Note: This is the 38th chapter in my fantasy novel, Legends Lost: Galdin. There are 52 chapters total and I will post 1 chapter every Friday. But if you wish to read the entire book now, it is available for purchase on Amazon, iBookstore, Kobo, B&N, and Smashwords.
Chapter VI
Night's Farewell
"What is this place?" asked Tami as she looked upward, staring at the cliff face and the homes that were built into it. Dark holes dotted the rock wall as narrow steps led to each one.
"I assume cliff dwellers used to live here," answered Narúl as he climbed up one of the narrow stairs. "I found this place long ago. It is a good spot to stop and rest." He held his hand out for Tami who took it allowing him to help her up.
Tami eyed the ruined cliff dwellings. "How long has it been abandoned?"
"Hard to say. There was no life here when I found it. It is just as barren each time I pass through here."
He clambered up a couple more levels having to assist Tami each time.
"How far up are we going?" asked Tami.
"To the top."
Tami almost fainted when Narúl's answer registered. There were at least seven more levels to climb. Narúl caught her as she leaned precariously close to the edge. "Must it be so high?"
"Afraid of heights?"
"No," spat Tami as she climbed higher; her face getting paler with each step.
Chuckling to himself, Narúl lifted the girl over the last edge. He brushed the cobwebs away as he stepped through a dark opening and into the vacant interior. He found a discarded table cloth and hung it like a curtain covering the entrance. He lit a small fire; enough to warm them, but not too big so as to attract attention. Noticing Tami's shivering form, Narúl wrapped his cloak around her shoulders.
"Even in the warm season, the mountains can get cold," he said.
"How much farther?"
"Maybe a day's walk," said Narúl.
"Tell me about your home," said Tami.
"This is my home," Narúl replied.
Tami glared at him. He knew what she meant.
"I come from a place far across the sea. It is filled with coarse sand. A man can wander for days before finding water.
"I was captured by a neighboring tribe that sold me to a trader. Later, I was brought to a strange land where once again I was sold before ending up here. And you know the rest."
"But why remain here?" asked Tami. "Why didn't you ever return to your home?"
"This is my home now," repeated Narúl. "My sons would be grown now. For me to return would bring shame upon my family. I will never do that.
"When a man is taken captive it is considered the gravest of dishonors. My wife would have mourned my passing long ago. For her sake, it is best if I do not return."
"Doesn't seem fair," muttered Tami.
"Our ways seem strange to you."
"I just don't understand how returning to your homeland would take away your honor," said Tami.
"And what honor would I gain by forsaking my oath to my lady?"
Tami didn't answer.
"I will meet them again, even if it is not in this life."
"She looks up to you. I can tell. I never thought that one raised in the palace would have such respect for any below her station."
"Because she believes no one is below her station," said Narúl, "Unlike most, Nylana has realized that all are equal under the eyes of the heavens. All deserve to be treated as men."
"I've been on my own for as long as I can remember," said Tami. "Mostly I get by collecting coins for a few magic tricks. At least, for the ones that don't backfire."
A noise outside caught their attention. Quickly, Narúl doused the fire before peeking through the doorway. Below them rested a contingent of barbarians. Many prepared meals over fires, while other sharpened weapons. From the way they acted, Narúl guessed that they were headed to Hemíl.
"I thought you said that no one knew of this place," whispered Tami.
"I guess I was wrong. We need to leave."
Narúl slipped outside. Darkness had fallen. He eased himself to the level directly below them. With care, he helped Tami down. A small gap stood before them. Narúl jumped across motioning for Tami to follow. Uneasy, she hopped to the other side; her feet making soft plops on the rock.
Strong arms led her to a set of steps that progressed downward. Cautiously, the two took a zigzag route to avoid the barbarians.
Tami's foot slipped. Quickly, Narúl grasped her hand before she tumbled below. Both paused, looking down to make certain they hadn't been noticed. Narúl lowered her gently to the ledge below them. He scrambled down past her and to the next level.
"Come on," he whispered.
Carefully, Tami eased herself to where Narúl stood. He hopped to the bottom level with Tami close behind. Making certain no one saw them, Narúl guided Tami away into the protection of darkness.
