image [https://i.imgur.com/yFu9mOD.png]
XXIII
Hidden Elements
Well-trodden paths out of the castle allowed Malakai’s party to devour distance despite the lack of light. But they didn’t make the dark any more inviting. A few misremembered hollows in the road were enough to stop their mission, so they took regular breaks to keep their mounts sharp.
They had halted at a small grove near a stream, where Gregory chipped away at the frozen water with his claymore. Others gathered snow in buckets and heated it over a fire to quench the thirst of both animal and rider.
Rider, the guard, stepped up to Malakai after his horse found a suitable twig to browse on. ‘We should keep to riding in the night and evening.’
‘It’ll take more time,’ Malakai said.
Though their horses were familiar with the path, they couldn’t go the same pace as during the day.
‘We’re not on a schedule from what I gathered,’ Rider said.
‘Not entirely, no. But it’s best we get there sooner rather than later.’
Rider tilted his head.
Malakai glanced towards the stream. Gregory offered Martin the use of the hole he’d opened.
Rider exhaled. ‘I get what you’re saying. But I still think it’s best to travel in the dark. Haste won’t serve us or anyone else if we’re spotted.’
Malakai bit his lip. Not even two hours in and he was already facing a tough decision.
Rider huffed and patted him on the shoulder as he trotted off. ‘Good luck, Captain.’
‘Thanks.’
On reflex, Malakai pawed the pouch on his waist. There was the soft chime of crystals rubbing against each other.
I wonder what she would do…
image [https://i.imgur.com/z6G5s0x.png]
Morning had come and with it Levi and Leah’s time to leave.
Diego’s carriage was standing at the back exit of the castle and our new maid and butler loaded in my brother’s bags.
‘It was good to see you before we left, Decim,’ Levi said.
‘You as well, Milord,’ Decim said. ‘I was loathe to hear of what happened to poor Jonathan. I wish you return safely from your journey, for both our sakes.’
I eyed the butler and maid. Levi seemed to know them quite well despite them being a part of my retinue. How—
‘Just so you know,’ a voice said, ‘I’m running if my life is in danger.’
My head turned to the irritating owner it belonged to. ‘I never expected you to lay down your life, Leah.’
She was standing cross-armed, watching the others work as she only had a single pack and suitcase with her. Her staff was strapped to her back and the butt of her concealed wand poked into the side of her fur-lined coat. Well, fur-lined was underselling it. Her attire was packed with enough hide she could pass for a teddy bear.
‘Don’t judge me,’ she said. ‘The mountains get cold.’
‘I know,’ I said. I leaned forwards and glanced down. ‘What’s with the suitcase?’
‘Contingencies.’
My brow rose but she didn’t elaborate. That left us standing in the cold and quiet for a few seconds. She held my gaze the entire time.
A frown grew on my forehead. ‘Anything you want to say?’
Her mouth opened, which was when Levi approached.
‘Seph, take this,’ he said, and handed me a slip of paper.
I turned it over. It outlined instructions.
‘This is?’
‘I’d like you to keep my medic centre running, or at least assign someone to do so.’
‘We don’t have a healer,’ I said.
‘You don’t. But there are materials which can be used to treat minor injuries. The villagers shouldn’t be ignored just because I’m gone.’
Fair enough. I stored the note. ‘I’ll set someone on it. That all?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then I wish you a safe journey, brother. Don’t do anything reckless. Should anything transpire, stay near the guards.’
He nodded his thanks. ‘I will.’ He remained where he was for a moment, though, and awkwardly tiptoed in place before turning around and striding towards the carriage. It was at this time that Jaeger pulled into the backyard with the other soldiers—Drake and Michael were amongst them.
So was Durak.
My gaze went to Leah, who was still at my side.
She repeatedly looked between me and Levi, and finally at just me. ‘Shouldn’t you at least hug?’
‘Hug?’ I said.
‘Yes, hug,’ she repeated as if talking to a child. ‘You never know when you see someone for the last time.’
‘I can see through my—’
‘In the flesh,’ she added after rolling her eyes.
My mouth shut. I thought back to Levi’s awkward movements just now. Surely he wasn’t considering such a thing? We’d never shown our affection physically, if there was any affection to show at all, that was.
‘I don’t know…’ I mouthed.
Leah paused. When I didn’t say anything else, she shook her head. ‘Nobles,’ she said. And she strolled away.
Now it was I who was standing around awkwardly. I can still approach his carriage. But something in me irked at the idea. I had never been a physical person (not even with my children). The sole exception to that rule was Lucian, yet it had taken years (literal centuries) for him to get me that far. It was also how the previous Sepharin had grown up in this world. That’s why I decided not to do it. I’m sure Levi wouldn’t appreciate it either, I told myself.
