The Din of Fate - Chapter II

CHAPTER II1

Called2

3


O righteous Mother4

I come to plead5

Thy strength and will6

For thee I bleed7

The path unknown8

The way is dark9

Thy guidance I seek10

I will embark11

To parts unknown12

My blade be thrust13

My enemies cruel14

I pray I be just15

Light my path16

Strengthen my arm17

My body and spirit18

My sword, do charm19

Thy foe will fall20

This I vow21

Or take my life22

To thee I bow23

Corynvar watch over me 24

I am thy loyal slave 25

Bid thy wish, I do but follow26

To thee I forever clave27

With fingers pressed he crossed his chest, clasped his hilt and kissed it. He rose from his kneel and extended his arm, and the shard of stone that held in the other. He completed his orison with a wash of his blood on the small figurine, it being ringed by lit molded wax and blood-stained surfaces. After sheathing the sword and binding his arm, he extinguished the flames. Retracing his steps a ways, he then bowed low to his goddess and exited the makeshift hut. 28

Once outside he breathed freely, but his air no less cautious. Mist and fog blurred his eerie surroundings, and the shadowing pillars he knew to be trees grasped at him with claws. The cry of a lone black-bird pierced the bluish haze of dawn with a sharp cry. He shivered.29

“The milieus wilt change, with morning’s first light.” he quietly told himself, “at least, they always have…” he had been to his hidden lair many times, but this morn felt strange.30

“Or the absence of it in an imbecilic youth,”31

The sword appeared even before his spin fully ended, discovering a silhouette of one leaning comfortably on the gnarled trunk of a tree directly in his path while sitting on a wide low-lying branch; the distance being too far and the mist too thick, however, to disclose its sex, but the voice was that of a female.32

“Name thyself or be gone, I have no business with specters.” 33

It’s probably Dyina, I bet she followed me!34

“Nor I with mortal youngsters.” came the cool reply.35

“Ye knoweth where my secret lair lieth; ye shalt die for the knowledge!” He lashed harshly hoping to frighten his mischievous younger sister; his face crimsoned with each sting of her strident laugh, coupled with a thud as the figure fell from her perch from the strength of it. He walked purposefully towards the roving mass with his sword leading. The figure was grasping her belly and stomping her feet wildly as she rolled in the lush of the forestry; her amusement tangled him. Suddenly he stopped dead in his progress and wanted nothing more than to be miles away from the thing. The mist momentarily parted.36

Its long turquoise hair, disheveled and mixed with flowers, spread luxuriously around it. Its long thin ears speared from the streaming locks that framed its delicate face, from which a pair of pale eyes and a dainty nose smiled up at him. Its light turquoise features clung to her slim form, and vines that held flowers and leaves tendriled its body. A thin layer of moss covered patches of her skin, particularly her breasts and side, arm and leg. His sword thudded to the ground. Here before him was the creature so vehemently denied existence by every soul he has known. Here before him was living proof that there was another world beyond his little village of woodchoppers and farmers. Here before him was an answer to all his fantasies and dreams! He stared stupidly at this tempting beauty before a triad of glossy orange butterflies sparkled their way into his vision and broke his trance.37

“Y…yea a…”38

“Pixie, and I like you.”39

He did not know how to respond.40

“I should cage you for trespassing and disrespect, but keep you alive for your pitiful threats. Corynvar herself could use a good laugh such as you.” She resumed her laughter.41

“Yea mocketh my goddess, creature.”42

At this she sat up straight with fire burning in her eyes, “Your goddess? Tis you mortals who foolishly ignore her existence,” she aired with scorn, “Corynvar is the goddess of earth and mother of sylvan; surely even you mortals should know that. As her creation, I hold every right to call her my goddess; but you…who gives you right to address Her by name? How do you know Her, boy?” She instantly became menacing.43

He hesitated, “She…she cometh to me…in my dreams…” The pixie was taken aback, “…she’s my world…my true world…the world I wisheth to belong to…” 44

“That I have seen, and that I will bear in mind. But for Corynvar to visit a mere human, that is too much…”45

“I’ll have no quarrel with thee on that.” He flatly declared.46

“Oh but you will,” she rose from the ground, “after all, you’ve trespassed my dwelling, thus entitled to my wrath.”47

“I’ve done no harm.” He was suddenly scared.48

“Oh but you have. You’ve wounded my pride!” she cackled.49

He scrambled for his blade when the vines flowing around the pixie sprouted thorns and advanced on him. But he did not want to engage the pixie in combat. 50

Abruptly the tendrils recoiled back to their original shape and sizes, and the threatening visage melted into yet another solo of wicked laughter, this time joined by a chorus from a group of pixies who had watched the encounter from different trees above. The lad, confused and overwhelmed with his being played on and the sudden sight of more pixies, merely replaced his sword and strode swiftly away from the scene, too humiliated, embarrassed, and addled to remain. 51

