looked very inviting, in complete contrast to the creepy forest which lay all around it.
It had been quite a journey, and one which he never wished to repeat. He doubted whether his nerves could stand it, and his body was still complaining at the endless hours of walking it had endured.
It was fair to say that he really did not know what to expect, as he had stumbled his way along the path, and if the Wise Old Griffin had not come to meet him, then he dreaded to think what would have happened to him.
It almost appeared as though he was in some sort of a dream, although it felt more like a nightmare!
Roggie stopped to look back, as he sensed that something was watching him, and as a branch rustled, his heart raced, and he scurried closer to the protective light of the Griffin’s lamp.
This was the second time that he had felt the guiding hand of fate protecting him, as last time it had been the Faery. She, combined with all of the other things which he had experienced, had left him with far more questions than answers. Hopefully, according to the Bears, the Griffin would provide them for him.
“Not much further now!”
The Griffin’s reassuring voice settled his nerves a little, as through the trees, he could see the inviting rays of the fire, which was a very welcome site indeed. Just like a moth, he was drawn towards the light of the flames, which now stretched out to greet them.
Finally emerging from the forest, he was soon close enough to feel its warmth, as the air had developed quite a chill, as the moon shone down upon them.
“Come, let us sit and warm ourselves.”
The Griffin’s soft and gentle voice spoke to him again, and he did not need asking twice, and gladly took up the Griffin’s invitation. He felt totally and utterly exhausted, and his nerves had been worn to a frazzle, and he was almost literally asleep on his feet.
The Wise Old Griffin lowered himself gently onto a log besides the open fire, with the aid of his staff. It looked very warm and inviting, and Roggie soon joined him, sitting on another log close to the Griffin’s side.
The fire gave him great comfort, and for the first time in hours, Roggie felt secure, and his nerves began to settle as he made himself comfortable. Above the fire he could see a metal tripod with a cooking pot suspended from it. He was so hungry, that he could not help his nostrils twitching as the smell of freshly made soup wafted towards him. There seemed to be two bowls ready and waiting to be filled, along with two spoons and a loaf of freshly baked bread, which made his empty stomach rumble.
“Please help yourself.”
The Griffin did not need his great wisdom to work out what Roggie was thinking, as he did indeed look very tired and hungry.
“My attendant has prepared everything for us.”
He knew that Roggie would be hungry - Roggie was always hungry, but there was hunger, and how he felt now!
The last warm meal that he had eaten had been with the Bears, and even though he had eaten a hearty breakfast, to his stomach that felt like days ago. The thought of fresh vegetable soup made his stomach rumble again, and his whiskers twitched with anticipation.
Roggie took one of the bowls, gently ladling some of the soup into it, before turning to face the Wise Old Griffin. He instinctively passed it to him, and the Griffin smiled, appreciating his good manners. Roggie then offered him the bread, which he graciously accepted, tearing off a large piece with one of his clawed hands.
Roggie then did the same for himself, staring longingly at the contents of the bowl, as the aromas drifted around him like a comfort blanket. The Griffin smiled at him warmly again, as Roggie took a piece of the bread dipping it gently into his bowl. The lovely warm soup made his taste buds tingle and he relaxed emptying his mind of all of his problems, as he concentrated on his delicious meal.
Not a word was spoken whilst they were eating, apart from when Roggie was offered a second helping, which he gratefully accepted. The Bears may have thought of him as the Great King, but he would have gladly given up the entire kingdom for another meal like that!
When he had finally finished eating, he thanked the Griffin for his kindness, placing the bowls to one side, relaxing for a moment before the Griffin spoke to him again.
“You have travelled far, have you not?”
Roggie nodded, thinking of his home in the little village tucked into a distant hillside.
“I am sure that you have a great deal of questions to ask.”
The Griffin was not wrong, although whatever questions he had did not seem that important right now, as all he wanted to do was to lie down by the fire and go to sleep. Unfortunately, the Griffin had other ideas, and he could feel him probing his mind. It was not at all distressing, and he felt himself giving way as he sat there in a daze.
