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Boylan's ride
?'Give up last.'' Ruth's words of wisdom echoing from many years ago whirred around in my brain. Months of fighting had come down to this one last battle and I for one was eager for it to be done. Waking up to the screeching of Soulchained as they tortured prisoners and even their own every morning had grown so boring as to be common place until you recognised the screamed voices on the wind. Durrl's loud voice was clear the day after he was taken, tortured to prise that fucking portal open further with hate and despair.
I was ecstatic and terrified to be at the final juncture, ?'draw it out and smash it,'' Guy had said. Diana was busy methodically destroying the Soulchained army, trying to tempt their nightmare commander out while still fighting against being enveloped by the horde. Soulchained came in every shape, mostly hideous with claws and fangs, dripping, chittering. Animalistic in their approach to war they had a basic coordination on the field like schools of piranha frenzying at the earliest scent of blood. We have found over the months of fast annihilation of our race that they did have leaders of a kind, if you could kill the highest link in any engagement the psychic backlash ruined coordination of the horde.
Watching a fully unleashed Battlemaster was a sight few could lay claim to before this day. Diana looked to be having entirely too much fun but from years of friendship I could see the desperation and frantic energy behind her strikes. I could see the writhing chains, a precursor of the Archsoul as we called it, then the world bent a bit sideways as it tried to get through. Massive ethereal chains began to ooze through the portal accompanied by a sound like a rotten tooth being pulled, Sshclopk. The Archsoul sloughed through the portal, stepping sideways and bunched over to get through. Standing about ten feet tall, chains writhing like whips or tentacle on the ground around it, it gave off a palpable aura of menace. It opened its horrid beak-like mouth and screeched a challenge to the heavens. It knew it was going to win, utterly confident in its ability to rend and destroy.
As we rode to the gentle edge of the Lake of Tears as it was called I started to focus on now, a trick I was taught in the Schools of Thought. Thinking of what came after could kill a soldier in battle so we were taught to focus on the moment, that way we were more likely to have an after.
This was what I loved, the thrill of battle beating in my heart on a ride that meant something. Kicked out of home for getting pregnant I had given the babe, Eli, to the sisters of mercy to raise. Refusing to go home and living on the streets had taught me a great many disappointing hurtful things about the world. Meeting Diana had changed that, always giving more of herself than needed she made you want to believe in a better world. The whole battle would turn on this charge. The responsibility was heady, intoxicating even but if it didn't work it may effectively mean the end of the army. I couldn't let that happen, the army is my home. Built, loved and nurtured over years of training and innovation by the greatest General of our age, Diana. Feeling my mind wander slightly off track and begin its too frequent wandering I wrench it back to now, refocusing on now.
I looked around to check my unit, meeting as eyes many as I could, trying to instil resolve and hope in our cause Every eye I caught reflected back the same resolve, most grinning with the rush of the charge and anticipation of battle, eager to get into the thick of it and end this war that had cost us all so very much.
I could feel the spell in the artefact start to permeate the area, the cold spray started soaking its into my thick riding boots. A cold heat started to spread up my legs and hover around my knees as we charged ever forward. The water was becoming deeper now even though we still rode the edge, I tried steering the horse a little nearer sand to conserve energy for the last push but it was hard going. The water slowly pulled itself over my knees now, the biting cold like a shock to the nerves akin to lying on ice. I looked around again and saw the whole squad still with me in perfect V formation, ready for the slashing charge, though some looked to be struggling with the water too. Looking forward I saw Diana roar her answer of defiance at the Archsoul and activate her rune shield; she had its full attention now as they joined in battle. I pushed my horse for speed while biting back a battlecry so as to not give away the charge I look back once again to ready everyone with words or gesture.
I could feel the charge starting to slow as a coughed splutter drew my attention behind me again, my eyes instantly drawn to an empty place on the far wing that should have a rider in it; someone had fallen. Slowing my forward momentum a little to retain formation gave me time to see the tendrils of silver water slowly wrap around the legs of the other riders. Calming my emotions to focus so I could feel the spell on the artefact as it started to morph, that stupid fucking Mage had got it wrong, or lied! Cute or not when I saw him next a swift kick to the nethers beckoned. I yank my meandering thoughts back to now.
?'Ride to shore, now. Finish the charge and hope Diana left something for us to hit.'' I cry as I turn my horse towards the shore. My horse is a stubborn thing and refused to turn, I pulled on the reins hard enough to mean it but she just let out a panicked bray. The other riders tried forcing and coercing their mounts to head towards shore as silvery tendrils from the water seemed to pull some of my men sideways into the water, horse and all.
I look down to see the same thing happening to me, tendrils of cold silver water have wrapped around my horse and have begun snaking from my hips up towards my shoulders. I looked around frantic to find a way out of this mess, the tendrils had taken most of the momentum now but I wasn't giving up yet. The silver water continued to crawl and wrap around my body and arms, not restricting but definitely hugging a bit too tight. I reached for the dagger at the small of my back and started trying to cut my way through the water bonds. I could feel my horse stumble sideways as the tendrils begin to cover my head and pulled me under with a pained gargle.
As the water encapsulated my head I feel strangely warm, at peace. Part of me is still raging in the back of my mind reminding me of everyone I was letting down. I can feel a floaty kind of euphoria give me a strange perspective. Why not just stop? Haven't I done enough, haven't I suffered enough loss. Why do I want to go back when all there will be is more pain and despair. Diana could handle it from here, I'm just deluding myself that she needs me, she's the Battlemaster after all. Do I really want to watch my world crumble or to save the day and watch the glory go to Diana. Again.
Wait. What. I've never been jealous of Diana, I didn't want that much responsibility. She was welcome to it. I'm a fighter at heart, revelling in the contest. I'm a great squad leader maybe, but more? No bloody thank you. Finding it strange that the panic of moments ago seems to have been washed away I stretch my awareness out. I can feel something here with me, a different flow of impressions, images. Now that I'm aware of them I can tease out the foreign thoughts that have been woven onto my own, similar in a way but utterly alien too.
?'Where am I. I can feel you out there sliding around, trying to hide in my thoughts.'' It was strange how the feeling of drowning had instantly worn off as the water closed over my head, as if being taken somewhere else.
