Chronicles of Aurderia: The Balance

by J. Steven Young

  The King smiled at Shuran’s surprise. “Had you held it any longer you would have noticed. Which brings up another fact, your dwarven blood is that of my clan or you would not have been able to hold it at all.” Shuran just sat silently for a moment, he was not sure that was why he was able to hold it. He would not contradict the King.

  Shuran retold how he was unable to block the stones using Essence or weaving a shield.

  “Have you ever hear the saying, ‘it takes a mountain to move one’?” Vraduun could tell from their expressions they had not. “You can put out a small enough fire with water or smothering it with earth, but some times you must use the same force against itself. This stone has chaotic energy, two powers joined but not harmoniously. So in order to fend it off you must learn to focus your Earth Essence with a bit of a spark that opposes the gug.”

  Shuran looked even more confused.

  “We dwarves may not be able to wield the Essence of Electricity or lightening but we can sense it in the ground.”

  Shuran suddenly started to understand.

  The remainder of the day Shuran practiced locating the pulses of energy in the Earth that were formed by electric lines of power. After several hours he was able to track the lines, similar to veins of life’s blood in his own body.

  “They are everywhere but in varying sizes and strengths, interrupted in some places by odd imbalances he could not identify,” Shuran discovered and told Mallick.

  “I will take your word for truth sheesh, but I fail to see how this is helpful. Are you not here to learn Earth lore?” Mallick asked.

  “This is part of it, I know there is something more that I must need, but it is a start.” Shuran handed the stone to Mallick who took it with a confused look.

  “I want you to throw it at me.”

  “Say again?” Mallick asked.

  “Throw the gug stone at me. I have a thought.”

  Before waiting a beat, Mallick threw the stone, fast and hard.

  “OUICH! I was not yet ready!” Shuran said grabbing the stone and handing it back. “This time wait until I say.”

  Mallick just grinned. Shuran walked several paces away and let his shi reach for the Earth. He separated the heartbeat of Ersetu from the buzzing of the electric flows of lines through the packed ground and rock. With a nod to Mallick he was ready.

  Mallick threw the stone and when it reached nearly two hands from his face, Shuran stopped the stone dead in the air before him. Then he sent the stone flying back in the direction it came from.

  “HEY!” Mallick barely ducked in time as he felt the breeze of the stone passing his ear to hit the wall behind him.

  “Weapons from gug were a rare and coveted addition to the armories of all the races during the wars of ancient times. The fact that the trolls had these stones in abundance is worrying.” Avrank said.

  “What is it your are thinking my son?” Vraduun asked.

  “You said it yourself. They are not the sharpest arrows in the quiver. Someone has armed them for the purpose of fighting Essence wielders.”

  Shuran saw the same wisdom in this that the King did.

  “This means that the Order has employed the lower races to hunt you Shin’Ar.” Vraduun said.

  “Perhaps, but they do not yet know that I am anything more than a wielder and perhaps of my true origins. Who else knows of your prophecy of the Shin’Ar?”

  “That is a guarded secret of the Dwarves. It is not likely that my people would have passed that legend off to outsiders. There is only one outcast among my people and though he feeds his greed, I do not see him betraying his people so deeply. Only a few actually know of the existence of Durangug,” Vraduun said with a downcast expression.

  “Aknard, is he the outcast?” Mallick asked.

  “How do you know of him?” The King asked in surprise.

  “We had to ‘barter’ with him to escape from inquisitors many harvests back. He was a ruthless negotiator but likable.” Mallick answered.

  “My brother does have his good side when not chasing profit.”

  Shuran spent several days pouring through books on the history of dwarven Earth lore and weaving. It was not until just before giving up that something dawned on him.

  “Vraduun, what does it mean to you?” Shuran asked.

  “What are you asking Kimmatu’du, my adopted clan son?”

  Shuran smiled at the endearing term. “What does it mean to be a dwarf and an Earth Wielder?”

