Dark and Light (Incomplete)

"Take a walk through the valley

Take in all you see

The magick of the mighty tree

The music of the sea."

* * *

The Elder sat by the fire, surrounded by the children of the village, a book of the people's myths in his hand. In the middle of the their favorite tale, the Creation, he stopped and stared into the horizon, where the sun was just beginning to set. The children shivered with a sudden cold and stared at him in confusion. His omnipotent stare frightened the children, except for one.

"Someone approaches," he whispered, " young ones, go home. Leave not your homes this night."

"But Elder," one boy of around 4 began as the others stood bowed and left.

"Go now, child," the old man said harshly. The child looked stung by the tone. "Tarin," he said gentler, "the spirit of the warrior runs through your veins. You seek to protect your people from evil, even at so young an age. Fear nothing for your people tonight, Tarin, nothing evil approaches."

Tarin stared for a moment at the old man leaning against the ancient staff he held. He glanced at where the man was looking and saw a silhouette against the dying sun. He bowed to the man and rushed in the direction of home without saying another word. The Elder smiled to himself, Tarin would one day be great, he had known that the day he had been born. Limping slightly, he left the large fire he stood next to and walked into the elaborately decorated tent of the village chieftain, Sankole, without announcing himself. Sankole stood at his entrance and bowed lowly and respectfully to the holy man.

“My ancient friend, what brings you here? The children...”

“Can wait. She is coming,” he whispered cryptically.

“Are you certain?”

“Come, let us greet her,” he replied without answering the question.