?'Okay, shall I just bombard you with questions or do you want to fill in enough context for a conversation? I'll start with who and what are you, from there I'll probably progress to some how's and why's. As you can tell from my tone I disagree with you taking what was offered, mostly because you took me and mine and we didn't bloody offer! Where is my squad''
?'Like all your kind you are too fast to question but not smart enough to wait for answers or even learn them in their time.'' The voice sounded angry now, not scary though, more like a new recruit who'd been told to work on the basics again. That slight off note again caught my attention.
?'You're the EverSea, the waters of creation? Wow, our priests have a lot to answer for ?.'' The fog of euphoria had eased off, if I could keep him talking I may find a way to get out of this.
?'The priests and their idiocies are not my concern. You have been offered to the end to begin again, in the journey is the point of the beginning and the end.'' The voice came across as suitably cryptic and a little pleased with itself. As he seemed a little distracted, I started to feel for the odd note again, feeling around the mask I'm sure it is. Unsure what I was doing I started to pull it a little.
?'I'm definitely kicking that mage if I get back,'' I said in an offhand way to keep him focused on my words as I mentally grasped the mask's edge tighter and pulled. Just because I don't like the mind trickery doesn't me I had no aptitude for it. I have always found that my wilful bloody mindedness could block or mess with even the best in the Schools of Thought.
I really wish I hadn't. Images and emotions crashed through my brain like a tidal wave. I saw flashes of the past present and future and flowing around me like a maddening kaleidoscope of creation. It all twirled around me like rip tides threatening to overwhelm me and strand me far from shore. Mentally searching for something to cling to an image of Diana beaten down flashed into my mind, I could see her in a frozen moment battling with desperation as our army fell in greater numbers behind her. It. Broke. My. Heart. I had failed Diana, never mind that damn mage.
?'Ha,hah,hahaha. I can see why he chose you.'' Quick as a flash the curtains where closed and the balmy cool presence restored as he readjusted his mask again. I whimpered with relief as the form of a young man stepped forward. He didn't wear a mask, he was the mask.
After the psychic bombardment that nearly shredded my being I decided to change tack. ?'Thank you.'' I swallowed my pride and discomfort then with a sigh I ask ?'what do I need to do to get back?''
With sadness radiating he replied, ?' If you go back now you won't win. Ask a better question.''
?'Okay ? how do I win when I get back?'' I asked as meekly as I could, with infinite patience.
?'The flow of my water can take you to anyplace, anywhen. You'll need to go to the end, gather what is needed'' Cryptic.
?'No, you misunderstand. You can only go forward and when you reach the end you can return to the beginning, it's never been started before so the way is unclear. The mage will guide you as he can. Look for heroes and allies and bring them with you.''
?'Easy,'' I replied not being too clear but not wanting to push the entity further, ?'Angry Gods'' and all that. I'd fight my way forward to find my way back. The concept sat well in my brain so I skirted the edge of how and plunged straight in.
?'Where do I start?'' I ask dreading another implausible answer.
?'A little further on the mage awaits, with possible allies. Maybe not Riders but not everyone needs be a hero.'' The EverSea lifted his arms, arms outstretch and gave me a reassuring smile.
The feeling of euphoria returned and this time I just floated with it. I had died and failed, so I thought. Now there was a chance.
Floating within the Eversea was peaceful, until the jarring sensation of drowning came back to burn my lungs. Feeling my horse beneath me once more I start to trash towards the surface, swimming through exhaled bubbles with desperation my head broke the surface. Gasping for air while paddling I looked around. I was in the middle of a small lake only about a hundred yards from shore. There was a small camp fire on shore in the lee of some ruins, fire flickering with warmth. Huddled figures sat around. The stars glinting high overhead took my breath away as I realised I didn't recognise them. ?'Give up last.'' Well I wasn't done yet. As I swam for shore the sensation of riding faded, I think my horse had to stay.
?'Friend or foe?'' A deep voice called from shore, it sounded like a bag of rocks falling down stairs.
?'Friend. I hope.'' I shouted back hoping I wasn't wrong.
I crawled on hands and knees the final few yards, wretching up swallowed water and possibly yesterday's breakfast. I raised my head to see my surroundings. The fire flickered warmly, throwing light on two people. I couldn't see much but way they sat casually paying attention told me a lot. In front of me was a short guy, barely up to my chin really. He looked calm but wary, a look I've seen repeatedly on ?capable' men. Behind him and tucked into a boulder I could see half a figure with a bow trained on me. Calm, cautious and prepared, I was a little impressed.
I raised my hands as I stood to show they were empty, he had surely realised this but it pays to be respectful and costs little. ?'for a seat at your fire I'll tell you a story.''
The armoured man laughed in reply, ?' welcome in peace, Sister. We have ale and stories aplenty. Please join us.''
So I did.
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?Can you tell me what time it is?? she asked a red-headed stranger who was leaning on a square post, waiting just like herself. It felt a bit dangerous, but she'd left her iPhone and Fitbit at home in a moment of clarity. Craziness others might call it. She'd packed her iPad just in case, and she had thought this through, it would serve her purpose of helping her find her way if needed, but then she could only speak to others through email. No instant messages to see popping up on a screen that just can't be ignored. No phone calls she'd feel obligated to answer. They didn't need to ask any questions. She'd explained it in a note she left on the breakfast table. She'd taken off her watch, turned off her phone and left both beside her bed.
She could see her family now, coming home from school and work in just a few hours, wondering what's for dinner and why mom's car wasn't there. Teenagers ravaged with hunger, piling snacks to take to their room while surfing the day's social media, missing her note. She would be an afterthought of course, and that burned in her belly. It was one reason she was standing here waiting to board a plane. One of many reasons.
Her husband would be home a bit later, also pondering why he didn't smell dinner yet and asking himself what meeting she'd gone to and not remembered. They shared a calendar on their phones but he never looked at it. She had to constantly tell him what was going on that day, and sometimes he would call her from work to ask what time they had to be somewhere. She'd become the cook and the secretary and nothing more. Her purpose unknown.
?It's 2:15,? the red-head told her. She'd planned this, so her plane would be well on its way before anyone noticed she was gone, and also so there was no going back. She couldn't deal with the guilt of leaving any more than she could deal with the neediness that never left room for her wants and needs. You'd think it was just a balance, but it was not, and anyone who said different was fooling themselves and giving false hope to others. Don't look back, she told herself. It was her new mantra.
