Illuminated

by Jackie Castle

  She hopped from the branches into his waiting arms, wrapping her own tightly around his neck as she pressed her cheek against his.

  “I’ll always be there when you seek me, my child.” Spinning he repeated, “Always, always, always!”

  Alyra blinked, her vision blurred as Gloria pulled the man’s blindfold off his head. “You found me again, Issah.”

  With a hearty laugh, he set the girl on his shoulders and called to the others, “Who’s hungry? I’m ready to eat, how about you?” The children cheered and bounded after him as he led them toward the tables.

  Lotari draped his arm around her shoulders. “You cry, again? Is something wrong, Alyra?”

  She shook her head. “Happy tears this time. I remember him, Lot. I remember playing that game with him in Aloblase.”

  Lotari planted a kiss on the top of her head. “I like hearing that your good memories are back. Let’s go eat. I’m starved for fresh cooked food.”

  Alyra wiped her eyes dry. They headed for the dinner tables piled with hams, roasted bird, and bowls full of ripe pears, apples, oranges, and peaches. While they ate, she kept trying to remember more, but only the one instance was all that came to mind.

  Issah sat with Jerin and a group of young men. She thought about approaching the prince, but from the enraptured look on her big friend’s face, she decided to wait.

  Once the meal was cleared, the tables were moved away for the celebration. Alyra asked one of the fauns what they were celebrating. “We need a reason? Isn’t life, itself, reason enough to celebrate?” He held up a fiddle and began playing with the others.

  “Yes, life, itself, is a very good reason to celebrate.” She said more to herself since he’d danced away from her. “Especially now.”

  She clapped with the music, watching the dancers twirl in wide circles. They reminded her of watching colorful fall leaves spin to the ground.

  “I need a dance partner.” A familiar voice intruded on her thoughts. She turned to find Issah grinning at her.

  “I’m sure you can find better dance partners than I.”

  “Perhaps. But you’re who I desire to dance with.” He held out his hand, which she took more easily than the last time.

  They wove around the other dancers beneath glowing lanterns hanging in the tree boughs. Her breath caught as they moved to the rhythm of the fast beat, and she marveled at the joy coursing through her body. “This is great!”

  He laughed and she felt that fondness… or love, as Lotari had called it, well up from deep inside her. She wanted to tell him but didn’t know how. The word felt so awkward, so foreign to actually say.

  The music ended, but he didn’t release her. “I know you’ve been through some rough spots since you left Marya’s. Are you all doing better now?”

  She couldn’t help but grin at his uncanny ability to know things. “Yes, lots better.”

  “I’m so proud of how you stood up for Lotari. You are a brave and loyal friend.”

  She blushed. “I started to doubt. I wasn’t sure what was true. That man said you...”

  “And yet, you followed your heart and found the truth in there where it’s been all along.”

  “Something told me to do that.” She eyed him suspiciously.

  Issah stood before her, still holding her hands in his. “I’ll be there for you whenever you need me, Alyra. I love you very much.”

  He began to release her when she held tighter. “I understand now. Love. Or, I think I understand better.” He smiled at her and she went on, “And I remember you. Today, when you were playing games with the children and that girl… I—”

  “Remembered us playing the same games?” He finished.

  Tears welled up, blinding her vision. Her voice cracked when she blurted, “What happened to me? How did I lose you?”

  He pressed her hands tightly to his chest. “You never lost me, Alyra. You merely looked the other way for a while. But I was there even then. I never forgot you and now here you are. Soon enough, you’ll remember everything when you are ready.”

  His arms encircled her and didn’t let go until her tears subsided. The music had resumed and they swayed gently to the sounds, until the lightness of the music lifted her spirits again.

  After awhile he stepped back from her, his eyes intent and a slight smile on his face. “There is another here who desires to speak with me tonight. Don’t forget what I’ve said.” He walked over to a group of dwarves playing cards with Lotari and Jerin. Issah touched Jerin’s shoulder. “Follow me, son.”

  Jerin’s eyes widened as the cards fell from his big hands. Immediately, he was on his feet and following Issah who led him deep into the orchard.

