Crescent Moon

by David Partelow

  “Enough!”

  At the sound of her teacher, Rowan immediately released Richtor and stood upright. The young girl turned to see Ehzan, master swordsman and fighting instructor to the city. Ehzan was known throughout the entire Saelen Kingdom as a highly skilled fighter. To train with such a pantheryn was considered a great honor. And now he looked on at his young student with crossed arms and a furrowed brow of disapproval.

  Rowan did not have to look upon Ehzan to know he frowned upon her angrily with his fiery dark eyes. Even now she could sense him calming his ruffled gray fur as he straightened the decorated leather armor he always wore. Rowan could feel a scowl upon her, ever more piercing through the three slash scars upon his face. Ehzan the Gray was not one to trifle with and the young girl understood he was waiting for an explanation.

  Looking up at her teacher, Rowan knew that she had to offer him a deeply compelling argument for her actions. “I assure you that he completely started it, with friends mind you,” she said.

  Ehzan shook his head at his young student. “You believe that such a thing matters, Rowan? I have trained you to protect yourself, defend justice and uphold the safety of Randoon, not to partake in petty squabbles such as this,” he said.

  Rowan nodded, scratching at the back of one of her ears. “I know, master. I have done my best to avoid them up to this point, but once you realize you’ve had enough and it is enough, you act!” The young girl sighed as she hung her head further. “They are right. I am different and I’m okay with that, so why can’t they be too?”

  Her words softened Ehzan slightly. The teacher sighed and knelt next to his student. “They believe what they believe, Rowan. And many fear what is different. This is a trait that has never befallen you. Coupled with your boundless energy, they are the main reasons I chose to train you,” said Ehzan.

  Rowan grinned at him. “Are you sure it wasn’t because you got tired of telling me no?” She asked.

  Ehzan nodded “You are persistent, I will give you that. But I needed more than that to gift you with my knowledge. You are meant for bigger things, Rowan. You may not know what they are, but deep down you know this in your heart,” said the teacher before standing again. “Now come, let us go work off some of this extra energy you hold by offering you a real challenger.”

  “Now we’re talking,” said Rowan as she skipped alongside Ehzan. “I assume I am to keep going easy on you as per usual?”

  Ehzan grunted. “If that is your wish. But as punishment for your actions today I can assure you that I will not be so kind,” he said. The pantheryn trainer then shook his head as Rowan cheered happily.

  Student and teacher made the long walk to the training grounds amidst curious and even wary eyes. Rowan offered a fearless grin, for she knew that the looks of disapproval were for her. To have black fur was considered bad luck, a superstition that Rowan found silly. But this coupled with Rowan’s adventurous spirit spelled trouble for her in every part of Randoon. Some blamed the absence of her parents for such behavior, but Rowan knew she was merely being Rowan.

  Upon reaching the training grounds, Rowan was surrounded by the familiar sounds of sparring. Soldiers of Randoon’s army drilled while new recruits honed their skills. Many stopped to salute or show respect to Ehzan as he walked. Some even scowled at the sight of Rowan when Ehzan was not looking. Rowan made sure to stick her tongue out at the latter.

  “I don’t have to look at you to know what you are doing, Rowan,” said Ezahn.

  Rowan sagged her shoulders with a huff. “Then that means you should know what they are doing too,” she said.

  Her teacher nodded. “Of course. Some feel I spend too much time with you. Others have been bested by you in sparring matches. And most simply do not understand. You are again letting things get to you. Your wit is as quick as your swords, Rowan, but like all weapons it must be used with care,” said Ehzan.

  “It still stinks sometimes,” said Rowan.

  “Pick your battles,” replied Ehzan.

  Without more words, Rowan and Ehzan gathered their swords to square off in a training circle. Rowan bowed to her master before assuming a proper fighting stance. Holding to her weapons of choice, two short swords, the young pantheryn looked quite content. Ehzan held a more casual stance as he motioned for his student to attack.

  It was a request that Rowan did not need twice. She shot toward Ehzan as quick as a whip, spinning once in midair before bringing her blades upon her master. The two exchanged in a fierce dance of swordplay that ever and always brought on a slew of onlookers. Rowan’s attacks were swift and dazzling where Ehzan’s were powerful and precise.

