Echoes Of A Gloried Past (Book 2) (28 page)

He climbed down to the street and came before the door. After softly knocking three times, he waited to the count of five then knocked twice more. There was a soft shuffle inside, but it was the two shadows that silently approached from either side that gave him pause. Aaron turned and was greeted by two men leveling large double crossbows at him.

“I’m sorry to call so late,” Aaron said. “But I was told that there are friends of the shield inside.”

The older man with gray in his hair regarded him for a few moments, his eyes widening. “Brothers of the shield are indeed welcome, but for the Heir of Shandara I would lay down my life. It is my honor to be in the presence of the Alenzar’seth once again, your Grace,” the man said, lowering his crossbow and brought a fist over his heart as he bowed his head.

Aaron was about to say something, but the door opened, and the older man brought a finger to his lips, and the three of them stepped inside. He followed the members of the Resistance down a flight of narrow stairs to a storage room that housed long dusty racks. They walked to the back of the room and headed down the farthest aisle. They came to a rack that was covered with old beer steins, and the older man reached toward the back and pulled the top of one of the steins. The wall shuddered for a moment then moved silently back, opening enough for them to easily pass through. The hallway beyond was lit with orbs. They quickly came to an open room that held a few tables and sleeping pallets off to the side. The stone walls were plainly painted, but the air smelled relatively fresh considering they were underground. 

The older man turned toward him and regarded him for a moment while his two younger companions waited. They looked to be about the same age as Aaron, and the older man looked to be in his fifties, with a few lines creased upon his face, his beard and hair neatly trimmed. The older man shook his head with half a grin.

“Please forgive me, your Grace,” he said. “I had heard rumors, but to see proof with my own eyes...” The older man went down to one knee with a fist over his heart. “By my life or death I serve Shandara and the ruling house of Alenzar’seth.” After a fraction of a second, he was joined by his two younger companions, who repeated the oath.

“Please,” Aaron said gently, “don’t kneel.” Aaron stepped forward and offered his hand to the older man. “I’m Aaron Jace.”

The older man rose and took the proffered hand. “I am Nicolas, and these are my sons, Liam and Daniel.”

Aaron nodded to each in turn and put his hand out, but it was only with their father’s nod of encouragement that they shook Aaron’s hand.

“How did you recognize me?” Aaron asked.

Nicolas stood taller, his shoulders back with militaristic precision, “I am a son of Shandara and a member of the De’anjard. I would always recognize the family resemblance of my late Prince Reymius or his daughter, Princess Carlowen.”

A proud smile came to Aaron’s face, and he nodded.

“I have many questions,” Nicolas said. “But I know you’re not here to answer my questions. What can I do to help you?”

“I would be happy to answer any questions you have, Sir.” Aaron replied. “My friends are due to meet up with Captain Nolan and Lieutenant Anson this evening. Are you able to send word to them?”

“At once, your Grace.” Nicolas said and nodded toward Liam, who bowed and left the room.

Daniel approached with a tray of food and water. Aaron thanked them for the food and quickly downed the water.

“I think his Grace could do with something a bit stronger,” Nicolas said, and Daniel disappeared down the hallway.

“Please Sir, call me Aaron.” 

After a few moments, Nicolas nodded, though Aaron doubted he would do so. Daniel returned carrying two steins filled with dark beer. 

Aaron raised his stein and took a hearty swallow. “I have things to share with you, but you must have questions for me,” Aaron said setting down his stein.

Daniel glanced at his father, who nodded. “Most of my immediate questions surround why you are here in Khamearra and what your plans are moving forward.”

“Were you at the fall of Shandara?” Aaron asked.

Nicolas stiffly set down his stein, and shadows from a haunted past glided over his face as he nodded solemnly.

Aaron swallowed. “There are some things I need to share with you, but first I must know: are you the leader of the Resistance here in Khamearra?”

Nicolas smirked. “Goodness, no. In true Shandarian tradition, we share leadership. There are three others besides myself, but beyond that there are very few of the original De’anjard left. Our descendants made a life here in this city, but we’ve never wavered from our purpose.”

