Chronicles of Fardel: The Rise of Syphon -
Blood in the Water
"Troops from Beryl!" Doon shouted coming down to greet them. Half of their army had been brought to Legionor, Kelpon had ordered it for an invasion of Wolden. Ollen hid himself as best as he could, keeping a hood up over his face. He kept his face down as Doon spoke with the men.
"What happened here?" The captain of the troop asked. He was much like unto Ollen though half a foot taller and very broad. He had golden eyes and very dark skin.
"A great battle, but do not press me about it. I myself have only just arrived. But Legionor still stands undefeated." Doon replied.
"Good, we were called to invade Wolden, and then Omar. I am Oaklen captain of the legions of Beryl. Is the plan changed due to this unforseen circumstances?" The man said gruffly while eyeing Ollen suspiciously.
"I can not say yea or nay on this matter either. I have been traveling through the desert. Speak with our captain Deamus in the barracks I am sure he will know." Doon replied, and then Ollen whispered in his ear.
"Your Majesty, please, let us go to the castle quickly. These men know my face, trouble will brew if they know who I am." Ollen's face however shown enough for Oaklen to recognize him as he turned to whisper.
Immediately the man drew his sword and his men surrounded Ollen pushing him up against the wall. He pulled his sword up to Ollen's throat, Ollen gulped deep, a knowing look in his eyes.
"Stay your sword captain, that's an order!" Doon yelled.
"Your majesty, do you not know who this is? Ollen the traitor. He's a murderous liar and a thief."
"I know exactly who he is. Jarl Kephiyr has pardoned him, and he assisted me in my journey through the wilderness. He is on our side."
"He's not on our side, he's been on our side before. It was he who killed our last Jarl. Our law states that he shall be crucified and covered with fire ants." Oaklen replied with a sinister smile, not yet removing his sword.
"If you touch a single hair on his head your punishment shall be ten fold what his would be, I will make sure of it!"
At this Oaklen was visibly shaken and glared at Ollen with a hunger for blood in his eyes.
"Very well, a jarls pardon means nothing; if the King revokes it. And you, your majesty aren't King yet." With that Oaklen and his men passed by and Ollen breathed out hard, watching them as they walked away.
"Don't worry I will speak to the King first, he will listen to me." Doon said, and they headed toward the castle. Doon and Ollen presented themselves to the King in the throne room and Carlon was with him. Ember and Lenan retired to a room Doon supplied for them.
"Your majesty, Zolon has been taken. Kephiyr is either dead, or taken prisoner I am not sure which."
"I assumed as much when the elves joined in the attack on Legionor. Who is that?" Kelpon replied pointing to Ollen.
"This fine man kept me alive in the battle of Zolon. And helped us survive the wilderness." Doon replied.
"Quite a long name. I suppose I can thank him for that but I asked his name."
"His name is Ollen of Beryl."
"The same Ollen that is a traitor to his country? The murderer and thief?" Kelpon said looking thoughtfully at him.
"Yes, but he has proven himself, and sworn allegiance to Legionor. One of Kephiyr's final acts was pardoning his crimes."
"I wonder... no, put him in the dungeon. He will be purified by pain on the morrow."
"Father I beg you, as honoring Kephiyr allow him to fight in the war. If the war doesn't kill him, then you may execute him."
"Ollen is worthless, why should I give him a chance at glory?"
"Kephiyr did. And if he is worthless am I then worthless as well? If not for him I would likely be dead."
"Oh very well. He may serve in the army. But one act of righteousness doesn't excuse a lifetime of wickedness. Afterwards if he serves well, he shall die quickly. Now leave I need to make plans, my scouts tell me a convoy of ships blocks our path."
Doon and Ollen took their leave, once they were back in Doon's room Ollen turned on him.
"What was that!? After the war you can execute him!? Not much incentive for me to fight for you!" Ollen said as loudly as he dared getting up in Doon's face.
"It was the only way I could convince him to allow you to live for now. If I know my father he will soon send us back to Zolon. He will break through the convoy and retake Zolon sending us with them as well." Doon replied pushing Ollen back. Ollen grunted loudly and began to pace while Ember, Abeh, and Lenan looked on silently.
