XVII. DEATH MARSH

The day didn’t start until well after noon for most of the group, some shopped, others explored the previous day; all were exhausted by evening from heat and activity. Much of the day had been spent procuring supplies for the next leg of the journey, and by the time Aichlan arrived back at the inn, most of their group had already packed into his modest room. He looked down at his rucksack full of supplies and cursed to himself. This was supposed to be where he parted ways with the elves, yet here he stood, ready to march across some wretched bog towards their capitol.

While true, they had enticed him with the promise of support from whatever the Elves had for a military, he knew that wasn’t the only reason he stayed. Then there was Alice. He certainly couldn’t leave her to the care of that Sorn woman, no matter how much potential she possessed.

“Good afternoon Aichlan.” Alice fanned herself with an elaborate folding fan as she walked past. “I trust you’re doing well in this ungodly weather.”

Speak of the devil Aichlan thought as he grabbed her and pulled her aside. He did a quick double take; she had traded in her academy wear for flimsy, sheer harem pants and a bikini top in black and gold. Like most women from his homeland, she was blindingly pale; and surprisingly, quite pleasing to the eyes.

Aichlan grabbed her gently by the arm. “Alice, we need to talk.”

Alice snatched her arm away with an annoyed huff. “It’s not like I saw anything I haven’t already seen before. But if it troubles you so much I’ll be sure to knock next time.”

Aichlan felt his face flush. He had nearly forgotten, or more aptly repressed, the year they had spent together as children. With both of them being from prominent families, their parents had arranged for them to spend a great deal of time together in order to foster a bond between the two, including shared baths. How she had remembered any of it was another thing entirely.

“That’s not what I wanted to talk about.” Aichlan snapped. “Though you really ought to knock out of principle.”

Alice crossly blew a stray lock of hair from her face and placed her hands to her hips. “I’ll not take lessons on etiquette from you Aichlan. What is it you wished to discuss?”

Aichlan briefly though of a delicate way to phrase his thoughts, but ultimately decided on the direct approach. “Alice, I want you to go home.”

“Oh?” She placed her hand to her chest and recoiled, oddly amused by his request. “And why is that?”

“I don’t know what awaits us, and I can’t risk a repeat of what occurred in the wood.”

“You almost died as well, if I recall.”

“Damn it Alice!” He swore, in no mood for her attitude.

“Excuse you?” She snapped her fan closed with a stern glare.

Aichlan clenched his teeth and bowed stiffly at the waist. “Apologies my lady.”

“Go on then.” Alice said with a supercilious wave of her hand.

Aichlan stood up straight, his jaw clenched as he more carefully considered his words. “I am a knight, and you are heir to the throne. If you’ll pardon me for saying, our positions are hardly comparable.”

Alice tossed her hair. “I am third in line Aichlan, hardly of any note in that regard.”

“Your competition will die of old age long before Céolsige does, you know this as well as I.” Aichlan hissed.

Alice smirked. “Perhaps. But tell me Aichlan, is your concern purely for the royal bloodline?”

“Of course not.” He said flatly.

Alice baulked, visibly surprised by his answer. “Oh, I had no idea, but…why are you with Ashe?”

“What? No, not like that! Gods no.”

Alice’s face burned red as she crossed her arms over her chest and turned her back to him. “Why I never!”

“Alice! I didn’t mean it that way either.”

Alice remained silent, turning her nose up with a pout. Aichlan ran his hands through his hair, he had forgotten how obstinate she was, and wished he could forget a second time. Still, he didn’t want any harm to befall her. While he didn’t particularly like her all of the time, he felt strongly protective of the young woman. It went beyond deference to his father and his King. From the age of twelve to thirteen, he had spent every waking moment with her, a common practice among Aes Sidhe nobility, essentially grooming them for marriage. While neither of them fully understood this at the time, it did have an effect.

“Alice, listen to me.” Aichlan pleaded.

“That is lady Templeton to you sir.”

“This again?” Aichlan carped, quite through with standing on ceremony with her. “Alice, we aren’t children anymore.”

Alice spun around and smacked him across the face. “How dare you speak to me in such an impudent manner!”

