Kethril

by Carroll, John H.

  “But you told me the forest was dangerous and I shouldn’t go in there even if it is friendly to us.” Anilyia frowned at him and set her free hand on a hip.

  “That’s correct. You shouldn’t go into the forest,” Tathan replied with an impudent grin. “It’s very dangerous and you never know when an emo bunny is going to sneak up on you.”

  “Oh, ha, ha. That’s so funny . . . what’s an emo bunny?” she asked, platinum brows furrowing.

  “It’s a yummy snack!” Vevin exclaimed doing a snack dance. He always had a dance for whatever was going on. The most common was the happy dance and its infinite variations.

  Liselle smacked him in the chest, which didn’t slow the dance down even a little bit. She was five foot ten inches with long black hair and grey eyes that matched Tathan’s. A purple flower in her hair paid attention to everything that went on. Tathan was very careful not to upset the flower if possible. He didn’t understand what the flower was or how it communicated with his cousin, but it looked at him sometimes when no one else was paying attention.

  She wore a black and grey swirled robe made for her by a Rojuun girl. It was her favorite outfit when not traveling. Her arms were crossed and she was half glaring, half grinning at Tathan. “An emo bunny is a type of rabbit that creates great sadness in other creatures to defend itself,” she explained to the princess. “There were a few in the valley where we lived, but the flowers kept me safe from them. They’re dangerous because they can cause a creature to take harmful actions against themselves.”

  “That’s . . . interesting,” Anilyia said. “I haven’t learned about them in my studies. My tutors didn’t find it necessary to teach me very much about animals other than creatures that could be poisonous.” She looked up at Tathan. “Why were you in the forest?”

  “I told you, I was taking a walk and enjoying the morning. The mist is gone and it looks to be a nice day.” Tathan stretched his muscles and yawned, causing everyone else to yawn too. The lone exception was Sir Danth.

  The knight was a bit of an anomaly. He was charged with guarding the Crown of Morhain sixteen hundred years earlier and had magical armor bound to his soul. His body died after the first couple hundred years and now the armor was hollow. The companions were the first people he had seen since taking his place to guard the crown and he begged them not to leave him alone. It turned out that the vault where the crown was had been tunneled into from behind and all the treasure was gone anyway.

  “When do you think we should leave, Master Tathan?” the knight asked in a deep, clear voice that had a metallic tone.

  “Honestly, I’m ready to leave whenever Vevin’s had enough rest,” Tathan answered, gesturing at their purple friend. Dragons could stay awake longer than humans, but tended to sleep longer as well. “The Lost Road Inn is a nice place, but it’s too empty. I’m ready to get back to civilization.”

  “Oh, I’m ready to go anytime. I feel much better!” Vevin did an ‘I feel much better’ version of his happy dance. “The last few days have been wonderful. I’ve slept a great deal and cuddled with Liselle the whole time.” Liselle grinned at him. Vevin was also wearing a Rojuun robe much like Liselle’s, only his was green with silver patterns that highlighted his mercurial eyes.

  “I would like to venture forth into civilization as well,” Sir Danth nodded.

  “I want to go home,” Anilyia said, taking the opportunity to hug Tathan. The closeness of her body felt wonderful and Tathan couldn’t help but wrap his arms around her. Her hair smelled nice too, although he resisted an urge to bury his face in it. As it was, Liselle’s eyebrow arched at him.

  “Then I say we go. Are you ready to travel, Cousin?” he asked, ignoring the accusing eyebrow.

  “Hmm . . . I like it here, but yes. I’m ready to go as well. I just need to change into my travel clothes and get my pack together.”

  “I need to do that too,” Anilyia said, still pressed against Tathan’s chest.

  “Alright, I say we get our things together and meet in front of the inn when we’re ready,” Tathan told them. With nods, they all went to get their things. Sir Danth went outside right away, not needing anything other than the enormous sword strapped to his back, a rich burgundy cloak he wore and a utility belt with a coin purse, dagger and various items.

