Not long after, they stood before Rehs\u2019 home. It was squat and small, but it looked to be better constructed than some others that Taelord had passed. The foundation was stone, with a roof made out of solid wooden beams, with hide stretched across them. Mud and straw filled in the gaps. The door was wooden, and next to it was a single window, a simple hole in the stones, with a shutter which could be closed over it at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shutter was open at the moment, allowing light from the home to spill into the rapidly darkening street where Taelord stood. It shown dimly on other homes nearby: they were in the largest section of the city, where the roads wound and the homes were small.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The light flickered as if from a fire, and he could hear a calm male voice speaking within, although from his current angle he could see nothing but a wooden wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCome on,\u201d Rehs said. \u201cIt might be a tight fit, but we have space in the storeroom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe can sleep outside,\u201d Taelord said quickly. \u201cWe\u2019re used to it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot a chance,\u201d Rehs said with a laugh. “I\u2019ll sleep outside before you do. We don\u2019t have any extra beds, but we\u2019ll be able to find you some straw to sleep on, and my mother has extra blankets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Straw? Blankets? Taelord guessed Rehs didn\u2019t realize most Volcarrens were lucky to have a roof for the night, let alone walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rehs beckoned them all forwards, and pulled open the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taelord had no idea what he might find inside. The typical Volcarren shelter had been made from bones and animal hide, usually constructed in a canyon or cave. Srung had been built from large stone blocks, and had possessed little decoration. A rug here, a curtain there to keep the sand out. Braziers had lit the dark corridors, and doors had been fashioned from age-blackened wood and metal frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The interior of the house Taelord now saw couldn\u2019t be more different. Warmth and light spilled out as Rehs opened the door, coming from a fire which was set into the adjacent stone wall, crackling invitingly, with two pots suspended over it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A man appeared at Rehs\u2019 shoulder, smiling and holding out a hand in welcome. \u201cCome in, come in,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ve spent your last night without a roof. What we have is yours.\u201d He beckoned them in, and Taelord and the others stepped across the threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of the home was comprised of a single large room. The fire was set against one wall, and opposite it were three smaller rooms, each with a simple wooden door. All were currently closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Set in the middle of the wooden floor was a solid-looking table, set with simple wooden dishes and flanked by wooden benches, with a chair at either end. Taelord had never seen so much wood in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drying herbs hung from the rafters, and Taelord saw an old spear hung on the wall over the hearth. Other than that, the home was bare. It didn\u2019t feel empty though. It had a distinct air of having been lived in: corners and surfaces were worn and smooth, the door caught slightly as Rehs closed it, and the underside of the hearth was blackened with soot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what Taelord noticed most was the smells. The home smelled of wood of course, but it was fresh wood, a scent Taelord had only smelled once, at Srung. He had thought it was the best scent then, and his opinion hadn\u2019t changed. There was a spice to the air as well, probably from the herbs overhead, and a familiar scent of leather, from the roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the most powerful smell came from the pots over the fire. It was unfamiliar to him, savory and spicy at the same time. He had never really gone hungry in the Volcarren \u2013 his proximity to Srung ensuring that food could always be found. But he was still used to eating whatever he came across. The idea of actually eating a prepared meal, instead of what was left over, felt odd to him. Like the world had somehow reversed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three people were in the small home. A girl, maybe fifteen, stood near the fire, holding a woven basket which was flat like a platter. A woman was stirring the contents of one of the pots, and as the Volcarrens entered, she began ladling it into bowls, and placing the bowls on the platter. They both wore simple clothes of what looked like wool \u2013 Taelord had seen it on occasion in Srung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The man who had appeared at the door now gestured at the room, still smiling broadly at the Volcarrens. \u201cWe might be a bit cramped, he said, but we have warm food and soft straw. I\u2019m G\u2019shar, and this is my family: Syafa, my wife; you know Rehs, my son; and this is Aiiva, my daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Syafa nodded briefly to the Volcarrens, casting them a smile before returning to the pots. Aiiva glanced at them, gave an uncertain smile, and quickly focused her attention back on the platter she was holding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t tell you how pleased we are to have you here,\u201d G\u2019shar said. \u201cPlease, sit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Volcarrens sat awkwardly around the table. The benches on either side seemed wide enough for four to sit comfortably side by side, so Taelord took the far one, his mother sliding in next to him, and Veth and Scar-shoulder sitting next to her. Rehs sat across from the Volcarrens, still staring avidly at them as if he had never seen anything quite so fascinating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
