Commerce Emperor

Chapter Forty-Six: Archfrost Epilogue: Frost & Farewells

It was a cold day in the northern lands when Colmar passed on.

I knew it would happen today because he asked me to write down his journals final entry on his behalf. Coincidentally, we were on the first day of the Earthmoon and the beginning of autumn. The season of summer and war had come to an end; now was the time for harvest and burials.

We had allocated a small cabin for Colmar and a wheelchair for him to sit in. Beni and I tended to him while the rest of our group guided the airship through cold winds and icy clouds. Unfortunately, the prototype airship was not a semi-autonomous vehicle like the Vernisla was, as I didnt have time to enhance it with my power before we departed. It required a crew to work.

Colmar looked through the porthole during the entire trip. The frozen air of the winter lands covered it with a layer of ice, but my friend didnt seem to mind. He spent his last few hours detailing his willbequeathing most of his belongings to the Snowdrift hospicesand various observations about the interactions between his soul, the body it occupied, and Belgoroths leftover essence.

I admired Colmars work ethic. Few apothecaries would be so dedicated as to spend their last moments analyzing what killed them.

hence why I believe that while a soul autonomously produces essence, it is also malleable enough to be reshaped by outside influence, Colmar recounted. Beni stood at his side, his hands pushing against the Alchemists glove. This does call into question the very concept of identity. Is it my soul that fades away, or merely the essence imprint believing itself to be a birdkin long gone?

Since my mark wont let me transfer you to another receptacle, I would assume that you have a soul, I commented as I wrote down his observations in the journal. What do you say, Benicio? Does he have a soul?

Little Beni looked up long enough from his work to nod at me. He would know. He had spent hours stabilizing Colmars essence in an attempt to prolong his unlife.

You are outvoted, Colmar, I quipped.

I have forgotten the value of peer review, Colmar replied with slight amusement. Be kind to include young Benicios contribution in the thanks and closing words. And yours too.

It is quite the long list youve recounted. Colmar wished me to include hundreds of names, from his dead mentor Johannes and former apprentice Liliane, to all the Heroes he had encountered and numerous others. Youve met so many people.

I have. Colmar marked a short pause, as if to ponder something. Young Benicio, would you kindly leave us for a moment? What I must say next is for Robins ears alone.

Beni did not argue. He bowed at Colmar and then politely closed the door behind him as he left the cabin.

The child is bright, just like his mother, Colmar commented.

He is, I confirmed. Do you know that he designed the wheelchair youre sitting on?

Is that so? Colmar asked. He reminds me of of

My friend struggled to finish his sentence, but I could guess who he was thinking of. He reminds you of Liliane, doesnt he?

Yes, Colmar confirmed, his voice slightly weaker than before. I feel my mind slipping away, Robin. It becomes harder and harder to recall names.

Im sorry, I replied. It was such a terrible thing to decline mentally and be aware of it; and doubly so for a bright mind like Colmar. I had to lighten his burden somehow. Do you want me to lend you some of my skills? I did purchase a few that could help you.

Colmar denied my proposal. You are very kind, my friend, but we cannot run the risk of you losing them if I expire suddenly. Worry not. I shall see this through.

I hoped so. According to our maps and Eris information, we should reach the City of Wrath soon enough. I prayed that Colmar could cling to unlife until then.

Robin, Colmar said, his voice sharper than ever. Once I pass away, I would like you to publish my journal.

I squinted at him. All of it?

Yes. Tell my story as it is. Spare nothing. Colmar marked a short pause, though I couldnt tell if it was to ponder his next words or because the effort cost him a great deal of willpower. It is not up to us to decide what people should or shouldnt know. Let them decide for themselves.

Many will try to censor it, I warned him. The mere fact that an undead beastman wrote the text would lead to a scandal. The Arcane Abbey wont let the truth of the Demon Ancestors spread, and I suspect many would rather ignore how the beastmen came to be. Not to mention those flowers that started the Purple Plague.

Let the book-burners try to light their bonfires. I guarantee you that one copy will always survive to reach future generations. Knowledge can be buried, but never destroyed. Colmar let out a sound akin to a wheezing rattle. I do not expect everyone to believe my tale, Robin, or draw the right conclusions from it. For every ten people who understand that the Nightseeds are an evil that must be stamped out, one fool will mistake them for his ticket to immortality.

But you dont believe in hoarding knowledge.

No, I do not. Colmar raised his index finger at the porthole. I took the fact he still had enough strength to do so as a good sign. Look at this marvel, Robin. You and Marika assembled it by using tools and techniques developed by centuries of engineers. Would this airship have seen the light of day, had the men who invented ships kept the schematics for themselves?

Probably not. I closed the journal. Im not afraid of change though.

Neither am I. I guess that is why we got along so well together. I could have sworn I saw a spark in Colmars empty glass eyes as they stared through the porthole. I cannot tell what impact my knowledge will have on future generations, nor how they will see my work, but I hope it will inspire them to make the right choices.

I believe it will. I stared at the journal in which Colmar poured his entire life and beyond. I held the weight of his soul within my hands. I will do as you ask, Colmar. I will see to it that your story is spread far and wide.

Thank you, Colmar replied. Then someone knocked on the door, harder than Beni. Yes?

