First Comes The One Who Wanders

by Lynette S. Jones

  Master Frey hadn’t spent much time teaching her about crafter’s who betrayed their calling. She could add that to the list of things he’d simply forgotten to teach her. She knew that crafter’s did cross over from the light to dark or from the dark to light occasionally. Every now and then whispers would circulate around the school about someone who’d crossed the line. When one was given the right to choose, sometimes they chose the other path.

  Solein had sung several tales of crafters who’d chosen darkness over light. Still, it chilled her to believe Master Frey had chosen the darkness.

  “But has he really?” Leilas asked herself. The other Sky crafters were still following him. The dark masters were amassing an army against him. Maybe she’d misread the signs. Leilas held onto that hope for a moment, even though she knew she wasn’t wrong. The other light crafters just hadn’t figured it out yet. It would become clear to them in time.

  She grieved for the loss of her friend as the dreary day turned into darkness. The last sight she saw as she climbed back up the valley wall were seven divisions of dark soldiers silhouetted against the sinking sun, making their last preparations before they started after the one who’d attacked their stronghold.

  As she sprinted across the meadow, Leilas debated the better course of action. Was it better to warn the small company of men about what was coming, or to inform the masters about what had happened? She knew a true soldier would leave the company in danger in order to save more lives, but she couldn’t do it. Warning the crafters with Master Fry and trying not to get captured while doing it was a chance she would have to take. Then she would warn the masters.

  She breathed a bit easier when she gained the protection of the forest, but she didn’t stop. There wasn’t much light from the shrouded moon that reached the forest floor, but there was enough so that she could keep up a steady pace. She wouldn’t stop until she couldn’t go any farther.

  The wind rustled ominously through the boughs of the gnarled firs. Dense undergrowth grabbed at her tunic and breeches. Unclasping her robe, she folded it and tucked it in her belt to keep from snagging it on any more bushes. The swaying trees cast eerie shadows and old fears from being in the echoes began to reassert themselves. Leilas felt the presence of nameless, lost souls trying to communicate their despair. They seemed to be caught up in the clouds swirling overhead.

  But after the initial panic of hearing all the despair in her mind, Leilas felt her fear lessen and it was slowly being replaced with compassion for those who were lost. It wasn’t much different than Neothera, other than these souls were evil, dark, lost in darkness. In Neothera, the souls were good, and light, but lost nonetheless.

  Garabaldi had been right. She’d been too young when she entered the Echoes. If she’d ventured in there now, she’d have understood, although the sadness was almost unbearable. Leilas plodded on through the trees, these bodiless souls giving her more impetus. If she was hearing them, so were many of the crafters in Frey’s company. Who knew what effect they were having on them?

