the road to the riverland

8/12/2019 The Road to the Riverland

1/32

The clash of metal on metal met Ashe's ears as she

brought up the rear of Rhoman's troupe. She kicked

Hooahn to speed up and find out what the hell was going

on. Her face went sour as she saw a battle between

Rhoman's men and small contingent of rag-tag fighters.

The ones attacking Rhoman's men looked ratty, but

they fought with speed and accuracy. Assassins

!pposition to the "eace talks #t didn't matter. Ashe was

honour bound to defend her new friends, and charged into

their midst. Rohman's men seemed to be refreshed as they

saw Ashe attack, gi$ing them hope, since they were

outnumbered nearly two to one.

Rhoman was face to face with two of them, ha$ing losthis horse to archers that sat in the treelines, shooting into

his ranks. He was a damn good swordsman, blocking and

attacking, parrying and forcing his enemies back step by

step, but they were also well trained. He heard a collecti$e

roar from his men as Ashe charged by, trampling three ofthe attackers under the sharp hoo$es of her warhorse.

His enemies saw her as well, making them stall in

their attacks. This ga$e Rhoman the opportunity he

needed. He plunged his sword into one, dropping him to

the ground, then focused his attack on the other. That one


2/32

turned and ran toward the treeline where archers drew a

bead on Rhoman, letting arrows fly. %ut they didn't reach

him. The fletched wooden missiles seemed to free&e in

mid-air, floating for the shortest of seconds, then fell to the

ground.

There was a series of thunderclaps, and crashing

screams came from the trees as archers fell from their

nests. A few men came from the trees, arms raised,

bloodied and battered looking. Rhoman's men regrouped

and faced off against the now decimated opposition, all of

whom were staring at Ashe on her horse. She had two long

swords in her hands, one as sil$ery white as well-polished

steel, and the other black as the coal used to fuel the firesin the sto$es. She was blank faced, pointing the swords at

two different ind$iduals who suared off against her. Her

horse was spattered in blood, as were her challengers.

Howe$er, she had at least three men on the ground, badly

wounded or dead.Rhoman wasn't without casualties, as well. (ill leaned

up against a dead horse, arrows in his side and shoulders.

)our of the retinue were dead, and a few others perhaps

soon to be. He motioned for the remaining ones to watch

the attackers as he made his way to (ill, worry in his eyes.


3/32

*Hang on, (ill, we'll get you to help. Ha$e you seen

Shamus* he asked as he looked around.

*+o, y ord, # didn't see where Shamus went. There

were.. too many.* He whee&ed.

A looming shadow crossed o$er them both, and Ashe

knelt beside them. She had a sil$er flask in one hand and a

stern look on her face, *(ill, Sleep* She said in a soft and

somewhat frightening tone. Rhoman blinked, watching

(ill's eyes close, and the whee&ing rattle to a soft breath.

Ashe gently pulled Rhoman from his man's side.

*# am going to heal all who # can, those # cannot heal, #

will end their suffering.* She didn't wait for him to reply,

but went back to (ill, and pulled out each arrow to a goutof his blood. (hen the last arrow was remo$ed, she tipped

the flask to (ill's lips.

Rhoman tried to protest, but words from his other men

turned his attention to his other wounded, and the

Ri$erlanders that had attacked. He ga$e commands to bindthose who li$ed that had attacked, and to gather the

wounded and dead, both his and the Ri$erland's. His

attention was taken, and not on (ill, which made Ashe

rela slightly.

She stood and made sure his breathing was e$en, and


4/32

healthy. (hen she was sure he would sur$i$e, she went to

the others, performing her duties to them as well. The ones

who had attacked, howe$er, she took time to contemplate

weather or not to help them... She looked at the ones who

li$ed, wounded and now seriously afraid of the strange

warrior who had killed more of them in one charge than

they had themsel$es in the entire battle.

She found a man who was near death, whispered

something in his ear, and faced the li$ing soldiers, *# am

sending this man to my /od. ay he ha$e mercy on his

heart and soul.* She said to the Ri$erlanders, then slit the

man's throat, letting him drop to the ground.

