Eranithia: The Cave of Truth: Chapter 12

Chapter 12


Timberfoot and the four giants led them away from the battle scene, towards Kushen. As they walked, Timberfoot told them his story after their battle at the Onyx Battlefield.
"After the battle, I returned home and told them what happened, and the Gath made me the head of the mountain guard."
“Gath?” Mark asked.
“The Gath is the top giant. The king of the giants,” Timberfoot explained.
"So, how many of you are there in the mountain guard?" Mark asked.
"I have two shifts that I oversee, with six of us on guard at a time. We each take twelve hour shifts, guarding our own mountain peak and everything in between."
"That's great, and you're in charge?" Jennifer asked proudly.
"Yes, I am," he said with pride.
"Sol has blessed you greatly," Garandol said.
"Thank you, Wizard."
"So, will you and your people help Seth when it comes to war?" Mark asked.
"Yes they will. With my lead too. Not only am I the mountain guard, but I am general of the Takor army."
"That's great, Timberfoot!" Jennifer said.
"How many are in your army?" Garandol asked.
"Thirty one including me and the mountain guard."
"Thirty one is more than enough giants. Even if Arnath makes a pact with the Geoth."
Timberfoot growled upon hearing the name of the evil giants.
"They're a disgrace to the name giant. They're not real giants but men grown by magic. Their poisoned minds and their lust for power is their driving force. A true giant understands his role in the world and thanks Sol for his size and strength. The Geoth are a perversion."
Mark and Jennifer had never seen an angry giant before, but it doesn't take experience to know you shouldn't get on a giant's bad side. After hearing Timberfoot speak about the Geoth, they were glad to be his friends.
Garandol stopped, then asked for a piece of parchment. Mark dug one out of his pack along with a quill and ink jar, then handed them to Garandol. He sat on a tree stump nearby and wrote out a message. Then he whistled his singsong whistle that brought Arrow to him. He asked for a second piece of parchment, then wrote a second message, then whistled again but in a different tune. After a few minutes two hawks, one a little smaller than the other, dove down as if racing and landed on a low branch in a tree. Garandol rolled up each message and gave one to each bird.
"Arrow, take this to Seth or Efreal in Cathair Aureus." After giving his instructions, Arrow flew away leaving the second hawk to await its instructions. "Shelby, take this one to Thern in Cabavir." Shelby took her message and flew off.
"Is Shelby, Arrows mate?" Jennifer asked.
"Sister," Garandol corrected. "That's why they raced to land on the branch. They've always been very competitive."
Jennifer giggled then looked at Mark and gave him a wink. The birds were a lot like them in some ways; siblings competing with each other. He smiled then turned as Garandol walked past them and continued leading the way to Kushen.
Timberfoot gave orders to three of the giants to return to their posts in the Stone Step Mountains and had the other stay with them to escort the four humans to Kushen.

Efreal set Seth up with an Elf warrior to keep his skills sharp for battle. It had been a while since Seth had sparred with a decent swordsman, or swords-woman in this case. Arland was great, but this Elf was faster. She had even disarmed Seth a few times. It frustrated him, but that frustration was exactly what he needed to sharpen his skills.
Efreal interrupted the training session motioning for Seth to join him. Seth bowed to the Elf, who returned the bow, then followed Efreal. They walked a short distance to one of the many outlooks of the castle. From this particular outlook, the Gem Bluffs were visible, as was the silver waterfall.
"It never ceases to amaze me," Seth said staring at the water fall which fed the liquid silver mote around the castle. "Liquid silver pouring freely like water."
"It's sweet too," Efreal said, enticing him to try it some time.
"You drink it?" Seth asked, surprised by Efreal's comment.
"Of course! It's not like the silver you humans use for currency. This silver is full of life."
Seth stared at the river of liquid silver in awe. The things Sol did that defied human reason amazed him.
"Garandol sent a message," Efreal said, stealing Seth's attention back from the river.
Seth heard uncertainty in Efreal's voice, which made him curious. Efreal was always such a confident man.
"What did he say?" he asked curiously.
Efreal handed him the letter for him to read himself. Seth smiled at the news.
"We have the Takor on our side."
"You know if Arnath were to find out about this he is likely to send word to the Geoth."
"It's likely he has already."
"None of our spies have seen anyone travel beyond the Blood Mountains. So it's not likely he's sent word to them yet."
"I'm sure he is planning to."
"Then I welcome the challenge,” Efreal said stubbornly. “We have fought giants before."
"But don't forget that it was Mirgol, the dragon, who defeated them."
"She has been sleeping for more than one hundred and fifty years. Who's to say she will wake now?"
"She'll wake when she's needed," Seth reminded him.
"I suppose," Efreal said doubtfully, looking away.
Then like flipping a switch his tone changed as he turned to Seth again. "Join me and my family for dinner. There is someone most anxious to meet you."
"I would love to," Seth said, bowing to him.
Efreal bowed in return then walked away. Seth watched Efreal disappear into the courtyard, then turned back to watch the silver river again.
"Eh-hem," said a voice behind him.
Seth turned and saw the Elf he'd been sparring with. The Elf bowed but Seth stopped her.
"You don't have to bow to me. Please consider me a friend.”
"I appreciate that, sir," she said in a more familiar tone.
He could hear strength in her voice, as if she'd been hardened by war her whole life. But he knew this not to be true. She was a few years younger than him.
"What's your name?"
"Karis."
"It's nice to officially meet you, Karis."
Karis bowed. This time Seth returned the bow.
"I'm to show you to the bathing pools and give you dinner garments for tonight."
"Then lead the way, friend," Seth said, dipping his head slightly.
Karis turned and led him through the courtyard and to a stone walkway that wound to the bottom level of the castle. The switchbacks led to another path that led to a dozen crystal clear pools.
Seth watched Karis as they walked quietly down the switchbacks. Her long jet black hair swayed as she walked down the path. She wasn't as tall as most Elves but she didn't let her height hinder her battle skills. As they turned at the first switchback, Seth took notice of her face. Her smooth white skin accented by her slightly rosy cheeks. Pointed ears stuck out through her dark, straight hair. And when he caught a glimpse of her slanted, almond shaped eyes, he was amazed at their bright yellowish brown color. Seth thought she was the most beautiful Elf he'd ever seen. Although he didn't tell her so in fear she may take it as an insult since she was such a fierce warrior.
"The ones that bubble are most comfortable in my opinion. The water is hot and relaxes the muscles," Karis interrupted his thoughts as they stopped at the pools, which were a wonderful sight to take in. Twenty feet in diameter and four feet deep, the water was crystal clear to the rocky bottom.
"Then I guess I better try one of them," he said with a smile. "Are you going to join me?"
Karis blushed and said, "No, it wouldn't be proper. Elf men and women aren't to bathe together. It is for the married only, and they have their own bathing pools at their homes."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know. Forgive me if my question was inappropriate."
"There's nothing to forgive. I will bring some dinner clothes down to you in a few minutes."
"Thank you, Karis."
When she was gone, Seth undressed and stepped into one of the bubbling pools. The water was hot, like Karis had said, but he welcomed the heat. It comforted his sore muscles. Karis had given him a good workout that afternoon.
He walked across the pool and found a seat in the rock lined walls. The rock he sat on was so smooth he would have slipped off if his feet weren't touching the floor. He stretched out his arms in the hot water, rested his head on the rim of the pool and closed his eyes.

