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Matt Hein / Fantasy / Nascense | |
| [Anachronistic_Skies] Editing attempt v- 1.0 Chapter Two Reemergence into reality Part One As first one eye began to twitch and open, followed by the other with its standard mechanical readjustment, Dash attempted to concentrate on differentiating his surroundings, his blurred vision slowly clearing until it reached a culmination point. Surely, he thought, he had arrived by some means to an odd and poorly maintained lower income clinic, as he found himself to be sprawled upon a small and quite uncomfortable wooden cot, its top covered with a thin sheet of linen. His body slightly ached from the fall, although he couldn’t tell whether or not he had dreamt it…the brilliant flash, the old man, the city…probably an aftereffect of those SEAS he had taken earlier, or the hint of alcohol he had consumed prior to leaving for Lucaria’s capital. Nonetheless, he brushed aside his thoughts and stood up, eyeing his surroundings which seemed immensely primitive and aged, the arrayed brick walls badly cracked and covered in moss, the lowly hung rafters warped from years of weight, even the wooden shelves to the side of the cot cracked and rotting, their sporadic contents covered in a thick layer of dust and debris. Even the floor, covered with ancient straw, revealed small patches of dirt and the like, the corners of the small room either piled with stocks, rolls of cloth, or building materials, an intricate display of cobwebs branching out from them and the ceiling. Looking towards himself, he seemed in perfectly fine health, although his suit of pit raptor hide was torn in severity and badly shredded, at the cuffs and forearms, ripped horridly, as though he had been mauled by a team of ravenously hungry wolves. Even his torso plate, crafted of a similar material, had inherent signs of damage, puncture marks pocked about it randomly and deeply cut gashes, as though caused by shrapnel and debris, cutting through the armor to his skin, which felt mysteriously clean and untouched. As he tore several of the shredded remnants of the armor off him and placed them in a water filled barrel with a slosh, all he remained standing in was a padded black undershirt of pit raptor hide, some thinly laced cotton pants, a pair of leather dress shoes from the previous night and a small shoulder holster, which he found of no use now due to the fact his peripherals, weapons and rations had been torn away and possibly discarded or confiscated. Not a sign remained of them about the room, although Dash could feel the oceanic breeze caress his forehead, where previously he had kept a red bandanna tightly wrapped to absorb his perspiration. Turning towards the window adjacent to him, he peered out towards the verdant wilderness of the outside as the linen curtains caressed against his neck from the breeze. From what he could see, nothing but miles of deciduous trees and ferns extended off into the distance, as surprisingly crickets, various insects and birds all contributed to nature’s alluring symphony, cleverly orchestrated by none other than god…he thought to himself. Noticing the area before the shelter where he stood was steadily overgrown with weeds, ferns, its sides laced with ivy, a small collection of crates and barrels stood stacked below the window, their exteriors laced with a carpet of moss, their writing and labels rendered illegible. Surely, there had to be an ocean somewhere off into the distance, he thought to himself once again, but he shrugged that thought off for the moment. Looking back into the room, he took a deep breath and made for the single egress, a door fashioned of driftwood and loosely nailed planks on a set of rusted hinges, and twisted its knob, opening it rather slowly with an excruciating creak. Taking a step into one of the adjoining rooms, he was greeted with a pleasant midday light from one of the two opened windows at its end, although he was rather surprised to see its contents, still primitive in nature, but far more lively than that of the dark recesses of the storage room. As his shoes clasped against the driftwood floor with a dull tap, the bottom of his leather heel contacting the protruding ends of several corroded and bent iron tacks, he couldn’t help but notice the austerity of the room, and the slightly chilled breeze which coasted from the window aside the entrance, which refreshed him slightly, but still generated unease. Stepping onto a terribly faded ornamental rug, Dash noticed that besides the unpolished and crudely fashioned oak table to its center and scattered chairs about it , only a few wooden cases and shelves lie to the side of the room, the contents ranging from weathered and dusty supplies to building materials and bottles of alcohol. Below the ceiling of padded straw, a few tightly secured rafters were covered with random boards, perhaps a makeshift catwalk leading to a storage deposit. He could make out several large crates and several bags of grain from amongst the silvery light of a hole about the roof, however, he brushed those thoughts off for the moment and procured one of the liquor bottles from a shelf aside him, blowing the dust off its yellowed and tattered label, only to reveal several lines of terribly choppy text and a faded illustration of an eagle’s head. Nonetheless, Dash unscrewed the cork off the bottle, and with a carbonated pop, poured some of the azure mixture into a ceramic shot glass as it fizzed about with a certain alcoholic fragrance. Drinking the solution rather quickly and setting the bottle upon the oak table, Dash leaned against it and closed his eyes, as the sound of the wooden shutter banging against the front of the building could he heard as well as the rustling of several paper scrolls, which hung tacked aside the cracked wall adjacent the table. Whistling to himself for the moment, he was surprised to hear the clicking of the door, and the sound of a youthful lady’s voice, as he turned quickly, opening his eyes. Against the midday sun, her skin appeared medium dark, her face rather youthful and calm, several strands of her stringy, but partially shortly cut black hair hanging between her jade and yellow eyes. Donned in ornamental and seemingly priestly garb of white cloth, he could see a small silver chain, its accent like that of a shark’s tooth lie between the curve of her breasts, as two sepia feathers dangled to the side of her neck. He had never