by MJ Schutte
‘Think of Clarissa,’ Evangeline said.
‘She adores you, Brighton. Go back to her,’ Lizia said gently.
The energy ball hung above Brighton’s hand for a moment more before he retracted the energy into his body.
‘You are cruel,’ he said as he closed his eyes.
‘Pappa, is Mamma coming back soon?’ Clarissa asked.
‘Yes, my darling. We need to take her out of the forest, then she will wake up,’ Brighton whispered, a tear rolling down his cheek.
Adri’s hand shot to her mouth. She understood exactly what this meant.
‘Where is Kesh? We could use his help,’ Brighton asked.
‘He went back to his village. It looked like he was anxious to see his family, so I insisted that he go,’ Adri replied.
‘Evangeline, we have to tell Brighton and Lilian what they must do. I cannot stand being this cruel to them!’ Ameri snapped.
‘We all know that people, elves and humans alike, have the biggest faith in the things they have worked out for themselves. Lilian will need to believe in herself or she will never be able to live in the forest or destroy the evil that still exists. Brighton has to understand that he is the master, not the slave, if he ever wants to leave the forest. He has found the lost tribe, now they are his only hope of staying alive,’ Evangeline answered.
‘This has never been done before. The master has always been a prisoner in the forest until a new master is found. Will you guide them further?’ Lizia asked.
‘No, the last time I interfered, the Almighty One did not take to kindly to it. I have a feeling that He will want to see me soon again because of what I have done this time,’ Evangeline sighed.
The wagon came to a stop just after the last tree on the edge of the forest. Lilian’s eyes snapped open, a deep breath filling her lungs.
‘Bri!’ she called out.
‘I’m here, my love,’ he said from beyond the tree.
Lilian shot up.
‘Don’t come here. You can’t enter the forest,’ Brighton said quickly.
‘Why don’t you come here?’ she asked as she climbed off the wagon.
‘I can’t leave,’ he replied.
Lilian could not believe what she had just heard.
‘We can’t be together?’ she whispered.
‘No, we can’t,’ Brighton confirmed.
‘Bri, how can that be?’ Lilian choked out, tears streaming down her face.
‘The elf spirits are cruel,’ Brighton answered.
‘There must be something we can do,’ Lilian sobbed.
‘Go to the swamp in Mendin and find Erostagnos. He was the master of this forest once. Maybe he will be able to help. Take Mischief with you, he is the only one that can sense the old man,’ Brighton said.
Lilian nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes.
Brighton walked past the tree. He immediately doubled over with pain, but using every bit of will power he had in him, he pulled himself up straight. Gently he put his arms around Lilian and gave her a long, tender kiss.
‘Erostagnos’s sword and my cane is in the wagon. You understand how energy works. Teach Adri and Clarissa how to use those weapons,’ Brighton said.
‘We will find Erostagnos and bring him here. He will help us, even if I have to beat him senseless first,’ Lilian answered.
‘Lily, it was my arrogance and quick actions that put us in this situation. Do not make the same mistake. Ask Erostagnos for help, but if he refuses, don’t try to force him,’ Brighton said.
‘Ok, but what…’ she started.
Brighton cut her off, ‘Then we’ll think of something else. Now go.’
He hugged her tight for one last time, then quickly stepped back into the forest before the pain became too much.
I love you he signed to her in elf language.
I love you too she signed back.
Chapter 19
BRIGHTON WATCHED UNTIL the wagon disappeared over the horizon. Slowly he turned, took the horse’s reins and started walking back to Tolan’s old house. Never before had Brighton felt so alone. When he reached the house, he did not go in. He knew that Lilian and the others would be gone for a long time, so he mounted the horse and took off in a southerly direction. It felt like his heart had been ripped from his chest. He hoped that being with Lance and Carlia would make the emptiness go away.
Travelling at an easy pace, it took him a long time to reach the village on the south eastern border of Livia Farasnei.
He used his sense to locate Lance. The former Tylian general and Carlia were just outside the village in the woods, so Brighton headed in that direction. He decided to walk since it was not far. As he got closer to the river that ran past the village, he heard faint giggling and splashing noises.
He peered through the trees. Lance and Carlia’s clothes were in a heap on the ground. Although Brighton could not see the couple, he understood immediately that they wanted some privacy, so he turned around and walked away.
Using his sense to scan the area constantly, he made sure that nobody else would bother the lovers. He sat down on a rock just outside the village. Knowing that the two of them found love gave Brighton a small measure of relief from the emptiness he felt inside. It was almost dark before he sensed them walking towards the village, hand in hand. They were only aware of each other and did not notice Brighton.
‘Good day,’ he called out.
Their heads snapped up, Lance quickly letting go of Carlia’s hand.
‘Brighton, what are you doing here?’ Lance asked.
Brighton walked closer, shook Lance’s hand and gave Carlia a hug.
‘Nice to see you too, Lance,’ Brighton smiled.
Carlia slapped Lance’s arm and then signed to Brighton.
How are you?
‘I’m fine, thank you. How are you?’ Brighton replied.
You’re a bad liar. I don’t need Adri’s talent to see that something is troubling you deeply, Carlia said.
