by Lana Axe
Ryllak sighed at Galen’s cheeky comment. “You’re going to climb and lower a rope for the other two.”
“Oh!” Galen said, taken aback. “So, he does have a sense of humor.”
Ryllak’s lips quivered, suppressing a smile. This was a serious situation, and a little bit of humor could only help to lighten the mood.
“I can get us up the mountain easily,” River said. “Are you ready?” he asked Lenora.
“I am,” she stated firmly.
“Lenora—” her mother began.
“I’m going, Mother,” she replied, cutting her off. “I can take care of myself.”
Myla stepped back, leaning against her life-mate. “Be well, my daughter,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
“Take care of her,” Albyn said to River, his tone serious.
“Of course,” River replied. He turned to his companions and said, “We’re going to travel up the waterfall. You might get a bit wet.”
Galen and Lenora exchanged worried looks. Neither of them had traveled in that fashion, and they weren’t sure what to expect.
“It’s quite safe,” River said with a smile. The trio headed down to the riverbank and made their way along the edge of the water until they came near the waterfall. River stepped into the water first, bidding his friends to wait on dry land.
Placing both hands at the surface of the water, River bowed his head and focused energy into the water. Before their eyes, the waterfall ceased to flow, forming itself into a tall flight of steps. A path stretched from the stairs to the bank, allowing Lenora and Galen to follow without having to swim.
The pair looked at River in amazement as he emerged once again from the water.
“Follow me,” River said. Leading the way, he moved along the path to the stairs.
Galen and Lenora stepped forward onto the solid path as the water continued to flow all around them. This was magic never before seen in the Vale. The path was neither frozen nor slippery. The water had simply transformed into a solid path before their eyes.
Ryllak had followed from a distance, his mind full of worry as well as hope. His only son was leaving the safety of the Vale for the first time. There was no way to know what he would encounter, and he could no longer protect him from harm.
As the three friends reached the stairway, River turned to see his father standing on the bank. Ryllak raised a hand, saying farewell to his son. River waved back and also sent a ripple through the water that splashed around Ryllak’s feet. He knew his father would worry, even though River had assured him he would be safe. River was too young to yet understand the emotion that goes along with being a parent.
Lenora followed behind River as they climbed the stairs, and Galen took up a position behind her.
“I shall catch you if you fall, beautiful lady,” he declared with a chuckle.
“That’s actually not all that comforting,” she replied. To River, she asked, “Couldn’t you have fashioned a hand rail for these stairs?”
River turned back to look at her feeling slightly embarrassed. “I hadn’t thought of it,” he admitted.
“Use the rocks,” Galen stated, slapping his hand against a slippery black rock.
“Thanks for the suggestion,” Lenora said sarcastically. Looking up, she added, “We’re almost to the top.”
River stepped up onto the plateau and extended a hand to Lenora. Once the three of them were safely above the falls, they looked down over the Vale.
“I never thought I’d see home from this angle,” Lenora admitted. She jumped in surprise as River released the spell, allowing the waterfall to flow freely once more.
Galen, who had been splashed by the rushing waters, said, “Thanks for the warning.”
Chapter 18
Kaiya sat idly upon a boulder at the outskirts of her family’s farm. The wind caressed her face and tousled her short hair as it swept past and changed directions. In the palm of her hand, she summoned sparks and shaped them into spheres before allowing them to float freely on the wind. She still did not know how to banish the evil presence from the cave, but she remained determined to do so. There had to be a way, and if she listened to the wind long enough, perhaps it would whisper the answer.
She spun around to face a rocky ledge and lifted her face to the wind. Someone is coming. She opened her eyes and looked around but saw no one. The feeling was unmistakable. A being of magic was drawing near. It was not the malevolent force from the cave, however. This was something entirely different. Her curiosity encouraged her to move closer to the ledge and see who was there.
Lying flat on her stomach to avoid being seen, she peered down from the top of the ledge. No one was there. Sitting back up on her knees, she again closed her eyes and tried to sense the magical creature. It was nearby and moving in her direction. She could hear voices in the distance before catching a glimpse of three figures approaching along the trail below. They drew ever nearer but did not look to the ledge above them. Kaiya could see that they were elves, and she was surprised by the strength of the magic she sensed in them.
“Umm, hello,” she said as they came closer.
At the sound of her voice, the three elves stopped walking and looked up. On the ledge above them was Kaiya, peering cheerfully down at them.
“Hello, my lady,” River said.
Kaiya chuckled. She couldn’t recall ever being addressed in such a way. “Are you lost?”
“Actually, I think we’ve found what we’re looking for,” River said, a smile spreading across his face. He looked into Kaiya’s gray eyes and saw her magic. “We are seeking the dwarf village that lies above the Vale, and it seems as though we’ve found it.”
“Not quite,” she replied. “You’ve found me, though, and I can lead you to the village.”
River gave Lenora a boost to climb over the rocks leading up to Kaiya’s level. Galen followed second, and River came quickly behind him.
Brushing the dirt from her dress, Lenora looked at Kaiya with great interest. Her hair was a deep purple, and though she stood only to the height of River’s waist, she was proportionate and finely shaped. She was curvier than the average elf woman with wide hips and a strong build. “You’re lovely!” Lenora exclaimed.
