Tales of Eleutheros

Daniel made his way through the hallway toward Oros’ favorite study. Yesterday’s news of Robert’s capture at the hands of the Rexunii made his blood boil. Though he didn’t know him well, the thought of what they could be subjecting Robert to was more than enough to keep Daniel on edge. The Dae had brutally killed the last human they had in their custody. He hoped and prayed the same fate wouldn’t meet Robert. Opening the door to the study, he found Oros, Avria, and Delmos in the sitting area.

“Daniel,” Oros said, standing to greet him.

“Good to see you,” Daniel said, and he clasped his arm. Then did the same to Delmos, who was uncharacteristically quiet. He looked at Avria, who had remained in her seat, only nodding at him.

“Let’s get straight to business,” Oros said, gesturing to a container of wine on the table between them. “Wine?”

Daniel shook his head. “No thanks.”

“Very well,” Oros said. “From what we’ve heard from our spies, Robert is in Thule. The capital city of Rexun. He’s being held by the Espi-Dae, and though we’ve tried to find out. There are no details of his state except that he’s alive.”

“If the Espi-Dae has him, he’s as good as dead,” Avria said, looking into her bowl of wine.

Daniel looked at her, a pang of anger rising within him. He knew she was probably right. The Espi-Dae were the religious arm of the Dae, and saw him and his kind as demons.

“Avria,” Oros said, “You could be a bit more optimistic. He’s alive, and thus there is a chance to rescue him.”

“Rescue him?” she asked, looking up at Oros. “You mean infiltrating Rexun? Sneaking into not only the capital city but the royal palace? Fighting our way through Rexunii elite and possibly the king himself?”

Oros huffed, frustration clear on his face. “If there is a chance, then yes. He’s alive, and that is what’s important. Gro’ak tasked my family with protecting the humans.” He raised his hand to Daniel. “We’ve failed.”

“There are worse things than death,” Daniel said.

Oros and Avria both looked at him.

“Who knows what they’ve done to him?” Daniel continued. Taking an exaggerated glance around the study, then he focused on Avria. “Where’s Katrina? She should be here for this meeting.”

“I think not,” Avria said, her yellow eyes boring into his. “She is too attached to him. And I ordered her to stay here. The less she knows of Robert’s fate, the better.”

“That isn’t your call,” Daniel said, sternly.

“It is, actually,” Avria said. “She is my student, and has at least some modicum of respect for her master’s wishes.” She shot a look at Oros. “Something you have yet to teach your charge. His lack of discipline is a clear reflection of your own.”

“Avria,” Oros said, beginning to stand.

“Bullshit,” Daniel said, cutting Oros off. His anger was beginning to get the better of him. He was so sick and tired of this woman and her condescending attitude. “If she doesn’t want to do anything about Robert because you told her not to, then so be it. But I’m not going to sit around and do nothing.” He turned to face Oros. “What’s the plan? Are we going to get him?”

“We’re leaving tonight,” Oros said, “You and Delmos are coming with me.”

Avria scoffed, shaking her head. “Have you run this by your father?”

“Sometimes it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission,” Daniel said.

“Wise words,” Oros smiled. “You are correct, Avria, we won’t be asking for my father’s blessing. Rexun infiltrated our territory, killed Veol and his warriors, and abducted Robert, and I find the politics of it all tiring.”

Daniel noticed a faint smile curl at the edge of Avria’s lips. He knew at that moment, that Oros struck a chord in her.

“Very well,” she said, standing and looking at her brother, Delmos. “Honor House Regios, Delmos. And stay safe.”

Delmos bowed his head to her, his usual grin on his face.

~

After the small meeting, Daniel and Delmos made their way to the palace Courtyard. There they found a war-group of Lokkadonian warriors atop Cro’kan. Daniel marveled at their crimson cloaks and bone masks. They looked strong and capable. Just as the thought entered his mind, he felt someone grasp his shoulder.

“Are you ready?” Oros said, smiling and handing him a bundle of crimson cloth and bone armor.

Daniel looked at the gift with no small amount of reverence.

“You are already a warrior,” Oros said, “and on this journey, we will spill blood together. You will earn this.”

“I guess now we’re brothers,” Delmos said, helping Daniel put it all on.

They rode that night at a fast pace, making their way to the edge of the Spirit Forest by the time the light of dawn started to bleed over the grass fields. Daniel wasn’t a seasoned rider by any means, and felt the punishment of the saddle far more than expected.

As they approached the tree line, Daniel shivered at the sight of the hair-like branches of the trees. They still creeped him out.

Oros rode toward several tents that were already erected around a fire, and a row of what Daniel assumed were bodies, covered by linen. A small formation of Lokkadonian warriors had assumed defensive positions, clearly not expecting their arrival. One of the warriors strode toward Oros, and saluted as he came to a halt.

