16
Eliesmore
Three days passed. Eliesmore did not know where he was or what was happening. He distinctly remembered being carried somewhere, and as much as he feared it was the Black Steeds again, he was too weak to fight. When he finally came to himself, he was lying in a bed of leaves and grass cushioned by the ground. His body did not hurt anymore. The air was gentle and no longer was he sweating and shivering. Eliesmore opened his eyes and sat up, feeling rested and whole.
“Eliesmore. You’re awake.” Ellagine sat in front of him, smiling with relief, although her blue eyes were still wary of him.
Eliesmore noticed he was back in the glade; the crystallized stream flowed before him, and the thick trees towered above him on all sides. His arm was bandaged, and he wore his torn tunic. Eliesmore turned to Ellagine’s kind face. “I’m sorry.” He hung his head.
“You raged in your fever, telling us your story.”
Eliesmore bit his lip in shame. “How long has it been?”
“Three days with the fever. Yesterday you finally fell into a deep sleep.” She turned towards the trees. “I have one I would like you to meet. He found and brought you here after the fever took over.”
Eliesmore raised his head as a young Cron came forward. He was five and half feet tall with straight blond hair that flopped on his forehead and barely touched his shoulders in the back. He wore dark green pants, a white shirt, and a dark green tunic, mirroring the colors of the forest. Strapped to his back was a quiver of white-tipped arrows, and in one hand he carried a curved bow. Eliesmore assumed they were close to the same age, give or take a few years. The Cron smiled as if he did not have a care in the world. “Hello, Eliesmore. I am Léthin the Optimistic; most people call me Optimistic.”
Eliesmore was not sure how to express his thanks, but Ellagine spoke up before he could utter a word, admiration shining out of her eyes.
“Optimistic is the Keeper of the Green Stone.”
“The Green Stone.” Eliesmore gasped in awe as he looked at the Cron. His perspective changed. “What is it?”
“You have never heard the legend of the Green Stone?”
Optimistic gave Ellagine an inquiring look. She nodded. He sat down across from Eliesmore, reached inside his tunic for a bag, and untied the drawstring, pulling out a stone. It looked like glass yet shimmered green; the light shining out of it danced like ripples in the water as if it were alive. The stone was large, filling the palm of Optimistic’s hand. A green hue began to shine out of it. Eliesmore stared, his mouth hanging open, for he had never seen such a wonder, not even in the cave of jewels. The potency rippling off the stone filled him with dread; he dared not reach out a hand and touch it. The mere sight of it made him want to prostrate himself on the ground, for he was not worthy, yet he fiercely desired it. Mixed feelings surfaced, one as strong as the other; he wanted to snatch the stone from Optimistic’s hand and hide it from sight.
“This stone,” Optimistic began, “was first mined by the moles who lived in the Holesmoles years ago. Although they found many jewels, they were nothing compared to the Green Stone and the strange light and power it holds. So, it was kept hidden from the Black Steeds and passed through generations of Treasure Hunters. When the Green People fled from the Western World and came to the South World, they told the prophecy about the One who will dissolve the Green Stone. The power of the Green Stone must be released before we can fight against the Black Steeds and hope to win. It is our light partly because it shines in the dark, and partly because if it is taken, the White Steeds will be completely destroyed with no hope of salvation. The Green Stone must be taken to the fountain of Idrain water in the Constel Heights.”
Eliesmore nodded. “Where are the Constel Heights? The Idrains live here. Would not the fountain of Idrain water be close by?”
Optimistic sighed, the joy fading from his face as he put the stone away. “No, the Constel Heights are on the other side of the Jaded Sea in the far west.”
“Come,” Ellagine beckoned. “Let us look at the map.”
The three of them moved towards the stream, and as they looked in the crystallized water, a map of the South World appeared. The South World was divided in half by the Jaded Sea, and Eliesmore finally found the Constel Heights. It was not only on the other side of the sea, but it was in the upper northwest corner. “That is far,” Eliesmore whispered in disbelief.
