The Severaine

Chapter Five Remembrance-3

Once they had packed the remainder of their belongings, they were ready to leave.

Jones led the way through the forest at a brisk pace. The child remained silent, her teddy bear clutched tightly in her grasp. She rode on Eiji's back, trying with difficulty to stay awake and listen to the quiet conversation he and Acha shared. Daniel and Jones walked ahead leading the way.

“Did you choose to evacuate to the castle because it withstood the last time the Severaine was released?” Daniel questioned. In even the oldest texts there had been illustrations of Albeth castle. History told of its age surpassing that of their own civilisation. The architecture was like nothing this time had yet been able to achieve. As the Severaine had reshaped the world ready for the reign of Zeus, by some inexplicable design, it had remained standing. But whether it had withstood the Severaine's rage, or been passed over by it completely, was beyond any theory.

“Yes, it's said that the two castles of this world are the only monuments that remain standing in their entirety from the time of the ancients. It seemed the most logical place to send them. They have room to spare and good medical facilities.” Daniel knew of at least a one other place left standing in their entirety, the Court of Twilight, but this side of Phoenix Landing such a place was nothing more than a fairy tale. Jones smiled as he saw Daniel glance to his side for what was easily the third time. Despite the fatigue he had displayed early this morning his reflexes seemed unusually precise. He walked almost as if he feared they were in danger, every movement seemed to catch his vision. “You know, this forest was once referred to as fay forest.”

“Really?” He turned his attention to focus fully on Jones, surprised he had never learnt of this place in his studies.

“Really.” Jones smiled. “It was rumoured that without the Hectarian magical energy, many magical creatures faded into another plane of existence, one that could support their life. But some fairies, and other such small magical beings, used very little of nature's forces and so continued to exist quite happily for some time until they too began to slowly fade. Although there are a few who even to this day live on.”

“How do you know all this?”

“I came across a traveller once. I was only a youngster at the time but he had some amazing stories and would often trade them for food or lodgings. I assisted him gathering some wood for my mother who had offered him shelter for the night in exchange for some odd jobs. I would not have believed his tales if not for seeing proof with my own eyes. I'm surprised you haven't heard them yourself, he hailed from Crowley.”

“What was his name?” Daniel enquired, having the strangest sensation that he already knew the answer.

“I believe his name was Robert, he was well-learned and knowledgeable on all manner of creatures and their dwellings.”

“You can't mean Elder Robert?” he questioned in disbelief.

“I'm not sure. He would be around mid-sixties now at a guess, if that helps.”

“That's him.” Daniel shook his head in mild amusement. He had heard so many of Elder Robert's outlandish tales and not believed a single one. All this time he had doubted the truth of his words and this was the second time his stories had proved true. Was it just a coincidence, or could it be the fables he actually told were rooted in truth?

“He's a great resource if you're interested in that kind of thing. He knows all the legends and old stories. You'd almost think he lived through them. In fact, he told me once that he even has his own dragon's egg. I think we would know if it had hatched though, but they can take centuries to mature, even if they are away from heat the young just enter a form of hibernation until the conditions for continued development are met.”

“He made quite an impression on you, didn't he?” Daniel smiled to himself. Elder Robert made quite an impression on anyone he crossed paths with.

“You could say that, he used to visit my mother annually to help prepare her home for winter. I was certain one day he would come on dragon back like the knights of legend.”

The rise and fall of the grassy plains before them became visible as the trees began to thin. Jones brought them to a reluctant stop. He had enjoyed his conversation with Daniel. He was a lot like his older brother. Just walking with him had made him feel young again.

“Unfortunately this is as far as I can take you. Continue on a bearing of north by northwest.” He smiled to himself. “Or just head north and adjust your position accordingly when it comes into view.” He pointed. The walk would take a day and a half, it would be a long trek for anyone. “I nearly forgot.” Jones pulled a small metal chain from around his neck. He stared at the small metal shield for a moment before he placed it over Daniel's head.

It was only on examination Daniel noticed there were two shields upon the chain, one bearing his brother's name, the other inscribed with his.

“Adam made it for you just before your last visit. He spent a long time at the forge strengthening it and getting it just right. It seems only fitting you should have his as well.” Daniel tucked the chain inside his shirt and thanked Jones who took Daniel's extended hand. He shook it briefly before pulling him into a short embrace. Adam had been like family to him, as such he viewed Daniel as his own little brother. He was saddened to see him go, but even he could see the greatness that lay in his future. That was, unless he chose to let the past rule him.

* * *

The castle of Albeth had inspired awe and song since the dawn of the age. An amalgamation of man and nature, the mountains themselves embracing it on either side. Sheer cliffs rose from where stone had fused with the outer walls. This had earned it the moniker of Oureas' Rest.

There were two possible entrances to the castle; the port, situated upon the great lake to its rear, and the front, separated from land and rock by the enormous crafted river which ran half circle until it disappeared beneath the mountains, returning to a vast underground reservoir.

It was at the front, upon the finely crafted stone bridge Daniel now stood. His frustrated gaze turned down towards the waters below. Whilst the sun blessed the land the mighty drawbridge, now raised and concealing the portcullis behind, would fall to complete the enormous walkway. Daniel looked up, humbled by the sheer size of that which stood before him.

Drum tower and mountain were indistinguishable in stone from one another as the castle rose in the most breath-taking tribute to the time before them. Wizardry, nature spirits, and man, all seemed somehow involved in the construction of this, the largest and most defensible position in all the kingdoms.

A small crowd of refugees had already gathered, setting up their makeshift camps on the small grassy terrain at either side of the impressive cobbled road. Their rugged presence a testament to their difficult journey. Their possessions few in number as they flocked to seek refuge.

