The Descendants Book One: The Broken Scroll (21 page)

After lunch it was Liam’s turn again.  Liam tried getting Davin to find where in his mind he could feel the most connection to the dark matter.  That would be his starting point.  Davin struggled to the point of sweating.  He was getting quite good at playing the vision quickly, but he only could manage to make the air around his hand grow warm or flutter his hair slightly with the two orbs. 

“Do not be frustrated with yourself yet.  The initial interaction with the orb is the most difficult part.  The rest is simply being diligent with hard practice.”

This left Davin feeling not much better.  If the beginning was the hardest part, why wasn’t he progressing further as fast?  It would have made him happy that it truly became easier, but he didn’t feel like it was. 

Their lesson ended with Davin breathing heavily and drenched in sweat. 

Furthermore, the fact that he hadn’t gone to explore the town bothered him.  He was always so tired after a day of training that he only wanted to relax.  And now he wasn’t even getting better anymore. 

That night, after he was washed, he returned to the dining room.  Liam addressed everyone before they started into their meal.  “I must say this one thing before we eat.  Tonight, I want you all to forget your troubles.  Think not on what is to come.  It will be here soon enough.  Tonight is a night to enjoy.”  He spread his arms wide and smiled. 

After everyone was properly fed Liam brought out the drinks.  They drank and told stories of tales from long ago until late into the evening.  Davin didn’t have much to contribute.  He didn’t know any songs and the only tales that came to mind were the famous ones.  Still, he was slightly entertained in listening to the other three, despite his foul mood.   

Page, the woman who had helped Liam save Radash and a few other gentlemen from Liam’s guild showed up not long after they started.  More filtered in and out throughout the night.  Their abundance of energy was spent jovially with the others, each contributing their own stories of history past down from previous generations. 

Liam left the room for a moment at one point, returning with stringed instruments to play. 

“Let us share in the brotherhood of good music, shall we?” he said formally, keeping his composure well considering how drunk he was. 

Liam and Page performed a duet and even Radash strummed a song that Egan sang.  Davin, most notably, discovered that Egan had a quite a pleasant voice.  This was something Davin never thought he would ever catch Egan doing, even under the influence of spirits. 

As the evening drew later, and the party showed no signs of slowing down, Davin drew even more away from the frivolity.  This wasn’t right.  How could they be celebrating in such a manner when time was so crucial?  Roland wasn’t going to free himself. The army surely didn’t give up on finding them.  He couldn’t be the only one who realized this. 

Egan glanced at Davin shortly during a lull in the excitement.  Davin didn’t try to mask his sour expression.  He wanted Egan to feel bad.  It didn’t work.  Egan rejoined the laughter seconds later, unperturbed. 

Was this it? Was this the moment he had to choose to go his own way? 

It certainly felt that way, but it was much sooner than he had hoped.  He had barely begun to learn how to fight and use Driocht.  How was he supposed
to single-handedly go rescue Roland from the army?

It didn’t matter.  He told himself he would do it if things didn’t go his way.  And right now he nowhere near Roland, and even further from getting back to his old life.  

In one determined move, Davin rose from his seat and grabbed his travelling cloak from his room.  Making sure at least some rations, a sword, and an orb were tucked away in his pack, he slipped silently past the intoxicated singers. 

As he stepped through the
threshold of the front door, Radash spoke behind him. 

“Where are you going Davin?”  Davin spun around and was relieved that it was only Radash.  He felt he didn’t really owe Radash an explanation.

“Out, I’ll be back later,” and he turned to the door again. 

“Are you really going to risk our safety?”  Radash asked poignantly.

Davin dropped his head irritably.  He couldn’t leave now without telling Radash what was really going on. 
Maybe it won’t be so bad. 

“You don’t understand,” Davin answered. 
“I’m…I’m leaving, for good.” 

Radash blinked twice.  “That doesn’t really make sense to me.” 

“I never said it would.”

Radash’ answer came quickly.  “Would you care to explain it
?”

“Not really
.” Davin examined Teague and noticed he was dressed to go out as well.  “Why do you want to leave?”

“I do not know why I need to tell you, if you won’t tell me.  But I just can’t enjoy myself in there.  Let me come with you.” 

If Davin gave him this, it would at least allow him a small way to keep the peace.  He couldn’t really hold Radash’s reasoning over his head, and it might be a little bit better than going alone. 

