By the sun’s position in the sky Nelina judged it to be near mid-morning. Shifting her weight in the saddle, she kept her thighs pressed hard to hold her on the fast-moving animal beneath her. After riding in the saddle for so many days she was glad this would be the last one for a little while. In order to reach Kiffet before the day’s end they had to leave with the first rays of the dawn, only eating a light breakfast in their rooms as they waited for their horses to be readied. She was somewhat disappointed at not seeing the city. However, getting to Kiffet was worth it to her if it gave her more time with Ru’ark there. Everything in the south seemed larger than anything that was part of Pinza or the Lower kingdoms. As a child she had heard often that Danthamore was the gateway to the Southern Kingdoms, and she understood why. Even as they moved further away from the Waste one could tell this was the land of plenty. In the far north a person could spend most of the year without sun, she could not fathom it happening here. The white gelding moved swiftly beneath her with the speed of the Magus’s weavings as she buried her face into its mane to help shield her eyes from the speed. Ru’ark had explained to her that the other horses could not hold a continuous connection without perishing from its effects. It was why they were riding these ones he had purchased. Peeking out from the horse’s mane and holding her head to the side, she had to make sure she was positioned just right. Otherwise, as she discovered the speed made the air itself hard to breath. The scenery changed from the high plateaus with the reddish brown desert of Eiffest, into a blending terrain of sloping hills and grasses. As the morning sun turned a little past its midday point Nelina watched as the outcroppings of small scattered brush and larger trees appeared. The trees were pressed closer together along the road. Since she had left Pinza she had not seen trees in any number. In the days travel they had come a great distance from the waste and its unnatural heat and corruption of the earth. Here spring was in full bloom as the fresh green leaves filled the scattered trees as other still held on to buds pushing hard to join their brothers and sisters. By the time sky filled with orange streaks from the setting sun hanging low on the horizon; the sweet smell of spring tangled with the sharp scent of the salt air. The salt marshes that dotted the coast of Kiffet were a precursor to the Great Marsh further to its south. The holy city, Kiffet, was now visible yet still a ways off with only the occasional small hill disturbing the horizon.
With a sudden lurch, the horses slowed to their normal pace. “There we go,” Ru’ark patted his horse, and the blackness of his eyes faded back to their crystal blue.
The closer Ru’ark and Nelina came to the city, the more white spires they saw, reaching high up off in the distance. As the marsh surrounding the King’s road increased the low reeds replaced the trees that had been with them for most of the day’s journey. Their road which had before been hard packed earth was replaced by intermittent bridges allowing passage over the water soaked ground below.
Nelina was surprised being this close to the city that it did not have near the bustle of Danthamore or even the darker streets of Effiest. She saw a few guards wearing polished armor embossed with a pair of open hands signifying they were knights dedicated to the God of All. Besides them, the road held pilgrims and other travelers with the occasional trading caravan. The city itself sat upon a series of posts holding it above the marsh and jutting out into the southern sea. Because of it, they would have to stable their horses beforehand since Kiffet was without roads and was connected by numerous canals throughout the city. The King’s road was separated by the Grand Canal and from the horse stables along with a few waystations and other buildings.
Riding up to the long flat wood building Ru’ark smelled the scents of hay and manure. He brought his horse to a stop with Nelina falling in next to him. “We’ve arrived to where we can stable our horses,” Ru’ark dismounted his horse and took out a small pouch of silver coins handing them to the waiting stable master. “For the horses, and be sure that they are given extra food and water.”
“Yes, Milord,” the stable master quickly took the coins offered and called for a young lad to take the horses away.
Ru’ark’s hand darted beneath his robes and reappeared with a gold crown between his fingers. “I would also have one of your more trusted lads bring our belongings to the Blue Water Inn.”
The balding stable master reached out with a glint of greed taking the gold crown. “I’ll have it done at once Milord.”
Ru’ark caught the man’s hand before he could pull it back with his eyes flashing black long enough for the man to notice. “Mark them as belonging to the Magus and leave it with Rueben himself.”
“Magus?” The stable master grew nervous and fearful. “I’ll have my son deliver it to ensure its safe arrival.”
