Eranithia: The Cave of Truth: Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The next morning, Mark woke to the sweet smell of fruit. Gaith and Hiln had gathered some from the surrounding trees for their breakfast. In the dark of night, Mark hadn't seen what kind of trees surrounded their camp, but now he saw the many kinds around them. Apples, oranges, pears and many others kinds of fruits grew all around them. It was like Sol planted an eclectic fruit orchard, just for them.
After a fast breakfast, they packed their bags and continued on. When Gaith said they weren't far from their destination the night before, Mark hadn't expected them to be as close as they were. Within fifteen minutes they came out of the forest to a grassy plain. Less than one hundred yards to their right were cliffs. Mark heard the faint sounds of waves crashing.
They were in Kushen. The coastal lands ruled by the Centaurs. He knew it was the ocean he was hearing at the foot of the cliffs. But his attention was now directed towards the two Centaurs staring out over the cliffs with their backs to them. The two Centaurs turned as they heard Gaith and Hiln's heavy footsteps.
The male Centaur had a brown horse body with matching skin. His curly, shoulder length black hair blew in the wind. The only piece of clothing he wore over his naked man's torso was the strap to hold the scabbard for his sword. Just looking at him, Mark could see he was a seasoned warrior. His arms, chest and stomach bulged with rippling muscles. Also, if you looked close enough, you would find battle scars from the wars he'd fought in.
The female had a pinto horse body with tanned skin on her human torso. Her long, blond, curly hair fell down her back and her front. Her sea-green eyes were sharp and searching, but kind as well. She wasn't the seasoned warrior her husband was but her well toned arms and stomach muscles proved she could handle herself in a fight if need be. She wore a little more clothing than her husband with a sleeveless leather vest held closed by leather laces up the front.
They gave a bow to welcome them. Garandol knelt down, bowing to them both. Mark and Jennifer followed suit immediately and Broc behind them.
Gaith stood in front of the Rey and Reina a little off to the left and announced them.
“Thern and Runa, Rey and Reina of the Centaurs, I present to you Garandol the wizard, Broc the former general of Arnath's army, and Mark and Jennifer the prophesied twins. They are here as ambassadors of Seth, Damien's son and the true king of Eranithia.”
There was a long silence before Garandol spoke, still kneeling, but with confidence.
“Thern, Rey of the Centaurs, we come on behalf of Seth, Damien's son. His request is that old alliances and friendships be resurrected.”
“What does Seth, Damien's son, offer?” Thern responded in a deep powerful voice.
“Peace between our nations. To go back to the old ways before Arnath stole the kingdom from its true king.”
“And how does he plan to do this?”
Garandol stood and faced the Rey.
“He will engage Arnath in war, with your help, the help of the Elves, and the help of the Takor.”
“And why couldn't he visit me himself?” Thern asked pointedly.
“He is with the Elves as we speak. As you know, their pride is great. It was necessary for him to visit them face to face. With you, your greatness, a trustworthy friend is enough. You depend upon trust more than proof with your eyes.”
Thern looked at his wife and grinned, “Your words are flattering even if they are true. All Seth would have to do is prove himself with a single task. If he is able to accomplish this task, our faithfulness to him will not falter.”
“What shall his task be?”
“What is he offering to the Elves?”
“The rescue of his sister.”
Thern cocked his head to the side in confusion, “Isn't she dead?”
“No. She is merely in an enchanted sleep. Arnath created that lie so no one would trust Seth. He wants Seth killed because he knows Seth is the only one who can bring him down,” Garandol explained with the slightest amount of anger in his voice.
“I knew the story couldn't be true,” Thern said in frustration. “He didn't kill his family and escape. It was Arnath wasn't it?”
“Yes. He set Seth up. The only reason he was found holding the murder weapon over his father's body was because he'd pulled it out of him in his dying moment.”
There was a fire behind Thern's eyes. If pushed enough he would have gone to war that moment but he knew he couldn't without the Elves. Arnath had too many men, they would be outnumbered.
“We will back Seth regardless. He has our support,” he growled.
“Thank you, Thern,” Garandol said, bowing again.
Thern nodded but his anger was too great to speak. Instead, his wife spoke.
“Now that business is taken care of, please join us for a meal. I'm sure you are all very hungry.”
