The Spear of Avalus

[Esplandia]

Sybilla woke from her nap as the plane jerked up and down in a short bout of turbulence. The nap hadn't been restful, not crammed into a set with no leg room. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and tried to stretch, but only had enough room for one leg at a time.

'Do you need to get up?' The young man who was flying next to her asked. He was a handsome lad, with dark eyes and long hair that he had tied up in two pony tails draped across his shoulders.

'No, just stretching.' This was the longest flight she'd ever made. She'd flown many times before, usually very short flights and always in a private aircraft. She had to admit, economy class was the worst.

She rubbed at her legs to get the blood flowing. The cabin was still dark, most passengers sleeping. The young man was watching what appeared to be an old black and white pirate film. She wondered if he had slept at all. 'So you know what time it is?' She asked.

He paused his film and took off his headphones. 'Seven thirty-two,' he answered after looking at a timepiece he took from his pocket.

'Uh, two more hours,' she groaned.

He chuckled at her. 'You don't fly very often,' he said, his tone saying it wasn't a question.

'This is my first time out of Tajis,' she answered. 'You?'

'I've flown many times, though always with my father. First time by myself.'

She looked him over again. His clothing was well made, tailored most likely. His fingers were manicured, and the timepiece he had taken out of his pocket had been expensive looking. 'You look overdressed to be flying with us poor folk,' she said, though the poor part wasn't exactly true.

He blushed a little and glanced at his clothing ashamedly. 'It's the only outfit I have with me. You see I left Esplandia in a hurry, and now I am flying back on my own money, which is very little.'

She was amused at that. A rich kid who'd probably flown to Tajis on his father's dime to party and have fun, and then decided to return home before the fighting broke out. And dear ol' dad cut froze his account to teach him a lesson.

'What's your name?' She asked since they were having a conversation anyway.

'Uh, Typhus,' he answered.

'Typhus, that's a very un-Esplandian sounding name. Is that really what you're parents named you?'

'Well I am Esplandian,' he answered defensively, but Sybilla didn't buy the reaction. She guessed he had heard many comments on his name before and brushed them off. 'And what's your name,' he asked back.

'Isabella,' she answered, 'but most call me Sybilla.'

'That's a good nickname, better than mine.'

'What's your nickname?'

'No, I'd rather not say.'

'You can't just mention you have a bad nickname and then not say what it is. That's impolite.'

'Oh, alright,' he huffed. 'It's Typie, but only my sister calls me that. Well, to my face anyway. She just does it to annoy me. Probably because her name is Ravenbelle.'

'Ravenbelle?' Sybilla asked, making sure she heard right. Typhus nodded. 'It's unusual, sure, but pretty.'

'Well she hates it,' Typhus said. 'Least ways I assume she does because she gets mad whenever I call her that. She prefers to go by her middle name, Sariah, but I'll call her Ravenbelle as long as I live.'

Sybilla laughed. She found it amusing. She had no siblings, or for that matter any close friends. She had grown up pretty isolated. There had been a parade of playmates but none had lasted longer than three months before another took their place. Truthfully she was envious of this young man, despite having just met him.

There was a silence for a bit, which obviously made Typhus uncomfortable. She sat silently though. She would let him talk first, if he wanted to continue.

Finally he broke the silence and asked, 'So why are you visiting Esplandia? Besides to get away from the war?'

'I'm looking for a treasure,' she answered.

He looked at his screen and his paused movie with pirates. 'Oh your making fun at my exspense,' he said.

'No I swear,' she answered jovially. 'I'm actually here to find a treasure.' She leaned in close to him and he leaned in to. 'Have you ever heard of the Spear of Avalus?' she asked.

'Yes,' he answered unsure.

'Well I have reason to believe it's located somewhere in Esplandia.'

Typhus sat up straight, his face set in a look of thought. 'Any leads to its whereabouts?'

'You believe me?' she asked.

'Of course,' he answered. 'I have no reason not to, unless you're pulling my leg.'

'Well I have a couple leads worth looking into. Would you know how to get to Auguston Abbey? I'm afraid I don't know your country very well.'

'Then you should have flown to Eborum instead. Karthied isn't as close. Tell you what, I'll take you there myself, if I can help you find the Spear.'

'Oh, I guess that makes us partners,' she answered extending her hand. They shook on it.

