Umbren stood before something reprehensible. Something his eyes were repulsed by, but something that he couldn’t tear his gaze from as he knew that if he looked away his mind would refuse the existence of what he gazed upon.
The moon shone down upon Umbren, revealing the sight of a pile of charred corpses. The bodies were burnt beyond recognition; though, anyone could notice that they all varied in size. At first the smell stopped Umbren in his tracks. Such a repulsive and atrocious smell would send anyone fleeing, but Umbren had stared at the piled of mangled corpses so long that the smell no longer bothered him. He wouldn’t have been able to confront such a sight head on if it wasn’t for the warm sensation imitating throughout his body. He felt ashamed of relying on her once again, but he didn’t have a choice. He had to face this.
His hand went to the medallion around his neck. He ran its silver roots through his fingers, remembering the past.
When Umbren arrived at the pile he was greeted by another onlooker. The fulgcere from earlier was taking in the scene, but he never took a scented handkerchief from his nose. For many long and grueling moments, the two took in the atrocity in front of them, comforted by each other’s presence in a way until a question burning inside Umbren died on his lips, “why?”
The fulgcere shook his head at the question, “You would know that question better than myself. You are a tenebrage after all.”
“But I would never do this?”
“I never said that you would”
Umbren slowly looked to the fulgcere, “Could I have stopped this?”
The fulgcere considered Umbren for a moment, “Boy, don’t take offense, but I don’t think that possible.”
“But…If I had gotten Mortis to…”
“Do what? From what I’ve heard Mortis hates the luxcians with a passion, so something like this wouldn’t bother him too much, and besides you weren’t here when it happened, were you?
“Were you?”
The fulgcere let the handkerchief fall from his mouth and his nose recoiled in pain. He quickly got a pipe out of his pocket and lit it, “Yes, but I have no place to interfere in your race's conflict. I would have done the same thing if the luxcians raided a tenebrage town.”
Umbren looked back to the pile, “Same thing huh…who do you think is right in all this.”
“Is there any “right” in this chaotic mess? Besides my race is neutral, so it's not my place to say anything on the matter.”
Umbren furrowed his brow at the fulgcere, “Even if you're neutral you must have a reaction from all this. An opinion!”
The fulgcere gave a long exhale of smoke, “Perhaps I do, but well…it depends on who I perform for.”
“What do you mean?”
“Think about it like this, some songs have different versions depending on the audience. For example, one version might be sad and melancholic while the other might be triumphant and glorious. Take, The Fall of Fotos, for example.”
Umbren eyes widened in recognition, “Could you play it? A person I know told me to listen to it, and I think I may need to hear it now more than ever.”
The fulgcere shook his head, “I’m afraid I can’t do that. In this environment I must play the tenebrage version or I’ll be decapitated, but I don’t think I will be able to. If I play that version now, I’ll just be mocking those poor souls in front of us.”
“So, you do have an opinion on this.”
The fulgcere gave a sigh and summoned a mirror in front of him
“I’ve seen many fulgcere use that, what it it exactly?” Umbren asked.
“It’s a lens. We can leave them places, so that we may see what is happening there at a later point, but I mostly use it so I can see projectiles coming at me from behind. It’s especially useful with the crowd I performed in front of earlier.”
“Why do you use it now? I can’t imagine you would want to look upon this sight after you leave this place.”
The fulgcere face hardened, “Lord Taldry can see through all our lenses. I suspect he would like to know about this.”
A familiar voice came from the lens, “Certainly. Thank you, Nolen, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have become aware of such an atrocity, especially so close to home. What does Mortis think he could have achieved from this?”
“Lord Taldry, Mortis had nothing to do with this.” Umbren said.
“That is to be determined. Now you and your master had better get back here quickly. Morta is starting to become antsy.”
“I’m afraid we might need to stay the night.”
“Well, it better be for a good reason!” Taldry said with frustration.
Nolen gave a deep bow, “My Lord if that is all…”
“Yes, yes, yes, but just one more thing. Please try not to move your lens around that much. I suffer from terrible motion sickness, and I could barely concentrate on what Mortis was saying.”
