The Severaine

Chapter Five Remembrance-1

Chapter Five

RemembranceThey journeyed through the forest as quickly as their fatigue and the terrain would allow. Even through the trees' canopies there was no shelter from the torrential downpour that continued to fall relentlessly. The branches sagged under the weight of the water their leaves tried to intercept, whilst the icy wind chilled them to the bone. They stayed close to each other in an attempt to preserve as much heat as possible. The waterproof sheet draped over their heads made a constant drumming sound with each drop of rain that struck. It was a beat so rapid no army would march to it.

“Hold it right there.” The voice, startling them, drew their slow pace to a halt. A second figure descended the trees behind them.

“Great, bandits,” Eiji sighed. “This is the last thing we need.” Daniel and Eiji raised their hands, their fingers releasing the sheeting as they indicated they were unarmed. The tarpaulin flew from their location, trapped in the harsh currents of the wind. Acha cuddled the child closer as the shadowed figures approached.

“Eliot?” the figure before them questioned. Daniel looked to him in surprise, for the first time truly taking in the appearance of those who advanced from the shadows of the forest. From their attire it was clear they were not bandits. The figure lowered his weapon, gesturing for his comrade to do the same.

“Daniel.” He extended his hand in greeting. These men were mercenaries, and from the clear recognition held in the gaze of the one standing before him, he knew their thoughts, or at least their innermost hopes. Daniel was the very image of his brother, the person who had known, trained, and sacrificed his life for these people.

“Of course.” Within the voice rang a slight tone of disappointment, as if for one moment they had truly believed their fallen ally had been returned to them. “I'm Rutland, the quiet one is Jerad. Come, you look to be in need of a warm drink and shelter.” They followed the figure as he guided them through the woods.

The uniform darkness of the forest was a constant. What little light remained diminished as they progressed. They followed almost blindly, the hour and incessant rain both an enemy to those who walked this path. The shrubbery grew denser, the trees giving way to natural scrubland. The tallest of multi-stemmed shrubs before the trees grew to heights of eight metres, effectively shielding all from sight. Single stemmed shrubs grew lower, reaching five metres or less.

“I bet it's grown a little since you were last here,” Rutland commented, seeing Daniel take in the natural barricade. Daniel nodded. “Your biotecture idea was certainly worth further exploration. I must say we were less than convinced when Adam showed us your letter, after all, you were just a pup. But you were on to something and now we're trying it and reporting back to other more stationary camps like our own. We've not only manipulated the perimeter. We looked into it further and with the help of the Research Plexus developed an aeroponic technique for making bridges from live roots, and making simple comforts, like outdoor seating and tables.” Daniel gave a half-hearted smile, remaining silent.

Silhouettes became visible through the darkness. The appearance of man-made constructs almost seeming to appear from the shadows into reality. But such things were less in number than Daniel remembered, or more accurately, better disguised. Trees and shrubs had been manipulated to embrace the structures. In time it was likely the walls themselves could be removed as the natural walls grew denser.

All mercenary camps were designed to be mobile. Their housing made from wood and vines secured to create a sturdy structure. Should the need arise the entire camp could be disassembled and relocated in a matter of hours. Often on the structures, were release vines. A single vine expertly connected to the others that once cut, saw the sections release, folding in on themselves into manageable segments which were then removed. Generally, when a camp moved, there was little evidence of it ever having been there. Even here, where nature now embraced the holdings, should the structures be removed the environment would just show a peculiar growth, and the more complex makings, such as the seats and tables, would be marked the work of dryads and satyr.

Care was always taken in such camps to ensure their presence remained masked, undetectable by manipulators of magic and technology, but this camp now showed the very foundation of how long-term bases would adapt in the future. Even the most powerful force would not detect their presence here, proven without question by their avoidance of the Severaine. A force that had passed so close yet left them unharmed.

Rutland and Jerad guided them through the almost surreal architecture. When Daniel had first written to his brother, he had never really expected them to consider his thoughts. He had been a child, and one who missed his brother greatly. He had barely noticed the undertaking of his idea when he first visited. Then again, given all that happened during his only stay here, it was of little wonder. But seeing it now was a sight to behold.

The scrubland remained in the most natural state possible, untouched by any who dwelt here. There was no temple, although as they walked Daniel noticed a particularly artistic weave of tree and shrub, which appeared to hold offerings.

Little talk could be heard, but as they were escorted, he was almost certain they were being watched by eyes concealed in the shadows. The visible parts of the structures were almost lost, their camouflage seeing them blend almost seamlessly into the world around them. Even knowing the size of this land Daniel was unable to estimate the number of buildings across its surface. It was his guess there were just shy of one hundred and fifty mercenaries here. From what he could discern, the lodgings were shared, perhaps sleeping eight in each. There appeared to be larger areas for social activities, and of course, what mercenary base was complete without a groggery? The tensions were high from time away from their families, such a place calmed the friction. It was also one of the larger buildings and as yet unconcealed fully.

