Chapter 2

A Return to Sturben

"Do you know a place where we can go?", asked Lynn.

Eliza's brow furrowed, "My mother told me once of a distant uncle who lived around Port-a-Lucine. He passed away a few years ago. Technically, his farm belongs to my family but no one ever went to claim it."

"It's haunted isn't it.", Lynn said trying to keep a straight face. She couldn't.

Eliza giggled and tweaked Lynn's nose lightly. "There's no telling. Even if it is empty, it'll need a lot of fixing up."

"I can't wait to go see it.", Lynn said excitedly. "Have you ever been there?"

"Well, the things is, I've never actually been there.", Eliza replied sheepishly.

“Then, umm, you don’t know where it is?”, Lynn asked.

Eliza didn’t. She blushed for a moment, then answered with resolve, “We’ll just have to go find it.”

For weeks they road across the countryside trying to find Eliza’s uncle’s farm. They didn’t mind searching, in fact they thought that it was fun. Every evening they went to sleep tired but full of hope, and every morning they awoke determined to put a happy end to their quest. In time they came upon an old cottage in the hills surrounded by tall grass and weeds. Eliza and Lynn looked at each other and smiled. It didn’t matter that it was old, overgrown, and broken down. It was perfect. It was home.

Eliza watched at a distance while Lynn went up to the door and slowly pulled it open. Lynn looked in and gasped loudly. Eliza’s eyes widened.

“Ghosts!”, Lynn exclaimed.

Eliza rolled her eyes. “Silly.”, she said with a smile.

The place looked as if no one had lived there for many years. Everything needed to be fixed up and neither of them had any money. But it seemed as though Ezra was personally looking after them and the two found a hidden bag of gold underneath one of the floorboards. There was just enough inside to make their cottage look like new again. They hired a handyman from a nearby town to fix up the outside while Lynn and Eliza cleaned everything on the inside. The replaced the mattress on lovely brass bed in the bedroom and planted a small field of wildflowers in a sunny meadow behind their cottage. For months they worked but by the end of summer they finally had a place of their own.

Through autumn, Lynn and Eliza lived happily together in their small home outside of Port-a-Lucine. Eliza learned how to defend herself, amongst other things, and Lynn learned of the history and ways of Ezra. In early November the pair received a visit from Marinae. The meeting was all too short as the half-elf stated that she and the wizard Aselid were going on a journey to a far away land and she did not know when they would return. She still had not yet received any word of what had become of her father, Damon, since his reckless foray into Falkovnia.

Winter's chill wind brought heavy snows, sealing the couple indoors. Not they minded or even noticed all that often. But on some nights, as she lay with Lynn in front of the hearth, Eliza would become quite melancholy and her mind would wander to thoughts of Marius. As spring crept across Dementlieu patches of green grass began to take back the land from the receding drifts of snow. With the roads now passable, Lynn and Eliza decided that it was time to tie up some loose ends.

Lynn gave Eliza a long passionate kiss. It seemed like a kiss goodbye and it was in a way. Lynn was never sure what was going to happen, and she always prepared for the worst. They hadn’t even left, but Lynn began to long for the days when they spent their days and nights alone in their cottage.

"This year.", Lynn began. "It's been the most wonderful year of my life."

Eliza smiled, "And mine."

Lynn smiled back. She didn't ever want to leave, but she knew that they must. And thus, cloaked and bundled against the waning winter cold did the two women set out for the village of Sturben.
 

After her friends had parted, Weamar to his travels, and Lynn and Eliza to find a place to be alone together, Aselid wasted no time in beginning Marinae's training as his apprentice. To say that it had been an interesting experience would have been an understatement. In his workings of magic he employed techniques quite different from those she had seen from her Elven tutors in Darkon. Aselid's methods would have been considered base and vulgar, certainly not becoming of a cultured user of the Art. Nonetheless, the human wizard's skill could not be questioned and he almost always produced significant results.

Beginning in November, master and apprentice put out to sea. For many months the two toured various exotic and far flung lands. When questioned as to the purpose of their journey, the old wizard would only smile. When Summer again rolled around, Marinae and Aselid parted ways. The wizard stated that he needed to take care of something rather urgent and left her in what seemed to be an unnecessary haste. Unfortunately for Marinae, Aselid had left her in one of the places that she least wanted to be: the reeking streets of Kantora, in Nova Vaasa. It wasn’t the worst place on her list, but it had to be in the top five.

