Captain Shael nodded to Marshal Swiftnight, for he understood she was merely trying to diffuse the tension in the air. “Honoring our lost is exactly what I am compelled to do in this situation, Marshal Swiftnight. I cannot rest until the greater evil is uncovered. When we understand how deep it runs and eliminate it fully, then I can be satisfied that our comrades know peace within the Dream,” he said. At the far left of the table, Marshal Antor Ellay shook his head, refusing to offer the captain any emotion.
Marshal Shen placed his hands upon the ancient table before him. “Captain Shael, the council has been patient in the last several days. We have given you time to accept and grieve as well as conduct your investigation. Yet you have been unable to produce any hard evidence on the whereabouts of Norrex. The council feels that it is time to move forward until further information is discovered. When that happens, you can continue your search. Until then, we decree that your expertise and energy shall be devoted elsewhere,” he said.
Captain Shael crossed his arms. “And where would that be?” he asked.
“In the regions of Lognar, where there are reports of an orc uprising,” said Marshal Ellay impatiently. It was clear that the final council member felt they had wasted enough time with Captain Shael.
Captain Shael lowered his head for a moment, shaking it in disbelief. “Do you all not see it, or do you choose not to? Norrex, the orcs, the current strain on our manpower...this is all connected. Darkness is stirring in our lands. The wilderness whispers of Moreg’s return. This is just the beginning of it all. Norrex is a pawn, but he is a powerful one. He gathers strength now while I quarrel with you. I request a squad to seek him out and end his evil once and for all,” he said.
The Council of Five exchanged glances before Grand Marshal Shen spoke again. “Your request is denied, Captain Shael, and you are hereby ordered to head to Lognar with all due haste. We have already decided on this matter and it is your duty to respect our decision,” he said.
Captain Shael was unmoved. “It is with regret that I say I cannot and will not,” he offered.
“I beg your pardon, captain?” said Marshal Andin.
Captain Shael straightened further. “Your sharp ears did not deceive you, Marshal Andin. I said I cannot follow nor respect the decision of the council because it is wrong. I must find this Norrex and his growing swarm of evil. And I will do so alone if I must,” he said.
Before Captain Shael, the council grew deathly quiet. The defiance and gravity of Shael’s words had placed them at a crossroad with the captain. Some of them leaned in to whisper to one another. Marshal Shen stared sagely at the elf before him. At last, Shen stood as he leaned on the table to address the captain.
“Captain Shael,” he started. “You have a long and colorful history as a Ranger. And this history is often marred by your bending and manipulating of the rules. Because of your success and pull with your comrades, we have often conferred in your favor. But even we cannot stand idly by while you offer such disobedience to the code of the Rangers. Think well on your next words, for they will hold absolute consequences.” The Marshal’s words rang heavily within the chamber.
Shael stood silently for a moment, looking at each council member in turn, absorbing their regard of him. At last, he spoke again, from the heart. “When I swore an oath to the Rangers, I swore to protect the innocent, to defend the weak, and stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. I also promised to be there for my fellow Rangers. The loss of good men has left a heavy toll on my heart, and there is no rest, no justice so long as I allow an evil such as Norrex to run unchecked. Too many lives are at stake for such a folly. If I am to fall, if I am to face the Dream, I will do so knowing I did everything in my power to stop the growing evil gathering around our very doors. And I will do that with every breath I hold, regardless of your measure of me,” he said, before turning to walk out of the chamber.
“Captain Shael!”
Shael stopped at the commanding plea of his name. Turning, he saw anger from his defiance in the eyes of Marshal Shen. Marshal Swiftnight was now standing, with concern-laden eyes. The rest of the council waited as Marshal Shen prepared his next words. Captain Shael waited, yet he did not turn fully to face them.
With Shael’s attention, Marshal Shen continued. “Your choice is not yet set in stone, captain. I would ask you to think greatly upon your actions, for your next decision could be the deciding factor in whether or not you remain as a Ranger within our ranks,” he said.
