Chaos Destiny

by Mussie Haile

  Eldana and Siem shared a small laugh at the joke.

  Soon, Siem detected a change in the atmosphere. A fresh gust of cold pervaded the air, spreading through it with calm. Eldana recognized the change of air as coming from a body of water nearby.

  “I think we are close to the river.” She spoke in a low voice to Siem.

  In the next few seconds, Eldana’s conjecture was proven right. They broke out of the trees, and into a riverbank. There was a fine line of light on the horizon, which was beginning to spread out into the rest of the sky. Not too far away from them, there was a small group, standing close to a ship in the anchor.

  “Wow,” Siem exclaimed.

  The ship had been so unexpected that Eldana just stared wide-eyed. They did not need the light of the sun to reveal the sleek nature of the ship or the fact that it seemed to have a glow that was inherent in its timber planks.

  “Is that it?” Eldana questioned after a short while of standing and gaping.

  “Yes,” Meko replied. “That is it.”

  “Do you have a name for it?” Siem asked.

  “The family that gave it to us named the ship Marta as they built it. Though they also explained that the name was subject to the change of its owners. But we have not had cause to use it, and so it has remained without a name. Or, at least, our name.”

  “How is it that you were able to get something like this through to here?” Eldana asked as they finally began to move, following Meko’s lead, and heading towards the group standing at the foot of the ship.

  “Through the same way, it will take you out,” Meko replied.

  Eldana could not help but feel honored that the elves would gift them something as incredible as this. As they neared the ship, the outline of the people at its feet began to get clearer, and they could make out the forms of Kochob, Fraweyni, Hermon, Mikko, and D’rmas.

  Hermon was the first to see them approach. With a huge grin on his face, he broke off from his group and walked up to meet Eldana and Siem.

  “A good morning to you” Hermon greeted Meko, nodding. Siem thought she could see Hermon, and Meko’s eye lingers on each other longer than necessary before

  Hermon flicked his eyes towards them, and his smile widened. He rushed to Eldana and Siem and encircled them in a big embrace.

  Eldana, and Siem’s lips spread into huge pleasant smiles.

  “Okay. I think that is enough.” Eldana joked. “There is no need showing the entire world, how both our tiny bodies can make up almost one of yours.” Hermon laughed.

  “I do not think you should dally any longer,” Meko advised. “The light of dawn is quickly upon us. You should be gone before it is fully dawn.”

  Siem caught that lingering eye contact again between her and Hermon, and then she thought:

  Yes, I knew it was not just in my mind. Something is going on between these two!

  Fraweyni was dressed in a long white gown with a fitting bodice that progressed into a large skirt that was split into many parts like very long petals. And as the sea wind blew, the parts thrashed and played together. It made Fraweyni look like a wildflower in the eye of the dawn. She smiled as Eldana, Siem, and Meko joined them.

  “I trust you had a pleasant rest?” she asked.

  “I do not think they had rest at all,” Meko replied. “They were already wide awake when I got to them.”

  “Same with their friends here,” Kochob said, “I walked in on them performing some male ritual or something.”

  Siem cocked her brow inquisitively at Hermon, who just frowned, and shrugged his shoulders.

  “The time has come,” Fraweyni said. “For you all to leave us. I know it, without a doubt, that you will be dearly missed here. You have been such wonderful friends. The word, allies, does not suffice in your case. And I still insist that should all this blow over, and any, or all of you, are willing to make a home of this place, they will always be welcome in the Ciroc. I would also want to thank you for showing my children that there is something for them to grasp on to in this world that has treated us so unfairly.”

  Eldana and her friends nodded respectfully.

  “My lady.” Mikko said, stepping out a little, “If I may be allowed to speak freely.”

  “Why, Mikko, you can say whatever you wish. This is far from a tribunal.” Fraweyni declared.

