“We must press whenever we can,” Rendel explained. “Keep watch. Stay close.”
True to his word, whenever the trail was straight, Rendel urged his mount to a gallop. Unfortunately, within a few hundred feet some sudden bend or obstruction forced him to rein Tara in. Audain and Jerrid struggled as they followed. Slowly the sun dropped. Beneath the gloom of the overhanging canopy the riders drifted apart.
Little brightness was left in the twilight sky when Rendel started the descent to Green Flats. Audain lost sight of him though she clearly heard Tara skidding down the path. A moment later, Jerrid caught up and stopped beside her.
“The trail is steep,” she said. “It switches back and forth then flattens out at the bottom. Be careful. There’s a bridge down there. Once we cross it, we still have about an hour to ride before we reach the Neverth Valley.”
Jerrid waited as she started down. In the still air he noted the peeps of countless frogs welcoming the night. Suddenly, his senses touched upon something that did not belong. He did not understand the cause, but his heart began to race. Alarmed, he urged Feor forward. Crouched low with his head near the crest of the horse’s neck, he felt the young stallion’s power, its speed as it responded to him. Trusting to the stallion, Jerrid relaxed and allowed the energy of the surroundings to flow into him.
After Audain began her descent, she noted a strange twinge in her Emerald. Her senses began to reel but in a different way from what she felt a few days earlier at High Falls. This sensation was more immediate. At the bottom of the grade she steadied herself. She took her bow off her shoulder and reached for an arrow. When her horse neared the bridge she saw their danger, wolves; black prowlers of the night. Their eyes glowed with an unnatural color of red. A group of them had Tara, with Rendel still perched on her back, forced up against the northern bank of the creek. Audain’s skin tingled as she sensed more of the animals creeping beneath the scattered groves of trees. As she expanded her Emerald into her wooden bow, one of the beasts turned away from Tara and lurched toward Arum. The horse screamed in fright, rearing onto his hind legs. Unprepared, Audain lost her balance and fell. Helplessly she watched as Arum sped past the snapping jaws of two wolves that blocked the path.
“Wait,” she yelled out in vain. The large animal splashed through the creek and disappeared into the darkness.
Audain realized that the number of wolves around her was growing. She scrambled to her feet and fumbled for an arrow to replace the one that she had dropped when she fell. The wolves moved slowly toward her. She concentrated, trying to calm herself. As she again summoned the Emerald, her eyes glowed with green and her hands felt warmth as energy flowed into the bow. Carefully she drew the arrow back and aimed it at the foremost set of red eyes. When she released the bowstring, two points of crimson disappeared.
A moment later Feor burst into the front edge of the wolves that now encircled Audain and Rendel. The stallion flailed out with both front and rear hooves, catching one of the beasts with a crushing blow. Jerrid vaulted from Feor and landed next to Audain. Brandishing a short sword in his right hand, he stepped forward to confront their nearest attackers. A quick step and lunge brought him close to one of the creatures. Carried by his momentum, he plunged the blade into the animal’s chest. The move left him off balance and exposed.
“Watch out,” Audain cried.
It was already too late. A dark shape leapt forward, its eyes thin slits of red in the gloom. In another bound, white teeth would close on Jerrid’s right arm. As he closed his eyes and cringed, a strange sound hissed past his ear. Audain had fired her bow. The wooden bolt it propelled flew invisibly through the night, its head finding the soft skin of the wolf. The long shaft drove deep into the creature and it fell. Jerrid moved away from the twitching body and rejoined her.
“Thanks,” he said awkwardly. “I’m glad the Emerald helps you aim so well in the dark.”
Recognizing how close this unexpected attack had come to disaster, Jerrid paused to scan the area more carefully. Rendel was still mounted upon Tara a few paces away. Feor stood there too. Both horses were close to the bridge. The wolves seemed to have withdrawn. Their eyes still glowed as the beasts stalked beneath the trees. Back along the trail in the direction from which they had just arrived, Jerrid spotted something that did not belong. It made his heart race.
“There’s another animal over there,” he said, concentrating his Amber to help him see more clearly. “I can’t believe it. I think it’s a wild ram or maybe a mountain goat like the ones that live in the northern plateaus. It has a white coat and its horns almost seem to glitter with light.”
“I’ve heard hunters in Gladeis talk about animals like that in the Highlands,” Rendel replied, seeming confused. Though he strained to see through the darkness, he noted little more than a gray shadow.
Audain did not dare to look. Her attention was focused straight ahead. She felt certain that multiple pairs of red eyes would rush toward her at any moment, bringing jaws filled with teeth.
Jerrid continued to study the ram. It walked slowly toward them following the path that they stood upon. When it was about thirty feet away it stopped and studied them. Its eyes were small. They burned a bright yellow that occasionally seemed to shift to white. The ram was close enough now for Rendel to see.
“What do you think it is doing?” Audain asked after she risked a quick glance. As if in answer the animal turned slightly, and then began walking toward the area where the majority of the wolves still waited.
“I think this is our chance to get out of here,” Rendel said. “That ram is heading right into the jaws of those wolves. It makes no sense, but that will definitely distract them. Audain, quick, get up behind me. Jerrid, get to Feor.”
