Chapter 10 - Mercy

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wip
The first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, casting a soft glow over Castle Kona's courtyard and as promised, Darius was up doing some final checks of his inventory before committing to his journey. His attention was drawn to the package that the King had brought to him earlier. Amadeus, much less prepared was slouched over his rucksack feeling sorry for himself. 
"Lets see it on you then," Amadeus said trying not too barf. 
Darius who had wished to show some decourum hesitantly unwrapped the gift from Tobias. His eyes widened at the sight of the intricate dragon motifs that adorned the plates. Whilst he had seen it the night before, knowing it was now crafted to his measurements was something else entirely with each scale meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the mythical creatures. He stood with pride as his silhouette cast in the resplendent light as he slowly pulled the mithril chainmail snuggly over his frame. The golden mesh consisting of overlapping rings was complemented with a crimson throw that bore resemblance to a typical Leuven traditional tunic showing the care that the King of Kona had taken to infuse the Snow Elven colours into the design. Amadeus helped him with the core of the amour and then watched as he equipped bracers to his arms and legs that shimmered like molten gold. Even the accompanying belt looked magnificent and was embedded with a rather expensive red jewel. The outfit was topped off by a crown that Amadeus helped place upon his friends head and this too bore a second ruby. 
"Darius," Amadeus exclaimed. But he was left speechless,"as he circled his friend to take in every detail. The wings of a dragon spread across Darius's back, their majestic form giving the illusion that the wearer could take flight at any moment. "I have never seen anything like this. What's it like to move in?" Amadeus asked.
Darius rotated his frame and then squatted testing the flexability of the outfit. "It will take time to get used to it but it feels surprisingly comfortable. 
"I like it." Amadeus gestured his approval
"It's a bit much though, no?" Darius responded.
"You look magnificant," Karadin spoke as he arrived. "But i'm afraid I must ask you to refrain from wearing it as we leave the city." 
"Why is that," Amadeus questioned. 
"We wouldnt want to attract the wrong type." 
"Bandits?" 
"and vegabonds," The Prince replied." 
"So what can we expect in terms of the lay of the land," Darius asked noticing the map in Karadins hand. 
Karadin traced a path over the terrain with his finger. "A dozen milles of safe road until we hit trails that demand more careful navigation but we must reach this point why sun down tomorrow." 
"Why is that?" Amadeus asked. 
There is a ferry that leaves there every few days." 
The Prince handed each of them a pouch filled with dried rations, water skins, and medicinal herbs before walking towards the stable at the edge of the courtyard. He opened the gate, whilsted and out trotted his steed on command. 
Saddeling up his magnificant blue horse which looked as regal as the Prince himself, Amadeus was taken back by the unusual colour of the steed, something else he had laid on for the first time. The Prince tied the horse up beside them and proceeded to unfold a map he had on his person, surveyed the map spread out before them, tracing the route they would take through treacherous terrain The air was crisp with the promise of a clear day ahead of them, but among the trio, it was clear that one betrayed their early morning embarkment with the revelry of a late-night indulgement as the half-elf threw up on the ground beside him. 
"One too many?" The Prince laughed. 
"More than one." The Half-elf mumbled, his movements were sluggish as he turned and winced, his hand reaching for his throbbing head. 
The trio set off, the rhythmic sound of hooves accompanied by an occasional groan from Amadeus. "I'll be fine, The Kings wine is stronger than the piss we drink 
A silhouette of a once-sturdy farmhouse emerged on the horizon. Smoke curled into the sky, a grim harbinger of tragedy. Urgency spurred their steeds forward, and as they neared the scene, the devastation became starkly evident. The farmhouse, now a mere skeleton of its former self, bore the scars of a fiendish onslaught.
Dismounting, the trio surveyed the grim aftermath. Amadeus tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any lingering threats. Prince Karadin, his face etched with sorrow, whispered a prayer for the fallen before he commanded the group to check the various buildings.
"Amadeus, make sure the area is safe. Me and Darius will clear the buildings. Darius readied his bow and advanced towards the main house calling out for survivors as he went. He pushed through a door that had already been forced upon and was greeted by the remnants of what was once a child's nursery next to the chiimney at the back room.
