by Richard Wood
Rising from the bed, Jesse leaves the room and finds Valcor in the center room stoking a fire. “Ok Valcor”, he orders, “Saddle your horse and I’ll harness Dararro and get some supplies”. Going back into his bedroom, Jesse straps on his sword and buckles it in place. Grabbing his staff and a package of food prepared the night before, he leaves his room. As he walks through the center room, he grabs Dararro’s harness lying next to the front door and steps outside. Valcor has finished saddling his horse and is now putting a bit in his mouth. As Jesse exits the house, Dararro rises and walks over to him. Lowering the harness, Dararro steps into it and raises then Jesse straps it in place. Jesse slides his staff under the harness and ties his package of food onto Dararro’s shoulder strap. Leaping onto Dararro, Jesse looks over to Valcor and asks strongly, “Are you ready?” Valcor, now sitting on his horse, looks back nodding his head and answers, “Yes sir Jesse!”
Although Jesse never said it to Valcor, he knew that this journey was the beginning of a lifelong battle with Quygon. Turning his face to the east, Jesse grabs the steering hoops and orders confidently, “Let’s go to the Shores!”
Passing the village border, Jesse looks back at his home. It’s a difficult decision, giving up the care of his mother for a life of war but the miracle of her healed mind gave him confidence that she was being watched over by Elamor and would be forever safe. Closing his eyes, Jesse imagines his mother in the center room preparing dinner then he opens his eyes and smiles as his body relaxes. Looking over to Valcor, Jesse exclaims, “You know what Valcor, yesterday Dararro killed a Champion Wasp!” Valcor looks back at him with a stunned look and answers, “What, how was that even possible?” For the next hour, Jesse explains the story about how Dararro’s breastplate had thrown out a violent, vibrating burst and what it did to the giant wasp. Valcor was filled with questions, how big was the wasp? How did Dararro know what to do? Were there other wasps? Jesse was delighted, he loved Valcor’s reaction and answered every question as well as he could. The conversations soon went on to the meeting with the Secret Guardian and the plans for him to do all that the Guardian requested.
Soon, they were in the grassy meadow Jesse and Dararro had stopped to rest in on their way to Revel. Jesse points out all the beauties of the meadow and then says to Valcor, “Look, over there is a good place for a village”. Knowing Jesse as he does, he knows that Jesse probably had already planned to build a village there. Valcor asks, “But who would live there?” Smiling, Jesse replies, “Remember the Horde warrior in the palace dungeon and how she turned back into a little girl?” “Yes”, Valcor replied, “But what would she do way down here?” “Not her Valcor”, Jesse exclaimed, “All the other members of Quygon’s Horde. Valcor looked as though he had been slapped. “Jesse”, he said, “I think that you’re going too far. The Horde of Quygon, that’s crazy”. Jesse smiles and looks off into the horizon toward the distant plateaus.
As the two men approach the plateaus, Jesse sees in the distance a flickering light. Jesse smiles and says out loud, “A Secret Guardian!” “Where”, Valcor shouts, “I don’t see it. Where is it Jesse?” “At the end of the plateaus, he’s on the last one watching over Revel”. Looking over to Valcor, he announces, “I guess you can’t see them unless Elamor allows it”. Jesse bursts into laughter. “Valcor”, he shouts laughing, “You’re a blast sometimes”. Soon, they are at the top of the final plateau. As they stop, both men look into the beautiful valley of Revel. The pristine lake shimmering like diamonds, the tall grasses waving in the wind, for dry land people, this place is the perfect world. As Valcor continues to look into the valley, Jesse turns to his left and begins to talk to what looks like nothing at all. Smiling, Jesse says, “Oh yes. I knew you would. We are on our way to the Shores of Seeness”. Jesse pauses, then continues, “No I didn’t know that, thank you for telling me”. Another pause and Jesse ends with, “Ok, see you on our way back”.
Looking over to Valcor, Jesse asks excitedly, “Are you ready to meet Mother Abigale?” Shaking his head, Valcor replies, “Yes I am, but tell me something Jesse, are you going to be talking to nobody all of the time?” Again Jesse bursts into laughter, then looking to his left he says, “How about that, you’re a nobody”. Valcor asks sarcastically, “What did he say?” Laughing, Jesse answers, “He said it takes one to know one”. “Huh”, Valcor replies.
