The Rising Past: Book 2 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series

by J. G. Gatewood

  He stood before the large steps leading to the grand hall and took a deep breath before ascending them. The thick wooden doors to the hall stood closed, and several Dwarven guards stood, each in a military-rest posture. As he approached the top stair, the guards jumped into action and marched toward the doors, opening them wide and allowing him entrance. Booming, raucous voices flooded the city streets from the packed crowd seated within.

  Ulor stood upon the dais and rapped his scepter on the wooden floor of the platform. A sudden calmness and quiet filled the hall as he addressed the crowd. “Ladies and gentleman, please welcome our guest of honor. I give you Raythum Stormdragon, heir to Havenbrook, friend of Drognard, and savior of all of Askabar.”

  Applause and cheers erupted as the audience rose and turned toward him. His face turned beet red and his skin flushed with embarrassment. He hated being the center of attention, and felt annoyed with Ulor. With nothing left to do, he walked toward the dais. The audience’s eyes weighed on his shoulders, and the focus stayed on him as he approached. He spotted several figures he recognized, all applauding his march. Aglina stood next to her brother in the front row. She wore a look of concealed jubilation. Understanding dawned that this must have been why she had been in a hurry to get rid of him. He felt she, of all people, would know how much he hated this, and she wore her understanding with grim satisfaction.

  He approached the high council, all of whom stood on the dais, and knelt as he reached the front. He waited on his knee for the command to stand. Unfortunately, the command didn’t seem forthcoming.

  Ulor took two steps forward and neared the edge of the dais. “I have called this important ceremony to recognize the valorous deeds of the knight kneeling before us. His quick thinking saved countless lives, and resolved the conflict; opening the door for a new ally and a new trade-partner. I see bright days ahead for all our people, and Raythum, we thank you. Please rise.”

  Raythum complied and bowed his head. “Thank you.” He turned and addressed the entire assembly. “I thank you all for your bravery and sacrifices. None of this would’ve been accomplished without you.” He clapped his hands as the audience joined in.

  Ulor quieted them down. “Your leadership in the face of a dire situation is commendable.” He turned and faced his general. “Yordrinn, please come forward.” The bald-headed Dwarf stepped up and joined Raythum’s side. “In honor of both of your acts during the course of the battle, the high council would like to offer this small token of appreciation.” He nodded toward two guards who walked forward. Yordrinn and Raythum lowered their heads as the guards placed a gold medallion on a silver chain around each of their necks.

  Yordrinn turned and thanked the assembly. Raythum stepped forward and spoke. “Really, this is all too much. I only acted in the manner requested of me. The real heroes are the wizards commanded by my brother, Tirell, and the infantry soldiers under Yordrinn’s command.” He found his brother in the crowd and offered a smile, but Tirell appeared annoyed. “Let us not forget about the many soldiers who died to defend our land and our freedom. I think we should offer a moment of silence in honor of our brethren.”

  A hush filled the hall as the audience bowed their heads to offer remembrance of the deceased, and reflect on how their lives were changed.

  After several moments of quiet, Ulor regained the audience’s attention and he dismissed Yordrinn. He motioned toward the rear of the dais, and several Elves walked forward, including Pirphul and her two sons Arthanis and Folois. In their arms, they carried armor and a large two-handed sword.

  When the Elves reached Ulor’s side, he spoke. “To further recognize your actions, Queen Pirphul and I wanted to do something more to show you how much we appreciate your assistance, Raythum.”

  Queen Pirphul glided forward; her silver hair and deep, red gown flowed behind her as she moved. She looked toward Ulor first. “Thank you High Clan Chief. It’s an honor to be here with you today.” She turned toward Raythum. “I suspected when I laid my eyes upon you that great deeds lay in your future. I’m happy to have seen you grow and become the amazing leader standing before us. I doubt anyone else would’ve taken the opportunity to offer peace, when staring at certain defeat.”

  Raythum felt and looked embarrassed now. The whole ceremony bordered on ridiculous and he couldn’t believe they had kept going. “Thank you, my lady.”

  A smile filled her smooth olive-skinned face. “No, thank you. We noticed your old sword and plate armor. It must carry a deep history and give you much pride to adorn.”

  “My equipment belonged to my grandfather. My father passed it down to me when I grew large enough to wear it. My grandfather accomplished many great feats, bringing prosperity and peace to all of Havenbrook. The day my father gave it to me was the day I felt the heavy weight of his burden. I try to carry myself in the same manner, to honor him and my people. You could say it gives me much pride, yes,” he beamed.

  “We can tell. But it won’t do going forward.” The queen couldn’t help but notice the frown broaching the young man’s face. “You can keep what draws you close to your grandfather, but Ulor and I came together and decided to provide you with armor and a sword befitting your position. Ulor enlisted the services of his finest smithy, Aglina, who worked around the clock to finish these items for you.” She turned to one of her sons. “Folois, if you will.”

  The tall, dark-haired Elf with a sharp jaw line walked forward with his arms outstretched. Upon them lay an oversized two-handed sword shimmering with the light from the room. It was quite possibly the most magnificent sword Raythum had ever laid his eyes upon. The blade was long and cool, with sharp double edges and a deep fuller running down the middle. The hilt and guard formed of gold in the shape of a Dragon’s head, with deep, red ruby eyes. In the pommel lay a carving depicting the crest of Havenbrook.

  Raythum reached for the blade with his right arm. The balance was incredible; it felt as though it were an extension of his arm and was made exactly to fit his grip and swing. He couldn’t be sure, but he could’ve sworn he felt a shimmer of energy flow up his arm and into his body, as though the sword connected with him. He took a couple of swings with it and was amazed at how easily he could maneuver the fine blade. His current sword had been clumsy and unbalanced, often leaving him with sore shoulders and arms after any prolonged activity with the blade.

  He grinned and addressed them both. “I don’t know what to say. This is incredible and I thank you both. You shouldn’t have done this.”

  Ulor shook his head. “Don’t be modest. You earned the sword.” He admired the fine craftsmanship of Aglina, taking pride in what she produced. “You should know the sword is crafted of Ruvenkan steel. I think the blade will still be around, long after you are buried deep in the ground.”

  “Once Aglina completed the blade, she gave it to us so we could enchant it,” Queen Pirphul added. Raythum’s eyes grew large, almost bulging from their sockets. “I’m sure you felt a current of energy when you first placed your hands upon it. This is because the sword, Narantha—yes it has a name—has been connected to you. The enchantments on the blade won’t be available to any but you. It shall remain bound to you until you offer it to someone else, and thus pass along the bond. Narantha’s enchantment will allow you to conjure simple spells. I know your spark isn’t such that you can invoke of your own accord, but instead will provide a gateway allowing you to cross the threshold. Keep in mind, the spells will be limited. It draws energy from all living beings around you at all times, and will provide a shield while you hold it in your hand. The shield will extend outward in a bubble large enough to encompass Milenthia too.” A serene smile covered her face.

  For the first time in his life, he felt at a complete loss of words. “I am speechless, but please know that I’m grateful.” A tear trickled from the corner of his right eye. He wiped it away.

  “And we’re not done yet.” The queen turned to her other son. “Arthanis?”

  He walked f
orward with a shiny breastplate and offered it to Raythum as the queen continued. “Aglina also designed a new set of plate armor for you—also crafted of Ruvnekan steel-and built to your specifications. You should find it to be more durable than your current armor. The set is complete with helm, greaves, sabatons, pauldrons and cuisse. I cannot wait to see you adorn it”

  Raythum accepted the breastplate with a slight nod of his head. The smooth, shiny metal reflected the orange glow of the lamps of the chamber, giving the appearance that an aura surrounded the piece. Raythum noticed his country’s crest engraved on the left breast of the armor.

  He bowed his head toward his assembled hosts. “I’m humbled and I thank you for everything you have presented me with. While I don’t believe I deserve any of these fine pieces, I’m grateful. I will be forever indebted to you all, and will do my best to bring honor to them.”

  The audience exploded in applause. Raythum could hear his name chanted over and over throughout the chamber. He turned and waved to the assembly. He caught his brother sneaking out of the hall, assuming his unhappy look had everything to do with the gifts and the adoration Raythum received.

  Ulor slammed his scepter to the ground. “I release you and invite you to go back to your business. Don’t get too preoccupied, though. A fine feast is being prepared, and tonight we dine in celebration, honoring Raythum before he sets back out.” He turned to Raythum and whispered so no one would overhear him. “I know you’re eager to be off, but let us celebrate one last time, in your honor, before we see you on your way.”

  He felt he had no choice, but in all honesty, it sounded like a good plan. “It would be my pleasure, friend.”

  They waited for the hall to clear out, before making their way to the busy streets. Raythum excused himself. He wanted to retire to his temporary quarters to deposit the gifts, and change his clothes for dinner. He set the sword and armor onto his bed and marveled at the pure beauty of them. He suspected how hard Aglina must have worked to complete them in time.

  He walked over to the stone basin sitting on top of his dressing table. He poured cold water from a clay pitcher into the bowl and washed his face and hands. The water felt cool and crisp and left him feeling refreshed. He changed into a red silk tunic and leather breeches. Feeling as though he were adequately dressed for the evening’s affairs, he left his chambers and made his way to the dining hall where the events seemed already to be in full revelry.

  The smells of roast duck, beef, and mutton permeated the air of the dining hall, and mixed with the sweet odors of fresh pastries and bread. The hall was raucous and lively—music blared from the live band and people danced throughout the chamber. Raythum pushed back in his chair and stretched his body. His stomach bordered on bursting, he had eaten so much. He couldn’t remember a time when he had felt so satiated. Aglina sat on his left, and now that the steady stream of people offering their support and congratulations had died down, he turned to her.

  “I never expected such a fine feast. I must say, I’m stuffed to the gills.”

  “You and me both. I feel as if I’m fit to be roasted myself, as bloated and stuffed as I am,” Aglina cackled. “I’m afraid I might need to be carted and rolled to my room. I don’t think I can make it myself.”

  Raythum joined in her laughter. “You must tell me. How did you craft the armor and sword so quickly? The sword alone should’ve taken months to forge.”

  “That, I’m afraid, is a trade secret.” She grinned before leaning in closer. “I forged the blade with my apprentices as a training tool. It did indeed take several months to craft by my apprentices, with much of my own involvement of course. Truly it is one of the finest ever produced in my shop. So fine, in fact, I never intended it for actual use. I displayed it on my wall, until Ulor approached me and explained his intentions. After, I only had to craft the guard, hilt, and pommel. Given your current position, I figured the Dragon would be a nice touch.” She smiled and winked at him.

  Raythum nodded his head in understanding. “Now it all makes sense. I’m flattered by the offering. Although, I still don’t think I did anything to warrant them.”

  “Stop being so darn modest, Raythum.” She frowned at him. “You deserve what has been given to you. Accept it and stop wallowing in your own self-doubt. We wouldn’t be sitting here right now if it weren’t for you.”

  “Thank you for the kind words. I’m quite sure had it not been my idea, someone else would’ve come up with it. Besides, it wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance of my brother.” He looked around the hall. “Where is he? Have you seen him tonight?”

  She looked around herself. “I cannot say I have.”

  Yordrinn walked up and interrupted the pair. “And what mischief are you two up to, sis?”

  Aglina could tell her brother had already had too many. She assumed he had imbibed his fair share of ale and pulled him to her seat to get him off his wobbly legs. “Our honored guest here has inquired into my methods of forging the sword and armor so quickly. I told him that some things are best left a secret. Otherwise, who knows how long it would be before someone else tried to wedge their way in and steal my business.” She guffawed as if it could ever be.

  “Yes, your sister is quite the mysterious lady.” He looked through the crowd. “Tell me, though, have you seen my brother tonight? I can’t seem to find him in the crowd.”