“For Dawn’s sake woman, you know my name!”

Alice stood motionless, her hand poised for another strike, her mouth ajar. He knew she hadn’t forgotten, one never forgets the true name of a fey. The only people meant to know it were a mother and her child, and possibly a sibling or two. It was old magic, a single word that had the power to completely enthrall or even kill. While she had essentially blackmailed him for it, she knew it nonetheless.

After several moments, Alice lowered her hand and adjusted her glasses. “Will you go with me?”

Aichlan looked away and ran his hands through his hair before nodding his assent. “If I must.”

Alice lowered her eyes. “I want to, I really do, but I can’t just run home at the first sign of trouble. That’s what they’re expecting. My father, the King, his brother and their cousins. Everyone.”

Aichlan held her face in his hands, raising her eyes to meet his own. “Alice, the situation is a bit different, I’m sure they’ll understand.”

Alice wiped a tear from her eyes. “But it’s the same to me.”

“Pardon me…”

Aichlan looked up to see a nobleman with violet hair and a stupid look on his face standing awkwardly in the hall. He had an unmistakable Xanavien accent, and an ominous glint to his eyes.

“I hope I am not interrupting anything, but—”

“Who the fuck are you?” Aichlan demanded, his hand already on his sword. “Speak quickly.”

The man swiftly raised his hands and backed away, nearly tripping over his own feet. Aichlan drew his sword; the man was up to something. His eyes were far too sharp, and his movements far too practiced.

“Would you put that away!” Alice demanded as she stood between Aichlan and the violet haired stranger.

Aichlan hurriedly pulled her behind him and advanced, lest the man decide to take a hostage. He still couldn’t figure out what a lone Xanavien was doing out here, unless of course, he wasn’t alone.

“Hold! Please! There must be some misunderstanding, I am a guest of Miss Alice!”

Aichlan glared over his shoulder to see Alice glowering up at him. “Who the hell is this?”

“His name is Séverin.” She spat. “Fiora and I had lunch with him yesterday, now sheath your sword.”

Aichlan cursed and set his gaze back on Séverin. He knew it was a mistake to leave Alice with that Sorn woman. Now this Séverin bloke, likely an enemy agent, knew everything about them.

“He’s a traveler, trying to make his way to Duvachellé like us, now put that thing away.” Alice ordered.

Aichlan remained firm, positioning himself between Alice and the newcomer as she tried to push past him again. There was something off about this man, and he was no simple traveler. His demeanor was too trained, yet he was far too arrogant to adopt his persona completely, as seen in killing intent of his ruby eyes.

“Lord Aichlan of Idir Aibhneacha, sheath your sword or I shall be forced to report this uncouth behavior to the King!”

“Fucking hell…” Aichlan swore as he reluctantly acquiesced.

He had not expected her to use his full title as she had, though likely a bluff, he knew better than to push his luck.

“I swear; you knight types are so singular minded.” She admonished as she bustled over to help Séverin to his feet. “Apologies for my guardian Mister Séverin, he can be rather protective of me.”

Séverin smiled awkwardly. “No problem at all, if only I could count myself so lucky.”

Aichlan got the distinct feeling this man was lying about everything, and it wasn’t just his prejudice speaking. He just needed to figure out what he was lying about and why.

“Go ahead in and introduce yourself to the other’s.” Alice said sweetly. “We’ll join you in a moment.”

Séverin nodded and gingerly stepped around Aichlan before darting into the room. The look he gave sent shivers down Aichlan’s spine.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Alice demanded with a punch to his shoulder.

“Who the hell is that man Alice?” Aichlan demanded, gesturing to the door. “He’s dangerous.”

Alice snorted and rolled her eyes. “Of course, he’s dangerous, what do you take me for? He’s not even trying to hide it, opting instead to use some cheap glamor charm.”

Aichlan turned back to the room. Glamor was fey and elf magic, the ability to make others see what you wanted rather than what truly was.

“As far as I can tell, he isn’t dangerous to us,” Alice said non-chalantly as she adjusted her glasses, “so I just let him hang around and pay for our stuff.”.

