Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan

by Rosemary Lynch

  The stillness in the air was electrifying and the silence became defining as the night dragged on to early morning. Then at the time when the dawn should have risen, a mere glimmer of daylight began to spread across the city. The remaining power from Crystal had almost failed and the boundary field flickered like fork lightning in the skies above them.

  “Sire, they are coming!” the lookout on horseback cried, riding in at great speed towards them, whipping the horse harder, urging it to go faster!

  From behind him, pouring out through the trees, awesome and terrible and endless in numbers, swarmed the Dark Elves. Agile and sleek they tore towards them in perfect alignment, their silver swords reflecting brightly across the line of Elves as they drew nearer.

  “All hope now rests upon Kainan,” the King muttered to himself, as he stared in horror at line after line of Dark Elves. Swallowing hard, he begged the question, where was his son? Where was the Crystal? Raising his sword he stood up in his stirrups and addressed his men.

  “For Malgar!” The roar that followed was deafening.

  Twenty Eight - Return to Malgar

  They travelled back at an incomprehensible speed. Arweyn’s hair flew wildly behind her, and she wished a hundred times that she had tied it back out the way. Glancing across to Kainan as the Runners raced side by side she grinned and he grinned back at her as he hung on low and tight. In all his days he could never have imagined a creature that was so strong and powerful and that could travel at such an incredible speed. In no time at all it seemed to Kainan they had stopped, emerging out of the forest and into a small clearing, not too distant from the derelict huts where he and Arweyn had sealed their bond only a few days earlier.

  Slowing to a stop, Kainan sat up and began stretching his arms; pulling his back outwards he rolled his shoulders. Swinging her leg over, Arweyn jumped off Caspella and began stretching her tense muscles too. Then smoothing her windswept hair back down, she smiled at him. Jumping off Arnickle the young Prince walked over to her. The two great cats meandered over to a small river and began thirstily lapping up the water. Putting his arm around her, he gave her a gentle hug.

  “You okay?” He asked. Nodding, she nuzzled into him as they watched Caspella and Arnickle drink from the river. “That was incredible; can you believe anything could run so fast,” he said in admiration, staring at the Runners.

  She shook her head. “No never. My hands are sore from holding on so tight. I was terrified I was going to fall off!” She held them out to him. He gave her an affectionate smile before kissing her forehead. Then releasing her and opening Drew’s pack he rummaged inside.

  “Ah, here we are,” he said, pulling out a flask of water; opening it he offered it to her first.

  “Thank you,” she said gratefully, taking the flask from him. She quenched her thirst; her mouth was dry from the pace of the ride. She handed it back to him. Lifting it to his mouth took a long drink, gasping as he finished. He did it back up and popped it back into his pack. Both the great cats had refreshed themselves from the river and had wandered back over to them. “Have you both rested enough?” Kainan nodded.

  “We are ready when you are Caspella.”

  “Mount up then and let’s get moving!” The great cat ordered standing next to him. Kainan helped Arweyn get back onto Caspella before mounting Arnickle himself.

  “Now as I said to Porlock, you may just want to keep your eyes shut as we go into the tunnels or you may get dizzy and fall off,” he warned. Both nodding, they immediately gripped their harnesses tighter.

  Then they set off. The Runners paws pounded along the ground over to what looked to Kainan like a pile of old rocks, but as they moved in closer he could see an opening into the earth; a large hole into the darkness. Swallowing nervously he held on tight to the harness and ducked down low as they walked down under the ground. Then they were suddenly plunged into darkness. Arweyn closed her eyes, feeling a little afraid, and held on as tight as she could. She could feel the Runners building up their pace. Faster and faster they began to run, until once again they were running at an incomprehensible speed. They turned sharply and Kainan felt themselves going downwards, slowly he dared to open his eyes, squinting cautiously. As he did he found they were racing through a strangely green luminous tunnel, which shimmered repeatedly. The vision in his eyes made his head spin sickeningly, so he promptly shut them again. Gritting his teeth he concentrated on maintaining his hold on the harness.