  The barrage never ceased as Leilas continued through the forest. Frey’s company had followed the road that led through the wood, but Leilas plunged on through the undergrowth, where there was no road, cutting off many miles of the journey. She continued well into the night before she chose a small clearing in which to make camp. It would have been wonderful to light a fire. She hadn’t been warm since the day she spent with Garabaldi. But she couldn’t be certain there was no one following her. So, she settled for wrapping her cloak around her tightly and resting against the root of a large tree. The fir needles made a soft bed and she quickly fell into a deep sleep.

  ~~~

  Josuas bent down and examined the ground at the last spot that he’d seen Leilas before she’d disappeared. He could feel the remains of the power that had been expended, but there wasn’t enough for him to follow. Swearing softly under his breath, he rose to his feet and looked around in frustration, trying to fight the despair that was threatening to get the better of him. How was he going to find Leilas when he had no idea where she’d gone?

  With no other option that came to mind, he called to the powers requesting help in finding the Chosen One. Then he collected wood and made camp for the night. He was awakened the next day by Legaglow, a beautiful white stallion with feathery wings protruding from his back, pushing him gently with his nose. The winged horses weren’t from Solea. They came from Sartoomb in Sylphia. But on occasion, if they had reason, they would come to help. Legaglow had helped him on two other occasions and Joshuas’ spirits rose knowing that Jovan had sent the flying stallion to help him again. Thanking the magical creature for his assistance, Joshuas climbed on his back and whispered “Atana” in his ear. Rising from the ground majestically, the heavenly creature turned north toward the forest where the Light elves made their home and with powerful strokes of his wings, he flew swiftly and tirelessly toward the Elven stronghold.

  After the Crafter Wars, when Joshuas had taken to wandering, he’d been befriended by a young elf whom he’d met in a tavern one night. He suspected that the elf had been sent by Greyan to check on his adopted son, but Erion had never admitted that was the reason he was in the tavern that night. Still, they’d struck up a friendship and in the end Erion had invited Joshuas to come with him to Atana. Joshuas had accepted and spent many years in the Elven city, letting their joy and peace heal his wounded spirit. Erion had found him again after Peran died and again, he’d taken him to Atana to heal. With no other idea of how to find Leilas coming to mind, his thoughts had turned to Erion and the elves. If anyone could find Leilas, they could.

  Legaglow covered the miles to the northern forest quickly and was soon descending among the trees. Landing softly on the forest floor, he bore Joshuas to a place in the forest that appeared to be just another clearing. He stopped near two gnarled old oaks and allowed Joshuas to slip from his back. “Thank you, old friend,” said Joshuas. “Once again I’m in your debt.” Legaglow tossed his head, shaking his golden mane and then he turned and trotted away, until he reached a spot where he could once again take flight. Joshuas watched him until he was out of sight, then he turned and stepped between the two gnarled oaks where Legaglow had left him. Once he stepped between the trees, the tented city of Atana came into view. It was nestled in a small valley, surrounded by small hills that were always green and covered in small white flowers. If you ventured onto those hills, it became clear that the flowers were home to the small faeries that made their home with the elves. The tents that made up the homes of the elves were woven of a silken material that shimmered multicolored in the sun. Every day in Atana was a beautiful spring day. Once you stepped into the valley, all sense of time disappeared. As soon as he entered the valley, Joshuas was overwhelmed by a desire to stay there forever. Only his concern for Leilas, kept him from abandoning himself to the feeling.

  “Who comes into our valley uninvited?” A slender man with hair the color of moonlight, slightly pointed ears, who was dressed in breeches and tunic that seemed to reflect all the colors around him, addressed Joshuas from behind a long bow that was nocked with an arrow.

  “Joshuas, friend of the forest elves,” replied the majik, not making the mistake of moving. He was surprised at the hostile reception. He knew the elves kept guard, but this was the first time he’d been accosted in such a manner.

  “Joshuas,” said the elf, lowering the bow. “I thought it was you, but I had to ask. No one may come into Atana unannounced anymore.”

  “What has changed, Elorian, my friend?”

  “Haven’t you heard?”

  “I’ve been traveling and haven’t had news in several weeks.”

  “It’s best if Edan explains it to you. I’ve sent for Erion and he will escort you to the council.”

