Crescent Moon

by David Partelow

  Marin bowed to the son of Ornock. “Of course, Seark. If I could have a moment of your patience, my son and I shall go procure you this season’s tribute to be reviewed for your satisfaction,” she said.

  Seark stomped a hoof, sealing the deal between them. “It is done, then. I shall be here waiting, but do not stretch this virtue for too long,” he said.

  “Of course,” replied Marin as she motioned to the young imp. “Come, Elor.”

  The two walked some distance from Seark before either one spoke. “We are dealing with a dangerous creature,” observed Elor.

  “You have no idea,” whispered Marin. “We must be cautious at all times. Any slight against Seark, even an imagined one, could spell doom for one or both of us.”

  Elor looked up painfully. “Marin, the kelpie with him is an undeserving prisoner. Her name is Kelisay and we must help her,” he said.

  Marin looked heavily upon her adoptive son. “I knew you would say such a thing. I have felt it too. Seark is most proud of the prize he claims in her. The loss of Kelisay will make him more dangerous and vengeful than you will be prepared for, Elor. You must understand this now, young one. Once we make this choice there will be no going back from it,” she said.

  Elor did not flinch in his response. “I understand, Marin,” he said.

  Marin nodded to her adopted son. “Very well then. Let us proceed.”

  Marin took Elor by the hand and lead him back to their home. Reaching a marked wall of rock, Marin waved her hand softly before it. The rock before them split open gently, shuddering and moaning as it did. Elor immediately felt the welcome cool air that met him from within. Marin lead them into their home, heading immediately toward the storage rooms in the back.

  Pushing by the food pantry, Marin walked to the stone chests that held wealth and trinkets accumulated over the years. As she selected treasures for offering, she motioned for Elor to gather food from their stores. The little imp moved quickly and diligently, gathering items he believed would please Seark. With his arms full, Elor returned to Marin who was finishing up her own acquisition.

  “We must hurry, Elor. Seark has never been known for his patience,” said Marin.

  Elor nodded as he brought himself next to his adopted mother. “I am ready, Marin,” he replied as he looked about the small room. “Do you have anything here that might help Kelisay?”

  Marin searched about in thought before realization struck her. “As a matter of fact, believe I do,” she said before her focus shifted to a small little chest in the corner. She fetched the little chest with gentle care.

  Elor watched as Marin turned slowly, holding the little locked box in her hand. The lock was one of stone and the stone troll’s doing. It opened easily when she willed it to, the lock falling carelessly upon the ground. Taking a deep breath, Marin softly opened the chest. Elor’s eyes widened as a brilliance shimmered in the light. He gazed upon a silver necklace containing a deep red gem of self-luminous luster.

  “It is beautiful, Marin,” whispered Elor as his adopted mother procured it from the little chest.

  Marin nodded at his as she looked upon the necklace proudly. “It is one of my finest treasures, Elor,” she breathed. “The Amulet of Tungar is a rare artifact indeed, worth more than all the other wealth I possess. When used properly it can strengthen its wearer as well as alter their features. I have kept this hidden in the event of an emergency, though this situation seems as fitting as any.”

  Elor looked up at Marin. “It’s asking a lot of you. I’m sorry,” he said mournfully.

  Marin offered a smile meant to reassure the little imp. “You ask for just reasons, Elor, and for this I am proud of you. One must always do what good one can whenever they can. Now let’s go see if we can help this Kelisay,” she said.

  Elor grinned with wicked enthusiasm. “I think I may know just how to do it,” he said before rushing into the kitchen. Marin heard him rummage around before he returned quickly, carrying a gleam in his eyes. “I am ready to give it a try,” he added before patting at one of his pockets.

  Marin reluctantly nodded to this. “Very well, Elor. I shall back you up as best as I can. But use care and do not underestimate Seark by any means,” said the stone troll as she handed Elor the magical necklace.

  Elor took the amulet cautiously, feeling instantly a glimpse of its power as Marin then gathered up handfuls of other treasures. Taking a moment to gaze upon amulet, the little imp then held it close as he nodded to Marin as indication that he was ready. “Then luck to us both, for we shall surely need it,” he said before they both made their way back out in the light of the Firestar.

