Grendel's Demon pt. 1

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Grendel’s Demon

Bal Vyr and Abu joined Harbinger and myself a few hours later. I had woken up to them entering the house from the catacombs. A different Clade member had brought them and gave the same warning about entering the catacombs alone.

We asked what the delay was all about since Harbinger and I were in the shack about 2 hours before I fell asleep. Who knows how long I was out when they finally arrived. Bal Vyr mentioned that there was someone following them and that was what detained them for longer than anticipated. They then informed us that they tried getting the Priests of St. Cuthbert to help as well as Myranda who helped us nearly 2 weeks ago when we first fought the undead in the graveyard. Then there were some of the dock folk that seemed likely to help, but all seemed ambivalent and very much dependant on if the Mayor was corrupt.

“So how long are we to wait here?” Bal Vyr asked.

“Someone is to come for us by tomorrow night,” Harbinger responded.

The Drow scoffed under his breath. “Why?”

“That’s how long it’ll take them to prepare.”

“So they say. Heaven knows if this’ll all turn out favorable for us,” I muttered.

We all then hunkered down and went to sleep. I forced myself to not think about the ‘what if’s’ that could make our plan go horribly wrong.

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We puttered around the shack for the most part of the day. I tried my best to distance myself from Harbinger to avoid making the other two uncomfortable. We nibbled on rations and I whipped out the cards I took from the Goblins (and considering they’re all alive again... I feel a little bad about that). I think the games saved our sanity for the most part.

Bal Vyr eventually sat down in a corner with a book. I paid no mind at first, but eventually curiosity got the better of me.

“Did you get that book from the Library?” I asked.

“Huh? Oh- yes I did,” he responded.

“Were you able to find anything useful while you were there?” Abu asked.

“Actually-” the Drow began before some footsteps were heard stopping outside the shack’s door. The door was unlocked and in entered our escorts from the night before.

“Okay, it’s time for you all to go to the Mayor now,” one of them said.

“Where will the Clade be?” Harbinger asked.

“We will be around. Go do your part and we’ll be doing ours,” he responded. Collectively, we all exhaled a sigh of reluctance, but I had no reason to believe they were setting us up. There was almost a sense of the less we knew, the better we’d be.

As a group we made our way over to the Town Hall. The sun had nearly set, casting the sky above in dark shades of purple and blue. The moon was half full and part of me wished I could just fly away from the mess we were in.

“Remember, the plan is to not give the Mayor the orb,” Harbinger stated.

“Duh. That’s why we left it back at camp,” Bal Vyr responded.

“No we didn’t,” I said, “It’s in my haversack.”

“Oh Heavens you did not bring that with you!” the Drow seethed. I lifted an eyebrow at the idiotic notion.

“And you think it’d been safer to have left it back at camp? What would have prevent someone from just waltzing in on our site and taking the deific item for themselves?” I snapped back.

“Actually, Dawn is at the campsite currently,” Harbinger added. 

“Doesn’t matter. I personally feel much safer to have it on my person so I can know exactly where it is and defend it properly if needed to,” I responded.

“Well it’ll certainly make it impossible to lie about orb,” the Drow stated bitterly.

“Says the guy who said that lying was futile the other night.”

“Will you two stop it! Or shall we have the whole town knowing about the item?” Abu snapped at us. The Drow and I held our tongues. The little spat put me even more on edge as we approached the Town Hall.

We had our usual entourage of guards to escort us. Shortly we were placed within the dim and murky room. The guards that guided us closed the doors and an echo of a lock sounded. It would seem they were anticipating some kind of confrontation.

A half dozen guards stood between us and the Mayor, the robed figure standing conspicuously behind him. It suddenly dawned on me in an eerie way as I looked at the anonymous personage. I was certain he was a mage of sorts and therefore quite possibly scryed upon us as we went about the Mayor’s request.

“I am so glad that you all made it safely home from the ordeal with the Goblins,” the Mayor began in his slow and punctuated tongue, “Were you able to locate the orb?”

“Don’t play dumb with us. You know very well how successful we were,” I said flatly. I looked on with narrowed eyes and my lips pressed in a thin line. The Mayor smiled at my smart.

“Then hand it over,” he demanded. Over my dead body, I thought.

“Not until you return our friends first!” Bal Vyr spoke. The smile vanished as the Town leader looked back with mild humor.

“If that is what you want.” He leaned over and pulled a lever. A rumbling behind the guards rattled the room. Some kind of platform lifted up and out of the ground, presenting Trickfoot. He looked even worse than when we saw him 5 days ago.

“Now hold on there! This is an unfair exchange! You’re giving us damaged goods!” Bal Vyr spat.

“Oh he wouldn’t have been so bad if you were hasty in your return,” the Mayor countered. Trickfoot scurried over to us, I holding out my hand for the old Gnome. I protectively positioned him behind myself and made no attempt to retrieve the orb as we demanded the release of Grendel. The Mayor seeming impatient with us, yet desiring the orb above all else, pulled another lever.

