First Comes The One Who Wanders

by Lynette S. Jones

  “Why don’t you leave?” asked Joshuas. “I’m sure the fighters could use a healer with your gifts.”

  “I’m the last of my father’s children. What would he have if I left?”

  “It’s not your destiny to serve your father,” said Cephom quietly. “You must come to believe that your gift can’t be ignored. Your father will be the same with or without you. He’s made his choice.”

  Vanya looked more closely at Cephom, and then closed her eyes for a few moments. When she opened them, she seemed to look at him with a new respect. Joshuas had to wonder what it was about Cephom that had that effect on people. “You said you had a message for me,” said Vanya. “What news do you bring?”

  “Two actually. The first is from Jakob. He says he is alive and has been sent to recover something that was lost, in part because of him. What was lost must be recovered if Preterlandis is to survive. He will return when he can.”

  “It’s good to know he’s alive,” said Vanya, tears in her eyes.

  “He’ll find what he is seeking,” said Cephom. “In return for his service, he will become a servant but also a master in his own right. He will help the king when he is most in need.”

  “The king? Who might that be?” asked Vanya.

  “That I can’t say,” said Cephom.

  “The second message then,” said Vanya, drying her tears.

  “Is for your ears alone,” said Cephom, “as is the message for Daina. But they can wait until morning.”

  CHAPTER 27

  Vanya was gone by the time Joshuas woke. He’d expected her to be. From what he’d heard last night, her father wouldn’t look kindly on her absence, or on her helping the people fighting the Dredracians. Joshuas had to wonder if her father believed staying neutral would save his people. King Dane had thought the same. In the end, he’d lost his daughter and his kingdom. His people had been decimated, only a handful remained.

  Joshuas looked around for Daina, not really expecting to find her. There were people relying on her to help them find new homes; people relying on her to lead them. But she was seated next to Cephom. Both were deep in their meditations. Joshuas had to admire their ability to direct their minds so well. His attempts at meditation always ended in morbid thoughts of death or in falling asleep. He was surprised Daina was still with them, but oddly comforted at the same time. Letting the two continue, he began making breakfast from the food they had left. They were going to have to find a stronghold that would give them some food, or do some hunting. He collected the beer bottles and went in search of water. He came back with some eggs as well as the water. He laughed when he found himself thinking some bread would go good with the eggs.

  He watched Cephom and Daina as he cooked. It was interesting how everyone who met Cephom seemed to accept him unquestioningly. What was it about this man? Who was he really? Not a simple messenger, not even a simple crafter, he was something more than that. But what?

  Joshuas shook his head and began to stir the eggs. He thought he knew most of the light crafters. But he’d never seen Cephom before. How could he have been around and no one heard of him? Joshuas shook his head again. He wasn’t going to find the answer in this forest. Perhaps if he made it into Dirth, he could ask some of the masters at the school what they knew about Cephom. Until then, Cephom had saved his life and he trusted him. His power was strong, light magic, and Joshuas found comfort being around him.

  Cephom managed to time the end of his meditations with Joshuas serving up the eggs, ham and cheese. Daina wasn’t long behind him. Handing her a plate, Joshuas took his and leaned against a rock to eat. It was the first time since the battle at Kyris where he could actually enjoy his food, instead of wolfing it down to replenish his depleted energy. He couldn’t remember if he’d thanked Vanya, but if he survived his trek into the Echoes and the subsequent battles, he would have to come back and make sure he did.

  “I expected you to go with Vanya,” Joshuas said to Daina. “It’s a pleasant surprise to eat breakfast with such beautiful company. I’ve missed you since leaving Menas.”