“You seemed to be fine in there a
few minutes ago,” Davin retorted. 

Radash shrugged but said nothing else. 

Davin stood silently, then, “Alright, let’s go.” 

They headed out the door, through the yard and into the glow of the lamp-lit streets of the wealthy home owners.  This area of town was known to the locals as North Seaside District.  They noticed it as they passed a sign.  Another sign told them where the North Seaside market was.  They followed the directions out of the neighborhood with the mansions and into the market. 

They observed a handful of merchants closing their shops or out taking down street booths; obviously they were the stragglers of the night. 

A few
Grand Soldiers roamed the area.  The City Guards had said there was a small garrison here.  Davin steered Radash and him away from any groups of them.  He wondered if they made the merchants nervous. 

“Don’t make eye contact with them,” Davin warned Radash. 

“I do not think that I will.  Not all of them were at the ceremony, but I would not like to risk being found.”

“Couldn’t agree more, especially since they’re looking for me as well,” Davin agreed. 

As he drew past another small gathering of soldiers he realized something odd strapped to each of their waists.  It looked like a large piece of parchment.  Every single soldier had it attached to them.  If it was a map, there was no need for lowmen to be carrying it.  What could be so important that required every single soldier to have it?

“Do you notice what they all carry on their person?” Radash asked, as if reading Davin’s mind. 

Davin nodded.  “It must be a new order.  I’ve never see anything like it on the soldiers we’ve encountered previously.” 

“The army only assigns mandatory i
ssue items to lowmen when it is essential to their current mission,” Radash said, concluding his last thought.

“And right now the army’s current mission is finding the two missing Descendants,” Davin finished, looking at Radash with surprise.  Then his voice turned curious.  “How do you know this information?” 

Radash swallowed.  “I studied your military when I arrived here.  I was afraid that my father would find some way to set them against me.  He is a man of resources.”  

Davin didn’t question Radash about it anymore. 
He wanted to know what this parchment read.  It could help him better understand their plan. 

The
y rounded a corner and saw a Cureist bringing vials full of all kinds of strange liquid into his shop.  His eyes froze on Radash as they began to walk past him. 

Davin knew what was happening, and tried to hurry past the man.  Teague sped up behind him.  They were only a few steps from the next cross street when the man’s voice sounded. 

Davin shut his eyes and prepared for the worst. 

“I recognize you.  You’re that boy from the ceremony.  I should turn you in.” 

Davin saw on Teague’s face turn pale.  They turned back toward the flabby-faced man.

Davin tried to think quickly.  “Why would you want to turn him in?  The governors and the army have gone mad.  Can’t you see it?” 

His flabby face jiggled as he shrugged.  “Mad or not, they control this place.  I’m not getting in the way of their plans.”  He turned to Radash.  “They’ve been searching the city extensively for you, boy. 
It’s about the only thing they’ve done here since the ceremony.  So I begin to wonder, why’re you so important to them?” 

Based on this new information, Davin now wondere
d the same thing.  But they didn’t have time to sit around and talk about it.  Their only option would be to make a run for it, knowing that soldiers wouldn’t be far behind. 

Teague spoke up.  “I do not know why they would want me so badly.  I’m sorry.” 
   

Davin tried to catch Teague’s eye.  It took a moment, but Teague understood instantly. 

The Cureist must have figured out what was going to happen next because he cried out for the City Guards and Grand Soldiers at the top of his lungs, claiming that he found their escaped captive.

“Time to go,” Davin said, and they sprinted in the opposite direction.  It wasn’t more than a few seconds before they were spotted. 

So much for leaving the others behind. 

Chapter 12 The Lost Driocht Scroll

They ran through the market place, trying to quickly remember the route they came in on.  It was difficult.  They couldn’t run where they had seen soldiers on guard so they had to improvise.  At each turn, someone was there to block their path and Davin had to start pushing people out of the way to get by. 

There were shouts of pedestrians all around them as they ran.  Not wanting to get into trouble themselves, people began telling the soldiers where to go.  Soldiers quickly began to give chase, shouting at Davin and Radash to stop.  But soon arrows whizzed by their heads and many came within inches of their bodies.  As they rounded another corner, a couple of soldiers’ raised their bows to them.  Davin shouted for them to duck, and the arrows sped by them overhead, striking the side of the building harmlessly. 

