Story 1: Chapter 3

This is chapter 3 of the story I am currently working on.

The Flame Mage

Chapter 3

Before they left the village, Izarin handed Arana Coruscar’s talisman. It was a circle of blue metal and circumscribed with a cross. He placed it into her palm and closed her fingers over it.

                “Return it to him when he proves himself worthy of it. Until then you may use it to protect yourself.”

                Arana nodded and placed the necklace around her neck. The clasps as well as the chain that held the circumscribed cross were made of golden metal.

                “You are in charge. I believe their strong personalities may cause more grief if either one led the way. I trust you with this important mission, Arana. Good luck.”

                “Thank you, Lord Izarin. Let us discuss something when we return.”

                The rogue kept the trust Izarin had placed in her close to her heart. That warm feeling that came from authority figures gave her strength and uplifted her determination. It was her time to lead these two and prove her worth. When she returned she would ask for the contract between Mahr and Asen, master and servant, and thus bind them closer together. She felt warm feelings whenever she interacted with Izarin. She did not love or like him, but it was more of a deeper and profound respect. I will not fail again. On this I promise as a rogue of Calias. She placed her fingers of both hands in front of her mouth like a gate, trapping the oath she made in her mind.

                They had ridden their horses through more fields of barley, golden wheat and the silver wheat to the Swamp of Farothen. Coruscar’s horse, a bright white horse with red stars adorning its saddle was larger than Salla and Arana’s smaller mares. It seemed to symbolize Coruscar, a reflection of his personality. It was large and likely a prized stallion, but whenever Salla’s or Arana’s horse moved near it, it grumbled and shied away. Coruscar’s horse, Hammer, did not enjoy the company of others and preferred to be alone with its master.

                They stayed in silence through most of the trip. Arana was her normal self who found the need for talk almost unnatural. Salla kept her mouth shut so she would not get into an argument with Coruscar. And the Paladin decided conversation with these two was not worth his time or the demeaning of his station. In the end the swordswoman could not hold back her temper and broke the silence.

                “Were you really going to murder those people?”

                “Yes. My actions are blessed under the Light. I have been granted the authority of the Church and its priests to mete out divine justice whenever it is required.”

                “I can’t believe this. How can you believe your actions are divine?”

                “No one can really say what the plans of heaven are. The Gods may grant us bountiful harvests of grain and rice for the coming season or may instead temper our determination and willpower with droughts or floods. Trying to know what exactly is divine is beyond the reach of most mortals. I cannot ascribe that what I do is truly the work of the Gods, but follow my code of beliefs.”

                “And your beliefs led you to nearly kill those people?”

                “Let me ask you this: what would happen if those people spread their disease to other towns and cities? How many people would die because of their contamination? The Gods have given us a choice, whether we save them or purge them from this world is irrelevant. The Gods give us choices in order to see us act—whether we do good or evil, as long as we act we do as the Gods ask of us. I decided to kill the few to spare the many. Why should many people suffer for the sins of the few?”

                “Because these people can still be saved. We cannot see these people as mere numbers—they are living breathing individuals with dreams, hopes and desires.”

                “Have you ever killed a group of bandits or monsters terrorizing a small town, Frindane?”

                “I don’t see what that has to do with anything.”

                “I take that as a yes. You have done the same thing I was about to do. Kill the few in order to preserve the many. It is the exact same thing, whether the townsfolk had no intention of proliferating the disease or not the effect would be the same. I see no reason to argue this further. I am clearly right and you know it.”

                Arana was watching the argument to analyze the social aspects of these foreigners. As the conversation progressed both Salla and Coruscar began to shout. Their loud voices echoed across the empty plains and it looked like Salla could not rein in her temper any further. The swordswoman’s cheeks were flushed and her posture made it look like she would jump out of her saddle and throttle the Paladin.

                While they were discussing the ethics of the situation, Arana could not help but side with Coruscar. Caliasans were a communal people, their families’, governments’ and nation’s welfare came before that of the individual. She believed that she should do everything in her power to improve Calias, even if it meant suffering for it.

                Had she gone to the village another time with a different group she might have done what Coruscar was planning. What had stopped her had been Izarin, her employer’s decision to save the people instead.

                It was not religious dogma that Arana followed, but cold calculations that guided her path. She did believe in the Gods the Caliasan people believed in but their involvement in her decisions was seldom a factor.

                “Enough,” she heard herself say. “If we have a chance to save these people we must try to help them, but if we fail we must be ready to step in and do what is necessary.” Arana hoped her words would be a satisfactory compromise between the two of them, but it only brought glares from the opponents. Likely both were too stubborn to concede even a little bit of ground.

                She continued to show she was not the least bit intimidated. “We are nearing the swamp. If you two would like to continue yelling at each other and bringing every dark creature in that place towards us then feel free to do so. Otherwise, focus on the task at hand and keep your chatter to a minimum.”

                They grumbled at Arana’s speech but stopped arguing altogether. Arana had used words a Caliasan parent would say to his or her children in order to reprimand them. At an early age most Caliasan children would become more sensible and understand the common sense of their elders. There was however a few that remained un-Caliasan who argued with authority, did not follow the laws or made trouble for true Caliasan citizens. These nonconformists were branded by a tattoo on their forehead and cast out of the community and exiled from the nation. The marking was a black bird with wings outspread, a symbol that meant the individual had decided that there interests were above the communal interests of Calias and they were free to fly wherever they wanted. To fly and never come back.