Then, Jaeger and his men were ready, and it was time to say goodbye to the second half of the party I arrived with.
‘We’ll be certain to return successful, Warden,’ Jaeger said.
‘I’m counting on it,’ I said.
After I offered the rest of the group some words, Diego spurred on his horses, and the party travelled down the hill. My breathing became a little laboured as I watched them leave. The cold must be getting to me.
‘Let us go back inside,’ I told the servants.
I had a report to receive.
image [https://i.imgur.com/z6G5s0x.png]
‘That includes our report, Milady,’ Decim said.
He refilled my cup of tea. The steam that poured forth was a blend between roots and berries. But though the haze was warm, I got the distinct sense of a wintry field.
My fingers rapped on the table. ‘So, in short, you’re saying you thought it safe to leave the mansion because it’s already in able hands?’
‘Yes, Milady,’ Decim said.
I glanced at the maid, Elene. ‘You corroborate this?’
She bowed her head and voiced her support.
I huffed. Logical. There wasn’t much to go on to dispute them either. I’d left Snowspire around a week ago and spent a few days in Frostmourne. Combined with them having to travel a few days, their timing made sense. It also meant the two must’ve been on the lookout for any news regarding my location as their would’ve been no way to arrive here so soon otherwise. But were they looking for my location so desperately because they were loyal, or because they wanted to spy on me? Though I was careful not to believe the former quickly, the latter had issues.
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‘Decim,’ I said, ‘between you and Jonathan, who’s been in our family longer? My memory of both your names goes as far back as I can remember.’
He fondled his moustache. ‘That would be me, Milady. Though Jonathan is of an old order, I am of on an older one still.’
‘An older order?’ I said.
For an instant, his wrinkled skin tightened as if fuelled by youth. ‘I was a gift of your father to Hilde, Milady.’
Hilde? That was the name of my mother, one of whom I had no memories at all. But Hilde wasn’t her full name so a servant calling her such was untoward.
‘Ah, forgive this old servant,’ Decim said after noticing my frown. ‘Though I was but your mother’s butler, given the young age at which she was inducted into House Vrost, I was also her infant caregiver. We grew to be the greatest of friends.’
And there lay the issue with the spy theory: Decim was such an old member of the family that it would be unthinkable. It was the entire reason Father assigned him to Snowspire as my servant.
Well, two things can be true at once, I thought, turning to the maid again. She had been a part of the Snowspire residence for some time, but nowhere near as long as Decim. There was no way to figure that out right this moment, though, so I found my attention drawn to the other topic in front of me.
‘I find I know surprisingly little of my mother,’ I said. ‘What would you describe her as?’
Since undead didn’t procreate like humans, my previous “mother” had been nothing but a spawn my Father used to fuel my birth. I had never learned her name (if she even had one).
What a coincidence that I lack one in both lives, I thought.
‘I expected you would one day ask such a thing of me, Milady,’ Decim said. He gazed out the window in the direction of Snowspire, where miles beyond lay Vrost. ‘In one word, I would say: breathtaking.’
I hummed. ‘In more?’
‘An unfortunate existence.’
I waited.
‘It was her dream to travel,’ Decim said. ‘Not only the North but also the rest of our continent. Even beyond the Wall.’
My breathing slowed. ‘She was fragile of body. That much I know.’
Decim solemnly shook his head. ‘The furthest she ever saw was the estate’s garden.’
That’s why her death shortly after childbirth, though grieved, hadn’t come as a surprise…my palm came to rest underneath my chin. Sepharin could create and control undead. So, even if she wasn’t one herself, she had some link to them. Could Sepharin’s mother have died because her soul was used as fuel for Sepharin’s birth…? Possible.
A tightening in my chest accompanied that thought. The former Sepharin must’ve never suspected such.
I let silence remain for a while before speaking up. ‘I will hear more of her some time.’
‘Whenever you desire, Milady.’
I nodded. ‘Then on to other matters. Have you met the remaining servants in the castle?’
‘We introduced ourselves this morning, Milady,’ Decim said.
‘Good. Then you will fill the void of the former head servant. Divert work to Elene as you see fit.’
‘Milady,’ he bowed.
I stood from the dinner table and eyed the empty cup.
Decim caught me and smiled. ‘Snow White, Hilde’s favourite. Should I bring another pot to your room, Milady?’
‘To my office,’ I corrected and walked off.
image [https://i.imgur.com/z6G5s0x.png]
‘We’ll get there by evening!’ Diego called from the driver’s seat.