To the left of the room another platform arose presenting someone unfamiliar. It appeared to be a Dwarf man, but the scars that marred his skin and left his face beardless had me wondering if he was. As I observed his battle worn (or tortured...) skin, something else caught my attention. The mark of Erythnul!

I stared on in utter shock. What is on us!? I thought. It was comprehensible now why the curse we bore was different than I remembered, but there are elements that still don’t make sense. Like what had happened to Meryth? Wasn’t it her demon form I saved her from? Yet I couldn’t deny Erythnul’s mark as it stood before me. That is the mark of the evil I was suppose to destroy!

The anguish that built in me from my confusion made everything else around me vanish. My thoughts raced and I was only brought back when my introspection was interrupted as a third platform rumbled to the surface, presenting a recognizable dark figure; Grendel’s Demon.

I then realized that everyone was scattering throughout the room. Three guards charged toward me. I whipped out Lash’s scythe and began to make quick work of the men. My first swing took the closet guard to me down. I then prepared a fire bolt on the scythe as I caught sight of Harbinger raging toward the Mayor. My concentration almost broke as the political figure transformed into some spirit like wrath.

The two guards remaining hit me with their swords. I had tried to dodge one, but the blade left a gash on my cheek, hot blood streaming down my neck. I rendered a another guard dead as I swung the scythe again, igniting the fire bolt on him. The magic of the crystal in my weapon healed the wound on my face some, the pain subsiding a little.

With the one guard actively trying to render me, I placed another fire bolt on the scythe and struck hard. My attacker tried to avoid the hit, but ducked too slowly. The scythe cut his head clean off, the spell igniting it as it toppled away. It actually startled me some at how vigorously I had killed the man. With the three guards dead about my person, I looked toward the wraith that once was the Mayor. My quarrel was with him... and the cloaked figure. These men were just doing their job.

It was only a few short moments that those thoughts and feelings of remorse washed over me. With Grendel a demon, I had to focus once more to the fight at hand. He was more difficult to hit, so I attempted to work strategically with the Dwarf as he fought our comrade.

A strange sound caught my attention in the midst of the chaos. I looked to my left and I spotted Bal Vyr suddenly get grappled by a serpent like being. Unable to run to his aid, I threw a fire bolt at the creature. When I turned my focus back to Grendel, I looked right as he swung his fist into my chest. The square hit crack some ribs as the air was knocked from me. It burned as I tried to breathe.

I glared back at the demon of Grendel’s, trying hard to rationalize that he wasn’t in control despite knowing how much he hated me. I reminded myself he needed to be saved and for humor sake added, you’ve always wanted to get back at him for trying to kill Harbinger. Oddly enough, as I looked at Grendel, he seemed... bigger! The need to destroy his demon form triggered my adrenaline and gave me the strength to attack. I managed two hits, which did wonders for my chest. The fiery pain dulled to which breathing didn’t hurt so much.

Harbinger eventually joined us and after a few short blows, the demon crusader fell to his knees, then flat to the floor. We let out a collective sigh of relief. I looked about the room littered with bodies and was grate to see the fight was over.

In my scan of the room, the Mayor and the hooded bodyguard were no where to be seen. Bal Vyr, on the other hand, was free from the snake like creature, but looked really hurt. Abu was already assisting him and so I turned my attention to Trickfoot.

The Gnome was collapsed on the ground when I spotted him. I alerted Abu and when he was able, he came over to assist. As Trickfoot came too, I couldn’t help but overhear Harbinger and the Dwarf talking. The scarred man said his name was Tornar and Harbinger introduced himself with his full name.

“So A’aluke-”

“Just Harbinger,” the Goliath corrected.

“Uh, sure. Harbinger, what are you? How did you get so big during the fight?” Tornar asked. Harbinger told him that he was a Goliath and that his people’s blood runs thick with strength. His size increases to show the power of his soul. His body barely manages to contain the spirit of his people as it tries to break free. And all this time I thought it was a symptom of his anger.

“I see you have the same mark we bare. I guess that’s why the Mayor thought you were with us,” Harbinger stated. I looked to the Dwarf and sure enough, there on his right leg was the curse mark we all bore.

“What do you know about it!?” Tornar asked earnestly.

“Nothing really,” I blurted out. The Dwarf looked to me.

“Ah, that’s Blackwing,” Harbinger introduced, “She’s a fallen Angelic and she knows pretty much everything about the mark.”

“No I don’t,” I corrected, “I thought I did, but... with the mark of Erythnul clearly on his forehead, I haven’t a clue who’s behind the mark we all bear.”

“What do you know about Erythnul’s mark?” Tornar demanded. I let out a sigh, but did my best to explain it quickly.

