Champion of the Gods

 

A novel by David Holmes

Edited by John Murray

 

Foreword)

 

 

A lull has come in the conflict between Erren, the Goddess of light and life, and her brother, the Dark Lord. Darras, her agent, is currently dealing with those who have drawn her wrath in the world through their conduct. The forces of the Dark Lord are reconsolidating their position in the far south of the known lands, where there are few gateways and access could be more problematic. Yet there are still issues in other places, all needing the aid of the Champion of the Gods.

 

Contents

 

Foreword)

Contents

The Gods

Prologue)

Chapter 1)

Chapter 2)

Chapter 3)

Chapter 4)

Chapter 5)

Chapter 6)

Chapter 7)

Chapter 8)

Chapter 9)

Chapter 10)

Chapter 11)

Chapter 12)

Chapter 13)

Chapter 14)

Chapter 15)

Chapter 16)

Chapter 17)

Chapter 18)

Chapter 19)

Chapter 20)

Chapter 21)

Chapter 22)

Chapter 23)

Chapter 24)

Chapter 25)

Chapter 26)

Chapter 27)

Chapter 28)

Chapter 29)

Chapter 30)

Chapter 31)

Chapter 32)

Chapter 33)

Chapter 34)

Chapter 35)

Chapter 36)

Chapter 37)

Chapter 38)

Chapter 39)

Chapter 40)

Chapter 41)

Chapter 42)

Chapter 43)

Chapter 44)

Chapter 45)

Chapter 46)

Chapter 47)

Chapter 48)

Chapter 49)

Chapter 50)

Chapter 51)

Chapter 52)

Chapter 53)

Chapter 54)

Chapter 55)

Chapter 56)

Chapter 57)

Chapter 58)

Chapter 59)

Chapter 60)

Chapter 61)

Chapter 62)

Chapter 63)

Chapter 64)

Epilogue)

The Gods

 

God

Purpose

Allfather            Supreme God.

Bennos            God of swamps and marshlands.

Bimmlat            God of mines.

Bolgasa            God of inebriation.

            He is also denigratingly known as the God of drunks.

Bragos      Claims to be the God of stone but is simply the God of a Dwarven cult.

Cheelath      Goddess of crops.

Colanthus            God of war and combat.

Crannok            God of lost causes.

Known as the Guider of Destiny to the Lizardmen. And also known as the God of thieves.
Agent… Tiruk, Human.

Dark Lord      God of entropy and decay.
Agent… Casal, First One.

Darmela            Goddess of wealth and trade.

Doriel                  Goddess of the woods and woodland creatures.

Known as Lomaris to the forest folk.
Agent… Balat, Human.

Epelmos            God of plagues and disease.

Erren                  Goddess of light, protector of life and growth.

Known as Wenderos to the Elves and Gilmea to the Dwarves.
Agent… Darras, Human.

Gorgath            God of murder.

Originally worshipped as the guide of souls.

 

Hallis                  Goddess of healing and fertility.

      Known as the Goddess of courtesans and, denigratingly, as the Goddess of whores.
Agent… Mirion, Elf.

Lanfross      God of the heated depths.

Osruit      God of rivers and lakes and the water-folk.

Pelegard      God of blacksmiths and craftsmen.
Agent… Klavin, Dwarf.

Rustav      God of lightning.

Erroneously believes he is the God of life as electricity runs through all living things.
Agent… Denfur, Human.

Saltak      God of the plains.

Serulon      Goddess of judgement and balance.

Not powerful as such, but she is the only God who can contact the Allfather directly.

Sorella      Goddess of the sea and the denizens within.
Also known as the Stormbringer.

Szavona      Goddess of sleep.

Tsumi      God of dreams and the Realm within them.

Venicia                  Goddess of the air and all flying creatures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She came to me one morning, one lonely Sunday morning

Her long hair flowing in the mid-winter wind.

 

Prologue)

 

They called it the void; they being the creatures that inhabited it. The void wasn’t a vacuum, though it contained no air, instead it acted like a fluid. It was also vast, though none of its inhabitants had ever measured it. Their focus was on the tasks their creators had assigned them, guiding a world that all could see and sense. However, they were forbidden to visit now, after the original phase of creation, when certain amino-nucleic strands had been planted in suitable areas and were, magically, encouraged to grow and mutate.

Millions of years passed, and as the world changed before them, so did the inhabitants as they developed rudimentary personalities. Yet time was not something that concerned the inhabitants, for they could control it, extending or contracting it at will. The only stipulation being that they did not reverse it. As life evolved on the world from rudimentary one-celled creatures to more complex forms, some of the inhabitants of the void also grew, their intelligence expanding, and came to realise there were infinite voids and that one of their creators was in charge of them all.

Their other creator appeared to be the world itself, or rather, the guiding force behind its now abundant life. Finally, an intelligence developed, capable of thought, and a civilisation emerged. Because they were magically attuned, certain of the void's intelligences began communicating with the planet's inhabitants, guiding them along specific paths and accepting their worship, as the creatures assumed the void intelligences were deities.

In what to the inhabitants of the void was a blink of an eye, the civilisation of the planet rose, then fell as a meteorite struck the planet, killing all but the most basic of life, as the cycle of growth began again. It was different this time; one of the colonies of single-cell lifeforms had mutated to convert the methane-rich atmosphere into an oxygenating one. This precluded any of the older life forms from developing anew and led to new life, insectile and savage, which grew to large sizes in the oxygen-rich atmosphere that powered their anatomy.

Again, the inhabitants of the void approached the planet's dominant intelligences, or rather, their hive queens, as the vast majority of the creatures under their control lacked any intelligence beyond obeying rudimentary orders from chemical cues. This was a savage age as the various hives fought over control or territory, and it influenced one of the void's inhabitants to the extent that it would influence the inhabitants of the world to fight, even when there was no real reason to do so.

Again, a meteorite struck, and the insectile civilisation ended as the oxygen content of the atmosphere changed and the survivors suffocated as the world changed again. Saurians developing this time from the wreckage of a forgotten civilisation. This, again, was a savage age, as many of the creatures that developed were capable of unknowingly using magic to aid their hunting. Foremost of these were the dragons, who flew and hunted the denizens of the world with savage abandon.

This was also the time of the ice ages and massive supervolcanoes, when civilisations rose and fell as the eruptions wiped out civilisations and ice sheets advanced or retreated across the globe. Yet to the intelligences in the void, it was evident that the intelligence of the inhabitants of the world was growing, too. Even though the minor aberration of an insectoid race gaining a measure of power in the still oxygen-rich environments kept intelligence on the planet from rising too quickly.

And then it happened, in the far south of the planet, a truly intelligent race evolved. Building with stone and capable of forging metals, they gradually spread through the southern region, though their cold-blooded physiology meant they could not cross the mountain range to their north… as yet.

Eventually, though, their ability to use and control magic enabled them to reduce a mountain, drain their swampy stronghold and spread north into the abundant lands beyond. These creatures, called Ubaid’s, became aware of the ‘gods’ and again worshipped them as they guided the nascent civilisation to greater heights. And then something changed… a mutation in the genome of the Ubaids produced a far more intelligent version, and it bred true. Within a thousand years, these elites dominated Ubaid society, reducing the Ubaid to a servant class. Then they took it upon themselves to dominate the planet, as, in their eyes, only they had the right to be.

The other lizardlike races on the planet fought, naturally. Aided or supported by the various denizens of the void who took sides, according to their needs or desires. And so the squabbling of the world's races came to the void as some, drawing power from their worshippers, attempted to depose those whose roles had been fixed by their creator.

This naturally failed when the creator itself intervened and appointed a being as arbitrator among them, who could speak directly to the creator.

The war upon the planet continued apace. The Ubaid Elite, aided by the beings they called the god of conflict and the god of entropy, gradually became more powerful with each generation and turned from conquest to genocide, aided by powerful magical weapons their gods helped them design, including the gifting of a blade of command. In the end, they succeeded; the other races fought desperately, though to no avail, and eventually the Ubaid Elite dominated a civilisation that spanned the planet with no rivals.

Huge cities were built, both science and magic were researched, and a powerful, ruthless hierarchy developed to run their world. Yet even then, the cracks began to show, and petty rivalries developed, as the creatures born to be dominant sought to dominate their own. And then it happened: a clash between two of the elite erupted, spreading as fighting broke out between the clans they controlled. Other clans naturally sought to take advantage of this distraction to gain power. Still, they only succeeded in escalating the use of the terrible weapons the Ubaid Elite had developed to rid the world of the lesser races.

