The Stars of Areon (The Chronicles of Areon Book 1)
Page 25
“Elder Gill,” Ian answered.
“He's a wise man,” the dragon nodded. “He knew there was no need to reveal my secret. You were never in any danger from me. I'm often far from home as well; he may have felt our meeting was unlikely.”
“Well, had he warned us, we would've hailed you rather than hidden from you. As it happened, our encounter may have taken years off my life,” Ian grinned. “My chest still hurts.”
“I'm sorry to hear that,” Baldorin chuckled. “Perhaps an evening's hospitality would make it up to you. If you’d like, you can spend the night with me and perhaps offer a song or two for your supper.”
“I'm certain we would all be pleased to accept,” Ian said with a bow.
About an hour before the sun set, the party found itself standing outside what appeared to be a natural cavern. Lush green vines clung to the cliff-side, hanging down like a curtain that partially concealed the entrance. The dragon's home was well hidden. Few who had not been led to the place would ever have been able to find it. Their guide thrust his way through the natural veil and, within moments, the light of flame filled the cave.
The little band quickly followed their host. They were soon standing in a room roughly thirty feet wide and perhaps sixty deep. At the back of the chamber, a dark hallway stretched into unseen recesses. Each of them, with the exception of the bard, had expected the dragon's home to be nothing more than a rough cave filled – if the legends were true – with the treasures it had collected during its lifetime. What they found instead was a room of polished stone covered with runes and intricate carvings. Even the ceiling was partially decorated and it was obvious that the work was not yet completed.
Torches hung from metal rings embedded in the walls. As soon as Ian entered the cavern, he took one in hand, lighted it, and began examining the stone.
“This is dwarvish work,” he asserted after a few moment's consideration.
“You think so?” the dragon replied with a hint of pride.
“I know so!” the dwarf exclaimed. “You think I wouldn't recognize the work of my own people?”
“You have a good eye,” Baldorin smiled.
“I have a dwarvish eye,” the bard replied, glancing back at his host. “You've had my kind here before.”
“Well, perhaps once or twice,” the beast answered. “But you wouldn't expect me to live in some dank hole, would you?”
“Certainly not!” the dwarf grinned. “And, you certainly don't. Whoever you had do the work had skilled hands. The craftsmanship is excellent!”
“It's good of you to say so,” the dragon replied. “It's taken a great deal of time to make my home this comfortable.”
“I would say it's been worth every moment,” the bard answered.
“As would I!” Baldorin readily agreed. “Now, as soon as you've finished admiring my lodgings, I suggest you have dinner. I've already had mine.”
As the beast said this, he cleared his throat with an odd reptilian hiss.
“But, I imagine you're hungry,” he continued. “If you follow the hall at the back of the cavern, you'll find a small pantry. Please help yourselves to whatever you find. However, I must ask you not to open the large stone door that lies at its very end. That is the storehouse of my more personal possessions.”
Ian and Kilren didn't wait for a second invitation. Within moments, the pair had made an excursion to the pantry returning with a number of dried meats, cured fruits and vegetables, along with a bottle of rather aged wine. The cupboard also supplied them with dishes to serve on and utensils to eat with. As the party sat by the fireside while enjoying their meal, their large host sprawled out on the floor nearby.
“So, honestly, what brings you this way?” Baldorin asked, as the band sat silently eating.
“Well,” Tealor began before taking a deep drink, “it's as Ian told you. We're heading from Mikral to Innalas. The pass leads straight through the mountains. It was the shortest way to get from where we were to where we're going.”
“I see...” the dragon replied, “So you left Mikral and headed into the mountains. From there, you needed to make your way to Innalas. So, you selected a path that leads right into some of the kingdom's more untamed lands. You carry nothing to trade, but one of your traveling companions is a young girl. I must admit, it makes me wonder just why this particular path best suits you purpose.”
“I appreciate your hospitality, however...” the warrior began.
