Tales Of The Echo Forest, Twins

questioned. “Who is Igus?” Douglas asked. “That is unimportant for the moment. Just know that Igus is a dear friend who is doing his best to avert a disaster.” Gareth said, looking to Devon, “What now my friend?” “It goes without saying, our next step is to find the tomb.” Devon started to explain when suddenly Igus was in his mind.

  “Devon, I am sorry for my actions, but now I need to talk to you.” Igus said. “I will lose precious time coming to the forest. Can you come here?” Devon asked. “No my friend, I do not want to chance losing the connection to my life force. I will send Jessica back to you. She will take you to the Hollow Hills, above the bog. From there she will bring you to the Cave of Lights.” Devon’s eyes fluttered as the communication with Igus ended. He could see everyone looking at him. Gareth was the first to talk.

  “Igus?” Was all Gareth asked. “Yes. He wants to see me.” Devon answered. “Going back to the forest will take a day and a half.” Gareth lamented. “No my friend. He is sending Jessica back to take me to the Hollow Hills. Apparently we will be transported to the forest from there.” Douglas started to ask them what they were talking about, but Gareth held up his hand.

  “All in good time Douglas. Do you want me to go with you Devon?” Gareth asked. “No. I think you should forge farther into the bog. After everything we have learned, I believe Corsea will be found at the driest part of the bog.” “I understand!” A light seemed to jump into Gareth’s eyes, “Yes! How did you figure it out?” Gareth finished. “I am still not positive, but it seems that every time Corsea has been about, that dry, dank odor accompanies him.” Jessica entered the tent just as Devon finished.

  “Devon, Igus has asked me to take you to the forest.” “Yes, he contacted me.” Devon replied, then turned to Gareth. “Gareth, may God and luck be with you.” Devon said, hugging his good friend. “I truly hope this madness will be over soon.” Gareth said. “Come Devon, Igus awaits.” Jessica urged, taking Devon’s hand.

  As they walked through the bog, Devon found himself studying Jessica. Her resemblance to Loanna was uncanny. She had already denied being Loanna’s sister. But Devon could not shake the suspicion that there was a connection between the two women.

  “I sense you have a question for me Devon. And I sense you want the truth.” Jessica said. “Jessica, all I have ever asked, is for truth.” “When you ask of weaknesses and strengths, do you not believe me when I say I cannot tell you?” She said, all too coyly. “I have come to believe that the Children of Nature are, for the most part, truthful.” “Even Corsea?” “Especially Corsea! Although I do not understand why the elders allow such evil to exist.” Devon complained. They walked about a mile in silence. Devon had a thought deep in his mind, then finally decided to ask.

  “Are you Loanna’s mother?” Jessica stopped in her tracks and looked squarely at Devon. “Yes.” She replied casually, then continued, “You know that you are even more curious than Loanna is!” “Why the big secret? Every child of nature seems delighted to have a secret. Why was it necessary to keep this one?” Devon asked. “You think it wrong for me to leave Igus to bring up my child?” “There it is again! Answer a question with a question!” He said, irritated. Jessica smiled and began walking again. Jessica allowed a moment as she thought of how she could make Devon understand.

  “A long time ago, I made a mistake. I fell in love with a human. Though it is not forbidden, it is frowned upon. You see, humans grow old.” “So do the Children of Nature.” Devon said, slyly. Jessica now laughed, “Loanna chose wisely. You are not only incredibly handsome, but very intelligent and witty.” Devon felt his face blush, but would not let her have the last word. “What happened to Loanna’s father.” He stammered. Jessica’s eyes seemed to well with tears and Devon was immediately sorry he asked. She suddenly looked so vulnerable. Devon went to her and put his arms around her.

  “I am so sorry Jessica, I did not realize it would hurt you to ask.” Jessica allowed Devon to hold her as she began, “His name was Shaun Walter. He was a good man, strong and handsome. Though he lived in a hovel, there was a fierce pride that burned in him. He had sky-blue eyes that shown his love of life. I would sit for hours and run my fingers through his light brown hair. One day he asked me to marry him. I threw all caution to the wind and agreed. Within a year, I was with child, with Loanna. After Loanna was born, I introduced Shaun to Igus. Igus and Shaun became instant friends. Igus of course loved my daughter. Loanna’s second birthday was the last time I saw her until the other day in the forest.” “Why did you leave her with Igus?” Devon asked quietly. “Shaun said he would seek work at Welshire. I begged him not to go, we had no need of money. But as I have said, he was a proud man, and a week before Loanna’s second birthday, he went anyway. I was bathing Loanna in Our Lady when Igus came to me and told me that Shaun had been killed by robbers.” Jessica began sobbing uncontrollably and Devon helped her to sit down.

