[Mkguild] What the Dawn Reveals part 3 - the finale

[christian okane]

Here is the third and final part of the story. It raises more questions and
wraps up the story.

 

   Chris

   The Lurking Fox

 

 

 

   "And with that the axe traveled north."

   "A History of the Five Sisters."

   A Marigund Mages Guild Publication

   Marigund City, Marigund, 1007 CR.

 

 

   "The axe, Borelli, my ancestor. All of them are tied together somehow,"
Misha commented.

 

   Cecelia Armhurst sat down at her desk. "But how?" The mage and the
Metamor scout leader were alone in the small but well appointed office she
had as the head historian for the Mages guild.

 

   Misha shook his head. "I don't know. My family's attempts to track my
ancestor's path has failed. As has the Borelli clan's attempt to discover
more about their ancestor. And the axe herself will not reveal any
information. For reasons she refuses to disclose."

 

   "So those avenues of research are closed to us." She was quiet for a
moment. "Perhaps you are looking at it from the wrong direction. Instead of
trying to track your ancestor and Sir Borelli and their path north. Go after
the axe. If you can find where the axe was then you'll find your connection
to Sir Borelli and the elder Misha."

 

  Cecelia walked over to a shelf and pulled down a small wooden chest. It
was barely two feet long, by a foot high and wide and was bound with steel
straps and hardware. Removing a key from a pouch on her belt she unlocked
the box. "The guild has been keeping an eye on your axe. We've been trying
to study all five of the sisters ever since the elder Misha brought the axe
to Marigund. With mixed results." She opened the box and took out a large,
brown leather bound book.

 

   "I'll admit that much of the axe's history has been based on information
you've given us," she said and smiled sheepishly.

 

   "What do you know? Where was the axe before Great Grandpa found it?"
Misha asked.

 

   She turned back several pages. "The last know owner before him was Liscus
Cathadinus. He was in . . . ," she paused and looked at the document again.
"Daramantia in -119CR."

 

   Misha winced. "That's a gap of over six hundred years."

 

   "Our history of all of the sisters is fragmentary at best," she
explained. "We are lucky to have a letter mentioning that Liscus Cathadinus
was nicknamed Nigrum Securis. Which translates as Black Axe. So it is an
intelligent assumption that he had the axe at that time."

 

   "Cathadinus," Misha said slowly. "That name isn't familiar. Do you know
anything about him? Who was he?"

 

   "He was of the equites class. Which is roughly equivalent to knighthood
or of the lower nobility but the comparison is limited," the woman answered.
"The only other information we have of him was that he was a Duplicarius in
the army."

 

   "He was a soldier?" Misha leaned closer to the woman. "What unit was he
in?"

 

   She looked at an entry in the book for a moment. "The 12th Victrix
legion."

 

   Misha stiffened. "That's how the axe got north."

 

   Cecelia looked up from the book. "Oh?"

 

   "The 12th was at Metamor in 150 when the invasion happened," Misha
answered. "Everyone at Metamor has heard about their ferocious last stand."

 

   She closed the book and gently placed it back into the box. "Could the
axe have still been there over 260 years later?"

 

   Misha shrugged. "I'm not sure but it gives me more information than I had
before."

 

   The historian locked the box and placed it back on the shelf it had come
from. "To be honest Misha the Guild has been studying the axe for almost a
century. Any information on her in Marigund would be here in this book. And
there is nothing here on the period you are looking for."

 

   He nodded his head slowly. "The 12th might be little known here but they
are famous at Metamor. Caroline is actually descended from a 12th legion
soldier."

 

   "Caroline is descended from a legionnaire?" The woman asked with a look
of surprise on her face. "I didn't think anyone from the legion survived the
invasion."

 

   Misha shook his head. "The legion fought to the death but their families
managed to get to safety. At least most of them."

 

   "How?"

 

   "What?" The vulpine looked at her, puzzled.

 

   "How did they survive?" Cecelia sat down at her desk. "I mean, it's a
narrow valley. Not too many places to hide."

 

   He opened his mouth to answer but didn't speak for a moment. "I . . 1
honestly don't know."

 

   The historian smiled then her face grew serious. "I am interested in
answers to all those questions but you will not find them here in Marigund."

 

   "North," Misha said slowly. He turned and looked in that direction as if
he could see through the stone walls and across the thousand miles distance
to Metamor. "All the leads take me north to Metamor and the Giantdowns."

 

 

*********************

 

 

   In Pyralis, Pyralian Confederation

 

 

   Pyralis was a city of many contrasts. It was an old city - her history
stretching far back into the misty legends of the distant past. And yet it
had many new buildings and was growing. Already there were good sized
communities outside its massive city walls. Its many piers, wharves and
docks played host to the countless ships that came and went all the time.
Many built in the city's own shipyard.

 

   Located in a relatively quiet section of the city was a complex of
buildings. The neighborhood was neither the richest nor the poorest but it
was among the oldest and one that had its own protective walls. Even if
those walls were over a thousand years old they were strong and provided
extra protection. It was also far enough from the water to be away from the
warehouses and granaries that fueled the city's commerce.

