Guardian: Rise of the Nature Walker (Nature Walker Trilogy Book 3)

by Nancy E. Dunne

  “Oh, look, the circus has arrived,” Taeben said dismissively in their general direction. He looked back to see Sath’s clawed hand coming at his face, but didn’t duck in time to avoid the tips of the lethal weapon slicing through the skin on the side of his face. The wizard howled in pain and sent a blast of lightning down onto the Qatu’s head. The odor of singed fur filled the air.

  Teeand had replaced his standard war hammer with a shiny metal bow and as he ran, he fired off arrow after arrow at Taeben. One of them sunk half way up the shaft into the wizard’s leg and he cursed loudly as he went down onto one knee. Elysiam hung back at a safe distance, speaking words that called up the breath of Kildir himself, a mighty wind that which barreled into Taeben’s back, and sent him sprawling forward. Gin was quick to command magical roots, which grew all around Taeben and held him fast to the ground, his face in the dirt.

  “You won’t get away with this!” Taeben screamed at them as he struggled against the roots. Blood pumped out of the arrow wound on his leg and the scratches on his face. His white hair had come loose from its customary ponytail at the nape of his neck and stood up at odd angles. “I have friends, important friends, which will be on you before nightfall if I die!” He struggled against the roots, the thorns of which cut into his cobalt robes and drew new blood from his arms and legs. “Ginny is mine, the druid is mine!” he wailed, his composure melting into madness. “All I ever wanted to was to keep you safe, Ginny, and have you at my side to rule Orana! That’s all!” Hackort and Teeand raised their axes and Sath took aim with his staff as Elysiam began focusing her will on Taeben’s prone form.

  “Stop,” Gin said. She jumped in between them and Taeben, holding her arms up in the air. “STOP! All of you, wait a minute!”

  Hackort stamped his tiny foot in frustration. “Great, we’ve reached the point where Gin sets the bad guy free. Again!” He sighed loudly, and then looked up at Gin. “Sorry, Ginny, but it’s true.”

  Gin smiled down at the gnome. “Fair play, Hackort,” she said. “But not this time.” Walking around to his head, Gin squatted down and looked at Taeben. He struggled and spit, but fell silent as she smoothed his hair back from his forehead as gently as she would a child’s. “So many times I thought I saw glimpses of who you used to be, before you became power hungry and stopped caring about how much you hurt others…and me, how very much you hurt me. But now, now I see you for who you truly are. You haven’t learned a thing, have you?” she asked.

  “Oh, I’ve learned plenty, my dear. Lesson one, never turn your back on a dragon, or he will roast you, as you yourself know very well.” Gin smiled sadly at the wizard as he continued ranting. “Lesson two, never underestimate a giant cat, or he will chop off your hands.” Gin stared at him, her smile faded, and he nodded. She looked up at Sath.

  “Is this true?” she said, disgust creeping into her voice.

  “I won’t apologize for it,” Sath said. “I’m sorry, darlin’, but he deserved it.”

  “Darlin’ indeed,” Taeben sneered. “I never chopped your hands off, now did I? In fact, I never hurt you half as much as that beast did.” He twisted his head around so that he was looking at Sath. “Lesson three, never give your heart and soul to a wood elf, or she’ll end up your undoing,” he said, his voice taking on a sad quality. “Haven’t you had enough yet, Qatu? She’ll be the end of you too!” He wrenched his face back toward Gin who reached out and touched his cheek. Taeben spit at her. She slowly stood up and stepped back from him, wiping the side of her face as though she’d been burned. His eyes widened as he recognized the hollow look in her eyes. “Ginny, please, I’m sorry, just let me talk to you…just you…” She felt him try to press into her mind and fail immediately, and then felt his fear in that moment.

  This is your last chance, Ben.

  How are you...what did you…you kept me out!

  I am the Nature Walker, Taeben. You are out of time.

  You cannot survive without me, Ginny.

  I think I’ve done just fine, thank you very much. I just needed a reminder of who I really am.

  You are not strong enough. You are no Nature Walker.

