True to Dahl’s word, shortly before noon, the carriage rounded a corner and Ajax saw The Sepulcher, nestled at the foot of a mountain that had been dominating the horizon all morning. He was sitting up on the driver’s bench with Dahl, and he heard her gasp as the settlement came into view.
A few tents and pack animals, as well as their owners, spread around outside the central complex, which held the only stone buildings Ajax has seen since entering the Irkorta’s territory. Twisted and gnarled trees grew up from and between every structure. Ajax thought they were pyta trees, although he was surprised they were found this far inland. They usually fared better closer to the coast. If those were indeed pyta, their value would be astronomical. Pyta wood became a better conduit for magical energy, such as in the construction of magical staves and foci, the older the tree was. His own holy symbol, resting against his skin under his shirt, had a pyta wood insert. The wood of Chernoff’s Torch was pyta, with numerous tiny red, orange, and yellow gemstones making up the flame, all inlaid in silver. Ajax began to understand why this place was of such central importance to the Irkorta and the Branchists.
Mossc opened the window on the door of the carriage, stuck his head out, and asked “Are we there yet?”
“Yes Mossc, we’re there.” Ajax answered.
“Oh good! I was joking, I wasn’t expecting us to arrive for another hour or two.” Mossc said. He closed the window, opened the door, and jumped out, keeping pace with the carriage for a moment before clearing his throat expectantly. Dahl sighed, and pulled on the reins to stop the gnorses. Mossc grinned from ear to triangular ear, then climbed up to the driver’s bench, squeezing next to Ajax. The bench was just big enough to fit the three of them. A quick flick of Dahl’s wrists set the gnorses in motion again.
“Are those pyta trees?” Mossc said, pointing towards The Sepulcher.
“I believe so. I noticed them as well.” Ajax said.
“Rekkul’s big toe! I could buy most of Nars with all that. How are they thriving here though? Pyta trees need a touch of salt to do well. Unless they are having a homologous symbiotic effect on each other, life begets life. You think they’ll let me take a sample? For research purposes? I am a botanist, it’s for science!”
“Absolutely not.” Ajax said sternly. “You are not to so much as breathe on those trees unless given explicit written permission, in triplicate. Got it?”
“Yes mister Ajax sir.” Mossc said, in a defeated, yet still somehow mocking tone. Dahl let out a belt of laughter, and Mossc shot her a dirty look from across the bench. “Where did tall, dark, and angry slink off to?” Mossc asked.
“Urdit went on ahead to announce our presence. Let them know our peaceful intentions. Request an audience with the Sages. You know, the things we brought him with us to do.” Ajax said. “He said there would be a cairn on the road where we should stop and he would meet us there. So keep your eyes peeled.”
“A cairn? Did he describe this cairn? How are we to determine the specific pile of rocks he’s referring to, the options are bountiful.” Mossc waved his arms around in a theatrical gesture.
“He said we couldn’t miss it. I did not press further.” Ajax said. Mossc grumbled, but said nothing more.
They continued down the road, passing around a hillock which blocked their view of The Sepulcher. Ajax spoke up “Once we enter The Sepulcher proper, no one steps more than 10 feet away from this carriage unless invited.” He looked meaningfully at Mossc. “Urdit was confident at least a few of the Sages would agree to speak with me. Some of the tribes that prefer the western edges have been trading with Orthea and Alluvek. The Empire could set up a trading post if this meeting goes well.”
“What would we be trading?” Dahl asked. “They don’t seem to want for anything, nor do they produce anything in excess. If there was some plant out here worth anything Mossc would know about it.” She looked over to him, and he shook his head. “I’m not going to question Her judgement, but I was coming up empty on the specifics of this adventure.”
