Legends of Clal - Master - Book 1 - v3

Prologue: Into the Darkness

Black waves thundered against the jagged rocks at the base of the towering cliffed mountain side.

It was as if an entire mountain range had been cloven in two creating a wall of massive cliffs above the ocean’s depths.

The turbulent waters raged below a silent crescent moon which hung high in the endless sea of stars above. The night was heavy and the darkness thick, yet, the moon’s faint light was still useful to the distant traveler who scaled the cliff’s ridge high above.

Clothed in a dark, worn robe and with a large leather sack on his side he climbed over underbrush and fallen trees, for there was no trail. He wore no cap and and his gray hair whipped back and forth against his weathered face. His pace was steady, but not hurried, though he knew that he was being followed. (Add wore a white horn type with a some kind of creature carved around it…a white dragon.)

Hand over rock, foot over tree root, the figure continued to climb the steep side of the mountainous terrain. When he reached the pinnacle of the summit he moved surprisingly close to the edge of the cliff. The ocean hundreds of feet below could not be heard over the screaming sound of the wind. The man looked down and breathed in for a moment, then he turned and gazed in the direction that he had just come. He stood silent as a statue with the faint moonlight glimmering in his eyes.

It wasn’t long before footsteps were heard and a dark figure emerged from around the face of a large boulder. The figure stopped, and a few moments passed before the silence was broken.

“Felsawn,” the dark figure spoke, his voice deep and harsh. “Your intent is already well known. Why run? Do you think to hide?” He too wore a horn at his side, but it was black. Carvings but could not make them out. Womlon stretched his hand out and retrieved a dead tree branch. He held it in front of him, waved his hand over the staff which instantly burst into brilliant red flames. The man thrust the burning torch toward Felsawn which landed on the dirt halfway between the two figures.

Felsawn and the man were instantly illuminated and there was no hiding their presence now. All who had a view of the cliff could make out two figures in close proximity.

Felsawn’s eyes remained fixed on the man as he remained still. He said nothing.

“My brother,” the man continued as he began to slowly creep towards Felsawn, “There is no power, no wizardry strong enough now that can waylay my efforts to obtain victory over your feeble attempts.” He chuckled, “You are a fool. You always have been, Felsawn.” He paused, then added, “We will find it!”

At that moment Felsawn began to slowly inch backwards keeping distance between him and the man, though closer to the cliff’s edge which was a few feet behind him.

“You are not my brother, Womlon.” Felsawn spoke, his voice calm like the ocean’s waters had been the day before.” And the power that you call great, will abandon you in that very hour when you need it most.” Felsawn was at the edge of the cliff now, heals over the edge, he leaned slightly forward.

Womlon waved both hands from his side up through the air. The flame of the torch grew rapidly and burst high into the sky. Womlon stepped closer.

“Where will you go?” Womlon’s lips curled into a wry smile. “What hope is there?”

Felsawn never let his gaze off of his foe. His blue eyes were glowing. “Farewell.” He spoke. “We will meet again.” Felsawn paused, only for a moment, then leaned backwards. His feet left the edge of the cliff side and his body fell out of sight.

Womlon sprange to the edge of the cliff and yelled. “Your plan will fail in the end.” He watched as Felsawn’s figure shrank rapidly as he fell. Almost out of no where appeared a massive, white figure heading straight for Felsawn. It swerved, flapped it’s wings to slow in speed, paused, then turned in the direction opposite the cliff. This was a rescue, the plan, the great white dragon, Sedrak, from the ancient world summoned for the final exodus. Friend to the keepers of light and foe to the darkness. He carried Felsawn away to safety.

Womlon watched as the white dragon shrank then disappeared in the horizon. He squinted, looked up at the sky for a moment, then looked to his side and pulled a horn to his lips. (not blowing the dragon call, but blowing another type of call) He blew four slow wales. He waited, then far in the distance, four horn calls returned.

He had been laying on the grown strewn over the cliff. He jumped up from the dirt and brushed his black clothing off. The flame of the torch was still burning high. Womlon waved his hands from left to right, and with a deafening crack, the stick exploded and shrouded the surrounding area in flame. The wind quickly carried the fire down the side of the mountain.

Other torches could be seen across the mountain side and on the shores below. More horn calls were heard. The boats were readied hours ago.

Womlon reached the shore and approached one of the men standing near one of the hundreds of boats, “We will leave at once.” He said gruffly.

He looked at the cliff where he knew Felsawn had lept from. Now, it was a blaze in red fire. He squinted and spoke through his clenched teeth, “The plan will fail.”

He turned, then announced in a bellowing voice, “We ride west.”

Chapter 1: The Discovery

It was day and the brilliance of the sun was multiplied in the oceans’ endless shifting waves. Clal had been scanning the shore line for sometime and wa about to descend the slope from which he stood. But, there, off behind a cluster of rocks he thought he saw her. He leaned through the two tree trunks he was hiding behind, squinted, then yelled out, “Ha!” Clal left from his covert (hiding place - military context).

Down the mountain he sailed, bounding over rocks and bushes, blond hair flopping every which way. Clal burst through a group of bushes sending several birds to flight. His feet hit the sand and he bolted towards the rocks where he had just spotted his sister, Ansa. When he got there however, there was no Ansa, only the sound of laughing behind him, which signaled that his loosing streak was not over yet.

“I warned you, Clal.” Ansa said between gasps and giggles. She emerged from some bushes Clal had passed by moments before.

“But I saw you, Ansa.” Clal said now walking in her direction along the sandy shore. He was scratching his head with a down turned brow.

“Look closer.” she said.

Clal took a few more steps then stopped. He turned around then slowly approached the rocks. There, between two large boulders was a round rock propped up by two sticks. On top of the rock seaweed was fashioned in the likeness of a young woman’s long hair.

“See,” said Ansa now smiling from ear to ear. “It worked.”

Ansa put her hand to her mouth and attempted to control herself. But it didn’t last long. She burst out in another fit of laughter.