  “Right, that’s it. Have at him…it, whatever.” Gin turned her back on all of them as Taeben howled in protest. Sath looked around at his friends who all wisely took a step back. Teeand and Elysiam took places on either side of Gin, though she wasn’t sure if they were there for support or to keep her from interfering. She looked over her shoulder and watched as Sath strode over to the still keening wizard. Taeben fell silent, looked up at Sath, and smirked. Gin turned away. This was something Sath had to do, Guardian or not.

  “You don’t have it in you to kill me in cold blood, Sath,” he said, before returning to shouting insults and abuse at all of them. “Filthy Qatu! Beast! You son of a…” Gin winced at the crack when his neck snapped, stopping the sound of his voice, but still didn’t turn around. She silently looked up at Sath as he joined the group.

  “Shall we?” Elysiam looked at each one in turn as they all moved in closer around Gin. “We need to get out of here before she tries to heal the wizard.” Gin scowled at Elysiam but welcomed her sister-druid’s arm around her waist and leaned in to the embrace for a moment. Elysiam understood. She hated Taeben, but she understood. She released Gin and took her place in the circle.

  “Quickly, please Elys?” Teeand replied. With Sath closest to Gin, they intertwined their arms around her as Elysiam spoke the magical words of transport. Gin closed her eyes and pressed her cheek against Sath’s chest.

  “Outpost,” she said, and the five of them soon faded from view. The moonlight bounced off the water and reflected in the wizard’s dead eyes as the magical roots fell away.

  In the Grand Library of the Outpost, a young dark elf looked up from the tome she studied. She struggled to catch her breath; her master’s death had hit her like a blow to the chest, and for a moment, she was not certain that she could breathe at all. “Who? How?” She gripped the page she had been reading and nearly ripped it from the ancient book. The answer came to her as though he had spoken directly into her mind one last time. “It was the Nature Walker, as you predicted, Master. I swore on my own blood that I would protect your legacy, and I will - with my very life. I will avenge you.” Slamming the book shut, she pushed back from the table and tucked the book and her parchment into her satchel before hurrying out of the Library.

  Gin and the others appeared just outside the Fabled Grand Hall. They all stepped back quickly from Gin who shook off the effects of the transportation magic. She felt a buzzing in the back of her mind, but this time it was not unpleasant as it had been with Taeben. It was Perryth. He was more of a gentle hum, and was the only presence there anymore.

  I failed you, Guardians. Just as I failed trying to avenge you, my parents. I am sorry, Perryth.

  Ginolwenye of the Trees, you have failed no one. In fact, you saved your Sathlir’s heart. He remains the Guardian from Qatu’anari, and that will pass to his son, Prince Khujann.

  How? He killed Taeben.

  He was protecting you. He saved you from having to kill him, just as he always said he would. In addition, Taeben was dangerous. His ambition would have ruined life in every corner of this world. Sathlir has become the champion of the Guardians.

  I wish that I could have kept Sath from having to do that.

  You have work to do, Nature Walker. You must tell Sathlir about the Guardians. You must gather the other Guardians and come to the Temple. Once you are all here, we will discuss the future of Orana.

  I do not know who – the other Guardians?

  Aye, from Alynatalos and Calder’s Point. We will lead you together, Nature Walker. We look forward to greeting you upon your return to the Temple.

  And I look forward to that as well, Perryth. Just not yet. For now, I want some time with my...family. My people.

  You have earned it, Nature Walker. We will be here once you are ready. Remember, you are a Guardian and no dragon
on Orana may harm you. Carry our strength with you, Ginolwenye of the Trees.

  “Gin?” She blinked as Perryth withdrew from her mind and saw Sath staring at her. He was worried. “Are you all right?” She smiled at him.

  “I’m fine. But you and I need to talk, Sath.” He nodded and she looked from face to face of the group assembled. “Thank you, all of you, for never giving up on me and for always coming for me, even when I did not deserve it.”

  Elysiam smiled at her, a very rare and genuine smile. “You always deserve it, Gin. If you’ve taught us anything, it’s that.” She grabbed Gin in a hug. “Thank you for never giving up on ME,” Elysiam whispered before she released Gin who nodded at her, and then turned her attention to the gnome standing next to her sister-druid.

