The Quest for the Lost Shards of Power

by F M Andrews

  “Well, old girl, you did it. Didn’t doubt you for a moment, but you could have made it a bit easier on those watching. Not sure if my old heart could take much more of that,” he sighed dramatically, clutching his chest.

  “Only, you have to admit that it did give you a good story. Didn’t want you to have to work too hard to have invent one,” she added considerately.

  Fenrick snorted before turning serious. “Good to have you all back safe and sound.” Then, as if he couldn’t help himself he added. “All I ask is that you don’t ask me to escort the twins back home. I am sure they will have learned all sorts of new tricks to torture and old man with.”

  Errin laughed. Fenrick always had a way of making her smile.

  It was a tired but elated troop that finally rode into camp just as the sun was beginning to sink below the horizon. Food and sleep were the number one priority for tonight. Tomorrow, they would celebrate.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  The next morning was brisk, a light frost promising a clear sky day ahead, enticing people to stay tucked up warm in their bedrolls for longer than usual. Eventually, though, they began to straggle out, bleary-eyed, in search of breakfast. Slowly the makeshift table near the cooking fire began to fill with plates brimming with bacon, eggs and little savoury sausages, which were consumed with gusto. The conversation was light, idle banter. Somehow everyone's experiences still loomed too large in their minds to be able to share them as yet. Besides, it was such an enjoyable, pleasant thing to be able to talk about inconsequential things for a change.

  The only ones missing were Errin and Syran. They had left before first light to try and find Turrin. No one wanted to talk about this either, scared they might jinx their mission somehow, although everyone was thinking about them. Pritt was the first to spot the silver dragon gliding in low, appearing out of the sun. A chorus of voices immediately demanded to know if he carried one or two passengers.

  “Not sure yet,” Pritt replied through Ema, squinting into the glare. “I can only see Errin at the moment.” Raising his hand to block out the sun, he peered up at the soaring animal, its iridescent scales scattering the light, dazzling his eyes, making it impossible to see. It wasn’t until the dragon banked, to circle in for landing that he glimpsed the small passenger behind Errin. “She’s got him!” he cried in delight, his fist punching the air. He had never met Turrin but he knew how much the small boy meant to the people around this table. The final piece was in place. The resulting cheer was deafening. Everyone stood, waved joyously before racing towards Syran, Errin and Turrin as they touched lightly down into a nearby field full of wildflowers.

  Immediately, they were surrounded and Turrin, lifted onto Hexrick’s shoulders, was paraded back to camp. Errin and Syran following behind, both happily watching as the bemused boy was slapped on the back and applauded. Finally she could allow herself a smile, finally all was right with the universe. She only had one more painful duty left to do. She needed to apologize to the twins. She was dreading it because she was not certain if they would ever forgive her for what she had done to them; however, she had had no choice in the matter. It would be best to get this last, unpleasant duty over with before it began to fester in her mind. Rip the bandage off so to speak.

  Once back at camp, she took a deep breath and asked the girls if she could have a private word with them in her tent. The girls had identical curious expressions on their faces as they entered. They sat where Errin indicated and patiently waited for her to begin. Strangely, this quiet acceptance only made it harder for her, they had grown in so many ways, sadly, probably as a result of some very hard lessons that she was to blame for. Looking down at her clasped hands in her lap, she began.

  “I have such trepidation in telling you the whole truth behind my battle preparations.” She paused and swallowed. “To me, the ultimate outcome was to destroy Zail forever and so I set in motion a plan to lure him to Feld, to bring him as close to the boundary as possible, at a time of my choosing, so I could spring the guardians’ trap.” She paused to let the twins digest this. “To do this, I had to place enticing bait out where he would notice it.” The twins looked at her intently, frowning. “I knew that all of my seekers had talent but I placed the most hope on you two.” She gave them what she hoped was a reassuring smile before continuing. “I am so sorry I used you, put you in such a dangerous position. I had faith that if anyone could survive him, it would be you two,” This statement caused the twins to sit up, their backs ramrod straight with anger. “I had to make him think that it was his idea to come here and nothing but your raw talent would have attracted him. If I had told you my plan, he would have discovered it immediately. The only way this would work was if you were completely innocent.” She faltered to a stop, her voice cracking. “Without you, he would still be alive. You were the key to this plan, and none of this would have been possible if he hadn't found you and followed you,” she finished, staring at the girls, silently pleading for their forgiveness.

  She had no way of anticipating how they would react. She understood that they had been feeling guilty about leading Zail to her, but would knowing that this was Errin’s plan all along take the guilt away or replace it with anger? Both girls sat quietly, mulling over this new information carefully. Errin did not dare move. It was impossible to understand what these amazing girls had been through, although Errin hoped that they would forgive her someday. There was a significant pause, causing Errin’s nerves to squeal, but at last the girls sat back as if they had come to a decision, Ela speaking for them both.

  “He was an arse and he deserved to die,” was all she said, yet that one, short, succinct statement held the sweetest words Errin had ever heard and she found herself leaning forward to embrace the wayward twins, her heart brimming with gratitude.

