Chapter 31: Footnotes

  They were in front of a two-story wooden structure. Corin opened the door, and Nanaua followed him in. They found a staircase in front with a path up and one down. Corin and Nanaua went down and found a door. They entered through it and turned left. They walked down one, two, and then approached the third door.

  Corin knocked three times. The door was quickly opened.

  “Come. Quick,” Daum said.

  Corin and Nanaua entered quickly.

  Inside the home were five others waiting for them. Daum, Simeon, Livia, Zhi, and Jaco.

  “I, I, I see my instr-instructions were good!” Jaco smiled.

  “Were you followed?” Simeon asked.

  “I don't believe so,” Nanaua answered.

  “It was a good thing we split up then,” Daum replied.

  “How about you?” Nanaua asked them.

  “Not us," Simeon replied for both him and Daum.

  “Or us,” Zhi said for both her and Livia.

  “We-well since we are all here, let me show you where I keep the scripts.” Jaco motioned them to follow him, and they went to a room in the back corner.

  The room was wide open with various curiosities strewn about. This room was about three times as wide as Daum’s but almost as deep. Plates of armor, old rusted weapons, one very fine-looking sword, and various broken pieces of random artifacts. All of it was lit by light fruits placed around the room. It gave a unique aura to the items in the room.

  “What an amazing collection!” Simeon stated.

  “Th-thank you!” Jaco replied. “I get a lot of interesting items fr-from our customers, and I like to keep some here.”

  He walked over to a corner of the room where he had two distinct piles of items.

  “The-, these are dragon script” Jaco motioned to one. “And these are giant.”

  “And the dragon script ones are the ones you have yet to completely decipher?” Livia asked.

  “Ye-yes.” Jaco replied. “Specifically these.”

  Jaco brought out some items for the group to look at.

  In the crowded room, it was hard to find space, but Livia and Zhi found a spot and began to collect the untranslated items. Jaco kept bringing them more of the various artifacts.

  He brought slabs carved with various etchings, strips of cloth printed with various markings, and a metal disc inscribed with some etchings.

  “This is amazing, Jaco!” Zhi said as she looked over the various items.

  Jaco's face lit up.

  Zhi and Livia got to work looking through the various documents. Corin, Nanaua, and Simeon would look at some of the discarded items to see what might be written.

  “On the occasion of Tierfira’s five-hundredth year of reign,” a metal disc read.

  “Execution of Ea-Nasir for the delivery of low-quality copper…” a clay tablet read.

  “How was it possible that you learned to read both giant script and dragon script?” Nanaua asked after she got bored of reading discarded items.

  “Oh dear!” Jaco exclaimed in a frightened tone.

  “Don't worry. Nanaua is just curious,” Simeon interjected.

  Nanaua was confused. She did not understand how she scared the furtive.

  “A spa-sparrowling came to Yranto. Her name was Kiroha, she had escaped from the court of Br-Brosot the giant.

  She had learned to read from tomes in the palace. When I met her, I was much yo-younger and didn't speak much. Kiroha offered to teach me. I didn't have many friends, and Jeinna encouraged me to go with her and learn.”

  “Did she know dragon script as well?” Nanaua asked.

  “No, ma-many years later, a customer brought in a clay tablet that had both giant script and another script I did not recognize. I soon realized it was dragon script, when I compared it to other items I had. It took me some time to de-decipher, but I was sure both sides had the same message written in both scripts.”

  “Impressive,” Daum said.

  He could not read any of the documents and was focused intently on Jaco's story.

  “To think that you possess one of the few items known to furtives that can be used to translate between the scripts of the titans and that you know to read both of them yourself.” Daum continued.

  “Right you are.” Simeon added. “It seems our friend here is quite a force to be reckoned with.”

  Jaco smiled. “Oh, it—”

  “I found him!” Zhi exclaimed as she shot up.

  She held a clay tablet in her hands.

  Livia quickly moved over Zhi's shoulder and read the tablet. H

  er eyes widened. It seemed to only confirm what Zhi had said.

  “Well?” Simeon asked excitedly. “What does it say?”

  “Sorry! Sorry! I'll begin reading from the top!” Zhi paused as she focused on the tablet. “On the present situation of power distribution on the surface of the continent, the following giants are known to the great Lord Tullut. Baknero, Tonego Mountain. Bogetto, Halzt Fields. Belaran…” Zhi paused.

  “Serno Valley,” Livia added.

  “Serno Valley,” Simeon muttered.

