The Last Lands

CHAPTER 1.18 KINDNESS ISN'T CHEAP

With sweaty hands, Artifae pulled Taisha further into the jungle, and away from the sounds of screaming. With a yell, he felt the weight of her pull him down as she tripped and fell. Using her staff, Artifae helped pull her back up as she dusted the dirt off of her legs. They were alone, with the sounds of the jungle descending upon them.

“Are you okay?” Artifae asked.

Taisha nodded. There in the quiet overgrowth under golden rays of sun, they looked at each-other and laughed. He felt himself draw closer to her, her eyes gleaming. His heart was still hammering from the exertion, growing louder the longer he looked at her dirt covered face and mangled hair.

Even after being chased by a monster, she still looks so beautiful.

He placed his hand delicately on her arm, and she blushed as he came in closer, suddenly very jealous of the half-Orkan boy from her past. As they drew their faces in closer to each-other, there was another blood-freezing roar, this time, closer than before. They both looked to the direction of the river, its sapphire hue coming through the gaps in the plants. There was more shouting. Without another word, they darted for it, pushing past leaves and branches that flailed at their faces. They breached the treeline, and came to the river.

The indigo creature was there, several feet downriver, roaring, flicking its monstrous tail as a challenge, solely focused on what was in the water. The Captain was swimming confidently against the current, halfway towards the other bank. They watched as the First-mate dived elegantly in as well, re-emerging from under the surface, swimming away from the frustrated creature. They stood, still, not wanting to be detected. The Captain reached the other side, and pulled himself onto the stony embankment. He saw Artifae and Taisha, and waved furiously at them, beckoning them to jump into the water.

“What do we do?” Taisha said, panicked.

“I dunno. Can you swim?” Artifae said.

I swam in the ocean at Promise Coast almost every day, it can't be that different swimming in a river, right?

The current was strong. It swept Ban further down as they diligently fought against it with confident strokes.

“No, not really.” She said, terrified.

“You were on a ship! In the middle of the ocean!” He said, incredulously.

“Yeah, and I never had to jump into the water! If it wasn't for that sailor when The Hunnigan's sank, I probably would have drowned!”

Their voices carried on the wind, and the creature turned its head to them with a grunt, gore still seeping past its teeth.

“Oh no.” Artifae said, panic urging him to run.

He grabbed Taisha by the hand again, and led her down the shore, the stones thundering around them as the creature gave chase. From his peripherals, he saw the Captain running perpendicular to them, shouting something they couldn't hear. The stones were slippery and jagged, the pair stumbled.

“Artie!” Taisha called out, her arm flailing within his iron grip. “Head into the jungle!”

“Then we'll be alone with it!” He shouted back.

“It can't follow us in there, it's too big!” She yelled.

He groaned, suddenly taking a hard left into the treeline. With a smaller roar, they heard the sound of crashing trees and splintering wood as it followed suite.

Turns out it can...

The beast was larger than anything Captain Zip would have fought, but it was fast. It used its momentum to barrel through the trees, birds were displaced and leaves fell before them. He released her hand.

“Split up!” He yelled, suddenly breaking for his left, hoping to lead the creature into the tangle of plants.

He heard her yelp, and the crashing footsteps grew quieter.

No, follow me, damn you!

Taisha ran forwards and the monster pursued, its large legs crushing thin branches and sundering the earth. He was weaponless and alone, but he had to find a way to stop the thundering beast. He looked around the jungle floor for anything, but there were no large rocks, only thin broken sticks. With sweating hands, he patted the outside of his coat and body, hoping that there was a sword stashed away in one of the pockets he had forgotten about. No hilt or blade rattle, but there was the tinkling of glass.

He pulled open the dirty bottle of Ship-shine, still a third left of its contents.

No, I can't. What will I drink when this is all over?

The beast growled, its teeth bared. Taisha screamed.

This is all I've got, one shot.

With the bottle held like a bomb, he realised the indigo creature was obfuscated by dangling trees and leaves. If it kept moving, he would not be able to see its head at all.

Can't throw it, can't risk missing this.

He ran forwards, quickly inspecting the branches. The thundering steps shook leaves and fruit on to the ground. Taisha continued to run, screaming again as she stumbled over a root. The monster was getting closer. Off of a thin tree, a long arm reached outwards, its fingers spread far between themselves. Without hesitating, Artife fit the bottle between the fingers. He pulled back until the branch threatened to splinter, and release. It fired through like a cannon-ball, smashing past leaves and twigs, and collided with the monster's head. It roared as broken glass rained to the jungle floor. It shook its head with anguish, stepping back slightly.

