“Niana, show me to the other wounded.”
Niana nodded her head, wiping tears from her eyes. She offered one hand to Liam, who took it and allowed himself to be led into the chapel. Nails bit into his palm despite her gentle touch, making him examine her hand in detail. Instead of fingernails, he saw the narrow and thick claws of a felinoid, almost identical to Nyota’s. Though they had been altered, cut or filed flat to appear more humanlike.
Where are her ears and tail? Oh god, did someone cut them off? Her hair is cut in a way that would hide the stumps but now that I know what to look for… Her skull is shaped like Nyota’s, with the face and jaw protruding a teency bit too far. Oof! I can’t show her to Nyota like this! I’ll have to heal her… Crap. There are wounded, I can’t let people die to spare a little heartache. Dammit all. We’ll have to spend a day or two here…
He glanced at the purple lake above Blackwood Castle, heart thundering in his conscience.
Arlet and Nyota were already inside the chapel, moving among the wounded soldiers. Men gawked at her, strangely confused by the presence of a slave without a collar, and even more puzzled at her ability to heal. Though none dared speak ill of her, too thankful to think of anything else. Arlet quickly sought out those who were on death’s door and guided the healers to them, his knights aided his work, helping to clear the less injured patients and moving the most severely injured to the healers. An hour passed as they worked through the men, setting bones and sealing large gashes.
I feel like half the town is wounded, maybe even the whole town. This is going to take more than one day. How did so many critically wounded survive this long, I don’t see any infections either… Could the walls be antibacterial somehow…? Ah, that makes no sense!
As they healed Liam saw several familiar faces, men and women from the destroyed city of Avignon. Their weary souls brought him more joy than he could express. We saved these people, they survived and helped others survive. We can fight our way through this plague.
Liam’s magic finally ran dry as he tried to close a ragged gash on a man’s shoulder. His spell fizzled after casting and he was preparing to apologize to the man when the old soldier cut him off with a smile.
“Today is luckier than the day I received this wound. Thank you kindly.” Said the man.
“I can heal you tomorrow.” Promised Liam, flopping onto the ground with exhaustion.
“Ha, have no fear, Saul can finish what little work you’ve left him.” Said the man with a chuckle. Replacing the bandage that covered his wound.
“A healer named Saul? That sounds like the hedge wizard of Petra. Don’t tell me that loaf has been safe and sound this whole time!” Gasped Liam, recognizing the name from Green’s memories as well as Eldred’s searches.
“Ask ‘im yerself. But don’t be too ‘ard on ‘im. ‘Es done right by us.” Said the man with a shrug, pointing behind Liam.
Liam spun, or tried to, unsteady muscles tripping him, slapping him face-first into the obsidian floor. He laid there for two breaths, then wiped off his embarrassment to find Nyota on a bench. With Niana on her lap. Next to her a gray haired man sat, covered in the robes of a bishop with a Teutonic codex in one hand and a staff in the other. His gray hair was a few shades darker than Nyota’s platinum and he spoke to her with deference that pleased Liam.
Another man sat opposite of him, pale as a ghost and looking just as ethereal he whispered to the Eclipsiarch, asking questions with a fervent intensity that irritated Liam. Like he was watching another man compliment his wife in too familiar a tone. Liam found his feet, marching towards his wife with severe intent. Baron Green’s memories rose in his mind, furnishing Liam with names for the two men.
“Bishop Matimeo, I see you are in good health. Tell me how your charge, Mont St Michel has fallen into such a state.” Ordered Liam.
Until that moment, few of the people had known who Liam was. A month of fighting and training had turned Green’s soft body into a honed magical engine. Even burning off some of his beer-keg belly, now it was only a sixteen pack of booze. One almost unrecognizable as Lord Green’s. Those Liam had healed had not asked for his name, nor had he offered it, moving to the next patient with an iron determination to save these people.
“Baron Green? Why, I… You do not look at all like I remember.” Said Bishop Matimeo.
“Ahem, bishop, Lord Liam asked a question.” Said Arlet.
“Oh, indeed. My, you look as lethal as ever Captain Arlet. Yes, how did we get here? Hmm. I haven’t the foggiest.” He said, stroking his beard. Niana giggled at his joke, keeping Liam from slapping the father. “Well, it started when portals appeared out of nowhere and monsters began licking our walls. Can you believe that? The infernal curr’s ignored us half the time and just went to lick the walls. Sounds so ridiculous that I struggle to repeat God’s honest truth! But tis how we learned to tame them.” Said Matimeo.
“Bishop, Liam is my husband, and the source of my lightning, do not lie to him.” Interjected Nyota.
“Your source? How is that… possible?” Asked Matimeo, confused at her words.
“We are Lightning Lords, the law is what we will it to be.” Answered Nyota.
Saul’s face somehow managed to grow paler, a feat that seemed to make Niana giggle darkly. Like a cat playing with a caught mouse.