 

   The complex was itself rather plain looking. Two towers, one only some
fifty feet tall and another over a hundred feet tall had a dozen smaller
buildings clustered around them. A stone wall surrounded the property. Being
some fifteen feet tall and five feet wide it told everyone that the
occupants took security seriously. But it told nothing about what was
inside. There were many such walls in the city. They surrounded manors and
mansions and had been built by nobleman who valued their privacy. As such
those were meant to simply keep out stray animals and drunks. But looks
could be deceiving and in this case they were for this was the High Sept (or
main headquarters) of the Cunaha Rede.

 

   When the old Suielman empire shattered under the Lutin invasion so did
it's people and organizations. One was the Virtut Secturum. Little is really
known of organization save that it was devoted to magic. Few of its members
survived the invasion but those that did devoted themselves to preserving
and recovering the knowledge lost. So as the Outer Midlands has the Marigund
Mages Guild and Sathmore has the Arenul Ceen, the Pyralian Confederation has
the  Cunaha Rede.

 

   The name Cunaha Rede translates as We Endure. It's an appropriate one.
For when the Lutin invasion was finally driven back in 153 CR the number of
Virtut Secturum mages in Pyralis who had survived could literally be counted
on the fingers of one hand.

 

   The signs on the surrounding wall read 'Trespassers will die," and
citizens of the city understood the  occupants meant it. During the day the
place was alive with mages, students and servants going about their
business. But at night it was far different. None but the invited or the
suicidal crossed that wall in darkness. But getting invited in was easy -
just knock at the front gate.

 

  It was early evening and the complex was quiet. Students and servants had
long ago been dismissed till the next day. The complex looked empty with the
courtyard barren, windows shuttered and doors locked and bolted. The only
sign of life was two men standing guard at the front gate.

 

   The two sentries noted the horse and rider as they came up the street. As
the new arrivals came closer the guards were able see that the rider was
wearing the black clothing of a member of the clergy. The horse came to a
stop in front of the gate and her rider dismounted.

 

   The rider was indeed a priest of the Follower faith.  His brown hair was
cut short and his clothing was simple black cloth as dictated by his order.

 

   "Good evening," the priest said. "Father Notariano wishes to speak with
Grobmeister Notariano."

 

   The one guard bowed deeply. "Please follow me Father."

 

 

*************

 

 

   The office of the leader of the Cunaha Rede was on the first floor of a
brick and stone building that looked more like a barn than the home of a
magical organization. The office itself was of middling size - slightly
larger than the workshop of the average craftsman. The furniture was of high
quality and of a dark colored wood that was only lightly carved and
decorated.

 

   One could easily see that the two were related in the sweep of the
cheekbones and the set and color of their eyes. Only their hair was markedly
different. The mage's was a dark brown and longer. The mage's well tailored
clothing were colored a dark burgundy, was edged with silver and had gold
flowers embroidered on it. "It's good to see you Philippe!" He said honestly
and hugged the priest. "How are you doing my brother?"

 

   "I am doing well. How are you doing Vincent? How are Balthild and your
children?" The priest asked.

 

   Vincent sat in a soft, leather chair. "Thankfully all four are doing
well." He answered. The man paused for a moment. "Have you heard the news
from Marigund?"

 

   "You mean about the automaton they found?" The mage asked as he face
brightened. "Indeed I have. Amazing!"

 

   "It seems the creature was in pieces all over the city." the priest
explained. "They simply collected them and just put her back together. One
piece was actually being using as a frying pan in the kitchens! Can you
imagine that? Something so valuable being used as a common cooking
implement!"

 

   Notariano settled into a chair opposite his brother's. "Amazing! So it
was hidden in plain sight."

 

   "Indeed. That brings me to the reason for my visit," the cleric said and
paused. "Cardinal Bertu has been dealing with the issue in Marigund but he
has been asking for any information we might have," the priest answered.
"Unfortunately we have little except for a few stories that really can only
be called wild legend."

 

   "That's not surprising," the mage added.

 

   "You're organization dates from before the fall of the empire does it
not?"

 

   "It does," the mage answered with pride. "It is the direct continuation
of the old Seuilman Virtut Secturum."

 

   The cleric scowled slightly. "So you would have records from back then?"

 

   The mage slowly nodded his head. "We might indeed. Unfortunately our
records are incomplete. Much was lost when the empire collapsed. Too much."

 

   "It would be a great service to the Ecclesia and to me personally if we
could have all the information you can obtain."

 

   "I'll admit we have been following events in Marigund but I did not
consider that we might have some information of use. But whatever
information we have I will send to you personally." He leaned closer to his
sibling. "You do understand the value of such information and the need to
keep it secret."

 

   "Thank you," the priest said. "And of course I understand the value of it
but the Ecclesia needs to make informed decisions."

