by K Schultz
Kyonna looked puzzled. “Stop saying what? We’re too tired to talk.”
Simea stared at the ground and continued plodding toward the girls, too lost in his own misery to respond.
A voice in his head said, “You are responsible for Eideron’s death because you got lost. You were trying to be a hero and you failed. You are a clumsy clown, tripping over your own feet, inept and incompetent. Eideron should have left you behind. The girls are better off without you. The girls have a better chance without you.”
Kyonna noticed Aibhera and Simea’s brooding, but kept silent. The daylight receded from the prairie, and withdrew its warmth from the plain, as the three companions trudged through the grassy wilderness until Kyonna called them to a halt.
“We must rest,”
“Just a little farther, it’s not dark yet Ky,” Aibhera begged.
“Maybe we should return and forget the whole thing,” Simea said.
“You always want to quit when it gets hard Sim,” Aibhera retorted.
“Oh, and you are always perfect,” Simea snapped at her.
“Stop it! Both of you! You know we can’t return. The Synod will have us flogged and burned at the stake if we go back! Besides, our dreams—”
She stopped short, as both Simea and Aibhera looked at her.
“Yes — our dreams. I’ve had them too. Don’t look at me like that. It’s all I’ve dreamt about for months now. The two of you needn’t think you’re so special, that you’re the only ones who can have important dreams. You both made a big issue of having the dreams but I just wanted them to stop. They wouldn’t go away. That is the reason I wanted to meet Eideron, Aibby. I had to come too, don’t you see— they need us so badly!” Kyonna began to cry.
Simea never saw Ky cry. Aibhera could not remember the last time her sister had wept. She never cried at their father’s funeral.
“It will be fine Ky. We’re sorry, please don’t cry,” Simea pleaded.
“Let’s stop here for the night then,” Aibhera said, as she hugged Kyonna and gave in to her suggestion that they rest.
After a hearty meal, they shared their experiences of doubt and discouragement, made peace with each other around a fire and dropped off to sleep.
***
A wave of terror engulfed them. A dark shape loomed in the background. Its baleful crimson eyes pierced their souls, while a man in black robes cut pieces of skin from a body. He stopped after each cut to hold up the gory trophies, as an offering to the evil being that lurked in the shadows. Breakers of pain and horror battered them in wave after wave.
The warrior and the old woman struggled nearby, powerless to stop the torment, held at bay by vile enemies, who had almost overwhelmed them. Darkness, rocks and danger surrounded them. Catastrophe threatened from every side.
Simea and the girls awoke simultaneously and shot out of their bedrolls staring at each other in terror.
“It’s them, the people from our dreams! They’re in trouble,” Kyonna said.
“It’s very bad, they need us right now. We don’t have time to wander around anymore. If we don’t Shift now the battle will be over, and the Nethera will have won,” Aibhera added.
“Let’s do it, but who do we focus on?”
“The young warrior, he has always been the clearest to me,” Kyonna said to Simea and Aibhera as she grabbed both their hands.
Kyonna began, and Simea and Aibhera joined her. The journey was not like their practice sessions. Darkness surrounded them for a moment followed by a thunderclap, as they arrived. Bodies flew in every direction, as the force of their arrival hurled both groups of combatants apart.
“Wall, now!” Simea barked into the sudden silence in the midst of the bedlam of blood and bodies.
Chapter 46
An explosion blew Laakea’s remaining sword from his hand. The force of the blast staggered him and threw Isil back toward the cave entrance. Stunned, deafened by the blast, they waited for the end to come, the sounds of their attackers muffled and distant. Three small slender ochre-skinned people stood singing. A wall of light blocked the passage between them and the men, who wanted to kill Isil and Laakea.
Laakea rose, gathered his weapons and wiped the blood off their grips on his pant legs. With swords in hand, he shrugged his shoulders and rolled his neck to get rid of the kinks. He stepped toward the three small young people, who maintained the shining barrier in front of them.
“I don’t know how you got here, but thank you for coming,” he said. “I’m ready now. Can you let them through one at a time?”
