Runefell: Crossroads

by Shawn Sodman

  Kelik excuses himself and steps out into the hall as Kel'ana continues the story from where they left off.

  *****

  Lunarus leads the group into the cave. With a spell lighting the way, they reach a large cavern inside. Once there, he says something in dragon and the cave suddenly becomes brightly lit. It is surprisingly furnished with a large decorative rug that covers the floor. Along both side of the chamber entrance are two large fire pits with fires warming the chamber inside. Around the edge of the cave are treasure chests and piles of gold and silver. At the far end there is a large desk and a chair.

  It is surprisingly warm inside and Lunarus says to them, “Please make yourselves at home.”

  “Thank you,” Evelena replies as she takes off her fur coat. The others begin to take off their backpacks and heavy clothing.

  Sven leans down and whispers to Lyra, “What kind of dragon is he?”

  “Yes, Lyra,” Lunarus says before she can answer Sven's question, “what type of dragon do you believe me to be?”

  Lyra and Sven are surprised that Lunarus had heard them. The others all look at Lyra as she nervously answers, “From your robe and from your name I would guess you are a Mani Dreki.”

  “You are truly wise beyond your years, young one,” Lunarus says.

  “Thank you, sir,” Lyra says as she begins to blush.

  Yentroc asks, “So, you are a moon dragon?”

  “Yes,” he replies as he walks to the center of the room. “Out of all the names for the moon, Luna is one of my favorites. It is from an old human language. My given name would be too hard for you to pronounce. So I go by the name of Lunarus.” Standing in the center of the room he says, “Now, stand back and I will show you my true form.”

  Sven and the others get to the edge of the cave, the old man Lunarus stands at the center of the rug. He closes his eyes, and soon his body glows brightly. Then before their very eyes this average size man begins to grow. Wings grow from his back and his neck grows longer. Lunarus's hands become claws as he grows a long thin tale behind him. The large dragon has silvery white scales and almost fills the large room.

  “So beautiful,” Lyra says.

  “Incredible,” Gelana says.

  They look in amazement at the moon dragon. Lunarus says in his naturally deeper and louder voice, “Do not be afraid.” Lunarus now lies down and with his long neck he brings his head around to them and asks, “Is this the first time any of you have ever seen a dragon up close?”

  They all nod their heads yes. Lunarus, with a laugh that echoes throughout the cave says, “Well then, I am sure you are all afraid to ask, so I will ask you. Would you like to feel the scales?”

  They all look at each other with excitement. Lyra is the first to approach Lunarus. Reaching her arm out she feels the silvery scales on his neck and says, “I never thought I would ever be able to touch a dragon.”

  Lunarus laughs again and says, “Very few ever get the chance. I don't usually travel outside the mountain range, and up here I don't get many visitors.”

  “May Sven ask something?” Sven says as he hesitantly touches Lunarus's tail.

  “Yes, Sven,” Lunarus replies. “What is it?”

  “Did you fight in Dragon War?” he asks.

  The question captures everyone’s attention as they all pause and listen. “Yes,” Lunarus finally answers. “I was there at the end when the ancient city was raised from the ground, and I was there when King Arioch and his men brought it down. It was a sad day for all of us dragons. Brother fighting brother in one of the few wars between our own kind.”

  “Sven is sorry,” Sven says.

  “That is alright, Sven,” Lunarus says as he carefully gets to his feet. “Now then, I am going change back to a human form so that we can talk more easily.” Lunarus transforms back into the old man with the long silver hair as the others watch, still amazed at the transformation.

  Once he is back in human from, Lunarus says, “I have something for all of you.”

  “For us?” Evelena asks.

  “Yes,” Lunarus answers. “After all, I am a moon dragon and you are Amazons of the Silver Moon. That makes you like my children.”

  “Really?” Yentroc asks.

  “Don't be silly, child,” Lunarus replies, “of course not. I was only joking.”

  Gelana holds back laughter as Yentroc, embarrassed, replies, “Oh.”

  Lunarus walks over to one of the chests along the wall and says, “Forgive me, Yentroc. My attempt at humor apparently fell short.”

