Chapter Twenty-four
The wolves howled and the hills echoed. Their hulking shapes hovered on the horizon but none approached the gates of Tallon.
Fallean parted the branches and peered out. Huckleberry grew in abundance around the town and the odor was sweet. He looked through the brush first and stepped onto the cut grass of the small playing field that ran alongside the town’s westernmost wall. The hills rose high and a waterfall cascaded down from between two peaks. It ran off into a gaping hole a stone’s throw from the town. Huge, leafy trees flanked the falling water all the way up to where it originated. He looked in one direction and the scene was idyllic. In the other, it was dismal.
Everything appeared to be normal as they approached the gates. The stone wall was in good repair, the grass pitch beside it shorn close to the ground. The banner of Tallon snapped in the breeze above the town hall, an abundant tangle of brown-barked branches upon a bed of azure silk.
“The gates are on the other side,” he pointed to where the wall curved east. “Let’s go.”
“Why’s no one around? It’s too quiet here,” Caryssa scowled as she and Lana emerged from the trees. She eyed the wolves on the hill. Their numbers had grown.
“It’s midday. They’re all eating. This is not a big city. Things come to a halt when it’s meal time,” Fallean replied. “We’re not in Merala da any more,” he reminded her.
“The children too? What about the animals?” she questioned. “You’re too trusting, Fallean. Things have changed everywhere. Aren’t you the one who keeps reminding me of that?” Her eyes darted back and forth.
“Everyone eats at the same time here. That much hasn’t changed.” He looked around. Everything was the same as it was before. Or so it seemed. “Many tiels ago I played over there with my brothers and some of the boys from the village. They breed them strong here…and agile. My mother always told me it was the water they drink,” Fallean recalled, pointing to their left. Those were good days. Though the line of shadows in the distance reminded him these were different times.
“How is it that a town like this thrives in these parts?” Caryssa asked. “Who keeps it safe?”
“The High King did when he was alive. Tallon wasn’t even on the outskirts of the kingdom then. Everything in this part of the world was safe. Now, Caeltin D’Are Agenathea would destroy this town in a heartbeat if he could. The waters beneath it keep him at bay,” Fallean replied. “Power converges here.” His tension eased as he talked about Tallon. “The water is the medium for that power. The Lalas come here for nourishment and to share. They always have.” He paused and his eyes darkened. “If this town should ever fall to the Dark One’s evil, woe to the rest of the world.”
“Your fond memories may be clouding your judgement,” she chastised him. “Stay alert. Many years have passed, Fallean.”
“I’ll take you to the pools. You’ll see,” he was confident. His body perked up as he spoke of them. “The town looks no different than it used to.”
The roadway was paved with colorful stones and flowers grew in abundance. They turned the bend and were confronted by a pair of closed gates and a lone soldier standing guard in front of them.
“No different except for the guard!” Fallean said, puzzled.
“And the wolves,” Caryssa huffed.
“Halt!” the soldier shouted. He pointed his metal tipped lance in their direction. “Identify yourselves!”
“Jeremy? Is it really you?” Fallean called out. He recognized the voice right away.
“May the First bless us all!” the soldier shouted, dropping his spear in a very unsoldierly like manner and opening his arms wide. “Fallean! What a sight for sore eyes. Step back, let me look at you.” Fallean backed up a pace and stood there like a schoolboy in front of his teacher. “You don’t look a day older than when I last saw you!” Jeremy remarked. “How long ago was it? It has to be two tiels at least!”
“More like three,” Fallean replied, grabbing Jeremy’s hand with both of his own. “Since when does Tallon need a soldier to guard its entry?”
“You should know better than I. I heard about the battle in Seramour. We all did and we were so worried. Was it as awful as they said? The news was so hard to get. Reliable news that is,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m so sorry about Adain.”
“Adain? What about my cousin?” Fallean colored. “I’ve been on the islands for over a year with my uncle’s family,” he pointed to Lana. “We’re on our way back home now. What happened?” Fallean pressed him. This can’t be good.
“You really don’t know?” Jeremy was surprised.
