Children of the Sun and Moon

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  The morning came, and all in the group had a sense of trepidation. The desert was vast, and appeared to go on forever. There was also the fact that in two days they would be at the end of their quest. It was the end, but a beginning as well, and everyone had their own worries as to what was coming.

  “We should be off,” announced Darly.

  Everyone agreed and they headed into the desert.

  The goblins had gotten the group up long before the sun had even come up, explaining this was the best time to start travelling. Within a few hours, everyone understood why. It was still two hours until they were breaking for lunch and to shelter themselves from the scorching afternoon sun, and all but Gillock, Maeve and the goblins were sweating and weak. The elves were faring better than the others were, but it was clear Koral, Eric, Grund, and Drundle were not going to last for long. Gillock passed around a water skin, and had them all wrap their heads with towels he had soaked. (Koral made a mental note to ask Gillock where he had gotten so much water from.) They pressed on and after what felt like forever, they stopped.

  Gillock pulled a giant tarp and poles from his pack. “I will set up a shelter to spend the afternoon hours in. I suggest you all get some sleep during this time. I'm hoping to move as far as possible through the evening.”

  Gillock and the goblins had the makeshift shelter up in a matter of minutes while Maeve tried to help everyone get settled. When it was ready, everyone slowly made their way inside, and welcomed the shade it brought. The welcome was short lived as a breeze, which had been welcomed at first, but since had picked up causing their meal to have sand in it.

  Not long after, the dwarves began to grumble and you could feel a change slowly happening in everyone. The shade was nice, but you could still feel the heat, and Nak knew it would not be long until tempers became short. The breeze was causing more problems as it was blowing sand around causing it to get into everything. They were supposed to get some sleep after the meal, but Grund did not think it was going to happen, for him at least.

  “Sand in me food. Sand in me pants. How do ye think I be sleepin'?” he hollered at Gillock.

  Gillock’s reply was to stand up and move outside of the shelter. He then began to pull down the covering until the sides were drawn. He left one side open and said it was needed for airflow. The breeze was no longer a factor and although the heat was stifling, the group found they actually could relax and possibly get some sleep. Grund maintained his grumbling, but it was no more than a mumble and it made Eric smile. It was good to know there was something in this world which Grund was not prepared to deal with.

  Although relaxing was easy, falling asleep was not. At least not for Glavlin. He lay awake watching the group. So much rested on this small bands shoulders. None of them realized how much peril their land was going to be in once this quest was over. However, where one quest would be over, another one would begin. The elf just hoped those here were able to deal with what was still to come.

  Koral was not sleeping. She found she was not even able to relax. Her magic had been pulling at her for the last few hours, begging to be released. It was not another call from the Earth Mother, but something different all together. The restlessness got the better of her, and she moved outside of the shelter and into the sweltering sun. She had only gone a few steps when she heard footsteps in the sand behind her.

  “Princess is everything all right?” asked Glavlin.

  When she did not reply, another voice spoke her name. The magic was beginning to overwhelm her. Slowly she turned and faced Glavlin and Gillock.

  “There is something wrong,” she tried to say, but her voice was barely a whisper. Glavlin's sharp hearing caught what she had said and he repeated it to the wizard. Gillock stared into her eyes and saw the power building there. “What is wrong?” he asked, slowly moving towards her.

  “My magic is demanding to be released,” came her voice, now booming for all to hear. “It is this desert. It is not right.” Then, before the wizard and elf, she began to glow. Unlike the times when she had become a tree, she was enveloped in a soft glow. Gillock and Glavlin could hear her chanting, but neither could make out the words. After what felt like minutes, they both could feel the magic flowing around them. It was strong enough that it had brought out the others, who were now staring at Koral in awe. Suddenly, Koral pointed her arms above, then at the ground, and all around them began to change. The first thing they noticed was the heat was not as intense. Next, the ground changed from sand, to grass. And as quickly as all this had started, it was done. The entire group did not know what to think. One moment they were in a desert, and now they were in a lush field filled with wild flowers. From where they had come, there was a river, and a road marked where they were heading. They had made camp just to the side of it.

  Grund had tears in his eyes, staring at the river. “It be Evan's River. Drundle, it not be dried and gone.”

  Drundle's eyes mirrored his own.

  “The desert was an illusion,” stated Koral, her voice weak.

  Gillock turned to her. “You are an elemental wizard. The illusion could fool your eyes, but not your magic.”

  “Where does this road lead?” asked Darly.