Captain Shael nodded. “In my heart and soul, I shall remain a Ranger despite your decision. Farewell,” he offered before departing the room.
Now back in the hallway, Captain Shael made his way toward the exit. He had held some sliver of hope that the council would hear his words, yet he fully anticipated the outcome beforehand. He would have to face Norrex without support. He focused on the good of such a notion, for at least no more of his comrades would be hurt under his charge.
“Captain Shael!”
The captain turned to face the approaching elf, recognizing the voice of Marshal Swiftnight. His eyes met hers and the intensity of the exchange revealed much of their feelings toward one another. She reached out and took his hands. Squeezing them, she pulled him closer so only they could hear one another.
“Do not do this, Corym,” she said. He could smell the pure wilderness in her hair. “Despite their thoughts, the Rangers need you.”
Captain Shael shook his head. “That is no longer up to me, Valena. It is now in the hands of the council. You know that I must do this. I would not be honoring the oath I swore if I did not.”
Marshal Swiftnight nodded. “I know. But I still had to try. I will do what I can for you, plead your case. But I do not like the long odds that you now face,” she breathed.
Captain Shael smiled at her. “I have often disagreed with the direction of the council, more times than I care to remember. But with you with them, I always hold hope for our future,” he said before he embraced her quickly. “I wish you well, ever and always.”
“Good luck, captain,” she said as they parted.
Marshal Swiftnight watched Captain Shael depart, feeling the gravity of what had transpired. And she understood fully the consequences of the day and the uphill battle the captain faced on all fronts. For while she may or may not see him a Ranger still by day’s end, Marshal Swiftnight realized she may have just seen Captain Shael for the last. Gathering herself, Marshal Swiftnight turned about and headed back to the audience chamber to fight for the captain and his convictions.
.
Chapter Three
Joyous Reunion
In all his life, Theophilus could not remember a time he had been more nervous. The little weed stood a good distance from Alethia, unable to get his legs to comply with his wishes. He had accepted that he would be the outsider in such a place, and this did not bother Theophilus at all. His nervousness stemmed from Calla and seeing her again at long last. He had no way of knowing if she missed him as much as he missed her, yet he knew there was only one way of finding out.
Drawing his courage, Theophilus walked slowly to his destination. Each step seemed more difficult than the last as his heart felt it would beat from his chest. He had thought on this moment every day in the weeks away from Calla. Now that it was here, Theophilus hoped he would endure the anticipation before he burst. To aid in the easing of his tension, the little weed put all his focus on Alethia.
As ever, Alethia was every bit the dream that Theophilus recalled. At its heart, the great tree of life Niburu presided over his children. From under Niburu a multitude of color swelled from the many flowers going about their day. Theophilus let his eyes carry across the roads and paths that led to this way and that, filled with cheerful plants of all stretches. This was a place of beauty and a place of peace. Instantly, Theophilus ached to stay in such a place.
As he neared, perhaps the closest he had ever ventured to Alethia, Theophilus paused. His legs at last won ag
ainst him and held him in place. The little weed watched again the happiness that permeated Alethia and carried in the air like the fragrances of the flowers present. It was almost like a dream, for no one shunned or ridiculed him. Theophilus was surprised to find those waving at him in greeting. He let his eyes wander here and there, trying to absorb all that he saw completely.
And it was then that he saw her.
As Theophilus's eyes set upon on a gentle pink lotus flower, his heart briefly stilled. Calla was exactly as he remembered her, though somehow more beautiful. Currently she was talking with a red rose, and the two friends were laughing without a care. Theophilus did not realize it, but a deep smile was now brimming on his face. Calla had not seen him yet, and the little weed savored the moment for as long as he could.
"I have seen beauty in my day," said Theophilus loud enough to be heard, "But never have I seen a sight more beautiful than this."
As Calla turned to see a milk thistle full of contentment at the sight of her, her face lit up like starshine. "Theophilus!" she exclaimed as she rushed to him.