Memories from as far back as he could remember flashed though his mind, as the Griffin reviewed his life. Some of them he recognised, whilst others seemed foreign to him. Roggie had no recollection of his early life, and most of that seemed to be very hazy. He could remember being found by the village elder wondering on the path by the bridge over the river. Why he was there, and what had happened to him before that, was just a complete blank.
He had never really found out who he actually was, and although he had often wondered, it did not seem that important to him. He had been well looked after, taught many things, and even given his own burrow, which he was more than grateful for. It was as though his mind had been deliberately altered, and whoever had done it, had left him with very little curiosity.
That was a very strange thing indeed, as most people would want to know who they really were, and what had happened to them. Roggie had just accepted everything without question, and even now, as he was revisiting that day, he still did not have the slightest bit of curiosity.
It had been summer, and the weather had been warm and dry. He could see himself walking along the path towards the little bridge that sat at the end of the valley. The sound of the water trickling under it, combined with gentle birdsong, made him relax as he stopped to admire the beauty of all that he could see around him. It was as though he did not have a care in the world, so much so, that he hardly noticed the village elder walking towards him.
He was dressed in simple villager’s clothes, with a cloak which denoted his status as Village Elder. His position was head of the Council which democratically ruled by consensus, as everyone had an equal say in how the village was to be run. It had very little power and just decided on what crops were to be grown and where. They were responsible for the smooth running of village affairs and of course, the spear throwing contest!
The Council consisted of the wisest villagers, and its main purpose was to give advice. The village was so small and sleepy that there was virtually nothing for them to do, but there had always been a Council for as long as anyone could remember, which dated back to the days of the Great King.
The village elder greeted him, inviting Roggie to join him for some lunch, which Roggie gratefully accepted. From that day forth, they had become firm friends, and the elder, known as Kavisar, had begun to teach him the ways of his people.
Roggie was very fortunate in being granted access to an ancient book, as it was quite an honour. In fact, he was treated so well by the villagers that he seldom thought of what sort of a life he had come from, and what it would be like to return. Roggie was also kept very busy, and learnt so many things, really enjoying Kavisar’s company. He sighed dreamily as the thoughts of him drifted through his mind.
Roggie was so relaxed now that he began to fall asleep, and the Wise Old Griffin placed a blanket over him as he gently slipped off the log nestling in front of the fire, all warm and cosy!
Nineteen
The sound of birds chirping away merrily filled the air, as the pleasant sunshine shone down upon the little clearing, surrounded by the deep forest. It was already morning, and the cold night had given way many hours previously.
Roggie awoke from his slumbers, as the embers of the fire smouldered on
into the daylight. He had slept very deeply, and dreamt of many things, particularly of his life within the village. He had been so happy there, and for a moment he thought that he was still in his warm, comfortable bed, until he felt his limbs spread out on the hard ground.
Opening his eyes, he soon came back to reality, and looked round, but the Griffin was nowhere to be seen. Looking over towards the cabin, he suspected that he had retired there, as the ground was no place for an elderly person to sleep.
He still felt relaxed, as he stretched gently, easing himself out of the blanket. It had been quite a sleep, filled with many memories of his time spent with Kavisar. He really missed him, and hoped that he had not been troubled by the Men. It had been a nasty business, and one which he was going to ask the Griffin about, when he emerged from his cabin.
Just then, there was a rustling in the bushes, and from somewhere on the other side of the clearing emerged a very large Bear carrying an assortment of things. He was very powerfully built and looked as though he would be a match for any other Bear.
Their eyes met, and he gave a broad smile, indicating that he was pleased to see him. This was a welcome sign, as Roggie did not know what he would have done if the Bear had been in a foul mood. The Bear approached him, and as he got near, he placed the things he was carrying gently down on the floor before introducing himself.