  “It should lead us right to the passageway which will take us into the void,” replied Gillock.

  Eric walked to stand by the dwarves. “I have never heard of Evan's River.”

  Grund, now composed, shook his head. “It be named after a dwarf king,” was all he said, then he turned and walked away.

  Drundle turned to follow. “It be a story for 'nother time,” she said, putting her hand on Eric’s arm. Eric nodded and Drundle moved off.

  Koral moved over to Glavlin. “You and Darly sensed something was not right as well,” it was more of a statement than a question.

  “Yes,” he replied. “But clearly it was not as strong as it was for you.” He then reached out and took hold of her hand. “Are you feeling alright?”

  She looked up into his eyes, and saw again, what she had seen back in the dwarf library. “I was a bit tired at first, but I appear to be recovering,” she answered with a smile. A commotion from behind broke the spell.

  “Wez needs moves. Nowes thats noz heats wez canses moves,” stated Nak and he and the other goblins were already taking down the shelter and Maeve had begun packing up things.

  Everyone else moved back to the shelter area and began to shake the sand out of their belongings and pack. It was going to be much easier to travel during the day, especially now it was no longer in a stifling heat.

  The road led to another forest, which was just on the edge of the field. This one not as thick as the one surrounding the compound. More light penetrated through the treetops, giving the roadway an ethereal look. The road was well maintained and the sound of birds could be heard filtering through the forest. The entire group walked in awe at was around them. Their minds still trying to accept all which had happened that day.

  “It is amazing,” remarked Darly. “Like the road has been well travelled all this time.”

  “Magics mades itz stays samez,” said Goulerick, and Gillock agreed.

  “Yes, it's like it has been trapped in time for the last few hundred years,” commented Maeve.

  Gillock nodded in agreement. “We wizards all thought this area was destroyed when the barriers were created. It's remarkable it survived.”

  “Dwarf magic be behind this me thinks,” stated Grund. “Evan's River always be said to be magic for them who be needin' it.”

  “I had heard those tales as a child,” said Glavlin. “Of the great dwarf king who sacrificed himself to help his people escape. It was said; he stood atop the Unmoving Mountain and called upon his god to use him to help his people. In reply, he was struck by a beam of light from the heavens, which melted the snow upon which he stood and created the river, flowing it down to where the village was, wiping away those who were attacking.”

  Grund and Drund
le looked at the elf, stunned. “Me not be knowin' that elf's told our tales,” commented Drundle.

  “It is not a tale, but a fact which is documented in a book in the Wizard's School. Witnessed by many,” stated Gillock.

  “Yes, it was indeed an amazing sight to see,” remarked Maeve, her voice sounding distant.

  A silence followed Maeve's words. Everyone was always in awe when she spoke, unsure if she was speaking truth or riddles. Darly broke the silence. “I am going to scout ahead.

  There are birds in these woods so other creatures may have survived as well.” Then she was off, disappearing into the forest beside them like a wraith.

  They spent the rest of the day walking in silence, taking in their surroundings. Darly did not return to the group until the sun began to set. She had found nothing which would cause them harm in the surrounding area and had found a good spot to spend the night just ahead of where they were. After walking for another half hour, they came upon a little alcove in the road, where they were to camp for the night. For the first time since they had set out on this quest, all felt they would get a good night’s rest. They had a fire, warm supper, then set up their bed rolls for the night. Watches were still set, the goblins taking turns as usual. Koral was surprised the goblins always wanted to be the night watchers. Darly explained that they goblins did not need as much sleep as the rest of them, and it was probably their way of fitting in. Koral had to agree that their night vision had been a blessing on many a night.

  It was an uneventful night for those sleeping, but not for the goblins. They were worried about what waited for them at the end of the road. When all was finished, would they be accepted in this new world, or exiled like the rest of their people? Dilmek was the only one who did not appear to be overly concerned. He felt Eric wouldn't let them be sent away. Tallmeken and Mork wanted to agree with Dilmek, but humans had deceived them before. They fell silent; all of their fears laid out before them, and went back to taking turns watching over the camp.

  Eric, having been awoken by their whispers, didn't know what to make of the discussion. It was the first time on this trip the goblins had used their language to communicate. It was clear they were scared, and Eric hoped whatever it was which was bothering them was not something the rest of the group needed to worry about. He also hoped they would discuss it with him. He fell asleep, and again dreamed of fights, dragons, and heroes.