“I promise”
“Good, now I must leave. I have to prepare for a whole luxcian army visiting my city I suppose.”
With a wave of his hand, Nolen dissipated the lens into space.
Umbren eyes remain fixated on the place where the lens had once occupied, “So he knows?”
Nolen turned away and started off, “He is the Disciple of Knowledge after all. I recommend you get some rest. Staring at that will not help you in the morning.”
Umbren considered his words, but looked back at the mass grave. He paid his respects well into the night.
***
The next day Umbren found himself walking in a group with Mortis and the Hounds down the street towards the Healer. As they moved, Umbren caught sight of evidence of the Hounds raids. Blood splatters covered the street, glass from shattered windows glittered in the sunlight, and wood chips from broken doors lay in buildings shadows.
Umbren remained silent while Shamel whispered to Mortis and Tadea laughed at something Alsarie said. Suddenly a new sound could be heard, one of a hammer striking metal. As the group approached the sound it never ceased, and soon a geodine came into view. He worked diligently over his work as his dark braids flew around him with each strike of the hammer. The atmosphere of the town must have not affected him too much as sweat glistened from his dark skin, but each strike was louder than the last. When the group walked by him, he briefly considered them with irritation then went back to his work.
“I didn’t think you had the restraint.” Mortis remarked
“Hah! I am not a fool. Our gear was so bad that one of the Hounds was killed by his own kukri. We needed a smith, and he was here and a geodine at that. Who wouldn’t take advantage of that?”
“I’m assuming you’ll keep him then.”
“Of course! Now come, we are almost there. Just watch out, the road might get a little icy.”
Soon after, the ground started to tremble. The Hounds’ hands instantly went to their weapons as if they could fend off nature themselves. The ground parted a few paces in front of Mortis, sending pieces of rubble and debris flying through the air. Umbren instinctively covered his face. Though in retrospect his new mask would have guarded his face for him.
Once everything settled, Lord Geb could be seen towering above the group.
Umbren stood in awe. Such power and mastery over an element. He had never understood it before, but there were beings in the world that could match Morta and Mortis.
Mortis appeared irritated by the disturbance with most Hounds releasing their weapons. Shamel looked amused if anything, but Alsarie held firm to her spear, assessing Lord Geb.
“What brings you here Geb?” Mortis called out
Geb craned his neck to get rid of the stiffness of the journey, “Is that how you welcome a friend?”
Morris’ expression didn’t change.
“Morta and the others began to worry what delayed your return, so I have come to check on you.”
“Do I look like I need assistance?” Mortis said curtly.
Geb gave Mortis a sideways look and then gave an awkward laugh to himself, “No, nothing like that.”
Mortis furrowed his brow, but before he could speak Umbren came up behind him, “I do not see how his presence wouldn’t be beneficial, especially if he came on Morta’s behave.”
Shamel also moved behind Mortis and gave a parody whisper, “I would have to agree. This Healer has a mastery over his element it’s almost like he’s…well it’s rare that the Hounds come across something they can’t kill.”
Mortis seemed to consider Geb one last time, “Why are you really here Geb. You wouldn’t come just because the others are worried.”
Geb furrowed his brow, “I can’t have you making any mistakes Mortis. Especially with things as fragile as they are.”
Alsarie’s voice ranged through the air, “My lord can do what he wishes. It is none of the geodine’s business.”
Umbren’s body went stiff at her statement, but Mortis simply turned to her and back to Geb with a smirk on his face.
“I can do as I please,” he shrugged.
Umbren physically recoiled at that statement, and Tadea gave a loud chuckle.
Geb seemed to grow in his stature as looked upon the Hounds, “Even so…”
“Woah, woah, woah!” Shamel jumped in front of Mortis flaying his hands, “As much as I would love to see two disciples wipe this village off the face of Aknown, unfortunately we don’t have time for that.”
Geb’s voice rose in anger at the implications of Shamel’s words, “What are you suggesting that I was…”
Shamel held out a finger towards the disciple with a wide grin that did not fit his character, “I’m suggesting that you join us in dealing with a certain Healer that has taken up residence in this village.”
The deadly air around Geb seemed to ease, “What do you mean?”
