The Kingdom of Enyo, known as the Kingdom of Elements, was located in the middle of the sea. Its archipelago nested the south west corner of every map of the continent. Being this far from the main land, Enyo was always late receiving news and rumors. Information could hardly reach the islands over dozens of leagues of open sea. And so, most of the inhabitants of Enyo were blissfully unaware of the crisis that The Dali was facing, unlike the rest of The Five Lands. Sure they have noticed that The Reaches opened by The Darkness were more frequent and adventurers and guards faced more trouble than usual, but it wasn't critical enough to store the worry of the population.
However, despite the local obliviousness of the Kingdom of Elements, on the outskirts of the capital, where wooden houses and modest inhabitations were abundant, there was one person who did not wake up every morning without sulking in her worry, staring at the void for minutes, taking deep and slow breaths, sometimes with pearls of sweat tickling her forehead, waking up from either a nightmare or a dreamless night.
Xara wasn't an impulsive person, she knew how to get a hold of herself and order her emotions. She was centered, dynamic and, albeit her exuberance and vivacity that keep her dynamically cheerful, she remains grounded and poised when she's faced with difficult situations, especially when they involve helping people she cared for.
However, her zestfulness was ruthlessly tested in the past two months. Ever since Talj was taken in by The Dali she had done her best to live on her life like she always had -like he'd have wanted her to: By making out most of her life like she always had. Nonetheless, that task was getting much more strenuous every day.
After soothing her worries and washing her face, Xara would confidently smile to herself and put trust into her betrothed, assuring herself that Talj was strong and that he always found his way out of danger. And she'd tackle the day by sharing breakfast with her dad before changing her clothes and opening the craft shop in the early morning.
Higgar's Candlelight was its name. A boutique she had opened all by herself when she was fourteen. When her mother had died, a few months before, her dad's health was starting to get poor. He worked as an adventurer, but due to an injury that had befallen him when she was little, he could no longer perform his trade efficiently. The family was on an all time low when Xara's mind worked out a simple idea that'd bring it back on its feet.
The young girl loved to explore the world and would always try out new experiences. The thought of finding joy in touring new places, meeting new people and undergoing any sort of new endeavor brought an immense thrill to her life, especially if she could share the event with people. For her, any step was a life of its own that could teach and bring joy. And so, Xara would often bring all sorts of souvenirs from all her escapades and fun little adventures.
Funny looking seashells she'd found when going on walks near the beach, shiny stones from a cave she'd found nearby and even something as silly as a wooden stick. With all those fragments of every memory she had in her room, Xara once had the idea to make something out of them. Being very skilled with her hands and enjoying the art of creating, Xara started her trade by making small candle holders. The winter of her fourteenth birthday has been particularly harsh, and people needed all sources of warmth they could get. The young girl saw an opportunity to gain some income and thus began to knock on neighbors' doors to present her products.
She would make the most unique and peerless designs. From funny looking candle holders that looked like lizard tails carved into wood, to shiny ones with pearls and crystals ornating them. Her ideas that reflected her adventurous and effervescent nature quickly gained in popularity and attracted many customers. Soon enough, she'd have gotten enough money to open her own store. After a few weeks selling candle holders, Higgar's Candlelight became an official stamp. Its sigil was simple: A three armed candleholder with live candles, but instead of fire burning on top of them, each candle stick was crowned by a four spiked star.
Xara's mantra was simple:
"Sometimes even the simplest of warmth and objects can shine your world and make it brighter, like a star lighting your path in the dark."
Xara's craft expanded, going as far as selling any sort of house decorations or trinkets that her mind would come up with. Cups, bracelets, lamps, shelves... All built by hand from what she could gather in the city's outskirts. In the end, she was a very enthusiastic seller who provided beautiful and high quality products.
Lately however, people have noticed a shift in Xara's demeanor. Everyone blamed the wedding's abandonment. Xara had to warn the guests that had been invited that, due to personal reasons, she and Talj could no longer get married. If writing the letters wasn't causing her enough anguish, having to explain to those who visited her to share their sympathies that Talj was found guilty of atrocious deeds and that he had broken her trust by hiding it from her was a form of torture she never wished to know she could endure.
