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Simurg	By : Cynthermes Category: A through F > The Cronnex Series Views: 1292 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: The Cronnex and its characters is explicitly owned by Trewin Greenaway and no profit has been made out of this fiction.

Chapter List
- 7
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Cinder stroked Elyn’s angelic sleeping face. He didn’t mean to make him sleep but the thought of the boy’s anguish in learning the truth made him lose his self-restraint. How could humans be so cold and cruel on this young boy? He had done nothing and posed no threat. The image he had seen was enough to stir something inside him: A boiling anger…
He quickly suppressed the emotion when he felt his powers surfacing. He must not let anger take control of his actions… As a godling he must know better.
“Can you at least tell me what language this message is written?” Alfrund asked out of the blue.
“The Grazen tongue.” The sorcerer answered curtly.
“But why…?” The herbalist trailed off as understanding dawned on him. Miermi was born blessed with Astral’s blood, was exceptional as sorcerer and herbalist but understanding the lizard tongue… “Did you learn it from Elyn’s father?”
Miermi nodded. “They planned to use it to confirm their suspicions that Elyn is indeed a half-demon.”
“Then what are you planning to do?” Alfrund stopped in mid-sip; the cup was empty. He stood up to get more tea.
“Our enemy left us no choice but to face them.” The sorcerer answered with finality in his tone.
“But it could be a trap.” The herbalist frowned returning on the table with his full teacup.
“Well, what do you think lad? Is there any possible way?” Miermi surprisingly tossed Cinder the question.
“I think an audience with the king is most appropriate.” The lad answered without looking up. His eyes were still preoccupied with Elyn’s slumbering ignorant face.
“Pah, you bore too much of your father’s ideals.” Miermi snorted but was amused.
“If anyone on Corintha held an innocent man captive I think the king would not approve of it.” The brunet didn’t know how these words left his mouth.
“We’ve no proof that the Daughters are behind Fei’s disappearance. I assume a human king cannot read demon letters.” The sorcerer reasoned out sarcastically.
“That doesn’t mean he won’t recognize it. Corintha is a border kingdom near Visfern, isn’t it? Ruling a kingdom near a demon territory should at least make the king differentiate between human and demon letters.” Again his explanation seemed to spill automatically from his mouth.
Both herbalists stared at him like he had grown a second head. “What do you mean, Cinder?” The younger one snapped from his bafflement first.
“We have to show him the scroll. Then perhaps he can wonder why a demon message is addressed to a human name.”
“Will you accompany us lad?” The sorcerer was quick to flatter.
On the stroke of morn Miermi and Elyn returned to Aurella’s inn. The elder man gave her the euphemistic version of the predicament. He told her that Fei had been robbed and sent them a coded message for help. The herbalist presented himself to fetch his nephew along with people who are willing to help. He also said that they would try their best to bring Fei safely home to her.
After serving them breakfast, Aurella tearfully bid them goodbye wishing them good luck and divine guidance from the Trinity. The grandfather-grandson pair returned to Alfrund’s house to make their plan of action and examine the wooden corpse.
Elyn quickly attached himself to Cinder’s side the second they entered the shed. The receiver of the attention merely sighed but didn’t protest. He was quite used to the kid invading his privacy. Even Miermi didn’t seem to notice and approached Alfrund who read a thick volume of ancient text. The sorcerer suddenly clutched for a similar bundle in his travel sack but found none. He had forgotten his own collection of ancient texts in his haste to depart from Jedah! He cursed his foolishness.
He remembered that he promised himself to consult the volume compiled for the Immortals. The Phoenix! His mind scolded at him. He had seen the legendary firebird twice and he never once recalled consulting it after!
“Did the meeting with Aurella proved to be troublesome?” Alfrund’s voice wrenched him from his mental debate.
“Pardon?” Miermi sheepishly turned to his friend.
