Chapter 52

“Thank you for bringing Gallira to my attention,” Erren said to Hallis as the three made their way to the pergola in the grounds and away from Tariel and Gallira who were now talking intently to each other.

“She was so full of potential, yet utterly wasted in Comarre as a healer,” Hallis explained. “Not permitted to marry, unable to practice upon other races and living in an insular country where her growth was stifled by nothing really happening.”

“Yes, I saw. Her abilities are impressive and Iversirion, or rather the Iversirion that will be, will improve her potential into a very real ability to both teach and heal,” Erren nodded.

“And then there’s the husband,” Hallis nodded sagely.

“Yes, their union, along with that of Sondrast and Annos will cement the golden age to come.”

“Who will her husband be?” Darras asked out of curiosity.

“Harinas. He will also teach Tariel to use her abilities,” Erren replied. “Kina has turned him from a bland unemotional Elf priest into a caring and joyful supporter of my way who will feel attracted to Gallira on first sight.”

“It will be mutual,” Hallis added. “Such potential for growth.”

“Indeed so,” Erren nodded. “What a gem you brought to my attention.”

“Company,” Hallis stated with a slight frown as the two goddesses turned to face the lawn even as drinks floated over to the table under the pergola.

“Yes, wonder what he wants,” Erren replied as a figure appeared on the lawn, though not someone that Darras knew.

“Sisters,” the man greeted the pair.

“Rustav,” Erren replied. “Can’t imagine what brings you here as your dalliance with the creatures of my brother is well known.”

“He simply asked,” Rustav shrugged. “I saw no reason to refuse.”

“Despite the war now facing Asul and Crusal?” Erren replied with an arched eyebrow.

“An error in judgement to be sure. I’m simply here to see what can be done to ... ameliorate the situation,” Rustav shrugged.

“Speak to your priests, have them declare that Crusal and Asul will no longer aid Thenarron and also, put an end to the slave trade in Asul,” Erren replied. “It will stay my wrath.”

“You ask for much.”

“You enabled Thenarron to spread it’s evil after their attempted genocide in Rossaris. So no, I’m not, in context, asking for that much.”

“I can probably end the aid, the slavery will not be so easily removed. They tend to be Darmelans running it,” Rustav replied though was glaring at Hallis who had produced a glimmering white ball from thin air.”

“It will be enough for them to speak out against it, the rest will be dealt with eventually, though I warn you now, Asul will fall if they do not end it,” Erren stated firmly.

“Yes, I understand,” Rustav replied, then faded out.

“Naughty of you,” Erren commented to Hallis.

“Just rubbing his nose in his mistaken beliefs,” Hallis giggled. “The unborn child was not harmed.”

“I know, but still will likely produce a reprimand from Serulon.”

“Speaking of humourless jobsworths, here she comes,” Hallis replied, clearly not worried at all.

Another figure appeared on the lawn. Darras recognised Serulon as she more or less marched over to glare down at Hallis.

“Hello Serulon,” Erren spoke. “Nice of you to visit again.”

“I’m not here for you but to deal with Hallis for committing a forbidden act!” Serulon stated.

“Fine, fine, won’t do it again,” Hallis replied breezily.

“You removed a soul from a living creature!”

“And returned it after demonstrating to our brother that his beliefs are totally erroneous in nature,” Hallis replied.

“What that fool believes is not the issue here!”

“Was to me. He was basically here to grovel and prevent his core countries from facing the wrath of Erren. I was here to show him the follies of wishful thinking,” Hallis shrugged.

“You will be hearing from the Allfather, trust me on this!” Serulon hissed.

“Fine. I’ll apologise to dad as well.”

Serulon simply glared at Hallis, though Hallis herself appeared indifferent until the Allfather’s messenger finally just faded out.

“My, she seemed more irritated than normal today,” Erren commented.

“I suspect she knows the Allfather will do little or nothing over a first offence,” Hallis shrugged.

“True.”

“Er ... I know you’ve mentioned the Allfather,” Darras began. “But ... is there a mother?”

“Yes, I believe you call her ‘mother nature’,” Erren replied. “Essentially she’s the living world.”

“Does she involve herself with you?”

“Not really, not unless we do something really stupid, like mess the planet up,” Hallis replied.

“Last time she involved herself was to deal with the elder race,” Erren added.

“Yes, all over in the blink of an eye,” Hallis nodded.

“Ah, looks like Gallira is finished for now,” Erren said, looking back towards the outdoor eating area.

“Yes, do you mind if she visits regularly?” Hallis asked.

“Not at all, at least until Tariel is ready for Iversirion,” Erren replied.

“Thank you.”

“Time to pull your friends out of Drannos,” Erren informed Darras, after a peaceful few days in her world.

During this time, Erren had finally gained Tariel’s full trust and the young Elf girl had finally started acknowledging Darras’s presence, though they were by no means close as yet. Gallira had also visited and was getting to know Tariel and was clearly trusted a lot more than Darras, if the interactions Darras had seen were anything to go by.

“I’ll set off immediately,” Darras acknowledged.

“Bring them back here. Crannok wants to meet them,” Erren advised.

“No problem. Are they in good health?”

“A bit hungry as the Torgillan blockade is now starting to bite, but otherwise fine,” Erren replied. “They provided a lot of information to the Allies by way of what to expect in the city, key sites as well as Thenarronian numbers and strongpoints.”

