Runefell: Crossroads

by Shawn Sodman

  “No, it's not,” Ambra insists.

  “Yes,” Kelik adds, “I can shoot a crossbow.”

  Kianna and Ya'leigh look at each other and shake their heads.

  “We could use the gate stone to send them back,” Isen says.

  “Yes, but that would leave us with no way back of our own,” Ya'leigh replies. “Remember? It's one use only.”

  Gena says, “I have an idea. We will give them the gate stone and make sure they stay next to one of us. If we get into trouble they can be the ones in charge activating it.”

  “I still don't like it,” Ya'leigh says. “It's too dangerous.”

  “And how old were you when you first went with father on a journey?” Ambra asks.

  “I was Kelik's age,” Ya'leigh answers, “but Father is not here to protect you.”

  “It's not like we are going to fight the war,” Kelik says.

  Ambra adds, “You are only supposed to scout the north, not fight the north.”

  Garrin asks, “Did they say we are going forth?”

  “No!” Gena yells at Garrin.

  “They do have a point, Ya'leigh,” Isen says. “Besides, I am here to protect them. What could possibly happen?”

  “Don't challenge the gods, Isen,” Kianna says with heavy sigh. She turns to Ya'leigh and says, “They are your brother and sister. I'll leave the decision up to you.”

  Ya'leigh looks at Kelik and Ambra who smile as brightly as they can. “If we run in to trouble do you promise to let us handle it and stay close to one of us?” She asks.

  “Yes,” Kelik answers.

  “I'll just stay behind Isen,” Ambra says as she peers out from behind the big man.

  Ya'leigh looks at Kianna and says, “Alright, we continue on.”

  “Yes!” Kelik exclaims.

  Kianna says, “I'll get them a horse that they can share, and then we will head out. We can still get a good half days travel before we have to set up camp.”

  Later that day, Chance continues to fly over the mountains to the west. It is a long, and thankfully, uneventful journey. The sun begins to set before him just as Sapphire Lake comes into view. The clear blue glacial waters stretch across the horizon. Even from his soaring heights Chance cannot see the other side of this massive body of water. It is a beautiful sight as the sky looks as though it has been painted with reds and oranges from the sunset. Those colors are reflected in the waters directly ahead of Chance. In contrast, to either side of the setting sun, the lake still holds a deep blue sheen.

  Chance looks down and spots, tucked away among the tall coniferous trees, a large stone monastery facing the lake. Behind it is a sprawling garden full of shrubs, plants, and trees containing an assortment of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Tall stone walls encompass the gardens and connect at either side of monastery. Chance begins to descend quickly as he looks for guards on the walls. He is surprised not to find any.

  Chance lands on the lake shore before transforming. Protected only by its size and the high placement of its windows, the front of the monastery does not have walls surrounding it. He follows the narrow pathway up a steep incline to a set of colossal wooden doors.

  Just as Chance is about to knock, the doors are opened by a young bald man in a robe. “Good evening, Mr. Na'Moon,” he says as he steps back from the door and bows his head. “Please come in. Brother Edward is expecting you.”

  “Thank you,” Chance replies confused.

  “My name is Joseph,” he says as Chance enters the large doorway. “I shall fetch Brother Edward for you.”

  Chance nods his head as the monk begins to walk down a corridor. Chance looks around at the huge mural tapestries on the wall. There is one particular tapestry that catches his eye. The first image is of a dragon bound in chains. A man is standing over the dragon with a staff that has a large crystal affixed at the top of it. The next image is of a floating city with several dragons flying around it. Next to that is a depiction of the same city in ruins, and on the ground. Five men are standing on top of the rubble. As Chance looks close at it he can see one of the men is a blonde elf. Looking even closer he can see a large red dragon handing the elf a talisman.

  “Do you like our tribute to the Dragon War, Mr. Na'Moon?” a voice says from behind him. Chance turns to see another bald man in a robe. Before Chance can answer the man says, “It is good to see you again.”

  “Brother Edward,” Chance replies. “It is good to see you as well. How did you know I was coming?”