seen a girl like her in his life, although his thoughts soon drifted to her reply. “Naka ana rahi?” The lady asked him, as his eyes focused on her face, then the rest of her body and back. “Pardon me?” Dash asked, as he stood up and continued to eye her, as she spoke to him in a familiar language. “Oh…my apologies…you’re not a fluent speaker of the Mingard language, are you?” “Of course not…” Dash replied, as he now stood, smiling somewhat. “So, you’re nice and rested, are you? Would you believe several citizens found you washed ashore one of the beaches, badly wounded and unconscious? You must have been dragged there by several foraging wolves, as that would explain the gnawed marks on your armor…” “Then you must have carried me here?” “Not exactly…several of my attendants placed you in the storage room for temporal shelter. I just happened by to survey your condition…” The lady spoke, as she looked to Dash’s side to see the liquor bottle and the ceramic shot glass, emptied, as she smiled slightly. “I see you’ve accommodated yourself with necessary comfort, mister…would you please tell me your name?” She asked, as Dash extended and shook her hand. “I’m Officer Dash Dracon; first class.” He spoke, as the lady replied to his greeting. “Skye Irving Talonia Rinehart the fourteenth; Skye for short...I know, it’s a terribly long name, but it is the true product of formality. Most people address me as Miss Rinehart…” As Dash poured some more of the fragrant liquor into his shot glass and took another swig, guzzling it completely, he set the glass to the table, wiped his mouth and spoke to her. “So, Miss Rinehart…you’re familiar with the area, right? Geographically, where are we situated?” He asked, as Skye gave him a rather humorous look, but answered nonetheless. “Well, as of current, we stand some distance south of the Sum’mit of LaGuardia.” “Summit? LaGuardia? Give me a moment here…” “You’re not sure, are you? You’re certain you’re fully recovered?” “Of course…I…” Dash spoke, only to be interrupted as Skye looked at him with a tone of concern. “You don’t seem severely wounded, but I have reason to believe you drank too much alcohol already. If consumption isn’t a source, perhaps you just need some more time to recover from your injuries.” “I feel fine at the moment…” “Are you sure you didn’t take too much alcohol?” “I only had a few good shots…besides that fact; I have a great tolerance for alcohol. When I was young, I would drink consistently…would you believe that?” Dash chuckled, as Skye gave him an odd look, smiling at him rather weakly. “Well, for an officer, that’s probably the norm. You have probably experienced a great deal of violence and the like, so I really can’t blame you for trying to eschew your troubles.” “Skye, look…” “You don’t have to say it, Dash…I know, and I can tell from looking into your eyes…they’re piercing, trained, penetrating, the standard mark of the maverick, the lone wolf. Were you abandoned as a child?” “Tell me Skye; how would you know such information?! You’re not…” Dash spoke, once again interrupted as Skye caressed his face, then stepped back, then headed for the door, only to turn around. “You don’t need to say anything more for the time being…” “Skye…those perceptions…they’re strikingly accurate.” “And as much as I would like to remain and chat with you…my duties dictate otherwise. Shortly, I’ll traverse south of the LaGuardia precipice to the Sum’mit…I hope to see you there shortly.” “Why not, I accompany you, then? I’d be more than happy to join you.” “How sweet, Dash, but I digress. At the moment, it would be prudent rest your eyes until several of my attendants arrive to escort you there…the passage to Sum’mit is laced with inherent threats.” “…and these threats only attribute a compelling reason for myself to aid in your escort.” “Trust me, Dash…please…” Skye spoke, as she stepped out of the shelter door and into the fields, as the noon breeze continued to rattle the shutters and parchment papers about. “Skye…” Dash spoke under his breath, as he leaned against the table, crossed his arms and closed his eyes, as the oceanic breeze ruffled his vermillion hair about. For some odd reason, though, Dash did not at all feel tired, but rather mystified at the whole situation. Who ever this girl was, he would have to meet her again…sometime, somewhere along the line, for her aura gave him an odd, but pleasant feeling. His eyes now opened, Dash stepped out of the building and approached the field that stretched below him from his hilltop vantage on where the house stood, he spied sporadic straw huts and deciduous trees scattered in the radial distance of at least a kilometer. The field itself, overgrown in some parts with wild grass, foliage and vines, seemed only interrupted by anciently crafted roads of stone, the thoroughfares crumbling from age and possibly the wheels of countless mercantile carriages and the hooves of horse and oxen. Arcing foxtails and the extended clumps of leaves from the branches of trees seemed to overhang most of the sides of the poorly maintained roads, although most of the trails seemed to converge further across the countryside, forming a makeshift town of straw and mortar, the fields surrounding it cultivated, as they stretched out towards the heavily forested distance which extended towards a cloud laden peak. The noon sky bright and the air sweet, Dash turned to his right and looked towards the distance to spot the source of the telltale oceanic scene; a sea stretching to the horizon, its swells amassed in a pearl white oscillation. Turning away from the sea and heading towards the bottom of the hill, towards the ancient and winding road, Dash could only wonder to himself if what he had seen earlier was truly an ocean, or simply another image his mind rendered, or a dream. However, the scent of salt, of freshly rain pocked soil and a chilling breeze could only lead him to consider otherwise. Perhaps this was this ‘nature’ he had read about frequently in his earlier studies. He had never seen such foliage either, reaching out to a tree branch to pluck forth a leaf and examine it. As he continued through the ancient road, time and time again, his thoughts were interrupted wither with the stirring of wildlife from the brush, or the occasional priestly garbed resident whom passed him by, seldom with a greeting. At one point, stepping upon some dried leaves, he had scattered a small formation of exotic birds as they fluttered away quickly into