LATHIRON
The City of White Gold
The scarlet light of the setting sun streamed around the silhouettes of towers, townhouses and trees. Most notable of these structures was the great golden tower of Armön’hen, who’s legendary white-and-gold peak rose high above the rest of the fair city. Lathìron, the oldest city in Eisÿdēn, was built around this formidable temple to the God of the Sun, and therefore became named the City of White Gold. And it truly was a City of White Gold. The outer walls were made of white stone, as were the neatly cobbled streets. Most houses were made from this similar white mineral, save for the rich, the powerful, or the holy. Instead, these used a combination of the plain white rock, black marble, and Entae, an almost glass-like mineral that ranges from clear white to a light golden hue. Extremely rare and not without magical properties or religious significance, the Entae gave the City of White gold its name and its reputation as the unconquerable city of Light.
Now, crowds were collected in the streets to bid farewell to the late Queen of Eisyden, Lady Aria. In the center of the courtyard inside the great Eastern Gate, the funeral pyre was held. Though the thick iron portcullis was down, the huge, engraved gate was open to the crimson illumination of the setting sun. That eerie red glow enveloped the courtyard, staining the white stone, accompanied by the flickering light of the flames that licked over the large wooden structure that supported the silent, pale figure of Lady Aria.
The sandy-haired Queen was not an old woman when she died, but died in the childbirth of a still born son. She had been a well-loved monarch, having been born a commoner and later earned in deeds all the status that she had earned in marrying King Tyvienus, and there were many earnest tears shed in Lathiron on the news of her death. Many heads were bowed now, faces highlighted by the dancing glow of the fire that slowly consumed their late Queen.
In the first rows, standing each in a religiously symbolic position in the circle around the pyre, stood the Royal Family, key members of the Great Houses, the High Magus, and the High Priest of the Golden Tower. However, there was a small break in the circle where the eldest Prince should have stood. Murmurs passed through the crowd like a small ripple through a pool of still water. Oblivious to this, the High Priest held his silk-swathed arms open to the flames, hands held high and face turned to the setting sun, pale eyes open wide as he chanted the funeral mantra. In the next circle stood the lesser of the Royal House and the noble visitors come to pay their respects. Their number included Mistress Tari Asydena of Sylvànēn, Lord Archaeon of Raist’Elōr, Athelston of Ravenhēn, Lysterathas of Valdèmar, Prince Tenosehd of Endir, and Erdein, Master Water Druid of Daelorèdēn.
Around this somber collection of nobles were the armed members of the Númieno, the Golden Guard. One hand poised on the hilts of their swords, and one eye on all the happenings, Eisyden’s most rigorously trained warriors stood, both guarding the nobles and paying their respects to their Queen. Beyond the stoic armoured figures of the Royal Guard, and spreading into the streets beyond, the common crowd was gathered, mulling and murmuring sad things.
One figure stood out in the crowd of greaving lookers on, a tall figure, relatively speaking since the others like him were towering over him, was looking up at the group of nobles instead of the tower. His blue shining eyes blazed under his hood, still and piercing as they focused on a solitary figure. "So that's him?"
Caneos hissed under his breath, his eyes never leaving the Master Water Druid.
Alex slowed his pace as he slowly came to the gates of the City of White Gold. It felt good to be back to a place he called home, it had been nearly three years since he arrived at this city and it felt good to finally come back. It had been nearly six months since he had last seen the great city, and he missed it terribly but he had a duty to do and as such didn't complain. Looking up over the great walls of the city and past the gate he couldn't help but wonder why it seemed that this city once known for the great bussle of people always happy seemed so dark, dreary almost as if the hope of the people had been plucked away. Approaching the gate he saw the captain of the guards come out of the barrack just behind the wall, picking up his pace slightly and wincing as his arm moved in the crude sling he created after being hit by the arrow decided to question the guard. Comming to a stop a few feet from of him he called out to the captain of the guard. "Captain, might you tell me why it seems that this great city is so full of sorrow and despair?" Alex inquired as he tried to hold his arm still so the pain would slowly subside.
The crowds seemed to part before Caneos as he started to weave threw the crowd, everyone was too busy weeping over the lost royalty. He had never really had much use for kings and queens but the heavy fog that seemed to have dropped around the place was infectious. Every breath of stuffy, crowded air seemed to fill anyone who inhaled it with a deep sorrow. He weaved threw the crowd like smoke, heading for the group surrounded by glittering guards which Caneos was making sure avoid eye contact with.
As Piper walked along the edges of the crowds that flooded the streets in mourning of the late Queen, his hooded and shadowed face showed absolutely no emotion, completely indifferent to the grieving people, or the Queen herself. He was here on matters completely non-related, yet at the same time directly linked to the passing of the Queen. With so much commotion going on throughout the area, it would be easy for him to gather the information he needed.
"Order in chaos." he thought to himself as he strode along the rim of the crowds, not even bothering to look inwards to see what was happening. His plainly colored attire drew little attention, the pale green hooded cloak and brown pants left little to be desired as far as fashion, but it served it's purpose well. "Mm.." He hummed to himself while getting close to his destination.
Caneos was now just behind at the edge of the crowd that was closest to the special guests, his eyes never left the Water Element Master. His navy robes made him blend in seamlessly with the greivers since most of them nearest the golden armoured guards were wearing black to show they're misery and riches since black was expesive at the best of times. "Terrible, terrible thing" he heard a women whispering near by "too young."
