by BJ Hanlon
Edin started swimming toward them. There was a slight current that helped them which Edin increased with a bit of talent nudging. Soon, Edin’s feet were in the soft muck and the two monks, ones he hadn’t seen at the previous dinner, were helping them stumble from the cold lake.
Edin collapsed in sand. A monk was putting his hands over Edin and starting to chant. A warmth was coming through his injured knee. Glancing up, he saw more monks were coming down the long stair. Edin laid his head back, covered his eyes with his wrist, and waited. The swollen knee began to feel better and the slashed foot didn’t hurt much. The burn from the acid however still stung.
Soon the monks reached them and laid down stretchers. Then they helped Berka and Edin onto them as Berka murmured, “How’d you know?”
They’re guide who’d appeared with the others said, “The abbot.”
As they were about to be lifted, Edin heard one of the monks say. “I don’t know. Go away you mongrel.” Then he yipped and hollered at something. Edin saw a dire wolf coming toward them. It wasn’t growling and it wasn’t making any sort of aggressive movements. A moment later, Edin recognized it and stood.
“What are you doing?” Berka asked.
“Bliz?” Edin said and hobbled toward it feeling not quite healed, but better. The wolf came toward him and lowered its head. Edin reached out and petted him. “How are you?” Edin asked knowing the dog couldn’t answer. Then he laid down and rolled to his back.
He felt someone tugging at his shoulder. “Come now, the abbot requested you two be brought to him immediately.” The man’s voice was hesitant.
Edin nodded and turned from Bliz who started to whine. “I’ll be back,” Edin said and he hoped he would. He didn’t want to abandon the guy again and wouldn’t.
Despite feeling better, the monks insisted on carrying him up the stairs. It was nice not climbing them, but he felt like a lazy king being carried around by his servants. Edin only needed someone feeding him grapes and pouring copious amounts of wine in a large goblet to feel perfectly idle and glutenous.
It took the better part of an hour to climb at least five hundred stairs. The monks didn’t even have to stop and rest which amazed Edin.
Then they entered the green courtyard and up into the grand entrance. Berka, who’d fallen asleep was taken to the right while Edin was brought forward. Edin closed his eyes as the smell of food began to waft through the room. He wished those grapes were real now.
Finally, he heard a door open and he looked up to see them cross the threshold and into another chamber, a huge chamber.
Above them, the ceiling was vaulted and there were arches and windows that must’ve faced the courtyard. They moved toward the center of the room and as Edin looked around, he saw it was almost a replica of the altar room where they’d nearly died.
The monks set the stretcher down and retreated from the room.
“Do not get up,” the abbot said when Edin was pushing himself up. Edin ignored him and stood. His thigh still burned but at least he could walk.
“Where is he?” Edin asked, “where’s Vestor?”
“I do not know,” the abbot said. “You can never know. He comes and goes at a whim.”
“He set Lorno on the mission to hide the Blossom Stones.”
“Yes, and you have found them.”
“And lost them,” Edin said and although he carried all of the talents, he didn’t feel like he was whole. It was like there was something missing in his mind. Something missing in his body.
He gripped the emerald in his hand. The ridges dug into his palm as the others had.
“Now do you know your path?”
He waited for a few moments and thought, then he said “the elves. I know my friends are headed that—”
The abbot was shaking his head. “You have a different way. You must confront the dematian king. You must stop it from releasing him.”
Edin felt a shiver roll over him. A deeper colder shiver than in the river. He thought of Arianne being held by the demon and nodded. Did they know where she was? Where it was?
“How do I find it?”
“I believe he will try to find you now that you possess the last piece to release—”
“If he comes here,” Edin said thinking aloud. “We can set defenses and protect the stone from the dematians. And Vestor is here…”
The man offered an uneasy smile. One that was pained and precluded bad news. Edin knew he couldn’t stay even before the abbot said so. “He cannot come here and you cannot stay. This vale is protected as are the animals who live in it. You were let in because it was necessary for you to complete your journey. But now—”
“I must go.”
