The Last Realm: The Blood of Clans

5: Yerves, the River of Frost

Once dropping anchor at the docks, we slowly disembarked from the ship as Gareth and Troy stayed back to secure the ship. We were all just a short pier and distance away from the oldest Toshezo son and prince. It took just a few moments of all the rustling and adjustments of the growing group, for Naren to turn and notice us.

“Ah, hello baby brother. What have you brought with you? Preparing yourselves for the upcoming ball?” Naren gave a friendly wave as he walked over to the crowded pier, his body stance and language still indicating he was expecting company of his own.

“As you well know, brother.” Chang replied back through gritted teeth, while presenting a grimacing smile.

“I'm sure you'll all have a splendid time. I know that my ball was quite pleasurable, back when I had to attend. Shame I can't drop into this one as well.” Naren's over friendly gesture coming across with a hint of mockery.

“Yes, speaking of which.” Chang rebuffed. “What exactly are you doing here?”

The question went unanswered as the oldest clan prince surveyed the group, pausing for just brief moments to peer at the faces of everyone. Chang cleared his throat, bringing the conversation back to place.

“I see you have some friends that I don't believe I'm acquainted with yet, be a good host and make the introductions already.” Naren snapped with a smile.

“We're not guests of you or your family.” Vahn cut in to retort sharply, earning a mutual glare from Naren.

“Hmm.. didn't see you sniveling back there Vahn. Hiding behind your sister and these younger boys now?”

“I just didn't feel that you were worth acknowledging today. It has been a rather frustrating trip here after all.” Vahn barked back.

I couldn't believe that the obnoxious loudmouth prince would actually come in handy for something, yet here he was putting himself to good use. Doing the same song and dance that I had come familiar with over the past week, more than glad to be on the viewing end for a change though.

“Watch your tongue, Vahn. Before I decide that I want to remove it and keep it as a souvenir.”

I glanced at Jace and the girls, all who seemed to be holding back the laughter as the venomous insults escalated.

“As if some backwater royalty who had to scheme and cheat his way to the throne could ever try and make threats at me. I might have a few moments where I can be somewhat insufferable, but I have at least earned and deserve my birthright.” Without another word the Altamiran prince and his bodyguard attendant both turned heel simultaneously and left the group.

“See you all at Kitasa, and you better arrive in one piece too.” Wesley called over his shoulder and gave a slight wave as they disappeared from the docks.

Turning to the girls, I couldn't help but look slightly stunned. “Did he actually just wish us well, or did I hallucinate there?”

Aurelia chuckled lightly. “My brother might be insufferable, as he puts it, but that's just one of the ways he handles people.”

“He does seem fairly useful, for a feisty, stuck up and arrogant chap.” Jace added to our small discussion, causing more light laughs to erupt.

“Scary thing, is that I think he is a little fond of you guys.” Kat jumped in, sparking more laughs still.

“Oh, perish the thought.” Jace fired back lightly, before a loud thud on the pier caught our attention.

We all turned back around quickly to see a fuming Naren, his blade half drawn. Gareth had placed himself between us and the danger, and did so without really alerting anyone that he had descended into our little gathering.

The large pirate had his fists pressed together in front of him, but it was still easy enough to notice the large iron-like gauntlets he wore. Naren bared an ugly sneer, as if attempting to growl down the man. Chang stood a little to the left of Gareth, while Seiji was on his right side in a defensive crouch, hand firmly gripped on his sword hilt.

“Whoa, whoa.” I tried to raise my voice and grab the attention of the four, but that idea didn't work as I exactly had hoped. “Aren't you supposed to be family? Why such extreme hostilities?”

Naren's blade edged itself out just a little more, as he shifted enough to stare at me directly. “This little party of yours has grown out of hand and is interfering with important business. Aside from the princess and my stupid brother, I can kill off the rest of you and settle the matter now.”

I felt a tug on my sleeve, looking back to see Rose smiling lightly and mouthing the words “make room” to me. Jace stepped in and traded places with Chang, holding both his hands up to show himself unarmed to Naren before he started talking.