"Enjoying the pools?" Serina's voice startled him.
He looked around and saw his sister sitting cross legged across from him at the edge of the pool.
"Hi, Serina. Why aren't we on the mountain top?" he asked.
"This is just as safe a place as any. Besides, this is just in our minds. It can be anywhere we want."
"Then I thank you for allowing me to stay here."
She smiled at him warmly.
"So, you think Karis is pretty don't you?"
With his eyes closed and his head resting against the edge of the pool he gave her a small smile and said, "I think so."
"Remember, Sol is the one who will show you who your wife will be. He will make it plain to you. But in the right time."
"I know," he said, slightly annoyed and disappointed
"Good, now you better wake up. It's almost dinner time."

"Did you sleep well?"
Seth jumped, startled by the voice. When he opened his eyes he saw Arland standing in front of him. Serina was gone.
Of course she's gone. She wasn't really there was she? She was in your head, he thought.
"Arland. I didn't see you."
"I noticed,” he said then knelt at the pool's edge. “Karis gave me clothes to bring down to you."
He saw them folded, sitting at the edge of the pool.
"Thank you," he said, trying to hide his disappointment of not seeing Karis again.
"Are you disappointed to see me?" Arland asked, kneeling down at the edge of the pool.
Seth heard a hint of teasing in his voice.
"Of course not, I was only expecting someone else."
"It's okay. I would have been disappointed not to see Karis again as well. She's as beautiful as she is a fierce warrior," Arland complimented the female Elf.
"You speak truth my friend," Seth agreed.
Arland smiled and said, "Keep your eyes open, though, my friend. You never know who Sol may have in mind for you."
He gave Arland a sideways glance as he dried himself with a long, soft piece of cloth, "You're not the first person to say something like that."
"Serina?"
Seth paused from drying his hair to look at Arland, mouth open to speak.
"You talk in your sleep," Arland informed him.
"How much did you hear?" Seth probed.
"Only words here and there, but I could tell you were speaking with your sister."
"How?"
"The tone of your voice. You and your sister have always been very close. I've never known two siblings to love each other more."
Seth smiled as he stepped out of the pool and finished drying himself. Then he put on the dinner clothes Karis had sent down with Arland. They included white pants made from a white, fluffy plant found only in Ashenland. The Elves called them the Scamall, which means cloud. The shirt was made of light, white silk. The sleeves widened like a bell at the cuffs and extended halfway down his hands. Three thin, smooth, brown leather ties laced up the top of the shirt. He left them open enjoying the open and free feeling it provided. Lastly he wore sandals with leather straps coming just above his ankle.
"How do I look?" Seth asked Arland.
"Ready for dinner," he said. "Leave your clothes. A servant will be down to gather them. They will be washed and placed in your room."
As they walked up the path back to the castle two Elf boys ran past them. Seth turned and watched them gather his clothes then run back towards them. Without a word they ran past, up the switchback path and out of sight, giggling the whole way.
"They're fast," Seth observed.
"They're in training to be runners like Iriand."
"They seem to be doing a great job."
Arland smiled and clapped Seth on the shoulder as they continued up the same path the boys ran up.
"So, what did Serina have to say this time?" Arland asked.
"Oh, nothing. Just that Sol will make it plain to me who my wife will be, and when he says it's the right time."
Arland grinned for a minute before saying, "Even in your dreams she's giving you advice."
Seth chuckled then said, "Yes, but they're not dreams. They're just ways to communicate privately. Or so I thought. It looks like I have to train myself not to talk in my sleep."
"Is that something you can train yourself in?"
"I hope so or I could give secrets away to the wrong person one day.”
They entered the courtyard where everyone was gathered, waiting to enter the Great Hall for the feast. The royal family was, of course, not with the guests in the courtyard.
"Make way!" came a loud voice from behind the guests. They stepped aside as Efreal, Luma, and a young Elf woman walked through the crowd. Seth couldn't take his eyes off of her. Her light brown hair that fell halfway down her back; her lightly tanned skin; her tall, slender body. If only he could see her eyes...
Efreal stopped in front of Seth and Arland and bowed to them. Arland nudged Seth with his elbow and Seth gave him the Eranithian bow of peace; fighting arm behind the back away from one's weapon, opposite arm across the stomach.
"Seth. You remember my daughter, Lanadore,” Efreal said reintroducing them.
Seth turned to her. Her eyes avoided his as she looked at the ground shyly.
"Of course. How could I forget?" he said.
Finally, she looked up at him with her big, soft, slightly slanted brown eyes. He couldn't tear his away from hers. Seth reached for her hand, which she gave to him. He kissed her hand and bowed. "Lanadore, it is my pleasure to see you again after so many years."
He rose again as she curtsied. When she stood tall again, she winked at him. Seth's heart raced as childhood memories came rushing back to him. He remembered her being such an adventurous child who liked to get dirty like any other child. But he hadn't seen her in fifteen years. It was hard for Seth to imagine this beautiful woman was once that very child.