G\u2019shar eased himself into the chair at the head of the table, stretching out his leg as he did so. He grimaced, and rubbed it as he sat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInjury?\u201d Veth asked, noting the motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAn old one,\u201d G\u2019shar said. \u201cI was drafted into Kelen\u2019s army during the Midland campaigns. Got struck in the leg by a stray spear, and it\u2019s never been quite the same since.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re a soldier?\u201d Scar-shoulder asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m a farmer,\u201d G\u2019shar said. \u201cAlways was, always will be. The Empire though\u2026 it takes whoever it can for its wars. There aren\u2019t very many professional soldiers these days \u2013 most are laborers, rented out to the warlords.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rented? Warlords? Taelord glanced at Veth, and saw that he was just as confused. \u201cBut,\u201d he said, \u201cI thought there was peace here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeace?\u201d G\u2019shar said, giving half a laugh. \u201cTechnically there is peace, certainly. But unrest is growing throughout Valhalla. There have already been revolts in some of the southern villages.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d Taelord asked. \u201cWhat are they revolting about?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d G\u2019shar said. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t know. Well\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEnough talk for now,\u201d Syafa interrupted. \u201cLet these people eat. Then you can criticize the deplorable state of the Empire all you want.\u201d She sat down at the other end of the table, and Aiiva approached, carrying her platter full of bowls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
G\u2019shar smiled at his wife and fell silent, and Aiiva put bowls of stew before everyone. She sat down herself, and for a moment there was silence as they ate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taelord dipped his wooden spoon into the stew and took a bite. The broth was thin, but it was actual broth, not simple water as it might have been in the Volcarren. It was mostly meat, but Taelord recognized the texture of vegetables and even grain \u2013 both practically nonexistent in the Volcarren. Even the meat was different \u2013 tender and seasoned. It was easily the best thing he had ever tasted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the experience of eating the only decent meal he had ever had was marred with a flicker of worry. There was unrest in Valhalla? Towns in revolt? Taelord had been so focused on escaping the Volcarren, that he had always assumed Valhalla would be a land of peace and plenty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He glanced at his mother, but she seemed unconcerned with what G\u2019shar had said. She was eating slowly, apparently savoring every bite. Next to her, Veth and Scar-shoulder also ate, but Taelord saw them exchange looks, and he knew that they were wondering what was happening in Valhalla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat was it like, in the Volcarren?\u201d Rehs asked, leaning forward eagerly as he ate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet them eat,\u201d G\u2019shar laughed. \u201cThere will be plenty of time for questions later. More?\u201d he added, nodding to Taelord\u2019s bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taelord glanced down, realizing that he had emptied the bowl in a few quick spoonfuls. Another habit from the Volcarren: eating quickly before the chance was gone. He felt somewhat embarrassed; everyone else was still eating, savoring the stew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOnly if there\u2019s enough to go around,\u201d Taelord said. \u201cI don\u2019t want to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNonsense,\u201d G\u2019shar said, waving his hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aiiva got up, took Taelord\u2019s bowl, and went to refill it from the pot over the fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you,\u201d Taelord said to her as she returned and put the bowl back for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She gave him a tentative smile, and then returned to her own bowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taelord looked at the stew for a moment, the smell of good food wafting up from it. He had gotten used to always being hungry in the Volcarren. Even in Srung, he had subsisted mostly off of dried meat and boiled roots. And now a bowl of stew sat before him, a meal fit for the Emperor himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy are you doing this?\u201d he asked G\u2019shar, looking up. \u201cAll of this \u2013 feeding us, giving us a place to stay. I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou stood up to the Empire,\u201d Rehs said. \u201cYou challenged them, and you won.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Syafa nodded. \u201cGiving you a place to stay is the least we can do,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Taelord frowned. \u201cAren\u2019t you subjects of the Empire? I thought people here would be displeased to see us, maybe even hostile.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHostile?\u201d Rehs echoed. \u201cWe\u2019re on your side.