And while she pretended not to know any details, it still stabbed her heart every time she told people that Talj brought nothing to her but betrayal and agony and she wished to move on from him and cast him out of her memory forever. To forget he ever existed and stop being affiliated with such a fiend.
"Talj, I could never hate you."
"I'm asking you to give an image. Please?"
Xara sighed at the memory, hoping that she was making the right decision by following through with the blacksmith's plan.
Of course I am! She thought. Talj may have many flaws, but he always knew what he was doing before doing it... Most of the time anyway.
Sitting in her workshop, she was trying her best to ignore and not be rude to her customer, but it seemed that her neighbor, Miss Mora, was very adamant on putting Xara's patience on trial.
"Get a hold of yourself!" The old lady was saying, not paying attention if her interlocutor was listening. "You will find someone else! It's true! I'm sure there's a young fellow who has eyes on you! You should be happy you escaped that scum of a blacksmith! Seriously, what does he think! Leaving you like this, a young and beautiful woman to work when she's not even old enough to leave her parents' house!"
"I am twenty years old, Miss Mora." Xara calmly replied with a calm polite smile.
"I told you he was shady!" The woman went on. "With no parents to raise him, it was obvious he'd end up being a delinquent! You know-"
"Miss Mora." Xara firmly said, finally losing her patience. "Please, if you're not here to make a purchase, I'd like to ask for some privacy. It's almost time to close anyway."
"Bah." The old lady simply said, waving away the girl's attitude before turning around to leave.
And they say children are the impolite ones these days... She didn't even buy anything!
Xara sighed and got up from her counter and started to order the store to close it. She then lightly tapped her cheek and smiled.
Come on Xara, Talj is a strong man who spent his childhood training with a legendary ancient order, and he's friends with a Dali General! I'm sure he can manage! For now, focus on keeping yourself together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I beg your pardon, but you want me to kidnap Miss Higgar?" Kinfol was not sure she understood her queen's order.
"Now, the use of the term 'kidnap' is a tad bit strong." Queen Lin waved away her General's question with a gentle smile. "I feel like the adequate words may be... forced salvation."
Kinfol blinked twice at the kind and poised expression Queen Lin gave her. Her Majesty seemed to be waiting for a reaction from her, but the Enyo General was still trying to understand her queen's directive.
"Okay." Kinfol finally said. "In short you want me to convince Miss Higgar and her dad to abandon their house and follow me into a place that, according to your words, I consider safe and secret. And should they refuse, I may consider the use of force?"
"Oh I don't believe that it would come to that, but yes." Queen Lin replied.
"And why exactly do you wish to do that?" Kinfol asked. "I understand that you had promised Mister Horsh to keep his loved ones safe, but sacrificing a Dali General for the task and even considering the use of strength for it seems a bit..."
"Stupid?" Queen Lin suggested with a slightly joking expression.
"I was going to suggest immoderate."
Queen Lin had a small chuckle as she shifted her position on her seat and took a sip of her coffee. Her office, albeit small, was very impressive. Everything about it was arranged to insert a sense of calm dominance. As Kinfol sat oppositely of her queen, she was starting to suspect that that order came from The Darkness's blackmail, and not Queen Lin's own volition. However Queen Lin's words slowly appeased her worries:
"General Kinfol, I am not asking you to lock an innocent woman away from her life just to honor an oath. While yes, my promise towards your friend does play a significant part in this order, there is a deeper reason to it."
Queen Lin then took another sip of her coffee and looked behind her. Through the narrow window decorating the wall, she admired briefly the night sky faintly illuminating the sea.
"Today, I received a most unsettling letter. I could discuss its content with you but I think it's best if you take a look."
As Kinfol took the piece of paper the queen handed to her, her eyes widened in shock.
To Her Majesty, Queen Lin Of The Kingdom Of Enyo.
I regret to inform you that your General, Lenio Kinfol, alongside the rest of The Council, have unfortunately failed to subdue and lock away the prisoner you had personally seen to his apprehension. Due to the highly dangerous threat The Spear represents and the decree that had made all its activity unauthorized that was signed hundreds of years ago, I am asking you to make a public announcement putting a bounty on his head. Furthermore, I'd like you to open a public investigation about him and detain every person he has a bond with, be it friend, lover or even enemy.
