Chapter 53

Year 163 – Fall – Quintus Mensis – 24th day

Avem, town of House Kalator, land of the Vale

A substance was flowing down his skin like droplets on a rainy day. His rough breathing was interrupted by a perpetual echo. His feet were submerged in a pool of foul waste. Turning dizzy from his own pestilence, he barely batted an eye when the door opened.

A stray of light came down to the jail. Blinded by the sunlight, the hovering dust felt invisible to his sight as he raised his head towards the entrance.

Wearing masks to cover their noses, the newcomers walked down the jail stairway. An enchained slave was following them. Deprived of any clothing, she shuddered at the wretched sight. When the three of them reached the jail, the first one dragged the rusted iron door to the side in a high creak while looking at the tortured soul. The prisoner had been hung by his hand and had a small fleam, letting his blood flow from his right arm.

King Egmond – “How long has he been losing blood?”

Atilos – “For a quarter of an hour.”

King Egmond – “Close his wound. I don’t want to kill him yet.”

The enchained woman – “The gods won’t forget what you’ve done.”

King Egmond – “And so will my people.”

Atilos – “How was the travel?”

King Egmond – “Cold, but calm.”

Atilos – “And how went the negotiation?”

King Egmond – “They’ve surrendered. They had much more to lose than to gain from fighting.”

Atilos pulled the fleam out and closed the man’s wound before untying his hand. The old lord of House Valmai fell and gasped as he reached the ground. Egmond gave Atilos the chain holding Lady Valmai before crouching to the height of the prisoner.

Rulfus Valmai – “Why don’t you kill us?”

Lord Egmond – “Kill you? No . . . You’re much more valuable alive, and your wife here will be my new personal whore.”

Rulfus raised his head with a sight of anger, too weak to scream or move.

Lord Egmond – “Unless, of course, if you answer all my questions without lying. In that case, I’ll keep her as a prisoner. Just like you, and I won’t torture you any longer.”

Rulfus Valmai – “Ask your questions.”

Lord Egmond – “Good! Good! I knew you’d be cooperative! So, where did the Krain go?”

Rulfus Valmai – “What?”

Lord Egmond – “Is my question not clear, or would you rather have your wife be abused than selling your ally?”

Rulfus Valmai – “No . . . these cowards! They deserted! They were supposed to take the southern fort and use the wall to reach the western district. They must have fled through the drawbridge.”

Lord Egmond – “So, you don’t know where they went. Alright . . . You’re not helping your wife right now.”

Rulfus Valmai – “IT’S THE TRUTH!”

Lord Egmond – “When are the reinforcements from the Union supposed to arrive?”

Rulfus Valmai – “At the beginning of next year.”

Lord Egmond – “And is Rock Eden supposed to send you more troops during the winter?”

Rulfus Valmai – “No.”

Lord Egmond – “And where can I find the missives that could prove your words to be right?”

Rulfus Valmai – “In a large house in the northeast of town. All of our written documents are there. We keep our official missives in a large box at the back of a room full of documents. You can’t miss the house; it’s the largest outside of the main castle.”

Lord Egmond – “The largest you say . . .”

Atilos – “Is there a problem?”

Lord Egmond – “No! I’ll go look them up. Keep both of them in different jails. Clean this mess and come to the town hall. I’ll reunite the council. If his words are truth, we’ll have a thing or two to talk about.”

Atilos – “And if they aren’t?”

Lord Egmond – “Then someone will deserve a punishment.”

The sun was already high in the sky when Vatra woke up. She would have kept on sleeping, but her housemates were making a lot of noise in front of her door.

Nelis – “You need to hold it like that.”

A girl voice – “YOU MADE IT TOO SHORT!”

Is that Lanaya?

Jowrik – “It’s ok, we’ll make you another one.”

Nelis – “Not today!”

The girl voice – “Just carry me for now!”

Jowrik – “I’ll go search for Jurren, and we’ll bring you downstairs!”

The girl voice – “There’s no way I’ll wait three months like this. I need it adjusted.”

Oh, she’s the other wounded.

Nelis – “It’s not like you have a choice. Now give me that crutch, Petra.”

Petra – “Why?”

Nelis – “If you’re not using it, I’ll pass it to the other girl.”

Petra – “I can’t believe you just did that.”

Nelis – “Did what?”

Petra – “You made the crutch too short on purpose!”