Alfrund shook his head and showed him a particular page. “The runes on the coffin made the boat move on its own.” The younger herbalist explained smoothly and the page held the identical set of runes displayed together with its description.
The presence of the runes narrowed down the possibilities of their enemy’s trade. If this person needed runes to conjure or maintain the enchantment on the boat then he/she must be an… alchemist.
Alfrund understood his older friend’s silence at this realization however there was something not falling into place. “It’s unlikely to be Porphoras.”
“I know. He is still here and the direction the boat made is more than enough proof.” Miermi agreed but the creases on his austere face only became more pronounced. The enemy anticipated this too. And there was only one possible explanation why Porphoras remained in Scalene though he failed to interrogate the boy dropped from a dragon’s talon.
“He is here to make sure you comply.” Alfrund finished his thought for him. His brown-grayish fringe obscured his eyes for a moment. “I’m not planning to go with you after all. I’ll just become a hindrance.”
Cinder’s brow creased and he was about to open his mouth to protest but his foster father raised his hand to silence him. “Do take care of my son, Miermi.”
“Yes, I’ll make sure Porphoras’ hide is sufficiently tanned for his offense.” Miermi winked at him and Cinder’s tense frame slackened somewhat.
“You mean you’re not coming with us? But I don’t exactly mind having another minder.” Elyn surprisingly intervened with a comical phrase yet his voice was filled with seriousness. His aquamarine eyes looked somewhat sadly at Cinder’s visibly forlorn expression.
“You three will be the minder if I come with you. Elyn, make sure Cinder here doesn’t put anything in his mouth, would you do that for me?” Alfrund returned the jest willingly.
The curls bounced a little when the boy turned to him and nodded snickering. “Or else he’ll throw up again, right?” He wiggled his fair eyebrows suggestively making the herbalist laugh. This boy was older than his age ought to be.
Alfrund ruffled those unruly but soft blond curls then embraced Miermi whispering, “The alchemist could be Porphoras’ apprentice. I’ve met former ones along my travels with Jessan.”
Miermi returned the embrace and replied in a murmur, “Is that your true reason for not coming?”
The younger herbalist didn’t answer him and instead returned to examining the runes. The sorcerer didn’t press him further but his moss green eyes were piercing and calculating once more.
Their conspiratorial dialogue didn’t slip passed Cinder but he willed his face to remain curious. “Father, what have you decided upon?”
Alfrund visibly jerked at his prompt inquiry.
“We will go by your suggestion lad. But our enemy might have thought about that already. Nevertheless we now go by ‘their’ plan.” Miermi answered for him. His green orbs were calm and held no trace of fear. Moreover he felt determined to put his threat into action.
“You mean we would simply go along with…” The brunet didn’t finish his sentence for a shadow had fallen at the entrance of the shed.
“I’m a little bit surprised to find all of you gathered here.” That same man with long reddish hair tied in a low knot spoke coolly.
Both herbalists met his imperious stare squarely. They were expecting this to happen sooner or later. Tyler stood from his squatting position and looked like about to throw the intruder off with his boot if necessary. Alfrund gave his elder son a look and the receiver backed down only because.
“It’s too early to pull someone by the cloak, don’t you think Master Porphoras?” Alfrund didn’t hide the hostility blazing in his hazel eyes.
Cinder instinctively drew Elyn towards his side as if to hide him from view. But the boy struggled and freed himself wanting to ‘tan this man’s hide’ himself.
“Oh no, I’m not here to cause trouble. I just want to tell you that I will be the one accompanying you to Corintha.” The alchemist had assumed they never understood the scroll. Good. At least they had the advantage.
“Alright, we got the message so off you go then.” Miermi theatrically shooed him away.
“I didn’t know aloof rudeness were contagious.” Porphoras eyes were still locked with that raven-haired lad. The little guilt he felt rose and overwhelmed the annoyance of being blatantly dismissed. He turned his back to depart but he stopped in the last second, “I’ll be waiting for you on the port until before sunset.”
