“Kandish, look.” Qenn pointed through the trees ahead of them to a waterfall spilling out of a mountainous hillside. The water was pure and luminous blue. The rush of the waterfall was barely audible to them, but getting more distinct as they pressed on. The land they walked was flush with deep green foliage, vibrant colored flowers, and fresh air.
“It’s beautiful,” she replied softly. “Smells wonderful.”
Aless looked back at them with a smile. “LifeWaters.”
The young girl had led the way through the thick woods all night and through the early morning. The sun was not yet above the treetops, its brilliant red-yellow glow splashed into the trees and rocks of the mountain across the river, chasing the night back and forcing the thin mist to flee with it. The woods thinned near the base of the lagoon and small hut-homes were distinguished amidst the rest of the foliage. The group was tired and hungry, and in need of bathing. Food and rest outweighed the latter. For now, anyway.
“It’s here,” Kandish whispered, turning to face Qenn. “Can you feel it?”
Qenn nodded. He did feel another presence, strangely enough, he thought. “What is it?”
She was uncertain. “Keep your eyes open.”
They walked along side of the river to where it swelled down into a large lagoon, the waterfall splashing in a continuous thunder. A small village was set there. Fruit trees and vegetable gardens were lined in rows skirting the huts, patches of wondrous flower beds were scattered everywhere in dazzling, colorful decoration. The foliage was deep green and vibrant. It was a sight to behold for the four guests. The girl led them to the center of the huts, where a large fire pit was crested by rock slabs, red embers still glowing from the previous night, and welcomed them with a smile.
“This is where I live,” Aless said happily.
“Let’s make this a short visit,” Kamen grunted to Prevost.
As Prevost nodded, Aless turned to them. Her innocent eyes matching her grin. “No one visits, silly man.”
Her face turned sad instantly, and she dropped her gaze to the dirt at her feet. Everyone noticed. None of them felt comfortable.
“Aless!” A shirtless man shouted, charging out between two huts, his face nearly blank of expression, his eyes as distant as the sincerity of his smile. His head wore a thin layer of black hair, and dark stubble lined his cheeks and neck. Upon seeing her company, his tone rose instantly. “You’ve returned! With guests! Praise!”
Aless immediately ran to him. “I found them!”
Kamen Ode’s fists clenched into tight hammers. Qenn, Kandish, and Prevost moved in close to him. Several other people were coming out of their huts now, men and women alike, dressed in white clothing, some still wearing signs of sleep on their faces and eyes, alerted suddenly by the man’s yelling. All of them seemed to be happy with having newcomers. As their hushed questions spread like fire, they stood behind the man standing with Aless.
“What a blessed day!” The man began clapping, the others following. “I am Corwon. This is my family.” He turned to the small crowd beside him. “Family, welcome them! Blessed! Blessed indeed.”
With warm smiles and handshakes, the family greeted them. Small bits of information were passed along in the exchange, mostly names and the admittance that they were lost and Aless had found them. Personal information was kept secret, along with the purpose of their mission.
Corwon relieved the group of their weapons, taking the swords and daggers away to be concealed, telling Kamen and the others that weapons were of no use. Qenn and Kandish urged Kamen and Prevost to submit, and they did so reluctantly. The whole process lasted a few minutes, and when it was finished, Corwon invited them back to have breakfast.
“Come, friends, let your new family feed you! May the new chosen hear their call!”
Kandish moved in close to Qenn’s ear, without making it look suspicious. “Some sort of a cult?”
“They seem friendly enough.” Qenn whispered back, his face showing nothing of his concern. He watched the large family turn and disperse. “I could eat something.”
Prevost agreed, thinking something through. “I have a feeling that these people had nothing to do with Wix’s death.”
“I don’t trust them,” Kamen spit. “Don’t tell them anything.”
Corwon led the way, his family following, leaving their guests to trail behind. They were heading towards a long tarp tent nestled in the center of their huts. Corwon held the flap doors open, and the group entered in a single file. Corwon’s smile never lessened. His eyes never left the newcomers.
“It’s always good to have new faces,” Corwon said as Qenn and Kandish arrived, walking a step in front of Prevost and Kamen.