Nelis – “What?”

What?

Petra – “I’ll give it to you once you give me my own.”

Nelis – “Then keep it.”

Petra – “HEY! Don’t leave like that!”

Nelis – “Or what? You’ll throw me that crutch?”

Petra – “Fuck off!”

Now that she was awake, Vatra felt incredibly hungry. She looked around, but no meal had been prepared that day. She took the clothing that had been waiting on the table next to her and slowly got dressed.

It’s been five days . . . I’ll walk today.

Once she was ready, Vatra stood on her feet, but the pain was still as intense as it was during her previous attempt. By the time she reached her door, she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Vatra opened her door and saw the other wounded sitting on a bed in front of her. She was heavily built and had short blond hair and a rough face.

Vatra – “Give me that crutch!”

Petra – “Who the fuck do you think you are?”

Vatra – “I’m Vatra. I’d be glad to learn who you are, but I find it really hard to stand, and since you said you didn’t use the–”

Petra – “Then sit back on your bed!”

Jowrik – “We’re here!”

Jowrik and Jurren reached the intersection between the two rooms and looked at both girls.

Jowrik – “Oh, you’re awake, too. Good morning!”

Vatra – “Good morning . . .”

Petra – “Hey! Who’s that bitch?”

What’s her goddamn problem!

Jurren – “Petra, calm down. She’s our new member, so show a little more respect.”

Jowrik – “Ok, we’ll help you get downstairs, and then we’ll help Vatra do the same.”

Vatra – “If she’s not using that crutch, I could get downstairs with it.”

Jurren – “Don’t waste your energy. We’ll carry you.”

Jowrik – “We’ll be glad to get both of you downstairs, and we’ll prepare a meal for everyone so the sooner the better.”

Half an hour later, the two girls were sitting at a table in silence as the remaining members were cooking eggs and bread.

They don’t seem to have a single care in the world. How? Didn’t they risk their lives, too? Shouldn’t they feel sad? Or is it just me who’s weak? Would I have survived if he didn’t stay by my side the whole time? Did I make his task harder by staying?

Three large knocks then woke Vatra from her thoughts. She turned around and looked at the door when Jurren opened it. A man wearing a broken crown was followed by tens of soldiers.

Jurren directly pulled a long dagger and a buckler from his belt. He was ready to fight as the other uninjured members joined him.

Lord Egmond – “I’m not here to fight you! No need to panic.”

Nelis – “Then why are you bringing them here?”

Lord Egmond – “To carry the paperwork.”

Nelis – “The paperwork?”

Lord Egmond – “Don’t play fool with me. I know House Valmai stored their documents here. I need them, so I came to take them.”

Nelis – “You gave us this house with everything inside of it.”

Lord Egmond – “So what?”

Nelis – “If you’re going to take something, then I’m sure you’ll understand we’ll be expecting something in exchange.”

Lord Egmond – “Your leader and the two-thirds of your band aren’t there to protect you, and you think you can ask for favours?”

Nelis – “I’m not as greedy as Lanaya. All I want are five more sheets and some wood to craft another crutch. If you promise to bring me these, I’ll be glad to help, but I want your word for it. I don’t intend to wait for Lanaya’s return simply because you’re too busy to talk to an underling like me.”

Egmond cracked his fingers while thinking.

Lord Egmond – “Fine, I’ll bring you what you asked for tomorrow.”

Nelis – “I want it before the end of the day.”

Lord Egmond – “Or what? You’ll fight to the death? I have more important things to do than to take care of an underling like you, so know your place. I’m only accepting your request so that you stop talking. Either we bring them to you tomorrow or we enter by force and you’ll never get what you asked for. Which one is it?”

Nelis – “We’ll be waiting for it tomorrow.”

Lord Egmond – “Good! TAKE ALL THE DOCUMENTS AND PILE THEM ON THE CART!”

In an instant, close to 30 soldiers entered the house one after the other to carry the many scrolls, books, and letters all the way to a large cart waiting in front of the house. Each member was looking at them with a feeling of discomfort.

Lord Egmond – “Thank you for your cooperation! Have a good day!”

Shortly after the soldiers left, Jowrik served the eggs and the bread.

Jowrik – “Let’s eat while it’s hot!”

Nelis – “For the wounded and their recovery!”

