Skwilly launched from Valgrin's arms like a bolt from a crossbow, darting behind Korvek and Dargan. The tall figure before them watched with amusement, eyes crinkling at the corners.
“Your companion seems to be excited to meet the rest of the snions. I am Caelith Rowanstar.” He extended a hand toward Valgrin, long fingers pale as birch branches against the winter backdrop. Valgrin's boots sank into ankle-deep snow as he dismounted, his joints cracking after the long ride. He rolled his shoulders and opened his mouth to speak. “Thank you, and I’m Valgrin…”
“de’ Var,” Caelith finished, then winced, his pointed earlobes flushing pink at the tips. “Aaand, I need to apologize for that rudeness. Sorry to jump on your introduction. May have been trying to hard to impress you by showing I knew your full name. It is not common to meet a Creator. Especially ones who've met our own Creator, if Dralvek got that right.” Caelith scratched the snion’s muzzle as he spoke.
“He is correct,” Valgrin smiled. “I accept your apology, though it isn’t needed. I needed the reminder that you and Dralvek are joined.”
Caelith's eyes narrowed as he glanced between the snion and Valgrin. "Dralvek, direct your questions to both of us." His fingers tightened in the creature's fur. "He wants to know how you forgot about our mental link when you share one with Skwilly."
Valgrin's eyebrows rose. "Ah." He tapped his temple. "Mine's different. When Skwilly feels fear, my stomach knots. When he's hungry, my mouth waters. But his thoughts? Those stay his own."
The snion's ears flattened, then perked. ^^Forgive me. Pride made me avoid appearing ignorant.^^
Caelith's stern expression softened as he scratched behind Dralvek's ear. "And I spoke too sharply." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Meeting a Creator has me…unsettled." He straightened, shoulders squaring. "The clutch leaders, and others, await us." His hand fell away from the snion as he gestured toward a winding path of packed snow. "They're eager to welcome you, though some have their own agendas. This way."
Valgrin followed, his eyes scanning the rough barn-like buildings as they passed. Most seemed to be constructed similar to frontier log buildings he had read about, or seen in movies set in frontier times back on Earth. These gave way to a flat snow-packed field where several yurt-like tents of stretched material stood. There sides painted with blue or orange swirling symbols each mounted atop a platform of lashed logs. The platforms rested on thick wooden runners, allowing the entire structure to be dragged across snow or ice when needed, though they appeared more suited to floating on water than skimming over frozen terrain.
As they walked further log cabins began to appear, scattered amongst more yurt-like tents attached to permanent wooden platforms. Caelith led him into the largest of the log cabins. Valgrin decided, as they entered, this one must be more of a community hall—with most of the community already sitting on benches. Caelith pointed to an empty bench on the first row.
“That will be where we sit,” he leaned in and whispered.
Valgrin sat, taking in the arena-ish feel of the large room, while watching Caelith pick up a staff and make his way to the center platform the circle of benches surrounded.
The slight buzz of conversation stilled when he stopped walking and spread his arms wide, a thud of his staff against the wooden floor brought everyone to attention.
“I am known as Caelith Rowanstar, Elunari of the Sevle. I stand here to call this meeting of the clutches to begin.” He turned his head as he slowly spun in a circle, addressing everyone. “Though I believe, I can call this as a meeting of the Congress…”
“Lets stop the pomposity,” a man dressed in grey furs stood up. “I have left my clutch and clans during planning for a tok-la and need to return as soon as possible. We all know what this is, a meeting to declare the Snions have discovered the Syl-Aith-Ria. And this blue creature is claiming to be the Syl-Aith-Ria. The Snolves want to know what proof is offered?”
^^Caelith wanted me to check on you to make sure you understand what is going on—so direct your questions to me and I’ll do my best to answer them, though there may be pauses as I work out the best way to translate. Caelith will, most likely, be too occupied to do so himself.^^
Other than some of the words used, I think I understand. One faction isn’t happy the other faction gets to…um…claim me as theirs.
^^Seems you understand the foundation of the issue.^^
Across the room, a striking figure rose like a mountain shifting. Her fur-lined cloak strained at the shoulders, revealing arms thick as tree trunks beneath. Silver-flecked eyes flashed beneath a mane of deep sable hair, marking her instantly as a woman of undeniable power. "The Bayanara want proof for the Syl-Aith-Ria claims as well." When she spoke, her voice filled the chamber without effort, vibrating through the floorboards. Her gaze swept the assembly, each person it landed on seeming to shrink in their seat. Valgrin found himself instinctively leaning back, one hand unconsciously moving to protect his throat.
Third faction, and a person I wouldn’t want to mess with. I think she might be able to break anyone of us in half without much effort. Valgrin kept the next thought to himself, and I might not mind the attention. Crap, this world must be getting to me, sorry Kara.
