by Chris Ward
At this point Anderlorn held up a hand. ‘You sensed this Rema Bowman?’
‘I did, Elder Anderlorn,’ Rema replied, ‘and I felt grieved that our coming has caused this, but there is a growing evil afoot in Revelyn which I fear cannot be broken without the aid of the Edenwhood. The King, Lord Petros who calls himself the light of his people has brought the land to its knees in thrall to his mad desires for power which he knows to be threatened by a true heir to the throne, for he is not of the line of the House of Hendon which has ruled by right for long generations now.’
Again the Elder held up a hand and spoke.
‘We know this man is not the rightful ruler. We had some grievous dealings with King Frederic many summers ago, and did battle, against our will with the men of Revelyn. This man who is now King, this Lord Petros, fought us and was a favourite of King Frederic, who was mortally wounded on the field of battle. I know this for it was my sword, Anderwyn which pieced his side. We had travelled to Revelyn as you do now, in peace, and to seek ways to live together, which since the Great Separation has never been possible. There was present a most evil creature who advised the King and betrayed our overtures with many lies of our intentions. We have not returned to the lowlands since that day, but we know that as King Frederic died he named the man of whom we speak to be the new King of Revelyn.
At this point Reigin stood and addressed the Elders.
‘This evil creature of whom you speak is called Zelfos and he is indeed one who holds the keys to power in Revelyn in recent times. All fear him and Lord Petros does nothing which upsets his intentions...’
As he spoke the Eldres Kreilliorn stood and halted him before he could go further.
‘Welcome Reigin. The Elders have thought much upon your presence here in AlGiron since told of one such as you in the company of these others. You are one of us and yet we hear that you claim this is not so. Where do you come from Giron, if not from AlGiron?’
Reigin paused and seemed to gather his thoughts for he had not been ready to speak on this.
‘I cannot perhaps explain this as you wish, Elders of AlGiron, for truly I too have been confused in my heart. Before three days passed I had not seen an Edenwhood. I knew not the name Giron; this name that had been given me upon suspicion of my motives.’
At this point Reigin paused and all saw that he struggled mightily with some emotions which sought to best him. The Elders perceived this more clearly than all else and kindly waited for the big man before them to find himself. In a short time he was able to continue.
‘Until recently I was in the service of the king of whom we speak. I was a Wolver...’
At this moment, at the mention of the word, a cold shadow passed over the room and both Elders narrowed their eyes as though some deeper vision had been granted them.
‘I was taken from my home and family as a mere child, and trained as all Wolvers are to serve the Royal House of Hendon as warriors. We are the best in all the armies of men; we learn early to know no fear and to shed no tear. We kill easily and often, and all other men fear us, for we have a speed and skill in pursuit and with the sword which cannot be matched by other men. There are perhaps two score, and I was the best of these.’ He let the words hang long in the air before Kreilliorn spoke to break the silence which they had wrought.
‘You claim no longer to be such a one, a Wolver? How did this come about?’
‘By chance Eldres,’ Reigin replied, ‘I encountered the true heir to the throne of Revelyn, a women by the name of Sylvion Greyfeld, daughter of Sontim, son of Raven son of King Manitra. This Raven Hendon fled the Royal Palace as a young woman and was lost to her family and her line. She married Sentor Greyfeld and her granddaughter is the woman of whom I speak, Sylvion Greyfeld, second cousin to the last true King of Revelyn, King Frederic. That is what I remember, for it was taught me by this heir who was captured by King Petros and conveyed to a place of imprisonment upon Bald Cape, far to the north of your land. I was her guard under orders to kill her immediately should any rescue be made by her betrothed.’ He paused here and thought about what next to say. No one spoke for they all waited eagerly for his next words.
‘She taught me with a wisdom and understanding that I had never been offered, that my service to the House of Hendon needed to be more than just the swift execution of orders. She taught me that right and wrong are in the hands of those who act, as much as at the feet of one who gives the command. It was because of her that I looked deep into my heart and grieved the loss of my family and saw that the stealing of a child to make a warrior is wrong. I swore then to serve this heir, and I assisted her escape. This Eldres Kreilliorn is why I am no longer a Wolver.’