“Kryo Oros, we were not expecting you or anyone else until well into the afternoon.” The warrior removed their mask, and Daniel saw it was a female Dae. “Lieutenant, Vissa of House Kurt,” she said, bowing her head slightly. “I led the scouting party that found the aftermath.”

“Well met, Lieutenant,” Oros said, dismounting. “Put my warriors to work on your perimeter, and let’s find a place we can speak.”

Daniel, Delmos, and Oros made their way into the center tent with Vissa. Within was a small table with maps and parchment on it, and a small floating ball of flame lit the inside.

Daniel took a moment to remove his helmet and mask and saw Vissa’s eyes widen in surprise.

“You’re…” she said, “…you’re one of the Spirit-Sent.”

“Yes, yes,” Oros huffed, “Lieutenant, we don’t have time to gawk. This is Daniel, yes, he’s one of the spirit-sent, and no, there isn’t time to go over it.” He tapped his finger on the map. “Tell me everything you know about what happened here.”

Any shock she might have had, quickly dissolved as she nodded and leaned over the map. “We arrived after our Dae-Voh and Dae-Rin sensed the battle. We found the bodies when we arrived and sent word to Vul De Rah, then began our pursuit.” She pointed at a part of the map. “We weren’t sure they were Rexunii at first, but as we tracked them, we saw they were making their way South to Rexun. Once we got close enough to see their force, it was too late; they had already passed into their territory.”

“You didn’t engage them?” Daniel asked.

Vissa looked at him, a hint of sympathy in her eyes. “We couldn’t; they were triple our numbers, and…” she sighed, “…they were led by Lord Turak, of House Skotos.”

“Turak,” Oros said, gritting his teeth. “They sent him for this?”

“Who’s that?” Daniel asked.

“He’s the right hand of the Rexunii King,” Oros shook his head. “And one of the most skilled warriors in Rexun. If they sent him… We must keep moving. We will rest here for a few hours, then continue into Rexunii territory.”

The tent flap opened, and a Dae warrior entered, bowing and then looking at Vissa. “Ma’am, something is happening at the Spirit Forest’s tree line.”

Daniel looked at Oros, and they darted outside following the Warrior.

“Kholek!” Vissa yelled after the warrior. “What’s going on?”

“The trees are opening a pathway!” Kholek called back, leading them through the small encampment to the tree line.

When Daniel saw it, he was reminded of when he first emerged from the forest with Katrina and Robert. The strange trees had opened again, only this time, there was a tall green figure floating there.

The Dae slowed their pace as they approached the figure. Daniel noticed they had lowered their weapons, and many had fallen to their knees. A spirit, he thought, coming up behind Oros.

“Spirit!” Oros bellowed, bowing his head in reverence. “How may the sons of Lokkon serve you?”

The spirit floated closer, scanning her large green eyes over the assembled Dae. As they reached Daniel, she stopped and focused on him. “Son of Ignos…” the spirit said; her voice was melodic, and Daniel couldn’t help but feel a strong shiver crawl up his spine. She was speaking to Oros, but her eyes were fixed on him. “I welcome you to our home…”

“Thank you, Spirit.” Oros brought his head up and looked at her. “We have come to investigate a murderous crime that took place upon your doorstep. Many sons of Lokkadonia were slain here, and one of our charges was abducted.”

The spirit turned to regard Oros, “Robert… the human,” she said, sadness in her voice.

“Yes,” Daniel said, stepping forward. “We’re trying to get him back. Anything you can tell us would help.”

The spirit floated uncomfortably close to Daniel, and she spread her hands to the side. “I am Mioh… one of the wards of this forest… I spent many days conversing with your friend… I was sad to see the Sons of Rexun come and take him. What may I ask, is your name?”

“Daniel,” he said, mirroring her stance, bringing his hands out to his sides. “Nice to meet you.”

Mioh smiled and inclined her head towards him. “I will tell you that Rexun warriors came and took him beyond our sight.”

“Beyond your sight?” Daniel asked.

“Rexun’s capital city is a blind spot for the Spirits of this forest. We are not friendly toward the spirits there.”

“So, there are, what, spirit factions?” Daniel asked.

“Spirits are complex… and our interactions with one another cannot be explained in a short time. I fear you have many things to do, Daniel… I will tell you that any attempt to recover Robert from Thule… will prove unsuccessful…”

“Why’s that?” Daniel asked. “We need to try at least get him back.”

“Yes, Spirit, Mioh,” Oros said. “We made an oath to the Elder Spirt, Gro’ak. That we would protect these humans. In failing to do so, I am obligated to do my best to return him.”

“You have already failed… Son of Ignos…” Mioh said, her eyes glowing in what Daniel could only guess was anger. “Your intentions are noted… but your charge is well out of your grasp. They came for him… and bringing another to their doorstep… will not serve any purpose than to further disgrace your efforts…”

Damn Daniel thought, at the harsh words. She isn’t cutting him any slack at all.