“Lord Valrak's men are after Gwendolyn,” Darian said, interrupting his companion.
Tealor stopped speaking and scowled silently at the young knight.
“I told you, Tealor, we can trust him,” the young knight smiled. “There's no reason not to tell him the truth. Galrin had her kidnapped; we don't know why.”
“I appreciate your trust, my noble friend,” Baldorin replied. “But, you would have been wise to follow your companion's example and held your tongue. An ally can accidentally betray you; and even Telians can be deceived.”
“That's not possible...” Darian replied, shaking his head.
“Sir Thallan was betrayed and murdered by his closest friend,” Ian said, “Sir Kasthor was killed in his sleep by one of his own sons. Sir Limmuel was drugged and robbed by three old women who offered him a meal on the roadside. There are many stories about Telians who misplaced their trust, Darian.”
“How could someone deceive the Eilian?” the knight asked.
“I didn't say that anyone could do that, lad,” the bard answered. “I only said that some have managed to deceive Telian Knights before.”
“It's a lesson worth remembering, my friend,” Baldorin said, gazing intently at Darian. “However, this time you haven't been deceived. I truly am your ally. Now that I know why you're taking this route, I have to agree this is the road that will serve you best. Valrak's men won't dare follow you into the wilds of the elvish lands.”
“Such is our hope,” Tealor replied.
“Well, I think I can ensure that you're not followed,” the dragon said. “I have no desire to have that warlord's men poking around here anyway. If any are foolish enough to follow you this far, they'll get no further.”
“We would certainly appreciate that!” Ian nodded.
“I would do even more if I could,” Baldorin replied. “But, I'm afraid I must leave you before dawn tomorrow. I have some business of my own to attend to. However, I will make sure the valley is empty before I depart. You can be sure you won't be followed.”
“Again, you have our thanks,” Tealor said with a slight bow.
“May I ask where you're heading once you reach Innalas?” the dragon asked. “I'd like to know that you'd arrived safely at your destination.”
After a moment's hesitation, the warrior answered.
“We're taking her to Andor's Fortress,” he said.
“I've heard of it,” Baldorin replied. “You should be able to keep the maiden out of Galrin's grasp there.”
“Again, that is our hope,” Ian said, turning to Gwendolyn with a smile.
“What of the child's parents?” the dragon asked. “Do they know she's safe? Do they know where you're taking her?”
“Not yet,” the bard answered. “We haven't been able to get a message to them since she was rescued.”
“That's unfortunate,” Baldorin replied. “Still, the point is that she's safe. The sooner you get her home, the sooner their worries will end. I suggest you all get some sleep. I'll be gone when you awake but, before you leave, feel free to take anything you believe may help you on your journey.”
“Thank you, Baldorin,” the warrior said.
As soon as the party finished their meal, they stretched themselves by the fire. The dwarf sang and played as the others drifted slowly off to sleep. At last, the dragon himself lay breathing deeply and steadily. The dwarf quietly finished his last song before taking up his own place of rest.
“Do you think we can trust him?” Kilren asked, lifting a single ey
elid.
“I think so,” the bard replied. “It's not as if he'd need to wait until we were asleep to attack us.”
“Good point,” the rogue replied sleepily. “And, good night.”
Chapter 12: Into Innalas
As the rising sun crested the mountains, it flooded the valley below with its warming rays. Soft white clouds floated above, driven along by the cool morning breeze. Flowers, growing in clumps here and there among the rocks, opened their delicate blossoms to the morning light. A few glistening beams caressed the verdant curtain concealing the dragon's lair; setting its thick foliage aglow.
It was the golden-green light passing through this natural veil that first greeted the opening eyes of the elvish maiden. She stretched herself with a yawn before rising slowly to her feet. A quick glance beyond the entrance of their haven revealed that the dawn had come and gone. The party had overslept. She turned to rouse her sleeping companions. They lay sprawled around the ashes of the long dead fire, each still wrapped firmly in the arms of sleep. It seemed a shame to wake them, but they had miles to go before the sun set. The sooner they began their journey, the sooner they would finish it.