 

[Esplandia]

Winter hits Karthied in early December, dropping heavy snow over the first couple weeks, but following Saint Avalus Day the weather warms up averaging temperatures well above freezing. However in the last few days of January the temperature drops drastically and a cold wind from the north begins to blow. This goes on well into February so it was that Sybilla stepped out of the terminal of Edwin Dracosta International Airport and into a wall of sheer cold.

Typhus had warned her she would need a better coat, but in Tajis she had never experienced winter like this. He was waiting for her outside, standing next to a black sedan. He had gone ahead to procure a vehicle why she had collected her bags. He was talking to an older man dressed in a government uniform. As she walked up the man shook Typhus' hand then turned and entered the airport, nodding at Sybilla as he passed.

Typhus opened the passenger door for her, then loaded her bags in the trunk. Afterwards he climbed in and they drove off towards Lake Erde. The highway from the airport to Karthied runs under the lake through the Royal Tunnel.

'I've got to ask, is this a government car?' Sybilla asked as they entered the tunnel.

'It belongs to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,' he answered. 'I know the Minister.' He looked at Sybilla and she shot him a quizzical look. 'My father, uh, is the Minister of Foreign Affairs.'

'Your father is Alphius Skywing?' She asked, rethinking some of what he had told her before. 'That explains why you were in Tajis.' She laughed. 'So you're name is Typie Skywing.'

'Hey, that's not fair,' he objected, but the lights from the tunnel lit up his smiling face.

'Well next time you should mention your powerful father when talking about yourself.'

'I only mention he's my father when I'm on official business. Anyway, your one to talk about hiding their identity.'

'Excuse me?'

'I know who you are actually, Miss Hakon.'

She was quiet for a minute, staring at him. He pointedly kept his eyes on the road. 'You've known the whole time, haven't you?' she asked.

'You're the Kadaeva of Tajis, and I'd recognize you anywhere.' He accelerated and passed another car. 'Don't be upset, I do work for my father's ministry, after all.'

'I'd rather that no one knows I'm here. I don't need it getting back to President Anaukshai that I'm not in Tajis, so if you wouldn't tell anyone...'

'As long as we avoid my father, than that shouldn't be an issue. Besides, he's likely busy with the war.'

Typhus passed another car and they came out of the tunnel into the city, exiting onto Waterfront Parkway South. Here there was a lot of new buildings going up. New zoning was turning the waterfront into an up and coming shopping district. Premium high rises for Esplandia's wealthy were being erected, with new amenities and restaurants. He made a right off of the Parkway and onto Liberation Street, heading east into the inner city.

Sybilla was amazed at the modernity. High rises, skyscrapers, and an elevated rail told of the cities drive to modernize. The outer city had wide streets, and room. It was unlike Serzulem, which was an old and crowded city. While inner Karthied was packed closer, it still had wider streets and newer buildings than her own home.

They drove under the Old East Gate and headed out past the cities suburbs. Beyond the suburbs they entered farmland and woodlands, driving east towards the Laetian Hills.

 

[Esplandia]

The sky behind them was lit up in a dazzling display of reds, oranges, and indigo as the sun set behind the Arzarks. Typhus drove the windy road leading up to Auguston Abbey. The Abbey had been built in a valley between wooded hills, a spur of the Acadra, a small range of proto-mountains separating the heartland from the coast. The old Abbey had originally been located in the actual town of Auguston, but after its destruction in the 1700s the Abbey had been rebuilt in a more remote location.

It was an extensive complex of stone and brick, surrounded by a six foot thick granite wall. The main chapel rose above the other buildings standing seven stories tall not including the monumental bell tower which overshadowed the chantry.

There was a parking lot for visitors across the road from the gate. Typhus parked in a close spot, and he and Sybilla walked from there to the gate.

The gate was closed but a bell hanging to the right of it soon summoned a friar, a fat balding man, who was annoyed at having to trudge out to the gate to answer.

'Visiting hours ended two hours ago,' he huffed. 'Come back tomorrow.'

'I'm from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on official business,' Typhus said, flashing a badge.

'There's no foreigners here, so begone.' The fat friar slammed the gate shut and loudly locked the gate.

Sybilla considered ringing the bell again, but decided that would be a futile and petty gesture. 'I guess we come back tomorrow,' she said, turning to head back to the car.

'Hold up,' Typhus said. 'There is one more option.' He whipped his phone out of his pocket and soon was having a heated conversation with someone about the treatment he had received. Soon he hung up. 'Shouldn't be too long,' he said smiling.

'Who was that?' She asked.

'I called my brother. He works in the Archbishop's office.'