* * *
Galdin walked alone in the darkness letting only the quarter moon light his path. Events had prevented him from saying a final farewell to Trya; something he owed her. While the others slept, he searched for the necessary items hoping to find them. Unaware of a small shadow following him, Galdin carefully checked the plants for the specific ones he needed.
A twig snapped under his foot. Cursing his lack of stealth, he looked behind to make certain that the others hadn't woken. A quick glance told him that they still slept soundly. He turned back coming face to face with a pair of glowing, amber eyes.
"You won't find it here," said Magi as she stepped out of the bushes.
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Galdin.
Magi slapped him with her bushy tail. "If you insist on playing this game you will lose."
"What makes you so certain?"
"People always lose to the cat." Magi smirked in her whiskers as Galdin watched her. "I know what it is you seek and if you follow me, I will take you to it."
Galdin did not move.
"This way. Now." Magi hopped to the ground and trotted off. She moved gracefully making certain that Galdin had no difficulty following her in the dark. They pushed past overlapping trees and thick brush to a secret place that Magi had known her whole life. Galdin gasped when they came upon it.
Mounds of flowers twinkled in the darkness forming bright colors despite the dark night. A patch of sage rested in the center. Wisps of wind brushed the flowers lifting bunches of them into the air as they danced upon the breeze and swirled around Galdin whispering to him.
"What is this place?" he asked.
"I don't know," said Magi. "I found it once on my travels and have never forgotten it."
"Travels?"
"I was not always at the palace of Norlyk. I am well over seventy."
"Does Nylana know of this place?"
"Yes," came a soft voice from behind.
Galdin whirled around.
Nylana looked at him, sorrow etched on her face. "Yes, I know of it. Magi brought me here once when I was thirteen."
"I thought—"
"You were the only one who cared for Trya?" Nylana stepped past him and into the field of multicolored flowers. She reached down and grasped a handful of orange mums and yellow lilies. "Here," she handed Galdin the plants.
He laid his cloak on the ground and placed them within it. Slowly, the three meandered through the field picking irises, begonias, crocuses, and daisies. Carefully, Galdin cut away some sage tying it into a bundle.
They carried everything back to camp. Valn awaited them, which did not surprise Galdin.
"Here," said Valn pointing to a pile of granite rock. "I gathered these while you were away."
"You only pretended to be asleep," whispered Galdin to Nylana.
"Who's pretending?" yawned Tabs.
Galdin went to the granite rocks. Carefully, he placed them in a circle making certain that four of the stones marked the four corners of the earth. He placed the sage in the middle and lit it allowing it to smoke. Gently, Galdin laid the flowers around the smoldering sage. Magi pushed a stray one back into the bunch.
"Here," said Nylana handing Galdin the blue rose.
"Keep it," said Galdin. "It was given to you."
In response, Nylana plucked a handful of petals from the rose and sprinkled them upon the mound of flowers. They dotted it like confetti.
In the tradition of the elves, Galdin remained silent for several moments allowing the sage to free Trya's spirit and send it to the world beyond. "Na hak'kamin. Na-kacuwe se-serin," he said after the allotted time had passed.
A breeze rose up sending its tendrils towards them. Slowly, the flowers rose into the air swirling around them until they floated away towards the moon.
Ni'lee y'lee.
"Long ago she ran away from home," said Galdin, "Now the forests of Belarnia will await the arrival of one who will never return."
Nylana and the others watched as Galdin conducted the final rites and said one last farewell to a friend.
Soft steps echoed behind them. They all whirled around to find three unicorns; one with a badly injured leg. The injured unicorn was supported on each side by his companions.
"We are sorry to have disturbed you," said one, "We are merely passing through."
"You survived," said Nylana.
"We are the only survivors of the destruction of our home," said the unicorn. "We fled to the mountains here and are headed to Belarnia."
"Come with us," Nylana urged.
"I am sorry, my lady, but we will not. We shall seek refuge in Belarnia, from there we will leave these lands."
Nylana's downcast face did not go unnoticed.
"Do not be so disheartened," said the unicorn, "The world is changing and our time is ending."
"Everything is changing," said Nylana.
"As all things must eventually."
Galdin pointed out the injured unicorn to Nylana. He took her hand and led her to the wounded creature. "If you'll permit her."
The wounded unicorn bowed.
Gently, Nylana placed her hand upon the unicorn's leg. A breeze whispered around them as healing power flowed from Nylana and into the unicorn's leg, mending what had been broken.
