**Fourth Day**
The morning dawned misty, with a slight chill in the air. The three teens were silent as they went about re-dividing things up to be carried among themselves. The loss of the horse last night would greatly affect the speed of their journey, as now they had to carry all of the supplies. Each of them quiet, lost in their own thoughts over what had happened the night before. They each thought it was a slight glimpse of things to come. Reality had checked in. As the mist burned away and the chill crept off, they once again headed into the rising sun.
With the morning almost gone Tracy broke her stride long enough to adjust the heavy packs that she was now carrying, along with her bow and quiver. Nobody had spoken a word all day. She knew that they would have to talk about last night's event in order to get past it. Picking up her pace slightly she caught up to Jack and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Thanks Jack."
"Thanks for what?" he replied giving her a bewildered look.
"For retrieving my arrows out of the gargoyle, that hideous thing. I... just couldn't do it." Then hesitatingly she added, "That poor horse."
She saw Jack give Phillip a side long glance before he replied, "Yes poor horse, but even more so poor Phillip, and poor us."
Tracy then also looked at Phillip, and noted the swelling on the side of his face had gone down some, but the bruise was a dilly. The only signs of discomfort he exhibited was every once in awhile he would work his jaw side to side, and grimace as he did so. In fact that was what he was doing at this very moment.
"Phillip, how are you doing? Has your headache gone away yet?"
"Well the headache is almost gone, but my jaw keeps kind of popping. Feels weird."
"I'll tell you what. Tonight if we're by any kind of water I'll put a cold rag on it. Maybe that will help it."
Jack interposed, "We need to talk about this tonight. Right now I think we should save our breath for these hills that we're in."
Blowing out a deep breath and puffing Phillip said, "Yeah, I agree. With all the extra weight we have to carry now, talking will get me out of breath pretty fast."
Tracy said nothing in return but looked to the southwest. The mountains were very close now and she shivered. They looked dark and foreboding. She was glad that it did look like they were not going to be going through them. The foothills they were in were bad enough. Since early afternoon they had been going up and down hills constantly. One thing she noted that made her happy was an increase in the number of trees. That would mean more firewood could be gathered for a bigger fire. A bigger fire meant more light, and that was a comforting thought.
As they plodded on and the sun continued its arc across the sky her legs started trying to knot up in a painful way. Her shoulders were also screaming their protests at her for being abused this way. She had to keep resettling the packs straps to find new areas to dig into. Her shadow was long in front of her when to her relief Jack called a halt. They were in a small dell with a small bubbling creek running through it.
Jack did not waste any time. He gathered a small amount of firewood that was at hand and got a fire going. Tonight it was up to Tracy and Phillip to gather the rest of the firewood. Jack after starting a small fire tended to the water skins, and rummage to find the meat and bread for dinner.
With the fire brightly blazing they ate. Then Tracy true to her word found Phillips shirt and went and soaked it in the creek and came back and placed it gently on the side of Phillip's face.
"Thanks Trace, that feels good."
Tracy saw Phillip relax after the initial wince of pain. "No problem. When it warms up I'll go dunk it again for you. Do you guys think we will have visitors again tonight?"
Phillip with his eyes closed answered, "There's no telling. We still don't know anything about this place, what kind of creatures lives here, and in what numbers. All I can say is, I hope not."
Jack sauntered over to them and put in, "Well, we will take turns watching, and we are going to keep the fire going as big as it is right now, and not let it burn down. Hopefully that will keep things away; and if not, we will be able to see better. Phillip, do you think you are up to first watch?"
Rolling over on his elbow he replied, "Yes, I can cover first watch. Tracy, I'll wake you for second."
"All right by me. I'll get some fresh water on the shirt for your face before I lay down. You know guys; I think I am feeling a bit better. Guess it was just a form of shock that was hanging over me all day." Saying this, Tracy did find she really did feel better about their outlook.