the distance with abandon. His hair ruffled slightly from the overhead breeze, he stopped at one point to look for vantage, spying the town somewhere along the curve of the road, where the countryside stood manicured in contrast to the wildly overgrown brush. Within moments of setting off towards the city once again, Dash could hear some heavy rustling from the side of the road, as nearing it, a heavily built figure approached hurriedly from the corner, only in his haste, to rush into him, throwing Dash backwards at least a meter to his feet. Holding his balance, he could hear the creature grunt once, as it then eyed him darkly as it crossed his arms. “Would you watch you’re going?!” Dash shouted to him, as he creature grunted once, Dash eyeing it. From appearance, the creature possessed the look an alligator or dragon perhaps, its humanistic figure covered from head to tail to toe with pronged reptilian scales, its clawed feet resembling that of a dog’s but slightly wider standing firmly planted into the ground. Its face articulate, and its amber reptile eyes focusing on him, the creature appeared donned in attire of buckled leather and plates that appeared as chitin, rounded and elegantly crafted. Oddly enough, a strongly fashioned cape hung from its mid section, as the fabric hung to the ground, concealing its tail somewhat. Opening its mouth, Dash expected the creature to lunge at him, its teeth drawn, but instead, the creature spoke with an exceptionally deep voice. “Hrrupmh…what is this?! Humans are so small, so brittle…this brush is littered with critters and the like, ones of which could so easily snap your bones…” The creature spoke, as it ripped a particularly large branch off a shrub and crushed it through the middle with his talons, as he spoke. “…breaking them just like that, into splinters.” “I see your point, but why the hurry?” He asked, as he creature replied to him rather gruffly. “Why the hurry you ask? I’m stuck working menial duty on military patrol, and here I stand speaking with you. I have more matters of importance; that is, keeping the road safe and clear.” “And what quality of a job are you doing at such a position?” Dash asked, as the creature angrily grabbed him by the cuff of his undershirt, holding him upwards as he eyed him with acrimony. “Hrrupmh! Humans and their smart-aleck remarks, they’re always mouthing off as though they’re so superior and domineering. You’re a waste of my time!” The creatures spoke rather roughly, as he threw Dash to the ground and began to walk off, his claws tapping against the road. “Well no wonder you’re treated poorly…with an attitude like that…” “Hrrumph…how inconsiderate…don’t you realize who you’re speaking to?!” The creature asked rather gruffly, as he spun around quickly from his gait, scowling at him immensely. “Not at all…of course, this wasn’t a most formal introduction.” He spoke, as the creature flicked its tongue about, from its teeth laden mouth, its eyes trembling with anger. Surely enough, Dash thought, the creature had some serious issues beyond the line of duty, but he decided to keep that thought private, since there was no sense in agitating the situation any further. Now looking towards the completely infuriated and aggravated eyes of the creature, Dash felt that he had already sparked a fire which could not be contained. Something had to burst…and at that moment, he saw it leaping at him. Without any warning, the reptilian creature took a good running start and leaped at him with ferocity, its razor claws deeply outspread with intent to kill and a look of utmost furor glazed over his eyes, as with a sideways motion, it swung the dagger like claws at his face, cleanly lacerating a small branch off a tree adjacent to Dash, as he ducked, therefore dodging the attack. The creature surprised, Dash delivered an impacting punch to the side of its gut, followed by a painful kick to the back of its ribs from the steel toes of his battle boots, possibly causing a fracture with a snap. As the creature dug its claws into the bricks of the road, chipping them badly and kicking up a small cloud of dust, his tail thrashed about wildly as he scowled and spit to the ground, hissing. Now turned around and situated on all fours, the creature glared at him, with a grunt and a burst of incredible strength, leapt at him, bounding across the road with its claws unfurled. Possessing the furor of a rabid guard dog, Dash barely avoided the attack, save to be thrown to the ground, pinned by the claws of the monster as they penetrated his undershirt and dug into his torso like protruding needles. Struggling against the creature, his face was lashed repeatedly by its forked tongue with a stinging sensation, as he gritted his teeth, scuffling with the creature. Finding an opportunity to strike, it reached out to gnaw into him with its alligator like teeth, beads of poisonous saliva dripping with misty breath into his face and stinging at his wounds, as it raised its claw into the air and struck it down towards his face with a terminative strike, only for Dash to kick violently at the creature at the soft of the stomach, sending it keeling to the side in excruciating pain. As it struggled for breath, both of its arms grasping tightly at the injury, Dash nearly exhausted from the attack, stood up and kicked the creature once again in the gut as it howled in pain, its claws clenched into the ground. Now standing amongst the wind, as it scattered several leaves over his boots, he could feel himself weighted to the ground from exhaustion, as with wiping his forehead of the salty and bitter perspiration which matted his vermillion hair, he knelt to the ground and closed his eyes, searching for solace. Surely, he thought, the debilitating kick to the creature must have knocked him unconscious, or severely wounded. But no sooner had he pondered such a thought, that the creature sprang from its misery and clasped its claws around Dash’s neck, encompassing him with a choking feeling. Attempting to pry away at the claws, he could feel the creature hold him against the air as it closed the claws around his neck, choking him as it smiled deviously and spoke unwittingly. “Heh…I can’t allow…you to dishonor me…in such a manner…” It grunted at him between labored breaths, as Dash’s hands tightened around its claws, attempting in some way to break its grasp. “Dishonor…look…no further…than your actions…of incivility…” Dash managed to mutter to the creature, as his