The Conquest of Kiynan

Nearly six thousand soldiers marched along the paved road between White Tower and the Hall of Ecstasy. Mail rattled, shields clanged as they were bumped together, spear butts struck the uneven path, hooves and feet stamped as they went. As the enormous force trudged along, birds fled their nests in trees bordering the road. Deer and game could be seen bounding off into the distance, frightened of the tumult. Never had these woods nor this road seen such a gathering, or heard such a clamour.

The road, like all others on Ornland, was paved with broad flat stones. Once, these roads had facilitated trade between the Houses, but since the imbalance following the fall of House Calm, no House wished to pay for the repair of the roads which their enemies could use against them as effectively as they could use the roads themselves. So, the roads decayed. The heavy stones could still be seen in some places under the fallen leaves, fallen needles and underbrush, but the forest had all but reclaimed these paths. The stones had been broken by tree roots, corroded by rain, and their debris carried off by animals. The army now marching to save their world, moved slowly through wild, rough terrain instead of speeding along smooth paths.

Kayla rode among the leaders at the very front of the column with Thalamir at her side, as always. The Duchess of the Fled, Abron and Lucia of House Despair, and Master Travis of House Pride completed the group.

“We are making better time than I had hoped, even with the road as it is and the number we are,” spoke Abron dispassionately.

“House Lust has long been derelict in their duty to maintain their portion of the road,” added Travis, his voice betraying no emotion.

“The road nearer White Tower was in no better condition,” remarked Thalamir quietly.

“There is little use repairing one side of a road when one knows the other end will remain in ruins,” returned Travis, his tone faintly defensive.

The Duchess seemed about to add a wry comment, when Kayla suddenly cried out.

“Look!” her voice squeaked with glee.

Ahead of them, the forest thinned out on both sides of the road and the path ran into a wide, lush garden.

“We are arriving in the lands controlled by House Lust,” explained Abron, “let’s send riders ahead to find some magicians to greet us.”

Wiseman and Travis immediately dispatched four scouts, who galloped down the path ahead of the main body of troops. A short while later, as Kayla excitedly pointed out the vast array of plants and flowers that inhabited the garden, the scouts could be seen returning at a casual trot, accompanied by three other figures. As they approached, Kayla observed the newcomers. An older woman led the group, garbed in a sumptuous, amber-coloured velvet robe, adorned with a heavy gold necklace and matching earrings. In her youth, she had clearly possessed unparalleled beauty, her cheekbones were high and fine, her nose discrete and her uniformly amber eyes magnetic. Despite her lost youth, the woman’s allure remained undeniable, and doubtless she could still turn many a man’s heart. Beside her rode a younger woman, dressed in an identical rich, velvet robe. Although far from matching the older woman’s grace and poise, she nonetheless carried herself with a haughty assurance. The third rider was a man garbed in the familiar grey cloak of the Necromancers. His build and demeanour suggested he was a handsome man, but a tarnished bronze mask hid his face. The mask was wrought as a weeping face, twisted with anguish. The two groups halted a short distance apart, and the scouts quickly rejoined their column. After a brief silence, the older woman called out a greeting.

“I am Lisannis the Amber, Mistress of House Lust. My companions are Dessa the Amber and Taul the Grey. Who are you who so boldly trespass onto my lands?”

“I am Abron the Grey, sent as emissary to the Fled. With me are Duchess Midia Wiseman, Lady Kayla Freeland, Thalamir Lakechild, Master Travis the White and Lucia the Grey,” returned Abron, indicating each person as he announced their names.

As Abron introduced Travis, Kayla caught a subtle change in Lisannis’ placid expression, both recognition and distaste.

“I trust my esteemed brother has informed you of the imminent peril which threatens all of Ornland and indeed our entire world.”

“He has,” answered Dessa, raising her voice impetuously, “and I imagine it is under this pretence that you bring your barbarian horde through our peaceful lands?”

“We make no pretence, child,” replied Travis condescendingly, “one can not allow oneself to enjoy a life of pleasures without, on occasion, taking serious matters, such as the continued existence of our world, into consideration.”

Dessa seemed about to retort in kind, but Lisannis silenced her with a curt gesture.

