Relics of the Old Age

Aero Part 2-7b This is our Way

“He’s magic! This is what you were worried about! I’ll take him quick!” Matthew screams.

“The bear will kill you before you ever reach him!” Aero replies.

Matthew takes his eyes off the man to look at the bear. It is ready to pounce. Matthew’s eyes continue to wander to the pile of bodies of those with the misfortune of being in the bear’s path moments ago. Its claws had cut through the thickest armor like it was butter.

“I think you’re right. You kill the bear, then I’ll take out the magic-man.” Matthew responds, “you keep telling me that you killed a Halo Bear, you can do it again.”

Aero looks at Matthew “There’s more happening here than you see. Yes, it’s your duty to eliminate anyone with a magic weapon that isn’t documented but Matt, we would be dead right now if it wasn’t for this man and bear.”

“I am not your enemy; we came here to protect the royal family.” The man explains.

“I am Prince Aero, third born son of King William. My oldest brother, David is in our camp.”

“Then we are at your service. I am Rune.”

Aero hesitates, magic weapons are taboo, as a knight it has been his sworn duty to collect any that are found in the land even if it means killing the wielder to get it. However, this time he owes his life to this man and bear.

“Rune, come join us in our camp.” Aero says as he waves him back to the group.

As they approach, the moaning of Roasa can be heard among the group. Lieutenant Rain brings her down to the ground as she sobs on her shoulder.

“How did he come back? How?” Roasa says in agony.

“It wasn’t him. They found his armor, the man you just killed was the brother of the man that killed your husband.” Aero explains.

“Good.” Roasa says as she instantly changes her attitude. That legendary Durrie temper can be turned on or off in an instant. “I hope he had a dozen brothers so I can kill them all!”

No one in the group says a word about Roasa’s anger over taking her. Aero feels for her having to relive that tragic event all over so many months later.

“What was that?” Stephan asks as he looks over Rune and the bear.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but it appears the magic that binds the royal family to the daughters of Meego is protecting us somehow. Drawing us in.” Aero explains.

“It’s a Halo Bear! Why did it protect you?” Stephan asks.

“My name is Rune, a nobody from nowhere. The axe called out to me, when I found it the bear was protecting it. All I know is when I picked up the axe for the first time, I instantly knew I had to get here at this time.”

“That’s everything? I don’t understand” Stephan responds.

“How much do we really understand about magic?” Aero asks.

“Fair enough.” Stephan responds.

“So, are you and the bear are going to ride over and kill everyone for us?” Asks Matthew.

“I’m not here to take lives, I’m here to save them.”

“You have a magic axe; you must use it.”

“I did and you are alive because of it.”

“You’re bear killed a bunch of men, maybe I should thank him.”

Rune looks at his bear with his bloody paws and mouth.

Aero takes this moment to place his hand on Matthew’s shoulder to calm him down. Matthew is a good soldier just following his training. Prince Aero needs him to set it aside for the moment.

“I thought we agreed that we weren’t going to kill anyone.” Rune tells the bear. “What do you mean you were caught up in the moment?”

As Rune argues with the bear, everyone looks around at each other in confusion. It’s one thing to talk to an animal but to think it’s talking back?

“Rune, will you stand with us if they make another charge?” Aero asks.

“We are with you. I’m sorry, people are always shocked that I can speak to the bear. It’s the magic from the axe that allows it. Just be glad you can’t hear the bear because, he’s an asshole!”

Rune may be telling the truth, but it doesn’t seem any less strange to the group.

“Even with the bear, Rune and his axe we are still hopelessly outnumbered.” Says Stephan.

“The last thing I requested was that David be allowed to remain in our camp until I departed for Meego. Maybe they are waiting on that to happen.” Says Aero.

“Maybe so, I believe they are afraid of the magic axe and bear now. But make no mistake, they will charge.” Stephan explains.

“Let them come, I will kill as many as I can before I die.” Says Roasa in a moment of anger.

Lieutenant Rain agrees.

“Stand ready, they could come at any time.” Says Stephan.

The group waits for hours, to pass the time Rune tells his life story. Everything from logging, to his craftsmen projects to his reading of the Free Writers. Rune only stops talking with members of the group to argue with the bear.

Also, David emerged from cover to console an emotional Roasa. Even Aero sat with them.

Matthew drank, and Will joined him.

Rain stood guard, ready.

In the dark of night, finally a shadow approaches.

“It’s me, Ser Robert. I am unarmed and alone. Please send out a delegate to discuss a de-escalation between our groups.”

“I’ll go.” Says Aero.

“No! It could be a trap to kill you. Let me go in your place. Your mission in Meego protects my family. I need you to go, but if I die no one will bat an eye.” Says Will to Aero.

Aero doesn’t respond. Will’s bravery and boldness has caught him off guard. As the prince is looking for the words, Will turns away to approach Ser Robert.

They speak for several minutes. The group can’t hear the conversation between the two, but all ears are tuned trying to hear the smallest of details from the men. When they are done, they nod to one another and return to their camps.

“Well, what did he say?” asks Matthew.

“We have one hour to surrender Prince David or they will attack.”

“What was your response to that?” Asks Aero.

Will looks at Aero and smiles “I told him that he could try, but the only thing he would find here is death.”

“Dammit Will.” Stephan shouts in frustration.

“It’s okay, maybe that bluff will hold them off for a while until we can come up with a plan.” Aero responds to the Broken Sword.

“A plan? There is no escape! We have been looking for a plan for hours. We are trapped!” Stephan laments.

“You’re right, but can you make a push through their line and run?” Aero asks.

“We wouldn’t get far, especially missing you and Will.” Stephan says.

Aero can see the desperation in his mentor’s eyes. He has held this position as protector of Prince David for years, and he cannot save him now.

“Either way, if we stay here or try to push through that line, we will be dead. As the heir to the throne, I make this decree to you now, our best course of action is to depart to Meego when the welcome riders arrive.” David decrees.

“No!” Shouts Stephan.

“You’re my sworn knight, you will follow my command. Meego is our only hope. The riders will be here soon, and we will depart together. This is our way out.”

“Brother, your life will be in danger there as well. Even if you play the part of Dave, we won’t be able to protect you from the magic.” Aero responds.

“We will stand together with you because we are all a family now! Each one of us will stand as one in that strange land! We will do this together and maybe we can be safe in Meego; I know that there is no safety here. This is our way!”

The group is surprised to see David command. This entire trip he has played the part of an assistant to Prince Aero, but now he uses his leadership skills to give the group hope.

“Anyone who doesn’t want to take this path must find another way on their own.” David commands.

Everyone agrees to take the dangerous journey to Meego except for Rune.

“Meego is not for me.” Says Rune, “I met a redhead intellectual in the free community called The Dump, I am returning to her and making her my wife!”

When Aero hears this, he smiles. “Yorba is a lot of woman, good luck.”

“How do you hope to get out of here?” David asks.

“I will ride west to throw them off, hopefully I will draw some of them with me. Maybe I will give a good enough distraction to allow you to slip away.”

“But they will catch you.”

“Have you ever tried to make a horse chase a Halo Bear? The group would be stopped but not me alone.”

As they speak, a convoy arrives out of the dried sea. Twenty or so soldiers in their formal loose-fitting desert uniforms distinct by their teal color. The men are all a very dark brown complexion that strikes against the teal to make a commanding appearance. Meego has come.

The commander approaches. “I am Brotou, I come for the Royal delegation if one is here.”

Aero braces for the start of his final journey, he starts to open his mouth to make introductions but is interrupted.

“Greetings Brotou, I am Prince David, these men are my sworn protectors, Ser Stephan the Broken Sword, Ser Aero the Fin, and Ser Matthew the Loyal. The rest are my staff, we are here to meet you.”

The group stands in silent shock, the crown prince took it upon himself to take his brother’s place. No one can say anything now as these Meegans would leave them behind.

“It is an honor to meet you Prince, if you would get into the armored carriage we can begin our journey. Perhaps, bring your women as well. The rest can ride close to it. The way is dangerous, but we will protect you.” Says Broutou.

“As you wish.” Replies David.

As the group assembles in the wagon train, everyone is both relieved and confused. They will be out of reach of Marco’s knights but now they travel into the unknown. Not many people make the pilgrimage they are about to make.

Aero and Stephan share a look of grave concern but can’t say anything.

Aero looks back to the old palace one final time, if only he could have had time. As he looks out, he sees the mysterious Rune and the bear riding west hard and fast. As he passes in front of the knight’s camp not a single man makes a move toward him. Whatever power sent him to do his small part saved them from the enemies of the crown. He wonders if Rune is man enough to handle Yorba. “Best of luck brother.”

They enter into the dried-up sea, there’s no going back now.

Aero Part 2-7a- Against the Dried up Sea

The group arrived at the Old Palace less than an hour ago. Aero has played this moment in his mind for months. He never envisioned it would be like this.

He had hoped to have time to explore the old ruins of his forefathers but that is not possible. He had hoped to be able to find the landmarks that Crimson described to him, to see if there were any remnants of the beauty that the Beast described so eloquently. Perhaps even walk the shores of the dried up Inland Sea.

The problem preventing the sun-kissed Prince from any sort of sightseeing is those thirty or so knights that has been following them has multiped. They are hopelessly outnumbered. If the knights attack, the group will lose.

No matter for Lieutenant Rain her first movements upon arrival was to find an elevated defensive position. She is a soldier through and through, always diligently performing her duties no matter the odds.

