Chapter 5: An Old Friend

Previously in Chapter 4: After arriving in the Centran Capital, Dalan and Tobias searched the city for Artemis. They eventually spotted their target in the Drowsy Mora pub, but were dismayed when a few members of the Centran Chivalry entered the pub with the idea of apprehending Loross'i as well. Artemis fought off the knights, but a mysterious Elf appeared on the scene with two mysterious weapons and would have killed Artemis if it weren't for Tobias' intervention. Upon learning that Artemis was not his target, the Elf, who refers to himself as a race of elves called the 'Greykein', introduced himself as Claude Colton and offered his room at a nearby inn as a place for Tobias to recover from a wound inflicted on him by one of Claude's 'fire-weapons'. Artemis, Dalan and Tobias travel to the inn and Claude returns with a young healing magick affine and member of the order of Archos named Jonathan, who had agreed to treat Tobias' wound. After Tobias' wound was treated, Artemis, Dalan and Claude discussed the looming war between Centra and Al-Mahid and unfortunately, all of their suspicions are confirmed: The war was a plan by the Elvaan to distract and weaken the most powerful Hume nations to facilitate an invasion of Hume lands. Members of the Chivalry locate Claude's inn room and chase the group, including Jonathan down, hoping to imprison them and use them as justification for Centra to go to war with Al-Mahid. However, with the help of a mysterious acquaintance Artemis' past named Isfahan, the group flees the city, searching for a way to quell the fires of war before it is too late.

--

Triumste'dar
Nar Selen'tar ner Selen'sej
Trium'sequir'delin ster k'trium
Ket Trium'elvaan E!

Translation from Elvaan:
The state's purpose is to serve the people
It shall conduct no war of conquest or personal aim
The government which decides to abide by such rules is a wise one.
Let us work to make the state of the Elvaan into such a nation!

-Statement made at the beginning of every meeting of the Elvaan Oligarchs

--

“So, everything is working well?” A man in shining silver armor said, looking down at a short, skinny pale young man wearing circular wire rimmed glasses which outlined his watery blue eyes.
“Yes. It should be fully operational now. We don't know how long it will take to move from here to Akhmet though. It could take hours, maybe days for all we know. After all, a test trial would have been too risky.” The man said, looking up at the tall square shouldered knight, who looked back at the man with focused dark green eyes.
“Would have risked showing our cards. Port Izaria is far too close to the border to take risks like that.”
“Exactly. It is very advantageous that we found it here. I'm sure it is such a relic to whoever left it here and yet, so useful for us. It has to be at least a few hundred years old. I wonder whose it was and what their civilization's technology is like now,” The skinny man said, shambling alongside the armored knight, his head barely higher than the railing on the narrow marble stone bridge, which was raised far above the waters below. Port Izaria was a city built upon an island, if one could even call it that. More realistically, it was a vast flat topped stone protruding from the water. At the top of it, a small, yet bustling town lay and on the sloping sides of the island, ships sailed in and out of the small docks that surrounded the landmass. The skinny man looked up at the knight nervously. “Um...”
“Yes?” The knight responded.
“Are you sure you and your men want to do this? I know you are considered a legend by most of Centra, Sir Aramis, but this is dangerous. If you do this, you may not return! Our country needs heroes like you. It is true that I will be the one who operates it, but I am not an important public figure either,” the man squeaked in his shrill voice. “If you die, then Centra loses hope!” The knight laughed. Far below them, the calm sound gurgling of waves lapping against the island could be heard. The knight closed his eyes and savored the calming sound.
“I would never forgive myself if I didn't contribute to the war efforts. You are a scientist. Do what you do and we soldiers will do what we do. I'm sure that my brother, guilder Alex Aramis will be fighting as well. I can't risk the possibility that I am not doing all that I can to keep him alive. The most important thing is, once we mobilize this weapon, not even the Akhmet will stand a chance. Even though their army greatly outnumbers ours. As soon as the plan is executed, they will either surrender their lands to us, or they shall be annihilated.

. . .

