The Earthrin Stones 2 of 3: Trials of Faith

by Douglas Van Dyke

  Deylirra of the High Seat began to address them in Elvish. This time Councilor Illwinu, and not Katressa, translated. “Greetings, travelers from afar. We bid you a proper welcome to our city, and apologize for any transgressions in your stay here. You must understand that after the deaths of people dear to us, we had to detain all until we could ascertain the truth. We know now that you are blameless, and express our apologies for any mistreatment during your imprisonment.”

  If Katressa was still upset about the repetitious use of the word “agora” over the past few days, she concealed it well. None of the companions interrupted as Deylirra continued her speech. “You have shown an honor today that few would match, saving the lives of our kin as well as saving the firbholg from his own entrapment.”

  The gentle giant had begun to help the elves move the debris on the forest floor in atonement for his destruction. The firbholg paused while it listened to the Elvish words being spoken. The mud was long gone from its ears.

  “We shall not delay you any longer. You are free to resume your journeys. Furthermore, if we can offer assistance to help you against this band of murderers, let us know.”

  The elf governess and the gathering of Naef’ad all stood silent, awaiting a response from the companions. Trestan noticed the companions looked to him to respond. He already knew what he wanted to say. He spoke so diplomatically, it was surprising that he had once been the blacksmith of a small village.

  He said, “We thank you for your kind words, and accept your apologies. Your behavior was not unwarranted due to the circumstances. If not for the situation we found ourselves in, we would have loved to further enjoy the beauty of your city. As our quest calls us onward, we should go without delay. We ask for a few things that would help us on our way, if you may be so kind.”

  Trestan thought a moment before phrasing the next sentences. “First, we were dropped in this forest with precious few possessions and food. We don’t seek charity, only that we may have fair access to merchants to buy or barter for what we need.

  “Second, we need to figure out a direction by which to proceed. I have asked your people if any saw the flying ship pass overhead, so we might have a clue as to where our path lies.”

  Trestan paused as Deylirra and Naef’ad Illwinu had a private conversation. The councilor turned to face them, her long green hair sliding across her fair shoulders as she moved. “We shall be able to help you with supplies. In regards to your second point, our governess has asked me to divulge that information, for I saw what you seek. On the night in question, I saw a falling star unlike any other. It was older than the oldest elf, yet younger than the true stars. It disappeared in the gap between the twin hills southeast of here. The hills are known as Armoosa and Telius, and between them is a traversable pass. They guard the path to your goal.”

  Trestan nodded in appreciation, “Our thanks to you for giving us the way. I have but a third request to ask, if you will grant it.”

  “Proceed,” the councilor responded. Her countenance stood neutral.

  “When I looked into the firbholg’s memories, I saw someone has been charmed by their mentalist.”

  To the side, Cassyli stiffened at Trestan’s words. Cat noticed the movement, but said nothing.

  The paladin-aspirant continued. “They have an elf guiding them; one of our previous guards. He seems to be taking them in that same direction. When I saw him, he wore that blank look upon his face that indicated the enchantment upon his mind.”

  Cassyli interrupted the proceedings by calling out to the firbholg in Elvish. The firbholg looked surprised, but answered in its deep voice. There were murmurings in the nearby crowd as Elvish words flew between Cassyli, the firbholg, the governess, and Naef’ad Illwinu.

  Cat was forced to translate for her friends as the conversation moved along rapidly. “The firbholg gave a description, and it is someone that Cassyli and Illwinu know.”

  Naef’ad addressed the companions. Her look had gone a shade paler, “This is a powerful mentalist indeed to have captured the mind of one of our most decorated warriors. We will provide you with a guide.”

  Cassyli stepped forward. Though his words were Elvish, the tone was clear. Even as Cat translated in whispers, it was apparent the scout was asking the council’s permission to be the guide.

  Lindon whispered to Cat, “Any idea why he is insistent upon being the one to go?”

