The Dawn of Malice
Chapter 29

Lost Knowledge

Caerus jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest as he gasped for breath. The haunting images of that fateful day at the Civic Athenaeum played before his eyes once more, and he could feel the weight of guilt and grief crushing his chest. Night after night, the same night terrors plagued him, leaving him in a state of perpetual exhaustion.

He sat up in his bed, his body drenched in a cold sweat, shivering in the wintry air. The darkness of the night seemed to swallow him whole as he struggled to regain his composure. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the lamp on his nightstand, illuminating the room with a soft, flickering light.

Caerus then reached into his bag, fingers brushing against the familiar texture of cloth as he sought out a change of clothes. The memory of Caspian’s fall and the subsequent chaos still reverberated within him, a constant companion in the darkness. But then, his touch brushed against a small, forgotten corner of the bag, and his curiosity was piqued.

Carefully withdrawing the item, his eyes fell upon the gift box he had received from Elaine. It had been nestled among his belongings, buried beneath the weight of his responsibilities and the turmoil of their journey. The box, adorned with colorful and delicate patterns of parchment and beautifully wrapped in yellow ribbon, seemed to beckon him, a hidden treasure waiting to be rediscovered.

His fingers traced the edges of the box, marveling at the design of the paper wrapping. The bow captured his attention as he wondered at the care that had gone into its creation. With a sense of anticipation, he pulled the ribbon and slowly unwrapped the parchment, revealing its contents. A warm smile curled upon his lips as his gaze settled upon an intricately designed oriental wooden mask.

The mask depicted a pierrot, its features frozen in a whimsical smile. The wood had been meticulously carved, each delicate line etched with precision. One side of the mask was painted white with a black line depicting a smile while the other side was painted in an invertedly. The mask seemed to radiate a sense of joy and playfulness, a stark contrast to the shadows that had recently clouded Caerus’s world.

A soft chuckle escaped him, a sound that felt foreign yet strangely cathartic. His laughter, buried beneath layers of grief and despair, found its way to the surface. He lifted the mask from its cushioned bed, holding it before him as though gazing into the eyes of an old friend.

As he examined the mask, he noticed a folded piece of paper tucked within the box. With gentle fingers, he retrieved the note and unfolded it, revealing Elaine’s elegant handwriting. The words danced upon the parchment, a heartfelt message that brought warmth to his heart.

“Caerus,

On your 18th birthday, I wanted to give you something that would bring a smile to your face. I bought this mask from a traveling merchant who recently arrived from the Kojachi Archipelago. It reminded me so much of you. Smiling on the surface, but hiding who you are from the world, fearful of their gaze.

You no longer need to hide from the world, but when you do, I hope this mask can reflect a fraction of the smile you keep hidden. Your strength and resilience inspire me every day.

With love,

Elaine”

Caerus’s gaze lingered on the words, each letter a testament to the bond they shared and the unwavering support they offered one another. The weight that had burdened him seemed to lift if only for a moment, replaced by a sense of connection and belonging.

Clutching the mask and the note, he allowed himself a moment of reflection. Amidst the storied walls of the Civic Athenaeum, he found a respite from the turmoil of recent events. Tears welled up in eyes, in contrast to the smile he had on his lips.

Caerus gently returned the wooden mask into his bag. As Caerus wiped away the tears from his tired eyes, he heard faint shuffling sounds echoing through the corridors outside his room. His heart skipped a beat, and his eyes glowed a fiery red as he made his senses heightened, listening intently. The memories of the recent events surfaced in his mind, he couldn’t help but fear the worst.

Caerus knew he couldn’t stay paralyzed with fear. He had to be prepared for anything, especially after what had happened to Caspian. With a surge of determination, he reached for his sword and dagger, strapping them to his waist.

Moving silently, he approached the door, his senses on high alert. The sound of footsteps grew louder, and he could feel his heart pounding in his ears. Whatever was out there, he was ready to face it head-on.