“Yes,” said Ellagine, “which is why we are going with you.”
Eliesmore’s face lit up as he looked from Ellagine to Optimistic. He wanted to embrace them. “You will?” he exclaimed, breathing a sigh of relief. “I know so little of the world. I don’t know how to be the One. I am the worst person to pick for this task.”
“Eliesmore,” Optimistic cut him off, “you will learn. You will be the leader someday, you’ll see.”
“We will not be the only ones joining you,” Ellagine added. “Why do you think we have waited all these years? Others will come, most of them from our fortress in Sanga San. We will go to meet them. Once you are surrounded by warriors, we will set forth on our first quest.”
Eliesmore smiled. “I thought I would be going alone.”
Ellagine paused as if she would like to explain more. “Eliesmore, we only have a few days left. You see, the protective barrier that has guarded this land is fading now that you are of age.” Ellagine pointed to the map. “See Truemonix? You and I must go find Arldrine the Ezinck; she will have news for us. Optimistic, you must meet us there.”
Optimistic nodded quickly. “Eliesmore, follow me.” He led the way back to the cave, leaving Ellagine standing in the glade alone. “We have to get you some new clothes, food, and your sword.”
“That’s right, the Jeweled Sword.” Eliesmore snuck a glance back at Ellagine, ensuring they were out of earshot. “Ellagine saved my life by taking it.”
Optimistic laid a comforting hand on Eliesmore's shoulder as they walked. “I know you are sorry about what happened, but you escaped, and it is in the past now. We knew you would return, and since you are here now, this is what matters.”
Eliesmore nodded, at a loss of what to say as they reached the cave. He shivered at the thought of his escape and the stranger who had freed him. Those dark memories were best forgotten.
Optimistic led him to a shallow passage and passed Eliesmore some clothes. They were green like Optimistic’s. Eliesmore quickly changed out of his torn, bloody clothes while Optimistic held the Jeweled Sword, waiting. “I’m sorry I did not bring traveling boots with me; you will get some when we reach the fortress. Here are a new belt and sheath for your sword. I took the liberty of sharpening it for you; it is truly magnificent.”
Eliesmore fastened the sword around his waist, glad to have the weight of the steel swinging beside him. “Thank you. Why aren’t you coming with us?”
“Your mother, she has been your protector. Ellagine suggested I go tell her what has become of you.”
“You know about my mother?” Eliesmore froze in surprise.
“Ellagine told me; she knows.” Optimistic passed Eliesmore a piece of parchment, berry juice, and a large feather. “Do you know how to read and write? Your mother would appreciate a message in your own words.”
Eliesmore sat down to write, suddenly missing his mother keenly. He remembered falling asleep at night while she hummed a song or told him a fantastic story. The world did not seem so dark and dangerous under her care. For a moment, he wanted to go with Optimistic and see her again.
He swallowed hard as he scratched out a note, wishing he could write more, but the parchment was small. His mother already knew he was the One, and she believed in him. She understood far beyond what she had told him. All his life he had known joy; she had not bothered to burden him with darker thoughts of the past, present, and future.
Eliesmore handed the folded parchment to Optimistic who hid it in his tunic. He handed Eliesmore a pack. “Now go swiftly. I will see you in three days. Goodbye, Eli
esmore.”
“Goodbye, Optimistic.” Eliesmore turned to rejoin Ellagine as the forest shifted.
“Come, Eliesmore.” She held out a hand, beckoning him. “We should run.”
17
Eliesmore
“Wait here,” Ellagine cautioned as they entered the woods of Truemonix three days later. Eliesmore froze beside a broad redwood tree, tilting his head as Ellagine walked forward a few paces, her footsteps silent. The forest was old. Its trees were twice the size of those in Shimla, and gray roots grew about them. The silence was intimidating, and Eliesmore took quick, shallow breaths as he waited, his eyes darting back and forth. Were there eyes watching him from the underbrush? Would he be attacked by a creature leaping from above, crashing down on his head? His fingers closed around the hilt of his sword. He tugged at the neck of his shirt, and he took a step backward. The pungent odor of root and mold overwhelmed his senses, causing his eyes to water. Lifting an arm, he brushed at his face. When he brought his hand down, he saw a female striding towards Ellagine, her hips swaying seductively with each step.
