With Lucia's aid, the mercenaries are able to take down the creatures with no further casualties. Dimas and Bolivar fight with practiced blows, their skill at arms apparent. Siraj too does his share of work - his form is unrefined and crude, powerful swinging blows, more brawler than soldier. Fortunately his enemies are little more than beasts, and his brutal style proves just as effective at taking them down. The raptors turn tail as they find themselves overwhelmed, only to be cut down by Lucia and Usman from afar.
Dimas drops from his mount, landing unsteadily on the sand as he walks towards Sofriono's body. The mercenary's throat seems to have been torn out, caught off-guard by the pack of predators as they snuck up from behind. Dimas is badly wounded himself - lacerations cover his arms and torso, and a deep gash is set into his brow above his eye, bleeding down across his face. Had Lucia not intervened when she did, he might have been dead. He breathes heavily, exhausted from the battle, but if he feels any pain he does not show it. He regards Sofriono for a moment before turning away and spitting a bloody wad of spittle into the sand. He mutters his thanks to Siraj and Bolivar before climbing onto his camel once more. He gives Lucia and Usman a half-hearted salute before riding back towards his charge. Bolivar follows, leaving Sofriono where he is.
----
"I don't need you to jump in front of giant beasts for me!" Evi reprimands Haig. "Perhaps you didn't learn in the sewer, but fighting these things head on is not something we want to do! A beast is not a warrior. It is not a knight, nor a samurai, nor anything in which there would be shame in running from. There's no need for pointless heroics. I thought you would be able to make the distinction."
Evi lets out a long sigh as she calms down. She turns back to the ghoul with a stern expression. "Whether you feel pain or not is irrelevant. You're no use to anyone if you're broken. Can you move?" Evi grimaces, looking across the ghoul's wounds. "Tch. I can't mend these... but we were lucky this time. If Aurelius had taken a moment longer..."
Her voice drifts off as she gets to work, popping dislocated joints back into place and making sure limbs aren't bent at unnatural angles.
Your left arm seems to be broken quite severely, and you cannot move it for the moment being. You're quite surprised that it's still attached at all. The necromantic energies of your unnatural body should repair the damage soon enough, but for the time being it is completely useless and unresponsive, simply dangling by your side.
----
The gallow-hanger hops down from his perch, drifting down to the ground like a feather before landing at the tyrannosaurus' side. It crouches, chuckling to itself as it dips its fingers into the blood. "Huhu... Good blood. Strong blood." It hops up, bouncing from side to side as it moves down the creature's length, running its hands across the beast's scaly hide. It reaches into its poncho and pulls a knife from between its ribs, inspecting the knife briefly before jamming it into the tyrannosaur's midsection. With rough motions it begins to cut through the beast's belly, intent on getting at the creature's innards.
----
Cortez tucks his pistol away, his head falling back as he breathes a sigh of relief. Aurelius walks over, the two exchanging glances before bursting into laughter. "This journey will surely make a tale worth telling," Cortez says, clapping Aurelius on the back. "Well shot, old friend."
Aurelius shakes his head, his eyebrows raised. "I couldn't make that shot again, even if you asked." he smiles, still in disbelief of what happened. "Surely it's a testament to Soto's work. We should have a drink with him when this is all over."
"Without a doubt, without a doubt." Cortez says, nodding in agreement. He glances over to the gallow-hanger. "There's still things to be done. Pack the rifle away."
Aurelius hefts the rifle up and heads towards the automatons without a word. Cortez heads in the other direction, joining up with the mercenaries before heading towards the giant corpse.
"...if he had taken a moment longer than it would be as if I had died one more soldier under Kaneda's heel and two less monsters would walk the wild places." he says, morose, before lifting his head in challenge. "Do lecture me on honour and heroics." he glowers.
"The beast was apon you. Had it not been the braying camel it would have been you. That was a chance I was not willing to..." he begins, indignant, "I had only to dodge it's jaws once. It was...You... I-" he trails off, seeming to wilt under her withering glare. He hangs his head, sullenly staring at his broken body. "You are right as always, Lady Evi. I shall be more careful." he sighs, shrugging lopsidedly. "... and I shall be asking the smuggler for my bow back."
"But it is as I vowed. None of our number are sailing along the White River." he says, an unfamiliar warm note on his voice, a ray of hope that dies in his throat as he glances to the east and to where the raptors had been. "R-...Right?"
----
Haig hails Lucia as she approaches. "I had expected something less... explosive." the ghoul says with a rattling sound that might be a chuckle. He meets the enchantresses gaze with a crooked smile. "Thank you for coming to my aid. If you had not I would be a little less crispy, but likely in several pieces." he says, matter-of-factly, as if the thought doesn't phase him at all. "Your magic is powerful, sorceress."
Usman shakes his head as he approaches. "None at least by the Tyrant Lizard." he says, glancing at Haig.
"What happened?" Cortez asks, stealing a glance towards the cactus forests. "Was there another beast?"
Dimas snorts from atop his camel, wiping the still-bleeding wound above his eye with a scrap of cloth. "Scavengers." he says, pulling a ceramic vial from his belt. He uncorks it with his teeth, spitting the cap into the sand. "Took Sofriono off guard. Tore out his throat, then came for me." He tilts the vial back, swallowing its contents in one go before tossing it away.
"How terrible..." Cortez says, clicking his tongue. "Will you build a pyre for him as well?"
The mercenary shakes his head, a displeased look on his face. "He was a good warrior, but he was sin dios. Godless. There are no rites for him, no burial that will ease his soul. He belongs to the steppe now."
Cortez closes his eyes for a moment. "He followed the Cero philosophy? I never knew..."
Dimas ignores him, turning towards the Gallow-Hanger. "Scarecrow!" he calls out, his arms stretched wide and a sneer on his face. "You have your slaughter! Is this blood enough for you?" Dimas clenches the bloody rag, drops of dark blood dripping into the sand beside him.
The Gallow-Hanger reaches deep within the dinosaur's stomach before pulling out a semi-skeletal humanoid corpse. It inspects the corpse for a moment, squatting over it and prying open the mouth before letting it drop back into the sand. It turns to the mercenary, eyes glowing in the shade of its hat.
"Yes, this will please the Saguaro." the scarecrow croaks, a twisted smile forming on its crudely stiched mouth. "It will forget you while it feeds."
