Whispers of the Furtive

The days that the group spent preparing for their expedition seemed to pass at blinding speed for the soon to be adventurers.

Livia spent the majority of the time away as she traveled to her family's hometown of Ilen. Livia knew their journey would not be short, and that her return was not a given. She wanted to see her parents and siblings and wanted to spend as much time with them as possible.

Beyond that the group spent every waking minute preparing for the trip while making sure not to attract too much attention.

For Corin this entailed preparing as many supplies as possible. He hunted vigorously through the night, hiding his activities from his neighbors. He knew that they would have to eventually resort to living off the land but he also knew there would be areas where access to food would be limited.

Simeon searched his belongings, scouring for any artifacts that might aid them in their trip. Old maps of the continent, trinkets that might be valuable for trade. Every other waking hour was spent crafting as many arrowheads as possible. Although Corin had spent most of his time hunting for their food, it was a skill he and Cyril learned from Simeon. When it came to downing a target with an arrow Corin had never met any that matched Simeon.

Nanaua would practice with her pike in the nearby forest in the middle of the night, where no eyes might fall upon the furtive dragoor. Zhi would accompany her and practice magic, but was limited by her attempts to not draw attention. Corin would also accompany and practice his swordplay against Nanaua. He almost always ended up needing Zhi to heal a cut or a nearly broken bone. During the day Nanaua would hone her and Corin's blade, leaving them so fine that a blade of grass falling on the edge would be halved by its own weight.

Aside from the time Zhi spent in the forest, she rested for the majority of her free time. She had not fully recovered from the effort it took to bring down the dragon temple, and the trek across Trinixo added to the toll on her. She was very aware that she had much longer distances to cover in the future when they landed on the continent. On rare occasions she would practice small amounts of magic in the home during the day. One such session led to Corin’s food catching fire as she attempted to warm it up for him.

Despite the group's best efforts at secrecy several rumors started spreading through the town. Some swore that they had seen dragon people walking with a strange pale person in the middle of the night.

Simeon was quick to move around town squashing the rumors as he heard them.

“Dragon people, you say? Well why the other day I had tree people at my kitchen table! My whole house is covered in leaves now!” Simeon told Aya.

“Pale people in the middle of the night? Hmm that reminds me of the tale of the haunted widower.” Simeon interjected into another conversation.

“What tale you say?” Simeon would begin.

“Oh well, a story I heard a long time ago from the continent. A widower said that he started seeing a pale woman in white start to appear to him in the middle of the night. Ten days from the first visit the widower disappeared. Some say it was the spirit of his murdered wife that came to take him. But you know, it's just a silly tale!”

But those were not the only tales that were heard in town. News of what happened in a nearby town Grial started to make their way to Ankur. Nobody knew what to make of them. Various stories percolated around the town, all with slight differences, but the majority of them agreed on several points. A band of strangers walked into Grial, started shouting about looking for fugitives and put it to the flame. The residents pleaded with the aggressors, telling them they had no clue who they were looking for. The villagers were given confusing details with strange terms such as vulgros, Zifors and Doren being thrown about. The stories also agree that these Zifors were brought down by the same fugitives they were searching for. But that's where the similarities ended. Beyond that some say that a heavenly wind by Jokasta herself blew the attackers away and others say that a small dragon came to the aid of the villagers.

The night before they were to depart Corin was unable to sleep. The recurring dream of Cyril's last moments haunted him once more. His brother Cyril imploring him to go warn the others, the last time he would ever see him.

Once he woke he found the pendant on his chest. He held it in his hands as he closed his eyes.

We'll be successful, Cyril. We'll stop the titans. I swear this to you.

Unable to sleep Corin got out of his bed and went to sit by the fire. Upon leaving his room he was quite surprised to see who he thought was Livia. He swore he had just left her in the bed. But he realized quickly it was just Zhi dressed in his wife's clothing, having no other clothes but the ones they were in at the temple. She was sitting with her legs up to her chest in front of the fire, the warm light from the fire illuminating her face.

Corin walked into the room and saw Zhi wipe her cheeks. He could see the fire reflecting off her face, the streaks from where the tears had just fallen mere moments falling ago.

“I'm sorry I can leave.” Corin began.

“No it's ok. Stay.” Zhi said as she forced a smile “Some company is welcome.”

