#terramore chronicles

[terramorechronicles]

p5. Library of Secrets

      Cyrus took a minute to watch the Pegasus as they flew away admiring their grace for being such large animals. Turning towards Remia he says, “Seems we have some work to do now. Gather your people up and meet me in the library on the third floor, if you follow the staircase off of the west side of the entryway the library is at the end of the hall.”

      Before Remia had a chance to respond he was already walking off towards the library. As he was walking Cyrus sent a mental message to Karliah telling her where to meet him and to bring the lead expert on illusion magic, Giles, with her. Upon arriving in the small room filled to the brim with old dusty bookshelves and worn tables for writing notes, Cyrus began tearing through the shelves looking for any and everything on the city of Aren. If Sari wanted something written by the Arenians he wanted to know any and everything possible.

      By the time Karliah, Giles, Remia, and the rest of the Royal flight battalion arrived, Cyrus had already pulled about thirty books off of the shelves in the library and set them out on the research tables near the entrance to the room. After the last person entered the room Cyrus closed the door behind them quickly then began to speak as fast as his lips could move, “Good everyone is finally here, so let’s get started then. As you all know we’ve had a small incident-“

      “I do not know what you’re talking about Cyrus,” the tall man with bright red hair interrupted, “Or even why you’ve had me brought here.”

      Cyrus stared at him, remembering Giles had not been there for any of the previous events, “Ah right I am sorry Giles I should have had Karliah explain the situation to you.” He addressed Giles directly, “Sari has come back and she is looking for something that I may or may not have. Which it is I’m not sure yet.”

      As Cyrus spoke Giles sighed softly and rubbed the nape of his neck while his hair shifted from bright red to a dulled blonde color. Adelina saw this and her jaw dropped as she gasped in amazement covering her mouth quickly so as not to draw attention to herself. Then turning her attention back to Cyrus she kept throwing glances towards Giles in an attempt to catch his hair changing colors again. Cyrus finished explaining the whole situation to everyone in the room. As he finished he turned towards Remia and asked, “Is there anyone that you would be willing to leave here with Karliah while she goes through these books? She is a fast reader but two heads are better than one as they say.”

      Remia pondered the question for a moment then called Rhys up next to her. “Rhys would you mind staying here and helping her? It’ll give you a chance to look through some of their books and who knows what interesting information you could find in there.”

      Rhys nods his head, “I’ll help out as long as there aren’t going to be any kind of magical shenanigans. The commander may trust you with your spells but I am not one to be so easily swayed.”

        “Most other mages here may use magic when reading and other such things, but I prefer the use of my faculties when I am reading so you will have no issue from me.” Karliah confessed as she walked over to the table with the books and took a seat, grabbing the book off of the top of the pile closest to her she began reading. Rhys followed suit and sat down next to her, taking a book off of the stack of books closest to him and he began reading.

      Giles stopped in the doorway for a moment, “You’re researching the city of Aren right? Well I assume then you’d want to research the fall of the city as well as the day to day lifestyle of Aren. I know you keep duplicates of all research journals entered into the libraries here in the keep. I recommend trying Servius Culiania’s research journals from his last trip to Aren. He went a bit mad near the end but his research was always sound.”

      A wide grin spread across Cyrus’ face as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation, “That’s a fantastic point! I almost forgot about his research into the city. I’ll have to go search the other libraries for it so we can comb through it. In the meantime though Remia, you and your people may do as you wish. If a few more of your people wish to help with the research they may, otherwise they are free to roam around and explore the keep and the surrounding city if they wish just be back in the keep before the sun sets. Else the gate will lock for the night and you'll not be able to get back in. As for me I’m off to go find the journals.”

      Cyrus set out with a quick stride attempting to cover as much ground as possible in the short amount of time they had left. Giles left soon after Cyrus under the guise of having more work to do, not wanting to admit he found the present company unsettling. Adelina fixed her gaze on him as he walked away hoping to catch his hair changing color again.