The ranger reached out, gently touching Kilren on the arm. He didn't stir. She began to softly shake him. Still, he failed to respond.
“Kilren,” she whispered.
“Yeah...” he replied sleepily, opening his eyes on the beautiful ranger bent over him. “Oh, good morning!”
“I thought you slept lightly,” she said.
“Well, I do most times,” he smiled.
“Like the first time I tried to wake you?” she asked.
“Yeah, just like that,” he answered. “Here, however, I guess instinct told me that I was safe.”
“Why was that?” Erana asked.
“Well, I was surrounded by people I trust – which is rare,” he replied. “It also didn't seem likely we'd be attacked while sleeping in a dragon's den. So, nature took over and I slept like a log.”
“It's good to know you trust me,” the maiden said with a mischievous grin.
“I think we've built up a relationship of mutual trust,” the rogue replied, gazing up into the fair ranger's eyes.
“Well... I wouldn't say that...” she said, smiling before turning her head and whistling for Rragor.
Immediately, the faithful animal leapt to its feet and stepped quickly toward its mistress. As it neared the pair, the beast lowered its head and paused. For a moment, it stood considering Kilren where he still lay on the floor. At last, Rragor approached the rogue; gently sniffing him, and wagging his tail.
“I told you he'd get used to you,” the ranger said, patting the faithful animal.
“He knows he can trust me now,” the rogue observed.
“Maybe he does,” she nodded.
“Maybe you should, too,” the rogue replied, smiling up at Erana and taking her gently by the hand.
In an instant, the wolf snapped his teeth and began to emit the low growl he often used in dealing with the rogue. Kilren quickly withdrew his hand. In response, the animal relaxed and resumed wagging its tail.
“It looks as if he's our chaperone,” Erana giggled.
“Figures...” Kilren replied, shaking his head.
Rragor's warning awakened the other party members. Within minutes, the little band continued their journey; marching through the pass. Slowly, the landscape shifted from the mountainous regions they were leaving to the wooded hills for which they were headed. By the early hours of the afternoon, the party crossed safely into the kingdom of Innalas and, for the time being, out of the reach of Galrin and his men.
The land into which they passed seemed almost enchanted to the young knight. The grass and leaves seemed greener, the air fresher, the sun brighter and Areon itself more alive. It was as if the world had just been born. As the party traveled along, one scenic view after another opened along the route by which Erana led them.
“This is beautiful!” Gwendolyn exclaimed as they passed along the shores of a crystal lake.
The body of water was as smooth as a mirror; its shores were lined water lilies. A family of swans swam slowly over its level surface, leaving only the slightest ripples behind them. Dragonflies darted through the air and colorful birds filled both the sky and the branches of the surrounding trees. Several willows grew along the bank; dipping their drooping branches to the very surface of the water. In the middle of the lake, an island rose from the dark water. It appeared to be a garden covered in flowering trees and shrubs that were, due to the season, all in full bloom. The scene filled Darian with a sense of peace and serenity.
“So, these are the wild lands of Innalas?” he asked, standing at the side of the young maiden and considering the beauties that surrounded them. “I was expecting something more... wild... I guess.”
“Well, we always take care of the roads like this,” Erana replied dismissively.
“The roads?” Kilren asked, turning to the ranger with one raised eyebrow.
“Yes, the roads,” she nodded. “This one may not be often used, but it still needs to be kept in order in case someone needs it. Just as we do today.”
The rogue turned himself completely around; looking carefully in one direction and then another.
“What road?” he asked.
“This road!” Erana exclaimed.
“We're not on a road!” Kilren asserted.
“We are!” the ranger replied.
“Lad, this is a road,” Ian said, nodding at the awestruck rogue. “It's an elvish road.”
