Linham, part 6

Jessika took the lead today as Narom thought this would be the day that they might come across trouble. Narom and Absolom followed next, then Ellyianna. Next came Reisling and Karl and finally Erik. The party rode single file for the most part, but Karl soon grew curious about what Reisling thought about life, so he rode up next to him.

“Greeting and good morning Reisling. How are you this morning?” Karl gave Reisling his perfect smile, one that could only be gained from total enlightenment, at least from Karl’s perspective.

“I am well today.” Reisling shifted in his saddle a bit trying to find that perfect riding stance. Riding horses was never really a favorite activity for him, but one that if needed he could do well.

“I am overjoyed to hear this! Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?” Karl smiled, and Reisling responded by looking a bit indifferent.

“I suppose. But please keep them brief and to the point. We need to be alert.”

“Yes, yes, I know. I would really like to understand why you are no longer a King’s Guardsman?”

Reisling flinched a little at the question. “Hmmm, well I suppose it has to do with the fact that I retired. I am still a veteran of the Guard.”

“Why did you retire? You appear far too young to do that.”

“I decided that I would better serve His Majesty by being out in the world watching out for the best interests of Beinesse.”

“I see. That still doesn’t really explain why you retired though.” Karl looked at Reisling expectantly; he really wanted an answer to his question and was determined to get it.

“I retired because it was in my best interests to do. In the situation I found myself in, I was unable to serve His Majesty effectively.” Here it comes. 

“What situation?” Yes, there was the question that Reisling did not want to answer.

“Quite frankly Karl, I believe it to be in my best interests, and yours perhaps, not to answer that question. Involving an outsider in the affairs of the Guard is not wise.” Reisling looked away from Karl, scanning the countryside, or at the very least trying to give the impression to Karl that the conversation was over.

“I see. Guard secrets. Why does everyone feel it necessary to hide their thoughts and lives?” Karl looked a little sad.

Reisling glanced back over at Karl. “Karl, remember that there will be times that you must keep a secret, especially if letting that secret out does more harm than good.” 

Yes, of course, you are correct. I’m sorry, I was being far too simple. Sometimes it’s hard to analyze things correctly.”

“It’s ok Karl. When someone is enlightened, such as yourself, doesn’t that open the mind and allow them the opportunity to seek answers where there may not have been answers before?” Reisling smiled. He was beginning to like the monk, but only if the monk would do his bidding when the time came.

“Yes! You are correct!” Karl shouted his happy response to Reisling.

“Karl! Keep it down up there! You’ll wake up the dead.” Erik wanted to strangle his brother at times.

“Oh yes brother. You are correct.” Karl stood up on his foot holds. “I’m sorry everyone,” he said loudly.

Narom turned and glared at Karl, then looked back ahead, shaking his head.

Up ahead, Jessika attempted not to smile, but did as she looked back. She watched Karl sink back into his saddle, looking somewhat chagrined. Narom met her gaze, and shook his head. She nodded, and turned her attention back to tracking on the trail.

Hmmmm, what are those tracks? Jessika thought about what she was looking at, and realized that amongst the tracks she’d been watching were tracks of a different sort - ominous tracks. This is not good.

She held up her left hand and signaled a stop, then jumped down off of her horse. Kneeling down and looking at the tracks a bit closer confirmed her worst fears. The group was on the same trail that the dark ones had taken earlier. If they were around here, the group was in danger.

“What is it?” Narom had walked up and was standing beside her.

“These tracks are made by the olath verin - the dark evil. They are perhaps several hours old.”

“You mean the dark elves?” Narom’s hand unconsciously went to the hilt of his great sword.

“Yes, I do. We need to be very cautious.” Jessika looked up at Narom.

Narom’s face was full of fury and rage. “Those bastards need to be destroyed.”

“I’d tend to agree, but I doubt that we are in a place to do so. We should move on.”

“I agree.” Turning to face the group, Narom said, “Everyone be on the watch. Jessika has found the trail of the dark elves. They are evil, and if we encounter them, expect a fight.”

Narom turned and went over to his horse. Looking at Absolom, he muttered, “Watch yourself young man. If you become separated, don’t call out. I’ll find you.”

Absolom nodded.

Narom and Jessika climbed back on their horses, and again, a bit more slowly, the party resumed it’s northerly course towards Norlea.

