The One Who Unites

*Authors Note:*

*This release has been some time coming and is a bit longer than what would normally be published. We are getting near to the finale of this first arc, and will be seeing Simons group begin to form as the adventure continues. I hope you all enjoy this latest entry and thank you for reading.*

**Chapter 5**

"Do not be alarmed," Aylin whispered to Simon as they walked down the forest path. "But it appears that someone is following us."

"So you've noticed it as well," He said, making sure to give no physical movement that gave away his suspicion. Aylin did the same. "They've been tracking us since we left camp this morning. I wonder what they could want."

There was the possibility that the rogue mage pursuing them could have sent another summon, or worse, been personally following them. Yet, there was a gut instinct Simon had honed throughout the years; the feeling of impending battle that weighed in his stomach and clung to the air when it was near. A feeling that was now suspiciously absent.

"You look unfazed," Aylin said. "Though I can sense their presence, they seem to be hiding from view in some way. You are the experienced fighter here. Is there any plan you have against such a thing?

"I have an idea or two," He said. A faint grin formed as his plan to catch their pursuer unaware manifested. "Just follow my lead."

Aylin gave a subtle nod of affirmation and Simon raised his voice loud enough for their pursuer to hear. "Hold on, we should stop here."

"What is it?" Aylin asked.

"Nature is calling," He said. "Best we take a break for a moment."

"I have not heard anything," Aylin replied in earnest. Idioms were not her strongest subject. "What is it telling you?"

"That's a secret between me and a nearby tree," Simon traversed a thicket off the road to escape from view. "Stay on the lookout. I'll be back in a moment."

He moved behind the cover of a tree and, with a quick flick of his hand, produced a spell.

*-Doppleganger: The user creates a visual illusion of themself that can walk, talk, and act as they would naturally. The spells duration is contingent on the amount of mana expended by the user from up to a few minutes to days at a time.*

A second Simon appeared and returned to Aylins side after a suitable enough time. "Glad that is taken care of," It said. "Lets keep moving."

Aylin looked complely fooled by the illusion which was a good sign to its believability. "Right, lead the way. Now tell me more about these messages from nature..."

He waited a few moments as they continued ahead before moving closer to the road as he waited behind cover.

It wasn't long before he heard the low scraping of footsteps coming up the road. Their pursuer still seemed to walk carefully, but made less of an effort to conceal their presence than if they knew they were being watched.

As expected, there was no person that he could see with his eyes, likely someone using an invisibility effect. By following the slight indentations in the earth as they stepped, Simon estimated the pursuers position as they walked past his hiding spot. He moved behind them with his sword pointed. "That's enough time hiding, don't you think?"

A woman manifested in front of him as if out of thin air. The silver hair and darkly tanned skin dotted in scales gave her identity away. She turned, a confident smile on her face.

"I should have known you would catch on," The kivari spoke with a tone of admiration. By her demeanor she did not seem upset at being caught.

"Invisibility is a nice advantage," He lowered his sword. "But it is only one factor in stealth. You need some work in concealing your presence."

"Do you plan to give me a lecture?" She arched an brow.

"I'd rather learn why you were following me first."

"For protection, of course," She said. "Its a lot safer to be near a mage who will attract and deal with most threats that come near."

"And why stay hidden?" He pressed. "Don't tell me its cause you were shy."

"Its more risk management," Her gold eyes studied him. "You never know who will plant a dagger in your back and someone with your powers could be especially dangerous. I wanted to keep a safe distance until I got out of this hellhole. Looks like that plan failed like all my others."

"You are not the kind of person that should fear me," He said. "But you may be more in danger close by than away. There are people hunting me and my friend which makes having someone following behind me an issue. You are lucky I did not mistake you for an enemy."

"Perhaps we can find a compromise," The Kivari said before being interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Hold still," Aylin approached with her bow drawn. "Who are you?"

It seemed Simons illusion spell had faded and Aylin ran back for him.

"Speaking of mistaking people for an enemy," He sighed. "Aylin, I can explain."

