Author's Note:
Another chapter down. We'll be starting the Land of the Dead arc soon, so stay tuned. I don't own this content.
-Tangent
The morning was cool, with the sun peeking through the lightly scattered clouds. By any standard, it was a premonition of a beautiful day in Ryva. He would have been in the woods for hours already, scouring the land for food and resources.
Rye hated it. Hated how it felt, what it reminded him of. One of the village elders approached him, looking somber.
"It's time, Rye. Are you ready?"
"Just... give me a moment." He could not look up, for fear that he would see the assembled villagers waiting for him. The man nodded sympathetically and moved away, limping slightly.
"I'll go to my seat." Emma whispered softly, setting her armored hand on his shoulder. Rye touched it with his own gloved fingers.
"Wait." He said quietly, not letting go of the knight's hand. "Can... can you-"
Can you come with me? I cannot face this alone. But the words wouldn't come out. Emma looked into his eyes for a pair of heartbeats, then nodded. Rye turned, took a breath, and began to move. Emma followed wordlessly.
At first, he was only passing through the empty houses of the town, still sporting the repair marks from the monster attack the previous weeks. He saw one family, then two, and he rounded the corner to see the entire village arrayed in a mass. As he approached, they split to either side, leaving a central aisle for him and Emma to pass through.
Please, no. His knees almost gave out, and Rye stopped. The coffin was beautiful, made by the best carpenter in the village out of wood from the forest. The box rested upon a raised dais, hiding the occupant from all who watched. But the ranger knew full well who was waiting for him.
He started moving again, footstep ringing in the solemn silence, and the ranger did not look up again until he had reached the place where the coffin lay. The lid was ajar, just enough to see the face of the person who would reside in it forever.
Great-Grandma Nora was the same as she had always been, albeit with a more peaceful expression on her wrinkled face. A sheet hid the wounds that had been inflicted by the monsters on her aged body, and Rye felt a surge of anger, followed by intense sadness.
A small hand, freed from armor, slipped through his, and Rye squeezed it tightly.
I won't cry. Not now, at least.
Slowly, as was the custom, he took a single arrow from his quiver and laid it in the coffin, next to the small body. A family member was meant to leave an item that would remind the departed spirit of their family. This allowed them, supposedly, to find the souls of their kin in the afterlife.
"Goodbye, Nora." Rye whispered. "I'll never forget what you did for us. May you find peace." His role over, he turned slowly and stepped down to stand on one side of the coffin, releasing Emma's hand as he did so. The mayor of Ryva, another elderly man, rose and began speaking about Nora's life.
She's gone. But she lived a long life, even outliving her husband Haliburt. Maybe she was cantankerous at the best of times, but she loved this town.
Things were going to change. He knew that, had known it the day he laid eyes on Ean and Iya. Ryva would never be a small, backwoods town again, just like he would never be a simple farmer again.
I've found something greater. It demands everything of me, and yet I do not complain. Is this truly what the Goddess intended for me?
The mayor wrapped up his remarks, wiping his eyes, and the people began filing forwards to pay their last respects. Thankfully, most of them did not speak to Rye, sensing that he wanted to be alone.
"I'm sorry." Emma said softly, moving up to stand next to him. "It doesn't mean much, but..."
"Thank you." He said softly, watching the line of people move towards the coffin. "For coming with me, and for... for everything."
"You're my partner. I'm just doing the job that I was asked to do." Her voice was saddened, and yet the words were oddly uplifting. Rye turned slightly, and he was astonished to see a tear rolling down Emma's cheek. "Sorry." She said again, brushing it away. "I'm just... thinking about the future."
"Me too." A trip to the Land of the Dead was pure insanity. Nobody had ever managed it, or at least they had not come back sane, let alone with an already dead soul. Monsters were stronger there, and he did not doubt that there would be tougher foes beyond anything so far. "Do you think his vision was correct?"
"I truly wish it wasn't." Emma murmured. "But it all fits together too well." Ean had told the party privately, later that night, about his suspicions regarding the beast spirits and Ishtar. "If there's some witch behind both of these events, it doesn't bode well for us. Who could even be that powerful?"
"Rye!" Aunt Linia had come rushing up to the pair of them, pulling the young man into a tight hug. Her husband, Eamon, was there too, introducing himself. Linia hugged Emma too, smiling gently at the young woman.
"You came from Ravenwood?" Rye asked, secretly touched by the gesture.
"Wasn't much trouble, with that Magic Express of yours." Eamon said gruffly. "I've not been here in many years. Shame about Nora, though."
"You were here when she died, weren't you?" Linia asked Rye gently. He nodded, not wanting to feel the sting of tears in his eyes again. "I know you did your best to save everyone."
"Thank you." He whispered, and she hugged him again.
"Still no progress?" She asked Emma, who flushed and did not answer. "You two are no fun. Where are the others?"
"Still in Thais. But we need to leave soon." Rye said. "The war will be over in two months, one way or another."
