Reunion

Gerrod met Ace for the morn-meal the next day. He found Ace greeting patrons at the door. When he noticed Gerrod enter the dining room, he excused himself and signaled his friend toward a private booth in the back that he reserved for them. They slid into their seats across from each other. "Corinna came in late last night," Gerrod informed him. He wasn't sure if he should have, or let Corinna surprise him herself. But Gerrod was too ashamed of himself. He had to tell him; at least that much.

  "Oh, how great!" Ace replied, excited by the news. "So how is she? Did you see her? Did you get a chance to talk?"

  Gerrod struggled with the onslaught of questions, but Ace knew by the look on his face that they had spoken. "She wasn't feeling well," was all Gerrod could say. Ace was like a father to them both, and he didn't know how to tell him they made love all night long. "I hope she'll feel better after some rest."

  "A quiet night at the Wefpub will do her wonders, I'm sure," Ace agreed, though Gerrod knew he still felt concerned. With a wave and a nod, Ace caught Helga's attention from across the bustling dining room. After finishing with that table, she made her way over to them.

  Helga was a woman Ace had hired to help him with the inn and serving the meals. She was, to be kind, a giant of a woman. She stood taller than Gerrod, and lumberjack broad. But she always had a smile on her face and a kind word for the patrons. She easily hefted the huge serving tray loaded with her own fine-cooked pancakes, eggs, and sausages. In one hand she scooped up two full pitchers of juice and milk, juggling them to give the patrons their choice. Her peasant-cut skirt furled around her broad hips as she spun merrily from table to table.

  Gerrod could tell by her wide smile that it amused her to be serving her boss. Ace usually preferred to help himself in the kitchen after getting Aric started on his daily chores. She spoke with them in the pleasant manner she usually reserved for the guests. She apologized for not getting them a bowl of hot eggs out sooner; and then poured large glasses of juice before heading off again to the kitchen. She disappeared in a flurry of skirt. Helga was always a blessing of sunshine during the busy morn-meal.

  Over the years, Helga had become not only a valued employee of Wefpub, but also a dear friend and member of Ace's family. When Ace's beloved wife, Lauriana, died from complications of childbirth with Aric, Helga was quick to step in and help. The towering, plump woman was the only mother Aric had ever known. She loved him as her own, and Ace certainly appreciated all that she did for him.

  Moments later, Corinna descended the stairway and joined the men just as Helga returned with the eggs, pancakes, and sausage. Besides a secretive wink and a smile, which Gerrod wasn't sure Ace caught or not, Corinna never brought up their passionate night together. Gerrod wasn't sure whether that made him feel better, or allowed the shame of his weakness to burrow in deeper. He would almost rather have had her tell the whole world and have the world hang him for his crimes. Besides, her willingness to keep their secret made him love her even more, and she knew he hated that.

  "Corinna! Dear Corinna!" Ace greeted her with a light hug. "It's so good to see you again. You should have woken me when you came in last night. Gerrod tells me you weren't feeling right. I trust a good night's rest served you well?"

  "Last night served me just fine," Corinna came back quickly with a sly glance towards Gerrod and a wicked grin. Luckily half-elves rarely blush, or else he would have given them away right then. "I see you've kept the place up well, Ace," she changed the subject.

  "Thank you, Madam," Ace bowed his head respectfully. "I'm glad you approve." Dwarves do blush, and Ace's rosy cheeks showed his real appreciation for her noticing.

  "Would you guys be able to go on an expedition today?" Corinna asked. "I have an old friend I must visit with some most urgent business, and I'd really appreciate your company." Her tone had suddenly grown serious.

  "Well, sure, Corinna," Ace answered willingly, noticing her sudden need. "Just let me see to a couple of things, and I'm all yours."

  "Yeah, I'm free too," Gerrod offered. For a moment, he felt another twinge of last night's guilt. He wouldn't let her down again.