Clal rolled his eyes and marched passed Ansa refusing to look at her. Ansa turned and slowly followed.

They both ascended the west side of the grand Crescent Keep Mountain mostly in silence. Clal’s heavy foot steps matched his heavy heart. His own sister, wiser and keener than he. Almost every time they played a game of ‘finders’ she outsmarted him. He grabbed one of the remained autumn leaves from a passing tree, tore it in half then torn it in half again. They had almost reached the top when Clal noticed that Ansa was no longer following him. He looked down the trail where he spotted her a few feet away. She was gazing off towards the ocean. Clal walked down beside her then looked in the direction she was looking.

“Clal?” Ansa said slowly. “Do you see anything out there?”

“Yeah. Water. Sky. Birds. The sun. Clouds. Well, one cloud.”

Ansa turned toward Clal. “You see a cloud?”

“I see a cloud…isn’t that a cloud?” Clal wasn’t so sure and mostly passed the question to himself.

Clal moved closer through the trees but reaching the edge of the ridge, was unsatisfied with his position. He began to jog up the path until he was at the highest point of the mountain. Ansa followed until they both arrived to the highest point of the mountain. They peered off again searching the horizon.

Clal sat down on the dry, long grass and studied the sky for the cloud he thought he saw a few moments ago. There again, he caught site of a distant oval shape, ever so faint and almost indistinguishable from the sky. It was above the straight line of the horizon. Ansa saw Clal’s eyes widen and she knew he had caught sight of it again.

“I’ve seen it before,” Ansa spoke in a whisper. “It’s always there. I come up here sometimes in the mornings and just sit and look for it.” She took a deep breath then said, “It never moves, Clal.”

“What…” Clal spoke half under his breath, “…is that?” He turned to his sister, “Ansa?”

“I know. It’s something peculiar and maybe even special.” Ansa replied.

Clal turned his gaze from Ansa back out to the horizon. “How long…”

“I first saw it the spring before last.” Ansa began. “I had finished my turn on the fish run and as the afternoon was waning on, I sat down to rest. Before going down the other side of ole’ Crescent Keep I was looking, kind of day dreaming, and I started wondering what was out there beyond the ocean’s horizon. Then, I kind of awoke to it.” She stepped beside Clal and looked with him. “I saw it and kept it in my heart ever since.”

Clal looked at Ansa brow low and lips tight, “Why haven’t you told me about this before?”

Ansa smiled a faint smile, “Because, I just didn’t know what you would say. I was scared you’d, I don’t know, not believe me or worse, make fun of me for it, and I just didn’t want that.” Ansa paused, “Isn’t it beautifully mysterious in a way.”

Clal chucked, “Yeah, it’s beautifully mysterious indeed. But, it’s also real, Ansa. I see it out there. But what could it be?”

“I don’t know, Clal. But I’ve had months to think about it.” Ansa replied.

“And do you think you know?” Clal said, now curious about what his wise and keen sister might say next.

“I know what it isn’t,” Ansa said.

Clal shrugged his shoulders, “Well, I guess that’s a start.” He nodded then rested his chin in his hand. “A cloud that never moves…”

“Right,” Ansa agreed, “except I know it’s not a cloud.”

Clal cocked his head in Ansa’s direction. “Then why did you call it one?”

“Well…because it does look like one, but it can’t be. That’s just impossible.” Ansa said. Then silence set in as they mulled over all of the possibilities of the mysterious cloud’s true identity. The sun occasionally peaked through the trees as the wind danced between them.

The more Clal thought about this strange phenomenon the more obvious it became to him. Suddenly he sat up, “I’ve got it!” He exclaimed. “Ansa, maybe it’s supposed to look like a cloud.” He jumped to his feet and looked once more in the direction of the mysterious cloud on the horizon. Ansa eyed him closely as Clal gazed for a few moments. Then, a sideways smile graced his lips and Clal said, “It can’t be.” Clal spun around to face Ansa and with both hands grabbed Ansa’s shoulders.

“What?” Ansa shouted half startled.

“A floating island.” Clal said as he searched Ansa’s eyes for an answer.

“Exactly.” She said. “It has to be, Clal. There’s no other answer, is there?!” She lept towards Clal and hugged his middle. “I’m so glad someone else knows now. It’s been such a burden keeping it a secret for more than a year.” She let go of Clal and looked up at him. “Isn’t it fascinating?”

“Yes.” Clal nodded. “It’s more than fascinating.” He paused. “When I look at it, I feel something.”

Ansa let out a small gasp. “What do you mean?” She said quietly.

He turned to the trail again and started to step carefully along the path that led down the other side of the mountain.

“Clal?” Ansa said following close behind. “What do you mean, you feel something?”

After a moment of walking, Clal continued, “It’s like…” he hesitated and slowed his pace for a moment, then resumed his previous walking speed, “Ansa, it’s like I didn’t just see something out there, but I heard something…inside of me.” Then Clal added, “But not at first.”

Clal didn’t see her, but at that moment Ansa smiled, who was just a few feet behind him on the trail. Though she couldn’t say that she heard anything when she looked at the floating island, it was now their secret and not just her’s anymore. It was yet one more thing to share as the “venturesome twins”. This one topped any of the previous secrets and bits of stories they shared.

Clal and Ansa talked while they dodged rocks and trees on the way down the mountain. When they finally reached the flat forest ground Ansa ran to Cal and grabbed his arm.

“Clal,” she said as Clal turned toward her. “We can’t tell anyone.”

Clal nodded slowly. “Right,” he said. “But, we must think of a way to find out more.”

“Right,” Ansa agreed. She bit her lip then said, “Shall we tuck this away for a while…”

“…and worry about getting ready to leave instead?” Clal finished his sister’s sentence.

“Yes, but,” her mysterious smile returned, “I’m already packed.” She started to giggle.

Clal just shook his head, “Figures.” Then he smiled. “I bet I can beat you to the house,” and he bolted through the trees out of site.

“Wait, Clal! Wait!” Ansa yelled after him. “I’m not as fast as you.”