  “Since the orcnea raid a few weeks ago we have been on high guard. Those of us who are able to do so, meditate and watch over the monastery with our spells,” Edward explains. “I sensed your presence and had informed Joseph to let you in. So, I assume you are here to investigate the orcnea problem?”

  “Yes,” Chance replies, “they are back to wage war yet again.”

  “I see,” Edward replies. “Are we in immediate danger?”

  Chance says, “Fortunately the plans that we have recovered do not show that they will attack here to the west. Though I am afraid that by tomorrow the city of Northwind will be lost.”

  “Oh my,” Edward replies.

  “I intend to make sure that there is no imminent threat to the west side of the mountains,” Chance explains. “If there is, I will be sure to return and warn you.”

  “Thank you,” Edward says.

  “I am also looking for a group of Silver Moon Sisters,” Chance says. “They may have come through here recently. Have you seen them?”

  “Indeed,” Edward answers. “There were seven of them and they headed out this morning up the mountain to a small mining town named Copper Pass. They should be there by now.”

  “How would I find this town?” Chance asks.

  “It should be easy for you to find,” Edward explains. “The main path from our back exit goes straight there. You could reach it in an hour if you fly.”

  “Thank you, Brother Edward,” Chance says. “I must go now then, I do not wish leave my sisters in an unfamiliar town by themselves.”

  “I think they are capable of handling themselves,” Edward says.

  “It isn't them that I am worried about,” Chance says with a smile. He pulls out a hooded cloak from a small bag and puts it on. He opens the door and steps outside. “Thank you again, Brother Edward.”

  “Good journey to you, my friend,” Edward says as Chance turns back into the eagle and flies off.

  Chapter 14

  Watchful Eyes

  At this time, far to the south, Ariella and Fernando are laughing over dinner on the Red Dawn. They are in the Captain's lounge and they have already eaten. The Captain takes a drink from her large mug before slamming it onto the table. Fernando pours her more wine from the pitcher.

  “Oh no,” Ariella says, clearly tipsy from the alcohol, “I shouldn't.”

  “Don't worry,” Fernando says, “I will not take advantage of you.”

  “You?” Ariella questions, “You couldn't take advantage of me anyway. I am the one who would take advantage of you.”

  “Oh, really?” Fernando says with a laugh, “and just how would you do that?”

  Ariella takes another drink and stands up. She takes a wobbly step over to Fernando who is sitting next to her in his chair. As she lifts her leg up and steps over him and sits down on his lap facing him she says, “I would start like this.” She leans in and kisses his neck. Fernando smiles and puts his arms around her. He runs his fingers through her hair.

  Fernando says, “Well that is a nice start, my darling, shall we continue this elsewhere?”

  Ariella gets up and takes Fernando's hand and leads him into the adjacent galley and down the stairway leading to the Captain’s quarters. As they enter Ariella's room she leads him over to her bed and pushes him back onto it. She climbs into bed with Fernando and straddles him. She then leans down and slowly drags her hair across his face. He reaches up and tries to put his arms around her but she grabs his wrists and pins the
m down over his head. She then says, “Oh no you don't. I am the one in charge here.”

  “Yes, ma'am,” Fernando says with a smile. “I see that you are.”

  She then reaches up and takes a small bottle of oil that is on the small table next to the bed, and says, “Now, you can start by rubbing my shoulders.” She then hands him the bottle of oil before unbuttoning her ruffled shirt. Then as Fernando sits up, Ariella lays face down and pulls her shirt up over her head then throws it on the floor next to the bed.

  Fernando replies, “Of course, my lady.” He takes the oil and pours a little in his hands and begins to rub her shoulders.

  Ariella lets out a deep sigh and says, “Oh that feels so good.”

  Fernando leans down and whispers in her ear, “Anything for you, darling. Now close your eyes and relax. Let me take care of all your needs.” He continues to rub her shoulders as she closes her eyes.

  As Ariella begins to fall asleep she says softly, “Thank you, Chance.” Before she realizes her mistake she is completely out.