The abbot nodded.
“What of Berka? He is injured and cannot come with me.”
“He will stay with us until he is well enough to move. Then we will send him on his way, whichever way that is.”
“Is that all? Is there no other help you can offer? I’m trying to save the world.”
“We can offer food and supplies.”
Edin sighed. “Thanks. So which way do I go?” He paused and then said, “where do I go?”
“That is up to you. My suggestion is you go south toward an old town. One of the oldest crossings in the land. It is now called Turridor.”
“I’ve been there,” Edin said remembering the tiny town, if it could even be called that, with the husband and wife. “Otherwise?”
“You can try the waterways. Below, the river does connect to the Susot Valley as well as many other ancient places. It will be easy to get lost and the underground is their domain.”
Below wasn’t where Arianne was. She was somewhere above ground, somewhere with possible moonlight. If he could defeat the dematian king, then he could find Arianne.
Suuli had told him to continue on the path. That path must’ve been finding the last stone.
Edin thought of the old seer, was he still on the boat to Delrot or did he pass? He wondered if those on the isles would be safe. If Yio Volor really was coming, if he really was trying to take over the world, Edin guessed no one would be safe.
“I suppose it’s time,” Edin said. “I could use the supplies, and some new boots.” The torn one was somewhere in the water.
“Of course.” Then he paused and stared blankly at Edin, his eyes were unfocused like he was listening to some far-off melody which he just couldn’t place. Then after a moment, his eyes focused again. The abbot cleared his throat. “Remember, no matter what happens, the dematian king must not let that demon out into the world. It would be destruction on a scale not seen in thousands of years. And if you need to reach us,” the abbot closed his eyes and Edin felt something snap in the back of his head like a twig.
‘You can speak to us now through the wave,’ The abbot spoke in his head.
Edin blinked. It was different than before somehow. Before it’d been listening in on words now, the sound echoed like he was in a large chamber and it had bounced around it at least a dozen times.
Edin had to step back.
‘It takes some getting used to,’ The abbot said. ‘Only those who’ve been opened can use this, and only Vestor can open you.’
It took a moment and he felt as if there were a flea or something rummaging around in his brain. “Can you hear everything I think?” Edin spoke this because he didn’t know how to actually communicate.
‘Some, but not all.”
“Don’t. I hate this, stop, take it away.” Edin was shaking his head like it was a saltshaker and he was putting generous amounts over a large dish.
“You can set up walls to block thoughts. It takes practice but can be done.’
“How?”
‘By hardening your mind through meditation.’
“I don’t have time for that,” Edin said, “I’m in a bit of a rush, just get rid of this.”
‘Make time,’ The abbot said still in his head. ‘Now you must go. I will have our friend take you to th
e edge of our lands.’
A pair of men walked into the room, monks with green robes. One carried a package, the other a pack and a large quarterstaff, a tarix wood one by the looks of it. Behind came the man he began to think of as his minder. The one who’d been showing him around like a servant at a lord’s estate.
‘There are new robes, sandals, and trousers. We have packed food and water for your journey.’
Edin nodded to the three men. ‘Sandals?’ Edin asked but then realized his mouth didn’t move. It worked.
He spoke without speaking…
‘We do not wear boots, though these are just as tight and more comfortable. They may take longer to get on and off though. We shall show you.’
It took twenty minutes for the monk to teach him to wrap the sandals around his feet and ankle. He was surprised it offered good support and movement and they didn’t slip. He held the quarterstaff in one hand, his sword was at his side, and the pack was strapped on and ready. The monks did not have any bedrolls but gave him robes and new trousers. It would be cold nights until spring decided to show.