What doeth I? I walketh from my dream when must know more about them! He cursed aloud, but his pride held him firm.52

His frustrated temper did not abate when an apple smote his head. He looked up to see the same irritating pixie waving down at him; her beautiful form now laying the length of a branch.53

“What now, more games?” he shouted at the still giggling female as he reached to sooth the aching spot.54

“No,” it responded,” to do so will only invoke your wrath.”55

The lad scowled, “It already has been invoked!” 56

“Come now. You are the merriest creature ever to cross my path in over three descendants,” She floated down and slithered an arm over his shoulder, “and I won’t let you away so easily!” she whispered with a cheeky smirk.57

He struggled to flee but was held back. “Now now, you may frolic those spindly legs once you’ve accepted my gift.” She placed around his neck a thin tendril from which hung a three-leaved medallion.58

“What is this?” he asked, curiously fingering the silver item.59

“Just remember: We dance to the song of nature.” She glided slowly away.60

“No, stop! Leaveth not!” he screamed and ran after her, but the pixie had disappeared in the mesh of trees, as were the others. The only proof of the dream ever taking place was the sting of his pride and the medallion in his hand. He dropped it underneath his tunic.61

I loseth my mind! He continued to berate himself as he trailed home. The sun poked its tip over the horizon, streaming its golden rays through the dense populace of lumber and greenery, evaporating the mist and dew in its wake, and shed over the vast woodland terrain and the world beyond. This glorious sight was an elixir of joy ever since its discovery. He dashed the remaining part-mile to Shadow Rock with all haste; his heart drummed, and then fell. He reached the cliff as the sun crept boldly from its bed. He had missed the sunrise, but the sight was ever grand. Overlooking the village of Rak-Shay and its wide fields, he could see the smoke awaken from the chimneys of various cottages, and the morning rush of chores begin. He mustn’t tally here. 62

He sprung from the jutted boulder onto a lower one, and the decent continued to his home. He loved the increment of ecstasy and youthful independence the sunrise always imparted to him. He laughed aloud. He felt wild and on top of the world. 63

“KYDRIL ENG’ACHTOR!”64

The ear-piercing scream instantly sapped the carefree spirit from him mid-leap; leaving him to crumple in an undistinguished heap on the soft earth of a garden he always took pains to greaten his leap over.65

“My phachai’s!” the voice wailed again. Kyd gingerly lifted himself from the mashed cluster of young vegetables and surveyed his damage.66

“Oi— my apologies, mother.” He offered, and began hastily erecting the fallen polls of coiled produce, until his mother shoved him toward the house.67

“Enough with yea, geteth thee to work like yer supposeth to!” she gruffly shouted, grabbing the poll from his hands and battered him with more than just phachi essence. 68

“Ow! Farewell then mother!” Kyd potted a quick kiss on his mother’s wrinkled cheek before dipping to avoid another swing, and sprinted for the backdoor.69

“Your father and brothers are already with the men.” She called after him. Today was within the forest. Inside, he replaced his wooden sword with his axe from above his room’s door post and made for the front door, extending a phachai essence kiss on his little sister’s forehead and receiving an “Eww!” on his leave.70

Once outdoors, he paced for the southeastern Greenwood Forest to where the lumbering took place. On his way, he received many greetings from the populace; farmers in their fields, wives in their kitchens, children doing various chores. But the greeting he most anticipated was that of the woodsman, Vororm Brestlum’s third daughter: Rynn.71

He rounded a corner and came in sight of their house, which was near the edge of the village; a magnificent chalet of solid oak. He could see the vegetables drying in the sun on a rack near the smoke-house. Mrs. Brestlum’s stout figure could be seen laundering not far from the garden, and there to his great satisfaction, was Rynn, tilling the fine earth. Even from this distance her beauty could not be stifled. Of chestnut brown, and unbent midriff-length hair, it shimmered about her as a veil of sand. Her home-spun frock complemented her body well; this might have been to the fact that she had outgrown it, but Kyd cared not; its firm embrace further enhanced the curves of her figure, making her all the more radiant. He slowed his jog to a brisk trot as he passed.72

“Good morn, Mrs. Brestlum!” he called out cheerfully. She peeked from behind a rather large sheet of freshly dyed cloth, and smiled.73

“Aye, a fine morn ‘tis, Kyd!” then she put on a cast of mock sternness, “Yer rather behind this day.”74

“Aye ma’m. The dawn was too glorious; I was foolishly caught in its spell.” He replied with a grin. 75

She laughed aloud, “Get thee hence! Yea have a ways to go.” He agreed, and dared a gaze at Rynn, but she was nowhere in sight. Disappointed, he took off for the forest. The well-grooved path brought thousands of reminisces to the foe, and Kyd fancied their every moment as he journeyed on. Memories of childhood play, memories of encounters with the forest life, memories of….76