"Please, call me Lana, like when we were children."
Her voice was like music in his ears. Were they like this as children too? Was there an attraction? Why couldn't he stop staring at her?
"Eh-hem," Efreal cleared his throat.
Seth snapped his head around and looked at Efreal. His face became red hot as he blushed from getting caught staring at Lana.
"I apologize for staring. It's just that, with a little darker hair and lighter skin you would look just like Serina."
Her eyes looked watery as if she were about to cry. Seth feared he'd insulted her.
"It's okay, Seth,” she said sadly. “I am so very sorry about your sister. I have hope you will be able to rescue her, and soon. She and I were very close, even though we didn't get to spend much time together. We sent letters to each other very often."
"I will get her back," he vowed in a scratchy voice as a lump in his throat constricted his speech unexpectedly.
"Let's go inside, shall we? I'm sure everybody is getting very hungry," Efreal said interrupting Seth and Lana.
Lana took Seth's arm as they walked inside.
"Your seat will be directly across from mine, but you may walk me to my seat."
"I consider it an honor."
She laughed and said, "For having lived in the Blood Mountains for ten years, you sure haven't forgotten your lessons in charm."
"Some things you never forget I guess."
"Please, we were friends as children, treat me as such. Don't treat me like a prince trying to win my hand.”
Then she seemed to encourage him as she quietly said, “Unless that is your goal."
His heart began to race. Was she really implying that he should pursue her? Suddenly his mind went back to Karis. The beautiful warrior he'd met earlier that day. He felt like he was faced with an important choice. To pursue Lana, the beautiful princess and old friend, or the beautiful warrior who'd disarmed him three times that afternoon.
His attention came back to the arm resting in his. As far as Seth was concerned, his decision was already made.
"I would never think of such a thing. Not without permission from your father first."
A smile was her only response. She neither encouraged nor discouraged the implication behind his last remark. He walked her to her seat at the table, her arm in his, then pushed her chair in as she sat.
"Thank you, Seth," she said as she grabbed one of his hands and squeezed.
"You're welcome, Lana," he said as he returned the squeeze.
As he walked around the head of the table, Efreal grabbed his arm. Seth bent down to listen to what he had to say. Cold nerves gripped his stomach as he feared a warning or threat from the Ri, Lana's father. He began to understand the risk of perusing the daughter of a powerful man.
Then, Efreal whispered, "She enjoys the Silver River. A boat will be waiting after dinner if you like."
Seth didn't know what to say. He was completely caught off guard. Efreal laughed and let go of Seth's arm.
"Thank you," Seth said and took his seat next to Arland. He looked across the table to see Lana staring back at him with a flirtatious smile. Seth smiled awkwardly and looked towards Efreal as the Ri tapped a fork against his crystal goblet and stood up in front of his seat at the head of the table.
"I thank you all for joining me and mine for dinner tonight. Each of you, friends and supporters of the true kingdom Sol created. Tonight, our honored guests, Seth and Arland, have stepped up to bring back what once was. Seth has promised to bring down Arnath and end his ten year rule. Join me in a toast to our most honored guests. Seth," he said looking down at him, "may Sol give you strength and wisdom. May he bless you with all you need to win back the kingdom and save your sister."
Shouts of praise and agreement rang throughout the room. Then the sounds of praise were silenced by the collective gulps of wine from each goblet around the table.
After the feast, the guests began to leave, but not before shaking Seth's hand and bowing to Efreal. When Seth's patience ran out he looked at Lana and jerked his head to the side. She smiled and nodded, then kissed her mother and father. Seth bowed and shook Efreal's hand. Luma stood and gave Seth a hug and kissed him on the cheek. He returned the kiss to her cheek as well.
“Be good,” Luma said with a wink.
Seth blushed and said, “I will show her nothing but respect.”
Luma didn't give a response, all she did was smile and take her seat. Seth was finding it difficult to read this family. Were they encouraging him to pursue their daughter? Were they giving him warnings?
Seth looked at Lana. His heart raced once again as he took in her beautiful smile again. She took his arm as he led her from the Banquet Hall.
“So, where are we going at such a late hour?” Lana asked.
“Is it late?”
“It's after midnight.”
“Oh, well, if you would rather go to bed, I'll walk you to your room and say goodnight.”
She grabbed his arm with her other hand and said, “I'm a big girl now, Seth. I can stay out as late as I want.”
“Especially the night of a feast. I have no early morning plans. Now, you on the other hand...”
“I think I can manage with a little less sleep for one night.”
She gave him a sweet closed mouth smile then rested her head on his shoulder.
“Do you remember when we were children, the games we played?”
Seth chuckled softly and said, “Usually having to do with me rescuing either you or Serina from the clutches of some evil power.”
“Yes, you were always the hero.”
“Hm, I guess I was always in training for this.”
“You always had a plan.”
He was silent for a moment then said, “I will think of something when it's the right time. Sol will tell me what to do.”
“Or he may test your abilities.”
