[Gundercreek]The march of the suns (to Fort Pellywyn)

[Godah]

Third brightening of Kalendryas, winter of the second era in the reign of Milo L'Evienne.

Era XV After the Aethergem fracture. Early afternoon.

The sky of Telath was grey and shades of darkness threatened to completely swallow what remained of natural blue. Winter has invaded the realm of the west reaching even the farther points of its vast territory and summer was no longer but a memory, a fading remembrance of a once enjoyed season. Cold stripes of invisible wind swirled through the air and the sound of its raging cry echoed in the wilderness, strangely silent. There was little noise in the peaceful lands that surrounded River Laroo. The distant sound of running water was only melody to be heard and a subtle chant of a lonely bird who was mourning the summer that as gone to never return before an era.

But suddenly the bird ceased to chant for it caught the hint of a change. Its dark eye glimmered with the glimpse of a shadow. There was a breeze that carried uncommon perfume and the particles of sand. Soon the little sad bird flicked its wings and flew to the firmament and its gaze roamed the horizon seeking the future. The skies seemed darker on that brightening but at the horizon, there was a glow of yellow and a mixture of brown and golden. Dust filled the air as a wave of shades moved toward the peaceful river.

From the swirling storm of dust and sand rose two figure of darkness. They left the main body and each took a crescent to the side of the entity, soon reaching good distance from it. The bird who chose to take rest on a nude branch of a sleeping tree could distinguish the natural run of a horse, a nervous and noble one, and to the keen eye the golden and red grab of the rider was enough to reveal the secret that hid behind the horizon.

The two riders soon reached each a side of the hill that dominated the river's bed. Their mounts were extruding fogs from the heat of the run and the dust on their uniforms prevented from distinguishing the armouries they bore. One of them was nairu and even if only his eyes remained visible through his veiled face, he seemed young. His eyes tracked every corner of the place seeking any danger. His training during the late months was not wasted; he and the other members of The Third Eye special fantasia had the duty of keeping the body aware of its surrounding and prevent any surprise.

When his heart trusted his eyes and that he was sure that no immediate danger threatened the men, he made a sign of the head to his fellow who turned back and rode with equal haste toward the advancing fog. his figure seemed soon to fade into the fuzzy sea that moved closer; the other rider who remained upon the hill kept his senses aware. His gaze fell once on the bird, fixed it and wondering a moment if it ere not a hidden aeternian agent then dropping the idea. Much stress had been put on secrecy that the men were starting to become paranoids.

"The road is safe, Abi!", Said a young man from behind the blue cloth that veiled his mouth and most of his face.

His words were addressed to a man in uniform, who seemed to be kemite. His chest was bearing the armories of the Al Hakkar dynasty and of the Sultanate of Arakmat. He was the Abi, or a fantasia leader, of the Third Eye, the scout and tracking troop. With a gentle order he made his horse turn back and he soon moved among the lines of cavalry, nairu and kemite humans for the most riding the few horses that the army took with it. Beyond them were men marching slowly but surely, avoiding to uselessly tiring themselves. Further the dorin, the katta and other lesser bodies of the arakmatan force met the Abi Sutchi's gaze. When finally he reached the commanding square of the army he saluted the high ranked men, offered respect to Alric, and then moved closer to a dorin who was mounting a two legged saurus.

"General, our scouts have not reported any danger and e have three of our rows posted around the bridge."

He said while mastering his mount to follow the less elegant ride of the saurus. the dorin who wore little clothes on his grey fur nodded to him. It was important that the passage through the bridge was secure. Crossing the River Laroo was one first test to the coordination of the fantasias, the rows, the packs and other elements of the army.

"Tell the Abis to tighten the ranks. I want to cross the river without loosing any provision. Put the riders on the sides to guide the rows and keep your men weary."