"Thank you," said the healed unicorn.
"We are sorry about you friend," said the unicorn that had spoken first. "And we wish you luck in your quest. We must take our leave now."
The three magnificent beasts continued downhill, allowing themselves to be concealed by the night. Galdin watched them go feeling sorry for their plight as solemnness filled his heart. He glanced at Nylana and knew that she felt the same.
* * *
Trog placed Artryl gently on the stone steps of the palace of Norlyk. The animal plopped beside Artryl enjoying every second as the boy scratched his floppy ears. Refusing to waste more time, Artryl raced up the steps to the palace doors. A guard stopped him with the point of his spear.
"I have a message for King Krispyn," said Artryl.
"Move along," said the guard not believing the boy.
"I am telling the truth," continued Artryl, "The Lady Nylana sent me with a message."
"Sure she did," scoffed the guard. "Now get going."
Artryl flashed the message before the guard's face revealing the unmistakable seal upon it. The guard's expression changed as he recognized the mark of Nylana. Swiftly, he opened the door ushering Artryl inside.
"Wait here," said Artryl to Trog as he stepped inside.
The boy trotted after the guard's long strides as he attempted to keep up. The palace seemed changed since he had left; darker as if a shadowy presence had taken hold. Speeding past doorways and turning many corners, they finally arrived at the throne room. The guard held out his arm stopping Artryl.
The big man swept inside bowing low before Krispyn who sat upon the throne. His advisor, Shelwyk, stood nearby.
"My king," said the guard, "A messenger from your sister has arrived."
"Send him in," said Krispyn.
The guard waved his armored hand at Artryl who ran in. He stopped before the king and bowed clumsily unsure of how to present himself. "Krispyn," said Artryl trying to sound braver than he felt.
A sharp intake of breath snatched his attention. One of the nobles present stared at him as though he had committed the gravest of insults.
"I meant no disrespect," stammered Artryl, "Your sister always insists I use her name."
Smiling, Krispyn silenced those within the room who murmured to themselves. "No need to apologize. There is no law that forbids addressing the king by his name."
Pleased that he was forgiven, Artryl held Nylana's message to Krispyn. Krispyn took it and read it.
Krispyn,
The boy here is my personal envoy and should be treated with the respect due. Though young, he is a brave lad.
As you read this, I should be entering Hemíl. There I plan to talk to Lord Stefon. Lord Belznyc has refused to send help. I regret to inform you that Lord Trisk is dead. La'nar has fallen to Vasagius, the leader of these barbarian forces that invade our land.
I implore you to contact Lord Ardryn and convince him to ride with you to Hemíl. See to it that Sym'Dul is able to send their forces as well. I am sorry if I do not have happier news.
Awaiting your reply.
Nylana
Krispyn folded the note tucking it in his pocket.
"My king," said the guard reappearing a second time, "A messenger from Belarnia."
What timing, thought Krispyn. "Send him in."
The Elven messenger knelt before the king before standing straight and delivering his message. "I come from Lord Ardryn of the elves. He has requested your presence in Belarnia."
"Tell him that I shall be there within the week," replied Krispyn dismissing the elf.
"My king," said Shelwyk, "It takes at least twice that to reach Belarnia."
"I will make it within a week if I ride alone. You Shelwyk shall lead the army of Tesnayr to Hemíl. Tell my sister that I have gone to meet with the elves, but will be there as quickly as I can. Now go."
Shelwyk saluted the king and walked out.
"Artryl," Krispyn motioned for the boy to walk with him to a secluded area of the chamber. "I have a reply for my sister, but would prefer not to write it down. How is your memory?"
"Excellent, sir."
"Good. Tell her that I have left to meet with Lord Ardryn. Whatever his sentiments, I shall be in Hemíl before the month is out. And remind her to be careful."
"You don't need to worry about that. Galdin is with her," Artryl blurted out.
Chuckling, Krispyn clasped the boy's shoulder. "I shall keep that in mind." He steered Artryl back to the center of the room. "Guard, take the boy to the kitchens. See to it he is given a hot meal and a place to rest for the night."
Saluting, the guard motioned for Artryl to follow him out.
* * *
Narúl and Tami glanced around nervously as they were led into the great hall of the keep to meet with Lord Stefon. Narúl had not expected the Lord of Hemίl to greet them, but mentioning Nylana's name had an effect.