Then they were gone; he and his minder walked through the courtyard. Edin saw a donkey eating grass in a herd of horses. It was as if the thing wanted to join the group. Then there was a cow before a trough with a monk near its udders. Edin looked back at the castle and saw a steep drop and scrub brush hanging off the edge of one of its roofs. Eating from the brush was a goat.
They hiked down the stairs and Edin saw Bliz at the bottom waiting for him. A gray, white and black lump of fur. The dire wolf was curled up and looking out over the lake as if he were a guard who’d not been very diligent in his duties.
A few monks heading toward the stairs were looking at Bliz warily and they made wide circles around him. At the bottom the dire wolf stood.
“We’re leaving this place my friend.”
Bliz shook and started padding next to them and heading south. It was a day hike to the pass though there was nothing in this place that would hurt him. It was a neutral zone of peace, according to the monks.
He used the quarterstaff as a walking stick and noticed the slight limp in his still-stinging leg. It was like a wasp had hit it. Hopefully it’d go away sometime.
Edin spotted the crillio beast seated next to a giant gray animal. It had large white horns coming out of the side of its mouth and a long snake like object for a nose. The ears were huge, like giant lily pads hanging from the side of the head.
He’d never seen it before. Not even in books. ‘An elephant…’ his guide told him in his head. ‘Extinct in the rest of Bestoria though there are a few south of the southern islands.’
“Can we talk aloud?” Edin was shocked by the unexpected reverberations in his head. It was like he’d placed a bell over it and suddenly someone took a crack at it with a hammer.
“It does take getting used to,” the monk said aloud.
“Thank you,” then Edin thought about what the man said. “There’s land south of the southern islands?”
His guide nodded. “There’s lands all over this planet. You’ve only seen Bestoria. One day, maybe you’ll visit other lands, you’ll visit other places.”
“Or I’ll be slain by the god of the underworld.” Edin whispered to himself and the monk just looked at him curiously.
Bliz whimpered.
They crossed a small stone bridge over a trickling stream that headed into the lake to the east. It had low edges that were barely an inch high and there were intricate flowers carved into it. Someone had spent a lot of time on it. That in itself spoke to the differences of this place with that of the dull and austere monastery. There were flowers planted on the sides of a pond and a small cottage sat at the edge of a forest. There was smoke from the chimney and it was made up of a cream-colored stone.
“What’s that place?”
“A retreat,” The monk said. “We don’t live in the darkness all the time.”
Edin heard laughter from inside and glasses clinking. “Do they have ale?”
“That they do,” The monk said.
Edin stopped for a moment. He was on a path to meet one of the most dangerous demons, the most dangerous demon in the world. He could stop for an ale and maybe a lie down. It wasn’t like he had a lot of sleep since the guardians.
Bliz nuzzled his head into Edin’s hand. Edin absently petted him and turned his attention forward. Arianne needed him. Suuli said, ‘follow the path, find Arianne.’
Now he was wondering if it was the dematian king’s idea to capture Arianne. Or was it Yio Volor’s.
“Do not think of him,” the monk said. “It is unwise.”
“Please don’t read my thoughts,” Edin said.
“If I can, it is possible the enemy can too. Especially if you are thinking about him.”
“So I can’t even think now because of Vestor.”
“Of the god?” The monk said. He turned back to Edin with a curious look on his face. “What do you mean the god? You’ve seen him?”
“Yes. Haven’t you?” Edin said. He stopped in his tracks and the monk did as well. The man stared at him for a long moment, his eyes appraising as if Edin were an artifact that needed a good valuing.
“No. No one has in…” He looked back up toward the monastery.
Edin followed his gaze and saw a person standing on the top step. Small figures that were clearly monks walked past him, though none acknowledged. “Who are you?” he said looking back.
“I’m Edin.”
“I know it was odd that you appeared and odder still that you are allowed to leave the valley.” His mouth opened and closed. “Are you the chosen one?”
“Chosen one?”
“Yes, chosen one, legend…” his voice lowered. “The Ecta Mastrino?”
