Past of Shadows

by Colleen Connally

  The ground shook. Around her feet, the brown earth turned to green. The clouds scattered, allowing the bright sun to emerge. Trees rose from seeds. To his right, fields thrived with long, green stalks of corn growing alongside brown sheaves of wheat. To his left, pastureland was fenced in with the emergence of sheep and cows.

  “Now, Alric of House Sexton, cloak what you see.” Sae stood, pointing out over the scene. “Say what is in your heart. Cloak the Eye of Asmeodai.”

  His heart moved in amazement. He made no protest. Widening his arms in front of himself, he spoke the words loudly. Tiakina te hunga i roto i tenei whare tapu. Kaua e whakaaturia to maatau.

  Magic surged flowing through him. Stronger and stronger. Suddenly, he collapsed.

  Sae helped him to his feet. It was done. A sanctuary for the survivors.

  Once more magic…good magic could live.

  * * * *

  Over eight years had passed since that day. The cloak had remained secure, though Sae’s magic had waned. An elf’s magic came from nature, the sun, earth, and water. Sae had been blocked from that which her she drew her strength.

  Alric worried.

  The Woodland Elf had become his confidante. He trusted no one like he did Sae and her wise counsel. She had a second sense when it came to understanding men. One that he did not possess.

  For the last few months, Sae tired easily and grew pale, even paler than when she had been healthy. Alric had more concerns than losing her counsel.

  He did not possess magic to transport. If Sae’s condition worsened, his trips to Troms would end. The greatest worry, though, was the loss of Tuhinga o Mua. Alric feared the life of the earth that sustained their existence would end.

  He had returned from his last trip to Troms…a day late. Sae had not recalled him at the appointed time. Uneasy, he rushed to find her.

  Sae sat on a rock in front of the largest waterfall. He was not surprised that a group of young children sat around her. She told the stories of old, the teachings of Witheleghe. The children sat enthralled by her words.

  “It was in the early days, more than three thousand years ago when the earth had been warring for over five hundred years. Finally, the chaos had been silenced,” Sae said. “Three warriors sat around a fire after the Reckoning. Three of the mightiest of warriors.

  “The first said if he was granted, he would choose to rule by the lands to provide order and peace. The second said if he was granted, he would rule by the skies to ensure peace. The third said if he was granted, he would rule with understanding.

  “The One heard their prayers and granted them. He gave to the first, the great plains of the east, filled with creatures of every sort. Bears, elephants, tigers and lions. It was known as Arachnida. Great powerful rivers flowed through the lands, but the first warrior lost sight of his promise. He drained his lands of all it had, turning them into barren waste lands. He was left with only the ants and spiders on the ground, scorpions under the rocks and flies in the air. He was known as Asmeodai. He turned his people into Arachnidans and set his sights upon the other blessed realms.

  “For the second warrior, the One gave the skies. Sordarin, they were called for the males were given the ability to fly like a hawk. From that day, Sordarins have ruled the skies. Given the Siochanta Realm to rule, Falco, the first of his name, King of Scarladin, leader of House Calledwdele, encountered many problems with the vast lands. In the end, he determined that those that weren’t Sordarins, were to be ruled separately. He allowed the formation of régimes for those lands. While Sordarins are renowned for their aggression and strength, they have chosen to rule only themselves. Rewarded for his act, the One made a promise to send a Euchoun if Sordarins were ever threatened.

  “The third, most humble warrior, Dyrdahl Flandigana, asked only to give back to his lands. The One smiled upon him and blessed him with Witheleghe, a land filled with magic. Magical creatures found a home, protected from those who coveted their magic. Elves, dwarfs, dragons and fairies lived within the Charmed Woods and Maunga Mountains. For the humans, one magic ability was given to each house, but with it came great responsibility. Each house was to care for their estates and vassals. House Flandigana was blessed with the most powerful and dominant magic.

  “There lay the beginning of the Three Realms.”

  Walking to her side, Alric smiled. He had heard the story many times over the years. Sae wanted the young ones to know the teachings of their past.

