The Beasts of Areon (The Chronicles of Areon Book 2)

by Aaron J. Ethridge

  “Kilren, can I ask you a question?” she said softly.

  “Mmmm,” he replied.

  “What did you mean by prepared?” she asked.

  The young rogue froze. After a moment's desperate contemplation, he forced all his remaining energy into the art of deception. He responded to her question with faint, and fraudulent, snoring. For a few moments of terror, he wasn't certain it would work. However, the slow steady breathing of the elf finally calmed him. He had escaped for the moment. For one more night, at least, he wouldn't have to explain away prepared.

  Tealor gently pulled the reins, slowing his powerful, dark mount. They were making very good time and the warrior felt certain the gap separating them from their allies was quickly closing. There was no need to tax their animals and very good reasons not to.

  “Why are we slowing?” the young Telian asked, turning his gaze to the warrior riding at his side.

  “Just saving our strength,” Tealor replied. “I don't think there's any danger, but you never know. And there's no reason to push the animals now. I'm certain our allies are in no rush. We may even be able to catch them today. They only have a little over four hours’ head-start.”

  “I take your point,” the knight confessed, “but, I'd like to reach them before they reach Innalas. They don't know what they might be heading into.”

  “I don't think there's much to worry about, Darian,” the warrior assured him. “Had the danger been serious, Andor would have known about it before today.”

  “You're right about that,” the young knight nodded.

  For a few minutes, the two rode along in silence. Finally, the warrior spoke again.

  “So,” Tealor said slowly, scratching himself under his short brown beard. “When do you think Lord Andor is going to take us to meet the royal family?”

  “I'm not sure, Captain Tealor,” the Telian replied, shaking his head.

  “Captain, is it, Sir Darian?” the warrior smiled.

  “Well,” Darian laughed, “when we're discussing the kingdom, that's who you are.”

  “True,” Tealor nodded, “but, I think we can dispense with that when it's just you and I. Don't you agree, Sir Darian?”

  “I certainly do!” the young knight nodded, a large smile spreading across his face.

  “Honestly, Darian, I'm not sure what the first step should be,” the captain said, turning his eyes to the horizon. “It's one thing to want to restore Solarin; it's a very different thing to try to do it.”

  “I'm certain Andor has a plan,” the young man said.

  “I feel the same,” Tealor replied. “I just wish I knew what it was.”

  “He'll tell us when we're ready; you can be sure of that.”

  “You're right about that, I guess,” the warrior agreed.

  “Do you think we'll reach them tonight?” Gwendolyn asked.

  “I doubt that,” Sarena replied. “I think we'll get very close, but they left hours before we did.”

  “I hate waiting,” the young maiden observed.

  “Most of us do, dear child,” the sorceress laughed. “However, I think I can help you pass the time.”

  “How?”

  “Well, we were supposed to start your training tomorrow,” Sarena answered. “Under the circumstances, I think it would be a better use of our time if we began immediately.”

  “That's a brilliant idea!” Gwendolyn exclaimed.

  “I thought you might think so. Now, let's begin where we last ended,” Sarena said, her hand suddenly engulfed in flame. “Do you feel that?”

  “I think I do,” was the maiden's reply.

  “Good,” Sarena smiled. “Now, focus on everything around you; everything you hear, everything you see, everything you smell, everything.”

  “Alright,” the maiden replied. “I'll try.”

  Slowly, the sorceress extinguished the flames that covered her outstretched hand before gradually igniting them again.

  “I'm sure I felt that,” Gwendolyn asserted.

  “Excellent,” Sarena replied. “The next step, obviously, is to attempt to do it yourself. It may take some time so, try not to get discouraged if you don't immediately succeed.”

  In response, the maiden stretched her hand out in front of her; doing her best to emulate what she had felt coming from the beautiful sorceress at her side. Suddenly, jets of flame shot into the air before her; nearly striking the man-at-arms that rode just ahead. The horse on which she sat reared in the air. Several of those nearby broke into a gallop; each flying in its own direction. Fortunately, all of the riders – including Gwendolyn – were able to remain in the saddle. However, it was a surprising, and somewhat frightening, experience for all of them.

  “What happened?” Tealor asked, riding quickly up to the pair.

  “Is anyone hurt?” the knight asked at the same moment.

  “No one was injured, bold Telian” the fair sorceress assured the young knight. “Gwendolyn merely lost control of her power for a moment. I've decided to continue her training while we travel.”

  “It might be best, my love,” the warrior began, “if we were to postpone that training for the time being.”

  “I suppose you could be right, dear heart,” Sarena laughed. “She may be more powerful than even I realized. Still, I think we could safely continue; provided we put some distance between the two of us and the rest of the band. Of course, I also think it might be best if Gwendolyn were to ride my noble beast, as he won't be frightened by her abilities. I’ve spent many hours over the last working with him.”

  “Do as you think best, my love,” the warrior nodded. “Only, be careful.”

  “As always,” she smiled.

  The rest of the day's journey passed very quickly from Gwendolyn's point of view. She and Sarena rode a short distance ahead of the others where they could continue her training with relatively little risk. Fortunately, the remainder of the lesson was completed without incident.

