Quest of Water and Steel (Gothos Rising)

2. Spark

Sera hopped around the room she shared with her sister, her body hunched over and her head tilted to the side. Huffing loudly she rolled her neck to try to get her long braid from her face as she searched for her shoe. It was permissible when she was a child to be late for class, but ten years and one day has passed since the celebration had come. Now at the age of nineteen not much has changed in her personality. Asura stood in the doorway and rolled her eyes behind her sister’s back.

“You can borrow a pair of mine. You are going to be late with your one on one time with Amerus and even in his advanced age he only has so much patience” she stated. A smile spread across Sera’s face as she turned on one foot and looked at her sister, almost losing her balance.

“Do I look alright?” she asked and lowered her raised foot. She was dressed in a rose pink tunic and long skirt. Now that she is studying in her own right she had more open options for dressing. “You look fine! Honestly if I didn’t know you were dressing for a certain someone I would think you were crazy” she said with a note of teasing in her voice. It was common knowledge that Calus was courting her to be his future mate; they had grown very close for a few years now.

Asura sighed and turned on her heels, her purple gown swishing around her as she led her sister down the stairs to the main atrium. Amerus was sitting waiting for her, over the years he hadn’t changed much, but his eyes were filled with weariness and tiredness. Waving his hand for her to sit down across from him.

“Today you will be turning your lessons into actions. Instead you will be going village to use your art of healing to care for the sick” he said knowing that this was a good opportunity for the young woman to be able to not only practice her skills, but to also get to know the people she is protecting. This sent a strange tingle of excitement through her at the thought of going out by herself and proving herself. Up to now it was still all lot of studying and learning, but now she would be doing things by her own merit.

When dismissed she left the atrium to see Calus standing on the other side, the sunlight is glistening on his golden hair. He was dressed in the military issue uniform of those of a knight, but his cloak was black instead of the usual red. He was staring up at the painted vaulted ceiling, the shadows playing against the battled hardened face. It made her chest flutter as she stood taking him in silently. For a moment she forgot herself imagining herself in his strong arms. Clearing her throat she drew his attention to her presence. He blinked as if waking from a dream, his eyes glazed and unfocused for a moment. She wondered with amusement how he survived on the battlefield. Of course she never saw him on the battlefield and hoped to never see him shed blood in war, still seeing that shy and awkward boy he used to be. Even now she could see the playfulness in his eyes at catching her seeing him absolutely caught off guard. Letting out a slight cough a sheepish smile his friendly brown eyes looked at her with great affection.

“Sera, Where are you off to today? Don’t you usually have a class with Amerus?” he asked as she crossed the marble floor to meet him.

“I did, but he is instead sending me into the village to use my healing skills on those in needs” she said unashamed of the pride that seeped into her words. Calus raised a hand and rubbed the side of his hair and nodded his head

“Well enjoy your trip” he said looking like he was suppressing a yawn like a little boy. It took all the power of her being to not giggle. He seemed to notice the curve of her lips and shook his head a little and before she knew it he swept a strong arm around her waist with great gentleness. Sera could feel his muscular arms, bare of adornments at the moment made her quiver a little in excitement. Her gaze met his with warmth as he leaned in to kiss her. She could feel his warmth breath against her cheek.

“Come back soon my little Sparrow” he whispered and pulled back instead of completing what he meant to do. As he walked away she felt disappointed rising in her and a deep frown changing her mood. For a moment she just stood there watching his retreating form wanting to call him back to her, but she knew that wouldn’t be a good idea. Biting at the corner of her lower lip she turned on her heels scuffing the marble and left heading for the village Caltas.

The village would be considered typical with its thatch roofed houses and widespread marketplace. This one was blessedly protected by the Gogathon Knights and had clean drinking water from the river of Tythes that fell off the Dragus Falls. The fields brought in corn and wheat well each house had a garden of its own for fresh produces. It was the most prosperous in the Northern Territory. Walking into the bustling marketplace the scents and sights assaulted her senses making her a bit giddy and comfortable at the same time. Walking down the cobblestone street she already saw the people getting ready for the celebration tomorrow. Down the street was the House of Healing that was her destination.

A screech filled the air nearly deafening her as she raised her eyes to the sky. The once sunny sky was now dark cloud, and the wind had picked up. Sera had no idea how the weather could suddenly change so rapidly, but what happened next would almost bring to her knees. From above leathery wings dove down and picked one of the men in front of the shops and carried him off the ground then dropping him on the roof of one of the houses. A nearby woman screamed as one of her cattle that had been grazing in the pen had been torn to pieces by the creature.

