Somewhere in Aurum

Traversing under the guise of night, a carriage rolled along the road with a single passenger in the back filled with several crates. The white-haired young man bowed his head, letting the curly strands of his white hair fall against his tanned cheeks.

The carriage bumped and creaked as it went over rough patches in the ground.

He thought to himself, " Almost to the next destination." He was thankful to be alone with his thoughts since he had been activated again, but it seemed like every so often, the other him would try to come back in some shape or form.

Like now, it seems…

The image of a girl with a big afro and tawny brown skin appeared in his mind. He shook them away and out of his mind, he didn't need a distraction. Least of all, not from her. She would be the sole reason he'd awaken again.

“We're here.” A less than enthusiastic person said from the front of the carriage. “You know what to do?”

The white-haired young man opened his eyes, revealing bright red ones. He stood up from his sitting position.

“Yes. Get the package and deliver it to the buyer. I know. Anything else?”

“Just do the job, kid. I follow orders, as you should, Blackthorn,” The driver said. “You'll get further information via Voxlink.” and drove away when he left the cart.

Blackthorn sighed. He faced his current target and destination.

An abandoned cave looked like. He wondered why his mission was tasked to be here or the package he needed to retrieve.

He traversed into the mouth of the cave. Because of the pitch darkness, he was told to bring a lantern, and the bright light shed away the darkness.

The cavern's wall had crumbled in bits from years of unused, and Blackthorn had to shimmy, climb, and squeeze under rock Crevices and the like.

Once he reached the supposed exit, he stood at the cliff top, and the light shone on an abandoned workshop. It was filled with machines and tanks that looked too worn to work anymore.

What could Walsh want in a junkyard like this?

He climbed down the cliff drop until he landed flat on his feet. He walked around the metal graveyard, looking for anything that resembled a package or something so unique that it requested he get to it immediately.

He was ready to contact Walsh by Voxlink—a new one after he returned his old one with… her. A few bars would send a quick message—until he caught something out of the corner of his eye.

“Hmm?”

He went to the location of a lone pod and moved away boxes and crates that prevented him from passing. He looked around for something to light up the tank until he found several buttons beside it.

“Only one way to find out.”

He pressed the button, and the machine whirred to life. It made a few clanking noises followed by beeps as the system rebooted, triggering the other machines to do the same.

The tank before him lit up and showed a figure floating inside a murky blue substance. They had long black hair with white streaks. Their eyes were closed, and most of their body was covered in bandages, but Blackthorn could still see the man's pale gray skin.

“What is…” He looked around for some proof of what this could be and saw aging papers attached to his tube. He skimmed the notes section of science terms and scientific analysis until he saw the figure's name: “Sovran #1, The Ash Born Demon”.

He folded the papers and placed them in his pockets. "Guess this is it." For what he didn't know, he began disabling the machine to release the incapacitated Sovran.

•†•

Luminar 1st Day, midday

Lyra, Cassandra, Aurora, and Tierney left Sylvanbrook that same day. Ealdred had told them to travel west. Since most of Ravens Country was predominantly countryside, they lacked the communities of guilds and Locksmiths. Even their usage of Voxlink was relatively low, and with so many Locksmiths stationed in the east, there could only be so much help.

Despite their objective: Find the Altars. Find Eamon. Their number one priority was to the people of Aurum, and if they found any other information about their aim, it was a win.

Lyra held the map in her hands as she examined it, hoping that a location of the next Altar would jump at her, or better yet, she would receive Lumos’ blessing as she did during the fight with the Great Void Beast during the deconstruction of the Altar holding the Void Beast Baal, a month ago.

She couldn't do it again, no matter how hard she tried or prayed to Lumos for an answer. She sighed. Maybe whatever was going on with the Curse blocked a connection with Lumos.

That answer seemed plausible, but while that might have been the reason, that didn't help the situation now.

If only she had decided to shake the answers out of Alivier, the Lichtkrieger, the light warrior who worked close enough to Lumos herself, before he trounced off to Lumos knows where. Even the Strega, Malakyh, would at least be better than going in blind.

She let out another audible sigh. Aurora tugged at her jacket. They had saved the white-haired and red-eyed girl floating aimlessly in the ocean.

She didn't look at Lyra and had her lips pursed together. Lyra couldn't tell what she was thinking but knew that her sour mood was probably attributed to Aurora's mood.

She folded the map and placed it back in her satchel.

“Hey, Aurora?” The little girl craned her neck up. The reds of her eyes are glassy-eyed. “You don't need to worry about anything, okay? That's… well, that's the adult's job, and I'm your guardian, I think, so that makes it my job to worry. Not you. You're a kid and deserve to be worry-free.”

