* * * * *
Unaware of Nasave and where it was located, Lanyan thought he should ask, “So how far away are we?” he asked as he caught up to Grahamas.
“If we walk all night, we should be there by morning.”
Lanyan nodded and slowed to match pace with Gort and Gnert once more, the Dwarf still smiling. Grahamas had remained near Elryia since they left, telling her random stories of Ristalln and Highlace—as he often did when they traveled. The Knight looking back every now and then to make sure nothing embarrassing was being told.
“You have nothing to worry about Valiant,” Grahamas spoke, “I’ve already told the stories that would bring you shame.”
Ristalln laughed, “She would have to be as old as you to hear all of them, True.”
Elryia laughed, but Graham remained solemn—prompting a curious look from the girl as he spoke, “He’s serious, I think.”
A blink and then El looked between the two until Grahamas finally laughed as well, a playful glare playing on her face. Eventually Lornya worked her way back to the two of them, “Grahamas.” The Champion turned his eyes towards her. “Ristalln has agreed to lead the group into Mt. Forgas. When he does, the three of us will continue on to collect the final piece of Hope and discuss what we talked about earlier.” Her voice was soft and meant only for them to hear.
Grahamas nodded, “Agreed.” Elryia turned a curious look towards him and he only smiled. “It’s important but it needs to wait. It’s just between us.” He reached down and squeezed her hand again, prompting a solemn look from Elryia, then a soft smile.
Lornya, although happy that they agreed, regretted keeping things so secretive. A part of her truly worried about the aura mixed within the group. Where they were headed and what lay on the horizon were events that would determine not only the future of a kingdom, but Eldonia itself. She wanted to take no chances, didn’t want to reveal too much—especially if someone were to turn. They needed time to finish their quest and retain the things that had long since been hidden. If Valaira were to find them first, it would be drastic. All would be lost.
Hours passed and the moon now hovered high above their heads. Gort, Lanyan, and even Gnert had involved themselves in a three-way argument regarding the use of hammers as a projectile weapon. Gnert tossed in his own opinion—oddly enough taking the Dwarf’s side. He had spent nearly an hour citing specific examples in one long-winded sentence filled with statistics and opinions, an overview of weight ratio and strength—all of which Gort condensed into: “See? You can throw them.”
Jeralyle had withdrawn towards the back of the group, a bit thrown off by the look he received from Carsis. He decided to leave them be, instead tugging the diary out of his satchel and trying his best to read it in the moonlight. Surprisingly he found an entry about their new companion.
Grahamas has returned from his campaign successful. I had feared that he would be gone much longer, but I knew that he would come home from his journey none-the-less. He has spoken to Reiskin, both in his opinion on the remaining dragons and on having his newly appointed squire, Ristalln, knighted.
As well, he has requested my approval on the matters.
Since their victory, the land is calm. Dragons soar the skies but livestock is no longer stolen, villages no longer burned. At first, the people were frightened, though I believe their demonstration to be a sign of peace—of a bond between humans and dragons. Perhaps, in the future we will discover more about these majestic creatures. On that aspect, I have no qualms about seeking Reiskin’s request to call off the hunt of the remaining colors.
As far as Ristalln, he is brash, young, and a bit of a troublemaker—seeking the thrill of battle even if he has to create one. Such is not an attitude one wishing to attain knighthood should have. Yet, Ristalln is courageous, loyal, and has an affinity towards Grahamas. I have no doubt that if they were partnered together he would be a valuable asset for the Champion. He has skill and he is a very talented swordsman; I just wonder if the best thing for him right now would be to remain Graham’s squire and learn more about the world and more from the wise Champion before he is given his own tasks and duties.
I suppose, I have time to wait. Reiskin will not return for two more weeks and that gives me the luxury to think about it. According to Grahamas, as he put it: “No disrespect to anyone within our ranks, but Ristalln performed just as well as any Knight I’ve seen.”
We shall see what the future holds for Ristalln. I hope that his heritage will play no part in the decision, and I wanted him to make his own path. It seems as though he has done that, at least with the Champion.
Tallvas
The page ended there and Jeralyle tucked it away, enjoying the clean night air. His thoughts turned first to Ristalln, and what his grandfather meant by heritage, marking in his mind to ask Ristalln of it later. Dismissed, he then began wondering if someday someone would write a book about him.
In A Time Of Darkness Page 64