Nodding, the kemite rode further to the head of the march. Godah kicked slightly the saurus on the side and as soon it growled and moved faster onward. He approached the head of the army and he would soon reach it, probably as the bridge could be seen. He supposed that Alric would take care of the rear of the great force. Fifteen thousand souls were enough to deserve two commanders.


OOC: i suppose that there is nothing wrong here but if there is, please correct me and I'll edit. I also don't know if it needs moderation or no

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala had a problem and he sat down at the table in the back room of the Kallimeyra estate with a map of the empire spread out on it. The Arakmatian army was on the march that he knew, he also knew the line of march, south to Zinn’Sunn. He also had a fair idea of the pace of the march. So with scraps of parchment and a quill he did a few arithmetical calculations and came up with a likely area of the map!

The problem was not getting there but finding the lads when he got to their approximate location. Hassan Bey could teleport him anywhere but unless he knew the exact location of the army it was going to be hit and miss and take a few jumps..

Thus armed with an educated guess they set off into folded space jumping across the empire in a gut churning leap of faith. Popping back into real time and space they sought directions to a road and after questioning locals made their way across country to an inn by the road .a little more questioning divulged the information that a large body of men had passed this way just a brightening ago and seemed to heading towards the river Laroo. Pala had never heard of this river but satisfied that this might be the march direction of the Arakmatian army they hired sway back horses and rode in the general direction of this river.


The comforting sight of cooking fires alerted them to the main body of the army and taking care that they would be seen by outriders or guards made their way across the bridge.

[Godah]

The second sun of Telath has almost disappeared underneath the horizon and the glimmering light of a lonely star could already be noticed in the dark cold sky of winter. The river Laroo was silent and cold, the only echo of its flowing water filling what had been the scene of a massive army marching not long ago.

In fact the arakamatan body has crossed the bridge and made its way further toward Fort Pellywyn. A camp had been set for a pause, a rest well deserved for the men and their mounts.

Tents were spread in circles, each at a close distance from the other circles to offer protection. Each circle was housing a body of the army while the mounts, carts and equipment were gathered at the centre of the large circle formed by the groups of tents. Fires were lit, meals were served and warriors shared the pleasure of a brotherly and good meal.

The security was taken care by two groups: the Third Eye scouts took position on the outer limits of the camp ready to notice any and every movements, especially dorin members who used their accurate ears to catch any suspects sound. Nairu riders from the nomadic tribes, and members of the Swirling Wind fantasia patrolled the surrounding in a relay way, insuring that every rider was watched by a fellow arakmatan.

So it was not a surprise that when a figure of two riding persons was spotted by one of the patrolling nomads, a signal was sent discretely in a form of a bird's chant to his partner who never lost eyes contact with him. The signal was passed to a member of the Third Eye, who immediately informed his Abi, before mounting and performing a discrete movement to circle the strangers and follow their track from behind. When he was satisfied of the distance between him and the two riders, the man just continued to follow them without making any further act.

In the camp, the report reached Abi Sutchi and he left the fire he sat next to and ordered two of his men to wait for the strangers at the outskirts of the camp. Meanwhile, he asked the elven lord to post his archers so that they could launch an attack if ever necessary and cover his men.

When the two shades of men and mounts was at good distance, one of the guards shouted.

"Who goes there! Halt and reveal yourselves for your life's sake"

Arrows were already locked on the strangers, ready to be delivered by the elven men of Lord Artham'ian.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala and the sorcerer rode openly towards the camp aware that any moment they would be challenged by sharp eyed scouts or guides. A soft smile played across Pala‘s lips and his hands held the reins loosely relaxed and confident .his back was straight and his sharp blue eyes searched the land looking out for trouble but being so close to the camp of his adopted brothers he held no fears.

The call came clear and Pala gently pulled the nag he was riding to a halt and raised his hands high above his head

We come in peace my brothers in arms with news of Sheria and its welcome for the army of Arakmat

The sorcerer grunted and held up a single hand calling out in disgusted tones Hold you slant eared blind men pay your respects to my lord.