Like Typhus had said it wasn't long before someone came down and opened the gate. This time it wasn't the fat friar but an older man dressed in the vestments of the Abbot. 'I'm so sorry you were left out here, mister Skywing, please come in.'

Typhus thanked the abbot and they followed him into the grounds. 'You would have received a warmer welcome had you come during hours,' the abbot stated. 'You should have called ahead to avoid this embarrassing situation.'

'I am sorry, father,' Typhus apologized. 'I wanted to keep my coming here as secret as possible.'

The abbot made a sideways glance at Typhus. 'So you called the archbishop's office?'

This brought a sheepish look to the young man's face. 'My brother will be discreet, and I assure you this will never come to His Grace's attention.'

They now walked around the main chapel, following a path lined with roses, and headed towards an outer building. 'I don't understand what kind of secret you wish to keep, but I must ask...why are you here?'

'This is better to discuss in private...'

'My office then,' said the abbot. He lead them on to the outer building. Inside was a dozen small offices, all were unoccupied, except one. A young friar was working away at his desk, furiously writing something down. He ignored them as they passed. The abbots office was at the far end of the building. It was surprisingly clean and organized, with no unnecessary clutter.

The abbot sat in his chair behind his desk and Typhus and Sybilla sat down across from him. The abbot raised an eyebrow at Typhus once they were all seated.

Typhus straightened up. 'Father, I'd like you to meet...'

'Isabella Hakon? I know.'

'Does everyone recognize me,' Sybilla said irritably.

'I should say not,' answered the abbot. 'We have met before.'

'When? Where?'

'I met you upon your christening. I think you were twelve...I was assistant to the High Almoner of Askyrre.'

'You're not Teidastic?'

'Heavens no,' the abbot laughed. 'Auguston Abbey is the last bastion of Avalustiancy in Esplandia. A blight on their otherwise perfect reformation.' Sybilla noticed the playful town in which he said the last part, directed at Typhus.

'I'm an animist,' Typhus shrugged.

'Of course you are,' the abbot said in a tone free on condescension. 'Now why are you here?' he asked.

'I'm looking for the Spear of Avalus,' Sybilla said. 'I came across mentions of this Abbey in some texts which mentioned the spear.'

'I can assure you it's not here,' the abbot remarked. 'It was here, or more accurately, it used to be in the old Abbey, but disappeared during the conquest. Likely destroyed or part of some wealthy Syrixian's collection.'

'Which is what I'd assumed,' she agreed. 'But it may have been seen one final time over a hundred and fifty years later, and the person who saw it kept a diary that I know is kept here.'

The abbot leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. He motioned for her to continue.

'After the death of Rollo Teid it's well known that an Avalustian stole from his home in Genova many of Teid's personal belongings, including a journal which he had kept of his travels across Eras. The last known location of the spear may very well be in that book.'

'The location of Saint Avalus' spear, mentioned in the journals of Rollo Teid?' The abbot laughed. 'That would be a great cosmic irony.'

 

[Esplandia]

Typhus and Sybilla spent the night in unoccupied cells within the Abbey and in the morning they were lead to the library. The Abbot granted them the use of a small study looking out on a well tended vegetable garden. Then the diary was brought to them.

It was a small book, small enough to store in a coat pocket, and it was bound leather, dyed red but now faded to a dark copperish shade. The abbot gave them rubber gloves and then excused himself.

Sybilla looked at the book, studying the outside. To her, this book represented a heresy which had deeply divided the faith she believed in. The division came down to only a simple difference in translation. Was man's nature divine, or not?

Typhus had said he was animist, which likely meant he believed all life was divine, but the Teidastic reformation had claimed that man was not born divine, but was base, and only gained divinity of spirit through adherence to the Tenets and the judgement of Aela.

Avalustians held that all were born divine, that man's nature was divine, and that giving into base desires lead man away from his divinity and that by following the tenets there was no risk of losing his divinity.

Here before her was a book written by the hand of the very man who challenged the faith she believed to be true, and had unleashed nearly a century of bloodshed. The contents of the book had been banned by the church in Serzulem as heresy, and the Abbey had refused to allow any to see it. Though there had been a few who had claimed to have read it and transcribed whole sections.

The abbot had told them he had read it. 'Out of curiosity,' he had said. 'The church would seem it a sin to risk my soul by giving in to curiosity, but I found the book to be the workings of a lost soul desperately searching for truth.'

