Confrontations
Summer 373 – Tenni, assistant to the Witch of Sandport
Today the militia arrived. The young men and women who survived their skirmish with the Drow raiders were heralded as heroes. As the column marched down the road, they were met by the Lord's General to receive a commendation and were each awarded a small sum for their efforts.
While the cheering was going on, I stood next to Ria, helping to tend the wounded. We worked in a shack too small to fit the two dozen or so who survived long enough to get proper treatment. Many would pray for scars to be the only thing they'd have left from the fighting. Two lost a hand. I soaked bandages in healing poultice or made the painkillers she needed. After the crowd died down, the Lord General visited us once.
He is a tall man with a face pressed into a constant sneer, as if he believes the world owes him a golden path to walk on. His armor is pristine and emblazoned with the great tree of the Lord of Nightrivers. Gold earrings hang from both ears, a sign of the wealth his position has afforded him. I ignore his presence to crush more herbs for the poultice. No sooner does he walk in than does he speak too boldly, “The Lord thanks you all for your service. The sacrifices you made shall not be forgotten.”
“Sir, can you please be quiet?” Ria asks sternly. She is a soft spoken woman at all but the most desperate times. Now, her voice is as cold as the General's heart. The pair exchange a momentary visual deadlock and the General simply bows his head before leaving. Several patients offer their sincerest thanks to her in hushed tones. We save who we can with as little lost as possible.
Leaving the soldiers to rest with their comrades on silent vigil, we return to Ria's home. The giant tree has not sprouted a single leaf in my tenure here. No sooner than we return than Ria tells me, “You should begin packing, now.”
“Are you getting rid of me?” I ask in a quavering voice. Ria has become a good friend but is someone I can never tell what she's thinking. She can be quite aloof at times or incredibly insightful at others. I take her pale fingers and intertwine them with mine, “If I've given you cause to be upset at me, please give me another chance.”
Her soft lips stretch into a tender smile as she gently strokes the top of my head. I bury my face in her woolen dress. She speaks softly, “No, in fact, I'm the one who should be begging for forgiveness. I did my reading this morning. Your time has come.” Wiping away my tears, I think for a moment. It has been so long, I've nearly forgotten why I came here in the first place.
She guides me to my chair where a tome I'd been immersed in lays open. Kneeling down so our faces meet each other, she explains, “Tishrel will be here soon. Then, you two will be able to pursue the one who laid waste to your life before you came here. I held you up a full day to help me with the injuries because I am so selfish.”
“You're not selfish,” I beat back my quickly drying tears. The time had come? All at once the memories of my past came flooding back. My failed duty and lost home. And that strange looking mercenary was close?
Pressing a kiss to my forehead, Ria said softly, “Now, go upstairs and get packed. I expect you to show him how nasty an assistant to a Witch of the Wood can get. Then, come back to me and we'll see about having you initiated as one yourself.” I could only stare at the woman in disbelief. I had held no ideas about being named a Witch myself. I was no Elf and shared no connection to the land like they did. I was content to simply sit by her side and help where I could.
By the time I had gathered the clothing and supplies for a short trip, a knock came on my door. Opening it up, Tishrel slipped her arms under mine and lifted me into the air. She kissed me on my nose, forehead, cheeks before ending on my lips. I could only cling to her during our embrace. Setting me down, she cleared her throat before saying, “Sorry, that was just a long voyage this time. I missed you immensely.”
“As I did miss you,” I smile feeling my cheeks burn pleasantly. Due to our greetings and pleasantries, we didn't end up departing till the next morning. Ria told us over breakfast of an island that was southwest of the village. It'd appeared practically overnight.
Tishrel added, “Right, rumor is a Dragon was seen there so the General is being dispatched to see if it's feral and needs to be put down or can be an ally.”
“An ally? A dragon?” I stuttered around my toasted bread with mintberry jam. Dragons were the subject of much speculation in many tomes. They're a symbol of power and destruction to most due to their sheer size. Countless bar stories exist of great heroes facing the beasts and slaying them and Bards love to claim they can charm them.
