Alynon's Tear

by Rick Brown

  He smiled. He was actually quite handsome, if you weren’t looking at him as a possible enemy. “Do not worry, I’ll make sure you do not starve.”

  “Lord Waith,” he said, turning to the Lord. “I noticed a fine looking mare in your stables. It seems we will need one more horse. Can I buy it from you?”

  Stiven smiled. “Of course, Captain. Should I just bill Arthur?”

  The young Captain smiled back, “Oh yes, I’m sure he will enjoy that.”

  Stiven looked overjoyed. “Ahh, revenge for all the times he bested me, yes, I will do so happily.”

  “I get to keep Dreamer?” I asked surprised. I didn’t think I would be given the horse I had just tried to steal.

  “Well, you can ride her while we travel,” The Captain replied. “We will discuss Dreamer when we go our separate ways. In the meanwhile, Miss Hannen. We leave tomorrow morning. Do you own an oiled tarp and camping blanket?” I shook my head. He fished into his purse and brought out a few silvers. “You should be able to find them in the village. Get a heavy jacket, if you don’t already have one. Be sure to get everything packed, because we will be leaving early.”

  I tentatively reached out and took the coins. “Thank you, Captain.”

  “Well, Miss Hannen,” Lord Waith began. “It seems we are going the same way. I wish to go back to the village and to get a better feel of its needs. Would you care to ride down with me?”

  “Yes please, may Mary come with us?” I asked.

  “I don’t see why not, unless the cook needs her.”

  “Thank you, My Lord. I will ask,” I replied. I was sure I could talk Cookie into it.

  Getting up, I thanked everyone for letting me join them and left the room, nearly running into Mary who was right outside the door. “I can’t believe you get to go see the elves!” she nearly squealed.

  I took her arm and dragged her down the hall and away from the door. “I was so scared! I didn’t know what they would do.”

  “And,” she continued. “You get to go with that handsome Captain,” She said teasingly.

  “Please,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “There’s still something wrong with him. I haven’t figured it out yet, but I will.”

  “Well I don’t see anything wrong with him,” she said, making me blush.

  We continued to the kitchen and found Cookie. It took a little convincing, but she finally allowed Mary to go to the village with me. Walking back down the hall, we came across the Lord.

  “Well, what did the cook say?” He asked.

  “She said I can go, My Lord,” Mary replied.

  “Wonderful,” the smiling Lord replied. “Shall we go?”

  He walked us out to his wagon, which waited in the drive outside of the house. He helped Mary and me in, and then climbed up himself.

  The Lord turned to me as we started down the road towards the village. “Abigail, I just wanted to tell you something about the group of people you will be traveling with. They are very special, especially Captain Eberon. They have been selected for a very important mission. I would even say the welfare of our kingdom lies on their shoulders.”

  “My Lord, please forgive my question, but why would such an important mission have so few people?” I asked confused. “If the kingdom were in the balance, wouldn’t King Kendrick send an army?”

  “Hah! You are a bright one,” The Lord laughed. “I’m sure if the objective was battle, then you would be correct. Think of it as a diplomatic mission.”

  “So, the Captain is also a diplomat?”

  “Oh yes, he is very much so,” The Lord replied cryptically.

  We rode quietly the rest of the way to the village as I puzzled over my new set of circumstances. The Lord stopped and let Mary and me off at the general store.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Gambel,” I greeted as I walked in. I had visited the store often in the two years I had been at the manor, and had gotten to know Mrs. Gambel well. She and her husband were elderly, but still got around very well.

  “Good morning, girls. What can I get you today?”

  “I’m afraid I am leaving. I need some supplies.”

  “Oh, you poor thing. Did the new Lord kick you out?” She asked as she came around the counter to hug me.

  “Not exactly. The group of soldiers that he traveled with is leaving. He arranged it that I will go with them. They promised to teach me to be independent.”

  “Oh good. I would hate to think that you would be alone out there. Such a pretty thing,” She stated as she patted my head. “So, what do you need for your adventure?”