Ru’ark turned to walk back to Nelina as she finished rubbing down the horse she had ridden for the day, a task she enjoyed and chose not to leave for one of the waiting stable hands.
“The horses will be well tended to Sweetling,” He took her hand leading her away. “Are you ready to go to the Inn we’ll be staying at?”
“I am,” she gave him a lingering kiss.
He held out his arm for her. “Come we can find a boat to take us to the Inn.”
Nelina linked her arm with his. The large braziers marking the length of the Grand Canal were being lit for the evening. The dock in comparison to Danthamore’s was not near as crude or crass. Kiffet did lack the deep harbor of Danthamore and because of it the larger trading vessels were anchored further out and used the large flat bottom skiff to bring goods to and from the city. On the edge of the canal and next to the submerged posts was a dozen or more small, elongated flat-bottom boats tied off with a boatman offering his services.
“Some are prettier than the others.” Nelina noticed how some of the boats were ornate in their workmanship while others were stark and plain.
“Indeed” A light smile touched his face as Ru’ark pulled several gold coins from the coin purse tied beneath his robes at his waist. “Let me take you on one of these pretty boats you like.” He walked past the line of boats finally stopping at a black polished boat with gold engraving down its side of what appeared to be a water scene, yet was hard to make out from the angle it was docked. It held a large basket and seating for two, Ru’ark had seen these types of boat on previous visits and knew the basket would hold light food and wine for patrons.
The boatman ran a hand through his slicked back brown hair. He had witnessed Ru’ark before take out coins from the pocket of the odd blue garment he was wearing. His finger caressed his thin mustache as he pondered whether the man was a strange priest. It did not matter to him, he cared about his profit. “G’Day Milord, will you and the woman need a ride somewhere this evening?”
“We are going to the Blue Water Inn.” Ru’ark handed the man one of the gold coins as the rest disappeared up his sleeve. He then reached out his hand to Nelina to help her into the boat.
The boatman pocketed what the Magus had given him while giving a sidelong glance to Nelina. “Yes, Milord I invite you and your passenger to enjoy all that my humble boat has to offer.”
“This is so beautiful,” Nelina sat comfortably in the boat next to Ru’ark. She knew and saw how no one treated her as though she were supposed to be with him. If she was wearing one of her finer dresses they would not behave that way.
“It is, and if you want some food and drink there seems to be some there.” He motioned to the covered tray and a bottle of wine with two cups.
The boatman, after clearing the view of the other boats brought them out into the middle of a wide waterway with the majesty of the city come into view. Farther up, several large marble spires flanked by cupola towers came into view and were part of a single gold and marble building which was the Sacred temple to the God of All.
“Magus, is the whole city like this?” Nelina found the city structure intriguing.
Ru’ark slipped his arm around her. “Kiffet, Sweetling, is made up of several large sections of stable ground with buildings connected to one another. The canals and bridges connect the city from one section to another and at times even home-to-home.”
“Oh, alright” Nelina leaned against Ru’ark’s firm chest as the boat grew closer she could see there was a long line of people holding a small lit candle as the line disappeared from sight. They one by one walked up the temple’s massive marble steps to receive the priest’s blessing and then placed their candle into a lantern sending it off into the Grand Canal. “I think we’ve come at a time of celebration.”
“You have, it is a favorite time of year here known as the festival of Lights. The priests of the God of All spend the entire night giving their blessing to anyone repenting from their sins of the prior year.” The boatman using his oar-part pole continued pushing through the canal. “On the morrow the Priests will journey to all of the Ten Kingdoms to bless this year's crops for LeapSeed.” Numerous floating lanterns casting a glow of light dotted the waters of the Grand Canal as he navigated his boat. “Are the two of you staying for the festival or visit with friends?”
“While our trip wasn’t planned around the festival, I have stayed at the Blue Water Inn before.” He had stayed in the city often is the past in order to study the Clasu'trum but it had been quite a few years since Ru’ark had last visited.
“An excellent place Milord,” The boatman knew of the Blue Water Inn, it was an upscale establishment, one with well paying guests.