Ria shrugged, “It's not unheard of. It's one of the differences between a Dragon and a Wyvren. A dragon is intelligent, or so they say. Still, no matter how strong something is, it's not invincible.” As we cleaned up from our meal, we said our farewells. Well wishes passed between us and Tishrel walked with me to the dock. Ria had secured us a small fishing boat with a single mast. It wouldn't do much on a stormy sea but it would be enough to reach the island.
Under the morning sun, I used Rian's hand to push our small ship towards our destination. Even so, it took us a whole day of sailing till the island came into view. It was beautiful with white sands up against the blue-green sea. A dense jungle sat further back from the shore. After landing our ship, I saw Tishrel remove a bow and a curved longsword from under a pile of supplies. I looked from her to the weapons. She sighed, “I figured it didn't hurt to be prepared. I'm not risking my sweet pea by being unarmed.”
“Alright,” I blushed at her silly nickname for me because of my green skin. As we approached the jungle, I noticed something rise above the trees. It was an edifice with wooden walls and a blue tiled roof. With an incantation, I caused the jungle to form a path for us. Surfaced roots sunk and branches twisted out of our way.
Letting out a gasp of surprise, Tishrel giggled, “My sweet pea is a real witch, isn't she?”
“No, I'm nothing special,” I said as the spell finished off. When Tishrel planted a kiss on my cheek I nearly lost the spell. Stepping away, I tried not to think about the beautiful elven woman behind me. Hoots, cackles and screeches filled the air. This place was untamed but why was the building here? The question burned and I needed to know.
Stepping under a branch that just refused to bend to my spell, I stepped out into a clearing. As the trees wouldn't reach the beach, they wouldn't grow closer to the tall building. A wall as high as Tishrel was tall rose overhead. It's white stone surface was broken up for a wooden gate. Pushing a hand against the double doors, I found it opened easily.
Beyond was a neatly trimmed courtyard. The base of the building was made of stone cemented together while the upper floors were wooden. Tishrel asked, “Should we knock?”
“I-I suppose,” I stumbled trying to recall what I could of that mercenary. No sooner had we approached the main gate than the doors parted. Inside was a man taller than Tishrel with pale skin and black scales. Two leathery wings extended from his back. What was most striking was the bright red hair that poured over his effeminate face.
Tilting his head to the side, the man asked, “Can I help you?”
“Um,” I hesitated for an instant to calm myself. Sucking in a breath, I recalled all those years of regal mannerisms. Summoning up my most noble voice I announced, “I am Tenni. I'm here looking for a mercenary. He looks like you with four wings.”
“Ah, you're here to speak with Ru'Sala. Please, this way,” The man nodded. He ushered us into the narrow hall with white sheets on either side. We reached a stairwell at the back with steps obviously intended for someone of much longer legs than me. It was an effort to ascend but we luckily only moved up to the second floor.
Our guide lead us to another narrow hall. Pressing on the side of the white sheets, it slid to the side easily. I realized then that the screens were doors! In the room was a Library, much like Ria's own. Only, this one didn't have the scent of old books and fire. The place seemed pristine. Seated at a desk appropriate for his size was the mercenary I'd met all those years ago. He seemed absorbed in the tome he was reading.
“Ru'Sala, you have guests,” Our guide announced.
“Ah, sorry.” He apologized setting the book down on its open pages, “How can I help you?”
In that moment, my mind raced. Should I attack? Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Tishrel's hand tighten on her sword's grip. Yet, she didn't move. Instead, she was watching me for what to do. What could I do? Blow him out of the room? What about this other one? How powerful could he be? Could he kill Tishrel before I could restrain him? My mind raced trying to peel away a possible scenario where we could win.
Suppressing my tears, I blurted out, “We came to warn you. The Lord's General from Nightrivers will be coming soon.” I nearly collapsed at that. Shocked at my own unwillingness to attack him, my shoulders drooped in exhaustion.