  After a while he felt them ascending rapidly. Then levelling off the Runners began to slow their pace down, until eventually they were back at a walking pace. Kainan warily opened his eyes, and just ahead of them he could see the faint light of what looked like burning torches. Arweyn too, opened her eyes as she felt them slow down. Kainan and Arnickle were in front of her and she could also see the flickering light up ahead. It looked like they had already arrived at the Gardinel City.

  Light suddenly burst into the tunnel and they emerged out into a huge cavern set deep within a mountain. They both gasped in wonderment at the sight that was before them. There were luminous creatures that clung to the walls of the cavern giving off an incredible light, which then cast itself over a mini village which spread out wide before them. There they were unexpectedly greeted by a cheering crowd of Gardiners. Kainan grinned as he looked at the tiny people, then shifting on his saddle and turning behind him he looked at Arweyn. Sat astride Caspella, her long dark hair swept back behind her ears, she shrugged her shoulders as she grinned back at him. It looked like they had been expected.

  Queen Adara stood awaiting them. She was wearing a fine regal robe of blue silk and a long white fur cloak. Her fiery red head was swept back off her face and entwined around her sparkling gemstone crown. Her ladies-in-waiting, dressed in modest grey gowns, stood either side of her each carrying a tray of refreshments.

  The young Prince, jumping of Arnickle patted his back with gratitude and thanks. Caspella then drew alongside them. Turning and lifting his arms, Kainan helped Arweyn down off his back, she slipped into his arms and he gave a quick, reassuring hug.

  “Thank you both,” Kainan offered sincerely, and the Runners growled in reply. “You are welcome, Prince Kainan of Malgar.” Then turning their backs to him they began to walk away, returning into the tunnel they had just emerged from and disappearing into the darkness. Taking hold of Arweyn’s hand, they approached the Queen, both of them bowing respectfully. Queen Adara stepped forward.

  “You must be Prince Kainan of Malgar, welcome to the Gardinel City.”

  “Thank you, your Highness. May I present Lady Arweyn, also of Malgar.” Arweyn curtsied to the Queen. “Welcome Lady Arweyn,” the Queen replied smiling at her.

  “Thank you Queen Adara.”

  “Now tell me Prince Kainan, what of Freelander?” she questioned, with deep concern in her voice.

  “He is fine your Highness, he waits back at Mennock Mountain for the Runners to return for him and the others, once they have taken us back to Malgar.” He turned behind him, but both Arnickle and Caspella had gone.

  “Would you care for some refreshments?” she offered and with her hand outstretched her ladies in waiting stepped forward offering them something to drink and a small cake like biscuit. Kainan reached forward.

  “Mm, thank you.” he said gratefully, as he helped himself to a goblet of wine and one of the biscuits. Arweyn also took a goblet and a biscuit. She nodded to the lady in waiting.

  “Thank you.”

  “Walk with me,” she instructed turning. “It is rather crowded here.” Turning to her people, she began waving her hand at them. “Away with you all now, go on back to your business.” At her command the Gardiners turned and scurried off back to their homes, chattering amongst themselves, staring curiously at Kainan and Arweyn.

  “Walk this way, please. The Runners are seeing to their families, they will meet us at the entrance.”

  “How did you know we were coming?” Kainan asked, finishing off the b
iscuit with a lick of his fingers, as he watched the crowds disburse.

  “We knew as soon as you entered the tunnel, the Runners are telepathic, when in range. Caspella informed his brother Orion that they were on their way with you both.” He raised his eyebrows, telepathic! No wonder they didn’t talk much, they didn’t need too.

  “Queen Adara, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help, without Freelander and the Runners arriving when they did I think Arweyn and I would have been captured and our quest would have been a failure.”

  “I am glad to have been able to help; Freelander is a good Gardiner, trustworthy and honourable. I would not like to have lost him.” Kainan sensed a fondness in her voice for him, something more than just a friendship, or a working relationship. He drank the goblet of wine. As he finished one of the ladies in waiting took the empty goblet from him. He smiled at her, then looking back at the Queen he asked.

