Revelyn: 1st Chronicles - When the last arrow falls

by Chris Ward

  These words were offered truly, and then he too saluted Rema in the manner just witnessed by the others. Rema smiled in humble acceptance of their tribute, and spoke somewhat earnestly in response.

  ‘I thank you for your words. I have much to say and need to talk with your Elders as soon as possible for there are evil things at work in Revelyn which AlGiron cannot ignore. I only wish now that my good friends and I be escorted in haste to a place where I might talk with those Edenwhood whom you serve.

  They found shelter for the night in a large village by a deep lake of the most pure clear water any of the travellers had ever seen. Many bulbane trees were scattered along the shore and each was home to a family of Edenwhood. Large fish swam easily in the shallows and rose to be fed in the twilight by those who chose to walk happily about by the water. Small boats were rowed gently back and forth, whilst the happy sounds of laughter and lilting conversations filled the air. Other homes could be seen across the waters, for their lights reflected like scores of fireworms hovering above the depths.

  After such a hard day’s travel all were happy to find such a tranquil place in which to be refreshed. A good meal and a roaring fire thereafter was heartily welcomed, and they slept soundly once more, waking feeling even further refreshed than their first morning, when all had remarked at some point on a strange sense of renewal. It was agreed that AlGiron had a remarkable effect upon good health. Even the reserve of Ofeigr seemed loosened for he had begun to offer comment and response in a manner which the others found most pleasing.

  They travelled hard without incident that second day, and as the shadows merged to darkness found themselves on a crest which stood high above a large township spread along the western edge of the massive plateau.

  ‘Welcome to Alderyn,’ said Cordia warmly. ‘This is our leading city and it is our destination. If we travel further we fall far, down into your lands!’ She chuckled at her wit, before continuing more seriously. ‘This is where the Elders live. We are expected.’

  Rema did not ask how, but it seemed reasonable that a people as gifted as the Edenwhood would have their own ways of sending important messages when the need arose.

  ‘The treehomes here are well ordered,’ Serenna made comment, for she had seen that there were avenues and wider paths throughout the town along which the trees were growing as if by design.

  ‘We are longer lived than you,’ Cordia replied and so we grow our homes. ‘A parent will plant a sapling for their child where the elders deem it right, and by the time of maturity it is often ready to be carved into the treehome to match their desire.’

  ‘But that would take three score of summers surely,’ said Scion who found the thought amazing.

  ‘Fourscore is usual, ‘Cordia replied.

  ‘How long have you lived?’ Serenna inquired of this lovely graceful Edenwhood.

  Cordia smiled. ‘Oh I am still young; my maturity some would say is still before me. I have lived three score and ten summers.’

  At this the five companions drew a breath, for by any judgement she looked not much more than a score of years.

  ‘Our Elder, Anderlorn passed two hundred this very season, ‘Cordia continued, ‘and his equal, our Eldres Kreilliorn is but a handful of summers younger.’

  This news surprised them all greatly.

  ‘This AlGiron is indeed a remarkable place,’ muttered Scion as he surveyed the scene below him. ‘Homes which are grown to one’s desire, old age pushed back for youth which continues beyond imagining. How long do you people live?’ He spoke more to the air than to anyone in particular but Cordia heard his musings and replied quickly.

  ‘Three hundred seasons is old age indeed for Edenwhood.’ She paused and no one spoke a word. ‘Come let us go on for Rhynos is waiting.’ And with that the party entered Alderyn.

  ‘They were indeed expected for as they rode into the town of Alderyn small groups of Edenwhood stood silently watching them, and their sombre demeanour and whispered conversations which Rema heard, gave him cause to realise that they were anxious about their coming, and were wondering what might be the end of it.

  He realised then that if he were able to convince the Elders of AlGiron to aid his quest then the cost to this wonderful land and its graceful people would be heavy indeed. Many of their best would never return. As they rode deeper into the town he sensed that the darkest mood was directed towards him, and his heart saddened greatly.