The sight before him was heart-wrenching. A crib lay shattered, and the remnants of a child's life lay scattered across the room. Darius bowed his head in silent mourning and in that moment could only think of the stark warning Amadeus gave him about showing mercy to such monsters capable of this. As he surveyed the scene, a soft voice, reached his ears it's note carrying a haunting melody.
"Will you face the shadows?"
Startled, Darius turned to find a mysterious woman standing at the doorway he had just entered, her features obscured by a hood. Her eyes, however, gleamed with an otherworldly wisdom. 
"I will where I can," He responded. "Is this your house?" Darius asked.
"Like you, I am merely passing through," she replied her voice a careful blend of empathy and mystery. "The suffering weighs heavily upon these lands. Such loss of live is always regretful."
Darius nodded, "Such are the times we live in. I only wish for better days."
"You are a Snow Elf?"
"I am. Among the last generation born on the Silver Peaks itself."
.777
"It was and our leader taken hostage."
"I see."
He had planned to get most of his food by means of hunting, but Tobias saw to it that anything he needed or desired would be provided and so he took up the King’s offer. Among some rice and bread, he took a small assortment of precooked meats and fruit along with other things he could nibble on. He preferred to travel light and knew once they hit the open plains, food would be in abundance.  When he was satisfied that all was in order, he sealed his bag and threw it on his back and proceeded towards the door of the small but comfy room he had been held up in for the past few days only stopping to grab his bow, satchel and a short sword which he attached to his new belt.
"Your gear is as nice as you said it was. Suits you, even if it's a bit regal." Garcia beckoned to him as the half elf greeted him beyond the room. "I assumed you were talking it up."
"It is indeed. But tell me... since when do you start using words like that?”
“What sort of uncultured swine do you take me for.” Garcia laughed, scratching his head.
“Sometimes I wonder.”
“It’s not the only thing I've picked up during my time here.”
“I’ve just seen that now you mention it. So you too were given a parting gift?" He eyed the  new blade that was tucked by Garcia’s waist. 
"It’s a special blade?" Garcia responded with an excited grin. eager to show the weapon off.
“Ah like your brothers?”
"Not quite. This is much older or so i’ve been told." Garcia replied. “It was from the King’s own collection.”
"It sure looks it. Did you ask the meaning of the runes?" Darius asked, pointing at the inscription on the side of the blade as Garcia unsheathed it. Worn and hard to see Darius had to squint to try and distinguish any of the letters.”
"Of course I asked him. He couldn't remember, says too many years have passed. He suggested I could ask the Alami when we get there to see if they know anything about it.”
“I remember Galiron telling me that his blade would never dull, no matter how much it was used. I don't think we could say the same about this one. On the surface there is nothing regal about it. It would seem the King gave you one of his lesser blades, perhaps in mistake.” Darius said in jest.
“He wouldn't, would he? He had me convinced that it was the real deal. He even almost felt sorry to part with it and wait until you hold it. Here, tell me that is like any weapon you have held.”
"You are right.” Darius exclaimed upon his first touch of the weapon. The weight of the sword was vastly different than what he expected for such a piece of metal given its size. He figured a two handed sword could only be wielded by someone who was as strong as an ox and yet even he could swing it with relative ease with the use of only one. “You could have started with saying it weighs like a wooden sword.”
“Would you have believed me?”
“Perhaps not,” He said. He took a closer look at the sword and then tried to bend the blade over his knee. “How can metal be this tough and yet so light at the same time?”
“You will sooner snap your leg trying that. I jumped on it and only ended up hurting my foot.”
“A gift from the King and you jumped on it?”
“Sure I did. What goods finding your weapon is brittle in the middle of battle.
“What if it broke? How would you explain that to the King.”
“Explain what? Sure he watched me do it.” 
“There is nothing regal about you Garcia... nothing. But I will be sure to remind you when we find the Alami tribe to ask of the meaning behind the sword if it indeed was them that made it. “Now, are you all ready to go. “He said, giving the weapon back. “We had better get going. Karadin is to meet us and then we’ll be off. I'm thankful that you two will be joining me. It's not exactly a trip I’d like to be making alone. I'm not nearly as brave enough now than when I suggested it."
