Dusk Falling (Book 1) (43 page)

One by one they watched as their companions fell clutching their throats. When each lay still, the only sound was coming from the one left as they screamed in frustration and strain.
They died because of me
…All their thoughts were singular.
I was found unworthy and the Stairwell would not let them pass because of me. Only me
.

Stuck between going back and never going forward, each crumpled to the ground. Some cried and beat their hands on the ground, others did nothing. Heads bowed under the prospect, oblivion took them and there was nothing but darkness.

~ ~ ~

Aya came to first. She was groggy, the powerful spell was slow to recede. She sat up with a groan and put a hand to her forehead. Rubbing her temple she noted she no longer needed the nightvision spell in order to see clearly. There was a light source. Tilting her head back, she saw it high above. Like a small miniature GoldenSphere set against a black starless sky, the light softened the shadows of the room and evened out the planes of the sleeping figures resting on the ground nearby.

The mage’s eyes grew wide and glistened at the relieving sight of her friends, alive and sound. She resisted the urge to shout, to cry out with joy, and let them rest. Her eyes roamed over them- Serrtin, Agemeer and Genlo- seeing to it they were unhurt. Gathering her feet under her, she strode over to the closest. The Jrahda-trethen lay half on his back, half on his side with one arm limp across his stomach. Ribbons of snow fell over his face, his mouth slightly ajar. He looked so gentle and at peace that Aya couldn’t resist watching him in his moment of vulnerability. She sat and enjoyed the tranquility, letting them all continue to slumber. Chin propped in hand, the mage wondered at the trials Genlo had been faced with, that all her friends had been faced with. It must have been tough for the Elfkin, knowing what she did about his past. But he passed. The Stairwell saw what she saw in him. Aya smiled.

“Hard to believe he can be that peaceful even when he sleeps once you’ve met him when he’s awake.” Came a voice behind her, causing her to start. Her eyes darted toward the sound but relaxed when she saw it was SkyRift. The Kiyomouri was in his Elven form, leaning back against a white stone wall. He pushed away from it and came forward. He looked tired and worn, leaving Aya to wonder what his personal trial entailed.

“Yea, I suppose.” Aya said, cheeks reddening. She tucked a strand of black hair behind an ear. Their voices brought Genlo back to consciousness. He slowly blank and pushed himself up to sitting position.

“Was that some sort of dream?”

“Don’t know. I woke up and we were all here.” Aya responded. “I am glad everyone is alright. The last part… I was worried.”

Genlo could see it on her face that she too had thought the Stairwell had found her unworthy, that she had seen their deaths as he had. Why it had chosen to show them that then not make good on its threat…Was it just a show of power or was it a reminder that they shouldn’t forget where they were at?

Serrtin and Agemeer awoke in much the same manner, groggily. Quietly they reflected aloud on the trial that they had, apparently, passed. None of them admitted how they passed, it was too personal to be shared then and there. All were in awe of the power the Stairwell possessed and all would be glad to be quit of it. The Kiyomouri did not share any nor did he speak. He remained aloof but given the situation the team let him be. Genlo, ever suspicious, watched the Elf and noted the guilt that was splayed across his face.

Though they were not physically weary from the trials, they were mentally drained, so the team rested where they were until eagerness for finality brought them to their feet. They prepared to enter the Sigil, which lay just beyond if what the Unnamed Guardian said was to be believed. The walls that surrounded them were high and set a narrow twenty hand-spans apart built of a durable stone and mortar. Without speaking, the team took up their usual positions. Force of habit brought Agemeer and Serrtin to the forefront with SkyRift trailing behind Aya. Genlo was not partial to following, grumbling loud enough for Aya to overhear.

“This will be the last of the trials. Then we can ask our questions to the Divinari.” The mage said, unaware that the basis for his surge of unpleasantness was she herself and the promise he was coming to realize he had made. He grumbled to himself that it wasn’t really Yukarim of whom he made the promise to therefore he shouldn’t be held accountable but then he
had
promised. Was it a promise to himself then? The thoughts were distracting. The girl was distracting. And now she was talking to him.

