Tales of Asculum

  The prayer was simple and heartfelt. The meal was eaten in silence but Fanchon noticed most of the men wiping tears as they ate. After they finished the meal the men came up one by one and hugged Uncle Sethan before turning to him. Each asked him to care for their Great Wizard Priest during his journey from this world to the next. Ki-Mal was the last one remaining when the rest had left the dining hall. Uncle Sethan lowered his hood.

  “Aricor, cousin of the king, has sent this prayer,” Fanchon said and held out the scroll. “My wife and our companions are waiting for me at his home.”

  “I’ll take care of it,” Ki-Mal said as he took the scroll.

  “Fanchon is my nephew, Ki-Mal” Uncle Sethan said. “His mother is my twin.”

  “I shall miss you Father,” Ki-Mal said. “I know it is time for you to return home. I will make certain your legacy continues here in Okiah.”

  “I know you will,” Uncle Sethan said as he hugged him.

  “I’ve had dreams for almost a year now about this day coming. I am surprised how much your face resembles the one from my dream,” Ki-Mal said as he turned to Fanchon. “You are not returning home with Father.”

  “No,” Fanchon acknowledged.

  “Your fate lies to the east,” Ki-Mal said.

  “Come we will talk in my chambers,” Uncle Sethan said as he raised the hood on his cloak.

  Fanchon and Ki-Mal followed Uncle Sethan back to the tower room. Fanchon wondered what he could learn from Ki-Mal about where they should travel next.

  Chapter Ten: Visions and Guidance

  Fanchon sat down to the table with Uncle Sethan and his son, Ki-Mal as he wondered what Ki-Mal had seen in his visions.

  “I have this map that we have been using during our travels,” Fanchon said as he laid it open on the table. “I wasn’t able to get much information south of Nak am Mer to the east.”

  “South east of here is the kingdom of Mannton,” Uncle Sethan said as he indicated on the map. “I went there once, but was very saddened by what I found. While the people of Okiah were savage, they were equal. In Mannton there was a sickness that killed many of their women. The men captured Okiahan women and some were brought by ship. The women were treated as unintelligent animals; bought, sold and enslaved.”

  “They still are according to what I’ve heard,” Ki-Mal said as he nodded. “There is nothing you can do besides find your new home. One of your descendants will help the only person who can open the eyes of Mannton’s men and make women equal in that kingdom.”

  Fanchon nodded, stunned by what he was hearing

  “Directly east of Okiah is Brinley,” Uncle Sethan said as he pointed. “They are generally a good people, but their royal house is corrupt and violent.”

  “In time that will change,” Ki-Mal said. “A new bloodline must take control before mingling with the bloodline of their ancient kings. Only then will love and compassion be paired with wisdom to rule Brinley.”

  “North of Brinley is the hilltop kingdom of Burton,” Uncle Sethan said. “They are a good people with a strong but wise royal house.”

  “You must pass through Burton before you can find your true home,” Ki-Mal said. “A friend will be lost, but the choice is his to make.”

  Fanchon nodded numbly.

  “What I see is that your true home is guarded by fierce defenders who can fly. They are waiting for you,” Ki-Mal said.

  “That doesn’t sound good,” Uncle Sethan said with a frown as Fanchon remembered Rollan’s words.

  “That agrees with what the seer told me before I left,” Fanchon said. “He said that I would find a friend like no other.”

  “Once that bond is made there is no further danger for Fanchon and his companions. The only danger is from within, but that single incident will both wound and strengthen his descendant. It will prepare him for the journey that lies before him,” Ki-Mal said. “Fanchon, you are a true leader. Where you lead others will follow. Remember that you must not let the conflicts of others become your own. Keep your rule within your own borders.”

  “My rule?” Fanchon asked.

  “There is only a single culture where the ruling power is passed from mother to daughter, the one you left and I must return to,” Uncle Sethan said.

  “It is when that culture arrives within your borders that the truth of the past will be revealed,” Ki-Mal said. “You will not live to see that day, but your descendant will as he bears a sword forged by your hands. It will not be remembered, but it will be your wife that gives the blade the qualities that set it apart from all other blades forged in the known kingdoms before or after. Her talent is an ancient one that hasn’t been needed for many generations. It binds a weapon to a single warrior. All not worthy to claim it will suffer the consequences. She will only need to use her talent this one time.”

