Runefell: Crossroads

by Shawn Sodman

  The massive Borak Cron stands up and says to one of the soldiers, “You, gather your men and help with gathering more wood.”

  “Yes, sir,” the orcnea replies as he leaves to find his men.

  Carr Vork now asks the shaman, “Did Chance Na'Moon carry with him the talisman of the fire dragon?”

  “He was using something around his neck to cast the spells,” the shaman answers.

  “As long as he has that gift from Feonvaer, we must not underestimate him,” Carr says. “We must also order the shamans to make it rain. We cannot lose another bridge.”

  Borak then adds, “I will inform them at once.”

  Lortec grins and says, “Next time we will be ready for Chance Na'Moon, the Orcnea Slayer.”

  Chapter 28

  Heart to Heart

  Later that night in King Arioch's camp many are gathered around the different fires that are spread along the newly dug trench. A'ranah, Leanara, and Finna have joined Arioch and Chance outside the King's tent. Leanara asks, “So, Chance, how are your children?”

  Chance answers, “Ya'leigh is very much like her mother. She is fearless and strong, sometimes I think she is more La'harn than anything else. Ambra and Kelik, however, are most certainly Dri'el. They are both very good with alchemy and are in advanced classes at Dicean.”

  “So where are they at now?” Finna asks.

  “Fortunately, Kelik and Ambra are attending summer classes at Dicean,” Chances answers, unaware of where they really are, “Ya'leigh is accompanying princess Kianna in delivering supplies to Troven. They should be on their way back to Sheathelm right now.”

  Leanara turns to Arioch and asks, “How is Princess Kianna doing?”

  Arioch looks over to A'ranah and smiles before answering Leanara's question. “She is incredibly smart, spirited, and absolutely beautiful, just like her mother.”

  A'ranah laughs and says, “Arioch Ravenguard, you haven't changed one bit.”

  “Other than being a little grayer and a little balder, you mean,” Arioch says with a laugh.

  “You humans and age,” A'ranah says as she walks over to Arioch. She sits next to him and puts her arm around him and continues, “I guess that is one thing that I have always taken for granted. If I knew that I had only a finite number of days to live I might live as boldly as you.”

  “I think you already live pretty boldly,” Arioch replies.

  They all sit silently staring into the fire. Chance finds his thoughts drifting to Kristieana. Soon he finds himself creating her image in the flames. A'ranah asks, “Chance, is that Kristieana?”

  Chance, realizing that once again he has raised questions by creating her image, quickly releases the spell and answers, “Yes, it was.”

  “When did you see her?” A'ranah asks.

  Chance says, “I met her at Copper Pass while I was checking on the others.”

  “So she did go after all,” Finna says to A'ranah.

  “Yes, it would appear so,” A'ranah replies.

  “Wait,” Chance interjects, “you didn't know she was there?”

  “No,” Finna explains, “In fact, she was told not to go.”

  “She has defied me again,” A'ranah says.

  Chance says, “I guess she couldn't help but worry about them. I am sure she was only looking out for them much like what you asked me to do.”

  A'ranah pauses then says, “You do make an excellent point, Chance, however we only asked you after we learned about how serious the orcnea threat was. She left without knowing her sisters would be in any real danger.”

  Finna says. “Kristina has a special bond to this group. She is as close to them as anyone. I for one am glad she is with them.”

  “I suppose you are right,” A'ranah says. “Even though she did go against our wishes, Evelena and the others are better off with her there. I assume the group does not know she is following them?”

  “I do not believe so,” Chance replies.

  Finna asks, “They didn't see you, did they?”

  Chance sighs and replies, “Unfortunately, I was revealed after having to help take down an ogre.”

  “I see,” A'ranah replies, “so they recognized you?”

  “No,” Chance replies, “but a friend of mine, Sven, was there and he made my presence known.”

  Leanara asks, “What did you say to them?”

  “I told them I was scouting the other side of the mountain for orcneas,” he replies.

  “Chance,” A'ranah asks. “May I ask you something else?”

