Chapter 63

In the early morning dew, Emeric stayed to the back of the crowd as the prisoners were lead towards the large fire that burnt in the center of the gathered crowd.  The council stood in the center by the fire, watching the prisoners critically.  None of them tried putting up a fight, it was useless. 

Rayhan addressed the crowds, "There are some of you gathered here today who would rather see these prisoners executed than simply receiving a brand, but there is a line that separates us from them. A very fine line that is easily crossed." Rayhan gestured at the prisoners.  "If we go about killing anyone who does us wrong, what makes us different from them?  We can't always give in to raw desire for revenge."

Rayhan turned to Ariam, gesturing him forward.  Radclyf was forced to push the Rogue forward when he didn't comply.  Ariam glared at Rayhan with immense hatred.  Emeric appreciated the binds that restrained the large man.  He knew that if Ariam hadn't been restrained, he would have attacked Rayhan.  Attacked, and possibly killed Rayhan.

"Ariam Kalinore,  if anyone deserves to hang, it's you.  You betrayed you own country men, sold off Etreshians as if they were slaves and you informed the Elites of our camp and therefore you were also found guilty for the deaths of our comrades."  Angered cries rang through the crowd. 

Rayhan walked to the fire and retrieved the branding iron.  The sight sent a throb through Emeric's neck as memories of his branding came to renewed life.  Memories that he had tried burying without success.

Ariam was forced to his knees.  Emeric watched Ariam for any signs of defiance, but the man remained in kneeling position.   However, Ariam's eyes landed on Hunter, taking in the variety of bruises that still marked his face.  An evil smile spread over his face, "I must say, I'm impressed.  I didn't expect you to be sane after our little chat."  The color left Hunter's face as Ariam spoke, his voice triggering Hunter in ways that were best left alone.  He gazed at Ariam, but failed to hide the haunted look that marked his face. 

Hunter's reaction earned a malicious laugh from the older Rogue.  Rayhan saw the tremor that ran through Hunter at the sound.  Uncomprehending anger ran through him at the sight.  He couldn't begin the think of what Ariam had done to Hunter to drive so much terror into the young man.  Rayhan angrily turned to Ariam, "Hold him." 

Emeric lowered his eyes as the glowing brand seared into Ariam's neck.  He did nothing to stop the punishment this time.  Ariam didn't deserve mercy.  He was a monster and deserved the pain he felt.  Yet, despite the evident agony that the searing metal caused him, he didn't cry out in pain, in its place, an angered moan rumbled from deep within his chest.

Zerret was next.  He, unlike his father tried putting up a fight, but he too was still sore after his session with Malrick and there was only so much he could do before Radclyf pushed him down into a kneeling position.  He was held firmly as Rayhan reheated the brand.  It was a matter of moments before it was pressed to his neck.  Despite Zerret's hardest efforts, he couldn't hold back the cry of pain. 

Emeric was growing uncomfortable.  The cries unsettled him and brought faces of fallen Domers to mind.  However, as they brought Harpe forward, Emeric turned and left.  He leaned heavily on his walking stick as he limped, but he couldn't muster up the courage to watch her get a brand. 

She looked too much like Kedo...

Even though he had gone quite a distance before she suffered the punishment, her cries still met Emeric's ears.  He tried reminding himself that she deserved it, that she had attacked him without second thought, but that didn't ease the guilt he felt for her pain.

Rayhan's voice met Emeric's ears after a long silence.  "Pack everything up, we're leaving within the hour."  Emeric's stomach churned at the thought of going to Etresh.  To be able to walk with his head held high, to be treated like a human being, to be accepted...the thought seemed surreal.  He had grown up under the discrimination of the world. His greatest imagination couldn't think of how it would be to be seen as an equal.  But it was all just a fantasy.  The brand on his neck had robbed any hopes of living peacefully from him.

Emeric was drawn from his thoughts when he heard footsteps approach.  Rayhan sat down next to him, a sympathetic look on his face.  "I saw you leave."  He said in a caring voice.  Emeric nodded slowly, his eyes downcast, "Not really something I like watching." 

Rayhan smiled softly.  For the world Emeric had grown up in, he was extremely caring.  It could have been so easy to conform to the patterns of the world, to become cruel and heartless, yet Emeric was one of the most caring people he knew.

"What does the brand mean for them?"  Emeric asked after a while, feeling the throbbing reminder on his neck that he bore the exact same mark. 

"They'll struggle to get back into Etresh and if they do, they won't be able to move about freely on the streets.  It'll be too dangerous.  The traitor's mark holds authority.  If someone is seen baring the brand, no one will trust them and could very well just kill them without repercussions.  In Etresh, the leaders believe that anyone with the traitor's mark doesn't deserve justice.  They turn a blind eye to anything done against a marked one."

Emeric sighed remorsefully and put his hand over the brand. 

Rayhan noticed and swiftly regretted his words.  He had forgotten about Emeric's brand and only now realized that Emeric had asked for himself as much as the Kalinore family.  "We'll figure something out.  You didn't deserve the brand."