“Ok”, Jesse exclaims, “Let’s go see the village of Revel”. After making their way down the slope of the final plateau, Jesse explains, “These people are very special to me, Valcor. It was amazing, the change that took place in these people when Mother Abigale took a stand for Elamor with me that day. She cut those bones from her hair and piled them there on the ground then announced her plans to stand with me. The villagers couldn’t believe it Valcor. Almost instantly, the villagers began throwing their own witchcraft items to the ground”. Jesse continues, “You know that feeling you get Valcor, when the sky is full of storm clouds and the lightning strikes, raising the hair on your arms?” “Yes”, Valcor answers, looking earnestly toward Jesse. “Well Valcor”, Jesse says, “That’s what I felt when those villagers began throwing their items to the ground. It felt like a destiny point in time. It’s wonderful being a part of a moment like that. Valcor, it gives you a sense of purpose”.
As they arrive to the Lake of Revel, Jesse and Valcor both dismount and Dararro and the horse begin to drink. Pointing to the slope to the left, Jesse remarks, “Over that slope is the village of Revel, Valcor”. Looking into that direction, just beyond the slope, Valcor could see several pillars of smoke rising. “Oh, yeah”, Valcor replies, “Do you think they have any food made?” “Oh, I’m sure of it”, Jesse replies, “And if they don’t, they will prepare some for us. These are really good people. You will see while we enter their village how welcomed we will be”. “Well then, let’s go meet them”, Valcor retorts. Looking into the face of Valcor, Jesse strongly replies, “Valcor”, he says, “These people are hungry for the ways of Elamor and it’s our responsibility to represent that Kingdom properly. Everything we do here has to show respect and honor for this village and its people”. Valcor, realizing the serious tone in Jesse’s voice, looks over to the rising pillars of smoke and replies, “Jesse, I will be on my best behavior”. Patting Valcor on his massive back, Jesse smiles in remarks, “Thank you Valcor, I knew you would any way”. Valcor looks back to Jesse and replies, “You’re in the lead here Jesse, you just tell me what you need and I’m here to follow you”. “Good”, Jesse answers. Then grabbing one of Dararro’s hoops, he leaves up on his snowy companion. Valcor follows suit and climbs atop his powerful horse and the two head for the smoky slope.
As they crest the slope, a child stands just outside the village border. Pointing toward Jesse and Valcor, the little boy shouts back to his village, “Hey, it’s the Warrior of Elamor!” The village instantly came to life. Children were jumping and shouting and adults came out from their gardens and huts. As Jesse and Valcor reach the bottom of the slope, they are met by a mass of waving and shouting villagers eager to reunite with the Warrior. Dararro and the horse were both showered with pats and hugs, comforting and relaxing them quickly. As Jesse and Valcor dismount, the happy crowd splits and a kind, well groomed older woman walks toward them. Jesse didn’t recognize the elder Abigale. Her posture and appearance had changed so much that it took him totally by surprise. As Mother Abigale reaches Jesse, she takes his right hand into hers and bending down, she kisses the back of it. Looking up to him she says sweetly, “Welcome back, Jesse of Payne”. Jesse flinches as he recognizes her voice. “Mother Abigale”, he says exuberantly, “You have become a new woman”. “Yes, Master Jesse”, she replies, “It was you and Elamor that made it possible. Because of you, Warrior of Elamor, I am the woman I have always wanted to be”. “Thank you”, Jesse replied respectfully. Then pointing toward Valcor, Jesse remarks, “Mother Abigale, this is my good friend and fellow warrior, Valcor”. Valcor, remembering his promise to Jesse to represen
t Elamor properly, gracefully takes the elder Abigale’s hand and says politely, “Hello Mother Abigale, it’s a pleasure to meet you”. Mother Abigale’s eyes lit up as she senses the kind spirit of the massive Valcor. “Hello Valcor”, she replies, “Welcome to our village”. Moving between Jesse and Valcor, she loops her left arm into Jesse’s right arm and her right arm into Valcor’s left one and announces, “Now let’s go and relax”. With a powerful, but inviting voice, she yells out to the villagers, “Let’s prepare a full feast for the Warrior of Elamor and his friend Valcor!” That night, after the feast, Jesse explains to Mother Abigale about how he would like to import sheep to Revel. He tells her the story about the Horde child in the dungeon and how she changed back into a Terra-Covian child. He goes on to explain how he intends to help every Horde member he can. The village of Revel could harvest the sheep wool to create clothing for the recovered Terra-Covians. Mother Abigale accepted the plan gladly and expressed honor for the right to be chosen.