"Would you rather stay for the battle to come? Truthfully Darius, the warrior in me would rather be fighting alongside my brother." He paused. "But I am a Snow Elf, I’ll not abandon the future Maester."
“Thank you,” Darius nodded and they proceeded down the hall, passing under many archways elegantly carved out from marvelous white marble.
---
The pair met up with Karadin who was indeed awaiting them to exit the castle. The company set out from the southern gate of Kona cloaked to avoid being recognised to any passersby. They looked like mere wanderers as their horses passed through the crowds in the streets. The gatekeeper who was informed of their arrival ahead of time was under instruction not to ask any questions nor in any way hinder the party.
“Open the gates,” the gatekeeper ordered as he saw the group approaching. The large wooden gates were quickly pulled back and a drawbridge lowered to greet them. “I best remind you to be careful on the roads,” he subtly bowed as they passed.
Karadin nodded as the horses began to move on, discreetly he threw a bag to the gatekeeper.
When they had pulled a mile or so from the castle and sure that nobody had followed them,their silence finally broke.
“Who are we hiding from?” Garcia asked.
“Any would be onlookers. The enemy may have spies within our walls and for sure outside it. Do not worry; it won’t be long until we reach the port. Once we are south of the river it won’t matter who sees us.”
“Port? Garcia said with a perplexed look on his face.
“Yes, we need to cross the lake don't we? It won’t take us more than a few hours by boat but it would cut our journey by several days if we were to rely on the roads.”
“We have never seen a ship before, never mind a body of water big enough to require a vessel to cross.”
“Consider yourselves fortunate then.” Karadin grinned. “It wasn’t always the way. At least now we can avoid the marshland altogether. The lake cuts right through the mountain and docks in a port just a short distance from Lionsford. There we need to meet with Indra and her husband, Baku.”
“Baku as in the Barbarian King?” Darius asked.
“Yes, the very same. The lion King is also a moniker he goes by. Regardless, he is a friend of the west and rules over the land between the Riverlands and the wetwoods, including the marshes. His wife, the tiger Queen, leads the warriors of Lionsford and keeps the midlands free from goblins and other swamp monsters.” He paused. “Does that surprise you Garcia?” 
“It doesn’t actually. I have heard of the strength found in the women of the south. My father spoke of her many times. The tiger amongst the lions he would say.” 
“I have also heard stories of these beast tamers,” added Darius. “Cats with fangs so big they could crush a man... or an unexpecting elf.”
“It’s more than a story. It’s an old tradition. Lions are kept to honour the house sigil of Lionsford. But do not worry, the beasts are well fed.”
“Where does the tiger come into it?”
“About twenty years ago when Baku was visiting the south to recover some of his animals that had been poached, he came across Indra, a slave tending to some tigers belonging to Nakari of Sovos.”
“Nakari, the warlord”
“Yes, ruler of the southern states.”
“So he bought her to free her?” Garcia asked.
“Bought?” The Prince laughed.” Baku butchered every man he found guilty of encroaching on his land and freed all their slaves.”
“Was Baku not afraid that Nakari would retaliate. He is a warlord after all and one with the biggest army in all of Lucere.”
“He may be a warlord yes, and true he indeed has a mighty army, but Baku is a King. There is an old saying amongst the tribe of Lionsford that the land where the lion roams will forever be ruled by the King that can sleep with both eyes shut. You would be best not to forget that. As for Nakari. He may have a big force but it tends to be all for show. His number is thick because they have never seen battle.”
“Hardly a warlord then.” Garcia mocked. So did he make her his Queen?” She is the lady of Lionsford afterall.” 
“Lady,” Karadin laughed... “Now that’s something I'd suggest forgetting. Really... I'd advise you refrain from calling her that, but yes, the story goes something like that, though I’ve heard from others that would suggest she made him her husband and knowing her, I'd believe that tale quicker.”
“You say King, but isn’t he a subordinate of your father?”