As he cautiously opened the door, a figure emerged from the shadows. To his relief, it was Ryker, looking as if he hadn’t slept for days. The young artificer’s eyes were bloodshot, his hair unkempt, and his clothes wrinkled.

“C-Caerus,” Ryker stammered, blinking in surprise. The glow of Caerus’s eyes must have added to the surprise in his friend’s voice. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s all right, Ryker,” Caerus said, his voice softening, eyes smoldering down to normal. “What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t sleep,” Ryker admitted, glancing down the dimly lit corridor. “The nightmares... they keep coming back.”

Caerus understood all too well. “I know what you mean,” he said sympathetically, placing a comforting hand on Ryker’s shoulder. “It’s been hard for all of us.”

As they stood there in the dimly lit corridor, the weight of their shared grief and guilt hung heavily in the air.

“We’ll get through this,” Caerus said with determination. “Together.”

Ryker nodded, a glimmer of hope in his tired eyes. “Together,” he repeated.

“Would you care for some tea?” Caerus asked already moving into his room, “Erasmus gave me some chamomile to help me sleep.”

“I would love to,” Ryker replied gratefully.

The two friends returned to Caerus’s room, sitting down to talk and share their feelings. They spoke of Caspian, of the Civic Athenaeum, and of the darkness that seemed to loom over them. In the depths of that wintry midnight, they found solace in each other’s company.

As the night wore on, their conversation grew quieter, and the weight on their shoulders lightened just a little. Caerus knew that the road to healing would be long, but having Ryker by his side gave him strength.

In the embrace of that enduring friendship, Caerus felt the cold grip of the night terrors slowly loosen its hold on him. They may not have all the answers, but they had each other, and that was enough for now.

And so, as the midnight hours ticked away, they found solace in the darkness, knowing that they were not alone in their struggle. With the promise of a new day on the horizon, Caerus felt a glimmer of hope, a beacon of light that would guide them through the darkest of times.

In the morning a different battle was to come. But for now, they accepted the cold embrace of sleep but acknowledged that they were not alone in their grief.

Caerus and Ryker woke in a haze as they hurried through the corridors of the Civic Athenaeum, their footsteps echoing in the empty halls. The old wizard, Erasmus Kaledin, had agreed to meet them in the annex to discuss their next steps. Caerus’s mind was still clouded with the weight of recent events, but he knew they had to replace Lucian and ensure the safety of the people of Liliosa.

As they reached the annex, they found Erasmus standing by the window, his gaze fixed on the city of Verdania below. His wise eyes seemed to hold a mixture of concern and determination.

“Erasmus,” Caerus called out, drawing the wizard’s attention. “We need to talk. It’s urgent.”

Erasmus turned to face them – his expression serious. “What is it, my young friends?”

“We’ve made a decision,” Caerus began, his voice firm. “We’re leaving the Civic Athenaeum. I need to know more from the crimson book. As long as I’m here, I could be putting your life at risk as well.”

Ryker nodded in agreement – his eyes determined. “We can’t stay here any longer. It’s not safe, especially with Caerus being hunted. With the book in their hand, there is no telling what the Laresian army has in store for Caerus. ”

Erasmus regarded them thoughtfully for a moment before nodding. “I understand your concern,” he said. “But remember, leaving the Civic Athenaeum means leaving behind its protection and resources.”

“We know,” Caerus replied. “But we can’t just stay here pondering about the next course of action. We need to replace Lucian and make plans from there.”

Erasmus sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Very well,” he said. “I understand your decision. I’ve already sent word to Lucian through King – he is, after all, our fastest messenger owl. You will meet him in Serendell. Wait for him for a few days, if he does not arrive or you are under threat, take a train to Wanthai – a small port city by the Kojachi ocean. The writings you found in the crimson book are from an ancient language in the Far East. I have no means of translating its contents, but you might replace a scholar in Toyomi no Shinju. Look for Captain Yin Zhou, he’ll grant you protection until Lucian arrives. But be cautious, my young friends. The world outside these walls can be dangerous.”

