Tales of Eleutheros

Katrina’s eyes opened to a bump in the road she traveled on. Vurllia had arranged for a meeting with one of Alektor’s highest officers to discuss the treatment of her people in Vul Req. Using wind talking, she was able to make the proper arrangements for the meeting and leave right away. They traveled in her finest cart, an elaborate stone carriage that slid across the ground, powered by several Dae-Voh. It was comfortable and large enough that they slept throughout the night, without stopping.

As Katrina’s mind began to clear and wake, she saw the familiar shape of Vul De Rah’s spires and structures. The sight brought tears to her eyes, and hardened her resolve to see her task completed. She had taken on the cloak of Vurllia’s House Morri, and was under the guise of her niece, Mitha. The Sterion identity could roam freely through the fringes of enemy territory, but here, where there were true officials and agents that lurked, it was far too dangerous.

They entered the city gates smoothly, and made their way through the streets toward the palace. Katrina made sure to note the state of the people. Many looked troubled, like anyone would, living in an occupied city. However most seemed to be going about their business normally. There were many more merchants than she remembered from before, wearing sigils and colors from nearly every clan in Eleutheros. Odd… trade is flourishing? For a city that was recently conquered… this isn’t normal. She thought.

Soon they found themselves going past the gatehouse to the palace that rested at the base of the steep hill. After a flash of credentials and a few smiles from Vurllia, they were let through and stopped at the top in the courtyard she remembered defending many months ago. She stepped out of the stone carriage, and turned to help Vurllia out. Several attendants came to guide them in, and brought them to a waiting room in the main hall. To Katrina’s surprise it looked almost the same as she remembered.

“Alright.” Vurllia said, “I’ve arranged this meeting, with the King’s right hand, Lord Turak, I believe his name is.”

“What do you know about him?” Katrina asked.

“Only that he led the Rexunii army against Prince Oros, is a very dangerous warrior, and apparently has a weakness for attractive women.” She winked at Katrina, and nodded toward her. “You are quite beautiful Spirit-Sent, I’m sure he will be happy to join us for this. He could also get you closer to Alektor.”

“If not, I’ll have to change my appearance to someone he knows.” Katrina said.

The two women waited patiently for another twenty minutes, until the door of the hall opened, and an attendant beckoned them forward. As they moved, Katrina guessed they were being led to the same conference room she had been in many times before. As they entered, she saw a handsome Dae man sitting behind a large stone desk. He had light grey skin, and a terrible scar across his face. He was wearing a fine grey cloak, and had his bone armor hung on a stone stand behind him.

“Enter, Lady…” He looked closely at a scroll on his table. “Vurllia?”

Vurllia bowed as she entered and let Katrina in behind her. “I am very happy you agreed to meet with me Lord Turak. The situation is dire. I’m pleased that Rexun is taking this matter seriously.”

Turak sighed heavily and looked up from his papers. His eyes focusing intently on Katrina. “Yes, we do take these matters quite seriously. As lords of this land, all here are to be treated fairly under the law. However, we cannot expect to be able to tend to every trespass against Lokkon’s people by other clans.”

“Which is why I’m here,” Vurllia said, sitting on a chair before him.

“And who is this?” Turak asked, gesturing toward Katrina.

“Ah, yes. Forgive me. This is my niece, Mitha of House Morri.” Vurllia smiled broadly. “She is going to be helping me with many of our dealings in Vul Req, I thought she would do well to see how things are done firsthand.”

“Yes.” Turak’s eyes narrowed. “So, tell me then, what the issue is.”

“Well, to start, the Volsung garrison in Vul Req has been regularly stealing food and supplies from our people. They accost us at every chance they get, and don’t pay for any goods. Our merchants have all left to Vul De Rah, where the honorable Rexunii treat their charges fairly. My people are not so flexible with where they are able to live. Our home has become a prison. Lord Turak, we only wish to be treated fairly.”

Turak nodded as he took notes detailing the grievance. “I will see to it that the clan Volsung representative is made aware of this issue.” He said, looking back up.

“Things are difficult my Lord, we know you’re very busy.” Katrina said, speaking for the first time. “We would be forever in your debt if you resolved this for us.”

