"All you do is eat," Lingaria complained.
"And all you do is complain."
Svana finished her apple, contemplated grabbing the peach from her pack, then decided against it. "I'm going to sleep," she said simply, and laid down on the cot, shutting her eyes. Lingaria could continue complaining for all she cared.
He muttered something under his breath, but Svana was so tired, she didn't catch it. The faint smell of mead lingered in her nose as she drifted off to sleep.
18
Hekla
Every long journey deserves a rest. Sometimes, the journey itself can be overwhelming, but often times, it's the anticipation of what needs to be done at the end of that journey. Sometimes, a small rest before you arrive can be the best thing for your mind, body, and soul, but remember, you will have to finish your journey, and a rest too long can be damaging to your goal. So, rest, take a deep breath, then put your chin up, one foot in front of the other, and continue down your path.
King Martin the Truthful, Third King of Aequoris, 492 A.V.
Hekla chased her dragon through the woods, taking care not to trip over broken branches or stones. Speltus took them through a ravenous overgrowth, looking as if no one had ever passed through it. The sight put Hekla on edge. Pine, maple, and oak trees were everywhere she looked.
"Speltus, why the hurry?" Hekla asked.
Speltus ignored her.
"Do you know where we're going? Why can we not stay on the main road?"
Speltus didn't answer any of her questions, only flew faster on a route only he knew. Hekla could see Telluris to the left of them, and to the right she could see her home, the walls of the Volcano of Shadows rising out of the mists.
Her dragon guide had selected a route on the border of Telluris, well away from the volcano, across a broken and rough land. Rocks jutted up and out of the ground at odd angles, and the trees had already been stripped of leaves as if the seasons had changed faster for them.
After a long while, Speltus looked back at her to answer her questions.
"I wanted to put some distance between us and the road before nightfall. Of course I know where we're going, who do you think showed me this path?"
It took her a moment before realizing what he was saying.
"The Unseen Ones showed you?"
It didn't make any sense that they would ask her to travel where no one seemed to have traveled before.
"I know it doesn't make sense, but it is for your own safety," Speltus answered, reading her thoughts, before he answered her final question. "And the reason why we needed off the main road was what I told you. The king's soldiers will be out soon, and in full force. I need you to understand your magic before you deal with them."
Hekla nodded her head, saddened that it was always she who was the last to understand. It was always she who needed so much help. Why can't I just get it? Why do I have to make everyone's life more difficult?
"It's not that, Hekla, you have not been taught, and that is why I am here. Try to keep up and when we get to a safe place, we will stop. Though I'd much prefer we travel by night than day, that way I can work with you out of sight. Darkness is useful to hide that which shouldn't be seen until the time is right."
Hekla nodded her head. "I don't mind resting. I know we've only gone a short way, but it's still day."
Speltus turned to face her, his attention on their surroundings. Hekla glanced back from where they had come, astonished that the road was no longer in sight, nor was her sister.
"Let's travel farther, I need to hide you in a place where you can practice all the things you need to learn."
"All right, Speltus."
He continued flying, guiding them diagonally as they went around hills and through scrub-heavy ravines. Hekla wondered how long it would be before she would see the kingdom of water.
Her mind constantly reminded her of everything she had left behind, and every possibility of failure that loomed ahead. Her stomach ached with the gravity of all that had happened, and yet every time she faltered, or couldn't seem to keep going, Speltus appeared and encouraged her.
Evening approached, the light in the sky growing dim before he finally stopped.
"This will have to do. We've put enough space behind us that you should be able to sleep comfortably. You'll be safe from people and wild animals.
Nodding her head, she followed his line of sight and tiny dragon claw that pointed to a large, hollowed out tree that had fallen years before. Moss, and other growth had made it their home, but the inside was dry and would protect her from the elements. Sliding her pack off, she unrolled her bed and laid down. I'll never be able to sleep.
"I know, but you must try. Also, I need you to eat. I know things are difficult, but you still have to take care of yourself. You understand that?"
"I know, Speltus, but I'm not hungry. Why not conserve the little food I have for when I am hungry?"
"Fine, but you need to rest. Try to calm your mind and prepare yourself for the days ahead. You will need to be rested and at peace if you are ever to face the trials that lie before you."
Hekla didn't answer, but pulled her pack in, hugging it close. The faint smell of her sisters still lingering on her things was a great comfort. She closed her eyes, picturing Svana's form, swinging her blade with expert grace, and Astrid wielding her bow like she'd been born with it in her hands.
Outside of the fallen log, she could hear every noise with irritating precision. An animal walking nearby, its footsteps sounding with every step it took. Too disinterested to peak out to see what it was, she curled into a tight ball. The cold of night and fear of the unknown causing her to shudder. Across the top of the log, something small scurried along, and she squeezed her eyes tight, hoping it would not come inside to steal what little provisions she had.