“We are, your highness,” Garandol said, dipping his head in thanks.
“This way,” she said warmly.
She and Thern led the way along the tree line to a sort of crater in the earth. As they approached they could see it was an amphitheater. A single, long, stone table stretched through the center of the bottom with a variety of food. Oatcakes, fruits and grasses to feed the horse stomachs of the Centaurs. Then meats, breads, wines and beers, sweet cakes and pastries for the human stomachs.
Mark and Jennifer stood at the top of the amphitheater mouths gaping open, saliva threatening to spill out.
“Please, don't be shy. If you're hungry, eat,” Runa said with laughter.
They looked at each other, then at Runa. She motioned her arm towards the path leading to the bottom of the amphitheater.
“Thank you Reina Runa,” they said together with a bow, then ran down to the table and began dishing food for themselves. They took a seat on the lowest level of the grassy platforms surrounding the center of the amphitheater. They were just large enough for a horse to lie down and rest, with enough room for another to pass by behind to reach another level.
Broc soon joined them, sitting cross-legged as he ate.
“They carved this right into the earth,” he said with a mouth full of a quail meet sandwich.
Mark and Jennifer looked up at him as they chewed, cheeks about to burst.
“The Rey and Reina stand in the center at the bottom, while the rest lie on each grassy level to listen to them speak. It's not a safe place to stand if they were to be attacked or if someone decided to betray them. But as Garandol said, they are a very trustworthy and trusting race. They leave themselves vulnerable to show their trust to their people.”
Mark and Jennifer grunted as Broc told them more about the Centaurs. Then Mark saw Garandol walk back up the path, toward the forest again.
“Where's he going?” he asked with a mouthful of food.
“Probably to send word to Seth,” Broc said, then tore off a piece of his sandwich with his teeth.
Mark took a bite of some of the bread on his plate as he watched Garandol disappear from sight.

Seth was sitting on a large white rock extending over the Silver River when he heard Arrow's call. The sun was high in the sky. It was a little before noon. The hawk circled down to him, then landed on his arm. He extended his left talon to Seth so he could take the message form him.
“Thank you, Arrow,” he said.
The bird screeched at him then flew to a tree.
“What do you have there?” came a voice behind him.
He turned his head to see Lana walking towards him. She wore a pink dress made of a light material. Seth thought the white shawl she wore over his shoulders made her glow like an angel.
“Seth?” she said.
“Huh?” he looked at her as if she'd just arrived.
“What did Arrow bring you?” She asked, laughing.
He looked at his hands and saw a rolled piece of parchment.
“Oh, right. I haven't read it yet, but it must be from Garandol.”
“Then, let's read it together,” she said with a smile.
He smiled and unrolled the parchment as she sat down next to him. Lana leaned her head in until both of their heads were practically touching.
“Broc's had to leave Arnath's army. That's disappointing. He was my plan to get in.”
“You'll think of something,” she encouraged him.
They read on together.
“Just like with your father, I have to prove myself to them. But they'll accept the same trial I go through for your father as their trial as well.”
“The Centaurs have always been very trusting.”
“That's what they base their decision on. Trust.”
“Sometimes I wish we Elves were more like them.”
“So do I.”
She raised her eyebrows at him.
“I mean, us humans.”
“Uh huh,” she with a teasing skepticism.
He smiled, knowing what she was doing.
“Well I better go talk to your father,” he said.
“There's plenty of time for that.”
His smile widened as he asked, “What did you have in mind?”
Her eyes twinkled in the sunlight.
“I was thinking taking a boat ride on the Silver River would be nice before dinner.”
Seth looked at the river. The thought of being alone with Lana twisted his stomach into nervous knots. He wanted nothing more than to be with her but he wondered if spending time alone with her was a good idea. They'd decided together that now wasn't the time for a relationship. He had too much to focus on. But she was already on his mind so much. Then again so was rescuing his sister. Would he be able to block Lana out of his mind enough to rescue Serina?
“Are you okay, Seth?” she asked rubbing his back.
“Huh?” he jumped at her touch but welcomed it as well. “Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking about Serina.”
“Maybe the boat ride should wait.”
“No, it's okay.”
“No, Seth, you have too much to worry about. We talked about this last night. It's probably a bad idea for now. Let's go see my father.”