The shaking of tree branches and bushes revealed their whereabouts through the forest. Clal soon reached the front door. He paused on the door step when he heard a horse whiny and the creaking of a wagon.

They were here and he wasn’t ready. He jumped through the front door and disappeared into the house.

Ansa entered the house completely out of breath. Her mother approached her.

“Hello, Ansa. Are you all ready?” She said quietly.

“Hello, Mum.” Ansa replied. “Yes, I’m ready. Where’s Clal?”

“He’s in his room with Turl gathering his things.” Her mother turned away. Ansa caught a glimpse of a tear rolling down her face.

“Mum, wait…” Ansa followed her mother into the kitchen.

In Clal’s room, Turl, Clal’s older brother, was packing Clal’s bag as Clal handed him clothes and other items, worthy of such a trip.

“Turl, what’s it like, the Great city of Eldan Vyum?” Clal asked handing Turl the last of his belongings. Turl carefully placed the clothes in the satchel. He sat on Clal’s bed then Clal sat beside him. Clal began fascening the straps.

“I guess, it’s just about the same as any other city.” Turl said.

“But the capitol of all of Illia...our country?” Clal demanded. “Why did you keep going back year after year.” Turl knew what Clal was searching for, adventure. A story. Maybe even a little bit of danger in the likes of a tall tale. But Turl, Turl wasn’t like Clal. Clal was full of curiosity about everything. He would never settle for a short answer to an important question. The world for Clal was full of wonder and there were days when Clal was just itching to dive into the thick of his explorations. Turl, on the other hand, was content to sit in his hammock chewing on a piece of straw after a hard days’s work.

Instead of filling Clal’s head with stories, which he had plenty of, Turl felt that this was an opportune time to relay to Clal his one bit of advice that he’d thought of before seeing him off.

“Eldan Vyum,” Turl started, “It is a spectacular place, in a way. I’m sure it won’t dissappoint you. But there will be times even during these next few months while you are away when disappointment and maybe even a little self-doubt will creep in among all that wonder.” His brother put his hand on Clal’s shoulder and said. “Don’t ever doubt yourself, Clal.” Turl shook his head, “Just don’t let yourself.”

Clal smiled then started to say something when his Father entered the room.

“Father,” Clal exclaimed as he jumped to his feet and ran to embrace his Father. He hadn’t seen his father for a few days now and he was hoping that they wouldn’t miss each other.

“Clal...,” Dalbus smiled, “How’s my favorite son,” he said, winking at Turl who also smiled. “Turl, do you think Clal’s good and ready?”

Turl stood up from Clal’s bed and put his hands on his hips, “Today, Father, is the day.” Turl nudged Clal’s side. “Clal was born for this adventure.“

Clal looked at his Father, wrapped one arm around his neck then did the same to Turl. “Does this mean I’m finally a man, going to work in the blacksmith’s shop making swords and all?”

Both Dalbus and Turl burst out laughing. “Well, Clal,” his father said, “at thirteen I believe you’ll be there soon enough.” His father looked at Clal and winked.

“In fact, when I was your age I was…” his father started to say.

“...building one boat a week for the Illian navel fleet, living on my own, free as can be.” Turl and Clal both finished his sentence in unison and they all three burst out in a fit of laughter.

Clal’s father shook his head. Clal grabbed his pack and Turl stood up.

Just then their father turned to them, “Boys,” he said, “before Clal leaves we have something we wanted to talk to you about.”

Dalbus then turned and exited the room. Clal and Turl followed.

When they entered the main living space the room was dimly lit and there was little if any noise. Clal’s mother, Nareete, was leaning to the side against the front door frame. Clal’s father walked ahead of his two sons, approached his wife, and whispered something into her ear. She turned towards him and embraced him.

Nareete and Dalbus walked over in front of the window. Clal’s father took a chair, set it out for his mother then pulled one over for himself. They both sat down. “Children,” Dalbus said, “come and sit with us for a moment.”

Turl, Clal and Ansa all came and sat on the floor in a half circle.

Dalbus tightened his lips, his demeanor had changed to a serious nature.

“I’ve been away for a few weeks,” he said, “for a few reasons. Mother and I would like to talk to you about that.” He looked at Nareete then back at his children.

“The life of a fruit farmer has served us well these twelve years, although it can be unpredictable at times; the weather, insects. Mother and I have been talking for the past three years about considering other options, exploring other ways of making a living.”

Clal looked at Ansa. Here mouth was wide open, eyes open wide. Clal hung onto every one of his father’s words.

“I just returned from the eastern region of Illia, from the city of Reubis. It is a trade center for the Illian navy. I’ve been accepted as the director of trade for the royal association.” He smiled, though cautiously.

“But father we…” Ansa said.

“I too love our home, our life here in the valley of Lyrune under the shadows of Crescent Keep mountain.” Nareete said.

“Turl will stay here, keep the orchards going, and settle here forever more.” Dalbus smiled at Turl. “Turl purchased the home and land from us, which we didn’t ask him to do but he gratefully offered.” Dalbus bowed slightly to his oldest son. “We have a farmer in the family after all, and I think you will do wonders for this orchard.” Dalbus smiled again.

Their father continued, “This means that you two,” their mother pointed to Clal and Ansa, “will be traveling to live there in Reubis after your apprenticeships in Eldan Vyum four months from now.” She handed them both a small scroll. “All you need to do is follow the directions that I’ve written here when you’re ready to come home.” Nareete clasped hands with Dalbus. “I...know that this might seem ill news at an otherwise promising time in our family.”

“Nothing can compare to the secrets of the ocean you’ve encountered or the treasures this valley and old Crescent Keep has provided to you during your youth.” Father added.

“It’s time to move on and though the sadness will linger,” their mother said, “the old life will yield to a new life and things will be okay again.”

“But Father, why now?” Ansa said. “Why not when Clal and I have grown to adults and are on our own. That’s in a few years…”

“We’ve felt to move for a while,” her father answered, “and I took my journey a few months because your mother and I feel that we cannot delay any longer.”