  “Hackort, you take such good care of all of us. You and Teeand have kept me alive well past the point of reason, and I am so grateful. Now keep watch over my sister, Elysiam.” She held out her hands and each of the warriors took one of them. “Teeand, I hope that you are going to continue to lead the Fabled Ones, yes?” The dwarf nodded. “At least until that little one of yours arrives, I mean. Now, Sath? A word?” He nodded and she walked toward the Grand Hall, Sath right behind her.

  Once the door shut behind them, Sath scooped Gin up in his arms and held her close. She snuggled into his embrace as his purr resonated through her body from her toes up to the roots of her hair. “I almost can’t believe this is real, darlin’,” Sath said. Gin grinned as pushed him back.

  “There’s time for that, Sath,” she replied. “You know now that I am the Nature Walker and I have the responsibility to lead the elves of the Great Forest, just as you have a responsibility to the Qatu as their Rajah. But there is so much more that you need to know. For a start, I need to tell you about an ancient order called the Guardians.”

  Nineteen – several weeks later

  The Fabled Ones gathered in the great hall, with the five in the middle of the room. Sath, wearing his black satin formal robes and the crown of Qatu’anari and Gin, dressed in a green robe with gold embroidered vines winding all around it that signified her status as Nature Walker, stood on one side of the circular pattern on the floor. Elysiam and Hackort, both in the formal armor of their races, stood across from them. Voices echoed against the stone that made up the walls and floors of the hall, wondering why they were there, curious about the return of the Nature Walker and generally gossiping about the Rajah that stood before them. A curtain hung over the doorway that led to the healing water. A stubby fingered hand emerged and pulled the curtain back as Teeand emerged, uncharacteristically dressed in the formal garb of his people down to the gold and silver beads plaited into his long beard. He crossed the room and stood between Sath and Elysiam as he addressed the rest of them.

  “I have been asked to serve as your leader, appointed by our former leaders, Sathlir Clawsharp of Qatu’anari and Ginolwenye of the Forest.” He cleared his throat and Gin smiled at him. She knew how much he hated public speaking. “But I say this day and every day that we need no leader, and that I am one of you. We are all one family. We are the Fabled Ones, and we have among our numbers the Rajah of Qatu’anari and the Nature Walker! Who can possibly hope to stand against us?”

  A great cheer arose from the assembled, followed by a few minutes of clapping each other on the backs and thunderous applause. Gin stepped forward, one arm raised, and the crowd fell silent. Her sleeve slipped backward to reveal bracelets in the shape of vines that started on her fingers and continued into the depth of her sleeve. The glow that seemed to transform her into a goddess emanated from her, creating a halo around her entire body. “Teeand is right,” she said. Her voice was soft, yet firm and the elves in the room took a knee, heads bowed. She smiled at them. “Recover yourselves, my kin, and never bow before anyone again. You are of the Trees, just as I am, and I am proud to be called a member of this family.” They stood, smiling and clapping each other on the shoulder; Sath rested a hand gently on her shoulder and she nodded at him.

  “Gin and I must leave for a time to join the other Guardians, but know that we will return as soon as we can. You are our family. We must attend to those that need us now, in the Great Forest and on Qatu’anari and beyond.” There was a smattering of whispered conversation, but for the most part the group assembled nodded in agreement. Gin hugged Teeand, Elysiam, and Hackort in turn and then moved back to Sath who scooped her up in his arms as she swatted at him, making the assembled burst into laughter.

  “Never thought I’d be hugging a goddess,” he whispered, chuckling. Gin wound her fingers into his fur.

  “I’m just your little dru,” she whispered back.

  “My darlin',” he said, and then put her carefully back down on the floor.

  “Always.”

  Elysiam took Sath and led him away from Gin, and then cast a transport spell to send him home. Gin watched him go and then cast her own spell. “Home. Finally. HOME.”

  Twenty - Several seasons later

  Hackort poured over the map of the castle in the jungles on the other side of Qatu’anari. “I think that’s where the hidden bridge is,” he said to Teeand, indicating a spot on the map that wasn’t marked. “I’ve only ever found it by accident before though.”