Elgan – “Now that I think about it, we haven’t presented ourselves yet. I’m Elgan, and this little brat over here is Leo!”

Leo – “I’m not a brat!”

Vatra – “I’m Vatra.”

Leo – “Welcome to the Silver Lining!”

Vatra – “Thank you.”

Elgan – “So, where do you come from Vatra?”

Jurren – “It’s not the time, Elgan.”

Elgan – “What? We all have a story. I’m just asking.”

Vatra – “My story isn’t worth listening to.”

Jowrik – “Such a beautiful day! Nelis, could you play us a song while we eat?”

Nelis – “Well, would you mind if I finish eating first?”

Jowrik – “I’ll prepare you something later, ok?”

Nelis – “Alright . . .”

Nelis walked further away and picked up a strange flute with a sideways mouthpiece. He cleared his throat before blowing in the instrument. Each note was like a lullaby to Vatra’s ears. The song was different, but she recognised the sound of the flute. Feelings sealed far away in her mind were emerging from the mist. Memories of a time where she used to dream soothed under the wind.

Vatra – “Umm . . . Sorry . . . but . . .”

Nelis stopped playing, and all of them looked at her.

Nelis – “Is there a problem?”

Vatra – “Well . . . It’s not a problem, but . . . where did you find your dizi?”

Nelis – “My what?”

Vatra – “That thing you used to whistle.”

Nelis – “It’s a transverse flute I found in the East a year and a half ago.”

Vatra – “It’s called a dizi. My mother taught me to use it as a child. I don’t remember where I came from, but this came from my homeland.”

Nelis – “I’m afraid I bought it from another traveller, so I don’t know where they come from. It’s either from the Itialka Empire or the Nar Empire. How far east did you come from?

Vatra – “Too far for the seven-year-old me to remember.”

Nelis – “If you want, you can try it.”

Vatra – “Eh, sure, but I only know one song.”

Nelis – “What is it called?”

Vatra – “A Breeze of Fate[1].”

He then passed her the instrument, and under the curiosity of each member, she reached the plate with her lips and blew slowly, releasing a febrile tune. Seized by emotion, she slightly smiled before fully breathing in. Closing her eyes, breaking the silence, she emitted a melody that absorbed each of their ears.

Sad at first, the song became vivid and hopeful, like an oblation to the lost souls of the latest warfare. It felt like the calm flow of a river was cuddling the lotus and water lily when a gust of warm wind was on the rise, pushing the tide with further strength.

As they were enthralled by her melody, elsewhere, the war council of the Kalator was being reunited in the town hall. Each general was waiting as Ludger was reading out loud the many missives of Avem since the beginning of the war.

Ludger – “We don’t see the threat of the Kalator for the moment. We’ll send you an emissary, and if the Krain happens to fall, we’ll send help. It’s signed by Lord Nikolas of Rock Eden.”

Ludger picked up another letter and kept reading.

Ludger – “The Frey have fallen. We are expecting the arrival of the Kalator in a month. In the name of our father, I ask for your aid in the defence of my people. With your army and mine combined, we could crush the Kalator rebellions in–”

Lord Egmond – “Skip to the next; it’s just Rulfus asking for help.”

Ludger – “Very well . . . This one’s another request for help, but this time it’s for the capital. Do I read it?”

Lord Egmond – “No, I want to hear the answers from the capital.”

Ludger placed the letter on the unread pile and picked another one.

Ludger – “This one seems strange. It’s written with blood.”

Lord Egmond – “Read it.”

Ludger – “To the town of Avem and their allies. I sent you this message as a proposal. In this letter, you will find the future destination of the Kalator scouts–”

Bjarne – “What? Who wrote that?”

Ludger – “It’s really dirty, but I’ll try to find a name.”

Lord Egmond – “Just keep reading.”

Ludger – “Yes, my lord. They are around a hundred, and tomorrow, when the sun will reach its zenith, they will build an advanced fort on the Velika road about eight miles north of Avem. As they build, I’ll be charged to scout east while others will scout the west. I will stay away and leave the eastern flank unchecked. If you send scouts there, you’ll find that I’m right, and with your military forces, I’m sure you will be able to wipe them out in no time. If you want more help, leave a bag with 1,200 Utos one foot underground, one mile to the northeast of the Oluja River, under three rocks tainted in blood. Signed, Mundric.”

Trygve turned toward Mundric with knives in his eyes.

