Dream of Legends fie-2

by Stephen Zimmer

  His face looked tense and stern, with his broad jawline taut as he peered out over the grassland and the teeming campfires farther beyond. Whatever he was searching for, he appeared to be satisfied a moment later as his eyes looked back to Deganawida.

  “The final battles have not taken place, and the world cannot yet say the outcome, at least as we can understand it,” the second man continued somberly. “But you have given good account of yourself in all things, Deganawida. Stay true to your own course, and find the strength in yourself.”

  “Are you Wizards then?” Deganawida asked suddenly, looking from one to the other. Finally, he allowed himself to ease his weapon down, figuring that the great spear held before him would already have been put to use if the men harbored ill intent towards him. Some of the tension in the air that had been raised at the Great Sachem’s sudden alarm also began to settle.

  The hint of a smile crept onto the face of the first figure.

  “It is you who say that we are, Deganawida,” he replied.

  “I see that you are going to give no easy answers,” Deganawida responded, growing a little frustrated. “I can see why you are friends of the Wanderer.”

  The remark brought a low chuckle from both of the figures. They were not devoid of a sense of humor, at least.

  “I hope that you are Wizards, then, because I do not wish to see you caught between the jaws of this looming war,” Deganawida continued. “I hope that you have good means of travel out of here.”

  The first figure reached into a pouch attached to the belt at his waist, drawing out what looked to be a folded piece of cloth. Holding it up higher, so that the light could catch the cloth better, he carefully undid the first fold.

  The cloth was unmistakably fashioned in the shape of a Midragardan longship.

  “We can avoid them easily enough,” the figure stated, glancing out with a nod towards the enemy campfires, “At least long enough to find a watercourse.”

  “You are Wizards,” Deganawida then declared, gazing with interest upon the unique stretch of cloth, which held many more folds in its form.

  The first figure smiled at Deganawida, as he folded the cloth over to its original state, and returned it back to the pouch.

  “I wish that our people had such a means to evade this wicked design of the Unifier,” Deganawida said forlornly.

  “Perhaps they do, in a place that you do not expect, one that is not so far from you,” the second, stoic figure stated.

  “The Wizards that used to be amongst our people are nowhere to be found, and I am not confident that the Dark Brother has disappeared,” Deganawida replied ruefully. “The Light Brother. Deganawida, from whom I derived my own name. Hino. Gunnodoyak. The World Mother, the greatest of all of these. Where are they in these dark times? Tell me, if you are Wizards.”

  The looks in the eyes of the two figures softened at Deganawida’s desperate, insistent words, unmistakable compassion and sympathy on their faces.

  “The Enemy’s designs have long been set into motion, and in truth the invasion that you speak of has already been underway for many years,” the first figure said in a low voice.

  “Then you know something of the fates of these Wizards?” Deganawida asked, growing more dismayed.

  Both of the figures nodded. “Just something of their fates. Like I said, we are searching, to try and undo what has been done from the shadows and the darkness.”

  “Many great wrongs have lingered over many long ages,” the second figure added. “And I have not always chosen well myself.”

  At that moment, he brought up his left hand, so that Deganawida could see clearly where the man’s forearm was truncated into a stump. Deganawida said nothing, though the man did not volunteer any explanation as to how he had lost his hand.

  “We are all on a path of restoration, and redemption,” the man finally said. “And some, more than most, on a path of discovery.”

  Deganawida took the words in quietly, saying nothing in reply, as he looked from the spear-holder back to his companion.

  “We must continue on our own path, for now,” the first figure interjected. “We must take our leave of you, Deganawida.”

  “Are you alone? Or are there others with you?” Deganawida asked, casting a glance towards the strange, golden glow that could be seen a little deeper in the brush.

  “If you would trust us, you may see our third companion before we depart,” the first figure said.

  Deganawida nodded, knowing that if anything was really amiss, it would have surfaced long before then. All of his considerable instincts told Deganawida that these two figures were indeed no threat to him.

  The spear-carrying figure then turned and walked off with long strides into the brush without another word, with Deganawida following behind, alongside the other stranger.

  The spear-carrier pushed by some low brush growing near to the outer edge, where the thinner placement of trees allowed more light to reach the forest floor. The glow steadily grew brighter as they moved into the woods, the details of its source becoming clearer by the moment.

  Deganawida stared in wonder at the creature standing just ahead of him, which radiated the golden light from its thick, bristly mane. Brawny of build, long of leg, and equipped with a fearsome set of tusks, the largest boar that Deganawida had ever beheld in the woodlands was standing just a few short paces away.

  Such creatures were extremely dangerous in the wilds, but this magnificent animal made no sign of aggression as it regarded Deganawida and the others approaching it. Deganawida realized that it was great enough of stature that it could be ridden.

  “This is our third companion,” the first figure announced.

  “Who does not have a name either, I presume,” Deganawida retorted.

  “It is not important who we are, at this time,” the first one responded. “It is better that you know who you are, more so than you know who we are.”

  Deganawida just stared back at the confounding man, and shook his head.