  “This is not a simple question to answer. For a dwarf living in a world where everything is made for bigger men, we are often overlooked and even looked down upon. What do you see when you look down but the Earth at your feet?”

  “It supports us and it provides nourishment. The Earth can provide shelter. She can also move mountains and hold back the fires beneath. She is gentle and she is fierce. She is a mighty dwarf. For a dwarf, wielding Earth Essence is something bigger than all else yet small enough to be thought unimposing.” Vraduun was glowing with more pride than Shuran though possible.

  “I have found what I needed. It was never in these books my King. It is in every dwarven heart,” Shuran said.

  “You are truly one of us Shuran Shin’Ar to have known where to find your answer.”

  That afternoon the castle was all buzzing with excitement over the celebration set for the same evening. The castle grounds were opened and setup with uncountable tents and tables. Wild boars and goats were set to roast in pits. Kegs of ale and wine were plentiful. Decorations were strung from poles, and banners lifted to mark the occasion.

  Shuran was bring pronounced Kimmatu’Du and Shin’Ar reborn, returner of the Menasutur. Shuran spent the afternoon talking with Moona and Codger using his communication stone. He brought them up to date on all he had learned and been through.

  “I could have taught you what it means to wield Earth magic if you had fixed me sooner!” Moona shouted.

  “It is not the same, you are only part dwarf. Besides I think this is something I must do. Also you do not need to shout,” Shuran answered.

  “I ain’ shoutin’ sprat.”

  “Ignore her Shuran. Where are you headed next?” Codger interrupted.

  “I think it will be to find the elves if I am to follow my visions.”

  “Makes sense. Just watch yourself around them wily bastards. They like to mess with your brain. Had one make me walk around breein’ like a dur once,” Codger said.

  “Ha! I always said you was a jackass Codger!” Moona said.

  Shuran said his good-byes and promised to keep in touch more. He missed the two of them already.

  The celebration was already underway when Shuran and Mallick met the royal family in the private greeting room before heading to the ceremony.

  “Your majesty Queen Levdrianda, you are a beauty to rival the Goddess of Light.” Mallick said with a flourishing bow.

  “I see someone has hit the cups early,” She replied with a blush.

  “You do yourself dishonor my Queen,” Shuran said.

  “Careful you do not rile my husbands jealousy Shin’Ar!” she answered, still blushing.

  “I love you my lady wife but this boy shoots fire and bolts of lightening from his fingers,” the King jested.

  “You would not fight for me?” She asked indignantly and playfully at once.

  “Always my Love!” then the King jumped as Shuran sent a tiny spark at the King’s backside.

  After a hearty laugh by all, they made ready to exit the castle and into the awaiting crowd.

  “Shall we then?” Avrnak said with excitement.

  Brakvar was more sullen than usual.

  Cheers and shouts greeted them as the palace doors opened onto the gathered dwarfs. Thousands of dwarfs from all the clans had been arriving for the last few days to join in the festivities. The group moved to a platform setup with table and high back chairs for them.

  Mallick and Shuran sat at the end with human sized chairs as not to tower ove
r the royal family who sat in boosted seats at the tall table. This was the signal for all in attendance to begin the feast. Dwarven custom dictated that the feasting be done and over before the ceremony began. Entertainment would round out the evening as far as the royals were involved and the rest of the guests would drink on through the night. Shuran knew Mallick would like being among the all night revelers, but he understood they would be leaving early the next morn.

  After eating their fill, the King signaled the beginning of the ceremony by having an attendant blow into a long horn that appeared likely the remains of an enormous tusk from some unknown animal. The crowd immediately quieted down.

  “Honored guests and fellow dwarves. We have gathered this evening to celebrate the most wondrous of events. This event comes to us three fold,” The King started.

  “Vraduun stop dragging your tongue,” Levdrianda whispered. “He has such a flare for the dramatic, you would think he was a court player in the acting troops,” she said to Shuran.