“I am Tyr, the Wise Old Griffin’s attendant!”
Roggie could not believe it, as that name resonated with him.
“Do you have two daughters named Nokie and Concordia?”
Tyr’s expression changed to one of sorrow, as he thought about them, longing to be reunited. He had many regrets, although he knew that he would not be able to return to The Land of the Bears whilst King Innocence still reigned.
Sitting down on a log next to Roggie, his thoughts went back to the events which had led to his exile.
The reigning Bear King had suddenly become very ill, and to the dismay of the Bear People, passed away the following day. It was quite a shock, as he had been very healthy, and well liked by his people.
After a suitable time of mourning, the Bear Council had arranged a tournament to decide who should become the new Bear King. After many wrestling matches, there were only two contenders left, himself and Innocence.
On the eve of the final contest, he had also suddenly been taken very ill, and suspected that he may have been poisoned, as it was too much of a coincidence, for he had exactly the same symptoms as the previous Bear King. His supporters knew that his very life was in danger, and had managed to get him out of the village, and somehow kept him alive long enough for him to reach the Wise Old Griffin, whose knowledge of sacred medicine had been enough to save him.
Tyr had been very weak, and it had taken him a long time to regain his strength. In the meantime, Innocence had proclaimed himself King, claiming that Tyr had run away in fear, and branding him a coward. His supporters, on their return, had protested to the Council, but through lack of evidence there was nothing that they could do. Innocence then sought to remove Tyr’s supporters, who went into hiding.
That was three years ago, and Tyr had become the Griffin’s attendant, although now he was fully recovered, he was determined to return and clear his name. Events had conspired against him though, and the Griffin had advised him not to return, stating that the time was not yet right. Times had now changed, and he was overjoyed when Roggie informed him of what had happened.
They were both deep in conversation when the Wise Old Griffin appeared, startling them. They had not heard him approach, and when they saw him, he just smiled.
It was the attendant’s job to look after him, and Tyr quickly jumped up, bowing to the Griffin, before gathering the things he had been carrying in his big powerful hands. He was elated with the news, and had a big beaming smile upon his face as he went about his duties.
The Griffin smiled again, as the fire was stoked up, and fresh water brought for them to drink. It was odd seeing such a big powerful Bear being so domesticated, but Roggie realised that it was his way of repaying the Griffin for all that he had done for him.
It seemed like no time at all before he was sitting down in front of the fire, with the smell of soup drifting into his nostrils. The Griffin sat next to him, as Tyr bowed again, leaving them to enjoy the soup and fresh bread which he had brought.
Tyr then proceeded to the cabin of the Griffin to undertake some more chores, although they were not really unpleasant or burdensome to him in any way. Tyr was happy to assist the Griffin, although from the size and strength of the great Bear, it was clear to see that there would be little that anyone could do to persuade him to do anything he did not wish to do!
The soup was absolutely delicious, as was the bread, and Tyr certainly had a gift where food was concerned. Roggie really appreciated what he had done for him, although the news that he had brought was the best that Tyr had received in years. He was clearly overjoyed, and the sound of gentle humming could be heard coming from the cabin. The Griffin smiled again as contentment spread around the clearing.
When they had finished their meal, Tyr returned to clear everything away, before bowing before them both again, and then disappeared into the surrounding trees.
“You no doubt have many questions to ask.”
The Griffin spoke for the first time, as they had enjoyed their meal in silence. That was an understatement, as Roggie, now refreshed after a good night’s sleep and a hearty meal, did have a lot of questions, which he hoped the Griffin would be able to answer.
He was just about to ask his first question when the Griffin spoke again.
“Why don’t you start by emptying out the contents of your bag?”
The Griffin was obviously reading his mind, and as he reached for it, his hand passed over his spear, which had been resting besides it. The Griffin clearly knew what it was, as he could see his eyebrows raise slightly as he glanced towards it.
