[Sir Gaviel]
On the first week, we sieged the village of Gakaloai.
There was no one to hinder us. The tribesmen having been evacuated were no doubt warned by the ship the Anagolay blew up.
Our regiment arrived days later. Aeonnite and Faye'in soldiers of General Elricht's command camped the strip of Gakaloai's coast numbering two thousand. By the second week, we have come to the steep hills isolating Gakaloai from any city of Thraine.
Leading, Elite Captain Erasmus halted the march, yards away from the tree line.
Guerrillas were waiting.
Anticipation was as solid as the weapon in our hands. General Elricht ordered to flank the hill, called up the shields to position and both Elite units were sent ahead.
I sensed them on the ground, we all did. It was known that by digging holes and hiding beneath leaves and soil, laying traps, guerrillas have sabotaged patrols and traders alike. Discreet step after step, muscles taut and rapiers drawn, we spread out. Peeled eyes surveying the soil for disturbed, newly dug areas, we halted there.
As one, rapiers were driven down.
Like a spark flaring the battle, guerrilla fighters leaped from the trees with manic cries, swords on our heads. Those that we have not eliminated swarmed up from the ground with keener thirst for blood.
Elites, unsurprised by the fiery of their intent, faced them squarely. The infantry reserves marched forward. A fifty to one difference.
Then, huge stones came rolling from the top of the hill.
A few days later, those stones were coated in oil and was ablaze as the battle ensued day after night after day.
With a thousand men in tow, my unit and Erasmus' faced a resistance we have not expected from the guerrillas. Fueled by fury. Revenge a priority. They were outnumbered but our regiment have lost a quarter of men on the past weeks alone.
Then, the rains came.
Until now the storm has not let up, giving the two-month long counterattacks a dire need for a finish.
"Arrows!"
Rain rages down as sharp as the arrows being drawn, ready for aim. Wind howls to the precipice of a wrath as swords clank, men heinously yelling. I swerve to the right, lunging at a guerrilla. His bolo balks midair in an arc, the rapier plunging on his throat before he can get close to me.
"Release!" General Elricht roars above all else.
Split second later the arrows whistle, seaming with the rain. Blood, sweat, mud, entrails of enemies and friends all blended like a sinister concoction. It find its way on my nose, my hair and eyes. I ignore it.
A Gakaloai warrior is running towards me with a yell. Like the others he was camouflaged, painted in mud, being washed away by the rain. He jabs a harpoon, I block with a dagger on my left hand, finishing him with a fatal thrust on his chest. Right then, a Faye'in soldier slumps beside me, arrow protrudes on his back. The guerrillas counter our arrows from their own archers perched on the trees of the hills, shrouded and unpredictable.
A slashing movement, I dodge.
The polished scimitar seems to gleam, missing my nose a thumb's distance. Face dimmed in the shadows, the warrior challenges me. We parry, him using the scimitar on one hand and a bolo on the other.
He turns with a high kick, I bob and weave, aiming for his neck but my rapier slides past as he blocks. I thrust again, he jumps back.
His Kitchra technique is slightly skilled than most.
Moving in a circle, we exchange blows seconds more and I corner him, stab him on the shoulder. He cuts my left arm in attempt to disarm me. Lightning cracks in the skies, flashing the face of my opponent.
Tato…
I recoil. He grips his wounded shoulder glowering at me. At this moment, we are not allies. Someone attacks from behind, I step out slicing his throat. Striking again with one hand, Tato waves the bolo and I take the defensive. We are consumed of our fight when we heard a loud snap above the squall. On his inaction, I twist my dagger. Using the hilt, I drive it upwards on Tato's lungs. He falls on his knees, doubled over as my eyes dart on the hill.
Something is creaking. It sings like a sizzling flame above the uproar. I spot Hughes ahead of me, head tip back, noticing the sound himself.
"Hughes," I bellow. "Fall back!"
Realizing, he sprints towards me and yells for the others near him to retreat. I shout for Erasmus on the right surrounded by two opponents.
"Fall back!" He disposes one before glancing at me. Concurrent, the trumpet delivers an alarm.
"Tree!"
A tree is rampaging down the hill.
I drag Tato to his feet, who made an inarticulate sound at the sight. We dash sideways instead of going to our ranks.
"They uprooted a damn tree," Hughes shouts catching up to us.
"Everyone, move!"
Men bolts in every direction like ants poured with water. I chance a glance on the tree's unfettered descent. It hit another tree with a splitting rumble and it breaks in two. The half trunk, that could fit four people inside, lurching towards us.
Hughes and I both curse, trying to outrun it. Breeze surging from the west makes rain hit like nails on my face. Tato stumbles beside me, his foot caught on the roots.