Trygve – “WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS!”

Mundric – “I DIDN’T WRITE THAT!”

Egmond walked toward Ludger and grabbed the letter from his hand to read it with his own eyes. The other generals were looking at him with tension. As he finished reading, Egmond walked toward Mundric’s table and smashed the piece of paper on it.

Egmond – “YOU BETTER EXPLAIN THIS RIGHT NOW!”

Mundric was still in shock by the accusation as his eyes stumbled upon his name.

Mundric – “It’s not my signature! I’m not the one who wrote that! I’ve been played!”

Atilos – “And who would want to play you?”

Mundric – “No . . . It all makes sense now . . . YOU’RE THE ONE WHO DID IT!”

Atilos – “YOU’RE ACCUSING ME? AND IF BJARNE HAD TALKED, WOULD YOU HAVE ACCUSED HIM, TOO?”

Varok – “Why would Atilos do such a thing? Rulfus wasn’t known to agree to torture and certainly not with thieves.”

Mundric – “My lord, I’ve always been loyal and faithful. I’ve got nothing to do with this. You must believe me.”

Egmond – “And how am I supposed to do that?

Mundric – “This must be a ruse from Atilos to kill Robert. Why would I want Roberht dead? Atilos has got all the reason in the world to ask for it.”

Amund – “It could be true, but it could also be another lie.”

Atilos – “You were the one carrying the homing pigeon!”

Mundric – “Your bird could have sent it!”

Lord Egmond – “ENOUGH! ARREST BOTH OF THEM!”

Atilos – “I’ve got nothing to do with this!”

Mundric – “Oh, yes you do, and you bloody know it!”

Trygve and Amund then captured both of them and tied them to their chair before dragging them near the middle of the room.

Egmond – “Amund, bring an army of 200 soldiers and 100 militia to search all of their belongings and the belongings of their men. We’ll see if we find any truth to these words.”

Amund – “It will be done, my lord…”

Egmond – “Ludger, will you join as a witness?”

Ludger – “My eyes are meant to serve!”

Mundric – “You’ll regret building such a scheme, Atilos!”

Atilos – “A scheme? You must be telling a joke!”

An hour later, Amund and Ludger came back with a bag of gold and another letter.

Egmond – “Where did you find them?”

Amund – “In Mundric’s belongings. Hiding between the layers of his bag.”

Ludger – “It was sealed, so we ended up cutting the bag to reach it.”

Mundric was confused, and his breathing was accelerating.

Ludger – “There were five gold coins worth 1,200 Utos in the bag and a letter that asked for more information in exchange for five more coins at the end of the siege. So, there could be another letter.”

Egmond looked inside the chest that carried the many missives and found another letter written in blood. He passed it to Ludger, who cleared his throat before reading it to the council.

Ludger – “Be wary, the Kalator will cross the river from the eastern side to lead an attack from the south, tomorrow at dawn. Signed Mundric.”

Trygve – “YOU TRAITOR! YOU TRIED TO HAVE ME AND BJARNE KILLED! IF BJARNE WAS HERE, HE’D HAVE KILLED YOU HIMSELF!”

Mundric – “IT’S A LIE! I’VE NEVER DONE SUCH A THING!”

Ludger – “SILENCE! The decision is for Egmond to choose.”

Egmond – “As much as it saddens me to say it, there is but one punishment for traitors.”

Mundric – “I want a trial by combat!”

Egmond – “You tried to have my brother killed, and we have proof of your wrongdoing. This cannot apply.”

Atilos – “And if I accept?”

Varok – “Why would you do such a thing?”

Atilos – “Even if he is a traitor, he is insulting my name, and I don’t intend to sit on his failing attempts at hiding his betrayal. I’ll defend my name myself.”

Egmond – “Then the duel shall happen tomorrow under the watch of our people when the sun will reach its zenith. Were Mundric to win, he will be banished from these lands.”

Trygve – “He tried to have your brother killed. He has to die. If your brother was there, he’d want to kill him himself!”

Egmond – “But Bjarne isn’t there because I sent him north on a mission, so we will follow our tradition. Atilos has agreed to duel, so this duel will happen.”

[1] “A Breeze of Fate - Fateless Tome 1 - Piano cover - by H.E.S. Wallot”, URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ1mNeVAVzc – Sheet Music at the end of the current book, after the Index.