Call of Descent
Chapter Fifteen

Seventeendays passed by slowly, motions became routine until finally the horizon brokeand there before the small band was a bustling town. They had come to Mistfallwithout incident, unaware how close their pursuer really was.

Renikowas more than happy to see the sight of other humans, even if mixed amongst themwas the occasional Rük. She and Malik had enjoyed each other’s company but thesilences they had endured had made the trip seem far too long. There was acertain amount of doubt around the trust that had been established, and theyboth seemed to have things they didn’t wish to share with the other. No matterhow close they seemed to become, there was still that large gap that had nobridge for them to cross.

“Isee why it’s called Mistfall,” Reniko said as they headed into the heart of thetown. The town was veiled in just that, mist. The lake here crashed violentlyagainst the shore causing a steady spray that caught in the wind and blewdirectly into the town.

“It’snot always this bad. It depends on the wind, though it mostly blows in anorthwestern direction.”

“Badplace to build a town.”

“Ithink when the town was built the area was different. It had a different namelong ago, which was lost to history.”

“Howlong do you think we can stay here?”

“Notlong I suppose, not with a Rük assassin on our trail.”

“Wedon’t know if he even is. Seventeen days and not a sign, I’m starting to havedoubts that we are being pursued.”

“Thelong period of time is what worries me. He’s better than that. I don’t think wereally could have lost him that easily.”

“Well,I always say that you should go with your gut feelings. So if that’s what youthink, we should get our provisions and passage to the caverns as fast aspossible.”

“Thereis a small resistance faction here that we can hold up with until we leave –”Malik let his sentence trail off as a faded yellow Rük passed by. He glanced atReniko as he walked by, giving her a malicious grin.

“Whereverwe are going, can we go there quickly? I feel that if I stay out here anylonger the Rük are going to try and have their way with me.”

“Iwouldn’t doubt that,” Malik said as he guided Blaze down a nearby alley.

“Thanksfor the reassurance.”

“Ihave no doubt you could handle yourself amongst them.”

“Let’shope I’m not given the chance.”

Theyrode through the town avoiding the large concentration of Rük and made it tothe outskirts where there was a small farm. As they neared, Reniko noticedthree boys around twelve years of age minding the fields and a very small boyplaying with a litter of pups. The three older boys glanced in their directionand one of them broke from the group and started running to the house, callingfor his father.

Amiddle aged man, weathered from hard days in the field, stepped into the risingsun and caught sight of Malik and Reniko.

Penumbratook this time to speak. They were so keen on you, Renny, because of me.

“What?”Reniko asked confused by the sudden outburst.

TheRük, they know about the reputation of my kind. I probably should have stayedat the edge of town. They’ll be curious about you now.

“Well,we’ll deal with that when that problem presents itself.”

Ijust thought you should be warned.

“Mywhole life here makes the Rük angry, nothing is a surprise.”

Penumbragave a mental chuckle and Reniko smiled. By this time the man from the farm hadreached the road and was now addressing Malik. Reniko watched the exchange withmild amusement. Malik seemed to have friends in every town. He’s handy tohave around, she thought as Malik looked back in her direction, obviouslyintroducing her to the man.

“Pleasedto meet you.”

“Youride a unicorn?”

“Isaved his life, so he feels he owes me a favor in return.”

“It’sa rare privilege to meet such a magnificent creature. You didn’t ride himthrough town did you?”

“Seemsthat has been my mistake for today,” Reniko said.

Ilike this man, more respect for his fellow creature than your male friend.

“Hisname is Malik and he cares deeply for Blaze. You offended him in Rownie. If youwould stop being so high and mighty and stop thinking of yourself as so muchbetter than him I bet you would get along fine,” she whispered softly close toPenumbra’s ear.

Himfirst,Penumbra said stubbornly, refusing to talk with Reniko any longer. Reniko justsighed.

Theexchange didn’t last very long and Reniko came out of the conversation just intime for introductions.

“It’snice to meet you as well, these are my boys Tobias, Ados, Orus, and the youngone is Mattus. I’m Jarnen and my wife Amma is preparing lunch in the house.”The older boys looked identical, triplets by what Reniko could discern, thougheach expressed their own unique habits.

“Pleasedto meet you boys. I’m Reniko Dorsalin, and my friend here is Penumbra.”

“Neverseen a unicorn before,” one of the triplets spoke, edging closer to Penumbra.

Careto dismount. I’ll keep the young ones busy for a while. You and Malik can gowith Jarnen and take care of whatever you need.

“Wouldyou care to show Penumbra around? I’m sure he would be delighted to see thecountryside.”

“Youserious?” Mattus asked as he pushed through his brothers to come up besideReniko who had just dismounted from Penumbra.

“Hetold me as much.”