She walked up to another who was near death, buttipped her flask to his lips, also whispering in his ear. He

immediately fell into a coma-like sleep. She did this with

all the wounded that seemed near death. Then she went up

to the ones still standing.

*0ou ha$e attacked a Royal of Suna, on his way tospeak peace with your 1ing. )or this alone, you or who

you were commanded by, should be ashamed. To gi$e up

peace and prosperity for a %rother 1ingdom to keep up

this pathetic war, this... atrocity. # should kill each and

e$ery one of you, and send your bodies back to the one


5/32

who commanded you. %ut # am a merciful woman. Tell us

who commanded you to attack this enterage, and # will

consider sparing your li$es.* she said in a low monotone,

sending chills up the backs of necks throughout all of

them.

!ne of the men stepped forward, his skin blanched

and eyes wide, *-m-'lady.. it was commanded by the

1ing's Ad$isor, 2hord. He said it was from the word of the

1ing himself.* he knelt before her, *This is truth.* He said,

lowering his head.

*He speaks true.* 2ame the weak $oice of Shamus from

the treeline. He stumbled forward, a large gaping wound

in his side, and an arrow in his chest. There were two ofthe Ri$erlanders behind him, prodding him forward.

*et our men go, or we kill your speaker.* Said one that

looked as if he hadn't been touched by blade or fist. Ashe

stood strait and took one step toward them. Shamus cried

out as the Ri$erlander's blade cut into his arm, *3on't comecloser4* the Ri$erlander called out.

*1ill him, you will ne$er perform another action again

in your life.* Ashe said in that same low, serious tone, a

hand raising in front of her.

The other one started to back away from his


6/32

compatriot and the wounded Shamus. The one that had

Shamus snarled, *0ou let the men go, demon. This is my

final warning.* He placed the sword edge at Shamus'

throat. Ashe 5ust smiled.

Shamus looked at her, and nodded, *#t's alright, m'lady

Ashe. # am ready to die.* he said to her, then nodded to

Rhoman, *# am honoured to ha$e ser$ed you, y 1ing.* His

$oice faultered and he fell to one knee.

Ashe's hand lifted slightly higher, and a single word

left her lips, *%urn.*

The Ri$erlander's eyes went wide, then he began to

shake, the sword dropping from his hand, glowing white

metal ha$ing seared into his gauntleted hand. The rest ofthe man's armor began to glow white hot. He howled and

screamed in pain as it set his cloth on fire, then himself.

The men all watched as the apparent leader ran fi$e

steps then toppled o$er, and a scent of seared meat and hot

metal met their noses. Soon the whole armor of the manmelted to slag, his body burst into flame, and soon, nothing

was left but ashes and a puddle of steel.

Shamus was laying flat out now, his breath coming in

gasps, Rhoman ha$ing dashed to his side, *Shamus4 Stay

with us4* he begged, then looked up at Ashe as she finally


7/32

let her eyes lea$e the pile of what was left of the

Ri$erlander. *"lease, help him4* he asked, begging in his

eyes.

She strode up to them, and tipped her sil$er flask to

Shamus's lips, letting him swallow a small mouthful. As

soon as he swallowed, she ripped the arrow from his body,

the blood oo&ing out after it. Shamus' breathing became

e$en, soft snores came from his lips as he fell into a deep

sleep. Rhoman cradled his head in his lap, then seemed to

slump himself, ehaustion and wounds then became

apparent on the 1ing. Ashe handed him the flask, and

nodded.

*Take one swallow, Rhoman. 0ou'll heal.* she said inthat low, soft tone, but no hint of the malice was in it as

she had toward the Ri$erlanders.

He did as commanded, and handed back the small

flask. He could feel the heat spread from his belly, and the

pain fade to a dull ache. He continued to hold Shamus as(ill came up to them, kneeling by his 1ing's side. Ashe

had already started back to her horse. The horse actually

looked as if he had been busy as well, rounding up all the

other horses that li$ed, Rhoman's as well as Ri$erlander's.

Ashe went from horse to horse, applying the same


8/32

flask to each one, pulling out arrows and checking them

o$er with knowing hands. Rhoman 5ust watched as the

remaining men held the Ri$erlanders capti$e, all of whom

were staring after Ashe in ab5ect terror. This woman, this

outsider of great bearing and apparent power had lain

waste to half of them, healed all of the wounded of

Rhoman's, and most of theirs.