  “There have been many times since you left that I wished you were still with us,” replied Daina. “We were overrun within days of your departure. If not for the foresight of some left within the city, none of us would have escaped.” Daina frowned at the memory. “We were only hours out of Menas before they descended on the city. They burned everything, tore down our temples and then they began searching for us outside the city.” Daina wiped a tear from her eye. “But we were well hidden and they didn’t find us. When most of the troops withdrew, we fled into the mountains. We knew about the fortifications that were here. We’ve known about them for generations. We’ve also known that the Dredracians are loath to come into these mountains. The magic is purer and lighter here. It makes a good stronghold. I’m sure that’s why Brenth brought the people of Kyris here. It might be the last place in Solea that hasn’t been overtaken and I imagine it will take some time for the dark to overcome the magic of this place.

  “It’s not the only place that hasn’t fallen, my lady,” said Cephom. “Barat and Barroon still stand as does the School of Sky and the forest elves hold strong in their land.”

  “Barat still stands?” asked Daina. “I’d counted Jonas among the lost.”

  “He still stands, though his will and his forces are weakening due to the effect of the gaunts. He could use some help.”

  “Our forces aren’t ready to take on the enemy that surrounds Barat,” said Daina sadly. “Perhaps in a month, maybe two.”

  “Perhaps if someone went to help them fight against the fear the gaunts spread,” suggested Cephom, almost to himself. Joshuas knew better. Cephom had some plan in mind. Daina didn’t look as though she’d been taken in by the innocent tone, either.

  “Is that what you wanted to discuss with me?” she asked him outright. “Because I don’t even know where my people are and I don’t see how we could all sneak into Barat without being noticed. I wouldn’t ask them to take such a risk.”

  “Nor would I, my lady. You misunderstand me. Your people are scattered and being protected and cared for by the leaders of the other fortifications. Your role as leader to the Menas is finished, for now. What I’m asking is for your help, alone. The men in Barat are trying desperately to hold their home, but the fear is beginning to wear them down. We need for Barat to stand. But I can’t help all the men by myself. I would entreat you to come with me.”

  “Joshuas looked at Cephom in surprise. This was the first time he’d ever even thought about the fact that Cephom might need help. Since he’d met him, Cephom had been the one helping.

  “What can I do to help these men?” asked Daina. “I’m only a Menas. There is nothing I can offer them.”

  “You underestimate your gifts, my Lady. But I would have you help heal their minds and instill hope.”

  “Vanya is a far better healer, why didn’t you ask her to go with you?” asked Daina.

  “She has been asked to do something else,” replied Cephom. “You’re here and free to go. Also, you have the gift of being able to rally people to a cause. Vanya is too young to have that talent.”

  “Why is it so important to keep Barat from falling?” Joshuas interjected.

  “Other than all the brave men that we will lose?” asked Cephom. “The dark forces need to remain at Barat until you return. The master gaunts are focused on Barat. We need to keep their focus there. Also, if the forces are near Barat, the resistance fighters have access to them through the forest and can keep them from moving away from the area until you return and can kill the master gaunts.”

  “You seem to have this all worked out. Have you told anyone else this plan, like Brenth, or Adrian, or the masters of the Schools of Sky and Sea?”

  “It’s not my plan, Joshuas. As I said before, I’m but the messenger. It’s my understanding that Brenth and Duke Cheran will be made aware of what is happening in Barat.”

  “Sorry,” Joshu
as apologized. “In all the years we discussed the prophecies and looked into the mists, what is happening never appeared. I’m struggling to make any of this fit the prophecies.”

  “Greyan told only one part of the future. But it will become clear in time,” replied Cephom. “Don’t lose faith, my friend.”

  “I’m afraid it will get worse, before the end,” added Daina. “Sometimes being Menas has its drawbacks.”

  Joshuas managed a tired smile. “I was beginning to get the idea it might get worse.” He rose and collected the dishes. “Time to get going, I think. I have a long journey ahead of me.” The others rose and began to break camp, while Joshuas cleaned the dishes and packed them away.

  They were on their way quickly, following the main road through the mountains. Joshuas let Cephom and Daina talk as he thought about everything that the messenger had told him. It made sense that Cephom had been sent by the masters of the schools, more sense than what he’d been thinking, that he was some kind of emissary of the Creator. The Creator had been quiet for such a long time people had forgotten there was a time when he spoke directly to them.