Linham Part 5

Karl’s watch went by quietly enough. Really about the only thing he saw was a rabbit hopping about looking for a meal. Otherwise, the watch was quiet.  Karl couldn’t help but wonder when he would get a chance to talk about enlightenment - or at least  his beliefs about it. This group was odd to him. The elf struck him as aloof and mysterious, someone that he really wanted to get to know better. The uncle and his nephew were much like the folk from Linham he’d met with before - very smart, very cautious and very simple folk. The uncle was fierce, brave and seemed honorable. There was much more to him then met the eye. The boy was young and inexperienced - it was the boy that Karl wanted very badly to speak with. The gypsy was simply beautiful - and dangerous. She was tinkering around with things that ought to be left alone. The spirit world was fraught with danger, and Karl knew that no good would come of her playing in it. Then of course was brother Erik. There were lots of things about Erik that Karl knew, but saying these things aloud would inevitably get Karl in trouble. Erik came from a long line of Dracholt nobility. The lands upon which Erik and Karl came from were stolen from them in a despicable plot to ruin their good name. Someday, the lands would be returned to Erik because Karl had no interest in land or title. Karl was simply happy being who he was, a monk traveling the world seeking to spread enlightenment. He hoped that members of the group would soon be ready to listen.

As the sun was rising in the east, Karl began his morning vespers. As was typical for his prayers, Karl knelt down and closed his eyes. Folding his hands together, he began the prayer his master had taught him. Completing his prayers, he stood up and walked back into the camp. Ellyianna had already started breakfast and Narom and Absolom were over on the camp’s edge sparring. Jessika stood over watching the practice session, observing without comment. Erik noted his brother coming back in to the camp and said, “Prayers done?”

“Yes brother. Looks like the start of another wonderful day.” Karl moved over closer to the fire. His stomach was already letting him know that it was breakfast time, and the delicious smell coming from the cooking pan assured him that it would be a good breakfast.

“Good. We need to get the horses ready and be on the trail as soon as we can.” Erik looked concerned but this was normal Karl thought. “Karl, come with me and let’s get them ready.”

“Ok brother. Should we eat first?” Karl smiled and looked at Ellyianna.

“It will be a few moments yet before it’s ready. Go ahead and help your brother.” Ellyianna stirred the contents of the iron pot once more.

“Ok, I will.” Karl and Erick moved over to where the horses were tethered to the ground. Tending to the horses meant feeding them and making sure there were no saddle sores or other ailments that would prevent the horse from carrying his or her rider. Satisfied that there were no such problems, Erik and Karl went about saddling and preparing the horses for travel. 

“Breakfast is served!” Ellyianna began serving out plates of bacon, bread with jelly and bowls of oatmeal to the group. “I’m sorry that I don’t have any fruit for you today.”

“Just as well,” Narom grumbled. “Fruit doesn’t travel well anyway.”

“But uncle, fruit is good.” Absolom looked genuinely sad that there was no fruit. “I’m so used to having a plate of apples or pears or....”

“No use worrying about what we cannot have.” Narom glared at his young student.

“Yes, I know sir. Just saying that it would have been nice.” Absolom dug into the oatmeal and took a spoonful.” As his tastebuds registered the flavor, he smiled. “This is very good Ellyianna. What did you do to it?”

“Just some honey, and a bit of brown molasses sugar. Do you like it?”

“Yes! It is very good!”

“I must admit, you are a good cook.” Narom took a huge bite from his bread and chewed it forcefully. “This is a most adequate breakfast for traveling men.”

Ellyianna looked over at Narom. “Well, if you think you can do any better than adequate, by all means please take over the cooking duties.”

Narom looked up from his bowl. “I didn’t mean anything. It was a compliment.”

“Please excuse my uncle Ellyianna. Sometimes he doesn’t know how to be polite.” Absolom smiled, and winked at his uncle.

Narom laughed. “Yes, he is correct. Accept my apology if I have offended you.”

Ellyianna smiled. “No offense. All is well.”

Breakfast was a pleasant affair with the members of the group making small talk amongst themselves. Karl had almost managed to get started teaching enlightenment to Absolom when Erik intervened.

“We should clean up and be on our way. Narom, I have the horses ready to go.”

“Ah, yes. Erik, you are correct. We should not stay here. Let’s clean up and move on.” Narom took a small swig of wine from his wineskin.