The next morning, Jesse and Valcor receive clearer directions to the Shores of Seeness from some of Revel’s villagers. “Be careful when you get there”, they remarked, “The giant that used to rule the villages there has gone wild. They say he has become so bad, the villagers there now call him The Son of Quygon. Master Jesse”, they warned, “There is no army that can stop him, even the wild animals run from him”. Jesse looks over the concerned villagers and replies, “He is the one I have been sent to battle, but don’t worry, I’m sent by Elamor”. Mother Abigale makes her way to Jesse and Valcor, carrying pouches of food for both of them. She asks the villagers to tie them to their animals. Mother Abigale thanks them both for coming, then after embarrassing Jesse, she says, “Master Jesse, please come and see us again soon, and bring those sheep as soon as you like”. With that, Jesse and Valcor both mount up and ride out of the village, toward the east and the ocean.
Out over the meadows, they approach the eastern plateaus. Again, Jesse sees the flickering lights of the Secret Guardians but doesn’t mention their presence to Valcor. In fact, after topping the plateau, they ride past the Guardians without a word. Jesse’s only focus is on the Shores of Seeness and the responsibilities waiting him there. From plateau to plateau, they ride until the final plateau is behind them and the rolling foothills is all that separate them from the ocean and Seeness.
As they ride the foothills, Jesse begins to tell Valcor all his favorite stories about his childhood in Payne. His father’s resounding laugh when Jesse as a child would try to catch butterflies, his mother’s quiet voice and how her embrace would chase away his fears and warm his little frame. He told Valcor about the Sounds of Elamor, how they filled his heart and soul, and how the Lights spoke the secrets of his world and those of Elamor. He explained how comforting it was to be with the Secret Guardians and how they kept him from more dangers than he was willing to tell his parents about. Valcor listened like a little child sitting on his grandfather’s knee. He absorbed every turn and twist of Jesse’s tales and embraced every lesson. Valcor was like a sponge, soaking up every word that flowed from his warrior friend. Before long, the sun began to set so Jesse and Valcor made camp between two small hills.
Jesse and Valcor take their animals to a tiny nearby pond to drink water. Just before they get there, Dararro stops and looks to the sky. Jesse glances in the same direction but sees nothing. “Come on boy”, Jesse says, directing Dararro toward the tiny pond. As the animals drink, Valcor asks, “Do you hear that Jesse? I can’t make out what that sound is, but it doesn’t sound good”. Looking into the sky, Jesse replies, “I hear it now. I think Dararro heard it a few minutes ago though. Earlier today, I saw his feathers flickering. He may have heard it then too”. Looking over to Jesse, Valcor asks, “What do you think it is?” Still looking into the darkened sky, Jesse replies, “It’s a Champion Wasp, but it’s keeping its distance”. Shocked by the response, Valcor shouts, “But those things don’t live anywhere in this part of the world! What would Champion Wasps be doing here Jesse?” Jesse looks over to Valcor and answers confidently, “Don’t worry Valcor, Dararro can kill them in an instant. He killed one in the dry lands just before we left”. “Really”, Valcor shouted, “How did he do that?” Dararro, now fully hydrated, raises his snowy head and gives it a brisk shake, sending sprinkles of water in all directions. Jesse playfully wraps his arm around the neck of his Peace Cat and answers Valcor, “He reared up and gave out a roar. When he did, a vibration burst from his breastplate. I watched it fly through the air, it hit the wasp’s abdomen and busted it apart”. Valcor stood there for a second, wide eyed and shaking his head. As they laid down for the night, the strange sound in the darkness finally faded. Jesse, Dararro, and Valcor’s horse all slept soundly that night. Valcor on the other hand, still anxious from the Champion Wasp, tossed and turned all night with his dreams being filled with the visions of wasps. That night, every little insect that scurried across the hands and face of Valcor, were possible champions. In the morning, Jesse woke refreshed while Valcor was exhausted.
Jesse stands from the ground, stretches and yawns then walks to the tiny pond. Dipping both hands into the cool water, he splashes and washes his face. Bending over, he slurps some cool water into his mouth, swishes it around then spits it out. Looking over to Valcor grumbly rolling his things together, Jesse smiles and exclaims, “I wonder what kind of amazing thing is going to happen to us today.” Valcor straightens up and answers back, “How could you sleep last night with that giant wasp thing flying around?” “I’m not afraid Valcor”, Jesse replied, “Elamor sent me here. I’m here to fulfill a mission, not to die. Valcor”, he continued, “You have to count on the abilities of the Kingdom that sent us here. We’re not here by ourselves Valcor, we have Elamor”. Nodding his head, slightly embarrassed, Valcor forces a smile and replies, “Ok, thank you Jesse”. Walking over to Valcor, Jesse pats him on the shoulder and says kindly, “Stay here and get yourself something to eat. I’m going to let Dararro feed”. “Ok”, Valcor says, and walks over to the smoldering coals from last night’s fire. Jesse leaps onto the harnessed Dararro and rides up and over a hill then disappears.
