Ashes And Stars

Invasion

Upon a ridge with an unobstructed view of the sea, Risalii perched on the back of a colorful elk and watched some strange longboats moored in the nearest natural harbor. She shook her head before she whistled in the bird’s direction. The creature circled her before it swooped down and landed on a beaded section of her gloved arm. Adorned in a vibrant red tunic with simple turquoise beading around the neckline, waist, and shoulders, she took in her surroundings. There had been a lot of unusual activity down below as of late. And she was growing concerned.

Tight dark brown slacks were visible beneath the tunic’s ornate hemline as the wind whipped sharply around her frame. Furred hide boots rose to just below her knees, which kept her legs warm against the bitterness of heavy Mrynian sea gales. These, too, sported the same asymmetrical patterns as the rest of her clothing.

Nearby, a large seahawk soared over the open expanse of rugged wilderness. It swooped down from the dunes that rested between the Emeer Sea’s shores and the grassy flats of Mryn, crying a shrill call as it drew attention to its plumage. Bright-colored feathers glinted in the sun as though made of the ocean, mimicking magnificent waves down to the last tail feather.

The hawk looked more beast than bird compared to Risalii; its wingspan was longer than she was tall. He was massive, though fairly light. And he wasn’t just any seabird. He was a Mrynian Windrover, a rare species touched by the old Elven magic Mryn was once known for. Risalii sat steadily as she stroked along the hawk’s neck. “Welcome back, Terrin,” she cooed as she scratched under his beak, watching the movement upon the water. Though a strange sight since the longboats below were bigger than any of her people used, she’d seen them there for a few weeks already. She couldn’t imagine whoever they belonged to was up to any good.

“Ah… What’s this?” Risalii asked when Terrin nudged her cheek with the top of his crown, breaking her concentration on the ships and bringing it to something he was holding. Pulling a torn-up little satchel away from his talons, she brought it into view as it swayed in the chilly northeastern breeze. The pattern on it was odd and outlandish. The pouch was a deep royal blue color, with a series of interlocking silver circles covering its middle and woven into a band. Risalii shivered and tucked the pouch away for the time being. She could take a better look at it later.

Groups of dried reeds rustled as if in anger as the wind chapped the earth by kicking up dust and whipping it around the large boulders that stood as watchmen along nearby roadways. It was well past mid-harvestine by now. That meant Mryn would grow bitter, dry, and unforgiving in the coming seasons. Far too fast for Risalii’s liking.

Mryn's people were used to harsh conditions, inhabiting the island since the beginning of the Second Era. It had stretches of mild spring, brief summers followed by long autumns, and endless winters. In fact, from one equinox to the next, frigid temperatures hounded the island with unbridled abandon.

Risalii scanned the dunes for any movement or anything else out of the ordinary with a heavy sigh. Today's hunt was a bust; she'd captured only a young hare and a skinny one at that. Perhaps the lack of game was caused by the island's visitors. "What do you think, Terrin? Anything else worth catching out here?”

Like a reply, the hawk shrieked and shuffled a little in place. Terrin seemed agitated in Risalii’s opinion. His feathers bunched up behind his neck like he was pouting. One thing was clear. There was nothing else to hunt, or he would have taken off after it.

“Thought so,” she muttered, lifting her arm in the air. Terrin launched off and stretched his wings out some more. He was a loyal creature and would fly back when he was ready.

"Let's head home, Pim. Tut tut," Risalii nudged the spotted elk with her boots and took off towards the west over a vast meadow.

*

Risalii rode into Vetching, the main campground of the Yowan, her tribe. It was a spread of reed-mud huts and yurts that became home for Mryn's nomadic population during the winter months. Its location protected Vetching from the dry winds that scoured the nation during Wintertine, the ice of Bleaktine, and the landslides of Evermelt. These were Mryn's coldest and most inhospitable seasons.

The place was full of life for a temporary town, even as the sun dipped below the nearest set of hills. Risalii always lost track of time when she took off for her hunts and rides, and she was even later than normal. She could see some supper fires were already lit, and the smell of roasted trout permeated the smoke-filled air. Groaning, Risalii knew her Na’na was going to give her an earful. She should have been back hours ago before the sky had begun to shift colors.