“Perhaps.”
They shared a long moment of silence as they walked down the switchback path leading to the pools. The stars were bright in Ashenland that night. The sight of them reminded Seth of his home in the Blood Mountains.
“What's on your mind?” Lana asked, lifting her head off his shoulder.
He looked down at the ground then said, “Home.”
“Eranithia or the Blood Mountains?”
“The Blood Mountains mostly, and Serva.”
“Serva?”
Seth looked at her. A slight breeze blew at her hair.
“My friend. He's a cougar I found when I first entered the mountains.”
“He was your pet?”
“He was my friend,” he corrected, sounding a little defensive. “The only friend I had for ten years.”
Lana stopped in front of him, looked up into his eyes and said, “You always had a friend here.”
He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. He wanted to argue that nobody tried to reach him, or tell him they didn't believe he could have hurt his family let alone murder them.
“You thought everybody believed Arnath's lie?” She asked.
He heard how sorry for him she felt but he didn't want anyone feeling sorry for him. Pity was a waste of tears. His bitterness attacked his heart again as he snapped at her.
“After being kicked out of every town in my own country when they learned my true identity, what was I supposed to think?”
“My father never believed Arnath for a moment. You could have come to us and we would have taken care of you.”
“That would have started a war between Ashenland and Eranithia.”
“What do you think is going to happen now? When you rescue Serina and bring her back here, you're going to be preparing for war.”
“Yes, but things happened the way Sol wanted.”
“Do you believe that? Do you really believe Sol wanted your parents murdered? That he wanted your sister imprisoned by your uncle? No. He wanted Arnath to serve where he was placed, second in command of the kingdom, beneath his brother. But Arnath broke his covenant with Sol and went against his perfect will. He betrayed everyone and took control of a kingdom that was not his to rule.”
“But Sol knew what would happen.”
“Yes, but do you believe it was what he wanted?”
He didn't have an answer for her.
“What happens and what Sol wants aren't always the same thing. Let me ask you, do you know what sin is?”
Seth felt a little insulted for being asked such an elementary question, but he knew Lana was just trying to make a point.
“Sin is anything in disobedience to Sol,” he said.
“Exactly! Arnath is the epitome of sin. Everything he does is against Sol's perfect will. Sol had a plan to put a stop to him all along. You. You and Serina together have the power to bring him down. It's been given to you by Sol.”
Lana's words struck deep into his heart. He hadn't expected her to speak so much truth to him. Her honesty and wisdom exceeded her beauty. That was the moment he realized he was falling for her. Something must have given him away because her face changed. Instead of the piercing look she'd had for so much of their conversation, her eyes softened into sadness. She looked down then took his hands in hers.
“I know that look,” she said.
“What look?” he asked confused, trying to look at her face.
She smiled up at him, eyes still watery. Then she giggled as she said,  “That look.”
He just stared back at her with a dumb smile. She could read him as well as Serina could.
“It's the same look my father still has for my mother.”
“And what is wrong with the look?”
She led him to the edge of a pool.
“Look into the pool,” she said.
He looked down and saw both of their reflections staring back at them. It was like looking into a watery mirror.
“You are a human, and I am an Elf. It's not forbidden for us to marry, but you have realize that if I choose to marry you, I choose to give up my immortality. It's a lot to ask, and although I'm younger than you and haven't had the chance to experience long life, I will have to give up my ability to live forever in Ashenland.”
Seth was torn. He wanted to ask her if he was worth giving that up for, but he didn't think he could ask her to give up the gift Sol had given her.
“I couldn't ask that of you,” he said, turning to her.
Lana turned towards him as well and said, “I know you wouldn't. Your heart won't let you. And although you look upon me in such a manner no other has before, now is not the time for you to be entertaining such thoughts. Your focus, for now, should be on your sister and taking back your kingdom.”
Lana's dark brown eyes hypnotized him as she seemed to search his soul. He'd never had a connection this close with anyone other than his sister, and that connection was different still. Serina was the only one who knew him inside and out. He never knew he'd want someone else to know him so well. He also found himself wanting to know her just as deep.
“You are my friend, and that will never change. Let's just try and keep it that way for now,” she said, even though he could tell it was painful for her to say.
Seth stared at her for what seemed an eternity. He wondered what she really thought of him as those brown eyes searched his.
“You're right,” he said. It was hard for him to say, but his heart told him it was necessary. “I could always use a friend too.”
Her toothy smile was the biggest he'd seen from her yet. It took everything within him not to take her in his arms and kiss her. Instead, she caressed his cheek with the tips of her fingers then slipped her arm into his again.
“You can escort me to my room. I think it's time we said goodnight.”
“Of course,” he said affectionately. It wasn't what he wanted, but romantic evenings on the Silver River could wait for a better time.