  “I will need an oiled tarp, a camping blanket, and a heavy coat. “

  “Oh, sleeping outside, are you? Well, then you shall definitely need some things to keep you warm,” She stated walking around the room gathering the supplies. “Ssh..,” She whispered. “I’ll give you some long pants to wear under your dress. It will keep you from freezing,” she said with a wink.

  “Thank you, ma’am,” I answered.

  After gathering my supplies Mary and I started back up the road toward the manor. The Lord warned us he might be a while, and I didn’t want to wait.

  “I’m going to miss you so much,” Mary began as she wiped a tear from her eye.

  “Please don’t cry,” I asked. “Then I’ll start crying.” But it was too late as I felt a tear trickle down my cheek. “It will be ok. Maybe once I’m a magic user, I can come back and visit.”

  “Please do. It will be so lonely without you around.”

  We made our way back to the manor and I dropped my things off in my room. Then I decided to do the thing that always cheered me up. I would visit Dreamer. The idea of traveling with her already started to make me happy. I first stopped by the kitchen and snuck a carrot while Cookie wasn’t looking.

  As I stepped out into the yard, I saw the soldiers were practicing. I didn’t have much experience with fighting, but the way they moved amazed me. It all happened so fast that it was hard to follow. I carefully went around them and entered the stable.

  “Dreamer! I brought you a snack.” Hearing my voice, she poked her head out of the stall. You could see the excitement in her eye when she saw the carrot. “There you go sweetie,” I said as I fed her the carrot and gave her a kiss on the nose. “You and I are going on an adventure. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you are safe.” Grabbing my brush, I gave her a thorough cleaning, happily whistling to myself.

  Chapter 11

  (Lee)

  The next morning, I grabbed my pack and made my way downstairs. It was still dark as I looked out the window, but it wouldn’t be long before dawn. I left my pack in the hall and entered the dining room. Whilhoit, Farloc, Ryan, Lenux, and the priests had already gathered.

  “Morning Lee,” Ryan greeted.

  “Ryan,” I nodded back. “How was the sword training yesterday?”

  He gave me a pained look. “I can hardly lift my arms. I don’t think I was made to be a soldier.”

  “You don’t have to be ‘made to be a soldier’, but you should know how to defend yourself. We will be traveling very near the border. A small group like ours will be a tempting target to Dommerian raiders,” I explained as I poured some coffee.

  “Yes, Father Pild and I have decided to wear our swords from this point on. We are on the outer edges of the civilized kingdom now.”

  “Thank the gods,” Farloc added. “I miss the forest. Your civilization is far too civilized for my taste.”

  “Now that I think about it, Farloc,” Lenux wondered. “I’ve only seen you use daggers. Is that your weapon of choice?”

  He shook his head. “We elves are hunters first and foremost. I prefer a bow.”

  “I haven’t seen you with a bow,” Father Pild stated.

  “My father thought it would be unbecoming an ambassador to travel through Vaelin with a bow on his back,” Farloc complained.

  “Well, another ranged weapon could come in handy. Let’s see what Lord Waith’s armory looks like
before we leave,” I recommended. Farloc gave a big grin in response.

  Soon Barad, Bri, and Abigail came down and joined us. “Morning all. Did you save some coffee?” Barad asked as he sat down. He quickly reached over and grabbed the pot, taking sniff of its aroma. “Ahh… Nothing like starting a cold journey with some hot coffee.” He poured some for Bri, and Abigail, and himself.

  “Good morning, Abigail. Are you prepared for travel?” I asked.

  “Good morning, Captain. Yes, I actually am very excited. I’ve read some books of adventurers, but didn’t dare dream to be one.”

  “You can call me Lee. No reason to be formal with traveling companions.”

  “In that case, you can all call me Abi. That’s what my friends do.”

  Barad piped in, “Well, Abi. If you are looking for heroics, you are joining the right group. I have fought many a battle. Some consider me quite the hero,” He said with a straight face.

  “Here we go,” Bri said, shaking her head. “Abi, ignore this blowhard. Given the chance he’ll talk about himself all day.”

