Legends Lost Tesnayr

by Nova Rose

  Chapter IX

  A Cure

  High up in the trees sat the phoenix. The great bird watched as a man and a cat entered its domain and crawled to the water’s edge. It remained where it was until the man and cat disappeared under the water. Spreading its massive wings, the phoenix sprang from its position and swooped down upon the pond. With great speed and agility its talons penetrated the water’s surface snatching the two and carried them to the shore. It gently placed them on the soft, emerald grass and waited.

  Slowly, Tesnayr opened his eyes. The pain had vanished and his mind had incredible clarity compared to just hours before. He sat up. Moving his arms, Tesnayr was amazed that they were both useful. He glanced at his foot wondering how it had healed.

  The chirrup of a bird broke his musing. Tesnayr turned to the pond with its massive waterfall and noticed a magnificent bird. He recognized the phoenix. He sat silently as he watched the bird bend down to the water’s edge. A single tear escaped down its cheek and landed in the crystal blue water. Suddenly, Tesnayr remembered where he was, how he got there, and why he was there.

  “The bear,” Tesnayr shouted.

  “Is dead,” said Turyn flexing his paw that, until recently, had been broken.

  “Well, yes, but, where am I?” asked Tesnayr. “I mean, what is this place?”

  “My home,” replied the phoenix. “You are the first to enter here.”

  “So the legend is true,” said Tesnayr.

  “Are you surprised?” asked the phoenix.

  “Considering that most legends are too fantastical to be true,” began Turyn, “Well, a part of me doubted.” He lowered his head meekly.

  “I would have been surprised if you hadn’t doubted,” said the phoenix. “You have used that sword well, but remember, when this task is over you will have to let it go.”

  “Let it go? Where? How?”

  “Again, you will know when the time comes.”

  Tesnayr stood up and flexed his healed ankle.

  “You have a sickness among you,” said the phoenix.

  Inwardly, Tesnayr scolded himself for momentarily forgetting about the people who waited for his return. “The cure…we need it. I was told that only this water can cure the disease.”

  “You sought this place for the sake of others. You continued your search even when death was upon you. And you, Turyn, remained by his side despite your own injuries. The two of you have proven your purity of heart and shall have the cure. Take your flasks and fill them in the pond.”

  Tesnayr lifted the jumble of canteens. One by one he filled them with the cool, crisp water. He glanced at his reflection and marveled at what he saw. Gingerly, he lifted a hand to his face. The scar had gone.

  “My scars,” he gasped, “They disappeared.”

  “The water heals all,” said the phoenix.

  Turyn studied Tesnayr’s face wondering why he hadn’t noticed it before.

  “The water will cure the illness and give you what strength you need to reach your destination. But remember this, once that last person is cured, the water will lose what power it has.”

  “Why?” asked Turyn.

  “That is the way it must be,” replied the phoenix. “There cannot be something left idly in the world that solves every ill.”

  “Otherwise we would never solve our own problems,” voiced Tesnayr.

  The phoenix nodded his head in affirmation, pleased that at least one man understood. It plucked a gold feather from its body and placed it in the palm of Tesnayr’s hand.

  “What’s this?” asked Tesnayr.

  “Keep this feather safe. At some point, you must give it to another to keep it safe until the one who needs it claims it.”

  “When will that be?”

  “That is not for you know. Just like with the sword I gave you, one will search for this feather and it will serve them well.” The phoenix stretched its wings and glanced at the sky. “It is time for you to return.”

  “Return,” Tesnayr slapped his forehead. “How will we find our way back? Turyn, how long have we been gone?”

  Turyn thought for a moment. “At least fourteen days, maybe twenty.”

  Tesnayr’s heart fell. Over half the camp could be dead by now. “We will have to hurry and travel twice as fast.”

  “No need,” said the phoenix.

  “No need?” questioned Turyn. “What do you mean no need?”

  “I will carry you,” said the phoenix.

  Tesnayr finished fastening his pack and the flasks to his back. He and Turyn looked at each other puzzled.

  “Just what do you mean by—” Turyn’s words broke off as the phoenix snatched him and Tesnayr from the ground. Its gigantic wings lifted them high into the air.

  Tesnayr allowed himself to hang limply in the bird’s claws. Eagerly, he looked all about him taking in the aerial view of the world. He watched in awe as the falls faded from view concealed by the trees of the mountains. The giant mountains gave him a new perspective at the trip he and the refugees had embarked upon. He stared at them in amazement.