Their pace slowed as they approached another structure. The weave of the biotecture indicative of its more recent assembly. Daniel glanced around once more, wondering how many of the shadows watched them only in his mind.

“Please, make yourselves at home, Commander Jones will come to greet you shortly,” he advised. After motioning them inside Rutland followed, where he took to the task of starting a welcoming fire, whilst his partner went to advise the Commander of their arrival. It wasn't long before the sound of the crackling flames filled the air.

“Won't the fire compromise y' position?” Eiji questioned, moving closer to feel the warm embrace of the flames.

“Don't concern yourselves. We install specialised converters in all our barracks. We place them in the flue and it separates the air into natural, harmless components which dissipates the smoke. Don't ask me how it works though, it's beyond my understanding. It's a technology recreated by the Research Plexus for our use.”

“That's incredible.” Daniel resisted the urge to peer up the opening.

“Well, I should leave you to get settled. I should be getting back to my patrol. It was nice to meet you all.” Rutland offered them a salute before leaving.

Acha carefully placed the child close to the fire, her trembling body now gripped in the throes of fever. Kneeling beside her she emptied the backpack, retrieving the clothes wrapped in the waterproof sheeting normally used for shelter. She changed her quickly into one of Daniel's linen shirts, before peeling her own clothes from her skin to spread them across one of the wicker chairs to dry.

For the first time Acha examined their new surroundings. It consisted of three rooms, this one, and two smaller, which would sleep two adults. Despite being held together by only vine, the rooms were seamless, a clear indication of well-practised hands.

Eiji began to collect some water in a bowl by holding it outside to catch the rain, while Daniel searched through his satchel for the needed tincture. He carefully examined the child, it appeared they had arrived not a moment too soon. Beads of sweat formed on her olive complexion as her frail body trembled uncontrollably. The young girl coughed as she was forced to swallow the bitter tasting liquid.

“Daniel, I wondered if you would ever visit.” He knew the person instantly. There was no need to look at his mousy-brown hair or friendly brown eyes. Despite the years that had passed his was a voice he would never forget. He looked at the child still held within Daniel's arms and smiled.

“Jones.” Daniel couldn't hide the sadness in his voice despite the smile hearing this man had brought. He laid the child back down beside the fire. Once she was comfortable, he rose to his feet, turning to face the figure. He had grown a little older, but despite that, he was still the same as he remembered. Everything about the man projected an air of kindness.

“I brought you some food, I thought you may be hungry. Erm…” He glanced around at his friends before finally asking, “Is she yours?”

“No, she's not mine.” Daniel coughed, trying to hide his amusement as his cheeks flushed. “We found her in the debris.”

“Weft?” The shock in his voice was obvious to all. “I thought we'd recovered everyone.” It had been a difficult mission rescuing the survivors, the extent of the damage the town suffered had made the mission almost impossible.

“Eiji found her,” he stated, glancing across to his friend. Eiji gave a polite wave after pulling a dry shirt over his head. Jones followed his line of vision, his face betraying his surprise. He hadn't seen one of his kind for some time now. Jones felt himself grin.

“An Elementalist, no wonder you could find her. It was all a bit of a rush to be honest. Say, Eiji was it, are you aligned with anyone yet?” Eiji looked at him blankly. Jones shook his head, his smile broadening slightly before turning his focus back to Daniel. “Daniel, I was hoping you would return, I have something I would like to show you.” Daniel nodded as Acha wrung a towel in the cool rainwater. She gestured for him to follow, almost as if she sensed his hesitation. Finally he pursued his brother's friend, who had already left ahead of him. “Daniel, I am sorry we have not been in touch, there is no excuse.

“Your brother was a fine man. There is not a man amongst us who was not proud to call him our friend. That night.” Jones paused for a second as if to compose himself before he continued. He looked to Daniel sympathetically. “That night, he saved us all. But he paid the highest price. If not for his actions, I fear to think what may have happened.” He paused again, thinking back. Adam had ordered him to remain behind to protect his little brother. Daniel had been no more than seventeen when they first met, and now, he had grown to become such a fine young man. He could tell just by looking at him that he shared more than just his brother's looks, he also shared his heart.

Adam Eliot had ordered him to stay on the grounds that night; he justified it by saying it was unacceptable to prevent Jones the opportunity of being a father. He had known the dangers that lay ahead. It was the first and only time he had pulled rank, and he was forced to obey him.

They had both joined the mercenaries at the same time, neither had been much older than seventeen. They became inseparable. As Adam's affinity for command became apparent, he advanced the ranks with his trusted friend at his side. There was but a small difference in skill between them, but one large enough to ensure he remained the Commander's Lieutenant. There had been a time he had been offered a command of his own, but he could think of no place he would rather be than fighting beside his friend. Each owed a life debt never to be settled. “Anyway,” he continued as he realised he had been letting his thoughts wander. He pushed them away quickly before the grief became apparent. Years had passed and even now he still missed him. “Although we scattered his ashes, we thought he of all people deserved a remembrance.” Jones gestured forwards.