Aaron nodded and marveled at the dedication of the De’anjard with their shattered remains spread throughout the world, continuing to fight in their own way. You couldn’t buy that type of loyalty, not with all the money in the world.

“I don’t know how much you know about the fall, so I ask for your patience,” Aaron began, but Nicolas interrupted.

“You never need to ask for that, your Grace,” Nicolas said then his face softened. “Sorry, Aaron. Part of me doesn’t believe that you’re sitting here before my very eyes. I was part of the detail assigned with protecting Princess Carlowen, your mother. You have her eyes.”

A small lump grew in his throat at the mention of his mother, and while he knew she had been a princess, it was still strange for him to hear of her being referred to as one.

“She lived,” Aaron said. “She was happy.”

“Was?” Nicolas asked and then reached out and put his hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Aaron nodded, fighting off the bitter torrent of memories. There had always been something to prevent him from properly mourning the loss of both his parents, and it was in rare quiet moments such as these, that grief reached out and snatched at him unawares. 

Aaron raised his stein. “To those we wished were here and all the lives taken before their time.” He took a long swallow from his stein, and Nicolas and Daniel followed suit.

“Well met,” Nicolas said appreciatively.

Aaron set down his stein and leaned forward. “There is a looming threat to this world beyond the High King or those seeking retribution for the fall of Shandara … ” Aaron began, and he told them of the Hythariam and the danger posed by the invading army. How Colind along with ambassadors of the Hythariam were spreading the word and working to gain support from the other nations.

“We need the help of Khamearra against the invading army,” Aaron said. “I know there is a small faction of the Elitesmen who have aided your efforts here. You will need their help.”

Nicolas looked up alarmed. “Won’t you be leading us?”

Aaron knew the question was coming and dreaded it at the same time. “I can’t,” he said. “To be honest, Nicolas, I don’t think I could do anything that you are not already doing, but I will say this. I would much rather see all of the Resistance leave this nation and head to Rexel, where you will find support, than stay and fight the High King and the Elitesmen. We’ve struck a blow, but they are still powerful, and I wouldn’t want you to throw your lives away. I know firsthand how hard it is to leave the only home you’ve ever known and I realize that many will be reluctant to go, but to not meet this threat head on could doom this world and give a foothold to an enemy that knows no mercy.”

Nicolas gave a small nod and sighed. “You are wise for one so young.”

Aaron felt his lips curve into a small smile. “Thank you,” he said. “Will you be able to move your people from the city safely?”

Nicolas was silent for a few moments, considering. “There is nothing that can be achieved without risk. Many will need to be convinced. We’ve moved people from the city before and we do have safe havens setup throughout the land. Some of us always meant to return to Shandara, but … ”

“It’s not safe,” Aaron said quickly. “I wouldn’t bring families there, but I fear that this war will take us back to Shandara.”

Nicolas nodded. “To where this all began.”

Aaron sighed, allowing the silence to stretch between them while he gathered his thoughts. “I don’t know where this will end,” Aaron said. “I’ve been to Shandara. We were able to free Colind of the Safanarion Order there, but no one could live there. Not now at least. Perhaps in time the land will heal.”

“You have given us much to consider and the events of this night will lend weight to those still in doubt that you do in fact exist,” Nicolas said. “How much time do we have before this Hythariam army will invade?”

“It could be as early as three months from now,” Aaron replied, and Nicolas’s eyes widened in shock.

“Very little time indeed. I’m not sure we could move an army to Shandara in that time,” Nicolas said. “We have no time to prepare.”

Aaron watched as Nicolas steeled himself to the insurmountable task he was asking him to be a part of. “You will not be entirely without aid. The Hythariam here on Safanar will give aid to any who will join our cause. There are airships being built and augmented with engines that will make the trip possible, but you will have to get your people safely away from the city to meet them. I’m not sure where.”

“How will we contact the Hythariam? No one has seen or heard from them, other than rumors, for years,” Nicolas asked.

Liam entered the room and bowed his head to Aaron. “Your companions are safe and in Captain Nolan’s district. I can take you to them when you are ready, my Lord.”