Turak leaned back in his chair, looking at her skeptically. “We are doing what we can to maintain order here. Mere months ago, this was the heart of power in Lokkadonia. We have been fighting resistances and treachery at every turn. You must consider yourselves lucky that the High King has shown this level of mercy. I will do as I said and bring this to the Volsung, but if they choose to do nothing, I’m afraid it will be sometime before anything changes.”

“So, you’ll let people starve in the streets? Is that what Rexunii are?” Katrina said through grit teeth, fury boiling over.

Turak leaned forward and looked directly at her. “You are very bold to say these things to me, Lady Mitha. You’re lucky your people are even breathing.”

“My Lord!” Vurllia said, bringing her hands up defensively. “Please forgive her, she is young and naïve. She will leave with me at once.”

“I have never met a Rexunii warrior before.” Katrina said, standing to leave. “Now I have, and am unimpressed.”

Turak let out a loud laugh that caused Vurllia to jump. “By the spirits you have guts.” He said, letting the laughter stop. He took a breath and looked at them seriously. “If that is all you have, then get out. I have much more important things to do than to deal with pompous little nobles.”

The two women bowed and left, but not before Katrina gave him a look of sheer disgust. As they were escorted into the main hall, their attendant turned and left them to find themselves out.

“Perfect.” Katrina said, closing her eyes and taking on the form of another Dae woman. “You head back to Vul Req. I’ll find Alektor.”

Vurllia sighed, holding Katrina’s shoulder. “I’m sorry Katrina. Please end this. Kill that monster and help free us.”

Katrina nodded, and turned to walk further into the palace. She made her way to the higher floors through the winding halls of the palace, hiding in plain sight. The guards did not recognize her, but she moved with a purpose, and it was not uncommon to see unfamiliar nobles meet with Rexunii officials. She was left un-harassed until she neared the King’s chambers. At first, she wasn’t sure where he would be, so she moved toward Hego Agron’s old quarters. She soon realized, due to the overwhelming presence of guards here, that she had guessed right.

“Stop.” A Rexunii warrior said, through his helmet. “What business do you have here?”

“Oh.” Katrina said, feigning ignorance. “I was told to meet with the High King on behalf of house Morri, I’m Mitha of House Morri. There were certain matters regarding the Spirit-Sent that escaped I was sent to share, details for the High King’s ears only.”

The guard cocked his head at her. “Where’s your escort? You aren’t supposed to be wandering around the palace unattended.”

“Sorry, they just pointed the way and let me go.” She said, looking bashful.

“Damned, lazy fools. All of them are useless.” The guard turned to the rest. “Escort her to the High King in his study.”

Six of the guards broke off and surrounded her, leading her down a different path to Agron’s old private study. She entered to find a meeting already taking place within, between a Dae woman, dressed in an extremely extravagant gown, three other attendants and a Dae man wearing a fine grey cloak. All eyes looked to her as she entered, and she bowed deeply.

“Apologies, your highness.” One of the guards said. “Lady Mitha of house Morri is here to see you regarding the missing Spirit-Sent.”

Katrina beheld the man, Alektor, High King of the Rexunii coalition, and murderer of Oros Ignos. He had a strong and handsome face, with red skin, and uncharacteristically short hair for a Dae. He wore a thin crown on his head, made of white bone, etched with unrecognizable characters across it. He looked at her, with darker yellow eyes, and raised a brow skeptically.

“Really…” He said, looking her over.

Katrina felt sweat dripping down her back as the tension rose.

“Very well.” He finally said, after what seemed an eternity.

Alektor gestured for her to come forward and nodded to the guards, who bowed, then left them in privacy.

“I don’t recall hearing of this meeting.” The finely dressed Dae woman said, staring daggers at Katrina. “When was this approved? Your highness I need to know of these things.”

“Ambrosia.” Alektor sat down on a large chair, facing Katrina. “Leave us, we will continue our meeting afterward.”

Ambrosia’s face twisted in anger. “Your highness, am I not your council? I can’t-”

“After.” He said, more sternly. “This is something I must attend to immediately.”

Ambrosia bit her lip, then scoffed as she turned to leave, bringing the three attendants with her.

As the door slid back to close, Katrina felt a sudden weight of dread on her shoulders. This was it; she was here now, alone with Alektor. Holy shit… she thought, he’s actually here. Right in front of me... it’s now or never. She closed her eyes and remembered all this man was responsible for. The death of Daniel, of Avria. Oros, the entire Lokkadonian clan. He needed to die.