They realized that he was right. Still hesitant to drop her guard, Audain retreated toward Tara. When she arrived, Rendel pulled her up onto the saddle then turned his horse toward the bridge. Jerrid was there waiting. Feor seemed anxious to get started but held steady until the mare passed.
Upon reaching the level ground on the opposite bank, Rendel and Jerrid urged their horses to a trot. About the time the animals began the slow climb up the slope at the southern limit of the ravine, a barrage of harsh growls and yelps broke out. It filled the air with tension. Even though the sound came from the far side of the valley, all three riders shivered and goose bumps rose on their skin. They remained silent until the horses reached the top of the slope a few minutes later.
“It sounds like they are fighting over the kill,” Rendel said. “We should move fast. I don’t know what those wolves will do when they finish their meal.”
“I can’t believe we were able to ride away like that,” Audain said. “Something very strange was going on there. To me those wolves felt almost as out of place to the Forest as the white ram did. But there’s no sense talking about it now. I don’t want to see those red eyes again and my father will be worried. We were late to begin with. Now with this delay, he may send out a search party.”
“That would be a comfort,” Jerrid replied. “You two ride as fast as you are able. Don’t worry about me. Feor will keep up.”
Rendel slapped the reins slightly to bring his mare to a canter. Many things in the Forest were still new to him. He put these things from his mind knowing that his focus needed to be on the trail ahead. It was up to him to keep Tara moving quickly and to avoid any mishap on this final leg of their trip.
Jerrid trusted to his young stallion to keep pace. Without the benefit of being in an area with large amounts of exposed bedrock, he was forced to try to draw energy from the Forest to heighten his instincts. He suspected that this brought a green light to his eyes so he kept his head down as much as possible. The calmness he felt in Feor also flooded through him. Though they had been companions for less than a week, the bond between them had cemented. Jerrid felt great satisfaction knowing that even a stonecutter could do things that most people thought impossible.
Sensing no furthe
r danger, Audain also began to relax. Though she remained perplexed by what she had seen, her immediate concern was figuring out how to explain it to her father. She was still considering this when Rendel pulled Tara to a halt. Only then did she notice the light of torches in the darkness ahead.
“Riders,” Rendel said, “the search party from Gladeis.”
----
Jerrid woke up to the flicker of sunlight dancing through fresh leaves. “I have no business napping in the Forest,” he thought in confusion as he sat up to look around for his grandfather. When his eyes focused upon a trellis of living green, the sight brought a sharp realization. He was alone in a strange Foedan city and his grandfather was far away.
He lay back and studied his surroundings. The room’s remaining walls were made of smooth wood. Its furnishings were modest: two beds, a small table in one corner, and a couple chairs placed near the door. When he resumed his study of the leaves that made up the final wall, he noticed that there were small gaps in the trellis. Through them he could see Rendel sitting just outside the door.
“Good morning, Jerrid,” Rendel called out. “I thought I should let you sleep, rest from your long days of riding. Gladeis has a way of making one feel at ease. I’m glad you’re finally awake though. We only have half an hour left to get to the commons for some breakfast. Audain brought me a bite a little while ago, but after yesterday, I’m still famished. I can help you clean up later; get your clothes washed and find you a bath.”
“Thanks,” Jerrid answered, feeling unusually self-conscious. “You’re right. Clean clothes and a bath sound almost as good as some real food.”
“Aren’t simple things the best?” Rendel laughed. “Today you can have them all.”
When they reached the dining room, Jerrid followed Rendel to a table where they each filled a plate with food. They chose a spot amongst the many tables and sat down. The room was empty but for themselves.
They were about half finished eating when Audain and her father entered the hall.
“Please continue,” Kenyon said as they approached.
“Thank you for allowing me to stay here,” Jerrid said, trying not to sound as uncomfortable as he felt. “I haven’t eaten like this in awhile.”
“Relax, Son. We’re glad to have you,” Kenyon answered. “It sounds like you earned our hospitality by what you did in the Forest last night. An open attack by wolves, I can’t recall that happening before. And Audain mentioned a white ram?”
“I’m not sure,” Jerrid said. “In the confusion I noticed something seemed to have followed us. She must have told you how it walked past, how we used the distraction to get away. It was a beautiful creature. It’s a shame that such an animal would fall to wolves.”
“Very odd,” Kenyon answered, frowning. “The white ram was used as a sign of hope in the early years of Arthis. They’re common in the mountains but I’ve never heard of one being seen in the Forest. I guess we’ll have to wait to learn more,” he paused as if considering something. “In case you were wondering about your horse, I’ve had reports that it is well, though no one can get near. I don’t understand why you don’t trust us to stable him.”
“It’s not about trust,” Jerrid answered quickly. “Feor’s a wild creature, accustomed to the Plains. I didn’t want to alarm him last night. Even a stable is new to him. Perhaps there is a pasture where I can take him?”
“The south side of the river would be more suitable,” Kenyon said. “Audain can take you there later. Right now, I’d like to understand more about you and what it means to be an outcast. I can send Audain and Rendel away while we talk.”
“They can stay. Perhaps I shouldn’t use that word.” Jerrid sighed. “I left Garth on my own, due to a misunderstanding with my father. Like you, he’s in a position of command. His concern about the Sortiri runs deep, yet he excludes me from participating in the defense of our city. It’s really a personal issue between us.”