Dalan crashed to the ground, his hands hitting smooth, cold stone as he rolled onto the ground. Where am I? He thought as he stood up, looking around. Tall buildings made of grey and purple stones rose up all around him. He saw a building across the street that he recognized Artemis' School of Essential Magicks from his last visit to the city of Gabradia. Although he hadn't been back in a couple of years, the city would still hold memories for him, many of them unpleasant. Gil’s old apartment should be around here somewhere. He thought as he looked curiously up at the residence buildings. Their similarity prevented him from pinpointing Gil's old apartment, but looking at the light emanating from a few of the windows, he could still picture the quaint room which was warmed by the cast iron stove. The sky was clear, standing in stark contrast to the bright full moon, but to the east, Dalan could see heavy black rain clouds rising up over the horizon like a grey tidal wave, punctuated by occasional flashes of lightning. Well, those knights would certainly have trouble setting up a search party in that. He thought as he stood up slowly, brushing the dust off of his pants. He turned around and saw Claude standing up, holding his side and wincing in pain. As Jonathan walked up to the old elf, he scowled.
“What was that supposed to be, my young lad?” He said, his voice harsh.
“What?” Jonathan asked.
“Porting an old man like me way up there. We had to be at least one Hume's height above the ground when we came out of that thing! My back will be hurting for the next week, I'm sure,”
“Sorry,” Jonathan said, looking down sheepishly.
“At least we came out of that alive,” Tobias said walking to the group with Artemis not far behind. “Someone almost got us killed,”
“Look,” Artemis said. “What do you think would have happened to us if they had apprehended us? They would have killed the people who they didn't need and would have used the rest of you to justify this damned war that they are so encouraged to wage. All of us are here to stop the war, right?” Jonathan looked at Artemis, an expression of both confusion and anger on his face.
“I don't really know what is going on,” Tobias said. “Why are you trying to stop the war? I know why Dalan is here, but Artemis and... What is your name anyways?”
“Claude,” Claude replied. “And it looks like both your country and Centra are being set up by the Elvaan. Once your two countries are busy with each other, they will send in an invasion force to take both out,”
“What!?” Tobias shouted.
“Remember I said I was here to help Artemis?” Dalan cut in. “Back in the pub. I knew the kid's father. He told me about the leader of the Elvaan country's plans for war. Of course, didn't think I'd actually get a chance to hunt down Artemis here,” Tobias' eyes widened in realization. "My question is... who was that guy in the cloak back in Centra?"
“Excuse me, but may I ask where we are?” Claude said, opening his messenger bag and checking the contents. Come to think of it, what does he have in there? Dalan thought, glancing over at Claude, who let out a sigh of relief and closed the bag once more.
“Gabradia.” Artemis said. “My home is nearby, but I'm sure that after that price was put on my head, there are bounty hunters just waiting for me to return,”
“I say we go to Gil's place,” Dalan said, turning to Artemis.
“Who is Gil?” Claude asked, but Artemis cut in.
“You are a regular comedian.” Artemis paused, looking at Dalan in disbelief. “Wait, you are serious, aren't you? If this is an attempt to turn me in, it is a lame one.”
“Trust me,” Dalan said. “Or not. You can leave if you wish. We really don't need you along,”
“I never said I wasn't going,” Artemis replied. “But if you, your friend or Gil even looks at me funny, I'll kill them.” Dalan looked at Tobias sheepishly. Claude shrugged. “I suppose none of you know where she lives.” Artemis sighed. “What are you waiting for? Lets go.”

. . .