“Do you really feel it's necessary to spill that amount of bloodshed in a neutral country?” Jace asked with raised eyebrows before continuing. “You already know that prince Vahn is a bit of loud mouthed hothead. There ain't need to take offense to something that happened out of our control, hmm?”

The more Jace talked in that drawn accent of his, the more Naren and Gareth both relaxed from the stand off. The diffusion of hostility continued once Jace cleared his throat, both his hands still held up about shoulder height.

“So lord Naren, what say you? We have a deadline to be keeping anyways, so why not just let us push on our way?”

“You might have a point there.” Naren paused for a long moment. “It would inconvenience me to kill any of you at the current moment, but this offense has been noted.”

“That's good and well.” Jace calmly replied back as he slowly lowered his hands back down, tossing out a final jest. “Wasn't really looking forward to dying until at least next week.”

The older prince cracked a brief smile before recapturing his stoic and stern demeanor. “If you don't mind now, I have business to return too.”

“Of course. We gotta be setting off ourselves too.” Jace said back with a grin, as we all backed off the pier and moved a safe distance away from Naren and the docks.

I was relieved at how calmly things turned out, surprised by Jace's hasty yet understated diplomacy. Keeping the docks just within sight, we began to plan our next move out. How to proceed to the capital of Kitasa.

“I still say that we stay here at port, secure a wagon up river's trail and take the full three days trip inland.” Rose and Gareth were both arguing the point of going slow and methodical.

I didn't understand completely how laid back the pirates were or could be with the narrow brush of trouble we just dodged. Chang seemed uncomfortable with the idea, rather preferring to avoid being anywhere near his older brother, something I could completely understand. Jace, Aurelia and Kathryn all seemed a bit indifferent to whichever route we chose, but Jace was quick to point out of the travel differences.

Apparently, taking the slow wagon ride approach would take three days time. Whereas it would take as little as a full day to two, if we avoid spending the night. Not a large difference but it was one that had split us down the middle mostly. Our pirating friends were staying with or without us, and the young Reysbel princess Guinevere had sided with them. Chang was the one pushing for immediate travel, and I was mostly unsure how to proceed until fate decided to rear its head into our choice.

The sloshing and creaking of a vessel pulling into the port drew our attention from our discussion. It was a small ship, fairly smaller than what we had sailed over in, but it had garnered Naren's attention. It seemed to be what he was awaiting, or better yet whom.

“By the wyvern's tail.” Jace cursed as a pair of armored men roughly exchanged greetings with the clan prince.

“By the what?” I asked with a confused expression, the others seemed curious as well at least to a degree.

“James, it's important that we leave the port city as quickly as we possibly can. I'm siding with Chang now on immediate travel.” Jace hurriedly replied, seeming flustered.

I tried to get a better look at the two men. One was wearing a black cloak and hat, his face appearing masked. The other had striking red hair similar to my own, but his black armor stood out just as noticeably.

“Lorres Salvatore.” Aurelia mumbled just loud enough for us all to hear. “He's a knight from the eastern country of Dohania.”

“Why would Naren be meeting with eastern knights?” Chang asked with a puzzled expression.

“Whatever reason why,” Gareth placed a hand on the young prince's shoulder. “It is in no favor of yours or this company.”

A barely caught a shared glance between Jace and Gareth, frowning as I wasn't completely sure I had caught that or not. Jace cleared his throat and beckoned us to move completely from the docks, but not into the port city.

“We gotta split up, I'm afraid.” Jace looked increasingly nervous.

“I'll take my four and stay like planned. That might distract anyone if they felt like checking up on us.” Gareth said seriously, giving glances as if daring us to make a suggestion otherwise.

“Then the rest of us will go ahead and leave for Kitasa now.” Aurelia said with an inviting smile.

“Are you sure about that?” I couldn't help but find myself asking.

“It might be just as dangerous trying to travel through on our own, as it would be to stay here another day.” She coyly smiled while brushing a strand of hair out of her face.