  “But it’s all truth, love,” Barad argued, making an injured expression to Bri.

  “That’s the worst of it,” She said as she smiled back. “He is a hero. That’s what makes it all so insufferable.”

  “Oh, you have seen a lot of fighting?” Abi asked.

  “Yes, thank gods,” Barad continued. “Life has become so dull since leaving the front. I spend most of my time sitting around waiting for Lee.”

  Sometimes, Barad talks too much, I thought to myself. Giving him a hard look, he fell quiet as realizing he might have gone too far. I glanced at Abigail and could see her wheels turning, but she didn’t push for more information.

  After breakfast, Farloc and I searched out Lord Waith, finding him in his study. “Good Morning, Lord Waith,” I said as we entered the room. “I hope all is well for you today.”

  Stiven sighed, as he rubbed his eyes. “Well? I don’t know if I would call things well. Lord Hannen’s books are a mess. I believe that’s intentional. I have the money to run the manor, but the people have all grown wheat that has been transported away with little to no profit to account for it. They will be starving before winter is through.”

  This seemed much more dire than our need for a bow. “Is there anything we can do?”

  “Not unless you have a money tree,” Stiven replied with a weary smile.

  “One moment,” I requested as I walked to the door. “Ryan, come here!” I called out into the manor.

  Returning to my seat, I looked at Stiven. “Alsselya has funds that we cannot use right now. What if we invest in your village this winter, with interest on next year’s crops?”

  Stiven templed his fingers as he thought, “That may work. It certainly beats starving.”

  Ryan came trotting into the room. “You called?”

  “The people in the village have been cheated by Lord Hannen and don’t have money for the winter. Do we have enough funds to offer a loan?”

  “Well, Arthur is the real expert,” Ryan excused.

  “Yes, but Arthur isn’t here, you are, and you’ve been over those same books as often as he has.”

  Ryan squirmed under the scrutiny. “Yes, we have funds,” he groaned. “I hope Arthur doesn’t kill me for doing deals without him.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll take any blame. Come sit with Stiven and see if the two of you can work something out,” I said to Ryan as I got up. Looking to Lord Waith, “What we originally came to ask is if we could take a bow from your armory.”

  Stiven look blankly at me, “Do I have an armory?”

  “Most Lord’s would,” I answered with a smile.

  “Well then, if you can find it, help yourself.”

  Tillen helped us find the armory and we were able to get Farloc a satisfactory bow, though apparently it was no match for an elven bow.

  Walking out front, we found everyone but Ryan readying the horses. I was grateful to find that someone had already saddled mine.

  Abigail’s white mare was resplendent. I could see why she was so attached to it. Whilhoit was helping her tie her bundle behind the saddle.

  “Where’s Ryan?” Bri asked as she walked over to me.

  “He’s caught in some last minute negotiations for me with Stiven.”

  “Ahh, the little bird has learned to fly, eh?” Lenux asked.

  I shrugged, “He’s what we’ve got.”

  A moment later Stiven walked out behind Ryan. “Lee, this boy is Arthur’s dog through and through!” He said shaking his head. “I believe he got the better of me! A seasoned negotiator!”

  I looked over at Ryan, who seemed very pleased with himself. “Ryan, did you leave him any money?”

  “Oh yes, I achieved that by prorating the interest out over a few seasons.”

  “Ok, well then, I am just going to pretend I understood that and nod.”

  “You’re learning politics well,” Lenux laughed.

  “Thank you,” I replied. “Lord Waith, you’ll send a copy of the agreement to Arthur?”

  “Yes…yes. I’ll send it with the next messenger that comes through.”

  “Alright folks, lets saddle up,” I shouted as I climbed onto the horse. “Lenux take the lead.”

  As we started to ride off, I glanced at the house to see Mary waving at Abigail from the window. Abi was waved back, wiping away a tear.

  At some point we would have to share with her our real mission, but for now I decided to let her think we are just a simple group of soldiers escorting an ambassador. She was taking on so much already. If we informed her she was traveling with a King to get a magic rock and sword to attack Dommeran, she might crack.