The gallow-hanger turns towards the dinosaur once more, lifting its staff into the air as it begins to chant in sylvan. Gigantic limbs of sand and stone reach up from the ground, wrapping around the corpse as it is slowly pulled underground. The creature chuckles at the sight, hopping in place delightedly as the last of the beast sinks below the surface.
"Good." it says, turning towards the group. "If Saguaro is content, Stormcrow is content. Stormcrow will guide you to forest's edge. Hrm. Bones first." He turns towards the ruined humanoid corpse once more, and chants a short phrase. A mist roils out of the creature's mouth and over the cadaver, stripping away its flesh completely, leaving only bone. The scarecrow pulls off the remains of the creature's equipment before gathering the bones in a sack. It pauses for a moment, glancing at the nearby people as if only just remembering their presence. "Take." it says, gesturing at the pile of equipment. "You have won."
The gallow-hanger finished gathering the bones and turns to you. "Stormcrow will lead you south. Hrm." It raises a finger, wiggling it as if in contemplation. "Many die in Saguaro. Stormcrow has much he cannot use. Survivors rare. Maybe you trade with Stormcrow?"
"Damn." the ghoul curses, sullenly, managing with some difficulty to pick himself up. "This arm is no good for the time being. If trouble comes my way again, I will need a weapon." he says, eyes fixed on the shortsword before turning to Aurelius. "Let us hope that next time I am fit to return the favour."
Haig picks himself up, unwrapping his shawls slightly to reveal a tight, dark leather harness around his jaw, neck and shoulders. He unbuckles it with his good hand and hands it to the creature, gingerly. "It is magical. Crafted in Blackhost to keep me restrained, but it serves another purpose. It will help you drag away your prey and this cloak, warded against simple spells. I would have that your, if you will... and another item of value. Have you any other treasures, Stormcrow? We require more weapons."
The creature looks over the mask for a minute, holding it up in front of him. It gives a nod. "Yes. It is good."
"On your belt." Usman says, looking at the creature. "You have a Vega - an old pistol, but fine nonetheless. Are you willing to trade that, also?"
"This?" The gallow-hanger draws the pistol. He inspects it for a moment before looking at Usman. "Yes. Young ones favour this new weapon of men. Stormcrow prefers the old ways. Take."
Lucia laughs off the compliment from Haig, "I didn't expect it to be so large a blast, you have my apologies for that. At least you're still with us."
At the mention of the raptors she'll turn away, irritated at herself for not mentioning them, even though she knows she just got caught up in the thick of battle.
Though the equipment offered is, to her, meager fair, she turns to Siraj, "The sword or axe might be good for you, though I know you love your pickaxe, just a thought, none of it really suits my purposes."
Lucia trades the wand to Stormcrow and receives:
"I thank you." Usman says, strapping the axe's baldric onto himself. "Of course, you are welcome to your bow." He hands the composite bow back to Haig before drawing the pistol. "It feels good to have a gun in hand again. Hrm... One of Vega's earlier works, but still fine craftsmanship nonetheless." He twirls the pistol in hand before holstering it once more and giving Haig a nod. He glances across at his camel. "tsk. I wish it had survived. I'll have to make use of one of the automatons." He sighs. "The metal gets so hot in the sun..."
Siraj gives a shrug as Lucia addresses him. "I'm happy with anything I can swing, boss." he says. "I don't need nothin' fancy."
---
Having finished his dealings, the Gallow-Hanger turns southward, gesturing for the caravan to follow him. "It is time."
"Lead on, then!" Cortez says, clapping his hands together. "Aurelius, gather the beast of burden."
Aurelius watches Stormcrow as the creature lopes towards the cacti. "Can we really put our trust in it?"
"Of course not!" Cortez laughs as he pulls himself onto his camel. "But I feel that if its intent was to kill us, then it would have done so already. No, we should be safe for now."
Aurelius shrugs and turns away. "I suppose you are right."
---
Evi says a brief Achaean rite as the caravan departs, leaving Sofriono's body in the sand. A sense of numbness blankets the group, as if the weariness of travel had sapped away any victorious feelings. But yet, there is no sadness. Nor is there joy, nor anger. Just the road ahead.
Stormcrow leads the caravan with surety and confidence, navigating you southwards towards your destination. He chants in sylvan as he hops forward through the desert, occasionally stirring up small whirlwinds with his staff. The caravan catches the attention of a passing pair of wyverns, but he frightens them off by conjuring a whirling sandstorm high above you. The journey passes quickly and you encounter no dead ends, nor unexpected twists or dangerous encounters. Occasionally he mentions the hazards you are avoiding by taking a certain route, croaking the words "Manticore nest" or "Sinkhole" as he points in the general direction.
Before you know it, you've reached the edge of the forest. The vast steppe stretches out before you, your goal clearly visible in the horizon: Svarog of Aeons Passed, the great monolith of Gracia. It is clear before you now, no longer simply a silhouette on the horizon. There is still a distance yet to travel, but you are closer than ever to reaching your goal.
"In the shadow of the monolith..." Evi says, her eyes fixed on her towering figure, as much landscape as creature.
"That is right." Cortez says, riding up beside her. "Perhaps there you will find the answers you seek."
"I have no questions to be answered." she retorts. "I am here for my clan and for my people. No more than that."
Cortez takes a long breath and turns away from her. "If that's what you truly believe..."
The great forest of Saguaro behind you, the way ahead is clear. Stormcrow idly sways in place as you take a moment to recover from the journey. "Stormcrow goes no further. Stormcrow must stay, guide the Saguaro. Make sure it does not go to cities to feed." The Gallow-Hanger chuckles at the prospect, as if he wasn't entirely opposed to the idea. He begins to walk away, but then pauses, turning back towards the caravan. "Do not pass the Saguaro again."
Haig will add his low growl to Evi's voice as he joins in the prayer, chanting words that sound more at home in the halls of Blackhost than the middle of the desert. Haig sways in his high saddle as they ride through the forest, staring resolutely forward as they press onward. He tries several times to speak, to break Evi out of her morose silence, but cannot seem to manage more than an apologetic grunt each time as he, too, rides in silence. Until they reach the forest's edge.