"We'll pray for your success." Linia said. They spoke for a bit longer before the older pair had to leave, leaving Emma and Rye alone once more.
"What now?" Emma asked finally. "Will she be buried?"
"Yeah. In the woods, next to her husband. A fitting place, I think. But we can't stay for the dinner tonight, nor the mourning tomorrow."
After the line dwindled down, Rye motioned to Emma that they should go, and the pair set off up the main street. When they had almost reached the edge of the forest, where Beregond was waiting, he heard somebody calling his name. The mayor had come jogging out of the village, panting hard, and stopped in front of the ranger.
"You forgot this, my boy." It was a plain, white envelope with a piece of paper inside. Accompanying it was a second, red envelope.
"Oh, the death letter." Rye said, taking it gingerly. "What did you decide?"
"As you're the only family member left in Ryva, their property will become yours. We'll keep it nice for you, for when you return." The mayor clapped him on the shoulder, and Rye gave him a grateful smile.
"And the other?" Emma asked. The mayor's face seemed to tighten slightly, and he coughed.
"We found that in Nora's house. It's a letter to Haliburt that she never mailed. Looks like it's been there for years. It was the only keepsake of hers we could find to give you, Rye."
"I..." His voice broke, and Rye ran his finger over the old paper. "Thank you, mayor. Really."
"She was very proud of you." The man said gently. "She was always asking where you were, and when you were coming back. Tough love was just her way of showing it."
"I'll do right by her, then. I swear it."
"Just come back to us safely." The man instructed him. "Ryva needs its heroes." He shook hands with both of them again and tottered off back towards the town.
"You okay?" Emma asked again, and Rye nodded, tucking the envelopes securely into his pack.
"Not right now, but I will be. Come on, then."
Rye set off into the forest, and for the first time, did not look back.
The world had shifted. Iya could not pinpoint the moment or place, but she knew it as surely as anything else. Balance had been restored, ever so slightly, and her almost-complete soul sang with happiness.
She opened her eyes and turned, gazing at the still form of Ean next to her. Emma and Ava had already teased her to no end about sleeping in the same room as her mate, but Iya found that she did not care. The opinions of the noble ladies mattered even less, despite how often she heard them whispering about her and Ean. Not that they had done anything scandalous, but still...
She blushed as Ean opened his eyes as well, blinking blearily. Only she was privy to this relaxed, more passionate version of him, the one that only emerged when they were alone. It was how he had been back in the Vale.
"Good morning." He said with a soft smile. "What sort of thoughts put that expression on your face?"
"Nothing." The word came out much higher than intended, and Ean laughed, sitting up to reveal his usual clothes.
"Somehow, I doubt that." His hands twitched, and the elf moved gracefully to look out the window. "Are you ready?"
"I think so. Do you think Nuha will approve of me?"
"If she still has her wisdom, then yes." Iya swatted his arm and moved to get ready. When they exited the castle a few minutes later, Iya let out a contented sigh at the cool air.
"It really is much nicer without the North Wind. Hard to believe that autumn is this warm, here."
"We did live in a place with no winter, you know." Ean teased, and she gave him a mock frown. He merely laughed and took her hand as they moved through the streets.
Abram was waiting for them outside his house when they arrived. Iya couldn't stop herself from letting out a gasp when she saw him. The elderly man looked as though he had aged ten years in the past two weeks. His skin was wrinkled, and his back looked more stooped than before. Nevertheless, as he turned to look at the elves, she could see an undeniable excitement around him.
"You've come back. The book has been completed. Please, come in." He led them inside, sinking into a chair in the corner of his crowded library.
"This... this was the cost?" Ean asked. "Abram, you look..."
"I know. Ean Okho. But I was going to wither away regardless." He patted a velvet box that lay on his lap. "I'd rather it be due to a worthy cause, rather than wasting away quietly." The historian turned to face Iya. "Take it. Please."
With quivering hands, the elf opened this case to reveal a beautiful book, inlaid with writing that scrawled across the front cover. The runes were in a language she could not read, but the phoenix inside of her stirred at the power that the symbols contained.
"You merely have to speak to her, and Nuha will appear." Abram said softly. "Go on." Iya breathed in slowly, turning to look at Ean. He nodded, smiling encouragingly.
"I call upon Nuha, nymph of wisdom." The book quivered once, and it opened of its own volition. The pages began to turn, faster and faster, and each word that zipped by was giving off an ethereal glow. Streams of light filled the room, coalescing into a mass that hovered above the center of the floor, spinning and twisting. Iya thought she heard voices and songs echoing through the pages, a thousand years of every emotion and story mortals had wrought. Books tumbled to the floor, while others were swept up in the whirlwind of magical energy that surged through the room.
Iya felt a light touch on her shoulder, and the elf opened her eyes, blinking slowly. Nuha was hovering in front of her, wings extended as though in flight. The nymph was the same size as her sisters, but the resemblance ended there. Her skin was a light bronze, instead of the pale colors they had seen previously, and her wings stretched almost twice as far as her own body. Her hair and feathers were a brilliant cobalt, highlighting the face etched with a serene smile.
