Heresy: The Book of Mammon

Chapter 38

Chapter 38



The snow ceased, and the winds died, and Elaine welcomed the shafts of the morning sunlight. It had been close to a week since they first arrived, and each day brought ever more snow. It was the first time the skies cleared to a rather remarkable cloudless heaven. The sun brought with it, a shimmering expanse of white earth that stretched to the distant horizon.

She had not noticed it before, but the city of the Hunsvald was nestled in the embrace of two jagged peaks. They were the last mountains before the ground leveled to gentle hills, and to the north, flat plains. It was an abrupt change in the landscape that she was not at all familiar with. Never before had she seen such majesty. White peaks thrust to the heavens to which only the birds and clouds could see. Great fog enshrouded the mountains, and she could not see the peaks even through a telescope.

She grew fond of the land, and its elegant grace, but the terrors that dwelled within its mountains were not at all welcoming. Though the Dwergar had not attacked since the first night, the thought of them remained in the back of her mind. Whatever they were, there were more than she could count, and far more than these people could handle. Though their arrival brought with it, a change to their present state, she knew another attack would not be so easily defended.

The sick and wounded were quite well off now. The medicines that were carried aboard the dirigible had done much work for healing. Fevers broke, and lacerations mended rather quickly, and those that remained ailed were treated aboard the great ship. It had become an infirmary, much to the dismay of Fasad, but these people needed help, and they were it. Though she knew that eventually, they would need to finish what they came to do.

Baard had informed them that the winter would break soon, and they could then head for Gjaalarbron, but until that time, they could not risk venturing into the tundra, for there were greater terrors than snow in the lands of Xalimfal. They could easily have flown there, but with so many ill and wounded, she was glad they decided against it.

She had learned much since they arrived. With each day, came more education into the ways of their people. They were like none she’d ever seen. Every day they woke and labored until their hands bled. The palisades were repaired with haste, and with the strength of more men and firearms, they began to venture into the distant forests. With the return of the hunting parties, all manner of birds and beasts came with them. Boar, wolf, deer, and bear roasted and stewed over fires. Other men went back and forth with timber. Buildings were erected and fires were blazing anew, and still the people did not rest.
She found it fascinating to witness what they could accomplish in a matter of days. Though most of their work remained unfinished, it was still remarkable that it had happened with such speed. The city was revitalized from a starving hovel, to a comfortable settlement, and each day, Baard became ever more convinced that they were Valkyries after all. Though she was still barely familiar with their terms, he shared with her their beliefs and traditions.

They had grown close in the short days that they knew one another. Together, they discussed any number of things. Hunting, warfare, the clans of the north, and the Thanes of the land were among some of his favorite topics. Having him speak of their religious beliefs however, was often difficult, and he did not dwell on the subject for very long. She did however, gain valuable insight on their traditions.

She was surprised at how similar their beliefs were to the Divinity. Though they had many more gods, and religious icons, the stories were quite the same. They spoke of a great cataclysm that happened long ago, and the rebirth of the world as it was today. Though the names and places were quite different, the same principles were there. He called it Ragnarok; the end of one era, and the birth of another. It was not at all as pleasant as it sounded. Ragnarok was more than a rebirth, it was the end of the world as it was. Much like the Divinity spoke of the war that reshaped the world, Ragnarok too, had its own war. It was not a war that was fought between the heavens and hell, but rather, a war between the men of the earth and their gods.

It was quite a remarkable tale. It was rather similar to the story in the Black Sacrament, though Peregrine buried the book it spoke of rather than read it.
She assumed it was merely the way all people placed their beliefs. For everyone that she’d seen, believed that a greater power created the men of the earth, it was merely the story after that was different. All of them however, taught the same principles: men in all their wisdom and beauty eventually succumb to their dark natures. It was more than a principle. It was a fact.

Though humans were capable of extraordinary things, they were also capable of terrible things. The Ecclesiarchy was proof of that concept. Despite everything they preached for centuries, they acted against their teachings. They did not love their neighbors, or respect those of other creeds. They slaughtered them in the hunger for power. Greed was a constant among humanity, and by far its most sinister curse. It had fueled conflict since the beginning, and caused the murder of countless thousands. All of the death, was for nothing more than things that one did not have in the end. Though power and wealth were precious things to be had in life, death was different.