“That’s a technique I’ve never seen before. How did you manage it?” He asked her.

Katrina’s eyes shot open in surprise. Wait, he saw through me? She thought frantically.

“A very convincing disguise, whoever you are, but I know strange spiritual energy when I see it.” Alektor lifted his hand toward her. “You can drop it now, and we can speak. Unless you wish to fight. In which case, I’m afraid you will find me a difficult target.”

Katrina’s heart beat faster and faster in her chest, and she closed her eyes again to calm herself. In the instant she did, she found her resolve to face this man. Her body glowed with power, and her pink human skin, and brown hair revealed themselves.

Alektor looked at her, shock and surprise plastered on his face. He leaned forward. “You…You’re Katrina, are you not? The human?”

Katrina’s eyes focused on him, and she raised her hands. “You, killed my friends, conquered my city, and turned Robert against me. You fucking piece of shit.” Fury poured from her as she spoke, and she saw him stand.

“I wish to speak with you, Katrina. There is no need for this.” He said,

“Fuck you!” She screamed, sending dozens of massive spikes of earth at him. The stone of the room crashed as Alektor lifted his hand, and a blaze of fire sent her attack in every direction. Spikes of earth stabbed into the ceiling and floor of the study. Surprise painted her face at the ease of his deflection. She had hit him with everything she had, and he waved his hand like it was nothing. Fear blazed in her again, and she realized that she had severely underestimated this man.

With a growl, she shook off her fear. She waved her hands horizontally, tapping into her spiritual energy to create more and more stone. Razor sharp spikes again hurled toward the king. But again, flame engulfed him and deflected her attack. This time the shock of his ability blew her back and into the stone wall behind her. Her eyes flashed as she felt her head slam against the hard surface. She tasted blood in her mouth as she fell to the floor. She wobbled, trying to stand. Fuck… he’s so strong. She thought, panic taking hold again. I’m gonna die here. As she opened her eyes her vision was swimming. She lurched forward and fell on her hands and knees, panting.

Then the door slid open, and his guards charged in, brandishing weapons and poised to strike.

“Wait!” Alektor shouted, staying their hands. “Do not harm the Spirit-Sent!”

Katrina summoned a blade of stone in her hand and stood on shaky legs. She took a defensive stance, cursing herself for her arrogance. This is what you get, Kat. You dumb ass.

“Katrina.” He said, folding his hands behind his back. “Please, I only wish to speak with you. You have no chance to kill me, let alone make it out of here alive.”

Katrina grimaced and looked at the dozen guards that were now pointing their weapons at her. Well this went perfectly. She thought, part of her knew it would end this way. Facing off with elite guards, and the strongest Dae in Eleutheros.

“You will not be harmed.” Alektor said, “I promise you that.”

“There isn’t anything for us to talk about, murderer.” She spat.

“Oros was a warrior, and fought with honor. He had the chance to defeat me, and lost. That hardly makes me a murderer.” He replied.

“What about Daniel!? And Avria!?” She pointed her stone blade at him, and could feel tears welling in her eyes.

“Daniel? Avria?” Alektor’s face softened a bit, and he took in a deep breath. “They are not dead Katrina. They are currently leading a resistance group in Eastern Lokkadonia.”

Katrina’s mind raced at the unexpected news. “What?” She mumbled, without realizing it.

Alektor raised his hands up, opening them defensively. “We can talk about this. I’m sure there is much you would like to know.”

As he said that, Ambrosia stormed into the room, pushing past the guards. “What in all the Great Spirit’s names is going on here!? You dare try to assassinate the High King!?”

“Ambrosia!” Alektor barked, irritation clear on his face. “Hold your tongue.”

Katrina’s blade was steady, but her heart was beating out of control. This is not how she imagined this going in the least. “Alright.” She said finally, and lowered her blade. “But I want to speak with you alone.”

“Impossible!” Ambrosia yelled, “You just tried to kill him! Your highness, we must apprehend her immediately! guards?”

“Leave us.” Alektor said, his tone permitting no question. “She cannot harm me.”

The guards without hesitation escorted Ambrosia out of the room amidst her protests and yelling.

