Tales of Eleutheros

Katrina shifted uncomfortably from left to right as she stood in the Regios great hall. Avria sat on a small throne next to her father, Telmos, the lord of the House Regios, who now listened to his petitioning subjects. As she had learned, the high lords who served the Hego all governed different areas of their territory. They were ultimately beholden to the Hego but could cast judgment on nearly all matters within their territory. It was also law within Eleutheros for these high lords to make time to hear their subjects’ grievances or settle disputes.

Small beads of sweat trickled down her back, irritating her, but still, she remained standing at attention. This was her first official appearance as Avria’s squire and, standing beside her father who offered very little in terms of encouragement, she felt even more nervous.

“Palen Gorrak, subject of House Regios!” called a crimson-clad warrior.

A thin Dae entered the hall. He wore a colorful assortment of clothing and brandished a strange and floppy hat.

“My Lord Regios,” he said, bowing deeply.

Avria’s father waved his hand and gave a slight nod in reply.

“I have come before you today to bring up a grave matter. One of importance and absolutely in need of your immediate attention,” Palen said.

Katrina saw that the Dae was holding back a great deal of anger and irritation.

“My family and I came to Vul De Rah to bring our goods here and increase profitability. I am a simple merchant and live a humble life, but came here from Vuk De Toh for a better one.” He sighed as he reached into one of his coat’s pockets, bringing out a large slab of wood slightly burned on the edges. “This, my Lord, is all that is left of my cart. I was beaten and robbed by Doulos thieves in the street. They took my goods and burned my livelihood into nothing.” He dropped the piece of wood back into his coat and hung his head. “My Lord, I am here today because I have nothing left. Please help me.”

The Lord of House Regios did not stir or react in any way to the Dae’s woeful story. He just sat on his throne, imperiously. His skin was the same shade as his daughter’s, and his eyes shared a similar harshness. But his gaze was one that could bring even the strongest warrior slight hesitation.

“Palen, was it?” Lord Regios asked finally.

“Yes, my Lord,” The merchant replied.

“I am deeply disturbed by this news.” He looked to his left and locked eyes with his daughter. “Are there witnesses who can substantiate this claim?”

“Yes, my Lord. Many people watched it happen, and the crime was in fact committed within the Regios territory of Vul De Rah,” Avria said.

Lord Regios pondered for a time, leaning back in his throne and adjusting himself. “Let it be known,” he finally said. “That all trespasses against my subjects are and will be considered a grievous attack against House Regios itself.” He looked at a scribe who sat in the corner, scribbling his words down on a scroll. “We will find these Doulos thieves and skin them for their crimes, along with any who may have been involved in this. Avria, do what is necessary to bring them out.” He looked at Palen, who was wringing his hat in his hands. “As for your wares? You may take one of the carts of my house, we should have some stored here. If not, one of my Stewards will commission one to be built. What did you sell?”

“Fine clothing, my Lord,” Palen said.

Lord Regios hesitated a moment, looking at Palen’s clothing again. Katrina thought she saw a faint forming smile on his stern face.

“In that case, I would like to extend an offer for your services as a designer for the ladies of my house. Speak with my Steward about that as well.”

“Thank you, my Lord!” Palen said, falling to his knees. “You are just and noble. May the spirits bless you for all your days.”

Palen was escorted out of the hall by one of Lord Regio’s Stewards, and the Lord let out a tired sigh.

“This is what you must expect,” he said, turning to look at his daughter. “To come face to face with your subjects and rule fairly. To witness their anguish or joy at your judgment. You must not be affected by this.”

“I am aware of that, father. I see how you and Hego Ignos govern your people.”

The mention of Agron gave Lord Regios a moment of pause.

“Yes,” he said hesitantly. “If only you weren’t so stubborn, and would finally join our houses. Kryo Oros is a brash and arrogant Dae, but he is heir to the throne and needs a strong influence.”

Avria scoffed at the mention of Oros. This was clearly not the first time her father had pushed the idea of her joining with the Dae Kryo.

“He does not like me, and to be perfectly honest with you, father, I loathe him quite the same.” She stood to leave, waving for Katrina to follow. She did so instantly, moving her stiff body after the several hours spent standing at attention.