Nelina sat up straighter, when the boat turned off the Grand Canal to go down the side canal. The smaller canal opened into a larger pool of water surrounded by the single building. Several other boats remained moored as the boatman gravitated to the waiting dock. Even spaced pillars appeared raised out of the water as if piercing the dock as they reached up to the high ceiling of the of the open sheltered area of the dock. Two men stood ready at the dock to help any of the respected important guests with their belongings as the boats. Their boatman steered the boat up to the dock as one man jumped to pull them closer.
“It has pillars.” It was elegant, refined and extravagant. “I’d never be able to stay at a place like this if it wasn’t for you.”
“You’ll like it here and I wanted to share it with you, since I happen to know the man who owns it.” It had changed little in the last several years to him except for flowers, trestles, and other minor details.
The boat stopped and Nelina stepped out of the boat with no offer of help from the man standing on the ledge. She tried to give the man a quick smile, but he was not having any of it as his attention stayed on Ru’ark.
Ru’ark handed the boatman the promised gold crown and a small pouch of silver coins containing far more than their boat ride had cost.
“Milord is generous, thank you.” With deep bow, he slipped the coin with the small pouch into the larger purse on his belt.
The man on the dock offered his hand to Ru’ark to help him off the boat. “Milord, welcome to the Blue Water Inn.”
“It’s Magus,” Ru’ark ignored the man’s outstretched hand as he stepped up on the dock.
The man bowed. “Magus, your servant may enter through the door to the left and meet back with you after you have signed in for your stay this evening.”
“Servant is quite a presumption.” His eyes narrowed with a touch of anger playing in his icy blue stare. “She is the Magus’s consort, my consort.”
His heart beat faster as he was filled with anxiety at the realization of who the man standing in front of him was. “Forgive me,” He held out his hand for Nelina to take. “Madame and Consort of the Magus welcome to the Blue Water Inn”
Nelina humbled by Ru’ark, accepted the man’s hand and allowed him to help her up. “It’s fine, there’s no harm done,”
“Good, since that’s settled, I’ll speak to Rueben and sign for our stay.” Ru’ark offered her his arm. Without looking back Ru’ark addressed the dock’s host. “A boy from the stables will arrive with our belongings be sure it finds its way to our rooms.”
“Yes Magus,” the dock host intended to deal with it himself after his own recent mistakes.
Ru’ark and Nelina paused as a man opened the heavy doors for them to enter the Inn. The polished marble of the outer dockside continued inside and into the Inn’s spacious greeting room for guest. The room boasted a high ceiling and was lit from several large low hanging candelabrums above couches and soft cushioned chairs. Nelina felt distinctly out of place as none of the other guests wore armor. The men donning armor were standing alongside people who were important or nobility.
Nelina kept her voice low. “Do we really get to stay here tonight?”
“Yes,” In truth it, his original plan did not entail staying there, yet it was obvious she would enjoy something such as this.
Rueben the Inn’s owner strolled over, almost as tall as Ru’ark with gray peppered hair and a wide grin. “Magus, it’s always an honor,” he cocked his head, bewildered “By the God of All, you look no older than when you brought Elian to my sister as a small child.”
“Indeed, it’s one of my many gifts.” He smiled over to Nelina.
“My sister sent word you would be staying over and I’ve prepared you and your lady friend the best accommodations that the Blue Water Inn has to offer.” Rueben had also made sure his staff was aware of the Magus’s impending stay.
“I appreciate it. This is my consort, Nelina.” He took Nelina’s hand to bring her forward.
Rueben bowed. “A pleasure to meet you Madame Nelina.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you as well Rueben.” Nelina was still unaccustomed to being Ru’ark’s consort.
“Rueben, in regard to the arrangements does it require being done on the morrow’s eve?” Ru’ark would rather spend the day with Nelina since it could be a while before they would return.
Rueben paused before answering. “Yes, of course, it will not be a problem.”
“Good, I’ll be going with Nelina to the water gardens during the day tomorrow.” Ru’ark knew Nelina would be captivated by the water gardens given her enjoyment of the royal gardens.
Rueben waved over a youthful girl nearby. “Violet, please take Madame Nelina, the Magus’s consort, to one of the private baths she’s had a tiring day of riding.” Rueben inclined his head to Nelina. “Violet will also help you to find any gown of your choosing from the ones we keep here.”