A snort echoed through Valgrin’s mind. ^^That is a vivid, and probably correct, view of the situation. That is Altayna the Noyark of the Unbound clutches and clans.^^
This isn’t the time, but sometime soon I’m going to need a tutorial on the political structure beyond what you’ve already given me.
^^I will make myself available for such at your bidding…^^
A violent rustling erupted behind Valgrin, the bench beneath him vibrated as a Sevle surged to his feet, bouncing on the wooden planked floor. "This is nothing but a desperate ploy by the non-joined and Snolve clutches to sabotage us!" he bellowed, spittle flying from his lips. "They're terrified of Snion dominance—cowering like prey before predators!"
The hall exploded. Bodies leapt up everywhere, fists pounding against chests, voices cracking with fury. Just as someone hurled a mug that shattered against the wall, Caelith's staff crashed down. The thunderous crack split the air like lightning, shocking the mob into a stunned, panting silence.
"ENOUGH!" Caelith roared, his voice unnaturally amplified, reverberating through Valgrin's very bones.
The stunned silence hung in the air, then a rustling of cloth and furs sounded as the crowd all sat back down, without another word.
Caelith turned toward the section where the accusation came from, “Jaldrik, you are aware of how to conduct yourself in a meeting such as this. One more outburst, inflammatory or not, will result in your removal from this hall and a banning of at least the next three meetings to come. Am I heard? Am I understood?”
The thin Sevle behind Valrin bowed his head, “You are heard and you are understood. I will conduct myself as is expected by all.”
Caelith’s head bobbed once before he turned to address the rest of the crowd. “I have heard the concerns of the Bayanara and the Snolves. It is imperative we move in a way to maintain the Congress. In an attempt to satisfy all—what should be the next steps to settle your concerns.”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
The hall, once again returned to chaos as several tried to talk at once. Caelith stood in the center of the growing rage in silence.
Dralvek, let Caelith know I’d like to come to the center and speak. I’ll wait for his signal though.
^^I have done as you asked. He will nod when he believes the storm is subsiding, or it grows to a point he needs to act again.^^
Several minutes passed by before the whirlwind of conflict eased to clusters of heated exchanges and Caelith nodded at Valgrin.
Valgrin made a show of standing, straightening the fur lined cape Caelith had given him, and walking to stand next to Caelith. The theatrics were successful in quieting the crowd, he had become the sole object of everyone’s attention. He raised his voice enough to be heard through the hall, “Caelith, may I address this gathering?”
Caelith took a second to respond, “You have permission to speak to all as a thaloria.” He addressed the hall, “I am invoking the rules of conduct for such guests.” He paused, glanced at Valgrin, then turned back to the crowd, “Before there is a question of my right to declare Valgrin the rights of a thaloria—Valgrin is also known by the name Keith Wilson,” a buzz rippled through the crowd. “ By the reaction, many of you know the importance of that name. For those that don’t, he is one of the well-known Creators. That is enough, however, there is more—he knew Bryan, our Creator.”
Altayna rose from her seat, waiting to speak until Caelith acknowledged her with a nod. “I thank you for the right to speak, though what I have to ask may dance on the blade edge of proper conduct. I acknowledge my question is of questionable content, but we have been lied to in the past. What do we know for certain of this Valgrin?”
A modest cheer of agreement came from the Sevles around her and from the Sevle who had spoken earlier on behalf of the Snolve clutches.
Caelith’s face reddened as he took a deep breath. Valgrin touched his shoulder and shook his head slightly, then turned to address Altayna and the others.
“The question in fair,” Valgrin answered in a clear and calm voice. “Now, I could bore you to sleep and take until tomorrow to explain in detail. However, I will attempt to summarize and cut down on my response time significantly. To start, Dralvek the snion and I have been communicating during this meeting, he was asked to make sure I understood anything I had questions over. I may still communicate during this, not for any other reason but to make sure I don’t trip over words or customs that are not known to me. Altayna, do you have any objections to that?”
The woman turned and whispered to those sitting near her, then turned back to Valgrin. “Our preference would to be ask us for meaning, but we would understand if for cultural reasons you turned to Dralvek or Caelith.”
Valgrin nodded, “That is reasonable.” He turned to face the man who had spoken on behalf of the snolve clutches. “I am afraid I do not know your name, but I ask of you the same question.”
The man stood, scanning the room as he did, “I am known as Temru and we would ask the same as the Bayanara have and would also want the ability to question you.”
“Agreed. If you allow I’ll give you some background then open myself for questions. And I ask for leniency if I say or do something to offend, there is a risk of such a thing happening.”
Valgrin paused until both Altayna and Temru nodded.
"I am Keith Wilson from Earth, brought here to the EverNever against my will and Structure rules. I have a family I'm desperate to return to, but I'm bound to complete certain tasks first, though it is unclear what they are. I've already been betrayed by someone I trusted here, so I understand your caution. My friend who arrived with me is Malcolm Steele—known on Earth as Mark Keltner."
