"So what is it that we're doing in a small town like this at this hour of the morning?"
Throm stopped walking and slowly turned his head towards the boy.
"Remember...my friend...the one the Council had said was lost beneath Darrowmere?"
"Yes. The carrier of the Armor of Escalore..."
Throm issued a single nod before turning back to continue their journey on foot out of the town.
"Well, I intend to recover a friend and ensure the safety of the Armor at the same time."
The two walked in silence for hours. The sun had arisen to outline the heavy clouds which hovered above the forested area which now encircled the pair. After yet another hour dropplets of rain began to fall from the tree canopy above. Lithanus muttered a curse as he drew his hood about his face.
"You'd just as soon get used to it. The City of Darrowmere sees nothing but rain, especially this time of year. The fact that there is sunshine in Stonebow Dale and now the rain falls means that we are nearing our destination."
True to his word the forest soon opened up to the wide walls of a city. Also true to his word, the rain now beat down down as if attacking all who dared come to call upon Darrowmere.
Throm stopped just inside the gate and turned to Lithanus at his side.
"Our fastest chance to find entrance into the Darrowmere sewer system is to question some of the locals. If you'll begin at with the local taverns and inns, I will start with the businesses..."
Lithanus opened his mouth in protest, but Throm cut him off.
"Unless you'd rather we stay here in the rain all day while we search that is..."
Throm smiled to himself as he watched Lithanus turn and disappear into the rain. When he was certain that the young man was out of sight he broke into a run down the North Alley to stop before a large hatch. Crouching down he grasped the handle of the hatch when a voice rang out.
"Ye dun wanna be goin' thar mister."
Still crouching, Throm looked up to see an old beggar grinning toothlessly at him.
"You are correct sir. I truly don't want to go down there. And if anyone should ask you...I didn't."
Reaching into his pouch he flipped the man a silver piece and with a mighty heave, threw open the hatch.
Stale cold air shot up from below, driving even the pouring rain from the edge of the hatch for a moment before it quieted down. Muttering the words to a spell that would cushion a fall from Crucifix Hill itself, Throm lept down into the dark entrance to the sewers.
The second his feet met the familiar ground the hatch above shut, leaving him in darkness. Another incantation brought into existance a bright ball of light, which Throm held high to gain a glance at his surroundings.
Where once there was a hatch there now stood only a neverending expanse of stone ceiling. Sighing, he chose a random direction and set off in search of Nathaniel.
One Hour Later...
Throm slumped against the wall breathing heavily. Looking up he saw the mark on the wall which he had made upon entering the sewers. The same mark he had passed five times within the last hour. He had not heard from Nathanial since his arrival, only faint scuttling sounds could be heard in the distance now and again.
~Perhaps I'll make camp...here...in the sewers.~
Fatigue was beginning to set in. He began to remove his pack when the movement in front of him caused Throm to stop dead in his tracks.
The very shadows in front of his eyes began to writhe and twist as if alive. A dark armored form suddenly emerged, stumbling as the shadows faded once again.
"Nathaniel! What were you..."
"Hiding Throm...yeah...hiding."
Throm shouldered his pack once again, moving towards Nathaniel who was slumped against the wall, halfway standing.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. Thankfully this armor you've given me has protected me thusfar. We need to get out of here Throm. There is a creature in here...not even the both of us can defeat..."
Throm slowly drew his sword, cocking the side of his head to either side of the sewer passage to listen for movement. Hearing none, he turned back to Nathaniel.
"I have tried to Recall back to Westrbridge myself. My spells of transport have failed me as well. I trust you have had the same results?"
Nathaniel nodded wordlessly. Sighing Throm set his sword against the wall and drew back his cloak. Placing a hand upon the shining insignia of a pegasus which lay pinned to his collar, he closed his eyes in concentration.
~Guardians...I'm afraid I'm the one who needs assistance now. I need a Vortex for two out of the Darrowmere sewers.~
Removing his hand from the pin, Throm once again closed his cloak and nodded to Nathaniel.
"For now we rest. We will be assisted soon enough."
A small snicker broke out from beneath the helm of the younger man.
