The walk back was surprisingly quiet. Considering the things I had seen on my hunt, I believed we would have crossed paths with something on the return. But we didn't. In fact, it was unnaturally silent as we journeyed through the towering trees. Like the presence of that god-thing had sent every living thing around us fleeing in terror. It was strange, but not unwelcome. The long trip back gave me the time I needed to sort my thoughts, though after a while I had to wonder just how long this trip had lasted.
It felt like we marched for a day. But we marched regardless, and after a time I deemed it alright to pull out the Miraculous guide from one of my many pockets. Of said pockets, it would seem that they possessed the same manner of storage as Hera’s, for I could place the large book within and have it be as if it was not there at all.
I continued my ravenous consumption of its contents up until the sight of silver trees was replaced with a silver cabin, and its sleeping guardian. Though, he didn't remain so for long. The dragon, awakening from its slumber, turned towards us as we approached.
“Thou’s trip was eventful.” Thric’s certainty in that statement was slightly annoying to hear. I was a little worse for wear, yes, but I shouldn't look THAT bad. I hoped. Yet as if I was speaking directly to his mind, he looked directly into my eyes and offered another comment as I started heading towards the lodge.
“I see… you’ve remembered how to fear.” I didn't bother to acknowledge the remark, not like it was a question in the first place. Instead I just lightly patted one of his arms as I passed.
“Where’s Hera?” I questioned as I began to move along.
“The dwelling naturally. Or did you think she would remain standing for the two nights you were gone for?” The comment did stop me for a moment, but no longer than that.
“Two nights huh?” I thought to myself as I moved onwards toward the cabin. I entered soon after, and was half expecting Hera to be sitting where Wander had been. Yet she wasn't, so I turned to my hunting partner, who had remained silent the whole trip back, and waited for instructions.
“Up the stairs to your right, second bedroom to your left.” Wander said without missing a beat, though instead of going the way he had instructed me, he seemed to be heading for the trophy room we had used when we first arrived.
“Sleep as long as you like. There will be food when you awaken.” He added with a wave before disappearing behind the hall. Suddenly feeling the fatigue I probably should have felt a long time ago, I followed his instructions and found a large room and, most importantly, a very comfortable looking bed waiting just for me. So tired I was feeling I didn't even bother stripping my soil ridden armor. I merely threw myself at the bed and waited to disappear into blessed sleep.
I felt a whisper in my ear then. Words unspoken made themselves heard. I felt them beside my side. Their small form clung to me, like a child clinging to a mother. With one arm I reached to embrace them, even as I drifted further into darkness.
“Oh dear Fia, give me strength.” I whispered as I traveled into the realm of dreams.
----------------------------------------
I know not how long I slept, only that when I came to, it was to the smell of something that made my mouth water in anticipation. Thinking about it, this would be the first meal of my new life. At the thought I began pulling myself from the warm bed, and noticed as I did a pile of clothes at its foot. It was in the exact same design as the ones I wore currently, though they looked far more fresh. Quickly as I could I changed into the new armor, and afterwards I stumbled out into the hall.
Taking a moment to find where the smell was coming from, I turned to the door at the end of the hall to my left. Making my way over, I opened the door to find a large dining hall, easily capable of holding a dozen people. The architecture around it reminded me of the trophy room, though thankfully there was only a single large leering skull instead of a dozen of them. There weren't a dozen people in the room however, but the ones here I did recognize.
“And here I'd thought you’d drunk an elixir of living death.” Hera commented as I entered the hall.
“That sounds awful.” I muttered tiredly as I took a seat next to her, though only because there was a plateful of something with no one attending it.
“It's actually quite pleasant. An endless sleep with no awakening, save a kiss from a handsome knight.” Hera explained in between bites.
“...Really?” I questioned after my first bite, the flavor of which was divine. I made sure to savor it as much as I could.
“No.” She replied after a mocking grunt. I thought about that for a moment, before deciding to return to my meal.
“Sleep well?” Wander asked from across my seat, in between his own mouthful.
“I think so?” I responded with a bit of hesitancy, not really sure what “sleeping well” actually meant. “How long was I gone?” I probed back after a few more bits, curious as to how long my rest lasted.
“About seven hours.” Hera responded after another forkful. That response made me pause my next bite as my mind considered the words for a moment.