  Chapter 2

  They joined Sir Danth at the intersection. Liselle wore woolen leggings and a green tunic she had made while living at home. They showed wear from months of journeying. Vevin wore purple leggings and vest lined with gold filigree in intricate designs. The magically enhanced clothes looked brand new no matter how much he traveled. His feet were bare as was his thin, muscled chest and arms underneath the unclasped vest. Anilyia was in sturdy tan travel clothes with intricate blue needlework, fit for a princess, but capable of handling the abuse of the road.

  Tathan’s jacket was pure black with runes down the front opening. He wore dark brown leggings with thin bands at the ankles to keep them wrapped around his boots. The tunic was black with brown leather sewn throughout and the clothing was snug, enabling him to be silent at all times.

  “You said Kethril is about a week away, Vevin?” Tathan asked as they began walking west along the Lost Road. They had traveled for weeks down the mountains in the east to get away from Rojuun Territory. The dirt was still damp from the moisture of previous days, but it was firm and easy to walk on. Princess Anilyia had a hold of his left hand as usual, a fact he didn’t mind at all.

  “Oh yes. We may make it there a day earlier if the weather is nice,” Vevin answered while doing the peculiar walking dance he was fond of. He took two steps to the diagonal one way and then the other way with a hop thrown in. Liselle had begun to match his steps in order to keep hold of his hand.

  Sir Danth asked Vevin, “How long would it take you to fly there?

  “Well . . . depending on the winds, I could make it there in half an hour, but that would take lots of work.” He bobbed his head and took an extra step to the diagonal right, which Liselle followed. “I don’t like to waste energy while I fly, so I’d probably take five to eight hours while gliding along on air currents.”

  “And do you know where the country begins?” the knight asked.

  “Oh yes!” Vevin took two extra steps to the left and one less to the right. Liselle glared, let go of his hand and walked beside him. He smiled apologetically before answering the question. “Kethril’s eastern border is along the edge of the Willden Forest. We’ll reach that in about five or six days, but it’s another day before we reach a village where there’s a small inn we can stay at. I checked it out in my first flyby.”

  “Do you think it’ll be safe, Vevin? Were there soldiers around or anyone who looked dangerous?” Tathan asked.

  “Soldiers? No, I don’t think so. There’s an old wizard tower on the forest side of the village, but I didn’t see anything that would be dangerous to us.”

  “It sounds nice.” Liselle smiled. “I want to see what the world is really like, not the Rojuun version of it. You told me about so many cities and villages that sounded treacherous and shady, Tathan. I want to see those.”

  Tathan blushed. “They’re not all treacherous. I . . . I think I see the worst places have to offer. Honestly, I hope you never see what I do.”

  “You worry me sometimes, Cousin.” Concern was evident in Liselle’s voice. “When you first arrived at home, you looked haunted. You’re much happier now, but I still see that look behind your eyes sometimes. I fear it’ll grow stronger in the cities.”

  “Umm . . .” Tathan was afraid of the same thing, but didn’t want to admit it. He thought he was better at hiding his feelings. The fact that Liselle could see past his barriers worried him. A small part of him was curious if she could cure his darkness while a larger part was afraid she would. The darkness had become a comfortable blanket he liked to wrap around himself. “I am happier now. Thank you for worrying about me.” He smiled, hoping that would prevent her from digging
further.

  She narrowed her eyes. His cousin might be naïve, but she was by no means a fool. “Very well, but I’m still going to worry.”

  Tathan didn’t think it was fair that he was getting all the attention. Originally, he had wanted to talk to Sir Danth about the knight’s moodiness when they were alone, but since feelings were being discussed, it seemed like a good time to bring it up. “Sir Danth, I’ve noticed you seem to be gloomier than usual.”

  “I’ve noticed the same thing too,” Liselle agreed. “For a while you were playful and laughed on occasion, but you’ve been very quiet ever since leaving the caverns.” Sir Danth showed no indication he had heard them. They walked a short while before Liselle asked, “Sir Danth, did you hear?”

  “I heard.” Another minute went by without a word. The others exchanged worried glances, but didn’t prod him further. Then he spoke. “I am unhappy. It has happened at times where my mood is dark for years, but I was alone and in the cave where I guarded the crown.” A deep sigh emitted from his chest. “Being out underneath the sky and traveling with new friends rescued me from those doldrums.”

