Endfall (6 page)

              “I know, it's ridiculous! Follow me!” She ran into the snow. It was difficult for Milo to keep up with her. Every few seconds a patch of misty snow would cover her from Milo's sight, and he would lose track of her. “It's just up ahead! Follow the lights!” There was something in the distance that took the shape of a house, with bright orange lights all around in some sort of pattern. Eventually, they made it to the house, and it was lined with the brightest lights Milo had ever seen. Lyrah opened the door and they stepped inside, out of the storm.

              Once inside, they stopped to catch their breath and focus on the sights in front of them. It was very unlike a house inside, despite its exterior appearance. The walls of the single large room were made of stone and rock, and there was a table in the middle of the room that was made of stone as well. It was dark, but lit by a single fire that crackled softly in the corner. Next to the fire sat a lynx that watched them intensely. Milo froze when he saw the great cat; he was frightened by the strange sight. Even stranger, the lynx wore a layer or armor on its body, much like the statue that he saw. It was beautiful and shiny like moonlit waters in the night. The creature just sat there in the corner, staring at them.

              “Milo,” Lyrah spoke, slightly more than a whisper, “there is someone I would like you to meet.” She took a step back, slowly, keeping her eyes on the lynx. She didn't seem nearly as frightened as Milo thought she would, if fact she began to smile. She looked at Milo and said, “This is Abraham.” The lynx still simply sat in place, keeping an intense eye on Milo. The fire grew brighter and crackled louder. Milo stood still; he was speechless. Suddenly, he heard a new voice, this time loud and old.

              “Welcome to Havensheil, Milo.” It was a voice that came from Abraham, the lynx. He spoke by barely moving his mouth, and it came in a sort of distorted purr, yet hitting Milo's ears powerfully.

              “You speak?” Milo asked, curious. Lyrah stepped forwards to answer, but Abraham interrupted.

              “Intelligence,” he answered. “All of us lynxes can speak, though most of us simply don’t. We were the first to figure it out since the Second Birth.”

              “What is the Second Birth?” asked Milo.

              This time, Abraham leaned back in relaxation and Lyrah stepped forwards to answer. “Life on Pæraleth has not just been us. A long, long time ago the entire planet was full of life. Humans called it
Earth
.”

              “Humans, from before? What happened?” Milo asked.

              “We ended. When the world seemed to be at its worst, strange creatures came down from above to cure
us. They obliterated everything and started over. All they left behind were several creatures and the metal men.”

              Abraham spoke, “The Second Birth.”

              “How do you guys know of this?” Milo asked. “Why doesn’t everyone know?”

              “Some do,” said Lyrah, “you just have to look in the books they forbid a century ago.”

“Who were they?” Milo interrupted. “The creatures from the skies?”

              “In the books they were described like serpents, with wings and strong arms with talons.”

              “Wait, what are metal men?” Milo asked.

              “They used to live and assistants
the humans, but towards the end, some of them began to show independence. When the Second humans discovered them, they learned from them. They had them frozen and put away somewhere. That’s why they aren’t around today.”

“You said Mr. Charlie was trying to bring war,” Milo said. The tone is his voice changed. “With what army? The Guard hasn’t been in combat practice for ages, and even if they were able, they don’t follow the command of the Prime.”

              Abraham got up and began to walk towards the stone table in the center of the room. He took large footsteps, but gentle and silent. “We have spies inside the Hall. There are speculations.”

              “Of?” Milo asked. “Charlie must have known about the rebellion, right? Otherwise, was he planning to attack the citizens?”

“He does, and he was. It’s already in motion, there’s no stopping it. Mr. Charlie is not one to negotiate with. If we stand by without a fight, he will tear the world to pieces. And even if hubris took his fate one day, it would take ages for us to pick those pieces back up and mend them into a peaceful world.”

“What sort of speculations were there?” Milo asked.

Abraham was hesitant. “The metal men.”

“You said they were all gone.”

“Asleep,” said Abraham, “not gone. Charlie will use them. It’s only a matter of time.” Milo looked at Lyrah.

“The doctor who was murdered,” he said, “do you think he had anything to do with it?”

              “Perhaps. We must protect Pæraleth.” Lyrah said. She walked to the table as well.

Milo, still abashed, did not move. He lowered his head. “I don't want to fight,” He said, “I'm no warrior.”

              Lyrah looked at Abraham, who was walking in a slow circle around the table, as if deep in thought. “We have an ally in the South.” He said. “You would be safe there.”

              “I’d be sent away, to do nothing?” Milo asked.

              “Not to do nothing, Milo.” Abraham looked into his eyes, with a glare of assurance. “You’re not here because of chance.” Milo was still. “You were supposed to die today. We made sure that didn’t happen.”

              “What’s so special about me?” Asked Milo.

              “Our ally will be able to inform you more on that subject.”

              “Where exactly am I going?” Milo asked.

              “The Lazrai Plains.”

Milo let out a breath and began to move his shoulders; he had forgotten to move a muscle in the last five minutes.

Lyrah spoke. “You should stay here tonight, and leave tomorrow morning.”

“We’ll have to encrypt directions to take with you.” Abraham said, and he turned towards the back of the room.

              “Wait,” Milo said, looking at Lyrah, “Won't you be going too?” He asked.

              Lyrah looked at the floor. “I-” She began to speak, but was interrupted when the door burst open, and walking into the room was another lynx, but this one wore no armor and was colored with a silvery grey coat of fur.

              “News,” he said. He was much smaller than Abraham, and Milo could tell he was younger.

              "What news, Rezzifer?" Abraham asked. He walked away from the fire and towards the lynx named Rezzifer.