Dalan looked up at the tall two story stone building with unruly wood shingles. The stones of which the building was composed were mismatched and somewhat shabby, stuck together by often excessive portions of plaster. It was still very large, considering that real estate in Gabradia was exceedingly expensive, despite the predominantly poor population. Most families lived in small crowded one room apartments. Only the rich and privileged lived with their buildings against the city walls, a tradition dating even before Centran occupation to when Gabradia was a slave colony for the Elvaan. Although this was definitely a step down from her quarters in Port Albert, it was definitely an impressive dwelling for a place like Gabradia. A small patio sat at the front of her house, a rocking chair and a table with a pitcher of water sitting to the left of the doorway. Dalan walked up to the rough wooden door and rapped on it twice swiftly. He saw a small light moving slowly through the house through one of the windows. The door opened and a short Sung girl with long jet black hair who could not have been more than fifteen answered the door, holding a lantern in one hand, a small thin blade in the other.
“If you are going to tell me that you are Guilder Regalia, save your breath,” Artemis said, walking up to the door. The girl raised her blade and stepped back into a fighting stance. Artemis took a step back “Whoa, there Remember me? It's Guilder Loross'i,”
“Guilder Loross'i?” She said, her dark eyes widening in amazement, then narrowing in anger. “So I see they caught you. The rogue magician. You were the one responsible for the killings, weren't you?” She said.
“Yep, that was me,” Artemis replied casually. “I tried to make their deaths as quick and painless as possible. Now get Gil will ya? My punishment awaits,” The young girl shot one last glare at Artemis and then disappeared, closing the door. After a short wait, Gil opened it.
“Dalan!” She said in surprise.
“Good to see you again Gil,” He said, stepping forward to embrace Gil in a tight hug. He stepped back and smiled. “I can't believe Murad made me sit through one of your council meetings. Its about as fun as watching grass grow,” Gil sighed.
“It has to be done, you know. I'm worse than you, believe it or not. I'd rather be out doing anything else, but both the mercantile association and the blacksmiths' guild need me.” Gil replied.
“Hah, I know you, Gil. You like doing this stuff, because you think that no one else would do it as well as you if you quit,” Dalan said, a twinkle in his eye.
“Is that so?” Gil laughed.
“Yeah,” Dalan growled.
“Anyways, I see you brought Loross'i in,” Gil walked out through the door, looking the half-elf guilder right in the eyes. Artemis' light brown eyes betrayed no sign of fear or anger.
“Kind of,” Dalan said, looking at Loross'i.
“Lo, Gil. And why the little Sung killing machine? I really don't appreciate our welcoming party,” Artemis quipped. Dalan rolled his eyes in exasperation.
“Getting captured hasn’t shut your mouth it seems,” Gil replied. “It’s as loud as ever.”
“Well, I wasn't really captured.” Artemis replied. Gil's eyebrows raised in surprise. “The fact of the matter is, we barely made it out of Centra alive. Hate to say it, but we need your help,”

. . .