Daniel moved to join his friends, weary and aching as he took a seat. Eiji had fashioned a campfire, carefully lit within a stone circle created from the surroundings. Seeing the warmth a few children moved to join them, their parents lingering hesitantly behind. Eiji stepped aside, allowing them to approach and bask in the warmth of the fire on this cold night. It seemed others had attempted to craft such things, but the damp cold air had seen their wood fail to ignite.

There were three caravans in total, each accompanied by the footfall of at least ten. Drawn to the heat, they brought with them what little provisions remained, offering food in exchange for warmth. He was rewarded with some fresh game, which he sliced into thin strips, and placed upon a metal plate to cook.

The formally quiet atmosphere, filled with the sharing of food, soon became the hum of chatter. Daniel removed himself from the crowd, with Eiji following close behind. Their silence uneasy as they watched Acha and the young girl walk through the gathering in search of a familiar face.

“Have y' been here before?” Eiji questioned breaking the silence. Daniel shook his head. He had intended to visit with Zo, but they never seemed to find the time. “I've been with my master once.” Another silence descended. Eiji once more lifted it. “They've a mindseer, y' know?” Daniel gave a slight nod, his hands tightening around the material of his satchel. Eiji moved to sit beside him. “Yeah, I heard it said she's the reason the heir apparent was overthrown.”

“He had no claim to the throne,” a voice from behind him interrupted. A young lady, by the looks of her a little over seventeen, moved to sit a little too close to Eiji, offering him a share of her bread. “Didn't ya hear? He'd been publicly refused. He only sat on it 'cus he'd sent his brother off before the King passed. If you ask me the timing was convenient.”

“Yeah, I think I heard somethin' like that,” Eiji mused, shuffling slightly to increase the gap between him and the fair-haired woman. She groomed herself slightly, her fingers snagging in her tangled locks.

“Yeah that woman, her name's Helen. She was sold to them as a nipper, they said she'd the power of mindsight, seeing what people intend. Didn't help the King none when his son offed him. But she proved her worth when the prince returned, I suppose.”

“Whaddya mean?” Eiji questioned with general intrigue, although he was disappointed to see Daniel showed no such interest.

“She warned him of the threat, and before he could be killed by his brother, he was rumoured to be dead. She used that mindsight of hers to find those loyal to the prince and start an underground rebellion and used her influence to put the prince's men in power. When the prince returned in flesh, the King had few allies and fell to the rebellion. Tell ya what though, it's a good job. He was bleedin' us dry. He raised the taxes and took more crop. We near almost starved in the short years he governed, and ya can bet he'd not offer us refuge.”

“Bexs.” A young boy approached, and he grabbed her hand, giving her a gentle pull. “I'm tired.”

“Alright, let's get you down for the night. Tomorrow I'll be getting a job. I'll see you with a full belly and a smile by day's end.” She gave Eiji a smile as the young boy, alike to her in the ways only a sibling could be, dragged her away.

It was a little while and another long silence before Acha joined them. The young girl was exhausted, her every effort focused on keeping her heavy eyelids from closing. Eiji placed his blanket down allowing Acha to settle her to sleep.

“How about y'?” Eiji questioned, breaking the silence in such a manner it could be believed there had been none.

“What?” Acha questioned, pulling her own blanket from her bag while Eiji turned his focus to making another, smaller campfire.

“Have y' been here before?”

“Many times, although this is my first time at the gates.”

“Y've been in through the port?” Acha nodded, stifling a yawn.

“I was a farmer, remember. I used to have to deliver our crop and taxes. But we sailed from Crowley and followed the river. I don't think I've seen this side before.”

“I can't say I've seen the port. We spent three days here once and still only saw a fraction. What's it like?”

“I doubt it's changed much.” Acha rubbed her eyes. “Is he all right?” She gestured toward Daniel, who sat silently staring blankly ahead. Eiji gave a slight shrug. “Do you think we should seek out a physician while we're here?”

“It couldn't hurt.” Daniel had heard the words, but he was too focused on other things to pay them heed. Even the shadows had lost their threat as he heard a quiet voice whispering at the back of his mind. A voice which sang the forgotten lore of Oureas' Rest.

Acha had progressed to tell Eiji of the port and docks and how their ship would drag nets in hope to catch fish to sell on their approach. All voyages, even back then, had to be sanctioned. The ship would pull into a screening area, where the King's fleet would greet them checking over their paperwork and cargo. If they passed this scrutiny they were permitted into the main dock. An area which could be completely sealed from the waters.

Once the King's fleet granted passage to the trading vessels, they would signal the guards who would activate an impressive water driven system. Acha had never grown tired of seeing the immense brick wall sink beneath the waters to grant passage. Trade vessels such as these were granted access three times a day, dawn, midday, and dusk. Any missing the final inspection were sealed from the castle, whether they were the King's own fleet or those from neighbouring provinces seeking wage and trade.

Those approved sailed through a natural inlet, the sheer cliffs towering above offering natural defence and vantage points. As the boat neared the close of this area another wall lowered, granting them access into the large bustling port.

Upon arrival, the water bailiff would inspect the paperwork and permits, claiming any unaccounted-for cargo in the name of the King. Acha would present the signed paperwork and coins to the treasurer whilst the King's farm taxes were unloaded. After the formalities were complete, she would explore the trader's den, where those wishing to unload or trade merchandise would meet to barter. On many occasions she traded her surplus in exchange for much needed wares, some perhaps obtained in more dubious ways than others.

Whilst Acha had spoken to Eiji in depth about the port's grandeur the child had fallen asleep. Daniel, too, had taken to his blanket, knowing they would wake him for his watch. Neither of them believed him to be sleeping, but they were content to let him rest and allow him the final watch, in hope that sleep might claim him before.