Sera took refuge behind a cart and beheld the terrifying scene. These creatures were the Sythians of legend. Their futures and physicality was humanoid, but they had long bat-like wings attached to their lower back and mouths filled with sharp canines. There were only a handful of them flying around dressed in tunics both male and female. The chaos caused her head to hurt, her eyes unfocused as she looked over the top of the cart. The sound was deafening as she felt helplessly trapped in something her mind could barely comprehend. She closed her eyes for a moment, her golden brow knitting together. In vain she tried to imagine herself to be somewhere else, anywhere else as these creatures swooped down in what seemed like bloody vengeance of sorts.

When she felt that she couldn’t take anymore and at any moment she would be discovered and gutted she heard new sounds of heavy hooves and crossbows letting lose lithe arrows. Forcing her eyes open she placed her hand on the cart, bracing it, willing herself to stand up. She rose form crouched position and found herself face to face with one of the Sythians crouched on the cart looking right back at her with amber colored eyes. Despite the fear that was rising in her chest she took a millisecond to notice that the creature looked exactly like a human with noticeable variations. The face was angular with high cheek bones and thin eyebrows. The eyes were golden with a predator look about them.

Dressed in a toga they had a long tail coming from the base of their spines that curled around their clawed feet. The most awe inspiring part of their physique was the long bat like wings, the stretched skin grafted against the almost visible bones underneath. This being was female as it crouched on the cart looking back at her, lips parted in an antagonizing snarl. Sera looked back knowing that any moment she was going to be torn apart by the razor sharp nails on the creature’s hands, her bones crunching under the fanged teeth. Her shoulders hunched in anticipation as the Sythian brought its arm back, fingers splayed to strike.

The strike would never come. Instead an arrow flew through the air striking the beast in the chest causing it to fall back and off the cart. Sera stood frozen in her spot as she watched it happen.

“That was a bit too close for comfort, wouldn’t you say?” a deep melodic voice spoke behind her. The one who spoke was standing a few feet behind her, breath warm against the nape of her neck causing her to shiver deliciously. She realized quickly that it wasn’t a voice she recognized which gave her pause. Turning she found herself looking up at a solider, no a knight. The man stood a foot taller than her with a lean muscular build visible even in his heavy armor. She found herself unable to draw breath as she found herself staring into his face. His face was thin, with high cheek bones and a slender nose. His lips were thin but sensual that accented his features perfectly. What set him apart from other handsome men were his smoldering blue eyes. The way he looked at her was what she could liken to the Sythian, almost predatory in his gaze. Sera knew this should frighten her, but this was the man who fired the shot to save her life.

“Are you alright?” he asked c*****g his head to the side causing strands of his dark hair to fall against his cheek. His hair was cut short in the back with a few long strands to grace his hardened features. His question pulled her out of her stupor as she opened her mouth to speak.

“Yes” was the only response she could croak out in her shock. Reached out he grabbed her hand and held it in his own.

“My name is Dominic. I am a member of the knighthood” he told her in his rumbling voice. Sera had naturally figured that out by his armor, but his words gave more weight to it.

“My name is Sera. I am the Protector of the Stone of Healing. I came to the village to hone my skills” she replied unable to draw her gaze from his.

“Well, Sera I think your skills will be well needed now. I came at the right moment to save you” he said with a dry chuckle that seemed strange to her. Did this m******e amuse him? Looking around she saw the bodies of the Sythian lying on the cobblestone in disarray. There were injured villagers, but she didn’t see blessedly any dead villagers. Letting out a breath she turned her head and looked at him and slowly lowered her hand from his grasp.

“Then I have work to do. Thank you, Dominic. I wish there was a way I could repay you” she told him as she started to back up from him. Realizing she had let go of his gloved hand he felt disappointment rising in him. Finally he had found her after all of these years, when serendipity worked in his favor and he was already losing her. He knew he couldn’t let that happen.

“Of course you have no need to thank me. It is my duty to help those in need against our enemy” he found himself spewing the words that came from the years and years of vigorous training. Keeping down his jittering nerves he locked gaze with her realizing how big her blue eyes, so innocent. Strangely this gave him the confidence to continue.