Young.. Caneos thought
Yes... too young. That's why they killed my father instead of me. They thought I was too young. If only they had thought like whoever took this women's life... if someone took it
"Heh.." Piper commented as he was bumped inito by a man wearing navy robe. It wasn't a big deal and no harm was done, however Piper wished that people paid more attention to where they were walking. Looking up for a mere moment, Piper disclosed not another sound and simply took the man in for a moment. With an indifferent glance, he simply walked past him and continued on, letting the transgression fade away. After a few more moments of walking, the flute player looked up at the building he was searching for. It was nicely decorated and fit in with the rest of the area. Quietly and stealthly he strode inside with a fluid motion, trying to bring as little attention to himself as possible, though that was already easy with everyone so caught up with the happenings of the day. "Hmm, now, where is he.." He whispered to himself as he eyed his surroundings carefully. All he needed was this small bit of information, then he could happily move on from this city and it's miserably depressed people.
Alex’s face paled as the captain of the guard relayed the past events of the previous six months since he had been home. When he left for the front he knew that the queen was pregnant they had just announced the day before he left that she was with child, and there was a tremendous celebration in her honor. He thought back to those days before he left the confines of the City Of White Gold and realized how much has changed in just a few short months. Thanking the captain for his time and the information he gave to him, Alex slowly trudged past the gates into the City and headed down the cobbled stone road toward the main barracks were he was stationed so that he could report to his commander and relay everything that has happened the few months he was on the front. As he walked up the stone roadways he said a silent prayer to the fallen queen and her family, then looked up and saw the funeral precession and the funeral pyre off in the distance shrugging off his thoughts and heading down the road way he steeled himself, and his heart to do what needed to be done first. There would be time for him to weep over the passing of the queen. Quickening his pace he took a side street that was a short cut to his final destination and just wanted to get the report over with so he could continue with his life.
"Rehnāhi Ràhaen" Caneos hissed under his breath as a small drop of water fell onto the floor, water was not hard to get a hold off in this gathering since the roads were wet with tears. It glowed with a sourceless light as it slowly trickled threw the the gaps in the smooth pebble stones on the floor. It flowed past the guards, Caneos being audatious enough to make it slip underneath one's foot, and latched itself onto the flowing robes of the Water Master. Caneos wanted his current goal more than anything but he would not stand here all day in a boiling cloak for some dead monach, anyway his powers should should guide him fine from here. Turning away he made his way back threw the on lookers, the glowing droplet soaking into the hem of the Master's robe. He needed to get a place to stay now...
Alex made his way down the side road he had just taken and contemplated all that he had heard upon his return to the City Of White Gold, could it really be possible that so much has changed in just a few short months? Something seemed off, as if all the events from him being on the front, to the attack not even two weeks ago, to the queen's death they were some how or some way interconnected to one another. Sighing he pushed the thoughts from his head he had a job to do and first he needed to make a report to his commander about the attack, the wounded and what else was needed to refortify their position out there. Looking up as he came to an intersection of the side road with another he smiled as he saw his destination not far off in the distance. Shrugging his pack higher on to his shoulders to give his aching bones a reprieve he continued on to the door with the guard and stood at attention stating his name and rank and his purpose for being here.
At least when I'm done with this I'll be able to get some medical attention to this blasted wound he thought to himself as he waited for the guard at the door to allow him to pass.
With a polite inclination of his head, the guard recognized Alexander's claim and stepped aside to let the wounded man pass. Only a few steps in the barrack’s commons, the Commander was involved in a quiet conversation with a woman who, by her armour, was clearly one of the elite Golden Guard. A frown crossed the Commander's weathered features, but it was smoothed away by a smile when he noted Alex’s entrance. Intelligent grey eyes appraised the wounded soldier, and then he raised a gloved hand to forestall Alexander's words.
"You can report on the way to the medic's chambers," he said, his voice firm. "When you are comfortable and have completed your duties, Captain Terra requires your service." Commander Zaio inclined his head respectfully to the golden-haired woman at his side. She returned the gesture.
Snapping to attention in front of the commander, and the woman who he thought he recognized but couldn’t place her name but new from the armor she wore she was one of the Golden Guard. He wondered to himself
‘why is she here?’ but quickly dismissed his thoughts as he had something to take care of before he even let himself be treated. “With all due respect, Sir, M’lady I’m alright tis nothing that a day or two of rest and checking in with the Clerics cannot heal. I had the fort’s cleric do what he could once the battle was over, but apparently the damage was already done.” He said and thought to himself
‘twas a better outcome to not be able to use my arm for a week or two then see my comrades fall in battle to a needless death.’ “Besides sir, I think it is quite imperative that I impart to you the letter the Captain past on to me and said and I do quote
‘Do not let anything stop you, till you reach the city and report to Commander Zaio.'” Alex said shifting his shoulder slightly to work out the stiffness in his joints that had been plaguing him slightly since a few days ago.
‘Nothing that cannot be fixed with some good ol’ fashioned training in the Combat Room’ he thought and grinned inwardly as he would be given the chance hopefully to work off the steam and pent up frustration he had since leaving the fort. He understood the reasons but didn’t quite agree with them he was needed back at the Fort. The attack had clearly shown that they weren’t ready for a counter-offens
ive of any kind and they could use his skill more then anything at a time like this. He was very reluctant to leave and in quite the hurry to get back even if it meant pushing his body to the limits. He didn’t give a damn, he wouldn’t let another single person he cared about die a meaningless death, he wouldn’t let the events from his childhood be repeated ever he swore silently to himself that he would die fighting and protecting those he cared about.
"Unfortunately," the steely-eyed Commander put in, "We don't have two days – or even one – to wait for your arm to heal itself. Our scouts have alerted us to your arrival, and the Mistress Healer Norai will tend to you immediately." Commander Zaio was already leading the way down a high-ceilinged stone corridor when he added, "She is here on other business for the Mage Guild, but has agreed to heal your injury while she is in this part of town." Stopping smartly in front of a wooden door, etched attractively with a flowery vine climbing up each side, he held out a gloved hand. "I will read your Captain's letter in the meantime. When Mistress Norai gives you leave, come to my office."