  Fanchon stared at Ki-Mal as his message seared into his mind.

  “Are you alright? You went pale,” Uncle Sethan said as he put his hand on Fanchon’s shoulder.

  “I tried many different jobs, but was told the same thing over and over again. All of the people I worked for said I expected to be in charge, not follow. When I decided to leave six of my friends along with their wives said they would follow me. The only member of our group younger than me isn’t married, but it was me they would follow,” Fanchon said. “I never thought I would be important to anyone outside of my family.”

  “This fate is both chosen for you and shaped by your own hands,” Ki-Mal said. “You are free to refuse it, but know that you are important to many people.”

  “Prepare some bitter tea,” Uncle Sethan said. “We should meditate and pray tonight.”

  Ki-Mal nodded and left.

  “I know how you must feel. Kind of like I felt when I realized the responsibility I had taken on when I saved these people from destroying themselves.”

  Fanchon turned and met Uncle Sethan’s eyes.

  “You and I share a bloodline,” he said. “And you descend from royal blood. This is what you were born to do. I’ve done what I was meant to do here. Now it is your turn to shape this land. I just hope Mother and Dedre can forgive me for leaving.”

  “They are waiting with open arms for your return,” Fanchon said. “Mother was bearing a child when I left. I’ll never see the brother or sister that she gave birth to already, but I know you’ll be there for them.”

  Ki-Mal entered with a tray. He set the tray on the table before pouring a yellow liquid into the three small cups.

  “It is very bitter, but it enhances the senses. We use that to pray and meditate so we might keep the darkness of evil from our souls so we can be beacons of goodness for others to follow,” Ki-Mal said before drinking from one of the cups.

  Uncle Sethan drank from a cup as well, so Fanchon picked up the remaining cup. The tea was very bitter, so he finished it quickly trying to ignore the bitter flavor. Uncle Sethan and Ki-Mal sat on cushions in the middle of the floor and began murmuring softly. Fanchon joined them and listened to the prayer that was almost a chant. He thought about the journey ahead of him, but kept seeing a volcano and a large shadow that was almost shaped like a bird, but the neck was longer, the tail thinner and the wings were strangely different.

  Chapter Eleven: A Parting Gift

  “Wake up, Fanchon.”

  Fanchon opened his eyes to find himself lying on his back with Uncle Sethan standing over him.

  “I’m all packed and ready to leave. I need to ask you to lead your horse with me riding it.”

  “It would seem odd for you to be walking at your age,” Fanchon said with a grin as he sat up.

  “I know it will seem a bit odd to you, but I found these people respond well to rituals. They at first thought me to be a wizard, but then tried to make me their god. I’m certain that we’ll leave in a funeral procession even though I am very much alive. I had been thinking it was time for me to move on, but didn’t know how I’d be able to do it.”

  “We could travel together
to Burton. We might have to get you a horse,” Fanchon said as he stood and stretched.

  Ki-Mal brought in breakfast for them. They ate after a prayer then Uncle Sethan put on his cloak. Ki-Mal handed Uncle Sethan a staff that was beautifully carved.

  “A parting gift,” Ki-Mal said. “A symbol of your wisdom. I also brought you this.”

  He held out a bowstring.

  “I tempered the bow that I repaired against breakage,” Fanchon said as he touched and tempered the staff. “It will serve you well as will this.”

  Uncle Sethan nodded and hugged Ki-Mal before pulling up his hood.

  When they reached the courtyard there were many men assembled. Midnight had flowers braided into his mane and tail along with a garland of herbs and vines around his neck.

  “Can you please lie down so he can mount?” Fanchon asked the horse quietly.

  Midnight laid down. Ki-Mal and Fanchon made a show of helping Uncle Sethan mount and steadying him as Midnight stood up. All of the men bowed with their hands together and thumbs on their foreheads as Fanchon led the horse past them to the open gates. It took some time for them to get out of sight of the temple and back to where the path turned into a road.

