Six

“We’re gonna take a boat?” Dusk asked, looking at Tara open mouthed. “I love boats! I took a rowboat to the big island in the lake. You should have seen the weird huge fish!”

“You saw the Tulamars?” Lex gasped. “That’s not fair! Tara,” he whined. “I want to see the Tulamars!”

“I don’t understand why I’m still with you two idiots,” Tara sighed, shaking her head. “I’m traveling around with a wide-eyed wonder boy over here and then the damned whine factory.”

Dusk tried to keep his laughter back as she gestured to Lex, but some of it slipped out when Lex’s eyebrows furrowed together in confusion.

“What do you mean by the whine factory?”

“Look deep inside yourself, you’ll find the answer you seek.” Tara’s face cracked into a small grin as she glanced at Dusk before both of them burst out laughing.

“I’m not sure I enjoy either of you at the moment,” Lex declared flatly.

It took a few minutes for everyone to get themselves under control. It had been a while since they’d all been together and even longer since they were enjoying one another’s company. Things were starting to feel more natural and comfortable between the three of them.

In the past couple days since he’d talked to Diana, Dusk had found himself with a smile permanently affixed to his face whenever he was around his companions. His nights were still filled with nightmares of the past, but each morning brought him new memories that slowly eased the hurt he’d experienced. Little by little he felt himself growing happier and more appreciative of the good moments. Even in the dark underground of the thieves guild he felt like the sun was starting to creep back into his life. Nothing that had happened to him would change, but he was beginning to feel like he could find some sort of peace despite all that. He’d spent too much of his life stuck in the dark to dwell on it for much longer.

“When are we planning on leaving?” Dusk finally managed to ask after his laughing fit had calmed down.

“In the next few days,” Tara replied, wiping the tears from her eyes. “We were able to do some work for Diana while you were away, so she’s arranged passage for us to the coast of Inahan. After that we’ll make our way to Greencoast Port.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier to just go to Greencoast directly?” Lex asked, leaning in.

“We’d never make it that far.” Tara shook her head. “The war is ramping up and it won’t be long before all trade between the two nations comes to a halt completely. Already, ships coming from Ditania are not allowed in Greencoast because it’s too close to the royal city of Calendia. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if a naval blockade cropped up in the next month or two.” She looked to the others, combing her fingers through her hair. “If we want to get to Inahan and avoid the inevitable ambush from the Circle waiting in the mountain pass, we have to leave now. Besides, we’ve already walked a long way as it is. A little more hiking shouldn’t be too hard.”

Lex tilted his head back and stared at the ceiling. “Gods, I’m so tired of walking! Can’t we take horses?”

“It took me a considerable amount of bargaining to even get Maribel on the boat because Dusk refuses to leave without her.” Tara crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair. “The guild isn’t providing this ship, Diana is buying us passage on it. We’ll have to play by the captain's rules once we’re aboard.”

“Are they trustworthy?” Dusk asked seriously. “Do they have any Circle connections?”

“Apparently Diana has known the captain for many years and has worked with the guild for just as long. She said he’s a bit... eccentric, but he’s never hurt her, the guild, or gone back on his word. I think we can trust him.”

“What do you mean, eccentric?” Lex glanced over to Tara.

“Your guess is as good as mine. Although I’m sure he’s not as weird as you two morons. And if he is, I’ll just drown myself and you can travel with him.”

“Do you think the fish want to deal with you anymore than we do?” Dusk cocked an eyebrow at Tara.

She turned to him, an impressed look on her face, but quickly pushed it away. “Whatever you two need to do, get it done in the next couple of days. But,” she leaned in again, “neither of you are to leave the guild sanctum, got it? We don’t know if any Circle members have come to town. Diana has the island and the monastery ruins under surveillance, but that doesn’t mean we’re safe. If you need something from the outside, write it down and I’ll make sure you get it. Okay?”

Lex and Dusk both nodded with straight faces.

“Alright. I’m going to go talk to Diana. You two sit here and be assholes like you usually are.”

“Yes, captain,” Lex sneered.

“Yes sir ma’am sir,” Dusk added with a smirk.

