Ch. 14
Saving Commander Dejarin
A week went by in the Sanctuary and the Sunspears were not idle. Dunkoro meant to turn the caverns into an underground fortress, ensuring their meager forces a safe base of operations. Nerashi led multiple scouting parties through the myriad caves and tunnels, mapping them in their entirety. Their position proved to be more advantageous than any of them had imagined. The Sanctuary's network of underground tunnels led to every region of western Kourna. With access points ranging as far north as Turai's Procession and as far south as the Arkjok Ward, the Sunspears had gained mobility. Rakiv even discovered a tunnel that led to a passage directly behind Ronjok, though it was decided that this was information best kept a secret. Work began to fortify the many caverns and tunnels of the Sanctuary. Dunkoro oversaw the construction of a number of simple traps, meant to deter any possible incursions. By the end of the week the general was confident that the combination of natural defenses, well hidden snares, and the courage of their stalwart defenders could fend off any patrols or hunting parties that might come seeking the Sunspears.
"Though if we are discovered, we will be unable to repel a full invasion force," the general said, at an evening officer's meeting held in the mess hall, "We remain too few, and we have no weapons for most of these men."
"I've been thinking about that," Kydar spoke up, "If this is going to be an extended operation… we're going to need some kind of supply line, beyond hunting and gathering."
"For that we would need funds," Dunkoro sighed, "And the sum of our financial support is no more than the contents of our personal purses."
"Which amounts to?" Rakiv asked.
"Roughly fifteen platinums," the general admitted.
Rakiv swore under her breath, and a dejected silence filled the hall. They had done well enough to secure a refuge for themselves, but the reality of the resources they required was quickly setting in.
"Even without supplies," Nerashi spoke up, "There are still duties that ought to be seen to. I would personally like to begin exploring the surrounding regions. Jonah's maps will help, but we have no idea what kind of troop concentrations Varesh has placed around our position."
"Mmm, an excellent point," Dunkoro responded in agreement, "Hiding will only prove to be a disadvantage if we are blind down here. Tomorrow morning pull together whoever our best trackers are and take them out. At all costs, do not draw attention to yourselves. Lonai, how are things around the Command Post?"
"We has salvaged materials from de scaffolds to put up tents in de northern cave," Lonai said through her light Zehlon accent, "But 'tis want fer tarps and canvas dat makes de goin' hard. Rojis did bring me interestin' news from de northern tunnels."
"Report," Dunkoro commanded.
"He said a band of smugglers showed up in de caves near de Sunward Marches," the necromancer explained, "De did not know de caves was occupied, but asked if'n de could join us down 'ere."
"He didn't let them go did he?" Rakiv asked.
"No, no, not at all," Lonai shook her head, "He let dem make camp in one o' de empty caves 'till we decided what to do wit' dem. Dey offered to sell us de goods dey carryin', mostly tools and such but… 'tis a start."
"That it is," Dunkoro replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, "I just wonder if we can trust them."
"Surely there's some honor to be found among outlaws," Kydar chuckled.
"Hmm, we will see," Dunkoro nodded, "I'll go down there myself in the morning. At any rate, Scribe Raelesin, before the meeting you said you had some business to report?"
"Oh, just a suggestion really," Kydar shrugged casually, "I sorted through the scrolls Jonah gave us, it's got some pretty useful information. I've sorted them by profession so I was going to suggest we distribute them and have everyone do a little studying. We're going to need every edge we can get, so no reason to let our skills get sloppy."
"Agreed," the general replied, "I'll deliver an order tomorrow that all men who are able are to begin a daily regimen of martial discipline. We may not have weapons, but we are not without wits. Is there anything else to report?"
With head shakes all around Dunkoro thumped his fist on the table and the meeting was adjourned. Some returned to their duties while others simply turned in for the night. Kydar, Rakiv, Anicara and Alendra made their way back to their campsite, where Anorah and Tahlkora sat waiting.
"Uhm, Kydar?" Anicara spoke up, slowing to a stop as they reached the water shrine, "Can…. Can I ask you a favor?"
The elementalist and ranger stopped, Kydar turning back to face the girl while Rakiv arched a curious eyebrow. However the ranger merely shrugged, deciding to follow Alendra back to the camp fire. Kydar crossed his arms and gave a nod to the younger mage as she fiddled with her bracelets.
"Yeah, what's up?" he asked her.
"I've uhm… well, like I said I've never had any formal training in magic you know," she admitted with a small sigh, pushing her bangs back behind one ear, "And I know you and I concentrate on different elements but… I was kind of wondering if you could like… I dunno… tutor me?"
"You want me to teach you magic?" he arched an eyebrow.
"Well… you went to the Academy and stuff!" she flailed in embarrassment, "And you're all graduated and have a fancy title and… and stuff! So… Oh forget it."
The younger caster whirled around, blushing fiercely as she began to stride away until Kydar's laughter reached her ears.
"What are you laughing about!?" she demanded unhappily.
"Nothing, nothing," he chuckled and shook his head, "I've just never had anyone ask me to teach them anything before."
"Probably because they know you'll never stop talking if they do!" Alendra called from somewhere down the hall. A prompt smacking sound accompanied her comment and the paragon gave a resulting whine, "Oooow… Rakiiiiv!"
"Sounds like eavesdropping is contagious," Kydar laughed, causing Anicara to blush further but giggle lightly as well.
Scuffles down the hallway announced the retreat of their nosey teammates and Kydar shook his head with amusement.
"Well I'd be glad to give you some pointers," Kydar shrugged, "I don't know very much about water magic, though I did see a few interesting spells among Jonah's scrolls. But if you like I can teach you a few skills to help with your energy management."
"Really?" Anicara smiled, looking very relieved, "I mean… I don't want to be any trouble or anything."
"Nonsense," Kydar waved a hand at her, "We'll start tomorrow morning by the pond."
"Okay!" she nodded eagerly, and then cleared her throat as she bowed to him, "I await my first lesson, Master Raelesin."
"Well… you don't have to call me master Raelesin but…" Kydar flinched slightly.
Anicara only giggled and flounced past him into the cave beyond. The scribe followed her and sighed as they headed for the camp. A scuffle of stone alerted him to a presence and he paused, turning his head to find Rakiv leaning against the wall at the cave mouth.
"Keep an eye on her," Rakiv muttered to him, "I don't think we've seen the last of her… outbursts."
Kydar nodded slowly in response and then tilted his head curiously at the red-haired woman.
"What about you?" he asked curiously, "And your… outbursts?"
The woman did not answer, tightning her jaw slightly at the question. After a moment's silence she pushed away from the wall and strode towards her tent, giving a small wave in her wake.
"Good night Kydar," she murmured back.