The foyer into which Piper had stepped consisted of unadorned white-stone walls, a bright monotony broken only by an equally white staircase leading up to the right, a small round table, a darkwood chair, and two contrasting figures. Both were women. One was bowed with age and had shrewd, wrinkled features. She wore clean, but common clothing, and had a long scar along her cheek. The other woman, whose back was to Piper, stood with the straight, casual grace of a woman born into nobility. Her slender frame, which belied the possibility of elvish heritage, was draped with a floor-length dress that seemed to be black until it was compared to the ebony of her hair, then was revealed to be a very dark red. The dark silk was slashed with scarlet around her ankles, and there was a simple silver chain of miniscule sculpted ravens around her hips. To any eye trained in heraldry or social niceties, the dress marked the woman as a noblewoman of the House of Raven, the Royal house of Ravenhen.
The strangely unmatched pair appeared to be discussing something grave. "In the Crow?" The younger woman's question was met with a nod, and she wanted to grind her teeth. Damnit. "And the Druid is in the Eagle." Another nod. The raven-haired woman made a thoughtful sound, and then fell silent when she noted the changing expression on her companion's aged face. Red-flecked eyes had fixed on Piper, and the younger woman turned to face him. The expression melted off of her features with trained ease. After the exchange of a meaningful look, the older woman smiled and took her leave up the stairs in a way that made it clear that this was her house and not the noblewoman's.
"Piper, I presume?" Violet eyes flickered over him. "Ryne isn't here, but I have the information you seek."
Alex followed the Zaio down the hall and stopped before the door with the etched flowery vine on it, he then reached into the side of travel pack and took out a small leather scroll case. Using his injured arm just to hold the case he gently unscrewed the lid of the case with the utmost care as if it was trapped and the slightest movement would destroy the contents. After a few moments with the lid off he tipped the container slightly and a rolled up piece of parchment slid out of the container, which he then held out to Commander Zaio. “Here you go sir, the report from the Captain” He said then looked at the door never seeing this part of the barracks he wasn’t quite sure were he was. ‘Doesn’t matter now it already seems they have plans for me and so be it’ he thought to himself as he waited and all his previous plans had been put on hold for the time being. “By your leave sir” he said stepping up slightly to the door to knock gently on the door.
The Captain nodded his head and reached out to accept the scroll. "Good work, soldier," he patted Alex on the shoulder then turned to the woman from the Golden Guards, engaged her in conversation, and took their leave.
With a slow and casual nod, Piper acknowledged that woman that addressed him. As he gave the gesture, the hood that adorned Piper's head lowered a bit more, further shadowing his face. Where it would have been proper to bow or show a more respectful greeting gesture, Piper cared little for titles, nobility, race, or upbringing, all he really cared about was the information that the woman had for him. With an cold and very indifferent look on his face, at least the part that could be seen, the traveling flute player simply extended his hand. Waiting for the information to be placed in his hand, the young man's interest level started to peak, finally having a real solid lead as to where his next destination would be, this wild goose chase of his becoming quite the bother.
How could she be sure he was who he claimed to be? She knew the question was written on her delicate features as the noblewoman's eyes flickered from Piper's extended hand to his face, taking in his indifferent expression and his non-descript clothing. He couldn't honestly believe that information was free. "There is a price," she informed him politely in a smooth voice, who's lilt hinted at elven heritage. She went on, not waiting to hear his response, though watching him carefully. "I cannot speak freely here," she hid a smirk. Ryne could have picked a better location for his original meeting. Luckily, Jude had gotten her hands on him before he could have squandered a possible resource. The noblewoman could not discuss her terms in so insecure a place, dressed as she was. However, this was not a lack of foresight. It was a test.
"Are you familiar with a tavern called the Crow, in the north-western sector?" As she said this, she reached into the black leather pouch at her belt and produced a silver coin.
Retracting his hand, Piper know that he wasn't going to get the information that he required at the present time, that was expected. However, the musicians' shadowed brow furrowed ever so slightly, Piper really did want to get this over with. With a casual and responsive nod, he answers her question, knowing where she was going with this. With a turn he began to walk towards the door. Piper's silence was common when he dealt with people, especially when it dealt with dealing with information and the transfer of it. The less people knew about him and the less of a trail he left, the easier it was for him move back and forth unhindered. With a deep breath, Piper opens the door and then heads out of it, making his way towards the tavern to await his informant. "Elfs..." He said with a quiet sigh.
Arching her eyebrow as he left, the ravenhaired woman had to bite her lip. Unless she showed herself in public, he would not be able to reach her without the coin he had so promptly ignored nor given her the chance to explain. Considering what she was about to do, showing herself in public would not be wise. But then she smirked and stepped into the doorframe, shouting "At dawn!" after him, then closing and locking the door. She knew every back road in this town. Let the games begin.
The beflowered door opened silently and Alex was beconned to enter by a young boy dressed entirely in white, though he had shocking black hair. Beyond the door, the white-walled chamber contained three small beds, a tall arched window at the foot of each. The furthest bed was occupied by a soldier with a bloodied bandage wrapped around his eyes. The livery on the clothing that had been folded neatly at the end of his bed was not the white and gold of Eisyden, but the green and silver of Lord Archaeon, the Warlord of Raist'Elor.
A dark oak chair was set beside the bed of the Warlord's man, and from it rose a woman who appeared well into her forties. Her blond hair was so streaked with grey that it was nearly white, and her soft blue eyes lit up her round face. She was beautiful, in a quiet and weary sort of way, and held herself with dignity. She was dressed in a white robe that was trimmed and embroidered with crimson, and the pendant that hung around her neck bore a ruby and marked her as on of the High Mages. The Healer.