"I have waited for you." Nuha said, her voice smooth and measured, like the cadence of a song. "Iya Tiki."
"Nuha." Iya breathed, feeling slightly dizzy at the sight in front of her. "You're back. Are you... are you okay?"
"I rather think so. It's so good to have a clear mind, know. Not enough space to store all of my thoughts in books." She floated forward and embraced Iya gently. The elf merely buried her face in the nymph's shoulder, tears of relief sliding down her face. Ean moved quietly around the library, stacking up the fallen books, while Abram still looked on in silence.
"I was so worried that it wouldn't work." Iya whispered. "And the things we've learned... about the Snow Queen... Nuha, I'm so sorry."
"I am not the one who needs your worries, child. I fear that facing Ishtar will take every inch of your resolve. But if anyone can succeed where I failed, it is you."
"But... I'm not wise, or clever." Nuha separated from her, looking deep into the elf's eyes.
"Is wisdom merely knowing, or seeing the truth? No, it cannot be. If it were, I would never have been trapped, never have let Ishtar turn against us. Wisdom is the knowledge of what is good. Even with a broken spirit, you have shown that you are wise, Iya Tiki. Take my blessing, and be complete."
Nothing changed on the outside, but Iya felt a measure of strength flow through her being, as if magic was resonating on every level of her body. It felt as though she had woken up for the first time in years, with her brain and spirit rejuvenized. She wept once more, and Ean wrapped an arm around her shoulder. His love for her suddenly felt more obvious than ever, and it took most of her willpower to not curl up against his larger frame.
"Thank you." She managed to say, and Nuha inclined her head.
"I would speak with you more, but first..." The nymph turned to face Abram, who hastily dropped to the floor in supplication.
"Lady Nuha... You honor me with your presence."
"You did well, Abram. Writing my book was no mean feat. Trust me when I say that your name will be remembered in history for your accomplishments." The elderly man looked oddly sad, but he bowed his head once more.
"Thank you, but..."
"I know what it cost you." Nuha said more softly. "And I know what you wish for. It is certainly within reason." She leaned down to whisper in the historian's ear. Almost at once, his face seemed to relax, and Abram's lips split into a wide smile.
"Nothing would please me more."
"Then when our current conflict is over, we shall speak again." Nuha kissed the man on the forehead, before turning back to Ean and Iya.
"There is much we must speak of, but not alone. Will you accompany me to the castle?"
"Of course." Both elves said in unison. Ean released her and went to thank Abram, while Iya followed Nuha to the door.
"This city is much cleaner than I imagined." The nymph remarked as they moved through the streets. Iya noticed that others did not react to Nuha's presence, despite her less-than-normal appearance. "A little bit of magic. You would be capable of it too, if you had a mind to try."
Nuha also found the constant attention that the elves received quite amusing. Iya in particular elicited laughter because she was still unused to such praise, while Ean could brush it off with a smile and a laugh.
"He has grown even more than I expected of him, all those years ago." Iya turned to look at the nymph, who was watching Ean fend off a swarm of younger kids who had come charging down the street. "I suppose I did the best I could, isolated from the mainland. Ceri must be overjoyed with you two."
"It's not too bad." Iya blushed. "Long overdue, in my opinion."
"And yet, it came when you needed it most. Perhaps love and wisdom are not so different." Ean saw the pair of them watching, and gave Iya a smile that made her heart feel as though it had leapt from the top of the castle.
"Hmm... elevated heart rate, nervousness... Yes, you display all the symptoms my sister mentioned."
"Nuha!" Iya squeaked. "Please, that's enough!" The nymph merely chuckled and floated on. They lapsed into a natural silence as Ean rejoined them, and Iya found that she was content to keep it, at least for a little while.
"What will happen to Abram?" Her mate asked as they approached the outer wall of the castle. "Is he..."
"Yes, he will die soon. I have seen it. But not before the war ends, when I can reward him properly."
"He seemed... content. Happy with the way things turned out." Iya mused.
"His wife passed over many years ago. All he wants is to see her again. I promised him that when the conflict ends, we will petition the Goddess to have their souls together in Aveyond."
"A good end for him." Ean all but whispered. "I can only hope we live as long." Nuha said nothing as she floated on through the gates of the castle. It took several minutes to find Uthar and Ella, and several more to explain the situation. Nearly half an hour later, Iya had managed to get all of the party members up to the meeting room once again.
"I should put my bed in here." Jack grumbled as he spun his knife between his fingers. Nuha was hovering patiently next to Iya, and the elf nodded to her.
"Greetings, everyone. I am Nuha, nymph of wisdom, and eldest daughter of the Goddess. You have my thanks for helping to restore my form."
"Are you already back to normal?" Ava asked. "The other nymphs took a long time to heal."