  Stars were already filling the sky when Tealor decided to stop for the night. They had reached the edge of the Neres River and, for the moment, could go no further. As they couldn't be certain which route their allies intended to take after they crossed the ford, they might have to track them. To do that, they would need daylight.

  Chapter 2: A Fortunate Meeting

  As the sky changed slowly from the black of night to the deep blue of early morning, Erana sat watching the sleeping warden with a look of concern in her eyes. His breathing was steady, but it was also quick and shallow. If he were going to survive, they would need to find help soon. She had hoped a night's sleep would improve his condition. Such was not the case, however, and there seemed very little time to spare.

  She had considered the possibility of heading back toward Andor's Fortress the previous evening, but the village of Dalfaen was a bit closer. The elders there would almost certainly be able to heal him if they could reach them in time. As soon as there was enough light for Kilren to see by, she awakened her companions.

  “How's he doing?” Ian asked, stepping over to take a look for himself.

  “Not as well as I had hoped,” the young elvish maiden admitted.

  “No,” the bard sighed. “You're right.”

  He reached down and gently shook the warden by the shoulder.

  “Lad,” he said gently. “Lad, wake up. We've got to get you to some help.”

  In reply, the warden moved his head and slowly opened his eyes.

  “Nathan,” he said softly. “My name is Nathan.”

  “I'm Ian,” the dwarf replied with a smile. “Now, lay your head back down for a moment.”

  Having said this, the bard broke into song. The mystic words seemed to speak of wind, waves, and the relentless energy of nature. As the tune ended, it was clear that the warden was feeling somewhat improved.

  “Thank you,” he said, rising to his feet.

  “Here, let me help you,” Kilren offered, moving to the side of the injured elf. “Just lean o
n me.”

  The young rogue led the wounded warden over to his own mount before helping the protesting elf climb into the saddle.

  “I can walk,” Nathan assured him.

  “No, you can't,” Kilren shook his head. “But, I can. We don't have that far to go. At least, for your sake, I hope we don't.”

  “We don't,” Erana agreed. “I think we can make it to Dalfaen by early afternoon. It's a bit out of our way, but it's also the nearest village. There's really no reason for you to have to walk.”

  “I suppose you're right. He could just ride behind me.”

  “Actually,” the maid replied, a slight blush tinting her features, “I was thinking that we could share a horse. I'm certainly not as heavy as Nathan. So, really, it's the kindest thing to do for the animals.”

  “Oh, I couldn't agree more,” Kilren replied, a wide smile on his face. “I honestly don't think I could possibly agree any more.”

  Erana took her betrothed by the hand and led him to the side of her horse. Kilren smiled as he went to help his love into the saddle. She stepped back, a confused look on her face.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Well,” he replied, “I was trying to help you up.”

  “Oh,” she giggled. “You mount first. It'll be easier that way.”

  “Okay,” he replied before climbing up, rather awkwardly, behind the saddle.

  “What are you doing?” she asked again.

  The rogue stared down at his bride-to-be silently for a few moments before speaking.

  “I was getting on the horse first,” he said, shaking his head. “Like you just suggested.”

  “I know that,” she laughed. “I mean: why are you sitting behind the saddle?”

  “I was leaving room for you,” he explained.

  “What?”

  “I was leaving room for you to get in the saddle,” he said waving his hand toward the empty seat.

  “Well, that would hardly be proper, would it?” she asked.

  “No,” Kilren replied, shaking his head. “No, it wouldn't. What was I thinking?”

  As he said this, he struck himself on the forehead with his palm. It was then that he remembered his encounter with the tree from the night before.

  “Ow,” he said, gently rubbing his tender brow.

  “Are you alright?”

  “I'm fine,” he answered, scooting forward into the saddle, and offering his outstretched hand to the fair young elf. The maiden accepted his offer; jumping up behind him and wrapping her arms gently, but firmly, around him.

  “Are you ready, Ian?” she asked, glancing back at the dwarf.

  “Almost, my dear,” he replied. “Almost.”

  Moments later, the dwarf was seated on the back of his sturdy animal and the party was once again on its way. For almost an hour, the band rode along as the sun slowly climbed above the trees. Ian was keeping a close eye on the elvish warden who, in spite of all he could do, seemed to be slowly worsening. The unfortunate elf had broken out in a cold sweat shortly after they departed and, at times, looked as if he were having trouble staying conscious. For her part, the elvish maiden clung quietly to her betrothed as mile followed mile. Kilren stared at the path stretching before them without uttering a word; seemingly lost in thought.

  “What are you thinking about?” the beautiful ranger asked, putting her chin on his shoulder as she did so; her sweet breath whispering in the ear of the handsome rogue.

  “Oh,” he replied dreamily, “I was just thinking that, sometimes, doing the right thing really is its own reward.”

  “You're right,” she agreed, gazing back over her shoulder. “I'm glad we could help him.”

  “What?” the rogue asked in distracted tones.

  “Nathan,” she explained. “You were just talking about helping Nathan.”

