The two Avians had made haste since leaving Carran’s Rest, trudging at nearly full speed along the road, flying to avoid any potential dangers but those had been rare. Master Elacce’s urgency was only halted with the minimal amount of sleep and sometimes a meal. Even still as they grew closer to Atheson he seemed to get even faster with every step, almost as if he were to break into a run or spread his wings and launch into the air. All while continuing to evade Kicit’s growing inquiries about their purpose. But as they drew closer to Atheson, the weight of the unknown and Elacce’s promise to tell him what they were doing grew heavier on Kicit.
“Master?” he called and Master Elacce tilted his head back showing his attention with his gaze still focused on the path forward. Encouraged by the acknowledgement, Kicit pressed, his voice soft as he tried to broach the subject as calmly as he could. “Can you please tell me why we're here? It’s been weeks. I don’t like being kept in the dark about things, you know that.”
Master Elacce paused and pivoted to face Kicit. The sudden shift in his Master’s demeanor caught Kicit off guard, a flicker of surprise dancing in his eyes.
“Tell me,” he began. “What do you know of the Canines?”
Confusion etched into Kicit, his feathers furrowing in thought. A history lesson? And a basic one at that? Certainly unexpected, but years of disciplined training drove him to answer without hesitation.
“They were the first Beast’s and hold the entire Island of Kaugrush as their ancestral home. They’re lead by one they call Sovereign who-”
“What do you know of their connection with us?” Master Elacce interjected. Kicit stopped and thought for a moment, putting a talon to his beak.
“Cooperative, paved with the establishment of Rukiem’s Order. The society of Avian Casters.” Kicit recited, his voice laced with a distinct tone that only came from knowledge gleaned from books.
Elacce nodded, that hint of a teacher's knowledge glinting in his eye. “Right. Why did Rukiem do it though?”
Kicit hesitated, his wings fluttering with uncertainty. What had started with a bit of force had been forged into a symbiotic relationship. The Canines had become as ingrained in Avian history as Master Riyew herself but Master Elacce’s words hinted at something more, something that went beyond the surface-level benefits.
“It’s beneficial to both sides,” Kicit tentatively answered, his voice held back with a slight hesitation. “They provide protection, and we provide them with wood and labor from the Royal Hawk Timberland and…” He trailed off, realizing that he was about to repeat the text from his books.
Master Elacce interrupted, his beak clicking sharply to cut through the well-rehearsed response. “No, step away from the books, Kicit. What else?”
Confusion swirled within Kicit, his thoughts racing to bridge the gap between what he knew and what Master Elacce was trying to convey. The relationship between their people and the Canines had been steadfast for a thousand years. Kicit mulled over Master Elacce’s words, his mind diving deeper between the words of his books. Then, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves that littered the ground prompting Kicit to look skyward. The instinctual connection he felt with the wind and its patterns sparked a realization. He remembered the Canines and their ability to read the winds on the ship that sailed them here.
“We gain protection,” he ventured, voice filling with growing certainty. “But the Canines, they gain access to our understanding of the winds. Our knowledge of riding the currents, the insight it provides to look beyond the reach of others.”
Master Elacce nodded approvingly. “Exactly.” He turned back to start walking again, Kicit moved up next to him, eager to continue the conversation. “Kicit, we Avians are not a strong people.” Master Elacce admitted. “We’re not resourceful like Esurians or cunning like Felines. Our numbers are dwarfed in comparison to those of the Vulpine and Canines. Our Island has been our sole refuge, preventing our extinction. But when the Canines arrived, we struck a pact. In exchange for their protection we offered our knowledge of the winds and other services.” Curiosity piqued, Kicit probed further, seeking a deeper understanding.
“Other services?” He asked.
Master Elacce paused, aware that their mission was magnitudes more complex than a simple diplomatic meeting. “Yes,” he replied. “We find ourselves in the midst of rumbling conflicts, and the Canines have entrusted us with a mission to meet the Esuiran King as diplomats. But our purpose extends beyond that, we are here to gather information, to learn what we can. Whether it is shared with us or not.”
Realization washed over Kicit, forcing his empty stomach to churn with a slight unease. The weight of the situation and the responsibility placed upon them settled on his shoulders and they fell with its burden. He paused, taking deep breaths to steady himself, all while Master Elacce stood by his side, granting him the space to process.