“What the hell does he want?”

Alice shrugged. “It seems he’s just curious about us.”

Aichlan’s expression darkened. “Why?”

“Why don’t you ask him?” Alice snapped.

Aichlan muttered a curse under his breath as he moved Alice aside and flung open the door. Clarissa looked up from her healing and waved at him. She had attempted to dye her hair, but it ran out in the first wash leaving only a darker shade of pink. She wore a teal green silk dress with black trim, as well as a pendant that bore resemblance to one of Eth’s tattoos. Beside her, Fiora lay splayed out on the bed with her face buried in the crook of her arm. Like Alice, she wore baggy trousers and bikini in a floral print. She also looked to be quite hungover.

“I brought you and Ashe gifts!” Clarissa sang.

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Aichlan knelt down to inspect several shopping bags by the door. For Ashe, there was a brown satin gown that he could not even imagine her ever wearing, and a new coat of plates; a relatively sturdy leather coat inlaid with thin steel plates. He wondered how all of this was funded, he personally did not have one cent to his name at the moment. She had also bought a pair travelers boots, completing the typical battle loadout for a knight in The Order. Though it was far too hot out to walk around in full kit, he was thankful that the option existed.

At the table, Ransom and the new guy started early on a bottle of wine, while Eth sat against the wall nearby. Of all present, only Aichlan and the mercenary looked even remotely ready for battle.

“Watch out love.”

Aichlan quickly stepped aside so that Ashe and Kielan could enter, carrying crates of supplies, which they promptly dropped by the bed.

Kielan took up sentry by the window. “Ye get the mule Eth?”

Eth jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “It’s oot back.”

Alice popped in next, waving her hand to slam the window shut. Kielan flinched and placed his hand to his heart as he moved to the other corner. With one hand, she weaved an ice glyph while painting a wind charm with the other. With a flourish of her hands she combined the two and flung them against the wall as she muttered her incantation.

“I don’t understand why this country is so blasted hot.” She complained as the glyph belched forth an arctic breeze. “I take it you’ve all met Séverin then?”

Ransom raised his glass as Eth grunted in confirmation.

“He’s Xanavien.” Aichlan spat.

Alice smiled and pulled him to the side. “I’ve already told them that.”

“Well no one told me!” he hissed, snatching is arm free of her pinching grasp.

“Miss Fiora explained to me that you had a run in with the army, I can assure you, I have nothing to do with the tragedy that is my—”

“Shut up.” Aichlan snapped as he held up his hand.

He turned to Alice, demanding an explanation for their loose tongues. Alice mimed drinking from a bottle. Aichlan sighed and shook his head. He would need to keep a closer eye on Miss Fluorspar in the future.

“Did ye get yer ship lad?” Kielan asked with a grin.

“I’ll get it at the next port.” Aichlan grumbled.

“Next port is in Vergas, north o’ Rhode.” Ashe massaged his shoulders as she sat down beside him. “Were you planning’ on goin’ somewhere without us?”

“Not anymore it seems.” Aichlan muttered.

Aichlan turned his attention back to Séverin; he had remained just watching them as he pretended to drink his wine. If there was one thing Aichlan did not trust, it was a man who didn’t drink.

“Why are you even here?” Aichlan blurted.

Séverin looked around for several moments before pointing to himself. The man had been looking dead at Aichlan when he spoke; he was just putting on airs at this point.

“Yeah, you.” Aichlan echoed curtly. “What do you want?”

“Aichlan! Don’t be so rude to our guest!” Clarissa chastised.

Aichlan ignored her; he wasn’t sure what she was doing there either. Though their merry little band undoubtedly needed a healer.

“Apologies, I was under the impression that the Lady Alice already made that clear, I intend to join you all to Rhode.”

Like hell you are Aichlan thought. While he didn’t have the look of a warrior, he certainly did have the eyes of a killer. Aichlan could tell when he first drew steel on him. Séverin had been probing him, searching for weakness, for an in to a vital organ.

Alice pushed up her glasses with a finger. “I just told you Aichlan.”

“Right…I’m afraid this isn’t a holiday tour however.”