“I must admit, I was reluctant to take Taul’s warning very seriously, but we have recently received word from the Sorcerers. It would seem that a number of refugees from the lands of House Despair and House Fury have come to Castle Malice. The Blood Fort has been overrun. My troops prepare to depart even as we speak. I beg you to follow me to our stronghold where you may rest until all are ready to depart.”

The magicians, Kayla and the other nobles followed Lisannis as she led the way through the expansive gardens to the walls of the town surrounding the Hall of Ecstasy. The soldiers made camp outside the stronghold, where Lust’s troops and levies had gathered. The Mistress of House Lust led the other leaders past the low walls, through the quiet town, and to the stables, where they all disembarked. Although neither she nor her companions entered the stables, Kayla noticed that they appeared and smelled cleaner than any stable she had ever seen. Lisannis then led them on foot toward the Hall. Marble statues and fountains bordered the long, golden, sand-covered path leading to the main entrance. Two young male servants dressed in gold togas opened the enormous front doors of the Hall. Already hopping excitedly, Kayla followed the others inside.

Even though she had been expecting decadent extravagance, Kayla was stunned motionless as she stepped through the doorway. The high domed ceilings of the Hall were hung with sparkling crystal sculptures, seemingly lit with an internal fire that bathed the vast hall with a warm, golden glow. Tall marble pillars framed the main corridor, and were exquisitely carved with graceful figures and beautiful faces. Small flames, apparently burning without fuel, floated about, warming and lighting the room further. The thick red carpet covering the floor was so soft that Kayla felt she was standing on a cloud. The gentle sound of harp music enigmatically filled the chamber with soothing rhythms. The fragrant scent of rose water and incense drifted delightfully into their nostrils. Lisannis wore a blank expression as she waited for her guests to overcome their enchantment. Dessa wore a smirk of satisfaction as she contemplated the magicians and nobles. Taul cleared his throat impatiently, and the group slowly drifted forward again, moving as though in a dream. Lisannis led the newcomers through the labyrinthine corridors to their chambers, encountering numerous men and women in scant clothing along the way. Some had the amber eyes of the Enchanters, others were beautiful young servants clad in white or gold cloth. Kayla gawked as they passed by enormous ballrooms, steaming baths and lush arboretums.

Finally, they arrived in the guest wing of the Hall where Lisannis assigned chambers to each of her visitors. Kayla was the first to be shown her room, and the others walked away as she wandered into her chambers. A wide bed, overhung with an elegant canopy, sat atop a raised dais in the centre of the room. A sparkling crystal statue resembling a leaping hare, hung from the cavernous ceiling above the bed. The walls were lined with ornately framed paintings. The fantastically detailed images depicted scenes of Ornland’s history.

Eager to learn of her people’s past, Kayla stepped to the nearest painting. It showed innumerable tiny boats drifting away from a shore where a mass of people fought against each other with swords, farming implements and magic. Through some magic or trick of the light, the dark blue waves of the stormy sea appeared to swell and sink. A small golden plaque on the frame was engraved with the words The Flight. Another painting showed a great castle hovering above the ground where an army of magicians hurled fire, ice and stones at it. The label read The Fall of Skywall. A third painting showed another army of magicians, this time led by a grim-faced man with bright blue eyes, wearing a long blue cape. Opposing the blue man and his allies was a twisted, shadowy man robed in dark purple with his arms upraised. Legions of grotesque, dark creatures swarmed around the twisted man and charged toward the magicians. The label under this painting read Daimin’s Defeat. A chill ran through Kayla as she examined the demons, recognising many of the vile creatures from her dreams. A fourth painting depicted a vast citadel under construction, with bridges linking high towers. Countless labourers hauled stone and timber up long planks and ladders, working tirelessly to complete the fortifications. A handful of tall, lean, armour clad figures with winged helmets oversaw the construction and directed the labourers. Under the image, the golden label read Construction of the Citadel of Lethe. Captivated, she leaned closer to the painting, studying the overseers closely. They were clothed completely in metal, every part of their body was hidden under shiny plates of steel, or links of mail. Their helmets covered their entire head and neck, and attached to their shoulders, forming one smooth arc. Their faceplates had no holes or openings anywhere except for one narrow slit between their eyes. Her heart beating with curiosity, Kayla walked over to a fifth painting. A dark, restless sea tossed enormous white-capped waves. Above the sea, an ethereal smiling face watched as a pair of translucent hands crafted an island upon the wild waters. The label read The Creation of Ornland.

