The Elderkin Prophet

Forged Friendships

Ino barged through the large sturdy doors of his study in haste as he frantically searched the room for his journal. Before he could even find it, he was once again hit by the stench of the dead nightprawler. He almost gagged at the smell and then realized how bad it was for others, he knew well enough that he had to get it cleaned up or else the entire palace would be consumed with stink for days let alone his own study. He ran across the tiled flooring which was arranged to form a large  rose shaped pattern near the center of the room. The morning sun lit up the room with an orange tint exposing the tiny visible dust particles floating everywhere. Ino sprung across the room towards a table near the large paned windows and sees one of his journals flipping pages with the wind. He grabbed it and frantically jumped between the pages to find something. He then started walking toward one end of the study while reading his notes. He looked up and slowly closed his book and smiled. He was facing his enormous collection of alchemical specimens he had collected over the years across Phaera. There were jars and pots all over labelled with names, filled with something or another inside them. His collection was commendable and it excited him to look at how much it had grown over the years. He mumbled under his breath.

“Dandiweed stalk, Nettle juice and…. Umm crushed Thelus and … and what else?”

He opened up his journal once again. “Ah!” He exclaimed.

He bent down to look under the table. “... And a Howler shell.”

He boasted some of his finest collections of rarer findings there. Ino one by one removed each of the ingredients from their respective vessels and placed them atop a large white cloth strewn across the table. After clumping all the items together, he wrapped the cloth and knotted it carefully. He then turned towards his side where he assembled a small black pot over a pit and started to light the fire underneath it. He placed the white cloth bundle in a soaked leather pouch which was suspended inside the pot, surrounded by water. He filled the pot with water and waited for it to boil. As he waited he could hear the commotion coming all the way from the throne room. He was worried about the news Deolan brought back and was scared of the potential war although he never feared death.

Ino took a few steps back along with a gentle breath. He looked around the study and then back down at his feet. He felt weary from the armor he was wearing all morning, so he began removing it and tossed it atop another table. He seated himself on a tall cushioned stool and began fumbling through his pockets. He removed the broken watch and some of its dislodged gears and scattered them on the table and started to look at it. He tapped his fingers along the edge of the table in repeat and unison, creating an array of clicking sounds. His expressions dampened.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to fix you this time... I don’t know how.”

Ino looked sad because the watch reminded him of his mother. She gifted him this watch when they had visited  the city docks as a young child. Some Gull merchants had handed this to her because Ino seemed fascinated by the clockwork mechanisms they made. His brother, Jayyed would often steal or try to break his things, especially this clock because it made him jealous. But Ino figured out how to repair it every time. He continued looking at the broken watch as a small teardrop slivered down his cheek. He missed his mother dearly since only she and Nita were supportive or even encouraging him for his natural intuition towards exploration and alchemy. His mother promised him to take him on a voyage across the other half of Phaera, where the Gulls lived to explore their unique culture.

Ino slowly started drifted off into a slumber but before he fell asleep he was woken up by this rapid clicking sound coming from the pot. It was ready as it began bubbling violently. He placed the watch in a small wooden box and put it aside, plopped off of the stool and walked towards the cauldron; he stopped caring about the stench of the nightprawler at this point. He carefully removed the leather bag from the pot with a long stick and started walking towards a archway and out onto the balcony. He clipped the pouch on a rope he had strung across the railings. As he waited for all excess water to dry off from the pouch, he gazed outside the balcony. He could see a small portions of Feregar's dockyard along with long stretches of wooden posts leading up into the sea, the dock was almost empty since most of the people were present in the castle halls at the moment. Looking up, he could even see the underside of the large cliff in front of him where part of the majestic castle rested upon. Covered under the shadow of the castle above, he could roughly see the royal garden where a beautiful tombstone was erected for his mother. Grand golden roses grew in abundance atop that cliff, it acted as a sanctuary for several birds while additionally housing a marble statue of a white stag, his family emblem. His gaze soon shifted across the endless roaring sapphire waters of the Thriarc sea, where several tiny trader ships dotted the horizon almost engulfed in a blanket of clouds. He also noticed a storm brewing far out in East in the direction of Taarh, the kingdom of Filkhart.