"We were having a lesson over idioms before you suddenly vanished into thin air," She said. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Sorry, I had to trick you for my plan to work," He said. "This is the prisoner I told you about."

After returning to camp that night Simon had debriefed Aylin on everything, including the escaped prisoner. Her eyes jumped between him and the woman.

"From the bandit attack?" Aylin recalled. "Why would she be following us?"

"We were just getting to that point before you interrupted," The Kivari said.

"Aren't you friendly?" Aylin forced a smile. "I don't particularly trust you near Simon. You reek of dishonesty."

"Says the Elf who likely washes once a month."

"Simon, Permission to fire?" Aylin readied her bow again.

"Not granted," Simon massaged his temple. These two were already getting off to a bad start.

"This is your woman?" The Kivari asked, amusement in her voice. "She seems quite protective."

"I have no *woman,*" Simon said. "And you two should both remain civil." His words seemed to be drowned out as the exchange between the two escalated.

"I can be more than protective," Aylin warned.

"Is that a promise?" The Kivari dared

"Try and test me."

"How can I say no to a challenge like that?" The Kivari woman smirked before suddenly fading from view. Aylin hesitated to fire without a clear target. She had hardly more than a second before her opponent reappeared behind her.

The woman stretched her limbs around Aylins arms and legs, locking the elf from movement while latching to her back. This was the other one of the Kivaris rumored abilities, being able to bend and extend their limbs freely; sometimes to constrict foes.

"Careful making threats you cannot keep." She whispered into Aylins ear. The Kivaris sharpened teeth could have gone for the neck if she wished. "I like your leader, but you I do not know."

Aylin could not move, but managed a gust of wind magic that brought an arrow from her quiver and hovered it towards her opponents head.

"You will keep your distance from him," She said through gritted teeth. "And I do not make promises unless I am certain. You'd do well to remember that."

Their eyes met as they dared the other to make the first move. In seconds, the situation had rapidly fell from control as the two were set to simultaneously kill each other at first sight. Simon felt annoyance building at the exchange. He would have none of this continue.

*-Flash jump: The user breaks down their body into energy, reanimating at a set point within their visual range. Its application is akin to teleportation but without the ability to go through solid surfaces.

Simon closed the gap and pulled Aylin and Kara from each other, seperating the two as he stood between them. A nondamaging jolt of energy surged through his hands that inhibited their movement.

"As interesting as it would be to see you two fight it out, i'd rather not have my efforts to keep you both alive end so pointlessly," He kept his voice friendly, but his message was clear. "There are real enemies out here that may just do that job anyway. So,

how about we all put our weapons down and take a second chance at introductions?"

There was silence before they stubbornly gave in.

"If that is your order," The Kivari said.

"As you wish," Aylin begrudgingly agreed.

The two at the least followed his directive, much as they seemed to distrust each other.

The group settled in a clearing off the main road. He offered the Kivari some water and food that she eagerly ate. By her apparent hunger, it seemed that her situation was far more desperate than she originally let on.

"We found you at the right time it seems," He spoke first, trying to start conversation that would break the awkward tension from earlier. "Any longer in spotting you and hunger may have been your undoing."

"One of the few times getting caught has been an advantage for me," She said between bites. "Best not to make it a habit. Seems I may have to ask for those stealth lessons after all."

"That can be arranged, judging I trust you enough," Simon may have sensed no danger from the woman, that did not mean he was without suspicion. There were many types that traversed these roads. "Lets start with the basics. What is your name?"

"Kara," She said. "I am from the Idros Isles. Up until last night I was travelling in a merchant caravan to keep myself alive."

"The Idros Isles?" Aylin became curious. She had taken an interest in learning about the other countries and cultures of the world, often asking Simon questions both obvious and obscure.

"You've never heard of them?" Kara scoffed.

"Aylin has lost much of her memory," Simon explained the situation to her.

"I see," Kara said, her voice lost some edge in a minor show of sympathy. "It is a a set of islands south of here. We are known for being a hub of tradespeople, though that is not my preferred profession. I wanted no part in this journey from the start."

"You were not here by choice?" Simon asked.