“From where I came from, Erythnul was placing his mark on people to claim their souls and to prevent them from being Exalted into Heironious’s Kingdom-” I began to reply when the Dwarf doubled over. Bal Vyr stood behind Tornar, dagger in hand. There was a crazed look in his eyes before he said something incoherent and collapsed to the floor.

“What the hell was that!?” the Dwarf exclaimed.

“Um, Bal Vyr,” Harbinger replied, “But look, that creature must have bitten him.” We all gathered around to see what the Goliath saw. Sure enough there were some puncture wounds on his shoulder.

“I suspect he’s been poisoned,” Abu mentioned.

“That’d explain his random outburst,” I lied. Eventually the Drow’s paranoia of Dwarves would be revealed, but for the mean time, I figured it best to not mention that.

Harbinger and Abu worked to cure Bal Vyr. As they did that, the great doors unlocked and in walked a guard. It was the very guard that I remember the Drow chatting with the first time we came to the Town Hall, and it appeared Bal Vyr was right that he was an anarchist.

“Are you all going to just stand around and chat all night? People are coming and I need to get you out of here now!” Part of me wanted to counter that we were the one’s locked in and didn’t know we had an ally waiting outside, but alas getting away was more pressing.

Tornar lifted Bal Vyr over his shoulders while Harbinger grabbed the unconscious and marked ridden Grendel.

“You’re bringing that with you?” the Dwarf asked.

“He’s one of us,” the Goliath responded, “What we fought was an unfortunate side effect of the mark we bare.”

I let the two men lead the way, bringing up the rear with Trickfoot and Abu.

In the hallway, we saw the other guards that escorted us in, dead. Our alley was truly willing to assist us at the cost of his brothers in arm. He led us into a room and after fiddling with a wall, managed to open a secret passage that was behind a grand painting.

“Here,” he said, passing Tornar a piece of paper, “follow the map exactly! It will get you out of here. Best of luck.” He then turned on his heels and began to leave us.

We looked to the dark corridor. As a group we should be fine, but it was still unnerving to go back into the dark catacombs without a proper guide.

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A Ram for Kavaki pt. 3: Gathering Our Allies

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When I came out of the tent, I discovered Bal Vyr had found our camp. I was impressed considering we had completely forgotten to go find him and tell him of Harbinger’s plan.

“You found us,” I stated.

“Yeah... people tend to notice a blue Goliath and a winged woman walking around. Plus the fire kind of gave you all away,” the Drow replied.

“Good point.”

We all gathered together and enjoyed a meal of goat. I made a note I would need to find myself a plate and utensils.

It wasn’t long into dinner that my thoughts wandered back to the orb. Like Bal Vyr said, people tend to notice me and Cloudbreaker Harbinger. Throw a deific orb into that mix, how was it the guards didn’t confront us while out and about today?

“So guys. I know we agreed to do research on the town and talk with the Elves as our focus for dealing with the Mayor, but I think we were lucky today to have not been wrangled up. I’m sure he knows we’re back and if I, or any of us, go into town again, they just might take us in,” I spoke. The guys gave a nod of their heads as they realized the truth in my words. “What should we do now?” I added.

“It’s clear we need to gain allies within town and strike tonight,” Harbinger stated.

“Tonight?” I questioned.

“Yes. It really bothers me that they have our friends and if you are correct in believing the Mayor knows we’re back, then surely our delay in returning will reflect poorly for Grendel and Trickfoot,” he explained.

“But who in town do we know that would want to take the Mayor out with us? We can’t just ask anyone,” Bal Vyr pointed out.

“The Sylphsbane Clade,” I piped in. The men looked at me for they knew of my reservations I had about them. “Harbinger, remember earlier when you asked Harry about the Mayor? He had nothing to say. To me that seemed evident enough that he was of a similar opinion about the Mayor as we are.”

“I don’t know Araja,” Bal Vyr continued, “They don’t seem like a group to trust.”

“But it’s the best we have.”

“No. I have some contacts that I believe we can get to aid us.”

“Even better Bal Vyr!” Harbinger interjected, “How about Blackwing and I go to the Sylphsbane Clade to recruit and you two can go talk to your contacts,” the Goliath suggested to Abu and the Drow.

I nodded in approval while Bal Vyr shook his head. “Are you sure you really want to trust the Sylphsbane Clade? I just... I don’t know. They don’t seem any better than the Mayor,” the Drow persisted.

“I’m certain of them. They still want our help with the Elven druidess. So we go in, explain that we four are of one mind to help, but alas we are unable to accept the contract for the Mayor has two of our comrades in bondage. I imagine if they truly desire our help with the druidess that they’ll assist us. And Blackwing is correct. Harry had nothing to say about the Mayor when I asked his opinion of him,” Harbinger elaborated.