"G'night Rakiv," he responded in confusion.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunlight streaming down to the water shrines announced the break of dawn over the lands of Kourna. The team stumbled out of their tents, yawning blearily as they set about their morning rituals. The pond to the north of them had become their cleaning area, and the group congregated at the water's edge. No sooner than Rakiv had begun scrubbing her teeth, the sound of Nerashi's voice carried to them from the tunnel hall.
"Ranger Maelstrom?" the Sunspear archer called, "There's a letter for you! Dunkoro wants to see you in the mess hall!"
The ranger spat and wiped her mouth on her towel as she gave a nod to the group and turned to follow her fellow ranger. Bare feet padded across stone and wood as she followed the Sunspear to the mess hall, where Dunkoro and Lonai sat at a table looking over several pieces of parchment. The general lifted one scroll and examined the wax seal, before nodding and extending it to the ranger.
"Care to explain why the Trademarshal of Kourna knows how to contact us?" Dunkoro asked suspiciously.
"Cause I'm a traitor to the cause," Rakiv responded sarcastically as she took the scroll from him, "How'd this get down here anyway?"
"Melonni went to speak with Elder Jonah this morning," the general explained, "He gave her this to bring back to you."
"I see," Rakiv nodded, breaking the seal on the scroll, "Well don't worry about it. Zudash Dejarin is as much an enemy of the Warmarshal as we are."
"Since when?" Dunkoro demanded, "The Trademarshal has always hated the Sunspears!"
"Since Varesh took his lands, evicted his family and stripped him of his title," Rakiv replied casually, perusing the contents of the scroll, "Oh… well this is good news."
"What does it say?" Lonai spoke up in curiosity.
"He's managed to locate some of our missing troops," Rakiv related to them, "He says that according to his sources, most of our men have been captured by now, but that finding them has proved difficult."
"Well where are the ones he has found?" Dunkoro asked, rising to his feet anxiously.
"Uh… one group was being held at the Lannur Garrison in the Jahai Bluffs… but because 'leadership failed' there, they are being transported to the Morzek Garrison in the Sunward Marches," Rakiv replied, and looked up at the general curiously.
"The Acolyte we killed was in charge of the Lannur Garrison," Dunkoro nodded in explanation.
"Oh," the ranger blinked and then shrugged, "Well the second group he found was taken to the Zelbahn Garrison in Arkjok Ward… and his son is one of the captives there."
"You found Koss?" Melonni's voice rang from the hall behind the ranger.
The dervish stepped up, still wet from bathing and drying her hands on the towel around her neck. She quickly snatched up the letter from Rakiv and her eyes roved the parchment rapidly until she finally gave a deep sigh of relief.
"He's alive!" she smiled broadly, "Thank Melandru, he's alive!"
The woman looked up, to find the entire room directing curious stares at her. Clearing her throat she rolled the parchment and handed it back to Rakiv, turning away set to dry her face with her towel.
"We're short on front-line fighters anyway," she quickly interjected.
"Uh… huh," Rakiv responded, giving the dervish a patronizing nod before turning back to her letter, "Anyway, he says that he thinks we have some time. Varesh's attempts to build her forces has kept her too busy to pronounce sentencing… but he suggests we move quickly."
"We move immediately," Dunkoro nodded in agreement, "We have to intercept that group to the north before they reach Morzek. Nerashi, find Rojis and tell him to assemble his best men. We have a prisoner transport to stop."
"Yes sir," the ranger saluted smartly.
"I guess it's up to us to storm Zelbahn then?" Rakiv asked.
"Take who ever is able," Dunkoro advised.
"We have few enough men as it is," Rakiv shook her head, "I'm taking my team."
"To take an entire garrison?" Dunkoro blinked in surprise, "We were lucky at Marga… but Zehlbahn has always been well defended."
"All the more reason not to risk what few lives we have," Rakiv responded, tossing him the letter, "My team works best on its own. Besides, Zudash warned that there may be an Acolyte in the region. And if Jonah is right, this one'll be tougher than those other two."
"Ranger Maelstrom this is suicide," Dunkoro reasoned, "Six soldiers cannot take that garrison!"
"I don't plan to," Rakiv shrugged in response.
"I at least am coming with you," Melonni stated firmly, "I'm not leaving Koss in that stronghold."
"Well… we will need your knowledge of the landscape," Rakiv admitted, "This won't be easy though."
"I do not care," the dervish shook her head.
"Fine," Rakiv turned back to Dunkoro, "I'm taking Melonni too, but that's it!"
The general shook his head as the ranger gathered up the maps Zudash had sent her and made her way back to her camp. Melonni followed her through the subterranean halls and into the fire circle where Rakiv sat down and laid a map across her lap. The rest of the group had just finished their washings and were returning to their tents when Rakiv spoke up.
"Everybody armor up," she ordered, "Our unit is deployed at oh'eight-hundred hours."
"Move out?" Kydar blinked in confusion, "What's going on?"
"We just got word that some of our divisions are being held at the Zelbahn Garrison," Rakiv said, "It's been confirmed that Koss is with them. Troop concentration in the area is unknown, but we have a confirmed sighting of an Acolyte in the garrison."
"An Acolyte?" Anorah spoked up, stepping to the ring.
"Yes, Zudash didn't say which one though," Rakiv noted, "We're looking at a high number of enemy forces though, and the Acolyte is a risk we should avoid if possible. We're gonna have to play this one quick and quiet. Get in, get the prisoners, get out."
"A seven-man rescue mission?" Anicara asked, leaning closer, "Command actually approved this?"
There was silence for a moment as Rakiv looked up at the girl. Anicara blinked in confusion as the ranger lowered her head to stare blankly at the map.
"Kid…" she said, "We are Command."
The sobering reminder of the Spearmarshal's absence brought a calm over the group, and instilled a sense of focus and determination in all of them. Alendra gave a nod and sat down next to Rakiv.
"We'll be coming in from the northwest," the paragon tactician indicated, "We're going to need a way to scout the area… as well as some knowledge of the terrain."
"I know the area," Melonni put in, leaning down to point at Rakiv's map, "This outcropping here, it overlooks the river's toll gates. It will give us a good vantage point from which to observe the bastion."
"Alright," Rakiv nodded to her, "I'll run recon to the north. It looks like there's watch towers on these islands that they might be able to call reinforcements from. I'd rather not get ambushed in the middle of the mission."
"Good point," Alendra nodded in agreement.
"How uhm… how are we getting in?" Kydar asked, scratching his head curiously, "Am I just blowing down the gates?"
"Only if we want the attention of every soldier in the Ward," the ranger shook her head, "No, we'll have to play that part by ear. When we see what kind of forces they have, then we can make a plan of attack."
"We should take the guild emblems for communication," Alendra suggested, "To keep in touch with you."
