~
Thus it was after a few more days sailing we sighted the coast of Dahl’Ambronis. As promised, we had crossed the Trad Ocean much further north than when we flew across it in the Tnie’s airship. It was good to see the continent of my home land once again. My heart leapt with joy at the prospect of standing once more upon those shores. In fact we were just a twenty or so kilometres further north up the coast from R’ealto’Noac’Trado the town where I had spent so many summers with my family, part of me wished to go there, to see my relations once more and to take a few days off after the travelling we had done, but I knew this would not be possible. Instead I told myself that I would indeed return there one day, when I had more time for myself.
The coastline did indeed look very similar, long sandy beaches backed with high dunes and beyond, forests of tall, fragrant pines. This landscape I could plainly see as we sailed along the coast northwards looking for the Bay of Driscal. Looking even further into the distance I could make out the mountains, the Tolle’Ambrunista, rising high into the sky, these marked our destination. I spent much time upon the deck of the Ocean Belle staring at this vista, my thoughts full of fond memories of long summer days and simple people, yet also tinged with anticipation for the journey ahead and what we may find on the way.
Captain Greol dropped anchor as promised just off the beach within the bay as he described. The water was indeed shallow here, the sandy beach sloped gently into the ocean. The Ocean Belle could not get any closer than around fifty metres or so from the beach without grounding her keel on the sandy bottom. As we waited for ship’s crew to make readiness for our departure, I was able to look over the side of the ship and gaze down into the clear, azure blue water. The gently rippled sand could be clearly seen and curious fish and a few squid were swimming around the hull, some of these creatures I could remember from staying with my fisherman uncle Tear’E.
The Ocean Belle’s small long boat was winched over the side to take us ashore and I was invited to climb aboard. I was dropped on the first boat to depart the Ocean Belle along with Serinae and Jon, the boat then had to return and make a second trip to drop the rest of our party and their belongings. So whilst we waited I lay back upon the warm sand to await the arrival of the others. I started to day dream.
Maybe it was the sandy beach, my return to Dahl’Ambronis, the thoughts of happy times with my family on holidays. I thought of my youth so happy there in the woodlands with those of my people, after so many years of absence, what would I give to return there, and I found that a most comforting thought. As I sat there on that beach looking out to the blue horizon, such thoughts did comfort me, thoughts of home and a desire to be there again, not here, not with all the events that had led to our arrival at this place. Or maybe it was the sudden uncertainty of the way ahead after the safe and reassuring ease of life upon the Ocean Belle. I did not relish undertaking the task that I knew I must confront within the lands that lay to my back. Who knows what lay beyond the mountains that slope to this sea and to this beach.
A sail caught my eye, the Ocean Belle preparing to return back to Amentura, the ship that brought me to this place, would I see it again? I wished then it would return me to my beloved forests and rolling hills that make the T’Iea town that is my home, at that moment I missed it very much. I looked around and saw the broad back of Jondris already dozing happily, my mouth curved with a smile and inwardly I laughed at the thought of how Jon could sleep anywhere, anytime and still remain eyes wide open to wake and ready himself for any eventuality should the need arise.
I looked up to the gathering gloom as the Sun was now very low, almost swallowed by the edge of the ocean, a deep red ball larger than life as it seemed magnified, its light dimmed upon the watery blue horizon. What clouds there were in the sky were high and wispy, coloured lobster pink by the sun as it disappeared for the night. Suddenly I detected movement and there looking down at me is the still, slightly mysterious figure of my T’Iea sister Serinae, the ranger, her piercing green eyes, alert to everything seen and unseen. How many times must will I be thankful to have those keen orbs save us from many a danger that lay ahead? I have known her now for some time, yet she still maintains an aura of mystery, she has told me much, her history – well some of it, she has taught me much, for together we have travelled far, but she still maintains something unknown, a sadness perhaps, a loss maybe, she has done much in her life, some difficult decisions have been made and some inner wars fought. I have never known a person like her.
“Get some Sleep Minervar,” she said. “Don’t brood on tomorrow, tomorrow will bring what tomorrow may, for the time being we are here, the end of all this is one step nearer – for good or for bad.”