“That's why you didn't want me to come?”

“For the most part, yeah,” she told the little girl. “What will happen to Lysandrian Kingdom… to the world…? I don't want you wrapped up in all of that.”

“Is it because I'm… different?”

Lyra was silent. She didn't tell Aurora that she was a Homunculus, an experiment made from assorted body parts and Deimos’ essence, but Aurora was a bright girl and could easily put two and two together. Not to mention the power she showed, and what Walsh had told them was starting to put in the missing pieces of where Aurora was from and why she was made.

But how can I tell her any of that without her thinking she's not technically human and was made to be something dangerous like…

She didn't finish that thought. If she thought about Eamon again, she would end up in that dark place she didn't want to revisit.

“Aurora–”

“I think,” Cassandra’s voice replied as she strolled up to the front. “Lyra means that, as a Locksmith and someone who cares about you, her duty to protect you is two-fold. No matter what you think you may be able to do, you are still a child, Aurora, and it is Lyra’s job as a Locksmith and a caretaker to protect you at all costs because you are someone precious to her and you are family. We protect and love our family to the depths and back.”

Lyra sighed with relief. Cassandra couldn't have said it better. The women looked at one another in recognition and appreciation.

I have your back as you have had mine. We're in this together.

Lyra nodded. Thank you, Cassandra.

Aurora twisted her lip, thinking about what was said, and nodded. “Love and family because we're Ashbourne’s, right?”

“Right, and we protect our own and the people of Aurum.”

“Cassandra…” Tierney’s voice called out, breaking their conversation. “Someone is watching us.”

Alert, Cassandra drew her sword, as did Lyra, and they surveyed the countryside path they were on. Besides the tall wheat grass on one side, a forest on the other, and a herd of Fiends in the distant wheat field. There weren't any signs of other life, or at least none that they could see, as both Lyra and Cassandra knew that Sovran #0, The Trickster, had used that ability once a long time ago.

“Is it a threat, Tierney?” knowing the girl could use her clairvoyant-based abilities to intervene in the unknown and unseen.

Her different-colored eyes narrowed as she focused. The twists of her black hair brushed against her dark brown cheeks.

She shook her head. “It doesn't feel malicious.”

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Lyra knew that, malicious or not, she shouldn't drop her guard until whatever it was no longer in sight.

At times like these, Sly’s whip would come in handy. I hope she's making leeway back at HQ.

Lyra hated to do this, but she had to let Aurora know that she not only trusted her but that she was, in every way, an asset and not a burden. She had to trust her, know she could do what was right, and control her strange power.

“Aurora, do you think you could use your power to sense whoever is out there?”

Aurora peered up at the serious but gentle look in Lyra’s eyes. Her smile was weak, but she hoped Aurora wouldn't see that as a sign she was afraid of her or what she could do, but for her because she didn't want to see her hurt again.

Aurora bobbed her head. “I can try!”

She still gripped Lyra's jacket for support. It was something of a security blanket. Aurora knew that what she could do was dangerous, but if she had Lyra with her, maybe she could use her powers for good and not be what the white-robed people wanted her to be.

Her red eyes glowed brightly, and she focused on her general surroundings until she caught the heat signature of someone's aura.

“Right there!” she pointed into the forest.

Lyra aimed in the direction Aurora pointed and hoped her attack wouldn't kill the person if they wanted to question them.

“Stand back, everyone.”

She placed her feet firmly on the ground, a foot apart, and held her sword, Riftblade, in front of her with both hands.

She began channeling the power of the Wellsprings as power radiated around and through her.

“Radiant Smash!” she cried out and slammed her sword to the ground, triggering an amalgamation of two elements simultaneously: Zephyr and Gaia, something she had never seen or done before.

The earth pillar shot out from the ground, and the gust of wind followed suit as they headed straight for their target.

There was an explosion in the forest, followed by a cry of defeat.

“Alright, I surrender! Hold your fire!”

They waited, arms at the ready, as the figure emerged from the forest with their hands raised.

Lyra dropped her sword, seeing the familiar face. “You? What are you doing here?”

He wore dark clothing, from the cowl around his head to the garb on his body. Lyra recognized the dark brown eyes that peeked out through the eye slit of his cloak.

“You're Malakyh El-Amin, yes? The Strega?”

“That I am. Didn't think I'd almost be blasted to kingdom come.”

Cassandra, ax sheathed, crossed her arms. “Says the person hiding away in the shadows and lurking about.”

“Only because I was wary. You are friends with the Lichtkrieger, and as you already know, we don't have a very healthy relationship.”

Lyra snorted. “Well, friend is an understatement. He took off first thing, and we haven't seen him since. Now, what's your reason for being here?”