"Oh, right…" Rakiv nodded and then paused as she looked around, "Where are they?"
"I think Dunkoro had them put in a crate somewhere," Tahlkora spoke up, "The capes were all pretty torn up and bloodstained. He was going to pull the emblems out of the capes to try and use them again."
"Well we need them now," Rakiv grunted, getting to her feet, "Where'd you see this crate?"
"Over where Lonai usually is," Tahlkora pointed towards the main cavern, "Big wood box. Can't miss it."
The ranger nodded in thanks and strode from the chamber to retrieve the required devices. The rest of the team crowded around the map, brainstorming plans of action for various contingencies. Alendra and Melonni went back and forth over varying infiltration plans, ranging from swimming up to the fortress docks to climbing the stronghold's walls. Soon Rakiv returned with the capes, her nose wrinkled with distaste.
"He wasn't wrong about these things," she sighed, unfurling one of them, "They're pretty much ruined."
Though the capes had been scrubbed repeatedly in the sacred water of the shrine pools, the once white fibers refused to give up their new coloring. Much of the cape she held had turned completely black, having absorbed so much blood it was darkened beyond repair. The tattered ends of the garment were a lighter hue, now dyed a deep crimson by the fluids the fluids in which it had been bathed. The sun insigna was covered over completely, and the cape served as a grim reminder of the terrible slaughter that had taken place at Gandara.
"But… I guess we have no choice really," she sighed a little, tossing down the bundle of cloth, "They're clean at least… just really stained."
The crew picked up the objects rather gingerly, each affixing the emblems across their shoulders. Rakiv adjusted her cape and tapped the sundisk emblem with one finger. The sound echoed from her teammate's emblems, reassuring her that the devices still worked.
"Pack up," she ordered, throwing back her cape, "We leave on the hour."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Golden Sun to Lone Ranger," Alendra whispered into her emblem, "Do you read me Lone Ranger? Over."
The group of six lay in the grasses atop a tall outcropping of earth that over looked the Arkjok river valley. Below them stretched a field of new wheat, the plants just rising from the fertile soil that boardered the Elon river. From their vantage point the crew had an excellent view of the Arkjok Stronghold. Fishing and shipping boats made their way past the Stronghold's toll gates, which had been built beneath the great bridges that spanned the distance between the bank and the many islands that were surrounded by the river's flow. Luck was with the Sunspears today, as traffic on the river appeared very light. In fact, the river's only traveler was a small tugboat returning upstream after having pulled a larger vessel out to sea. As a result there were only a handful of guards manning the toll gates, though troop concentration appeared to be particularly dense near the fortress itself.
"Alendra what are you doing?" Rakiv asked back through the emblem.
"I'm using callsigns!" the paragon squeaked, "Don't use my real name! The enemy could be listening!"
"Alendra if they're listening I think they already know who we are," Kydar muttered beside her.
Alendra gave an indignant snort and leaned down to peer through her small golden spyglass. The young woman squinted, watching the movements of several Kournan brigades as they moved across the river island chains.
"Are you seeing this Lone Ranger?" Alendra called into her emblem.
"Copy that Golden Sun," Rakiv sighed, deciding to just humor the young officer, "It looks like they've got patrols moving… heavily armed patrols at that."
"Looks like they're waiting for us…" Alendra responded, turning her spyglass towards the stronghold, "The gates are shut tight on all sides too."
"They must have heard about what happened in Marga," Anicara grumbled under her breath.
"If they did then they're likely expecting another rush attack," Rakiv replied through the emblem, "They're probably hoping to stop us from crossing the island chain."
"Which is the only way into that stronghold from this side," Alendra sighed, panning her view towards the watchtowers, "What have we got up high?"
"The watchposts aren't much of a threat, only two men per tower," Rakiv responded, "If you look to the northern most one you can see me."
Alendra turned her view northward, squnting across the distance. The watchpost did appear to be abandoned… and then a gloved hand poked up and waved.
"Oh good grief!" Alendra exclaimed, "You could have told us you were moving in!"
"One of them spotted me, I had to shoot him!" Rakiv hissed back, "And then he had a partner, so I had to shoot him before he sounded the alarm!"
"Way to play it quiet," Kydar commented.
"Hush!" the ranger snapped back.
"Uhm guys, we still need a plan," Tahlkora piped up.
"Alright," Alendra nodded, "I see three patrols on the move, probably on the look out for us. If we can take them out simultaneously, we'll cut their communication to the inside of the fort."
"Won't they know something's wrong then?" Melonni questioned.
"They will, but they won't know what is wrong," Alendra nodded, "Which means they'll have to open the gates to investigate. We take out whatever troops they send for us and then move in to mop up the remainder. So long as we don't have to take on the whole garrison at once, we should be able to do it."
"So much for sneaking in," Rakiv sighed lightly, "But I can't think of a better plan so… let's do it. How're we doing this?"
"You're cover fire Lone Ranger," Alendra replied into her emblem, "Keep 'em harried with arrows for us. The rest of us split into three groups. Big Red, Baby Blue, you two take the western patrol, they should pass us any minute now."
"Big Red?" Kydar arched an eyebrow at her.
"Understood," Anicara responded smartly.
"While that patrol is distracted, second group will move north," Alendra continued, "Mother Earth and Mini-Monk will distract that patrol with the aid of Lone Ranger's fire."
"I take it I'm Mother Earth?" Melonni chuckled lightly.
"I am not mini!" Tahlkora protested.
"Finally, Grim Reaper and I will move in on the eastern patrol," Alendra finished, ignoring the others responses, "We'll hold there and wait for support from the others. Once that patrol is down, everyone take cover in the river reeds near the fortress gate. When they deploy another scout unit we wait for Baby Blue's cast before attacking. Objections?"
There were none.
"Alright, move out!" Alendra ordered.
The Lone Ranger sat in her newly claimed watch tower, notching a a grey feathered arrow to her bow. She couldn't help but sigh as she examined the projectile, a simple stone arrowhead bound into a shallow slit in the reed shaft. It could do the job, but was nowhere near as leathal as her much sturdier and sharper flint-tipped yew arrows. The standard issue Kournan shafts weren't much better, their points actually duller than the Ronjok arrows she carried in her quiver. Nevertheless the ranger took the opportunity to refill her second quiver with the stolen arrows, and settled down to wait for the attack to begin.
It started as a rush of frost that solidified a large section of the river, which immediately drew the attention of the nearby patrol. The next moment a burst of ice rose from the center of the Kournan's formation, freezing them in place and causing them to raise their spears. To his credit, Kydar resisted using spells as flashy as his Firestorm, though the onslaught he released was no less devastating. Spikes of Liquid Flame scorched flesh and armor, which Anicara followed by sending a flurry of Ice Spikes into the midst of the soldiers. The coordinated attack ended as Kydar dove between the soldiers and thrust his wand skywards, an explosive Inferno blowing the men away.
