by D. C. Payson
Thezdan brought his hand up to his chest in a formal salute and waited for her to come. “Hello, Mother.”
“Hello, Eodan,” said the woman, who took his hands tenderly into her own. “It is I who have missed you most of all.”
Thezdan smiled uncomfortably.
“So, tell me,” the woman continued. “What is the trouble?”
“I have brought someone who needs your help,” said Thezdan, beckoning toward Julia. “This is Julia.”
The woman extended her two hands with their palms up and bowed her head. “Hello, Julia. I am Alana.”
Julia tried to mimic the gesture, bowing her head and extending her hands in return. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alana.”
“We have so few dealings with the world outside the forest now that I would be surprised if there were anything I could do,” Alana said. “But I will listen, of course. Perhaps we should discuss it in the Council chamber?”
“I think that would be best,” Thezdan agreed.
Alana turned to the crowd. “Tell all the young No that they may take tomorrow off from their training. Tonight, let them enjoy the returning Eo’s company, and stay up late hearing stories of his travels and travails!”
The young boys erupted in fits of glee and hollering and dispersed to share the good news. Thezdan’s face brightened to see their excitement.
“Lothic, would you join us?” Alana asked.
“No,” said Thezdan. “I don’t believe his counsel is needed.”
Alana looked at Thezdan with a surprised and disapproving look, but Lothic quickly interceded.
“It is alright, Alana. Don’t let it trouble you. The Eo is probably right.”
“I doubt he is,” Alana replied. “I will call if I need you.”
Lothic bowed his head. “I will await your call, then.”
As Alana led them toward the back of the fort, Julia took in the sights around her. The fort’s courtyard was a large oval around 150 yards in length and 100 yards wide at its center. There were several areas where large, lower branches came down from the trees like staircases to offer access to the higher reaches, and against the tree walls were many simple, two-story cabins, each with a narrow, man-made exterior staircase leading from the ground level to the second floor. The fort’s cabins were arranged in such a way that a gray, stone chimney was shared by each pair. Most of the second story structures were made of newer wood and the chimneys of newer stone. At the back of the fort were several larger structures, including an open-air forge toward which Lothic was hobbling.
Surveying the people around town, Julia saw quite a number of women, girls, and young men. She estimated that there were at least two hundred, perhaps two hundred and fifty, people living here, a number that seemed to stretch the fort’s capacity. Looking around further, she realized there were barely any men older than twenty and no children younger than five or six. She thought back to Thezdan’s story about his father’s death. It brought home to her the stark reality of the Guardian Clan’s recent past. The men had been killed. Their absence left a gaping hole in the fabric of this town. It filled Julia with sadness to see so many children who were growing up without their fathers, uncles, and grandfathers.
Alana stopped in front of a building set against the fort’s back wall. It had a second story balcony with a panel carved with an image of the Goddess at its center. Alana raised her hands and bowed before the icon, then she opened a large door and led Julia and Thezdan inside. A single oil lamp burned on a table by the door, providing just enough light to make out the basic features of the room.
Alana lit a small piece of kindling on the lamp and set to work lighting candles throughout the space. “I am surprised by the way you treated Lothic, Eodan,” she said. “He has taught you so much. Why would you show him such disrespect, especially when he has so much more wisdom to share?”
Thezdan remained silent.
Alana looked up from behind a flickering, just-lit flame. “What has he done to deserve this from you?”
“I’m sure my father felt similarly when Lothic retired on the eve of battle,” Thezdan replied.
“Oh?” said Alana, annoyed. “Why do you presume to know what Eobax thought about Lothic? They were like brothers.”
Thezdan shook his head angrily. “Lothic was our Prime. I have thought about his actions a great deal during my time as a Searcher. I would not have permitted him to retire, not like he did! No Prime has ever retired and accepted the title of Lo with the enemy practically in sight. His injury is no excuse. He should have fought and died alongside my father and the rest of the warriors! And if he were half as good as father used to say, then he might have taken quite a few of them with him!”
Alana paused. “Your time alone in the forest has fostered an unfortunate and misdirected resentment. Had Lothic perished, a thousand years of training and teachings would have been lost, dead along with him. Instead, he was able to share with you and the other Guardians the knowledge he carried, and our Clan lives on.”
Thezdan turned away. “Perhaps my father should have been the one to save the teachings.”
Alana sighed. “One day, you will understand Eobax’s decision. I miss him too, Eodan. But know this: you should trust Lothic. Respect him. He is a greater man than you know.”
Alana finished lighting the last few candles then walked over to the circular table that dominated the center of the small but not cramped space. Pulling out a high-backed and beautifully carved chair at the head, distinct from the plainer ones around it, she beckoned for Julia to join her.
“It has been several years since we have welcomed a guest to our meeting table,” Alana said. “You would honor us by sitting here.”
“Thank you,” Julia said, walking over.
“That is more appropriate than you realize, Mother,” said Thezdan. “She is a Vorraver.”
Alana shot back a disbelieving stare. “What do you mean, Eodan?”
“Look at her necklace!”
Alana looked at Julia and at the necklace that hung around her neck. “It is the royal symbol, yes. Anybody could wear such a thing … though it would be dangerous to do so these days. Tell me, where did you get this?”