I couldn't help but blush and nod, a little worried about things but seemingly charmed and agreeing along with things.

“Guess that settles it, huh?” Jace offered in the afternoon silence.

“Almost, but one thing extra is left though.” Gareth motioned to the young Rose, who bounced on her feet happily before clearing her throat to announce the news.

“Troy is going to help accompany you. At least until after the ceremonies are all done. He will then return with you back here to the ship, and we’ll all return back together.”

Her eagerness at the prospect of more company and travel was nearly infectious. That truly concluded our business with our pirate friends, leaving the next destination as the capital city of Kitasa. It would still be about an hour for us to skirt the main part of the port city and edge our ways slowly north into the frozen plains of Tasard, trying to keep sight of the Yerves river the entire trek northward. Upon consensus we agreed to not eat or rest until we made camp fall that night, which seemed to take longer to arrive than expected.

Along the way, as I observed the chilly and quiet frozen landscape around us, the slow moving icy river and brittle tipped grass of the plains. The trees were scattered to create enough shade and obstruction from wind and sun, making the air seem a little cooler than it really was. The white, almost pale blue, low rolling hills gave the land a foggy kind of feel. Almost resembling a bank of clouds that we were progressing further on.

After the moderate paced travel across the often-similar expanse of frozen wastelands, I had started toying with golden knife and tried listening for some hushed conversations. However, nobody seemed in much of a mood to do anything but think and continue the march further in the cold, as afternoon dropped into evening and finally the beginnings of dusk. We eventually decided to unpack and settle for the night, pitching a group of tents after having decided to stick to a location only about a hundred yards or so from the river's banks.

As we sat quietly while the last bit of whale-fish was being cooked over a small fire, an idea that had been gnawing at me for a while pushed itself up front in my mind. I was growing curious to hear some about Jace's past and life.

“I hope this isn't too forward of me, or anything, but I couldn't help but wondering where you were from exactly.” I started, breaking the light silence of our small band.

“Actually, that is also something I've never heard you really talk about before either.” Kathryn flashed me a toothy grin before glancing at Jace with a curiosity as well.

“Surely, you ain't gonna want to hear the droll story of a boy like me.” Jace tried to brush off our inquiry, like you might a fly buzzing about your soup. That is to say, that it didn't work too well for him.

“Aw, c'mon Jacie. Tell us all about where you grew up and how you came to land yourself in Kyzekia.” Aurelia teased, while Chang seemed just as eager to hear about this as well.

I noticed the exchanged glare between Jace and Troy, and didn't seem to be the only one who caught the looks. Kathryn nearly pounced on the opportunity to press the information out of either of them.

“What was that, you two?” She smirked but snapped harshly. “Don't tell me that you two grew up together or something. Maybe Troy wouldn't mind telling us all about you instead.”

Jace furtively glanced once again at Troy who simply nodded, prompting Jace to reply dryly. “Very well.”

“As some of you know, I didn't journey to Kyzekia and chose to join the Bishop until after my fifteenth birthday.” Jace began to recant his tale, while we all stared and listened intently around the brightly burning campfire. “I grew up in the Leontyne islands, down in the southern oceans. To be more specific, me and Troy both can trace our childhoods back to the southwestern sea and the village of Thrylia. It was bigger then, but it still remains the only western city of the islands, since most believe the western sea to be cursed.”

“Is it cursed?” Chang asked with a wide-eyed expression.

“It very well might be, but we never believed so.” Troy replied to Chang with a smile.

“So like others from Leontyne, I was bred, raised and trained in piracy.” Jace continued along.

“Yeah, and you were quite good at it too.” Troy laughed lightly, getting similar responses from the girls and myself.

“I can't imagine Jace being really good at anything, other than trying to charm and talk people into submission.” Kat teased.

“So like most young pirates-to-be, we were selected to join one of the fleets from the varying pirate lords. For the outlying ports and villages, most are sent to the Hokuten, or the northern sky fleet. While those of from the main island, or with an exception like Thrylia, get sent to the Nanten, the southern sky.” Jace replied as he expanded into his tale more.

