“Now hurry, I will be back for you shortly.” Grabbing his cloak he swung it around his shoulders, pulled on his boots, buckled up his wide leather belt and put the Deragan Sword back into its sheath. He was just about to leave, when he turned back to her. Grabbing her he pulled her to him and kissed her. Releasing her he smiled.
“I love you.” Then quickly he dashed out of the hut. As he took a deep breath of the early morning air he felt his legs wobble again, he steadied himself on the side of the hut. What was the matter with him? He knew it was not because he got up too fast, something felt different, he felt different.
She watched as he left and smiled, touching her lips. Then gathering her clothes she frantically put them on, she pulled on her boots and tied the laces and stuffed what was left of her belongings into her bag. Kainan popped his head around the door.
“Ready?” He raised his eyebrows at her, she nodded grabbing her bag. Holding out his hand, she reached grabbing hold of it and together they left the hut. The others had gathered their belongings and were waiting outside.
“Drew we will continue south. Pernash says there is a village not too far from here. We may be able to hide out there for a while and get some more provisions; at least we are ahead of them now.”
Drew nodded. “Are you sure you are okay Kainan, you look a bit weird?”
“Weird, what do you mean? I’m fine,” Kainan replied indignantly.
“Well you look flushed and your brow is perspiring.”
Kainan wiped his brow with his sleeve, he was perspiring a bit for sure, but it was a warm morning. “Get away fussing Drew I am fine. Just a bit warm that’s all.”
“Okay if you say so.” Giving him a sidelong glance Drew shrugged his shoulders, he knew better than to push Kainan and he marched on ahead.
“Are you okay Kainan, truthfully?” Arweyn asked, slipping a hand into his. He squeezed it gently.
“I’m fine honey, honestly.” He flashed a reassuring look.
“Kainan there is something I have to tell you. I had a vision last night,” she whispered so the others didn’t hear.
“A vision, what do you mean?” He leaned in closer to her.
“I know it sounds crazy, and I know you want to get to Mennock Mountain before the Gorzars, but I really have to make a detour.” Kainan look at her puzzled.
“What do you mean a detour, to where?” he asked, letting go of her hand he slipped an arm around her waist as they walked on, pulling her in closer to him.
“I have to go to the Faerling City.” Kainan stopped.
“The Faerling City, but Arweyn how can we go to the Faerling city we don’t know where it is?”
She hesitated for a moment before replying. “I do. I was told in my dream. It is really important Kainan. I believe if we don’t go we will fail and the Gorzars will open the portal. The Faerlings want me to go, they are calling me.” She looked desperately at him. “It is to do with my powers, there is something I have to be shown, something that will help us beat the Gorzars. It’s not far from where we are, it really shouldn’t take too long.”
Stopping, the young Prince hesitated as he thought it over. He knew it was vital that they got to the mountain first, especially as the Gorzars were right on their heels and for the first time they had the advantage, they were ahead of them. He looked at her face and could see she was deadly serious. He knew he had to trust her instincts; so many times he had ignored his own, which had inadvertently resulted in trouble. Raising his hand to her face he gently moved the wild strand of hair that never seemed to stay in place out of her eyes. Leaning into her he kissed her warm lips, and quietly whispered, “If you believe this is a true vision, then we will go.”
She closed her eyes as the warmth of his kiss made her body tremble. Opening them again she looked deeply into his.
“Thank you, for believing me.”
“Sorry I hate to break up a moment.” Interrupted Drew, placing his hand onto Kainan’s shoulder, “But we need to move now.” He gestured behind him.
Kainan looked at him and nodded. “Of course Drew but there is a change of plan.” He looked at Arweyn, and she smiled gratefully.
“We have to go on a detour.”
“A detour my Lord?” Drew looked puzzled.
“All of you over here.” The young Prince ordered and the others gathered quickly around him.
“Men we have to make a short detour, we are going to the Faerling City.” His dark eyes watched carefully for their response.
