Chronicles of Espiria Season 3
Episode 8 – Rest for the Indomitable
Written by the Dude
Most of the Wilders had gathered on the icy shore of the Azure Cove, Gorvo's remains wrapped in an elven blanket and held respectfully by Ulmus. Everyone thought it best that the mighty guardian should be laid to rest in the cove, but no one could determine how to break through the thick sheet of ice to do so.
With little warning, a hole just barely big enough to admit Gorvo appeared in the middle of the ice. With their final goodbyes already said, Ulmus walked out on the ice and released Gorvo into the frigid waters. He had only begun to drift into the coral forest at the bottom when the opening resealed. As everyone began the walk back to the forest, Respen was the only one to notice Khazard standing on the opposite shore, making hand motions as the ice opened and closed to accept Gorvo's body.
"Thank you, old friend." Respen said under his breath.
As the crowd dispersed, Arden slowly approached Respen.
"Respen, would you be so kind as to help me with something?"
"Of course, Arden."
Arden and Respen walked slowly along the snow-covered ground toward the still-green edge of the slowly advancing frost line.
"Something weighs heavily on your mind, young elemental."
"I will be alright." Respen reassured Arden.
"Perhaps, but you may be alright sooner if you share your burden. What is it that troubles you?"
Respen was silent as he gathered his thoughts.
"It is Khazard."
"I believe we are all disturbed by his actions of late."
"But everyone else simply wants him dead." Respen said with frustration. "I remember a time when he was a good man, when he was the water elemental long before Seirus' existence was even foretold. Long ago, when I was young and foolish, he taught me how to control my elemental powers and to respect life in Espiria. He loved me as a son, and I him as a father. Even now, when he spoke to me in the forest, I sensed no ill will in him. He wanted me to follow him down his dark path, and when I refused, he was more disappointed than angry. And given the chance to destroy me, he instead stayed his hand."
"He still remembers you fondly, and likely misses the time you spent together as much as you do. The same cannot be said of Gorvo..."
"Why not? By Seirus' admission, Khazard allowed him to walk away with Gorvo uncontested. We all can attest that it was not Khazard who killed Gorvo, but the demon that wears Nemora's face. It is that creature that we should be hunting."
"The Dusk Patrol already seek out the Hypogean skinshifter as well as Khazard and Ezizh." Arden's brow twisted in confusion. "But I must ask, what is it you are getting at?"
"I suspect that Khazard actually wishes no harm on any of us."
"This frost would seem to say otherwise."
"I know how ridiculous it sounds, but my gut tells me that Khazard wants us to follow him, not to die frozen at his feet. Gorvo's murder was not his intention, but was done without his knowledge or consent, which means he is not in command of Ezizh or the skinshifter. If we could destroy the ice serpent that follows him everywhere, he could be coaxed into turning back to us and against the Hypogeans."
Arden was silent as he considered Respen's explanation.
"I will give your instincts the benefit of the doubt for now, but if you honestly believe that there is still good in Khazard, you had best find it before anyone else finds him; after today's events, you are likely the only one in the forest who does not wish him destroyed. But first..."
At that moment, they reached the edge of the frost line. They could see the blades of grass instantly freeze and live no more as the frost line slowly advanced in the direction of Yggdrasil.
"...I would like you to help me forge a barrier to stop the advance of this frost line. It is too much to do on my own."
At the same time, in a secluded section of the forest, Khazard found Ezizh crouched over a hand-drawn map of the Dark Forest. He seemed to be particularly considering an area marked off as the "Forbidden Zone."
"Is Gorvo buried?" Ezizh asked without looking up, as if it were a passing curiosity.
"He was laid to rest in the Azure Cove." Khazard answered.
"I suppose you assisted them by opening a gap in the ice so they would not break their weapons trying to open a hole themselves."
"It was the least I could do after what the Curse did to him."
"You disapprove?" Ezizh asked as he looked up from his studies.
"He did not have to die. He could have been a powerful asset to the Hoard if given the chance to join us."
"You honestly think he would have joined the Hoard if given the chance?"
"Not at first, but with enough persuasion..."
Ezizh took Khazard by the neck and lightly strangled him.
"You were privileged to be offered the chance to join us, elemental, and that privilege can be revoked at any time."
Ezizh cast Khazard aside and settled his cold gaze on the elemental.
"If the Wilders come to us and bow before us, we might allow them to join us, or we might destroy them where they stand. Until then, they are our enemies, and our enemies are only good for satisfying our taste for blood. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Ezizh."
Khazard rose and walked away, wondering why the serpent failed to aid him when his life seemed in danger. Ezizh returned his attention to the map without another word.