Shattered Exile

SIX Expulsion-2

‘Darlia! You have come back!’

She smiled to herself whilst she watched her new protégé diligently practicing the meditation techniques she had recently imparted. After aiding Nathaniel to track her own movements to Scrier’s Post, Keshar had inadvertently become the first of her students. Despite their short time together, the young scrier was already exhibiting signs of great potential, nurtured by her experienced tutelage and under the protection afforded to them by Scrier’s Post. The formerly abandoned site – originally erected as a sanctuary for scriers – now stood rejuvenated, courtesy of Krasus’ masterful ability. Under her direction, and with the blessing of their queen, Scrier’s Post was now restored to glory –though with a modern twist. The original gothic feel of the sanctuary and its surrounding courtyard had been eroded by Krasus’ ability to bend the laws of nature. Now the site had a much sleeker feel, with stylish curves and sharp lines littered throughout its new design. The site’s previously rough organic surfaces were now smooth, like glass, giving the place of meditation an almost crystalline quality. Her new direction for Scrier’s Post had seen its former dark and sombre existence raised into the light, in accordance with her vision. The site was now the fulcrum of Mirielle’s renewed stance on scrying, and together they would work to avoid repeating the tragedies responsible for the sanctuary’s tarnished repute. Scrier’s Post would no longer be mired in the unfortunate events that stained its past; the site had renewed purpose, and would once again serve as a sanctuary for Freylar’s scriers. Under her watchful eye, Scrier’s Post would allow them to bring the art of scrying into the light. No longer would the ability be seen as taboo. Whilst there would still be the ongoing necessity for certain restraints – lines never to be crossed – her students would be indoctrinated in the use of their ability. No longer would scriers operate in the shadow, under tight regulation; instead, her kin would embrace their ability, whilst being both mindful and well informed of the dangers wrought through over-indulgence.

‘Aleska, my time here is coming to an end. I trust that you are satisfied with my work?’

‘Indeed I am. You have done an excellent job. I know of only one capable of surpassing your masterful ability.’ she replied, with a warm smile. ‘I shall inform her that you have exceeded my expectations.’

‘There is no need to inform our queen.’

Once again, she detected the familiar hint of arrogance in the shaper’s voice. Krasus was a master shaper – a fact he was keenly aware of – who often failed to keep his hubris in check. Despite greatly appreciating his help to restore Scrier’s Post, she preferred to work with those who exhibited a more modest work ethic. The overconfident artisan began talking in detail about the alterations he had fastidiously wrought upon the site, though she found his delivery unnecessarily verbose and conceited. Krasus’ lips continued to move, yet she paid the talented shaper little further attention as her mind began to wander. She wondered if perhaps seeing the site now would ease Nathaniel’s stance over their renewed direction on scrying. There was no doubt in her mind, that the site’s new facade would go some way to distancing the sanctuary from its grubby past, thus allowing them to usher in a new era of acceptance for Freylar’s scriers.

‘So, you see, it was necessary to spend the additional time ensuring that--’

‘Your efforts are appreciated.’ she replied abruptly, seeking an end to Krasus’ pompous verbal tirade. ‘If you wish, you may return to the Tri-Spires tomorrow morning. In the meantime, can you please finish the memorial in the courtyard, which we discussed?’

‘It will only take me a moment to complete.’ replied Krasus, seemingly unfazed by her interjection.

‘Good. After it is done, your work here is finished.’

Krasus nodded cordially, then turned and strode out of the sanctuary into the courtyard. Throughout their conversation, Keshar had remained intently focused on her meditation. She smiled again as she resumed her observation of the young Freylarkin, watching with interest whilst ensuring that the young scrier did not attempt to overstep the boundaries of her new-found freedom. Although Keshar was her only student – for the time being at least – she remained confident that others would follow her teachings, once word of the sanctuary’s restoration became public knowledge. Having decided to remain positive, she convinced herself that Mirielle would find a way to overcome the lingering stigma attached to Scrier’s Post. She hoped dearly that the reimaging of Scrier’s Post would aid the queen by facilitating their shared ambition, which, ultimately, was in the interests of the Freylarkai. But despite her confidence, there remained the ever-present possibility that Mirielle would summon her back to the Tri-Spires, to assist with future recruitment. To that end, she required that Keshar be ready. Moreover, she needed the young scrier’s unwavering loyalty; if Mirielle indeed chose to recall her, she would need a Freylarkin whom she could trust to manage the sanctuary in her absence.