Shamel had made his way over to Geb and stood on his toes to pat him on the back, “Don’t worry I’ll explain on the way. By the way, I am quite thankful for your kind. We have a geodine repairing are equipment at the moment.”
The Hounds looked around with uncertainty, and Mortis nodded his head, giving them the order to follow Shamel. As the Hounds walked on, Mortis, Umbren, and Alsarie stayed behind to talk to Geb.
Geb looked back at Shamel as he moved forward through the village, “Where did you find him Mortis? Rarely have I come across someone who would treat me like that.”
“He was Yoshin’s pupil,” Mortis said solemnly.
A bad memory crossed Geb’s face, “It would be so, wouldn’t it?” He said dryly.
Suddenly Umbren caught Geb’s eye, “Oh, it’s you. Why are you wearing that mask?”
Umbren bowed his head hurriedly, “I don’t mean any disrespect, but…it’s complicated.”
Alsarie scoffed, “It’s not complicated. You won it.”
Geb considered the mask, “That mask of yours…it’s stained with blood.”
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With that the disciple of stone started down the path, leaving Umbren touching his mask out of uncertainty.
Mortis gave a laugh, “I don’t see anything, but he’s always been sharp, so there may be. Don’t think about it too much.”
Mortis started off, leaving Alsarie and Umbren alone.
Alsarie’s gaze remained on the road, “You bow to a foreign disciple, but not your own,” She glared at Umbren, “Watch yourself. Soon your luck will run out.”
***
“What the hell is this…” Umbren let out.
The group was greeted by a brutal sight of ice mixed with flesh. A storehouse at the end of the road was covered with ice, and the area in front of it was littered with ice sculptures that resembled Hounds. Along with the sculptures were macabre art pieces of twisted organs and blood mixed with ice.
Before the group could get any closer Shamel put his arm out, “Idiots going in without my permissions. See where it got them.” He turned his head around revealing a glowing symbol of the sword, Tenebrence, covering the exposed half of his face, “You and Lord Geb may be able to go further Mortis, but not the Hounds, that includes the new one. Not even Tadea is eager to go near that place again.”
“Damn ice almost got me.” Tadea mumbled in chagrin.
Umbren currently was paying any heed to their words. He remained transfixed on the horror before him; though, once he recognized the sculptures for what they were, he couldn’t help but lurch forward. He was caught by Tadea’s scythe.
She looked at him with an annoyed confusion, “What are you doing? Think you can try to outdo me? Go ahead and try, but I don’t think you’ll get very far.”
Umbren reflexively avoided her gaze, and looked to the ground.
She promptly lifted the scythe, “That’s what I thought.”
Mortis and Geb took in the scene together.
Geb held a hand out to the scene, “I have never seen or heard of such a thing. I thought Healers made medicine not…this.” Geb spoke with both awe and disgust.
Mortis furrowed his brow, “Geb do you sense any other disciple besides me here.”
Geb looked to Mortis in shock, “Wait…Mortis…can you…”
“It doesn’t matter what I can and cannot do just tell me!” Mortis snapped.
Geb considered Mortis for a moment, “No, just you. Did you think the was Healer a disciple?”
Mortis shook his head, “No, I was just making sure. If he was one, we would all be dead.”
“Even, so you’ll have to explain yourself later.”
Mortis ignored him and stepped past Shamel to the edge of the ice, “Hydrin why have you massacred so many Hounds?”
A worn masculine voice came from the storehouse. Yet, it sounded more apathetic as if it had simply given up, “Hydrin? I have not heard that name in a long time. Who are you, may I ask, who knows such a name?”
“I am the Disciple of Soul, Lord Mortis.”
Lord Geb moved next to Mortis, “I am the Disciple of Stone, Lord Geb.”
The Hydrin’s voice sounded dreamy and distant, “Disiples…I never got along with disciples,” His voice firmed into an authoritative tone, “I am Senka, just Senka.”
Mortis swept his hand over the carnage and ice before him, “Why then Senka have you done such a thing to my Hounds.”
A bitterness filled the Healers voice, “Oh, so you're those monsters master. Despicable! What have these people done to deserve such a fate! I will protect them to my last breath if it means that their innocents will be preserved, and has Atmos is my witness justice will be served.”
