The Banished Lands- The Complete Series

by Benjamin Mester

  “What plans?” Blair asked.

  “Corcoran believes King Euthor has found a way to bring himself and Sheyla back to life and that he's hidden the means to do it somewhere in Eulsiphion.”

  Aravas seemed greatly troubled at her declaration.

  “I do not believe such a thing is possible,” Aravas said slowly.

  “Nor do I,” Estrien replied. “But if Corcoran believes it, then we have the upper hand against him.”

  All eyes turned to Durian.

  “He definitely believes it,” Durian assured. “But he's going to try and cut King Euthor short. He wants to bring Sheyla back but destroy the tomb of King Euthor and take the powers of the Windbearers for himself before Pallin gets there.”

  “Pallin is alive then?” Aravas questioned.

  “I'm not sure,” Durian replied. “I think he is, but the last time I saw Pallin, our ship had run aground in a fierce storm. We were separated and washed up on shore in different places.”

  “But if Corcoran could read your memories, doesn't he already know where the tomb of King Euthor is?” Estrien asked.

  “I never saw it,” Durian said. “Pallin was the one who used the Athel stone in Eulsiphion to see his final resting place. And the stone we found in the tomb of Sheyla is what we were using to guide us to it. So if Pallin managed to escape Corcoran's patrols, he might still stand a chance at finding the tomb first. But now that Corcoran knows the truth, he'll be searching for it with all his might to get there before Pallin.”

  His words hung in the air. So much had suddenly changed. Estrien's mind was a jumble.

  “We still have a problem,” Blair said. “I did my best to seal this room and it wasn't enough. We need to find Baron. We'll never trap Corcoran without him.”

  Estrien's gaze grew troubled.

  “I wish I knew what happened to your brother. What Ariadra said didn't make sense. I can't believe that Ogrindal would kill Baron but he hasn't returned or even sent word. I just hope Ariadra can find out more. If not, we may have to send a formal delegation to Ogrindal inquiring about Baron. But that will take time.”

  The rest fell silent.

  “Speaking of delegations,” she continued and turned to Durian. “We'll want to send envoys to Kester and the Bearoc detailing what information you know about Corcoran's positions and forces.”

  Durian nodded.

  “And we'll also want to rendezvous with the resistance as quickly as possible. But hopefully Straiah and Gwaren have already done that.”

  “And Sheabor?” Aravas asked.

  Estrien shook her head, knowing what he was really asking, if Cora still lived. Estrien wished she knew. Should they go to him...bring him up to speed on everything that had happened? Should they tell him his wife might still be alive? He had the right to know didn't he? But he had already been grieving long. To give him hope when it might just be snatched away again felt wrong.

  “I think, before we do anything else, our first priority should be to locate Straiah and Gwaren,” Aravas declared. “They will have already met with the resistance and will undoubtedly have more information than we on the fate of Sheabor's wife. They may even have information concerning Pallin.”

  Estrien nodded. But that could take weeks. Straiah and Gwaren had been absent for well over a month, and they hadn't sent word back on their situation. Estrien felt suddenly dizzy and tired. She hadn't eaten much in days, and the emotional strain from her ordeal sapped her strength.

  “I'm going to find something to eat.”

  “I think you've earned at least one warm meal,” Aravas said, smiling.

  The group laughed and set off for the center of town. Though much heartache and pain undoubtedly still awaited them, for today, Estrien was overjoyed at how things had turned out. She felt hope for the first time in a long time that they might really prevail against the coming darkness.

  But as they approached the town square, there was activity near the front gate. A horn was blown, signaling the arrival of at least one important visitor. Estrien looked to Aravas who seemed equally in the dark as she. The group veered off in that direction, and were met by Jaithur and Sorren on the road, they too, eager to see who had just entered the city.

  “Do you know anything about this?” Estrien asked Jaithur.