"Rest if you will, I...who have encountered our powerful companion down here will find no rest in this place."
Shrugging, Throm sat against the wall and closed his weary eyes. Much had happened the past week...too much. At least Nathaniel had been found. After meeting with the Council he had spent long hours pouring over books in his library. He had known what to expect down here. Not many made their way out, and none did without the help of the gods. He hoped that Lithanus was staying out of trouble above. He had been hesitant to leave the young Cetra unattended in a world which he was unaccustomed to, however even more hesitant he had been to sign a possible death warrant for the boy by bringing him to the dreaded sewers.
He was being shaken. Opening his eyes he caught sight of Nathaniel in the dim light, standing above him.
"Listen Throm! It's coming!"
A slow shuffling and the sound of metal dragging upon the stone surface of the ground could be heard clearly ringing throughout the tunnels. Handing Throm his sword, Nathaniel took hold of the Throm's shoulder and began jogging down the corridor opposite from where the noise was coming from, halfway dragging the man along with him. Daring to cast a glance backwards, Throm saw the outline of a gigantic figure swinging a blade towards their direction. Both men increased their pace, but the dark figure bore down upon them the ringing of steel nearly deafening.
A flash of light tore through the air of the sewers, followed by a loud crackling. The sudden need to vomit filled Throm's senses as he felt drawn in a hundred directions at once. Then all went quiet...
Lights set upon every wall within the luxerious room ignited at once via a single command. Darius stood within the frame of the doorway peering in.
"Master Throm bid me to awaken you. He will be leaving shortly and he has informed me that you presence is required. Departure will be in one half hour."
A shock of white hair emerged groggily from the red plush comforter. Brushing the hair back from his face, Lithanus opened his eyes which began glowing increasingly as his mind focused upon waking. Looking at the large clock on the wall his brow furrowed.
"It is...two in the morning, I've had less than two hours of sleep..."
Darius smirked as he stepped from the room.
"Master Throm mentioned you might say something to that effect. He told me to inform you that he had no need for a Watcher anyways and should you wish your bags can be packed when you awaken later today."
The glare coming from Lithanus' eyes seemingly would have burned through Darius had he not already shut the door.
Sighing, Lithanus staggered to his feet, making his way to the washbasin.
Twenty Minutes Later...
The door to the cab swung open startling the horses and causing Throm to slowly turn his head towards the tired and angry young man who was climbing in to sit across from him. As the door shut the cab jolted forward, leaving the two men in silence save for the roll of the wheels upon the ground and the clatter of horses hooves. It wasn't until the cab had passed beyond the Manor gates and continued east on Cavern Road that Lithanus spoke.
"What is it that would bring us out of bed at such an hour? Where are we going?"
"You ask too many questions. And we are going to the Westbridge Train Station where we will be travelling to Stonebow Dale."
Lithanus' eyebrow shot a questioning glance to Throm, who did not return the look, but gazed out the window.
"And why do we not use magic to travel? Why not just arrive there instantly?"
"Because I do not know what I'll be facing there...and as such would prefer to conserve my energy."
Throm braced himself for a further barrage of questions, but none came. Settling himself back into his seat he again attempted to delve within his memory to extract what information he could of the task ahead.
Pounding...constant pounding. Throm stirred, opening his eyes while his hand fumbled to activate a light. Again someone pounded on the door to his chambers. His hand found the light and at once the room was illuminated in a dim green glow.
Swinging his groggy body from his bed he unbolted the door to his quarters and opened the door a crack squinting as the light from the corridor blared into his room. He had not left his quarters in over three days. Not since the Cetra had appeared on the Bastion. Mavin's face peered at him from the other side of the doorway.
"Throm, we are arriving at uth Bannon Manor. I thought to inform you that the ship is docking."
Throm gave a curt nod, closing the door and bolting it again. His mind swam with thoughts which he had collected the past few days. She...was...gone. Thoughts of how she had begged to leave with him on his self imposed exile. Thoughts of how he had denied her this for her protection. Thoughts of how he had promised they would see each other soon. But most of all he thought of how he had not tried to see her in fifteen years...had not tried to contact her in fifteen years. Caught up too far in his new life, he had shed all of that which he had known and loved. And now it was too late...