She took a deep breath as she wiped her face again.

Corin sat on the chair next to her.

“Finding it hard to sleep?” Corin asked, trying his best to initiate a conversation. It was hard for him to relate to people he did not know well.

“Yes. I see I'm not the only one. I wonder why?” Zhi smiled as she replied.

“Well it's not like we’re planning on doing something crazy is it?” Corin replied.

Zhi laughed as they both stared at the fire. Corin realized this was the first time he had spent with Zhi, just the two of them. He had spent a good amount of time with Nanaua already, who let him know that his safety was her duty due to her oath, and would be his main source of conversation during the day while Livia had been away. But Zhi had been resting for a majority of the time they had been back.

“I’m sorry I never said this, but I wanted to thank you.” Zhi said, breaking the silence.

Corin turned and looked at her.

He was quite puzzled.

“What did I do?” Corin asked.

“Well you and your wife found two complete strangers in the middle of a ruin that fell from the sky. Heard their crazy story about how they are on the run from one of the most dangerous beings on the planet and still decided to come along and help them. Thinking back on it, I can't even believe I asked you and your wife to join us.” Zhi laughed as she wiped her cheeks.

“Oh, because of that. Yes I still sometimes wonder if this is all a very realistic dream that I'm having and if I am about to wake up any second now. But it still has not happened.” Corin replied.

“But now after getting to know you, Livia and Simeon I'm not surprised.” Zhi said.

Corin looked at her with a curious look.

“Simeon told me how he came to this island. About how your brother found him near the shore almost dead. How you and your brother were the ones who rescued him. How the first years on this island you and your brother were the only friends he had, how he saw you both as his own family. He says that when he met you, you were very quiet and reserved. That you've changed so much, but in a positive way. He says that sometimes it's hard to distinguish you from Cyril.” Zhi said.

When Corin heard that name, he felt a pang in his stomach. He did not reply.

“I'm sorry I didn't mean anything.” Zhi said as she saw Corin's reaction.

“No it's ok.” Corin was quiet.

“Did you have someone like that?” Corin asked, looking at the fire.

“I did.” Zhi paused.

“Her name was Fran. She was one of the servants that worked in the palace of Tonatiuh. I have no memories of my family.” Zhi paused as she wiped her face.

“Once my magical abilities were discovered I was taken away from them and made to live under the watchful eyes of the Lord’s protectorate. I don't even know how old I was. I have no recollection of what they looked like, or if I had any siblings. All I know is that they worked in the mines for Tonatiuh, a job in which most furtives die quickly.” Zhi said, her voice wavering.

She took a deep breath.

“I was privileged compared to them. My days were not spent toiling away, I just did what I wanted. But I was treated more like a delicate artifact than a real person. The only company around me was the Lord's protectorate and they weren't very friendly, and of course there were servants around the palace but they disliked me. They thought I was low born and did not deserve a place in the palace.” Zhi spoke and tried her best to suppress some sobs.

“I remember Simeon telling me about the strict hierarchy between the furtives that tend to the palace and those who toil in manual labor for the dragons. Furtives fighting over who is more important to a Titan, that sounds like madness to me.” Corin replied.

“It is madness. But that is the way it was, except for one person, Fran. She herself had no family, her husband had been killed when he displeased Tonatiuh over a simple mistake. Fran had to pretend as if that did not bother her for her own survival.” Zhi said as she took a deep breath steadying herself.

“But she made sure that I was always taken care of. She would get me toys and on sacred days bring me presents according to the traditions. It was from her that I learned what a parents' love must feel like. Thanks to her my childhood was not a complete nightmare, I would be sad all day until I could go see her. But she was not supposed to be speaking with me outside of her job. They accused her of trying to take my powers for herself. From that moment it did not take long until they killed her..” Zhi wiped away her tears as she took a deep breath.

She had to take a second to compose herself.

“I still remember that day. They made me look as they murdered her. In her last moments she looked at me. As she went up in flames her last words were “Forgive me.” For the longest time I thought she was asking for Tonatiuh’s forgiveness. That she regretted meeting me, and taking me under her wing because it had cost her life.” Zhi broke into soft sobs.

Her story stopped there.

“She was asking for your forgiveness, because you had to endure watching what they were doing to her.” Corin said as he rubbed her back consoling her.

