by Chris Ward
Rema did not open his eyes but replied without rancor.
‘You did indeed Reigin, but don’t we all do this at times. I am as guilty of this weakness as any, and besides, how were you to know how good a shot I am with the bow?’
Reigin nodded ruefully. ‘Indeed you speak truly.’ To which Rema opened one eye and looked over at him before continuing.
‘Besides, I seem to remember seeing you stop an arrow with your sword, and hadn’t I just given you a warning that you were vulnerable to such things?’ He paused a moment, then finished. ‘Perhaps we will surprise each other yet again my friend before all this is done.’
Reigin smiled and nodded, and a silence fell upon the resting company for a time. Good humour was restored and each knew that before the end of the day they would meet the Edenwhood, and this was a quite intoxicating if somewhat frightening expectation.
The five companions reached the top of the deep shaft sometime in the mid noon. They had climbed six thousand cubits travelling in endless small circles and their legs burnt with fatigue, but the now open sky above was a much welcomed sight. The land they entered was not greatly different from the lush forests and grasslands of the lowlands although the colours seemed more intense and the smell of the pure clear air reinvigorated them all.
There was none who came to challenge them, and as they gazed from where they stood at the top of the open shaft across to the forest about a league to the west, all seemed peaceful. A cry from Ofeigr caused them all to turn and follow him back to the edge of the great escarpment whose base they had encountered earlier that day, for the shaft opening was no more than a hundred paces from the cliff edge. They walked over and stood before the drop in quiet awe. The world dropped sheer away for a thousand cubits to the clouds below, a thick carpet of white and softly undulating waves seemingly fit enough for any ship to sail upon. The clouds stretched east for some great distance before ending abruptly and way beyond, the land to the east of the Plenty Mountains could be seen running all the way to the sea, where just over the horizon the Faero Islands lay. The rich colours of the sun upon the clouds and the ever lengthening shadow of the escarpment upon them, spoke of their great height and of the total separation of the land below from where they stood.
Ofeigr took a rock and hurled it far out into the void. They watched it drop for a long time until it disappeared from view well before it reached the clouds, still many thousand cubits above the ground.
‘What a wonderful sight,’ Serenna whispered to Rema, and unconsciously she took his arm. The five companions stood transfixed, overcome with the beauty and the emotion it evoked in their weary bodies.
‘We are no longer alone,’ Reigin spoke after a time. His words were without fear or emotion; just a simple statement of fact, for he had sensed the approach of other creatures, indeed he more than the others had been expecting this. The five turned around as one, and there before them were the Edenwhood. Not thirty paces away stood a score of the tallest men they had ever seen, although Reigin was almost a match for the shorter of those in the group. They stood without moving, impressively arrayed. They stood with legs apart and held their huge war swords, point first upon the ground, their hands on the hilt before them. Their clothes were plain but close fitting, all tunics of similar cut which by tradition defines those who serve as soldiers bearing arms. They seemed strangely familiar, and it was Serenna who gave voice to their thoughts.
‘These are Wolvers,’ she said in a sudden and amazed recognition, ‘and yet they are different, taller I am sure.’ They stood stunned, for she spoke truly.
The tallest of the Edenwhood spoke then.
‘My name is Rhynos, keeper of the Eastern gate and a Protector of the Edenwhood. By what means do you bring these others with you?’ His voice was loud but gently lilting in phrase and resonance. It carried authority but yet did not confront as one might expect, in fact they all realised two things then, firstly that none could take offense at such words so easily spoken, and secondly that it was to Reigin that they were directed, something which he understood in an instant. His reply took the other four by surprise.
‘I am Reigin, servant of the heir to the throne of Revelyn, Lady Sylvion Greyfeld.’ Reigin’s words cut the air with a grace and authority which impressed them all, and Rema was much moved by the way his short statement elevated the woman for whom he held so passionate a love, to such a position of respect and admiration. ‘But I do not bring these people,’ he continued, ‘for I am led by Rema Bowman, who leads us all. He is greatly loved by the heir of whom I speak and he has great need to deal with the Edenwhood. He it is who stands on my left.’