"My sisters are tied to their springs, but my source in Eredar was destroyed. For now, I will roam until I can find a suitable place."
"Why not come with us?" Gavin asked, smiling slightly.
"I cannot. The prophecy is very clear upon this point. My intervention beyond what is required could bring ruin to the world. The same goes for my sisters and mother." Iya felt her jaw clench. Despite her best efforts, she had not been able to bring herself to forgive the Oracle for all of her lies.
I don't care if it was necessary... but maybe I understand a little more, now.
Ean touched her hand with his own, and she felt his presence press up against her own, like a spiritual hug.
"Forgive me, Nuha." Ella was saying now. "But where will you go?"
"I would like to see my sisters. The time has come for us to be united once more. Should you manage to defeat Ishtar, then we will meet again. But that is not why I have come to the castle." Nuha turned to face Ean, her expression deadly serious. "You know what comes next?"
"The Land of the Dead." Ean said softly. "Can we survive?"
"Mortals can walk there, but you must be careful. Life is like the scent of a feast to the creatures that dwell there. If you can make it to the town of Casket Hill, help will be found." The nymph met Ean's eyes, and something unspoken passed between them. Her mate nodded slowly, and Nuha turned to face Iya once more.
"One more warning, young one. Your soul is missing but one piece now."
"I can feel it's absence. More so now that there is only one hole."
"Indeed. Your strength grows, but be wary. Ishtar will have taken part of your magic and fused it with her own. Defeating her will be the only way to separate them."
"I know that." Iya said firmly. "But I made up my mind to try and save her, Nuha. Surely she can come back. Compassion is not lost from this world."
"I hope you are right. Even my wisdom cannot see this path you are on. It is full of danger and uncertainty."
"Then we'll have to take the risk." Ean put in, and the other chorused assent. Nuha smiled at them, wings beginning to flutter a bit faster.
"I see that the heroes of this age are as impressive as the last. Perhaps more so. Farewell, all of you. Should you survive the Land of the Dead, we shall speak again." Nuha closed her eyes, and the nymph dissolved into a shower of blue sparks.
"She was majestic." Ella said softly. "I wish I could meet her sisters." Iya nodded, feeling a strange lump of sadness in her throat.
It felt like she was saying goodbye. But why?
"She gave us good information." Uthar said after a moment. "We know where to start looking, at least."
"Casket Hill." Ean nodded. "Gavin, I'll need you to do some research. Find anything you can. Anyone that can help him, please do. Emma and Rye, I'll have you replenish our supplies. Nicholas can advise you on the medical items."
"And you two?" Ava asked, raising her eyebrows at the elves.
"I think I know where we can enter the Underworld." Ean responded. "But I'll need to remember. Make haste, everyone. This is going to be much worse than anything we've done so far."
Jack grunted, flicking his wrist at an angle. His blade responded with a curving motion that beheaded the nearest mannequin, shearing through metal and straw with ease.
"That's pretty terrifying." Uthar commented from behind him, where he was performing his own training techniques. "How does it work?"
"It's mostly about spinning the knife a certain way. I got these ones from Elkian when he arrived here. Said they were specially made."
"And your other knife?" Uthar nodded towards the enchanted blade resting on Jack's hip.
"I can control it freely, even without holding it, but it's tiring. Gavin says it's because I'm not magically gifted, which is true." The prince grunted, sweeping his sword in series of quick slashes and jabs.
He's incredible... Maybe still better than Emma and Ava.
"Want to spart?" Jack blurted out, and Uthar stopped mid-swing.
"I didn't know you were interested in swords."
"I'm not. I'll take you on, my knives against your sword." The man seemed to contemplate it, then grinned.
"Why not?" They both retrieved wooden weapons from the rack against the wall. In Jack's case, he had to seize a handful of daggers, holding them loosely by the tips. The pair settled into their stances, and the younger boy felt a familiar calm settle over him.
Distract him first. My only chance is to trick him. It was fortunate, then, that he was much faster than he had been at the beginning of his journey. His left hand blurred, flipping the knives into the air all at once.
With a shout, Jack plucked two of the blades from the air, hurling them at Uthar. The prince leapt aside, but he was already throwing more blades at the spot where the prince's foot would land. His throw was accurate, and the prince stumbled. Still, he managed to deflect the next knife and get back into formation, sword ready to strike.
"Thought I had you." Jack grinned at him. "You sure you're the best swordsman in the castle?" Uthar snorted, spinning his sword loosely in his hand.
The next moment, he felt his legs fly inexplicably upward, swept out by Uthar's blade. The prince had closed on him in a heartbeat, knocking him to the floor, but Jack wasn't done. The boy rolled, flinging another knife that caught the prince in the leg.
Already out of knives. Doubt he'll let me pick them up, either.
With a sigh, Jack plucked his real knife from his belt, keeping it in the sheath. It hovered in front of him, assuming the form Ava had drilled into him over the past few months. Uthar hesitated for a moment, then smiled.
