The Journey West

by E J Gilmour

  ‘Even the sun shines more beautifully in Irvaria,’ said Meara, after the sun had fallen below the horizon. Eben looked around the room and saw Baftel sitting at the table with man he didn’t recognise.

  ‘This is the Irilian Arlen,’ said Meara, indicating toward the man. Arlen was an old man with high cheekbones and an overly big nose. His hair was very long and silvery grey, and he also had a long silver beard. His dark eyes had a look of deep attentiveness. ‘Arlen, this is Eben, Champion of Ortaria.’

  ‘I am most pleased to meet you. I have heard much about you,’ said Arlen as he stood up to shake Eben’s hand.

  ‘I’m pleased to meet you too,’ said Eben.

  ‘It is good to hear your voice again, Eben,’ said Baftel with a smile.

  ‘I’m glad to see you again, Baftel,’ Eben walked over and hugged his old friend.

  ‘Please take a seat, Eben,’ said Meara as she took a bottle of wine from a shelf beside the table. ‘This is one of the finest wines in Irvaria, grown in the Springs of Adira in the foothills of the Great Mountains. She poured them each a glass. ‘I can’t express how happy I am to have you arrive unharmed. I have been deeply concerned for your safety.’

  ‘We almost didn’t make it. We have passed through many trials on our way here from Ancora,’ said Cassiel.

  ‘Yes, the road you chose was dangerous, but perhaps it may have been just as dangerous to come by sea. I can only hope that the council yields the benefits that we hope it will. There is much history between the kingdoms and orders that are attending.’

  ‘Have you heard anything we should know?’ asked Cassiel.

  ‘There are some things I would like to inform you about. The council was called by King Edric at the request of the Fiorian Acartor. Acartor has been staying in Faircastle since he escaped the Dungeons of Zarkanor in Kaznor where the evil Master had imprisoned him for many years. You should also know that the situation in many kingdoms has become desperate. The Kingdoms of Coran and the Kingdom of Glenia in the Far West have fallen into enemy hands. Iarthar and Dravania are still holding their borders, but the Far Western Lands are overrun with muckrons. Word also came several days ago that Orelin is under siege, and an army of muckrons have occupied the Iron Gate Pass. King Ignis has sent an army to Galdir to protect Ortaria from invasion; it is not known how many enemies he is facing. Acartor has personally met the one who is known as the Master, and he knows much about the plans of our enemy. He has not revealed much yet; however, I expect he will reveal everything he knows at the council.’

  ‘Do you think this evil Master is the Prince of Shadows? We have come to believe he most likely is,’ said Cassiel.

  ‘I do not know. I believe the Fiorian Acartor will reveal his true nature.’

  ‘Can the Irvarians send an army to help King Ignis?’ asked Red.

  ‘I can assure you the Tabarian Knights and monarchs in the Far West will also be requesting reinforcements from Irvaria and Everdon,’ said Meara gravely. ‘I doubt that any can be sent. We have become aware of two hundred enemy ships sailing around the Cape of Ateria. They are carrying a large army of muckrons, at least forty thousand, with one purpose and one purpose only: to invade Everdon and Irvaria. Baftel has seen the fleet with his powers. King Edric is also aware of this impending threat. It is unlikely that King Edric will send troops to a foreign land if he faces such a threat at home.’

  ‘This is very disturbing news,’ said Cassiel.

  ‘There is always hope,’ replied Meara with a slight confident smile.

  ‘We believe that the Master in the north has made a fundamental mistake. He has sent the greater part of his army to attack Irvaria for one reason. I believe that reason is to capture the Sword of Light.’ The entire company turned to look at Eben.

  ‘Perhaps he will not attack if the sword is not in Irvaria,’ suggested Eben.

  ‘It is unlikely that our enemy knows the Sword of Light is in Irvaria. The sword does not reveal itself to anyone, and no seer can unveil its location. The most crucial information we have gained is that the Master is coming south with the fleet. We may have a chance to defeat him once and for all.’ Meara stared directly at Eben. ‘Someone will have to face this evil Master eventually, and you, Eben, are the greatest swordsman I have ever seen. I believe this task may be your destiny.’

  Eben nodded and considered the situation. He remembered back to when he was fighting the lindworm in Riverside and all the other battles. Perhaps Meara was right. Perhaps it was his destiny.

