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Boylan's ride
?'Give up last.'' Ruth's words of wisdom echoing from many years ago whirred around in my brain. Months of fighting had come down to this one last battle and I for one was eager for it to be done. Waking up to the screeching of Soulchained as they tortured prisoners and even their own every morning had grown so boring as to be common place until you recognised the screamed voices on the wind. Durrl's loud voice was clear the day after he was taken, tortured to prise that fucking portal open further with hate and despair.
I was ecstatic and terrified to be at the final juncture, ?'draw it out and smash it,'' Guy had said. Diana was busy methodically destroying the Soulchained army, trying to tempt their nightmare commander out while still fighting against being enveloped by the horde. Soulchained came in every shape, mostly hideous with claws and fangs, dripping, chittering. Animalistic in their approach to war they had a basic coordination on the field like schools of piranha frenzying at the earliest scent of blood. We have found over the months of fast annihilation of our race that they did have leaders of a kind, if you could kill the highest link in any engagement the psychic backlash ruined coordination of the horde.
Watching a fully unleashed Battlemaster was a sight few could lay claim to before this day. Diana looked to be having entirely too much fun but from years of friendship I could see the desperation and frantic energy behind her strikes. I could see the writhing chains, a precursor of the Archsoul as we called it, then the world bent a bit sideways as it tried to get through. Massive ethereal chains began to ooze through the portal accompanied by a sound like a rotten tooth being pulled, Sshclopk. The Archsoul sloughed through the portal, stepping sideways and bunched over to get through. Standing about ten feet tall, chains writhing like whips or tentacle on the ground around it, it gave off a palpable aura of menace. It opened its horrid beak-like mouth and screeched a challenge to the heavens. It knew it was going to win, utterly confident in its ability to rend and destroy.
As we rode to the gentle edge of the Lake of Tears as it was called I started to focus on now, a trick I was taught in the Schools of Thought. Thinking of what came after could kill a soldier in battle so we were taught to focus on the moment, that way we were more likely to have an after.
This was what I loved, the thrill of battle beating in my heart on a ride that meant something. Kicked out of home for getting pregnant I had given the babe, Eli, to the sisters of mercy to raise. Refusing to go home and living on the streets had taught me a great many disappointing hurtful things about the world. Meeting Diana had changed that, always giving more of herself than needed she made you want to believe in a better world. The whole battle would turn on this charge. The responsibility was heady, intoxicating even but if it didn't work it may effectively mean the end of the army. I couldn't let that happen, the army is my home. Built, loved and nurtured over years of training and innovation by the greatest General of our age, Diana. Feeling my mind wander slightly off track and begin its too frequent wandering I wrench it back to now, refocusing on now.
I looked around to check my unit, meeting as eyes many as I could, trying to instil resolve and hope in our cause Every eye I caught reflected back the same resolve, most grinning with the rush of the charge and anticipation of battle, eager to get into the thick of it and end this war that had cost us all so very much.
I could feel the spell in the artefact start to permeate the area, the cold spray started soaking its into my thick riding boots. A cold heat started to spread up my legs and hover around my knees as we charged ever forward. The water was becoming deeper now even though we still rode the edge, I tried steering the horse a little nearer sand to conserve energy for the last push but it was hard going. The water slowly pulled itself over my knees now, the biting cold like a shock to the nerves akin to lying on ice. I looked around again and saw the whole squad still with me in perfect V formation, ready for the slashing charge, though some looked to be struggling with the water too. Looking forward I saw Diana roar her answer of defiance at the Archsoul and activate her rune shield; she had its full attention now as they joined in battle. I pushed my horse for speed while biting back a battlecry so as to not give away the charge I look back once again to ready everyone with words or gesture.
I could feel the charge starting to slow as a coughed splutter drew my attention behind me again, my eyes instantly drawn to an empty place on the far wing that should have a rider in it; someone had fallen. Slowing my forward momentum a little to retain formation gave me time to see the tendrils of silver water slowly wrap around the legs of the other riders. Calming my emotions to focus so I could feel the spell on the artefact as it started to morph, that stupid fucking Mage had got it wrong, or lied! Cute or not when I saw him next a swift kick to the nethers beckoned. I yank my meandering thoughts back to now.
?'Ride to shore, now. Finish the charge and hope Diana left something for us to hit.'' I cry as I turn my horse towards the shore. My horse is a stubborn thing and refused to turn, I pulled on the reins hard enough to mean it but she just let out a panicked bray. The other riders tried forcing and coercing their mounts to head towards shore as silvery tendrils from the water seemed to pull some of my men sideways into the water, horse and all.
I look down to see the same thing happening to me, tendrils of cold silver water have wrapped around my horse and have begun snaking from my hips up towards my shoulders. I looked around frantic to find a way out of this mess, the tendrils had taken most of the momentum now but I wasn't giving up yet. The silver water continued to crawl and wrap around my body and arms, not restricting but definitely hugging a bit too tight. I reached for the dagger at the small of my back and started trying to cut my way through the water bonds. I could feel my horse stumble sideways as the tendrils begin to cover my head and pulled me under with a pained gargle.
As the water encapsulated my head I feel strangely warm, at peace. Part of me is still raging in the back of my mind reminding me of everyone I was letting down. I can feel a floaty kind of euphoria give me a strange perspective. Why not just stop? Haven't I done enough, haven't I suffered enough loss. Why do I want to go back when all there will be is more pain and despair. Diana could handle it from here, I'm just deluding myself that she needs me, she's the Battlemaster after all. Do I really want to watch my world crumble or to save the day and watch the glory go to Diana. Again.