“I hope I get to see you again and partake in your company in a quieter situation” he said attempting to sound humble. Seeing her cheeks reddening gave him a satisfaction that almost had him groaning in anticipation.

“Excuse me, but doesn’t a solider thrive in the battlefield, and fret when in moments of quiet reflection?” her reply came that caught him a great solider off guard. He was absolutely baffled by her turn of phrase not used to women being witty in his company. He reflected that this was a quality that was amusing in young maids, but would be ironed out and stopped when they became wives. For the moment he would take enjoyment of it.

“Yes, that may be true the battlefield is when a solider appreciates those moment where he can banter with a beautiful woman” he countered giving a smile. He remembered the vow he had made out loud to the captain and to himself that he would have this woman someday.

Dominic again swore to himself he would fulfill this. There was nothing in his life that he has wanted that he has not taken. As a solider he tore through the masses, monster and human alike without blinking an eye. Even in his personal life he took what he felt her deserved and dealt with the consequences swiftly and without mercy. For now he would let her walk away and go about her task of being a healer. The time would come when her attention was his and his alone. Smiling to himself he watched as she helped get the wounded into the house of healing.

On her return to the House of Clothos, Amerus sat her down and insisted to know what happened in the village verbatim. The old man was absolutely shaken by the things that had been out of his control. The thought of her getting hurt seemed to shake him greatly. Sitting across with him she recited her version of the events the best to her ability.

Amerus looked relieved when he heard that she was saved.

“You saw the Sythians? Tell me about that” he said unable to mask his relief was replaced by heightened interest in the rare encounter. Sera didn’t want to think about those creatures that attacked the village and terrorized the people as it was traumatic, but she understood the academic interest her teacher and mentor had. Looking into her mentor’s eyes she wondered how she could explain the man she had met, who had saved her life. The words themselves could not describe it. It was those eyes that left her breathless. Sera walked into the hall after debriefing her mentor and walked out into the hall. Calus was leaning against the wall waiting for her and hurried to her when she left the room.

“Sera, thank the gods that you are alright. I heard what happened down in the village. I should have been there but the Captain was putting me through some exercises.” He said running his thumb over her brown and down the side of her face, reassuring himself that she was really there in one peace.

“I’m okay, and I helped the injured. It is a relief that none of the villagers were seriously injured. The creatures seemed to come out of nowhere” she explained frowning a bit as the memory of it washed over her. Seeing the flicker of terror in her face he enfolded her in his arms, pressing her face against his armored chest.

“It’s over. I promise that I won’t let anyone harm you” Calus vowed softly to her still stroking the side of her face. Sera knew he was distraught and wanted to put his mind at ease, but the attack left her uncertain, she was left pondering what she witnessed. She followed when Calus took her hand and led her to the garden. The flowers in the garden were almost in bloom around the stone benches splashes of reds and blues. The vines crept around the statues. Sera sat down on the cool bench and looked at him her eyes tracing the worry lines that had formed on his face. The shakiness in her joints had ebbed away by then leaving her mind clearer than before. The creatures that had attacked the village were terrifying, but now that she came to think about it they had attacked the healthy men and cattle. When she saw Calus’s brow knitting together she forced a smile.

“I will be alright. I was saved by the Golgothian knight, Dominic” she told him. There was a long moment that Calus stared at her.

“I am thankful. He is a great warrior” he said calmly, though there seemed like something he wanted to say but he wouldn’t allow himself. Reflexively she reached up and touched his cheek.

“What is it?” she asked, c*****g her head to the side studying the thoughtful look on his face. The warrior shook his head slowly as if removing the doubt in his mind.

“I will have to thank him when I see him again” he commented quietly. There was something he wasn’t telling her and she could read that in his eyes and the lines in his face. The hesitation to speak his mind when it came to this man who rescued her made her feel a bit uneasy, but she ignored that sense not wanting to cause him further distress. “If that is what you wish” she replied after a long pause.

Sera would not see Dominic again till ten days hence. It was when the Gogothian Knights would come to the Hall of Clothos with the king himself to speak to the Protector of the stone of the Unseen. This role was filled by Talos of course who was given a big responsibility that the uncertain young man was reluctant to give. He couldn’t deny the king’s request and fly against the traditions of the land.

