Book of Remembrance: The Forgotten Gods: Book One

by Tania Johansson

  I swallowed. Grer had spoken as if they were no more unusual than a herd of Pronghorn that had migrated further south than was common. Quiniewa was looking at me worriedly and I realised my face bore a grimace. Cursing myself for being so transparent, I smoothed out my face.

  “Kadin, I am not a day old fawn, why did you ask about the Dyrrendrel? How do you even know anything about them?”

  I sniffed. “A pack of them came upon me a couple of nights previous. They were about to attack when a man came out of nowhere and scared them off. His name was Grer. He said he was the keeper of the forest and that he lived in Hefrnea. Clearly that was not true.” I sighed. “He told me about the Dyrrendrel. Said there is folklore about them. That it is possible that someone could control them, but he made it seem like he thought that was all it was just stories to scare children with. I thought they were no more than distant cousins of the wolf.”

  She was silent for a long time, her face pensive. Finally, she nodded as if she had come to some decision. “You were careless.”

  I started to protest, but she held up a hand and gave me a stare that brooked no argument. “You were careless, but careless because of lack of knowledge. I trust you will not make such a mistake again. On the other hand, this Grer was in all likelihood not a Twisted One. If he were, you would not be standing here now. However, we cannot assume that he is working for the good either. You cannot trust anyone, Kadin. Even roses have thorns. You must take the utmost care.”

  I nodded. “Where do I go from here?” When I looked over to her, she was in the form of a young woman again. A small smile appeared on her lips, her golden eyes sparkling in the sunset.

  “You continue. Your Seeking is complete, now the true journey begins. There are others like you out there. Well, perhaps not exactly like you, but whose paths are intertwined with yours. They may be unaware, as you were a short time ago, that they are not like everyone else, but you need to seek them out. Given what we have said tonight, this will not be an easy task, but one that only you can do.”

  She leaned over to me and gave me a small peck on the cheek. “Good luck Kadin Aken. May the Almighty encourage your heart and guide your feet.”

  I bowed low in respect and when I looked up, she was gone. I smiled. She does indulge her mystical side. I looked back at the village and it too had gone. In its place was the bridge. I walked across tentatively waiting for the wall, but this time it never came. I stepped off the other side and found my campsite exactly as I had left it. I realised how exhausted I felt so I curled up on my bedroll and was asleep within moments.

  Dawn sunshine woke me. After practising the Shea-Rin, I washed in the nearby stream and gathered my belongings. I set off towards home with Markai trotting next to Balder for the majority of the time, and never out of sight. She was fully as large as the mare.

  Midmorning on the fourth day Predaki came into view. I rode up to the main gates, the massive Jurpa statues saluting me in welcome. I was surprised to see the Cha waiting for me at the foot of the statues. As I drew near, I got off Balder and walked up to him. I bowed respectfully and he gave a firm nod. “You must give account.”

  Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked back into the village. I breathed a small sigh of relief that he had not been able to see Markai. As we entered, Breen took Balder from me. I was home.

  CHAPTER 5 – Moving On

  I had been to the Cha’s house before, but he led me to the usually forbidden back rooms and Markai stayed at the front door as if standing guard. The room was dim, light filtering in through a small sky light above our heads. The air held a faint smell of herbs and something else I could not quite put my finger on.

  We sat on the floor on large plush cushions. His young assistant brought in tea and sweet cakes. I eyed the tea suspiciously as the Cha poured some into my cup. I brought it up to my nose and had a covert sniff. When I looked up, I saw a smile playing on the Cha’s lips and I could feel heat creeping up to colour my cheeks. To try to hide my embarrassment I took a tentative sip. To my relief this was not the same as my Seeking tea.

  He cleared his throat and I took this as a signal that we were formally beginning so I put my teacup down. “Kadin Aken, you have returned from the Seeking, but we are here now to ascertain whether you have been successful. Report and leave out no details.”

