Chapter 64

Day 250/251:

“Veronyka! No! Stay with me!” John rolled her over, face up. “Come on! Don’t give up!”

He glanced up at Ariel for help. “Can you do anything?”

The Cherubim’s face bore the first uncertain look John had ever seen cross it.

“I may be able to help.” Ariel answered hesitantly. “But it will be the first time I have tried to use the new power. This form is new as well, not yet balanced or accustomed to the demands on it. My sword and shield may be used to augment, but I do not know if that will help or make harder. Are you sure you wish your woman to be my first attempt?”

John pointed at the frothy red fluid coating her lips. “Her lung is compromised. If we don’t do anything, she’ll drown in her own blood.”

“Very well.” Ariel knelt, laying his shield handle-up on the ground. “Lay her on my shield, and prepare to remove the arrow.”

John carefully slid Veronyka onto the slightly-curved backside. He cradled her head on his thighs, taking her helmet off and gripping the protruding rod with forefinger and thumb from both hands.

Ariel knelt beside her, reversing his sword and placing the hilt onto her chest. He laid both hands on top of it and bowed his head. As with Vasin’s healing, there was no outward sign, but Veronyka did gasp unconsciously. It made John’s heart hammer each time she did.

“Now.” Ariel ordered. “Remove the arrow.”

John’s fingers slipped the first time, but he got a good enough grip on his next attempt. The red-stained shaft slid free with a wheezy slurp. Veronyka’s back arched as Ariel pressed down. She coughed, blood spraying from her mouth and squirting from the wound. Another heave and the discharge slowed to a trickle. John turned her head so it would drain down her cheek.

Ariel held his position for several minutes longer, while the wound closed and her cough died out. Veronyka’s breathing stabilized after a large heaving breath signaled her lung would hold air. John stroked her hair when she lapsed into a comfortable slumber.

“I believe she will be fine.” Ariel announced, straightening. “Her body heals rapidly, which aided my efforts.”

“Thank you for doing that.” John said with feeling.

Ariel squirmed his shoulders around. “My body feels different than before my transformation. It will take some time to adjust.”

“Stick with me, and you’ll get lots of ‘adjustment’ opportunities.” John remarked sarcastically.

Ariel chuckled dryly. “Indeed. But we should collect what we can and rest. The Regimentals will return, with reinforcements.”

“We need to get going at first light.” John agreed.

“Then it’s a good thing we got here now.” Came a voice from beyond the firelight.

John and Ariel jumped to their feet. The Cherubim held his sword with both hands while John activated his shield.

“Who goes there?” John called, right before bringing his helmet back.

Three people stepped out of the darkness.

John’s helmet vanished right back. “Sygraid?”

“My eyes are gladdened to see you again, Lord Jyon.” Sygraid smiled.

Then her son, Deni dashed around her bulk to beeline for Veronyka’s prone form.

“Lord Jyon, is she all right?” The boy skidded to a knee beside her.

John pointed at Ariel. “He has healing power too. I think so, but if you want to help, go ahead.”

The boy grasped his head-high staff with both hands and lowered one end to rest on Veronyka’s chest. The dark rod glowed faintly as an expression of concentration occupied Deni’s face.

“She was already healing anything you had not done.” Deni announced a minute later, looking at Ariel. “Greetings, I’m Trebuchet.”

Ariel offered his first non-disquieting smile. “I greet you in peace, young Trebuchet. My name is Ariel.”

Spooky’s all-dark form sidled up next to John.

“Good to see you’re not dead.” He remarked dryly in English. “Not that I was worried, by the way.”

John smiled. “Good to see you too. How’d you find us?”

Spooky and Sygraid took seats on each side of him. Even sitting, the woman towered over everyone.

“And you, are you ... taller?” He asked Sygraid, before Spooky could answer.

Sygraid smiled excitedly. “I am. My reward for completing the Tower, combined with my Nord heritage, Evolved me into a Titan.”

Even her weapons: the spear and shield looked longer and wider respectively. John turned his head the other way as Spooky spoke.

“Most give us wide berth with her around. I only wish she could’ve been with me when I first got eyes on you here.”

