The House of Yeel

Chapter 18: Gifts





“What’s going on?” asked Jymoor. Mercenaries milled about in Yeel’s house.

“Yeel has given us gifts!” a soldier exclaimed, showing Jymoor a longsword. “This weapon warms the hand in cold climes and it won’t rust!”

“He’s giving these out to everyone?”

“No. He’s given a unique gift to each of the Companions. He’s been up all night! I told him of my campaigns in the north and of my plans to return there after we’ve saved the capital. This sword is a priceless treasure for one such as myself! And he says he memorized my name!”

“Companions? Did he hire a mercenary troupe?”

“No. Don’t you recognize us? We’re the ones he saved from the stone garden. Oh, you’ve been hurt in the duel, haven’t you? Don’t worry, your amnesia should be temporary.”

Another soldier walked by, examining a longbow so intently he almost collided with Jymoor. A third looked back at Jymoor through a clear crystal shield and waved at her.

Jymoor watched the other Companions nearby for a moment. One stood at the balcony, peering out over the land through a spyglass. Another patted a small bag at his belt with a wide smile on his face.

Several soldiers stood by a large pile of chain shirts discarded on the floor. They each wore a jerkin of a thick, gray material. The whole group had their daggers out, and they were stabbing each other in the chest playfully, yet apparently no one had been injured.

Jymoor caught sight of Yeel at the far side of the room, next to a giant table covered in bags and baskets.

“Everyone? Thank you all so much for your pledge to fight at my side. I’ve carefully remembered each of you.”

The Companions turned as one to look at Yeel. They quickly fell silent. Jymoor carefully made her way forward through the throng as Yeel continued to speak.

“I’m so grateful to you, my Companions. I hope these items enhance your safety as well as increase our combined chances of success.”

The Companions cheered.

“If I may remind you, don’t forget your hemostatic stones. Please each of you take two! Remember they’re very easy to use, and replaceable, so don’t hesitate to use them if arteries get cut. Good luck! We’ll be leaving soon.”

The active talk resumed.

“He saved us all. How could I do anything else but fight with him?” an adventurer was saying as Jymoor passed.

“I’d follow him into a nest of acid vipers,” a woman replied. Jymoor glanced at her. It was a tall woman with a heavy black staff.

Jymoor walked over toward Yeel.

“Oh, you’ve returned? Feel free to take a hemostatic stone yourself. Have you been told how to use one?”

“Yeel, I—”

“And the mail replacement. Oh wait, you have the moon armor, of course. Never mind…though it could afford some protection across the junctures, or in the case of attack from the rear…”

“Yeel, I’m so sorry.”

“Oh! You aren’t coming with us. No need to apologize! I’m so ashamed to have deceived your predecessor. Of course I couldn’t expect you to trust me—”

“I am coming. I meant I’m sorry I was angry before.”

“You didn’t seem angry…”

“No I meant me. The other me. You see, I’ve begun to experience some of my memories. Some of her memories.”

“Really? That’s remarkable. I hadn’t anticipated that. Perhaps it’s the moon armor? Oh, it’s such a good thing I didn’t murder the other you and hoped you wouldn’t figure it out! Just think. You would now know of my deed.”

“So, the other me was angry at you for not returning her affection. And crazily jealous of Vot. I think the armor may have magnified it.”

“It was understandable. As you now know, I’m also a monster to your view. A hideous creature of the unknown, a demon, no doubt a thing whose motives are parallel to its terrifying appearance…”

“I know you’re trying to save my people. I’m sorry for thinking you selfish. It was a shock. But you were a friend to my…previous self, and you’ve proven yourself to be my friend, too. And your attachment to Vot is only reasonable…given that she must also be…a tall green creature.”

“Oh. Yes, she is. Very smart of you to realize that on your own.”

Jymoor tried to see through the illusion, but all she sensed was a confused man, albeit an unusually tall, thin, and knobby-jointed confused man.

A soldier ran into the chamber, calling for Yeel. Everyone directed him toward their leader. The soldier came up to Yeel and Jymoor.

“Word was sent from Vot. The attack is approaching Ascara-home! She pleads you to embark immediately!”

“Companions! The time has come sooner rather than later!” Yeel called out. “To the fountain room! Await me there. Please don’t harm the creatures in the water.”

“Has King Aruscetar been informed?” Jymoor asked the soldier.

“He will be soon if not already.”

“Come with me, Yeel,” Jymoor urged. “We need the army.”

“I hope he meant what he said.”

They followed the soldier back through the roveportal to Maristaple. They arrived in a courtyard adjacent to the inner keep. Soldiers formed up in the space, though many more could not fit in the open area.

“It looks like the word has spread. Let’s find the king,” Jymoor said.

Jymoor stopped as she saw the king himself stride out of the keep. A group of men followed in his wake, trying to put armor on their king as he walked briskly, which was failing utterly.

“I’m a man of my word. Lead the way, Yeel. The army of Riken is ready to stand with you and your allies.”

The squad of squires finally captured their king and managed to strap on most of his armor.

“Through this portal,” Yeel said. “The Crescent Knight and my Companions will join us on the other side.”

The king donned the last of his armor.

“Send for my horse. Make sure the knights join us soon,” Aruscetar ordered. Men scrambled to implement his commands.

Aruscetar raised his arm.

“With me!” he called. The soldiers gathering in the courtyard cheered.

Aruscetar grabbed his helm and stepped through the portal.