Wait. What. I've never been jealous of Diana, I didn't want that much responsibility. She was welcome to it. I'm a fighter at heart, revelling in the contest. I'm a great squad leader maybe, but more? No bloody thank you. Finding it strange that the panic of moments ago seems to have been washed away I stretch my awareness out. I can feel something here with me, a different flow of impressions, images. Now that I'm aware of them I can tease out the foreign thoughts that have been woven onto my own, similar in a way but utterly alien too.
?'Where am I. I can feel you out there sliding around, trying to hide in my thoughts.'' It was strange how the feeling of drowning had instantly worn off as the water closed over my head, as if being taken somewhere else.
?'Okay, shall I just bombard you with questions or do you want to fill in enough context for a conversation? I'll start with who and what are you, from there I'll probably progress to some how's and why's. As you can tell from my tone I disagree with you taking what was offered, mostly because you took me and mine and we didn't bloody offer! Where is my squad''
?'Like all your kind you are too fast to question but not smart enough to wait for answers or even learn them in their time.'' The voice sounded angry now, not scary though, more like a new recruit who'd been told to work on the basics again. That slight off note again caught my attention.
?'You're the EverSea, the waters of creation? Wow, our priests have a lot to answer for ?.'' The fog of euphoria had eased off, if I could keep him talking I may find a way to get out of this.
?'The priests and their idiocies are not my concern. You have been offered to the end to begin again, in the journey is the point of the beginning and the end.'' The voice came across as suitably cryptic and a little pleased with itself. As he seemed a little distracted, I started to feel for the odd note again, feeling around the mask I'm sure it is. Unsure what I was doing I started to pull it a little.
?'I'm definitely kicking that mage if I get back,'' I said in an offhand way to keep him focused on my words as I mentally grasped the mask's edge tighter and pulled. Just because I don't like the mind trickery doesn't me I had no aptitude for it. I have always found that my wilful bloody mindedness could block or mess with even the best in the Schools of Thought.
I really wish I hadn't. Images and emotions crashed through my brain like a tidal wave. I saw flashes of the past present and future and flowing around me like a maddening kaleidoscope of creation. It all twirled around me like rip tides threatening to overwhelm me and strand me far from shore. Mentally searching for something to cling to an image of Diana beaten down flashed into my mind, I could see her in a frozen moment battling with desperation as our army fell in greater numbers behind her. It. Broke. My. Heart. I had failed Diana, never mind that damn mage.
?'Ha,hah,hahaha. I can see why he chose you.'' Quick as a flash the curtains where closed and the balmy cool presence restored as he readjusted his mask again. I whimpered with relief as the form of a young man stepped forward. He didn't wear a mask, he was the mask.
After the psychic bombardment that nearly shredded my being I decided to change tack. ?'Thank you.'' I swallowed my pride and discomfort then with a sigh I ask ?'what do I need to do to get back?''
With sadness radiating he replied, ?' If you go back now you won't win. Ask a better question.''
?'Okay ? how do I win when I get back?'' I asked as meekly as I could, with infinite patience.
?'The flow of my water can take you to anyplace, anywhen. You'll need to go to the end, gather what is needed'' Cryptic.
?'No, you misunderstand. You can only go forward and when you reach the end you can return to the beginning, it's never been started before so the way is unclear. The mage will guide you as he can. Look for heroes and allies and bring them with you.''
?'Easy,'' I replied not being too clear but not wanting to push the entity further, ?'Angry Gods'' and all that. I'd fight my way forward to find my way back. The concept sat well in my brain so I skirted the edge of how and plunged straight in.
?'Where do I start?'' I ask dreading another implausible answer.
?'A little further on the mage awaits, with possible allies. Maybe not Riders but not everyone needs be a hero.'' The EverSea lifted his arms, arms outstretch and gave me a reassuring smile.
The feeling of euphoria returned and this time I just floated with it. I had died and failed, so I thought. Now there was a chance.
Floating within the Eversea was peaceful, until the jarring sensation of drowning came back to burn my lungs. Feeling my horse beneath me once more I start to trash towards the surface, swimming through exhaled bubbles with desperation my head broke the surface. Gasping for air while paddling I looked around. I was in the middle of a small lake only about a hundred yards from shore. There was a small camp fire on shore in the lee of some ruins, fire flickering with warmth. Huddled figures sat around. The stars glinting high overhead took my breath away as I realised I didn't recognise them. ?'Give up last.'' Well I wasn't done yet. As I swam for shore the sensation of riding faded, I think my horse had to stay.
?'Friend or foe?'' A deep voice called from shore, it sounded like a bag of rocks falling down stairs.
?'Friend. I hope.'' I shouted back hoping I wasn't wrong.
I crawled on hands and knees the final few yards, wretching up swallowed water and possibly yesterday's breakfast. I raised my head to see my surroundings. The fire flickered warmly, throwing light on two people. I couldn't see much but way they sat casually paying attention told me a lot. In front of me was a short guy, barely up to my chin really. He looked calm but wary, a look I've seen repeatedly on ?capable' men. Behind him and tucked into a boulder I could see half a figure with a bow trained on me. Calm, cautious and prepared, I was a little impressed.
I raised my hands as I stood to show they were empty, he had surely realised this but it pays to be respectful and costs little. ?'for a seat at your fire I'll tell you a story.''
The armoured man laughed in reply, ?' welcome in peace, Sister. We have ale and stories aplenty. Please join us.''
So I did.
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