Children ran down towards the flats as if to greet her, but they thoroughly ignored Risalii as they played a game of chase. It’s not like she expected them to, either. She was now too old to play with them, and she was sure a handful of the young ones were still a little upset about her step into adulthood. Their mirth was rather contagious despite all that. Risalii cracked a broad smile as she slowed Pim to a soft trot, careful around the children. It wouldn’t do for Pim to be the cause of any accidental hurt.

Anglers had already brought the day’s catch up from the nearby river to the moving market, preparing it for tomorrow. Some fish hung up along tall racks meant for descaling and drying. Others went to a large stone press, made into oil. However, the largest of the fish made hearty suppers for the entirety of Vetching.

She passed through a herd of woolly sheep led across a small stream by a herder and dismounted. Risalii and Pim walked up one of several small rocky hills to the flat where her family’s current home sat. A small makeshift barn kept the elk safe and warm just yards down the way. With Pim watered and fed, Risalii shed off her riding gear. The little pouch Terrin brought her slipped from its hiding place and fell into the hay.

She gazed at it briefly before she scooped it up. Risalii pulled the ties of the pouch loose and dumped its contents into her palm. It was a totem made of pale yellow stone, shaped like a sleek phoenix gliding over a six-pointed star.

Totems were not an uncommon thing for Risalii’s people or others on Mryn. In fact, Vetching had a dozen carved pillars depicting things like the celestial bodies in Mryn’s skies, the island's animals, and its spirits. But they were nothing compared to this. The detail of the citrine in her hand was more intricate than any she’d ever imagined. And the carving itself was something she had never seen before.

“Risa… Risalii? There you are, child. Your father has been looking for you for over an hour! Where have you been?” A short, squat old woman pushed her way around Pim just as Risalii tucked the totem back into the pouch and down into her pocket. Risalii frowned as she took off Pim’s saddle blanket and put it away as her grandmother continued. “Did you forget what day it is?” The woman took Risalii’s wrist and tugged her along after she laid the blanket out.

“Na’na? What are you muttering about? Look, I caught a hare for supper. I know you’re getting tired of fish.” She pointed towards the kill resting on a small table.

“Off hunting again when you should be packing for Three-Sisters? What am I to do with you? You and your father are leaving soon. And I see you haven’t even bathed yet, have you?”

“Aya! That’s today? I could have sworn we weren’t leaving for another few days at least.”

“Off to the washbasin with you. Na’na will help you pack up and braid your hair. Now, go on, then. Can’t keep your father waiting all day now, can we?”

“Alright. Thank you, Na’na.” Risalii slipped her wrist free of her grandmother’s gentle hold and pecked her cheek.

Risalii’s mother passed away before she learned to walk, so it had only been the three of them. Her father was so grief-stricken that most of her raising fell on Na’na’s shoulders. But that was all well in the old woman’s eyes, for Risalii was her sun, and she knew it. There was no greater bond between two souls found in the entire village.

With a bit of a skip to her gait, Risalii hurried along the main path of her family’s homestead. Five large red and yellow tents were arranged in a semicircle around a massive fire pit. The kitchen was closest to the road and the fire. Then a gathering place where they enjoyed meals and hosted guests sat further back. And the last three had been bedrooms, one for each of them. Risalii ducked into the middle one, moving the heavy hide-cloth door aside.

Her grandmother already had a basin of water waiting. And though it was cold now, it would have to do. Risalii settled before the tub after stripping down into her underclothes.

She stared at her reflection for a moment. The sweetest smile she always wore was present, adding to the soft warmness she exuded. Risalii looked every bit like her mother. Her large almond-shaped eyes were green, the color of a sapling’s first spring buds, and her skin was a smooth, brushed copper. After undoing her hunting braids, Risalii’s hair fell in deep red-tinted waves around her. Her frame was average, but curvy.

Risalii took a deep breath before dunking a wool washcloth into the water as she leaned over the basin, distorting her face within. Slowly, Risalii washed away the fine gray and orange dust of the day’s ride from her skin. After, she pooled the water into her hands to dump over her head and soak her hair. Risalii took a handful of primrose, lily of the valley, and purple clover from a jar nearby before mashing them into a thick paste. She scrubbed it through her strands, washing it out after it set for a few minutes.