“As his son, people look to you for an example,” Kenyon interjected. “I understand that it may be difficult, but you must support him. I have these concerns with my daughter at times.”
“I understand how you feel,” Audain added, “probably better than anyone. As my father says, we have had some tense moments over the years. Tempted though I have been, I have not run away.”
“You’ve been tempted?” Kenyon said with both a laugh and a feigned look of shock. “You should have told me.”
“Captains have a way of refusing to listen,” she laughed back.
Jerrid looked on, not knowing what else to say. He had no intention of explaining himself to strangers.
“If I were your father, I’d be worried and hoping for your return,” Kenyon said. “I can allow you to stay here for a little while. Enjoy our city. We are proud to share it. Rest up and in a few days we will put together a party to escort you back, at least to the Arm. Perhaps we’ll have some volunteers to go beyond there.”
“I’d love to see Garth,” Audain said excitedly. Kenyon looked back at her with a frown.
“You know I never turn down anything except field work,” Rendel added with a smile.
“I’m starting to feel I should have overruled Jerrid and sent the two of you away before he and I started to talk. We can figure out the details later. For now, Jerrid, relax and learn about our ways. The Emerald and the Amber have grown too distant. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a few items to check on. Audain, would you mind escorting Jerrid today?”
“Of course not,” she answered.
“Thank you,” Kenyon replied then turned. “I was wondering if you could join me, Rendel. I could use your help in getting updates from the scouting parties. I’m still concerned about those wolves.”
Kenyon rose and began to leave. Rendel followed.
An hour later, freshly bathed and wearing the cleanest clothes he found in his bag, Jerrid joined Audain. He soon realized that Gladeis was much like Yargis, both largely built upon a widened cliff ledge. They began the tour at a reservoir located near the city’s highest point, not far from the gate.
“It is said that Deneb himself cracked the rock beneath this reservoir using his earth powers,” Audain explained as Jerrid noticed how cleverly the water was channeled through culverts into the city. “The artesian springs he created have never gone dry, even during the driest summers.”
From there they began following a path that traversed the perimeter of the city. It ran along the top of a jagged cliff edge. On its outward side it was bordered by a low wall that prevented anyone from falling to the rocks thirty feet below. At first Jerrid studied the impressive manner by which Gladeis melded into the steep slope of the valley. As they continued, he found his attention captured by the variety of trees, shrubs and flowers that seemed to thrive everywhere.
“I’m amazed by how well the plants are incorporated into each structure,” he said absently.
“This is South Point,” Audain said a few minutes later. They stopped as she waved her hand southward. “It provides the best view of the Neverth Valley, and beyond, all the way to the Highlands. The valley is the life source for our people. Along its wide slopes we grow our food and tend our livestock. Upstream we even have a mill where we saw lumber.”
“I thought that the Emerald allowed you to shape wood with your hands. Why do you need a mill?”
“The Emerald allows a Shaper to connect with things that grow. Intricate shaping with our hands and small tools is one way. That is how I formed my bow and because of that, in some ways, it’s now a part of me. Rough sawing of timber is not personal. It just requires lots of physical energy. Our Emerald is too precious to be used for that.”
Jerrid looked out over the valley and tried to grasp its expanse. “It’s so beautiful. It amazes me to think that this is the same river that originates near my home in a place we call the Basin. It’s a magical spot. You can’t help but feel its power.”
“I love such places,” Audain replied. �
��My favorite is on the far side of our valley.”
“Maybe we can go there sometime?” Jerrid asked.
Audain nodded and turned from the valley. She continued leading Jerrid along the stone walkway. It curved sharply to the north as it traced along the eastern side of the city to the area where the larger buildings stood. Jerrid’s attention was drawn to a simple structure they passed. It was made entirely of stone. Constructed with no windows and just a single door, it appeared grossly out of place. Audain continued, paying no attention to it.
“Audain,” Jerrid called out, holding back a little and pointing. “What is that building there?”
“Oh, that’s the Hold,” she answered. “It’s a dreary place, dark and cold. It’s supposed to be a shelter for the people to hide in if the city is ever in danger. We use it to store food.”
“Can we go inside?” he asked, full of curiosity. “It seems to have some interesting stonework.”
“Of course, what was I thinking? It is a really big rock, after all.”
Backtracking a little, they took a side path that led to the Hold. The only way into the structure was through an opening located within its northern wall. Audain pushed the heavy iron door inward. Just inside, a narrow stairway descended. Only its first few steps were visible, the rest, were hidden by darkness.
“There are usually some torches stored here,” Audain said, motioning for Jerrid to wait. She stepped inside. A moment later she held a short stick. Using a small flint, she ignited a spark that quickly brought a flame to life.
Audain started downward. Jerrid followed, gliding his fingertips over the cool granite that covered the inner passage. They soon entered a large hall carved into the bedrock. When Jerrid felt the floor level out under his feet, he began traversing the chamber, still gliding his hands along the smooth surface of the wall. He was forced to stop at times to step around areas piled with crates and barrels. Many were empty though a few contained the remnants of last year’s crop. With his Amber rising, he probed the walls as if looking for something. He stopped to concentrate upon one particular area. His eyes glowed brightly.
“I can feel a hollow within the wall,” he said.
