Legends Born: Tahir Edition (History's Shadow)

by K. Dzr

  * * * * *

  Tahir felt more than a little uncomfortable sitting at a fine feast in the King’s dining hall while Oraden was left outside. They agreed it was best for Oraden to remain in the stable with the horses; he wasn’t comfortable around so many humans, or being confined to walls and doors. Tahir needed to remain in the castle so he could talk with King Robert and explain their business here. They also decided that since the King was also a friend of Demetrius, he would feel obligated to offer his finest hospitalities. To do anything other than accept, might be considered an insult. Still, Tahir didn’t like leaving his best friend alone in a horse’s stable. They talked for as long as they dared. Tahir certainly didn’t want to be late for dinner; He recalled how annoyed his mother was when he arrived late.

  While Tahir and Oraden talked in the stables, Gavin gave Meelix some quick lessons on behavior in the company of royalty; how to wash for dinner and what would be expected of him. Manners were of the utmost importance in the presence of royalty.

  The communication barrier between them was breaking down remarkably fast. Gavin spoke several languages fluently. The language of the little people of Rhykell was not difficult for him to learn. With mutual patience and effort, they were able to communicate.

  Meelix absorbed his lessons enthusiastically. His small stature was already a disadvantage to his friends; he certainly didn’t want to embarrass them or cause any ill feelings due to his ignorance. His goal was to fit in as best he could and find a way to become an asset to his company.

  Gavin, Meelix and Tahir waited at the table in the dining hall while servants made the finishing touches. Right on time, King Robert descended into the dining hall escorting a young woman on his arm. As they approached, Gavin and Tahir stood, and Meelix followed their lead. The young woman smiled pleasantly at Tahir, quizzically at Meelix, and her eyes lit up when they met Gavin’s.

  “My dear Destiny, how beautiful you’ve grown,” Gavin took both of her hands in his. “Why, you were but a child when I last saw you. And now, you are a beautiful young woman.”

  “It is good to see you again, Sir Gavin. It seems that you have escaped time’s embrace. You look as I remember from my childhood,” Destiny said.

  “Let me introduce you to my companions…if I may?” he looked over Destiny’s head, seeking the King’s permission. Robert smiled at the reunion and nodded for Gavin to continue. With one arm around Destiny’s waist, Gavin outstretched the other toward Tahir.

  “This is my young friend, Tahir al-Din, from the deserts of North Africa. Tahir, this is Lady Destiny, youngest and, if I may be so bold, fairest daughter of King Robert.”

  “Hello Lady Destiny. It is very nice to meet you,” She locked eyes with him and smiled, making her best effort to mask her curiosity about his foreign features.

  “And this is Meelix of Rhykell, the gnome village in the forest of the unicorns where Tahir has spent many years,” Gavin continued.

  “Hello Destiny. It is very nice to meet you.” Meelix repeated Tahir’s words for fear that anything else might be inappropriate.

  “Forest of unicorns?” her eyebrows rose. “Such a place truly exists?”

  “Yes, yes, Destiny…” King Robert interrupted. “Gavin has been gone a long time. He has met new friends and has many stories to tell. Let us feast. We will sit, eat, and allow Gavin and his friends to tell their tale from the beginning.”

  King Robert led his daughter to her seat and then sat down at the head of the table. The food was served by servants standing at the ready and the King motioned for his guests to enjoy their meals.

  “Gavin, how does your story begin?”

  “Actually, it begins with Tahir,” Gavin replied, nodding toward the boy.

  Tahir was surprised. He assumed Gavin would tell his own story and that he would only add a few points of interest or to provide answers when necessary. He didn’t expect to do any real storytelling.

  “I believe your story, as it concerns the King, begins with the forest of the unicorns,” Gavin prompted.

  “Oh, um, yes…Elysi.”

  Tahir began with how he met Oraden and was led to Elysi. He didn’t mention his village’s destruction; after all these years, he still found it difficult to talk about it without becoming distraught. He needed to convince this King he was strong and capable. For now, he only needed to know that Tahir left for adventures. It was, after all, partially true.

  “Do you mean that unicorns actually exist and that there is an entire forest of them and they can talk?” Destiny was astonished.

  “Yes, they do exist, but I didn’t know that either, until I met them. And there is a meadow full of them, and many other creatures. It is such a beautiful, wonderful place; and yes, they can talk. I mean, unicorns talk to each other, just like all other animals. But I can…I am able to speak to and understand animals.”

  “You can understand them? When they talk?” She was bewildered, and looked back and forth between Gavin and Tahir. “What does that mean?”

  “It means I can talk to animals. All animals. And of course, people.”

  “How?”

  Tahir looked at Gavin. He was uncertain as to how much he should tell the King.

  “Go ahead lad; tell them everything,” Gavin ushered as he took a savage bite into a juicy turkey leg.

  “Elysi is a magical place. While there I learned that I have the magic of universal language…”

  “Magic? Father, did you hear? Tahir knows magic!”

  “Yes I heard, this is all very interesting. I can’t wait to hear how I fit into all of this. Please go on Tahir.”

  Tahir was bothered by the King’s lack of enthusiasm, but he continued as requested. He told about the sprites and gnomes, the pixie dragons, Jeverre and the mers. He even told of his battle with the hyenas, strategically edited, of course. Unlike her father, Destiny was very interested in Tahir’s story. She never took her eyes from him and she frequently asked questions, which steered Tahir off topic now and again, but he managed to stay focused for the most part. He finally came to the part where he met Demetrius and Alexander. Now, King Robert was interested.

  “Did he say why he wanted you to find Gavin?” he asked.