“So you helped Loross'i escape?” Gil said incredulously, surveying her company from a large cushioned cream colored chair in her living room. Dalan had pulled a chair away from a desk sitting near a window and sat down in it. Tobias sat in an easy chair nearby while Claude and Jonathan remained standing. Artemis had made himself comfortable on a burgundy leather couch which sat not far from Dalan, his feet were propped up on the arm of the couch, despite Gil’s numerous dirty looks. The room was lit by wall lanterns which shone with the bright yellow glow of pyrelights, a magical light source created by a few enterprising magicians in Gabradia. “I don't believe this. Why did you come here of all places if you weren't going to turn him in? And who are all of you? I don't recognize anyone here except for Dalan and Loross'i!”
“I'm Taylor Tobias,” Tobias said, shrugging. “Everyone just calls me Tobias though. We never used first names in the Fraternary. Guess I just got used to it. I work with Dalan for the Border Mercenaries,”
“A member of the Fraternary, huh?” Gil said, turning to Tobias and nodding her approval.
“I'm Jonathan Tilminster,” Jonathan said quietly, studying the carpet at his feet.
“He helped us out. We got into a scrap and Claude here used one of those fire weapons to shoot Tobias. He healed him,” Dalan clarified.
“They are called guns. This kind in particular is called a revolver,” Claude clarified as walked up to Gil, lazily twirling one of his guns in his hand, then holstering it. He took her hand in his, brought it to his lips and gave it a light kiss. “I'm Claude Colton. Good to make your acquaintance, dear,” Gil blushed, managing to look both flattered and a bit cross. She managed a half hearted glare at Claude, who just smiled. Claude looked over at Dalan and nodded reassuringly. “Don't worry, Hume child. My dear wife back home would be very incensed if she thought I was in Centra flirting with beautiful women like Gil.”
“I don’t know why you are telling me that. Tell her,” Dalan said. Claude winked and turned back to Gil.
“Just a gesture of friendship, my dear,” Gil nodded.
“Y-yes. Just caught me a little off guard,” She smiled. “You are Elvaan? What are you doing here?”
“No. I'm greykein. You can tell us from the Elvaan by the grey splotches on our face, if you were wondering. We were cast out of the Elvaan city of Luz a thousand years ago because we had a sort of physical defect that we call a 'mutation' that prevented us from using magicks. The Elvaan claimed at that time that we had ‘turned away from nature’ and kicked every ‘greykein’ as they called us, out of the city as soon as they came of age. Later, it was discovered that our lack of magical powers was due to a mutation, but the Elvaan aren’t the type to apologize for their foolishness. But you didn't ask for an Elfish history lesson. As for my goals in Hume territory, they are the same thing as Artemis' actually. And sorry about the whole military advisor assassination thing. That was me, not Artemis,” Gil looked at Claude incredulously.
“What exactly are you two trying to do? And what about you, Dalan? Are you with them!?” Gil managed.
“Yes. It seems that we have all been fooled. The Elvaan are playing Centra and Al-Mahid against each other. If the two of them go to war, I fear that an Elvaan assault force will not be far behind.” Dalan said, his expression gloomy. Gil stared first at Dalan, then at Artemis, utterly stunned.
“What do you want me to do about it?” Gil stuttered. Gil is shaken? That is a new one. Dalan thought. Under the circumstances, however, he considered it a very acceptable response. A common response from everyone who hears the news, really.
“Pull some strings, stop this war before it even starts. Easy as shabacake,” Artemis laughed, his voice souring. Gil looked Artemis straight in the eyes, her gaze unwavering.
“I wish I could do that. The Centran forces began their march midday yesterday. They have probably already reached the Al-Mahidi border. It has already begun.” No… Dalan thought, slamming his fist on the desk nearby.
“Hmm,” Gil said thoughtfully, regaining her composure. “There may be a way. Perhaps I can talk to Guilder Aramis about this.”
“Another guilder, huh?” Claude said thoughtfully.
“Who is this ‘Guilder Aramis’?” Tobias asked.
“Alex Aramis, younger brother of the legendary knight Sir Aramis.” Gil replied. “Alex is an incredible self taught swordsman who lives in Port Izaria. He runs the biggest swordfighting school in all of the Centran continent. Most of the knights in the Chivalry are from his school. His style pretty much sets the standard for swordfighting technique.”
“And? What does he have to do with stopping the invasion?” Tobias replied.
“Well, he is certainly one of the more neutral guilders. We have supported each other on lots of issues in the past. I’m sure he’d hear me out no matter how ridiculous the idea of an invasion sounded. Assuming he hasn't left to fight already, I will head to Port Izaria to talk to him tomorrow,” Gil said.
“So, I take it you aren’t going to Al-Mahid?” Dalan asked. Gil looked at him and raised her eyebrows.
“And you are? What in Archos’ name would you achieve by doing that? You would probably get killed before you could say "neutral". Not to mention that if you guys are right, when the Elvaan show up, things won’t be pretty at all.”