  After several moments, Rowan retreated for a moment, twirling her swords in her hands. “Should I go back to being easy on you?” she asked, playfully.

  Ehzan shook his head. “I will scold you if you do. Now show me truly what you have learned,” challenged her teacher.

  “If you insist,” said Rowan before she charged again.

  This time, the exchange of blows was even more intense. The gathering crowd watched in entertained silence as sparks began to fly off the swords of the combatants. There was a certain awe that was brought on, for very few had ever seen anyone last this long in such an exchange with Ehzan the Gray before.

  As the fight gained its greatest intensity, Ehzan struck out with a swift blow, knocking one of Rowan’s blade’s free from her hand. Pressing his advantage, the teacher kept Rowan on the defensive as he attacked more fiercely. Rowan’s smile never faltered as she kept up with her teacher, slowly giving ground against his sword strikes.

  Ehzan repeated his swift attack from before, but this time as he did so, Rowan lowered her sword as she dodged the attack. Grabbing at Ehzan’s wrist, Rowan jumped and twisted into the air before tucking her head and rolling on the ground. The action sent Ehzan soaring past her, yet the master trainer rolled on impact and landed on his feet.

  Yet he was now missing one of his swords.

  Rowan smiled. Holding two swords again, she motioned for her master. “I must say I do like these odds that have fallen my way,” she said.

  Ehzan sheathed his sword as he waved the crowd away. “That is enough entertainment for one day. Back to your training,” he commanded. The crowd grumbled in protest as it reluctantly dispersed.

  Rowan lowered her guard as she looked questioningly at her master. “What’s wrong? I know you’re just getting warmed up,” she said.

  Ehzan approached Rowan, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Rowan, I am proud of you. It has been countless seasons since I have been disarmed. Your skill is truly great, even at your age. I am afraid I can teach you no more,” he said.

  Rowan placed the swords in her hands upon the ground as she let out an agitated breath. “Are we doing this again? I mean I know I can be a pain, but I don’t abuse what you teach me,” she said as she pondered her comment. “For the most part, anyway,” she added.

  Ehzan shook his head with a smile. “No, Rowan, you misunderstand. I speak true. Today, you are a warrior who has made your master proud,” he said in earnest.

  Rowan was clearly moved by Ehzan’s words. “Thank you, Ehzan. You have been the best teacher anyone could hope for as well as the friend I always needed,” she said softly.

  Ehzan laughed softly. “And you are the daughter I never had and the kind of student I hope I never encounter again. It took long efforts to reach you, but you now excel with your blades. Any opponent who crosses paths with you shall discover that you are indeed mighty,” he said.

  Rowan grinned at this. “Mighty. I very much like the sound of that,” she said.

  “I have no doubt,” said Ehzan with a nod.

  It was then the moment was interrupted. “Ehzan the Gray!”

  The student and teacher turned to the sound of the new voice. Their kneeling on one knee was an official royal courier of Randoon. With his head bowed, the pantheryn held up a rolled up and sealed parchment. Rowan had a guess that the news was no
t good.

  Ehzan regarded the courier. “Speak your mind, courier, for there is an urgency about you,” he said.

  The courier nodded as he stood and approached, offering the parchment to Ehzan. “I was told this must reach you at once,” he said.

  Ehzan took the parchment. “Thank you,” he said. The courier bowed deeply before departing. Ehzan opened the parchment and read, becoming grimmer with each line of the note.

  “What is it?” Rowan asked.

  Finishing the note, Ehzan rolled it back up and clenched it in his fist. He then looked at Rowan gravely. “Apparently, news of your exploits has reached your parents, Rowan,” he said. “I am to escort you to them immediately in Lunamorn, where you shall begin your training to follow in their footsteps,” he added.

  “What?!” Rowan rushed to her master. She grabbed the parchment to look upon it. Ehzan placed his hands behind his back as he waited for her to read. The more she read, the more she shook her head. “This has to be some mistake! It can’t be!” Rowan was practically in tears.