An old crumbling stone structure adjacent to the main palace foundation still has enough strength to give her a vantage point overlooking the knights as they stop in the field a few hundred feet away.

“How many, Rain?” Aero asks as he approaches the Bellumi Warrior.

“At least one hundred.” She replies.

“Did you count those approaching from the Southeast?”

“Not yet.”

“Damn, I’ll check back in. Stephan and Matt are setting up a perimeter… a small perimeter…” Aero says. as he descends the structure.

“Prince Aero, where do you want me? I can stand next to Rain with my bow.” Roasa says.

“When the time comes yes, right now we have to set up defenses.”

“Okay, just tell me what to do.”

Aero and Roasa approach the rest of the crew who are working to build a barrier to keep a calvary charge from running them over.

“What are you doing with my wine barrels?” Matthew screams at Will.

“Right now, they are buffers not wine.” Will responds.

“He’s right.” Aero says cutting off Matthew’s retort before he can even say it.

“Okay, that just about does it. It’s all we can do. We have the structure, the wagons, the um… buffers, and the rubble. We are covered from a charge. An attack on foot is more likely, for that we have no defense.” Stephan says.

Rain joins the group to give them her best estimate “one hundred twenty.”

“Our best bet is to lay low, let them make a move. Maybe they are just here to make sure Will and I depart.” Aero says.

“They are here for David and you know it.” Stephan replies sharply.

“I think they are here to put us all in the ground. We should drink as much of my wine as we can and die happy.” Matthew replies.

Everyone looks at Matthew with astonishment, even now his words catch them by surprise.

“Why would they be here for Dave or did you say David?” Roasa asks.

The men all look to one another, they had kept their secret from Roasa long enough.

“David is my oldest brother. The heir to the throne. We discovered a plot to kill him, so we secreted him out of the castle when we departed.” Aero explains.

The confession surprises both Roasa and Rain. Roasa had grown accustom to being in a convoy with the third born prince but the heir was with them the entire time? So many questions come to her mind.

“Who would want to kill him? And why? And how did you not know this Rain?” She asks.

“All non-Bellumi look the same.” Rain replies.

In another setting, the group would have enjoyed that comment. They may have teased her over those words, but not on this day. Today, the group don’t have time for jokes or ribbing.

“Our middle brother” David responds, “The reason is obvious.”

“Not only him but the old families of the kingdom have been plotting through a secret society within the Capital for centuries. They see the crown as being the weakest it’s ever been. They believe if they set John Henry on the throne they can accomplish whatever they want.” Aero adds.

“What? How do you know that?” David asks.

“I had conversations with Marco and John Henry.”

“You never said any of that.” David replies.

“It was a bad night… I still don’t want to talk about it.”

“Good! Because we don’t have time. It looks like their leaders are approaching with terms.” Stephan says.

“Matt, let’s go out to meet them.” Aero commands.

“I’ll go as well.” Will says as he follows the knights.

Aero turns around to instruct the women to get in the structure. He knows there is no commanding Ser Stephan, his order is simple- Protect the Crowned Prince with his life.

The three men step out to meet the small band of approaching knights.

“Prince Aero, greetings on behalf of the band of knights who have been assembled to bring your brother back to the capital safely. I am Ser Francis. My colleagues are Ser Gregory, Ser Cristo, Ser Melvin and Ser…”

“On who’s orders?” Aero says cutting off the introduction.

“Your fathers of course.”

“Let me see the orders with his seal.”

“I don’t have them.”

“Then you can’t have him.”

“Ser Robert is bringing them; he will be here within hours.”

“When he arrives, I will speak with him, until then keep your men at a distance.”

“As you wish.”

Ser Francis and his men withdraw back to their camp. Prince Aero’s work in diplomacy is improving. He bought his group a few hours at least.

“They want David. They claim Ser Robert is coming from the Capital with the King’s seal and he will be here in a few hours.” Aero tells the group.

“I’m not going with him without Stephan.” David says.

“You’re not going at all. Ser Robert is with Marco, John Henry told me. They are here to kill you; I can feel it. Why do you think there are there so many?” Aero responds.

“What do we do?” David asks his brother.

“Matt, check the dry seabed, see if there are passages large enough to make a break for it. Other than that, I am open to suggestions.”

No one has any. The group looks at the gathering of knights across from them. They are losing hope. Matthew comes back with a bad report. Only one path and it doesn’t go along the old coast.

They are trapped. So, they wait.

Hours pass, as they do more knights reach the enemy camp.

As the groups resolve wanes, Aero’s thoughts are on Roasa. She shouldn’t be forced to go through this again. He feels helpless.

Finally, as the daylight begins to fade, riders’ approach.

It’s Ser Robert, flanked by Ser Francis and three royal guardsmen.

“Let’s go meet them Matt, Will.” Aero says reluctantly.

“Prince Aero, it is good to see you well here before you depart on your pilgrimage. My associates tell me that you know why I am here.” Robert says in his pompous tone as he extends the King’s orders.

“Indeed they have.” Aero says as he examines the unbroken seal. Prince Aero opens it and reads the King’s words. His father demands the return of his heir to the Capital and has mustered five hundred knights to find him.

“My father’s orders are clear; I request that my brother remains in my camp until I depart so that we can say our goodbyes.”

As Aero speaks another rider approaches on horseback. He rides in fast, and dismounts even faster. Before anyone can say anything, Aero is face to face with someone wearing the armor of the Red Horned Knight.

“I demand justice! I want the sword of the man who killed my brother!”

“I present Ser Urgan, the younger brother of the Red Horned Knight.” Ser Robert says relishing that the young Urgan has disrupted any pretense that this is a peaceful transfer.

“You can’t be here. You have to return to your camp!” Aero desperately tells the young knight

“Not until I get my hands on the man who…”

An arrow falls out of the sky into the left eye of the man wearing the horned armor. His body makes a thunderous clack when it hits the ground.

Poor Roasa, that legendary Durrie temper got the best of her again. Seeing someone wear the armor of the man who killed her husband was too much to grip. She let her arrow fly and killed him on the spot where he stood. This time, she hit the knight in the opposite eye.

Unfortunately, the sound of his body hitting the earth alerted the knight camp. Aero doesn’t need Rain’s latest estimate to know that this is a battle they can’t win.

“Wait!” He shouts as Ser Robert and the guardsmen unsheathe their swords. He makes motions with his hands as if he can stop the onslaught. Roasa takes out another man with an arrow.

Aero is the only man without a sword in his hand as the knights quickly approach.

All seems lost. It’s over.

Out of the corner of his eye he sees something approaching fast from his left.

Seconds before the knights reach Prince Aero’s location a man jumps off a bear. A Halo Bear! The man is wielding a double-sided battle axe.

He raises it into the air and brings it crashing to the ground. The impact causes a huge fissure in the land a few feet deep that runs between the knights and Aero that forces everyone to separate.

Aero can’t believe his eyes.

Just feet away from him is standing a man holding what must be a magic axe. A man with black hair and brown eyes.

The old man’s words come flooding back to him.

The knight’s quickly recover from being pushed back by the impact of the axe and begin to advance again. Sadly, some of them venture too close to the bear and are quickly mauled.

As Aero looks back to see the knights attack nearing, the man takes out a hammer from his belt and hits it against the axe blade causing a shockwave to knock them all down. The bear continues to maul.

As the knights attempt to get up off the ground, they each hold their ears. The vibrations have hurt them bad. The stumble to retreat to the camp. About a third of their force remains on the ground unconscious.

“Bear! Stop!” Shouts the man. The bear complies and returns to the axe-man.

“Who the hell is that? He’s got a magic axe; we have to take him now!” Matthew shouts as he raises his sword in defense.

Prince Aero holds Matthew back. “Wait!”

Both men await Prince Aero’s next move.

Aero Part 2-6 The Final Leg

“He was terrified, Rain. What has gotten into the Prince?” Roasa asks as they make a very quick stop for watering the horses and a restroom break.

The Ladies speak behind a few bushes near the carts, as the men speak just out of sight.

“I do not know, but the look in his eyes was unsettling. Still, in Bellum we must always be ready to move. This feels like another drill to me.” The Lieutenant replies.

“A drill? I don’t think so. His fear was too obvious.”

“I agree something is not right, I am just saying being prepared is a good thing.”

“A good thing? I had a bathhouse reserved for today. That would have been a good thing.”

“A bath would be good.”

“But instead were on the move before daylight. The Prince doesn’t seem to be easily spooked. Should we be worried?” Roasa asks.

“Worried… No, just on alert.”

“You are the Prince’s second Mother, right? How was he as a child?”

“I do not remember. I do not really remember much from that assignment. I just hated every second of it. The King is a horrible man, and I was assigned to lay with him to produce a child. I was told that my sacrifice would ensure a unity between the Crown and Bellum for another generation. So, I did it. I remember some boys being around, four of them I think. I was just there to do my duty, and nothing more.”

“I am so sorry. I married a man that I was deeply in love with and being with him was amazing. I can’t imagine being with someone just to have a child.”

“It was one assignment from eight years ago. I have had many more fulfilling orders since then. I do not allow that one assignment define my career.”

“Ladies! It’s time to get moving.” Will shouts.

“Coming in just a minute.” Roasa responds.

“We need to see if we can find out what spooked the Prince.”

Lieutenant Rain agrees.

They make their way back to the carts to see David, and Stephan speaking to Aero. Aero seems standoffish.

“Okay the ladies are back.” Will tells the men in deep conversation.