“Is that… a lot?” I wondered. Wander only gave me a shrug as I looked at him. Hera on the other hand gave me a so-so gesture as I turned to her.
“Well as you are of the Fae species, an Elf to be more specific, that is a little more than the perfect amount for you.” She answered back confidently. I then went to ask the next, fairly obvious questions but was cut off before I could with a single, stern, wave of the hand from Hera.
“Your own time please, less we remain here forever.” Hera sharply dismissed. Quite annoyed at being shut down, I went back to finishing the very good meal before me. Alas, it was gone far too soon and after I finished picking through every last crumb I was left with a little uneasy. Neither Hera nor Wander said anything else as they slowly but comfortably ate through the rest of their food. They finished at the exact same time, and sat in silence after slightly pushing their plates away.
“...Cynthia.” Hera spoke out after a fairly uncomfortable silence. It was so sharply done I almost jumped when she said it.
“Yes?” I answered back hesitantly. It seemed it was time for some serious talk, though about what I couldn't say.
“Wander explained your journey.” Hera replied a moment later. I nodded at that, understanding the situation somewhat better.
“And?” I asked after she said nothing for a moment, not really enjoying the silence it left.
“He says he’s willing to join us on our tour.” I glanced at Wander at that, and he gave me a dual thumbs up along with a grin.
“Oh, well thank you. I'm glad to know you think I'm worth the effort.” I happily told him. He gave me a nod before leaning back into his chair, hands behind his head as he did so.
“Since Wander is now part of our little group,” Hera continued on after my thanks, “We will be leaving by the hour. I've already talked to Thric and he's willing to give us a ride to our first destination.” She explained.
“And that would be…” I asked after Hera paused.
“Domadun.” Wander whispered out with a smile. Hearing it, I drawled the name out myself a few times, finding it an interesting sound.
“Domadun is far east from here, about… four hours or so on dragon back? Regardless, it's the main power here in Vostrogar. Many towns and cities swear loyalty to it and are protected in turn. Not that many such places exist in the first place, but you'll understand all that in good time. For now I-”
“Not yet.” Wander suddenly spoke up, cutting Hera off to her obvious surprise. “We have some… guests, a few miles from here.” He explained.
“What kind of "guests" are we talking about here?” Hera responded with a heavy tone. Though I couldn't see it, I could almost feel the glare coming from behind the veil.
“Just a few lost lambs, nothing big.” He commented lazily. Hera said nothing for a moment, but quickly shook her head before making her decision.
“The world waits for no one these days.” She added as she stood up, though she turned my way as I followed her lead. For a moment we stood there, merely staring at each before she slowly put a hand on my shoulder.
“It's time to go to work.” Hera said as the hand my shoulder grew heavier. “Are you ready?”
“I don't have any idea on what’s going on… but yes, I'm ready to get started.” I answered back with all the confidence I could spare. She smiled slightly at that before turning to the main door I had come from, and the one Wander now waited at.
“Worry not my friend, for I'll be here every step of the way. As for what's going on…” At that she stopped in thought before resuming her pace.
“I hate repeating myself, so it'll be better to answer that when we get there.”
----------------------------------------
“So why aren't we flying there again?” I wondered aloud as we walked along the forest floor, though not above the ironwood trees like I thought we were going to.
“I'd rather not spook our little lambs.” Hera responded with a slight turn of her head. “Or are you suggesting that approaching a group of unknowns with a giant, flying, fire breathing lizard is a good way to form a first impression?”
“I do not breathe fire, witch.” Thric growled out with… anger? Annoyance? It was hard to tell what Thric was feeling in general. Though whether that was because dragons were just like that, or that he was just guarded was hard to say. “Perhaps I should remind thou what fills my breath?” Thric added a moment later, sounding quite pleased with the idea.
“Does it involve salt by any chance? Because I can taste it from here~” Hera teased the dragon, who seemed just a moment away from following up on the threat.
“Are we there yet?” I questioned no one specifically.
“Yup.” Wander replied to my amazement. I followed the direction of his head, which seemed to gaze farther into the forest though I saw nothing for myself that would give that impression.
“Huh… So now what?” I pondered aloud.
“Well, Thric's staying here for one.” Hera began as the dragon in question began to curl against one of the nearby trees. Considering the dragon offered no word of retribution, I could only assume he knew more of the plan than I did.