Audain joined him, holding the torch close. There was no indication of an opening. The stone looked uniform and solid. Jerrid concentrated further. Beads of sweat formed along his brow. Slowly, the outline of a rectangular hatch that was about two feet high and six feet long appeared.
“That’s amazing,” Audain said. She stepped back. A thick slab of rock seemed to push itself from the wall. “I’ve been here countless times. Is there something inside?”
Ignoring her question, Jerrid maintained his concentration and grabbed the slab. He pulled it from the wall. It was about four inches thick. Slowly, he lowered it to the floor.
Audain reached down to test its weight.
“Without Amber, it will take a good many strong backs to lift that slab,” Jerrid said. “Only a Shaper can move a piece of stone that large.”
The exposed opening seemed to be several feet deep.
“Incredible,” Jerrid said as he looked inside. “There’s a hammer, a chisel, and something I’ve never seen.” He reached into the vault and removed a flat metallic bar. It was about four inches wide, two feet long and a quarter inch thick. “See how each end is bent and rounded into a handle. We call this a float. It’s used to smooth wide areas of rough stone.” In the torchlight, the float shimmered as if made of living silver. A speck of gold glistened from the end of each of its two handles.
“These tools are very rare,” he continued, examining each in turn. “Their maker ingrained them with a little Amber to make them more useful. The tools I carry are like that too. In all of Garth, we have only a few so fine. I can’t believe what you have here. They must be protected.”
Audain nodded and watched. When Jerrid finished, he lifted the slab to reseal it within the wall. Conscious that her new knowledge would not help her retrieve the tools, Audain wondered if her father or any of the Shapers on their Council were aware of them.
They left the hall and went back up the staircase. The sun shining down from straight overhead told them that it was midday. Audain led Jerrid to the commons where he had eaten earlier. The room was full of people taking their noon meal. Rendel stood near the head of one of the serving tables.
“Jerrid, I saw Feor not a half mile from the north gate,” he burst out. “I knew better than to approach him. The other guards said they’d tried but he ran off.”
“Thanks, Rendel,” Jerrid answered. “I’d like to get to him after lunch. Maybe if I take a short ride on him he’ll feel more at ease.”
“The Captain said he wanted me to tag along if you were going out,” Rendel added. “He’s worried about those wolves.”
After finishing his meal, Jerrid went to the main gate. Though he was anxious to find Feor, he took a moment to examine the construction of the wall that protected the city. The stonework was sound yet at three feet thick and barely ten feet in height, he was concerned that it did not offer enough protection against the Sortiri. He also noticed that the granite which supported the gate’s hinges and attached them into the sides of the archway was cracked.
He was a little surprised when Audain arrived carrying her bow. “Are you expecting trouble?” he asked.
“No, I just like to have it when I’m outside the city. I’m hoping to have time for a little archery practice. It always relaxes me. Do you shoot?”
“Now and then. We take turns hunting. I’m not sure I could hit anything with a bow like that though.”
“That’s for sure,” Rendel called out, seeming to overhear. He approached the gate leading two horses. “Only Audain has a strong enough Emerald to draw it,” he laughed, “though it’s always fun to watch someone else try.”
“I didn’t realize I was going to have all this company,” Jerrid said. “I just wanted to see how Feor was doing.”
“Rendel and I couldn’t decide who should keep an eye on you.” Audain sounded a little embarrassed. “So you have both of us. Let’s go,”
She grabbed a set of reins from Rendel’s hand and led Arum away. The stallion looked fresh as she mounted the saddle. Yesterday’s fright of wolves seemed forgotten.
Rendel swung up on Tara. He then looked down at Jerrid and laughed. “Some hosts we are. Here, take my hand, Jerrid, and swing up behind.”
Instead, Jerrid smiled nervously and walked out into the open. He made a small circle with his thumb and middle finger, raised his hand to his mouth, and unleashed a piercing whistle. Arum and Tara both flinched. Two guards came from the guard house to check on them.
“I’m just calling my horse,” Jerrid replied. His nerves relaxed when Feor came charging across and open area beyond the western end of the wall. One of the guards retreated to the guard house but returned in a few moments.
“I think this is yours,” the guard said. “We’ve been tripping over it all day.”
“You two follow me for a change,” Audain called when Jerrid finished saddling Feor. She kicked at Arum’s sides and the horse started to trot along the road. The other two riders followed as she descended toward the fields and passed over the river.
It was mid-afternoon when they reached High Falls. Leaving the horses by the pool, Audain led Jerrid to the top of the falls. Rendel hung back, feeling slightly out of place.
“I told you how this was one of my favorite places,” she said as they stood and looked out over the valley. “I come here when I’m troubled. Relax now and forget that you have run away from Garth. Don’t worry about anything. Let your Amber feel the Forest.”
Her words sounded familiar he thought, almost like those he had heard a hundred times from his grandfather. When he closed his eyes, the connection he felt with the earth power reminded him of the Basin. A few minutes later he broke away. Audain could see from his expression that he knew what she knew. High Falls was an exceptional place.
&n
bsp; When Jerrid and Audain rejoined Rendel, the older man recognized that a bond was beginning to form between the two. He smiled and waited for them to mount their horses, then took the lead to retrace the path to Gladeis. It was late afternoon when he stopped Tara near the bridge which crossed over the Neverth River.