“Hold yourself,” Lord Regios said sternly. “I have not dismissed you.”

Avria stopped and turned to him clearly irritated, but obeyed him.

“We must speak about your brother,” he said, glancing at Katrina with an unreadable gaze. “Tell your squire to leave us.”

“Father, I will vouch for her. She has proven to be loyal and trustworthy.”

Lord Regios sighed again. “Must you challenge me at every turn? Very well.” He adjusted himself again in his chair.

It must not be very comfortable, Katrina thought.

“As you witnessed firsthand, your brother was disgraced before the court several months ago. I did what I could to protect him, but he was dismissed by Lord Kanter as his squire. Now, Kryo Oros has asked for his assistance in the training of the other… human, Daniel.”

Avria’s eyes widened at the news. “What? Could we not do something to prevent it?”

“I tried, but it would seem Hego Ignos has it in his mind to insist on giving the human access to your brother. It seems he is content with the training and wants to stay.”

Avria shook her head. “Do you want me to go there? I will solve this.”

Lord Regios nodded. “I would like you to make an appearance. Show Kryo Oros that we are not at all pleased with this. Either way, it should keep the creature away from Delmos.”

Katrina stiffened at the words. It was clear that Lord Regios did not see eye to eye with Agron’s opinion of her and her companions.

“Yes, my lord,” Avria said, turning to leave.

~

Daniel walked into the mess hall of the Palace. It was considerably smaller than where nobles and royalty ate, but being around the common warriors was comfortable to him. He was still at heart, just a grunt. After getting his food, Daniel looked down at his meal. A bowl of what looked like rice and meat, seasoned and smelling delicious. He also held a cloth-wrapped piece of bread and cheeses.

“Spirit-Sent!” called a familiar voice. Delmos, the brother of Avria and fellow outcast, waved him over. After his defeat at the hands of Daniel in the trial of Doxo, the young Dae had been ostracized by his family and by the court. It wasn’t the defeat that brought him this shame. It was the fact that he broke the rules by using his power and still managed to lose.

Daniel gave him a smile and walked to his secluded area at the corner of one of the far tables.

“Daniel, good to see you! Have a seat, my friend,” Delmos said.

“Likewise,” Daniel said, sitting down across from the Dae.

The two had become quick friends since they began training together. For some strange reason that Daniel couldn’t quite figure out, Delmos seemed eager to make this so. He apparently held no ill will or resentment to him after his defeat.

“Kryo Oros said that we are going to the Glade today, finally an opportunity to train more with the Dunamis,” Delmos said, taking a mouthful of food.

“Really?” Daniel said. “That’s great news.”

Delmos shrugged his shoulders, taking a long drink from his bowl of wine. “It’s about time too; seeing you flail around with a blade is getting tiresome. The blade isn’t for everyone.”

Daniel chuckled slightly. “You’re probably right.”

“Either way,” Delmos continued. “I’m determined to make this work. I’ve arranged to have you train with members of the Proistem.”

“The what?”

“The Proistem,” Delmos said. “It’s where our officers and nobles train, far from the common whelps.” Delmos leaned back in his chair with a grin. “Though you would probably fit in better with the commoners. Didn’t you say you were one?”

“Well, in my world, things are different. I mean, they weren’t always, but common people can rise to a high station if they work hard enough.”

“Interesting… and you said that they have no power like the Dunamis?” Delmos asked.

Daniel nodded. “No power at all like that.” He looked at his hand again, opening his fingers like he usually did when in deep thought.

“Well, hopefully we can solve that little problem today,” Delmos said. “You’ve been trying on your own right? And still nothing?”

“No.” Daniel sighed. “I can feel it there, pulsing, taunting me, but I don’t know how to get to it. It’s frustrating as hell.”

“Yeah, well, too bad a spirit didn’t appear and help you out like your friend. She was lucky. Which brings me to a question. Are there any spirits in your world? You haven’t really mentioned that.”

“That’s kind of a difficult question to answer.” Daniel said, “Many people believe there are, but there are many who don’t. We don’t see them, and there are tons of different religions… it’s complicated.”