Next came dressing for the occasion. Her uncle invited Risalii and her father to a wedding, of all things. Who’s wedding it was, she wasn’t too sure. She only knew the bride was somehow related to her through Na’na’s lineage. And Na’na was far too old to make such a trip for the sake of politeness.

Her ever-doting grandmother entered the tent, setting out a fine robe-like dress for her. She left it draped over the side of an old upholstered cushion. It was made of shimmering silk that glinted in the candlelight like crushed emeralds. Embroidered dandelions and ragweed lined all the garment’s hems in bright yellow-gold. Risalii had to admire the needlework as she ran her fingers over the stitches. It must have taken Na’na days to finish. “Oh, Na’na… It’s gorgeous…” she breathed.

“Isn’t it? I made it for your mother as an engagement gift. You know, she was around your age when Rivvin asked for her hand. I’ve held on to it all these long years for you. All it needed was a little sprucing. Our Risalii will be the prettiest thing in all of Three-Sisters,” Na’na beamed with pride. “You might even outshine the bride.” She scooped Risalii’s cheeks into her hands and kissed her forehead.

“How horrible would that be?” she chuckled, “Father will have to be extra careful to ensure I stay out of trouble. Thank you, Na’na.”

“Oh, fuff. When else would I get to spoil you, Risa?” Na’na took a seat behind her and braided her hair into a crown. Years of helping Risalii with her hair made her old fingers quick. “I made snacks for your trip, and I’ve already put them in your packs. I still need to gather the gifts for the happy couple. You will take good care of it for me, won’t you?”

“Yes. Not even a speck of grime will touch anything, I promise.”

“There’s a good girl,” she said and rose, having already finished the braiding. “Now, I’ll go check on Rivvin. He should be just about ready.” Na’na gave Risalii’s cheek a smart pat before she made her way out.

A soft smile swept across her face as she got dressed. The brilliant green fabric brightened her skin tone. An absolutely perfect fit if she said so herself. She worked the bodice laces to cinch the dress under her chest. Risalii gave a little spin in playful satisfaction. But like the light of the sun fleeing past the horizon each day, Risalii’s mirth came to a swift end.

At first, she didn’t hear them, the screams. She was too lost in her childish fantasies to register the noise rising around her. Only Na’na’s distinct cry as she ripped past the door’s heavy cloth filled her head did Risalii stop. Na’na’s eyes knit together as she trembled; the terror in her grandmother’s face filled Risalii with dread. Her body stiffened, and she brought a shaking hand out to touch her grandmother’s shoulder. “Na’na? What’s the matter? What’s going on?”

“Raiders! You must hurry, child. Take Pim and the provisions I’ve packed for your trip and flee. Now, Risalii, while your father has them held back!” Na’na stumbled to her and pushed her towards the back of the tent. “Don’t worry about your father and I. You must get to Three-Sisters. Find Hacynith and your Uncle Cavanda.”

“I won’t leave without you. Na’na, please come with me…” her voice cracked as she clung to Na’na’s arm. The old woman took her hand and patted it, leaving a sticky rust-colored streak behind.

“No, no, my sweet one. I won’t make it far in the wilderness, and I will become a burden. I’m too old. Do this for me. Know that I love you. My heart will forever be with you. Take this.” Na’na fiddled with an old onyx and aquamarine necklace around her neck, tying it around Risalii’s own as soon as it came undone. “Hide well, my sun.”

There would be no arguing here tonight. Already, Risalii had wasted a lot of precious time. Na’na pulled the canvas at the back of the tent up and ushered Risalii out. “Stay low and keep off the roads outside of Vetching.”

Reality hit her like an angry bull head butting her guts as chaos ensued around the village. Risalii crouched, sticking to the brush lining her family’s land. Fire engulfed several other campsites, accompanied by a dull roar. The sounds of battle filled the air like an oncoming storm, though she couldn’t hear any of it over the roar of her own heartbeat.

She could see the dry fields outside Vetching blazing wildly as people ran for it. Many of whom were being chased down by men with strange barbed spears, like game. These men hulked over her fellow Yowanians. Her people never stood a chance. Like the roaring tide, the invaders came clad in shell-like shoulder armor and ill-fitting mail that gave Risalii the impression that they didn’t originally own them. Risalii would have laughed if they hadn’t been so terrifying.