“No. I don’t. We received very little information from the mainland, and for the past year, the sea has been too violent to cross. As soon as the weather broke, I left for home.”
The waters separating the islands from the mainland were growing hotter all year, spawning violent hurricanes over the seas. Dangerous storms raged close to the shoreline, wiping out the villages built too close to the shore. The greatest of ships remained anchored in the harbor at Merala da, unable and unwilling to attempt crossing the churning water.
The High King spent his power on securing the Gwendolen borders, decimating the forests and marsh lands near the shore line extending further inland to strengthen the defenses. In fear and self interest, they neglected the foundations of life, sacrificing them for safety and security, and the Dark One needed only to ply his hand and push the environment to chaos. Merala da was isolated and Fallean was cut off from his family.
“I hate to be the one to have to tell you then. Me and my big mouth,” he kicked the ground with the toe of his boot. “This isn’t how I imagined our reunion to be,” Jeremy said. He grabbed Fallean’s wrist. “I know how close the two of you were, Fallean. He died, my friend. Adain died in the battle during the awakening, protecting your mother and the heir.” His eyes fell to the ground.
The news shook him. “I can’t believe it. It’s not possible. Adain dead…” His head was too heavy to hold up. “How? What happened?” Lana moved to his side and put her hand on his shoulder.
“From what I was told, he was very brave. He saved your mother.”
“Yes,” Fallean deliberated, his eyes half closed. “That sounds like him. He was always the bold one, the first to the rescue. He never thought of himself.”
“I thought you would have known. I never imagined…” Jeremy apologized.
“No news we receive is good, it seems,” Fallean said. There was sadness in his eyes, but strength too. “He wasn’t just my cousin. Adain was a good friend. It’s hard to think of him gone.”
“I’m so sorry Fallean. Really I am. I regret being the one to tell you.”
“Better you than someone else, Jeremy. I’d rather hear it from a friend than an enemy.” Fallean paused. His return to Tallon was not turning out as he had hoped. “Were there many losses? Are my parents safe?”
“Yes, they are. I would have said first thing if any harm had come to them. The damage to the city was much less than what it could have been, had not the others arrived, but that’s little comfort now,” he replied. He looked up. “You’ve had barely any news at all?”
“Rumors only. Nothing we could rely upon. We knew Caeltin was defeated and Seramour is safe, but we only reached the mainland a few weeks ago and we’ve had our own troubles along the way,” Fallean explained. “Others? Who came to Seramour’s aid? My uncles?”
“I’ll tell you everything, but not here. Let’s go into town. It’s safe around here, but… well, you can see for yourself,” Jeremy leaned his head to the west, to the wolves. “Who are your friends Fallean?” He hadn’t introduced them.
“Forgive me, Jeremy.” Formalities seemed so unimportant after the news he just heard. “This is my cousin Lana, daughter to my mother’s brother, King Windstorm.” Lana cocked her head in a friendly manner.
“Pleased to meet you, Princess,” Jeremy said, bowing awkwardly.
“And this i
s Caryssa,” Fallean pointed.
“You’re most welcome,” Jeremy said and he reached out his hand to her.
She grunted, lifting her hand in response.
“You can relax here, Caryssa,” Lana said softly. “Fallean wouldn’t lead us into danger.”
“I never relax,” she responded. “It’s my duty not to.”
“The wolves never come any closer, if that makes you any more comfortable,” Jeremy said.
“Caryssa’s our bodyguard. She takes her responsibilities most seriously. I sleep restfully at night knowing she is here,” Fallean replied respectfully.
Caryssa looked down her nose at Jeremy. She seemed to grow at least two inches in height as Fallean praised her.
“I meant no disrespect. But a bodyguard for Prince Fallean? I never thought I’d see the day,” Jeremy said under his breath.
“What keeps the wolves from coming in?” Caryssa asked, her suspicions aroused. “How is it you’re safe in this part of the countryside and no one else is?”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d take that as an accusation.” Jeremy drew back from her. “Didn’t you tell her of the pools Fallean? The waters alone are reason enough to spare us, but we’ve had some minor incidents.”
