Chapter Twelve
A Dark Prophecy
Sebastian Tallow, the seneschal to Baron Fanueil, welcomed you all back after the day of darkness. Ivan and Herman had been stationed at Westfall ... just as well due to the numerous undead and orc attacks they faced. El-Shad had accompanied Erica to visit Blue's to deal with a minor ailment ... fortunately, she was back to full strength.
?The Baron is waiting to see you in the Great Hall,? said Sebastian, ?It is customary for me to annouce you as you enter. Do you have a name for your stalwart band?? Blank looks passed between Herman, Ivan, Erica and El-Shad. ?Nevermind then,? Sebastian continued with a smile, ?It's only politics after all!?
Everyone fell in behind him as he walked up the grand steps towards the Great Hall. With practiced movement, Sebastian pushed open the impressive double doors, revealing a long room with a high ceiling. Heraldic banners hung from flagpoles along either side of the hall.
?Introducing,? started Sebastian in a loud clear voice, ?the Liberators of Westfall, the Saviours of Suenta, and the Guardians of the Dawn!?
Slightly bemused by the improvised titles, Ivan stepped forward and bowed to the Baron who was seated at the far end of the hall. The others followed suit.
?My friends,? the Baron's voice boomed out full of honour, sincerity and conviction. ?Please come closer and have some food. You have indeed had an eventful few months together. If it were not for this latest incident that has come to my attention I would invite you to stay. However, something urgent has come up.?
Ivan and Herman sat down at the feasting table nearest the Baron. Erica and El-Shad sat nearest the biggest plate of food.
?Two very curious things have happened since the day of darkness,? continued the Baron. ?Firstly, I have received this morning advanced notice of a Vashan Delegation on it's way to meet me. I have dealt with the Vashan's on several occasions and the King has stationed me here to always be their first point of contact should they wish to discuss anything. It's not unusual that they want to speak. However, it is unusual that they have not said what for.?
Ivan shot a warning look to Erica whose eating sounds were getting a touch noisy.
?Secondly, the town of Orden to the south of my province has reported some horrific night time raids by a vicious beast. Orden is a messaging post and lookout point, as well as a small town. It has twenty men at arms led by Vigilant Carter and Decurian Pegason, but their remit is to hold the tower. I was wondering whether whilst I dealt with the Vashan's, you would go and offer your support to Vigilant Carter??
?Of course, it would be our honour to serve,? answered Ivan. Herman nodded his agreement, whilst El-Shad and Erica looked up from their plates with confusion. Clearly they hadn't heard the Baron due to immensely enjoying the food.
?Excellent! I knew I could count on you! Please feel free to fill your belly, but then you must head south with all haste!?
Within the hour, everyone had packed and had commenced the journey southwards. It wasn't long into the day before the snow started to fall. It was gentle to begin with, but soon increased in strength. Fortunately, the edge of Orden Forest was visible through the blanket. By the time it was reached, each person was wet through.
?We should set camp here, and wait for a gap in the weather!? shouted Ivan above the wind. El-Shad was shivering, clearly unprepared for such a sudden drop in temperature. ?Has anyone got a tent?? Ivan asked.
Heads shook, but Erica pointed upwards to the tree branches. ?Let's pull some of these into a makeshift cover. We can sling our blankets over the top!?
Hefting her staff, Erica swung at the branches to knock off the gathered snow. She had failed to remember that branches are flexible, so as it swung back launching snow into the air, she just managed to duck in time to avoid the improvised snowball. Unfortunately, Father Herman was oblivious to the incoming attack and took a face full.
Herman gave out a gasp and splutter... ?It's up my nose!? he cried, blowing out through his nostrils. Everyone burst into laughter, breaking the tense atmosphere. It didn't take long to put together the makeshift shelter. El-Shad, once coaxed into helping, found that some of his knowledge about making sandstorm shelters could be applicable.
No one had slept well, so by the morning tempers were slightly frayed. Everyone was damp still, and it had been a struggle to sleep with cold feet and hands. Ivan had managed to create some warmth through a spell but it hadn't lasted long.
?Two more days of this!? complained Herman, wishing for the warmth of his bed at home. The adventuring stories he'd head about were always full of glory and excitement. There was never anything about trudging for days through freezing weather.
?A good pace will help,? suggested El-Shad, ?If we can make as much progress through the forest as we can, there will be less to do tomorrow when we'll be even less motivated.?
Grumbling an agreement, Herman pulled on his pack and followed El-Shad. Ivan and Erica fell in behind.