Rema felt a surge of respect for the Wolver, now companion; for he knew he could not have put such words together.
‘The Edenwhood have no need to deal with lowlanders for we have been enemies for time beyond memory.’ Rhynos the keeper or the Eastern Gate continued his address to Reigin, ignoring the others, ‘Perhaps you have betrayed us for you should know Giron, no Edenwhood is permitted to give entry to any but those whose blood is kindred to this land.’
These hard words hung in the air between them and they all wondered what the term Giron meant for it had been given to Reigin, as easily one might name a well known flower in a pot.
‘I know not who this Giron is sira,‘ Reigin replied once more, ‘but we are equals here my friends and I, and I ask you to speak with my leader for he will explain the cause of this peaceful intrusion into your land.’
Reigin stepped back and indicated with his left hand that all further communication should be directed to Rema who immediately knew that he needed to speak well now, for the moment demanded it. The Edenwhood leader, Rhynos, looked puzzled and turned to one on his right who they now saw to be a woman. They exchanged words in a strange tongue which seemed familiar, but lay just beyond their knowledge and ability to grasp. Rhynos turned back and looked at Rema.
‘I am puzzled at this development, but if this Giron says you are the leader lowlander, then you will speak of your reason for entering this land which is forbidden on pain of death for all of your kin.’
These words now had a harder edge and the fierce immovable wall of the standing Edenwhood seemed to suddenly grow taller. Rema took a deep breath and reacted as confidently as he judged possible. He suddenly strode across the gap between the two groups and stopped several paces before the immovable Edenwhood soldiers who towered above him. He looked calmly into the eyes of the one called Rhynos and held that contact as he spoke.
‘I am called Rema Bowman. I have come to speak with the Edenwhood, for I am in great need of their assistance in matters which I will lay before your rulers. These weapons we carry are for our protection and will be used only against our enemies who are lowlanders all. We come in peace and you have nothing to fear from us.’
The words carried an impressive weight which could not be ignored but his last phrase seemed to amuse some among the tall Edenwhood before whom he stood so vulnerable and small. Suddenly one of the great men on the left of Rhynos the Mighty Keeper of the Eastern Gate started to chuckle. Several others joined in. Rhynos alone kept up a severe face. Rema was puzzled.
‘Have my words caused such mirth for no reason,’ he inquired boldly.
‘Little man, Rema Bowman, your words are strange to our ears indeed,’ the woman Edenwhood spoke directly to him, ‘and we laugh for it is strange that you in your smallness stand before us and reassure us that we need not fear you...’ she was cut off by a now angry Rhynos.
‘...for we have no fear of you at all. It is you before us who should be afraid!’
The tone in his voice quietened the mirth of his companions, for they saw that he was not amused at their lack of order. Rema however took the initiative.
‘And what should I and my friends be afraid of sira?’ He looked directly at the enormous soldier, but without fear for he sensed that his peril was not as great as the man would like to imply.
This polite inqui
ry seemed to have no reply which Rhynos wished to give, and he now spoke his mind as a soldier which changed his demeanour in an instant.
‘I have the authority to slay any who enter this land uninvited. These are my orders and I am under oath to obey.’ His mood had suddenly changed for the worse and Rema felt that the others of his kind were uneasy with his temper.
‘We Edenwhood cannot allow the lowlander to enter as you have. The Giron must be punished, but you cannot be allowed to live.’ And suddenly Rhynos lifted his huge sword in a blur which took Rema completely by surprise. Only the swift intervention of the woman saved him from immediate death, for the soldier moved as one possessed of a speed and deathly skill which could not be denied.
‘Halt your arm Keeper Rhynos!’ she cried and caught his arm equally as fast as he moved. ‘We need not offer such violence when they come in peace.’