  But he shook his head. From a distance, Estrien saw two persons dismount their horses, a man and a woman. Nearing them, Estrien saw something she almost couldn't believe. It was Straiah! The woman with him was someone Estrien had never met but she walked into the city with a confident air. She had long brown hair, warm green eyes and an inviting countenance. Estrien felt an unexpected wave of emotion at seeing him in the company of another woman, especially a beautiful one. She must be one of the leaders of the resistance.

  But as Straiah saw Estrien, he rushed forward and embraced her tightly looking into her eyes with a warm smile. Estrien stroked his cheek.

  “I was so worried for you!” Estrien exclaimed. “You never sent word on how you were.”

  “We were never able. We were pursued by the forces of Corcoran from the moment we set foot in the Westward Wilds. It was only a stroke of fate that we were even able to meet up with the resistance.”

  Straiah glanced over to the woman with a smile that told Estrien it must be quite a story. But as the woman walked over, she looked Estrien up and down, and then glanced to Straiah.

  “You've done quite well for yourself here,” she declared.

  Straiah laughed.

  “I told you I wasn't lying,” he returned.

  Estrien was surprised by the familiarity this woman seemed to have with Straiah, as though she were his sister. And opening her mouth to ask just who she was, the woman spoke first.

  “He told me you were very beautiful,” she said. “I told him if he wanted to keep you, he better steer you clear of me. The stories I could tell you about this man...”

  Straiah laughed loudly and shook his head. Who in the world was this woman? But Straiah's expression turned serious.

  “We need to see Sheabor immediately.”

  Estrien nodded, but Straiah could see in her eyes that something was wrong.

  “What is it?”

  “No one's seen Sheabor in days. He's been grieving over the death of his wife, Cora.”

  Straiah was shocked at the news and glanced with compassion to the woman beside him, whose eyes glazed over as she fought back a tear.

  “Please bring us to him,” the woman said.

  Estrien nodded and extended her hand to lead the way.

  Restoration

  Baron awoke with the dawn, blinking his eyes open as thoughts of Ariadra flooded in, springing him from bed. Coming out from his room, he stoked the barely glowing embers with a bed of new kindling, and watched as the fire slowly returned to life. Then, adding some logs, a sudden longing to go for a walk hit him, to see the town of Suriya before it came bustling to life. It had been so busy here, so full of people. He'd be leaving soon, back to the alliance city, and he rarely ever just went for a walk in the early morning hours.

  But he couldn't be gone long, for he'd been late to the job site on a number of mornings, and he wanted to be the first to arrive today. They had already completed dozens of homes, with another few dozen well on their way. In another couple of days, the whole forward section of town would be completely restored. Baron felt a great pride that he'd been given the chance to do something for his hometown.

  Suriya was calm as he'd never before seen in the early morning hours, he the only one stirring as yet on the road. Breathing in deep, he watched his breath transform to vapor and felt a peace wash over him. Even though he hadn't gone back to the alliance yet, just knowing he'd made the right decision to stop hiding here in Suriya brought a great comfort. Now, he'd be able to enjoy the rest of his time here.

  Baron wandered the lonely streets until the sun began to rise in the east. Then, returning home briefly for some food, he arrived at the northern edge of t
own. Baron saw the glow of a morning fire emanating from one of the newly finished homes and his heart beamed with gladness. They'd already begun moving families into them from the more tattered parts of town.

  After a little while, the workers began to arrive. They were glad to see him already on site and they gathered around him, setting about to their work without a word. There were dozens of workers assigned to Baron, and each had found his own specific task. The northern end of Suriya was a flurry of activity, so much so that it was difficult for all of them to work together without getting in one another's way. The carpenters would squabble with the glass makers over which tasks should be done in which order, and the roof makers did their best to hurry them all along, fearing spring rains would come and ruin the work. But even so, the project moved forward with great speed.

  Late in the afternoon, the laborers began to disperse. Baron took a few steps out into the open plains and turned round to admire his work. The new homes were sleek and square, perfectly in line the whole way down the row. Baron smiled to himself, wishing suddenly that Ariadra were here to see what all he'd done. What was she doing this very moment, he wondered? But something broke him from his ruminations, the sound of someone approaching from just behind.