“Kicit.” His voice had changed considerably and it felt odd to Kicit, especially after the days of walking they just went through and the odd mood swings Master Elacce had been going through. But he wasn’t about to ignore him and turned towards the Master. The old Avian’s black feathers ruffled as he searched for words to say, a few times it looked like he was going to say something but held it back before finally he looked directly into Kicit’s eyes.
“Kicit, I didn’t want to weigh you down with the burden of secrecy. I wanted to protect you from some of the inconvenient truths of the world as it is not a kind place. Taking in an entirely new place plus knowing the intentions of our visit are not purely poised is not what I intended and I wanted you to enjoy the new sights and sounds, to learn from them without the tinge of our mission dirtying it.” The words rang true and Kicit clicked his beak in affirmation, though he still didn’t quite agree with it. There were things that he could have been learning and probably would have been paying more attention to the world around him had he been trying to gather information in such ways. But it was what it was and he took the answer as sufficient.
“Is that the same reason why you’ve not put me up to join the Order yet? To achieve Magus?” He said hoping to catch the Master off guard. Master Elacce pondered for a moment but turned and started the trek again, slower this time to let Kicit keep pace.
“You’re not going to let that go are you? I’ve told you, there’s more for me to teach just yet.”
***
The journey had continued without further interruption and Kicit had taken to practicing his Release again. Master Elacce had stopped paying quite as close attention to him giving him the opportunity to try the secrets he’d been working on. The one thing that could prove his worthiness to the Order.
The road they were following had also started to change around them as well. What had started as a rough uneven rocky road with small rocks or wooden markers had been quickly morphing into an actual smooth and level road; going from dirt to paved with a simple cobblestone. Though that also meant they had started to see others along the way more often.
Every single individual that they saw along the way was an Esurian who, the second they saw the Avians, drew as far from them as they could. Choice words had been hurled at them a few times but neither had paid them much attention. Yet still, the two continued their march to the city, with farms replacing the trees and plains to each side before eventually the only thing they could see were farmhouses and grazing ferals. The two pushed forward until they were presented with a raging river and before them, on the other bank, the grandeur of the Esurian Capital, Atheson, unfolded. Kicit’s breath caught in his throat as he laid eyes on the sights that surpassed anything he knew from his home the Risen Isle. Magnificent towers reached out to the skies like sentinels watching over the city, the spires so tall Kicit felt they could pierce the sky itself.
Surrounding the city, blocking most of its tantalizing sights, stood mighty stone walls that exuded a strength and resilience unmatched by anything else in the land. Kict marveled at their sheer size and thickness, envisioning them as impregnable fortifications capable of withstanding the most relentless of assaults. His brain raced through his knowledge of Releases and couldn’t think of a single one that would be effective, even in the wings of a Master like Elacce. They radiated a sense of security and power, instilling awe and reverence in all who approached them.
Master Elacce calmly walked over the cobbled bridge towards the large wooden gate that stood over the entrance. One of the gates was open to let passers by in and out of the city but a group of Esurians were positioned strategically in front of it, their battle-ready armor commanding the air of authority. These were not simple gatekeepers but a formidable force of Esurians who had no doubt seen a battle or two. Each one brought their hand on their sheathed weapons as Master Elacce and Kicit approached, their eyes fixed with a piercing scrutiny. Kicit instinctively took a few steps back, allowing his Master to face the piercing gazes of judgment ahead of him.
“Greetings.” He began, switching to the Esurian tongue. “My Apprentice and I are here to have an audience with His Majesty Magnus Aurelian. I’m sure you’ve been informed of our arrival...” Before he could finish his sentence, Master Elacce found a sword at his throat, the owner's face contorted in a scowl that rivaled the fiercest monsters. Undeterred, Master Elacce effortlessly maintained his composure. “I take it you were not informed.”
“Beasts are no longer allowed within the walls of Atheson by order of his Majesty. Take one more step and I won’t hesitate to rid the world of both of you.” The guard said, her voice resonating menace and resentment. Kicit sensed danger and thought about uttering a Canto for defense, but a stern glance from Master Elacce silenced him and he didn’t think it again.