“This is where Kenyon wants you to leave Feor,” Rendel said. “He can roam here with the other livestock and should be safe. It’s less than a mile to the main gate.”
Feeling a little despondent, Jerrid removed Feor’s saddle and harness and placed them in a small tool shed nearby. With the horse contentedly grazing, he smiled when he saw Rendel’s outstretched hand.
“Just relax,” Rendel said as he pulled Jerrid upward to sit behind him upon Tara’s back. “Audain’s already left us, so hold on.”
They were a few hundred yards from the gate when Audain stopped and called to them.
“I’ll see you two later. There’s an hour of light left and I want to get in some archery practice.”
“I’d like to join you if that’s okay,” Jerrid yelled back. He didn’t wait for an answer and was already sliding off Tara.
“I don’t want to miss this,” Rendel replied. He also dismounted and left the horse to wait.
Audain motioned for the two men to follow. She stopped at a cluster of old stumps about a hundred feet away from the city’s main wall. “I practice here frequently,” she said. “The wood is rotted so it makes a good target that doesn’t damage my arrows.”
As she readied herself, a green glow became noticeable in her eyes. She notched an arrow to the bowstring. The two men watched her take about a half dozen shots.
“Okay, I’m ready to see what our friend can do,” Rendel yelled, unable to wait any longer. “You’d think with arms that can shape stone, he should be able to flex a piece of wood. Give it a whirl, Jerrid.”
“It doesn’t take strong arms to wield this,” Audain replied, pausing from her work. “It takes the power of the Emerald. In essence, I’m concentrating power, storing it in the bow, and releasing it into the arrow. Rendel knows this is not for you.”
“I’d like to give it a try,” Jerrid said cautiously.
“Didn’t you hear me? It takes Emerald,” she repeated. “You are Amber. Only a Blender can use more than one enhancement.”
“I understand. But it’s just a bow,” Jerrid said. “Even if I can’t draw it, holding it in my hand will help me learn about the Emerald.”
She took a step toward him. “Remember, it’s not your arms that matter, it’s the mind, concentration like you showed today in the Hold.”
Jerrid found that the bow was still warm with Audain’s energy when he grasped it in his hand.
Rendel looked on, eagerly watching as Jerrid took an arrow from Audain and then notched it to the bowstring.
“Just relax,” Audain said. “Feel the bow, concentrate your energy into the wood and draw.”
Jerrid thought about how he used his Amber shaping hammer and chisel. He focused on the bow and felt a slight tingle against his palm. He flexed his right arm and pulled. The arrow moved back about an inch. Concentrating harder, he pulled again, still barely managing to budge it.
Ignoring Rendel’s chuckle, Audain walked over. “Relax a moment and look at me, Jerrid,” she said, positioning herself immediately before him. “The power of a stone cutter won’t work here. I don’t want you to embarrass yourself. I see Amber glowing in your eyes. I don’t think there is any use.”
“Sorry, Jerrid” Rendel laughed. “A good many Emerald Shapers have tried and failed. I’m going to head back to the stables and put these horses up.”
Once Rendel was out of hearing distance, Jerrid turned to Audain. “Please. This is important to me. Let’s try again.”
With a sigh, she took a step back from him. “The bow is not a piece of inert stone. Think of the connection you have with Feor. Try to interact with the energy inside the wood as you do when you’re riding him. Imagine the bow as an extension of yourself. Let its energy enter you through one hand and exit from the other. As you feel it starting to take on its own essence, feel its power and draw it into your core.”
Jerrid relaxed and listened to Audain’s soft voice. He tried to picture himself at the center of a tree, a point where earth power concentrated and emerged through new growth.
“Open your eyes and look into mine,” she said, placing her hands gently over his as he held the bow. When she gasped, he didn’t realize that it was because she saw that the eyes of a stone cutter were now glowing brightly with Emerald.
“Okay,” she said to steady her composure. “Keep your focus on the wood and draw.”
Steadily, he pulled back the bowstring. Audain looked on as the arrow was drawn to its full length. “Now this is critical,” she said. “When you release the fingers of your right hand, at the same moment, cut off your mind from the power of the bow so it can return to its normal state.”
With a distinct effort Jerrid complied, then squealed out. The blunt end of the arrow thrust back into his chest with great force. Though unhurt, he nearly fell down.
Audain laughed. “You almost had it but you released your left hand too. That forced the arrow back at you. Try it again.”
Rubbing away the sting in his chest, Jerrid reconnected to the energy in the bow. Steadily he drew back the arrow, reached the release point and sent it through the air. It flew high above the target, a puff of dust marking the area where it landed.
“Sorry,” he said. “I’ll find the arrow for you before it gets dark.”
“No problem,” Audain answered. “Try again, but add some marksmanship this time.”
“I’m usually a pretty good archer,” Jerrid reminded himself. Once again he concentrated, drew the arrow, took aim, and released. The arrow struck the stump. He repeated the process three more times, each time hitting the target.
“I think you’ve got it, though I must admit that I don’t know if I really believe what I’m seeing. Nearly every Shaper and apprentice has tried. And now, you, well…. Let’s get that stray arrow and head back to the city.” She paused as if struck by a sudden thought. “I don’t think you should mention this to anyone. We wouldn’t want them to read too much into it.”