“We can, but running away is a better choice,” Kyonna replied, while Aibhera and Simea maintained the wall of protection.
“We will not leave without our friend.”
“Where is he?” Kyonna asked.
“In there,” he pointed with his sword, in the direction of the altar chamber. “Now let em through one at a time so I can kill them all and retrieve Rehaak.”
Isil, using her staff for support, hobbled over to join them. “Maybe dey got a better way lad. Did yuh ask em dat?”
“They might not, but I do,” the younger girl said with confidence. “By the way, my name is Kyonna.” She batted her eyelashes and smiled at Laakea. “This is my sister, Aibhera and our friend Simea.”
“Ky, stop flirting and do whatever you’re going to do. Sim and I are getting tired of holding the wall,” Aibhera, the older sister said, as she stopped singing for a moment.
“Fine, Aibby and Sim, on the count of three, drop the wall and let me try this.” She turned to Laakea. “And as for you, you big strong handsome thing,” she said, as she lay her hand on his blood spattered forearm. “You get ready; in case this doesn’t work.”
“Ky —hurry!”
Kyonna knelt on the floor of the passage to pick up two fistfuls of grit and gravel. She motioned for Isil to do likewise. “Now on three, throw this stuff up high in front of us. Sim and Aibby, once you drop the wall, hug the floor. Otherwise — never mind, just duck and cover. Everybody ready?”
“One, two, three.”
Several things happened at the same time. The glowing shield wall vanished. Simea and Aibhera dropped to the floor of the cave. Isil and Kyonna threw the gravel into the air. The gravel and sand arced and started falling to the floor, then abruptly and violently changed direction. It shot toward the men, as though Kyonna had loosed it from a sling. The assassins at the front of the pack lurched forward, as the shield dropped. When the debris hit them, some fell where they stood. The stones and grit killed a few, blinded some and wounded others. Those near the back, who remained uninjured, stood stunned by the event.
Before anyone could move, three large furry bodies hurtled past him into what remained of the crowd. Three wolves snapped and lunged at the remaining men, driving them back into the chamber. The Nethera shrieked and spat in rage, when the wolves appeared.
Once Laakea recovered from his surprise, he joined the mêlée and waded into them swinging with the last of his strength. Isil hobbled along behind him making sure that the wounded would never rise again. Soon only a handful remained.
While the wolves held the remnant at bay, Laakea found his bow and retrieved an arrow from one of the bodies. Before Laakea and the rest of Rehaak’s rescuers entered the altar chamber, the wolves had the last of the men pinned. Isil finished them off, while Laakea nocked his last arrow and drew it.
Dreyenar stood over Rehaak’s bleeding body with a knife poised for a killing stroke.
“Not one step closer or I kill your friend,” he snapped. “He’ll make a fine offering to Ashd’eravaak,” he jerked his head in the direction of the Nethera, who hovered behind him. “And then, he’ll feast on your lives as well.”
“He best be a whole lot better at feasting than duh last one we met,” Isil crowed defiantly. “Muh large muscular friend ended its foul-smellin life last night with one o’ dem nice shiny blades yuh see hangin from his belt.”
The wolves snarled men
acingly at the Dark One. The Nethera spat and screeched in rage before it vanished and the overpowering stench in the gallery dissipated with its departure. Dreyenar stood alone over Rehaak’s helpless body, so intent on the group facing him that he did not notice Ashd’eravaak’s withdrawal.
“Yer phony god just abandoned yuh,” Isil taunted.
As Dreyenar turned his head to look behind, Laakea loosed his arrow. It took Dreyenar in the throat driving him backwards. The knife fell from his hand, as he lay choking on his own blood.
Isil rushed forward to cut the unconscious Rehaak free from the altar. “He’s chewed up somethin fierce, but he’ll be alright once we get him mended proper.”
The three Sokai stood staring at the wolves in astonishment.
“What’s wrong?” Laakea asked.
“It’s them,” Aibhera answered, “The three members of the bright host. They have been watching over you.”