"What difference does it make?  It's still burnt into my neck, Dad.  No one will listen to me if I tell them, 'Oh no, it was a misunderstanding...'."

Rayhan knew Emeric was right, but he wouldn't admit it.  Not because his pride prevented it, but because he didn't want to shatter what hope Emeric had left.

"Emeric, the brand will make sure Ariam and his family can't follow us for revenge. And the mark is well known across the world. Even here in Chayr. If they somehow manage to get away, the Elites won't trust them enough to do business with them anymore. They can't sabotage anyone again."

Emeric stayed silent, simply taking in what Rayhan was saying.  "How do you plan on getting out of here?"  Emeric's voice held hopelessness.

Rayhan met his gaze with an all too familiar, knowing smile...

*****

The small port town, Ardendale, held a large collection of seaworthy vessels. The town's folk weren't well known as a fishing community, but rather for their effective distribution of produce that came in from the shipments.

However, Rayhan's eyes weren't on the town. From his vantage point on the hills above the town, he watched the quiet port. They needed a ship and the best place to get one was down bellow in Ardendale.

In the dark midnight hour, the town was asleep. The only movement that disturbed the quiet darkness every once in a while was the town's guard. Rayhan doubted that they would prove to be a problem. With a satisfied sigh, Rayhan headed back to the small outcrop of trees where his fellow Rogues were waiting. There wasn't much he could do at the moment. He had sent Radclyf and Malrick to scout for a seaworthy vessel to pirate, and until they returned, he would just have to wait patiently.

He sat down next to Emeric on a log. The young Rogue was conversing with Hunter who sat nearby.

"I feel so useless." Emeric whined as he gazed down at his swollen knee. Hunter sighed remorsefully, "Tell me about it..."

Aire gazed at the pair in silent contempt, "Do you guys always have to be in the middle of the action with your life on the line? Can't you just sit and relax for once? Let someone else do the hard work?"

Emeric and Hunter both gazed at her, "You won't understand. Now all we can do is worry and wonder if they'll get it right. At least when we are there we get to see if the mission is going as planned." Hunter explained.

Aire shot him a stern glare, "Look what happened last time you wanted in on the action. Why can't you just step back this once?"

Hunter didn't answer. Aire had stirred up the wrong water.

Kedo stirred uncomfortably next to Emeric. She read the tension in the air all too well. Deciding it safer to change the topic she turned to Rayhan, "What happens if they find a ship?"

Rayhan regarded the young Rogue for a moment, "We'll send a skeleton crew into the port to pirate the ship and then we'll pick up the rest of the group at a gathering point. It's just too risky to take everyone through the town." Kedo nodded her understanding.

"Who'll be the skeleton crew?" Emeric asked eagerly.

Aire sighed, mirroring the look of amusement that came over Rayhan's face.

"Well, considering that we need efficient workers and strong rowers, not you two," Rayhan teased as he pointed to Emeric and Hunter. They both shot him a deep, displeased frown, "Yet, when we steel the ship the rest of the group will have to get to the gathering point quickly. I don't see you to hobbling grannies and swiftly fitting in the same sentence, so you'll be on the ship just to help things go more smoothly."

"Oh real funny Old Man." Hunter shot back. Emeric grinned, "And tell me this, are we taking animals?"

Rayhan shook his head, "No, unfortunately we don't have enough resources. We barely have enough to sustain us for the journey."

Emeric smirked maliciously, "Well, Dad. I'd hate to break it to you, but if we aren't taking animals, then an old goat like you will unfortunately also have to stay behind."

"Careful Emeric, last time you called me an old goat you had the means of running away, but I'm quite sure I'll catch your sorry..."

Rayhan was interrupted by a warning call. He swiftly turned to see where it had come form, but to his relief he saw Malrick stride closer. The tall Rogue was walking with a determination that could only mark a successful mission.

Malrick greeted him, but instantly got to the point. "We found a perfect ship. It's loaded up with supplies for a long journey and has enough space for everyone, but if we want it, we need to take it tonight. It looks ready to depart at dawn."

Rayhan clasped Malrick's shoulder, "We're going home, my friend." he said with a broad grin.

*****

The building seemed condescending as a group of nine made their way through the clustered town. The shadows did a decent job at hiding them, but the tap tap of Emeric's walking stick sounded like a drum in the night that tortured all of their ears.

"Could you keep it down?" one of the older men asked, his irritation and worry clear in his voice. Emeric shot him a lethal glare, "It's not as if I'm doing it on purpose." He whispered loudly. "Sounds like." The man commented. Rayhan turned a stern gaze on them, silencing their bickering. Emeric shot him an all too innocent look.

With each step that took them closer to the port, Emeric's nerves grew. Nothing had ever turned out good for him. He felt as if the odds had been stacked up against him form the beginning. He just hoped that his misfortune wouldn't be the downfall of his comrades. It reassured him that Radclyf was already on the ship, preparing for a silent departure.