  “Is this where you've been hiding?” asked a nervous but familiar voice.

  Baron froze. He could scarcely believe his ears and his heart pounded inside his chest. For many moments he hesitated, unwilling to turn around. But at length he did, and what he saw, he struggled to understand. It was Ariadra standing beside a horse. Baron's eyes misted with tears, as did hers. He saw she was again wearing the pendant he had made for her. Baron was lost for explanation, his mouth gaping. But Ariadra rushed forward into his willing arms.

  She hooked her arms round his neck and kissed him passionately for long moments. But at length, Baron turned away, overcome with emotion. Ariadra's eyes filled with tears.

  “I'm so sorry, Baron,” she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “It wasn't me who met you in the forest. It was my sister. She was forced to tell you what she did. Whinden would have had you killed if she didn't. I've been so desperate to come and find you. I went back to the alliance city looking for you, but you weren't there. I knew there was only one place left you would go.”

  Baron thought he would faint and reached out for something to brace himself. It felt as though, at any moment, he would wake from the most wonderful dream he had ever experienced. Could all this really be true? Was Ariadra really in love with him just as madly as he was with her? Baron could do nothing more than grab her and hold her fiercely in his arms. Time seemed to blur as the pair locked in a tight embrace, content to live out the rest of their days here in this moment. Baron didn't care if the whole world came to an end. He would be happy to die here like this with her.

  “I can't believe you're here!” Baron declared, pushing a lock of her hair away from her beautiful hazelnut eyes. Ariadra beamed at him.

  “I came to bring you home, Baron.”

  Baron could see that Ariadra was deeply moved by how destroyed his life had become. He could only hope it would convince her more than any words could say never to leave his side again. Baron pulled her to him and held her close, a stark contrast to how distant Aerova had been to him in the forest. This was how it should have always been, the two of them facing life together. But he was still so confused.

  “What happened?” Baron asked.

  Ariadra took a step away from him.

  “Ogrindal has had such a hard time. A plague and an early winter struck just after the battle with Malfur. Whinden blamed Sheabor, and my people's hearts have grown bitter and callused to those of the outside world. Whinden issued an order that no outsider be granted access to Ogrindal and none permitted to leave. I was held prisoner there, though none knew of our engagement. My father hoped that you would stay away, that your duties in the alliance city would preoccupy you until springtime. But I knew you would come to find me.”

  Her eyes were beaming with admiration, so much so that Baron almost couldn't hold her gaze. It was almost too much for him to bear, how things had changed the instant she arrived.

  “I want you to meet my family,” Baron declared.

  Ariadra grew suddenly self-conscious. She had spent many long days and nights on the open road and the thought of meeting her intended's family in such a state brought a sense of insecurity. Baron found it irresistibly adorable and took her by the hand.

  “You are the most wonderful girl I've ever met,” he said. “I won't wait another moment for my family to meet you.”

  Ariadra blushed at his bold statement. But for Baron, it was as though he had gone from death to life. Nothing would ever again permit him to let Ariadra out of his sight. Though the road had been so difficult and fraught with heartache, he wouldn't change it now for the world. His attachment to her was stronger than anything else in life.

  Baron led Ariadra by the hand at a swift pace down the main road of Suriya, laughing as they went. The ambling townsfolk took notice, wondering who this strange new arrival could have been. It took only minutes for them to reach the outside of his family home. But once they did, he hesitated. He didn't know why. But a part of him felt ashamed...ashamed for not believing in Ariadra. He hadn't even told his parents about her and now he was about to burst in with a bold declaration, introducing them to the love of his life.

  Ariadra seemed to sense what he was feeling. She squeezed his hand tightly and he looked up into her eyes, trying to convey how hard it had been these past few weeks without her. Her gaze told him she understood and the two walked forward together. Baron pushed open the door to his family home. His mother and father were both already inside and both pairs of eyes turned in surprise to see their son entering their home hand in hand with a beautiful girl unknown to them.

