by Tom Keller
"Just like the one before," I muttered.
"What was that?" Siegfried asked.
"Just like the one before," I repeated. "When Sendy and I were attacked the same thing happened. There was some kind of portal made of magic on a wall. Before I could examine it, it too, turned to ash."
"These are not like the one before," I heard Sendy say. I turned and saw that she was now back to full size, kneeling down looking at the one that I had killed.
"No, that one was Fae. I don’t know what these things are," I answered, trying to decide my next move. "Sendy, I need you to go to Handion's and bring Diantha and Gerda here with Sophie as well. There's probably no more need of stealth, but try to do it quietly anyway. Then we can decide what to do next."
"As you wish, my Lord."
If that one had an amulet, where was the other's? I went back to the body that I had examined and rifled through its clothing again.
"Something?" Siegfried asked.
"I don’t know," I answered as I looked around the body. "I just figured that if that one had one, where's this one's?"
"Perhaps it was used up when they travelled here," Siegfried replied.
"Maybe, but if they're portals, why walk to the inn? And stone again? The one that attacked Sendy and I had sketched his onto a stone wall?"
"That I cannot say," he answered, and then paused, a thoughtful look on his face. "Unless he was the maker."
"Ballsy enough to attack me in person there, but not here? Let's assume that's the case, what can we surmise from that?"
"Perhaps he would be recognized here, or was not sure of our location. Then again the use of such magic here would most likely be discovered. I think it is more likely that these were scouts or on some type of reconnaissance. In either case, had we fought them at the inn, we could not have concealed our identities for long. That may have been their goal as although they were hard to kill, their tactics and fighting ability were less than poor."
"Maybe that’s all they wanted, to see if we were here and get us to reveal ourselves if we were."
"That is as good a theory as any."
Our conversation was interrupted when Sendy reappeared with Diantha.
"Well you've been busy," she commented as she looked over the bodies.
"Just a tad," I replied as Sendy disappeared again. "Any idea what they are?"
She bent down and kicked a few parts. Finally kneeling by a head, she picked it up and examined it eye to eye. She might not be a warrior in the conventional sense but never let it be said that she was squeamish.
"They look almost like the Spartoi," she said. "Or at least some bastard version."
"Spartoi," I repeated. "What are they?"
"They are the sown men," she explained. "First sown from Dragon's teeth by Cadmus near Thebes."
"I'm sorry, I don’t recall the story."
"I do, it was my prophecy that sent him there."
"Your prophecy?"
"Wait," I heard Siegfried say. "Of course, Jason and the Argonauts. In the search for the Golden Fleece. He was given teeth from the same Dragon in a quest."
That story I had heard, but to be truthful, I remembered Harryhausen's special effects in the movie more than anything I'd read. But I thought it might be better not to mention that.
"So Charlie was closer to the truth after all."
"Yes," Siegfried agreed. "That explains their lack of skill. It is said that in both instances, a stone was thrown among them to confuse them and they were then easily defeated."
"All true, but these are different," Diantha remarked. "I was in Thebes after the formation of the city and met some of the Spartoi that later became loyal to Cadmus. They looked more like men, these… these are at best an imitation."
By that time, Sendy was back with Gerda and Sophie. Gerda agreed with Diantha's deduction that these creatures were some form of Spartoi. We could only conclude that whatever magic they had used to create these things had, as usual, been corrupted.
That discussion aside, I told the group what had occurred up until now, including my conversation with the winged horse and Handion. Although they were not happy with the fact that I had not told them immediately, they seemed to understand. Then again, what choice did they have? Discussing what to do next, I decided it was best not to return to the Inn.
"I wish we knew if our little altercation here has alerted anyone," I said.
"There was no indication that anything was afoot at the inn," Gerda offered. "We were watchful and saw nothing that raised any alarm."
"True," agreed Diantha. "But we also do not know if someone there betrayed us."
"It's just too risky. We'll set off for Demeter's gate instead."
"The Elf would not betray us," Siegfried said. "If he was against our quest he would have told us, it is their way. Besides, he would certainly not align himself with such evil beings. Then there is the Pterippus to consider. It is said that they are the most noble of creatures."
"Can you find the Gate from here?" Diantha asked.
"I know someone that can," I replied. "Let's go."
Chapter 8
It took us a while to get back to the stream. I suppose we could have used Sendy, but she'd done enough for one day. Since she was tired, I had her revert to Faerie form and travel the rest of the way on my shoulder. Besides, I needed to think and the hour or so walk gave me the time to do just that. As we reached the water, I stopped and turned to my companions.
"I think Siegfried hit the nail on the head. Whoever sent the Spartoi against us wants us to reveal ourselves too soon. But we're also being directed. It's clear we haven’t been in control of things since we got here. First the Elf's revelation of the gate, then the offer of assistance by the winged horse, and if I'm right, I've already met the guardian of the gate.
"Trying to scope the place out has been a bust. We probably should have just had the Hamadryads take us to a tree close to the Temple. I'm not sure how much good stealth is going to do us now. Oh well, water under the bridge… no pun intended."