She whispered in the (arhorse's ear, which then

tossed his head and trotted o$er to Rhoman and his men.

There were only enough horses for 6 to ride, the rest of the

men were to be on foot. Rhoman looked to the woman who

stood with the prisoners. She nodded to him and motioned

to her horse. Two other larger horses trotted up to hers,and stood in wait for Rhoman and his two trusted men to

mount. (as she going to go on foot with his men and the

prisoners He didn't wait to ask, but patted Shamus's face

until he woke. He looked up at Rhoman and (ill, then

around.*Am # perished, y ord Rhoman* he asked.

*+o, Shamus, the ady Ashe has sa$ed us, and perhaps

the talks. (e need to ride now. She is going with the

prisoners.

Shamus and (ill stood, helping Rhoman to his feet


9/32

with steady hands. They all mounted, as well as 7 others of

Rhoman's retinue. They rode uickly down the road

toward the Ri$erland, the castle and city were only a day

ride's away, and Rhoman would be damned if this attack

was going to set him and his intent back.

Ashe looked around at all the men, then motioned

forward, *Start walking.* She said to the prisoners, a touch

of power behind her tongue kept any unci$il words at bay,

and their feet mo$ed. 8uickly. She was uite pee$ed that

the incident had occoured, but it was ended, and she had

to follow up on her promise. As soon as they were out of

sight of the corpses, the ground around them writhed and

churned, e$en around the still smouldering puddle of steelslag that once was a person. All bodies seemed to

disappear into the earth without a sound, and without a

trace. The elemental had taken its claim.

As the sun began to set, Ashe had some of the men go

out and fetch firewood, as she made sure the prisoners satand rested. Soon she had a large bonfire going, the

prisoners watching her closely, the fear still in their eyes.

They dared not speak, for they saw what she had done to

one of their captains. (hat could she do to their 1ing

Their homes


10/32

She pulled from her armor a pouch the si&e of four

hands together, perhaps enough to hold a gallon of water,

and from that she pulled small items, which she threw to

the ground. As each item hit the ground, up sprung a table

or chair, and soon food was on those tables. Hot food,

breads, butters, drinks. She looked around at them, and

scowled.

*# am not pleased with what your Ad$isor, 2hord, had

done to upset this balance. y /od may or may not bring

retribution down upon him, for he is a /od of 5ustice as

well as of death. (hen we get to the Ri$erland, we will see

what came of the deaths of your men. So until we get to

your home, you will at least be fed and gi$en drink. 0ouand the men of Suna will be euals tonight, under my care.

"ray to your gods that 2hord has seen the error of his

ways, and "ray to your gods that your 1ing has seen the

error of his choice of ad$isor. And "ray for your li$es to be

spared if an accordance cannot be found between Rhomanand his 2ousin.*

All of the men, including the Suna retinue, bowed

their heads and prayed. (hen they all looked up, they saw

each other in a slightly different light. They all ate uietly,

sa$ouring each bite, and thanking their gods that their


11/32

li$es had been spared. The tales of the day would be passed

from father to family, to grandfamily for generations. This

was a sign from their gods that the peace had to be.

Rhoman rode at the head of the remaining troupe, and

at the break of morning, they trotted through the gates of

the Ri$erland's ain capitol. "eople stopped in the streets

as the large, hea$ily armored warhorse carried The 1ing of

Suna toward arlon's castle. (ill carried their banner and

Shamus watched the crowds, reading to make sure none

had any more traitorous thoughts.

Shamus was surprised to see that none thought of

attack, but most were relie$ed and happy to see the Suna

1ing ride through the city. They made the short trip to thecastle drawbridge, and (ill blew a horn to announce thier

arri$al. The guards looked down at them from the

ramparts, and wa$ed open the gate, allowing them

through.

The hea$y clop clop of hoo$es echoed through thecourtyard as Rhoman and his group walked their horses

toward the stables. Stablehands came up to them, and held

the horses as they dismounted. Two of the guards trotted

off to announce their arri$al to the 1ing of Ri$erland, as

the horses were lead off to be stabled and cared for.


