by G L Roberts
As the company approached, the elders who had waited inside the meeting house stepped outside to greet them. In robes rich enough to rival any royal personage, the Elf-Sisters stood together. As Bryn scanned the Elf-Sisters’ faces, she recalled their names: Lady Anethar, elder of the clann at Skiel and adopted Sister of the northern Picts; Lady Adhar, daughter of the Elf Queen Ahndulyl, and keeper of the Book of Records at Ceann Dùnaid, the source of all elf knowledge within the clanns; Bryn’s mother, Lady Arlendyl, Princess of the High Clann Brae; Lady Anestar, Kenna’s mother and Queen of Clann Bridei of the Isle of Skye…and the skeptic of the sisters, Bryn mused. Next to Anestar was the Lady Albistan, Queen of Clann Ebdanii located across the west sea in Erui. Seeing Lady Albistan among the sisters for the first time served to confirm the solemnity of the occasion. Standing next to the Elf-Sisters, Bryn recognized Gement from Skiel, elder and record keeper when the Lady Adhar was unavailable. Gement was also liaison between the Eastern Picts and the clanns.
Bryn had, by way of Meydra, expected to see many of those present. As she and the others approached the bottom of the hill, they stopped and Bryn turned to speak with Meydra. She spoke aloud so that the company could hear her, but not loud enough for those gathered in the center of the village.
“We will call you and the others if need arises. Hunt, rest, but remain alert. There are many here that others would wish to do harm. I would appreciate a ring of watchers around the entire village.”
“It will be done,” Meydra said.
Bryn turned to the company. “Come, let us greet the elders.”
Introductions were made all around and though Bryn had kept her cloak low over her forehead, she was still treated with great respect. None of those present were sure what form the jewel would be fashioned. Some even believed it was nothing more than knowledge that would be passed and not a tangible jewel. Bryn could sense that the elders were waiting for her to speak about the Stones, but Bryn remained silent. Lady Adhar was the first to speak.
“Arryn of the Epidii. I would ask that you wait outside while we speak with the dragon riders.”
Bryn stepped forward and stood in front of Lady Adhar. She reached out with her hand and laid it gently on Lady Adhar’s arm. “Arryn is a Dragon Rider and companion to Amhrán Teine, FireSong in the common speech. Except for your daughter, Neulta, all who stand with me are dragon companions.”
“I meant no disrespect,” Lady Adhar said to Arryn. “As all of you are now companions, we may begin. Neulta will remain at her brother’s side until we deem it necessary for her to leave. A meal has been prepared for your company, Bryn of the Brae. We will eat and speak of small things before we retire to the meeting house.”
Bryn nodded to Lady Adhar. She and the company followed the others to a circle of stone benches laden with food and drink. There were benches covered in finely woven wool embroidered with gold and silver. The elders placed items on simple clay plates and took a seat on a bench covered with their clanns’ emblem embroidered in the fine cloth.
Kenna whispered to Bryn, “Do we separate?”
“I would advise you to seek your clann, but say nothing of the Stones. We will be together again after the meal.”
Those who did not have representation, Thalynder and Malcolm, were asked to sit with the Lady Adhar and the elves, Neulta and Leus. Bryn and Thalynder shared a glance, and Thalynder went with Neulta. Bryn walked over to her mother. She bowed her head slightly.
“Take food, my daughter. We will sit and talk about your father.”
Bryn placed fruit and bread on her plate, taking a seat beside her mother. As she sat down, Lady Albistan, who did not have other kin in the company, joined them.
“Lady Bryn,” Lady Albistan said.
Bryn dipped her head slightly. “My Lady Albistan. It is good to finally meet you.”
“Your mother has long since kept me apprised of the events that move your family. I was sorry to hear about the loss of your brothers.” Lady Albistan nibbled on some fruit.
“As we were sorry to hear about your husband,” Bryn replied. “You have traveled far to be here today. We are honored by your presence.”
“We have waited long for this day, it is true. But let us not speak on this subject. Arlendyl, tell me about your new home.”