I placed my hand into the water and sent a call through for Plataia. A minute later, it started to bubble and rise as a figure began to take shape. Within moments it transformed and a water Faerie appeared, but it wasn't Plataia.
"Who are you?" I asked. As I said it I could hear the sounds of swords being drawn by Siegfried and Gerda. Then Charlie spoke up.
"No weapons. Is friend," he said.
"Lady of the water," Sophie added.
Here we go again, I thought, wondering who else I was going to meet that knew about our little adventure. I looked up and realized that this was no ordinary Fae. Clad in white, the color of pure foam, she appeared older than I would have expected. She had long, light brown hair, accented by streaks of blonde, with, deep, blue eyes. There was a look of maturity in her face. If she'd been human, I'd have guessed her to be in her forties. Here, there was no telling what her real age could be. Like all Fae she was beautiful, and reminded me a little of Meredith, in her Nereid persona.
She stepped onto the shore and bowed.
"Welcome, I am Cyrene, of the Naiad."
"And I am Robert Hoskins," I said, deciding to drop the Rupertos alias. I rather doubted that I'd need it now.
"I know who you are, and of your companions," she said, turning to the others. "Welcome, Siegfried and Gerda of the North, and blessed greetings to you, Oracle." She bowed to each as she spoke their name and then got down on one knee to greet the dogs. "Sophie is well known to me and the trees have often spoken of the great hunter, Karalos." She continued as she petted each one in turn before standing back up.
"As for you Robert, you I would know anywhere. You have your grandmother's eyes."
"How do you know us… wait, you knew my grandmother?" I asked. This was getting more interesting by the minute.
"Many times I spoke with her along this very stream, and with Gabriele as well. We ruled this portion of Fae together, her the land and I the waters
, as it should be."
"And now?" I asked. "What of my aunt Cacilia?"
"Come," she motioned. "Let us journey by water. We will talk on the way." She turned and faced the stream, raising her right arm. The water bubbled and a boat appeared. Nothing majestic, it was a simple longboat, even if it did look like it was made of glass. But at least it was large enough for all of us.
As it reached the shore, she stepped aboard and moved to the front. Looking back at the others, I shrugged my shoulders and stepped on to follow her. Siegfried and Diantha got on next, with Gerda and the dogs behind. As I sat down next to her, the boat began to move up stream.
"Where are we going?"
"To that which you seek," she answered.
"Just to make sure we're on the page, what is it that you think I am seeking?"
She began to laugh. Well, giggle really. There was nothing evil in the sound. To be honest, it was kinda cute. But I knew, once again, that I was missing information.
"Why, Demeter's Temple, of course. Why else would you be here?"
"So much for stealth," Siegfried said, leaning forward to whisper in my ear.
"Did you not know that I would be waiting?" Cyrene asked. "Surely you were told."
"No one told us anything" I answered. "We came on our own."
"Curious," she replied. "Surely Maria left you something that would explain what to do. How else did you know to come here?"
"I didn’t know," I answered, becoming irritated. "My grandmother died twenty five years ago, my mother over forty. Except for the stories she told me as a child, she never said anything. I only came here, to this stream that is, because of Handion and Plataia. Before that, I hadn't decided what path I'd take. Are you trying to say you were expecting me?"
Cyrene became quiet, a pained look on her face. Then, without warning, the boat sped up.
"What's the hurry all of a sudden?" I asked.
"I would continue this conversation," she replied. "But perhaps it would be best to do so at our destination."
I guess I wasn't the only one who didn’t have the whole picture today. After about ten minutes we began to slow down. The boat then pulled up to the shore where a small creek emptied into the stream.
"We will walk from here." Stepping off the boat Cyrene waited until we were all ashore and with a wave of her hand, the boat melted back into the stream.
We walked maybe a hundred yards when I sensed a faint glimmer of magic appearing almost as a veil in front of me. To someone else it would simply appear to be tightly packed forest, but I knew it wasn't real. Cyrene stopped just before she would have entered what looked like the forest proper.
"Some things are best kept hidden," she said before taking the next step and disappearing.
"Things just keep getting more interesting," I said, sarcastically, and then stepped through the magic veil.
I stood before a freshwater lagoon surrounded by fields of flowers. The stream that fed the pool originating from a small grotto on the far end. Water spilled from above the entrance to the cave as well as from within. I could see it bubbling up from a spring just inside that flowed to the pool which also fed a small stream. Stones large enough to sit on dotted a sandy shore around a natural pool. Surrounding it all were fields of red poppies.
It wasn't exactly what I had pictured in my mind but there was no doubt I'd come to the right place. Poppies had been the flowers of Demeter. Maybe I shouldn’t have been so sarcastic. But, then again, I was getting tired of everyone else knowing what I was supposed to do but me. Perhaps, this time, I'd get some answers
"This is Demeter's pool; you have already met its guardian," she said as the last of us stepped through the magic veil. As she spoke, she pointed in the direction of the bubbling brook and Plataia appeared in the water. She swam to the front of the pool and stepped out onto the shore, the water flowing into a dress and she appeared as s0000000000000he had when I first met her.