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSide?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEat,\u201d G\u2019shar said, \u201cand I\u2019ll tell you why these things are.\u201d He leaned back, his own stew finished. Veth and Scar-shoulder had stopped eating, and were watching him. Even Taelord\u2019s mother seemed to be listening between spoonfuls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI suppose,\u201d G\u2019shar said, \u201cthe unrest started a long time ago. You see, Valhalla is split in two. The North and South are separated by a vast amount of barren land. It\u2019s dry, mostly devoid of animals or trees \u2013 not suitable for life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe North is colder, but is full of forests. There is good farmland there, and plenty of water and lumber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe South is warmer, and much of it is barren, but there is space<\/em> here. Near water, like we are, crops will grow and animals can be herded. Further south, there are forests and game animals, and the southern seas are full of fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe climate is gentler in the North, but there are resources here in the South. We can produce ore from the Midland mountains, cloth and meat from the animals we raise, and enough grain to feed the entire Empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut the people are in the North. They live easier lives, while we in the South have to contend with the climate. It\u2019s been that way since time began: the South producing, the North consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Northern kingdoms grew wealthy off of our labor, and instead of learning to support themselves, turned their efforts to \u2018civilized living\u2019. Politics,\u201d he added, at Taelord\u2019s frown. \u201cComfort. Leisure. Luxury. The Imperials want for little in their Northern cities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Out of the corner of his eye, Taelord saw that his mother had stopped eating, and was giving G\u2019shar her full attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe North grew greedy for power,\u201d G\u2019shar continued. \u201cSoon, they weren\u2019t content with dictating the laws of their own countries. They wanted to control us as well. Divides between North and South grew, armies formed, and eventually it broke into war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe lost. We didn\u2019t have the time or knowledge to train soldiers, and the North was better equipped, thanks to our labor. I\u2019m sure you know this story: it\u2019s how the Empire was formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor a time there was peace, as the Empire called it. Then, unhappy with the way the Empire controlled his life, Migol banded together the South and led a revolt. He was defeated, slain, and his followers were banished to the Volcarren over a century ago.\u201d He nodded to Taelord and the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSince then, unrest has only increased. Migol sparked the idea that revolt was possible, and there have been small rebellions ever since. None have succeeded of course, because they were isolated. But now some far southern villages have risen up against the Empire, banding together. It\u2019s said that rebel spies are all throughout Kinsland, in every city, and that a real rebel army is massing somewhere beyond the Lower Wastes, led by a general they call Einar. These are more than passing rumors; they\u2019ve lasted long enough to prove that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was a moment of silence as Taelord digested what he had said. \u201cAnd these things,\u201d he finally said, \u201cwhat will they lead to?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWar,\u201d G\u2019shar said with a frown. \u201cI don\u2019t know where or when, but war seems certain, especially with your arrival from the Volcarren.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taelord glanced at his mother, and saw that she was watching him, her expression sad, as if she was sorry he had to hear to truth. He looked away. \u201cIs it safe here then?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n G\u2019shar nodded slowly. \u201cFor now,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is safer than anywhere else, at least. Leaving wouldn\u2019t give any escape from the taxes the Empire imposes on us, not unless we joined the rebels, and I\u2019m not prepared to do that. And for now, Helsng offers safety from the brewing war. So we stay. But there may come a time when we must leave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ve heard that rebels are massing at Fedir,\u201d Rehs said, an excitement in his voice. \u201cThere are rumors that they\u2019ve arrived in Vysor too, right here in Kinsland.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n G\u2019shar nodded solemnly. \u201cYou may be right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey\u2019ll come here,\u201d Rehs said confidently. \u201cWe\u2019ll throw out the Empire soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe?\u201d Syafa cut in. \u201cI thought we agreed, Rehs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMaybe you did. I will<\/em> join them, Mother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A silence fell over the table as everyone paused eating. Rehs glanced at his mother, and then at Aiiva, who had her spoon suspended halfway to her mouth, and was watching him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is what I\u2019ve been waiting for,\u201d Rehs said. \u201cThe chance to strike back against the Empire! The chance to hurt them like they\u2019ve hurt us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRehs,\u201d G\u2019shar said calmly, \u201cwe talked about this. I wouldn\u2019t see you hurt. I know the ways war can change a man, and wouldn\u2019t wish those changes on anyone. If it seems like war will come to Helsng, then we will leave. All of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis rebellion is important,\u201d Rehs said, frowning at his father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOf course it is,\u201d G\u2019shar said. \u201cBut I doubt that it needs the life of a thirteen-year-old.