  “Well, such an incredible creature I have never seen before,” Deganawida said.

  The glowing mane’s radiance was sufficient enough to light the way in the darkness for those with the creature.

  “We shall see you again, of that I am certain,” the first man stated. “Remain strong, Deganawida, and allow yourself to discover the help for your people that you seek. I assure you, it is not as far as you think.”

  The second figure with the spear gave a slight bow to Deganawida, as the two Wizards and the boar turned to walk off together into the forest. Deganawida watched them stride away, though it was quite some time before the forest’s darkness swallowed the last of the great boar’s golden glow.

  Deganawida was left behind in an utterly mystified state. He had not given the Wizards his name, but they had known it all the same. They were, in all likelihood, what they said they were; friends and allies of the Wanderer. The Midragardan style of their attire and the spear were further evidence of that.

  With slow, purposeful steps, Deganawida returned to where his Brega steed was still dutifully awaiting him, standing on the edge of the forest. Deganawida paused as he neared the noble creature, turning his attention back towards the fires burning off in the distance.

  Deganawida took one more deep, calming breath of the night air, and relished the gentle peace that permeated the woods and grasses around him. He knew that the tranquility was not going to last, and the fires on the horizon were a grim harbinger of that dark reality. With a heavy heart, and much to ponder, he remounted his Brega and took hold of its reins.

  He then set Coramm forward again, and they took off into the skies a few loping strides later. Once airborne, Deganawida turned the Brega sharply about, leaving the outermost borders of his lands behind, as he headed back eastward.

  An aching rose within his gut that told the Onan sachem that it was the last time that he would set his eyes upon the border of the tribal lands. He could only hope that he was
in error on the unsettling perception, though every ounce of his being told him otherwise.

  Deganawida wished that he could stay for just a little while longer, but there was no time to tarry. The next day would arrive soon enough, and Deganawida’s people would need his focus and guidance, with all of the vitality that he could possibly muster.

  Deganawida was of a singular purpose as he flew back to where the Onan were gathered. In the innermost part of his soul, Deganawida knew that he was wholeheartedly committed to his people.

  He had the resolve to do whatever was needed of him, and was ready to make whatever sacrifices had to be made. Deganawida only hoped that he could find the help for his people that he sought in time, especially if it was truly as near as the two enigmatic Wizards had claimed.

  *

  THE UNIFIER

  *

  The Unifier’s infinitely deep, blue eyes absorbed the vision of worldly power gathered before Him.

  The massed gathering of generals, nobles, lords, barons, counts, emirs, ambassadors, boyars, chieftains, prelates, bishops, and other various powers of humankind were assembled within the Great Hall, the stately edifice located on the second level of His towering mountain citadel.

  The environment was much different from the last time the Unifier had convened a similar gathering, commanding the presence of emissaries and representatives of the secular, ecclesiastical, and other religious powers of Ave. That convocation had been just another routine audience with the Unifier, a time to deliver tributes, express loyalties, curry favors, and be issued expectations and commands. This occasion was much more than that. It carried the vibrant atmosphere of a formal celebration, on the eve of a grand new era, the air buzzing with energy born of anticipation and desire. It was a very befitting space for such a prominent, momentous assembly to occur.

  The side walls of the long, rectangular hall were richly adorned with tapestries from many lands across the world. They were interspersed with the magnificent, recessed fireplaces that lent a further elegance to the hall. The various scenes of battles, eminent figures, and hunts played out splendidly upon the suspended cloths, the vivid, colorful designs woven by the most skillful of hands to be found within Ave.

  Sunlight bathed the resplendent hall through the high clerestory windows, where the arched openings were set farther above in the walls. The light reached far into the shadows, revealing the hall in all of its grandeur.

  Intermittent pilasters soared up the side walls to support intricately carved capitals, which in turn served to support the elaborate ribs of the vaulting gracefully fanning out across the ceiling far overhead. The ceiling itself was painted a deep blue, and dotted abundantly with stars of reflective silver. The series of chandeliers down the midst of the hall, whose multitudes of beeswax candles brought forth a scene of splendor from that ceiling when lit, were devoid of flames, but added to the stateliness of the environs nonetheless.

  The brilliant painting of a white star wreathed in red flame graced the dark background of the apse, where the high dais was located. All eyes were turned towards the elevated stone platform holding the singular throne set into that apse, at the end of the majestic hall.

  Standing upon the stone surface before the ornately carved throne, His head crowned in a bright golden circlet, was the Unifier. His piercing eyes seemed to look into each and every person in the room. He was clad in a long tunic of pure white silk, secured with a white belt brocaded with golden thread that was tied about His waist.

  A sword rested in an ornate scabbard attached to the belt, the silver and gold inlaid hilt, circular pommel, and wide, upturned crossguard gleaming brightly. His rich locks of dark hair shined luxuriantly, with a slightly wavy texture. To those gathered, The Unifier was a living personification of strength and authority.

  A few paces behind the Unifier, echoing the strength of His presence, were the members of His High Council; Gyriel, Morrigan, Niketas Palaeologos, Dragone of Girosan, Reginald FitzOsbern, Lothario Dandolo, and Ahriman.