  Cassyli, with his sharp hearing, turned to respond. “Because they have my brother, Foyren. If possible, I would see him returned safely.”

  The companions could understand Illwinu’s pale countenance better. One of her sons was a charmed slave of the band of murderers, and her other son was volunteering to track them down. The councilor held her bearing remarkably well before strangers in the face of these developments.

  “The council has agreed to let Cassyli be your guide, as he knows these lands well,” Naef’ad Illwinu translated. “Run swift, and bring back our warrior safely if at all possible.”

  The councilor walked up to the scout, taking his hands in hers and holding them briefly. “Laedelious’ blessings follow you on your journey through the lands of her daughter, Eyldiian.” It was the only contact she allowed herself before stepping back. Her heart had to be in pain, yet she outwardly kept her calm.

  Cassyli took a place alongside the companions. Deylirra re fa Thenguinal offered her prayers as well. The proceeding interrupted as the firbholg wandered up and made a request of the elf leaders. He pointed at the companions and made a plea.

  “What is happening?” Trestan whispered.

  Cat turned with raised eyebrows. “The firbholg’s name is complicated, but he is called Humut by the elves. He is offering to help speed our journey through the forest, to make amends.”

  Deylirra spoke to the companions through Illwinu. “He is offering to carry you, however he can, and hasten you through the deep woods of our home. This is your decision to make.”

  “How can he accomplish either?” blurted Montanya.

  Cat spoke directly to the firbholg in Elvish. The large creature smiled as it talked through warm eyes. This was a very different being than the monster that had attacked earlier. The half-elf discussed the results with her friends. “He genuinely wants to pay us back. He is ashamed of being used as a weapon and wants to make things right between us. He can carry us by lifting a wagon, or maybe by using some netting stretched over his back. As far as speed goes…trust me, firbholgs have the magic of natura to pass through a forest quickly despite their size.”

  Trestan stared into the big eyes of the firbholg. Having touched its mind, he knew that this was a very noble creature. He felt the need within it to compensate for all the trouble it had caused. Since time was not on their side, Trestan’s choice was easy.

  “Tell Humut we accept his help most graciously. We thank him for his help, and will prepare ourselves for the journey.”

  The companions were ready to depart Serud’Thanil.

  CHAPTER 29 “Final Resting Place of Doranil Star”

  Katressa’s words proved correct in how well the giant firbholg could run in the deep forest. The companions rode in the relative safety of a canoe and tarp that were slung over his back with some ropes. They could not see the trail ahead, yet it was interesting that no trail was left behind either. This was different then when the firbholg rampaged under the hampering effects of the charm. The giant didn’t push through the forest…the forest parted before it. It had to be a part of its magic. The firbholg harnessed the natura magic coming from the plants and animals of this land. As a result, branches swayed out of his path, only to swing back into place once he was beyond them. The companions witnessed the forest close in behind the passing giant, leaving no visible path.

  In this way, Humut passed miles of greenery without pause. The giant’s stride kept a steady pace despite all barriers. His passage was so soundlessly cloaked by his primal magic that many forest creatures did not realize his presence until h
e was passing them. The giant took several splashing steps past a stream. The companions saw a herd of deer sipping from the water, tended by a slender humanoid female who was nearly naked except for woven vines across her torso. They had the barest of glances at that odd scene before the passing trees curtained their view once again.

  When the sun descending, Humut showed no signs of slowing. The companions called a brief halt to relieve themselves and lay blankets down in the canoe. The firbholg then picked up the load and continued his run. They were amazed at how gently his great strides rocked them to sleep. The companions slept that night on the vessel as he traveled. Daybreak came and he was still running. Miles slid past under the giant’s legs. The forest did not seem as dark as before. The nearby trees weren’t as densely packed, and not nearly as high as those in the elf city. More than one companion asked how they would be able to find their way back to Serud’Thanil, or anyplace else for that matter. Cassyli began teaching Katressa the elf-signs used in the forest. There were many secret routes throughout Eyldiian, marked by stone piles, twig bundles, or dyes on tree branches.