Ino eyed the soggy leather pouch as it dripped every now and then. He gaze took off to the distance one last time and thought to himself.

“There's no point in being sad about everything that happened. Ma would never want to see me cry right? Rather she'd want me to stay strong and help Da, help my siblings, help Feregar...”

After a short time, he unhooked the leather pouch and brought it back inside. He removed the white cloth bag which was now stained in odd grey and yellow tints. He equipped a pair of thick old gloves that looked damaged and began squeezing and beating the cloth over a small vessel. From the cloth began to ooze out a dark yellowish looking liquid and after squeezing the last few drop, Ino tore through the cloth and removed the inner contents which had almost become a cream like paste. After separating out the bigger chunks and the now colorless howler shell, he placed the cream aside. He filled the cream into a small glass jar and the liquid into another. He began cleaning up his study and once done, placed both the jars into his satchel, wore it and left.

By now, the court had disassembled and everyone had returned back to work. Ino noticed the guards return to their posts and also noticed that the council chamber were now being occupied by his father along with his advisors and other units of command. He didn't wish to attend since it'd be the last thing he'd want to do. But, if he wanted to leave the keep, he would have to cross through the chamber unnoticed. Ino peeked around the corner to see what was going on. He noticed a large commotion, most people looked worried while some looked angry. He noticed his sister and his brother talking to one another near a window behind the king. His father looked busy charting through heaps of different maps and scrolls placed in front of him, he was planning something. Ino didn't wish to be forced into this as he urgently wanted to go and tend to Deolan as well as to ask him a few more questions. With a few quick and carefully placed steps, he crossed the hall unnoticed and proceeded to leave the keep. All the posted guards watched as Ino left the keep but soon their gaze shifted back elsewhere.

Ino wasn't sure where Deolan was taken but he had a hunch where he might have been sent. He strolled across the Foye, the large and famous stone bridge of Feregar that connected the mainland to the cliff keep, the sun was shining brightly casting hard shadows everywhere. It was centuries old, made by some of the most experienced masons that ever walked amongst men. The entire city was built using old dwarven and gull technology. It had multiple hidden paths and routes that connected many places, although most of those entry ways and passages had long been sealed off. Ino could feintly hear the crashing of waves on the cities shoreline along with the chitter chatter of folk, coming from the distant marketplace. The city was divided into multiple quarters which divided the people based on economic strength. There were multiple large taverns and overstocked shops darting the mainroads which became smaller and smaller the deeper you got into the alleyways. Ino remembered to bring his cloak and cap which he dorned before venturing deeper into the city. The people admired the king and had plenty of love for the family but Nita always warned him never to walk amongst the crowd openly since she couldn't guarantee his safety if alone. As he moved through the central marketplace, he saw several smaller shops and wagons filled with fresh produce, some of which either sold fruit or vegetables. There were a few craftsmen in the mix who sold beautiful handmade wooden toys and trinkets which showcased both Feredian craftsmanship as well as other local handicrafts. Ino noticed an old wrinkled lady sitting comfortably upon a chair, near one corner. Yilda, he remembered her since their last meeting. He often bought most of his fabrics, leather pouches, containers and other accessories from her. As he passed by, Ino gave her a handsome wave and smiled. Yilda caught Ino shifting through the crowds and she smiled back at him, her feeble heart was filled with glee looking at the young soul. She held up her palm, closed it and placed it between her forehead, she blessed Ino with good luck and fortune.

As Ino navigated through the stuffed marketplace, he noticed some craft shops setup by outcast gull merchants who were selling, beautiful embroidered  handmade carpets, rugs and other sorts of native goods from their land. Sadly not many people paid them a visit since most humans were scared of the other races across Phaera. The trust between the races almost vanquished since the first ever Ravage. It occurred centuries ago, before  big cities like Feregar even existed. Most of the old kingdom consisted of nomadic tribes, fighting for survival. Long ago when the forgotten creatures known as the Broken had attacked and massacred multiple settlements, the world united as one, clan after clan, race with race, all stood in arms to repel the threat. That brought unity amongst the many races and a long peace. Unfortunately it'd been so long that people seemed to have completely forgotten of the bonds of old, all those stories of the ancient war, everything, just vanished and stopped. People stopped respecting the old traditions as new ones were formed. Several kings and false prophets took advantage of these occurring’s and dismayed the minds of the people against one another into an endless thirst for land and power, their greed was unending. Now, most of the worlds races are once again a stranger to one another. People began hating one another and there was very little to no trust left, let alone safety. All of this sickened Ino as he'd often dream of a combined progressive world.