“We will,” Ryker assured him. “Thank you for everything, Erasmus.” Ryker’s eyes began to water. “If you hadn’t picked me up off the streets then I wouldn’t have come this far.”

Erasmus smiled kindly at them and placed a hand on Ryker’s shoulder. “It has been an honor to have you as my student,” he said. “Now, go and replace Lucian. But remember, you are always welcome back here if you need help or guidance.”

With that, Caerus and Ryker bid the old wizard farewell and left the annex. As they stepped out into the main hall of the Civic Athenaeum, the screams of panicked citizens echoed through the streets. The blaring of sirens filled the air, and they could feel the ground tremble.

Caerus and Ryker shared a look, they didn’t need to utter a word, the Laresian army was now at the doorstep of Verdania. And soon, the city will be inescapable.

“We need to move quickly,” Caerus said, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. “Let’s get out of here before it’s too late.”

Ryker nodded – his jaw set with resolve. “Agreed,” he said. “Let’s go.”

With that, they made their way through the chaos of the Civic Athenaeum, dodging panicked wizards and scholars, and weaving through the crowded halls. Their minds were focused on one thing – leaving the city unnoticed.

As they moved through the Civic Athenaeum, they could see the smoke rising in the distance, the sound of battle drawing nearer. The Laresian army had indeed come to Verdania, and the city was under siege.

Caerus’s heart raced with every step, fear and worry for Lucian weighing heavily on his mind. He knew they were facing a perilous journey ahead, but he also knew that they had to keep moving forward.

“Wait!” shouted an old voice from the crowd. Ryker had noticed it first and swiveled around to see Erasmus chasing after them.

“What’s wrong Erasmus?” asked Ryker.

“You’re going… the wrong way… the streets are crowded… and the gates… have been closed,” Erasmus spoke, clearly out of breath. Caerus walked to the old wizard patting his back and helping him stand.

“There’s a way through the basement of the Civic Athenaeum and the sewers,” Erasmus said after regaining his composure. “Ryker, your tenacity with machines and unfaltering dream of being an artificer has borne fruit. In your workshop, there is a hollow wall that leads into the sewers. Take your motorcycle, and escape the city. But first, follow me.” The wizard was off and raced through the halls with much vigor. Caerus and Ryker followed suit, amazed at the spry old man.

Ryker’s heart pounded in his chest as he followed Erasmus through the hidden corridors of the Civic Athenaeum. The old wizard’s revelation about knowing his secret experiments as an artificer both embarrassed and astonished him. He had always tried to keep his passion for creating inventions hidden, fearing that others would dismiss it as foolishness or frivolity. But here was Erasmus, not only aware of his endeavors but also encouraging him to embrace his skills.

They reached a hidden door that led to an inclined corridor, and Erasmus turned to Caerus and Ryker, his eyes serious. “Listen carefully,” he said. “The situation above ground is dire. The Laresian army is about to invade Verdania, and the city will soon be engulfed in chaos and destruction. We need to act swiftly.”

Caerus nodded – his expression determined. “What do you want us to do, Erasmus?”

Erasmus glanced at Ryker, a hint of pride in his eyes. “Ryker, I trust your skills as an artificer,” he said. “I want you and Caerus to take some of your inventions and travel to the borders of Serendell. There, you may replace allies who can help us defend against the Laresian invasion.”

Ryker swallowed hard, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He had always dreamed of using his inventions to help others, but now the stakes were higher than ever. He nodded to Erasmus, determined to do whatever it took to protect the people of Verdania.

“What about you, Erasmus?” Caerus asked. “Are you not coming with us?”

Erasmus smiled sadly. “I’m afraid my time for long arduous adventures has passed,” he said. “But I will stay and do what I can to protect the Civic Athenaeum and its treasures. This place has been my home for many years, and I will not abandon it now. But if the situation comes to the worse then I have your invention to save us, Ryker.” Erasmus gave the artificer a small proud smile.