eyes darted about the field for some means of escape, only to set them upon a supple point, its surface dark and bumped like that of an avocado, but still inherent, and yet his heels hung so close to it. As the choking feeling became to overwhelm him, the feeling within his hands drifting somewhat, he pulled back his boots and eyed the point of vulnerability, his neck as it stood firm, prominent. In a last ditch attempt, Dash drove the heel of his boot into the lump of its neck, as with a howling yelp, it staggered about and fell to its claws, gasping for breath. Its eyes trembling with trickles of pain, like tears streaming down his snout, the pain inflicted seemed perfectly struck. No sooner had it fallen that Dash leaped at it and threw the creature to the ground violently, as in a spiral of dust and blood they scuffled, cracking the freshly fallen twigs and kicking up leaves into the breeze. The afternoon sun shining upon them from the distance, he could now hear the calls of several residents as the creature grabbed at his shirt, piercing it with his claws, both pairs of their eyes locked at each other with severity. With the shrill sound of a voice, and padded footsteps, the reptilian creature atop him was quickly pulled away from Dash, as another figure from his rear pulled him away from the altercation, brushing some of the dust from his undershirt. Kneeling to the ground and gasping for breath, he could hear the relentless scratching of the creatures claws as they scraped against the street. Opening his eyes and now standing, he could see the creature thrash about wildly, held against his will by a slightly larger reptilian creature wrapped in plated armor and leather. “Aaagh…get your claws off me…damn you! This is my fight…” He shouted, attempting to break his hold, but to no avail. The infuriated creature held away from Dash by a single locked arm around the stomach, he yelled and shrieked wildly, thrashing about ambitiously, his eyes alight with fire. “Koreii!!! Drop your grip now, I command of you!!!” He shouted rather angrily, as the other creature spoke to him in a deep, almost baritone voice. “Rapijn…how many times must I tell you to cool it off for once…our human counterparts are no longer an adversary force…” He spoke rather gruffly, as he turned to Dash. “You’ll have to excuse my lower in command; Rapijn...his family was killed by humans…” Koreii spoke, as he released Rapijn to the ground, his furor exhausted as he breathed quite heavily, his eyes reddened with salty tears and rage. “Damn…I…could have…so easily…” He spoke in between labored breaths, several beads of perspiration dripping about his scales, bruises and bloody stains now evident about his stomach and neck. “Come off it, Rapijn…” Koreii spoke, as Repijn replied. “No…two centuries of honor…gone like that…I can’t even redeem myself any longer…vindication…will never arrive, will it? Will it, Koreii?!!!” Rapijn shouted at the top of his lungs, as he took another deep breath, still kneeling at his scales. “You’re okay, right; no severe damage done?” Koreii asked Dash, as he felt at his slightly ripped undershirt, his wounds stinging from the stinging saliva of the creature and the salt of his own perspiration. “Yeah…I believe I’m…feeling alright…” He managed to mutter in response, as he rubbed his eyes in pain, the figure to his rear speaking. “He seems fine enough…but I must warn you, Koreii…we cannot allow such dishonorable actions on the field…Rapijn’s primary duty is to maintain a firm watch over the roads and protect our citizenry.” “I’m well aware of that…but even at the moment, we have too many of our men hired to fleets overseas, or dead from the ten year conflict. You wouldn’t believe the lack of men on the island as of current.” “I understand your concerns, Koreii, I’ve made multiple appeals to the council to supply us with more men, but we have not yet received word.” The girl replied, continuing her explanation. “Mind you, Koreii…I would suggest issuing him a demerit. For a relentless attack upon a traveler, that carries extensive ramifications according to regional code.” “Yes and very much so. I’d like to apologize for Rapijn’s actions. To this day, he still carries deeply rooted and bitter resents over the death of his family; who were massacred by an advancing force of humans during the war. But…that occurred fifty years ago and since then humans and reptilians have reached a term of conciliate.” As Koreii crossed his arms, closing his eyes. It seemed to Dash that he was pained by such a fact, or perhaps it was attributed to Rapijn’s embarrassing actions. Whatever the cause, the assailant had long since fled from the scene, leaving him, Koreii and the girl standing amongst the breeze, the foliage rustling about to their side. As Dash rubbed at some of the scrapes at his neck, Koreii cleared his throat and asked him a question. “Heh…just the prospect of a human like you surviving an assault…sheesh, that’s a tale on its own. You look like the optimum candidate, the kind of soldier my military company could use.” Koreii spoke, as he took several steps towards the swordsman, even from a few feet, towering at least fifteen centimeters above him, strongly built and quite imposing. “Hell, I never even asked your name…how’s that for an introduction? I’m known about the region as Koreii, and that girl…” “Kimiahn Serpentius, regional commander.” She spoke curtly, turning from Dash to Koreii. “Ah, the boys down at headquarters are going to love this story…who might you be, anyway?” “Officer Dash Dracon…” “Well then, Officer Dracon, keep at it…we’ll be in touch shortly…” Koreii grumbled, as he made several finalizations with Kimiahn. “Oh, and…Koreii?” She asked, as she whispered to him, as the creature grunted. “Yeah, yes…I do realize that, and I will take precautionary measures to make sure this incident does not repeat itself. Rapijn…get back on your patrol…we’re going back to Kalin to report…” “Hrrrumph…” Rapijn spoke, as he turned around and trotted away, Koreii looking at him apologetically, then turned away, dragging his tail across the road as his armor rattled, the countryside now shone with the radiance of the afternoon sun. Remaining at the barren and dusty street, Dash turned towards the lady, who smiled at him mysteriously, asking a question. “So…it’s just us then, right? You’re not seriously hurt, are you? I mean, talking to Koreii and all, maybe exaggeration is permitted. But just to me, you’re not wounded, are