“Youcan talk with him? Amazing!”

Renikoknelt down beside Mattus and whispered in his ear, “If you are really nice tohim I bet he’ll talk to you as well.”

Mattus’seyes lit up and he looked at Reniko in disbelief and that was about the timethat he noticed Penumbra along with his brothers had left him behind, headingfor the fields. Without even a good bye he raced after his brothers, screamingat them furious for leaving him behind. Reniko watched after him, laughing.

“Readyto go?” Malik asked.

Renikonodded and headed to the small cabin where Jarnen and Amma waited. When the twotravelers reached the cabin Amma was setting the table for lunch and Jarnen wassitting at the table waiting for an explanation for the unexpected visit.

Thedifference in atmosphere was drastic from outside to inside. The cool mist thathad produced a constant wetness on the surface of their clothing was replacedby the dry heat of a crackling fire. It was the first time that Reniko realizedshe was covered in salt as the water evaporated leaving behind a skiff of whitepowder.

“Wheredid all the salt come from?” she asked. “Not from the mist?”

Maliklooked back in her direction as he pulled out a chair for her. “Radalean is notreally a lake, more like an inland sea.”

“Howis it fed? Is it connected to the oceans?”

“Asfar as we can tell it’s not. This area could have been a lot different in thepast.”

“Sothe river that runs from Radalean to the ocean is salt water?”

Maliknodded.

“I’venever heard of such a thing!” Reniko said.

“You’renot from around here are you?” Amma asked as she placed the last bowl of foodon the table.

“Notreally.”

“Nevermind that, we have more urgent business to attend to,” Malik interrupted beforethe conversation got out of his control. “We are being pursued by unfriendlycompany. We are not sure how far behind us they are and we need to get toMistfall Caverns.”

“Neverthought I would be hearing you say you want to go to Mistfall Caverns. Nothingup there but water, shale and long dark passageways that led to nowhere butdead ends,” Jarnen said.

“Theless you know about why we need to go there the less danger you are in,” Maliksaid as Amma laid out a plate of food in front of him.

“Wellwe could arrange for passage on one of the cargo ships that run past there.Can’t guarantee that you will be able to get passage back as easy,” Jarnen saidletting go of the explanation with surprising ease. Reniko was startled by theamount of trust that Malik seemed to receive from all the people he knew.Though in reality she knew nothing at all about how they met or how long theyhad known each other for, so really who was she to judge? She turned herattention back to the conversation, happy to finally be able to have a warmmeal after weeks of nothing but game meat and stale bread.

“Wemay not be coming back through Mistfall, so that shouldn’t be a problem,” Maliksaid between bites.

“Thereis no way anywhere else unless you plan on traveling by boat to Porsshash orRadalean City.”

“Orunless you travel through Mistfall caverns,” Reniko stated.

Malikgave her a look and she said nothing else. What’s he being so touchy about?Suddenly I’m not allowed to talk at all? Reniko glared back at Malik like achild, her only defense against his forcefulness.

“Heardrumors it could be done, though none have come back to tell the tale,” Ammasaid surprising her husband.

“Whatfool have you been talking to, woman?” Jarnen asked.

“It’scommon knowledge amongst the sailor’s wives.”

Jarnenjust scoffed, “In my opinion it’s just that, ‘wives tales’.”

Ammatook offense to this and gave her husband a hard slap on the back. “You watchwhat you say. Most of my information comes from those ‘wives tales’ and most,if not all, has been true to the last word.”

“OhAmma, I didn’t mean any harm.” Jarnen said. Looking back to Malik he added,“I’ll arrange something for you Malik, though it won’t be cheap. Cargo shipscharge high to keep off passengers. I hope you’ve come prepared.”

“Notfor what I think they’ll be asking, but we’ll think of something,” Malik said,displeased.

“Howmuch are we talking about?” Reniko asked. “I made a fair deal working atSavonly.”

“Savonly?You didn’t tell me you were traveling with a priestess, Malik,” Jarnen saidlooking with even more curiosity in Reniko’s direction.

“Notreally a priestess, I was an acolyte for a while, but it was more schooling forme than anything. I was teaching the other priestesses Latin.”

“Latin?”

“Anold Terra language,” Reniko supplied.

“Howmuch do you have, Reniko?” Malik asked, annoyed. Reniko untied her money pouchfrom her waist and set it on the tabletop. Malik’s eyes went wide.

“Shehas more than enough, I’d say,” he said noticing the bulging purse.

“Makegood money teaching Latin,” Jarnen said, just as shocked.

“Ithink Milla was paying me too much, but then again, you don’t argue with her,”Reniko said laughing slightly. Amma began to laugh as well, eyeing Malik.

“Igather you wouldn’t let the lady pay for anything thus far. Such a gentlementhis lad,” Amma said directing the latter at Reniko.