Ryker nodded, understanding the wizard’s decision. “I just hope the machine I’d built is enough…,” he said.

Erasmus placed a hand on Ryker’s shoulder, his gaze intense. “I know that it is enough since you and Ximena built it together,” he said. “You have a brave heart, Ryker, and I believe in you.”

Caerus understood Erasmus’s decision, but he couldn’t help feeling a pang of worry. The old wizard had been a mentor and friend to him, and the thought of leaving him behind was difficult to bear. But there was no other choice.

“I don’t know what I could do to help you, Erasmus,” Caerus said, his voice resolute. “But I will never forget what you’ve done for me this day.”

Erasmus nodded – his eyes filled with pride. “You need not worry about me Caerus, ” he said. “Now go, and may the Fates be with you.”

With a final nod of farewell, Caerus and Ryker headed through the halls and down the stairway into Ryker’s workshop, their footsteps echoing in the darkness. The sounds of concussive blasts from above ground served as a constant reminder of the urgency of their mission.

They emerged into Ryker’s dimly lit workshop, and there, waiting for them, was Ryker’s motorcycle. Ryker and Caerus carried it from the steel table, Caerus’s knees nearly buckled with the weight, but his Laresian blood kept him steady. Ryker, on the other hand, struggled and he dropped the motorcycle when it reached the floor. Luckily, Caerus was able to balance its weight before it fell completely on the floor.

“Sorry…” Ryker mumbled, eyes darting across the room, distracted by urgency. “Try to replace the wall Erasmus told us about. You can break it down with one of those over there.” Ryker pointed to a pile of metal bars.

Caerus nodded and ran to the pile, he grabbed a hefty piece of rounded metal and tapped the walls, listening for a hollow point or echo. He struggled to hear anything other than the shaking earth and explosions. But soon he heard the unmistakable sound of loose bricks among the dull thud of solid earth.

Eyes now burning crimson and hair glowing red, Caerus pulled all his strength toward his arms, feeling his muscles tense with lifeblood. Caerus swung, but he lost his balance, falling on his ass. Caerus stood again, putting more strength in his arms and legs as well to keep his stance. He swung – the bricks chipped. Caerus tried again, and again. Soon the wall crumbled, and he was hit with the overpowering and offensive odor of the sewers.

“Can you go grab that crystal on the top shelf, by that warped piston rod,” Ryker asked, hands twisting a few knobs on the motorcycle’s engine. Caerus, eager to step away from the hole in the wall, approached the shelves. He found the glowing rock and tossed it to Ryker without thought. Ryker yelled and leaped after the crystal grabbing it before it hit the ground.

“What the hell were you thinking?!” Ryker protested, stomach flat on the ground. He groaned as he got up from the ground, hands shaking as he checked the crystal for damage.

“Why?” Caerus asked, surprised at his friend.

“This is a power crystal. It’s packed with fire magic from one of our wizards. It’s what we’ll use to power the motorcycle. If it cracked, we’d both be dead.” Ryker stood facing Caerus, both of their expressions a blend of frustration. Ryker’s fingers clutched a small crystal, its surface shimmering with a mesmerizing play of light.

“Caerus, listen,” Ryker’s voice, sharp with exasperation, broke the tense silence. “These power crystals aren’t just trinkets. They’re conduits for magical energy, capable of storing power far beyond our comprehension.” Caerus’s jaw tightened, his irritation mirroring Ryker’s. He had tossed the crystal to Ryker without considering its potential for danger.

“These crystals act as reservoirs,” Ryker continued, his voice tinged with urgency. “They absorb magic, storing it until released. And I’ve developed a way to channel that energy into mechanical applications.”

Ryker’s frustration was palpable, a consequence of their near-catastrophic incident. Caerus’s hand involuntarily clenched into a fist, a blend of guilt and understanding coursing through him.