‘Keshar, you may stop now.’ she said, as she approached her eager apprentice. ‘It is now time for you to move on, for I have another lesson for you to learn.’

‘Come in.’ he said, using his mind effortlessly to open the door to his private quarters.

Two of the Tri-Spires’ guards entered the room and promptly stood to attention. As was habitually the case with the house guards, the Freylarkai standing opposite him appeared rigid, like statues. He took their measure whilst smiling cordially, hoping to put them at ease. But instead, the well drilled guards stiffened their backs, appearing tenser now than when they had first entered his chamber. He sighed in response, bemused as to why they persistently greeted him in such a way, despite his continued efforts to soften his demeanour in their presence. Typically, he had little difficulty winning over his audiences, but there was something sterile about the house guards, which granted them immunity to his charm offensives.

‘At ease.’

Despite ordering the guards to relax, very little changed in their stoic demeanour. Both continued to stand at attention, as though physically restrained by some unseen force. Bemused by the guards’ strict adherence to protocol, he laughed quietly to himself, wondering if there was ever a time when Ragnar practiced the same level of restraint. Unfazed by his personal amusement – at their own expense no less – the guards remained perfectly still, presumably waiting for his formal request for their report. How stale the chain of command was, he mused. Regrettably, there were few who questioned his authority. Although this state of affairs ultimately made the task of commanding The Blades easier, he missed the mental stimulation of justifying his own thought processes. As a direct consequence, he spent a great deal of time buried in his own thoughts, debating issues silently to himself. Secretly, he had hoped for the prompt return of Rayna from her secondment to the Ardent Gate, where he had instructed her to spend time with the Knights Thranis, seeking to earn their trust. However, as fate would have it, Rayna remained absent from the vale. Though her lack of presence was a good sign – suggesting that the knights had not dismissed The Guardian out of hand – her absence did nothing to placate his own needs. Whilst his fellow Paladins and Valkyries were often a good source of debate, their own views were typically self-serving, frequently driven by personal agenda. Occasionally both Ragnar and Nathaniel made for good sounding boards, however, Ragnar lacked imagination and Nathaniel had become increasingly distracted since Rayna’s arrival in Freylar. Deciding not to leave the guards hanging any longer, he gave them the formality they sought and stood before them, ready to receive their report.

‘What news do you have to report?’

‘My lord, I regret to inform you that there has been no further sighting of the exile. We believe he has since fled the vale.’

‘What evidence forms the basis of your assumption?’ he asked, toying with the unfortunate guard who chose to speak.

‘We have checked everywhere, my lord.’ replied the other guard, who now warranted his attention.

‘An impossible task, I am sure. Besides, why would Krashnar travel to the vale, simply to release a local fisherman? Mark my words – he is still here.’

The guards stiffened once more, no doubt finding his response uncomfortable.

‘What are your orders, my lord?’

‘Continue your search. And remember...he could be anyone.’

‘Yes my lord.’ the guards replied in unison.

‘Is there anything further to report?’

‘My lord, there are reports that The Guardian has been sighted in the vale.’

‘When was this confirmed?’ he said, failing to mask his surprise.

‘Two cycles ago. One of the forest dwellers reported seeing her return from the north.’

‘The north – are you certain?’

‘My lord, it is possible the Freylarkin was confused. The report, however, is accurate.’

‘Understood. Then, if there is nothing else, you are both dismissed.’ he said, followed by a quick wave of his right hand.

The emotionless duo promptly left the chamber, closing the door firmly behind them. He wandered over to the room’s single large window, casting his gaze towards the distant forest on the other side of the river that ran the length of the vale. If the report was accurate, and Rayna was indeed back from the southern lands, why then would she delay in reporting to him regarding her mission, he mused. In addition, the report mentioned nothing of Anika – had the pair become separated, he wondered. For a fleeting moment, he thought about contacting Rayna by paying her a personal visit at Nathaniel’s tree, though he quickly reminded himself of the Trials, and The Guardian’s imminent duel with Lothnar. The smart move was to await Rayna’s report – undoubtedly, she would approach him when she was ready. Besides, with Krashnar’s whereabouts still unaccounted for, gallivanting around the vale in search of Rayna was unwise. The Blades had already been tasked with chasing one shadow; he could ill afford to start potentially chasing another.