  “There’s a farm nearby that we might be able to get a horse from,” Uncle Sethan said. “One of my granddaughters lives there.”

  Soon they turned off the main road down a cart path. They were greeted by a man who bowed with his thumbs to his forehead.

  “Come rest Grandfather,” the man said. “Kiarra should have the midday meal ready soon.”

  “Thank you Quinnan,” Uncle Sethan said. “We must reach the city by nightfall.”

  “I have a horse you may keep,” Quinnan said before leading them to the home.

  “Grandfather!” a woman exclaimed as they entered the home.

  She ran over and hugged Uncle Sethan along with three children.

  “It is time to make my final journey Kiarra,” Uncle Sethan said as he sat down. “Ki-Mal will continue my work as great wizard priest.”

  “I would have prepared the proper feast if I had known,” Kiarra said.

  “As with any parting from this world my journey started quite unexpectedly when Fanchon arrived. He is descended from my twin sister.”

  “Welcome Fanchon,” Quinnan said. “We are honored by your presence.”

  “You will care well for Grandfather in his final journey home,” Kiarra commanded.

  “I will,” Fanchon acknowledged. “His return home will be a safe one and his arrival greeted with open arms and tears of joy.”

  “Will you lead us in prayer Grandfather?” Kiarra asked.

  Soon they had recited the prayer that was becoming familiar to Fanchon. The food was delicious, but Fanchon was eager to be reunited with Aloysia. After the meal a brown horse was brought for Fanchon to ride. There were hugs and tears before they were allowed to leave. It was nightfall when they entered the city. Fanchon led the way to Aricor’s home and found Aloysia at the gate.

  “Aricor is dying,” she said as Fanchon hugged her. “He wants to talk to you the moment you arrive.”

  “Death waits for no man,” Uncle Sethan said. “Introductions can wait.”

  Aloysia led them to a bedroom where Aricor lay in bed.

  “There you are,” Aricor said.

  “I brought with me the Great Wizard Priest himself,” Fanchon said. “He is preparing to make his final journey home.”

  “I am truly a blessed man,” Aricor said as they knelt at the bedside. “I have spoken to my children and grandchildren about this and they agree. I know that you have yet to find a home. I give to you two wagons complete with cattle to pull them loaded with anything you need. I also send the finest bull that can be found along with five cows. You will need them when you find your home.”

  “I don’t understand,” Fanchon said, stunned by the gift. “Why?”

  “You were willing to help a stranger in need without question or hesitation,” Aricor said. “Your wife and companions have been very kind and even helped my staff and neighbors while you have been gone. Although you are not Okiahan you live by the same principles taught to us by Se-Than.”

  “Principles taught to me by my own mother and father,” Uncle Sethan said. “I am grateful to see they have saved the people of Okiah and made them the great nation they are today.”

  “You once saved my life as a young boy, Se-Than. I thank our Honored Ancestors every day for that. I leave this world a happy man that you have again seen fit to honor me with your presence. I don’t know how you still live, but I’m grateful you do.”

  “I come from a very long lived people,” Uncle Sethan said as he lowered his hood. “I’ve hidden my face for years.”

  “You look nearly the same as the day I first saw you,” Aricor whispered.

  “I know. My work here is done and it is time for me to return home,” Uncle Sethan said with a smile. “There I will be among my family and greeted with open arms as will you as you ascend to join your honored ancestors.”

  Chapter Twelve: Proving His Worthiness

  It had been several days since they had left Okiah and Uncle Sethan hadn’t run out of questions about what had happened in Glynis since he had left. Fanchon was kind of sad to know that he’d never see his mother and father again, but happy that Uncle Sethan would be able to tell them he was alright. Jerron was restless and seemed moody. Fanchon was worried about him.

  “What’s the matter?”

  Uncle Sethan’s question brought Fanchon’s attention back to the present.

  “Just worried about Jerron and thinking about the home I’ll never see again,” Fanchon replied.

  “I’m sorry to keep pestering you with questions. I just hope I can remember the language,” Uncle Sethan said as he ran his hand through his hair. “It’s strange to feel the breeze in my hair again. I’m still getting used to wearing pants instead of that robe as well.”

