by E J Gilmour
‘How peculiar,’ said the giant falcon in a smooth and powerful voice. ‘You speak an Astarian tongue, yet you are not an Astarian.’
‘I am a man,’ said Eben firmly.
‘Then you are very far from your home,’ said the giant falcon. ‘I have not seen a man in these parts for nearly two thousand years. What brings you all this way out into such a lost and desolate place?’
‘I am looking for a friend. I believe he is somewhere out here in this desert,’ replied Eben, wondering if the strange creature could assist him to find Cassiel. ‘Do you know your way around?’
The creature turned its head and looked out toward the hills and into the distance.
‘Yes, I have searched the Desert of Eternal Loneliness for many years seeking after what was lost. The desert extends further than you can imagine; just about as far as people can possibly be away from each other without ceasing to exist.’
Eben felt his heart drop at hearing the creature’s words. ‘If the desert is so large then how can I possibly find my friend?’
The creature stared into Eben’s eyes for a few moments before answering. ‘Do not fear, man. I am sure your friend is fine.’
‘How do you know?’
‘Trust, yes, trust is the key; the Ecorian should already know that.’
‘You know my name! How do you know my name?’ said Eben.
The creature squawked and turned away, realising that it had revealed something it did not intend to. ‘Your name…yes, I know such things. It is my business to know such things.’
‘If you know my name then what else do you know?’
‘All manner of things,’ said the giant falcon.
‘Then you know of my friend and where I can find him?’ asked Eben, stepping forward eagerly.
The creature paused and eyed Eben for a few moments. ‘I know you will not find him, even if you searched for a thousand years.’
‘Why?’
‘Because his path has already led him far away from here. There are others who need him just as there are people on Veredor who need you.’
‘Will I ever see Cassiel again?’
‘Of course you will. When the time comes Cassiel will be led home. He is your true friend, and what is true is eternal. Such truth binds the cosmos together. Truth is the foundation of all things. The truth cannot become untruth, nor can untruth become the truth. Therefore, the truth is always the truth. Furthermore, what is true can never be taken from you. Often those we think have been taken from us have actually been with us all along; they shine like stars down upon us in our darkest moments; they bring us hope when hope is lost. You see, Eben, not even death can stand in the way of the truth.’
Eben stared at the giant falcon, intrigued by his words. He wondered who this creature really was and why they had met on this rocky hill in such a desolate place.
‘Who are you?’ asked Eben in a low and steady voice.
‘My name is Pilgrim,’ said the falcon softly.
‘Where are you from?’
Pilgrim looked deeply into Eben’s eyes and considered the question for a few moments before answering. ‘I serve the truth that exists beyond the furthest gate and above the highest height. There is a place where fields of flowers grow, above the still lakes, and deep in the Timeless Mountains. That is my home. It is the dwelling place of the eternal one.’
‘The eternal one? Who is the eternal one?’ asked Eben, wondering who Pilgrim could possibly mean.
‘One day we shall meet again when you are old and many years have passed. On that day I will take you there, and you shall meet the one who I speak of.’ Pilgrim’s eyes scanned the distant ridges and mountains for several moments. He then looked back to Eben. ‘I believe all I need to say has been said. I will be on my way now. There are many things I must attend to. It has been a pleasure talking with you, Eben Ecorian. May the sun guide your path, and may the wind always be at your back. Goodbye my friend.’
‘But wait, there are other things I must know,’ said Eben.
Pilgrim looked back. ‘Trust, Eben; all will be revealed in time.’
With these final words Pilgrim leapt into the air and quickly ascended. Eben watched after him as he disappeared into the horizon.
**
Queen Sera had called a council in the Ecorian Hall. Red sat with Stella by his side at the great round table. King Ignis, Baftel, Prince Armida, Princess Apherah, the Zyranian Outcast Aperio, Garnock, Chief Parco, Quade, and Meara were also seated around the table.
Meara stood up and looked around at the company. ‘Veredor has been freed of the Prince of Shadows. Fiora’s Bridge has been crossed. All the servants of the Prince of Shadows have been expelled from our world. Baftel has seen all of this.’