“As you’ve so vividly demonstrated,” Ryker’s voice rose with a trace of sarcasm, “these crystals aren’t to be taken lightly. A careless toss could trigger a release of magic that could obliterate us both.”

Caerus’s lips tightened into a thin line, a mixture of remorse and contrition settling upon him. He had allowed his impulsive nature to overshadow the gravity of the situation. Ryker’s gaze held Caerus’s for a moment, their eyes locking in silent communication. Then, with a sigh, Ryker continued in a more measured tone, his frustration momentarily eclipsed by a sense of shared purpose.

“My engine harnesses the stored energy within these crystals,” Ryker explained, his voice softer yet resolute. “With the right mechanisms, we can transfer that energy into machines, creating devices that run on magic itself. It’s a way to level the playing field for us common folk without Laresian blood or Edwardian magic, it gives us an advantage.”

As Ryker spoke, the ground beneath them trembled, the vibrations resonating through their bones. The distant echoes of explosions grew louder, a chilling reminder of the conflict that raged outside.

“We’ll discuss this further later,” Ryker’s voice hardened, his expression shifting back to its determined state. “Put your hands in your pockets and don’t do anything else.” Caerus simply nodded, his anxiety rising. Ryker took a few more moments adjusting screws and turning knobs, he threw out some choice words when he’d pinch his fingers on a gear tooth. But Ryker was relentless as he pushed the machine toward the hole in the wall.

“Help me get this to the ramp,” Ryker spoke, a little out of breath. Caerus approached the motorcycle and tentatively held a metal bracket behind the seat, helping Ryker drag the machine to the declining ramp.

“Ready?” Ryker asked.

“No.” Caerus grinned nervously, “But what other choice do we have?” Caerus’s heart raced as he climbed onto the back, holding on tight as Ryker started the engine.

“Now, for the scariest part.” The young artificer held the crystal between his thumb and index finger placing the stone in a niche above the engine. The engine sputtered and coughed but roared to life as Ryker twisted the throttle of the motorcycle.

“Glad that worked.” Ryker grinned from ear to ear.

With a roar, the motorcycle shot forward, Caerus screamed as the machine raced through the winding tunnels of the sewer. The cold air rushed past Caerus’s face, and he held on tight, trusting Ryker to lead them to safety.

As they rode, the sounds of the battle above ground faded away, replaced by the echo of their motorcycle’s engine. Caerus’s mind was filled with thoughts of Erasmus and the Civic Athenaeum, but he pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand.

Ryker nearly crashed their motorcycle into the end of the tunnel when they arrived at the hidden entrance. Caerus quickly got off the motorcycle and took out his sword, hacking away at the roots and brush that blocked the tunnel entrance. Together, Ryker and Caerus dragged their motorcycle out of the tunnel, eager to get back on the road.

As they emerged from the hidden entrance of the sewers and into the outskirts of the city, they could see the smoke rising in the distance, the signs of the invasion. Caerus’s heart clenched with fear. He knew the path ahead would be fraught with danger, but he also knew that he had the support of his friend Ryker and the knowledge and encouragement of Erasmus.

Together, they set out on their journey to the city of Serendell, carrying with them Ryker’s inventions and the hope of replaceing allies to defend against the Laresian invasion.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the dense forest as Caerus and Ryker worked to set up their camp. The events of the past few days had taken their toll on both of them, leaving them weary and defeated. Caerus couldn’t shake the haunting images of the siege of Verdania and the loss of their friend Caspian. He could see the pain in Ryker’s bloodshot eyes, a reflection of the grief they both carried.

Their campsite was a small clearing amidst the tall trees, sheltered from the biting winter winds. Caerus gathered firewood while Ryker fiddled with a part of his motorcycle by the fire, trying to keep himself occupied. The sound of the crackling flames was a soothing comfort amidst the chaos they had left behind.

As Caerus laid the firewood in a neat pile, he couldn’t help but feel a heavy weight on his chest. He missed the warmth and camaraderie of his companionship with Caspian, who had always been the one to lift their spirits during times of darkness. Now, with him gone, the camp felt empty, devoid of laughter and camaraderie.