"Damn it!"
I run back as he tries to pry it out. I pull on his leg but it holds. The trunk now looming on us.
Pushing Tato down, I stretch flat on my back, in time to see the trunk bounce over inches above our heads. It lands in a smack near our feet and continues to roll. Panting, we give each other wild glances as an uprush of hoarse screams engulf our ears.
* * *
Three months? Lila has been missing for three months? I narrow my eyes at the Anagolay, suspicion surfacing at the back of my mind.
"What have you done with her?"
The Anagolay steels his gaze, lips tighten on the note of warning. "What are you implying?"
"Not implying, asking."
He places his hand casually on his back, to his weapon strapped there. "Just so you know, I cannot harm her even if I wanted to and trust me, I want to –"
His words die on his lips as the answer herself slumps on the floorboards between us. Stunned, we stare at her even though we should be familiar to her erratic vanishings. She could have been standing there from the start.
"There is the Eng't Urh."
I kneel and roll her on her back. Lila's skin is burning hot on my touch and she is pale. Where was she?
"She has a fever."
"Congratulations. Get out," Anagolay barks.
Ignoring him, I scoop Lila and lower her on the bed, pushing aside his bow, arrows and daggers. Though ripped on several parts of the arms and legs, she is wearing the same peasant clothing we traded. Yet she has darker skin, dyed hair.
"So, you intrude into my private life yet again and you expect a warm welcome. Great! Fantastic," the Anagolay continues his sarcasm as I busy with his basin and water. I wet some washcloths, placing one on her head. I remove her boots and tie strips on her ankles then around her elbows.
"I need a drink," I hear him say, closing the door with bang. On cue, Lila's lids split open.
"Lai?"
She limps and closes her eyes as if it was only a passing nod. After a scowl, I sweep the mercenary's room for any herb I can use for her fever. Other than the weapons and jars of unwatered wine under the table, the Anagolay owns nothing else.
* * *
(weeks prior)
"They have to be stopped in any means necessary," says General Verius.
The other council members nod in assent, encircling an oval table with the generals. King Cirrhinus sat on his raised throne while his guards flank his side and the walls of the courtroom; their bleak countenance as black as the armor they wear.
"We are doing that, we even sent the Elites."
"Yes, and now, we have reached an impasse." A general sneered.
After the stunt Thraine guerrillas pulled on us, both sides drew off from battle, gather the losses and recuperate. Days later, Erasmus' unit and mine were called back to Bessilus city, the capital of Aeon. Three weeks of journey just to listen to them argue.
"Thraine is not the priority, the Vanuyan is, your Highness." Master Gaius, the council head states. He is closest on the dais facing Cirrhinus who impassively regards him.
"Ever since that rumor, more incidents have ensued, more rebel graffities on our cities. If the rebels get to her first, it is only a matter of time before they recruit insolent fools–"
"Do we really cow in fear at such a rumor? I refuse to believe there is a Vanuyan survivor on the loose."
"Are you saying my Captain and our seeker lied, Master Iolanthus?" It is General Elricht that asks. I cannot see him but his voice is carried on the arc roofs of this courtroom to us, positioned on the far back.
The audience are quieted. I peer to the throne, noticing the king's hand wave at us, at Erasmus. He strides forward, leaving his unit beside mine.
For the first time the king speaks. "You have seen her, Captain?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"Can you relate to Master Iolanthus what had occurred?"
"Right away, your Majesty." Erasmus relays the night in Sebelicia. The establishment they raided. On how the Anagolay had interfered and on how suddenly a girl was speaking to them in her own tongue.
"'Alas! Alas! From ashes and dust, they will rise up and overthrow your kingdom' she said… in Aeonnite."
I dip my head slightly, hiding a smile that spreads on my face.
Lila, you…
"Preposterous!" Gasps and angry comments echoes in the anteroom. Lights on torches and candles on chandeliers above us seem to sway with their emotions. Hughes regards me sideways, I return the look as Elites behind us try not to shuffle their feet.
King Cirrhinus lifts a hand and everyone went silent. "In Aeonnite?"
"Yes, your Majesty," he affirms. "Fluently."
"Is that all?"
Erasmus nods. "We tried to find them but they have left the city in a boat."
"And head where?"
"Gakaloai." General Elricht answers.
"So, she is with the guerrillas?"
"We cannot confirm that yet…" Council members and generals murmur at the same time, opinions piling on top of another but it pipes down to a hush.
"How many soldiers do we have under our command?"
"Almost a hundred thousand swords, your Majesty." Master Gaius says. "Sixty of the best."
"Answer, then, how did a puny girl survived with a halfwit claiming to be a mercenary?"