As they walked toward the gate, Audain knew she had just participated in something far more important than target practice. No one would believe her of course. Had she not seen Jerrid’s eyes shift from Amber to Emerald after just a few moments of concentration, she would not believe it either. There were no Blenders in the Foeland, especially one from Garth, a stonecutter with no appreciation of the Forest.
When they passed the guard house, someone came forward and spoke to her a moment.
“Jerrid, it seems that my father wants us to join him for dinner,” she said. “Unfortunately, we’re supposed to meet him in the Council chambers. Apparently someone else wants to meet you. Why don’t you go to your room and get cleaned up. I’ll come get you in a little while.”
Jerrid was pleased to find that someone had washed his spare garments. After going to the bath house, he sat down in the chair outside the trellis and waited. The evening was warm, a light breeze fluttering the leaves. It was almost dark when Audain awakened him from a nap. He was surprised to find her hair brushed to her shoulders. She wore a yellow dress that hung all the way to her sandals, its smooth fabric revealing a feminine shape she usually concealed.
“You look beautiful,” Jerrid said, rising to his feet. “It was such a peaceful evening, I sort of dozed off.”
“None of us have had much sleep. It was just last night, right around now, when we were fending off wolves.”
She led him to a building on the east side of the city, one of the larger structures they had passed that morning. Kenyon, Rhecca and William were waiting inside. Food was already set out on the table.
“Welcome, I’ve already heard a lot about you” Rhecca said, nodding toward them. “Jerrid, I am the le
ader of our Council. I know you’ve met our Captain, of course, and this is William, another elder.”
“Thank you for joining us,” William said as they sat down. “We are honored you are here. If you don’t mind, we would like to learn more about you. It’s not often that a Foedan with a different enhancement arrives here.”
“I’m glad to be here,” Jerrid answered. “It’s only been a day, but I’ve learned so much.”
“Really?” Rhecca said, sounding a little worried. “Such as what?”
Jerrid didn’t want to alarm his hosts and have them think of him as a spy. “For starters, Gladeis is smaller than I expected, but more beautiful. The Emerald seems to be more a part of people’s lives than is the Amber in my home. Audain helped me better understand how the Emerald flows, how she uses it to manipulate her bow. I hope to try and apply this understanding to my Amber, when I have more time.”
“Impressive,” Rhecca replied, “all that in just one day?”
“There seems to have been skilled Amber Shapers here at one time,” Jerrid continued. “They left tools in the Hold. I was wondering if I could use them tomorrow. The stone is cracked under the hinges that support the main gates. With those tools, I can make some repairs and strengthen them.”
“I’m not sure that would be wise,” Rhecca said suspiciously. “Only Kenyon and I knew of those tools.”
“I hope I haven’t intruded,” Jerrid said. “My Amber drew me to the Hold and Audain was gracious enough to take me inside. Once there, I think any Shaper would measure its power, and in doing so, sense the compartment.”
“I guess you did learn more than I thought,” Kenyon said. “To fix the gate, will you need assistance?”
“I don’t think so. I should be able to remove one hinge at a time, repair the stone and reattach them.”
“I guess that would be alright,” Rhecca said. “Kenyon can keep an eye on you. He mentioned you left Garth due to a disagreement with your father. I was wondering why you came here?”
“Feor and I, we are an uncommon match. When he accepted me, I took it as a sign that it was time for a change. I could not do that in Garth. Since there is nothing east but the Plains, we came west.”
“What do you mean by Feor accepting you?” Rhecca asked.
“Feor is a wild Sharanth stallion. He’s really still a colt, on the verge of being considered a stallion. The spirit of the Sharanth is strong. That Feor allows me to ride him, follows my lead and goes where I ask is because we have a bond between us. I have worked to create it since he was a foal, praying that one day he would accept me. Now, we are a team.”
“I want to be clear to you, Jerrid,” Kenyon said. “My words to you this morning were as a parent. We don’t mean to push you from our city. But we feel it is important that you return to Garth. Your father and mother must be worried about you.”
“My father’s main worry will be that I’ve defied him,” Jerrid said, a little too bitterly. “My mother, she was stripped by the Sortiri five years ago. She lives, but barely knows when I am there or when I am gone.”
Jerrid’s hosts were visibly upset. They looked about the room at one another. Rhecca was the first to recover.
“We are terribly sorry and appreciate your openness with us. Sometimes life is harsh. It seems your family has been beset with sorrows, some of which may help explain why you and your father have not understood one another. We have talked enough for tonight. Please know that you are welcome here, as is Feor. More importantly, remember that the Emerald is strong in this valley. If we open our hearts, it brings healing.”
----
Rendel was still sleeping when Jerrid arose the next morning. Alone, the stone cutter embarked on his self-imposed assignment. After retrieving the float from the Hold, he arrived at the gate. The guards seemed to know he was coming. They checked on him frequently but allowed him to work.
The gates were made of heavy logs bound by interlocking bands of iron. Jerrid was relieved to find the damage confined to within about a foot of the supports. He began at the top of the western gate. After removing an anchor, he used the float to reshape the cracked material beneath it. With his chisel and hammer, he then created a hole for each bolt and drove the steel shafts back into the stone to secure the hinge. He had been working about an hour when he heard a familiar laugh.
“Come on down,” Rendel said from below. He stood at the bottom of the ladder with Audain.