  Ace excused himself so he could 'go take care of things.' As Corinna got up to clear her dishes, Gerrod caught her by the arm. She looked into his eyes and decided she'd better sit back down.

  "About last night," Gerrod began, "I'm sorry."

  She beamed a warm, sincere smile across the table. That alone did wonders to banish any fears he had. "Oh, Gerrod," she giggled. "Please, don't apologize. It's all right."

  "But I didn't want to take advantage," Gerrod tried to explain, "I shouldn't have."

  "No, really," she assured him, taking his hands into hers. "It was very nice. Thank you." Her voice was sweet and sincere. "I'm glad we had that time together. It really helped me. I feel better today than I have in weeks."

  "It's just that --"

  "Sh-," she insisted. Seeing him still struggling. She leaned across the table and kissed him gently. "It's all right," she smiled. "Honest. In fact, I slept for the first time in weeks. It felt so good. When I woke up this morning, I knew what I had to do. I have to see Cy'nan."

  "The old seer?" Gerrod remembered her tales of wonderment as a child growing up under Cy'nan's care.

  "Yes. I haven't seen her in a very long time, but I know she can tell me what's wrong. Cy'nan always knew what was wrong."

  It relieved Gerrod to see her take the initiative to at least make this decision. Maybe the old Corinna he once knew and loved would be back soon.

  They left shortly after cleaning up the morn-meal. The sun was just coming up over the western horizon, and the morning air was still quite chilly. They walked faster than they might have normally. The cold, gray stone towers of King Lonnequist's castle could be seen from the inn, as it dominated the northern edge of the city. It towered over everything and everyone.

  "Cy'nan is an old friend of mine," Corinna explained to Ace as they made their way through the streets of Oswegonia. "This is very important business, and very personal. I wouldn't trust anyone with this, except Cy'nan."

  Even though it was still early morn, the streets of Oswegonia were bustling. Winter was approaching quickly, and the busy merchants were already trading in the Market Square when they entered through the northwest gate. The merchants would conduct as much business as possible before heading back to their homes, some as far away as distant Seagate. They would want to reach the safety of their houses before winter's long months of darkness overtook them on the King's Highway. Winter seemed to be coming early this year, a promise of an even harsher season than normal.

  The Market Square was a very large, open area in the center of Oswegonia. The ruthless King's Guard heavily patrolled its framing high walls. Here dealers traded the riches of the world for men's soul. Merchants from every corner of Carrona came here to ply their wares. With them they brought strange and wonderful sights. In bright, bold colors there was strange and extravagant entertainment. Foreign sounds of music played on fantastic and wonderful instruments. Exotic aromas of herbs and rare spices filled the air. It was a feast for the senses, and a show that never stopped from sunrise to well past sunset. At night, bright lanterns lit the Square. Even though traveling could be very dangerous at night, many merchants would not fold up their carts or booths until they sold all their wares. Many vendors stocked enough merchandise to last them a week and would only return home for the weekends. Until then, they would either stay in the inns or sleep in their carts, tents, or wagons. The Square always guaranteed a good show.

  Corinna led them to the northeast corner of the Square where she stopped in front of a dark green curtain spread across the entrance of a booth. Hung above the plain and drab curtain was a brightly painted, red and yellow sign that read "Mystic Cy'nan, Seer of Fortunes, Predictor of Fates." The only thing in front of the curtain was a tall stand with a large wooden carving of an owl roosting on top of i
t. The carving seemed so detailed, and so realistic, Gerrod had to look twice before realizing it was just a statue. The eyes held such wisdom that he swore he saw them blink. For a ranger, a man of nature as Gerrod was, this was unnerving.

  The owl perched on the arm of a stand. The ends of the wooden perch curled into a snail's spiral. The end the owl was on curled down and around, while the counter-balance side curled up. On top of the standard was a simple round ball, and a small brass bell hung from the curl below the owl.