Séverin smiled. “Oh, I am aware of your mission.”

Aichlan’s eyes flashed as his hand made its way to his sword once more. “What mission.”

Séverin visibly puckered up as he glanced about in confusion and fear. It was the first genuine emotion Aichlan had seen him display.

“You seek to raise an army in Duvachellé.” He replied hesitantly.

Aichlan glared at Alice, who jerked her head to the still passed out Fiora.

“If you’d rather I not travel with you…” Séverin said adroitly.

Aichlan rolled his eyes and turned back to Alice. He very much wanted to say no, but could see she had a rebuttal already on her lips.

“It’s not my decision to make.” Aichlan said, turning a pleading gaze to Kielan.

“Unh-uh mate, my bit was from Pe’al Falls tae Eefrit, ‘tis yer campaign now lad.”

“Some help you are.” Aichlan muttered. “Eth, what say you? You’ve been awfully quiet through this.”

“Yeah, why so quiet Eth?” Ashe asked with a mischievous smile.

“Hrrmmm. Ain’t got shit tae say.” Eth muttered with a sneer, causing Ashe to burst into laughter.

“And if you’ve nuhzing nice to zay, dzen it’s best to zay nuhzing at all.” Clarissa stated proudly.

Kielan tried to stifle a chuckle, but Ashe continued to laugh hilariously. While Aichlan found their behavior odd to say the least, he chose to ignore them and planned for the journey ahead. Fiora groaned and buried her face in the crook of her elbow. Fortunately for her, combat was not expected, Aichlan knew how hard fighting with a hangover could be.

“What are you, his mother?” Ransom asked with his usual condescension.

“Don’t pay them ‘eed Eth; it is a noble endeavor to seek to improve oneself. And you’ll find no better molder of clay and instiller of etiquette dzan myself.” Clarissa said smartly as she massaged Fiora’s temples.

“You? You’re a glorified courtesan!” Ransom cried with incredulity.

Clarissa shot him a look of pure hatred and disgust, Fiora cried out as the healing turned painful. Clarissa quickly withdrew her hands in surprise. After several moments of cursing, Fiora allowed Clarissa to continue her healing touch.

“Fuck off Ransom.” Eth spat, fed up with the nature of their conversation.

Clarissa smiled. “Merci Eth, well said.”

“Fine, you may join us seeing as no one has any objections…” Aichlan said reluctantly.

“What’s in this so-called Death Marsh huh?” Ransom asked after several moments of silence. “Afraid I never made my way to these parts before and don’t quite know what to expect from an oh-so hospitable place.”

“It’s a swamp; daen’t know what else ta tell ye other than that. It’s got moss, water, plants, sulfur, oil, and flammable gasses, acid.” Ashe counted the various horrors off her fingers. “Ye know; basic swamp stuff.”

Alice shuddered at her casual explanation. “I hate sulfur. We had to work with it at the Academy once, smelled like a cesspit for weeks.”

Aichlan had run across similar fens when he first met Renata on the journey to Catharone. The southern tip of Thiudoricus and southern border of Xanavene especially were known for such Poison Fens. This barren patch of land, called Hinterland, served as home to nothing but disease. He was curious if the same applied in Rhode.

“Anything live there?” Aichlan asked.

“Oh yeah.” Ashe replied enthusiastically. “Lots o’ reptiles, poisonous type mind ye, insects o’ the same ilk an’ vultures. Plus, these wee little frogs that make ya see all sorts o’ trippy shit before ye eventually mess yerself tae death.”

Aichlan slumped against the wall. “Great…”

“But ‘ow long is it gonna take?” Fiora mumbled groggily.

“A couple weeks at best, likely longer. The marsh isn’t that big, it’s just difficult to navigate, even fer the experienced sort. But after the sulfur plains, it’s a couple days’ march to the capitol.”

Several groans went up, including Aichlan’s. He trudged through the wretched bogs of eastern Aes Sidhe before and was unwilling to experience such an ordeal again. Being covered in filth day in and day out led to rampant sickness and disease, and one was never dry between the rains and mist or the mud underfoot.

