Water Against Chaos

By R. A. Klepsis

Cordela sets out as a young woman for a life of adventure with a staff, a shield, and a dream. Along the way she acquires friends, magical abilities, and treasure. By facing and conquering various monsters she hones her skills, but her enemies also become more powerful

• Language: English
• Publisher: engineer27
• Release date: Jul 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9780578913018

Book preview

PROLOGUE

WILLIE HAD JUST finished cleaning up from the midday meal, and had polished up some turnips and carrots to chop for the stew she was planning for supper, when the pair walked in. Over the years she had spent helping her father manage the inn, she had seen all sorts of travelers; merchants, hucksters, pilgrims, vagrants, adventurers, politicians, mercenaries, aristocrats, and more. These two looked the adventurer type, although judging by the shine of their armor, relative youth, and lack of scars, they hadn’t yet seen much action. The man was tall and muscular, with thin wisps of black hair visible underneath his helmet. He took in his surroundings quickly, and did not relax — signs of warrior training. The woman was small and wispy, with distinctly elven features. Probably a half-breed, Willie thought. Her tawny hair was pulled back tightly into a bun with a copper wire. She looked about tentatively. Willie put down her knife, wiped her hands on her apron, and slid from behind her worktable toward them.

I’m afraid you missed dinner, and supper isn’t until sunset. But we have rooms if you’d like to stay. My name is Wilhelmina, but please call me Willie. Welcome to the Beaver Lodge. The words, her smile, and her gentle bow were second nature to her. She patiently waited for one of them to speak.

The woman looked briefly at her traveling companion, but he did not provide any encouragement or even seem to notice the glance. Er, um, she began. I’m supposed to ask for Walter?

That’s my Father, said Willie brightly. Wait here, I’ll fetch him. Willie knew she would find her father back in the stables, where he was fixing one of the stable doors that had been kicked out by a mule the previous week. He was just finishing and admiring his work when she arrived.

Dad, two people just arrived and asked to see you, by name. His eyes widened a bit at that, and he followed her out of the stable and back to the dining room. Willie bowed briefly to the two new arrivals, then went back to her chopping and waited to see what would transpire.

I’m Walter. Welcome to the Beaver Lodge. What can I do for you?

The woman paused for a moment, seemingly to gather up her courage for what she had to do. I’m Cordela Shent, and this is my cousin Zoro Burke. My father said you ran the best inn in town.

Walter looked puzzled for a moment, then brightened. Shent, you say? So you must be Cordono’s girl. He used to stay with me here every wool harvest season. I haven’t seen him since he sold his flock and quit the wool business. Must be, oh, over twenty years now. Probably before you were born, huh?

I’m forty, Cordela said quietly.

What’s that?

I’m forty years old.

Walter smiled at that. I bet you are, he said.

ONE

CORDELA SHENT WAS, as it happened, exactly forty years old. Today was her birthday. She started the day much like most other days.

She first checked on her herb garden. Her feverfew was producing copious amounts of light green leaves, and she harvested as many as she could while leaving enough to support the plants that were just getting ready to set flowers. Her chamomile was just beginning to flower, so it was too early to collect any of the blooms. The sage leaves were in the perfect condition, with just a frosting of white on their undersides. While she collected, a blue jay sat on a nearby fencepost and screamed at her until she threw some sunflower seeds in its direction.

Her next task was feeding and tending her pet miniature pig, Elri. The animal was barely the size of a cat, even fully grown. Cordela had raised him from a piglet, and had trained him to root out pests from her garden. She felt a close bond of friendship with him, although she knew that was probably just wishful thinking. As she rubbed Elri’s soft white belly, she knew that this day would be decidedly unlike any she had experienced before.