His words moved the company greatly, and none more than Rema for they saw that Reigin had no choice to become what was most feared in all Revelyn, and they marvelled at his redemption.
‘This heir of whom you speak must be a woman of greatness.’ Elder Anderlorn commented quietly. ‘And you mention her betrothed. Of what consequence is he?
Reigin smiled. ‘This man is of the greatest consequence Elder Anderlorn, for it is none other than Rema Bowman who is here before you as leader of this quest.’
Elder Anderlorn gave no show of surprise at this announcement, nor too Eldres Kreilliorn, but all had a sense that the matter was not dealt with to their satisfaction.
‘Reigin, a Wolver you claim to have been, and of course we in AlGiron have known of these, but never have we encountered one such. If we had, we would have known immediately that you are one of us, and that being a Wolver is not of your nature, but of your training. You have explained much in that we now know that you and all Wolvers are stolen as children and so crafted to another’s will. A great sadness indeed. Please tell me where does your kin from whom you have been taken, where do they live in these times?’
‘I have never visited my kin but I believe they live far to the south, beyond the Luminos River and I have been told that there is but a single tribe, and these well controlled all about by soldiers of King Petros, and before by the Royal House for generations.
At this point the two Elders spoke at length in their own tongue with some show of emotion and consideration of each other’s argument. In the end both seemed satisfied with what they had resolved.
It was Eldres Kreilliorn who spoke to Reigin in tones of greatest gentleness.
‘Reigin, we believe your story for now it all makes sense. I will explain, for you all need to understand this matter, and for you Reigin it will perhaps give clarity to your predicament.’
She stood then and spoke as though telling a most wonderful story, whilst walking back and forward across the raised platform on which the Elders sat. Her words and delivery were so beautiful that all within the Hall of Elders sat as though enchanted.
‘Long generations ago the Edenwhood lived in the lowlands as they are now called by most folk in Revelyn. This land in which we now live, the land of AlGiron was not occupied and the name itself had not yet been brought forth. We Edenwhood were oldest in that land below. We came before the ancient Ravelin, who settled from the north. They were people of the ice and sea. We were here before, and whence we came is no longer recorded so old in the land are we. We long farmed the plains and the hills and mountains around this mighty plateau and none in ages ever found a way to scale the cliffs which now separate us from all others.
But the Ravelin were a people of war and fought each other, then as they moved south we too were drawn into their petty conflicts. The mountain Dwarves were in the land then and they too were older by far than the Ravelin and perhaps even we Edenwhood. The Ravelin hated the Dwarves and sought them out and visited violence upon them without ceasing. It was seen as great valour by a Ravelin warrior to slay a score of Dwarves and they were good warriors themselves when hard pressed, but their heart was not in such mindless slaughter and in time they left this land and whence they’ve gone none can tell. The wars stretched south and met with stern resistance
by other men who had settled there. These were the warrior Kelts who came from over the sea from warmer lands and who hated the Ravelin with a passion. We were fewer, for Edenwhood live long, but breed slowly, and though we could easily defend ourselves, and indeed cause great harm to our enemies, those we lost took an age to replenish. And we found that our own violence upon the field of war so great that we feared ourselves and did not wish to become so like the Ravelin or Kelts who thought of little else. It has long been held by the Edenwhood that those who live with the sword are in thrall to its call. We did not want that for ourselves. And so with the help of the Mountain Dwarves before the last had left the land we had them build for us the gates to this great land and AlGiron was born. They hewed the rock of East and West, they made the gates and crafted the magic which opens the doors by keys they too devised and were gifted to us; and so we separated from the lowlanders and came to live in peace in this high place; and this we have done for long generations, our contact with those who live below cut off, unless at our whim alone, and none from there is allowed to enter on pain of death, as you have learned to understand in these days past. This was the Great Separation and it has been for the best, for we are happy here in AlGiron despite the clans who fight as all humans will at times. For we are human, tall and powerful indeed, a race of men withdrawn, and this shall ever be. We are the Edenwhood of AlGiron.’
