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Ciara

He was the Harbinger of Malmyrkris.

Aklys words echoed throughout the minds of everyone in the great hall. I stood beside the snow leopard, gazing up into the faces of the elvish lords, all who sat before us in their thrones of white stone.

“The Harbinger. He is the champion I sensed.” Lady Eava stated, eyes falling on the cat.

The Harbinger of Destruction. He is no mere champion of darkness. He is an aspect of Lord Malmyrkris himself. An Avatar.

My eyes fell to the cat beside me.

“A god?” I asked in awe.

A demigod. Once a mortal, or part mortal, who has attained divinity. She corrected.

“If we faced a demigod, then how did we prevail?” Ivaylis asked.

“Did we?!” Skempta growled suddenly from her place at the table behind us. It had only been two days since the orc regained consciousness, but still her dark green flesh was littered with bruises and cuts. She also showed none of her humorous banter I’d grown used to.

“Half of the company was rendered useless or unconscious. We lost one powerful druidess, and an experienced warrior. All against one foe. I wouldn’t call that a win.” She growled.

Aatu gave a low whine at the mention of Eluniss. I glanced at the large winter wolf. He stood next to the druid Fornvarr, head hung low. My heart ached for the poor beast.

“Perhaps his strength was not full. Perhaps all the seals are not destroyed?” Hestross offered, shrugging. The centaurs stood beside Ivayliss.

It is possible. Certainly one sundered rune would create a tear in the veil that separates the realms. A tear large enough for a few denizens to enter Ryze. That may also limit the Lord of Shadows connection to his Avatar.

My eyes returned to Aklys beside me.

“Could he yet live? I witnessed Rekk—Sir Rekkdyr drive his blade through the Harbinger’s chest.” Ivaylis asked.

If it were a normal blade, he would not have been slain. Perhaps, because of Silvernights’ properties, however… The cat trailed off.

My eyes fell upon the large bastard sword that now lay on the table before the elvish lords. I could almost picture the gnoll sitting by the fire, oiling and honing the blade now, despite the perfection of the weapon. Moisture began to swell in my vision.

“Why was the blade not lost to the Shadowlands as well?” Ivaylis asked.

“Silvernight was crafted using old techniques, by a master Runecrafter. Its edge is unrivaled, its bite the bane of all beings of evil. It is an item of good, and therefore cannot enter into a realm of pure evil. If any blade was up to the task of destroying an evil demigod, it’s this one before us.” Lord Aquilis spoke.

“Why was Rekkdyr not effected by the Harbingers spell, when the rest of us were reduced to screams of agony?” I asked, glancing back at the Lords.

Princess Vailadriel’s ring, I suspect. It managed to shield his mind from the effects of the Sorrow Willow. Perhaps it also aided in protecting his mind from the Harbinger’s torment? Aklys offered.

I nodded to the cat, remembering the encounter at the evil tree. Before the dead rose.

“The weapon will be displayed in the Hall of the Honored, and a statue commissioned.” Lord Livillios commented.

“To hell it will! The gnoll is going to need it back!” Skempta growled, rising clumsily from her seat.

“Lady Skempta—“ Lord Livillios began, but was interrupted.

“Don’t Lady Skempta me! I see no body. Just because you burned some empty armor on a pile of wood, that does not mean Rekkdyr is dead!” She roared. Her eyes glared about the room, particularly at the nobles.

Rekkdyr fell into the Shadowlands. The realm of the damned. There is only one way to enter the realm, and that is with the sundering of the Silverfire Runes. Aklys told her.

“No, that is a wagon of shit. The gnoll entered by another means. He is not dead, and I will not give up hope, even if a supposed divine being and an entire elvish council does, I won’t. He would do the same for every single creature in this room now.” I could almost feel the rage boiling from her, despite the great pain she was obviously in.

“Skempta.” I turned to her, but she put her hand up.

“No, my mind will not be changed. I have my new mission, I will find any means to accomplish it.” She growled, before storming from the hall, somehow managing to slam the massive double doors.

Her wounds are deeper than her flesh. Aklys projected.

“We will research further into the matter, but, if what you say is true, then I fear the only place in all of Ryze to which a journey into the Shadowlands is possible will be the very place the seal was destroyed.”

A journey to the Shadowlands in itself is a nearly impossible task, even for a Naettura… Aklys projected, turning to Ivaylis.

Ivaylis, you have to grimoire? Aklys asked. Ivaylis nodded, stepping forward and placing the large leather-bound tome on the table beside the bastard sword.

“This isn’t?” Lady Eava asked, eyes growing wide.

