The Ocean Hearth (A "Hymns of Evermorn" Story) by Lionelson NY
Chapter 12: The Reds of Elmswood

The first light of dawn hit on Eli’s face, waking him up. He opened his eyes and saw that Laia was sitting by the lake, praying. Naessa was already packing up their items while the others were still fast asleep.

“Did she even slept?” He asked Naessa.

“She said she wanted to take first watch but…I guess her shift never ended.”

Eli got up then brushed up his shirt that was spoiled with dried grass and dirt. Stretching his arms, he approached Laia.

“You should’ve rested. It’s a long walk to the camp.”

Laia awoken from her meditation and turned towards him.

“Starbornes wake at night and sleep at day.”

“Well you can’t expect us to carry you while you doze off now, do you?”

“Of course not. I can’t sleep anyway.”

Eli just nodded and inspired the cool morning air. Sirium knows how he missed it after breathing in the dusty atmosphere of the dungeon for days. As cold mists roamed around the trees, he could see the sun peaking from behind the Twin Sisters of Alamar. The birds start to crow, singing songs to welcome the morning. Moments like these remind him of how beautiful the realm would be if it was untouched by human hands. Suddenly Naessa appeared from behind them.

“We best get ready. Eli, could you help wake the rest?” She said. Eli nodded and proceeded to do so. Meanwhile, she handed her old brown cloak to Laia. “I heard starbornes don’t really like the sun. So you’d probably need this more than I do”

Laia smiled and put it on. It was a perfect fit.

So after packing their equipment, burying their trash and covering the bonfire ashes, they went on their way. Through the dense forest they traversed, guided by the sun itself as they continued north. The howls of monkeys and the hissing of snakes could be heard from time to time. But the hymns of Evermorn’s forests, played by its beasts and birds, was not a sound they were unfamiliar with. Although, Laia admitted that she had never been to this part of the Elmswood.

After five long hours of continuous trekking, they finally reached an open field that was laden with knee high grass. It was surrounded by a circle of coniferous trees, so dense that it hid the plains from sight. And on the horizon, they could see a wooden wall with a guarded gate entrance.

“Welcome home, Brother.” Obed smiled as he led them towards it.

When they reached the site, the guards, wearing tainted, red armour, immediately came to them and greeted them with gladness! But when they saw the hooded woman who was unfamiliar to them, they were immediately alarmed.

“Who is this?” one of them asked.

She slowly lifted her face, revealing her inscribed blue skin. Immediately, the guards pulled out their swords against her!

“Brothers!” Eli exclaimed. “This is Laia. She is a woman of high rank in Dalhar and she wishes to be our ally.”

“How do we know she is not sent here to gather intelligence?” one of them asked again.

Laia grew impatient. So she swiftly grazed her feet on the earth and got through the two guards, stealing their swords in a single motion. She pointed the swords to their faces. Now the guards were gasping, fearing to make a move. But just as one of them was about to shout for help, she dropped the swords to the ground.

“She is also my cell mate.” Eli laughed. “No worries, brothers. She’s a friend.”

The guards could only nod and allow her entrance.

So Eli led Laia through the gates and into the encampment. Quite a busy scape it was. Laia could see the women washing their clothes while the men were either training or sharpening their metal. Children chasing each other around without a care in the world. Tents and huts scattered throughout the compound.

But the deeper they walked into camp, the more people started to notice Eli walking by. Then one by one they started to cheer for his return. Pretty soon, the whole camp was shook and they all gathered around him. Not to mention the occasional odd look they gave to the cloaked woman behind.

They followed him all the way until they reached a large tent. And out of that tent, came a big man with a barrel chest. He had braided red hair with a long curly beard decorating his neck. His eyes were brown. His arms were so thick, not even the leather could hide its shape.

“What is all the noise?!” he shouted. But then he saw Eli coming with open arms. “By the All-father’s mercy! You’re alive!”

The large man quickly approached him and gave him a big hug, patting him on the back with a force that could almost choke him up.

“How are you, Brother Eli?” he greeted with smile.

“Well captain, I couldn’t say I love being locked up” Eli laughed.

“Locked up? I thought you’d be dead!” he replied with a whole hearted laugh. But then he saw the peculiar woman standing behind Eli who had been silent the whole time. “And who might this be? You picked yourself a lady along the way?” he joked.

“No, sir. I have no time for that.” Eli chuckled. He invited her to step on closer. Close enough that when she lifted her head up, the captain could see her blue skin and black eyes. And as if that wasn’t enough to cause an alarm, she took off her hood to reveal her tied, violet hair.

“A starborne?!” the captain was shocked. And everyone gasped and whispered amongst each other.

