Age of Cataclysm: Book 1-Chapter 18
Imported from SF2 with no description.
Chapter length: 3,385 words
Current novel length: 49,621 words
Thank you Shadow9968 for the vote.
Chapter 18
(Argthanaw 24th Year 672 of the 4th Age)
"Ouch!" exclaimed Kaera, sensing a brush tugging a knot in her fur.
"My apologies," Aila replied. She is currently grooming Kaera and Radclyff in her master bedroom at Radclyff's house, unbothered at perceiving their genitalia. They prepare themselves for the awards ceremony arriving in a few hours; the sun is beginning to set, turning the sky orange.
Aila spends most of the time brushing Kaera's and Radclyff's fur, mainly the former, to straighten it out. Once she does, she retrieves her scissors and begins to trip a portion of it off them, with the majority coming from Radclyff. She focuses her attention on their hairs next, cutting her husband's down to size and brushing Kaera's.
"Would you enjoy having me design your fur and hair or leave them alone, Kaera?" asked Aila.
"I prefer my fur untouched, but you can braid my hair," Kaera answered.
After Aila adds her finishing touches on her spouse, she starts to braid Kaera's hair while Radclyff dresses in a suit of her choosing. She alerts him that she and Kaera will require extra time as he ambulates towards Arven, Jemeir, Merrick, and Sylfinas, and he acknowledges it with a thumbs up.
Everyone in the living room, aside from Merrick, is wearing a set of fine clothes for the oncoming occasion. Near the absolute time they have to leave, Aila appears from the master bedroom with Kaera behind her, wearing a fancy dress. The dress is red with tiny pieces of jewelry stitched in to give it a bit of sparkle and nothing to cover Kaera's arms and shoulders; the bottom part is a skirt. In addition to the attire, she is wearing a ruby necklace from Aila's collection. What catches their attention, mostly Merrick's, is her fur flowing gracefully in the wind as she walks and her hair. For the males and Aila and Radclyff's children, Arven is wearing a military uniform, and Jemeir and Sylfinas have fine clothes that aren't fancy like Aila's, Radclyff's, their offsprings', and Kaera's.
"You sure you're not going, Merrick?" Sylfinas asked him.
"I'm sure."
"Why not?"
"Because of what I did. I don't want someone that we saved say that I caused the damage."
"Well, you're going to be unprotected, and I want to go to the ceremony," Kaera spoke. "It's a bit dishonorable in my homeland for someone to skip out on an awards ceremony when you are the one receiving the award."
"Kaera's right," Arven articulated. "You're going to be alone, and if someone tries to attack, it's just going to be you."
"It's his decision to make," Jemeir uttered. "I told him a couple of days ago that if he doesn't want to go, I'm not going to force him."
"I would like to point out that I live in a crime-ridden area for a while now without any troubles," Merrick responded. "I'll lock your house down completely when I reach there, Jemeir. I still don't want to go."
Arven resorts to bribing his best friend. "Merrick, buddy. If you go and once it is over with, I can take you to Miss Aenala's Irresistible Indulgences and get you some of those peanut butter cookies that you absolutely love."
"Thanks, Arven, but I'll have to pass on that."
Arven looks surprised. "You're actually dead serious on not going. I guess I'll see you when we get back. Take care, and stay safe."
"You do the same."
Once everybody arrives at the intersection, Merrick separates from the group and heads towards Jemeir's house independently. Kaera looks torn but ultimately decides to travel to the ceremony. "If you are in danger, you'll run to us. Understand?"
"I understand."
She leaves. Sylfinas proceeds to wave for his farewell. "Bye, Merrick."
"Bye."
Now one member less, the group travels to the ceremony and arrives just in the nick of time. The members of Jemeir's party portion locate their reserved seating, marked Runestalker, in the middle section of rows and sit. Radclyff and his family are a few rows ahead of them and off slightly to their right. To the Runestalker associates' delight, Envarn's friends are scattered throughout the seating arrangements, and Envarn and his family are on the left side close to the very front. Arven notices something's wrong with Kaera.
"What's the matter, Kaera?"
"I just can't help but feel like something bad is going to happen to Merrick."