                Arana was not surprised she had to use such speech to foreigners that were so bullheaded. She was surprised however that regardless of their juvenility one was a Paladin and the other an ex-knight, both powerful positions in their own right.

                Like Salla, Arana did not know much about the Council of Light. The one thing that she did know was that the Paladins or Palarohk were the highest level of warrior the Council possessed. They were on par with the Justices of Calias; however their skills in battle were completely different than the Caliasan Elite’s skills. Paladins were armed with blunt weapons and protected by divine talismans that shielded them from the errant flows of magic. Some were even capable of casting the holy light and healing themselves or others. Coruscar did not look like the latter. Like with Salla, though their combat prowess was regarded as being exceptional, Arana knew it paled in comparison to any Caliasan warrior. These foreigners were simply too slow.

                They reached the edge of the swamp by nightfall. To Arana extending the time that the swordswoman and Paladin spent together was not a good idea. She needed to go into the swamp as quickly as possible and retrieve the flower. Izarin had told her what it looked like, not through words but through her thoughts.

                Izarin’s magic had allowed him to speak to Arana without them being together. She did not know how he had achieved this, but she could feel that it was really him and not some fantasy. The plant you are looking for is luminescent only at night. It looks like a regular plant during the daytime. It glows with a pinkish hue though the leaves that make up the flower have tiny red dots. The flower is sometimes red or blue but there should be many flowers that resemble the ones you need. If you are in doubt on which flower to take, gather a bunch of them and I will examine them when you return. If you have any questions while you search, I will hear your call.

                There was another reason why Arana decided to journey in the swamps at night. In the darkness of the swamps deadly creatures would be lure to them. They would need all their wits and cunning to be able to survive the perilous dangers of the swamp at night. Coruscar and Salla would have to focus on the task at hand and Arana would have the chance to prove herself.

                “Are you sure we should be going in at night, Arana?”

                “If you are scared you can remain here with the horses. I think I can handle picking a flower by myself.” Coruscar did not mean it, Arana thought. He is just trying to goad her.

                “I can handle myself just fine, Paladin. I’ll show you worth of my training.”

                “There’s no mage to protect you here, Frindane.”

                Arana could tell that Salla was furious. However the swordswoman was able to keep her temper in check. The ex-knight grumbled under her breath oaths and insults that Arana had never heard before. They left the horses tied to trees near the roadside. Finding the plant, Arana hoped, would take only a few hours at most. Izarin had not said in which part of the swamp they would find the flower. The rogue decided it would be useless to ask him through her mind, for surely there would be no possibility to ask him through her mind, for surely there would be no possibility that he knew the exact location.

                Salla stripped off pieces of her armor and left them tied to her mare. Leaving the armor behind she would be able to move faster especially if she had to trudge through the wetlands and mud. It would definitely hinder her less with the subtraction of the armor’s weight. Salla wore light clothing underneath the armor, a simple tunic and pants cinched together with a leather belt. She kept her sword and scabbard and brought a pouch for collecting the plant material.

                Coruscar removed his robes revealing the tunic and pants he wore underneath. Like Salla he brought with him his mace and a pouch. After he finished preparing he trudged off into the darkness of the swamps by himself.

                “Wait, Palarohk. Where are you going? We have to stay together!”

                He turned his head to look back at the Caliasan. “I do not follow your orders, rogue. By my honor, I said I would travel with you here to this swamp but I never said I would follow any of your orders. I’ll find this flower and bring it back to Farothen Village. Then I will be rid of you.” He walked away.

                “Salla, stop him we have to stay together!”

                But the swordswoman shook her head. “Let him die in this accursed swamp. It only serves him right. Good riddance to that Paladin.”

                Salla ran in a different direction than Coruscar had gone. Arana found herself in front of a dark swamp by herself.

***

Coruscar let his eyes adjust to the scenery and the darkness of the swamp. If he had his talisman he would easily be able to see whatever foul creatures plagued the environment, but all he had was his Paladin training to rely upon. With his auralion, the necklace circumscribed cross, not even the darkness impeded him from his holy work.

                He held his mace close ready to strike at anything that moved through the night. His eyes adjusted and he saw thick trees and cattails surrounding him. The cattails looked like tiny spears raised to the sky. He tried to stay on higher ground to avoid soiling his boots and leapt across any small pool or strand of water. The noise of frogs croaking came from everywhere at once.

                He had never been to a swamp before but had been educated to know what to expect in this place. If he were to remember anything it was to remain out of the water as much as possible. It was difficult to gauge the depth of the swamp and at different points it could shift from being shallow to deep in a few steps. Contagion and disease was spread through the organisms residing in the dirty water and Coruscar did not want to catch anything. Finally, some of the deadliest creatures were lurking just beneath the water’s surface. Pirin fish swarmed their larger prey with entire schools. Amphibians that spread poisonous bile through their saliva projectiles, and reptiles that resembled rocks were ready to clamp massive jaws on unwary visitors.

                This was not a place that Coruscar wanted to be in especially in the dark of night. The thin sliver of the moon provided enough light to see everything above the surface, but wispy clouds were myriad and covered the lunar object extinguishing his light source. At times Coruscar could only rely on his eyesight. The Palarohk searched for any plants besides the roots of gnarled and dead trees but all he found were fungus, moss and ferns. He had found no flowers in any of his attempts.