Qenn smiled in return, remaining quiet, entering in behind Kandish. As Kamen Ode reached the door, Corwon stopped him. He stared into Kamen’s eyes for a second before speaking, making the other feel uncomfortable.
“You carry a great burden, friend.” Corwon said softly.
“I’m fine,” grunted Kamen in return.
Prevost stepped in between them, whispering to Corwon. “Excuse him. His mother just passed. We are all still grieving.”
Corwon looked sad. He motioned for them to enter the tent. “Please, join us for breakfast and put all grievances behind. Only life exists here.”
Prevost accepted the invitation, leading Kamen Ode inside.
Within the tent, there was a stone and brick fireplace with burning wood and cooking implements lined up, a long picnic table at its center, and the family was seating themselves on both sides, filling the length. Kandish, Qenn, Prevost, and Kamen were offered to sit near the middle of the table next to Aless, who out of them all seemed genuinely happy. Women began to pass out plates of fruits and vegetables as Corwon took his seat at the far end of the table, where a large plate of food was already prepared. No one ate or drank until Corwon let them.
“Let’s give thanks.” Corwon bowed his head and closed his eyes. The others did the same, holding hands.
Kandish looked at Qenn with raised eyebrows. She whispered, “I was right.”
“We thank you for the meal we are about to receive. To the health that we all have. And to the One who gives us life, of which we cannot live without. May the Waters bless our minds and actions.”
Corwon opened his eyes, and with a bright smile concluded, “Let us eat.”
As one, the family began to eat. Conversations were light, all eyes seemingly focused on the newcomers, who ate with uncertainty. Aless looked up to Kandish and smiled. Kandish returned the greeting, and then found herself doing the same to everyone.
“So, newcomers,” Corwon began, staring down the length of the table to Qenn and Kandish, “tell us about yourselves. What brings you out into the abyss of the Pikes?”
“Our friend was killed last night. We thought that maybe you would know why.” Kamen’s voice was challenging.
“Sorry to hear that. Seems death is following you everywhere. Everywhere but here.” Kamen’s look made Corwon restate himself. “No, we would not have anything to do with your friend’s death. That’s absurd. But death is out there, my friends. You cannot escape it. Only in the LifeWaters can you be safe. Only here.”
“We won’t be staying,” Qenn said quietly, not wishing to offend anyone.
“Where are you from?” a man called out from the far end of the table.
“The south.” Kamen replied quickly.
“What brings you—”
“Passing through.”
“To where?” someone else asked instantly.
“On a perilous journey, perhaps?” Corwon excited the already curious group. His smile flashing brilliantly. “Running from something. Evil, perhaps? Death, even?”
Kamen Ode this time did not have an instant reply. And the gap in their response allowed Corwon to continue.
“Oh come now. We have no secrets here. Not with family. Surely the staff the elf carries is of some power. He is far too young, too able to be in need of wa
lking assistance. And the look, the burden, you all carry on your faces—”
“What we are doing is of no importance to you,” Kamen growled, only silencing them momentarily.
“Of course.” Corwon replied happily. “No need to pry. Silly me. Where are my manners? You’re guests! Eat. Drink!”
Aless looked up to Kandish. Her voice was soft and low. “There’s nothing to hide. You can tell us.”
Questions rose from the family in a steady swarm of curious eyes and permanent grins. They all wanted to know if Corwon was right. If Qenn’s staff was magical. If they were in danger. Their faces were flush with excitement. Their questions were more than the group wanted to acknowledge.
“Settle down, settle down. Let them breathe!” Corwon laughed.
The family stopped their direct questions, but talked to each other about the newcomers. Their questions did not stop, they were simply redirected. Kamen and Prevost picked at their food, not enjoying the spotlight at all. Qenn ate his fill regardless of all the prying eyes. And Kandish politely finished her plate, with Aless watching her every bite.
“Your eyes are very pretty,” Aless said to Kandish, who blushed.
“Thank you, Aless. So are yours.”
“Are you special, like Corwon says?” Her voice was almost a whisper, her eyes sparkling with hope.