“Wellif I would have seen her purse before, I wouldn’t have objected so,” Maliksaid. “Oh, put that away before Jarnen decides to charge us double.”

It wasthe scream more than the sound of galloping horses that caught the attention ofthe house’s occupants. Reniko was the first to her feet when she heard Mattusscreaming for his mother. She had made it to the door before anyone had time toshout a warning and as she flung the door open and felt a large muscular handenvelope her throat, she wished she wouldn’t have been so brash.

TheRük’s grip was unceasing, and Reniko was hauled into the misty air with suchforce that she felt pressure building in her head. Unable to inhale or exhale,she merely clawed desperately at the scaly yellow hand at her throat.

Malikwas at the door, his sword drawn, looking with ferocious anger at the eyes ofthe Rük who held Reniko. Reniko couldn’t see. Her vision was going black. Sheonly hoped that the Rük would ease his grip before she died.

“Lether go,” Malik demanded. The Rük backed up at the sight of the blade andsnarled.

“Nohuman speaks to a Rük like that,” he spat at Malik.

Ammastepped between Malik and the angry Rük holding her arms outstretched while shescanned the horizon for her children.

“Please.You’re killing her,” Amma said hoping to quell the anger of the Rük.

TheRük looked at Amma with a glare and tossed Reniko away. Reniko landed on theground gasping for air, her vision still black and her head spinning.

“It’sagainst the law for humans to brandish weapons,” the Rük said. “Give the maleover to us and we may spare your farm.”

Ammalooked past the Rük, spotted her children, and with her eyes told them to run,and run they did, fast and silent. Reniko’s vision came back shortly after theRük had let her go and she stood up, now behind the devilish creature. With aquick glance around her she noticed that this Rük was not alone. A yellow-greenRük stood to her left and two more Rük of a more familiar colour, a lime green,stood to her left. Two I could handle. Three… maybe, but four, God help me!She paused unsure what to do. Finally she looked in Malik’s direction andcaught his gaze. He looked terrified which didn’t help Reniko at all. Theyellow-green Rük took a step toward Reniko and instinctively she drew Imako.The sight of the blade halted the Rük in his tracks and also drew the attentionof the others.

“You.Where is that ugly beast you were riding earlier?” the yellow one said, hisattention drawn away from Malik by the ringing of Reniko’s blade.

“Isthat what you came here for?” Reniko asked, shaking.

“Onereason,” one of the limeys said licking his lips as he looked over Reniko.Reniko was repulsed by what those words implied. They mean to rape me.With a fierce anger, she stopped shaking and faced the limey Rük. I’ll diebefore they get their slimy hands on me.

Maliktook this distraction to his advantage and struck at the yellow Rük, hisexposed back to Malik. His sword hit with surprising accuracy only to beglanced aside. The Rük turned around annoyed and with his hand knocked Malik tothe ground. As he turned, Reniko could see a long scar in the fabric of hiscloak and under it, his exposed flesh, undamaged. Their skin acts as amour.I never noticed that before. Her eyes wide, she understood. Their backswere armoured but their fronts were soft flesh. She had had only frontalconfrontations with Rük before and she was now very glad of it.

“Howdare you, boy. You will die slow and painfully for that,” the enraged Rük saidstaring down at Malik who was lying on the ground, his face beaded with blood.The Rük kicked the sword from Malik’s reach and turned back to Reniko.

“Careto take a try, wench!” he growled at Reniko.

“IfI do, it’ll be you who dies the painful death,” Reniko said, her voice coolwith rage.

TheRük began to laugh, his crew joining in. “No human can kill a Rük, especiallyno woman.” He spat out the last word like the mere thought of itrepulsed him.

SeethingReniko prepared to attack, but sudden footsteps from behind made her lose herconcentration as she realized something was headed in her direction very fast.She spun around and came face to face with a white Rük. No bone crown adornedher head and she was holding back Imako with a pair of chakram. This Rük wasdifferent from the others, and not just because of the lack of bone crown. Shewas smaller, closer to Reniko’s height than the height of her kin and she wasfast, faster than the other Rük Reniko had seen.

“Wheredid you come from?” Reniko asked her blade still locked with the Rük’s smallercircular blades.

Thewhite Rük just smiled. Malik peered in Reniko’s direction when he heard thesound of her voice and blade hitting blade. Wiping the blood from his eyes hecaught sight of the female Rük and shouted a warning.

“Reniko,don’t let her scratch you!” This resulted in being kicked hard in the side bythe yellow Rük.

“Youstay out of this, boy,” the Rük growled.

Confused,Reniko glanced back at Malik briefly and suddenly felt the resistance againstImako lessen. Anticipating the attack from Malik’s warning Reniko pulled awayfrom the embrace. Nevertheless the Rük had gained enough speed and her clawsraked against Reniko’s forearm momentarily before Reniko could pull away.