She pulled her black carry-on with its magenta knit tie around the handle to the restroom, not because she had to go, but because she wanted to look in the mirror once more to see the smile of joy on her face, the crease in her brow gone now that she had made this decision. Huh, she thought, it didn't take Olay to get rid of that scowl, just a new perspective, and maybe a new bikini and woven beach hat, rolled up and tucked between the straps of her carry-on.
She straightened her ruffled blouse and brushed her bangs aside. Did everyone going away for a tropical vacation look this happy? The anticipation made her giddy, like a child getting ready for their big birthday party. You knew it was finally here when you saw the balloons and streamers, but you didn't know wonderful it would really be until it happened.
Exiting the door of the bathrooms she heard the boarding call for flight 1240 for the first leg of her journey to Hawaii. She'd be landing in San Francisco in a few hours and then on to the tropical island she'd dreamed of for years. She'd always anticipated her husband being beside her, a romantic trip for two perhaps on their 20th anniversary, but that never seemed to come to fruition. Theo always had this obligation or that big account that no one else could handle She was tired of waiting and of not feeling important to him anymore.
Was it strange to be traveling alone? She'd decided weeks ago that the answer was a definitive no. She would eat and sleep on her own time schedule, visit all the places she wanted to see, and lie on the soft sands, staring out at the turquoise water, sweet cocktail in one hand, a book in the other. If she wanted company, she'd talk to strangers. As she crossed the threshold of the plane she imagined the orchids of fuchsia and white wrapped around her neck, the sweet fragrance enveloping her head, as she was welcomed to paradise.
First class was never affordable when they flew with the kids, but this time Leah had booked it, considering she didn't have for a second ticket for her husband. Champagne, warm cookies, leg room. It felt good to have someone thinking about her for a change, even if they were being paid to do it. The fog out the window couldn't damper her spirits, until the pilot made an announcement that they were going to have to land at San Jose International Airport. She sighed, then quickly assessed her options. She had a connecting flight to catch in San Francisco 2 ½ hours later. Wait, make that 1 ½ hour later. They'd been circling the airport for 60 minutes waiting for clearance.
The giddiness and high spirits she'd been feeling were replaced by anxiety as she rushed down the terminal to catch a taxi. As expected, the fog was making the driving slow and she felt herself pushing on the gas pedal from the backseat, white knuckling her backpack. The rearview mirror was covered with all kinds of dangling medallions: a bull's horn, red pepper, a silver cross with Christ, even a soft pink baby shoe. She counted the seconds as they swayed like a metronome, she willed the car to move faster. The glow from the dash said 5:27. She had less than an hour to get on that flight.
She tossed cash at the driver as he pulled to the curb and yelled thank you and ran off through the sliding doors A silent prayer in her head, please let the security lines would be short ?Can you tell me the time?? she asked the young couple in front of her. She knew in her heart she wasn't going to make it, but she wasn't late until 6:14, when the flight was scheduled to leave. Leah had played this game in her head for years. Perpetually late, she told herself when she was driving, even if she had to be there in two minutes, she wasn't late yet.
She knocked her backpack against her leg to the beat of the music and tried to take slow breaths. Inching her way to the security officers, Leah watched with frustration as people took their shoes off in slow motion, and forgetting the metal on their jewelry. They were already boarding, she knew it. She was screaming in her head and she could feel the lines forming on brow again.
She made it through security and immediately glanced up at the departures screen. 6:12. Taxiing, the lights blinked back at her as she felt like she was going through the first stage of recovery: denial. Leah walked to the gate anyway and her fears were real. She had missed it. Dragging herself to the ticket counter, the flight attendance raised her apologies and offered to help her find a room for the night. The next flight to Hawaii would leave at 9:20 in the morning.
This couldn't be happening! A room seemed like the best option, but a drink was in order, something to calm her nerves. This had to work out for her. How could she go back back and explain herself to her family? Her thoughts drifted to them, what were they thinking right now? Surely they had seen the note and were worrying about her.
Theo was frantic with worry and looked at his phone calendar. Nothing scheduled for tonight. A trip up to the kid's rooms confirmed that there seemed to be nothing on the schedule and they didn't know where mom would be. He didn't want to scare them, but he had to find out if they knew anything. He called her phone and it went straight to voicemail.
Leah was thinking of her dad, an old-fashioned on her mind. A gentleman's drink, smooth and rich. Bourban and bitters with Marichino cherry and orange. Closing her eyes for a moment it calmed her. She would make it to Hawaii whatever she had to do. She would wait until morning, but be on a beach by noon the next day. L
Missing her flight was gnawing at Leah and she decided she would sleep on her luggage in the terminal. With her head on her carry-on she dozed on and off. Dreams of tropical islands drifting in and out, but the most vivid were her dreams of her family. They didn't know how to contact her and she'd left that door wide open for worry. When she awoke with a start, disorientation took over and she wondered where were her soft sheets. Her next thought was calling her family to let them know she was ok. Yet she knew that it could stop her from pursuing her goal.
Leah walked to Starbucks for a red eye and bagel; the breakfast of champions! She would sip and forget about her guilt. Her plane would depart in 2 short hours. She wasn't going to give up now. The fog had lifted, as had the fog from her brain. It was time to step into a new beginning, one that began with her.
As they crossed the Pacific, she felt a sense of peace and a new understanding of her future. She was on her way to something new.
Touchdown in Hawaii. She grabs her bag with the magenta tie, bikini inside, straw hat placed on her head. A lei is placed on her neck as she crosses the threshold into a new adventure. She'll call her family tomorrow. Today is about her, and a sweet cocktail and sun on the beach.
The sun shone down, leaving a dazzling light show across the waves as they rolled her closer to the only bit of land visible in the wide expanse. Ness's limbs seared as the ascend to the sandy shore returned her weight to her feet, wet cloak tugging her down. Turning back she saw the billowing black clouds rising up into the sky - a ship no more. A gurgle of a giggle escaped her as she soaked in her freedom, no longer a captive used for another's will. She crawled onto the shore, her limbs shaking, and lay down on her back.
As her arms met the sand, a hard object protruding up poked her arm uncomfortably. Shifting to pick it up, she pulled out the item, mostly buried in the sand. As Ness looked at the fang as long as her forearm the feeling of spiders scurrying up her arms drew out goose bumps. It had only been a few days since her last encounter with the sea serpents.