A little later she lay down and looked up at the stars. They had never shone this bright where she lived. With the sound of Phillip's crunching footsteps as he walked around, she fell asleep.
** Creele **
With the mountains well in the west and their backs to them the teens spirits raised higher each day. There had been no other attacks nor surprises during the night hours. They were in their seventh day of the journey and were walking beside a very large lake. Its shimmering blue waters was the picture of calmness, with only slight ripples stirred by the gentle breeze breaking the lakes surface. Looking across the Lake to the south, the other shore looked to be just a thin gray smudge in the distance. It was mid morning when Jack was able to spot what had to be Creele. The closer they got to the town the more details could be made out. It certainly was a lot larger then Vermel. A large building was in the center, and the town was sprawled out about it.
By late afternoon they were standing on the bank of a river that flowed into the lake. Before them was a stone bridge that crossed the river, and from there the road entered the town. Creele looked very busy with small boats embarking and disembarking from docks. Right at the water's edge, set back from the docks was the marketplace with stalls lined side by side.
Crossing the bridge and turning right they entered into the sights, smells, and sounds of the market. Tracy was drawn to a small stall that had colorful scarves, silver bracelets inset with unusual stones, charms, and necklaces. She let her eyes rove over everything, while a tall dark lady looked on. Picking up a scarf and running it through her fingers felt wonderful. It was soft, silky, smooth, and cool to the touch. Bringing it up to her cheek she reveled in its texture.
In stilted talk the lady behind the table said, "It come from across the sea of the hot sands that is to the north. Very pretty, is it not?"
Tracy saw Jack and Phillip looking at her. When they saw her looking both of them rolled their eyes at her. She quickly retaliated by sticking her tongue out at them.
Not knowing how much the scarf was Tracy dug out one of the coins and held it out to the lady. The lady promptly made the coin disappear into a hidden pocket. Then she gave a dismissive smile. Tracy then tied the scarf around her waist pirate style, and turned to find Jack and Phillip at a food vendor across the small street. Sighing and wondering if that is all boys ever thought about she crossed to join them.
"My, my, aren't we making a fashion statement." Jack said while grinning. Then he turned and picked up a wooden skewer that had meat and vegetables on it. Phillip, she noted had one already and was sighing in happy contentment. Whatever it was had to be good from the look on his face. The smell was heavenly and her stomach told her that it would be awful nice to have one to. Looking at the vender she pointed at one that was balanced above a small fire. As she took a bite an involuntary "ahh..." slipped from her mouth. The meat practically melted in your mouth, and was made even better by locale spices. Perfection.
"Oh God this is good." she sighed and closed her eyes in pure delight.
While she stood there slowly finishing her food, Jack asked the vendor about Roshan. She was able to over hear their conversation, as the man was loud, that Roshan lived within the walls of the fortress. After he thanked the man they walked back to the main road and turned right to go deeper into the small city.
The main road was wide and made of hard packed swept dirt. It was obvious that the locale went to pains t
o take care of it. What was odd was no houses fronted the main road itself. The house and shops fronted the smaller side streets that ran off the main road. This gave it a rather plain look as just the sides of buildings could be seen. Foot traffic was light going to the large wooden gates of the fortress that was set into the tall stone and mortar walls. At the gate itself they were allowed to pass with just answering the question from the guards as to what their business was. They were also given brief directions on how to find the wizard.
After passing through the gates they saw that the fortress was much larger than it looked from the outside. They entered the central building and took the stairs that lead downward. Lamps that were set in niches in the walls provided ample light, as they descended on smooth time worn stone steps. When they reached the bottom of the steps, a corridor stretched out before them with wooden doors on the left and right hand sides every so often. One large wooden door marked the end of the hallway. This is the one that Jack lifted a black wrought iron knocker. Each of them jumped at the unexpected loudness that echoed up and down the hall. When the echoes faded away the door slowly swung open revealing a dimly lit room.