  What great grief do I bring to you Edenwhood? he wondered.

  As they approached the massive western escarpment the Bulbane trees were replaced by stone dwellings with heavily thatched roofs, for as Cordia pointed out the soil was thinner here and so along the edge of the cliffs the buildings were of a hand cut stone, and so beautifully pieced together that the blocks seemed to be as one. They entered a large stone-walled compound between two high and mighty iron gates which were guarded by two huge Edenwhood soldiers who remained unmoved at their passing. Within the gates the land was flat and well grassed, and sloped gently down to the very edge of the Edenwhood world. No large or impressive buildings could be seen, for it seemed mostly open space and pleasant grass. Their mounts were taken and led to a low stable complex to one side which formed one wall of the compound. Several large Sycthercats were roaming about on the rich green grass, under the care of their attendants and the setting sunlight gave a soft golden tone to what appeared to be a most peaceful setting. The three cheerful Edenwhood soldiers who had accompanied them on their traverse of AlGiron disappeared with the animals, and two soldiers in ceremonial dress appeared to escort them to the edge of the cliffs where a large flat and very ancient platform of huge stone slabs had been constructed. It stood far out above the void. They climbed a dozen steps, each a cubit high and walked out upon it.

  ‘We are to wait here for a span,’ Cordia explained after a short conversation with the escort in her native tongue. The five companions were overwhelmed at the beauty which surrounded them, for where they stood was even more impressive than the view from the eastern cliffs. The height here was even greater, the clouds seemed further below. High above, shinning eagles soared on the great air currents which rose up the sheer rock face. They were so high that the setting sun still caught their pure white plumage and they shone and sparkled with each graceful turn and swoop.

  ‘Those are tame eagles,’ Rhynos explained, and can be flown by some of our kind who are small; your size Rema Bowman. We train our youth for this, and it is a great honour to serve for ten summers with the Eagles of Alderyn. I have a son who is currently one of the fortunate few.’ He spoke proudly, standing looking up at the birds so high above.

  Beyond the clouds below which seemed to cling close to the cliffs, the land of Revelyn stretched endlessly to the far horizons in every direction. A gloom covered the land now and Rema shivered involuntarily for it was as if the shadows spoke much of the darkness which was creeping upon the land. A darkness which seemed far deeper and stronger rooted in evil mystery than anything which had previously come to pass.

  To each side they looked down upon a most amazing sight, for all along the cliffs on either side of the massive platform on which they stood, were windows and balconies, cut from the cliffs, a clear indication of a huge underground complex of rooms and halls. Some distance to their right side, and cut down into the very edge of the escarpment could be seen a series of huge half circle steps, each lower one smaller than the one above, and at its base a large flat platform. Serenna inquired of Cordia what this impressive structure was used for.

  ‘We Edenwhood love to sing and tell stories. We act out legends and we perform for each other. That is a place of gathering for all, and it is a most wonderful place for as you sit upon those steps, you look out over the ever-changing vastness and are entertained by those amongst us who have a gift for such things. It may be that we can visit there if you are to stay longer in Alderyn. The Elders might wish to have you see what our best can offer. I do hope so for you will be great
ly amazed.’ Cordia spoke with such honest enthusiasm that Serenna hoped she might indeed be granted such an experience.

  At that moment they were directed by one of the attending guards to follow him. They returned to the centre of the open compound, and now, approaching from lower down it was apparent that here was a low stone-walled opening which led below ground. It was a very simple entrance to the complex into which they were ushered. Immediately they entered, down a staircase which seemed to widen with every step, the visitors were amazed at the beauty which confronted them, for they had all assumed that such a cave system would be rudimentary at best.

  ‘Did you ever see such carvings?’ Scion said in quiet reverence.