Laying down on the sand, Ness recalled the first time she had been brought on the ship. They had been paying handsomely for new recruits to travel the sea to the new land and work as miners or loggers. The grips of poverty holding the city tight left her parents little choice but to send her off on the ship to keep their tables full. She sat in the ship for several weeks packed in with others that had been deemed unfit to work on deck. She closed her eyes as she recalled the screams that came after they started pulling people out.
An eerie silence drew out. The voices had hushed and the thrashing of water halted. Ness opened her eyes to see the three serpents looking at her. Their eyes were green orbs the size of her head with slits of black. One slowly approached her. Ness's panic shot up and she said, ?No! G-G-Go away!? The serpent stopped, still looking at her. It looked at the ship that had halted to witness the events. The serpent looked back at her, meeting her eyes. Several frantic heartbeats later, it turned it's head and the other two joined it. The serpents retreated and submerged out of view, leaving a calm surface behind them. The ship had stopped and sent out a boat to retrieve her. From that point on Ness was bound to the ship.
Her heart jumped up to her throat as her hands frantically ran over the cloak as if she might find the flint she had managed to conceal hidden somewhere else in the folds of fabric. Her stomach plummeted down to the depths of the burnt ship. Ness sucked in shallow gasps, her vision going blurry, as she mentally traced back her steps. She had felt the flint in her pocket as she crawled up the shore. You still have time, girl, get back up.
Ness clenched her fists, stood up and retraced her steps, eyes scanning the ground. Reaching the point where the cliff wall had sunk back down and the ground was flat, an ache grew in her stomach, reminding her of other needs. I likely dropped it getting out of the water. It'll be faster cutting through the trees and I can look for water as I go.
Stepping into the trees, the shade brought a chill crawling along her skin. Ness's eyes rolled over the fruitless bushes as her feet swiftly carried her towards the other side. A small dripping noise drew her over to a tiny stream. She bent down and drank, feeling the immediate relief of water in her belly.
She emerged from the trees and could see the edge of the cliff just ahead. Crawling up on all fours, Ness peeked very slowly over the edge. As her small pile of sticks came into view, so did a figure wearing a brown sailor hat, seated at her fire pit as if they had arranged to meet.
Fury flowed through Ness. I've given you scumbags enough - this is my camp! She looked around assessing her options. Moving slowly, she wrapped her fingers around a large, rough rock and lifted it up. She walked to the edge, bent her knees, eyed up her target, and released the weight in a smooth arc A thud rang in the air as it struck below and the figure slumped over.
Quickly moving along the edge of the cliff she reached the lower level and approached her camp, figure sprawled out on the ground. He lay unmoving, a large red spot on his head, soft hands and a hairless chin. She recognized him as the newest hire, brought onboard much like she was some years ago. Ness recalled watching him retching over the edge of the ship when they had hauled her up on the deck. No hard feelings. Couldn't risk you being one of the seasoned men. The light seeping further out of the land brought in a chill that was more than a drop in temperature.
Hairs standing up along the back of her neck, Ness sprung into action and scoured the cliff area for the right kind of rocks and any dried grass or leaves. This is going to be so much harder without flint. She returned, hastily dropped the bits of grass down and began striking a few of the rocks together. Her hands ached as the harsh demanding movements were repeated over and over again. The shadows along the cliff lengthened, darkness claiming more of the land. Her heart raced as the chattering of night creatures began to rise, sensing their time approaching. ?I can't believe I won't last one night because I can't sew a pocket shut!? she mumbled under her breath as she turned the rock hoping for a rougher edge and continued hammering them together.
A sudden noise next to her caused Ness to jump, heart thumping even louder. A moan came from the boy as he rolled over and lifted his head. His eyes traced over her bits of dry wood and grass and the two rocks in her hand as Ness continued hammering the rocks together. The boy focused on her face, his jaw dropped open. He sucked in a breath as he stammered, ?Y-Y-You're the water witch!?
Bright sparks illuminated the blackness, landed on the bits of grass and burst into tiny flames. Ness knelt next to the fire and spread her arms out protectively. ?Get some stones to surround it would you, won't do us any good if the wind sucks it away.?
Footsteps sounded along the cliff edge and the boy returned with an armful of rocks and some dried wood, a mixture of clattering as they dropped by the fire. Rocks piled in a rough circle, the dancing flickering light grew as it started to devour the new handful of sticks.
?We will need more wood to get through the night,? Ness said as she stood up, pulled out her fang and pointed it at the kneeling boy. ?Give me back my flint.?
?I'm Zeff, and I'm no boy. You can't have more than a few years on me.?
?Your inexperience makes you a boy,? she replied harshly, ?Your soft hands show your lack of physical labor before you were sold to the ship. Your parents get tired of you or something??
Zeff's eyes fell down to the fire, the reflection dancing in his eyes. ?I was taken one night returning to the archives. I worked hard but with books.?
Ness's eyes narrowed on him. She had grown up in a fisherman's household, envying the kids who lived on the hill, flipping through books and learning their letters. Ness watched the small fire flicker and dance as she considered how much energy she had left, she hadn't fully recovered from her last encounter with the sea beasts. Finding a long, slender stick, she placed one end in the fire. ?Well, we still have the night to get through. It will be easier if there are two of us. We need wood and some food would be good as well. You see what you can collect here staying in the reach of the light and I will find us some fish. Don't go wandering though, I'm not going to come looking for you.?
The light from the fire danced in her eyes, illuminating the silvery specks in the blue.
She brought her gaze up and their eyes met, ?I'm Nessira.? She stood with her torch and finished, ?And you can leave the fishing to me.? With a quick nod, she turned and walked down to the water's edge. She could still see the flames from the fire pit licking the night air as she stuck the stick into the sand and walked into the water.
She walked into the frigid water, gentle waves brushing up on her. Ness dipped her hands in the water, holding the slender fang in one, and reached out with her awareness, desperate to sense something nearby. Her fingers began to tingle as her breaths grew harder to pull in. Sensing movement, Ness pulled at it, drawing it closer. Her knees buckled in the effort, the cold water splashing up her thighs. Her eyes scanned the poorly lit water until they saw a flutter of movement. Reaching out one hand in the water, fish swam up in it, unable to resist her call. Picking up the fish, she speared it on the tooth. Ness collected a few more fish before standing up slowly with blurry vision. She went back to her torch and looked up at the night sky. The blackness had claimed the land but for the fires and the tiny lights that flooded the sky. First night could have gone a lot worse.