"Leave us," said Lord Stefon to the guards. "So you bring word from the Lady Nylana?"
"Yes," replied Narúl. "She sends word that she is on her way here as we speak. She hopes to be here within the week and desires to meet with you."
"Why did she not travel with you? Why send just the pair of you?"
"Circumstances forced her hand, sir," said Narúl. "But she wanted you to be warned that barbarian forces have overrun the five lands. Belyndril has fallen and Lord Trisk is believed dead."
"And MurDair?" asked Lord Stefon.
"He has refused her request for aid."
Lord Stefon paced to another part of the chamber pondering Narúl's message. He knew of the barbarian invasion, but hadn't realized to what extent it had affected the land. "I shall inform my guard to be on the lookout for Nylana."
"Thank you, my lord," said Narúl.
"You both look tired," said Lord Stefon, "Go to the kitchen and get something to eat. One of my men will take you to where you can rest afterward."
Narúl and Tami bowed low and left. He hoped Nylana would arrive soon.
* * *
Artryl chewed happily on the turkey leg in his hand. He hadn't realized just how hungry he was. Trog sat before him with a pleading look on his face hoping for a bite. Chuckling, Artryl tossed the animal some of his food. Trog snatched it out of the air never letting it touch the floor.
"I see you have a loyal friend there," said Petra as he sat beside the boy.
"His name is Trog."
Trog wagged his tail happily with his tongue sticking out of his mouth. His floppy ears waved wildly at the mention of his name. Petra tossed the creature a turkey leg.
"How is Nylana?" asked Petra.
"Well," Artryl said around a mouthful of turkey, "She misses you. She seems sad sometimes, but always tries to hide it."
"She has much on her mind," said Petra. "Will you be returning to her?"
"Yes, but Trog is very tired. I do not know if he could fly us both there."
"You should come with me," said Petra. "Shelwyk is leading some men to Nylana and I am going with him. Would you and Trog, here, wish to join me?"
In answer to the wizard's question, Trog pushed his head against the man's hand chirping merrily.
"I think that means, 'yes'," said Artryl.
"Of course it does. Would you like to see a magic trick?"
"Sure."
Petra did a swirling movement with his hand before reaching up behind Artryl's ear where he pulled out a coin.
"I know that one," laughed Artryl, "Even I can do it."
"Ah, but can you do this?" Petra held his hand out and in it a muffin appeared from thin air. He tossed it to the boy.
Artryl bit into the savory texture of the muffin allowing the crumbs to dot his chin. "Wow. Can you teach me to do that?"
"We'll see." Petra stood up. "I'll meet you when it's time to leave."
A sorrowful whine stopped the wizard. Trog looked at him with the saddest expression he had ever seen. He held his hand out as another muffin appeared and tossed it to the animal. Trog caught it swallowing the muffin in one gulp. Hastily, he searched the ground for more; his nose sweeping the stone floor as he breathed in bits of dirt.
Laughing, Petra left the kitchens.
* * *
The orange sun hung low in the sky as they stood on a precipice looking down upon the Keep of Edrei and all of Hemίl. "There's the keep," said Galdin, "If we hurry, we might make it there before nightfall."
Galdin glanced at Ryk who leaned heavily on his staff. "How are you doing?"
"Don't you worry about me," puffed Ryk. "I will make it."
Nylana gently touched Ryk's arm out of concern. A bit for the magic within her flowed into Ryk of its own volition, giving him renewed strength.
Ryk straightened himself. "Let's move. The longer I remain here, the more I'll want to stay put."
Galdin agreed. He helped Nylana down to the trail. "I hope Lord Stefon listens to you."
"So do I," said Nylana.
One by one, they hiked down a narrow trail to the bottom of the ravine which led to the Keep of Edrei. All of them marveled at the construction of the keep and how it had managed to withstand over 1500 years of erosion and various wars.
King Edrei must have known what he was doing when he built this, thought Nylana to herself. She only hoped that she could be as wise.
Tune back Next Friday for the next chapter.
You can buy this book and the rest of the Legends Lost series at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, iBooks, and Smashwords. You can follow me on Twitter (JMRUL), or like my Facebook page. For more information, see www.legendslosttrilogy.com. Your support is appreciated. Thanks for reading!