Quest of Water and Steel (Gothos Rising)

Resurrection

The sand rolled along her bare legs and arms on a hot wind. The heat seared her skin. She tried to breath but her throat hurt from lack of moisture. Wounded from the vicious beating she endured at the hands of the captain left her emotionally and physically in pain. The injuries kept her from moving very much. Closing her eyes to keep the sand out of them she let out a strangled cry. There seemed to be no salvation for her in this fiery wasteland she had been left.

Sera laid there contemplating how she got to this place. Her sister had warned her over and over that her fate would meet unhappiness, but she did not listen. Cursing her stubbornness she felt that she was reason her dear Argos was dead, his heart laying discarded on the floor of the room they once shared such joy in. Letting out a deep breath as she groaned softly, shutting her eyes for a moment brow knit. Every muscle in her body ached as she moved her arms and legs slightly. Footsteps hissed in the sand and a long shadow overcast her. Shaking she tried to blink away the sand clinging to her eyelashes as she raised her head off the ground meagerly to see who it was, rescuer or executioner.

Before her stood a man wearing a turban and heavy clothing, his face half hidden by a scarf. Sera was still too weak from the brutal attack by Dominic that she knew if he tried to harm her she would be unable to defend herself. With the last of her strength she raised her shaking hands to her face. Two strong hands picked her up and started to carry her away. Sera shut her eyes tightly to keep the piecing sun out of her eyes. She couldn’t bring herself to look at the person who was taking her from her sandy fate.

Sera felt her world turning once again when she was taken to a large nomadic village. The flurry of white tents and fire pits, the scent of cooking food and burning wood filled her nose. Camels and horses made animal noises, mingled with conversations going on around her. She wasn’t sure if this was her salvation or worst her terrible demise.

She was carried through the village to a tent and out of the blistering sun. The person who had taken her out of the dry oasis laid her carefully down on an elk skinned cot. Sera tried to blink away the sand and turned her head to face two women standing by a hearth in the center of the tent. The tall figure that had brought her there had turned and retreated from the tent. One of the women that was older looked at Sera laying on the cot.

“There, there you have been badly injured, but we will take care of you. Don’t try to move” the elderly woman said tenderly. Both women were clad in simple brown robes; their hair was covered by the hood. Skin was tanned from the harsh conditions they lived in. The elder woman carefully removed Sera’s clothing well the younger boiled water and prepared healing ointment. As a healer she knew that their first concern was her health before finding out who she is. Laying still she allowed her eyes to flutter closed for moments at a time. The eldest woman Magda wiped the wounds on the girl’s body and shook her head, a frown furrowing her brow.

“The poor thing, left out to die in the desert. It’s a miracle our lord found her before the vultures got to her” she remarked. The younger woman looked at her mother then down at the sleeping girl as she brought the small bowl of ointment made from crushed herbs over. Kanai looked at the young woman who was beaten and bruised with a feeling of wonderment. No one she has heard of has survived the harsh climate of the desert. That was except their lord of course.

Their nomadic tribe has moved from place to place for centuries. It was said that the tribe was men and women from the once great city who left during the breakdown of their doomed society, and fled the war that would result from it. Seen as cowards and outcasts they moved from place to place to avoid the clashes between the Sythians and humans. After generations when the Great War had ended their decedents continued to travel as their ancestors had. It was twenty-two years ago that a young babe was found in the desert just like this girl had. Seen as a sign from the Goddess of Night, Habera the nomads had taken in this child and raised him among their people. As he grew it was clear that he was gifted and talented when it came to combat. He proved himself when he went out into the desert and slayed the great Eberset, the desert snake that roamed in the ancient cave of the Shadowla.

The Eberset was known for attacking caravans that adventured through the desert. Its sharp spikes would cut through the sand, the orange scale sleek enough that it would roll off its back. It would come up from the sand and consume the weary travelers. The treasure would be taken back to the great underground cave as its bounty. The young man who had come to be raised in the village swore that he would hunt down the dragon and put a stop to its bloody onslaught. He tracked the beast to its cave and using only a spear and a shield made from the elder of the tribe he slew the beast and took the monster’s eyes as proof. Returning to the village he was baptized and renamed, Cabel. Lord Cabel had become the leader of the tribe and considered lord of the Southern territory. Cabel married the daughter of the elder and stayed loyal to her until she died on her sickbed. He was a good and honest man who protected his people. It was Cabel who found the young woman laid out in the sand, prepared for death to come to her. Instead of letting her perish he took her back to the village.

Magda saw this as fate that brought this girl here. Wrapping the wounds with great care she covered Sera with a blanket. Giving a nod to her daughter, Liza she directed her out of the hut to let the strange girl get some rest.

“How is she doing?” the soft, smooth voice of their leader asked, his arms crossed over his bare chest. He was clad in leather breaches and protective leggings. His long white blond hair fell down his back in a loose ponytail. In rest he wore no protective armor due to the heat of the desert.

