Sekali, "The Sister City"
Chapter 1
Within a land veiled from the blessed light of the sun thrive a race of elves known as the Sardakk; a people cast out by those of the Living World many ages ago. To this very day, the Sardakk have dwelt and prospered in the Wastelands they call home. In legends, passed down from one generation to another, it is said the inhabitants of the Living World banished the Sardakk to be tortured and punished by the Wastelands for crimes committed against their king. The particulars have been all but forgotten or obscured with the passing of time, tales varying by those who recite them. The Sardakk do not dwell on this history, nor debate it, for twenty ages have passed since their separation from the Living World of man.
The Wastelands are a place of hardship, for almost nothing grows within its boundaries. The warm rays of the sun itself are blocked by great vapors of ash and dust which veil the entire land in a shadowy twilight. All one can distinguish between night and day is the graying of the skies in the morning, illuminating the twisted and charred earth beneath the heavens, and the pitch black of night, wherein nightmares are real.
And so begins this tale . . .
Sekali and six others stood motionless upon one of many pinnacles of blackened stone protruding from the earth near Sardakahn Citadel, scanning the landscape for any signs of movement. Each grimly focused their attention out into the ominous sea of creeping shadow that drifted across the twisted, wounded, earth below, wary and suspicious -- ready for battle.
Of the seven, six were clad in master crafted platemail, stained black to match the region itself, weapons drawn as if expecting sudden attack. At the top of the pinnacle stood Mahkaia, a powerful witch who had served her people for more than twelve centuries. Her dark eyes glittered with a faint illumination as she probed the landscape before her, a staff of ash-black wood in one hand.
The ancient pinnacle of stone upon which the seven stood was fashioned ornately with a spiral stairway that snaked upwards about the large formation of rock. Seven flat surfaces with waist-high borders of rock, were sculpted within the stone at various levels as a defense for each member of The Watch. Mahkaia, who was their leader, stood upon the top-most platform, in plain view of those below her. Leading into the pinnacle from every platform were a series of large tunnels which branched off in six directions, each tunnel leading to every other platform when a member of the team needed aid. The tunnels provided security, as well as a place to store food, water, tools and medical supplies.
The authorities of Sardakahn were in the deciding stages of constructing a tunnel between the pinnacle to a point just within the citadel walls. Such a modification would allow for an escape back into the citadel if needed, but it would also open up more areas from which an enemy could attack. The pinnacle he stood upon was one of many surrounding his city. Such a plan was unwise in his mind, for there were many creatures which burrowed beneath the surface of the Wastelands.
Sekali felt honored to perform The Watch, to protect those of his kin within the stronghold of stone his forefathers had forged from the Wastelands long ago. There were other pinnacles about the citadel, manned in like manner, always with one caster among six other warriors. A caster proved invaluable in battle against both the creatures of the Wastelands and the relentless hand of nature itself, which more often challenged them.
There were three circles of The Watch surrounding Sardakahn Citadel: The inner, or third circle, closest to the stronghold, the second circle, and then the outer first. The first circle was manned only by those judged worthy to stand against the most terrible foes. One who consistently demonstrated stability and strength upon the third circle, would eventually be granted promotion to the second. After a time, if the second circle of The Watch was kept successfully, one would be gifted with the honor of the first. Those who manned the outermost circle were unified, and the strongest of all who aspired to the station of The Watch.
Sekali slowly ran a thumb across the edge of his blade, peering out into the mists of fine ash which constantly filtered down through the almost stagnant air as he kept an eye upon Mahkaia, the head of The Watch. Slowly, he raised a hand to check the cloth that covered all but his eyes, making sure it was secure.
He and the others were positioned so that any time Mahkaia would move, even in the slightest, they would notice. Like living statues, the seven bent their iron wills upon the shadowy environment before them, silent as the pinnacle beneath them.
In this land, nature was as much a danger as the horrors which threatened the security of the people. Fire could suddenly fall from the heavens above, the earth could abruptly gape wide, swallowing those not quick enough to move out of the area, as well as many other dangerous phenomenons.
As he peered into the mists before him, Sekali thoughts turned to Mahkaia, whom he had taken to spending time with. They had become more than the friends they once were, and their time together had been the instrument of forging a strong relationship, which he valued above all the combined treasures of the world.
