Chapter 2
A strong warrior wielding two swords gave a great display of swordsmanship and acrobatics. His blades came so close to his limbs that one wrong move would sever them. His hard face was clean-shaven, relieved of the thick, shaggy beard that had burdened his face the past few years. Shoulder length brown hair whipped around his face as he performed his routine with closed eyes. He knew the land around him so well he didn't need to see where he was. Beyond that, he could sense everything around him. Whether it was by sound deflecting off of the objects or seeing through his mind's eye, he knew where everything was.
A call from a bird interrupted him. Not just any bird. A hawk. Arrow was bringing word from Broc.
He stuck his swords into the ground and breathed heavily as he waited for Arrow to swoop down to deliver Broc's message. Seth held out his right arm and the bird landed gracefully. He took the message from Arrow's clutches and the bird flew to a nearby tree.
Seth unrolled the small piece of parchment which simply said that Broc was in place and his sister knew he was coming for her. He sucked in a deep breath and held it for a second, then let it out heavily. Why was he so on edge about this? This wasn't anything he couldn't handle. Maybe he was just anxious to see Serina again.
He took up his swords, sheathed them in their respective scabbards strapped to his back then went inside his cabin. Looking at the note again he closed his eyes. He couldn't understand why, at that moment, everything he had to do seemed so difficult. Sighing, he tossed the note into the fire in his fireplace then took a pouch hanging on a hook next to the fireplace. Reaching in, he pulled out a gray powder, which he tossed into the fire. Then he sat on the wooden footstool and stared into the flames.
"Garandol," he said in a firm tone.
The flames turned blue and froze into a circular shape. Garandol's face appeared in the center as if he had just stepped up to a window.
"Good evening, Seth," Garandol said, bowing his head slightly.
Seth hated the bow. He wasn't king yet.
"Broc's in place," he informed Garandol dryly, trying to hide his annoyance of the bow.
"Very good. Get some rest tonight and leave early tomorrow for Arland's home on the border of Ashenland. He will escort you into Ashenland. From there you must seek counsel with the Ri, Efreal. The Elves must hear from you personally. I will go with Mark to the Centaurs and speak on your behalf."
"I will leave before the sun rises. It's quite a journey to Arland's."
"Take one of the horses. Give a sharp whistle to the south and one will come quickly."
Seth nodded and said, "See you soon, old friend."
Garandol nodded in return, then the frozen blue flames took their regular shape and color again. Seth got up and took a seat in one of the rocking chairs. He leaned back as he stared at the flames and meditated on what he had to do for a while before turning in for the night.
The past ten years had done a number on him. Living in the Blood Mountains, secluded from people, aside from the occasional visit from Garandol, had really hardened him. He had resolved to the fact that he'd never see his sister again. It depressed him, but it was a fact of life he had to live with. Robbed of his entire family, he had given up on Sol's promises. Then just a little more than a week ago Garandol had shown up with twins. Twins from another world, brought here by Sol's power, according to his will. After seeing what they could do, his faith was renewed like a raging fire. He would never doubt Sol again. Sol was the only one who never turned his back on his children.
Seth prayed for strength, guidance and safe passage to Arland's and to Ashenland. He prayed for Garandol and Mark as they prepared to go to Kushen to speak for him to the Centaurs. He even prayed for Jennifer, back in her own world, waiting until it was time to bring her back. Lastly he prayed for his sister, that Sol would continue to give her hope in his coming rescue. Somewhere in the midst of his prayers he drifted off to sleep.
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