Levi backed away from the open window, sagged in his seat and sighed.
‘Tired?’
Levi looked up at Jaeger. ‘I’ve never enjoyed carriages.’
‘The roads are quite tough,’ Jaeger agreed.
He had opted to ride inside instead of out front with the others for extra security.
‘That and the ride itself,’ Levi said. ‘There’s not much to do.’
The frostguard scoffed. ‘She looks to be enjoying herself, at least.’
They both turned towards the golden-haired beauty who was absorbed in a tome.
Levi peered and titled his head to read the title. ‘Are you studying the geography?’
Leah glanced away from her obsession. If she had a face that showed her annoyance more, she would’ve adopted it. ‘I dislike being unprepared,’ she said. Then she was back to reading her tome.
‘Rather you than me,’ Jaeger said.
‘Not an avid reader?’ Levi asked.
He shrugged. ‘The authors are always too old and formal for my liking. Especially the history ones. Blackwater forced them down my throat ever since he decided I was to be his second.’
‘I’d always wondered how castle lords chose their protege,’ Levi said. ‘Do you duel other candidates?’
‘Every Lord has their own method,’ Jaeger said. ‘Some organise a tournament. For others there’s no competition involved at all—Blackwater simply chose me, for example.’
Leah scoffed. ‘That’s just nepotism.’
‘Maybe,’ Jaeger said. ‘But it’s great for when there’s little combat outside the walls. Keeps everyone on their best behaviour.’ He had lost her attention again before his sentence ended though.
‘What about you?’ Jaeger said. ‘Aren’t priests all about reading old texts?’
Levi chuckled. ‘It’s all I did from twelve to sixteen years old.’
‘Twelve,’ Jaeger repeated, and stroked his chin. ‘That’s quite late for a priest, no?’
‘It is,’ Levi said, and left it at that. He raised a different subject. ‘Is this the furthest way west you’ve ever come?’
‘On this side of the Wall,’ Jaeger said. ‘Not much here except rock. Makes the orcs’s presence stranger than it already is.’
Levi opened his mouth to speak but Leah cut through.
‘Just because a place is rocks now doesn’t mean it always was.’
Levi frowned. ‘The west was more than rocks once?’
And, of course, she didn’t deign to give any further answers.
Levi and Jaeger looked at each other before shrugging and moving on with their conversation. That naturally petered out and Levi lost himself in thought. He glanced at his arms. Even now, he could faintly feel the burn that had caused him to lose his mind. It was the sole thing convincing him that what he’d seen was real and not just a dream.
But how could it be real? He’d never heard of the Goddess appearing in a vision to anyone.
Just because it’s so now doesn’t mean it always was, he thought to himself. Wasn’t the opposite true as well? Things could change.
But though his Lord showing Themselves should be reassuring, it scared Levi beyond anything he could imagine.
There was something happening in Winterforge. Something so important She ordered him to leave behind innocent, suffering villagers.
And what could be so important to draw the attention of God?
image [https://i.imgur.com/z6G5s0x.png]
Malakai and others were crouched on a hill overlooking Frosthollow.
Rider pointed at the tower at the side of the village entrance. ‘It’s unmanned.’
‘Strange,’ Malakai commented.
They may be bandits but they weren’t barbarians. Were they so confident in not getting assaulted? Maybe. But there was something off about the village that gnawed at him…
Malakai looked over his shoulder at Martin, who was glaring in the general direction of Frosthollow. ‘How many did you say stayed behind?’
‘A few dozen, give or take.’
Malakai turned back to the village. ‘That’s too few lights for a few dozen.’
Better yet, he couldn’t find a single one.
Martin shifted. ‘Those bastards,’ he cursed. ‘If they did anything to her…’
‘Calm down, friend,’ Ian said. ‘No use getting angry at imaginary scenarios. Malakai, I’ll scout the perimeter. I’ll sign if I see anything.’
‘Please do,’ Malakai said, still looking at the village.
His sense of foreboding only worsened with time, though, especially when Ian returned and gave the clear.
Could this be a trap? Malakai couldn’t exclude it.
‘We’ll send the undead in first,’ Malakai said.
‘Good idea,’ Rider said.
So Malakai reached inside the pouch strapped to his side. For a moment, he considered whom to call (his stomach still twirled at the remembrance of that undead), but he knew which one it had to be.
He’d separated the undead’s core from the four others the Warden had lend him. But even if he hadn’t, he could tell. The undead’s core was colder, somehow, than the rest.
A deep breath prepared him before he put the crystal on the floor and chanted: ‘Summon.’
The shadows deepened and coiled around the core, then grew into the shape of a cloak twice Malakai’s size.