  “Sae,” Alric said, motioning for to her leave with him. “We need to talk.”

  She nodded weakly. “But of course.”

  “She needs to rest.”

  “Phiala, I heartily agree on that point.” Alric glanced down at the dwarf. Phiala stood just under three feet. She was a lady, dressed in an elegant snow-white gown. She wore a chain of silver and diamonds, a gift from her husband, Nevan. He whispered to her, “I had to hide in Troms an extra day. She could not bring me home.”

  Phiala frowned. “It is what I feared. She is fading.”

  “We cannot allow that. Tell me what we must do,” Alric demanded.

  The dwarf reached up and squeezed his hand. “Let me see her to her home. Then we will talk.”

  * * * *

  Alric stood in the threshold, blinking. He was in the village tavern, Gypsumbasher. Over the years, a town had evolved within the cave. Sae had done well. If not for the sorrow most of the inhabitants carried with them, the hamlet would have been a happy place.

  The children played around the small lakes. Laughter and chatter filled the air. In the beginning, the adults worked only in the fields. Soon, though, the village grew. A baker’s shop. A market. A seamstress. A blacksmith. There had even been a militia formed in case, Heaven forbid, Asmeodai discovered their refuge.

  Homes spread deep within the cavern. Sae had ensured everyone had a safe haven. She cared not for who they were. There were those that came from noble families, vassals, dwarfs, and elves. Tuhinga o Mua welcomed all from the wrath of Asmeodai.

  The room was wide with a high dome ceiling. Beautiful stalactites hung down. Lamps had been attached to give light to what would have been darkness. On the tables of dark wood, candles burned brightly. At the far side of the room, Alric spotted Phiala with her husband, Nevan, who ran the tavern, sitting at a table with two empty chairs. They were waiting for him.

  “Sit, Ser Alric,” Nevan said, bowing his head.

  Alric smiled to himself. Here in Tuhinga o Mua there were no titles, but the dwarf insisted upon holding to the old order. The old dwarf had been a miner before what was now known as the Dawn of the End.

  For generations, Nevan’s family had been miners of diamonds and emeralds. He had brought his third wife, Phiala, to Troms on his yearly venture to sell his wares to the richest of Witheleghe when the attack began.

  Alric had found the couple almost six months after the walls fell.

  Dwarfs, Nevan had said, have a natural instinct to survive. The inventive dwarf had dug underneath the rubble. Unfortunately, their water and food ran out. They had no choice but to emerge.

  When Alric found the pair, Asmeodai’s Night Raiders had been on their trail. He barely had time to cloak the two when the Night Raiders raced down the darkened street. Alric had taken a huge chance for neither of dwarfs knew his purpose.

  Nevan bragged later that his sixth sense told him to trust the stranger at a time when trusting anyone could be deadly. But Alric jested that the decision wasn’t so hard, easier to trust a stranger than the Night Raiders.

  “Dear friends,” Alric addressed the couple. Pulling the chair back, he sat. “I will not mince words. I hold a great worry about Sae’s health.”

  “As do we,” Phiala replied. “When I walked Sae back to her cottage, she recognized the state she is in. She needed to return to the Charmed Woods to recover…if she can. She has left.”

  Alric scowled. Those were not the words he wanted to hear. What was to become of Tuhinga o Mua?

  F
rom the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a woman coming towards them. She was most beautiful.

  She walked with a slender grace, which called attention to her breathtaking beauty. Her long, white hair rippled down her shoulders, falling freely to her thighs. On top of her head, she wore a crown of living flowers. Her gown was made of a sheer, light green overlaying white silk.

  “But Sae has not left us alone,” Phiala continued. “She called forth another to help us.” She swung her hand out to present the lady. “Ser Alric, this is Bae, Sae’s sister.”

  Bae smiled at Alric. The blue in her eyes twinkled.

  Mesmerized, Alric could only stare. The first time in his life, he was at a loss for words.

  Fire of Asmeodai

  Alric lay upon the hill overlooking Tuhinga o Mua. He thought for a great time until he noticed the darkness giving way to a faint light. The view was quite disquieting.