Mortis unsheated a kukri, “let’s see how well drawing the name of a foreign Holy Beast goes for you. I would love to see a little rain from that tempstrous,”
Mortis stepped onto the ice in front of him. Suddenly a shard of ice shot out of the ice, threatening to impale Mortis. In that split second, Geb’s face hardened, Alsarie shouted out in concern, Shamel laughed, and Tadea twirled her hair. Umbren jolted in shock, but deep down he knew that a disciple couldn’t be killed so easily.
After the brief moment, Mortis stood with one foot on a spike of ice protruding from the ground. A purple energy emanated from his foot.
Mortis glared from the spike back to the storehouse, “My Hounds can treat prisoners however they please, and now hydrin you owe me a blood debt. My Hounds have no right dying in a place like this!”
Purple energy spewed forth from Mortis, “You challenge a disciple of death on a town soaked with blood. You will see how mistaken you are.”
Mortis stomped on the ice, and the purple energy went through him, into his foot, and into the ground. All the ice shattered from the violent impact including the gruesome sculptures. The burst of energy was so powerful that the force from it caused the buildings nearest to Mortis to crumple.
Geb seized Mortis’s shoulder, and Mortis instinctively summoned Tenebrence and moved it to Geb’s throat. Rock burst forth from the ground in the form of a giant hammer, blocking the blade, but the rock soon shedded to reveal a real hammer.
Hounds got into an attack ready stance with Tadea and Alsarie ready to pounce.
Shamel put his fist into the air and turned back to the Hounds to reveal a glare that would freeze even a disciple on the spot, “Fools,” he whispered.
Umbren stared at the site in disbelief. Two disciples clashing. It was said if such a thing happened one of the disciples was sure to die. Who would prevail over who? A disciple of the soul or earth. Umbren’s legs suddenly felt weak upon the ground below him.
Geb and Mortis locked eyes for a moment, and the silence between them was broken by Geb, “This is not the way, Mortis.”
Mortis gave a sigh and dispersed Tenebrence, “Fine do it your way, but if that doesn’t work…”
Geb gave a grave nod and turned back to the store house.
“Thank you geodine.” the hydrin said
Geb held up his hand, “I need no thanks from you. Some of those dead Hounds didn’t have weapons on them. They were defenseless, yet you killed them. Don’t act like you're also innocent in all of this.”
Senka’s voice grew irritated and defensive, “There is no reasoning with Hounds, disciple. Their mere presence is a threat to those I protect.”
“Yet you never even tried to reason with them.”
“You have clearly not witnessed the war I have.” Senka said darkly.
Mortis moved forward, “You’re getting nowhere with accusations.”
Umbren appeared in front of Mortis, stopping him in his track, “I agree, but the luxcians inside that storehouse are innocent, they don’t deserve to die.”
Mortis smiled with amusement, “What do you suppose we do then? The hydrin will kill whoever comes close.”
“At least ask what he wants first. I’m sure that couldn’t hurt.”
Mortis turned to Geb, “Will you humor the boy. I’d rather not offer the man any mercy.”
Geb nodded, and turned back to the store house, “What would you want to end this Senka!”
A murmur rose from the Hounds. Shamel bit his lip, “I’m not giving that bastard anything. Not after what he did to my brothers and sisters.”
After a moment the Healer responded in an unsure voice, “I want all who I protect to be set free and transported to a place of safety.”
The Hounds cried out in outrage. Alsarie and Tadea readied their polearms to charge, and many followed their examples.
Umbren looked to Mortis hopefully, “I will never give that man sanctuary,” the disciple said.
“At least give it to the luxcians.”
A fire appeared in Mortis’s eye, providing the answer.
Umbren looked to Geb.
“I’m sorry child, but I have no place to take them.”
Umbren looked back to Mortis in desperation, “This cannot end in a massacre. Especially not now.”
Geb looked ready to judge Mortis’s next words.
Mortis glared at the storehouse then back at his Hounds. He shut his eyes in frustration, “Don’t you think I know that dammit!”
