by Pedro Urvi
“The time has come to say goodbye,” came Haradin’s voice behind him.
Komir turned and saw that the Mage was giving him a sincere smile. Behind him the whole group was waiting.
The great Mage put his hand on Komir’s shoulder. “King Gerart has just arrived with a detachment of Lancers. I have to go and meet him. It’s time for rebuilding. It’s time for peace.”
Komir smiled at him.
“Goodbye, Haradin. Take good care of the Kingdom, and of the future of men.”
“So I will, young Norriel. And you take good care of yourself. You did well, Komir, very well. It fills me with pride to have fought beside you. We wouldn’t have done it without you.”
“Nor without you, Haradin.”
“Friends?”
Komir smiled and nodded. “Friends.”
Haradin turned to address the rest of the group:
“Now is the time to think over everything that’s happened to us here. It’s time for reflection, to see how things have changed us, to decide how to go on with our lives.”
The Bearers nodded heavily, as they understood the importance of those words.
“Now is the time to rebuild the nation and your spirits. But in a short while in the not too distant future, I shall call upon you, and when I do I hope you’ll come quickly.”
“We will,” Aliana assured him.
“In the meantime, meditate, think over the events, their importance, the secret you’ve sworn to protect with your lives.”
“When I call, we shall gather to talk about the past, and in particular, about the future.”
They all nodded and took their leave of Haradin.
The Mage in his turn smiled, and left.
“I’m going with him,” Lindaro said. He was holding the Book of the Sun under his arm. “I must go back immediately, there’s so much to do… so little time…”
“I’m coming with you,” said Sonea, who was clasping the Book of the Moon firmly. “I have lots of long hours of study waiting for me.”
The Priest of the Light stopped at the door and turned with a wide smile.
“See you soon, my friends, take care —and by the Light, don’t get into any more trouble!”
Iruki looked up at the sky. “It’s time to go back to the steppes, to my Blue Clouds. My soul needs rest and quiet, to tend to the wound that I know will never fully heal.”
“I’m coming with you on your journey,” Lasgol said to her.
Iruki’s gaze turned to him, then after a moment she nodded. They exchanged farewells and good wishes with the rest of the group and set off.
The look Komir gave Hartz was unsure.
The big guy noticed this, and came closer to him.
“Everything’s all right between us, my friend. The past is forgotten.” Then he gave Komir a big bear hug which left him breathless, but with his heart joyful and tears in his eyes.
“Thank you, my friend, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.”
Hartz nodded, smiling.
“What are you going to do now?” Komir asked him.
Hartz turned towards Kayti, who was waiting beside the big brazier. “We’re going to Irinel,” he said. “Carrot-top wants to show me her kingdom.”
“You’re going to have to travel a long way east, across practically the whole of Tremia…”
Hartz laughed. “That’s even better. I’ll have a chance to get into all sorts of trouble on the way and find a few more skulls to crush.”
Komir could not help catching something of his friend’s cheerfulness. He hugged him.
“You take good care of yourself,” he said, “and don’t get into too much trouble!”
“I’ll try… although I’m not sure I’ll manage it.”
“I want you to know, and I say this from the heart, that you’re the best friend a man could ever wish for.”
Hartz smiled at him and turned towards Kayti.
Komir looked at Kayti in her white armor,
“And the grimoires?” Komir asked, giving her a questioning look.
Kayti let out a long sigh.
“I should take them to the Brotherhood, but I know they’ll be well-protected with Haradin. I won’t bring up the subject again.”
Komir nodded and jabbed his thumb at the big Norriel. “Take good care of him,” he said.
Kayti returned the look and smiled. “Don’t you worry, Komir, I will.”
The Norriel warrior watched them leave, and a feeling of sadness mingled with happiness took hold of him.
Asti took both Aliana’s hands in hers.
“I go back with others.”
“I understand,” said Aliana. “You go, I’ll come soon. I must speak to Gerart.”
At the sound of this, Komir’s heart began to beat like a war-drum.
