Gemsong Saga: A Man Named Zephyr

By Ruu McKinney

In the aftermath of rebellion, the people of Segment 07 find themselves cut off from the outside world. While effectively granted their independence, they enjoy it beneath the watchful eye of the Lutian Blockade fleet. With the Nobility's iron grasp loosened however, a land that was once but refuse and debris, now blossoms with life, fed by the toil of its people. Beneath this verdant facade however, something dark has begun to grow.

When Zephyr and Jance find themselves targeted by an unknown foe, their fight to unmask their enemy unravels a chain of events that brings them head to head with the elite of Lutia. As traitors of the past bare their fangs, and the full might of the Nobility is brought against the resistance however, their true powers will emerge to be tested, alongside several unlikely allies.

What once was lost may be recovered once more, but at what cost?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ruu McKinney
• Release date: Dec 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463900475

Ruu McKinney

Ruu Mckinney is a freelance writer turned fantasy fiction author. His current projects revolve around his Gemsong Saga series, and include work on new entries as well as a website that expands upon its universe and lore. In addition to writing, Ruu Mckinney is an avid sportbike and coffee enthusiast. When he is not working to expand his writing portfolio, he can usually be found roaming the mountain roads of Arkansas on his motorcycles or roasting a fresh batch of coffee.

Book preview

Gemsong Saga Volume 02: A Man Named Zephyr

Copyright 2017-2020 Ruu McKinney

Published by Ruu McKinney at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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Table of Contents

Chapter 01: Hunting the Hunters

Chapter 02: What Lies Beneath

Chapter 03: Baiting the Trap

Chapter 04: The Swords of Lutia

Chapter 05: The Siege of Segment 07

Chapter 06: The Scythes of Lutia

Chapter 07: The Nature of Elementals

Chapter 08: The Gemsong Initiative

Chapter 09: Journey to the Pirate Segment

Chapter 10: Homecoming

Chapter 11: The Escape

Chapter 01: Hunting The Hunters

It's hard to believe it's already been five years, said Jance with a sigh, so much has changed, and yet, we're still no closer to saving Dianne, are we?

Zephyr looked out onto the segment square from their perch in the keyhole passage without a word. It was true - They had accomplished much as a segment in the years since Dianne's abduction, and yet, no matter how far they seemed to move forward, they were no closer to finding her.

Zeph, do you think she blames me? Is it my fault she was taken?

Of course not! replied Zephyr quickly, You know she would never blame you for that! We were just kids Jance, and it was naive for us to think we could have done anything to have stopped it.

Zephyr set his hand on Jance's shoulder. We will find her Jance, and we'll bring her back. We're not kids anymore, and we're stronger than we ever thought we could be. It's just a matter of time.

Jance looked out into the night with a distant gaze for another moment before he turned to Zephyr and smiled bitter sweetly. You're right Zeph, I'm sorry. I guess I really couldn't have done a whole lot locked in my room like I was, anyways, kid or not. I just think about it sometimes, and I wonder if I could have done something, anything differently.

The two stood in silence for several minutes before a figure appeared in the square below. It was Drake. He looked around cautiously for a moment and then quickly motioned them down. Zephyr and Jance glided quickly down to the alley below and Drake leaned in close to them as they approached.

The reports say there are three hunters, he began, They've disappeared down into the Serpent's Coil, and they have a girl with them.

Does anyone know who the girl is? asked Zephyr in concern.

Drake shook his head. Nobody has reported anyone as missing, and there are no active reports of abductions anywhere in this area. We have no idea who they are.

Zephyr pulled his hood up. We can find out more once she's safe.

Jance hesitated. The Serpent's Coil? As in, the place where that guy went crazy and murdered all of those people? We're going down... Into that?

I'm sure that's just an urban legend, Jance. It'll be fine, don't worry. Zephyr assured him.