She no longer believed in the Divinity’s teachings, but she knew one thing for certain. The dead required no gold or land. What humans strived for in life, would not follow them to the next world, whether it be heaven or hell. Still, it had not stopped them from taking it from others. Xalimfal was the only place that remained free from their grasp aside from Lokken. Although conflict had made its home here, the people still stood against the powers of the west, at least from what she’d seen. It was no surprise. It was human instinct to live free, and perhaps their ways were not perfect, but they were in fact free from oppression as far as she could tell.

She drew in the sharp, cold air of the morning, and sipped the sweet concoction in the cup. Though she was not one to indulge herself in alcohol, it managed to calm her nerves, which over the passing of days and calmed themselves. She knew that eventually, they would return to Lokken, with or without the aid of the island folk, well most of them would. She however, had much different plans. That however, was not something she wished to think about. There would be a time and place for her to take the next step, but it was not that time yet. Much had to be done, and before they could continue, they had to ensure the safety of the people that had welcomed them so eagerly. All she could do, was enjoy what was before her. And what it was, was life. Not her life in particular but life in a general sense. The people of Xalimfal were strong and proud, and they lived their lives in simplicity that she could never fully understand, not that she wanted to. Delving into the disciplines that made these people what they were would be an abomination. Though they lived free from the luxuries of most society, they lived well. They were ever intriguing.

Her attentions turned to Papal and Haggra. The two of them had been speaking for some time, and she realized how much time they actually spent in one another’s company. Despite their rough beginnings, the two were now constantly speaking to one another. Though she kept out of their conversations, she couldn’t help but wonder what it was they talked about.

Papal looked up at her and nodded a greeting. She offered one in return, and he motioned for her to come. Though she would rather have spent the next moments in solitude, she forced herself to rise from the snowy ground and see to his summons. Haggra turned to face her as she crunched through the snow. The woman no longer held contempt for her as she did, but rather welcomed her as though she were one of the city. She knew though, that Haggra was anything but one of them.

“Haggra tells me that Baard is preparing an escort to Gjaalarbron.”

The woman nodded her agreement. “It will be leaving soon.”

Elaine looked at both of them and took another sip of the mead. “Will you be going?”

Haggra shook her head. “My place is here, I have no interest in the ways of the court. The Warlord will be accompanying you.”

Elaine nodded.

“He will vouch for you to the king. You’ve done much for us since you’ve come, and I think it will greatly increase his opinions of you. With the council of Thane’s over, you should have no trouble at gaining an audience with him.”

It was the best news she’d heard since they arrived. Finally, the could finish what they came to do.

“Do not expect that he will simply take up arms against Ecclesia. The King is… difficult.”

She nodded.

“It will take a lot of convincing on your part, Vicar Forane. Simply feeding the hungry, and aiding the sick will not do it, but Baard has seen your capabilities, and defending the King’s land will certainly help in your cause.”

She could only hope it would, for they could have just as easily fled rather than fight.

The clunking of hooves against the frozen earth drew their attention as several men on horses stampeded toward the city. Each of them carried banners that whipped in violent waves as they rode. Men and women gathered around them as they trotted into the town toward the Warlord’s hall.

“Who are they?” Papal asked as his gaze followed them.

“Heralds of Gjaalarbron. They bring news of the council.” Haggra rushed off through the snow toward the hall, and they followed.

Elaine tossed the cup aside as she increased her pace to a slow jog, but her breath escaped her as fast as it came. She slowed herself back to a brisk walk. The cold air of the island was ever against her, and was quick at stealing her breath.

Men and women gathered about the hall, and Haggra pushed through the throng. Elaine followed behind her as the crowd closed behind them. The Gothi woman stopped in front of the door and raised her hands to the crowd. They fell silent and she turned back to the door.

“Wait until they have left.” She pressed her ear against the doors, but withdrew it as she shook her head. “We’ll know soon enough.”

