Chapter 43

  Answers and Adventure

  “Excuse me?” Sebastian said, placing his hands on the articulated table made of living wood. “What do you mean by that? Of course he existed.”

  The atmosphere in the tower had changed. Drackle was now standing, having moved a few feet away with his back turned to the others. His tight fit scarlet robes cut an imposing presence, even when facing away. “Do not misunderstand.” Drackle said, “Allow me to explain what I have discovered in my research of the Black Halo army.”

  Yan’s eyes glinted with curiosity, and she leaned forth in her seat, “So what did you find?” She and the others held their breath waiting for a response.

  Drackle turned back to the group and spoke in his deep studious voice, “Propaganda.”

  “Huh?” Wolf said, “What’s that mean?”

  “It’s a form of media control.” Sebastian said, “Giving out only information that aids one group, pretending the rest does not exist.” He explained. Wolf blinked and nodded, not getting it at all. “But I don’t understand what you mean, Mage Drackle.”

  “Before I explain,” Drackle said, “I would like you, Sebastian, to tell me what you know of the leaders of the Black Halo.”

  “The leaders?” Sebastian repeated, “Alright. Well Maximus was the leader, and he had four generals that worked for him. Vilra Exus the warrior queen. Ton’ma the wizard. Dietrich the wight.” Sebastian said, listing them, “The last was supposedly an enigma.”

  “Very... close.” Drackle said, “It seems the books were thorough in their search for answers. However, I was able to uncover more of the truth, though...” He glanced at Michael. “I was never able to get descriptions.”

  Michael rubbed at his chin, “Well, it’s not the first time I’ve had a vision, but what proof is there that it’s accurate?”

  “Perhaps the visions are related to your sword,” Drackle said, “The sister sword to the Shadowflare, bridging the gap between you and the wielder in the Dark Halo.” The party took that in silence, so Drackle continued. “Dietrich, Ton’ma, and Vilra. Those three were indeed generals, but the fourth was not ‘an enigma,’ as you said Sebastian. The fourth general was Enigma. Known as Enigma the Nightmare, and described as a demon made of black clouds.”

  “However, as I said before, Maximus did not exist.” Drackle continued. “Or perhaps it is better to say that is not the correct name. There was not one leader at the head of the Black Halo, there were three. Together they led their armies and conquered lands better than any other warlord. Their names were Andorn, Maxis, and...” Drackle paused, closing his eyes, “Mexizu.”

  “Meh-zih... zoo?” Yan said.

  “MAXIS?!” Hyato said, jolting up in his seat. Michael and Yan flinched and looked at the swordsman.

  “And Andorn.” Sebastian said, rubbing his chin in thought. “I’ve never heard of these three.” He looked to Drackle for more, ignoring Hyato’s outburst.

  “Indeed. It was Andorn who spread the false name, and from what I have gathered he was also considered a wizard like Ton’ma. That is to say, someone from beyond Iagorothi.” Drackle said, “Meanwhile Maxis may be familiar to some, such as young Hyato here. He was, prior to the Dark war, the Arch-Angel.”

  “Arch-Angel?” Michael said, “So there were Demons and Angels among the Dark Halo?” Hyato frowned and crossed his arms, perturbed.

  “Just one of each, as far as I know.” Drackle said.

  “I thought angels were messengers of the Gods.” Yan said.

  “Aren’t angels just little spirits that make people fall in love?” Wolf said. Hyato gave him a baffled look.

  “Angels are guardians of the Gods, or so they say. Though if that is the case it makes one wonder why the Gods bothered with the Godai or the Ancients.” Drackle said. He shook his head and returned to his seat.

  “More to the point,” Drackle said, “If there is any truth to the stories about Maximus, then it is Mexizu of whom they speak. Unparalleled in battle, said to have ended every army he encountered. Maximus is Mexizu, the one who rose to power and nearly took over the world.”

  “Was he really that strong?” Michael asked.

  “All I have to go off of are testimonies of interrogated officers and old writings.” Drackle said. “There is a great deal of evidence supporting all this, but at this point it is all theoretical. And besides, nearly a hundred years have passed. Even if they are still alive or around, they would be old by now.”

  Michael turned to Sebastian. “Do you think our theory about the Revenant is correct?”

  “If so, things just got even worse.” Sebastian said, “I think we should get moving now.”

  “Now now,” Drackle said, “I feel there is still more to be learned here. What theory have you concocted?”