“Thank you, Rueben.” Nelina then turned to Ru’ark and hugged him with an affectionate kiss. “I love you, Magus.”
He held her body tight, pressing her hard against him before letting her go. “I’m glad these little things please you Sweetling.”
Violet stepped forward and Nelina went off with her leaving Ru’ark and Rueben alone.
“Magus, if you’ll be kind enough to follow me.” Rueben walked over to a podium with an open book, quill, and ink. “Here is our guest book, for you to sign.”
Ru’ark stepped up and picked up the quill signing naught more than his title ‘Magus.’ “Were you perchance able to prepare the room with what I requested?”
Rueben clasped his hands together. “The final preparations are being made as we speak. Perhaps you might be interested in a fluesta or a bath yourself?”
“Yes, a fluesta will do,” the fluesta was like the devices he had back in Aghadine, which was accessible to the nobility or wealthy; it was a wall with fountains across its face and one above that would pour out water as you stood underneath allowing one to rinse away the filth of the day. Ru’ark preferred to be done before Nelina finished her bath.
It was well past dark with the moon high above the horizon, when Nelina arrived to dine Ru’ark. He stood up as she approached the table, which was off to the side and apart from the greeting area of the Inn. The dining room itself formed a veranda half inside and half out, Ru’ark had chosen one of the tables outside providing a wide view of the of the speckled lights in the city canals floating to the open Southern ocean. The low light emanating from the candles set on the Spartan tables throughout the room, gave a glow to Nelina as it was caught in her golden locks and reflected in her piercing green eyes. “You’re as always a vision of loveliness.” The dress was not the quality of the ones at Danthamore, it held tight at her waist and held frills across its trimming at her neck leaving just above her breasts bare, but she wore this one well.
She blushed from his compliment. “Thank you, I’m glad you find it fetching on me.” The bath and change of clothes had done wonders for her spirit after the hard days of travel.
Watching her cheeks flush a deeper his lips curved into a devilish smile. “Indeed, if I did not think you needed to eat, I’d already be having my way with you upstairs in our room.”
Her eyes shot downward, then rose up to meet his. “I- well, I want to be pleasing to you.”
“Without question you’ve achieved that endeavor.” Ru’ark made sure there would be a variety of food for them. He held out the chair for her as he then after seating himself and lifted the cover off the platter displaying in its center a small roasted duck dressed and encircled by different local delicacies consisting of shelled mussels, oysters and steamed snails. Small open blows of butter and sauces off to the side of the platter allowed for easy access. A basket of warm bread was also left for them. “I figured we could both use a good meal.”
“My stomach has been rumbling for food.” Nelina did not care for the appearance of the crustaceans or mollusks. Instead, she chose the duck to start with.
Ru’ark on the other hand took a smattering of everything “Only the duck?”
She stared hard at the tray. “Yes, the duck will be fine on its own,” she took a bite of the duck from her plate. “It isn’t too bad,” she tried to hide her distaste of the oily greasy meat duck. Still, it was more palatable than what she saw on the tray.
He took a piece of a crustacean, and dipped it in the melted butter sauce. “This is really good,”
Nelina head bobbed in acknowledgement. “I’m glad you like it,”
“Will you try it?” He put the piece he had been holding in his mouth.
“Do I have to?” her big emerald eyes locked with his.
He knitted his brows together in mock upset. “Oh yes, as your Magus I demand your obedience in this.” he picked up another piece of the crustacean meat drenching it in the buttery sauce.
She gave a light laugh at his gentle teasing. “As you command my dear Magus,” she leaned in towards him ready to taste it with her a slight part of her lips.
Ru’ark took the food and with his fingers brought it to her mouth. Her mouth accepted the succulent morsel while her lips sensually went around his finger for the lingering butter that remained. “I’ll have to get you to try more things I see.”
She blushed and finished the piece of food.
Nelina afterward was enthusiastic in trying the variety of the other mollusks yet she only found two them to her liking. Her favorite was what Ru’ark had introduced her to.