  “Captain?” Fernando whispers. He gently shakes her shoulder and says a little louder, “Ariella, are you awake?” When she does not respond Fernando leans down and kisses her cheek. He whispers, “Ariella, you truly are an amazing woman. Chance is a lucky man to have your love.” He runs his fingers through her hair. He then takes a blanket from the base of her bed and covers her up. He sits beside her for a while then looks around the room. Fernando slowly makes his way over to Ariella's desk and opens the jewelry box. He pulls out Ariella's locket, and looks closely at it.

  “Mr. Greythorn?” Marie's voice breaks the silence surprising him. “What are you doing?”

  Fernando places the locket back in the jewelry box and closes the lid. He turns nervously and replies, “Marie, hello. I was just looking at the Captain's portraits of her father.”

  Marie looks at the desk and sees the portraits of Red Beard. She thinks for a moment then smiles and says, “Oh, I see. Please, forgive me, I didn't not mean to imply—”

  “Oh, no,” Fernando cuts her off. “I am the one who should be apologizing. I should not still be here. I will return below and turn in for the night.” Fernando walks to the door.

  “Fernando,” Marie hesitantly calls him.

  “Yes?” Fernando asks.

  Marie says, “The Captain seems to care about you.”

  Fernando smiles and replies, “And I care for her.”

  “Good,” Marie says, “I just don't want to see her get hurt.”

  “I assure you,” Fernando states, “the last thing I wish to do, is hurt her. Now if you will excuse me, it is late and I must get some sleep. Goodnight, Marie.”

  “Goodnight, Mr. Greythorn.” Marie says. Fernando closes the door behind him, and Marie walks over to the desk. She looks at the jewelry box for a moment before opening it. She takes out the locket and looks at it puzzled. She places it back in the box before closing the lid and returning to her room.

  While Fernando heads back below deck, it is now very dark and cold in the Northwind Mountains where Chance flies into the small town of Copper Pass. Not having seen orcnea activity in over ten years, the walls that surround Copper Pass are more for wildlife than an attack. At the northern entrance there is a newly constructed guard tower. Chance lands unnoticed in an alley. He changes back into his natural form. He walks out of the alley as he pulls the cloak tight over his head. It is very cold here, and the wind makes it almost unbearable. The few buildings that are in this small outpost of a town, are covered with snow. Only the largest seems to have any activity in it. On the sign out front it reads The Pick Ax.

  Chance enters the inn and the small crowd inside stops what they are doing. They stare at him for a moment before resuming their activities. The warmth of the place is welcoming, even if it does smell strongly of ale. Instead of going to the innkeeper and making an announcement of the orcneas return, Chance decides to wait and see if the Amazons are already there, and if so he figures he can wait one more day to warn the town after the sisters have moved on. Chance looks to his right and in the corner, next to a large fireplace, he sees an empty table. He makes his way over to it and sits down. Looking up from under his cloak he begins to look around the tavern. Across the room he sees the innkeeper, a dark haired dwarf. His beard is twisted into thick braids down to his round belly. Sitting at the counter a few unassuming men are conversing and drinking.

  A small goblin wearing furs is sitting at the counter as well. He is having a conversation with an elven female. She has markings of a yellow star over the top of a blue crescent moon stained on her right cheek. Chance figures she must be one of the young amazons A'ranah wanted Chance to look after. Chance looks beyond her and in the far corner of the room, under the balcony of the upstairs, there are six more amazons sitting at a table.

  They are drinking and laughing, except for one, who is reading a book. Chance notices that on her right cheek a depiction of a leaf is prominently displayed as well as three small stars below it. All of the young women have some form of henna tattoo on their face to indicate which of the three houses they are from.

  One of them accidentally spills her mug and laughs. The dark haired amazon can be heard over the rest of the crowd as she seems to be having the most fun. Chance can tell from the black jagged markings on the side of her face that she is from the house of La'harn. She takes a drink from the mug of her sister sitting next to her.