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Boylan's ride
?'Give up last.'' Ruth's words of wisdom echoing from many years ago whirred around in my brain. Months of fighting had come down to this one last battle and I for one was eager for it to be done. Waking up to the screeching of Soulchained as they tortured prisoners and even their own every morning had grown so boring as to be common place until you recognised the screamed voices on the wind. Durrl's loud voice was clear the day after he was taken, tortured to prise that fucking portal open further with hate and despair.
I was ecstatic and terrified to be at the final juncture, ?'draw it out and smash it,'' Guy had said. Diana was busy methodically destroying the Soulchained army, trying to tempt their nightmare commander out while still fighting against being enveloped by the horde. Soulchained came in every shape, mostly hideous with claws and fangs, dripping, chittering. Animalistic in their approach to war they had a basic coordination on the field like schools of piranha frenzying at the earliest scent of blood. We have found over the months of fast annihilation of our race that they did have leaders of a kind, if you could kill the highest link in any engagement the psychic backlash ruined coordination of the horde.
Watching a fully unleashed Battlemaster was a sight few could lay claim to before this day. Diana looked to be having entirely too much fun but from years of friendship I could see the desperation and frantic energy behind her strikes. I could see the writhing chains, a precursor of the Archsoul as we called it, then the world bent a bit sideways as it tried to get through. Massive ethereal chains began to ooze through the portal accompanied by a sound like a rotten tooth being pulled, Sshclopk. The Archsoul sloughed through the portal, stepping sideways and bunched over to get through. Standing about ten feet tall, chains writhing like whips or tentacle on the ground around it, it gave off a palpable aura of menace. It opened its horrid beak-like mouth and screeched a challenge to the heavens. It knew it was going to win, utterly confident in its ability to rend and destroy.
As we rode to the gentle edge of the Lake of Tears as it was called I started to focus on now, a trick I was taught in the Schools of Thought. Thinking of what came after could kill a soldier in battle so we were taught to focus on the moment, that way we were more likely to have an after.
This was what I loved, the thrill of battle beating in my heart on a ride that meant something. Kicked out of home for getting pregnant I had given the babe, Eli, to the sisters of mercy to raise. Refusing to go home and living on the streets had taught me a great many disappointing hurtful things about the world. Meeting Diana had changed that, always giving more of herself than needed she made you want to believe in a better world. The whole battle would turn on this charge. The responsibility was heady, intoxicating even but if it didn't work it may effectively mean the end of the army. I couldn't let that happen, the army is my home. Built, loved and nurtured over years of training and innovation by the greatest General of our age, Diana. Feeling my mind wander slightly off track and begin its too frequent wandering I wrench it back to now, refocusing on now.
I looked around to check my unit, meeting as eyes many as I could, trying to instil resolve and hope in our cause Every eye I caught reflected back the same resolve, most grinning with the rush of the charge and anticipation of battle, eager to get into the thick of it and end this war that had cost us all so very much.
I could feel the spell in the artefact start to permeate the area, the cold spray started soaking its into my thick riding boots. A cold heat started to spread up my legs and hover around my knees as we charged ever forward. The water was becoming deeper now even though we still rode the edge, I tried steering the horse a little nearer sand to conserve energy for the last push but it was hard going. The water slowly pulled itself over my knees now, the biting cold like a shock to the nerves akin to lying on ice. I looked around again and saw the whole squad still with me in perfect V formation, ready for the slashing charge, though some looked to be struggling with the water too. Looking forward I saw Diana roar her answer of defiance at the Archsoul and activate her rune shield; she had its full attention now as they joined in battle. I pushed my horse for speed while biting back a battlecry so as to not give away the charge I look back once again to ready everyone with words or gesture.
I could feel the charge starting to slow as a coughed splutter drew my attention behind me again, my eyes instantly drawn to an empty place on the far wing that should have a rider in it; someone had fallen. Slowing my forward momentum a little to retain formation gave me time to see the tendrils of silver water slowly wrap around the legs of the other riders. Calming my emotions to focus so I could feel the spell on the artefact as it started to morph, that stupid fucking Mage had got it wrong, or lied! Cute or not when I saw him next a swift kick to the nethers beckoned. I yank my meandering thoughts back to now.
?'Ride to shore, now. Finish the charge and hope Diana left something for us to hit.'' I cry as I turn my horse towards the shore. My horse is a stubborn thing and refused to turn, I pulled on the reins hard enough to mean it but she just let out a panicked bray. The other riders tried forcing and coercing their mounts to head towards shore as silvery tendrils from the water seemed to pull some of my men sideways into the water, horse and all.
I look down to see the same thing happening to me, tendrils of cold silver water have wrapped around my horse and have begun snaking from my hips up towards my shoulders. I looked around frantic to find a way out of this mess, the tendrils had taken most of the momentum now but I wasn't giving up yet. The silver water continued to crawl and wrap around my body and arms, not restricting but definitely hugging a bit too tight. I reached for the dagger at the small of my back and started trying to cut my way through the water bonds. I could feel my horse stumble sideways as the tendrils begin to cover my head and pulled me under with a pained gargle.
As the water encapsulated my head I feel strangely warm, at peace. Part of me is still raging in the back of my mind reminding me of everyone I was letting down. I can feel a floaty kind of euphoria give me a strange perspective. Why not just stop? Haven't I done enough, haven't I suffered enough loss. Why do I want to go back when all there will be is more pain and despair. Diana could handle it from here, I'm just deluding myself that she needs me, she's the Battlemaster after all. Do I really want to watch my world crumble or to save the day and watch the glory go to Diana. Again.
Wait. What. I've never been jealous of Diana, I didn't want that much responsibility. She was welcome to it. I'm a fighter at heart, revelling in the contest. I'm a great squad leader maybe, but more? No bloody thank you. Finding it strange that the panic of moments ago seems to have been washed away I stretch my awareness out. I can feel something here with me, a different flow of impressions, images. Now that I'm aware of them I can tease out the foreign thoughts that have been woven onto my own, similar in a way but utterly alien too.
?'Where am I. I can feel you out there sliding around, trying to hide in my thoughts.'' It was strange how the feeling of drowning had instantly worn off as the water closed over my head, as if being taken somewhere else.
