To Justin’s amazement, as they passed through, the cave was completely replaced by what he assumed to be the pass, just shy of full darkness. Two mountain peaks rose on either side, cloaked in shadow, while the weather had become colder. The sky above was completely clear and full of stars, where before, it had been quite cloudy. Justin wasn’t sure what was going on, but it probably had something to do with the magic of the Vault.
In the distance, Justin spied what looked like the light of many campfires, along with pavilions and tents, and shadowed figures moving about. Eldrin sent Shadowflight off to explore, and the dark bird was almost instantly lost to the sky above. But Justin didn’t need the creature’s intel to know what he was looking at. Even at a distance, it looked like something off the set of one of his favorite TV shows, A Throne of Games.
“An encampment,” Alistair said. “This must be the Valorian Guardian Force.”
“What do we do?” Lila asked. “Is the battle about to start?”
“Only one way to find out,” the Paladin responded. “I imagine we are expected to offer our services to them, to turn the tide in an otherwise hopeless battle against the Shadow Empire.”
“Valoria lost this battle,” Eldrin said grimly. “Once, their cities completely filled the valleys of the Umber Range.”
“That’s what those ruins were, then,” Justin said. “How did they lose the battle? That information might come in handy if we are to reverse history.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve heard the tale before, but the details of exactly how they lost elude me. All I can say is Valoria was a small kingdom, hardly able to withstand the might of the Shadow Empire. The Empire went on to rule the entirety of Serenthel for the next four centuries.”
“And we’re expected to stop that somehow?” Lila asked in disbelief. Justin could see just how pale her face was under the moonlight.
“I would assume so,” Alistair said. “But remember: this is not an actual recreation of history. This Vault is Level 12 and as such, it should be perfectly possible to clear for our party. The only thing we can do is find out more.”
They stepped into the light of the camp and were greeted with a somber scene. Soldiers dressed in heavy bronze armor sat around fires, spears and shields never far away. The martial technology seemed akin to Ancient Greece; steel armor, such as the kind Alistair wore, likely hadn’t been discovered yet, or at least wasn’t widespread. The soldiers were sharing quiet conversations in a strange tongue that Justin couldn’t at first understand, but after a moment, in a strange burst of knowledge likely supplied by the Vault itself, he understood as well as his own native English. They were over a thousand years in the past, so it made sense that the language was different, especially if this Vault was doing its best to correspond to a real historical event.
The soldiers were casting glances at the darkening sky.
“Aye, they’ll attack tonight,” Justin overheard one of them say. “Mark my words.”
“They’ll wait until morning,” another disagreed. “They don’t know the pass like we do and stand to lose too many men.”
“They say they have fifty thousand. Fifty thousand, against our one thousand. I don’t think the Empire cares about the loss of life; they’ll want to end this as soon as they can, especially with our reinforcements a day away. You watch.”
“A bright ray of sunshine, aren’t you, Darian?”
Darian flashed a dark smile, and Justin didn’t much like the look of him, though he couldn’t have explained why. “Is there any point in saying otherwise? I welcome death and will fight to the last drop of my blood, just like any other Guardian. But we’d be fools to deny the truth. Soon, the Shadow will cover all of Serenthel. Mayhaps death would be a mercy compared to what our wives and children will have to endure in the coming weeks.”
“I’m done with you,” the other soldier said in disgust. “If I truly have but a few hours left, I don’t want to spend them with you.”
“It matters not,” Darian said with a dark chuckle. “I need to take a piss, anyway. Mayhaps the last one of my life.”
Darian stood and left while the other nameless soldier simply sat, thinking dark thoughts.
Just hearing their conversation made Justin feel a sense of impending doom. Clearly, morale was incredibly low, and it wouldn’t take much for the men to break.
They clearly had their work cut out for them.
They stayed out of the light of the fires, Alistair picking a path to avoid the soldiers who were still eating dinner. In this way, they made their way to the center of the camp, where what appeared to be the command tent stood. Two guards in full bronze armor, spears, and shields stood outside, crossing their weapons at their approach.
“Who goes there?” the taller of the two said. “State your business or be gone!”
“Spies,” the other guard said.
“We are no spies,” Alistair said. “We’ve come to offer our aid in these dark times.”
Only now did the soldiers seem to register his garb, their stance relaxing a bit. Their eyes seemed to go wide at his steel armor. Justin assumed the material to be a rarity in these times. “Sir Paladin. Forgive me. I didn’t notice your robes at first. Has the Church of Light at last responded to our call for aid?”