Delmos nodded with a blank expression. “It sounds so… interesting. What a bizarre place.”

After their meal, Daniel and Delmos made their way across Vul De Rah to the Glade. With their escorts keeping them far from the crowds, it was an uneventful journey.

Approaching the Regios estate. Delmos explained that the overseer of training for the warrior caste was, of course, Lord Regios, his and Avria’s father. The military facilities and training grounds all surrounded the large estate. Daniel’s eyes drifted within the grounds, looking to see his companion Katrina, who he had not seen since they began training. Though they didn’t know each other very well, Daniel still felt more comfortable dealing with her and Robert. I wonder how they’re doing, he thought.

Daniel found himself once again in the massive dome known as the Glade, only this time, he was standing in the center of the arena with a platoon of Cadets. Before them, their instructor was giving them an introduction of what they were going to be going over for the session.

“Today, we have a very special period of instruction,” the instructor said. “Lord Regios has commanded that we begin this advanced training of the Dunamis under the tutelage of some of Vul De Rah’s very best.”

The instructor turned around to face the large door that opened into the arena and saluted with his arm across his chest.

The doors slid open smoothly, and a crimson-clad Dae walked in with the grace and power of a lioness. It was none other than Avria Regios, ward of the Hego herself.

Son of a bitch, Daniel thought. Behind her was a girl who looked vaguely like Katrina, Daniel noticed with surprise.

Avria saluted to the instructor as she passed him and stood before the platoon of Cadets. Katrina did the same, standing to her right, just behind Avria and at the position of attention. Daniel stared at her in awe of the discipline she now displayed. Only two months, and she had already started to become a warrior.

“Good afternoon, Cadets,” Avria said, loudly. “House Regios bids you welcome to this sacred ground and offers you an opportunity to learn from some of the finest warriors in Lokkadonia. Our clan has survived for many years because of our dedication to the warrior’s code we all share.”

She took a moment to scan the faces of the students. Daniel tensed instinctively as her eyes met his. They narrowed ever so slightly and continued past him.

“I see we have many loyal and honorable houses in this class,” she continued. “Let us begin. Katrina?”

Katrina bowed her head respectfully and stepped forward. “All Cadets stand in a line facing to your left!”

There was an immediate shuffle as the Cadets obeyed her command. Daniel stood for a moment looking at her; she seemed so different to him, sure of herself, commanding, confident. His daze was interrupted as Delmos grabbed his shoulder to get him moving.

“Let’s go,” he whispered.

Daniel and the rest of the Cadets stood shoulder to shoulder in line, facing the wall to their left. The wall they were facing was several hundred feet in front of them.

Katrina pushed her hands out, and before each of the cadets, about fifty feet away, rose large slabs of stone from the sand.

Daniel’s eyes widened at the display of power. “What…?” It occurred to him that she had learned more than just military movements and commands.

Many of the other cadets gasped as well.

“Thank you, Katrina,” Avria said, walking before the Cadets again. “Today, we will go over the fundamentals of offensive executions of one’s Dunamis.” She raised her hand toward the closest slab of stone. There was the crackling sound of electricity flaring, and a burst of energy shot against the stone. The casual display of power brought many Cadets to straighten their backs. “Everyone, close your eyes, and focus on your Dunamis. Tend the power within, and feel the spiritual energy around you.”

Daniel looked again at his hands, frustration gripping him. A Dae girl beside him had her eyes closed and followed the instructions of Avria with instant obedience. Her hands opened, and he could see a small cyclone of water forming in her palm. How is she pulling moisture from the air?

He closed his eyes and attempted to do the same. The pulse was there, stronger now, but still elusive.

“Focus this power into your hands, and identify your target.” Avria paused for a moment, letting the students open their eyes and establish where they would unleash their fury. “Attack!” she shouted.

Cracks and explosions erupted around Daniel. He opened his eyes to see an amazing sight of all types of elemental destruction unleashed on the sturdy stone slabs. Fire and electricity scorched them, water and air cut them, and stones smashed against them. There were waves of power that were almost visible to him as the loose sand was sprayed in every direction.