At a distance Rakiv watched, squinting at the display of magic and nodding with minor satisfaction. The tromp of boots approaching alerted the woman that the second patrol was nearing her position and that Melonni and Tahlkora would begin their assault soon. Drawing her string the woman rose to her feet and took careful aim at the approaching patrol. A spotter amongst the Kournan's gave a noise of alarm, and rushed forward as the column of smoke from Kydar's spell caught his attention. Immediately the soldier tugged a brass horn from his hip, shouting to his comrades to draw their arms as he raised the instrument to his lips. A sudden twang from above silenced the man, Rakiv's arrow neatly piercing his windpipe. The spotter choked, grasping at the wooden shaft that was now firmly affixed to his larynx as he toppled backwards and splashed into the river.
Before the soldiers could react Melonni was among them, Tahlkora maintaining her distance and whispering prayers to Dwanya. The Kournan dervish spun on the ball of her foot, dragging her scythe blade through the dirt as she too uttered a rapid prayer to her goddess. With a swing of her weapon Melonni whipped a great cloud of earth into a whirling cyclone that followed her every spin. The dervish's dust cloak set the Kourans reeling, the more determined soldiers swinging blindly through the gritty haze. Melonni's scythe bit hard and deep, rending the patrolmen in her path. Her charge was brought to a halt when a Kournan archer managed to block her attack and released an arrow into the dervish's foot. The woman yelped in pain, but ignored the wound as she hooked the man's bow with her scythe blade and sliced his weapon in two. Rakiv and Tahlkora were quick to provide her support, the ranger putting down the Kournan archer with three arrows as the young monk threw a blue healing glow over her partner. Melonni thumped the butt of her scythe against the earth, dispelling her dust cloak and causing the whirling dirt to fall back to the ground. A rising song lilted to them on the wind, Alendra's Anthem of Flame signaling that the second phase of their plan had begun.
"Quickly," Melonni called to Tahlkora, "Alendra and Anorah will need our help."
"Coming!" Tahlkora called, chasing after the Kournan dervish.
"Butter go with 'em!" Rakiv shouted down to the water.
A rustle of reeds announced the crocodile's presence as he slipped into the river. Butter had hidden himself quite well on the riverbank and had patiently lain in wait, prepared for the moment to strike. Rather disappointed that such an opportunity had not presented itself, the crocodile gave an annoyed hiss as he swam the channel towards the final patrol group, determined to make himself useful this time. On the far island Anorah and Alendra had already engaged the Kournan troops. The women pressed back to back, their weapons raging with magical flame as they faced the enemy soldiers.
"They're On Fire!" Alendra shouted, blocking a heavy hammer strike against her shield, "Go For the Eyes!" she immediately ordered.
Anorah followed her advice, sweeping her scythe low at the oncoming soldiers before completing her pirouette with a vicious swing at their helmets. Alendra blocked a falling axe and thrust her spear into the attacker's thigh. The man screamed with agony and the paragon silenced him by ramming the edge of her shield into the man's face. The paragon continued to shout orders, coupled with the odd battle chant but the women remained heavily outnumbered. A sudden shower of red liquid fell upon them in tiny droplet's as Anicara's voice rang across the island.
"Thy blade be stayed by cowardly Meekness!" she chanted.
The surrounding soldiers were very suddenly overcome with a great timidity, many trembling so much they nearly dropped their weapons. As Anorah turned to see from whence their aid had come, a single droplet of ruby fluid landed upon her cheek. The crimson jewel fluttered on her skin for a moment, before quickly tracing its way down the curve of her face and into the corner of her mouth. Though the curse within the blood had no effect on her, the dervish's body froze and her pupils suddenly narrowed. The scent… the taste… and gods it was everywhere. The woman's golden eyes shut tight as she uttered a frantic prayer, calling upon the holy power of her god. With a roar she raised her scythe and orange flames rushed across her limbs to her torso where they converged on her chest. With a heart of fury burning in her breast the Zaishen Acolyte attacked with a vengeance. Shields were battered aside as her scythe blade sought flesh, the woman madly laying into the Kournan soldiers. Spells and arrows rained into the patrol, and soon Melonni joined the fray as well. When the last had fallen Anorah stood panting heavily, clutching tightly to her scythe and closing her eyes as she whispered to the gods.
"We have to get into cover!" Anicara called, "They'll be opening the gates any minute!"
"Anorah?" Alendra asked, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder.
"Do not! Touch me!" The Zaishen sapped breathlessly, though she immediately regretted the harsh tone with which she had spoken, "Please… st-step away…" she grunted more gently.
Confused and a little hurt Alendra did as bidden, stepping away from the Acolyte whose prayers had turned frantic. Moving quickly, Rakiv lept from the island road and skid down the embankment to hide amongst the reeds next to her crocodile. Kydar followed after her, making a bit of a splash as he hit the water grumbled with displeasure. Melonni, Anicara and Tahlkora hid themselves on the opposite side of the gate while Alendra continued to watch the Zaishen dervish.
"Anorah… quickly we have to hide!" the paragon insisted.
"Go! And strike when the time is right!" Anorah ordered, slowly opening her eyes, "I will not leave this place before atoning for my sin…"
"What!?" Alendra exclaimed, "Anorah we…!"
"Alendra! Get down! Now!" Rakiv hissed from the reeds.
With an angry snarl the paragon did as ordered, jumping off the road and rolling into the tall river reeds. Anorah remained unmoving, closing her eyes once more and continuing to pray. Behind the dervish, the gates of the Arkjok Stronghold creaked slowly open. Shouts came from within, commanders demanding that their soldiers discover the fate of their suddenly silent patrolmen. As the Kournan troops left the Stronghold, they beheld a very alarming sight. The bodies of their comrades lay everywhere, rent, torn and bleeding. Among these bodies stood a tall woman, swathed in brown dervish robes, who was murmuring softly under her breath.
"… and though my transgressions be great, may the battle I wage be an offering unto you Great Warlord…" she whispered.
"You there!" the commander shouted, "Drop your weapon and put your hands on your head!"
"… may the blood I spill be pleasing in thine sight, and grant me the strength to resist the evil within my soul…" she continued ignoring the men.
"Hey!" the man called louder, "I said drop your weapon! And put your hands on your head!"
"I don't think she's listenin' Commander Kubeh…" a spearman to the commander's right commented.