Ru’ark enjoyed watching her explore and try new things. When they returned, they would have the time they lacked now. He wished the trip were under better circumstances.
One of the Inn servants stopped in front of their table to replenish their wine, “Good Eve Magus, Rueben would like you to know your room is prepared.” He set down an iron key. “He instructed me to give this to you.”
“Ah, good,” he took the key and after the servant left, and pulled out a few silvers to leave on the table as gratuity.
When they both could not eat anymore, the two headed back to the open greeting room where they had first arrived and then took the smaller stairs up to the third floor and to their room.
Ru’ark went to the last door, which led to the Blue Inn’s best room and turned the key. “Here we are Sweetling.”
Nelina walked into the room. The center of the room held an oversized bed its large polished wooden frame glinting in the light from the candles filling the room. A small table holding a pitcher of wine and two glasses stood next to a dresser with their belongings neatly place in front of it with her armor and sword on top. A thin sheen nightdress lay folded on a nearby stool which she changed into. She was struck by the glimpse out the window she caught and when she was done, she walked over to the window. The festival of lights was in full swing as the numerous bobbing lights speckled the water.
He approached her from behind with his muscular arms encircling her waist while his lips found her neck with a gentle kiss, gazing at the spectacular view of the lantern candles illuminating the water from their window.
She brought her arms on top of his hugging him closer to her. “Ru’ark, may I ask you something?”
“You may,” he kissed her shoulder. “What is it you want to know?”
“Have you loved another woman, perhaps when you were in your homeland?” she blurted out the question almost wishing she could take it back.
His base answer was simple. “No, I haven’t,” the detailed explanation was another matter. “I was raised in the belief that sexual needs were met through my father’s household’s pleasure slaves. The slaves tend to be shared between myself and brother, along with my father. I’ve never shown favor to any as doing so creates the headaches of favoritism.”
“Marriage in Aghadine is not done as it is here, there is no marriage for love, and there is only marriage for status and power.”
His lips pressed another kiss right below her ear. “I’ve marked you as my concubine, and as a show of my commitment, I will never take a wife in Aghadine; and here in these lands we will rule and be husband and wife.”
“I am blessed to be loved by you.” She leaned her head against him.
He waited a few moments before stepping back to turn her around to face him. “I have a concern that we need to discuss. When I accepted the Waraeu into my flesh as a child, I had years of preparation to endure the bonding, and it was painful. You will face the same.”
“I’ll endure it with strength.” her eyes were set in her determination. “Caleb came close to killing me, and it was excruciating pain. If I survived that, I will survive this.”
“I have no doubt you will but you must be prepared for it will be a different kind of pain, and each person’s experience is different.” He admired her strength and force of will. “The trick is to not panic, when it is unbearable focus on being with me and what we share.”
“I love you, I’ll do that.” slow tears trickled down her cheeks. “Besides, if I perish, I’ll die thinking of you.”
With a light brush from his fingertips, he wiped her tears away. “I’d never risk your life if I thought it would mean your death, we would find another way.” His hand cupped her face and her green eyes rose up to meet his blue ones. “I would sooner let my life be forfeit than to risk yours with uncertainty.”
“I love you,” she threw herself into his arms.
He held her tight against him with her head resting on his chest. “What is it you would like to do for the rest of the night Sweetling?”
“Be with you,” she closed her eyes for a brief second.
“You are my consort and soon you will be my wife, it will be the first declaration of our rule, and we will marry for all to see in the Grand Temple with the ceremony performed by The High Priest himself.” He lifted her tear-stained face upward with a warm smile. “In the eyes of Aghadine, I give you my favor above all other women, and any children you bear me, would have a protected status. My slaves who still live and are loyal to me would honor your position as my concubine.” His lips brushed across hers.
Nelina’s hands touched the sides of his face. “You are my beloved Magus,”
His mouth parted hers, and his tongue became entwined with hers. He wasted little time in removing her nightdress, and maneuvering her to edge of the bed while he remained standing and discarded his robe.
Nelina sat with her legs parted with her hands resting on his broad chest.