Drake cocked his head to the side. Well... he began, That's not entirely true. I don't know about all the talk of passages to the underworld and demons, but a guy was cornered near there after a series of murders. I think they called him the Blackstone Butcher. It was a big deal a few years back, and I don't know if they even found all of the bodies.

Zephyr scowled at Drake. Thanks Drake, that helps. he said sarcastically as Jance shuddered. Anyways, are you coming with us this time? Or are you meeting back up with the Volunteer Militia?

Drake held out his hand. I'm coming with you guys this time, if you don’t mind. I can lead you to where the scout said they went in. I had the other volunteers go around the back way to try and flank them as they exit, so we should have them all to ourselves for at least a few minutes. They were eager for any plan that didn’t have them personally stepping foot in the place, so it wasn’t hard to talk them into letting me handle the pursuit.

Jance swallowed hard and composed himself. I'm not getting any say in this, am I?

Drake and Zephyr shook their heads.

With a resigned sigh, Jance took Drake's hand and rocketed into the air with Zephyr right on their heels. As they spiraled upwards towards the stars, the sheer acceleration squeezed the air from Drake's lungs and liquified his vision. When they finally came to a stop several hundred feet above the segment, Drake took a desperate gasp of air.

Next time, he said breathlessly, I'm going with Zeph. You're crazy!

We're going to a place that might have demons and dead bodies lying around, and I'm the crazy one?

Drake pondered Jance's statement for a moment. Well I doubt the bodies are just lying around. It's been a long time, so they're probably just skeletons by now.

That doesn't help Drake! Jance quickly retorted. Anyways, it's down by the Grand Bazaar, right?

Drake nodded. Yeah, at the fork right before it.

Jance sighed once more. Fine, let's get this over with then. There is a gap in the buildings we can sneak through not far from the entrance. Jance paused and turned to Drake and Zephyr. Just know right now, if a demon eats me, I'm coming back to haunt both of you!

With that, Jance shot off to the northeast and guided Zephyr towards the roofline of the housing block. As they approached, Jance veered down into a narrow gap barely wide enough for them to fit. The space between the sections of buildings was lined with old, corroded piping, and mysterious lengths of molded wire, but it took them all the way down to the bottom of the ten-floor block, and not more than a few hundred yards from the fork.

Jance set down just outside of the claustrophobic passage and shuddered once more at the sight of it. Ugh, he said in disgust, it even smells like dead people.

You're sure they went in here Drake? Zephyr asked as he glanced apprehensively into the darkness.

Drake nodded. Yeah, several of our scouts followed them here. They saw them go inside not more than a few minutes ago.

But why? thought Jance out loud, If they were taking the girl back to Lutia, it would make more sense to just cut through the old courtyards rather than barricade themselves in some tunnel to the underworld, wouldn't it? Besides, with the way we've been dealing with hunters, it seems like a lot of risk for just one girl.

Drake shrugged and the tone of lightning reverberated through the narrow alleyway. Who cares? he asked with a grin, We'll just go in, save the girl, and get out before the volunteers catch up. Just like you always do, except this time, I get to tag along.

Jance frowned, and sniffed the air once more before they made their way down the staircase and into the Serpent's Coil.

The air inside the narrow tunnel was stale and humid, and the dim lightning from the crystal lanterns along its ceiling cast disorienting shadows along the walls as they passed. As they reached the bottom of the first set of stairs, Zephyr put his arm across Drake's path and stopped him.

Zeph? What's wrong? Drake asked.

Is it a body!? asked Jance with a gasp.

No, but look at this… Zephyr replied as he motioned around them.

Unlike the rest of the passage thus far, the landing they stood on was unusually clean. The haphazardly strewn piles of mildewed trash present everywhere else were strangely absent, and in their place were the remnants of what appeared to be several melted candles.

This looks more like a shrine than the lair of a murderer. Zephyr observed.

Maybe he had followers? Jance added with a shudder.

These hash marks… began Drake in an uneasy tone, And are those stick figures crossed out on the wall over there?