And so the fighting spread, from the south to the north and to the other continents as the Ubaid Elite fought each other in savage abandon as whole communities and cities were wiped out, often as revenge for a revenge, or occasionally as an example to others by way of a pre-emptive strike on a potential rival. Individuals in the void looked on in horror as a civilisation turned to genocide upon itself; others naturally looked on in glee, choosing champions, and others meddled in the background to ensure sub-optimal choices.

And at last, a final battle was fought upon the continent of Golsten, as future races would call it. The savagery of the fighting was such that it scarred the planet and caused the second creator to intervene directly and ascend the Ubaid Elite and Ubaids to a higher plane of existence, those who weren’t judged and found wanting by the other creator. The second creator then repaired the planet, removing many of the works of the fallen civilisation, yet leaving others. And so the world was renewed.

It took almost a million years for the race known as Elves to develop into a mighty civilisation. Though arrogant in their dealings with others, they merely sought to dominate them… if required or preferably ignore them. It was King Vissaille of Prinath who took it upon himself to unite the Elven Kingdoms into an empire. Nor was conquest his only means, though only with other Elven Kingdoms. The Kingdoms of Dwarves, Humans, Lizardmen, and others were, more often than not, conquered, or at least cowed.

And so the Golden Empire arose, its people… well, the Elven ones at least, who took magic and science to new heights, though not remotely approaching the past achievements of those they now called the First Ones. Other beings of the void came to the fore as gods, as the Elves grew increasingly arrogant and condescending in their dealings with other races.

This reached its peak under Emperor Harranis, who gradually used the power of the regime to remove all races from Golsten except the Elves. It was then that he learned of the Jomanti Blade, held by an Elven cult that had the power to increase the charisma of the one who wielded it to the point where disobeying them was nigh on impossible.

Seeing this as a shortcut to clearing Golsten and building his new capital there, Harranis demanded the cult hand over the blade. This was a fatal mistake on his part; the cult did not deem Harranis as being worthy of wielding the blade, and so they sent four of their own to kill the Emperor, under the guise of bringing the blade to him.

In this, they succeeded, though the cult miscalculated the reaction of the Elven people as a whole, as the Empire shattered when its leader died on the blades of the cult members. Elven regions that felt little or no loyalty to Harranis or the Empire chose to go their own way. Others decided to go after the cult and wipe it out to the last Elf. And so the Empire splintered, Elven legions hunting down cult communities one by one, often invading the domains of Humans, Dwarves and Lizardmen to do so and wiping out their forces if they resisted.

The fighting and atrocities committed at this time caused a split in the Elven psyche that has yet to heal, with the cult, now known as the Dark Kin, constantly moving to isolated strongholds, yet occasionally emerging to slaughter those who had killed their friends and families. Yet throughout the fighting and the splintering of the Empire, the shoots of growth began to sprout again with the founding of new kingdoms of Dwarves, Humans, and Lizardmen. These grew and strengthened as the Elven civil war continued, often enough banning Elven entry to those Kingdoms, as all knew at that time that Elves were nothing but trouble if they suspected the Kingdom had a Dark Kin presence.

Things eventually settled. The Elves to lick their wounds and the short-lived races to grow their newly free kingdoms away from Elvish influence. A thousand years of growth and intermittent squabbling began with borders firmly established, alliances formed, and economies expanded. Two key events changed all this: the massacre of Errenite priests in Fordel and the Thenarronian invasion of Rossaris. This, coupled with the actions of the god of decay, gradually brought things to a head.

This caused one of the senior gods, the goddess of life, to study the flow of time and produce a counter to the god of decay, and so twenty years passed…

 

Chapter 1)

 

Darras carefully observed the actions of a group of bandits that Erren had asked him to deal with. The men had settled into a naturally defensible rock formation near the main trade routes of Surmindia, Terrel and the Free Lands. In this, they had chosen well, as neither of the lands affected felt any urge to deal with them, simply advising merchants to have guards. Almost anything of real value passed through the gateway network, and so the bandits weren’t picking up anything of value from the cargoes, just food. They were, however, making a lot of money from the purses of wealthy merchants, either by bribes or by taking the money directly from their dead bodies. They also had an agreement with a merchant from Norbard to resell the cargo for a small bonus. In short, they had a cosy little racket going, choosing their victims wisely and never to excess. That was until they attacked and killed a merchant who was a devout follower of Erren…

“I take it the local authorities won’t act?” Darras murmured.

‘They all think it’s another Kingdom’s problem,’ Erren replied.

“Irredeemable?”

‘Yes, though normally I’d ignore them, letting my temples build up the pressure on those in charge until they acted.’

“This merchant was special to you?” Darras asked.

‘He was; his death has slowed down the restructuring of the Free Lands into a unified Kingdom,’ Erren sighed. ‘It hasn’t changed the narrative, though.’

“So I’ll be carrying out your justice?”

‘Yes, you’ll be doing a lot of that over the next few years until a golden age begins and the various countries eventually stamp this sort of thing out.’

“Tough nut to crack, but I’ll deal with them.”

‘I believe in you, my love.’

Darras crept forward, slipping from cover to cover and using the special cloak Erren had given him to blend into the surroundings. Though not magical, as Darras could not use magic, it was reversible and either appeared as a bush or a rock depending on which side was outmost.

The lookout did not hear Darras’s approach; all he felt was an Iron grip over his mouth and a painful, deadly stab into his heart as Darras took him out. From the lookout’s position, Darras could see the whole of the camp, including the location of the other lookouts, none of whom had spotted his dealings with their compatriot.

“Bow time,” Darras murmured, drawing his Elven-made composite bow and taking a mithril-tipped arrow that he had dipped in a deadly poison.

The arrow flew silently and true; the lookout on the far side of the encampment went down without making a sound. Drawing his bow again, Darras sent another arrow into the final lookout, dropping him silently, before studying the interior of the encampment.

“Not very tidy, are they?” Darras observed.

‘No, but as a rocky area, it wouldn’t have come to the attention of the forest folk,’ Erren replied.

“That’s true,” Darras nodded.

‘Murderers, rapists and thieves, all irredeemable, no hostages or innocents, feel free to deal with them in any manner you see fit,’ Erren commanded.

“As you command, my Lady.”

Darras then began picking off bandits at the periphery of the encampment, using their unawareness of his presence to his advantage. Eventually, though an alarm was sounded, the sounder was struck by an arrow in his chest a second later.

“Now comes the fun part,” Darras chuckled, as he targeted the scattering bandits who weren’t too sure as to where the attack was coming from.

This did not last, as someone in their leadership finally rallied them, and they darted from cover toward Darras’s position. Darras was already moving himself to another place of cover, and the first bandit to reach the site of the former lookout went down to another arrow from an unexpected direction.

“Clearly not military,” Darras murmured as the bandits temporarily dived for cover.

‘No, more like an organised mob,’ Erren agreed. ‘They aren’t panicking, yet.’

“They still think they have the advantage in numbers, I think,” Darras nodded.

‘Yes.’ Erren agreed. ‘Though that won’t last.’

“Ah, spotted a leader,” Darras replied and drew his bow, temporarily exposing himself for a second before loosing the arrow at the man, who was thrown back by the impact.

Darras then slipped from cover to cover as the bandits converged on his previous location, again taking the time to target anyone who exposed themselves. Thus began a deadly game of cat and mouse: the bandits thought they could take Darras down, only to fall to a well-aimed arrow themselves, as their morale slowly broke. It finally collapsed when Darras took down a second leader, and the bandits finally scattered.

‘You won’t get them all,’ Erren informed Darras. ‘But do your best, my love.’

“For you, anything,” Darras chuckled.

The rest of the day, and much of the night, turned into a nightmare for the scattering bandits as Darras, once he’d retrieved his arrows, hunted them remorselessly. Finally, Darras returned to the encampment and doused the dying embers of the campfires. He was then surprised as a Woodnymph entered the encampment.

“Greetings, sir Darras, I am Leesas and wish to aid you in cleaning up this abomination,” Leesas announced herself.

“May Lomarris bless you,” Darras replied, using the forest folks' name for Doriel, goddess of the woods. “Please dispose of the bodies.”

A host of fauns entered the encampment and immediately began dragging the bodies of the bandits away. Leesas also said a prayer over the cesspit the bandits had been using as a latrine, causing it to purify and close.

“My thanks, Leesas,” Darras said.

“You are welcome, sir Darras,” Leesas acknowledged. “What are your intentions now?”

“Their ill-got gains will be dropped off at a temple,” Darras replied. “I’ll then deal with the merchant profiting off this.”

“May Lomarris bless and guide you in this task,” Leesas acknowledged before heading back to the woods.

‘There’s a lot of ill-got gains,’ Erren observed.

“Fortunately, they have a couple of pack horses,” Darras nodded. “Where should I take it?”