“What do you mean?” John wondered.

“I see very well in the dark.” Spooky pointed at his eyes. “So I was the only one who could keep searching for you at night.”

“That makes sense.” John approved. “But how did you find me at all? What happened after I left the Pyramid?”

“Now that’s a long story.” Spooky said. “Why don’t we clean up, and get some rest. We can discuss everything once we depart in the morning.”

There were no objections, so John and Spooky went to collect the guards who’d died outside the fire’s light while the rest reorganized the camp.

“Lord Jyon, we have a problem.” Sygraid informed him when he returned with the second corpse.

“What is it?” He asked, pulling his burden into place next to the man’s former comrades.

Sygraid pointed at one Regimental she’d pulled off to a side. “This one still lives, though he has not yet awakened. I do not feel that killing him now would be honorable.”

John frowned, it was Menos, who’d been the last to fall. “Well, shit, of course not. Tie him up. I wish we could use the manacles again.”

“Was there a set?” She asked.

John pointed to his sleeping spot. “It’s over there, but I pulled it all apart.”

It took her some time, but she bent the links back into place and secured the metal bracelets on Menos’s wrists. No sooner had she cuffed him than the man’s eyes snapped open and ping-ponged wildly around the group. Sygraid’s massive form received frequent, fearful glances, but he found no warmth in anyone’s gaze.

“Yes, you’re our prisoner now.” John remarked, motioning for Menos to sit up.

“You going to kill me?” Menos grumped.

By this point, the others were finished and everyone was preparing to grab a few hours’ sleep.

“I’m not.” John informed him. “But if you don’t stay still, and quiet until after we leave...”

Menos blinked in surprise, then without another word flopped back down and closed his eyes again.

“Problem solved.” John muttered to Sygraid. “Now what?”

The Titan gave him a proud mother’s smile. “Treb, go ahead.”

The boy raised his staff up, standing in the center of their intended sleeping area. A green light flashed out, extending to form a circle on the ground that encompassed only the companions. A second, red light followed which grew much larger until it encompassed the entire area, out in the darkness. Finally, a yellow light threw a crisscrossing pattern of lines between the two rings. All three colors stayed visible until Sygraid and Spooky were done surveying them and gave Deni a nod. Then the glow faded away.

“What was that?” John asked in wonder.

“Wards.” Spooky said, using the English word.

“They will alert us if anyone moves through one of them.” Sygraid added.

“That’s really useful!” John gushed. “Which reward power gave him that ability?”

Deni opened his mouth excitedly, but Sygraid spoke over him.

“It combines his reward from the Tower with the newest, from the Pyramid.” Pride was audible in her voice. “Few have accepted both together. My son discovered it when conversing with High Mystics from Kyet’sol’s Boon while we awaited your return.”

“That’s great!” John patted the boy’s shoulder affectionately. “Good job figuring that out!”

Deni grinned, pleased at his praise.

“John,” Ariel said quietly as they all laid down, “we have faced death together twice since my change. I must speak with you privately before any more time passes.”

“We’ll ride close together, and talk in the morning. How’s that?” John offered.

“Very well.” The Cherubim closed his eyes.

Day 251:

Surprising everyone, Menos didn’t so much as twitch all night. As a reward, they left him sitting next to the pile of equipment and supplies that they didn’t want to pilfer. What they did take was all the khimeran, with their saddles. Seven animals with only four riders gave them spares, so they could keep up a fast pace.

Veronyka was still asleep when they were packed and ready to depart. Since Sygraid would crush any khimera she mounted, the Titan offered to carry Veronyka in her arms. Their plan, discussed well out of Menos’s earshot, was to head south like they were going for the Dwarven Clandom mountains. Once they were far enough away, Sygraid would use the four dragon mounts to continue that direction for several hours more while the others went single file and turned back northeast. If Veronyka wasn’t awake by then, she could be easily strapped into her saddle on Ream’ch. The two women would take to the air once the false trail was sufficiently laid.

The group’s initial destination was the tiny oasis where John and Ariel were captured. Returning would permit them to restock their water for a push into the plains north of the Endless Sands desert. For the first leg, everyone rode side-by-side, with John and Ariel leading the three free mounts so the two could speak alone.