“It was a small miracle that your father secured this new position that he did.” Nareete looked at her husband.

“Clal?” his father looked at him, “Are you okay with this?”

Clal nodded, “Father, I am sad...I am. But, it is also exciting. A new adventure for us.” He looked at Turl, “And we’ll visit, won’t we?”

Turl stood up from sitting on the floor. “Is that all you think about, Clal.” He smiled, “One adventure after the other?” He laughed.

“Well,” Clal said, “Yes. What else is there?”

They all smiled.

“And yes, you’ll visit.” Turl said. “I’ll need help during harvest time.”

“I’ll be there, Turl.” Clal said, “And not just to eat the apples.” Clal then turned to his father. “Father, can we visit Clal before we leave to meet you and mother?”

Dalbus turned to Nareete who nodded. “Yes, Clal. I don’t see anything wrong with that.”

Dalbus stood up from his chair then said, “We’re sorry this is coming at such a time as now. We…”

“That’s okay father,” Ansa said, “We’ll manage I’m sure.” She smiled.

With Ansa’s final approval, the family was now unified in the direction that their loving parents were setting for them.

There was a knock at the door. Father opened. It was Ardus, the driver of the cart that had been sitting out front for some time.

“My apologies, Ardus. We were just saying our final goodbyes.” Dalbus said.

Ansa and Clal grabbed their packs and pushed through the front door. They tossed their belongings into the cart then both turned again toward their family standing outside their small cottage.

They embraced eachother, father, mother, turl, and the twins. Then Clal and Ansa slowly approached the cart once again and climbed in.

“Thank you Ardus for taking them,” Nareete said.

“My pleasure,” he replied, “You folks have been all but kind to me through the years. It’s time to return a favor or two.” He smiled, his mustache curling upward at the ends. He slapped the reigns and the horse started clopping along the road.

“Remember what I said, Clal.” Turl called out.

Ansa leaned over to Clal, “What did Turl tell you.”

“I’ll tell you later,” Clal said with a wink and a smile. Then he turned to his family. “Till we meet again…” Clal started.

“...a few months from now.” Ansa finished.

“Good-bye.” Clal and Ansa said in unison. They turned to each other and started to laugh.

Dalbus and Nareete laughed too and Turl only shook his head as he smiled.

They all watched eachother in silence then as the cart and the cottage grew smaller. Clal watched his family until the cart turned the corner on the trial and they disappeared out of sight. It all happened so quickly. His smile disappeared.

The breeze started to blow and as he lifted his hand to move his hair from his forehead, he realized that the scroll his mother gave him was still in his hand. He wondered what she could have written. He also thought about the blacksmith’s invitation for him to work for him and learn the trade.

“Clal,” Ansa whispered. Clal jumped, having sunk deep into thought about the next day’s prospects. “Can I sit next to you for a moment?”

Clal nodded.

She moved close to Clal and rested her head on his shoulder. “I’ve been thinking, what if Mrs. Milltree doesn’t like the way I sew? What if I talk too much? And what if…”

“Ansa,” Clal said, “Don’t worry.” He reassured her, “You’ll have her wrapped around your finger in a week. I’m sure of it.” Clal smiled. “Now, perhaps we ought to get some rest.”

“On this bumpy ride?” She sat up slightly.

“Yes. I don’t think we have anything to worry about.” Clal leaned against the side of the cart, adjusted himself for a moment then sat still. Ansa leaned against Clal and before long she was breathing heavily.

Clal looked up into the sky. The sun would soon set and night would cover the forest in a blanket of darkness. Perhaps he could sleep till morning, Clal thought. He closed his eyes and slipped away into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 2: An Old Friend

Clal awoke at the sounds of the forest singing with birds. For a moment he had forgotten where he was. He quickly gathered his thoughts when he saw Ansa sitting beside him. She had awoken before him. Ansa followed a bird flying across the sky then noticed Clal was awake.

“Good morning.” She said.

“Good morning, Ansa.” Clal replied.

They were silent for a long time, their bodies moving with the sway of the cart as it jostled over uneven ground. The aspen trees waved at them as they traveled through the forest. The breeze carried a scent of vegetation in full bloom while the forest was bustling with the sounds of nature; crickets, birds, and the wind in the leaves.

Clal noticed that they were approaching the point at which he’d never trespased this far beyond the forest. He could usually be found atop Cresent-Keep Mountain or traveling to the Crescent Hills below. The furthest he'd ever ventured to travel was within a half a day from the sea in any direction, except west of course. Clal’s fear of deep water hadn’t allowed him beyond the shore line.

“Do you suppose we’ll be another day on this rickety old cart?” Her voice had been unusually loud and the driver cleared his throat and muttered under his breath for some time.

“I don’t know. I’m not too…” Clal stopped then looked past Ansa focusing his eyes far in the distance. He grabbed the side of the cart, then pulled himself up. “Hey! Hey!” he yelled waving. “Ansa it’s Rythe.” He turned to the driver, “Ardus, there’s someone coming. I think he wants passage on this...fine wagon.”

In the distance a young lad with dark brown hair and a pack on his side was bobbing up and down through the forest. Rythe was running as fast as he could through a clearing between two thick sections of the forest waving his hands up and down and calling out Clal’s name.

The driver looked at Clal. Clal pointed out into the forest to the driver’s left and the driver looked in that direction. “Whoa!” he said. The cart stopped.

“This is a cart for hauling,” he snapped back, “not so much for people, boy. Whoa!” He said. “I’m doing your parents a favor. I don’t mind. But, more of you…”

By that time Rythe had reached the side of the cart. He thrust his hand into his pocket and pulled out a few coins. He gave them to the driver and said, “Is there room for one more, good sir?”

“Well at that price, young lad, you can have a ride on my cart anytime you like,” old Albus said as he started to whistle a happy tune. “Climb in.”