  As the morning progressed, the sun finally broke through the clouds. It had been days since I had last seen the sun and winter depression was starting to set in.

  I raised my face as its beams kissed my skin. Even this modicum of heat was wonderful in the cold air.

  “Oh, I missed that,” Bri proclaimed. I looked over to see she was doing the same thing I was. It appeared I wasn’t the only one missing the sun.

  “I told you, Ryan,” Barad said. “The cold makes banging swords around all that much more painful. Maybe it will warm up so it won’t be so bad when we practice tonight.”

  Ryan groaned. “We are practicing again tonight? Can’t we take a break?”

  “And miss this warmer weather,” Barad teased. “I bet by tonight it will be a whole degree warmer!”

  I had to agree with Ryan. The idea of clashing swords in this cold weather made my hands ache.

  “You should practice in all weather conditions,” Farloc advised. “It will make you strong!”

  Looking at Ryan slumped in his seat he looked anything but strong. I decided to save him from further badgering.

  “So Abi, have you ever intentionally used your magic?

  She shook her head. “No, I always just hoped it would go away.”

  Too bad Master Felps wasn’t here. He was the one who taught magic use in the guild. I tried to think of an approach to use. “When you’ve performed magic, do you recall what it was doing?”

  “No,” she sighed. “It always struck when I was in turmoil. I was always too upset to understand what was happening. “

  “That makes sense. I’ll explain how your magic works. You take things from around you and use them to do your magic. For instance, the other night you used lightning. To do that, you have to take a form of energy from around you to build those bolts. Most people only have the strength to pull a small charge. Like you would get from brushing your hair on a cold day. With fire, you pull heat from the air. Some magic users are sensitive enough to feel a drop in air temperature just before an attack. That’s easier to do, so it’s the most common attack for magic users. As far as your explosion of the ground, I couldn’t quite tell what you did.

  “I have seen something like it on a smaller scale,” Father Yagen joined in. “Something t
o do with rapidly heating water in the soil. Maybe that is how she did it.”

  Abigail nodded as she followed along. “So, what makes a person strong?” She asked.

  “That’s your ability to use the energy around you. It doesn’t want to be manipulated. You have to force it. It’s a lot like getting Barad to work.”

  “Hey!” He complained. “I think I was just insulted.”

  “Ssh…” Bri hushed. “The grownups are talking.”

  Barad grumbled and dropped back to ride with Whilhoit.

  “So,” Abigail said as she squared her shoulders. “What do I do?”

  I rode next to a tree and broke off a dry twig, then, I handed it to her. “Focus on the tip of the branch. Imagine pushing heat into it.”

  You could see her go cross-eyed as she stared at the little twig. “Am I doing it right?”

  “No,” I answered honestly, “but nobody does on their first attempt. You’ll have to keep trying until you see some smoke rising off the twig.”

  “How long will that take?” She asked as she continued staring at the twig.

  “Days,” I answered.

  Chapter 12

  (Lee)

  The next few days passed slowly, as we continued north. We had not seen the sun since the day we left Lord Waith’s house. My pinto mare, which I named Mabel, was a good-natured horse that made the ride much more bearable.

  The landscape around us was changing as we rode closer to the Veluvian Mountains. The flat terrain of Vaelin was giving way to hills as we approached the Mountains of the north.

  Yesterday was the first time we had seen it snowing. Luckily, it was just a few flakes. I was hoping we would reach Illiner before the snow became a problem. So far, we had been able to keep to the roads, but Farloc told us today we would have to leave the comfortably smooth ride on the road and start cutting across country. There were no human roads that led to the elven city.

  “ARRGH!” Abigail screamed in frustration, tossing what was probably her hundredth stick to the side of the road. She had not yet managed to light one. She did claim once to have seen smoke, but Ryan mentioned it might have been the steam from her breath. That was the last time that Abi spoke to Ryan in the hours since. I suspect he may have been right, but I was smart and was keeping my mouth shut.