Rise (War Witch Book 1) (86 page)

"If it's okay, can I sit with you until Izra gets back?" Chara asked. "Maybe you could tell me about Collette?"

Ramora nodded and they sat on the edge of the bed as she told her best friend all about the woman who'd raised her to be a warrior.

The next morning, with the sun still rising, the four left the inn, thanking Tia and Layrn for everything. The matronly old Halfling cried as they saw them off, her wife waving hard enough for them both. It felt strange, to be going, the small inn feeling almost like home to them.

Making their way to the waterfront, they saw that reconstruction for the docks was underway, though the cleanup of the crashed citadel and the sunken ships was proving difficult, and slowing the process greatly. Over a dozen transports sat anchored farther out, their cargo being carted to the city by way of rowboat, a slow, grueling process that was hanging up the cleanup efforts even more.

Standing by one small boat, they found Untar talking with a small man, his features distinctive of a Balekirk native. Only an inch taller than Chara, his narrow dark eyes matched well with the mop of black hair on his head, his face looking severe even when he smiled and greeted them all. Captain Nolar Armano, owner and commander of the merchant trade vessel
Galepiercer
, the man who would see them all to the southern continent, and one step closer to Draco.

"Sorry for the cramped quarters," he said, nodding to the small boat, his voice tinged very slightly with a Balekirk accent. "I'm afraid this was as close as we could get to the shore."

"We're just thankful that you're willing to help us out," Chara answered for the band. "We're in your debt."

"More like I'm out of his," Armano chuckled, jerking a thumb at Untar. "Though, honestly, anything I can do to help, I'm happy to do. Damn Demon Seed are getting bold these days."

"One in particular," Izra commented.

"Yes," he nodded, face turning grim. "That one especially. Untar's told me a bit of your mission. I've lost some good friends to that armada of his, so when you guys find him, give him an extra stab in the face for me."

"Face stabbing," Chara intoned to Ramora, who rolled her eyes.

"The trip is going to be long, I'm afraid," Armano continued. "Our windstone is cracked, and we haven't been able to get it fixed. Plus, we have to lay over in Bask for a bit. Merchandise to drop off, and pick up. I hope you'll forgive that, but I've still got a living to make, and a crew to pay."

Ramora waved it away, nudging Chara to let him know she was a Cleric, and capable of some magic that might help them on their way. The Captain watched her sign language for a moment in fascination, then nodded, glad to have a priestess of the War Wolf on board.

"When you get to Jazda, present the Port Authority with this," Untar said, handing the warrior a letter sealed with the sign of his house. "They'll help you get to Isnar as fast as possible. It's only a three week trip from the port usually, but they know people who can get you there in two."

Nodding, she thanked him as she tucked the letter away.

"I guess we should get going," Armano nodded.

"Right," Untar agreed, pausing to give them one last look. "May the Gods be merciful, and your retribution be swift."

Shaking hands with Esteban and Ramora, the King got a hug from Izra and Chara both, to his surprise. They boarded Armano's rowboat, settling in with what gear they had, and waved goodbye to the King as the Captain pushed off.

He was honestly sad to see them go, and hoped when next they met, it would be so he could hear the tale of how they defeated Draco. He was proud to know them all, for they were brave and selfless souls, giving their all in the name of Heaven.

"They'll be back," Leena said softly, making him jump.

"Do not sneak up on me," he chided.

She gave a wry smile. "They'll be back."

"I pray you're right," he sighed. "For all our sakes."

Reaching the ship, they climbed the net hung from the side and stood on the deck as Armano's crew set about getting ready to depart. Chara had never been on a ship before, and watched with fascination as Esteban flattened his ears at the way the sailors eyed his beloved.

"Here we go," Izra said softly, grabbing Ramora's hand.

Squeezing it, the warrior turned her eye to the horizon. Somewhere, out there, her enemy lurked, unaware she was on her way to end him, to pay him back for all the misery he'd heaped upon her life. Somewhere, out there, she would find justice.

"Okay," Chara said, clapping her hands as the sails were unfurled. "Let's go kill Draco!"

The Gods of Heaven and Hell

THE SKY GODS
are perhaps the most important of the Gods, for it is they who first created and shaped the World into what it is now. In the High World, they rule over the lands of the Sky and are Gods of Justice, Force, and all things True and Good.