  “Was I?” he asked before his mind seemed to return to the present. “I mean: yes. Yes, of course. I'm glad we've been able to help him.”

  “Are you sure you're alright?” Erana asked, a note of concern in her voice.

  “Yes,” he nodded. “In fact, I'm pretty sure I've never been this alright in my entire life.”

  “Well, that's good,” the maiden replied, unsure what to make of his response.

  Suddenly, Nathan collapsed onto the neck of his mount and almost fell from the saddle. Immediately, Ian jumped from his pony and ran to the side of the unfortunate elf.

  “Erana, dear, could you help me please?” he asked, attracting the attention of the fair ranger.

  “Of course,” she replied, jumping down from her horse as Kilren brought the animal to a stop.

  “In the smaller of my saddle bags you'll find a vial filled with white liquid,” the bard said, laying Nathan gently on the ground. “Please bring it to me.”

  The elvish maid quickly did as she was asked and, a moment later, the dwarf held the vial in his hand.

  “I'm hoping this will help,” he said, concern written on his face. “Of course, I don't know exactly what was wrong with him; so, it's hard to be certain what to give him.”

  Something in the distance attracted the rangers' attention. She turned her head, staring out into the distance.

  “Did you hear that?” she asked, a note of urgency in her voice.

  “No,” the rogue replied, “but, I've learned not to count on that. What is it?”

  “It sounds like something crashing through the forest; headed this way!”

  The party rose before the sun the following morning. It was Tealor's intention to catch up with their former companions quickly. He felt it very unlikely that they would break camp this early. As such, it was just possible that they could catch them before they continued their journey. Within minutes, the band had said farewell to the men-at-arms that acted as their escort and successfully forded the Neres.

  “Can you even see their trail in this low light?” the Telian asked.

  “I can,” Tealor replied, “but only just. We'll need to ride slowly for the time being.”

  “They probably headed toward our last campsite,” the Telian suggested.

  “I think the same,” the captain agreed. “For one thing, it lies in the general direction I believe Erana meant to take. Still, we have to be careful. I don't want to lose their trail. Fortunately Ian's pony is fairly easy to track. Its hooves are small and dig into the soil under his weight.”

  As the sun slowly rose, it made the trail Tealor followed easier and easier to see. His bride took up a position at his side while the Telian followed behind at the side of the fair Gwendolyn.

  “We'll reach the camp before too long,” the maiden said, a smile gracing her lips.

  “If that's where they were heading,” the knight observed.

  “Oh, it was,” she replied.

  “How do you know that?” he asked, turning his gaze to the face of his companion.

  “Wishful thinking I suppose,” she giggled. “But, I'm right just the same.”

  “I hope you are,” Darian smiled. “So, how did the training go after the incident yesterday?”

  “Couldn't you see?” she asked playfully. “I'd have hoped you were watching me.”

  “Not really,” he said, shaking his head. “Tealor and I were discussing some things. I guess my thoughts were occupied.”

  “I see...” the maiden replied before turning her own eyes to the young knight. “One day, we're going to have to finish that talk about gallantry. In fact, I have some books you should read.”

  “What are you talking about?” He asked.

  “Nothing,” she laughed, shaking her head. “My training went very well. In fact, I'll show you. Give me some room though, just in case.”

  In response, the knight moved his horse away from the beast Gwendolyn was riding. Sarena had thought it best to leave the maiden on her own white mount so she could continue to practice as they traveled. It would likely lessen the negative effects of any more incidents.

  The maiden lift
ed her hand, a look of focused concentration spreading across her features. Flames sprang from the tips of her fingers and slowly ran down their length before setting her entire hand ablaze. She let the flames burn for a few seconds, turning her gaze to the Telian with a smile, before dousing them.

  “That's incredible!” the knight exclaimed.

  “Oh, it's nothing compared to what you can do, I know,” she replied. “But, it is something all the same, isn't it?”

  “Well, I think it's amazing that you've learned to do it so quickly,” he said.

  “Yes,” she admitted, “that is encouraging. Sarena says it's a sign that I will be a very powerful sorceress someday. In fact, the hard part of doing what I just did is keeping it under control.”

  “So, do you think you could do what you did again?” the knight asked thoughtfully.

  “Of course,” she laughed, once again raising her hand.

  “No, no,” the Telian interjected, shaking his head. “I mean: what you did when you saved my life.”

  “Oh, that,” the maiden replied with a blush. “I'm not sure. Not yet, anyway. Sarena said that it was a manifestation of my passion. So, for now, I wouldn't be able to do it unless there was something I felt rather passionately about involved.”

  “I understand what you mean,” the young knight said, smiling at her.

  “You do?” she asked, blushing more deeply.

  “Oh, yeah,” he replied with a nod. “I get that way myself. You feel that... thrill of battle... I guess you'd call it. Although, I really don't like that term. It's not the battle that matters, but what you're fighting for. It's more like the thrill of justice; if you know what I mean!”

  The maiden sat silently for a moment before speaking.

  “Actually, maybe you should ask Ian if he has a book about gallantry with him,” she finally replied.

  “What?” the knight asked, confusion filling his eyes. “Why?”