“I was told you killed them.” Katrina growled angrily. “Every report we got was—”

“Wrong.” He said, bluntly. “Daniel escaped with the help of a spirit, and saved Lady Regios in the process. I would know; I was witness to it all.” He went to sit, but realized that his chair had been destroyed by one of Katrina's spikes. “He was in no real danger from me, I do not wish to kill humans.”

“But it’s fine to slaughter Lokkadonians, right? I don’t believe you by the way, I have no proof that Daniel or Avria are alive.”

Alektor reached in a pouch he had to his side, and brought a rolled up report from each front, abbreviated for his convenience. “Read this then, it is unaltered, and stamped by the commander of Visgo forces in the region.” He tossed the scroll to her, and she caught it.

Opening it, she was suddenly very thankful that Avria and Telmos had taken the time to teach her the written word of the Dae. She read through a dozen smaller reports about other areas of Lokkadonia, when she came to one with Daniel’s name in it:

“14th Day of Turnith, Year 756

Forces met with harsh resistance from the fleeing defenders of Vul Dema, Spirit-Sent among them, believed to be the one known as Daniel. The strange weapons they are using seem to be effective at long ranges and are catastrophic for morale. Avria of house Regios has named herself, and leads the resistance. A third of Visgo War battalion was wiped out in a massive Dunamis explosion, caused by the Spirit-Sent. Commander Domic has ordered a halt to any engagement, but continues to observe enemy movements. Resistance element is believed to be heading to Baa’Yega clan territory for refuge.”

Katrina’s eyes began to water as she read the report. “They’re alive…” She whispered, smiling.

“And causing more trouble than I anticipated.” Alektor took a step forward and opened his hand toward her.

She looked at him and found that much of her hatred had dissipated. She handed him the report, and looked to the stone floor. “We all thought…”

“I thought you were up North. We had dozens of war-groups scouring the land for you. I had no idea you could conceal yourself so effectively.” Alektor clasped his hands behind his back and turned away from her. “I made Reku a promise that I would find you. I like to keep my promises.”

“You haven’t found me, asshole. I came here to kill you, and if I find a way to do it, I will.” She spat. “You still killed Oros, and destroyed this city.”

“Destroyed?” He chuckled. “Vul De Rah’s people have food in their bellies and homes to sleep in. More than they allowed the Doulos.”

Katrina’s face twisted at the mention of the slaves. She always pitied them, but Daniel had told them not to interfere with the culture of their hosts.

“Yes, they are MY people. Rexunii, held here as slaves to the masters of this land.” He turned to face her. “They called to me, for decades, sending messages and escaping. Those that I brought before me were pleading with tears in their eyes to free them... and so I did. I came here for my people, and killed those who stood in my way. You saw them every day here, and did little to ease their pain.”

“What was I supposed to do about that?” Katrina hissed. “My people were being hunted down like animals when I first arrived. How was I going to call out the people who were kind enough to give me a place to feel safe? The people who fed me and trained me how to use my power?”

“Unfortunate that you were caught up in this mess, Katrina, but Reku saw our plight, and accepted his role in freeing us.” Alektor took in a deep breath, as if remorseful. “He was broken when I saw the truth, and that is something I must atone for. He longed for you, for many months. You were always on his mind… but he thought you saw him as weak. He isn’t, of course. Too often people mistake kindness for weakness.”

“I never thought he was weak.” Katrina blinked tears away, thinking of Robert again, not as an enemy, but as a scared and tortured man, bringing emotions to the surface she thought were long buried. “I knew he was gentle… and kind… but coming here, seeing everything we’ve seen and--”

“Daniel?” He asked.

Katrina snarled, “I saw gentle people get bowled over in life. Robert got captured and tortured because he didn’t want to accept our being here; because he was afraid of change! And I wept for him, like you wouldn’t believe, when I heard he died! And even more so when I heard that he was a traitor! I still haven’t moved on because I loved him. Daniel though... was a pillar.” She paused, He’s still alive. “IS a pillar.” She corrected. “He’s alive… by God, he’s alive and still kicking the shit out of you people.” She smiled at the thought. “You won’t stop him, or Lokkadonia from coming at you again. That I can promise you.”