“For the second, the rest of us will speak with their leader.” Hera finished with a nod. For a moment I shared the nod with her, though another one passed before her words caught up with me.
“Wait, just like that?” I queried back.
“Well sure.” Hera replied with a slight turn of the head, “Why not?” She added after a moment.
“What if they don't want to talk to us?” I questioned back, not exactly sharing in Hera confidence.
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
“I think you've got something mixed up Cynthia,” Hera began to say with a raised palm, “We are not here to ask for permission. We are here to speak, and then to listen. What they say, and what they do in turn will decide our actions. How we go about this is case by case, but the idea is always the same.”
“Hmm… I see…” I most certainly did not, and Hera knew it as well.
“You don't,” Hera said, parroting back my own thoughts as she and Wander began to walk towards our apparent quarry.
“But you will soon enough.” Echoed her words as I followed behind.
With that strange bit of foreshadowing in mind, we left Thric to lounge around the trees while we made our way towards our destination. After what felt like a few minutes of traversal through the woods I began to pick up on signs of something up ahead. Distant voices, the slight sight of light, the occasional footprint amongst the soft grass.
A moment later I spotted something hiding amongst the trees. Though they were trying to hide themselves, I picked them out amongst the forest with ease. They were wearing a combination of metal armor and studded leather. A fedora graced with a lone feather hid most of their face as they peaked out amongst the silver trees. Emblazoned among their uniform were colors of green and brown, along with the symbol of a… Squirrel? With fangs? It arched over a cylinder with a pointed tip.
They didn't stay around very long, running off after just spotting us himself. Though as he did, I did manage to catch the weapon slung across his back. A long metal barrel fitted with a stock and some kind of trigger. I turned to Hera to make mention of the sight, but she was already waving me off before I could.
“Our guests.” Was what she said, though she turned to me slightly afterwards, a slight smile ghosting her serene visage. “Though I must applaud your impressive perception. It was a trait Cynthia possessed with great effect, and one I'm glad to see you've retained.” The comment struck me with a sense of pride, and I returned to surveying the woods immediately after. Not that it mattered much, for we soon came upon a group containing members dressed in the same fashion as the scout. Or at least that's what they wanted us to think. I spotted a few more hidden among the trees, most holding their weapons at the ready though nothing was being pointed at us either.
“Halt!” Shouted the man at the front. He was dressed like those around, though he was certainly more… decorated for lack of a better word. His uniform was studded with badges and other contraptions I had no memory of. He was also older than many of the men around us, and seemed to project a sense of leadership to those who surrounded him.
Hera and Wander stopped a respectful distance away, so I followed suit as well.
“Who goes there?” He added a moment later. His voice held tension, and while his weapon was holstered, he seemed just a single thought away from drawing it. Hera spoke up in turn.
“Well, considering the circumstances, I do believe you are the strangers here.” Hera retorted, much to both my dismay, and to the dismay of the speaker. He turned to his colleagues and they began whispering amongst themselves. Though not for very long, as he turned back to us soon after.
“You claim this forest is yours?” He questioned, skepticism seeping into his voice.
“I have the deed right here.” Hera then pulled out a scroll, and with an impressive toss sent it over to the man. He caught it, though he didn't open it immediately. Instead he eyed Hera with mistrust. But not for long. I know not what compelled him to open it, only that he did. And when he did, it was an expression of doubt and… confusion, that graced his expressions.
“I know not these names.” He yelled back after he seemed to finish it.
“Then why don't we start with yours, and go from there.” Hera suggested. The soldier gave a weary sigh before answering.
“I am Alister of Arma, sergeant over this group of riff-raff. And you are?” He spoke back plainly, shuffling side to side as he waited.
“I am Hera of Heva,” She responded with a slight curtsy, “And we have business with your group.”
“Do you now?” Alister commented, not sounding very convinced even as he rolled up the scroll.
“Yes, and unless you and your “riff-raff”, as you call them, would like to meet the co-inhabitants of these silver woods,” Hera paused a moment then. perhaps to let the implication set in? Or for another reason altogether? Either way, it didn't last long.
“...You will take us to your leader.” The ultimatum delivered, Hera seemed content to wait for their answer. Alister grip on his weapon tightened as he gave it.
