Stone of Farewell

by Tad Williams

  “Then you’re going to fight?” Simon felt a sudden pinch of hope at his heart.

  Jiriki shrugged. “Yes, I think so—but how or when is not for me to say.”

  “It’s all so much,” Simon murmured. “So fast.”

  “You must go, young friend. Aditu will return soon from attending my parents. She will take you to where you can find your folk. It is best done swiftly, since it is not usual for Shima’onari or Likimeya to undo their own Words of Decree. Go. My sister will come to you at my house by the river.” Jiriki leaned down and lifted something from the mossy floor. “And do not forget to take your mirror, my friend.” He smiled slyly. “You may need to call me again, and I still owe you a life.”

  Simon took the gleaming thing and slid it into his pocket. He hesitated, then leaned forward and carefully wrapped his arms around Jiriki, trying not to touch his burns as he gently embraced him. The Sithi prince touched Simon’s cheek with his cool lips.

  “Go in peace, Seoman Snowlock. We will meet again. That is a promise.”

  “Farewell, Jiriki.” He turned and marched swiftly away without looking back. He slowed his pace after he stumbled once in the winding hallway, a long, wind-rippled tunnel the color of sand.

  Outside, immersed in a swirl of confused thoughts, Simon suddenly realized that he was feeling a curious chill. Looking up, he saw that the summery skies over Jao é-Tinukai’i had darkened, taking on a more somber hue. The breeze was colder than any he had ever felt there before.

  The summer is fading, he thought, and was frightened again. I don’t think they’ll ever get it back.

  Suddenly all his petty anger toward the Sithi evaporated and a great, heavy sorrow for them overtook him. Whatever else was here, there was also beauty unseen since the world was young, long preserved against the killing frosts of time. Now the walls were tumbling down before a great, wintery wind. Many exquisite things might be ravaged beyond reclaiming.

  He hurried along the riverbank toward Jiriki’s house.

  The journey out of Jao é-Tinukai’i passed swiftly for Simon, dim and slippery as a dream. Aditu sang in her family’s tongue and Simon held her hand tightly as the forest shimmered and changed around them. They walked out of cool grayish-blue skies into the very jaws of winter, which had lain in wait like a stalking beast.

  Snow covered the forest floor, a blanket so thick and cold that it was hard for Simon to remember that Jao é-Tinukai’i itself had not been covered, that in that one place winter was still held at bay: here outside the magical circle of the Zida’ya, the Storm King’s handiwork was so terribly real. But now, he realized, even that circle had been broken. Blood had been spilled in the very heart of summer.

  They walked through the morning and early afternoon, gradually leaving the densest part of the woods and moving toward the forest fringe-Aditu answered Simon’s few questions, but neither had the strength for much talk, as though the awful cold had withered the affection that had once flowered between them. As uncomfortable as her presence had often made him, still Simon was saddened, but the world had changed some­how and he had no more strength to struggle. He let the winter world flow over him like a dream, and did not think.

  They walked for some hours beside a swift river, following it until they reached a long gentle slope. Before them lay a vast body of water, as gray and mysterious as an alchemist’s bowl. A shadowed, tree-covered hill jutted from it like a dark pestle.

  “There is your destination, Seoman,” Aditu said abruptly. “That is Sesuad’ra.”

  “The Stone of Farewell?”

  Aditu nodded. “The Leavetaking Stone.”

  The abstraction finally made real, Simon felt as though he were step-ping from one dream into another. “But how will I get there? Am I supposed to swim?”

  Aditu said nothing, but led him down the slope to where the river rushed into the gray water, spilling across the rocks with a roar. A little distance along the shoreline, out of the way of the river’s turbulent inflow, a small, silvery boat bobbed at anchor. “Once every hundred or so winters,” she said, “when the rains are particularly fierce, the lands around Sesuad’ra flood—although this is certainly the first time it has ever happened when Reniku the Summer-Lantern was in the sky.” She turned away, unwilling to share thoughts written on her face so that even a mortal could understand. “We keep these hiyanha—these boats—here and there, so that Sesuad’ra will not be denied to those who wish to visit it.”

  Simon put his hand on the little boat, feeling the smooth grain of the wood beneath his fingers. A paddle of the same silvery stuff lay in the hull. “And you’re sure that’s where I go?” he asked, suddenly unwilling to say good-bye.