  “Mother, Father,” Baron began. “I want you to meet my fiancee, Ariadra.”

  His parents were more than a little surprised by his statement and stood there stunned for many moments.

  “I'm sorry I couldn't tell you earlier,” Baron continued. “But Ariadra's city is very strict and we weren't sure if they were going to allow us to marry.”

  Ariadra stepped forward to take the hands of Baron's mother and father. They were both still stupefied and took her hand warily as though Baron was playing some kind of joke on them.

  “We want to make up our secrecy to you,” Ariadra said, with a glance to Baron. “We want to have our wedding here in Suriya.”

  Baron smiled wide at her declaration. She had wanted her wedding to be in her own home city of Ogrindal. But knowing what Ogrindal had become, she wanted now to be among his own friends and family. Baron was truly grateful for her humble and glad spirit. Baron saw his mother's eyes glaze over with tears and knew it was due to the radical change that had come over him, from despair to joy. Baron felt a rush of emotion, overwhelmingly thankful for how the events had unfolded.

  Only yesterday he had been a man deeply conflicted and unsure of himself. But now, he felt as though he could take on the whole of the armies of Corcoran. Nothing could stop him. He made a decision here in this moment. Whatever happened next, he would meet it with unwavering dedication to Ariadra and Sheabor's alliance. Never again would he doubt what he stood for. After a few moments, Baron's mother seemed to snap out of her daze.

  “What am I thinking?” she asked and rushed forward to give Ariadra an embrace. “I can't wait for the chance to get to know you!”

  Ariadra smiled and wiped her eyes. Though she had lost her own mother and may never again see her father or sister, she was welcomed by a new mother and father. Baron's father stepped forward and extended his hand to Baron, which Baron eagerly took. Orin shook Baron's hand tightly and pride swelled up in his eyes.

  “Congratulations, son. I'm very proud of the man you've become.”

  Baron smiled wide. Then he turned to Ariadra and motioned with his head for them to depart.

  “Come on,�
�� he said. “I want to show you around town.”

  “Now, hold on just a minute!” Marin complained. “Stay and have some supper with us.”

  “Don't worry, we'll be back,” Baron laughed. “Father, do you mind stabling her horse?”

  Then they left his home behind, hit immediately by a gust of cold, the horse grunting its displeasure at being left out in the elements.

  “My goodness, it's freezing here!” Ariadra exclaimed. “How does anyone survive this place?”

  “You haven't even felt the water yet! How's a nice swim in Boreol Bay sound?”

  Ariadra's eyes narrowed and he laughed. Outside, sunset colors were filling the sky. Baron breathed in deep and let out an even deeper sigh. His heart felt like it would burst.

  “Let's go watch the sunset!”

  Ariadra nodded eagerly and the two set off for the edge of town toward the open plains. Baron knew the perfect spot, the hillside halfway between Suriya and Boreol Bay.

  They sped through town, Baron pulling her by the hand. And though it was cold, Baron could sense the weather changing. Spring was almost upon them. The pair passed by many on the road, who each wore a surprised look at seeing Baron with the hand of a girl unknown to them.

  “Excuse us. Pardon us.”

  But soon, the city lie behind and the ocean before them. Above them, the sky filled with a glorious orangy red. Within minutes, the two stood arm in arm, watching the sun descend over the town of Suriya and into the distant west. Behind them, the fishing boats dotted the deep blue of Boreol Bay.

  Ariadra laid her head on Baron's shoulder and the two basked in the joy of life. This was the happiest moment of Baron's life, made happier in the knowledge that times more joyous than these would fill their future. Sunset turned to twilight and the fishing boats made for port. The first evening star shone down over Suriya and the two clung tightly to the moments passing by. What an amazing turn things had taken. But soon the twilight sank into darkness and a breeze picked up from the south. His mother wouldn't tolerate much more of their absence.