We begin, Pozem!
New OC Sheet (#14) on deviantArt with the Regalshin King and Queen, another Midnight, Altar Assassin: Zey'Yu, the leader of the Altar so you can finally see him: Peltzm'Jakq and...
Chapter Thirty Two
Mineral Centre, Tier
As the sun rose over Tier, civilians walked out into the roads, some for personal reasons while others headed to work managing the incoming mineral supply from Relquis Mountain.
The city sat near the border of Pozem and Numengate and was the first big city past Frikell making it relatively close to its northern neighbor, Regalshin.
The Coal Dust River traveled past the city from Numengate and gathered in the Olmlin Falls before continuing east and emptying out into the sea near the Stone Port Town of Enyx.
It is also here that Soren, Mia and their allies succeeded in finding shelter upon escaping the Regalshin Army in Ukla Cave several days ago. Not as much trade took place in Tier now compared to during the warring ages, the biggest events here were the use of Relquis' minerals and the peace conferences between the hierarchy of Regalshin, Pozem and Numengate that took place every six months.
With this in mind, Lune and Fistivus only succeeded in procuring one caravan and two horses, however there were decent food supplies, the only real loss was the lack of weapons.
Despite the good things, something very vital was lost as a result of the avalanche in the Umbarra Heights; the Troop's funds were almost entirely gone. Up until now, Fistivus and Lune allowed use of what they sold through the course of the journey, trading goods and such at every city the troop stopped in. Several members also worked prior to joining and have their own personal funds but it isn't enough to supply the continuation of the quest into Pozem to find Freen and the Elder Sage of Pozem who Janie named Ilan.
Soren sat on a hill on the outskirts of Tier next to Janie who pulled her knees to her chest and overlooked the plains before them.
"Still thinking about Regalshin?"
The Elder Mage shrugged as Soren sighed "We've fought alongside them and Orkra looked very strong…they'll be fine…"
"Thank you, Soren…I just…"
The Archsage turned as Mia approached, he stood up and dusted himself "Mikel and the others are returning from work…we'll be good to get on the road soon…I hope."
Soren nodded "How goes Orgoth's group with finding out about Freen or travelers like him?"
The trueblade sighed "Not too good…Tier is the first city you pass in Pozem upon crossing the Frikell Border Fort so there are many travelers that come through here headed for Enyx or just continuing down the road past the Twin Mines."
The pair turned to Janie as she stood "Ilan's hideaway is somewhere in the middle portion of Pozem…that is all I was told by Freen before he left…his reasons for going still elude me so I'm not sure what we're walking into…are you sure you guys still want to go?"
Mia smiled "We'll be fine…and if the events in Regalshin are any indication, we have to go."
Soren nodded and Janie sighed, as she scratched her head she continued speaking "As soon as we hit the road I can guide us the best way to the center region…there is a path on the North Pozem Route that leads south through the Twin Mine Trail to another city, from there we have access to the entire central region of Pozem."
"Anything further east of here of importance?" Mia asked to which Janie shook her head "East of here is Relquis Mountain, home to the biggest mine in Pozem, lots of work goes on over there, south from there is Enyx the Stone Port Town, they send a portion of the minerals from Relquis and the Twin Mines to the other nations, busy port but not as busy as the one further south that connects to the Ilkim Caves."
As Soren, Mia and Janie continued discussing what to do once the troop was prepared, a man watched them from afar he turned to his comrade and grinned.
"About time something happened…let's go report back to Meloi."
The other one nodded and they departed.
"Dalton…Asai…they've entered Pozem, you're turn."
The pair nodded as Norad Jyuugo sighed "I thought for certain the Regalshin Army would do my job for me…"
The former archduke raised an eyebrow "Really? I figured you would want to be the one to take them out. Pardon me when I say that is a pathetic notion…"
Jyuugo laughed and shook his head "I'll admit I want their blood on my hands but there is another who I want to clash with…"
Midnights 9 and 8 approached and bowed, Jyuugo followed them and left as Dalton and Asai began thinking.
"How should we make our first impression on the troop?"
Midnight 7 appeared "Sir…ma'am…Midnight 5 was assigned to Kanahana and the second attempt at Midnight 4 has failed…"
Asai turned away and stomped her foot "Why are we on the boss's short list? I don't get it!"
Dalton shrugged "No clue…but we're at the top of everyone else's…Meloi has long since moved into Pozem and dug that massive tunnel near the Ilkim Caves…it makes no sense…if Meloi truly wanted vengeance he would've returned to Sarhara like Murawk attacked Regalshin…"
Asai nodded "We've checked his history countless times, nothing solid links him to Pozem and there is too much out there to just make an assumption…"
"Sir…ma'am…there is something else…one of the advanced troops who moved in to recon the Dune Guard's activities came across a woman, not Dune Guard and definitely not Midnight."