  Aditu nodded. “Yes, Seoman.” She shrugged off the bag she had been carrying on her shoulder and handed it to him. “This is for you—no,” she corrected herself, “not for you. It is for you to take to your Prince Josua, from Amerasu. She said she believed he would know what to do with it—if not now, then soon.”

  “Amerasu? She sent this…?”

  Aditu put a hand on his cheek. “Not exactly, Seoman. First Grandmother had asked me to take it if your imprisonment did not end. Since you have been released, I give it to you.” She stroked his face. “I am glad for your sake that you are free. It pained me to see you so unhappy. It was good to know of you—a rare thing.” She leaned forward and kissed him. Despite all that had happened, he still felt a quickening of his heart as her mouth touched his. Her lips were warm and dry and tasted of mint.

  Aditu stepped away. “Farewell, Snowlock. I must go back and mourn.” Before he could even lift his hand to wave, she turned and disappeared among the trees. He watched for some moments, looking for some sign of her slender form, but she was gone. He turned and clambered into the small boat and set the sack she had given him down in the hull. It was of good weight, but he was too weary and sore-hearted even to look at what might be inside. He thought it might be peaceful to fall asleep here in the boat, at the edge of the great forest. It would be a blessing to sleep and not wake for a year and a day. Instead, he picked up his paddle and pushed himself out onto the still water.

  The afternoon fell away and the deep chill of evening came on. As Simon floated toward the growing shadow of Sesuad’ra, he felt the silence of the winter world envelop him, until he thought he might be the only living, moving thing upon the face of Osten Ard.

  For a long time he did not notice that there were torches bobbing before him on the twilit shoreline. When he saw them at last, he was already close enough to hear the voices. His arms were cold and numb. He felt as though he had no more strength left to paddle, but managed to push himself a few last strokes, until a large, splashing shape—Sludig?—waded out from the rocky verge and pulled him into shore. He was lifted from the boat and half-carried up the bank, then surrounded by an army of torchlit, laughing faces. They seemed familiar, but the sensation of dream was upon him again. It was not until he saw the smallest figure that he remembered where he was. He staggered forward and swept Binabik into his arms, crying unashamedly.

  “Simon-friend!” Binabik chortled, thumping him on the back with his small hands. “Qinkipa is good! Joyful! This is joyful! In the days since I was coming here I had almost lost my hope to see you.”

  Simon wept, unable to speak. At last, when he had cried himself dry, he set the little man down. “Binabik,” he said, voice raw. “Oh, Binabik. I have seen terrible things.”

  “Not now, Simon, not now.” The troll took his hand firmly. “Come. Come up to the hilltop. Fires have been built there and I am sure there is something cooking. Come.”

  The little man led him. The crowd of familiar strangers fell in behind, talking and laughing among themselves. The flames of the torches hissed beneath a soft fall of snow, and sparks rose into the sky to drift and fade. Soon one of them began to sing, a good, homely sound. As darkness crept over the drowned valley, the sweet, clear voice rose through the trees and echoed out over the black water.


  Appendix

  PEOPLE

  Erkynlanders

  Barnabas—Hayholt chapel sexton

  Beornoth—one of Jack Mundwode’s mythical band

  Breyugar—Count of the Westfold, Lord Constable of the Hayholt under Elias

  Caleb—Shem Horsegroom’s apprentice

  Colmund—Camaris’ squire, later baron of Rodstanby

  Deorhelm—soldier at Dragon and Fisherman

  Deornoth, Sir—Josua’s knight, sometimes called “Prince’s Right Hand”