The area around the two men and their horses was lit up with a soft golden orb and the guards could see them clearly.

This is your Lord Palacrisis D Jones the man who gave you back your honour and sacrificed his own position to restore Arakmat. He will be escorted directly to General Godah with due honour and respect.]

Pala grinned and whispered to his mentor “A bit strong old boy these chaps are only doing their duty and please put that light out!

The darkness was restored in a moment and Pala waited to see what the reaction of the guards would be.

[Godah]

As the shape of the man who spoke first could be distinguished, one of the two sentinels recognised him and cursed himself for mistaking the governor for a mere stranger. The cloth that was covering major part of his face moved slightly as he let out a breath before sending a bird's cry to the other tribesman in the rear. Leaving his fellow scoot, he moved closer to the visitors. When he finally guided his mount to where the governor and his sorcerer were, he halted and made a bow of his head.

"Feslan, m'lord. We apologise for mistaking you but we are suspicious toward strangers. Our orders were strict"

In fact, orders have been given to avoid any contact with locals and keep a weary eye on strangers and travellers.

"It is a honour to receive your visit, m'lord. If you shall follow me, I will take you to Akhenaslan Pasha"

If he received approbation, the veiled man would turn and ride with the two toward the camp proper. Two other riders would join them and form a triangle that surrounded Palacrisis and his mage. As they moved through the circles, men would salute them and sometimes shout something along 'Long live Arakmat!'.

When the five riders would reach the general's tent, two of the escort disappeared leaving only the one who greeted them first. Halting, he dismounted and entered the tent just to reappear a moment later.

"Akhenaslan Pasha is eager to hear from you, m'lord"

His words were short, clear and summed the situation. He stepped aside leaving Palacrisis and Hassan Bey the way to meet the army commander. When they entered, they would discover a comfortable interior with tapestry on the floor, pillows to sit on, tea and coffee ready to be served. Godah was sitting on the floor drinking coffee and discussing with Abi Sutchi who was appreciating kemite tea. As Godah saw Palacrisis he stood and greeted him and his mage; Sutchi stood as well to receive the bringers of news.

"It is a joy to see you again Palacrisis. Take a seat and ease yourself. Would you take some tea, coffee or perhaps something stronger"

Godah had take care to have a certain amount of what could be called luxuries. After all, one had to take some pleasure even on the journey to war.

"So, what news do you bring from the east ?"

He drank of the coffee and sat again to hear from the governor.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

ooc ~ realmcraft

It looks as though our forces will arrive to late to help out, the war looks to be over before we get there I shall delay posting until this is resolved.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

OOC ~ Sorry for delay Eyvind wanted to join us and I held on for a post sadly that has not materialised.

IC ~ Much has happened Godah much, not all however is good news for the forces of Arakmat. Simply put the war appears to be over almost before it began. The Orcs won a decisive skirmish on the southern coast of Sheria slaughtering militia forces by the hundreds. The generals decided that in face of what they considered an unstoppable force to turn parts of south western Sheria into a wasteland, they burnt salted and destroyed the land for miles around and then retreated in disarray. Desertions are rife from the voluntary militia and the forces of Sheria are greatly reduced , Taralon is in the grip of a mysterious illness that is killing its people!

Yet strangely considering the advantage the Orcs have they appear to have returned to their strong hold in Ire. Current opinion suggests that the Orcs have no stomach for a campaign of conquest they appear to want to simply maintain their hold on what they traditionally consider to be their territory.

Thus Godah it appears that this great venture of ours is over and that the forces of Arakmat may return to their homes with their pride intact .Their swords may remain un-bloodied my friend but the word of Arakmatian honour has reached the empire. I have spoken with the regent in person and he welcomed the rise of Arakmat with joy in his heart and he would wish to honour every member of this expeditionary force.

