“I have confused you,” said Zerafin. “I mean that I can restore your foot to its full function.”
Eaglewind leaned in and whispered, “That be feikin elf sorcery.”
Talon glanced around, noticing that Zerafin and Argath’s exchange had gotten the attention of many nearby. They looked to him for guidance, and seeing this, Argath straightened and addressed Zerafin.
“I will accept your healing on one condition.”
“Condition being?” Zerafin asked, intrigued.
“That not I, nor my people are indebted to you in any capacity other than that of a gift given in good faith. To be repaid or not, as fate dictates.”
“It is a gift,” said Zerafin with a warm smile. “Given freely and without anticipation of reward. Let it be a symbol of the sincerity of our promise of friendship.”
The Skomm watched on, as did Talon, waiting to see what Argath might say. The elven healers waited as well, for the captain’s reaction would set a precedent for the rest of the people.
“Then I accept your offer of friendship,” said Argath.
Zerafin smiled and laid a hand on the captain’s shoulder. “Please, do not be alarmed,” he said. “This will feel…strange.”
Blue tendrils of healing energy passed from Zerafin’s palm and into Argath. The swirling and shimmering specs of light danced around the captain and settled on his right foot.
Talon remembered the council hearing, and wondered what they might think about this “intervention.”
Argath looked at first puzzled, but then intrigued and startled. Finally, amazement washed over his face.
Zerafin let him go, and Argath looked to him with an infectious grin. He tore off his boot and ripped off his bandages to gawk at his newly grown toes. He seemed to be ready to burst with joy, but then he found his calm and offered a respectful nod toward Zerafin.
“I thank you, prince of elves. Your generosity shall not soon be forgot.”
Talon grinned from ear to ear. This was a day that he would not soon forget.
The Skomm were healed of their sicknesses and ailments, and were given as much food and drink as they could get into their starved stomachs. The day was spent by the beach, basking in the warm glow of the sun.
Never had Talon seen his people smiling so. He shared in their joy, though he could not help but yearn for Akerri to be there beside him, or Jahsin for that matter. He imagined a different world, one in which Akerri, Jahsin, Tyson, Windy, Thorg, and Marcus were celebrating with their people on the beach, free from the worries of the wider world, and oblivious to what lay ahead.
When nightfall began to threaten the horizon, the Skomm were led by Talon to the lodging that had been prepared for them. Zerafin told him of it, saying that they would all find a good night’s sleep just outside of the city. As they crested the hill from the beach, Talon saw what he meant; a crystal palace had suddenly appeared where Talon did not remember seeing one before, and he stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of it. Murmured whispers swept through the crowd of Skomm, and they followed him to the palace once he found his feet.
Zerafin had gone before them on a white stallion and now waited by the entrance to the shimmering crystal palace.
“You will find peaceful rest here among the swaying vines. Sleep with the knowledge that the elves of Elladrindellia watch over this land where no darkness dwells,” he said.
Talon was the first to enter, and soon the others followed.
Inside they found an elaborate structure that seemed to have been constructed with the sole purpose of rest in mind. Built into every curved wall was a half-circle inlet with both a blanket and a pillow, and as the people began pairing up or entering the sleeping spaces alone, Talon discovered that indeed, there was a place for everyone.
He slept that night among them in one of the curved inlets. As he watched the faint light dance within the crystal walls, he thought how fortunate he was, and how correct Gretzen and Azzeal had been in their estimation of him. He thought back on what he had done and found that he was proud. For the first time in his life, he entertained the notion that perhaps, just perhaps, he was destined for great things.
Chapter 12
Good Company
Kreal Windwalker will soon have a choice to make, one that will decide not only his fate, but the fate of his son. My visions can change, as they so often have. Less than half of what I see comes to be, for the winds of fate and time are always changing. Thousands of paths there are, and from each path a thousand more branch out. I have focused on one path, one set of visions. It is up to Talon and Kreal to walk that path.
-Gretzen Spiritbone
As much as Talon enjoyed basking in the glow of his people’s newfound happiness, he knew that Azzeal’s punishment would soon take effect, and there were precious few days that he might spend with the elf who had changed his life so.
He returned to the tower of vine early the next morning and found Gretzen and Azzeal about to sit down to a meal.
“Hello, hello,” said Azzeal from the cooking area. “How did the people like their accommodations?”
“Excellent. They probably haven’t slept so peacefully in all their lives.”
“Good,” said Azzeal, grinning. “Please, join us for breakfast.”
Gretzen poured the three of them tea, and Azzeal filled their bowls with steaming fish head soup set on a bed of rice. After the meal, they went for a walk along the river, and Azzeal named all of the strange flowers and plants lining the walkways and arching bridges. Talon was amazed at some of the species that the elves had created. The special vines were the most interesting, for they could be manipulated to create just about any structure and were incredibly strong.