  ‘Or these murals and paintings, the colours are breathtaking,’ said Serenna as she turned around and around in amazement, for the walls and ceilings were all decorated either with carvings or paintings of the most incredible detail. Polished wood furniture seemed to fill all the spaces between the paintings, and the floors were all hand laid marbles which almost glowed so smooth was its surface. Everything was lit by the most remarkable soft blue light emanating from seemingly scores of precisely shaped rocks set in individual niches in the walls.

  ‘We call this Luminaura.’ Cordia explained as they went, referring to the amazing lights. It is found deep within the caverns of northern AlGiron. If it is left in the sun by day then by night it gives off this soft glow by which we light all our underground dwellings.’

  ‘Changing all these each day would keep more than a few very busy,’ said Rema touching one gently as he passed. It imparted a faint glow to his finger which faded quickly, as he watched in awe.

  ‘It is a good task for some,’ Cordia replied with a smile. ‘One learns that service is a skill we all need to master.’

  They descended several levels until a long corridor appeared to one side. They were then each shown to a private room consisting of a bed chamber and a living space which opened onto a balcony cut into the massive cliff, and which joined all the rooms. The furniture was clearly for ones of large stature, but it was by no means unmanageable, in fact they all thought the large beds looked most welcoming. The attending guard informed them that they should be ready in two spans as he would return then at which time they were to be taken to meet the Elders. He lit candles in each bed chamber clearly marked with red lines for each span before leaving each with a stern warning to be ready for his return.

  Rema placed his weapons and cloak on a bench by the wall and then lay briefly on the enormous bed savouring its softness which seemed to engulf his whole body before realising that he might easily fall asleep if he remained there. He walked through the living quarters and out onto the balcony, where he found Ofeigr standing by the parapet which separated any on the balcony from the long fall into the clouds. He walked quietly over and together they leaned upon the stonework and looked into the vastness. Neither spoke for a time, but finally Rema broke the silence with a question which he had long desired to ask.

  ‘Ofeigr my friend, why did you wish to accompany me on this dangerous quest?’

  True to his manner, Ofeigr did not reply, but Rema knew he was thinking on his words for he nodded his head slightly in acknowledgement of the question. After a time he gave his response, the words coming slowly as though most carefully chosen, each one placed between the others as if in the solving of a puzzle; whilst the delivery was somewhat distant, as if he spoke more to himself than Rema who stood beside him.

  ‘Many years ago your brother and I were closest friends. He was a leader, a brave lad who stood firm for what he saw as true. He suffered many a knock on my behalf, for in those days I was timid and easily distressed by others who enjoy such teasing games. The day you were stolen Rema Bowman was the day he changed. He took the loss of your parents hard enough, but his grief in losing you could not be measured. I lost a friend that day, for ever after he was always angry. He blamed himself that he had not fought better and saved you. None could assuage his deep guilt, and though I tried many times, he spurned my efforts and in the end it caused an enmity between us. He travelled alone then and finally after the years had seen his heart become like stone to others, he left. He claimed he went to find you, but I think he went to fight the world.’ He paused then and looked at Rema, as if to see if what he said had been well received. Rema smiled and nodded.

  ‘Go on Ofeigr, your words are most important to me at this time,’ he said in encouragement, for in truth he found himself desperately wanting to know more of his brother and what had come to pass. Ofeigr turned back to the void.

  ‘I learnt to fight then. I was angry that he had left me, and I became known as one who cared little for his life. My parents were poor folk who cared little for me, and I had looked to Refr for my comfort. Thereafter they changed my name to that to which I now answer. I will not reveal my birth name for it has long been set aside.’ He took a breath and then finished his moving tale.

  ‘I vowed that if you ever by some fate returned to our shores, I would search for Refr so that he might have some rest, for I know in my heart that somewhere out there,’ and here he swept his hand across the broad vastness before him, ‘somewhere out there is a man in need of redemption. I owe him that. If he is still alive.’

  Rema nodded in appreciation before gripping the silent Ofeigr’s arm.