It only took a span of quick steps but waiting for Calla to rush to him felt like an age. Theophilus could not deny the grin upon his face as he held his arms out. Calla’s smile matched his in excitement and joy. And both would remember that embrace for all time.
As flower and weed hugged, some of Alethia’s populace offered them a warm cheer for their reunion. Theophilus could hardly hear them now, for he was lost in Calla’s fragrance, could feel her heart beating wildly to match his own. Once their arms locked around the other, it was near impossible to let go. Each attempt ended in a tighter embrace for which the two friends eventually found it difficult to breathe.
“I missed you, Patch,” whispered Calla.
“And I you,” said Theophilus, hugging her tighter still. “More so than I ever want to endure again in this life or the next.”
Finally, with reluctance heavy between them, the two friends released one another. Holding each other at arm’s length, the two plants looked over the other thoroughly. Calla checked for injuries, relieved to find none and Theophilus simply took in the sight of Calla. The easy-going smile on the little weed’s face made her blush.
Theophilus then bowed deeply as he kissed Calla’s hand. “I must assure you, Calla of Alethia, that you are a most welcome sight to behold,” said the little weed.
Calla offered a playful push at his antics. “As always, such things you say,” she said happily as she grew more serious. “You are here now, so does that mean it’s true? Is it over?”
Theophilus nodded with a grin. “A promise is a promise, Calla. The rogue plants of the area and the Dark Claw imps have either been captured or chased away. These lands are safer than they have been in a long time. And with that, I can stand here before you without shame,” he said.
Calla’s petals glistened in the light as her face beamed with happiness at the news. “Oh, Patch, that is wonderful! This calls for a celebration through all of Alethia!” she exclaimed.
Theophilus shook his head, offering a reassuring grin. “Actually, to be fair and honest, I had a different idea of celebration for a day such as this.”
Calla raised an eyebrow at him. “Is that so, Theophilus Thistle?”
Patch nodded. “It is,” he replied as he patted a full bag resting at his hip. “Calla, would you do me the honor of joining me for a picnic?”
Calla laughed deeply at this. “Isn’t that what got us in this mess to begin with?” she asked, still giggling.
Theophilus nodded with a wry grin. “It is. But I have to say I am rather fond of our chances this time around.”
For a time, the two friends walked arm and arm, savoring their moments together. Calla guided Theophilus fearlessly through the little streets of Alethia, showing the weed its entire splendor. Theophilus found himself awestruck, realizing again the full joy that was the plant town. It was easy to feel safe under Niburu, for the great tree of life exuded a vibrant and revitalizing energy. With all unease lifted, the little weed found himself relaxing greatly as he waved to passing flowers.
Soon, the guidance switched and Theophilus lead Calla out of Alethia as they continued their talk. The little weed regaled Calla with stories of his adventures. Calla hung on every word and demanded more when he stopped. Soon they found a wonderful spot and Theophilus prepared them a picnic. Sitting, the two ate and drank contentedly as they continued to talk for some time.
Full of food, drink, and gladness, Theophilus laid on his side. Propping his head up by leaning on his hand, he then listened to Calla’s accounts of Alethia and being home. She had helped her people fish out those loyal to the traitor Lennix, and in doing so made Alethia safer and Patch’s job much easier. The little weed marveled at the ease of their conversation, and the relief that they hadn’t missed a step.
In a moment of shared silence, Theophilus nodded to Calla, never taking his eyes from her gaze. “This is nice, Calla. I truly have missed you,” he said.
Calla’s face grew serious as she replied to the weed in earnest. “I missed you too, Patch. I thought about you every day, worried about what perils you might have been facing. But I never gave up the hope that you would return.”
Theophilus sat up then, crossing his legs as he replied. “It wasn’t easy for me at all. But I promised you and all Niburu’s children. It had to be done. When I lost you that first time, it was unbearable. I had to try to make sure that such a horror could never come to pass again. I feel that such a day is here at last.”