                Coruscar heard the voice of the magic in his head. He did not question whether or not it was really the flame mage. He knew wizards and their vile magic could perform dark and sinister acts. He grimaced because he did not want this heathen’s mind hearing his thoughts, or trying to corrupt him through psychic brainwashing. To Coruscar magic users were all the same—they violated the laws of nature and defied the teachings of his God. Even the priests and Paladins of the Council who channeled the light were blasphemers—no one should wield the power of the divine.

                “I can assure you I am not trying to listen to your thoughts, but if you project them so strongly then I do not really have a choice.”

                “Get out of my head, wizard,” he growled.

                “But you need my help. At least let me tell you what kind of flower you are looking for.”

                Coruscar realized he did not know the exact plant he was supposed to find. His arguments with the swordswoman had distracted him from recalling that important fact. Damn, woman. He would enjoy insulting her more so that she snapped.

                Izarin described the flower in detail. The Paladin considered writing it down in his notepad but it would be too difficult to decipher in the dark. He instead had to keep the description in his memory. “Now leave my thoughts and do not disturb me, wizard.”

                There was no response in the Paladin’s mind but he knew that the mage was still listening. He did not know what compelled him to answer Izarin’s duel at the town. It felt as if he was compelled in some way to battle. His adrenaline had increased and he felt warmth all over his body. Most likely the wizard had done something with his evil magic to influence him. Though how had he bypassed the protective elements of his auralion necklace?

                The croaking became louder in his ears. He spun around but he saw nothing but rocks and thick foliage in the moonlight. He peered closer to make sure the rocks were still rocks but they did not move no matter how long Coruscar stared at them. The effect of the darkness and the rest of the day were starting to tax him. He had been suspicious of rocks creeping up on him. Against his better judgment he should not have gone to this swamp and instead rested.

                He sighed and took a few deep breaths to control his rising doubt and focus. Around him the rocks seemed to have shifted closer. Also the frog croaking had dissipated.