  The seven eminent figures were gathered in a semicircle upon the dais. Great warriors, Wizards, sages, and sorcerers, male and female, the members of the High Council were greatly feared by all who were familiar with them. They had the power to shake kingdoms to their foundations, able to speak with the unsurpassed authority of the Unifier. It was no secret that each one of them held great favor with the Unifier, more so than any king or emperor within all of Ave.

  It was also lost on no man or woman present as to from whom the members of the High Council derived their lofty authority. While the seven of the High Council were rarely seen gathered all together before a large audience, none of those crowding the length of the hall were distracted from the singular reason for their collective presence.

  The hall, from the bottom edge of the dais’ steps to the great, iron-banded pair of oaken doors in the back, was filled to capacity with representatives from lands that had placed their will into the hands of the Unifier. Many had come on very short notice, from the farthest reaches of the known world.

  Most were very sore and exhausted from long travel by sea, air, or land, worn out by the forced pace of travel needed to reach Avalos in time for the imperative assembly. There were many who looked forward to the feast that would be placed before them that very evening, and to the undisturbed rest that would soon follow the prodigious repast.

  Yet such thoughts were pushed far to the back of their minds. For the moment, their attentions were fully focused upon the perpetually rising world ruler elevated before them.

  Their eyes looked upon Him with a mix of fear, awe, respect, and loyalty in varying degrees. The Unifier had first risen with the authority of the seven great western kingdoms behind Him, and He was now crafting and nurturing the ascension of an unprecedented new order, all across the entire world.

  As the vision of this new age was being unveiled, many believed that it was to be the most advanced and flourishing empire that any scholar had ever witnessed or written of. The Unifier’s power knew no boundaries, and it was becoming evident that no land or populace could stand in open opposition to Him.

  The submission to His greater authority was not without reward, as the wealth and power of the high lords, leaders, and rich merchants of loyal realms were expanded to ever greater degrees. Wars had decreased, and trade had expanded, even if the former had not altogether ceased.

  That the age had grown more difficult for millions of commoners in the kingdoms and empires, however, was of little or no concern to most of the prominent figures in the Great Hall.

  With the Unifier’s seemingly mythical ability to lead, gain consensus, vanquish enemies, and expand power, it seemed to most that He was beyond human. Whatever deity or god any of them prayed to, they had no doubts that the Unifier curried the favor of the divinities themselves.

  He did not age, He did not get sick, and He trod upon a path of astounding success, one that left His enemies broken and conquered in its wake.

  The belief continued to be ingrained that no mere man could wield such power and authority. No ruler could possibly be graced with the incomparable victories that The Unifier had enjoyed, without having the greatest of blessings from a Creator or gods alike.

  “Loyal generals, lords, kings, ambassadors, great merchants, emirs, boyars, and nobles, a profound time is at hand,” the Unifier began, His voice rising to a crescendo as it expanded to saturate the capacious hall with its melodious resonance.

  His articulate, smooth voice was understood in all languages spoken by those within the Great Hall, a tremendous phenomenon that was further attributed to divine favor. One of the earliest stories in the Sacred Writings spoke of the disintegration of communication amongst the enemies of the All-Father in a distant age, as they tried to build a great tower to reach the heavens themselves. To have one voice that was understood by all, each in their very own tongue, was nothing short of a miracle, whose nature could not possibly have been derived from any dark source.
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  “I have called all of you here, as we begin the first step of our final struggle. Our armies are now massed to strike upon Saxany and the Five Realms. You have responded well to My call, as another great army and fleet is forming rapidly… growing with each day that passes

  … in the port at Thessalas.

  “It will not be much longer before we move to attack Midragard. The end to this dying age, and a dying history, is now within sight. The time is soon coming when the greatest achievement in the entire existence of this world will be attained. An order such as has never been seen before will be brought to the whole world.

  “You shall all be the richer for it. You will see that our paths go together, as one, in unity and common purpose. That which you seek is gained from the path that I guide you forward upon. It is a wide path, paved in gold, which brings together so many other paths. Only one narrow path, that of folly, does not join this triumphant way. Only the misguided and the foolish trod upon it with their archaic ways. Your destination lies just ahead with Me, and is now within sight.

  “One world. One focus. One Great Authority.”

  Some in the audience felt a deep tinge of unease at the Unifier’s bold, elegent words, but not one of them was about to speak out in protest. As if absolutely nothing radical had been said, the Unifier smiled resplendently at His audience, seeming to exude the warmth of an invitation to a great feast upon each of them. The effect was simply mesmerizing, encompassing all who beheld Him.

  Though inexplicit, their minds viewed him as the living embodiment of all their hopes, as well as the incarnate change that needed to transpire to realize those lofty ambitions. When He continued with His oration, they were hanging upon His every word, as if He was speaking to them personally.

  “You have no doubts of My intentions towards each of you. You have greater wealth, power, and resources than you have ever known. I have always given a strong hand to crush and suppress any that would be enemies of those who have given their full allegiance to Me. History testifies that this is true.