Ryzom

Just so you know, I'm very busy this month so it's hard to post chapters regularly...im also aware that it may be hard to keep track of a few "details" that will (maybe) be mentioned later on as the story evolves (Example : "remember five days ago this happened and now we're all gonna die !!!" Reader : Huh? Where ? When ? *scrolls back to first page* oh yeah ) but there's nothing much I can do about that I'm afraid :S...but who knows ? if the story doesn't bore you to tears and you have excellent memory it might be just fine .

*pokes meloner in the ribs*

beaut666 wrote:I love how you branch off when different Homins are speaking. It's a very unique way to indicate who's speaking, but does not distract!
I wish I would've thought of that! ANd you need to take the talentless part of your sig!

I meant to say you need to take the "talentless" part of your sig OUT. haha

Cheers followed Mac’Nary as he was escorted back to his tunnel, waving and grinning. Suddenly he heard a thunder of applause and looked back. More gladiators were walking to the arena. Among them was...

-Oh ! Look ! Said Apolla, pointing. It’s...

“Boekeps !” Roared the crowd as he stepped inside a fight area. His opponent, a member of the Green Seed, looked at him with fear, standing in a corner.

-I wonder where his guild is ? Asked Eulix.
-Who’s ?
-Boekep’s...I don’t see them.
-Over there ! Standing 10 paces away from the king. I can see Varo.

Eulix followed the direction of Zhao’s long finger.

-Oh yes ! I see him. And there’s Ke-Piang and Gibre, 2 of his high officers, standing next to him. Does anyone know if other of his members are competing ?

-If you’d stop staring at Boekeps and looked at the other fighters you’d see that Sirgio is fighting a Dunes Riders hunter. Said Apolla. And while you were all encouraging Mac’Nary, Be’Gany and Frergio were fighting each other.

-Damn ! Why didn’t you say anything ?
-It didn’t last very long. She answered with a shrug. Frergio tripped himself and fell in the trench.
-Look ! The fights’ started !

Boekeps’ name still rung all around the arena as he delivered his first blow. His opponent cowered behind his shield, stumbling backwards dangerously. Meanwhile, Sirgio had already drawn blood from the Rider’s cheek. Both were vicious and merciless. The duels were over in a matter of seconds. Boekeps dealt blow after blow on the shield untill it broke in two. His opponent attempted to strike back with his sword, but the defending champion parried it easily and knocked it out of his hand. He kneeled in front of the triumphant fyros, acknowledging his defeat. As for the Rider, he fought well, cleverly evading Sirgio’s attacks untill the matis grew weakened and less alert to the hunter’s strikes. Then, with pin-point accuracy, he thrust his spear in Sirgio’s palm, causing to fall on his knees, groaning with pain, clutching his bloody hand. He could fight no longer. The Dune Rider had won. Polite applause followed his triumph, as he made his way back to his tunnel, waiting for his next round. Mella yawned.

-These fights are rather dull. Who said these were the “finest weapon wielders” of Atys ? Honestly, I bet half the crowd fights better than Sirgio.
-He can fight well when he’s not being arrogant and slashing like a blind gingo...If you remember well. Muttered Eulix.
-It’ll get more interesting, when the strongest warriors confront each other. Said Icalan.

The fights went on. None of them lasted longer than a couple of minutes. Fuan, Detheon, Mac’Nary and Roni easily won 3 duels against opponents of little value. Apolla and Mella cheered them on animatedly. Slowly the list of gladiators grew smaller as more and more ended into the trenches or on their knees with a flesh wound. Duels lasted longer. Only prominent warriors were left, battling ferociously untill they met their match. Boekeps became more and more ruthless. After headbutting a zoraï, knocking him out, and sending him flying into the trench under tremendous roars he made his way back, fists clenched in triumphant ferocity. On his way out he crossed Detheon who had also just finished his duel. An evil glare was all they exchanged to acknowledge each other’s presence. It hardly lasted a second. Mac’Nary winked at his leader as he walked on his way to the arena for his next duel. A guard stopped him at the entrance. The duke di Varello was about to make a speech.

-Ladies and homins ! After many breath-taking fights, the quarter finals are about to begin. Only the best warriors remain. In order to enjoy the skills and strengh of them all, the duels will now take place one by one and the gladiators will be able to move around the entire arena. Ladies and homins, let the first quarter final begin !