  “He only said that Oraden and I should find Gavin so that he could teach us the ways of the warrior.”

  “And why should you learn these things?”

  “Sire,” Gavin answered, “you know, as well as I do, that Demetrius has his reasons—reasons he often does not share. The lad, anxious for new adventures and having newly discovered he had this magic, simply did as he was told. When they found me and explained that Demetrius sent them, I too had questions. I did what was requested and taught them both everything I know about swordsmanship. They learned quickly, and when the lessons were completed, they took me back to Elysi with them. And Destiny, I can tell you; it is the most beautiful and amazing place I have ever beheld. Not the greatest poet in the kingdom could describe it with justice.”

  “Oh, could you take me there one day, Gavin? I would give anything to see such a place. A place such as that is difficult to imagine.”

  Gavin smiled and shook his head at Destiny.

  “It is very far from here.” Robert reached over and patted her hand. “It would not be good for the daughter of the King to travel so far.”

  Gavin continued with his story.

  “While there I met with Demetrius, Alexander, and their new apprentice, Kraven was his name, I believe. Demetrius practically ordered us to come to you. So, here we are.”

  “This is an interesting story, but it still does not answer my question: What is my part in all of this?”

  “To be honest, I don’t know. But if I know Demetrius, we will know in due time.”

  “And what are we to do until then?”

  “Nothing, as far as I am aware. I would imagine that things will reveal themselves or Demetrius will send word as to what happens next. We are just following his wishes. I don’t know w
hat he has planned for any of us from this point on.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, Gavin, I am pleased to see you again. I just do not like the circumstances of your visit. You are welcome here, as are your friends, but…I have a bad feeling about all of this.”

  “What are your feelings telling you?”

  “Danger. With Demetrius involved, there is no telling what form this danger may take.”

  “Sire, I do not believe Demetrius would put you, your family, or your kingdom in danger.”

  “Alas, he already has. I do not wish to explain now, but what I tell you is true.”

  “Go ahead Father, tell them now. I know you have tried to shield me from the truth, but I know what I am and how Francis feels about it. I am not a child anymore. Speak freely, for this directly affects us all, particularly me.”

  King Robert squeezed his daughter’s hand and gazed into her big, affectionate eyes.

  “Suffice it to say, Francis is very intolerant of magic. I fear he may become a threat to you upon his return. Were he here, he’d be putting up a big fuss right now. This is what I mean; I am in danger of dividing my family over this magic business.”

  “I can see how this would pose a problem, but to call it dangerous seems a bit much, does it not?”

  “You don’t know how cruel Francis can be,” Destiny blurted.

  “Francis is the King’s son and heir to the crown,” Gavin explained to Tahir, then returned his attention to King Robert. “What has happened to the prince? I don’t recall him being cruel or dangerous.”

  “Believe me, you do not know Francis. It has been many years since you’ve last been here. Much has changed,” the King explained.

  “Things are better when he is not here. Thankfully, he is away often,” Destiny added.

  “Sire,” Tahir interrupted, “I do not know what lies ahead for us here, but I do know that we did not come to cause trouble in your family or your kingdom. We will be gone before Francis returns; he will never know that we were here. Oraden, Meelix and I are accustomed to—and are more comfortable in the forest. With permission Sire, we would stay in the woods nearby.”

  “Tahir, you will do no such thing! You are just as welcome in this castle as Gavin. Right Father?” Destiny pleaded.

  “It doesn’t seem right for friends of Demetrius and Gavin to have come such a long way to live out in the woods like peasants.”

  “Don’t look at it that way,” Tahir explained. “For most of my life I’ve been in the woods with animals. It is where I am most at home now. Besides, Oraden has no choice and I’d like to be with him. No one besides us will have to know who we are. We’re just strangers passing through this country and you are compassionate enough to allow us a temporary rest in your forests.”

  “The boy has a good point, Sire. Until recently, he hasn’t been around humans for many years. He’s familiar with the outdoors. Don’t look at it as an insult to your hospitality, but as a logical solution to a potentially ‘dangerous’ situation.”

  Meelix sat quietly the entire time, trying to piece together as much of the conversation as he could. He could tell there was some sort of problem with their staying in the castle but he wasn’t quite sure why. Eager to get in on the conversation, he tugged Tahir’s tunic and asked him to explain to the King that they could build a tree house hidden from view like in Rhykell. Oraden could even turn invisible if necessary.

  Tahir was repeating Meelix’s idea when…

  “Nonsense! I am the King. I can have whomever I choose to live in my forest. If you really want to stay in the forest, that is your choice, your suggestion. I am only agreeing in order to make your visit here as comfortable as possible. Let that be clearly understood. However, I will not have you sneaking around in hidden tree houses, becoming invisible and avoiding detection. You can build a house on land or tree, come and go as you please, make friends and conversation with humans and animals as you desire. You are my guests and will behave as such. When Francis returns, just stay out of his way, and I will have him stay out of yours.”

  Silence fell over the room while everyone thought about the King’s proposal, or rather, decree. Destiny alone, didn’t like it. She desperately wanted to learn more about magic and Elysi. She didn’t want Tahir out in the woods; but given the situation, she had to admit it would be best for everyone. She’d simply make excuses to visit him without arousing too much attention from her father. That shouldn’t be too difficult. Being the King made him quite the busy man.

  “…stay in the castle for tonight and in the morning we can begin building the treehouse if you wish.” her father’s words interrupted her thoughts. “My men will assist you.”

  “Thank you very much, Sire. I appreciate your generosity and I apologize for the inconvenience and any trouble our visit may cause you and your family,” Gavin said.

  “You could not have known. Even if you had, knowing Demetrius, it was not entirely your doing.”