Soraseo entered the cabin. She was dressed for battle, but did not carry her helmet. The slight shame in her eyes amused me. Despite being a master of movements, I could read her like an open book.

Were you listening, Soraseo? I asked her.

Yes. Soraseo blushed slightly. I have apolog She quickly caught herself. I noticed she stumbled on her words more often when emotional. I apologize, Colmar. I did not mean to.

It is fine, I trust you, Colmar replied warmly. I take it that we will land soon?

The City of Wrath is within sight. Soraseo moved to grab the wheelchairs handles. Are you ready?

Colmar waited a moment before answering. Are you?

I could see the answer written all over Soraseos face. Two seasons ago, she had been ready to drop everything in order to get a single step closer to the Deadgate. Now that her objective was within sight, she found her heart beset with doubts.

Forgive me, Colmar, Soraseo said with some hesitation. But can I ask you a hard a difficult question?

There are no difficult questions, only difficult answers, Colmar replied calmly.

Soraseo stared at him in confusion, which neatly proved his point. He means yes, I translated. You can ask him.

Soraseo nodded slightly and gathered her breath.

Do you fear death? she asked with a low, faint voice.

No, Colmar replied without any hesitation. I did once, but I have come to understand that those who fear death are burdened with regrets. They are ghosts haunted by what they have done, or worse, what they could not.

Colmars fingers lightly tapped on his wheelchairs armrests. I do not think that my serum is what kept me existing as an undead. It was the spark that began my transformation, yes, but not the fuel that sustained it. My regrets over failing to save Heros Rest from the Purple Plague are what kept my spirit from passing on. I could not rest until I eradicated that pestilence.

But some of the gardens might still be out there, I noted. You said to me once that you suspect the Knots were refining the original formula. The fight goes on.

It does, Colmar conceded. But I trust you and the others to complete my task in my stead. You have fought a Demon Ancestor and won. You can do anything.

I chuckled at his confidence. We have six more to go and the last one nearly slaughtered us all with ease. I wouldnt bet on our odds of defeating them all within our lifetime.

How good that you never play a game without fixing it first then, my friend.

You know me well, I replied. Well do our best.

You have my word we shall defeat the Ancestors. Soraseo respectfully bowed at Colmar. You may face the Soulforge without regrets.

Colmar let out a wheezing sound. It is not death that you should fear, Soraseo, but an unfulfilling life. If you reach the end of a road without looking back, then you will not waiver at the finish line.

Soraseo listened to his wisdom with her full attention. Colmar never learned of her true identity since he had been absent from our journey to Walbourg, but our friendship and adventures must have given him some insight into her past. His words were not lost on her.

Thank you, Soraseo said respectfully. My mind is cleared of clouds.

She was ready to confront the Deadgate too.

A few minutes later, we gathered on the airships deck after it landed. The air was so cold outside that Marika, Beni, and I had to bury ourselves under a mountain of fur coats and caps to protect ourselves from frostbite; and even then I suspected we would suffer some anyway. Soraseo alone appeared to be unbothered by the chilling wind, while Alaire and Silverine seemed used to it. Both had scouted ahead to find the spot where Eris promised to await us.

We had landed on a snowy plain overlooked by the most dreadful place I had ever seen.

Whereas the horizon was a white expanse of ice going on forever and crossed by a frozen river, the City of Wrath was a hideous, blasted mess of black and red stone. Its crooked towers could be seen from leagues away. From the height of its monstrous curtain walls and the ground its ancient buildings covered, I assumed it used to be a sprawling metropolis before the Sunderwar. All of Snowdrift could fit within one of its districts.

However, I found nothing inspiring about the place. Its calcined stones all bore the mark of flames and half the towers had crumbled under the weight of centuries past. A dense cloud of crimson essence so thick as to obscure entire buildings covered it like a vile blanket. Most ominously, the ice that ruled over these lands stopped neatly at the citys outer walls, and its sprawling streets appeared untouched by the frost.

This place is so evil that even the snow wont touch it, Marika muttered as we climbed down from the deck and onto the ice below. Soraseo lifted Colmars wheelchair barehanded and jumped after us in a single leap. Ive never seen a Blight so intense.

The wind carries the smell of blood too, I noted. I would have thought that Belgoroths demise would have exorcized this place.

Marika shook her head. The evil that men do often outlives them.

The Lord of Wrath was gone, but it wasnt his power that sustained this cursed place. The anguish of his victims and of massacres past had stained the land to such a degree that the Blight endured centuries after their demise.

How long would it take for this ancient wound to heal? Centuries? Or would it remain until Pangeal rid itself of war and wrath? In any case, I doubt we had enough pure runestones in the world to purify it.

I banished these thoughts from my mind for now. We werent here to destroy this place, nor did we intend to linger around it for long.

Eris awaited us near a rudimentary camp of one mammoth fur tent and a campfire. Like us, she had traded her usual clothes for a thick mantle of white fur and a pair of gloves; one that fit her well, if I did say so myself.

Two other creatures were present too: a beastman and his stonetusk mount. The latter was by far the most intimidating of the two. The mammoth-like creature was large enough to carry a house on its black, and its white wool meshed very well with the snow. A single, cyclopean yellow eye stared at us above a set of sweeping tusks of curved ivory. Stonetusks earned their name for their fearsome ability to petrify their enemies with a gaze, but I sensed no hostility coming from this one.