“You are one of the bravest creatures of I have ever met, Patch,” said Calla softly. “I wish I had your strength.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Calla,” he countered. “You not only have a strength of your own, but you helped give me the strength I needed to endure. And for that I will always be grateful.”
“You are too kind,” said Calla.
“Not at all,” said Theophilus with a chuckle. “If I do recall, it was you who refused to go home until we stopped Norrex. It was you who made me go back to the Great Market to seek help and it was you who accompanied me on that perilous battle. You are braver than you think, Calla of Alethia.”
“Maybe,” she said, chewing on her lip.
Theophilus stood as he held out his hand, for a notion had just filled him completely. “Come with me, Calla,” he said.
She looked at him curiously. “Where?”
Theophilus shook his head. “It doesn’t matter, so long as we are together. Let us see the world. Let us go on adventures and witness things that no plant has ever seen before. We can meet up with Marin and Elor and together we can just live! There is so much to see out there. It will move you and change you in so many wonderful ways. We’ll make memories to last a thousand lifetimes! What do you say?”
Slowly, Calla stood as she looked down and joined her hands together. When she looked at Theophilus again, there was sadness in her eyes. “I am sorry, Patch. I can’t do that,” she whispered.
Theophilus was taken off guard by her response, for he truly believed her answer would be yes. “But why not?” he asked. “I thought this would be something that you would have wanted.”
Calla shook her head softly. “I am not like you, Patch. You have the strength to match your courage. I too have gifts, but they are not like yours. I feel that I would only slow you and your friends down,” she said.
Theophilus took a step toward her, seeking out her eyes. “That is simply untrue, Calla. Is there some sort of spell that has been cast upon you? Because this is not what your heart is saying,” he said.
Calla drew a long breath, preparing her words for him before she replied. “Patch, I have missed you while you were gone. And to help with such a wait I focused myself to be a voice in Alethia. I was surprised to find I was good at it and it was noticed,” she said as she reached out and took hold of the little weed’s hands. “I have been offered a position as an emissary for Alethia. Mondoor has taken me un
der his wing and his showing me how I can use my voice to speak for my people through all Saelen. I still can’t believe it myself, but I have been given a great purpose. This is how I feel I can make a difference,” she said.
Theophilus observed her for some time, looking deep into her eyes. Calla held his gaze when she could but had to look away on occasion. “If you are happy, if this is truly what you want, Calla, then why do you have such trouble looking at me? Why do I not see happiness or joy in your eyes as you tell me this?”
She shook her head. “It is not always about our own happiness, Theophilus. Sometimes we must put such things aside for the greater good or for the safety of others. You taught me that,” she replied.
Theophilus nodded to this. “Yes, but this is what I love too, Calla. I am an adventurer. And when I see injustice I fight it. But I live as who I am as best as I can, and I don’t feel that this is you! If I saw happiness in your eyes I would be happy for you now, despite my own feelings. But all I see is reluctance and painful acceptance. And if it strips you of what makes you who you are, then it is simply not worth it. You cannot neglect your heart in such a way, Calla,” he said.
Calla lowered her head again. “I wish I was as strong as you,” she said.
Theophilus pressed on, unmoved. “No, because you have all the means to be stronger. I do not know what poison or darkness that has creeped into your thoughts, but they are not your own. Calla, you can do whatever you want, and I believe you were meant for more than just being a diplomat. If you want to make change for your people, come with me, see the world. Understand its creatures, help Alethia find its place in more than just Niburu’s embrace!”
Theophilus could see tears forming in her eyes as she replied. “I’m sorry, Patch, but it is done. I have made my choice and now I must follow through on my commitment.”
Theophilus felt his fists clench but knew he had to try to keep reason intact. “But what about the commitments already made to your heart? What about us, Calla? I have seen you outside of Alethia and what you are capable of. Don’t make the wrong choice for yourself now,” he said.
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 17