"It'll make it more fair."
"I hope you don't regret it, then." Putting more power into his right foot, Jack stamped, slashing with his left hand like he was holding the knife. His floating weapon performed the same movement, and Uthar was forced to deflect it as the ex-thief went on the offensive. Flicking cuts, backhands, and lunges all flowed together as he drove the prince back, their blades clashing.
And yet, it wasn't enough. Uthar was faster, and each clash of their weapons sent shocks up Jack's arm. He ducked under a thrust and stabbed upwards, aiming for the vitals. Uthar blocked, and Jack spun, his foot whipping out.
It was over in an instant. Uthar took the punch on his left arm, all while reaching out to tap Jack on the head with his wooden blade. The young man crumped to the ground, laughing and panting.
"Thought I had you." Uthar's face came into view, grinning at him.
"It was a good fight. You sure you don't want to train as a knight?"
"I don't think it suits me." Jack admitted. "And besides, the irony of me being a soldier is just too much to handle."
"I thought Nicholas said he couldn't find you in the jail records."
"Yeah, well... I'll think about it." They chatted for a few minutes before Uthar had to run, no doubt attending to the numerous problems of running a castle. He returned to his room and bathed, reveling in the novelty of living in the castle. The others seemed to take it in stride, but Jack still found himself overawed by the displays of wealth and power in the castle.
I'm still a country boy at heart, I guess.. As he ambled through the halls, nodding to the knights that saluted him, the former criminal found himself musing on Uthar's words.
Being a knight doesn't feel right to me. I still think I have some atonement to do, but... even then, the job just wouldn't make me happy. The question is, what would? Jack emerged into the castle gardens, squinting at the sudden brightness.
Everyone else has goals. Emma and Rye will stick together, no doubt. Same for Gavin and Ava. Nicholas will keep working on his new medical programs. He's been training me too, which is nice. Uthar and Ella will get married. But what do I want?
He was distracted by a voice calling his name. A few teenagers, just a few years younger than him, had come running over to see the newfound hero. He greeted them cordially, displaying his knife proudly, but his mind was racing internally.
This isn't my time period. I might look eighteen, but this isn't how I expected to live my life. Saving the world? No way they need a thief for that. He found a cart selling some sort of pastries and purchased a few, donating a couple extra coins to the harried shopkeeper.
"Strange times, to be buying instead of stealing." Jack murmured, clambering up onto the city wall to eat. From here, he had a pretty spectacular view of the city, with Thais Castle in the background. "Weather's great, too. Better enjoy it while it lasts." It was all perfect: the sun, the food, and the feeling of worn stone beneath him. And yet... it was wrong.
Calm down, Jack. Just enjoy the moment for once. Stop looking towards the next theft, or quest, or whatever."
"-Jack?" Someone asked from behind him, and the boy started, nearly dropping his pastry onto the street below. A shadow was silhouetted on the stone next to him, and he thought he smelled pine needles.
"You scared the life out of me, Ean." He said, relaxing slightly. "Where did you even come from?"
"Iya and I were headed out of the city and saw you. Want to come along?" The elf nodded towards the street, and Jack saw a familiar blue-haired elf waiting below.
"Might as well." He responded instantly, finishing the last of his food and dusting the crumbs onto the ground. They hopped down, Ean not even bothering to transform, and joined Iya on the road out of town.
"What were you doing up there?" She asked as they passed through the town gates. "We tried calling your name, but you didn't answer."
"Oh, just... thinking. About life, and what we're doing here. The usual, in other words." Jack joked, eliciting a small smile from the elves. Ean didn't call for Beregond, leading the trio towards Brightwood Forest instead. "Where are we going, by the way?"
"Oh, just to find some peace and quiet." Ean said, hopping up onto a boulder. "I need to concentrate for what I'm going to do. You'll see."
The rest of the trip passed in companionable silence, broken by the occasional joke from Ean or Jack. Iya seemed content to stay silent, which he couldn't fault.
After all, she just got another piece of her soul back. Must be a lot to process.
At last, they ended up on the fringe of the forest, where a small brook ran north, towards the main river. Several flowers sprouted at the edge of the trees, forming a rough clearing. Ean settled down in the middle, and gestured for them to do the same.
"I'm going to access some memories." He said. "Hopefully the spirits will have an idea of where this cave is located."
"The one Horace entered?" Jack asked, recalling Ean's story of the visions he had seen previously.
"Exactly. If he could get through, so can we. I just want to confirm the location. Iya, can you-" The elf nodded slightly, settling herself cross-legged on the grassy earth. Ean drew in a sharp breath, and his eyes seemed to slide out of focus. His body stayed exactly how it was, quite motionless, and Jack leaned forward.
"I still can't get used to that."
"Me neither." Iya admitted softly. "I have a better connection with him than anyone, but even I can't go where he's gone." Jack glanced at the elf. He thought she looked worried, but it was hard to tell.