Tara scoffed as she walked away. “If both of you survive this trip it’ll be a fucking miracle!”

The pairwaited for Tara to be out of earshot before they turned to one another, both opening their mouths to speak. There was a jumble of noise before they both began to laugh at their eagerness.

“You go first,” Dusk waved, still smiling.

“I’m tired of being underground. Want to sneak out?”

“You read my mind.”

“Greasy food at a weird tavern?”

“Absolutely.”

***

GETTING OUT OF THE guild was easy enough. After being there for a few days, Dusk knew his way around and Lex had been there long enough to learn a few of the secret passages. Dusk had learned that the main domed sanctum was directly below the temple that stood on the opposite side of the street from where Maribel was kept. In fact, one of the guild members had explained that all the graves above were actually empty to make room for the dome. When it had been built over a hundred years ago, the bodies had been removed and cremated. Lex seemed to think it was a strange and disrespectful thing to do, but to Dusk, it made logical sense. When men died at the mine nobody went through the trouble to burn or bury them. Instead they were taken to the nearby woods to be eaten by the local wildlife. Either way, they were dead, so Dusk couldn’t see how or why it mattered. At least the animals got a free meal out of the deal.

After gathering their warmer clothing, they made their way to a back passage that the rest of the guild members hardly used. At the end of the long hallway was a false wall that only opened when a torch sconce was pulled downward. Lex mentioned he’d seen someone else do it before, but hid out of the way before they noticed him. The door led to a small staircase that spiraled upwards. At the top of the stairs was a stone tile about the width of a man’s shoulders. With a push Lex was able to lift it up and slide it across the floor. He glanced around briefly before pulling himself and Dusk out of the hole. Once he slid it back into place it was impossible to tell there was anything there and they found themselves standing in a large storage room full of crates and barrels. With only a couple doors and hallways to go, Lex led the way to the main sanctuary of the temple. There were two acolytes milling about the place and a few people praying in the pews, but nobody looked up at them.

Dusk wondered what kind of temple they were in. Up until that point he’d never seen anything but dragon statues in the old places of the world he’d visited. He’d heard of the gods, but only as an expression people used. The temple around him showcased beautifully carved statues of two men, two women, and two androgynous figures. Each stood close enough to one another that their outstretched arms met, their fingers lacing together with the fingertips facing skyward creating a half circle of statues. They were all beautiful, strong, and larger than life. Dusk found himself pausing to stare up at them.

“Lex,” he said softly, not wanting to speak too loud to interrupt the others in the temple. “Who are they?”

“Oh, those?” Lex replied, gesturing up to the statues. “The gods apparently, if you put stock in such things, although I don’t. People say they created the world, the heavens, and every star in the sky, but I have a hard time believing it.”

“What are their names?”

“They’ve been forgotten to time, so people just call them by what they stand for.” He pointed each one out as he spoke. “Life, Death, Light, Dark, Order, and Chaos. They represent the six aspects that rule all life in the world.”

“Wow,” Dusk breathed. “They’re so beautiful. Do... Do you think they have a book about them?”

“I’m sure they do, but I don’t think they sell them. Books are a rare commodity these days.” Lex stared at Dusk for a long moment. “I didn’t take you as the religious type.”

“I... I’m not. I’ve just never seen anything like this.” Dusk paused. “I read a lot of history when I was at the monastery, but it was all just dry facts. This... this seems more interesting and unknown.”

“Maybe we’ll find something about it on our travels, but we should probably get out of here before we’re caught.”

“Oh... okay.”

Lex allowed him to stare for a moment longer. “Why don’t we go get that food, huh?”

Dusk was still gazing up at the towering statue of the androgynous god Lex had pointed out to be Order. Next to them with their fingers laced together was the woman he’d labeled as Chaos. Dusk wondered which of the pair was influencing his life more. Was everything that had happened to him an accident or was he on a path that had already been determined? He wasn’t sure, but something about the pair of them holding hands struck him as odd, but also comforting. He wondered if they were less separate and maybe worked together, giving order to the chaos of the world.

“Dusk?”

“Yes! Food. Let’s do that. Sorry.”

