Day 42
The afternoon sun cast its continuous light, causing the skies of Pia to resemble the hue of a lilac flower. Avia Zareil's black hair billowed out behind her as she raced her sawhorse, Brave, down the paved road leading to the gates of Humburg. At nearly one hundred feet in height, the siege doors were composed of thick wood and fog-glass; the city walls, stone and mortar.
Those doors were wide open and had been that way for centuries; the kingdoms never went to war with each other, the Four Kings having been friends long before Avia was born. The few lords with enough influence and might to challenge the will of the Four Kings were pledged to the Four Kings. No bandit group or criminal enterprise was big enough to take and hold any settlement larger then a village and the Dwellers had not been seen by Pian eyes since the heyday of the Mind of God Church over a thousand years ago. With the exception of the occasional petty crime, Humburg was the safest city within the kingdom of Biquin.
Pedestrians traveling on carriages pulled by sawhorses or other beasts of burden, went to and fro on various errands. Avia slowed not a bit as she weaved between the traffic expertly, like her and her mount were of one body. The streets widened significantly the further from the entrance she went with venders selling all types of items from booths made of cloth covered wood. Many Pian shoppers notice her quick passing and the family crest of Zareil embroidered on her turquoise surcoat. Most regard her with disdain, but she took no notice and would have ignored them if she had.
Avia (thinking)
I don't want to be here any longer than necessary. I could have went incognito, at least not brandishing my coat of arms, but damn that. I'm a proud daughter of Zareil, even if he wants me around even less then these people. Don't worry, I won't be among you long. The Superstars are housed at the keep towers. Since I have no idea which of the dozen they are in, I'll have to rely on Awareness to sense them.
Her beloved Brave carries her into and pass the city square, where she was forced to reduce her speed by half due to the congestion of the Coalition Carnage visit. Accommodations for aliens guests were evident in the sheer number of food venders specializing in foods a Pian would hardly eat, like bugs and fish eyed soup. Makeshift booths with games for children were painted blue and gold, kids of all kinds playing the games like Bullseye and Swordtag, using non lethal weapons of dull wood. Domicile dogs, cats, and sawhorses roamed about enjoying themselves on treats bestowed or dropped by the sentient animals in their time of mirth. A few of the Pian women yell obscenities in her wake, one even hurling a head of lettuce at her approach.
Pian 4
Go back to Zareil, homewrecker princess!
Avia deftly caught the leafy projectile, ignoring the icy stares of her people and the confused looks of non Pians drawn to all the fuss. When the space was clear enough, she picked up speed, racing past the wood and fog-glass homes to either side. They were uniform in design; slanted roofs, four stories, and freshly painted, some in the Coalition Carnage patterns. A Ninshu selling tickets to some event, was barking loudly about how cheap he was letting them go for. A dog barks happily at her and she smiles.
Castle Mishoria rose above the rest of the metropolis like a great dragon of ancient legends, forked towers like talons of stone. She felt the souls she was seeking just as she crossed over the drawbridge and was outside the proper tower five minutes later. The Biquin family crest adorned the keep twenty feet above the entrance and she grimaced at the arrow and tiara embroidered on it. She hopped from Brave, stroking the sawhorse face gently and kissing her nose in thanks. The cabbage she had caught she placed at the foot of the beast, giving a leaf of it to a dog that had wandered up. More sawhorses were at the nearby trough, some were waiting on those they had bonded to, others were wild.
A canopy of sound was waiting for her inside as nearly a hundred people ate and drank and was generally merry. The banquet hall was large enough to accommodate ten times the amount of guests then was currently present, high wood ceiling holding fog-glass lanterns of light. A small section of the room held all manners of weaponry made of fog-glass displayed on panels set up in a semicircle. She walks in that direction, past the unpleasant gazes of any Pian who noticed her arrival. She saw the subjects of her search, just as a spray of liquor in her face drew her ire. A man with a tooth missing and spittal in his bread, drew a sword.
Pian 5
Go home, whore.
He was missing three more teeth, had a concussion, and was through a table of food by the time she walked up to Kane and Claude, the two staring at her wide eyed. The man showing them the war hammer places it back on the display behind him, then stomped off, giving them no more of his attention. She ignored him and everyone else that was drawn to the commotion, speaking only to the Human and Dycordian.
Avia
Come with me.
She turned and walked back the way she came, not bothering to wait for their reply. She was relieved to sense they were following her out. A woman was cleaning blood from the man's split cheek, spitting at Avia's feet.
Avia
Wanna end up like your boo?
Her comment was in passing, but she heard the woman grumble a curse. Avia didn't say another word or even turn to her charges until she reached Brave, waiting patiently. The only people giving them any attention, were those of Pian birth. Kane, wearing a patterned blue-green shirt and dark trousers, had a confused expression as he took in the reactions of her brethren.