?'Okay, shall I just bombard you with questions or do you want to fill in enough context for a conversation? I'll start with who and what are you, from there I'll probably progress to some how's and why's. As you can tell from my tone I disagree with you taking what was offered, mostly because you took me and mine and we didn't bloody offer! Where is my squad''
?'Like all your kind you are too fast to question but not smart enough to wait for answers or even learn them in their time.'' The voice sounded angry now, not scary though, more like a new recruit who'd been told to work on the basics again. That slight off note again caught my attention.
?'You're the EverSea, the waters of creation? Wow, our priests have a lot to answer for ?.'' The fog of euphoria had eased off, if I could keep him talking I may find a way to get out of this.
?'The priests and their idiocies are not my concern. You have been offered to the end to begin again, in the journey is the point of the beginning and the end.'' The voice came across as suitably cryptic and a little pleased with itself. As he seemed a little distracted, I started to feel for the odd note again, feeling around the mask I'm sure it is. Unsure what I was doing I started to pull it a little.
?'I'm definitely kicking that mage if I get back,'' I said in an offhand way to keep him focused on my words as I mentally grasped the mask's edge tighter and pulled. Just because I don't like the mind trickery doesn't me I had no aptitude for it. I have always found that my wilful bloody mindedness could block or mess with even the best in the Schools of Thought.
I really wish I hadn't. Images and emotions crashed through my brain like a tidal wave. I saw flashes of the past present and future and flowing around me like a maddening kaleidoscope of creation. It all twirled around me like rip tides threatening to overwhelm me and strand me far from shore. Mentally searching for something to cling to an image of Diana beaten down flashed into my mind, I could see her in a frozen moment battling with desperation as our army fell in greater numbers behind her. It. Broke. My. Heart. I had failed Diana, never mind that damn mage.
?'Ha,hah,hahaha. I can see why he chose you.'' Quick as a flash the curtains where closed and the balmy cool presence restored as he readjusted his mask again. I whimpered with relief as the form of a young man stepped forward. He didn't wear a mask, he was the mask.
After the psychic bombardment that nearly shredded my being I decided to change tack. ?'Thank you.'' I swallowed my pride and discomfort then with a sigh I ask ?'what do I need to do to get back?''
With sadness radiating he replied, ?' If you go back now you won't win. Ask a better question.''
?'Okay ? how do I win when I get back?'' I asked as meekly as I could, with infinite patience.
?'The flow of my water can take you to anyplace, anywhen. You'll need to go to the end, gather what is needed'' Cryptic.
?'No, you misunderstand. You can only go forward and when you reach the end you can return to the beginning, it's never been started before so the way is unclear. The mage will guide you as he can. Look for heroes and allies and bring them with you.''
?'Easy,'' I replied not being too clear but not wanting to push the entity further, ?'Angry Gods'' and all that. I'd fight my way forward to find my way back. The concept sat well in my brain so I skirted the edge of how and plunged straight in.
?'Where do I start?'' I ask dreading another implausible answer.
?'A little further on the mage awaits, with possible allies. Maybe not Riders but not everyone needs be a hero.'' The EverSea lifted his arms, arms outstretch and gave me a reassuring smile.
The feeling of euphoria returned and this time I just floated with it. I had died and failed, so I thought. Now there was a chance.
Floating within the Eversea was peaceful, until the jarring sensation of drowning came back to burn my lungs. Feeling my horse beneath me once more I start to trash towards the surface, swimming through exhaled bubbles with desperation my head broke the surface. Gasping for air while paddling I looked around. I was in the middle of a small lake only about a hundred yards from shore. There was a small camp fire on shore in the lee of some ruins, fire flickering with warmth. Huddled figures sat around. The stars glinting high overhead took my breath away as I realised I didn't recognise them. ?'Give up last.'' Well I wasn't done yet. As I swam for shore the sensation of riding faded, I think my horse had to stay.
?'Friend or foe?'' A deep voice called from shore, it sounded like a bag of rocks falling down stairs.
?'Friend. I hope.'' I shouted back hoping I wasn't wrong.
I crawled on hands and knees the final few yards, wretching up swallowed water and possibly yesterday's breakfast. I raised my head to see my surroundings. The fire flickered warmly, throwing light on two people. I couldn't see much but way they sat casually paying attention told me a lot. In front of me was a short guy, barely up to my chin really. He looked calm but wary, a look I've seen repeatedly on ?capable' men. Behind him and tucked into a boulder I could see half a figure with a bow trained on me. Calm, cautious and prepared, I was a little impressed.
I raised my hands as I stood to show they were empty, he had surely realised this but it pays to be respectful and costs little. ?'for a seat at your fire I'll tell you a story.''
The armoured man laughed in reply, ?' welcome in peace, Sister. We have ale and stories aplenty. Please join us.''
So I did.
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?Can you tell me what time it is?? she asked a red-headed stranger who was leaning on a square post, waiting just like herself. It felt a bit dangerous, but she'd left her iPhone and Fitbit at home in a moment of clarity. Craziness others might call it. She'd packed her iPad just in case, and she had thought this through, it would serve her purpose of helping her find her way if needed, but then she could only speak to others through email. No instant messages to see popping up on a screen that just can't be ignored. No phone calls she'd feel obligated to answer. They didn't need to ask any questions. She'd explained it in a note she left on the breakfast table. She'd taken off her watch, turned off her phone and left both beside her bed.
She could see her family now, coming home from school and work in just a few hours, wondering what's for dinner and why mom's car wasn't there. Teenagers ravaged with hunger, piling snacks to take to their room while surfing the day's social media, missing her note. She would be an afterthought of course, and that burned in her belly. It was one reason she was standing here waiting to board a plane. One of many reasons.
Her husband would be home a bit later, also pondering why he didn't smell dinner yet and asking himself what meeting she'd gone to and not remembered. They shared a calendar on their phones but he never looked at it. She had to constantly tell him what was going on that day, and sometimes he would call her from work to ask what time they had to be somewhere. She'd become the cook and the secretary and nothing more. Her purpose unknown.
?It's 2:15,? the red-head told her. She'd planned this, so her plane would be well on its way before anyone noticed she was gone, and also so there was no going back. She couldn't deal with the guilt of leaving any more than she could deal with the neediness that never left room for her wants and needs. You'd think it was just a balance, but it was not, and anyone who said different was fooling themselves and giving false hope to others. Don't look back, she told herself. It was her new mantra.