Eranithia: The Cave of Truth: Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Seth looked out over Ashenland from the balcony of his room. He'd gotten a good night's rest for the first time since meeting the twins. He had no complaints about the recent events in his life. They had woken him from an empty life of solitude. But meeting the prophesied ones had revealed not only his survival, but his location as well. And, although no one was brave enough to search the Blood Mountains for him, the treeline would be constantly monitored in case he ventured out at any time.

Serva came to mind. He knew the large cougar was watching over their home even though he'd tried setting him free. After ten years of living in that cabin, though, the cat wouldn't leave so easily. Seth missed his friend and wished he could have him in Ashenland with him, but the Elves may not have been so friendly to a wild cat, no matter how domesticated he may be.

A knock on the door interrupted Seth's thoughts. Stepping away from the window, he crossed the large room and opened the door. He was surprised to see Efreal standing there. It wasn't typical of a king to call upon someone so personally.

"Sire," Seth said dipping his head slightly.

"May I come in?" Efreal asked with a bright smile.

Seth stepped aside quickly and said, "Of course. Come in."

Efreal entered, crossed to the large, soft bed then turned back to Seth as he shut the door.

"So what brings you here this morning, your majesty?" 

"Please,” Efreal said with a warm smile, “no formalities when we're in private. Call me by my name."

"Very well," Seth said dipping his head again.

"I came to discuss your plans to rescue your sister," Efreal said, beginning to pace.

Seth relaxed a little. Discussing a tactical plan was much easier to do than the formal way he had to act in public. "Arland and I can sneak into the castle easily enough and get to her. It's getting out that poses a problem."

"As you know, I have no intentions of sending any of my men to assist you if things go wrong."

"I understand. However, if I am successful in retrieving her, will you help my escape from the castle?"

Efreal rubbed his smooth chin and paced with his other hand behind his back. He made humming sounds as he considered Seth's question.

"I will not send men for war."

"I'm not asking for that. All I'm asking for is cover for my escape. I won't go to war without help from both you and the Centaurs. Hopefully our giant friend will be able to acquire help from his people."

"The Takor?” Efreal scoffed. “They've never had any part in our efforts." 

Efreal walked out to the balcony.

Seth joined him as he said, "It's true they haven't been there to assist us, but they have never posed a threat to us either. As far as I know, there have been no relations between Eranithians and the Takor at any time."

"Nor have there been with the Elves and the giants," Efreal said as he scanned the surrounding city.

"Maybe it's time that changed. You know Arnath will send word to the Geoth."

Efreal spit onto the floor of the balcony and said, "Don't mention that word around me."

"You know some of them still exist. They've just gone into hiding since Mirgol defeated them back in the days of Thorum." Efreal sighed and stared for a few moments. Seth looked in the same direction. They must have been looking at the same, large, purple house near the Western Gate. It was hard to miss, being the largest in that area.

"Tell me your plans and I'll make my decision," Efreal said.

Arnath sat on his throne glaring at the men he'd sent with Broc a few days ago. His face red with anger, one hand balled into a fist on the arm of his throne, the other rubbing his temples with a thumb and forefinger. 

"Tell me exactly what happened," he said just above a whisper.

Broc's second, Margus, stepped aside to allow one of the soldiers give his account of the attack on Garandol and the twins. He was the only one to return from the scrimmage. The rest had gone into hiding.

"Sire," he bowed. 

Arnath waved off the courtesy and the man continued, "Broc led us in for an attack which should have been easy. We outnumbered them nearly ten to one. We could see them easily in a small clearing as we charged, but when we got to the clearing, they had disappeared. Then we started to fall, sire. They were attacking from the trees. Or so we thought. When Broc called Garandol out, he stepped out from behind a tree."

"Fool!” Arnath shouted, leaning forward as he did, “Garandol is a wizard. He can be wherever he wants!"

"Yes, sire. Of course, sire."

"Continue," he said with frustration as he leaned against the back of the throne.

"Yes, sire. Garandol entered the center of us and approached Broc. Then with his powers he threw all of us off of our mounts. The men who hit trees died, the rest of us were unconscious for a time. I was among that group. When I came to again, I ran into the battle. Sire, the boy is much stronger than we expected, and his skills are sharper as well. He took most of the men down with such speed and accuracy...He...he fought like Seth, sire."

Arnath growled and rubbed his head with both hands.

"Although, it was the girl who ended everything, sire."

He looked up at the soldier, glaring, "What?"