Sorry Ship-shine ol' buddy, this was more important.

Immediately he jumped up, waving his hands and shouting.

“Over here, you big, toothy quail!” He yelled, running quickly, back towards the river.

He heard something between a hiss and a snarl, and the thundering footsteps resumed.

It worked, at least! Now to keep this going!

The footsteps behind him were angry, quicker than before. He pushed through with all of his might, his lungs burning and his thigh muscles tightening. He burst through the line of foliage, and towards the sparkling river, his boots slipping on pebbles. To his right, the great green wall stretched on for as far as it could, and to his left, he saw something emerging from the river. He couldn't be sure what it was, but his instinct propelled him to his right. Whatever it was emerging from the water, it shouted at him, something vaguely orange.

The creature roared as it burst through the trees, splintered wood and leaf falling in a broken cascade. The creatures talons crunched against the rocks. Artifae pushed himself forwards, ignoring his crying body, but he was slowing. His body wanted to give in, and rest. The stones were painful against his feet and ankles, and slowly but surely, they drew his body down. He fell face forwards, leaving a spray of pebbles and shards. The creature barrelled closer, only feet away from him. He scrambled to his wrists, watching the toothy-maw grow closer and closer. Whatever orange creature emerged from the river was gaining on them both, a silver sickle in their hands.

Captain Albahr howled with fury as the sickle came down, under the creature's mighty tail. It bared its mighty teeth at him, belting a mighty sound past them. Dhib Albahr did not falter, not looking to Artifae once, his focus solely on the predator. It let a thunderous shout at him, and he lunged forwards again. Artifae scrambled to his feet, half crawling to a large, smooth rock and leaning on it, watching his champion and captain fight a monster beyond his dreams. Behind them, another figure was struggling out of the water.

Artifae watched, helpless as Dhib used his shining blade to deter the creature, who pushed its head back for a bite, as Dhib artfully evaded it. With a ferocious call, he brought the blade down, and it was caught between the terrifying teeth. It locked itself, as he tried to pull away. The Captain looked at Artifae, with the first semblance of fear in his eyes since they had met.

“Run, Sajaestan! Run!” He yelled.

Artifae stiffened.

I can't leave him!

The Captain grunted as the creature pulled away, then with a mighty swoosh of its large head, it slammed against him. The Captain was thrown off of his feet, several feet into the air, yelling out as he collided with a tree, landing in a rain of debris. Artifae stood up, the monster in between him and the captain. It turned its head from the fallen swordsman, back to him, melting his legs and rendering them useless.

A black bird screeched, harrying it and attacking its eyes and head. A ink-black wolf jumped on to its side, its magical fangs and claws scratching at the feathered side. A panting Ban stood nearby, short-sword drawn, but keeping their distance. The creature flailed its tail, causing Artifae to duck as it sliced the air. It stomped its feet, turning, and flung its tail at Ban. It struck them in the chest, knocking all air out of their diaphragm as they fell onto the stones, rolling slowly towards the river. The bird and wolf stopped, convulsing as their magic faded, and the ink retracted itself back onto their barely conscious body, leaving Artifae and the monster completely alone.

It turned its attention back to it, this half bird, half dragon, with furious eyes and a salivating mouth. It looked at him not with ambivalent hunger, but a righteous hatred. Artifae stood his ground, tensing his muscles, and awaiting the inevitable doom.

C'mon, you big quail nugget. If you wanna eat me, I'll make you work for it.

Turning suddenly, bounding over the large rock with both hands, he willed his depleating body for one last chase, back tot eh treeline. His vision became blurred, there was no ground beneath his feet or air running through his nostrils. He was running, escaping now, because that was all that was left to do. There was a thunderous crack, and the creature roared. The hammering footsteps halted as the creature buckled, and another explosion, leaving a spray of dark blood from the beast's face. It stumbled, roaring angrily, when a man with silver-hands emerged from the treeline, both weapons smoking.

Sylo!

The Mountain-Eve remained silent, a grim smile carved into his mouth. He left his left gun trail tot he ground, but the right was still aimed at the monster.

“Come on then.” He heard Sylo mutter, a sparkling hatred in his emerald eyes.