She pulled her black carry-on with its magenta knit tie around the handle to the restroom, not because she had to go, but because she wanted to look in the mirror once more to see the smile of joy on her face, the crease in her brow gone now that she had made this decision. Huh, she thought, it didn't take Olay to get rid of that scowl, just a new perspective, and maybe a new bikini and woven beach hat, rolled up and tucked between the straps of her carry-on.
She straightened her ruffled blouse and brushed her bangs aside. Did everyone going away for a tropical vacation look this happy? The anticipation made her giddy, like a child getting ready for their big birthday party. You knew it was finally here when you saw the balloons and streamers, but you didn't know wonderful it would really be until it happened.
Exiting the door of the bathrooms she heard the boarding call for flight 1240 for the first leg of her journey to Hawaii. She'd be landing in San Francisco in a few hours and then on to the tropical island she'd dreamed of for years. She'd always anticipated her husband being beside her, a romantic trip for two perhaps on their 20th anniversary, but that never seemed to come to fruition. Theo always had this obligation or that big account that no one else could handle She was tired of waiting and of not feeling important to him anymore.
Was it strange to be traveling alone? She'd decided weeks ago that the answer was a definitive no. She would eat and sleep on her own time schedule, visit all the places she wanted to see, and lie on the soft sands, staring out at the turquoise water, sweet cocktail in one hand, a book in the other. If she wanted company, she'd talk to strangers. As she crossed the threshold of the plane she imagined the orchids of fuchsia and white wrapped around her neck, the sweet fragrance enveloping her head, as she was welcomed to paradise.
First class was never affordable when they flew with the kids, but this time Leah had booked it, considering she didn't have for a second ticket for her husband. Champagne, warm cookies, leg room. It felt good to have someone thinking about her for a change, even if they were being paid to do it. The fog out the window couldn't damper her spirits, until the pilot made an announcement that they were going to have to land at San Jose International Airport. She sighed, then quickly assessed her options. She had a connecting flight to catch in San Francisco 2 ½ hours later. Wait, make that 1 ½ hour later. They'd been circling the airport for 60 minutes waiting for clearance.
The giddiness and high spirits she'd been feeling were replaced by anxiety as she rushed down the terminal to catch a taxi. As expected, the fog was making the driving slow and she felt herself pushing on the gas pedal from the backseat, white knuckling her backpack. The rearview mirror was covered with all kinds of dangling medallions: a bull's horn, red pepper, a silver cross with Christ, even a soft pink baby shoe. She counted the seconds as they swayed like a metronome, she willed the car to move faster. The glow from the dash said 5:27. She had less than an hour to get on that flight.
She tossed cash at the driver as he pulled to the curb and yelled thank you and ran off through the sliding doors A silent prayer in her head, please let the security lines would be short ?Can you tell me the time?? she asked the young couple in front of her. She knew in her heart she wasn't going to make it, but she wasn't late until 6:14, when the flight was scheduled to leave. Leah had played this game in her head for years. Perpetually late, she told herself when she was driving, even if she had to be there in two minutes, she wasn't late yet.
She knocked her backpack against her leg to the beat of the music and tried to take slow breaths. Inching her way to the security officers, Leah watched with frustration as people took their shoes off in slow motion, and forgetting the metal on their jewelry. They were already boarding, she knew it. She was screaming in her head and she could feel the lines forming on brow again.
She made it through security and immediately glanced up at the departures screen. 6:12. Taxiing, the lights blinked back at her as she felt like she was going through the first stage of recovery: denial. Leah walked to the gate anyway and her fears were real. She had missed it. Dragging herself to the ticket counter, the flight attendance raised her apologies and offered to help her find a room for the night. The next flight to Hawaii would leave at 9:20 in the morning.
This couldn't be happening! A room seemed like the best option, but a drink was in order, something to calm her nerves. This had to work out for her. How could she go back back and explain herself to her family? Her thoughts drifted to them, what were they thinking right now? Surely they had seen the note and were worrying about her.
Theo was frantic with worry and looked at his phone calendar. Nothing scheduled for tonight. A trip up to the kid's rooms confirmed that there seemed to be nothing on the schedule and they didn't know where mom would be. He didn't want to scare them, but he had to find out if they knew anything. He called her phone and it went straight to voicemail.
Leah was thinking of her dad, an old-fashioned on her mind. A gentleman's drink, smooth and rich. Bourban and bitters with Marichino cherry and orange. Closing her eyes for a moment it calmed her. She would make it to Hawaii whatever she had to do. She would wait until morning, but be on a beach by noon the next day. L
Missing her flight was gnawing at Leah and she decided she would sleep on her luggage in the terminal. With her head on her carry-on she dozed on and off. Dreams of tropical islands drifting in and out, but the most vivid were her dreams of her family. They didn't know how to contact her and she'd left that door wide open for worry. When she awoke with a start, disorientation took over and she wondered where were her soft sheets. Her next thought was calling her family to let them know she was ok. Yet she knew that it could stop her from pursuing her goal.
Leah walked to Starbucks for a red eye and bagel; the breakfast of champions! She would sip and forget about her guilt. Her plane would depart in 2 short hours. She wasn't going to give up now. The fog had lifted, as had the fog from her brain. It was time to step into a new beginning, one that began with her.
As they crossed the Pacific, she felt a sense of peace and a new understanding of her future. She was on her way to something new.
Touchdown in Hawaii. She grabs her bag with the magenta tie, bikini inside, straw hat placed on her head. A lei is placed on her neck as she crosses the threshold into a new adventure. She'll call her family tomorrow. Today is about her, and a sweet cocktail and sun on the beach.
The sun shone down, leaving a dazzling light show across the waves as they rolled her closer to the only bit of land visible in the wide expanse. Ness's limbs seared as the ascend to the sandy shore returned her weight to her feet, wet cloak tugging her down. Turning back she saw the billowing black clouds rising up into the sky - a ship no more. A gurgle of a giggle escaped her as she soaked in her freedom, no longer a captive used for another's will. She crawled onto the shore, her limbs shaking, and lay down on her back.
As her arms met the sand, a hard object protruding up poked her arm uncomfortably. Shifting to pick it up, she pulled out the item, mostly buried in the sand. As Ness looked at the fang as long as her forearm the feeling of spiders scurrying up her arms drew out goose bumps. It had only been a few days since her last encounter with the sea serpents.