  ‘No one outside this room knows that you carry the Sword of Light,’ said Meara as she looked around the table at the whole company. ‘We should not tell anyone at the council that Eben possesses the sword until such a time is required. We still don’t know what we will learn from the other envoys. Keep the Sword of Light with you at all times. There are many people here who would risk much to have such a weapon.’

  **

  Eben returned to his rooms and tried to sleep. He felt restless and couldn’t stop thinking of the endless possibilities. He finally fell asleep late in the night and slept until late the following morning when he heard someone knocking loudly on his door. He stumbled out of bed and quickly clothed himself. Again someone knocked heavily. He went to the door and unlatched the lock. Red and Stella stood outside and stepped in.

  ‘It’s nearly noon, Eben. Don’t you want to explore Faircastle?’ asked Red as he walked over to the windows to take in the view. ‘We had breakfast already. The palace chef is a true master. You can order anything you feel like,’ said Red, turning back to look at Eben with a happy smile.

  ‘Perhaps you can order some fried eggs and toasted bread,’ said Stella as she took a seat at the table.

  ‘No, I’m not really hungry,’ said Eben as he poured himself a cup of water.

  ‘We’ve decided to stay here in Faircastle after the war,’ said Red. Eben smiled, knowing that Red had said the same about so many places before. ‘Irvaria is perfect. The land is beautiful and the people are the most noble and decent we have ever met.’ Eben could see Red and Stella were in perfect agreement.

  ‘I can understand why you would want to live here; there’s no other place like Irvaria. Let’s hope that we win the war. If the evil Master is coming with forty thousand muckrons I think we are going to have a fight on our hands.’

  ‘I’m sure we can win. We won in Scaldonia and Ortaria. We know how to fight muckrons, and we can repeat what we’ve done before,’ said Red decisively.

  ‘I hope you’re right,’ said Eben.

  For the remainder of the day they explored the palace and the city within the wall. Faircastle was a maze of lovely streets and laneways. Each turn presented a pleasant picture. The greatest care had been taken by the townsfolk to keep their city clean and presentable. Probably the most striking feature of the city was the pursuit of architectural excellence. In the evening they returned to the palace. They met with Cassiel and sat in his chambers and watched the sunset.

  ‘Tomorrow will be an important day for us,’ said Cassiel.

  ‘I only hope that we can convince the Irvarians to send an army to help King Ignis,’ said Stella.

  ‘I’m sure they will seek to do what is best for everyone,’ said Cassiel. ‘These Irvarians are a proud and brave people. They have a natural sense of honour. I believe they will send help to King Ignis if they are able to.’

  ‘And we will finally meet the Fiorian Knights,’ said Eben gladly.

  ‘Many of our questions will be answered tomorrow. Let’s hope the answers we receive bring us hope,’ said Cassiel.

  **

  Eben woke early in the morning of the following day. He prepared himself for the council. After breakfast he went to the window and drew the Sword of Light from its scabbard. The morning light reflected off the blade.

  ‘Today we’ll see where the journey is going to take us,’ he said to himself.

  He sat on a cushioned chair and placed the sword on his lap. For a long tim
e he stared out the window into the distance. Many thoughts and questions passed through his mind. He knew his time was coming. If anyone had any knowledge of what happened to his mother and father they would surely be at the council. He thought that if his mother was the leader of the Fiorians they would surely know what happened to her. A feeling of anticipation swirled in his chest.

  After some time the silence was broken by a sharp knock at the door. He sheathed his sword and walked to the door, unlatching the lock. The door opened and Cassiel walked into his room.

  ‘It is almost time. How do you feel?’ he asked, clapping Eben firmly on the shoulder as he walked by.

  ‘I feel fine.’

  ‘I will be seated with the Irilians on the far side of the table from you. King Edric has arranged all the people from the west to sit on the western side of the table and those from the east on the eastern side. Because I am now an Irilian apprentice I have been placed to sit with the Irilian Order. You will be seated with Red and Stella near the Scaldonians and Dawnians.’ Cassiel sat down at the table and took and apple from the fruit bowl.

  ‘I have a feeling we are about to see into the unknown,’ said Eben.