She welcomed him with a cursory glance, sizing up his injuries. "Thorwynn?" She had a very soft voice.
Entering the room, being led by the small boy he was completely facinated by the hair on the boy's head t'was almost black as midnight as if all light simply disappeared so lost in thought was he that he didn't quite notice the man with the bandage over the eye and when he did, he simply thought it was another of the soliders from the city of white gold 'What a shame to have that happen, almost certain to have a scar and permanent damage' Alex thought silenty to himself. He consider himself very lucky with the wound he had, it would heal in due time and with all luck wouldn't leave any reminensce except for the scar tissue which was slowing appearing all over his body as he lived on the border as a soldier. Glancing around the room he noticed the clothing at the side of the bed with the wounded man and noticed it wasn't the white gold of his city but of a dark green and silver signifying it was of a different nation but not one he could easily remember though it seems he had seen it before or at least heard of it.
Glancing up as his last name was called he stared back at the woman who had called him. His eyes drifted over her glancing at her, taking her in and trying to read her thoughts. 'She seems to be quite the healer if she is here and the way she carries herself, she seems to know her area quite extensively I'm glad she's here to help...' he said to himself as he walked towards her and bowed slightly as much as he could with his injured arm and said "Yes Ma'am that is me, I really appreciate you taking your time away from tending to all your other patients to help me." he said quite politely not wanted to offend the slightly older woman. As he finished speaking and began to raise up again a coughing, erupted from his chest threatning to take him over he collapsed down onto a knee and pressed his arm to his mouth to cover the blood that was slowly trickling past his lips. 'Dammit... now it seems this bloody wound is infected or poisoned or something is there no end to this torture I must endure?' Alex thought to himself as his lung felt afire from the lack of air as the coughing continue then slowly but surely ceased till he was left on one knee and bent over with his fist in the ground to support himself breathing in slowly but deeply.
The woman watched him with the kind, but distant, air of one who had seen many people suffering and grown accustomed to walking hand in hand with pain. A gentle smile of encouragement creased her lightly wrinkled face and with another gesture of beconing she murmured two words "Nynâm lhen". At her words, the air around him guided him to his feet, buffering him gently and moving him soundlessly to the free bed nearest to the door. Once he was seated on the edge of the bed, the woman - who though she had a fragile physique clearly was very powerful magically - breathed the word "Zhra" and the heavy black chair was draw across the room to rest close to the bed. She was face to face with him once she sat down and immediately began removing the bandages on his arm, her touch the soft touch of a healer, her faded blue eyes on her work. Though the outward signs of his pains were quite straightforward, there was clearly something internal ailing the man. She stole a glance at his face. The Captain had made it quite clear that this was to go quickly. She wondered why the Golden Guards were so keen to get their hands on him, but she did not voice her question. Instead, she said "Tell me where it hurts."
Alex leaned his head to the left indicating his left shoulder were a hole could be easily seen in the armor he wore though it looked straight through the armor, there appeared to be a black surface on the inside of the armor as if the bolt that had pierced his skin had been dipped in something or it was just reminisce of the bolt or it was the dying flesh of his own skin and the wound had gotten infected nothing could be told for sure. "There is were the quarrel pierced the armor on my shoulder, I had it looked at and the bolt removed but nothing could be done besides that there were too many injured so it was patched and that's about it." Alex said quietly as he watched the woman at work wondering what it must be like to be on this end of the destruction and mayhem. Interrupting his own thought he also added "The coughing spasm is something new, though I will admit I have felt faint on my journey from my post here but I thought it to be nothing more then fatigue catching up to me and the adrenalin finally leaving my system." He said as he slowly closed his eyes focusing his will on his own body and searching inside himself to sort out what this might be.
Mistress Norai nodded slowly as she listened, creating a tally of his wounds in her head. Lifting a gloved hand, she pulled the torn material away from the wound and touched her fingertip to the wound lightly. When she took it away, the white cloth of her glove was darkened by the dried blood. She held it close to her nose, then grimaced. Poison, she mused, and a frown creased her pale brow.
After a moment's pause for contemplation, she began to speak, and to undress his upper body as she spoke. "The arrow that pierced you was tipped with poison, causing the unatural discolouration you see here," her fingers howered over the wound, her face again smoothed into a professional mask, "and is manifasting in the internal bleeding that caused your cough. Don't worry," she smiled kindly, "you're in good hands."
"That's good to know, at least I know I'll be able to survive this, I would hate to have been done in by one of those things by it's stupid arrow. Heh that would have been grand killed by arrow." Alex chortled as the older woman deftly began to remove his armor and after she finished poking her fingers into the wound. "Well maybe that's why I could never get the wound to fully close right either, I just thought I didn't put enough effort in the healing spell. But apparently I was wrong there was more to i..." Alex said then his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he passed out from exhaustion.
One of those things? Mistress Norai mused as she finished pealing his tunic away calmly, and the boy folded the ruined clothing at the end of the bed as it was handed to him. "This was no orcish poison," she thought aloud.
"Pardon, Mistress?" the ebony-haired child looked up, bemused.
"Nothing, Child. Fetch some water for Sir Thorwynn. He will be parched when we wakes." The look those pale eyes gave the boy was calm and kind, but dismissive nonetheless. She would have to work out the poison, and she would need full concentration to do so. After aranging Alex's limbs so that his posture was not awkward, she placed her warm gloved hands on his chest and closed her eyes. Her back straight, and her chin lifted, she examined him with her senses. She analyzed the temperature of his skin beneath her hands, then his heartbeat and breathing. She heard the door close behind the boy as he left obediently. She took a slow breath, then began to utter words beneath her breath, "Yvaan màhr," first, to purify his blood and remove the poison, then "Aaes" to mend the tissues that had been torn.