Delmos put a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. The Dae looked as though he was going to say something to Daniel, maybe offer him words of encouragement, but stopped as he saw his sister approaching them.

Avria stopped before Daniel and eyed him. “Still unable to use it?” she asked him mockingly. She glanced over to Katrina, who stood a short distance away. “Katrina, show this fool how you figured it out. I’m not sure he has the same mental capacity as you do, but do your best.”

Avria then looked at her brother. “By the spirits, you just can’t keep yourself out of trouble.”

“What do you mean, sister?”

“You were supposed to stay away from this creature,” she spat. “I thought you had more sense than to associate with him. People are already talking about it in court, and it isn’t favorable, believe me.”

Delmos scoffed. “Please, this is ridiculous. I don’t care what those fools say about me anymore. I have already been disgraced beyond repair, and Daniel happens to be a fellow outcast. We have become good friends!” He smiled at his sister and clasped Daniel’s shoulder. “We’re inseparable! And let’s not forget that it was Kryo Oros, and Hego Agron who suggested it!”

Daniel couldn’t help but smile at the words spoken by the younger Regios noble. He had proven to be a good friend and had earned what few people had in this new and dangerous world. He had earned Daniel’s trust.

Avria let out a sigh and abruptly turned toward the instructor, who was still waiting to proceed with the period of instruction.

Daniel then looked at Katrina, who hadn’t said anything at this point. She was well trained now, it seemed.

“So…” he said, not quite sure what to say to her. “I see that you’ve grown a lot since we last saw each other.” He gestured to the stone slabs that were now being assaulted by the rest of the cadets.

“Lady Avria is a skilled master. She has been treating me well.” Katrina said, her voice sounding a bit harsher than he remembered. “I can show you how to use your Dunamis. It took me a couple of weeks to get it down, but Lady Avria told me that every element is very different.” She stepped closer to him and placed her hand on his chest, closing her eyes.

What the hell is she doing?

She was silent for several moments as she pondered. “I can sense it here,” she said finally. “It’s steady but tense.” She opened her eyes and stepped to his right side, facing the stone slabs. “I’ll walk you through it. Just relax, and focus your mind.”

Daniel let out a frustrated breath and closed his eyes.

“It isn’t about forcing your control of the element. It is about coaxing and convincing it, using a subtle touch. Can you feel it?” she said softly, calming him.

Daniel felt it there, a heart of fire raging beyond an invisible wall. Her voice became muffled as his mind cleared.

“For fire, you must calm yourself. Emotions are a large driving force for the Dunamis, but fire is particularly susceptible. Now… look at the power within.”

He now felt almost as he did in the shrine. Entering a trance-like state that brought clarity and inner focus. I’ve been here before… now what? How do I get this damn thing out?

“You can see it now, right?” Katrina said. “Now… don’t try to force it out. Draw your power from outside your body.”

“What?” Daniel said.

“Everything in this world is spiritual energy. When you use the Dunamis, it pulls from the energy around you and filters it through what you are seeing inside yourself. That is the source of your power, but it is an engine. It needs fuel to function.”

Daniel changed the direction of his focus outward instead of inward. As he did, he felt an overwhelming sense of power. Gentle but almost infinite. It felt as though he was on a raft in the middle of an ocean of unfathomable depth and size. He began to call to it, bidding it come to him, but nothing happened. This he tried several more times to no avail.

Every power is different, he thought. But not just every power… every person as well perhaps.

He steeled his resolve and grabbed the power around him with his will, commanding it to come to him, and this time it obeyed. He was hit with a burst of energy; his senses flared like he had been covered in ice.

His eyes opened, and he gasped, then a slow smile crept across his face. He could feel it now, like never before, completely in control and eager to use it.

“I’ve got it,” he said, looking at the stone slab in front of him. It was still unmarked.

“Good,” Katrina said excitedly. “Now, for the moment of truth. Focus your energy, not into your hand, but through it. It must be used to direct your power for this attack.” She paused for a moment giving the anticipation its due. “You may fire when ready.”