                Coruscar struck a nearby rock to test his suspicions. A creature the size of a large dog leapt at his face.

~~~

                Salla did not want to be alone in the swamp. Like a fool she had charged blindly into this unfamiliar terrain with no clue of what exactly she was looking for. She let her temper get the better of her and in doing so the Paladin had won their contest of wills. She would think of something to say to get under his skin.

                Amongst this party she had no one she could trust. The Paladin was certainly an enemy in her eyes so she did not even bother thinking of a reason for him. The rogue Arana she felt could be trustworthy, almost someone she could depend on, but her cold actions in the duel between Coruscar and Izarin made Salla reconsider. If the swordswoman continued being reckless, Arana might just take the flower and leave the two of them in this mess.

                Still it was better if the rogue was with her to provide her blades, even if she logically betrayed them in the end. Whatever strange misgivings Salla had in her head, she needed to believe in Arana as an ally and companion. There was too much doubt and that would drastically affect the group’s synergy.

                The swordswoman heard something rustling behind her and turned. “Arana, is that you? I’m sorry I ran off but I wasn’t in control of my emotions. Arana?”

                There was no response from the dense foliage. Salla Frindane raised her sword up high and it was bathed in the light of the moon. She took her stance, spread her feet to get proper footing and was ready to parry or slash at whatever came from the dark.

                It was a rock-like creature that resembled a rock. It croaked making a bulging sack on its throat expand. Its back was gray and smooth with thin cracks that made it look like a rough stone. Its beady eyes greedily examined its surroundings. Salla was caught staring at its eyes and hypnotic throat sack. The noise it made seemed to come from all around her. It was as if there was more than one of the amphibians.

                She craned her neck to look back and saw more of the frogs encircling her. She was surrounded but the frogs made no further movements towards her.

                Salla charged the first one in front of her and swung her blade to cleave the beast in half. It connected and sliced cleanly through. Behind her the remaining four frog creatures increased the frequency of their croaking. The rock frogs’ symphony of croaking sounded like a song. Salla wondered if it was meant to warn the other frogs or call for reinforcements.

                She did not wait to find out.

                The swordswoman lunged at the nearest frog and stabbed it in the throat with her straight blade. It hissed as the bubble sack deflated. She pulled her blade out and felt the change in its weight. It was covered in the thick red blood of the rock-frog creatures. Maybe they will not attack me, Salla thought. Yeah and that Paladin will come to save me.

                She turned in time to see a glob of green liquid splatter across her face. It was not acid, thankfully. She did not know what effect the blast of ooze was but she knew it originated from one of the frog creatures. She wiped the liquid with the back of her hand and flung it onto the ground. Perhaps it was some disease. She would have to check with Izarin later.

                Salla dispatched the remaining frogs with two daggers that she had hidden in her boots. They lodged themselves in the throats of the two frogs. She did not need the perfect aim of a Caliasan rogue to find her target.

                She went to retrieve her daggers from the deceased creatures. When she felt a sharp pain in her head and she screamed.

                “Salla, what’s wrong? What is happening” Izarin’s voice filled her mind.

                “I was fighting these rock-frog things. One of them hit me with some of their spit. I’ll need to cure myself of the disease when I get back.”

                “Salla those creatures don’t spread disease. They—“

                But Salla could not hear any more words in her head. Izarin’s voice became muted and the swordswoman felt herself nauseated. The swamp with its dead trees and dense foliage spun in her eyes and she felt the contents of her stomach begin to force out of her. Salla bent over to vomit but as she did so a large dark figure picked her up and pulled her further into the swamp.

***

                Izarin watched his companions leave for the swamp. He was sure that they would be just fine without him but just to be sure he would spy on their thoughts and give them advice should they request it. He was able to do this because he had infused each of the young adventurers with a spark of his fire magic—Salla’s and Arana’s had existed ever since he healed them with his cauterizing flame. Coruscar’s spark was placed before he noticed the auralion necklace behind the folds of his robes. Izarin had encountered the magic warding jewelry before and knew that they only prohibited the effects of attack magic. The spark was clearly beneficial in Izarin’s mind and so the auralion did not react to it.

                He visited the different houses and saw to all the townsfolk. With his magic he was able to slow the effects of the disease the people had, though was unable to excise it completely. He would need the effects of the Lumis plant that the others were searching for in order to reverse the effects completely. After he saw to all the people, he settled into the lone inn of Farothen simply called Farothen Inn. It would have the proper cooking appliances he needed to craft the healing food for the people. He asked the proprietor of the inn for access and he was given it. Some of the townsfolk had refused help from this stranger due to distrust, but with a little bit of his magic he warmed their bodies and feelings and relented to Izarin’s assistance. Magic was such a powerful compelling force.

                Izarin gathered the ingredients he needed and created a large bubbling stew with an assortment of vegetables and meats. For flavoring he used broth he found in sealed containers and spices and herbs the village cultivated on their own. The majority of the ingredients he used was mostly for taste and had no effect on the remedy. What Izarin needed was the Lumis Plant. He added a few strands of the Silver Wheat into their large cauldron. The healing properties of the wheat could not hurt the restorative properties of the stew itself. After all, magic cuisine was an art and not a science.

                Most of the townsfolk were sick or were taking care of their family members who had attracted the disease. There were a few people who locked themselves up in their houses or shops in order to avoid themselves from the affliction. Izarin assured everyone that the only way to contract the disease was by drinking the contaminated water. With this knowledge out in the open the people began to help out their neighbors and more of the Farothens resumed their daily business.

                He waited until nightfall to talk with the other adventurers because they would not have reached the swamp until then. In their haste they had forgotten to get a description of what the Lumis Plant looked like. The flame mage wanted to watch their progress using his vision screen however they were too far away for its effects to have worked. He would have to rely upon his fire-based telepathy to reach them. If they worked together and took the proper precautions they would easily find the plant and be back by noon at the latest.

                Izarin took a rest after all his hard work and allowed some of the inn’s kitchen staff to watch the stew. He took a nap in the politely offered beds of the inn. But thoughts of Salla, Arana and Coruscar kept invading his mind. They were certainly in trouble but there was nothing Izarin could do to help. It would take too long for him to reach the swamp. All he could offer were his advice and experience.