"I... didn't interrupt your time together, did I?" He asked, voicing a hidden fear.
"Of course not." Iya raised an eyebrow at him. "Although I must say, that is a different line than the others have taken. They're always trying to 'keep an eye on us.'" Jack chuckled, leaning back against his bag relaxedly.
"Must be my inner rebel coming out. But I am sorry if I intruded."
"I told you, it's fine. You're important to the both of us. You know that, Jack." The remark caught him off guard, and Jack found himself cast back to his thoughts from earlier.
"Can I... ask you a question?" He blurted out, feeling suddenly awkward. Iya's eyes flicked over to him, curiosity reflected in the gray orbs. They seemed to have regained some undefined color, and the thought gave him courage to continue.
She's in the process of changing too. We all are.
"What will you do if we defeat Ishtar?" Iya seemed to mull over his question for a few seconds. Her hands fidgeted, miniature lights dancing across her palms.
"Assuming we win... Ean and I will return to Elfwood. At least, we'll try. I'm not sure what will happen with the Elder Oak." The words rolled so naturally off her tongue. Ean and I. Jack could feel her love and affection for the elf so strongly, it was like he had been struck in the chest. As though she had no doubts that Ean would come with her.
"I see." He said at last, trying to hide the emotion on his face. "What then? You get married? Do elves even have marriages?"
"We do." Iya laughed. "It is rare for elves to be wed, but there is a ceremony. Most couples are content to take mates, but..." She flushed, and did not continue. Jack found himself grinning.
"You wouldn't be happy with that. Nor would Ean." She nodded timidly, and he slipped back into seriousness. "At least you know what you want." Iya glanced at him, embarrassment replaced by concern.
"You can tell me, Jack."
"I just..." He hesitated for a moment. "All of us will go our own ways after the adventure is over. You all have somewhere to go, something to pursue. But I don't even belong in this time. I don't... I don't know what to do." He closed his eyes, trying to stay calm.
"Oh, Jack." Iya said softly, laying her hand on his shoulder. "You think we would forget about you?"
"You're leaving, aren't you?"
"Ean and I do not belong here, either. This world is beautiful, but it is not for us. Do you really think we will not be sad to leave our friends behind?"
"I didn't mean that." He admitted. "I was left alone once. I fear it happening again."
"Fear of the unknown is natural." Iya spoke softly. "But we care about you, Jack. You'll never be alone again, as long as we are there. I know the others feel the same. Ean feels the same."
"I know that, but... it's good to have a reminder. Thanks." He touched her hand gently before Iya withdrew, settling back down onto the grass.
"What prompted this?" She inquired. "It's not like you to be so down."
"Just... thinking, I guess. Now that the end is so close, I'm beginning to wonder what comes after. Especially since we're trying to leave the mortal realm."
"It is rather crazy, isn't it? But I feel in my heart that it's the only way."
"Me too. I just wish it wasn't." He said with a small smile. There was silence for a few moment, during which Jack looked at Ean, who was still unmoving.
I won't be alone, huh?
"Iya?" He asked hesitantly. "Can you tell me about Elfwood?"
And so, she did.
"That's it, then?" Ean asked, leaning over to inspect the diagram Gavin had drawn. It was rough rendition of the Land of the Dead, including the estimated location of Casket Hill.
Of course, it's drawn off of a lot of assumptions, but it's probably best if I don't think about that right now. The warlock leaned back and stretched, nodding slightly. Night had fallen, and the party had regrouped to plan their expedition to the Underworld.
"It's all we could find." Ava said by way of explanation. "Nobody has been there in recent memory, so all we've got are old anecdotes and dusty tomes."
"It will suffice. Once we are there, I should be able to track Horace to some degree." Ean looked tired, but his eyes still glittered with his usual excitement.
I'm curious what he saw, but I don't want to pry.
"And then what? We kill him?" Emma asked, frowning slightly.
"I'll try to talk to him, but... it might go that way. Are you still willing to help me?" Ean looked around at each of them.
"Of course we are." Gavin said first, followed by the others. "And you know how to get there?"
"Unfortunately, yes. We're heading to a cave in the southwest, near where I arrived for the first time. Rye, Emma, are the bags ready?" The pair of warriors nodded.
"All supplies accounted for. But about Beregond..." Emma glanced at Gavin, who shrugged.
"He should have arrived at Eredar with Nuha's help, and could return any hour now." He had sent their dragon to Thrain's observatory with the captured North Wind, as repayment for his help with freeing Nuha. "There is one more thing, Ean." The elf gave him the 'go-ahead' gesture, and he pulled out a sheaf of paper with scribbled notes. "I found some rather... cryptic notes about entering the Land of the Dead. It says that in order to enter, one must present proof of being dead."
"That could be a problem." Jack said thoughtfully. "Considering that we are not dead."
"I will take care of it." Rye said into the silence, and everyone stared at him.
"Would you mind telling us how?" Nicholas flipped through the notes Gavin had transcribed, looking nervous. "That's not exactly a simple task."
