Legends Lost Tesnayr

by Nova Rose

  Chapter XIII

  Discontent

  Rybnik stared out at the empty battlefield. So much death. He followed Tesnayr only to be led to this moment. The time had come for him to make a choice, a choice he had made long ago.

  “I thought I’d find you here,” said Jenel.

  “You shouldn’t have come,” replied Rybnik, moodily.

  “I’m concerned about you,” she said. “You’ve been distant lately.”

  “I like my solitude.”

  “I don’t believe that.”

  “Believe it,” said Rybnik.

  “Rybnik, what’s wrong?” asked Jenel concerned.

  “Nothing. It’s just, why are we here? We lost the battle yesterday. The orcs have managed to conquer Sym’Dul and Belyndril. Belarnia is destroyed and it is only a matter of time until they take the rest.”

  “We didn’t lose.”

  “Oh we did. Trust me.”

  “What has gotten into you?” demanded Jenel.

  “Nothing,” said Rybnik, “Everything. Why do you trust me?”

  “I have no reason not to.”

  “You do realize that I am responsible for your sister’s death?”

  “Rybnik,” whispered Jenel, “Don’t.”

  “I am,” shouted Rybnik. “And what were you doing with that catapult?”

  “I merely wanted to help.”

  “Help? You foolish girl, you could never help us. You’re a palace brat who never spent time in the real world.” Rybnik drew closer to Jenel. “Foolish, just like your sister. Your father was right not to trust me.”

  “I-- I don’t understand. We have been friends for over ten years,” Jenel cried.

  “Friends? Did it ever occur to you that I was simply using you for the throne of Sym’Dul, like I used Janine?”

  “No! You wouldn’t.”

  “Wake up woman!”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Because there is a new player in this land, and he is winning,” replied Rybnik. “You’d best decide whose side you are on. I’ve already found mine.”

  “I don’t believe it,” said Jenel.

  “It’s time you realize that the world is full of hurt. Your sister was just collateral damage all those years ago. That little wench meant nothing to me.”

  A loud clap broke the air as Jenel slapped Rybnik hard across the face. “Get out,” she yelled. “Get away from me!”

  Rybnik stared at Jenel coldly. His hand whitened on the hilt of his sword as he tightened his grip. “You’ll meet the same end.” He stalked off leaving Jenel alone with her tears.

  It had been five days since the battle. Many within the army were on edge. Tesnayr did not blame them. He knew it was only a matter of time until the orcs showed up again. In the meantime, he ensured that every man busied himself with necessary tasks. The clanking of the blacksmiths’ hammers filled the air as they fixed broken shields and sharpened swords. Many set about perfecting their own weapons, while others tried to sleep as best they could.

  Food had run low. Tesnayr hoped that Nigilin succeeded in finding some. There wasn’t much within the city and the incomplete keep had little to offer. He meandered through the groups of soldiers letting them see him, trusting that his presence would steel their already frayed nerves.

  Pounding hooves boomed from behind. Tesnayr turned at the sound. A bunch of horses galloped into the camp led by three men he knew quite well. Nigilin brought up the rear. The triplets pulled the horses to a stop and jumped off their mounts with glee.

  “What’s this?” asked Tesnayr.

  “You wanted supplies, General,” said Nular. “And we brought them.” He beamed triumphantly.

  “Tesnayr,” said Nigilin, “You wanted me to use these three to gather supplies and I did. I must say, they found everything we needed rather quickly.”

  “Where did you get all this?”

  “It just so happened that some men were taking these horses to the orcs. They had food and weapons with them as well. These three managed to sneak into the camp and relieve those men of everything,” replied Nigilin.

  “I’m impressed,” said Tesnayr. “How did you three do it?”

  The three brothers grinned at one another with glee. “It’s quite simple really,” said Nular.

  “They were just sleeping and had no guard—,” said Nular.

  “—so we were able to sneak in,” said Nedis.

  “We clonked them over the head,” added Nylin.

  “And with a bit of luck—”

  “—and finesse—“

  “—maybe a bit of both—”

  “—we took their horses, food, and weapons,” finished Nedis.

  “Hardly seems worth it,” said a dry voice. Rybnik appeared from behind the group of prancing beasts. “The orcs still outnumber us and they will return soon.”

  “What’s eating you?” asked Nedis.

  Rybnik glared at the man.