"Oaklen will kill me during the battle or after, you know that right? He won't care what the King says, and he's got a great cover."
"Ember and Lenan mean to go to Farmell to see if Kephiyr is yet alive. After the battle flee there, be their guide." Doon said.
"It will not be an easy escape. Oaklen will pursue me, once I am out of protective eyes I'm fair game to his mind."
"I will help you escape I know a way that only some know of." Abeh interrupted. "I owe you my life, and I would like to know if Kephiyr is yet alive myself."
"Very well." Ollen murmured with a troubled sigh. "Where is your brother? Shall he come with us as well?"
"Abah has gone to eat, for he was very hungry. I doubt that he will join, after all Zolon needs at least one captain."
"And you Doon? Will you join?" Ollen said not looking up but staring at the floor.
"I will accompany you to Zolon, and I will help you escape Ithen. But I will not go with you to Farmell, for there's no way I could leave without it being known."
"Very well, where is the kitchen I am famished." Ollen said fingering the phial of poison in his pocket.
"How will he ever sneak the poison past the guards?" Phex said, a doubtful look on his face.
"Have faith, we will do everything we can to distract them for him." Cipher replied.
"With all these wraiths around, good luck. We're lucky they aren't attacking us."
"They aren't attacking because they're sure we pose no threat. They know we are only keeping eyes on our people. But they aren't aware of our mission, otherwise surely they would attack us."
"One small comfort I guess. Shall we get them moving to the kitchen and get this done then?"
"The sooner the better, have your wits about you. Keep an eye open for the opportune moment to distract the guards, and hope Ollen has his wits about him as well."
They all decided it was time to head into the kitchen, they loaded up their plates. As they did Ollen nervously looked at a huge golden goblet of wine obviously meant for the King. He breathed in deep and let out a silent sigh as he slowly filled his plate looking for the opportune moment. His hands were shaking slightly and his breathe quickened.
"Calm yourself, just one last job and your done... steady your breathing." He told himself as he watched the guards. His commrads finished their plates and turned to walk away. At that exact moment all the guards suddenly turned away. Like lightning Ollen opened the capsule and poured in the lethal cocktail, he shoved the capsule back in his pocket. Shakily he walked over to the table to join his comrads. Ember gave him a questioning look, knowing what the plan was. He looked back at her intently and nodded slightly. A slight smirk crossed her face and they began to eat in silence.
"On the morrow I will send you, and my troops across the sea. You will crush this blockade and reclaim Zolon. For death and glory." Kelpon proclaimed and drained his cup. Ollen smirked slightly and looked over at Ember with a glance that said mission accomplished.
"Father, are all of us going? I should like to return to Zolon and assist Ember and Lenan on their journey." Doon said.
"Where does their journey lead them?" The King replied.
"To Naru, I will not join them the whole way. However, I want to be sure they have direction and supplies they need. And I can assist in leading plans forward from Zolon."
"Very well, you may join them on the non military vessel that will take up the rear with the supplies. I am also having troops from Mel and Orlo attacking Zolon from the ground, they have already docked in Ruden. They are marching toward Zolon as we speak."
The next day a great convoy of ships left Legionor, and within another day the opposing convoy was within sight. General Oaklen addressed the opposing convoy.
"What right have you to put a blockade on the sea? Retreat, send up your white flag and return to Farmell. If you do so your lives will be spared."
"What right have you to destroy the innocent, we will not stand aside."
"I have the sons of the Jarl of Zolon, Abah and Abeh with me. Zolon is rightfully ours, all we desire is to have Zolon returned to us.
"Since when does Zolon belong to you? Does not Zolon belong to Tolin Jarl of Zolon?"
"Enough! The King of Fardel commands it, surrender!"
"The King is evil, we no longer take orders from him."
Oaklen turned to his men and ordered.
"Send them a flaming volley." Oaklen growled.
One volley of flaming arrows flew into the air and plagued three ships, killing several men and setting sails on fire.