“I understand. Thank you for the warning. As payment, I'll open my kitchen to you. I'm sorry to impose on you, kind elf. But, could you show my mate how to make a cup of Elvish tea?” Ru'Sala asked of Tishrel. She looked at me pleadingly and I gave her a nod. With that, I could hear Tishrel walk downstairs with the other. I'd not risk losing sight of this 'Ru'Sala' this time. No sooner did their creaking steps vanish than Ru'Sala pointed out, “You just lied to me.”
It was like a slap in the face when he said it. There was no doubt in his voice, he simply knew it. Motioning for me to come closer, he said, “Now, tell me why you really came here.” I related the events and my original motive for coming here. About half way through my story, Tishrel arrived with the man and some tea. Something sweet had been added.
As I finished, Ru'Sala smiled to me. He said simply, “I'll let your take your revenge still. Come, let's go to the beach.” So, the four of us departed from the castle. Returning to the white sands, I looked from Ru'Sala to our guide. With a soft smile Ru'Sala assured me, “Don't worry. Uk'Shiu won't interfere. He's just curious.”
We then stood across from one another. I began the chant and Ru'Sala simply stood there. I could barely contain my grin as the sands whirled up around him. Enclosing him in a small sandstorm that would rip the flesh from his bones, I kept it whirling around. Then, the spell started to struggle. The sand wouldn't move any faster.
Urging it on, I focused more of my power to make the sand dance faster. I could picture it in my mind. I'd make it spin fast enough, and then just a flicker of fire. He'd be ripped and burned in a tormenting inferno. Yet, it didn't heed my will. Try as I might, the spell just kept weakening and soon only Ru'Sala stood before me just as I had begun.
Changing invocation, I formed Rian's hands. Ru'Sala rushed forward, picking me up by the throat. His hand easily choked the air from my throat. He pulled me close and growled, “You're far too slow and ignorant to kill me.”
Ignorant? The word burned in my mind. I was ignorant? After all my time studying and researching? I, was ignorant?
His grip loosened so I landed hard on the sand. Tishrel rushed to my side and made sure I was breathing. She went to swing her sword but halted as Ru'Sala growled, “That's enough!” His fierce words stilled us both. He then sat down with his legs crossed as Tishrel cradled my head against her lap. I failed to hold back my tears.
“You've got a lot of potential, Tenni. But, you don't even understand how your magic works. You're like a lot of mages, you seek more power without knowing where it comes from. You probably think that is a 'sandstorm' spell, don't you?” Ru'Sala explained his comment, “It's not. Your power isn't over sand, it's the wind. All I did was dampen your winds to slow them down.”
“And, how am I slow?” I asked between shuddering breaths.
“You're having to invoke the spells verbally. That takes too long. If someone just cuts you off before you can finish, all that power is useless,” Ru'Sala said bluntly. Letting out a sigh, he then asked, “Would you two be willing to help me?”
“Help you?” Tishrel snarled, “You abuse Tenni, belittle her and then have the audacity to ask a favor of us?”
“I am a mercenary, I don't expect you to help for free. I'll give each of you twelve gold coins of Drow Imperial if you two can escort my mate to Nightrivers. If what you say is true, I'd like him to learn a bit about diplomacy,” Ru'Sala explained. I couldn't help but laugh, my voice cracking. The last time we met he made me a deal for gold.
I had every reason to refuse his request. Yet, I recalled that he had been true to his word to me. Through my sobbing laughter, I said, “You have a deal. So long as it's twenty.”
“You drive a hard bargain, great sorceress,” Ru'Sala teased me, “Uk'Shiu, go get their payment and some for yourself from the basement. I'd suggest leaving with the afternoon tides.” I could hear Uk'Shiu's footsteps vanish into the jungle.
Sitting up, I wiped the final tears from my cheeks. Ru'Sala's yellow eyes met my own. He gave me a smile that revealed his mouthful of fangs. I giggled, “Why are you smiling like that?”
“You two make a cute couple is all,” Ru'Sala commented as he stood up. We spent the afternoon restocking from Ru'Sala's kitchen since he opened it to us and then departed. As I write this, Uk'Shiu rows our small ship tirelessly while Tishrel steers the rudder.