The House of Clothos was decorated for the occasion and a delicious banquet was laid out by the servants who took up residence in the house. On the long dining table the guests including the king’s men, the knights, and some courtiers the delicious scents wafted in the air of the open dining area. Roe deer was roasted with sliced apples, cloves, and chopped onions. Ducks were caught the night before and cooked with potatoes. Fish and fresh seafood was cooked and displayed on green leaves with sumptuous dips and dressings. Wine and mead was in copious supply, and for desert wafers with fruit and clotted cream were served to entice the pallet. Everyone enjoyed the merriment of conversation and tuned played by hired musicians. This was a momentary escapism to the serious going on that would commence afterwards.

Talos was sitting among the guests only eating bread smothered in honey and water as was the way before he would divine the unseen. He looked absolutely glum clothed in a black robe with a purple sash around his waist. Sera’s sister Asura’s body language told Sera that she wanted to go to her beloved, but it would be inappropriate.

Sera was sitting next to Calus dressed in an orange one shoulder dress of thin cotton and wrapped around her slender form. She sipped from her glass realizing there were eyes on her.

Dominic was sitting at the end of the table next to King Damon. Unable to help herself she turned her head thinking she would catch his gaze, but when she looked at him his focus was on the king, talking boisterously with him. This made her wonder if she was losing her mind, or that she wanted the handsome knight to notice her. This sentiment couldn’t be helped despite her feelings for Calus or the hesitation he had shown after his comrade in arms had saved her life.

Turning her gaze from him she studied the room well taking a gulp of her wine not realizing that Dominic was looking at her, amusement glistening in his blue eyes. After dinner was finished and the dishes were cleared away the king stood up and looked at the assembled party.

“Ladies and gentlemen, before the Great Seeking begins I have a happy announcement that will lighten the blow of anything that might be foretold” he said with a note of humor in his voice. “

Today my Captain, Lucrus Arelius will be retiring his position at my side.” He started which caused a ripple of commentary and well wishes. “In his place will Dominic Convas will be promoted to the rank of captain. It seems quite fitting since Lucrus has trained him and made him candidate years ago.” He continued.

The hall filled with applause at this as Dominic stood up from his seat and gave a nod of his head. The king raised his hand and smiled at the crowd and chuckled.

“With this promotion he has also chosen a bride. It has been approved by me and the girl’s guardian. Stand up Sera, of the House of Clothos” he said and waved his hand in her direction.

For a moment she didn’t realize he was addressing her as she sat there with the cup half way to her lips. Upon it sinking in she raised to her feet everything going a bit hazy. This absolutely blindsided her and made her feel dizzy and caught off balance. The mingling sounds of congratulations and chortles about how this was clearly a surprise to the bride to be filled her ears. She wanted to object and cry out, but she saw that there was nothing she can do. She was a bird stuck in a net. Like a bird in a net if she struggling would be futile.

After dinner she didn’t get her chance to talk to anyone as they were ceremonially ushered out and led to the sacred chamber where Talos would divine the secrets of the unknown. The guests went to another room to wait patiently to hear the news. The protectors of the stones were allowed to hear the proceeding with the king.

Talos dressed in his dark robe, the hood pulled over his head walked to the middle of a sparse room that had a pedestal in the middle with a large bowl on it. The bowl itself was made of chiseled onyx with clear spring water from the falls of Dragus.

Talos was standing behind the pedestal his eyes raised toward the high vaulted ceiling in a moment of meditation. The room was cold and damp causing Sera to inhale a slow breath, her n*****s hardening under her dress. The whole room was still, all eyes on the Protector of the Stone of the Unseen. Breaking the tension Talos dipped his head and looked down into the unmoving water in the stone basin. Sera stood there still mulling over her engagement, unsure what to do with her hands at her side.

Talos’s breathing was barely audible, his eyes fixed on the water. Flames from the torches at each corner of the room were the only illumination allotted in the room. His grey eyes studied the unmoving water, allowing himself to go into a trance. The moments seemed to slow down as his heart started to pick up a beat.

“The Jackel King is on a throne of snakes biting at the night. The whispers of the Golden Prince flows through the air. The sword of blood will be pulled from the stone and turn the flowing tide of battle.” Talos’s voice was raspy when he spoke, his voice foreign and unrecognizable. “The land in the south will burn to ash and an old evil will be unleashed” he whispered, his body trembling from the strain.