For a long time, she sat like this, her hands moving slowly along his chest as if to siffon away the poison. It oozed from the puncture wound and, when she was confident that his bloodstream was clear of the poison, she opened her eyes to capture some of the poison in a small glass vial. The rest of the poison she wiped clear with a damp cloth, murmuring the words again from time to time to ensure that re-infection was impossible.
Rinsing and wringing the cloth out over the bucket of warm water, she was silently glad that he had lost consciousness. Though she was powerful, this poison was unknown to her and she did not think she had the strength to draw it out of him as well as spare him pain. And this would have been very painful. Folding the cloth and draping it over the back of the chair, she turned back to him and placed her hand over his wound. It wept crimson onto her white glove, but there was no more poison. "Orieuss", the muscle and skin tissues mended themsleves beneath her bloodied palm. In a short time, new pale skin had closed over the wound. There was a white circular scar where the arrowhead had entered him.
There was sweat on her brow and her previously composed expression was dissheveled as she withdrew her hand, but she smiled in satisfaction. "Rest now." She whispered, even though he could not hear her, and rose to her feet.
Alex awoke and glanced around the room, suddenly confused since he was no longer in the guild hall. But rather in is bed from the small village in which he was raised by his father for the early part of his life. 'What is going on here? My village why am I back to this part of my life? Why aren't I in the guild hall?' Alex wondered to himself as he slowly swung his legs over the edge of the bed and his feet hit cold wood. A shiver ran down his spine as his feet connected to the damp cold wood of the floor, sitting up he walked to the closest close to the bed and loosely put on a shirt then slipped his feet into a pair of old worn shoes he wore around the house. Exiting his room, he walked to the kitchen wondering what the heck was going on to him. Last thing he remembered was laying down on the bed in guild hall, and the older woman looking at his wound to the shoulder. His hand traveled up to his shoulder but there was no wound, no scar tissue, nothing. As if it never had happened. "What the hell?" Alex said aloud as he tried to figure out what was going on, just then a faint smell drifted across his nose. Stopping and standing still he took a deeper breath and realized what that smell was it was wood burning and not just a small fire but a huge amount of wood 'The Village!' his mind screamed at him as he ran from the kitchen to the side room were he and his father kept their weapons. Grabbing a bow and quiver, along with the long sword his father gave to him earlier that year he rushed from his house and saw not to far in the distance a huge inferno that was unmistakably the village he had called home. Without any conscious thought his feet ran as fast as he could towards his home.
Skidding to a stop outside the gate, he was horrified to see what he saw. His entire home, everything he had ever known was engulfed in flames. Strewn across the muddy earth were villagers, arrows, spears, and other assortment of wounds covering their bodies. Their clothes and the ground around them covered crimson red with their blood. Alex’s mind kicked into over drive ‘No, no this can’t be happening. Not everyone.. ‘ he frantically hurried forward to the first person he saw knelt down and checked for signs of life and continued to do so to all the people he could find. He started counting and seeing who he had found and realized that he made it through the village without finding his father, the Mayor, his daughter, and a few others. Looking up he saw the smithy that his father and him ran wasn’t engulfed in flames but there were raiders dressed all in black as if they had been cut from the night’s sky or jumped out from the shadows. “FATHERRR!!!!” Alex yelled as he again ran off this time charging down towards the smithy.
As he ran faster towards the smithy he didn’t take notice of the body and the hand the weakly shot up to grab a hold of him till it was too late it pulled him down to the ground and he skidded in the mud. On pure reflex he rolled onto his side then when he stopped used a foot to springboard him back up and drew his sword in one quick motion trying to find were the attack had come from. Finding nothing he looked down and saw the mayor’s daughter an arrow sticking out from her back bleeding heavily. Alex quickly lowered his sword and ran to her kneeling down trying to see if there was anything he could do to save her. “God not you too Ryiah, please not you too” Alex almost sobbed as he lent down and gently picked up the young woman’s battered body. He carefully re-arranged her torn clothing, “You are going to be alright. You are going to be fine I’ll get you help. Remember we are supposed to be married in a few months?” He said weakly as tears slowly slid down his face.
“Ale…x y..ou muuust es.cappe before it is too.. .late..” Ryiah said softly as if it were forced words coming from her, she tilted her head to the side and coughed violently blood trickling down from her mouth. “i..t is t.oooo laa..te. for.. me ..but .d.o not …d..ie.. her..e. pl.ea..se I be..g.. you …liv.ee. f..or t.he.. both..o.f…us” Ryiah’s eyes closed shut as her words slowly passed from her delicate lips. Her limbs dropped down and smacked into the muddy earth. “RYIAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Alex screamed as he pulled the young woman to his chest crying unshed tears for the cruel fate of this world. Slowly he brought his emotions under control, he wrapped the rage and anger that was burning like a wild fire in his heart and brought it under his will, he focused his hatred into a willable force through his veins. Leaning down he softly kissed his love on the lips one last time before laying her down in the earth. ‘I will return for you m’love’ He silently said as he stood up and turned back towards the smithy.
Crossing over the ridge in the hill that led from the town down to the valley and the river that led to the smithy Alex stopped short in his tracks as he surveyed the scene from atop of the hill. He saw down in the valley the smith was nearly engulfed in flames and their were maybe six or so raiders left making sure no one escaped from the smithy, screams of agony filled Alex’s ear as he watched from not so far off. Taking his bow from his shoulders and notching a arrow he slowly stepped to the side off the muddy path and into heavy brush as he slowly crept towards the smithy. As he got closer he let loose the one arrow and watched as it hit one of the raiders in the back of the head. By the time it was loose Alex had already moved and knocked another arrow that he loosed about a hundred feet to the side of the other and watched as this one struck another raider in the throat. Continuing this process for another two, he put the bow down and pulled out his sword and crept slowly around the other side of the smithy then charged from the brush bringing his sword crashing down onto one of the raiders close by his eyes filled with rage, the fire and hatred filling his veins. He saw nothing but red, he wanted to kill these bastards in the most gruesome way possible. After killing the last one he turned to the smithy and watched in horror as what could only be his father and the rest of the villagers were burned there was nothing he could do for them.