Kayla wandered around her oversized chambers, prying into furniture and decorations, her curiosity inexhaustible. Her investigation was interrupted by an unexpected knock at her door. Abruptly aware that an unknown amount of time had passed, Kayla nervously rushed to her door and opened it. Lucia offered a thin smile to the young girl, her eyes remaining neutral.

“May I come in?” asked the Necromancer.

“Certainly,” replied Kayla shyly, stepping out of the doorway.

Lucia glided into the room and briefly examined the paintings before seating herself on Kayla’s bed. Kayla walked over to the older woman, her hands clasped behind her back.

“Abron has told me he has discovered great potential in you. He believes you have the talent to become a great magician. Perhaps even an Augur, though none have walked the face of Ornland for centuries.”

“Where is Abron?” asked Kayla after a pause, uncertain of how to respond to the Necromancer’s comments.

“He had intended to come speak with you, to continue your training, but he has pressing matters to discuss with Mistress Lisannis and Master Travis. So he asked me to come to you instead.”

Kayla did not reply, and lowered her gaze to the ground, feeling uncomfortable around this severe lady. At that moment, she remembered her intention to get to the bottom of the mysterious relationship between Lucia and Abron. This was an ideal opportunity to find out more about the many warm gestures and stolen moments she had seen Abron and Lucia share since her arrival on Ornland.

“Do you love Abron?” she asked impertinently.

Lucia’s eyes went wide. She hesitated for a few moments, obviously uncomfortable, before responding slowly.

“We cannot commit ourselves to love, Kayla. No magician can. We are bound to experience only the emotions of our House. Any and all other emotions interfere with our abilities and weaken our powers. We have dedicated our lives to mastering these powers and using them to protect the people of our lands, and so we must do everything we can to preserve and strengthen our magic.”

“That’s sad,” replied Kayla unthinkingly. “Well, why not have a House dedicated to love then?”

“Because love-based magic was forbidden when the Houses were founded,” explained Lucia with a melancholy smile. “There were once Witches on Ornland, who wielded love. They were able to take control of the minds of others, and cause them to do whatever the Witches’ wished. That magic was deemed too dangerous to be pursued, for many feared that they were all at risk of losing control of their minds and being at the complete mercy of the Witches.”

Kayla was about to ask what had happened to the Witches, when Lucia abruptly changed the subject.

“Did you look at these paintings around your room?”

“I did, they’re beautiful,” answered Kayla with a sincere smile.

“Do you know what they represent? Did your parents teach you any of your history?”

“I know what the Flight was,” she answered timidly, “And I’ve heard of Cadvin the Blue and Skywall.”

“Very good, what of the other images?” As Kayla did not answer, Lucia pointed to the fifth painting. “Do you understand this one? Do you know anything of the religion of your people?”

“No,” she answered, her voice trembling slightly.

“Come child, sit down,” said Lucia patting the bed beside her. “Our beliefs are deeply entwined with our magic. To understand your powers and wield them with your full potential, you must first understand where they stem from.”

Kayla pulled herself up onto the bed and sat quietly, her eyes downcast, her shoulders hunched. Another knock on the door made Kayla jump. With a look of apology to Lucia, which she felt was necessary but without knowing why, she hurried to the door and opened it. Thalamir stood in the hallway, his expression glum as usual. Kayla smiled at him, but could not help feeling slightly annoyed that even the wonders of the Hall of Ecstasy could not brighten his demeanour.

“How is everything Lady Kayla?” he asked solemnly.

“Fine,” she smiled. “Lucia was just going to tell me a story.”

Thalamir looked over her shoulder and noticed Lucia sitting placidly upon the bed. The Necromancer spoke soothingly to him.

“Please come join us. This story is as much a part of your heritage as it is Kayla’s.”

Thalamir looked back down at Kayla who nodded enthusiastically; glad to have a friend to share the tale with her. The two youths sat cross-legged on the bed, intently watching the grey woman.

“Now listen carefully,” began Lucia, “This was a story my father told me when I was a little girl.”

Kayla looked up tentatively into the older woman’s grey eyes.

