Book of Kayal: Strength of Unity Read online

  “Would you like to tell us about these memories in hopes of alleviating them?” greatly minding his tone, Percival offered.

  Just before Ganis was about to reject the offer, she realized that this was the perfect opportunity for her to test their belief in her refined background story. After a brief pause, Ganis said, “I was orphaned at a young age and forced to join the Peacekeeper Core. Ever since that day, I have been making wrong decisions.

  “In spite of being a Protector Commander, I was not fit for command. My final decision to oppose the current Emperor Servak during the rebellion was by far the worst, for it bound me to the Necromancer, Asclepius, and his dreadful Katabasis.

  “The time I wasted there, following some mindless orders, cost me an opportunity to redeem myself during the Behemoths’ War. I must make amends for all the harm I have done.” She turned to look at Dindrane first then Percival, and said, “That’s why I’m here. To make amends.”

  “Sister, do you think now is a good time to tell her of our story?” Percival took another sip of his flask.

  Dindrane nodded, letting her brother continue.

  “Dindrane and I were born in exiled Partha. We were poor and had to live on the kindness of others, or our own cunning. Naturally, we resorted to theft. One day, a glorious group of warriors appeared in our part of the town. They carried themselves with an air of confidence and pride. It was then that Dindrane and I decided to be more than common thieves.

  “So we sought them out,” Dindrane continued her brother’s story, “and they saw our potential as spies and, later, as assassins. Our mother died just a few seasons later, leaving us to our unguided foolishness.

  “When Lyra arrived, our leader decided to join forces with the exiled Gallecian. Our days as spies and assassins made us grow quite the reputation and led to our discovery by Lyra. She invited us to join her own personal guard.” Throughout her narration, Dindrane looked at the stars above.

  “Our pasts are similar, but we grew to be rather different from one another. Perhaps this would make things easier for me,” Ganis said. Part of her words where honest, yet most were meant to maintain her identity secret. Asclepius did warn her about revealing her Dark Gift, but he never told her to whom, and thus she hid it from all.

  “It’s truly an honor to have you with us. Can I call you beautiful now?” Percival joked.

  “Only if you want to be clobbered to near-death.” Ganis never appreciated such comments. She remembered her days in the Peacekeeper Core and how she punished those who made such remarks. Perhaps, she thought, it would be possible to do so now, but then again, no one aboard the Siren’s Tear would accept whipping a man for such a harmless act of indecency.

  Not knowing whether she was joking or not, Percival released a fake laugh. Ganis’ joining in greatly relieved the young man, and real laughter echoed. Lightly and merrily treading away from Ganis, the twins continued to the lower decks.

  The conversation with Percival and Dindrane stirred Ganis’ thoughts. She was confused, a confusion that made her eager to return to Katabasis Keep. The place she once dreaded had somehow become the place where she felt the most comfort.

  8

  Although highly unconventional and rare for Parthan Onas to split its members, Pertinax knew that the only way for them to successfully maintain their identities secret was to busy themselves with work while they familiarized the natives to them. This plan required them to split themselves into two groups, one to within Hearthdale and the other outside.

  Oboi was not yet necessary for the Parthans, yet its abundance would greatly facilitate their quest, and its scarcity would endanger it. As the highest paying occupation, bounty-hunting was prioritized. Ganis, Sigurd and Monolos were led by Pertinax in this endeavor.

  Eirene volunteered to work at the humble orphanages in the northern section of the village while she gathered information. She also agreed to care for the three pups they had rescued earlier in lieu of the traveling Monolos.

  One of the concerns the warriors had since their arrival was their poor equipment. To be granted access to facilities that would allow her to craft suitable weapons and armament, Thalia offered to work at the local smithy as a blacksmith. After completing her petty daily quota of weapons, she worked on crafting the favored weapons of her comrades.