  He thought about the book of prophecy he’d carried so faithfully all these years. Where were the warnings about the balance being undone and the world being overrun by evil? They’d already determined that Leilas wasn’t supposed to keep the powers in balance, but that she held a part of each of them inside her, as did the Champion. Leilas had hinted that she had more of a role to play in this battle for Preterlandis. But what was it? The prophecy didn’t talk about that quest at all. Joshuas clenched his jaw in frustration. What he knew was that he didn’t know anything and everything he’d thought he’d known was wrong. The one thing he was certain was true was that he wasn’t alone in his ignorance. He’d spent too many years discussing all of this with the masters of Sky to believe they had any better insight into the truth. He smiled grimly. So, they dug in, found some way to deal with an overwhelming enemy and took another look at the prophecies and what they might mean.

  Cephom and Daina were still deep in conversation when Joshuas checked on them. But Daina was correct. These mountains were a protection in themselves. While in the depths of the mountains dark creatures lived, worked and played, above, on the tops of the peaks, light and goodness prevailed. The mountains were a good deterrent to evil creatures. While they were in these peaks, they were relatively safe, give or take a few orcs or dark elves who dared the magic to track their prey.

  Following the others, he let his thoughts drift to Leilas. Had she deciphered Greyan’s words? Did she know what they really meant? Or had she become entangled in some plan that she’d learned about in the Crystal Caves? Was she letting Preterlandis flounder while she chased lies? Anxiety welled up inside him at the thought.

  “So little faith in the one you profess to love,” said Cephom, falling back to walk with Joshuas. “Why is that?”

  Joshuas was startled that Cephom seemed to be reading his thoughts. Quickly, he fortified the shield around his mind. Cephom smiled, but said nothing.

  “She is very young and so innocent,” replied Joshuas. “I confess I wonder if she’s ready for whatever task will be asked of her.”

  “She won’t be asked for more than she’s able to give,” replied Cephom.

  “And how do you know that, messenger? Has the Creator spoken to you personally and told you this? Or are you simply telling me what you think I want to hear?”

  Cephom didn’t answer Joshuas’ angry outburst. Instead, he walked silently next to him. Joshuas was ashamed of his outburst, but he didn’t apologize. He walked in silence, as well.

  After a long silence, Cephom spoke. “The Echoes are a dangerous place for an unsettled mind. The tortured souls that are trapped there prey on emotion.”

  “I know that,” replied Joshuas, brusquely. “But surely I wouldn’t be asked to do more than I am capable of doing, either. Isn’t that so?”

  “Sometimes we let our emotions overrun our good sense,” replied Cephom. “That could be dangerous in the Echoes.”

  “I don’t let my emotions get in the way of my judgments,” replied Joshuas.

  “Not for a very long time, now,” agreed Cephom. “But you should be careful you don’t let the regrets get in the way, either.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean, Cephom? It sounds like a bunch of nonsense.” Joshuas had a good idea what Cephom was trying to say. He just wasn’t going to admit it to him.

  “I hope it’s nonsense, my friend.” Cephom fell silent. Daina looked at them in puzzlement. She wasn’t sure what they’d disagreed about, but the atmosphere surrounding them had changed. Joshuas looked straight ahead and kept walking. Cephom returned to his position by Daina’s side.

  Joshuas had made his choice a long time ago to serve Jovan, to practice the light magic. There was no question where his allegiance lay, but what had his choices in the past gained him? A dead master, a dead son, thirty years of hatred from the woman who’d loved his son. Leilas had left, believing he didn’t care.

  He’d watched many of his friends and fellow crafters die in a war he’d believed would destroy Preterlandis. He’d watched his master give Preterlandis into the care of the humans and shackle the crafters with a treaty that made them impotent. He’d spent years drifting, missing his son, judging his teacher and trying to understand the prophecies that he’d written.