Asti gave him a smile and left.
“Well,” Aliana said. “Now there’s just you and me left,”
Komir gazed at her beautiful face. Her golden hair fluttered in the wind. Just the sight of her made Komir’s heart bleed at the thought that he could not have her.
“That’s right,” said Komir, feeling hurt. “We’d better make this a brief farewell. The King is looking for you, to make you Queen of Rogdon.”
“That’s a decision which concerns nobody but me,” Aliana said. She came closer and looked sternly at him.
“You’re right. I’m sorry I said that…”
At that moment Gerart appeared at the door. The King of Rogdon stared at Aliana for a moment.
Aliana went over to the King and bowed.
“You know, between us there’s no need for formality… We’re friends. More than that, my heart belongs to you…” Gerart took both her hands in his. Aliana blushed.
“My King… Gerart…”
“I’ve come for you. I need the answer to the question you’ve been delaying. I need my Queen beside me to rebuild Rogdon.”
Aliana gazed at those blue eyes and took the handsome face in her hands.
She shook her head slowly. “I’m sorry… Gerart… I can’t be your Queen,” she said with a knot in her throat.
Gerart raised his head and looked up at the sky. His face showed pain, and his eyes deep sorrow.
“I should have gone after you in the Usik Forests. It’s something I shall never forgive myself for. I lost you there, for choosing Rogdon over you.”
“Don’t ever say that. You did the right thing, and you know it.”
“If I’d gone after you I would have won your heart, and this wouldn’t be happening.”
“If you’d come after me, Rogdon would be lost and you would never have forgiven yourself. We might not even be here.”
“But I’ve lost you…”
“You’ll always have me on your side.”
“Not the way I had hoped.”
“And you don’t know how sorry I am,” Aliana said with tears in her eyes. “You are destined to become a great king. The best monarch Rogdon has ever known. You have a brilliant future ahead of you. I’m not the person you should share it with.”
“You have taught me what true courage is, Aliana. You didn’t hesitate to come and rescue me from the Black Army. It’s what I should have done and did not.”
“I did it for Rogdon, just as you did. It’s the same choice.”
“I have learnt a great lesson. One must follow one’s heart.”
“We must follow both, duty and heart, although sometimes the choice might seem impossible.”
Gerart nodded sadly.
Aliana kissed his cheek tenderly. “You did the right thing, my King.”
And with that kiss, all the moments lived with Aliana went through Gerart’s mind, the weight of his responsibility towards the Kingdom which had forced him to choose between what his heart yearned for and what his duty dictated. He knew that no matter how much it might break his heart, he had done what he had to as the heir of Rogdon when he left Aliana in the Usik Forest —without Haradin Rogdon would not exis
t. And anyway, she was safe, All the bearers had joined to defeat the Dark Lady. And although nothing would have made him happier than ruling over Rogdon with Aliana as his Queen, he understood that she too had matured in the course of the whole process, just as he had himself, and she had made her choice.
Aliana made a move to say something, but Gerart raised his hand to stop her. He smiled at her. The smile was sincere, although there was deep grief in his eyes. He nodded at Aliana, then at Komir, and then with great dignity, the King left the hall.
Aliana went back to Komir. She stared into his eyes without saying anything. Between them, time seemed to stand still.
She put her arms around his neck and to his great surprise, kissed him passionately.
Komir looked into Aliana’s eyes.
“Don’t you want to be Queen?”
“That’s not my choice.”
“And your Order?”
Aliana shook her head.
“You’re my choice, Komir. You’re my Destiny.”
Epilogue
Time went by, a time for reflection and rebuilding: for the Bearers, for the rest of the heroes, for Rogdon, for the Norriel and for all Tremia. A difficult, sorrowful time, yet with hope —a time for curing wounds, souls and nations.
And just as Haradin had promised, his summons arrived. It came a year after the parting. Haradin’s Keepers found each of the Bearers and delivered the message. None of them was surprised at their arrival, as they were all aware that the Keepers remained watching over them, faithful to their task of protecting them without intervening in their daily lives. The Five hastened to answer the call.