  “Well.” Michael said, “That the Revenant is Maximus, I mean Mexizu’s soul.”

  “Interesting. I wonder how you came to that conclusion.” Drackle said, “There must be more to it.”

  Michael leaned back as he thought about it, and Yan tapped her foot. “Why did we think that?” Yan asked.

  “I think, because of the vision I had.” Michael said, “And the way it felt when I was almost possessed at the beginning.”

  “It begs the question, what reason does Vero have to take the Revenant to the Shards of the Sky? What’s there that he is after.” Sebastian said.

  A crackle of power shot along the table as Drackle clenched his hands, causing everyone to flinch. Drackle’s mouth tightened into a thin line as he stood up, his neck muscles bulging from tension. He exhaled a deep breath from his nose and tried to calm down. “Get ready to leave, I’m going to give you a ride out of the mountains and a letter of introduction to my grandfather.”

  Sebastian stood up as well, “Why the sudden change of heart?”

  “I’ll explain on the way.” Drackle said, putting away his sphere and book. “And, I apologize for not believing the urgency of your quest.” Drackle moved through the room, crystals floated to life and moved to orbit behind him like before.

  As the mage of the tower prepared to leave, the others did as well. Due to Sebastian’s earlier paranoia, the party had already brought all of their things with them when they came down to meet with Drackle. Michael followed the tall mage outside, and the others gathered near. It was a sunny day in the Drakmor Mountains.

  A shimmering scarlet crystal platform grew to life in front of Drackle and he stepped onto it. He beckoned the others forth, so Michael stepped onto the crystal. It felt more solid and rooted than the ground did. “Woah, this stability.”

  The others boarded the crystal too. Yan gasped and tried to jump, to no avail. Hyato was unable to mask how impressed he was. “So how does this work?” Sebastian wondered.

  “Not the time.” Drackle said, tapping his foot. The crystal lifted into the air and began to move. The party found themselves sailing on a crystal high above the mountain valleys. “About what we discussed earlier, I would like to explain something. Vilra Exus was a powerful warrior queen, the Queen of Necros in fact. When the others vanished, she refused to back down. Necros fought to keep their borders, and the Mystic Wall was erected to seal off all land routes between Myrrh and Necros.”

  “Okay,” Sebastian said, “but-”

  “Necros remains isolated to this day, and the city that was the seat of power for the Black Halo remains there, Draixnoth. There are not even any spies in Necros, and their navy controls the seas around them.”

  “The man you mentioned earlier, Vero, is a man of Necros. A man obsessed with Mexizu and the Black Halo. A twisted little mongrel who disregards others for his own gain.” Drackle said, venom in his tone.

  “How do you know that?” Yan asked.

  Mage Drackle paused for a moment, eyes darting as if reliving an old memory. “He appeared before me playing the part of an innocent and intelligent scholar. For a time, he worked alongside me as an assistant, uncovering secrets of the Black Halo. Then, after months of deceit, he got what he wanted from me. Some information he had been looking for, which he burned. He revealed himself then, as Vero Exus, and promised that he would resurrect the Black Halo.” Drackle said, clenching a fist and gripping his right shoulder. “I should have killed him when I had the chance.”

  “To top it all off, he is a Sorcerer.” Drackle continued, “Someone capable of creating and using new spells in a way others cannot. What takes a spellweaver dozens of hours to painstakingly craft, a Sorcerer can put together in moments.”

  “We know...” Sebastian said, “Vero has been harassing us all this time. It’s all too clear he is after the Revenant.”

  “If Vero is after the Revenant, I believe there is some connection to the Black Halo. Perhaps it is Mexizu’s soul, or the soul of one of the other members. What I don’t understand, is why he told you where he was going.” Drackle said.

  “He didn’t.” Michael said, looking out over the side of the crystal as they passed a mountain peak. “It was Velicio that told me.”

  “Hmm. I do not know who that is.” Drackle said. “Here.” The scarlet mage handed Michael an envelope. “A letter of introduction to see the King of Cryston. Mystia, the inventor of Modern Magic.”

  “Oh, okay.” Michael said, “Thanks.”

  “A meeting with Mystia.” Sebastian said, “Incredible. I wonder what kind of wisdom a man over a century has gathered.”

  “Aren’t you getting on in years?” Yan asked, smirking.