 

  Morning came, the sun slowly creeping through the trees. The group was slow to get up, having slept soundly. Everyone was refreshed, and feeling more optimistic than they had felt in weeks. They had a quick morning meal, all wanting to be on their way. By the end of this day, the passageway would be before them. Excitement and anxiousness filled them all.

  Darly moved off again to scout ahead, and this time Glavlin joined her. Each disappeared on opposite sides of the road, making not a sound. Koral considered asking them to teach her how to track and move like the wind, but thought better of it. After they were finished would be the time to learn new things. It was probable she was going to need new skills to survive whatever was to come.

  Steadily they moved along the trail, but as the day went on, they appeared to slow their pace. “Don't be afraid of what lies ahead,” came Maeve's voice. She had moved herself to be behind the group. “This was the day you have been preparing for. Don't let your doubts cloud your mind. All will work out as it is intended to.”

  As she finished the elves reappeared, breaking the spell her voice had placed over everyone. “There is a field ahead, and an odd rock formation beyond,” stated Glavlin.

  Gillock sighed, “We have arrived then.” Then he raised his voice for all to hear him. “When we arrive at the clearing we will be taking a rest. What lies ahead will need all of our strength.”

  They arrived at the field moments later and settled down for a small meal and rest. In the distance, you could see an immense rock formation. It appeared as if giants have moved large boulders into place, creating a wall.

  “It be said there be a quake that shook the mountainside and all these be fallen here and create Death's Boundary,” remarked Grund.

  “Yes, that is what happened, but the quake was due to the fighting of the wizards,” said Gillock. “When that particular fight was over, the boulder’s had created a wall separating the south lands and the central lands. Death's Boundary got its name due to the fact it had very dangerous and narrow passageways through it, and some very nasty creatures made their home in them. On the other side is a vast desert.”

  “Do these creatures still exist?” asked Eric.

  “Yes,” replied Gillock. “But you need not worry. The road before us leads to a portal, which will take us into the Void. We will not be venturing far enough into the boundary to meet up with any problems.”

  The group felt a bit better knowing that no creatures were waiting, they had all seen enough fighting, but they were still worried.

  “Wez needz goz nowes,” said Nak, after everyone had eaten. He then looked at Gillock. “Rockses looks closes buts theyz hourses awayz.”

  “Yes, Nak is right. We have about three hours of travel until we reach the boundary. We best be off.

  Koral and Eric stared off towards Death's Boundary. Their future was going to be decided soon. By the end of the day, they would be in the Void, but none knew how long it would be until the twins were to use their magic. Both Eric and Koral hoped it would be soon.

  The group set off, determination in every step they took. All of them were nervous and worried, but all also knew they needed to push those thoughts aside. Nak worried he would not be able to get them through the Void, the elves worried about the prophecy being fulfilled and Gillock worried about what Malena might do when she sensed them crossing. Maeve was worried, but it concerned herself. Gillock had taken her aside and told her the key to her past would be found in the Void. She had so many memories, but was never sure what was true and what was dream. Maeve worried that when she discovered something about herself it would not be good. She smiled to herself. That was a road crossed when it was placed before her. For now, she needed to help these new friends finish what they have set out to do.

  Slowly the field moved behind them, the grass now hard dirt and rocks and before they knew it, the passageway stood before them. The rocks had formed an usual arch, and upon closer look you could see writing on the stone.

  “It is elvish,” remarked Darly. “An older dialect, but I can still read it.”

  Gillock moved beside her. “We wizards created the Void, but it was the elves that made it possible to travel into it.”

  “The elves made this so we could travel inside and give judgment on those banished into it,” stated Glavlin.

  “That was its intention, sadly it was not used that way,” said Gillock. “The wizards which practised the dark arts used it to torture and kill those who got in their way.”

  Nak moved beside Gillock. “Iz bez readyz.”

  Gillock nodded and turned towards the group. “I need you all to move and stand within the archway.” he commanded.

  Quickly they all moved under the arch, standing with shoulders touching. A few moments later, Nak began to chant.

  Immediately the lettering on the arch began to glow. First, a light blue, then piercing white. Energy began to build, and bolts of electricity started to shoot all around them. No one moved, fearing what would happen should they be struck. A sound occurred next, which sounded like the earth itself was taking a deep breath. After a few minutes, the energy dissipated and all was quiet. At first, the group all thought nothing had happened, then they looked around. The archway was still there, but the boundary no longer surrounded them. Instead, they stood before a vast building. Looking behind them, in the distance, they could make out the towers of a castle. Elation quickly took over. They were in the Void.