“She will recover from the wounds that had been inflicted on her. Someone had done quite a number on her, and left her to die. A great cruelty was done on her “she shook her head, unable to believe that any human being would do such a thing on another. It seemed absolutely inconceivable to her. Cabel frowned deeply and stared at the other woman with his green-blue eyes.

“You would be surprised how corrupt human beings can be. This girl I have a feeling was put in our charge for a reason, though it is unclear now” he commented briefly and walked to the entrance of the tent. Sliding two fingers between the seams he looked in at the woman lying on the cot resting. For a long moment he just gazed at the beautiful woman lying wrapped in a blanket, her head tilted to the side slightly. Angel or demon he would find out who she really is and what role she played in his destiny if any at all. Backing away he let the flap fall naturally and looked at the old woman.

“Tell me if there is any change in the girl” he commanded and walked away.

“Lady Sera…Lady Sera” a voice, a familiar voice was calling her name. She opened her eyes and saw the face of Marie standing over her, stroking her face lightly. Dominic had dismissed Marie when Bertha was brought back from his campaign. No one knew what happened to her, but it was clear that she had come to live with the nomads after her dismissal. Sera felt unsure how much time had passed since had been brought to this place.

“Marie…I am so glad to see you” she croaked out softly. The girl had been sweet and kind when she had come to the complex. Newly married and brought there, Marie had made her feel comfortable. It was a difficult day when Marie was sent to the high road. It warmed her heart to see her servant safe and healthy.

“How is it that you came here, Marie?” Sera asked, feeling drowsy but in less pain then was before. Marie smiled and held her lady’s hand gently.

“I came here after Captain Dominic turned me out. I wandered for some time till I saw a traveling bazaar. I went to see their wares when I realized too late that they were slavers. I was captured by them and taken across the desert. I was brought to this village and the lord of the nomads who abhors slavery slew the slavers and freed me, and the others. I have been here ever since.” She relayed the tale.

“You must have been terrified” Sera said with a concerned frown.

“It is nothing compared to the pain you have suffered, my lady” she replied.

“How is she feeling?” a voice spoke from behind Marie. The young maid turned and perked up looking at the man standing calmly at the flap of the tent.

“She seems to be recovering quite well my lord, Cabel” Magda replied easily, before Marie could chime in excitedly. Cabel’s eyes were fixed on Sera who tried to sit up, holding the blanket against her chest.

“Don’t try to sit up. Your wounds are too great. Tell me who are you and where you came from” he told her in an even tone of voice. Marie was bustling to answer these questions, moving from toes to heel. Cabel paid her no mind as he watched the woman sitting on the cot. Straightening up she held the blanket firm against her bare chest, her eyes fixed on this enigmatic figure standing by fire light.

“My name is Sera, the protector of the stone of healing.” She told him raising her head high. No matter what Dominic did to her she still had that title that not even the king of the land could take away from her.

“A stone protector? How can this be that one of the great ones was left for dead in the desert?” he told her skeptically. Affronted by his tone she frowned deeply.

“I will tell you my story, but not with everyone standing here. It is my story to tell and since you saved me I owe you answers.” She replied tersely. Finding himself intrigued Cabel looked at the others and nodded his head.

“Leave us. I would like to hear this tale the young woman has to weave.” he said with a nod of his head. The others left the room leaving the two staring at each other silently.

“Well what brought you to this place?” he asked calmly. Sera let out a sigh and proceeded to explain how she came to meet and marry Dominic, about Argos and both she and the Sythian prince met a grizzly fate. Cabel had stood there listening silently to her story feeling lured into her tale then fueled with silent outrage. He heard rumors of the cruel acts that went on behind the walls of the great city, but for a woman of high birth to be treated with such inconsideration and cruelty was unimaginable. If a wife in his tribe betrayed her husband she would be set free from the bond holding them. An unhappy woman was not a productive woman. The female being was not an object, but an equal helpmate in the role of society.

“You have been through much. You need to rest for now. Then we will talk again” he commented and left her to rest.

The story he told her was quite fantastical and crude. The look in her eyes told him that she wasn’t lying. Why would she? As he walked away from the tent many thoughts came to mind. This could possibly be the moment he was waiting for. To have a member of the protector’s circle was an opportunity not taken lately. The healer out of all of them was a godsend. All of these years in the desert, barely having enough food to help his people and constant oppression from the crown he wanted to finally free them. The only way he could figure out how to do that was to stop find the legendary sword that has killed thousands of men and creatures of darkness. If he could find that sword he could confront the king, and put an end to his reign of terror. His people would no longer have to pay the unfair taxes placed on trade and the abuse from the passing soldiers.

The woman had met the Sythian prince, and spent time with him. Perhaps she has gleamed the location of the sword from the ancient texts. It was truly a long shot in the dark, but it was all he had. Sliding a hand in his hair he walked to his own tent and poured himself a drab of liquor. He had to take this slow, or he might lose his chance. Downing his drink he looked into the fire with a thoughtful look. The fire licked the wood mirroring his own growing desire rising like a phoenix inside his chest. This rare chance would be considered farfetched, but after years of bending to the crown he wanted nothing more than to protect his people. It was his mentor, Kalas who told him first of the story of the sword. It was said to be missing for centuries. The tale had become folklore, but the old man had believed it. It couldn’t possibly be a coincidence that he found her laying helplessly in the sand. Rubbing his hand along his shaved cheek he placed his hand lightly upon one of wooden braces keeping the tent up. Leaning closer to the fire, Cabel stared down at the fire as if daring it to burn him. The fire warmed his chest, pain brandishing him as he gazed down at it. Finally he eased off of it and leaned back on his heels.