“It has,” Alistair confirmed. “I must speak with your commander at once.”
“Where are the rest?” the other soldier said. “It’s not just you, is it?”
“Alas, this was all they could spare,” Alistair said. “But I assure you, I am here to fight, and if necessary, die for your cause.”
“Bold words, Paladin. Better one Paladin than none, I say. They say the Shadow Empire is bringing the undead to this battle, so your aid will be much needed. When the Elementalists run out of fire spells, we have naught left to turn back the tide.”
The second soldier took in the rest of them. “And who are your companions? A Ranger, I see, and that is well enough.” He said nothing more as his eyes ran over Justin and Lila doubtfully.
“Friends and allies. Stronger than they appear, I assure you.”
“For Valoria’s sake, I would hope so. Wait here.”
The soldier ducked into the tent, and not a moment later, reemerged.
“You may go in. Commander Thalon is expecting you.”
“I thank you,” Alistair said. He nodded to the rest, and they ducked inside.
The commander’s tent was spacious and well-organized. A large wooden table dominated the center, covered in maps and battle plans. The walls were adorned with black weapons and armor, trophies from past battles, many filled with wicked points. Justin could only assume the armor had once belonged to the enemy. Dim lanterns hung from the tent poles, casting a warm, flickering light that contrasted with the cold tension in the air.
Commander Thalon had the appearance of a grizzled veteran, with several scars marring his face. He was dressed in intricately carved bronze armor which suggested the shape of a stag. A few of his officers stood silently by, also in bronze, with stags carved into their breastplates. Justin could only assume the animal was the emblem of Valoria, and indeed, he remembered seeing it in the valley below.
From the empty goblets and plates with bones and trace scraps, Justin got the sense that they had been in here a while. Thalon watched the maps, deep in thought, seeming to search for a solution that wasn’t there. His sharp blue eyes lifted as they entered, immediately taking in Alistair’s presence with recognition and respect. He didn’t seem to see anyone else.
“Sir Paladin,” Thalon said. His voice was weary but commanding. “I had expected at least nine more of your brethren to heed our call to arms. At least, I got news this morning that the Chapter House of Ulua was withdrawing from the Seraphim Range and seemingly abandoning Valoria to its fate. Do you come bearing more ill tidings, or that hammer of yours?”
Alistair stepped forward. “My hammer, my lord. Though we are few in number, I would like you to take heart. We are here to offer our assistance in your battle against the Shadow Empire.”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Thalon gave a dry chuckle. “Take heart? I know not if you mock us, but all of us here know the truth. This is to be our last stand against the Shadow. I have fought against them very nearly since my first memory. The mountains have ever been Valoria’s shield, even as other kingdoms have fallen around us. But it would be easier to stop a glacier with the palm of one’s hand than the inevitability approaching us now.”
“Maybe so,” Alistair said. “But if we can win this battle, your country might have at least a few more years of freedom, and perhaps be able to secure favorable terms of peace. It is our intention to fight by your side, whatever the case. This battle can still be won, and I must ask you to have faith in Arion’s plans.”
“Arion. Yes. Some of the men are saying Arion is weak, blasphemy or no. When the Shadow is so strong, along with their demon gods, how can a man of faith not question? All of Calidon they hold, and it would seem Serenthel is next.”
“Save these unwholesome thoughts for another time, my lord,” Alistair said. “We are here to discuss strategy. My skills and abilities can stand up to the Shadow Empire’s minions, and Eldrin the Ranger, who stands next to me, is not to be discounted.”
“And these two?” Thalon asked, eyeing Lila and Justin. “They seem rather ill-suited to battle.” His eyes seemed to dismiss Justin entirely. “There is yet time to flee for the Seraphim Range if you are fleet of foot.”
“We are here to fight, too,” Lila said. “Such as we can.”
Justin nodded grimly, though he felt his stomach sink a bit at the thought. “The men’s morale seems quite low. Perhaps I can give a speech or two. Try and encourage them.”
“A Charisma class?” Thalon said. “Are you a Bard, or perhaps a diplomat?”
“A Socialite.”
“Hah!” Thalon barked a laugh that seemed genuine. “The men will have a laugh at that! We need a good joke before we march to our doom.”
Justin’s cheeks colored, but he said nothing.