The guard stepped aside, allowing Mac’Nary in. A young matis walked alongside him, a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other. He wore a turquoise medium armor of fyros craft. His eyes were deep blue and his hair, cut into a bevel square with an ornament, was light green.

-New hairstyle no doubt. Thought Mac’Nary.

The matis bore neither smirk nore scorn upon his face, to Mac’Nary’s surprise. In fact he looked quite serene, oblivious to the excited cheers around him. He walked calmly to one side of the arena bowing respectfully to the royal family, before turning around to face the tryker, and bowing once more. Where on Atys did he think he was ? A ball ? Mac’Nary nodded slightly. Etiquette wasn’t his strong suit though he appreciated the respect he was being shown.
Suddenly the bell rang. The matis tensed, dagger-hand held level to his chest and sword-hand lowered slightly above his waste. His eyes fixed Mac’Nary’s mace intently. The matis did not make any movement forward. He was waiting for him. This caught the tryker off-guard. All opponents he fought untill now either laughed maniacally or roared like an angry kipee before charging the tryker head-on. Most of the time Mac’Nary managed to trip them up, to the amusement of the crowd. But this time, it was he who was invited to make the first move. Cautiously, the tryker walked forward. The matis side-stepped, away from the trench and circled around him. Mac’Nary either had to move away or risk being attacked from behind. The silence in the arena was almost unbearable. Everyone held their breath as the matis cleverly forced his opponent closer to the trench.

-Come on, Mac ! Hit him ! Stop moving around ! What is he playing at ?
-He knows what he’s up against. Answered Zhao. Dual wielding is hard to master, but once you’ve achieved a high level, you become a fearsome warrior indeed. It is extremely hard to parry dual wielders attacks since they are so fast. Let alone dodge. And with Mac’Nary’s very poor choice of a weapon, he has little room for making mistakes.

Zhao was right. It was no easy matter defeating dual wielders. Mac’Nary studied his opponent closely, still moving around, looking for a weakness. His face was unprotected. But it would be a hard target. His ribs perhaps. Or maybe behind his knee.
Suddenly, frustrated, no longer able to handle the pressure, the tryker charged forward and struck. The matis evaded the attack. Mac’Nary missed him by an inch. The crowd gasped. In a flash he pounded the tryker with a combo of quick jabs which he missed narrowly by diving to the side. Mac’Nary stood up and brought his staff in the air, blocking a new series of consecutive strikes. The dagger sliced the air. Mac’Nary felt a wave of pain in his side. But he barely had time to groan before the matis hit him again. The tryker savagely struck back, angered at how hopeless he seemed against his opponent. He whacked the staff upwards, aiming for the matis’s pale chin. He jerked backwards, evading the weapon. Mac’Nary took advantage, striking the ribs, the knees, the stomach. The matis dodged, side-stepped to the right, jabbed his sword at Mac’Nary’s shoulder. The tryker brought his staff protectively to meet it but felt no impact. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his leg. The matis had feinted, and created a good enough opening to hit hard. Mac’Nary lashed out, one knee to the ground. It was weak and predictable. The matis blocked it easily with both weapons, twisted his wrist so his dagger met the other side of the staff and swung it out of the tryker’s hands. With a cry of rage, ignoring the searing pain in his ribs and leg, Mac’Nary threw himself onto the matis, punching him everywhere he could reach. Completely caught by surprise, his opponent was unable to react before Mac’Nary brought him to the ground, kicking his weapons away, beating him up with all the strengh he could muster in his small arms. The matis caught both his wrists, and kicked him away, head over heels. Mac’Nary groaned as he hit the solid earth, his wounds now bleeding badly. He tried to pick himself up. Suddenly he felt his arm pinned behind his back, and a dagger at his throat. His opponent forced him to his knees.

-Give up ! Said the matis in a calm, clear voice.

In one final attempt, Mac’Nary jerked his head back savagely, trying to hit his adversary on the nose, before finally accepting his defeat.

The crowd cheered. The matis helped him up, smiling at him in a friendly way.

-You fought very well. He said. That took a lot of guts for taking me on hand to hand.
-Thanks...

