The Icon Unbound

Chapter Nine, Part A - Saiph

Minor updates here. I really did not like to capitalize proper nouns. Shame on me.  Anyway, in this chapter Saiph and Rigel get to explain what happened in the Valley to the Icon. I like these parts because it helps illustrate the mysterious Triad, the governing body of Waterwall. Ideally, if nothing ever went wrong, the Icon would always be at the top with the Sentinel and the Arbiter carrying out her wishes. Tell me what you think, would this work in some form in the real world? ---Elizabeth, UPDATED 05/16/2017

When he took his oath and became the Sentinel, it had affected him on every physical level. He didn't need more than two hours to sleep. He could run faster, see farther, and react with a cool precision that seemed pointless in a place so peaceful.

Now, when it had mattered the most...

They'd washed the twisted things out of Waterwall; but not before they had killed Era, and done saints knew what damage. Now a section of Waterwall was flooding, and his brother knew the secret he'd guarded for so long. Not the worst of his secrets, but one dire enough to complicate things.

Rigel leaned against his back, unwilling or unable to hold himself up any longer. Saiph would have given much to know how his brother had managed to stay alive with all those creatures. He wondered how many more were lurking in the shadows. It was an act of Providence that Rigel was unharmed.

Saints. Saints and stars and all Holy things protect them. Get us safely to village. Let me get him that far.

Resplendent seemed to sense the prayer and his strides began to lengthen, showing speed that would rival any wind in Waterwall. A journey that should have taken them another hour at least, would take them less if he kept the pace. Arrow ran farther behind, keeping up with canine determination. Saiph kept glancing back at the dog who looked pitiful without his counterpart. Of all the things that had gone wrong tonight.

For a long time, there seemed to be nothing but the creak of leather and the smell of hot horse. Up ahead, the horizon was ablaze with the lights of the village.

Unusual, as everyone should have been asleep. His heart sank for a moment, with the fear that something had happened there. Surly his heart would have broken out of his chest if something desperate had occurred. If she was in danger, he would know.

Resplendent passed under the gate still maintaining his breakaway pace.

Everyone was assembled at the village green. They all waited for him. They crowded together on the streets, silent with wide eyes. Resplendent slowed at last as his hooves struck the cobblestone street. No one got in their way or asked questions.

Rigel stirred against his back, but didn't move until they got to the square. The Icon sat in her chair, with Nadir at her feet like a cat as usual. The two outsiders stood near her, in the place reserved for honored guests. Arbiter Abishai stood with his wife, his ceremonial robes askew.

His heart leapt as it always did when her voice rang out. "Come before me, Sentinel and bring your report."

"Let me get down first," Rigel whispered groggily. "Keep that head full of teeth away from me."

Saiph hooked his arm and Rigel slid down first. Resplendent stood still until they were both off his back before storming away. He would cool himself off and then await developments nearby.

Arrow limped up to his other side, wheezing and shaking. Saiph put a hand on his shaggy head and an arm around his brother. Rigel leaned on Saiph as though he were the only thing keeping him upright. Together, they stumbled through a sea of concerned faces. When they reached the stone seat of the Icon, she reached out her gloved hand toward Rigel before snatching it back.

Arbiter Abashai clapped his hands for attention, which was pointless because he already had it. "Speak clearly, Sentinel. These are things everyone must hear."

Saiph gathered his voice and spoke words he never hoped to utter. "Waterwall certainly came under attack. What orchestrated this attack, or who is ultimately responsible, I do not know. I do know that the outpost, my home, was attacked first. The fiancée of my brother was brutally slain."

"Era?" The Icon's voice was hoarse. "Saints... How is that possible? I did not feel her death."

Rigel pushed Saiph away and wobbled forward. "She received a wound to her belly from one of the creatures. I held her as she died."

"Find Michael and Serrah," The Icon whispered to no one in particular. "Bring them to me at once. I will inform them of this personally." Two people ran off in the direction of the glass makers shop, and the Icon nodded again. "What else, Sentinel?"

"My brother was under threat when I found him, surrounded on all sides by the monsters. I killed two of them. It was no more difficult than hunting bear. They were strong, and fast, and dangerous, but not invincible. Once they died they... shriveled. Leaving only a liquid substance behind. It can only mean one thing."

The crowd gasped. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Corwin flinch, his mouth moving in a curse.

"How many were there?"

"Five, perhaps. We were able to wash them away down to the river by flooding the corridor. Two others we killed. There is no way to know for sure how many there are in Waterwall," Saiph said.

Corwin stepped forward. "The dark water is rising again, here in Waterwall. I cannot believe this is a coincidence."

Rigel looked up, his eyes sharpening. "You. I don't know you."

"I am Corwin, Chosen of the Bone Palace."

"An outsider?" Rigel sneered the word. "Well, Chosen Corwin dark water has done more than rise. We know from legend that when the Dark Water first seeped from the bowels of the earth, it came like any other tide. Dangerous but mindless, a natural entity." Rigel turned back to the stone seat and his voice rose above the murmuring crowd. "These twisted creatures my brother and I fought were made with the dark water, yes, but my Icon they were chained. Someone with hands put manacles on their legs and sent them here for a purpose."

Saiph could have sworn he heard her gasp, saw her veils stir as she breathed. "Who would be able to do such a thing? Drawing the dark water back up... I can see how it's possible, in theory. It's... I cannot think of a sane reason to do so, or a more abominable use of power."

"But it could be possible?" Saiph asked.

She nodded at last. "A powerful Icon could do it, if he or she made a great enough sacrifice. It would leave them weakened, perhaps. He would have to find a way to sustain himself until he could regenerate. Even then, the damage... they would have to be mad to make the attempt."

Rigel nodded. "They could be mad, but I don't think the solution is that easy. I can't see how it fits. These monsters were created, chained, and sent here. If we find out why this happened, we will know who."

The Icon stood. "I believe that the Arbiter will agree that there is one other thing we must discuss. Waterwall is under attack, Arbiter, will you please tell us what Protocol demands in these circumstances?"

Abishai stepped forward. Saiph had never seen him look so nervous. "It is our law, that the Icon be the final word in all situations. The Icon guides us, and protects us."

"Except in what instances, Arbiter?" A thread of impatience in the Icon's voice made the Arbiter flinch. "When does the Icon defer?"