 

   "I can understand that and I will pass along all that we have," the mage
responded. "To be honest, although we claim to be a continuation of the
Virtut we inherited little from it. Even the building we are in now had to
be rebuilt after the invasion."

 

   "Has the Cunaha Rede ever dabbled in this automaton magic?"The priest
asked in a soft clear tone that was filled with tension.

 

   The mage shook his head. "No. We have collected a few bits and pieces
over the years but nothing serious. We were considering selling what small
pieces we have to the Marigund Guild."

 

   "SELLING THEM?" The priest asked, surprised.

 

   "Why not? They offered a good price for anything related to automata."
The mage responded. "My dear brother. To be honest automata was never a
widely used field of magic. Those few who were known to work in it were all
put to death when it was banned. There are rumors and myths about various
secret societies but those are just that - myths and rumors."

 

   "The working automatons in Marigund are not myths, They are very real."

 

   "The mage smiled broadly. "Amazing to think they actually survived."

 

   He scowled at his brother. "It was banned and all users killed for a
reason," the priest said in clipped tones.

 

  "You know nothing about automatons except what overblown myths you've
heard and already you are condemning it. Cardinal Bertu saw fit to allow
them. Are you saying HE is wrong?" The mage snarled.

 

   "I . . ." the priest stuttered for a moment.

 

   The mages face hardened into a deep scowl. "I don't expect you to agree
with me brother. I DO expect you to decide when you are well informed."

 

   The cleric pondered his response for a moment. "Fair enough," he said and
smiled.

 

   The rest of the visit went well and ended with talk of family and the
coming holidays.

 

   When the door was closed and locked the mage stood there for a moment,
lost in thought. Finally he walked back to his desk and sat down. He looked
to where a bowl of soup rested. His lunch before being interrupted by his
brother's unexpected visit. Gently he picked up the still warm bowl and
looked at the trivet it had rested on.

 

   He placed the bowl on the desk and examined the trivet more closely. The
elaborately decorated piece of metal had been a gift from his wife many
years ago. In all the years since he had never really closely examined it. A
mistake he intended to rectify immediately.

 

 

***********************

 

 

   Carlisle found Misha in the small workshop carefully packing all of his
tools. "When are you leaving?" The mage asked.

 

   The fox paused in his packing. "Tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to the
four day trip."

 

   "It's too soon," Carlisle commented. "There is so much left to do."

 

   "I know," the fox said. "But I've been away from my duties at Metamor for
far too long. I will be back soon enough when things have calmed down. And
I'm sure Madog will come and go as he pleases."

 

   "Whether we want him to or not," the mage added sarcastically.

 

   Misha gave a bark of laughter. "You'll get used to it."

 

   "No," the mage countered with a shake of the head. "But I'll learn to
deal with it."

 

   Misha reached into a pocket and pulled out something. "I have a gift for
you," He extended his hand toward the man.

 

   The book was barely the size of the palm of the hand it rested in. It's
bronze cover had been smoothed and polished to a high glossy shine. The
pages were of brass smoothed to the texture of glass. 

 

   He carefully took the book from Misha. "What is it?" Carlisle asked as he
slowly leafed through the metal pages. The writing hadn't been inscribed
with a pen, instead they were engraved using a hammer and die.

 

   "Madog gave that to me," Misha explained. "And told me to learn. Now I'm
giving you a copy and telling you to learn!"

 

   "I . . I . . " Carlisle stuttered. "Thank you," he hugged Misha.

 

 

********************

 

 

   There was one last stop to make before leaving Marigund. And for Misha it
was the hardest. The entire Brightleaf clan gathered in the courtyard of the
family mansion.

 

   "If anyone asks about HER," Misha said out loud for all to hear. "I no
longer have the axe. I lost her in the Giantdowns."

 

   "Which is the truth," Caroline added loudly. "Sort of." She finished in a
whisper.

 

   The two Keepers spent a long time with each of them all. Hugging them
with words of caring and promises to stay in tough.

 

   Misha spent a long time hugging his parents.

 

   "You'll stay in touch?" Muriel, his mother said.

 

   "I will Mom," the vulpine responded.

 

   "And don't wait eight years to visit again!" Reuben added.

 

   Misha didn't answer at first but simply hugged his father. "I love you
both."

 

 

*************

 

 

   Nearby, back at the Menomenta Gul Joeline was busy studying. Now as a
student at the Guild she found herself fully involved with schooling. There
was so much to understand and learn.

 

   KLANK! A small metal object dropped onto the table in front of her. It
was a tiny book barely as big as her hand. Its bronze cover green with
verdigris and covered with a series of mystical symbols. She turned to see
Madog sitting next to her.

 

   The metal fox looked at her with a surprising intensity. "You start
learning NOW!" 

 

   "What?" She asked, confused. Why?"

 

   "Young lady, small mage, big lady, big mage!" Madog said cryptically.

 

   The young girl looked from book to fox. "What? I don't understand."

 

   "You will," Madog said solemnly "With time."

 

 

The End

 

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