12/32

Rhoman looked around, pulling off his blood stained

glo$es, and pushing back the bit of hair that had blown

into his face. A suire motioned to them, smiling. Shamus

looked at him closely, noticing that he also was not in a

murderous frame of mind. The Ad$isor, 2hord, seemed to

ha$e his own agenda.

*y ords, Sire Rhoman, "lease come inside. 0our

cousin, Highness arlon, wishes you to take your rest in

chambers. 0our ride must ha$e been rough by your

missing the day by two. He is not upset, but in actuality,

worried, 'ords.* The young man stated, motioning once

more.

*He speaks true, 'lord. et us go clean up and meetyour cousin in his court. (e need you to be fresh.* Shamus

said softly, smiling. (ill had handed off the banner to be

hung with their horses, and stood at Rhoman's right, also

watching the Ri$erlanders.

*Alright. (e will follow to the offered rooms.* Henodded to the young suire, who led them into the castle.

(hen they entered their room, they were pleasantly

surprised at the oppulance that the 1ing there had in store

for them. There were bowls of fruit, cheeses and chunked

meats on platters, drinks in pitchers with car$ed goblets


13/32

and fresh changes of clothing hung up on racks net to

steaming tubs of water. They all stripped and began to

bathe. Soon they were surprised that a do&on young

women entered their room, carrying towels and scrubbing

brushes.

*!ur ord has commanded that you be treated as if

you were 1ing here. (e are to bathe you and make you

ready for the talks of "eace.* The one in the lead eplained.

Shamus was $ery careful in reading the women, and their

attentions, and so far, none had any intention of

assassination.

*3o any of you ser$ice the Ad$isor 2hord* (ill asked,

looking at them suspiciously. !ne stepped forward. Shewas a lo$ely dark haired young woman of perhaps

se$enteen, and kept her face lowered. Shamus focused on

her.

Her thoughts were non$iolent, but he could tell she'd

seen the wrong end of a stick or whip in 2hord'schambers. She wanted to make her master happy, and to

end the peace talks in any way would make 2hord happy.

Shamus pointed at her, *0ou. Sit at the table, and one of the

others, 5oin her, keep her occupied. There is food and

drink enough for all of you as well as oursel$es.* Shamus


14/32

said in a soft tone. The girl looked up at him with a little

fear, but nodded.

The one in the lead tapped another's shoulder and

motioned for her to 5oin 2hord's girl. *9at and drink. #f it

makes His Highness of Suna pleased.* She said.

*#t will, (hen we are done here, it would please me if

all of you sat with us and shared a meal.* Rhoman stated.

They all smiled at the prospect, and began to bathe the

1ing and his men. They took their time, soaking off the

long night's ride, some of the men e$en falling asleep in

the arms of the women. Rhoman was feeling relaed, and

finally ready to gather his thoughts, and the papers sa$ed

for his cousin to read o$er.(hen they finished, and the do&ing men woken to

dress and eat, they all sat at the table, gi$ing thanks to their

gods for the welcome gi$en by the 1ing of the Ri$erland.

The women all watched the 1ing and his men, then replied

by thanking them for coming to end the hostilities towardeach kingdom. Rhoman began to eat, and talk to his men

of how soon Ashe would make it to the castle, and if he

should ask for another day to let her time to return the

men to the Ri$erland.

Some of the women looked surprised, ecept the one


15/32

that ser$ed 2hord. She looked down and gripped the edge

of her slee$es. The head woman looked at her with

concern.

*:illie, if you ha$e something to share, it would

behoo$e you to do so. 2hord has been a good ad$isor, but

we all know how he likes to treat you, and how he likes to

keep the strife. (e are all actually $ery surprised the 1ing

hasn't let him go as ad$isor.* she said, laying her hand on

:illie's arm.

