn for the worse."
"Oh, this is perfect, just perfect!" an irate voice shouted from behind the assembled Sunspears, "You must go! You must all go!"
"Chuno, pipe down!" Melonni barked irately.
"You must go too Melonni!" the speaker emerged, throwing his red poncho back over his shoulder, "You have brought too much trouble as it is! And if these Sunspears are found here, Varesh will execute us all!"
"Why are we even talking to you?" Melonni snapped in return, "Where is Jonah."
"Where is Jonah!?" Chuno laughed bitterly, "They took him away! Dragged him up to that fort because he continued your little 'inquisition'. General Bayel decided he was asking too many questions, and had him imprisoned for being a 'dissenter'. We haven't seen him in weeks!"
"Is Jonah who we need to be dealing with?" Rakiv spoke up.
"Jonah is the Elder of the village," Dunkoro nodded, "And a good friend both to myself and Melonni. And he would let us stay here, if only for a day," the general glared at Chuno.
"Well he is not here," Chuno responded angrily, "And soon no one else will be if you bring the army down on our heads! Now I said…"
"Don't worry, we're going," Rakiv said, with a roll of her eyes, "But we'll be back in an hour, and you'd better have those gates open."
"Why, in Melandru's name, would I do that!?" he shouted at her.
"Because we're coming back with your Elder," Rakiv responded, turning away to address her troops, "Tahlkora, Alendra, stay here and help tend to the wounded. Nerashi, Lonai, could I get your help?"
"As you wish," Lonai responded, lifting her staff and stepping forward.
"Oh, and does anyone have any extra arrows?" the ranger asked with a slightly embarrassed sigh.
"I'm afraid I only have a handful," Nerashi replied, inspecting her mostly empty quiver.
"We have arrows," Guardsmen Bahsi volunteered.
"Bahsi!" Chuno shouted, "Shut up!"
"No!" Bahsi snapped back, brow furrowing indignantly, "You're not the elder! So I will not shut up. If they're going to get Jonah back, they'll need all the help they can get. Please follow me Sunspears, I'll show you to our arms hut."
Chuno sputtered angrily behind them as Rakiv and Nerashi followed the guardsman to a small thatch structure near the village gate. Bahsi unlocked its door and opened it up, revealing it to be filled with spears, hide shields and bows matched to full quivers. The two rangers each selected a cache, Rakiv choosing to refill only one of her quivers though Bahsi offered her more.
"Well, you should hurry then," the guardsman warned, "I spotted a large detachment of Kournan's headed for the fort a few minutes ago. They were carrying a Jahai Garrison banner with them… and it looked like an Acolyte was with them."
"An Acolyte?" Nerashi inquired.
"Jonah can tell you more about them than I can," Bahsi admitted, "Just know that they are officers who were trained by General Kahyet herself. We've heard tales that they are impossibly strong, and wield the power of the gods themselves."
"Oh good," Rakiv responded as she turned away from the hut, "I was afraid this would be boring."
Bahsi wasn't at all sure how to answer that, brow furrowing in confusion as he closed the weapons cache and locked it. Rakiv called her team to order just as Dunkoro approached them.
"I'm coming with you," he stated plainly, "The girls have things under control here and you'll need a good healer."
"As you wish general," Rakiv nodded, then glanced to the group, "You wouldn't happen to have a plan would you?" she asked.
"The fort is not heavily defended," Dunkoro said thoughtfully, "And there are only two entrances, one to the east and another to the west. Dividing our forces may prove beneficial… but only if we move quickly and time our attacks well."
"Split us evenly then," Rakiv nodded, "I'll take Anorah, Kydar, and Lonai. Nerashi, Anicara, and Melonni will go with you."
"I will take the west entrance," Dunkoro nodded, "There may be innocents inside the fort. If there are I'll need to cast protections over them before we attack. Commander Nyrin's cast will be your signal, I'll have her freeze down all enemy forces before you begin your assault."
"Once that happens, Kydar, I want you to bring down everything you've got," Rakiv nodded to the fire elementalist, "Nerashi keep an eye out for casters and I'll make bodies for Lonai. Dervishes… you do what you do best."
"Understood," Melonni nodded, gripping her scythe tightly.
"Everyone good?" the ranger asked.
There were nods and affirmatives all around and the ranger delivered their marching order. The party split up, taking their leave of Ronjok and heading off in opposite directions. Part of Rakiv couldn't help but marvel at the foolishness of charging headlong into another fortress after suffering so complete a defeat only the day before. But this was what they did… what Kormir would have done. Setting her jaw the ranger ran onwards, and the predator within began to slaver as it caught the scent of new prey to hunt