  “Did we not hear that recently?”

  “We did. Bellum reigns there,” Nanaua said with surety.

  “Be-Bellum?” Jaco asked with confusion.

  Daum looked at him. “I don't know either,” he said to Jaco.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Corin turned to the two of them.

  “There is a story we have not told you yet. It concerns a dragon we met,” Corin began.

  Jaco's eyes widened, but Daum seemed apprehensive.

  “You all met with a dragon?” Daum asked. “And you're not dead? Impossible.”

  Corin told the two of them of their time in the mines, of their encounter with the dragon.

  “I can't believe it,” Daum muttered. He looked to Simeon, Nanaua, Livia, and Zhi. He could tell by their faces that this was no lie.

  “So this Bellum, if he’s the current lord of the Serno Va-Valley, he must have the last piece of the artifact,” Jaco said.

  “Exactly Jaco,” Simeon said.

  “This revelation makes many things clear now. It explains why not a soul knew of Belaran. It seems as if he has been dead for centuries or maybe even more,” Zhi added.

  She looked at the clay tablet in her hand. Corin was not an expert on ancient artifacts, but he could tell that it looked as if it was older than most things still alive on this world.

  “It also points us to our next location, the Serno Valley,” Livia added.

  Everyone in the group looked at each other.

  “I take it none of us knows where it is,” Zhi said.

  “I…have an idea,” Jaco said.

  “You do?” Nanaua said.

  “Do you know where it is?” Zhi asked. Both questions came in rapid succession.

  “Oh dear,” Jaco muttered. He took several breaths.

  “You’re fine, Jaco. Take your time,” Livia reassured him.

  “The sparrowling who frequents our, our est-establishment. Kadus used to run a fl-flying pyornis operation,” Jaco said.

  “A flying what?” Corin asked.

  “Pyornis,” Simeon said. “Really, really big birds. They are a very rare sight. They live on large mountains. I think myself I have only seen one a long time ago, and even then they were far away.”

  “And what is this operation?” Corin asked.

  “The stories I heard said you could hire some of these operators, always sparrowlings, and they would fly you across the continent on the pyornis. They had to tame these flying gargantuan beasts before they could convince them to fly other furtives on them. Never really believed it though,” Simeon added.

  “Hmph, sounds very similar to the wyrm transports,” Daum added.

  “What is that?” Livia asked.

  “It's how us Zifors move between the surface world and the dragon temples. We fly to the surface world on top of what is essentially a lesser dragon. Smaller than a real dragon but very similar physically, and without the intellect of a real dragon. They are used in the realms of all dragons to ferry furtives to and from the surface.”.

  “I see. I always wondered how they were able to move from the skies to the surface,” Livia replied.

  “But I still don't believe the story about the pyornis operator,” Simeon said.

  “Bu-but it's true!” Jaco answered. “I know Kadus has run such a business himself!”

  “Did he tell you this?” Simeon replied.

  “No, he ne-never did, but I overheard it once,” Jaco said. “He never speaks, but one time a human came looking for him. He mentioned a deal that went bad, and that Kadus a-abandoned furtives while he had a pyornis. I once asked Kadus about it and he told me to forget it.”

  The room quietened. They all turned to Simeon, who was deep in thought.

  Zhi went up to him.

  “I know you have some reason you think this is not going to work, so just say it.”

  “Me?” Simeon reacted surprised.

  “We can tell something is on your mind.”

  “Oh, not at all!” Simeon replied gleefully. “I just thought flying on a pyornis was a myth until now! How amazing it would be to ride one.”

  “So do you think we should talk to Kadus?” Zhi asked.

  “Oh most certainly,” Simeon said. “The thought of flying sounded so amazing that I got distracted. Let's go!”

  ***

  The group surrounded the snoring Kadus, and Daum stood near the entrance, watching for any potential trouble. Aside from him, there were only five other furtives in the entire room. Two of them argued in one corner about something in a language none could understand. One slowly ate from a bowl. Another slept on a table, and the last helped herself to whatever she could find behind the counter.

  “Ju-Juno!” Jaco chastised the other gesherin behind the counter.

  “Hey, cousin, I didn't see you there,” Juno replied. “I kept waiting for you, but I thought you weren’t going to come.” She eyed the rest of the group.

  “Interesting company you got there.”

  “I'm su-sure you know them,” Jaco replied.

  “Of course we do.” Juno smiled.

  “Well, it's time I left. I'll make sure Jeinna doesn't hear her little brother is spending too much time away from her nice establishment.”