“That sounds like a threat miss Hera,” He replied with a slight growl.
“No Alister of Arma. It's a promise. And one that comes closer to completing itself every second you remain here.” Hera tipped her head as if a thought just occurred to her. “Or, perhaps it already has?”
The men begin to quickly talk amongst themselves, with the debate growing more and more heated by the second. Yet Alister quickly silenced them with a stern wave of the hand soon after. His men now quiet, I was curious what his response would be. But he kept his silence for a long while, merely staring into the grass and soil below. When he did finally speak, it was to the shock of his fellows, if their bellowing had anything to say about it.
“Very well,” He replied back begrudgingly.
“But sir-!”
“But nothing!” Alister yelled back to his own soldiers' shock. “We have been lost in these gods-forsaken woods for far too long!” He took in a deep breath before speaking again.
“And if our guests here are willing to lend a hand, then I say it's only right we let the captain decide what happens next.” He decreed. His statement had piqued my interest, but I decided to keep my silence for now. I was fairly confident the answer would reveal itself in time anyways.
And so the men around us begrudgingly started to lead us deeper into the forest, Alister in the forefront. Strangely, they were leading us the exact same direction we were going to begin with. Though thinking on it for a second longer had me guessing that Hera, and Wander by extension, already knew where their leader was.
We walked for a short while, coming upon a few more groups of soldiers with those strange weapons. They watched us pass them, giving Alister a respectful nod as we did so. It wasn't long before we came upon a large encampment ringed with spears. Towers lined the inside of the spiky wall at regular intervals which were crewed with more soldiers. We approached the only area that was not walled, the soldiers guarding it watching us go with what I could only assume to be curiosity. But they, much like the others we went through, simply nodded towards Alister as we walked into the camp.
The camp was fairly large, at least to me. There were several tents and buildings to look at, though I couldn't tell their purpose from looking alone, if indeed there even was one. Well there was one I could guess at. The tent we approached was fairly large with guards flanking either flap. Several flags adorned it as well, each one depicting that same squirrel like creature with a bushy tail and large fangs arcing over a cylinder with a sharp point. I didn't dwell on it long however, as we were quickly shepherded inside.
Only Alister followed us in, the rest of our escort was not needed I guessed. Or, most likely, they wouldn't fit, as the inside of the tent was surprisingly crowded. Three different individuals stood over a table laden with maps, papers, and other trinkets and baubles. Whatever they were discussing was cut short as we all shuffled in. I took a moment to survey the men before me, and found that two of them were nearly identical in uniform to Alister, though perhaps his seniors based on looks alone. The other man was far more impressive though.
He was larger, and wore a heavy coat over his half metal-plated armor. He was also the oldest of all present, not necessarily an elder but close. His heavy coat, which sat simply around his shoulders, was also extremely decorated with badges and slips of paper engraved with words I didn't understand. His face was gruff, covered in scars, and he wore some kind of cap that covered his hair. He also didn't seem very happy to see us.
“Lieutenant Alister,” The commander, I guessed anyway, addresses our guide. “Considering the circumstances we find ourselves in, I'll allow an explanation as to your lateness. And as to the company you bring… uninvited,” He added as he studied us in turn. Alister was quick to respond.
“Captain Gael,” He snapped back with a salute. “On my way back from patrol one of my men alerted me that unidentified individuals were approaching the campsite. I then gathered everyone I could find in the area and confronted them.” Alister paused as he looked our way. I was curious as to why, but he continued before I could dwell longer on it.
“Considering that they seem to be the… owners of this area as well as having some understanding of our situation, I believed it prudent to have them meet with you immediately.” He finished with a sharp nod.
“Owners?” The older man, Gael, commented as he gave our little group a more inquisitive glance. Alister handed Gael the scroll that Hera had tossed his way when we first met. Though before he could dissect its contents, the owner in question spoke up first.
“Understanding your situation is an understatement,” Hera spoke up with a grunt. The captain focused his gaze upon her before responding.
“And you are?”
“Hera of Heva, and before you ask, this is Wander,” Hera introduced with a wave of a hand. “And this is Cynthia,” She said with another wave towards me. Wander in response to his introduction merely raised a hand in what I assumed to be greeting. Upon my own introduction I copied wanders action, though with more uncertainty then I meant to be seen.
