Miranda laughed. “I’ll be here.”
“Me, too!” echoed Astriella.
Tinnon’s smile returned. “Well, good luck to you, then!” With that, she put her hat on and rowed back to ship.
Satrah loaded the camions with gear while Miranda unrolled the map and studied it closely. She penciled in a route that looked fairly straightforward, at least until they got to the bottom of the summit. At that point, they would have to fly straight up in order to reach the top.
She couldn’t tell if there was enough flat ground to gain the speed necessary for the camions to fly up to it. They would figure it out when they got there.
For now, they would head straight back from the sea for a few miles. That would bring them to a rocky mountain that would have to be traversed. Hopefully it wasn’t too treacherous. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the doken circling overhead. She peered up at it, calling out, “Are you following me?!”
It cawed back and disappeared.
She led them on what seemed like an endless trek through the damp, cool forest. The branches made a tunnel of sorts – sometimes low, sometimes open, with small patches of sky visible above the canopy. Apparently no one had traveled through these woods for many seasons.
At times the path became so narrow and dense, they were forced to break branches and slash through the overgrown thicket with their daggers. The effort of forging a path made them extra weary … except for Astriella, who rode effortlessly in Miranda’s cloak pocket.
After they reached the end of the forest, they crossed a lush valley. They saw wild animals – herds of bizarre looking beasts, grazing, sometimes being hunted by larger beasts. Odd birds of flight in shapes and colors not seen on Zarada cascaded through the air and hopped along the ground. They decided to set up camp in this valley, bedding down for the night and taking turns on night watch.
The next day they made their way through a stone tunnel that twisted and turned, spitting them out on the other side. When they emerged, they were face to face with the mountain. It was rocky, but not terribly steep. Miranda pulled out the map and showed Satrah the route. “We should be able to get to the top by the end of the day,” she said.
Satrah nodded. “And tomorrow, the summit.”
“Right.” Miranda rolled up the map. “Up we go!”
They gathered their things and continued their journey, climbing for some time. The terrain grew rockier and the greenery receded as the altitude increased. They guided the camions as best they could over the jagged path.
The doken continued to follow them, cawing down now and then. “Strange bird,” remarked Satrah. “It’s definitely trailing us. I’ve never seen a doken do that.”
“It’s the only doken I’ve seen here,” added Miranda. “How can that be?”
“Odd.”
“Right.”
In the distance, they heard the sound of rushing water, and the source appeared before them; the path stopped at a riverbank bordering a wide river. It had dangerously quick rapids, but they had no choice – it had to be crossed. Miranda and Satrah rode Otho and Cavalo, keeping themselves and their gear dry.
Once they reached the other side, the camions shook the water out of their fur and began the arduous process of licking themselves dry.
Satrah dismounted. “Let’s feed Cavalo and Otho and eat something ourselves.” Satrah made an impromptu fire and prepared a simple meal. The smell of food made Miranda realize she was faint with hunger. When Satrah handed her a bowl filled with the first sustenance they had had in many hours, she devoured it.
“We need to keep moving,” mumbled Miranda, her mouth full of food. “We have to make it to the summit by tomorrow, sundown.”
Satrah agreed. She stroked Cavalo’s neck. “I think the camions need a little rest, then we can go again.”
“I’m ready now!” exclaimed Astriella, who had just awakened from a nap.
Satrah laughed. “Easy for you to say! You are riding in style.”
“There are advantages to being small,” chirped the little fairy, as she held out her bowl for some grub. Satrah laughed and spooned out a portion.
When the camions were fed and dry, Miranda rolled up the map and they set off again. It was some time before the incline eased. They came to a clearing where the ground was fairly level and free of rocks. As they progressed, Miranda realized they were traveling over a mesa – the mountain didn’t have a decline on the other side, but instead ended at a steep cliff.
They had made it to the top of the mountain which seemed to have been cut in half vertically, with the other half missing. There was only one way to get down – fly. They stood on the ridge, taking in the view of the beautiful valley. Down below was a village of some kind, brimming with a bustle of activity. Smoke rose up from numerous small dwellings here and there.
“I think those are elves,” said Satrah.
“Elves! Oh, I’ve heard of them,” remarked Astriella.
Miranda looked in the direction of the summit, trying to catch a glimpse of it. “The summit is in that direction.” She pointed.
Satrah couldn’t make it out either. “Can we fly there from here? It’s a long way.”
“Maybe not. We’ve gone far enough for today anyway. And I should ask the elves about Angala. Let’s head down.”
“I’ve always wanted to see elves!” exclaimed Astriella, buzzing with delight. “I’m sure they are wonderful!”
Mounting the camions, they doubled back a good distance and galloped across the mesa, jumping off the cliff and coasting down to the valley of elves below. Miranda was determined to find out what happened to her grandmother. If she came this way, would she have had contact with these elves?
Findy the Harbinger
Landing on the outskirts of the village, they headed toward the unsuspecting elf village just as the afternoon heat was beginning to abate. They followed the sounds of quaint melodies, which drifted out from the local pub and soon they came upon all the activity; elf mothers hanging miniature laundry, tiny children running and laughing down the dirt streets, and shop owners selling their wares in the open market.