      “Did you see that while we were talking Remia? That man’s hair changes color, I’m sure it wasn’t just a trick of the light. I wish I could get my hair to do that, then I could have my hair be all sorts of colors! I could have red hair, brown hair, black hair…OH!  I could even have green hair if I wanted to.  That would be really neat!” Exclaimed Adelina as she tugged at her braided white-blonde hair.  

      Remia stared at her and sighed, “Well the other colors sound alright but I don’t know about green hair. That might be a bit to outlandish.”

      By then the rest of the Royal Winged Battalion, had dispersed and went about exploring the keep they were now staying in. Cyrus came barreling down the hallway with an armful of old leather bound journals. Remia stepped aside and opened the door for Cyrus as fast as she could so he wouldn’t plow right into her and Adelina. They followed Cyrus inside and he dumped all the research journals onto an empty table off in the corner away from Rhys and Karliah. Remia approached Rhys and asked him about his progress, but was only met with a grunt of a response and him pointing at a page of notes that he had taken so far. Karliah looked as if she had been making similar progress and a smirk crossed Remia’s lips. One of her riders was keeping up with someone who spends their life pouring over books. She was impressed by his speed and progress.

      Cyrus called from the corner as he was taking notes with one hand and scanning the book he was reading with the other, “Are you two going to just stand there or are you going to make yourselves useful?”

      Remia sighed, “I am not one for reading tomes into the nights so I apologize, I shall leave you three to your work. I think I shall go find a place to practice with my glaive, Adelina care to spar with me?”

      Adelina shook her head, “I’d rather not if you don’t mind. This place is fascinating and I’d love to explore around here for a while.”

      Remia nodded then walked out the door towards the courtyard where their steeds took off from in search of their meal. The courtyard was relatively empty, the only other inhabitants were a few mages wandering through the flowers. Remia went over to where her things were next to Bolide’s face mask and retrieved her weapon and strode to one of the open areas throughout the courtyardand began working her way through the stances she’d been fighting with all her life. Using the time to not really focus on what she was doing but to clear her mind and relax and to process all the information that had been presented in the last day and a half.

      Clapping nearby snaps Remia out of her thoughts and she looks around to find a tall thin man with silver hair clapping. “Ah, Lloyd I’m sorry I didn’t see you there. I was a bit lost in thought…” Explained Remia.

      “So I noticed, but I figure fighting the air gets you nowhere. So I would like to offer my assistance if you would like to spar.” Suggested Lloyd

      “Well it has been a few days since I’ve actually sparred with someone. Alright, sure we can spar for a bit. Don’t be too upset if I beat you though. I know men hate losing to women.” She took a deep breath and readied herself.

      Lloyd smirked and retrieved his weapon, and set up in a wide stance knees bent just enough to move around without being stuck in one place. Lloyd and Remia began circling each other waiting for the other one to make the first move.

[terramorechronicles]

p5. Plans

   Leaning in the doorway, a woman with deep chestnut curls cascading down her back watched the spritely girl retreat down the corridor, her tanned arms crossed over her chest.

Cyrus noticed her as he scowled at the fork he flung in his frustration.

   “And what can I do for you, miss?" He growled at the next potential problem in his day.

   Newly familiar steely eyes turned to him, Remia's brow arched as her face remained cool and neutral, if a bit amused.

   "Oh no, my issue was taken care of, you are the one who seems to be struggling now," the lady knight observed matter of factly.

   "Karliah mentioned you were staying," Cyrus mumbled, rubbing his face between his hands and letting out a long breath.

   "Well, the intent is to assist you, but first I must request some information," she explained.

   He looked up at her, hands still on his cheeks, pulling down the corners of his eyes a bit.

   "Oh don't look at me like that," she laughed. "I just need to know where the pegasus can go to graze. They're all getting pretty agitated that we haven't set out yet."

   Cyrus dropped his hands to his desk, the realization that these large winged animals would take a considerable amount of feed dawning on him.