  “Your Highness, if it is not too bold of me to ask, how many of you are there living here within the mountain?”

  The Queen stopped, turning to him. “I shall answer your question young Prince. There are around two hundred and fifty of us now. Our numbers have grown considerably since the Great War.” She looked out towards her people, at the small children running around playing. “We have been blessed with many children, and our survival rate for the very young is extremely high, we are indeed fortunate.”

  “What about the Runners, how did your relationship start with them?”

  She shook her head regretfully. “That, I am afraid I will not answer. You must understand Prince Kainan; Runners like to keep themselves to themselves, rather like we do. Through our bond with each other our two races have prospered together. I do not want anything to jeopardise that.”

  “I understand your Highness,” he replied with a quick smile. She was not going to tell him anything, so he would not pursue it further at this time. Maybe once this was all over he may be able get them to trust him. The Runners would indeed make good allies for Malgar.

  “Ah here they are,” the Queen smiled as Arnickle and Caspella approached them. Arnickle turned to Kainan. “Kainan, my brothers, Morton and Orion, have agreed to help you. I have sent them back to Mennock Mountain to bring the others back here to the Gardinel City, it will save valuable time. Hopefully by the time we have taken you to Malgar and returned they will already be here at the city waiting for us.” Kainan looked surprised. “Thank you Arnickle that is indeed very kind of you and your family.” Arnickle growled, nodding his head in return.

  “Now mount up and let’s get moving.” The great cat ordered. A lady in waiting took the goblet from Arweyn and Kainan helped her back up onto Caspella before climbing onto Arnickle himself. He bowed his head to the Queen, and she smiled in return.

  “Go safely Arnickle, Caspella.” A Gardiner then turned the winch which began opening the great wooden doors protecting them all from the outside world; sunlight burst through into the cavern as the doors opened fully.

  “Head down, Groundling.” Arnickle ordered. Gripping tight, Kainan lowered his body as they walked out of the Gardinel City. Arweyn too, followed his lead and lay low across Caspella’s back. Then without a moments haste they sped off at great speed toward the Portal and into Malgar.

  As they emerged out of the swirling portal, Kainan froze in horror and immediately he looked across to Arweyn. Her eyes too were wide with shock at the massacre that was in front of them. They were too late. Jumping off Arnickle and Caspella she reached out impulsively, her hand grasping his; they both walked silently into the carnage. There was a long moment of silence as they all starred in disbelief. Both the King’s soldiers and Dark Elves lay dead, their bodies scattered all around them. Arweyn raised her other hand to her face at the nasty stench of death which tainted the air all around them.

  “Oh Kainan!” she cried finally. Clinging on to him they wandered through the bodies of the young soldiers, checking and hoping for survivors; but there were none. It was a horrific sight. Shaking his head in disgust he placed a comforting arm around her shoulder, pulling her in even closer to him. It was such a terrible waste of life. They all stood silent for a few moments as they gathered their thoughts. Then, suddenly from behind them, the portal began to whirl into action.

  “Quick Kainan get on my back, someone is coming.” Arnickle growled urgently. Swiftly the young Prince lifted Arweyn onto Caspella’s back then he jumped onto Arnickle, and they sped off into the forest. They soon joined the pathway through the trees that headed back towards the city.

  Arweyn spun around at the noise that was gaining on them from behind. “Can you hear that?” She yelled across to Kainan. He nodded, he certainly could hear it, it was the sound of drumming hooves, and they were coming up fast behind them. Although they could easily outrun whoever was behind them, Kainan thought quickly.

  “We need to see who it is.” He then pointed off the path and the four of them quickly darted into the cover of the trees. Jumping off Arnickle and Caspella the four of them then crouched down low behind some thick shrubbery that lined the edge of the forest path, peering through, waiting.

  The sound of the pounding hooves grew louder and louder and soon they could all see what was making the noise. Arweyn squealed with excitement, immediately jumping out from the cover of the trees.