Brighton just nodded. He could not deny or hide the pain he felt.
‘What is the matter, my friend?’ Lance asked.
Brighton told them briefly about his conversations with the elf spirits and that Lilian could never enter the forest again.
Carlia’s eyes shot full of tears.
She put her hand on Brighton’s shoulder and said, ‘Sorry.’
Lance had a deep frown on his face.
‘Are you sure about all of this?’ he asked.
Brighton just nodded again, not trusting his voice.
‘So, Lilian can’t enter the forest and you can’t leave. Why does it feel like there is something we’re missing?’ Lance asked.
‘We’re not missing anything. The spirits are cruel!’ Brighton snapped.
Lance shook his head.
‘No, my friend, you’re looking at this wrongly. Stop thinking with your emotions and use some logic,’ Lance replied.
‘The situation is simple, Lance! Lilian and I cannot be together anymore. What else is there to think about?’ Brighton said irritably.
Ignoring Brighton’s irritation, Lance said, ‘Why did Erostagnos leave the forest?’
Brighton did not answer. He was not in the mood for a long conversation. Lance saw this, but pressed on.
‘Marion killed his family. It must have been a very painful experience for him. Perhaps that is why he chooses to live in seclusion.’
‘I can understand that,’ Brighton whispered.
‘Maybe the spirits are trying to spare you that pain?’ Lance asked.
‘By taking away my family? I don’t understand how that is sparing me from pain!’ Brighton replied.
‘No, they did not take away your family. They only banned Lilian from the forest. Clarissa can still enter if she wishes,’ Lance corrected.
‘So my daughter has to choose between her father and her mother?’ Brighton gasped.
Lance thought for a moment, then said, ‘No, maybe she does not have to.’
>
Brighton threw his arms up in the air and said, ‘Lance, get to the point!’
‘We know that you are the only one who can get energy from the forest. This means that you would stay young for as long as you are master of Livia Farasnei. The basic fact is this, if Lilian and Clarissa remained here, you would be forced to watch them grow old and die. Neither of them can get energy here, so they will not stay young, like you,’ Lance said.
Brighton thought about Lance’s words carefully, his irritation forgotten.
Lance continued, ‘If I understand correctly, Lilian can get energy from everywhere else, except this forest. Perhaps the spirits banned her from here to ensure that she lives as long as you will?’
‘What would be the point in that? We can still not be together,’ Brighton frowned.
‘Lilian might never be able to get energy from Livia Farasnei, but before you were master of the forest, you were able to get energy from anywhere else, just like she can,’ Lance replied.
Realisation started rising in Brighton’s mind.
‘Lilian can’t live here, but if I can find a way of leaving the forest, we can still be together,’ he said softly.
‘Yes, now you are starting to think with your mind instead of your heart,’ Lance smiled.
‘Lance, I understand now why you were such a good general. You have the ability to think logically and without emotion clouding your judgment. Thank you, my friend,’ Brighton said.
‘If my words can help you, then I’m glad,’ Lance smiled.
Brighton almost did not hear. His mind was racing.
‘I need to find someone to take over as master of the forest,’ he said softly.
‘I’m not planning on ever leaving here, so I’ll be happy to help you out. Where is that sword?’ Lance said.
Brighton shook his head.
‘You would face the same tragedy that hangs over my head. Carlia would grow old while you stayed young. I will not do that to you. Lilian will find Erostagnos. Perhaps he can help us.’
‘Uh…I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ Lance stuttered.
‘My friend, it does not take Adri’s magic to see how you feel about each other. I saw you holding hands earlier. I am glad that you two found love,’ Brighton laughed.
Lance’s eyes went wide. He felt very uncomfortable discussing matters of the heart so openly. Carlia, being a female, was a lot more willing to admit her feelings.
She took Lance’s hand, looked him in the eyes and said, ‘Love.’
‘Well…uh…yes, me too,’ Lance stuttered.
‘Oh, so you love yourself too?’ Brighton teased.
‘No, I meant…you know….’ Lance replied, panic all over his face.
‘If you love Carlia, tell her as often as possible. You might never get the opportunity again,’ Brighton said.
He turned and walked towards the village, giving Lance and Carlia a bit of privacy. After a few steps, he snuck a quick look over his shoulder. Lance and Carlia were locked in a passionate kiss, unaware of anybody else around them.
Lilian jumped off the wagon and rushed to the house.
‘Nicky!’ she called as she entered.
‘We are here,’ Nicky called from the back of the house.
We? went through Lilian’s mind as she walked out the back door. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Peter rubbing down a horse.
‘Peter! We thought you were dead!’ she gasped.
‘There were times that I thought so too,’ Peter smiled.
Lilian gave him a tight hug.
‘I’m so happy you’re back,’ she said.
‘Didn’t Brighton tell you he found me in the prison camp?’ Peter frowned.
‘No, there were other things on his mind,’ Lilian replied.
‘Where is he?’ Nicky asked.
Lilian dropped her gaze to hide the tears welling up in her eyes.
‘Pappa is still in the forest. He is not allowed to leave,’ Clarissa said from behind.