She gathered her cloak about her shoulders and turned to face the mountains, slipped her bow from her back and placing it in front of her, she adjusted the quiver of arrows at her side pulling on a few arrows, raising them to different heights within the quiver, but not drawing them fully, just enough so that she may reach for them quickly, a series of habits I have seen her do so many times in the past. In Corbond I had seen her shoot many arrows, one after the other in such quick succession that the eye could not see them individually fired. I think then that it is probably easier to follow the sequence of foes falling dead to understand how many arrows are being fired than to actually watch them leave the bow. I knew she would stand guard now, leaning gently on that bow, for how many hours?
“Goodnight Serinae,” I whispered, my eyes closing at last, resigned to let sleep overcome me.
In the morning I awoke suddenly to a spattering of cool water on my face, at first I thought it may have started to rain. I licked the water from my lips, it had a salty taste. Looking up all I could see was the blue sky, not a cloud to be seen. I was then aware of the wondrous smell of cooking fish. Teouso it seems had been fishing in the sea, he was still in wolf form and wet through and it was him shaking himself dry that had awoken me. I scowled at him he just looked me in the eye and cocked his head on one side as if to say, “what?”
Jondris laughed and tossed me a towel which I used to dry my face he then said, “at least one of our number does not have to wash the sleep from her eyes.”
At this the rest of my companions laughed. I looked at them a smile upon my face. I did notice however that Serinae was not amongst them. Teouso by this time back to his bipedal self, just smiled and taking his vicious looking stiletto started to gut and prepare the rest of the fish ready to be cooked. This he did most efficiently and by the time he had finished, about a dozen or so fish fillets were being slowly cooked in the wood smoke from the fire. I looked hungrily at these fish and my mouth watered in anticipation of the coming meal.
Serinae returned from the direction of the dunes behind us, her sword belt slung over one shoulder, one sword swinging in her hand by her side. Bare footed she slid down the dunes to the beach, I noticed that she only wore her leather trousers and jerkin, the laces of the latter were hanging loose exposing a V shaped area of her skin the soft leather looked slightly damp. I noticed that her hair and long eyelashes were wet as if she had been swimming and droplets of water were running down her cheeks.
Jondris stood and said, “not had any trouble I hope Seri?”
She replied that she had not and dropped a branch which she had slung over her shoulder at her feet. My eyes lit up for there on this branch were several bunches of small purple coloured fruits. She plunged her sword into the sand right up to the hilt a couple of times to clean the blade of pieces of wood and sticky sap before she replaced it in its scabbard, she then crouched and nodding her head over her shoulder as if indicating a direction she said, “there are woodlands beyond the dunes, they feel like they extend a long way landwards but there are numerous old animal tracks so the going should be easy. There is also a fresh water stream flowing into a pool, it is a refreshing temperature, so if anyone needs a bath now’s the time.”
At this she reached around h
er head and gathering her hair in her hands brought it forward over her shoulder, then twisted it so that the water was squeezed out dripping onto the sand at her feet. As her hair was drawn away from her shoulder, her loose jerkin fell open at the back. I had a brief glimpse of an angry looking scar on her shoulder blade, it disappeared beyond the leather material of her clothing. So, I thought, even Seri has not been totally immune to some injury in her life. I remembered that day onboard the Ocean Belle in the captain’s cabin when she reached for that exact same spot when talking about the dragon birds. Seri caught me looking; she quickly made to cover it once more by pulling on the coller of her jerkin. I dropped my gaze, from the look she gave me it was like she issued a challenge.
After a few seconds I looked her way again, she still looked at me, but her expression had changed to a much friendlier look. “We should also refill our water bottles, although I suspect that we won’t go short of water here. It’s food that worries me, the animal tracks are rarely used, and there is no sound in the woods, no animal or bird noises. We may be wise to eat heartily here for we may not get another meal apart perhaps from berries and roots for a while.”
Łĩnwéé gave a grunt of disapproval.