She looked up at all of them, *2hord is a good man, he

works so hard to keep this 1ingdom fed and warm in the

cold seasons. He gi$es arlon ad$ise on how to keep us

prosperous. * She looked sad, *# didn't want to say anything,but .. * She looked down again, *%ut 2hord planned an

attack on Rhoman, sire... on the way here. He sent me to

find out what happened to the other men.* she looked up

again, afraid. * "lease, # am only doing as he asked me.*

Rhoman nodded and scowled, but looked at her with atender eye, *ady, # do not blame you for who you ser$e,

howe$er, we were attacked, and lucky for us, during our

trip, we came across a $ery .... fortunate tiding. She will be

bringing the sur$i$ors to the gates $ery soon, and # want

her and those with her to be treated as we ha$e. y own


16/32

horse was killed in the attack, and the steed in the stables

is actually her own. She is part of my retinue officially as

of now. (hate$er she says will come from her as if #

commanded it.* He looked around at all the people at the

table, making sure his men understood as well as the

women. *# want you to tell my cousin this as well.* He said

to the lead woman who stood at (ill's right shoulder.

*# will pass this message on to my ord, 0our

Highness.* she bowed, then turned to lea$e, *Saille, you will

take charge here until # return.* she tapped a $ery tall

blonde on the arm, who nodded and smiled at Shamus.

Ashe walked ahead of the group, ha$ing spent a fewminutes with each of the prisoners, speaking to them in

turn, pri$ately. %y the end of the day, they all were

con$ersing with the remnants of the Suna men, sharing

stories, and finding out that all of the commands handed to

them that had come from 2hord were what was causingmore strife than e$er had been gi$en by the 1ing arlon.

Ashe took this information in stride, and at all of their

stops, she would go off to the side and meditate. They left

her alone during these times for she had made it uite

clear that if anyone bothered her during her editations,


17/32

it had better be a life or death situation, or it would be a

life or death situation.

She would find herself sitting across from a large,

5ackyl headed being during her meditations. There was a

beautiful chess set between them, and she would make a

mo$e, then he would. Soon they would con$erse about

what was to be done in the Ri$erland.

*Should # help these Suna people in these peace talks

And what has happened to the ones # sent to you* she

asked him, mo$ing her pawn a space, then leaning back in

her chair.

*0ou are right to assist the Suna 1ing. He is a 5ust man.

The ones you sent to me were guilty of following ordershanded down from a man who has power o$er the 1ing of

the Ri$erland. The peace talks are a trap, it seems. 0ou will

be going up against a fairly powerful wi&ard named

2hord.* The being said to her. His mouth mo$ed delicately,

his tongue reaching out and licking the side of his nose asif in thought.

*2hord, the ad$isor, is a wi&ard !r a Sorcerer* she

asked as she watched him mo$e a rook, then contemplated

her mo$e.

*0es, actually, a (i&ard. He has no innate ability. He is,


18/32


19/32

returning contingent, and let them know that the 1ing of

Suna had made it to the castle the morning before, and

1ing arlon had alloted them the time to wait for the

return of the remaining men. Ashe 5ust nodded as she

o$erheard the $illager tell this to the Ri$erlander to her

left. After the $illager ran off, the man turned to Ashe.

*0es, # heard this, and #'m happy to know your 1ing is

waiting for us. Howe$er, # think there will be more to this

return than you think. "repare your men for perhaps

treachery from within. # ha$e a feeling about your Royal

Ad$isor. Ad$ise my men as well.* She said to him uietly,

and smiled as he nodded to her, taking her words to heart.

They soon passed through the same drawbridge thatRhoman and the others had passed through less than

fourty-eight hours earlier. The men spread out and ga$e

word that they were unharmed, unfortunately not all of

them had made it back, but this would be brought up at

the meetings between Rhoman and arlon. Ashe lookedaround and pinpointed the stables. She pulled aside a

young worker and asked to be taken to them to make sure

her stallion was well cared for. He nodded and led her to

the stable where Hooahn was well brushed, watered and

fed. She beamed a smile at the workers of the stables,


20/32

noting that the horses were all well taken care of. She ga$e

each of them a large coin of sil$er, and made her way back

to where the Suna men were gathered to be led to the

castle proper.

Ashe whispered a few protecti$e spells o$er herself as

she made her way toward the castle, looking up and

scanning the building for this 2hord who she was to be on

watch for. She was not disappointed when she saw a

la$ishly dressed man out on a small balcony, lookng down

at the group with a large scowl on his face.