Walking at the back of the group, Emeric was the first to hear the footsteps that came form behind. He turned just in time to see a guard step into their alley. He instantly froze when he saw the group of Etreshians. Yet, before he could act, Emeric threw himself at the Chayran.

Emeric was caught off guard when the man dodged his attack with lightning instincts, drawing his blade. Emeric swiftly struck the weapon away with his cane, but the guard threw himself at Emeric in turn. The Rogue was pressed up against the wall, staring into the all too familiar face of his attacker.

As Rayhan and the rest of the skeleton crew raced forward to help, a relieved laugh softly echoed through the alley as the Chayran let Emeric go.

"We really should stop meeting like this." Nedes said, sheathing his blade. Emeric watched him in disbelief, "Yeah, we should." He agreed after a few seconds of shock.  Emeric turned back to his father to make sure that no one would attack the Chayran. Although Malrick looked ready to kill him there and then, he acknowledged that Emeric wasn't in any imminent danger, and therefore he stood back.

"What are you doing here?" Nedes asked, a bit more serious now that the initial thrill of seeing a familiar face was gone.

Emeric turned his gaze to Rayhan, not sure if he should give their plans away. Rayhan saw the uncertain look in his son's gaze and stepped forward, looming over Nedes. "Who's side are you on?" He asked with an evident threat hanging in his voice.

Nedes swallowed with evident nerves, "I owe Emeric one. I'll help with whatever you need, if I can."

Rayhan regarded the young man, judging his character. Nedes met his gaze, but it was quite clear that it was taking a lot of will power to do so.

"We're taking a ship and all we need from you is to turn a blind eye." Rayhan explained plaintively. Nedes nodded swiftly, "Of coarse." Rayhan frowned at the Chayran, wondering of he would call for backup as soon as he got the opportunity. Deciding that the risk was worth it, he ordered the group on their way once more.

The ship was larger than Emeric had expected, but still seemed too small for the entire group. His thoughts just reminded him of his inexperience on sea vessels. The thought of being on one for months, with no land in sight, only the endless blue, was a daunting one.

Nedes turned pale as he realized which ship they were planning on taking.

"This is the general's ship. You can't..." His voice faded away when he saw the glare that Rayhan was shooting him.

"Is there a problem?" He asked lethally. Nedes stood frozen for a few seconds, not sure what to do. "I'll be sent to the Domes if I let you take this ship." He said in a quiet voice. It was evident that Nedes was haunted by the kill ring almost as much as Emeric.

Rayhan considered the young Chayran, "Well, we're taking the ship. There's nothing you can do about it now."

Nedes gazed back at the town, a nervous glint shining from his eyes.

"Don't even think about it." Rayhan said in warning as his hand dropped to his sword. Malrick took a step closer to Nedes, just to emphasize the fact that he was outnumbered and wouldn't make it far if he chose to run.

Nedes lowered his gaze, knowing it was too late to do anything. "If it's any consolation, you can have these three. Do with them what you wish." Rayhan gestured at three prisoners.  Nedes eyed the  prisoners before finally conceding with a nod. Emeric walked towards his past rival.

"Thanks, for doing this." He said with reluctant appreciation.

Nedes nodded with equal reluctance, "I owe you one, don't make it a big deal."

"Yeah, but with the threat of returning to the Dome on you're shoulders, it is sort of a big deal." Emeric mumbled.

Nedes smirked, "I'm an escaped prisoner, I'm doomed to go there even if you don't steal the ship."

Emeric grinned, "Fair enough."

Nedes turned his gaze to Ariam, "What's the deal with those three?" He asked curiously.

However, before Emeric could reply, Rayhan called him, they had all boarded the ship and were ready to set sail.

Emeric nodded at Nedes in a final fairwell before turning away.  As he strode across the gangway, cane thudding with each step, he called over his shoulder. 

"They doomed our fellow countrymen to their deaths and sided with the Elites."  He stepped up onto the railing if the ship, gripping the ratlines.   "They're driven by greed and have no thought for others...". Emeric seemed to think for a few seconds... "You know, that sort of sounds like a good description of Chayrans..."

Nedes shot him a glare, " Yeah, real funny."

Emeric grinned as he stepped down onto the main deck, " Take care Nedes."  He called over his shoulder. 

Nedes lifted a hand in fair well before turning his attention to the three prisoners who stood before him.  Their gazes felt like daggers stabbing into him...

At a silent command from Rayhan, the ship set away, oars clawing at the water to project the large vessel forward. 

Emeric held his breath as they moved out of the harbour.  It was their last streak of termoil to escape from.  Once the bow of the ship ploughed through the vast open sees,  they would be free.  No more bounties on their heads, no more Elites after their blood, just simple quite and peace and the acceptance of their home land.

As they drew away, Ariam's haunting voice met their ears, "You'll never escape your fate.  You think handing me over to the Chayrans will stop me?  You think it will put an end to everything?  You're wrong.  You have no idea how big this is and how deep this runs.  The discrimination of being Etreshian won't ever leave you.  It will be your graves!"