"He's going to be fine."
"I feel like I should've stayed back."
"We'll head back as soon as we obtain our award. Merrick's not going to be alone for a long time, and trouble's not going to show up."
"I hope you're right."
One of the baron's assistants gets in front of the audience when everyone finds their seats and gets their attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the incredible Baron Edreth and his wonderful wife, Lady Sheilra."
The crowd claps as they appear. Edreth has brown hair that is long but is braided and kept for occasions such as this. His mustache looks like it was recently trimmed. His eyes are brown. His entire body is a bit muscular, but fat reigns supreme, and he can stand to lose a few pounds. He's wearing a soft shirt and buttoned it up entirely to support the graceful bow tie he's wearing. He's wearing a trendy vest with seven buttons; it has a very narrow v-line, which allows for a large portion of the top to remain visible, even if the suit's jacket is buttoned up. The jacket fits him like a glove, a tailored glove. It's a solid color without a pattern that radiates finesse. His single-breasted coat's four buttons are all buttoned up except for one, a subtle but beneficial informality touch. The jacket is slightly longer at the back, it has no vent, there are two pockets on either side, and there's a breast pocket which contains a stylish pocket square. He's wearing pants that copy the jacket's style, both in color and pattern, and they make an ideal combination with his shoes. He's wearing a graceful pair of straight toe derbies. To top it all off, he's wearing a modest belt, which can be accompanied by a watch and cufflinks.
Sheilra has ginger hair that curls naturally. Her height is the same as Edreth's, at 5'9, but her body is more slender except for her round belly. Everyone under Edreth's domain knows that she is expecting their first child. Her eyes are also brown. The dress covers only a small portion of her shoulders and flows down into a simple square neckline. It's a comfortable fit that helps remove some of the unwanted attention on her breasts but still looks elegant. Her arms have been covered to just above her elbows. The sleeves are simple yet elegant—a perfect combination of grace and style. The dress's waist is thin, but it's a comfortable fit. A small, stylish belt is all that is needed as a perfect adornment. Below the waist, the dress widens and has multiple diagonal layers from top to bottom. The dress reaches to just above her knees and is the same length all around. She's wearing cone heels, a strange yet seemingly perfect choice.
Edreth gives his speech. "People of Belburn, I would personally like to thank all of you for coming here tonight. As I'm sure all of you know, tragedy struck this peaceful town a few days ago. Many lives were taken, and the rest will forever be changed. After multiple shreds of evidence came forward, I can say for certain that this was a cowardly attack by Phehan to disrupt our way of life. Rest assured that news of this will reach King Lanar, and he will not let this go unanswered. But that is not what tonight is for. During the attack, many acts of heroism by the guards and civilians were demonstrated. I want to personally greet the fine heroes and give them an award in a medal form. I have a list here of all the names that I am aware of did something heroic. When I say your name, I want you to get out of your seat and walk over to this spot on my right, and I'll shake your hands, hand you your medal, and congratulate you."
He starts naming a list of people. Everybody from the fighting tournament, excluding Arven but including Roddy and Orma, is on the list. A gnome is given a medal for his act of quickly brewing some small explosives as a distraction for everyone trapped with him to escape. A child is recognized for her act of pulling other children to safety and bravely stood between them and whoever may have come through the entrance. Edreth talks briefly of a guard getting a good whack from her when he found the hideout, and everyone laughs. The guard feels a bit embarrassed and rubs his cheek where it was struck. Envarn is called next, followed by Radclyff. They get their medals.
"I now would like to congratulate Arven, Jemeir, Kaera, Merrick, and Sylfinas for their role in protecting a building full of trapped people from a horde of zombies and taking down a few Phantom Brotherhood members, including their leader. Would you five please come so I can thank you?"
They get up, and Edreth gives them their medals when they reach him. "There should be one more with you. Where is he?"
Sylfinas lies. "Oh, he couldn't make it. He came down with the flu, and he's resting."
"Sorry, he has that. I was hoping to thank him in person. He should receive it by bloodhawk very soon after the ceremony is over."
A person from the crowd recognizes them and knows who is missing. "With all due respect Baron Edreth, that monster should not receive that medal. He should be killed or ran out of town."