Even with the help of the shop owners, the soldiers couldn’t keep up.  They called out for the young men to halt, but it was no use.  The running footsteps faded slowly as they put distance between them and the soldiers.  After a couple more hasty turns, they were sure their chasers had lost sight of them. 

Davin lead them down a small alleyway and pulled to a halt.  He glanced around the side of the building leading into the alleyway.  Radash bent over to catch his breath, and Davin watched for their pursuers. 

“You alright?” Davin asked, as his head scanned the street.  Radash nodded his answer, still winded. 

Not a minute later, two soldiers rounded the other side of the building they were standing against.  They must have split up when they hadn’t seen which direction Radash and Davin had gone.  Davin smiled.  That was exactly what he had wanted. 

Davin ducked back behind the wall before the soldiers saw him.  He turned to Radash. 

“I’m going to need your help.  The may be the only opportunity we’ll have to see what they are carrying.  If it has anything to do with Egan and myself, I want to know about it.”

Teague nodded, but his eyes remained distant and he said nothing.  It was clear that he had just accepted the fact that they could no longer leave. 

“I need you to jump out and start to surrender yourself when they come by.  Can you do that?” Davin asked quickly. 

Teague’s eyes widened with fear.  “Are you mad?  What if they recognize me?  It could spell death for me right on the spot.”
 

“It won’t come to that, I promise.  Now go, and make sure their backs are turned to my position.”  With that statement Davin pushed him out in the street.  

Davin listened to the conversation that ensued as the soldiers arrived.  Teague offered his surrender and there was a bit of questioning. 

“There he is, grab him and we will take him to the governor,” one of the soldiers said
. 

Radash
shrugged.  “I give up.  I don’t want to run anymore,” he answered in his best street bum voice. 

There was momentary silence, then, “No one gives up that easily.  And where’s the other one that was with you?”

Davin waited a few seconds more.  Hopefully Radash had them turned around, or he would lose the element of surprise.  He couldn’t risk a glance around the corner again.  Their backs might not be to him.  He gave himself a countdown and then ran out from behind the buildings. 

Drawing on his Ancient strength, Davin reached out to the soldier nearest the building and slammed his head into the wall.  There was a dull smack and the soldier’s eyes rolled back in his head.  Radash kept his eyes on the unconscious soldier while the other one attacked Davin.  Davin grabbed the soldier’s sword hand and once again drew on the Ancient strength, ripping the sword away from his opponent’s grip.

The soldier punched at Davin, but hit only air as the punch was dodged.  The soldier’s momentum carried him a few steps past Davin.  Grabbing the arm of the flailing man, Davin swung him around and back into the same way the other one had run into. 

Davin and Radash dragged them into the alleyway and put their helmets back on them.

“Do you think it wise for us to just leave them here?” Teague asked.

Davin shrugged.  “It would take us too long to ca
rry them back to Liam’s place. They would find us and we would lose our hideout or be killed.”

Davin reached down and removed the parchment from the man’s belt.  He examined it thoroughly.  It was a part of a map of the world.  This particular piece showed most of the Blind Desert in the northern part of Talamaraon, a wide span of ocean, and the kingdom of Isolanan in the middle of the sea.  The map looked very ordinary except for a stretch of strange markings along the all sides like a border.  It also didn’t feel like parchment.  It was smooth, though it appeared wrinkled and weathered. 

He showed it to Radash, pointing out the markings.

“That is no language that I’ve seen, but then again I am not a Scholar of History,” Radash shrugged, not recognizing the strange attributes either. 

They decided they would to show it to Liam.  Davin stashed it away in his pocket and they were off.

They walked silently for several minutes as they reentered the residential se
ction of North Seaside District.  They no longer felt the need to run, but Davin kept them at a swift pace nonetheless.  It probably wasn’t wise to take any chances.   

He looked over at Radash
, whose face remained wrinkled in distress. 

“What’s the matter with you?  You act like we didn’t make a clean getaway,” Davin asked.

Radash looked up at him, gathering his answer.  “We should have never tried to leave.  It has probably put all of us in more danger than we already were.”

Davin threw his arms outward.  “There is no way we could have known if they would have recognized us.”

“Still,” said Radash, “the entire situation could have been avoided if we hadn’t left.” 

“It’s easy to say that now.  And besides, I would have still tried to escape the city if it wasn’t for this.”  He held up the piece of parchment with the mysterious markings.  “This is important.  It has something to do with Egan and myself.  I know it.”  

Radash still looked morose.  “I do hope the information we find is worth it, because we may have more issues to deal with soon.” 