“We already know Niana controls the hulks… Wait, Arlet! Did anyone tell the outriders to leave them alone?” Asked Liam.
“Yessir! I already sent word to Jenkins and the other units. Besides, we haven’t heard any shots. No way would those pony boys miss a chance to use their ticker-tailor pistols.” Said Arlet with a dark grin.
Liam shook his head, but could not deny his logic.
“Good work. Now Bishop, answer truthfully, I have already killed the priest of Avignon and three of the Archbishops in king Aldric’s court. I do not wish to add your name to theirs.” Warned Liam.
“No! Don’t hurt Mati!” Shouted Niana, hands glowing blue.
One of the hulks stuck its head through the rear chapel door, scanning the room in an instant with its faceted eyes.
“Do not bring them inside! Do you want to hurt us again?” Chided Matimeo, exuding serenity.
“No…” mumbled Niana.
“Lord Green is the master of these lands, he is performing the duty Taloc has entrusted to him Niana. I’ve done nothing wrong, but this tragedy requires answers. We adults need to have a boring chat. Okay?” Asked Matimeo.
“Okay Mati.” Said Niana, dismissing her hulk from the doorway.
“Good good, why don’t you go outside, it’s about time for you to take your friends for a walk outside the city walls.” Offered Matimeo.
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“Okay, come with meeee!” She said, tugging on his arm like a toddler might.
“Can you show me around instead? I want to meet your friends, and you can meet some of mine.” Asked Nyota.
“Okay!” Said Niana, tugging on the older woman’s hand.
Did I guess her age wrong? Oh, wait. If she is an eclipsiarch then she is probably only four or five! How could I forget what happened to Nyota and how quickly she… matured… Ick, this world sucks. Actually, how old is Nyota? Eclipsiarchs are long lived, maybe even eternal…
None of the three men said a word as the girls left, waiting until they cleared the chapel door to continue.
“I knew Sebestian was taking money from Blackwood, but I still struggle to grasp his folly. On behalf of the entire church, I beg your forgiveness Lord Green.” Said Matimeo, crawling onto his knees.
Arlet caught hold of his arm, preventing the ancient man from face planting into obsidian.
“Your story is more important than bowing, confess freely bishop, then I will decide your fate.” Said Liam.
“Thank you… Ah, well, Niana’s hulks secured our walls, so we sent the militia to Avignon. We were just in time, and rescued the citizens, bringing them home, but… ah, thank you.”
Arlet helped Matimeo into the pew, “But everyone was wounded, the monsters have no people to eat up here, and are growing desperate.”
“Tis exactly as you say Champion! We overextended, and nearly all died. I don’t know what would have happened to Niana if we fell in Avignon…” Said Matimeo.
“She is an unusual girl, where did you purchase her and who cut her?” Asked Liam, pressing the man for more details. He didn’t wish to slay Matimeo, but the church had already backstabbed him thrice, if Matimeo’s story contained a single lie then he would die.
“Cut her…? Ah… I purchased her from Lord Blackwood, with the gold he used to bribe me. You see, Blackwood paid for me to ignore your letters and refuse aid if you came to me.” Answered Matimeo.
“You admit to treachery quite freely, it makes it harder to believe if you don’t hesitate at all.” Said Liam, eyebrows disappearing into his hairline.
Matimeo set down his book and leaned his staff against it. Then with great care, he ran his fingers through his hair, picking at his ears until they broke free of his skull. Placing those next to the book he once more ran his fingers through his hair, finding the real ear canals and pulling away the hair that concealed them.
“I swore I would never serve a human lord once again. But you are a Lightning Lord, and one who shared your power with our Eclispiarch. My life is hers to spend as she wills. Which is what I said to her. Can you guess her response?” Inquired Matimeo.
Liam did not have to guess, he knew what Nyota’s response would be to anyone’s oath of fealty, rejection. There was no fear in Matimeo’s voice, just an annoyed sense of resignation. The ear canals he was showing Liam were clearly on the top of his head, positioned identically to where Nyota’s were. Saul watched the bishop dismantle himself, terror growing in his eyes until he could bear it no longer. He threw himself onto the floor at Liam’s feet begging for mercy.
“I’m sorry Lord Green! Blackwood paid me to leave Petra! I didn’t know! How could I have known?! He gave me thirty silver coins! That’s so much money! And all he asked me to do was come to Mont St Michel for the harvest! My sister lives here and thirty silver was more than I could spend alone! Have mercy lord! Please spare my family!” Blathered Saul.
Liam watched him beg for several more minutes, listening to his confession with a mingling of shock and annoyance. He traded glances with Arlet, both men growing annoyed with Saul’s blithering. Blackwood had bribed the priest of Avignon as well as these two, meaning he had known the portals were going to happen and had moved decisively against Greenwood. No doubt he meant to swoop in and rescue them. Two hedge wizards and two priests in his pocket would be valuable additions to his forces.