you?” She asked, looking at his slight scratches and wounds. “They’re nothing…forget about them…” Dash replied, as he closed his eyes, took another deep breathm only to hear the lady speak again. “I’m sorry…I couldn’t help you earlier. My command at the moment is so shortly staffed.” “That’s okay; really…I can take care of myself…” “It’s just that…well…you’re really self reliant.” Against the coasting wind and the rustling foxtails, the lady appeared a bit older than Skye, albeit probably somewhere in between her mid twenties to early thirties, her figure small, yet medial, and her body outfitted in unorthodox military apparel, including a pair of heavily hewn factory worker’s pants, a tightly wrapped cotton shirt, a buckled sash across her breast line and several satchels fastened to the sides of her legs. Her face seemed clean and articulate, her gold hair shortly cut, and her eyes reflected with a deep hint of sepia, some azure eye shadow below her eyelashes. She seemed combat readied, but oddly enough, she held no visible ensigns or defensive equipment at her side, other than some studded metal gloves at her hands. Eyeing them, his eyes darted from her attire to her face, as he smiled at her. “Don’t mind my apparel…actually, I spend a lot of my time organizing relations with the public over our mercenary corps. Could you believe that LaGuardia can’t even muster its own defending force? No, we have to buy our soldiers from overseas…the war killed two generations of our good men. Hence, we’re stuck with people like Rapijn…” She spoke, stretching her arms. “Heh…I’ve never seen anything like it…fighting skills, I mean. Koreii made a nice assessment there…” “You mean about enlisting? No thanks…I don’t want to drag myself into any situation I’ll regret in the future.” Dash remarked, as he stepped away from the lady, kneeling to the ground and picking up his shoulder holster. As he examined some of the contents, some particular markings on his arm drew the lady’s attention, as she took a few steps to examine them from a distance. Noticing the lady still to his rear, Dash slung the holster over the back of his shirt, stood up and turned around, remarking in a rather tired tone. “So, you’re still here. What gives, already?” “That marking on your right shoulder…would you care to show it to me?” “I don’t see a particular reason, but why not…” As he turned around, the lady took a very close look at the marking, a tattoo of a dragon wrapped around his arms as though a bond inscribed in permanence. Through its center lie the image of a sword, some scripting surrounding it in a circular fashion which read. Creed of the soldier: I wholeheartedly pledge To protect, to serve, and to defend the integrity of the state To owe allegiance to its methods of operations and administrators To defend its mechanisms with utmost honor, and To eschew affiliation with all foreign potentates, sovereigns and caliphs In this oath, I realize that in doing so, I serve a noble purpose established by my forefathers and preserved for my offspring. My word is my honor, written in blood, set in skin. “So…you’re affiliated with some sort of military organization, right? Odd, considering your attire and style of fighting…” “Military, yes…I was trained in specified tactical operations.” “Really…so who do you represent, a private mercenary corps from overseas? Oh wait…” Kimiahn asked, as she stopped for a moment, noticing as Dash took a look off towards the distance as a formation of birds scattered out of the foliage. “Maybe I shouldn’t be asking you this…just from the way you dart your eyes about calmly with every gust of the wind, I can tell you value your privacy greatly. Heck, as a commander myself, I can’t tell you how much value just five minutes of peace would give me a day…” “You have a few peaceful moments now, why don’t you savor them? Or is talking to me a stressful attribution to duty?” “No…it’s not that…Mister Dracon…actually, I don’t want to go into detail about it just now…however, I was issued orders from Lady Skye to escort you to the Sum’Mit…” “This Skye, Skye Talonia Rinehart?” Dash asked to her as she nodded. “Ah, then I surmise you have met her already…” “Of course…however, a thought still resides. I don’t see why you would be traveling opposite the road to myself, even though Skye had mentioned that messengers would be sent to escort me.” Dash mentioned to her, as for just a split second, he could sense outright surprise in her eyes, although she quickly smiled and brushed aside the notion with an explanation. “Ah…yes…before I could speak with you, I had several matters to take care of in my office…particularly conferring to Koreii and addressing some concerns of my brigade.” “Hmm…I see…” He replied to her, although he could somehow sense that Kimiahn had something to conceal from him, although he could not exactly tell what. “Maybe…I’m just tense from that altercation; she looks innocent, well mannered-” “Officer Dracon?” A voice called to him, as Dash darted a glance towards her, smiling. “What do you want?” “Look…the road to the southern point of Kalin isn’t very long at all. We can travel there for the time being, then traverse further north through the wilderness to reach the heart of LaGuardia. I’d say the actual-“ “Still…I can’t take many chances…friend or not, perhaps I should just go at this alone. She’ll probably be a burden anyway…hell, she’s not even armed...what kind of soldier operates on those terms?” “-distance from our vantage to the Sum’Mit would constitute at least five kilometers, maybe slightly more.” “Kimiahn, look…I’m still at odds on trusting you, much less accompanying you. It was a pleasure meeting you, but I really must be on my way…” Dash spoke, as he turned around and stepped away from her, only for the girl to snatch his shoulder holster and smile at him calmly. “What’s the rush, Mister Dracon? You know, more men have been lost traveling alone on our island than in most of our domestic conflicts combined…it’s really a scary world out there…” “And you’re inferring I can’t handle myself, is that it?” He asked, as he smiled deviously, crossing his arms. “You saw how Rapijn acted…he’s a transplant from the outlands, but nothing compared to local species like Centireeds, Mantiflies, Ravicraws or Kimodas…” “You’re saying?” “Vicious species dislike groups of prey because the chances of failure are heightened…what would have happened if not Rapijn had leaped at you, but a Kimoda? If you were