Bal Vyr pondered for a minute, lips pursed, eyes narrowed. He began to shake his head, but let out an exasperated sigh and said, “Fine. Let’s do this.”

I helped Harbinger get into his armor once more before sliding back into my chain shirt and gathering my gear. Abu and Bal Vyr had thrown dirt on the smoldering embers, leaving the camp in the dim twilight. The Goliath then took my hand and began to lead the way back to town.

We approached the gates of the city and once the guards got a good look at us, said that the Mayor was expecting us. We told them we were on our way. Luckily they didn’t escort our party and so, once out of their sight, we split ways; Bal Vyr and Abu headed to the temple district while Harbinger and I went off to the Slyphsbane clade.

As the Goliath and I walked the dim streets, I couldn’t help but feel we really should have waited until morning. I looked up at Harbinger and was surprised to find him looking nervous like myself. It certainly didn’t help my nerves. Part of me nagged in the back of my mind that we were setting ourselves up for disaster seeking out the Clade’s help... but they were the only ones I felt who had similar opinions of the Mayor.

“I suppose it’s too late to say this,” I began, hoping to get Harbinger talking, “but perhaps it would have been better to have waited ‘til morning.” The Goliath’s eyes narrowed some. I let a sigh out. “I know I’m nervous to say the least,” I confessed.

Harbinger squeezed my hand. “I am too Blackwing,” he said solemnly. Then with more vigor, “But know this,” he looked deep into my eyes, “Whatever evil happens tonight, I will be by your side and protect you with my life.”

The gloom dissipated as a smile crept on my lips. And if I thought the joy I felt knowing I had him to protect me was enough, I was wrong.

“I love you,” he said as he lifted my hand to kiss it. I felt my smile falter as disbelief tried to play about my mind. Surely he couldn’t love me already. I was still in amazement that I was likable... but as he looked back at me, I couldn’t deny what I heard, nor the love that I felt for him too.

“Faq æae daa (fall yay day),” I responded, my grin returning. I said it in Angelic, because... well it seemed safe. I love Harbinger, but I didn’t want to confess how much yet. I’m sure it was the disbelief that someone could love me that held me back.

The Goliath gave an endearing smile and continued to lead me toward the Sylphsbane Clade.

We were able to gain an audience with Harry right away when we arrived. Once we were in a private room with him, Harbinger explained our dilemma to Harry. He listened to every word with particular care. It was hard to read his expression. Part of me wondered if he was noting our words with treason or comradery.

“Have you told anyone else this?” Harry finally asked.

“No we haven’t,” the Goliath responded quickly. I almost corrected him, considering Bal Vyr and Abu were out recruiting others, but I noted Harbinger was being honest. We haven’t told anyone else.

Harry then said the Clade would be ready by tomorrow night for handling the Mayor. We then explained that we weren’t able to return to our place since the Mayor was expecting us and it was pertinent that we struck tonight. The Clade member thought a moment before suggesting that he’d have us taken to a safe house.

“We were to meet our other two members at Larland’s Chalice Inn in a few hours,” Harbinger said.

“No worries. We’ll send someone there to retrieve them,” Harry responded. The Goliath then pulled out a symbol of Naki-Uthai and handed it to the Clade member, telling him it was so the others knew that we were with the Clade.

Harry went and fetched a few members. One escorted us through the club to a room in which he revealed a hidden door. It was narrow and the member apologized to Harbinger about the conditions, but promised it wouldn’t be so tight once they made their way through the passageway.

I followed after the Clade member sent to guide us, the Goliath squeezing through the passage after me. Hearing the stone against his armor made me cringe some... he had just retrieved the new equipment earlier that day...

The passageway did open up to a spacious corridor. As we continued to follow our guide, I couldn’t help but recall what Dale had told me about his God’s temple.

“Are these the catacombs of Larland’s temple?”

“Well, there are catacombs for that, but rather this whole city is made up of them,” our guide answered. He took us through many turns and only once did he pause a moment before selecting the corridor we needed to go down. Eventually we came to some stairs that lead up another narrow passageway.

We ascended the stairs and soon entered into a room. It was a small home in which a meager table was set up and straw scattered about. It almost looked to be a stable of sorts, but with a front door and two small, glass windows.

Once Harbinger squeezed up and through the passageway, our guide warning us that it would not be wise to go into the catacombs alone. He then added that by tomorrow night someone should come for us when it was time to confront the Mayor. We then thanked him for his help and watched as he went out the front door, locking it behind him.

The Goliath took a moment to take his armor off while I paced nervously. It was quiet, other than the clanking of metal. The only illumination we had was from the lantern the Sylphsbane member left in the home. When Harbinger finished, he settled himself on some hay and offered me to sit with him. I went over and sat down, leaning on the Goliath as I hugged my legs.