“My apologies, but I must insist that we are expected. We have made an incredibly long journey and have been eagerly anticipating meeting his Majesty Aurelian for quite some time.” Elacce asserted, his voice firm yet tactful despite the sword in his face. The guard switched her attention between the two, as if searching for a reason to strike them down.
“Ma’am, I do remember a bulletin being posted last week regarding a pair of envoys coming to see the King.” Another guard interjected, causing the main guard to grunt with a forced acknowledgement.
“Nothing in it said they’d be animals.” She spat, finally letting down the sword. “Who issued that bulletin?” She asked tilting her head back yet still keeping a focus on Master Elacce and Kicit.
“I believe it was Talor Asher himself.” That seemed to surprise the guard who turned to direct her full attention at the subordinate.
“The Talor himself? What in the name of the creator does he want with these things?” She sheathed her sword and turned back to the Avians. Then, as if the words pained her she pointed her finger right in their faces. “You two, come with me. But know this, any perceived threat will be met with swift and decisive action.” Her hand patted the sword at her side. Master Elacce spread his wings, opening his cloak to reveal no hidden tricks or weapons, then gracefully performed a deep courteous bow. Kicit followed suit. “We understand.”
Aside from the cold reception, Kicit was excited with a mix of anticipation and curiosity to see the interior of the city. From the outside, the city had already left him in awe and he could deftly imagine the wonders that awaited within the walls. But instead of making their way towards the tantalizing opening to the city, they diverted to another entrance that looked like it led into the city’s fortified walls.
Both of them followed closely behind the guard through a maze of thin, dimly lit hallways and stairwells. The oppressive sense of being stuck in these corridors had Kicit convinced he was underground and it unnerved him enough to send shivers down his wings and spine. Eventually, the guard halted at an inconspicuous door to which she opened and gestured for the two to enter. Master Elacce nodded his head as a gesture of thanks but she just wrinkled her nose. As they stepped inside, the heavy door slammed behind them and they were enveloped within the dimly lit stone room. It offered minimal furnishings, only a few chairs and a small wooden table. Kicit looked to his master, seeking guidance.
“Master?” Kicit asked. Master Elacce turned to him, his expression calm and reassuring.
“Stay calm, Kicit. I don’t anticipate any trouble but please-”
“I’m calm. Those guards wouldn’t have known what happened to them.” He said looking in each corner of dark room.
“Don’t be hasty, we’re here to learn. All we can do now is wait.”
***
Time to passed slowly in the dim chamber, until the sound of the door shifting abruptly shattered the silence. Startled, Kicit jerked upright, nearly losing his balance as an imposing figure entered the room.
The Esurian stood tall, his thin, elegant face framed by short, dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard. Adorned in a distinguished uniform embellished with intricate patterns and jewels, he exuded an air of authority. A half cape billowed behind him, adding to his regal presence. His gaze held a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny as he took in Master Elacce and Kicit, both weary and dirty from travel. Master Elacce rose to meet him, he was dwarfed by the Esurian’s stature but nonetheless he bowed just as he had for the guard and Kicit quickly followed suit. The Esurian did not provide the same gesture.
“Greetings.” Master Elacce offered. The man acknowledged the greeting with a curt nod.
“Welcome to Atheson.” He said, his voice resonating within the room with a smooth and velvety timbre. “I must apologize for your treatment at the hands of the Atheson Guard. I should have been more detailed in my bulletin.”
“The Talor I presume?” Master Elacce offered back. The man nodded and took his seat, folding his gloved hands together as if he were waiting for an inspection.
“I am Remont Asher, Talor to His Majesty Magnus Aurelian. I act as his right hand, helping in dealings and diplomacy and act on his behalf when necessary.” His eyes held a genuine curiosity in them. Kicit surmised that even though he was keeping the front of calm, cool, and collected, which he was accomplishing very well, he’d never seen an Avian before.
“Thank you for meeting Talor Asher, I appreciate you taking the time to see us. However, I was under the impression we would be meeting with King Magnus Aurelian himself. Has this changed? Are we still to expect an audience with him?” The Talor leaned back in his chair, folding his gloved hands together with an air of authority. He listened attentively, his piercing gazed fixed on Master Elacce.