They all walked through the halls up to a series of

rooms where e$eryone was bid to take their rest, wash and

be made comfortable. Ashe was led to a separate room, forshe was the only female in the contingent. She allowed for

her separation, but signaled the men to try to contact her if

anything went awry.

She entered her room, escorted by an older woman

dressed simply. The woman had a look of disdain on herface when she had reali&ed the warrior in shining, yet

bloody armor was a female, but treated her with

diffidence. The room itself was la$ish, smelling of lillies

and roses. There was a large tub and change of clothing set

out for Ashe, as if she were wearing something that 5ust


21/32

didn't work well with the customs of this land. She

thanked the woman, and asked her not to be disturbed.

The woman conceded, and backed out of the room.

Ashe placed a small spell of holding on the door, took

her time to bathe and change, the clothing fitting a bit

loose, but short. Her simple spells fied that issue as well,

making the dress fit perfectly. She cleaned her armor,

packing it all away into her small, precious bag. All but for

the web of sil$ery chain and gems that was her /ossamer,

the coif. She placed a few more spells upon herself of non-

detection, and applied makeups, and a bit of perfume. She

was going to make an impression on this court, in the

simplicity of her dress, if not her bearing alone.(hen she was finished, she opened the door to her

room, to disco$er a pair of guards waiting for her.

*"lease take me to my ord Rhoman's 2hambers.* She

spoke softly to them. They looked at her with a bit of

surprise.*1ing Rhoman of Suna is not to be interrupted,

'ady. * !ne said to her, his $oice strong with command.

She tilted her head and looked at the other guard. He

merely stared at her, not uite eyele$el, in fact, she was

nearly a good foot taller than both of them, but her dress


22/32

and stance made her look feminine, easily commanded in

their eye.

*y name is Ashe. # am his Royal Highness's own

ad$isor. # will be led to his rooms, and # will determine

weather or not he is to be bothered.* She said with a rolling

accent that held a touch of power behind it.

%oth men looked at her with surprise, and then

around uickly, knowing that they were commanded to

not allow anyone to see Rhoman, but this woman held

herself much differently than any of the men in Rhoman's

retinue. They nodded and motioned for her to follow.

They stopped at the top of a series of steps where a

large oak door sat, closed. There were two guards at thisdoor as well, and they looked at Ashe's guards in surprise.

*The 1ing Rhoman is not to be disturbed as he is in

conference with Ad$isor 2hord.* !ne said to her. This was

not acceptable, she thought.

*!pen the door. +ow.* She pointed to the door, and thecommand rolled from her once again. They all looked

shaken, but the door was opened and swung open.

Ashe stepped through the door, and into a large room

where Rhoman sat alone across a table from the la$ishly

dressed man with the scowl. There was a young woman at


23/32

2hord's side, and a guard at Rhoman's elbow. Rhoman sat

as if in a trance as 2hord snapped a look to the door and at

Ashe. He lept to his feet and pointed a hand at her, his look

of pure malice made her tilt her head, then chuckle.

*0ou are to lea$e, woman. 0ou are not allowed in my

presence4* 2hord commanded, the guard at Rhoman's side

drew his sword, and ad$anced upon her. The woman that

had stood by him scurried to the other end of the room

where a large fireplace held a crackling fire and a rack

of ... torture impliments Ashe nodded as she felt a wa$e of

command came from him. He was good, but not close to

her power.

*Sit the fuck down, asshole* She simply said, throwinga hand at the Ad$isor, who sat as if sho$ed down by a

large hand. Rhoman didn't mo$e, but the guard did. He

leapt at Ashe, attacking her uickly with his sword. He was

fast, but she was faster, *H!3* she shouted, and he fro&e

only inches from her, the sword close to her head, the edgebeginning to turn away from the /ossamer.

She strode toward Rhoman, and wa$ed a hand o$er

his eyes. *Release him of your hold, or # will make sure you

will ne$er speak or see again.* She ga$e him a cool, e$en

ga&e.