Whereas Beni observed the creature with childish amazement, I was more interested in its beastman companion. The hulking creature stood tall and upright like a man, yet matched a polar bear in size and wore lamellar leather armor. A coat of dense white fur covered black skin marked with runes and frostbite. His fearsome, simian face showcased a mouth full of sharp fangs and intimidating pale red eyes. A silver mark shone on his forehead, representing a wolf with stag horns and bearing the Erebian numeral for nine.

The Hunter.

Youre early, Eris teased us. Miro hasnt cooked his breakfast yet.

I couldnt wait to see you again, I replied charmingly before kissing her on the cheek. My lips were so cold I thought they would stay frozen on her skin.

Good answer, Eris replied with a laugh before managing introductions. Everyone, this is Miro, our Hunter and tour guide. Miro, these are the tourists I told you about.

The names Mirokald, the Hunter said in a booming male voice akin to cracking ice, and in near-perfect Archfrostian too. He waved his enormous paw at us in a clumsy imitation of the human hand gesture. Happy to make your acquaintance.

Could you be a yeti? Colmar asked with sudden interest. I heard tales that your kind had gone extinct over the last decade.

Far from it, but unlike the tuskmen we prefer the mountains and glaciers over the flat lands to the south. Mirokald pointed at the pot stewing on the campfire. Want some?

Im disappointed, I said before examining the cooking pot. I recognized the food as fish stew. My mother said that yetis ate children for breakfast, but this doesnt smell like human flesh.

How would you know what a cooked human baby smells like? Mirokald replied with a laugh. As I suspected, he had a sense of humor. Your mother was mistaken. The only humans fat enough to warrant the effort live in your cities to the south, and its a pain to carry them back home.

Little Beni approached the stonetusk, which looked at him with its single eye. The child recoiled a little, but dared to touch the creatures wool.

Beni his mother scolded her.

Let him play, Old-Ma only eats tundra grass and moss, Mirokald said, before studying Beni more closely. The child doesnt have a mark.

Benicio is my son, Marika replied with a polite nod. I am Marika Lunastello, the Artisan.

Im Robin, the Merchant, I said before continuing with the introductions. The warrior in red is Soraseo, our Monk, and the man in the wheelchair is Colmar, our Alchemist.

I am Alaire, the Cavalier, Alaire introduced herself, her arms crossed. Where did you learn the Archfrostian tongue? I didnt expect to hear it so far north.

I learned your language decades ago. One of your lords kidnapped me when I was a runt and tried to civilize me. His tutors lashed me whenever I got a word wrong. Mirokald shrugged his shoulders. I guess the lessons stuck.

Alaire and I both winced at his tale. Your former captors name wouldnt happen to be Sigismund, would it? I asked him, recalling a tale from our march on the capital.

Could be. Whoever that lord was, I hope hes dead. Mirokald glanced at Colmar. Deader than you at least.

I do not have much time left, Colmar conceded. He pointed at the City of Wrath with his remaining fingers. Do you know the way to the Deadgate? I would rather avoid perishing on the threshold of this terrible place.

Let me grab a bite and Ill lead you to the doorway, Mirokald replied. The Lord of Wrath and his dragons departure caused a decrease in the local monster population, so we shouldnt encounter too much resistance. Still, the wise warrior does not march on an empty stomach.

I shall protect you on this journey, Soraseo promised. Nothing in this city can prove worse than the Lord of Wrath.

For sure, but its no easy walk either. Mirokald seized a boiled fish from his stew and swallowed it whole. This places power waxes and wanes with the tides of war and peace. So long as hatred endures somewhere, it will keep giving birth to undead and monsters.

It will fade away one day, I insisted, both for his sake and my own. Though we may not be here to see it.

It will grow quiet for a few decades, until Zharkov gathers a new horde, Mirokald replied with pessimism. Then a new war will break out and its power will return.

You know Zharkov? I asked with a frown. It didnt surprise me. The beastman warlord was probably quite famous on this side of the border.

We spent time in captivity together. Methinks he remembers the lashes and punishment more than the grammar and math. Mirokald let out a sigh heavy with pale mist. Zharkov and I escaped together, but we havent seen eye to eye since. Hell never stop trying to make humans pay for what they did to us.

Zharkov is probably dead, Alaire noted. Belgoroth annihilated the army that he gathered.

Mirokald snorted. The snow speaks to me, Cavalier. Zharkov and a few of his hardliners live to kill another day. Now that the border with Archfrost is wide-open, hell make a nuisance of himself. He wont have the numbers to inflict much damage, since his followers are probably greatly demoralized by Belgoroths rampage, but he always bounces back eventually. Hell fight to the death.

The possibility of raids starting again worried me. I doubted it would amount to much since Belgoroths rampage devastated the beastmen tribes and Archfrost was more united than ever, but peace was a fragile thing. I couldnt let a hardliner ruin a once-in-a-century opportunity for both sides of the border to reach a compromise.

Our Priest suggested using her power to make your lands more fertile, and the Knight rules Archfrost, I informed Mirokald. They will listen to beastman ambassadors. If you know any chieftains who would rather make peace than war, you should send them our way.