He had not set his mind upon her for more than a moment, when a red glow filled the ashen sky above, giving the imminent sign of impending danger. Abruptly, the distinct sound of firefall was heard hissing from above as streaks of red began to trail downward, plummeting like small burning comets to the earth. Ignoring the deadly rain of fire, he stood and turned toward Sardakahn Citadel, raising the tip of his blade high as he focused his attention upon the pinnacle of the Second Watch. Through the mists, he could see seven others signaling likewise in the direction of the Third Watch, which was veiled from his vision. Elemental magicians within Sardakahn Citadel would soon cast powerful wards to shield all within the city, giving them enough time to retreat to prepared places of safety.
As he heard the soft chant of Mahkaia’s voice, Sekali knew they would be shielded from the uncanny storm soon to strike the area with searing effects.
Blazing ash falling from the skies was not the only danger firefall created, for with nearly every occurrence, unsheltered creatures would be forced to scramble for cover, or perish. As alarming as this was, creatures fleeing for cover were not the highest of his concerns. The native predators of the Wastelands, ones which were not affected by firefall, the most deadly of all predators, would suddenly be on the move -- they would instinctively hunt.
During such a storm, Sekali could not recall many times in which they would not encounter the more powerful predators. Instinctively, he scanned the area about him, his heart increasing in pace as he felt the effects of adrenaline begin to course through him.
Firefall was not a common occurrence, yet not uncommon enough. If he was caught out in such a storm unprepared, death could easily take him.
As he suspected, this time was no exception, for as streams of burning ash hissed down from the heavens, striking the conjured spell-shield above, Mahkaia pointed outward in silence, signaling a danger. Shifting his gaze in the direction she pointed, Sekali saw a long snakelike form moving toward them at a great pace, half obscured within the mists. As it neared, he began to see it more clearly, noticing its intentions were only to secure shelter from the storm. It was an ashen serpent, one of the more common predators, but deadly nonetheless. The bite of this reptile fiend would kill a grown man within a few minutes if not quickly treated by a skilled healer.
Quickly, they sheathed their blades and readied their bows, each knocking an arrow, waiting until the creature was close enough to gain the best shot. As it neared the base of the pinnacle, they loosed their arrows, all of which penetrated deep into the reptile’s scaly hide, striking true. As the arrows struck their target, Mahkaia threw out a hand, fingers spread wide, even as the ashen serpent recoiled back in shock, screaming in pain and sudden rage.
“Shrakka!,” she cried, her voice filled with sudden wrath. Lightning instantly leapt from her palm, arcing a jagged pattern through the trails of firefall, ripping into the ashen serpent’s scaly hide. Violently, their enemy was repulsed from the base of the pinnacle, an instant crack of deafening thunder following the brilliant flash of lightning.
Sekali staggered, bracing himself as the air about him shook with the energy of her spell. With the abrupt clap of thunder, he witnessed an instant shock wave tear away from the base of the pinnacle in all directions, violently flinging the large serpent into a cluster of jagged stones not far out from the pinnacle’s base, a number of its bones snapping from the impact. Spastically, the ashen serpent began thrashing about in the throes of death as firefall cascaded down upon it, ending the conflict quickly.
Knocking another arrow, Sekali scanned for more danger as Mahkaia staggered slightly. The nearest warrior leapt up to her side, offering his arm for support, which she took. As the seven focused on the area about them, Sekali could hear the serpent exhale its last quivering breath, and saw Mahkaia peering out into the storm, her dark eyes glinting with a power all witches of Sardakahn harbor within. But even as powerful as she was, the exertion of the spell, combined with the intense heat of the storm, taxed her energy more quickly than usual.
After a moment of tense waiting, Mahkaia removed her hand, throwing a quick nod to her warrior. As he hastily returned to his station, she began moving her fingers in intricate patterns, whispering strange words. Sekali listened to the unnatural sound of her voice as she cast the spell. It was unnerving that the tone of her voice, which was usually calm, almost enchanting, could sound so strange --- so unlike her own. Within moments, a welcomed coolness settled down upon them, bringing relief from the overbearing heat of the storm.
The serpent was dead, and this time no others approached the pinnacle. Off to the right, a tremor shook the ground heavily, signifying another watch was yet being put to the test. As Sekali continued observing the area, he kept his attention upon Mahkaia, in case she gave the command to aid the other watch. At times the dangers encountered were terrible, compelling one watch to call upon another for assistance. After a few moments, Mahkaia shook her head once, a silent indication that they would hold position. It seemed the others had the situation under control.
Waiting for the fiery storm to pass, they continued scanning the area in silence as molten ash impacted the spell-shield, creating an impressive display above them. After a time, the storm diminish and then ceased altogether, leaving the Wasteland gleaming with the embers of its passing.