  There were just one or two small things that still needed to be cleared up, and to this end she called a council meeting that morning, in the meadow to accommodate Syran. As the sun reached its zenith and started to slide down back towards the horizon once more, people began to straggle into the grassy field, each carrying something to sit on, a blanket, a rug or a chair. Eventually the circle was complete and as Errin surveyed the glowing faces she could not help but compare it to the last council meeting where the faces were sombre and the air thick with tension. The hum of chatter and their easy camaraderie warmed her heart. These people were exceptional, brave and humble, and she surveyed them with pride.

  “Today we rejoice,” she began, and was greeted by a resounding cheer. “Today we live in a universe without Zail’s evil influence and that is all because of you.” Her eyes swept the large gathering, taking in the familiar, beloved faces. “Each and every one of you believed in yourselves and you put your faith in me, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” She bestowed them with a radiant smile coming to rest on Dissan sitting next to Surrin, Riana asleep between them “Would you like to say a few words?” she asked.

  He nodded and clambered to his feet. Standing, he suddenly looked a little nervous and had to clear his throat before beginning. “As Errin has said, this is an astounding victory for Feld and it has been brought about by the bravery and selflessness of many, both on this world and others. I am positive that my father would like to thank you all in person, and so I have had the idea of holding a victory ceremony in Errin and Turrin’s village as it is halfway between here and Hope.” He paused and let the excited chatter fall into expectant silence once more. “Syran and Turrin have kindly agreed to fetch the king and we should all reach Upper Hull at about the same time,” he concluded before promptly sitting back down again.

  Errin stood once more. “I am so relieved to say that, now, without Zail to contend with, I am able to return those brave shard bearers to their homes.” There was a smattering of surprised mutterings and she added quickly. “You don’t have to go immediately but when you are ready, all you have to do is let me know.”

  This did not seem to appease Mys
san who looked decidedly worried. “Do they have to return?” he began, before adding in a rush. “Only it’s that I have just asked Eva to marry me.” He paused, taking in a deep breath. “And she has said yes!” he finished in a rush sounding totally amazed and surprised and turning a very vibrant shade of red.

  “No, of course not. She can stay here for as long as she wants,” Errin managed to get in before the delighted uproar drowned her out and that was the end of the council meeting and the celebrations began in earnest.

  Over the next few hours Errin quietly talked to each seeker and shard bearer and asked them what their wishes were. Syran wanted to return home, when he was no longer needed in Feld, saying that he had someone special waiting for him but asking if Turrin could come and visit now and then. Errin was sure the boy would leap at the chance and assured the dragon she would do everything she could to make that happen. Princess Lifen and Brack also preferred to return, as they had unfinished business to attend to. Errin asked if there was anything that she could do to help, causing both trolls to gape at her in surprise before they gratefully accepted. Tubble, on the other hand, opted to stay with Lutex wherever he went. Lutex, of course, wanted to go home to Safehaven and his family and Hexrick offered to escort him and Tubble there. Pritt wished to stay on in Feld, explaining that it would be a new beginning for him and that here, he could finally be himself. Dissan, overhearing that Pritt would like to stay, asked if he would like to become one of his knights, admitting that he could do with such an exceptionally talented archer. Pritt accepted on the spot before Dissan jokingly added, “Saving the life of a prince is in the job description, so you have already proved your worth.”

  The twins, being as unpredictable as usual, decided to go back to Ontilla, as they felt needed there, assuring Errin that they would explain it all to their real parents before they left, begging pathetically for Syran to take them there and back. Errin suggested that they ask Syran himself as it was not up to her and watched in amusement as the usually fearless girls, nervously approached the dragon. She was sure he would consent, as he had admitted to her that he was loving flying over all this new and exciting territory.

  Hezrill wished to go home because she had a wedding to attend, and explained that Anssan had agreed to accompany her on the journey. Errin gave a secret little smile, knowing that Anssan was absolutely terrified of what her father was going to say when he learned that his daughter had nearly died, although she knew that he was more anxious about the fact that he was then going to ask for Hezrill’s hand in marriage. Errin wished that she could be a fly on the wall for that one. There was no doubt of the outcome. Hezrill loved this angular man with all her heart and her father was besotted with his middle daughter. He would never deny her anything, but that would not stop him making Anssan work hard for the privilege. Finally, Errin could relax and enjoy the party that went on deep into the night, causing many to be nursing sore heads the next morning as they disbanded the camp and prepared to ride for Upper Hull.

  Word that there would be no more trolls attacking the boundary had travelled fast and the ride to Upper Hull rapidly turned into a festival, with every village they passed through coming out to cheer them on. The days were fresh but sunny and the road passable. Errin sat on her long-suffering, patient horse, plodding onwards, watching the procession of riders before her with motherly affection. She missed Turrin, who had flown with Syran to fetch Salassan, yet she knew he would not be gone for long. She was so grateful that the boy had survived. She had missed him terribly and had almost been overcome with relief when she had found him safe and well in Yonla’s cave.