Once our bellies were full of fish and fruit we packed and made to leave the beach, I took one last look out across the vast expanse of the ocean, I half expected to see that sail, but no, the Ocean Belle was long gone sailing down the coast to Amentura – without me.
The waves continued their never ending run up the beach each crested with white foam. I was a loathed to leave this place of comfort and beauty, this place of certainty and safe repetition. But the inevitability and call of the unknown beckoned to us and before long we had made our way up across the warm sand. Then up the bank of dunes through sea grasses interspersed with low fleshy plants the stems of which were a pale greyish colour adorned with bright yellow flowers. We were heading for the woodland that started a couple of hundred metres further inland. The sun was shining warm on our faces and the sand under our feet was soft and dry. I glanced up and down the line of trees just before we entered the wood. The trees here were spindly pines with long dark green narrow needles instead of broad leaves. Enormous brown pine cones hung from their branches and their trunks had smooth brown bark that looked to be flaking off in patches, the sand around each of the trunks was covered in the bark that had fallen from the trees. I bent down to pick up a piece of the bark it smelled slightly metallic.
Serinae said, “take a lick Mini,” she nodded at the piece of bark I held in my hand.
“What?” I said inquiringly at this strange request.
She repeated her words with a smile of encouragement, so thinking that the bark was some unknown delicacy of fine cuisine, I took the piece of bark and placing it near my lips I stuck out my tongue and licked it, “auuughh,” it tasted of salt, lots of salt.
I spat and threw the offending pieces of wood away. Then raising my arm I tried to wipe my tongue on my sleeve.
Giggling Serinae handed me a water flask and I gratefully took a couple of swigs to wash the salty taste from my mouth, I spat the water onto the sandy ground.
Serinae then said, “the trees here drink brackish water from deep under the sand, it is the only water available to them out on the dunes, they have evolved to very cleverly remove the salt from their sap and push it out into their bark, once the outer layer of bark is saturated with salt it dies and peels away dropping from the tree, the new bark having already formed underneath takes its place, a clever adaptation eh?”
We walked on into the woods, after a little while we could hear running water. This must be the stream that Seri was talking about. Sure enough the trees stopped and we came out into an open space through which the stream ran, the soil here was still sandy but much richer in colour as if it was mixed with loamy soil and instead of the salt resilient pine trees, there were more broad leafed trees growing and on these trees we found the purple fruits that we had enjoyed earlier. There was also a broad swathe of soft grass growing here and we sat down for a little while admiring the surroundings. We all filled our water bottles with fresh water and found ourselves partaking of a few more of the delicious fruits.
I said, “obviously the pine trees do not like the fresh water to drink, but I’m glad these fruit trees do.”
Serinae nodded. She was looking at the sandy ground around the pool.
“What is it?” I asked.
“I was here earlier; look you can see my bare foot prints all around in the soft sand.”
Sure enough these were plain to see. But as I went closer I could also see booted prints, larger than Seri’s feet. Not only that but these boot prints overlay many of Seri’s bare foot prints. “Someone else was here?” I asked. “And after you left?”
Serinae just nodded. Her fingers gently caressing the outline of one of the boot prints, her mind obviously deep in thought.
Teouso changed quickly into his wolf form. He sniffed at the boot prints, then he changed back. He gave Serinae a look that I thought was a look of confirmation, she just nodded once in thanks to him and then turned away so that I could not see the expression upon her features.
“Do you know who this was? Does Teouso recognise the scent?” I asked. But I did not get an answer from Serinae and Teouso could not confirm my question or otherwise, he just looked at me with that sneering smile of his and then stared at Serinae’s retreating back.
We each took the advantage of the fresh clear water to have a wash, I loved the feel of my wet hair free again of the clingy salt after the sea journey, I ran my fingers through it several times and managed to free most of the knots that had gotten into it since its last proper brushing in Solin’s house that evening of the party. I began to wish that the maid servant that had helped me there was also on hand here. But an hour or so later we were pressing on. We crossed the stream and found ourselves not in a forest as such but an area of scrub where thorny bushes grew, luckily these bushes did not grow too close together, and there were many criss-crossed paths of rough grass running in all directions about the sandy scrubland floor so we were able to make good time through the bushes.