"Will you now surrender?" Oaklen shouted almost happily at the sight.
He got his answer when the opposing ships came at them at ramming speed.
"Hard to starboard! Set their ship a blaze with our fire." Oaklen shouted.
Four ships were set a blaze beyond hope and would now sink. The ships that didn't sink were now side by side with them. Arrows were flying and men swinging to and fro to board eachothers ships.
Ollen swung over to his first ship, kicking a man in the chest and knocking him into the sea. Then he drew his two swords.
"Who dies first?" Ollen shouted.
The first man charged, Ollen ducked under his blow and lifted him up on his shoulders. Then he threw the man off the ship and into the raging current. Ollen then charged forward stabbing the first man in the chest and then slicing through a seconds belly. He ducked under a blow then swung his sword backwards sticking his enemy in the back. He then tapped his boot and a six inch blade popped out the front. A man lunged at Ollen but hit only. Then Ollen roundhouse kicked the man, sticking the blade in his temple. Then with a tap on his boot the blade retracted. He then noticed several barrels of oil sitting near the cabin. He grinned. And quickly began working on setting it on fire. Within a few moments it became a raging fire and then Ollen quickly jumped to another ship.
Carlon stood at the bow of the ship, weilding a sword and his staff. Any who came near met his sword, and when he got the chance he sent a spell at an opposing ship. Those ships usually sank, though sometimes he had not the time to send a powerful enough spell to sink it.
Abeh was defending the very ship he had started on, he hadn't even considered trying to go to another vessel. He was just trying to survive this battle. His sword clanged against another then he swung it back and disarmed his rival. Then he slashed him through the heart, sidestepping another blow he beheaded the attacker. Another came lunging at him, their swords clanged and then Abeh severed his leg.
Abah fought next to Ollen on an enemy vessel, however the ship was beginning to sink. Abah lunged forward and crossed swords with an elf, calling on what energy reserves he had left, he threw the elf off the ship.
"Ollen we must get out of here!" Abah shouted.
"No kidding. But one of our ships is three ships away."
"Just run, hope for the best."
They began to run side by side toward the next ship. Abah swung over followed closely by Ollen. Then he blocked, but was kicked to the floor. Ollen came to his rescue.
"Our ships look like they're pulling back!" Ollen yelled as he helped Abah up.
"We gotta get to one of our ships now, they're pulling back for the night."
Abah stabbed another elf in the chest and leaped onto another vessel. He met another rival coming at him from his blind side. He fell to the floor, Ollen couldn't save him this time. The elf went for the kill but met Abah's sword. He whipped the elf's sword round and punched him in the face. The elf hardly moved and brought the pummel of his sword down on Abah's head. He wavered trying now simply to remain conscious. Then suddenly a huge rock smashed into the ship. Beryl had launched a catapult at it. The ship was sinking fast, luckily his rival had other things to worry about, as did he. With a surge of adrenaline he got on his feet and began running again toward the bow of the ship waving frantically with Ollen now by his side again.
"That's my brother Abah, we must go to him!" Abeh shouted to Carlon.
"Yes, in time." Carlon replied. Abeh drew his sword and held it to Carlon's throat.
"Time? There is no time. You get this ship over there now or you'll regret it." Carlon glared at him, and turned the ship over toward Abah. Only just in time and they set foot on a friendly ship for the first time since the battle began.
Oaklen was fighting weaponless at the moment while trying to get back onto one of his own vessels. He dodged a blow and used the elf own sword to kill him swiftly followed by two more. Then side stepping another attack he pivoted on his foot using all his momentum to hit the man broadside. He leaped back onto a friendly ship just in time to hear the sound of sweet singing. Looking down he seen sirens in the water, feasting on some of the men. They looked like mermids but had fangs and claws. Instead of vibrant bright, they were black and grey. Other men, lured by the spell of their voices willingly leaped into the water, the sirens made quick work of them. Some they drowned, other they tore limb from limb.