   "Ahh. Hmm. Yes, I can see how that would be a good thing to figure out," he agreed, shuffling through some papers on his desk, then moving to open a drawer and digging around in it. "I have-" More digging. "A map-" A few scrolls scatter across the ground. "Of the surrounding farmland."

   "It might be better for them to go to a forest meadow rather than a place with people. They may look well behaved with us, but they are not overly friendly with outsiders," she noted, her eyes drifting the direction the herd was in.

   "Errr, right, well," Cyrus pondered, sitting up from his venture into the drawer that seemed to be bottomless, "the nearest forest is about a thirty minute walk to the west. Few people travel there, mostly because it's just easier to go around it or follow the river on the other side."

   "That would work well, I think," she nodded. "Could you explain how to get there to a couple of our outriders? Our main group will stay here, but two of our support riders will fly with the herd to oversee them."

   He downed the mug of weak cider the chef had given him to wash down his breakfast and stood up.

   "Let's get going then."

---

   The herd was milling about, somehow managing to look just as dangerous without the metal spires protruding from their foreheads. Most of them were dancing around each other in the small space, squealing and squabbling, pushing each other and knocking into their riders as they stood with them. A large red mare pawed the ground, pinning her ears and biting at the skittering pegasus who were getting out of hand.

   A dark skinned man stood silently next to her, running his hand down her neck to keep her from going after them altogether. A tiny girl, her tight black curls pulled up into a ponytail, stood next to him, chatting away as a rose grey pegasus lipped at her hands, searching for treats.

   Bolide stood just at the entry to the keep, ears swiveling, his wings half raised in excitement. He whinnied in Cyrus' face as he and Remia walked out the door, sidling in front of them as he shoved his nose into her chest.

   Remia shushed him, rubbing her hands along either side of Bolide's face as Cyrus paled and put a hand over his mouth. She gently pushed them both toward the agitated red pegasus.

   The smaller rose grey moved off a few steps as they approached, but the mare tossed her nose into the air, her eyes rolling back in her head. Bolide stood quietly, his head over Remia's left shoulder as her hand rested over the bridge of his nose.

   "Rhys, Ella," she greeted them, "Seems like Volleys is about ready to jump out of her skin to get going."

   Rhys just about glared at her, but Ella gave her a small smile.

   "It's her job to keep them happy after all, and they're about as spooky as they get right now," Ella murmured, her voice smooth and calming, as she offered her hand to the mare.

   Volleys craned her neck forward and licked her hand, her ears pricked forward.

   "Cyrus if you would please? Ella here will be guiding them on Volleys and I'm afraid they might start throwing a tantrum soon if they don't get some grass in them," Remia said, grinning at the minor flash of panic crossing the poor man's face before he launched into a brief explanation on how to reach the forest.

   Wasting no time, Ella launched herself up onto the big mare who started nodding her head up and down in excitement. The other pegasus settled a bit, a few of them watching her now, waiting.

   "I'll bring them in around sunset, Commander, that should give them plenty of time," she said, looking back and catching eyes with a rider on a compact black pegasus.

   "That will do just fine, Cadet," Remia replied, putting her hand on Cyrus' shoulder and backing away, still keeping a hold of Bolide.

   Glancing around, Cyrus noticed that, aside from the two mounted knights, everyone had pressed themselves against the walls of the keep. As soon as their backs hit the wall, Remia released the stallion and he snaked his head toward the herd, ears flat as he rounded the group.

   Volleys extended her wings, sitting back on her hind end and thrusting her forelegs into the air. Just as she let out a whistling cry, Cyrus managed to cover his ears, enthralled by the strange performance.

   As her forelegs touched the ground, the mare leapt into a gallop, bucking once before taking off into the sky and circling as the others followed suit. The pounding of hooves and the sound of their enormous wings beating the air left a cacophony over the incredible sight of beasts much too large to fly taking wing.