24/32

2hord sat there in stark ama&ement, and then anger as

he reali&ied that he had been caught. He began to chant

and raised his arms. Ashe began to counter his spell when

a solid whang4 et her ears, but nothing was felt but a

small bump at her head. She turned and saw the young

woman holding a large pan, arms shaking and a look of

terror on her face.

*0ou did not 5ust do that, you little bitch.* Ashe made a

flicking motion with her hand which sent the girl flying

back across the room, slamming into the wall and

dropping like a sack of potatoes. She could feel a build of

power around 2hord as it began to heat up around her,

the air sworling around her as would a cyclone, and motesof fire shot toward her from the fireplace. She rolled her

eyes, and walked uickly around the table toward 2hord,

who's eyes grew wide as he reali&ed she was bringing the

burn to him. His chanting stopped and the cyclone of heat

and fire died down. Ashe took him by one wrist, makinghim cry out and writhe as if her touch alone was killing

him.

*Release 1ing Rhoman, # will not ask you again.* She

whispered in his ear. The other four guards 5ust stood at

the door, watching in silence as this small battle of magic


25/32

layed out before them. 2hord nodded and spoke a few

words, wa$ing a hand in Rhoman's direction. Rhoman

dropped in the chair, head hitting the table, as 2hord

began to laugh at her.

*0our precious king is dead, you abonination. arlon

will be king of both lands, and you are net to meet your

doom4* he cried out as she felt a piercing pain sink

through her back and through her belly. !ne of the

guards had come up behind her, stabbing her with his

sword. She looked down at the sword as it then slid back

through her, pulled out by the guard. She looked up at

2hord and smiled. His laugh faded.

She lifted him from his chair, her gauntleted handsthen gripping him by arm and collar as she swung him

around, slamming him into the guard. The other three

guards seemed to not understand what the hell was going

on, and one e$en ran back down the stairs, calling for

backup. Ashe lifted the now howling 2hord, and used himas a shield against the guard that 5ust stabbed her. The

guard was backed toward the door, and then down step

after step, the last two gaurds following him. She used

2hord to hook and close the door, flicking her fingers at

the lock. A satisfying click was heard as it locked. 2hord


26/32

continued to scream and try to chant. 9ach time he tried to

speak a coherent word, she shook him until his teeth

rattled.

%lood had soaked down her dress, but soon stopped.

She took 2hord to the fireplace and pinned him against the

wall with one hand to his neck, *0ou rotton son of a bitch.

0ou ruined my new dress4* she hissed, letting her eyes shift

in color and the pupils in shape. 2hord blanched and

began to flail again, *+ow, where do you keep your library,

you rotten fuck* she growled, her teeth flashing in the

dim light of the fireplace, serrated and ra&or sharp.

2hord motioned with one hand to a second door in

the corner, which she drug him to, using him to sho$e itopen. #nside the second room was row after row of books.

+early a hundred of bound tomes and scrolls filled this

small room, around a large table with candles and small

containers. She sucked on her teeth a little, then hissed.

*0ou really fucked up, 2hord, boy.* She purred at him,making him shake and shudder, eyes wide.

*0ou can't do anything4 0ou're the enemy, and # will

rule the land with arlon as my 1ing4 # am the power of

this land and the lands in all directions4* he started to

scream and kick at her. She took a few blows to her legs


27/32

and a knee to her thigh, then shook him again.

*See, you idiot, you're a blight on the land, and #'m

gi$en permission to erradicate your sick and sorry ass.

These books are mine now, and you, # think you need to

meet my /od. ay Anubus ha$e mercy on your soul.. then

again.. # pray that my /od toss you in the Sty and let

your soul rot in pain and suffering until the end of time.*

She smiled at him then, her hand closing around his neck

tighter, and tighter, feeling the bone crack and crunch

under her fingers, then snap completely as his head

flopped to the side. His body went limp, and a cry came

from behind her.

The young woman had woken from her unconsciousstate, and saw Ashe break 2hord's neck. She threw herself

on 2hord's body, sobbing, howe$er, soon she stopped

crying, and looked around as if she were unsure where she

was. She stood, and looked around again, not e$en

glancing at Ashe as she made her way out of the room, andto where the other door sat closed, locked. Ashe could

sense something lift from the castle, as if a guise were

remo$ed. She drug the body of 2hord to the other room

and sho$ed him into the fireplace. She hastily called upon

a fire elemental, offering the body to the flames in


28/32

echange for the complete de$ouring of the flesh fo the

one who caused such suffering. She was not disappointed

when a male body wo$e its way down the flue of the

fireplace, looked at her with a gleaming smile, and began

to eat the body of the dead mage, 2hord.