He jolted his gaze to a spot a few paces away, “I know you’re here Taldry. Can you stop watching and offer some assistance for once in your life.”
A lens burst forth at the spot, “I never thought you would ask.”
Nolen, the fulgcere that Umbren talked to the previous night, walked out of the lens.
Taldry continued, “This man right here will serve as a representative. He will go into the storehouse and provide me a lens that I can use to get them to Canalith.”
Suddenly a voice came from the Hounds, “To hell with it all!!”
A figure rushed forward, but its head was caught by Mortis.
Mortis looked down on the Hound, his eyes glowing a violent purple, “You dare defy me?”
A purple energy, a soul, went from the Hound’s body into Mortis’ hand until it collapsed onto the ground.
Two other Hounds came and dragged the unconscious body away, and the rest others were eager about charging anymore.
“Taldry, I wish for one of my own representatives to go into the storehouse to ensure this goes smoothly.” Mortis said.
He looked back to his Hounds, but they all averted their gaze, tight lipped.
A furious voice erupted from the storehouse, “Certainly not! I will not let any of those monsters near these people.”
Mortis ignored the voice and turned his attention to Umbren.
Umbren met his gaze and gave a confident nod, “I will go.”
Mortis smirked, “Not like you had a choice in the matter.”
Geb struck the haft of his mighty hammer into the earth, “You cannot just force your will onto others Mortis! The Healer says he will not allow one of your minions into the storehouse, and I will see that respected.”
Umbren gravely shook his head at the disciple, “I apologize disciple of Geodine for not stating my reasoning,” Umbren spoke up so all could hear, including the Healer, “I was saved by one of this man’s concoctions last year. As far as I am concerned, I am indebted to him. Because of this, I would never betray his trust.”
Geb gazed uncertainty towards the storehouse, “Does this satisfy you?”
After a brief moment of uncertainty, a voice replied back, “It will have to do.”
Mortis nodded towards Umbren in consent, and Umbren moved forward towards Nolen.
The fulgcere looked quite tired and irritated to be in this certain situation, “Did you follow my advice from last night?”
Umbren gave an uncomfortable laugh, answering Nolen’s question.
Nolen waved Umbren’s laugh away and motioned towards the storehouse, “No matter, I didn’t either. Let’s get this done quickly, I have a busy day ahead of me.”
In their short walk to the storehouse, Umbren couldn’t help, but look at the shattered pieces of ice which resembled man. At the sight of a full face of ice, Umbren’s spine went rigid.
“What may be more important than this?” Umbren asked.
Nolen also looked around himself at the frozen carnage, but his face was filled with so many contradictory emotions that one couldn’t discern how he felt. He spread his hands out at the scene around them, “I need to write this down, of course! A hostage situation involving, not one, not two, but three disciples! Why, such a song will be known throughout the land!” Excitement dominated his face at the last phrase.
Umbren’s body shuddered at the man’s excitement of the horrible situation, “I thought that you would have despised this whole situation. After our talk in front of…”
The two had arrived at the door of the storehouse, and Nolen placed his hand on the door knob with a sigh, “It’s tragic that the best stories have to be…so tragic for one person or another.”
Nolen slowly opened the door and the scene that greeted the pair saddened both their hearts.
The storehouse was filled with about fifty luxcians, a far cry from the amount originally in the village. Most were women and children, but some older men were amongst them. It was clear that none of them stood a chance against a Hound onslaught.
The luxcians all surrounded a haggard white-haired individual clad in a dirty gray cloak. The figure appeared to be towards the ladder age of his life, but not enough to warrant the pure whiteness of his hair. However, the most striking characteristic was his piercing pale blue eyes and the square pupils that occupied them. The figure stared at Nolen and Umbren with heightened distrust and animosity, well Umbren more so than Nolen.
The pair locked eyes for a long moment before Nolen broke the silence, “I’ve heard a lot about you. You're mentioned in many songs and stories…or at least your work is.”
“I’m flattered.” Senka, the Healer said indifferently
Nolen gave a stiff cough at the comment and held out his hand to a free corner of the room, and a lens appeared, “Just walk through this, and you’ll be safe.”