  “Is an old friend of the elves no longer allowed to walk in Atana unescorted?”

  “These are troubled times, my friend. No one unannounced is allowed to enter without an escort.”r />
  Joshuas was tempted to pump Elorian for information, but he knew it would be useless. The Elven guard had his orders. He would just have to wait for Erion and ask him what had happened to make the elves so nervous.

  Erion soon arrived, joined by the elf that Elorian had sent to find him. “Joshuas, my old friend, it’s good to see you. What brings you to Atana? We’d heard you were on an important mission”, said the elf, who appeared to be a younger copy of Elorian.

  “That’s what brings me to your home, Erion. I’ve come to ask for your help.”

  “I’m always willing to help you, you know that Joshuas.”

  “I thought I knew that. But I’m less sure now that I’m here.”

  “I’m sorry for the welcome you’ve received. But with the news we’ve received from our scouts, we thought it wise to increase our security.”

  “What news have you received, to cause you to receive friends in such a manner?”

  “Perhaps it would be better if Edan explained. I’ll escort you to the council as soon as you’ve had something to eat and have refreshed yourself.”

  “My business is pressing,” said Joshuas, trying not to offend his friend by refusing his hospitality outright.

  “There is time to partake of food,” said Erion, insisting, without making it sound as if he were.

  Joshuas acquiesced graciously and allowed himself to be escorted through the city. Men and women both were busy practicing with their bows and swords, making the serious art of war look like a beautiful dance. Erion led him to a tent where he left Joshuas in the care of two women who brought him food and drink. The tent was decorated with wood carvings and silken pillows. Joshuas made himself comfortable on the pillows that served as a place to sit and allowed the women to wait on him.

  Times had certainly changed in Atana. The last time he’d visited, the people had been busy making musical instruments, singing songs and enjoying the beauty of the day. They hadn’t been diligently readying themselves for war. Joshuas ate quickly and then waited as patiently as he was able for Erion to return.

  “I’m sorry I’ve taken so long in returning,” said Erion, when he returned. “It took some time to gather all of the elders. They have much to do these days.”

  “What has happened, Erion?”

  “As I said before, it will be better if Edan explains it to you.” He held the tent flap open for Joshuas. When Joshuas had exited the tent, Erion led him down a lane that was framed by tents on both sides toward a tent at the end that faced the lane and ended the corridor.

  “Joshuas, it’s good to see you again, my old friend,” Edan greeted him, when they entered the large tent where the elders had gathered. He looked around as if expecting someone else. “We’d heard that the Chidra was with you. Hasn’t she accompanied you to this meeting?”

  “That’s why I’ve come,” replied Joshuas. “The Chosen One was spirited away by an evil majik. I was hoping that Erion would help me find her.”

  “This is indeed grave news,” replied Edan. “With the news we’ve heard from our scouts, it is reason for concern.”

  “What news have you heard to make you prepare for war?” asked Joshuas.

  “Gidron Frey has gone to the School of Land and attacked the majiks there, defying the counsel of the Sky masters. In response the Land crafters have raised an army and are readying to attack the Sky masters and all those who serve the light magic. If the masters of Sky are unable to stop them, then it seems inevitable that we’ll be forced to defend our land against them.”

  “And this was the man we gave the responsibility of training the Chidra?” Joshuas asked the Elven council.

  “This was our thought and concern. We were pleased to hear that the Chosen One was under your protection and tutelage. But now you tell us, she isn’t with you,” replied Edan. “We’re worried that she’s chosen to align herself with the Dark Lord and Gidron Frey.”

  “She would never do that, Edan. I’ve met her and have found no evil in her.”

  “That is what Cedric Manchu said of Gidron Frey. Yet it’s clear, he’s turned to the darkness. He was Leilas Leyson’s tutor for ten years. What is there to make us believe she hasn’t chosen to stay with her master?”

  “Only my word, as your friend. I wouldn’t betray you in this,” replied Joshuas, trying to keep the dismay at the direction this conversation was taking off his face.

  “We can only hope that you’re correct. But we must prepare ourselves for the possibility that you’ve been deceived in the same manner as the Sky masters.”

  “We won’t know unless we find her,” replied Joshuas. “Will you help me find her? Will you allow Erion to come with me?”

  “Erion is free to do as he wishes. We won’t compel him to go or stay.”

  “I’ll go with you, of course,” said Erion. “The Chosen One must be found. We need to know where her allegiance lies.”