“I will keep my promises only when it serves me to do so!” He snarled like a cur, hands bunched up at his sides.

The sudden venom in his voice halted the team’s progression. Having all eyes on him did little to settle his mood. “I will not be held accountable- not by you. Not by anyone.”

“Accountable? Accountable for what? What promise are you talking about?”

He could picture the mage blaming him for Yukarim’s death. He could remember her tears so vividly. In his personal test, he had told the Stairwell that he knew Aya would never do that. Reflecting on that thought made Genlo feel… odd. He could not place the feeling he then felt as he looked at her. Was it remorse? Genlo blank; was he feeling bad for yelling? Not knowing what else to do, the Jrahda-trethen spat some more, deciding that feelings like that were better crammed away in some dark corner of his mind and forgotten. Their proximity was too close and he needed space.

Rebounding off the opposite wall, he leapt up onto the ledge of the wall over Aya’s head. She could feel the enhancing magic take effect, not just through her mage-trained senses but through the necklace as well. It was a graceful show of skill, mixing both heritage and magic.

With a pout on her lips, Aya watched him pace off well out of reach in more ways than one. “Such an arrogant insufferable jerk!” She huffed impotently. “I am surprised the Stairwell passed him at all! What in the Blue Empyrean did it see in
him
?”

“Probably the same thing you did.” Serrtin said with a wry smile. “Arrogant, yea, that he is but that comes from experience. He has what it takes to back up any bravado on his part.” The saurian eyed her, still smiling. Aya still glowered in frustration. “I would approve of him as your mate.”

“Serrtin!” Aya exclaimed convulsively, eyes like dinner plates.

“He is much the better strength-wise than any of the potential mates you have had… Yes, I approve of him a lot more than them.”

Neither women heard or paid any attention to the Elf and Wulf taking their leave, the pair knowing women’s talk would do them no good to be privy to.

“Y-you knew a-about Neiten..?” Aya questioned, afraid to hear the answer.

“The red-haired Elf in Eeryf a summer ago? Who didn’t know? You two were making eyes at each other like you’d never see the GoldenSphere again. Aya, I
am
your partner. I know you pretty well.”

Aya blushed to her roots, not even wanting to ask if her companion knew about the Focus mage she had excused herself to go have dinner with on the mission that lead them to the fort of Sarin’na on the outskirts of Nothgar. It had been cold and blustery out but she could still recall the warmth of the handsome sweet-tempered man’s smile. “D-don’t be changing the subject. If you think he is so wonderful, then you can have him!”

Serrtin gave snort of a laugh. “He is not Yarcka. Yarcka do not take mates that are not Yarcka. Why are you all red? If he was of my kind, I would vie for his attentions. Most of the Yarcka I’ve seen as of late have been our meal tickets…”

“H-he is obnoxious.” Aya said as if that was the most poignant thing to say at the moment. She crossed her arms and glared at the white stone of the labyrinth walls. Any other time, having such a conversation in such a place might have been comical to her.

“That he is.” The saurian gave her. “It’s forgivable though. You care for him. A good deal, I am guessing.”

The mage gave a small laugh, shaking her long dark mane about her shoulders. “It’s not that. Come now, I think I would know if I… If I…”

Complete recognition was like a fist constricting her heart, catching her breath. She had not given the time to consider it before. She did not just simply care for the Jrahda-trethen,
she loved him
. It was not a simple fascination or intrigue over a powerful soul that breathed and lived his magic as she wished she could; it was not her wont to do what was right or even do what Yukarim would hope to see her accomplish. It was her choice and her heart chose him.

Her heart saw passed the attractive independent exterior, passed his cutting tongue and singular mindset and saw something of worth, something it dearly wished to be able to hold and comfort and wanted to be held and comforted in return. She prized the confidence she held in his strength, was overjoyed by the barest of acknowledgments he expressed. Her heart beat faster when he stood near, both reassuring and nerve-wracking both.

Aya was not the type to say she ever wanted or needed someone to stand before her, to give in blindly to someone else’s protection, but she did want someone beside her. She wanted to trust explicitly and be trusted, to rely on without being a burden.