Talon, Azzeal, and Gretzen took lunch on the banks of the river surrounded by cattails and willows, and watched the wildlife within the wetlands. Gretzen seemed forlorn—much more so than her usual stoic demeanor. Talon didn’t have to ask why. He knew that in her own way she loved the elf, as he loved her as well. Theirs had been a fast friendship, Talon knew. Both were students of magic, and Gretzen offered Azzeal a glimpse into forbidden spirit magic, while he filled her with wonder and made her feel young again.
Talon knew that he had only another day with the elf, and he should have a million question to ask, but he found himself wondering what exactly he should ask. Azzeal had been elusive about Talon’s future. If he knew anything more, he wasn’t speaking of it. It was just as well, Talon supposed. He wouldn’t want to know the day of his death the way Azzeal did. What a curse it must be for the elf. Remembering that it would be one of his own descendants who would kill Azzeal, Talon shivered.
“Why did you do it?” Talon asked Azzeal. “If you saw that by saving me you would die, why did you do it?”
Gretzen offered Talon a small scowl, but Azzeal seemed not to mind the question.
“During my years living in Beorn’s Cave and studying the land, I watched the Vald and the Skomm. I learned their language and I learned their ways. At first I hated the Vald. They seemed like the vilest creatures I had ever seen. Every time I saw an atrocity play out before my eyes, I wanted to intervene, but…I never did. I fought for years with my morals, agonizing over logic and impulse. I knew in my heart that something had to be done, but you see, three hundred years ago, I was one of the many who advocated non-intervention with the peoples of Agora. I had come to the conclusion through logic and delusions of scholarly dogma. I now regret my earlier ideology. The truth is that I cherish my curse, for it has given me a sense of mortality, which has also helped me to understand the plight of the short-lived.
“In short, I did it because it was the right thing to do.”
Talon’s guilt washed away as he listened to Azzeal’s explanation. He let it go, replacing it with a sense of pride that had been growing in him for some time. The feeling was new to him, but he liked it.
“In all your visions, have you ever seen us together when I’m older?” Talon asked.
The remainder of the day, Azzeal guided them through the city, showing them so many wonders that Talon once again found himself mystified and overwhelmed. The lights from the pyramid connected to one another and other buildings as well, illuminating the streets, bridges, overpasses, and waters with such wondrous but soft light that Talon felt sure he was walking through a dream landscape. The elves appeared both young and old; there were children, though few it seemed, and those who appeared elderly did not seem frail, but rather wise and incredibly strong. The children too seemed as though there were years behind them.
When they came to a walkway that ended with no bridge, Azzeal walked out onto a lily pad as long and wide as a wagon and turned with a smile to invite them on as well. It bore their weight without so much as dipping its curved point in the water and carried them slowly across the short pond to the landing on the other side.
Here, fireflies the color of the setting sun lazily swayed and danced in the twilight. Large, knotted trees with moss-covered bark and long green webbed lichen growing from swirling branches swayed in the soft wind. The sound of wind instruments and chimes came from the north end of the pond, and Talon marveled to see that a large assortment of long reed-like plants were the instruments, and the performer was the westerly wind.
Talon found himself wishing that the elves would take them in. He could easily imagine living here with Akerri.
Akerri…
How could he spend his days lazily walking about with elves when she was still out there somewhere, going through gods knew what? He shook off the numbing effect of the elf city and stared at his feet for a while, wanting to sober his mind and prepare for the inevitable departure.
“Would you like to return to the tower for dinner?” Azzeal asked, no doubt noticing or “hearing” how Talon was feeling.
“We would like that very much,” said Gretzen.
Talon noted that she had been more well-spoken as of late. The stroke that she suffered years before Talon was born had left her without speech for a year, and she had always spoken plainly, using only those words needed to get her thoughts across. She had once told him, however, that when the stroke came, her ability to speak with spirits increased dramatically.
Soon they were back in Azzeal’s tower of vine on the river and eating shellfish and mussels drawn in golden butter, accompanied by a salad with more greens, fruits, nuts, and berries than Talon had seen in one dish.
Talon and Azzeal shared stories, and Gretzen quipped in now and again with an anecdote or two. They laughed and they ate and they talked long into the night. Talon tried to take it all in, to remember every word and every laugh. The night suddenly seemed fleeting, and his fear and anxiety grew. He found himself so reluctant to say farewell to Azzeal that he ignored any conversation or gestures toward sleep and the late hour.
As a result, they stayed up all night long and into the morning, and sat on the balcony above the rushing river, watching the sun come up. The last star disappeared, and Talon made a wish, hoping that this was not the last time they would all be together.
Chapter 13
The Wisdom of the Innocent
As a Vald of Volnoss, I learned to distrust the elves. With forked tongues we repeat what we do not know. But in heart of hearts I was curious about their magic. Now I feel kinship to them. On Volnoss I am one of few with spirit magic. Here on Elladrindellia I walk among peers.
-Gretzen Spiritbone
The Skomm, now free from the sickness that had plagued them, said their farewells to the elves and reluctantly boarded the boats that would bring them back to the two waiting ships. The elves had been excellent hosts, providing not only relief from ailments, but also food, drink, and clean garments. They had invited the Skomm to bath in their springs as well, which left the people looking and feeling as though they had been reborn. Many of the women left with intricate braids in their hair and a flower behind their ear. The men held their heads high, with eyes no longer hopeless and desperate, but rather with a light of hope.