The Bloodskin Grimoire. The very same. It was interred in the ruined halls of Old Manir, deep in the Nordeik Mountains, along with one of the many Silverfire Runes. It is this rune, which I suspect has been destroyed.

“What is the Bloodskin Grimoire?” Camden asked.

“A tome of great evil. It is said to hold the secrets of corruption. It can be used to control or twist the minds of others. There is a reason it was locked away.” Lady Aralyn replied.

It is what held your mind, back in Manir. How Prince Myr was able to command so many, to gain so many followers. It is also how he created his hybrid species, I imagine. There are many secrets still within its pages. But any seeker of knowledge will pay a terrifying price. Aklys explained.

It was hard for me to pay attention. My mind kept returning to Sir Rekkdyr.

I felt the moisture finally roll down my cheek. The poor gnoll. The noble gnoll. Skempta was right. He would march on the very gates of the Shadowlands if only to rescue one poor, lost soul. I shook my head and wiped my eyes clear.

Princess Vailadriel. Only a fool could not see her true feelings for him. How she must suffer! I thought to myself.

“I’m afraid our work is not completed.” The human beside Aatu, Fornvarr, spoke suddenly, coming forward.

“My Lords and Ladies, we still have the monumental task of consolidating forces. I fear the Circle of Autumn must hear of this dire situation immediately.” He continued.

“Aye, as with the Circle of the Ironhide.” Hestross agreed.

“My people may be in great danger, and I fear we’ve been away for too long. Especially in these dark times. The dead walk our home, and I fear we can no longer remain here.” Riddaris added.

“If a rune is destroyed, it is only a matter of time before the Lord of Shadows makes another attempt at gaining a foothold. We cannot allow this to happen.” Fornvarr continued.

“Of course. Hestross, Riddaris, we shall arrange immediate passage for you to return to Manir.” Lady Aralyn stated.

“We ask only that you take Guardswoman Ivaylis Silversun as an Ambassador for our people. It is our desire that we grow a new friendship with the centaurs of Manir.” Lord Livillios said.

“My lord, we would be honored to create such a friendship. And Lady Ivaylis has proven a powerful and just ally.” Riddaris replied.

“My Lord, I am honored to be considered for such an appointment. But what of my duties as a Royal Guard? Am I to not resume them?” She asked, dropping to a knee.

“You were correct when you spoke about defending the royal blood from distant shores. You’ve proven your commitment and courage, as well as skill. As you said before you set off for Manir, You are not being relieved from duty. However, as the new Ambassador, you will serve as the voice of the council. There is no small amount of honor in that.” He said with a grin.

Ivaylis bowed again, a small smile barely visible on her face. I caught the look she gave Hestross, and if I was not mistaken, it was a look he returned.

“And what of the Naettura?” Lady Eava asked, “Does Lady Aklys intend to remain in Rainhaven?”

Aklys stepped forward, away from my side. I glanced over to see Camden watching expectantly.

I’m afraid I cannot. There are many things that must be done. I must go north, beyond the Frozen Wastes.

“To the Northern Expanse? That is nothing but unexplored wilderness.” I asked, surprised.

There is an ancient site, one used by the Naettura long ago. It is here I must go. If there are others remaining of my kind, they must be informed. She nodded to Fornvarr. We will need all the allies we can get in the coming days, I fear.

“A new age is upon us. One that will call for the Naettura to march alongside mortals once again.” Lady Eava nodded.

“You won’t be going alone!” Camden blurted out, stepping beside the cat.

She turned to consider him, an obvious argument forming in her head.

“Nope!” he said, shaking his head, which tossed his scarlet hair about. The cat obviously couldn’t argue.

It shall not be an easy journey. She warned.

“Anything is going to seem easy compared to the last few months.” He reminded her.

She nodded at length, defeated. I couldn’t help but notice a small grin cross her face, coupled with a slight hint of lust to her eyes.

“My hope is that the Circle of Autumn will see the situation as it is, and pledge its aid.” Fornvarr spoke.

He turned to the wolf beside him. “I shall leave for Drifa tomorrow to inform them of all that I have learned. Aatu, you are more than welcome among us.”

“Thank you, Fornvarr. But I’m sorry. And to you, Lords and Ladies of Rainhaven. Friends and Allies of Ciara O’Connor. I understand these are trying times. But I made a promise to my mother. That I would find my missing brother and sister, and guide them home.” He said, choking back what had to be the wolfs version of tears.

“I understand, friend. My only regret is that I am unable to be beside you.” Fornvarr said, placing his hand on the wolf’s head to scratch behind his ear.