“
Listen; if anything comes of this we will be ready.”  Davin was already tired of Radash’s attitude on this, somewhat ironic considering his own usual position.  “If they get anywhere near this area of the city we are prepared to go quickly, and even if they do find us they will have to deal with a strong fighter in Egan.”

“Let us just hope it does not become an issue,” Radash replied as they arrived at the gate to Liam’s yard. 

The full darkness of night had set in as they stepped through the gate and back inside the house.  This gave Davin a little reassurance that they hadn’t been tracked by anyone.  But he knew that if he tried he could probably debunk that idea with relative ease so he pushed the whole thing from his mind. 

They both entered the room where Liam and his guests were lounging. 

Liam called to them genially.  “Welcome back, gentlemen.  Did everything go as planned?”

“Yes,” Davin said simply. 

“That is good to hear, join us again, will you?” Liam replied, unconcerned, and he resumed his conversation with a man across from him in finely sown black vest and trousers. 

As the night wound to a close, a clearly drunk and staggering group of people fumbled their way to the door.  Page gave Liam a kiss on both cheeks and left, waving lazily to the rest of them behind her back. 

Davin and Radash were relieved and exhausted when the party finally broke.

When the last of the guests had left, Davin explained what happened while they were out in
the city, about how Radash was recognized, and the parchment the soldiers were carrying. 

When Liam asked to see the parchment, Davin reached into his pocket and pulled
out the piece from the soldier.  “Every single one of them was carrying the same thing.  I know that’s not normal unless it was a mandatory issue.”

Liam took it curiously.  He unro
lled it.  It came to be about two feet long either way you measured.  The two older men looked at one another.  Liam’s face became mesmerized.  He quickly shot a look to Davin. 

“You say that all of the soldiers were carrying this?” he asked quickly.

“Yes, do you think it has to do with Descendants?” 

“It’s very possible
.  The markings on here almost look like...Ancient text.”  He spoke slowly, entranced by it. 

“Does that mean that it might have come from our ancestors?  Why would anyone in the Grand Army care about a map our kin made?  How would that help them?”

Liam eyed him perceptively.  “Why, indeed.  I will need to research this.  Will you kindly excuse me from this afternoon’s lesson, Davin?” 

Davin shrugged.  “By all means.” 

Liam stared at the parchment another moment, and then raised his head toward Davin again. 

Liam finally spoke, “I am glad things ended well.  Your situation could be much worse ri
ght now.”  He paused, his gaze clearly reading Davin.  “I understand why you came back.  Why did you decide to leave in the first place?” 

This was the moment he’d been waiting for.  Should he tell them the real reason or make something up?  It appeared that Liam already had an idea about Davin’s mindset. 

“I had no intention of coming back when I left,” he said firmly.  “I was going to continue on my own.” 

Egan must’ve found this a complete surprise because he pulled himself upright.  “What?” 

“I understand,” was all Liam said. 

***

“You are not thinking about your opponent or your strikes.  You are just swinging blindly,” Egan admonished him during the sword lesson. 

“Sorry.  I will try harder,” was all Davin would say every time Egan corrected him. 

Davin tried to get his mind off of his late night excursion.  It was difficult.  It kept coming back to him during the middle of a fight.  He would misjudge a strike or not react quickly enough with a block and Egan would rap him on the shoulder or the arm.  There were a good number of bruises and small cuts piling up.

As the sun grew higher in the sky Egan grew more and more impatient with Davin.  He continued to hit harder every time Davin messed up. 

But it didn’t seem to be solely Davin’s lack of progression.  Egan’s attitude stemmed from something else.  Davin only had short moments to think about it though because Egan was relentless. 

“Can you lighten up please?” Davin protested, hoping Egan would listen to him. 

“You are better than this.  You have to find the strength within yourself to keep your thoughts at bay,” Egan replied harshly.

Davin sighed and examined his tender arms and shoulder.  Much to his liking he noticed that under all his bruises he had begun to accrue some nicely toned muscle. 

“I can’t,” he answered after a moment, “not today.”  He turned away, angry at Egan for this treatment. 

“Unacceptable.”  Seconds later Egan was charging at him again, now with even more ferocity. 

During the last part of their sparring Egan seemed to be in a more than tempered state.  Davin realized he was lucky that he hadn’t walked away with several broken bones, considering the fire in Egan’s eyes.  Still, he was feeling enough pain to remember for a while. 