The marauders carried thin steel-blue banners with serpent insignia stitched on them, probably from a distant tribe across the sea. They were mounted on enormous steeds, were gold of hair, and had wiry beards. Tattoos lined any exposed skin in simplistic patterns. Risalii thought they were a grizzly bunch, barking out to each other in a choppy and harsh accent that stabbed at her eardrums. Deeper even than the sounds of someone nearby shrieking as they met with death. Risalii froze as more horror unfolded.

“Bring me all the treasures you can find,” a tall, bushy-bearded man shouted as he walked, pointing a spear toward the village’s center. “And you, find that blasted boy of mine and deliver him his orders. He has work to do.”

“You heard your Captain, lads,” another man bellowed, “Tare through every dwelling. We will take what is ours!” A chorus of jeers answered him.

Like the legs of a giant spider, the raiders fanned out in all directions. They turned over baskets, smashed pottery, and decimated any vessel that could have hidden away valuables. Some even ripped the jewelry right off her tribesmen; many who resisted became captives or met with a swift and bloody end.

Risalii gasped, feeling the terror rise in her chest, causing her entire body to tremble. She could not bring herself to rise as much as she wanted to. She’d never seen a raid of this caliber before and knew she couldn’t stay there. But that was when she spotted Rivvin, her father, cutting a path through the marauders coming up the path.

After taking a resolving breath and gathering herself, Risalii sprang towards the barn, only pausing when her cover ended. From there, she thrust herself onto her feet and made a dash toward her father. A raider spotted her within two seconds. In such attire, who wouldn't?

"You there! Stop!" one of the burliest men she had the displeasure of coming across yelled behind her. His enormous size made him slow, though he made up for that by calling way too much attention to Risalii and her plight as other unfriendly eyes drank her in.

Her father had always been an excellent marksman. He taught her everything she knew about hunting and archery. With an arrow at the ready, Risalii could see that he was poised to strike down the madman after his daughter. Risalii felt a spark of hope in his protectiveness of her. “Risa, this way!” her father called as he slew a man in front of him.

In Risalii's need to get to her father, she tripped and launched herself down the hill, rolling to its bottom. Dazed, if only for a moment, she willed herself back up. Only a few more feet, and she'd be at his side.

“Are you hurt?” Rivvin kissed her forehead quickly before he pushed her behind him.

“I’m fine, Papa, really. Just shaken up a bit… But I think… I think Na’na might have gotten hurt really badly,” her eyes swelled with tears as she looked at the residue on her hand.

“Don’t worry. Take Pim and flee as fast as you can. Na’na and I will find you again. This I promise you, my daughter. We will meet again. Now go on. Get.”

Under her father’s instructions, she slipped into the barn, calmed poor Pim, and readied him for travel as fast as she could. Risalii loaded his saddle with three small packs of essentials left by her grandmother earlier. Then she mounted him and fled out into the wilderness. Her father could only hold back so many of them. Soon enough, the riders were hot on her tail.

“Tut-tut!” Risalii bent low over Pim, encouraging the elk to pick up the pace. A pair of riders adorned in deep blue cuirasses gave chase. Their steeds, though swift and strong, still couldn’t catch her. Risalii had the unmistakable advantage of knowing the land, though. Exploration of its many streams, forests, and steppes was in her blood. The bulky creatures reared up when Risalii headed down a narrow ravine and had to slow to continue to pursue her. She and Pim skirted the shallow stream that filled its bottom.

Then she lost them where the stream branched off in multiple directions as it sought the sea. Caves dotted the region like many yawning mouths. Risalii chose one with a low entrance at random. She flung herself from Pim’s saddle and slid inside, not once letting go of his reigns. In they went, vanishing from view.

Risalii coaxed Pim to follow her deeper as she searched for a place that would allow them to hide. Another corridor, a larger formation, or a dip in the floor could conceal them until the danger passed. They just needed to be quick about it.

The first opportunity she found, she took. A fissure in the cavern’s wall slanted down into the earth a few feet before it became a dead end. It was hard to tell how far back it went in the minimal light. No matter. Risalii wasted no time forcing Pim into it, though he was stubborn. She exhaled with a haughty huff, wiggling into the crevasse beside him. Risalii hoped they were far enough to remain out of sight if her pursuers found the cave.