“Okay let’s continue.” Aero says as he hops back on his horse. He then pulls in front of the wagons to ride point.

“Matthew, what’s going on? Why did Aero make us leave in the middle of the night?” Roasa asks.

“I don’t know, we were at the bar when he said he needed to step out for a minute. I sat at the bar and enjoyed the midnight wine until he returned about two hours later. He looked like he had tried to paint his tan away. I mean white, white. He was frantic and insisted that I gather the wagons in the Meadow while he brought you down from the Top. It’s all I know.”

“Except you loaded down the supply wagon with five barrels of wine. Why that many?” Will asks.

“Because six wouldn’t fit.” Matthew replies.

“Dave and I tried to talk to Aero, but he claims he is fine; he’s clearly not. Let’s give him a few hours. Next stop pull him to the side.” Stephan tells Matthew.

“Will do.”

The group rides with Aero at point alone for hours, it’s midday when the group insist on a break.

As soon as Aero dismounts, Matthew pulls him to the side. “What is up with you? You are scaring everyone.”

“Don’t you know what tomorrow is? We will arrive at the old palace, and then we will say goodbye. I’m just anxious.”

“We have all known this since we departed the Capital. Something else is bothering you.”

“Matt… I’m fine. I just have a lot on my mind.”

“If it was just that, you wouldn’t have pulled everyone out of bed in the middle of the night.”

“I saw the Meego Light disappear last night from the old platform at Tree City.”

“Is that where you went? Did you do it? Did you piss off the top?”

“No Matt, I followed you but when I got to the top you weren’t up there. I saw the light, it’s time to get this over with.”

“I never went up there. I stayed in the bar, and you said you needed to step out. I sat in that bar alone until you came back. But I do know that seeing the Meego Light disappear isn’t what’s bothering you. You are Prince Aero, you stared down a Halo Bear and killed it with nothing but a dagger. You’ve stared death in the face many times and never flinched. A light disappearing isn’t something that scares you.”

“Okay Matt, fine! Something is going on here that we can’t see; something magical.”

“How, why would you think this? Did something happen? Wait, did you go into that Cave in Brintz?” Matthew asks.

Aero looks Matthew in the eye, his best friend… His drinking buddy and answers him without hesitation.

“No.” (Crimson, you’re Welcome)

“Then what is it?”

Aero hesitates again. He is unable to say what he needs to say but was able to lie to his best friend without any reluctance.

“It’s the magic that draws me to Meego. I’m about to say goodbye to my entire life… Wouldn’t you be on edge too?”

“Hard to have an edge when you’re drunk.”

Aero doesn’t smile that slight grin that Matthew is so used to seeing on Aero’s face when he says something that shocks him. Aero doesn’t react at all.

“Matt, will you tell Stephan to give me a few minutes before we depart?”

“Sure, I will do it.” Matthew responds.

As Matthew steps away from Aero, he looks toward Stephan and gives a small no head nod. He passes along Aero’s request to Stephan.

The group gives Aero time. All seem to be worried about the Prince. But with him closed off, there is nothing anyone can do.

Aero walks out of sight for privacy. His thoughts dwell on the events of the night before. He can’t help but wish he could have one more conversation with his friend, Crimson. He would know what to do.

“Prince Aero.” Will says as he approaches the Prince. “I don’t mean to disturb you, but I wanted to let you know that I am nervous about entering Meego too, but I will be ready when the time comes. You can count on me.”

“I know Will. You’ve been a good hand on this trip.”

“I may be nervous, but I am not afraid.” Will says “I’m not afraid, because I will be entering Meego with the best commanding officer I’ve ever had. This entire trip has been a great honor for me, and it will be my greatest honor to stand ready at your side in Meego. No matter what happens.”

“I have no doubt of that, Will. You have proven yourself beyond expectation. I hope when I die, they allow you to bring my body back to the Capital. If you can, I want you to show my father what the cost was for a forgotten relic that he will never possess. Can you do that for me? Can you give me your word?”

“I do, you’re not dead yet. I believe in you, Prince Aero… I believe in my heart that you and I will enter the Capital together, alive. I will do everything I can to make sure that happens. Just like you took care of my family after I disrespected you… I never gave you a real apology… Truth is, I’m not sorry. If I hadn’t been so stupid and ambitious, I wouldn’t be here right now… And serving you is the greatest honor of my life.”

Aero smiles. Will is a good man despite his reputation. He has been an asset on this trip.

Prince Aero places his hand on the shoulder of Will “I wouldn’t change a thing, I’m glad you’re here. Will you tell the others I’m coming? I’ll be there in just a minute.”

Will agrees.

The young Prince with the heavy heart watches Will as he returns to the group. This journey has been long and strange, but Will took care of the small things so that everyone else could work on the details. He may have complained early on, but he was honest with the group about Marco putting him up to spy on the group. If Will, who’s family is at risk can get his act together, then the Prince knows he must do the same. He takes one last moment to gather himself, then he returns to the group. They ride for several hours before they make another stop in the mid-afternoon.

When they stop, Aero finds a fallen tree and sets down alone.

Or at least that was his intention.

This time, Roasa sets down beside him.

“Prince…”

“Roasa…”

Both hesitate.

“Prince Aero. Are you okay? You were as white as a cloud when you woke us up last night. I saw your face, you were terrified. I was so scared in that moment; I don’t know if you noticed but I didn’t complain. Not one word.”

Aero looks at the beautiful young widow and can’t hide his amusement. He laughs.

“I didn’t, but honestly I’ve learned to ignore it. I don’t even hear it anymore.” Aero says with laughter until Roasa punches his shoulder.

“You are horrible!”

“Am I that bad?”

“No. You’re a good man. You were the first to offer help when your group found me. When I found out that Rich betrayed us, it was you that offered me the sword. You promised to train me and get me my own sword. You’ve only ever let me down once.”

“Once? When was that?”

“Last night, I had used your name to set me up a private bathhouse for today and I’m not there.”

“I’m sorry, if you stay with Stephan after I depart the Old Palace, I will make sure they make that up for you.”

“Maybe I will make you pay for one for me in Meego… I’ll go just to hold you to your word.”

“Roasa, I forbid you to come. Most people don’t survive that trip, I couldn’t bear to allow anything happen to you.”

“I was joking, but if you really want to make it up to me… Tell me what has you on edge so bad.”

Aero takes a moment to collect his thoughts. He has been trying to find the right words all day and has stumbled over them every time. But now the young Durrie woman is showing concern for him. This woman, Roasa… Whom Prince Aero found in her most tragic moment, whom he has a soft spot for…

“Okay, Last night on top of the old platform…”

“Prince Aero! Prince Aero!” Lieutenant Rain comes running up.

“Rain! What is it?”

“There is a group of men approaching from Tree City. They are dressed in armor.”

“How many?”

“About thirty!” Rain responds.

“Let’s kill them all!” Roasa replies.

“We can’t, there’s way too many of them.” Aero responds immediately.

“I will shoot them all!” The passionate side of Roasa on full display.

“We don’t have thirty arrows. How far back are they?” Aero asks.

“Less than half a mile.”

“Mount up, we ride for the palace, NOW!” Aero screams.

The group mounts quickly. Aero has them ride at a steady pace. Are these men the reason the old man told him it was a mistake to go to the Meadow?

They were well beyond the Meadow when the Eastern Sun rose, shouldn’t they be safe?

Maybe the old man was bluffing, and this is just a coincidence. Either way, the knights that they tried to avoid by going through Bellum has found them.

Without having to say anything, the entire group knows that these men are what Aero was worried about last night. Now they all feel the same way Aero does.

Aero and Matt #2- Last Call

David knew this would happen. Aero isn’t schooled in the ways of Royal visitation like him. You can’t just pop in and out of a major city without them rolling out the welcome committee.

Aero’s intention was to ride into the Shadow Meadow, buy a barrel of wine and move along. Once the workers of the meadow saw the royal colors, the news spread all the way up to the top of Tree City in no time.

The darkness of the meadow fields is where the magic laced vines grow the gigantic grapes of the Midnight Wine that is a delicacy of the upper class. The dark fields may only be five hundred feet below the city in the treetops, but they are worlds apart in lifestyle.

The workers of the meadow live in perpetual darkness. Their eyes are slightly larger than the average person, but their pupils are twice as big. Their skin is extremely pale from lack of sunlight.

They live their entire lives under the cover of the ancient treetops that hide the suns.

How the meadow people were able to get word up to the highest points of the treetop is a mystery to the group, but before they could get a single barrel loaded into a wagon the tree-toppers were shuttling the entire group up to the top of the trees.

The world above the world.

For the next hour the group tours Tree City. The leaders took little time into setting up the lavish guest quarters reserved for dignitaries for Aero and his group. The Toppers will talk about this day for many years, a royal on the Top.

The city is majestic. The Green Witches thought of everything when they created the city thousands of years ago. The city is built on massive tree limbs, with housing carved deep inside the tree. Water reservoirs housing all the water the city could need. Parks, museums, gardens, an amphitheater, and a menagerie prove that the city in the sky is a world unto itself. The Toppers never need to leave the Top for anything, and most never do. A half a million people who have never seen the ground. The final location shown to the group is the long platform where the Skymen once landed to shuttle supplies in and out.

Matthew whispers to Aero that he will piss off it before they leave loud enough for David to hear, which causes him to shake his head in disgust.