The first one to arrive at the Flying Pony Inn in the city of Ocorum was Haradin. As the host, he wanted to be there to receive them all. He was greatly looking forward to holding them in his arms and making sure they were all well. The Mage stopped at the door of the inn. It was twilight and night would soon be falling. His guests would arrive in the shelter of darkness. He knocked on the door —three dry raps. Immediately he heard the bars slide back, and the door opened with a creak. Kindly old Baldor greeted him with a smile of welcome.
“What an honor!” he said. “The Great Battle Mage of the King, the Hero of Rilentor, Savior of Rogdon, Defender of Tremia, you honor me with your presence.” He bent double in a deep bow.
“Come on, Baldor, no ceremonies,” the Mage said, smiling. “Haradin will suffice.”
“I don’t know that I can, my lord, the honor is so great… The titles are from the people. That’s how they all know you now...”
“I’m sure you can,” Haradin said. He winked at the innkeeper in amusement.
Baldor blushed, then moved aside to let Haradin in.
“Have my guests arrived?”
The innkeeper shook his head. “You’re the first.”
“Very well.” Haradin walked into the common area, where Baldor had prepared a huge table with food and drink for more than a dozen guests. The whole room was well lit with oil lamps and candles, as the windows were shut and barred.
“I see you’ve prepared a feast worthy of Kings,” Haradin said. He smiled at the sight of both the food and the care with which Baldor had prepared the table.
“Just as you asked, my lord… you were very generous… I couldn’t do less…”
“I don’t want us to be bothered. Or overheard…”
“Don’t worry, the inn’s been shut and barred since yesterday and it won’t open again until you give me the word. A day, a week, a month, whatever you need. We’re alone, my wife is in Rilentor taking care of her ailing sister, so it’ll only be me serving you. And you know you can trust me completely. My eyes are blind and my ears deaf.”
Haradin smiled. “I trust you, Baldor, you’re a good man. That’s why I chose your place for this little clandestine reunion.”
“You honor me.”
“Now how about a glass of Nocean sweet wine while we wait?” He gave Baldor a friendly slap on the shoulder.
“Of course, right away. Who are we expecting, sir?”
“You’ll soon find out. I think you’ll be thrilled.” There was amusement in the Mage’s expression.
Haradin went up to the table and tasted the wine while he waited. A joyful nervousness filled him. He was in a very good mood, a happy one even, and the times being what they were this was a novelty for him.
He did not have to wait long. Several sharp knocks on the door announced the arrival of a guest. Baldor went to open the door while Haradin stood up to receive the newcomer. The innkeeper opened the door, then after a moment of doubt stepped back to let the guest in.
A figure in a hooded cloak walked in, followed by another whose face was also hidden by a hood.
“You don’t greet your friends any more, Baldor?” the figure said. He pushed the hood back to reveal his face.
“By the Light! Komir!” the innkeeper cried in astonishment.
“How’s the only honest innkeeper in all Ocorum?”
“Sp… speechless...” Baldor muttered as Komir hugged him.
The other figure also pushed the hood back, revealing a golden cloud of hair and enormous eyes the color of the sea, which lit up the room.
Aliana went across to the Mage and hugged him affectionately. “How are you, dear Haradin? I’ve missed you so much.”
“From what I can see, not as well as you two. You look wonderful,” Haradin replied. He looked at both youngsters and noticed how they both seemed full of life and happiness. It was so evident that even a blind man would have noticed it. Their faces were tanned by the sun and they had matured, even though they had not lost the joy and innocence of youth. But he could see it in their eyes. They were no longer insecure and inexperienced; they had grown wise beyond their years, since everything they had gone through was engraved on their souls.
Komir went to the Mage and hugged him tightly.
“You look well, my friend the Mage. Time doesn’t seem to pass for you. I don’t know how you do it, but you look exactly the same as you did a year ago.”