Summer 373
We finally arrived at Nightrivers, just ahead of the General's forces. The whole city is talking about the rumors of a Dragon being brought down by the General. Some claim he has only the head of Ru'Sala to present. Others say he had the Dragon flayed and is coming to declare a crusade against all their kind. Despite this, Uk'Shiu ignores much of it. To hide his identity, Uk'Shiu wears a large robe and hunches over as he walks. As I wonder aloud about the rumors, he tells me that he would know if Ru'Sala was truly harmed or in danger. Perhaps some special dragon power binds the two?
I have always stood stunned at the Elven love of naming things almost literally. The city of Nightrivers sits beneath a tree that takes up an entire island in the middle of a lake. It's leaves are so dense it always seems to be night on the lake and rivers it reaches. Small, luminous flowers float on the surface so it still seems bright despite the darkness.
Almost every building is connected by wooden piers that rise up from the lakebed. The city is populous enough I decide to ride upon Tishrel's shoulder. It is better than being lost among the crowds and enables me to see as much of this place as possible. I had heard stories about Nightriver's beauty but it was amazing to see it in person.
We hurried to the central square when we heard that was where the Lord would meet with the General. The Lord of Nightrivers sat on a raised platform with a second one for the General and his quarry had been erected. The crowd of onlookers pushed and tried to cram in on the stone plaza. Guards held the citizens back but nearly lost control when the General arrived.
Seven guards held restraining collars on the heavily chained Ru'Sala. Despite this, he walked upright, seeming almost to drag his captives along rather than being secured. Stepping up onto the platform, the General boomed, “My Lord! I bring you the Dragon who would dare encroach upon our territory! He stands charged with claiming our lands as his own. Building a castle without permission and the taking of the fruits of your domain. How would you respond?” More than a few in the crowd shouted obscenities at Ru'Sala.
“Before that,” The Lord rose to stand. His thin form hidden beneath the robe he wore. He asked, “What are your duties as General of my forces?”
“To protect my Lord and his people from all threats, within and without,” The General answered.
Raising an accusing finger, the Lord announced, “Then you have failed in your duty! If our guest would be so kind as to demonstrate.” I felt a familiar chill run down my spine. One I hadn't truly felt in years. A sudden burst of magic formed five sharp shafts of ice above Ru'Sala. Four launched themselves towards the lord to sink into the throne. The fifth, struck between the General's legs, causing him to stumble backwards.
“Release him.” The Lord ordered. Terrified, the soldiers undid his restraints and quickly backed off the platform. Bowing at the waist, the Lord said, “I apologize for any discomfort in bringing you here. Yet, you do stand accused of some serious crimes.”
“Lord of Nightrivers, I am a mercenary. If you would like, name a task and I shall accomplish it. In exchange, I will request that my islands be named my own,” Ru'Sala offered with his arms spread wide.
“Very well, before all my people here, I charge you with one task.” The Lord smiled, “Defeat the self styled 'Lich Lord' to the East. If you do, I shall name you a Noble in my court and you shall be given status fitting such a title. You have half a year to do so. If you flee, we shall have you hunted down.”
“And if you shall default on payment, I shall see this great tree shed every leaf and die,” Ru'Sala responded over the crowd. Turning on his heel, Ru'Sala stepped off the platform. Soldier and citizen alike gave him a wide berth as he left the plaza. The dragon turned off a pier to begin walking along the lake's surface back towards the way he'd been brought. We followed him, waiting until no one was around before approaching.
Uk'Shiu began to fuss over him, checking for scratches or wounds. The image made me giggle at how many times I'd seen Tishrel do the same over me or Ria. Ru'Sala assured his mate with a kiss before looking to us. He extended a hand saying, “Thank you. If you'd like to come along, I'm sure there'll be more opportunities for you both. If not, it has been great working with you.”
“I'm interested to see more. Especially of that magic of yours. So, I'd like to tag along, how about you, Tishrel?” I said taking his larger hand with both of my own.
Wrapping her arms around me, Tishrel said, “Wherever you go, I do, sweet pea.”