Breathe, Malakai told himself as he watched the undead rise to its feet. It towered over him and his party.
‘…Are we sure it wont turn on us?’ Rider mouthed.
That question hung in the air. Malakai hadn’t considered it until now.
‘I trust the Warden,’ Malakai said, expelling the growing doubt in his mind. ‘Undead,’ he called.
The creature whirled its head, and Malakai suppressed the shiver shooting down his thighs. During their trip here, Malakai had gotten the sense the creature was watching him despite being retracted into its core. He’d pronounced himself crazy and a coward. But Malakai knew now—the quiet fear he felt was the same that plagued him during the ride.
Malakai propped his chest with feigned confidence. ‘Check the guard tower and the village.’
It paused for a second, then inclined its head and left.
‘Ian,’ Malakai said. ‘Follow it.’
Ian merged with the shadows.
All watched with bated breath underneath the moonlight as the creature strolled down the hill and did exactly as Malakai instructed. The tower was indeed empty, for it exited the tower as soon as it had entered and waltzed into the village. And though they listened for the tell-tale sign of combat, none made it onto the cold breeze of the night. The undead returned to the entrance, where he was visible from the hill, and waited.
Malakai’s party of ten entered the village, blades drawn, the Warden’s four other undead stalking their rear. They split into two groups of five. Martin and Gregory in one, Ian, Rider, and Malakai in the other with the orcs split between them.
‘Go with them,’ Malakai motioned the meanest orc of the bunch, and the beast trailed the others.
The crunch of its footsteps made Malakai cringe.
‘It’s too quiet,’ Rider said from the front, also watching the creature depart.
It was. Yet they walked on. They inspected a few of the homes. Empty, all of them.
‘Did they flee the village?’ Malakai asked.
‘If they did, it was in a hurry.’ Ian angled his torch so it caught the light of a vase. It was quite a work of art. Not something someone would leave behind willingly.
The bandits didn’t take it either, Malakai thought.
They exited the home and made their way down the central road, where they met up with the other group.
‘Nothing,’ Martin growled low.
Poor kid, Malakai thought. He tipped his head in the direction of the manor house. ‘That’s where she was staying, no?’
‘She was,’ Martin said.
So they approached. But as they did, Malakai’s nose began to sting. He motioned for a halt and breathed in deep. Damp wood, which was regular for any village or town. However, there was a hidden current underneath the stream of regular smells.
‘Get ready,’ Malakai said.
Rider positioned himself in front of the entrance, Ian and Gregory stood to his side. The monstrous orc stepped towards the door without needing any prompting and opened the entrance, revealing the darkness beyond.
The men stepped away and coughed despite themselves. The odor wafting from inside was horrible. And Malakai recognised the stench at once, for one that carried it was standing before them.
‘Sarah!’ Martin screamed and rushed inside.
‘Oi!’ Malakai yelled, too late to stop the boy. ‘Go, go!’ he said, and the others rushed after him.
But they needn’t go far. Martin was standing stock still in the living room. The others reached around him and angled their torches.
Malakai fought down the bile. There were bodies upon bodies stacked on top of each other. Yet that wasn’t what drew his attention.
The far wall on their left and right was damaged, and it wasn’t the damage of a chipped plank. Massive claw marks had etched themselves into the wood.
Malakai turned to the corpses, which was when he noticed some were badly mangled.
‘What the hell happened here?’ Rider said, walking outside to spit out the repugnant taste.
‘It couldn’t have been the bandits…’ Ian said.
Malakai stepped towards Martin and tapped him on the shoulder. The boy was just standing there, gazing at the deceased.
‘There are faces I don’t recognise,’ he mouthed.
‘Bandits?’ Malakai said, following his gaze.
‘I don’t know,’ Martin said.
‘What about the girl.’ Gregory joined them. ‘Is she amongst them?’
The mention of his fiance brought Martin back to the present. He used the tip of his blade to shove aside a few dead, whispering his apologies as he did.
‘She’s not here,’ he said. His head whipped to the staircase before he exploded into motion—
‘Not so fast,’ Malakai said, grabbing onto him. ‘I understand your concern, but safety is paramount.’
He waved forward the undead instead, who climbed the stairs feeling none of the apprehension and revulsion of their living counterparts. They were quick to report the second floor as empty as well.
‘She’s not upstairs either,’ Martin said after going up himself.
‘There are more homes left,’ Malakai said. ‘See if you can find any survivors while you’re at it. The rest of us will look for clues.’
‘Clues to?’ Ian said, eyes quite clear despite the death surrounding him.
Malakai turned to the wall. ‘For whatever left those marks.’