~~~~
13
Last Choice
The rest of the night was just a daze to Alundi. He was more than exhausted, all his magic was depleted with only Excalibur stopping him from falling to the ground. They returned to where they made camp and collected their belongings. Assard scoured the battlefield and found his long knife that he had purchased from Conner and the one Conner had gifted Alundi but he could only find five of his father's throwing knives. Alundi was not troubled.
They ran east at the Elves' pace. Isacal and Boahim still carried the Annabels with Calqui carrying their travel bag. By sunrise they had got further than Alundi had hoped, though it was in the wrong direction. They stopped well away from any roads keeping to a small cluster of bushes. The Annabels were just as exhausted as all of them. Alundi made Little Annabel sleep, although she at first objected she finally succumbed to his will. Boahim offered to take watch stating that he was the least tired and wounded of them all. Alundi placed a hand on Boahim's shoulder in thanks and entered the tent to find everyone sound asleep. He assumed Assard had assisted them all. Alundi fell where he stood, Excalibur cushioning his fall, sleep finding him instantly.
Alundi woke by the touch of another. He rolled over to find Little Annabel's hand on his badly burned shoulder. Both Assard and Calqui stood over her.
‘We tried but could not wake you. After healing us all Little Annabel has pretty much spent the rest of the day healing you.’ Calqui said, pain in her voice.
Glancing out the entrance of the tent Alundi noticed that night had taken hold. He could see the flicker of a fire that burned to the left of the entrance. Assard wrapped his right arm around Calqui who had recently been crying, two clean lines of tears parting the battle dirt on her face. Alundi took Little Annabel's hand from his shoulder and placed it on her chest.
‘Get some food and rest young one. I can finish, baby.’ He kissed her on the brow and scooted her off.
Assard followed leaving Calqui with Alundi. Alundi tapped Excalibur so he could quickly heal himself.
‘You had me worried.’ Calqui muttered softly.
Alundi frowned at her.
‘Why didn’t you tell me about Boahim?’
She seemed angered and hurt. Alundi quickly put his hand up in apology.
‘Sorry.’
He stood which took a considerable effort. He stroked the back of his hand over her right cheek. Stepping forward he embraced her, tears pooled and fell from her eyes. Holding her face softy Alundi pressed his lips on to hers.
‘This will be difficult but you should not worry about me. I can handle myself like I know you can handle yourself.’
Calqui laughed and she kissed him again, firmer this time.
‘I’m hungry.’ Alundi said the moment their lips parted.
Calqui chuckled and the two of them left the tent. All the others sat around the campfire which was substantially larger than normal. Kraco was many feet away a deer carcass to his left. Annabel stood, walked over to Alundi and embraced his waist.
‘You had me worried.’ She said softly.
Alundi chuckled and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her hair. Placing his hands under her arms he lifted her from the ground and she screamed a laugh.
‘You’ll go insane if you worry about me.’
She grinned. Putting her down Alundi took a bowl of food that was offered to him by Assard.
‘Kraco!’ Alundi shouted getting the gold dragon's attention.
‘Come, you are among friends now.’
Isacal fidgeted which did not go unnoticed. Alundi glanced at her and sighed loudly. He strolled over to the young dragon that did not move.
‘Kraco, can you hear me?’ Kraco blinked in acknowledgement.
‘Do you know the meaning of your name, Kraco?’
The gold dragon shook his head.
‘It means fruit basket, in the tongue of Elves.’ Alundi added before Kraco reacted.
‘But in your language it means Avenger.’
‘I like that.’ Kraco growled. Alundi could not suppress a chuckle.
‘Come Kraco, ignore the Elf Queen. She is ignorant.’
Kraco bowed his head and followed. Alundi sat on Calqui’s right and Kraco sat next to him.
‘Forgive me please. I wounded you all yesterday.’ Kraco growled softly.
Boahim answered first.
‘Do not be stupid young dragon. You saved Assard’s life. And if that army crossed the bridge all of us would have died. There is nothing to forgive Kraco.’
Alundi wished he could see Isacal’s expression but he could not. Boahim was starting to grow on him though he knew that he had not heard the last over Calqui. For now however they were truly at peace with each other after the battle.