  Ehzan shook his head. “That is an official seal, Rowan. The contents of that letter are true,” he said.

  Rowan handed him the letter back with a shaky hand. “But, master, I am no diplomat! My destiny is adventure! I have known that since the day you took me under your wing! You can talk to them, tell my parents that I am not meant for such things,” said the young pantheryn with tears in her eyes.

  Ehzan shook his head slowly. “That is not my place to say, Rowan. These are your parents and they have made their decision. Once my care was enough. But now you are old enough that things must change, as they always inevitably do,” he replied.

  The young pantheryn turned from her master, sitting herself abruptly upon the ground. She clenched her fists and fought with the tears that wanted to run freely. She was bored in Randoon, but she would take that boredom over following in her parents’ footsteps. All the meetings, the negotiations and stuffy functions, well Rowan knew it would annoy her to her very core and beyond.

  Turning her head slightly she spoke to her master once more. “I do not know my path yet, Ehzan. But I do know what it is not. I’m not supposed to be a diplomat. I wasn’t meant for such things. And it is something I will never be able to explain to my parents,” she said.

  Ehzan nodded. “It is a very painful crossroad to be placed upon,” he said.

  “So, what must I do?” Rowan asked.

  Rowan could sense him shaking his head. “That is not for me to say, Rowan. What I can tell you is that the true path one must follow has to be their own. It is the only way to truly find yourself and your heart. Fate may plot your course and destination, but not how you choose to get there. And on that I can say no more,” said Ehzan.

  Rowan nodded without looking back. “I understand,” she said softly.

  Ehzan turned from her then. “I will be at the gates with an honor guard in the morning. I suggest you make your preparations and do what you must,” he said before heading away.

  Rowan turned her head toward him again. “Master?” She asked.

  Ehzan stopped. “Yes, Rowan?”

  Rowan could still not bring herself to turn and face her master, yet she spoke anyway. “Thank you, Ehzan. Thank you for everything you have done for me. You have always been my teacher, but I hope that in the end that you know you were always more than that to me. You had to put up with a great deal, but you never let me be anything but myself,” she said.

  Ehzan nodded. “To be anything less than yourself is folly. There are those that cannot see that or are afraid to take such a risk. That is why I took you in. That is why I trained you. You are special, Rowan. You are fearless about being exactly who you are. Never lose that,” he said before departing.

  When Ehzan was gone, Rowan became very still, probably quieter than she had ever been in her whole life. Around her, the training grounds were still vibrant with drilling soldiers, but Rowan could hardly hear it. The young girl had much to think on, for life as she knew it was coming to an end. She had an important choice to make: to be the person her parents wanted her to be or become the person she wanted to be.

  As hard as she thought about it through the night, Rowan couldn’t discover another option.

  Birds and the Bane

  Ellis Ander

  With graceful swiftness, Commander Ellis Ander Crow soared gracefully over the world below. The black feathers of the Avian shimmered in the Firestar’s light as he gripped confidently to the spear within his grasp. It felt tremendous to be out upon the open skies and his wings shared in his joy. Behind him, the group under his command flew in tight formation, awaiting orders to the contrary.

  Seeing a nice spot upon the ground ahead, Ellis Ander motioned for his troops to follow as he descended. Slowing his own descent, the Avian came to a nimble landing. Ellis Ander surveyed his surroundings as his troops landed and assembled behind him. Ellis enjoyed the feel of the ground under his feet as he relaxed his guard.

  A moment later, a white-feathered avian came to stand next to Ellis Ander. The beauty of those feathers was only dampened by the sternness of his features. The avian did not look as comfortable upon the ground as Ellis Ander, a fact that humored his commander. Ellis Ander watched with amusement from the corner of his eye as his comrade still held his spear at the ready.

  Chuckling, Ellis Ander motioned to his comrade. “You can let your guard down now, Fel. We are not in any danger here,” he said.

  The avian known as Fel Willen lowered his spear reluctantly as he looked at his commander. “Ellis Ander, are you sure this is wise? The men are troubled to be this far from Varion and ground-side,” said Fel.