“Incidents?” Lana asked.
Jeremy looked at Fallean for permission to respond.
“Speak freely, Jeremy,” he reassured him.
“We were visited by a bunch of people who claimed they were tradesmen, but they didn’t look like any traders I’ve ever seen. Big, burly men, they were.” He held out his arms as if hugging a barrel. “They asked more questions than we had answers for, about people we may have seen and visitors we may have had. I didn’t trust them from the moment I let them in, but we’ve never denied entry to anyone seeking shelter before, and we still don’t.” He drew in his breath, proud, but then had second thoughts. “Should we have? Everyone who comes here’s on their way to or from somewhere else. They left after only one night. They sat up in Megan’s Pub all night and spent a good deal of money, paying with King’s gold. We don’t see much of that in these parts any longer,” Jeremy recalled.
Caryssa’s left eyebrow rose. “Do you remember if they gave their names to anyone?”
“Well, they could have said something, but not to me. We can ask around though. It’s a small town. It’s likely we’ll be able to find out if they did,” Jeremy said. “But let’s go into town.” He glanced up at the hills again. “I really am sorry about your cousin.”
Jeremy pulled upon a long cord hanging from a wooden lever attached to the wall, and a bell rang inside. The gates swung inward. Caryssa hung back a few paces, scanning the edge of the woods from one end to the other before following the others into town.
Tallon was not unique in its appearance, but like many other towns dotting the countryside further north. The buildings were all one and two stories high, with the exception of the town hall which rose four levels, topped off by a small tower upon which the banners of the town flew. The streets were paved with multicolored bricks. The structures were simple in design and unadorned for the most part. Tallon was old. Very old. And what flowed beneath it was even older. Once you passed through the unimposing gates, the sounds that reached your ears were incredible.
Fallean smiled when he heard the rushing waters.
“It sounds as if we’re walking on the shores of Merala da,” Lana remarked. “The sound’s so loud, but I can still hear you.”
“I almost forgot how good this feels,” Fallean said, his eyes half closed. The music eased his aching heart. “We’re safe here. As long as the waters sing, we have nothing to fear. It’s the presence of the roots that produces the sound,” he explained. “The roots and the water.”
“Roots?” Caryssa asked, curious.
“The Lalas speak in their own way,” Jeremy explained. “Though none of the trees live in Tallon, their presence is felt by us all,” he said as they approached the town center. “How long can you stay?”
“Forever?” Lana replied only half in jest.
“A day or two,” Fallean said more seriously. “I’m anxious to get back home.”
“You must bathe in the pools first,” Jeremy addressed the group. “You all look as if you could use some cleaning up. And you could use the rejuvenation, Fallean. The waters ease the soul as much as the body.”
Lana glanced at her dirt streaked tunic, as if noticing its condition for the first time. “Our accommodations until now haven’t been as nice as we would have hoped.”
The streets were quiet. They walked unnoticed to the double doors of the town hall. Jeremy pushed one open and led them inside.
“Fallean!” a voice sounded from somewhere inside. “Amazing! What are you doing here?” A robust man rose from behind a desk and walked over to him. He clenched Fallean’s hand and pumped it. “How long has it been? By the First, I can’t remember! Ages! It’s been ages. You look more and more like your mother as you get older.” Stepping back, he stared him up and down.
“You look well too, Kerrigan! Is it possible you’re still growing?” Fallean replied, referring to his ample belly. “Meet my cousin, Princess Lana, and our guard Caryssa from the island of the Sea Elves. We’re on our way to Seramour.”
Kerrigan patted his stomach and nodded to Lana and Caryssa. “My, my, it is good to see you, Fallean! And it’s my great pleasure to meet you two as well.” He bowed from the waist. “So what brings you to Tallon then?” His expression was more troubled than his words indicated.
Fallean noticed the strain on his face. It was more than age. “I couldn’t pass through this part of the countryside without stopping here,” he replied. He’d save the truth for later. “I miss it. I miss all of you. How are Zachary and the girls? And Meralee?”
