by Steve Barker
“He was the one that taught my father how to save me, how to preserve me in my mother’s belly until I breathed the air and became whole. Though I did not know it then, I know now that such knowledge is ancient, and beyond what the Wizards, or even the Elvish could share with me. Though I don’t remember exactly the description of the route which my father related to me, I know I must try. I must seek that path.”
Jeron saw the depth of her resolve, the fierceness of her determination, and could not hope to sway her. Such a hope was not within his mind, as he stood and pulled his pack onto his shoulders, and adjusted his scabbard. Stepping around the smoldering fire, he smiled and took her in an embrace.
“You are a true friend, and I admire you. I owe you my life, and whether they know it yet or not, this Kingdom is indebted to you. Farewell Hollyglade. May we meet again soon.”
She lowered her head to rest upon the top of his, and hugged him tightly.
“We will meet again, my King. And when we do, we’ll laugh about it all, eat some rabbit, and sit by the sea in the open air.”
“I’d like that very much.”
He pulled away gently, and turned to dGerrie.
“Take care of her. I can’t think of a better man for the job, but don’t let that go to your head. Don’t let her out of your sight.” He held out his hand, and dGerrie took it, pulled him close, and hugged him.
Stepping back, dGerrie looked the Prince in the eye.
“You go worry about forming a proper rebellion. None of this weak half-hearted junk that failed in the North so many years ago. I’ll take care of Sprout, and she’ll probably take care of me too.” The three of them chuckled as they picked up their packs and turned for the entrance to the caves.
With one last silent look to each other, Jeron set his mind toward the sea in the east, and Hollyglade and dGerrie intent on the mountains in the west. They smiled to each other one last time, and then parted ways.
“You know we might never see him again, Sprout.”
“We will. But we’ll be different, and so will he.”
She smiled and placed her hand under his arm.
Here ends the first Chronicles of Hollyglade Wayrender.
The story will continue.
About the Author
Steve Barker lives in Canmore, Alberta and drives a school bus for work while living in the Canadian Rocky Mountains with his wife and two children. Writing is a passion fueled by his life of adventurous rock climbing, ice climbing, backcountry camping, and mountaineering. A dynamic storyteller, Steve Barker uses a remarkable combination of wondrous vocabulary, magnificent detail, and engaging description, to personally connect you to his characters in the fantasy genre.