Dalton raised an eyebrow "Who is she?"
"She managed to elude the forces, but several can confirm from her fighting style and effectiveness at killing…seeing as how half the force was killed…points to her being of The Altar."
"The Altar is here too? I thought they were all still in Regalshin or retreated back to Sarhara."
Midnight 7 shook his head at Asai "Apparently she has been here for some time…we've posted some more men watching for any other Altar assassins…"
Dalton brought his hand to his chin and smiled "This has just gotten very…very…interesting…"
As Mikel marched back into town, he cracked his neck and shoulders, Rhogam followed close behind "Quite the standstill this journey has come too…eh?"
Mikel nodded "We've stopped in nearly every city along the way, but never for this long and not for these reasons…"
Kay'Shera, Leena and Tyazaer walked behind the men as they spoke, the paladin thought back to Regalshin "I never thought I'd leave my nation like that…"
Leena turned to her "None of us did…I just wish we knew what was going on…why it happened…"
"We've thought about it a lot…but we obviously don't have all the answers…" Kay'Shera added.
Tyazaer nodded slowly, the five of them have been working with the minerals since they arrived in Tier and determined they needed money.
Normally Orgoth would be working and Tyazaer would aid with gathering intelligence, but she knew Orgoth was smart and asked Soren to switch them out for at least one day, so he joined the team of Lyle, To'Eltz, Wayu and Wyre.
The paladin continued to think of the Regalshin Army and how they could not find proof in Soren or Mia's claims that they've been fighting criminals all over Anondye, Sarhara and even in Numengate, not to mention the kidnapping of Sarhara's Royalty.
"Do you doubt our cause as well?"
Tyazaer turned to Kay'Shera who watched her, Leena also looked on very curiously. The Quester shook her head "I fought against Murawk alongside all of you…I saw a dead man try to kill us…I can't just ignore that."
Leena's eyes widened "Joltam!"
The other two came to a stop, even Rhogam and Mikel turned upon hearing his name as Leena continued "He was involved with all this too…do you think?"
The group remained silent, in addition to the fates of Zihark, Uhnie, Shinon, Leah and Orkra, they had no idea what happened to the retired Marshall that aided them against Murawk.
After leaving Soren at the archive with some more information, Joltam stood aside and watched the troop depart from Pyrnaz.
If he were 10 years younger, he'd still be really old, but he would've undoubtedly followed them to the Negative Wastes.
Staying behind he saw envoys sent from Regalshin Stronghold heading for the other nations. Pulling one aside he learned that they were to ascertain the claims Soren and Mia's group made to Hero Orkra and Wyvern Knight Yushez.
Joltam didn't think it was necessary, Murawk was here; he destroyed a busy market street and wiped out a detachment of Regalshin soldiers.
He hoped the best for the group in the Negative Wastes and that the envoys would see these strangers were helping the Frost Nation.
Orgoth walked through the town with Lyle at his side, the two spoke casually of anything and everything as they headed to the plaza where most of the 'asking' takes place.
"Say Orgoth…I kinda got into a thing with Soren back in the Umbarra Heights…but now I feel he really trusts me…"
The knight raised an eyebrow and turned "I always thought Soren trusted you…I mean he depends on you quite a bit in the worse of situations."
Lyle: As a fighter but as a person, it's fair to say he didn't like me.
Orgoth: I see…well its good you two cleared the air…what happened exactly?
Lyle: He asked me about the strangers I've met and told of our journey…
Orgoth: The…wait…what?
Lyle: Don't worry…they were just old friends like Pesh and Versha…Ushnae, the man I spoke to briefly in Yinshire was a friend of a friend. I got to know him a bit…honestly, while I considered him a friend I wasn't too comfortable around him.
Orgoth: Why is that?
Lyle: He had these crazy ideas about the future of Ymarkteg…he was also a conspiracy nut.
Orgoth: Any of those involve the incapability of Regalshin's intelligence gathering?
Lyle chuckled at that but shook his head "No…just other things, one being that there are multiple factions of assassins all over the world killing high profile people."
Orgoth whistled "Damn…that is crazy to think…especially with the peace that has survived this long…though after meeting To'Eltz and The Altar, I'm a little less sure myself."
Lyle nodded as they reached the plaza, nodding to each other they split up.
Nothing major came to light until the first envoy returned, this one from Sarhara. Joltam pulled one of them aside and asked how the journey went.