  “You need to lighten up,” said Nylin.

  “Perhaps we can turn that frown upside down,” said Nedis. “Or not,” he added when Rybnik glowered at him before walking away.

  “Why would the orcs want horses?” asked Nigilin.

  “Food,” replied Tesnayr. “Good work boys.”

  The triplets grinned even more as they took the horses and supplies away to be stowed.

  “Max?” Nelyn poked her head into the wizard’s tent.

  “I had a bath earlier this morning and do not need another.”

  “Might I speak with you?”

  “You are speaking,” said Max from his cot. Releasing a loud sigh, he sat up. “It appears that a wizard does not need his sleep. Oh very well, what do you want?”

  “Arnin and I wish to be married.”

  “Congratulations.”

  “And we want you to marry us.”

  Max gave Nelyn a wary look. “No,” he said.

  “No? Why no?”

  “I mean, I do not do weddings.”

  “Why not?” demanded Nelyn.

  Max whirled on her. “I haven’t been to a wedding since—” Calming himself, the wizard started over. “I do not think I am the best one to conduct the ceremony.”

  Disappointed, Nelyn pursed her lips and headed for the tent opening. “I suppose you’re right. Perhaps Ernayn will be willing to perform the ceremony.”

  “You’d let that witch marry you?” Max’s change in tone stopped Nelyn.

  “She said that if you refused, then she would be more than happy to.”

  “Why would you let that pompous, arrogant, manipulating woman marry you?”

  Nelyn faced Max with an innocent expression. “We did not wish to disturb the kings and the local elder is ill.” Nelyn headed for the opening again. “Do not concern yourself. If you are busy, Ernayn will suffice.”

  “Wait,” said Max stopping her. “There is no way on this green earth that you want that sorceress to perform your wedding. You would be cursed from the start. I will do it. The least I can do is give you two a good beginning by blessing your union. When is the happy day?”

  Tomorrow.” Nelyn kissed Max on the cheek in appreciation. “Thank you.”

  The old wizard huffed pushing her away. “There’s no need to thank me. No need at all. It will be my pleasure.”

  Nelyn left with a satisfied smile on her face.

  A warm sun rose the next morning lighting up the joyful day and the impending ceremony. People buzzed about administering the last details for the banquet that would follow. The entire town of Swalya attended thankful to have something to celebrate.

  Poised in the front of the crowd was Max in fine robes and freshly combed hair. Arnin stood in front of the wizard awaiting his bride. The soft notes of a flute danced through the air.

  Slowly, Nelyn walked up the aisle with Jarown by her side. She wore a simple white dress that one of the women from town loaned her. Wildflowers in her hair accentuated its golden color. Jarown placed her hand in Arnin’s
taking a small glance at her unicorn pendant before stepping aside.

  “Today we gather to witness the joining of this man and this woman,” said Max. “Who gives this woman to be married?”

  “I do,” said Jarown.

  “And who gives this man to be married.”

  “I do,” replied Tesnayr.

  “Nelyn,” said Max, “Do you accept this man, knowing only him and to be bound to him for the rest of your days?”

  “Yes,” Nelyn replied.

  “Arnin, do you accept this woman, knowing only her and to be bound to her for the rest of your days?”

  “Yes,” said Arnin.

  Max held a goblet of wine high above his head. “As you have pledged yourselves to each other, drink of this cup and become one.”

  Nelyn and Arnin each held the goblet taking a sip of the wine.

  A child carrying a pillow with two bracelets walked up to Max. He took the gold bracelets placing one on Nelyn’s left wrist and the other on Arnin’s right. “You may kiss your wife.”

  Eagerly, Arnin kissed Nelyn almost knocking her off her feet as the entire crowd cheered and clapped. They turned to face everyone. Jarown gave Nelyn a peck on the cheek. “I am so proud of you.” He shook Arnin’s hand. “And remember what I said about treating her properly.”

  A table lined with rolls, roast chicken, last season’s squash, and a cake stood in the center of the outdoor gathering. The meager wedding meal seemed like a great feast to the attendees.

  “Tired?” said Tesnayr to Nelyn as she rubbed her sore feet.

  She put her shoe back on, “Not entirely.”

  “The innkeeper in town has set aside a special room for you and Arnin. Congratulations to you both.”

  “Thank you, General,” said Nelyn.

  As night settled on the land people trickled away until only a few stragglers remained.