Jance immediately whipped his head around. See?! It’s proof. I bet it’s the same number as the number of victims!

Zephyr rolled his eyes and continued on. C’mon Drake. He’ll only get worse the longer we’re here.

Jance winced in offense. What do you mean by that? I feel like this is a perfectly normal reaction to a place like this. He pointed down at Zephyr’s feet nervously. I mean look at that. You’re probably standing on part of some spell or incantation.

You know, I’m sure people say the same things about us Jance, Drake countered, and I don’t recall ever having to write C-A-S on a wall to use my powers. You really need to relax a little.

Jance sighed. Whatever. Let’s just hurry up. He grumbled.

As they reached the bottom of the next long set of stairs, Zephyr stopped and motioned to the ground with his eyes. A combination of poor drainage and countless overhead leaks had left a pool of stagnant water on the floor of the passage more than two feet deep.

Not all of us are as resistant to shocks as you Drake. Zephyr whispered.

Drake looked down and the tone of lightning quieted. I guess this one is all you then Zeph, he whispered back in disappointment. and when I finally get to come along, too.

Jance looked sourly at the putrid water and immediately lifted off into the air.

Have fun with that guys. he whispered with a smirk.

Drake looked at Jance and then back at Zephyr hopefully. Think I could I have a lift Zeph?

A few minutes later, Jance paused in front of a corner and put his finger to his lips. In the distance, they could hear the splash of footsteps, and several voices whispered to one another in the dim light. Zephyr poked his head out slowly around the corner alongside Jance. About a hundred meters ahead of them the passage opened up into a large chamber. A total of eight figures stood in various parts of the room while what looked like a lone girl in a cloak stood quietly in the center with her head bowed.

I thought you said there were only three? Jance asked in concern.

That's what I was told, replied Drake with a helpless shrug, How was I supposed to know there was more?

Zephyr narrowed his eyes. Something about this is wrong. There are three right there in the center, but the others look like they're trying to hide. They are all just kind of standing there though, like they're waiting for something.

Do you think they heard us? asked Jance.

Zephyr shook his head. And they just now happened to notice, right as they reached a big open room like that, with five of their friends? I don't like this.

Drake cracked his knuckles. We can take them guys. We've fought more than that and won. If we just stand here, they might hurt the girl."

Before Drake could finish his sentence, the temperature of the air began to suddenly plummet. A moment later, Martika appeared from the shadows behind them. Her gaze was cold and emotionless, and as she walked, the surface of the water froze beneath her feet.

Martika? Why are you here? whispered Zephyr in surprise.

She turned to Zephyr slowly and cocked her head slightly to the side. You are careless Zephyr; thus, someone needs to keep an eye on you.

She continued past them and rounded the corner without hesitation. Come. she instructed.

The three of them looked at each other in confusion as Martika continued down the corridor.

Wait, Martika! What are you doing?! Zephyr called out, but Martika paid no attention.

When she reached the large room, the three hunters in the center quickly surrounded their hostage.

One of the men grinned and held a knife up to her throat. Not another step girlie, he said in an overconfident growl, wouldn't want us to harm the poor little one here, now would you?

Martika eyed the hostage for a moment and then slowly scanned the room. After a moment of contemplation, she raised her hand and pointed towards the ceiling of the room.

Feel free, she replied harshly, it would only save me the trouble.

Frost began to coalesce in the air above the hunters, and as she brought her hand down, seven shards of ice shot out and impaled the five hidden hunters as well as the confident man's two allies. She paused to allow the reality of his situation to sink in, and then summoned another lance-like shard. With a flick of her wrist, she drove the shard through the hostage and into her captor behind her.

Martika turned to Zephyr and looked him straight in the eye. You are far too valuable to be this careless! she scolded, You must be harder than this or you will never save anyone. None of you will!

She exhaled in annoyance and her piercing glare suddenly softened. As the icy glint in her eyes melted away, she was reduced once more to her simple, child-like persona. She let out an innocent giggle that chilled their spines, and then pirouetted down the corridor and out towards the surface.