Haig cannot suppress a grin at the conviction in Evi's voice, but his face is wiped clean as he stares across the horizon. His grisly mouth hangs open at the sight of the monolith. The same childish wonder that he wore through his short sojourn to Sozomiru seems to take him. "When you have seen as many shackles and horrors as I..." he whispers, "Well, sights such as this still take my breath away... Well, figuratively speaking. Of course..."
GOTCHA!
"Few see the monoliths in their detail," Cortez says sagely. "Just wait until you see it closer - You can see the centuries pass in its sands, the cities of kingdoms long gone and races not known in the time of men." A smile spreads across his face, his eyes lost in memory. "Indeed... Such a sight is something that one never grows accustomed to."
The caravan journeys south without pause, stopping only to sleep, eat or refill waterskins on the rare occasion that a spring is found. The air is one of vague excitement as you grow ever closer. Siraj and the mercenaries exchange myths and legends surrounding the monolith, ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary.
"I've heard that the ghosts of ancient empires live in the ruins it carries," Che says. "Races of monstrous winged beasts with octopus heads, four-armed men as tall as trolls, pygmy men who stand only as tall as the knee! Haha, can you imagine?"
Siraj laughs heartily at the outrageous claims. "What a sight, what a sight!" he slaps his knee as he rides, sighing heavily with a smile on his face. "How amazing it would be to discover such a thing! If only I could be part of such a tale."
"My friend, you are." Bolivar chips in, laughing. He turns to the others. "It seems Siraj is so lost in fantasy he forgets he is part of this journey as well."
Siraj looks around at the others, nodding as they laugh. "Yes. Yes, I guess you are right." His smile grows, and he joins with their laughter.
----
The caravan sit by the campfire as the sun begins to set. The group settle down with rations retrieved from the automaton's storage, whilst Aurelius patrols the perimiter.
"I had been meaning to ask," Usman says, regarding Cortez. "But that rifle..."
"Unique!" Cortez says proudly. "Originally made for one of my automatons to utilize. But that... did not work out." His voice drifts off slightly as he glances away. "Uziel Soto is actually a close friend of mine." he says, gettting back on track. "Cid Hermenegild once comissioned us both to... Hrm. Well, I probably should not talk about that."
Usman raises his eyebrows. "It must be good, having that much money and influence."
Cortez laughs, pushing his spectacles back as they slide forward. "Yes, I suppose it is." he says with a smile. "But it does come with its risks." his smile seems to fade a little as he glances over at Aurelius. "Sometimes it can bring the wrong kind of attention." He frowns a little, staring into the campfire.
---
Evi sits in the shade with her legs crossed as the caravan prepares to move on. In her hands she holds a set of prayer beads, uttering Achaean prayers in old common as she stares into the distance. Wearing only a simple chest binding and her trousers, the full extent of her scarring becomes visible. Old wounds mark much of her torso, across her stomach and back, and her arms are crisscrossed with thin white lines. A voice comes from behind her.
"I know those prayers." Aurelius says. He leans against the rocks, looking out across the desert. "They are prayers to the Elder Goddess."
Evi doesn't respond, continuing with her prayers.
"Many of the Gracians say that the old gods do not respond to prayers any more. That they fall on deaf ears." He tilts his head back, his eyes turning towards the White River. "I used to follow the old gods also. I'm not so sure any more."
"They are right." Evi says suddenly. "Achaea hears no prayers. She expects no love, and gives none in return. All she wants is reverence."
Aurelius looks at her, caught off-guard by her answer. "If it has no meaning, then why do you pray?"
"It has meaning." Evi replies. "It's a time of meditation and reflection, where one can disappear from the world into the depths of themselves. Enter a trance. The words mean little - the fact that this meditation takes the form of a prayer is a simple convenience."
Aurelius strokes his chin, mulling over her words. "Hrm. Not something I would do, but... It makes sense. In a manner."
---
"Is it... a happy one?" he ventures, turning to her. "I did not wish to ask with the pain of departed friends so near. I feared that they left because of me."
"I too learned the prayers. When the time comes, the Queen of the White River shall bear me away." he says, woodenly. "That is all I need know."
"The warlock?" Evi asks, staring at the ghoul for a moment before the realization hits her. "Oh. You speak of Joe." She is silent for a while, and it almost seems as if she will not answer. "Joe is an enigma. He comes and goes as he pleases. I doubt even death would hold him back, should he wish to return."
She nods as she listens to Haig's question, taking a moment to think before answering.
"Was my tale a happy one?" She says, leaning back slightly. "For a time... I guess it was. My days in Saga were the happiest of my life. Every day I could be with my friends, the people I loved. See their smiling faces. We were three brought together by loss - Lytril, Alastar and I. Three people alone, who found a common bond beneath Joe's roof. We walked the sun-dappled paths of the Feywood, spoke with the Sanhedrin of the Ariake, gazed at the stars with the Oni philosophs. We fought together, celebrated together. I... We... were happy. A family."
The name Alastar is a familiar one. One Haig has heard before. His mind drifts back to the visions at Shiroishi and the man who had cut down the Emperor. He was the one who had forced the Emperor to live. The man who had brought him to Aldebaran against his own wishes. But it is more than that. It is a name from his own past, one that causes his stomach to twist and growl.
"It didn't last, of course." she continues. "In the end our happy days came into an end. Lytril could not escape his past. Sirius caught up with him, and us."
She relates the story of Lytril's past, of Balmung, the Durlond sword, and the assassin sent to claim it. It is a story Haig had briefly heard before, but never in this much detail. Suddenly her connection to the events at Heim and the fight against Sirius are put in a new light. It was never about her sense of righteousness or justice. It was revenge.
"The assassin we dealt with easily enough, but our environs were collapsing all around us. Only one of us would make it out alive. In the end they died not by an assassin's hand or family grudge. They died so that I could live."
Haig feels a pressure against his back as Evi pushes her head forwards, her eyes clenched shut. "I swore then I would never let another die for my sake. By my honour and my life, I would not be the one who needed saving. I would be the one to protect the ones I loved, and not the other way around. So now you know, Haig. Now you know why I can't let you protect me. Why I can't let you stand before me and face the jaws of death alone."
The pressure lifts from the ghoul's back as Evi straightens up once again.
"And now that you know, Orotoshi-dono, I must ask you the question." Evi's breathing is slow and calm. "Will you not stand beside me? Not behind, as a servant... Nor in front as a guardian, but by my side... as a friend."