Tolwein immediately frowned. The Faerling City, he shifted nervously from one foot to the other, looking behind him.
“My Lord, excuse my ignorance but I thought we didn’t know the whereabouts of the Faerling City,” he quipped.
Kainan starred at him. It was not like Tolwein to ask questions; in fact he hardly ever spoke at all. Kainan glanced over his shoulder at Arweyn.
“Lady Arweyn has had a vision and in this vision she has been given the location of the Faerling City, she….” He stopped pausing for a moment, waiting until she looked at him, and then smiling corrected himself. “We believe it is vital to our mission that we follow her vision and go.”
“But my Lord I do not mean to doubt you but what about the Gorzars, they are nearly upon us, and if we stray from the mission we may not get to the mountain before them. Are you sure my Lady that this wasn’t just a dream? I don’t mean to be rude but you have been through a lot these last few of days,” Rufas queried.
“I appreciate that Rufas but I can assure you this was no dream. It was as clear as I am speaking to you now.” She touched her little finger to her lower lip nervously. Kainan closed his mouth into a tight lipped smile and rubbed his chin, he could understand Rufas’s point, but he had to trust her.
“Rufas it is vital that we make this detour. Lady Arweyn believes if we don’t we will fail in our mission for sure.”
“My Lord how can the Faerlings help us now? We are so close to the mountain, would it not be better for us to strike now and destroy the portal than waste time making detours.”
Kainan looked at Arweyn. How could he explain to the men without giving away her secrets, Rufas was clearly not convinced.
Stepping forward, she took a deep breath. She understood that the men didn’t believe her and why should they? They did not know who she really was.
“Rufas, you are a great warrior and I understand your need to strike, and I share your concern. However, I believe that there is more at Mennock Mountain than just the portal. I believe that the Gorzars are not alone, they have help.” She looked at Kainan, and he raised an eyebrow.
“My Lady I do not understand, how do you know this?”
“Arweyn you do not need to say anymore,” the young Prince assured her stepping in close beside her.
“No Kainan it is time they knew everything.” She turned to them. “I am half Faerling, my mother was a Faerling. I have inherited some of her powers, but as of yet I do not know how much.” The men stood in silence as they listened.
“I have been contacted in my dream by the Faerlings. I have seen that there are darker forces other than just the Gorzars waiting for us at Mennock Mountain and I must go to the Faerling city in order to learn how to use my power to stop them.” She stopped her face straightened, her words were strong. “Otherwise we will fail.”
Rufas thought for a moment then bowed his head towards her. “My Lady I am sorry that I doubted you. If you believe we need to go to the Faerling City in order to save Malgar then it is what we must do.”
“Thank you Rufas, I understand how you feel.” She looked about her.
“How you all must feel. You don’t really know very much about me and I really do thank you all for trusting me.” Kainan took her hand, it was trembling. She pushed herself close against him for reassurance. Smiling at her he then turned to the others.
“Look men we have come a long way and I appreciate some of us have nearly died in the process but the important thing is we
didn’t. We may be few, but we can do this, we can beat them. Malgar needs us, and we need all the help we can get. If Arweyn believes the Faerlings can help then we have to go. We are all agreed then. Yes?” The men nodded in unison.
“Right Arweyn then it is down to you now, which way do we go?” She took a deep breath. She hoped she was right about this vision, she was sure she was, but nonetheless was still concerned. What if she could not find them, what if it was just a dream? She took a brave breath; she had to believe in herself.
“We have to go west for about five miles, then cross a ravine. On the other side there is a clearing by the edge of a wood. In my dream I was told to look for a triple twisted rock formation and the entrance would be nearby.”
“Okay let’s go. Rufas keep a watch at the back.” Tolwein stepped forward.
“My Lord, please let me. I have not been a great help on your journey. Let me go back and watch for the Gorzars. You should have Rufas and Drew near you and Lady Arweyn. We do not know what lies ahead.”