  “Sharlinger!” she screamed, waving her arms to catch her attention.

  The unicorn she was riding upon reared back braying loudly.

  “Arweyn!” Sharlinger cried, as she recognised the crazed figure jumping about ahead of them. Patting the unicorn down, she soothed, “It is okay Shamra, they are friends.” The unicorn pounded her front hoof onto the ground in acknowledgment as she came to a halt in front of Arweyn. Sharlinger was overjoyed to have found her niece alive and well.

  Kainan and the others stood alongside her.

  “I am glad to see you Sharlinger,” he said sincerely. Then looking behind her, there were nine other Faerlings all mounted on unicorns. “All of you,” he quickly added.

  “Your mother Arweyn, she is alive,” Sharlinger sang happily looking down at her niece. Arweyn nodded, smiling as she stroked the unicorn’s soft ear.

  “Once she was free of the mountain she was able to contact me. She told me you needed our help.” Arweyn nodded again.

  “Yes I am afraid we are too late as you will have seen at the gate. The

  Dark Elves have already gotten through. They may even now be attacking the city.”

  “You have the Ardor Crystal?”

  Nodding, Kainan tapped the large bag he was carrying.

  “Then we must ride quickly, Arweyn climb up behind me.” Sharlinger offered her hand; grabbing hold of it Arweyn pulled herself up and onto the back of the unicorn.

  “You have my mother’s cloak?” Her niece noticed as she took hold of Sharlinger around her waist.

  “Yes the Queen said I would need it. Kainan ride with Arundel.” Sharlinger pointed to the male Faerling behind her, who reached out his hand to him. Kainan took hold and Arundel pulled him up behind him.

  “Kainan, we will go back and get the others.” Arnickle informed him.

  “Yes okay. Go safely Arnickle, and thank you.” He turned to Caspella.

  “Both of you.” The giant cat bowed his head and shot off at great speed back towards the portal.

  “Let’s ride!” Sharlinger cried, pointing forward. The party at once sped off down the winding pathway through the forest, their hooves pounding the earth beneath them with great urgency, leaving a cloud of dust following behind them.

  As they emerged from the forest they were greeted by a horrendous scene. A great battle was taking place before them. The King’s men were trying desperately to fight back the Elves to keep them from entering the castle. The noise of swords clashing and men screaming was deafening to their ears.

  “Arweyn, Kainan,” Sharlinger cried. “Get to the dome and put back the Crystal, we will go and help the King.
”

  Arweyn and Kainan at once jumped off the unicorns.

  “NOW!” Sharlinger screamed, her voice trying to be heard above the noise of the battle. “Before they know we are here!” Kainan grabbed Arweyn’s hand and together they ran as fast as they could back through the deserted city.

  Sharlinger turned on her saddle and faced the Faerlings and the unicorns.

  “We need to get to the front line with King. Are you all ready?”

  The Faerlings and unicorns bowed their heads in unison, they were ready. She raised the hood of her cloak and together they linked their minds. Sharlinger’s powerful magic pulling the others to her, she began chanting. “Invisa polosa ensarma!” The unicorns stamping their hoofs upon the ground neighed furiously as a magical light weaved through the entire party and in an instant they all became invisible. The party then charged at full pelt through the unsuspecting Dark Elves. Taken by surprise the Elves were violently thrown and mowed down by the charging unicorns as they made a pathway through the ranks of the Elves towards the King of Malgar.

  King John watched in disbelief, what was this that was coming towards them? All he could see were Dark Elves being flung high into the air as some kind of invisible force made its way towards them. He could not imagine for one moment what it was. As the party approached the King, the Faerlings and the unicorns suddenly reappeared in front of him. The King and his men startled by their sudden appearance raised their swords warily at them. Sharlinger raised her hand in greeting.

  “Your Majesty!” she cried. “We are the Faerlings, we have returned with Kainan and Arweyn; we wish to help in your battle against the Dark Elves.”

  “My son is safe?” The King cried joyfully as she approached.