“Are you sure?” he asked, hoping she'd change her mind again.
“Yes. Right now rescuing Serina is the most important thing that should be on your mind.”
She never ceased to amaze him. To put their desires on hold for the sake of the future of Eranithia so willingly was more than an admirable trait. Never before had he wanted to be with someone as much as he wanted to be with her. The more time he spent with her, the more he fell in love with her.
“Let's go,” she said as she stood and offered her hand. He took it and she led him to the dirt pathway leading back up to the castle; her arm slipped into his as they walked.
“Lana, you are truly an amazing woman,” he told her.
She blushed slightly then looked up at him, saying, “I know.”
He chuckled a little. Then a memory came rushing back to him like a tidal wave.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I just had a memory from growing up. Serina and I used to sneak out of the castle to watch the Marsh People in the summertime. They had bonfires late at night with such beautiful displays of fireworks. There's a cave under the castle that leads to the Great Cliffs-”
He stopped suddenly. Lana stood facing him, looking up into his eyes, searching him.
“What is it?” she asked, concerned.
Seth grinned at Lana as he said, “I don't think Arnath knows about it! That's my way into the castle!”
“This is good news! Let's hurry and tell my father.”
Seeing the excitement in her eyes gave him more hope that his mission would be a success. Seth began to wonder what it would be like to have her at his side in all he did. The support and encouragement she was giving him made him feel invincible; like he could never fail.
When they arrived in the Throne Room, they found Efreal meeting with some of the commoners, acting as a judge. In this case; it was a property line dispute.
“If you can't figure this out, the tree must be removed from the property. I will not have my people squabble over something so petty. You have twenty-four hours to resolve this or I will have someone remove the tree,” Efreal spoke with authority and frustration.
His people had gotten in a habit of squabbling over petty things since the broken relationship with Eranithia. Nobody could go freely from country to country anymore. Before, if neighbors couldn't agree on something, one of them would go on holiday for a time and come back with a different perspective and resolve the issue.
Efreal looked up and saw Seth and Lana enter the Throne Room.
“Everybody out! I need a break. Seth, Lana, come here.”
They walked up to the throne. As Lana took her seat next to her father, Seth bowed to Efreal in the presence of the commoners in the Throne Room as they left. He wanted to show that Efreal was the ultimate power, under Sol, in Ashenland. He also wanted to show he didn't receive any special treatment other than being a guest of the Ri.
“What news do you bring me? I heard Arrow's call earlier,” Efreal asked, welcoming a break from his more tedious tasks.
“Broc has been compromised and is now working directly with Garandol. We have lost our eyes on the inside.”
Efreal sighed then said, “It was bound to happen. Anything else?”
“The Centaurs are ready to support me upon my success of rescuing Serina.”
Efreal slapped the arm of his throne in delight, “This is good news. Elves, Centaurs and humans working together once again. And now with the backing of the Takor as well. This is good news indeed.”
“Yes, your majesty,” Seth said. Seth was pleased at Efreal's excitement, but surprised that he was starting to welcome the idea of the Takor being on their side now.
“Enough with the formalities,” Efreal said with a wave of his hand. “Soon you will be my equal!”
“Thank you, sir, but until then I must respect your authority over me.”
Efreal's face broke into a wide smile.
“You are a good man, Seth. Worthy of this family if I have any say in the matter.”
“And you know you don't, father,” Lana said as a firm reminder.
Her smile betrayed her, though. Seth saw how much she agreed with her father. Butterflies returned to his stomach as he entertained the thought of marrying Lana. The war hadn't even started, yet he couldn't wait for it's end.
“Ah, once again I'm corrected by a woman in this family. I seem to have no authority in my own household no matter how much I have over the rest of the land.”
Seth grinned at their playful banter; he longed to have a relationship like this with his own children one day.
“Father, you are the head of the house, and I respect that. But sometimes you just need a little reminder of how marriages happen around here.”
“Am I wrong for wanting what's best for my only daughter?”
She smiled, kissed him on the cheek and said, “Of course not, Father.”
Seth stood awkwardly before them. Even though he truly wanted to be with Lana, the fact that their less than subtle suggestions about him, right in front of his face, made him a little uncomfortable.