  Don’t let the regrets get in the way, he thought. His life had been a regret. And here he was, in the middle of another war. He’d just watched eleven of his friends die, just another regret he would have to add to his pile. They’d all agreed to the plan, but it had been his plan and his decision to use it. He brought his water skin up to his lips and took a drink. He was tired of thinking about such things. He wouldn’t mind at all if his water skin were filled with beer. But then, he might keep on drinking until these thoughts went away. He regretted the time he’d wasted in that pursuit, as well. Trying to keep up with the nimble Cephom, he tried to deal with the emotions his thoughts had stirred inside him.

  They didn’t stop to eat since they had no food. Cephom stopped to rest whenever Daina looked as if she were tiring. Now that he’d delivered his messages, Cephom seemed intent on getting back to Barat as quickly as possible. Joshuas wondered if the situation was more desperate than he’d led them to believe. He also had to wonder why, if Barat was such a lynch pin to their plan, they were leaving it to two hundred and fifty men to protect? Were the Jovanulum so few that they had no one left to send?

  “We should stop here for the night and find some food,” said Cephom, dropping his pack in an acceptable campsite. It looked as though others had used it as a campsite in the recent past. That made the spot either a safe refuge people in these mountains used or a known campsite that could invite danger. Joshuas smiled to himself as he shrugged off his pack. It must be the perfect place. The pros and cons cancelled themselves out.

  “There is a stronghold nearby,” suggested Daina. “We could replenish our supplies there.”

  Cephom hesitated before answering. “I would prefer that only a few people know that Joshuas is still alive. There are those out there who’ll be looking for him. Also, we need to reach Barat as soon as possible. I fear I’ve been gone too long as it is. Even with my help, over half the men have fallen prey to the gaunts’ influence.”

  Joshuas wondered again at how easily everyone bowed to Cephom’s wishes and at how easily he took command. Especially for someone they’d never seen or heard of before now. Still, he accepted Cephom’s wishes and went in search of food while Daina and Cephom set up camp and went for wood and water. He wasn’t sure why it would matter if anyone here knew he was still alive, but perhaps Cephom had a better understanding. Taking bow in hand, Joshuas made quick work of felling three hares and six birds. It wasn’t until he was on his way back to the campsite that he began to suspect someone was watching him. Reaching his thoughts out carefully, he felt for anyone who might be there, but there di
dn’t seem to be anyone. He tried to shake off the feeling, but it didn’t go away. In fact, it had grown stronger after he used his power.

  Whoever was watching, he didn’t want to lead them back to Daina and Cephom. Switching directions, he began walking slowly away from the campsite. While he walked, he let his thoughts find the power and follow it. The watcher seemed to be in Dirth, but not from the school. Someone else in Dirth was using the mists to study him. So much for keeping alive the myth he was out of commission.

  When he saw Jayram’s eyes, he broke the power trail off with a curse. Running as fast as he dared over the uneven terrain, he headed for the campsite. They wouldn’t be safe there. Jayram would be sending some of his men to find him. Joshuas had been so caught up in what he might encounter in the Echoes he’d failed to realize all the implications of his actions in Kyris. There were many people in Solea who would now be actively seeking to kill him. Jayram, and whoever he was aligned with these days, was only one. But he was a very powerful and dangerous foe.

  Cephom and Daina had swords drawn, pointed in his direction when he crashed through the trees into the clearing.

  “How many are there,” asked Daina, preparing for battle.

  “None, right this minute. There will be something after us very soon.”

  Daina lowered her sword. “What are you talking about, Joshuas? And why scare us like that, if no one is after you?”

  “Jayram found me in the mists. It’s only a matter of time before he sends his shape shifters to deal with us. I doubt he’ll underestimate our abilities this time. We need to get as far away from here as we can.”

  “Then what?” asked Daina. “They didn’t have any trouble tracking us the last time.”

  “We split up,” said Joshuas. “They are after me, not you. But if they discover you, while looking for me, I doubt they’ll let you go.”