Malakyh removed the hood from his head, revealing black locs and sun-kissed brown skin that complimented the dark browns of his eyes. His lashes were long and seemed to flutter almost hypnotically.

“Simple. I have come to aid you in defeating the Altars and the Void Beasts that lay dormant inside.”

Lyra raises a brow. “And you want to do that with us, why?”

“Because,” he said slowly, raising his hands down now. “My Master Herta has foretold that heroes will lead the retribution in the thwart against Deimos’ awakening.”

“Is that so?” Cassandra chimed in. “As Alivier might have mentioned, Lumos may have a strained relationship with the Primal Weavers.”

Malakyh hissed. His anger, annoyance, and rage said it all on his face: He despised the Lichtkrieger passionately.

“That is a long story and greatly exaggerated. We were naturally framed because some took a neutral stance between the war with Deimos and Lumos. Some of us did fight, but that stance we held all those centuries ago has, more or less, left a bitter taste in the Lichtkrieger's mouths.”

“Hmm, so you say.” Lyra sighed and hunched her shoulders. “Well, you helped us take down the first Altar, and if it's anything like that, we'll need someone on the outside to close it while we close it from the inside.”

“So… that means we work together now?”

“In a world ridden by Curses, Malakyh, help goes a long way. You're fine in my book as long as you have no secrets or skirt away at the last minute.”

“I'm a little harder to please, but the same goes for me,” Cassandra nodded.

Malakyh bowed in allegiance. Only to take notice of Aurora and Tierney.

“And may I ask, what of the–” Lyra glared at him. There was a silent threat to not speak of that name regarding the two girls. Malakyh cleared his throat. “Children? Will they be safe accompanying us on this journey?”

“Don't you worry ‘bout a thing,” Lyra told him. “They're stronger than they look.”

•†•

After walking for some time, the party saw a sign that read Ravens Country was only a few paces ahead, but Raven Wing Farm was in the next vicinity.

“Let's stop for a spell and take a break,” Cassandra suggested. Everyone agreed and continued the path to the farm.

The quaint farm of Raven Wing had a peaceful disposition that made Lyra think of home. Her heart swelled its chest as she took in the rolling farm hills, the plain fields boarded to keep their animals safe and Fiends out, and the quaint small town in the middle of the farm.

The group walked toward the large overhead sign leading toward the town, where they saw someone tending to a carriage.

“Excuse me?” Lyra got their attention.

He stood up from the ground and turned to them. The gentleman wore a newsboy cap, a long-sleeved shirt, and overalls hanging loosely at his side.

“What can I do for you folks? The Man said with a twang in his voice. However, upon seeing Lyra's Locksmith patch, he exclaimed with surprise. “Oh, a Locksmith! I should have given you a better greeting.”

“No worries at all! Does this town have some inn and tavern where we could get something to eat?”

“Sure do. The Pig and Grease makes amazing breakfast, meat pies, and a custard apple pie. They're just ahead, past the fountain. You can't miss it.”

“I think that sounds delightful,” Cassandra replied. “Thank you for your kindness.”

The man tipped his cap. “Any time. Enjoy yourself here in our humble town.

They followed the man's directions. The town's moderate-sized area allowed people to cross here and there. Wooden houses were spread about the town. Many people–from adults to children–wore simple garments, such as overalls, linen shirts, and tunic gowns.

Children played gallantly in the streets, holding sticks as they played around a fountain. In the group's line of direction was an oval wood sign, ‘Pig and Grease,’ with a picture of a pig on it.

They entered inside two at a time and were greeted by a waitress with curly brown hair, a white bonnet, and a small button nose.

“Welcome To The Pig and Grease. You can take your seat wherever you like, and I'll be with you in a moment.”

They took their seats around the table. There were already quite a few travelers sitting around drinking and eating. Despite the concerns warring about, the folk here were trying their best to live their life as peacefully as possible.

“Amazing,” Malakyh breathed out as he eyed the townsfolk seated.

Lyra’s brow rose. “Uh, what's amazing? Have you never been to a tavern before?”

“It isn't that. It's just… quaint here. The curse summoning Altars and the Harmony Tax will likely cause a riot to fester, most likely farmers and low borne citizens.”

Cassandra hummed in agreement. “I can concur with his statement. The people here are full of life and aren't letting something like this happen, or at least, they don't show it.”

Lyra didn't get it but shrugged and offered her thoughts. “Well, I can't speak for everyone else, but most people have been in a tougher situation– like the seven-year strain or when Chancellor Price was in power– they might not fully believe the power of the curse or the Altars but taxes and the deployment of the military is just not something that shakes the common people– that one little negativity won't be enough to arouse the Altars.”