  Dreosan, Father—chaplain of Hayholt

  Eadgram, Sir—Lord Constable of Naglimund

  Eahlferend—Simon’s fisherman father, husband of Susanna

  Eahlstan Fiskerne—Fisher King, first Erkynlandish master of Hayholt

  Eglaf, Brother—Naglimund monk, friend of Strangyeard

  Elias—Prince, Prester John’s elder son, later High King

  Elispeth—midwife at Hayholt

  Ethelbearn—soldier, Simon’s companion on journey from Naglimund

  Ethelferth—Lord of Tinsett

  Fengbald—Earl of Falshire

  Freawaru—innkeeper, master of Dragon and Fisherman in Flett

  Godstan—soldier at Dragon and Fisherman

  Godwig—Baron of Cellodshire

  Grimmric—soldier, Simon’s companion on journey from Nagilmund

  Grimstede, Sir—Erkylandish noble, supporter of Josua

  Guthwulf—Eari of Utanyeat, High King’s Hand

  Haestan—Naglimund guardsman, Simon’s companion

  Heahferth—Baron of Woodsall

  Heanfax—innkeeper’s boy

  Helfcene, Father—Chancellor of Hayholt

  Hepzibah—castle chambermaid

  Hruse—Jack Mundwode’s wife in song

  Inch—Doctor’s assistant, later foundry-master

  Isaak—page

  Jack Mundwode—mythical forest bandit

  Jael—castle chambermaid

  Jakob—castle chandler

  Jeremias—chandler’s boy

  John—King John Presbyter, High King

  Josua—Prince, John’s younger son, lord of Naglimund, called “Lackhand”

  Judith—Cook and Kitchen Mistress

  Langrian—Hoderundian monk

  Leleth—Miriamele’s handmaiden

  Lofsunu—soldier, Hepzibah’s intended

  Lucuman—stable-worker at Naglimund

  Malachias—castle boy

  Marya—Miriamele’s servant

  Miriamele—Princess, Elias’ only child

  Morgenes, Doctor—Scrollbearer, King John’s castle doctor, Simon’s friend

  Noah—King John’s squire

  Ordmaer—Baron of Utersall

  Osgal—one of Mundwode’s mythical band

  Ostrael—pikeman, son of Firsfram of Runchester

  Peter Gilded-Bowl—Seneschal of Hayholt

  Rachel—Mistress of Chambermaids

  Rebah—castle kitchen maid

  Ruben the Bear—castle smith

  Sangfugol—Josua’s harper

  Sarrah—castle chambermaid

  Scenesefa—Hoderundian monk

  Shem Horsegroom—castle groom

  Simon (Seoman)—a castle scullion

  Sophrona—Linen Mistress

  Strangyeard, Father—Archivist of Naglimund

  Susanna—Simon’s chambermaid mother

  Tobas—castle houndmaster

  Towser—jester (original name: Cruinh)

  Wuldorcene—Baron of Caldsae

  Hernystiri

  Arthpreas—Count of Cuimnhe

  Bagba—Cattle God

  Brynioch of the Skies—Sky God

  Cadrach-ec-Crannhyr, Brother—monk of indeterminate Order

  Cifgha—young lady of Taig

  Craobhan—old knight, advisor to King Lluth

  Cryunnos—a God

  Dochais—Hoderundian monk

  Efiathe — original name of Queen Ebekah of Erkynland, called “Rose of Hernysadharc”

  Eoin-ec-Cluias—legendary poet

  Eolair—Count of Nad Mullach, emissary of King Lluth

  Fiathna—Gwythinn’s mother, Lluth’s second wife

  Gealsgiath—ship’s captain, called “Old”

  Gormhbata—legendary chieftain Gwelan—young lady of Taig

  Gwythinn—Prince, Lluth’s son, Maegwin’s half brother

  Hern—Founder of Hernystir

  Inahwen—Lluth’s third wife

  Lluth-ubh-Llythinn—King of Hernystir

  Maegwin—Princess, Lluth’s daughter, Gwythinn’s half sister

  Mircha—Rain Goddess, wife of Brynioch

  Murhagh One-Arm—a God

  Penemhwye—Maegwin’s mother, Lluth’s first wife

  Red Hathrayhinn—character in Cadrach story

  Rhynn—a God

  Sinnach—Prince, Battle of Knock war-leader

  Tethtain—King, only Hernystiri master of Hayholt, called “Holly King” Tuilleth—young Hernystiri knight

  Rimmersmen

  Bindesekk—Isgrimnur’s spy

  Dror—Ancient War God

  Einskaldir—Rimmersgard chieftain

  Elvrit—First Osten Ard king of Rimmersmen

  Fingil—King, first master of Hayholt, “Bloody King”

  Frayja—Ancient Harvest Goddess

  Frekke—old soldier

  Gutrun—Duchess of Elvritshalla

  Hani—young soldier killed by Bukken

  Hengfisk—Hoderundian priest

  Hjeldin—King, Fingil’s son, “Mad King”

  Hoderund, Saint—priest from Battle of Knock

  Hove—young soldier, relative of Isgrimnur

  Ikferdig—King, Hjeldin’s lieutenant, “Burned King”