The reason for such extreme measures is simple: The prisoner did not escape custody alone. He was helped by a dangerous fugitive who had murdered an officer of The Dali in cold blood. Seeing the treacherous nature of our two outlaws and their link to the infamous Spear, it is imperative that you take action fast. While I highly doubt that Talj Horsh would return to Enyo, any form of information he had left behind could benefit The Five Lands.
You may believe this is but a fake signature, however I can assure you it's not. Much like I can assure you that failure to comply with my demands will result in catastrophic events for your kingdom. The Darkness has eyes everywhere, Queen Lin. Even inside your palace. Poisoning your cup may prove quite easy. And, without an heir, I believe this kingdom will be at the mercy of my sole self. Not to mention the chaos I could stir within your islands. An office has gone up in flames in Aquabjorg, and Enyo can easily follow the example.
I could easily destroy your palace, or ask my spies in the streets to cause a civil war, or even succumb you to mind control and discard your Great Oath -Or even better, replace it with one of my liking.
So, please cooperate and make both our tasks easier, Queen Lin. Comply to my order, and I keep your illusion of peace standing. Resist me, and you'll delay your fall and cause misery to your nation.
Sincerely.
Queen Dallam, Empress Of The Darkness.
P.S: You have two days to comply.
P.S.S: To prove my sincerity, this letter is accompanied by a list of names of targets who The Darkness have eyes on. Two of them will die the day you receive this. The rest can easily follow, so do consider my offer.
Kinfol read the content of the letter again. The prose seemed a bit rushed and unprofessional, which made her doubt the authenticity of the threat. However, Queen Lin anticipated her doubt and answered before her General could ask:
"Yes. Two of the people on the list died. What's even more distressing is that I received this letter hours before the official report of Officer Telemes's death through a scrying communication mirror."
"Telemes is dead!?" Kinfol choked. "But when!?"
"I wish I could tell you what I know but I'd rather not distract you from the matter at hand."
Too late for that, Your Majesty. Kinfol cursed internally.
"As you just read." Queen Lin continued. "Enyo is about to face a crisis. A crisis I will try my best to soothe, if not at least to contain. However, reading this letter and taking into consideration what you had told me about Talj's trial, I believe I understood The Darkness's intentions."
"Is that so?" Kinfol's mind could barely focus.
"Yes. I think they want to secure a ransom." Queen Lin explained. "Talj had told you he knows a way to prevent the corruption of The Roots, and now Talj is on the loose, assumingly to set his plans into action. Maybe The Darkness needs a ransom, a way to control him. By attacking his loved ones, they will force him out of hiding and will make him comply with their demands. In short, they will take in the people he cherishes to make sure he stands down and doesn't ruin their plans."
"That's... A very plausible theory. However, General Kroll said he expects us to fail to subdue Talj."
"He said he expects The Dali to fail, not The Darkness."
Kinfol thought about her queen's words, before concluding:
"So you're saying they want us to fail so that they're the ones who'll have the privilege of getting to him?"
"That's my hypothesis. Whether I'm wrong or right, one thing I'm sure of is that they will try to reach Talj through his kin, and so..."
"So his kin will become another asset to this war. For whoever detains them can control the only person in Ylbunish who can thwart their plans."
Queen Lin smiled as Kinfol finally grasped the nature of her strange request.
She's not asking me to keep civilians safe against their will, she's ensuring Talj doesn't have another obstacle that may side-track him in his endeavor.
"I suggest you depart soon." Queen Lin said. "The night is getting older, and I will gather the people tomorrow morning for my announcement. I don't wish to wait for another death."
"I understand." Kinfol finally said. "I will waste no further time."
"I take it all the information I need are in your report?" Queen Lin asked.
"Yes, my queen." Kinfol replied. "I put in all the information that Talj has shared about The Primordium's relationship with the roots and how our continent's magic behaves."
"Perfect."
The General stood up, and turned to reach for her coat when Queen Lin's voice reached out to her:
"Kinfol, one last thing."
Kinfol froze. Her queen never addressed her informally. When she turned, a strangely sad smile was on the queen's calm face.
"As you could see, even my orders will become unworthy of trust." The queen began. "And due to the nature of your Oath, you will be obliged to comply with them. That's why, I've come to make a decision."