                “Arana, what is happening?” Izarin reached out to her and stifled the others’ thoughts.

                “The situation has spiraled out of control. Do not worry, Lord Izarin, I will do my best to recover from my mistakes. For your information, we have separated to search for the flower and I have yet to find my companions or the plant you need. I will collect the others and be back shortly.”

                “Wait. What do you mean you separated?”

                There was no reply from Arana. There were numerous dangerous creatures that lived in the swamp. If the heroes were split up, Izarin was sure that it would end badly for his companions. Had he been blind to see the inevitable fate that would befall Arana and the rest? Or was he too trusting in the common sense of others? It was night now the least opportune time to be adventuring in the swamp. Why had they not rested and searched for the flower in the day time when the dangers of the swamp were unlikely to show themselves?
                Izarin tried to see Salla’s and Coruscar’s thoughts but the words he heard were jumbled and strange. There were conflicting images that flashed across their minds like they were being flooded by all types of sensory information and even memories. The flame mage could not make sense of what was happening. Unfazed by his helplessness he continued calling out to his distant companions throughout the night. He would have to find time to sleep later.

                ***

                Coruscar felt like he was in a dream. His body moved of its own accord and try as he might he could not remember what he was doing in this place. His memories spike away from him as he clutched a young thin sapling to steady his wavering feet. He did not feel quite right but something pressed him to keep forward regardless of his confusion.

                He held a thick, heavy object in his hand. It was some kind of blunt weapon covered with dried blood. He did not recoil at the sight of it but rather it felt regular that it should be stained by someone else’s blood. His surroundings were surreal like the place the hero of a story enters to battle his nemesis. He knew it was dark but with the moonlight piercing the veil of thin clouds everything was vivid in his sight.

                He placed the mace on a hook of his belt and felt something stir by his feet. A beautiful woman with long red hair lay prone and curled on top of the small hill he stood on. She was clutching onto a sword in her hands fearful of losing it and was murmuring something under her breath. Coruscar thought she was familiar but could not place how he knew her. Had he been carrying her and dropped her in this strange place?

                She must be the princess he had come to rescue in this dismal place. He examined her closer and saw that she was caked in blood and swamp detritus. Had she been injured in the battle that took place? He placed his fingers against the side of her neck to feel her pulse. She stiffened at his touch, almost recoiled at its touch. It was strong but beating very rapidly. He had to bring her somewhere safe, if only to protect her until her condition improved.

                Coruscar picked her up and carried her to find sanctuary. The princess did not struggle nor resist as he brought her to a location he thought retreated from the swamp. There were faint croaking noises in the distance but he ignored them. Frogs were the least of his concern.

                After a few minutes of traveling he found an empty cave that provided relief from the chilly temperatures of the outside. Using a flint he pulled front his pack and some dried wood he gathered outside he started a fire. Heat and warmth would help stabilize her condition, or at the very least keep the two of them warm through the night.

                “Forgive me princess but I have to check your wounds.” He spoke the words but she did not respond. Her affliction was likely making it impossible for her to understand his words. Still he offered them in the hopes that his tone and sincerity might be passed along.

                Coruscar removed her clothing revealing her pale skin. He felt around her body searching for any bruises or signs were the blood had flown from. There was no sign of any wounding. Instead as he placed his hands on her naked body the princess moaned.

                The prince’s face flushed and he repressed the indecent thoughts that came to his mind. He could not do anything sexual with her in this dark place. She was afflicted with some kind of disease or magical effect that altered her perception. His ethics prevented him from committing such a vile act. Her hands clutched at his wrists and with strength he did not think the princess had, she pulled him close to her. He found her lips pressed against his and the prince could no longer restrain his passion.

                He reached for her body feeling her smooth skin and curves. Coruscar smelled her fragrance and sweat, felt her body contort and react as his fingers stroked her flesh. He could not help himself—could no longer listen to his convictions. They made love in the swamp cave beside the fire.

***

                Arana ran through the swamp searching for her companions. They had moved in two different directions so she did not know how she would track them both down. If she had been a Justaire, a Justice of the Caliasan people, she might have been able to travel fast enough just to do it. However, she was not and her progress would be measured with her natural swiftness.

                The rogue decided it would be best if she followed after Salla. She had known her longer than Coruscar and he seemed to be more capable of handling himself. The only difference between the two of them, the swordswoman and the Palarohk, was her temper. It would naturally lead her to more trouble. The Paladin’s disposition and sarcasm certainly was detrimental to him as well, but Arana doubted there was anything in this swamp that he could anger with words.

                From the extensive collection of books the Caliasans kept about all outside materials, Arana had learned a great deal about the creatures that dwelt in these foreign swamps. Most of the indigenous animals used deception to sneak up on their prey and so Arana only had to keep herself focused on her surroundings and be able to dodge whatever tried to attack her.

                She found Salla fighting a group of rock frog creatures, keroks the books had called them, and lent her daggers into the fray. It would not be wise to appear in front of Salla in the darkness of the swamps because the swordswoman could easily think she were an enemy. The lack of light and her rising adrenaline would make Salla quicker to strike out at unknown assailants. Instead Arana stuck to the shadows and continued to trail her.

                One of the keroks had spit its green glob of saliva at Salla. It was filled with a hallucinogenic substance that caused the affected person to experience an altered reality. How the authors of the books tested this. Arana did not know. It was probably analyzed by the use of some delving magic.

                Coruscar appeared and carried Salla away. Like with the swordswoman the Palarohk had leftover traces of the green hallucinogen on his face. Arana did not know what kind of fantasy he was experiencing but it could not be beneficial to the group. Perhaps he would carry her to a deep position of the swamp and plunge her within its murky waters.

                Arana followed him with hands ready to dart within her arm and throw her Cal blades. Her employer had seen some glimmer of promise in him so he stayed her hand. In this state he would not be able to notice the daggers hurtling for his head, not that he would see them were he unaffected.