‘My temple in the town of Soovris is close enough, and the priest is a good man; he’ll see it redistributed throughout the surrounding villages.’

“Good, then I’ll deal with the merchant,” Darras replied.

‘Just be careful, he’ll have guards, and they are not irredeemable, as is he.’

“Guess I’ll just wreck part of his business by way of compensation,” Darras paused thoughtfully.

‘I’ll give it some thought as you make your way to Westfort.’

The priest in Soovris was astounded when Darras handed over the bandits’ largesse, though he swiftly regained his composure.

“The names and losses are recorded here, and I’ll ensure it gets back to them where possible,” the man, Jeevris, informed Darras. “The rest I’ll distribute as alms amongst the needy.”

“Good, Erren will bless you for this,” Darras replied. “I’ll now deal with one who also profited from this crime.”

“May she guide you in all things,” the priest replied.

“She does,” Darras smiled.

***

 

It took eleven days for Darras to make it up to Westfort, as the border citadel of Norbard did not have a gateway. It had been built and expanded as a trading outpost with the Orcs, though its primary function was to act as a check on any attempt by the Orcs to invade the east.

“I don’t think these people have any idea what an Orc horde will do to their lands with them all hiding away in the fortress,” Darras opined.

‘It’s all about survival, they have masses of stored preserved food, enough to last for a year,’ Erren replied.

“Only to spend decades rebuilding their burned-down farms and filled-in wells and waterways.”

‘Change is coming, if slowly, Rachtelin’s use of mounted archers is spreading.’

“Yes, that should put a permanent check on Orc attempts to raid the east,” Darras nodded.

‘It will, plus there are currently no signs of a potential leader to goad the Orcs into a raiding horde.’

“Good.”

The walls of Westfort were massive, showing occasional signs of neglect. There were signs of an even larger outer wall’s foundations being dug, though Darras estimated the cost of construction might bankrupt the Kingdom, something Erren agreed on.

“A lot of time and money went into this,” Darras said. “And likely to never be needed.”

‘That seems likely, yes.’

Darras went to an inn Erren recommended, paid for a couple of nights, then set out to explore. The merchant Zenthis's warehouse was his first destination; it was a wooden building, well guarded during business hours.

“Wonder if there are guards at night,” Darras murmured.

‘Possible, though hopefully not inside.’

“A watchman, perhaps,” Darras nodded.

‘Yes.’

Zenthis’s home was equally well guarded, and Darras had the feeling that the man was not particularly liked in Westfort.

‘He’s a particularly venal Darmelan,’ Erren explained. ‘He’s been using the activities of the bandits to enhance his profits and undercut his rivals.’

“But not irredeemable?”

‘Definitely trending downwards,’ Erren replied. ‘But no, he’s potentially redeemable.’

“Pity, cutting the head off a snake is easier.”

‘As a Darmelan, he’ll be hurt more by destroying his livelihood.’

“Is he married?”

‘No, his sexual needs are not aimed at women.’

“I’ll not ask for details,” Darras chuckled.

‘Best not to burn his house down either, he has servants.’

“Yes, my love, the warehouse it is then.”

‘Thank you,’ Erren replied.

Unlike during the day, there was only a single guard outside the front of the warehouse, and the man was clearly struggling to remain awake. So, Darras patiently waited until the man sat in a chair and his head dropped. Darras then slipped across to the front of the warehouse and down a narrow gap at its side, finding, as Erren had suspected, a disused door that Darras was able to force silently open.

Once inside, Darras listened carefully, though he was unable to hear anything. So, using his enhanced eyesight, he carefully explored the premises, finding a lot of stored goods and carts, some of which Erren confirmed had been seized by the bandits. Darras then made his way to the office area, gathered all the paperwork and account books he could find, and placed them in the centre of the room, pouring lamp oil from the lamps over them.

Darras then dribbled a trail of oil to the carts and spread it over the dry wood they were made from. Taking a demonstrike, he then lit the oil and made his way out of the warehouse and past the still slumbering guard, even as a glow began to be seen in the one upper window of the building. Darras then ghosted back to the inn and slipped unnoticed into his room as Erren confirmed the warehouse was well ablaze and that all the local guards were focused on keeping the fire from spreading, not on saving the warehouse.

The following morning, Darras made his way to the market and rented a stall. He then displayed the goods he carried and soon attracted customers to buy the delicate items Erren had given him to bolster his guise as a travelling merchant.

“Such quality,” a middle-aged lady said as she examined a finely wrought comb.

“From the Dwarven realm,” Darras replied. “Their artificers can now produce these to much finer tolerances these days, and at the same price.”

“How much?”

“Twenty coppers.”

“Sold!” the woman exclaimed as a squad of soot-blackened guards marched through the market.

“My pleasure,” Darras nodded. “Guess there must have been a fire somewhere,” he added, looking at the guards.

“Yes, Zenthris’s warehouse burned down,” the woman replied as Darras wrapped her comb. “The fool had been warned about the condition of his warehouse, but the man wouldn’t spend a copper he didn’t need to.”

“Darmelan?”

“Ah, you know the type?”

“I once tried trading in Fordel,” Darras chuckled. “Never again.”

“I’m surprised you’re still in business, rumour has it they rob you blind by way of tariffs,” the woman laughed.

“They do, it costs you to enter, to leave and to travel.”

“I expect the goddess of light will act soon enough; they killed her priests after all,” the woman grimaced.

“Her vengeance is sure and certain,” Darras agreed.

Darras kept himself busy at the market for the rest of the day, picking up gossip here and there, knowing Erren was doing the same.

‘A success, Zenthris has gone bankrupt,’ Erren finally informed Darras.

“Good, that means I can come home,” Darras chuckled.

“Yes,” Erren agreed in warm tones.

There was a regular coach trip from Westfort to Holmfang, the eastern capital of Norbard, and the closest gateway. Fortunately, the road was a legacy of the Golden Empire, and the journey, though uncomfortable, took only a week.

“I’m surprised there isn’t a gateway near Westfort,” Darras commented during a nightly stop at a coaching inn.

‘There is, you used it when you found the flying disc,’ Erren replied. ‘The main problem is that without farstriding, you’d still take a week at least to get there, same with the forest folk one.’

“Ah, yes, I remember,” Darras nodded.

‘You’ll be home soon enough.’

“Can’t come soon enough,” Darras chuckled.

***

 

“Welcome back, my love,” Erren greeted a no longer road-weary Darras. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

“Good to be back,” Darras sighed. “Hope I don’t have to go to that region often.”

“It is a bit isolated, true,” Erren smiled. “Nor are our Elf friends welcome in Terrel or Norbard.”

“Hopefully that will eventually change.”

“It will, the northwest is particularly undeveloped, due to the fighting after the Golden Empire imploded and the threat of the Orcs to the west,” Erren explained.

“Surprised the Orcs didn’t raid when the Empire collapsed,” Darras mused.

“They were mostly unaware of what was happening,” Erren replied. “That and very wary of Elven archers.”

“Were Elves more common then?” a puzzled Darras asked as he slipped into the hot pools.

“They made up a higher percentage of the population then, but their numbers only slowly increased due to their life spans,” Erren explained. “The other races now outnumber them.”

“It won’t become a future problem, will it?”

“No, populations will soon stabilise as they become more prosperous,” Erren smiled. “Unlike your world, there’s a herb here that can be cultivated called kresh, and that prevents pregnancies in women.”

“The richer a society, the more it can afford it?”

“Yes.”

“What now?”

“I need you to escort Kina to the Isle of the Dark Kin,” Erren replied.

“They are ready for her?”

“There is a small congregation of my worshippers there who will appreciate the visit,” Erren explained. “But Kina’s personality will also encourage others to consider giving their lives to my service.”

“From small beginnings,” Darras nodded.

“Yes, currently Hallis is more popular there due to Mirion.”

“Is this a competition?” Darras chuckled.

“Heh, no, it’s just our books cater for different needs,” Erren smiled. That’s why our two temples get on well together, and many folk worship both of us.”

***

 

Darras collected Kina in Iversirion, where the Elves had brought her at the request of Harinas, their Priest King, due to a vision he’d received.

“Darras, my friend, it’s so good to see you,” Kina greeted him enthusiastically.

“It is good to see you too, Kina,” Darras replied, being swept up into a hug.

“Darras, be welcome,” Harinas added, with Gallira, his wife, smiling, and Tariel, their adopted daughter, rushing up to hug Darras as well.

“It is good to see you, my friends,” Darras smiled. “Short though this visit will be.”

“Yes, you will ensure Kina is protected?” Gallira asked.

“I was able to protect Mirion, the Elven agent of Hallis, so I don’t expect any issues,” Darras nodded.

“That is good to hear,” Gallira replied, relief showing in her voice.