The creature stamped its feet in a challenge, its mouth widening to the point where Artifae thought it would surely dislocate. Bits of torn flesh and saliva flew forwards, staining the stony ground, but Sylo did not relent. Slowly the creature began to back away, thick blood sliding down the slide of its head. It gnashed its teeth as it sulked its way back into the jungle. Artifae's body slumped, the relief sapping the last of his energy as the creature dissapeared through the foliage. With a crooked smile, Sylo let the weapons hang loosely on his trigger fingers.

“Can't go even ten minutes without nearly bein' killed out 'ere, can you, kid?”

Artifae smiled reluctantly as he let his lungs rekindle themselves with oxygen.

“Thought you were commandeering a ship?” He asked hoarsely.

Sylo shrugged.

“There's more there in the camp than I thought. Better off goin' to that ship down the river. Didn't think I'd run into a damsel that needed savin' along the way.” He sneered.

Before Artifae could retort, he heard a groaning sound as the slumped Captain moved his hand. Artifae left the Eve and ran to him. There were no open wounds, but Dhib moaned as he positioned an arm to set himself up, but it failed. Artifae tried to help him up, and eh clenched his teeth in agony.

“Ah...my back.”

“C'mon.” Artifae said, positioning his arm over his shoulders.

He looked towards Ban, and saw there was somebody already by their side. He smiled as he watched Taisha gently assisting ban to their feet.

Good, let's hope that monster stays in there and doesn't run into the rest of the crew.

He picked up the Captain's blade as Dhib rested by the large rock. He took it, still massaging his own back with his hand. He looked to Artifae with a strained face.

“Are you injured?”

“No, Captain.” Artifae said. “Thank you.”

From behind him he heard Sylo scoff.

“See what happens out here, kid? Got all of us savin' you time and time again, and lookit them now.”

Taisha helped Ban over to where they were standing, and they shook their head, disorientated.

“Are you okay?” Artifae asked Taisha, moving towards her.

“I'm fine.” She said with a grateful smile.

“Kindness isn't cheap, kid. There's a cost someone has gotta pay.”

“Funny you should say that.” Dhib said, carefully standing tall, sword hanging by his thighs. “Regarding a cost, a payment, a debt.”

Sylo shuffled, fingers tracing the triggers in his weapons.

“You burned my ship, killed a member of my crew and left more to their deaths.”

Taisha fidgeted nervously, not wanting to meet the other Eve's eyes.

“I didn't burn your ship.” Sylo said indigently.

“What, it caught fire by itself? In the middle of the ocean?” Ban intervened.

“I dunno what happened. It was a freak thing.” Sylo said, actually looking near embarrassed.

“You owe me a ship, Sylo Teht.” The Captain said coolly.

“You want a ship? Then take the one by the estuary. I don't owe you anything.”

“You did burn it, though.” Taisha said with a hint of annoyance, fuelling some strength behind her eyes at last.

The Mountain-Eve looked at her carefully, now fully recognising her.

“It was an accident.” He said carefully. “It's not like I meant to.”

“But you did, and now my ship, and my crew's possessions and supplies, lie at the bottom of the sea. All because of your malicious actions.”

“Malicious?” Sylo spat, growing angrier. “You think this was malice? Do you want me to show you some malice? Because I will.”

He stepped forwards, crunching on the stones, and the Captain and first-mate bristled, ready.

“What happened then?” Artifae asked.

Sylo looked to him, the anger in his eyes diminishing slightly.

“It was an accident.” He said slowly. “You were gone, I was in a rush, I knocked over one of the lanterns in the bottom deck. Stupid havin' them lit durin' the day anyway.”

“What, you think we should have left you in the dark in the brig?” Ban said with a mocking tone.

“If you had done, I wouldn't have escaped and you wouldn't be without a ship.”

“You tryin' to say this is my fault?” Ban said, stepping towards the Eve.

“Wait, wait, wait.” Artifae said as the argument began to break out.

He looked down at the Captain, who had sat back on the rock, still rubbing his back.

“Captain.” Artifae said with as much authority as he could muster. “We should get away from here, before that thing comes back.”

“You're right.” The Captain said weakly. “We should head back to the encampment, commandeer the ship. If it hasn't been taken already, we'll see what men we can rally to sail her. Maybe the Demeterios are still there and can assist.”

“Wait, you want to leave?” Artifae asked, somewhat surprised.