Bringing her long legs up to his shoulders, she lay back on the bed as he kissed the inner part of her ankle. His hardness throbbed against the velvety folds between her thighs where he was greeted with the readiness of her arousal. He eased himself inside of her slowly, and then slid back and forth from the tip to the hilt of his shaft repeating his gentle assault controlling the tempo until she writhed desperate and craving him.
Her smooth legs slinked up and down his body while stretching upward toward his neck eager to reach that glorious peak she was coming to know well these days.
After three or four more times of gliding in and out of her he paused with a seductive smoldering smile before switching to a faster pace.
She was unable to control herself as she gave over to the hot rush running through her entire body.
His eyes closed while taking his own pulsing release within her making sure he was spent before withdrawing from her warmth.
After another final kiss Nelina turned on her side in exhaustion. “I can’t keep my eyes open anymore.”
He kissed the back of her head while wrapping her in his arms. “Sleep well, Sweetling.”
“Good night, I love you” It was the last thing she said before drifting off into a deep slumber.
Ru’ark let Nelina rest and did not wake her when morning came. While she rested, he took the liberty of having her morning meal prepared for her for until she finally did stir. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did, thank you,” she smiled. “I appreciated being able to sleep in and for the morning meal you were nice enough to get for me.”
“You’re quite welcome, it wasn’t much to arrange.” Ru’ark sat with her until she finished her food.
Nelina after finishing her light breakfast of warm bread and eggs changed into the green dress she knew Ru’ark liked seeing on her. “Are we coming back here at all?”
“We are not, Rueben will have someone meet us later, and he’ll have our things, including your armor and sword.” He was looking forward to exploring the water gardens with her. According to Rueben, it was a place well suited to lovers with private benches for intimacy.
Ru’ark had never been to the water gardens himself, seeing no need to waste time on such a frivolous outing. However, today he intended to spend with Nelina there since he was unsure what tomorrow held.
The morning light on the Inn’s dock heightened the overall grandeur of the place. It was obvious the Inn was named because of the wide blue pool of water on a cloudless day and the sunlight bringing out the blue.
In front were several ornate flat bottomed boats. With a nod to one of the Boatman Ru’ark and Nelina boarded one of the small boats instructing the young man to take them to the water gardens with the promise of a few silver coins. The city during the day had a much different feel as they propelled deeper into the city’s depths. They passed under different small arched bridges adorned with flower boxes.
Going down the canal their boatman led them down to where it opened up into a wider and bigger area which connected to the water gardens. The Gardens themselves covered a generous expanse of the city, which were joined by different bridges allowing access to all its parts. It was the lush vegetation, where the rest of the city stood in contrast to itself with its city block seeming to defy the water as they rested upon their long petrified stilts. While the city stood in contrast of the water, the gardens blended as one. The mid-morning sun caught the reds, deep blues, and white hues of the flowers cascading from the flat islands which linked together making up the entrance to the water gardens. At the entrance of the gardens was a section that could hold about a dozen of the flat bottomed boats.
Ru’ark, when they reached the dock entrance slipped a handful of silvers from a pouch beneath his robes, and pressed the coins into the man’s hand after helping Nelina out of the boat. “For the quiet ride,” Ru’ark scooped up Nelina’s arm with a warm smile. “Come, my Sweetling let us see what these water gardens are made of.”
The garden paths were well groomed as the two made their way into the garden. The sound of small, well-kept waterfalls filled the air only interrupted by the musical call of the wild water birds that made the marsh their home. Each island was similar yet different than the one that preceded it. They all held an assortment of small trees and floral paths, some were dotted with quiet benches while others had raised rocks that seemed to defy the water and give the impression you were walking on top of the water itself. The scent of the flowers filled the air as the color and shades of blue mixed with fiery oranges offset by vibrant yellow hues. Finding one of the taller trees giving shade to a quiet bench with a swooping gesture Ru’ark motioned for Nelina to sit. “Let’s sit and take each other company for a while together.”
“I would love that,” with a loving smile she sat with her body leaning into his on the quiet bench undisturbed as the morning moved past its mid-day point.
“It’s breathtaking here.” Nelina’s voice carried a sense of wonder.
Ru’ark kissed the back of her hand. “Not as much as you are to me.”