"I don't want to talk about it. Just trust me, please."
"If that's what Rye wants, I'll allow it." Iya said, smiling reassuringly. "He's never let us down before." The others nodded assent, and the ranger leaned back into his chair, looking grim. They broke shortly after, and Gavin headed towards the main stairs, intent on testing a few newer spells he had transcribed from Eredar. Ava had expressed her desire to rest, and so he walked alone through the corridors.
The night air was pleasantly cool against his skin, especially with the fire that constantly warmed his body. He had tried convincing it to stop, but it seemed to be certain that such a function was necessary for life. He found a secluded section of the garden and began to cast, moving through his usual routine. He had cast these spells thousands of times, and they flowed naturally from his pool of magic, like another sense he had learned to use. Spells that attacked, spells that drained mana and life, and every other variety poured out in a wave of magic, unseen by anybody else.
When this was done, he moved on to his newer spells, getting the hang of casting them without having to make an effort. This was more difficult but still manageable. He had just finished casting a hex when a familiar shadow shot overhead, and he turned to see Beregond gliding downwards towards the castle. The dragon landed with a crunch in the open area before the castle, grunting and breathing heavily with the effort.
Gavin hurried over to make sure he wasn't hurt, before inspecting the saddlebag to find a single case, strapped securely to the leather. He retrieved it, before loosening the saddle to allow Beregond to breathe a little easier.
The warlock sat on a nearby bench and opened the case, unsure what to expect. There was a single scroll inside, nestled in velvet, and an accompanying letter addressed to him. The handwriting inside was sharp and angular:
Gavin,
I would like to extend my eternal gratitude to all of you for subduing the North Wind. It is securely trapped in my observatory, where it will stay until the Goddess sees fit to release it. This is truly a legendary deed you have done, and I will never forget it. You have restored the pride I lost in the fall of my people. It is my hope that they will return to Eredar once they hear of this accomplishment.
I have attached a scroll, which details the magic of the North Wind. Only a powerful sorcerer could have any chance of making their own, and so I have entrusted it to you. Use it wisely, and only when you are in need. I thank all of you again for everything. May the Goddess bless you.
Thrain Windchaser
"No way." Gavin whispered, fingers trembling as he opened the scroll. It was full of magical terms that would take him some time to interpret, as well as the method of casting the spell. With a quick burst of magic, the warlock summoned the North Wind to his aid. Despite being quickly cast, the effect was shocking. A chilling wind swept over the ground, freezing everything in its path, while shard of ice rained from above.
Truly, this is a masterful spell. No doubt it will be useful.
"Gavin?" Ean had emerged from the castle, having been warned of Beregond's return. "What's that you've got there?" He handed Ean the letter wordlessly, and the elf whistled.
"That's a lot of power. Can you handle it?" For the first time in what felt like weeks, Gavin let his old smirk slide into place. He felt like his usual self for a moment, if tempered by a newfound humility and respect.
"No problem."
The fog was thick, causing Ean to sink into unseen patches of mud as he walked along the banks of the river. Strange shapes twisted and contorted in the mist around him, as if he was accompanied by a horde of monsters. The morning was cloudy as well, making the whole area much darker than usual as the party roamed across the untamed land. Nobody dared to venture to the southwest corner of the mainland, and he knew that it must have been the Elder Oak driving them away. After all, Ishtar had already proved that the boundaries between worlds were anything but fixed.
And of course, we're trying to leave this world as well. Strange how easy it is, once you know the method.
"Find anything?" Iya said, stepping close enough that he could see her cyan hair beneath her magical robes.
"Nothing. This should be the right area, but the weather was better last time I came." Other figures came into view, alongside a much larger shadow he knew belonged to Beregond. The dragon snorted, the force of his breath disturbing the fog as it trailed past. "Can you dispel the mist?"
Iya shook her head. It was the same answer she had given earlier, but no less disappointing.
"It's not a natural fog." The rest of the party emerged next to them, huddling in a loose circle.
"My magic doesn't work either." Gavin reported, as did Nicholas. "There was no mention of this in the books, Ean."
"If I might suggest something..." Cigni murmured, and the elf gestured for her to go ahead. "This mist deters you for seeking out the Land of the Dead. How, then, would souls seeking to come here find the way?"
"They wouldn't, I guess. Not by searching, at least..."
Ean opened his eyes, stopping the red glow, and looked around at his friends.
"New idea. Everybody, step back a little bit." They did so, and the elf turned to face a random point in the mist.
I need to feel it... the pull of the underworld. For a moment, there was nothing but his own heartbeat and breath, mixing rhythmically with the undulations of the fog. Was it his imagination, or did it swirl a little faster?
And then, very faintly, something else moved within the mist. It was a mere hint of a presence, but he seized it firmly, refusing to let the sensation slip away. The unknown entity resisted for a moment, before relenting and slipping away. Ean thought he head a faint scoff as it went.