  Fanchon laughed. They travelled slower with the cattle. He was both looking forward to and dreading arriving at Burton.

  “Lady Aloysia is a beautiful woman. She looks a lot like her mother. She mentioned how happy she was to be bearing your first child,” Uncle Sethan said. “You’re a lucky man.”

  “Yes I am, but you had three wives.”

  “I still miss them although it was a bit strange. It took them a long time for them to treat me as a husband instead of the Great Wizard Priest. I fathered twenty three children and I lost count of my grandchildren years ago. One of my great granddaughters is now queen. I heard that three of my grandsons built a boat and sailed west, but never returned. Ki-Mal said they were not dead, but continuing my work among another people.”

  “Perhaps you’ll find another wife when you reach Glynis,” Fanchon said. “I think it’s time to find a place to camp for the night.”

  They soon found a canyon that ended in sheer cliff face. It allowed them to keep the cattle together yet let them graze along with the horses. After several more days traveling through the mountains they entered another forest.

  By the time they could see Burton their supplies were running low again. Fanchon awoke at dawn to see Uncle Sethan going through his saddle bags.

  “Do you have everything you need?” Fanchon asked quietly.

  “It looks like it. Now that I have the bow I can hunt for food. I’ll travel light and fast. I’m looking forward to seeing Glynis again. For so many years I thought I could never return home after how I acted,” Uncle Sethan said. “You’ve given me hope that I can be forgiven.”

  “You were forgiven long ago,” Fanchon said as he put his hand on Uncle Sethan’s shoulder. “Stay for breakfast.”

  “I’m not really good at saying goodbye,” Uncle Sethan said as Aloysia sat up.

  “You are staying for breakfast and that’s final,” she said.

  “Yes, Lady Aloysia,” Uncle Sethan said.

  After breakfast they loaded up as Uncle Sethan headed north for Glynis. They
reached Burton around noon and found a secure place for a camp outside the city. People were friendly and soon most of them found work so they could earn money to buy supplies. Jerron and Fanchon found work in the royal stables.

  The captain of the guards seemed to like Fanchon and began teaching him to use a sword. He seemed pleased that Fanchon was catching on quickly and after a month presented him with a sword and sheath. Some of the guards seemed irritated that the captain seemed to favor Fanchon and one afternoon one of them challenged Fanchon to a duel. Fanchon knew he could not loose. He concentrated on his opponent’s blade and ignored the shouts of ridicule by the other guards. As Fanchon was beginning to tire he saw his opening and disarmed his opponent. The man stopped suddenly as Fanchon raised his sword point to the man’s throat. He could see the other men had drawn their swords.

  “Enough!” roared the captain of the guard as he ran up. “What is going on?”

  “He challenged me to a duel,” Fanchon said as he sheathed his sword.

  “He doesn’t belong to the guard,” the man growled. “He’s just a stable boy.”

  “He’s as worthy to be a guard as any other man here,” the captain said.

  “I am honored by your confidence in me, Sir, but he is right; I don’t belong,” Fanchon said. “I am not a stable boy either. Burton is just a temporary stop in my journey. Now my group has earned enough money to purchase supplies we will continue our journey.”

  “Your group?” the guard asked in a mocking tone as Jerron and Tor approached.

  “Lady Aloysia is looking for you Fanchon,” Tor said.

  “Lady?” the captain asked.

  “My wife,” Fanchon said. “Including Tor and Jerron there are thirteen of us in all.”

  “Fanchon and Lady Aloysia are our leaders,” Jerron said.

  The guard began to laugh until the captain gave him a stern glance. The captain looked at Tor with one eyebrow raised.

  “The decision for Fanchon to be our leader was unanimous,” Tor answered the unspoken question. “I trust him with my life.”

  “I do too,” Jerron said.

  “We decided to find a place to establish a new village,” Fanchon said. “Now that we have enough money we were going to leave Burton in the morning.”

  “I’ll miss you,” the captain said. “It does make sense that you are a leader. I think that’s part of what I like about you. I’ve noticed that the stable boys are taking better care of the horses since you arrived. The stables are cleaner as well.”