Malakyh gave his own hum, thinking. “Let's just hope we can prove the very real situation the curse and Altars bring so the people can make a real headway.”

Lyra pouted slightly. “Speaking of headway, mind telling us a bit about yourself, Mr. Strega? We didn't get to talk much after the closing of the first Altar.”

The waitress came back early with a beaming smile on her face.

“Sorry for the wait, folks. Can I get you something to drink for starters?”

Aurora raised her hand. “I want something called mead. I heard people at the other table make them feel really good. I want that!”

Lyra’s eyes bugged out, and she waved her hands wildly. “ha-ha, kids. Right? We'll take some milk.”

“Make that another milk for Tierney, too,” Cassandra added, making Tierney blush.

The waitress smiled at them. “Two milks got it. Don't you go making trouble for your mommy, okay?” she tapped Aurora's nose and giggled.

“M-mommy?” Lyra's eyes bugged out, her face turning red. “Oh, uh–”

“And you two,” she said, pointing to Tierney. “Don’t give your mom and pops a hard time either.”

Seeing that the lady was talking about Cassandra and Malakyh, they looked at each other, then looked away with mumbled “never” and “unlikely” responses.

Lyra palmed her hand to her face. “Maybe we should order our drinks now. I'll have a water.”

“Same,” Cassandra and Malakyh simultaneously said.

“Got it! I'll return with your drinks and take your orders after.”

The table was silent until Aurora spoke, “If you’re mommy, then who's my daddy? Would that make Eamon my dad? You both always got red in the face around each other, and Grandpa Dre (Eldred) said that's one way to tell if someone likes someone.”

Thankfully, her palm was already on her face as Lyra’s face only grew redder from the comment.

“I think we need to have the talk Aurora.”

•†•

Once they had finished eating, the group was about to head back on the road again when they saw a group of military men just outside the restaurant. Lyra could practically feel her veins pulsating.

“Should we just keep going?” Cassandra asked, sensing the unsettling Emotion coming off her.

Lyra shook her head. “They might be harassing the locals here. I won't sit back while they do whatever they want.”

Malakyh hummed in agreement. “I agreed. Something doesn't feel right. It's best to get further information before we proceed.”

They approached the military. It looked like they were speaking to some locals, which further proved Lyra’s point, but as she called out to them and was ready to berate them–fight them if necessary—the look of relief on one of the Locksmiths' faces made her retract her anger.

“Oh, thank goodness for an actual Locksmith. We are so unequipped for this. Do you think you could give us a hand?”

“Uh, what seems to be the problem?” She hesitantly skirted around the question, unsure if this was some game or trap, but judging from the looks of the other military personnel, they didn't look hostile at all.

With a long white beard and bushy brows, the older man said, “There is an old abandoned stone structure not too far from here—Emerald Fortress. One of our own noticed that some children hadn't attended class. Another student said they saw them going in that direction but thought they would have returned by now.”

Lyra frowned. The situation was dire since the children could be potentially hurt or worse. “How long have they been gone? Is this fortress being blocked by something?”

“You can say something like that,” The first military man who had spoken to her said. His thin, curved brows furrowed. “It's been a few hours now. We might have been able to bring these kids home hours ago, but… Veilspawn and Fiends are blocking the path, but these Fiends aren't like normal. They're something stronger than usual, the Veilspawn, too. They have this ethereal blue aura and crystal along their bodies.”

Their bodies stiffened at the description. Even Malakyh whispered under his breath, ‘I knew it.’

It's the curse. It's starting to spread. Lyra concluded.

“Alright, we'll handle it from here, no worries.”

The military men profusely thanked them and went on their way, followed by the older man, who thanked them for their services.

“If you keep heading south of here, the path going straight leads to the fortress. Thank you again, Locksmith, and to the rest of you.”

The old man left, leaving Lyra to turn to the group.

“Okay, since we don't know much about this tower and the structure, or even the damage these Fiends and Veilspawn have done, we have to be cautious. Cassandra, how do you feel about fighting?”

She lifted her cast arm, which was no longer in a sling. She could even move her fingers a bit.

“Pain here and there, but nothing I can't handle.”

Lyra nodded, then looked to Malakyh. “I can assist the best I can. No worries here.”

And finally, she looked at Tierney and Aurora and pursed her lips together.

Great. I can’t separate us anymore, or that will shrink our numbers, and leaving them alone isn't an option either. Ugh…

“...Fine, you two can come, but stay within our circle and listen to what we say. So if I say run, you run. Got it?”

The two of them nodded, giving Lyra at least some relief that they'd get out of danger if it came to it. “Okay, let's head out.”