  “We do not have to talk of this anymore...” Jessica cut him off, “No Devon, it is time that I unburden myself. The pain of leaving Loanna behind has ate at me for a long time. After Igus told me that Shaun was gone, my mind snapped. I no longer had the will to care for myself, let alone Loanna. Igus suggested that I return to the Isle of the Ages. He offered to take care of Loanna for a while. But the weeks turned into months, and the months into years. The one time I did try to come back for Loanna, I saw Arianna playing with her and decided to leave well enough alone.” Devon had many more questions, but they would have to wait, “I am truly sorry for your hardships, but for now, we need to see Igus.” Devon helped Jessica to her feet and they quietly walked to the Hollow Hills.

  “Mommy! Where is daddy?” Brittany asked, as Loanna exited the cave on the Blue Isle. “He had to stay and help Gareth.” Loanna answered, scooping her daughter up in her arms. “How is Gareth?” Melanie asked. “He is well and sends his love. He sorely misses you.” “I cannot wait to be with him again. What of Corsea?” “Their brief contact with Corsea proved enlightening. It seems that Gareth came up with a plan and was able to weaken Corsea enough to give Igus a rest.” Michael ran up to the women. “Can Brittany and me play mommy?” “Yes, of course. But let us wait until after lunch.” Melanie said. As they sat and ate, they could see Alanna coming from the cave.

  “Where were you off to Alanna?” Melanie asked. “Igus asked me to search for something in the hills above Welshire.” “Something? That means you cannot tell us, correct?” Loanna asked. “Actually, you are right.” Alanna smiled. “Can you at least let us know if you found it?” Loanna now asked, knowing it was fruitless to ask any more about the specifics. “No. Igus was very disappointed. Your two husbands are very resourceful though. I sense that they will be of great help, given enough time.” “Enough time?” Melanie asked, fear clearly showing in her eyes. Alanna looked at the women and children. “Yes, time. Corsea was stupid and knows it. He will not attack again until he can break the seal and escape. That could be tomorrow, or maybe next month.”

  Igus and Arianna sat upon the Great Rock and watched as Devon and Jessica approached. When they reached the base of the rock, Igus and Arianna floated down to them.

  “Thank you for coming Devon.” Igus began, then added, “And Jessica, I am glad you came also.” Jessica went to Igus and put her arms around him, “You have done a wonderful job raising my daughter.” Arianna looked dumbfounded, “Daughter!?” Igus looked to Arianna, “Yes, Loanna is Jessica’s daughter. Why did you stay away?” Igus now asked Jessica. “I was totally lost without Shaun. I went to Artemus, but even he could not help. After five years of moping he suggested that I go back to my protectorate. I tried to focus, to regain direction. As I have told Devon, I did return on one occasion.” “I never sensed your presence. Was I here?” “Yes. You were watching Arianna playing with Loanna. She was eleven at the time and looked happy. It did not feel right to come back into her life.” “But you have come back into her life, have you not?” Igus asked looking to Devon. Jessica looked to Devon also, “
I knew you were Loanna’s husband. I could do no less than to help you.”

  Though Devon was happy to know Loanna’s mother, he also had a pressing need to find out what Igus wanted.

  “I really hate to interrupt, but Gareth and his men are forging farther into the bog as we speak.” Igus looked at Devon, a smile crossed his lips. “You have become a warrior then Devon?” Devon laughed at his friend. “What would Leonis say about that! Seriously though, are you feeling strong enough for the upcoming battle?” “If I could just get my hands on Corsea!” Igus answered cryptically. Devon decided to file that away for later use. “I need to know what you want Igus. I believe we have two options. Contain Corsea, or destroy him!” Devon said confidently. Igus looked at Devon, confused by his sudden ferocity.

  “Perhaps you are becoming a warrior.” Igus said sadly, then added, “I would want my brother to live, even if he had to be entombed...forever.” Devon no longer wanted to play the game. His family and friends were in true danger, “Igus, can the ebony crystal be replaced, thereby resealing Corsea’s fate?” Igus was now taken