Her thoughts drifted back to her birthday a year ago, when she had announced her decision to leave the idyllic but simple village of Fallonfael and seek her place in the wider world. Her mother fretted a bit, tried half-heartedly to talk her into staying, and finally gave her a tearful hug and an if you’re sure that’s what you want. This was about what Cordela had expected. At nearly 70 years of age, she had already experienced more years with her daughter than she could reasonably have expected to have spent with fully human offspring, and she had little more to offer to Cordela in terms of life lessons or protection from the wider world.

Her father, on the other hand, she expected to resist. Elven life spans could be incredibly long, so he most likely expected that he would outlive his wife. But Cordela was someone he could count on to be with him in old age and to take over tending of the farm in Fallonfael. He sat for a long while, his chin resting on his fingertips, and Cordela felt that perhaps he was attempting to completely ignore her declaration, perhaps in the hope that she would forget she had made it. But eventually he looked at her, and smiled. You’re going to need some training. You had better get started.

So for the next year, Cordela did everything she could to learn about how to survive in the world outside of her little valley. Initially she studied merchantry and business, but found that it did not suit her. Later she tried her hand at various trades, but the few she had any aptitude for were dull or simply revolting to her. She found that she did enjoy reading, and the few books available to her in Fallonfael were quickly devoured. One book in particular told of a group of heroic adventurers who saved the world from dire evils. This sounded like exactly what Cordela was looking for! She immediately began training in all sorts of combat. Her father, who had been a warrior before he settled in Fallonfael, taught her some basic weapons drills. Later, another soldier who retired to pastoral life provided more focused training. She also learned how to survive in the wilderness, including everything from how to pitch a tent to how to avoid stinging nettles.

When she was out on one of her wilderness hikes, she had a chance meeting with a stranger that changed her direction yet again. The man was a cleric, who served in a temple in a distant city, and was on an errand for his order. Cordela was enthralled by the idea of serving a higher calling, and questioned the man about his profession until he grew impatient to resume his mission. From him, Cordela learned that many orders proscribe their warrior-priests from using any sharp-edged weapons. This suited Cordela, since under her neighbor's tutelage she discovered that she was useless at archery but not too bad with a mace or flail. She also learned that many deities bestow gifts such as useful artifacts and magic powers on their servants, which sounded very exciting. Cordela envisioned herself righting wrongs and aiding the helpless with the power she might acquire. Cordela resolved that she would set herself upon this path, and make her mark on the world as part of something bigger than herself.

By the end of a year, Cordela and her parents agreed that she had prepared as well as possible in tiny Fallonfael, and that it was time to leave. Her mother had wrested one concession from her, namely that she be escorted by her mother’s nephew who also wished to venture in search of more excitement than was on offer in his small town. Cordela initially resisted, but after contemplating the magnitude of what she planned to do, she realized that having a companion and extra sword along for the trip was actually a very good idea.

Cordela had known her cousin Zoro Burke since he was a small boy. She remembered visiting his small town of Chelbyn with her mother on some of her few forays outside of Fallonfael. He seemed to have grown up alarmingly quickly. The last time she had seen him he was still smooth-faced and chubby, and barely past her elbow, and now he towered over her, lean and muscular with a wispy beard. The disparity in life cycles between elves and humans often amused her, and she was even more amused about Zoro, since he looked older than her even though she was nearly twice his age. She kept this observation to herself, however. It was no use antagonizing someone that you might be depending on to save your life.

Cordela gave her pig one final ruffle between his ears, and told him, I’ll send for you as soon as I am settled in a place where I can keep you. Meanwhile, our neighbors the Piullous will take good care of you. And with that, Cordela went to don her armor, a custom suit of scale mail that was the best she was able to afford, and prepare for her first steps into the wider world. Over the armor she affixed her emerald green cloak, clasped with a copper brooch. She made sure her bedroll was wound up tightly, and secured it with her other survival equipment. She saw that the coil of sturdy rope firmly affixed to her backpack, and that the grappling hook was stowed inside. She carefully wrapped the herbs that she had collected that morning, plus some that were already dried. These all went into her satchel. Then she took up her small round shield, and went to the front room to say farewell to her parents.