Valgrin paused as a murmur rippled through the crowd. "I see you recognize these names. Malcolm is a Creator too. Some of you might know me better as Kellron Swifthand—a character I once played. Oddly, the Structure kept Malcolm's name but changed mine to one of the lesser characters I played."
Another round of murmuring interrupted Valgrin. “Yes, Temru?”
The man put his hand down as he stood, “You claim to be a well known Creator, you came here with another famous Creator, and you know our Creator? This seems to be much.”
“Yes, I fully agree. On Earth we were all friends. Bryan taught me how to play the game that seems to have led to us being Creators. He also invited Malcolm to play this game later, thus he was central to my getting to know and become friends with Malcolm.”
Valgrin watched as Temru leaned down to listen to a man sitting next to him, then stand back up. “We understand the nature of the EverNever, even if it’s been generations since our ancestors were recruited to become the Sevles. It has been asked, if you played this game that allowed you to become Creators, why do you not know more about us?”
Out of the corner of his eye, Valgrin saw Altayna lower her hand. “I knew of you, however Bryan only ran one game where your race made an appearance. He moved away from our city shortly afterwards, and it would seem he played and developed the Sevles further and added the Snolves and Snions after he moved away.”
“This makes sense.” Temru scanned the crowd, “I can continue unless someone else wants to ask something.” He looked at Altayna directly, who shook her head. “All of this establishes who you are, if it is truth and I have no reason to doubt. Yet it doesn’t speak to the most important claim made today. What proves your claim to be the return of the White Death.”
A thunderous slam echoed through the hall as a man in a purple felt robe next to Jaldrik leapt to his feet, veins bulging at his temples, his face darkening to a dangerous plum. “This is nonsense! "Did not Caelith himself name him so? You dare question the Elunari?" A low rumble sounded from the sevles sitting around him.
Caelith's eyes flashed with cold fury as he stepped forward. "Shall I purge this hall of every last snion clutch member?" His voice cut like a blade of ice. "There will be no more disrespect in this meeting or to any who attend!" His hand shot to the ceremonial dagger at his belt. "Challenge me again and learn what it means to defy the Elunari." The purple-robed man withered under Caelith's lethal glare, sinking back to his seat. Only when absolute silence fell did Caelith gesture for Valgrin to proceed.
Valgrin's palm slid across the smooth dome of his head. He caught Caelith's eye and drew a measured breath. The chamber's tension felt like ice about to crack beneath his feet.
"I may be about to shock all of you." He paused, measuring the tension that hung like a blade above the assembly. "The truth is, I don't know if I am this White Death you speak of. I came here seeking answers myself. The goblerins—" Eyebrows furrowed across the hall. Whispers rippled through the crowd. Valgrin cleared his throat. "Forgive me—the ghormoqs." Recognition dawned on their faces.
"During battle, they chanted something. 'White Death,' I was told later. Before that moment, I'd never heard the name. My ice magic changed during that battle. And when the battle was done, some type of magic engraved the pommel of my katar.” His fingers drifted to the weapon at his hip. "Caelith, may I?" He gestured to his katar, the metal catching light as his hand hovered near its hilt.
Caelith agreed and took the katar as Valgrin offered it. His eyes grew wide, he then faced the snion section of the hall. “The engraving appears to be that of a snolve.”
A buzz of denial, hushed cheers, and angry shock worked through the room. Caelith caught Valgrin’s gaze and then let a small smile show on his face. “Quiet! This is a bit of a shock to some, I hadn’t seen this before now either. I find this a wonderful development and should make the path to acceptance easier.”
The noise of the crowd calmed to a few whispers, calming when Valgrin cleared his throat. “I would ask what proof would work for you?” Though he looked at Temru his hands motioned to include everyone.
Temru pointed at Altayna, “What would you require?”
Once again the massive sevle stood, “First, I would require rest, the day is gone and I am weary.” She smiled and allowed the chuckles to take the moment before continuing. “Also, I would assume, since you have deferred to me, that both Valgrin’s words and his display of the engraving, have persuaded you somewhat?” She paused watching Temru nod. “As it has for me. Temru you made mention of a tok-la you are preparing for, I believe that would provide an excellent opportunity for proof. I propose that Caelith, Valgrin, and I join the tok-la. I offer my kher-terghuun for the journey, Temru and perhaps Jaldrik could join us, or we could make use of your kher-terghuun Temru.”
“It wou…” Temru began.
Caelith interrupted, “I apologize but must insist on addressing something.” He paused a moment and Temru motioned for him to continue. “Jalkrik or another representative of the snions must go. I will go only as Elunari, not for snions or any one faction. I yield for Temru to continue.”
“What time in the morning should we arrive at Altayna’s?” Temru asked.