  “Of course,” Chance answers nervously, afraid of what she may ask.

  “You do not have to tell me if you do not wish,” A'ranah says, “but, how well did you get to know Kristieana?”

  “A'ranah!” Finna interjects before Chance can answer. “What kind of a question is that?”

  “I am only asking because it's Kristieana,” A’ranah replies.

  Chance's eyes stare into the fire, unable to look at A'ranah. He hesitates before nervously answering, “Nothing happened between us, my lady, if that is what you are asking.”

  “Chance,” A'ranah says, “I think you misunderstand. If something did happen, I would not be offended.” Chance now looks up at her as she continues, “My daughter has been gone for a long time, Chance. No one would ever expect you to live the rest of your life alone. Sha'al would not want that for you either.”

  “Thank you, my lady,” he replies, still uncomfortable with the subject. Chance stands up and adds, “Now if you will all excuse me, I think I will turn in for the night. May your dreams guide you all safely to the new day.”

  “I'll walk you back to your tent,” Finna says as she stands up.

  Finna and Chance walk off as A'ranah turns to Arioch and says, “Is it my imagination, or does Chance always seem nervous around me?”

  “No, he is definitely uncomfortable around you,” Arioch answers.

  “Why do you think that is?” A'ranah asks.

  “It's simple,” Arioch explains, “he still blames himself for your daughter's death.”

  “He has to know that it is not his fault,” A'ranah replies.

  “That may be so,” Arioch says, “but to this day he strongly believes that he failed you by not keeping your daughter safe. When it comes right down to it, Chance feels that Sha'al Ree died because of him, and he has always felt ashamed to be around you.”

  “That is so sad,” Leanara says.

  “Yes, it is,” A'ranah adds, “I will have to talk with him soon.”

  “Are you going to warn him about Kristieana?” Leanara asks with a smile.

  Arioch asks, “What about her?”

  A'ranah laughs and says, “Arioch, you remember Sha'al and how much spirit she had.”

  “Oh yes,” Arioch replies. “Chance had his hands full with her.”

  “Well, you see,” A'ranah explains, “Kristieana is very much like Sha'al. Very strong willed and not at all intimidated by anyone. If she wants something, she will not hesitate to go after it. I wasn't asking Chance about her to make him feel uncomfortable. I was mostly curious as to how they got along.”

  “Well,” Leanara says, “he certainly was thinking about her.”

  “Exactly,” A'ranah replies. “So, I can only assume their encounter was more than what Chance is letting on.”

  Walking back to Chance's tent Finna finally asks, “So, you like Kristieana?”

  Chance laughs and says, “I don't know what you are talking about.”

  “Come on, little brother,” Finna says, “you don't make images of people if you don't have some feelings for them. By the way, you are very good at shaping fire. That looked just like her.”

  “Thanks,” Chance answers, “and to be honest, I don't really know what I feel.” They continue to walk a bit further then he smiles and adds, “She is quite something, though.”

  “Yes, she is,” Finna replies as they reach his tent. “So, were you telling the truth when you said nothing happened?�
��

  “Yes,” Chance says defensively. “Don't you believe me?”

  “If you say so,” Finna says with a laugh. “I'll take your word for it.”

  “It's not like I wasn't tempted though,” Chance says.

  “So what did happen?” Finna asks.

  Chance, looking up into the night sky at the stars, smiles and says, “Nothing.”

  Finna laughs and says, “I only ask because I care about you. We have the same mother, you are my brother. I just don't want to see you get hurt.”

  “That is nice of you,” Chance says, “but I'll be alright.”

  “You know that a lot of sisters from the house of Ree have their eyes on you,” Finna says with a smile.

  “Really,” Chances replies, “Why?”

  “Well,” Finna explains, “There are not too many males out there that have the blood from two houses. Those who are looking to have a child would like nothing more than to have their children be a part of all three houses. Never mind the fact that you are a hero from two wars. You are quite the prize, little brother.”

  “Well,” Chance says, “I don't know about being a hero.”