  “I understand how you’d get depressed standing guard all alone in that cave,” Tathan empathized. “I’d probably kill myself.”

  Both Liselle and the princess smacked him hard. “Tathan, don’t be a wretch!” Liselle said. “Go on, Sir Danth. Perhaps we’ll be able to help you feel better . . . if Tathan keeps his mouth shut that is.” She glared at her cousin.

  “Master Tathan is correct. I tried to figure out a way to kill myself, but the armor and sword prevent me from doing so.” He shrugged his metal shoulders.

  “That’s inconvenient.” Tathan nodded. Both women smacked him again. “Hey!”

  Sir Danth nodded as well. “Verily. Meeting you all has made me very happy. You are wonderful people and I enjoy traveling with you. However, that makes me all that much more depressed.”

  “That doesn’t make any sense,” Anilyia claimed with a frown. Liselle’s head tilted to the side in confusion.

  “Sure it does,” Vevin said. “It’s Sir Danth logic. He says things like that all the time.” Vevin explained the concept. “Being in a cave all alone is depressing, not being able to kill himself is depressing, making friends is a happy thing, but once it’s done making him happy, it depresses him more than being in a cave while not being able to kill himself. Now he’s very upset that he’s enjoying how happy he is and the unhappiness he feels is causing him to be in a dark mood, but he likes us a lot and that depresses him even more. In addition . . .”

  “Please stop!” Anilyia rubbed her temples. “I didn’t understand a word you said and it’s hurting my head. I’d rather you just eat me and be done with it.”

  Sir Danth was frowning and scratching his helmet in thought. “Master Vevin is right though. Anyway, the point is that I like having friends again, but it makes me realize how much I’m missing.”

  “What are you missing?” Liselle asked.

  “A life.” Upon seeing their puzzled looks, he clarified. “I am not alive, nor am I dead. My existence is in limbo.” Sir Danth stopped and faced them. “I can fall in love, but cannot consummate that love. I was once handsome, but no woman will see that. I cannot touch or smile, though I convey expression through magic.” He hung his head.

  Liselle put a hand on his arm. “My brave, sorrowful knight, I can’t imagine how that feels. Is there anything we can do to help?”

  “I’d suggest getting him laid, but he just pointed out the flaw in that plan,” Tathan said with a smirk. Princess Anilyia smacked him in the chest again. She seemed to be relishing the gesture.

  Liselle shook her head in displeasure at her cousin’s lightheartedness. “Don’t mind him. He’s an oaf. What can we do to help?”

  “I don’t think you can, Milady. I see you and Vevin in love and it makes my heart . . . my absence of a heart . . . ache.” He resumed walking again. “Princess Anilyia holds Master Tathan’s hands, a gesture of comfort and pleasure, a gesture I cannot feel. Have I told you what I can feel?” he asked.

  “You have not, my dear knight,” Liselle answered, walking alongside.

  “I feel death. Not my own, but the death of whatever I kill.” His voice gained a new, disturbing tone. “I can feel my sword sliding through a person’s body. I feel the soul leaving the body.” He stared into her eyes. “I like it,” he finished.

  Liselle ran back to Vevin who wrapped a protective arm around her shoulder as she buried her face into his chest. Once again they all stopped. Tathan decided the journey was going to take a long time at their current pace. “My friend, you know my cousin is a gentle soul. I don’t like the way you’re speaking to her. It’s almost as though upsetting her gives you delight.”

  “I lost my people!” the knight yelled, causing them to take a step back. “I have no betrothed to hold at night!” He gestured angrily as he spoke. “My cities are in ruins and my friends no longer exist! And yes, I like killing. I like it very much. I want to go to war and kill thousands of people. I’m angry, Tathan. I’m mad at the universe for taking my people away and leaving me buried beneath the world to protect a stupid piece of metal that was stolen anyway!”

  With that, he drew his sword and attacked the nearest helpless tree. Great swings cut through the trunk, knocking it over with a crash. When it was fallen, he continued slicing into it. The trunk gave his sword about as much resistance as butter would a table knife. They watched the knight with dread as the rage proceeded. Tathan had drawn his sword out of caution and stood between the knight and Anilyia. Vevin stood protectively in front of Liselle.