Eliesmore assessed her. It was evident she was an Ezinck, a people group most often found in forests. They were known for their strength and skill with the blade. She stood over five and a half feet tall with jet black hair hanging to her shoulders. It curled at the end, and Eliesmore could not help but follow the swoosh of her hair as she walked. Her skin was a blend of dark walnuts, ebony, and molasses, a stark contrast to Ellagine’s green glow. Eliesmore scratched the back of his neck as he eyes roamed from Ellagine back to the Ezinck, recognizing their beauty yet unable to compare them. His face flushed as he watched them exchange words, and he wondered whether most of his companions would be female.
Ellagine motioned towards Eliesmore, and the Ezinck turned, the grim line of her face softening as Ellagine beckoned to Eliesmore, inviting him to join them. “I am Arldrine, at your service,” the Ezinck introduced herself, her voice laced with respect. She wore the same pattern of green clothes Optimistic wore and carried a bow in one hand. Strapped on her back was a quiver of white arrows, and in her belt, a bone-white dagger gleamed. “I will join your quest.” She bowed her head before lifting it to meet his eyes.
Once again Eliesmore found himself unsure how to react. He had not grown up with friends and speaking to his mother did not take tact and respect. Dancing with the Iaen turned out to have little use outside of their realm. He was out of his comfort zone, forced to think of something appropriate to say to show her he appreciated her service. “Thank you. I am Eliesmore.”
“Arldrine has information for us,” Ellagine explained.
Arldrine nodded; her eyes narrowed as she took in their surroundings. “I will tell all when Optimistic comes.”
“Arldrine, you know a safe place; let us move deeper into the woods,” Ellagine suggested.
Arldrine spun on one heel, her boots spraying chunks of mud behind her. Eliesmore tucked his chin in and glanced over his shoulder towards the opening of the woods. A darkness passed in front of his vision, and he shivered. He had the vague sense a dark evil was following him. As he turned to follow Arldrine, his gaze met Ellagine’s. A question lay behind those deep eyes, and Eliesmore felt a flicker in his heart, although she said nothing.
They settled deeper in the wood, leaned against trees, and made small talk as the hours passed. The shadows lengthened, and the last meal passed. Eliesmore found himself jumping at every slight noise in the thicket, swallowing nervously as they waited. As the sun set, they heard a rustling in the underbrush. Arldrine rose, holding up a finger for silence as she cocked her head. Cupping her hands over her mouth, she hooted out a low call, pausing briefly before calling again. Eliesmore ran his fingers through his hair in befuddlement, glancing from Ellagine to Arldrine. What was she doing? She sounded like a bird of the wild. The cry came drifting back, repeated three times. “That’s him,” Arldrine announced.
A few moments later, Optimistic jogged into the circle, stopping with a grin on his face when he saw the three. Ellagine rose, and Eliesmore followed her lead.
“Arldrine!” Optimistic cried. He moved towards her with his arms wide open and the two embraced.
“It's good to see you again, friend.” Arldrine pulled back, a genuine smile lighting up her grave features.
“Ellagine. Eliesmore.” Optimistic nodded in their direction. He swung his bow off his back and plopped down, cross-legged.
“Optimistic, I did not know you had left the fortress until Ellagine brought word,” Arldrine remarked as she sat beside him.
“Yes, in January,” Optimistic confirmed. “I knew it was time. I had to go, just like you did.”
Arldrine glanced away into the forest, her voice quiet. “Have there been any attacks since I left?”
“None. All who dwell there remain, waiting for our return.”