She could only hope that she would eventually drift off, and with sleep her fears would dissipate. Yet sleep did not come. Every time she felt a hint of tiredness, another noise or another crackle would wake her. She spent the evening and well into the night, jumping at every sound.
"Hekla, I think it best if we get back to our travels. Your mind is too active to sleep. I assure you that peace will come, but I don't think it will come until you are ready for it." Speltus' eyes flashed in the night, alerting her to his presence near her feet.
"I think that is best, I can't sleep like this."
Hekla rolled up her bed with haste, and waited for Speltus to leave their log hideout before she crawled out, dragging her rucksack behind her. After she rolled up her bed, and reattached it, Speltus landed on her shoulder.
"Head east until mid-morning. If we keep up the pace we did yesterday, we should be at a good place to stop and practice your magic."
"All right," she grabbed her water pouch, taking a long swig from it, before she began walking. It had been difficult during the day not to trip over the brush and branches, but the darkness of night made it nearly impossible.
"Need me to shed a little light?" Speltus asked mischievously.
"Could you, please?" Her voice trembled slightly from the cold. "My staff is not bright enough." She held it upright in front of her.
"Oh, but it can be. This is a simple spell, and should be easy for you to master."
"Not another spell," she said, her head drooping.
"No, no, no... keep your head up and lift your staff straight. Stick it just little ways in the air. Then just say 'Lumen,' easy enough right?" Speltus said.
She would have given him an irritated look, if she thought it would do any good, instead she did as he said.
"Lumen," she said loud and clear.
Instantly, the orb atop her staff changed from soft iridescent colors to a brighter yellow that illuminated the surrounding area. "Wow, that is bright!"
"Indeed," Speltus said. "now point it to the ground so that you don't draw the attention of everything for miles around. The light will draw beasts and humans like moths to a flame."
&n
bsp; "What about moths?" she asked.
The dragon's face twisted, his lips screwing sideways. "Excuse me?"
"Will it attract moths?"
"Of course. Moths love light. Why are we having this conversation?" Speltus asked.
Hekla chuckled. "That's why I was given the scepter and not Astrid. She hates moths."
Speltus joined her in a chuckle.
Hekla tipped her staff upside down, holding it so the brilliant orb hovered slightly off the ground. Every step felt mechanical, she was doing what she needed to do because it was expected of her. She felt no fear as she walked alone, she was too tired. It took an effort to look anywhere but the ground in front of her. When next she laid down, sleep would easily come.
Dark circles gathered around her eyes. Her heart thrummed a steady, but slow beat. Her arms and legs grew heavy.
Speltus followed the words of the Unseen Ones in his head, a clear vision of the layout of the land showing him exactly where they needed to go to be safe. He followed their instructions and though they had already traveled well into the day, he finally saw the charred clearing the Unseen Ones had mapped out.
"Here, say 'Lumen Ceasum' to turn off the orb." Speltus smiled to her.
She repeated the words, her eyes drooping. "Lumen Ceasum," she said weakly. Hekla hadn't even noticed that it was nearly midday and that they hadn't needed light for many hours.
"You need to rest, dear one."
"I need provisions as well," she agreed.
Speltus led her a little farther in to a dugout near the edge of the charred clearing where trees and brush had started to grow again.
"Here, this will be a safe place for you, go in and set up your bedding. We will rest here and you can practice your magic when you are ready." Speltus' voice was low and kind, he knew the importance of her being prepared for the days ahead.
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to use magic to cover this oasis from prying eyes."
Hekla didn't say a word. The dug out, was much more than that. It continued farther into the Earth, its cave like opening leading to a dirt tunnel.
"Lumen," she said more confidently, her fatigue had waned slightly at discovering the magical place she journeyed into. The air cooled as she continued downward, and the smell of wet dirt became so strong she could almost taste it. After a while, she could hear the sound of water trickling, and as she came around a turn in the tunnel, a large cavern opened before her. It was the size of a small house, and to the right she saw what had been making the sound that had drawn her.
A little pond had been dug into the ground, and from the wall, water trickled into it. The rest of the dirt room had been patted and packed tightly with large rocks against the wall that had been carved into chairs.
Hekla let out a whoop, and danced around the dirt floor, spinning her magic staff in hand.
"Well, someone is looking infinitely better," Speltus exclaimed happily.
"It's lovely down here. What was it used for? Is the water safe to drink? Where does it come from?"
"Calm yourself, child. One question at a time. This used to be a meeting place for lovers from the two kingdoms to meet. I believe there is something similar to this, on the other side of Telluris leading to Caelestis. The water is safe to drink. A long time ago, the Aequorans made this place, not just as a refuge, but as a place that would exist between kingdoms. Neither the Tellurians, nor the water people believed that love was something to be ashamed of.”
"This place has long since been forgotten about as the ones who made it are long dead. The water is clean and fresh, and it comes from one of the many veins that flow underneath Telluris."
Hearing that it was safe to drink, Hekla immediately ran to the pond's edge, laying her staff next to her and drank heavily from the crystal pond. When she had quenched her thirst, she sat up and leaned back on her knees.