“I’m sorry I never received your names.” He said, his voice the very epitome of poise.
“I am Elacce and this is my Apprentice Kicit. We are acting on behalf of the Canines.” Master Elacce responded and looked to Kicit. At first Kicit wasn’t quite sure what to do. However, the Talor’s attention had seemed to catch on to the word apprentice and he turned his sharp gaze to Kicit then to the silver and gold brooch that fixed Master Elacce’s cloak.
“Apprentice? Do I have the pleasure of speaking with Casters?” The Talor inquired, his words carrying a subtle sting, a condescension that unsettled Kicit to his core. But also rang with a disgusting cheery tone that sounded almost fake. Master Elacce, ever diplomatic, responded calmly.
“As it was just to be a party of two it was decided that Casters would have the best ability to protect themselves in case- in case an issue should arise.” The Talor nodded intently, understanding the reasoning behind the decision. His initial skepticism gave way to a smile as he opened his arms in an attempt to ease the tension in the room.
“Ah, I see. It is quite understandable. Would have taken the same precaution myself! But I must say this changes things. We will need to make additional preparations to ensure the safety of His Majesty.” Master Elacce was about to raise an objection but the Talor cut him off with a simple raising of his gloved hand. “I understand your expediency and travel time you have endured. Yet, I only ask that you allow us to pursue the same precautions as you did on your journey.” An uneasy silence enveloped the room as the Talor folded his fingers again, waiting for a response. Kicit noticed Master Elacce carefully picking his words. Though he wasn’t sure if it was because he didn’t expect this or because it wasn’t going to plan to begin with.
“The Canines are wanting talks as soon as possible, I fear that we are late to begin with.” Master Elacce said. However, the Talor’s attention shifted back to Kicit, his gaze piercing through him.
“Do you find it reasonable for foreign Anim…err beg your pardon, Beast Mages to have an immediate audience with a King young Apprentice?” The Talor asked. It was a simple question with a simple answer but the words seemed loaded with implications. Kicit instinctively looked to Master Elacce for support, but before he could speak, the Talor raised his hand, silencing him.
“Young Apprentice?” He said again. Kicit’s feathers ruffled slightly at the mention of his youth, but he fought to maintain composure.
“I find it, er, reasonable to request a time buffer.” He answered, attempting to mimic the diplomatic language that had dominated the conversation. The Talor gestured with his hands.
“I must agree.” Then he continued not giving either of them time to respond. “Unfortunately, I must ask for three weeks' time in order to prepare. The King is leaving on a trip to Onamen City tomorrow and will return in two weeks. That gives us the time we need to properly set up a room.” Master Elacce showed remarkable calmness at the request but the Talor continued. “I also must inform you that Beasts like yourselves are not permitted within the walls of Atheson by order of his Majesty and I cannot break the King’s decree,” the Talor stated firmly. “Moreover, it is also for your own benefit. The inhabitants of our great city would not receive your presence kindly as I have, I assure you.”
Kicit’s disappointment deepened upon hearing the Talor’s words. The realization that they would not be granted lodging within the city posed a challenge. Nevertheless, he kept his emotions in check and turned his attention back to Master Elacce. He maintained his composed demeanor, no doubt mind racing to find a better solution. But Kicit could tell by his expression that he didn’t want to push Talor Asher on the issue.
“Understood, Talor Asher,” Elacce responded, his voice still remarkably steady. “May we at least have an escort out of these halls?” The Talor nodded in approval and proceeded to stand, making his way towards the door.
“Please come back in three weeks time, I shall have made arrangements by then.” He opened the door to reveal a guard who was standing on the other side, his quick motions led Kicit to believe that the young guard had been holding his ear to the door to try and listen into the conversation. “Can you please escort the anim-, apologies, Beasts, to the front gates?” the Talor requested, addressing the young guard. “Please, ensure their departure is without incident.” The guard, a young man, no more than sixteen Kicit guessed, and still growing into his uniform nodded with stern affirmation and responded with a crisp “Sir!”
They followed him out of the room, with the Talor not saying another word. However, as they retread the path they had taken to the room, an idea struck Kicit. He caught up to the young guard who visibly startled when he realized the Avian had moved up next to him.