The forces of Sheria were gratified that Arakmat would come to their assistance and would have greeted our men as brothers in arms. No Godah we may not draw our swords in anger but the bravery of your men is now known Arakmat has restored its honour and our men can go back to their homes with their heads held high!

For once the politician was in earnest, his words were truthful the word of the Arakmatian revival was out!

[Godah]

Godah's contorted as he listened to Palacrisis' words. Of course, it was none of what he imagined the news would have been and he was disappointed. So, it seemed the orkish hordes were more organised than what he thought and their force was a threat to have concern about. The dorin fought orcs in the desert of Arakmat, leaving unappeasable memory of their cruelty and his own failure. Godah had more success during his career but the scar left in his heart by the death of his patrol at the hands of orcs was haunting his darkenings.

The grey furred dorin nodded to the governor of Arakmat, knowing well that his words were wisdom and that, in truth, there was nothing the arakmatans could do alone when the people of Sheria decided already that the orc horde was already winner of the war.

"This saddens me to hear of the disasters Sheria has suffered. Your men, Governor, were eager to fight against the dishonourable beasts and they would have given their lives for the victory, as I would have done myself"

It was true that most knew the war against the orcs would have been fierce and brutal; many would have died and went to Sonos but it seemed Aslan did not request their souls yet. Godah had to announce to his men that they would go back to Arakmat, face the deception they would show. But another challenge was waiting in the west: build a strong nation, like before. The orcs might have kept their stronghold of Ire but other threats were beyond the horizon. Godah had started to recall, during the march, the events that happened on the isle of the crown and his mind was struggling to believe what he remembered. He knew a Kingdom was born and a dark horizon awaited the former Empire.

"I will tell our men that it is time we go back to our blessed city. There is much to care after and we will need every arm"

He turned to the man next to him, and with a sign, the human excused himself and left. He would pass the orders to set the march toward Arakmat for the morrow.

Godah then turned to the one who gave him the chance to serve again his people. He needed to tell someone, who he trusted, and have another person's view. Of course, Rafiq would know, but Palacrisis was right there and Godah trusted him.

"There is something I would like to discuss with you, Palacrisis. It seems there will be soon reason to consider the future with a new eye. A change is coming, Lord Jones"

Godah's eyes fell on his sword, the one he was told was changed and thought about the medallion he kept in a box, under clothes. The medallion appeared on the first darkening of winter and the dorin was still clueless about its usefulness.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

The disappointment in the noble Dorins eyes was clear honour and courage were qualities the Aslan worshipping Dorin valued above even his own life and the chance to prove himself and his brave warriors in the heat of battle was something that the Dorin craved alas the tides of fate had denied him the opportunity. The reluctant preparations for the march back to their homeland would be made and no fine words from a mere human would assuage the disappointment of his news however ……….

“My friend all is not lost, these brave men could be formed into a legion. A legion that does not stand as a regular army but one that can be called upon to attend training and discipline regularly whilst pursuing their regular occupations. That way they would keep the esprit de corps and would march to the defence of Arakmat when required .Do not take their pride and fellowship away recognise the spirit of your men and employ it ask Milo for permission to raise a new standard a new volunteer legion that embodies the essence of Arakmat within its ranks!”

The Dorin seemed to have more on his mind and his words of portent caught the attention of the ex-governor …. my friend if this poor human can offer advice he would be honoured to try speak and I will listen!

[Godah]

The words of Palacrisis gave Godah the impression that everything was possible. There was something about that human that could lighten the spirit of endeavour in any heart. No doubt, he would become one brightening a leader who his people will follow the wisdom. An irregular legion of braves, the idea sounded achievable and very useful for the future. The dorin nodded to the older human.

After taking a pause to recollect his memories, the arakmatan pasha decided to sum it as much as possible as the long story would not only tire his invite but also monopolise the whole darkening.

"Palacrisis, what I will tell you is known only to very few souls and only you should be the guardian of this information"

Godah trusted the governor of Arakmat but he made sure the human knew the gravity of what was to be spoken.