"No," She said plainly. "I advised my group to take this trip by boat, but there is a blockade to Haldstrom by sea. My Senar made the decision and was quite adamant about pushing through on land. What a fool he was."

*'Senar.'* Simon felt he recognized the word. "By Senar, do you mean your husband?"

"You are knowledgeable on Kivari culture," She smiled. "That is correct. We travelled and worked together for a time, him and I."

He remembered seeing another Kivari slain at the camp, likely her spouse. The rest of the group seemed to be humans.

There was another detail about Kivari marriage he remembered hearing. What was it? Simon felt it was important but could not recall it to his mind.

"To lose someone so important to you," Aylin said. "It must be difficult to have the will to go on after such a thing."

"We were not especially close, but my heart mourns him in its own way," Kara shrugged. "Marriage and love are different in my culture. He died because of his own choices and weakness. Now he is only one of my past Senars."

"You have had multiple?" Aylin deadpanned.

"With practice comes experience. I hope to not lose the next one." She laughed, Aylin did not seem to share in the amusement and remained stone-faced.

"I find it better to avoid discussing dead husbands more than necessary," Simon found it a suitable time to shift the topic. "There are many questions I have about this bracelet. Its a strange item to be travelling with."

He pulled out the artifact from inside his cloak and held it up. The object was heavy in his hands, and he had discovered etchings in it in from an unknown language.

"That bracelet was the main purpose we were traveling to Haldstrom," Kara gave a weary look as she recounted. "My Senar said that we would become rich after selling it there, but refused to tell me what its purpose was. I didn't fully believe him in truth, he was always one to exaggerate."

"Hauling artifacts is illegal in many territories," Simon made a point to bring up. "Movement of magic items are heavily regulated for safety."

"Rules don't matter when you don't have coin for food or home," She said. "It was our only important item. The rest of the trading equipment was fluff to conceal it from patrols. There was a man who was going to pay a high price for this in Haldstrom, all under the table of course."

"You were in a smuggler group?" The realization made sense to Simon. From his investigation of their camp, her party hardly seemed to carry any of the major exports that merchants normally stocked themselves with.

"Were?" She carried an easy tone. "I didn't know I had given up my life of crime."

"Then consider it on hiatus for now," Simon said. "Judging by your position, you're out of options for safe passage through this place. Am I correct?"

Kara winced. It was the first time her confident demeanor slipped. "Yes, that is right."

"Let's make a deal then. In exchange for this bracelet, i'll keep you under my protection until the next safehaven we reach."

Aylin rose up in protest. "Are you certain that's wise? How can we trust her?"

"Though her past casts some doubt, i'm not one to turn away someone in need."

The idea was not ideal to him either, but after everything Kara had been through he could not just leave her to die in this forest. She only looked a year or two younger than Simon, and her petty crimes didn't warrant a death penalty. Giving her a chance at life while keeping this potentially dangeous artifact out of the wrong hands made for a good trade in his eyes.

And though she put up a tough front, he could see a vulnerability hidden underneath Kara's facade. No one simply walks away from their friends being killed without feeling something, Simon new that better than anyone. Perhaps that was a hidden spot his sympathy for her lied.

"Considering I am dead on my own, that is an agreeable tradeoff," Kara extended a hand.

"It is settled," Simon met her touch gently, sealing their offer. "Then you have my sword, so long as there is no more fighting between you and my partner here."

"Partner?" Aylin perked up at that, seemingly forgetting about her previous frustration with Kara.

"I like that plan," Kara seemed to light up a bit. It seemed that the offer had eased some of her worries. "I'm sure we'll all get along great."

Simon hoped that were the case, but judging by the glances exchanged between Aylin and Kara as they began travelling again, he doubted things would be so simple.

**Chapter 6**

Eliander stretched his arm out from the window of his private chambers. His eyes tracked the sky following a flying a black blur that soared towards him. The raven widened its wings to slow its advance and landed its clutched claws on his finger.

"You have done well," He mused. Looking into its eyes, he recounted the results of its patrol.