  Ingen Jegger—Black Rimmersman, master of Nom hounds

  Isbeorn—Isgrimnur’s father, first Rimmersgard duke under John

  Isgrimnur—Duke of Elvritshalla

  Isorn—Isgrimnur and Gutrun’s son

  Ithineg the Harper—character in Cadrach story

  Jarnauga—Scrollbearer from Tungoldyr

  Jormgrun—King of Rimmersgard, killed by John at Naarved

  Loken—Ancient Fire God

  Memur—Ancient Wisdom God

  Nisse (Nisses)—Hjeldin’s priest-helper, writer of Du Svardenvyrd

  Sigmar—young Rimmerswoman courted by Towser

  Skali—Thane of Kaldskryke, called “Sharp-nose”

  Skendi—Saint, founder of abbey

  Sludig—young soldier, Simon’s companion

  Storfot—Thane of Vestvennby

  Thrinin—soldier killed by Bukken

  Tonnrud—Thane of Skoggey, Duchess Gutrun’s uncle

  Udun—Ancient Sky God

  Utë—of Saegard, soldier killed by Bukken

  Nabbanai

  Aeswides (probably Nabbanization of Erkynlandish name)—first lord of Naglimund

  Anitulles—former Imperator

  Antippa, Lady—daughter of Leobardis and Nessalanta

  Ardrivis—last Imperator, uncle of Camaris

  Aspitis Preves—count of Eadne, master of Prevan House, Benigaris’ friend

  Benidrivine—Nabbanai noble house, kingfisher crest

  Benidrivis—first duke under John, father of Leobardis and Camaris

  Benigaris—son of Duke Leobardis and Nessalanta

  Camaris-sá-Vinitta—brother of Leobardis, friend of Prester John

  Clavean—Nabbanai noble house, pelican crest

  Claves—former Imperator

  Crexis the Goat—former Imperator

  Dendinis—architect of Naglimund

  Devasalles—Baron, intended of Lady Antippa

  Dinivan—Lector Ranessin’s secretary

  Domitis—Bishop of Saint Sutrin’s cathedral in Erchester

  Elysia—mother of Usires

  Emettin—legendary knight

  Enfortis—Imperator at time of Fall of Asu’a

  Fluiren, Sir�
�famous Johannine knight of disgraced Sulian House

  Gelles—soldier at market

  Hylissa—Miriamele’s late mother, Ellas’ wife, Nessalanta’s sister

  Ingadarine—noble family, albatross house-crest

  Leobardis—Duke of Nabban, father of Benigaris, Varellan, Antippa

  Mylin-sá-Ingadaris—Earl, master of Ingadarine House, Nessalanta’s brother

  Nessalanta—Duchess of Nabban, Benigaris’ mother, Miriamele’s aunt

  Nin Reisu—Niskie aboard Emettin ‘s Jewel

  Nuanni (Nuannis)—ancient sea god of Nabban

  Pelippa—noblewoman from Book of Aedon, Saint, called “of the Island”

  Plesinnen Myrmenis (Plesinnen of Myrme)—philosopher

  Prevan—noble family, osprey house-crest

  Pryrates, Father—priest, alchemist, wizard, Ellas’ counselor

  Quincines—Abbot of Saint Hoderund’s

  Ranessin, Lector—(born Oswine of Stanshire, an Erkynlander) Head of Church

  Rhiappa—Saint, called “Rhiap” in Erkynland

  Sulis—Rogue noble, former master of Hayholt, “Heron King”

  Tiyagaris—first Imperator

  Turis—soldier at market

  Usires Adeon—Aedonite religion’s Son of God

  Varellan—Duke Leobardis’ youngest son

  Velligis—Escritor

  Vilderivis—Saint

  Yuvenis—ancient chief god of Nabban

  Sithi

  Amerasu—Eri-queen, mother of Ineluki and Hakatri

  An’nai—Jiriki’s lieutenant, hunting companion

  Finaju—Sithi-woman in Cadrach story

  Hakatri—Ineluki’s elder brother, gravely wounded by Hidohebhi

  Ineluki—Prince, now Storm King

  Isiki—Sithi Kikkasut (Bird God)

  Iyu’unigato—Eri-king, Ineluki’s father

  Jiriki, (i-Sa’onserei)—Prince, son of Shima’onari

  Kendharaja’aro—Jiriki’s uncle