After the remainder of their watch passed by uneventfully, they surrendered the pinnacle to the next team of seven in silence. Before leaving the area, Sekali and his fellow warriors bound the charred remains of the serpent in strong cords, crafted from the woven intestines of previously-fallen creatures. Once secured, they dragged it into the citadel, leaving the carcass in the hands of others who would take it to be skinned and prepared. Nothing edible was ever wasted, for in this land food was scarce. By the slaying of the ashen serpent, many mouths would be fed that day.
As Sekali turned away from the carcass, he saluted his fellow warriors respectfully, then unclasped the buckle which secured his plated helm. Quickly he pulled it from his head and wiped sweat from his brow as he looked about the area, wondering where Mahkaia had gone. As he set his mind upon her, Mahkaia’s hand slipped into his and squeezed. Smiling in pleasure, he turned, returning her affection with a firm grip. She drew close to him and looked up, charming him with a grin, her eyes glittering like two dark jewels.
“We did well on this watch, Sekali.” He nodded, his heart lightened by her presence. He loved the shape of her almond eyes, darker than night, of her voice, so smooth and ever calm. He always felt at a loss when he would part from her. Truly, he found himself falling deeply in love with her.
“Shall we have dinner tonight? I wish to speak to you about something. I want your opinion,” he inquired, looking down at her, admiring her flawless beauty. She nodded enthusiastically and brushed some ash from his shoulder.
“Where should we go? We have not The Watch duty for seven days. Also, if you like, we could go out and do a search for our benefit.” Sekali nodded, knowing full well she meant go out and hunt the wastes on their own. They would have to request leave from the Master, the Tribal Mystic, and gain his approval in order to leave the protection of the stronghold. Most requests of this nature were denied.
Hand in hand, they followed the main road, taking familiar turns here and there until, finally, they turned up a small path, just wide enough for the two of them to walk side by side. At the end of this path they stopped before Sekali’s personal dwelling, which, like every other structure, was carved from the very stone of the Wastelands.
Entering into a small well-kept tunnel, they came into a large and comfortable chamber, strewn with the cured skins of reptilian beasts which neatly covered the stone floor.
As they entered, Mahkaia took notice of the black reptilian head of a basilisk hanging on the wall of the cave. The basilisk was feared and avoided, if at all possible, for its breath had the effects of turning flesh to stone, just as a gorgon’s gaze. Singlehandedly, Sekali had taken this one down the week before with a single strike. It was a flawless kill by which he won the right to its skin and head. He was proud of it, and enjoyed the effect it had on his private dwelling.
Mahkaia let go Sekali’s hand, taking interest in the collection of trophies he had won during the many years of service upon The Watch. Impressed, Mahkaia smiled, turning to him.
“You have acquired an impressive collection. Congratulations on your winnings.” Sekali narrowed his eyes at her, attempting to shake off the natural charm which threatened him every time he looked at her.
“Mahkaia, you are kind, but your collection is ten times my own. Thank you for the compliment.” She smiled shortly and nodded, teasing him with a playful wink, then turned her attention back to the collection, seeming very interested in something. As she scanned across a mix of hides, horns and teeth, she made casual conversation.
“What do you wish to speak to me about? Ask and I shall divulge my knowledge upon the subject," she jested, picking up a fang, taken from a creature known as the Dahkur, a dweller of the Underworld.
Sekali approached Mahkaia, placed a hand upon her shoulder and gently turned her to face him. As she turned, he quickly wove the fourth braid in a series of small braids to the left side of his temple. After completing it, he wrapped its end back through his hair securing it.
Braids are part of the Sardakk Elf culture, and are used for silent communication in hopes of avoiding the attention of predators. Over the ages, communication was perfected by the skilled use of hand-signals and braids. One braid meant a male wished to become a personal friend with a female. If she braided the same into her own hair, she was in agreement. If the male braided a second, it meant he wished to get to know her more personally. If she also braided the second, he knew she approved. The third braid was the request that she be more than a close friend; that he was beginning to take a more pertinent interest in her. The third braid was the last Mahkaia had set in her hair. The fourth indicated the desire to officially court her. If she did the same, their relationship would evolve into a full courtship.
To his joy, she also wove the fourth braid in the same manner, seeming very pleased.
They spent the evening at his place enjoying the company of one another. That night was the first time in the ten years he dared kiss her, which he did more than once. She had accepted him, which caused the deep feelings of happiness and belonging begin to form within his heart.