Kane
What's all that about?
Avia
Jealousy. I'm here to return the favor preacher man here extended.
Claude
Call me Claude. We would be honored for a tour.
Avia
Not of this place. My home.
She hops on the sawhorse, bare back, straight from a standing position. She looks to them, expectantly.
Avia
Ready?
Kane
Nice horse, excuse me, sawhorse. Six legs, bet it's faster then those on Earth.
Avia
Sawhorses exist on your world?
Kane
Minus two legs and the saw part.
Claude
I would not mind learning to ride one.
Kane
Yeah, never rode either kind before.
Avia disembarks once again, patting Brave in apology. She walks across the avenue, entering a structure where several sawhorses wandered near. She exits with a small bag. After examining a few of the sawhorses, she gently rubs the long faces of two, who follow her the same way Kane and Claude had, sniffing and shaking free dirt or fleas.
Avia
Here, these are perfect for you.
Kane
Did you buy these for us?
Avia
Don't be stupid! They aren't bought and sold like trinkets! I brought the candy cubes as an offering for service.
Claude
Ah, a covenant, of sorts.
Avia
I knew at least you would understand.
Kane
Hey, I don't know jack about animal bonding. I'm up to learning, just give me a chance before you go dissing a brother.
Avia
I...apologize for my harsh words. We hold animals in high esteem here. Let me show you how to get them to do what you ask. Do what I do.
She hands them each a cube of rainbow colors. She goes to Brave and looks her in the eye, using her left hand to caress her face. The two men follow her example, caressing the animals in a circular pattern. Finally, she gives the animal the candy cube and repeats the patting process. The three sawhorses bend their knobby knees and Avia hops on. Claude does as well, but Kane is hesitant. He tries and stops multiple times before succeeding.
Kane
So, how far is home?
Avia
About a five day ride, if we don't sleep.
Claude
And the sawhorses?
Avia
Can travel for much longer without rest.
Kane
Five days?!
Avia
I could have taken my dragonfly friend, but Zelda Ann needed to rest after traveling here all the way from Dycord. Besides, the best way to experience Pia, is beyond stone walls.
The party leave the city of Humburg behind, traveling along the well worn dusty road. The countryside was rolling hills of green grass sprinkled with trees full of leaves waiting to fall, along with multiple rocky islands. They traveled thirty-three hours without stopping before Avia showed where she used to catch fish from a stream near a dark and foreboding forest. She mentions the beauty of the sunrise when viewed from a certain bluff and Kane suggested they camp there to watch. He overslept and missed it, but her and Claude enjoyed the sight of the purple disk rising over the valley.
The next day, they raced along the road as it ran past a small lake with indigo feathered fowl frolicking in the water. Kane was more comfortable on his stead and was able to keep up with Avia and Claude. The sawhorses were young and strong, feeding on the foliage around. They crossed the border into the kingdom of Zareil, passing a group of miners digging near a rock outcropping, their tent set up a few meters from the dig site. A miner, covered in dirt, was drinking from a cup and waves at their passing.
An hour after entering the kingdom, they enter the city of Zareil Pride, a medium sized city town of clean streets and friendlier natives. Some greeted Avia kindly, others ignoring her presence. The trio was traveling at a cantor now as Avia spoke up.
Avia
Zareil Pride is the farthest township from the castle and marks the end of Zareil territory. The folks here live modestly, mostly. A lot of culinary experts learned their craft here.
Kane
I could go for some grub.
Avia
You eat insects?
Kane
No.
Avia
Grub is a bug here.
Kane
If it tastes like pizza, give me a handful.
Avia
What's pizza?
Kane was going into graphic detail of his favorite food, when a woman began calling Avia's name from a side street. She was running up to Avia, reaching out desperately like the princess would vanish any second. She nearly fell, feet getting tangled in her long, green dress in her haste. Avia stopped as the woman caught up, struggling to catch her breath.
Avia
Emily?
The middle aged woman bent to one knee.
Emily
My princess, I'm so sorry to disturb-
Avia had leapt from Brave and embraced the woman, lovingly.
Avia
None of that. You helped birth me. It's been so long.
Emily
I'm sorry.
Avia
Stop apologizing. It's not your fault. We can catch up now-
Emily
Yes, I'm sorry, but I need help. Tooliver and Noun are missing. No one has seen them anywhere in Pride or the surrounding area. I'm beside myself. My family wouldn't just run off. If they were attacked by bandits-
Avia
Calm yourself, Emily. We don't know for certain what has happened.
Emily
They went hunting for wild and have been gone for two days, with not a word.
Avia
That does cause for concern.
Kane and Claude heard every word on their sawhorses.
Claude
We heard of other mysterious disappearances in Humburg. A husband, a sister, and a friend were all reported missing.