"How long can we stay here?"
"Oh, Hekla. I know what you truly ask. You cannot live here, we can rest for a few days and then we must continue. You need to find peace within yourself for this journey, and the only way to do that is for you to see what you are capable of, on your own. Do you understand?"
She nodded. "Will anyone be able to find us?"
"No." Speltus shook his head. "Only if you venture out. I have spelled the entrance so that no one can enter. You will be safe. Please rest so that we may begin training."
Hekla agreed. Laying out her mat, she quickly fell into a deep sleep. Her snoring was a great comfort to Speltus, who curled up on the ground, eagerly awaiting when she would wake so they could get to work. The next few days were going to take every bit of mind power and every ounce of strength she had.
She can and will do it, she is chosen, Speltus. Never doubt that. The strong, but comforting voice of the Unseen Ones echoed quietly into the underground cave.
"I know ... I have never doubted." Speltus sat up in surprise, knowing that they didn't often speak out loud with humans present unless it was necessary.
Hekla sighed softly in her sleep and turned on her side. Her eyelashes flickering, indicating she was in the middle of a dream. Speltus laid his head back down, snuggling against her.
19
Astrid
Pride can be a good thing, if it represents your dignity and self-respect. However, often times, pride is very dangerous and full of conceit and arrogance. Sometimes, all you need to do is put your pride aside, and humble yourself. Do not allow your pride to take over your sense.
King Rowan the Observant, First King of Telluris, 236 A.V.
Astrid sneered at Aronus as she ran as fast as her legs could carry her. "What do you think I'm doing, Aronus? Going on a jaunt through the woods for fun?"
With relief, she noted that their voices were getting more and more distant as she blazed through the broken underbrush. She could feel her feet getting heavy.
"I don't know how much longer I can keep this up..." she said aloud, hopping over a broken tree that had fallen.
"Veer right, you're getting away from the cave I told you about. You need to rest, I told you that."
"I don't see why I should even be running from them anyway! I could just as easily climb a tree and kill them all."
"Yes, except?"
"All life has value. What about the lives we took already?"
"You know that was different. That was necessary. They weren't going to stop, their thoughts were to kill you and do horrible things to your body. That is why that was necessary," Aronus stated matter-of-factly.
"You don't think the men chasing me now don't have horrible things in mind?"
"Oh they do, but if you keep running, they will not catch you."
"You make no sense, you infuriating little beast!" she yelled at him and promptly ran smack into a tree, knocking herself back. She fell, landing heavily on her seat.
"UGH!" she grunted, something warm trickled down to her lip. Using her hand to wipe it away, she was dismayed to find that she had bloodied her nose. "That's great, just lovely." She stood abruptly, fists clenched tightly at her side, and heard a man yell.
"Where's she gone?" his voice was loud and permeated the air but she couldn't tell if it was Giovan or Venmir.
"I don't know! Awfully fast for a woman."
"So what? We'll catch her, I'm sure."
"Why are they so loud?" Astrid whispered to Aronus. "Do they not know that I can hear them?"
"They're doing that to lure you into a false sense of security," he replied. "Don't fall for it, keep going."
She began running again, but this time her vision was slightly blurring. Her feet had begun to ache with each step.
"Aronus, I'm so tired," she confessed, irritated at herself for being so human. "I can't. I need to face them. I can't run anymore." Astrid sat on the ground and pulled out her bow. If only I could sleep for just a little while.
"You cannot sleep! They draw near, now stand up and ready yourself!" Aronus yelled at her, his talons di
gging into her shoulder.
She could hear their approach. From the sounds, there were four of them, one on each side of her and two to the front. At least her backside was free, she began walking backwards carefully to make sure that no one could surprise her from behind.
"Take one more step and I'll shoot you," she yelled into the woods, still unable to make out their form.
"Is that so, lass?" A voice from the right said, but she didn't dare turn her head to see who had spoken.
"You won't distract me, cowards. Did you really think I would be so daft as to think that you would leave me out here all alone?"
"Well, a man could hope." Ah, Venmir was speaking, and he was right in front of her.
Astrid lifted her bow to eye-level and aimed it where the voice had come from.
"Did you really think that you would escape us, woman?" Venmir asked.
"Well, a woman can hope," she replied, parroting his words while drawing back her arm.
"What a lovely bow," a man suddenly jumped out at her from the left side, and she turned and released the nonexistent bowstring. The dragon arrow thudded deeply into his chest, and he dropped, shuddering before falling still.
"Woah! Where'd you learn to shoot like that?" It was Venmir again, and this time, she could see him and the remaining two men.
"I am called Astrid of the Bow. You don't think I was given that name for no reason do you?"
"What kind of woman shoots like that?" Giovan said, giving her a look up and down.
"Or dresses like that," Venmir said appreciatively, eyeing her from head to toe.
"Quiet, swine, or you'll be next," she said.
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