Mirokald didnt seem convinced. I try to stay optimistic, but there have been too many broken promises on both sides.

The people who made them are all dead, I insisted. So why not try with their replacements?

Mirokald shrugged his shoulders. I agree that todays Archfrostians arent responsible for their ancestors crimes against us, no more than I feel guilty that my great-great-great-grandpa fought for one demon lord or another. Unfortunately, you humans hold all the fertile lands and wealth, so you have no incentive to share anything with us. Everyone on each side of the border has lost someone too. They wont forgive easily.

Alaire squinted at him. If you dont believe in peace nor war, then what is left to put your faith in?

Mirokald smirked ear to ear. Commerce.

Whereas his answer left Alaire speechless, Eris and I couldnt help but laugh. I knew the two of you would get along fine, the Wanderer told me. Mirokald is quite forward-minded.

Interested, are you? Mirokald chuckled. See, we have tribes all around the Autumn Sea, which borders both the Riverland Federation and the Stonelands. So my plan was to find something that interests the humans from these regions, ship it to them for gold, and then use the money to purchase fertile lands to the south where we can settle; or failing that, resources we can use to become prosperous.

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Is that why you spent your time alone so far north, Miro? Eris asked with a wide grin. You were looking to strike gold?

I was looking for anything useful. An undiscovered strength that could give us the edge. I think I found it. Mirokald lightly knocked on the icy ground. These lands depths and mountains are rich in gold, iron, gemstones all those pretty babbles that humans cant get enough of. The regions are too inhospitable for any southern kingdom to muster the effort to claim them, so we could exploit them ourselves easily enough.

Marika whistled at his plan. So you intend to use your power to find deposits, then exploit them? Thats smart.

If you cant beat them, buy them, I added.

And I figured that if you buy people often enough, then youll end up owning them, Mirokald said while scratching the back of his head. At least that was my intent, but Ive encountered a hurdle. My people are more used to hunting mammoths than mining and smelting ore. Finding humans willing to teach and beastmen willing to learn will take a while.

Eris winked at me. How fortuitous that we have a Merchant of skills among us.

And he would gladly exchange them for preferential prices on your products, I added with a smile. Since this will be a brand new enterprise, I am even willing to defer payments until you strike it big.

Mirokald stroked his fur thoughtfully. You know, Merchant, theres no guarantee that our descendants wont use their newfound wealth to attack Archfrost in the future. Wait long enough and a bloody fool is sure to stumble his way to leadership. Keeping us beastmen poor would be safer for the southern nations.

Mayhaps, or perhaps you will build a prosperous civilization that would rather trade with Archfrost than conquer it, ensuring long-lasting peace. I was willing to take the risk. Moreover, I dont work for Archfrost. I work for the world.

Ah! Thats an interesting mindset. Mirokald studied me for a moment. But if you work for everyone, can you work for anyone?

No, I replied firmly. If I find out that you intend to use my skills and goods to fund the likes of Zharkov, you can count me out.

Good, I wouldnt trust anybody saying otherwise. Mirokald let out a belch and then rose to his feet. Anyway, Im good to go. We can discuss the price of shiny baubles after visiting the Deadgate.

Alaire scowled at the City of Wrath, a hand on her swords hilt. Do you know your way through, Hunter?

I scoured the place a few times, yes. It contains ancient treasures and magical items modern witchcrafters can only dream of. Few live long enough to take them out of the city, however. Mirokald stretched his arms and legs like a warrior preparing for war. My power lets me find anything, including safe paths. Listen to what I say and well do fine.

I cant take Beni into this hellhole, nor leave the airship unattended, Marika said with a hint of worry. I will stay behind to look after both.

I will leave Silverine in your care then, Alaire said. Her pegasus let out a grunt of protest in response. Im sorry, but Colmars situation will force us to travel on foot.

I had assumed as much. I turned to Beni, who had but buried himself in the stonetusks wool. Take good care of your mother in our absence, would you?

Beni answered with a short, dutiful nod. Mirokald chuckled and muttered something in a language I did not understand. His stonetusks trunk immediately coiled around Beni, picked him up, and then gently dropped him on its back. The childs eyes widened with wonder as his titan of a mount rose to its feet and prepared to give him a ride.

Old-Ma wants to go on a walk, Mirokald said with a hearty laugh. The child can come with her if he wants.

That is very kind of her, Marika said, though she couldnt help but look at her son in concern. Be careful up there, Beni! Dont fall!

Yes, Mother, he replied softly.

These two words, these two simple words, were uttered in such a faint voice that I almost believed that I had imagined them. When Marikas head snapped in her sons direction in shock and disbelief, I knew that my ears hadnt deceived me.

Did he Colmar wheezed, the implications not lost on him. Speak?

Yes, he did.

Beni himself didnt seem to realize what he had just done. He simply smiled atop his new stonetusk mount without a care in the world. He was like a baby taking its first step without understanding its significance.

Marika did, however. Tears fell down her cheeks, so warm that not even the cold winds of the northern lands couldnt turn them to ice. She looked up at her son with the kind of bliss that inspired artists and melted hearts of stone.

I put a hand on her shoulder. You werent dreaming, Marika, I congratulated her. It happened.