“Still will have to deal with the keep fortress once they are in,” Darras replied, pulling his armour on.

“Yes, though not immediately.”

“Back in a few days,” Darras nodded before kissing Erren goodbye.

Abramoch itself was far busier than the last time Darras had passed through to speak to Earl Graccen. The gateway was busy, though it was the movement of troops and goods from elsewhere that was causing the numbers. This did enable Darras to hitch a lift easily enough and make his way to the front lines where he caught up with his friend Count Alros who, along with Earl Ordetas and Earl Miront, was now commanding the bulk of the Rachtelin forces.

Alros introduced Darras to Earl Miront who seemed interested in meeting the agent of his goddess. Miront was also fascinated to learn that Erren was the one behind the machinations to bring Rigilo and Callani together.

“So their union is blessed by Erren herself?” Miront finally asked.

“Yes,” Darras nodded. “Callani will be good for Rigilo in keeping him anchored in reality and away from those who would seek to enmesh him in the politics of the King’s Council.”

“Blaggards one and all,” Miront replied with a scowl. “They fortunately have little influence over my demesne and I avoid their presence by visiting our capital only when I absolutely have to.”

“Their time will end if they attempt to enthrone Joffar,” Darras shrugged.

“So my peers here have spoken of,” Miront replied with a frown. “I cannot see them attempting it, though their current path of corruption does not totally rule it out.”

“They will. Prince Joffar is a pliable, easily-distracted incompetent and would do their bidding,” Darras pointed out, putting into plain words what all thought, but were ingrained by good manners not to speak of openly.

“You said he would cut to the quick on an issue,” Miront commented to Alros. “You were right.”

“Unlike us, he has little to fear from either our King or his Council,” Alros chuckled.

“Aye, I doubt we’d survive long should we openly criticise them,” Miront nodded. “Hence, naturally we don’t.”

“Especially as they appear to have the services of the Black Guild,” Darras added.

“Yes, a most dangerous group indeed.”

“So, you’ll be entering Drannos tonight to get your people out?” Alros asked.

“I will,” Darras nodded. “In just over a day the Dwarves will be going in and I do not want them exposed to the danger of a potential sacking of the city.”

“Aye, that will be a danger for them, particularly if the Thenarronians are as fanatical as has been made out.”

“My goddess confirms they are,” Darras replied. “Your men will face tough fighting I’m afraid as the city itself is internally designed to be defended.”

“Aye, we’ve read the reports,” Miront nodded. “But I suspect we’ll manage, at least until we face the inner fortress.”

“Yes, that will be difficult to lay siege to,” Darras replied.

“Though trickery and sleight of hand might be the key there.” Ordetas opined.

“Yes, though first you have to take the city,” Darras nodded, joining the men at their table as food was brought in.

After the meal, Darras paid his respects to Linota and was permitted entry to the Dwarven tunnel which was still in the final stages of preparation. This he advanced along until he met the Dwarven engineer in charge who had been warned to expect him, Erren advising him that the Dwarf was female.

“So, you’re here to vouch for your people?” she asked.

“I have to find them first,” Darras replied.

“Well, we can get you in. We have access to a cellar, though we don’t know what’s above it.”

“Good enough for me,” Darras nodded.

“I’ll have someone posted to let you back in, hopefully with your friends.”

Entry to the darkened cellar was obtained by pulling back a large stone and allowed Darras to slip silently through by crawling on his hands and knees. Once inside he made his way to a staircase that he could dimly make out and carefully ascend, using his enhanced hearing to warn him of potential approaching issues.

The door at the top of the stairs was unlocked, though did creak loudly as Darras opened it, causing him to pause and listen intently for any hint of someone having heard it. Again hearing nothing, Darras proceeded forwards towards another door, avoiding any obstacles in his path.

‘There’s someone the other side of it, ’ Erren informed Darras. ‘Asleep though.’

Darras simply gave a mental acknowledgement and carefully pulled the door inwards, fortunately it opened silently. The figure inside was, judging by what little Darras could make out, a soldier of some kind, though fortunately a heavy sleeper and so Darras slipped past him and through another door and into a corridor that appeared to lead outside.

‘It does.’ Erren confirmed.

“Looks like some form of billet for officer types,” Darras murmured, pulling a locking bar free and slipping outside into the poorly lit street.

‘Yes, I think so too. Now let’s find Amina. Turn left here and proceed to the next junction, then turn right.’

“On it,” Darras replied, padding silently away, following Erren’s directions as well as avoiding various patrols.

Darras soon made it to a darkened dwelling and cautiously knocked upon its door, which opened immediately to reveal Nemmos holding a knife, though he sheathed it immediately upon seeing Darras.

“It’s time?” Amina asked as Nemmos led Darras to where the group were lodged.

“It is. I’m here to get you out as there will be chaos tomorrow night,” Darras replied with a nod, noting the gaunt features of the group.

“Yes, they’ll fight alright,” Nemmos agreed. “Far too many fanatics here.”

“I take it they cut rations for ordinary folk?” Darras asked.

“Yes, only their troops and warrior types are on full rations,” Amina nodded. “Nor is getting out and about easy, due to constant patrols.”