  Chapter 29

  Tall, jagged mountains rose up into the crisp blue sky, their granite tops shrouded in misty clouds. A sparkling band of water cascaded down into a rocky valley, splattered with red, yellow and purple wildflowers. The river course twisted down along the lower hills until it fed into a large blue pristine lake. The travelers headed for the town Denovo, nestled in the foothills of the Semitamon Mountains.

  “Well,” Jerin shifted his pack onto his other shoulder. “Such a beautiful sight. Much more interesting and pleasant than the dank woods we’ve been traveling through.”

  Lotari took a deep breath, his round, brown eyes glazed over dreamily. “I could call this home and be happy for the remainder of the century. Look at the foliage.” He pointed to one particular yellow flower. “The petals will make a wonderful tea for when a person is feeling down. And over here-” He trotted to a dusty-green bush covered with spiked leaves. “-this reduces fever.”

  Alyra cocked an eyebrow. “Lot, how old are you, anyway?”

  “Oh, I’m still a colt compared to most in the clan. Why, I’m merely approaching my second hundred years. Look!” He raced down the path and gathered another handful of flowers.

  She turned her attention to the breath-taking mountains and wondered if the White Road would lead them over or around tall peaks. Their purple heights caused her head to swim when she craned her neck to see the cloud-enshrouded top.

  Jerin sighed. “They said we can see Aloblase once we’re on the other side.”

  “They look awfully tall and steep.” Alyra gulped down the growing anxiety clogging her throat.

  He shrugged. “One thing at a time. Let’s get to Denovo. Then we’ll worry about the mountains.” Jerin kept bumping into the centaur who repeatedly stopped in his way to gather plants.

  “This one will cure a headache.” Lotari cast a wry grin at Jerin. “I could use a lot of this.”

  Jerin gave his chestnut tail a sharp tug. Lotari bolted off. He stopped, shooting him an annoyed glare, which quickly turned into an impish grin.

  That night, they camped along the lake shore beneath a band of spruce. A full moon reflected off the lake’s shimmering surface. Six weeks had passed since they’d left Marya’s.

  As usual, Lotari prepared the meal while Jerin stoked the flames. Alyra helped him chop the last of the vegetables from the provisions they’d received in Jolly Orchard.

  Once the fire blazed, Jerin sat back with his newly acquired book of The King’s Letters. He’d never shared what Issah spoke to him about, but something had changed in the large man. Jerin had a quiet confidence now, where he didn’t seem so intent on proving himself anymore. Often he’d asked questions of Lotari about passages from the book. Even more amazing to her was the fact he listened with rapt attention to every word the centaur said. Finally, they had become friends.

  Two days later, they made their way into Denovo. Three major roads joined at the entrance. Cobblestone streets wove past grayed stucco and wooden buildings. The township flowed upward, following the slope of the foothills at the base of the Semitamon Mountains. The main road, which led right through the middle of the district, was lined with all sorts of vendors and people milling around.

  “Where is the meeting hall?” Alyra asked as they continued on the King’s H
ighway toward the settlement’s entrance.

  “Good question,” Lotari’s eyes scanned the city. “It should be the most prominent building in a township.”

  Jerin halted where the path veered away from the city.

  Alyra followed the White Road with her eyes as it wound up into the mountain cliffs until it disappeared amidst the crags and trees.

  “Now what do we do?” Weariness cramped Alyra’s muscles. Jerin refused to stop for their normal break saying they’d rest when they reached Denovo. She stared upward into the misty peaks. “It’s so steep, I can’t even see where the path goes.”

  “Climb.” Lotari replied.

  “Easy for you,” Jerin quipped. “In case you hadn’t noticed, two of us aren’t built like a mountain goat.”

  Lotari grinned. “Oh, I’ve noticed. Only I try not to hold it against you.”

  Alyra shot the centaur a that’s-not-funny look.

  Jerin watched the bustling city for a long moment. His shoulders sagged almost as much as hers.

  Finally, he suggested, “Let’s go to the inn and get something to eat. I think we should rent a place to stay for the night and replenish our stock tomorrow. We’ll need warmer clothes in the mountains.” He grinned at Lotari. “Well, Alyra and I will anyway.”