With a heavy sigh, Caerus focused on the task at hand. He took out the small cooking pot and set it over the flames, pouring some water from his canteen and adding the meager rations they had left. It wasn’t much, but it would sustain them for the night.

Ryker’s tinkering with his motorcycle continued, his hands moving with precision as he tried to fix a small mechanical issue. His silence spoke volumes, and Caerus knew he was just as lost in his thoughts as he was.

“Ryker,” Caerus finally spoke, breaking the silence. “I know it’s hard, but we have to keep moving forward. We can’t let grief consume us.”

Ryker glanced up from his work, his bloodshot eyes meeting Caerus’s gaze. “I know,” he replied softly. “But it’s not easy. Caspian was like an older brother to us.”

Caerus nodded, understanding all too well the pain his friend was feeling. “He was,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “And he wouldn’t want us to lose hope. We have to honor his memory by continuing on the path we set out on.”

Ryker took a deep breath, his gaze returning to the motorcycle. “You’re right,” he said, determination seeping back into his voice. “We can’t let his sacrifice be in vain.”

As the meal cooked over the fire, the two friends found some solace in each other’s presence. They may have lost a dear friend, but they still had each other. And together, they would continue their journey to Serendell, to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

“I still can’t believe it all happened,” Caerus finally said, breaking the silence. “The Laresian army, the attack on the Civic Athenaeum, Caspian’s death... It’s like a nightmare we can’t wake up from.”

Ryker nodded – his eyes still bloodshot but a glimmer of determination present. “It was a nightmare,” he agreed, his voice tinged with sadness. “But we can’t let it break us. We have to keep moving forward, for Caspian and for all the others who lost their lives.”

Caerus stared into the fire, lost in thought. “You’re right,” he said quietly. “We can’t give up now. We owe it to Caspian and the Liliosans to see this through.”

As the pot boiled, Caerus shifted the conversation to a topic that had been on his mind. “Ryker,” he began, “what do you know about Serendell? Erasmus mentioned it as our next destination.”

Ryker smiled, seemingly relieved to talk about something other than the recent tragedies. “Serendell is a city known for its technological studies,” he explained. “It’s a place where inventors and engineers from all over come to learn and exchange knowledge. There are also rumors of ancient artifacts and powerful relics hidden within its borders. Since Serendell is a large part of the common folk kingdoms they rely on technological advancement against the Laresians and the Edwardians.”

Caerus listened intently – his curiosity piqued. “Sounds like a place with a lot of potential,” he remarked.

Ryker nodded. “Indeed, and Erasmus believes that we might replace more answers there, especially about your true lineage and the Laresian empire’s interest in you.”

Caerus’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of his lineage. The events in the Civic Athenaeum and the revelation about his father being a descendant of the Laresian emperor still weighed heavily on his mind. He knew there were many questions left unanswered, and Serendell might hold the key to uncovering the truth.

As Caerus continued to stir the pot, Ryker suddenly broke the tension with a light-hearted comment, “You know, Caerus, I have to say, your cooking skills have improved dramatically since the last time we camped together.”

Caerus chuckled, a genuine laugh that surprised even himself. It felt like a long time since he had laughed, but Ryker had a way of cutting through the darkness with his humor. “I guess I have been practicing,” he replied with a smile.

Their conversation continued, touching on lighter subjects, and sharing stories of their past adventures. The camaraderie and the laughter brought a sense of comfort and normalcy amidst the chaos of their journey.

The atmosphere in the camp was still somber, but there was also a glimmer of hope. Caerus knew that they had to endure, to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the road may be. And as the winter sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, Caerus found a renewed sense of purpose.

The memory of Caspian would be their guiding light, urging them to press on even in the darkest of times. The forest camp may have been filled with defeat and sorrow, but Caerus was determined to turn it into a place of strength and resilience.