"It was good…we learned quite a lot…I'm afraid that is all we can say."
Joltam read into the man's facial expressions and watched him rejoin the group as they headed towards Regalshin Stronghold. Thirty years ago they'd tell him everything as he was a respected military leader…but he was in Regalshin, his Anondye status had little effect and just now he realized how inconvenient that was.
Wayu and Wyre sat outside a tavern; To'Eltz told them rather plainly they were too nice to question the kinds of thugs he expected to meet in a tavern full of overworked men.
Wyre turned and caught Wayu's gaze, she smiled and he couldn't help but mimic that "It's been a while since we've just been able to sit down…"
Wayu nodded "Even if it was following To'Eltz's insults…are we really that nice?"
Wyre shrugged "We don't look too threatening…my bright clothes and your pink hair."
Wayu smiled and turned away, she twirled some of her hair in her finger before looking back at Wyre.
Wayu: Do you not like pink hair?
Wyre: Huh? No…I mean…I don't dislike it…looks good on you.
Wayu: Thanks…
Wyre: …
Wayu: Are you alright, Wyre? You look a little…well…kind of sick, actually.
Wyre: No, I'm fine. Just…thinking about Hitenticul and the last conversation I had with someone very important to me…
Wayu turned away and swallowed "Oh…who…I mean, if you don't mind me asking."
Wyre gripped one of his gloved hands and started to open his mouth when a man tore through the wall and flew between the pair, landing on the ground on his face.
To'Eltz followed him out and landed on his feet, turning to Wyre and Wayu and signaling them to follow him. The trickster came to a stop and turned as another man tossed him his hat "Did you learn anything, To'Eltz?"
"No one there knew anyone matching the descriptions of the men that passed through here…I sincerely wish that Freen was a woman…no doubt they'd all be able to recall in that situation."
Wyre coughed and To'Eltz turned to Wayu before looking at the road ahead "Sorry."
The Numengate division returned later, which was odd seeing as how Sarhara's capital was much farther away. Joltam tried to ask them questions but they seemed very frantic as they entered the city and proceeded to the Stronghold.
Deciding to look into it further, Joltam followed them; being old he figured he could use the assumptions that all old people are senile to get him out of any situation he might get caught in. However, having been in the military for such a long time, he put his stealth to use and was pleasantly surprised with his ability to sneak around, even if it was at a slower pace he was used to.
Soren, Mia and Janie returned to the inn the troop had been staying at, Lune and Fistivus checked in a while ago and were going over some paperwork on the items they got and essentials still missing.
Soren repeatedly asked if he could help, but they made the same argument every time.
"We can't fight…you lot risk your lives out there every time we move from one place to the other. We may not be able to help you on the battlefield, but let us at least aid you in this way."
The sage had immense respect for the old merchants, waving to the pair as he continued down the hall.
"I'm going out to train for a bit… y'know…it helps get my mind off things…" Soren looked at Mia as she picked up Ein'Tosen. He nodded "So much has happened…I really do hope it helps."
She smiled "I love you, Soren…I'll be back soon."
As she left, Soren turned to see Janie, arms crossed, smiling "What?" he asked, to which she laughed.
"You two…it just…makes me happy to see you interact…be honest, it was like that in Corelis right? You two just lit up anyone's day with your love and happiness."
Soren looked away as Janie giggled "You don't act your age at all, Janie."
"Of course not…Lune is the elder and responsible one, Leena is the young strong one, Wayu is the shy but determined one, and Kay'Shera is the brave one though she doubts herself quite a bit…"
Soren turned and raised an eyebrow "You got all this from the short time we've been here?"
"I speak to them when I can…and I wasn't finished."
The sage laughed "I apologize…continue…"
"Lastly, Tyazaer is valiant, really smart and adaptable…so it is natural that I'm the happy one."
"Are you always this happy?"
Janie nodded and smiled "Yeah…when I can be…back in the Umbarra Heights I had to be strong and determined because watching Gungnir called for it…I'm still angry that I lost it and scared of what Freen might think but I'm glad I can be myself."
Soren grinned "We're happy to have you along; we can really use your skills."
Janie brought two fingers to her head and flicked them towards Soren before winking.
"Rey Oshwa is…dead?" Orkra turned from the men and shook her head "It can't be…Soren and Mia told us that she was severely injured but recovering…there must be some other explanation."
Yushez shook his head "Orkra, look at the facts, the Sarharan King and Queen are safe, no sign of damage there aside from a freak fire that burned down the Western Archive!"
"How can we be absolutely certain it wasn't from the battle Soren and Mia told us about?"