Rythe tossed his pack inside then Ansa and Clal helped him in the cart. The cart started again and Clal clapped Rythe on the back.

“So good to see you, Rythe.” Clal said, “It’s been…”

“...too long, old friend.” Rythe said with a smile. “What’s the news with you two?” he said settling back against his pack, folding his arms.

“We are going to Eldan Vyum to learn a new trade,” Clal started. “I’ve been invited as an apprentice to a blacksmith that my father knew.”

“That’s a high honor Clal.” Rythe said with raised eyebrows.

Clal nodded, “To think, making swords and armor for the finest men who walk this land.”

“Nails and locks, furniture and horseshoes too.” Rythe added. “It’s an important job.” Rythe turned to Ansa, “And you, Ansa? What lies in store for you in Eldan Vyum?”

She hesitated, “Well, mending and sewing clothes.” She smiled only slightly. “That’s it. Just a clothes shop.”

“I see,” Rythe said hesitating, “...which...” he leaned forward, “...means that you’ll be crafting enchanting dresses for royal ladies while Clal is pounding out iron swords for epic battles.” He smiled a wide smile. “Who could ask for a more exciting summer?”

It worked, both Clal and Ansa smiled widely too. They had never thought of it like that. It was just what Ansa had needed and his presentation of their future appointed stations even brightened Clal’s spirits.

“It sounds like you two are off to new adventures.” Rythe concluded.

“Yes,” Ansa agreed. “Perhaps we are after all.” She smiled, “And what about you? What brings you to Eldan Vyum?”

“The examinations,” Rythe said, “I turned fifteen on the first day after the turning of the year.”

“I remember the year Turl went,” Ansa said, “he had some interesting stories to tell when he came home.”

“It’s a tradition that’s been around since before the oldest man’s great grand father’s time.” Rythe said, “Some say no one knows when it all began. But I hear that every year they reherse the reason why and conduct an examination because of it.”

“What kind of examination?” Ansa said.

“To see if one of the sons of Illia is the chosen one,”Rythe said.

“For what?” Clal said.

“Well, some believe that the evil in Illia will reach a tipping point, that a hero will rise up, and that by conducting a search to find the one early, the forces of good will again advantage over the dark forces.”

“That’s increadable, Rythe,” Clal said, “But why fifteen?”

“I don’t know, really,” Rythe said.

“And what do they do to examine you? Turl never talked much about it.” Ansa said.

“How could someone possibly find out who the chosen one is?” Clal said puzzled. “How would that work?”

“That too I don’t know much about. I’ll surely find that out soon though,” Rythe smiled, “...tomorrow.”

They were silent for a time, Clal was still trying to solve the riddle of how the chosen one was to be discovered. His thoughts turned to Rythe and how they used to meet up and spend so much time together. Then Clal turned to Rythe and said, “It’s been almost two years since we’ve spoken. Tell us,” Clal smiled, “where have you been? We used to gallivant all over the countryside together.”

“Right.” Rythe said quietly. Smile now gone. “We did.”

Rythe looked down at his hands as he picked at his fingernails for a moment. Then, he breathed in and sighed, “I’ve been, around,” he said, “just staying closer to home.”

“I’ve taken trips to the sea and have visited the Eastern shores too.” He looked up at the sky and squinted, “And...there was a visit from my aunt, hunting season, we cleared another section of our land for farming. That was a chore.” Rythe was struggling to come up with something interesting.

“Rythe,” Clal said, “You don’t sound like yourself. I don’t know what it is but you’ve changed. What’s going on?”

Rythe’s face turned pale for a moment. He started to shake his head slowly. He was looking out into the trees, sun rays poking through occasionally. His gaze was frozen. Clal knew that his friend was troubled.

“I tell you only because you ask,” Rythe began to say slowly, “and only because I know you will keep it in your heart.”

“Yes, Clal, you are right,” Rythe continued, “I have stayed away these past several months, hidden, I’ve become a recluse of sorts.”

“For that I am sorry, old friend.” Rythe said smiling slightly.

He leaned in close, “Earlier this year I took a trip to the north.” He pointed. “It was just me, through the woods, though I took the plain road most of the way. Mother and I had agreed that we needed a new ox to pull the plow. Migg was getting too old and wouldn’t be useful to us for next year’s farm work.”

“It was on the second day, just a half a day’s walk that I was walking along the road in plain site. I had just passed an apple tree and had plucked from it’s branches one of the biggest apples I had ever seen. I thought of you right then Clal, I want you to know.” Rythe smiled. His face, however, returned as if to stone and his eyes were still gazing into the forest.

“I was eating that apple and walking down the wide road when I heard thundering behind me. Normally, I would watch whomever were on horseback, move out of their way, then continue on my way. But not this time.” Rythe shook his head, “No, this time I felt fear that I had never felt before. The moment I heard their horse’s thundering hooves, I knew something wasn’t right.”

Ansa slid closer to Clal and clutched his arm.

“And so I hid as fast as I could,” Rythes voice got quieter, “behind some nearby bushes. In the process I dropped my apple. I had only taken a few bites.”

“They appeared in the distance almost as soon as I left the road. I watched them approach and thought that I could endure their passing and be on my way. But to my great alarm,” Rythe paused, “The large rider in front silently lifted his fist in the air and the riders slowed and stopped right in front of where I had found cover.”

“There were four riders in dark clothing. Two of them dismounted. I froze, barely breathing.” Rythe paused.

“It was hard to take it all in really.” Rythe continued. “Just moments ago I had been enjoying my apple, walking along the road, thinking about some of the best things in life. But now, I feared for my safety, my future, my very life.”

“They were all searching the surroundings, looking here and there. The rider who seemed to be the leader, the largest one, was standing closest to me. He searched the ground, spotted my apple, then picked it up.”

“‘What is it?,’ one of the riders still on their horses said.”

“‘Must we delay?,’ said another.”

“‘Quite,’ said the leader. ‘There’s someone here...and they think to hide from us.’”

Rythe laughed nervously. “Clal, these men were no ordinary men. Mind you, I don’t take to recoiling easily.”

