Chapter Six Hundred And Thirty Five – 635
Three Months Ago
Haarwatch
The world was on fire.
It was a dry heat, but that was no consolation. His scar-tight skin puckered with each bloom from the horizon, as war was waged only a half league awaybut the inferno had not started with the Hierocracys invasion. It had kindled among the Protectors Guild, spread through the Dust and Crafters Quarters, until it had consumed the Eyrie from within.
Consumed him.
He coughed, and it was like dredging hooks across his lungs. The flames of ambition had scourged him deeply, until there was little left but a husk of Body and Spirit, each balanced precariously on his Mind. The merest puff of an Apprentice Tiers power, and it would all collapse.
Tucked in a bed on the northern side of the healers ward, he couldnt see the battle. His eyes were so ruined, he could see little more than foggy impressions of light and shadow. Instead he could feel the aftershocks as the walls shook and the air filled with the scent of blood and fire. Ever since the assault began, Lady Boscals newly built tower was filled to bursting with the wounded. Near-corpses riddled with fungus, gasping victims bound in webbing, and those slashed to ribbons had streamed through the doors, many whipping past his room on their way to treatment.
For glasses, it continueduntil a final shudder sent a quake through the entire city. He thought, for a blissful moment, that the very roof of Boscals mansion would fall upon himbut it was not to be. The walls held, and quietude reigned across Haarwatch.
The cheering started shortly after that.
He sat in the sound, unable to do much else. Stewing. Burning as a name was repeated on every set of lips, no matter their age or Temper.
Praise Nevarre! Praise the Fiend!
He couldnt stomach it. His teeth were little more than nubs in his jaw and his hands were half-meltedbut he clenched them both, until red fury gave what to incandescent agony. The pain helped. It reminded him of his hateful reality. Of the need that kept his heart beating each day.
The day dwindled, but the celebrations did not. Pent up fear and grief was excised, breathed into the air like a fog where too-loud laughter chased it off into the distance. The moons of Siva and Yyero rose above the mountains, their silver and bronze light wan against the revelry below, and the shadows grew long and cold. It burned just as much as the heat.
Elder Teine. How the mighty have fallen.
Who? A wet, rattling cough tore from his chest and the room spun. Someone was there, standing just inside the doorway.
A friend. The door closed, but he still couldnt make them out. You look like you could use one.
Teine spat out a wad of something coppery and hot. Havent you heard? I am a pariah. Anathema.
Considered such by fools who have given their allegiance to a heathen Lord. Their opinions are false before the Light.
Teine squinted, trying to flare his broken Perception. He could barely make out that she was a woman, and even that was fuzzy. Why would a Pathless zealot seek me out?
The figure drew closer. The Light has guided me to you, Elder Teine.
I am an Elder no longer.
Master Teine, then.
Teine gritted his broken teeth. Are you as blind as I am? My power is broken.
But not your ambition. Despite your injuries, you are uniquely capable, Master Teine. The figuredefinitely a womandrew within arms reach. And the Light has need of you.
I care nothing for your god, and less for your politics. I have nothing to offer your kind.
She was close enough now that Teine could make out her features, and he wasnt surprised to find her in almost as bad condition as himself. Blood streaked her once-white armor, staining her tunic where black char didnt ruin it further. The cloth-of-gold starburst upon her chest was still pristine, but that she covered with the nondescript brown cloak around her shoulders, and the deep hood hid bruised eyes and numerous lacerations across her lips and cheeks.
Dont touch me!
The Manaship loomed closer and closer, but down the docks were a gaggle of poorly dressed beggars. Teine had noticed them previously, lingering at the edges of the piers as if waiting for something, and apparently so had the Haarguard.
Out you lot! an Orc woman said, gesturing sharply. You know youre not allowed on the skydocks.
One of the beggars, a scrawny Human man in a bedraggled greatcoat, placed his fists on his hips and puffed out his meager chest. If youd allow us transit to the Autarchs city, then wed be out of your hair, fool!
Transit costs coin, or else to prove you can be of use in the Autarchs capitol, the Orc guardswoman said in a tired tone. You know that, too.
Coin wed have if the Autarch himself hadnt brought the Eyrie down on our heads! one of them shouted.
A chorus of agreement swept through the crowd of beggars, and Teine noticed how well-dressed they all were. Dirty, yes, bedraggled, most certainlybut their bearing told almost as much as the quality of their fabrics.
If youre in need of food, the kitchens are downstairs, said a gruff Hobgoblin, cutting through their arguments. And if youre in need of housing, speak to the Director of Residences. Director Kelgan will see you to a home and even a job, if you need it.
Pah! Charity! The scrawny man waved away the guards words as if they were buzzing flies. Handouts are for laborers and incompetents.
And yet you keep tryin to get on the flights for free, the Hobgoblin said with a rough laugh. Explain that, milord.
The man bared his teeth as if he were going to bite the guardsman, but the hand of his fellows pulled him back. The well-dressed but dirty beggars pulled back, retreating toward the skydock doors.
Nobles, Teine realized as he watched the interchange. Minor ones, to be sure, ones that likely had their home and wealth stripped away during the collapse of the Eyrie and restructuring of its government. He almost dismissed them when his eyes caught on two figures in the back of the dispersing crowd.
He tapped his cane on the floor of his sedan chair. Bring me closer to them. There.
His hired goons grumbled but obeyed, turning abreast the milling morass of mortals with all the speed of a lurching sea beast. Still, folks cleared from their path, and before the minor nobles had strayed too far Teine had reached his destination.
You. The two of you. His words were snares and the man and woman froze, their limbs seized. The Skill was fitful and weak, but Teine put all his Will into its structure, opposing their intense desire to be free. Speak with me for a moment. You will be free to go after.
Their collective Will buckled at the promise in his wordsone like a house of cards and the other with a tense curiosity. The large man stared up at Teine, square of jaw and thick of skull, while the slighter woman peered with narrowed eyes behind a thick scarf.
What do you want? the large man asked, and up close Teine realized he was little more than a boy.
I know you. Both of you. Teines Mind whirled with ideas, plans outlined and discarded as quickly as he could manage. Are you looking to travel to the Autarchs new city? This Elderthrone? The big one nodded readily, but the woman tried to peer through Teines warded curtains. I require porters. In exchange for carrying my belongings and running my errands, you can accompany me on this ship. Today.
The big one, Dabney, if he recalled right, opened his mouth with a grinbefore the girl slapped it shut. We need coin. And meals thrice daily.
A stipend can be provided. Mealsare not an issue either. Teine smirked behind his curtains. Any other concerns?
This is just for the trip? No longer than that? She squared herself up against Teines guards, and the scarf slipped slightly from her face. He spied scars similar to his own. I will not be beholden to others. We have goals of our own.
Such fire. Teine smiled despite the pain as it tore fresh scabs across his cheeks. For the trip alone. After that, perhaps we shall talk.
The woman, Lilian, nodded sharply. Very well. What would you have us do for now?
Aid the guards. Carry these supplies. Thick leather satchels were dropped at their feet. Follow.
The guards turned again, bearing Teines sedan chair up to the creaking Manaship. Behind them, he watched as the large boy lifted the satchels alone and hurried along. The woman scowled and hobbled after, leaning heavily on a rough wooden cane.
As his guards mounted the gangplank, Teine steepled his fingers. He smiled.
Yes. They will do nicely.
