Chapter Text
The clouds hung across the horizon like a curtain to the sun's light, darkening the forest far before dusk. The landscape was quiet, aside from the dull echoing of steady hoofbeats. A lone rider sat atop a black horse, her back bent over in the saddle and swaying gently with the steps of the horse.
Her long, black hair was pulled into a tight braid that draped down her shoulder. She had deep brown eyes that scanned the horizon in front of her, and her warm russet-brown hands ran the leather reins through her fingers anxiously. Two weeks ago, she received a letter from the Trevelyan estate, inviting her to meet the family at the forward camp of the Temple of Sacred Ashes. There was an unprecedented gathering of the age, and many of the Trevelyan children she grew up beside were attending in some manner. After migrating down to the Bannorn Region after her mother passed away, she's had few chances to visit with the Trevelyan family since, and the idea of seeing them again made her heart soar.
The thought of reuniting with her brothers, Jayhon and Dayton, filled her with excitement. Yes, she grew up alongside all six of Bann Trevelyan's children, but the twins were the same age as her and often the trio would get into all sorts of mischief together. Thinking back on fond memories, Shae let a smile touch the edges of her lips as her horse, Taheton continued walking down the dirt road.
Distantly, a rumbling sound echoed across the sky, and the eerie feeling that followed left a chill running down Shae's spine. Taheton's ears were alert, his gait faltering as a strong force moved over them, ruffling Taheton's mane and fluttering Shae's coat. Then, a loud, booming explosion erupted and lighting arched across the sky in front of her. On the other side of the mountain, a bright flash of green tore into the clouds, illuminating the once-overcast land in light.
The flash spooked Taheton, and he came to a stop, ears flicking back and forth, but Shae's attention was on the strange light in the sky. Another rumbling sound echoed and the earth beneath them began to quake. Shae held onto the reins, trying to calm Taheton down and keep him steady. Thunder boomed off the walls of the valley as the sky crackled and burned a bright green. Shae looked up to see smoke trails streaming down from the strange tear, and a wave of dust move over the mountain in front of them and rapidly roll down toward them. The wind roared as the dust engulfed them, and Shae tried her best to shield herself from the dirt as it pelted them. She coughed, peeking her eyes open as she tried to regain her bearings.
Taheton paced anxiously, quietly whinnying as his ears swivelled around. A faint scream echoed in the distance, and Shae strained to hear where it was coming from. Taheton's senses seemed to pick up on it better, and Shae followed the point of his ears down the hazy road. As they continued, the dust began to settle and Shae could better make out her surroundings. With a clear path in sight, she spurred Taheton onwards and galloped towards the commotion.
They were closer to the noise now, and Shae realized some of the noise she was hearing was far too shrill to be a human scream. Rounding an outcropping of trees, Shae saw a man defending himself against a much taller figure through the dirty haze covering the landscape. She slowed her pace and heard the smaller man call out to her.
"Help! Please!" His voice sounded young.
Shae could hear the fear in the young man's voice and didn't hesitate in grabbing and unsheathing the sword she kept tucked in her travel pack. "You there! Halt!" She called out to the figure
She watched as the younger man dodged another strike and she dismounted Taheton. It's been quite some time since she's had to use it in direct combat, but this doesn't seem like the negotiable type of situation. Shae moved quickly across the distance, readying herself for an attack. At her sudden movement, the figure turned its attention from the man and looked toward Shae, stopping her in her tracks. This was no human standing before her, it was something from a nightmare.
A tall, smoking beast now towered in front of her with deep glowing eyes. Its gnarled and twisted limbs draped forward, ending in razor-sharp talons. Its face was misshapen and its mouth gaped open horrifically. Shae was frozen in place at the sight, her blade dropping slightly as she looked upon this creature with terror. Its glowing eyes bore into her as it made a clicking sound, its long talons drawing back to strike.
"Look out!" The younger man called, pulling Shae from her trance.
She pulled up her stance just in time to block most of the blow from the creature, but its long, curved talons managed to cut the side of her arm. While the creature was distracted, the man made his move and managed to hit the creature in the side. The beast squealed in pain, and Shae pushed forward at its distraction and drove her blade into its exposed flank. She pushed the blade up into the creature, cringing as the thing let out a shrill cry that pained her ears. She pulled back the blade, feeling it tear the flesh as the creature began to stumble to the side. The younger man stepped forward, plunging his blade into the other side of the creature and silencing it as it landed on the ground with a hard thud.
Shae panted, her eyes wide as she looked down at the creature and the thick, black liquid oozing from its wounds. She looked down at her own blade, covered in inky blood, and stepped forward to wipe the substance off on the dirty, torn rags the creature was wrapped in. The young man looked down at the creature with equally wide eyes, beads of sweat running down the sides of his face, fear still singing in his muscles.
"Clem!" Came a tear-filled voice to the side.
Shae spun around to see two boys run up from behind them. She hadn't a clue that they were even there with all the commotion. She looked back at the young man as he met to embrace them, wrapping them both in a tight hug.
"It's alright." He hushed, "I'm okay. You're okay." he continued to mutter reassurances to them.