“‘See here,’ the leader said pointing to the ground, ‘The tracks are no less than an hour old. And this apple here, not five minutes ago it was plucked from that tree over there. A few bites and abandoned on account of our arrival.’”

“‘A pity,’ another rider said. ‘It looks like one of the juiciest apples I’ve ever seen.’”

“Then the leader took the apple in his massive hand and crushed it in his grasp. He looked in my direction and started to inch his way toward me with the others close behind.”

“I wondered why four men would pay attention to and even torment one who was alone almost in the dark of night in the middle of the forest. I soon found out the answer to the riddle.” Rythe was talking faster now. “They had come behind and were headed north too and had seen my tracks for miles, I was sure of that. And when the tracks left the road, I’m guessing it was only because I heard them and could not be far, they probably guessed.”

“‘We know you are here,’ the large one said, ‘And we would have you show yourself.’”

“The other dismounted rider walked over to a rider on horseback and whispered something to him. The other two riders dismounted in a moment and I found no comfort in staying hidden any longer. And so I did what I thought would be the only reasonable option if I wanted to save my skin,” Rythe leaned back and threw his hands up in the air, “I lept out of my hiding place and ran.”

“I jumped over bushes and darted past trees. Clal, you know how fast I am?!” Rythe added. “But it wasn’t fast enough. I figured they wanted money or information, but I didn’t know exactly.” Rythe’s fist his his open palm, “I wasn’t about to give them anything, those sniveling thieves.”

“I must have only taken ten strides when I was hit from behind and tackled to the ground by one of them. It was like he had jumped from a tree the way he collide into me.” Rythe looked up remembering the details, “He wasn’t behind me, it was as if he had been in front of me, but that’s not possible.”

”I also noticed that one of the men had disappeared, the other two had grabbed their horses and were now dismounted and at my side. The other held me tight.”

“Why are you telling us this, Rythe?” Ansa said shaking, “This isn’t one of your tall tales?”

“No. Sadly, it is not though I wish it was.” Rythe had that distant look in his eyes again.

He looked at Clal and Ansa then said, “I tell you this because this is a riddle half solved, and of all of the people I know, you two are fit to solve it.” Rythe sighed, “I never intended to tell a soul. But you asked why I was have not been around, and I feel you ought to hear the truth. Nothing happens by chance.”

“So what happened next?” Clal said.

“With three of the men pressing in I couldn’t think of anything to do so I said, ‘Hello friends. It’s a beautiful night, is it not?’”

“I should have kept quiet because I was shoved to the ground with an incredible force. But, I continued, ‘Now really, this is no way to treat a complete stranger, or anyone for that matter. My name is Doren. Can I do anything for you?’ That didn’t work either. It just made things worse when I found a new pain in my ribs.”

“‘All we want from you, is food and money…’ the large one said’”

“‘...and that shiny dagger dangling from your side,’ another rider said”

“‘...then we’ll leave you to your journey.’ the large one said.”

“‘No,” I said.”

“You told them no?” Ansa said.

“Yeah. I wasn’t about to let them take anything from me without a fight.” Rythe said shaking his head.

“But they could have killed you.” Clal said.

“‘No,’ I said, ‘You can’t have anything. Not one shekel. And this dagger was give to me by my father who died last year. It means a great deal to me.’ Then I pulled away from the rider who was holding me and yelled, ‘Why would you chase me and hurt me when I did nothing to you?! Cowards prey on the innocent. There are four of you and one of me…’ I said”

“I was shoved again but that time I shoved back. Then they closed in on me inching forward like before.”

“‘This young lad here, he thinks he’s brave.’ the leader said then continued, ‘First I thought to find some sport, but here we’ve found the budding hero of Illia.’ He laughed a cruel and wicked laugh. ’It’s clear to me what we should do with one who thinks to grow so brave.’”

“‘Do you not know with whom you are in the presence of?’ the one holding me hissed.”

“‘Yes,’ I said, ‘I do’. I felt as if these were men whose hearts were truly black, and so I said these words to them.”

“‘You were men who were once noble and great, but who embraced the evils of this world and now are servants to it,’ then I added, ‘slaves, you are.’”

“Rythe, that doesn’t sound like you?” Clal said.

“Clal, I felt something there, like I was bigger than myself somehow.”

“Immediately one of them said, ‘Strike him down.’ The rider holding me released his grip, stode and drew his sword all in one movement then thrust it towards me.” Rythe leaned in again and the twins did too. “And here’s what happened next.”

“I hadn’t noticed but we were on the banks of a river, just a few feet away from the water. At that moment the river bagan to glow, a light deep beneath the surface started growing brighter and brighter eventually illuminating the entire forest, like it was day.” Rythe’s smile had returned. “The three riders paused, stunned by the phenomenon.”

“‘Renthar,’ my attacker yelled out, ‘What is this?’”

“‘Krothwing!’ The large one said motioning with his arm, ‘Lower your sword.’”

“I ran towards the water. The men didn’t follow. I felt free from their evil intentions for a moment.”

“‘It seems as if we’ve mettled with the wrong boy tonight.’ Renthar said”

“Then, they slowly walked toward their steads, all three of them keeping their eyes fixed in the direction of the light. They mounted, cracked their reins and disappeared into the forest shadows.” Rythe added, “I never did find out where the fourth rider had disappeared off to.”

“When they had gone the light began to fade.” Rythe’s voice was quiet. “I knelt down on that river bank and spoke to the kind water that had saved me in that moment.”

“‘Thank you,’ I said, ‘I will repay you somehow, someday. Thank you.’”

“I ran all night. And though I knew somehow the keeper of the light in the river was still with me, I wrestled with the fear of the encounter.” Rythe shook his head. “I didn’t continue north but I retraced my steps, this time through the forest. I cut much time off my journey and soon, mid-day the next day I collapsed on the front steps of my home. Luckily my mother was still sleeping or else she would have been worried. When she did awake, I simply told her that I was unable to get an ox and returned home as fast as I could.”