The primary goal of the Sky Gods is to neutralize the Demon Seed presence in the Middle World and lock the gates that allow the Evil Ones access to the Middle World, forever sealing them away in the Demon Realm. However, as this has already failed once, the great and powerful Gods are slowly being forced to admit that there may be no way to win the war without slaying their Divine Brethren, a fact few are eager to embrace.

The Mark of the Sky Gods can always be found upon the forehead of those they Bless, for they wish their Blessed to walk without fear, to make themselves known and thus, stand against the Demon Seed openly.

Grannax

The Sun Tiger, Emperor of the High World, father of the Gods, firstborn of Rialda, and creator of the World.

Grannax is the very embodiment of life, love, and all things pure and good in the World. No matter what pantheon a person of any race adheres too, Grannax is recognized as the Supreme Ruler of creation. In the battle against the Demon Gods, Grannax's compassion can be seen most clearly. While many have called for the absolute destruction of the Dark Ones, Grannax has sought some means by which they can be contained, not wishing to kill another Deity.

Most often depicted as half-man, half-tiger wearing robes of pure white with the sun shining behind his head. Other designs show him kneeling by a stream, or holding the World in his Divine paw.

As would be appropriate, Grannax's symbol is that of the sun. His priests wear a white sash to represent their adherence to the concept of purity of spirit and mind. Often, they also wear a necklace or pendant with the symbol of the sun.

The Divine Gift bestowed upon Blessed of Grannax is the
Sunspear
. Considered the ultimate weapon against evil, it’s a four-foot long, two-headed spear formed of pure sunlight, appearing in the Blessed's hand upon will. Minions of the Demon Gods are often so overwhelmed by its appearance, they will flee rather than look upon it.

His Divine Mark is the Tiger Paw.

Isel

The Moon Tiger, Empress of the High World, mother of the Gods, secondborn of Rialda, and wife of Grannax.

As Grannax is the daylight, Isel is the light that shines in the night. Hers is the way of mystery, magic, and that which is veiled. Well-known for her loving and generous nature, Isel is the living embodiment of compassion, except for one area. Ker Zet, her sister, and the Demon Gods she spawned. For Isel, there is no quarter asked or given in the war. While she supports Grannax's desire to not slay the Demon Gods, she does not state that it isn’t acceptable, for her hatred of those birthed of treachery and deception is absolute.

Most often depicted as half-woman, half-white tigress wearing pale blue robes with the moon behind her head. Other designs show her holding a massive tome of lore, or surrounded by stars.

Naturally, Isel’s symbol is that of the moon. Her priests wear a white sash with pale blue trim or tassels to represent their understanding that not all things are as simple as they should be, as well as their appreciation for the forces of magic Isel created. Often they will wear a necklace or pendant with the symbol of the moon.

The Divine Gift bestowed upon Blessed of Isel is the
Moonspear
. Similar to the Sunspear, the Moonspear is also a four-foot, two-headed spear, but it’s formed of cold moonlight, and looks blue to the eye. Where the Sunspear is for warriors, the Moonspear is for Mages, and greatly augments their magical abilities.

Her Divine Mark is the Tiger Head.

Ixin

The Bear Goddess of healing and medicine.

Often hailed as the savior of the Six Races with her healing gifts, she is one of the most loved of the Gods and many temples have been erected in her name, serving as both places of worship and hospitals. Her name became a popular one for children for many years, people believing it would give long life and health. Secondborn daughter of Grannax and Isel, she is twin sister to Mahaat, Goddess of the Desert.

Often depicted as a bear-headed woman holding a mortar and pestle, she is well known for her benevolence, tenderness, and mercy. She’s also the giver of all medical knowledge in the World.

Ixin's symbol is the cup, from which it is believed all health flows. Her priests wear a white sash with brown trim or tassels to symbolize their medical knowledge and devotion to the ways of Ixin. Many also wear her symbol on a necklace.

The Divine Gift bestowed upon Blessed of Ixin is the
Great Healing
. With this powerful healing ability, Blessed can mend even the most grievous of injuries and cure even the deadliest diseases. Some of the most powerful Blessed are said to be able to replace lost limbs, and even heal the mind.

Her Divine Mark is the Bear Head.