'Nothing in it will shatter the Church's authority, but Teid's followers would find its contents a boon to their own faith,' he'd continued. Afterwards he had given them permission to read the book granted they kept its secrets. Typhus had assented with a shrug, and Sybilla did so, wondering about her own faith.

Now faced with opening the book and reading what was written within, she considered how deep her faith was, and whether or not she would succumb to Teid's heresy.

Typhus watched her, a curious look on his face. Finally, she opened the book to the first entry.

 

[Esplandia]

-March the Twenty-fourth, of the common year Seventeen and Fourty-one.

'I have commited a sin for which I know my soul is damned. I have murdered a brother and fellow believer, a man for whom I held great respect and affection. I did so in a moment of weakness brought about by jealous lust for a woman whom I held no claim to. Then worst of all I deserted my king and country, my sworn brother's in arms, and fled from the Holy City to escape punishment. But I cannot escape divine punishment, for Aela knows me and knows my sins and from him I cannot hide.'

Here in his own hands was the confession to the sin which Rollo Teid had told his followers had taught him of the true nature of man. Sybilla already knew of it, but it was strange to read it in his own words, not the words of his followers.

Much of the early entries talked about his sin and how wretched a man he thought himself to be. She noticed however he never thought to return and be punished, to give himself up for his crime. Instead he always talked about how he regretted he could never return to be among his own people.

He rarely talked about the places he visited, only lambasting the peoples there for their ignorance of Aela. She found it dull and condescending. Then she came to an entry marked for August ninth of 1744, and from there the tone changed.

'I have come to Floresque,' he wrote, 'and amongst the heathen I have found Avalus.' He then spoke of how after arriving at the city he was robbed, and left Florentless, taking even his diary. He was forced to beg for food and sustenance. After a time he took up an apprenticeship with a metallurgist who made trinkets and jewelry for the many traders and travelers passing through the city. He even took up crafting Hastfradic wards which garnered a modest interest from those looking for the exotic.

Then one day a woman came into the metallurgist's shop. She was obviously foreign, wearing a dress of finely crafted silk embroidered in gold and silver. He didn't know her accent, but she spoke to him fluently in Quaelech. She presented him with his missing diary, having bought it from a peddler. There were few in the city who spoke Quaelech and after seeing some of his work she figured it belonged to him.

He spoke to her for quite awhile. It was obvious to him she'd read the diary but she steered the conversation to other things. They spoke mostly of his faith and he found that he had not lost his, speaking of Aela and the tenets.

At last she told him of a place far to the west where many seeking enlightenment went and suggested he one day travel there. He wrote that it was not until that night, while sleeping, that he realized the women had been Saint Avalus. Afterwards he began to save the money he made in preparation to depart to the west.

The diary then became entries about his prayers and the answers he received. Sybilla finally became irritated at what she considered to be false assumptions.

She and Typhus had been taking turns reading through the book, but now she needed a break. While Typhus continued to read she got up and went for a walk. She walked about the Abbey grounds, looking at the flowers and sculptures scattered about. Monks tended to the grounds and most ignored her, thinking her just another visitor. After walking about for a bit she returned to the library.

Upon entering the study Typhus looked up, a big smile on his face. 'I've found the spear,' he said.

 

[Esplandia]

They took a break for lunch, eating with the Abbot in his study. They were provided with ham and cheeses sandwiches. The bread was made from rye, while the cheese was a goat cheese, seasoned with a blend of strong herbs. It was probably the nastiest cheese she'd ever eaten but the abbot provided a wine that did wonders in washing it down.

Typhus was discussing his findings. 'Rollo mentions having travelled west to this island Avalus told him about. He never mentions its location but I'm guessing it was offshore from the northern areas of the continent, at least with the type of weather he describes.'

'There were quite a few Hastfrad holdout colonies in that region even until the end of the previous century,' the Abbot said. 'Do you think the spear is still there?'

'Well he talks about the spear being in the chapel behind the altar. In fact his description perfectly matches what the spear would look like instead of the stylized description he would have known. Anyway he performs this ceremony in which he imbibes what I assume to be a hallucinogenic and goes on this dream vision in which Aela reveals secrets of the universe to him, amongst them the truth of man's divinity...'

'The truth of the universe revealed by drug use,' Sybilla interrupted.

'You'd be surprised how often that is true,' the abbot chuckled. He motioned for Typhus to continue.