Valcor sat alone in the small valley next to the embers of last night’s fire. Suddenly the air became cold and dread crept into this little valley retreat. His horse jerked and sprung backwards. As the air grew colder, Valcor could see his breath and his horse became even more unsteady. The mighty Valcor looks fearfully in all directions as his world seems to somehow be closing in on him. Oppression squeezed at his throat as the mighty man began to violently cough. Then a whistle was heard coming from above him. Looking up, he sees the comforting site of Jesse and Dararro on top of the hill. Looking down into the valley, Jesse shouts, “Valcor, you better come with me. I don’t want you and your horse out here alone”. Valcor, doing his best not to look excited, waves a hand to Jesse and shouts back, “Sure Jesse, whatever you want”. As Jesse looks down into the valley, Valcor quickly saddles his horse, puts his foot in a stirrup, and climbs into his saddle. Valcor whips the reins and he and his horse fly out of the cold air and onto the hilltop. Trying his very best not to look excited or relieved, Valcor looks over to Jesse and asks, “Did you get lonely?” “No”, Jesse replies with a smile, “I saw the Lights of Elamor hovering over you and I wanted to come and see how you were doing”. “Wish I could’ve seen them”, Valcor replied. Inwardly, he realized that what he and his horse had felt in the valley wasn’t his imagination but rather proof that the enemy he and Jesse were about to face has an unseen ally, the flow of the wind. For the first time in his life, Valcor faces an enemy that cannot be defeated by brute force.
After a short ride, Jesse stops on top of a grassy hill. He dismounts and gives Dararro the order, “Dararro hunt”. Dararro’s claws eject as he leaps forward, bits of grass and dirt go air born behind him. The snowy Peace Cat bolts into a valley and disappears. Jesse bursts out in laughter and turns to look at Valcor sitting up on his horse. “I never get tired of s
eeing that Valcor”, Jesse exclaims. Valcor slowly dismounts and looks to Jesse with a gaze full of questions. The moment of laughter is about to become an hour of seriousness. Valcor, looking down to the ground, kicks a clump of grass and asks, “How do we do it Jesse? How do we fight an enemy we can’t see?” “Valcor”, Jesse begins, “The enemy you can’t see doesn’t fight with physical strength, it fights with thoughts and emotions. The unseen enemy attacks your feelings and invade your thoughts. So from this point on, you can’t make decisions on how you feel, but by the truth”. “What do you mean Jesse”, Valcor asks. “Ok”, Jesse begins again, “You are a powerful man, and not many men could win a battle with you”. “Yes”, Valcor replies. “Well”, Jesse continues, “If you are on your way to battle and a pastry vendor happens to stop by with warm treats, you’re going to stop and eat, right?” “Right”, Valcor replies. “Wrong!” Jesse answers, “Your enemy has used your emotional need for food to get you off track. You’re now surrounded by the enemy, you’re off your horse, and your hands are full of food instead of weapons. You’ve failed your task”. Valcor looks away from Jesse, embarrassed and upset he groans quietly. Jesse pats him on the back and exclaims, “Look this way Valcor”. The powerful Valcor obediently turns back around. “Ok”, Jesse continues, “Let’s say you haven’t eaten for several days and you come to a small village. Sitting on a table next to a hut are two pies, one is peach and the other is berry. Which one do you eat?” “Well”, Valcor answers, “I eat the berry one, I like it best”. “No”, Jesse replies, “You don’t eat either of them, the truth is that they are not even yours. You see Valcor, in both of those stories, your feelings and thoughts were nudged and you reacted. Always remember Valcor, truth and doing the right thing are two guides that will never mislead you. The invisible enemy will always use your emotions and thoughts. But always follow the truth and do the right thing”. “But what if I fail Jesse?” Valcor asks. “Well”, Jesse says with a smile, “If you are alive to stand up, dust yourself off and try again. Life is filled with mistakes and learned lessons Valcor, only dead people never make mistakes”. Just then, Dararro emerges from the valley. His mouth and face both reddish pink. “Look Valcor”, Jesse it announces playfully, “Someone’s full!” As Dararro tops the hill, Jesse grabs a hoop and leaps on top of him. Valcor then mounts his horse and the two are once again off to Seeness.