Laying down on the sand, Ness recalled the first time she had been brought on the ship. They had been paying handsomely for new recruits to travel the sea to the new land and work as miners or loggers. The grips of poverty holding the city tight left her parents little choice but to send her off on the ship to keep their tables full. She sat in the ship for several weeks packed in with others that had been deemed unfit to work on deck. She closed her eyes as she recalled the screams that came after they started pulling people out.
An eerie silence drew out. The voices had hushed and the thrashing of water halted. Ness opened her eyes to see the three serpents looking at her. Their eyes were green orbs the size of her head with slits of black. One slowly approached her. Ness's panic shot up and she said, ?No! G-G-Go away!? The serpent stopped, still looking at her. It looked at the ship that had halted to witness the events. The serpent looked back at her, meeting her eyes. Several frantic heartbeats later, it turned it's head and the other two joined it. The serpents retreated and submerged out of view, leaving a calm surface behind them. The ship had stopped and sent out a boat to retrieve her. From that point on Ness was bound to the ship.
Her heart jumped up to her throat as her hands frantically ran over the cloak as if she might find the flint she had managed to conceal hidden somewhere else in the folds of fabric. Her stomach plummeted down to the depths of the burnt ship. Ness sucked in shallow gasps, her vision going blurry, as she mentally traced back her steps. She had felt the flint in her pocket as she crawled up the shore. You still have time, girl, get back up.
Ness clenched her fists, stood up and retraced her steps, eyes scanning the ground. Reaching the point where the cliff wall had sunk back down and the ground was flat, an ache grew in her stomach, reminding her of other needs. I likely dropped it getting out of the water. It'll be faster cutting through the trees and I can look for water as I go.
Stepping into the trees, the shade brought a chill crawling along her skin. Ness's eyes rolled over the fruitless bushes as her feet swiftly carried her towards the other side. A small dripping noise drew her over to a tiny stream. She bent down and drank, feeling the immediate relief of water in her belly.
She emerged from the trees and could see the edge of the cliff just ahead. Crawling up on all fours, Ness peeked very slowly over the edge. As her small pile of sticks came into view, so did a figure wearing a brown sailor hat, seated at her fire pit as if they had arranged to meet.
Fury flowed through Ness. I've given you scumbags enough - this is my camp! She looked around assessing her options. Moving slowly, she wrapped her fingers around a large, rough rock and lifted it up. She walked to the edge, bent her knees, eyed up her target, and released the weight in a smooth arc A thud rang in the air as it struck below and the figure slumped over.
Quickly moving along the edge of the cliff she reached the lower level and approached her camp, figure sprawled out on the ground. He lay unmoving, a large red spot on his head, soft hands and a hairless chin. She recognized him as the newest hire, brought onboard much like she was some years ago. Ness recalled watching him retching over the edge of the ship when they had hauled her up on the deck. No hard feelings. Couldn't risk you being one of the seasoned men. The light seeping further out of the land brought in a chill that was more than a drop in temperature.
Hairs standing up along the back of her neck, Ness sprung into action and scoured the cliff area for the right kind of rocks and any dried grass or leaves. This is going to be so much harder without flint. She returned, hastily dropped the bits of grass down and began striking a few of the rocks together. Her hands ached as the harsh demanding movements were repeated over and over again. The shadows along the cliff lengthened, darkness claiming more of the land. Her heart raced as the chattering of night creatures began to rise, sensing their time approaching. ?I can't believe I won't last one night because I can't sew a pocket shut!? she mumbled under her breath as she turned the rock hoping for a rougher edge and continued hammering them together.
A sudden noise next to her caused Ness to jump, heart thumping even louder. A moan came from the boy as he rolled over and lifted his head. His eyes traced over her bits of dry wood and grass and the two rocks in her hand as Ness continued hammering the rocks together. The boy focused on her face, his jaw dropped open. He sucked in a breath as he stammered, ?Y-Y-You're the water witch!?
Bright sparks illuminated the blackness, landed on the bits of grass and burst into tiny flames. Ness knelt next to the fire and spread her arms out protectively. ?Get some stones to surround it would you, won't do us any good if the wind sucks it away.?
Footsteps sounded along the cliff edge and the boy returned with an armful of rocks and some dried wood, a mixture of clattering as they dropped by the fire. Rocks piled in a rough circle, the dancing flickering light grew as it started to devour the new handful of sticks.
?We will need more wood to get through the night,? Ness said as she stood up, pulled out her fang and pointed it at the kneeling boy. ?Give me back my flint.?
?I'm Zeff, and I'm no boy. You can't have more than a few years on me.?
?Your inexperience makes you a boy,? she replied harshly, ?Your soft hands show your lack of physical labor before you were sold to the ship. Your parents get tired of you or something??
Zeff's eyes fell down to the fire, the reflection dancing in his eyes. ?I was taken one night returning to the archives. I worked hard but with books.?
Ness's eyes narrowed on him. She had grown up in a fisherman's household, envying the kids who lived on the hill, flipping through books and learning their letters. Ness watched the small fire flicker and dance as she considered how much energy she had left, she hadn't fully recovered from her last encounter with the sea beasts. Finding a long, slender stick, she placed one end in the fire. ?Well, we still have the night to get through. It will be easier if there are two of us. We need wood and some food would be good as well. You see what you can collect here staying in the reach of the light and I will find us some fish. Don't go wandering though, I'm not going to come looking for you.?
The light from the fire danced in her eyes, illuminating the silvery specks in the blue.
She brought her gaze up and their eyes met, ?I'm Nessira.? She stood with her torch and finished, ?And you can leave the fishing to me.? With a quick nod, she turned and walked down to the water's edge. She could still see the flames from the fire pit licking the night air as she stuck the stick into the sand and walked into the water.
She walked into the frigid water, gentle waves brushing up on her. Ness dipped her hands in the water, holding the slender fang in one, and reached out with her awareness, desperate to sense something nearby. Her fingers began to tingle as her breaths grew harder to pull in. Sensing movement, Ness pulled at it, drawing it closer. Her knees buckled in the effort, the cold water splashing up her thighs. Her eyes scanned the poorly lit water until they saw a flutter of movement. Reaching out one hand in the water, fish swam up in it, unable to resist her call. Picking up the fish, she speared it on the tooth. Ness collected a few more fish before standing up slowly with blurry vision. She went back to her torch and looked up at the night sky. The blackness had claimed the land but for the fires and the tiny lights that flooded the sky. First night could have gone a lot worse.
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