We spent two days travelling thus, the type of growth had changed after half a day’s walk from the ocean and now we found ourselves walking through a much denser region of Oak and other broad leaved trees, quite reminiscent of Gel’Te’Ertenya. These trees may well be the northern most outpost of the deep forest. I was hoping that the meagre diet of fruit, nuts and dried smoked fish would come to an end with some succulent fresh game but we never set eyes on a single animal or bird in any of the woods that we travelled through. After two days I was beginning to think I would never eat dried fish again for as long as I lived. I think Łĩnwéé suffered the most being used to fresh meat on his platter every day, coupled with the fact that he had been complaining all through the last day in the woods of a hungry stomach, especially when his complaints were punctuated regularly by the growls emanating from under his belt.
We now found ourselves within an increasingly heavily wooded region. The woods became quite gloomy, nothing was dry, a watery haze hung over everything, probably a result of the rains that seemed quite common in this region just below the mountains. Serinae didn’t seem much bothered, she just gathered her cloak around her with her arms inside and pulled her hood over her brow. I noticed her spirits rise as we got deeper into the woodlands. I remember I walked by her side as she is quietly sung a tune in our own T’Iea language, I did not recognise it, but in an attempt to strike up a conversation and make the time pass, I asked, “what is the tune you sing Seri?”
Turning to look at me she said, “don’t you know of it Mini, it originated from an ancient poem called the Rangers Lament, my mother and father sang it to me all the time, but then I suppose they were both rangers. The rest of our party turned in expectation of the light hearted entertainment. “As soon as I had memory I have known this song.” She looked at me again, “I’
ll sing it in the common tongues of men so that we all understand.” So raising her head she sung in a melodious voice:
Ancient T’Iea by race, T’Iea’Tarderi by cast.
True fare of the face, yet long lived in past.
Once a youth without any skill, lessons dealt and punishment feel.
Learning fast through all ill, thus see me now the cards I deal.
The Paladin views me a grain of dirt, beyond redemption by the Cleric.
Names they call me do not hurt, my loyal brethren give me merit.
A Druid’s friend never without, a warriors ally agile and fast.
The Mage’s saviour when power is out, to those in need a sturdy mast.
With precious bow and agile blade, long practiced hard-learnt skill.
Spend my life’s blood abroad, to thwart many all ill.
The lost I am to find, and bring to rest and save.
Though all the forest blind, countless horrors will I brave.
Tracker of the Ognod man, slayer of the vilest order.
Defiler of all evil clan, such repeated over and over.
Will rest ever be my reward, will ever I be thanked.
Nay, none such toward, for their minds they are blanked.
Ever faithful to my people, ancient doctrines to abide.
Ever onward then to build, till final death, doth divide.
The Maker will call out to me, within whose halls he has a place.
Eternity will thank me, no longer to toil and labour will I chase.
She smiled as she came to the last lines. “It’s funny,” she said. “But I haven’t thought of it for years and in the last few days I can’t get it out of my head.” She laughed lightly and I couldn’t help but smile.
Then suddenly with fluid movement she had her hands from under her cloak, her bow in her left hand and an arrow notched, with her right she drew back on the bow and let lose the shaft. It sped through the air and through the leaves of a low-hanging bough and into the trees. I heard a thud, the arrow had hit some unseen target up ahead. Satisfied that her arrow had found its mark, she glanced at me with a wink of her eye she smiled and said, “supper.”
She jogged off ahead and reached a point further up the path where she entered the trees. There she crouched down. I could see her whisper some ancient words of prayer. Grabbing hold of something large she dragged what looked like a body onto the path. When we got up close I could see she had shot a wild boar.
“A good excuse to camp I think,” she said smiling at Łĩnwéé.
Łĩnwéé nodded his agreement then rubbed his hands together in glee. “Aye, ‘onour me by alettin’ me prepare t’ beast.”
Smiling at Serinae he started to drag the corpse away, calling over his shoulder, “someone o’ ye’s build a nice hot fire, fo’ I promise ye the eat’n be good t’night.”
