Dawn of the Nephilim

47. With the skars part II

When Windar started talking his voice boomed over the gathering, every word cristal clear. "Skars, brothers and sisters. Today I bring you grave news. Tidings of war that, initially far away, have over the course of generations finally reached our home. The vast seas of grass have for many years separated us from grave danger. This appears to be no longer so." Ronan could hear the whining wingbeat of a fly in the dramatic pause that Windar left to make sure everybody was paying attention. With an effort, he fought the distraction. "A terrible enemy, that I am happy to say none here have gotten acquainted with before, has launched an invasion on lands previously untouched by this war. Scores of peoples and creatures flee before them, in the process comitting their own fair share of destruction. It has come to our attention, that this enemy – which is anything but human – does have human allies. What could drive them to betray their own race, we cannot fathom.

What we do know however, is that the world is on the move. Old kingdoms are recarved, species are detached from their homelands and resettle. It is more than likely, that this chaos will soon crash down onto our village as well. The situation is aggravated by the coming of the messengers here. All that you have to know about them is that they are the enemies of our enemies, and that they are on a very important mission that could change the course of the war."

Windar paused for a moment, as a great many eyes drifted towards Eloï'inda, sternly and somberly taking in her unflinching dignity. Ronan felt himself holding his breath. Windar continued.

They are on a mission, which I myself will join!" Now a murmur ran through the crowd around Ronan. The tension and agitation that hung in the air was almost palpable. "This mission is so important, that I cannot tell you what it is. It is very well possible that the enemy has already guessed at its goal, but even the slightest chance that they are still guessing is enough to require complete secrecy. Due to a treacherous attack, the messengers are not as well able to carry out this mission as they were before, having injured members among their ranks."

Ronan did not fail to notice that Windar hid the paltry sum of Eloïnda's company. What for, he could not guess.

"And there is more. Due to an accident, one among you as you sit before me, has been forced to stay close to one of the messengers. This person has been forced to accompany them. It is nobodies fault, but I ensure you this person does not have a choice. I have decided not to abandon this person, and that is why I too have joined the mission. The person I am talking about is Ronan."

Ronan felt surprised eyes all around him suddenly turn toward him. The sound of many dozens of whispers made it seem as though a gust of wind was passing through the crowd, battering his sensitive ear drums. Windar had to raise his voice to make himself heard. "I require two more volunteers to join us on this mission. Beware, only after you have pledged yourself to this cause can I explain to you what it is you put your life on the line for. And indeed, it is a perilous mission. The chance is there that you will not return. But I ensure you, in accompanying these creatures that have been fighting for you for centuries, you are protecting your loved ones as certain as would you have fought with an attacker on the very doorstep of your houses. Yes, I assure you, even more. And let us not forget our code, the code that has brought the skars through the dark times, and gives us purpose. We never abandon one of our own. We never have, and we shall not begin to do so now." An eerie, brooding quietude followed, filled with the scratching of sand en the ruffling of clothes that was like thunder to Ronan's ears. For one terrible moment, he thought none of the skars would respond. Indeed, how could they with the pitiful explanation they were given?

"I will join you on your mission." Ronan looked behind him towards the person speaking. He thought he had recognized Ayra's voice, but found it hard to believe it was her. His eyes met hers, and she winked. Ayra. But why? "My thanks Ayra" said Windar. "You are most welcome, and I am happy to have you. Now is there no other..." "I will", Windar was interrupted by the booming voice of a man, somewhere to the right of him. The man had jumped to his feet announcing himself, so Ronan could have a good look at him. Mundi. He didn't know Mundi very well. The man was about three or four years his senior. Old enough not to have done much together as kids, young enough to haven't done any babysitting. The man had sunbrowned skin, and sleek hair, which wasn't exactly cropped short, but definitely not long either. A double necklace of crocodile teeth dangled in front of a broad chest and two thick arms. That fashion item was a curiosity in Brendon, since alligators were not really hunted all that much. With blue eyes and flashing teeth, and not a hand shorter than Ronan, Mundi was quite a sight to behold for the ladies. Ronan knew Mundi had lost his mother at a very tender age, but couldn't for the life of him describe his character nor his habits. What he did know is that Mundi had been a serious contender in the quarterstaff championships before he took up the title of skar, which was promising as concerned his fighting prowess. All in all, it was a mystery to Ronan why Mundi of all people would join this mission. He turned back to Windar, and thought he momentarily noticed a touch of surprise on the old man's face, but it vanished so quickly Ronan wasn't sure he had seen it at all. Winder acknowledged Mundi's offer and gestured that he could sit down again. Then he resumed speaking.