Im so glad, Robin Marika covered her crying eyes. Im sorry The tears wont stop coming.

As they should.

It had taken a long time, but her sons scars were finally starting to heal.

The chasm went on forever.

In stark contrast with the chilling winds beyond its borders, the City of Wraths air was unbearably warm. The acrid smell of smoke and sulfur filled my nostrils whenever I inhaled. My lungs went dry with each exhalation.

This place reeked of Belgoroth.

The Lord of Wrath was gone, but his crimes remained manifest. Each stone of this cursed city bore the marks of the Berserk Flame and was soaked with blood. We had even stepped past a crimson river flowing through ancient canals. I dared not imagine how many had to die to fill it.

We had spent the last two hours following Mirokalds directions through the city. The Blight proved even more ominous from the inside than the outside. Broken husks of destroyed archways and shattered towers loomed over blackened streets mired with ancient bones. Defaced statues lined up along pathways leading into smokeless fire pits that burned without fuel. Ghostly lights flashed behind cracked windows. Mysterious holes large enough to put a hand through marked many walls, but I could only see darkness when I dared to peek into one.

Mirokalds itinerary made little sense to me at first. Many times we ran circles around a building or took detours we could have done without. It was only when I saw a street transform into a dead end that I gathered that the City reshaped itself to hamper our progress. Its malice altered the very fabric of reality.

While the Hunters power let him find what he was looking for by subtly guiding his steps, he didnt understand the purpose of its instructions. Mirokald was akin to a tracker following a route on an incomplete map: his ability told him which turns to take, but it didnt inform him of what awaited him if he went off the beaten path.

It didnt completely protect him from danger either. Twice we had encountered monsters in the citys spiraling streets; first we faced a set of haunted armors of charred knights and then a crow-headed abomination with mauling blades for arms. Soraseo dealt with both threats easily enough at least. None of this places horrors compared to the Lord of Wrath in threat and power.

I kept my rapier in hand at each step of our journey nonetheless. It was hardly necessary, since Soraseo easily cut down the few horrors we encountered in the citys bowels, but I couldnt bring myself to relax. I sensed eyes spying on me at all times and from every direction.

The City itself was alive. Alive and hateful.

And the silence The ominous, unbearable silence sent chills down my spine. No place should be this quiet. I didnt hear a single animal sound or a hint of movement outside our footsteps. This city was a grave so malicious that no life could take root in it.

This is what Snowdrift would have become if the Knots had won. I glanced at the immense pit in front of us: a dark abyss large enough to swallow the Black Keep in the middle of the City of Wrath, so deep that I couldnt see the bottom. A living nightmare.

This is where the dragon Xernobog fell when the Glorious Generation killed him, and where it rose up again when the Lord of Wrath awakened, Mirokald explained. He pointed a claw at a spiraling staircase leading down into the pit. The Deadgate waits at the bottom.

We should have taken Marika with us, Eris complained softly. It would have made the trip easier.

I concurred. Eris and I spent most of our journey exorcizing our allies clothes and weapons of foul essence. So great was the City of Wraths evil that a few minutes of exposure would turn our belongings into cursed items or monsters.

Legends about the Deadgate abounded, but few testimonies remained of it. I understood why now. The City of Wrath killed most of those who tried to uncover its secrets. We would have already gone mad or perished from the foul air without our marks.

Nothing short of a Hero or a witchcrafter expedition could hope to visit this place and live to tell the tale.

Yet Mirokald apparently journeyed here before on his own several times. I glanced at his armor and noticed that no curse had taken hold of it. He must have been an expert witchcrafter to shake off the Citys essence without assistance.

Did you visit the Deadgate on your own before? I asked him. Alone?

I did, yes. The yeti smirked at me. Im good.

He was monitoring the place on Lady Alexios behalf for months, Eris explained. Miro doesnt look like it, but hes just as tough as Corty.

You wound me, the Hunter complained. Im the toughest there is.

Mirokald led us down the stairway. We lacked the space to stand side-by-side, so he went first. Alaire followed after while carrying Colmar on her back, leaving the wheelchair behind. Eris and I went after her, and Soraseo closed the march.

I sweated under my clothes with each step down. The heat was unbearable. A cloud of crimson essence hardly let me see a few feet ahead. I had to hold Eris and Alaire by their sleeves so as not to get lost in the ominous mist.

How much time did we spend walking down this narrow path into the earths bowels? I couldnt say yet, though Colmar apparently counted our steps.

We are past a mile, he said quietly. Deeper than any mine on western Pangeal.

It goes deeper still, Soraseo replied.

We are getting close to the bottom, Eris informed us. Do you feel the essence?

I did. The vile cloud of bloodlust covering the City of Wrath was growing thinner the further we descended. By contrast, I sensed a new flow replacing it, pure and immaculate; like water pushing oil to the surface. The air was slowly cooling down too.

At a certain point, the red mist refused to descend any further. Its crimson clouds came to a screeching halt. A strange power repelled it, like a bubble of pure air at the bottom of the ocean.

We entered it and the red veil cleared.

The chasms bottom appeared before us in all of its immaculate glory. The stairs reached a smooth floor of paved bricks untouched by the flames and cursed blood from above. A vertical rift of bright yellow light faced the end of the stairs. It was taller than any tower and wide enough to let a human through.