                She watched as he took Salla into a cave and their hallucinations continued. Arana wondered if she should step in but she could not help but observe. Foreigners certainly were strange. The rogue would have thought if she had been under the effects of the green fluid she would be experiencing a fantasy of becoming a Justaire instead of the simple pleasures of sex.

                In Calias the idea of “making love” as the foreigners called it, was not a significant nor a life-changing affair. It was a bodily need that had to be expressed to fulfill physical desires and to increase the population but beyond that the romantic aspect did not actually exist for her people. If two consenting adults wanted to practice coitus there did not need to be any formal attachment. True, similar with foreigners, a sense of fidelity and loyalty to one’s spouse was rampant, but even married couples would see other people.

                She decided as they were in the throes of passion that it would be better if she did not interrupt them. It would be better for group synergy if they were “attached” to each other in some way. Perhaps they would develop feelings and no longer bicker with each other like children.

                “Lord Izarin, I have found the others, but they are a little preoccupied at the moment. Since they are busy I will find the Lumis Plant. I wanted to report in.”

                Arana heard a sigh of relief in her head.

                “Thank you for the news, Arana. Now I can finally get some rest. Still feel free to wake me if the situation changes.”

                “I don’t think that will be necessary, however I will do that if I need to. Good night, Izarin.”

                “Good night, Miss Shevian.”

***

                Salla awoke with her body sore and sweatier than usual. She had a beautiful dream of a blonde haired knight that she fought beside on a mission for her knighthood. Together they had saved a people affected by starvation, slain a dragon that was destroying crops and eating livestock and brokered a deal with traveling merchants to supply the beleaguered destitute village with foodstuffs. Afterwards she had taken the initiative to seduce the handsome knight and they had experienced a night of intense passion. Seduce was too strong a word—perhaps entice was better.

                The floor she lay on was rougher than the inn she had slept in in her dreams. A light breeze rolled in and she could feel the wind on her naked skin. Sunlight streamed into the cave and she saw her clothes lying in a pile by the side of the cave. Could what happened in her dream really be true? The last thing she remembered was fighting off frogs and enduring a powerful nauseating feeling welling in her stomach.

                She rolled over and saw Coruscar sleeping beside her with a large grin on his face. She did not know what came first but horror and revulsion popped into her mind. Had he taken advantage of her while she was sleeping and why did she not awaken?

                Salla hurriedly put on her clothes and woke the sleeping Paladin.

                “What did you do to me?”

                A moment of confusion passed as Coruscar collected his thoughts and scanned his surroundings. He looked down at his naked form and scrambled for his clothes.

                “What is the meaning of this?”

                “What makes you think I would do anything to a woman like you?”

                “You are not my type. If anyone started it, it was you!” His eyes were wide and he struggled to put on his clothes.

                “You took advantage of me in the night and did things to me while I was sleeping. Men are all the same, you think a woman is weak so you pounce and do whatever depraved acts you desire. Well this time you will pay for your crimes, Coruscar Brandt.”

                Salla pulled out her sword and swung her blade at the still dressing Paladin. He dodged the slice by bending backwards but his shirt was torn.

 “I will not have a wench sully my name and honor. I did no such thing to you. You probably flaunted your openness on me. You knocked me unconscious with your sword hilt and dragged me away to this cave. You probably enjoy when a man berates and insults you.” He held his mace in his hand but before he could swing it daggers flew into the cavern.

“Enough of your fighting, children. If you are done making up then we need to return to Farothen Village.”

“Did you see what happened?”

“Yes, Salla Frindane. You and Paladin Coruscar Brandt were ‘making love.’”

“And you did not stop us?”

“Why would I interfere in the act of two lovers? It seemed like you were enjoying it.”

“I did not,” Salla said.

“See I told you. You planned it all along.”

“You both enjoyed it.” Arana replied.

Ignoring their protests of innocence, Arana walked back to the horses.

***

Izarin smiled as he woke up. He was feeling refreshed and as always his plans were falling into place. Soon his young adventurers would arrive and help save this village. In return for their help he would receive enough of the Silver Wheat that he required. And with a little help from Salla, the Paladin would join his forces.

He had his battles with the Council of Light and the Paladins before, but it had been a long time ago. They had changed with the times and were no long the power hungry force that brainwashed or destroyed peoples. Whatever sinister plots they had were buried away never to see the light of day. A Paladin would be a good addition indeed.

He checked on the food staff and made sure the slow cooking stew was still edible. With their assistance it continued to bubble overnight until all the meat and vegetables were tender.

He purchased more provisions for the next leg of the trip and paid the innkeeper against protestations that the room was free of charge. He also arranged for four rooms to be rented so that his companions could have the rest they both needed and deserved.

The well had been sealed up temporarily by the carpenters of the town and scouting parties were formed by volunteer townsfolk to search for alternative sources of water. The scouts a found suitable river half a  mile away and soon large barrels of the clean liquid were gathered near the town’s storehouse. It was rationed appropriately to the sick and elderly first, then to children and adults last. If the town was to survive another year then many of its currently affected citizens had to survive this ordeal. He also informed the town’s mayor about the specific herbs he needed to cleanse the town’s current water supply.    

Izarin made one last round as he surveyed the town and all of its sick people. With the substance of the inn staff and more volunteers from the town’s healthy, the flame mage brought the large cooking pot of stew as well as enough bowls and utensils to feed the townsfolk.

He heard the galloping horses around midday and his excitement became infectious. Family members of the townsfolk’s sick and even the healthiest of those diseased made their way out to greet the returning heroes.

They applauded and cheered, though many in the crowd had no reason why. Whispers spread that they had brought the cure.

“Did you find it, Arana?”

The Caliasan rogue nodded and pulled the Lumis Plant from her pouch. When she raised it high up the townsfolk cheered again. Izarin finished making the remedy stew and with the help of the kitchen staff and able bodied townsfolk distributed bowls to the diseased. The town rejoiced as they consumed the cure. Within an hour of imbibing the food there were signs that the illness was regressing. People were able to walk and the skin discoloration vanished.

The town mayor declared the day to be celebrated as when the townsfolk were freed from the disease. The heroes’ story spread and though Arana stated the reality that they simply went into the swamp, fought keroks and recovered the Lumis Plant, the people began to add their own embellishments to the story. The keroks became giant frogs or fish or dragons. In one telling the sky was blotted with immense gray clouds and the town was held in impenetrable darkness. In another the heroes had to perform a powerful ritual that called upon the Gods for a miracle. Each villager tried to outdo the other with their additions and modifications until the true story was blown out of proportion.