Rhynos stayed his arm but she continued to hold him back. The other Edenwhood spoke rapidly to each other in their native tongue. Rema felt a desperate need to remedy the dangerous situation, for he saw that they were none, save perhaps Reigin, any match for these deadly folk.
And suddenly as his mind sought to find a way, strange words came to his lips, which he uttered in the same lilting manner of those who stood before him.
‘Eh arrev be harmno, Eh er shon doome sa merci. Eh apel lon elder.’
He immediately felt a wave of sensation beyond anything he had ever experienced sweep through his tense body which tingled from head to toe, for whilst the words sounded strange to his own ears he knew exactly what he had said deep in his mind.
The words had an even more powerful effect upon the Edenwhood. They froze in sheer amazement, and looked one to the other unable to decide what next to do. It was the woman who spoke first. She addressed Rhynos who stood in disbelief.
‘This man speaks in the language of the Edenwhood. No lowlander in living memory has ever done this. He has appealed to the Elder. This allows a greater law than our orders for defence, Rhynos. If to the Elder he has appealed, to the Elder he must go. You know this to be true Oh Keeper of the Eastern Gate.’
Rhynos slowly sheathed his sword and nodded in agreement. ‘Bring them!’ he ordered tersely, and then turned and walked off toward the west.
‘My name is Cordia, Second Keeper of the Eastern gate,’ said the woman of the Edenwhood, introducing herself with genuine warmth, ‘and this is Fleitt, Third Keeper.’ A tall soldier by her side nodded and smiled down at Rema. ‘You will accompany us in safety. You will not be harmed. Please speak with your companions and have them march with us.’
She spoke with a gentle but firm authority which recommended itself to obedience. Rema was pleased to deal with her for he now sensed that Rhynos was too eager to act in haste, where a woman might seek a more peaceful path.
‘I am pleased indeed to meet you Cordia, Second Keeper of the Eastern gate. I will direct my companions to do as you had requested.’ He held out his right hand and she smiled before taking it and they shook firmly, he reaching up, and she bending slightly at the knees to make it easier for him.
‘I look forward to talking with you when we are sheltered for the night,’ she said, as the look in her close set eyes spoke of many things. And then with a quick and graceful movement, she turned and spoke to the rest of the Edenwhood in the lovely lilting tongue which was their own.
Within a short time they were all marching west together toward the forest, the five companions surrounded by the tall and powerfully graceful Edenwhood, who were now talking and joking amongst themselves.
‘Well done Rema,’ whispered Serenna as they walked, leading their horses side by side. ‘You have made a good impression upon these strange folk. What did you say to them which so won them over, for we sensed a coldness of mood afore you spoke?’
Rema smiled. ‘I will tell you tonight Serenna, for right now I am not sure how to explain what happened. Look, these Edenwhood are finding Reigin to be a man of interest, and Scion too, I am sure they have never seen a black man before this moment...’ and so he changed the subject. Within a span they entered a wonderful forest and shortly after found shelter in the strangest village any of the weary companions had ever dreamt of.
‘We of the Edenwhood, live mostly as you see,’ Cordia, Second Keeper of the Eastern Gate spoke in a gentle lilt. She sat on a comfortable couch before a well stoked fire. Only she of her people was present, the others having other accommodation nearby. The five companions were sitting around the cosy room on cushions having just completed a meal of fine roast meat and vegetables washed down by an ale which none had ever tasted before, but which had lifted their spirits and opened their hearts to good conversation.
‘Our dwellings are in these Bulbane trees which are wide of girth and branchless to almost forty cubits,’ she continued, ‘They are a soft wooded tree and we carve out what rooms we wish. So long as we leave two cubits thickness at the sides the trees seem well able to grow and live without their heartwood. The bigger trees will allow several floors and we have skilled house builders, called Banes after the trees, who know the art of carving out stairs and floors and all manner of useful things. This hearth sits on stone and the tree wood is protected all about by careful plastering. The giant Frester trees are tallest by far, some reach to two hundred cubits and the wood is straight and true allowing for the best construction of furniture or bridges, anything at all...’ She talked easily this tall and graceful woman of the Edenwhood, and none of the five felt prisoner to their hosts, although Rhynos had lectured them shortly before their meal.