“Still nervous?” he asked. He seemed more confident in our ally than I was. Still, I nodded. It was hard trusting in someone I hardly knew and with roughly 24 hours until we confronted the Mayor... it was easy for my anxieties to work up. “I’m sure Naki-Uthai will watch over us,” Harbinger said.

I felt myself smile. This will probably seem strange, for that is what I still think, but when the Goliath said that, I couldn’t help but feel the truth in it. We had just prepared shrines for his deities, surely they will bless Harbinger for his faithfulness, maybe even me for having helped.

“Læ Saoer,” I uttered, turning my head to face him, “I really enjoyed being part of creating your God’s shrines. Your devotion is admirable.” I then repositioned myself so I was facing Harbinger and holding his hands. Looking at him all calm and composed, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have him back. My eyes burned as I fought back the emotion that was overcoming me.

“It was very profound honoring the Gods again,” I continued, before nearly slipping in my own pessimism, “I pray that-” I quickly cut myself off. How could I taint Harbinger’s faith with the hurt I still felt toward Heironious? Who’s to say his Gods will betray him?

Feeling shamed I would doubt his Gods integrity, I felt tears fall down my cheeks. But I wasn’t really sad. I was happy! I had Harbinger who loved me!

“I’m sorry,” I started, “I don’t mean to cry. I'm not sad or anything. You’ve given me so much to be grateful for-” the Goliath placed a hand on the side of my face and used his thumb to wipe a tear from it. I smiled and placed my free hand on his. Despite the roughness of the mark on his palm, it felt nice to have my head cradled in his hand. Considering he could have been gone forever... I had the mark to thank.

"Harbinger, you have no idea how thankful I am to have you back," I finally said.

The Goliath smiled warmly as he pondered. I placed his hand back in my lap with his other as he let out a long sigh.

“When we were fighting the Goblins, I remember in the moments before all went dark, I was desperate to cut a way out for you, to save you. I couldn’t have lived with myself if you hadn’t escaped that place,” Harbinger spoke. He broke eye contact with me as he continued, “You may not blame me, but despite my loss of control, it still hurts to know that I, my demon, was responsible for your death. For that I am still sorry Blackwing,” the Goliath said with a heavy voice. I shook my head.

“There’s nothing to apologize for Harbinger,” I began, “Part of me knew I was going to die at your hands. I had hoped I would have been able to reason with you... but it was evident that that wasn’t going to happen.” I felt the corners of my lips turn into a grin as I finished speaking. “Oddly enough, for the first time... death didn’t scare me.”

“Well, it would seem that I’m more like Bal Vyr than I had thought-” Harbinger began to respond.

“You’re nothing like him,” I interjected.

“Blackwing, we both turn into monsters upon our death,” the Goliath tried to explain, “And you... you became more of yourself filled with light that saved us!”

I traced Harbinger’s rough mark. It still baffles me as to why I didn’t become a monster.

“Is it weird to say I value my mark? My demon seems to have given me my sister’s gift. She was a savant healer,” I said solemnly.

“You have a sister?” the Goliath asked, seeming intrigued by the thought, “I have a brother and sister myself; Bonefinder and Ravensong... I miss them.”

“I miss her too.”

“What’s her name?”

“Meryth.” Oh how I miss my sister... “It does make me wonder about our marks though. Why me? Why was it I was made to heal while you, Bal Vyr, and Lash became murderous? Is there a purpose to it all?”

“I don’t know Blackwing. We can only hope that in time we’ll learn more,” Harbinger responded.

“Here’s to hoping then. I certainly want to free you from the mark.”

“And I you. Together we will rid this curse from ourselves.”

I held my tongue to that. For the first time, I truly embraced the mark. I was able to bring about good with it... and clearly it would keep me alive.

Harbinger gave my hands a squeeze and put a smile on his face. “I’m tired of this dreary mood as we talk about what happened. We’ve been given a second chance and I don’t plan to squander it on the past.”

The Goliath gently cupped my face in his hands before leaning down and giving me a quick kiss. “I too am thankful to be back with you. I may no longer be Cloudbreaker, but that is a good thing. He was riddled with fears, doubts, and loneliness,” Harbinger said as he looked deep into my eyes, “How can I feel lonely with you by my side? How can I know fear and doubt when you give me the courage to act?”

I closed my eyes to try and prevent the tears from coming. That failed unfortunately, but it was impossible to contain my joy. Part of me didn’t want to believe the Goliath valued me that much, yet that was the part of me that couldn’t believe something this good could happen to me again.

Harbinger then moved his hand down to my neck, brushing my braid back. When I looked back at him, his pupiless blue eyes filled mine as he smirked at me.

“So what does ‘Læ Saoer’ mean?” he asked. I smiled coy like back at the Goliath.

“Your new nickname,” I said. I took a moment to think. It was my turn to express how much he meant to me. “Hajarikn, Honorable, will always be a noted characteristic of yours, but now... you mean so much more. So I thought ‘My Heart’ is exactly what you mean to me.”