As Ino neared the exit of the marketplace he noticed some familiar faces. Between the crowd, pitched to one side of the wide streets, Lurb, Benni and Sheila sat atop some wooden crates and rolled over barrels. They were lost in deep discussion and failed to notice Ino as he crossed them. Ino had once played a game of runts with them and earned their friendship. Soon Ino neared the large stone walls of the city and noticed how part of the city was built into the mountains near its right side, he absolutely adored this part of the city. The giant walls collapsed and merged effortlessly into the rocky mountains. The inner curve of the mountain exposed multiple outlets and some more stores that overhung and shadowed the city. A set of Feredian banners hung proudly darting the mountains lips. He was soon greeted by a set of stone carved stairs leading up towards city barracks and began his climb. As he neared the top, he reached a new elevation form where he could see almost all of the city along with the keep in the far distance. It was breath-taking how diverse and large the city was. It was a sight to see underneath the warm blue skies within which fuzzy clouds drifted carelessly above a colorful, busy city. The cliffs receded towards the coast where a large dock sat firmly with its tall stone towers protecting an even larger set of warehouses and ships planted firmly in the moving waters. A grand blue dockyard was where the royal Feredian navy battleships rested. A long and winding trail lead from the docks up to a grassy plateau filled with ripe farms and granaries, leading towards the massive white gates of the city. 

Ino was swallowed under mountains shadow as he made his way into the barracks. He was recognized and greeted by almost every soldier and guard present there; the barracks was huge! As he walked in, he could see the guard captain seated uncomfortably on a small wooden chair as he skipped across several sheets of papers onto which recent crimes and news were scribbled. He noticed Ino walk into the room and stood up almost instantly.

“Hello! I wasn’t expecting you to be here young prince. Especially with all the recent tidings, you should be back at the castle.”

Ino greeted the captain and begged him to return to ease.

“I'm fully aware of what has happened, but I am here to talk to Deolan. I’m fairly certain that king Magnar must've sent him here to rest.”

“Yes, we escorted him downstairs into one of the quarters. He doesn’t look too good, he looks tired and fatigued from all of that travel. Allow me escort you to him.”

Ino nodded in approval. “That'd be best.”

The captain picked his sword off the table and began guiding Ino, leading him through the barracks. He looked worried and wanted to ask Ino a question but hesitated to. Ino was quick to notice and asked.

“What’s boggling your mind, captain?”

The captain took a deep breath and spoke timidly.

“What does the king feel about the coming war?” He said softly.

Ino paused for a moment to answer. Wars were never helpful but deemed necessary to settle disputes and clear out corrupted leaders. But the tidings of the coming war was not a good one, it was chaotic and disruptive to this world and its peace. He didn't wish the captain to worry more than he already was.

“I trust that my father shall protect us all and keep this city safe and strong. These walls shall hold just like they have done countless times in the past. Although, I worry more of all the bloodshed this war will plague our kingdom with.” Ino spoke with confidence.

“I understand. War can’t always be avoided. May the king be blessed for he has my faith in him and everyone else in Feregar... Come now, were almost there, just this room to the left.”

The captain opened the room carefully but the old door still gave out a horrible creak which woke up Deolan from his rest. He appeared to have fallen asleep on the table and besides him were two empty bowls which housed the remnants of some soup and bread crumbs.

Ino remarked.

“This place sure needs some fixing.”

The captain approved of the thought and took leave.