In a moment Anorah finished her prayer and opened her eyes, slowly turning to face the Kournans. Wary of the obvious danger the woman posed, Commander Kubeh drew an arrow and notched it to his string, taking careful aim at the dervish's heart. The Zaishen carefully retrieved a small signet ring from her belt, slipping the ornament on one finger. She stepped forward, placing one foot on the back of a deceased Kournan guard and offered her scythe to the commander with an outstretched hand.
"Come and take it heathen," she challenged.
In the reeds the party of Sunspears remained quiet, though greatly surprised. This was the most vocal and most aggressive they had ever seen the dervish become. There was something different about her now… something almost savage in her tone. Evidently the Commander sensed it as well, maintaining his aim upon her and nodding to his men to move forward. The group of scythe wielders, spearmen and swordsmen tromped forward, surrounding the dervish and leveling their weapons at her. Golden eyes surveyed the troops around her, each face betraying their trepidation in the face of the woman they believed had single-handedly bested their patrols. The tiniest of smirks tugged at Anorah's lips as she raised her signet ring to her mouth.
"Stop her!" Kubeh shouted, though his warning was mere seconds too late.
"Writhe in Agony…" she whispered into the signet.
With a flash of red the signet activated and the dervish thrust her arm upwards as a long gash opened her flesh. Anorah trembled with pain, and soon the soldiers around her did the same as similar gashes were very suddenly inflicted upon them. With a rapid florish she slammed her bloody fist into the corpse at her feet, her blood mingling with that of the dead soldier.
"Wallow in my Well of Blood!" the dervish commanded.
"Now!" Rakiv cried from the reeds, springing to her feet and loosing an arrow into the soldiers.
As Anorah's spell activated, every droplet of blood on the battlefield responded. Rivulets of the crimson liquid rose into the air, an unnatural green glow emanating from within the once living fluids. With her well in place Anorah struck, pirouetting into the soldiers and slicing her blade clean through the first hapless spearman. As the Sunspears rushed in the Kournan's turned to meet them, a few hesitating as they tried to discern which direction held the greatest threat.
Commander Kubeh did not remain idle and with careful aim he managed to catch Anicara's shoulder with a bolt from his bow. The mage stumbled and cried out in pain, a cry that quickly turned to a hiss of anger. She spun on her heel and flung her ice spear at him, giving a groan of dismay as the commander easily blocked the projectile. Kubeh raised his bow to fire again when a hiss immediately drew his attention downward. The man threw himself aside just in time to avoid a powerful bite from Butter's jaws. The crocodile sprang after the man and Rakiv followed, raising her bow to fire on the commander. Kubeh sprang to his feet, retrieving a red-painted wood stake from his belt and thrusting it into the ground. The man looked up with a savage grin, though the expression melted on his face as he watched Rakiv's arrow sail towards him. Even with sub-par projectiles, the red-haired huntress' precision remained unmatched as she sent the arrow flying into the commander's flame trap. The resulting explosion blew the man backwards and sent him tumbling head over heels down the riverbank. A splash announced his impact into the shallows and the commander coughed up blood as shrapnel wounds in his chest oozed more of his life fluids. With delirum born of agony Kubeh looked up, eyes wide with horror as he watched the huntres leap through the flames, her hair streaming behind her as though she were some firey banshee.
"Where are they?" Rakiv demanded, standing over the broken man, "Where are the Sunspears you're holding!?"
Kubeh's answer came in the form of a bloody choke, a wicked and defiant grin spreading across his features. His vision blurred and he slowly released a final sigh, slipping silently into the waters of the mighty Elon. Rakiv grimaced and turned away, making her way back up the riverbank to where the battle had already ended. Melonni busily cleaned her scythe blade on the garments of a dead man as Tahlkora healed the wound in Anicara's shoulder. Kydar approached the ranger, offering her a hand to help her off the riverbank and onto firmer ground.
"He say anything?" the scribe asked, hauling her back up to the road.
"No," Rakiv replied with a grunt, "But I get the feeling there might be a surprise for us in the fortress…"
"We'd better make this prison break soon," Anicara advised, rotating her shoulder and wincing at the slight pain that remained, "Who knows when a new detatchment might show up."
"Good point," Rakiv nodded to the girl, and lifted her voice, "Everyone, on me!" she ordered.
Alendra watched the Zaishen dervish with concerned curiosity, as Anorah bravely quelled her trembles through sheer willpower alone. At Rakiv's order the paragon turned away, trotting across the dirt to rejoin the group. As soon as all eyes were off of her, Anorah dipped a shakey hand into the cleavage of her corset, withdrawing a small vial of green liquid. Popping off the cap she quickly downed the contents, wiping her mouth and hurling the glass vial into the river. A shuddering sigh escaped the dervish's lips as she felt her body calm, the urges subside… and the sound of thumping heartbeats slowly die away. Certain that her composure had been restored, the woman wiped the trail of blood from her cheek and calmly strode to join the Sunspear party.
"Everyone good?" the ranger asked and received nods all around, "Good. Let's get in there and get our friends out. Watch your step though… might be something nasty waiting for us in there."
"I'll try to keep you protected…" Tahlkora offered.
"Don't strain yourself," Rakiv advised as she turned towards the fortress, "We'll need your spells more for healing when we get hurt."
The party of seven made their way into the now undefended fort. Inside they found that the Zelbahn Garrison housed a small marketplace, in which fishermen and small-time traders kept shops. The Kournan civilians watched the band of Sunspears stride into the fortress, fear evident in the eyes of every shopkeeper and seller. It was an uncomfortable moment for most, and Alendra frowned unhappily, unused to being treated as such a villain. Rakiv appeared not to even notice the stares that followed her as she strode to the center of the stronghold's square. The fortress bore no signs of Sunspears, no evidence that any prisoners were being held there at all. The ranger tapped her foot in frustration, violet eyes roving about the area… before settling on one familiar object.
"You!" she pointed, trotting rapidly towards a stall vendor, "Yes you, the one selling weapons!"
"M-me?" the Kournan man asked timidly.
"Yes you," she growled, reaching for the handle of a sword that hung out of a barrel of weaponry, "Where did you get this!?"
The ranger drew the blade, revealing it to be a large machete its blade two feet in length. It might have been unremarkable, save for the sun symbol that had been crudely carved into the wood of the handle.
"That's Koss' machete!" Tahlkora exclaimed with recognition.
"Yeah… you're right!" Melonni agreed, rushing forward to take the weapon from Rakiv, "It's the same one he won from that corsair, Sevad!"
"Where did you get it!?" Rakiv demanded, slamming a fist into the stall's counter.
"I-I got it from the commander!" the man squealed with fright, "He gave me a whole bundle of weapons to fence for him. I-I think he took them from those prisoners he brought in last week…"
"Where did the commander keep his prisoners?" Melonni asked, turning her eyes to the shopkeeper.