“What did you want to talk about?” John asked once they were moving.

“My master has charged me with three things that you must know.” Ariel informed him. “First, I am to submit myself to your leadership for as long as you remain on the Path.”

“Me? Really?” John wondered. “Why? And what Path are you talking about?”

“The Path of Examination.” Ariel said as though it were obvious. “It is the same Path I walk as well. Are you not aware of this?”

John’s silent helpless shrug was his only reply.

“Ah, very well.” Ariel understood immediately. “Then I shall refrain from mentioning it to others also.”

“You have to obey me?” John confirmed.

“My master’s words were as I said: ‘submit to the leadership John from Earth provides, so long as he remains on your Path.” Ariel repeated. “I believe she spoke thus with purpose, intending that I not be a blindly obedient servant.”

“Fair enough.” John said agreeably.

“My second charge is to also be a leader among those who follow you.” Ariel told him. “Again, I believe my master’s words were intended to provoke well-reasoned action as opposed to dominating tyranny. I will admit that I find these unusual thoughts regarding her intention to be foreign.”

“Vampyri are more autocratic?” John supposed.

“Lies, fear and intimidation are more common methods among my p—former people.” Ariel admitted.

“I didn’t feel any fear or intimidation when I went with you to Blackwater.” John accused. “So what lies should I be aware of?”

“I do not know my former master’s plan; he keeps much from even me.” Ariel conceded. “But I would guess that it involves letting you distract and likely take the blame for anything aimed at removing Mage King Morgan. Expect the Eldest to have plans within plans, depending upon our actions against the King.”

“Well, thanks for telling me now.” John sighed. “What do you suggest?”

Ariel shook his head. “We can do nothing yet. Once we reach the Twelve Nations, options may present themselves, if we are mindful. I am still considering the manner of announcing my new station.”

“If anything shows up, or comes to mind, you let me know, all right?” John suggested.

“I will do as you ask.” Ariel agreed. “Though I recommend that you also discuss with me anything you think might work, so that I may assist also. This is what it means to support your leadership, does it not?”

“It does.” John complimented him. “Sounds like you’ve learned a thing or two in your long life.”

Ariel snorted. “You jest, but I believe wisdom is found in observing and listening, not in proclaiming.”

“It does.” John agreed. “We have a saying in my world: it’s better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove any doubt.”

Ariel laughed, a dry, cackle completely unlike his normal demeanor. “Your world must have many wise men.”

Now John laughed. “I’m not sure I’d say that. What was the third thing?”

Ariel’s voice turned thoughtful. “I am to seek balance between the destruction I cause, and the lives I save. I was a Death Knight for many centuries; overcoming my habitual tendency towards that manner will require great effort, I think.”

“Well,” John asked, “how did it feel to save Veronyka’s life last night?”

“A—good, though it was not only hers I saved.” Ariel remarked. “Securing two lives from being extinguished together was a singular event in my life thus far. I will need to reflect upon it for greater understanding of my new nature.”

John gulped. “What? Two? Do you mean... ?”

Ariel tried out another non-threatening smile. “You did not know? I felt two separate hearts beating when I healed her. I may no longer be a Vampyr, but a heart I can still sense.” Ariel touched his stomach.

“Why didn’t she tell me?” John wondered unhappily.

“I do not know.” Ariel offered. “Perhaps she is unaware. I could not tell from her appearance alone. Then again, there was little privacy before we were forced to confront the guards and the Nomads. I too wished for a moment to speak with you, and am only now obtaining it.”

John waved his head all round in uncertain frustration. “I’m sure you’re right. Now I have to decide if I pretend surprise when she tells me.”

“Why?”

“That’s how women are.” John declared. “They think things like that are their privilege alone, and get upset when someone upstages them.”

“I intended no disrespect to her.” Ariel assured him.

“I know.” John waved him off. “I’ll have to deal with it, when it comes up. Anything else we need to discuss?”

Ariel shook his head. “Not at this moment. I am given leave to discuss other requirements and restrictions I face, at my own discretion. But I must secure your oath not to reveal them, and I need to think more about what they mean before I do.”