'Well following this dream he wakes up and finds that everyone in the temple has been murdered. Only he lives. The chapel has been destroyed and the spear is gone, replaced by a shroud draped over the altar.' Typhus paused long enough to take a sip of his wine. 'Now Rollo describes this shroud as being a bright red, with a single symbol, not embroidered, but painted on it.'

'A skull and rising sun?' The abbot asked. Typhus nodded. The abbot leaned back in his chair. Though he held his wine glass he didn't take a drink. 'I had not noticed that when I read through it before. I profound discovery to miss.'

'That the Crimson Shroud was still active shortly after their supposed extermination, using a symbol that won't be used for two hundred years by a resurgent movement?' Sybilla asked. 'That discovery?'

'There are three possibilities here,' said the abbot. 'First that this temple was made up by Teid, that he was using the spear to legitimize his beliefs, tying his teachings to power Aelostian artifacts. Except he never mentioned this in his teachings, plus that his description is spot on and wouldn't have been known by anyone outside of the church's inner circle at that time.

'The second possibility, what he saw was part of his drug induced vision, shroud included, and the spear was still there.' The abbot looked at them. 'If so then the resurgence of the Shroud knew about this passage and based their symbol off of his description. The spear than would likely have been taken by some continental power when the island was claimed in the late 1800s. Unlikely due to the churches ban on this book which until my appointment meant a very few had even read it, and only after the resurgence.

'The third possibility, the one that scares me the most, is that what he saw was in fact real. This means that the Crimson Shroud survived following the Violrangth, and that the resurgence wasn't a resurgence and the death of nine church officials during the 1923 attacks in Tiberus, deaths that included an archbishop, were actually performed by the order.'

'And,' Typhus added solemnly, 'the spear of Avalus is in the hands of the Shroud.'

 

[Esplandia]

It was already past sunset as Typhus drove back into Karthied, returning by the same road they had left from over a day before. Typhus had decided that Karthied would be their next destination. He thought it would be best to talk to his father, inform them of his findings. The abbot had agreed, but decided against informing the church on the grounds that the book was still banned.

They stopped at a cafe on Queen Agnieshka Parkway, eating a dinner of ham sandwiches and barley soup. Typhus attempted to call his father's office but was informed that he was in council with the King and that he would be gone all night.

'I guess we'll need to rent a room somewhere tonight,' Sybilla said. She was thinking about some of the hotels she had seen overlooking the lake.

'We can stay at my aunt's place,' Typhus suggested. 'She never uses it so sometimes I or my brothers will stay there.' He quickly shot off a text to someone. 'It's in the palace district across from Highbrook Park.'

'That sounds amazing,' Sybilla answered. Highbrook park separated the palace grounds from the city. The most premiere real estate was located within the area as well as some of Esplandia's finest theaters and museums.

Following dinner they headed over. The building was a modern high rise, the tallest building next to the park. The suite belong to Typhus' aunt was in fact the penthouse. It had a nearly three hundred sixty degree view of the city. They parked the car in the underground garage then took the express elevator to the top. Like Typhus had said the place was empty, though it was obvious that it was kept clean. There were four bedrooms, two looking south, and two looking east towards Lake Erde. Sybilla choose one looking towards the lake, while Typhus chose the one closest to the door.

She spent a few moments looking around the apartment and out the windows. The palace was obscured by large trees, but a few lights from Windows could be discerned. She settled for looking at the lights of the city which shone out against the night.

She turned in soon after, and slept deeply. In the morning Typhus informed her that he would go to the ministry and wait for his father to get in.

'You should enjoy the city,' Typhus said. 'I've already arranged a car to take you wherever you want to go. I've also provided you with a line of credit for whatever you need.'

'That won't be necessary,' she insisted. 'Besides I should lay low.'

'I've thought of that too. A personal stylist will come and give you a new look; turn you into the image of a modern Esplandian woman.'

She thanked him for his thoughtfulness. It was true she really wanted to see the city. Rycho had been many times and he had lovingly described it to her, filling her head with images of a towering city filled with art and music.

Typhus assured her that he would be back before dark, then left for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile breakfast was brought up for her consisting of fried potatoes, poached eggs, and a slice of ham over a biscuit with a rich creamy gravy.

The stylist, a plump smiling woman, showed up as she was finishing breakfast. After a short discussion it was decided that Sybilla would lose her long hair in favor of a shorter pixie haircut. By the end she almost didn't recognize herself. A new wardrobe was provided for her and the stylist helped her choose an outfit that was both stylish but also warm for the cold weather.