"In the dungeon!" he cried out, "Head down to the docks, big wood door on your left you can't miss it! Please don't hurt me!"
Rakiv snorted and turned away, leaving the man to cower amongst his wares. Melonni only nodded to the man as she slid the machete through her belt and turned to follow Rakiv back to the group.
"Was it really necessary to intimidate him like that??" Kydar asked, looking over Rakiv's head at the stall vendor she had terrorized.
"It's not my fault he's spineless," she shrugged, "Let's go."
Kydar only chuckled in response as he followed the women down the ramp towards the Stronghold's docks. As the shopkeeper had said, a large door stood in the wall of the fort, facing the river dock. It was, of course, locked tight. The door proved to be sturdily made, refusing to budge even under several blows from Rakiv's boot. Eventually a burst of ice and an exploding fireball proved to be exactly the key they required, and the door obligingly shattered under the elementalists' spells. The party peered through the doorway, down a flight of slimy stone steps and into the darkness at the bottom. Wrinkling her nose in distaste, Rakiv notched an arrow to her bow and carefully made her way downward. Minding their every step the party of seven descended into the dank dungeon below, careful not to slip in the mud and water that had collected on the dungeon floor.
"Gods… it smells…" Tahlkora choked, doing her best not to become violently ill.
"Hellooo…?" Rakiv called as they walked through the dark hallway, "Kydar, give us a light."
The scribe immediately summoned a fireball to his palm, raising it high to illuminate their path. A short tunnel led from the stairway and into the main area of the dungeon, a great room full of branching pathways lined by the bars of numerous cells. The first several proved empty, but a figure shifting in the dark caught their attention.
"Hello?" Alendra called, splashing through the rancid muck to the cell door, "Is someone in there?"
"Hrrgh…" the response came, as a face covered in grit and grime looked up through the darkness, "Gods… C-Castellan Soleer?"
"State your name and rank soldier!" Alendra commanded, as she grasped the cell's padlock and yanked at it.
"S-Second Spear Hatodah.." the man managed before dissolving into a coughing fit.
"I said name and rank, soldier!" Alendra barked, yanking at the lock desperately before calling to her teammates, "Somebody help me over here!"
"Second Spear Hatodah Rahmud…" the jailed Sunspear said, "Second Division of the Sunspear Order."
Kydar sloshed to the paragon, raising his fingertip and producing a small flame from it. The elementalist focused on the flame, willing it to intensify as it changed from flickering orange to a solid bright blue.
"Look away," he advised, slowly bringing the flame to the lock's shackle.
Sparks flew in the darkness, the bright light flashing through the dungeon as the elementalist slowly cut through the thick metal bar. The lock finally gave way, dropping with a splash into the muck at their feet and Alendra immediately wrenched the door open.
"Where are the others Rahmud?" she asked, leaning down to help the Sunspear to his feet.
"Put them in other cells…" he coughed, wiping his mouth on the back of one dirty hand, "Further into the dungeon…haven't heard from them in days…"
"Split up," Rakiv ordered immediately, "Melonni stand guard at the top of the stairs and watch the men we bring up to you. Tahlkora, Alendra.. heal whoever you can. The rest of you… get these men out of here. Go."
Immediately the unit scattered, separating to find their imprisoned comrades. Various methods were employed to break the locks that held the Sunspear soldier's captive, but one by one the party members hauled the sick and starving prisoners up the stairs. Rakiv struck an arrow on the back of her glove, kindling it and raising it up as a torch as she proceeded into the deeper recesses of the dungeon. There were others back here… not just Sunspears but Kournan's as well. Men, women… and even children who begged for the ranger's help. It did not take long for Rakiv to give the order to release anyone they found, Sunspear or otherwise. But as they delved into the darkest reaches of the dungeon there remained no sign of Koss.
"We have to find him…" Melonni whispered worriedly.
"We will…" Tahlkora nodded slowly, "We will."
The young monk split from the dervish, turning into an unexplored passage and sloshing through the mud. The blue light from the top of her staff lit her way as she peered into the rows of empty cells on all sides. From somewhere ahead a small crash and a metallic noise drew her attention, and she immediately rushed forward.
"Commander?" the teenager called, holding her light ahead of her as she rounded a corner, "Commander Koss are you…"
The girl's sentence was immediately cut off as she turned the corner and froze. A tall figure lurked in the darkness ahead of her, its ragged cloak as black as the shadows in which it stood. The water at her feet grew cooler, flecks of ice floating in the murk as the surface began to freeze. She took a step backwards, her foot splashing in the water rather heavily as the lurker turned to face her. It stood at a height well over seven feet, bearing a cruel looking scythe that appeared to have been carved bone with bits of flesh and sinew still clinging to the ivory. Its robes floated in the darkness, as though they were made of shadow themselves. Beneath the black hood a purple light burned balefully from within the human skull that formed its head. Though the young monk tried to retreat, the creature lashed out its empty hand, fingers of bone catching her by the throat and lifting her from the ground. Tahlkora tried to call for help, but nothing could push past the vice-like grip on her throat. Her feet flailed and she beat weakly at his arm with her staff, yet still the being lifted her higher and higher in the air. Darkness swarmed at the edge of her vision, her staff slipping from her grip to splash into the water. Consciousness slowly slipped away though the girl fought to hold on… praying that help would arrive in time.
"Show me your worth…" it rasped at her, the voice inhuman and demonic as it squeezed the life from her.
"I'll show you mine!!" a shout rang from behind the creature.
From the cell at the creature's back a length of chain whipped out of the darkness. Two burly arms grasped either end, swinging it up to loop it around the monster's neck. With a heavy pull the prisoner yanked the creature back against the cell bars, holding it trapped by the metal across its throat. Giving a choked yowl of pain, the monster released Tahlkora, leaving her to limply splash into the water below. The sound of rapid sloshing reached her ears, but the girl cound focus only on attempting to refill her emptied lungs. It was Anorah who reached her first, and the dervish looked up with outrage and horror reflected in her eyes.
"Blasphemer…" she hissed at the skeleton.
"Wretched mortal…" the creature howled, gripping at the chain as it stabbed the butt of its scythe backwards through the bars.
"Oh I got you now!" the prisoner snapped, "You ain't goin' anywhere!!"
The monster managed to push away from the bars, struggling in its attempt to escape. The prisoner, however, proved to be the stronger. With one strong tug he forced the creature back against the bars. A second, brutal pull of the chain released loud crack of bone. With a roar the prisoner heaved a third time, yanking hard enough to decapitate the monster entirely. The skull fell from the empty hood, bouncing off of the metal bars and plunking into the water where the purple light was extinguished. The body continued to flail for a moment, before its limbs slowly grew quiet and it slumped against the cell bars.