Turning from the burning inferno that was once his lively hood and pride he turned back towards the village and slowly trekked back up the hill to his home that was now in shambles. Gathering up his wits he slowly took to the task of gathering the dead, and slowly burying each person, putting families next to one another. Then placing markers into the ground for each of the departed. He then took his beloved Ryiah, the mayor whom he found dead next to his house and laid them in their beds then walked outside and torched the house, making sure their was no one else around he head back to his small home on the outskirts of the village. Entering his small house he collapsed onto a chair at the table his head instantly sinking into the palms of his hand that rested on top of his legs. He wept the tears flowing like a preverbal flood gate. Alex could not recount the amount of time that passed till finally the tears subsided but it was already dark out. Getting up he went to his room, took his clothes and packed them away in a pack and carried it to the main room. Gathering his sword which he had cleaned of the blood placing it in a scabbard he went into the side room gathered what he could. A suit of armor, which was a breastplate, leg and arm guards they were his father’s now they were his. Putting on the armor and grabbing the pack and sword and bow he left his home turned and torched the building to the ground leaving behind all that he had known.
Alex’s body tightened as he lay in bed after the poison had been removed from his body. His hands clutched the sheets around him into a fist as his whole body tensed. His head tossed from side to side as he relived the nightmarish time that he saw at the young age. “Ryiah!!” He nearly shouted as his body tensed even more a sweat started to cover his body as his body tensed more and the rage started to fill his body again. He swore in a language that not even he knew or it was merely gibberish the rage, anger, and hatred coursing through his body. “NOOOOOO!!!” He screamed again as he relived in vivid imagery the love of his life slowly dying in his arms. The events of him slaughtering those who were responsible but never truly knowing why his village was attacked. Why these raiders chose this day or were they were even from for he knew those he killed weren’t all of them.
When Alex screamed, Commander Zaio had returned and was discussing Alex's wounds in hushed tones with the Mistress Norai. Both parties looked over at Alex; the Commander frowned, but Mistress Norai's thoughtful expression did not falter. When she turned back to the Commander of the Golden Guard, she spoke quietly, "I worry about the lasting effect of this poison. I have never seen it before, and the psychological damage it may cause is unknown to me."
The Commander nodded somberly, his deep voice lowered, "You still believe it to be the work of the Drow?"
"They are the most adept at poisons," the Mistress of Healing answered, "but it could just as easily have been the Vampires. I will take this sample to the Mage Guild, and we will analyze it. Soon it will be a mystery no more." She sighed, and her pale eyes fixed on Alex's pained face. "I can heal the body easily enough, but the mind takes time to heal. There is no one else who can perform this task?"
"I am afraid not, Mistress," was the respectful response, his eyes too straying towards the soldier convulsing on the bed, trapped within the horrible throes of his nightmare. "He is long overdue this promotion. It is an honour, and the rest of the Guard is occupied with Prince Jeckander's disappearance, which is of much greater importance." His words were firm as he turned back to Mistress Norai. "His will not be a strenuous task."
Her thin lips curved into a half smile and she tilted her head, her face seeming to lose twenty years of age as those azure eyes lit up with something that would have been mistaken for mischief were she not a woman of such high standing and stern reputation. "Have you ever met the Baroness Raven, Commander?"
Caught off guard by the shift in her demeanor, the Commander’s reply was bemused. "Briefly, Madam." Her only reaction was to snort delicately, tuck the vial of poison into the folds of her white robes, and move away from him, gliding across the room and perching gracefully on the darkwood chair that remained beside Alex's bed. She covered his brow with her hand and spoke calmly to the tortured man. She would spare him the nightmares. "Wake, Thorwynn. You are safe, Child," and her musical voice compelled him to wake, drawing him towards consciousness and dispelling the clutching threads of his terror.
Slowly, the nightmare and dream that Alex was reliving was fleeting. His consciousness slowly willing him to wake and their in the background a soft quiet almost musical tone drifted across his ears. “Wake Thorwynn” the voice softly compelled and he could feel his mind slowly beginning the upward struggle to consciousness trying desperately to leave the hellish nightmare behind him. Slowly but surely his eyes began to open, but the images he saw were all blurry nothing was in focus, he tried blinking a few time and slowly the familiar scene of the guild hall roofs and woods came into focus. Slowly tilting his head to the side he caught sight of Mistress Norai. “Was that you just now?” he asked in barely a hushed whisper, his whole head was pounding and seemed afire. His eyes closed in pain as the light was too much onto his eyes and his hand shot up to his face to cover it from the light. Groaning softly he became aware of his dream and nearly shot up out of his bed sitting straight up but instantly regretting the decision as his whole world began to spin from moving to fast.
“How long have I been out for?” Alex asked as he slowly inched his body to the back of the bed and rested his body up against the headboard, slowly taking in his surroundings. Slowly his view came into focus and the room stopped spinning, glancing around the rest of the room he noticed standing in the corner by the entrance way Commander Zaio. “Sir, is something the matter?” He asked carefully trying to pull from his mind the events of late but it was more a jumble of memories then anything coherent. Slowly he tried to swing his legs out of the bed and get to his feet.