“We need to find more crew members before we can.” Ban said, rubbing their neck.

“And Misha.” Taisha said sadly.

Artifae meant to retort, as the others continued to discuss, but something on the beach caught his eye. Three feathers, all indigo, purple and red at once, lay along the trail of disturbed stones and broken branches. He picked one of them up, twirling it between his fingers. The others shook under the caress of the open breeze. He picked all three up, watching the colours change under the contours of the light. The afternoon was fading.

Captain Zip wouldn't just head back.

He stood up, watching but not hearing the conversation.

“We should see it through.” He said quietly, and no-one reacted.

He stepped closer to them, raising his chin up towards them.

“We should see this through.” he said again, louder, more brazen.

The three by the rock turned to look at him, albeit confused.

“We can't just leave now, Captain. We've come too far.”

“We have a chance to take a ship, cut our losses. Perhaps we will come back another day, search for treasure then.”

“We have a chance to leave, Sajaestan. We should take it, before someone else does.” Ban said coldly.

“There's another ship.” Artie said quietly.

“What?”

“Up river. There's another camp, another ship. Another chance.”

“You mean there's more of them?” Taisha said, colour draining from her face.

“Right? Sylo?” Artifae said turning to the Mountain-Eve, who nodded dismissively.

“How many more?” The Captain asked.

“At least thirty more.” Sylo said. “Couldn't say for sure, maybe it's more or maybe it's less.”

“There's still more of us out here. We should rally them together, see this through.”

“See what through? You heard what Ogin said, the Senator wasn't captured at all, what if all this was a ruse? What if she is the one pulling the strings?” Ban complained.

“I say, we pull them back!” Artie said excitedly. “The treasure, retribution, it's all there! If we go now, we might always regret it!”

“Or we find ourselves in tremendous peril, with not discernable reward for our actions. Face it, Mister Sajaestan, we are too few, under supplied and scattered, with no real want or why to continue our journey.”

Artifae looked at his feathers sadly, placing one on the front of his cap, next to the more impressive plume it came with.

“We've come this far.” He said again. “Captain, I think we should try.”

“We're outnumbered, Sajaestan.” The Captain said, exasperated. “I do not even think I can fight with my back this way.”

“We'll have to think of a different way around things, then.” Artifae said stubbornly. “Besides, we've got someone else on our side now.”

He slowly turned to look at Sylo, who did not move, but scoffed at the notion.

“We can't trust him.” Ban said instantly.

“True.” Sylo agreed.

“He owes you a ship.” Artifae reasoned.

“There is already a ship I can claim.”

“Just no treasure.” Sylo added.

“Captain, if we take him with us, we have no guarantee he won't betray us.”

“That's if I come with you.”

“You need a way out of here as much as we do.” Artifae said. “You act like you're a one-Eve army, but at the end of the day, you didn't reach the camp by yourself either. You need us just as much as we need you. Together, we have a chance.”

Sylo used the barrel of one of his weapons to scratch his chin, as the Captain and Ban gave anxious looks to one another.

“Equal shares of the treasure.” Sylo said. “Same as any of your crew.”

“You are not part of my crew.” The Captain said with a grimace.

“How can we believe you won't cut and run as soon as you get a chance?” Ban asked.

“You can't.” Sylo said with a feral grin. “But givin' me an incentive, that's your best chance. The kid's right, we have to get off this coast-line as soon as we can, an' if you want to get a shot at findin' that treasure, those other guys have got a real head start on us.”

“You said they hired you too.” Artifae said, curiously. “What can you tell us about them?”

“Just an assortment of The City's finest low-lifes, lookin' to make an easy buck. The ship I was on was razed by those golden nut-jobs, the ship by the estuary are scattered or dead thanks to you guys and that walking feather ball, that leaves just one shipment of cut-throats lookin' for the golden head.”

A grim silence struck them as reality sat in. Artifae looked to the one member fot he group who had not said anything.

“Taisha? What do you think?”

She shuddered slightly as she was wrenched away from her thoughts. She looked directly into the eyes of Sylo Teht with a fierceness not previously displayed.

“We can't trust him. He abandoned me and the others to death to save himself. If something like that happens again, he'll do the same.”

For an instant, a flash of sadness polluted his green eyes, but it was quickly reclaimed by his anger and ferocity. Artifae waited for a retort, but it never came. The Captain groaned as he pushed himself back upright, and walked towards the assassin, his blade still kept low. He studied the Eve, who stood taller than himself, facing it with the bravery of a wolf.