Ellyianna didn’t take long with the bowls and plates. The breakfast had been so good that the dishes really only needed a rinsing. Soon, the fire was put out and the party mounted their horses for yet another travel day. 

Linham Part 4

“Ouch. Damn that hurts.” Elliyanna tried to twist around to see the source of her pain. Clearly it was a crossbow bolt in her back. Where had it come from? She had run through the main room of the inn where the Duke of Linham lay dying into the kitchen to see if the killer was there. Seeing the kitchen staff lying on the floor in pools of blood convinced her that someone had been there, so she headed for the back door which was partly open. As she headed out the door and into the courtyard, that damn bolt struck her in the back. It was painful and it was obvious to her that she was in trouble. Backing up as quickly as her painful back would allow her, she caught a quick glimpse of her assailant. Unfortunately all she could see was a black figure with no details running away. She backpedalled into the kitchen and slammed the door. Returning to the main room wasn’t very reassuring. She watched as the Duchess of Linham kissed her husband goodbye one final time, and gently closed his eyes. The Duke was dead. The people in the inn were speechless.

“What happened to you?” The Duchess looked up at Ellyianna with concern.

“I...was shot.”

“Oh dear. Come here and allow me to tend to the wound.”

Elliyanna made her way over to where the Duchess was sitting. Kaydence looked at the wound and realized that it was serious.

“This might hurt a bit. That bolt needs to come out.”

Elliyanna winced in anticipation. The bolt came out a lot harder than it went in. Elliyanna bit her lower lip and tears streamed from her eyes. Then the pain went away - wait, what was that golden glow? 

“There. That should feel better.” Kaydence smiled and sat back down.

“What....what did you do? What was that glow?” Ellyianna looked around at the group. No one seemed to be reacting except for Jessica. She had a look of recognition on her face - she knows something. 

“Nothing really. Just some elvish healing rituals. No worries.”

“Oh. Well, thank you. I mean it.”

“You’re quite welcome.”

Elliyanna sat up with a start and looked around the camp. She was covered in sweat and her back was aching a little. The fire was still burning. Karl was on watch. The rest of the group was sleeping soundly. “Why did I have that dream?”

“Perhaps it is a warning.” Jessica’s voice nearly caused Ellyianna to scream out in surprise, but she held it to a muffled grunt.

“Why do you think that?” Ellyianna decided that now was the time for Jessica to answer some questions.

“Aren’t you a gypsy witch?”

“No. I’m not a witch.”

“My apologies. I did not intend to insult you. I only meant that because of your heritage it would make sense that dreams would play a role in telling the future or revisiting the past, right?”

“Yes. That does make sense. But why a warning?”

“Perhaps....”

“WAIT! How did you know I was dreaming?” Ellyianna searched around her bedroll for her shawl. She was feeling cold.

“Elves understand the role dreams play in our lives. You were tossing and turning, mumbling. It was obvious.”

“Oh, ok. For a moment I thought you were reading my mind.” She smiled, weakly and picked up her shawl. “Perhaps it is a warning.”

“One that we should heed.” Jessica stood up and walked over a little closer to where Ellyianna was sitting. She was holding a blanket. “It would seem that you need this more than I. Here.”

“Thank you.” Ellyianna took the blanket and snuggle up in to it. That was better, much better.

“What was the dream about?”

Ellyianna shuddered a bit. “It was the night that the Duke was killed. A very bad night.”

“I agree.”

“I wish I had seen the attacker better.” Ellyianna looked down dejected.

“This is your way of warning us to be on the watch for him.”

“Perhaps. Tell me something. What did the Duchess do for my wound?”

“What do you mean?” Jessica looked intently at Ellyianna.

“The gold glow. That was magic, wasn’t it?”

“Yes. Elvish influenced magic I believe. I’ve only seen one other do that.”

“Who?”

“My sister, Talisa.” Jessica smiled.

“I see. How is then that the Duchess has Elven magic?”

“I’m unsure. Although I have heard it is not completely uncommon. It is not a regular thing.”

“What did she do?” Ellyianna winced a little as her mind remembered the pain.

“I believe she cast a healing spell. That’s what I’ve seen Talisa do. Your wound healed of its own accord, did it not?” Jessica now seemed a little perturbed about the questioning but in her usual way, tried to hide it.  