  “I thought it was funny,” Gelana says with a laugh.

  “However, I was not joking about having something for all of you,” he adds as he opens the chest.

  “Your Majesty,” Evelena begins to say.

  “Now, what did I say about calling me that?” Lunarus asks.

  “I am sorry,” Evelena replies. “You really do not need to give us anything.”

  “It would be rude to refuse a gift from a dragon,” Gelana says with a smile.

  “Indeed it would,” Lunarus says grin. “You are traveling north into an unknown threat of orcneas. I have no use for these items, but they should serve you all very well.” Then turning to Gelana he says, “For you, Gelana La'harn, I give to you Infragilis.” He hands her a ring with a diamond on it and says, “Place this on your left hand and concentrate on the name Infragilis.”

  Gelana places the ring on her ring finger and then while holding her hand out she concentrates. Suddenly, white light emanates from the ring. The light takes on the shape of a shield on her left arm. Gelana gasps with amazement and says, “I don't believe it.”

  “Infragilis means unbreakable,” Lunarus explains. “That shield will protect you well, and more importantly it will not weigh you down.”

  Gelana moves her arm around and says, “It's so light it feels like it's not even there.”

  “Under your will it is as light as air,” he explains. “If struck, however, it will not yield. You can dispel it the same way that you summoned it.”

  She puts her arm down then concentrates. The shield of light is absorbed back into the ring. Then looking up at Lunarus she says, “Thank you so much.” She gives the old man a hug as the others watch, stunned. Then Gelana seems to become embarrassed herself and backs up quickly and says, “I am sorry I didn't mean to...”

  “It is quite all right,” Lunarus says with a smile. “I do not mind at all.”

  “Well in that case,” Gelana says. She hugs him again and says, “Thank you, Lunarus.”

  “You're welcome,” He answers. “Now then,” he says as he looks into the chest. “Kel'ana, I have something for you.”

  Kel'ana looks at her friend Ja'noa before stepping forward. She nervously approaches Lunarus as he pulls from the chest a bow. Lunarus says, “Many years ago another group of amazons paid me a visit. At the time I granted one of them a bow named Incendia.” Lunarus hands her the bow and says, “This bow is its twin named Glacies. Draw the bowstring back if you would please.” Kel'ana pulls back the string of the bow and magically an arrow appears ready to be fired. The arrow has and icy blue color to it. Lunarus explains, “This bow releases arrows of ice, while Incendia releases arrows of fire.”

  Kel'ana slowly relaxes the bowstring and the arrow disappears. She asks, “I don't need to load it?”

  “No,” Lunarus replies. “Just draw the bowstring back and you are ready to fire.”

  Kel'ana then puts her arms around the old man and says, “Thank you, I love it.”

  “You are welcome,” Lunarus replies. As Kel'ana steps back, Lunarus says, “Rehma, I have just the thing for you.”

  Rehma slowly walks up to Lunarus as he turns around with two curved swords. He says to her, “For someone who uses two swords in battle, defending yourself from your enemy is sometimes difficult. So for you I have two swords that should serve you well. They are called Vallo swords, and while they are not unique, they are very formidable. You will find that parry
ing your enemy's attacks will be much easier when you use these.”

  Rehma draws one of the swords and says, “They are beautiful, thank you.”

  “Of course, you are welcome,” he replies. Then turning to Sven he says, “While we are on the subject of weapons, I have something for you, Sven.”

  “For Sven?” Sven questions as he steps forward. “Sven is honored.”

  Somehow out of this average size chest, Lunarus pulls out a very long battle ax that appears to be far too large to fit inside. He turns to Sven and says, “I present to you Hellfire.”

  Sven takes the large two handed ax from Lunarus. When he does the ax appears to catch on fire. Sven does not flinch and is unharmed. He looks at Lunarus and says, “Sven thought Hellfire was only legend.”

  Lunarus replies, “Most legends start from very real beginnings.”

  “What does it do?” Lyra asks as she looks up at Sven who has a big smile on his face.