John sat up straighter. “I swear to you, that anything we discuss will remain confidential, unless you specifically give me permission to talk about something with another person.”

Ariel bowed his head solemnly. “Thank you for your ready acceptance. I feel ... gladdened by what it indicates regarding your thoughts about me.”

The Cherubim switched out with Spooky when they backtracked their false trail, and broke off into a single-file line to try and hide their new direction. Meanwhile, Sygraid and a still-sleeping Veronyka continued with the other two dragons on their original track. The Titan gave John a friendly wave, followed by something unreadable at Deni, as they parted ways until their intended rendezvous at the tiny oasis.

“So, I’ve been dying to hear how it went after I got forced through the gate yesterday.” John remarked an hour later, when their line spread out again.

“I don’t know if you want him to hear this.” Spooky tossed his head at Ariel, answering in English. “But Veronyka woke me up before dawn yesterday. Oh, not the Veronyka who was still sleeping in the tent with the rest of us. The Veronyka who you’d only just left at the gate.”

“She traveled back in time?” John asked, amazed despite everything she’d already done. “How weird was that?”

Spooky chuckled. “Very. It was more so when I went back to the tent afterward and could see her still sleeping right there. I couldn’t even tell her what I knew, when she woke up and went to watch for you. You know how it is, we keep lists of secrets and never tell a soul. But this? I wanted to say something so bad ... What a strange feeling.”

“What did she tell you?” John wanted to know.

“Where to start?” Spooky mused. “That she found you, and that some Dwarf would come warn us to go rescue you when the guards take you prisoner. Gave me the three dragon mounts, which is the only reason why I was able to track you down out here. She made sure I understood about not causing a paradox, which might very well be the single thing I’ve been most nervous about in my entire life. Oh, and mentioned a ‘Chief Brown’ from the SEALs?”

“Yeah.” John answered the last question first. “He and I helped each other through some tough times. You ever hear about the SEAL who managed to finish Green Team without the use of his right eye or hand?”

Spooky nodded. “I think so. It was a while ago though. He got injured or something right?”

“That’s right.” John continued. “Had to retrain himself to shoot with his non-dominant hand and eye together. Getting through that training was hell for him, but he damned well did it. Called me right after he passed, not to brag mind, but to thank me for giving him the motivation he needed.”

“So, he’s a real friend then.” Spooky clarified. “Not some random operator you met once or twice?”

“Oh no!” John vigorously shook his head. “He was really there for me when I was recovering from my own injuries. You know, for most operators it’s ‘out of sight, out of mind’, and for the rest it’s this guilty look, like they’re rubbing your situation in by being healthy. Adam though, wasn’t like that at all. Talked about his own challenges, and boy did he have some! He was a drug addict before joining the Navy, can you believe it? Cleaned his life up, got all the way to a slot in Green Team, then boom! No working eye, or hand. Trust me, he’s aces.”

“Veronyka said you signaled her to lie to him, though?” Spooky reminded him.

“Yeah, but I think he knew she wasn’t being truthful.” John said. “Not that I think he’s in a hurry to snitch on us.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, he communicated with me using only his hands, late at night while we were sleeping. No words, and I think he kept his eyes closed the whole time too.” John explained.

“Because we don’t have a way to track body movements.” Spooky understood. “But what if they watched his real body? That would still give it away.”

“Late at night, remember.” John repeated. “Minimal staff watching, right?”

Spooky had to agree. “Yeah, probably.”

“Plus, without a frame of reference, he probably looked like he was dreaming. Moving in his sleep or whatever. Mostly he’d tap or touch parts of me to indicate his cryptic messages. And the biggest thing he got across was that he was watching out for me. I don’t believe he would’ve gone to all those lengths if he was trying a con.”

“I hope you’re right. What makes you think he knew you lied?” Spooky pressed.

John thought back. “It was the way he shook my hand before using the portal. An extra squeeze. A look on his face. Kinda winked. All of that put together.”

“Well, Numb and Top stayed back to link up with him. Veronyka said he was supposed to return this morning.”

John nodded. “That was the last thing he said. I hope it worked out.”