“I’m sorry if this is upsetting you. I just like to understand these things.” Ellyianna reached out and touched Jessica’s hand.

“I know. And I understand.” Jessica grasped Ellyianna’s hand briefly. And then it seemed that the moment was over. Jessica returned to her bedroll and sat down. “I must prepare for my watch.” She closed her eyes and for a few moments sat quietly. Then almost as suddenly as she ended the conversation, she stood up and walked over to where Karl was standing.

“Karl, I believe it is now my time.”

“Why yes I think it is!” Karl smiled at Jessica and walked by her. “Hi Ellyianna! Are you ok? You seem very upset. May I help? Is there something I can do?”

“Thank you Karl. I am fine. I just had a bad dream and it has left me a little unsettled.”

“Oh I am sorry! Perhaps if you became enlightened like me you wold not have those dreams.” Karl smiled.

“I appreciate what you are saying, Karl, I really do......”

A gruff, deep voice broke the night. “I’d appreciate it if the two of you would silence yourselves and go back to sleep. Some of us are trying to do just that.” Narom opened up one eye and glared at Karl. 

“Karl, another time, ok?” Ellyianna looked over at Karl and smiled.

Karl immediately brightened up and smiled back. He whispered, “ok. We should be quiet so the mean old man can sleep. Nite.”

Ellyianna stifled a laugh as she laid back down and considered what Jessica had said. Perhaps it was a warning........

No writing tonight....

Just could not bring my mind around to do it. Having one of those moments in time where I really wonder what's in store for my life. No job. No prospects. Not sure if unemployment will come thought yet. Ugh. I hope things work out.

Finally.... Linham, part 3

Got some time to write......

The journey out of the capital city was easy enough; scarcely anybody paid much attention to the band. One person did take note however; he was a slimy individual with red hair and a skinny frame. He wore clothing that seemed to indicate that he was from Beinesse but he definitely did not have the same “grace” that Reisling carried. As he watched the group exit the city, it crossed his mind that his job here was complete. Several times he thought he’d be spotted; that uncle was far more suspicious than he had heard. “Best to be cautious with this one,” he said to himself quietly. The elf and the dark-skinned lady seemed more entranced with the young duke, and not as wary as maybe they should have been. A pleasant conversation, at least from the appearances, was ongoing between the two women and the young duke. The man resolved to keep a close distance, but since he was unsure where the group was headed, he had to keep his presence secret. The group was headed out of town, so the man simply followed them in the shadows and gloom of the approaching afternoon.

“So if you cannot read my mind, then what good are a gypsy’s powers?” That comment from Absolom drew a dirty glance from Narom, but he did not interject.

“Absolom, a gypsy’s powers are individualized. Some of us are able to sense motives and intents, while others rely upon other talents.” Ellyianna smiled, but inwardly she was troubled by the young duke’s brashness.

“Oh, I see. What exactly are your powers then?”

“Absolom!” Narom was now glaring at the boy.

“No, it’s ok. I’d like to answer that question.” Ellyianna maneuvered her horse closer to the duke’s animal. “My powers seem to revolve around my grandmother’s cards. I can use the cards to tell the future, see the past and sometimes gain understanding of events.”

“I see. May I see the cards?” Absolom was looking intently at Ellyianna. He’d heard stories about fortune-telling witches and now being in the presence of one, he was determined to find out the truth - if Narom would allow it.

“I generally do not get my cards out when I am traveling. Perhaps this could wait until we have stopped for the night?”

Absolom started to sigh, then realized that she was right. Getting the cards out while on horseback could prove to be cumbersome. “Yes, that would be fine.”

“Excellent!” Karl had navigated his horse over as well, and now seemed interested in what was going on. “I really would like to understand how a deck of cards can help one reach enlightenment!” 

Absolom turned slightly in his saddle. “Enlightenment? What is that?”

“Nobody has instructed you in the fine art of enlightenment?” Karl could barely contain his excitement - virgin ears and a mind to work on!

“Karl!” Leave it to Eric to spoil the fun. 

“Yes brother?”

“Now is not the time. Perhaps when we have finished our tasks, then you may speak with the future duke about your beliefs. Until then, leave the young man alone.”

Karl looked heartbroken. 

“Karl, yes that is a wise course of action.  We really should be paying closer attention to what is around us.” This was the first time the elf had spoken aloud, and Absolom was entranced by her melodic voice. He had heard the rumors about elves and the voices they had. It was said that just listening to them could be calming. Apparently Karl thought so as well because he resumed his searching about to survey the lands for hints of trouble.