What the hell!? Drake shouted in a shaky voice as he rushed towards the body of the hostage, We're supposed to save people like this, not massacre them!

Drake paused in mid-sentence. As he lifted the body of the girl, the hood of her cloak slipped off and revealed a poorly fitted wig. He reached forward and removed it, and then jumped back in shock.

Drake? Jance called out in concern, What is it?

Drake pointed at the body. It was a hunter in disguise, their hand still clasped around the handle of a dagger in their belt. Zephyr looked at the body and then off in the direction Martika had disappeared in, her words heavy on his mind.

Hey, Jance called out as he examined the body, there is something else here.

Jance reached for a folded piece of paper that stuck out from the hunter's pocket. He unfolded it slowly and then let out a gasp.

"Wanted. the flyer read, Subjects are identified by the names Zephyr, and Jance. They are known leadership, and instigators of the anti-Lutian rebellion on Segment 07. Subjects are known to monitor and react to hunters and local abductions. Reward is double if subjects are apprehended alive."

Were they here for us? asked Jance in horror.

Zephyr's heart pounded in his ears.

How do they know who we are? continued Jance, How do they know our names?

Guys, interrupted Drake, take that flyer and get out of here. The volunteers are almost here.

Zephyr was jogged from his daze and quickly took the flyer from Jance. He folded it up and placed it into his pocket and then took Jance's hand and rose into the air.

We'll meet up later. Drake whispered.

Zephyr and Jance had just turned the corner when the volunteers reached Drake from the other tunnel. Having just barely escaped, they continued on up the serpentine passage until they were back outside. Jance scanned the alleyway around them and then turned to Zephyr.

Zeph, he whispered, how would they know our names? We've been so careful.

Zephyr thought quietly to himself for a moment before he replied. I don't know Jance, but Martika was right. We need to be careful. I know the segment has been through a lot, and that things are finally starting to get better, but not everyone sees us as the good guys.

Jance looked shocked. But we've only been trying to help keep everyone safe! How could anyone think we weren't the good guys?

I know, Zephyr said with an understanding nod, but the militia, the resistance, there will always be those that think they're the cause of our problems, rather than the solution.

Jance deflated and sat down on the steps beside them. So, you're thinking whoever reported us to the nobles was from Segment 07 then? But if that's true, it could've been anyone.

Zephyr nodded. Like I said, we need to be extra careful, at least until we find out who it was. Zephyr extended his hand. But let's go home for now. We can think it over some more in the morning.

Zephyr awoke the next morning to the rhythmic ping of Arthur's hammer. Arthur sat at his workbench in the bay beside a stack of refurbished crystals and let out a tired sigh. Though Arthur tried his best to maintain a positive attitude around Zephyr, there was no hiding that with Dianne's abduction, something precious had broken inside of him. At times like this, when he felt he was alone, he often looked as if he were about to crumble.

Early day again Arthur? Zephyr asked as he sat down at the workbench beside him.

Arthur turned to Zephyr with a tired gaze. Good morning young one. Indeed, there has been much on my plate as of late.

Zephyr picked up one of the refurbished crystals and turned it in the morning light. Even as a Controller, I doubt I will ever be able to match what you can do with just a hammer and fork. You can't even tell this was ever damaged.

Arthur waved his fork in Zephyr's direction. While the value of natural talent should not be dismissed, there is no substitution for practice. Give it a few decades young one, I have faith.

Arthur mustered a soft smile and slowly rose from his chair. It will take but a few moments to ready breakfast. I assume you are hungry?

Zephyr nodded. When aren't I? he asked.

Arthur shook his head with a slight smirk. Goodness, isn't that the truth?

Arthur licked his fork off and gave it a wipe across his coat before he placed it back in his pocket. So, you think there is a spy on the segment? he asked in concern.

Zephyr removed the flyer from his pocket and unfolded it for Arthur. They know our names, and that we're part of the resistance.