“Are you talking about the wolves? They have helped us before,” Laakea said, shrugging off their comment.
“Those are no ordinary wolves,” Simea insisted.
The wolves looked at one another and began to change, growing taller. They stood upright and became three brawny men, wearing silvery armor like Laakea’s breastplate.
“We are sorry we deceived you and Rehaak, the leader said to Laakea, but it was necessary for our mission. It was important that no one know of our involvement. We must leave you now, because the Nethera have broken our blockade and have discovered Abalon’s location. Farewell and fear not, we will return when we can.”
Without further comment the Aethera sheathed their weapons and strode toward the cave entrance.
“Wait! We need more information,” Aibhera said. “If we need your help, how can we contact you? At least tell us your names.”
The Aethera stopped. They turned to look at Aibhera and the leader bowed. He said, “Since we are no longer accustomed to interacting with your kind, we forget your customs and courtesies. I am Sa'khalin, and these, my comrades, are, G'haelarin, and Sh'imbalaan. We cannot stay. You must find your own way forward. Creator guide you. Farewell.”
“But –” Aibhera began.
The three Nethera turned toward the entrance again and disappeared around a bend in the passageway without responding.
“Well that was just rude,” Kyonna said.
“I don’t suppose we can expect the Aethera to be like us Ky,” Aibhera said. “They promised to return. Let’s hold on to that promise.”
“We must tend Rehaak’s wounds,” Laakea said. “Let’s get him back to the house.”
Chapter 47
The five companions made their way to Laakea’s house carrying Rehaak.
Simea and the girls shared their stories of how their dreams led them out of Abalon to aid Isil and Laakea. Laakea and Isil reciprocated by sharing their stories of meeting Rehaak and the series of attacks that led to his capture and their rescue mission.
They reached the house before midday. Isil and Aibhera dressed Rehaak’s wounds, as he drifted in and out of consciousness. They put him into Laakea’s bed to recover, while Isil watched over him. Laakea returned to discuss their situation with the three young Sokai seated at the table.
“Thank-you, again for your timely arrival.”
What is your plan now?” Aibhera began. “Our dreams led us here, but we have no notion of what we must do next. We will follow your lead, just tell us what we must do.”
“Not I, but once Rehaak recovers I’m positive we shall make a trip to Narragansett the Abrhaani capitol city, here on Khel Braah. Rehaak has also spoken of traveling to Baradon the homeland of my people.”
“We certainly want to help,” Simea said.
“You proved your worth in the cavern. The wall was more than helpful. It saved our lives.” Laakea said.
Laakea looked at Kyonna before continuing. “The trick you did with the pebbles was amazing. Where did you learn to do that?”
Yes where did you learn to do it, Ky?” Aibhera said.
Haven’t you ever wondered how I became the best Windrider?”
“I push things. It was an accidental discovery. I almost crashed, when I first started on the gliders. I panicked and tried to push myself away from the cliff face. It worked. I push against the ground and it gives me more lift. That’s why I can carry heavier loads with less wind than anyone else. I expected if I pushed very hard on small things like the pebbles I could move the pebbles instead of moving myself.”
“Lucky for us it did,” Laakea said with admiration.
“I’m sorry but I am so exhausted I must rest now and recover,” Simea apologized.
“I feel the same,” Aibhera added. “When we become conduits of The Creator’s power it takes a toll on our physical bodies. Can we speak more of this tomorrow?”
“Rehaak may be well enough to join us,” Simea said.
***
Rehaak heard Isil’s’ voice singing in the distance but she sounded far away. And farther still were the voices of Laakea and the others discussing what they should do next. Rehaak knew his friends had rescued him from the brink of death. Physical pain rose and ebbed like the tides, but the pain of his vacillating faith lanced his soul without abating.
Rehaak finally understood what held him back for so long. He had never fully trusted The Creator. Rehaak had tried to follow Him, without understanding that The Faithfull One was loving and faithful. Rehaak used that name, because he knew that his halfhearted commitment would no longer be enough. To continue, Rehaak must be faithful to his God. Rehaak could only move forward once he understood how trustworthy The Creator was.