Mac’Nary could not help but admire his dueler for the respect and fair-play he had shown. It was not common for most homins he met to display such courtesy.
Casually waving at the crowd he accompanied the tryker to a small tent where healers awaited to fix his wounds, before returning to his tunnel. Meanwhile, Detheon and Fuan both walked into the arena. They were about to fight each other. The zoraï looked at his leader awkwardly. Detheon, however did not give away the slightest emotion. His eyes were steady and unfocused. Right now both recognised each other as part of the same guild. But when they were about to enter the arena, they were going to forget that. Once they would be inside, they would see nothing but a homin to defeat. To fight. They both agreed on that when the guard summoned them both to come and they realised they were going to challenge each other.
They entered. A round of applause erupted around them. Fuan gripped his long mace, which he crafted himself, and marched forward, avoiding eye contact. Detheon, axe resting on his broad, armored shoulder, turned left and waited for the bell. Fuan fidgeted nervously with his helmet, making sure it was not caught on one of his horns. As the bell rung in both their ears, they charged forward, their weapons making vicious contact. Fuan braced himself for the heavy blows Detheon would deal him. He parried a strike aimed at his side and smashed the head of his mace into his armor, forcing him to stumble backwards. Knowing Detheon’s strengh, Fuan would have to use every means necessary to stop from attacking, from gaining the upper hand. He smacked the mace firmly into his leader’s jaw. He was as proud as a fyros could be, and like many warriors, refused to wear a helmet. Detheon took a few steps back, tasting blood. Then, with a roar of anger, blocked another savage blow from the zoraï and stabbed him with the end of his axe in his face. Both warriors swung their weapons hard above their heads. The impact drove both of them backwards. Fuan aimed at the fyros’s head. He parried it, brought it to the right, creating an opening, and swung his axe into the side of the zoraï’s armor and whacked the wooden end under his chin. Clutching his side with one hand, Fuan jerked his mace viciously with the other, swinging the mace left and right in defence. He was wounded. The axe had made a big dent in the armor. Detheon faked to swing his axe to the zoraï’s shoulder, whipped round and brought it with tremendous strengh on his head. Fuan held his mace high blocking the strike. The impact almost caused his legs to give way. The zoraï charged forward, smashing the weapon on every limb he could reach. Detheon stood his ground, dodging and blocking, seeking openings he could use to counter-attack. But Fuan never let him. He kept jabbing the mace at him, in his chin, his chest, his knees, his elbows. Suddenly, Detheon felt the ground give way under his foot. He was at the edge of the trench. In one last desperate effort Fuan jabbed his mace once more. But Detheon evaded the strike and aimed a big blow at the zoraï’s head that made him stumble backwards. Blood poured out of his helmet. Ignoring the pang in his heart at the thought of hurting his friend badly, Detheon swung his axe in the zoraï’s ribs and in his leg. The zoraï, weakened, did not manage to completely block the attacks. He fell backwards and rolled to the side, getting up, clutching his mace firmly. But Detheon was already on him, pushing him back, weakening him with every blow. Fuan side-stepped, evading a hit and feinted. Detheon followed it. Taking advantage of the opening the zoraï hit him squarely on the forehead. Detheon, realising he had been tricked dodged the blow by an inch and felt wind brushing his top hairs with the swing of the mace. He fought back, not letting him get another chance, all the time pushing him further towards the edge, blocking every attack, and creating openings. Finally, after parrying a well-aimed blow above the shoulder, having thrust him forwards, axe against mace, the fyros whipped round, kicked Fuan in the chest and sent him flying in the trench. The crowd cheered and roared. The zoraï did not move. He was knocked out by his fall. Ignoring the voice of the crowd, Detheon jumped in the trench to help his guildie up.

-I’m sorry Fuan. He whispered.
-That’s...all right sir...You fought well.
-As did you, my friend. Let me get you up. Put your arm around my shoulder. That’s it !

Grimly, Fuan, limping, supported by his leader, was taken to see the healers. They crossed a guard who was making his way to the tunnel where Roni was sitting, waiting for his turn.

Roni followed the guard, his heart beating fast. This was it. He could see him, waiting in the arena. Boekeps ! The one he came to fight ! At last ! Roni’s eyes were locked onto his. His brows turned into an evil glare. Hatred flowed in his veins, causing tiny beads of sweat to trickle down his forehead. The grip on his sword was so tight, his nails cut into his palm. His gaze never left the face of the homin who had humiliated him that day in the primes roots. And for what he had done...Back then...Where it all started...The cause of it all...Memories flashed into Roni’s mind, broken only by the panting of the homin running up to meet the duke and muttering silently in his ear. His face bore an expression of panic and shock. The duke listened intently. Roni wondered what was going on. And he wasn’t the only one. Many gazes were turned towards di Varello and the messenger, whispering to each other. What was going on ?