  I told him everything, giving him a full account. By the time I was done, my throat was dry and I was grateful for the fresh cup of tea he poured for me.

  “May I see Sunder?” I handed my sword to him. We sat in silence while he inspected it. He handed it back and started asking pointed questions to elicit even more detail from me as well as my reasoning for my actions. Again, he sat quietly sipping his tea.

  A couple of times I started to say something, but he held his hand up to silence me. I started worrying that he may not grant me his blessing. When he finally spoke, my stomach had tied itself into a tight ball. “You have learnt much. As with all, the Seeking is but a beginning of the true journey. This is even more true for you than for most. Quiniewa is wise, even among the Fae. You were lucky to have her guidance. You bring some disturbing news of the stirring of Rakadamon. I had not anticipated that he would be able to move so early. Consequently we must make haste.” He paused, studying me.

  He stood and walked over to his bookstand, pulling out a dusty volume before sitting back down heavily. While dusting the cover, he continued. “Fighting a powerful enemy as well as his allies is a formidable task. However, trying to withstand them without even knowing who or what they are and what they can do….. now that is near to impossible. Generations of Tretakai Chas have handed down this Book in anticipation of this day.”

  He leafed through and holding it open, handed it to me. I gasped. It was opened to a drawing of a Dyrrendrel. Underneath the picture, a neat hand had noted down ‘Dyrrendrel – ferocious. A Twisted One’. The next page was filled with information on the creatures, their strengths, weaknesses and origins.

  I shook my head disbelievingly. “I thought all knowledge about the Dark Children and Twisted Ones had been lost through the ages.”

  He held up a fist with his finger pointing up to the sky. “Some knew that one day we may need this knowledge again. They also knew Rakadamon would do everything in his power to ensure this information was lost to us. This Book, the Book of Remembrance, was created in the utmost of secrecy. The Fae put perdurability spells on it to keep it from rotting over time and entrusted it to the Guardians for safekeeping. Even so, it has had to be copied several times through the ages both to update the language used in it and even with the perdurability spell, it could not last forever.”

  Comprehension hit me. “You are one of the Guardians. I should have realised it before now.”

  He smiled enigmatically. “More like an agent for the Guardians, but yes, chance had nothing to do with you ending up with us. Even if your parents had lived, you would have come here eventually. Now though, you must leave. You have work to do. The people Quiniewa spoke of, the ones you need to find; they must be your first priority. I have heard rumours of one such person in Medirea, a city north of here. Start there.”

  I nodded. “How will I know them?”

  His grey brows pulled together. “That I cannot tell you, but I would advise trusting Markai’s instincts. However, you will need to learn how to let go of Navitas and yet maintain contact with her. Keeping in touch with Navitas for such an extended time will make you weak and much too reliant on your heightened senses. You may take a couple of days to celebrate your success, but then you must go. We will have a feast tonight at which I will announce your success as well as your imminent departure.” I reluctantly released Navitas and ruefully felt Markai’s presence drift away.

  We got up and he walked out with me. I turned and bowed. “Thank you great Cha for the honour of your blessing.”

  I started walking away when he spoke again. “Kadin, Brant will be going with you.” My jaw dropped.
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  Of all the people…. “But, why? He hates me and I don’t trust him. If I must have a travel companion, then why not one of my brothers?”

  His face had grown stern as I spoke. “Brant is not going simply to be a ‘travel companion’ for you. He has a role to play in events to come. It is of utmost importance that he goes.” With that, he turned on his heel and strode back into his house firmly shutting his door on any further argument.

  My first stop was to see Moma, of course because I wanted to share the news of my success with her, but also because I was starving and ready for a warm meal spiced with more than salt. I found her in her vegetable garden busily gathering the ripe carrots, squashes and tomatoes.

  She did not seem to hear me approach. “Moma, I hope you have something cooking inside!” As I had started speaking, a high squeak had escaped from her as she jerked upright as though scalded.