The flow of essence coming out of the rift was so intense that I had to cancel my magical sight. Staring at the gate with it was akin to gazing at the sun unprotected. It would burn my eyes at best or drive me mad at worst.

This is it, I whispered in awe. The Deadgate.

A doorway into the Soulforge. A window into the afterlife.

We walked down the stairs and reached the bottom. The air here was eerily pure and devoid of malice. I suspected that this place might act as a Sanctuary; a holy chamber in the heart of an evil realm. I found it quite inspiring. No matter how much blood Belgoroth had shed, he couldnt extinguish this one pocket of peace.

A heavy silence fell upon our group. We stared at the Deadgates light in near-religious awe and fascination, none of us daring to take the first step toward it. Mirokald alone appeared unaffected by this places majesty.

Only one person can look into it at a time, he warned us. And stepping through the threshold is a one-way trip.

Soraseos hand tightened on her swords hilt. She had wished to reach this place the most among us and thus struggled not to take a look first. However, she was kind enough to glance at Colmar first.

I would rather observe and go last, Colmar said. Do not worry. I can endure until then.

I see. Soraseo nodded slightly. I have gratitude.

Will you take a turn, Eris? I asked my lover. Lover. The word sounded strange, even in my head.

Eris sadly shook her head. There is no one waiting for me.

What about us? I replied to cheer her up.

Eris smiled slightly. Do not die for me, Robin. It will make my life dull.

Duly noted. Then, I suppose Soraseo can go first, Alaire next, and Colmar will conclude after me. I turned to Soraseo. Are you ready?

Soraseo hesitated briefly, then gave me a polite nod and stepped forward. She approached the Deadgate as close as humanly possible without crossing its threshold. She gazed into the light and waited.

A woman appeared on the other side of the rift.

Her features were slightly blurred, like the edges of a painting that struggled to withstand the test of time. She was stunningly beautiful nonetheless, with lustrous raven hair, perfect white skin, haunting eyes, and refined features. Her black traditional dress bore pictures of flowers and lotus embroiled in its silk. The resemblance with Soraseo was unmistakable.

This was her mother. A woman slain by her own daughter in circumstances that still escaped me.

Soraseo immediately collapsed.

She kneeled at the figure in repentance, her forehead hitting the brick floor and her hands on the ground. I couldnt see her face, but I heard the sound of tears hitting the floor. She whispered words full of pain and sorrow in a language I didnt fully recognize. It seemed like a Shinkoku dialect, but one I didnt know.

The ghost of Soraseos mother answered in the same tongue. Her expression showed no hint of hatred nor condemnation for her daughter; in fact, she radiated warmth and concern. I didnt need to understand her words to gather her meaning.

Whatever happened between mother and daughter, it wasnt enough to destroy the formers love for the latter.

I put a hand under my clothes and activated my surprise. It had been a pain to keep it free from essence corruption, but I hoped the result would prove worth the struggle. Everything depended on Soraseos reaction.

To my relief, my friend found the courage to face her mother with tearful eyes. The ghost lowered her back just enough to meet her daughters gaze and smiled kindly. Whatever she said, it caused Soraseo to wipe away her tears, rise to her feet, and then offer a deep and final bow. Her mothers specter returned the gesture, then faded away.

Why isnt her father showing up? I wondered out loud. I knew Soraseo felt guilty about his death too.

Only one ghost shows up for each person, Mirokald explained. You cant tell which one, or why. Maybe its the deads choice. None of those I questioned answered me how it looks on the other side.

A shame that Soraseo could only make peace with one parent then, but at least she returned to us less burdened than before.

She forgave you, didnt she? I guessed.

My heart is heavy, yet light, Soraseo replied, her voice trembling. Her faint smile had a bittersweet edge to it. Has this ever happened to you, Robin?

Yes, I think so. More times than I could count. Im glad you could find peace.

And I am thankful for your friendship. You helped me when my mind was most troubled. Soraseo raised her hands and looked at them with solemn eyes. I do not see as much blood as before.

A burden had been lifted off her shoulders.

Alaire went next, albeit a little more anxious than Soraseo. She handed Colmar to me and then stepped closer to the Deadgate. Her reflection immediately appeared on the other side of the threshold; or at least, I mistook the woman for Alaires mirror. The resemblance between mother and daughter was striking. Only the eye color and clothes differed: blue facing gray, armor standing in front of a dress.

Alaire gathered her breath and struggled to find her words. Her mother spoke first, but to our shared surprise, no sound came out of her mouth.

I cannot hear her, Alaire said, slightly disappointed.

Ah, I feared it might happen, Mirokald complained. Some ghosts cant speak. I dont know why.

Do you want me to read her lips? I suggested. Or sell you that skill?

No need. Alaire shook her head and smiled at her mother. She understands me. That is all that matters.

I didnt push the subject further. Alaire joined her hands in prayer and muttered words under her breath. I was too far away to hear them, but it caused her dead mother to adopt her daughters posture. The ghost vanished soon after and Alaire returned to us.

Are you well? I asked her.

Im fine, Alaire replied calmly. I just wished for Mother to listen to what I had to say. It is done.

I see. I didnt ask for more details. Whatever Alaire said was between her and her mother. I had no right to learn more.