Kielan shrugged and leaned against the wall. “It can’t be helped. We should leave by sundown though; I wanna be in the sulfur fields before the weather worsens.”

Two more groans went up from Clarissa and Alice.

“Worsens how?” Alice demanded.

“Boiling rains.” Kielan replied with a mischievous grin.

“Boiling…” Alice recoiled in horror. “That’s not possible. Is it?”

Aichlan found such a thing impossible, but was in no mood for bickering. Alice’s magic was a godsend, allowing their small rooms to be livable, though he doubted she could achieve the same affect outdoors, especially in a swamp.

“Dzere, all better.” Clarissa said soothingly as she rubbed Fiora’s shoulder.

Though she did indeed look better, color returning to her cheeks, Fiora still had dark rings around her eyes.

“My thanks Sister Clarissa.” She said, sounding far more agreeable.

“You feel up to a little sparring?” Aichlan asked curiously.

Loudmouth she was, Alice had chosen to spend her time with this woman. If that were to continue, Aichlan needed to be certain she was up to the task of defending her should the time come. Especially now that she had brought this Séverin fellow into the fold. Fiora had improved a great deal since Nole, but it seemed to him that she, like the others; had spent the last couple of days lounging and drinking.

“If my Lord wishes…” Fiora said a bit reluctantly.

She probably wanted to crawl back into bed. Unfortunately, they didn’t have such a luxury.

“He does. Meet me on the lawn in fifteen minutes. I trust you’ve maintained your equipment.”

Aichlan flinched inwardly; he was surprised at how much he sounded like Garrick just then. He always tried to be easy going and affable with his men, but when it came to matters of military training and discipline; his father seemed to make his way into his words and actions.

“Of course my Lord.”

“And be in uniform.”

Fiora flushed and looked down embarrassment, trying to cover her inadequate attire. His change in demeanor had likely come to her as shock. It was for the best, the time for holiday had passed. This was a military campaign for all intents and purposes after all.

“Yes, my Lord.” Fiora responded crisply, standing at attention, her face stoic.

“Be ready at half past the hour for inspections and stretches.” Aichlan finished in a tone of dismissal.

Fiora crossed her arms over her chest in an X, the Sorn salute. Aichlan replied with the salute of The Order.

“Go in the light.”

Fiora bowed and turned sharply to leave. It would be good to return—or add—military discipline into this unit. He felt like he did when receiving a fresh batch of recruits to train and initiate, he allowed a sadistic grin to creep across his lips.

“Think I’ll join you.” Ransom stood, exhaling a cloud of smoke. “Expecting confrontation?”

“No. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare as if we were.” Again, more words of wisdom from Garrick Aichlan thought.

“Why don’t we all get in on it?” Eth said with a bit of eagerness.

Aichlan smiled, he likely needed to vent some pent-up frustrations from Clarissa’s tutelage.

“I’ll pass.” Clarissa said with a yawn.

“Well I’m going!” Alice said cheerily.

He noticed she had acquired a newfound confidence with her new eyewear. She had that bright look in her eyes like an optimistic youth, and the carefree gait of young love, the zest for her craft renewed. He was surprised at how drastic a change being able to see clearly made upon her, and thankful he did not suffer a similar affliction.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to insist upon your participation Sister, just in case of injury.”

Aichlan really did not want to be a prick, but he technically did hold rank on her. Even if they were in different sects of The Order, with all Cardinals and Bishops dead or missing, as leader of The Knights of Dawn, he was more or less in charge.

“Oh, of course. Aichlan.”

Aichlan returned her artificial smile; he would just attribute the slight attitude to her ignorance of who he actually was.

“It’s Grandmaster Sister.”

She looked ready to tell him off when the pieces began to fall into place in her mind. “Oh shit, dzat’s you?”

He smiled and gently ushered her out of the room. He would definitely enjoy leading today’s exercises, though it was unlikely they would.