Firm hands restrained him from rising and pushed him back down onto the bed. For such a slight woman, the High Mage was surprisingly strong. Most likely, it was the words she murmured instinctively under her breath, and their magic, that truly managed to keep him on the soft mattress. "Calm yourself," her voice was sharp, designed to break through the haze of his confusion. "You have not been out for long." The black-haired boy returned with a pitcher of water and a glass, and Mistress Norai sent him a meaningful look while inclining her head to the torches.
The boy nodded abruptly, knocking a shock of black hair into his youthful face which was smoothed into an expression of concentration as he placed the pitcher and glass at her feet, then dashed about the room dousing the torches. The Commander approached the bed and laid a hand on Alex’s shoulder as darkness settled around them like a shroud. "The Prince has disappeared, Thorwynn, and the Guards do not have the resources to both search for him and attend to our duties in the Capital. If you are well, they would have you join them. They feel that your long service and loyalty to Eisyden has earned you this honour. The task..." he sent a sideways glance at Mistress Norai, "should not strain you, and you will have time to recover."
“The guards? Me??” Alex asked clearly surprised, his face slowly glanced over Commander Zaio searching for any signs of joke or lying but could find none. “Surely you jest sir, there must be other more qualified applicants other then myself.” Alex said as his mind tried to wrap around what was being asked of him. ‘Me? One of the guard? I can’t deny that it would be a honour to be among them but surely there is some mistake to this fact?’ Slowly Alex closed his eyes and let a few deeps breaths pass through his body and tried to slow his racing mind down. “I’m here to serve sir and you know that more than anyone. I know that if they have asked for me they believe I’m qualified, what would you have me do?” Alex asked softly as he ran through the information that Commander Zaio had told him. ‘The prince missing as well? I doubt this is more than coincidence, surely his disappearance and the death of the late queen are connected some how. Hell I’d even be willing to bet that the attack on the fort was all part of this elaborate plan.’ He thought to himself as he quietly whispered a prayer under his lips to those fallen at the fort, the loss of his father and his beloved Ryiah.
The Commander watched Alex's discomposure calmly, straightening, formality settling on his strong features. "You are aware of the unease between Ravenhen and Eisyden, soldier," those words were not a question. Alex would, of course, know that there had long been conflict between Ravenhen, the younger human realm to the north who preached the existence of only One God, and Eisyden, the undefeated and ancient seat of human power in Nyan. Ravenhen chaffed beneath Eisyden's upper hand and has long desired the rich forests and ports of Eisyden, and resented the power of the White Halls. There had been skirmishes in the past, but Ravenhen has never gained any ground. The people of the plains, the Endinoth, have ever supported Eisyden. "Of late, our cousins to the north appear to be playing a different game. They have sent the Baroness to Eisyden, she has been a royal guest and Ravenhen's representative during Queen Arya..." the Commander's professionalism faltered briefly, the shadow of grief creasing his brow before disappearing, "Queen Arya's funeral." He finished, "They have none of the Guard to spare an eye for this Baroness. They do not expect political tact from you, Thorwynn, only a watchful eye. It is the King's wish that the Guard insure both that she tries nothing... inappropriate, and that she survives to return home to Ravenhen in a week's time. It would not do to give Ravenhen an excuse for all out war."
"So just be a body guard and escort so to speak sir? Does the Baroness have plans for her stay in the City? Or any place his Majesty or others would have her be shown around too?" Alex asked as he slowly sat up in his bed already thinking ahead of what areas of town to avoid. What game Ravenhen was up to and most of all would anyone really be foolish enough to try something in the city of white gold. 'Probably he thought like Commander Zaio said it would give Ravenhen a reason for war and probably more allies to align with them if it came down to it.' Alex thought to himself as he shifted in bed trying to get comfortable.
This time Mistress Norai let him sit up, trusting that he was more cautious and less frantic in his attempt. The Commander calmly answered each of Alex's questions in turn. "Yes, so to speak. The Baroness has largely kept her plans to herself, but it would seem that she is merely here to attend the funeral, nothing more. There is no place you are required to take her, though it has been suggested that you keep her away from the north-western sector and other... seedy, disreputable places. It would be best if she left with an awed impression of our great city." He guestured to the window, through which they could see the City of White Gold glittering majestically in the moonlight.
Turning slightly to the healer who had practically saved his life. "I owe you a debt of gratitude m'lady that I'm not sure I might be able to repay. And I know not your name." Alex said softly glancing out the window towards the city. 'Ah, it feels good to be home again' Glancing away from the windows, he turned his head gaze back to Commander Zaio "Where am I to meet the Baroness? And who might she be, that it might be easier to locate her?" Alex quietly said already formulating in his head what areas of town to disregard and keep away from. There were quite a few portions of town that rogues and worse people hung around and it wasn't the type of place to take someone especially if they didn't know how to defend themselves.
Mistress Norai rose from her seat and walked to the boy who stood patiently at the foot of the bed. "You owe me nothing, Alexander," she answered softly, a smile creating wrinkles on her smooth face. Magic had given it an ageless cast, but there was still a very human kindness in her eyes. "It is what I do. I am known as Mistress Norai. I am a mage from the guild, the High Mage of Healing," she inclined her head and said only "You are well enough to begin your assignment, Thorwynn. Best of luck to you." before she took her leave, the ebony-haired boy following at her heels.
Commander Zaio stood, still, thumbs hooked in the rings on his leather belt. "You are to meet her at the manor that is reserved for the nobility from Ravenhen. It is not far from here. Her name is Mirallestis Sylvène Raven. She has black hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, though I doubt you'll have any trouble locating her. You will be taken directly to her chamber, and she will be the only woman in Lathiron garbed with silver raven talismans. I saw her, breifly, and she was quite hard to miss." His lips quirked. "Are you ready, solider? Your escort has been prepared."