“The Empire will be offering foodstuffs that the Irkorta are unfamiliar with, primarily. Portable and long lasting, there are a number of items I have brought as examples. Refined metals as well. Not necessarily weapons, but other tools that the Irkorta might find useful.” Ajax replied. He pondered for a moment, thinking how much he could say about what She had asked him to broach with the Sages, but decided against it. “As for what the Irkorta could provide, art…trinkets, it matters not. Establishing trade is itself the goal. Operating at a loss is acceptable to Her for the medium term. In time, She believes the Irkorta will provide something useful that will make it worth the wait.”
“I suppose She does have a longer view.” Dahl said. “And that is probably our meeting spot.” She pointed to a pile of stones that had just become visible ahead.
“Well, I would say that certainly qualifies as unlikely to be missed. Not many ten foot tall piles of green rocks around these parts.” Mossc said.
“Such a wonderful color.” Dahl said, as she raised her arm to show off her similarly colored crystalline skin. “They must have gathered those from all over. See the different shades and patterns? I’ve got a cousin with an arm like that big sedimentary looking one on the bottom. She shows it off constantly, wearing sleeveless shirts and such. Grandpa says his great grandma had the same.”
“I don’t see Urdit.” Mossc added.
“He said he might be delayed. Stop before we pass the cairn please.” Ajax said.
“Can do.” Dahl clucked to the gnorses and they began moving to the side of the road. She pulled back on the reins a moment later and the carriage came to a stop a bit shy of the cairn.
“Mossc can you move please? I need to get down and go back inside to grab something. I’m planning on walking the rest of the way.” Ajax said. Mossc shimmied back onto the roof of the carriage and allowed Ajax to pass, then sat back down on the bench.
Ajax entered the carriage and made his way to his cabin. He opened the trunk at the foot of his bed, moved some of his pants out of the way, and took the bundle of foodstuffs he had told Dahl and Mossc about. Despite knowing he was alone, he still gave the cabin a sideways glance. He opened the secret compartment in the lid and removed a small pouch, quickly placing it in his pocket.
As he exited the carriage, Dahl said “Urdit’s coming. And he’s got someone else with him.” She pointed down the road. Ajax saw Urdit walking with a Dragonborn with bright blue scales.
“I see them.” Ajax said. Then, as they seemed to be an earshot away, raised his voice and shouted “Ho Urdit!” He raised his arms and waved his hands, palms open.
“Ho Ajax!” Urdit responded, similarly raising his arms and showing his palms. His companion did the same.
Mossc seemed fidgety for most of the two minutes it took Urdit and the Dragonborn to approach the carriage. Ajax thought the altercation this morning might still be spooking him, but Mossc seemed to have it under control by the time they got close. Urdit spoke. “Ajax Goodfellow Barnes III, Dahl, and Mossc Mudknuckle.'' He held his hand towards each as he said their names “This is Azurehide Elar. She is an acolyte to the Sage of Wind. She will also be our…liaison, for lack of a better word, although bodyguard would also be accurate. You will not be bothered or accosted as long as she is near.” Elar showed a sharp toothed smile at that, and Ajax was unsure if that was a promise or a threat.
“I have arranged a meeting with my master, as well as the Sages of Shadow and Rain. The others care not to speak with you.” Elar said. “If you will follow me, I will lead you to a place where you can unhook and rest your gnorses.” She turned around and began walking. Dahl flicked the reins and the carriage began following. Ajax let it pass, then fell in behind it, Urdit walking alongside him.
“There should be no issues of hostility. Only a few tribes are here yet, and they have no reason to bother you. Oriart smiled upon you Ajax, as your wish was granted. The Sage of Wind is a Granitine Feldsgar. His tribe has also been trading with Alluvek since he was but a pebble. I doubt you could have asked for a better Sage to be here today.” Urdit said.
“Thanks be to Chernoff, as well as Oriart.” Ajax intoned, touching his holy symbol. “May both of their chosen be blessed on this day. Were you able to get any other similar information on the Sages of Shadow or Rain?”