If not for chagrin, they quieted in fear for the king's languid voice is lace with poison. "We have word that the heir of Thraine is in the quarries west of Horr. Retrieve him with your Elites, General Elricht. This time, successfully."
To another general up front, he says, "Continue your assault in Gakaloai. Spare no less effort than your best. I want it done."
Speaking to everyone, his voice booms, "Intensify the search, sketch their images, increase the bounty on their heads. Find the Anagolay. You find him, you find the Vanuyan."
They agree, "Sire."
"Leave me," the king commands.
Doors on the walls are opened. Members of the council and soldiers, obedient to the king, bows then drain out. As a door opens on our right, the king whispers a word to a royal guard beside him. Erasmus leads his unit first and we make to follow.
"Captain Gaviel," the same guard approaches me. Aeon's crest emblazoned on his breastplate armor announces him as Captain of the Royal Guards.
"The king wants to speak to your unit privately."
Hughes and I line the unit towards the center. The table is overcome with maps, scrolls and inkpots. I glimpse plans, royal reports and other important parchments.
"You were there in Sebelicia, yes?"
"You are correct, your Majesty."
Cirrhinus pauses, he crosses his legs, leaning on the back of his seat. "Do you believe Captain Erasmus' story?"
Surprised by the question, I take a second to answer. "Yes, sire."
"You think he is telling the truth?"
"Nothing but the truth, surely," I say.
He tips his head at me, "Are you?"
I meet his gaze; veiled as if he knows something I do not and he wishes for me not to see but be aware of it. "Yes, your Majesty."
* * *
Lila shifts on her side. I pause from sharpening my dagger to check on her fever. It has gone down compared to last night, even then she shows no sign of waking. Aeon left no stone unturned searching for her and she just appears out of nowhere.
The door opens. On all fours, I watch Anagolay crawl, stretching his frame. He shuts the door with his legs, his head under the table. Alcohol wafts from him like an innate odor. The sun had just broken in the horizon, light entering on the windows by the table.
"Tell me, what made you so desperate to come and search for me?" He asks as I squat down near his feet. His eyes are closed but his voice is clear and steady for a drunk.
"Or did you just intend to check up on her?"
"I came to propose a job."
He flashes his signature smirk. "Vacation, remember? My services are currently unavailable." He opens an eye to peer at me. "Even if it still is, what makes you think I will do something for you?"
I gather as much. He yawns, putting his arms on his head. "How did you find me anyway?"
"I asked one of your homeless informants."
"Tentacles," Anagolay corrects.
"Yes, tentacles."
"He was not much of a help, was he?"
"He was," I say, whetting a knife. "He knew what cities you frequent most. He does not need to know what you look like for that, which leads me here."
"Hmm," he intones. "Did you torture him?"
"No. He only required payment."
"Huh. So much for loyalty," the Anagolay says. "What is the job? In case I change my mind…"
"Acting."
He starts awake, "Excuse me?" Clearly offended.
"On a specific day, at a specific time, pretend to be a local soldier." The Anagolay props his body on his elbows.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes."
His smirk turns into a chuckle. "The price?"
"Your weight in gold. Double, if you change your mind." His eyebrow perks.
As he thinks I study him. His face really is as commonplace as any citizen. The stubble on his chin, the half–tied hair, even the sleeveless tunic of a lowly worker, tailored for his normalcy. The ruddy eyes with such audacity are the ones that betrays him. Arrogance peppering the sly nature he is known reflects on it.
"A handsome fee for a handsome feat. When and where?"
"Plaza Bessilus. Four days from now."
"What is the catch?"
"You will have to escort someone on your way out."
"Ah," he says, straightening. "You mean kidnapping."
I shrug, "Some would see it that way."
He snorts a laughter. "And here I thought you do not have a sense of humor."
"Elites will be on your tail the whole time," I add. "The plaza will be heavily secured, almost impossible to infiltrate."
"Am I working solo?"
"No. Someone will introduce himself to you."
Anagolay clicks his tongue, quick disapproval for a company even if it is someone that can help him.
"Who is the lucky one to be saved?"
"Sanim of Lur."
"Him again." Frowning, the Anagolay grabs a jar and finding a bowl he pours wine on it.
"Guerrillas failed in extracting him on the mines YOU put him in."
"That is hardly my fault."
"A public execution if the Thraine King refuses to negotiate."
He drinks before he says, "Cirrhinus negotiates?" To which I answer, no.
"The council head thinks the rebels will at least attempt to rescue him."
"Master Gaius is stupid. But then again, so is Sanim's uncle, Saramin." He refills his bowl.
"You think they will be there?"
Shrugging, he drains the wine. Somehow, he still has a stomach for it. "Not Saramin personally, his men will, but not dressed as themselves."