  The two walked quietly back toward Seark, both feeling the tension that weighed easily upon them. Each step nearer to the son of Ornock filled Elor with further dread. So much was riding on the next few moments. The little imp wished nothing more than to do the right thing while keeping Marin away from harm. The fear that rose within him stemmed from the concern that he would not be able to accomplish both.

  At the sight of them, Seark nodded as his blazing eyes narrowed. “At last. I would have taken any longer of a delay as a show of disrespect,” said the unicorn.

  Marin bowed her head before raising up her filled arms. “Forgive us, Seark. We wanted diligence in our selections,” she said.

  Elor smiled, hoping that his fanged grin did not betray the nervousness he felt. “We wished only the best for you, great Seark. Marin carries in her hands fine treasures that I am certain will please you,” he offered.

  Seark looked at the collection in Marin’s arms before nodding. “Yes. Those will do nicely, stone troll. Place them in the packs upon the kelpie so that we may be on our way,” he said.

  “Of course,” said Marin as she carried out his demand, placing the items in the satchels across Kelisay. The kelpie said nothing as Marin went about her work.

  “And that is not all,” beamed Elor as he held up the Amulet of Tungar. As he did, the gleam emanating from the artifact drew Seark’s eyes completely. “We also offer you this for your collection, great Seark. I believe it to be a fine addition indeed.”

  The very sight of it clearly gripped Seark. The great unicorn nodded at the little imp’s words. “You are indeed smarter than I would peg one of your kind to be, little imp. And you are correct. This offering pleases me greatly. Bring it to me, for I wish to wear it for all to see,” he instructed.

  Elor made steps toward Seark before he halted. “Great Seark, if you would indulge me for a moment, a better idea has struck me. I assure you that if you offer me a few seconds that your time will not be wasted,” he said.

  Seark was annoyed at this, but his focus was still upon the amulet and its acquisition. “Then speak quickly so that I do not change my mind about you, imp,” he said sternly.

  Elor nodded cheerfully. “This beautiful amulet would look wonderful upon you, but a unicorn of your majesty has no need for such trinkets. I would suggest that you use it to improve the image of your other acquisitions, for such things are needed to be able to stand in your glory,” said the little imp before he motioned to Kelisay. “I say you put it upon the kelpie, for she is yours as well. She should always look her best so that she elevates you further. Would you not agree, great Seark?”

  Soft laughter rumbled from Seark at this before he nodded to Marin. “Again, your pet surprises me, stone troll. You both have done well,” he said before offering Elor one curt nod. “Go ahead, imp. Place the necklace upon my kelpie so that she can be closer to the glory that is my own,” he said.

  “As you command,” said Elor with a bow before rushing over to Kelisay. “You heard Seark, mule! Bow your head so that we may remedy you of your own dullness.”

  At first Kelisay revealed true pain in her eyes as she looked at Elor, yet a quick wink from the imp put her at ease. Kelisay lowered her head slowly, ready to accept the necklace. “As Seark commands,” she sighed as Elor placed the Amulet of Tungar around her neck.

&n
bsp; As he completed the task, Elor whispered softly to the kelpie. “This will help you escape by giving you the strength you need and the ability to change your shape,” he said.

  “I’ll need water,” whispered Kelisay. “My power is diminished without it.”

  “I have that covered too,” said Elor before he backed away. Motioning at Kelisay, he spoke to Seark. “It worked, great Seark! Her splendor is your own!”

  At this, Seark nodded proudly. “You and your pet have done well, stone troll, and have dutifully earned my protection for another season,” he said.

  Marin bowed to him. “Whatever we can do to help in your plight is our honor, Seark,” she replied.

  Seark then stomped a hoof to gain Kelisay’s attention. “And with that, our business is concluded, and I must be off to finish my rounds. Come, Kelisay,” he commanded.

  Kelisay lowered her head further as she reluctantly placed her hooves into motion. “As you command,” she whispered.