---
Each day that passes, the monolith grows closer. It rapidly grows, filling the horizon with its massive bulk, bleached blue by distance. Clouds float about its body, stirred by the ponderous movements of its massive club-like arms. It body roils and shifts, walls of stone appearing and disappearing beneath the sandy surface of its skin. Whole castles surface from its depths, only to sink back in by the day's end. Some parts seem almost solid, crusty rock formations and ruined buildings drifting across the shifting surface like islands, palm trees and vines growing from the craggy outcrops. Water breaks from its surface at some points, waterfalls crossing its body like pulsing veins. High above, its head is barely visible, a vague lump with three glowing blue eyes. As you move closer, the tremors cause by its movement become more noticeable. Soon you will be upon it.
Lucia laughs along with the men, glad that she, too, could be a part of the journey. "I've always wanted to meet a monolith, I wonder if we could talk to it, it must know a lot. Maybe it doesn't care of our comings and goings, but I still wonder what it'd have to say."
All the talk of magic items will set Lucia thinking about her own crafting skills, and, looking at Siraj and Usmans comparatively meager equipment, and almost immediately she'll launch into work.
"You're not the only one to recharge with a bit of meditation, though I do mine quite differently. I remember the forests back home, how calm and wild everything is, the wind in the trees, the water in the stream..." A look of longing will pass over Lucia's face as she's hit with the pangs of homesickness. "I think I'd be happy just to get out of this bloody desert, but that's not where the goal is, unfortunately. At least we get to meet Svarog."
Lucia will look up at Svarog as they grow closer, her eyes glued to his every movement, a look of awe and something else, nearing on bliss, as her very blood calls to it. "Can you feel his power, Siraj?" She'll whisper. "A hundred lifetimes could pass, and he'd barely notice. He's...beautiful."
"You forget that I too swore a vow, Lady Evi." he says, with a wry smile. "To protect, serve and honour you in all that I do. But... I... I know little of friendship, but is it not the job of a friend to protect his fellows from harm, to share with them and fight for them? These things I know." he says, staring fixedly at the long road ahead. "...and do they not also count smiles and laughter among their duties? These are things I think we have both forgotten."
"To think. Friends with a creature such as me.." he says, shaking his head and glancing over his shoulder. "You are truly one of a kind, Lady Evi. I would be honoured to call you friend."
"Perhaps you are right." she says, glancing into the distance. "It has been a long time for both of us... But we can reclaim those together." She turns to the ghoul, a smile on her face. "I am glad."
---
A curtain of darkness rolls over the sky as the caravan reach the crest of the hill. Svarog dominates the sky, towering high above, its features lost in the clouds. From here to where its legs join with the earth is only an hour's ride away. Its movements are slow and methodical, each of its legs gliding forward one after the other, leaving behind them a stream of sand and rubble like the trail of an enormous snail. So ponderous are its movements that it takes an hour or more between each of its footfalls. In the distance, several campfires can be seen, pinpoints of light in the gathering darkness. Cortez points across to them.
"Those fires belong to the Knights of Abraxas." he says. "They were once soldiers in the Aegian Empire... Now they are rogue mercenaries - despicable looters and slavers."
"You said we could find Lord Takeda here." Evi says, looking over at him. "That means..."
"Yes." Cortez nods. "He is their prisoner. A slave, spending his days toiling for the riches of the lizard men."
"Aegian slavers?" Dimas exclaims. "We've less men than they have camps. You can't possibly expect us to fight them."
Cortez chortles, patting the mercenary on the shoulder. "Of course not, Dimas. I only paid you to see us to the monolith and back. You can find somewhere to make camp while we head down to do business." He looks away. "Of course, you'll have a hard time securing the latter half of your payment if we don't return." He turns back to Dimas with a cheeky grin, his eyebrows raised. "Just something to think about."
"Yeah, I get it." Dimas says, shaking his head. He turns away, riding towards his fellow mercenaries. "Crazy old bastard..."
Evi looks down at the flickering flames, her gaze wandering from camp to camp. "What is your plan, Cortez? How do we reach him?"
Cortez glances over at her, a surprised look on his face. "My plan?" he scoffs. "This isn't my business. I'm only here for trade, dear lady."
"Trade?" Evi exclaims, caught off-guard by his response. "With these men you call despicable?"
"Despicable, yes." Cortez nods. "But good businessmen. I am sorry, young lady, but your business is your own. I have no stake in this."
"I... understand." Evi dismounts, turning away from him as she begins to walk away.
"A word of advice, dear Evi." Cortez says to her back. "Takeda's exile is his own. This slavery he would view as penance for his past failures - he may not want to come back at all."
"That's fine with me." Evi says, sparing a backwards glance before walking off.
Cortez lets out a sigh. "Young ones are always so rash." he dismounts as well, walking briskly towards Haig. "Here, there is something I must give you."
He pulls off his left glove, revealing two rings - one silver and one gold. He removes the silver band, and places it into the ghoul's palm before leaning in close.
"This is one of two rings required to free the seal, entrusted to me by the man who brought Takeda to me. Without its twin it is useless." He whispers. He glances at Evi's figure in the distance. "She is not ready for this responsibility. I do not know if she will ever be. Keep it safe."
The seemingly impassable trial of the Saguaro is far behind him, and a great weight seems to have been lifted from his shoulders. He can hardly suppress a crooked smile at the defeated look on Dimas' face, pulling his shawls tighter to hide his face. As Evi and Cortez speak, Haig stares at the horizon gravely from the back of his camel. He stays silent, assessing the situation with his arms folded.
Haig seems surprised as Cortez approaches him, hesitantly stepping from the saddle and extending his outstretched hand gingerly. His mouth hangs open in shock, and his voice lowers, and for a moment his eyes waver on the golden ring on Cortez' hand as he slips it back into his glove.
"This is a wise course, Filipe-sama. It will be safe with me.."
Haig will examine the ring closely before turning to Cortes. "You have been... very kind to us." he begins, with the rough, impassive tone of one not used to kind words. "I am glad you were not devoured by a rampaging Tyrant Lizard." he says, bowing stiffly.
Cortez chuckles at the ghoul's words. "And I, you." his reply. "Though do not mistake opportunity and mild curiosity for kindness. Truly, Aurelius and I only have our own interests at heart. Impartiality has helped us thrive in Aldebaran, and I suspect it will do so for many years to come."