  “What?! I’m barely fifty. I still have some years before middle age.” Sebastian said.

  “Sounds old to me.” Yan said.

  “To someone under twenty like you, I’m sure it does.” Sebastian said, “But people live to be a hundred fifty on average.” He folded his arms, “You should learn a sense of scale.”

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  “Don’t get your hopes up.” Drackle said, “My grandfather is over a century and a half. He’s what you would consider very old.”

  “That’s okay.” Sebastian said, “But still. I got to meet the mighty Scarlet Mage, Drackle, and soon Mystia too.” The tactician smiled, all traces of doubt gone. Drackle seemed pleased.

  Sailing over mountain paths, crossing deep valleys, and passing tall peaks, the party enjoyed a scenic zip through the eastern Drakmor Mountains. The crystal platform that Drackle commanded had them rooted to it, and they felt as if standing on solid ground as a gentle breeze flowed around them. Michael and Yan watched the mountains pass by, appreciating the majestic peaks. Hyato seemed to eye the ground below, tracking his gaze along the paths they would have taken under normal circumstances. What should have taken the better part of a day had only taken ten minutes so far.

  Sebastian was lost in thought, looking at nothing at all. The last of the party, Wolf, stared at a distant cloud with intense focus. If he didn’t look down, then he wouldn’t have to see how high up and how fast they were moving. His jaw clenched a bit as his concern went unnoticed to the others.

  The mountain peaks got smaller and smaller as they continued. Shrinking from towering peaks of stone to grassy crags, and in the distance foothills. Michael spotted at least eight towns and several more small villages around the hills, they could see for miles! In the far distance a large flat land of grass came into view. From this range, it appeared like an endless lake of green. “What’s that?”

  “Oh, right.” Sebastian said, “Your first time seeing the Ranear Plains. A massive flatland that takes up a sizeable chunk of Myrrh and Cryston. We’ll be crossing them to reach the Stardust Woods, where the King of Cryston is said to reside.”

  “Correct.” Drackle said, “You’ve never been to the plains Michael?”

  “Well, technically I’ve only existed for like... three weeks.” Michael said.

  “What do you mean?” Drackle asked.

  Michael explained his lack of memory before the ashen glade in Eterna Forest. He also explained what Wolf had said about amnesia. Drackle listened in silence and at the end hummed, “More and more mysterious.”

  “At this rate, we will beat Vero there.” Yan said, grinning.

  “No, my crystals can only function within range of my tower, I’m afraid.” Drackle said. “If I could take you the whole way, you would not need a letter of introduction.”

  “Oh. That makes sense,” Yan said, her shoulders drooping. Michael patted her on the back.

  “We are out of the mountains.” Hyato said, as they were nearing the edge of the grassy craglands, “Our journey has been shortened.”

  “Hyato is right, this saves us more time than we could have hoped for.” Sebastian said. “Crossing the plains will be much easier than crossing the mountains.”

  “The same is true for others as well.” Drackle advised. “We will be landing soon. Be ready to depart.”

  “Finally.” Wolf said, exhaling.

  Michael started stretching to limber up from sitting then standing for so long. Hyato did so as well. Yan watched Michael limber up, forgetting to do so herself.

  The crystal touched down on an old cobblestone road that was broken from age and mossy in several places. The road was at the top of a gentle slope leading from the crags down to the foothills below and near a town that surrounded a wide river. Michael stepped off the crystal, feeling light as he touched true ground, and helped the others down as well.

  “This is where we part ways.” Drackle said. “Though your quest is a noble one, I have a duty to my research and to my people. I’m afraid I have no more help I can offer.”

  “You’ve helped us out more than enough, Drackle.” Michael said, “You came to our aid when you didn’t have to, and taught us a great deal. We won't forget your kindness.”

  Drackle chuckled, “You fit the role of leader well, Michael. Fare thee well, all of you.” The scarlet crystal lifted from the ground and sailed back into the mountains, carrying it's master back home.

  With a huge sigh Wolf collapses to the ground, relief oozing out of him. “Let’s not do that again.” He said.

  “Why not? That was fun.” Yan said, stretching out her sore muscles.

  “Very fun.” Michael agreed, eyeing Yan some. Hyato and Sebastian shared a look, both shaking their heads.

  “Well, I hope we don’t need to do a repeat.” Wolf said, “Next time I’ll just walk or something.”