"Welcome, my Lord," she said, bowing before me. "My apologies for not greeting you before but I did not know who you really were."
"I understand," I said as I reached down to take her hand. "One can never be too careful." I looked over at my companions and then turned to Cyrene. "Well, here we are. Now I think it's time you told us what we're missing."
"Indeed, but I would beg your pardon. There are two more that should be at this discussion. It will take time before they can be here," she replied.
"Of course," I answered, resentfully. "Sure, why not? What's the hurry?" I walked over to a rock and sat down against it.
"Anybody have any objections?" I asked, turning to the others.
"I fear it does not matter what we want," said Siegfried. "And yet it seems that you may finally get the answers you have been searching for. Therefore, I have no objection." He also moved to a rock close by and leaned against it, laying his weapons and pack on the ground next to him as the others followed. Sendy flew off my shoulder and appeared a moment later in full size form and joined them while the dogs drifted off to play in the fields.
"My apologies, there is much I do not understand as well," Cyrene said, walking up to me.
"Much you don’t understand? Join the club. Well at least have a seat," I said, patting the ground beside me. "Can you at least tell me who we are waiting for?"
She sat down next to me, extending her feet to touch the water.
"Handion you know, as for the other… his name is Valin, he is a dwarf."
"Hmm… another Dwarf, figures."
"Have you much experience with them? Dwarves, I mean," she asked.
"I've met a couple," I answered. "Although most of my experience has been with Bernd. Do you know him?"
"Bernd, yes, he was Maria's advisor. I should have guessed he would be yours as well. He was well thought of by the Fae here."
"Was?"
"He has been seen little in recent times. Although if he has been watching over you that would explain it." She turned and faced me. "Did he not send you here?"
"Send me? No. I made that decision on my own. Although he did support it. Bernd seems to want me to make every decision for myself. And as for advice, he gives little. It's almost like everything I do has to be a test. In his eyes anyway."
"And he said nothing of what you would find here?"
"No, which is why I wish we could get this show on the road. I'm really tired of everyone else knowing what I'm supposed to do. Now and then I'd like to be the one calling the shots. Do you know what I mean?"
"I believe I do," she replied, getting to her feet. "Handion approaches, do you not sense him?"
"I've been trying to suppress my magic," I said, suddenly feeling the Elf's presence as he crossed over the veil. "I've been told that others can’t sense me but if I used magic here someone might notice. I was trying to prevent that."
She bent over and looked into my eyes. "I do not think you will need to worry about that for much longer," she said, taking my hand. "Come."
I turned my head and saw Handion walking towards me. He stopped in front of me just as I got to my feet.
"So, you have finally come," he said. "What took you so long?"
"He did not know we would be waiting," Cyrene said, before I could answer.
"Did not know? But how can this be?" he said. "I thought you were acting strange at the inn. But Maria must have told you something."
"No, as I've already told Cyrene, she never told me anything," I replied. I was about to ask him for details when there was a splash. I turned and saw Plataia coming out of the cave's entrance, with her was a dwarf.
If I had thought Motgnir, the dwarf that had assisted me when I faced Ouranos was old, then this one was ancient. His face and arms looked as if they had been sculpted from the stone itself, but weathered like they had faced the wind and rain throughout the ages. He was dressed in leather like breeches and vest, brown and worn. He was barefoot, but as if carved from stone, his feet didn't look like they needed covering. But as old as he look
ed, he did not move slowly. Almost at a trot, he came up and stood before me.
"You are late," he said. His steel blue eyes looking me up and down.
"Enough!" I said, stepping back. "For the last time, no one told me shit. Not my grandmother, not Bernd… no one. Can I make it any clearer? What the hell is going on?" I said, glancing over at my friends. Siegfried appeared in shock, but then I knew his reverence toward Dwarves. Gerda had a similar look, and Diantha, well, she hid her eyes but I could tell she was trying not to laugh. The dogs had stopped playing as well and I watched as Charlie bounded up to Valen. Was there anyone that that dog didn't know?
"Difficult this one is," Valen said as he petted him. "Like his grandmother."
I swear I heard Charlie snicker.
"What has happened is this," Handion jumped in. "We expected you some twenty of your years earlier."
"Twenty years?" I countered. "Hell, my grandmother died some twenty five years ago. How could she have told me about this some five years later? I didn’t know squat until that damn Mage shot me a few months back."
"I find it odd that Maria would have changed her plan without good reason. Did she not tell you anything of this world?" Valen asked.
I wanted to scream and yell, but truthfully, that wouldn’t have gotten me anywhere. So I took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. The answers I was searching for were here. If I was just smart enough to swallow my pride and ask the right questions. If what they were all saying was true, my grandmother had to have had a good reason for not telling me. Maybe it was time to accept all that had happened and find out what that reason was.
"No, not that I know of. She told me stories about this world, but always as fiction, or at least so I thought," I finally answered. "But that was when I was a child. She said nothing about what I was."
"She must have had her reasons," Valen responded. "It matters not. We are assembled, shall we begin?"
"Perhaps we should tell him why he is here," Handion suggested. "As well as why, since he appears to be lacking that information."