“Right. So, when do you leave for your mission?” Efreal asked suddenly.
“As soon as possible,” Seth said, glad for the change of subject.
“Well not until you have a good meal in you. Leave in the morning after breakfast. Tonight we send you off in style.”
“Thank you, but I really think I should leave tonight. But I will accept the meal.”
“As long as we have another great meal this week!” Efreal laughed and extended his hand as he stood. Seth took it and Efreal pulled him in close. “You are like a son to me,” he said. “I will send two of my best with you for backup.”
“Thank you. It is much appreciated,” Seth said, bowing while they still gripped each others hand.
“Good, now, go do what you need to before you leave. I'm sure you have many preparations.”
“I do, thank you. I will see you at dinner?”
“Yes, yes. At sunset.”
Seth bowed, then left for his room. His mind wrestled between thoughts of being with Lana and those of rescuing his sister. He hoped he'd be able to clear his head enough to save Serina.

As Seth began to pack his things, there was a knock on the door. It wasn't the loud knock of Efreal, but one that was softer. He hoped it to be Lana but when he opened the door, he was surprised, and a little disappointed, to see Arland standing there.
“Arland, I wasn't expecting you.”
“I just heard from Efreal. We're leaving tonight?” Arland asked, stepping inside.
“Yes, I'm sorry. I meant to come tell you myself. It just-”
“Slipped your mind?” he asked with a hint of frustration.
“Yes. Is something the matter?” Seth asked concerned.
“Nothing, I apologize. I was out of line,” Arland tried to apologize, but Seth wasn't believing it.
“No, Arland, we're friends. Tell me what's bothering you.”
Arland was halfway across the room by the time he turned to face Seth again.
“From the moment we arrived in Ashenland, it has been all about you. Not that I want any of the attention, but you haven't seemed to have much focus on the reason why we came here.”
“What do you mean? We came to gain the support of the Elves. I have to prove myself to them, and now I have an opportunity to. With your help, and the assistance Efreal is sending with us, we have a great chance of doing so.”
“And what of Lana? Karis? Your little love triangle you've created.”
Finally the truth was out.
“What about it?” Seth said, returning to his pack. Why are we discussing such petty things before leaving for a mission?
Arland sighed and paced a few steps in attempt to control his anger.
“First of all, you show a slight interest in Karis, so now she thinks there could be a relationship between you two. Then you spent all your time with Lana, while Karis stood back and watched every moment.”
“She did?” His heart began to sink to his stomach. He'd never intended to hurt anyone.
“Clearly you must choose which you will pursue.”
“Arland, I don't have time to pursue anyone right now. I have too much to worry about with rescuing Serina.”
“I agree, so you must make it clear to both of them that you have no intentions of pursuing either of them for the time being.”
“Lana and I have already made that clear. Actually, she made that clear.” He turned back to his travel pack again, “As for Karis, I have hardly seen her since the pools.”
“Well, she has seen you,” Arland reminded him.
“I know. You mentioned that,” he shoved a shirt into his pack roughly.
“She's heartbroken.”
Seth sighed then turned to Arland, arms stretched out to his sides, “I'm getting your message. But, what am I supposed to do?”
Arland didn't answer.
“Tell me, Arland, what am I supposed to do?”
“Figure it out,” he said, then walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Seth sat down at the foot of the bed, elbows on his knees, face in his hands.
“Sol, what do I do? I know pursuing a woman at this time should be the furthest thing form my mind, and I can't pursue two women at the same time either. I need your guidance. What should I do?”
Seth sat in silence listening for any message from Sol. He heard nothing speaking to him, but in his heart his feelings for Lana grew stronger. His desire to be with her, to marry her, grew with each passing moment. Seth began to wonder if this was Sol's answer to him.
Then suddenly his thoughts went to Serina. His mind was flooded with images of her, battered and bruised. Her face scarred from the beatings Arnath gave her. Seth's anger and determination to save her grew stronger than any other feeling he had in that moment. This was Sol's answer. He knew it without a doubt. Serina had to be his only focus right now.
“Thank you, Sol,” he whispered.
He got up, finished packing, then wrote a message back to Garandol. After that, he went to his balcony and whistled for Arrow. The bird swooped down, landing on the rail of the balcony. Seth tied the parchment to Arrow's left leg with a piece of string.