The two boys were just beginning to mature, probably out training when this happened. Their cheeks were tear-streaked as the younger man pulled back to look them both over. The youngest boy looked over at Shae and broke away to wrap his arms around her.
"Thank you." The boy's voice was muffled from where he had buried his head into her coat.
Her heart warmed, and she wrapped her free arm around him to return the hug before ruffling his hair. "Of course, little one."
"Yes," came the voice of the man as he looked over at her, "Thank you."
Now that the fighting was over, she was able to take in the appearance of the young man. He looked to be a handful of years younger than herself, with a scraggly head of blond hair, and eyes a watery blue. He had fair skin that was completely covered in light-brown freckles, and a slight bronze showing that he spent many years working under the sun. The younger boys with him had similar curls of blond and the same eyes.
The boy stepped away from Shae, looking down at the creature beside them, "Wh-what is that thing?"
"I'm not sure, Macus." The man's brows furrowed.
The older boy pointed behind him, "Look over there. That print in the dirt, it looks like it landed there."
Shae followed the boy's hand and just a few yards from them was a shallow hole. Dirt and rocks were pushed up to the sides where the creature had made an impact, with black soot dusting the rim. She looked up at the sky, streams of smoke now drifting in the wind, and that terrifying green mark looming over them.
"Do you live far?" Shae asked.
The boys looked back at her, shaking their heads. "No, just in the village on the other side of the mountain." The man said.
"Haven?" Shae questioned.
The man looked at her. "Yes, actually."
"I'm travelling to attend the summit. Perhaps it would be best if we walked there together." Shae suggested.
The man nodded, "Yes, of course. We'd be glad for the company."
Shae smiled, looking the two boys over. "As am I. You see, there's only so long you can hold a conversation with a horse." The younger lad let out a small chuckle.
Shae whistled, and her horse came to saunter over to them. The boys looked on in awe before excitedly talking to each other. Shae returned her sword to its scabbard and worked at placing it back in her travel pack.
The man walked over to her, speaking quietly. "Thank you, again. I'm not sure what would have happened if you hadn't come along."
Shae paused in her work, turning to face him fully. "You showed great courage. Those boys are very lucky to have you."
He smiled bashfully before collecting himself suddenly, "Oh, how rude of me! Clemance O'Hoster." He outstretched his hand to her.
She gave him a gentle smile, taking his hand, "Shae Carrimack."
He turned then, gesturing to the boys, "And these are my brothers, Macus, and Emmond." The two boys looked startled before shyly introducing themselves.
"How would the two of you like to ride Taheton back to your village?" She asked them, patting her horse's neck.
As much as they tried to hide it, the pair was ecstatic. They settled on politely nodding their heads, trying to hide the grins that sat underneath their cheeks. She walked Taheton over and held him steady as the boys approached. They put out their hands and stroked his neck before making their way to his side and climbing into the saddle.
Shae took the reins to lead Taheton, walking beside Clemance towards the valley mouth. "If I may, what were you doing this far north of the village?"
"I take the boys out to track, to teach them to hunt and forage. They like to think there's not much left to learn, so we've started going on longer outings to test their skills." Clemance explained.
Shae nodded, "So you're a woodsman?"
"Of a sort, I suppose. Our father is getting too old to take the boys out himself and prefers to stay back and work on adding to the farm. I don't mind though." He smiled fondly before his face dropped in horror, "Oh, mother is going to be beside herself."
Shae chuckled kindly, "Don't worry, I'll be sure to tell her of your bravery."
"I doubt that will change much," Clemance said solemnly as he looked at the horizon, "The sky is worrisome enough."
Shae hummed in agreement, her eyes studying the strange lines arching across the sky. There was a feeling crawling its way into Shae's chest that told her something terrible had happened. The weather - the sky - they don't just turn like that. In the meantime, though, she'll enjoy the company of the O'Hoster brothers while she still can.
Entering Haven was like walking into a war encampment. The remaining Templar soldiers marched in collections, and the streets were swarmed with people. The injured lined the streets as the air was filled with the sounds of worried cries and pained groans. There was light debris littering the ground as the group made their way through the crowds.
A woman's shout could barely be heard over the noise of the streets, and Shae watched as Clemance spun around to search the wall of people. A small woman made her way through another group, running up to Clemance and throwing her arms around her shoulders.
"You're safe!" She exclaimed in relief, looking around and spotting the two younger boys on the horse, "You're all safe! Oh thank the Maker! Are you hurt? Injured?" She hurriedly moved to inspect the boys for injuries.
"We're fine, Margerie." He reassured her, moving to help the boys off of Tahteon. "Where are mother and father?"
"Worried sick about the lot of you!" She scolded before her features softened. "But otherwise in good health. Your mum's helping with the wounded soldiers, and your father volunteered to help search the homes for any injured in the quake."
Shae's brow furrowed, "Wounded soldiers?"
Margerie, now aware of the unfamiliar face, looked a little hesitant before replying, "Yes, soldiers from the Conclave."
Shae felt an icy hand claw at her chest, "What happened at the Conclave?"
Margerie looked at her now, her rosy features now dimming with sorrow, "The Temple has been completely destroyed. They're sending a scouting party, but the rumour is that no one could have survived past a half-mile to the Temple."