-Look ! The duke is talking to the king ! Said Icalan, pointing.

King Yrkanis bent his head towards the duke, allowing him to whisper in his ear. He frowned.

-What d’you reckon happened ? Asked Eulix.

No one answered. Zhao saw the king nod silently. The duke rose and walked into the arena to address the crowd.

-Ladies and gentlehomins ! It is my sad duty to inform you that the tournament is cancelled. A grave matter has occured that needs my immediate attention. I bid you all farewell !

-WHAT ? Shouted Roni, outraged. But it’s almost the end ! You can’t do that !

Cries of fury and jeers accompanied the duke and the royal family as they left. The guards started to evacuate, pushing and prodding with their pikes.

-Put that thing away from me ! Shouted Roni.

He turned his head left and right, looking for Boekeps. He cursed. There was no way he’d find him in the crowd. Roni spotted Zhao and made his way to him, squeezing between two furious tryker tourists.

-Zhao !
-Roni, meet us at the Yrkanis stables !
-Where’s Tina ?
-I don’t know ! Last time I saw her she went into your tunnel.
-Yes I know but you haven’t seen her since ?

Zhao shook his head. Roni felt a hand clap his shoulder and looked back. It was Detheon.

-There you are ! I thought I’d never find you ! What is going on ?
-How on Atys are we supposed to know ?
-Is Fuan all right ?
-Yes he’s right behind me, he spotted Icalan and the two sisters. He had a broken rib but the healers did their job nicely.
-Hey ! Watch where ya puttin’ ya damn feet ya old...

Mac’Nary’s voice was drowned by two young matis arguing in their own dialect. But there was no point in guessing what he had just shouted. The look on the matis lady’s face spoke for itself.

-Damn matis ! the tryker growled as he joined his friends.

He was clearly in a very bad mood. Maybe it was the way he had so easily been defeated.

-Detheon ! Where’s Tina !
-Mm ? Sorry what ?
-Where is Tinaera ? Asked Roni.
-Ah. She went to get the eggs.
-What ?!
-The kitin eggs. She volunteered to get them. She asked me when she visited you in the tunnel. Don’t worry she’ll have had plenty of time to steal them. Now let’s get going, everyone !

Detheon made a couple of steps forward when he heard one of the arguing matis’s words and stopped.

-Firha ! Se ereiti nerhta !
-Detheon ! What is it ?
-Shht ! Listen !
-Hey you ! Get out of our way ! Shouted an angry fyros at the guild.

The two matis stopped talking as a guard approached to tell them to move on. Detheon cursed.

-Did you hear what he said ? He asked Roni.
-Who ?
-Those two matis shouting at each other ! What did they say ?
-I dunno I wasn’t listening. Why ?
-Because one of them said : Firha ! Se ereiti nerhta ! It means : Dead ! He has been killed !
-How come you know how to talk mateis ?
-My mother was a matis.
-You never told us that ! Said Mac’Nary. So who d’you suppose was...
-I must ask you to move on ! Shouted a guard. Clear off !

Muttering to himself, Detheon and his guild walked back to the city. On their way they met Fuan and the two sisters. Fuan was limping slightly. He was bare-chested and wore a big bandage above his waste. A few people, recognising him as one of the competitors, patted him on the back, congratulating him for his skill and bravery, giving him tips on how he could have won. Fuan smiled at them in turn, but spoke very little. Detheon caught up with him.

-How’s the ribcage ?
-It’s all right. Should be fixed in a couple of days, sir.
-Good. I’ll pay you a drink when we get home.

Fuan stopped and looked at his leader.

-You don’t have to feel guilty for what happened, sir. We were duelling in the arena. We were fighting to be recognised as the best warrior of Atys. And the best warrior of Atys, sir, doesn’t hold back.
-You know as well as I do that most of the gladiators barely knew how to hold their swords properly, Fuan. So don’t talk to me about “the best warrior of Atys” ! That’s nothing but bodoc dung !
-All the same, sir. When you take part in a tournament, you are prepared to accept the consequences. And I do, sir. So please, stop feeling guilty.
-Eulix is waiting for us next to our mounts ! Said Mella, pointing at the stables.