Roggie opened his bag, and began to take out what he had brought with him. First there was his trusty spade, which had saved his life when it had caught the arrow that had been fired at him by the Man. Then, there were a few supplies which the Bears had given him for the journey, along with a water container. There was also a blanket, again provided by the Bears, and at the bottom was the sceptre, which Roggie had forgotten all about.
It was the first time that he had really studied it properly, and the Griffin looked on as he turned it slowly in his hands.
“The sceptre of the Great King!”
The Griffin announced.
“It is steeped in history and has many properties, not just ceremonial, but whatever you do, do not twist the top!”
The Griffin proclaimed firmly.
Roggie held it in his hands, making sure that he did as the Griffin had told him. Unfortunately, the top had already twisted itself loose within his bag, and it only took the slightest of movement for it to suddenly spring into action.
A series of spikes shot out from the ball, and pierced poor Roggie’s hand. He dropped it with shock, but the damage had already been done. He felt very faint, and fell backwards off the log, banging his head on the ground.
Everything began to spin, as he felt himself being sucked into a type of vortex. It was a strange and frightening sensation, and one of which he did not enjoy at all!
The Wise Old Griffin spoke in a calming voice, although no sound came out of his mouth. Somehow his voice was reverberating around Roggie’s head, along with many other things!
“It looks as though you have inadvertently activated the sceptre, which is the first time that it has been used for many years. It is very old indeed, and was used by the ancient kings to rule, and when I say rule, I do not just mean to govern. There is a gauge on the side which indicates worthiness, and only the most worthy can rule the kingdom.”
Roggie felt very light headed, and everything still spun round inside his head.
“I am amazed that it is still working afte
r all of this time, and now you have activated it, your life is in great danger!”
Roggie’s mind began to clear a little, as the word danger grabbed his attention.
“The sceptre contains a poison, and only the Worthy will survive!”
The shock of that statement began to bring Roggie back to his senses, and he managed to mumble out a few words.
“Danger, am I going to die?”
The Griffin looked down at him with thoughtful eyes.
“It depends on several things.”
Roggie’s eyes opened widely, staring up at the Griffin.
“Firstly, you have to be of Noble Blood, which I assume you must be, otherwise you would dead already!”
“Dead!”
Roggie was in shock, as this was not the first time that his life had been put at risk. He was supposed to be safe with the Griffin, and now he had learnt that he could die!
“Noble Blood!”
That was also a shock to him, as no one had ever mentioned that he may have come from Noble Blood. There were no Nobles in the village, just Peasants, who lived a simple but contented life.
“Yes, that is right.”
The Griffin continued, as Roggie had a second shock to contend with.
“There are certain families who carry a distinct type of blood, and the poison has been designed to not work upon it. All other blood types result in certain death!”
Roggie went very pale.
“You could call it a Bloodline, and you must be part of it.”
This was the first that Roggie had heard of such things, but was grateful nevertheless, that he was still alive.
“The Bloodline stretches through the Elves, and those Elves who are part of it are often referred to as the Shining Ones, which is another way of describing those who are enlightened”.
Roggie could not quite understand what he was saying.
“I myself am also enlightened.”
Roggie still did not understand what he was talking about.
“But I am just an Elphin Rabbit, and you are the Wise Old Griffin.”
The Griffin smiled.
“I am indeed!”
Replied the Griffin.
“I am enlightened because I possess great wisdom and knowledge.”
Although he had been taught many things by Kavisar, he realised that he did not know very much, particularly in comparison with the Griffin.
“However, I am not of Noble Blood, and Griffin’s are not born to be Kings. All we seek is knowledge and contemplation, and not power.”
Roggie was very confused.
“But I live in my burrow within a small village in the valley high above the great river, and I do not even have the status of a member of the Council. How can I be of Noble Blood?”
Roggie looked at him with a rather pathetic look on his face, suddenly realising that if they used this sceptre to measure his worthiness to be a Ruler, then he would be right at the bottom!
The Griffin smiled broadly.
“Do you lie in your