  Lotari, put his hands on his waist. “You assume they’ll rent me a room? If you think I’m going to stay in the barn while you two toast your ghastly little toes next to a warm fire, you are delusional. And for your information, just because I have a little more fur than you, my warrior friend, doesn’t mean I don’t feel the cold as well.”

  Alyra rolled her eyes and with a loud sigh. “Both of you boneheads are missing the most obvious problem.”

  “What’s that?” they asked in unison.

  “The white path doesn’t seem to go into the town.”

  Jerin shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. We must stop here before going up into those mountains. There are no other towns between the mountains and Aloblase.”

  “I’m starving. And exhausted.” Alyra looked to Lotari who silently stared at the glistening rocks. “We’re nearly out of food, Lot.”

  His brows furrowed with worry as he shook his head. “We’ll be taking a risk. This seems all wrong to me. There must be a safe place to get provisions… I know it. Did Issah say anything to either of you about this town?”

  Jerin and Alyra both shrugged, before she said, “You were there when he left us that morning.”

  Nodding, Jerin added, “He mentioned something about an increase in our numbers and to take care with alliances. ‘Don’t let perspective blind you. Wisdom looks at things from all sides.’” Jerin swept his arm toward the town, “I have no idea what that means. What I do know is we’ll have a better chance of meeting people in there than out here. And in the meantime, we can purchase supplies.”

  “And sleep in a real bed.” Alyra was tired of the hard ground.

  Lotari looked from the gates, to the mountains, then to them. He horse legs shuffled as they often did he grew agitated. “He also told us to stay on the path.”

  “But that’s what he always says,” Jerin shot back. He took a deep breath and said matter-of-factually, “Let’s not be narrow-minded about this. When I researched Denovo, all the books claimed this was a kingdom town. The path still goes beside it. Remember how we thought the rocks disappeared when the dirt road covered it? Perhaps the White Road still goes through the town, but it’s harder to see.

  “Look, I say we remain low key while we’re here. I’ll do all the legwork. We’ll get a room tonight. Lotari, you can manage one day indoors. In the morning, I’ll get our supplies. Find out some information. You’ll stay out of site with Alyra and keep her safe. Who knows, maybe we’ll meet up with someone who can show us an easier way past the mountains.”

  “What easier way?” Lotari snapped. “There’s the path, we should remain on it. Simple! That’s what we were told, and that’s what we must do!”

  “Okay!” Jerin yelled. “Enough all ready. I hear you.”

  Alyra stepped between them and put a hand on each of their arms. “Everyone take a deep breath and calm down. We’re tired. We’re hungry. And we have to get more supplies and warmer clothes for the trip over.”

  The men both nodded in agreement.

  “Lotari, pull the cloak out of my pack, will you? I’ll cover my head, see?” She showed him how well the hooded cape hid her. “Jerin, you do the talking.”

  Despite any doubts he might have had with the plan Lotari nodded anyway. “Very well. But give me your dagger. If we come into trouble, which won’t surprise me in the least, I can fight easier with this than my arrows.” He tucked the knife inside his hip pack.

  They entered the first inn they came upon and found all manner of creatures from big, burly men to small Okbolds mingling inside. She even spotted two fauns who were part of the musicians playing over the clamor of voices.

  Deer and bear heads decorated the dark paneled walls. Shouts and growling laughter came from the pub, off to the left of the entrance way. To the right, soft music filtered in from an open door leading out to a patio. Alyra peered through her hood to see people gathered around dining tables under vine-covered arbors and surrounded by flowers and fountains. What wonderful place to sit back and relax, but the growing tension in her stomach made her doubtful she’d be able to loosen up until they were on the other side of the Semintamons. Lotari’s hand rested on her shoulder. She squeezed one of his fingers, glad he was close. His twitching ears told her he was unsettled as well.

  Jerin went up to the desk, which sat between the bar and dining area.

  “We’d like two rooms please. Lower level if possible.”

  The attendant, a squat, squint-eyed man nodded his balding head toward Lotari. “What ’bout ’im, ay? Has ’e left ’is ranks, or somet’in’?”

  Jerin’s brows furrowed. “Pardon me? I didn’t get that.”

  The man’s eyes narrowed even more. “Eh, yourn beasty, thar. Es ’e yours?”