  The village still looked peaceful and serene, green and flourishing. Yet, the last wheat crop had failed. Never had that had happened since the formation of the settlement.

  A bad omen.

  The world around him was collapsing. He felt it. There was nothing he could do. They all were trapped. How long can we hold out in this sanctuary before Asmeodai finds us now?

  “Do not lose heart, Ser Alric.”

  He had not heard her approach, forgetting that elves can walk without sound or footfall. Turning, he faced the lovely Bae.

  Over the last week, he had reprimanded himself greatly for his embarrassing response at their introduction. Yet, he found himself again at a loss of words. I am not a foolish youngling.

  She proved otherwise. She smiled.

  Reaching out, she took his hand in hers.

  He withdrew it. “My lady, I think not.”

  “Come, Ser Alric,” Bae said. “We do not have time for the game men play. You feel it. As do I.”

  “Don’t press me, my lady.” Alric took a step back. “There is no time for an affair of the heart.”

  “Time is endless to a heart,” she whispered. “But I will forestall what is inevitable. There is a need that cannot wait.”

  He looked at her. Bae was nothing like her sister. Sae had been serious and reserved. This elfin was light and airy as if she hadn’t a worry in the world. Granted, the ground beneath her bare feet grew green at her touch.

  She glanced behind him. “Your worry should not be for the crops. Another will not fail…at least for the time being.”

  “Tell me, what then should it be?”

  “Through my sister, I have known you,” Bae said. “I know you to have courage, Ser Alric. Courage it will take for what lies ahead.”

  “How would you know what your sister thought of me?” Alric asked, giving little credence to her words.

  She smiled once more. “Upon Sae’s return, her thoughts and mine were one.”

  “Then you would know how dire our circumstances are?”

  Lowering her gaze, she nodded. “I have seen.”

  “And you came.”

  “Yes,” she answered. “You intrigued me, Ser Alric, but I came because my sister asked.”

  “Sae is a good person. I’m sure your older sister will be…”

  “Older? Than I?” she laughed. “But you are wrong. It is I that is older than she.”

  “But…”

  “There is much you do not know of us elves,” she said. Walking in front of him, Bae stared over Tuhinga o Mua. “It is not necessary for you to, only that you are correct. Sae is good, much more so than I.”

  “Tell me what I do need to know,” he demanded. “I’m tired of not knowing what I face.”

  Nodding, she turned back to him. “You are right. It is time.”

  She reached out and touched him.

  * * * *

  Alric had become use to transporting, but he was not prepared for the destination. Bae had taken him to a place he had never been.

  The two stood in the middle of a dead forest. As far as he could see, there was no animal life, no living tree, and no water.

  Entwining her hand in his, they began to walk over the dried, brittle woodland. Gradually, the landscape altered. On the shoulder of a hill-top, Alric felt a whisper of air. Beneath him, the ground became soft…then a meadow of green grass. In the distance, he heard strange cries of birds.

  As they journeyed, small seedlings sprouted within the dead trees. Above them, a moving shadow hid the sun. Yet, the forest turned alive at next hilltop. Tall, broad trees with limbs of great magnitude was covered in green leaves.

  They came to where the ground widened and flattened. Before them was a large lake. Around the water, animals drank. Animals of all sorts. Bears, deer, cougars, flagons, and the rare unicorn but there were others Alric had never laid eyes upon.

  A large beast with a head like a lion and a tail like a serpent. Beside it was another with an eagle’s head and lion’s body with strong wings. Small furry animals with round faces and tiny little legs. Such strange magnificent creatures were not disturbed by their presence.

  “Beautiful, are they not?”

  He had almost forgotten Bae stood beside him. “Where are we?”

  “Dochas.” Leaning down, she ran her hand through the water. “Taste. You must be thirsty.”

  Alric was parched. Yet, he hesitated. “I know not what I drink.”

  The dark shadow above him circled. Swirling in the wind, a figure emerged from the haze. A gray hooded man…woman…Alric could not tell. The face was smooth; the hands looked soft. Yet, the shoulders were broad; the height, tall.