  Yordrinn laughed. “I tell ya, the young man is more of a codger than any old man I’ve ever laid eyes upon. There be something lying deep within him. I sense a lot of anger and he doesn’t seem to trust anyone. But no, his seat sat empty the whole of this evening.”

  Raythum looked frustrated. The Dwarves placed too much emphasis on his own deeds, and not enough passed to his brother. They already walked a fine line. He felt what little respect remained between them would now be lost. “Thanks. I think I might try to find him.”

  “Come now, let him be,” the old Dwarf said. “I’m sure if you go looking, you will find him holed up in his quarters reading a nice book.” He furrowed his brow. “This party is for you, and we still have two casks of ale which haven’t even been corked. We have plenty of work remaining here,” he slurred, patting his friend heartily on the back.

  “I appreciate the offer, and would love nothing more than to reminisce and enjoy some ale with the both of you, but I’m afraid I’m leaving first thing in the morning. I must get some rest. But I thank you both for your hospitality.” He looked toward Aglina. “And I thank you for your fine metalwork.” He grasped her hand before turning to go.

  Yordrinn patted him on the back again before he could make his way back into the crowd and out of the hall. “Raythum, it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance. I have never met a man quite like you, and I thank you for all you’ve done. I hope you are happy with your new blade and armor, but remember, it is but a small token of all…”

  Raythum blushed. At this rate, he felt his cheeks would be forever red and he couldn’t take it anymore. “I have only done what my position required of me. Nothing more, and I would do it all again.”

  “You are too modest, young man.” She grabbed his arm to escort him out of the hall. “I wish you safe travels, and I hope you will come back often to visit our fine city,” she told him.

  “I have a feeling, I’ll be back often.” He bid her adieu and ventured out into the empty and quiet streets.

  He made his way toward his quarters. On the way, he passed right by his brother’s chambers. He stopped and stood outside the door for several minutes. After careful consideration, he knocked on the thick, wood door and waited for a response. After a minute, he tried once again. Still nothing. His frustration increased and he retreated to his own room. If he didn’t join us at dinner, I wonder where he could be. He pondered, but wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

  Morning came all too quickly. He had wasted too much time during the late evening hours worrying about what his brother was up to, but couldn’t come up with anyt
hing. Unfortunately, it cost him a lot of sleep and he awoke to find himself still drowsy.

  He gathered his belongings and fastened most of the armor to his body—he figured it would be the easiest way to carry the new items. Two young Dwarven servants met him at his door to help carry his bags. Given the hour, he wondered how they knew he would be leaving. Ulor must have stationed them outside in the middle of the night so that they would be there, ready to offer their assistance. Judging by their own sleepy appearance, he figured they’d been waiting for some time.

  He took one long last look at the city, before making his way into the confined, damp-smelling tunnel. They meandered their way through the curving passage as they climbed higher into the mountain. Cold, fresh air combined with the familiar aromas of pine, oak, and maple assaulted his face, letting him know the access tunnel opening into the countryside lay around the next bend.

  He walked into the large cavern and saw Milenthia awaiting him. Ulor stood next to her, ready to see them on their way. The servants must have heard him when he awoke in his room and sent word to the high clan chief of his impending departure. He noticed a new adornment on Milenthia. A leather saddle sat on her back. He walked forward and admired the new article. He noticed the carved patterns in the smooth brown leather, and once again, he noticed the crest of Havenbrook.

  He choked up. “I have no words. It’s amazing.”

  Ulor looked at the Human with pride. “What? Did you think we were only masters of metal? We know how to work with leather too.”

  “It is all so overwhelming, Ulor. I cannot accept.”

  “Come now. You must…the gift is for Milenthia. It would be rude of you to turn down our offerings now. Besides, what other Dragon will grace these halls and ask for a saddle?” Raythum picked up her thoughts and realized the saddle pleased her. She had, after all, been a large part of their success too.

  Raythum shrugged his shoulders. “I guess you’re right.” He walked forward and shook Ulor’s hand. “Thank you for your hospitality. I hope I can return the favor one day. You must visit Havenbrook when you have a chance. I’m sure my father would love to meet you to further our alliance.”