  “It lies with Jovan, but I’ll let her prove that to you herself,” replied Joshuas, chastising himself that he’d lost Leilas and allowed this doubt to spring up among the elves and in all probability among the Sky masters as well.

  “As regards the Chidra, we may be able to help you in your search,” said Atoria, one of the other four elders, sitting with Edan. Next to Edan, he was the eldest elf who still called Atana his home, though like Edan, he still appeared to be in the bloom of his youth. “One of our scouts, reporting on the buildup of the Dredracians, saw a lone Sea crafter sneaking across the valley. Other than her clothes, she matched the description of Leyhan’s daughter.”

  “Then that’s where I’ll begin my search.”

  “Where we’ll begin our search,” added Erion. “Two are always better than one alone.”

  “We’ll provide horses to the edge of our land. You must make it on your own from there.” Edan paused briefly then continued. “If the Chidra has chosen to follow the Dark Lord, you must stop her now, while you can. I sense in you Joshuas, a reluctance to do this. So, I ask you, Erion, for your word on this. If she’s chosen the dark magic, you’ll do what you can to stop her.”

  “You have my word, Edan.” Erion took out his sword and offered it to Edan. Edan took it, bowed to his servant and returned it. Joshuas watched the ritual with concern. Leilas would have a formidable enemy in Erion, if she couldn’t convince him that she still served Jovan and followed the light magic.

  “You should be off as quickly as possible. Before the Dredracians block the roads and make the way more perilous,” said Atoria as the elders rose to leave the council tent.

  Within the hour, horses had been readied and packs prepared. Erion said his goodbyes, slung his bow across his shoulder and mounted the white stallion waiting patiently for him. Without looking back, the crafter and the elf rode swiftly for the Forest of Furlin. The horses provided by the elves sped across the miles of forest swiftly and soon they were at the edge of the northern forest the elves called home. Reluctantly, Joshuas slipped from his mount and they left the horses to return home on their own and continued toward the Forest of Furlin, not bothering to rest even though darkness was beginning to fall. They entered the dark forest as what there was of the moon began to rise. Erion made his way through the forest easily. Joshuas did his best to keep up with his friend. After hours of trekking through the wood, Erion held up his hand, motioning for Joshuas to come to a halt.

  “There’s someone up ahead. I can’t be sure who it is,” said Erion. “They don’t appear to be moving.”

  Joshuas sent his thoughts out to probe who was nearby. “It isn’t Frey. I’m getting mixed signals about who’s ahead. They appear to be protecting themselves from probing.”

  “Then it could be the Chosen One. If she’s looking for Gidron Frey to join up with him, she wouldn’t want anyone to be able to find her.”

  “I was hoping you’d give her the benefit of the doubt,” said Joshuas.

  “You’ve been my friend for more years than I care to count. I’m willing to give you t
he opportunity to prove you’re correct. For now, so are the elders.”

  “I know that’s because you stood for me, Erion. I won’t forget that.”

  “You’d do the same for me, just as you’re doing for the Chidra.” Erion stepped lightly over a fallen log in their path. Joshuas took a bit longer climbing over the obstacle. They moved cautiously in the direction of the person Erion sensed was in the forest near them.

  “I see someone by the tree over in that clearing,” whispered Erion slipping behind a tree. It took Joshuas a bit longer to find the dark clump at the root of the tree. He’d probably have passed it by without notice. “Is it her?”

  “We’ll find out soon enough,” replied Joshuas, slipping from his spot and crossing the clearing.

  Leilas was on her feet with sword drawn before the man was halfway across the clearing. She saw the other person with him moving in the shadows from tree to tree, but only out of the corner of her eye. When she tried to focus on him, he disappeared.

  “That’s far enough if you want to keep breathing,” said Leilas, letting what little moonlight there was catch on the blade of her weapon.

  “Is that anyway to greet a friend?” asked Joshuas, slipping closer cautiously.

  “Joshuas? Is that you?” Leilas dropped her sword and covered the distance between them in an instant. She threw her arms around him and held on tightly. “Is it really you? I’m not dreaming, am I?” She reached up and touched his face with her hand. Then drew it away, her fingers tingling, and smiled. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Not half as much as I’ve missed you,” said Joshuas, emotion making his voice sound husky. “Are you okay?”

  “Other than hungry and cold, I’ll survive.”

  Erion stepped from behind the trees. Self-consciously, Leilas stepped away from Joshuas, immediately missing his comforting warmth.