Aaron thanked Liam and rose to his feet. He pulled out his comms device. “This is called a comms device and will allow you to call the Hythariam. When we leave, I will give you this one and show you how to use it. The Hythariam have inventions that seem mysterious, but they are not magic. In time perhaps, they will be a commonplace to Safanar.”

Aaron activated the comms device. “Tanneth did you get that?”

“Yes, I have their location,” came Tanneth’s reply. “I will meet you there.”

The indicator light dimmed as Tanneth closed the connection, but Nicolas’s eyes were wide with shock.

“Mysterious indeed,” Nicolas said, rising from his seat. “Let’s go meet the others.”

They rose, and Aaron watched as Daniel went to the far side of the room away from the entrance. After a moment, a portion of the wall slid away and a dark passageway opened before them. For all the Hythariam technological wonders, Aaron couldn’t help but be impressed with the well-hidden secret door as it slid silently upon its hinges opening the way for them.

“I’m afraid I can’t do anything about the smell,” Nicolas said. “But at least we will be able to travel through the city unseen. According to my son, the guards are sweeping the city, and regular troops are assembling outside the city walls.” He finished attaching a glowing orb to his staff and led the way.

Aaron followed them into the sewers under the city. As they traversed the passageways, his thoughts drifted to his friends. He hoped they were all right. He could feel the weight of the travel crystals on his back and wondered if they would be enough to thwart the Nanites. She was slipping. He could feel it and the knowledge gnawed away at him.

Roughly an hour later, through countless turns and passageways, they came to a ladder. Daniel ascended first and gave a series of knocks on the door at the top. A single knock was given in reply, and the door was opened, sending a shaft of light into the dimly lit tunnel. Aaron ascended the ladder and emerged to a crowded warehouse. Curtains hung over the windows preventing light from getting out. There were people tending to wounded soldiers and messengers running about. Nicolas returned a salute to one messenger who greeted them and led them to the other side of the warehouse. As they crossed the way, a hush overtook the people like a wave of silence descended upon them. All eyes were on Aaron, who stood taller than most men. Their eyes lingered on the rune-carved staff and then on Aaron himself. The silence was broken by the sweep of hundreds of feet as all in the warehouse sank to one knee.

“By my life or death, I serve Shandara and the ruling house of Alenzar’seth.” 

The oath of the De’anjard echoed throughout the warehouse, sending shivers down Aaron’s spine. He could feel the heat rise to his face, but he let his gaze sweep over those around him. Looking all of these people in the eye was the least he could do considering the loyalty they had shown. His gaze was returned with a proud reckoning in the eyes of those around him. They were a hard bunch and some he recognized from the arena. He nodded to them and they returned a nod in kind. Despite his less than enthusiastic acceptance of being of royal birth, he knew he was something more to these people. A symbol … A leader. And to the smaller group approaching him, a friend.

Aaron leaped atop a small table, feeling that he should say something and beckoned them all to rise.

“Thank you,” Aaron said, his voice traveling through the warehouse. “You honor the spirit of Shandara with your service. I can only stand in awe of what you’ve accomplished here and at your dedication to the ideals of the Alenzar’seth. Such ideals had merit with my grandfather Reymius. Know that if he were here you would have had his gratitude, respect, and dedication to the same ideals. I can’t imagine what you’ve had to endure until this day. It is I who pledge to you my life and death to forever serve the spirit of Shandara. The very same spirit I see alive among all of you. The road before us is long, and the battle is not yet won, but we will endure. The spirit of Shandara will endure. The sacrifice of all those before us will never be in vain for we have something here in this very room that cannot be taken from us.” 

Aaron paused, his hard gaze sweeping the room as the men and women before him seemed to stand taller. “Honor and courage, never without fear, but always willing to take that bold step forward. These are among the core tenants that the tyrants of this world can never crush. The spirit of Shandara was kept alive because of you and it is you that I should bow to you and not the other way around.” Aaron knelt down upon the table for all to see and spoke the Safanarion oath. “By my life or death, I serve to protect the world of Safanar and will call brother and sister to all who would take up this cause. Be a shield to those in need. Be an ear for those to listen. Be a voice for those who would speak.”