As the dawning sun glistened off the peaks of the snow-capped Rhydian Mountains, Taegin and Ardrin continued their journey north toward Valdis.
"I still feel bad for leaving them without saying goodbye. It's already been two weeks since we left, but I still feel that way," Taegin said idly, pulling a piece of dried meat from his satchel. "I knew you would, but if Thoma and the others are going to focus on their mission, it had to be done this way," Ardrin scoffed, visibly annoyed by his twin's weakness.
"It doesn't hurt to be kind, you know," Taegin said wryly. "What kindness would there have been in that?" Ardrin snarled, causing his brother to chuckle. "I'm starting to think you've spent too much time alone in Valdis, brother," Taegin noted, causing a brief lull in their conversation.
"I wasn't entirely alone, you know. Athar, as much of an idiot as he was back then, was a fine source of entertainment and frustration," Ardrin continued after a brief pause. "So, you've grown to care for him? My, my. I never thought I'd see the day a heart grew in place of your pragmatism," Taegin added with unbridled sarcasm, prompting Ardrin to scowl at him.
"I said no such thing," he snarled. "But you did imply it. All that matters is that there's something other than your sense of duty that ties you to this world. I think it was awfully noble of you to bring him to Kalia back then," Taegin said smugly as his brother continued to hold his scowl. "You're insufferable," he replied with a shake of his head, allowing the conversation to lull yet again.
After a few moments, Ardrin gave a relenting sigh. "Finally going to admit that I was right?" Taegin chuckled smugly, causing him to scoff. "I only did what needed to be done in hopes of saving everyone," he said defensively. "Of course, but that doesn't change the fact that you still helped Athar to learn mana, or the fact that he and Irun have grown enough to reach the fourth stage because you brought him to Kalia," Taegin grinned, prompting his brother to give another groan in displeasure.
"Sometimes, brother, the ends do justify the means," Ardrin scowled. "Oh, I'm not saying they don't. If I had removed Thoma's seal earlier, he wouldn't have grown into the man he is today," Taegin nodded. "He likely wouldn't have grown at all, given everything Erumon's told me about Mideia," Ardrin retorted grimly, causing Taegin to regard him curiously.
"How long have you known about Mideia? From what it sounded like during that discussion with Erumon, it seems as if you've known for centuries," Taegin said, hoping to prod some more information out of his brother.
I suppose there's no point in hiding it anymore. It's not like it's going to open any old wounds worse than they already have been, Ardrin thought.
"It was a few years after I left. I was trying to find work as an Outcast, knowing it would help disguise any trails I'd left behind. During one of the missions I went on there in Hjalfar, I discovered there were several hybrid creatures far to the north near Valdis," he began to explain as his brother listened intently.
"As my team and I were sent to investigate, they were all wiped out by creatures known as the Thran," he said, causing Taegin to raise his eyebrows in surprise. "They were already here? But how is that even possible? I've heard of their battle prowess from Kalia, but I never suspected they'd made it here to Kavrass," he said, furrowing his brow as if there was a piece of information missing.
"They were, and their combat abilities are drastically understated. They wiped out my team, and just before I met my own end, Erumon showed up seemingly out of nowhere, killing them faster than I could follow along with. To say I was impressed would be a disservice to the truth," Ardrin said, his features gently twisting into one of sadness.
He cared about them, didn't he? Taegin thought as he understood the weight behind his brother's words.
"After that battle, I asked him if there was any way I could repay him, but he already knew I was a Pelantyr, and came to Kavrass looking for me to begin his plan of drawing out Mideia. It wasn't purely by chance that he showed up, but I knew that if I was going to help him, I had to keep you out of it," Ardrin said, getting a nod of understanding in return.
"I see. What of the Thran?" Taegin asked after a brief pause. "We spent the better part of a year hunting them down together. It was shortly after that I came into contact with Nexis after receiving guidance from Erumon," Ardrin noted.
"The summoning circle Athar mentioned," Taegin nodded, finally understanding how all the pieces fit together. "Precisely. It was designed only to allow part of him through, but Erumon kept a close eye on it in case he tried to alter it in any way," Ardrin added.
"I appreciate the explanation, brother. Let's just hope that we can find some more answers in Valdis, though I would like to pay a visit to Odensby. I feel it will help put Thorsen and Marte's minds at ease," Taegin suggested, prompting the two of them to pick up their pace.
The following day, they arrived at the gates of Odensby, only to be greeted by a sharp-looking young sergeant and a handful of guards who stood by. Some were leaning on the thick, stone walls, while others discussed which meal to have for lunch.
Only the young sergeant noticed the two riders approaching.
"Who goes there?" he asked, unable to identify the two riders as they came closer, prompting the other guards to stop whatever they were doing quickly. "We're emissaries from Caegwen, here to speak with the ruler of Odensby about some troubling news," Taegin replied briefly.
"Caegwen? That's at least a two-week trip. Couldn't you have sent a raven?" the sergeant asked, getting a chuckle from a few of the other guardsmen, though it wasn't meant to be a joke. "Listen, boy, I don't have time for these kinds of questions, and neither does he," Ardrin snarled, jutting his chin toward his brother. "Now, now. I'm sure we can resolve this matter amiably," Taegin scowled before dismounting his horse and approaching the young sergeant on foot.
"The news we bring is too vital to be sent by a raven, which is why we're here in the first place. Now, it's been a few centuries since I've been here, but I think we got off on the wrong side of the horse. I am the Master Synner of Codrean, here under King Elhael of Caegwen's orders to deliver a message to the current ruler of Odensby," he said calmly and with a confidence none of the soldiers had seen since Trina.
He's not lying, is he? Even his eyes are glowing, the sergeant realized as Taegin approached.
"No, I'm not, and yes, they are. Now, if you would be so kind as to open the gate for us and take us to whoever is in charge, I would be most grateful," he said with a grin as the sergeant's face paled. "O-Of course, Master Synner. I-I'll take you there myself. O-Open the gate!" the sergeant yelled with a heavy stutter as he snapped to attention. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?" Taegin grinned over his shoulder at Ardrin, who merely huffed and turned his head away.
"What is your name, Sergeant?" Taegin asked, putting a hand on the young man's shoulder. "It's Bjorn Wien, Master," he replied with visible confusion at the sudden shift in tone. "Wien? You're not Ulfric's son by any chance, are you?" Taegin asked with visible surprise, though Wien only looked at him with pure befuddlement.
"I-I am, Master, though he died well over a decade ago," Wien replied solemnly. "Ah, I'm sorry to hear that. He was a good man and an exceptional warrior. You should be proud to carry his name," Taegin said, giving him another pat on the shoulder as they crossed the gate's threshold.
"I'm not sure I should be surprised you knew him, Master; given how long elves live and all. Even so, I thank you for the kind words, and welcome you to Odensby," he replied with a bow of his head as they walked together down the main path. "Of course, Sergeant. Though I would suggest the next time you meet any emissary, that you treat them with a little more respect," Taegin said wryly, getting several quick nods from the young man.