“Go quickly, my feathered friend.”
Arrow screeched then took flight for Kushen. Seth watched until he was out of sight.

After dinner, Lana walked Seth back to his room to gather his things before he left.
“You didn't have to walk me back to my room. Besides, shouldn't I be walking you to your room?” he asked.
“To be proper, perhaps, but since you are leaving tonight, I wanted to see you off. Can't I wish my friend a safe trip?”
“You are too good to me. How am I supposed to not think of you as more than a friend when you treat me so well?”
She smirked as she said, “That's the challenge now isn't it?”
“Don't I have enough of a challenge going in, practically alone, to rescue my sister?”
“You won't be alone. You'll have, Arland, two Elf soldiers, Garandol, Broc and the twins with you.”
“That's not a whole lot going up against thousands of Arnath's soldiers,” he said as they arrived at his door. He opened the door and crossed the room to his pack. Then, throwing it over his shoulder, he turned and walked out of the room again. Lana joined him to the courtyard as well.
“Wait,” she said grabbing his hand before they walked out into the courtyard.
“What?” he asked grumpily, turning towards her.
She looked up at him, her big brown eyes drowning with tears.
“What is it?” he asked, softer this time.
“I just wanted one last moment with you alone before you left.”
She reached up and touched his cheek. Then, she kissed the same cheek.
“Come back to me,” she said, then sniffed through her runny nose.
Seth searched for words for a moment, fearing he would never find any. Then he took both her hands in his and brought them together, placing them on his chest.
“I will come back to you. I will always come back to you,” he said finally. Then he kissed her hands and they walked into the courtyard together.
Arland was already mounted on the horse given to him by Efreal, ready to go with Seth's horse in tow. Two soldiers walked their horses into the courtyard to join them. A male and a female Elf. Seth did all he could to keep his jaw from dropping to the floor when he saw the female Elf was Karis.
The male Elf walked up to Seth and extended his hand. “Good to see you again, Seth.”
“Sasha. I'm glad you're coming with us.”
“I'm glad to be on a real mission.”
Karis looked at him with a smile.
“So, Karis, you're joining us?” He asked.
“Of course. Do you really think his majesty would send just anyone with you?” she asked with a wink.
Seth looked at Lana. She didn't seem to notice the wink he received from Karis. He was suddenly feeling nauseous. He looked up to the sky then closed his eyes, praying silently, Sol, this is not funny.
“Seth, are you okay? You look a little pale,” Lana asked feeling his face.
She startled Seth since he hadn't seen her walk up to him, “I'm fine. Just a little nervous about the mission.”
Her smile took away any sickness he may have felt in that moment.
“You'll be fine,” she said.
In that moment everything seemed perfect. He was about to get his sister back, he had a strong team to help him in his mission, and he had a beautiful woman to see him off. Seth tried to ignore his feelings for her, but he was finding it a much too difficult task.
Seth turned and strapped his travel pack to his saddle, then turned back to Lana. She hugged him tightly, then took his hands in hers and squeezed. There was something in her right hand she slipped into his left before she walked away and stood with her father. He looked at what she gave him. It was a necklace with a small, round, silver medallion. Before anyone else could see what she'd given him, he put the medallion in a pouch he kept in his travel pack then climbed onto his horse.
Efreal stood with his arm around Lana's shoulders. Her eyes were red from crying. Seth's heart broke for her, but he knew he had to leave. Efreal nodded to him, he returned the nod.
“Hi-yah!” he urged his horse forward. Arland, Karis and Sasha followed close behind.
Due to the late hour of their departure, the streets were nearly empty as they sped for the Western Gate. Seth was glad for the absence of the citizens of Ashenland. He wanted to focus his mind on the task at hand, not to catering to the people.
He thought of his resources as they left the city. Lana had listed them off to him earlier. Sasha-Ingatu, Karis, Arland, Garandol, Broc and the twins. The twins. They were supposed to have a power that would help him. Right now he could use whatever power that was to get Serina back.
Serina. The one he loved more than anyone. His sister held captive for ten years. Soon to be free again. These were the thoughts he had to keep at the forefront of his mind for now. Nothing else was more important than bringing her back.