  “Maybe I should show you my jumping technique.” Michael said. “Or you can shoot fire out of your hands and feet to fly.”

  Wolf chuckled, sitting up. “Not a bad idea. I’m sure I could work something out for that.”

  “Well then.” Sebastian said, “The day is young and we just skipped a day and a half of walking. Let’s head to town.”

  “How about let’s not.” Michael said, frowning. “I don’t even know where my shades are.”

  “They’re in the middle pouch of your bag.” Yan said.

  “Well I don’t want to either.” Wolf said. “In case you haven’t noticed, Michael and I are a pair of ‘empty eyed freaks’ as they so politely put it.”

  “I see you’ve faced the same issues.” Sebastian said. “Well, we still have our camping gear I suppose. If we need supplies there are many towns, Yan or I can go in alone to restock if we must.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Michael said, “Let’s be off!” Michael began down the road, walking tall. The wind made his white hair wave about as he struck out, and for a moment the others paused. Michael had grown so much stronger since this began. “Our journey is only just beginning!” Michael proclaimed.

  “Hear hear.” Hyato said, and the others followed after the man.

  It had been a strange few days aboard the Fearless Voyage. Rils had taken her ship where Mien wanted, after all he was paying her. They went to Liniva first, what was left of it. The place was still in ruins, and Zori had moved in to occupy the trashed buildings. Rils’s crew and Mien’s group routed the little monsters so Mien could wander around the central plaza. He had only just started looking around when he returned to the airship and sent for the next destination.

  The capital city of Myrrh was a fun place to visit for the crew. Big cities meant big taverns and downtime. The airship arrived late so the crew had a chance to unwind and hang out with some locals. Only Rils and Den stayed behind at the Skyport with the ship. Mien’s business at the palace the following day only took a few hours, and before they knew it a new destination had been added.

  “That’s quite a trip. It won’t be just one or two days like the last few.” Rils said. “We need to procure supplies first.”

  “I see.” Mien said, “Then resupply. I’d like to leave as soon as we are able to, Rils.” Mien said, that almost pretentious note of nobility in his voice. Even if he had stepped away from it, anyone could see Mien was Royalty. His sheer confidence was matched by his prowess. He was almost too similar to the nobility he held contempt for.

  “I should charge you more for a rush like this, you know.” Rils said. “I don’t want to, but my crew will need incentive to bust ass.”

  Mien shifted stance a bit, putting one hand on his hip. “I’ll pay. This is important.”

  “Eh, stop seducing me you sexy beast.” Rils said, throwing up her hands in mock annoyance.

  “Rils, please.” Mien said, “I don’t have time for this.”

  “Alright. I’ll add the cost and have the rush flight in. We leave at Twenty-four Hour, don’t be late.” Rils said, turning to go tell her crew.

  “Thank you Rils.” Mien called after. In a softer tone he added, “I owe you more times than I can count.”

  The crew’s initial apprehension at doing a full day’s work was changed to motivation when Rils told them how much extra they’d be getting. Where a motionless crew was before, a flurry of organized movements now played out. Mien watched the airmen go about it for a little, then turned to find his own crew.

  The soldiers in the Mystic Grove were all veterans from around Myrrh or students of the Myrrhmidon Academy of War. Kris could ask for no better as sparring partners, and had been hard at work since the airship landed. Thanks to knowing Mien, Kris was able to use the Guard HQ training grounds and work with master trainers. Mien arrived to see Kris practicing a challenging spear technique.

  “Good work.” The instructor said, “You’re picking this up well. Are you sure you never studied at MAW?”

  “I couldn’t afford it.” Kris said, using the technique again. She spun her spear in a deflecting flick and delivered a thrust faster than the blink of an eye. “I was just a highway patrol.”

  “Hmm. You might be able to get a scholarship.” The instructor said, “You must have incredible talent.”

  “You think so?” Kris asked, “I was always told I was no good. I stayed up for hours doing the drills.”

  “Really? Are you sure about that?” The instructor asked.

  “There’s something they don’t teach at MAW.” Mien said, striding up with one hand in a pocket. “You ever wonder why adventurers sometimes get crazy strong?”

  The instructor gave Mien a bow, causing the ranger to frown. “Of course, that is a common question.” The instructor said, “The answer is experience, of course.”

  “Wrong.” Mien said, “It’s Zori.”

  “Pardon me?”