Bryn listened as her mother spoke of the Realm That Touches Two Seas and the little house nestled at the edge of the forest. Albistan listened while she ate. Occasionally, she asked about the forest, the types of trees and the source of fresh water. Bryn looked over at the others of her company engaged in conversation with the Elf-Sisters. She noted all seemed relaxed and comfortable. She inwardly sighed at the little scene. Certain the Elf-Sisters were gauging the company, she was glad to see her friends at ease. She, however, was not so relaxed.
They judge you not, Meydra said to Bryn’s heart. They accept your presence.
Accepting my presence is one thing, Bryn told Meydra. Accepting my leadership is another. Will I have their support?
I have no doubt.
The meal was leisurely and when nearly an hour had passed, Lady Adhar stood and called to the others. “We will move to the meeting house when the sun rests on the center stone.” She gestured toward the circle of stones in the middle of the village. “It will not be long now.”
Bryn glanced at the stones and decided she had time to wander around and gather her thoughts. She stood and bowed her head slightly to her mother and to Lady Albistan. “I have need to stretch my legs, if you will excuse me.”
Lady Albistan remained seated and nodded her consent. Arlendyl rose and took her daughter’s hand in hers. “Do not worry,” she whispered. “Concealed behind these masks of authority, there is much love.”
Bryn smiled at her mother. “I feel both the weight of all the years these women have carried, as well as the love they hold for their kin and clanns.” Bryn’s voice was just as soft. “I am buoyed by their strength.” Her mother squeezed her hand. Bryn turned to walk away from the crowd. She passed by Thalynder but did not look her way. She wanted a few minutes to herself before entering into the meeting house. She felt Thalynder would understand.
Thalynder watched Bryn pass her. When Leus started to rise, she gently took his hand and stayed his action. She continued to watch Bryn head toward the seawall. Once she was out of sight, as if on cue, the Elf-Sisters rose and moved toward the meeting house. The company remained behind with Gement as their guide.
“The elders will prepare the house for your comfort and will await you inside. Take whatever time you need to prepare yourself for a long afternoon of sitting and talking,” he said. “There is water to wash with and other items available to you in the little stone hut at the back of the meeting house.”
Thalynder approached Arryn and pulled him away from the others. “Are you concerned?”
“About the Elf-Sisters? No.”
“About Bryn?”
“No.” Arryn moved Thalynder’s hand from his forearm to his chest. “Our Bryn is the only one capable of leading the clanns. I know this in my heart. She will be able to convince the others.”
“Then what has your brow furrowed with concern?” Thalynder asked.
“I do not worry about Bryn being accepted by the elders, Your Highness. However, I am worried that she is not certain she can do this. She has not slept since before we reached the Stones. She eats little. See her plate? The food has not been touched.”
“We must take better care of her,” Thalynder said.
Arryn smiled. “If she will allow us to do that. She is more likely to insist on taking care of us.”
Thalynder chuckled. “Yes, that is true. Still, we must find a way to help her.”
“The best thing we can do for her right now is to show our love and loyalty to her in the face of the elders. It is a strength they will recognize and respect.” Arryn released Thalynder’s hand, and together they walked back to the rest of the company. “Come, let us wash and make ready for the inq
uisition.”
Bryn walked to the sea’s edge and gazed long at the horizon. She wished she could see her future, but it was like the fog that loomed in the distance and covered the sea in shadow. She realized she was about to embark on a journey that could take years to complete. Decades. Centuries. She worried she would not accomplish what her mind said needed to be done. She worried she would not unite the clanns under one banner. And whose banner would it be? Why, after all these years, would the clanns believe it necessary to unite at all? What has changed? The Norsemen had been raiding the eastern shores for as long as anyone living could remember. Why the need now to expose the clanns to a war? Why the need now to reveal the Jewel?
She moved closer to the water. The salt air filled her nostrils, and she inhaled deeply. I was conceived here. Here in Skerrabrae with the salt air and the sound of the surf. She sat down on a large rock and removed her boots. A wave carried the water over her feet, and a sudden thrill of excitement rushed through her body. She stood up and wondered at the nature of the feeling. She pushed her hood back and stared down at the water. Several shells washed up at her feet and tickled her ankles. She smiled at the gifts at her feet, treasures from the sea. She gazed at the horizon and watched the mist begin to gather into a shape. From deep within her heart, she heard a voice.