WHAM! He was smashed to the earth from a heavy blow from above by….77

“Rynn!” It was, and she had him pinned, having dropped from a high branch. 78

“Correct.” She aired sweetly.79

“I thought I glimpsed a shade of gold!” he moaned ruefully, wiping the earth from his face. 80

“Aye, I’ve been thinking of touching it with me mother’s dye, so as to blendeth with the forest.” She placed a finger on her lips, as if in thought.81

“Oh great,” Kyd rolled his eyes and labored to rise, but Rynn shoved him back into the dirt,”That’s the smartest idea yea’ve ever…” he managed to roll, and for the second time that day, he found himself speechless and unable to shred his eyes from the spectacle.82

The full weight of her rested on his torso, her legs embraced tightly astride, and an arm held his chest lowered. The lips still kissed the finger that rested upon it and a breeze fingered the chestnut mane that framed her calm visage. She noticed his lingering gaze and raised an eyebrow.83

“Aye?” 84

Kyd shook his head and returned, as steely as he could, “For what do I oweth the performance?”85

Rynn cocked her head to the side, “The greeting was first for my mother…” she pouted.86

He laughed at her girlishness, “Respect is the elder’s due.” 87

“Yea sound like me father,” she hissed, “since when were we ever anything but of respect?”88

“The day I met thee.” She rolled her eyes, “So I’ve accepted thy wrath. Now, may I proceed? I won’t mentioneth to yer father the reason for my great delay.”89

Rynn studied him for a slight. Even when those white-blonde locks were mingled in dirt, his charm did not fade. She bent lower to caress the locks. “Me wish is for thy hair…” The low neckline of her dress threatened to surface her cleavage.90

He resorted to palm her waist and bring her beside him, rising to brush her mane, “Dreameth, but thy locks distracteth me plenty.” She looked down shyly. He sprung to his feet and grabbed his axe that had fallen a distance, and helped her up. 91

Rynn awoke to a fact. “Oh, I had forgotten, here,” she handed him a shoulder-pack he did not notice on her before. “A batch of my freshly baked buns, a skin of water, and some fruits and cheese.” She saw his questioning look added, “I noticed yea did not bringeth anything, perhaps yea hasted, so I…”92

“Thou art an angel!” he kissed her cheek that quickly crimsoned and gratefully accepted the pack. “I promiseth this shall be repaid.”93

She merely waved him away. “Be safe, Kyd.” 94

“And thee.” He squeezed her arm affectionately and resumed his trek, waving over his shoulder. Rynn bent her fingers in reply and sighed deeply, then turned to her home. 95

Hues of brown wove into deep green, and Kyd felt warm. The morn shone hot on his left while the forest awoke to life in a waft. It was a while before the Emerald Glade was viewed, heard, and entered. He spotted his father and brothers working hard on the nearby slope, their two bulls lounged nearby, and approached. 96

“A thousand pardons, father.” He hastened to word, quickly dropping his pack and began hacking into the same tree with strong strokes.97

“Never yea mind,” his father replied between blows, “we’ve only just embarketh.”98

The morn passed in thudded silence and crashing trees. 99

At noon, the lone horn sounded, and Kyd and his brothers chained the bulls to the fallen logs and led them cautiously down to the clearing. From his point, Kyd could see the many other bulls from different directions dragging their burdens to the glade; a bewitching sight of teeming movement. Once gathered, the men piled the logs into a designated corner of the clearing and led the bulls to the feeders. Soon as the chore was finalized, they gathered in a circle to dine, and Kyd sought his best friend, to dine with and share his muddled thoughts.100

Once sited on stumps and feasting on Rynn’s fares, Kyd asked, “Therlye, do you believeth in the farther existence?”101

Therlye appeared to chew his bun more slowly before warily scanning around them, “Why do yea asketh?” he finally replied.102

“Because I’ve—“, Kyd felt the cold medallion strike his bare chest, and his voice and eyes trailed, “don’t yea dreameth of being more than a woodchopper all yer life?” he lamely switched his ending.103

“Like what?” came the thick retort, “A farmer?”104

A mouthful of water spat, “Yea dunce!” he choked, and Therlye roared. 105

“A fisherman then?” he asked more seriously.106

Kyd was familiar with the legends of large bodies of water with strange creatures that swam within, most of which were called ‘fish’; a world that existed solely in legends. He nodded, “Alongeth that thought, aye.”107

Again, Therlye mused, “It is feasible. The sky is vast, the earth is wide, and waters floweth from below our well. Who is to sayeth there are none above?”108