I thought so. Saramin will not risk losing an heir since his own son is rescinded of his throne.
"Is there anything else you want to tell me, Captain?"
He toys with his bowl, balancing it on a finger. For someone who is inebriated his gaze is direct and scathing with seriousness bordering to intense focus. A glimpse of the real Anagolay. Scheming. Deadly.
The face I saw nine years ago was creased with grief and drowned by the impetus of revenge. It is hard to reconcile that face with the one I see now.
"What you are asking is, if it is a trap for you," I say. "Definitely. Given your wont to intricate yourself in the matters of the kingdom, they are expecting you to show up–" I turn, facing the figure sitting up on the bed. "–with you."
Lila stares at me, awake since our conversation started.
"My source can be trusted."
"You are willing to bet your life on it." He says, more of a suggestion than a question. I say to him, "Why do you think I am here?"
"To implicate me–"
"As a friend to the people…"
"I am not a friendly person."
"They do not need a friendly one."
"Yes, you are right. They need a hero. I am not it."
"Not a hero, Anagolay. Just someone who is willing to fight."
"Says the white-haired beast who genocide a tribe–"
"And my conscience makes sure I do not forget it." I state. "I cannot forget it, I refuse to. You are one who can make a difference."
"Captain, I am a mercenary."
"And I am an Elite of Aeon."
His eyes narrow at me for more than three minutes. I flick my gaze to Lila. She shakes her head saying, "You're not the first person who expected something from him and he disappointed."
He regards her with a wink. "Well, who gets paid for a good cause?"
She sighs audibly and throws a pointed look in my direction.
"There is no payment greater than freedom."
The Anagolay breaks his gaze.
"I am appealing to the boy I met nine years ago," I say. He stills, brows furrowing. "I know he is in there and he still cares."
"Why do you care what happens to Sanim?"
"Because he can unite his people," I say. "If he lives, their hope lives."
"Hope. Now you sound like the Eng't Urh." Sitting up, he whispers. "I am never going to trust you, Captain. Doing so betrays my family whom you have murdered."
His accusation wounds my heart anew.
"You're blindly blaming him for so-"
"Compensating does not erase any of my past sins," I cut Lila off. "And I may never have your forgiveness. But I choose to act differently. To prevent any more horrible deaths your family suffered from."
I take my knife from its sheath and I hold it on my left palm. "A blood oath."
As I begin, the Anagolay blinks. "I, Gaviel Remenniah, vows to keep my word, to assist the Anagolay – Royu of Gakaloai and Lila the Eng't Urh in their endeavors to fight for what they stand for. In doing so if I betrayed or refused the terms may I be punished in fire that can never be put out." Cutting my hand, I finish the oath. The blood blossoms on my cupped hand.
"Do you understand what a blood oath is?" He asks, incredulous.
"I do."
"Absolute trust on words alone. It is not a mere promise!"
"I know."
He gawps. I offer the knife to him but instead, Lila takes it.
"What are you doing?" the Anagolay asks.
"I have a home," she says. "Someday, somehow, I'll probably go back but these people –" she walks to the windows and looks down.
In nearby inns, I hear pans clink, contents of chamber pot being poured, people talking, brooms whishing.
"I haven't experienced my home taken away from me. Or - or being hunted or being enslaved or... My point is..." Lila stares at Anagolay.
"I can't just do nothing."
Lila kneels in front of me and cuts herself. Our blood dripping as she encloses her hand to mine. The Anagolay gapes at us.
"I, Lila Garcia, promises to do what I can to help Gaviel Remenniah and Royu son of Boyo as a friend and as their Eng't Urh."
"You two are insane," he whispers, looking down.
He seems bemused. Lila grins at me saying, "Yes, we are."
Anagolay snorts, shaking his head. The Eng't Urh sighs.
"Look, I am sure you are doubting. Many will. But I believe. The changes you – we are making are small and might be insignificant yet those changes through time will ripple creating the greatest changes of all. Deem it possible."
"Just believe in each other–" She gives my hand a warm squeeze. "–in your capacity to do good. In kindness and friendship. In hope.
"It is time you put your confidence where it is owed, Royu."
She passes the knife to him. He stares at it, at her and at me. Her grin goes ear to ear, when the mercenary takes it.
"I–" he cuts his palm, "named at birth as Royu son of Boyo, now takes on the name Anagolay, will help– whatever these two idiots said."
He overlaps his hand on ours.
"Our oath is complete," I say, a bit bewildered. He shot to his feet, leaving in a haste even before Lila and I can get our hands back.
She chuckles lightly. "Don't worry, he's just digesting what he did."
Lila stands, watching the door.
"The Anagolay is not supposed to be working for anyone but himself."