“Will I be able to visit Wenderos again, soon?” Tariel asked.

“She says yes,” Darras smiled. “Arrangements will be made.”

After the greetings and a small explanation to Harinas as to what was really going on in the world, Darras and Kina went to the gateway in Iversirion to travel to the land of the Dark Kin.

“Just think Dark Kin when you go through,” Darras informed Kina. “I’ll be there waiting.”

Darras stepped out of the gateway building on the Isle of the Dark Kin and informed the observer that there was a Human following him. This was acknowledged with none of the hostility of times past, and so Kina, after one minute, stepped out of the gateway and was escorted by Darras to meet Galbras, the leader of the Dark Kin.

“Greetings, Darras and Kina,” Galbras said after Darras had introduced Kina. “I will send word to those who follow Wenderos so you may speak to them.”

“My thanks, Galbras,” Kina replied with a beaming smile that caused Galbras to smile in return.

‘And so it begins,’ Erren said. ‘Kina will begin their journey to return to the world.’

The gathering began in an open area, primarily because of the curiosity abounding amongst the Dark Kin with the visit of an actual priest. Hence, there were a lot of Dark Kin attending who weren’t followers of Erren, yet had heard some of the words of her book, along with the book of Hallis.

Kina began to speak, introducing herself and sharing a few moments of her life story. Then she began to preach, drawing on examples from the book of Erren and showing how to apply them to your life and to the joy of others. None of this was abstract; all of it was clearly explained, and it was clear that Kina held the Dark Kin enthralled.

“What an amazing speaker,” Galbras said in an aside to Darras. “I have read the book of Erren, amongst others of the gods, yet I have never heard it explained so clearly and joyfully.”

“Kina is rather special by way of her love of Erren and her people,” Darras nodded. “Though she has passed this enthusiasm onto others.”

“I’m surprised she isn’t running the Temple,” Galbras chuckled.

“It’s nothing she desires,” Darras smiled. “The head priest spends most of their time running the organisation, not preaching.”

“Yes, I understand that feeling,” Galbras nodded. “It’s something that I’m caught up in.”

“Where’s Klea?”

“She’s out hunting, something she’s good at,” Galbras replied. “For all we are self-sufficient in crop yields, adding meat to the communal pots is a welcome bonus.”

“I suspect she’ll be sorry she missed this,” Darras nodded.

“Indeed so, though her task is a welcome benefit to the people here.”

“What of your hardliners?”

“Ostensibly, they keep to their village on the coast, but they do have some of their members visit occasionally, mostly to trade,” Galbras replied.

“Spies?”

“Most likely, though, there is precious little we do that warrants keeping a check on us,” Galbras chuckled. “Though we do ensure an extra eye is kept on them when Mirion is here, along with a few others of our people.”

“Yes, the past weighs heavily on your people, as it does with the Elves elsewhere,” Darras nodded.

Yet people like Kina will heal the old wounds, even if they are not of our people.”

“That she will,” Darras agreed.

Klea returned just as Kina was finishing her sermon, though Kina offered to heal and bless any of the Dark Kin who desired it. A few took this up, though many wished to ask the priestess questions.

“So this is the Kina you once mentioned,” Klea asked.

“Yes,” Darras nodded. “It’s a shame you missed her speak.”

“Having met Wenderos, I suspect I would have enjoyed it,” Klea agreed. “I’m sure there will be other occasions.”

“When Erren sees a need, yes.”

“I wonder when we’ll get a priest of our own?”

“When the right person comes along, you will,” Darras replied. “Though they are unlikely to be of the Children of the Blade, at least not initially.”

“Human, I presume?”

“Most likely, I doubt a Dwarf would appeal to your people or be comfortable here,” Darras chuckled.

“Probably not, no,” Klea smiled. “One of a few similarities we have with our… other kin.”

“A time is coming when you, personally, will have to work with them,” Darras warned.

“I know,” Klea sighed. “I also meditate with the blade daily, though simply touching it brings about a desire to command.”

“You’ll only need it when or if we find the dragon,” Darras replied. “So I suspect you’ll have time.”

“I’ll need it,” Klea nodded. “I suspect working with others will test my ability to control my hate of them.”

“You’ve met a couple of them before,” Darras smiled. “You’ll manage, as will they.”

“I guess we’ll have to.”

***

 

“Good to have you home, my love,” Erren greeted Darras after he’d ensured Kina returned home safely.

“Good to be back,” Darras smiled, though he noticed Erren did not look particularly happy.

“Something happened?”

“Yes, but let’s get you cleaned down first.”

Once Darras was cleaned down and relaxing with a cold ale, Erren explained about an incident in Ralketh and the murder of a priest and acolyte during the robbery of a temple.

“Pure retribution is required, my love,” Erren ordered. “No mercy, no survivors from top to bottom.”

“Of course,” Darras nodded. “Who are they?”

“A particularly vicious street gang in Ralk, the capital,” Erren explained. “They think they are untouchable due to their ‘fence’ being a noble of high status.”

“I’ll soon disabuse them of that notion,” Darras smiled grimly. “The noble too?”

“Yes, deal with him first, please. The fuss kicked up by my retribution will keep the guard busy dealing with that, whilst you finish off the gang.”

“I take it you’ll want an example made as a warning to others?”

“I do, I do indeed, my love.”

Chapter 2)

 

The city of Ralk in the kingdom of Ralketh was silent in the early hours of the morning. While there was a city watch… though the city was far too grandiose a term for what was essentially only a medium-sized town, they were noticeable by their absence on the dark, chilly night. Yet there was activity as a tall, well-built man methodically hunted down a gang of thieves trying to scatter and run from the nightmare he had become to them.

“Pest eradication,” Darras sighed. “I wonder where the shadows have gone?”

‘I don’t know, my love,’ Erren replied. ‘But these thieves are little more than a pack of murderers, and they killed one of my priests and her acolyte whilst ransacking and desecrating one of my temples.’

“And for that, they will pay,” Darras nodded, heading down an alley to confront another thief who had thought himself concealed.

Two hours earlier, the thieves had been celebrating in a tavern they owned, having sold off the goods stolen from the temple of Erren after murdering the priest and acolyte. This celebration had ended suddenly when the severed head of the ‘fence’ they’d used had come crashing through the paned window of the tavern to land seemingly miraculously in the lap of the leader, facing directly at the startled man. The situation then deteriorated as the body of their watchman flew through the shattering door of the tavern to bowl over several of the thieves who had been standing near it.

Though outnumbered, Darras had strode into the tavern, immediately dispatching the closet thief whose skull was smashed by Darras’s mithril-bossed staff before he had time to react. The thieves' leader was next, his head severed neatly by Darras’s long mithril knife as, finally, the thieves attempted to attack the man attacking them. This was a major mistake on their part, as Darras was stronger, faster, and better protected by his mithril-lined leathers. The first to attack went down to a deadly slash to his throat, and the second to a blow to the face from Darras’s staff that drove the bone in his nose into his brain. Several more attacks came as the thieves tried to mob Darras, only to find they lacked the strength or the numbers to do so.

And so, they scattered, hoping to escape the masked demon, which had taken it upon itself to avenge their impiety. This had but delayed the inevitable, as the demon seemed to know where they were and relentlessly pursued them through the rubbish-strewn streets and alleys, cutting them down one after another despite attempts by some to ambush Darras or beg for mercy. It was finally done as dawn was breaking, and the last of the thieves lay dead at Darras’s feet, his skull crushed by Darras’s staff as he’d thought himself safe hidden inside a box.

Darras made his way to the river to the north of Ralk’s walls and cleaned himself down as best he could. He then re-entered Ralk and went to the gateway house, showed his bounty hunter credentials, paid a fifty silver ‘ask no questions’ bribe, and stepped through into Erren’s domain.

“Welcome back, my love and thank you,” Erren greeted Darras with a hug.

“A nasty business,” Darras acknowledged. “Still, it will give a warning to those who would attempt something similar.”

“Yes, there are already rumours spreading that killing a priest of mine will unleash a wrathful demon upon the killer,” Erren replied in satisfaction. “The authorities have also noted what happened and are moving to crack down on the various criminals infesting the slums.”

“I suspect finding the headless body of the senior noble councillor surrounded by the temple treasures and a note held by a knife denouncing his crimes in your name will have ‘encouraged’ that action,” Darras chuckled grimly.

“Yes, they no longer believe they are untouchable,” Erren nodded. “Now come and bathe, as I suspect we’ll be getting a visit from Serulon.”

“Probably, though I doubt it will be little more than a check on my actions,” Darras nodded, undressing and joining a naked Erren in the pool.

“Most likely, though the thieves were all irredeemable,” Erren replied as she began washing Darras down. “I suspect she’ll just want to relax and enjoy a drink.”