  “Well, since we are all throwing thanks and gratitude around, I would also like to contribute mine. I want to say a big, and heartily thank you, that all you did when we intruded into your borders, albeit unknowingly, was sing us to stupor, instead of killing us on sight!”

  The company erupted into mild laughter.

  “Serious.” Mikko continued. “Anyone in your position, having faced what you have faced would have terminated on sight. But you chose to delay your hand and enquire, and that there, shows you abound in wisdom, and thoughtfulness, and insight. Thank you, once again. You are a mother indeed.”

  Fraweyni nodded in appreciation while Kochob turned to Eldana.

  “And to my student,” he said, “who has now surpassed her teacher.”

  Eldana’s eyes teared up. “Oh, please, Kochob. Do not make this harder than it already is.” Eldana said.

  Kochob walked closer. “I am proud of you.” He told her. “And always will be.”

  He spread his arms open, and Eldana went in for a hug.

  Meko clasped her hand on Hermon’s wrist, and quickly pulled him away from the rest of the group. Siem watched them slyly.

  “Were you going to leave without saying goodbye?” she asked, glaring at the tall Beserker staring him dead in the face.

  Hermon’s eyes roved about, unable to look Meko in the eye.

  “I really wanted to,” Siem heard him whisper. “But next time, when I complain about sharing a room with the other guys, my complaint should be taken seriously!”

  “I wanted to come to see you in the middle of the night, but they were engaged in a wrestle of sorts, and they pulled me in as judge!”

  “That is all you did last night?” Meko questioned. “That is no excuse.”

  “I know,” Hermon said. “But if I had tried to slink away, or just leave, I would arouse suspicion, and then everyone else will follow.”

  “Why are you scared about that?” Meko asked.

  “About what?”

  “About people seeing us together, especially your friends.”

  “It is not that, exactly. It is just that I do not know how they are going to take it.”

  “Do you trust me?” Meko asked, stepping closer to him, and gazing into his eyes.

  “Ye…Yes. I think I do. I mean, I do.”

  Meko shakes her head and smiled.

  “Of all the Berserkers I have ever encountered, you Hermon, are the most juvenile.”

  “I am not a child.” Hermon objected.

  “I know. But you act like one. And if you had waited for me to finish my sentence before childishly objecting, I would have told you that you are also the strongest Berserker I know.”

  Hermon looked at her like he was doubtful of what she had just said. But then, he saw the seriousness on her face, and a large, slow grin spread across his face then he allowed himself to smile.

  “You are enlivened by your passion to protect the ones you care about, and that is your strongest weapon. Stronger than the power that runs in you, or the curse that flows in your bloodline” Meko declared.

  “I care about you,” Hermon told her. His voice was low, almost as if he was not sure how Meko was going to take it.

  “I know,” she said and looked at him. “I know, and that is why you will do one thing for me.”

  “What is that?”

  “You will go with your friends, protect them, lift your curse if you can. And then come back here. To me. Can you do that?”

&nbs
p; Hermon looked into Meko’s eyes. He had never thought beyond what would happen when Eldana found her another way to restore balance to the world, or what would happen if his curse were lifted. He never even thought of living past the chaos of this time. But standing at the riverbank, a few moments away from boarding a ship, and heading into uncertainty, he realized that his future was not as horrible as he had thought it was.

  “Yes.” He told her. “Yes, I will come back to you.”

  “Do not disappoint me.” She said.

  With amazing speed, Meko pulled him in and pressed her lips against his. Hermon felt blood rush to his cheeks, and then he gave in and kissed her in return. At that moment, they each matched each other in passion and fierceness.

  Finally, they broke free of the kiss, and putting their foreheads together, and sighed.

  “Go in peace, Hermon, son of Biniamin.” Meko whispered.

  Instantly, Hermon felt coolness bloom inside him. He felt it sluice away the fears and doubts in his mind, and fill him with clear-headed intent.

  Meko placed her palm at his nape and stared him in the eye.

  “Remember what I said,” the elf told him.