* * *

With sore muscles and mumblings about Aichlan being a hard ass, the small party set off along the eastern Fire Plains and across the river Salamander into the glades and mangroves outside of Eefrit. They left while the last embers of the sun’s fiery glow still hung in the sky. Aichlan had decided there was no threat of combat so far out and allowed Fiora to change out of her armor due to the oppressive heat, now compounded by humidity. For the following two days, they waded through waist deep water of the thick jungle in silence; the occasional splash from unknown creatures elicited a shriek from Clarissa. The going had only gotten tougher as the first stars began to pierce the twilight on the third day, for even with the sun having departed, they found no respite from the heat and humidity. Sleep, such as it was in that wretched bog, was fitful and brief. Their nerves and patience were collectively fried.

Under the light of the stars, they finally emerged into a meadow of meter high sawgrass, cattails, and reeds. Scattered throughout, were pitfalls of indiscernible depths, at least until one took a step and found themselves neck deep in muddy water. Even under the cover of night, they still sweat profusely in the warm breezes.

Their progress was further slowed as their mule became increasingly ornery, refusing to budge even as Eth cursed and threatened, pushed and tugged at the beast’s reins. A hot-handed slap to the rump caused the beast to kick out and flee. Eth cried out and chased it down with hoof prints upon his chest. The party finally came to a halt, as Clarissa had to mend his broken ribs. A steady chorus of frogs and insects filled the night air as well as indistinct growls followed by loud splashes, causing Clarissa to flinch every so often.

“Fuck! Quit movin’! Bloody hell!” Eth griped as she inadvertently nudged a cracked rib.

Clarissa reconnected to the source of The Dawn to resume her healing touch.

“It’s you wriggling, not me! And watch your fucking mouth!” She wiped the sweat from her brow on her arm, equally frustrated. “I’m a nun! By Zee Dawn!”

“Blasted mule.” Eth winced as he sat up. “I say we kill the bloody thin’ an’ be done with it.”

The beast did not look up from its meal of grass as it pulled its hind leg from the mire. Aichlan did not particularly care for the idea of rucking their supplies, but if things continued as they were, they just might have to. He gazed into the jungle across the field; there was no way they’d make it out of this mess in a week, not at their current pace.

The occasional gust of hot air carried the distinctive smell of rotting eggs and decomposition associated with sulfur. Alice gagged as the scent crossed her nostrils.

“Ugh! How long till we reach the sulfur plains?” She asked with disgust.

Ashe rummaged through a pack on the mule as it still refused to stand still, even with Eth’s handprint branded on the ass’s ass.

“Barring any more, accidents shall we say,” Kielan held the beast in place and continued speaking. “And keeping on through the night, we should reach them by tomorrow night or early the next day.”

“No complaints here.” Ashe said as she produced a loaf of bread and small jar of jam. “Wouldn’t be able tae bed down in this waterlogged sauna anyway.” She dipped the loaf into the jam and took a bite.

Aichlan pulled a handful of coffee beans from his pocket and popped them in his mouth. “Agreed. But I do believe a rest is in order.”

The idea of sleep had not even been mentioned; no one wanted to lay down in this heat and humidity, not to mention the terrain was uninviting to sleep. The night was alive with cicadas and frog song, their loud buzzing and croaking, too loud to ignore, continually gnawing at their peripheral senses. Aichlan sighed and turned his attention skywards. The stars shined brightly as the moon began to sink beneath the horizon, following a brief appearance. He tried to discern the different constellations, however, astronomy was never a subject he showed much interest in.

“There.” Clarissa said slapping Eth playfully on the chest. “Maybe next time you’ll think twice before taunting something capable of fighting back.”

“Thank ye.” Eth said.

“Eth, what the hell is wrong with you?” Aichlan asked, curiosity getting the better of him. “You alright?”

Ashe and Kielan sniggered as Clarissa puffed out her chest in a self-important manner.

“I’ve been teaching zee brute some manners and proper—”

“Yeah I got that.” Aichlan interrupted. “But why?”

“So dzat ‘e can return to ‘is dear wife a proper, charming, gentleman.” She said matter-of-factly.

“Ye obviously don’t know my sister Io.” Kielan laughed.

“I know she was a—”

“If you lot are finished talkin’ as if I weren’t ‘ere,” Eth interrupted. “I’d like tae get a bloody move on.”