"Why?"
"Because I saw him along with those four right there fighting the zombies off from the building I was barricaded in. That man is responsible for the row buildings being destroyed and killing some of the occupants inside. He is not a hero but a grave threat to the safety of this town."
Other people in the crowd with that man during the attack begin to speak out to get rid of Merrick. Arven gets angry.
"You're wrong!"
The man that started this speaks. "And why are we?"
"You haven't been with him as long as I have. If you spent a tiny bit of time to get to know him, you'd find out he's not the monster you say he is."
"You have no idea what he's truly capable of. He has you under his control, and you don't realize it."
"I'm not!"
"Like I said, you don't realize it."
Kaera joins in. "Stop making up lies!"
"You're under control as well."
"Merrick is not that kind of person."
"I've seen plenty of monsters in my life. He is the worst I've seen."
Sylfinas now interjects into the argument. "You were there and saw us fight the zombies, correct?"
"Yes."
"Did you see us almost getting overpowered by them and almost ending up dead?"
"Indeed you were. We had a thought of being dead next."
"So I would argue Merrick's attack was not malicious but instead was the only way to save us, you, and everybody else in the building you were in."
"I'd like to make another point if I may Lord Edreth. I know this bickering going on right now is ruining what's supposed to be a celebration of heroism, but I need to set the record straight." Envarn's father stands up from the seat, and people begin to whisper loudly amongst themselves. Sylfinas gets a strange feeling.
Edreth sighs. "Very well, Malfias. Proceed."
"Thank you. You are Sylfinas, correct?"
"I am."
"Thought so given how much my son talks about you."
"Well, I hope that he did an outstanding job."
"He has. Anyway, when you were on the verge of death by the zombies, did you know about a group of fighters nearby that would've given you back up if you or anyone else went and got their attention?"
"We briefly discussed it, but the zombies were almost on top of us."
"And what else happened?"
"Merrick took matters into his own hands and saved us and everybody that was inside."
"He decided all by himself?"
"Yes."
"And not actually lose control of his powers instead?"
_Dammit! He has me under a truth spell. How can I spin my answer? _Sylfinas is silent.
"I'm waiting for a response."
I'm not coming up with anything. Why is this happening? I should've come up with something by now. No! I feel my mouth wanting to speak. Resist Sylfinas, dammit! "He actually lost control of his powers."
The man that first spoke up against Merrick speaks. "I knew it! That man is a monster!"
Arven and Kaera try to persuade everyone. The crowd gets riled up.
"Lord Edreth, it is of great importance that this person cannot stay in Belburn any longer. He must be killed if he hasn't fled already."
"You're right, Malfias. Listen up, citizens! If any of you spot him anywhere in my domain, either get help if you feel like you can't take him or kill him if you feel like you can take him."
"Tell me, Sylfinas, is he at Jemeir's house right now?"
Fuck! "He is." He feels the spell fade away. Sorry, Merrick. I wasn't strong enough to hold out a little longer. Forgive me.
"Now we know where he is. Round up, everyone. We're going over and eradicate the monster." Malfias transmits a message to Sylfinas. "Thank you for your help, mutt." After talking to him, he faces Edreth. "I suggest you put these four people in cages. They are under mind control and will try to stop us. It will save more unnecessary bloodshed. Another thing to bring to light was the terrorists who died during the attack; the vast majority were half breeds. Take it what you will but I hope you do what's right." He leaves, leading an angry mob towards Jemeir's house. "Guards! Put these people in jail. Put the Half-Elf in a more secure place for further questioning. Once we get rid of the monster, round up more half breeds, you can find."
Arven, Jemeir, Kaera, and Sylfinas struggle as they are captured by guards and hauled off. Jemeir turns to Radclyff. He mouths the words "Protect Merrick." Radclyff acknowledges it and tells his family he'll be back. The younger kids are begging him to stay and hang on to him as he walks away. He shakes or pries them off.
The guards take them to the dungeon underneath the baron's keep. Sylfinas is taken somewhere else in the jail, and the other three are thrown in their own cells. They are stripped of their weapons that they brought and anything that can potentially be used to escape.