After several seconds of sobbing Zhi regained her composure.

“But that's when I knew. I didn't know how I would do it, or if it even was possible, but I swore that I would make them all pay for what they did. Even if it cost me my life I would not let them, the Titans, get away with treating us like this.” Zhi raised her head. The flames from the fire reflected from her eyes.

“I swore that I would make them fear the furtives, no matter what it cost.” Zhi said, the bright fire burning in her eyes.

***

The group quietly left the town in the early morning mist.

As they stood on a hill outside the town they took one last view of Ankur. They did not dwell on their surroundings for too long before leaving. The group knew they had to make haste.

The group began their trek toward a place that Corin never thought he would return to, Bothia.

The site of Arandu's and Telletiuh’s fight, the place where many died, including Cyril.

The group was able to cover ground much faster than when they initially landed on Trinixo. They were better prepared for the overland passage and reached the town of Bothia within three days.

Upon arrival they were all shocked at the state of the town.

Homes with walls ripped out of them. Craters dotting the landscape. Vegetation growing inside and on the top of various abandoned buildings.

The signs of the conflict, well over a decade ago, were still clearly visible.

“Come on.” Corin was the first one to move. He was eager to be away from this place. The group made its way to the shoreline where Corin gathered the familiar items now. The whistle and the gift. Livia had prepared a different gift this time for exchange.

Corin and Livia waded into the water and this time Livia submerged herself. She blew the whistle and emerged from the water.

It took some time for a response. Enough so that Corin started worrying that their signal had not been heard.

But eventually a solitary figure appeared. This siren was one that neither Corin nor Livia had ever seen before. Unlike Gavlin and Nishandra, this one did not seem eager to see strangers.

The siren did not even bother to introduce himself.

“Are you Corin?” the siren asked in a deep tone. He held his hand under the sea while staring straight at Corin.

Corin hesitated to answer but he knew that lying would do no good.

“Yes.” Corin answered the hostile siren.

“My apologies.” The siren raised his hand.

“There was a feeling that you might come around again.” The male siren continued.

He looked at Livia.

“You must be Livia. It is an honor!” The siren beamed as he looked at Livia who seemed taken aback at the compliment.

“Ah, my manners. I am Genno. I am acquainted with Nishandra and Gavlin.” The male siren looked around concerned.

“Is something the matter? Did something happen?” Corin asked.

Genno stopped looking around and just stared at Corin.

“You could say that. You could also say that if it wasn't for you I wouldn't be here.” Genno said to Livia.

‘Because of the whistle?” Corin asked.

“No my friend, because of her gift.” Genno replied.

“The one we gave Gavlin and Nishandra?” Corin asked.

“Precisely! When it was first brought to our home most thought it was a fool’s tool. A device to detect a leviathan made most other sirens laugh. Almost all thought that Nishandra and Gavlin were such fools for having accepted your gift. Your box was perfectly quiet and all thought it was an obvious attempt to trick us.” Genno said.

“But it rang.” Genno added.

Corin's heart started to race.

“It happened about five days ago. Not everyone in our tribe took it seriously. I myself only followed Gavlin due to his hysterics. But when we returned we saw the after effects. All of the ones who stayed back were dead.” Genno muttered.

“But that’s not all. There has been a lot of stories of suspicious activity occurring recently. Strangers moving about, servants of various titans moving about. It's clear that something happened after that dragon temple fell.” Genno said.

Corin and Livia were quiet. They could not know that Zhi bringing down the temple would have this many consequences. First Grial, now the sirens. But events were already in motion, they could only move forward.

“But you did not come here to ask about how my people are doing. I assume you need a favor from us and after your previous gift we are indebted to you.” Genno asked, ignoring the gift that Corin held.

“This is going to be a difficult request.” Corin said.

“We are indebted to you and your wife, I am prepared to hear your request.” Genno said earnestly.

“Ok, here goes. Do you know of any location near here where Arandu might keep something precious?” Livia said.

“Arandu?” Genno said softly as if he misunderstood.

“Arandu the Titan?” Genno shouted in bewilderment.

Livia's silence let Genno know he had not misheard him.

It was clear he had not expected such a request. The siren eyed Livia as if she had just grown three extra heads. It took him some time before he was able to reply to them.