  Sir Danth dropped his sword and fell to his knees. Great, heaving sobs shook his shoulders and he held his head in his hands. Even though he didn’t have a body, the gestures he made were eminently human. His emotions were real, powered by centuries of solitude.

  Tathan sheathed his sword and went to put a hand on the knight’s shoulder. He didn’t say anything, merely provided small comfort while Sir Danth spent his despair. The others sat down across the road.

  It took some time before the last of the sobbing finished. Sir Danth knelt awhile longer. Tathan continued to stay nearby, sitting on one of the newly sliced logs. He didn’t say anything, giving the knight time to recover. Sounds of the forest echoed around them, unaware and uncaring of the companion’s activities. Finally, Sir Danth picked up his sword and sheathed it. “I must apologize for my most ignoble outburst,” the knight said dejectedly. “My behavior toward you was atrocious, Milady.” He bowed to Liselle. “If you wish me to leave I will understand.”

  “No! I don’t want you to leave, my friend,” Liselle exclaimed as she rushed to him and gave him a great hug. Vevin hovered behind her, sliding back and forth in the manner of a snake about to strike. Anilyia watched him warily.

  “I feel so alone and abandoned,” Sir Danth told them as he released Liselle. “It feels like everyone left me. I also dread meeting more people for fear that . . .”

  “Go on,” Liselle encouraged.

  “I can’t touch or have a relationship with anyone. I can’t smile at people. If I take off my helmet, children will run screaming. What sort of life is that for a knight?” he asked.

  “Do good anyway,” Liselle encouraged. Sir Danth raised an eyebrow in query. She explained, “I don’t have all the answers, but perhaps you should do good wherever possible to help the homeless and downtrodden as you suggested back in Puujan. It won’t bring back your body, but perhaps it will help ease the pain.”

  “Perhaps . . .” He didn’t sound convinced. “Yes, I will try to help the downtrodden. I hope that we will find some soon. At least we have extra firewood, right?” he asked, smacking Tathan in the back, causing him to stagger forward. “That helped too,” he said with a grin. Tathan glared playfully at him and everyone burst into laughter.

  They resumed walking yet again. Anilyia latched onto Tathan’s hand right away. The knight still wasn’t cheerful,
but the mood wasn’t quite as heavy.

  Tathan liked Sir Danth, but was becoming nervous about his behavior. The knight’s armor and sword were made of powerful magic. That would be fine for someone who was mentally stable. It was clear that Sir Danth was far from stable. If he were to lose touch with reality any more, it could go badly. At the same time, he wasn’t willing to give up on a friend just because they might go insane and kill everything in sight. Tathan mused that his values might be a bit unbalanced.

  Anilyia started swinging his arm with hers to bring him out of his reverie. He smiled at her then noticed the look in her eyes was one of lust. She wanted him just as much as he wanted her. They had avoided consummating their feelings for each other, but just barely. At the Lost Road Inn, their nights were spent together in the innkeeper’s cabin. Liselle had spoken to them both and they reassured her each time that nothing was happening. She didn’t believe them, but the simple fact that the princess wasn’t willing to be away from Tathan while Vevin was around ruined any plan Liselle had from keeping them apart.

  While in the innkeeper’s cabin, they would kiss and caress each other. They moved their bodies together with clothes on, never finding full satisfaction. Anilyia told him that he would be killed if anyone ever found out about the way they touched. Instead of deterring him, it just made him more passionate. Tathan didn’t know if he loved her. It felt like he did, but she was a princess. He wasn’t allowed to touch her and that alone made him want her.

  Anilyia’s eyes were brilliant blue, sparkling like gemstones. She wore exquisite jewelry that Tathan was certain cost a fortune. It would make her a target in cities, but she refused to give it up. He didn’t blame her. She had very little left from home and was clinging to anything that made her feel safe.

  She turned to watch where they were walking, but continued to swing his arm. It helped to relieve some of the tense energy. It was taking all Tathan’s effort not to run off with her. Why did she have to get married to bring peace? It would be so much easier if the two countries would stop being stupid and just be peaceful with each other.