According to Menian legend, it was said that the Narcoth army rode into battle against Raka on horses of tremendous size and stature. This did not enter Yvayn’s mind when he rounded a corner and came face to face with such a beast. His wanderings had taken him deep into the high mountains and farther to the East. He was nearing the Mondo River once again. The Mondo served as a division between Semia and Menia as it ran through the Relp Mountains, but it was not a border in the high mountains of Old Narcothia. The Mondo of this region was a wild, ravaging river that was continuously winding and bounding over great rocks and cliffs in its rough-cut bed. The beasts of this country were rugged animals used to climbing steep cliffs and endless rocky trails. They lived in small herds with the males often leading solitary lives wandering the nearly endless woods in search of females. The animal that Yvayn had come across was one such male of its species. The young traveler sto

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

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

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. “

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