Roni stared at Eulix and the people around him. There was no sign of Tinaera. He walked quickly, almost running, to the old fyros who smiled as a sign of greeting.

-Where’s Tina ?
-Tinaera ? I have no idea. Isn’t she with you ?
-No !

Roni lowered his voice to a whisper.

-She was supposed to steal the..euhm..the eggs.

Eulix nodded gravely.
-Well maybe she went sightseeing in the city. We’ll wait for her here.

Time went by slowly. People came and went, riding back to their homeland or getting drunk in the bar. Roni walked along the streets, where all the merchants gathered, checked the bar, and even went as far as going back to the arena just to see if she wasn’t waiting for them there. But there was no sign of her.

-Something happened ! He said as he returned to the stables.
-Do you think she got caught ?
-Let’s ask the stable boy !
-Good idea ! Approved Icalan. Where is he ?
-I’ve been asking myself that as well. Said Eulix. I wanted to buy some food for my mektoub. Maybe he went to get drunk at the bar ?

Roni’s heart started to beat fast. He very much doubted it. A suspicion suddenly crossed his mind. Cautiously, the matis looked behind the stable. There he saw the stable boy flat on his back, a blood trickling from his forehead. He had been knocked out.

Roni knelt beside him hurriedly and pressed his ear close to the homin’s lips. He was still breathing. Apolla gently laid the palm of her hand on the stable boy’s forehead. A small blue glimmer erupted from her fingers, healing the wound. The homin’s eye lids quivered slightly. He blinked. Roni helped him up. The stable boy shook his head, dazed, and looked in turn at the people who found him before stammering :

-They...They attacked me !
-Who did ?
-I dunno...There were a lot of them...10 at least ! One of them was a zoraï...they...
-Can you remember what he or any of them looked like ?

The stable boy shook his head.

-No, I’m sorry. Everything happened so fast, you see ! I...I...
-What happened ?
-The street was empty. They came and took the girl before knocking me on the head.
-A girl ? Exclaimed Roni.
-Yes ! A girl ! Pretty matis with a bag slung on her shoulder. She was waiting for some friends and...

Roni dashed to his mektoub, jumped in the saddle and urged it at a galop.

-Roni, WAIT !

But Roni had already gone.

-Damn fool ! She could be anywhere ! How by Coriolis does he expect to find her ? Growled Detheon.
-I’d catch up with your friend if I were you. Said the stable boy as he scrambled to his feet. It is not wise to venture in the woods right now.
-Why’s that ?
-I sense a storm coming. Said Zhao.
-Right you are, mister zoraï. And at this time of year, the fog comes down very quickly. Within minutes he won’t be able to see within 5 paces in front of him.

Meanwhile, Roni was urging his mount forward, unaware of the dangerous mists forming between the tall trees, oblivious to the violent wisps of wind as they shook up fallen leaves scattered on the road. He could see the tracks. Bent blades of grass here and there, betraying the passage of a caravan of homins. They were fresh. Tinaera was nearby. The matis felt his determination increase, as he kicked his mount forward. He raced between the trees, jumping over their jutting roots, never slowing down. The fog spread thick. But Roni didn’t see it. All he could see was Tinaera, gagged, tied up and kicking her legs furiously on the back of a mount, and the vision made the brave matis furious beyond measure. Rage flowed in his veins, adding to his determination. The mektoub began to slow down, unsure of itself. It had heard the howl of a predator it knew only too well. Gingos. But it’s master kicked it again, urging it to move on. Thunder shook the earth. The sky blackened. Streaks of lightning slashed from the dark clowds. The mektoub snorted at it’s master in an attempt to express it’s fear. But Roni ignored it. The tracks had now completely disappeared under a curtain of white mist. Rain began to pour, soaking the matis within seconds.

-TINAERA ! He yelled. WHERE ARE YOU ?

There was no reply. Only the howl of the wind, the creak of old tree trunks, and the rustling of leaves on branches, swaying dangerously in the violent wind.

-TINAERA !