"Take that you sadistic bastard," the prisoner shouted, "Pick on someone your own size."
"Commander?" Alendra's voice preceeded her as she rounded the corner, "Commander Koss, report!"
"Castellan Soleer!" the prisoner exclaimed, leaning into the blue light of Tahlkora's staff, "Commander Koss Dejarin of the Third Division. What are you doing here?"
"We came to get you out," Alendra reported as she turned back to the hall, "Everyone! We found the Commander!"
"Well, technically she found me," Koss chuckled, pointing to Tahlkora through the bars, "Thanks little lady. Wouldn't have been able to jump him if you hadn't distracted him. Hope I didn't take too long to grab him though."
"N-no…" Tahlkora coughed, smiling weakly as she rubbed soothing blue light across her throat, "It's fine… just… ahrm… just glad we found you."
As Anorah helped the girl to her feet, the rest of the Sunspear party arrived at the dungeon's end. Rakiv sloshed around the corner, pausing as she arched an eyebrow at the display before her.
"What's that?" she asked, pointing at the heap of bone and cloth.
"It was the Acolyte of Grenth…" Anorah muttered angrily.
Rakiv nodded slowly and turned back to look at the creature's body. It had apparently had its head removed… but something didn't feel quite right about it. Not right at all.
"It's not dead…" the huntress concluded, eyes widening quickly.
"What do you mean? I tore it's head off," Koss blinked in confusion.
"It's not dead!" Rakiv shouted, stringing an arrow to her bow.
No sooner than the words left her lips the body surged from the floor, thrusting the butt of its scythe into the water and immediately freezing the entire floor. The Sunspears struggled against the thick ice that held their feet as Rakiv loosed her shaft into the Acolyte. The arrow stuck, but the evil monster paid it no heed, whirling to catch Koss by the throat and pull him into the bars.
"You have been found unworthy…" the Acolyte rasped venomously.
"You have not been given the right to judge!" Anorah shouted, leaning forward as far as she could in a futile attempt to slice him with her scythe.
Without hesitation Rakiv drew another arrow to her bow, taking more careful aim this time before she released the shaft from her string. The arrow sang through the air, striking the Acolyte's arm and shattering the bone. Koss pulled away, throwing the hand off of his neck and gasping for air. With a pained roar the Acolyte reared back, turning its empty hood towards the Sunspears. A powerful shriek rang through the dungeon, the demonic cry followed by a wave of freezing wind that blew from the Acolyte's hood. The Sunspears' answer came in the form of twin flares that shot from Kydar's wands to melt the ice at Alendra and Anorah's feet.
"Anicara, hold him!" Kydar ordered, rolling flaming energies into a ball between his palms, "O bursting ball of brilliance..." he began to cast.
"… Now rise and impale those before me!" Anicara shouted, "Ice Spikes!"
Lances of ice shot up out of the frozen sheet at their feet, piercing the shadowy Acolyte's form. Roaring angrily the creature began to break its way free, scornfully snapping the icicles that held it trapped as it raised its scythe to meet Alendra and Anorah's charge. Anorah spun on her toes across the ice, murmuring under her breath as she swung with her scythe. The attack was easily and immediately parried, and the Acolyte lunged forward to stab its ragged bone arm into her thigh. A shriek of pain left the woman's lips and she stumbled away though her form had already begun glowing with the light of Tahlkora's healing prayer.
Alendra dashed in behind her, skidding as she blocked a second blow from the creature's jagged arm with her shield. The paragon gave a shout to embolden her allies, and received a swift foot to her ribs as the Acolyte kicked her away. Anorah struck again, giving a cry of satisfaction as her scythe bit flesh and spilled brackish black blood across its blade. An inhuman and echoing language resounded from the Acolyte's form as it raise its scythe over its head, twirling it rapidly and pointing its shattered bone arm at the humans before it.
"Oh no you don't," Rakiv snapped, drawing her string and loosing a shaft into it's chest.
The Acolyte reeled, releasing a gush of frost from the blow and he crashed backwards into the cell bars. Snapping the arrow contemptuously, the monster immediately turned its sights on the trapped ranger. Shaking off the ice spikes that bound it, the Acolyte brandished its scythe, roaring savagely as it charged the red-haired woman. Mere seconds before it was upon her, Kydar's Fireball exploded into its leg, blowing the limb away and leaving the monster to fall towards the ranger. Violet eyes widened in alarm as the ranger watched the monster sweep at her with its outstretched scythe. Salvation came in the form of Alendra's shield, the paragon slamming her defense into the ice at Rakiv's feet and shattering it to free her.
Rakiv sprang backwards, hitting the ice on her back and firing arrows furiously at the creature as she slid down the hall. Wounded and enraged, the Acolyte rose to its full height, supporting itself on its scythe for balance. The creature released a wrathful roar, as biting waves of frost and cold began gathering to its body. Whatever evil it might have unleashed upon them was suddenly ended, as Anorah shattered its remaining leg with a brutal blow from the butt of her scythe. The dervish spun and whirled her weapon in an underhand swing, her scythe biting deep into the monster's back and impaling the Acolyte on her blade. The monster's empty hood turned downward, as though looking at the blade that seemed to grow from its chest. The creature explored the wound with its remaining hand, shock ending its ability to continue the fight. Anorah spun on her heel, turning her back to the Acolyte and grasping the scythe haft firmly with both hands above her head.
"Your blasphemy ends now," she snarled.
Muscles flexed along her arms as the dervish yanked the scythe over her head, forcing the blade up through the Acolyte's torso and cleaving him in twain. An unearthly cry burst from the rent corpse, its shadowy cloak whirling out around it as the evil energies fled from its body. Finally the ghostly wail ended and all that remained was a man, bleeding heavily from a wound in his chest. The now mortal Acolyte sat on his knees in the murky water, his body limp and rapidly growing cold. As a death rattle slipped from his lips he finally toppled forward, splashing lifelessly into the water at their feet.
The party gathered around the acolyte's corpse, Rakiv throwing back her hair and giving a snort of indignation. Anicara extended the crystal head of her staff, poking the corpse experimentally to be sure of its demise. All was silent in the dungeon, save for the panting of six Sunspears as they tried to catch their breath.
"Jonah wasn't kidding…" Anicara panted lightly, looking up at the others, "These guys don't go down easy…"
"Well… if he was the Acolyte of Grenth…" Kydar pointed at the body with one wand, "That leaves two more right? Which ones did we get at Marga?"
"The one I killed served Melandru…" Rakiv said, sliding the arrow she held back into her quiver, "And according to Jonah, that means the other one was Balthazar."
