Chapter 5
Nareash and his party traveled for weeks down the stone road, passing half a dozen cities along the way. Though each lay as abandoned as Poliktas, the ruins grew more lavish. When they passed a city called Molacat, the stone road changed significantly.
"Absolutely breathtaking." Mizak leaned over the side of his mule, pointing to semi-precious stones scattered over the designs in the black and white marble.
Nareash saw that, among others, topaz, garnet, and amethyst helped create images that told a story.
"Wasteful," said Guwan. "These stones are worth a fortune, but they used them as building material. What does that say about our ancestors?"
Colan spoke up. "It says that they cared little for what we think of as wealth. They'd rather share the beauty of the stones instead of hoarding it for themselves where it can collect dust."
"If they were that weak, it is no wonder they lost everything."
"Weak," Nareash muttered. "Physical prowess is not the only sign of strength. You would do well to take this chance to expand your mind."
"Are you trying to say that I'm simple?" asked Guwan.
"Simple? No. A fool? Yes. You have the ability to become something more than what you are, yet you ignore the opportunity, repeating what you've always known." He paused. "Look at your ruler. He became warleader, and rather than just blindly follow his father, Tobin made his own future. If he hadn't done that, it's quite possible the conflict against the Yellow Plain Clan would have ended differently."
Nareash lengthened his stride without waiting for a response and separated himself from the group.
The flapping of robes from behind caught his attention. "Yes, Colan."
"I think you've finally shut him up. Guwan, I mean. He's wearing quite the expression," whispered the shaman.
"As he should be." Nareash lowered his voice. "Here's the first lesson in your training. Learn people. Listen to every word. Watch every move. Examine every action."
"So you know how to hurt them, if necessary?"
"Yes. That can be important." Nareash smiled. "But it is far more effective to learn how to use them."
* * *
The group entered the mists and walked through them. They could only see twenty yards through the fog, blinding them to the views of sloping hills, deep valleys, and lush cliffs.
Rushing water tickled Nareash's ears though he could not place its location. He swore he felt pulled with each step. He wondered at first whether that faint sensation was simply his mind playing tricks on him or if Quarnoq called to him. It felt oddly similar to how he felt holding Sacrynon's Scepter.
The scepter had never strayed far from his thoughts since arriving in Hesh. Having tasted the power it offered, he longed to possess it again so that he might continue to unlock secrets of the art that had only seemed like legend to him before. Away from the scepter, Nareash admitted that Amcaro had not been completely wrong in what it could do to the one who wielded it.
It began to affect me because I never let the thing go. I allowed it to consume my thoughts, despite all of the warnings left behind in Sacrynon's private journals.
Distance from the weapon had brought him clarity and given him a chance to master the new skills he obtained from it. He would not make the same mistake again. He realized that his former master did have the right of it.