  He noticed a great valley nestled into one of the mountains. The sun’s golden glow made it shine like a beacon beckoning him to come. He wondered what land that was.

  “Hemίl is just there,” said the phoenix as though it had read his thoughts.

  Hemίl, thought Tesnayr. They were close.

  Soon after their trip began, the phoenix lowered in altitude. The ground rushed toward them. With incredible ease, the majestic bird set them on the rocky surface.

  “Thank you,” said Tesnayr.

  The bird bowed. “You haven’t far to go before you reach Hemίl, but your journey is far from over. And know this: though you found my domain, you will never enter there again. Nor will you ever be granted its healing waters.”

  “Never,” said Turyn.

  “Such is the way it must be,” replied the phoenix. “You were the first to find it, but all who find it never do so again. Now, you must go. Your people await you.” The phoenix took off, disappearing over the horizon.

  Sadly, they watched it leave.

  “Too bad we will never see it again,” said Turyn.

  “Can you imagine if such a power were available for the entire world?” asked Tesnayr.

  “I suppose, but I will never be in a place more beautiful, or more peaceful than that.”

  “Let’s go.”

  Tesnayr walked toward the camp with Turyn bounding before him like a kitten. He hoped they made it back in time.

  Tesnayr smelled the odor of lingering death the moment he entered the area where the sick had been quarantined. The grey pallor of the people made his heart ache. He walked among those lying on the ground shocked at how quickly the sickness had spread.

  “Captain,” said one soldier.

  Heads turned in his direction as word of his arrival spread. Sarwyn wormed her way through the mass of people stopping inches in front of Tesnayr. “So you found it.”

  Tesnayr handed her the flasks of water. “Take these and give each person one drink of the water.”

  Sarwyn took the canteens and handed them to those who tended the ill.

  A harsh cough caught Tesnayr’s attention. He turned toward it and found Nigilin lying on a ragged blanket. “Nigilin!” Tesnayr rushed to the man.

  “Tesnayr,” whispered Nigilin. “I knew you would make it.” A series of coughs beset him as blood spurted from his mouth.

  Quickly, Tesnayr took a flask from his pocket. He pulled the cork out and put it to Nigilin’s lips. “Drink.”

  Water ran down Nigilin’s cheeks as he sipped the cool and refreshing water. Gradually, color returned to his gray cheeks. Nigilin’s erratic breathing steadied. “Tesnayr,” said Nigilin, “Am I dead?”

  Tesnayr smiled. “Not yet. You didn’t think I would let you go so easily did you?”

  Nigilin took the flask of water and studied it. “What was it like?”

  “Like no place I’ve seen b
efore, and will never see again,” replied Tesnayr. He let Nigilin rest while he gave the water to others.

  Arnin passed the line of supplies that were to be packed onto the horses with quill in hand and a handful of paper. Though well-aware of what they had, Tesnayr wanted another inventory taken before they restarted their journey.

  It had been a few days since Tesnayr’s return with the magical cure. He had decided to give everyone a few extra days of rest. No doubt he wanted to rest some himself, thought Arnin. He didn’t mind. The extra time gave him a chance to be with Nelyn.

  “Arnin,” said Jarown, “A word, if I may.”

  Arnin put his quill down and looked at Nelyn’s father.

  “You and Nelyn seem rather close.”

  Close, put it mildly. Arnin wanted to marry Nelyn, but hadn’t figured out how to ask her. “Yes,” he said.

  “I suppose you wish to marry her.”

  Jarown’s statement caught Arnin by surprise. “How did—”

  “I was not born yesterday,” interrupted Jarown, “Besides, I was young once myself. She loves you. I can tell. So again I ask you, do you wish to marry her?”

  “Yes,” said Arnin, “I just haven’t figured out how to ask her.”

  “Meaning you hadn’t figured out how to talk to me.”

  Arnin squirmed slightly. Jarown’s statement was true, but he didn’t want to admit it.

  “I will make it simple for you,” said Jarown, “Nelyn is strong willed and has always done what she wanted. If she chooses you, you have my blessing.”

  Relieved, Arnin grinned. “Thank you, sir.” He started to run off to tell Nelyn the news.

  “One other thing,” Jarown stopped him, “You see this knife?” He pulled out a long knife with a very sharp blade and flashed it before Arnin. “Should you hurt her, this has your name on it.”

  Arnin gulped. “I would never—”

  “Buck up, boy,” Jarown clapped him on the shoulder, “You’re about to get married. Smile.” He left with a satisfied expression.

  Arnin stood alone wondering if he had made a good decision, but knowing there was no going back.