  Elor watched as Seark turned to depart, offering little else in terms of gratitude or farewell. The little imp’s cheeks flared with anger at his continuing displays of neglect and selfishness. Soon Kelisay passed him and Marin as she looked upon the two of them softly with pained eyes. As she too turned away from them, Elor saw his chance. He looked at his adopted mother, who’s own gaze urged him for caution. But Elor knew there was no going back now. Reaching into his pocket he tossed a handful of gold coins and jewelry at Kelisay’s feet.

  As the unicorn and kelpie paused to look back, Elor held up his hands. “A moment, great Seark! Your prize has been careless with her packs. Allow me to remedy this,” he said.

  Seark laughed harshly at this. “Good eye, imp. You have likely saved my kelpie from further punishment. Be quick about your work,” he said before turning once more.

  Elor rushed to Kelisay then, gathering up the treasures he had thrown at her feet. Kelisay looked at him curiously as he did so, yet the little imp winked at her once more. As she watched, Elor procured a vile of water from his pocket before placing it and the treasure into one of her pouches. Elor tried to work quickly, knowing that discovery of his treachery would likely prove fatal.

  “Imp!”

  Elor froze at Seark’s voice. He could hear Kelisay gasp at the sternness of it as well. Taking a step back, he tried to hide his trembling. “Y-yes, Seark?”

  The blazing eyes of Seark bore down on him and Elor felt locked in the gaze. Behind him Marin was preparing for the worst. Kelisay still held to the breath in her lungs as they all waited for Seark’s next move. Righting his own breathing, Elor held his ground as he waited.

  At last, Seark spoke once more. “Make sure those satchels are secure from further carelessness. We’ve still a long way to travel,” he said before venturing further away.

  “Of course, great Seark!” Elor exclaimed as he did as he was bid. Thus fastened, Elor patted the kelpie on her side. “Good luck to you, Kelisay,” he whispered.

  “I will never forget your kindness,” she whispered back before trotting forward to catch up with Seark.

  Elor watched as Seark and Kelisay disappeared into the distance. As he looked on, Marin came to stand beside him. Placing a hand upon his shoulder, the two continued their vigil in silence for some time, both considering the gravity of what they had just done.

  “We are likely unsafe now,” said Marin softly.

  “I know,” replied Elor.

  “Regardless, I am proud of you,” said Marin as she squeezed his shoulder. “Prouder than I have been of anyone in a long, long time.”

  Elor looked up at her with a smile. “I just needed to do what was right,” he offered.

  Marin smiled back to him. “And you did. But likely now we should find a new home. I do not want to be here if Seark discovers our hand in all of this,” she said.

  As the two turned to return to their home, Elor thought on the moment as a question rose in him. “Marin, is there any place we can go where we can be free of Seark?” he asked.

  Marin shook her head somberly. “No, Elor, I am afraid there is not,” she replied. The two walked the rest of the way in silence as they prepared for their next move.

  A Chance at Freedom

  Kelisay

  Kelisay entered again into Seark’s domain, her forced home and prison. She was exhausted beyond all means and in need of a water. The day had been long and the acquisition of tributes many. The very act had sickened her further, for Seark’s greed and selfishness knew no bounds.

  Now fully within Seark’s home, Kelisay’s senses rebelled at the sight and smell of it. The unicorn’s refuge reeked of soil, clay, and greed, for most of his lair was devoted to his acquisitions. With his power over the land, the unicorn could live in a place far more majestic, yet more than once he had stated that such conditions would draw thieves to his treasure hordes. The paranoia was almost as unbearable as the unicorn’s need to acquire wealth with the zeal of a hording dragon.

  Kelisay situated herself in the dry confines of her prison as Seark made his rounds above. Discarding the heavy packs slung across her back, she let out a quick breath of relief before opening one of the pouches with her teeth. Fetching the vial given to her by Elor, the kelpie bit into it, relishing the taste of water as it filled her mouth and senses. Gathering it to herself, Kelisay let it replenish her and her senses.