“It is the story of how Orn of Many Faces created our world,” she continued. “In the beginning, there was only the Endless Sea. It was as it had always been and ever would be: a single, seething mass, always in motion and ever changing. It would be pale blue and rippling gently, then it would agitate itself, its ripples growing into waves, its colour darkening to a navy hue. Then it would turn black, while its waves turned white, growing ever larger, moving ever faster. Then, the process would reverse itself, and eventually begin anew. Although always captivated by the ferocity and instability of the Endless Sea, Orn the Thinker decided one day that a different sort of life was needed to complement the existence of the Endless Sea. So, Orn the Maker crafted many different creatures to populate the waters.

The animals were of varying shapes and sizes to reflect the growing and shrinking of the waves. They were of varied colours to mimic the many colours of the Sea. Finally, to mirror the perpetual cycle of change that characterized the Endless Sea, Orn the Maker made the creatures mortal and made them prey and rely on each other to survive, so that when one rose another fell, in an ever renewing cycle. Orn the Observer was pleased and watched the new life that moved within the Endless Sea. Then came another day when Orn the Thinker decided that just as life existed beneath the waves, so too should life exist above them.

So Orn the Maker created the continents and set them to float on the Endless Sea. Next, the trees were created and set upon the land to hold it in place. Then many animals were created to roam the land. Like the animals of the Sea, the trees and land animals were varied in shape, size and colour. Orn the Thinker was pleased by the land animals, but felt they lacked something. Unlike the animals of the Sea, they were not free to move in any direction they desired, nor could they allow themselves to float and feel the awesome power and beauty of the Sea.

To compensate the poor land animals, Orn the Illuminator taught them emotions so they might be able to imagine the feel of the Endless Sea and be content on the land. As Orn the Observer watched all the new life forms above and below the waves of the Endless Sea, many cycles of life passed and things began to change. Many creatures changed in shape, size and colour. On the land, the trees became more united with the continents and the feeling of the Endless Sea beneath them, and soon, they no longer needed their emotions. So they gave them to other land creatures. The creatures most wanting the gifts were animals called People. Pleased with this, Orn the Illuminator came to the People and warned them of the dangers so many emotions carry with them. To control their wealth of emotions, Orn the Illuminator taught the People the ability of thought. Thus, the People grew and changed more than any other animal.

That was how we came to exist, think, and feel emotions,” concluded Lucia.

“And use magic,” added Kayla with a smile, having forgotten her timidity while listening intently to the magician’s story.

“Yes, and much later, to use magic,” agreed Lucia.

“Do you believe this tale?” Thalamir asked with open curiosity. Kayla noted with surprise that Thalamir’s usual tone of severity was now quite light.

“Yes, I do,” replied Lucia sombrely. “As do all of the Faithful, here on Ornland. It is because of their beliefs that my ancestors remained on Ornland, despite the violence, while your ancestors left. You see, the Faithful retained their trust in Orn the Protector to keep them safe and to end the war. Those who had lost their faith could not remain in Ornland because they could not feel the warm embrace of Orn the Protector around them. Their homeland had become a cold place to them, devoid of hope or solace. Everything must have seemed lifeless to them. So, they sought hope elsewhere and they left.”

“Do you think Orn the Protector will save us from Daimin and his monsters?” asked Kayla uncertainly.

Lucia’s face froze into the emotionless mask worn by nearly all the magicians Kayla had seen, while they were not wielding their magic.

“I believe He will. Of course, we must do all that we can to oppose Daimin, in order to honour and serve Orn of Many Faces.”

“Do not worry Kayla,” Thalamir said soothingly, “you have nothing to fear. Orn the Protector will not allow anything to happen to you, that’s why he sent me to watch over you.”

He beamed at her reassuringly. Her worries instantly dissipated, as she was too astounded by the exceedingly rare smile he wore.

“Well, you should both get some rest now, we still have a great deal of riding ahead of us. We must make all haste to Castle Malice.”

“Where the Sorcerers live,” quipped Kayla.

“That’s right,” said Lucia rising to her feet, “goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” answered Kayla as she watched Thalamir and the Necromancer leave the room.

She changed into her sleeping clothes and slid into bed. She lay for a long while imagining herself observing the world being created from nothing, and watching it grow and change. She thought then of the brief glimpses of the Hall of Ecstasy she had managed. She dearly wished to see the whole palace, but she knew there was no time. She understood better than most the danger that was facing Ornland, and Kiynan, and the world. She drifted off to sleep and found herself twirling and dancing merrily with Thalamir in a glittering golden ballroom, while her father and Lucia clapped and encouraged her.