Haradin shrugged and smiled. He pointed at Komir’s white hair, which he wore tied at the back. “I see you couldn’t do anything about that.”
“No, I’m afraid not, that and a couple more things,” Komir said. He indicated the left side of his body, which looked a little shriveled compared to the right side. “But it’s a small price to pay after everything that happened. A price I pay willingly.”
“We’re very well, in body and soul,” Aliana said with her gentle smile.
Baldor offered them drinks. The innkeeper had not finished pouring when two more people came to the door.
“Come in,” Haradin called cheerfully.
Two new hooded figures left the shadows of the night outside and came into the light. They joined the others and pushed back their hoods. Two young women, one red-skinned, the other green-skinned, smiled at the group.
“Asti!” Aliana cried joyfully, and ran to hug the Usik.
“We met in the square just a moment ago,” Iruki said, and greeted Komir and Aliana.
“I see the plains suit you, Iruki Wind of the Steppes,” Haradin said, and hugged her in the Masig style.
“Mother Steppe always takes care of her children,” she replied as she returned the greeting.
The five greeted each other, exchanging hugs and smiles. Baldor offered the new arrivals something to drink.
“Me, want water,” Asti said, and came to stand beside Aliana.
“It’s a joy to see you all again,” said Haradin.
“It certainly is,” Komir agreed.
The joy of the meeting filled the hall, and the Mage and the four Bearers exchanged news and signs of affection.
“But if this meeting is going to be a real one, I think we’re missing a Bearer,” a voice said from the door. They turned to see Sonea looking at them teasingly, arms akimbo. The little Librarian threw herself at the group, and all came together in a single fraternal hug. The dramatic events t
hey had lived through had brought them together so strongly that they all felt like brothers and sisters.
“Let’s sit at the table,” Haradin said.” There’s so much to talk about, and no better way than doing it while we enjoy this food and drink.”
The five Bearers sat around the table, with Haradin presiding. All of them started talking at the same time, asking after each other’s lives, seeking news of the last year.
Baldor trotted from one end of the table to the other making sure their plates were piled with food and their mugs filled with drink. “The Bearers, by the Light! What an honor,” he muttered under his breath. “The Heroes of Rilentor, the Saviors of Tremia, here in my humble inn… nobody would believe me if I told them.”
Haradin cleared his throat noisily. “If you’ll allow me… my friends… please…” The Bearers paid heed gradually and their chattering faded. “Why don’t we have dinner, and catch up with everybody’s news at the same time? Agreed?”
“Yes, of course,” Aliana said.
“Who’s going to start?” Sonea asked with a smile.
“As I’m the oldest, perhaps I should begin. Besides, there’s a risk that this excellent wine will go straight to my head,” Haradin said.
“Huh!” Sonea said. “That would be something. A drunken Mage, now that would be worth seeing!”
“Not just a Mage,” Aliana laughed, “but the most powerful Mage of Tremia. It could be a catastrophe!”
“Yes, Haradin, best for you to start,” Iruki said.
The Mage turned towards the door, which was still ajar.
“Are we expecting anybody else?” Komir asked.
Haradin gave a mysterious grin. “Perhaps,” he said.
“Your note said you wanted to bring the five Bearers together again,” said Komir.
“That was my intention, and here you are. So I’ll tell you what I’ve been up to this long year.” Haradin gave a long sigh. “It’s been a very tough year, and I won’t pretend otherwise. Rogdon has been left in ruins, the Kingdom, its lands and its people. It’s been a year devoted to protecting what little was left and beginning to rebuild, with very little hope to start with, what with all the sorrow at the loss and suffering —but a little brighter with every passing day. The first thing King Gerart ordered was to take care of his people, and that’s what we did. At the same time, we had to secure the Kingdom. The few surviving troops, with the King and your humble servant, secured the lands of Rogdon. We traveled from North to South and East to West to ensure there wasn’t a single invader, mercenary or outlaw left to take advantage of our weakness. Those were very long weeks, but we scoured Rogdon of all the remaining rabble, you can rest assured of that.”