Yushez laughed "We can't prove it was either! Look, I get it, you were taken for a fool and you can't except it, but open your one good eye, we let those terrorists right by us and we have to fix that mistake."
Orkra shook her head as Yushez walked over to her, his hand made for her face so she knocked it away and grabbed him by the collar again.
"You continue to cross this line…keep…away…"
Tossing the man to the floor she turned to the envoys and began asking more questions.
Above them, peeking out a higher corridor opening near the ceiling of the room Orkra and Yushez are in, Joltam shook his head. He watched Yushez stalk away and whispered to himself "Something bad is going to happen…I have to trust in Orkra but…"
Turning away, the Marshall made for the exit. Unknown to the old man, someone watched him leave.
With Orgoth and Lyle back in the inn, the entire troop except for Mia was together again and talking about the day, what they all got and how much closer they were to leaving Tier.
Soren didn't catch most of it, concerned for Mia who left hours ago, the sun had long since set and it was getting darker.
Looking over to the troop, he noticed only Janie was staring directly at him, she smiled and nodded.
With that Soren stood and excused himself.
As Yushez spoke with the King of Regalshin, a larger man walked up behind him, the wyvern knight turned "Gorm!"
"I understand that things…aren't what they seemed…"
Yushez nodded and Gorm sighed "Orkra is your superior but technically the two of us are on the same level…we can do what Regalshin must do without stepping on any toes."
"Are you certain? Orkra will fight against this."
Gorm shook his head "She wouldn't dare cross the crown…your majesty…"
The king smiled as Gorm and Yushez took to one knee before them, shortly after they began bringing the forces together behind Orkra's back as she struggled with the information gathered from the Sarharan and Numengatian envoys that returned and wondered what happened to the men sent to Anondye.
Once militant forces began forming up and exercising within the Stronghold, Joltam knew something was wrong, returning to his home he prepared for immediate departure.
However, upon exiting his home, he came face to face with the man who saw him in the chambers, Wyvern Lord Gorm.
"Marshall Joltam…or rather…former…I'm afraid we never got properly acquainted."
Joltam eyed the man carefully and nodded "That is a shame, Gorm, though I have heard of you…were Regalshin at war, you alone could cut through countless enemy ranks…"
Gorm bowed slightly "That pleases me from someone as decorated as you…but I must ask…where are you going?"
"Where is a private citizen going? I'm sure that isn't something you're hierarchy needs to know…no offense of course."
Gorm shook his head "No…nothing like that…it's just…I thought I saw you in the Regalshin Stronghold…was I mistaken?"
Joltam placed Gorm's face under extreme scrutiny; either answer would land him in this man's determined line of sight, the old Marshall did not want to be there
"Yes…I was in the Stronghold…it's open to the public if I remember. Also, in this time of peace, there is no doubt that nothing is happening in that structure that civilians shouldn't know about…right?"
Gorm smiled and nodded, staring at Joltam closely before turning and marching away.
"Mia." Soren stood aside, seeing the woman sitting atop a hill looking out to the wilds of Pozem. Ein'Tosen at her side and facing away he couldn't see her expression.
Walking over to her, he spoke "Are you alright?"
She nodded and faced him "I'm fine…I just…have a…terrible feeling in my stomach…I feel very sick…"
Soren sat next to her and put an arm around her "You're still thinking about them?"
"About a lot…there is something else trying to force its way into my head…not just Zihark, Leah, Shinon, Uhnie and Orkra back in Regalshin…but something else…"
Soren saw pain in Mia's eyes as she spoke and called her softly to keep her eyes on him "Everything will be alright…we can get through this…I'll help you...I love you, Mia."
She smiled and kissed him, the pain began to fade, its origin still troubled her, but she could ignore it for a bit.
A large group of Wyvern Riders left the Stronghold in the dead of night. Joltam saw this, the 8th troop since the sun went down.
His hunch was right, the Regalshin Royal forces were mobilizing and based on what he heard Yushez and Orkra discussing, it was against Soren and Mia when they returned from the Umbarra Heights.
Deciding now was the time, Joltam took off, leaving Pyrnaz, his plan was to head to the city farthest to the south and take a border route around to Frikell before returning along the Regal Kingdom path. There were a lot of merchants and travelers along this route, if anyone were to follow him, they'd lose him I the crowds.
Packing his things he left shortly afterwards, with any luck he can make this long trip before Soren and Mia returned and warn them as they cut back through the Negative Wastes, he wasn't looking forward to entering that frost, but he had to.
As he cleared Pyrnaz he heard a roar and a massive wyvern landed in front of him, Gorm leaping off of it.