   Bolide was the last to leave the ground, springing deftly into the air and whinnying to Volleys. At the height of the circle, the leader of the overgrown multicolored buzzards turned west, and the group followed, leaving only a few feathers floating back to the ground.

[terramorechronicles]

p4. Snap Decisions

Karliah motioned for a man to come over, “Show these fine people where they may rest for the night, somewhere near their animals. Tell whoever asks that they are here on the Archmages business and answer no further questions.” The man nodded and led them out of the grand hall. --- Catching Karliah's arm before she could walk off, Remia stopped her. Losing patience in a desire to talk to Cyrus, Karliah yanked her arm free before crossing them over her chest. "What! I'm not a mind reader," she barked at the knight who was looking at her with a concentrated look.  "Sorry," Remia sighed. "I've noticed you're able to communicate without words, and I have something to ask of you that I'd not like other ears hearing."  Karliah scowled and made to protest but Remia did not allow it.  "I don't know exactly what is going on, but if this woman troubles you all as much as it seems she does, I'd like to stay and help, else I'd have taken my battalion and gone already," she explained, her voice growing hard. "Assist me in this one request and I will also ask no more questions about what happened to myself and Adelina."  Karliah studied the other woman a moment, glancing toward the Archmage's chamber as she dropped her arms and gestured the direction the rest of the knights had gone, save Remia's mount who fell in step behind them.  * * * Outside it had grown dark, and most of the signs of battle had been cleared away. One corner of the courtyard had been cleared for the Corisians. A few of the pegasus had laid down already, their partners tucked into their wings and chatting amongst each other. Adelina was in deep conversation with one of the male knights; he was the third member of the original three, Karliah noted. Remia beckoned to them and they made their way toward her, the Heart still wrapped in Adelina's arms. Remia took the bag and asked her to summon Tidus and his partner, and to make sure he emptied his supplies. She looked curious at her commander's request, but simply bowed and walked off. The male knight remained with them, looking down at Karliah with mild suspicion.  "Rhys, this is the Archmage's...second in command?" Remia questioned, suddenly aware that she didn't even know her name. "Close enough," Karliah said, extending her hand to Rhys. "Karliah."  "Rhys Kagenhall, flight lieutenant," he clipped, giving her hand one short shake.  Ignoring his clear discomfort with her, Karliah turned to Remia impatiently. "This is all well and good, but what am I here for exactly? I have other things to do," she said pointedly.  Remia nodded, turning to her right and let out a long whistle. Glancing at Rhys, Karliah was surprised to find him just as confused as herself. They were not left long in suspense as a small figure shrouded in a black riding cloak walked over to them, a tall nondescript bay horse in tow. Remia smiled as she greeted the mysterious person. "Thank you Mina, I know you've enjoyed being here, but this is urgent." Remia's voice was apologetic.  The person removed their hood, revealing a lovely girl with shoulder length hair the color of spun gold. Her amber colored eyes sparkled even in the dim lighting, a broad smile stretched across her face.  "My Grace," Mina curtsied, "it is always an honor to be called upon by you."  Remia's eyes darted to the side, clearly embarrassed, but the dark grey stallion behind her pushed her shoulder gently with his muzzle, his ears forward.  "Oh Bolide, you're such a hog," Remia scowled at him, pushing him away from herself. "Go ahead."  He danced around the side of his rider and snuffled his nose into Mina's blonde hair, dwarfing her in size. She laughed, placing her tiny hands on either side of his face and scratching for a moment before searching the inside of her cloak. After a brief search she held out two white disks the size of her palms, one in each hand, and offered them to both Bolide and the bay. They immediately snapped them up, crunching away.  "It is good to see you doing so well with Drix, I'm sure you have served each other well," Remia complimented, looking at the bay who was now also harrying her for more treats. "We'll be needing your speed tonight. I'll have Tidus flying with Blitz."  Mina nodded, patting the two equines as she listened intently, her face serious. Adelina returned as Remia was speaking, a slight young man with a small, bright white pegasus accompanying her.  "Good, we're all here," Remia continued, speaking in a quiet voice. "Mina, I'll need you to ride out first. I'm so sorry for putting you in such a position, but the Heart cannot be intercepted at any cost. I had hoped we would not need to send you." "It is our job, my lady," Mina replied gravely, resting her hand on her mount's neck. "Do not forget what I am trained to do."  Remia nodded, "Tidus, your bag is empty, yes?"  The dusty blonde man gave her a toothy grin.  "Yes ma'am, it's right here," he said, holding up a small leather pouch. Glancing at Karliah, Remia instructed Tidus to open it. As he did, she slipped the Heart, bag and all, into it, the shape of the pouch remaining unchanged. The mage's eyebrow tweaked, but she was not entirely surprised to find that even Coris used some magical items.  "Please, remember what you carry. You must stop for nothing to get that bag to Queen Lilliana, and no one else." She looked him directly in the eye, adopting her square posturing again. Bolide turned from Mina and moved to her side, his head held high above her.  "Yes Commander." The smile was gone from Tidus' face, replaced with a quiet determination.  They clasped their right hands, locking around their thumbs.  "Fly true," she imparted. "Fly free," he replied before turning to spring up onto his mount.  Remia turned to Mina and nodded at her. She quickly swung up into her saddle and her horse shifted excitedly beneath her, his long legs dancing against the cobble.  "Sure footing," Remia offered, earning a dazzling smile from the girl before she raised her hood again. "Fly free, my Grace," she said, pulling a bag from her cloak, similar in size the one that had held the Heart, startling Karliah and the other knights as she attached it to her saddle. She lifted her hand in final farewell as they launched into a gallop, tearing out of the courtyard.  Finally, Remia turned to the mage.  "I need you to make them invisible," she stated, sweeping her hand toward Tidus and the tiny pegasus.  "Them?" Karliah gaped. "Both of them?"  Remia looked at her expectantly.  "Blitz is our fastest flyer, and they can probably make it back to Coris in two days," she explained. "I don't imagine you can cloak them for that long, but even a few hours of safety would make me feel better about sending them alone."  Karliah covered her eyes with one of her hands, muttering to herself about people with no magical experience.  "I.....will do what I can. I can give them at least a two hour coverage on just my own power, but this is not really an easy request," she hissed, dropping her hand and glaring at Remia who simply smiled back at her. She eyed the white mare who was bobbing her head impatiently, the short curved blade on her face mask flashing in the the weak light. Waving the others away from her target area, an alarmed look passed over Tidus' face and he looked to his commander.  Remia steadied him with her calm, standing like a monument with her partner. Karliah could see why the woman was their commander. Her strength was their strength, and her resolve was what kept them together through things like the mass silence in their attack today. "As soon as the spell is complete, Tidus, you need to fly like your partner's namesake," Remia ordered, her gaze level and direct. "The wall where we came in today is clear and you should be able to use that for an easier takeoff. Waste no time in starting out, the further you can get while unseen the safer we will all be. Do not make Mina ride in vain, and take her for a drink at the Honeycomb when you're both safely home, put it on my account."  His wide grin had returned by the end of her speech, and he shook his head as he wound his left hand into Blitz's mane. He had secured the leather pouch back to its place on his belt and his right hand rested over it. He gave a single nod to Karliah and braced himself as though he was going to be hit with something.  "Relax, you won't feel anything, except maybe some cold pressure," Karliah explained. "Now let me concentrate."  Adelina and Rhys moved to stand with their commander; Adelina's eyes were alight with curiosity, while Rhys maintained his skepticism. Remia stood stalwart, evaluating her flightmate. A few moments later, the pair shimmered out of view, pulling gasps from the two flight lieutenants as Remia immediately faced Karliah. "You have my thanks," Remia said, bowing to the mage, who sighed, glancing at the knight only briefly before walking away. "And you have your request. Now sleep, we shall speak again in the morning," she managed, waving her right hand as she made her way back into the keep. | blackbirdswords |