The men set up camp behind a small hillock, out of sight from the Aegian camps below. Cortez and Aurelius join them after a short while, preparing themselves for the night.
Usman settles down next to Cortez as the men prepare their evening rations.
"You really have no interest in the seal?" Usman asks. "All that power, and you're willing to just let it slip by?"
"Well..." Cortez thinks for a moment as Dimas hands him a bowl of steaming stew. "Perhaps a slight academic curiosity."
He blows gently across the bowl. "You think of it as power, but all I see is a yoke. A pair of shackles."
Usman raises an eyebrow. "You would not rule, if you had the chance?"
Cortez laughs, shaking his head. "No, of course not. I have spoken with the Caliph Cid Hermenegild on many occasions, and if there is one lesson his counsel has taught me it is that a sovereign is a slave. Behind the prestige and glittering gold, you are held hostage by customs and law, and above your head always hovers the blade of your successors. No, I would not want that. I prefer to be a free man."
Usman nods slowly at his words. "You may be right." he says.
"And what of you?" Cortez asks, turning the conversation around. "What brings Usman, named by the underworld 'Assassin's-Bane', on this chase for foreign treasures?"
"You've heard of me, then?" Usman says, somewhat surprised. "I would have thought... Well, it was many years ago."
"Oho, by chance you flatter." Cortez laughs. "But I am far from young, and those years are but days to me."
Usman shrugs. "That's not what I had meant, but if it pleases you let it be." he leans back, looking skyward. "I am here... as penance, you could say. In my time I've brought much evil and suffering, made my share of orphans and widows. Now this... seal has come to light, and it threatens a darkness far greater than any of my deeds ever had. I must make sure it finds its way to virtuous hands."
"A noble sentiment." Cortez says, stroking his beard. "But perhaps your feelings are misplaced."
Usman looks at him pensively. "What do you mean?"
"Forgiveness," Cortez begins. "Is something that cannot be bought with deeds alone. It must begin and end here." He places his hand against his chest. Usman is silent, turning his gaze towards the meager campfire.
"You are not the only one." he continues, glancing over his shoulder towards the silhouettes of Haig and Evi. "They too must learn this, before everything is through."
Evi sits on the edge of the hill, gazing towards the towering monolith. The sound of someone approaching breaks her from reverie. Siraj lets out a small grunt as he drops down beside her.
"It seems so surreal. Now that we're here, at least." Siraj says, gesturing towards the giant. Evi remains silent as the man talks, content to listen to his words. "I mean, you see it every day when you look to the south. It's always there, on the horizon, as ever-present as the White River. You see it, and you know it's there, but it seems like it could just as easily just be an illusion. Something you could see, but never touch. You know?"
Evi shakes her head. "No, I never feel that." she says simply. "The monoliths of my home are very real. Great wars are fought at the feet of Kagutsuchi on his throne at Mt Aval. My kin called him the Lord of Devestation, as he covered the land for miles in soot, ash and burning cinders. Entire cities disappear beneath his shadow, burnt and buried as he wanders."
Siraj looks over at her, hanging on her every word. Evi smirks, amused by his attentions. "You said... monoliths." Siraj says. "You mean to say there are more than one in your homeland?"
"Unfortunately." Evi says darkly. "More terrible than Kagutsuchi is the wind tyrant Fujin... A demon of the skies that brings typhoons and tidal waves in its wake. His movements are rare, though, and much of his time is spent in the mountains of the far north or the islands of the Calamar. I remember his passing near the capitol when I was young. We avoided the worst, but the neighboring cities..."
She pauses, her eyes lost in memory. "Well, they were gone, along with much of the capitol's strength. The people were suffering, and there was little the Emperor could do to help them. That's when... Well... The rest is history."
"What happened?" Siraj asks, sitting upright. "You can't just leave it there..."
"Forgive me, but another time." Evi says. "I don't feel like going into it now."
Siraj lets out an exasperated sigh and falls back into the sand, his mind drifting over the possibilities for the future.
"Evi has many tales to tell, but does not take much joy in the telling. " he says, solemnly. "Not a season ago we traveled southward through the lands I had once called home. I too gazed upon the Lord of Devastation. He sat atop his mountain thone, casting a great shadow across the battlegrounds at his feet, wiping them clean with cleansing fire."
"I think that one day, things shall grow there again, and warfare will be a distant memory." the ghoul says, distantly. "I do not have many tales, but perhaps I have enough to sate your curiosity."
The ghoul picks himself up, staying low as he peers outward into the camp. "Hard to believe the Emperor is in a place like this. It is funny where forgotten soldiers can find themselves..." the ghoul says, shrugging. "We could scout out the camp. By cover of darkness." he says, glancing at Evi. "What do you think, my lady?"
Evi and Siraj sit contentedly as Haig recounts his journey south from Shiroishi, through the barren lands of Ozu and across the Great Battlefield. He tells of the great Miko shrine-citadel of Yashirodono, and the fires of Mt Aval. He speaks of Saga and its rolling hills, the highlands and the trade cities of the South. The ghost of a smile graces Evi's face as the ghoul mentions Minato.
"Each year," she begins, "They would have a festival in Minato. From all around the country, people would bring fireworks of every shape and colour. Traders would bring the latest fare from Aldebaran. It was amazing. They would sail into the bay, spreading across to the seagates, and come the night would fill the air with colour and life. The sky was a canvas, and they filled it completely."
She smiles, shaking her head. She describes the night's progression with great detail, from the simple rapid-fire explosions of the conventional fireworks to the intricate magecrafted figments, painting scenes from great tales high above.
"But what I remember best of all was his expression," she says. Her eyes seem to wander, as if looking over a book of old memories. "It was the first time he had seen fireworks. He was terrified." she barely supresses a laugh, raising a hand to her mouth. "We teased him relentlessly afterwards. To think that such a giant of a man, who fearlessly wrestled with bears and drakes, would turn to a child when met with something unexpected."
She leans back, looking up at Monolith before her. "I would very much like to go again... When this is all over."
Siraj raises his eyebrows, before turning and letting out a sigh. "There is so much wonder in this world." he says. "So much to be seen, so many tales to tell." he lets out a short laugh. "To think I spent so much of my life staring at the end of a mine shaft."