As I glanced back to look at Serinae my eye was caught by a movement amongst the trees, as I stood peering into the forest I begin to discern a shape not far from where the boar was shot. Yes, I could see it now, the shape of a person with long hair and not a stitch on for clothing I could also see through the figure to the foliage beyond. The figure was smiling at me, I turned to point this out to Serinae but she had already gone to look for firewood and when I turned back to look the figure was no longer there. I continued to stare at the space where I saw the figure, I gasped, I was sure I saw another, this one in a hooded cloak, I felt eyes boring into me, a cold shiver went down my spine. This figure reminded me of the mage that was killed in Corbond, I felt evil emanating towards me, my blood ran cold and I seemed transfixed to the spot. But then I jumped out of my skin when I felt a touch on my shoulder. Turning I looked into Jondris’s eyes, he smiled at me somewhat questioningly, “come Mini, get looking for some firewood instead of staring into space.”
I started to object, but I saw that everyone else is busy occupied with various jobs setting up camp and guilt lured me to doing what Jon had asked. He remained looking into the woods where I saw, thought I saw the figure, before he turned and walked away.
After a while I came across Serinae who was kneeling on one knee her head bowed, something stopped me from going to her and interrupting her. Only when she stood up did I go to her and ask her what is wrong.
Giggling she said, “oh Mini, nothing is wrong I was just giving thanks to Eny’Nin’Rel for providing such a sumptuous meal tonight.”
I smiled at her. I guessed less than half my people fully believe in the old customs these days and I still would never have believed one such as Serinae would have taken the slightest notice of the old religion. She had swept into my life and never ceased to amaze me every day I was in her presence. I stumbled after her.
“Seri I,” suddenly I felt foolish, she looked at me her head to one side expectant, I felt even more foolish so I determined to ask. “I saw a figure in the forest not far from where you shot the boar earlier, but it wasn’t really a person I could see through the figure as if was just a mist.”
Looking at me Seri smiled and taking me by both hands she asked me what I knew of Eny’Nin’Rel, the Maker. I looked into her eyes and told her that I didn’t know anything really, neither of my parents were really believers and where we lived the local cleric, although a wonderfully kind man and story teller was not really taken very seriously, sure he performed civic ceremonies like weddings and funerals, but not many people went to his regular worship gatherings. I added that I had a great aunt who was a believer and used to tell me children’s stories, but that was all really, nothing to make me think they were anything other than just that, just children’s stories. She nodded thoughtfully as we all moved to sit around the fire waiting for the meat to prepare. We were all in a relaxed mood for there was the promise that our bellies would be full, the weather was pleasant and just at that moment life was good.
Serinae sat down and bid me do the same. She looked at me and said that she would like to tell me a story if I agreed. I said I would, so she began.
“There is a tale, whether you believe it or not I leave up to you for the choice can only be yours to make. It says that all people were created in the purity of love, the love of Eny’Nin’Rel the Father of all, not here in this world but in another place, a place that now is forgotten and no longer has a name that is remembered. Something happened and the people, where cast out here into this world, as to the reasons why, well that has been lost to history. Some say it was a punishment, some say it was for a test, others that it was neither of these things and we must wait for a future day to find out the real reason. But in his love Eny’Nin’Rel instructed his spirits, the R’Alacry Fer’Def, to keep watch over us.”
She nodded encouragingly at me. “Not many people get to see these beings during their lifetimes, it is thought that most can only be seen in death, in that moment when the soul passes out of this world. They are sent to guide us, to show the way back to Eny’Nin’Rel. To return to him that small part of himself that he implanted within each of us. That unconditional gift placed within each of us in love. A guiding light to be returned finally to that place of truth where we all truly belong. Perhaps you are very lucky and have seen one Mini, not in death but in life!”
The question that begged to be answered was on my lips and I asked, “what about you Seri, have you ever seen one, have you seen the R’Alacry Fer’Def?”