Today the militia arrived. The young men and women who survived their skirmish with the Drow raiders were heralded as heroes. As the column marched down the road, they were met by the Lord's General to receive a commendation and were each awarded a small sum for their efforts.
While the cheering was going on, I stood next to Ria, helping to tend the wounded. We worked in a shack too small to fit the two dozen or so who survived long enough to get proper treatment. Many would pray for scars to be the only thing they'd have left from the fighting. Two lost a hand. I soaked bandages in healing poultice or made the painkillers she needed. After the crowd died down, the Lord General visited us once.
He is a tall man with a face pressed into a constant sneer, as if he believes the world owes him a golden path to walk on. His armor is pristine and emblazoned with the great tree of the Lord of Nightrivers. Gold earrings hang from both ears, a sign of the wealth his position has afforded him. I ignore his presence to crush more herbs for the poultice. No sooner does he walk in than does he speak too boldly, “The Lord thanks you all for your service. The sacrifices you made shall not be forgotten.”
“Sir, can you please be quiet?” Ria asks sternly. She is a soft spoken woman at all but the most desperate times. Now, her voice is as cold as the General's heart. The pair exchange a momentary visual deadlock and the General simply bows his head before leaving. Several patients offer their sincerest thanks to her in hushed tones. We save who we can with as little lost as possible.
Leaving the soldiers to rest with their comrades on silent vigil, we return to Ria's home. The giant tree has not sprouted a single leaf in my tenure here. No sooner than we return than Ria tells me, “You should begin packing, now.”
“Are you getting rid of me?” I ask in a quavering voice. Ria has become a good friend but is someone I can never tell what she's thinking. She can be quite aloof at times or incredibly insightful at others. I take her pale fingers and intertwine them with mine, “If I've given you cause to be upset at me, please give me another chance.”
Her soft lips stretch into a tender smile as she gently strokes the top of my head. I bury my face in her woolen dress. She speaks softly, “No, in fact, I'm the one who should be begging for forgiveness. I did my reading this morning. Your time has come.” Wiping away my tears, I think for a moment. It has been so long, I've nearly forgotten why I came here in the first place.
She guides me to my chair where a tome I'd been immersed in lays open. Kneeling down so our faces meet each other, she explains, “Tishrel will be here soon. Then, you two will be able to pursue the one who laid waste to your life before you came here. I held you up a full day to help me with the injuries because I am so selfish.”
“You're not selfish,” I beat back my quickly drying tears. The time had come? All at once the memories of my past came flooding back. My failed duty and lost home. And that strange looking mercenary was close?
Pressing a kiss to my forehead, Ria said softly, “Now, go upstairs and get packed. I expect you to show him how nasty an assistant to a Witch of the Wood can get. Then, come back to me and we'll see about having you initiated as one yourself.” I could only stare at the woman in disbelief. I had held no ideas about being named a Witch myself. I was no Elf and shared no connection to the land like they did. I was content to simply sit by her side and help where I could.
By the time I had gathered the clothing and supplies for a short trip, a knock came on my door. Opening it up, Tishrel slipped her arms under mine and lifted me into the air. She kissed me on my nose, forehead, cheeks before ending on my lips. I could only cling to her during our embrace. Setting me down, she cleared her throat before saying, “Sorry, that was just a long voyage this time. I missed you immensely.”
“As I did miss you,” I smile feeling my cheeks burn pleasantly. Due to our greetings and pleasantries, we didn't end up departing till the next morning. Ria told us over breakfast of an island that was southwest of the village. It'd appeared practically overnight.
Tishrel added, “Right, rumor is a Dragon was seen there so the General is being dispatched to see if it's feral and needs to be put down or can be an ally.”
“An ally? A dragon?” I stuttered around my toasted bread with mintberry jam. Dragons were the subject of much speculation in many tomes. They're a symbol of power and destruction to most due to their sheer size. Countless bar stories exist of great heroes facing the beasts and slaying them and Bards love to claim they can charm them.