That night, the Toppers host a banquet in Prince Aero’s honor. He is sat at the head of the table among the aristocrats of the city. He is flanked by his anointed knights Stephan and Matthew while his attending staff sits at a small table in the back. A fact that David enjoys deeply.

He watches Aero from the shadows as he tries to present himself as a royal, something he isn’t comfortable with at all.

When the night is over, Matthew insists that he and Aero goes out for a drink.

Matthew had quietly reserved a bar for him and Aero during the day. A perk of being an honored guest.

The group reconvenes in the provided quarters. It’s a massive room carved into a tree overlooking the main city. About fifty feet below the landing platform. The balcony gives a breathtaking view of this strange city. The fully furnished suite has nine total bedrooms, more than enough for everyone. Still Roasa asks Lieutenant Rain to share a room. Rain agrees, years of barracks accommodations has made her sleep better when others are around.

Of course, Stephan insists on sharing with David; he claims he also sleeps better when not alone. He even invites Will to bunk with them. Will knowing that Stephan is protecting the heir to the throne, David. A fact that they have carefully hidden from everyone, including Roasa, declines the offer.

Sitill, Rain should recognize David but hasn’t said a word.

“Time to go to the bar! Who all is going? Aero has no choice, I’m putting drinks in front of him all night. I will pay for everyone though” Matthew says bluffing, everyone knows that Aero will end up paying for it.

“I am going to get some much-needed sleep in a real bed, and everyone should.” Says David.

“Dave, just a drink or two. I’m not asking anyone to get drunk”

“We have all had a few drinks already. It’s been a long trip since we entered Bellum, I think we all need a good night in a comfortable bed.” Roasa says.

“I would go, but honestly I’m a little drunk already and a good soldier knows his limit. Good night.” Will says as he closes his room door.

“Stephan, come on…” Matthew begs.

“Come on Matt, it’s just us. You may can get me out but I’m the only one.” Aero says.

They walk down to the empty bar and to their surprise the owner has rolled out three barrels of his best wine; a red, a white, and a black.

“Help yourselves, on the house my prince. Don’t worry about locking up, no one will bother the place. It’s an honor to have you drink here.” Says the owner.

“Thank you for your generosity, we accept but insist on leaving a tip for all of your troubles.”

The owner tries to assure the prince it isn’t necessary but to no avail. He gives them leave.

“I asked him for ale, and we get wine…” Matthew laments.

“Matt, we are in the wine capital of the world… did you really expect to get ale?”

“I got it at the banquet.”

“You’re something else. Get a glass and find the one you like.”

Matthew tries the white, but he isn’t impressed. Then he tries the red, and it’s too dry for his taste. Aero knowing his wine, goes for the black. “This is the good stuff, the true magic midnight wine. Try it.”

Matthew takes a sip of the midnight, then swallows the entire glass. A refill, downed.

“This is the best drink I have ever had.” As he pours his third.

“It’s good, those four-foot-wide dark grapes we passed in the Meadow made this.”

“Those huge grapes made this? We need to get some seeds and plant them in the capital.”

“It wouldn’t work, they only grow here.”

“Why? Let me guess, magic.”

“Yes.”

Matt gets another refill; Aero is still working on his first.

“I may need to get restationed then, Ser Matthew of Treeville.”

“Tree City.”

“Whatever.”

By the end of the conversation, Matthew has downed his eighth glass. Aero urges him to slow down, but he can’t help himself.

“So, I guess you will want a barrel of this stuff for the rest of the trip…”

“A barrel… ya, a barrel for the trip.”

“Matt, you’ve drank about two bottles of wine already, you may need to take a break.”

Matthew tilts his head then smiles “you’re right, let’s go to the platform so I can take a leak off the side.”

Aero tries to talk Matthew out of it but Matthew bolts for the door. Aero gives chase, humored by Matthew’s sudden movement. Maybe this is the drunkest he has ever seen him.

By the time Aero reaches the bar door, Matthew has found the stairs to go up to the platform.

“Matt, slow down! Wait!”

Matthew doesn’t seem to notice the prince’s call.

Aero struggles to try to catch up but can’t, Matthew disappears out of sight as Aero continues to call.

Matthew must really want to relieve himself from the top of the world.

Aero begins walking up the roundabout stairs that climb the one hundred and twenty foot inline to the flatform floor. About halfway he stops for a break from near exhaustion. It takes him several minutes to reach the top.

Upon reaching the top, he hesitates to catch his breath one last time by sitting on the last step. As he rises to his feet, the moonlight view takes his breath again. The world is different up here. For miles upon miles, the prince sees the the amazing landscape. A thought pops into his mind that maybe the reason he can see so well because of his time in the Cave of Brintz. There is no way to know.

Aero hears a commotion to his left, it sounded like the fluttering of huge bird wings. A skyman? Couldn’t be…

As he looks across the platform, something catches his eye in the east.

It’s daylight so bright but it only shines in one area to the east, it doesn’t illuminate the night sky like a sun would.

“What is that?” Aero says to himself.

“It’s the light of Meego. Beautiful isn’t it?”

Aero turns around to find an old man sitting in a chair with a small table in front of him. He is frail, and white headed with a small beard to match. His clothes are in tatters, and his eyes are closed.

“Oh, I didn’t see you there. I’m looking for my friend. Did you see which way he went?” Aero asks without thinking “Oh are you blind? I apologize friend.”

“No one has been up here for over an hour; I’ve been sitting right here enjoying the view.”

“I assure you; I saw my friend begin climbing the steps below.”

“But did you see him finish climbing the steps? Maybe he didn’t go where you thought he did.”

“But there is nowhere else to go from the bottom to the top.”

“Perhaps your eyes are playing tricks on you, I imagine you will find your friend where you left him.”

“Maybe.” Aero replies with disbelief in his voice “What are you doing up here any way?”

“Besides enjoying the beauty of the night sky? I’m performing magic tricks.” The old man says as he waves his hand above you the table. It has three cups on it with a ball in front of one. “Try your luck?”

Aero has seen beggars like this before on the streets throughout the land, they use slight of hand to make people believe they are magicians. It is something that could get someone in a lot of trouble in certain parts of the kingdom, but somehow he gets away with it here.

“I’ve seen this game before, slight of hand isn’t magic.”

“Do you have money?”

Aero takes out twenty gold pieces from his purse and sets them on the table.

The old man puts the ball below one of the cups, then moves them around on the table. When he is done, Aero selects the one that he thinks it’s in but somehow knows it isn’t. But it is.

The old man repeats the performance again with the same result. He does so a third time with Aero picking the correct cup again.

“You’re not going to get my money if you keep letting me pick the right one.”

“I would never take money from a prince.” The old man mutters.

“How do you know…”

“I’m a magician.”

“Or you heard from the entire city.”

“I haven’t heard anything.”

“Then show me a magic trick, I assure you that you are safe with me.”

“And the witches thought they were safe until the soldier’s drug them up the steps and threw them off the platform right over there.” The old man points to a spot to Aero’s left.

“Are you going to show me a magic trick where magic died?”

“If you let me.”

“I have to find my friend, how about I just leave this coin for you?”

“I told you where to find your friend, he is drunk, but well.”

Aero smiles “Okay my friend, show me a magic trick.”

“You take the ball, put it under the cup of your choice.”

Aero grabs the ball, then places it under the cup on the left.

“Okay, now pick that cup up.”

Aero does so, but the ball is gone.

“How did you… Aero pauses as the old man begins to speak “you’re a magician.”

“Yes, I am.”

“You earned your coin, it’s a fine trick.”

“It’s beautiful isn’t it? The eastern light?”

“It is.”

“I come here often just to take in it’s beauty, you’re only a few days from your journeys end. Meego is as different from your world as this one is, be careful.”

“How did you know? Well, I’m sure everyone knows by now.”

“Yes, but I know something they don’t.”

“What’s that?” Aero says slightly amused at this old swindler working hard to pull one over on him.

“In a few days, you will have a decision to make. A very important decision. You will be forced to decide if you can trust a stranger.”

“You’re a stranger, should I trust you?”

“This stranger will be black of hair with brown eyes and will hold the power of life or death in their hands. And you must decide. A wrong decision will have dire consequences.”

Aero hears the man’s words; he describes his image of a daughter of Meego perfectly. Or at least everything he envisioned. A dark hair beauty with brown eyes holding a dagger in her hand.

“Not only will this decision affect you but also your companions who are with you.”

Now Aero sees his con, there is no way he knows only Will must depart with him for Meego from the old palace. He has made a mistake.

“Nice try friend, you have made a mistake.” Aero replies.

“No young prince, your life is in danger. Your two knights are in danger, as well as your women and not just them but your brother as well.”

Aero is shocked, a cold chill runs down his spine. A million questions fill his mind.

“What did you say?”

“There is more at stake than just your life in this journey, you must be mindful of your choices. Coming here was a mistake.”

“Why?” Aero asks in fear.

“The Meego light is beautiful isn’t it. Just look at it.”

“Why was coming here a mistake old man?”

“Look to Meego”

“Old man, what did you say? Why was coming here a mistake?”

“Look to the east, look to Meego!”

Aero turns to the East, and as he glances, he sees the light fade away from the landscape. It was there, but then it was gone. Aero stares in disbelief. Well into the sky, he sees a dark outline ascending into the darkness. It looks like a mountain.

Aero stands in shock for several moments. His only thought is that the time has come. Meego is at hand.

“You must leave the meadow before the eastern sun rises or you will not survive.” Aero hears the old man say.

He turns around, but the old man is gone.