  She used the crude weapons collected earlier from the bandits to smelt and mix into a stronger metal. However, they were still inferior to the orichalcum weapons they were used to. Armor was crafted after the weapons were completed. For each of her companions, a differently designed suit of steel-reinforced leather armor was masterfully crafted. Being an artist, she did not ignore the aesthetics of her work and dedicated time for decoration; especially Sigurd’s uniquely massive armor.

  Percival and Dindrane both volunteered to serve within the town’s local guards. They were initially provided with the crude uniform used by the guards, offering minimal protection and a false sense of security. However, their uniforms, as well as their weaponry, were quickly replaced by Thalia’s master-crafted gear.

  In spite of not fully exploiting her talent when crafting the local armor and weapons, the artisan’s products were far finer than the former ones.

  The twins, being offered such a unique opportunity to gather information, made the most of their post.

  The local alchemist offered little more than a few unidentified herbs when Ninazu first came to her. After displaying his uncanny skill in the crafting of concoctions and the identification of herbs, the Turian was perceived as a valuable asset to the alchemist. She offered the outsider a humble sum of oboi for each potion he made, a share of her profits.

  Finally, Hephaestion decided that it would be beneficial to study the available maps of Utyirth and found such opportunity at Hearthdale, with native maps sold in local shops and the comfort of a proper study.

  With great skill to add to Hearthdale, the Parthans were warmly accepted into the small community.

  It was not long until the strangers realized that the friendly town that had accepted them was hiding a great secret, a secret so well guarded that it silenced its occupants.

  Chapter 3: Where Dawn is Found

  ‘There is no such thing as true immortality for neither living beings nor objects, for even gods die when they are forgotten.’ Philosophical Lessons from Utyirth (Volume I: Conversations).

  1

  A long road lay ahead of the four Parthans determined to bring proofs of demise, as the local guard called it, of wanted outlaws. Sigurd had with him a similar parchment to that which he and Ganis had seen when they turned in the bounty for Scavenger at Hearthdale’s Guard House.

  From the many names and figures written on the list, the whereabouts of only three groups were known. Ganis thought that it was more a subject of their habits than that of secrecy. The natives, it seemed to her then, were not a people fond or capable of keeping secrets. The bounty offered for the three groups they sought was enough to sustain the Ona’s financial needs for a time long enough that they needed not bother with finding the missing ones.

  On the march, Pertinax explained his intended plan. “We will head towards the nearest group of bandits sighted to the north. With Pax’s aid, we will find them.” He turned to face Monolos and ordered, “Monolos, scout ahead of us for now, and when we approach something of note make certain that it is investigated. I would rather not have us ambushed.”

  Pertinax produced his comb and ran it through his grease-covered straight white hair. “Yet, we cannot afford to waste time searching for any of our targets. If we are incapable of finding a mark within three days, we will proceed to the next one and, perhaps, consider searching for them on our way back.”

  “This first group, what is their strength?” Ganis asked of Pertinax.

  “Six have been reported, but I would rather not put my trust in the reports. We should approach them as if their numbers are uncertain.”

  “I agree, captain. The villagers seemed r
ather incompetent. Having to deal with them disturbs me.” Ganis started feeling comfortable with revealing her thoughts to the Parthans, after nearly spending a third of a season amongst them. It was a quicker adjustment for her than usual.

  The comment did not shock Pertinax, or any of the others for that matter. They were well aware of who she was, even with the few missing details they did not know.

  “Lyra would not agree with you,” Pertinax said, “neither would Pax, I would like to think. Although they seem to contradict your notion of a worthy people, as I am inclined to think all people are, they have a quality hidden within them that makes them stronger than you would imagine.” He paused before stressing, “Something that you cannot yet grasp.”

  “Enlighten me.”

  “Resist your scholarly urge, captain,” Monolos said. “That, and your instructive past. It’s important for her to find her own answers.”

  Pertinax nodded. “I am afraid Monolos is right, Ganis. You should be the one to enlighten yourself regarding this question.”