“You are the daughter of the earth, the sea, and the sky,” the voice said. “You move the things of the earth—the trees, the grass, the living creatures—who marvel at your passing. You move the things of the sea to want to feel your touch. You move the things of the sky to celebrate your thoughtful soul. You are the stardust that lights the night, the rays of the sun in the shadows of daylight. You are my daughter, and you are me.”
Bryn closed her eyes. Behind the veil of her eyelids, the voice became a form. The form became a woman. She sighed as the woman became Athyl, born of man and elf and joined with the first stardust of a High Dragon. Bryn opened her eyes. Lady Athyl stood before her in her dragon form. Beautiful beyond all reason, the magnificent Twayling dragon rose above the water and smiled at Bryn. Her scales glowed with the light of a thousand jewels in the sun. She moved her tail to lightly touch Bryn’s forehead where her own jewel sparkled.
“You asked why the need for the Jewel now?” the dragon vision said. “A good question. The clanns are in peril, my daughter. The Druids are disbanding, and your people need you. Do not doubt your ability to lead.” Athyl sighed deeply. “I was a curious bystander who became the High Dragon by chance. You were born to this destiny; chosen the moment you were conceived. Go now and lead the people, Athebryn, daughter of Athyl. It is your banner they will follow.” From underneath one of her scales, Athyl produced a piece of cloth and held it out to Bryn.
Bryn took the cloth from the vision. The cloth grew heavy with substance. Bryn ran her fingers across the beautifully woven fabric, a rectangle banner of deep blue material unlike any Bryn had seen in her travels or at home. The material shone of its own accord. In the sunlight, it appeared to move in the breeze.
“Turn it over, my daughter.”
Bryn turned the cloth to find the Tree of Life embroidered into the cloth, but with stitches so fine, they appeared to be a part of the cloth with no apparent edge. She caressed the Tree, and the leaves glistened and moved under her touch. “So beautiful,” she whispered.
“The cloth has been pulled from the night sky and the embroidery from the stars themselves. They awaken at your touch. Look closer at the tree.”
Bryn watched as the silver moved and changed. A new form joined the tree. It was Meydra. Her eyes winked at Bryn. The dragon settled into the tree with its tail wrapped around the trunk. Bryn giggled like a small child and held the cloth to her chest. She raised the cloth again to stare at the tree and the dragon. Now, the dragon clutched a sword with a jeweled hilt. It was Bryn’s sword.
“Calibairn, the sword forged from the tears of a dragon by the elves of the Umbriel,” Athyl said.
“Calibairn.” Bryn’s voice was soft and reverent.
“This is your banner, Athebryn of the Brae. Keep it hidden until my daughters confirm you. Fear not your decision to accept this destiny. You will keep the clanns safe.”
Bryn wanted to ask questions of Lady Athyl and began to speak, but as she opened her mouth, the image turned to mist and floated out over the sea. Bryn held the banner close to her heart for a brief moment before rolling it tightly. She tucked it into her belt next to her sword.
Bryn pulled her cloak around her and set the hood to hide her brow. Her eyes returned to the horizon. The air had filled with sea birds. She glanced at the shells at her feet and was surprised to see starfish and anemone among the shells. Leaning over, she stroked the back of the starfish. Standing up again, she bid farewell to the sea and the sky. She grabbed her boots and turned back toward the village.
Bryn stood outside the meeting house and adjusted her cloak and hood. She left the boots outside the door, stepped into the doorway and waited. A fire burned in a small pit in the center of the room. Above the fire, a portion of the roof opened to allow the smoke to rise up and out of the room. The sun shone through the hole and lit up the center of the room, filling the corners with shadows. On all sides of the fire, the Elf-Sisters and the rest of Bryn’s company sat on low benches covered with sealskins and rabbit fur. There was one bench left unoccupied between Lady Adhar and Lady Anestar. Gement stood when Bryn entered the room. He gestured toward the empty bench. Bryn approached the bench and, as she moved in front of it and prepared to sit down, she dropped her cloak behind her, letting it fall onto the bench. She stood in the glow of the fire and the shaft of sunlight.