  Slowly, it dawned upon him. Though, he had never seen one, he stood before an Ermafóditos.

  “Bae, you have returned.”

  “I promised I would,” she said, rising to her feet. “I brought him.”

  Alric felt the eyes of the Ermafóditos on him. He shook his head, taking no more of it.

  “Tell me now why you brought me here, Bae?”

  She laughed. “Pardon my friend, Cayce. I’ve told him nothing.”

  “As was directed,” Cayce said blandly. “Follow me.”

  Shaking his hand in front of his face, Alric said, “I go no further until I’m told…”

  “Ser Alric, if this wasn’t necessary, I would not have gone to all the trouble to bringing you here. Now, come.”

  Cayce spoke the words without thought of being disobeyed. Alric hesitated, but realized he hadn’t another option. He followed. Though, he asked, “And here would be?”

  The look Cayce gave silenced Alric. He remained so until Cayce stopped before an old, small hut with a thatched roof in the middle of the dense forest. The weathered door opened, but only two entered. Bae stayed outside.

  “No,” Alric said, turning back to her. “You brought me…”

  The door shut.

  Alric’s anger grew. At least, he called it anger. He refused to consider it fear.

  “Ser Alric of House Sexton, let go of your trepidation. You need to see all with an open heart.”

  “Who…who are you? Why am I here?” Alric demanded. It had become obvious to Alric that Cayce had a purpose for him. He was quite tired of risking his life for a purpose.

  Swinging around, he found his voice had faltered.

  Somehow…someway, he had walked into the past.

  * * * *

  Alric could see the Bell Tower at his home, Arch of Garten. He smelled the gardenias in his mother’s garden, the aroma of roasted mutton from the hearth’s fire. He knew every step up the tower. Many days, his brothers and he would play within the confines of the bailey and towers. He saw the entrance to a secret passage behind the stairwell where he had hid many times in his youth.

  A squeal of laughter broke the silence. He watched himself as a child running from his older brothers, who tackled him. Laughing uncontrollably, the three rolled in the dirt. Then his mother appeared, holding his youngest brother in her arms. She looked happy. Love radiated from her.

  H
is heart tugged at the sight. He had forgotten. The scene faded into a mist, leaving him alone with Cayce in the grey darkness of the hut.

  “What are you doing?” Alric cried in frustration. “Is it your desire to torment me?”

  “A remembrance only,” Cayce stated plainly. “I have never given to a human what you have seen. I gave to you for you have given yourself. I have seen the world outside. My friends, the elves, the fairies, and the Tollins, are endangered.”

  “The whole of Witheleghe is,” Alric countered. “You talk to me only for you are frightened for your world? What of mine?”

  Slowly, Cayce faced Alric. There was no expression on the Ermafóditos. “Do not ask me, mortal. Your world is mine, also,” Cayce stated. “I will tell you what you have need to know.”

  A pale mist smoldered about Alric. It cleared. No more was Alric in the middle of a forest. He stood in the depths of the earth. Dark, foreboding figures walked through the scorching, hot cavern.

  Sweat beaded on his forehead, he felt heat. In the distance, he heard banging, the clanging of metal against rock. A light flashed. A man appeared. Alric recognized him—Thardalf of House Reishus. His wife had been Princess Azure, daughter of King Darius.

  “How is the tunnel coming?” Thardalf walked toward the dark figures. Alric followed, quickly coming to an opening.

  Torches lit the whole of the tunnel. Alric saw before him what he had only heard about in rumors and whispers. A hundred men, women, and even children, ragged and unwashed, were chained together with picks and shovels. A long, wide passageway had been burrowed.

  The place reeked with an odor that gagged Alric. The filthy workers were emaciated and wore nothing but rags. Alric saw no visible water barrels. The Arachnidan soldiers whipped one that slowed their progress. The debilitated woman fell to the ground. Again, the soldier whipped her, but to no avail.

  An officer took out a crossbow. The officers looked indistinguishable from the soldiers, except in their cloaks were sewn the scorpion’s sigil and their helms were of bright red. He shot the slave through the heart. He laughed as did those around him.