Afterwards she was escorted downstairs and through the lobby to a waiting town car. When the driver asked where she wanted to go she decided that she wanted to see some of the sights first. He smiled and soon they were on their way. They drove past the Dragons Eye, a looming bastion of stone marking the northern part of the city. While the main keep stood only seven stories above the ground, the whole complex seemed to overshadow the rest of Karthied.

Afterwards they drove down Waterfront Parkway, seeing the embassies and art museums with their architecture ranging from Colonial Kian to Nouveau Syrixian to post modern Esplandian. Eventually they ended up downtown and Sybilla decided to check out some of the shops.

She bought a colorful summer dress, as well as another dozen outfits. Her proudest acquisition was a genuine Syrixian silk scarf ( its actual name she couldn't pronounce), as well as genuine satin slippers imported from Kannex. It wasn't until after she was back in the car that she felt guilty about the money she'd spent. She alleviated her guilt by buying lunch at Carso ví Omraus, the highest rated restaurant in Karthied. Afterwards she returned to the penthouse to admire her new outfits.

Soon after Typhus called and informed her that he would be occupied throughout the night. 'I've made dinner reservations for you at the Velvitier, it's an amazing restaurant that serves the best cuisine from around the world.' For a few brief moments Sybilla again felt guilty for taking advantage of Esplandia, but she quickly decided she'd enjoy herself anyway.

 

[Esplandia]

Sybilla laid out her new clothes on the bed, trying to decide what outfit she would wear to dinner. She decided on a strapless red and burgandy dress with the silk scarf and the satin shoes. She also picked out a dark red overcoat that closely matched the dress. She held up the dress, admiring it and imagining how she would look in it, then she heard the front door open and two voices conversing. One voice sounded like Typhus and she thought maybe he had changed his mind and came back.

She stepped out into the hall to let him know she was still there, but instead burst out on two startled young men. They were both older than Typhus, closer to her own age. They were dressed in blue navy uniforms. The taller one looked a lot like Typhus, the same dark hair in a braid, same facial features. She guessed it was one of his brothers. The other young man was shorter, a few centimeters shorter than Sybilla even, with short cropped sandy hair and piercing blue eyes. She recognized him right away. 'Your Highness,' she stammered. 'I'm so sorry to startle you. I thought you were Typhus.'

Typhus' brother cracked a smile. 'My brother brought a girl here?' He laughed. 'And I thought he was hopeless.'

Irwin de Dracosta took a second to adjust his uniform while also straightening his back a bit. 'It's quite alright, uh Miss...?' He asked.

'Sybilla,' she answered. 'Oh it's a pleasure to meet you. I am sorry. Typhus allowed me to stay here while he was out.'

'And he left you here alone?' the older Skywing asked in mock jest making her blush.

Prince Irwin shot a sideways glare at his friend. 'You'll have to forgive Thasius. The navy has given him the grace of a sailor and the wit to match.' Thasius laughed whole heartedly. 'He's just surprised that Typhus would have a guest, you see.' The Prince had an expression like he expected her to understand what he was hinting at. She looked back quizzically.

'Typhus is no ladies man,' Thasius informed her. 'He's an expert at putting his foot in his mouth, though.'

She blushed again, heat running to her cheeks. 'Typhus is a charming young man who has been quite generous in making my stay in Esplandia as hospitable as possible.'

'Have you just arrived in the kingdom, then?' Irwin asked. 'Where are you from?'

She remained silent for a second, wondering how much she should reveal to the prince. She decided for Typhus' sake she'd be as honest as she could without revealing who she was. 'I just arrived from Tajis two days ago.' She answered. Thasius and Irwin exchanged a quick glance. 'My...uncle, sent me here to escape the hostilities with Rhuvanland.'

'Well I am very pleased to welcome you to our lovely country,' Irwin said. Thasius made a snorting noise, suppressing a laugh. Irwin glared at him again. 'Perhaps you should get going. Sianna is expecting you.'

Thasius smiled, 'of course, my liege.' He bowed flamboyantly, then quickly exited chuckling under his breath.

'What's wrong with him?' She asked.

'He's just an idiot,' he answered.

 

[Esplandia]

'I've always been a little hard on Typhus,' Irwin admitted, swirling his wine about in the glass. They were now sitting in the apartments living room, looking out on the city ads sunset settled in to dusk. 'Mostly because Thadius is hard on him.'

'Well he's been a big help to me,' Sybilla told him. She was feeling a little tipsy from the wine. In fact it was a Ancar Red from Tajis.

