Disposable Hero Ch. 04 Pt. 02 - The Truth

She said, "Yes, but not any angel she is an archangel, as the guardian she must work with you to open the gates during the conjunction. She is to help you in any way that you need. She is the one who made Zilvra's pain go away yesterday because you wished it."

Henri was dumbfounded by this and looked at Zilvra and it dawned on him that she was not wearing my goggles and only in a little pain.

He asked, "So if I were to ask for a typical Japanese lunch as proof that she is real and works for me, she would bring it?"

She looked at him and said, "Yes, but that would be a waste of time for her and I'm sure she wouldn't be happy about it. However, if that is what you wish I will teach you how to contact her but be warned once you do she will present herself to you and the two of you will form a contract."

Henri replied, "Then show me and I will ask her to bring my assault rifle and ammunition for both as well as extra blankets, canned goods with our stock low and me not being able to forage for things we need, that should not make her angry, right?"

Afron said, "Close your eyes and picture the things you want, as you visualize them picture what an angel would look like to you, now picture yourself giving those things to the angel, when you are done open your eyes."

He did as Afron had said and pictured all the things he would need next he pictured the image of an angel just like any Catholic would as Henri gave his request, he opened his eyes to see a hole in front of him and from it came a pair of very feminine hands holding the things he had asked for she set them on the ground and placed two things he hadn't asked for but was thinking about as well, with that the hole closed as he looked at Zilvra and Zyvin who were justly awestruck.

He turned to Afron and asked, "So by swearing that oath I did, what will happen if they break it?"

She said, "Whatever the punishment is for breaking it, that you would have to decide because the angel will carry that order out."

Henri asked, "Can I consult her on it before I make a decision on the punishment?"

She smiled at that and said, "I am sure she would like that, but remember you must decide she can only carry out your orders."

He said, "Deal" and turned to Zilvra and Zyvin.

Henri unsheathed his Katana turned it so the hilt faced Zyvin and said, "When you take this sword you will repeat after me. If I tell you to do something it is an order if you fail to follow that order I have the right to take your life for breaking this oath. You will swear this before me, you will insert your name where mine is in the beginning. Do you want to swear this oath before your God or Goddess?"

He was very serious as he said this.

Zilvra hadn't seen him this serious and said, "I'll swear it as well if this is that important to you."

Henri did a double take and asked her, "I know that taking orders from a man is a stretch let alone a human, to me this is like swearing loyalty to me before whoever you believe in and if you do and don't follow through I will keep to my word. As your commander, I have certain responsibilities as well and I will swear that oath to all of you afterward, I don't have to, but if you are willing then I will as well."

Zilvra was curious about this and knew where she was going listening to him was a smart move and she most certainly wasn't stupid.

They both paused and thought about what he had said and they both rose, Zyvin grabbed the hilt and felt a burning in her right arm.

Henri told them to insert their names where he used his and their god or goddess where he says god, they both nodded and he began, "I, Henri Maurice Bordeaux, do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance and that I will obey the orders of Henri Maurice Bordeaux. So help me God."

He waited and heard both of them swear what shocked him, was who they swore to, Zyvin swore to Anolleroc Anaitheral, Afron told him that she was the high elven goddess, Zilvra swore to Eilistraee.

He asked her why and she said, "I have never been close to any of the Goddesses, so if I must then I will swear to the one that helped me. I have no love for Lloth, after what my sisters did to me in her name I will not follow her, now that I have a choice."

Henri saw a blue light come from the neck of Zyvin, he asked if he could see his mark wondering what it could be. To his shock he saw his family's coat of arms just like he had on Zilvra, three flur-de-lis in the upper left corner, next to a Lion, below a castle on the water and in the bottom right an upside-down crescent moon all in blue like his own marks. He was asked what it was and when he told them it was his family's coat of arms. They asked if he was a noble, Henri told them that long ago his family had been nobles but that was 300 years ago.