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was silence. Rehs turned back to his stew, scowling. G\u2019shar frowned. Syafa was silent, and Aiiva watched Rehs, as if afraid he might get up and walk out the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere might be no war,\u201d G\u2019shar said quietly. \u201cNot with Utgar here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Veth asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s a Valkyrie,\u201d G\u2019shar said simply. \u201cEveryone, Empire, rebels \u2013 they\u2019ll do whatever he says. If he wants war, there will be war. But the rumor is that he wants peace. And if that\u2019s the case, no one \u2013 rebel or Empire \u2013 will be able to keep him from it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s why we met you outside the city, Rehs said, anger still in his voice. \u201cThe Empire wants to seem unbeatable, but then Utgar escaped. That was supposed to be impossible, and he did it.\u201d He glanced at his father. \u201cIt\u2019s like\u2026 Rebels have been massing in the South for a long time, and now Utgar\u2019s here with a Wellspring\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taelord glanced at Rehs. \u201cYou hope he\u2019ll join the rebellion,\u201d he guessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t he?\u201d Rehs said. \u201cHe\u2019s already fought the Empire in the Volcarren. He was imprisoned by them. They\u2019re petrified of him, afraid of what he might do. Of course he\u2019ll join the rebellion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe will too,\u201d Veth said, surprising Taelord. He leaned forward, a disturbing gleam in his eyes. \u201cThe Empire put us in that prison. It\u2019s time we repaid the favor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUtgar wants peace,\u201d Taelord said. Rehs and Veth glanced at him. \u201cHe does. We aren\u2019t here to start a war.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMaybe you aren\u2019t,\u201d Scar-shoulder said. \u201cThe Empire\u2019s had this coming for a long time. I intend to have my revenge, and I won\u2019t be the only one. The other Volcarrens will want blood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019ll defy Utgar?\u201d Taelord said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUtgar might not be able to stop a war from happening,\u201d Scar-shoulder said. He didn\u2019t meet Taelord\u2019s gaze. \u201cWhen it does, I\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI will too,\u201d Rehs said eagerly. \u201cIt\u2019s time\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c\u2014To sleep,\u201d G\u2019shar finished. \u201cIt\u2019s late, Rehs, and I\u2019m sure our guests are tired.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aiiva stood, gathered her platter, and put the empty bowls on it. Syafa stood as well. \u201cWe have room for you in here,\u201d she said, gesturing to one of the three rooms behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taelord and the others stood, and Syafa ushered them into the dark room. It seemed to be a storeroom \u2013 there was a small pile of crates in one corner, and some sacks in the other. Beyond that however, the room was bare. Taelord suddenly felt guilty about eating as much as he had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Against the wall were several flattened rectangles of hay, bound together with cord. Blankets had been laid on them, forming makeshift beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt isn\u2019t much,\u201d Syafa said, \u201cbut I hope you\u2019ll be comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Taelord said, turning to her. \u201cThis is far more than we had expected. And\u2026 I\u2019m sorry if our presence has caused Rehs to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about that,\u201d Syafa said. \u201cHe\u2019s always wanted to do something more than farming. This is just his latest interest.\u201d She turned, closing the door behind her, but Taelord saw her face as she left. There was worry on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They lay down, Taelord choosing a bed next to his mother. She smoothed the blankets and put a cushion she had taken from Srung under her head, and was asleep almost instantly. Taelord however lay awake, staring at the dark ceiling, the things he had heard repeating in his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They had just escaped the Volcarren. The last thing he wanted was more conflict. Utgar had the Wellspring. Surely the Volcarrens wouldn\u2019t go against his wishes? Yes\u2026 Yes, there was no point worrying. Utgar was a Valkyrie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taelord rolled over, but sleep didn\u2019t come. He stared into the darkness for a long time, Scar-shoulder\u2019s words echoing in his mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI intend to have my revenge, and I won\u2019t be the only one. The other Volcarrens will want blood.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Not long after, they stood before Rehs\u2019 home. It was squat and small, but it looked to be better constructed than some others that Taelord had passed. The foundation was stone, with a roof made out of solid wooden beams, with hide stretched across them. Mud and straw filled in the gaps. The door was … Continue reading Chapter Six<\/span>