Arthur took the flyer and looked it over for a moment as he nodded to himself.

It would seem that your names are the only things they actually seem to know. he said thoughtfully, I see no mention of your powers, and that is a good thing. Had word gotten out about your gifts, then I assure you, there would be more than a group of hunters searching for you.

Arthur continued to look over the flyer. Their sketches of you are also rather vague. This picture of Jance could be any number of people, and your picture as well. The only bit of sensitive information here aside from your names, is this bit about your monitoring hunters and abductions on the segment.

Zephyr raised his hand in objection. You don't think the fact that they know we are leaders in the resistance is sensitive?

Arthur shook his head and pointed at the flyer. They do not mention the resistance per se, but rather use the term rebellion. Doing anything that opposes the will of the nobility would be instigating rebellion. I think young one, that this flyer is more lucky guesses and hyperbole than established intelligence. While additional care should be taken, I do not think it is as grim a revelation as you had suspected at first glance.

Arthur loosened his vice and removed a crystal from its teeth.

The crystals for young Racket's agricultural machinery are ready. Perhaps you and Jance could deliver them for me today? I am not feeling in the best condition, and perhaps he can provide you some clues as to who your spy may be?

Zephyr stared back at Arthur. Umm, it's Racken sir. he said in a deadpan tone.

A smirk began to form on Arthur's face and he let out a soft chuckle. Goodness, I wonder if he knows that even after all these years, we still call him Racket, solely to see his reaction?

Zephyr smiled victoriously. It's good to see you laugh Arthur.

Arthur's chuckle subsided and he flashed an apologetic smile. I know young one, I'm trying.

Zephyr opened the heavy iron door to the square and squinted in the daylight. Though the crowds that milled through the square paled in comparison to what he had seen when he first arrived in the Rubbards years before, they were still impressive. Zephyr locked the door with a metallic clang of the locking wheel, and then turned and stepped down into the square.

The square was now lined with trees, and they blossomed in bright shades of white and purple. Every rooftop in view swayed with maturing crops and gardens, and the breezes that blew through the square carried with them a sweet, earthy aroma.

Along with the isolation that came with the destruction of the bridges to Segment 03 and 08, the nobility had also imposed an embargo. Ships from the Lutian fleet now dotted the skies around Segment 07, and their presence actively prevented any trade with the outside world. The satchel of crystals over Zephyr's shoulder were Segment 07's response to that embargo. If they could no longer depend on others, then they would find a way to depend on themselves.

Zephyr waded through the crowds and made his way towards the diner. The crystals in the satchel over his shoulder would power the machinery that would cultivate future crops, and those crops would push the segment ever-closer to its goal of self-sufficiency. If the segment kept this pace he thought, it may only be a couple more years before things like hunger were a thing of the past.

The thought made Zephyr smile, and as he approached the doors of the diner, the reaction of the people around him only widened his grin. The lines that fed into the diner were as long as ever, but as the people caught sight of Zephyr, they motioned ahead of them just as they had to Arthur years before. Zephyr bowed courteously and stepped inside the diner.

Jahls stood watch by the doorway as usual, and lit up at Zephyr's arrival. Well hey there Zephyr! he called out in his deep, booming voice, What brings you to our fine establishment today?

Jahls extended a large hand and shook Zephyr's vigorously and then leaned down and cupped his hand in a whisper. If you're looking for Jance, he's up on the roof. Are we all meetin' up tonight? Is everything alright?

Zephyr nodded. Yeah, everything is fine Jahls. I just need to talk to Jance, and then we're off to deliver these crystals to Racken. Zephyr paused for a moment and looked around before he continued. Now that you mention it Jahls, has anyone been asking around for us? Have you overheard anyone mention our names?

Jahls' wide grin faded. This is about that flyer y'all found last night, isn't it?

Zephyr nodded again.

I haven't heard anything, but I'll surely keep my ears open. Jahls whispered