Kandish paused. She began to stutter her response. “Everyone is special.”
Aless stared at her as though she knew Kandish cheated her out of an answer.
A man walked into the tent then, tall and square, his black hair kept short and wild, his face angered instantly by the new faces. Tension grew immediately.
“Newcomers?” the man asked right away, sitting down across from them.
Corwon’s smile disappeared altogether then. He had a general disdain for the other man that was obvious to everyone. He did not bother to hide it. “Nice of you to join us, Kev Wah.”
“What are your names?” Kev Wah paid no attention to Corwon. He was served a plate of fruit and began eating as if he had nothing in his stomach.
“They are—” Corwon began, but was sternly interrupted.
“Let them speak for themselves.” Kev Wah still did not look in Corwon’s direction. His eyes focused solely on the newcomers.
“We are just passing through,” Prevost said in a calm fashion. He attempted a friendly smile towards Kev Wah, but none was returned.
“Of course. But you still have names. Don’t you?”
“I’m Kandish, this is Qenn, Prevost, and Kamen.” Kandish looked at the other man, seeing the anger in his eyes, and feeling resentment from him.
“You kill anyone last night?” Kamen Ode asked Kev Wah.
“What?” Kev Wah was stunned. “How could I?”
“A friend of theirs died on their journey through the Pikes.” Corwon stated.
Kev Wah grinned. “Then he was lucky.”
“Don’t push your negativity onto them, Kev Wah.” Corwon was upset.
“Of course. We’re all one happy family!” Kev Wah announced, heavily with sarcasm, turning towards Corwon, who looked away. The room was quiet then.
“We’re not staying long,” Kamen Ode said, nearly growling at Kev Wah.
“Really?” Kev Wah began laughing. “Is that a fact? That’s what we all-”
“Alright then!” Corwon stood and shouted, drowning out all other voices. “Our guests look tired. Let them enjoy all the hospitality that we have to offer. Aless, help them with what they require: clean clothes, food, sleep.”
People stood and began to leave the tent, others walking around talking in small groups, all of them speaking of the newcomers, all of them watching. Kev Wah rose from the table and walked over to speak with Corwon. The conversation did not look friendly.
“Looks like not everyone here is smiling,” Prevost stated.
“It’s the one smiling that bothers me.” Kamen Ode grabbed a handful of grapes, staring down the table to Corwon and Kev Wah.
Kandish was nudged in the side by Qenn, who motioned for her to ask Aless. Kandish leaned down to Aless and quietly spoke. “Why are those men so angry with each other, Aless?”
“Kev Wah is always angry. They are both fighting for Head rights.” Aless whispered to Kandish. “Have been for a while now. Nobody else cares to be in control. There’s no point.”
“What do you mean?”
Aless smiled. “Neither can change anything. Only Kev Wah won’t accept it. He wanted Corwon to give a message to the LifeWaters once, but Corwon rejected him.”
Kandish nodded. There was more to the story than what she was told, but she did not want to get involved. Whatever their problem was, it would most likely not be settled in the short time of their stay. Kamen was right. They needed to get out of there as soon as possible, she thought.
An elderly woman appeared at her side then with a large pitcher of water. She set it down between Kandish and Qenn, handing them each a cup. She placed two more cups next to Prevost before walking away.
“Good. I’m thirsty for fresh water.” Qenn said next to her. He picked up the water pitcher and filled his cup.
Kandish lifted up her cup. A small strip of cloth fell off the bottom of the cup on to her plate. She saw writing on it, and at once covered her hand over it.
“Qenn.”
She pulled on his hand, just as his cup was about to reach his lips. She set his cup down and showed him the note.
Qenn looked over at her hand. She lifted it up, revealing the strip of cloth. The words on it read: DONT DRINK THE WATER.
Kandish closed her fingers over the cloth right away. She casually looked around the tent to see if anyone had noticed, but it seemed they had not. They looked over to Prevost and Kamen, both of them having a cup of water in front of them. Qenn shook his head at Prevost, then whispered the warning into his ear. Prevost did the same to Kamen, who stood immediately.
“We need to find what we came for then get out of here.”