Throughout the day it didn't snow anymore, which Herman was regularly vocal about thanking St Cuthbert for. However, whilst the sun shone brightly through the afternoon, it was still bitterly cold. Everyone agreed that purchasing a warm cloak at Orden would be their first priority. In the late afternoon, the sun dropped quickly, and it wasn't long before a mist rose up. This unfortunately hampered the progress, as it was soon hard to see more than a hundred feet ahead. Within twenty minutes the light had completely gone.
?Curse this weather,? shouted Ivan into the darkness. ?Is the very earth against us??
?Should we set up our shelter again?? asked El-Shad.
?Wait!? said Erica, who had taken the lead for the last hour, ?I think I can see a light up ahead!?
?We can't be at Orden already, can we?? asked Herman, hope edging into his voice. His mind filled with the dreams of a comfortable bed.
El-Shad shook his head, ?We are still a distance away, so I am suspicious of what lies ahead. Let us investigate with caution!?
Crouching low, Erica led the others in stalking the light. It was hard to judge the distance through the fog, but soon enough it became clear that the light belonged to a camp fire, and nearby was a wagon with two horses. Approaching closer still, Erica noticed two figures dressed in gypsy clothing. Wraps, shawls, cloaks ... all quite colourful. Most interestingly though, was the warmth from the fire which appeared to keep the mist and cold at bay in the sheltered clearing where they were.
Not wanting to startle them, Erica called out from a distance, ?Good evening, fellow travellers. I wonder if you could spare some of your fire for four tired and cold adventurers??
The figure closest to the fire looked up into the general direction of where Erica was and responded, ?Please come and join us! Tonight is a cold night and it would be very inhospitable for us to turn away travellers.? This was all the encouragement Father Herman and Ivan needed, and they moved quickly to reach the fire. The heat brought such a relief to their numbed fingers and toes. Ivan noticed with curiousity that after a certain point, the fire did not feel hotter the closer you got. He began to muse on the possible magical applications at work, before realising he should introduce himself to their new hosts.
?I am Ivan, this is Herman. That's Erica, and El-Shad is at the back there.? Ivan quickly introduced everyone, ?It is very kind of you to share your campsite.?
?This is my sister, Roses,? said the man pointing to the other figure sat on the steps of the caravan, ?and I am called Simon. We are a long way from home, so we know very much the value of companionship on a night like this.?
Everyone got close to the fire, and sure enough, clothes began to dry. It wasn't long before pins and needles set in as blood rushed back into extremities. Simon offered around some rough bread chunks. It was tasty, if a little chewy. Small talk continued until Ivan asked where Simon and Roses were from. His expression flashed, before replying, ?I would rather not speak of my home, if it is all the same to you?? Not wanting to offend the man, Ivan graciously waved away his inquiry.
?Would you like your fortune told??
It was the first time Roses had spoke. Her voice was soft and melodious. She moved towards the campfire with a gentle grace that could perhaps beguile an elf. Sitting next to her brother she looked into his eyes before looking around at the others.
El-Shad started to make a sound which might have indicated a no, but Ivan quickly picked up on the indicated and interjected, ?That would be fascinating, Roses, thank you.?
Roses nodded, and knelt down by the fire. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeply a few times before speaking in a slow quiet voice....
The dark wyrm of the wood shall cause the mighty oak of honour to fall.
A peacemaker?s tongue will blaspheme those who are loyal to his liege.
His voice will trigger the end of an age before his blood runs free.
The Unseen become seen.
Their hand will act decisively.
One will change his colours from shades of grey to shades of black.
His word will be true, but his ambition dark.
One will strive for redemption through obedience and become imprisoned.
All bad things must come to an end.
One will strive for virtue and be betrayed.
The blackest day can only be saved by the Second Light.
The Coral Crown falls into the hands of the beast.
Dry bones remain.
Roses waited for perhaps the space of four heartbeats, before standing up. Avoiding the gaze of all of those around the fire, she turned and climbed into the caravan and closed the door.
?Please don't be alarmed,? whispered Simon, ?It is quite often that people demand explanations or interpretations, and Roses is unable to do that. She merely says what she sees and it is up to you each to decide how to interpret it.?
Baffled looks passed between the adventurers. Ivan was rubbing his forhead trying to make sense of the words. ?It didn't sound a particularly hopeful prophecy,? he said. Herman agreed, shaking his head.
?If you'll excuse me,? said Simon, standing up, ?I'll go check on Roses and make sure she's alright. Enjoy the rest of the evening.?