Ashe watched only for a few moments before going to

Rhoman's dead body, and wrapped a hand around her

symbol on her neck. She closed her eyes and prayed,

resting her hand on Rhoman's head, his cool skin way,

and unmo$ing. She stood and prayed for nearly fi$e

minutes until she could feel his skin warm to her touch,

and a deep breath come from him, ribs rising and falling.

She let him lay there, but arranged his arms to support hishead. He slept soundly as she returned to the other room,

and began to cast spell after spell upon the racks of books

and scrolls. 9ach one fell to the floor, looking $ery much

like well-sewn small patches of cloth.

Ashe scooped up each and e$ery patch, tucking theminto her precious pouch. She scoured the room for any

hidden doors, panels or stones, and wasn't disappointed.

There was a hidden door that opened to a large chest of

gems and coins, most of which were stamped with the face

of Rhoman, or someone that looked an aweful lot like him.


29/32


30/32

now, as well.* She smiled brightly, and nodded back to the

girl who smiled, then reali&ed she was soaked in blood.

*Ashe... you'$e been in5ured4* Rhoman took a shaky

step toward her.

She 5ust nodded, *#'ll be fine. y people heal uickly.

0ou should come with me to the 1ing's chambers...* She

then remembered the fro&en guard near the door. She

released the spell upon him. He o$eretended in his

attacking mo$e, and almost fell. He stopped uickly,

howe$er, and looked around in confusion.

He sheathed his sword, and bowed to them, *y lord

Rhoman4* he eclaimed, and went to the door, *# don't

know what in the nine hells 5ust happened, but # think weneed to find ord arlon.* He said uickly, motioning for

them all to follow him out the door.

Ashe also unlocked the door, letting it swing wide,

where three guards stood, trying to unlock it. They looked

5ust as confused as the fro&en guard had been, but bowedlow to the 1ing and Ashe, who had let the girl go down the

stairs first. They all walked uickly down the stairs, where

more of the Suna men had gathered, the /uards of the

Ri$erland leading them to the base. Soon a shout and

flurry of bodies made its way down the hallway toward


31/32

them. A large man in furs and golden crown came

thundering down the hallway toward them all.

Ashe stood between him and Rhoman, hands raising,

but not doing anything until she reali&ed the look upon the

1ing arlon's face was relief at the sight of his cousin. She

stood aside as they embraced, and the guards fell away,

relie$ed as well. These "eace Talks were going to be much

better than all had hoped.

Ashe sat in on the talks which lasted only two days.

%efore the main talks, she eplained to the kings what

2hord was, and that it seemed to be a rare thing indeed to

ha$e magic in this land. They listened to her carefully, and

agreed that agic was $ery powerful in the land, butshouldn't be feared, but closely guarded. Ashe eplained

that she was to tra$el to the kingdom to the east that held

the libraries of all the magics in this land. %oth arlon and

Rhoman agreed that would be best, and that Rhoman

would wait until she returned to tra$el back to Suna.(ill and Shamus didn't lea$e Rhoman's side again the

entire time of the talks, and all three saw her off as she

mounted her horse, and headed east, to the land of ages.

They all turned to return to arlon's castle, a feeling of

success in their minds and hearts, and the 5oy of peace


32/32

being known for the first time in years. The loss of 2hord

had hit some hard, but they only felt it because he had

gi$en them power. (ith him gone, howe$er, they were left

to their own de$ises, to try to gain power back again

without aid of magic and 2hord's words in the 1ing's ear.

Ashe rode out of the small city heading east. She

patted Hooahn's neck and smiled, whistling a tune. Her

god had gi$en her a task, and she was happy to do this for

him. #t was who she was. She was 3eath. She was :ustice.

She was Ashe, and none could take her from her duty.

the road to the riverland

Documents