  Even before her drink was stolen this sister didn't seem to smile as much as the others. With her less than welcoming demeanor though, she is still stunningly beautiful. Her straight blonde hair is down to her elbows. She stands up and Chance can see that she is as tall as most of the men in the room.

  After concluding her talk with the goblin, the first amazon joins her sisters at the table. She says something to the others. The others look at each other and shake their heads no. Whatever they are discussing they seem to be in agreement. Chance tries to tell what they are saying but they are too far away.

  Chance continues to observe them as best he can without being noticed, when one of them looks up in his direction. Her eyes—the bluest that Chance has ever seen—captures his attention. For a brief moment he is caught in her stare. As he realizes what is happening he looks away, but it is too late. She says something to others and before Chance is able to stand up and leave his table, the seven sisters walk over to him.

  The one who was talking with the goblin earlier says, “Excuse me, my name is Evelena Ree. My sisters and I are looking for a guide to help us cross the Northwind Range. Might you be able to help us?”

  Looking down at the table, Chance replies, “I am sorry, but I am not familiar with the mountains.”

  “Oh?” Evelena's questions. Now curious, she asks, “So you aren't from around here?”

  “No,” Chance answers, trying to keep his answers short.

  “So, where are you from?” coldly asks the stern looking blonde.

  “Rehma, don't be rude,” says the one who stole her drink. She sits down next to Chance and says, “I am sorry, my sister can sometimes be a little,” she pauses before saying, “too straight forward.” Rehma gives her a glare as she continues. “My name is Gelana La'harn. This is my sister, Rehma,” she says as she looks back at the tall blonde amazon. “She is also from the house of La'harn.”

  Chance looks up at the woman named Rehma for a moment. He looks at the black curved markings on her face that begin at the top of her forehead and continue down the side of her face. The markings disappear below the neckline of her chain-mail armor.

  Gelana continues with the introductions, “You already met Evelena. Next to her is Kel'ana and Yentroc. They are from the house of Ree.” Chance studies the faces of the women. Kel'ana has a bright yellow star painted on her face around her right eye. Her golden blonde hair hangs down in tight spirals. By contrast, Yentroc has long dark hair. She has three small blue stars painted on her right cheek. It was her eyes that caught Chance
's attention earlier.

  Gelana introduces the last of the other women, “Over here you have Ja'noa, and Lyra. They are from the house of Dri'el.” Both Ja'noa and Lyra are smaller than the other five amazons. Ja'noa has dark wavy hair and her face is adorned with the markings of thorny vines. These stained tattoos arc down her right cheek and wraps around her neck.

  Lyra, the one who was reading at the table earlier, is the smallest of all. Though she is roughly the same age as the others, you would not know it from her youthful appearance. She looks at Chance and says, “I am also part Ree.” She points to the stars painted on her face, and adds, “From my father’s side.”

  Gelana turns to Chance and asks, “So, now that you know our names, may we have yours?”

  An awkward silence follows for a moment as Chance thinks. “Kyle,” he finally answers with the first name that comes to mind.

  “Kyle?” Gelana repeats sounding doubtful. “So, Kyle, are you sure you can't help us cross the mountains?” She asks seductively, as she brushes back her raven dark hair. “Please?”

  “Are you going to seduce every guy we come across?” Evelena asks.

  “You don't even know what he looks like,” the blue eyed Yentroc adds, referring to the cloak that still covers Chance's head. Under the hood they can only see Chance's chin and the tip of his nose.

  “I am sorry we bothered you,” Evelena says to Chance. “It is clear you wish to be alone. Come on everyone, let’s go back to our table. Maybe we will go with the goblin after all.”

  “Not until I can see what is under that cloak,” Gelana says.

  “Gelana!” Rehma says, “Now who is being rude?” The normally serious face of Rehma cracks a small grin.

  “That's alright,” Chance says. Then looking at Gelana he asks, “If I remove my hood, will you leave me alone?”

  “Maybe,” Gelana answers.

  “Very well,” Chance says hoping that since he doesn't recognize them or anyone else in the inn, that no one will be able to identify him.