“It was my grandmother’s,” Julia replied.
“And your grandmother, what was her name?”
“Her name is Elleina.”
Alana’s eyes widened. “The Lost Princess Elleina? Truly? Please, have a seat, my dear. I would very much like to hear your story.”
Julia sat down in the high-backed chair. Thezdan took a seat next to her.
“Elleina Vorraver left many years ago,” said Alana, sitting down across from them. “What has brought you here? And why now?”
Julia shook her head. “I don’t know. As I told Thezdan, I put on the necklace and was transported here as I slept. I woke up in the monastery up in the mountains.”
Alana pressed her fingers together, her eyes deep in thought. “The Order of the Key monastery? Tell me, did Elleina give you the necklace? Did she say it was time for the Vorravers to return to Aevilen?”
“No, not really,” Julia said, shaking her head. “I found it in a trunk in her home.”
Suddenly the door sprang open. In walked a man nearly as tall as Thezdan but younger and of slighter stature. His eyes fell on Thezdan almost immediately.
“Mother, I need to speak with you,” said the man, his tone urgent but controlled.
“Hello, Nonox,” said Thezdan.
“Much has changed since you left, Thezdan. You would do well to address me as Sinox.”
Thezdan let out a dismissive laugh. “Sinox? Who has made you Prime?”
“I have,” interrupted Alana. “And I did so with Lothic’s blessing. Your brother is a fine warrior. He may be unorthodox for a Guardian, but with you gone, he is surely our strongest.”
“It is the end of our tradition if our Prime fights by stealth and bow,” Thezdan mutt
ered.
“Mother, it is very important that I speak with you,” Sinox repeated through clenched teeth.
“Then speak. Eodan can hear whatever you have to say.”
Sinox paused. He looked over at Thezdan then back at Alana. “And what of the girl? I believe she may be the source of my news.”
“She is with me,” said Thezdan.
“Yes, I know,” said Sinox.
“What do you mean, Sinox?” Alana asked. “How did you know?”
“The Sylvan saw her coming from the monastery road yesterday. They tried to catch her, but failed. They say they saw a magical artifact glowing around her neck.”
“She is a Vorraver,” said Thezdan, “which makes it our duty to help her, brother.”
“What?” replied Sinox, shocked to hear the name. “The Vorravers have been dead for over a generation, and with them quite a few members of our Clan who tried to save them. Do not speak nonsense, brother. We have enough trouble already without you bringing us more.”
“I promise I’m not trying to cause any trouble,” Julia interjected. “I am just looking for a way to get home. Hopefully I’ll be out of your hair soon.”
“I apologize, Julia, for my son’s harsh words,” Alana said. “These are difficult times in Aevilen, which makes everyone cautious.” She turned toward Sinox again. “You met with the Sylvan today?”
“I did. I went to see Nain to share reconnaissance on Party movements, and he told me what I’ve now told you: Sylvan scouts spotted this girl—sorry, Julia—alone in the forest and wearing a magic necklace.”
“And what does Nain think of this?”
“I’m not sure. He did not share his thoughts with me.”
“Well,” said Alana, turning toward Julia. “If Nain were worried, he would have told us. I believe her. As strange as it seems, the magical artifact she wears and her arrival at the mountain monastery seem like much more than coincidence. Why a Vorraver would reappear after all this time is as perplexing to me as it is to you. But for now, we have a duty to help her.”
Sinox nodded and shifted to a rigid, formal posture. He brought his closed fist to his chest in salute. “As you wish.”
“Eodan,” continued Alana, “I would like Lothic’s counsel. You were right to come and to bring Julia with you. But in strange and surely significant circumstances such as these, it would be foolish for us to proceed without him.”
Thezdan offered a reluctant nod. “Alright, Mother.”
“Sinox, please ask Lothic to join us. I imagine you’ll find him waiting.”
“Right away,” said Sinox, saluting again before departing.
Alana looked at Julia. “Tell me: how are you feeling? Do you need something to eat? To drink?”
“I am a little hungry,” Julia replied. “It’s been quite a day.”
Alana smiled. “Please, let me get you something, then.” She stood up and went to a cabinet nearby, returning shortly with a basket of nuts.
The nuts had sort of a strange, greenish-purple color. Not wanting to offend her host, Julia picked one up and popped it into her mouth. It had a very earthy flavor but a pleasant, sweet aftertaste.
Better than they look, Julia decided. She reached for a few more.
“Tell me, what has become of Princess Elleina? We were always told that she was sent away, but most of us doubted that story. I had always assumed that she perished in the attack on the monastery.”
Julia smiled as she thought about her grandmother. “No, she’s fine. She’s back home in California, probably wondering where I am.”
“California? Is that a territory on the lower continent?”
“It’s in the United States. I don’t really know where we are now, but California is very different. I mean, it has lots of paved roads, and cars, and technology everywhere. Here, everything seems to be old fashioned … almost medieval.”
Alana laughed. “I’m not sure I understand, but I can tell you are sincere in saying it. Tell me, why did you put on your grandmother’s necklace? Did you know it would take you back to Aevilen?”