  A few days later, she could sense that they were getting close to her village. The hills and valleys looked familiar and suddenly, she felt quite homesick and could not wait to be back in her own little cottage again. Her old bones longed for her comfortable bed and warm hearth. She would even be happy to see Thad again. A loud voice, hailing the procession, let them know that the village of Upper Hull was just around the corner. She was home.

  The welcome was overwhelming. Orassan smothering Hezrill against her ample bosom in delight and Rarrin, still limping badly, grinning from ear to ear. Already preparations had been made for the evening, campsites made ready and a huge bonfire gathered. Trestle tables lined the village green and food and drink was arriving as they watched. Sometime later, excited calls and a forest of pointing arms heralded Syran’s arrival as he landed on the road just outside the village. Errin arrived in time to see Salassan clamber down before a small figure with a mass of blond curls jumped lithely to the ground beside him.

  Making her way through the crowds to welcome the king and his daughter, Errin spotted Werrin racing up to stand next to Turrin. Turrin grinned at his friend before formally introducing Tilli. “May I have the pleasure of introducing her royal highness, the Princess Tillissan,” he spouted importantly. Errin suppressed a smile as Tilli regally extended her hand and looked haughtily down her nose at a bewildered Werrin who was passing through an amazing array of shades from bright red through to pure white.

  “A, a...a... pleasure,” he stammered doing a little jig, uncertain whether he should be bowing or kneeling. Turrin and Tilli held it together for an admirably long time before they burst into a fit of giggles and put him out of his misery.

  “If you like you can call me Tilli,” the princess managed to say once her laughter had subsided.

  Werrin shot a glance at Turrin before he gave a small chuckle. “You know, you did once promised me that you would bring me back a princess. Glad to see you keep your word.”

  As the sun set, the bonfire was lit, the food served and then the formal part of the evening commenced. Salassan, in all his finery, stood and held centre stage, thanking everyone by name, listing their brave deeds and bestowing gifts upon them. He also formally announced Myssan and Eva’s engagement, explaining that he was overjoyed that his youngest son had found someone so special. Many tankards of Errin’s mead were raised in toasts and then the most anticipated part of the evening commenced as Fenrick grabbed his lute and began to play.

  He settled in and waited for silence, his pure notes cutting through the excited chatter.

  “Tonight I am going to tell you a love story.” A few of the younger boys groaned in disappointed but the more experienced among the crowd just smiled and settled in for what they knew would be an unforgettable night.

  Fenrick’s lute trilled and he continued. “It is a true story about bravery, selflessness and honour and it is a tale that reminds us all that we can overcome any adversity, any hardship, any evil, if only we truly believe in the most powerful force in the universe…...love.”

  The End

  Acknowledgement

  I would like to thank Grant Andrews, Nic Andrews and Cat Langford for their invaluable contributions and support. Without these kind souls this book would never have been given life.

  * * *

  [CL1]I am really relating to this character!

  [CL2]This term seems like it isn’t period-appropriate. It’s very 20th century.

  [CL3]Typo or intentional alternate spelling?

  [CL4]Although it looks ‘wrong’, it is correct to leave the quote mark off the end of a paragraph when the quote continues onto the next paragraph. You still include the ‘opening’ quote on the next paragraph.

  [CL5]This is the best place for Turrin to first think about the possibility of meeting the king.

  [CL6]This bit made me laugh out loud.

  [CL7]I keep forgetting that this is the prince. Maybe he needs to be ‘Prince Dissan’ each time?

  [CL8]I feel like this is a skill he’d already have, unless he is very young?

  [CL9]Beautiful description!

  [CL10]Only about a week? Perhaps “what felt like long ago”?

  [CL11]Dozed?

  [CL12]I keep reading this as Upper Hutt

  [CL13]This name would be pronounced exactly the same as Fenrick’s. I don’t think that’s such a good
idea.

  [CL14]Only because you wrote ‘moss covered’ just above

  [CL15]Perhaps some worry about salt water corrosion?

  [CL16]Great way to end a chapter!

  [CL17]You said ‘Lord Chamberlain’ above. Which is correct?

  [CL18]Or some other way of describing the action? A verb was missing here.

  [CL19]Ick. But nice chapter ending!

  [CL20]I’m a bit confused in the following sequence. The fact that Turrin saw someone in the ruins made me think that’s where the trolls were, but then they start riding away from the trolls, towards the hill, on which the ruins are? Something seems missing or unclear.

  [CL21]Jigged?

  [CL22]I love these seeds! They’re fascinating!

  [CL23]Is this a good alternative? Immanence didn’t sound like the right word.

  [CL24]Would this have been Lutex’s assessment? You could work her attractiveness into one of Brack’s thoughts or actions.

  [CL25]Do they wave goodbye to Rhelin, or to everyone still there?

  [CL26]This part would have more impact if Ferna was introduced earlier. Perhaps at the feast the first night they arrived?

  [CL27]I’ve added a few breaks like this where it seems you’ve jumped between Myssan and Eva’s heads.

  [CL28]Ye?

  [CL29]The spring equinox is about 20–21 March in the Northern Hemisphere. The 8th of May seems to be the spring festival of St Michael (hence the name of the ley line). Also, since you have snow in the story, May really doesn’t make sense.