The queen paused for an unnaturally long time, looking down at her desk before continuing:
"You have always been my wittiest, most honorable and wisest subordinate. Your counsels and strengths have been of great service for this kingdom and the rest of the continent. I cannot allow you to go to the other side. If The Darkness could control you too, our struggle would be much more perilous. And... Frankly, the thought of someone like you being forced to carry on wicked deeds despite their will again is sickening. You don't deserve that."
Kinfol gulped. The discomfort that the slight mention of her past caused her was nothing compared to what she understood.
"My Queen." Kinfol slowly said. "Are you... Dismissing me of my duties..?"
A single tear ran through the Queen cheek as she smiled gratefully at her General:
"I am counting on you, my friend. I believe that you can shift the tide in our favor. Free of the shackles of my corrupted hands, I believe you can help tilt the balance of this conflict in our favor and bring an arduous fight to our foes."
Kinfol, short in words, could only stare. Queen Lin was probably revoking the only trustworthy person inside her palace and was ready to face the cataclysm of her kingdom alone.
Like she had always done.
Being crowned at a very young age due to her parents' passing. Queen Lin has suffered a terrible loneliness her whole life, but she has learned slowly to adapt to it through calm and patience. Whether it was a crisis that required her help, or greedy suitors desperate to marry their sons to the queen and anchor their houses in the royal titles, Queen Lin had faced many perplexing situations on her lonesome, which has taken a toll on her.
And now, she was ready to face the greatest crisis the Five Lands have ever seen in thousands of years alone again, and was sending her right hand into the wilderness, trusting that she has the necessary power to bring forth their salvation closer.
"My mind is done, General." The queen said. "You are now released from your Great Oath and released from your duties as a Dali General."
As Queen Lin spoke those words, Kinfol felt a surge of warmth wash through her body. The magic that once bound her to her oath was now slipping away.
"I will proclaim you as a traitor tomorrow, and you will be hunted down alongside the people you will protect. Do you understand what I mean?"
The words said by the queen were clear. A General being accused of treason will mean one thing:
I am going to be hunted down by The Five Lands, exactly like Talj.
Strangely enough, Kinfol felt no fear. Quite the opposite, she felt proud and ready. She felt gratified that her queen put so much trust in her. After a moment of silent, Kinfol said:
"I will not disappoint you, my Queen."
Her majesty's smile widened slightly before she declared:
"Then go. I believe you'll have a difficult conversation with Miss Higgar."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The conversation was not difficult at all.
The Higgar family comprehended easily the gravity of the situation. Although they were shaken by the sudden urge to abandon their house and the unanticipated danger that threatened them -alongside the entirety of The Kingdom Of Enyo- they were still quick on their feet and assessed the urgency which they were under.
Xara was even rejoiced. The young craftswoman had asked about Talj, and a deep sense of respite and contentment settled within her. Kinfol could see her eyes shining with joy as her hands slightly trembled at the news she had delivered:
"Talj was well. He managed to escape our grasp after his trial and was not nabbed by The Dali ever since. His whereabouts are unknown to us, but I believe that is a good thing considering his current operation requires secrecy. I will tell you all you wish to know on the way, for now please do pack the strict necessary with as much pace as you can muster."
A few minutes later, Kinfol was outside the Higgar's home, just a step away from the open door frame, both to give the old man and his daughter the privacy and time needed to gather their inventory and to stand guard outside. The moon shyly hid behind the clouds, which served to the General's convenience.
Footsteps gained her position. Xara and her father, Naydas, appeared behind her, each one with two pouches hanging on their sides. Kinfol nodded at them but gave them a sign to stop.
"Fall back inside." She said. "Someone is coming."
Kinfol did not add another word before leaving the door ajar and stepping fully into the quiet street. No sounds of footsteps nor any passer-by could be seen. Anyone who would be out by then would probably assume all citizens were asleep in their homes, and no one trudged the alley. However, Kinfol was not just a simple citizen. Her senses were trained to pick up the most minute details from her surroundings, a faculty that had served as the barricade between life and death multiple times.
One person on the roofs. She thought. He's approaching quite fast. His magic signature feels... erratic. As if it is corrupted. Probably a mage of The Darkness.