truly lucky, you might have suffered arterial ruptures and massive blood loss, not to mention subsequent venom poisoning.” She spoke, as Dash looked towards the reeds, and with Kimiahn following suit, he quickly snatched back his shoulder holster with a skilled and conniving swipe. However, in such a quick movement, the buttons holding his holster tight snapped, allowing its few contents to spill amongst the leaves. Among the contents, few of them truly valuable in nature, he could see his pendant, although Kimiahn ducked to the ground so quickly after his movement and grasped the silver chain, smiling at him. “Now just wait a moment!” She spoke, as she stood up and eyed the odd silver chain as it dangled in her hands, the finely cut azure sphere at its end glinting in the sun with the translucence of the sea. “That’s an interesting talisman you have there…” “That pendant was sent to me anonymously…I’d like to have it back now…” “How’s about a little ransom, eh; to up the ante here? I won’t return it until you promise to allow me to accompany you…it’s just for a short duration, to Kalin and then to the Sum’mit By that time you’ll be on your dear way. Besides, I can’t allow someone like yourself just to amble ahead like there are no worries…” “Well, that’s an ambitious approach, Kimiahn…don’t they have laws against swindling on the island?” “In local law, it’s known as common diplomacy, or bartering. Well, to several of my military barracks anyway. I’m just looking out for your interests.” “I’m not so certain about your statement…” “You’re really obstinate, Dash. Tell me, were you taught this way when you were young, to doubt everyone you came in contact with?” “For a majority of sensitive operations, of course. Any sound military commander should follow the same principles.” “I’ve taken a newfound approach to training my men…” “Hmmph…that’s interesting. Perhaps this explains the lack of order you have within the barracks. Is your approach the reason as to why so few patrol these roads.” “What do you want, Dash, a written statement? Come off it now.” “Hmm…I might as well approach the city and demand one, seeing as to the fact information is rather scarce on your part.” “You’re...kidding, right?“ She asked to him, as Dash turned away from her and slung his shoulder holster over his back once again, making a motion to leave. ”Dash, please answer me.” She spoke with a stern voice, crossing her arms impatiently as he shot forth a reply. “No...I’m speaking with honesty. It’s just that you don’t fit my perceptions of the standard military commander, in both attitude and attire. You speak of the dangers lying throughout these thoroughfares, and yet during my earlier travels of these roads I surveyed several priests and merchants pressing about their daily routines and yourself without any means of defense. I believe a sound explanation is in order.” He demanded to her, as he crossed his arms and looked at her oddly. “Fine...very well...heh. I must say you’re a hell of a lot sharper than I estimated. Look, as I mentioned prior, I serve as a part time commander in addition to my industrial duties, and our ranks are only partly filled, many of them impecunious. As for the local roads, they are only sparsely populated with hostile species, in contrast to the forests or marshes of the area.” “Well, its an acceptable explanation...but still...” “What are you demanding, Dash? Do you want a public tour of my office? Are you wishing a firthand look at our paperwork? Seriously, just for my office to acquire another shipment beyond our monthly allotment of grain and rations, I have to go through a level of bureaucracy and receive personal approval from top military brass.” “It sounds to me that your office is suffering from a bout of mismanagement. Why don’t you just hire some auditors?” “Wouldn’t that place greater monetary strain?! The aim of our protocols is to conserve our funding! Who are you to make such suggestions, anyhow?” “Well, in that case, it’s no wonder the armed services office is immersed in such a lack of order. You’ve heard the argument that an ounce of prevention yields a pound of cure, right? If you’re not willing to take preventive action, your losses will continue to mount...very much like a wound bleeds before gauze is wrapped around it, and infection to follow?” “Well, I must say...” Kimiahn started, as she took a stride towards the small city, shook her head, then laughed in a rather sarcastic fashion, although rather cordially. “I’ve never heard anyone put a metaphorical ring to a situation of that sort. An infection from an absence of auditors...sheesh.” “Hmm...so you found that argument humorous, I surmise. That wasn’t my intent.” “No...not at all...look, the day is still somewhat young. Are we heading towards the city?” “Very well...if you harbor such strong intentions of following me, by all means, go right ahead.” “Heh…I thought you would reconsider, Officer Dracon. I’m glad we’re seeing eye to eye.” She spoke slyly, loosening her grip on the talisman with a smile. And no sooner did her grasp lighten on the talisman that Dash proceeded to quickly snatch it from her with the skilled flick of the wrist, following to throw the trinket around his neck for temporal safekeeping, as Kimiahn eyed him rather oddly, perhaps surprised at his jealous forfendment of such a possession. “Well...are we proceeding or not? I realy don’t feel like standing here for the duration of the afternoon...” He grumbled with his distinguished rough voice, as he stepped off towards the city, only for Kimiahn to rush towards him. “Wait for a second...you know, you shouldn’t be in such a hurry...this is probably a reason you were beset with that earlier conflict.” “My actions had little to do with the altercation...you know, if I recall correctly, that damned reptilian held responsibility for instigating a conflict...he ran into me, then proceeded with those insults, so it felt only natural to retaliate.” “Hmm...whatever you say, Dash. You know, there’s a lesson to be learned from this, though. Do you wish to hear it?” “Well, with all your bantering on my haste, I guess we’re at a stop again. What now, you say?” “No, no...I would prefer not to keep my officers down at the office waiting. I was mentioning to you about this folk tale though, ...actually, it’s a fragment of common local mythology. You’re familiar with the tale of the golden fox, are you not?” “Not at all...I was never exposed to such tales as a student. Most