“They will find that Rexunii, who can defend themselves are much more of a threat.” Alektor bristled with the words, stepping toward Katrina. “This is where you choose, Katrina. Choose to stay in the palace, as my guest, a Spirit-Sent who will have status and respect, from the people of Rexun and Lokkadonia? Or as my enemy, in chains.”

“I’ll always be your enemy.” She stepped toward him as well, mustering as much hate as she possibly could into one stare. “But trying to kill you here would just end up with me a burned corpse. So now you get to choose. To have me locked up, like the tyrant I know you are? Or let me go.”

Alektor studied her, his eyes narrowing as he was no doubt weighing his options. “You don’t even wish to speak with him? Reku?” Alektor asked, sadness in his voice.

Katrina hung her head, and tossed her stone blade to the ground. “I’d like to think he died in the pit… that was when I just hated myself for the way I treated him the last time we spoke… Now… I just hate him for what he did to us…”

“You know, in your heart. That he was doing what he knew was right.” Alektor looked again at the room, destroyed by her Dunamis. “I think you will find me, not to be the monster you believe I am.”

Katrina scoffed, and turned away. Then they heard shouting outside of the door, and a very angry Turak stormed in. “What in all of Pelemont is going on here, Alektor!?” He strode up to Katrina, but paused as it registered what she was. She held her hands up in a defensive stance and stepped back.

“A human? Here?” He asked, in confusion.

“She came here, under the guise of Mitha of house Morri.” Alektor said, walking past her and placing his hand on Turak’s shoulder.

“You’re… not being serious. It was you!?” Turak turned to Alektor, in bewilderment. “She was pretending to be a noble’s daughter or niece… or something! She insulted us, called us savages! Wait… are you Reku’s old mate?”

Katrina said nothing, but held her stance. She didn’t really believe he would attack her, but the situation had gone far from what she had envisioned.

“Katrina,” Alektor faced her. “I will insist that you stay here for the time being. I will not imprison you, but you will not be permitted to leave this palace. I know you can change your image now, so do not attempt to fool me.” He turned to Turak and whispered in his ear. The scarred man nodded in compliance and turned to leave. “I hope to see you for dinner tonight. I’m sure there is much more we can discuss… perhaps you could negotiate on behalf of the people here. I am always open to the council; Reku found me to be quite receptive.”

With that he strode out after Turak, and after several moments, twelve guards stepped in and grabbed her by her arms. Katrina was led to Daniel’s old quarters, and was made to sit on one of the couches. She waited in silence, surrounded by guards, for nearly an hour. When suddenly the door slid open, and an armored Dae woman entered.

“You may go.” She said, and the guards bowed and left the room.

The woman crossed her arms and looked at Katrina appraisingly. “I must hand it to you.” She said with a smirk. “You certainly have guts.”

“Who are you supposed to be?” Katrina asked, crossing her arms as well.

“I’m Demessa. Your handler, apparently.” She walked to sit down on the couch across from her. “The High King has given me the task of both protecting you and ensuring you do not attempt to escape. A task I am well versed in. King Reku was once under my charge.”

Katrina raised an eyebrow, acknowledging Demessa’s devious smirk. “Look, I’m not going to escape. Alektor said something that got me thinking it might be better to wait. About negotiating for the people here, in Lokkadonia.”

“Yes.” Demessa nodded, “You will find he is good at taking advice… as long as it meets his goals.”

“And his goals right now, what? Don’t include slaughtering people?”

“No.” Demessa said, standing and walking to a small table where they had stone jars of wine. She poured two bowls, and gave one to Katrina, who accepted it. “His goal, for now, is you. So, if he must ease the lives of a few people here, then he will do so. And IN doing so, keep you here and obedient.”

Katrina caught obvious anger in her voice, giving her the idea that perhaps Demessa was not the High King’s biggest fan. “What’d he do to you?” She asked without hesitation, seizing the opportunity.

Demessa drank deeply from the bowl and leaned her head back. “Let’s just say that he took someone I loved… and sent them away… to Visgo in fact… into the arms of a Queen…”

Katrina’s eyes sparked with the realization of her words. “Wait… you, you’re not talking about Robert, are you?”

Demessa looked at her and rolled her eyes. “If by Robert you mean Reku, then yes. I am.”

Katrina’s mind reeled at the revelation. “You were… his lover?”

“I hear we have that in common.” Demessa smiled, and raised her bowl. “To love lost.” she toasted.