A surprised Kaiya looked back at her. “Thank you,” she said, not sure if she should be offended.
“Forgive me, I didn’t mean to sound surprised by your looks. I’ve never seen a dwarf woman before. I suppose I had pictured your kind differently.” She looked down at her feet, shuffling slightly.
“It’s all right,” Kaiya replied. “I see three elves before me, and I can feel magic in all of you.” She moved closer to River. “You are not entirely elf, I think. Your magic feels different than the other two.”
“That’s correct,” he said. “I am also a water elemental.”
“Do you know of an air elemental?” she asked eagerly.
“There are none in the Vale,” he replied. “I do sense air magic in you. Perhaps you could summon one for both of us.” He looked into her eyes knowingly, and she looked away to avoid his sapphire gaze.
“It’s silly, I know, but I hear things on the wind from time to time,” she said. “It has helped me to focus my magic.”
“I didn’t know dwarves practiced any magic,” Galen said.
“Most don’t,” she replied. “I am the only one around here who does.”
“How did you learn?” he asked.
“I’ve taught myself, for the most part,” she said. “I do have an old book my father bought from a peddler, but it hasn’t been much help.”
“I think you have learned more from the wind than any book could teach,” River said. “Yours is not the kind of magic that can be taught. Instead, it lives within you, and you are the one who must figure out how to wield it. We are more alike than you realize.”
Kaiya did not fully understand his words. She had practiced alone her whole life and would welcome the chance to have formal training. It
seemed these elves would not be much help with that. “Why did you come here?” she asked.
“We’ve been told of a sickness that is plaguing the dwarves in this area,” Lenora said. “You look perfectly healthy though.”
Kaiya blushed. She was not used to receiving so many compliments. “There is illness among the miners,” she began. “There is a dark presence within one of the mining caves, and I believe it is making the men ill.”
“Have you seen this presence?” River asked.
“I have,” she admitted. “I went inside the cave to figure out what was going on. I saw the apparition of an elf woman, and she attacked me. There was nothing I could do to stop her.”
Galen’s eyes went wide. “Do you think she means to kill them?”
“She’s already killed one,” River replied. “We have to find out why she is here and how we can convince her to leave.”
“What do you mean she has already killed?” Kaiya asked, her eyes showing concern. “I know of no one dying from this sickness.”
“Forgive me,” River said. “The body of one of your kinsmen came over the waterfall into the Vale. That is how I knew you needed help.”
“Jeb,” she whispered. “He was missing.” Though she had not known him well, Kaiya’s heart sank for Jeb’s family. “We have to stop this before others are lost.” Determination replaced her sorrow. “I will take you to the village. Don’t expect them to be welcoming. They are ignorant when it comes to magic, and some of them think I had a hand in this.”
“Did you?” Galen asked.
“No,” she replied, shocked by the question. “Of course I didn’t.”
“Good,” he replied. “Now that we’ve gotten that question out of the way, we can all be friends.” He smiled and laid a hand on her shoulder. “Lead on.”
She shook her head, realizing that Galen had not meant any offense. “Only a few of my kinsmen have seen elves before. This meeting could be interesting.”
“Let’s hope it isn’t disastrous,” Galen said, laughing.
Galen had no idea how correct his statement might prove. The dwarves of Kaiya’s village had no use for magic, and three magical beings appearing in this time of fear might lead to trouble.
Chapter 19
Leading the elves across the green field, Kaiya traveled at an easy pace. She was not in a hurry to encounter the townsfolk, and she knew the elves could not expect a warm welcome. She pointed to the farmhouse as they passed by. “I live there,” she told them.
“It’s a lovely home,” Lenora commented, stepping forward to walk next to Kaiya.
Doozle spotted the group from a distance and ran toward them, bounding over the tall stalks of prairie grass. His mouth was open, giving the best doggish smile he could manage. The group paused, allowing him to sniff at them until he was content.
River knelt to stroke the dog’s soft fur. “Aren’t you a friendly one?” he asked.
Doozle sat proudly and barked once in response.
Kaiya hugged the happy dog and said, “You have to stay here, Doozle. There could be trouble, and I don’t want you in the middle of it.”
Doozle whined softly, his eyes begging to join his friend.
“Not this time,” she said, shaking her head. “Go to Papa in the fields,” she commanded, pointing. “Go on.”
With one bark, Doozle turned and headed back across the field.
“Do elves have dogs?” she asked curiously.
Lenora replied, “We have only the animals of the forest. They live freely and don’t need us to care for them.”
“I suppose that’s nice,” she said. “You might be missing out though.” Kaiya couldn’t imagine not having Doozle around. He’d been her companion for many years.
They continued along the path until they reached the village. The blacksmith’s hammer was already audible in the distance, ringing in time with their steps. It was nearly midday, and the town was alive with activity. Kaiya hoped that most of the miners had found work in a different cave for the time being. She didn’t want to have too large a crowd greeting them as they entered the village.