‘It is true. It also appears that nearly all the Skatheans and Northern Sorcerers have been expelled, and most of the Zyranian Order,’ said Baftel. ‘Our world has been liberated from the powers of darkness.’
‘What about Eben?’ asked Red.
Baftel stared down at the table. ‘Shortly after the liberation I lost sight of him. I believe he deliberately left Veredor and entered the darkness beyond.’
‘Why would he do that?’ asked Quade, shaking his head in disbelief.
‘Cassiel,’ gasped Stella. ‘He’s gone to save Cassiel. Why else would he go beyond the Cosmic Gate?’
‘You are right,’ said Meara. ‘We all know that Eben would walk into the abyss to save his friends.’
‘But that’s where he sent the Prince of Shadows and all his servants. Will he be safe out there?’ asked Red, his eyes revealing his concern.
‘I do not know,’ replied Baftel. ‘Little is known of the darkness beyond Veredor. The old accounts tell that it is a desolate place.’
Suddenly a line of white light appeared in mid-air across the hall. The company at the round table all turned to see a gateway open into darkness. Shimmering white light surrounded the gateway. A moment later Eben stepped through. He was covered in red dust and looked to be bruised and battered. Apherah cried out in happiness and ran to him. They embraced in front of the Sapphire Throne. The others approached, and Eben, still holding Apherah close, looked across to his friends.
‘You saved us from the Prince of Shadows,’ said Queen Sera
Eben nodded and smiled. ‘All our enemies have been cast into the Desert of Eternal Loneliness where they belong. As long as men and mer remain in Veredor the Prince of Shadows cannot return.’
Slowly the Cosmic Gate closed and shrank away before completely disappearing.
‘Did you find Cassiel?’ asked Meara, anxious to hear news.
Eben cast his eyes downward and shook his head. ‘I went to the deserts beyond the Cosmic Gate to search for him. I was told by a strange being that Cassiel is still alive, but his path has taken him far from Veredor. He is out there somewhere beyond the Cosmic Gate.’
‘Then we will have to go out there and keep searching for him,’ said Red, looking like he was ready to go at once.
‘I believe Cassiel will be alright,’ said Eben, reassuring Red. ‘There are others who need him now. When the time is right he will return to Veredor again.’
‘Who told you these things?’ asked Baftel, intrigued that Eben could know so much about Cassiel and yet not have found him.
‘I met a giant falcon with the voice of a man in the Desert of Eternal Loneliness.’
Baftel nodded and smiled, knowing the one who Eben spoke of. ‘There is a legend about such a creature and an old song from the Forgotten Age. Most of the words of the song have been lost in the passage of time, yet a small fragment remains.’ Baftel then began to recite the song: ‘Over the moon and beyond the sun, Pilgrim flies to serve the one; into places beyond the deep, he will go and courage keep; the hand of peace reaches out, across the stars without a doubt; with falcon wings and a mind of light, old Pilgrim’s heart shines forever bright; for a broken body he understands, is the path of every man; and when darkness falls on
the land, fear not when Pilgrim is close at hand.’
‘He told me his name was Pilgrim.’ said Eben.
Baftel nodded knowingly. ‘Pilgrim was a friend to the Astarians before they arrived in Veredor. He was the one who gifted the Seven Relics to the Astarians. The Three Swords, the Star of the North, the Chalai, the Silver Leaf, and the Sun Stone were all given to the Astarians by Pilgrim. He is a champion of peace and truth. If Pilgrim told you these things about Cassiel then we have nothing to worry about. Cassiel indeed has a path that will lead him elsewhere, and when the time comes he will return home to Veredor.’
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Eben stood with Princess Apherah on the banks of the Adira River. They had found a quiet place where several large willow trees grew up beside the water. It was the first time he had been alone with her since his return. He was transfixed by Apherah’s beauty. Her hair fell like silk beside her face, and her ocean blue eyes stared up at him with a shining brightness that only added to her beauty.
‘I knew you would come back,’ she said softly, reaching out and taking his hand. ‘All the people of Irvaria are calling for you to be named the Ecorian Emperor. The Ecorian Empire will return. Truth and justice will govern all the lands of Veredor. King Ignis and Prince Armida agree with the people. You will be the Ecorian Emperor, Eben.’