The scared soldier fidgeted nervously as he continued his story, "You see, the boy had Broc with a sword to his throat and ordered us to throw down our weapons. When we did, Garandol and the girl gathered them. One of us threw a knife at her but she dropped the rest of the weapons and stopped the knife in midair. The other weapons never hit the ground. She sent them through the air and put us all to blade point. The boy told us all to come here and tell you everything that happened or we would all die. That's when I came back, sire."

Arnath stood up and paced before his throne. This new piece of information about Jennifer had his mind reeling. If he could somehow harness her, he could use her as a great weapon. 

"Sire, if we could," Margus said, "give us a regiment and we will recover Broc."

"No!" he said. "He's betrayed us and joined our enemy. I will send you with one hundred men, go and kill them all. At very least, keep the girl alive and bring her to me. Go as soon as you're rested."

"Yes, sire!" Margus said striking his left shoulder.

"And, Margus," Arnath said as the soldier began backing out of the room with the others.

"Yes, sire?" he asked bowing to him.

"Consider yourself promoted to General."

Margus looked up at him then bowed again and stuck his shoulder one more time, "Thank you, sire."

The men backed out of the room and left Arnath in silence. Engard stepped out of the darkness behind the throne. "Margus as General?" he asked in his birdlike voice.

"He was Broc's second and from what I could see, he didn't trust Broc in his return. He will do all he can to destroy Broc, or die trying. Either he will prove himself useful or useless. This is his test."

"But you give him the title now?"

"Confidence is a soldier's best weapon."

"Mark," came Serina's familiar voice.

Mark sat up and looked around. Everyone was sleeping still, but Serina's voice continued to call to him. He stood to look for her. The he saw her as she stood across the fire from him in the white gown she always wore. He hurried to her and she took his hands.

"My uncle is sending Margus with one hundred men to kill you all. You must wake everyone and hurry for Kushen," she sounded scared.

"Don't worry, we'll be fine," he said a little too overconfident.

"No, they're leaving now. You must leave before they get here. It will only take a few hours for them to reach you. You're not far from the castle."

"Okay," he said.

"Go, Mark. Wake everyone now!"

Mark sat up and saw it was still dark. The fire was down to just embers. He could just barely see the faces of his travel companions. Suddenly Serina's warning flooded his mind again. He tripped over a tree root as he went to Jennifer and fell on top of her.

"What the...? Mark? What are you doing?" she asked angrily.

"Get up! We have to go now!"

"What? What's going on?" she asked at the urgency in his voice.

He didn't answer her question. Instead, he went to Garandol and shook him awake.

"Garandol get up, we have to leave now. Broc wake up!"

Broc sat up suddenly and looked around, "Whats going on?"

"Serina warned me that Arnath is sending one hundred men here to kill us."

"Serina?" he asked looking around again.

"She's still at the castle. You know she contacts me through my dreams."

"Who did she say Arnath is sending?" 

"Margus with one hundred men," he said throwing dirt on the embers.

Garandol was already working on clearing the camp. Mark went to work repacking his travel pack. Jennifer did the same. "Mark, can you finish with my pack? There's something I gotta do,” Jennifer asked.

"Sure," he said as he finished packing, then he went to hers.

He heard something that caught his attention. A whistling sound. Mark looked around and saw Jennifer was the one whistling. Her whistle sounded exactly like Arland's when he called the horses to them. He went back to packing, hoping she was calling the horses to them.

Once he finished packing her pack he felt the rumble of hooves coming. He looked at Broc and then Garandol. Broc nodded at him as if to say,

"They're here."

"Jennifer! Let's go!" Mark shouted.

"They're coming!" she yelled back.

"I know, we have to hurry!"

"No, look!" she said. 

He looked up and saw her pointing to the west. Three horses came running through the trees. Mark felt another rumble in the ground. He spun in the opposite direction and saw torches in the trees. It was Margus and his men. 

How long was I out after I talked to Serina?

"Let's go!" Mark shouted and swung onto the white stallion. Jennifer ran to him and he reached out. When she grabbed his arm, he swung her onto the horse. She held Mark around the waist as he followed Garandol and Broc south, away from the mountain.

Through the trees ahead of them, Mark saw torches like he'd seen from the west.

"Garandol!" he shouted.

He saw the torches as well and directed them east.

More torches.

Mark knew the only place they couldn't be was the mountain. He stopped his horse and redirected him for the mountain. Four soldiers broke their ranks and followed him. Mark pushed the horse hard and reached the foothill first. The trees on the hill were thick, too thick for the horse, so Mark and Jennifer slid off his back and sent him away. Jennifer took hold of Mark's arm as they hid in the trees. 

Mark looked around their thick tree and saw three men spreading out to surround them.

"One is missing," he whispered.

"What?" she whispered back.

"There were four that followed us."

"So?"

“I only see three.”

"What are you doing?" she asked grabbing his arm as he started to head farther up the hill.

"I'll be right back. Just stay here."

She let go of his arm and looked around the tree, watching the three men coming up the hill. Mark made his way up the hill to another tree in search of the fourth soldier.

"Mark! Come on out!" It was the fourth man.

His stomach tied into knots. He sounded like he was near the tree he and Jennifer had been hiding behind. 

"Come out, or I cut her throat!" the soldier threatened.

He had Jennifer! Mark's heart fell into his stomach; his stomach sank even lower. How did they get her? Did she let them grab her? What is she up to?