“This may take a while,” Jerrid replied. “I’d like to keep working so I will have time to check on Feor later.”
“If it would make you feel better, I’ll walk to the other side of the river and take a look,” Audain said.
“Thanks. If you bring along a few of those apples you might even make a new friend.” Jerrid continued working.
Audain and Rendel went past and headed out to the fields.
Several hours later the work was completed. Jerrid realized that he was getting comfortable in Gladeis. The thought of being able to contribute made him forget about the bitterness he felt just a few days earlier. To boost his spirits more, he convinced Audain to lead him on a tour of the valley’s northern slope. They laughed and talked as they rode, even finding time to practice with her bow. It was late afternoon when they arrived back at the city.
“It was dark when I was here before,” he commented as they descended toward Gladeis. “Now I can see that it really is a city of gardens, one built upon an Amber Shaper’s dream. There must have been an army of them here to move all the rock around.”
When they neared the guardhouse, Theodore motioned Audain from her horse. Jerrid still sat on Feor. He was trying to decide if he should stable the animal, or take it across the river to the pasture. As Audain talked to the guard, Jerrid failed to notice the concern that spread over her face. A minute or so later, Theodore returned to his post.
“My father left word that he wants to see you tonight,” Audain said when they were alone again. “Rhecca is suspicious. She worries that you’re sabotaging our gates. There’s a rumor that she wants you to return to Garth.”
Jerrid tried not to show his disappointment. “I guess tonight is as good as any to introduce Feor to a stable,” he said then slipped to the ground. The urge to head off into the Forest pulled at him. “I’ll stay with him until he is calm.”
“There’s an outdoor paddock on the far end of the building,” Audain answered. “That might be easier. I’ll come find you in a little while.”
Feor did not like confinement, even in the relatively open paddock. “Don’t worry,” Jerrid said to sooth him. “I guess this city is not for us. I thought we might be able to get a little settled here. The wild is where we belong.”
Jerrid remained a long while in the paddock, thinking. Audain’s comments at the gate still shook him. When he finally left, he realized how tense his neck and shoulders felt. The sun was still an hour above the western horizon so he decided to walk over to South Point. The golden rays at the end of the day cast long shadows throughout the valley. The view reminded him of the times he stood atop the Court Wall in Garth, watching with his grandfather. The thought made him realize how much he missed the old Shaper. He wished his grandfather were beside him now, that he had someone he could share his feelings with.
After the sun finally dropped from view, Jerrid walked to the commons. The hall was about half full. Sitting alone was a man that he recognized from the stable. He had been working there earlier when Jerrid arrived with Feor.
“Please, sit with me,” the man said. He was about fifty years old, of average build and had black hair that was peppered with gray. “We didn’t get a formal introduction. My name is Thomp. Thank you for working on our gates today.”
“I’m glad you noticed,” Jerrid answered. He sat down on a bench across the table from Thomp. “Sometimes stone shaping is thankless work. It’s nice when someone appreciates the things we do.”
“I know what you mean. I spend much of my ti
me in the Forest. Most people give little regard to scouts like me. They don’t realize that our vigilance keeps the city safe. I’m used to it though.” Thomp paused a moment to look around the hall. “There’s something I wanted you to know. Yesterday, Kenyon sent me out to look at the place where you and Audain were attacked. Some say I’m the best tracker we have. I don’t give much mind to that. I made my report to the Captain and that nosey Rhecca, but wanted you to hear what I found. I think you’ve a right to know. Sometimes things don’t get said that should get said, if you know what I mean.”
Though he did not know why, Jerrid’s heart was pounding. “Unfortunately, I do. Please, don’t stop. There was something unnatural about what we saw. A perfectly healthy white ram does not walk deliberately into the midst of wolves. By the sounds we heard, it must have been torn to pieces by them.”
Thomp looked steadily across the table. His crevassed brow twitched slightly. “I’d like to have seen what you saw, maybe hung around a little longer. There’s no mistaking when Audain shoots something with one of her arrows. We found two wolves that she killed. They were nasty looking creatures, jet black and sickly, like they had not eaten in a long time. There was another that a sword nearly cut in two. The last one seemed to have a crushed skull.”
“Feor must have got that one,” Jerrid said with a smile.
“Audain told me about that,” Thomp replied. “The funny thing is, the thing I never expected…, was to find more of the creatures still wandering around. They were mindless, like in a trance or something. If they were Foedan, like us I mean, I’d think that the Sortiri must have stripped their souls.”
“Another dozen wolves, you mean?” Jerrid asked startled.
“Yes, like I said, they were miserable looking creatures, like the ones that were already dead.”
“What did you do with them?”
“We don’t take to wolves prowling hereabouts,” Thomp answered slowly. “We made quick work of them with our bows, then piled their carcasses with the others and burnt the whole lot.”
“What do you suppose happened to make them that way?”
“Wish I knew. There was no sign of that white ram you mentioned. Just some tracks impressed over top of those that your horses left. No doubt that whatever it was, it had been following you. Could be a mountain goat from the Highlands, a big male I suppose. I’ve never heard of them leaving their rocky peaks though. Once those tracks reached the spot where we found the dead carcasses, they vanished. It’s like your helpless white ram stole the souls of those wolves, then sprouted wings and flew away.”