“This isn't some death wish is it? Because I will not contribute to anything of the sort.” Genno asked in a concerned manner.

“Hah, although it may seem that way this is not that.” Corin replied and silence ensued.

Genno stared at Livia and Corin waiting to see if they said anything else. He looked beyond them at the three figures on the shore.

Corin's heart started pounding fast.

Genno looked down and laughed. The first time he had done so.

“Something the matter?” Livia asked.

“Well one of the rumors is that these strangers that keep asking around, they keep asking if there have been sightings of a draconic furtive. When I first heard the rumor, I thought it sounded ridiculous.” Genno stopped as he pursed his lips.

Corin slowly moved his hands to his blade. But Genno was faster. He held both his hands up so that they could be seen.

“You misunderstand me.” Genno replied as Corin still hesitated.

“I don't believe that you have any intention of telling me what it is you could want from Arandu. But I do owe you my life, and sometimes the less is known the better.” Genno assured Corin.

“You ask if there is any area where Arandu would keep something precious to him? We sirens know these seas as well as you know your island. We know where we can go, and also where death awaits.” Genno warned.

Corin was not phased by his word choice. He knew what he was asking. Livia did not say anything either. Seeing as neither of them were dissuaded, Genno continued.

“Among these places that we avoid there is a curious structure. I have only seen it once. It was one of those occasions where I tried to prove my bravery by doing something that could have ended in my death, an idiotic moment of my youth. But this structure is unique amongst any that Arandu claims for a single reason.” Genno paused.

“Why is that?” Livia asked.

“Because despite it being completely underwater there is not a single drop of water inside. A barrier keeps the sea from spilling into the structure. We think it is that way to prevent any sirens from stepping inside and discovering anything that might be hidden inside. Out of all of Arandu's underwater palaces, this is the only that no siren has ever stepped foot in. Or at least none have survived.” Genno stopped.

“How long would it take to get there?” Livia did not hesitate. The response came so fast that not even Corin had formulated a response.

“For the five of you” Genno paused as he looked at the others on the shore, “there is a vessel I can find.”

“It will not be a pleasant ride,” Genno continued “but it will be the best option you will have. It is fast and small, so your chances of detection will be slim. It will take you close to a quarter of day to reach the location with our fastests sea steeds. But there is an issue.”

“Which is?” Corin asked.

“The structure is far underwater. Once you open the vessel it will instantly fill with water and you will have no way of leaving the structure.” Genno rubbed his chin in thought.

“We have a solution.” Livia replied.

“You do?” Genno said.

“We do?” Corin said almost at the same time.

“Just trust me.” Livia said as she looked at Corin.

Genno knew better than to ask any more questions and Corin figured he would find out what Livia's plan was.

“One more question.” Livia spoke up.

“You know I am grateful that you saved my life, but I don't owe you the world.” Genno sounded exasperated now.

“The continent. How much farther from the structure?” Livia asked.

Genno gave Livia an incredulous look.

“Hah! You really are something. Not only do you want to know how to get to one of Arandu's temples but you also want to know how long to reach the continent. Now that is nowhere near. That would be a ten day trip.” Genno laughed.

“Thank you. Now go on Corin.” Livia nudged Corin as she looked at his hand.

“Oh right, this is our gift.” Corin held out the bag.

Genno grabbed it and felt its weight in his hand.

“My this is quite heavy!” He sounded excited as he held the bag. He opened it and grabbed one of the items within it. What he pulled out was a small metal cylinder about as long as his hand and as wide as his forearm.

“Oh I'm interested in hearing what this is!” Genno said as he eyed the object and twirled it around his hand.

Corin too was curious, in their haste for preparations Livia had not told him what exactly she had made.

“Well first off you need to be very careful because it is very dangerous, unless you want to kill us all.” Livia said in the same tone a parent might use with their children.

Upon hearing that Genno paused and proceeded to be more careful with the device.

“What you have there is something I have not tested completely, but I am sure it will work. The way it works is that you crush the center of the cylinder and within several seconds it will produce a very bright light and a loud sound. It works better underwater. Now this is a last resort. You are still better off running away from a leviathan if you can.” Livia said.

Genno smiled as he heard the details.

“You better not die on us down there.” He said as he put away the cylinders.