Shae's eyes widened, and she felt tears prickling at the corners as her hands holding the reins began to shake slightly.
No survivors.
"Forgive me," she managed to force out, "I've-I've got to go." Shae took a long look towards the mountains that hid the Temple behind them.
Clemance grabbed the reins to steady Taheton, catching her attention, "Thank you, once again. I hope the Maker guides your path."
She nodded solemnly before turning to mount Taheton. She lifted herself into the saddle with ease before adjusting the reins. Shae spared one last glance at the people around her before spurring Taheton forward, trying to push away the saddened look they all gave her.
The forward camp was just on the other side of the village, and there her eyes would be looking for a specific collection of tents - that's where she would find her family. The hooves of her horse echoed on the cobblestone, melding in with all of the other commotion happening around her. She did her best to weave through collections of people, almost at the edge of town. As she rounded the last corner towards the end of the village, she slowed the pace of Taheton and looked forward in dismay.
In the fields past the village were hundreds of tents lining the hills, seeming to go on forever. A wave of banners of every colour drifted in the breeze, and people moved about the maze of canvas tents like ants. She brought Taheton to a halt as she scanned the tents. Far in the distance, Shae could make out the Ostwick colours peeking over a collection of white and red tents and began to guide her horse in that direction.
They approached at a canter, and Shae swung off the saddle and rushed towards the open flap of canvas. The tent was alive with shouting as she neared the entrance. A mage with an armful of elixirs rushed in before her.
Without missing a step, the mage announced Shae's presence upon entry. "My lord, a woman is here to see you."
Shae stepped into view, taking in the sight of the tent. The Bann of Markham, Aldo Oldenburg, was sat on a stool with a newly bandaged torso, arguing with his eldest son and two of the Trevelyan retainers. One of the older Trevelyan sons, Tion, was propped up on a bedroll, two mages bent over one of his legs. All faces turned at her entrance, excluding the working mages.
The Bann stood, walking over to her briskly and pulling her into a strong hug. "Shaeranni. When did you arrive, child?"
"Moments ago," she pulled away to look at him, "I was escorting a family into Haven when I heard. Uncle, what happened?"
His normally well-kept silver hair and beard were tangled and dishevelled, and his amber skin was covered in dirt and the discoloration of bruises. Dark circles hung under his eyes and there was dried blood speckled on the side of his forehead.
"We know little more than you, dear girl. Just that there was some type of explosion, and they've been pulling wounded from the mountain pass ever since." He let out a deep sigh, "Six are missing from our party. The Bann Clifton, Dayton, Jayhon, Ramerra, and your cousins Osher and Albrecht."
Shae looked down, "And there's no word? No sign?"
"No." He shook his head sadly, looking down at her. His eyes squinted at her arm, "You're injured."
She followed his gaze down and saw the red-stained clothing from where the creature had sliced her arm. "Oh."
"Come, sit." He guided her to the side of the tent, grabbing a cloth and some other supplies. "What happened?"
Shae sat down, pulling away her coat to expose the wound. Luckily it wasn't very deep. "There was this...strange creature in the road. It was attacking a young man - the family I escorted in."
Aldo nodded in thought, cleaning the wound. "I assume the family is alright?"
Shae nodded. They sat in silence while Aldo finished dressing the wound. When he finished, Shae looked up at him, her thoughts swimming in her head, "Do you think-" Her voice cracked, and she couldn't bear to finish the sentence.
"I'm sure they're alright." Aldo whispered as he put a hand on her shoulder, his own voice wavering. "They have to be alright."
Her gaze drifted past him to the others sitting around the tent. Everyone wore a steady mask, a veil to hide the pain. The Bann pulled her into another embrace, and she clutched at him, holding him tightly. Her stare was blank, her jaw set and clenched as her mind raced in an endless circle. Her eyes welled with tears as Tion cried out from under the healers. Most would think it was from the bones in his leg being reset, but there was far too much anguish in his voice for that to be all.
The night was sombre, and vigils were held at every other tent in the camp. Many still waited for the scouts to return, but few had any hope. The cries of loved ones were no longer yelled across the camp but instead whispered in the shadows with shaking hands and teary eyes. The grounds were silent as Shae walked along the tents. She heard nothing more than a shuddering breath, or a raspy cough, the faint crackling of fire and rustling of fabric in the wind. She made her way back to the Ostwick tents. She was placed in the tent with the two Trevelyan retainers, who both shared their sorrow beside her. She remembers them from before, so they've served the family for many years. Bann Aldo and his son, Ottavio, were more than understanding and willing to help in any way possible. Tonight, they all mourn.
A group was gathered around a fire centred in the middle of the Ostwick tents. A small vigil was placed at the end of their camp to honour those missing from their party. A few glanced up at her as she passed them, and she gave them a polite nod before retreating to her shared tent. She pulled off her boots and curled into her bedroll, bringing the covers up around her head. She watched shadows dance on the dark canvas, and listened to the crack of the burning logs. She lay there a long while, not thinking of a thing, just staring out as flame danced and flickered its way across the walls.