Edin looked back up toward the top of the stairs. Vestor, or at least the figure he thought was Vestor was gone. “Yes.”
“Gods,” the monk said. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
They hiked for hours. The path was a small dirt trail with wildflowers, rose bushes, and azaleas bordering it. Trees surrounded them but they were not thick. Through them, he could see the mountains to the west and the lake to the east.
Across the lake, at least two miles to the east, he saw more land, grape vines on foothills and mountains, and even another small shack that stood on one of those hills.
Though it seemed like it should be getting late, it didn’t grow dark. They paused for some dinner. Edin offered some of the meat to Bliz who took it down happily. They sat quietly around a small hollow just off the path. One that was near a garden with large fieldstones surrounding it and manicured grass.
“I thought you didn’t get out much. This seems like a lot of upkeep,” Edin said.
“Things move slower here. Much slower. The plants grow slower, the animals get hungry less and we at The Monasterion de Vestorion do not age,” the monk said. “In the day you’ve been here, three weeks have passed in the outside world.”
Edin was shocked. His mind raced and after a while, his mouth caught up. “It’s been three weeks?” Edin said. “How? Why?” He had looked up at the sky and wondered why it wasn’t getting dark. Had it been dark at all since he’d been here? He thought he remembered the sun moving in the sky when he was in the altar room. It had and it pointed to the emerald. But had it really? His head had swum and he couldn’t be certain what he had seen at that point.
That meant that Grent and Dephina could already be in the Susot Valley, Dorset and Rihkar would already be at the Isle of Mists. They may be getting magi together to sail back. Maybe they’ve already set sail.
The world was passing without him. For every minute he stayed here, how much time passed in the real world? How many hours went by as he sat in this hollow and looked up at the unending sun? Edin abruptly stood. “We need to go,” Edin said and started to the small path. “I can’t stay in this place any longer. I cannot be in this protected vale. Not when my friends and family
are out there.”
“I understand but you need your rest. No one will be waiting for you outside of the vale,” the monk said.
Edin knew that. At least no human would be waiting for him. Did he really need to rush leaving this vale for the real world? He could use the sleep, that was certain. But Arianne is in that beast’s grasp.
“I need to go anyways,” Edin said as he started back down the trail.
The monk was after him a few moments later, his sandaled feet clapping on the trail. They kept going for more hours. Six, maybe seven in the gigantic valley which he still didn’t see the end of.
There had to be some magic. Some spell that made the place invisible to the outside world. Maybe most of the mountain range was the same. The Susot Valley was unknown as was Arianne’s keep and both were in the north. Edin would’ve thought that miners and explorers would try and search for ore or relics of days past in these mountains.
But no one ever found anything. Or maybe they had and never come out.
The road began to turn slightly to the west. Then it began a slighter, but still noticeable rise. The trees grew thicker and some turned more tropical.
He heard before he saw great hoots and howls coming from above them.
Bliz looked up and whined painfully. Wild vines hung from the canopy but he didn’t see the source of the sound until the monk whispered in his head, ‘there’ and pointed to a small open patch backlit by the sunshine. Between a large branch and three wide leaves was a huge animal.
A great reddish orange ape. Its face was gray but looked almost black in the shadows. The mouth was open and it was hooting at them as if they were intruders.
‘They’re very territorial,’ the monk said in his head. ‘They’ve never attacked in the valley, but no one has ever provoked them either.’
Edin nodded and said nothing as Bliz barked loudly. Soon, he saw more apes and monkeys in the canopy, some were the howling ones, others were smaller but with big glowing yellow eyes and long fingers and tails.
Finally, the sun began to go down over the far side of the ridge when they reached the crest of a hill and the end of the forest. Edin stood at the top of it and looked down to the other side. Before him, he saw wide flat lands to the north and south. To the west there were open fields with animals in them. All of the animals seemed small from there. Then he spotted a fence and a man standing on it yelling something at a beast in a pen.