A sea of dirty beasts of burden and dirtier humans surrounded Marinae. Through a great exertion of will she managed to avoid vomiting on those around her. Seeking a refuge from the press of stinking flesh, she made for the opening of an empty alley, muttering to herself that "Kantora" was probably ancient Elvish for "Confluence of All Sewers".

A raspy voice called from behind her in the alley. "Help me. Please help me."

Marinae turns toward the voice. She saw a person crawling along the cobbled ground. Beaten, bloody and pale he struck a pitiful image. She was shocked to see, when the person looked up, the familiar face of Petrov Nichola. He reached out to her and then promptly collapsed.

“Fuck!”, Marinae shouted on the inside but only whispered on the outside. “Even he doesn't deserve this!”

Marinae hurried over to help him. "Petrov?”, she said, putting aside all the ill will that she had ever felt toward him. “Can you stand?"
 

"Lean on me.", Jacqueline offered. She slipped Weamar’s arm around her shoulder, helping to support some of his weight.

"Thanks.", Weamar breathed, hobbling along beside her.

Jacqueline led him to her carriage. It was a fine and elegant vehicle and Weamar realized that Jacqueline was certainly was a woman of some means and importance. Once inside, she closed the door and rapped on the roof, signaling the driver to be off.

Jacqueline smiled a little, "Welcome Pont-A-Museau."

Weamar settled back into the seat.

Jacqueline glanced out the window, watching the trees pass by. "You don't know who I am, do you?"

"I have no idea.”, Weamar confessed. “Should I?"

Jacqueline looked at him, a vague expression on her face. "No, I don't suppose you should. I am Jacqueline Renier, ruler of Richmulot. There are not many in this land who would do what you did. Thank you."

Weamar wondered if that was a commendation for his bravery, or a sad indictment on herself. Jacqueline seemed to anticipate his thoughts on the matter and looked away, falling silent. After a few minutes she sat up. "We've arrived."

The door of the carriage swung open as the carriage came to a stop. They were both helped out by a well dressed servant.

"I must take my leave of you now, Weamar. You are welcome to guest quarters for as long as you need them. Maurice can answer any questions you have", Jacqueline motioned towards the servant.

"Thank you very much.", Weamar replied.

The manservant Maurice was a rather short fellow with features which put Weamar to thinking about rodents. He led Weamar into the opulent home as Lady Renier disappeared back into the carriage and helped him into the guest quarters.

"A little advice, sir.”, Maurice said with a serious look. “Be watchful around the Lady. Gentlemen in her company tend to disappear under the queerest of circumstances."

"Oh?”, Weamar replied, taken aback. “I'm sure I won't be in the lady's company much."

Maurice just chuckled, "As you say, sir." He bowed and excused himself from the room, closing the door.

Weamar made himself familiar with the room. It was well furnished with expensive items. The queen sized bed was a great deal softer than what he was accustomed to. From the bed he had full view of the entire room. Weamar removed his boots, trousers, and examined his hurt leg. Soon he heard a soft knocking at the door.

"Come in.", Weamar said.

The door opened and a man in a dark suit entered. "Good evening, I am Dr. Westlake."
 

As they approached Sturben, Lynn could feel Eliza’s heart racing and her muscles tensing with each step that the horse took. Lynn whispered reassurances to her and rubbed her through the coarse fabric of her robe but although it did relax Eliza a little, she was still very nervous.

"Do you think this is a good idea?", Eliza finally asked.

"Yes.", Lynn replied. "You need to know."

It was late afternoon when they arrived in town. Heading towards the church of Ezra Eliza whispered. "You'll need to do the talking. They'll recognize my voice."

"Wait here.", Lynn answered. "I should go alone."

Eliza nodded and squeezed Lynn’s hand. "Be careful."

Lynn kissed her and then made her way down the quiet street. Lynn put on her blindfold. It had been so long since she had last worn it. But as soon as she covered her eyes it felt like old times again. Unpleasant times. Lynn pulled the hood down over her face and walked slowly through town. She could feel Eliza through the ring. That made her feel warm inside. Eliza kept the awful feelings far away.