              “They’ve found the Trinity Key in Hallowmere, and are terrorizing civilians.” He said, lowering his head to Abraham, as if in shame.

              Abraham looked up, sighed, and looked back at him. “Then it won’t be long.”

              “Oslo told me that he spotted many large black caravans along the rim of the bay, headed towards the Hall. That's when he told me to alert you.”

              Abraham turned back to Milo and Lyrah, who stood frightened. Then he spoke, “I'm afraid the events have changed our plans. Milo, you must leave before dawn, and Lyrah, you will need to come with me. Rezzifer, call a meeting. Milo, if you wish to, you may be a part of it.”

Milo didn’t speak. “Well, wait here for our return, it will not be long.” Abraham said, and walked outside, followed by Rezzifer and Lyrah. Milo looked at Lyrah as she left, and before she swiftly walked out the door, she shot him a disconsolate smile.

-----

              Twenty minutes or so had passed, and Milo was growing annoyed. He wished they would return sooner, for there was really nothing to do inside this small, stone room.
Perhaps I should join them.
He was thinking about this for a while.

             
It’s actually kind of boring.
It was Lyrah, speaking to him. In the back of his mind, Milo wished he had the abilities that she had.
But I think you should come and talk to Rezzifer, he’s really interesting.

             
I think I will. I’d like to know a bit more about these creatures.
There was nothing. He felt somewhat awkward that there was no response. But it was still decided. Milo walked towards the door, but then stopped when he realized he did not know where they went.
Where did you go to? I don't know this place at all.

              Moments later, Lyrah responded.
It’s just next door, to the North. See you there.
Milo was relieved to get a response, and continued his way out the door. The cold wind blasted at his face once again, but he forced his way through it to get to the house just next door to Abraham’s. This house was much larger, although the outside lights weren't nearly as bright.

              As he entered, he immediately saw the three from earlier circled around a very large stone table; Lyrah, Abraham, and Rezzifer. Also there were two more lynxes, and a man with his back to Milo. The man and Lyrah stood, while the lynxes sat on the table. They were all silent, as if thinking. The single room was completely similar to Abraham’s, with the exception that it was much larger.

              Abraham spoke, lifting his head up and looking at Milo, “Glad you decided to join us.” The man at the table turned around to see Milo and as he did this, the fire in the corner of the room lit up his face. He was old, with a great white beard.

              “Welcome to Havensheil, Milo. Lyrah has spoken about you; it appears that you have a brilliant mind.” The man said. Milo, ignoring that he didn’t really understand this brilliant mind, nodded. “My name is Allomus, I’m in charge of weapons and armor.”

              “Nice to meet you, sir.” Milo responded. Allomus appeared very strong. Milo walked over to Lyrah and stood by her.

              “This, Milo,” said Abraham, “is Tarrian.” Abraham motioned to the other lynx on the table. This one was quite large and muscular. “He is one of our greatest warriors.” Tarrian looked at Milo was a grim expression.

              Abraham walked slowly around the large stone table. “From what we know, thanks to Oslo,” He nodded to one of the armored lynxes that sat on the table. Oslo was also quite a large lynx, almost to Abraham's height. He was brighter colored than the others, and seemed to have more spots on his fur. Abraham continued, “In the morning of two days from now, the metal men will be ready.”

              Oslo spoke. His voice was very sharp. “We will bring forth every armored lynx and every human in the encampment, and we will strike his forces down at the Hall before they depart. It will be quick.”

              “Do we know if Charlie plans to take part?” asked Rezzifer.

              “We believe he will be inside the Hall at that time,” said Abraham.

“If we kill him,” said Tarrian, “There will need to be another election, and that might take weeks to organize, although if he is left alive, no one can be certain of what he will do.”

-----

              After discussing the situation for more than an hour, Allomus, Rezzifer, Oslo, and Tarrian left to return to their homes. Abraham, Lyrah, and Milo stayed in the large house for sleep. Milo didn't get a chance to speak with Rezzifer, but decided he would try again before he left. Abraham simply curled himself up and lay in the corner, while Lyrah and Milo lay in their own beds made of hay. With the incredible stillness, Milo was able to think. Millions of thoughts raced around his mind like hornets. But his thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice in a whisper.

              “Milo.” It was Lyrah. Milo lifted his head from his bed and looked at her. She was sitting upright.

              “What is it?” He replied.

              “I can’t sleep.” She said.

              Milo sat upright in his bed. “I’m having the same problem.” He looked up at her. “Is everything alright?” She looked into the fire. He looked at her scar again. Milo opened his mouth to say something multiple times, but the silence took over.

              It was silent for a while. They could both hear Abraham’s soft purring in the corner. Then Milo said, “Can I ask you a question?” The first response was her voice in his head, accompanied by a smile.
Remember what I told you? Some questions are not meant to be answered.
Milo smiled back.

              “Sure,” She said, “What is it?”

              It was a few moments before Milo asked, “Why did you find me?”

              “What do you mean?” She asked.

              “I mean,” Milo paused, uncertain of how to form his question. “When you came to the dinner hall on the night of the election, did you know you would meet me?”

              Lyrah thought for a moment. “No, I don’t think so.”

CHOICES

The battlefield was just below a cold, shallow sky. Massive clouds of black smoke had drifted all over the area, completely blocking the sun or any other beauty from entering one’s gaze. Milo was holding an incredibly heavy blade in his hand while walking in the smoke. Perhaps not a blade, for it was cubic rather than edged. The weapon was crafted of a metal-like material, but rather bizarre. He had never seen or felt something like it before. It was not unthought-of of, though, that the blade was made of immensely strong bone-splitting elements, brought together by a blacksmith like no other.