Through Rehaak’s unfaithfulness, his suffering, and even his outright rebellion, his God had proven faithful. Rehaak’s whole life, to this point, was one long lesson in building trust. Isil was right, there were things worse than death, and living crippled by doubt was one of those things.
Rehaak heard his followers settling in for the night. It felt strange to think of them as his followers. While Isil sang healing prayers for his body, Rehaak’s heart cried out to his God for help.
“I need your help. My heart is hard and I am unfit for your service and I am sorry that I never truly trusted you.”
“Do not call what I set aside for my service unfit. No my son, what you need is k’harsa. I called you to lead and you must lead. I chose you and I will restore your heart so you may serve me with confidence. I will be your God and you shall lead my people,”
Rehaak’s spirit wept for joy, as The Creator’s love for him filled his heart, sealing his covenant. With this knowledge and acceptance, he could continue. Rehaak’s inner conflict had been the most difficult part of his quest and that was behind him now. He had found peace.
Rehaak fell asleep to the sound of Isil’s singing.
***
The new day found them rested. Rehaak was awake, although swathed in bandages. He was in remarkable spirits and insisted in sitting up to participate in the discussion after breakfast.
“Let us share what we know. You have struck a courageous and decisive blow to the work of the Dark Ones. I owe you my life, and I am very grateful.”
Rehaak nodded to each of them. As he looked at their faces, he saw the respect and love they held for him.
Laakea broke the silence, “I have far more Ehlbringa to work with and I intend to make more tools to combat the Dark Ones. We also bought time to prepare for what lies ahead.”
“There are several ways we hindered the Dark Ones work here in Khel Braah. First, we provoked them into revealing their actions and acting openly against us. The entire village of Dun Dale now knows of their plots. That does not seem important yet, but I expect word will spread to New Hope and the other towns. News travels with surprising speed between the settlements out here,” Rehaak said. His strength ebbed as he spoke.
“Yes, and the Aethera sprang to our aid,” added Simea. That’s no small thing. When we worked together it prompted them to help
us, and to reveal themselves and their intentions. The Aethera are powerful allies, but I am concerned the Nethera have discovered Abalon’s location.”
“That might work in our favor, now we have proof of Nethera activity. If they are under attack, it might force the Sokai to join the fight,” said Aibhera.
“We don’t understand the implications of Eideron’s fragment of The Book of Songs, but we have begun using our songs to receive power from The Creator. The Book of Songs might also encourage people here to follow the Old Way again, right Isil?” Kyonna added.
Isil acknowledged Kyonna’s comment with a nod before beginning, “An as I told Laakea, we thinned em out a bunch too. Dey are gonna be a long while collectin more o’ dere followers tuh mess with us again, ‘specially if dey are workin in Baradon at duh same time. Dey is gonna be spread mighty thin fer a spell.”
“The most important thing — we are no longer alone in this struggle,” said Rehaak, as he looked at the faces of the others from behind his bandages. His apprehension had evaporated, like water in a pot left on the fire. He summarized their situation, his voice growing weaker with each sentence.
“We know the enemy’s objectives. Our objective has become clearer and we bought time to recover and prepare. We have new friends and allies, with new knowledge and potent weapons. A new day is dawning in Aarda.”
“By uniting members of all three species in this conflict, the Aethera have joined our fight. Although we are few, we still struck a powerful first blow against the Dark Ones. Those who follow the Nethera are convinced they are doing what is best for mankind. They are deceived, but there may be hope for them if we can show them their error.”
“Our understanding of the abilities The Creator has given us has grown. The Book of Songs has provided more information about the war in the Aetherial realm and our part in it. I discovered The Creator has ceded control of Aarda to those who follow Him. As long as we exist, the Nethera cannot rule Aarda, or destroy it. The Nethera can do a great deal of damage to Aarda and to us but they cannot win outright. We can begin undoing the damage caused by the Song of the Defiler.”