“What say you, Teht? Will you help us, in redemption for your past crimes?”

“For a cut of the profit, sure.” Sylo said with a grin.

He looked one more time at Ban, whose cold glare was of distrust.

“Very well.” The Captain said, with some resignation. “The hour grows late, and as our new friend already said, they have a head-start on us. We must hurry.”

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

The Captain struggled to keep up with them, his back still causing grief, but he did not relent. They mvoed quickly, with Artifae taking the lead, Sylo behind him, then the Captain, Taisha, and Ban takign up the rear. The dense jungle grew darker, but the noises of normality returned. From across the way, a howler monkey screamed rhythmically, birds chattered, and some huge beast called to them.

They reached the incline, as the cliffs began to return, and Artifae quickly started to scramble up them, his thighs protesting with agony. He looked back at the grim determination of the Mountain-Eve, who was sweating profusely, but giving no signs of slowing. Behind them, the others lagged greatly.

“Wait a minute.” Artifae said between pants.

“Let 'em catch up to us, we've got too much ground to cover.”

“We can't leave them. We're in this together.”

Sylo chuckled mockingly, but stopped, stretching his back out, looking towards the canopy.

Artifae crouched down, waving at the others, waiting for them to return. He looked towards Sylo, his guns holstered behind his stolen coat. His own coat had been splattered with mud and dirt, as well as some of the Dromea's blood. Sylo turned to him, a curious look in his eye.

“Was this really your coat?” He asked.

“Yeah, it was. Brought it in a thrift-store in Draper's, just before I headed out.”

Sylo grunted, looking at a stray thread.

“Well, don't look like you need it no more.”

“Yeah, not now.” Artifae said, a little stung.

Sylo grunted again.

“Out here, kid, it's take or be taken. Maybe I'll let my guard down, someone else takes this coat. Just how it is out here.”

Artifae looked at him with disbelief.

“Doesn't have to be.”

Sylo snorted.

“Kid, you're hanging out with treasure hunters. Soon, you're gonna start seeing what people are really like outside of Draper's, and Arnesfeld or wherever.”

“And I suppose you know?”

Sylo turned back to him with a serious glare, but didn't say anything.

He's an assassin, filled with hate. Hatred and metal, like the Captain said. You only become an assassin if you hate people enough.

“There's two things in this world that will sow what a person is really like. Number one, take them to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Number two, try and share a treasure with them. You'll see. Take or be taken.”

Artifae chuckled, half with disbelief, the other half being comprised of anger.

“So that's why you're with us? Help us get to the golden skull, then take it for yourself?”

Sylo remained silent, keeping a dangerous hint within his eye.

“Unbelievable. We're all out trying to help each-other, and you're still thinking of betraying us for your own needs. Unbelievable.”

“All I'm saying is, kid.” Sylo said, stepping closer to him. “None of us know how one or the other's gonna be when treasure comes to pass. Best be ready when it does though, you're optimism will undo ya.”

Artifae shook his head.

“Besides, that ain't why I'm comin'.” Sylo said quietly.

Artifae turned to him, watching him carefully.

“This Senator they all keep talking about. You seen 'em?”

“Yeah.” Artifae said.

“Man? Woman?”

“A woman. I can't remember her name. Eastern, I think.”

He watched as metal fists curled up into themselves.

“That right?” He said.

Artifae watched as cogs turned within Sylo Teht's head.

“You know them?”

“If it's who I'm thinkin' of, let's just say I've got some choice words to say to 'em.”

An assassin who knows a senator? There's something there...

The others reached them, panting and harassed by flies.

“Does anybody have any water?” Ban asked.

The others shook their heads.

“Damn. Maybe it's time to head back to the river.”

“No, we'll have to keep going.” The Captain said, wiping his damp forehead.

“If we are at where I think we are, there should be some streams nearby.” Artie said hopefully.

“Yeah? How do you know that?” Ban challenged.

“Just follow me.”

He led them up the incline, great white rocks began jutting out of the earth. The trees began to thin, and the grew grew less thick. Finally, they reached where the tree-line ended, still ascending up the hill. They hurried themselves, feeling the cool air greet them. The ground was covered in a thick, yellow grass here, and beyond was the stretch of jungle, leading to cliffs that dropped cascading streams.