Aero burst into a full sprint back down the stairs, he must get the group out of bed and down to the Meadow immediately. In desperation, he thinks out loud.

“Matt, please be at the bar!”

Aero Part 2-5 The Dump

“Finally!” Matthew shouts.

The final checkpoint in Bellum has come. A couple of weeks of being under the thumb of military order has come to an end.

As the group passes through the gate, they each feel as if they had completed a lifechanging journey inside the lifechanging journey they are on. Aero’s decision to go through Bellum has been second guessed by everyone a dozen times over; but now it’s just over.

Immediately outside the gate is a makeshift town.

“What is this town, Rain?” Aero asks.

“I do not know; I will ask the guardsmen at the gate.” She replies.

As she speaks to the guards at the gate, Matthew enters the shanty town.

“Where is he going?” David asks Aero.

“To find a drink.” Aero responds.

“Of course.”

“This place is known as the Dump. It is where all the exiled people are taken.” Rain tells the group as she returns from speaking to the guards.

“Exiled? Why would someone be exiled?”

“Every once in a while, an accidental pregnancy happens. If it was not approved by the War Council, then the child is dropped here, they have no place in Bellum.” Rain responds.

“They just lay the child outside the gate? It would die.”

“It seems they are taken care of in this place.”

Aero and Rain continue to have their intense discussion as a young woman walks up to the convoy.

Everyone takes note of the strange looking woman.

She is a light skinned woman, not Bellumi. Her braided red hair has matted together to make thick strands of hair. Her green eyes seem to smile themselves. Her clothing is loose fitting, and comfortable looking. She doesn’t seem to care about the latest fashions of the kingdom.

“Greetings travelers, I am Yorba, welcome to the Open Community. We are a people of free expression, and independent thought.”

“Hello Yorba, I am Ser Stephan guard to Prince Aero who is on a journey to Meego.”

“Prince… Here we do not hold titles. With the unity of the writings of Manken, we recognize no rulers. But all travelers are welcome nonetheless.”

“I assure you; everyone here is subject to his father King William.” Stephan responds.

“The Bellumi do come around from time to time to take possessions from the community for what they call taxes, even though it is actually theft.”

“Actually, Manken’s thoughts were to deny personal possessions, that all production should be available to all people. So, I’m not sure it is in fact theft, after all, the taxes are spread throughout the kingdom.” David interjects.

“A free thinker! Welcome friend…” Yorba says as if she is looking for his name.

“Dave, I am Dave, I am an assistant to the Prince.”

“An assistant to a prince that is versed on Manken, this is fantastic news.”

“Manken, Harlow, Burkhalter and dozens more.”

“Wonderful, may I meet your prince?”

David turns to his brother and waves him over. Aero excuses himself from Lieutenant Rain, and approaches Yorba.

“Greetings Prince, please bring your horses into our community and replenish your supplies. Find a place and rest. Everything belongs to everyone.”

“Thank you for your hospitality. We just spent two weeks crossing Bellum and could use a day to unwind. I believe one of my people already entered your town probably looking for some hard drink.” Aero responds.

“Then I know where to find him. I would love to take you to him.”

“That would be great, because I have some questions about your community.”

“I just told your people that the Bellumi makes sure we pay our taxes.”

“Yes ma’am, but nothing like that. I was wondering about the origins of your community, where did everyone come from, and do you take in the discarded Bellumi children?”

“Prince Aero.” Will interjects “With your permission, I will take care of the horses and set up our camp.”

“I will help.” Roasa says.

Aero nods.

“Our community has been around in one form or another for a long time, can’t say how long. No one really kept records over the years. We are a people who come from everywhere. A couple years ago, I came here on my way to somewhere else, but I ended up trying to educate the people. My teachings have led to this community. We deny possessions and produce for all in the community. Everyone pitches in for everyone else. We do not recognize rulers here, so I must insist that you expect to be treated as everyone else. We will not give you the special treatment that you are accustomed to.”

Aero is taken aback; Yorba is friendly yet fearless. She is proud of what she has worked to build here and doesn’t care if a member of the royal family knows her thoughts on the crown.

“I wouldn’t expect special treatment anywhere, I’m just a traveler passing through.” Aero responds.

“Good, then you will feel welcome here.”

“What about the abandoned Bellumi babies?”

“We take them in. We believe that practice may be why this community was started.” Yorba answers. “It’s amazing how bountiful their lives can be free of the indoctrination, so many of our craftsmen are Bel-babies.”

“That’s great to hear. I just learned about this practice a few minutes ago when we came through the gate.”

“Are you going to put a stop to it?”

“I’m not that prince. My oldest brother will be King one day, if not him then my other brother. I will send word back to the capital through my convoy, but I have to complete my mission in Meego.” Aero responds.

“You’re going for the sword? You do know that you will die in Meego if you go…” Yorba states confidently.

“I’ve heard.” Aero responds somewhat amused by this woman’s bluntness.

“Then why go?”

“When your father is King, and he commands you to go… Well… Here I am.”

“A man willing to sacrifice his own son for a weapon is no father. He is not even a man.” Yorba comments.

“That’s treason. Be careful who hears those words.” Aero warns.

“The truth shouldn’t be treason, that is why we must abolish the monarchy. The crown has failed the people for centuries. It’s the last relic of the old age.”

Aero stops immediately. He and Yorba have been walking through the makeshift town but when he heard her words, he was shaken to his core. This woman would not last five minutes in his world but here in the wilderness she has been able to speak freely. Her bravado is too much for him.

“You are a breath of fresh air! Yorba, what kind of name is that? I’m not familiar.”

“It’s not my true name, I took it from one of my favorite authors. A real anarchist like myself.”

“What’s your real name if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Yorba is my only name now. I don’t tell people my old name, it would reveal too much about me.”

“You are very well educated, and a name that would give too much away about you. Is it fair to say that you come from wealth? Probably a noble family too.”

Yorba is impressed.

“You are very perceptive, but whoever I was is gone. I have been remade into a new woman. A free woman!”

“Fair enough. How about you tell me more about this community. I also need to find my friend Matt.”

“Yes, the one that drinks; you have already said. He will be around the corner.” Yorba responds “Our community is self-sustaining. Everything we build is ethically sourced to ensure top quality…”

“Ethically sourced? I don’t understand.”

“A good example is our beekeeper. He collects honey in a way that doesn’t destroy a hive but allows it to remain to produce more honey.”

“I see, and what about your ale? Matt has been a fortnight without a drink. Is your ale good quality?” Aero asks.

“Let’s ask him, we are here.” Yorba points him inside a large tent tavern.

As they enter, they see Matthew sitting at the bar cup in hand to his mouth.

“How does it taste?” Aero asks Matt.

“What? Taste? I’ll have to have another.” Matthew responds.

“Miss Yorba, this is one of my sworn guardsmen. Ser Matthew of Two Springs.”

“Ser Matthew the Drunk, the Loyal… I have a lot of names.”

Yorba greets him and gives Aero leave promising to check on them after they are settled.

“So, what do you think of this place Matt?”

“It has ale, Bellum don’t. It’s an improvement. Barkeep, I’ll have another.”

“I’m sorry sir, you’ve hit your limit for the day.” Responds the Barkeep.

“What? I’ve only had three.”

Yes Sir, per community rules we only intake what we can sustain. Our barley fields allow for three drinks a day.”

Aero smiles, it’s been a long couple of weeks for Matthew. He is at the end of his rope. It’s obvious.

“I’ll have one barkeep.” Aero says.

The barkeep places a drink in front of Aero. He raises it and takes a sip.

“Matt, this tastes different than anything I have ever tried before. Try this.”

Matthew picks up the cup and turns it up.

Aero asks for another and the barkeep begrudgingly pours another cup. Aero again takes a sip and passes the drink to Matthew. Again, Matthew turns it up.

Aero asks for another glass. The barkeep pours it, but this time sets it in front of Matthew.

“Drink it and move along friends.” Says the barkeep.

Matthew turns it up “That’s the quickest I’ve ever been kicked out of a bar.”

They share a much-needed laugh.

“Maybe one day we can try to break that record at Maverick’s when we get back home.” It was a moment of forgetfulness for Aero.

He knows he said it, and Matthew knows he heard it but neither acknowledge it. Meego is just around the corner now, and this is one of their last adventures. Neither man is ready to start having goodbyes.

They find the camp on the edge of the makeshift town. Rain, and Roasa are preparing dinner over a fire with ingredients that was given to them by the community. As they do so, Yorba is speaking with them. The sight of Yorba and Roasa together puts Aero on edge. Yorba seems like the type of person that could get on the fiery Roasa’s bad side very quickly.

Once Yorba sees Aero, she joins him for more conversation. She stays by his side for most of the night, speaking openly about every subject they discuss. At times, she seems to lecture the prince much to his brother David’s amusement. With Aero occupied he and Stephan turn in early.

Later into the night, after everyone except for Aero, Matthew, and Roasa had turned in, Yorba treats the group to a few songs. She has a remarkable singing voice.

At daylight, she is in camp providing the group with provisions from the community. Again, she finds ways to interject her beliefs into the group before she sees them off. Aero was receptive and respectful. He enjoyed her company for a day, but he found her dedication to political speak exhausting. He is a soldier at heart after all.

As they leave the camp, Stephan asks “Prince Aero, are we on to the old palace?”

“Not yet, we have one last stop. We ride back west for three days to the Shadow Meadow. I have a promise to keep to Matt, he also deserves it after Bellum.” Aero responds.