Come out Mark, I have this under control. Jennifer said telepathically.

What are you up to? Just trust me. Come out and do what they say. Be ready for anything.

Mark sighed and stepped out, holding his sword by the blade in surrender. As Jennifer came into view he saw the soldier holding her with one arm around her torso and a dagger to her neck. He knew Jennifer could turn the blade on him or control his mind to let her go.

"Drop your sword," the soldier said.

Mark did as he was told and dropped his sword. Immediately two other soldiers had each of his arms. The third took his other weapons from his belt, then tied his arms behind him, binding him at the wrists. He suppressed a smirk as he noticed the soldier tied the ropes too loosely.

"Let's go," the soldier holding Jennifer commanded.

They forced Mark ahead of them with a soldier on either side of him and one behind him. The fourth grabbed Jennifer by her long hair and pressed the dagger against her back. The soldiers led Mark and Jennifer to where they had Garandol and Broc tied up.

"We wanted you to see their execution before we took you to Arnath," the soldier holding Jennifer captive said.

"So are you the one in charge of this operation?" Mark asked.

The soldier laughed and said, "No, I am the General's second. General Margus wanted to deliver Broc's execution personally because of his betrayal against us and against the king."

"You realize you've all betrayed the true king right?" Mark asked as they stepped out onto the road.

"You believe Seth is supposed to be king don't you?" the soldier asked laughing.

"King of Eranithia, yes, but you've betrayed the one true king."

"And who might that be?"

"You don't even know his name," Mark said, his voice thick with sadness. "How could you forget Sol? The one who created you and all that you see."

The soldier burst out in laughter. When he finally gained control of himself again, he said, "You believe in that fairy tale? Sol? Ha!"

"You're going to wish you hadn't laughed so much."

"Why? What's going to happen?"

Mark felt a slight tremor in the ground. He grinned when he felt a second one, then a third.

"Sol has sent help. If you let us go, I will guarantee you will not be harmed."

"What help?" he laughed some more.

"Sol provides for the faithful."

"Enough of this Sol nonsense!"

A fist struck the back of Mark's head. He stumbled forward but didn't fall, but he saw stars the rest of the way to their friends.

Garandol and Broc were both bound with their hands behind their backs, on their knees. They showed no fear of death. Mark saw Garandol's mouth was shut tight, his eyes focused on Margus as the General threw insults at him. Broc's face was red with anger as he struggled to speak but he was silenced by a gag in his mouth. The leather strip was held on either end by a soldier, pulling back on it as if it were a horse's bit.

Mark, slip out of the ropes and dive forward at my command, Jennifer said.

Okay.

Mark worked at the ropes binding his wrists until, finally, he freed his thumb. From there he would be able to move quick enough. He tried to remember which of the soldiers had his sword.

Which one has my sword, sis? Mark asked Jennifer.

The one behind you.

They walked a few more yards then, Jennifer yelled, "Now!"

Mark leapt forward as a tree came crashing down on the two soldiers that flanked him. He rolled to his feet and turned back. The soldier from behind him stared in shock at the tree that killed his friends. Mark took this opportunity to attack. Mark ran forward a few steps, jumped onto the fallen tree and tackled the soldier to the ground. The soldier recovered quicker than Mark expected and rolled over to pin Mark to the ground. Mark pushed him up in a bench press lift and threw him to the side. Then Mark rolled back onto his shoulders, placed his hands in the soil and sprang to his feet. He rushed to the soldier and kicked him in the face, knocking him out cold. Mark looked and saw Jennifer lifting her escort ten feet into the air. He smiled at his sister then looked down and saw his belt and sword on the ground near the soldier. Bending down he picked them up and put them back around his waist. 

"Let him down, sis," he said.

She dropped the soldier but stopped him so he hovered a couple inches off the ground.

"You didn't think you'd really be able to hold us did you?" Mark asked with a sideways grin.

The soldier was too afraid to speak. 

"Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you. Not in such a defenseless position. Jen, let him down so we can fight fairly."

She dropped him the last couple of inches. The soldier stumbled back a step as his feet hit the ground. Mark pulled out his golden sword and waited for the soldier to do the same but he wouldn't reach for his sword.

"You're not afraid to fight a boy are you?" Mark mocked him.

The soldier looked at his fallen friends on the ground.

"Are you yielding?"

He nodded vigorously.

"Good, have they seen us yet?"

"No, but we've heard you," someone said from behind.

Mark spun quickly with his sword ready. A horse carrying the new General walked up to them.

"You must be Margus," Mark said. "It's a pleasure to meet the new General."

Mark gave a slight bow.

Did you hear Timberfoot coming? he asked Jennifer.

Yes. They have us all surrounded.

Mark stuck the tip of his sword in the soil and leaned against his sword as he raised up from his bow.

"Arnath is looking forward to meeting you," Margus said.

"Oh, and I look forward to meeting him as well. Unfortunately, I have an appointment that you and your men are making me and my friends very late for."

Margus smiled wide and said, "I apologize for the inconvenience, perhaps we should reschedule your capture."

"Tell you what. Let's forgo this so called capture and later on I'll stop by the castle and hand myself over to your king." "He is your king too."

Mark chuckled and said, "You see, I thought you'd say something like that. The thing is, I'm not from around here, so he's not my king. Although, I do serve Sol. He is my king. I do what he tells me."