He asked Afron if they needed to do anything else. She told him that he would need to teach them his language. Henri asked which, he spoke three. She asked what the common tongue of his people was. He told her that they didn't have a common language but the closest would have to be English, but he told her that it was his third and worst language to speak. In truth, he had studied English since primary school and had a lot of practice in the Marine Corps. Henri understood that with all of the people with him, he couldn't be the translator for them all. He agreed and told them that he would only wear the ring when he was learning magic from Zyvin and that when they left he would take it off and speak English to them.

When they left Zilvra saw that her horse had a saddle and that another horse was next to hers. Afron told them to wait and that she had a gift for them. When she came back she handed him a wooden sword shaped like a saber and a set of green leather armor. Henri had completely forgotten about his promise to the farmer's little girl. For Zilvra she brought many gifts, a long and short sword, and a longbow all of elven make and she gave a box to Zyvin. Zilvra asked why so much feeling very uncomfortable taking things from these sunkissed.

Afron told her that they are not from her or her people but from the dark maiden herself. This she didn't like this any better the thought of a goddess taking so much interest in her, Drow never gave anything without demanding payment, what would Eilistraee demand?

As they left Henri took off his ring and rode out as best he could, hoping he wouldn't fall off the horse while in the town. After about 10 minutes Zyvin took the reins and guided the horse for him, he felt stupid for not being able to ride the only good thing was that this put him for the most part between them as they rode on.

Henri could feel the hatred between Zilvra and Zyvin, he watched as they both kept their eye on the other, Zilvra had a hand on her sword as she watched Zyvin like a hawk. Zyvin had made some gestures and said some strange words before touching herself. When she did this Zilvra nudged her horse cutting Zyvin's horse off and causing it to stop quickly, this allowed Zilvra to sense the magic on Zyvin and knew from experience that this was some sort of protection spell. That didn't stop the parade of obscenities that came from Henri who was barely riding on let alone riding his horse.

As they rode off the little sage walked up to her mentor with a smile on her face and helped the old woman back to her house.

Taninianna asked, "So how did it feel meeting them lady Bordeaux?"

Afron smiled at the term and said, "Not, everybody gets to meet their parents before they are born or in my case reborn."

Taninianna said, "You know that was one of many possible futures we were shown and it might not come to pass."

Afron said, "You are right but I must give the dark maiden credit she has picked a lovely woman for him. I couldn't ask for a better mother if they survive all of this."

Taninianna added, "And if they come together romantically you mean right?"

With that said Afron the sage laid down to rest and died peacefully two days later her 1200 years had ended and she went to await her renewal on Earth.

As dusk approached they came back to the farm and were greeted by Mikhail, Zilvra stopped at the edge of his vision, He left his weapons with her as Zyvin and Henri continued. He happily got off the horse to a chorus of laughter and a few cheers from Mikhail and his family to boot. He slipped the ring on and walked over to them gingerly, swearing he will never ride a horse again. He handed the horseback and kneeled down calling for Valkirya to come closer, he took out the wooden sword and told her that she has to practice every day and if she wants he will come and practice with her.

Mikhail asked if he was able to get some horses, Henri told him no the elven horse is too small to pull loaded carts and he would have to go to the human village. Mikhail told him that he was going to the village in two days for some things that they needed and said he could get Henri some horses for a slight mark up of course.

Zyvin said she could go with him and pick out horses she had done so before, Henri denied her request because he knew it would take a long time to learn English and he had no idea how long the magic she was going to teach him would take.

Henri asked if he could get them some horses. Mikhail said that there was one of those a horseman of the ride in town and he could ask him if he would be willing to teach Henri how to ride since Henri was going to teach his daughter swordplay it was the least he could do. He also asked Henri to keep an eye on the farm in case something happened. He asked if Zyvin could stay with Mikhail until they are ready to go, he agreed and put her up in the barn which had a bunkhouse attached for the extra help needed at harvest time.