  It was obvious that Corinna was familiar with the place, as she nonchalantly walked up and rang the brass bell. She didn't act surprised, as Ace and Gerrod certainly were, when the wooden owl came to life. It outstretched and flapped its wings, and gave a loud, piercing screech. It mechanically refolded its great wings and resumed its watchful, wooden stare.

  As they waited for Cy'nan to appear, Gerrod studied the carving carefully, and was left only more amazed. Ace, as was his nature, was swift to back away from the bird. He gladly clung to the far side of Corinna's dark robe, refusing to remove his eyes from the strange wooden creature. Ace distrusted anything magical, and the bird was no exception.

  Introduced by a rustling of the curtain, an old elven woman opened the green cloth just enough to stick her head through, pulling the opening closed tightly around her face. "Who seeks the wisdom of Mystic Cy'nan?" she cackled in an ancient, elven-accented voice. With her many layers of wrinkles about her delicate elven features and long, thick braids of silvery gray hair, it was clear that she was as old as the fates themselves. Her dry voice was as course as sand, made fragile by age, but her eyes were clear and dark blue. As quivering and fragile as her body was, Gerrod could tell by the clarity of those eyes that her mind was just as sharp and alive. This must be Cy'nan herself, he decided.

  Those clear blue eyes darted about, from Corinna, to Ace, to Gerrod, and back to Corinna again. Thick gray eyebrows raised in sudden recognition. "Child!" she suddenly exclaimed. "Where have you been? You're late, you know. Come in, come in," she invited them, holding open the dark green curtain for them to pass through as she would a client.

  Corinna led the way, followed by Ace, and then Gerrod. Cy'nan nodded to Corinna, but looked Ace and the half-elf over well as they passed through the curtain. Ace shuddered slightly as he passed through. Gerrod recognized that uncomfortable reaction as the fingers of magic probing over his friend. A magical field scanned Ace. Undoubtedly this field served Cy'nan well in her 'reading of the future.' A divination spell such as this would reveal to Cy'nan enough of the history of any one entering for her to put on a convincing show. This alone would be enough for patrons to pay the price for Cy'nan's 'words of wisdom.'

  But Corinna, a long time friend and confidant of Mystic Cy'nan, had come for more than simple parlor tricks. She had business to take care of.

  Cy'nan led them through the decorated booth she used to entertain her clients, and into the back of her trailer. The two-wheeled cart was as ornately carved as the wooden owl outside had been. It appeared to be too small to hold all of them; but with trusting skepticism, Ace and Gerrod followed the two women inside.

  Once inside, the walls expanded to reveal a small cottage. While dimly lit, it appeared clean and finely furnished.

  Ace fidgeted in his seat as they sat comfortably around a small table. The magical nature of the cottage bothered him to no end, but he patiently struggled against it in silence. Cy'nan, noticing Ace's conflict, smirked in appreciation of the dwarf's stubborn loyalty.

  "So, Child, what's been keeping you?" Cy'nan asked. It was clear that Cy'nan already knew more than either of her friends had been able to pry from the secretive woman.

  Corinna pulled out a necklace she kept buried under her heavy robe. On the end of the long chain hung a cross made of five precious gems. Four small diamond-shaped gems surrounded a single, large diamond-shaped stone, one at each point. The outer gems were red, green, blue, and yellow, with the large central stone of black onyx. These were all mounted on a pure silver backing and the entire piece hung from a fine silver chain. The stones were of obvious fine quality, and the entire piece was worth several hundred platinum pieces easily. Ace's eyes glowed greedily at the sight of such riches.

  "I've been trying to find out about this," Corinna explained. "I thought it was a holy symbol for Sero Riema, but I don't think so now." Ace watched, mouth agape, as Corinna handed the fine piece of jewelry over to Cy'nan.

  "No, Child," Cy'nan announced with a bemused chuckle and a knowing smile. Her voice, somehow, was not as cackling as it had been outside the curtain. "This is no holy symbol, though it certainly is holy; holier than anything mortals have ever made."