She looked at me and casting her glance to the grass at our feet, “yes, on occasions Mini, I am humbled to be blessed with such insight. I believe our race of the T’Iea are more predisposed to being able to perceive them in all kinds of situations, however, I believe it is not luck that enables this or any other kind of indulgence, I believe that it is a strong and unwavering faith in Eny’Nin’Rel that allows these glimpses.”
“Who are they then?” I asked.
“Like I said they are the R’Alacry Fer’Def,” or ‘those walking in light’ as Jondris would call them in the common tongue used between races.
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“Ah so all races can see them then?”
She smiled and said, “yes Mini, in faith Eny’Nin’Rel does not favour any one race above any other, in fact I think he may have even created all the races originally, hence why he is sometimes referred to as the Father of all.”
I was in two minds about what she had just told me, for if true then there is a higher controlling force beyond anything I have so far imagined, and most importantly that controlling force sided with us?
“You know Mini, that the greatest of our people, the smiths, the warriors, the leaders and the healers, they should all place their thanks once again in the R’Alacry Fer’Def. You would do well to learn how to develop your talent in that direction, then your healing capabilities will be enhanced more than you can imagine. Amplified beyond your imagination.”
I looked questioningly at Serinae.
She continued. “Whether a healer or a ranger, a smith or an artist, it doesn’t matter Mini, our skills can be greatly improved by the flow of power from the R’Alacry Fer’Def, as I said I believe the T’Iea seem to have a natural affinity in that we above all races seem to be able to harness this gift. But the key is true faith Mini, without true faith there is no chance or even a hint of the joy and enhancements to life that are so easily and freely available to all.”
She shook her head, a disappointed look upon her face. “So many Mini have closed minds, some by choice seeing such ways as futile and of no use to them. Some not by choice, but in ignorance, for the old ways have fallen from favour and have been forgotten by many. In these more recent times we have become complacent Mini, the many dangers in life that we once faced are less now. I guess it is far easier to grasp onto things that you can see and feel, trust in your own capabilities rather than those of a less tangible nature. But for whatever reason they deny themselves, or are denied this knowledge, they do not seek to discover the truth. But such choices are ours as individuals to make Mini, none may force such a choice upon another, each must discover the spark of Eny’Nin’Rel within them, nurture it and allow it to grow and give true life. This gift is freely given it is available to all without condition. Eny’Nin’Rel only desires that his gift be freely taken.”
She smiled and closed her eyes as if relishing something pleasant. “You will see Mini, if you give your heart to Eny’Nin’Rel then in return he will bestow limitless gifts upon you and you will be set free from the confines of your own, self-imposed limitations and fenced-in capabilities.”
She reached down to her side exposing her quiver of arrows. She drew one up being careful not to draw it out fully. “You see the arrows in my quiver, they appear slightly fluid, not solid as you would expect.”
I looked at the arrow she held in her fingertips, it remained within the quiver and it was difficult to see whether she actually held its feathered shaft or whether it slipped between her fingers.
“Here see if you can pull one out.” She dropped the arrow back.
I reached over and slowly stretched out my hand to touch the flights of the arrow. To my great surprise I could not feel anything, my fingers close around nothing, I smiled in slight embarrassment and a little frustration as I continue to try and grasp the arrow that I know is there, or do I? But I feel nothing let alone grasp one to withdraw it. I pull back my hand looking at my fingertips, I didn’t know what I expected to see but it certainly was not the shaft of one of Serinae’s arrows.
Smiling slightly Serinae reached down and without hesitation withdrew an arrow from the quiver, this time she drew it fully. She laid it upon her lap and within less than a second I was astonished to see the shaft, the glinting metal arrow head, the feathered flights and the bone nock all take solid form. Once there was a shimmering half transparent arrow, there now appeared a normal looking arrow. She handed it to me. I hesitated, reluctant to make a fool of myself again, but she continued to beckon for me to take it. I reached out half expecting it to fall through my grasp but was shocked to feel the smooth wooden shaft in my fingers, I drew it close to inspect it and yes, there it was, a solid arrow, in fact a magnificent piece of craftsmanship.
I looked up into Serinae's face and said, “how?”