Daniel released a blast of fire from his hands. The force and heat of the discharge showered sand on the surrounding cadets, pushing them back. It slammed into the stone, which melted away in seconds. Daniel froze at the display of power he had created. His fire did not look normal, either. It was a deep crimson and burned its angry blood color for all to see.

“By the spirits!” Delmos said, his mouth open in awe. “Very impressive, my friend.”

Katrina patted Daniel on the back, but he didn’t move. He still stared at the damage he had caused.

“That was unbelievable,” she said.

Raised voices of amazement and encouragement erupted from the surrounding cadets. They all crowded around Daniel, talking excitedly.

Avria strode past the group of Dae and looked at the stone slab, her eyes wide. She turned and looked at Daniel, who met her eyes. She shouted, bringing silence to the clamoring.

“Instructor Yuka, please take the cadets outside for exercises on the importance of maintaining one’s discipline.” She gave the instructor a hard look. “They all seem to lack this quality.”

The instructor shouted for the cadets to get in formation and directed them to go outside. Most did as they were told without argument, but some let out hushed curses and grumbles at their coming punishment.

“Once you’re finished, bring them back in here to continue.” She stared at Daniel, who was on his way to the budding formation. “You, stay.”

He froze where he was. Only glancing to see Delmos, who had frozen beside him.

“Not you,” she said to her brother. “Go outside with the others.”

Delmos reluctantly began moving again, falling in with the formation and out the large doors.

Daniel now stood in the massive arena, with Avria and Katrina before him.

Katrina twitched, seeming very tense.

“What are you playing at?” Avria asked him, her eyes blazing with rage. She looked at Katrina as well. “Both of you better tell me what, in the name of the great spirits, you are up to. I don’t care what the Hego says; I will slaughter you both here and now if I don’t get the truth.”

Katrina turned to her, clearly afraid. Avria gave her a cold look in return.

“Listen,” Daniel finally said, “we’ve told you what we know and have been over this again and again. We don’t know how we got here, only that there was a flash of light, and we woke up in the Spirit Forest.” Daniel started to think about the possible outcomes if she were to attack him. How would he fare? She seemed a much more capable warrior than any he had faced of the Dae so far. Still, his mind raced with the threat she posed.

“Lady Avria,” Katrina said, standing up straight. “You know where my loyalties are. I am very grateful for all you and your people have done for us. We all are.” She gestured to Daniel. “You were there when I discovered my Dunamis; you saw how powerful it was. How is it any different from Daniel’s? He only did the same thing as me.”

Avria’s look softened a bit as her squire spoke. Daniel noticed it, a very subtle change, but it spoke volumes of the Dae.

“It isn’t necessarily the power,” Avria said with a deep sigh. “It is the color of it.” She pointed to the charred and melted stone. “There are only a few creatures in our written history who have summoned crimson flame with their Dunamis. And every single one of them was said to be unspeakable horrors.”

“The color?” Daniel asked, tensely, but still genuinely curious.

Avria paused for a moment. “Yes, fire is a strange element, as it does not have any real variants to it like the others. Dae-Voh are able to manipulate different forms of the element, like vegetation or sand instead of stone or metal. Dae-Leu are able to manipulate the temperature of the element usually. Some are better than others at it, of course. Look, it is very complicated to explain now, but the point is…” She took a breath. “Dae-Rah are able to augment their bodies to produce different colors of fire to accomplish different levels of strength. The common orange that you see is obviously what most are able to produce. We have seen white fire, blue fire, and green fire. These are not difficult to find; there are plenty of strong Dae-Rah in Pelemont. However, the stories of our history mention black and crimson as well, but only alongside some incredible evil.”

Avria paused again after she finished. She turned toward Katrina. “Don’t find any discouragement from this, my squire. I have vouched for you before my father and the court.” A tinge of guilt crossed her face. “I am sorry for threatening to kill you.”

Katrina smiled at the words.

Daniel let out a tense breath and gave an uneasy grin. “What about me? You threatened us both.”

Avria gave him a stern look, but her mouth betrayed a ghost of a smile.

“Forget it.” He raised his hands defensively.