‘You will stay within the treehome. Sleep well for tomorrow we leave early on the journey west, and this land has dangers enough for ones so small as you.’ He had left with an air of anger about him, as though their intrusion into the land was a personal affront.
Whilst his words were offered sternly Cordia had explained that he spoke truly for there were creatures which lived in the forests which would make a meal of any, even an Edenwhood if one was not wary.
‘What creatures are we warned of?’ Rema asked when Cordia paused in her description of life in this high land, to sip her ale. She smiled warmly, for the drink had worked its magic upon her and she greatly enjoyed to talk. Her voice was indeed seductive in its delivery, for her every lilting word seemed well placed to give the best of what she was telling, and her phrases ran together like good friends on a journey of discovery. All who listened to her that night were in some manner entranced.
‘This land holds many creatures which you would find in your lands. The rabbit and the fox, the wolf and the bear all roam here, although some have longer thicker coats. The Orax are bigger than perhaps you might imagine and the Shining Eagles are big enough to carry one off. They prey from great heights and hunt together. I have often seen them herd the Orax before making a kill. No human is strong enough to master such a bird although I have heard it has been done.’ She paused and smiled a far off smile which led her listeners to believe that she was seeing some scene from her past which carried great power in her memory.
‘You will know that the sabrecat is a fearful predator in the lowlands,’ Rema said, wanting her to continue in a similar manner, ‘what of this creature in your land?’
Cordia looked at him and raised her eyebrows and nodded. ‘Indeed it is a beast to be wary of. None wander our forests but there is a creature here which would make a good companion of such a one. We call it a scythercat, and surely they were relatives in times past. It is a deadly hunter, but one which we have learned to tame. We have no horses although they are valued highly. Instead our warriors have leaned to ride these beasts and few can stand before them when rider and ridden work as one.’
The listeners all shivered at the naming of such a beast and each conjured up their own image of this ferocious animal, which the speaker did not bother to describe beyond its fearsome title.
The all sat in silence for a time before Cordia continued.
‘The mos
t feared of our creatures in this land is the Serper.’ At this name it seemed that a chill of fear swept briefly through the room.
‘It is a huge creature, a serpent of the forests. It hunts in silence and can take on the colours and texture of what it lies upon. Only the keenest eyes can discern the Serper lying still, and only by piercing its heart can it be killed, for its scales are thick and have been known to break a war sword swiftly hewn. Its bite is fatal; it has many teeth each sharper than the elderthorn and all know how that can pierce the strongest flesh and bone.’
‘Are these Serpers many?’ Serenna asked with a shiver, for her dislike of snakes was common enough.
‘We do not know this well,’ Cordia replied solemnly, ‘for it is hard to discern. Is there one which hunts well all over the land, or many which hunt less well? All I can say is that we keep sharp watch when in the forest. The Scythercat and Serper take not a few Edenwhood each cycle of the moon.’
‘What is a Giron?’ Reigin asked to break the silence which followed such a sombre statement. Cordia gave a puzzled look as though it should have been obvious enough.
‘You know that Giron is thy common name in our tongue for the Edenwhood not of noble birth or of the elders. All men and women, we are Giron. This land we call AlGiron.’
And in that moment the five companions realised that she believed, as did Rhynos and the others they had encountered that day, that Reigin was one of them, and he it was who had allowed them access to their land. And in that moment Cordia’s next question confirmed their thinking.
‘What clan are you?’ She addressed Reigin directly, and with great wisdom he deflected her.
‘That will revealed soon I am sure, Cordia, Second Keeper of the Eastern gate.’
‘As you wish,’ she replied evenly, ‘for you speak truly. The Elders will find out the truth about you all.’ Her words were delivered with a sombre deliberation which made them wonder greatly about who they next would encounter on their dangerous quest.