** Roshan **
"Come in, come in, Travelers, and welcome to my humble abode." A disembodied voice called out.
Cautiously they entered and looked around. They could not see the owner of the voice, but they could hear someone moving about behind some cloth that must have covered the entry into a second room.
The room was lit by candles standing here and there in various nooks and crannies and one standing on a small wooden table in the center of the room. Also on the table was the largest book they had ever seen standing open. Curiosity getting the better of them, they separated. Tracy went to one wall that was totally lined with books from top to bottom. Her fingers told her that they were bound in real leather and well cared for from the smooth touch. A baffled Jack found another table off to the side of the room. On it was a globe, sexton, microscope, and other out of place items. Phillip was staring in wonder at the items that took up another wall. Jars upon jars of powders, liquids, herbs, and unknown things, sat on shelves that lined the walls.
Just then the cloth was pulled aside and what had to have been the world's oldest man hobbled in. Tracy noted that even though he was very old, and the light was dim, his blue eyes twinkled with excitement. That, more than anything put her at ease. His hair was long and flowing, almost white, and he wore a simple brown robe.
"Ho ho, so you are real. They told me that you would be coming years ago. Told me what I needed to do to prepare." Roshan said. Then turning to look at each of them as he spoke to them. "For you Jack, I fashioned a sword made of an alloy that I created. You will find no better metal anywhere I imagine. Tracy, your bow is made from the wood of a rare tree. It is stronger and lighter than ordinary wood. It will never lose its shape or pull, no matter how long it is kept strung. Phillip, I hope you are pleased with the little gadget I made you. It is made of the same metal alloy that the sword is made from."
Roshan then let out a laugh that was surprisingly loud coming from one with such a slight body. Pulling a handkerchief from his sleeve he wiped tears from his eyes that had sprung up.
"Oh my! Please forgive me! From the looks on each of your faces you have a thousand questions."
Then flashing a smile and making a gesture, he bade them to sit at another table that was in a corner; it had simple straight-backed wooden chairs about it. As they set down an air of expectancy filled the room. Abruptly leaving them sitting he left the room only to return a few seconds later with a tray of mugs and a pitcher. Also on the tray were finger snacks to eat. He poured a golden liquid from the pitcher all around.
"As you may have guessed I am Roshan. I hold the undeserved title of being one of this world's most powerful Mages. What I mainly am and what I love to do is tinker. I craft things. The people think that I am a wizard because I also study the sciences. Things that people do not understand take on a magical property. I also use herbs and such to create simple medicines to cure headaches, heal simple injuries, and prevent infections. But enough of me for now. I can see that you are not of this world even though you wear the clothing. That is plain enough. What would you ask of me?"
Jack suddenly blurted out, "Yes, I do have a question. Just exactly how old are you?"
"Ow... OW! What the heck was that for?"
Jack shot a look to either side of him as he leaned over to rub both shins.
Tracy gave Jack a searing look and hissed, "Don't you have any manners, it is impolite to ask a person's age."
Jack leaned back in his chair, "Whaaaaatttt?"
At that Phillip interjects, "Dude, not cool. So you also scored a shin kick from me."
"Look, you can't tell me that both of you are not curious. I mean come on."
Tracy looked over at Roshan, "We are so sorry."
With a smile pricking at the corners of his mouth Roshan also sat. Then squinting at Phillip for a better look he noticed the bruise and swelling on the side of Phillips face. With that observation his face grew serious.
"I see that you have met up with trouble already on the road. I fear that there is much more to come. Things will only get worse as the days pass."
Then rising, Roshan turned and disappeared behind the cloth once more into the back room. Once again he was gone only a few seconds before reappearing with a small pouch in his hands. Tossing it to Phillip who caught it deftly in one hand he said, "Here, put some of this salve on the swelling. It should take the swelling down and stop the pain quite nicely. A word of warning. It will not smell good and it may sting a bit. But you will be able to wash it off in a few moments."