---
Evi glances down at the campsite, her arms folded. "Perhaps that is a good idea." she says. "But just a quick survey. We don't know what they're capable of, if we get caught."
---
Come the nightfall, Evi and Haig approach the Aegian camps to get a better feel for their layout. They pass undetected, and are able to get a rough map of the area.
There are numerous campsites near a field of ruins deposited in Svarog's travels. Most of these camps are little more than slave pens and military-style tents. There is one, however, which is larger than the rest.
Several things distinguish this campsite from the others, aside from its size: The presence of two larger command tents, a pair of watchtowers and a large armored wagon in the center of the camp. A yurt near the slave pens likely holds the taskmaster in charge of organizing all the slave activity. It is easy to determine this encampment to be the central hub of Aegian activity, and the most likely place to find what you're looking for.
"This place is well fortified, lady." the ghoul says, disconcertedly. "I expect they have the skill-at-arms to match."
He lowers his voice as they approach the camp again. "How should we approach? Do we join the caravan, or attempt to spring him under cover of night? Perhaps we must look to the sorceress for aid..."
Evi folds her arms, contemplating the question.
"We'll accompany Cortez during the day." Evi says. "Perhaps we can get a better look around, and make sure that he's actually here. Before we can free him, we must first identify him."
She looks down at the sand. "And I... cannot actually remember his face." she admits, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. "Though Cortez should be able to help us there."
"I..." Haig begins, taken aback. "Yes, Evi. As you say."
The night is long, stretching for what seems like an eternity. Few of the company gain a good night's sleep, kept awake by warniness and anticipation of the day to come. High above, Svarog's eyes of pale blue glow in the darkness, barely visible beyond the ring of clouds circling his body.
Morning comes without incident. The men mill about as they ready themselves for the day.
"We head down in an hour." Cortez announces to the camp. "Bolivar, ride ahead and announce our arrival. Che and Silvestre will guard the camp. Use the flares if anything happens."
"You heard him." Dimas says, turning to the men. "Don't worry. I'll keep our investment safe."
"Lucia, a word." Cortez says, taking her aside. "I would be cautious in my actions when we arrive at the camp. The Aegians' hatred of spellcasters is no secret. Arcana is forbidden to almost all Aegians, punishable by death. Witch hunts are held with regularity. I see no reason why it would be different here." He pats her on the arm. "Take care not to give them reason for suspicion."
Evi takes a moment to speak to Cortez as the preparations are made. He lets out a small chuckle. "He is one... not so easily forgotten." he says. "You will know him when you see him. I have no doubt of that."
He leaves Evi in silence and goes back to his preparations.
Lucia smiles at Cortez, "There is no need to worry about me, if the need arises for some magic...lets just say I'm very good at being discreet, years spent around the fey taught me that."
"What did the old man say?" the ghoul snarls, over Lucia's shoulder. "If an opportunity arises, we may make our move. Are you with us, sorceress?"
"Cortez just reminded me that the Aegians are not overly fond of my kind of magic, my kind, especially, so I won't be helping much in minor scuffles, unless it's us-or-them I'll just be using more discreet magic where I can. It might be best if we handled this without force, if we could."
The ghoul nods gravely. "I shall try not to speak overmuch." he grunts, turning away. "If the opportunity arises, we may make our move. Be prepared."
After an hour of preparations, Cortez signals to the caravan that it's time to move out.
The caravan reaches the Aegian campsite in a short amount of time. Here, a constant low rumble spreads through the sands, the after effects of the nearby monolith. The campsite itself is set up near a trail of ruins left in Svarog's wake. Already it is a hive of activity, with soldiers marshaling the slaves into groups of three. The brilliant blue of their scales, the mark of Imperial Aegians, is dulled and dirtied from their prolonged stay in the desert, and many of them have exchanged their breastplates for simple hide or leather armors. Each of them bears a bronze armband and shield, both of them bearing the image of a crowned Aegian with snakes for legs.
This sigil is that of the Knights of Abraxas, who once served as the personal guard and task force of the High Chancellor - the second highest authority in Aegia, after the Emperor himself. However, after a political schism in which the Chancellor was found to be consorting with Syrictae shamans, the Knights of Abraxas were officially disbanded and the Chancellor executed. Many of them were absorbed back into the ranks of the Aegian military, but some chose instead to go into exile, serving as mercenaries and fortune hunters under the leadership of Brigadier General Haimon.
You find Bolivar waiting for you near the camel pen, looking rather nervous. Beside him towers a regal-looking Aegian with his helmet tucked under his shield-arm. He cocks his head, appraising the caravan as they approach, and greets them with a snarl. "General Haimon welcomes you, filthy human."
"His welcome is received, lizard scum." Cortez says wtih a smile bowing his head at the Aegian. The Aegian meets Cortez's smile with a toothy grin of his own. "How have things been, lieutenant?"
"Captain now, friend Cortez." the Aegian replies, to which Cortez responds with an impressed eyebrow raise. "Things have been slow." he continues, "Svarog wanders far from civilized land. Coin, treasure, it means nothing until we return to civilisation. There is no comfort to be bought amongst the sands." He lets out a rasp, which might have been a sigh. "Your camels can stay here." He gestures to the camel pen.
The group dismount and lead their camels into the pen, tying them to various posts before rejoining the Captain. "Come, we can talk more in my tent. It is cooler."
The sound of a whip crack pierces the general noise of the camp. Walking through the campsite, the group spy a muscular Imperial Aegian tied to a flogging post, his wrists and ankles shackled, wearing little more than a loincloth. He stands silent and unflinching as he's flogged by a massive brown-scaled Aegian wearing a ragged black executioner's hood. A few soldiers stand by to watch, but for the most part this event seems to be taken by the camp as completely unremarkable.
The group soon reach the Captain's tent, and are greeted by an aura of cool air, emanating from within. The inside of the tent is relatively spartan, with a simple folding screen dividing the sleeping area from the rest, consisting of a simple table and stools. Various bottles sit on the table, and the Captain retrieves one, uncorking it before sniffing its content.
Cortez sits down across from him, and turns the others. "The Captain and I have much to discuss. Most of which, I fear, would be of little interest to you. I'm sure they wouldn't object to you exploring the camp. Isn't that right, Zilenos?"
The Captain only seems to vaguely hear him, focused more on pouring himself a cup of wine. "Hrm? Oh... Yes, as long as they cause no trouble. If you need direction, Sergeant Annas will help you."
