Cathadeus_Book One of the Walking Gates

by Jeff J. Peters

  Bendarren bowed fully. “I understand now how it is that she still clings to life. It is an honor that you have come, and you bless our forest with your presence.”

  “Come,” he said quickly, causing Braxton to jump. Turning from the glade, he led them back into the trees.

  * * *

  They walked for hours. Gaelen provided more cakes that felt warm to the touch, and they drank often from his waterskin. Braxton was surprised that he could keep up with the elves. They hadn’t slept since their last night with Sotchek, and yet he was wide awake. The muscles in his legs felt stronger, as if he could walk all night without tiring. Whether from the elven food or the newfound exhilaration that flowed through him at finding Bendarren, he wasn’t sure. They’d come so far and encountered so many obstacles that had threatened their success. But now their journey’s end seemed near, and the anticipation of saving his mom was invigorating.

  He leaned closer to Phinlera. “I can’t believe we’re finally here. That we actually made it.”

  A puzzled look crossed her face. “Did you think we wouldn’t?” Phin always was the optimist.

  “No,” he said, a bit defensively, “but so much has happened since we left home. I’m just happy to be nearing the end.”

  She smiled at him.

  Ruskin, by contrast, trailed further behind. He looked around nervously and muttered to himself whenever they stopped or when one of the elves spoke. Before leaving the glade, Bendarren had given him the opportunity to stay behind rather than take this last path, recognizing the dwarf’s discomfort in the forest. But he’d refused.

  “I vowed to stick with ’em,” he’d said, jerking his head toward Brax and Phinlera. “I may as well go this last leg.”

  Braxton was grateful for Ruskin’s company and for how much he’d helped them on this journey. He knew they’d never have made it this far without him, and that he owed his dad’s friend a great deal. Someday, he thought, I’ll find a way to repay him.

  They continued throughout the night, consuming a steady supply of cakes. It was approaching morning when Bendarren led them over a small rise and into a large clearing dotted with gigantic oaks.

  “This is Arbor Glen.” He gestured about without stopping. “Home to the elflings.”

  Braxton looked around at each massive tree, their leafy silhouettes outlined against the brightening sky. The moon had moved on to another part of the forest, completing its evening journey.

  Cresting a low hill, they stopped briefly in front of a bare and gnarled tree. Brax glanced at it absently. Unlike the neat bases around most of the oaks, a blanket of moss covered the ground and vines choked its trunk.

  It must be dying, he thought to himself. He looked at Bendarren, eager to continue.

  A deep sadness washed over him, and his mom’s essence began to cry. This was her tree, he suddenly realized. This twisted old oak was once that beautiful form he’d seen in her vision. Its leaves and flowers were gone, and only this withered form remained, a dried husk of the beauty it once possessed. He dropped to his knees and wept.

  “It is time now,” he heard Bendarren say.

  Braxton got up and wiped a sleeve across his face.

  “What must I do?”

  “I will guide you.”

  Following the elf’s instructions, he unhooked his mom’s pendant and held it against her tree, pressing it with his left palm. The elven mentor grasped his other hand. Braxton was surprised at the strength of his grip. Then Bendarren placed his open palm against the trunk, opposite the pendant, completing a half circle.

  “Now, place your forehead against the oak. Close your eyes, and wait for the sun to rise.”

  Brax rested his head against the gnarled bark. He could feel where the sap had run down, and smelled the pungent scent of its damp and decaying form. But he waited.

  His mom’s essence came more into his consciousness. As she did, so did Serene. A wave of emotion flowed through him. He was grateful that his master was there, knowing she was helping his mom. He felt them move into the forefront of his mind. A moment later, Bendarren entered his thoughts.

  There was a brief instant when the elven elder almost saw Serene, but Brax felt her divert his focus, and the elf turned toward the tree. A powerful energy emanated from Bendarren—a strong, vibrating presence as if from a much younger man. Braxton’s palm pulsed where they touched, the energy flowing between Bendarren, himself, and the tree.