‘Thank you Elf, Little Annabel…’ Kraco was no longer growling his words. There was a rumble in his voice which made it sound smoother.
Little Annabel looked up at the gold dragon.
‘You freed me and for that I am in your debt. I will follow you anywhere and keep you from harm. I pledge my life to you and to the Quest, Alundi.’
‘You are most welcome Avenger.’
A rumble came from Kraco’s throat which sounded like a small tree cat purring.
‘Night is upon us. I will take first watch th…’ Alundi was interrupted by the great dragon who stood.
‘I do not require sleep this night Alundi. I will watch for you. Go and rest, it is the least I can do.’
Alundi patted Kraco on his right talon and beckoned all of them into the tent. As soon as he entered Isacal walked up to him, afraid.
‘Do you think its wise..?’
Alundi silenced her with a finger.
‘He can hear. Stay awake if you want to. But it is more than wise. Kraco will never and can never betray us.’ Alundi eyes fell on Little Annabel and a smile was shared between them.
Though he had woken up Alundi was still injured and always found it easier to heal while asleep. Assard helped the Annabels to sleep. Before long all were sleeping soundly and unbeknown to anyone Calqui had slipped under the blanket of Alundi and slept in his great arms. When she did so Alundi had woke but she quickly kissed him passionately.
‘I love you.’ She whispered. Kissing again Alundi rested his forehead on hers.
‘I have secrets Calqui. Secrets I cannot tell you. Does this matter?’ She hugged him tighter.
‘No.’ They shared a number of passionate kisses then closed their eyes.
‘I love you.’ Alundi voice echoed within Calqui’s mind making her smile broadly.
Assard woke Alundi just before dawn. He pulled away from Calqui slowly so as to not to wake her. Alundi instructed Assard to gather the Fire Sword. Father and son walked away from the camp and faced southeast in the open. Just as the sun graced the eastern horizon Alundi drew Excalibur saying softly.
‘Popalas Excalibur.’
The silver blade again glowed white. Alundi concentrated hard, stretching his will towards the Harana Mountains. The ground below their feet started to vibrate. Excalibur cooled. The sky darkened and the wind picked up, but Kraco who was barely twenty paces away did not feel any effect of the weather change. Rain fell from the dark cloud above them. A number of the droplets seemed to strike an invisible form in front of them. The invisible form glowed blue and an apparition of Mistel came to life in front of their eyes. To Mistel’s right the earth shook violently. A figure rose from the fresh grass. Again it was an apparition similar to Mistel, barely a ghost. The wind howled around them and the three elemental sisters were standing before them. Alundi held each of their gazes for a few moments then fell to his knees. Assard fell at the same time. He held up the Fire Sword as an offering to the sisters but none of them moved.
‘We are responsible for the death of your brother. Forgive us, please, we had no choice.’ Alundi said softly.
&nb
sp; ‘Young Galahad rise. And you young Assard.’ Mistel said. They did so slowly. Their faces only showed pain and thankfully not anger.
‘Young Galahad, we watched your battle with our brother.’ Aurel began.
‘He was a twisted, hate-filled fragment of the element we called brother.’ Jade continued.
‘The only forgiveness that needs to be bestowed is on us, from you young dragon.’ Mistel muttered.
Alundi and Assard glanced to their right where Kraco had silently moved to.
‘Can you forgive us?’ All three of the sister elements asked Kraco, who slowly bowed his head.
Jade stepped forwards holding up her hand.
‘Keep the sword young Assard. It was only ever wielded by the Crimson who was not our brother.’ The apparition of Jade fell to the floor and dissolved into the fresh, morning moist grass. A gust of wind blew from behind them and Aurel disappeared from their sight leaving only the ghostly figure of Mistel.
‘Mistel can you keep a watchful eye on the southern villages. Darz may learn that one of his Elemamtel’s was killed in Four Points. I still fear for them.’ Alundi asked nervously.
‘Of course, young Galahad.’ As she said that her figure fell to the floor as well and disappeared.
‘They were in great pain.’ Assard said.
‘That they were son. It will take them time to come to terms with their brother’s death. Come, it is time to leave.’ Alundi walked past Kraco and his son.
Assard's eyes fell to the Fire Sword he carried. If it was true that he was now the wielder of it, what was to become of Nasel?