“It's incredible!” Gwendolyn said, smiling at Erana.
“It is!” Kilren agreed, “In fact, it's almost not credible. How can you tell we're on it?”
In reply, the fair ranger merely shook her head and waved for the rogue to follow. A few minutes later, the party found themselves standing in a far more muted scene. The trees, that only moments before were so lush and alive, had returned to the everyday plants commonly met with in nature. The grass lost its luster and changed – by degrees – back to the comparatively pale green that the human lands boasted. The flowers were both fewer and less vibrant. Even the birds that had before filled the air with their sweet cries, sat silently in the surrounding trees.
“Alright,” Kilren began, gazing around the glen into which Erana had led them. “Now, I can tell we were on a road before. And, I'm happy to admit that it's amazing! I can even understand why you hate human roads in comparison.”
“Well, I did,” the elvish maiden replied, turning her eyes to Kilren.
“Did?” the rogue asked.
“Well,” she said. “Now, I understand that, even though human roads may be unpleasant, they can still lead you to remarkable – and even beautiful – things.”
Kilren smiled silently at Erana. In return, the ranger blushed before turning quickly to lead the party back the way they had come.
“How did you find the road in the first place?” Gwendolyn asked, strolling alongside the knight only a short distance behind their elvish guide.
“Oh, I didn't,” Erana answered. “We walked right into it at the end of the pass. I had hoped we'd find a road, but I didn't want to say anything until we had.”
“Do you know where it leads?” the maiden asked.
“Not exactly,” the ranger admitted. “I've never traveled this way before. However, it's generally heading east and, as we're heading east, it seems like it's taking us where we want to go. At least, for the moment.”
Suddenly Erana stopped, raising her hand for the entire band to follow her example. As they stood in silence, the ranger readied her bow; the rest of the party followed her martial example and prepared their weapons.
“Who's there?” she asked loudly of the surrounding woodlands.
“The guardians of this place,” a large elf replied, stepping from where he had been hidden in the trees. “I have to ask you exactly what you're doing here.”
The party was quickly surrounde
d by a group of elves that appeared silently from the surrounding bushes.
“We're traveling from Mikral and heading east,” Erana replied confidently, lowering her bow.
The elf who had spoken surveyed the party thoughtfully and seemed to pay special attention to Erana's attire.
“Then, be glad we found you, sister,” he said after a moment's consideration. “The land here isn't safe. In fact, that's why we're out this far. Trolls have begun to be a problem and we're here to solve it. I'm Callin and we're the wardens here. Exactly where are you heading? We'll be happy to escort you.”
“We're heading back into Mikral,” Erana replied. “We plan to cross the Neres river at the Fords of Calmon.”
“I know the place,” Callin nodded. “The village of Earlin would be a good place for you to stop for the night. We'll take you that far. After that, you should be out of danger.”
“We would appreciate the escort,” Erana nodded.
The band quickly resumed its journey; escorted on all sides by the elvish wardens. As they traveled, the party split into four separate couples. Erana and Callin took the lead, speaking quietly to one another as they strolled along. Kilren and Ian followed a short distance behind, engrossed in their own conversation. Next, Tealor and Sarena drifted hand in hand enjoying the beauty of the countryside. At the end of the column, Darian strode in pensive silence with Gwendolyn at his side.
“What is it?” the maiden asked, turning her eyes toward the handsome young knight.
“What do you mean?” Darian asked in reply.
“Well,” Gwendolyn said. “You've suddenly gotten very quiet.”
“I'm just thinking,” he replied.
“About what?” she asked.
“Well,” he sighed. “Mainly about the fact that I'll never truly be a hero.”
“What?” she laughed. “You're already a hero – and your training isn't even complete!”
“No, I'm not,” he replied, shaking his head. “I've done nothing more than I was destined to do. And, I never will...”
“So, sister,” Callin said, glancing back over his shoulder. “You travel with some rather unique companions.”