  "I haven't been able to sleep since I've come across it, and I'm afraid much worse has happened to me because of it. I keep hearing voices in my head, but I can't understand what they're saying. I have visions, but I don't understand them either. I don't even know if they're just bad dreams; though I know I don't sleep." Corinna's face, normally pale, turned even whiter. "Tell me, if you can, what is this thing, and what do the fates hold for me?"

  "Child, I have known you long and I know you well, but it is not my place to tell you these things," Cy'nan responded. She seemed quite bothered by this news, but this would not be the end. Corinna, though disappointed, was noble in her acceptance. "But Child," Cy'nan quickly offered, "there is one here who can tell you."

  "But you said --" Corinna argued, confused by this sudden change.

  "I said it was not my place, Child," Cy'nan corrected. But there is another here who is willing, no, begs to speak. You must listen, and you will hear."

  Corinna, still confused, looked to both Ace and Gerrod. Both men simply shrugged, echoing her question. "Who here would speak to me so?"

  With this, the old seer closed her eyes and held the necklace up. "The voice is within the necklace that yearns to be heard," she explained. "The necklace itself calls your name. Most unusual," she commented, more to herself than to Corinna.

  Corinna was shivering with fear now, but she needed to know. It had become more than her usual, strong curiosity. It obsessed her, as if made mad, to learn the truth of the curse that had befallen her. "Please, then, let the necklace speak through you. I know you have the gift. I must know what it has to say to me," she pleaded. "Cy'nan, please, I must know."

  With a great understanding of the role she must play in these fates, Cy'nan closed her eyes again, raising the necklace above her head.

  "Hear now, the voice within.

  Of fire and water, Earth and wind.

  Of old and ancient times.

  Of power and life,

  Cryptic and rhymes.

  Crying for loss and fateful twists

  For secrets told and people missed.

  For trusts of gods, displaced by men.

  For thieves of gold, now and then.

  Veste, forgive the Council Four,

  Set to guard forever more

  The Orb of the Righteous, evil and good.

  Balance of nature, should and could.

  Caught unaware by magic and thief,

  (An unholy pact when they shall meet.)

  Travel in time, caught by fate.

  Retrieve the Orb, before too late.

  Death of Carrona, death of men.

  Winter comes, has no end.

  Nature's fury, unleashed at last.

  No power to balance evil's cast.

  History's evil, repeats again.

  Hateful race, where've you been?

  Rising now to regain power

  Rising now, hour by hour.

  'Creation, Destruction, Power gone wild,'

  Thus laughed Lolth as she smiled.

  Return the Orb to its place.

  Before it destroys all time and space.

  Corinna fair, Corinna good,

  Corinna now 'The Chosen One,'

  Hurry now, right this wrong.


  Hurry now, don't have long.

  Thus cries out the voice within.

  Go now, your quest begin.

  Do not slow until work is done.

  Do not stop until war is won."

  With this, the end of the poem, Cy'nan began to tremble. She broke out into a fit of sweat while speaking, and now it seemed that her trembling arms froze up in the air. A tearful look of pain crossed over her wrinkled face as she fought to pull her arms back down to the table. Corinna rose and moved next to her to help if she could, but Cy'nan simply collapsed, face down on the table.

  Corinna quickly lifted her head back and retrieved a small vial from one of the many hidden pockets of her robe. Cy'nan's color, while it had been a light shade of green, was very pale. However, after a few passes under her nose with the potent vial, Cy'nan quickly regained consciousness. Much relieved, Corinna put the vial away as quickly as she had produced it.

  "You gave me quite a scare, Cy'nan," Corinna admitted. "I've never seen you do that before."

  "The voice within is certainly powerful. Never have I felt a will so strong. It's a wonder this necklace needed me at all. It would have told you these things itself, Child, if only you would had opened up and listened to it." Cy'nan's breathing, while tired and heavy, was starting to return to normal. She took slow, deliberate deep breaths to help calm her aged heart down.