King Damon who was listening felt like he had been punched in the stomach by the words from beyond. He hadn’t thought about his little brother since he had become king and cast the squealing little bastard and his mother. This prediction disturbed him more then he let on. What struck him as almost impossible that his brother had survived? Damon’s first order of business when sitting upon the crown was to send away that woman and his half-brother into the west land. The Sythians should have killed him, but from the words of the Protector of the Unseen had made him second guess himself. Damon’s father and his ancestors had taken part in this type of ritual since the beginning of time.

The predictions hadn’t been wrong from what he knew in the land’s long history. A fiery knot was in the pit of his stomach as he stared at the seer feeing a tingle of determination and fanatical sense of purpose. He would find the sword of the vampires and slay his brother if he was alive. Anyone who challenges him will fall on to their knees and beg for forgiveness before meeting their bloody end. The thought of it amused him greatly. A smile almost betraying his true feelings, but he suppressed it and stood observing the young man who was five years or so his junior. Talos’s body trembled as he leaned over the bowl the strain taking over causing him to collapse in Asura’s waiting arms. She was standing there knowing well what happens when her beloved when he is called upon to speak to the spirits.

Sera watched them feeling jealous rising in her chest. Oh how she wished she could have a relationship they do, a connection so deep that it became intangible. Calus and Emrick hoisted the passed out Talos and helped him to his sleeping quarters with Asura trailing behind. Sera hadn’t noticed them until now being so focused on Talos and his cryptic words. Sera glanced at the bowl before leaving the antechamber. As she walked she tried to discern Talo’s words, but she felt a buzzing the back of her mind.

Feeling slightly queasy and off balanced she walked to the large garden. Some of the flowers were in bloom, but most of them were ready to bloom in a day or two if the weather is favorable. She desperately needed to clear her head as she felt herself losing strength. Sitting down she felt the muscles in her legs starting to ease from their spasms. Sera couldn’t keep the words that came not from the predictions of Talos, but the ones declaring that she was betrothed without her knowledge or consent. Inhaling slowly she forced her mind to recall the breathing exercises of her youth.

“You always found peace in the garden, my sister” the soft voice of her sister commented lightly. Sera found it slightly unnerving when her twin moved without making a sound. “I need the calm to inspire my own mind to find tranquility. Asura, what can I do? I am going to be married to a man I did not ask to be betrothed to” her voice had rose in pitch as the fear started to rise in her body. Asura sat down on the stone bench and reached out, squeezing her sister’s hand.

“It is rare that one gets to choose who they get to marry. You know this is so. The protectors of the stones are not allowed to get married and live the typical life. You know that Talos and I are very much in love, but there will be no family for us” her voice was steady and soothing hiding her own emotions.

“You will get to have the things that are forbidden to all of us” she reached up and tapped under her sister’s chin with her fingertips lightly. Asura had grown to become wise and gentle, removing any doubt of her fate. Sera’s instincts were to yell, and object to her circumstances, but her sister’s words sobered her up. The sadness on Asura’s face filled her with guilt.

“Don’t worry. I have met him before and he is quite heroic and handsome” she told her other half reassuringly. It wasn’t until this truth was spoken that she knew she was being foolish. Sera stood up and forced herself to smile, though deep inside she had misgivings. Grabbing her sister’s hand she led her into the coolness of the manor house. They walked along until the sound of raised voices causes both of them to stop in their tracks. The yelling voices came from the open doorway before them.

The two women would recognize the indignantly angry voice of Calus who didn’t seem able to control his raging emotions. The second voice was quiet and tired. The argument seemed to be one sided since Amerus spoke only a few words amidst the young man’s torrent of shouts.

“How could you do this, old man?! Marrying her off to that boar of a man. He might be higher rank then myself but he swoops in like a thief in the night to take the one thing that means more to me than anything.” There was a moment of silence and the elderly man gave a pained sigh. Calus’s tone was the height of disrespect in his fury. Amerus raised one of his hands in a motion of pause.

“I did what was requested of me, Calus and nothing more. Dominic is in his right to ask for the hand of any woman. He has the blessing of the king and I could do very little.” Sera knew that it wasn’t her place to interrupt the conversation, and what she was doing now was unorthodox.

“You are her guardian, you are the guardian of all of us.” Calus tried to argue the weariness and sadness was rolling through him. There was a silence that permeated the hallway and the room the conversation was taking place. There was finality to its nothingness. Sera knew that even with her feelings toward Calus that it had no bearing in the reality they lived in. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but downing it was the only choice she had. A chapter of her life was over and the next uncertain moment would be written out on the ever moving wind.