Iron of the Innocent: Mistress of Agony (Vol 2)

Chapter 19: Descent

274 I.C.
Sacren
Solorn Kingdom
Solorn Province
The Ruins of Cuthras

Melerin walked over to the group, examining the inscribed, marble stone. The letters looked carved with the precision of a master's hand, and once he wiped the dirt and grime off, they could see the letters were inlaid with a silver material. After Engli repeated her translation to him, Melerin brought Dreydan over to look at what they found.

The soldier listened to Engli read the names once more, and he considered the list. After a few long seconds of thinking, he spoke. "My ancestors have lived in this area for hundreds of years, but the details of our history is not clear. This is a wonderful discovery." A smile touched his face. "The last name, Hendril Ruin, is familiar to me. I remember my grandfather mentioning him several times in my childhood. It is said that he was a man of great virtue, an example for our line to follow."

Melerin scratched his cheek, as he listened. "Your father never relayed your family history?"

Dreydan shook his head. "Never talked about it," he replied. "I remember my grandfather talked to my dad a lot when I was a child. However, it was usually late in the evening with drinks sitting in front of our downstairs hearth. My nanny, despite my grandfather's objections, ushered me off to bed. I remember an argument once between them. My dad didn't want to hear about long dead ancestors anymore. My grandfather left that night, deeply saddened. He came up to my bedroom and gave me a hug. He told me to never lose sight of the right path, and that our family's history is important."

"We have discovered a piece of it here," Tarn said feeling pleased. "We should retrieve this before we leave for home." The large marble stone would not fit into a backpack.

Dreydan thanked them and then said, "I will." He took out a large cloth from his pack, probably used as a towel, and wrapped the stone with it. Taking the stone, he gently placed it beneath the bench to keep it sheltered until they could return for it on their way out.

"That is very interesting," Engli said to Reasha, who nodded.

"I want to know what the rest of the inscription meant. That they would come forth. How can dead people come out of their graves?" Reasha asked softly.

Engli gazed at her as they thought about it. Then she shrugged. "I don't think it refers to necromancy. That is dark magic, and why would anyone announce that kind of intention on their graves? Moreover, I don't sense any kind of magic among these tombs. Dark or otherwise."

Not long after, Bethahna rose from her spot and rejoined the group gathered at the rear benches. Dalora stood from her place and hovered nearby looking ready to move on. Dreydan told Bethahna about the stone.

"Your ancestors were among those who resided here?" she asked in surprise.

Dreydan nodded. "It appears so."

Bethahna opened her mouth to say something, but appeared to change her mind, glancing around at the group. Her eyes lingered on Melerin a couple of seconds. Returning her attention to Dreydan, she simply said, "Let's talk more about it later." They appeared to exchange knowing looks and Dreydan nodded in agreement.

"What about it?" Olis asked with curiosity, "Come on... why not talk about it now?"

"It's time to move on, Olis. We can discuss interesting historical facts later," Bethahna said. "Everyone, follow me." The woman turned and headed back down the central aisle toward the raised platform. Her hand rested on the hilt of her sword, and the other swung relaxed at her side. Dreydan followed.

The rest of the group grabbed their gear and fell in line, following the others. Melerin hobbled along near the back of the line with Dalora, bringing up the rear. Her eyes narrowed a little observing the cleric in front of her, wondering when he would collapse from exhaustion and pain.