It was a happy, boisterous scene. But as soon as the surprise guests were noticed, the elves alerted each other and cried out, “Giants! Monsters! Quick! Get inside!”
Miranda called to them, “It’s okay! We’re friends!” But her voice was stifled amidst all the ruckus of tangled voices and screaming children.
All they could do was watch as the terrified elves scurried in all directions, dropping whatever they had been doing, urging their children to safety. It was astounding how briskly they disappeared. They vanished into little huts, slamming the doors tightly and locking shutters clicketyclack. In a few moments, there was not a single elf to be seen nor heard. Only the faint sound of a baby’s muffled cry permeated the cooling air.
“Oh, the poor dears,” lamented Astriella. “They are frightened. Of us!”
Miranda looked at Satrah in amusement. “Should I say something?”
Satrah chuckled. “Sure. Give it a try.”
Miranda cleared her throat. “Hello….”
“Louder,” whispered Astriella.
Miranda took a deep breath. “Hello! I’m Miranda from the Island of Zarada! And these are my friends Satrah and Astriella!” She paused.
“Go on,” cajoled Satrah.
“We are Young Warriors, and we come as friends. You can come out now. We won’t hurt you!”
For a few minutes nothing happened. Then there was the jiggling of a door handle, followed by the swinging open of a front door and the emergence of a swaggering elf, who wore a big smile on his rosy red face. He theatrically led a diminutive four legged beast with white feathers on its head and pearly iridescent scales everywhere else, out into the street.
It was only a few steps to the Young Warriors, but he mounted this motley steed as if he were the honored guest at an important event, and trotted slowly over to them, milking every ounce of
dramatic effect. When he reached the warriors, he came to an elegant stop, and proudly spoke. “Young Warriors from Zarada. Welcome! I am Findy, the Village Harbinger. And this is my trusty steed, Beast.” He chuckled and tipped his hat proudly. “What business have you here, so far from home?”
Miranda bowed her head. “Thank you, Findy. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We’ve traveled from Zarada to harvest Red Larimar stones. I’m Miranda and these are my friends, Astriella and Satrah.”
“Red Larimar stones. Well, that’s easy enough.” He laughed. Snickers escaped from some of the huts.
“I’m also looking for my grandmother,” Miranda continued. “She was our stone hunter, and she was stranded here. Or worse.”
“Ahh, your grandmother … that’s easy too. We’ve hidden her in the chicken pen,” he stated as he scratched his odd beast of burden under its scraggly chin.
More giggling and chattering came out of the huts.
“Please,” implored Miranda. “We are suffering a terrible drought without the stones; and Angala ... Well, she’s been missing a long time.”
Findy looked at the closedup domiciles and took a deep breath. “Has anyone seen this warrior’s grandmother!?” he yelled to his hiding friends.
A set of white shutters opened, revealing shadows that shimmered behind slightly drawn curtains. A high pitched voice peeled out, “No. Haven’t seen her.”
Findy chuckled again. “I can take you to the Chief. Maybe he knows.”
“We would be grateful. Lead the way,” said Miranda, with a sweep of her hand.
Findy turned around and shouted out to the villagers, “Come out now! We’re on our way to the Chief, and he’ll want to hear how nicely you welcomed our guests!”
Findy turned and whispered up to Miranda, cupping a hand around his mouth. “It might help if you come down from those giant whatever you call them.”
Miranda leaned over and cupped a hand over her mouth and whispered back, “Camions.” She and Satrah dismounted and they began walking slowly down the narrow road.
A window on the second floor of a hut slid open ever so slightly and a bearded elf with a little pipe peered through the opening, sending out a puff of smoke in salutation. A door from another hut creaked, and a woman balancing an adorable elf baby on her hip stood in the doorway, staring hesitantly. Others shyly ventured out to see the visitors more closely, and soon the sides of the road were lined with a multitude of curious, rosy cheeked, bright eyed elves.
Findy led them up the road and as they passed by, he placed his hands around his mouth and shouted, ”Young Warriors are here! Welcome them!”
Miranda and her friends waved and smiled as they followed Findy, as if they were the main attraction in a grand parade. The musicians skipped out of the pub and resumed their happy tunes. Little elf children looked up in amazement and waved as the foreigners passed by with the longest strides they had ever seen.
One child caught Satrah’s eye. She knelt down, smiled at him and patted him on the head. When she stood back up, he ran under her legs, which made Satrah laugh heartily, giving final assurance to the elves that these visitors were indeed friendly.
As they left the town, the sounds faded away, and in a few minutes, they reached the compound of the Elf Chief, who welcomed Miranda as an honored guest and ordered a feast for what he recognized as road weary travelers. He invited Findy to join them.
They sat around a blazing fire and Miranda got right to the point. “We’re here to retrieve ten Red Larimar stones from the summit…,” she began.
“That’s quite an undertaking,” said the Chief. “Highly risky.”
The Chief’s wife nodded. “It’s a most dangerous place to go. And you’re so very young. Have you ever done this kind of thing before?”