  ‘I don’t doubt it,’ said Cassiel. ‘Remember what Stella said: we’re all in this together. We have travelled a long road. We shall stand by each other until the end.’

  CHAPTER TEN

  Red, Stella, and Eben entered the Ecorian hall. A large round and polished wooden table had been placed in the centre of the hall. Dozens of beautifully carved wooden chairs surrounded the table, and all but one chair was empty. Seated at the head of the table was an older man with striking features. He had high cheek bones, dark eyes, auburn coloured hair, and a neatly trimmed beard. He was the only person in the hall; all the guards were gone. He stood up as they entered.

  ‘I told you we shouldn’t be early,’ whispered Stella, having realised they were the first to arrive.

  ‘Welcome to the Hall of the Ecorians,’ said the old man in a deep and noble voice. ‘I am King Edric of Irvaria.’

  Eben and Stella followed Red across the marble floor toward the table.

  ‘It is an honour to meet you, King Edric,’ said Red, bowing politely. ‘I am Sir Redding of Ortaria, this is my wife, Lady Stella, and this is Eben, the Champion of Ortaria.’

  ‘I am pleased to have you as guests in my kingdom,’ said King Edric. ‘Please take your seats and make yourself comfortable.’ King Edric indicated towards the chairs to his left. Red led them over and they all sat down.

  ‘I trust your stay thus far has been to your liking,’ said King Edric as he sat back down.

  ‘Yes, Your Majesty. We have been amazed by the beauty of your kingdom,’ answered Red. ‘We were even talking about the possibility of settling in Irvaria after the war.’

  King Edric smiled and nodded. ‘I’m sure we can accommodate such a possibility.’

  ‘Thank you,’ said Red.

  Suddenly a pair of men entered the hall. Eben watched as they approached. They were both rugged looking men and dressed in dark armour with broadswords fastened to their sides. They both had long dark hair and deeply weathered faces. Both of them carried themselves confidently.

  ‘Welcome to the Hall of the Ecorians,’ repeated King Edric. ‘I am King Edric of Irvaria.’

  ‘I am Sir Tierran and this is Sir Cian. We are Tabarian Knights.’ The two knights bowed low, and King Edric directed them to their seats. As he did so another group of envoys entered from the back of the hall and the process repeated itself until all but two of the chairs were taken, which were on the left and right side of King Edric.

  Finally a young woman followed by an older woman entered the hall. They proceeded to take the last two seats beside King Edric. Eben, along with several others sitting at the table, was instantly transfixed by the beauty of the younger woman. She was surely the most beautiful woman in Veredor. Her radiant eyes were the colour of the sea, and her face was the image of perfection. Her long golden brown hair could only be compared with the finest silk. She held herself gracefully. Eben couldn’t take his eyes off her. She glanced across at him and gave the slightest smile. Eben’s trancelike stare was suddenly interrupted by King Edric.

  ‘I must express my gratitude that you have all journeyed so far to be at this council. I know you have faced many dangers to be here. I thank you for risking your lives so that we all can work together against our common enemy. Firstly, let me introduce to you my wife, Queen Sera, and my daughter and heir, Princess Apherah. We welcome you to Faircastle and trust your stay here has been pleasant. Secondly, as your host, I will introduce everyone present.’

  Queen Sera was an old and dignified woman who had maintained much of the beauty of her youth. She had slightly greying dark hair and deep green eyes. Princess Apherah glanced at Eben again, and he looked away, not wanting to seem rude.

  ‘This council was called at the request of the Fiorian Acartor.’

  On the far side of the table a man clothed in a long brown cloak stood up. His hair was sandy blond, and his eyes were bright blue; he looked to be about forty years old and was clean shaven. Eben found it very difficult to read his expression. It was almost like a shroud was covering his eyes or that he had learned to protect himself from other people reading his expressions. He stood up and looked down at them.

  ‘I am the Fiorian Acartor. I am pleased to introduce the leader of the Fiorian Order, the Fiorian Chiara, Gatekeeper of Emeril.’ The woman beside Acartor stood up and bowed. She appeared slightly older than Acartor. Her hair was bright red, the colour of fire, and her eyes were emerald green. She had a sense of gentle wisdom about her. Eben at once felt he could trust her simply by looking at her. ‘I would also like to introduce to you Sir Ronan.’ Sir Ronan was a short man with a bald head, big nose, and a jolly look. He didn’t look like a knight at all.