  “And modest, too,” Finna says with a laugh. “I am sure by the end of this war more than one sister from the house of Ree will try to claim you.”

  Chance grins and says, “Well, that's a little awkward.”

  “You don't have to tell me about awkward,” Finna replies. “How do you think it makes me feel when I have friends asking me if my brother is ready to mate? That is awkward.”

  “Well,” Chance says with a laugh, “you know that I am not the kind of person who is only interested in making a child. I would rather build a life.”

  Finna says. “Kristieana is lot like Sha'al but as far as I know, she is not interested in leaving the sisterhood. That is why I want you to be careful. I don't want to see you get hurt.”

  Chance looks down and slowly draws in a deep breath. “Thank you,” he says finally, “but I cannot help for whom my heart beats. No matter how much it may conflict with my mind, the heart alone makes that decision.” He puts his arms around his sister and says, “May your dreams guide you safely.”

  “May your dreams guide you as well, brother,” Finna replies.

  Chapter 29

  Mani Dreki

  Sven and the Seven Sisters of the Silver Moon have been making their way through the mountains for the last three days. As the end of the third day approaches Sven says, “We should set up camp soon. The next good place we find we will stop.”

  Soon the path leads them to a small plateau along the side of the mountain overlooking a valley. There is a small fire pit made up of small stones in the center of what appears to be an old encampment. “This looks good,” Gelana says.

  “That might even be better,” Sven says as he points to a cave at the far edge of the plateau along the mountain's steep face.

  The wolf lets out a growl as it digs in the ground. Kel'ana looks down to where the wolf is digging. “I don't think so,” she says, pointing to the ground, “look.”

  Almost unnoticeable due to the freshly fallen snow are large pools of blood frozen into the icy ground. They investigate further and see that the blood is everywhere. Evelena says, “I don't think this is a good place to stop.”

  “Sven agrees,” Sven says.

  Ja'noa then asks, “Kel'ana, what do you think happened here?”

  Kel'ana looks carefully at the ground. “There were orcneas here,” she says as she walks around a small circle of rocks that was once a fire pit.

  “So another camp that Chance got to?” Rehma asks.

  “I don't think so,” Kel'ana answers as she makes her way to the other side of the clearing.

  “Why not?” Gelana asks.

  Kel'ana kneels to the ground and then looks over to the cave and says, “Because this is not an eagle track.”

  As the group walks over to Kel'ana they look at the ground and see a giant print in the snow and ice. “A dragon print,” Sven says as he reaches for his sword on his back.

  They all look at the cave as Evelena says, “Let's get out of here.”

  Suddenly, a voice from behind them asks, “Are you lost?”

  Surprised, they all turn and see an old man with long silver hair and a long silver beard. He is wearing a long white robe with a silver embroidery on the chest of a ringed crescent moon. The old man says, “I am sorry, I did not mean to startle you.”

  “Where did you come from?” Sven asks.

  Before the mysterious old man can answer, Evelena steps forward. She gets down on one knee, and with her head lowered she says, “I am sorry if we are trespassing. If you wish us to leave we will do so at once.”

  The other sisters look at each other, perplexed. “What is going on?” Gelana whispers.

  “That is not a man,” Lyra quietly explains. “It is a dragon.” Lyra then also kneels down before the old man.

  “You are very perceptive,” the silver haired man says. “Now please rise, young Sisters of the Silver Moon.” Evelena and Lyra both stand as the others stare in silence. “What are your names?” The man asks.

  The girls are stunned. They look at each other, not sure what to do. Finally Evelena steps forward and says, “My name is Evelena Ree, Your Majesty.”

  “A pleasure to meet you, Evelena,” he says. “Though your respect is appreciated, there is no need to address me as your king. Please, call me Lunarus.”

  “Of course, sir,” Evelena replies.

  “Well,” Lunarus laughs, “I suppose sir is better than Your Majesty.” Lunarus looks to Gelana and asks, “What is your name?”

