Sharpened Swords
Part 3 of Echoes of the Past
An eternity of traveling leads Jacobus to a stranger, who provides on answers of how a promise old can be fulfilled.
Part three of my submission for the @arcana-echoes event! A little longer this time, as a treat!
(Background belongs to The Arcana)
Mentions of violence, death and a canon genocide which occurred in the universe. And once again, no beta for we die like fools!
“Uncle, you lie!”
A serious accusation from six-year-old Katarina that Jacobus was nearly taken aback.
“Oh? How so?”
Katarina sat on Jacobus's shoulders, her arms crossed on top of his head, lips downturned into a pout.
“You said we're gonna be climbing shiny stairs! There are no shiny stairs!” Her arms spread open.
Annike burst out into laughter, to the point of having to wipe tears from her eyes. “Oh, you're in for it now.”
“I said we're at the Shining Steppe,” Jacobus responded with a smile. “It was the name given by the people who lived here. The Khokuri.”
“Why?” Katarina tilted her head. “It's not even shiny.”
Annike chimed in. “That is because it is the perfect spot to stargaze.”
“Star case?”
“Stargaze,” Jacobus corrected. “When night comes, the twinkling stars come out at night, and they shine so brightly. That is why this place is called the Shining Steppe.”
And just like the stars, Katarina's eyes seemed to sparkle as they widened.
“Can we go see them? Please?”
Jacobus was about to answer, when a voice echoed through the tundra. “Ho, there! Travelers!”
Jacobus and Annike froze in their tracks, as a bulky figure stood in the distance, spear in hand. Their silhouette indicated he wore a parka- common amongst the Khokuri.
Jacobus had not realised there were survivors among the people who attacked the Khokuri. It would explain the weariness surrounding the little family- They could be part of the group that attacked his people, for all he knew.
Annike gave Jacobus a knowing look, understanding the gravity of the situation. She raised her hands up, and gave him a nod.
“Uncle?” Katarina asked hesitantly.
“Don't be frightened. He'll know we're just passing by.”
Slowly, the family began approaching the figure. Their towering stature became more obvious as they got closer. His posture began to visibly relax.
A great weight lifted.
“Good day. You are Khokuri, are you not?” Jacobus asked when they became within talking distance. “We mean no harm. We'd just like to cross.”
The man sighed, lowering his spear as his stoic expression became more relaxed and welcoming.
“Forgive me, you could never be too careful these days.”
“I am Jacobus. This is Annike, and the little one is Katarina.”
“Callen.” The man introduced. “Once again, you must forgive me, I thought you were from the South. Scourge.”
“What is a Scourge?”
Katarina looked over Jacobus's head inquisitively. Callen was more than likely the tallest person she had ever met. Jacobus wouldn't be surprised that she was intrigued… or intimidated.
“A bad group of people.” Callen's voice became playful, his face crunching up. “And they like to snatch little children who do not listen.”
Katarina gasped, shaking her head. “But I listen! I listen good!”
“Is that so?” Callen barked out a laugh. “Well, then, you'd do good to continue listening to Mama and Papa.”
Katarina's expression changed. Her gazed lowered, and she appeared to make herself seem smaller.
It was hard enough to accept how to explain what happened to her parents, let alone that it was for her safety that she left.
Callen's smile dropped. He looked over at the pair with a questioning look.
“We're not her parents.” Annike explained.
“My sister and I were friends of her father,” Jacobus elaborated. “He asked us to take care of her.”
“You have my sympathies.” Jacobus nodded. “Have you been on the road long.”
“We've been nomadic for almost a year, now.”
Callen tutted, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Come, let me take you back to camp. I have family matters to attend to, but you are welcome to stay until tomorrow morning. The little one looks like she could use a proper rest, and a hearty meal.”
Annike and Katarina gave Jacobus an expectant look. It seemed as if the decision rested on his shoulder. If the limited number of books suggested correctly, the Khokuri were peaceful and generous. It might be foolish to turn down the offer.
“Very well.”
Ten minutes the group spent walking, until they arrived at Callen's camp, guarded by a white wolf-dog with piercing blue eyes. He'd shared with them a hearty meal of lamb stew, and a peculiar milky drink, given to him by a family friend.
The sun had begun to set, and Katarina could not keep her eyes open for much longer, worn out by the travel. She was curled up in Annike's lap, Annike rubbing the child's shoulder.
Having finished cleaning the dishes, and giving some meat to his furry companion, Callen joined the fire.
“You said the girl's father had to send her away?”
Annike frantically motioned with her hand for the man to quieter down, shushing him. She motioning her head in Katarina's direction.
“Yes,” Jacobus responded in a hushed tone. “Our home, Vivalen. In the Crab Isles. It had fallen to violence. Her mother… gave her life to protect her.”
Callen frowned. “And her father?”
“We haven't heard since the last letter he sent, two weeks after we left. I'd wish to believe he'd still live, but…”
Jacobus's eyes landed on Katarina once more. He didn't know which explanation was more cruel towards her- a comforting lie, or a cold truth.
Jacobus sighed. “I don't want her hopes getting too high.”
The wolf-dog hugged his snout in Callen's hand, and the man returned with a few scritches. He seemed solemn, but at the same time contemplative.
“Men and women from my tribe had to give away their children when the Scourge attacked,” Callen spoke lowly. “Most of them never got to live to see them again. Eithne and Naran, for instance. Good people. And strong warriors. Fought to the bitter end. They had a young boy they sent away when the Scourge started attacking.”
The wolf dog whined, sensing his owner's pain, and rested his head on his lap.
“I hope he's doing alright. Wherever he is.”
Jacobus couldn't help but wonder how many lives were lost
“Most of the Khokuri are scattered now. Once a year, around this time, we'd come back. Hold ceremonies. In honour of those lost. And the hope that our people will remain strong.”
The fire had begun to dim slightly. Callen took a long stick and began poking at the flames.
“You two have a destination in mind?” Callen asked. “I, obviously, cannot shame you for your nomadic life as a nomad myself. I just wonder.”
“Not really,” Jacobus admitted. “We weren't happy with the places we had initially planned on. We're hoping to find somewhere suitable for the little one, but it hadn't been easy.”
Callen's attention turned back to the family. He set down his stick.
“I heard Vesuvia had become a hub for people like you,” He explained. “Further north from here. Warmer weather, a good trading hub. Lots of opportunities… at least, as I've heard.”
“Have you been there?” Annike asked.
“Not much longer than a few days. Most of what I've heard is word of mouth.”
Jacobus and Annike looked at each other, realising they had the same idea.
“It would be worth seeing, if we can.” Jacobus answered.
“There's a village off of the Great Gate, with ships that frequently make trips to the area. It shouldn't be too hard to catch a trip.”
Callen's eyes soon landed on the sky. Jacobus followed his gaze to the sky changed into a gradient of deep oranges and purples. And a few little bright dots began to litter the sky.
Annike, smiling, looked over at Katarina, still asleep. She woke her up with a gentle shake of her shoulders.
“Mm?”
Annike whispered softly. “Do you still want to stargaze?”