Julia shook her head. “No. I put it on because I liked the way it looked. I found it while exploring my grandmother’s old trunk, and after wearing it to bed, I woke up here.”
“Will it not allow you to go back?”
“I tried going back to sleep, but I just woke up in the same spot. I still haven’t figured out how it works, but … ”
“Yes?” Alana coaxed.
“Well, it almost seems to have a mind of its own. It helps me when I need it, warning me of danger or shining a bright light to scare off things attacking me.” She raised her eyebrows playfully at Thezdan. “It has also guided me at times, as if it were feeding my thoughts. I never used to believe in magic, but this necklace—I mean, there’s definitely something special about it.”
The door opened. Sinox came through with Lothic following behind him.
Alana rose to her feet. “Lothic, thank you for coming. Something extraordinary has happened, and I am very much in need of your help.”
“Whatever is required of me, Alana, you shall have,” said Lothic, hobbling over to the table.
Once Lothic and Sinox were seated, Alana leaned forward. “Lothic, the girl before you is a Vorraver, the granddaughter of Princess Elleina.”
Lothic was incredulous. He looked over at Julia, then back at Alana. “I see a resemblance, but Princess Elleina perished in the Order of the Key Monastery, and the Vorraver line died with her.”
“No, Lothic,” said Alana. “It seems the stories of her escape are true.”
“I have never believed those stories,” Lothic said, shaking his head. “What has made you suddenly so certain?”
“Look at the necklace she wears,” said Alana. “It matches the Vorraver seal!”
“Nain believes that necklace to be a powerful artifact,” Sinox added.
“An artifact?” asked Lothic. “What do the Sylvan have to do with this?”
“The Sylvan have nothing to do with this,” said Sinox. “But they saw the necklace glowing around her neck.”
“I was telling Alana about it before you came in,” said Julia. “It does more than just glow.”
“I have seen it myself, Lothic,” said Thezdan. “You know more about strange metals that the rest of us; perhaps you should examine it.” He looked over at Julia and extended his hand in front of her. “Please, let Lothic give it a look. In this matter, he can be trusted.”
Julia placed a hand on her necklace. She knew its importance. It had helped her to brave Aevilen’s challenges, understand its people, and avoid its dangers. She was loath to give it up.
Thezdan could see her hesitation. He gently clutched her free hand. “It’s okay. I promise the necklace will be returned to you.”
Julia closed her eyes for a moment, tapping into the intuitions fed by her necklace. It warmed to her touch, a sign she took to mean that the Guardians before her could indeed be trusted. Reopening her eyes, she slipped the chain over her head and passed the necklace to Thezdan. Her heartbeat accelerated as she watched Thezdan turn and pass it on to Lothic.
Lothic put the necklace on the table in front of him. The others watched as he carefully examined the metal. He ran his fingers over its contours, his eyes and movements betraying a growing interest. He reached for a candle, then he picked up the necklace and watched the light dance off its surface. He gripped the centerpiece between his thumbs and forefingers and twisted, gently at first and then forcefully, the strain on his face suggesting that he was applying every ounce of his strength.
“Stop!” Julia cried out, reaching across Thezdan for the dangling chain.
Lothic relented. He put the necklace back down on the table and slid it back to her. “You needn’t worry,” he said, smiling. “Even if Eodan and I were to combine our strength, we wouldn’t be able to bend it.”
Julia barely heard him as she grabbed the nec
klace from the table and put it on again. She was relieved to feel it back in place around her neck.
“What do you mean, Lothic?” asked Alana.
“It’s magestone, Alana,” Lothic marveled. “I have only seen magestone once before, in my training with the Rokkin, but it is something I could never forget. See the faint glow it casts in the light? It is unmistakable. The metal is so strong that only the oldest of the Rokkin can shape it, and the required exertion is so great that they risk death in doing so.”
“So, the necklace is Rokkin,” said Alana. “But what of its magic?”
“It was probably made by the Rokkin, yes. I don’t know about its magic, but I have heard about magestone relics having special powers.” Lothic looked down at the table and chuckled to himself. “You know, I always assumed that those stories were legends also. And now there is a girl here, presumed granddaughter of the Lost Princess, with a magestone necklace in the shape of the royal seal. It seems there are many stories I will have to reconsider.”
“It is frustrating that so much knowledge has been lost,” said Alana. She sighed. “May Pestilence curse the Party for that … Still, I fear something is happening. There is a reason this girl has been brought back to us now. Somehow, we need to learn more about the necklace and its powers. Who do we know who could help?”
“Do you still have contact with the Rokkin, Lothic?” asked Thezdan.
“No,” said Lothic, waving him off. “I cannot go directly to the Rokkin, and I have not seen Domin, my former master, since before we left the plains.”
“Do we have any idea where Domin might be?” Alana asked the table. “Sinox, I know you have contacts in the capital. Do you happen to know?”
Sinox shook his head. “No. But I have never asked.”
“Alana, I don’t think Domin is the answer,” said Lothic anxiously.
“What other options do we have?” she replied. “Domin was an Elder and head of the Rokkin smithing caste, no? Surely he will know something about a magestone artifact.”