                The people wanted to give the heroes more rewards but Izarin refused. He only needed some strands of the Silver Wheat. Instead of gold or trinkets or handmade tailored goods, Izarin received a small bag filled with the ingredient. The flame mage and his companions made their exit from the celebrating. They excused themselves because they needed to rest.

                When the next day arrived and the adventurers had acquired their horses and gear together a host of townsfolk appeared to bid them farewell. With no further business in Farothen Village, the group headed south towards Izarin’s next destination.

***

                “And why should I continue accompanying you and your women, flame mage? Do I look in such a sad shape that I need your assistance?”

                Izarin had tried to convince Coruscar to join their group. Arana felt that his addition to their party was not really necessary because the two women were able to succeed on their own. However, she was not going to object at this moment in time partly due to the fact that the Paladin’s addition would push the swordswoman and the Palarohk himself to perform better. Also Arana did not know what difficulties she and her companions would face later on. Perhaps these two tasks were not as challenging as the final ingredient.

                The rogue had not pressed her employer about the written contract. She did not feel as if her accomplishments were lacking when it came to the swamp incident. She had allowed the party to split and was not able to control the situation. Only with luck had Salla and Coruscar survived the trial of the swamp. If her companions had dreamt of doing harm to each other their fantasies might have been realities. She would continue to strive for her skills to be recognized by Izarin. Whatever little she could do would make her worthy of the contract.

                “Perhaps if you received something for going with us, Paladin.” Arana heard herself say. She would prove that she could manipulate these foreigners as well as they could.

                “No amount of gold could make me stay with you. I am no mercenary or sell sword that smiles and falls to the ground when money is offered.” Salla snorted at the comment. “I shall go my own path, not led around like a mage’s slave.”

                “Then why are you following us?” Salla said.

                “This happens to be the way that I am supposed to go. The Capital lies further in this direction. Now that this town’s problem has been remedied I must go report.”

                “I did not mean money, Coruscar.” Arana clutched the auralion necklace that hung around her neck. “I will return this talisman of yours if you aid us in Izarin’s quest.”

                “You steal my amulet and seek to bribe me with it. Have you no honor, Caliasan?”

                “My people are always honor-bound, Palarohk. To a Caliasan, the duel is a sacred act and when one is defeated by another, the victor gains complete control of your life from then on. I know it does not apply to you foreigners but I think parts of it still hold true.”

                “What are you getting at, rogue?”

                “When Lord Izarin defeated you he gained possession of your life, your valuables and your name in addition to that wager you placed. In so doing this talisman became his property and I am now its guardian. Should you wish it back you must prove yourself worthy of it.”

                “I helped you by searching in the swamp for the plant, if you remember.”

                “What I remember,” Arana snapped, “is you and Salla having romantic relations.”

                “Don’t remind me,” Salla grimaced.

                “Help us in obtaining the third ingredient and your honor shall be restored to you, as well as the auralion.”

                “Do you think I honestly need the auralion to be a Paladin?”

                “No, but I hardly think your Council will see it the same way. What would happen if one of their elite was defeated by a wizard and had his talisman taken away from him? What excuse would you give to explain your actions? That Lord Izarin stole it by piercing through your anti magic barrier? I wonder if you would still be considered a member of your order.”

                “Well spoken, Arana Shevian,” Izarin voiced in her head.

                “Coruscar ground his teeth together but managed to stop himself. He sighed and stared into Arana’s eyes.

                “I agree then. I will journey with you all to whatever inane quest you have decided upon. But when it is over, I will take my leave and hope to never see any of you again.” He turned his eyes to look at Salla but then quickly averted his gaze.

                “Welcome, Coruscar Brandt, to the party.” Izarin smiled.

                “Let’s get this straight, mage Izarin, I’m here to help you but I don’t have to like it. Now return me my auralion.”

                “How do we know you won’t leave once its back in your possession?” Salla asked. “Not that I care whether you stay or leave.”

                “By my honor as a Paladin of the Council of Light, I, Palarohk Coruscar Brandt, promise to travel with you on your quest offering my aid when it is required. Is that sufficient, Frindane?”

                “Like someone as foolish as yourself has honor.”

                But Arana had already removed the auralion and thrown it to Coruscar. He fastened it around his neck and hid it under his robes. After equipping his circumscribed cross, he quickly made his horse move further ahead of the group. Arana thought it was to distance him and not have to converse with them any longer.

***

                Arana approached the flame mage after some time riding to their next destination. He did not understand why she looked as determined as she did but then realization dawned on him and his eyes widened. She had wanted to talk with him after the swamp but they had been so distracted with saving the villagers and celebrating that he had forgotten completely.

                “I’m sorry, Arana. I completely forgot about our talk. What is it that you wanted to speak to me about?”

                “I want to create a contract with you, Lord Izarin.” Her words were serious and it sounded like a declaration of an important event. On second thought, Arana always talked in this fashion.

                “We already have an adventuring contract, Arana.”

                “Not that kind of contract, Izarin. A Caliasan contract. It is something that my people usually only have with other Caliasans but it is not unheard of to make the same vows with foreigners.” Her eyes looked sharp, almost angry, as they read Izarin’s face for a response.

                “Of course, Arana. Whatever you want.”

                “No, Izarin. It cannot be made lightly you must know the full extent of what the contract means before you can answer. If your answer is not heartfelt and completely true then it means nothing.”

                “Very well, Arana. Tell me about it.”

                “The contract is called Kara al Quiar. In the old tongue it means devotion over trust. It is similar to master and apprentice agreement or a wedding agreement from your people, though I suspect more of the former than the latter. I would serve under you and learn your ways in exchange you will protect me and guide my growth. And when I have surpassed you in wisdom then we shall have a child together.”

The gravity of the situation had not registered until she spoke those last kinds of feelings. I also do not think I can teach you how to wield flame magic.” There were other reasons, Izarin thought but he did not feel like sharing them.