The summoned birds sights and memories were linked to his own. Its reconnaissance abilities were used not only to track the Enchanters advance, but the happenings of his tribe.

Its eyes had been set on the Queen's palace located at the center of the Orisan village where a team of messengers had been dispatched, one of them headed directly towards Elianders home.

He looked out on the village below. The Elves here had learned to used magic to bend the wood of Sage Trees into their buildings. The art had been improved to the point it became increasingly impressive the architecture they could create in short periods. Their ability to create thriving communities within a few days of work allowed them to be nomadic while maintaining complex city designs. It was said that their village in the forest was as big as any of the human made towns of Haldstrom Kingdom.

Still, the Elves paled in comparison to humans with their numbers and military strength. That would eventually change under Eliander's control. With his powers he could lead them to the heights of their old kingdoms.

"In due time," He spoke to the bird. "For now, I must play politics and fit into the roles I am given."

With a gust of wind the presence of the royal page appeared behind him. The raven fluttered from his hand at their arrival. "Lord Eliander, I have message from the queen."

"What is it?" He faked concern in his voice. "It must be serious if she is to send summons directly to me."

"Another Demon attack," They said.

"We have already lost a few soldiers. The Queen knows there is no one that can handle this as effectively as you."

By their demeanor, the messenger seemed to agree with this sentiment. The Orisan tribes deference to Eliander had evolved to full trust, just as he wanted. Little did they suspect that these attacks were perpetrated by him. The forbidden magic he wielded allowed the summoning of more than just birds, but powerful monsters of the underworld.

The Elves have been battered by attacks from these demons. Their forces were little match for their strength and exposed a weakness in their strength. The only one who seemed capable to do anything to help was himself. Eliander was now hailed as a hero of his people due to his many daring rescues from these monsters.

"I suppose there is no time to waste," He gave a confident smile before brandishing his blade and leaping from window of his home. The wind carried him as he soared just above the trees.

It did not take him long to find the Demon. It had advanced from the secluded forest spot it had been summoned from and was now advancing through the defensive magic barrier the Elves kept around their home.

*Icari:* that was what the Demon was named as in the summoning book. A being of rot, it had innumerable, tentacle arms that expanded out from a spherical mass at its center that acted as a heart. The core of the monster was where its energy came from, attack that and you kill the Demon. The tentacles were used defensively to slash and grab anything that came within close range of its weak point.

A company of elves had formed a defensive line and were doing their best to keep the Demons advance slowed. Archers fired magic imbued arrows while Casters protected them with shield spells that created a barrier from attacks; but cracks had already begun to form in the shield and their morale was faltering. Once again, their only strategies relied on Eliander. Without him, they would be clueless on dealing with the Demonic threat.

He grinned. This was happening exactly as planned. If he was the only one who could protect them, then they had no choice but to follow him.

Obedience was not enough, however. He needed to be revered as well, and that was only gained through acts of heroism.

Eliander dropped himself down right between the Elven army and Demon. The Earth had crumbled beneath his feet as his two handed sword became alit with flame.

"Looks like I came just in time," Eliander scoffed. "I'll take this from here."

The Elves watched in quiet awe. They knew that the battle was won.

The Demon hesitated for a moment in front of him, resistant to attacking its master.

*Pretend to fight.* Eliander sent the order from his mind to the Demons.

There was never any verbal confirmation, but he was just able to feel that it understood. advancing forward, it lashed at him from all directions.

Eliander dodged easily. Perhaps too easily. *Make it closer.* He ordered. *Give them a show.*

The massive, snake like arms plunged into the earth inches from his own body. Eliander picked himself up with a gust of wind and ran along the arms towards the core. He jumped between the tentacles with more than a few dashes and flips to show his style.

At the finale of his performance he launched himself at the Demons heart with an arcing overhand swing. There, his plan reached its first and only setback.

These Summons were not always inclined to follow orders. It was said that the stronger he made these Demons, the more prone to rejecting commands they were. He had played with this by slowly increasing the level of summon to test the limits of his power. This had been the highest rank demon he summoned to date.