"Let us go!" Arven shouts as he shakes the bars of his cell.
"This is for your own safety. Once the monster is good and dead, you'll be free from its control and the cell."
"What about Sylfinas?" inquired Kaera.
"Don't worry about the Half-Elf. He's in good hands now. Heh, heh, heh." The guard closes the door to the room. Jemeir begins meditating.
"How can you meditate at a time like this?" questioned Arven.
"If you can, please be quiet, Arven; it'll be most appreciated." Jemeir doesn't open his eyes as he said it.
"What are you doing?"
"If you must know, I'm getting the layout of this place. If I maintain a state of peace, I can read other people's ki and figure out where they are and how many in a certain area from me."
After a couple minutes go by, Arven speaks. "Anything to report?"
"This place is not well guarded as I thought. Most, I believe, are part of the angry mob towards my house. What guards that are here, two are close to us, a few are scattered throughout the rest of the dungeon and can be avoided real easily if we get out of here. There are six people in the room where Sylfinas is, and they are beating the crap out of him."
Kaera growls, and she violently shakes the bars of her cell. Two break off, producing a loud noise. The two guards outside charge through the door and are unconscious as she wallops them with the two bars in her hands. She finds the keys and unlocks Arven's and Jemeir's cells.
"That's one way to break out, I guess," Jemeir said.
"I'm impressed," Arven uttered.
"You two going to stand there complimenting me, or are you going to help me save Sylfinas and Merrick right after?" asked Kaera. "Which way, Jemeir?"
"Follow me and be quiet this time."
"Fine."
They sneak their way around the other guards Jemeir notice their ki and get to the hallway the room with Sylfinas connected to. There's one guard at the entrance. "You two wait here. I got this."
Jemeir quickly dashes to the guard. The guards see him and try to react, but Jemeir calms him down by placing two fingers of his left hand on his head. "Lord Edreth said that the monster is about to attack the keep. He wants every available guard out there to protect it. I suggest you get those in the room with the half breed and gather any remaining guards here and go out and fight."
"On it."
The guard barges in and alerts the others inside the impending attack, and they all rush out and alert the rest. Jemeir hid while this went down. He signals to Arven and Kaera to move up.
Kaera looks amazed. "What was it you just did right now?"
"I used my ki to manipulate his so he can be under my control temporarily. Before you ask why I didn't use it at the ceremony, I can only use it on one creature, and the creature must be smart to understand me but not intelligent enough to shrug the influence off. I can't do the forehead touch subtle enough so everyone would've seen me attempt something."
"What about your mana manipulation and your fists?"
"I'm not the strongest person in Illyria, you know. There are plenty of people just as strong, if not stronger, like me at the ceremony. Even on a one-on-one, the fight would be long and bloody."
"Can you free me now, please?"
Kaera goes inside and sees Sylfinas all tied up to the chair and badly bruised with a black eye. She releases him.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it. Now let's go save Merrick."
They decided that their items locked away somewhere aren't worth getting back. Jemeir guides them out of the dungeon and onto a path that avoids all the guards outside. They notice the security personnel are now confused that they don't discern Merrick attacking the keep. They run as fast as possible while being stealthy and taking multiple detours to avoid any people spotting them. They made it outside of town and go a little way away before going for a full sprint. Jemeir is faster than everyone, with Kaera being a close second. They can see smoke and the glow of the fire from a distance.
Kaera becomes worried. "Oh, no. Hurry up, you two!"
"We're going as fast as we can," Arven replied.
"Go faster!"
"Come on, Sylfinas. Double time."
They get to a point where they can see the angry mob with torches and weapons in hand surround the fully engulfed building of Jemeir's house. They go for a much closer look as they can and hide in the brush.
Sylfinas sees a figure on the second floor. "I see someone."
"Please tell me that isn't him." Kaera's eyes start to tear up.
"There's no other person that we know of that would be inside."
Just then, the house collapses and continues to burn as the mob cheers. Arven, Jemeir, Kaera, and Sylfinas stand there shocked as they witness Merrick's death.
Feel free to vote, favorite, comment, and spread the word.