The Elf-Sisters sat speechless at the sight of Bryn. She was bathed in sun and firelight. Upon her brow sat a crown that sparkled with the cool silver light of the moon itself. On the crown, the jewel began to glow. From deep within the jewel, the light glowed a soft blue. The color changed to pink as the jewel pulsed with Bryn’s heartbeat. As the pulse slowed to a strong and steady beat, the jewel took on the hues of the crackling fire. Gold, red, white, and amber sparkled and danced. As the others watched in silence, Bryn’s body was bathed in jewel light.
Lady Anethar was the first to speak. “Legend spoke of a jewel. We were never certain it existed.”
“It exists. You see me here.”
“Where did you find it?” Lady Anestar asked.
“The dragons held the promise.”
“The dragons chose you to receive the jewel?” Lady Anestar asked. It was clear she needed to be assured that Bryn did not take the jewel herself, thus denying Kenna the opportunity to claim it.
“I was chosen, Lady Anestar.”
“How was the jewel placed in the crown?” Gement questioned.
“The dragons placed it there.” Bryn began to understand what was happening. The Elf-Sisters and Gement were asking questions posed long before they were born by others who waited for the Jewel to be found and the clanns united. The hopes of all the ancestors were placed in those questions. Throughout the years, the questions never changed. Bryn suspected those present had written down and memorized them. She relaxed and took her seat on the bench as the jewel continued to sparkle.
Arlendyl turned to Bryn. “Has the High Dragon revealed herself to you?”
Bryn understood her mother was asking if she knew of the truth of Meydra’s past and the needed deception to protect the legend. She did not wish to reveal the deception to the others in case they were not already aware of the deed. She chose a safer answer that her mother would understand. “Meydra is the High Dragon. She is my Companion.”
“You are without a dragon, Princess Thalynder?” Gement asked. His question revealed that he at least did not know that Meydra first belonged to Bryn.
“I was chosen by another.”
“What became of the other High Dragon?” Lady Albistan said.
“She gave her life to the Jewel and to Meydra,” Bryn replied.
Lady Adhar had remained
silent throughout the questioning. She rose from her seat and stood in front of Bryn. She stared at the crown and the jewel in its center. “Are you in pain?”
“Why would she be in pain?” Lady Anestar asked.
Lady Adhar continued to gaze at the crown. “The jewel and crown are fused to her skin.”
“That is not possible.” Lady Anestar rose and approached Bryn. She gasped and gently touched Bryn’s cheek. “We must know the whole story.”
The company sat and listened as the Elf-Sisters and Gement continued to question Bryn. Several times Kenna could tell that Arryn wanted to jump to Bryn’s defense, but she noticed a nod or a glance from Bryn stayed his actions. Kenna and the company could not bear to hear their friend and leader being tested and put on trial for something she did not control. Kenna could hold her tongue no longer.
“Enough!” Kenna rose and walked over to stand behind Bryn. “This company has been witness to a joining you appear not to believe. We can attest to the truth of all that Lady Athebryn has told you. She was chosen. She endured the breath, the fire, and the tears of the dragons who died to bring about this wonderment. I know some of you wished it was I who received the jewel of legend. I would have refused to accept it. I am not the born leader our Lady Athebryn clearly is. The event did take place. If you ask any of this company, we would have a different version of the event. It was to each of us a unique experience. Every one of us saw something the other did not. Each felt something the other did not. The result sits here before you. The crown is but a showpiece, and the gem in the crown a beacon to all. Lady Athebryn is the Jewel.”
Lady Adhar took Kenna’s hand in hers. “Dearest daughter, you have spoken your heart, and we have heard you. Sit now and listen to what we have to say. There will be no more questions.”
Kenna went back to her bench and sat down. Her cheeks were warm from the confrontation she felt in her heart. She glanced at Bryn who smiled. Kenna’s heart soared with joy at the sight. She returned the smile and felt her body relax.