“No, I haven’t,” Miranda continued, “… but I’m also trying to find my grandmother Angala, the last great stone hunter. She disappeared on this island many years ago.”
The Elf Chief’s eyes lit up. “We knew Angala. Sometimes she would stop by and see us. Her bag was empty on the way up, and always full of red sparkling jewels on the way down.” He smiled.
The Chief’s wife remembered her as well. “One year she went up, but didn’t return. We never did see her again. We wondered what happened....” She didn’t want to mention the Deamons.
Miranda rotated the heel of her boot against the ground. “Then the Deamons really did kill her.”
The Chief cleared his throat. “If you’re going to the summit, take Findy with you. He knows this island better than anyone.” offered the Chief.
Miranda nodded in thanks, but couldn’t bring herself to talk anymore. She felt as if she were choking on her grief. She rose abruptly, then turned and broke into a run. I have to move quickly and keep moving – maybe that’s how I can keep the image of my dead grandmother from hurting so much. She passed by a group of elves, dancing and singing around a bonfire. They gestured for her to join them, but she sped past in a blur.
Stepping off the main path and wandering away from the village, her boots made an angry crunch against the dried leaves beneath her feet. Every step was an attempt to stomp out the frustration and sadness that was enveloping her. She had reserved hope all these years that her grandmother was still alive. But it had been the hope of a child. She was passing into womanhood now and the time for childish dreams was over.
She came upon a lake, shimmering in the darkness. The moons pressed on its surface like the weight of heavy sorrow pressing against her heart. She grabbed a handful of cool stones and drove them one by one into the water, disturbing the stillness of the moons’ reflection, breaking the images into pieces.
The Mysterious Doken
In the morning Miranda Findy led the way, and they traveled through yet another dense forest. Findy and Beast trotted along in front, with Satrah close behind; Miranda, quiet and pensive, followed at a distance. The doken that had greeted them when they first arrived stayed close, fluttering in and out of view.
Miranda knew dokens very well. Their behavior and habits were different from this bird’s. Dokens were not particularly friendly, but not directly hostile either. They went about their business without interacting. They were not hunted, but still had a healthy fear of larger species. This one was definitely shadowing them.
She yelled up to her friend. “Satrah, the doken is still tracking us.”
“Tracking you, you mean.”
“Why do you say that?”
“It’s always looking at you.”
“Maybe it’s hungry.”
“I don’t know. Dokens don’t eat the same food we do.”
Findy broke in. “Be careful about giving it anything. If it does take to your food, we might never be rid of the pest.”
They stopped at dusk, setting up camp in a clearing between coarse boulders and fallen logs. The doken landed in a tree near Miranda and silently studied her. Miranda stared back while she chewed her grains and vegetables. The doken cocked its head and readjusted its perch.
Miranda got up and placed a morsel of food on a rock, then walked away, and the doken dove down and grabbed it. Instead of eating it, though, the bird flung it into the brush. Was it a game? She repeated this several times, each time staying closer to the food.
On the fourth time, she did not move away at all. The doken dove down and picked up the crumb with its beak and tossed it aside, all the while staring at Miranda, who then held in her palm, a piece of food. The doken leaned over and pecked it right out of her hand, then threw it away.
Miranda moved slowly toward the bird, reaching out to touch it. “It’s okay,” she said. It allowed her to stroke its glossy back feathers. “You’re so pretty.”
But the bird wasn’t looking for either affection or food – it was more interested in something else. It peered at Miranda’s chest, where the potion and pedant hung, then moved in closer. Miranda protectively clasped her fingers around both. The bird’s head twitched as its eyes darted ba
ck and forth between Miranda’s hand and her eyes.
“What are you after?” she asked the doken, who had taken an aggressive stance. “What could you possibly want with these?”
When Miranda took her hand away, the doken pecked at the potion. Surprised, Miranda jumped back, placing both hands over the charms. Startled by Miranda’s sudden movement, the doken crouched and lifted off, vanishing into the treetops.
Deadly Carnivorous Vines
The next morning, Miranda and her friends awoke to a misty rain. Eating a quick breakfast of elf cakes and tea, they were soon on their way, trudging along the wooded trail. The thick canopy of foliage sheltered them to some degree from the cool droplets, but during the course of the morning moisture managed to penetrate their clothing, dampening their skin.
After a few hours, they came to the end of the woods, soaked through and shivering. Luckily, the drizzle had relented, the suns straining to peek through parting clouds, warming them.
As they walked on, the sky grew clearer, offering them welcome sunshine and their garments began to dry.
Sitting on large boulders, warming their bones, they regarded the strange landscape that stretched out before them. The earth was covered with close knit spiky rocks that protruded in triangular formations from the ground. A narrow carpet of greenery wound in between them, creating mossy pathways.
When they were dry and rested, they ventured onward. The density of the rocks increased and the stones became more and more blunt until it became a wide expanse of smooth stone, easy to traverse. They reached the end of this stone field, and stood in front of a wall constructed with rocks cut into rectangular and square shapes. It was about ten feet high, covered in vines and it stretched as far as the eye could see in either direction.
The Larimar Quest (Island Of Zarada Book 1) Page 10