“I appreciate your help in leading us out.” Kicit said, mimicking the sound of an Esurian smile as best he could. “Though, I am disappointed that I will not be able to explore the city. Wondering if you can fill in some details for me?” The guard didn’t quite know what to do but eventually he nodded, not seeing another way out of the situation.
“Excellent! You see, I’m an Apprentice, and learning about others helps my own training so I was curious, are Casters common in Atheson?” Kicit tried to keep his voice as genuine as he could to keep the guard at ease. The guard side eyed Kicit again only now realizing that he was escorting two Casters, a realization that visibly unnerved him.
“Well…you don’t run into one every day.” He finally spoke as they turned down another corridor. “But they’re around I suppose.”
“Interesting. And what about the School?” Kicit probed further. The guard cocked his head slightly, clearly puzzled by the question.
“You mean Rusia? That’s all the way to the East I think.” He said, still unsure about the whole thing.
“Oh, so Atheson doesn’t have its own school? Fascinating. Have you ever seen a Release?” Kicit continued, pressing the guard for more information. To this though, the guard reached for his weapon but Kicit raised his wings to assure him that no harm was intended. “Oh no, I’m not going to perform one. I’m simply curious if you’ve seen one.” Kicit clarified. The guard kept his hand on the sword but nodded his head.
“Every year, on the anniversary of the King’s coronation there’s a festival. The King’s Shieldmage corps usually puts on a show; it's a popular part of the festivities.” The guard explained. Kicit could feel that they were getting closer to the original door they had entered through and quickly pressed.
“The King has his own guard of Mages? That’s incredible!” His excitement was only partially feigned, he was indeed curious about Esurian Mages. To this the guard puffed his chest out slightly with pride.
“They’re the best of the best and the stuff they can do is incredible, last year they did this whole thing with fire. Creating a dragon that flew through the air and over the crowd.” Kicit stole a look back towards Master Elacce, both of them knew that such things were incredibly advanced. These Mages were no doubt formidable. But his impromptu questioning had to come to an end as they had reached the door they had entered through. The guard opened it and let them through to where the rest of the guards, and the familiar captain stood. Still watching the bridge. Her eyes dug into them again as they started their way across the bridge.
***
The two walked in silence for some time. Kicit couldn’t help but steal a glance at the sprawling city as it fell away behind them.
“That could have gone better.” He admitted, readjusting the folds of his green cloak with his talons. Master Elacce remained focused on the path ahead, his expression distant, but he nodded in agreement.
“Your quick thinking with that guard was smart, but it has raised more questions.” He remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of annoyance that reminded Kicit of his early days as an apprentice, enduring many moments of reprimand. Puzzled, Kicit tried to clarify.
“More questions? How? All we know is they’ve got a formidable corp of Casters.”
“Yes, they’ve got an entire corp of Mage’s. Knowing what you know, what does that reveal?” Master Elacce turned to face Kicit who took a moment to ponder the question.
“That they have powerful Casters?” He offered, but he was searching for something more based on his expression, prompting Kicit to delve deeper into his thoughts. “Oh, the visit with the King.” He realized and Elacce nodded approvingly.
“Right, if they had a group of Mage’s specifically protecting the King there should be no worry about letting him meet with two Envoys who can also Cast. That, in addition with the unexpected visit to Onamen City, something doesn’t make sense here.”
“Maybe the guard was mistaken or intentionally misleading us?” Kicit suggested, hoping to one up his Master, but he shook his head and dismissed it.
“No, I’d trust the guards personal experience over that Talor Asher fellow. The Talor wasn’t telling the whole truth to us; not that I’d expect him to but it’s still all rather curious.” He contemplated aloud. A lull in their conversation descended once more as they continued to walk. Above, the clouds crept steadily over, creating an encroaching darkness upon the road before. Kicit instinctively pulled his hood over his head, glancing at the ominous weather.
“What are we going to do now?” He asked.
“Back to Carran’s Rest. I need my book back.” Master Elacce responded mirroring Kicit’s reaction to the weather. Kicit’s beak dropped. They were going all the way back to Carran’s Rest! That was almost insane, but he held back any of his own thoughts on the matter. Whatever this book was, it had meaning to his Master.
No comments yet. Be the first!