  "Well, Cy'nan, I certainly appreciate your doing this for me. I know it takes an awful lot out of you, old friend." Corinna, her arms still around Cy'nan's shoulders, gave her a light squeeze of a hug.

  "Any time, my Child. But don't be thanking me too much yet. You've got to figure out what it means. I just read 'em; I don't write 'em. You're on your own with this one, Child." Her hands still shook, whether from the reading or just anticipation. Cy'nan reached out for a pipe that hung on a rack closely behind her. With a simple magical gesture, a small flame ignited from the tip of her first finger. She used the burning digit to light the pipe before extinguishing it. She took large, long draws on the pipe, and within minutes the small cabin of the wagon filled with the pipe's sweet smoke.

  "Just one last favor before we leave you, dear friend," Corinna hesitated before asking. She had put Cy'nan through so much, but she just had to know.

  "You want to know what the fates hold for you," Cy'nan guessed. "Well, Child, I see much pain and trouble, but there are friends and love as well; that will see you through. You thought your adventuring days were over because you aren't as young as you used to be, but Child, the fun is just starting. With age comes responsibility. Believe me. Some of us just get more than our fair share, that's all. Don't worry about the fates, Child. The fates be fates. Ain't nothing nobody can do about that. Just follow your heart. You got a lot of heart, Child, and it knows the way."

  Cy'nan closed her eyes as if concentrating on something, and then started wavering as if dizzy. She put her thin, bony hand back on the table to steady herself. "Reading that pendant must have taken more out of me than I'd thought," she explained. "I'd better be resting now, Child."

  Concerned, Corinna debated whether it would be all right to leave her or not.

  "Go on now, Child," she encouraged when she saw her hesitation. "You haven't time to fool with the likes of an old woman like me, so get going then. Don't you be worrying about the likes of me." Cy'nan made a gesture like shooing a fly away. Smiling, Corinna bid her farewell.

  As they left the wagon, Corinna stopped in the doorway for one last look at her old friend. "The fates be fates, 'Corinna the Chosen.' Ain't nothing nobody can do about that, Child," Cy'nan called out to her.

  Corinna closed the door of the wagon and followed Ace and Gerrod through the heavy green curtain and past the owl. They made their way back toward the inn.

  "I know it's your business and all, Corinna," Ace observed after a few too many minutes of walking in silence, "but I didn't care for her much at all. All that magic and stuff, I mean. Don't seem to serve no purpose -- just a lot of hogwash and babbling to scare you. I wouldn't put no stock in it."

  Ace had been silent the whole time during the visit and Corinna knew it was the magic of Mystic Cy'nan's that had corked him up. Now, away from the effect of the heavy dweomers, he felt free to speak his piece.

  "I've known Cy'nan since I was a little girl, Ace. Since practically raising me, she has never served me wrong in all these years. She knows me better than I know myself, and when it comes right down to it, I trust her more than I trust myself too."

  Ace seemed unconvinced.

  "I understand your concern, Ace, and I appreciate it. I really do. But I can't afford to ignore what she said. I've got a job to do, and I'm going to need your help." Corinna stopped and stooped down to look the dwarf straight in the face so he could see just how genuine her concern was. "Will you help me on this one, Ace?"

  Her plea was honest, her voice as sincere as it had ever been. Ace, his heart as big as a giant for this girl, didn't have any choice but to go along with her. "Now, Corinna," he consoled, "You know I'll back you on anything. It's just that I've got a bad feel for this one." He refused to back down or even let her argue. "I don't like it, and that's only the more reason to go and keep my eye on you."

  Corinna accepted with a wide grin. "Thanks, Ace."

  Gerrod felt the same concerns as Ace, but he didn't dare voice any opposition. He knew she would meet it with the same stubborn determination. She looked at him and he simply gave her a nod of agreement. It seemed like the old, take-charge Corinna he knew and loved was back.

 

  Chapter 5

  Uninvited Guests