“Oh, and didn't you mention before that Gareth was one of the pirate lords?” I asked with a hand raised, blushing as I slowly lowered my arm back to my side, feeling terribly embarrassed.

“Yeah. Gareth Galdeira is the pirate lord of the Nanten.” Troy beamed, his features shining brightly in the firelight.

“We both got selected for the Nanten, somewhere about young Chang's age when it happened too. While Troy had more of a knack for sailing and combat, my skills were honed for tactics, diplomacy and navigation. I was taught directly under lord Gareth's command, much like you were on the ship over here James.” Jace continued with another pause.

“But you're far more skilled than anything I could ever muster up.” I admitted, feeling the lingering embarrassment deepen from minutes earlier.

“Since I wasn't quite adept at the whole sailing business, Gareth suggested that I try my hand at a mainland lifestyle.” Jace hesitated before lightly commenting further.

“That's only because you always get seasick.” Troy joked, making everyone laugh, especially considering how much Jace had spent most of each morning on the way to Tasard being just that, seasick.

“It's not uncommon for skilled apprentices to be sent to Kyzekia to learn, especially the out of place types, like myself.” Jace finished quietly.

“So is that how the Bishop gains his guards and warriors?” Aurelia asked, biting on her lip with an inquisitive smile.

“Most about, yeah.” Jace drawled back to her. “That sums up my events really. Nothing flashy or anything, but it landed me into this mess and he were are.”

Slowly, the girls stretched and said their good nights, heading off into their tent. This was followed by almost everyone else until just Jace, Seiji and myself were left around the diminishing flames.

“I know I haven't exactly offered much in the way of conversations or anything else entirely helpful, but I can take watch til morning.” Seiji offered up, his usual stoic expression remained.

“Sounds like a deal to me, ya are one of the only warriors we can ask to do it anyways.” Jace chuckled, patting me on the back and motioning to the tents. “We best head our way then, gonna be a rough day tomorrow.”

As the fire simmered and burned slowly, we turned in for the late nights rest. I had a final peek out from the tent, about twenty yards from the campfire and cooking grounds. Seiji sitting on a rock with his back facing us, a large blanket bundled tightly about him and his sword propped to his left. It was an image that I knew I would never get out of my memories, as the pale moonlight illuminated the world beyond our camp.

“Graah..” The screaming noise was drowned out as quickly as it started, causing a ruckus within our tents as everyone stirred awake hastily.

The next series of noises would be even more disturbing than the short lived gargled scream. A series and chorus of howling began to invade and pierce the thin, cold night air. The fire having completely burned itself out, but still fresh enough to see the dying embers and ashes as the silhouettes of snow white wolves could be made tearing at the slumped over corpse of where Seiji had been keeping watch.

Jace pulled me out of the tent quickly, and cautiously led me by the shirt to where Troy and the others stood warily.

“What's going on?” Aurelia whispered in quick, hushed tones.

“It seems that some wolves were attracted to our campfire and the smell of the meal.” Troy intoned softly, eyes darting over the icy, pale plains.

“So now what?” Kat asked, sweat and determination spread across her face.

“They have at least two packs.” Jace pointed out, his fingers identifying the large black wolves he singled out as the alpha males. “We need to back up and buy our time, until we're ready.”

“So you want us to retreat?” I asked, as we all started to slowly move backwards from the tents and camp, the wolves growing in numbers and noticing our slow withdrawal.

“No. I want us to wait for them to attack.” Jace replied back.

“Wait for them to attack?” I replied, slightly taken back by his suggestion.

“Trust him, he's one of the brightest.” Troy smiled reassuringly.

“That's right, until we can obtain better ground.” Jace drawled.

“Better ground?” I asked.

“Yes.” he responded back.

“In this valley?”

“Yes.”

“During night, and at the start of winter?”

“Yes.”

“With our backs to the frozen river?”

“River? No, that would be bad.” Jace said lightly with a small laugh.

“Bad news then.” Kat cut in. “The river has found our backs.”