Eben looked from Apherah out toward the slow flowing water. Even though he knew what she was saying was true he still did not feel that he could rule an empire. In his heart all that he wanted was a simple life. He had no desire for power or to rule the lands.
‘I’m not sure if I can be an emperor. I don’t know the first thing about ruling an empire. I grew up in a small village, far away from the courts of kings. All I want is a simple life.’
Apherah moved closer and smiled. ‘That is why you should be an emperor, Eben. All men who desire power do not deserve it. Power should only be given to those who do not want it, because it is such people who have the strength to rule justly. I grew up in a royal court. I will always be by your side.’
Eben drew her closer, and just as they were about to kiss he caught sight of movement in the water. Suddenly five figures emerged and glided across the surface toward the bank. Eben knew instantly that they were mer and were the same mer he had met beneath the ocean with Casimir. Apherah was startled. A moment later Casimir arose out of the river and walked toward the bank. He was surrounded by glowing light and looked vibrant and full of energy. The mer followed the Astarian.
‘Eben Ecorian, we have come to show our appreciation,’ said Casimir as he reached the shore.
‘Casimir, I wasn’t sure if I would ever see you again.’
Casimir bowed and smiled. ‘I believe this will be the last time that we meet in Veredor.’ He looked to Princess Apherah. ‘I am pleased to meet you, Princess Apherah,’ he said as he bowed again.
‘This is the Astarian Casimir, and these are my people, the mer,’ said Eben.
‘I am delighted to meet all of you,’ said Princess Apherah.
‘And we are honoured to meet you,’ said a beautiful mermaid.
‘It seems that Veredor has passed from the Astarians to men and mer. Fiora’s Bridge was crossed,’ said Casimir. ‘I no longer can pass through the Cosmic Gate at will. Veredor has now formed a relationship with men and mer. You found the secret to Fiora’s Bridge and saved our world from the Prince of Shadows.’
Eben nodded and smiled. ‘Did you know this would all come to pass, Casimir?’
Casimir shook his head. ‘How you managed to cross Fiora’s Bridge still remains a mystery to me, yet I knew, in my heart, that you had a gift, Eben, and I can see that this gift will be handed on to your descendants. Alas, I will not be in Veredor to meet your descendants, for I must leave this world forever.’
‘Where will you go?’ asked Princess Apherah.
Casimir smiled with a twinkle in his eyes. ‘My lady, there is a place far across the cosmos. I have only seen the fields of flowers which grow at the entrance; since my youth my heart has harkened for that place, and now I know the time has come for the long journey.’ He looked from Apherah to Eben. ‘Only the Ecorian can open the Cosmic Gate. Would you allow me to leave Veredor, Eben?’
‘Of course, but I will be sorry to see you go,’ said Eben, realising the significance of the last Astarian departing.
‘The time of the Astarians has passed. A new age has arrived. Men and mer will prosper and Veredor will forever shine as a world of peace and hope in the cosmos.’
****
Three months later Eben and Apherah rode through the forest to the north of Clemensdale. Behind them rode the Royal Ecorian Guard which consisted of ten Tabarian Knights and two knights each from the realms of: Ortaria, Ateria, Irvaria, Vastoria, Scaldonia, and Iarthar. The leader of the Royal Ecorian Guard was Sir Conleth, a Tabarian Knight, who was a hulk of a man with a long red beard and a deeply weathered face.
Eben looked back to Sir Conleth. ‘I would like to go on alone from here. I think that twenty fully armoured horsemen entering Clemensdale would unnecessarily frighten the village folk.’
Sir Conleth nodded. ‘As you wish, Emperor.’
‘Thank you, Sir Conleth.’ Eben then looked across at the Empress who was riding a large white horse.
‘We will discreetly protect all the entrances to the village,’ said Sir Conleth.
Eben then turned back to the Empress. ‘Shall we go?’
They rode along the forest road until the forest came to a sudden end. Ahead of them were lush grass covered hills. The road followed the base of a shallow valley and passed by several small farmhouses. An old farmer, with hair as white as snow, was smoking a pipe and sitting on his wooden fence. He took the pipe from his mouth and waved.