Watching Mistress Norai leave he memorized her name and how much she helped him. Then turning to Commander Zaio he absorbed the information and details relayed to him as he thought best what to do. "One more question sir, do you want us to blend in? Or does that not matter?" He asked hinting to the possibility that someone might be foolish enough to attempt something on the Baroness' life. Though Alex personally thought no one would be foolish enough within the walls of the White City, he had no doubt there would probably be someone crazy enough or stupid enough to attempt it.
Slowly, Alex swung his legs out of the bed he had woken up in and reach for the clothing that sat in a neat pile next to the bed slowly sliding the shirt over his head he got to his feet. Walking over he gathered the rest of his gear and looked at the breastplate 'When I get a chance I'm going to need to repair that' Alex thought wistfully to himself. It'll be good to get back into the forge again and see whether or not i've lost the knack' he said to himself as he already made plans to visit the smithy he had befriended when he first came to the city so many moons ago.
"It would not be your place to request that the Baroness conceal her identity." Commander Zaio arched an eyebrow commically at Alexander. "You plan on wearing that as a representative of the Golden Guard while escorting a Baroness of Ravenhen?" He grinned, "I thought I made it clear that I wanted you leaving her with a good impression of our fine city." Chuckling, the Commander made for the door. "I will send an assistant in to aid you. Take a bath, Thorwynn, and make yourself presentable. You have half an hour. Meet your escort in the barracks common." And then he, too, was gone.
Before the door swung shut, a pair of willowy, sandy-haired boys appeared. "Come this way, sir." The bobbed their heads in a polite bow, "To you chamber. We have a bath prepared."
Shaking his head, Alex wished he could go back to the front life was so much more simpler there in his eyes. One didn't worry about his appearance, just that your sword and armor protected and taken care of and in working order. And that you feed yourself to keep your strength up so that you wouldn't be a hinderance should you be attacked. Sighing wistfully he motioned for the two boys to lead the way. 'What did Commander Zaio expect me to were this is the only armor and clothes to my name pracitcally?' Alex thought to himself as he gathered his meager belongings and headed towards the door.
An hour later, Alex had been pampered, bathed, and dressed in the comfortable, golden-trimmed ivory tunic and trowsers of a guard, as well as rich chainmail,another white shirt with the winged emblem of the Golden Guard, and whatever pieces of armour he would require. He was also given a new leather belt, two small steel daggers with gold inlaid in the hilt, as well as a long-sword with the emblem carved into the hilt, and runes etched into the blade.
After a quick meal, and a short walk to the Raven's Manor, Alex found himself alone in front of the door to the Baroness' study with the backs of the his escort disappearing down the hallway. The hallway was richly carpeted, and the decor was predominated by the colours of the royal house of Ravenhen: red, silver, and black.
'Well bloody hell i look like a stuffed peacock and what the hell am I supposed to do now?' Alex thought to himself as he reflected on the events of the past hour. 'I never thought things would be so posh and being pampered so wierd. Then again I've always been on my own, fought for everything I have to my name' Alex contemplated as he glanced around the setting of the house. "Hello?" Alex called out waiting for a servant or attendent to come forward.
The large wooden door in front of him opened and Alex was accosted by a tall woman with blond hair and hazel eyes. She wore simple clothing which marked her as a maid. Giving him a quick one over, she identified him as the representative of the Guard that was to watch over her Lady. She hid a smile. He looked very uncomfortable. The Guard musn't have spared anyone important. "The Baroness is not in, sir."
"Pardon my intrusion m'lady but would happen to know were the Baroness was headed? Or left to?" Alex asked politely bringing up all the manners ad decorum he could muster. 'Surely the gods are cruely in their fate?' he thought wickedly to himself as he stood at almost attention but relaxed somewhat trying to not appear to informal and out of place.
"No, sir," the maid answered, sketching him a polite curtsy and bowing her head, as not to seem rude. "The Baroness rarely tells us where she goes, sir, but.." She half smiled, almost shyly, as if taking pitty on him. "she was wearing a rather odd atire when she left. No gowns or dresses, she was wearing an old black cloak, trousers and a blouse, sir." She lifted a hand to her throat, "she still wears the silver Raven's brooch, though.. and she took the North road." It was quickly becoming clear that there was only place she would be headed dressed like that... The north-western sector.
Bowing to the maid in a manner taught to him by the knights and guards "Thank you m'lady for the information. If the Baroness should return, would you kindly alert her that a representative of the Golden Guard had come to see her." Alex said as he nodded his head and turned towards the entrance way of the manor. I'll need to purchase a cloak to cover this armor I know the rest of the town I wouldn't have a problem. But in the north-western sector the one place we didn't want to the Baroness to go to wouldn't be the wisest of places to see a lone member of the Golden Guard.' Alex thought to himself as he already made a mental checklist of what he would need to purchase or pick up from his room so that he could blend in easier.
"Wait! Sir!" The maid called to him as he walked away, moving forwards a few steps. "You don't look like the sort of chap would be familiar with the... darker pats of this city," she gave his shiny new armour a rather skeptical look, "Go the Crow... Dom aught to know. He knows everything that goes on in them places."
Turning around Alex nodded his head to the woman "Thank you m'lady I shall do that" Alex said as he thought 'BAH the darker parts of the city I've been every were and some, I really need to change" Bowing again Alex turned and left the manor heading towards the barracks he changed out of the new armor and clothes given by the Golden Guard and back into the old armor he has worn since he was but a young teen. Feeling it's familiar weight on his shoulders he locked up the rest of his belongings leaving the golden ring on his finger. He attached his old sword and cloak and headed back out this time heading towards the Crow and the less reputable neighborhood.
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