“Do we have time?” Asks Will.

“We are a week ahead of schedule.” Stephan responds.

“I say we go… if I get a vote.” Will responds.

“This time you do! Aero, Will and I overrule everyone.” Matthew speaks up.

Everyone looks back at Matthew. He just smiles.

“You heard the man. Let’s go west!”

Around the Campfire #2

Days of riding through Bellumi territory has weighed heavy on the envoy’s nerves. Countless checkpoints and searches.

Wasn’t the Lieutenant’s purpose to speed along the process? Yet she seems to revel in each stoppage. She loves order, the core of the Bellumi.

After all the checkpoints, the group got a reprieve. It has been nearly a half a day since they made the last clearance.

Ser Stephan and Aero agreed to stop at the next body of water to rest the horses and eat, but they haven’t seen one. The Lieutenant has never been stationed in this region of the territory, so she doesn’t know the land. So, the group has kept riding. With it getting late they decide to just make camp at the next stop.

As they round the bend in the road on the ridge, they begin to see a huge lake below. It is no ordinary lake, Aero realizes that the lake is the Pool of Nazeret, a forbidden site.

“Stop!” Aero exclaims as he dismounts his horse. “Do you know what this is?”

“It’s a pink lake, we need to find a way down there. I want see how the water tastes.” Matthew responds.

“Tastes like death, because you will die if you drink it.” David responds.

“And if it didn’t, by law we would have to kill you.” Ser Stephan adds.

“Why? Is pink water bad?” Matthew asks.

“Matt, this is the Pool of Nazeret, it’s a forbidden site.” Aero answers.

“The first forbidden site.” David corrects Aero “you do know the story, right Matthew?”

“Never heard of it.”

“How have you not heard that story?” Roasa says as she exits the wagon.

“Just haven’t, I grew up poor. My father was a mason from the Two Springs community that married a woman from the Bend. History was never important to us.”

“My people don’t ever have money, but we know the story.” Roasa responds.

“Matthew, about a hundred years before the Great War, Bellum was built around their region seat, Nazeret. Which was a large city of around a half a million people. Historians say it was a beautiful city filled with some of the finest art in the kingdom. The castle square was filled with emerald statues. Many of the great philosophers or the day would gather among the emerald statues to teach. Most history books record it as the most beautiful city in the land.”

“Wait, David… I mean Dave, castles… artist… statues… We have been in Bellum for days; I haven’t seen any of that.” Matthew responds.

“As I was saying, during this time the region was rampant with magicians of all kinds. A magician that practiced blood magic named, Zhet demanded blood for power. After the regency refused, he called a star down out of the sky that crashed into the city creating the crater lake below. The survivors of the region were forced to worship Zhet. He demanded that animals be sacrificed to him by throwing them into the lake. His powers grew, and so did his boldness. He began demanding that each mother’s first born be thrown in the lake, but the Bellumi fought back and eventually drove all magicians from their land. Then they fought for the crown in the Great War.”

“So why didn’t they return to normal life afterward?” Matthew asks.

“Because it was weakness, and we will never allow it to happen again!” The Lieutenant answers.

The group can hear the distain in her voice. Out of respect for her, they mount up to continue their ride.

They ride along the hillside for another hour before finding a small stream coming off the hill toward the pink lake. The group makes camp quickly, horses watered, tents set up, stew started.

A few minutes before dusk, and everyone is settled in for the night.

Will tends to the stew.

Dave and Stephan talk quietly.

the Lieutenant walks the perimeter.

Roasa thinks about her husband.

Aero looks out over the lake, still in amazement.

Matthew drinks… Water…

Just another night on the road. The Capital is far from anyone’s mind, in Bellum the group is safe. Another night closer to Meego weighs heavy on Aero’s mind as he turns in.

In the morning the group is awoken to the sound of thunder. A rain day.

Matthew wakes up long enough to hear the rain, but quickly crashes. These rare rain days allow him to catch up on sleeping.

Most of the group remain in their tents.

Only the Lieutenant does her normal duties.

She tries to get Roasa to train with her, but she refuses.

So the Lieutenant trains with her spear alone.

Aero, Will, Stephan and David all watch from their tents.

She trains as she normally does yet this time in the rain, she has a noticeable smile. Perhaps it was that smile that coaxed Roasa out of her tent to do her daily training. The Lieutenant has really brought Roasa along with both the sword and spear the past few days.

They train extra long in the rain as the men watch along. Something about the rain energizes both women, and by the time they finish both are smiling.

It was the first time the group has seen Roasa smile.

After the women finishes their training, everyone closes in for an uneventful day.

Sometime in the early evening the rain finally stops. Too late to continue, they remain in camp for another night.

Around the campfire, everyone enjoys a rabbit stew Will prepared. Tonight, is the first night since the group picked up Roasa that that feel they can relax. Even the Lieutenant seems to enjoy the company of the group. Jokes, and laughter fill the air.

As Matthew leads the group in a song, David leans into Aero “We needed this, a day of healing rain.”

Aero just nods as he takes in the scene.

The next morning, everyone packs up ready to continue the journey.

The group stands on the edge of the hill overlooking the lake one last time.

“Bellum is a beautiful country, Rain.” Aero says to the Lieutenant.

“Rain? Why do you call me that?” She asks.

“Because you clearly love the rain.” David answers for his brother.

Everyone agrees.

“And you want to call me this?”

“That’s great! You have to let us call you Rain, it’s a term of endearment.” Roasa says.

Fine, I will allow it.” The Lieutenant responds to everyone’s delight.

Everyone heads to their rides. Will stops to gaze on the lake one last time. He sees a splash below him in the water. On the bank near the splash stands a little dark skinned Bellumi girl. He turns to look to the group to see if anyone else saw it, but they didn’t. Before he speaks up, he looks back down but the girl isn’t there. The lake is motionless, no signs of a splash.

Will wonders if his eyes had played a trick on him. As he is looks over the lake where he thought he saw the girl, Ser Stephan calls for him to mount up. He looks back at the lake one last time before running off to join the group.

Surely his mind was playing tricks on him.

Crimson Conversation #7- Bellum’s Descent into Order

“You’ve referenced the military of Bellum several times, I don’t understand. The Bellumi people are many things but soldiers isn’t one of them.” Crimson says as he looks over Prince Aero’s sword.

“Maybe not in your time, but since the Great War that’s all they are.” Aero responds.

“How did they change?”

“I am sure you know about the destruction of Nezerat, don’t you?”

“Yes, such a horrific event but I never thought the people would throw away their entire culture because of a madman.”

“It was a mixture of a lot of things from what I understand. I wouldn’t say Nezerat was the sole reason, but it was clearly the catalyst.” Aero responds

“How so?”

“In the years that followed the people were held down by those that practiced blood magic, Nezerat was just the beginning. The people were forced into their bleeding cathedrals that sprung up all over the countryside. Regular blood donations, and the mandatory offerings from their cattle continued a downward spiral of the Bellumi. Finally, the magi forced women into prison farms that through magic made them pregnant repeatedly. Each time the women would have their babies taken away at birth for blood offerings, then they were impregnated again.” Aero says

“Damn, I’ve never heard of such evil magic.”

“Really?”

“Yes, the magic I knew was always for the betterment of the people. Blood magic was healing magic. Healers did what was called miracle work. Everything from healing broken bones, to insuring safe births but never genocide!” Crimson exclaims in grief. “Bellum was the home of the Red Circle, the Elders who protected the sanctity of blood magic… how could they allow this to happen?”

“I’ve never heard of the Red Circle, or the elders… I don’t know what to tell you.” Aero responds nervously as he notices Crimson’s rising agitation.

“How could you have never heard of the Elders of the Red Circle? They are common knowledge.”

“They are not. I’m afraid they were erased from history.”

“By whom? Your family?” Crimson snaps back.

“Probably the Bellumi, I don’t know.”

“How could the Bellumi done it?”

“They went to war with the blood magicians. It raged for years, all the way until the start of the Great War. When the King called for support against magic, the Bellumi were the first to answer. They helped clear the royal lands, in return the united army rallied and cleared Bellum. From there they cleared all the lands in the east, driving the enemy west.” Aero responds.

“But that doesn’t answer how they were erased from history.”

“After the war, the Bellumi army returned to their land and spent decades purging the land of all signs of magic. All the Blood Cathedrals, prison farms, and magic places were destroyed not a single stone of those places remained in the land. Somehow, they were able to break all the magic in their territory. A couple places that they couldn’t break, they moved their borders to exclude it. Places like the Witcher’s Forest and a place called the Snake’s Den.”

“How did they break magic? That doesn’t make sense only a master of the arts could break magic.” Crimson responds in disbelief.

“I don’t have all the answers, the Bellumi are a secretive people. They just don’t hand out answers. They don’t allow anyone in their land. They have so many mysteries to them like the Capital’s histories books record that their skin was once red, but today they are brown in tone.”

“You really don’t understand magic, do you?”

“No, it’s not wise to seek knowledge of the old ways.”

“So ignorance is the preferred path? That’s not wise.”

Aero soaks in Crimson’s words. They are true, but until this point in his life he was indoctrinated to hate the old ways. His eyes have slowly been opening to different thought since entering the cave days ago.

“So the Bellumi cleared their land, destroyed all magic and won the war; why didn’t they return to their old culture? Aside from them being involved heavily in magic, they were artist and poets. Why didn’t they return to that?” Crimson asks.