Ember sat and watched the horrible sight from a distance, tears streaming down her face, while she listened to the screams. The sunset captured the horror of battle with a rich red near the bottom and bright gold higher up. It would have been a beautiful sight if not for the drama that played out in the waters. Lenan and Doon sat by her side.
"Was it everything you hoped it would be?" Lenan asked.
"This is not how it was years ago when I was young. Perhaps somewhere there is still peace."
"Yeah, in Phemon" Lenan replied laughing softly, almost through his nose rather then his mouth.
"Oh give it a rest will you, I'm not going back." She tried to wipe the tears from her eyes but to no avail. Lenan drew her in for a hug and just held her close.
"Would you like a story, something to distract your mind might bring some comfort. Though I'm not much of a story teller, more a singer and a poet myself." Lenan said while playing with her hair in his hand.
"Yes, I know." She replied with a little laugh. "I think I would like something of that sort, anything will do."Ember wiped more tears from her eyes.
"Alright." He paused for a long while, apparently thinking. Then slowly he began to sing softly.
"Yaacob he love Rhachel, and Rhachel she loved him, and Leah was just there for dramatic effect. Well it's right there in the scriptures, so it must not be a sin. But sure does seem like an awful dirty trick. And her sky is just a pedal, pressed in the book of a memory. Of a time he thought he loved her and they kissed. And her friends say ah he's a devil, but she says no he is a dream. And this is the world as best as I can remember it. Now Yaacob got two women, and a whole house full of kids, and he schemed his way back to the promised land. And he finds it's one thing to win 'em and it's another to keep 'em content. And he knows that he is only just one man. And his sky is an empty bottle, and when he's drunk the ocean dry, well he sails off three sheets to some reckless wind. And his friends say ain't it awful, but he says no I think it's fine. And this is the world as best as I can remember it. Now Rhachel's weeping for the children, that she thought she could not bare. And she bares a sorrow that she can not hide. And she wishes she was with them and she looks and they're not there. It seems that love comes for just a moment, and then it passes on by. And her sky is just dependent, swinging at the end of the hangmans noose, cause he stole the moon and must be made to pay for it. And her friends say my that's tragic, she says especially for the moon. And this is the world as best as I can remember it."
"Is that a true story in your song, or did you just make it up?" Doon inquired.
"Have you never heard the story of the elven forefather Yaacob?" Lenan replied.
"No history books in Legionor are vague and it's mostly just amot history, some of which has been blotted out."
"Ah, well yes it's a true story I made the words to the song. I've always loved that tail cause it gives me hope."
"It didn't sound very hopeful."
"Nor did it probably feel it for him. But I'll give the abridged version of the story. He was a twin, one day his brother went out hunting, when he returned he was exhausted and hungry to the point of death. Yaacob made him sell his birthright for lentils. Then as their father was nearly passed he famed to be his brother and stole his father's blessing. He ran away to a distant land to escape his brother who sought his life. He wound up working for man for seven years for Rhachel his younger daughter. But the man got him drunken and he married Leah instead. Then served the man another seven years and married Rhachel and got two female servants along with them. These servants became his concubines. He served the man even longer for his flocks. Meanwhile these four women are contended with one another, mainly to see who can have the most children. Thirteen kids later he decides to head back to his homeland. The man by the way wasn't a good boss. He changed his wages ten times, not in a good way. He worked late nights and early mornings out in the elements. And took monetary losses for him. And really that's just the beginning and watered down a lot. But here's the hopeful part, in spite of all his circumstances and mistakes, Elohiym introduced himself as the God of Yaacob."
"I'd like to read the whole story in full when the war is over." Doon said with a sigh.
The next day Ember awoke and could no longer see any of the ships. In a panic she swiftly ran to the captain of the ship.
"Where are our fighters, did we loose?"
"Nay, we did not loose." Said a voice to her left. She turned to see Ollen laying on a bed, he was badly injured.
"Ollen are you alright, what happened?"
"After we retreated for the night, we waited until midnight. Then we struck again while most of them were asleep. We broke through our men are making Zolon safe as we speak."
Ember quickly rushed over and laid her hands on him and healed him.
"Well then I hope you're ready to run."
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