  Hermon nodded and then looking at her one more time, turned, and walked towards the ship.

  Onboard the ship, Eldana, Siem, Hermon, Mikko, and D’rmas huddled at the side of the ship, waving goodbyes to Fraweyni, Kochob, and Meko below.

  “Eldana,” Fraweyni called.

  “Yes, mother.” She replied.

  “The name of the person you seek is Shewit. You will find her, or she will find you,” Fraweyni said. “But it is more likely that she will be the one to find you. Go in peace, all of you.”

  Immediately, there was a rush of wind that brushed through all of them on deck, infusing them with a refreshing determination, and leaving them stronger.

  The ship began to crawl further into the sea. Slowly and slowly it moved away until the elves on the beach looked like miniature dolls. Then the ship picked up speed and accelerated away following the designated path that had been keyed into its command unit before Eldana and her friends came on board.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Chaos in Chaos

  Sinto sat in his chamber, a pensive look on his face. Sunlight slanted into his room from partly opened windows, bathing half of the room in light, and the other in half-shadow. He was still partly furious that somehow Lord Taboon had gotten wind of Eldana’s location in the Ciroc. He had gone alone to prevent such a brash attack as the one that Lord Taboon had instigated. Up until this very moment, he was still at loss as to how it happened.

  Sinto had rushed home from the King’s palace that evening, Lord Taboon had come to the King with news that he had discerned Eldana’s location, and searched his home and his person for monitoring charms.

  Sinto had laughed in his heart when Lord Taboon made the declaration to Henok. And then that mirth had quickly turned to horror, which he hid perfectly well when Lord Taboon divulged Eldana’s true location. Henok had asked Lord Taboon how many soldiers he would need to make the arrest, but Lord Taboon had declined the use of the soldiers, insisting that the kingdom did not have enough to spare and that the elves would just finish them off like chaff in a tray of sorghum. Arresting Eldana, they felt, would make them look strong again and capable, it would restore the morale of their men, and quell the rebellious Tonar. Ordinary humans were supposed to be under the druids, not at the same level as them! The uprising, they felt, must have been a result of the chaos that Eldana’s escape had brought with it.

  “What then, do you suggest?” Henok had asked. He was restless and wanted the meeting to be over.

  “I would like for you to leave the girl’s apprehension to me,” Lord Taboon had said with a courteous bow.

  “Fine.” Henok had said immediately. Even before Sinto could voice his reservations.

  Lord Taboon had looked him in the eye, as a knowing smile split his face...

  But right now, he sat on his bed feeling like an utter failure. Yesterday, he had the sixth visit from Camin and Lowus in just two weeks. Things were getting heated. And he knew that soon, if he did not do the necessary, he would be damned with the consequences.

  He got up, wore a straight face, and headed out for the palace. The sky shone pink with the light of dusk. The streets that led up to the royal residence was a mockery of what it had been before now. It was manned throughout, every street and corner infested by soldiers of the kingdom. An attack from Tonar had only recently been repelled. The puny Tonarians had gained courage and sought to end any perceived form of dominion against them. The Middle Kingdom did not have much to show as a testament to the attack. Much of its infrastructure was still intact. The streets were still patrolled by a multitude of soldiers. However, they had still suffered some casualties among the soldiers. Enough to make them retreat to the inner gate and fortify it. The houses lining the streets gaped emptily with doors and windows ajar. Many of the people had escaped to the woods, seeking solace in any form at all.

  In what must be a stroke of ill-luck that Sinto he met Lord Taboon at the gate to the royal court.

  “Sinto!” Lord Taboon called.

  What now, Sinto inwardly wailed. But he put on an impressive smile anyways.

  “Hello, Lord Taboon.” He greeted.

  “I hear that you spent the better part of the day in your chambers. Hope you are well.”

  Like you care about my health, you slimy bastard, Sinto thought.

  “Of course.” Sinto replied, smiling, “I had a few pressing matters that required my full attention.”