  “You’ve only found a lot of things by accident, Gnome,” said Elysiam, seated a few yards away near the palms that divided the thicket from the beach, studying her spell book. “Let’s see, there was the rusted clockwork monster in the Volcanic Mountains, all those vampires in the Great Forest’s catacombs, loads and loads of bats…”

  “Shut it, druid, at least I’m not as easily killed as you are!” Hackort retorted, grinning madly. “I don’t recall you complaining when it came time to split the loot from those missions either!” Teeand grinned at both of them, and then returned to studying the map.

  “How is your lady wife, Tee?” Elysiam asked. “I have got to drop in for a pint one day when I’m nearby. Nehrys makes the best bread in the world.”

  “She’s fine, Elys,” he said. “And speaking of, I have something to tell you.” All eyes were on the dwarf, and he blushed to the roots of his hairy beard. “There’s going to be another little one soon!” Applause erupted along with shouts of congratulations and claps on the dwarf’s back. “That also means that you’ll have to be adventuring without me for a bit, you see,” he said, frowning. “Nehrys will have m’ head if I leave her after the wee one arrives.”

  “You’re a good father,” Sath said. “I remember when Khuj was that small, you couldn’t tear me away from him.” He smiled down at Gin. “Just make sure if you get a tutor when he is older, get one better than the one I had for Khujann, she was difficult!” Gin elbowed him playfully in the ribs.

  “Shut it, you,” she said, giggling. “I don’t care if you are the Rajah!” Gin made an exaggerated curtsy and they all broke out in laughter again.

  “You’re no better, Nature Walker.” Sath grinned at her as he bowed comically. “And a Guardian to boot!”

  “Actually, speaking of tutors, I wanted to ask you about that, Sath,” Teeand said, rising and walking over to his oldest friend. “Tairn is still serving time in your prison in Qatu’anari, is she not?”

  “Aye, what of it, Tee?” Sath responded, raising an eyebrow.

  “Nehrys and I want her to come and live with us and be our nanny and tutor for the rest of the young ‘uns. She can work off any debt she owes in the pub until the babe is born. What say you, Rajah?” Teeand said, waggling his eyebrows at Sathlir. “Will you give your prisoner over to us?”

  “Well, I know that she’d be just as secure under your Nehrys’s eye as she would behind our bars,” Sath said, grinning. “Truth be told I would rather her not be under the same roof as Khuj. Shall I dispatch a guard to bring her to you?”

  “Shall I dispatch a guard…Bah, you like that Rajah stuff too much,” Teeand said, chuckling. “Dispatch a guard? Nah, no need. Just shove her out the front door and Nehrys a
nd I will be there to catch her.” Sath nodded his head. “It’s a good thing you’re doing; first not killing her and now letting her come to us.”

  “Don’t get used to it,” Sath replied, a grin stretching all the way up to his eyes. “You’ll ruin the Rajah’s reputation!”

  Hackort stamped his tiny foot. “Are we going to the castle or are we sorting out nannies? Seriously!” He swung his axe around in frustration. “There are loads of monsters there that have been taken off my list of those not to kill,” he whined.

  Elysiam slammed her spell book shut. “I’m up for it, if only to SHUT THE GNOME UP.” She put her face close to Hackort’s, snarling, and he devilishly kissed her on the cheek, sending her flailing away from him, spitting and scrubbing at the side of her face. The others fell about laughing, and then got to their feet and headed up from the beach toward the tree line. It would not be even a day’s walk to cross the jungle and Sath was anxious to find out what or who was in the strange castle on the other side of the island, covered with vegetation for as long as he could remember. Legend said that it was the first palace built on Qatu’anari, home of the first Qatu Guardian. Suddenly, Elysiam held up a hand, having noticed a commotion up ahead. It was most likely a wild animal, but she was keen.

  “You guys stand back,” she said. “I’m gonna try something…” The druid cast a spell on the animal to slow it, but her magic misfired and only served to enrage it. Gin looked around from face to face, as they laughed at Elysiam, who was now running toward them, with the angry beast hot on her heels. She squeezed Sath’s hand and then began casting her healing magic as Elysiam’s magical snare failed a second time. Just like old times. The Fabled Ones were together, and Gin was finally home.