  “Aside from being a very powerful weapon on its own,” Lunarus explains. “The wielder can use it to send forth a destructive wave of fire that will burn anything in its path. Be warned, however, that the spell may only be used a maximum of three times without being recharged.”

  Sven carefully swings Hellfire to test its balance and asks, “How long does it take to recharge?”

  Lunarus answers, “It takes a full day to regain each use of the spell. So if you use it three times in the same day you will have to wait a full day before you can use it again, or three days if you want to completely restore all three uses.”

  “Sven understands,” he replies. “How does Sven use spell?”

  “You must strike the ground before you while concentrating on the fire,” Lunarus explains.

  “Thank you,” Sven says, almost in a daze as he stares at Hellfire.

  Lunarus laughs and says, “You're welcome.” Then he looks at Yentroc and says, “Now for you, Yentroc.”

  Yentroc smiles and steps forward as Lunarus holds out his closed fist. He says to her, “While I cannot help you with your darker spells, I can give you this.” Yentroc holds out her hand as the old man hands her a necklace. In the center of the star shaped silver pendant is a round white crystal. “This will help you with your healing spells. As you already know, when you need to heal someone more than once, it becomes more difficult each time. This will make healing spells less difficult to cast.”

  Yentroc looks at Lyra with a smile and says, “I really could have used this the other day.”

  Lyra laughs and says, “That is for sure.”

  Yentroc embraces the old man and says, “Thank you.”

  “Of course, child,” Lunarus replies, then turning to Lyra he says, “Now for you, my young, wise friend.”

  Lyra smiles and approaches Lunarus as he pulls out a large leather bound book. She gasps as he says, “This is called Infinitus Libellus.”

  “Infinite book?” Lyra asks excitedly.

  Lunarus smiles and says, “Yes, that is what it means, but let me explain how this works.” He opens the book and instead of pages there is a hollow space inside. He closes the book and says, “Now, I think of the book that I wish to read.” He opens it again and inside the hollow space is an actual book. The cover of the book is white with no markings. He takes out the book and hands it to Lyra.

  “Is this a real book?” she asks.

  “Yes,” Lunarus answers. He closes Infinitus Libellus and opens it again. Inside, just as before, there is another book.

  Lyra asks. “Is it creating the books?”

  “No,” Lunarus explains. “It is merely a magic vessel to store real books.” With the second book still inside he closes the cover once again. “When you no longer wish to read the book just place it back inside the hollow space and Infinitus Libellus will keep it safe.” He opens the cover and it is once again empty. Lunarus continues, “Anytime you want to take a book out simply think of the book you wish to read and if it is inside Infinitus Libellus will give it to you. If it is not then a random book will appear instead. It will hold an entire library inside if you wish. It is quite remarkable, really.”

  “Yes, it is,” Lyra replies. “I cannot thank you enough.”

  “Oh, but I am not finished yet,” Lunarus says. “The book you are now holding, Lyra, is for all of you to use.” As Lyra opens the white book that Lunarus handed her earlier he continues, “It is a spell book.”

  All the sisters gather around and look at the book with Lyra. Lyra stops at a page and says, “This is a spell that will let me read any language!”

  Lunarus smiles and says, “You will have to do a lot of studying to learn that spell. There are several spells that you will need to learn first before you are able to learn that one, but once you have mastered the spell that allows you to read any language Lyra, then you will be able to read this.” Lunarus hands her another book.

  It is thick and has a black leathery cover. Lyra looks at the cover she says, “It looks like this is written in Dragon.”

  “It is,” Lunarus replies.

  “That's amazing,” Evelena interjects. “What is it about?”

  “Ancient history,” Lunarus answers. “From before the fall of the great empires.”

  Lyra gives Lunarus a hug. Lunarus says, “Lyra, when you learn to read this, please come visit me again.”

  Lyra cannot hold back the biggest smile as she excitedly answers, “I will, I promise.” She then turns back to her friends as they look at the book for a moment. Then Lyra gathers the two books and the Infinitus Libellus and walks to the back of the group.