“Probably,” Darras smiled, as Serulon had changed after being told by the Allfather to be firmer with the litany of complaints that had stressed her out over Darras’s actions.

Erren was correct. Serulon appeared on the lawn that was Erren’s gateway and strolled to the bathing area, picking up a goblet of wine that appeared on a table before her clothes vanished and she slipped into the pool.

“Twenty-three dead, but all irredeemable,” Serulon broke the silence. “Your wrath is impressive, sister.”

“Kanli, my priest, was a beautiful soul who did so much for the unfortunates in the slums, as was Bregart, my acolyte, who had only been assigned there a few days and died bravely trying to protect her,” Erren replied. “Replacing her will not be easy, and I felt a lesson by way of warning was warranted.”

“Understandable,” Serulon nodded. “It has stopped the growth of impiety in Ralketh in its tracks.”

“Whilst welcome, my motives were simply those of judgment and justice,” Erren replied. “What they did was an abomination, and I was determined to make them pay for that sin.”

“I’ll inform the Allfather of that,” Serulon nodded. “He will be pleased that you did not try to add justifications to the actions of Darras.”

“Have there been any complaints?” Darras asked.

“No, none of the thieves had any allegiance to any god, though their actions aligned them with the Dark Lord,” Serulon replied. “And why the hell won’t our stupid brother take a name? Dark Lord symbolises far more gravitas than the fool deserves!”

“He thinks names are beneath him,” Erren shrugged as Doriel and Hallis appeared.

“I know, I know, I’m just venting here,” Serulon sighed.

“Well done, Darras,” Hallis said as the two goddesses slipped into the pool, Doriel sighing in satisfaction.

“They had it coming,” Darras nodded.

“They did indeed; they’d also murdered several other innocents, including one of my healers.”

“I at least could deal with them,” Darras shrugged. “Mirion would not be a good choice as an instrument of justice.”

“True, plus she’d be unwelcome in Ralk, Ralketh being a Human kingdom and not open to other races.”

“Can you give us any information on what our brother is up to?” Doriel asked Serulon.

“I’m afraid I cannot, as he’s currently reconsolidating his faction,” Serulon replied. “You’ll know soon enough, though.”

“About what I thought,” Doriel nodded.

“Nor would I inform him of any discussions here,” Serulon added.

“The wine and food are better,” Darras chuckled. “You can inform him of that.”

“It is; I’ve spoken to Bolgasa to source some decent vintages for this avatar when I’m dealing with my brother and his allies, as I insist they have to come to my demesne, not have me talk to them in the void.”

“Oh, that’s right, you have them come to your office,” Doriel smiled.

“I do; they must stand before a desk and justify their complaint, not hector me in the void,” Serulon replied. “I’ve also made it clear that I can and will summon them there if necessary.”

“Whilst you sit in comfort and, if necessary, wait them out,” Hallis chuckled.

“Indeed so, sister,” Serulon smiled. “But only to those who irritate me or have unpleasant domains for their avatars.”

“Colanthus,” Erren guessed.

“Him, Bimmlat and Epelmos,” Serulon confirmed. “They got the idea from you, but frankly, their taste is appalling and matches their psyche. I don’t need experiences like that in my avatar form.”

“So, our brother doesn’t have a demesne?”

“He does, though he always approaches me; I suspect it’s just a space he keeps his avatar in.”

“So, what is your take on this idiotic war?” Darras asked, changing the subject.

“I don’t really have an opinion; I just make sure rules are kept… not an easy task at times,” Serulon replied.

“Ah, yes, I suppose my activities must sometimes cause a litany of complaints,” Darras nodded.

“At times, I still keep a close eye upon you, nor does my sister tend to complain about the actions of my brother's scales and followers.”

“I can’t recall ever complaining,” Erren mused. “I tend to take action, not complain.”

“The last complaint I made was about Colanthus's actions in Saltion,” Doriel shrugged. “Can’t recall the time before, though.”

“He broke your lore,” Serulon replied, looking very relaxed. “Then tried to fob it off as a minor matter, and your demand as excessive.”

“It was primarily to remove him from influencing the war in Rachtelin,” Doriel replied. “That and his obsession with bloodbaths is tiresome.”

“True,” Erren and Hallis agreed.

“It’s his ‘so-called’ nature,” Serulon shrugged. “Though, honestly, it hasn’t changed much in aeons, he still gets off on watching ant colonies fight to the death.”

“Doesn’t his attire stink up your office?” Hallis giggled.

“Just a bit, though fortunately, my powers deal with the smell of blood and rust when he leaves,” Serulon smiled. “His last visit was when he finally figured Darras had dealt with his champions in the gold mountains.”

“How long did that take?” Erren asked. “Only you never came to me with it.”

“Last week,” Serulon smirked. “It took him nearly five months to figure it out, and then he got annoyed when I sent him away for empowering sadistic child abusers.”

“Ah, yes,” Doriel nodded. “He has a blind spot for choosing champions of good character as he can’t seem to get past the ‘good with a sword’ part whilst ignoring the psychopath bit.”

“Very true, it trips him up constantly, that and not constantly monitoring his champions… though unlike your agents, these are more like puppets,” Serulon agreed.

“A puppet would be useless to us,” Erren nodded, with both Hallis and Doriel agreeing, too. “What tasks we set our agents require us to monitor them constantly, even as they are individually given a great deal of freedom in their decisions.”

“I’m always aware of Erren when on a mission,” Darras added. “She gives warnings and advice, but leaves how I go about things in my hands. She knows she can trust me.”

“I’m sure that would be Colanthus’ rationale, too, apart from the fact that his champions are not to be trusted to keep to the laws of war against your people,” Serulon nodded. “And with that, I must be away, duty calls.”

“Farewell, sister. If you ever need a place to vent, you’re always welcome here,” Erren replied.

“Thank you, it’s appreciated.”

“What now?” Darras asked once Serulon had left.

“Rachtelin,” Erren replied. “The political situation there is moving the way I want it with regards to… chastising Fordel. However, there appears to be opposition, and I suspect former loyalists are funding it via Fordel.”

“You want me to find out who and how?” Darras asked.

“Yes, Amina and Tiruk will be aiding you,” Erren smiled. “No killings; leave that to Rigilo’s people and his justice.”

“Understood,” Darras nodded.

“I’ll need a favour from you when that’s done,” Doriel added.

“I don’t see a problem,” Darras replied after a nod from Erren.

“It’s helping Balat and Mirion in the southern kingdoms; there’s a… malaise spreading there, and it’s coming across a border where my people have no influence,” Doriel explained.

“Mirion will be there to look for a cause and a cure,” Hallis added. “Balat will be there to build a gateway.”

“No gateways down there?” Darras asked.

“Closest is Fistrie in an Elven country called Tuthraman, but it’s a long trip from the town to the country of Asulnarath, where the issue is,” Erren replied. “Firios and his team will also accompany you.”

“No issues with Humans?”

“No… well, I doubt it; most will never have seen a Human; they don’t use their gateway much.”

“OK, sounds interesting,” Darras chuckled, making the others smile.

“Anyway, just enjoy the next couple of days, and then you’ll be off to Torgel.”

***

 

Darras stepped through the gateway in Torgel and paid the ten-copper entry fee. Outside, he was greeted by Amina and Tiruk, with Tiruk standing out due to his skin colour amidst the throngs of Humans, Elves, and a few Dwarves.

“Greetings, Darras, good to see you again,” Amina hailed him.

“Good to see you too, Amina, Tiruk,” Darras smiled. “Did Crannok explain what we’re about?”

“Yes, gathering evidence of a cabal friendly to Fordel who will either report back to Fordel on any moves or try to prevent any invasion,” Amina replied.

“I doubt they can stop it, but they could force Rigilo to keep some of his army here to keep them quiet,” Tiruk added. “Fewer troops, the higher the casualties.”

“Yes,” Darras agreed. “The cabal seems to be forming around Viscount Colmene, a former supporter of the old King’s Council but who gained amnesty after Rigilo’s victory.”

“Where is he based?” Amina asked.

“His manor is near Sundilf. However, he’s staying in the residence of Lord Baxx, another former supporter of the old regime in Cuzvrey, to the south of here,” Darras replied. “Erren believes others of the cabal will be there and wants us to gather evidence.”

“No killings?” Tiruk asked.

“No, just evidence that can be handed over to Rigilo and Callani.”

“Ah, we’re to allow justice to run its course?”

“This time, yes,” Darras nodded. “There are no shadows, and they are not irredeemable.”

OK, let’s get to work,” Tiruk smiled. “I take it we’re bounty hunters?”

“Yes, there’s a bounty on a local gang; it will give us a reason to remain in the village of Cuzvrey for a while.”