Thomp finished his last few mouthfuls of dinner then looked closely at Jerrid. “I’ll be going now, Stone Cutter. Don’t mention this chat to anyone. Rhecca made me swear to keep quiet. She thinks the news would scare everyone. I wanted you to hear it straight. Thought that maybe you could figure out what happened.” The old scout rose and walked from the hall.
Jerrid returned to his room. Though no one was there, a lamp burned upon the table. He felt alone. To pass the time, he slid a chair into the light and looked at a map that Rendel had left for him. Carefully he studied it, memorizing as much detail as he could.
About a half hour later, Audain knocked upon the door. “Jerrid, my father and Rhecca are here with me. We would like to talk to you.”
“All right, I think there are a couple chairs out there. Rendel only has two in here so we’ll probably need them.”
“Thank you for seeing us,” Rhecca began as she and the others settled in. “We appreciate what you said last night, your example today and the work you did on the gate. The Foedan surely need to do more to help one another, break down the feelings of distrust between our communities. We are concerned about you, Jerrid. It is important that a young man maintain a good relationship with his father, especially when you have been through so much. Kenyon and I feel that you should return to Garth, soon. To show our good faith, we’d like to have a few riders escort you. It would be a good opportunity for our people to learn to trust one another.”
“What do you think, Jerrid?” Audain said, ready to volunteer for the trip. “Rendel has offered to go too. The three of us can leave the day after tomorrow. We’ve already had one adventure together.”
Jerrid did not know how to respond. Rhecca looked toward him anxiously. He thought they were being sincere yet he had no intention of returning to Garth. The notion of sneaking away on Feor tempted him, yet he liked these people and did not want to leave them on bad terms.
“Thank you for your offer,” he said, obviously struggling. “I don’t know how to say this, so I will just be very direct with you. I have no desire to return to Garth, at least not now. There is nothing for me there. I didn’t intend that my coming here might somehow increase the strain between Garth and Gladeis. Given the way you feel, I should leave. I can pack up and be gone in the morning.”
Rhecca looked at him in surprise. “I appreciate your being forthright with us, Jerrid. There is no reason for you to rush away. You are welcome to stay here. We merely felt it would be better for you to return home.”
“I’ve begun to realize that I can’t go back, at least, not until I learn more. My mother has been taken by the Sortiri. My father may as well have been too. There is nothing more I can do in Garth. I cannot wait like my father, building thicker and thicker walls.”
“What do you think you can do, Son?” Kenyon asked. “All are helpless against them.”
“I can’t accept that,” Jerrid said, more harshly than he intended. “I don’t know. Learning more about the other Foedan, the Comburen or anything else is surely better than hiding. My grandfather told me the Sortiri were killers of hope. Even though you have been spared them, already you seem to have none.”
“That is not what he meant,” Rhecca interjected. “There is always hope, especially in the power of Emerald and the safety of Gladeis. I admire your courage. Remember though that there is danger in these lands. There is no need for rashness.”
Jerrid looked back at her but said nothing. He remembered how the Sortiri broke past the combined enhancements of Garth’s best Shapers.
“I see in your eyes that you are resolute in this,” Kenyon said, as uneasy now as he was earlier. “What do you plan to do?”
“When I was younger, I heard stories about the other cities. I’ve seen Gladeis now and understand something of its people.” He paused for a moment, stood up and retrieved the map he was studying when his guests arrived. “I’ve been thinking that the road along the river would bring me to Deluge. From there, I could go north to Rhindus or south to Arnot.”
“A journey like that would be foolish,” Rhecca said impatiently. “We cannot support a rash trip like that. The Comburen in Arnot have nothing in common with the Foedan.”
“I did not expect any support. A few provisions perhaps, for my work today. I was thinking to leave tomorrow.”
“Very well,” Rhecca answered. She rose to her feet indignantly. “Kenyon will see you off. If you reconsider, you are welcome to stay here until you are ready to go home. Our offer of an escort stands.”
Rhecca left the room. Though Audain and Kenyon lingered a moment, they soon followed. Audain was visibly disturbed by what just transpired.
“Father,” she said desperately as they walked along a path leading toward their rooms. “This is crazy. We cannot send Jerrid off alone. We must keep him here until he reconsiders.”
“You heard him. Perhaps it is stubbornness but there seems to be no dissuading him. We must respect his will, lest we drive him from us.”
“You don’t understand, Father,” Audain responded, almost in a whisper. “I am afraid. My bow, the Emerald. I’ve been waiting to tell you. You see,” she hesitated a moment.
“See what?” he replied. “What are you trying to say?”
“Jerrid can shoot my bow,” she answered bluntly. “He is a good archer. He can shoot my bow as well as I can. Maybe better!”
“There are many good archers amongst the Foedan, my dear,” Kenyon said absently. “That Jerrid is trained in this skill is no surprise.”
“You don’t understand. I said he can shoot MY bow, my heavy bow, the one that no other Emerald has mastered. I explained to him how I use the Emerald to draw it. He listened, tried a few times and he did it.”
“You mean he used Amber somehow to do this?” Kenyon asked, growing both more confused and alarmed.
“No, I mean he drew on the Emerald, just as I do. His eyes were as green as any Shaper I’ve ever seen.”
Chapter 8: The Highlands
The Shrine of Arthis Book One: The Power of Denial Page 7