At the edge of town, Kaiya could see a large tent had been set up near the marketplace. “That must be where they’re keeping the sick,” she said.
“Lenora is a healer,” Galen said, noticing Kaiya’s concerned expression.
“I’ll do whatever I can to help them,” Lenora said reassuringly.
“This is a magical illness,” Kaiya replied. “If we can convince the spirit to leave, or at least reverse the spell she has cast, then the illness will cease to spread.”
“That’s going to be River’s area of expertise,” Galen said. “I’m only here for a change of scenery.”
Kaiya eyed him suspiciously. “I think you’ve come seeking something else,” she said.
Galen shrugged and stared off into the distance.
“I have been told this illness has to do with the water,” River said. “In that case, I should be able to help.” His words sounded confident. Being sent by the Spirit, River felt certain he would succeed in the task before him.
“Who told you that?” Kaiya asked.
Smiling, he replied, “The water that has its source in the mountains creates the river that runs through the Vale. It has a voice, as does the wind.”
Kaiya understood what he meant. “If the water speaks to you, perhaps it can tell you how to be rid of this presence. I don’t think I have the strength to banish her.”
“I do not know what it will require, but once I’ve spoken with her, perhaps an answer will reveal itself.”
As they moved to the center of the village, all activity ceased. Every pair of eyes in the town looked upon the three elves and Kaiya. Such a spectacle had not been seen among their kind in recent memory. Kaiya steeled herself against an attack. She felt her magic pulsing through her veins, ready to defend her new friends.
A group of dwarves circled around to have a better look at the visitors. Many of them pointed and whispered to each other. Kaiya stood with her hands on her hips, waiting for someone to begin an argument. She wouldn’t have to wait long. Rudi pushed his way to the front of the crowd.
“Look what we have here. It’s the witch and some pointy-eared forest dwellers,” Rudi said mockingly.
“They’ve come here to help you,” Kaiya spat back. “You should show them a little courtesy, but I see you’re incapable.”
River stepped forward, hoping to stop the argument from escalating. “Please,” he began, “we wish only to help.” He laid a hand on Lenora’s arm. “This is Lenora, a skilled healer. She will help tend to your men. I will help you rid yourselves of the evil presence in the cave.”
Rudi was unmoved by River’s words. “Tell that witch to take the curse off, elf man, and we’ll be fine.”
Kaiya held back her temper, not wanting to make the situation worse. She was relieved to see Ortin coming forward to help. He was followed by Trin, the town’s rune carver. Both men clutched hammers in their hands.
“All right, that’s enough out of you,” Ortin said. “They’ve come all this way to help, so let them help.”
“Stay out of this, blacksmith,” Rudi said, clenching his fists.
“That’ll be quite enough, Rudi,” Trin said, tapping his hammer against his hand.
“You better watch it, old man,” Rudi replied, the blood rising to his face.
“Clear out, all of you!” Trin demanded.
The crowd dispersed at his request. Trin was highly respected among the townsfolk, and they were content to obey him. Rudi, however, did not budge.
“You don’t frighten me, rune carver,” he said. “Just because you dabble in magic charms doesn’t make you a wizard.”
“You’re right,” he replied. “I don’t use magic, but I’ll carve my name into your face if you don’t get out of here.” He took an aggressive step forward, and Rudi backed away.
“This isn’t over,” Rudi said as he walked away. He d
id not go far before turning to observe the elves again. If they were going into his mine, he would be there to watch.
Kaiya introduced the elves to the two dwarf men. “The elves are here to help us,” she declared.
“It’s a pleasure,” Ortin said, extending a hand to each of them. “Name’s Ortin, and this here is Trin.”
“I never thought I’d see an elf,” Trin said. A stout man with a long silver beard, Trin was not usually one to stand in awe. Today, though, he could not help being intrigued by them.
“You’re a rune carver?” Galen asked.
“I am indeed,” he replied. “The men of my family have been rune carvers for seven generations.”
“Fascinating,” Galen said, his eyes sparkling. “I’d love to see your work.”
“Follow me,” Trin replied, anxious to show his skill to the elf.
“I should see to the ill,” Lenora said.
“I’ll take you to the hospital tent,” Ortin said. “They’ve set up outside the cave to keep everyone together.”
Inside the tent were nearly thirty sick dwarves. Only one physician tended them, and the patients were clearly still in pain. They were restless in their beds, most of them shivering or moaning.
“The illness grows worse daily,” Ortin said.
“I shall do what I can,” Lenora declared. She left them behind to speak with the doctor.
“Let’s get you over to the cave, shall we?” Ortin said to River.
“Certainly,” he replied.
The cave was only a few hundred feet from the medical tent. River had sensed dark magic since entering the town, but it grew stronger as he neared the cave. Ortin stopped outside and motioned River to go ahead.
“I’ll wait out here,” he said.
“Good luck,” Kaiya said, choosing to remain outside as well. She doubted she could be much help to someone as powerful as River. All of her senses told her he was strong, and she hoped he would prevail easily against the apparition.
River stepped inside and immediately felt a heaviness in his chest. Undeterred, he pressed on until he came to a clear pool of water where he could sense the source of the magic.