Harbinger’s expression shifted as he took in what I said. “‘Your Heart’?” he began, clearly trying to process the meaning, “Are you... what are you saying exactly?” he prodded.

I suddenly felt bashful. I hadn't expected to explain it explicitly, but I wanted to be honest despite the nervousness that coursed through me.

“Well... as you know, I love you. Faq æae. However, um, uil æaer (ool yay-r) would be more accurate,” I looked daringly at Harbinger. I could hear my heart thumping in my ears. My hands were interlocked together, anxiously fidgeting. I could only hope the Goliath would understand my sincerity.

“Uil æaer is the deepest form one can say ‘I love you’ in Angelic. It literally translates to ‘I’m yours.’ That’s how I feel and that’s why your nickname changed for me," I explained, hoping he wouldn't reject my devotion.

Harbinger looked back at me with such warmth in his eyes that I knew he understood. With his hand still on my neck, he gently pulled me toward him.

“Kuli’gol ananaka,” he said as our faces became a few inches apart. My head spinned, I knowing what he had said, though I had never heard it in Gol-kaa. Still, he translated the phrase for me, “I love you too.”

Harbinger then gave me one final kiss for the night.

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A Ram for Kavaki pt. 2: Harbinger's Gods

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Harbinger continued to vent over the obscene price I paid for the goat. However, as we exited the market toward a treeline, he calmed a bit. The Goliath then turned toward us and asked if we would help him find a campsite. Abu and I agreed to assist.

We walked beyond the treeline and began our search. As we did, I asked what the purpose of the box and ram head was for. I knew the ram was for Kavaki, but I was curious about the specific purpose it had.

“Well, since the camp is to be somewhat of a permanent place for us, I want to place my God’s shrines  within it,” Harbinger explained.

“Could I help with that?” I caught myself saying. It startled me a little that I was so eager to assist, but if I’m honest with myself... I really miss serving a God, or at least having that sense of purpose. I don’t believe I’ll ever trust a God again, nor do I expect to receive their favor... but for the sake of merging my life with Harbinger’s, I feel I need to honor his beliefs and learn his deity’s customs.

Abu, too, expressed interest in helping. The Goliath beamed at the both of us and welcomed our help.

We came upon a nice clearing, in which the market was barely visible through the trees. Harbinger said we needed to look elsewhere since there wasn’t any good sized rocks to form an altar with. The cleric then offered to shape an altar for him with his magicks. And so after settling our things down and the Goliath taking off his new armor, we set about creating camp for Harbinger.

The Goliath explained each shrine as we assembled them. Abu first set about creating a stone altar under the direction of Harbinger.

"Here is where we shall slaughter that goat,” he explained as Abu etched a goat hoof print into the slab of rock, “We shall butcher its carcass and prepare it for cooking. As we do so, we will offer prayer to Mathenak. He is the Hunter. He is strength, wisdom, and luck.

"However,” Harbinger continued, “as we offer the body of any beast to the Hunter, we must ask ourselves: what have we learned from our hunt? In every hunt, no matter what form it takes, Mathenak offers us a lesson." And the lesson from this ‘hunt’ is to never take the Goliath goat shopping again...

“Blackwing, Abu, could you both search for rocks that we can stack into a cairn?” the Goliath asked, “I’m going to gather some wood. Oh!” he reached into his bag and pulled out the wooden box, “We need to fill this box with seeds and dry berries we find fallen from trees and bushes. This box will contain the essence of life: the bounty of the land that feeds all things. It is a reminder that we are all blessed, and a reminder that we are all bound to the earth," Harbinger explained, "It is Theleya who feeds the earth. She is life. Every babe that is borne, every meal consumed, every new spring day is owed to Theleya. She watches over all of us, nurturing us."

The Goliath paused a moment in reflection. "This box is usually kept safe by the tribe's tent-mother- the woman responsible for raising all of the tribe's children. As we have no children to take care of, we need no tent-mother...” Harbinger then looked to me, “However, it would make me happy if this box was kept safe by you, Blackwing. Will you accept this charge?"

I stared wide eyed at the box. It made me nervous yet at the same time I felt honored. So I accepted it.

Abu and I managed to find enough rocks (if not solely due to the cleric’s ability to shape stone) to build a cairn. While out gathering stones, I took a moment to remove my chain shirt. The day was warm and I was working up a sweat. Considering we were back in town, for the most part, I felt safe to remove it.

Harbinger returned with his arms full of wood. He had made a decent pile to which I knew we’d have a nice bonfire going for a good portion of the night. The Goliath examined the cairn Abu and I had mostly constructed. He looked upon the 3 foot, stone structure with reverence.

"There was a time when you would find a cairn like this atop every peak in the Helmridge Mountains,” he announced. He then took a stone and began to scratch upon it. "Naki-Uthai pushes each of us to better ourselves. Some simply call him the God of courage and of climbing, but he is so much more than that. He is the God of Ascension."