  She turned around, a broad smile blossoming on her face. “Oh, Kadin, you’re home!” She hugged me so tight; you would have thought I had been gone for seasons, not mere days. She stepped back from me and playfully swatted my arm. “That is for scaring the life out of me. I am sure you shortened my life by at least a few days there.”

  I grinned. She took me by the arm and led me inside. “Come inside. You must be hungry. I assume you have spoken to the Cha already and that he gave his blessing, otherwise you would not be so chirpy. No doubt the whole village will be astir shortly in preparation for the celebration tonight.”

  She started bustling in the kitchen and soon wonderful aromas were drifting through the air making my mouth water. I was not permitted to talk about what had happened during my Seeking and Moma did not ask.

  “So do you think you will now start full time with Triak?” Triak was the master huntsman and most of my hunting and tracking skills had come under his tutelage. Although I had enjoyed working for him in his tannery, it had never been what I wanted to do. Of course I knew I would not be staying, but I was dreading telling her.

  I grimaced which made her frown. “Come on, Kadin. Out with it.” Reluctantly I told her I would be leaving in a couple of days.

  I expected her to protest, to try to convince me to stay at least a while longer, but she gave a firm nod and a tight smile. “From the day I was sent to recover you, I knew your destiny was great.” Her smile turned a little sad. “And with greatness comes sacrifice. Remember that.”

  She put a plate of steaming rabbit soup and fresh bread in front of me. I hungrily ate it all and helped myself to a second serving. Between mouthfuls, we talked of small things. I knew it was times like these that I would miss the most.

  When I had finished my food, she stood up. “I need to go help prepare for tonight’s feast.” She gave me a quick hug before leaving. I cleared away my dishes and stored the Book of Remembrance in the stout wooden chest at the foot of my bed, locking it securely.

  Desperate for a wash, I went back out to fetch some fresh wash water. I pulled out my small mirror and ran a hand through my now substantial beard. I had never let it grow before and I was not all too impressed with the itching. It was a relief to shave it off.

  I went to look for my brothers and found Wilm in his father’s inn. It was the only one in town, but they still put a lot of effort into making it as attractive as possible as if they had three other local inns to compete against. His father was a well-travelled man and throughout the dining area and bar were memorabilia from the places he had seen. My favourite piece had always been a heavy wooden chair, intricately carved and depicting strange animals I had never before seen or read about.

  Always before when I came in here, I would dream about one day visiting some of these far off places, but I never really believed that I would have the opportunity. Now looking at them, it filled me with excitement knowing that I will be off soon.

  Wilm was supposed to take over from his father one day, but for the moment, he did and was whatever his father needed him to be. I found him behind the bar mopping the floor while muttering about clumsy women.

  He glanced up as I approached and went back to mopping before jerking his head up for a second look. The scowl dropped from his face, replaced by a sheepish grin. “Kadin! It is good to have you back. I take it congratulations are in order. When did you get back?”

  We shook hands. “Just a few hours ago. What is all this muttering about clumsy women?”

  His scowl came back and clouded his face. “My da has hired Jerea as the new serving girl. She walks around here as if she is walking on eggs and every now and again one breaks under her feet resulting in what you see here.” He gestured to the broken bottle and spilt drink at his feet. Jerea was Aliana’s youngest sister, she had always been as nervous as a newly saddled filly. “If her nerves don’t settle I don’t think my da will be able to keep her on.”

  I shook my head. “So why is she not cleaning up her own mess?”

  He smiled humourlessly. “With the way her hands were shaking I think she was likely to cut herself. Let me just finish up here and we can go find Jamber, Jench and Prea. We can start the celebration early.” His eyes twinkled with mischief as he poured a glass of wine for me and I took a seat at the bar.

  We found Prea just finishing a lesson with Master Drayer, Predaki’s master biologist and healer. His face lit up when he saw us. Jamber and Jench were working on the roof of Jamber’s house. Brak was lying in the shade of the house. They were the local handymen, which meant that their own homes were always the last to be mended. They quickly clambered down when they saw us approaching.