“I won’t let my home come under attack. I have some old friends there. I can’t bear the thought of losing them just like…” Dalan’s voice trailed off.
“My parents are in prison there.” Tobias cut in. “The Dey learned that they were members of the Fraternary of Sophia. I can’t leave them there. If the Elvaan sweep through, they will be locked up and helpless,” Gil looked from Tobias to Dalan and sighed.
“You really are serious aren’t you? You are willing to risk your life on principle to go back and ‘save’ your friends from an entire army.”
“I agree with the young lady. There is not much that such a small group can do against two warring armies,” Claude said, standing up and walking over to a crystal bottle filled with an amber colored liquid which sat on a small side table. “Firescotch?” Gil nodded.
“Help yourself. Does anyone else want something to drink or eat? It looks like you will be staying the night before you head off to Al-Mahid tomorrow, so make yourselves comfortable.” Once again, Gil fixed Artemis, who was still reclined on the leather couch, with a piercing glare, Artemis simply shrugged.
“You forget that Jonathan can port. They have no time to spare if they want to get to Al-Mahid, you know. It would be a sad thing indeed if they showed up too late to protect those who they love. Jonathan could port you as well, Gil, but I doubt it would do you any more good to get to Aramis now than it would to see him in the morning,” A voice said from the entryway. Claude stopped mid-pour and reached for one of his revolvers with his free hand. Gil was immediately on her feet, her sword drawn.
“Who are you? How did you get in here? Show yourself!” She shouted. The young Sung girl from before rushed down the stairs, past the doorway of the living room and into the entryway. There was a shrill squeak down the hall. Gil and Dalan rushed out into the hallway to see the girl floating in midair, spinning slowly and slashing her sword wildly at a person in a green cloak who stood in front of her.
“Isfahan!” Artemis shouted again in surprise. Gil stepped forward with her sword, but Artemis stepped in front of her. Tobias, Claude and Jonathan had rushed around the corner and stood behind Gil, Artemis and Dalan. Tobias held his knife in his hand and Claude had a revolver pointed at the intruder’s head. “Don’t attack him. It wouldn’t be pleasant, I’d imagine. For you that is,” Artemis clarified.
“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t hurt any of them. I’m just here to say that you should hurry if you wish to go to Al-Mahid.” Isfahan said. He stepped forward into the light, raising a wrinkled calloused dark brown hand to pull back the hood of his leaf green cloak. As the hood fell from his head, the first features that Dalan noticed were his bright green eyes, which surveyed the room calmly from under bushy arched eyebrows. There was a pink scar which ran down from above his right eyebrow, to his cheek, standing in stark contrast to his dark, almost black brown skin. His hair was as white as ivory and outlined his face, coming to a small goatee at his chin. At his belt, he wore a black leather sheath with the hilt of what looked to be either a large knife or a small sword protruding from it. He waved his hand and the young Sung girl was lowered softly onto her feet. She held her sword in front of her, feet poised in a defensive stance.
“Mai, stand down,” Gil said softly. The girl stepped back reluctantly. “Loross’i, you know him?”
“Yeah. An old friend,” Artemis said, glancing at the battle worn man. “If he is here, he probably has a reason. Whenever I see this guy, something bad is always happening,”
“This time is no different,” Isfahan replied. “The war between Al-Mahid and Centra has begun, as the young lady said. If you wish to do something to stop it, now is the time,”
“Look,” Artemis said, rolling his eyes. “I’ve seen you in battle. Unlike this little ragtag group, you could actually do something about all of this. Why are you coming here to tell us when you could go and try to stop the war yourself before the Elvaan forces even become a problem?”
“This battle is not mine and to tell the truth, I am not sure how much I could even do. These are armies, large ones. Were I to intervene alone, I do not think I would be able to stop them. I just thought that perhaps you would want to know about this. I have a bad feeling that if I were to intervene, something terrible should happen. I am not sure that I should be telling you to go either, but perhaps it is for the better.”
“Still don’t remember who you are or how you got that scar? Don’t tell me you are senile. Although with all of the obscure riddles and parables you usually talk in, I would certainly believe it. You work on intuition too much old man. It’s better if you have everything planned out to the letter,” Artemis said, running his hand through his hair.
“Plans in the absence of information are futile, Artemis. I do remember who I am. It is just... I am missing some memories,”
“Yeah, the past one thousand years worth,” Artemis sighed, shaking his head.
“No. I have been trying to put together the pieces for the past two hundred or so. It is the eight hundred before that that are giving me trouble.”