“Anyone with a halfwit!” a voice spat harshly from behind. The lads scrambled to their feet; it was Chalaith. With a strong build and corded sinews, a hard face to match his strength, and one muscular arm to equal his one eye, he was easily the fiercest woodcutter of Rak-Shay, even if the only wounded. The tales of his wounds were not retold, nor known to any but concealed within aged ears. The bachelor did not reside in the village, but in the depths of the forest, revealing only for work. It was not the first either had seen him near, but Kyd always thought him strange. 109

“Legends can be grave things to speak of, lads, believe me. I advise yea to shift yer heads the other way and mind yer choppin’.” He growled and stomped away. An uneasy air lingered. 110

Kyd broke the still. “The men are rising.” They grabbed their packs and returned to their sites. 111

The noon passed in thudded silence and crashing trees.112

When dusk attained, the logs were bunched, and the bulls were hitched in tow and to the logs. The slow trek home began. With whips the men urged the groaning beasts, and the logs crept. Kyd joined a few others on the lead bulls, and Therlye joined the whipped rear. The sky seared to a bright orange, eventually lowering into a deep crimson, casting chilling shadows trough the trees. After a grueling rove, the cortege at last entered the village. The logs were set at the outskirts to await their dissection the next day, and the men returned to their homes with their beasts. Kyd chatted animatedly with Therlye, and their fathers and bulls behind, all the way to his cabin. 113

“The morrow, Kyd, and don’t dawdle!” Therlye chided as he turned to his home.114

“The morrow, Therlye,” he called back, “And a fair night to thee, Mr. Jh'taren!”115

“Aye, and to thee as well!” came the reply116

Kyd handed the reins of the bulls to his father, along with his axe. “Yea go on ahead, father. I’ve another errand to run.”117

Echildi took them from his son. “On thy way, then, but mother’s feast shan’t wait for thee!” he grinned.118

“I will hurry!” Overjoyed, he took off the way they had come; passing houses filled with merriment and laughter, but he paid them no heed. He cleared the wind to the Brestlum chalet, and leaped over its fence. The chalet brimmed with movement and voices, and Kyd wondered if she was already within. A chuckle of hens and a muffled voice turned his attention to the barn. He dared to move closer and peered through the slightly ajar door. 119

Perfect! He thought, creeping silently onto the hay strewn ground and taking care to conceal behind the flickering shadows created by the lantern on the nailed center-post. Rynn was sitting on a low stool, feeding the chickens and conversing with the animals.120

“—dropped and I smote him to the earth! Yea should have seen his face, Darg, it was utter shock!” She giggled and tossed the remains of corn into the hen-house, sloshing a pail full of slop into the pig fodder, and then stood to pat the bulls’ lolling heads. “Aye, his face…I pledge he stared at me…” Kyd inched nearer to the unaware till he practically stood behind her. He readied himself to deliver the great roar. Rynn gave a long sigh, and said softly to no one in particular, “Is not Kyd that I love, beautiful?”121

Kyd froze; it was the third mute of that day.122

He was assaulted by a sudden most irresistible urge to embrace the girl, to hold her tight and hold her close. For a slight, he stood breathing her scent of fresh skin, and his urge increased.123

“Nay, thou art beautiful.” He absentmindedly whispered. Rynn let out a shriek that ended just as quickly as she spun and realized who it was. Kyd jumped at the sudden pierce of air.124

“KYD, YEA FOOL! Yea meaneth to kill me?!” she fumed and leaned against the post, breathing heavily, placing a hand to her bosom to calm her racing heart—racing partly from surprise and partly from embarrassment at the possibility of having being heard.125

Kyd equaled in embarrassment, but quickly sputtered “I—er—decided to return the surprise!” he laughed, “It worked!” 126

Rynn dropped her arm in exasperation, but also recovered quick and sprung on him with the words, “Yea scum!” 127

The barnyard beasts ogled in stunned stillness as the two tussled the other, laughing. Kyd managed to scale the loft in flee before Rynn tackled him onto one of the haystacks; conveniently dropping hay to the bulls below. She cackled and grappled him to the wooden planks; securing his arms down over his head.128

“There, I have yea!” she triumphantly cried, pleased with her ability to withhold the struggling limbs.129

Kyd succumbed, “Aye Rynn, I yieldeth, yer triumph!” his breath fast as he tried to catch it.130

She did not reply but remained firmly in her straddle; an impish smile passed her lips as she moistened them with her tongue. 131