  “The students of MAW spar and drill every day. They don’t lack experience and can cull Zori with the best of them.” Mien said, “But adventurers kill far, far more Zori. And killing Zori nets synergy, which is pure power from Iagorothi itself.” Mien formed a sphere of energy using a controlled surge in his right hand. “Where my fellow alumni usually ignore Zori as they travel, since they seem too weak to bother killing.”

  “Really now?” The instructor said, “Well, I’ll be. Why do we not teach this?”

  “You do. But no one listens.” Mien said. Then he turned to Kris, “Hey, the airship leaves at Twenty-four Hour. Be there.”

  “Oh. Yes Sir!” Kris said, saluting. Mien rolled his eyes. “Shall I tell Pierre?” Kris asked.

  “No, I’ll tell him.” Mien said. “You keep practicing. Steal as many techniques as you can before we continue.” Kris nodded, and the instructor chuckled as Mien departed.

  Mien walked through the Guard training grounds, dismissing a few dozen guards that tried to talk to him for some reason or another. Being back home came with its downsides, everyone wanted to talk to him. Mien glanced out the window at the wall of pine trees that surrounded the city. Interlocking roots and branches, the trees had been shaped to grow into a solid wall of spellwrought wood. Wherever you went, the forest was near. That was home, the great outdoors.

  A loud clack of metal echoed through the air as Mien arrived at the archery range. Among a few dedicated arbalests honing their craft, Pierre could be seen lifting a ball into the air ahead of him and swinging with all his might. Another *ting* of metal sounded forth as Pierre struck the ball with his bat, striking a wooden dummy in the head in the middle of the target field.

  “You didn’t want to work with one of the masters?” Mien asked, standing behind a white line on the ground as he spoke to Pierre.

  “I don’t think there’s anyone who fights like me, even here in HQ.” Pierre said.

  “You’re probably right.” Mien said with a small smirk. “I just wanted to tell you two things. First, we’re leaving at Twenty-four Hour.”

  Pierre swung another ball to the distant targets of the archery range, breaking a wooden target in half. The dummy pieced itself together after a few seconds. “Sounds good. And the other thing?”

  “I got you an upgrade to your backpack, tech, gizmo thing.” Mien said.

  Pierre spun about, eyes wide. “Really?”

  “Yes.” Mien said, “I knew you wouldn’t want a new one, so I asked for something to increase range and speed.”

  “Oh, that’s awesome! Where is it?” Pierre asked.

  “It will be at the airship when we leave. Don’t be late.” Mien said. He turned to leave.

  “I won't!” Pierre called out. Then he went back to his practice.

  The return trip through HQ was much quieter. It seemed people realized that Mien did not want to talk. Mien looked forward to being back outside the city, things were so much better there.

  “Or not...” Mien said under his breath as a studious clerk approached him with purpose.

  “Prince Mien.” The clerk said.

  “Not!” Mien said, holding up his hand, “The Prince. I am not the Prince. It’s been years, how hard is that to remember?”

  The clerk bowed, “Apologies sir. I was just told to inform you that the notices you requested are being processed and will go out tomorrow.”

  “Oh.” Mien said, blinking, “Well. Good. That’s faster than expected.”

  “Indeed.” The clerk said, adjusting his glasses. “I was also told to inform you that the King expects you to prove your theory.”

  “I see.” Mien said, frowning again. “I’ll bring back decisive proof. I swear it.”

  “The King will be pleased to hear that. Have a good day P-, Sir Mien.” The clerk bowed again, then left in a stiff power walk.

  Mien scratched his furred wolven ear. “Proof huh...”

  In the summer months, Twenty-four Hour was a time with plenty of light left in the sky. In a forty hour day, summer days could last as late as Thirty Hour. When Mien arrived on the deck of the Fearless Voyage he noticed it looked exquisite, compared to earlier.

  “You were almost late!” Rils chided from the upper decks. “What took you so long.”

  “Last I checked it was 23:38.” Mien said, looking at a pocketwatch. “I still have two minutes before departure.”

  “It’s always best to arrive ten minutes early.” Rils said, “Now get below deck. I can’t have novices getting in the way.”

  “Right right.” Mien said, heading down to his cabin. Looks like he would have to watch the city shrink away from the window of his cabin after all. He sauntered inside and leaned against the wall to watch outside as the airship began launch proceedings.

  “Mistan.” Mien said, “I’m coming for you. It will all be over soon.”