  Ellis Ander nodded, resting the end of his spear on the ground. “I am very sure, my friend, and I would ask you to trust me. It’s important that we stretch our wings and get out of our comfort zones. The world is filled with dangers yes, but also it is covered in those of the light. Too often we forget that from on high in Varion, that there is a world well beyond our clouds,” said the commander.

  Fel coughed laughter at this. “If you say so, commander. Just remember that too long upon the soil makes your men fearful,” he replied.

  Ellis Ander was unmoved as he looked upon Fel with amusement. “Which is why we shall stay a while, to at last be rid of silly fears,” countered the commander.

  As Fel turned to further calm the other troops, Ellis focused on the distance. Something was leaving a bad taste in his beak. Smelling the air, Ellis Ander picked up a familiar and unwelcome scent, one that he had not endured in some time. He held up a hand to silence his men. Fel immediately came back over to him.

  Fel looked about as Ellis Ander brought his spear back up in both hands. “What is it?” he asked.

  Ellis Ander looked at Fel darkly. “Something that should not be upon these lands; the scent of orcs is in the air,” he said.

  Fel shook his head. “If that is so, then we should return to Varion at once and leave this problem to the land dwellers. The elves or dwarves will surely handle it,” said Fel.

  Ellis Ander shook his head at his longtime friend. “Land or sky, it matters not, Fel. If there is evil, then we shall face it,” said the commander. Ellis Ander then signaled to the rest of the troops in his command. “Follow me!”

  Spreading his wings, Ellis Ander took to the sky quickly, heading fearlessly into the direction of danger. Moved by their commander’s courage and speed, his troops quickly followed. Keeping his spear at the ready, Ellis Ander soared like a cannon shot as he kept low to the ground. The scent of orcs soon grew stronger. In moments he could hear voices coupled with the growing odor.

  Ellis Ander quickly caught sight of the orcs. He counted eight of the green skinned creatures, garbed in leather and carrying clubs and swords. The group was hovering around a small cave, angrily shouting at something to come out and surrender. Ellis Ander realized something or someone was in danger and that was enough cause to act.

  Pointi
ng ahead with his spear, Ellis Ander sped quickened his pace. “Troops, chase off the orcs! Defend yourselves as necessary!” he commanded.

  Putting action to his words, Ellis Ander soared close to one of the orcs. Grabbing it with one hand, Ellis Ander picked up the orc by its vest and lifted it off the ground. The orc bellowed surprise before Ellis released him. Tumbling upon the ground, the orc rose quickly to his feet before fleeing from the avians.

  As Ellis Ander circled about, his troops fell upon the orcs. The element of surprise and superior numbers meant the orcs did little in terms of fighting back. As the avians swarmed, the orcs fought only enough to flee. As Ellis rejoined the fight, he singled out who he believed to be the orc’s leader. Swooping upon that orc, Ellis Ander used his spear to trip the orc before holding his spear pointed at his quarry’s chest.

  Narrowing his eyes, Ellis could feel his troops gathering to him as he addressed his captive. “You are a long way from your lands, orc. Explain yourself at once,” he commanded.

  The orc bared his teeth as he roared at Ellis Ander, yet a prodding from the avian’s spear silenced him quickly. Soon the orc spoke. “We’ve as much right here as you birds!” the orc challenged.

  Ellis Ander shook his head. “Darkness and treachery hold no place in these parts. Now explain yourself,” he ordered.

  At last realizing his cause was lost, the orc complied. “We are pursuing a tormenter! After days of traps laid for us and endless harassment, we have cornered our quarry and intend to cook him over a fire! It is our right and one you will not deny us,” said the orc.

  “I beg to differ, orc,” said Ellis Ander as he motioned to the orc’s fleeing brethren. “I offer you the choice to join your comrades in their departure. You would be wise to never trouble these lands again. Think on my words carefully for I will only make this offer once,” said the avian.

  The orc roared again but knew his cause was all but lost. Ellis Ander took two steps back, spear still at the ready as the orc regained his feet and fled. A few of Ellis Ander’s troops gave chase and ensured that the orcs remained gone. Soon all the orcs were out of sight and Ellis again lowered his spear.