Alundi carried Annabel and Assard Little Annabel. He had asked Kraco to fly above and ahead to save them having to go on scouting trips. Kraco took to the task with no objections. Isacal silently voiced her concerns but Alundi had no time for her. He knew all too well what Isacal's problems with Kraco were, but he was not going to indulge her. She would just have to suffer he thought. They passed two of the places they had stayed on their travels towards the Han Bridge, by nightfall if they kept up the same pace they would return to the Rubicon Falls. Kraco had again lit a vast fire. This time it was needed, the wind had picked up and Kraco warned that the next day snow was going to fall. Even before night had fully taken hold, all of them, Kraco being the exception, had clambered into the tent. Alundi posted Isacal to take watch knowing that would annoy but his patience with the Queen was wearing thin. Still they had all entered the tent not one of them really tired.
‘Father I need to ask you something?’ Assard silently requested. Alundi just glanced at Assard and nodded.
‘I have learned a great deal from the Fire Sword. It has confirmed that the number of soldiers at Heeden was indeed three thousand plus. Other than that the information has been interesting and insightful but not useful. The Fire Sword is allied to me now, much to its gratitude, but what of Nasel?’
Alundi looked over to him then looked away in thought. As his eyes fell onto Calqui who was running a brush through Little Annabel’s hair he smiled finding the answer.
‘Assard pass me the Fire Sword.’ Alundi asked out loud.
The others glanced at Alundi and followed the course of the sword. The Fire Sword's scabbier was destroyed along with Crimson and so it rested in the travel bag of Alundi, something it was not fond of. Alundi ran his fingers up and down the face of the blade. He noticed an inscribing.
‘Isacal am I correct in saying these writings is a form of Elvish?’ Alundi asked.
Isacal stood and strolled over. Taking the sword she studied the markings and nodded.
‘An ancient form yes. It says, “To be wielded by one that is of Fire and Just”.’
Alundi bowed his head in thanks.
‘I believe that this sword was destined for you son. Your first instinct when you were a child was to cast fire. And you are a Just Man. The Fire Sword is yours now.’
‘And Nasel?’ Assard asked.
‘Nasel is a powerful sword. But like when I was willed Excalibur, Nasel is too worthy a blade to be a second choice weapon. You should will it to another.’ Assard looked confused. He glanced around the tent not instantly seeing one who had need for Nasel. All the Elves had their own swords, Annabel was no warrior and then there was Little Annabel. Instantly Assard realised what Alundi was telling him.
‘Young Little Annabel when you are in the Emerald Skull you will need a sword. I cannot think of anything more suited to the task of serving and protecting you than Nasel.’ Many mouths dropped.
‘Of course you are a bit small and young to learn the blade yet, but in time you will.’
Little Annabel stared at Nasel.
‘You have spoken with Excalibur. But the joining of sword and wielder is so much more.’ Alundi continued.
Assard stood grabbing Nasel and drew it from its scabbier.
‘What must I do?’ Little Annabel asked slowly.
Assard smiled.
‘Nothing young one, it is I that needs to do something.’ Assard's pleasant voice sounded in her head. Stepping over to her he handed Nasel to Little Annabel, holding the blade clumsily. She looked at him worried, but he smiled.
‘Little Annabel I will you Nasel, may it serve you as good as it has served me.’
‘Little Annabel I will you Nasel, may it serve you as good as it has served me.’ Assard said placing the handle of Nasel in her hand.
‘Prepare yourself young Little Annabel. Nasel has a tendency to share everything, all at once.’
She hesitated. Alundi’s words worried her so she did not close her hand round the handle. She looked at him. He was wearing a quaint smile that she struggled to understand.
‘No harm will come to you.’ Alundi silently said.
Closing her eyes she began to take long concentrated breaths. She slowly closed her hand over the handle. For a few moments nothing happened. As she opened her eyes she noticed all of them staring at her.
‘Nasel.’ Little Annabel said.
‘Yes Little Annabel.’ She smiled broadly. Nasel continued.
‘I have been wielded by two of the greatest and most loving creatures in this world. Still that does not compare to being wielded by you. Your heart is so pure. I will protect you and teach you as best I can.’