Haig doesn't need to be told twice as he ducks out of the tent, pulling away from the caravan and sharing a glance with Evi. "He spoke of the emperor as if he were an old friend, yet he shows no concern for him now." he growls, stopping to curtly ask the quartermaster if he wishes to trade. "I do not know what to make of this man."
Walking away from the wagon, Haig places a hand on Lucia's shoulder, hailing her with a gravelly whisper. "This way."
Haig lopes over to the sparring pit, watching the combat with apparent interest. He paces around the arena until the Slave Pens are in clear view, glancing into the pens to search for any human slaves before approaching the hooded Taskmaster, Evi in tow. "Hail, friend." he says, bowing his head stiffly in greeting, his voice calm, collected, and almost pleasant. "I will take but a moment of your time. My lady wishes to purchase one of your slaves. Will you leave us by?"
Evi folds her arms as they walk from the tent. "Cortez, I think... Is a man who trusts in Takeda's judgement. I think he believes Takeda's slavery is of his own choice, that this fate is self-inflicted. He does not act, because he feels no need to. Cortez, perhaps, has more faith in this man than any of us." Evi is silent for a moment, staring straight ahead. She turns towards Haig for a brief moment. "What's worse, I fear he may be right."
The Taskmaster breaks from barking orders at both slaves and soldiers as Haig addresses him. He is stooped and curled even for an Aegian, but despite this still manages to tower at almost 7ft. His scales are rough and dull brown things, cresting into greyed ridges on his shoulders and elbows, whilst his muscles are thick and knotted. "It's you." the Taskmaster says impatiently. "They said there would be fresh meat." He seems to punctuate the last words with a shake of is head. Only now does he seem to notice Haig's undead nature, appraising him with interest. "Ahaha, very good. Lean, strong, no need for sleep or shade..." Suddenly he stops, realizing that he had been spoken to. "Hurh?" it takes him a moment to process the words. "Our slaves are for digging, not for trading." he grunts. He thinks for a moment before narrowing his eyes, sniffing the air around the ghoul. "Nobody would come this far to buy a slave. What is it you want, creature?" A realization seems to dawn on him, and he starts to laugh - a coarse bellow that sounds more like barking. "I know what it is!" he declares, a wicked grin spreading across his face. He claps his hand together, his tail swishing back and forth as he laughs. The Taskmaster leans in close, his voice a growling whisper. "You want to feed."
Haig hesitates, casting a hateful glare at the ground before turning desperately to Lucia for aid.
"A meal would be fantastic, if you would be so kind," Lucia steps in, "And you're absolutely right, we didn't come this far to buy a slave, we're just here to accompany Cortez on his journey. He assisted us with some matters back in Aldebaran, and asked if we could join him on his journey as some additional protection, so here we are. His business, however, is nothing of our concern, so we were allowed to roam the camp. Some losses of ours were suffered on the way in, and we were hoping to purchase a slave to fill the vacancy, are you sure you couldn't part with one? We have the money for it, I promise you."
Lucia attempts to redirect the conversation, but her explanation isn't the most convincing, as she hesitates before each point, trying to think up a convincing tale.
The Aegian taskmaster picks up on this, his mouth forming into a snarl. "Our slaves are for digging." he repeats. He begins pacing back and forth, appraising the group again, stretching his scourge between his clawed hands. "No, no, I do not believe it. Tchk. I am wrong... this isn't about the monster." His narrowed eyes wander about, appraising you. "You want more. You want one. One, perhaps, one you call by name." he flashes his teeth, a sadistic grin. "One you know... and if you come this far... one of great value." He lets out a hideous, hissing laugh as he tilts his head back, his jaw opening grossly wide. A couple of soldiers look over in your direction, their curiosity piqued.
Evi turns towards Lucia and Haig, whispering. "He's not buying it. Maybe we should back off for now."
"... and have him gloat to his kinsmen over their evening meal? It seems secrecy has failed us, but..." he retorts under his breath as the taskmasker lets out his roaring laugh. He recoils slightly as he meets Evi's gaze. "Lady Evi... you are giving me that look again."
"Very astute, Taskmaster," Lucia says, an irritated look flashing across her face, before she looks away for a second, concentrating, and turning back calmly "you're absolutely right, we are looking for one we know, his value is...questionable, but he is an old friend, and we'd dearly love to have him back, so I'd like you to take us around to look at the slaves, and when we find him, I'd like you to sell him to us nice and cheap, and please," she smiles, "Keep quiet about it"
The Aegian blinks as Lucia's spell takes hold, going cock-eyed for a moment. He shakes his head, as if trying to clear something out of it. "Hrm?" he grunts, sniffing the air. "Oh, er... Guess it never hurts to have a little extra on the side." he shrugs, turning away from you. He snorts, spitting a wad of phlegm into the dust before gesturing for you to follow.
Evi turns towards Lucia, an impressed look on her face. "I know that magic," she says quietly, "But never before have I seen it done so... effortlessly. If it weren't for these eyes, I wouldn't have known you cast a spell at all..." she folds her arms, turning back towards the taskmaster. "I like that." she adds simply, turning her gaze back towards the taskmaster as she walks.
The Taskmaster leads the three to the slave pens. Many of the slaves have already left, accompanied by soldiers, heading to their respective excavation sites.
"We have two dozen slaves at this camp." The Taskmaster says. "I do not know if you will find who you want so easily."
There are currently half a dozen slaves in the pens. Four of them are human, but they are brown-skinned men of the Khaganates. Another is a wiry green Aegian from the jungles, and the last is the tremendous Imperial Aegian who was being flogged earlier.
He growls at the group as they approach, apparently unfazed by his earlier lashing. "Come to gawk at the zoo?" he snarls, his voice deep and menacing. "Cut these bonds and I'll give you a show."
"Silence, Kreios!" the Taskmaster barks, lifting his whip. "Or else you'll get the lash again!"
The Aegian laughs at the threat, rolling his eyes. "O sera, I tremble!" he taunts. "The only thing weaker than your whipping arm is your bladder! Fight me as a man, Jailer, or hold your vile tongue."
"I said silence, cur!" the Taskmaster cracks his whip, striking the prisoner's face between the bars, eliciting a fierce roar from the prisoner. "You won't be laughing when the General gives the order to cut your belly open." the Taskmaster shouts. "Which I suspect will be any day now."