Could Genlo ever feel that way towards her? Towards anyone at all? His feelings for her had changed since they first met. Thinking back made her smile. Genlo had once vowed to kill them if they didn’t let him go. Now he was their companion, their friend. He may not consider them his friends per se but even he would be forced to admit his attitude had shifted. But to such as her own, Aya had yet to know.

But then, Serrtin had known. And she was a Yarcka. Agemeer most likely knew if Serrtin did which meant SkyRift was tipped off too.

Aya’s face burned. Then did Genlo know as well? Was she the only one in denial? Could it be he knew, hence his standoffishness?

“I’m simple. There’s nothing complex about me whatsoever. I’m thinking that’s why I could see what you did not.” The saurian warrior told her. She looked over at where the Jrahda-trethen was walking. He was moodily staring off, far enough away that he remained unawares of their conversation. “Once his loyalty is earned, he’ll be fiercer than a wolf when tested but you gotta earn that loyalty first. In that lies the hard part and I couldn’t even suggest where to start. He’s had little reason to make personal connections with others. However the kind of loyalty you’d uncover would be worth any of the heartbreak it took, if one truly wished it. Infallible, undeniable and tougher than struck steel.”

Aya had no explanation for her blurred vision. She nodded.

“I’m sure he has feelings for you too. They’re different but not entirely so.”

“What do you mean?” She asked glumly, afraid to blink.

“You are most likely the first female in his entire life to show even the slightest concern for him. That alone must endear you to him deep inside. Makes me wonder what his mother was like… Hey, they are leaving us behind. We better catch up.”

Again, the mage nodded. When Serrtin turned away, she quickly wiped her eyes and followed.

“Hey, Elf, wait up!” Serrtin called, delighted in seeing two pairs of raised eyebrows turn in her direction.

~ ~ ~

What exactly the bridge spanned was unknown, the walls were much too high for those not of Giant blood or those who did not come prepared with a kit of climbing gear. It was not made for Elves or those of Elven blood; if it were, the walls would have been twenty feet high if not higher. From his vantage, Genlocould see nothing but mist until he happened to glance behind whence they came. What he saw had him stopping dead in his tracks in awe. Behind them was not simply more of the damnable mist that lurked above and around them, it was a castle repleat with sprawling walls, more towers than one could count, floor upon floor of balconies and tiny glass windows. It was beautiful; a Giant amongst itself lit from within by candlelight, hearth and, at tower points, by great firepits of bright warm flame. From the open balconey of one of the highest solars, there stood the cloaked figure of the
Unnamed Guardian. He stood as still and as silent as the sprawling castle, watching them with the smallest of smiles.

When questioned about what had caught his eye, Genlo tore his gaze from its majesty and turned away, not uneffected. They continued along the passage and he did not look back.

SkyRift was brought out of his troubles to regale them at Agemeer’s request about his life in the lands of Jade. He spoke fondly of the cool winds in the mountains, the mist and the fragrant scents of the pines. He mentioned not any particular other Kiyomouri or friends, only that he watched travelers pass by his burrow and only on occasion would he visit a town or lordship. Agemeer listened attentively, offering question or polite comment when the Elf trailed off and his expression began to close. Whatever had been said or done in his own trial had affected him back to how he had been when they first met him, the underlying grief had returned to his brown eyes.

At one point, they believed SkyRift might open up and tell them the tragedy that weighed on him but his gaze slithered off to the shadows and he chose to say nothing.

It was silent after that. The only sounds coming from their footsteps. Genlo kept his position atop the walls, enjoying both the vantage and the slight distance it put between the others and himself. He strayed only a few meters ahead, but even at that distance, the Jrahda-trethen had sensed something about the dark-haired mage. She walked softly and did not speak. Genlo knew it had something to do with him and decided whatever it was it had to be negative. It bothered him that he had no clue how to rectify the situation almost as much as the fact he cared to rectify it to begin with. Mouth down-turned, he shot a glance back towards his traveling companions. Serrtin happened to look up at that moment. When his amber eyes (so easy to see in the light of the torches that lined their path) slid from her to encompass Aya, Serrtin grinned to herself. Apparently the both of them were too complex for their own good. That or too stubborn.