The church at Sturben was a modest structure, nothing like the grand stone edifice of The Great Cathedral. Inside Lynn encountered a small chapel. A few parishioners sat in the pews. Lynn walked through the chapel, making her way towards the altar. A sense of peace emanated from it, but there was no one near it at the moment. Lynn sat quietly at one of the pews for a few minutes, then she turned to one of the parishioners and whispered, "I need to speak with the Pastor."

An old woman replied, "He'll be in his office, I imagine. Just down that hall over there."

Lynn thanked the old woman and made her way to the office. At the end of the hall she come to a door. Behind it she could hear the scratching of quill on parchment. Lynn gently knocked on the door.

A familiar voice called out, "Come in." It was Marius.

Lynn sent a warm feeling through the ring back to Eliza. Then she entered the office.

The scratching of the quill stopped. "How can I help.”, Marius answered looking up. His eyes opened wide. “It can't be.", he exclaimed.

"Marius.", Lynn said softly. She heard the old priest stand up.

Marius tired old body was filling with life. "I never thought I'd hear from you again."
 

Petrov struggled to get up but only succeeded in rolling onto his back.

"Dead. They're all dead.", Petrov moaned. His arms, hands and neck were covered in what appeared to be bite marks.

"Who's dead?”, Marinae asked. “Is there somewhere I can take you? You don't need to be in all this filth in your condition."

"Taken. Captured. Barely escaped.”, Petrov continued between labored breaths. “Couldn't save them."

Marinae decided that she wasn’t going to get any sense out of him in his condition. She got him to his feet and helped him to a nearby inn, one that wasn’t as filthy as all the rest.

Petrov latched onto her and with a wild look in his eyes he said. "Don't let them take me again."

Marinae managed to get Petrov settled and bandaged. In the dingy room, he shifted in and out of consciousness, rambling incoherently. By morning he was calmer and more lucid.

"Marinae?”, he said waking up with a start. “What are you doing here?"

"I can ask you the same thing.”, Marinae replied. “Are you feeling better?"

Petrov held his head. "I need to get back to Levkarest and file a report. This mission was an abject failure.”

"Anything you can talk about? Or is it a Church secret?” Marinae pried. “Am I just better off not knowing?"

Petrov sighed, "I don't suppose it matters now. After we arrived in Levkarest I was assigned to a team tasked with seeking out an eliminating one particular member of the Legions of the Night. An animal called Vladimir Ludzig. A vampire. Within a month we had tracked the fiend to Nova Vaasa and we attacked its stronghold in the sewers beneath the city. Those of us who weren't killed in the attack were taken prisoner to be used as a renewable food source." He grimaced at the memory. "I am the only one who survived."

"We seem to fight just about everything, don't we?”, Marinae consoled. “Werewolves, talking lizards, and now vampires."

"I don't even know how long I was down there.", Petrov confessed.

"It's July, 755.”, Marinae answered. “If that helps any."

"Nine months.", a surprised Petrov whispered. "Has it been that long? What happened after we parted ways? How is Eliza?"

Marinae filled Petrov in on all the events since they had parted, conveniently leaving out Eliza's relationship with Lynn.

"I've missed so much.”, Petrov said. His mind was reeling. “I must get back as soon as possible."
 
"Well, I'm at loose ends, now, if you don't want to travel alone.", Marinae offered.

Petrov's face took on a surprisingly sincere expression. "Thank you for helping me."

Marinae smiled back. "When do you want to leave? You look like hell, if you don't mind my saying so."

"Today.”, Petrov answered. “I don't want to stay in this cesspool any longer."
 

The doctor looked at Weamar’s leg. "Well, that doesn't look too terrible. Sit down and let me have a closer look."

Weamar sat down on the edge of the bed. After a thorough examination the doctor was satisfied that Weamar’s injury was not of major concern and declared that he would only require a few days rest. With that he left, seeming mildly irritated to have been summoned at such an hour for something so minor. Weamar thanked him with his own tone suggesting agreement. The hectic day caught up with him as he lay down and he quickly fell asleep. In the morning, there was a knock at the door. Maurice's voice called from behind it.

"Lady Renier requests the honor of your presence in the dining hall downstairs for breakfast, sir.", the dutiful servant spoke.

"Thank you Maurice.”, Weamar answered. “I will be down shortly."

Weamar got himself as presentable as possible and made his way to the dining hall. There Maurice was setting out several plates of food: Ham, sausages, fresh bread, and many kinds of fruits. Jacqueline sat regally at one end of the table and smiled at Weamar’s entrance. She didn’t seem to notice his unkempt appearance.