'In truth the last time I saw him I...' Irwin trailed off. For a second he was lost for words. 'I haven't been hard on him since...'

Again he paused, but this time Sybilla guessed at what he was trying to say. 'Since he saved your sister.' She finished.

The prince nodded. He took a sip of wine. 'He killed a man. He did so protecting my sister. I always thought he was more of a daydreamer, but he killed without hesitation. Afterwards I saw how much it shook him.' Irwin looked at Sybilla, a grim set to his jaw. 'I don't know if I could have done the same.'

She met his gaze. To her, Irwin seemed so mature, older than his years. She suspected it was due to his father's influence. Even now she didn't think he was weak for expressing fear at the prospect, not of death, but of taking life. He was so unlike the Anaukshais. They would send thousands to their graves in order to attain their goals.

Sybilla looked towards the clock in the room. 'Oh,' she said. 'I've missed my reservations.' She had so wanted to eat at the Velvitier. It was well known even in Serzulem.

'That won't be a problem,' Irwin said. 'If you're willing to have dinner with me.'

She accepted his offer, and after changing, they took the car to the restaurant. There was a line to get in but as soon as Irwin was recognized they were escorted inside. They were given their own dining room to eat in.

They ate baked pasta, venison stew, and steamed clams in a rich citrusy sauce. They had more wine to drink and a fudge lava cake for desert. Irwin spent the dinner talking about his family and life in the palace. Anytime he tried to find out more about Sybilla, she'd expertly steer the conversation back to him.

Afterwards he convinced her to go see a play. It was a comedy, and she found it quite funny. The acting was good, the music enjoyable, and all around well crafted. It wasn't until very late that she got back to the apartment. Irwin was quite the gentlemen, and made sure she had everything she needed before he headed to bed. She had enjoyed the evening. As she was falling asleep she found herself wondering if Irwin would want to spend the following day with her.

 

[Esplandia]

Sybilla woke to a firm knock on the door to her room. She felt a little hungover, her head aching with every knock. The clock by her bed said it was fifteen after ten in the morning. She sat up.

'One minute,' she called. The knocking stopped. She got up quickly and tightened her nightgown around her waste. She checked her hair in the mirror and for a second didn't recognize herself in the mirror. Then she remembered that she had gotten her hair cut yesterday.

She opened her bedroom door. 'Good morning,' Typhus greeted her.

'Where's Irwin?' She asked. She had been sure it was him knocking.

'He had to leave early, but he did call me to tell you he enjoyed dinner with you.' Typhus spoke matter of factly. He didn't sound smug or angry. There was something in his voice though.

'What's wrong?' She asked.

'The Rhuvish have attacked Tajis,' he answered. 'The King has ordered the First Fleet east, so the Prince has been recalled.'

She was suprised to feel upset about the attack. She hadn't seen much of Tajis, staying mostly to Serzulem, but it was her home. Still she had no plans to go back there. She had been sent away to keep her safe from both the Nazos and Reynard.

'Did you find anything on the Spear?' She asked, diverting the subject. From the smile on Typhus' face she knew he had. 'What is it?'

He lead her into the kitchen where a breakfast had been laid out. There was toast, fried eggs, ham, and bacon. There was also coffee, tea, and apple juice. As she ate Typhus told her about his trip to the ministry.

'My father wasn't that upset at me for not telling him you were here,' he began. 'In fact he seemed pleased. I told him most of it, your search for the Spear, the Diary of Rollo Teid, and our discovery. The bit about the Shroud was the most shocking to him. We both went to the restricted files, along with a good number of his people and began sifting through anything that might possibly help.'

He poured himself a cup of tea, adding cream and sugar as he continued. 'There was a lot. Not just on the Spear, but on the Shroud, the Resurgence in Tiberus, and so on. There was stuff in there my father didn't even know about. He was called away shortly before I called you. A meeting with the King. But there were about twenty of us working through the files...'

'What are they,' she asked, swallowing a bite of toast. 'These restricted files?'

'Mostly information gathered from the EIA. Documents, logs, accounts. Anything that could be useful or important. And trust me, a lot of it isn't. But we went through anything mentioning the Shroud, the Spear, the incident in Tiberus, or any combination of the two.

'It was by pure luck that I stumbled across, what I think is a lead. After the deaths of the church officials there was a hunt for members of a the Shroud. A safe house for the order was uncovered in Shore Heights in Tiberus. Apparently they had weapons, bombs and such, but also what seemed to be religious artifacts.'