As Kinfol paid scrupulous attention to the rooftops, a brief grizzling noise sounded from above her head. She recognized too late the energy of a spell being cast. Suddenly, she felt as if she was being pulled upward. Her arms raised up, and she felt her shoulder stretch painfully. As she looked up, she saw a dark purple cloud swirling. Four mauve cords on each hand kept her in place, and each string seemed to be magically attached to the cloud. She tried to cast a spell, but she felt the magic within her grow cold, as if dormant.
A man instantly leaped in front of her, landing loudly on the pavement. As he rose to meet her eyes, Kinfol was surprised -Although she hid her emotions behind an impassive mask- to see that she recognized her opponent. The man wore strange clothes, a dark cloak with a hood and long robes beneath it. A strange symbol adorned his chest.
"Fancy meeting you here, Officer Sutr." She said.
"General Kinfol." The man replied with a smug. "Or should I say, ex-general?"
"I see you put your ears out today." Kinfol replied, not showing a hint of fear.
"Why yes." Surtr said. "Unlike you, whose attention has just failed her. Really, General? You spent many days at sea, looking out for snakes in the ocean. You forgot how to search on the land where they lived in more prosperity. When was the last time you slept? Or even had a break?"
"How impressive." Kinfol said in a calm sarcasm. "Waiting for me to tire out just to sneak up on me... And then what? You're going to slash my throat?"
"Oh no no!" Surtr laughed. "That is nowhere near fun enough! Especially when I have such a promising subject in my hands! You see, this spell doesn't just bind people and lock away their magic. No, its true purpose is to steal their magic."
"Steal their magic?" Kinfol asked.
"Oh I finally cracked that mask of yours, ey?" Surtr's grin grew uglier. "Yes, General. If the victim is weakened enough, I can suck them dry until they become a hollow corpse without an ounce of magic in them. Some of its effects may include damage to their minds and change of behavior... They'd be lucky enough to survive and even remain conscious after the process is done, though."
"Wait, hold on..." Kinfol feigned to think. "A spell that forcefully alters someone else's soul and strips their magic away from them against their will, distorting their very essence and modifying their nature... While I find it quite fitting to your witty and treacherous nature, I believe this is Dark Magic you are meddling with, Officer. In case you haven't noticed."
Surtr bowed theatrically before answering:
"What can I say, I am true to myself. Now then, General. Let's end this chit-chat. Since the queen couldn't just comply with Her Majesty, I have to pay a visit to this house earlier than planned. Any last words?"
"Only a few." Kinfol said with a slight grin. "Surtr, you may be a very talented mage, and was always careful when making plans even if they were mostly dishonorably insidious. However you've always lacked in one specific field, and I had always warned you that it'd cause your doom on the battlefield."
Kinfol enjoyed Surtr's confused gaze before finishing:
"You never were good enough at detecting magic around you."
Right as the words left her mouth, a deaf thud echoed in the alley. Surtr's sight became vacant,as if he was drunk, before he sank to the ground. Behind him, a panting Xara was gripping a walking stick that bore Talj's smithy's sigil. Her strike, aimed at her victim's neck, was strengthened with magic. She looked on the ground, her gaze stuck on the results of her deed.
Kinfol felt her arms loosen up, as the spell that held her in place dissipated.
"Not bad." The General said. "That was a meticulously powerful attack."
"Talj taught me a few tricks." Xara replied, half in giggle half panting. "He said he can't stop me from wandering off in nature, but he can help me learn how to defend myself if monsters show up. I can't cast proper spells, though."
"Still, you have quite the discipline in your use of magic. You managed to hide your presence until you got close enough to the target and used my distraction with utmost efficiency before unleashing your mystical powers through your hit."
"Thanks..?" Xara said, an unsure smile on her face.
"Ah." Kinfol answered. "Forgive me, when I see someone with proficient potential in the magical arts, I tend to take interest. It seems Talj found himself a strong and diligent match."
As Naydas exited the house and locked it, Kinfol asked them to wait for a moment. She discreetly dragged Surtr's unconscious body and, summoning her daggers, slashed his throat before tossing the corpse vulgarly behind their house.
Not well-hidden, but time is against us. More of his kind can come, this will serve as a warning.
As she rejoined back with the Higgar family, she put her hood back on her face before declaring solemnly:
"Congratulations, Xara Higgar. You are officially a criminal."