by Nova Rose
Chapter IV
Spring
After several weeks the storms and gales of winter dissipated and the snow started to melt. The renewed warmth in the air indicated the impending arrival of spring. With it would come soggy weather and mudslides if they did not leave the mountains soon.
Tesnayr took stock of the current situation and supplies. Dismayed, he realized that everything had run low despite the hunting and gathering they did.
“You wished to see me,” said Idӕas.
“Yes,” replied Tesnayr. “We need to head to Hemίl and reach it quickly. Which is the best route?”
“The best route would be through the Azul Plains, but we cannot go that way.”
Slightly irritated by the elf’s tendency to answer the exact question asked, despite the fact that he knew what was meant, Tesnayr tried again. “Why not?”
“Orcs have overrun the plains. They control Sym’Dul and Belyndril. Belarnia is safe for the moment and they have not had much luck in MurDair. Hemίl is their next target. If we leave the mountains we will be captured.”
“Then, how do you propose we reach Hemίl?”
“We shall have to go through the Ársa Mountains themselves to reach it.”
“The Ársa Mountains?”
“Yes. They are the tallest mountains within this range.” Idæas pointed the peaks out to Tesnayr. “They are treacherous and it is a long road that goes through them. But there is little chance of the orcs being there.”
“Can you be certain?”
“Certainty is impossible,” replied Idӕas, “But the mountains have claimed many men. They will not allow the orcs to roam freely.”
“How long will it take to cross them?”
“Weeks if the weather holds. Maybe months. That I cannot tell.”
“If the weather holds?”
“Though the winter storms are over, there will be a few yet and the spring melts will begin soon after. But that is the least of our concern as the road leading south through the mountains may be difficult to find.”
“Difficult to find?” asked Tesnayr not liking where this was going.
“There is supposed to be an ancient road that travels along the mountain spine which we can use if we move quickly.”
“Do you know where it is?”
“No one does. It is called the Indrev Tharob. It was built long ago, before the elves claimed Belarnia. No one has traveled it for centuries. But Elven lore speaks of it and using that I might be able to guide us to this road.”
“So we are to pin our hopes on some Elven tales of some road that no one even believes exists?”
“Well, we could try the orc infested plains,” said Idæas.
Tesnayr detested the proposition, but felt there was little choice. The elf had never lied to him before. “Is there no other way?”
“No, Captain.”
“Very well. Prepare for departure,” said Tesnayr. “We leave immediately for Hemίl.”
“Yes, Captain.” Idӕas saluted and left.
Ordered chaos ensued as tents were torn down and equipment packed. The soldiers helped the refugees prepare for the trek through the mountains tossing anything considered useless or that would weigh them down. Within hours loaded horses and people trudged through the now slushy snow.
“He never leaves your side,” commented Tesnayr to Jenel as they walked together.
“Rybnik is a dear friend,” replied Jenel, “And he is my cousin.”
“Go on,” urged Tesnayr. He was curious about the man and wished to know more.
“Rybnik is very loyal.”
“And yet he was banished from Sym’Dul. Nigilin told me,” added Tesnayr upon receiving a stern look from Jenel.
“I suppose there is a reason you wish to know. Yes, he was banished. Ten years ago, when I was still a child, Rybnik and my sister Janine fell in love. She was only sixteen at the time. My father forbade their union.
“At this same time war broke out between Sym’Dul and MurDair. Rybnik fought but came home discouraged. Thinking my father a fool, he constructed a plot to have him removed from the throne. With my father gone, Janine would have inherited the crown since she was the eldest and my father had no sons.”
“He planned to marry her and become king?”
“No,” said Jenel. “Rybnik planned to marry Janine, but not to become king. He just wanted Sym’Dul to be great again and felt that my sister would be a far better queen than my father was a king. There were many who felt the same. But the plot was discovered. My father had sentenced Rybnik to death but Janine intervened. She pleaded with my father that Rybnik’s life be spared. So, he relented and instead simply banished Rybnik from Sym’Dul.
“Soon after, it was clear that my sister and Rybnik would never be allowed to marry. He was exiled and she refused to leave with him. I think a part of her felt that Rybnik had used her and it gnawed at her. Months later she died of a broken heart. My father was never the same since. My mother had died in childbirth and then my sister was dead.
“I smuggled Rybnik into the city for Janine’s funeral. We’ve stayed in contact ever since. Why do you wish to know?”
“It seems odd that a man who planned to betray his king, is banished, and then risks his life to protect the king’s daughter,” said Tesnayr.
“Not at all,” replied Jenel. “After Janine died, Rybnik regretted his actions. He never forgave himself for her death.”
“He cannot enter Hemίl.”
Jenel faced Tesnayr, anger flushed her face. “What do you mean? He is with us. I’ll not leave him behind.”
Tesnayr held up a hand silencing her. “I only meant that if he does enter Hemίl, he may be imprisoned. He is an exile and most kings do not accept exiles.”
Calming herself with a slow, deep breath, Jenel realized what Tesnayr meant. “I see. We will meet that challenge when it comes.”