The afternoon passed in a similar manner except for a brief break, when Ru’ark produced a flask of dark red wine and a pair of traveling cups along with a small helping of fresh bread and sharp aged cheese. Their stroll was leisurely for the rest of the day around the gardens yet at the same time solemn and quiet as both knew the upcoming path. It was not until the sky filled the fire pinks and deep violet colors of the setting sun that Ru’ark let her to a section of the garden they had passed through earlier with its large green hedges. This section of the water garden was especially secluded from other people passing by which was why he chose it.
Ru’ark took Nelina’s hand in his own. “I have preparations I need to tend to for us this evening.”
“What preparations Love?” She wondered what they might be.
With a clever smile he gave her hand a light squeeze. “For our journey,” without another word, his eyes took on their dark color from using his power. Using his hands in a deliberate series of gestures the smoke ignited from him as the thin tendrils dived into the water beneath the small island they were standing on. The weaving in merging with the water beneath brought forth a thick mist moving across the water’s edge filling the almost empty water garden and the city beyond. His fingers and hands stilled as his eye returned to their normal shade of blue. “It is time to depart my dear Sweetling.”
Nelina, arm and arm with Ru’ark, followed his lead in leaving the garden and heading towards the city center.
The misty fog increased and grew in density, which limited their vision to more than an arm’s length while clinging to their steps. Ru’ark was aware of his surroundings as he was leading Nelina to the huge structure which marked the very center of the City of Kiffet.
The city square itself had little to no activity when they arrived. It was all of sudden that the fog opened up and cleared as they stood at the base of the towering arched dome reaching up to the night sky. Four pillars in each of its corners supported the large imposing structure. The pillars appeared too thin to support the massive domes topping them. Covering the center of a raised platform was largest of the domes that they stood under.
Ru’ark glanced up to the dome and the clear night sky above. The fog hanging around the base of structure left the tower untouched.
“I arrived in these lands using one these.” He had no intention of harm coming to either of them, and he was confident enough that the risk was small and an acceptable one.
“Why didn’t the other Magus’s use it?” Nelina’s question remained unanswered as she and Ru’ark caught notice a man by himself stepping out of the fog and walking directly toward them carrying a pack and Nelina’s sword in his other hand approaching them.
The man greeted them with haste. “Lord Magus, Rueben sent me,” he glanced past Ru’ark’s shoulder “Whatever you are doing, you should do quickly. It will not take them long to get the fire under control.”
The man pressing the bag and the sword into Ru’ark’s hands, then turning immediately to disappear back into the fog from whence he came.
Nelina spun around and saw the muted orange glow from the fire through the fog then turned back to Ru’ark.
Nelina standing on the pedestal could see all the strange markings that formed a perfect circle around them.
As Ru’ark let the large sack and Nelina’s sword drop to his feet as he faced Nelina to face him.
“Listen to me, whatever you do, you can’t let go of me, understand?” He needed to work fast.
“I won’t,” she promised.
“Take a tight hold of me.” The Waraeu slithered through his body, his eyes turned black as dark, thick, smoky tendrils poured from his hands and into the etched symbols beneath their feet infusing them with power. With a soundless press of force the hanging fog surrounding the two was swept away, leaving them standing alone at the center of the Clasu'trum. Its towering arches and once hidden symbols came to life as one etching ignited the rest until all were illuminated. The floor of the tower flashed with light joined by the sound of stone grinding on stone seemingly in tune with the growing blinding white light. It traveled up the pillars supporting the dome above shaking with each pulse of the dark power coming from the magus.
Nelina saw thin strings of light feeding through the pillars to the ceiling of the dome where it shook with fragments ripping apart and falling on top of them. She buried her face against Ru’ark’s chest the light hurt her eyes. She could feel his arms wrap around her as the world crashed down around them. Her whole body tingled while a brief wave of nausea washed over her before it left and with it, everything became eerily still.
“We’ve arrived,” Ru’ark loosened his grip on her.
With a few blinks Nelina’s eyes adjusted as she pulled herself away from the safety of Ru’ark’s chest. The warm air hit her lungs hard as she looked at the overgrown vegetation around them. They had finally arrived at the Ruins of Siltaran.