  ‘Well spoken my friend, you have moved me greatly. I too would like to know what has become of my brother, for it has only been a short time since I knew that I had one.’

  Ofeigr’s final words remained with him thereafter.

  ‘I travel with you Rema Bowman for I sense that you will find him, before the madness to be visited upon us is spent.’

  They parted then but Rema felt that Ofeigr had not revealed all that he might on the matter, and a deeper truth lay behind his motivations.

  The Hall of the Elders was high and narrow. It opened directly onto a large stone balcony which jutted out above the void directly below the platform which the five companions had stood upon earlier that evening. This hall too was ornately decorated with many sculptures and carvings, and the walls and ceilings were covered in the same brightly coloured and detailed paintings which adorned so much of what they had already seen. They entered together with Rema leading and Serenna by his side. The others were behind, Reigin in the centre and Scion and Ofeigr on either side. They all felt intrigued as to how they would be received, and what the Elders would be like, for though they had pressed both Rhynos and Cordia for some knowledge on these matters, little had been offered.

  ‘All will be revealed,’ Cordia had said on several occasions, ‘Far be it from me to speak on these matters. The Elders will reveal what they will.’ And that had been the close of the matter.

  Just inside the huge carved wooden doors which opened onto the balcony was a raised platform upon which were two identical upright chairs, remarkable in their plainness when surrounded by so much ornate detail. Upon these chairs sat the Elders.

  ‘Welcome travellers.’ The woman Elder spoke first. She was elegantly tall and striking in her speech and demeanour. Her dark hair was long and beautifully plaited in many decorated braids which fell to the waist. Her eyes were the deepest blue, her skin smooth and faultless. To the five, she looked but a young woman yet Cordia had said she had seen near two hundred summers. She wore upon her head the most delicately polished gold band, not quite a crown, but more an interwoven vine of leaves and buds. It seemed alive with a light of its own generation, and sitting there as she was, so confidently self assured, she was striking to behold.

  ‘My name is Kreilliorn, Eldres of AlGiron,’ she continued as her welcome seemed well received. ‘We have heard much of you all, especially you Rema Bowman. This entrance of lowlanders into our land has not been heard of since the Great Separation. We have been told that you need to speak with us on matters of great importance. We look forward to this, for we understand you have come in peace. Once more I welcome you.’

 
Rema felt obliged to respond in some manner, but the other Elder motioned for silence. The hall fell quiet and he sat gazing upon the five with a commanding authority, for his eyes, whilst as deeply blue as The Eldres’, seemed quite piercing in their ability to see beyond the outward cloaking mask with which all mortals surround themselves. He searched the face of each of those who stood before him. His gaze was neither confronting nor accepting, but they all felt he perceived deeper things of them than perhaps they might have revealed.

  He was taller than all the Edenwhood they had yet encountered, with the strong and intelligent close set eyes so much the character of these people. His hair was blonde but not starkly so and it fell to the shoulder. His physique was most impressive for he was broad of chest, and with long rangy arms and legs which one might well imagine could travel fast across the ground and leap and wield a sword to the death of any enemy foolish enough to dare to best him. He too wore a golden braided band upon his head.

  ‘My name is Anderlorn, Elder of AlGiron,’ he spoke at last. ‘I too welcome you but with some greater reservation than my equal here. I sense that each of you before me has gifts and understandings which recommend you to me, and for this I am glad. I had feared that I might discover it to be other than this. Please be seated for I would like to talk with you.’

  As he spoke, attendants brought forth five elegant chairs and these were arrayed in a half circle before the two Elders of AlGiron.

  Rema then stood to speak and with a nod of permission from the two magnificent Edenwhood, he did so.

  ‘Elder, Edlres,’ he said, looking at each and bowing slightly, ‘I thank you for your warm welcome and understand that our visit has caused some concern. Indeed as we entered this city of Alderyn, many of your people seemed fearful that our presence was an evil omen of what is to come.’