  You have done well, Jenlyrindien. I am pleased. Bendarren spoke in that same emotional exchange that Gaelen had used.

  Thank you, Father, his mom replied.

  Braxton frowned. Was his mother really this man’s daughter, or was it just a title she bestowed upon him? He wasn’t sure.

  Your sacrifice has cost you much, but you are home now. Rest, my daughter.

  Yes, Father. I’ve longed for this sleep, but my life has been blessed by those who chose to walk with me. I am not sorry for the choices we made.

  I am pleased, Bendarren repeated.

  Brax’s mom turned toward him.

  Thank you, Braxton. Thank you for this.

  “Of course, Mom.” He spoke out loud. “I love you.”

  I know you do. I love you, more than you know. She began to cry, and he sensed, more than heard, I will miss you.

  “What do you mean, Mom?” he asked. “You’re going to be fine. We’re at your tree. Bendarren is here.”

  I will not be going home, Braxton, she said after a pause, and he felt her tears flow.

  “What! Why?” he called out. “I don’t understand. I thought we made it in time.”

  The light is awakening, Bendarren interrupted. It is time now, Jenlyrindien. Rest and be healed, my daughter.

  “What’s going on? Mom?”

  A burst of energy flowed into him from where his forehead touched the oak, and his body shook uncontrollably. His ears rang from a single, incredibly high-pitched note inside his mind, blocking out all other sounds. He knew the sun had risen. Then his mom’s essence started moving into the tree.

  “No! Mom, don’t leave me!”

  Listen to me, Braxton. Her face appeared in his mind. My time has come. My body is beyond repair.

  He tried to pull away from the oak, but his head wouldn’t move, and his left hand felt embedded in the trunk. He summoned the spirit magic, focusing on severing the connection.

  Serene appeared, blocking his vision to everything but her white form standing between them.

  Beloved child, you cannot stop this. It is her choice to make. Let her go.

  “No!” he yelled, building the energy, feeling the spirit magic flow through him in waves.

  Serene moved ever so slightly, and the energy dissipated.

  Let her go, she repeated. I am with her, child. Trust me.

  Braxton clung to the fading remnants of the spirit magic, knowing it could save his mom, but unsure what to do.

  Trust me.

  His heart pounded and the high-pitched ringing became a rhythmic pulsing in his ears. He held his breath, refusing to let go.

  Then he exhaled, releasing all the tension in his muscles and his connection to the energy. The spirit magic vanished.

  Thank you, Brax, his mom said. I love you so much.

  “Don’t go, please,” he begged in a broken voice. “Don’t leave me, Mom. I need you.”

  He could already feel her essence pulling away, and only an echo of her original presence still remained within him, until the pendant dropped from his palm.

  “Mom!” he yelled out desperately.

  Braxton, she answered, as if calling to him from some far-off place. Braxton . . . Brax . . .

  Then she was gone.

  Chapter 21

  A woman’s voice sang gently, a beautiful and peaceful sound, as if morning itself had woken and was singing praise to the coming of a new day. Braxton lay in a soft bed with white linens, the east end of his room open to the sun. He tried remembering where he was, but his mind refuse
d to cooperate. A detailed scene of an elven girl bathing in a pool filled with water lilies was carved into the ceiling. He stared up at her and thought she glanced toward him, but then, just as quickly, she was frozen again.

  The singing ended and the events of the previous night flooded into him. He remembered his mother being drawn into her tree and the pain at losing her returned. He already missed her presence—her singing, her comfort, her warm embrace. Most of all he missed the joy she always brought to him and his family. Now she was gone. Because of him. Because he failed.

  He rolled over and cried.

  After he’d pained for a while, he dressed and walked over to the railing. He was high up in the tree of Bendarren’s home, overlooking the forest. He couldn’t remember ascending its height last night, only lying beneath the oak into which his mom had withdrawn, calling out to her, begging her to stay.

  Good morning, child, Serene said calmly.

  “What’s good about it?” he answered gloomily. “I failed.”