“So, the gang are not off limits?” Amina asked.

“No, assuming we actually run across them,” Darras chuckled. “They are irredeemable, according to Erren, though they are trying to keep a low profile due to the civil war being over.”

“We could get lucky then,” Amina grinned.

“Yes, we could,” Tiruk smiled. “Hope you brought restraints?”

“We don’t have time initially to capture and hold them,” Darras shrugged.

“I do,” Tiruk chuckled. “I stand out too much to go nosing around a Lord’s estate.”

“That’s true,” Darras replied after a pause to consider. “OK, if we catch any, consider it your bonus.”

“Working for Erren is lucrative,” Amina chuckled. “Though most of our bonuses go to funding Guild activities.”

“No issues with your nobles?” Darras asked.

“No, not with my patent of nobility from Rigilo,” Amina smiled. “It gives them pause at times.”

“No one at the guild noticed that you got younger?”

“There were a few issues, but there were no problems from the leadership as they knew my association with Tiruk caused it,” Amina replied. “That settled things quickly, particularly as the leadership knows I’ll slowly be separating from the decision-making process over the next few years to work with Tiruk for Crannok.”

“Whilst still helping them with funding if needed,” Tiruk added.

“Should still be some missions for them in the future,” Darras replied. “The Dark Lord and Fordel haven’t gone away.”

“True that,” Tiruk grimly smiled.

The trio were able to hire a wagon and horses and set off for Cuzvrey. The land itself had been untouched by the civil war, though there were graves here and there from Rigilo’s advance south to face the Royal Army.

“I’m surprised they weren’t returned home,” Amina commented.

“Those are the graves of those who could not be identified or were from areas Rigilo did not control,” Darras explained. “The local temples maintain them.”

“Outside the villages?”

“It was a source of dispute as many villages didn’t want ‘traitors’ buried amongst their own,” Darras replied.

“Like our gods cared,” Tiruk added. “It’s the soul that’s judged, not the body.”

“But these are not educated people, so the burials took place outside the graveyards,”

“Ah, tradition and spite,” Tiruk sighed.

“Yep, though they were all judged, the same as the villagers,” Darras nodded.

‘Very much so, the Allfather judges the souls of all at their death, though it isn’t quite instant as the soul travels to him,’ Erren informed Darras, who passed it on.

“How come you got me?” Darras asked.

‘I grabbed you in the instance of death before your journey and substituted a living soul from a dying mother in a newly created baby on your world,’ Erren explained. ‘Unborn souls get to be reborn, not judged.’

“I suspect Serulon wasn’t too pleased,” Darras smiled.

‘She wasn’t, but Dad allowed it because of the substitution, plus he judges all souls eventually.’

Darras passed all of this on to his friends as they moved down to the village of Cuzvrey. The trip took almost the whole day, but they arrived, secured rooms at the inn, and began planning their next moves over a meal and ales. When asked by curious visitors, they kept to the bounty hunter tales, though they were told that the bandits hadn’t been seen for nearly a year.

“The bounty is still extant,” Tiruk explained. “If we can’t find them, we report it and get a lower fee.”

“Money for nothing,” the patron chuckled.

“Just enough to cover our costs,” Tiruk replied. “Barely.”

“Wish you luck then.”

“Thanks.”

Darras listened in on the villagers' private conversations with Erren. He suspected Tiruk and Amina were doing the same thing, which Erren confirmed. The villagers had noted the arrival of several nobles at Cuzvrey Manor, and there was a little grumbling at the cheapskate Lord Baxx for his enforced buying of supplies at base costs, something he was entitled to do as a Lord. However, it was clear he was not a popular man in the local area.

“Typical ‘old school’ noble of the former King’s Council,” Darras informed the group. “No doubt a favourite of theirs who is hurting because of the census and audit the King made of the lands and has to pay his way now.”

“Seems likely,” Tiruk chuckled. “Even with the new trade with the Elven kingdoms, I suspect he’s got much less coming in.”

“Particularly if he hasn’t been looking after his land properly,” Amina added.

‘He hasn’t,’ both Erren and Crannok confirmed. ‘He was a favourite of Baron Mirrs, fiscally incompetent too.’

Darras nodded, remembering how some in the nobility managed their lands well, even with the avarice of the former King’s Council chipping away at their profits. Just across the river was the demesne of Alvastros, formerly under the control of Baron Alros, now Earl Alros of Sinoris. That land had been beautifully maintained and was increasingly prosperous, particularly under the new fiscal management of Rigilo and Callani.

“Probably why this bunch are gathered,” Tiruk chuckled. “All financially smarting, yet knowing their so-called friends abandoned them.”

“That and assuage their wrath by getting Rigilo to take them seriously by interfering with the plans for Fordel,” Darras added.

“Is Rigilo aware of them?” Amina asked.

“Specifically, no,” Darras replied. “In general, yes, though admittedly, Callani is likely far more aware of them.”

‘True,’ Erren confirmed.

“So, we’re to sneak in, gather information and sneak out?”

“Yes, I suspect that somewhere, they will be foolish enough to have something incriminating, naming names, etc.”

“Does seem likely,” Tiruk nodded. “When do we go in?”

“We’ll reconnoitre the place tomorrow and go from there,” Darras replied. “We being Amina and myself.”

“Figures,” Tiruk laughed. “I do stand out a little here.”

“Take a look around the area. The bandits will likely have an encampment, and you can see if we can justify our remaining here,”

“Will do.”

“I suspect we’ll need you if we have to go in at night, though,” Darras chuckled.

“Yep, natural camouflage.”

The following morning, Darras and Amina left to find out what they could about Cuzvrey Manor and the meeting being held there. Tiruk took one of the horses and went out to find the bandit encampment… or what was left of it, aided by his God, Crannok.

“Several guards,” Amina confirmed. “But they aren’t very professional as they only watch the two gates.”

“I suspect with the Kingdom at peace that there will be no need for high security,” Darras replied. “Particularly as the nobles will have told them nothing of their plans.”

“Yes,” Amina agreed. “Stupid if they did.”

“Never rule out stupidity and nobility,” Darras chuckled. “But yes, that would be stupid.”

“We can get in here and… mingle,” Amina pointed.

“Let’s go,” Darras nodded as the pair stealthily approached a low wall marking the estate's boundary.

“Clear?” Darras asked in low tones.

“Clear,” Amina confirmed before the pair climbed the wall and dropped to the gardens below.

Chapter 3)

 

The gardens were maintained, though it was obvious that corners had been cut. The overgrown vegetation at the periphery gave Darras and Amina a lot of cover. This and a stealthy approach enabled them to approach the manor, where they paused to study the guards and a few others milling about.

“I think we could mix right in,” Darras murmured to Amina.

“Yes, it’s clear they are unfamiliar with each other,” Amina agreed.

“A couple of ladies are guarding, too, so they must have brought family.”

“Looks that way.”

“We’ll mix it up with the guards from the approaching carriage,” Darras replied.

“OK, let’s go,” Amina confirmed.

Darras and Amina slipped behind the various guards, dismounting from an escort of a gilded carriage. They were ignored by those dismounting, as well as the other guards milling about, waiting to be assigned barracks or posts. Acting as if they belonged there, the pair wandered into the manor to find the staff in a tizzy as they attempted to guide the various families to rooms assigned for them. The noblemen took to a large room to imbibe drinks and greet each other.

“They never learn,” Amina chuckled as the pair stood as if on guard, ignored by their ‘betters’ to the point of several unguarded conversations carrying on around them.

“True,” Darras smiled.

‘Oh my, I am getting a lot of information for Rigilo,’ Erren added. ‘There’s also a cache of documents in Colmene’s possession, which he plans to hand over to his conspirators tomorrow.’

“Do we know where?” Darras murmured.

‘Yes, I do,’ Erren confirmed. ‘If you move now, a squad is approaching to place genuine guards at your current post.’

Darras and Amina straightened up and left the room as another party of guards entered. The entering guards and the nobles blanked the pair as Darras followed Erren’s directions and headed upstairs to a locked room. Amina swiftly picked the lock as Darras kept watch, and the pair entered the room. From there, Darras pointed to a locked chest, and Amina opened it, withdrawing several pages amongst many before relocking the chest and then the door.

“Let’s go before someone puts two and two together,” Amina chuckled.

“Yes,” Darras smiled as the pair descended the stairs and left the manor ignored by the various guards and servants.

From there, they headed into the grounds to the wall, scaled it, and then dropped to the far side to return to the Village of Cuzvrey.

“Hope Colmene doesn’t miss these,” Amina said as they entered the inn.

“He won’t; Erren confirms it,” Darras replied as Tiruk entered the inn.