Egan finally put up his hand to stop them.  “We are done for the day.  If you have this problem tomorrow, things will be worse,” he threatened.  Davin gawked as Egan threw his sword towards Davin and walked into the house in a huff.  It made him feel a little better that Egan was not controlling himself. 

Who’s acting on emotion now?

After filling his belly he waited for Liam i
n the fencing hall, but then remembered that Liam would not be providing any instruction today.  He would be on his own.  The hours passed and Davin didn’t make any progress, much as he had expected. 

B
y the middle of the third week he had begun improving again, but not by much.  Egan had started to become harsh again after their first couple of fights.  Davin could feel his temper rising.  This was ridiculous. 

At once, he had had enough.  The morning was drawing late.  He
wasn’t going to let Egan get away with another lesson like this.  Forcing the distracting thoughts out of his mind, he got into a ready position.  His sword was half an arm’s length in front of him pointed directly at Egan. 

Davin took a deep breath, feeling confident.  “I am ready now.  Begin, “he called. 

Egan charged with sideways slice on Davin’s left side.  Davin assessed his opponent and blocked, flipping the sword smoothly upside down and positioning it along that side.  He quickly pushed Egan’s sword off of him with a strength that caused Egan to flail for a minute.  Egan regained his composure, but it was too late.  Davin had already brought his sword up along Egan’s shoulder in a downward swing.  A fresh cut appeared where Davin had made contact. 

Davin held his sword at his side and gave a sideway smile.  “As few strikes as possible,” he growled. 

Egan examined his cut for a moment while Davin waited.   Looking up at Davin, he nodded and gave a half smile.  “Well done.  You fought excellently.  Improvisation and assessment of your opponent, as well as harnessing of your emotions.  You have the basics.  All it takes now is practice to become proficient, and we can do that on our travels.  While we remain here, you will focus on Driocht.”

The severe tone had left Egan
, but he still looked put out at the idea of dealing with Davin any longer.  That much was clear by his uncharacteristic formality.

Davin remained confused.  The only thing that had happened before Egan’s attitude change was the situation in the city.  Could he really be that upset that Davin and Radash had went against his advice about leaving the mansion? 
No, he wouldn’t take it out on me like this, not like a pouting child. 
It had to be worse.  What had they talked about when they came back? 

It had been about the scroll…and why he had left in the first place.  Davin blinked twice, realizing what it was. 

Egan had been offended by Davin’s intention to leave them behind.  It was a nice sentiment, but a bit surprising that Egan felt this way. 
Or is it, we are the only two Descendants left that we know of. 
And Egan had already risked his life several times to keep Davin safe in their travels. 

In the end, they might have to part ways.  It was clear that Egan had big plans that were of no interest to Davin. But for now their fates were tired together.  He had to apologize to his kinsman, but at the right moment. 

The idea of traveling caused Davin’s mind to switch courses.  “Where will we go after we leave here?” he asked, hoping Egan would say the capital.  It felt obvious to him now that whatever his plans were, he needed Egan with him.  Training had revealed that. 

Egan laid his sword down and started over to the table where Liam was standing.  “It is still to be determined, though we have discussed some ideas.” 

Before Egan could continue Davin butted in.  “Do you mean to come with us, then?”

“Yes, my young friend, at least for a little while.  Strange events are taking place as of la
te and wish to be around to see them play out.”  Liam smiled slyly at Davin.  “Is this acceptable with you?” he asked.

“I don’t really feel that it’s my place alone to say,” Davin answered.  When the other two didn’t say anything Davin relented.  “Your company is appreciated, for my part.” 

“Thank you, my boy.”  He reached out and put an arm on Davin shoulder. 

Davin nodded and then changed the subject.  “You said you had ideas.  What are they?” 

“One idea was that we go to the Capital and try to gain audience with the King, find out if he’s really the threat.  There are as many possible risks as there are rewards for this course.  Not the least of which is ours and your godfather’s lives. Honestly, this is more of a last resort.”

Davin cursed to himself.  He knew that it would be difficult and he was willing to risk a lot to rescue Roland, but not his or Roland’s life if they failed. 

“Do you think that we at least couldn’t get into the prison unnoticed, rescue Roland, and leave before anyone noticed what happened?”  Davin realized he wouldn’t have a shot at Deverell any time soon, but he could quell his need for vengeance if they got to Roland.