Zoro was waiting there with them. Tearful goodbyes were shared, and last-minute advice given, which included where they should go. The nearest town of any size was Palmyra, about a half-day journey north on the main road. Cordela’s father suggested that they should visit the Beaver Lodge Inn, where the proprietor Walter could be relied upon to find them room even during the busy harvest season, when merchants came great distances to Palmyra for its famed wool and tended to fill up all the lodgings. He also bestowed upon her an ancient staff, inscribed with elven runes, and adorned with hammered copper heels at both ends. It was a Shent family totem, passed through many generations. It will serve you well, her father said.

And so Cordela and Zoro set forth on their journey while it was still fairly early in the morning. They walked in silence for a time, until Zoro remarked on Cordela's outfit.

My family has a tradition that green brings luck.

Cordela swished her cloak a bit. That's interesting. Among elves it generally signifies prosperity. I just like it.

"I notice that you are carrying a staff and a shield. Do you plan to use both at once?"

I trained in both one and two handed staffing. This heavy staff from my father is actually perfect for the one handed style.

Staffing? He gave a quizzical look. I don't think that's a word.

Of course it's a word.

If you say so.

From there the conversation drifted to a comparison of various fighting styles. Zoro related several techniques for disarming or disabling an opponent while doing minimal damage, and described several different types of swords and their relative strengths and weaknesses. Cordela contrasted blunt weapon combat with sword fighting, and told an abridged version of one of the stories she had read that set her along the path she was now on.

That reminds me of a funny story that happened during my last guard duty, Zoro said. "I was riding in the second of three wagons when our caravan was stopped by someone purporting to be a beggar in the road.

"The merchant in charge, my employer, climbed down to speak to the man. My job was to stay alert. I noticed that the fellow was a bit more clean, well-dressed, and well-fed than your average beggar, and I smelled trouble. Sure enough, before long I spotted two accomplices hiding in some shrubs by the roadside, waiting for an opportune moment to steal a wagon.

Sliding down from my perch on the wagon, I was able to sneak around behind them. Drawing my sword, I nonchalantly asked, 'Got somewhere you'd rather be?' One look at me and the pair took off.

And they left their buddy alone?

"That's the funniest part. After the two in the bushes ran, I strolled up to my employer and said, 'Hey boss. I just chased away two thugs hiding in the bush over there. You want me to chase 'em down?'

He said, 'No, just guard wagons. Thank you.' But the effect on the erstwhile beggar was immediate and hilarious. He immediately started to explain how he didn't really need any money, or food, and actually was expected in the next town over in an hour. My boss, clued in to the deal by now, was saying things like, 'Are you sure we couldn't help you out just a bit? Why don't you just wait there while I get you something to eat from the wagon.'

Cordela was nearly doubled over with laughter by this point. How did you manage to keep a straight face?

With great difficulty. But that's just the kind of professional I am. But that was the most excitement I had in the entire two week job. I'm hoping this outing with you holds a bit more interest.

I have a feeling it will. Then Cordela asked, Have you ever been to Palmyra?

Once or twice. My parents brought me along when they needed to go there. You?

I’ve hardly ever been out of Fallonfael, said Cordela.

You’ll probably be impressed, then.

Cordela was more than impressed. While they were still miles away, she could already see a great stone structure that arose from the center of the city. Zoro informed her that it was called a tetrapylon, composed of four groups of four pillars supporting a great sloped stone roof. As they entered the city, Cordela could see that the tetrapylon was at least forty feet tall, and towered over a busy open-air market while also functioning as a crossroads and meeting place at the center of the city. Cordela had to stop gawking at the immense structure in order to gawk at the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells in the market. As Zoro led her onward, she stared in amazement at the unusual foods, crafts, and creatures that were on offer. She thrilled at buskers performing for loose coins, and hawkers yelling very entertaining spiels to sell their wares.