“Captain…” Eli spoke. “This is Laia, daughter of Erna; the head huntress of Dalhar! Laia, this is Captain Arbor Grench; leader of the Reds of Elmswood! Both of you have important matters to discuss.”

The captain gave a strange look at Laia. For he heard of many stories about the traits of the starbornes, but friendly was rarely one of them. But then he shrugged and put on a smile, which was actually intimidating to see.

“Pleasure to meet you, Lady Laia” Arbor offered his hand. In return, she reached out her slender hand and shook his.

Twilight came and the Reds were gathered around the camp centre, where many bonfires were lit as families and friends sat around it. They ate their meals and drank their ale. Laia was also there, eating with Naessa and her brothers. The more time she spent with them, the more she realized that humans and starbornes are more alike than she thought. Both wanted to have good times with good company. Everyone just wanted a better life for the people.

Meanwhile, Eli had just finished shaving off his beard. He looked at the mirror to make sure he didn’t missed a spot. He ran the knife one more time down his strong jawline to make himself look cleaner. He finally grabbed a fresh pair of clothes and wore it over his brawny body. And he wouldn’t have been a Red if he didn’t have a red scarf over his neck. Before leaving his tent, he tied his hair to the back then went on his way.

He walked by the centre, greeting every one of his friends. He passed by Laia and Naessa and was pleased to see them being closer. He then continued his way to a table where the captain was dining with a few of his comrades.

“Captain.” Eli smiled.

“Eli!” Arbor was glad to see him. “Please have a seat! Brothers, if you may excuse us.”

The others immediately left the table for the both of them. Eli sat down and was served a warm bowl of stew.

“Don’t you miss having a proper meal?” Arbor stated.

“I already had my proper meal. But then again, if you haven’t ate or drank anything in five days, any meal is a proper meal.” Eli took his spoon and dug in. He looked around and glad to see everyone was happy. It was almost as if there was no turmoil going on in the city.

“It’s very happening isn’t it?” The captain spoke up. “It’s a shame Brother Farenan and his comrades couldn’t join us.”

“Where is he?” Eli asked, munching his food.

“You haven’t heard?” Arbor’s harsh tone became serious.

Eli was stunned. He glared at the captain’s blood shot eyes, his cheeks reddened. A half empty bottle of wine sat next to his plate. After letting out a loud belch, the captain continued.

“King Velron executed them and all those in the riot. Along with a handful of our accomplices. Hundreds of them in total.”

“All in one day?” Eli was shocked to hear the news. “Did he burned them all?”

“Worse. Premature burial, brother. All at once in one big pit. It makes drowning in water look like child’s play”

Eli couldn’t even lift his spoon anymore. He placed it back into the bowl and pushed it away. He couldn’t dare swallow another dollop of stew.

“Our mission backfired, Eli. We thought we had it right with the Ocean Hearth. We were wrong. And I am sorry you had to go through what you did, but it was all in vain; a terrible loss on our side.” the captain continued. “We both underestimated Velron”

Eli just gripped his hair and stared out at the crowd. He wondered how the Reds could still feast and drink on times like these.

“Not a single accomplice left in the city?” Eli asked, devastated.

“Those that the knights failed to identify already made their run here. That’s how I got the news.” Arbor replied, biting a piece of bread.

“So what now? We have no food supply. No spies within the walls. Not even iron ores to make weapons!” Eli stated furiously.

“Funny you should mention about ores, Eli” Arbor grinned. “You came home with a precious gift right we needed one.”

“I don’t follow, captain.” Eli was confused.

“Well that’s why you brought her here, wasn’t it? The head huntress is a major political figure in Dalharian culture. The starbornes will pay us handsomely with Terazine ores for her. Perhaps even more! Steel for the smiths? Wheat for the wives? Maybe a little taste of Dalharian women for the hell of it?” The captain laughed maniacally.

“That was not the plan, Grench!” Eli tightened his fist.

“Mind your tone, Rivergrove!” Arbor growled as he scolded Eli. “You are one of the Seven Thieves of Meridia. I expected all that talk of being allies with them was just another scam of yours. Be serious, Eli. Do you really think the Dalharians will side with humans after what Velron did to them? You should know better!”

“Don’t be foolish, captain! I don’t intend to topple thieves and liars off the throne just so I can crown another thief and liar as king!”

“Well then…” Arbor leaned back against his chair and grinned. “It’s too late now. The men I just dismissed are already on their way as we speak.”

“You son of a whore!” Eli grunted as he stormed off the table.

Arbor just smirked as he watched Eli ran off.

Eli ran as fast as he could to replace Laia where he saw here just now. But only Naessa was there, talking to a few men.

“Sister! Where is Laia?” Eli panicked.

“She went to the woods to pray. She said she’ll back by-”

But Eli only grunted and ran off into the dark of the woods.