“Time is limited,” Alistair pressed. “I am here to lend my knowledge of military strategy. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes is all it takes to find a solution.”
“Perhaps. But if you can scrounge a solution from this muddled mess, many-a-song and story will be dedicated to your name!”
“It is not my glory I’m worried about, but that of Arion’s. He has not abandoned you, Commander. Have faith, and we will come out the other side.”
“Maybe so, Sir Paladin. Might I ask your name?”
“Alistair of Drakendale.”
“A strange land, that! I’ve never heard of it, but I pray that it is far indeed from the threat of the Shadow Empire.”
Justin was beginning to feel worse than useless. “Perhaps Lila and I can explore the camp a bit. Maybe we can find something out.”
“Of course,” Alistair said. “Don’t stray too far. Return at once if you ever come under threat.”
Lila watched Justin curiously, but in the end, followed him out. Once out into the cold night, she rubbed her hands together. “I did not dress appropriately for this Vault!”
But Justin was already watching the campfire where they had passed the two soldiers and their grim conversation. Darian was still gone, while the other he’d been speaking to sat alone, staring into the flames.
“Don’t discount the power of a single whisper,” Justin mused.
“Hey,” Lila said. “That’s what the Vault Description said, right?”
“It has to mean something. Come on.”
He headed for the soldier, taking up a seat on a nearby stump without waiting for an invitation. He was a wiry man with a thick mustache, along with sharp features and short, cropped hair. His bronze armor, though scuffed and worn, was meticulously maintained, hinting at a disciplined and meticulous nature. He had an honest face, such as Justin could figure it.
“Good evening,” Justin began. “Dark times for Valoria, eh?”
The man looked back into the fire, letting out a sharp breath, electing not to respond.
It probably hadn’t been the best thing to lead with.
“Who was that guy you were talking to back there?” Justin asked. “Darian, was it?”
This at least provoked an answer. “Yeah, that’s his name. Shifty fellow. Never much liked him. He’s gone now, and that’s good enough for me.”
“I’d hoped to speak with him,” Justin went on. “Has he come back to camp yet?”
“Hells if I know,” the man said. Finally, he looked up, seeming to take them both in. “What are you both doing out here? Squires to the Sir in the tent?”
“Something like that,” Justin said. “However, with the way things are looking, it would seem we’re going to die like the rest of you.”
The man gave a dark chuckle at that. “Well, if you were to head back west, I’d keep my lips sealed.” He eyed their weapons. “There’s not much those knives can do against the Shadow Empire’s armies.”
“Well, we’re here to stay, for better or worse. Would you happen to know where Darian is bunking?”
“Why? What’s it to you?”
Justin shrugged nonchalantly. “Nothing. We’re just going around to talk to the men, see if we can boost spirits. He seems to be especially dispirited.”
“Good luck in that,” the man said. He looked at Lila. “And what’s your contribution?”
“I’m a Bard,” Lila said simply. “Have you heard the tale of the Star of Elara?”
The man’s face softened into a smile. “Aye, who hasn’t? What I wouldn’t give to find that amulet! We could use a bit of protection right now.” He paused for a moment. “My name’s Georgius, by the way.”
“Georgius,” Lila said. “Well, Georgius, tell my friend here where Darian went off to, and I wouldn’t mind entertaining you with a song or three. And maybe even one you haven’t even heard of.”
“Hmm,” Georgius said, considering. “Well, I can’t guess why you’d want to talk to that odd fellow, but I can’t turn down a song from a pretty lass like you. Skip the Star of Elara, though. Why don’t you pick something a bit happier?”
“I’d be glad to,” she said. “This one’s a song from my childhood. Of happier times when there was no Shadow Empire to worry about.”
“What’s it called?”
“Echoes of the Sunlit Glen,” she said.
Lila cleared her throat and started singing, and her voice was so sweet that despite its softness, it carried throughout the pass. In no time at all, grizzled men started gathering to watch. First there were just a few, and then there were dozens. Their eyes were hungry for any sort of hope, any reason to fight. Justin could hardly describe it, but there was definitely some sort of bardic magic in the air.
The ballad was one of peace and prosperity, conjuring in Justin’s mind memories of simpler times. Images of green fields and clear blue skies entered his mind unbidden as Lila’s voice wove a tapestry of vivid imagery. Clearly, Justin wasn’t alone, from the way all the men hung on her every word. No doubt, this was an effect of her Bardic Inspiration ability, but either due to her innate talent or the situation at hand, the song’s power seemed to reach even beyond the limits of her skill. The melody was both haunting and uplifting, a bittersweet reminder of what these men were fighting to protect.