‘Is that you, Eben?’ he asked as the horses approached.
‘Hello Serg,’ said Eben, riding slowly up to the old man.
‘By Tiernan! I never thought I would see you again, my boy. Where have you been all this time?’ asked the old farmer as he jumped down from the fence and stepped toward Eben and Apherah.
‘I went to look for my parents.’
‘Did you find them?’ asked Serg as his bright blue eyes looked to Apherah.
‘I travelled all the way to Irvaria searching for them. Unfortunately they passed away long ago.’
‘I am sorry to hear that,’ said the old farmer.
‘Serg, I would like you to meet my wife, Apherah. This is Serg of Clemensdale. He has always been like an uncle to me.’
‘Well, you look like a sweet young woman,’ said old Serg, bowing low.
‘I am pleased to meet you,’ said Apherah, sweetly smiling at the old farmer.
‘Oh, I am so happy you found yourself such a beautiful wife, Eben. Vera will be delighted. Let me get my pony; I want to come with you to town. This is the most exciting thing that has happened in years around here.’ Old Serg spun around and ran back to his barn. A few moments later he reappeared and was riding on a shaggy old brown pony that looked a little too small for him.
**
Serg led Eben and Apherah into the village. Seeing the little cottages with their small flower gardens filled Eben’s heart with happiness. The village folk were all thrilled to see him and cried out greetings as they passed by.
Apherah looked over at Eben and smiled. ‘Clemensdale is beautiful, Eben. You must have had a delightful childhood,’ said Apherah, her eyes glowing with joy.
‘Eben!’ cried a man, running out of a store up ahead. Eben could see it was the baker, Gallus. Gallus ran over as Eben jumped down from Swiftwing. The old baker hugged him. Gallus was a short man with a large pot belly and a round happy face. ‘We thought you would never return. I must tell Vera. Come with me; this is an occasion to celebrate!’
Apherah dismounted, and they followed Gallus to a small cottage situated directly behind the bakery. Gallus burst through his front door and shouted out. ‘Vera. It’s Eben! He’s come home!’
A moment later Vera rushed from the front door, tears flowing from her eyes, as she dashed across to Eben. ‘Eben! You really have come home!’ Old Vera embraced him so tightly that he nearly tumbled over. ‘I thought the worst had happened to you. I think I have to sit down.’
Vera and Gallus led Eben, Apherah, and Serg into the small cottage. Vera quickly tidied the small wooden table and pulled up some rickety old wooden chairs. Eben sat down with Apherah as Serg prepared some tea for the company.
‘Eben, it has been much too long. Where have you been all this time?’ asked Vera.
‘I don’t know where to begin, Vera. Before I tell you the story I would like to introduce you to my wife, Apherah.’
Vera warmly smiled and took Apherah’s hand. ‘Oh, what a lovely woman you found to marry. I think I am going to cry, Eben.’ Vera wiped the tears away from her eyes.
‘I am pleased to meet you, Vera,’ said Apherah kindly.
Meanwhile Gallus poured them all some sweet Clemensdale tea from Vera’s pot. ‘Where have you been all this time? I’m sure you have a tale to tell.’
Eben looked across the table at Gallus and smiled. He took a sip of tea before beginning his story.
****
In the city of London, across from the entrance to Covent Gardens Station, there is a place where three trees stand. On a mild summer day a tall young man in a long coat stood leaning against the trunk of the smallest of those trees. Hundreds of people passed by, but no one took much notice of the dark haired man standing there quietly. With a happy smiled Cassiel watched the people pass by before moving on.
THE GUIDEBOOK TO VEREDOR (Spoiler Alert)
GLOSSARY
Alber – Alber is a kingdom situated in the north of Veredor. The Kingdom of Alber was founded in the First Age. The Kingdom of Alber, for the most part, remained distant from the affairs of the southern kingdoms of Veredor. Alber was often invaded and occupied by the Kaznor Empire.
Alblan – The people of the central kingdoms of Veredor are mostly descended from the Alban people who arrived in Veredor in the Forgotten Age and formed a colony in modern day Irvaria.