                “It is not like being a wizard’s apprentice. I do not expect to learn magic from you—only the applications of it. In addition, wisdom and experience are more important than the actual passing of skills. As for love, I do not have those kinds of feelings towards you. This is not a marriage nor is it done for any lust. Caliasans do this in order to create strong individuals.”

                “I do not think this is an appropriate conversation for the two of us to be having. However, because you are so serious I shall take your proposal under consideration.” He could not do something like this to this young girl. He would have to find a way to refuse her without her finding out. Izarin did not think simply declining her offer would be of any use.

                “It is not only for you to decide whether you accept or not. I will test you at some time and if you fail then I will take back my proposal.”

                “Very well, Miss Shevian. I will be prepared for your test.”

***

                “We are heading to a village south of here. The third ingredient is a special type of alcohol created by the Alu Ala tribe. They live in the Forest of Soren.

                “The Forest of Soren is home to strange creatures and many nonhuman tribes. Most of them moved in nearly 100 years ago just after the Council of Light’s height of power.”

                “Once I have the third ingredient I will have all the things necessary in order to help my friend.”

                “What is this alcohol you are searching for? Is it also indigenous to the region?” Salla asked.

                “The alcohol is something that the Alu Ala tribe specializes in. Their technique for making it is a secret, and outsiders are not permitted to know the method. Many have tried but no one gets close to manufacturing it. From wizards to alchemist even chefs have tried but there is always something missing. They simply cannot replicate its mysterious healing powers. Some scholars believe that the Alu Ala have a special earth magic that affects the ingredients, and not even the Earth mages of Saiure, the magic capital can cast the same spells.”

                “What about this Forest of Soren? Why are all these creatures being drawn to it?”

                “Forests and other natural places were the homes of many strange creatures before humans and other humanoid races became prominent. Eventually the Council of Light made an assault on the native tribes that lived in the forest driving them out. When the Council collapsed and the elves vanished the animals returned to reclaim their homeland.”

                “What about the Council of Light? Why haven’t I heard of it? It seems like such an important organization.”

                “I can answer that,” Coruscar said.

                “After the event that happened nearly a century ago, the Council was defeated to the brink of extinction. When its central base of power the Capital was attacked by the heretical Cultists of the Horn and Claw, the Council’s expansions slowly withered and died. Only my fortress, the Last Bastion remained. As its name states we are the last sect of the Council of Light but we will grow strong again and spread the word of the Light.”

                “That is mostly correct. However there is one thing that needs amendment,” Izarin said.

                “You doubt my knowledge of my order’s history, mage?”

                “Over time histories change based on the people who tell them. With spoken word the storyteller adds his own flourishes and bias to the story. Even if it is written people find their own perspectives or interpretations to the event. In the worst possible scenario, organizations like governments alter the story to favor their issues and downplay their sins and atrocities.”

                “Then which is it? What do you believed happened, mage?”

                “History has simply been corrupted with the passing of time. This was not a method of control created by the Council nor was it a misinterpretation. That time period was a period of chaos and unrest likely started by the schism between the Cultists and the Council.”

                “What was the mistake, then?”

                “The Council defeated the Cultists with the aid of four heroes. But then the heroes were betrayed by the people they worked for. It was not the Cultists that brought down the Council. By a single flame mage.”

                Coruscar looked at Izarin with disbelief in his eyes. They looked at him and seemed to say, “how can my version of history be wrong?”

                “He was stronger than I am now. And he knew spells that surpassed the greatest mages of the time. The mage of flame was a prodigy in the magical arts, blending his own ideas with the spells at the time. In fact, all four heroes excelled beyond their peers and were certainly the strongest heroes that have ever lived.”

                “And how do you know this, Izarin.”

                “Because my friend was one of them.”

                “Wait, boss. You said this happened 100 years ago. How could your friend, the one we’re trying to save still be alive?”

                “Zedril was a Zeuni Elf, one of the tribes that lived in the forest from long ago. He and his people can live for centuries.”

                “Before their final battle they went all over the continent exploring dungeons and fighting evil. There was Rohr, the invincible sword master with the artifact Taras'Melen. Allieah, the beautiful Caliasan Justaire with her Cal blades, was Rohr’s lover. Zedril was the elf priest who wielded the light. And Nasaral was the flame mage of Saiure.”

                “I have not heard of these names before. If they are so important then should there not be a record of them somewhere?”

                “After they were betrayed by the Council, the priests, knights and Paladins of the Light erased all trace of their heroic efforts at least in name. They became nameless heroes without pasts and their legacy remains as statues in the center of the Capital. Some people even give the statues names--of course wrong ones--in order to make them more real.”

                “Lord Izarin, this story does not make sense. You said that there was a Caliasan Justaire named Allieah but there is no record of her in any of the histories I have read. The Council of Light’s influence did not spread to Calias—they would not be able to erase her information.”

                “They did not need to Arana. Allieah was an outcast of Calias. She put her individual needs above her country and was exiled. Her first mission as a Justice had been to weaken the expanding influence of the Council of Light but instead of assassinating its leaders, she aided them.”

                “I cannot believe these lies. You speak with too much knowledge of these events. You expect me to believe my order was something evil. The Council I fight for has no ill will.”

                “Well, Zedril speaks a lot in his old age. There is nothing else for him to do but talk of his past and endure the illness he acquired from the Council. Your order was not always evil, but power corrupted its leaders and its beliefs became too strong for its own good. They sought to eliminate any with different beliefs, including the tribe of elves, the Cultists and even the independent mages of Saiure. They might have even assaulted the Caliasans.”

                “But Caliasans worship the Light.”

                “Yes, but your Gods are different from the Council’s.”

                “Do you have any evidence that this happened? That any of this is true, Izarin?”

                “After we acquire the third ingredient I will travel to Zedril’s village to help him. You may follow me and see the truth.”

                “Why would I trust his words over yours?”

                “The Zeuni tribe and all other elven tribes cannot lie. They have no reason to. Instead of hiding from the truth, they accept the responsibility of their actions and hold no regrets. You will simply know it as the truth when you hear it.”