The alchemist’s visit thankfully came without incident. They resumed formulating the plan as if nothing had interrupted them. The three of them namely: Miermi, Cinder and Elyn will set out to Corintha past noon with Porphoras if he wanted to be the chaperone that much. An audience with the reigning king would probably be denied and they’ll head straight to the dungeon but Miermi knew the couple of valuables they had. The enemy would most likely meet with them in person to retrieve the so-called Nithaial’s wand of power. They would have their chance there. It was about time he paid them his eight years in prison tower.
The sun was at its zenith when they finished their abundant meal. Alfrund fussed around for their travel supplies and handed rare useful herbs he had gathered in his younger adventures. Miermi had refused at first but the younger herbalist was persistent saying, “You will need them more than I do.”
They were nearly done with preparations when a large galley hovered in the horizon. It was a huge speck of black in the distance and can easily be seen through the open front window. The sorcerer wondered if Alfrund had his house built here just for this purpose. Are you still hoping for him to return to you?
He whisked the thoughts away. That was his younger friend’s personal life and he had interfered much by bringing his adopted son to their mess. His moss green eyes remained fastened to the approaching ship. It was shaped in a grotesque design but held no aura of malice nor security… or they could be concealed in a shroud of magic power.
It doesn’t matter now. He was determined to traverse Corintha to get to Visfern. Not even the Daughters or the Order can stop a determined half-immortal. “Alfrund, do you still have the bottle of Nectar?”
The other herbalist’s hazel eyes widened and his brow creased, uncomprehending. “Why yes. But I don’t understand…” Alfrund sighed and returned the small vial.
Miermi took it wordlessly and uncorked the bottle pouring a few droplets to a clay bowl. The younger herbalist stood frozen on the spot as the sorcerer began the incantation and poured a trickle of very rare tincture of sapphire dewdrop.
Cinder instinctively yelled, “No!”
But without sparing them a glance Miermi downed the mixture in one gulp. At first nothing happened until visible lines of violet protruded through the skin where the veins were. The next instant, Miermi screamed in excruciating pain tumbled out of the chair and fell sprawled on the stone floors, quivering.
“Grandfather!” Elyn sprinted towards him but Cinder caught him in a fierce grip. “Let go! I have to help him!”
“No Elyn! He can’t control his powers yet, he could hurt you!” The brunet embraced the blond boy when he tried to struggle free.
The curly-haired boy remembered at once that this was Cinder holding him and he eventually calmed down but looked away when he heard his grandfather screaming in pain still.
Alfrund carefully approached with an impenetrable expression. He willed his eyes to look and swallowed the nausea rapidly building in his stomach. Miermi’s features were now unrecognizable. His skin was practically covered by pulsing violet veins. The sorcerer resembled a withering spiritwood tree.
When Alfrund managed to touch his friend’s hand he nearly jerked away from the force he was emitting. Yet he steeled his hands and tried to mind-touch him. It has been too long since he did this. He hoped he had enough wizardry power left to reach Miermi.
He pried the other’s mind with deliberate tactfulness. He was immediately met with resistance. Astral’s image flashed in his mind’s eye making the herbalist recoil. Alfrund nearly lost consciousness when another joined him. This unidentified consciousness guided him to show that he didn’t threaten Miermi’s mind. Astral’s image immediately seem to recognize the other and allowed him to reconnect with Miermi’s struggling consciousness.
When Alfrund managed to connect with his friend’s mind and recognized him finally, both returned to the present.
The younger herbalist quickly saw Cinder’s hand withdraw from Miermi’s shoulder as the latter stirred.
“You’re a foolish old loon Miermi! Don’t ever do that again!” Hazel and ruby orbs met but the former directed his voice on the heaving body on the floor.
The sorcerer appeared to be dazed but otherwise back to normal. “I know you’ll be there… for me.” Miermi replied gasping.