“Zachary is quite grown up, and Meralee is as fine as ever. The girls are a handful though,” Kerrigan replied. “This is so unexpected. Since the fall of the High King, we have seen little of your people. The news does reach us though. They had their hands full in Lormarion.”
“They know nothing about the battle, Kerrigan,” Jeremy interrupted him, putting a hand on his arm.
“So you don’t know what happened?” Kerrigan asked.
“Just what Jeremy told us.”
“There’s a lot to tell. You’ll stay with us a while then?” Kerrigan asked.
“A day maybe,” he said, and Kerrigan frowned.
“Even a few hours is a pleasure for us,” Kerrigan said.
“Let them bathe,” Jeremy said. “They need it.”
“Ah, I’m being selfish. Enter and refresh yourselves. When you’re done, join us out here again. Kerrigan walked to Fallean and took his hand. “It’s really good to see you, my friend. I hoped you’d return.” His voice deepened. “I hope…”
Jeremy stepped between them. “Follow me.” Fallean caught a furtive glance at Kerrigan. “I’ll show them the way and give them what they need until you return.” He eased him out of the room.
“Later then,” Kerrigan deferred to Jeremy. “Take your time. Enjoy the waters,” he said from the doorway.
Jeremy directed them to the baths. “What exactly did you encounter on the road to Tallon? We don’t talk much about these things here.”
“It’s a long story, Jeremy. When we sit down later we’ll discuss it all.”
“Here I go again,” Jeremy said. “I must have left all my manners at home this morning.” He seemed relieved to postpone the conversation. “I’ll be here when you’re done. Leave your clothing beside the door. By the time you’re finished, it’ll be clean and returned to you.”
They crossed the threshold and could no longer hear themselves think. The song of the Lalas saturated their minds. Their heads rang. It felt like liquid was running all over them, and they hadn’t even touched the water.
“This is amazing, Fallean!” Lana remarked. “I feel like I’ve slept for a week. How wondrous.”
Caryssa stretched her arms
and flexed her muscles. “My aches and pains are gone.”
“We haven’t even bathed yet,” Fallean replied. “The power of the water is remarkable. And listen.” He tilted his head. “The harmonies. The pitch.” His face was ecstatic. The notes rang loud and clear. Or so it seemed.
“How is it the noise is so loud in my head, yet I can hear and speak without difficulty?” Caryssa asked.
“The waters speak much as the Lalas do. We hear it within us, but it’s not audible in the ordinary sense of the word,” Fallean explained, his eyelids fluttering.
“It’s like music for the soul,” Caryssa agreed.
Stripping off their dirty clothing, they each stepped into one of the ten small pools that bubbled and frothed around the chamber. Steam rose in billows from the water’s surface, and they breathed it in.
Weeks of fatigue and stress instantly vanished. Their bodies were buoyant and revitalized. Time flew by unnoticed. Fallean reluctantly pulled himself upright, grabbed one of the downy cloths that hung over the edge of his tub, and dried himself off. He moved a pace behind actual time, slower than reality. The wind blew cool against his skin.
The others followed. They found their garments, got dressed and walked to the door.
“I can still hear the water’s song,” Lana said with her eyes closed. “Will I hear this forever now?”
“It’s never left me. My mother’s been down below,” he said, his voice not yet his own. He listened to himself speak. “She’s told me of the Cavern of the Waters where the roots converge.” His eyes glistened.
“You may soon be able to see it for yourself,” Jeremy spoke from the doorway. “Forgive me for eavesdropping, but I was afraid if I didn’t come get you, you might never leave the room.”
“We may soon be able to do what?” Fallean asked.
“Go down into the caverns. Only Kerrigan’s been there. You know that, Fallean. It would kill most anyone else to enter there.” He moved to the side as they strode past him. “Kerrigan’s worried,” he said softly, hunched over. “He hasn’t been himself lately. He feels things down there, changes. He’s not a Chosen, just a guardian. He doesn’t know what to make of it.”
The Revenge of the Elves Page 21