  We went down to Lake Uzuri and sat at the water’s edge. With exclamations of wonder, they looked at Sunder. They knew not to ask about where I had gotten it from, but I could see curiosity burning in their eyes. Somehow, over the last few days, the feel of the sword on my hip had become a part of me and I was glad to sheath it again when they were done.

  With a grin, Wilm produced bottles of wine from his shoulder bag. We spent the afternoon talking, drinking and joking. I realised that this may be the last time for a long time that we would all be together. I was reluctant to spoil the jovial mood, but I knew this was the best time to tell them that I would be leaving soon.

  Ever observant Prea must have noticed that I had gone quiet. Quietly he said, “Are you troubled?”

  I gave him a weak smile and answered in a loud enough voice to draw everyone’s attention. “The Cha has told me I am to leave in two days’ time.” They were all looking at me with surprise.

  Prea recovered first. With big round eyes and worry etched in his eyes he said, “You were successful weren’t you? Fiery skies! We all just assumed….what?” I held up my hands to stop him from getting himself even more tangled up in worry.

  With a reassuring smile, I replied. “Hold yourself together. I passed, but now I must embark on another journey. There are things I must do and time waits for no man.” I grimaced before continuing. “Brant is coming with me.”

  Wilm snorted. “Is this the work of the Kichwa? It has the smell of his filthy meddling hands all over it!” Jench grunted in agreement.

  I shook my head. “I would have thought so as well, but this came directly from the Cha. I don’t believe the Kichwa had a hand in it. Still, it rankles to know we will be travelling together for heaven knows how many months!”

  With the last of the afternoon light failing, Prea said, “We better get back. The feast will be starting soon, they will be expecting us.”

  I nodded. “Go ahead, I will be right behind you.” With a few curious glances from Jamber, they left. Once I was sure they were out of sight I went through the Shea-Rin. Instead of making me feel ready to collapse, it now made me feel strong. I had a quick swim to refresh myself and hurried back to the village.

  By the time I reached the village square, it was already filled with people. A minstrel was singing a lively song and playing the lyre and a sizable group of people was dancing to the music. As I walked along, people stopped me regularly of
fering congratulations. Of course, my success was only official once the Cha pronounced it so during the feast, but everyone assumed that they knew what this feast meant.

  I scanned the crowds until I spotted Aliana. She was standing by her friends, laughing and talking. I scraped my courage together and purposefully started striding towards her, but just then, Lilana came bounding up to me, a grin splitting her face from ear to ear.

  She hugged me fiercely. “Kadin, you did it! I knew you would. And now you will have more time to play with me again!” My heart twisted a bit. I had not even thought about how she would deal with me leaving so quickly. I had already been aware of not spending enough time with her lately because of all the training and preparation. I started stammering a response, but she was looking past me, her eyes stretching a little wider.

  She grinned. “Sweetcakes!” With that, she went skipping away. I sighed. At least that had given me a momentary reprieve, but I knew I would have to face her again later. I looked around for Aliana, but she had been swallowed by the crowd.

  Long tables had been set up with various drinks and food laid out. I helped myself to some mulled wine and pastries. Spotting Jamber, I walked over to him, but before I reached him, Brant intercepted me.

  His eyes were hard as stone. “I hear we are to be travel companions. Do not harbour any notions that this was any of my doing. I would rather eat Jurpa dung than travel with you.” It looked like he was ready to spit at my feet.

  Before I could respond, he continued. “I doubt that the Cha would have revealed much to the likes of you, but this will not be a simple journey. I see you carry around a rusty blade now. We may have to defend ourselves during the course of our travels and if you do manage to gather enough fortitude to actually do something then, I hope you remember you have to stick them with the sharp end.” He gave a disgusted grunt and stalked off.

  What he had hoped to achieve with that little rant I could not fathom. I wanted to laugh. Brant’s haughty attitude had never bothered me as much as I am sure he hoped it did. I shook my head and headed off to where I had seen Jamber.