Harbinger became very solemn as he continued, "The Climber is my guide. It is to him that I owe my life. In my darkest hour, he uplifted me. He brought to me the spirit of the mountain in the form of a lioness, who protected me until I could walk again. Now, in these dark times, he has seen fit to send her to me once more,” he gestured toward Dawn. I felt within myself something warm. It was the same feeling I had when I first began to follow Heironious. It was the feeling of believing.

"We look to Naki-Uthai at dawn,” Harbinger went on, breaking me from my thoughts, “At the beginning of each new day we ask for the bravery and the resolve to continue our relentless struggle to survive. He is in the mountains and he is in the sun. He is in all that inspires you."

The Goliath placed the stone he was scratching upon back onto the cairn. He then finished up about Naki-Uthai by telling Abu that Fharlanghn was very similar to his God. Naki encourages his faithful followers to travel for it is through the journey, as one overcomes obstacles and reach their goals, that they learn.

I smiled a little. As I pondered those words, I couldn’t help but see the truth in that. With all the travels I’ve done, the obstacle I’ve overcame, I’ve definitely learned and grown.

Abu and I eventually finished the cairn and as I turned around, I spotted Harbinger tying together some long sticks into a point.

“What’ll that be for?” I asked. I sat down near him, Abu following suit. Even Dawn lounged near by, keeping an eye on the production of the camp.

“This will be to mount the ram’s head on,” he said as he made a knot. “Once I’m done constructing this, we will get a fire going and then prepare the ram for dinner.” It was good timing on the fire since the sun was beginning to set.

I enjoyed the short rest as the Goliath finished tying the branches together. He offered me a hand up. As I placed my hand into his right hand, I noticed his mark was really rough, like sandpaper. I observed his curse and found little spines all over it. When I looked back up at Harbinger, he was taking particular note of my tattoos. I then remembered I had Cloudbreaker written on one of the feathers.

“Hey,” I said, getting his attention, “You okay?”

“Yeah, just noticing the art,” he replied. To me it seemed that there was something troubling about it.

“Cloudbreaker may no longer be who you are, but he was still the man I grew fond of,” I told him. The Goliath gave me a hug and pat on my head.

“I’m glad,” he simply stated. We then went and began to create the bon fire.

At the center of the campsite was where we gathered. Apparently the camp fire represents a God as well. While we assembled some stones to make a fire pit, Harbinger began to explain that to us:

“At the centre of every camp, of every tribe, is a great fire. Around this fire we gather as family, roast large game, tell stories, dance and be merry. All of it is to spite the fire.”

“How so?” Abu asked.

“Fire is wild, fierce, unforgiving and cruel. It embodies Vanua, the Trickster. He loves us, but only allows the strong to live. He brings sickness and decay, triggers avalanches and starts forest fires. Vanua is the beating heart of the wild that seeks to strengthen every tribe through tragedy,” Harbinger elaborated. I furrowed my brows. How does one worship a God that is out to kill them in the attempts to strengthen them?

"However,” the Goliath continued, “it is proper to honour Vanua through sacrifice to the flame. Later, when we slaughter that goat and cook it above this fire, we shall take those parts of the goat that we do not eat, and offer them to the flame. If Vanua is sated, we will have no tragedy tomorrow."

My head realed a bit. It seemed greedy of the God. Appease him and he won’t allow misfortune to happen, maybe.

“So, who else is hungry?” the Goliath asked.

We got a fire going in the pit we made. Harbinger then took the ram and placed it on the stone altar near by. Abu and I gathered around and watched as Harbinger made quick work of killing the goat. As he prepared the body for cooking, he said aloud a prayer.

"May Mathenak bless this beast, for the good of those that shall consume it. May he bless it as we separate flesh from bone, hide from meat,” he placed the severed head aside and continued to skin the ram.

"We offer thanks for the lesson he has taught us today...” he continued, “That indeed whilst this beast's horns look to be of bone, they are in fact worth their weight in gold."

My cheeks burned with embarrassment. I looked away as Harbinger chuckled to himself.

I took the bits we weren’t using or eating and threw them on the fire for Vanua. May tomorrow prove to be a day without misfortune, I thought to myself. Cloudbreaker Harbinger then placed the ram carcass on a stick and positioned it over the fire.

“We’ll keep an eye on that and in an hour we should have some food to eat,” he commented. He then fetched the sticks that he had tied together and took the ram’s head and positioned it on top of them. He then placed the structure near the stone altar. He looked upon the ram’s head with soft eyes.

As the cleric and I gathered around, the Goliath spoke his mind. "Once, the Ram Lord watched over my people. Kavaki was our creator and our guardian. He is the father of all our gods. He created Naki-Uthai, Theleya, Vanua, Mathenak... and the Dead Goddess, whom we do not speak of... to forge my people into something greater than what he created.