“Good,” Amina smiled. “Any luck, my love?” to Tiruk.

“Looks like the encampment’s been abandoned for over a year,” Tiruk replied. “The trail is cold.”

“Pretty much as expected,” Darras chuckled, knowing the conversation was reaching the ears of the barman.

“Money for nothing, I guess,” Amina nodded.

“Yes,” Darras agreed. “We’ll not waste any more time here; we’ll head back to Torgel in the morning.”

‘The barman has relaxed; I suspect he knows at least one of the bandits,’ Erren informed Darras.

“They’ve behaved for over a year,” Darras murmured. “Unless you want them dealt with, I’ll let it lie.”

‘The souls of some are irredeemable, but they are currently behaving,’ Erren agreed. ‘You have better things to do.’

“True.”

It was a long trip back to Torgel, though the trio made it back before the gateway closed to public transit. From there, they emerged at Rachtelin and went to the royal palace to request a meeting with either Rigilo or Callani. Darras showed his letter of admission, which showed both Rigilo’s and Callani’s seals. They were then escorted to the residential area of the palace, where they were shown to an office where Callani sat at a desk, along with a lady in waiting who was also a scribe.

“Darras, Lady Amina and friend, it’s good to see you, but I hope it’s not bad news?” Callani greeted them.

“This is Tiruk, agent of Crannok,” Darras introduced his friend after they gave a polite bow. “No, it’s not bad news, just a warning of potential disruption and some evidence.”

“Disruption?”

“On the planned chastisement of Fordel,” Darras explained.

“Ah, Erren doesn’t want her plans disrupted?”

“Yes, Callani, that’s why she has people like us to deal with issues like this,” Darras smiled, handing over the paperwork.

“Ah, Viscount Colmene is breaking cover,” Callani commented in a low murmur as she read the documents. “I was unaware of a few names here, too.”

“None are irredeemable, and none were possessed,” Darras added as Rigilo entered the room.

“King Rigilo,” the trio greeted him politely.

“Darras, Amina, it’s good to see you,” Rigilo smiled. “I hope you aren’t stirring up trouble for us?”

Tiruk was introduced again, and the events leading up to the visit were explained.

“We knew Colmene was suspect; his allegiance has always been to the former Council,” Rigilo nodded. “That’s why I removed him from the capital.”

“He’s feeling the pinch from the new taxation system,” Tiruk explained. “He’s not a good manager of his lands.”

“Even with the higher prices from trade?” Callani asked.

“No bribe money,” Amina smiled. “He’s seriously out of pocket and can’t maintain his former indulgent lifestyle.”

“Ah,” Rigilo chuckled. “But I see he’s suddenly received an influx of funding.”

“From Fordel, yes,” Darras replied. “According to Erren, it’s being smuggled in by Darmelans, and he’s using it to bribe your former opponents who haven’t accepted your rule to stir up trouble and prevent you from deploying the full Royal Army to Fordel.”

“Typical,” Rigilo sighed.

“I’ll deploy the Auditor General and his people to those mentioned on the list,” Callani nodded. “If they suddenly have an influx of unexplained coin, they’ll find and deal with it.”

“And increase your reputation as a petty tyrant?” Rigilo chuckled.

“I care not,” Callani smiled gleefully. “As those who have crossed me found out to their regret.”

“Yes,” Rigilo replied. “It’s difficult to accuse when faced with hard evidence of wrongdoing or misguided thinking.”

“Your new Council are well aware of your approval of me… well, now they are.”

“Yes, I doubt Baron Cole will forget the roasting you gave him as he tried to cut corners on the ways and means provisions to redecorate the banquet hall,” Rigilo laughed. “Nor did he enjoy me endorsing your criticism when he complained.”

“He’s a good man,” Callani admitted. “It’s just that he saw the banquet hall as an extension of your prestige when inviting foreign guests.”

“Well, he knows how little you or I care about our prestige, particularly as there is so much more of importance to do within the Kingdom by way of essential repairs.”

“We’ll get there eventually,” Callani chuckled. “In about five or so years.”

“And we’ll allow him to supervise it,” Rigilo laughed.

“I’m glad you have things in hand, my friends,” Darras smiled.

“We do,” Rigilo nodded. “But a lot of that comes from having responsible subordinates running the Duchies, keeping an eye on the Earldoms, etc.”

“All loyal, too,” Darras agreed.

“They are. Miront prioritised the new docks in Cranagh, and the sales of grain and other consumables from there to Iversirion have massively increased,” Callani replied. “With a corresponding increase in wooden products and Dwarven goods in return.”

“Glad it worked out,” Darras nodded.

“Oh, we still have massive debt hanging over us, but thanks to King Leandomus, it’s manageable,” Callani replied. “Two good harvests and improved infrastructure by way of roads and the dredging of the Rachtele have enabled us to increase our exports to our neighbours massively.”

“And train the Royal Army regarding Fordel, too,” Rigilo added.

“They’re ready?” Darras asked.

“They are,” Rigilo confirmed. “Though there are only a few who are aware of this.”

“My guild stands ready to assist, Rigilo,” Amina confirmed.

“That’s appreciated,” Rigilo smiled. “There are no better urban scouts.”

“Well, you know what Erren desires from your chastisement,” Darras nodded. “What is it that you intend?”

“Our primary reason is Fordel’s holding of our national treasures,” Callani replied. “That’s our casus belli, at least.”

“They claim they are holding them for the government in exile,” Rigilo added. “We suspect they are being used to provide comfort for the former Council.”

“They are,” Darras confirmed. “Erren will supply via her priests a detailed list of where the still accessible treasures are.”

“Still accessible?” Callani asked, though it was clear she suspected.

“A lot of the gold, including the crown of state, was melted down to bullion,” Darras replied.

“That,” Rigilo replied, his eyes blazing. “Was a reprehensible act and will cost them dearly.”

“They’ll blame it on the former Council,” Darras added. “However, it was bought by the Temple of Darmela and destroyed out of malice because Erren supposedly blessed it.”

“Did she?” Rigilo asked, slightly diverted.

“No, but that’s the tradition.” Darras smiled. “Erren blesses people, not objects.”

“Good excuse to burn Darmela’s temples to the ground, though.”

“Feel free to wreck her religion and the mercantile classes; just try to avoid any excesses against the common folk,” Darras warned.

“We will; Jertin is selecting specific targets, and I will not permit unrestrained looting,” Rigilo confirmed.

“Also, feel free to chastise the mercenary forces they have; they target any followers of Erren who shelter Acolytes of hers.”

“This we will do,” Rigilo nodded. “Fordel will howl!”

***

 

“Welcome back, my love,” Erren greeted Darras. “And you too, Tiruk, Amina.”

“Good to be here,” Tiruk smiled, along with Amina.

“Crannok’s waiting by the pool,” Erren smiled. “He’s looking forward to seeing you.”

Crannok, Sorella, and Tsumi were relaxing at the pool. They greeted Darras, Tiruk, and Amina cheerfully when they arrived and slipped into the hottest part of the pool.

“Well done nipping that plot in the bud,” Crannok said to the trio. “Whilst I doubt it would stop Erren’s plan, they could have caused issues for Callani with Rigilo being out of the country.”

“He intends to lead his troops?” Sorella asked.

“No,” Erren replied. “He’ll be visiting Iversirion to meet Leandomus and Harinas, as well as King Danvas of the Humans.”

“Escorted by some elements of the Royal Army… or that’s how it will look,” Crannok added. “The real Royal Army will travel across Lake Suren via barges and be escorted by Elven scouts through the Forest Kingdom and around Gilvarion to selected camps being prepared for them by the Elves.”

“Ah, a ruse.” Sorella nodded. “Will it work?”

“Yes,” Erren nodded. “All eyes will be on Rigilo, not Jertin Flask, commander of the Royal Army who will lead the campaign. Rigilo will be there to view the new printing press the smiths of Iversirion are producing.”

“And the Elements with Rigilo?”

“Units from Coolos, Alvastros and Miront,” Erren replied. “They will travel with Rigilo to Durine and hence to Iversirion to also escort King Danvas as a goodwill gesture.”

“So, all eyes will be on Rigilo, not his army?”

“Yes,” Erren confirmed. “There’s still the impression amongst his enemies that Rigilo likes to ‘play’ soldier.”

“He is good at it,” Darras added. “But Jertin is a lot better.”

“Ah, I didn’t know this,” Sorella nodded. “The few Kings I’ve run across are very much hands-on.”

“Jertin trained Rigilo and has far more experience,” Darras explained. “Rigilo knows this and isn’t that big an egotist.”

“No wonder you see a golden age,” Sorella said to Erren.

“I do, spanning several generations,” Erren replied.