“Young Absolom, there will be time soon that we can sit and discuss these important questions. But now, I feel uneasy and we really should focus more on our travels.” The elf smiled as she said this.

“May I ask you a question?” Absolom ignored the look of disdain Narom was giving him.

“A quick one, yes.”

“What is your name?”

“My common name is Jessica. You may call me that.”

“You have another name?”

“Yes, I have an elven name. I do not believe it to be pronounceable by humans.”

“May I know it?”

“Later. For now, you may call me Jessica.”

The group had made steady progress along the Emperor’s road to the north. Dark clouds had threatened several times to drench the travelers but thus far, the journey had been dry. A cold wind blew in from the east. Narom thought to himself that this felt eerily familiar - like he’d been here before. Perhaps it was just the company he kept. He’d not seen or talked with an elf for many years - not since the last war had he even seen one.  

As dusk fell, Narom noticed that there was a small camping area off the road. These areas were specially built for travelers and contained a fire pit and roasting skewer apparatus. It was the perfect place to stop for the night. 

“I believe we should stop.” Narom stopped his horse and climbed down.

“This area is not defensible - at the least, it will be difficult to set proper defenses.” Erik looked around sourly.

“Brother, we’ll be fine!” Karl jumped down off of his horse. For most of the journey thus far, Karl had been content to walk in front of the horse. Obviously his feet were tired.

“Yes, this should be fine. We’ll stay here tonight. We leave at dawn.” Narom walked his horse over to the small stand used to tether the horses.  “Let me tend to the horses. The rest of you should set about making our camp as comfortable as possible.”

“I will start dinner then.” Ellyianna went about making one of her signature stews using only the travel rations and what little vegetables she had. Soon, a small fire was built and a wonderful smell was emanating from the stew pot. 

“That smells wonderful!” Karl could hardly contain his glee. A wonderful meal with exquisite company - people who were not enlightened. He had work to do.

Indeed, dinner was good. Ellyianna demonstrated that she had learned great cooking skills from her mother. Everyone was well fed and satiated. Even Narom actually smiled a little at some of Karl’s explanations of what enlightenment really was.

“Enlightenment comes from within. It’s not a power or trait. It just is.”

“But Karl, if a person desires to become enlightened, how do they do this? If it isn’t a skill or trait that can be trained, how does one go about getting it?” Elliyanna seemed mystified by Karl’s explanations of enlightenment.

“You don’t ‘get it.’ It’s a power from within. My master told me that not everyone has the power. Some refuse to listen to the quiet words being spoken to them. Some refuse to act on those wise words. Others act, but not in the way that the words spoke. Enlightenment is something that starts with your soul.”

“What you’re basically saying then is that some people have it, some don’t.” Leave it to Narom to break the conversation down in a way that silenced it. “We really should clean up the dinner stuff and set our watch schedule for tonight.”
“I agree. I shall take first watch.” Erik stood, stretched and went over to where he had placed his belongings. “Karl, would you assist me?”

“Of course brother!” Karl nearly leapt over to where Erik as standing, and for the next moments, assisted his brother in getting his full plate armor on. 

“That’s really nice armor,” said Absolom. 

“It’s part of my family’s heritage. It has served me well this far.” Erik tugged at the last glove and reached down to pick up his helm. 

“Brother if it is ok, I will go meditate and then sleep. Wake me for the next watch.”

Erik nodded, and Karl trundled off a short way from the group. Meditation required silence, and Karl knew that would probably not happen around the fire.

“Who has third watch then?” Erik looked around.

“I do.” Jessica grabbed her cloak and pulled it a little tighter around her neck and shoulders. “I shall finish my reverie and be prepared.” 

“Guess that means I sleep through the night.” Absolom laid down on the ground, and covered himself up. Soon he as asleep.

Narom waited a few moments, and then looked at Ellyianna. “Since it seems you have the proper training for cooking, breakfast will be your task in the morning. See to it that you sleep well. Men traveling require a proper meal. Good night.” With that, he laid down and soon he too was fast asleep.

Ellyianna considered retorting to the obvious machoism that Narom was displaying, but decided against it. Soon, she too was asleep.

Erik looked out into the night, and listened.