Talon stood on the dock and bade Gretzen goodbye once more; she had decided to stay with the elves for a time, even though she would soon be forbidden to see Azzeal.
“You come see me again when you have found Akerri,” she said and surprised him with a kiss on the cheek.
Azzeal shook Talon’s hand and also surprised him with a brotherly hug. “I have a gift for you. Something to keep you safe in the coming battle.” He handed Talon a sack that clanged with the tell-tale sound of armor.
Talon peeked inside and saw the chain mail and leather. “Thank you. I wish I had something for you.”
“Ah, but you have already given me so much. Until next time, Talon Windwalker. Walk with the sun in your face, and may Kyrr keep you well.”
“Thank you for all you have done, Azzeal. I shall never forget you.”
Next, Talon bowed before the queen and Zerafin, who stood with hundreds of elves behind them who had come to see their newfound friends off.
“I wish you good luck in your quest to find your loved one and free the Skomm. Know that you have our blessing,” said the queen before handing him a bundle wrapped in leather.
Talon’s heart leapt.
“A gift,” said the queen.
“But you have already given so much,” said Talon, though he took the bundle and slowly unwrapped it.
Both Araveal and Zerafin looked on with a smile.
Talon unwrapped the gift and marveled at the sheathed elven daggers. He pulled one out, and the blade sang out of its sheath with a sharp ringing. Runes covered the sides of the steel blades, which ended in a dark, leather-bound handle.
“They are magnificent. Thank you, good Queen Araveal. I don’t know how we can ever repay you for all that you have done.”
He offered another bow and boarded the sailboat with Argath and Eaglewind. As they sailed toward Freedom, Argath rested a hand on Talon’s shoulder and watched the waving crowd.
“I see they let you keep the ring,” said Argath with a glance to Talon’s hand.
“Yes, in the end I convinced them that I would do good with it.”
“You’ve made us a powerful ally. Our people are now healthy and strong.”
“Gretzen and I spoke about the revolution, and she brought up an interesting point. Where will we go? Once we’re free, I mean. And how are we even going to get that many Skomm off the island? Our two ships can hold less than a thousand, and Gretzen said that there are tens of thousands of Skomm.”
“Once we get a large enough army and get the Vaka on our side, we won’t need to evacuate, we can simply take over Volnoss.”
“Simply take over Volnoss. Are you mad?” said Talon.
“Yes,” said Argath with a wide grin. “Yes to both.”
They reached Freedom and climbed onto the deck to the cheers of both the crew and the passengers. Cheers went up for Talon, and he was even hoisted up to ride on Crag’s shoulders as the big man danced around the deck.
When the celebration finally died down, Captain Argath ordered the crew to drop sails and begin out of the harbor. Talon watched Elladrindellia fade into the distance at the back of the ship, and he couldn’t help but smile.
Crag came to stand beside him. Talon glanced up at the looming man, whose childlike face was filled with wonder.
“Did you enjoy meeting the elves?” Talon asked.
Crag’s eyes lit up and began to water, and a serene smile spread across his face.
“The alfrs are nothing like the Vald make them out to be. They’re…they’re…it’s hard to say. You know?”
“I know what you mean,” said Talon.
“Last time Crag sleep like that he was a baby. Did you see their lights, and those towering crystals, and their magic? Talon, did you see their magic?”
“I saw it.”
“What would you do with the elves’ magic?”
“Me?”
“Yeah,” said Talon. “Say you had magic like the elves. What would you use it for? What would you do?”
Crag’s brow furled under the intense contemplation. “Well, I guess I’d make it so nobody could pick on nobody no more.”
“And how would you stop people from picking on other people?”
“How? Well…I guess, you know, with my magic.”
“You mean you would physically force them to stop?”
“Well…No, if I did that then I would be the bully.”
“What if that was the only way? Through force, I mean,” Talon asked, liking the insight of the special man.
“I’d find a way,” said Crag.
“But what if that is the only way?”
Crag looked troubled. His once jolly red cheeks had become blotchy in their pinkness, and his mouth was made small and turned to the side as he thought about it.
“I’d find another way. There ain’t ever only one way to do something.”
Now it was Talon’s turn to be stumped. The line of questioning and answers that followed had enlightened him, when in truth he was trying to teach the big man a small lesson. As it turned out, the small man was taught a big lesson.
Talon had the combined power of Kyrr and Chief, and all he could think to do to free the Skomm was fight.
Something occurred to him then; if he followed his present course, thousands of Skomm, if not all, would die in the fight for freedom. Argath was too war-minded. Talon realized then that the Skomm could never win a direct war. Even with his magic ring and spirit wolf, even with the help of the skilled gladiators aboard, the Skomm would lose in the end. Talon understood then that he could not fight fire with fire, for the Vald were too big, too strong, and had spent too many years practicing the art of war.
Exodus: The Windwalker Archive: Book 3 (Legends of Agora) Page 6