Minutes later Throm strode from his hanger, his boots kicking aside the fog covering the ground level due to the cooling engines of the Bastion far above. He had requested Mavin stay within the hanger to oversee the full refit of the damaged airship. As Throm approached the great doors which led into his Manor, they opened revealing Darius just inside. Darius gave a small welcoming smile, bowing slightly.
"Welcome home Throm, everything is in order. You must be tired, your room is ready."
Throm nodded in appreciation, though he did not return his apprentice's smile.
"Not today good Darius. Today I will find myself in the Tower of the Ancients. No need to have anything prepared, I shall be down in the morning."
Darius nodded, shutting one of the double doors behind Throm as he entered and made his way for the back of the Manor at a quick pace.
Shortly Throm found himself high within the Tower of the Ancients, standing within the room he had dubbed the Sanctum of Eternal Midnight. Dim light flickered from the lantern he held as though competing with the pinpoints of starry light which hung suspended within the large chamber.
Throm walked the thin strip of parimeter around the circular room which encircled the watery surface that encompassed the rest of the Sanctum. Closing his eyes he fell victim to the hypnotic chirp of the crickets that resounded at all times here. His back against the wall, he slumped into a sitting position to let the chirping chorus of the Sanctum take over his mind.
Silence...
The chirping had stopped. Throm's eyes opened from sleep for the second time that day to darkness. His lantern having gone out, only the light of the magically created stars provided illumination by which to move. Placing his hand against the wall to steady himself, he stood slowly glancing about. The voice which came from the darkness did not startle him...he was expecting it. It was the voice of the boy named Lithanus who had delivered the news of his dear Kelleah's parting from the living.
"Elder uth Bannon, the Council of Elders has convened for your trial."
The great point of light in the center of the room suddenly grew bright, temporarily blinding Throm as he threw up an arm to shield his eyes. When his vision returned there stood a myriad of ethereal beings within his sacred Sanctum. Throm's face showed no traces of surprise, for he knew this moment would come. Every voice of the Council spoke out as one, with such volume that Throm was momentarily taken aback.
"Elder uth Bannon, what do you know of the Armor of Escalore."
Slowly, Throm stepped from the thin ledge upon which he stood and into the water. Walking slowly towards the center of the Sanctum, he could feel the cold water first fill his boots, then soak to his thighs. Soon he stood in the center of the Council in water waist deep.
"I know that the Armor was entrusted to my father to keep watch over. Shortly after his death, the Armor of Escalore fell into my possession. Now it resides in the care of a friend of mine."
A long pause was all that was to be heard before a stern voice behind Throm spoke out.
"Did you give the Armor of Escalore willingly to an outsider!"
The voices of the Council rang out before Throm could answer.
"Silence Lithanus! It is not your place to speak during the trial."
"Yes of course, I beg the Council's forgiveness."
Again there was silence. Finally the Council's voices spoke again.
"Did you give the Armor to an outsider?"
Slowly Throm responded with a single nod.
"And I do not regret my actions, I stand by them still. However according to Cetra law, I have broken the trust and find myself guilty of any related accusations."
The ethereal figures turned to each other in silent deliberation. After a few moments, they focused their attentions back to the half submerged form of Throm amidst their center.
"Elder uth Bannon, you are to know that further infractions will result in your forced return to the Valley without hope of ever leaving again. Furthermore you will be assigned a Watcher of your own. One who will observe your every action and report directly to the Council of Elders."
Throm's fists clenched despite his best attempts at remaining calm.
~Assigned a Watcher?!? This cannot be!~
Again the voices sang out as though a single voice.
"Lithanus. You are hereby discharged from the Valley and are placed in sole responsibility to observe Elder uth Bannon and report any misconduct of our laws directly. Elder uth Bannon, it would behoove you to keep closer watch over the person you had entrusted such a powerful artifact to...it seems he is lost amongst the Sewers of Darrowmere."
Though he said nothing, it was clear that the boy was as surprised as Throm. As he opened his mouth to object, the ethereal figures dissolved into nothingness, returning the room to it's dim glow.