Ria shrugged, “It's not unheard of. It's one of the differences between a Dragon and a Wyvren. A dragon is intelligent, or so they say. Still, no matter how strong something is, it's not invincible.” As we cleaned up from our meal, we said our farewells. Well wishes passed between us and Tishrel walked with me to the dock. Ria had secured us a small fishing boat with a single mast. It wouldn't do much on a stormy sea but it would be enough to reach the island.
Under the morning sun, I used Rian's hand to push our small ship towards our destination. Even so, it took us a whole day of sailing till the island came into view. It was beautiful with white sands up against the blue-green sea. A dense jungle sat further back from the shore. After landing our ship, I saw Tishrel remove a bow and a curved longsword from under a pile of supplies. I looked from her to the weapons. She sighed, “I figured it didn't hurt to be prepared. I'm not risking my sweet pea by being unarmed.”
“Alright,” I blushed at her silly nickname for me because of my green skin. As we approached the jungle, I noticed something rise above the trees. It was an edifice with wooden walls and a blue tiled roof. With an incantation, I caused the jungle to form a path for us. Surfaced roots sunk and branches twisted out of our way.
Letting out a gasp of surprise, Tishrel giggled, “My sweet pea is a real witch, isn't she?”
“No, I'm nothing special,” I said as the spell finished off. When Tishrel planted a kiss on my cheek I nearly lost the spell. Stepping away, I tried not to think about the beautiful elven woman behind me. Hoots, cackles and screeches filled the air. This place was untamed but why was the building here? The question burned and I needed to know.
Stepping under a branch that just refused to bend to my spell, I stepped out into a clearing. As the trees wouldn't reach the beach, they wouldn't grow closer to the tall building. A wall as high as Tishrel was tall rose overhead. It's white stone surface was broken up for a wooden gate. Pushing a hand against the double doors, I found it opened easily.
Beyond was a neatly trimmed courtyard. The base of the building was made of stone cemented together while the upper floors were wooden. Tishrel asked, “Should we knock?”
“I-I suppose,” I stumbled trying to recall what I could of that mercenary. No sooner had we approached the main gate than the doors parted. Inside was a man taller than Tishrel with pale skin and black scales. Two leathery wings extended from his back. What was most striking was the bright red hair that poured over his effeminate face.
Tilting his head to the side, the man asked, “Can I help you?”
“Um,” I hesitated for an instant to calm myself. Sucking in a breath, I recalled all those years of regal mannerisms. Summoning up my most noble voice I announced, “I am Tenni. I'm here looking for a mercenary. He looks like you with four wings.”
“Ah, you're here to speak with Ru'Sala. Please, this way,” The man nodded. He ushered us into the narrow hall with white sheets on either side. We reached a stairwell at the back with steps obviously intended for someone of much longer legs than me. It was an effort to ascend but we luckily only moved up to the second floor.
Our guide lead us to another narrow hall. Pressing on the side of the white sheets, it slid to the side easily. I realized then that the screens were doors! In the room was a Library, much like Ria's own. Only, this one didn't have the scent of old books and fire. The place seemed pristine. Seated at a desk appropriate for his size was the mercenary I'd met all those years ago. He seemed absorbed in the tome he was reading.
“Ru'Sala, you have guests,” Our guide announced.
“Ah, sorry.” He apologized setting the book down on its open pages, “How can I help you?”
In that moment, my mind raced. Should I attack? Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Tishrel's hand tighten on her sword's grip. Yet, she didn't move. Instead, she was watching me for what to do. What could I do? Blow him out of the room? What about this other one? How powerful could he be? Could he kill Tishrel before I could restrain him? My mind raced trying to peel away a possible scenario where we could win.
Suppressing my tears, I blurted out, “We came to warn you. The Lord's General from Nightrivers will be coming soon.” I nearly collapsed at that. Shocked at my own unwillingness to attack him, my shoulders drooped in exhaustion.