The prisoner grips his bleeding face, staggering away from the bars. The Taskmaster is fuming now, ready to lash out at anyone who bothers him. He turns towards the group, a maddened look in his eye. His nostril twitches as he regards them.
"I grow weary of this." he says agitatedly. "You have my permission to roam the excavation sites. I will be in my quarters when, and if, you find what you search for."
Without another word he turns and walks off without so much as a 'by-your-leave'.
Haig cannot suppress a grin at the Aegian's spirit. "You there, Kreios!" he barks, meeting his gaze unflinching. He looses his shortsword in it's sheath and motions at his bonds. "There are things that we wish to know. Answer us and you may well have your wish."
The prisoner glances in Haig's direction as he hears his name called. He staggers towards the bars of the slave pen - more cage than pen - looking through at the ghoul. Blood trickles down his maw from where the lash broke skin, his nose twitching slightly as if from pain or irritation.
He leans against the bars, breathing heavily as he stares at Haig with deep-set, yellow eyes.
"Is there truth in those words?" he says tiredly. "I would give you anything, even my life in service, would you free me from these place."
He pushes away from the bars, taking two steps back. "But you cannot do that." he snorts. "The Knights of Abraxas are too cunning. Too wise. I should know."
"What is it that makes you doubt us so?" the ghoul growls. "I know what it is like to be a warrior caged.." he says as an aside to Evi. "What do you know of these Knights of Abraxas?"
He turns his gaze back onto the Aegian, eyeing him appraisingly. "We seek a man from the East. A man named Katsuyori Takeda. How long have you been prisoner here?"
Evi shakes her head, a contemplative look on her face. "I know very little of Gracia and Aegia." she says earnestly. "It is my first time in these lands. Perhaps Lucia would know." She glances over to the enchantress, hoping for her to add something to the discussion.
"I make no judgements of your skill, for I know you not." the prisoner says, turning his head away as he speaks.
"The Knights of Abraxas, however, I know all too well." His voice seems to carry some emotion behind it, beyond resentment. Familiarity, or perhaps even respect. "I know their skill, their valour, their wit. Men hand-picked by the High Chancellor to serve as his elite guard. Men who I have shed blood for, and who have given the same for me. My battle-brothers."
The Aegian is silent for a moment, lost in the memories of the past.
"Two months I have been prisoner." he says, his eyes turned back the the group once more. "Two months too long. Win me my freedom, and I'll tell you everything that I know."
"" he barks, eyes narrowed and voice curt and uncaring. "If he is not here, if our trail goes cold, then everything has been for naught." he says to nobody in particular, frustration clear in his voice. "We shall not stay in these lands any longer than we have to. Your elite guard shall not stop us in our pursuit. If you have a use for us, we shall win you your freedom, but I shall know if you lie."
"Haig, not so loud. You draw attention to us." Evi says, shooting a backwards glance at the soldiers milling about.
The prisoner snorts indignantly. "Listen to the little one, ghul." he growls. "If you speak of the man I think you do, then yes. I do know of him. And it means you will need my knowledge." the Aegian's eyes flicker past you, towards a pair of approaching Knights. "No more talk now." he says, wearing a displeased expression. "Your performance has drawn the guard."
Lucia makes a dramatic show of rolling her eyes at Haig, making it clear that this isn't the first time he's had an outburst. She'll turn and take a couple of steps toward the guard, "Please excuse my friend, the heat's gone to his head, and he's been blessed with a short temper", she says wearily, as though it's the thousandth time she's had to make the excuse; "I'll make sure he stops disturbing everyone, we're very sorry."
One of the Aegians nods understandingly. "This heat gets to us all." he says, simply. "When you are in our camp, you obey our rules. Outsiders do not talk to the slaves. Especially a traitor like this scum." he spits into the dirt, glaring across at Kreios.
He seems content to leave it at that, but his companion is a little more skeptical, narrowing his eyes at Lucia's ruse. He stops his companion as the Knight turns to leave, directing attention back towards the three companions.
"I heard you asking questions to the blackblood." the Aegian growls menacingly, hand resting on the hilt of his axe. "You are up to no good, human. You three are coming with us."
The Aegians draw their axes, and walk towards you.
Lucia's shoulders slump as she sighs, looking back at the group to see their decision.
"No." he says. "You are right, the heat of this country causes me much discomfort." he states, woodenly. "I asked nothing of the wretch. We were merely on our way to the shade stables to feed and water our horses when the wretch accosted us. It seems he needs another whipping. You lizardfolk treat him too gently."
He turns to Kreios. "You will address the lady Evi with proper courtesy. Let this be a lesson to you." he says, snarling. If the guards turn away or are otherwise distracted, he will add. "...and do not call me ghul."
"Oho?" Kreios smirks at the debacle, obviously amused by the events.
"Truth?" the Knight asks, glancing over at the slave pens.
Kreios snarls as the soldiers turn towards the him, shouting curses and expletives at Haig in both the common and old tongues. He makes quite the show of it, spitting and gnashing his teeth like a feral beast. The skeptical knight shakes his head, letting out an exasperated breath.
"Take this as a warning, then. We will make sure he does not bother anyone else. Next time, do not rise to his provocations." the Knight gives you a nod. "Follow the rules and you will have no trouble. You best be on your way."
The Knight turns away, his voice drifting off as his attentions move to the prisoner. "...Kreios, Kreois, has captivity made an animal of you so soon? Sellos, fetch some boxes. I have a feeling it will be a long day..."
Evi turns towards Haig, her arms folded. "This one seems to be more prisoner than slave. Even with Lucia's influence, I don't think they would be willing to let us barter for him." she thinks for a moment, shaking her head. "I'm not sure what we can do, save try to break him out under cover of night. Perhaps we should ask around."
Lucia looks quizzically at Evi and Haig, "I don't see why this had to be such a big deal, wouldn't you know him by sight? Just look for the man and we can get all of this over and done with, my spell doesn't last forever, and once it wears off he'll know what I've done to him. I don't have the strength to banter us out of that sort of trouble;" Lucia grins mischievously, "normally I wouldn't give a damn and I'd have fun causing mayhem, but I can always run to safety, I can't promise the same for everyone else. This needs to be dealt with, and we've got just shy of nine hours do it"