“Don’t you dare flatter my arse, Miermi! I don’t know what malevolent spirit possessed you to attempt this.” The brown-hared man sharply gestured to the other’s languid form.
Elyn dove into the old man’s arms preventing him from sitting up. He had scared the wits out of his grandson and he slightly felt mortified for it. He could only recall the familiarity of Cinder’s presence and his scolding expression when he returned to his senses. But this was part of the plan he didn’t intend to disclose with them.
The three of them lay huddled on the roofed part of the upper deck as Porphoras sat a few yards away. He appeared to be relaxed and indifferent but of course Miermi knew better. They were being kept under his watchful eye and any attempts of escape were futile. Not that he was thinking of escape. They were planning to catch the enemy by surprise.
Miermi lay somewhat tiredly covered in earthly brown drapes. He appeared sick and fragile. Elyn sat by his side with the anti-emetic concoction under his nostrils. The top deck received the full thrashing of the waves below but it had the most spectacular view of the sea. Cinder stood right next to his grandson looking out from far away and probably in the direction of Scalene. A glint of nostalgia shone in his sharp crimson eyes.
The striking young man radiated an ethereal glow of strength as he looked on to the cascading waves. He appeared to be an entirely different person when he was with them. Cinder almost resembled a stranger always willing to lend them a hand. It sounded baffling enough but Miermi could recall the way the lad held back his tears as his foster father sharply turned away and ushered him to leave.
And when the lad moved to embrace him, Alfrund thrust the nectar bottle into his palm and slammed the door of their home. Miermi couldn’t blame his friend. Separations never worked well with his emotionally delicate state. He had no idea how to deal with it even now. But his foster son seemed to understand albeit the hurt.
Elyn had stood up beside him and hugged him like the boy sensed his loneliness. His grandson sighed relieved when the older lad wrapped his arms around him in return. Elyn was a thoughtful, sensitive and sweet boy. He took after his mother’s traits. His grandson’s mother… His daughter… Mabelle had died four nights ago. He hid his grief under the guise of determination and protectiveness over his one and only grandson.
Miermi was willing to do anything even going through life and death to make sure Elyn is safe. By drinking the nectar he hoped his theory would work but it was a terrifying risk. He nearly died if Alfrund and… someone had saved him again. His moss green eyes immediately roamed over Cinder’s hunched frame. He had his eyes closed serenely as he held Elyn’s shorter form in his arms. Half of his face was covered with raven locks that shone red against the sun. What an interesting color. They fanned out silkily against the wind. They reminded him of feathers…
A blue lightning bolt cruised through his body making him aware of Astral’s intervention. The part god in him was stirring and waking his dormant powers. But it was also changing his physical appearance and he didn’t know if he liked the outcome. Right now exhaustion seeped into the very marrow of his bones and the rocking of the ship lulled him to sleep.
“Grandfather looks awful. You think it’s because of what he drank earlier?” Elyn whispered and his small brow creased in worry.
“He’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” Cinder reassured him. His divine eyes traced the slowly building ancient aura surrounding the sorcerer’s slumbering figure. If he didn’t interfere, Miermi could have died. He used a few of his divine powers but his foster father helped lighten the load.
Whatever Miermi’s plans were, they better work. Elyn had no idea that the moment they set foot on the harbor of Corintha, he would be taken as a prisoner… or even worse. He couldn’t bare the idea of seeing the boy tortured be it mentally or physically.
Tomorrow… He couldn’t wait for the seventh day to come.
The boiling emotion threatened to spill again and he had to express his hostility openly to control himself. He glared at Porphoras hatefully as he unknowingly clutched Elyn’s hand.
The alchemist openly flinched at the strength of his glare but he couldn’t turn away. Porphoras merely dropped his gaze after a long while and assumed a more submissive pose. He was a man sporting some regrets but he had priorities above them. Those priorities had sprung from the old belief of the false prophecy. Majority of the humans were fiercely loyal to their patroness and any person or half-breed wanting to prove otherwise was unjustly dealt with accordingly.