“The Sage of Shadow is a Dwarf from the far east, near the Otolart River. The Vos’arane sometimes travel the river, so his tribe is not as insular as one might think. The Sage of Rain is a Maqua from a tribe that stays mostly near The Sepulcher itself. His tribe members commonly become Sages and acolytes. Their proximity is thought to be what produces such power. Maqua do not know their true parents, egg laying females range far from their home.” Urdit said.
“And the Maqua are the dominant people, yes?” Ajax asked.
“The strong are the dominant. You are thinking too rigidly. Stop it.” Urdit said. “Maqua make up about half of the population, but very nearly every tribe is multiracial. It could be that the Maqua were the original tribes, and the other races came later, but such distinctions do not matter. If one is useful, one is welcome. Stay useful long enough and one becomes of the many. When one stops being useful, well, let’s say that old Maqua are not a common sight.”
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
They continued walking, eating up the remaining distance to The Sepulcher. Ajax noticed that the road wasn’t so much worn at this point, but carved into the sand, dirt, and stone. This place was old. He thought it likely that this settlement, if you could call it that, predated any of the other cultures he was aware of on Gomarche, save maybe the Sithra. Hard to tell with them, though. Those tall red ladies were ever so circumspect with what information they gave about themselves and their people.
Elar had led them into The Sepulcher proper by now. Mossc’s neck hadn’t stopped whipping around since the pyta trees had gotten close. He saw Ajax watching him, and made an exaggerated display of putting his hands into his pockets. Ajax gave him a small nod and hoped he didn’t do anything stupid. Elar said something to Dahl that Ajax couldn’t make out, and the carriage began pulling off to the right and came to a stop.
“You can get the gnorses out of those harnesses. There is a trough there, and a spout that will dispense some water if you rub it, more if you put a bit of magical willpower into your action.” Elar pointed to a hollowed out stone block several feet long. A bronze pipe exited out of a wall next to and above it. The top of which had been polished by countless hands, yet the sides and bottom were green and crusty with extreme age. “There isn’t much forage here, but I’m assuming you’re transporting some feed. I will be staying with you, someone will be by shortly to take Ajax to his audience.”
Dahl began unhooking the gnorses from the carriage as Urdit went inside to get some fodder from the storage area. Mossc’s eyes were still nearly bugging out of his head. Ajax thought he looked like he would sell his own grandmother for a single branch from one of the trees currently shading them from the afternoon sun. After the animals were taken care of, Ajax whispered to Urdit. “Make sure Mossc behaves while I’m away. He’s very interested in the trees.”
Urdit looked up. “Ah, pyta. Of course. Elar would likely take his hand off were he to try. I’ll keep an eye on him.”
“My master, the Sage of Shadow, will see you now.” said a Maqua who had approached undetected, startling both Ajax and Urdit when he spoke.
Ajax left out a trumpet blast of surprise. “Chernoff’s tusks! Where did you come from?”
“You ask a Maqua, and an acolyte of Shadow, how they snuck up on you? You may as well ask why the sun shrines. It is simply my nature. I am called Maah, and if you come with me, I will show you to your audience.” Maah said. He turned and began walking away, not looking back to see if Ajax was following.
“Go.” Urdit told Ajax. “Do not dally. I will help Elar watch over the others.”
Ajax hurried to catch up to Maah who was leading him further into The Sepulcher, towards the base of the mountain. Ajax noticed terraces rising up the slope that weren’t apparent from further out. Maah was making a beeline for a path that led up to those terraces. Ajax saw fewer and fewer people as they went. It wasn’t exactly bustling where they left the carriage, but there had been some people going about their day. By the time they had climbed the path towards the terraces, it was nearly deserted.
“I must stop here.” Maah said as he turned and faced Ajax for the first time since the carriage. “Your audience is ahead. Take those steps and turn right. The Sages await you on the terrace. Return to me when you are done and I will take you back to your companions.” Maah moved out of Ajax’s way and squatted down on his haunches off the path, his skin coloring instantly blending in with the stone surrounding him.