"So somewhere out there are Lyssa and Dwanya," Alendra concluded, "I'm hoping this guy was the toughest…"
"But he…" Tahlkora spoke up, her voice betraying just how shaken she really was, "He didn't look anything like Grenth… nothing like the statues or pictures…"
"It is as the Elder said," Anorah spoke up, her gaze never wavering from the corpse at her feet, "It is a corruption of sacred teachings. To assume the form of the divine ones is to submit to their will, to be as one with their holy power. These Acolytes misuse the sacred power of the Avatar's… twisting them that they might control this ancient strength."
Kydar nodded slowly in understanding and dug a hand into his belt bag. Retrieving one of the many bronze signet's from his pouch he gave it a toss to Anorah, who caught it and slipped it over her finger. The Zaishen pointed the ring down at the fallen Kournan, and soon wisps of golden light began to spiral up to her signet.
"Hey uh… you guys gonna stand around all day, or you gonna get me outta here?" Koss chuckled from his cell.
"Oh! Right!" Alendra exclaimed, "Kydar? Would you mind?"
The scribe chuckled in return, igniting a flame at his finger tip and made for the commander's cell. Rapid splashing down the hall drew their attention, and Rakiv glanced around the corner to see Melonni sloshing towards them through the darkness.
"We have a problem," the Kournan dervish reported.
"What now?" Rakiv groaned.
"Two patrol boats coming up the river," Melonni nodded, "I counted at least a dozen men on one of them. They'll be here in a few minutes. We need to get out now."
"Alright, you heard her!" Rakiv called, "Everyone move, move!"
"Hmph, good to see you Mel," Koss smirked, pushing his way out of the unlocked cell.
"Good to see you in one piece," Melonni snorted, drawing his machete from her belt, "Next time you play hero, have the good sense not to get captured."
"Maybe it was part of my plan," Koss retorted, wrapping the excess chain of his shackles around his wrists, "Maybe I was gathering information on the Warmarshal's movements."
"Or maybe you didn't plan at all! Just blindly charged into danger!" Melonni shouted, throwing his machete at him, "Like you always do!"
"Hey!!" Rakiv barked, "Shut up! Move it, now!"
The warrior and dervish gave each other one final glare before complying with the ranger's orders. Kydar held his fireball high as they raced out of the dungeon, splashing to the stairway and climbing up into daylight. There were a number of people on the docks now, all former prisoners of the Stronghold's dungeons. Sunspears and Kournan's alike sniffled and coughed, having been made sick by the stagnant water and foul air in the underground prison. Rakiv took a rapid inventory of the group before her, some thirty or forty people, not one of them fit for fighting. A glance down the river told her they were almost out of time. Already shouts could be heard from the patrol boats as they approached, soldiers demanding that they stand down and prepare to be arrested. Both vessels picked up speed, approaching from the river's eastern channel as they headed for the Garrison's docks.
"Everyone into the fort, now!" Rakiv pointed urgently.
The few able bodied men there were helped along those who could barely stand. Kydar stepped forward, lifting two children onto either of his shoulders and quickly trotted up the ramp into the fortress. The rest of the Sunspear's followed his lead, Alendra throwing a Kournan man's arm over her shoulder and helping him along.
"Anicara, can you buy us some time?" Rakiv asked, "We need as much of a headstart as we can get."
Giving only a confident smile as an answer, the water mage strode to the end of the docks, holding out her staff and drawing two fingers to her lips.
"Ye wintery waters of the frozen deeps…" she began.
"C'mon people, go, go, go!" Rakiv shouted, picking up a child herself and taking another youngling by the hand as she made her way up into the fortress.
Inside the Garrison, the market square was abandoned, the vendors and civilians having fled in the Sunspear's wake. Koss began marshalling his men, forming them into small brigades and instructing them to arm themselves with anything nearby. As the rest of the party grouped together in the fortress square, Rakiv immediately belayed his order.
"We have to fight!" Koss insisted.
"We can't fight," Rakiv responded, "We have to run."
"Run to where!?" Koss exclaimed.
"If you'd shut up, she'll tell you!" Melonni cried.
"Woman, if you tell me to shut up again…" Koss pointed a finger at her.
"Hey!!!" Rakiv roared, earning silence from all present, "We can get out of here, we just have to do it quickly. Koss, you and your men take these civilians and head out the western gate. Melonni, you're their guide. Try to make it back without killing each other, alright!?"
"Yes ma'am…" both Kournan's grumbled.
"Good!" the ranger rolled her eyes, "As soon as you're back on the mainland, take cover and hide. The rest of us will head north to keep the patrol's eyes on us. Wait no less than half-an-hour before moving on, got it?"
"Yes but…" Melonni blinked, "What about you? This whole diversion thing hasn't worked well for us so far."
"Don't worry, we'll be alright," Rakiv shook her head, "You just worry about getting these people to safety. Tell Dunkoro the civilians are being brought in on my orders, and he can take it up with me if he has an issue."
"Yes ma'am," Melonni nodded.
"I froze their boats!" Anicara's voice came to them as the young mage sprinted through the fortress gate, "But I don't know how long it will hold them!"
"Alright, you guys get going," Rakiv waved at them, "Stay as safe as you can!"
"Will do!" Koss responded, and turned to his men, "Alright troops, move out!"
The procession of released prisoners made their way west as quickly as they could, exiting the fortress gate and heading for land. Rakiv watched them go before turning to her remaining team members and slinging her bow over her back.
"You guys ready to run?" she asked with a chuckle.
"Do we know where we're running to?" Kydar blinked, "We can't go back to the Sanctuary with soldiers on our tail."
"We'll need a place to hide," Alendra suggested, "If we can keep going till dark, we can hide for the night and loose them before sunrise."
Rakiv paused for consideration, violet eyes flitting back and forth as she recalled the maps she and Dunkoro had drawn of their Sanctuary and its many access points.
"If we keep heading north we can make it into the Jahai Bluffs," Rakiv said, "There's an entry to the Sanctuary at the northern end of that region. But Jahai's pretty flat… we'll need to lose them before we get there…"
"I…" Anicara spoke up, raising her hand hesitantly, "I think I know a place… it's north of here… on the way to the Bluffs. If we keep them running till night fall, we can hide there."
Rakiv glanced around at the party in search of objections. There were none and so the ranger shrugged, nodding to the hydromancer.
"Alright you take point," the ranger ordered, "Let's get out of here."
With Anicara leading the way once more the small band of six ran north, leaving behind the Zelbahn Garrison and rushing out into the river bound islands. Shouts and calls resounded behind them, and the twang of bowstrings urged them to run faster. Kournan forces were quick to give pursuit, and were drawn northward just as Rakiv had planned. With a satisfied smirk over her shoulder, the ranger turned her attention to the road ahead. The party soon left the riverbank, heading away from the defeated Garrison to seek cover amongst the rocky dunes of Arkjok Ward.