“I am ashamed,” Oros said, bowing even lower than before. “Is there some way to restore the Spirit’s favor to us?”

Mioh smiled again, and turned to the pathway from the forest. “You will return your scholar… to where she belongs… Robert sacrificed himself to save her… ensure it was not in vain…”

Daniel looked at the opening and saw a Dae slowly walking from it, with dark skin and wearing a cumbersome cloak. “Amynta?” He walked toward her.

Amynta’s eyes darted from one person to the next until they fell on Daniel. Tears welled, and she sprinted toward him.

Daniel caught her as she lunged into his arms.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you!” she said, pulling back to look at him.

“Yeah, you too,” he said, feeling a bit guilty for essentially forgetting that she was even on the expedition. “Are you hurt at all?”

She shook her head, then let go of Daniel, backing up and bowing as Oros and Vissa approached. “Kryo Oros,” she said.

Oros looked her over, then motioned for Vissa. “Get her into the command tent. I want to debrief her as soon as we’re finished.”

Vissa saluted by bringing her fist across her chest. “Yes, my Kryo.”

“I need not take any more of your time…” Mioh said, “I have returned her to her own kind… and can now be at peace.” She floated closer to Daniel; her eyes bore into him. “My last words to you… human… be wary of Rexun. A cloud of corruption and darkness has its home there.”

~

Daniel and Delmos entered the tent and saw Amynta sitting on one of the several chairs assembled. She looked tired and emotionally drained. She took a bite of food, then a long drink from a water skin.

Oros entered after Daniel and sat down across from Amynta. “Alright,” he said, giving her a moment to finish drinking. “Let’s go over it from the beginning.”

Amynta sat up straight. “Of course, my Kryo. Over the course of our time here, we discovered several interesting anomalies about the arrival of the humans.” Her eyes darted to Daniel’s. “First, and most intriguing is that the Spirit’s here aren’t familiar with the energy that brought them here. A source outside of the realm of the spirits.”

Oros looked shocked. “Power outside of the spirits?” He leaned closer to Amynta.

“Yes,” she continued, “they aren’t sure what the source could be, perhaps from your world.” She pointed to Daniel.

Daniel shrugged. “Maybe, I wouldn’t know. The Dunamis is considered supernatural on my world. Though, I suppose the same could be said about our world to yours.”

Amynta nodded, then looked again at Oros. “Beyond that, one of the ancient spirits of the forest, Miza,” she bowed her head before continuing, “mentioned that the humans were even older than the spirits. Again, a perplexing statement.”

Oros turned to Daniel. “Interesting.” He looked at him for several seconds. “Strange indeed.”

“Ironically,” Delmos said, speaking for the first time since entering the tent, “the only thing said to be older than spirits, are demons.”

There was a long and pregnant silence that followed, as Amynta squirmed in her chair.

“I…” She hesitated. “Yes, that would be correct. According to our scriptures, the only thing before the light of the spirits was the darkness, and within that were…” she glanced at Daniel, “…demons.”

Daniel’s mind was racing at the implications. “What exactly do you consider demons to be? Our world has versions of these as well. Or at least many believe it. Our religions are more elusive. There isn’t just one, and they all have different beliefs when it comes to a higher power.”

“Well,” Amynta said, “we believe they are entities of evil that corrupt and counter the will and grace of the spirits. They are their antithesis.”

“But the spirits themselves aren’t all good, right?” Daniel asked. “There are dark spirits from what I understand. If the spirits aren’t an absolute good, then are demons not absolutely evil?”

“That’s more for the Espi-Dae to answer,” she said, “But we don’t have enough interactions with them to know for sure. Every instance in history where Dae or Spirits have delt with them, it is always against terrible evil.”

“When was the last time you delt with an actual demon in your world?” Daniel asked.

“I…” Amynta looked at the floor. “I think it’s around a thousand years ago.”

Daniel was a religious man, he was brought up catholic, but didn’t consider himself the best of them. He had done things while in the military that many of that religion would not condone. Still, the events that he was experiencing on a daily basis here in Pelemont brought everything he had ever learned into question.

“Are the four great spirits the first?” Daniel asked.

“Yes,” Amynta said, “they created our world, but have been asleep for thousands of years.”

“And who created them?” Daniel asked.

Amynta shook her head. “They have always been—”

The flaps to the tent opened, and Lieutenant Vissa stuck her head inside. “I’m sorry to interrupt, my Kryo, but our forward scouts have just reported back. There are raiders from Rexun nearing our borders to the South. They look like scavengers, coming to pick the battlefield. Not Rexunii warriors.”

Oros stood and placed his hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “Despite what you heard here, know that I still trust you. You are no demon.”

Daniel nodded, in appreciation.

“Now,” Oros continued, “Let’s spill some Rexunii blood.”