“Forgetting the past thousand years?” Gil said skeptically. “I must have missed the punchline, because this little dialogue isn't funny. The only reason I'm not going to bring you in is the fact that you have Dalan's confidence, Artemis. Your joking around isn't helping,”
“Hey, why are you accusing me of sarcastic humor?” Artemis said, gesturing theatrically, a look of mock offense crossing his face. “The man seems to believe that he has actually been around for that long. Either he is telling the truth or he is crazy, because if there is one thing I have learned from being around this guy, it is that Isfahan is immune to humor. Speaking of Isfahan, he is probably another reason you aren't bringing me in. Even if you did try,” Isfahan looked at Artemis and then to Gil, and from the exasperated expression on his face, Dalan could imagine him saying 'this isn't my battle either'.
“Wait. Who are you? You spoke to me. You were in my dreams.” Dalan said, looking a little confused.
“I have been there for as long as I can remember. Come to think of it, I have been here for as long as I can remember as well,” Isfahan said, a curious smile crossing his face.
“See what I mean about talking in riddles?” Artemis said.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Tobias interjected. “But, how are we going to get back to Al-Mahid. Do you know how to port?”
“As I said before, that is a skill that I do not possess. However, your friend Jonathan can do quite well,” Isfahan responded.
“But I told you, sir,” Jonathan said. “I can only port to Gabradia and Centra City. I have never seen any of Ala-Mahid,”
“Don’t worry about seeing,” Isfahan said, stepping forward and laying a hand on Jonathan’s shoulder. “I will see for you. Close your eyes,” Jonathan closed his eyes and the whole room fell quiet as his brows furrowed in concentration. Jonathan staggered back, his eyes still closed.
“There,” Isfahan said, his eyes closed as well.
“...They are all... In pain,” Jonathan stammered.
“This is what I have to feel every day. I don't know why I can, but it is like a curse. I feel it, yet I can do nothing to stop it,” Isfahan sighed. “Somewhere in this world, always the same thing. And the pain is caused by the very people who seek to avoid such suffering.” He shook his head, although his eyes were still closed. “That is where you wish to go. Perhaps you can stop this. Open a port now, child,” Isfahan said. Jonathan and Isfahan's bodies glowed with an ethereal white light and a portal erupted from the ground in the midst of the company crowded in the narrow entryway.
“Well, I suppose that this is where we part,” Claude said, stepping to the side and resting against the wall.”
“What? You aren't going, old kauda?” Artemis said.
“I fear that it is too late for that. I would be of little help on the battlefield alone. A drop in the bucket so to speak. I will find lodging overnight and get a portal to Port Albert in the morning. My ship is docked there. I would ask Isfahan to port me, but I have a few things to talk to Gil about,”
“Your ship?” Tobias asked.
“Yes. Just an old pleasure liner that I had patched up. Fixing things is one of my hobbies,” Claude replied. Pretty expensive hobby. Dalan thought. Wonder where this old man gets all of his money from. “Anyways, once I get back, I will talk to some friends. I am sure that there is a way that I can still be of service,”
“You are welcome to stay the night in the guest room. Most of the inns are probably closed at this time of night and the streets of Gabradia aren't the safest places to take a nap,” Gil replied.
“If you wouldn't mind, milady, I might take you up on that offer,” Claude said thoughtfully.
“You are going with us, Artemis?” Dalan asked, turning to look at the slender young man.
“Yeah.” He replied. “I was supposed to prevent this from happening. The least I can do now is help you stop it in its tracks before the Elvaan come rolling through,” Dalan turned to Tobias and saw that he had his hand on his forehead and was looking slightly dismayed.
“He is coming with us?” Tobias said.
“Only if he promises to keep his mouth shut,” Dalan whispered.
“Look, I wouldn't be traveling with you guys if I didn't have a responsibility to clean up this merde, so lets just get out of here before I change my mind.” Artemis said, crossing his arms.
“I wish you would all calm down. We all have the same goal, right? We should be working together,” Jonathan said, stepping between Artemis and Dalan.
“We?” The two men almost shouted.
“You are coming along?” Dalan said incredulously.
“Well, I can't go back to the abbey now. Not until tomorrow. Even then, I will probably be excommunicated or imprisoned for helping you guys. I don't exactly have that many places to go,” Jonathan stated.
“Well, you are welcome to come with us. I can't say that you will make it out alive,” Dalan said.
“Lord Archos is watching over me,” Jonathan mused. “Even if I die, my soul will live on,”
“If that helps you to sleep better at night,” Dalan said, shrugging. “Gil, thanks for the hospitality. Looks like we are off to Akhmet.”
“Dalan...” Gil said, pausing. “Be careful,”
“Hey,” Dalan said, walking to the port. “You've heard the legends. They say I have nine lives. Something as small as a war hasn't stopped me before,” He turned around and flashed Gil a lopsided grin, winked and disappeared into the portal in a flash of light.