  The firbholg ended his run next to a river, at the base between two hills. He pointed out Armoosa and Telius. They could plainly see the gap between them. Beyond, the land continued to rise towards larger wooded hills. Humut apologized that he could go no further. He had left a few family obligations unfulfilled in his absence. The companions would have to go on foot to the pass, yet they could leave the canoe hidden by the river for an easy return trip to Serud’Thanil.

  They bid farewell to their newfound friend, and began their uphill walk.

  * * * * *

  The party spread out as they ascended to the gap. Though they kept their eyes out for pieces of Doranil Star that may have broken off, their main concern was getting to the site of the wreckage in time. They felt safe to assume that the relics were most likely resting in the bulk of the vessel. If the stones had fallen somewhere between the elf city and the final resting place, then they would have a more difficult search. Wherever the stones had fallen, the other band was likely racing to the site of the crash; therefore, the companions had to get there first.

  Cat still jogged from one flank to the other, examining the ground for both the relics and tracks. Light of foot as she was, the companions often couldn’t hear her movements. They had to look around to see where the black-clad infiltrator was running. The silver rapier glinted in the numerous sunrays piercing the leafy canopy. She had a new ranged weapon to replace the crossbow left in Orlaun. It was a short bow common to the elves of Eyldiian. While the Talo’Seelie might prefer armor-piercing longbows, those were impractical in the tight confines of the deep forest. The bow Katressa purchased in Serud’Thanil was compact enough to be wielded efficiently in thick brush. It bore decorations dedicated to the goddess Laedelious.

  Trestan asked her how well she could adjust to using bow after preferring a crossbow for so long. Cat shrugged as if it did not matter. “I learned to master all kinds of bows. My aim will remain true, though I doubt this weapon will prove much harm against Savannah’s plate mail.”

  Lindon helped their strides with a few tunes from his instruments. The mandolin once again hung across his shoulders. The minstrel practically danced along their path. The elven healers had restored him to full health. There was no sign of his injuries as he treated them to some elvish songs. They asked if he had spent time with elves before, to which he nodded. The red beard and nimble legs bounced with enthusiasm as he regaled the wonders seen in some elven cities. His knowledge of the language proved better than Trestan’s. On top of that, he knew a few elven songs very well.

  Sondra walked with Montanya most of the time. The acolyte of Ganden held mace in hand. The leather healing satchel hung beside her hips. The blonde woman was hoping to use a divination once they got close enough to the wreckage. The miracle would reveal the nearby location of any holy items sacred to her deity. While the relic stones weren’t something she would sense, she hoped once she found Ganden’s holy items from the cauldron that they would be near.

  Montanya wore a new outfit when she left Serud’Thanil: flexible and lightweight like her old fighting clothes. Along with her old padded leather guard pieces, the elf-made fabric would not hinder her movements in combat. The elf had been one of the parents of the rescued children, who insisted on providing a gift for their child’s rescuers. Sondra received a gift as well, though it was in the form of a bracelet hidden under her long sleeves. The chiaso also had negotiated for a new weapon. Now armed, she often swung the quarterstaff in lazy circles around her as she walked. It felt better to have a solid weapon, rather than relying on her fists for monsters the likes of giant spiders and firbholgs.

  The other companions noted the changes in the interactions between the two human women. Sondra and Montanya had not raised their voices against each other since Trestan’s miracle. The two formerly private women chatted about numerous things, without tempers being raised. A little understanding seemed to go a long way towards changing their feelings.