Avia
Then we will search for your family, Emily, and we will bring them home. Where did they go hunting?
PAST
Emily, the midwife, raises the blood covered newborn girl from her mother, her cries bouncing off the stone walls of the castle nursery. A second midwife rubs the birth mother with oils, chanting in old tongue. The powerful frame of the king gingerly approaches the bedside, a look of sheer sadness on his clean features.
Mauve
The Queen?
Midwife
She...sire, I can't...
Queen
My...love?
Mauve was on his knees by her side, cupping her hands gently in his.
Mauve
I'm here, Anneliese. I'm here. I won't leave-
Anneliese
Call...her...Avia.
Her eyes close in finality and the king sobs quietly, begging silently for her not to leave. Emily glides up behind him, holding a much cleaner baby girl.
Emily (hesitantly)
Your new daughter, your Majesty.
He didn't move and the woman standing in the doorway, tears streaming down her face, stepped up. Her resemblance to her now deceased mother was unmistakable.
Anya
I can take her.
Emily
She is...not well. I believe your mother's illness has had an adverse effect. She must be taken to the faith healers right away.
Anya
Then do so.
Anya follows the midwives out, leaving her grief stricken father. Hours later, in a separate chamber, the newly christened Avia sleeps soundly in a cradle. Two faith healers and their glowing crystal balls stood at each end, staring at her sleeping form. The one at the head of the crib turns to Emily and whispers in her ear. Avia's sisters, one a child, another a teen, the oldest a young adult, huddled together, all on different levels of grief. Emily slowly walks over, gripping at her dress tensely.
Emily
Avia is infected with the same disease as the Queen, I'm afraid. Whatever it is, it breaks down protein cells, causing weak bone and muscle structure. It resists all antidotes in our libraries, but the healers have managed to slow its progress. They would like to know how Her Highness came to be sick.
Anya
It was during a trip to Kingslands the year before last. When she returned, she was feeling ill. It's only gotten worse.
The King enters as she explained, face a mask of neutrality.
Emily
We only have one other case in our records, but its from thousands of years ago. We do not even have a name for it.
Mauve
Mauve's Folly is what it's called, for it was my foolishness that led to this.
Child Zetori cries loudly. The middle child, Zella, hugs herself and sinks to the floor, her back against the wall. Anya was quiet a moment before speaking.
Anya
Father, Avia will need-
He turns and exits the chamber. Anya gathers her younger sisters in an embrace, calming the child. She looks over at Emily.
Anya
Do what you can. I will return after I've dealt with these two.
Emily
She will need special care.
Anya
And she will have it.
PRESENT
Kane
How come you guys hunt? I thought all animals were sacred here.
The trio had spent an hour gathering what info they could on any more disappearances; six additional people were missing. They then went out of Zareil Pride the way they entered, searching the area Emily had indicated.
Avia
The animals that are slaughtered for food are specially grown with no pain receptors. They are released into areas where hunting is allowed. Any animal killed that was not grown specifically for that purpose is burned and the penalty for the culprit is life in prison.
Claude
How often do people go missing?
Avia
I don't know. No more than anywhere else, I suppose.
Kane
Maybe the guy just took off. Couldn't handle being married anymore.
Avia
I know the family. Noun and I grew up together. He wouldn't leave his mother any more than his father would. Let's split up and search the area.
The valley went uphill and had foliage so dense, Avia had to disembark to get through the tighter spots. The sun had been high overhead at the start of their search and was about an hour from setting, when Claude called out. Kane had reached his friend before she could, the two standing within a bushel of trees. They find a broken piece of wood carved into a bow and several broken arrows.
Kane
This can't be good.
Claude
There are signs an altercation went down. Broken branches and disturbed grass over there.
Avia
We can track them from there. Let's hurry. It'll be night soon.
Claude
We can try, but I saw no visible trail to follow.
Try they did, but the clergyman was right. No indication of a person being dragged or footprints of any kind.
Avia (thinking)
Tooliver and Noun, I'm sure, are good hunters, but leaving zero tracks to follow? They can't be that good. It's been years since I've seen them; their skills could have improved, but still-
Kane
Hey, remember that archeology dig or whatever we saw earlier? Ain't that close by?
Claude
I believe so. You think they may have noticed something?
Kane
Worth a shot.
Avia
I agree.
The trio race in the direction of the dig site, sawhorses kicking up grass in their wake. The trees started to thin out as was the light of the setting sun. Only foliage was out this way and the twenty or so Pians wheeling out piles of dirt in carts. A man in a green outfit exited the tent setup nearby, waving as they start to slow their mounts. Not one of the others so much as lifted a head at their arrival twenty feet away. The Pian in green smiles, his teeth in need of cleaning.
Pian 6
Greetings of Oneness. How may I be of service?