Kainan stood in stunned silence. Where was this coming from? For days the man hardly spoke now he wants to take up the rear, one of the most dangerous positions there was.
“Please my Lord give me this chance to prove myself,” Tolwein begged.
The young Prince looked at Rufas, he shrugged in reply. Should he trust this man to watch their backs?
“Okay but any sign of trouble Tolwein I want to know about it. Stay within ear shot or you will not know where we have gone.” Tolwein bowed his head, turned and walked back behind them. Kainan watched as Tolwein walked off, he turned to Rufas.
“Rufas I am not sure that we can trust him I want you to keep a few paces behind us.”
“Yes my Lord.” Rufas bowed his head and dropped back. Kainan continued to watch Tolwein for a moment; he was getting more and more concerned about him. He wished he had gotten rid of him days ago when he had the chance. There was just something about him that seriously troubled him. He tapped the hilt of his sword scowling, and then jogged on to catch up with Arweyn.
They journeyed on for most of the morning stopping only briefly to eat and a few moments rest. Thankfully the day was bright, the storm of the previous night having long since passed. The ground was a bit wet underfoot from the torrents of rain that had fallen during the night, but it was nothing that had hindered their journey so far. Suddenly from the rear Tolwein came running and yelling. Rufas spun around, his sword raised ready for action. Tolwein ran towards him waving his arms.
“Good news, good news my Lord!” he yelled. Kainan stopped, watching him as he approached.
“What is it Tolwein?” he asked looking at the man. Sweat was pouring from his forehead his eyes wide with excitement.
“Good news the Gorzars they have turned south, they are not following us anymore.”
“They have gone on to the mountain.” Rufas commented, catching the young Prince’s eye.
“Good then we must continue as quickly as possible and get to the Faerling City.” He looked at Rufas then at Arweyn, he hoped she was right and they had not just lost their only chance of getting to the portal first.
They broke through a screen of brush into a small clearing carpeted with moss, a small stream trickled aimlessly across their path. Hitching her skirt up Arweyn began to cross the stream, it was not deep merely covering her booted ankles. The other followed suit and soon they found themselves standing in front of a rock face, having no other way to go.
“I cannot see anything?” Kainan questioned turning to her. She frowned at him.
“Well this is it, I know it is. See the triple twisted rock formation.” She pointed to the rock face, and sure enough there in front of them were three rocks twisted and entwined together.
Arweyn stood silent, closing her eyes and breathing deeply she began clearing her mind of all thoughts; until finally she could see clearly.
“I can see it,” she whispered, stepping forward. Kainan looked at her bemused. “Arweyn how can you see anything with your eyes shut?” he questioned, staring intently at her. Opening them she gave him a triumphant smile.
“There it is,” she pointed. They all looked over to where her finger was pointing, but they could still see nothing except a rugged cliff face, covered in parts with small yellow flowers which grew out of the crevices. Kainan shrugged his shoulders as Drew looked at him puzzled. Walking right up to the rock face she then stopped, and smiled at the others. Waving her hand to them she then took a step sideways and disappeared.
Kainan blinked in surprise. “Where did she go?” he cried rushing forward. His hands in a slight panic began pawing at the wall where he had last seen her. The others having followed behind him were equally puzzled. Suddenly she reappeared, tapping the young Prince on his shoulder. He spun around.
“Where did you go?” he asked, taking her arm relieved and hooking it into his.
“Look it is here,” she replied excited. “The entrance to the Faerling city.” She pointed to the wall. “It is an illusion, see.” Slowly she moved her arm into the wall and it began to vanish.
“Wow that’s incredible, such magic!” exclaimed Drew, reaching his arm towards the wall.
“No!” Arweyn cried at him, grabbing his arm and stopping him sharply.
“Why, what is wrong!” he yelled surprised, pulling his arm back off her.
“You are not Faerling! You will not be allowed to pass through without the help of a Faerling,” she warned.
“Why, what will happen?” Drew asked, somewhat apprehensively.