“Jertin’s son will become Rachtelin’s first Paladin and will marry Armanth, Rigilo’s daughter, according to Erren,” Darras smiled. “Not bad for a man born on the wrong side of the blanket, as he once said.”

“True, what a gem of a kingdom,” Sorella nodded.

“He’s now judged upon his achievements, not his birth by other nobility,” Erren added. “Not all, naturally, but those that matter.”

“Yes, there will always be those who compare to their venerable history, never realising that they achieve little to nothing with it,” Crannok chuckled.

“And all eyes will be on Rigilo, not what else is going on,” Tsumi nodded in satisfaction. “So, when?”

“The beginning of the year,” Erren replied. “The Royal Army is the first all-year fighting force for Humans in this world.”

“So, they’ll invade Fordel at a time when their guard is both down and their eyes elsewhere?”

“Yes,” Erren nodded. “If Jertin is successful, his army will be able to split Fordel in two and be fully supplied from the Fordelian rebels living in the Holy Forest.”

“Will they be enough?” Tiruk asked. “From what I know, they are small in number.”

“They’re an elite unit,” Darras replied. “Pikemen, swordsmen, horse archers and lancers.”

“More than a match for the mercenary companies the Fordelians use,” Erren added. “Once they begin, other units from the nobles will also cross Lake Suren and make their way to Fordel.”

“Ah, making it look like Rachtelin is not up to anything… until it’s too late?” Amina nodded.

“Yes, I’ll have some missions for your people to disrupt the Fordelian lines of communication,” Erren replied.

“We look forward to it and any other missions of necessity.”

“You’ll be quite busy,” Erren chuckled.

“Rigilo is a friend of mine; I always look out for my friends,” Amina smiled. “We’ll mobilise the entire guild if necessary.”

“Plus, Dobra is not a fan of Fordelian business practices,” Tiruk added.

“Yes, they have no friends in the world to come to their aid,” Crannok nodded.

“Do we know what’s happening with the Dark Lord?” Tiruk asked.

“His forces are rebuilding,” Erren replied. “Probably in the far south where we gods have few resources.”

“Not even Doriel?” Amina asked.

“Her people reported a… darkness around the borders of an area called Gresh; it’s not somewhere they are… welcome.”

“Any reason?” Darras asked.

“It was the home country of the First Ones,” Erren replied. “A cursed land with the curse still in full swing.”

“Does look promising for a rebuilding of forces,” Darras nodded.

“Its denizens are giant insect types,” Crannok added. “They’ve shown no inkling to cross the mountains into Tuthraman or Asulnarath, the adjoining Elven countries.”

“Countries is probably a bit much to call them; the names are just areas with Elven villages and towns in them that rarely communicate past the next village,” Erren explained.

“Along with a good few First One ruins, too,” Crannok added.

“Erren mentioned that there were only Elves and Lizardmen below the desert,” Darras replied.

“There’s a new Dwarven settlement, Kulimbar, in the central spine below the desert,” Erren replied. “They made it down there this past year and located various ores and sources of water.”

“I take it they travelled down the spine?” Tsumi asked.

“Yes, though they made their presence known to Perdolis, with whom they intend to begin trading,” Erren nodded.

“Not the Elves?” Tsum chuckled.

“Their claimed territory abuts Trunavisia and Marnusi, but being Dwarves, they never bothered to contact them, well, not yet,” Erren smiled. “Nor did they speak to Ssunroth, the Lizardmen Kingdom… though that was more a matter of the Lizardfolk being hostile to any strangers.”

“I take it they’ll find a gateway, eventually?” Sorella asked.

“Yes, in about a year,” Erren nodded. “They’re setting up their farms and contemplating speaking to Trunavisia for vegetables and the like in exchange for farming implements.”

***

 

“So, what’s next for me?” Darras asked Erren as they relaxed, their friends having returned home.

“A trip to Fistrie to meet Balat, Mirion along with Firios and his team, then a long farstride to the land of Asulnarath and where Balat will set a forest folk gateway near the Gresh border.”

“And Mirion will investigate this mysterious disease?” Darras added.

“Yes,” Erren nodded. “You and the others can begin a probe of the border area, though be cautious; it’s not an area I’m familiar with.”

“No Dryads?”

“Yes, though she lives to the west of Asulnarath,” Erren replied. “She’ll meet you there and assist Balat.”

“Lot of eggs in the basket,” Darras chuckled.

“Yes, this appears to be where my brother is setting up a stronghold, and I’ll be starting a series of probes to find out just what it is he’s up to, as well as locating the dragon.”

“How come the land is so sparsely settled?”

“The Golden Empire ended at the edge of the southern desert,” Erren replied. “The Elves down there were not part of it or fled from it. The Lizardmen were always there, and the Humans were originally desert nomads who were ‘inspired’ by Pelegard to make glassware.”

“What of this place,” Darras pointed at a country on the other side of the central mountains from Perdolis.

“Ah, Tchun, it’s an isolated desert kingdom that’s pretty self-sufficient and has blocked its gateway to prevent visitors.”

“Seems an odd place,” Darras mused.

“It is, though they’re completely isolated by desert and impassible mountains, so they are ignored.”

“Wonder how they react to strangers?”

“I don’t know, but I doubt it’s a good place to hide,” Erren smiled.

“Probably not, but there’s a lot of nothing over there to hide things,” Darras replied.

“There are several ruins and towers on both sides from the First Ones, but none of my priests have reported anything.”

“Tchun worships you?”

“I don’t think they worship anyone,” Erren admitted.

“Must be an odd place,” Darras chuckled.

“That’s what I said,” Erren smiled.

***

 

Darras startled the Elf who was sitting in the gateway office of Fistrie, a small Elven fishing village in the territory of Tuthraman. The Elf, having shot to his feet upon seeing Darras, appeared to be struggling to accept what his eyes were seeing.

“Er… not to be rude,” the Elf finally began. “But what are you?”

“Human,” Darras smiled. “Name’s Darras.”

“Human? Oh, yes, I’ve heard mention of them but never thought to see one.”

“Well, today’s your lucky day,” Darras chuckled as Balat came through.

“Two Humans?”

“Yes,” Darras replied. “Is that a problem?”

“Er… you aren’t here to cause problems, are you?” the Elf asked uncertainly.

“No,” Darras smiled, “We’re just passing through on our way to Asulnarath.”

“Oh, er… OK,” the Elf finally replied as Mirion came through and greeted both Darras and Balat cheerfully.

“Is there an entry fee?” Mirion asked.

“Er… no, you’re the first visitors I’ve met; we normally export fish to Trunavisia, or our merchants do; they’ve never come here.”

“Well, we aren’t here to cause trouble,” Mirion smiled as Firios entered and followed Darras outside the building.

“Well met, my friend,” Firios greeted Darras as several Elves stopped to stare at Darras.

Chapter 4)

 

Fistrie was a beautiful town set on the coast, and it supplemented its income by selling fish to far-off Trunavisia via the gateway network. Until now, none of its residents had seen any strangers except their merchants, and they’d never seen the likes of Darras or Balat before. Hence, Darras was getting some very un-Elven scrutiny from the gathering townsfolk. It also sold fish from neighbouring villages, and the Elves used farstriding to transport them quickly.

“You seem popular,” Firios chuckled.

“I thought Elves didn’t stare,” Darras smiled.

“Normally, we don’t, though these are not the Elves of the north,” Firios replied as Balat, Mirion, and Tinara joined them, exchanging greetings.

At this point, one of the Elves approached, identified herself as the town mayor, and inquired about their business.

“Just passing through,” Darras replied, as it was clear that only he could understand the woman. “Mirion is the agent of Hallis, and we’re escorting her to Asulnarath, where there are reports of a malady affecting the people there.”

“Ah, I see,” the woman nodded. “And you are?”

“Darras a Human,” Darras replied.

“Oh, none of us have seen a Human before,” the woman nodded. “I am Eclith, be welcome.”

“My thanks,” Darras politely acknowledged the mayor as Traskis and Demala finally joined them. “Is there a place we can buy supplies?”

“There is only one store in the town square selling foodstuffs; they will accept coin by weight,” Eclith replied. “I’m afraid they are limited in what they sell, though.”

“Understandable,” Darras nodded. “You are unused to strangers.”

“We are,” Eclith admitted. “Though our merchants bring back tales from their visits to Trunavisia, and so we have heard of Humans if never expecting to see one.”

“Well, no doubt we’ll be a talking point for a while,” Darras chuckled.

“Oh,” most certainly,” Eclith smiled. “Please go about your business with our blessings and that of Wenderos.”

“May she bless you and the town,” Darras replied in kind.

“I’m glad you could understand her, Darras,” Firios chuckled as he led the way through the town to the central square.