The thunder covered the sound of his voice. Roni realised now that he was completely lost. He could barely see the trunk of his mount. Spine chilling howls added to his now growing panic. Turning his mount around, he made it gallop faster than ever, hoping he would reach Yrkanis soon. Had he gone past the arena ? He didn’t know. But he couldn’t have been very far. Roni bent down. The road had disappeared ! Looking left and right, the matis did not recognise any landmark that could give him an idea of his location. Panic seized Roni, gripped him like a varinx would it’s prey. He kicked madly at his mektoub who now was struggling to keep a galloping pace.

-I must keep moving. Muttered the homin to himself. I must...keep moving !

Suddenly, he hit a low sturdy branch, knocking him off his mount. Roni picked himself up and felt his head throbbing with pain. He looked around, drawing his sword. All around him he could see nothing but a white curtain surrounding him, envelopping him with cold fingers. A branch snapped suddenly. Roni jumped. Outlined in the mist he could discern the vague silhouette of a beast on four legs. It was in a crouching position. About to pounce. Roni held his sword in a protective position. His legs were trembling, shivering with fright and numb with cold. He stumbled backwards. His heel made contact with a jutting root. Roni fell backwards, unable to stop himself, hit the back of his head against a solid rock, and blacked out.
He could hear a crackling fire. The storm had passed. Or was he dead ? Roni opened an eyelid. His vision was slightly blurry. His head was spinning. He twitched a finger and felt soft cloth. Turning his head slightly he could feel a pillow. Roni was in bed. He opened both eyes and blinked as his vision slowly came back to him.

-You have awoken. Said a voice.

Roni turned to look at it’s owner. There, to his great surprise, sitting by his bedside, smiling, was the person who had defeated Mac’Nary in the tournament. The matis with light green hair. He was wearing a red fyros light vest and black matis caster robes. He extended his hand and gave Roni a bowl of mashed up fruit and forest plants.

-Who...Who are...
-Eat it ! Interrupted the matis, handing him a wooden spoon. You’ll feel better afterwards. Then you must rest.
-No ! Wait, I...I can’t ! I…
-Yes you can.
-Tinaera !
-Is that the name of your mount ? It’s safe. I took it to the stables.
-No...I...

The matis left the room, closing the door behind him. At first, Roni considered slipping out of bed, leave a note of thanks to his host and then continue his search for Tina, but he soon found out his legs were too weak to support him. Healf-heartedly, he started eating his food and, dropping the empty bowl on the floor, fell back into a deep slumber.

When he woke up, the matis was sitting at a table, busy writing on a piece of parchment. Roni sat up and examined his host carefully. The latter ignored him, busily scratching the surface of the parchment with a feather quill. Roni coughed. The matis looked up.

-Hello there. Are you feeling all right ?
-Yes thank you.
-Good. Please, sit down. I’ll go and get 2 goblets and a bottle of dandelion wine and we can talk about what happened.

Roni gladly accepted the invitation. He stretched his stiffened back and rubbed his head. He felt a bandage covering a healing wound.

-You knocked yourself out pretty badly. Said the matis, pouring wine in both wooden goblets.
-Yes I know.

Roni sat down, and took a big gulp of wine. His throat was dry and soar.

-So...what’s your name ?
-Roni Videra. Yours ?
-You can call me Lydos.
-That’s a fyros name ! Said Roni, puzzled.
-Yeah, well my father was fyros you see.
-Would explain your skill in weapon fighting. That was incredible stuff you did in the tournament !

Lydos gave a small smile, his eyes gazing in the depths of his drink. For a long moment neither spoke. Then, Lydos looked up.

-Are you going to tell me ?
-Tell you what ?
-What, by the mighty roots of Atys you were doing out there in the woods in the middle of that storm.

Roni took another gulp from his goblet.

-They took Tina !
-Who ?
-Tinaera. A friend of mine. She’s a member of my guild.
-Who took her ?
-They...they call themselves the Aketimenos. They are mostly matis, but they have a powerful zoraï mage with them. The leader is Varo.
-Hmm...And why did they take your friend ?
-I..I don’t know.

Lydos raised his eyebrows in doubt.

-You-don’t-know... He said slowly.
-She wanted to take some kitin eggs back that they stole from us.

Lydos’s expression did not change.

-Why don’t you start from the beginning ? He asked.

Roni sighed, and stared at his reflection, painted by the few drops of wine at the bottom of his wooden cup.

-It’s a long story...He said quietly.

Lydos gave a small smile.