I think the inn is just up here and to the left, yelled Zoro over the crowd noise. As they veered to the left of the tetrapylon, the noise subsided, although the thoroughfare still seemed very busy. Along the way they passed a large, impressive building that Zoro thought was where the city council met, right across the street from an even more impressive building bearing a sign indicating that it was the Wolliers’ Hall. Zoro explained that the Wolliers’ Guild oversaw all wool trade in Palmyra. They also passed an armory with practice fields adjacent to it, an alchemist, and some other shops, before finally approaching the inn. From a distance, the wooden sign hanging in front of it seemed to depict a mound of garbage, but as they got closer she could see it was supposed to be a mound of sticks. Still closer she could make out the lettering beneath the mound: Beaver Lodge.

This must be the place, said Zoro.

The two went inside, and had to wait a moment before their eyes adjusted to the dimmer interior. A young woman who had been chopping some vegetables walked over to them.

I’m afraid you missed dinner, and supper isn’t until sunset. But we have rooms if you’d like to stay. My name is Wilhelmina, but please call me Willie. Welcome to the Beaver Lodge.

And that is how Cordela Shent found herself in the front dining room of the Palmyra Beaver Lodge Inn, facing its proprietor Walter, and saying I’m forty years old, on this decidedly not normal day, her fortieth birthday.

TWO

WILLIE SHOWED THEM to their rooms while keeping up the polite friendly conversation that was her hallmark that kept patrons returning to the Beaver Lodge year after year. Since you are such good friends with my father, we'll put you in our nicest rooms. You certainly don't look like you are in town for the wool trade. I'd guess you are explorers seeking adventure, or soldiers for hire. If so, you might be interested in the tournament tomorrow afternoon at the armory.

That sounds fun, said Zoro. Might do that. What's the entry?

Five gold, but the purse is 100 for the winner.

Nice.

Adventure and gold are secondary considerations, Cordela interjected, I'm seeking to devote my service to a worthy deity. I want to make a difference in the world.

Well, I hope you find what you're looking for here in Palmyra. Dinner is in two hours.

At dinner, Willie was too busy serving to sit down and talk with the new arrivals, but she was happy to see that they had struck up a conversation with Ha'Eilen, an Elven wool trader from Damask who seemed to prefer the late wool, perhaps because it was better for the heavy fabric that his city was famous for. Willie heard snippets of conversation in the Elvish language from Cordela and Ha'Eilen, but she didn't understand. She had never been able to get the hang of that language, aside from a few phrases like Welcome, Good night, and More stew?

Willie saw the pair of newcomers in the morning as they prepared to head out for the day. Going temple hopping, I presume?

That's the plan, Cordela smiled and adjusted her cloak.

Well, good luck. I want to hear all about it when you get back!

Cordela and Zoro agreed, and with a wave they were off.

She didn't see them again until dinner was well underway. Well, how did it go? Did you choose a patron?

Cordela let out a small sigh. It's really a long story.

I love stories! Tell me after dinner?

THREE

CORDELA SPENT THE morning bouncing from one temple to another, trying to find an organization she could pledge her service to that would accept it, and that she felt was worthy. Her father had been right - Palmyra boasted representation by followers of gods of many cultures. Lucky for Cordela, most of them had their places of worship along a single street off of the main square that the locals called Temple Row.

She visited the temple of Odin, the Lord Father of the Norse pantheon. He was a god of wisdom and knowledge, which resonated with Cordela's love of books. But she found that the priests there treated her very coolly. She wasn't sure if it was on account of her elven heritage, her lack of maleness, or something else. She decided that it probably wasn't the place for her. She was, however, very impressed with their library. Adherent of the Faith or not, she swore she would be back one day to peruse their collection of rare tomes.

Next she visited the abode of Aphrodite, a Greek goddess of beauty. Being a woman was an advantage here for a change. The high priestess and her retinue were very welcoming and friendly, but they also took their dedication to beauty very seriously. Cordela didn't consider herself ugly, but she couldn't imagine herself bound to an organization so focused on the physical. With some regret, she moved on.