The wolf hung his head, sorrow on his face.

“Aatu. Lords and Ladies of Rainhaven. At your permission, I would like to accompany the winter wolf on his journey.” I said, suddenly, coming forward.

Camden glanced over at me, eyes full of question.

I don’t know what made me do it. The sadness on the beasts’ face, the loss I could almost feel radiating from him. He had rescued me so far away from home when he held no companionship or bond with me. Nothing to be gained. And now, here he was, mourning the loss of his world, the destruction of his pack.

My brother was safe again. I had finally succeeded in seeing my him home alive. Perhaps now, I could help another? Besides, I was certain Aklys and Camden needed some time alone.

“This is for Aatu Wintermoon to decide.” Lady Aralyn said, turning to the wolf.

The wolf’s eyes fell on me for a moment, considering me. He nodded.

“I would welcome your aid, Ciara O’Connor.”

“I’m afraid ancient magic seals and the end of the world is all a tad beyond a simple halfling lass, anyways.” I laughed, trying to brighten the tension in the hall.

It seemed to have worked somewhat. A smile, however small, could be seen here and there, among the companions who faced the dungeons of Manir together.

As the council was released, we went our separate ways, each returning to our respective chambers to make preparations.

“Ciara!”

As I walked in the beauty of the Palace of Seasons, I heard Camden call my name. I turned to see him jogging up to me, wearing a robe gifted to him by the elves. It was a far cry from his old grey robes and heavily knotted belt I remembered. That damn elegant spiral stitching of silver and blue.

“Hey, Ciara!” he said, coming to a halt before me.

“Camden!” I said, suddenly embracing him with a powerful hug. We had barely had a moment to talk since he awoke. The world seemed to be speeding to a sudden drop, as if we had all been tossed from a cliff.

As the days passed, there was always something keeping us from our long awaited reunion.

“Ciara!” He returned the hug, his voice cracking somewhat.

“Only you could assemble a group of elves and centaurs to come after me! I heard you and Aklys nearly set fire to the north!” he said, finally pulling away.

I laughed.

“You dense fool! Letting yourself get captured!” I said with a smile, tears running freely down my face.

He grew serious suddenly, smile fading quickly. I could tell his time in captivity was not soon to be forgotten.

“Ciara. I’m sorry. There are so many things I’ve done. So many things I wish I could tell you. But I can’t” He broke down, sobbing.

“Hey, Camden.” I held him at arm’s length, hands cupping his shoulders. “Listen. I don’t know much about magic. In fact, the last few days, I’ve been in the company of all powerful mages and druids. I’ve seen firsthand what magic is capable of. It’s all the knowledge I know. If they fear the powers of this ‘Bloodskin Grimoire,’ then, well, that’s it. It’s not your fault. None of it.”

He frowned, lower lip quivering. He suddenly embraced me hard again.

“You found me! How was I blessed with a saint for a sister?”

“I’m sorry. I know you would have me accompany you and Aklys. I just found you. I should go. Keep you two out of trouble, since you seem so keen on finding it. But I can’t. I must go with Aatu. Find his siblings.” I explained, weeping.

It was he who held me at arm’s length now.

“I understand. I do. Perhaps it best we go our separate ways, for now. Maybe it is in the darkest of times that we should light as many candles as we can. Alleviate suffering whenever possible.” He said through tears.

I smiled.

“When did you suddenly become so wise?”

“I’ve always been. You’ve just never noticed.” He laughed.

Finally, we broke our embrace, going our separate ways. I glanced out of the large open window beside me in the hall. The beautiful snow covered valley sprawled out below me, spruces and pines shrouded in a blanket of thick white.

It wasn’t just Camden. Or Aklys. I realized I would miss them all. The centaurs. Elves. Orcs.

Gnolls.

We each came from different histories. The paths we followed, while different, all somehow led us to the dungeons of Manir, on the turning point of an Age.

Now, it seemed, those paths were about to diverge once again. What adventures awaited Aatu and myself? What of the others?

Fear of the unknown. How many would I see alive again?

I blinked back tears, shaking my head. No, I was not going to think about that.

Despite how dark things got, there had to be a light. A candle. Even if I had to be the one to light it. The world had been thrown into chaos seemingly overnight, but, damn it, I was not going to give in.

Turning from the window, my mind wandered one final time to the friends, the family, that I was about to leave behind.

Finally, to Rekkdyr. Even thinking of the gnoll caused my heart to ache. If he was alive, what torment did he suffer?

But there was also something else there in those thoughts. With the certainty and stubbornness of an orc, I could feel it slowly growing to life.

Hope.