“Yea heard—“132

“I have.” He whispered, tugging her arm that held his pinned closer to his lips, twisting his head to kiss it tenderly. Rynn closed her eyes to immerse in the rippling sensation that crawled the length of her arm and gathered in the pit of her stomach, tingling. She released her grip and descended her slithering fingers over his arms and down his torso, sliding beneath his tunic and ascended on bare flesh as she sank her lips into his. Kyd gasped as a slight prickly yet warm moist feel replaced his damp tunic, and knew that the lips on his weren’t the only parts of the girl that were wet. Released, his hands found her slender shoulders and roaming their way the full length of her back and beyond where they kneaded the firm mounds of flesh in great relish, slinking lower to the thighs beside him, and reaching under the hem of her frock. As his hands touched her bare thighs, an involuntary moan escaped her lips and a shudder coursed her spine. Kyd became aware of a moist seeping over his stomach, where Rynn sat. His hands continued upward, smoothing over her waist and belly, adding to its warmth. Her tongue caressed his with fervor; her body slid lower to meet a rising mound, his fingers rose to her breasts, their hearts beat wildly with passion, when her hands found the concealed object.133

Instantly she removed her hands from inside his tunic to pull the tendril over his head, sitting up to examine it closer. Jewelry was unknown. Kyd reluctantly pulled his hands from her body and too sat up.134

“What beeth this curious item?” she asked, panting a trifle.135

Reality struck. His heart paced. Should he tell her? Would she believe? He dimly recalled the long night many years ago, when the three had spent in secret theorizing of the legends and of the farther existence; usually ending with either Rynn or Therlye concluding that while it was fun to brood on, it should be kept in its proper place; a legend. Kyd however, was never satisfied with the outcome. He took the medallion from her, the odd feel bringing with it the vivid memories of that morn. “Tis a long tale,” And he proceeded to recount it.136

“—and yea are the first I’ve told.” he ended. Rynn remained quiet for a slight, before her pale-grey eyes bore deep into his sky-blue ones.137

“I do not entirely believe thee, but I do not entirely disbelieve thee; and I most certainly do not thinketh yea mad. Yet I do know that this day has been different, and it may be because of that thing. Perhaps,” she shyly lowered her eyes, “perhaps it has brought us closer together—deeper, than mere friends…”138

“Perhaps it has,” he replied softly, kissed the medallion, and slipped the tendril over her neck, “but I have always loved thee, Rynn, yet unsure if it was received. Tonight has been the greatest discovery I had ever hopeth to find. Let this be a token of my love—and a repayment of this morn; yer pack lieth below.” He added. 139

Rynn embraced him hard. “I thank thee for thy love! I knoweth I am not as beauteous as Kelari Crowor or Ciyer Pheahaugh or any of the other far more alluring maidens that the other lads lust for; I knoweth not why yea love me, but I thank thee with all me heart!” Kyd felt her tears awash his neck, and returned her embrace tenfold.140

“I will love thee forever!” he vowed141

Their embrace dragged, till they were interrupted by the sound of the barn gate opening and a voice call, “Rynn, yea there?”142

She gave a little gasp, “Supper,” she whispered, and quickly dried her tears, then aloud, “I cometh sister! A moment while I tidy the loft.” The door shut.143

“Would that I would lie in yer arms tonight,” she moaned. With a bashful smile she wiped his stomach with her garment, and straightened the haystacks. Then with her hand in his, they descended the loft. There at the door they kissed long and passionately; both unwilling to part, yet part they did.144

“The morrow, Kyd,” She tenderly stroked his cheek.145

“Sleepeth well, Rynn,” He kissed the hand that touched. 146

They slipped out the door and Kyd dashed to the fence, stopping to view the lantern light enter safely into the chalet. The flow of praise to his goddess did not abate that night as he ran home, even in bed while he vowed to spend an extra two hours in her prayer at his secret lair, until sleep at last overcame his weary frame, and he drifted in blissful slumber.147

* * * * * *148

A gloaming shadow overcame the brilliant aura that usually accompanied the morn; twisted cumulonimbus’ rolled angrily in massive knots, and concern filled Kyd as he watched the dark scene with dimly blurred eyes—due to his lack of sleep. In his excitement and long prayer in his hut, he failed to notice the increased speed of wind. Storms were known, but hardly common, and as he mounted Shadow Rock he could see that trouble brew ahead. A hand touched his shoulder; it was Hyurn, the village elder’s firstborn, accompanied by both their fathers, Nuden Etith the leading farmer of Rak-Shay, Eniq Crowor, Vororm Brestlum, and a few others.149

“We have a long day before us.” Hyurn said in his deep voice. Kyd could not agree more.150

Nuden cried, “The other tilling families must be warned; our crops are in grave danger!”151

“Aye,” Crower asserted, “and the logs must be split and gathered before the rains hiteth.”152

The village elder, Raban Ghaych, spoke, “Then may we haste to secure our haven.”153

At his word the men sprang to action. The village was roused and wagons woodchoppers rushed to the logs while the farmers fought against the wind to shelter their yields with pole-suspended tarps; the mothers swiftly sought to house the numerous haystacks drying in the fields, while their children readied the houses for the incoming fury. The ever present sounds of distant rumbles, a cruel reminder should they delay. 154