She finished with great intensity, and all who listened were mightily moved. She returned to her seat and Elder Anderlorn continued.
‘We Edenwhood are a people of clans. AlGiron is divided into many clans and each has right to land and water, mine and animal as they have chosen. There was once a powerful clan long ago called the clan of the wolf. This was before the Great Separation when we all lived in the lowlands. They were a difficult clan for they loved the battle and were great warriors. They grew to love the spoils of war and more and more resented the code of peace which the Edenwhood had always sought to live by. In time they lived almost as a separate people for they would not submit to the Elders or any laws which the other clans agreed upon. It came to pass that this clan chose to leave the Edenwhood and live elsewhere in Revelyn, and in time they were lost to us. We know they moved south and their numbers became fewer for whilst they loved war and violence they were not spared the law which rules their producing young, and on their own they became less strong until it was believed they had been overrun or ceased to exist.’ He paused for a moment and ran a hand across his chin as though far off in thought. After a time he spoke once more.
‘It is our belief Reigin, that you are one of this lost clan which has survived although in a most bitter manner. Their young men are taken by the lowlanders to be trained as warriors, or Wolvers as you have been known. This clan has always been linked with the wolf down long years until the present. It is pleasing to know that out kin has not died out, but there is great sadness in learning of the manner in which they are kept to serve the Rulers of Revelyn. This we believe Reigin. You are one of us indeed, but your people have been lost to us for a great time. Perhaps this can be changed in time to come.’
The Elder paused and leaned forward toward Reigin and spoke in a most forceful manner.
‘One further thing stands as proof to us of who you are. Tell me Reigin of the lost clan of the Edenwhood, do you hold not a key to the gates of AlGiron?’
Reigin nodded. ‘I do Elder Anderlorn; it was given me by Rema as we stood before the door of the Eastern Gate, which he could not open...’ His voice trailed away, and in this moment the truth dawned on all that listened, but the Elder gave it voice.
‘None can use a key to the Gates save those of the Edenwhood. This magic was gifted to us by the Mountain Dwarves and it cannot be violated. Any other who try will die or suffer great injury. Is this not so Rema Bowman? He looked at Rema who remembered the burning he had suffered and understood then the reason he could not use the key and why Reigin could without issue. He nodded.
‘I see the truth in this Elder Anderlorn, and I agree it is a powerful witness to the truth of our companion Reigin’s identity.
Elder Anderlorn turned back to Reigin.
‘What say you of all this now?’
Reigin had seated himself throughout this retelling and he was mightily moved by what he had heard. He struggled to find the words to express himself, but in the end he spoke.
‘I thank the Elders for this new knowledge. It rings true to my ear. I will think long upon it, and perhaps when other matters have been decided, my people can be reunited with the Edenwhood from whence they came.’ He sat then and withdrew a little into himself.
Then Anderlorn turned back to Rema.
‘Rema Bowman perhaps we should return to your quest, for we have digressed a little, although these matters needed resolving.’ The Elder paused before continuing in a most serious manner. ‘Reigin declares you to be the betrothed of this Sylvion Greyfeld, rightful heir to the throne of Revelyn. Is this true and what bearing does this have on your being here in AlGiron?’ He sat and indicated that Rema should step forward and speak.
Rema began once more to lay before the Elders of AlGiron his strange quest.
‘Elders,’ he said, ‘It is indeed true that I am to marry Sylvion Greyfeld, but this was decided before either of us knew that she was descended from the line of Hendon and was the last living heir to the throne of Revelyn. This came to my knowledge after I learnt news of her capture and in truth I have not seen her since this knowledge came to me. I stand before you to plead for your help in defeating the evil which had befallen Revelyn for King Petros and his advisor Zelfos are destroying the land which lives in great fear and a growing destruction of many things.’