Margus shifted in his saddle. Mark knew he was getting under his skin.

"Sol, you say?"

Mark gave a single nod.

"What if I told you Sol was dead?"

"Then I'd say you were sadly mistaken."

"Have you ever met him?"

Mark was silent.

"I thought not-"

"I have," Jennifer said speaking up for the first time.

"Have you now?" Margus asked turning his attention to her.

"Twice."

"Twice? That is amazing. Tell me what does he look like?"

"Sol appears to us in whatever form he chooses."

Margus chuckled then, with a grin, he continued, "That is convenient isn't it? Since he doesn't have a form that all can see the same way, anybody could say, look, there's Sol, or here, here is Sol."

"When he comes to you, you know," she said with a hint of anger behind her voice.

"I am sure.”

"His spirit came to me yesterday, and is with me now. But he will only show his spirit to those who love him."

"And do you love him?" Margus mocked her.

"With all of my heart," she said with a confidence so great that Mark thought he may cry. 

"Does he love you the same?"

"Yes."

"If he does, then maybe he will save you."

"If he chooses not to, then it means it is my time to be with him forever. Either way, his love for me won't die."

"We'll see. Shoot her," he said to one of his men.

The soldier raised a crossbow and aimed at Jennifer. She stood bravely, waiting for her fate. Then, suddenly, the earth shook violently and roars rang through the trees. Mark looked around the forest and saw five giants rushing in from all directions. The closest one to them grabbed the soldier with the crossbow and lifted him from his horse.

"Don't hurt my friends!" the giant growled, then threw him into a tree. The soldier's body laid in a crumpled heap at the foot of the tree.

"Timberfoot!" Mark called up to the giant.

Timberfoot grinned down at him then went to work wiping out the soldiers. Swinging a spiked club like the other four giants. He took out multiple soldiers at a time. Mark, inspired by Timberfoot's efforts, took up his sword and attacked Margus. Margus was so distracted by the arrival of the Takor, he didn't see Mark coming for him. Mark jumped from the fallen tree, tackling him off of his horse. They separated as they hit the ground.

Margus recovered quickly, jumping to his feet, sword ready. 

"Don't take on more than you are able," Margus warned him.

"I won't," Mark said.

Mark rushed at Margus, lunging his sword at Margus's neck. Margus blocked, Mark swung in the opposite direction at Margus's midsection. Margus jumped backwards, then raised his sword, his eyes wide and crazed. Then with a growl, he rushed forward swinging his sword quickly for Mark's neck. Mark blocked the sword and pushed back, holding Margus in place. 

"Too much for you, boy?" Margus growled as he saw the pained look on Mark's face. 

Mark relaxed his face into a grin. He'd been toying with Margus to make him think he couldn't handle him. Fear flashed in Margus's eyes. Mark took advantage and kicked him in the stomach then brought the hilt of his sword up, striking his chin. Margus stumbled back, head spinning. 

"I'm not too much for you am I?" Mark asked mocking him.

Margus let out a battle cry and came at Mark furiously. Mark matched him blow for blow. His plan was to exhaust Margus, so Mark let him come at him, sticking to defensive maneuvers. He moved backward up the hill as he fought. Blocking a blow to his left, then right. Deflecting the blade from his neck, everything Seth had taught him came to him as if it were second nature. Then he hit a wall. He looked back and saw the tree Jennifer brought down on the two soldiers earlier. 

Margus gave a wide toothy grin and said, "One must learn to pay attention." Then he raised his sword and swung at Mark. Mark ducked and stabbed Margus in the leg. Margus fell to the ground as Mark pulled out his sword. Then he stood over Margus, blade pointed at Margus's chest.

"Do you yield?" he asked.

Margus spit in his face. Mark wiped away the spit from his eye without looking away from his prisoner. Then he pressed the tip of his blade against Margus's neck.

"Do you yield?" he asked again, his blood boiling with anger.

"Kill me."

"No. I've bested you. Your men have either abandoned you or have been slaughtered. If you yield to me, I will let you live and you can return to your king.”

Mark suddenly realized that Margus feared returning to Arnath empty handed, “Or is that what you fear?"

"He will kill me if I return without you."

"But you had no idea five giants would come and best you and your men."

"He won't listen. He will kill me as soon as I return."

"Then your blood be on his hands not mine. Sol protect you," Mark said and walked away from him to join his friends.

As Mark turned to join the others, he saw Jennifer with Garandol and Broc, greeting Timberfoot and his friends. He smiled at Jennifer as she turned around, hearing his thoughts as he approached. Her beautiful smile shrunk and her eyes widened. He knew Margus was making a final, desperate attack. Mark spun, pulled out his dagger, and hurled it at Margus all in one fluid motion. The dagger entered Margus's throat with the sickening sound of ripping flesh.

Mark walked over to the general, and stood over him. Staring down at him as he died.

“I tried to give you a chance,” Mark said sadly.

Margus choked on the blood filling his throat. Running out of breath, he involuntarily sucked down blood as he tried to breathe. When, finally, Margus breathed his last, Mark bent down and removed the dagger from his throat. Then, he cleaned it in on Margus's tunic and replaced it to its small scabbard. Mark, then, took out his sword, placed the tip in the soil and knelt in the ground. Resting his head against his hands holding the sword, he prayed.

"Forgive me, Sol, for the lives I've taken."