Avia
Greetings. I am Princess Avia Zareil of the Zareil kingdom. These are my...charges, Claude of Styfe and Kane Urasa. We were wondering, during the time you've been here, have you or any of your workers notice any strange behavior from passersby?
Pian 6
No, we have not.
Claude
Do you speak for everyone here?
Pian 6
Yes, I do.
There was a moment of silence, Avia watching the man in green watching them. His smile was like it was painted on his face.
Avia (thinking)
This suddenly feels weird. His attitude seems...off. And the others haven't even glanced over here.
Kane
What're you guys doing, anyway?
Pian 6
Looking for a symbol.
Kane
Care to elaborate?
Pian 6
We are looking for the figurehead of our new religion.
Avia
What new religion?
Pian 6
We call it Oneness, for we worship only the One. We, of the Only, are the only ones the One loves.
Kane
Sounds culty.
Claude
Kane, do not insult their right to worship. The One? Who is that?
Pian 6
The one true Deity. From out there.
He was staring at the dark sky, the moon glowing brightly behind him.
Avia (thinking)
Kane's right. This is just another group of zealots throwing their lives away to one of the hundreds of false gods out there. Claude is right as well. It's not our place to tell them where to put their faith. Lucky for me, I have faith in myself.
Avia
We are sorry for disturbing you. Let us go from here.
She turns Brave to go back, eyes searching the dig site as one man climbed from the shaft to get a drink of water. She stopped the sawhorse, her companions doing likewise.
Kane
What's up?
Avia
That's Noun.
PAST
Child Avia stood in the shade of a tree, out on the castle courtyard. A group of children her size were playing swordtag nearby. A boy detached from them to run up next to her, sword of oakwood in hand. She smiles at her friend.
Child Avia (thinking)
I'm so happy. Noun came to talk to me, even though he was having fun.
Child Noun
Come on, Avia. We're going by the river at the edge of the city.
Child Avia
I can't leave the grounds. Stay with me, Noun. Please.
Child Noun
You can't do nothin. Why you always sick?
Emily
Noun!
The two kids see his mother and her sister, Zella, walking towards them.
Emily
We were just coming to get you two for lunch and I hear my son being improper to the princess. You will be going nowhere but your room.
Child Noun
Mom!
Emily
Now!
He threw his toy into the ground, giving Avia a look that made her tear up. He avoids a swipe by his mother, running toward the castle. Emily turns to Zella.
Emily
I'm so sorry, Your Grace.
Zella
It's okay, Em. You can go. Enjoy the rest of the day with Noun. And please, don't be mad with him.
Emily
As you command.
Zella sighs as the midwife scurries off. She joins Avia under the tree, sitting next to her. Avia was sobbing quietly and leans into her older sister, who hugs into the lean.
Zella
No need to cry, Lil Bit.
Child Avia
Noun don't like me.
Zella
He does like you. It's just that boys like to run around and jump off stuff and have sword fights-
Child Avia
I like all those things.
Zella
But, you would get hurt.
Child Avia
No, I will be careful.
Zella
Your bones are too brittle and you bruise very easily. I'm sorry, Lil Bit. You can't play with the other children.
Child Avia
No friends for me then.
Zella
Hey, you have me and 'Tori and...me.
Child Avia
Yeah, that's great.
She removes Zella's arm and stands.
Child Avia
Imma walk around a bit. I need time to think.
Zella
Okay. Don't go far. I love you.
Child Avia
Love you, too.
PRESENT
Noun
Avia! So good to see you!
Avia had climbed from Brave and walked to her childhood acquaintance, puzzled by his demeanor.
Avia
Noun, what are you doing here?
Noun
Looking for a symbol for our new religion.
Avia
Your mother's sick with worry looking for you.
Noun
I've been here.
He gestures to the chasm. More people covered in dirt and carrying digging equipment emerge from the hole. Kane and Claude stood a few feet behind her and she heard their comments.
Kane
You notice the same thing I did?
Claude
These people fit descriptions of the missing.
Avia focused on the diggers.
Avia (thinking)
They're right. What kind of religion makes people abandon their families? And those smiles. They all got the same smile.
Avia
Where is your father?
Noun
He died.
She hears the others surprised yelps, when hands suddenly grapple her from behind. She was shocked to see they were surrounded by the diggers; arms at their sides, some still gripping tools. She struggles when Noun joins in restraining her, but their grip was firm.
Kane
Whoa, these guys are strong!
Claude
I cannot sense them. Not really.
Avia
Noun, what are you doing?!
The man in green was coming towards them, removing the cap from a metallic tube the length of her forearm. She could see, as he was tilting the container in her direction, that it was full of a bright red, gelatinous substance.
Noun
Worshipping the One frees one of pain and sorrow. You'll like it, I swear.
End chapter