“A pleasure.” The captain grumbled out. I was quickly getting the idea that it wasn't really a pleasure.
“I'm sure.” Hera replied before gesturing to the table the soldiers had been looking over before we entered. “Now to the matter at hand.” Before she could though, she was cut off by the man standing next to the captain's left.
“And what matter would that be?” The stranger thrust forward an accusing finger towards Hera. “What possible “understanding”, could you have? I don't know why sergeant Alister has decided to waste our time with outsiders but-”
“Enough Hudson. I've decided to hear them out. Understood?” Gael questioned his outspoken subordinate. The soldier immediately quieted, though it was obvious he wasn't happy about it.
“Very wise Captain Gael” Hera commented after the captain's admonishment. “And if you're done antagonizing your guests then we can get started.”
“With what exactly” Gael questioned as he stroked the hair on his chin.
“Let's answer that with a question. Tell me, where are we?” Hera inquired.
“What kind of question is that?” Asked the soldier who had remained silent so far. “Where in our encampment.”
“And you’ve constructed it exactly where?” Hera pressed. There was silence for a moment as the soldiers shared a look with each other before Gael gave out a long sigh.
“Mrs. Hera, I'm not one for beating around the bush. If you have a point to make, then please make it.”
“A trait we have in common then. Alas, the point I need to make will only come about with a bit of wordplay, so do indulge me this once.” Though the captain seemed even less pleased then when we first arrived, he gave his answer soon after.
“Well Mrs. Hera, I can't say I have an answer to your question. Nor does anyone here for that matter.” He answered.
“And why would that be?” Hera pressed.
“Because when we established this encampment, Mrs Hera, we didn't do so here. It was in a shaded valley off the eastern sea side and near the city of Layloss. Yet three days ago the sun rose and revealed to us a silver forest never once laid eyes upon by any of our time. Or at least nothing I've heard about, which I find impossible given what is here.” Gael explained to my growing confusion.
“So what do you believe happened, Captain Gael?” Hera pressed again, her tone as cool and collected as ever. If anything this line of questioning seemed almost… practiced. Like this exact conversion has played out hundreds of times. Gael gave his answer a second later.
“Some form of Magecraft was my first impression, but the few mages I have in my employment all agree that this forest is ancient, and didn't in fact sprout a few days ago. I then inquired of whether we were somehow transported from our area to here, not that I could hazard a reason to why. I was then quite thoroughly “educated” on how such a phenomenon is only possible through divine intervention, or the miracle of true magic. So in lieu of a how, I've sent out my men in an attempt to figure out where here is. Yet nearly a third of my forces have disappeared without a trace, with others talking of strange beasts and monsters roaming about.” The captain took in a deep breath before fixing Hera with a very pointed stare.
“So, Mrs. Hera of Heva, if you have an explanation of our current events I would hear them. The sooner the better.” Gael nearly commanded. I turned to listen, intrigued to hear the answer myself on what was happening.
“I'm afraid, Captain Gael, that your mage’s were closer to the truth than they realized. For they are correct that only an act of divinity can take something from one place and bring it through not only space but time itself and into another.”
“Are you actually suggesting-” Alister tried to say but Hera silenced him with her own words.
“We call it the Unveiling.” The soldiers were speechless but for the captain, who was quick to respond.
“Unveiling?” Gael slowly whispered the name to himself.
“You are not the first to be taken, captain, and you will not be the last.” Hera’s tone was almost threatening in its promise.
“Are you actually insisting that some kind of… deity has spirited us from our home and put us into another?” The soldier to Gael’s left asked. Hera’s nod was grave.
“But… but why?” He inquired further as confusion and even panic began coloring his voice.
“Alas, that is a question that we have been asking ourselves for over a hundred-thousand years. And one we are still asking to this day.” Was her startling reply.
“And why should we believe something so profoundly unbelievable?” The soldier to Gael’s Left, Hudson, inquired
“Because, as you have just told me, you have no other answer to give.” The soldier had no retort. In the long silence that followed, all of it was used by our hosts to study the maps and papers that had been splayed across the table in some feeble attempt to deny the apparent truth. Gael was the first to reply.
“Let's assume your correct Mrs. Hera. How do we get back?” His question seemed misguided to me. After all, he had yet to ask if they even could.