“My guess is that by the time they were done, all the painters, architects, sculptors and such were all dead. All that were left were infantrymen, archers, and calvary. Every man and woman born into that life; it was all they knew. In fact, the Bellumi eventually sent a new sculptor to the capital to replace the ancient one they originally sent for the Unity Circle in the center of the palace park. It was a hand holding a spear. They paid a local artist to make it. The old one, the emerald jaguar, is in the main hall entering the throne room. It is believed to be the only original Bellumi art piece left in the entire kingdom.”

“I will weep for the Bellumi and the Red Circle. This is the saddest story I have ever heard. The death of a beautiful people and culture. The Gloom of Bellum, the saddest poem to ever come out of Bellum.”

Aero nods in silence, taking note of Crimsons attempt to be poetic. He patiently waits for Crimson to speak, yet he doesn’t. Crimson is clearly mourning from everything he has heard. Crimson looks down at Aero’s sword still sitting in his lap.

Steel is the death of magic…

“Get this away from me.” Crimson says as he hands off the sword. He remains silent for some time. Aero does as well thinking how could he know about Nezerat but not the genocide that followed? It doesn’t match up with the timeline that Crimson had given him. More mystery to the beast, Aero notes…

Aero Part 2-4 Spears of Bellum

Nearly a week passed before Aero’s party reached the first checkpoints of Bellum. Long days of riding and training along Matthew’s drinking, Roasa’s passionate outburst, and Will’s complaining had the group on edge. Then they had to suffer the military order of the Bellumi people.

The scenery didn’t change much once the group crossed over into the territory. Miles between checkpoints, low ranking soldiers farming the land for the sustainment of the army, barracks sporadically dotting the landscape.

There are no traditional houses or families in the region only disciplined routine tested soldiers. Both men and women who are committed to performing their duties for the greater good of the people. Schools for children are nothing more than boot camps to prepare them for a life of service.

Marriage is a concept that was abandoned by the Bellumi for over a thousand years. Now the war council matches male and female warriors together based on merit. They mate for the good of the community and nothing more. After childbirth, the mother returns to the ranks never knowing her child.

Day in and day out, Bellum is bustling with soldiers preparing for war.

Every few hours the group passes by a barrack where infantry with shield and spear train in their phalanx formation. Their deeply practiced tactics on full display.

The Bellumi are a proud people. Their distinct darkened skin with midnight black hair and almond shaped brown eyes accentuate their oval shape faces with prominent noses. Their military uniforms are the only clothing they wear.

Most of the group enjoys the parade of might before them, but not Matthew. He is too busy fuming over the incident at the first checkpoint where the guards dumped out Matthew’s entire week supply of ale, per Bellumi law.

Hard drink dulls the senses and a good soldier must always be at the ready.

They approach yet another checkpoint and expect to jump through the same hoops as they have every time but this time a higher-ranking official allows them to pass through. Finally…

The Captain introduces himself by rank and formation name, Captain of Gate 43, and instructs them to follow him into the court of the Bellumi War Council.

They follow the Captain to a stone wall, about sixteen feet tall wrapping around the tallest building in the area. They are taken through one final checkpoint and arrive in the courtyard to find more soldiers training in archery.

The Lieutenant takes Aero, Stephan and David inside the main building. Waiting for them is the Commander in Chief of the Bellum War Council. He greets them as such then instructs Captain of gate 43 to return to his post.

“Words from our outpost say that you wish to travel through our land on your way to Meego. We understand that you have enemies in pursuit…”

“Actually, they are just spying on us for the King’s Council to make sure I go to Meego, we were hoping to travel along your border toward Cagle Crossroads, but travelling through your territory would allow us to make good time, if you allow it.” Aero responds.

“I see.” Says the Commander in Chief “Our people do not owe you any allegiance, you will not be king.”

The Commander in Chief shows little respect to Aero. The Bellumi respect rank, if David were asking the Commander, then perhaps his tone would have been different. But no one must know David’s true identity, so Aero stumbles to find words.

“I am not here to use my family status to get what I want, if you decide we cannot travel through your land we will find another way. I am not my Father. I respectfully request clearance to travel through your territory in whatever way you see fit. My party will respect the decision of the War Council and follow it’s judgment to the letter.”

“That is good to hear, anything else?”

“I have a good history with a Bellumi who was in the capital a few years back. If the Corporal assigned to the King is available, then I would welcome them as a guide. Someone to keep us on the path you want us on and someone to help get us through checkpoints.”

“I understand. I will convene the Council to discuss the matter. I will return with the decision shortly. You may wait in the yard near your wagons, we have guards appointed to you. Your people will be detained if they do not stay in the designated area. Bellumi law dictates failure to comply will bring about swift punishment.” Says the Commander in Chief.

Aero assures the Commander that his group will follow the instructions, then hurries back to the group to make sure Roasa hasn’t made a scene.

As soon as he rounds the corner though, he realizes Matthew is more likely to cause a disturbance.

Aero approaches Matthew.

“Are you oka…” Aero begins to speak but is interrupted by Ser Matthew.

“You better not even say anything about drinking piss! Just tell me some good news, you they going to let us pass?”

“I can’t say yet. The Commander called a War Council meeting to decide our path. Hopefully, they won’t be long. Until then, we must stay with the wagons. I wish David could have handled that, they would have given him what he wanted without much hesitation. But me… I will not be king, so they view me as a waste of time.” Aero says frustrated.

Matthew leans into Aero and whispers “I think Bellum was a waste of time.”

Aero cracks the slightest of smiles, “keep that to yourself.”

“Understood.”

While Aero and Matthew were talking, Ser Stephan and David speak to Will and Roasa on staying in the area. Roasa does her best to hide her anger.

Several hours pass as the group watches the soldiers in the yard train. The group expects bad news since it is taking so long.

Finally, the Commander approaches the wagons.

“The Council grants you passage but not along the border but straight through the center of our lands. If you want to escape the watchful eyes of these spies, this route will do it. We will also provide you a guide to see you through to your missions end.”

The Commander points behind the knights, they turn around to see a Bellumi woman roughly David’s age in uniform standing behind them. Her hair is tied tight to her head while her facial features are textbook Bellumi.

“Hello Mother.” Aero says as he greets her.

“Do not call me that, I did my duty for my people. Your Father was no warrior.” She responds.

The Commander speaks up “This is Lieutenant assigned to Prince Aero’s Convoy, her job is to see you through Bellum. The Council has also decided to assign her to continue with you until you depart for Meego. She will then return with a full report of everything that happens along your way. May your journey be swift and just. Good day.”

With that, he walks out on the group to return to his daily duties.

The Lieutenant addresses the group “Everyone ready up, we will depart the courtyard at once on an eastern departure. We can make it to Gate 37A before dark and will have a barrack for the convoy to spend the night.”

The Lieutenant grabs the reigns of one of the horses in the nearby stall, since the Bellumi do not own possessions, she grabbed a random horse. She couldn’t tell anyone if she had ridden it before. Even if she could, she wouldn’t care.

Aero approaches her as they depart. “We have been training Roasa, our female companion to use a sword, is there any way to procure a sword that would be more appropriate for her size?”

The Lieutenant responds “Men training a woman to fight with a sword? Are you trying to get her killed.?”

“No.”

“Women do not fight like men! We do not use strength and force like you do. If you allow me to take over her training, then that will not be a problem. Bellumi weapons are the finest in the world, and we have them in abundance.”

Roasa overhearing the conversation responds for Aero. “Yes, I will learn the sword from the Lieutenant.”

This relieves Aero. It was his honor to vow to help Roasa but training her had proven to be very difficult. Her Durrie impetuous was too much for him to bear. He had already taken a step back and allowed Matthew and Stephan to handle the training duties.

“Thank you, um…” Aero says as he hesitates trying to figure out what to call the Lieutenant.

“Lieutenant, use my rank.”

“What about your real rank, Queen? Or I can I call you by a common name? Everyone else has one. Even your daughter Shoala.”

“Who is Shoala? My daughter? You speak of the unfortunate duty I had to perform for Bellum. I did my duty to the best of my ability and I am glad it is over.”

“What was so bad about being Queen? Birthing a princess?”

“I do not expect you to understand. Bellumi people are trained from birth to desire mating with another great soldier to form a solider for the next generation. Your father stole that from me by requiring a Bellumi bride. The Council assigned me, and I did it. But your father is a pig! He is no warrior!”

“Still you are the Queen.”

“Your Mother was the Queen, what your father did to me was try to make me one of his comfort women. It was disgusting! But I did it, and as soon as I completed my duty I returned to Bellum. Everyone knows that no King will ever take a darker skinned woman as his first bride. We are always forced to be second or third or worse. So do not call me Queen.”

“I apologize, I just don’t understand Bellumi culture. Maybe you can teach me about it.” Says Aero.

The Lieutenant agrees and immediately begins teaching him about the intricacies of the Bellumi, which she does so at length.

Aero’s mind drifts towards Meego. Time is running short.

Aero Part 2-3 A Snake among us

Another commotion in the camp. Aero has gotten used to these outbursts since the group picked up Roasa a few days ago.

“Tie him to the tree, I’ll take one shot!” She screams.

Stephen, Rich, Will, and Rosa had travelled into a nearby town to collect supplies, but upon returning Roasa is hot, again.

Aero, David, and Matthew meet the returning group outside the tents to find Stephan’s squire Rich with his hands bound behind his back and Roasa in his face.

“What’s going on?” Aero asks

“We have a traitor in our group.” Will responds.