‘So what are you doing here?’ Peter frowned.
‘The elf spirits have decided that I’m not welcome in their forest. We are on our way to find Erostagnos to see whether he will help us,’ Lilian replied.
‘We will do anything we can. What do you need?’ Peter offered.
‘Provisions,’ Lilian replied.
‘Nicky and I will go to town immediately. Why don’t you rest here for a while? It looks like all of you could use it,’ Peter offered.
Lilian smiled her thanks and went to the room she and Brighton shared so many years ago.
The following morning, Lilian, Adri and Clarissa set off for Weston very early. Adri was driving while Lilian and Clarissa sat in the back. Lilian had the sword in her hand.
‘I’m supposed to teach you how this works, but I do not understand it either,’ she said to Clarissa.
Adri looked over her shoulder and said, ‘Brac and Donic used Brighton’s walking stick. Both said it was simply a matter of wanting the power to work. You have to command it with your mind.’
Lilian concentrated on the sword but nothing happened. Clarissa picked up the cane and pointed at the trees with it.
Nothing happened.
‘I can’t do it either, Mamma,’ she complained.
Adri held her hand out, keeping the other hand on the reins. She took the cane from Clarissa and pointed it at the trees. A small energy bolt jumped into the cane and travelled into Adri’s body.
‘See, it’s easy,’ she said as she handed the cane back to Clarissa.
Clarissa’s face was a mask of concentration, but still she could not get the same result as Adri.
‘Let’s swap. Maybe you will have better luck with the sword,’ Lilian suggested.
She did not want to tell her daughter that she was also getting frustrated with this. The two of them tried to get some form of reaction from the weapons until they reached the wall, but without success.
Lilian threw the cane down and said, ‘I think my talent is blocking it.’
She jumped off the wagon. Some of the soldiers on the wall recognised her.
‘Where is the wizard?’ one shouted.
‘He is still in the elf forest. Is General Donic here?’ she shouted back.
‘No, he is in Weston with Queen Ashley,’ came the reply.
Adri steered the wagon through the gate. Lilian hurried to catch up and jumped on the back again. More soldiers came closer asking about Brighton. Lilian just kept saying that he would be back soon.
When the soldiers finally went back to their duties, she said to Adri, ‘Let me drive for a while. You must be tired.’
Adri gratefully handed the reins over to Lilian and climbed to the back of the wagon.
She picked the sword up.
‘Take the cane and do what I do,’ she said to Clarissa.
She pointed the sword to the woods and said, ‘Energy.’
A small lightning bolt jumped to the sword.
Clarissa mimicked Adri, but still nothing happened.
She threw the cane down and said, ‘It’s just a dead piece of wood. There is nothing magical about it! I don’t need it anyway, I have Mischief to protect me.’
The panther’s ears perked up at the mention of his name.
Clarissa sat down next to him, stroking his black fur and said, ‘I know you will protect me.’
Mischief closed his eyes and went back to sleep.
Marion ran as fast as he could. The thick undergrowth tore his clothes but he did not care. He did not look behind him, he simply ran.
I am free. Now I will steal the sword back and kill that wizard’s friends he thought.
As he passed a large oak tree, a muscular arm suddenly appeared in front of his face. His reactions were not nearly fast enough to avoid the obstacle and he found himself flat on his back, looking at the leaf canopy above.
Brighton’s face came into his blurred vision.
‘It hurts, doesn’t it,’ Marion said.
>
Brighton ignored the question, wondering how Marion knew about the pain in his chest.
‘Where were you going?’ Brighton asked.
Marion blinked a few times to clear his vision.
‘One day, I will have my revenge,’ he whispered.
‘Well, until that day comes, you still have a lot of work to do. Get up,’ Brighton replied.
Slowly Marion rose. Lance came storming through the undergrowth, nearly crashing into Marion.
He caught his breath and said, ‘Do you really think you can outrun a wizard? You’re just making things difficult for yourself.’
Marion did not answer. His right hand slowly moved to the back of his belt.
‘Please pull that knife out and give me a reason to kill you,’ Lance said.
‘What knife?’ Marion said, trying to sound surprised.
‘The one you’re trying to hide under your clothes,’ Lance replied.
‘I don’t have a knife,’ Marion insisted.
‘Look, either pull it out and attack one of us or hand it over,’ Lance said, holding out his hand.
It took Marion only a moment to make up his mind. In a flash, the knife was in his hand. He leapt for Lance, but the former general was ready. For a second time, Marion found himself looking at the canopy of leaves above, but this time his own knife was being pressed to his throat.
‘Release him, Lance,’ Brighton said quietly.
‘Why don’t we just end his life now? He is more trouble than anything else,’ Lance complained.
‘He still has work to do,’ Brighton replied.
Lance slowly rose.
‘If it was up to me, he would have been dead a long time ago,’ he said.
‘Come, the wagons are ready to leave. We’ve wasted enough time,’ Brighton said.
The three men walked back to the village, Lance keeping an eye on Marion. He knew the elf had another blade in his clothes. Secretly, he wished Marion would attack again, but not while Brighton was around.