With a bit of trepidation Phillip took a whiff of the contents and wrinkled his nose. He dipped a finger into the pouch and hooked out a small dab, which he carefully smeared on his cheek. The area immediately began to have a warm tingling feeling. Working his jaw experimentally side to side and up and down he found that the pain was already becoming a thing of the past.
"I'm impressed. What is this stuff?"
Shrugging Roshan replied, "Oh, just a little pain salve that I make from various roots and herbs. I am pleased to see that it works on you. Tomorrow your group shall have more to carry with you on your journey. I will also re-outfit your merry band. Tonight is for talk first, then much needed rest for all. Also each shall receive something special to aid you for the hardships to come."
Moving around the table Roshan took a seat and turned to Jack. "In answer to your pointed question, my age matters not. Just know that I am older than you can imagine." Then picking up his own mug he took a sip. "Ahhh... one of my best brews of honey tea yet. Please drink up and eat! The night is wasting and there is much to cover."
** Revealing Talk **
Soon enough all the finger foods were gone and most of the honey tea. Nobody had spoken a word while eating and drinking. A somber mood had settled over the trio in bleak anticipation of the words from Roshan to come. Each was putting a picture in their minds painted by bits and snatches of conversations they had heard of different things since their abrupt arrival in Rashnar.
By quietly clearing his throat Roshan started. "There are many planes that life does exist on. This is just one plane. You are from another. Our planes are close enough that the distance can be jumped when the circumstances are right. Ours is under attack. We do not know why the other plane is attacking. We just know that it is evil. You were brought here for two reasons. Not only to help drive the attackers back and hopefully seal the portal forever, but also as a first line of defense for your very own plane. If our world falls, yours being the next closest will surely come under attack. This is the feeling that the Shandaha and the Light Within gets from the attackers. It is here that you must make your stand if you have any hopes of a victory. It is only here that your special abilities will surface to aide you. Do not underestimate this task, if you fail, then your world will fall."
Roshan reached over to Tracy whose head was down. Gently he raised her chin and looked into her eyes. His look was so kind that the tears in her eyes started spilling over. Then he looked at Phillip's face, a face so filled with determination. Then to Jack's face that was set in stone. Dropping his hand back to the table Roshan pushed on. "Listen well, all is not lost. There is time yet remaining. But the time line has quickened so there is starting to be a need for haste. You must depart early in the morning and head south along the river to Advon. From there the river becomes big enough that you can catch a ride on a ferryboat to the port town of Rhind on the Caspar Sea. From there I do not know yet where your trek will take you. But I do know that it is to Rhind that you must go.
Leaning forward and looking directly at Roshan Jack asked, "Who is this "They" you keep talking about? Also do "They" know how we are supposed to complete what we are supposed to do? I mean seriously everyone that we have met that gives us guidance talks in riddles and says I don't know an awful lot."
"The Shandaha and The Krone are part of They. This World is also part of They. All living things are part of They. Everything plays its own part no matter how minor."
With an amused looked Phillip tossed out, "Dude, you even talk in circles. Is that taught in school here? You say everything plays a part. Okay then what about plants?"
"You doubt that plants play a part? How so? Have you not used grass and wood for fire? Is Tracy's bow and arrows not made of wood? Is not Jack's sword and your staff made of metal from the world? The clothes that you are wearing even now are not made from animals and plant life? Small parts yes, but a part indeed."
Chided, Phillip hung his head. "I'm sorry. I did not think. Where we come from those things are taken for granted. I never thought of it that way."
"No matter Phillip. Each of you still has much to learn."
** The Gift **
Taking in a deep breath and exhaling loudly Roshan stretched out one hand toward Tracy and his other to Phillip. When the teens looked at his out stretched hands blankly he wriggled his fingers. "Come come, take my hands and take Jacks hands in each of yours. It is time to receive one of your gifts."