Therlye feverishly sawed with his pair, Ageog Zhoeth— Kelari Crowor’s current love; with malicious strokes they sliced through the first log and on to the second, while four others hacked the sliced, which was split even further by Kyd, Eniq and Chalaith. The blocks were then piled onto the awaiting wagons, and the rows continued for ten and six deep. Between strokes, Kyd watched this powerful man’s display; splitting wood with single strokes, cursing with every breath. There was more than just his strength that fascinated Kyd; a mystique note that divided him from the others, and not just his wounds; a certain portrayal that didn’t place him where he was, an impression that spoke louder than his words.155

I must speak with him. He at last concluded.156

Time was little but late morn before a heavy drop splattered boldly into the earth, promising more to come. Vororm was the first to feel.157

“THE RAINS FALL!” He roared at the top of his lungs, appearing to instill a fresh dose of adrenaline to all who heard, for the speed doubled with vigor. The waters agreed to fall thick, yet by then the wagons piled high and were jostling to the wood house, just across the village square. The gush turned quickly into a fresh gale, and the men had succeeded in storing every block but damp; the farmers accomplished the tarps, and the haystacks had been housed. Everyone head for their homes, and a heavily cloaked figure could be seen entering the forest. The sky darkened further. His brothers were already in the wagon. Kyd’s mind spun wild. 158

“Father,” he shouted above the wind, “I stayeth with the Jh'tarens!”159

His father nodded, “Be safe then!” he yelled back, and whipped the wagon home.160

Kyd bound his mantle tightly about him, clasping the axe to his chest, and pursued the figure. It was hard; the wind stung his teary eyes, making them unfocused and hazed, and the figure moved quick on obviously familiar ground. Tearing through brushes and straining his eyes, his soaking body stumbled after, determined. 161

After what seemed like hours, the figure at last halted at the base of a steep slope. Kyd slumped behind a tree and watched in numb appreciation as it entered a door, cleverly disguised as a tree stump, engraved into the fat of the earth, and he descended. As soon as the door closed, it opened, and a soaking lad confronted the vividly surprised Chalaith.162

“What the devil are yea doing here?!” he bellowed into the pale lad’s face.163

“S—saw—yea—forest—followed—need—talk—” Kyd chattered through his convulsion.164

Chalaith stared evilly at him before slamming the door behind and shoved the lad in further and down some steps. The wind was left to howl to itself.165

“Go on,” he gruffly mumbled. With squished steps, Kyd entered the den; a cubicle would have described it best. Small, but tall enough for its owner to hit his head on the overhanging lamp; a medium sized cabinet on which sat a pitiful candle, crushed itself against the lanky bed; a large impressive-looking chest lay quietly diametrical to the bed; the five planes were set in a logged cube.166

“Is this yer home?” he asked politely, rather quietly; asking the obvious.167

Chalaith did not seem to care, or hear, but bumped past him and slouched heavily onto his bed. Kyd—after a moment’s hesitation—sat opposite of him, on the chest. 168

The minutes passed in dripped and thick lull. Chalaith glared his contrary, and Kyd struggled with his intentions.169

“I—um—my name is Kyd.” He offered.170

“I know who yea be, boy!” Chalaith spat the latter with great emphasis before continuing in almost a hush, “Who would not know the only one in this retched village who believeth in the farther existence?” 171

The lad jolted.172

“Ah yes,” he continued with a faint smirk at the effect he was having on his guest, “he who prays witless nonsense to an invisible goddess—at the hut dividing the Dark Woods to our own.” He added for emphasis.173

Kyd leapt to his feet. He was in trouble. Sacrilege was punishable by death. To converse of the legends was one thing, worshiping a being of its existence was a much differed crime. 174

The man guffawed aloud, “Calm boy! The knowledge goeth nowhere.” He shoved Kyd back to his seat; the boy whom remained in his alerted fever, but ached to know.175

He swallowed the lump in his throat and pressed, “How doest yea know, and why do we call it the Dark Forest?”176

“Tis simple, prey is better there and I’ve discovered a spring within—not far from your hut actually. Speaking of which,” He reached under his bed and offered Kyd a sealed pail of a small size. Kyd gratefully drank deep of the refreshing liquid from beyond the well. Chalaith pressed his back to the wall, his eyes glowered with clenched teeth, “The second is equally simple; the forest is so named to keep our inhabitants from entering its dominion, and discovering the farther existence; an existence beyond our village.”177

“It surpriseth me that anyone has not tried.” Kyd said dryly.178

The elder smirked at this show of arrogance, “To the contrary, many have entered the forest, yet none found what they searched, or at least was not patient enough to search longer.” 179