"It is extremely late Joltam…why can't this trip wait till morning?"
"I'm visiting the family of an old friend of mine down south. I got a message from them earlier today. I may be old but the cold Regalshin night won't kill me."
Gorm nodded "I respect you, Joltam. Immensely, but I'm afraid I can't let you leave…call me paranoid but I need to cut off all loose ends…come back to Regalshin Stronghold with me."
Joltam took out his sword and shook his head "You won't take me son, you know you can't."
Gorm sighed and Joltam's eyes widened, the calm, duty driven man's entire appearance seemed to shift, his face became darker and one eye began glowing, his right arm shot up, emitting black smoke as an ethereal spear formed, the mighty weapon gave off a powerful black aura.
Despite this, Joltam charged the man, unrelenting.
"Anything?" Gorm shook his head "I'm sorry my King…it seems that they continue to resist us…"
Scratching his head, the Regalshin King sighed "Very well…I didn't want to have to do this…give her to him…"
Gorm shook his head "No…sir…I…I mean, yes…King Gaelon" Turning, the Wyvern Lord noted the queen entering the hall and bowed again "Queen Iseil…" she smiled and motioned for him to stand, as Gorm left she faced her husband "Is everything alright?"
"Of course…what is that scroll?"
"A royal request from King Gra'Tisk and Queen Yi'Pyre, they ask for passage through Regalshin, it appears they are heading for Pozem and want our blessings."
The king nodded "When will they pass Pyrnaz? We'll ride out and meet them; I haven't spoken to them in a while."
"Since that night, I was thrown in the Stronghold's dungeon by the inhuman Gorm…the army left…I knew not what became of those forces or Soren and Mia…until…"
Joltam's cell door opened and Orkra appeared, before Joltam could say anything he noticed she was severely wounded, her head band gone left her hair in disarray and showed her scarred eye. With a powerful push, she was thrown into the cell along with another man Joltam didn't recognize.
"Orkra…"
She slowly opened her eye and noticed Joltam before losing consciousness. "You…what happened?"
The other man turned to face Joltam, his clothes were also badly torn and he had several bloody wounds, the robes seemed to be an assortment of light purple shades and he had light blue hair.
"My name is Zihark…I take it you know of Soren and Mia."
"Yes…what-"
"The Regalshin military came after them under the command of Yushez, Gorm and Orkra…though she turned on them…there were too many of them and we were trapped in Ukla Cave, Orkra and I along with a handful of allies covered Soren and Mia until they could escape…we killed as many of them as we could…but were ultimately overrun."
Zihark moved forward and took a tray of water; he glanced at Joltam who nodded before turning Orkra over and removing some of her ruined upper body armor. Joltam held his hand out "What are you-"
"She was badly wounded and needs help…I'm going to clean her wounds out."
"What about yours?"
Zihark shook his head "Hers first…if not for her…I'd be dead."
Joltam stared at Zihark in disbelief, he could tell at a glance this man was skilled, well 'skilled' was an unbelievable understatement, what situation could've caused this?
"Gorm…" the old man muttered, recalling the demon hiding in the stoic general.
Wolfing down a meal, the woman watching the Dune Guard turned as another member of the Altar approached.
"Well?"
With a smile he began "Peltzm'Jakq is planning to take to the field himself." She stopped in the middle of chewing and swallowed before turning to the assassin "Peltzm'Jakq? Why? I'm sure he has other higher ups with skill equal to or even better than Quo'Eltis he could send."
The man nodded "Indeed…but seeing as how this is Meloi we are dealing with…he wants to see to it personally. With that said, you may return to our camp Zey'Yu."
Sighing she affirmed his statement and with a brisk bow he turned to walk away, "One more thing, my name is Fre'Han, Peltzm'Jakq is putting me on the advance squad as second."
Zey'Yu nodded as the man bowed again and left, scratching the back of her head, Zey'Yu turned to face the direction the Dune Guard was roaming before returning to her meal.
Outside the Treige Border Keep, Iltar'Elm was called by his subordinates to meet his new partner. Apparently Ottenz was needed much longer back in Euto. The sniper shook his head at the story he was given and composed himself before entering the Keep.
"Ah…finally…you must be Iltar'Elm of Sarhara!"
The sniper nodded as he extended his hand to shake the new superior of the Anondye side.
"Yes…who are you?"
With a smile, the dark haired man took a few steps back; Iltar'Elm noticed a blade beneath his brown cloak. It seemed strange to replace the massive war monk with a lithe swordmaster, hopefully he had good credentials.
"I am the Headmaster of a successful training dojo back in Corelis...my name is Kino."