Now I know why Heir Blackwood was in Avignon, and why he didn’t bother to help me… These portals were done intentionally. I have no doubts about that now. But who has this much power? A foreign nation? No, Rhendal is the sage of shadows, and all human nations follow the Fulminonimbus’ teachings which ostracizes dark affinity mages.
“Shut up! You are giving me a headache.” Said Liam, giving Saul a soft kick to get his attention.
His boot caught Saul in the lungs, thankfully knocking the wind out of him. Yet, Liam felt disgusted by how hopelessly fragile the man was. He must have exhausted himself healing. It’ll be easy enough to confirm your story Saul, but even if you took Blackwood’s money you’ve repented enough to be forgiven. Thought Liam.
“As for you bishop… Rhendal once told me of a race called the umbraquins, and then refused to elaborate, save that they serve the Eclipsiarchs.”
Bishop Matimeo’s eyes widened in surprise for an instant, but only an instant before his face found its stoicism and the mask of a fragile old man re-emerged.
“I have heard the legend of the umbraquins. They were an ancient race of rare felines who served as Therun Taloc’s eyes and ears amidst his enemy’s shadows, and answerable only to him. Though, as he grew in power so did they grow in numbers, until he was forced to appoint his most trusted Eclipsiarchs as their overlords.” Answered Matimeo.
“Very well, if Blackwood tried to bribe you today, would you take his coin and do his bidding?”
“I would take his coin my lord, but I would not do his bidding.” Answered Matimeo with an overly wide smile that displayed his filed incisors. He leaned forward, as if to whisper conspiracies to Liam, and small striations on his teeth became visible. Tool marks left behind from some previous trauma, as if the man had once filed them down.
Dude, how much would that hurt!? I feel like crying when the dentist drills a cavity! Taking a file to your teeth would be ten times worse! It’s large, it's rougher, wait… Dentist uses anesthetic! Without a painkiller… Bloody Heaven! How could he do that to himself? Ow, my teeth ache just thinking about it.
“Very well. You are both forgiven. On the condition that you serve my people with true zeal from this day forward. Be warned, If I find you negligent in your duties then lightning will be the last thing you see.” Warned Liam.
“Thank you lord.” Said Matimeo, bowing as he spoke.
Saul’s answer was far less coherent, but seemed equally as sincere, despite not comprehending what passed between umbraquin and Lightning Lord. Which is exactly how Liam wanted it to be. Better to forgive him too quickly than to reveal the identity of an umbraquin.
Besides, Saul had clearly done his best to heal and protect the people of Mont St Michel. If he had been in Petra then Liam suspected Mont St Michel would have fallen; and this chapel would have been full of corpses instead of wounded souls.
Matimeo showed Liam around the city after that, explaining the minute details of their defense and Niana’s eclipsiarch nature. How he had purchased her and helped her hide from Blackwood’s knights by cutting off her ears and tail, a brutal act, but a more charitable fate than what awaited her at Blackwood Keep. Her affinities were wind and fire, a combination that he and others in his sect had risked everything to keep secret. Until her wind magic had awoken during the portal siege.
Wind, the rarest natural affinity, was so uncommon that wind magi could not train at the college of magic. There were simply not enough of them to form classes or maintain the expertise and collective experience needed to teach one another. When a wind mage awakened their powers, they were sent to live among the elves, assuming they could find their enclaves.
Rhendal had no advice for Niana, he had never taught a pure wind mage and could only give her generalized advice. Few books had been written on the nature of wind affinity, and fewer still agreed. Often contradicting each other.
They could see her power, but could not understand what she was doing, nor could the four year old girl articulate her powers. All they knew was that she could command the hulks, on the condition of being fed. This arrangement had preserved the town, with hungry hulks hunting outside the walls and slaying monsters, but the growing number of hulks demanded an ever increasing amount of food. Which is what the dead bodies had been for. Matimeo considered it a vile act, but took responsibility for suggesting it. A priest suggesting feeding the dead to their allies? Man, umbraquins are ruthless… Thought liam, wondering if he needed to match their savagery.
Considering the various parties in play, the gorgons were the most civilized, and they were literal snake ladies! Hmm, should I introduce Phaedra to Niana? What happens if she can mind control a gorgon? Oh yikes. Lets NOT have a four year old try and mind control a thousand year old rattlesnake!
As if I don’t have enough problems already…
“There may be a great need for them at Blackwood keep, whatever is waiting for us in Blackwood is liable to cull our numbers. Be it dragons or hydras or draconic hydras! I tremble to take Niana into harms way, but it would save many lives, even if her… ‘friends’ fall in battle. You can see the portal from here, I do not expect all my men to return from that battle.” Is what Liam finally said.
Matimeo had understood the hint, and reluctantly agreed. Only giving his consent after watching Nyota play with Niana, saw the way Nyota looked at her, and knew Niana would be safer in her arms than anywhere else in the world.