Fiction:Until the Last Ember Fades



"The world is a grand canvas, upon which wars and other events are paint forming its history, a painting. The people who live through these events are the artists, weaving their own view of those events into history. And just so, men create the very monsters they despise..."



A New Flame
Dense black smoke was rising far into the sky. "Until the last ember fades.", Vorvis found himself reciting under his breath as he watched the flames of the funeral pyre. The way they moved with the wind soothed his mind. Viram's death had taken its toll on him, as he hadn't slept since word of it had reached him. "Family is sacred.", he whispered like a prayer. For the three days that had passed since then, Vorvis' mind had been wandering in memories of his brother, remembering how they used to play and laugh together. Yet now those days were forever gone. His brother's vassals had called him Viram the Good, and for good reason, Vorvis thought. Viram had been kind, just and honorable and he always tried to help those who needed help. And before him, their father had been named Deneric the Defiant for his stubborn nature. "What will they call me?", Vorvis had thought as he lit the pyre in fire with his torch. He looked to his sides and didn't find no smiling or understanding faces, instead only his vassals' scowls met his eyes.


 * Arasilh - People are spreading rumours that you had your brother killed, my lord. At your command I can have the men make an example of such rumour spreaders.
 * Reli - Rather rash of an action, wouldn't you say? I'd say it's better to let them tell their lies, cousin. Show them that you aren't the person they think you are.

Both Arasilh and Reli didn't exist for Vorvis at that moment. He couldn't believe the rumours that the good master-at-arms had brought them. That he had killed Viram? What folly. Yet those were the words on the lips of some men and women in Nthcnzel. He could hear the two warriors quarrel over how such rumours should be answered but not make out the exact words used. "Family is sacred.", he found himself thinking again. "I never wanted to be the warlord... Viram you fool. Why did you have to die? Why?"


 * Vorvis - Enough with the both of you. We have more pressing issues at hand.
 * Arasilh - But my lord... Such words call for punishment.
 * Vorvis - I will follow Reli's advice on this. But if any man would speak such words in my presence, they will not speak another word.
 * Arasilh - As you say, my lord.

Arasilh had always been known for his rather brutal way of dealing with treason and insubordination, and so it didn't suprise Vorvis that he had been the one calling for heads and spikes. Yet what did pleasently suprise him was that Reli had been the voice of reason. In their childhood, his cousin had always been a rather reckless child who thirsted for glory and fame. Their paths had been divided when Reli was sent to one of their vassals to be trained as a warrior and Vorvis was taught the ways of magic. Still it was for Vorvis nice to see his cousin after so long and to see him grown into a more cautious man.


 * Vorvis - Reli, there is something I want you to do for me.
 * Reli - Of course, cousin.
 * Arasilh - He's not only your damned cousin anymore, commander.
 * Reli - Apologies, my lord. What is it that you wanted of me?
 * Vorvis - It would appear to me that we have an awful need for a court mage. I want you bring my sister back home from her current duties.
 * Reli - Oh, yes... It must sadden Sahliin that she didn't get to say her farewells to Viram. I will set out for Ceryshold at once.

The very moment that the last word left his mouth, Reli gave a curt bow and left the room. Arasilh soon followed as well, having been ordered to see to the readiness of their warriors. Vorvis was left alone in his thoughts once again. He enjoyed the quiet, as it allowed him to remember the good old days back when they had all been just children. Viram had been fifteen at the time and Vorvis thirteen and Reli and Sahliin eleven. Viram was sparring with the lot younger Reli while Vorvis and Sahliin watched. Their brother was widely known as an able warrior, one of their clan's best, but Reli still managed to match his cousin in every way imaginable. He parried every blow, dodged every overhead and pushed Viram back when he got too close to him. Vorvis could remember very clearly the gleam in his sister's eyes when she watched Reli fight their brother. "Let them tell their lies about my ambitions I had for my brother's throne. It had never been him whom I envied...", Vorvis muttered while looking at some ancient Qoranit scrolls. He had always wanted to be a warrior like his brother, but it had been the mage's path that was chosen for him. "A fitting choice for a second son.", he once heard one his father's vassals say. Those words angered him even now.

Five days had passed since Vorvis became the warlord of their clan. Yet still Vorvis was having issues sleeping. Whereas earlier it had been caused by sorrow over Viram's death, now he had began to suffer from nightmares. Awful things where a wolf with fleshy lattice instead of fur stalked him and whispered words he couldn't understand. The imagery scared him so that he chose to remain awake instead. Holding court was a pain without having rested at all, as even the smallest sound was too loud and any light was too much for Vorvis' tired eyes. Yet when she walked through the doors of the great hall, Vorvis welcomed the loud creak of the heavy doors and the bright light that seeped through it. Sahliin had grown into a beatiful woman in the time she had been away from home. Her deep black hair was long and all bundled up in a braid and her body had taken on the curves of a woman and not of the girl Vorvis had remembered. They met each other in a tight hug halfway across the hall. "Family is sacred.", Vorvis thought while he embraced his sister.


 * Sahliin - You can't believe how good it's to see you, brother! It's been far too long.
 * Vorvis - Too long indeed... It feels as if this is infact another life entirely...
 * Sahliin - By the skies, brother. What has happened to you? You look as if you've risen from the dead. Reli told me that you had been feeling ill after Viram's death, but I couldn't even begin to understand that it had been this serious...

Sahliin had taken over his duties for the rest of the day while he rested. Vorvis had been hesitant on being taken to his bed, claiming that he didn't have time to sleep. But by her sweet sister's command he finally accepted to remain in his bed for the rest of the day. And for the first time in almost eight days, Vorvis could close his eyes and sleep in peace without being burdened by the dead or his nightmares. "I am Vorvis Silaris, and no terror of the mind can scare me...", he muttered tiredly as he began drifting asleep.