Elder Anderlorn held up his hand.
‘Rema this is not enough. I believe your story and I am sad for your land, and we have heard reports of these things, but it has ever been that kingdoms rise and fall, good rulers come and go. We in AlGiron live apart from you and never have we sought your help when facing troubles which may have beset us. What in your tale is so great that we the Edenwhood should fear the travail of Revelyn?’
This was stated with genuine warmth and none of the five companions took any offence in its delivery but Rema felt a growing sense of defeat. The words of the Elder were true.
What had this to do with the Edenwhood?
‘If I may be permitted to speak?’ Serenna stood and spoke.
‘Please do Serenna.’ Eldres Kreilliorn smiled at her as she replied.
‘In Revelyn there are many great traditions as I am sure exist in AlGiron. Our history is long and well recorded. The land has lived through an age of Dwarves and magic, wizardry and sorcery. In times past there have been prophecies which tell of things to come. These are kept in the Book of Prophecies and these sacred writings are constantly studied by the Wisden, those learned in our land who can interpret such things. One such prophecy which they have interpreted has been at the heart of those things which Rema mentions. It has been through these writings that Lord Petros has learnt of the existence of another heir to the throne and one who will lead her to it. This man they all agree is one who with the bow has a skill beyond all others and in the final battle will, by the last arrow to fall bring this heir to the throne and renewal to Revelyn. This is why they captured the heir and hoped that this archer will attempt to set her free thereby allowing them to have her killed, for only in battle can this be done less a fearful judgment be visited upon those who do such a forbidden deed, to murder an heir to the throne of Revelyn. The Wisden have concluded that Rema Bowman is the one foretold in the prophecy.’
She paused then and every eye and ear was drawn to her for her eloquence was great and powerful. The Elders nodded for a deeper understanding had been given them through her words.
‘And further,’ Serenna continued, for she was suddenly gifted with great confidence and clarity of thought, ‘contained within this prophecy, is a strange mention of the soldiers who from the Eagle’s
Eye set forth, to join in the last battle. The king and his advisor Zelfos fear this greatly for none in the land have seen it, not even the Wisden, but Rema solved the puzzle and so we stand before you, for you are the fulfilment of this prophecy. AlGiron is the Eagle’s Eye.’ She finished with an intensity which matched the wonderful address just given by Eldres Kreilliorn.
No one spoke for Serenna’s mention of the prophecy had brought a strange sense of mystery into the Elder’s Hall.
‘I have it here.’ Serenna spoke once more, ‘and by your leave Elders of AlGiron I will read it to you and you will see the power of it.’
The Elders nodded in reply, for even they were under the spell of what was unfolding before them.
Serenna knew it by heart, but she took the crumpled parchment which she had kept safe through many adventures and holding it before her, spoke loud and fearlessly of those things which were foretold, and from the Elder’s Hall within the Eagle’s Eye the word went forth into the vastness above Revelyn. And so the prophecy was read.
At the instant the last word was spoken, a shudder ran through the very rocks of AlGiron and a mighty wind seemed to rush past the assembled company. And then there was a stillness in which no sound could be heard as though all worlds were waiting for what came next.
After a long time in which they all waited for some further sign or action, Eldres Kreilliorn stood and spoke once more.
‘Serenna you have done a mighty thing here this night for your words have given great weight to the plea of Rema Bowman. We Elders cannot deny that there is truth in all you have put before us.’ She sat and Elder Anderlorn stood.
‘I am greatly persuaded as to the gravity which faces Revelyn. I am not sure about our part in this, for never have I heard of AlGiron spoken of as an Eagle’s Eye.
Rema then stood and explained his reasons for believing that the mighty Eastern Upthrust was indeed the Eagle’s Eye. Maps were then produced and they all spent some time looking at what seemed a strange but recognisable interpretation of the prophecy.