  Jerin turned to Alyra silently asking for help. She tried to piece together the fractured speech and came up with, “I think he’s asking if Lotari is our…beast? Or if he’s left his rank? It seems he thinks Lotari is part of a military unit. Are soldiers here in town?”

  “Eh, ya thar is, Missy. T’ey comes an’ t’ey go. Nasties wit’ t’em, too. Ain’t ever meet a woolly one, liken ’im, on ’is lonesome, ay?”

  “Oh, I see,” Alyra explained to Jerin, “soldiers have been coming and going. Sir, do they wear black helmets?”

  Dread filled her chest. Lot’s nails dug into her shoulder.

  “Ay, tey do.”

  “Wonderful.” Sweat beaded up along her forehead and neck. Please don’t let Bezoar be here! “They have, uh-” She glanced tentatively at Lotari. “-nasties. I’m guessing they are some of the beasts. Probably trolls, dwarfs, and evidently centaurs. He thinks you’ve left your unit, Lot.”

  “Well, I most certainly have not!” His chest swelled as he bristled with anger.

  Alyra grasped the centaur’s hand, still digging into her flesh. She patted his arm to silence him.

  Jerin turned back to the assistant. “Can we get those rooms? He is traveling with us and will share a room with me.”

  The man scratched his whiskered chin. “Well, I’ll be. Two will do. Only has upper floor. Take et or leave et.”

  Lotari’s face paled.

  Alyra whispered, “You can do this. Just one night, Lot. That’s all.”

  Jerin held out his hand for the keys.

  The innkeeper dropped them into his palm with a chuckle. “Jus’ wen you t’ink you see all…you see ever more, eh?”

  “We’d appreciate if you’ll send up three dinners?”

  “Ay.” He leaned over the desk closer to Jerin, “I say keep yer pet out a sight, ay? T’ay keen on ’em, know wat I mean?”

  Jerin’s hand rested on his sword hilt. “I hear you, thanks. I trust you to keep q
uiet about us, as well.”

  “Aye. I nevah speaks on who stays ’ere. Nevah.”

  With a nod, Jerin pushed Lotari him toward the stairs.

  The centaur glared at the man. “Did he just call me your pet?”

  “Move, Lot.” Alyra and Jerin both shoved him ahead of them. When they reached the upstairs landing, Lotari spun around, bumping the walls of the narrow hallway. “I don’t understand. But I see it on your face. Why did that…that human speak of me in such a manner? What did he mean?”

  Jerin held up both his hands to stop him. Opening the second door along the hall, he motioned everyone inside.

  Setting the lock, he heaved a long sigh. “We all know they use centaurs. That couple wanted you for a bounty. Most don’t freely enlist to fight for the Dark Lord.” He looked away from Lotari’s questioning stare. “Centaurs are more efficient than a horse. They can carry a rider and are fierce fighters.”

  Lotari narrowed his eyes on Jerin. “You fought my kind in battle, haven’t you?”

  Jerin nodded.

  “And that is the reason you hated me at first. But, you’ve kept what you’ve seen to yourself. Why?”

  Jerin’s hands trembled, as a deep intake of breath puffed out his chest. He moved away from the door and went to the window, his blue eyes focused on something far away, something that caused his face to blanch with pain.

  “I watched as one of them ripped off my friend’s head with its bare hands. It then reached down into his body, pulled out his heart, and ate it.”

  Alyra thought she was going to be sick. No wonder Jerin kept such a tale to himself.

  Burying her face in her hands, she knew what caused such a demented madness in a creature. She’d been the one to help Darnel obtain the power to create his monsters. She clutched her stomach, fighting back the wave of nausea washing over her.

  Lotari’s fist clenched into tight balls. His tan coloring paled. Alyra wondered if he felt as sick as she did.

  Jerin turned to Lotari. “Something was wrong with that beast. Its eyes... they were the color of the wolves we encountered.” He glanced at Alyra. “And its hands were twisted. Like,” He shook his head, struggling for words. “I don’t know. I just... know... after seeing you, and some of your clan, I know the dark one had... altered the creatures we met. But, when I first met you, every time I saw you, I’d see my friend’s death all over again and again.”