  “The Shin’Ar has come to us. He has returned to us the Manasutur. He has delivered it with his own hands.”

  The crowds roared with excitement. All the dwarves knew what this all meant. Shuran Shin’Ar had royal dwarven blood and by returning the ancient war hammer he had returned their long life spans. The King motioned for Shuran to stand.

  “I present to you my Kimmatu’Du and our Shin’Ar, Shuran Shin’Ar.”

  Every dwarf in attendance cheered, except for one, Brakvar.

  Shuran spent much of the next few hours meeting various clan leaders and representatives. He limited his partaking in wine since he wanted to keep a straight head, but Mallick was not following his example. There would be a hearty fire in the hearth the next morn.

  Shuran was finally free of the crowd when he noticed Brakvar sitting alone. “Brakvar, may we speak?” Shuran asked.

  “If you must, but you will not find me swooning at you like some maiden at her first dance,” he answered.

  “Have I done something to you?” Shuran asked as Brakvar stared at him blankly.

  “You exist!” Brakvar said as he got up and walked away.

  Shuran stood their stunned.

  “What was that about?” Mallick asked having heard the exchange.

  “I have no thoughts, but whatever it is, I am certain it is nothing I have done and cannot dwell on it.”

  Shuran and Mallick turned to follow the King and Queen with Avrank, back into the palace.

  “Shuran, in the morn when you prepare to leave I have instructed two dwarfs to travel with you as both guides and fighters should you need them. I think you will be collecting such comrades during your quest,” Vraduun said.

  “If he wishes, I would ask Avrank to accept placement in my Zudi’Si. That is if you have no objection,” Shuran requested.

  “It would be an honor upon the entire clan, but the decision is his alone,” Vraduun answered.

  “I ACCEPT!” Avrank said as he entered the room.

  “I am honored by your acceptance, Avrank. I am uncertain of what is proper protocol for being inducted into the Zidu’Si. We will put off the formalities for now,” Shuran responded.

  “Avrank, you know what this means do you not?” Levdrianda asked.

  “Brakvar will stand in as heir apparent while I am in the service of the Shin’Ar,” he answered.

  “And I will be taking the Manasutur with me.”

  The next morning Shuran, Mallick, and Avrank prepared to leave and were met by the two dwarves that King Vraduun assigned as guard and guide.

  “Well, the ‘talkie twins’ I wondered what had become of you two. Come to see us off have you?” Mallick asked.

  “No, we are to travel with you.” Dvargan and Grafdrik answered in turn.

  Mallick had no response and Shuran just laughed and walked over to great them. “Well met again, my friends. You are most welcome among our merry troop,” Shuran said as he gave Mallick a crooked smile. “Did we pack rope? I think perhaps Mallick will need to be anchored as we climb down the mountains for fear of leaping a ledge.”

  Everyone laughed, except Mallick who just smirked. “Har-har!”

  The King and Queen soon arrived to see them all off. It was an emotional scene. Vraduun and Levdrianda both let the tears flow freely at seeing their youngest son go off on his adventure.

  “You come back to us whole,” Levdrianda said. “And you, Shin’Ar or not, look after my boy!” She ordered Shuran who merely nodded and bowed his head in acceptance.

  The King had seen fit to overload them with supplies and was about to order pack goats be brought out when Shuran spoke up.

  “Your Majesty that will not be necessary. We will travel light. All that we need is but a thought away.” With that statement Shuran walked among the supplies and at his touch, sent everything to the Vault.

  The trip down the Eastern slopes of the Orenthal Mountains was easier than the climb. Not simply because they were headed down but because this was a regularly traveled route for the dwarves whom practiced trade with the humans of Elmwood and the elves in Tarangale.

  They would be meeting a ferryboat at one of the feeder rivers of the Napalkua called the West Pass feed. It was named this because it originated beyond the Orenthal Mountains in the Frozen North, and flowed along the Western side of the mysterious break in the ranges that provided a means of passing to the North.