The Healer hesitated to look at the lens. It was as if he was afraid of letting Umbren out of his sight. However, he soon gave in and examined the lens for a moment. Then he turned to the luxcians behind him and gave a gentle nod.
The luxcians started going through the lens, thanking the Healer as they went; though, some were too shaken to even let out a word. One luxcian women even started sobbing as she clutched the Healer's robe. In response, the Healer gave her some soft words of encouragement and guided her to the lens.
When half the luxcians were through, Senka turned his attention to Umbren. Senka considered him for a long moment, “You say that you were saved by one of my concoctions, but I have no memory of selling one of my products to you, but I may be mistaken…”
Umbren shook his head respectfully, “No you never sold me anything. I was given one of your medicines by someone else.”
Senka raised his brow, “Given,” he then took on a distrustful glare, “Unlikely. No one would give up something like that, especially not the people I sell to.”
“It’s the truth Senka. You have my word.”
“Means a lot coming from someone wearing a mask.” He said bitterly.
Umbren felt the want to remove the mask, but after looking around him he couldn’t shake the fear that she could somehow be watching. He wouldn’t know what to say if she recognized him, and he wouldn’t know what to say if she didn’t recognize her own brother.
“Do you remember selling a concoction to a blacksmith for his sick wife, back during the peace.” Umbren asked
Senka searched his memory, “Yes…huge for a luxcian, but how could the medicine I gave him be used on someone your age, and the wife…”
Senka seemed to realize the truth as he spoke the words, and shook his head out of grief. Umbren moved closer, so that the Healer could hear his whisper, “I was near Tenebrage’s clutches when they found me. That concoction…”
Senka held up his hand, “I understand. I believe you, not because I trust you, mind, but because I don’t want to think about the alternative.”
Umbren gave a smile of understanding beneath his mask as he nodded.
Their conversation ended with the final luxcian passing through the lens and Nolen’s goodbye, “Well tenebrage, I hope you don’t have to see many scenes like the ones you’ve been subjected to in recent times; though, I guess that’s just wishful thinking for a Hound,” he turned to the Healer, “I hope we meet again. I would like to write down a story or two of yours.”
With that Nolen exited through the lens with a wave.
Senka shuddered after the ordeal was over and wrapped his cloak around himself, “Time to go,” he said to himself.
When the Healer met with the disciples, they exchanged polite necessities. Geb offered the Healer an apology and the Healer offered one back. However, Mortis offered no such thing. The air remained tense on the walk back. The only thing of note was Shamel’s overwhelming excitement to introduce Geb to the geodine smith that worked for them. This excitement made everyone in the group eager to see the interaction, but this just led to disappointment. The geodine had seemingly vanished, and Mortis rejected Shamel’s request to search for the smith before they left.
When the group finally reached the stables, Umbren discovered the Healers cart. It was an old dilapidated thing, but wonderful. Its whole body was covered in blue murals of ice, vapor, and water.
As Umbren mounted Grimel He looked back to the Hounds he was leaving. They were all determined to see them off.
Shamel exchanged some final words as Mortis sat atop Yamack, “Where do you suppose the Hounds should go now, if we can’t track Prince Aldamon anymore. South maybe? I hear there’s a lot of fun to be had there with General Amian.”
Umbren shook his head at the suggestion, “I need you all close.”
Shamel gave a mischievous smile at this command, “As you will my lord.”
As Shamel left towards the Hounds, Umbren gave Mortis a sideway glance.
“It’s just for precaution,” Mortis remarked.
Alsarie departed from Tadea and ran back to the two, but Umbren paid no attention to her. He watched and carefully considered Tadea for the first time since arriving.
She looked the same as when he last saw her, but with some notable changes. She still had the same carefree grin and dark brown eyes. However, within those eyes there was a gleeful glint that unnerved him in an indescribable way, and because of this a part of him now feared her and the person she had become. Her being a Hound did little to ease that fear as well as her shared history with Alsarie.
A frustrated remark from the Healer about seeing to the innocent luxcians wellbeing broke Umbren out of his trance, and prompted a irritated grunt from Mortis. Before the group embarked, Umbren took one last look at his lost sister, and hoped beyond hope that he would see her again.