Three days later Sera were up and about, exploring the village. It was a lively place with children running and playing, dogs barking and old men sitting together talking. It was a peaceful place that seemed without care. The shadow of it reminded her of the warm innocence of her childhood. Her savior, Lord Cabel stood by one of the many fires talking to two other men. She felt a shiver run down her spine when their gaze met. Murmuring something to one of the other men he approached her slowly. Her eyes fell on his biceps moving as he walked in her direction, his long white blond hair moving slightly in the wind as he walked.

“You and I have something very important to discuss” he told her casually. She opened her mouth to comment, but he was already guiding her to one of the tents. Sera let herself be lead and stepped into the tent that was held open for her. It was just like the other tents, but in the middle was a wooden table covered with maps. Cabel moved around the table then looked at her for a long moment.

“You are a member of the protectors of the old stones. Those stones were used by our ancestors to protect and keep land from drying up” he stated. Sera knew this already, but it would have been rude to comment. Instead she gave a nod of her head in ascension.

“I have been waiting for a sign from the goddess herself that would signal my time to stop the killing.” he continued. “I don’t know what your guardianship to the stones connects to this, but being a healer it will make my journey easier. “he finished and flicked his gaze to the rolled up maps on the table.

“What journey may I ask?” she inquired starting to frown. The nomadic lord walked to the table and slid a few rolled up maps and took up one of them. Unfurling it upon the table it was a detailed drawing of the whole of their world. It would be if there wasn’t a part of it missing, a whole part of the Eastern Territory was blotted out as if unmarked. Sera knew that farmers and traders lived in that area. The Dragus Falls and the streams of Melus were the best fishing places. It seemed very strange to her.

“I can see from the look on your face that you are confused by the missing part of the map” he said with a calm look on his face. “I have a theory that the rest of the map was hidden away the moment the sword was hidden away. The sword of many names that has slew a thousand men and monsters. There is a prophecy that the one who can take up the sword will rule the land. Only the destined one can take it. It seems like a long shot like many things, but I believe that this is the answer to a riddle of centuries.” He told her.

“The Golgothian Knights are seeking the sword. They thought it was in the old castle, but it always seemed like it would be too obvious” she told him. Chewing on her words he nodded his head slowly.

“I am impressed. I admit that I didn’t think you would have such a sound mind” he commented, smiling faintly. Giving him an affronted look she crossed her arms over her chest meeting his smoldering gaze. He laughed at the offended expression on her face and decided to change his tact. It took all that she could muster not to get caught up in his green eyes.

“I think the sword is there in that hidden part of the map. I also know where that part of the map is being hidden.” He told her raising a finger and smiling. Sera shook her head at his expression of triumph. So like a man to think he is being clever.

“If you know where it is then why haven’t you pursued it before? “She asked raising her eyebrows at him. Cabel let out a deep breath and placed his hands on the large wooden table.

“I have stared at his map for hours on end. The piece of the map that is missing is being held by a hermit named Drelis who used is known as the Undying. It is said that he has was once the advisor to King Ursa during his reign over the first city of Golthos. “He recited what he heard. This interest Sera greatly. She had not heard of these things. It made her realize how little she knew about the history of the world she lived in.

“How could a man live that long?” She asked feeling like an absolute i***t.

“There are many things in this world that would surprise you” he replied sagely. Sera looked thoughtful as she gazed at him.

“To answer your question I was waiting for a sign to tell me the right time to pursue it. It might sound foolish, but the hermit isn’t going to give it to me easily. You are the answer, the key.” He told her. She was unsure of this absolute confidence in her. Putting in trust in him didn’t seem like something she wanted to jump into. The last man who saved her life ended up betraying her in the worst way. Having nothing left she continued to listen to what he had to tell her.

“I am sure with you at my side I will get that map from him.” Looking at him standing there waiting for her reply. Thinking that he must be a bit mad to be going to this length for a map to go in search of a sword that might, or might not be findable seemed absolute mad, Sera let out a soft sigh.

“I don’t see that I have much choice but to go with you into the caves and find this man.” She told him, watching his green eyes light up. Cabel held his composure but inside he was teeming with excitement.

“Wonderful! We will be leaving in the morning” he announced and turned leaving her startled. Standing there she stomped her foot in the dirt realizing that once against she was being moved around in a chess game that she had no control over. She could of told him that she would not go along with his foolish schemes, but then what would she do? If she didn’t help him she would most likely have to leave the nomad village. Being an outcast from the people she knew and the life she had before she lost her former identity. What else could she do but to follow this wild man into the unknown and hopefully discover her own destiny?