Aero and David look at Ser Stephan to get greater detail.

“While we were getting supplies, Rich slipped off. None of us noticed except Roasa who followed him. He slipped inside a barn on the edge of town. She came and got me, and we found Rich inside talking with some false knights. He was relaying our true travel plans to them.” Stephan responds.

The three men are shocked at the revelation.

“So, he has been doing this the entire trip?” Matthew asks.

“Yes. It seems Marco offered him a large sum of gold and a knighthood for spying on us.” Replies Ser Stephan.

“Ser Richard, is that it? You wanted the honor of your full name?” Matthew asks Rich.

“No, it’s not the name. Rich isn’t his real name; he took it so he could better fit in at the Capital.” Stephan says.

“You take a Riverbend name to improve your image? That just shows how sad you really are.” Will quips

“He’s your squire, what do you want to do with him?” Aero asks Stephan

“I’m going to kill him!” Roasa exclaims “He’s with the false knights, he helped kill my husband!”

The group looks around to each other. This is betrayal, but none of the men had even considered killing him, but Roasa has justified her position. Rich was a false knight and the group had vowed to take down every false knight they came across.

“He’s mine!” Roasa says as she stares Stephan in his eyes. Her gaze is as sharp as his sword.

Matthew makes a move to the wagon, pulls out a shovel and begins digging.

Rich begins begging. “No! Please, I’m not with them! Marco is just paying me to report back to him… I didn’t mean to…”

“Get caught.” David speaks up “Get this over with, we have to make new plans.”

“PLEASE…” Rich screams but is cut off by Will gagging him from behind.

“We can’t kill him; he is my sworn squire.” Stephan says trying to work through all the thoughts running through his mind. He lowers his head in shame.

Roasa turns to Aero “You’re the leader of this group. Prince, what is your decision?”

Aero looks at Roasa then Stephan, then Rich. This is a decision he doesn’t want to make. His older brother and heir to the throne says kill him, his mentor says not to and now all eyes are on him; except Matthew’s; he is still busy digging.

“Roasa, when we take a squire, we make a vow to protect them. It is sacred and not easily broken.” Aero tells her.

To his surprise, she doesn’t explode in anger as she has so many times over the past few days.

“Answer one question for me before you make your final decision, okay?” She asks, Aero agrees “If Rich hadn’t reported back to the knights, would my husband still be alive?”

Aero immediately looks to Rich whose eyes enlarged revealing shock and guilt; his eyes return to Roasa’s. Tears flowing down her eyes, not anger but pain. Aero knows the answer, it’s not one he can bring him to say it.

He slowly draws his sword. As he takes a step toward Rich but Roasa steps in front of him and places her hand on his shoulder. “Please, I need to do this.”

Aero hesitates for a moment. He looks to Stephan who just nods and turns away. His gaze meets Roasa’s again. Still unable to find the words, he silently offers her his sword. She takes Aero’s sword; she struggles with the weight but is determined to get her justice. Matthew climbs out of the hole, walks over to Rich and pulls him back to the hole. As Roasa and Aero approach, Matthew forces him to his knees on the edge of his grave.

“Any final words?” Matthew asks

Rich just shakes his head no.

“I wasn’t asking you; I was asking her.” Matthew tells Rich.

“You killed my husband as much as the horn guy, you ruined my life…” Roasa says as she slowly impales Rich in the chest.

She lets go of the hilt and Rich slumps over sword still in his chest. Roasa turns to David who embraces her as they both weep. David takes her to his tent for privacy to mourn.

Matthew removes Aero’s sword and hands it back to him. Stephan and Matthew place the body in the hole and Will begins covering the hole back in.

“The knights that Rich met up with did not see us, we grabbed him after we left the town.” Stephan says.

“Matt, can you go through Rich’s possession and see if you can find anything?”

Matt nods and makes his way to Rich’s tent.

“So the knights don’t know we found their mole… We should use this to our advantage… don’t mark the grave… with any luck no one will see it for a while.” Aero says as he processes the events. Stephan and Matthew agree. “We are five days of hard riding from Bellum, we should continue on course. Once we get there maybe we can use our connection to our advantage and go through their land instead of around it.”

“We really don’t have much choice at this point, we don’t have enough supplies to cross the Barren Plains. Stephan agrees.

“We will give Roasa some time, then we will head out.” Aero states.

“I think we all need some time.” Stephan responds.

Rune #1

A man walks in the woods alone, he isn’t quite sure where he is going. Until two weeks ago, he was just another woodsman. His life consisted of felling trees and his hobbies of wood working, candle making, and reading. For a peasant, he is very well read. A few years back, he committed to reading one book a week. He has been successful in the venture while most weeks reading two. His thirst for knowledge drives him.

The man is young, mid-twenties but his full unruly black beard and long dark hair hides that fact. To everyone else, he appears to be a seasoned craftsman. Life in the wood business is hard, it makes you grow up faster than most. Even his gaze from his dark brown eyes is that of an older man.

He has been walking for days, yet he isn’t tired. His profession has built him into peak condition. His clothing can’t hide his muscles in the same manor that his beard hides his age.

The young burly man is named Rune, a woodman by trade because his father was one. He is the latest generation of logger in the family that spans the entire millennia since the Great War.

His job and his hobbies have isolated him enough from the major cities that he never married. Something that has rarely crossed his mind.

Rune would be doing his job if it weren’t for the singing. He tried to ignore it for days but once he realized that none of the other loggers could hear it, he knew he couldn’t. It wasn’t going away and would eventually drive him mad.

He left his camp one morning before sunrise headed toward the singing. The ringing in his ear his only guide. His camp was near the southern border of Bellumi territory, with the singing coming from his northeast.

By his calculations he was now in the Witcher’s Woods, the uninhabited forest to the east of Bellum and between the sea. The place was once the home of a coven of witches who practiced green magic. The Bellumi couldn’t tame the forest so they pulled their border back beyond the reach of the magic.

For the last thousand years in the witch’s absence, the forest has been rumored to be cursed. Stories run rampant in the region of large animals attacking people, people dying from eating the fruit found in the forest, and insect hordes.

The forest is also known by its other name, the Dead Forest. For some reason many people have entered the woods never to be seen or heard from again. Some believe lost souls come to hang themselves, others believe that it’s the deadly animals that kill them, or the nasty stings of the insects; but most believe in a witch’s curse.

Either way Rune is on guard. His armament is light to say the least, a felling axe and a whittling knife. However, he isn’t afraid. The singing is close, its sounds comfort the young man as he steps forward. For some reason the forest isn’t any of the things that he had heard.

No animals, which he is glad. The legend that a snake sleeps under every leaf always unsettled him as a child. Rune hates snakes!

No bugs, just the silent wood with the singing ringing in his ears.

The song draws him closer; it won’t be long now. He just needs to be aware.

As he processes these thoughts, he hears a low rumbling behind him. As he turns, he is confronted with a Halo Bear standing on two legs just a few feet behind him. The white ring at the top of the bears neck among the black as night fur is a dead giveaway.

The beast is massive, at least fifteen feet tall and must be twenty-five hundred pounds, maybe three thousand. Its eyes are locked on Rune. Yet he is still not fearful. He is taken aback but not afraid. In the eye of certain death, Rune can still hear the song in the background. It did not bring him all this way to die!

The bear drops to all fours but still towers over the woodsman. The bear approaches him and sniffs him all over. He proceeds to walk past Rune, nudging him out of the way. The bear is walking toward the song.

As Rune stands still watching the bear walk in the direction he needs to go, his heartrate lowers a bit. Being that close to a Halo Bear is nerve-racking! The bear looks back at Rune and swings his head as to motion “come on.”

Rune follows.

The bear leads him down a hill with thickened vegetation, but the bear “plows” a path with his body. The song is getting louder.

As they walk Rune sees what appears to be a cave ahead. The bear leads them into the mouth of the cave. The bear sidesteps to reveal an axe head stuck in the stone wall. Rune just stares at it.

The bear touches his nose to the axe head.

“It’s a battle-axe.” Rune says to himself.

The bear nudges the blade with his nose again.

“How did it get here?”

Another nudge.

“Is this what’s singing?”

The bear just looks at him.

“There must be magic in the axe.”

The bear nudges the end of the axe again.

Rune steps over to the axe head, slowly reaching out to grab it. He begins to pull on the steel, but it falls into his hands before he drops it due to the weight. The singing stops.

“Maybe I can beat it into a plow.” Rune says as he examines the double-sided blade on the ground.

“What do you mean it won’t work?” He says to the bear.

“Really, the magic won’t allow the blade to be reworked. Well why would a magic murder weapon choose me? I’m a pacifist.”

The bear cocks his head to one side as if to show disbelief.

“Why am I talking to a bear? I’ve gone mad!”

“Oh, the ancient magic of the axe allows us to speak…you’re the protector of the axe…what?”

“Just pick up the axe and I’ll know what to do…Fine…”

Rune bends over, picks up the axe head and stares as if he is processing something in his mind. He looks at the bear…

“We have to get to the old Summer Palace by the dried-up sea now!”

Without another word, Rune steps over to the bear as it lowers itself. He hops on it’s back and the bear begins the journey. Rune makes note to collect wood to carve a handle along the way.

His thoughts running as fast as the bear. How could the axe choose him? Why not some knight who was okay with taking life?

The Palace is far away, and Rune has so many questions. Maybe the bear has some answers, Rune resolves to ask when they stop for a break.