"His children have always set out to uplift us, but Kavaki set his power to protect us. In that task, he failed,” Harbinger’s voice hardened, “When the God Wars started, he implored my people to remain neutral. However Naki-Uthai disagreed. He wanted us to join the fight, to secure our place in the new world order, but Kavaki forbade him and the other Gods from intervening. He felt that the Goliaths would be safest if they simply weathered the storm. So we trusted him, for he was our protector."

I watched Harbinger’s features carefully. There was something that sounded like betrayal... the God that was to protect them choosing not to fight...

"When the Giants joined the war on the side of evil, they were tasked with the destruction of my people. They struck hard and fast. As soon as my people knew something was amiss was when our Gods went silent. The Giant Gods had attacked them in the heavens and took them by surprise. Kavaki, the great protector of my people, failed even to warn us that the Giants were coming. We were doomed..."

My stomach churned. I was just beginning to wonder why Harbinger held such faith in his Gods when Kavaki failed him and his people, that is until he continued.

"Those tribes that survived the massacre at Thella-Lu were either enslaved or fled to the furthest reaches of the mountains. The tribe I was born into, the Vath'ul-Mak'ai, was made up of the survivors of many tribes that fled that day.

"To this day, the Gods remain silent, but I hold on to hope. I do not believe that they are dead. I do believe that Kavaki, our protector, can no longer hold himself up as chief of the Gods. His shrine stands here to watch over us, but pride of place is given to the Climber's cairn here.

"Just as every chieftain is one day replaced by someone younger, fitter and wiser, I believe that it is Kavaki's time to be replaced. He will continue to watch over us, but Naki-Uthai will lead my people to freedom, and into a new era of strength. I know this because of all our Gods, one has not remained silent. Naki-Uthai guides them,” Harbinger looked to Dawn, who sat a few paces from us, *My skin bears his mark and I also wield the magic of the earth he once revealed to his most faithful."

A smile broke upon Harbinger’s face, "Some would call me a heretic. They would be wrong. I am His Harbinger. He has chosen me to spark the flame of rebellion that will free my people."

We stood in silence for a while, pondering the words. I was still impressed by Harbinger’s loyalty. May Naki-Uthai never fail him.

However, I had to wonder how he knew all of that.

“Blackwing, will you help me pitch the tent?” the Goliath asked suddenly. I agreed, saving my question for another time, and pulled the tent out. We assembled it near the fire. There was a nice spot between it and the pit that I would place my bedroll once we were ready to sleep.

After the tent was up, Harbinger began to place his things in it. While he did that, I rotated the ram before sitting down with Abu.

“Blackwing? Where are your things?” the Goliath asked.

“Over there,” I said pointing to my gear near the cairn, “I’ll settle down out here when we’re all ready to sleep.”

Harbinger cocked his head. “Won’t you be sharing... our tent with me?” I was mildly surprised at what I heard. Our tent? I beamed at the invite, saying, “Yes, of course.” I then got up and gathered my gear to put inside.

Harbinger followed me into the tent. The large structure could hold 4 normal sized people typically, but with the Goliath and his gear, it was looking more like a two person tent.

“Hey,” the Goliath said as I placed my bedroll near his, “It means a great deal that you helped out with making my God’s shines. It’s like a sanctuary we have now.”

I smoothed out the blanket before sitting upon my bedroll to look at Harbinger. He was sitting cross legged too, a serene smile on his face. I reached out to hold his hands before replying.

“It was an honor, really. Though I should apologize about the debacle that the ram became earlier,” I said, breaking eye contact since I felt shame from Harbinger’s initial reaction, “I pitied the boy and wanted to help. The father was ripping us off, but he clearly had reason. I just wish he had explained it. So when the boy appeared... my heart went out to him and his sister.” I confessed. A smirk then played on my lips as I looked back at the Goliath, “You think Kavaki will be more pleased?”

Harbinger beamed at me. “He will be happy, I’m sure, to have a place where he is honored in these lands. So do not fret about earlier my dear,” I felt a lightness overcome me as I looked at him. It was dim in the tent, but I could see his eyes glow in the fire light that seeped through the canvas. They were intense on me.

“If anything,” he continued, giving my hands a gentle squeeze, “I’ve found more beauty in the goodness of your heart,” the Goliath leaned down so his face was close to mine, “for you are truly beautiful.”

Harbinger then leaned in and kissed me! I could feel my face flush and my fingers tingle as our lips touched. It was like the electricity of my magic centered on my hands and washed over me, leaving a pleasant sensation throughout my body when the kiss broke. I smiled uncontrollably, like a child who just received a sweet.

“Well, now that I got you in a blush, let us go eat some dinner,” the Goliath said and began to leave the tent. I sat a moment longer to clear my head before following after Harbinger.

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