  Once you walk in the forest and breathe the morning air, perhaps you will find that all is not lost.

  He watched the sun, feeling its warmth on his face. Small birds rose from the trees and danced in the light, swooping back and forth on a gentle breeze. Braxton admired their basic life, silently wishing his could be as simple.

  Turning back, he descended the spiral staircase inside the enormous oak, emerging into the main room of Bendarren’s home.

  Phinlera sat at an intricately carved table, eating from a spread of fruits, berries, and honey cakes. She leaped up when she saw him. Ruskin was nowhere to be seen.

  “Brax, come quickly, you need to see this!” She ran over and pulled him toward the door.

  “Hey, Phin.”

  “Come on, Brax,” she insisted, dragging him outside.

  A wave of sadness welled up when he realized they were heading back to Arbor Glen. Following behind her, he knew he’d have to face this sooner or later.

  It was late morning when they reached the enormous oaks.

  Braxton! His mom’s voice burst into his mind.

  “Mom?” He jerked his head up, expecting to see her. The bare, dying tree was gone. In its place stood a tall, upright, magnificent oak, clad in leaves of a thousand greens intermixed with small pink roses. Vines no longer choked its trunk, and a few tiny white wildflowers grew at its base. It was the most beautiful sight Braxton had seen in a long time.

  Bendarren stood beside the tree. “Good morning, Braxton,” he said kindly. “Come and visit with us for a while.”

  He stumbled forward. “How . . . how is this possible?”

  Oh, Braxton, I am so very proud of you, his mom’s voice said again.

  “Mom, is that really you?”

  Yes, Brax, you saved me! You saved my essence and gave life back to my tree. Thank you. Oh, thank you so much for this.

  “I . . . I don’t understand. Mom, what happened?” Tears of joy ran down his face.

  The one who walks with you healed me. I’ve been given life again, life within this form.

  An immense happiness emanated from her presence, as though she were feeling joy and love for the first time—a wonderful and unconditional emotion for her tree and the life she held within it. Happy for her, he wiped his hand absently across his face.

  Brax wondered what kind of life she could have now, how it would affect their family, and what his dad might say? But in the end, he wrapped his arms around her trunk, no longer smelling rot or decay, but a perfumed, springtime aroma.

  “Don’t ever leave me again,” he said.

  She folded her branches down to cover him. I am home now and will always be here for you within this grove.

  He stayed within her embrace, talking with his mom, telling her all they’d encountered and how much she meant to him—all the things he’d never said when she was in human form. Eventually they laughed together, peacefully connected within their minds.

  When she folded back her limbs, he stood back and admired her height. She looked magnificent with the sunlight filtering down through her leaves and upon her branches, displaying a myriad of colors. Phinlera grabbed his hand and squeezed it excitedly.

  “Told you,” she said smugly, nudging him with her elbow.

  “Thanks, Phin. I owe you.”

  She leaned up on her toes and kissed him square on the mouth. Then broke away and ran into the forest. He was about to pursue her when Bendarren spoke.

  “I am glad you are happy, Braxton Prinn. In time, your father will come to live here too. Even now, he is preparing for the journey.”

  “Thank you. Thank you so very much, for everything.”

  “I am grateful you have come.” He waited a moment, then added, “Perhaps you could do something for me?”

  “Anything,” Brax said, happy to repay the elf’s kindness.

  “The Council of Elders will convene tomorrow in the forest’s court in Almon-Fey. I would very much like you to accompany me there.”

  “I’d be happy to.”

  “Then enjoy your day, and I will send for you at nightfall.” Bendarren smiled at his mom’s oak, then turned quietly and disappeared into the forest.

  * * *

  Braxton and Phinlera spent the day in Arbor Glen, sitting beneath his mom’s tree, the three of them conversing together, with Braxton relaying his mom’s words.

  I need to rest now, for I am tired and not quite healed, she said at last.