“Wait, are we by those ruins?” Ban asked with desperate breaths.

“Yeah, I think so. Should be under those waterfalls there.”

“Look.” Taisha said, pointing along the ridge. “There's others over there.”

“Can you see?” Captain Albahr asked.

Taisha squinted.

“Looks like a Dvergr. Could be Kutja?”

There's one guy I wouldn't have been sad for if he got eaten.

“Quickly, let's try and get closer.” The Captain said.

They moved from cover to cover, using the large boulders covered in mossy blankets and the trees that grew wild without abandon, their thick green leaves providing loving shade. They were still half-a-mile away before the small gathering saw them. The Dvergr raised a hand, with a large stick like object in one of his hands.

“Yeah, that's Kutja!” Taisha said.

The Captain shared a smile with Ban, and they stepped out of cover. The five of them walked slowly, the thick grass caressing up to their stomachs.

“Captain!” Kutja shouted, and the Captain waved in kind.

They closed their approach, before Kutja suddenly looked panicked, pointing his gun towards them.

“Captain! Behind you!” He shouted.

They quickly checked behind, before realising he was referring to Sylo.

“It's okay, Kutja.” The Captain called back to the confused Dvergr.

They finally met and clasped wrists, the other three members of Kutja's entourage joining them. One was the High-Eve, another was a bald Southern-man with a goatee, and the other was a Satyr, one of the deer folk. On his antlers was a ring of blue beads, and he rested his hands on a heavy looking iron hammer.

“You made it too, did ya lad?” The Dvergr said with a dangerous smile.

He turned and smirked at the High-Eve, who sneered.

“Course I did.” Artifae said, confidently.

“An' you.” Kutja said, turning to Sylo. “Whatttaya think yer doin' 'ere?”

Sylo remained stoic and still.

“Mister Teht has agreed to help us on our endeavour, for a portion of the proceeds.” The Captain said.

“So you're still goin' after the Senator then, are ya?” Kutja asked.

“We are. You have no objects, I assume?”

“None.” Kutja said through crooked teeth, readying Ol' Beauty.

“Have you seen any of the others?” Ban asked.

“Nope.” Kujta said. “Came up 'ere to get away from that thing, figured it would be a good place to wait for ya. Figured if anyone was goin' to them ruins, we could see 'em from up 'ere.”

“Taisha, come over here.” Artifae said suddenly, leading her away from the group of men.

The ground shifted under his feet as he reached the ridge, the decline suddenly dropping downwards. He peered carefully over, beckoning her to follow, holding her hand as she reached him. The ruins were below, a rainbow carved out around them. From here they could see the plinth above the climbing vegetation.

“What?” She asked.

“That's the ruins, under all those trees. See it?”

She strained for a second, but opening her mouth in shock.

“Oh, I see it!” She said, pointing to where the green stone emerged from the canopy.

It was the smooth stone they saw by the breech when he and Misha were exploring.

“I think the whole thing was one big city. It looks even bigger from the inside.”

She gasped in disbelief.

“I can't believe it. What do you think it is?”

“Someone said Montecs, but I have no idea. Probably is, though.”

“Montecs? Isn't that amazing?”

She continued to study the city below, but he was only interested in looking at her. He removed his feathered hat from his head, and retrieved one of the feathers, holding it in his fingers.

“Here.” He said, offering it to her. “To go with the others on your staff.”

She smiled as she took it, placing it within a wrapping of twine. Slowly, she placed some delicate, long fingers on his cheek.

“Oi! Come on love-birds! Tiem to get a wriggle on!” Kutja shouted.

Artifae sighed with annoyance, but the two relented and joined the others. They moved further up the ridge, towards one of the two streams that dropped below. They stopped,washing their faces and drinking the cool water.

“Have there been any sightings of the enemy's crew?” Ban asked Kutja's group.

They shook their heads and looked among themselves as if being interrogated.

“Just us, so far.”

“So you haven't seen the tower yet?” The Captain asked.

“Wot tower?” Kutja said, scratching his head.

“What about you, Teht?”

“I heard someone talkin' about some tower, or something, but for the most part, I was stationed near the beach-head. I haven't been up this far before.”

The Captain rubbed his beard.

Sylo stepped along the ridge, away from where the city was, and towards the jungle that led to the river.

“Over there is where the river meanders, where me and wasshis face saw their camp. Looks like a legua away to me. If they're still havin' trouble findin' it, it can't be that close to 'em.”