"Since the first brightening of winter I have memories of a past I thought never happened, but now I am sure it is. You know that I have been present on the isle of the crown when the Regent sailed to it. A lot happened there, Palacrisis Jones, and much will change because of it"

The changes were far greater than what the dorin could accept to think, he would have never believed if it were not his own memories.

"The crown was destroyed and it is but a memory now. Two mages, lords of the evil, threaten us Palacrisis and their power is greater than what I ever seen. But there is more."

Godah paused, wondering how to announce such a dangerous information without causing harm to the human's mind.

"The Empire is no longer. It has been dissoluted and disappeared. Milo was crowned prince of a Kingdom of Aelyria, by the king of the Ancient Aelyrians"

The dorin didn't want to show Palacrisis his immediate aversion toward the winged lords of Insulae Coronae. He wouldn't influence the human's judgement, but if he were asked.

"The Ancients have returned Palacrisis and with them a new crown and the offer of tutoring the new Kingdom. Auron, their king has declared himself King of Aelyria and offered Milo the Principality. Milo accepted."

There was a silence.

"I doubt he had any choice though"

Godah turned his gazed to meet that of Palacrisis.

"I hope this is not too much for you to hear my friend"

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Palacrisis waited for Godah to finish his account. It was an extraordinary story and needed many candlemarks of reflection for the ramifications to be worked through. What had transpired on the legendary Ikerael had enormous portent for Aelyria. He plunged a hand into his cloak pocket and brought out his pipe stamping down good Sherian baccy he made a careful effort to get it lit up properly although he could not help but notice that his hand had a slight tremor. Satisfied that his pipe was going properly he leaned forward to speak in careful quiet tones.

“Know this Godah your words are locked in my heart and until the events are made public there they shall stay .It is an extraordinary story my friend and frankly to understand what it means I shall have to ponder much. I have many questions already but no answers to them, so I think that questions will have to suffice.”

“The crown is my first concern the Aethercrown was supposedly in the royal palace in Aelyria Prime at the time of Empress Arabella, many think that the Aethercrown called her to her everlasting sleep. Yet you say that it was destroyed in the distant past , that my friend is a paradox of time. So I am inclined to hold my breath on the destruction of the Aethercrown that particular bauble has a habit of appearing and disappearing at the whim of the gods .The crown acted as a conduit to the goddess Diana she was the final arbiter of the throne of the empire! No crown, no point of contact with the gods do you seriously think that Aetheria will not have a say on this change of emphasis.”

“Aelyria has faced magi of immense power before and we have found a way to counteract their malevolent powers , wait and see what transpires Godah, deal with what we can see at this moment in time.”

“As to our friends the winged ones they are “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." They come and go as they please, look at the rebuilding of Aelyria Prime for example why do that? Are they the ones we hold responsible for turning river water to blood or raining meteors on Imperia or extinguishing the third sun? Who knows do we blame them for our troubles or see them as a benevolent guardian of the state of Aelyria it’s confusing and needs answers?”

“This King Auron of the Ancient Aelyrian , ….KING …all the history speaks of a people that abhor the notion of kingship, they relied on cool logic and debate are the history books wrong? No something has happened within the cosy world of the “Isle of the Crown” and although they take on the mantle of the gods in anointing a prince they need us more than we need them. They might want to offer us new playthings but friend Godah there is no such thing as a free Pracenda.”

He was warming to his subject and allowed his pipe to go out, he spent some time relighting it .

“Yes these ancients are back but they need to give Milo some answers to our questions. Are we a vassal state to these Aelyrian‘s? Are they offering us something of value for your compliance to their guidance? You speak of tutoring friend but is there a stick to tan bottoms if we refuse to heed such guidance? I may be too suspicious of their motives perchance they mean us only good. But is it the good advice of a doting parent or the stick of a superior culture with the powers to bring us poor mortals to heel?”