“You don't,” Hera answered, and the look he gave her told me he didn't like that response. Though, it was his own fault for assuming they could to begin with.
“What do you mean? Why not?” He demanded with a very slight growl, and though he was doing well in trying to keep his emotions in check, I could see that it was a struggle for the aged captain.
“Because whatever keeps upending things is also the reason we can't leave. The greatest mages of our time, the most devout of clerics, the most powerful of gods, they have all failed in this regard. And I see no sign of success from them anytime soon.” Her answer did not seem to sit well with those present. Which I suppose was a fair reaction, though they seemed to be overreacting to me in my own, pretty much useless, opinion.
“Captain-” Alister started to say, but his superior wasn't having any of it.
“Sergeant Alister, I want you to recall all our forces back here. On the double,” Gael ordered his subordinate, his tone something fierce as he all but shouted him out of the room.
“Sir!” Alister quickly left after making a strange sign towards his captain. Considering no one batted an eye towards it I assumed it was an action used regularly by the group.
“So Mrs. Hera,” Gael probed as Alister left the tent. “What do you suppose we do now?” Hera hummed to herself for a second before giving a response.
“While how you wish to explore this new lease of existence is up to you, the seat of a great power rests nearby. And their doors are always open to those that ask,” Was her advice to the captain. It seemed like a pretty generous offer to me, though I suppose I'd have to see it to believe it.
“First we will see this “great power” of yours. Then, and only then, will a decision be made.” Gael’s response was held with some hardness to his voice, though it didn't sound like it was directed towards us. I guess he was just grouchy in general. “Are you headed that way by any chance?”
“Why yes, we are. And we would be more than happy to escort you there,” Hera volunteered on our behalf. The idea of escorting them didn't really instill me with much of anything, so I supposed that I really didn’t care. Nor did wander, though he hadn’t given any indication that he cared at all during this entire conversation. Gael’s words brought me back to the conversation.
“Very well. For now, we'll be getting ready to march out. I give it a day or two until. You're welcome to stay until then.” Gael offered after giving out a heavy sigh.
“Thank you captain. I believe we will take you up your generous offer.” Hera replied with a kindly bow.
“Hudson here will find you a place to stay.” Gael told us as he rubbed his eyes with his plated hands.
“Sir!” The soldier in question said, making the same sign Alister had.
“Now if you don't mind, I have a lot to consider.” Gael muttered as he turned back towards his map table.
“But of course. And if any new questions come to mind, I'll be nearby.” Hera added as we made our way out.
I was as clueless as these men were on the world at large, and was eager to find out more. Especially with the knowledge of this “Unveiling”. Though it was also quite… disturbing. The knowledge that things could be taken so suddenly and deposited here for reasons unknown. Although…
“Um, Hera?” I asked while giving the saint my best questioning look.
“Yes?” She returned in the same tone as always.
“You said these people were taken. Are people the only things that can be taken?” Hera’s laugh was dry and low, and as she spoke to me it was under the weight of some imaginary force.
“No my dear Cynthia. As far as I and anyone else in our guild knows, anything can be taken. From the smallest, most pathetic individual to the mightiest of heroes. From the smallest of groups to the greatest of nations. Nothing is too sacred, nothing unworthy of its attention.” I hummed slightly at the knowledge before turning back to her.
“Was I part of an Unveiling?” I asked out slowly. Hera’s weight lessened then, and she gave me an amused grunt before her answer.
“As far as I know, no. While Cynthia never talked about her origin, she also never gave any indication as to living somewhere other than Eden. You were most likely born on this plane, same as myself for that matter.” I wasn't entirely sure how to take that information, so for the moment I put it to the side and asked my next question.
“I know you said they were transported, and that no one knows why, but what do we know of the Unveiling?” I probed while glancing around the camp we were walking through.
“There’s an intelligence behind it.” Was her cryptic comment. More strangely however was her tone. It seemed… concerned. Unsure.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked when she said nothing else, now a bit more concerned than I already was.
“It's… hard to explain. The way things are deposited, the when of it. There's something malicious behind it all. But I'm sure you’ll come to understand what that means soon enough.” She finished with a dismissive flick of her wrist.
“Lovely.” I muttered as we walked further into the encampment. And further still into mystery.