Lex chuckled and wrapped his arm around Dusk’s shoulders, pulling him away from the statues. Casually the pair of them walked to the arched front doors and out into the streets. With their hoods pulled up they wound their way through the roads, heading towards the center of town where they could find food and drink for the night. Darkness was coming on quickly as the overcast skies blocked any hint of a sunset. It didn’t take them long to find a small cozy tavern that wasn’t too packed with people. The man of the house greeted them as they walked in and for the next hour they were fed simple food and kept each other company. For a moment the pair forgot that they were on a crazy journey to escape Ditania, the Circle, and that war was looming on the horizon. They forgot they were being chased by magical maniacs and surrounded by refugees. Instead they lost themselves in the comforts of life just long enough to relax.

The lady of the house, when they’d finished their meal, politely asked them to free up the table for other customers, as there were plenty more waiting. Obliging her, the pair took one last drink at the bar before bundling up and going back out onto the muddy streets as a gentle snow began to fall. A few lanterns had been lit, giving the fresh snow a warm orange glow. Dusk could feel the warmth of ale in his belly helping to drive away the cold. They decided to wander about for a bit, knowing full well that once they got back Tara would have them locked up until the ship was ready. Making the most of it, they set out in no particular direction, just walking down the streets and talking about nothing important. Dusk was still fascinated by the street vendors who braved the snow to hawk wares to whoever would take them. The alleys and roads were filled with people who had nowhere to go and there were tents set up between buildings to house those who could find no other place to stay. Dusk felt awful for the people fleeing from the war, but he understood that he wasn’t in any position to help them. He kept his eyes open for anyone that might be following them, but the crowds made it almost impossible to keep track.

After a long while, Dusk and Lex rounded a corner to find themselves standing in front of a brightly lit building with noise and light pouring out of every opening. A familiar sign swung from the roof labeling it The Lusty Armadillo. Dusk immediately felt his heart jump to his throat and the blood pounding in his ears. Lex noticed the pained look on his face.

“Hey, let’s get out of here. You don’t need to be back here.”

Dusk didn’t answer, but began to push his way forward towards the open door of the brothel. After a moment he heard Lex’s steps jogging to catch up with him. Dusk led the way up the snow-covered steps and into the familiar tavern. There were more people than he’d seen last time, each at a table with a companion at their side. Food and drink was plentiful, although less diverse than it had been before, probably because of the shortages the town was facing. Dusk saw the door and staircases leading to the bathhouse and upper rooms respectively. He took a few steps in before he noticed a unique character at the bar glaring at him with his piercing green eyes. One of his feline ears twitched in irritation as he turned away towards the bar.

“Dusk...” Lex began.

But Dusk was already pounding across the wooden floor straight for the familiar Rhyka. When he reached the bar he stepped up beside him, keeping his hood up and resting his elbows on the well-shined surface.

“You’re Cyrilo, right?” Dusk asked quietly.

“Yeah. What the fuck do you want?” the man replied with a thick accent unknown to Dusk, his elongated canines showing as he spoke. “I know who you are and I don’t want to talk to you.”

“I need to talk to you about Eiran.”

The clawed hand that shot out and gripped his upper arm as fast as lightning. Even under the speckled fur Dusk could see the muscles rippling as Cyrilo squeezed, digging his claws in painfully. Both of his ears laid flat against his head and his tail had grown to twice its size as the fur stood on end.

“Don’t you dare say his name. Not ever again.”

“I need to explain—”

“Explain?! What’s there to explain? He’s dead because of you. You killed him.”

Dusk felt like someone had rammed a knife through his heart. His gaze dropped to the floor and he no longer felt the pain in his arm where a bruise was already forming from Cyrilo’s death grip.

“Hey, Cyrilo, let him go,” Lex said gently beside him. “We’re not here to hurt anyone.”

His grip relaxed slightly, but he didn’t let go.

“Can we talk somewhere private? I’ll pay you for your time of course.”

Cyrilo looked to Lex, his green eyes burrowing into him. “Ten minutes. That’s all.” With a scoff he let go of Dusk’s arm and turned back to the bar, shooting the rest of his drink. He lifted an arm to brush the droplets of alcohol off his whiskers before turning back to them. “Follow me.”