  Gelana steps forward and bows her head and states, “My name is Gelana La'harn.”

  Lunarus looks at Yentroc, who introduces herself, followed by Ja'noa, Kel'ana, and then Rehma. The man then turns to Lyra and asks, “And what is your name, child?”

  Lyra nervously steps forward and says, “My name Lyra Dri'el, sir.”

  Lunarus turns to Sven, who says, “I am Sven Liteburg, sir.”

  “From the north I assume,” Lunarus replies.

  “Yes, sir,” Sven answers, “from tundra along northern coast.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you all,” Lunarus says. He looks at the wolf and says, “I think there is one more of you whose name I have yet to hear.”

  The sisters look at each other confused as the man says to the wolf. “Reveal yourself, child.”

  Everyone turns their attention to the wolf as it begins to transform. Its front paws grow to become hands. Its fur is soon replaced with a fur coat. The figure stands upright as its nose shortens. Its ears become pointed as long red hair flows down around them. Soon the girls recognize their friend and sister.

  “Kristieana!” Gelana says as her face lights up with joy.

  “I can't believe it,” Kel'ana says, sounding disappointed, “I thought I tamed a real wolf.”

  Rehma, feeling both joy and frustration, says, “How are we supposed to go out on our own if no one trusts in us?” She walks over to Kristieana and then adds, “Still, I am glad to see you.” She then gives Kristieana a hug.

  “I am sorry, everyone,” Kristieana says, “I did not wish to deceive you, but I also did not think you would want me coming along.”

  Lunarus walks up to the group and says, “So you are Kristieana.” Then as he looks at her face he adds, “From the markings I would say you are from the house of Ree.”

  “Yes, sir,” Kristieana replies as she bows her head.

  “So,” Lunarus asks. “What brings the Amazons of the Silver Moon to the Northwind Range?”

  Evelena explains, “We are on our way to the northern territory. The orcneas have returned and we wish to contribute to the war by hampering their supplies.”

  “The orcneas, yes,” Lunarus says. “I have come across several encampments lately.”

  “We were first told to scout the old orcnea territory,” Evelena explains, “but now we have
to do more than just scout.”

  “Well,” Lunarus says, “it is getting late and you must all be cold and hungry. If you would like, you may stay with me tonight as my guests.” He starts to walk towards the cave and adds, “You will have to excuse the conditions, I am not used to hosting company.”

  Everyone looks at each other in amazement. “We are going to be the guest of a dragon,” Kel'ana says excitedly.

  Lunarus turns back and says, “Unless of course, you would rather make your camp out here.”

  *****

  In the apartment Kel'ana is the one now telling the story to the three children. She says, “They all laugh and follow Lunarus into the cave.”

  Kelik smiles and adds, “After they entered the cave...the Amazons of the Silver Moon were never seen again. The End.” He smiles and laughs.

  “No!” Haley says. “That's not what happens.”

  “Oh, how do you know?” Kelik asks playfully.

  “Because,” Haley answers, “Danielle told us other stories about them, so I know.”

  Josh asks, “Why did they act like the dragon was their king?”

  “Respect,” Kel'ana explains. “You see, the elves and the dragons have always been allies. Of course not all dragons are peaceful, but if you ever come across one it is always best to show respect.”

  “But what if it tries to eat you?” Haley asks.

  “Most of the time if a dragon wants you dead,” Kelik answers, “there isn't much you can do about it. They can be defeated but it isn't easy.”

  “I just want to know if the Captain ever kills Fernando,” Laura says.

  “I will tell you as much as I can before I have to go,” Kelik says.

  “What ever happened to Chance's kids?” Josh asks.

  “Yeah!” Haley exclaims. “What about the princess!”

  “Well,” Kelik explains, “until now in the story, the Princess and her friends haven't had much to do, but that is about to change.” Just then Kyle's cell phone buzzes. He looks down and checks it and says to Danielle, “Why don't you continue this part Danielle, I think you know it better than me anyway. I'll be back in a moment to tell them what the Princess and Chance's kids have been up to.”