Throm grasped his lantern tightly, and pulling himself from the water turned to Lithanus.
"Meet Darius on the ground level, he will see to the preparation of your room. Should you need me, I shall be in my study."
Lithanus cleared his throat, taking a small step forward.
"The Council decreed that I keep watch over you..."
Throm turned towards the staircase and without looking back replied.
"I have no quarrel with you boy, but heavens help you my guardians will should you set foot within Avalon Tower."
Like standing stone columns of a Druid's Grove they stood. Each covered completely in their brown cloaks, hoods drawn about their faces. Each standing tall, arranged as if in formation. Each saying nothing as Throm completed the last of the stairs and slowly approached the group on the Command Deck. Clearing his throat, Throm broke the uncomfortable silence.
"Welcome to the Bastion, my home away from home as it stands."
Throm sniffed slightly as he cast low glances about the still damaged Control Room. No response came from the other party, no acknowledgement to his greeting. Still they stood motionless, their eyes shadowed by their drawn hoods. After waiting a half minute for a response, Throm shrugged and walked back towards the port side of the Command Deck and dropped himself upon the plush sofa to pour himself a glass of champagne. Lifting his glass in a mock toast to his unwelcomed guests Throm sat back, his gaze never leaving the strangers who stood upon his ship.
Slowly, the fully garbed figure in the center of the group stepped forward and sat in the sofa opposite of the champagne drinking host. The rest of the strange party remained motionless where they stood.
Throm motioned to offer his seated guest a glass, but was met again with no response. After perhaps another half minute, Throm spoke out.
"Let us dispense with the dramatics. I am certain that you are uncomfortable in the presence of an exile. And you must be well aware that I am uncomfortable in the presence of those I once considered closer than family."
Slowly the figure across from him lowered his hood, revealing short shocking white hair and glowing green eyes belonging to a boy of no more than thirteen to fifteen years old. The boy cocked his head to the side slightly, looking upon Throm with unmasked disdain.
Throm's theory had been correct. His visitors were in fact Ancients...now the challange at hand was to find out why those he had not seen in many a year were now standing aboard his airship. Before he could question further, the boy spoke out.
"Exiled Elder uth Bannnon...we come representing the Council of Elders. We come bearing both news and in turn seeking news..."
His eyes still not leaving the young Ancient, Throm took a sip from his glass and replied.
"Obviously you know of me...however this conversation continues no further until I know with whom I speak."
The young man, seeming caught off guard, regained his composure.
"My name is Lithanus. Now, if we are done with the pleasantries let us move on. As you said, this meeting is somewhat...uncomfortable.
A nod issued from Throm urged the man to move on.
"To put it in short perspective, your mate, Kelleah has passed on. The Council deemed that though you are no longer welcome within our lands, you deserved to know this much."
The glass shattered in Throm's hands...it was his turn to be silent now. Any traces of good humor disappeared from his face. She was an Ancient, her lifespan was too young for death to take. Blood ran slowly down his arm from the glass cuts on his hand, to vanish within the folds of his sleeves. His gaze returned to the young man before him, this time his eyes cold and unmoving.
"How did she die?"
Lithanus shifted slightly in his seat.
"I am not able to disclose that information to you."
Throm's mind focused on Lithanus' as he called upon the innate power of telepathy which the people of the Great Reams were granted by birth.
~Boy, you WILL tell me what I wish to hear. I have granted you the courtesy a host grants his guests until this point. But if you do not answer me, not even your honor guard here will be able to save you.~
Lithanus stood sharply, his eyes glowing ever more fiercly than before. His fists clenched tightly at his sides. His gaze bore equal passion to Throm's as his lip curled into a sneer.
"Spoken like a true Outsider! Know this much, it was attitudes such as that which led to the passing of Kelleah!"
The boy turned on his heel and marched back towards his entourage. Stopping he turned to speak, his gaze no longer meeting Throm's
"Now we will extract the news which we need...but not at this time, you are not ready to speak with a clear mind. We will be waiting at your home in Westbridge when you arrive."
The group faded from view as quickly as they had arrived, leaving Throm sitting stunned as a voice resounded in his head.
~And do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only who mournes her passing.~