As the final notes faded into the night, the soldiers remained silent for a moment, lost in the reverie Lila had conjured, some even with tears in their eyes. Then, one by one, they began to clap, a slow, appreciative sound that grew into heartfelt applause. For a brief moment, the fear and despair that had hung over the camp like a shroud were lifted, replaced by a glimmer of hope.
Meanwhile, Justin searched among the men for Darian, but he was absent.
One of the soldiers called out. “Do you know Valor of the Fallen?”
Lila frowned in confusion. “No. I don’t. It might go by a different name in my land.”
The man quickly hummed the tune in a deep bass, and Lila nodded in recognition.
“Ah. That one’s called The Heroes’ Last Stand where I’m from. I do know it. And I’ll be happy to sing it, if anyone can tell me where Darian went off to.”
“Darian?” said a thickset man with a square face, close to the fire. “Saw him walking toward the northern slopes, where we have the latrine. About fifteen minutes past.”
“Thanks,” Lila said.
As she started the new song, Justin headed north. And he knew it was north because of what Lila had told him about the Star of Elara. It was blue and bright in the north sky before him.
As Lila’s voice faded with distance, Justin exited the perimeter of the camp, smelling the latrine long before he found it. On the way, he grabbed a torch to light his path. He wondered when the Shadow Empire forces were supposed to attack, and it made him nervous to go off on his own. He remembered Alistair’s warning to stay close and fully realized what he was doing was stupid.
And yet the hunch was too strong to ignore. Lila knew where he was going and would catch up later.
When he reached the latrine, he found that it was completely empty. If Darian had already come back to camp, they must have missed each other in the darkness, sometime before Justin grabbed the torch. But for some reason, he didn’t think that was why.
Possessed by he knew not what, he trekked beyond the latrine, toward a small stream that ran at the base of the north side of the pass. He forded the water at the easiest point he could find in the darkness. The water was horribly cold, but he moved, hoping it wouldn’t get too deep.
Thankfully, he pulled himself from the other side, having only gotten wet to his hips. As he lit the way, he noticed a trail of water leading up the slope.
Someone had been up here, and quite recently. It had to have been Darian.
Justin considered his next move, only to hear splashing in the stream behind him. He felt a thrill of fear, but it was far too late to put out his torch. Whoever was down there had already seen him. He reached for his dagger.
“It’s me,” Lila said. “What on Eyrth are you doing up here?”
He waited for her to catch up before responding. “I think Darian came this way. There’s no reason for him to be up here unless he’s up to no good.”
Lila noted the trail. “Well, he’d have about fifteen minutes on us, assuming he’s not out there watching from the darkness right now. Where do you think he’s headed? Sounds like he was ready to split.”
Justin already had something of an idea. History had been one of the few subjects he’d enjoyed in school, and he sometimes even listened to history-related podcasts while he gamed. And this situation was definitely tickling that part of his brain.
“Let’s follow his trail. There’s something to this.”
“We can always turn back if it’s nothing, right?” Lila asked. “Besides, you need me to watch your back.”
“Appreciate it.”
The duo set off into the darkness. It didn’t take long for the water trail to disappear, but there were still boot prints from time to time. Justin was no tracker, but it was impossible to miss the impressions. Darian could have easily stepped on the many rocks to more easily cover his tracks, but the man was in a hurry.
The question was: why?
After five minutes, it became clear they didn’t need to follow the tracks anymore because they were on some sort of trail.
“Interesting,” Lila said.
“Just as I thought,” Justin said. “I knew something was off about him.”
“What about him was off? He’s a deserter, clearly. Someone who knows the land. It hardly changes the equation, right?”
“I would say the same thing,” Justin said. “Except we are in a Vault. He has nowhere to desert to.”
“True,” Lila said. “So, where is he going?”
“The Shadow Empire’s camp,” Justin said. “Where else? And if the Shadow Empire doesn't know about this trail, that could be the thing that tips this battle.”
Lila's face paled as she considered the implications. "Yes, I can see that. We need to hunt him down before he reaches that camp!"
"Let's move," Justin said.
With that, they followed the trail as fast their feet could carry them in the darkness.