A warm feeling tingled from Nasel through her hand. Something flashed before her eyes. She could hear a strike. It was getting louder. Each strike that sounded was louder but also less muffled as if she was getting closer to it. What she was hearing and seeing was not complete. It was not whole. It was a memory. The tent and others dissolved around her. Blinking, she found herself in what seemed to be a blacksmith’s forge. Her eyes fell on a figure in front of her who was not there to begin with. He stood at a tree trunk that was cut, exposing only three feet from the ground. The forge was the same as Knorrest’s. It was five foot in diameter, had eight sides and tapered to the ground. The figure turned and was holding Nasel looking down the edge and face of the blade. The figure held it like Assard, clumsily running his fingers down the edge. Such an act would easily slice through anyone’s hands but it did not. A howling wind ran behind the figure. A curious green hazy light was travelling upon the wind. It circled them both. The figure was oblivious to it. The green light came to a stop directly in front of Little Annabel. It then, with the force of a lightning bolt, flew into the sword the figure held. The force however did nothing. The blade started to glow the same colour as the light then returned to its perfect polished silver shine.
‘Your birth?’ Little Annabel said softly.
The blacksmith forge evaporated and Little Annabel was back within the tent knowing somehow that no time had passed.
‘Yes. Little Annabel, my birth.’
She stared with wonder at Nasel for a long while. Alundi had started talking with Assard. He held the Fire Sword looking down its edge and face. He drew Excalibur and laid the blade on top of the Fire Sword. The c
hips and scratches on the Fire Sword started to mend. This pulled Little Annabel’s gaze from Nasel. She watched as the damage to the Fire Sword was repaired. Alundi ran his fingers down the face and edges to check if any damager were missed.
‘How are you not cut?’ Little Annabel asked. It seemed that she was not the only one who wanted to know the answer. Only Isacal did not look over when Little Annabel asked.
‘It is not just I young Little Annabel. Do you remember when I pledged my life to you? Do you remember what Excalibur did?’ Little Annabel glanced at her mother who answered.
‘It sent magic through us. And you said that the blade could never and will never harm us.’
Alundi smiled at her.
‘Your mother is quite correct young one. You are the wielder of Nasel. And Nasel cannot harm you.’ Alundi said.
‘Try it.’ Assard silently instructed.
Little Annabel placed her hand firmly on one of the edges of Nasel and sliced it across her hand. Annabel screamed but she quickly noticed that indeed Little Annabel’s hand showed no sign of injury. Alundi shot an annoyed look at Assard who only grinned back.
‘Excalibur just repaired The Fire Sword?’
‘Healed is a more accurate description, but yes.’ Assard answered Calqui.
‘Now Excalibur can do no harm to the Fire Sword or Nasel and vice versa.’ Assard said looking at Little Annabel.
‘All these swords now share a common ancestry or connection for want of a better word.’ Assard continued, sharing a glance with his father.
‘You?’ Boahim answered. Alundi rolled his eyes annoyed with Boahim hoping that Little Annabel answered.
‘Sort of.’ Assard began.
‘It is difficult to explain. I have never wielded Excalibur but my father does. And as Alundi used to wield Nasel…’
‘There is a magic bond…’ Little Annabel continued.
‘Although Alundi has never wielded the Fire Sword, because you have both wielded Nasel the Fire Sword respects the bond.’
‘The Fire Sword has no choice. Neither do any of these great swords. Even if the sword was willed to an enemy that enemy could not harm any of us with the swords.’ Assard said bemused when he noticed that all of their jaws had dropped.
‘Oh how little you Elves know.’ Alundi silently said to all of them. They were still so shocked at Assard's revelation that none of them reacted to it.
To all their eternal joy they reached the Rubicon Falls two days after Alundi and Assard had talked with Mistel and her sisters. With most of the day still to come Alundi took his time in preparing the pools. He left the Annabels with Calqui and Isacal, asking Nasel to keep watch over them as he and Assard bathed in the same pool they bathed in previously. Even Kraco had leapt under the Rubicon Falls letting the near freezing water cascade over his gold and rock hard scales. It seemed very therapeutic. He silently told Alundi that though his scales were almost impenetrable they could also be very sensitive and as they were so rough, dirt and grime often accumulated which irritated. After a while it seemed that Kraco had fallen asleep right under the Falls resting his head on the bank where Alundi and Assard bathed. Assard had said to Alundi, silently of course, that he was so thrilled to meet a dragon. Alundi however had told him that Kraco was a mere shadow of the dragons. He had been hatched by unholy means and all he knew of the world was from the mortals and immortals around him.