  “At least she’s honest now. Right, Screo?” Monolos said, signaling a few meaningful gestures to his hawk.

  Ganis, worried for her secret, asked, “When wasn’t I honest?”

  “From the moment we met, you have been trying to deceive us. Yet we are all aware of it. For you to be part of our Ona we need to be attuned to each others’ senses. It is not an easy feat to achieve, and it would be impossible without releasing your true self.” He looked at the sky then, with a quick throw, released his majestic bird.

  “I have no intentions of being a part of your Ona. Once this quest is over, I will tread a path different from yours. My mission is to capture or kill Naa’tas and bring an end to the threat of his cult. I was told nothing about becoming your tenth member, or of replacing Lyra.”

  “I truly pray for Pax to guide your path,” Pertinax said. “Ganis, we do not know where our journey will take us or for how long, but if there is anything certain, it is that we would be far more likely to succeed if we act as one. You will never replace Lyra just as she will never replace you.

  “If you do not wish to join us, in a Parthan meaning, then you should not. It is not something to be forced.”

  “You have an odd manner of speaking in riddles, all of you.”

  After a moment of silence inspired by the short conversation between the Nosgardians, Pertinax continued, “Since we do not have the subterfuge skills of Percival or Dindrane, we need to plan our assaults carefully and early. An incomplete Ona is a weakened Ona. The first step to overcome our weakness is to acknowledge it.”

  Monolos and Sigurd nodded agreeably.

  Although she had not grasped the entirety of Pertinax’s intention, Ganis mimicked the others; signaling a false understanding which was ignored yet noticed.

  2

  The Parthans spotted a rising smoke at the forest’s edge. Screo was sent to investigate. The hawk reported that the source of the fumes came from a group of men preparing camp.

  It was nearly dark when the bandits were found by the Parthans, giving the four warriors great guise under the cover of night and trees. They sneaked closer to the bandits and armed their bows with the arrows crafted by the twins. The Parthans hid behind the ancient trees of the forest.

  Near the edge of the woods, snow thickened as grasslands seeped into the trees. Six bandits were accounted for and, judging by the tracks, there were no others. Having an engagement plan prepared, the Parthans were ready to attack their foes one after the other, as they had done with the first group of unlucky bandits.

  Just as Sigurd was about to fire his bow and slash his way into the enemy’s bonfire-lit camp, an idea struck Pertinax, and he delayed the Turian’s order. Stand down, he gestured with his right arm.

  Having already built the enthusiasm for a coming battle, Sigurd was disappointed.

  Pertinax carefully approached Ganis and whispered, “Care to demonstrate your skill?”

  Surprised, but pleased with the request, Ganis prepared her masterwork sword, the very same one she took from the first group of bandits. She circled around the criminals and positioned herself behind them, in their blind spot. Unlike the others, she favored a melee fight with no projectiles to even the odds. They are only six! This should be easy, she thought.

  After taking a deep breath, Ganis leaped from her cover and slit the throat of the bandit closest to her. Alarmed by the sudden intrusion, the other five outlaws stood, shocked for a moment at the unexpected attack, and dashed at Ganis while unsheathing their rusted weapons, releasing a ring of iron rubbing on wooden sheaths.

  Just as she was about to tap into her hidden powers, Ganis remembered that she had not yet revealed them to the others. So it seems I have gotten comfortable. One after another, blows were struck against her, but they all fell on weightless air. She parried and dodged with incredible ability. She was untouchable.

  Once she noted the technique of her foes, Ganis changed her stance to an offensive one; striking with a flurry of slashes and pierces. They were overwhelmed, in spite of their numbers. Her blade stood parallel to her body and swiftly struck relentlessly. They could do nothing but defend.

  Then it was time to end it. Using the strength from both arms, Ganis swung her majestic blade towards a dueler who had tripped amidst her melee. When her blade met her foe’s, her sword shattered it and split the man’s head evenly. Blood gushed from the wound in a puddle of dark red marking the spotless snow.