When he opened his eyes, he was standing in front of the cave he had entered before. It was hewn into a massive black rock, with red torches burning on either side of the looming entrance. The air smelled foul and stale, but it was free of any fog.
"Ean!" Rye called, and the party came jogging up the slope. "How did you do that?"
"I didn't. I think you have to let the fog guide you naturally."
"It was certainly scary. One moment, the fog swallowed you up, and then you were standing here!" Emma remarked, touching the hilt of her sword. The swordmaster looked incredibly nervous. "This air..."
"Do you feel that?" Nicholas asked softly. "That heaviness?"
"The smell of death." Gavin snapped a finger, generating a small blue flame for light. "I've never felt it so strongly. Not even with other magic users."
"We are stronger." Iya said firmly, holding her staff in one hand. The phoenix that usually accompanied her seemed to have vanished. Ean glanced around at each of them, seeing the fear and courage warring within them.
"Follow me." And with a light step, the elf descended into the depths of the cavern.
He did not remember much other than the abject terror, and so the inside of the cave was new to him. It sloped downwards gradually, leading into an infinite abyss of darkness. Gavin's fire hovered over them like a light, and Iya summoned another flame to accompany them as they walked.
"How far do you think it is?" Jack whispered, the sound echoing off the uneven walls.
"Shh!" Ean said suddenly, holding up a hand. Someone, or something was lurking up ahead. He could feel it, hovering just out of sight. The elf took another step.
Immediately, a strange shape appeared in the air, a bundle of cloth that unraveled and spun in all directions. It took the shape of man, but there was no body at all. Only a empty robe hovered in front of them, complete with a black hood. But worst of all were the eyes, two gleaming crystals of pure white that gazed upon the party. Ean felt a presence probe his mind, examining him, and knew resistance was useless.
It seemed to inspect each of them, based on the shudders of the others as they felt the same presence. When the specter had finished, it hovered, quite still. Then, very slowly, it extended a single skeletal hand from beneath its robe.
"The item!" Gavin hissed. "Give it your proof of death!" Rye stepped forward warily, clutching a piece of paper in his hand. As Ean watched, he proffered it to the spirit, who took it. For a moment, nobody moved.
An unseen wind blew the good back, and Emma yelped. The head of the creature was just a skull, grinning grotesquely at them in the dim light. It seemed to nod once, and the entire creature collapsed in on itself, vanishing with a rustling sound. Rye blinked, and took a step back, looking as though he had been fighting for hours.
"Are you alright?" Ean asked him hastily.
"I... I think so. I felt... I saw memories." The elf thought he understood, and he saw Iya make the same connection.
"Thank you, Rye." His mate said, placing a hand on the ranger's arm. "For doing that." The man nodded slightly, still looking pale.
"Uh, guys? The way back is gone." Jack called in a high-pitched voice. "How do we get out?"
"We don't." Ean said softly. "This is merely the first level." Indeed, the cave in front of them had been replaced with black stairs, proceeding downwards as far as he could see. They began to descend them, lights still flickering over their heads.
"What do you think we'll find?" Iya asked him as they moved ever downwards. "The answers to all of this?"
"I'm not sure. I can't help but feel that this was a bad idea, you know? But it has to be done." Iya nodded, and her hand found his in the darkness. It was a warmth in the dead of winter, and the feeling gave Ean the courage to take one step, and then another.
We're both scared. But we can face this together.
It could have hours or days until they saw a faint light, like the one at the end of a long tunnel.
"Not much further!" He called, and the party quickened their pace.
As he stepped past a certain point, Ean felt a strange sensation sweep over him. It was though his senses had been numbed, limiting what he could see and hear. With each step, the discomfort grew, and now the air was growing colder, biting at him through his magical resistance.
His feet touched level ground, and Ean looked up to see a small opening in the rock, through which a pale light was streaming. Iya shivered slightly behind him, and he clung desperately to her hand as a chorus of voices seemed to sweep past.
"Come on." He croaked. "Just a little further." His companions rallied, and they moved slowly towards the surface. Ean broke through first, coming up short at the edge of the precipice.
He was standing on a chunk of rock that stuck out from a mountain so high, it defied imagination. The black slopes swept out before him until, far below, they met what seemed to be an endless forest, stretching out towards the horizon. He could see other foreboding hills in the distance, like giants towering over their kingdoms.
All of this was absorbed in an instant, but it was the atmosphere that sunk in slowly. The frigid air whistled around them, accompanied by a chorus of every voice imaginable. The sounds taunted them as they could not in the real world. Far overhead, two silver moons glittered, casting a strangely colored light over the entire realm.
As the party gazed out over the twisted, ruined landscape, they felt a sense of dread and foreboding. In every other place they had visited, there had been one small comfort: other mortals had been there. They had never been truly alone, even in the oldest mountains. But here, there was no comfort or rest. No mortals had lived here, no stories had been born here.
They had arrived in the Land of the Dead.