“Ah, but I’ve never searched, and they appeared unto me!” he aired proudly above the failed.180

“Eh?” Chalaith instantly rose from his slouch, as if preparing to pounce.181

Kyd blanched and fell back to the wall. He foolishly uttered, and now he faced the consequence. He had no choice, and his voice was monotone. “Last morn I was visited by a creature of immense beauty—a creature who’s mere presence introduceth the farther existence, it was no secret. I was visited by a creature of the farther existence.” 182

“A likely tale,” He drawled comfortably, though perfectly smothering, and Kyd flushed.183

“I prove it to thee!” he snarled and touched his chest; the cold feel of the silver was replaced by the warmth of his palm and his indignation collapsed.184

The movement did not escape Chalaith. “Lost something?”185

The events of the night before wafted into his mind, and for a moment Kyd absorbed in its pleasant warmth; warmth that fueled from his excited reminisces of Rynn’s touch; but was awakened to reality with a voice.186

“So yea’ve becometh the second survivor and witness of a lie far told.”187

Blue eyes gripped pale-green ones. “Second?” he mouthed.188

Chalaith’s arm reached for the arm that was not there, and a chilling vibe tore through his being. 189

“Aye, second,” 190

The tale began. 191

“A lad of twenty and five years was I; a respected son with a bright future of one day becoming the head of woodsman; engaged with the lovely Svynra of Thenens, the strongest family of our village.” A distant look fogged his vision, “I still remembereth the eve when we lay under the stars on the low grass of an open field, charting our unborn family and mapping our new life; the life that was sown in passionate love that same eve.” Kyd smiled, but faded when tears replaced the man’s vision.192

“One night I was awakened to the sounds of distant screams. I rushed outside with me family, and beheld a massacre lit by the full moon. Creatures of the farther existence; men with skin as dark as the night, and manes as pale as the moon that shone; these creatures attacked us with objects such as I’ve never seeneth, leaving its effects to our only comprehension. I have never seeneth such ghastly living! My father instructed the women to flee while my brothers and I gripped our axes and pitchforks and dashed into the fray. I know not what became of them, but my mind filled with my woman’s safety; I entered her house, and I had arrived too late. Her father lay with his chest detonated and his hands a feet away, still clasping his axe. Bodies of her kin littered everywhere, twitching in pieces. A creature stood a ways before me, and I watched in frozen horror as the smooth object it heldeth pierced her ample chest. The reflection of her lifeless eyes will haunteth me for eternity.193

“The flood of rage and agony that roaredeth into my soul was indescribably painful. A shadow wound from the side of the room; it was Liom, her brother, one of the few who still lived, and the fury that soared in his eyes prompted me with him. Alas, the creature easily ended him just as my axe entered his head. The smooth rod swiped at me before the creature fell dead on the deceased Liom; my arm was cut, and the object slashed my eye; the pain was too intense, and I passed out. When I recovered, I found that my wound had been seared shut. I lay on a bed in an unfamiliar surrounding, and a lad of my age sat near my bed, tending my arm. Nyorm told me that he was a member of my village, a runaway from his home at eighteen. He had built a living far from the village, and lived as he wished. One day he had decided to return to his home after seven years, and discovered it as it was left that night—think of the precise timing! He had heard a moan coming from a nearby house, to which he found me still alive. He said he searched the whole village, but found none other alive; thus he carried me back to his home. I told him my tale; he did not believe, but allowed me to stay with him.194

“Months passed before I fully recovered when I talked of a journey in search of people. Nyorm said I was crazy, that there was no life other than the one that had been destroyed; I disagreed; I saw the creatures, there were other existences! So with a pack on my back, I journeyed, hunting food and rain as I went; I know not how long or far, but nearly half dead with exhaustion and starvation, I stumbled onto a group of woodsmen—men of this village. When they revived me with care a few days later, I told them my tale. To my surprise they believed, but did not want to. Thus began the warnings to stay away from that forest, which became known as the Dark Forest, after my appearance. The folks were kind enough to granteth me live with their village and begineth a new life, howbeit with a story of a hermit living a distance from the actual congregation. They duggeth this hovel for me and provided me with provisions in exchange for my work, to which I agreed; and so continueth for many years, entering the village only on hauling days. I was warned not to speak with anyone save for a selected group, and I was only too happy to agree. That night so long ago had murdered my will to live for real.”195

Kyd sat in a pondering daze; his respect for the man had tripled, even if he remained bitter. 196

“Satisfied, boy?”197

He nodded, “I—I needed someone who understood…”198

Chalaith smudged his eyes and sniffed loudly, “Aye lad, mine as well...” He clawed his axe from the bedside and strode to the door. “The night falleth, I’ll take yea home.” The storm had not abated.199