As we walked back Zilvra asked, "What are you going to do about Dirzune? You can't expect her to keep her vow, I mean she is Lloth's priestess after all and I think a spy in our ranks. I am curious what would you really do if I broke that vow?"

Henri said, "You have sworn before Eilistraee maybe you should worry about what she will do, remember she is one of your people and will probably be harder on you then I would, but never forget this I meant it if you turn on me I won't need to have the angel punish you, I will do it myself.

I think Dirzune knows more than she is letting on, why has she not tried to seize control from me, well us? I am waiting for her to try and that leads me to believe we haven't fulfilled our purpose and that is a good thing, the time she spends with us the more she is open to new ideas. Besides, I really don't want to kill her and Rikton. If she won't swear then we send her on her way, if she does and breaks it I will have the angel deal with her."

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

As Brynhild rode up to her old friend Ivan's new home with her platoon, her blond locks flowing in the breeze, she was greeted by Ivan's famous medium Step horses that her father had made part of his provincial army known for their endurance and speed, many considered them the finest horses in all of Alirota.

She was there for two reasons: first Ivan was her oldest friend he even called her his sister they were that close, and second only he knew how to explain what the Oracle had told her. She hated how the old woman all the horseman called mother spoke, it was never direct and often had so many meanings.

He was her real son, so if anybody could understand it would be him.

When they came up to the ranch Ivan walked out and greeted them with a bottle of Gorilka a powerful alcohol that is made by the Kazaki as the Horseman of the Ride called themselves a word meaning free men in their local language.

After him came his children and finally his stunning wife, it was not uncommon for Kazaki to marry wild elves. It was very odd for a wild elf to leave the forest, let alone speak in the common tongue. Kinʹ Pisni as she was called in their language which meant Horse Songs named because her mother heard a horse neigh twice as she was presented to the tribe and so named.

The one thing you never do is say no to Kazak who calls you friend, blood can flow for less and Brynhild knew better so she grabbed the glass full to the brim and downed it in one.

Ivan smiled proud of his dear friend, she made a fine Kazaka and had earned the name of Dobra Koroleva or the good queen, because of who her father was. The Getman who lead the Kazaki said that she would be the only leader he would bow down to and most in the village could agree with that. Kazak had never gotten on bent knee to anyone in their history. After finishing a second glass to scare the evil spirits away, they went inside and dinned on a feast of deer and cold fish soup.

After eating Brynhild came out back to watch Ivan's youngest perform for their most honored guest. Kin Dukha rode as though she was one with her horse and made a very proud father even prouder. As she finished and headed to the barn to put the horse up. They could finally talk about her problem as they headed off towards the back forty of his huge ranch, his wife brought tea.

Ivan asked looking her straight in her bluish-green eyes, "What troubles you, little sister?"

He had known her for too long and too well.

She said, "I visited Khortitsia on this patrol and met with mother."

She looked lost as she spoke as if trying to grasp the meaning of life.

His face lit up in understanding as he smirked and he asked, "What did my mother say that has you at my home and sipping tea?"

She answered, "First your mother said that she misses all of you and wishes that you would visit more often.

She told me that the man from the legends is with a flower from the darkness and that Povernennya was at hand, she said he calls to me, and the mountain will move soon."

She looked at Ivan and saw him get a very sober look on his face as he poured his Gorilka to the floor and even his wife ran out at the sight of him doing this, the dismay apparent on her face. She had never seen any Wild Elf show any emotion let alone this much.

She continued, "I know you have many customs that I still don't understand and probably never will, can you explain this to me?

I mean am I looking for nightshade or wolfsbane for her?

Who is this man of legends and what does he have to do with me?"

Ivan picked her up which was odd because she was taller than he was, kissed her and threw his arms around her, spun her around like she weighed nothing even in her armor and nearly broke her ribs before saying in all seriousness, "You are sure she said Povernennya?"

He looked at her seriously as she nodded and cracked the largest grin his eyes dancing like she had ever seen and hugged her again.