  Trestan marched forward in all the glory of a knight on a holy crusade. His armor showed no worse for wear from the events at the elf city. His baldric housed Sir Wilhelm’s old sword. The warhammer shaped like a minotaur head hung from his belt. The only thing missing from the image was the warhorse resting back in Orlaun. Trestan conversed a bit with Cassyli and Katressa during the march. The conversations were often short, but generally revolved around the land and the elf city. In comparison to the others, the squire of Abriana still mostly kept to himself. When Lindon made a mention of his silence, Trestan responded that he was mostly focused inward. The paladin-aspirant was reliving the fights against Revwar’s band. He tried to be mindful of how best to use his talents on their next encounter.

  Cassyli allowed for few words to cross his lips during the trip. Though he understood a good amount of the human tongue, he was also focused on the encounter lying ahead of them. He led the way up the side of the hills. The companions got ample amounts of time to stare at the knot of leather, shaped like a flower, which held back his ponytail. His weapon of choice was a flint-tipped spear, and he carried the turtle shell shield on his left arm. The companions mostly left him with his thoughts. The elf scout was understandably worried about the fate of his brother.

  They camped that night in the pass. Some trees still blocked the view of what lay beyond, but they could see enough of nearby hills to know that the divine chariot couldn’t have gone much farther once sailing through that gap. They hid their camp well that night, and lit no fire, afraid to alert the other band.

  Cat and Cassyli settled down only after they thoroughly scouted the game trails. Cat said, “Can’t find any sign of tracks at all. We may have passed them somewhere back in the deeper woods.”

  Cassyli shrugged, speaking in broken human words, “We can’t be certain…my brother is…skilled at hiding tracks.”

  Cassyli said nothing more as he spread out a blanket. Across from him, the young chiaso and the minstrel were exchanging jests.

  Montanya’s scowl proclaimed her as an unwilling participant to the minstrel’s games. “Are you belittling me by bantering in such rhyme?”

  Lindon returned, “Nay, ‘tis all for some glee, a game I choose from time to time.”

  The youth displayed no hint of amusement. “Can’t you find more interesting things to do than match words with what I say?”

  Again the minstrel was quick to respond. “It will soon be sleep I will choose, until I resume my game upon the day.”

  “And what will your words be if I my sentence ends with orange!” Montanya settled back on her meager blanket with a huff, feeling she had cornered the entertainer with a word that has no rhyme.

  Lindon did pause a moment, before finding a proper answer. “Then I fear I may erroneously end my own words with apple!”

  There was another brief pause as the minstrel let them linger on his odd choice of an ending. Montanya frown
ed, trying to decipher the minstrel’s response. He then finished, “But that would be wrong, because one should never compare apples to oranges!”

  The way Lindon delivered that statement struck Montanya as incongruously funny. Before she could control her normal, stern expression, a pig-like snort of laughter escaped her nose. Mortified by the sound she had just made, she couldn’t stop shaking at a multitude of giggles that bubbled up next. None of them had ever heard Montanya’s laughter before. It was as joyous to hear as it was rare. Lindon said no more, comforted to sleep by the sweet sound he had drawn from her.

  Cat curled up beside Trestan. Aburis, the largest moon, glowed at the full moon stage. The light it reflected across the land made it easy to see details well even for humans. The half-elf noticed him glancing at Faithful’s Companion in the moonlight. Cat gasped as she looked upon the ring of Trestan’s Embarking. The gold shine looked complete.

  “Your ring…the tasks are all finished?”

  “Nay, faunlessa,” Trestan turned the ring so that she could make out one final symbol marking the surface. “There is one more trial ahead of me before I can return.”

  She lay down beside him, pressing close to his warmth. “Which trial is it?”

  He answered only cryptically before resting beside her. “The one that scares me the most.”

  * * * * *

  During the descent from that gap they set eyes on the resting place of the ship. Below them spread a vale crossed with tiny streams fed from the farther hills. The terrain was made a little uneven by rocky formations that had formed and split. Parts of the rock had pushed up cliffs overlooking wet ravines. There were few large trees in this region. The plant life dominating the vale struggled to use soil buried within the rocks. While there was still an abundance of small trees, they were mostly stunted and twisted.