-What ?
-That habit of looking for answers at the bottom of a goblet...I see it all too often in the bar of Yrkanis.
-It’s not that...It’s just complicated.
-I’ve got time.

Roni frowned, suddenly suspicious.

-Why do you want to know anyway ? Who are you to ask me these questions ? I’m sorry I really have to go, I must go and find Tina.

Roni pushed his chair back and got up.

-Sit down Roni.
-No, I can’t ! I’m sorry, I have to go !
-There is nothing you can do right now.
-They’ve got Tina ! I must save her !
-And where will you go ? You haven’t a clue where she is.
-I can track them ! I can track the men who stole her !
-No you cannot...Not without my help.
-I don’t need your help. Goodbye, and thanks for your hospitality.

Roni made for the door and stopped as his hands were about to twist the handle. He turned around.

-Where did you put my stuff ? My sword ?

Ignoring the young matis, Lydos drunk slowly from his goblet.

-I want to know. I want you to tell me the whole story.
-Didn’t you hear what I just told you ? I don’t have the time ! Now tell me where my sword is.
-What happened ? Why did they take your girl ?
-Where’s my sword ?
-What started this ? A war ? A woman ? The death of a guild leader ? Money ?

Roni stared in disbelief. The insolence ! Who was he to ask questions of matters that did not concern him in the slightest ? And especially a matter as dark as this.

-That... Is not your concern...He said coldly.

Lydos stood up.

-Guild feuds are a nasty business to settle...And they often end in slaughter and bloodbaths.

Roni snorted.

-Nothing can settle this...The actual conflict started nearly a year ago...But it’s roots lie deeper than that. Much deeper. So deep, hardly any of us remember exactly what happened.

For a moment, Lydos was quiet.

-I see. He muttered. Then...May I at least know the name of your guild ?

Roni nodded.

-The guild of the Blackened Tree.
-The Blackened Tree ?
-Yes...
-And what do you do ? As a guild ?
-We study kitin behavior. It helps us predict and prevent invasions.

Lydos raised an eyebrow.

-How so ?
-We kill the kipees to stop them bring food to the nests. Every year we raid kitin lairs and steal the eggs. We sell’em to scholars, raw material merchants or any homin who wishes to use them for his or her craft.
-That’s interesting. And a very noble task you have set yourselves. In some way you protect homin from kitin invasion. Do you know much about this foe ?

Roni shrugged.

-We know enough to survive the raids we undertake.

Lydos smiled.

-What is it ?
-When I was a child, my father used to study kitins too. He would tell bedtime tales of his adventures to me and my brother. The foul creatures fascinated him. He’d tell us they were the most intelligent beasts on Atys. That they lived in a society of their own. And every night he’d sing us this ballad, written by a troubadour during the Great Swarming. Are you familiar with it ?

Roni shook his head. Lydos slowly opened his mouth and began to sing, in a deep, melancholic voice.

- The kitins crawl the kitins come and woe betide the lagger
But we'll stand and fight another day with gun and blade and dagger
The bigger they come the harder they fall, we'll learn to zigger and zagger
We'll find their chink, we'll brave the brawl and woe betide the lagger!

Roni smiled.

-Not exactly what you’d sing to woo a lady.
-No, not really.
-What happened to your dad ?
-What makes you think something happened to him ?
-That look of sadness in your eye when you sung...The tone in your voice...
-Well...He died. Eaten by a kincher.
-Oh..I’m sorry.

Lydos shrugged then turned around and grabbed a sword from the chimney mantelpiece. He handed it to Roni.

-Your mount is waiting for you in the stable. I imagine you’re quite anxious to find your friend.
-I...thanks, Lydos.
-You’re quite welcome. Drop by when you feel like it. I enjoyed our little chat.
-I’ll try. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I owe you my life.

Lydos shrugged once more.

-You would have done the same for me I’m sure.

Roni belted his sword, threw a long cape around his shoulders and was about to reach for the door when Lydos spoke again.

-If it can be of any help...I spotted some tracks leading to the knoll of Dissent, a short while before I found you. Five men and three packers. Among the men were a tryker and a zoraï.

Roni nodded. And reached for the door once more when...

-Aketimenos...
-I’m sorry ?
-Your enemies. “Aketimen Os”...Fyros dialect. It means “Protectors of Homin”...You split up...You used to all be in the same guild...