Ajax took the stairs and saw three figures standing on the terrace. As he approached, he felt their eyes boring into him, taking every detail into account. Ajax had never seen another of his kind since Falling to Gomarche, so he was undoubtedly a new encounter for them as well. Remembering Urdit’s advice, he stared right back, making eye contact with each of the Sages.
The Sage on the right was the Sage of Shadow. A thick black beard adorned his face and a stiff stripe of hair ran centrally back along his head. The Sage on the left was the Sage of Rain. Tall and lanky, his skin was showing as nearly white with his crest laying flat. In the center was the Sage of Wind. He was quite possibly one of the largest Feldsgar Ajax had ever seen. His grey and brown flecks reminded Ajax of many of the stoney outcrops they had passed on their journey here.
Knowing he had to be forceful and aggressive to be taken seriously, Ajax spoke first, raising his voice and projecting. “I am Ajax Goodfellow Barnes III. I come as an Emissary of the Empress at Nars. She wishes to begin trade with your people. I am empowered to negotiate, and have brought some examples of things the Empire could provide, as well as something the Empress wants that you may be able to provide. I thank you for allowing me to speak with you, honored Sages, and I hope this may be the beginning of a peaceful and prosperous relationship between the Empire and the Irkorta.”
“I am Ragt, Sage of Wind.”
“I am Filit, Sage of Rain.”
“I am Exter Stoneheart, Sage of Shadow.”
“What does your Empress think we would want, Ajax Goodfellow Barnes III?” asked Ragt.
“Simply Ajax is fine. We know some limited trade is already happening along the borders of your territory, the Empress merely wishes a seat at that table. I have brought a selection of portable and long lasting foodstuffs that your people might find useful or novel.” Ajax took the wrapped package from where he had stored it on his belt. Six different food items were within. Ajax made a show of taking a bite of each one, then offered the package to the Sages.
Ragt took the package and began inspecting the items. He also took a bite of each, chewing thoroughly, before passing them to Filit and Exter in turn. “What are these? What beast or plant?” Ragt asked.
“Two are entirely meat, the long skinny ones. Dried and spiced paire, a short wooly animal, and keapo, a mostly flightless bird. Neither of which do well in your lands.” Ajax made a point of emphasizing that these were not something the Irkorta could make themselves. “Two are entirely plant, the discs. Both of these are hard crackers that can last almost indefinitely. They are made from cereal flours that, likewise, need more water than is common here. The last two are mixed, the rectangular ones. Finely chopped and dried meat, berries, and grain, mixed with honey and other binders.”
“Yes, yes. We understand your Empress thinks She can win us over with preserved foodstuffs dressed up as delicacies. What exactly is She expecting in return?” Exter asked.
“She knows that the Irkorta do not produce in excess of what they need. Traditional artwork and knicknacks have a certain charm far from your lands. But there is one thing that she has a use for that you may not.” Ajax paused for a moment, then reached into his pocket and pulled out the small pouch, emptying a small brown glassy stone into his hand. “Argonite.”
Filit recoiled at the sight. “You DARED bring a deadrock into this holy place of life!” he bellowed. His coloring darkened in an instant and his crest flared high. His fingers had sparks dancing across them, but he did not unleash the attack he had instinctively prepared. Exter took a step back as well, a look of revulsion appearing on his bearded face. Only Ragt seemed to not be unnerved by the innocuous looking stone in Ajax’s hand. He stood his ground, solid as the rock his appearance suggested.
“I meant no offense.” Ajax said as he put the small acorn sized stone back in the pouch and the pouch in his pocket. He knew that single stone was worth fifteen thousand gold pieces, and that the Empress would do nearly anything to acquire more of it. “Argonite, or the deadrock as you called it, is very valuable to the Empress. The Irkorta need not mine for it, but if pieces were to be found naturally in the course of your travels, the Empire would trade handsomely for them. A stone the size I just showed would trade for an entire wagonload of the food items I brought here today.”