  Driven by bloodlust, she impaled the other bandit rushing towards her and freed her reflecting blade by splitting the man in two. Such a fine blade, she thought. Her admiration of the weapon dulled her senses for a moment and allowed one of the outlaws to gain favorable footing. As he directed his blade towards Ganis’ head, three arrows plunged into his spine. Two left.

  The remaining bandits attempted to flee, but headed towards the hidden Parthans. Ganis heard them scream once they reached the bushes, gutted down by her allies. The fight was over, but an inconvenient surprise awaited Ganis.

  As the Parthans abandoned their cover to head towards her and start looting, an arrow flew towards Ganis’ back. Her keen senses allowed her to take notice and react to it. Yet her reflexes would not suffice without the enhancement of the Dark Gift. In the blink of an eye, Ganis caught the arrow just before it pierced her heart, the tip touching her skin and drawing a single drop of blood. She sensed it trickling down her chest, but the cut was hidden to the eye.

  Sigurd threw his dagger into the woods and a shortly caused a screech. The bandit was hit. Monolos rushed into the darkness to finish the assassin off. The others remained by Ganis, staring at their newest ally.

  “I believe now would be a good time to explain what you have been hiding,” Pertinax ordered. Unlike his previous friendly conversations or authoritative commands, he spoke with a judgmental tone, eyeing her cautiously.

  “Have I harmed the group in any way so far?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Have you been hiding things from me?”

  “Yes, we all have. There are things we will not share until you earn our trust.”

  “Then I have done exactly what you have been doing, but seemed to be a little less cautious. You know about runes and you know that they do not explain what I just did.”

  “We do, and we also know that you stand alive here by no natural feat.”

  Ganis took a deep breath. “The gap in my history is no trick. It is because it truly did stop for a time. There was a time when I was no longer among the living, and Lord Asclepius brought me back. It was a sacrifice that needed to be done to defeat the Pale Behemoth. In return, I requested to be revived. Though, I did not expect it to be in that form.”

  “What are you?” Pertinax asked, the other two standing behind him, in a partially ready stance.

  “I am moroi, but I am also a little more. I can stand the natural light at a small cost.” Her identity was no longer a subject of secrecy. She lifted her bl
ade and licked at the blood staining it.

  Pertinax grimaced in disgust. “That is not a pleasant site.”

  “You ask for truth yet reject what it reveals. Do you not see the paradox in that?”

  “She speaks true,” a deep voice rose from behind Pertinax. It was Sigurd’s. “As long as she speaks true, I mind not her actions.” He looked at Pertinax, eyes as sharp as a hawk’s, and said, “You shouldn’t either.” Sigurd, done with his generous words, continued to collect the heads of their victims.

  “Sigurd has a valid point,” Monolos added. “Although I don’t like what has been revealed, I prefer it over the alternative.”

  Pertinax hummed. He took a moment to calculate his next words then said, “They are right. I accept what you are and who you are to us. Do as you wish as long as it is in the spirit of the Ona.”

  With much to think about, the four Parthans started looting in silence. Now, however, they needed to loot far less than before.

  Ganis felt the tension rising from her comrades after exposing her truth, yet she hoped her task would distract her.

  3

  After all the traveling and the strenuous raid, it was time for the Parthans to rest.

  Sigurd went hunting while his companions prepared shelter. Pertinax carefully fixed the fire in a small clearing within the woods. The campfire was kept small and controlled in order to avoid having a large smoke draw unwelcomed guests. Delicately, using as few fingers as possible, the Parthan captain fed the controlled fire with small wooden branches and logs.

  Monolos took the first watch along with his animal companion. Ganis remained seated by the young fire. It did not take Sigurd long to catch their meal, an overly large deer. He arrived with the dear on his back, approached the fire, and dropped the deer next to Ganis.

  “Eat!”

  Shocked by the sudden gesture, Ganis thanked him.