Rythe help up two fingers, “For the next few weeks I had only two questions in my mind, who were those men, and why did that river shine its light when I needed it the most?”

“I found out a half answer to the first question only a few weeks later when I went to Eldan to finally buy an ox.” Rythe said. “They are known to some as” then he leaned in and whispered, “...the RISHK.”

Ardus turned and looked behind him. “What are you three up to back there?” He said. The three of them jumped in surprise.

“Didn’t mean to startle you.” He laughed a hearty laugh and wore a wide smile, “Telling tall tales, eh? Well, how’s the ride so far?”

“Fine, sir,” Clal said, “just fine,” Clal’s voice wavered for amoment. He was still captivated by the story Rythe just told them. It was mysterious.

“I believe my horse is due for a watering stop.” Ardus said. “There’s a stream just up a head about a mile or two. We’ll stop there for a time if that’s alright with you lot.” Ardus turned to face them and Rythe nodded his head in agrement.

“I’m glad you told us about this, Ansa said. “Even though I wasn’t sure I wanted to listen to the very end.”

Clal nodded, “Wouldn’t it be great to be able to stop men like the ones you described, stop them from causing trouble?” Clal said.

Ansa glared at Clal.

“So the RISHK you said?” Clal said confirming what he remembered about their name.

“Yes,” Rythe replied, “that is their name.”

“And if they’ve given themselves a name they must have a purpose,” Clal concluded.

“Right,” Rythe said. “They must, and that’s what I thought.” Rythe smile, “So I had to find out.”

Ansa shook her head. “You mean there’s more?”

“I mentioned that I traveled to Eldan Vyum a few weeks later,” Rythe continued leaning in again and speaking quietly. “It took me tht long to find my courage to venture out on my own. I traved to Eldan and found wher ethey sold oxen, which was what I was in need of like before. I purchased the animal and told the merchant that I would return in the morning to take the animal home with me.”

“I asked him where the closest inn was of which he directed me and I was soon at the inn paying for a room and a hot meal. I sat down at a table in the corner and was soon enjoying some long needed food and drink.”

“There was a group of men at a neighboring table who were boisterous and beginning to make much noise. One of them stood on his feet, wobbling and spoke.

“He was large and rode a tall stead.” He burst out, holding his hand out high to the height of an imaginary horse.

“Sit down you old fool.” One of the other men laughed, “No story telling for you today.” They all burst out in a thunderous storm of laughter.

But the man continued, “I’d never seen him or any of his kind before.” The man continued slowly sitting down in his chair. “He told me had just come from the north and that he and his comrads needed me to forge him some weapons as quickly as they could be pounded and proved.”

Clal gasped, “Tallon, the Blacksmith.”

“Yes, it must have been,” Rythe agreed.

“Then the old man told those around him that he kindly told the man that he would not be available for three months as he was behind schedule with request for tools and horseshoes and some swords for the king, to name a few, and that he had no time for his request. Then Tallon said that the horseman pulled something from his saddle pack and threw it toward Tallon. He said it was a sack full of gold coins and jewels as big as his own head and that the man called this quarter payment for the job that he wanted Tallon to do.”

Then the man told his frineds at the table that he did not agree to do any work for him and that he told him to, as he put it, “please be moving along.”

“Then, Tallon told them,” Rythe continued, “that the man tossed down a second sack of riches as half payment and told Tallon that he would return in two weeks to provide the rest of the payment and to obtain his three weapons.”

“‘Then,’ Tallon said, ‘can you believe that he turned and up and left!’”

Rythe continued, “It sounded like the leader, Renthar from the description.”

“And one of them asked for your dagger,” Clal said, “Wasn’t that one of the weapons this man that Tallon was describing asked for him to make?”

“Yes,” said Rythe, “and I had to know more. So, the next morning I left the inn and went to the where the blacksmith’s shop was in the city which was near by. I could use a few new tools anyway and thought to trade some information for the purchase of a tool.”

“I found the blackssmithe at his shop furiously working away. I could tell he was well into the crafting of a broad sword. I asked him for a few tools and he sold me one, but said that he did not have the other tool I asked for and would not be able to make one for me for some time.”

“You’re making the broad sword for that man, aren’t you?” I asked the Tallon the blacksmith. Tallon stopped working and set the tool down.

“He looked surprised and asked me what I knew of it. I told him i was at the inn last night and that I heard his story he told. I asked him who I thought the man was. Tallon hesitated. Then he told me that he thought that the rider matched the description of what one of the RISHK might look like. Then he asked me what I’ve heard about the RISHK.”

“I told him that I thought that the man that he had encountered might have been one of the men whom I crossed paths with in the northern regions of Illia just two weeks ago. I told him that they cornered me, then attacked me and tried to take my dagger.”

“Then he told me,” Rythe said, “to stay away from any of them at all costs.”

Clal and Ansa remained silent for a time as the cart continued to creak and sway. The sun was high now and the air was dry and hot. The cart slowed and Ardus announced that had arrived at the watering place just before the bridge that spanned the river ahead.

Ardus unhitched his horse and led him beside the edge of the lazy running gliding river. Clal jumped out of the cart and helped Ansa down. Rythe climbed down slowly from the cart then motioned for Clal and Ansa to follow him up stream. One closer to the river’s edge Rythe knelt down and looked into the water.

“It was a river like this one,” He said. “Where the light shined through.”

“It must have been so beautiful,” Ansa said she had also knelt down. She cupped one of her hands and dipped it in the water then pulled it out and let the water stream down her fingers and back into the moving water.

Clal was standing by a near by tree. He leaned up against it and peared into the water, the trees in the distance reflecting upon the water’s surface.

Rythe stood up and turned to Clal and Ansa. “it’s a strange thing what happened that night in the woods. I haven’t been away from home since returning from Eldan Vyum. How ever alarming it was, I’m going to find out more about the RISHK.”

Clal put his hand on Rythe’s shoulder and said, “If I can help you, I will.”