  As she did these things, the amulet around her neck began to glow. Kelisay immediately felt the amulet bolstering her returning strength. She couldn’t recall the last time she felt so strong or hopeful. Quickly, she realized there was no time for such relishing and Kelisay set about to her work. Spitting the empty vial upon the ground, she stomped the container into the soil beneath her until nothing of it remained in sight.

  Her actions were not a moment too soon, for as she finished, Seark entered his domain to look upon her harshly. “What are you doing, prattling about? You have chores that require your attention,” he barked.

  Kelisay turned to him and nodded. “Of course, Seark. I was merely stretching my limbs after a long journey. To be without water so long is taxing, especially confined by your clay shackles,” she said.

  Seark grunted at her words, clearly unmoved. “I am no fool, kelpie. I know if I freed you of these shackles you would merely run, no matter how unwise such an attempt would be. I am beyond you in strength and ability, yet I would free myself of the burdens of having to teach you such a lesson.”

  Kelisay shook her head. “Then you do not understand water creatures such as me,” she replied. “Seark, kelpies need water. Yes, we draw power from it, but we are also bound to it for life. To be shackled as I am only makes the need deeper. You don’t realize it, but your hold is slowly killing me. Why will you not see this because of greed?”

  Seark shook his head as he narrowed his blazing gold eyes. “You try to fool me with words and insult me by believing me to be a fool,” he countered.

  Kelisay’s temper found her then, adding fire to her response. “Do you not see? This has nothing to do with escape! I simply wish to know if there is more to you than your own selfishness. I am a living creature, Seark. Yet to you, I am nothing more than a prize. That hurts even more than captivity, that you could let me shrivel and die because you cannot see beyond yourself!”

  “Enough!” Seark stomped fiercely with a hoof, shaking the entirety of his domain. “This is not a debate. I am your master and you are my subject for as long as I deem you to be. You are my prize and are beneath me. Now squash whatever inkling of defiance makes you think you are anything more than that and go about your duties. I grow tired of this exchange,” he thundered.

  As Seark set himself to the placement of his new acquisitions, Kelisay watched him bitterly. It all was clear then, that she was nothing more to Seark than a possession. The knowledge and revelation of the depths of his greed solidified her desire to escape, eliminating her doubt and fears. It mattered not if the attempt sent her to the Dream. Kelisay now knew that if s
he stayed, she was going to die regardless.

  Kelisay watched Seark busy himself, noticing just how little mind he paid her. What he held important was before him now, his ever-growing treasure room swelling with tributes. He deserved none of these things, for in truth Seark did very little to protect those he took from. All the treasure truly did was offer protection from his own wrath. And this was an endeavor made more difficult every season, for Seark’s greed only grew.

  It was easy for Kelisay to hate him in those moments.

  You could kill him now. His defenses are lowered. Take his life and then his treasure.

  The voice in her head gave Kelisay a start. At first, she thought it was the amulet about her neck, but something in her instincts told her this was not the case. No, this was something far more sinister and powerful, yet the voice was not without seductive appeal. Kelisay felt her eyes fix intently upon Seark as she weighed such a decision.

  It is nothing less than he deserves. Slay him and take what is yours, your freedom and more. Give in to your desire. Trust in the darkness and you shall be free and beyond fear. Never again will you be a victim. Allow yourself to be immersed in true power.

  Kelisay could feel the seduction growing deeper in her being. Her eyes began to shimmer as the prospect of vengeance upon Seark became overwhelming. She would not only be freeing herself from the unicorn’s yoke, but also those that had to pay to stay his wrath. It was justice against the wicked, nothing more. Besides, who would miss one who cared for nothing but himself? Kelisay drew upon the waters and the amulet, preparing to deal a tremendous blow to Seark.

  Yes. Do it. Slay him. Spill his blood so others may know of your power. Claim his wealth and elevate yourself completely! Do it!

  Suddenly, Kelisay stopped herself, shaking her head clear of the voice. Reason quickly returned, for the clarity came from the knowledge that if she slayed Seark, she would become the very thing she had grown to hate. The very thought of it brought her back to reason and solidified her need to escape.