  Lunarus says, “Next, I have something for you, Kristieana.” Kristieana approaches the old man as he hands her a staff with two large blue crystals embedded inside, one at each end. “This, my dear, is the Staff of Storms.”

  Kristieana takes the staff, nods her head and says, “Thank you.” She looks closely at the intricate carvings of lightning that extend along the entire length of dark oak surface.

  “It serves two purposes,” Lunarus explains. “The first is a close range attack that will give your foe quite a shock.”

  Kristieana concentrates as the staff glows with a blue electrical energy. She then carefully walks over and touches a large rock with it. It makes a loud crack as the powerful charge is expelled. Kristieana smiles and says, “I like that.”

  “The second,” Lunarus continues to explain, “Is just as the name would imply. You can create an electrical storm that you can be at the center of, or if you prefer, the edge. The staff will keep you protected from the storm. I would not cast it in here, however. You will want to cast it when your friends are at a safe distance.”

  Ja'noa looks at the staff and says, “Those two power stones on the ends look pretty large. Can they be used for lighting spells only?”

  “Yes, my sweet Ja'noa,” Lunarus answers. “You certainly know your lightning spells. While the staff may have served you as well, I have something I believe you will appreciate even more.” Lunarus hands her a thick wool cloth with something wrapped inside. Ja'noa unwraps the cloth to reveal two large daggers. The finely crafted daggers are brilliantly polished. Stars are engraved on the base.

  “They are amazing,” Ja'noa says, as she flips one around testing the balance of the blade.

  “Now that they have bonded to you,” Lunarus says, as he takes one from her, “watch this.” He then tosses the dagger onto the ground.”

  “You dropped something,” Kel'ana says under her breath.

  Gelana hears her then elbows her in the side and whispers, “Did you really just say that to a dragon?”

  “I am sorry,” Kel'ana answers with a whisper. “I couldn't help it.”

  If Lunarus can hear Kel'ana and Gelana, he doesn't show it. He says to Ja'noa, “Now child, open your hand and call it with your mind.”

  Ja'noa opens her hand the dagger flies right into it. She gasps and says, “A returning dagger!”

  “These are no ordinary returning daggers,” Lu
narus explains. “These my dear were crafted in the Mana Forge and are made of Star Steel.”

  “Really?” Sven questions. “So, those are Star Steel Daggers?”

  “Yes,” Lunarus replies. “They are loyal to you now, Ja'noa Dri'el. When you throw them they will return to you. Furthermore, they can pierce a steel breast plate as if it were only soft leather. They are very powerful.”

  “They are beautiful,” Ja'noa says in amazement as she sniffles, trying not to cry.

  “Are you crying?” Kel'ana asks.

  “No,” Ja'noa whines as she rubs her eyes. “Thank you so much.” She says to Lunarus as she hugs the old man.

  “You are welcome,” Lunarus replies. Then turning to Evelena he says, “I believe that just leaves you, Evelena Ree.” Evelena, still humbled by Lunarus's presence, steps forward nervously with her head held low. “For you I have something very special indeed.” He pulls from the chest a gold and ivory horn. It has with it a leather case to wear on a belt. He explains, “On its own this may not be as useful as a weapon or a shield. This horn, however, may save your life someday. In times of your greatest need blow this horn and help shall come.”

  Evelena reads, “Horn of the Fallen?” She looks at Lunarus confused.

  “I hope that you will never find yourselves in a situation that you will need it,” Lunarus explains. “You may blow into it if you wish. It will not do anything out of the ordinary unless it is truly needed.”

  “What will it do if it is needed?” Evelena asks.

  “It calls for help from a long lost guardian,” answers Lunarus.

  “Thank you, Lunarus,” Evelena says. “Your gifts are too generous. I do not know how we can ever repay you.”

  “You do not need to do anything,” Lunarus replies. “I am sure you will put them to good use. Now then, I have some matters to attend to, so I will leave you all to yourselves so that you may get some rest. I trust my treasures are safe?”

  “Sven, likes treasure,” Sven says, “but not enough to steal from dragons.” The others laugh including Lunarus.