Nyleth 26 - Underneath a bridge on the edge of Lofenda’s HIghcliff district
Cinis stares at the loosely lashed together wooden pallets as they rhythmically bob towards the stone dock. He grunts with each pull of the rope, ignoring the cries of the people on the overloaded bridge above and those cowering in a mass behind him and Fonlap.
The severed remains of a man lays crumpled between the two elves and the crowd, his blood draining into the river.
Despite the noise, he hears the wet pit-pat of feet stepping through the viscous, warm liquid. “Don’t you think it’s a bit crowded for a chat?” he mutters quietly under his breath to the approaching Chessa as she sidles up next to him. “And can’t you see we’re a bit busy?”
“Oh I know that you have been busy burning city districts.” she smiles. “These people have more to worry about than a little, old Strawberry Elf appearing out of thin air. You can tell them not to worry, I will not be joining you on your ferry ride. I am here to see if you have heard any more news about Udi.”
“Actually, yes. I met a human who has his sword, Nicholas Thorne. They fought for a day to a draw and traded weapons in the Rivergate area. Pretty impressive for a human.”
“You fawn over the human but have nothing to say about your own son?” Chessa sighs and then smiles slightly. “He’s alive. Once you leave Lofenda, will you go find him?”
Cinis gives one final pull of the rope as the makeshift ferry clatters against the dock. “If we make it out.” he mutters to her as he turns to face the throng of people cautiously approaching. He motions for the Turker wife and children to get on.
Chessa watches the family as they clamber aboard with Fonlap’s help. Her eyes return to meet Cinis’ quiet gaze. “You and dear Fonfon will not let any harm come to these people. I know you will both find your way. Go now, Ferryman. Find our son.”
Her voice fades as the sounds of screams and cries come back into focus. He steps onto the creaking wood and begins to pull the ferry across, ignoring the hands that reach up from the water.
***
Conselu 3 - In the marshy forests near the 3rd Reservoir
Cinis sits silently, eyes closed and unmoving in the darkness. Similar to last night, there would be no fire tonight so as to not attract the attention of Lord Rotten Fang. Cinis and Fonlap have seen the black dragon circling the skies the past couple of days. Thorne warned them about King Bilious’ new winged ally.
“A juvenile black dragon? That is not what’s worrying you though, is it?” Chessa’s gentle voice although breaking the silence, brought a natural calm to the late witching hour.
Cinis doesn’t open his eyes. “No. Bilious has another ally. An elf.”
Her excitement was palpable. “It’s him.”
Cinis bows his head. “Perhaps. We’ll see.” He opens his eyes to look at her in the night. Despite the lowlight, Chessa’s colours show through as strawberry hair glows faintly in the darkness. He turns his attention to Fonlap’s black and white figure sitting quiet and still. “Your father’s people found Fonlap. I...killed some of them.”
Chessa purses her lips as if to say something but stays silent.
“I’m sorry. They were going to take him. I couldn’t let them do that.” Cinis runs a rough finger along the haft of his axe.
She sighs. ”I understand your intentions but as usual, your method needs improvement.”
Cinis buries his face in his hands. “I know, I know but can I try to make up for it next time? I’ve got a dragon, the king of the Bullywugs and a son with a grudge to deal with. Not to mention whatever is inside this Hall of Memories to stop the massing horde of undead.”
“My dear Cinis, you have spent your entire life trying to make up for your past mistakes wandering these woods alone.” She gently places a hand on both Cinis and Fonlap’s shoulders, her touch already fading into the night. “When will you decide to ask others for help?”
***
Conselu 4 - Entrance to the Hall of Memories
Cinis looks up at the massive boulder shadowed by the towering ziggurat. He looks at his Stonefists and the matching imprints on the sides of the hulking rock. With Fonlap watching, he slowly places his hands on the impressions left by the Giantslayer. He braces his feet and with a grunt, begins trying to lift the boulder. He lets out a scream as the gauntlets pull strength from every inch of his body, digging him into the dirt and onto the tiled plaza buried underneath.
A gentle hand comes to rest on Cinis’ shoulder. “Need a hand?”
“You know you’re really picking the best times to show up.” he replies quickly through grit teeth and ragged breaths. “I don’t know if this is something you can help with anyway.”
“Maybe.” she glances over at the sheathed sword in Fonlap’s possession. “So in the past day, you’ve snuck into this Bullywug camp, freed some captives, vanquished a dragon and found my dear Hummingbird? Keeping busy as always.”
“Still...am…” breathing more rapidly, the veins on his muscles straining to near bursting.
“Yes, and Udi? You’ve seen him and did nothing? Do not use the army of Bullywugs and their oversized King as an excuse. Hand me Hummingbird and I would cut through them to reach my son.”
“No...talking...first?” The Asran stone tiles under his feet begin cracking as the boulder begins lifting out of the untouched earth beneath.
“Fair point.” She places her hand over his gauntleted fist. “I know you’ll do what’s right when you get inside. I hope you’ll find rest at the end of this, my love.”
With a final heave, the boulder thuds in a cloud of peat revealing a stairway descending into darkness. Cinis collapses onto his hands and knees into the crumbled gravel and shattered tile, his fiery red hair drenched in sweat. Through his gasps for air, he lets out a quiet whisper, “Thank you for your help.”