The demesne of Thoth, the Egyptian god of knowledge and insight, had an even more impressive library than she had seen at Odin. But the attendants were even more aloof and unwelcoming, bordering on rude. This time she was sure it was her womanhood -- the temple was attended by a variety of people, including elves as well as halflings and even half-orcs -- but all men, to a one. Cordela did not stay long.

Soon the different houses and shrines began to blend into one another. Vishnu, Bast, Untamo, Demeter, one upon another, none striking a chord or inspiring allegiance. Cordela was worn and ready for her midday meal when she nearly by accident stumbled into the temple of Isis, the Egyptian goddess of magic and the harvest. She saw a huge relief carving of the goddess, holding aloft a star-ankh, her symbol of power. The symbol had a socket that could contain a large gemstone, but it was empty. As her eyes took in the rest of the interior, she noted that the population was fairly diverse, including humans, elves, halflings, and more, both men and women. Her attention was particularly drawn to a dark-skinned man and the bearded dwarf alongside him. A priestess approached Cordela and welcomingly introduced herself as Soussi. Cordela thought she might find a home among this motley assembly, but decided that a fanciful Magic deity with an agricultural remit was not exactly what she was looking for.

She turned to go, and walked right into a smothering wall of blackness. She felt as though she had been kicked hard in the chest, and she struggled to take a breath. A force like a giant fist drove her to her knees. Gasping for air, she looked up to see what was doing this to her as her fighting reflexes, honed over the past year, began to kick in. As she did, she saw a fiery symbol, an Egyptian hieroglyph, appear in the blackness before her, and a feminine voice, far away and yet right between her ears, whispered words to her.

Farrah Melkior Isis

And as quickly as it had appeared, the blackness was gone. Cordela desperately filled her lungs with fresh air, and then, oblivious to the incredulous stares of the others in the temple, began to scrape the symbol she had seen into the dust of the floor of the temple. Compulsively she etched the glyph into the stone with her fingernails, muttering the words she had heard, over and over again. She didn't even quite realize what she was doing until the carving began to fill with water. The liquid cleansed the small amount of blood that had begun to well up out of her torn fingers, and Cordela touched it to her face, not quite believing it real. Soussi was behind her gently holding her shoulders, and one of the other temple attendants muttered, Isis spoke to her, and another, She is chosen.

Cordela ignored them for the moment, more focused on where the water had come from. Had she performed magic? In her studies, she had read about how certain clerics favored by their patrons would gain such power. Was this how it happened?

Cordela's thoughts were finally interrupted by the arrival of a very aged priestess, who stood Cordela on her feet and announced, It is the prophecy. Isis has chosen the one who will return our artifact.

Soussi, sensing Cordela's confusion, interposed herself between Cordela and the crone. This is Morrie, our Seer. When the Garnet was recently stolen from our Image, she indicated the relief carving and its empty socket, she received a prophecy that Isis would choose one who could return it to us. It appears you are the one foretold. I know that you have not decided whether to pledge your service to Isis, but I humbly ask that you join us for a time, at least until the Garnet is safely back in its setting.

Cordela shook her head a bit, attempting to clear the confusing fog that still seemed to cloud her mind. Um. Maybe? I’ll let you know? And without waiting for an answer, she ran back out onto Temple Row and toward the center of town. She needed some time to sort out what had happened and how she felt about it.

FOUR

EMERGING FROM THE temple, Cordela blinked as the sunlight stung her eyes. Her head was spinning, and a churning, sensation gnawed at her stomach. Unsure of what exactly she was feeling, Cordela decided she was hungry. She had smelled a savory aroma emanating from the marketplace yesterday, and she resolved to track down the source of that aroma and devour it.

The quickest way to the marketplace was through the gigantic tetrapylon, which was full of people this time of day. Luckily, the predominant flow of traffic was toward the marketplace, as it seemed that everyone in Palmyra had gotten the same idea as Cordela,