“Once this change is announced I predict thee will be hotheads who demand poor Prince Milo’s head on a stick for giving away our autonomy. For myself I shall offer him my full support however if I feel that he is being pressured into directions that are detrimental to Aelyria then I shall have to consider my position carefully. Kingdom or empire, prince king or emperor. My concern is with the people of this land of ours, we who achieved a certain rank have a duty to the people and whatever we choose to call ourselves it is my loyalty to the people of Aelyria that is paramount.”

“Thus for the moment my advice is to wait and see watch and learn but beware of the hand that feeds us sweetmeats as if we were children at our mothers apron.”

[Godah]

Godah listened to the wise words of the man he considered a friend, a guide. It was no doubt that Palacrisis had much more experience in the areas of politics than the dorin and he had a better vision of what could be the reaction of the Forum. Godah had little knowledge about those who governed the destiny of the Empire. Of course, there were ministers he knew personally: Parreyon the Imperial Judicator, Motito the former Imperial Minister of War. But what was going on in the Forum when the news of the Kingdom spread, Godah could only have guesses.

But Palacrisis was right. There was much that didn't correspond with the description of the Ancients in books. Especially the eluded versatile nature of their souls and hearts. The arakamatan dorin knew his senses couldn't betray him and he would swear there was a danger to fear from the new masters of the crown.

"Further, there are reason that nurture my fears, Palacrisis. During our sail to the Isle of the Crown, I have been witness to the transformation of an Ancient, Constantine if I am right, into a beast of Aeternia"

Godah could barely believe what he was saying, if it hadn't been his own memories he was counting to the older human. He knew from his past lectures that the Ancient Aelyrians were the soldiers of Aetheria, those who the great Maj lead to fight against the dark ones. But his eyes couldn't betray him and he knew he saw Constantine turn into a Cyraxian in front of him.

"I saw Aeternia and its darkness in him, Palacrisis. I fear all his people are tainted with the same curse"

The dorin was speaking with concern, his words radiating a fear he rarely shown to anyone. He trusted Palacrisis to take that fear for what it was: a warning. Fear was the first reaction of the body to prevent from danger.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

I believe you Godah he said reaching forward to grasp the forearm of his Dorin friend but you have to remember that according to the Herald Constantine was as insane as a basket of frogs! Was he not the one who believed that the soul of his father lived within him? Perhaps he had good reason to be stark staring crackers if his father was indeed a Cyraxian rather than dear old papa joining him for a family visit. You saw what you saw my friend but does that mean that all of these ancients are the same as poor mad old Constantine?


The hand was withdrawn but the elder politician held the Dorins gaze.

“If they are indeed all insane a dying race of immortals beset by their own fears of mortality and their lack of control over their emotions then they need us and once we establish What that need is then we can act accordingly . Our actions in the future depend on knowledge of what these ancients hold. They might need us as breeding stock , fresh meat to ward off the end of their race, I simply do not know but my friend if I don’t know and are asking questions then it’s a crown to a silver that others are formulating the same questions.

These Aelyrians need us for some reason otherwise they would not have interfered , what do they gain by this arrangement, why get involved, why now and not some other time in the past? Its odd in the extreme but that’s just me Godah suspicious cynical old me. I have seen too many promises of false dawns before to sign up to this one without a few copper bottomed guarantees so for the moment I shall watch learn and think .Its far too early for action, we simply do not know what if anything these ancients want from us.

He grinned I have an interview with the prince in the near future and I hope that he has a role for me to play in this drama. So my advice is keep your bowstring dry and your arrows sharp but do not string that bow until you know more. If you need me even if its only to chew the fat over a drink let me know and I shall be by your side in a flash of bended time and space. If you ever get a hankering to visit an old friend my door all be it humble is open to you at the Kallimeyra Estate and my adopted son Kallick would love to meet the honourable and famous Pasha Godah.