Elaine nodded. She assumed it was news of the recent law changes. Baard had informed her that the council of Thanes often pushed for new laws in the presence of the king.

An hour passed before the doors swung open, and the four men pushed through the crowd. They stopped to view the dirigible, turned to face her, and then left. Baard trudged out to face the crowd. He scanned all their faces and drew a deep breath.

“By the King’s edict, all harvests both grain and animal shall be sent to the Tribunal.”

The crowd erupted with enraged shouts and calls, but the wave of his hand hushed them. “Each harvester shall be paid for their services, and all food will be distributed at cost, evenly through all provinces.”

The silence was deafening as heads hung low. Baard turned and retreated back into the hall. Haggra once again had fire burning in her eyes as her brow creased. She rushed in behind him and motioned for the two to follow.

It was an outrage, more so, it was a willful act of neglect. Perhaps they would receive compensation for their contributions, but from what she’d seen, the people survived solely off the land. What little food they had was stretched as thin as it could be. With the city reawakened, a new hope came to its denizens only to be crushed by the application of laws. Elaine shook her head as she left the distraught faces behind her.

Baard sank into his chair as the three of them stood in a line before him.

“This will not sit well with the people, Warlord.” Haggra stepped forward and rested a comforting hand on his wrist.

“I’m aware of that.” His head sank to his hand. “We cannot afford to give our food away.”

“Can we stock our own?”

He shook his head. “They informed me that any who do not comply will be considered as outlaws and executed for treason.”

“Treason?” Haggra’s voice was as abrasive as rough stone.

He nodded.

“Warlord, we can’t allow them to take our lives like this. Upholding this law will starve us, and disobeying it will have us hanged. Something must be done!”

“What do you suggest, Haggra?”

She shook her head. “I do not know. The King must be made to care.”

“He will not listen, Haggra. The Thanes have spoken, and the King ruled as he saw fit. He will not reverse his decision.”

“He has to!”

“He won’t.” The woman’s voice startled all of them. Lady Elaine spun as eyes shifted to its source.

A woman clad in tight leather stepped forward from the back of the hall. She was a majestic creature if ever she saw one. She was tall like the folk of the island, but graceful. Straight hair as black as the night fell around her smooth cheeks to her bosom. Her skin was as nearly as white as snow, and shimmered as though she were covered in frost. Her eyes glistened like gemstones in the firelight, and as she stepped closer she saw them. They didn’t glisten, they burned with flames.

Her attentions focused on Haggra, then to her, and back once more. Elaine and the Gothi were quite similar in appearance after all, and it was no surprise that the woman continued to avert focus between them.

Her brow raised to the Gothi woman and she smiled at her.

“Razelle, how did you come here without detection?” Haggra walked toward her.

“I know these lands better than you people could ever hope to.” She nodded greetings to the Warlord.

“I bring news of great importance, Warlord Baard. With your permission I would first speak with Haggra.”

Baard sighed and nodded. She watched as the man stepped away from the chair, and walked out the door.

“And who is this?” She turned to her.

“Elaine, the Vicar Forane, of Lokken.” Haggra said as she came to her side.

Razelle scanned her up and down, a smirk pierced its way across her scarlet lips, and she bowed to her. Her hair fell to the floor. “Razelle, the Dragon.”

Her head lifted and she smiled at her.

Warmth swelled within her as the woman stared upon her. It was not at all fiery, but rather pleasant.

“Dragon?” Her voice had nearly escaped her.

Razelle’s eyes closed as she nodded. The smile never vanished. “The one and only.” Her voice was as soft as fine linen.

“How long have you been among us, Elaine of Lokken?”

“A week.” Papal answered for her. He stepped forward, and a smile beamed from his face. Razelle turned to him. They stood for some time in silence, neither of them moving. They clasped hands together, and embraced as though they had been reunited after an eternity apart.

“Baldr, it is good to see you again.” She released her grasp around him and wiped a steaming tear from her cheek.

Baldr? Who was Baldr? His name was Papal.

He sighed and turned to her. “Forgive the deception my lady. It is time we explained some things.”