  ‘Thank you for the introductions, Sir Acartor,’ said King Edric. ‘I will now continue to introduce everyone. To my right are seated the Irilians Meara, Arlen, Baftel, and Cassiel. Beside them are Sir Tieran and Sir Cian of the Tabarian Knights. Further along are Prince Fergal of Dravania and Duke Curran of Iarthar.’ Prince Fergal was a stocky redheaded man with fair skin and a stern look in his eyes. Duke Curran was a handsome man with dark hair and a sallow complexion. Eben caught him glancing at Princess Apherah. It was clear that the Duke was also awestruck by her beauty.

  ‘I introduce you to Sir Artur of the Takalian Knights.’ Sir Artur was a young man and appeared to be very calm and composed. His hair was dark and his skin pale. ‘Beside Sir Artur is seated Mostyn of the Fire Order.’ Mostyn was a short man with knotted dark hair to his shoulders and a deep look of concentration in his dark and sunken eyes. His beard was shaggy and tangled. He was wearing a dusty brown leather cloak and looked like a homeless vagrant.

  ‘Beside Mostyn are seated Sir Acel and Sir Leron of the Desert Knights.’ They both had their faces covered by black metal masks and were clothed in the manner of the Desert Knights. ‘To the right of Sir Leron are seated Eben, Champion of Ortaria, Sir Red, and Lady Stella of Ortaria. Beside Lady Stella is King Lenard of Everdon.’ King Lenard was a thin and tall man with dark hair and a sickly complexion. He was young, perhaps only in his mid-twenties, and he was adorned in some of the finest silk clothing Eben had ever seen, but he was certainly not a good looking man by anyone’s summation. He had an awkward expression fixed constantly to his face, as if he was in a constant state of discomfort.

  ‘Beside King Lenard is seated Prince Armida of Ateria.’ Prince Armida was a sharp looking man with curly black hair. The Prince was considering each person as King Edric introduced the council. ‘Beside Prince Armida of Ateria are seated Duke Ettore and Duchess Cornelia of the Isles of Dawn.’ Both the Duke and Duchess were very old; they looked to be scholars rather than warriors. ‘And finally, beside Queen Sera is seated Sir Aksel of Scaldonia.’ Sir Aksel was a man of great stature and had strong features, a weathered face, and long blond ha
ir. He was wearing the dark rough armour of the Scaldonian Knights.

  ‘You are all aware of the evil that is growing in Veredor, and many of you have already expressed to me the dire circumstances that you face in your homelands,’ said King Edric. ‘I believe if we work together, like in the ancient days of the Ecorian Empire, we could match anything that could come against us. Now I will ask Sir Acartor to inform you of what he knows about our enemy.’

  King Edric sat down. They all turned to look at the Fiorian Acartor. Acartor stood up and looked around at all those seated for several moments.

  ‘My story begins twenty eight years ago. At that time the Fiorian Order became aware of the presence of two powerful Northern Sorcerers who had risen from obscurity to rule the Kaznor Empire in the north. You are all aware of these two sorcerers; the kinsmen, Baramak and Azagord. They were sorcerers of a level of power previously unknown in Veredor. In two years they subdued the Kaznor Empire and divided it between themselves. Azagord ruled the capital Zarkanor and the lands surrounding the Golden Sea, and Baramak ruled the Magor Forest and the lands in the west of Kaznor. For a single year they reigned and were completely unmatched. Not a Skathean and certainly no other Northern Sorcerer had the power to challenge them. They ruled Kaznor as unchallenged tyrants. There was little that the Fiorians could do; the Kaznor Empire was beyond the reach of our order.’

  ‘A year later something changed. At the time we thought a third Northern Sorcerer had risen to challenge the power of Azagord and Baramak. Little was known about this new individual. The only news we heard was that he called himself the Master. Within a year he had taken control of all of Kaznor. This Master was different to other sorcerers; he didn’t only defeat his enemies, he subdued and subjugated them. Azagord and Baramak became his servants, and before long he united all the Northern Sorcerers for the first time in history. Within that same year he had also taken control of the entire Skathean Order.’