Arldrine sighed; Eliesmore could not tell whether it was from relief or frustration. He scratched his head as he noted the carefree, effortless way Optimistic and Arldrine communicated. That must be what it was like to have friends, and he had none, only obligations.
“Eliesmore.” Optimistic’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “I went to visit your mother and deliver the message. She was relieved to hear news of you and…” His eyes clouded over, and his face grew still. “She knew me.”
“How is that possible?” Eliesmore murmured. Even as the words left his tongue, he realized his mother had a past life she had not told him about.
“Arldrine, you have news for us?” Ellagine pressed.
“We are in grave danger.” Arldrine straightened. The life faded from her voice as her fingers dropped to grip her dagger. “The Rakhai have risen up, and they are searching for you, Eliesmore, because you are the One. Optimistic, they are also hunting you because you are the Keeper of the Green Stone. The barrier of protection over these lands is fading; soon they will be on our trail.”
Eliesmore felt a cold shiver of fear ripple down his back. “What are the Rakhai? How did they find out about me so fast?”
“They might not know about you yet.” Ellagine waved her hand. “However, I knew when it was time to find you, they may have the same sixth sense. They have many spies, and your sword gives you away.”
Eliesmore bit his lip, rubbing his arms. “Who are they?”
“They are Monrages,” Arldrine explained, “eleven of them.”
Eliesmore recoiled in horror as darkness began to creep over them. He’d heard the stories of Magdela the Monrage, one stronger than any immortal with a thirst for death. During her hundred-year rule, she had been clever and devastating, causing both Black and White Steeds alike to loathe her.
“They ride great, black beasts,” Arldrine went on, “and possess unique power. In fact, I believe they are collecting more power for the Changers. More importantly, their mission is to stop us from reaching the Constel Heights.” Arldrine looked at the frightened and confused faces surrounding her. A hint of sorrow drifted into her voice. “I am sorry. I hate to be the bearer of evil tidings.”
Ellagine stood, brushing her long hair back from her face. A green light shimmered briefly around her as a plan formulated. “We must go with all speed to Sanga San. The fastest way will be too dangerous, and the roundabout way will take us six more days. Four of us cannot stand and fight the Rakhai. We need Idrithar because he carries more power than I. We must go.”
“Now?” Eliesmore asked in surprise as Arldrine and Optimistic rose.
“Yes, Eliesmore,” Ellagine’s sharp voice stung as if she’d slapped him. “We don’t have time to sit around or sleep while the Rakhai search for us. We stop only when we are exhausted. Let’s run.”
Night hid their journey as they fled through the woods, keeping an even pace to preserve their breath and energy. Arldrine led the way with Ellagine bringing up the rear, fear keeping them going. They did not know how exhausted they were until, a few hours before dawn, they came to the edge of the forest. There th
ey stopped; each breathing hard. “Hide.” Arldrine gasped. “Sleep.” Eliesmore dropped where he stopped, not even bothering to take off his pack.
Midmorning sunlight woke Eliesmore. He blinked and sat up, feeling stiff from sleeping on the ground and cold from the morning dew, which had dried on his clothes. Optimistic stood a few feet away, juggling four apples and singing under his breath.
“Under hill, under dell,
Under sky, moon, and stars
We will quest to the west.
We will thrive; we will ride
On the backs of horses white.
Under barrow and under dew,
We will go with great cause
Down the range and up the heights.
Under flower and under fountain,
Here we go like falling thunder.”
Optimistic caught Eliesmore watching him and stopped. His ears turned red as he tossed Eliesmore an apple. Suddenly feeling keen with hunger, Eliesmore took a big bite. “These are sweet,” he said in surprise. “Where did you get these?”
“The world holds many surprises.” Optimistic laughed. “There. I’ve sung for you. What songs do you know?”
“None like that one.” Eliesmore shrugged, thinking back to the years he spent singing and dancing with the Iaen.
Optimistic paused before taking another bite of his apple, noticing the way Eliesmore’s expression changed to one of euphoria. “What do you mean?”
Eliesmore and the Green Stone Page 8