“My father respects tradition. He wouldn’t demand anyone to bend the knee. The settlement of Lionsford is amongst the oldest in Lucere, much much older than Kona itself. Whilst they have chosen to live simple lives we must honour their past by respecting a way of life that may seem forign to us. That is how peace is maintained.”
They rode until the large castle behind was but a spec in the afternoon sky as they trotted down the open path that ascended and descended just as quickly over rolling hills of farmland. Barley fields to their left and golden corn stretched as far as their eyes would allow on their right.
“Another fine harvest,” said Karadin.
“Thankfully” Darius replied. There was chatter of failing crops during the meal.”
“Yes, in the eastern Kingdom of Aydon. We needn't worry about going hungry. We’ll have more than enough on our plates and in our belly’s come winter.”
“Aydon is an ally of Athol is it not? We could use that to our advantage.”
“We cannot think like that Garcia. We will provide for them too if it comes to that,” Karadin shot back.
“Feed the enemy.”
“The enemy will be fed regardless. Who do you think will suffer if their harvest fails? It will not be those in castles but the peasants in the fields and on the streets. They do desire a war now any more than they wanted any part in any of the strife of the past. The poor do not wage war.”
“Let’s hope it does not come to that. There is no call for genocide. Not now, not ever. War is causality in itself,” Darius smiled.
“Are you okay? You look a bit yellow.” Karadin said.
“I’ve just a bit of a sore head. It will pass. I haven’t slept the best the past few nights. It must be catching up with me.”
---
Chatter among the group had ceased as the group passed their third hour on the road. Halfway to their destination and holding a steady pace when unexpectedly, Darius pulled his horse up.
“Whats up?” Garcia questioned.
“I think it’s time enough we stopped and rested. I’m parched and so too must be the horses. 
The Prince looked at the animals, and then to Garcia before finally turning to Darius “I think it’s just you my friend. But you look terrible. One would think that horse rode on your back.
“Really, I need to stop, if not for a little while.”
“We can stop, but we must be brief. We can’t miss this boat tonight.” The Prince replied. It leaves every fifth day.
“Thank you,” Darius said as he jumped off his horse. As he landed on his feet, he struggled to remain upright as his eyes blurred and his legs went weak. His bowels turned to mush and quickly pain radiated from his abdomen. Garcia hastily dismounted and helped Darius to a seat on a nearby stone.
“What’s wrong with him? Are you alright Darius.” Garcia questioned.
“Can you too not feel that heat?” Darius replied, his head nauseous as his surroundings were spinning.
“What heat?” Garcia answered.
“Can you not feel it?”
“It's the thicker air around here Darius. Your body will take some time to acclimatise,” said the Prince. “Are you sure you are capable of this journey? If you think this is warm, I fear for you when we move further south, This is only a taste of what’s to come when we reach the wetwoods.”
“I can’t turn back but I can’t carry on, not without a rest. I can see now why we choose to live on a mountain.” He giggled hesientaly.
“Perhaps that is the case. I made the journey with your great grandfather all those years ago but I do not recall him having any issues. Then again, the world is a different place now.
“Then we aren’t going anywhere tonight and that's that.. Garcia asserted. “We’ll camp here and carry on tomorrow if he improves.”
“What about the boat?” Darius said as he took a  drink.
“I suppose there isn’t any point rushing ourselves. Maybe a few more days on the road will be for the best. Better than a swaying boat.”
“What about Indra?” Darius asked. “Wouldn't she be expecting us?”
“Our paths have not been destined to cross, which in itself is unfortunate. She would have had valuable information on the whereabouts of the Alami tribe but there is no point dwelling on things that are beyond our control. No, we will press on when we all have the strength to do so and trust we can find them without her aid.”
“Was she to be on the boat?”
“Indra has always been quick to act. Word of my father's summoning will have reached her by now. He had asked her to meet us at the docks of the southern port on the second day which would be tomorrow morning.”
“Will she not be getting the boat north? Surely we could meet here?”
“The ship makes the crossing but every other day and besides cats don’t do water. She travels faster on land anyway on paths we could not dare to take on horseback so there is no guarantee we would cross paths..”  
“Can we find them without her?” Garcia asked.
“We’ll ask about. Someone is bound to know something.”