“Justa scratch, you’ll have to do better than that,” Reniko said resetting herstance to face the stealthy Rük.

“Thinkso?” The Rük said.

Renikogazed at the Rük without understanding and slowly Imako’s weight began to betoo much. Without warning, the sword dropped to the ground. Reniko clutched herarm in shock. She could feel nothing; nothing at all in her arm. It was as ifher arm had died. Or was paralyzed. Her claws cause paralysis?

“Terransaren’t very resilient to my toxins, are they,” the Rük hissed.

“You’rethe one who tried to kill Malik back in Rownie?” Reniko said realizing she wasin direct confrontation with their pursuing assassin.

“Iwould have succeeded had you not got in my way.”

“Kruok,why have you interfered with my kill?” the yellow Rük asked.

“Ihave orders from Lord Orborok to bring the female with me and kill the boy,”Kruok spoke openly. “You can help me or hinder me, though if you refuse to helpme Lord Orborok will not be pleased.”

“Iwill dispose of the boy for you,” the yellow Rük said drawing his blade tostrike at Malik. Jarnen took this time to reappear brandishing a mace and witha mighty swoop he struck the Rük square in the chest, knocking the creature tothe ground, never to stand again. Malik looked up at Jarnen with relief.

“SorryI took so long, I had to make sure Amma and the children got to safety. Youunderstand, right?”

“Iwould have done the same, my friend.” Malik said grabbing his sword from thedust and standing to face the remaining Rük.

Renikotook the commotion as an opportunity and quickly picked up Imako in her lefthand standing on legs that were unaffected by the toxin. Kruok caught themotion and blocked Reniko’s swift attack.

“I’mnot down yet, beast!” Reniko shouted.

Kruoklooked at her in frustration, “Why can’t you be more co-operative?”

“Notin my nature, I guess,” Reniko said as she started deflecting the coming blows.Kruok was now down to one chakram, having dropped the second to lash out atReniko. However, she still had an advantage since Reniko’s arm was dead weightand she was not as good fighting with her left hand. As they fought withintensity, so did Malik and Jarnen with the remaining Rük. They were sorelyoutnumbered and poorly skilled and soon they were having trouble justdeflecting the coming blows.

Renikosaw the trouble and began moving her fight closer to Malik. As she neared theuneven battle she heard the whistling of an arrow and saw one of the lime Rükfall dead, an arrow stuck squarely in the centre of his forehead. Trying tokeep from losing her own battle with Kruok she ignored the source of the savinggrace and became more aggressive knowing her friends were no longeroverwhelmed.

Kruokbecame more resolute as she witnessed the fall of her kin and with pure heatedrage she thrust her chakram forward only to meet with Imako. With a surge ofenergy she pushed the sword aside and struck at Reniko’s exposed leg with herdeadly claws. Reniko let out a quiet gasp as she felt the deep wounds in herleft leg and suddenly felt nothing at all. With no strength left to stand herlegs gave way and she found herself defenseless on the ground. The others werestill occupied with the remaining yellow-green Rük and were unaware that Renikohad been defeated.

Renikolooked up into the face of her tormentor with contempt. “Well it looks as ifyou’ve won.”

Kruoklooking down at Reniko mockingly, “I have to admit, you have given me moretrouble than I thought possible.”

“Iseem to have that effect,” Reniko said and with the last of her energy sheswung Imako at Kruok’s leg. Kruok let out a scream as Imako bit into it. Renikolet the sword fall from her grasp as she fell backward onto the ground, unableto make another move.

“WhatI wouldn’t do to kill you!” Kruok said holding her wounded flesh. Reniko justlooked at Kruok her eyes giving the grin she could not.

Shedidn’t feel anything as Kruok lifted her off the ground. She had no idea whathad happened to her friends, she could only hope that they hadn’t died at thehands of the Rük. Please let them be okay.

Shedidn’t realize she was back on the ground until she saw Penumbra’s black headcome into her vision. She would have laughed and cried if she had been able.Instead she lay there eyeing her friend.

SorryI was late, but someone had to make sure those foolish kids didn’t getthemselves killed. Penumbra nuzzled Reniko. You’ll beall right now, I promise. Everyone else is just fine, thanks to a friend ofMalik’s. They’ll fill you in when you feel better. For now we’re going to takeyou some place safe. Penumbra stumbled out of Reniko’s vision and wasreplaced by Malik. He smiled down at her, his face bloodied from battle.

“Idon’t think we’ll be worrying about our assassin any longer. Penumbra saw to that.”Silence ensued as Malik and his companions carried Reniko away from the bloodybattle toward a safer residence.