The Father of Withering

Chapter Thirteen: The Demonic Archons

The morning after, the victory celebrations were completed rapidly. Relma didn't have time to join the festivities or funerals. She observed the burning of the dead but didn't participate in the mass drinking during the wake. The corpses of the satyrs and dead were burned in a pile, while the dead of Harlenor were given to their families. Others were burned in Haldrenian fashion, burned on pyres.

The men were assembled from House Gabriel and House De Chevlon. Fayn was with them as well. As Relma approached Estela, however, the greeting was somewhat cold. Relma could tell by Estela's expression that she was not happy. "Well, Relma, how nice of you to tell me about all the secret meetings you attended on my mission."

"What do you mean?" asked Relma.

"You met with De Cathe, Pandora, Ajax, and Frederick," said Estela. "In that meeting, you decided things about the mission. They designed an entire strategy, and I wasn't there."

"I was there, Estela," said Relma, slightly nervous. "But I was just there following Ajax. He got the summons and asked me to come with him.

"I didn't even say anything at the meeting aside from asking questions."

"Then what is this about calling Wrynncurth in?" asked Estela.

"I suggested it to Aunt Pan, is all," said Relma. "But that wasn't in the meeting, and she made her own decisions."

"Why wasn't I invited?" asked Estela, sounding offended. "I should have been consulted. It is my quest."

Relma could see her point. Estela had always been sensitive about rank and the proper dignity of her family. But there wasn't nothing Relma could say to her other than what she had already said. Fortunately, Aunt Pan arrived. She walked in quickly, clad for travel in practical clothes. "Yes, you should have."

"Lady Pandora," said Estela.

"I would like to apologize, Princess Estela," said Pandora. "The truth is that everyone was incredibly shaken by what happened. A person in my position has the unique privilege of meeting with various lords. I should speak to them about the coming of Lucius.

"I was considering only the matter of Lucius, however. It did not occur to me that as this was your quest, to begin with, you ought to be consulted."

Estela seemed mollified by what happened. "...Very well. Let's just put the matter behind us." So they gathered at the gate and prepared for the marshes. Ajax was there soon, Anya having returned in the night. Sir Frederick came to see them off. "Are you sure you don't want to take a larger force than this, Lady Pandora?" he asked.

"I am certain, Sir Frederick," said Aunt Pan. "Lucius' stronghold will not be defended by flesh and blood. And if we fail, you will be needed here to defend this place."

"I understand," said Frederick.

And they were off.

Relma soon realized that she had also been cut out of the loop. Estela had apparently made general plans for the journey with Ajax. De Cathe had been there as the general outline of their road was decided.

"So Ajax, where is this path you mean to take us by?" asked Fayn.

"It's a little way into the Black Marshes," said Ajax. "On a little-traveled part of the land." Relma soon learned why it was little traveled when they entered. Flies buzzed around them in a neverending tide. The water was murky, and Ajax led them on a zigzagging road. Varsus had arranged for men with long poles to check ahead of them so no one plunged in. Relma wished she'd had one before; it might have stopped her from taking several falls.

"Ugh, these flies are everywhere," said Estela. "How do you bear this place?"

"It is a marsh," said Ajax. "And Anya bears it because it allows us to contact with the satyr chieftains. There are some drier regions, and that's where everyone lived. This part of the marsh was flooded a long time ago, though. Father needs this territory. In time, he hopes to subjugate the satyrs and bring them into the fold."