The Andurin

Ikrei P.O.V.

The tension inside the cave could be cut with a knife.

“We both know a fight here will be very cumbersome for a myriad of reasons.” Said the hazel eyed beauty.

“This is obvious but I will not relent.” Answered the opposing belle.

I still had not yet processed my surroundings and everything that was happening properly. I didn’t trust anybody but Teng at this point in time. No matter the circumstance, I had to ask.

“Why me, lady Freslia?” That’s her name right? Right?

Turning to me she replied, “Because you are one of us. Your father was, as it is obvious by your knowledge of the things I showed you. But most of all, it is because you need our help.”

“Am I not a prize you are trying to get, what trouble? I inquired.

“What you did was way too dangerous and unstable. Lucky for you that you were here in a orgon rich environment.” Freslia answered.

“We can help him as well.” Interjected Alzra.

“I’ll say it again; he is one of us. No help is worth losing oneself.” Freslia retorted.

“Unless it is done willingly.” Teng spoke up surprising everyone.

“That’s right, so what do you want to do Ikrei? Alzra said while clapping her hands.

The conversation was going a bit too fast for my convalescing self. So, I had no answer.

“I don’t know. I don’t know either of you.” I said looking at both women.

“You wanted a chance for a better life and now you are getting fussy?” Freslia said to me.

“I wanted a chance to be free, not to change slave masters.” I replied.

“You called upon the Will of all wills because you took a desperate gamble and now that the hand is extended you dare say these words?” Freslia said clearly frustrated.

“Tell us why you are doing this lady Freslia? Interrupted Teng.

She felt silent for a few breaths, she seemed to be gathering herself.

“Because your master will make my life miserable if I don’t take you to him. Even if you curse me to the seven depths, you are coming with me!”

Everyone in the cave besides Freslia felt completely stunned.

“Who’s his master?” Said Alzra.

“Elder Akathos.” Freslia replied.

Again. We felt silent but Alzra was quite surprised with the mention of the Elder. We had no idea so I couldn’t care less no matter how much my life was in the balance.

I am still being toyed with.

“Why don’t you offer something in exchange, less force and more subtlety? Alzra said.

“Sure thing. What do you want Ikrei?” Freslia asked.

“I meant what is in it for us, the Clethora. Not him.” Insinuated the hazel eyed woman.

“Just went I thought somebody was on my side, this shit happens. Someone bury me.” I said loudly showing my frustration.

“Watch that mouth young man. Look taking Elder Akathos name lightly is a grave dereliction of duties. It shows your potential and that lady over there just unveiled it without any hassle.” Alzra explained.

“So what do you want?" Freslia asked Alzra.

“Make it worth our while to deal with the dead body over there and your presence hidden. You know the Zigur really don’t like you guys at all. If they find out and you are here before you can make enough safe way…” Alzra trailed off.

“Finally showing your colors I take it.” Said Freslia infuriated.

“Gentle as doves, cunning as foxes, the scripture says.”

“Aren’t we supposed to never lie?” Asked Teng with a perturbed look in his eyes.

“We never lie but we also don’t tell all things. Strength without honor is tyranny. Honesty without temperance is foolishness.” Alzra answered Teng.

We both fell in deep thought at those words.

“I must say, it is a very interesting moral viewpoint.” I said.

Alzra only nodded at my words.

“Very well, I’ll help you collect the crystals in this cave. That should make your Courtiers happy. No one must know we were here.” She said while she threw a cubed artifact into Alzra’s hands.

Alzra seemed surprised but almost instantly smiled at her in return.

“It’s been nice knowing you Teng, Dodekor Alzra. Let’s see each other again when fortune calls.”

“From now on, you may address me as sister, lady Freslia or Claimere.”

“Let’s get along Ikrei.”

Freslia moved her hand towards me for a handshake.

I tentatively returned the gesture not knowing whether I was making a deal with a saint or a devil.

Freslia P.O.V.

We made our way to the nearby village, the one closest to the Andara Forest. The boy was pretty good for a ‘normal’ human but definitively needs more training. I’m going to up his regimen quite a bit for a while.

“Can I go visit my father’s friend? The village chief is the one who helped us.” Ikrei asked.

“Sure thing. Just wait up a bit, we are waiting for your brethren.” I told him.

He was looking surprised at my words but not too much. We stood there at the town market for a while.

“What is this about me having a master?” The boy questioned.

“You had a master in your previous life, that’s what it means. Reincarnation is real.” I told him as a matter of course.

He wanted to ask further inquiries but we were stopped by an approaching group wearing ragtag clothes with hoods.

“Morning Claimere.” Ciel said with a slight nod.

“I believe introductions are in order. This one here is Ciel, our young prodigious scout. The two behind her are Iru and Krigsain.”

The trio saluted with a slight wave of hand.

“This one here is Ikrei, he’s barely a seedling so please be accommodating.” I told the group.

“There really was a fourth, Claimere.” Iru proclaimed.

“The sage’s words are rarely ever wrong.” I stated.

“Henceforth, you are my entourage.” I ordered them.

“Iru, be a jewel and go with Ikrei, he wishes to say his goodbyes.”

“Ciel take my ring and gather supplies we are leaving immediately.”

“Krigsain come with me, we have matters to discuss. We will see each other at the tavern by the third hour, we will travel by night. Dismissed.” I told them.

“By your order, Claimere.” The trio answered and everyone dispersed to their dealings.

“You should hold off the wine so early in the morning my lady.” Krigsain said as he saw me gulp down a cup of liquor.

“Wine is good for you. Everything within measure my young warrior.” I told him.

We were sitting at the tavern on the lookout for possible news around town and making sure we were not going to get followed after leaving.

“Krigs, I have an offer for you.” I said to him.

He was going to be an absolute heartthrob in a few years, for a seventeen-year-old, he was extremely well built and had mix raced proportions that would catch any eye. Thankfully we were hooded.

“When you look at me like that it makes me excited yet uneasy Claimere.” He answered politely.

“My apologies. I want you to train Ikrei and bring him up to par as much as you can until we reach Kotar. Of course, this isn’t for free. I’ll give you a full set of Augirian armor as a fee. I expect premium results from you.” I declared my offer.

Krigsain eyes lit up like the southern lights.

“That’s an exorbitant price Claimere. I guess you must have your reasons.”

“I kind of forced that kid into joining our little expedition. He is very wary of us all. Specially me. I need you to do what your boyish charms do, put him at ease and give him a shoulder of support.” I replied

“Forced allegiance is never good. He must be very precious to you. Almost makes me jealous.” He said with a boisterous laugh.

“I am thinking you should train him in the ranger arts. Test the waters to see if there is anything else worth probing on.” I said

Nodding, Krigsain decisively gulped down his cup of wine.

“By my word, I will turn him into an elite warden by the time I’m through with him.” He said with a smile.

“Well said for the prodigy of prodigies. Ragnar amongst lions. I am glad we have come to an understanding.”

“So, where are we heading?” He asked.

“Need to know basis, no need for busybodies here. Or should I tell Ciel there is another girl swirling around you?”

We both laughed and drank more wine.

We sat merrily waiting for the rest of the cohort to return.