  Lord Taboon nodded enthusiastically.

  “Good,” he said. “Because this entire wild goose chase with your student is about to end. And you, more than any other, should be fully involved in this. I learn that she possesses magic of astronomical proportions. Your expertise is needed.”

  Sinto nodded. “You know me enough, Lord Taboon, to know that I do not frown in the face of duty. The world can count on my ability to carry out that which is within my duties.”

  Lord Taboon smiled, and there was something about his smile that irked Sinto. It was something taunting, arrogantly boastful, and knowing. Like he knew something Sinto did not.

  When Lord Taboon and Sinto walked into the throne room, they found Henok pacing across the elevated platform on which his throne sat. His robes, black, and glimmering, billowed against his body as he moved. His hair was ruffled and without the adornment of his crown. Henok espied Lord Taboon and Sinto approaching, and then he halted. He paced some more as they came up the stairs towards the platform, and then went back to his throne. He sat, and then began to shake his legs vigorously.

  Lord Taboon and Sinto stood before him, like children awaiting a rightly deserved punishment.

  “I do hope you both have come here bearing good tidings,” Henok said.

  Sinto harrumphed, about to tell Henok that after Lord Taboon’s brash attempt no more news had been heard about Eldana, when Lord Taboon spoke.

  “Indeed, my king.”

  Sinto flashed him a brief, puzzled look. Collecting himself immediately, he turned to face Henok, his face straight and calm.

  Henok nodded. Then with a flick of his hand, he signalled for Lord Taboon to tell his good news.

  “The girl is on the move,” Lord Taboon said.

  “How did you come about that information?” Sinto asked, despite himself.

  Lord Taboon smiled. “A little trickery I performed when the orcs attacked the elf settlement in Ciroc.”

  Henok, knowing that Lord Taboon liked to boast of his accomplishments, nodded his permission for him to go into elaborate details.

  Lord Taboon smiled indulgently, while Sinto was hating every moment of this meeting, especially with Lord Taboon by his side, but his hands were tied by no ordinary bonds.

&
nbsp; “I got a little something from the Technocons. A miniature device that performs the same function as a tracking spell. A tracking spell would require I have a property of hers. But I do not have that. So, I improvised. I had one of the orcs, who I especially tasked to get close to Eldana, stick the device into her. Now I have gotten her location, and she is moving quickly. A few hours ago, she went past Kleas.”

  “Sinto.” Henok called.

  Sinto looked up, almost surprised at being included in the King and Lord Taboon’s special banter.

  “My king,” Sinto replied.

  “You were her teacher.”

  Sinto nodded.

  “What do you think she is up to now?” Henok asked.

  Suddenly, in a flash, an image of Camin and Lowus, appeared in his mind and disappeared just as quickly. Sinto knew what he had to do.

  “She is a smart girl.” He began, contemplation stealing into his face. “She cannot move on land, especially if it will require that she passes very close to the cities in our control. It is too close to the Middle Kingdom. We have eyes spread throughout the land, searching earnestly for her, and she knows that. My best and only guess is that she is going via water.”

  Henok sighed, and reclined into his seat, frowning in cogitation.

  At the spur of the moment, Sinto received the spark of an idea that would, curry him a part of the king’s favor, and at the same time, splash some mud on Lord Taboon’s face.

  “How quickly did you say she was travelling again, Lord Taboon?” He asked.

  Henok re-emerged from his meditative state.

  “Quickly,” Lord Taboon replied. “Like she was on a horse.”

  “What is going on in that head of yours, Sinto?” Henok asked. “Spit it out already.”

  Sinto smiled and nodded. “She is not on land. As I said, she is a smart girl and will avoid traveling over land by any means. I will ask, my king, that you plant soldiers to route them from the water.”

  “Last I heard from General Meron,” Henok said, “was that we do not have a fleet ready for a coordinated attack. So I do not know how we are going to go about that.”