“I understand. Thank you for the warning. As payment, I'll open my kitchen to you. I'm sorry to impose on you, kind elf. But, could you show my mate how to make a cup of Elvish tea?” Ru'Sala asked of Tishrel. She looked at me pleadingly and I gave her a nod. With that, I could hear Tishrel walk downstairs with the other. I'd not risk losing sight of this 'Ru'Sala' this time. No sooner did their creaking steps vanish than Ru'Sala pointed out, “You just lied to me.”
It was like a slap in the face when he said it. There was no doubt in his voice, he simply knew it. Motioning for me to come closer, he said, “Now, tell me why you really came here.” I related the events and my original motive for coming here. About half way through my story, Tishrel arrived with the man and some tea. Something sweet had been added.
As I finished, Ru'Sala smiled to me. He said simply, “I'll let your take your revenge still. Come, let's go to the beach.” So, the four of us departed from the castle. Returning to the white sands, I looked from Ru'Sala to our guide. With a soft smile Ru'Sala assured me, “Don't worry. Uk'Shiu won't interfere. He's just curious.”
We then stood across from one another. I began the chant and Ru'Sala simply stood there. I could barely contain my grin as the sands whirled up around him. Enclosing him in a small sandstorm that would rip the flesh from his bones, I kept it whirling around. Then, the spell started to struggle. The sand wouldn't move any faster.
Urging it on, I focused more of my power to make the sand dance faster. I could picture it in my mind. I'd make it spin fast enough, and then just a flicker of fire. He'd be ripped and burned in a tormenting inferno. Yet, it didn't heed my will. Try as I might, the spell just kept weakening and soon only Ru'Sala stood before me just as I had begun.
Changing invocation, I formed Rian's hands. Ru'Sala rushed forward, picking me up by the throat. His hand easily choked the air from my throat. He pulled me close and growled, “You're far too slow and ignorant to kill me.”
Ignorant? The word burned in my mind. I was ignorant? After all my time studying and researching? I, was ignorant?
His grip loosened so I landed hard on the sand. Tishrel rushed to my side and made sure I was breathing. She went to swing her sword but halted as Ru'Sala growled, “That's enough!” His fierce words stilled us both. He then sat down with his legs crossed as Tishrel cradled my head against her lap. I failed to hold back my tears.
“You've got a lot of potential, Tenni. But, you don't even understand how your magic works. You're like a lot of mages, you seek more power without knowing where it comes from. You probably think that is a 'sandstorm' spell, don't you?” Ru'Sala explained his comment, “It's not. Your power isn't over sand, it's the wind. All I did was dampen your winds to slow them down.”
“And, how am I slow?” I asked between shuddering breaths.
“You're having to invoke the spells verbally. That takes too long. If someone just cuts you off before you can finish, all that power is useless,” Ru'Sala said bluntly. Letting out a sigh, he then asked, “Would you two be willing to help me?”
“Help you?” Tishrel snarled, “You abuse Tenni, belittle her and then have the audacity to ask a favor of us?”
“I am a mercenary, I don't expect you to help for free. I'll give each of you twelve gold coins of Drow Imperial if you two can escort my mate to Nightrivers. If what you say is true, I'd like him to learn a bit about diplomacy,” Ru'Sala explained. I couldn't help but laugh, my voice cracking. The last time we met he made me a deal for gold.
I had every reason to refuse his request. Yet, I recalled that he had been true to his word to me. Through my sobbing laughter, I said, “You have a deal. So long as it's twenty.”
“You drive a hard bargain, great sorceress,” Ru'Sala teased me, “Uk'Shiu, go get their payment and some for yourself from the basement. I'd suggest leaving with the afternoon tides.” I could hear Uk'Shiu's footsteps vanish into the jungle.
Sitting up, I wiped the final tears from my cheeks. Ru'Sala's yellow eyes met my own. He gave me a smile that revealed his mouthful of fangs. I giggled, “Why are you smiling like that?”
“You two make a cute couple is all,” Ru'Sala commented as he stood up. We spent the afternoon restocking from Ru'Sala's kitchen since he opened it to us and then departed. As I write this, Uk'Shiu rows our small ship tirelessly while Tishrel steers the rudder.