Her heart skipped. 'One of them was the Spear?'

'No, but there were also a number of other safe houses discovered throughout the country. For the most part there's listings of everything seized from them. I poured through them all, but nothing seemed to match the spears description. One of the technicians helping me though noticed something he thought odd. There was what was described as a ceremonial knife taken from one of these locations in Acadia. The knife was described as having a leaf shaped blade and a hollow handle.

'What seemed odd though was how it had been placed in a location of reverence on an altar. The technician tracked down a photo of this knife when it had been catalogued and showed it to me, and guess what?'

'It wasn't a knife,' she answered giddily.

'It was a seventh century Hastfradic spear head.'

'Do you know where it is now?'

'You're gonna like this. It's in the Teid Museum of History in Tiberus, which is owned by the church.'

 

[Esplandia]

They left for for Tiberus that afternoon. Typhus called his brother, Davius, who worked for the Archbishop's office. After telling him of their discovery he agreed to tell the Archbishop. Twenty minutes later he called back with the news that the Archbishop had ordered tests on the Spear. 'You two should come down here,' Davius told them. 'The Archbishop wants to meet the both of you.'

Typhus decided they'd take the Crown Rail down to Genova then go by train to Tiberus. The Crown rail is one of the most advanced Maglevs in the world. It blends Esplandian, Sadakoyaman, and Guslantis technology. The train rac d south to Genova, taking the trip in just over two hours.

Typhus, who had been up all night, immediately fell asleep. Sybilla watched the train fly past picturesque farmland and forests. At one point she glimpsed Rathburg Castle standing atop its hill to the south. They reached Genova around three and caught their train south.

Genova was a brightly colored city that had been built up around the mouth of the Clearwater where it empties into the Bay of Sharks. The bay was filled with ships coming and going. Large cargo ships and smaller fishing boats as well as cruise ships packed the bay.

The train stayed close to the sea as they headed south, hugging the Cliffs of Edessa. They only ran inland to skirt small towns or when they passed through a city. A car from the Archbishop's office picked them up from the station and took them to the Temple of Saint Avalus.

Davius, who looked like Typhus and Thadius, was waiting for them, along with the Archbishop. Armand Lefrance was a thin man dressed in a burgundy suit.

'The Spear has been sent of for testing and authentication,' the Archbishop told them.

'I hope it proves to be the real thing,' Typhus said.

'If so it will be the find of the century.' The Archbishop took Sybilla's arm and led them inside the temple. 'As far as what will happen to the Spear, I think it best that it be presented to the Allfather,' he said, surprising Sybilla. She had expected him to want to keep it here. 'If it proves real it belongs to all Aelostians. Though I think it best the Spear stays here until this conflict with Rhuvanland ends.'

Sybilla agreed. They told the archbishop about their search and he listened in awe. They were both given quarters to stay in as they awaited the results. After two days the authentication came back. All evidence pointed to it being the real thing.

 

[Esplandia]

Religious Artifact Found After Going Missing Three Centuries Ago
Karthied Herald, 13 March, 2016

The Spear of Avalus, an important Aelostian artifact, was recovered this week by the Church, sources say. The Spear went missing during the Syrixian Conquest and it was believed to have been destroyed or lost forever.

The Spear had apparently been sitting in the Teid Museum since the 1920s, but no one knew what it was. An unidentified self appointed historian uncovered its location, informing the church. Following rigorous testing, it was discovered it really was the Spear.

Church officials say they hope to put the Spear on display within the coming months until it can be presented to the Church in Serzulem. Archbishop Lefranc has called the recovery of the artifact 'A miracle' and 'Proof of Aela's love'. The historian who discovered its location wishes to remain anonymous.

Typhus found Sybilla looking at the Spear, now resting in a temporary case in the temple cathedral.

'The Rhuvish have pushed back our forces,' he said to her.

'I know,' she answered. 'Your brother told me.'

'Listen, I know you don't have any plans. If you don't want to stay here, you can stay at my home in Idjo. My sister would love to have you.'

Sybilla looked up at Typhus. 'Do you think I did the right thing, not taking credit?' She asked. 'No one will know how much you helped.'

'I never cared about that. If you're good with it yourself I'm great with it.'

'How long could I stay in Idjo? I don't know how long this war will last.'

Typhus took her hand and looked into her eyes. 'Stay as long as you want. As far as I'm concerned you've earned that right.' She hugged him appreciatively.

The End​