Deolan watched Ino take a seat next to him and watched him place his satchel on the table and from it, remove two jars. His face was tanned and dirty, he had bits of dandruff and a shaggy beard that ran down his neck. His cheeks were ridden pink with multiple tiny pimples that were also spread all across his face. His hair was dark and dusty along with a messy brow that hung loosely over a pair of sunken grey eyes that were wet from all the crying. He was weeping for his mother and all the other villagers who he knew. He looked lost and weak...

Ino layed his hand softly over Deolan’s shoulder.

“Hey…. I’m sorry for your loss. I.. I can only imagine how it feels.”

Deolan raiseed his eyes and fixed them onto Ino. He nodded his head slowly.

A few minutes of silence pursued. Ino rose from his seat and walked around the room trying to locate some kindles to strike a fire at the fireplace. He picked them up and carefully started a weak fire which quickly grew into a big flame. It lit up the dull and gloomy room with a new warm touch. He returned to his seat next to the stable boy and pinched out the weak fire from the lantern in front of them. Deolan spoke softly.

“Well?... What brings you to me young prince?”

Ino began to open the two glass jars.

“That spider that bit you, it was a strider. It’s saliva carries an infection that will very slowly kill you. I prepared this anti-toxin which will slow down the infection and slowly cure you overtime.”

He handed one of the bottles to Deolan.

“Here, drink this. It might taste a little bitter.”

Deolan looked at the drink back at Ino.

“Thank you...” A smile emerged from Deolan's tired face.

He began drinking the contents of the jar but stopped halfway to make a disgusted face. Both of them begin laughing. He quickly gulped the remainder of the drink.

Ino questioned him. “I know that nobody really thanked you for your bravery. So on behalf of my father and the kingdom, we are indebted to you... I also briefly recall you talking about some ships with a strange banner? Could you tell me what the banner looked like? Wait..”

Ino removed a small booklet from his satchel followed by a small piece of charcoal.

“Here, you can show me.”

Deolan picked up the charcoal and hastily draws all that he could remember of the banners he saw. He drew a curvy line with another line intersecting it. He started to explain.

“It looked like a black snake wrapped around a sword.”

“Ino begins to study the symbol but couldn’t identify it.”

He closed the booklet and placed it back into his satchel and started to open the second jar which was filled with the paste.

“Can you show me where that strider bit you?”

“Ye ..yes.”

Deolan places his foot lightly on the bench and begins to unwrap his footholds. He points to the bloodied wound which was now swollen up and purple revealing two cuts where the strider tore through his skin. There were plenty of dried off blood flakes around the wound.

“It looks bad, doesn’t it?”

“I’ve tended to worse, but yes, it does look nasty... Don't worry tho.”

Ino handed Deolan the jar.

“Rub this on the bite every now and then. Make sure you 've cleaned your hands before you do to prevent any other sorts of nasty infections.”

“It hurts to walk anymore.” Deolan responded.

“Yea, don’t worry. It should heal within a few weeks but the pain might stay a little longer.”

Deolan took the jar and looked thankful but very confused.

“Why would someone like you... help someone like me?”

Ino chuckled. His smile widened as his cheeks pressed outwards.

“It never mattered to me who you were or where you came from. You were injured, bitten. All I did was help because I knew how.”

Deolan’s eyes widened further, he bowed down in humility to Ino. 

"Stop... You don't need to bow." Ino reacted. He hated it when people would bow to him in any way due to his nobility. He outright rejected the idea as he wanted to live an as normal life as anyone else. The rooms silence was broken with loud sounds of cheering and fighting that came from upstairs. The wood croaked as heavy weights shifted above. Some kind of brawl had broken out between some of the soldiers and it seemed like the others were encouraging the fight.

Ino once again got up and opened the door to look outside; he called for one of the soldiers.

“Get us some more food and drink.” He yelled across the hall.

“At once, my lord.” A soldier walked away from the corridor and out of sight quickly.

Ino turned towards Deolan.

“So, what was it like? Visiting Feregar? I’m curious about how you felt, everyone has different feelings, I wish to know yours...”

The two began to talk and exchange their thoughts and feelings about incidents from their life. Time passed and they talked on and on for long stretches. Deolan looked happy and calm for once, he seemed to have forgotten all the tragedy that just happened with him and seemed to enjoy Ino's company greatly.