Summer 373
We finally arrived at Nightrivers, just ahead of the General's forces. The whole city is talking about the rumors of a Dragon being brought down by the General. Some claim he has only the head of Ru'Sala to present. Others say he had the Dragon flayed and is coming to declare a crusade against all their kind. Despite this, Uk'Shiu ignores much of it. To hide his identity, Uk'Shiu wears a large robe and hunches over as he walks. As I wonder aloud about the rumors, he tells me that he would know if Ru'Sala was truly harmed or in danger. Perhaps some special dragon power binds the two?
I have always stood stunned at the Elven love of naming things almost literally. The city of Nightrivers sits beneath a tree that takes up an entire island in the middle of a lake. It's leaves are so dense it always seems to be night on the lake and rivers it reaches. Small, luminous flowers float on the surface so it still seems bright despite the darkness.
Almost every building is connected by wooden piers that rise up from the lakebed. The city is populous enough I decide to ride upon Tishrel's shoulder. It is better than being lost among the crowds and enables me to see as much of this place as possible. I had heard stories about Nightriver's beauty but it was amazing to see it in person.
We hurried to the central square when we heard that was where the Lord would meet with the General. The Lord of Nightrivers sat on a raised platform with a second one for the General and his quarry had been erected. The crowd of onlookers pushed and tried to cram in on the stone plaza. Guards held the citizens back but nearly lost control when the General arrived.
Seven guards held restraining collars on the heavily chained Ru'Sala. Despite this, he walked upright, seeming almost to drag his captives along rather than being secured. Stepping up onto the platform, the General boomed, “My Lord! I bring you the Dragon who would dare encroach upon our territory! He stands charged with claiming our lands as his own. Building a castle without permission and the taking of the fruits of your domain. How would you respond?” More than a few in the crowd shouted obscenities at Ru'Sala.
“Before that,” The Lord rose to stand. His thin form hidden beneath the robe he wore. He asked, “What are your duties as General of my forces?”
“To protect my Lord and his people from all threats, within and without,” The General answered.
Raising an accusing finger, the Lord announced, “Then you have failed in your duty! If our guest would be so kind as to demonstrate.” I felt a familiar chill run down my spine. One I hadn't truly felt in years. A sudden burst of magic formed five sharp shafts of ice above Ru'Sala. Four launched themselves towards the lord to sink into the throne. The fifth, struck between the General's legs, causing him to stumble backwards.
“Release him.” The Lord ordered. Terrified, the soldiers undid his restraints and quickly backed off the platform. Bowing at the waist, the Lord said, “I apologize for any discomfort in bringing you here. Yet, you do stand accused of some serious crimes.”
“Lord of Nightrivers, I am a mercenary. If you would like, name a task and I shall accomplish it. In exchange, I will request that my islands be named my own,” Ru'Sala offered with his arms spread wide.
“Very well, before all my people here, I charge you with one task.” The Lord smiled, “Defeat the self styled 'Lich Lord' to the East. If you do, I shall name you a Noble in my court and you shall be given status fitting such a title. You have half a year to do so. If you flee, we shall have you hunted down.”
“And if you shall default on payment, I shall see this great tree shed every leaf and die,” Ru'Sala responded over the crowd. Turning on his heel, Ru'Sala stepped off the platform. Soldier and citizen alike gave him a wide berth as he left the plaza. The dragon turned off a pier to begin walking along the lake's surface back towards the way he'd been brought. We followed him, waiting until no one was around before approaching.
Uk'Shiu began to fuss over him, checking for scratches or wounds. The image made me giggle at how many times I'd seen Tishrel do the same over me or Ria. Ru'Sala assured his mate with a kiss before looking to us. He extended a hand saying, “Thank you. If you'd like to come along, I'm sure there'll be more opportunities for you both. If not, it has been great working with you.”
“I'm interested to see more. Especially of that magic of yours. So, I'd like to tag along, how about you, Tishrel?” I said taking his larger hand with both of my own.
Wrapping her arms around me, Tishrel said, “Wherever you go, I do, sweet pea.”