  A dwarf captain would take them along the Western Pass feed beyond Elmwood into the main branch of the Napalkua River. He would take them as far south as safety permitted and drop them west of the Forests that bordered Tarangale. Travel too far south along the Napalkua would mean venturing too close to the rapids just before the great falls of Zig’Mada. There was a branch of river that flowed directly into Tarangale but that would mean passing Rivenwood.

  Shuran did not want to risk traveling to his mother’s home village for fear of spies watching for him.

  They made it to the feeder river and met the ferryboat before Utu reached mid-sky the next day. The ferryboat captain was a jovial fellow and excited to have the Shin’Ar and his companions on his rig.

  Knowing that he would have such passengers the day before, the captain provisioned for a comfortable and well-stocked journey on his best boat. It would be a two-day journey to Elmwood then another day and a half to their departure point. The Napalkua ran much faster than the feeders so they would spend less time on the longer stretch of the journey. After getting settled onboard, the ferry left the Orenthal Mountains behind and headed south.

  Shuran spent the first half of the trip toward Elmwood talking to Codger and asking him to research gug weaponry.

  Moona reminded Shuran to remain on guard for elven trickery and keep his mind shielded unless he wanted to think he was a dur like Codger had.

  Shuran relayed this warning to the others. The dwarves could not shield themselves the same as Shuran and Mallick, but they assured him they had ways of protecting their minds from elven influence.

  As they finally approached Elmwood it was well after dark. The town appeared asleep and there was little to no torchlight in the windows. Had they passed the village during light, they would have noticed the town was actually all but abandoned. The only residents left were those having no place else to go or looters picking over what was left behind when the majority of the inhabitants fled for safety.

  News would reach Shuran and his companions soon enough. A force of warriors was on the march through the lands of Aurderia. They were not entirely human and not taking prisoners. They had but one order; to find and capture, or kill the human known as Shuran of Rivenwood, son of Sulura and Dalgon, ANZILLU of mixed blood.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The ferryboat sided along shore in the best spot the captain could gain without threat of running aground. He was not close enough to let down a plank, so Shuran and company would have to disembark the boat many paces from shore and swim.

  “We will not need to swim.” Shuran rai
sed his hand and one by one, levitated his friends over to the shore. When it was just himself left, he jumped off the boat and descended slowly to the water, which parted below him. He walked to shore as the waters parted in front of him and folded back behind.

  “Bit of a flare for the dramatic, even for you Shuran,” Mallick teased.

  “I have not yet got the trick to moving myself by levitation. I can lift myself up but have yet found a way to use opposing force to move,” Shuran answered.

  “Why not use the wind to give you a push?” Mallick asked.

  “Try as I might, I have yet to be able to blow myself about.” Shuran said with all seriousness.

  Mallick turned and walked away with the dwarves who all laughed heartily.

  The companions had to travel nearly all day to reach the tree line. Once they reached the forest, Shuran called their trek to a halt.

  “Have any of you traveled to Tarangale from this direction?” he asked.

  “We have never been to Tarangale from any direction Shin’Ar!” Avrank admitted.

  Shuran reached out with his shi to locate signatures of the Essence. He stretched his senses to their limits without using a power stone. He found nothing human. He boosted his power with a stone to widen his range. He finally located the trading settlement.

  “I have located what must be Tarangale since I sense no other human life around. It feels odd though,” Shuran said.

  “What do you mean sheesh?” Mallick asked.

  “There are very few people about and none appear to be elf.”

  The group trekked their way through the forest toward the sense of life that Shuran followed.

  Shuran stopped suddenly.

  “What is it Shuran Shin’Ar?” the twins asked.

  “DOWN!” he responded and reached out with hands and Essence. He immediately sensed a disturbance in the area around them. Dozens of empty spots, was the best way he could describe it to himself. Before he could investigate further, dozens of arrows came arching toward him from high above.