That had got their attention. Ajax could see the wheels turning in their minds. Their cultural aversion to Argonite could be focused on a desire to remove it from their lands. Combine that with the lure of the food items, both in their longevity and their novelty, the Empress had planned this all out perfectly, Ajax thought.
“We must speak in private for a moment.” Ragt said. He made a motion with his arms and a gust of wind drew up, spinning around the three of them, cutting off the sound. Ajax took a few steps back out of respect but did not turn away. That would be a sign of weakness and Ajax felt he was too close to closing this deal to falter at the end.
Based on the body language he was seeing, Ajax felt Ragt was already on his side. His tribe had already been trading with outsiders, and trading away something they considered taboo would be like getting something for nothing. He couldn’t figure out what Filit’s coloration meant, but he was emphatically gesturing the whole time. Exter seemed to be standing back and letting the other two argue, his arms crossed and his brow furrowed. Ajax hoped that Filit’s disgust with Argonite would work in favor of this proposal.
Ragt made a dismissing gesture and the sound around them returned. “We have discussed your proposal, Ajax Emissary of the Empress at Nars. We find your terms acceptable.” Ragt said. Ajax kept his outward appearance calm, but inside he was cheering. “The Irkorta will not abide a permanent structure on our land, other than The Sepulcher. If your Empire were to build an outpost one-third of a daywalk from our furthest western range, we would find that tolerable. At the gathering, we will tell the tribes of this arrangement, and should they decide to trade with you, so be it.”
Ajax bowed slightly to the Sages, keeping his eyes up. “Thank you, honored Sages. The Empress will be pleased by this decision. I will take my leave now. May Chernoff and Oriart smile upon all of us.” The Sages gave a much smaller bow and watched Ajax walk away.
Ajax nearly missed Maah when he descended the stairs. The Maqua had moved from the spot he was before, deliberately Ajax assumed. Not a word was said and he began leading Ajax back to the others.
Urdit saw them approaching first. He said something to Dahl, who was reading a book in the shade. She popped up and waved to Ajax, who returned the gesture. Ajax did not see Mossc, and he hoped the Phae Goblin was inside the carriage behaving himself. “Ho Ajax.” Urdit said as Ajax approached.
“Ho Urdit.” Ajax replied. “Harness up the gnorses, we’re leaving.”
“Did you audience not go well?” Dahl asked.
“It went perfectly, but I’ve still transgressed upon the sensibilities of our guests, slightly. It was all part of the plan, I’ll tell you later.” Ajax said. Urdit’s crest rose slightly in a way Ajax knew meant the Maqua had questions. Dahl took it all in stride, though, and began getting ready to depart.
“So shall I assume one of the Sages would have liked to kill you?” Urdit asked in a low voice.
“You may.” Ajax said with a smile.
“And you said this was part of the plan?”
“It was.”
“You were wise to not tell me of that part of the plan Ajax. I would have either stopped you, or given it away. I suspect the former.” Urdit mused.
“I will tell everyone at dinner tonight. Let’s put some distance behind us before Eoghan wakes up and eat that lunch he laid out for us.” Ajax said.
They helped Dahl with the gnorses, then got the carriage turned around and left The Sepulcher. It took them three months to get there, and they had spent less than two hours within its bounds.
Ajax put lunch together from what Eoghan had set out earlier. Mossc pouted for an hour after leaving, lamenting the botanical bonanza he had been forced to look at but not touch. Urdit relieved Dahl on the driver’s bench after a few hours, and Eoghan woke up in the late afternoon.
They found a spot to set up camp for the night, and after they were all eating dinner together in the dining room, Ajax regaled them with the recap of his audience with the Sages. When he got to the part about the Argonite, Urdit dropped his fork and his coloring changed to the same angry black Ajax had seen several times that day.
“You brought Argonite into The Sepulcher.” Urdit said. It was not a question, and his voice was cold and angry. “It is indeed good you did not tell me of this. I would have killed you back in Teqsen if I had known.”