The trek home coalesced with a warm glow of a queer bond that formed between the males; a glow so warm that neither the stinging rain nor the lashing lights could squelch. 200

As they neared the village, Kyd instantly sensed an amiss. He blindly scaled the remaining slope to the ledge where dwelt a clear view of the village, and scanned. 201

“Something is wrong!” He cried urgently. Chalaith took his side and peered through the torrent with concern. Moments passed before the sounds of eerie cries reached their ears the same as a brilliant flash of lightning clapped overhead, thundering as a grim toll through their flesh, and illuminating the setting for a spasm; a déjà vu awoke.202

The village dotted with pearly manes.203

The man’s warning came too late, Kyd had already bolted. He tore after. 204

Kyd forgot; he forgot that the déjà vu was not his, he forgot that he clenched a weapon, he forgot he was suppose to be at the Jh'tarens, he forgot his family’s verging danger, he forgot it all; he only thought of Rynn. Was he too late?205

He approached the southern village; the drows entered from the east. Kyd ran directly to the Vororm chalet just houses away, ignoring the fleeing women and children. An odd familiarity about the situation filled him with horror as he tore through the splintered doorway, half-expecting the dreaded scene. 206

It was. 207

But he did not stop. 208

In unison, a harsh flash of lightning and axe entered with his fleeting self, hammering into the abruptly blinded drow’s back, felling it instantly. Its arm snapped back, but Kyd was prepared and swiftly sided from the blade, though it skinned his side, and grounded. A hysterical Rynn fell weeping into his blood splattered arms. He crushed her into his chest for a slight of gushing words of thanksgiving to his goddess for the life of his beloved. Chaos entered his hearing.209

“Hurry!” he urged, then gripping her hand they fled from the corpse filled house. 210

Chalaith could not contain the frenzy of his emotions at reliving this hell. Hatred, revenge, and fear mashed him, unleashing the monster he struggled to contain for fifteen years. 211

Revenge is sweet!212

A group of drows pursued a hoard of women and children. Chalaith thundered between with fury blazing in his eyes, slashing at the nearest target, and catching its finger. Again, a miracle blast of lightning saved his life. The drows lashed blindly; an axe gorged into a neck and three more corked into bellies and skulls; they were Echildi, Hyurn, and Eniqs’ blades, and many others followed.213

Other drows witnessed their kin’s defeat and soon the whole array of them sought the men. A hand grasped Chalaith’s shoulder; the sign of a friend, a sign that was never given him by one. Nuden nodded.214

“For families, our sisters, and our brothers!” Chalaith’s eyes misted. Nuden grinded his palm into his pitchfork and with a roar of bile, charged at the coming death. The farmers and woodsmen picked up his cry and launched likewise into their fate. 215

Whirling his axe and running alongside Nuden, Chalaith fell beneath the first pierce of swords. Looking up, he saw a magnificent beam of light descend on his face, and a woman with raven black hair and a glistening robe of light smiled down on him with sparkling eyes. 216

“Come!” Svynra whispered, extending her hand toward him. Chalaith took her hand with a teary smile of pure joy.217

* * * * * *218

Kyd’s body trembled and quaked, yet he ran on. Deep down, he knew he would never see his family again. They slipped around a cottage just as he saw a little girl bawling her heart out while frantically trying to escape a drow’s blade. Kyd released Rynn and hasted to her rescue, brandishing his axe before him like a whip. The drow pauses in his tracks to engage in the latest attack with whirled blades in reply. Suddenly a shadow blurred from behind the creature, and Kyd paled. 219

He had seen this somewhere! A bolt flashed above.220

Before he could breath, Therlye skewered the drow’s back with a pointed rod, the arms of which drove back in a reflexive nerve, and the swords impaled his chest. A hideous visage overtook the lad. He dropped.221

“NOOO!” The scream came from the depths of his soul, his axe span to drop the drow’s head, and Kyd fell to his knees beside his friend. Now he understood Chalaith, the pain he felt when he too lost a loved one ached more than the wound in his side.222

“Therlye!” he whispered, tenderly cradling his head in his hands.223

“Kyd…” the boy coughed out with a fountain of his blood, then his arm sank and his head slumped; the sixteen years of life ended.224

Rynn sank to his side, carrying the little girl in her arms. They were at the farthest edge of the village. The drows caught sight of them. Desperately Kyd sought an escape, but there was none. The blades descended; Kyd did not see; he only felt the pleading in his heart for an escape.225

Suddenly a tremendous aura of light surrounded them; a light so intense that the drows around them squealed in agony as their eyes melted in their sockets. 226

From within the aura unfolded a magnificent pair of pure white wings, richer than any eagle’s. The wings gave a great heave and beat gracefully, higher, ever higher; then the globe of light soared on its wings into the stormy clouds. 227

The boy and two girls did not remain. 228


229