"Good morning.", she said warmly.

"Good morning, ma'am", Weamar replied limping next to her and taking a seat.

"How is your leg?", Jacqueline asked.

"Sore, but no major damage, just some bruising.", Weamar replied, feeling out of place in such a rich household.

Jacqueline began filling her own plate from the food available and motioned for Weamar to do the same. "That's good to hear.”, she answered. “So, tell me about yourself. Where do you come from?"

"There's really not much to tell.”, Weamar replied modestly. “I'm from Verbrek, where I live off the land as a ranger. Circumstances lead me to Port-a-Lucine, and I'm slowly working my way back home.”

Jacqueline set her fork down. "I don't suppose you would be interested in working for me then? If only for a little while, as a body guard."

“The idea has more appeal than finding wagon trains that need a guard.”, Weamar confessed.

"You certainly know how to flatter a girl.", Jacqueline said laughing. "So you'll stay?"

"Yes, I'll stay.”, Weamar agreed. Then he added, “For a while at least."
 

"We're so glad that you're still here.", Lynn replied. "We feared...the worst."

Marius sat down again. "I managed. Please, sit."

Lynn took a seat. She fell back into her old ways of confessing her guilt. "What happened, it was my fault. I just couldn't bear to see anything bad happen to Eliza."

Marius was quiet for an uncomfortably long moment. "How is she?", he asked.

Lynn went silent. When she felt Marius about to say something she interrupted. "Marius. Your name was on the order."

Marius paused. When he spoke again the pain was evident in his voice. "When you are in a position of authority, you must sometimes do things that you would rather not."

"Would you do it again?", Lynn asked.

"I don't know.", Marius said looking away. "Please tell me she's alright."

"Tell me yes, or tell me no.", Lynn said firmly. She knew that she was going to let him see Eliza no matter what he said, but she had to know how he really felt.

Marius bowed his head deep in thought. "No.”, he answered with conviction. “With the stroke of a pen I drove her away. She was like a daughter to me but I was a coward and a fool."

Lynn rose. "Come with me.", she said turning towards the door.

Marius followed the young woman hesitantly. Lynn walked out of his office, down the aisle and out the door of the cathedral. Marius followed a few steps behind. Outside, across the street, Eliza stood with her horse, her hood was pulled low over her face. Lynn walked over to Eliza who glanced towards her from under her hood. Lynn could feel her apprehension as she turned and stood next to Eliza. She listened carefully for anyone passing by. Eliza pulled back her hood and Marius looked at her, his eyes brimming with tears. He then rushed forward and embraced the girl tightly, as though he would never again let her go.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.", Marius said over and over again.

Eliza wrapped her arms around the man and wept softly. Soon Marius pulled back and wiped his face.

"Both of you come around back so we can talk in private.", Marius suggested. Lynn and Eliza agreed.

In his private room, Marius hugged Eliza again. "Can you ever forgive me?"

"Can you forgive me?”, Eliza replied. “I didn't want to leave but I had to follow my heart." She looked at Lynn.

Lynn listened quietly. She felt strange. She was used to being the one begging for forgiveness.

Soon the conversation turned to Marius and the church. "It has been difficult.”, the old priest replied. “I'm sad to say that the fires of unhealthy ambition are not absent in the priesthood." He turned to Lynn. "Thank you for taking care of her."

"Thank Guy.", Lynn said softly. "He sacrificed himself for us."

"Ollison was a good man. Better than many.”, Marius said as he bowed his head. “He is missed."

"There's more.", Lynn breathed. "The church is wrong to persecute us."

"There is little that can be done about that, I fear.", Marius answered.

"Ezra never left Eliza.", Lynn continued quietly. "The church must know. You must tell them."

Eliza began murmuring. In between her palms a small sphere of light formed and then changed into a shield and a sword. When she stopped speaking it winked out of existence.

Marius looked on amazed. "This is wonderful!”, he exclaimed. “This will change everything. There will be many who resist, but I will try my best."

"Some may never accept it.", Lynn said sadly.

"Yes, but hopefully enough will.", Marius replied, his voice filling with hope.

Marius put the two women up in a room near his in the church. The next day the sun came out and for the first time all year it felt like spring. And just like the sun was renewing the land, Eliza and Lynn went to the field of wildflowers outside of town to renew their love.