of my studies constituted of immersion in politics, technical manuals, controversial subjects and the like. The state reserved no time for ‘tales’ as such works were regarded as sheer nonsense, a detriment to productivity, besides, I was raised a realist, not a dreamer.” “I feel for you...what sort of life would it be not to have any sense of imagination? You know, freedom of thought is the birthright and inspiration of genius...” “Is that so? I was always under the impression that genius evoked from the availability of technical materials, the need to improve and a great deal of pressure.” “That seems like a very volatile environment...being that the state pushed workers to their very definable limits of productivity. Eventually, something had to break, right? I mean, you couldn’t continue on such a schedule forever.” “I’d rather not talk about it, Kimiahn...this conversation is bringing up some rather awful memories...virulent reminisces I would much rather cast aside than address...” Dash remarked calmly, given the concerned face Kimiahn gave them as they took a slight turn towards a dense hill of foliage and curved, blade like-reeves. “Now...about that myth of yours, Kimiahn?” “Oh...right. Imagine that...getting sidetracked in conversation and losing emphasis on the original intent!” She spoke, as she laughed for a second, then continued. “As I mentioned earlier, the tale of the golden fox is a local myth, spread through possibly every rank and station for generations. This small fable addresses the situation of a young lass, who, like you, lived a tiring and hasty life, only in this case as the lone preacher in a poorly staffed church of the imperial court. Being rather haughty, she thought that she could go about her job without the aid of others, and oftentimes delivered strong, but quick sermons and in time aside from that, spent her days tirelessly writing out reports, ledgers and the like. However, one night, the young preacher overworked herself and collapsed from exhaustion at her desk, only to experience a set of odd revelations. It is claimed in her dream she saw a fox with golden sheen approach from her window, and in a divine voice, deliver her commands to restore fidelity to her work. When presented with the question of how to go about such a momentous task, the fox simply replied for her to work less. As she was apparently mislead by the statment, the fox quickly caught on and lectured her on the importance of shared duties and of maintaining a relatively managable pace. When the lass woke up, she took the words of the fox into mind, and within a period of days, greatly lessened the burden on herself, giving more time to compose her sermons. Well, the advice was plainly obvious, but it makes so much sense though, right? I mean, at some times, to avoid the rocky and unstable passage of the lone wolf. In some instances it seems more prudent to have the company of comrades, especially in trying situations.” “What an asinine tale...we all know foxes can’t talk, much less deliver divine revelations...I’l; leave it as it is - a simplistic, folk lore. Have you ever read Aesop’s fables? I tell you, he has such an odd way of storytelling, yet it was so plainly obvious it was fabricated. ‘Say crow, what have you there. from those yonder skies?’” Dash joked, as Kimiahn crossed her arms and laughed once again. “You’re really not enthused about this, are you?” “Not exactly...it’s charming, and a bit entertaining, maybe...not exactly the most convincing of common mythology, either, let’s leave it at that. Actually, come to consider that thought, not many stories these days are. Urban legends, really. A friend of a friend told me this, I pass it on and the tale proliferates itself down twenty generations until the offspring resembles nothing as its ancestor. Fascinating, eh?” “Ah...I’ve read about that. It’s known to many as the generational distortion factor. Let me reassure you, though...over the course of centuries, these myths have remained consistent, even though such tales surfaced from multiple regions during different eras. Just ask any citizen or rag-tag worker and they’ll point you to the nearest library where, lo and behold, many scholars research these theories day in and day out for salary.” “Hmm...why the fascination with such tales, though? Many of them aren’t even true...or capable even of holding veracity.” “Faith, Dash, is a truely priceless commodity in a day and age where religious conviction means the difference between acceptance and denial of the church, and complacency and suspicions of the people. Don’t get me wrong...these are actually found and proved tales by popularity, and we surely would not provide apocryphal material.” “Wouldn’t most of these lessons be delivered in sermons anyhow? I mean, if certain followers cannot be convinced, perhaps they’re just not suited to be faithful.” “Sigh...Some citizens simply dictate sources and bits of information to inspire this fidelity and the state hires scholars to interpret texts and research these tales and legends. It’s a mutual basis, really.” “Hmm...you’d wonder if god inspires enough with his unpredicatble workings...” Dash remarked to Kimiahn, as from approaching one of the bends of the dusty trail, came across a sight-provoking view of the luscious, green valley below them, which lie partially covered in a spider web of roads spreading from a collection of foreignly crafted buildings and thoroughfares, aside from the sparsely scattered trees and the few cultivated fields which branched outwards from the ramshackle and poor city. Even from such a view, Dash surmised such a locale would pose a residence to a moderately proficient data cafe, or at least to the nearest heliport or aerial nest. His stomach still burning from his lack of aliment and the alcohol ceasing to help at all, the prospect of a finely positioned cafe beckoned him ever closer. However, Kimiahn was quick to comment. “Oh...look Dash, South Kalin wasn’t too far off after all!” “Great...maybe they’ll have a few satellite servers or a solex reception channel.” “What? Dash, I’m not exactly certain as to what you’re talking about!” “Doesn’t the city possess any means of communication? A media office, satellite center or reception tower, perhaps?” “I apologize, Dash...data? You mean...wait a moment...I believe I know what you’re looking for! South Kalin surely wouldn’t carry it, although there is a general media office located in the central city. Perhaps there