  He got up and hugged her before leaving with Phin. The two of them wandered among the gargantuan oaks—the worries of the previous night gone. The elves offered them food and drink wherever they went, their hospitality as endless as the varied tastes of the bountiful fare they provided. Most were women and children, but occasionally, they’d see an elven man among the boughs. Unlike the weapon-clad soldiers at the entrance to Almon-Sen, they wore robes of forest colors or deep-blue or green shirts of the finest silks. No one carried weapons, and all tended to the stately trees that distinguished Arbor Glen from the rest of the forest.

  Braxton sat alone with Phinlera in a small glade. “I want to tell you about the sword.”

  She looked into his eyes. “I would like to know.”

  He disclosed to her then all that he’d experienced in his connection with Serene and the raising of the spirit magic. He covered every detail, wanting to share with her the entire experience, happy at last to have someone to talk to. She listened intently, interjecting occasionally to ask a question or to clarify that she now understood why he had made certain decisions or acted in a particular way.

  When he finished, she gazed at him. “This experience has changed you.”

  “In a good way, I hope.” He laughed a bit self-conscious.

  “I think so, but I’m amazed at what you’ve been able to do, Brax, and that these things are even possible to achieve. If it were anyone else telling me this, I wouldn’t believe them.”

  “I know it’s hard to understand, and sometimes I can’t believe it myself, but I cannot change from this path, Phin. It’s connected to me somehow, joined with what I am and who I’ll become. I don’t even know if it is possible to separate us, the spirit magic is so intertwined with me now.”

  “I know.” She stared at him for a long time. “I can see it in your eyes.”

  They relaxed on the grass, looking up at the deep-blue sky, listening to the numerous sounds around them—birds and insects all calling to one another.

  “It’s so beautiful here,” she said after a while. “As if the whole world’s in balance. At peace.”

  “Yes, but I’m looking forward to going home soon.”

  Phinlera sat up. “Home? I don’t think we’ll be going home anytime soon.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, given everything that you’ve just told me about Serene and her sword, I think you have a long road still ahead of you before we’ll see the familiar sights of Oak Haven again.” She forced a smile. “She wouldn’t have
chosen you otherwise.”

  “I never thought of that.” He sat up next to her. “I was always so focused on just getting my mom to Arbor Glen; I never really considered anything else.”

  She touched his hand. “I think it’s time you did.”

  He lay back down. “Perhaps you’re right. Maybe I should connect with Serene and ask her.”

  Phin grabbed his arm. “Know this. No matter what happens or what she says, I’m going with you. Promise me you won’t try to go on without me.”

  He didn’t respond.

  “Promise me.”

  “All right,” he conceded at last. “I hardly think I could stop you anyway.”

  “Yeah, and I’m still faster than you and a better archer too, so don’t forget that.” She poked him playfully in the side, making him laugh.

  Braxton took a deep breath. He started to call to the sword’s master when an elf in a long brown robe appeared from the trees.

  “Bendarren kindly requests your return.”

  They looked at each other for a moment, then followed the elf into the forest.

  Chapter 22

  Beloved child.

  Braxton jumped at the sound of Serene’s voice. She hadn’t spoken to him since the previous morning, high up in the little room of Bendarren’s home, and she startled him now.

  They’d walked for most of the night, following Bendarren’s lead to Almon-Fey before resting in the capital city. Ruskin had joined them too. Having spent the day drinking and smoking at one of the feasting halls, his spirits had risen considerably.

  They sat in the elven court, on wooden benches covering one end of the rectangular platform. Council members faced each other from across the front, seated on high-backed chairs of leather sewn into wooden armrests that lined both sides of the open-air structure. Bendarren had discreetly named each member as they’d entered—five on the left, four on the right, with one chair left empty—providing a brief background on their status in elven society and their duties to the court.

  King Eilandoran was the last to arrive, directing the council from a beautiful white carved throne beyond the chairs and opposite the benches. He wore a golden vest inscribed with silver and a small wreath interspersed with tiny white gems that glistened from atop his long black hair. A cloak made of emerald-green leaves intertwined with golden feathers draped over his throne. He was asking for a report on the Breaker Dunes, when Braxton had heard Serene.