  “What was that about?” Zhi whispered.

  Corin shrugged.

  “Kadus?” Simeon spoke to the sparrowling.

  The sparrowling did not raise his head.

  “Does Kadus owe you anything?” the sparrowling replied without raising his head.

  Simeon seemed confused.

  “I don’t believe so. I wanted to ask you about an area of Khorsor.”

  “Well, ask away,” Kadus raised his head.

  The sparrowling had one eye open and one closed. His beak was long and came to a sharp end. Along one side of it was a large gash. The sparrowling had blue feathers and bright red coloring around his eyes. His colors were slightly more muted than other sparrowlings, perhaps a sign of older age. Corin did not know sparrowlings too well, but this one seemed more gaunt than others he had seen.

  Kadus looked to Livia and Corin.

  “Ah I see

  . Seems like you found your giant, eh?”

  “What makes you say that?” Corin asked.

  “Weren’t you here yesterday talking about finding a giant? What was his name? Belaran?” Kadus replied. His head kept wobbling from side to side.

  “You were eavesdropping on our conversation?” Corin asked.

  “I didn't realize it was such a sensitive topic,” Kadus retorted. “If I had known, I would have covered my ear holes.”

  Kadus did just that as he looked at Corin and the rest.

  “No, it's not that,” Corin replied.

  “You surprised us is all.”

  “So where is this giant?” Kadus asked as he straightened himself up and put one of his feathered arms on the table.

  “Serno Valley,” Livia said.

  “Ah really?” Kadus replied.

  “Do you know where it is?”

  “Sure, I know where it is. Can't say I'm an expert in the area, but I've been there. Many years ago, but it's hard not to remember. All those weird spires and that rampaging giant. The weird ruins on the outskirts. Very memorable place.”

  “What ruins?” Simeon asked.

  “Some sort of ancient city. Vivian or something like that,” Kadus replied.

  “Vivenah?” Corin asked.

  “Hmm.” Kadus pondered for a moment. “Yes, sounds about right.”

  Corin remembered the dream he had when Cyril had told him about the wondrous city of Vivenah. He still could not remember when Cyril had brought up Vivenah in their conversations.

  “I take it you have heard about it?” Kadus asked Corin.

  “Have you heard of Vivenah, Corin?” Livia asked. She seemed confused as to how her husband might have ever heard of such a place.

  Corin felt uneasy now. He could not explain how he had heard about it, but he was sure he had.

  “I thought Cyril had mentioned it to me long ago, but perhaps I heard it from someone else and confused it with him.”

  “Word about it does tend to get around,” Kadus began, “but I don't recall that mad giant being called Belaran.”

  “We had old information. The current lord of that region is Bellum," Simeon replied.

  “Ah, Bellum, yes, now that name does sound familiar.”

  “Co-could you help them?” Jaco interjected.

  “Ah, of course there’s always a catch. I thought you were only coming here to make conversation with an old man.” Kadus looked away from the group as he constantly fidgeted on his chair.

  “You know, I would feel a certain way about leading a group of strangers I just met to their deaths. Whatever treasure this giant has, I promise you, it's not worth your lives.”

  “You’re wrong about that,” Livia replied.

  Kadus looked at Livia. His expression changed. He did not seem pleased at the challenge.

  “Am I?

  I don’t know what you think that crazy giant has, or what you think you’ll gain, but let me tell you something. When furtives challenge titans, there is only one outcome. Annihilation. Plain and simple.” Kadus stood up and looked at her face-to-face, they were of equal height.

  “If you are so desperate to die, then don’t involve me,” he said.

  “You think you are the only one here who has lost something to a titan?” Livia replied, staring him down. “Every single one of us that has come together for this purpose has lost something to a titan. Our possessions, our homes, our livelihoods, our freedoms, even our families.”

  “I’m sorry about your losses, but you are still suggesting a death march. It seems the titans have taken your sanity as well.”

  “Perhaps they have,” Livia replied. “But what we seek is no mere trinket. What we seek is an artifact that will help furtives fight titans. An artifact that will help us upend the order of our world. If you do not want to help us, fine, we’ll find someone else who will.”

  Livia turned to leave, and the rest of the group was left speechless. As she began to walk away, Kadus reached out and grabbed her by the arm.

  “Wait.”

  Livia turned around.

  “You never mentioned anything of any artifact that is meant to fight titans. Is this true? Is that what your ultimate end goal is?” Kadus looked around to the others.