“This.” Picking up a large stick lying nearby she threw it into the wall, and it instantly exploded into a thousand pieces. They all jumped back startled.
“Wow!” exclaimed Kainan. “That is one hell of a security device.” He turned to her. “You cannot go in there alone; we don’t know what is in there. For all we know the Faerlings might not be there anymore.” He would not let her go by herself; that to him was not an option.
“It’s okay Kainan I can take you with me. So long as you hold on to me you will be safe.”
“How do you know all this Lady Arweyn?” Drew questioned, concerned for the Prince’s safety. “How do you know the Prince will not be blasted into a thousand pieces?”
“I know in my heart Kainan will be safe, I promise.” She looked at Kainan. Never in a million years would she endanger him. Whether it was instinct or knowledge she could not be sure, but she knew he would be safe. Smiling he reached forward and took hold of her hand in his. His voice was soft but intense.
“Then we had best be going, we are running out of time.”
“I will not let anything happen to you. You will be perfectly safe as long as I am holding your hand.” Arweyn instructed, nodding he squeezed her hand tightly.
“Why don’t you make camp here? Not in the open, just in case. We will be as quick as we can.”
Drew nodded. “Be careful, both of you.” The burly man didn’t like the Prince going off without him, especially when they did not know what they may come across. “Anything could be lurking in there,” he added. Kainan grinned at his warning. Drew was always his protector.
“Don’t worry my friend, we will be fine. Keep a watch about you.”
“Yes my Lord.” Drew bowed and Kainan shook his head at him. He knew it was built into Drew to be respectful as he was the First Prince, but to him Drew had become a friend and not just his protector, it didn’t feel right having him bow to him. He knew nothing he could say would stop him doing it and he supposed his father and his brother Gareion never even gave it a passing thought, it was a part of Royal life, but Kainan had only been a prince for a week and it still felt incredibly strange. He supposed in time he would get used to it.
“Ready?” Arweyn asked, and Kainan looked at her and gave a nod of his head. “Then let’s go.” She gripped his hand tight and began to step through. Immediately he could feel the tingles of magic flowing from her into his hand, and then through his entire body
as he stepped through with her. He squinted as his eyes adjusted to the darkness.
“Look.” Arweyn pointed behind him, Kainan turned. They could see through the rock at the others talking amongst themselves.
“Is that weird or what?” he said, waving his arms at them, but they could not see him. To them all that appeared before them was solid rock. His eyes then swept the tunnel in front of them. There was only one way for them to go.
Looking around Arweyn saw a torch hanging on the wall beside her. She lifted it out of the holder and passed it to Kainan.
“Here, this will help.” Nodding, he raised his eyebrows at her.
“Magic finger time!” She laughed as he pointed his finger towards the torch and watched as it burst into flames.
“So weird,” she said, scrunching her nose at him.
“You see things with your eyes shut and you call me weird!” he laughed, and she joined in with him.
“Come on,” she urged, still chuckling and nodding towards the tunnel.
“We had better get a move on.” Cautiously they proceeded on. Water dripped continuously from the roof and down the sides of the tunnel and their feet splashed in the puddles that had gathered along the tunnel floor. The tunnel itself was quite large, and they didn’t have to stoop or bend. Even with Kainan’s six foot frame he still had plenty of headroom. Stalactites hung from the ceiling and the walls sparkled with fabulous gem stones, white, blue and red in colour. Arweyn ran her hand along them.
“These are pretty,” she said smiling. Kainan nodded, poking at them with his finger as they continued along.
“They are fixed pretty firm though,” he said, having tried unsuccessfully to remove one with his knife. Suddenly they both stopped as the ground shook beneath their feet. Their heads seemed to spin and at the same time they both grasped hold of each other to steady themselves. Then in a moment it stopped.
“What was that?” Kainan asked looking at her.
“I…. don’t know. Are you okay?” she asked warily, grabbing hold of his arm tighter and linking hers through his.
Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan Page 43