Kandish grabbed the cloth as she stood, secretly removing it as to draw no further attention to them. She announced to Aless that they would like someplace to rest for a while.
Aless stood with a smile. “Follow me.”
The young girl led them out of the eating tent and across the village, passing by a few gardens, flush with healthy vegetables and fruits, to a small hut, where she entered at once. Her charges followed without question, entering the hut to find a few beds and Aless quickly arranging two more.
“Aless,” Kandish began, “is this where you live?”
Aless placed blankets onto the newly made beds with a smile. “No.”
Kamen paced the room, his face full of concern. Aless walked up to him when she was finished and motioned for him to lie down.
“You can think about things while you’re sleeping.” She turned to them all, one by one, telling them they need rest, offering them a bed. They did as they were asked, and she smiled happily. “I’ll see you when you wake.”
With each of them lying down, Aless left the hut. When she was gone, the group began speaking quietly.
“Who do you think warned us?” Qenn asked, sitting upright in his bed, looking at each of them.
“It could have been any of them.” Prevost laid on his back with his eyes closed.
“I can think of one man that it wasn’t.” Kamen also sat up in his bed. “Their leader has some issues. We need to keep an eye on him.”
“That won’t be too hard with everyone watching us,” Qenn sighed. “We need to ask them about the LifeWaters. See if anyone will share any secrets about this place.”
“If they will help.” Prevost sounded distant. “People like this, recluse as they are, often do not care to help outsiders. Even as friendly as they seem now. Once we start prying, things will change.”
“Someone would help us,” Qenn enforced hopefully.
“And if they don’t? What plan have you, elf?” Kamen stared at the door. He still felt uncomfort
able, vulnerable.
“If we have to give them the truth, then I say we do it. In return, if they see how serious our business is, I’m sure they would offer whatever they could.”
“I don’t think so, elf. Stay quiet about everything. Prevost and I can find out what we need to know soon enough, without anyone knowing.”
“I think they have a right to know,” Kandish spoke quietly. “They should be prepared to fight—”
Kamen shook his head. “There’s nothing they can do. They would all panic and make wrong choices. We are better off finishing this mess before it gets to them.”
Qenn rolled onto his side, facing Kandish a few feet away. “I can feel the presence of something else. Something powerful. Something magical. It’s here.”
Kandish swept her red hair away from her face. “He’s right. Whatever magic Qenn’s staff is supposed to hold is here.”
“A person?” Prevost asked.
“I don’t think so,” Kandish replied. “I can sense it all around us.”
Kamen sighed. “I’ll take a look around tonight. See what these people have hidden.”
“We’re going to need their help,” Qenn said softly. He was too comfortable now to fight it any longer. He pulled his staff tight to his body, wrapping both arms around it, and closed his eyes.
“Whoever gave us the note would probably help,” Kandish offered. She let herself get comfortable in her bed as well.
“If we can find out who that was.” Kamen Ode said.
They were quiet then. Kandish heard Kamen Ode sigh and looked over to see Prevost was already asleep. She looked to her side to see Qenn was out as well. “It’s peaceful here. Regardless of everything else.”
Kamen’s voice was almost a whisper. “They’re not as happy as they show.” Kamen mumbled something else as sleep overcame him.
Kandish’s eyes closed and did not open again.
Corwon stood just outside the hut, listening intently now, long after he heard the newcomers fall asleep. He saw the way they looked and understood what it took to get into that state of mind. He was that way once. So long ago he could barely remember it. They were running from something. Or heading into something that was more than they could fight. Either way, they were there, they were his. He would help free them from the world’s pain. As he did with all newcomers. And everything that they did not want to share, all of what they sought to keep secret, all their burdens and afflictions, would not matter anymore.
“They don’t like it here. But they will. They’ll get used to it.” It had been the same way with him. He was never given the choice. It was not until after he had drank the water did they tell him. It was the LifeWaters will, they said. It was its rule. Those who drink, are the chosen.
Corwon’s face flushed with bitterness. “I never had a choice.”
He swallowed hard, pushing aside his feelings, stopping the tears before they formed. He would keep the rule. They would see how it is.
Then they would make their choice: stay or die.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT