The sun was well up when Yvayn finally rolled out of bed. He looked out his little window to the street below. A crowd had formed around Cliffhanger, but they were keeping their distance from the grunting stallion. Yvayn chuckled to himself. Suddenly he realized that he had slept the whole night without that awful nightmare. He almost felt guilty for being happy. That white horse had given him a sense of accomplishment that he had not felt before. “He led me here for something,” he said to himself. “I wonder what it is to be?” He put on his clothes and went downstairs and grabbed some bread and water before stepping outside. He stepped through the crowd to Cliffhanger who greeted him with his right foot scratching the ground. “Good morning to you too. So where do we go today?” Yvayn was rubbing the horse under his neck. The large horse padded the ground again with his right foot. “South…again?” Yvayn turned to the small crowd and asked them the name of their to
A few days down the road, Yvayn found he was in the midst of what he supposed were the ruins, from Ernor’s description, of Kelna. He decided to rest at this place while things calmed down back in Shyr. He unpacked and settled in for the night. At dawn, Cliffhanger woke him with a gentle nudge. He appeared to be ready to go. “What is it, boy?” The young prince got up and stretched. It was then that he saw it. Looking out across the cool misty grass, he could see a beast with light golden hair, glistening almost white in the sunlight of the morning. Its mane flowed across its back, and it seemed to be alone, much like Yvayn. “A lion, Cliffhanger, there’s a lion over there.” He pointed, but the great horse already knew. “What should we do?” Yvayn picked up his sword and sheath. Then he packed Cliffhanger with the battle ax Ernor had given him and put the sword around his own waist. The young warrior was wearing the leather outfit the tailor had made for him. It would prote
Part II The Guardian Termâs looked frantically for Yvayn and the Semians for most of the day. He felt guilty for letting Yvayn out of his sight. He was confused by all the events of the day before and was trying to sort things in his head like a good warrior always did before reacting. He knew that Myllyof was dead, and he knew Jullious was dead. But Velsusi…that was confusing him. He realized that Rylltòl would have been totally destroyed had it not started to rain during the night. He sat back and looked out the window of the building where he was hiding. Termâs had found a small shop that was not burned and slept in it. It was cold but at least he was dry. He listened very carefully before moving. The thought of one of those awful hairy sharp-clawed creatures getting him weighed on his mind. He could vividly remember the sight of Jullious being ripped apart. He never cared much for Myllyof’s guard bu
The road to Mano was rough for both young travelers. They followed the enemy, but guards or slow-moving creatures often were on the trail, cutting them off or making them work as a team to keep hidden. While Termâs could fight the large creatures quite well, their unpredictable nature of them was mentally fatiguing. The Beras pass was desolate and cold. Termâs and Cai were often buried in thick mists and light rain. Finding food was not such a problem. Because of the confusion created by the marching army, animals were easy prey. Sometimes appearing right in their path or already dead when they came upon them. After a long hard climb, they saw the vale that led to Mano. The sky had cleared some and the sun was a welcome warm relief on their aching legs and bodies. Evidence of the marching band ahead was all around them with footprints, bloody dead animals, and a kind of putrid smell like a dead skunk or a week-old slain deer festering in the sun. Termâs remembered the smell
Termâs and Cai finally arrive in Tarpor after two long hard days of walking. They were both exhausted and sore. Termâs led them to an inn to rest. “Cai, you have to rest. I can get all we need, and you can get some sleep. I will look for supplies and some fresh food and better clothes.” “But I don’t want to be left alone.” “You have Sasha.” “But I want you to stay.” “Enough of this…you rest.” He was serious and helped her with her boots. “Maybe you can clean up a little.” “All right…” Termâs helped draw a warm bath for her by lighting a fire and getting a kettle of water. Then he left. He was gone for a long time. When he returned, he found her lying in her bed with Sasha. She was sound asleep. He did not light a lamp but settled down in his own bed to rest. They awoke with the sun shining brightly in their faces. Cai rolled over, but Termâs sat up. “Time to get up, sleepy.” “No!” She muttered from under her covers. Sasha was no
Careath was a most welcome sight to the young guard. The flags still flew high and were stretched out firm in the afternoon ocean wind. Tall elms twisted in the stiff breeze and wind-sculpted pine trees blew wildly on the sandy banks. The docks were busy with commercial sea-ships. Gulls flocked above the ships looking for any morsel of food they might find. Pelicans stood on large wooden posts and watched the Silver Hawk pull into its spot. The crew scrambled to get the ship tied down. Men on the dock grabbed ropes and pulled them hard to slow the warship and settle it into the wharf. Erwaith called to the passengers announcing that they had arrived. Termâs came up loaded with his bags while Cai and Lyora followed with Sasha. Another crewman carried the ladies’ bags. “Erwaith?” Yes, Termâs?” “You will need to stay here in the dock. I have a feeling we are going to need as much help as possible.” Erwaith ran his hands through his long gray locks of hair. “
A familiar glow of sunrise began to creep into the eastern windows of the hall. From his bed Termâs found himself looking toward the ocean listening to the ebb and flow of the relentless waves. Suddenly he began to realize why Yvayn so often sat by the sea. The soothing effect of the Plenar’s waves relaxed his troubled mind. While Careath slept, the ocean was easy to hear, as was the rush of wind over the waves. The view out of the south windows of the palace was impressive, but he had never before taken time to notice. The marble floor of the great hall was damp from the evening’s heavy dew. Servants had not yet awakened to wipe it clean for the day’s events. Stars were fading from sight. One remained clear over the open waters. Morning birds began to sing loudly as they searched for morsels of food. Hundreds of them flocked into the courtyard behind the palace. Morning glories were still blooming in the chilled air. The first frost had not yet come to Careath, but the cool
Mia was seated quietly in her chamber praying to herself. She found it was the one thing that brought comfort to her aching mind. She was interrupted by a knock at her door. “Who is it?” “Sorry to disturb you, my lady, but I have brought someone you should meet.” “Well, come in, my dear Enor.” Enor presented himself and then motioned for Lyora to enter the chamber. Mia turned around and stood up. Her black cloak hid her face. “Good morning to you, Enor. I should not be so rude.” “Good morning to you, my lady.” “Who is this young girl you have brought here today?” “You know I am not one for long introductions.” “Yes…” “Let me present to you, your daughter-in-law, Lyora.” The grieving widow froze in her steps. Enor stepped back as Lyora walked slowly forward. The young empress bowed deep and confident. She too was dressed in black. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mia, of the house of Ivlar.” Mia looked at the young girl, then a