  “Yes," Simeon replied. “What she says is true.”

  Kadus let go of Livia’s arm.

  “I’ll help. I’ll lead you there myself,” Kadus replied.

  ***

  Corin attempted to sleep, but his restless mind would not stop ruminating on what was ahead. Tomorrow, they would once again be out of the confines of the city and traveling through the open road. He was excited for what was to come but also concerned.

  He heard heavy footsteps walking around the room, the door opening and someone shutting it.

  Nanaua? I wonder what she went out to do?

  Corin attempted to quiet his mind. He went to the place in his mind where he knew he would find calm and peace. He thought about the fireplace in his home. He had spent so many days there with Livia.

  Corin focused on it. The fireplace in his home. He and Livia would sit around it and exchange stories they had each heard so many times. What else would they see? What awaited in Vivenah? What dangers would they encounter? Corin tried to think back to the fireplace. The warm crackling sound, Livia’s laughter. Would they encounter another giant along the way? How would they deal with Bellum?

  Damn!

  Corin could not distract his mind, try as he might. He decided he might as well go for a walk.

  He made a quick dash to the surface, unsure of where exactly he would go. As he wandered the streets of Yranto in the dead of night, there was still plenty of activity.

  Corin observed what was occurring around him without much thought as to where he was going. But he did realize, a little too late, that he had been following a route he had only learned recently. He had wandered dangerously close to Tonatiuh’s agents’ hideout.

  Damn it! I need to be more careful!

  Realizing his mistake, Corin tried to hurry out of the area as quickly as possible without raising any alarms. As he went down an alley, he saw two dragoors speaking to each other in hushed tones. Despite their low voices, he could tell they were arguing, and without thinking he stood at the edge of the alley out of eyesight so he could listen.

  “But why, Nerua? Why did you join Throk?” one of them argued in hushed tones.

  Nanaua?

  “Why? You know why, Nanaua,” Nerua said.

  “I never understood how you could be so level-headed for some things yet you still believe Throk!” Nanaua argued.

  “Who are you to cast aspersions on how I feel about Throk? You yourself abandoned your post because of the Onsiel!” Nerua replied. “How is my love for Throk any different?”

  “Because he does not love you!” Nanaua replied. “Throk only cares for himself and no one else. When will you see that?”

  “You know I could shout right now and have Tonatiuh’s men swarm this alleyway in an instant,” Nerua threatened.

  “But you haven’t,” Nanaua replied.

  “We were sisters in battle, Nerua.”

  “Sisters?” Nerua said. “Is that what you call our upbringing?”

  “I do. Who would I rely on during our training? Who was there for you when you lost against Traillo?” Nanaua said. “

  I know we have been apart for a long time, and I know much has happened since, but you can join us. Your skill in combat is superb. To have you on our side would be a great boon to us.”

  Corin felt guilty for overhearing Nanaua’s conversation but also did not want to move and attract attention.

  “So, what, I abandon Tonatiuh and join your ragtag group?” Nerua said. “You and the other rejects?”

  “Nerua, my companions care for each other. They care for me. And I know they would welcome you as well,” Nanaua said.

  “Much has happened since we last saw each other,” Nerua began. “I am not the same person you grew up with. I have made many mistakes, some of which I will continue to atone for the rest of my life.”

  “Nerua, listen to me. What you did back then was not your choice. You only did what you thought was right. You were young and were following Throk’s corrupt vision. Do not let him continue to dictate how you will live your life.

  Please join us.”

  “Enough!” Nerua shouted.

  Furtives around the alley looked in their direction.

  “Nerua—” Nanaua began but was interrupted.

  “I am leaving now!” Nerua said. “The next time I meet you, there will be no truce. I will kill you.”

  Nerua left the alley and walked past Corin.

  She continued past the safe house and into the streets of Yranto.

  Nanaua soon followed. She stopped right next to Corin and looked at him. Her face was not one of surprise but of sadness.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—” Corin began.

  “You don’t need to apologize.” She cut him off.

  “Did you know I was here?” Corin asked.

  “Of course. I know your smell,” Nanaua replied, disinterested.

  “Oh.

  I’m sorry about your friend,” Corin said. “I could tell she meant a lot to you.”

  “She does, Corin,” Nanaua said.

  “We should go. We don’t want to worry the others.”

  They continued back to the hideout. No words were exchanged, having Corin next to her was enough for Nanaua to feel some semblance of comfort after her encounter.