He laughed and slapped his knee saying, "You a first one is being called? Is that right?"

She nodded not sure what that meant exactly but it seemed like the right thing to do she sat back down still lost. She saw tears in both his and his wife's eyes as she yelled for her children, Brynhild still wasn't used to seeing such emotion from a wild elf and her children ran to her in fear, worry written upon her face. She whispered something and Brynhild watched in shock as their children ran to her and knelt before her and held her hands on their heads and the youngest climbed on her and hugged her.

Ivan trying to hold back his tears and failing said, "You remember all the tales of our people coming from another place don't you?"

She nodded they always told that tale, hell she could probably tell that tale that was how many times she had heard it.

He continued under better control, but still not under control and said, "He is here the guardian is here, he is the legend.

She said a flower in the darkness, not the night, so what flower blooms in complete darkness? none that I know of.

You have been chosen to protect the guardian, not one of my people but you a firster of all people, you have truly honored Aralam and now you must find him.

The mountain means we must go to Winterspire, my people are finally going home, and this will make your father very happy of that I am certain."

She looked at his children and was about to ask when he said, "They seek your blessing before they leave, they must go and spread the news that we are going home at last. Your blessing will honor them greatly as they spread the word both far and wide telling the others they have seen one of the guardians."

Brynhild kissed the youngest who was maybe 8 on the head she smiled and hugged her tightly and she ran into the house. She did the same with the other 2 and they ran into the house and came out and ran to the barn and got onto their horses and rode off whistling.

She saw Ivan bring out a barrel and open it, he called her men to join them and said to drink until the barrel was empty. She looked in and saw it was full of Gorilka. She got a worried look on her face, her father said that before the Horsemen go to war they will drink until they pass out and cut their hair into a scalp lock or chub as they called it.

Kinʹ Pisni was busy bringing out food from the larder, she came out with a knife and started shaving Ivan's head and braiding his chub. They were emptying the larder and started a huge fire next to the house.

The rest of the night was spent drinking eating and Ivan even started to sing and dance, this was bad, Kazaki only sing and dance before a war or during a wedding, which could and had led to wars before. Her father was told they sang to wake death so that he knew Kazak souls would be going the Great Plains without a trial, he had seen it when they joined him on the Great Crusade and he had seen them do the same, he called it a truly frightful sight and she was witnessing the same.

In the morning she saw the wagon filled with supplies and Ivan grabbed a torch and lit the barn on fire as his help and fellow Kazaki who had joined her men just last night, they started to drive the horses east.

Ivan then set his new house on fire and rode down the driveway singing, not concerned about what he had done.

He said they would stop in the village and sell what they could and continue back to Khortitsia and then join up with both the Horseman and the Wild Elves, this was news to her Wild Elves never left their home in the trees above Khortitsia, this could be devastating if they ran into a nervous lord who tried to stop them and hoped none would try.

She offers her men to help with the horses and she remembered what her father said about a sober Horseman being a very bad thing for everybody, now she understood why her father feared and respected them at the same time and felt like she had to protect every village from them.

***********

Ridding through the transport gate brought her to the outskirts of the city of Intra'minynda as she saw the large walls with towers every 100 feet or so.

She was impressed with the defenses as she approached the portcullis she saw the head priestess waiting for her on the other side, after clearing the city guards she met Yathrin and felt ill at ease with this Drowess noticing that she seemed off to her as compared to the others this feeling was only growing as she approached the home of Intra, as if the estate itself was wrong.

She was lead into Intra's meeting chamber and could almost feel the abyss coming from the behind her throne seemingly coming from the antechamber. In the rebirthing room as Intra/Lloth liked to think of it were Intra and her daughter Dementia having a discussion about how to handle Halisstra. Intra instructed her child to appear as she had to Yathrin in the visage of Lloth and that she would wait for the right moment to enter.

Intra entered her chamber and greeted Halisstra who asked bluntly, "Why has Lloth asked me to come here Valsharess?"