Taking the arrow from me she placed it on the ground in front of her.
“This quiver is crafted to bridge the gap between this world and another place, a place similar, but not quite the same as the world of the R’Alacry Fer’Def perhaps, or maybe even the same place, who knows. This place, or these places for there are reputed to be many, we call collectively Elit G’fedrel. Elit G’fedrel is not somewhere we are able to travel to, at least not in this life, but our fore fathers in their wisdom and faith were able to create links to many such places. I look on these links as pathways through a garden, where the garden gate is unlocked and we can enter, but the house itself we do not hold the key for, a kind of midway point if you like. Within the quiver the arrows sit partially in that world and partially in this, imagine then that these arrows after being made within the house are now placed within reach within the garden of which I spoke. Once removed, taken through the garden gate if you will, they form fully into this world. An arcane link associated with the quiver allows me to draw them across the void between the worlds, to reach into the garden and take them through the gate. But the act of drawing something from Elit G’fedrel means that the space must be refilled, or an imbalance may occur. So the quiver is designed such that it immediately replicates what has been removed in exactly the same place as it was taken from. Imagine I pluck a bloom from a plant and the plant instantaneously regrows the removed flower. A neat side effect of this phenomenon is that I have an unlimited supply of arrows.”
She smiled at my gaping mouth. “The skill to do Mini this is hard learnt, it took me many years to understand enough of the art to successfully craft this quiver and even then I had to have a great deal of aid to do so. But like I said even my efforts fell short, for I cannot now replace an arrow back into the quiver once withdrawn, for try as I might I could not make the process work in reverse.”
She looked at the arrow on the ground. I felt she was disturbed because the arrow had been withdrawn but not used
She continued however. “If I had more understanding, more skill perhaps I would have understood how to make it a two-way process, but this skill is lost to me.
“So that’s why I could not withdraw the arrow because I do not have the skill?”
“In a way yes Mini, or perhaps more importantly you may not have realised fully your faith I’m afraid, but when you do, for I’m sure you will, your healing skills will become immensely powerful, far greater than any you could learn or understand by your own skill alone. Imagine Mini if like my arrows you were be able to draw upon the power within Elit G’fedrel and enhance what skill you have now, with that combination what a healer you would surely become.”
I pondered on this for a while, my thoughts a little confused, but a note of excitement in my mind none the less. Then I had to ask a question. “Seri, but if I drew something from Elit G’fedrel what would I replace it with?”
She looked at me long and hard and replied, “my skills are in other things Mini, I do not know what a healer would give back.” Here her face took on a more serious expression and she said, “but be warned Minervar you must be very careful for you do not want to give just anything.”
She remained deep in thought for a moment. “I know of some that have been ignorant, even greedy in their drawing upon Elit G’fedrel. If the rules are broken Mini, then a price is demanded. That price may be high and not what you expect. I have known some who have paid a very high price, given part of themselves, they suffer a kind of madness, for they seem to be in this world, at least that part of them that belongs to this world remains, yet their minds or perhaps their spirit is lost to somewhere else, unable to return. There is a void between that which should be whole.” She shivered as if recalling some horror.
Suddenly Serinae looked up a
beaming smile upon her face and pointed towards the fire and said, “ah look the boar is being sliced, let’s go eat Mini.”
Then taking me by the hand she pulled me up and led me across to the fire, she had in her hand the arrow that was on the ground and without hesitation threw it into the flames, her eyes lingered upon it as it started to smoulder and char, she muttered something under her breath, the moment passed and turning we took our seats by the sides of our travelling companions and looked hungrily at the slices of succulent meat already piled onto a plate ready to serve.
Chapter 23 The Tolle’ Ambrunista
Extract from ‘Travel Across Dahl’Ambronis’, by by Solin D’Teinde.
To the northern most reaches of the Tolle’Fornosse’Veetri there is another mountain range that runs at right angles to the great spine. They are one and the same really, but the T’Iea view these lesser mountians as separating north from south, rather than east from west so they have a different name for them. These they call the The Tolle’ Ambrunista.