I prepared to hand Colmar over to Eris when I heard his voice coming out of the suit. Let us go together, Robin.

Mirokald tried to dissuade him. No ghost will appear for two living visitors.

I am no longer alive, Colmar replied. If my hypothesis is correct, my presence wont change anything.

Well we have nothing to lose, I decided. We might as well try.

I approached the Deadgate while carrying Colmar on my back. The closer I moved to the rift, the fresher the air. I couldnt quite put it into words. The essence that radiated from it sapped my strength and soothed my mind, but not in a way that invited suspicion. The light instead filled my heart with a deep sensation of peace.

A woman appeared on the other side of the threshold in a robe of immaculate sunshine. I could hardly see her features beyond the blurry veil that separated us. Her warm blue eyes felt familiar to me, however, as did her fair hair and gentle face.

Mother? I asked, my voice dying in my throat. Was that how my mother looked? It had been so long that I had almost forgotten. Is that you?

The woman smiled at me. She did not speak, however. She didnt even stretch her lips to mimic words as Alaires mother did. She simply stared at me in utter silence.

It is as I feared, Colmar whispered in my ear.

What? I asked in confusion. Whats happening?

Souls that go to the Soulforge are stripped of their memories and are then reincarnated, Colmar explained. I had wondered how their ghosts could appear on the Deadgates threshold if they are immediately sent into a new vessel. I think I know why now.

I scowled upon putting two and two together. These are not souls, but their leftover essence.

Im afraid so, Colmar confirmed. This is not your mother, not completely. It is an imprint of her mind and memories at the moment of her death. A fleeting frame in time.

Soraseos mother could speak back, I reminded Colmar. Why cant Alaires or mine?

Because Soraseos parent died around a year ago, Colmar replied. More recent echoes have enough consistency to remember their lives and even speak, but old ones like your parents or Alaires mother are no more than silent images.

I stared at the image in front of me with a heavy heart. My mother had perished earlier than Alaires, so what remained of her essence could not answer my questions nor understand them.

When the dead passed on, only their feelings remained.

I am sorry, Robin, Colmar apologized.

Dont be. She doesnt need to say anything. I nodded at my mothers reflection. Her smile speaks louder than any words.

I could feel her warmth from here.

Of all of my lifes regrets, not saving her had been the one that weighed most on my mind. If I had noticed her cough earlier If I had spoken up to my father If I had found a doctor that could treat her How many times had I asked myself those questions? My sense of reason knew I couldnt have changed anything, but my heart never accepted it.

Now that Id faced her though Now that I sensed her warmth from beyond the veil of death, I knew that she didnt blame me. My parents only ever wished me well.

I would continue to do good in this world. I would make my mother proud, so when I meet her and Father in another life, I could say that I did my best.

Your turn, I told Colmar.

He chickened out at the last second. It has been so long, Robin I doubt I will see anyone.

You cannot know until you try. I shifted Colmar from my back to my arms. Youve traveled so far for her. You should at least see her face.

My mothers image disappeared when I moved Colmar closer to the rift. No forlorn soul emerged from the Deadgates light. For a brief instant, I worried that the imprints of Colmars acquaintances had long faded away.

And then she appeared.

A small girl, gaunt and scrawny, with shaggy hair and a gentle face. She faced Colmar like my mother did with me, without word nor judgment.

I heard a noise coming from inside my friends suit.

A sob.

I could have saved more Colmar whispered, his voice heavy in bitter sorrow. So many more

No, no, I said in an attempt to reassure him. Colmar, dont say that.

You cannot fathom it, Robin the number of lives that slipped through my talons Colmar had no eyes to shed tears with, but his soul cried out nonetheless. The most terrible thing about being an apothecary is realizing how little we can do to help.

He felt so heavy in my arms. His suit was an empty pile of leather and steel, yet filled with a century of regrets.

You have saved thousands, I reassured Colmar. Millions. You have saved generations from the plague and the Lord of Wrath. Countless Lilianes will grow old because of your valor.

I couldnt tell whether Colmar heard me. His mark faded in and out of existence alongside the last vestiges of his unlife. The ghost of Liliane extended a hand at him from beyond the Deadgate, inviting him to rest.

Colmar spoke for the last time. I am glad I could fly with you.

The mark on his hand flew away, upward and outside the chasm. His suit suddenly became lighter than a feather. A form appeared behind Lilianes specter, tall and dark. I heard gasps behind me. Soraseo, Eris, and Alaire all approached the Deadgate at once, forgetting Mirokalds advice.

Lilianes image did not disappear. In fact, another figure joined her. A tall birdkin with crow feathers and stunted arms. He took Lilianes hand into his talons and stared at us. His red eyes radiated wisdom, intelligence and gratitude.

Gratitude most of all.

Thats impossible, Mirokald said in disbelief. First time Ive seen two at once

Could it be Eris whispered. She struggled to believe her eyes. Is this

Its him, Soraseo confirmed, her voice solemn.

It was Colmar. How he looked when alive.

He and Liliane saluted us one last time, and then they were gone forever.

We left the City of Wrath by twilight.

By the time we exited it, Beni had completed four tours on Old-Mas back and two on Silverinesmostly because the jealous pegasus insisted, or so Marika told me. She was slightly unhappy to have missed Colmars last moments, but I didnt think he would have liked to rob her of a chance to reconnect with her son for anything in the world.

Beni hasnt spoken again since, she told me, But I know he will, soon. I can tell. I have waited over half a year to hear his voice. I can wait a bit longer.

He has a wonderful voice, I replied kindly. I regretted not catching that moment in a soundstone. He got it from his mother.

Marika scoffed and lightly punched me on the shoulder. Have you made peace with your past?

I think we all did. Except for Eris, at least. Still, we could all look to the future without old burdens. Now we must decide where to go next.

I am not certain myself, Soraseo said. She faced the northern wind and let it blow on her face. I must ponder that question.

How about the Shinkoku Empire? I suggested mirthfully. Now was the time to unveil my surprise.

Soraseo frowned at me. I cannot return home, Robin.

As a matter of fact, you can. Your late father decreed that you should return with your mother, or not at all. I brought out my secret weapon from under my coat: a soundstone. That promise is now fulfilled.

Soraseos eyes widened as her mothers voice came out of the stone. Her ghosts last words echoed across the snowy waste like a distant echo, clear and perfectly preserved. Eris covered her mouth and the rest of my friends were left speechless for a brief moment, much to my delight.

As for Soraseo, she did something I would never have expected.

She laughed.

I didnt recall ever hearing her do so. Not like this; not so loud that she had to hold her sides. It was such a refreshing and musical sound, like a symphony of water.

I do not believe that this is what my father meant, Soraseo said after calming down. It felt so strange to see someone as straight-laced as her react this way. I had truly put her in an excellent mood. That alone felt like a great victory.

Who cares what he meant? I replied with a wink. It is what he said that matters.

Being a nun, I cannot lie, Eris added. So believe me when I say that the letter of a decree will always trump its spirit.

I comprehend. Soraseo smiled ear to ear. It will take a very long journey to return home, my friends. Would you kindly escort me there?

If you dont mind stopping along the way, I replied. Half a dozen nations separated us from the Shinkoku Empire. Not to mention that we would have to find a place where to bury Colmars suit in a way that honored his memory. Who will join us on this marvelous adventure?

Do you even need to ask? Marika said with a laugh, while her son raised a thumb up at me from atop the stonetusk. Were in.

Eris settled on a part-time job. I will have to work on Lady Alexios behalf now and then, but I promise to spend all of my free time with you.

Alaire pondered my proposal for a moment, only to shake her head. I will stay in Archfrost, she decided. Some of my fathers cultist associates are still at large, as are Zharkov and other demons. Roland and Therese will need help in taking them out.

They will, I conceded. But what then? What happens once you have run out of foes to fight?

Then Silverine and I will go where the wind takes us. Alaire caressed her pegasus, who quickly neighed in approval. Fight those who would pray on the weak and cleanse the countryside of demons. Act like a knight.

You are a knight, Alaire, I replied. If not in name, then in all the ways that matter.

Alaire chuckled. Careful with the flattery, Robin. Eris might take offense.

I dont, Eris quipped. Practice makes perfect, and I love it when he flatters me.

I mean what I said, Alaire. I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed Alaires evolution. The angry, hot-tempered woman who nearly arrested me on our first meeting had blossomed into a confident and valorous warrior. It has been an honor fighting at your side.

It truly was, Marika confirmed. Its truly a shame that we must part ways.

I am certain that we will meet again, Alaire reassured her. I will give you something to remember me by until that day.

I raised an eyebrow when Alaire drew her sword. To my surprise, she proceeded to grab her lovely braid and swiftly cut it. Her untied hair fell on her shoulders.

Here, she said upon offering me her braid. This is for you, Robin.

Wait, I said, struggling to believe my eyes. You have finally decided to honor your promise?

Who would be foolish enough to break a Merchants contract? Alaire replied, her eyes alight with amusement. Take it as a token of my affection.

I have to say, you look good with short hair. Eris put a finger on her cheek and examined Alaire closely. A shame I am in an exclusive contract now. Truly a shame.

A shame, I confirmed. I wasnt against experimenting when in an open relationship, but the idea made me uncomfortable when I was truly committed to someone. I promise you to work twice as hard to fill the void Alaire left in your heart.

Alaire blushed in shock, much to both of our amusement. Please leave me out of this.

Eris, of course, denied her request. Oh, thats right, your heart already belongs to Therese.

The two of you deserve each other, Alaire said in annoyance. I forbid you to do anything salacious with my braid. I will know if you do.

Duly noted, I replied after taking the braid into my hands. I promise I shall treasure it.

Mirokald let out a grunt. Are you done? We need to bring your ship to a safe place before nightfall. Otherwise you will find it buried in snow by morning.

Our ship? Eris put a finger on her lips. Come to think of it, we havent given it a name yet.

We should decide on one before we go on a new adventure, I confirmed. How about

Marika immediately put her foot down. I forbid you from naming the ship, Robin. Your picks are always surprising and constantly terrible.

I was about to suggest Prince Beni, I quipped. Little Beni immediately clapped in response. See? He likes it.

Dont spoil my son, Robin. Marika put a hand on her waist and thoughtfully considered it. How about the Colmar? It is a good name.

I couldnt agree more.

The end of this volume.

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