‘Our minds are so small compared to those of dragons but Kraco is wholly unaware of what he does not know.’ Alundi started to explain.
Assard had asked if any help could be given to the dragon who he had learned was younger than him. Alundi explained to him, and now Little Annabel who had butted into the conversation, that Kraco needed to reunite with the elder dragons. Only then could he grow into a true dragon. Little Annabel was all for releasing Kraco so he could follow his kin, however it was unknown where they had gone. Alundi also stated to her that Kraco was willing and very able to help in their Quest, although he knew the Elves would be an issue. Not Calqui or Boahim, who had accepted Kraco as quickly as them all. Isacal was coming around slowly but it was the rest of the Elves that would be the problem, or at the very least the Elders.
They all feasted together. Alundi hoped that their provisions would last until they got to Elf country. Kraco had flown off after smelling the food the Elves had brought with them. He had boomed he would return before day break. There were a number of wild animals in the local wilderness for Kraco to hunt and feast on. Deer, wild horses, even forest bears have been known to travel to the Rubicon Falls.
Before long the cold of winter had finally overcome them all and they quickly gathered into the tent. Assard took first watch and the others quickly got to sleep. Alundi and Calqui had agreed they would not fall asleep together. Not because of Boahim, mind, but it seemed that Isacal was against the union as was Annabel. Alundi had wondered about this but he still did not think much about it. He suspected she was just worried. He had often wondered and deliberated with Assard how well Annabel had coped with all this. She had struck a bond with Isacal and Calqui to a certain extent. One hope Alundi did have was that Annabel would strike a bond with more of the Elves. He had told Assard of his plan to leave Annabel with the Elves. He knew she would never wish to be separated from her daughter but her death would destroy Little Annabel and him. In truth when Little Annabel came to enter the Emerald Skull they would be separated. He had explained to Little Annabel as they neared to the Rubicon Falls of this. She was worried; in fact Alundi would have been very concerned if she was not. Calqui had suggested that he talk about matters more with Annabel. When Calqui got on to the topic of puberty he had stopped, realising what she meant. He had seen Assard grow into a Man within the Skull. Remembering back, there had been women magic-wielders trained within the Skull and almost all of them were trained by women. It was an issue that he had not thought about at all. He calmed Calqui, reassuring her that he would make sure he spoke with them both.
The following day all was well until high sun. It was freezing on the open plains. Kraco could not fly as they were heading east and the wind was pounding all of them. Assard had shot Alundi a glance. He had felt a familiar presence through the Fire Sword. Instantly Alundi had stopped them all.
‘Kraco would you object to Assard flying on your back?’ He will be able to help you fly through this powerful wind. Before the gold dragon could answer Isacal had shouted over the howling wind.
‘What’s wrong?’
‘No.’ Kraco had growled but half heartedly.
Assard lifted Little Annabel from his back and handed her to Boahim. He then walked over and shared a few silent words with Kraco and climbed onto his back.
‘Be vigilant but careful son. Do not underestimate him. Seal your mind, even from me.’
Assard nodded slowly. Kraco leapt into the sky, his hind legs leaving massive imprints in the soft, moist winter grass. Before long Kraco was barely a golden dot on the horizon.
‘We continue on. But slow your pace.’ Alundi said calmly.
‘And keep your eyes peeled.’ He added just for the Elves.
‘What is it?’ Annabel whispered in his ear. He knew however that the Elves and Little Annabel would hear her question and his reply. Just as quietly he answered.
‘The Betrayer is close.’
It was enough information for all of Annabel's muscles to tense with fear. But at the same time he knew she wanted to know more, as did they all. But this was different. It was personal. Alundi would soon meet this Betrayer and he hoped above all hopes, that he was mistaken. He knew however that he was not and that thought alone scared the hell out of him.
The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull Page 13