Cinder’s harsh mask melted away when he stared right back into Elyn’s worried face. I promise you, I’ll punish the wicked with a fitting end. He relayed this silent message into the boy’s aquamarine eyes.
In exact precision as predicted, there were robed men and women that carried torches waiting in the docks at the closing distance. They were undoubtedly the members of the Order or the Daughters alike. Their faces were covered with their hoods and cowls but their visible mouths were uttering incomprehensible praises to Gesryma.
Porphoras emerged from the top deck and the crowd below cheered.
Cinder surveyed the city’s overall view from the harbor. The alignment of the marble white houses and buildings were roughly dome shaped. The style of the architecture was classical and elegant. The edges of the roofs were decorated with gold and silver making them faintly glow in the moonlight. In a nutshell, the kingdom’s landscape was breathtaking. And at the top of the steep plateau, a majestic palace outshined any building in sight. If they could just have an audience with this benevolent king…
“We disembark now.” Porphoras announced and looked at their direction with veiled eyes. “Go wake Master Miermi for we have arrived.”
Cinder and Elyn turned to the old man in brown drapes. There was no change in his condition. Miermi looked like a very tired traveler who has caught the ‘fever’. Both lads shook him awake but to no avail. His eyes remained stubbornly closed and his wrinkled forehead was sweaty and flushed.
“Grandfather! Grandfather wake up!”
As if on cue, Porphoras walked towards them asking, “What’s the matter with him?”
“He won’t wake up and he looks sick. Can we please bring him to a healer?” Elyn replied with a pleading voice.
The alchemist looked suddenly undecided, Cinder observed. There was an inner battle raging within the old man’s mind and heart. “Yes, we’ll bring him to a healer.” His firm but murmured response surprised the older lad. Their eyes met again and this time the alchemist held his gaze firmly.
The four of them disembarked the ship with Miermi on a stretcher par Porphoras’ request. The latter immediately went into a heated argument with the head of the crowd. However granted that the alchemist held a higher post than all of them combined, they agreed to disobey whatever order from their mistress and agreed to bring the prisoners to the Order’s headquarters instead.
Miermi and the lads were held in separate rooms for precaution. Not that the sorcerer could do anything with his knocked out and sickly appearance. Elyn grabbed on to him for dear life and the boy wouldn’t let them be separated. The hooded men stopped pulling and finally left them alone.
“I’m hungry.” Elyn mumbled in his chest and the soft curls rubbed against the rough-spun tunic he was wearing. “I guess your curse comes in handy in this situation.”
Cinder couldn’t help but chuckle. This boy had the power to lighten every gloomy mood he had sunk himself into since their departure. “It hardly does if I see you withered thin.” He replied pulling the boy closer.
“I hope they’re not planning to starve us. I might eat them instead.” The boy said jestingly but his round pupils momentarily shifted into slits. Well if their tormentors planned on doing so they were in serious trouble.
Simultaneously the wooden door jingled and the sound of the lock being unlatched was heard before someone entered with a tray of food. The man wore a garnet-colored robe but his face was bare. He had a tattoo the shape of a blade on his left cheek and somehow this appearance stirred something in Cinder’s locked up memory. But when their eyes met no recognition shone in them. The man held his gaze most probably amazed by his beauty, set down the tray and left silently.
“That guy totally wants to pull down your smalls.” Elyn commented wryly.
“I think the hunger has seeped right through your brain, Elyn dear.” Cinder countered and both of them burst out laughing. Nothing can shake the kid’s jolly nature…
The laughter died down and Elyn cast his eyes sideways and away from the mouth-watering dinner. “I wonder if they really brought a healer to look after Grandfather.”
…Except when the kid was worried sick about his family. “And my uncle… what could they have done to him?”
Cinder pursed his lips. The message was plain and clear that they won’t probably make it on time.
Unless…
- 7
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