The ridge led to another small series of hills, and beyond that, was the volcano. The sky was much clearer now, but the smell of sulphur and cloying, toxic fumes. They raced to the top of the nearest hill, the jungle growing to meet them again.

“See anything?” The Captain asked any of the Eve's present.

“Nothin'.” Sylo said.

Taisha shook her head.

“Wait, over there.” The other High-Eve said.

He pointed towards the volcanic mountain, where the jungle receded, and the black and grey rock took over. There was a grey cylinder standing alone.

“That must be it.” Sylo said.

“What do we do, Captain? Head straight for it?” Ban asked.

The Captain hesitated.

“It wasn't difficult for us to find. Could be a trap.”

“Ah, maybe they just ain't as smart as me and you, Cap'n.” Kutja said, waving his hand dismissively.

“They could be waiting for us.” Ban said, licking their lips.

“Looks clear to me.” The High-Eve said.

“Let's make this quick, then.” The Captain said, leading the way.

The rocky ground was a terror under the soles of their feet. The tower grew larger, close enough to the ridge of the volcano that the ground surrounding it was volcanic glass. The rocks became sharp, smooth blades reaching up from the earth. They crunched and cracked under the marauding boots. The great grey cylinder was four stories, with small port holes opened into the cobblestone. It appeared old, but it had not been marred by time or nature like the old Montec ruins had been. As they got closer to it, they saw there was an opening at the bottom, arching where a large door should have been.

“Okay.” Captain Dhib said. “I'll go in first, with Kutja, Mister Teht and Mister Sajaestan. The rest of you, wait out here.”

“I ain't goin' in there.” Kutja protested. “I'll stay put out 'ere with me lads, thank yeh.”

Artifae scoffed at the cowardice, and Kutja gritted his teeth.

“I'll remind you, you are still part of my crew, Mister Moljac.”

“Screw it, leave him out here. I'll come with you.” Ban said, fastening the belt around their sword.

“Yeah, leave the girl an' all.” The Southern-Man sneered, reaching for her wrist.

Taisha gripped her staff tightly, as Artifae moved quickly in between them.

“Hey!” He said.

“What you want, lad?” Kutja grimaced.

“Enough. Kutja, remain here, Taisha, you may follow us if you wish.” The Captain said, tiredness seeping through his authority.

“Yes please.” Taisha said meekly.

Artifae exchanged a grim look with Sylo, and they moved slowly towards the gaping entrance.

Looks like there was a door here once.

As they stepped closer, a great wooden door had been pushed to the floor, seemingly wrenched away from its hinges. Sylo crept closer to it, comparing the dirt on the floor to what was on the door.

“This is recent. Someone's been here before.” He said, withdrawing his hand-guns.

The others prepared themselves, with Artifae still wishing he had a weapon. The circular room was smaller than what it appeared to be from the outside, with the fallen door and the staircase taking up most of the room. Some nature had managed to seep in, a small plant grew in the corner, and a spider had made its home by the first small window.

“Looks like we're going up.” Ban said.

The stairs were wooden planks that had only just begun to rot from dampness. They squealed when pressed by a boot. Sylo took the lead, his guns pointed dead ahead. He heard laughter from the group outside, as they slowly crept upwards. The smell of damp wood was prevalent, but there was something else. Something was burning.

Looks like there's only one room, whatever these old stairs lead to.

The stairs spun as they ascended, and sure enough, led to a room with no door. Sylo quickly leapt up the last few, before signalling the others to follow. Artifae followed Ban, as they reached the top, and were met with smoke. There were candles everywhere, all lit, but all of different sizes and shapes.

What is this?

There was a large desk by the front facing window, with another window behind them. There were two bookshelves, but both were only half-filled. Every surface had an improbably number of candles, all bleeding wax. There was no scent other than that of burning wicks.

Why would there be...

“Oh no.” Artifae said out-loud.

“Quickly, search the desk.” Ban said.

Artifae wandered back to the steps as The Captain and Tasisha ascended.

“Artie? What's wrong?” Taisha asked.

He crept to the window above the staircase, standing on tip-ties to reach it. Through the gap, he saw Kutja and his gang huddled together. In Kutja's thick hands, was a cylindrical object with a lever. He waved mockingly at Artie, before pressing down on the plunger.

No!

The explosion tore through the stone below them, turning it to shrapnel, and below them, the tower fell.