you might find some general transmission technology there you’ll find useful.” “Well, wouldn’t a city of that size at least possess something... anything, in supply of communicative purpose? Please tell me there’s at least a phone booth...or a newspaper...or anything...” “Would you divulge to me why you’re so damned obstante over the prospect of communication? Come off it, already, my friend... you need to relaz, step backwards and absorb the scenery without a bias or obstruction in view...” “Kimihan...the answer to your question should be strikingly apparent to you, plain as the clear sky at least!” Dash yelled as he turned around abruptly to face her. “So...you...never have encountered nature, have you? I can tell by gazing into your eyes, those saddened eye; you seem to express this foreign look of wonder, yet apprehension at your surroundings.” “What?!! Skye...she launched into a similar observation earlier...” “Mister Dracon...” Kimiahn spoke kindly, as she stepped closer to him, following to place her arm around his back. “Regardles of day or age, locale or region, emotional expression exists as a most universal and readable language, one which cannot be written or spoken, yet so fully understood within a bare moment. And yet, you seem so unaware of that...” “Just what is your reason for stating this, Kimiahn? I don’t find it humorous you would meddle with my affairs, much less insult me...” He commented, turning to eye her for the moment as she eyed him. “I wouldn’t dare insult you, Dash, however out of the pure honesty of an acquaintence, I find it only natural to comment on your personality. You’re so closed off, so reserved...it’s...my god...” She spoke, stopping her statement abruptly at the sensation of her hand encountering a patch of warm, sap-like fluid which slightly seeped at the side of his shredded and charred body armor. Stepping to his rear, she shook her head and gasped at the sight. “Dash...you’re bleeding profusely!” “I’m faring well enough...besides, I don’t see this as a call for alarm, it’s just a scratch, really, some time and rest will heal it.” However, as he spoke to her, she needed not words to hear his actual message, of the distracted pain coursing through his eyes and his battle to conceal the reviling pain. “No...you’re seriously wounded...would you look at that gash, it could be infected, or worse...” “Nonsense, Kimiahn...nothing can get worse than an infection. Would step back for just a moment, please?” He requested to her, as she calmly obliged to his command and rested her legs on the grass, eyeing him with interest. “You know, field treatment is rather risky...I recall once being bit by a tiger asp while on a commandeering patrol, so I decided to treat it on my own using some gauze and merlot. You can guess the rest, my friend.” “...” As he proceeded to take his shoulder holster into hand and snap open one of its few leather pouches, the swordsman procured a small, three centimeter sized glass ampoule which sat filled to its brim with an irridescent amber liquid immersed about a small needle at its center, and a disked patch of grained, burlap gauze. Snapping the conical end from the ampoule to expose the jagged tip of its imposing and antiseptic needle, he proceeded to puncture the center of the gauze and following a deep breath, closed his eyes to position the the conduitive towards the center of his wound, tapping its end of it to send the stream of medicine into his back, and like the shot of a bullet, forced him to cringe forth in teary-eyed pain, clasping one hand to his chest as the other grasped at the wound. Gritting his teeth for the moment, he took a few labored breaths, then opened his eyes, allowing the ampoule to fall to the grass. Collecting himself from the treatment, Kimiahn noticed the injury slowly heal itself as the coagulated blood began to liquify, then stream quickly into the puncture as it faded to a light burgandy, then masked itself, camouflaged until barely noticeable. The process appeared to her as so simplistic, yet emanated as so inherently complex... “Such fascinating technology...” She thought to herself, as she gawked at the process for a second, then made a subconscious note to conceal her interest from the officer. Quickly, she gathered herself and crossed her arms. brushing the thought aside for later. Regardless, she hld a strong feeling that the officer would not nother to divulge the secrets of his technologies to her, probably since he was bound to some sort of spiritual law, or an oath to that effect to shelter the distinct ways of his kind. She could only speculate, but upon an inquisitive glance from him, Kimiahn flashed a quick smile to him and eyed the small city ahead, gasping for once at the poisition of the setting sun. “Well, here we are being sidetracked from our objectives again, officer Dracon! Don’t mind it, though - it’s a common occurance for myself. Just yesterday I was issued a mandatory summons order while I was supposed to be briefing some of my soldiers on an approaching commemmoration. You can’t possibly imagine the strain this position places upon myself.” “Actually, I can connect with you there, Kimiahn.” “That’s Commander Kimiahn to you, sir.” She joked to him, as “Tsk, tsk, tsk...addresing a superior in an fashion of disrespect. Just kidding...what was your rank, anyway, you know, in the military?” “Well, in terms of official title, I was noted as a digital procurement officer...whatever that was. Typically, I was more of a part time hacker with the job of a merc.” “What sort of title is that? Well, I’m not sure if we can even compare...I mean...” “I’d have to personally show you...that reminds me, does the city have any satellite network offices, by any chance?” “Hmm? Satellites, you’re speaking of moons, right? We have an astrology office in our main city, but that’s about it...” “No, I mean dish network technoloy...if you don’t have that, perhaps something in the area of wireless communications or a P2P contact network? My communications are pretty much shot, so...” “I really have no idea what you’re talking about, honestly... p2p? My apologies there...I’d have to read up on it.” Kimiahn replied, somewhat mislead by his comment. “Perhaps since p2p is a remnant of ancient networking...I’ll probably find it there anyway...” He replied, as Kimiahn nodded in agreement, and they proceeded off into the distance. End of chapter two, part one. |
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