They heard Ardus’ voice in the distance for them to return to the cart. Rythe picked up a rock and tossed it into the water watching the rings spread then disappear. He walked through some trees and disappeared.

“Clal,” Ansa touched his arm, “I don’t want to hear anymore about the...RISHK. Can we try to find something else to talk about?”

Clal put his arm around Ansa as they walked back to the cart. “Sure, little sister.” Clal smiled. “The dark things of this world don’t deserve so much attention, anyway.” he said.

“No,” she smiled back, “I just don’t like to see you so scared when Rythe talks about them.” She winked at him, then ran to the cart and climbed in still mirking.

Clal walked slowly to the cart, climbed in, then caught a glimse of Ansa who was still smirking. He shook his head and looked away.

When the cart started moving again they all returned to their own thoughts. The clip-clopping of the horse’s hooves on the wooden planks of the bridge that spanned the river echoed against the trees. They reached a clearing and the hot sun beat down on the three of them. The cart continued to climb and soon reached the top of a small hill.

“Eldan Vyum,” Ardus announced.

“Clal look,” Ansa said pointed. “Eldan Vyum! It’s enourmous.”

“Look at that,” Clal said, “It goes on for miles and miles.”

Clal and Ansa had never set foot in the great central city of Eldan Vyum. They had never seen such a place. They had only pieced together in their minds depictions of what it might look like from stories and conversations over the years.

The sun sank lover and lower toward the horizon as they conbtinued to talk about their plans while in Eldan Vyum. Tythe planned to head straight home after the examinations to care for his mother. He mented, though, that he promised to visit Clal and Answer before he departed for home.

“I’ll be talking again to the blacksmith so I will most suredly will be vising you Clal.” Rythe said.

They continued to talk and hardly noticed how dark it was getting. They soon rolled in toown. Though it was dusk, there were many people still walking along the streets and who filled many of the buildings.

“It’s the examination,” Rythe said. “It brings people form every corner of Illia.”

“Where to first?” Ardus the driver said.”

“To Gwen the seamstress,” Anasa retreived the scroll her mother gave her from her pack. “It’s on the edge of town near Ordon’s wood works.” She said, “Do you know where that is?”

“Yes,” Ardus said, “I do, “the cart sped back up and they shortly arrived at the front of Gwen’s shop.

Through the window two candles were burning on a large wooden table in the middle of the room. An old woman was needling away at some fabric. She looked up, noticed she had visitors, then stood from her chair and approached the door. She opened the door , alked to the cart, then said addressing Ansa.

“Hello. Are you Ansa?”

“Yes. I am.”

“I have been anxiously awaiting your arrival.” Gwen smiled widely. Ansa stood up in the cart and retrived her pack from one corner of the cart. Clal also arose.

“You’ll be fine,” he told her. Then he embraced Ansa. “We’ll visit eachother often. I’ll be your way three days from now, Ansa.”

“Okay, Clal. That’s not too long form now.” Ansa said.

Ansa gave Clal another squeeze then climbed down from the cart and waved to Rythe.

“Don’t forget to come see me before you leave.” She said winking.

“You?” Rythe smiled, “I wouldn’t miss it, Ansa.”

Gwen walked toward Ansa and wrapped her arm around around her and said, “I have no doubt you and I will become fast friends.”

Ansa smiled, “Oh Gwen, I like you already.” Ansa turned and waved again to Clal then she disappeared behind the shop door.

Clal and Ansa planned for Ansa to come and visit her there in three days. They would explore the town together and talk about how their first few days had gone.

“To the blacksmith’s” Rythe told Ardus and they were once again wobbling and bouncing along as passengers in the back of an old and rickety cart.

It wasn’t long before Clal said to Rythe, “I miss her already. Can you believe we’ve never been apart until now?”

Rythe looked down and nodded slowly, “You are good to her, Clal. A true friend.” He smiled.

As they passed by endless buildings and drove by nameless faces, all that Clal could think about was his beloved twin sister, Ansa. They were inseperable. Their days had been spent, not climbing apple trees in their orchards surprisingly, but fighting dragons in the clouds and escaping shapeless thieves in the forest shadows. Sticks became swords and leaves became golden coins. And the great Crescent-keep mountain was their castle fortress.

They knew eachother’s thoughts and often felt eachother’s feelings. And though he resented her for her witty ways and overly keen abilities, those really were the things he liked most about her. Clal smiled as he remembered the rock with the seaweed as hair, and he had fallend for it.

“My, Ansa,” Clal whispered. He shook his head and chuckled.

A few more feet and they arrived in front of the blacksmith’s shop. “This is it,” Ardus said, “Though it is all dark inside. Are you sure this is the place?”

Both Clal and Rythe were puzzled almost immediately. They didn’t answer Ardus but silently got out of the cart with their packs in hand and walked toward Tallon’s shop. Clal knocked on the door, waited, then knocked once more.

“I don’t think there’s anyone here, Rythe.”

“No,” Rythe said, “It looked so different when I was here last.” Rythe looked through the dirt layden front window. Clal walked around the side of the building then came back in a moment.

“Rythe, I don’t know the last time anyone has been here.” Clal said. “What am I to do now?”

“Ardus, I think we can manage from here.” Rythe said.

“But, Tallon the blacksmith.” Clal said to Rythe.

“Alright, then. It was a pleasure,” Ardus said.

“Thank you Ardus for all of your help.” Clal turned back in the direction of the cart.

They watched Ardus, his horse, and the cart meander down the road and turn a corner ouf of sight.

“You can stay with me at the inn until we figure out what you’re going to do.” Rythe said. “The inn, Clal?”

“I suppose,” Clal said reluctanlty.

“Right then. The inn is this way,” Rythe said pointing.

Rythe heaved his pack on his back then began to march down the cobble stone road. Clal was at his heals. There were less people now and more dark windows as they ventured through the city during the night hours. They soon reached the inn. Rythe turned the doorknob of the front door and they both entered.

They spoke with the inn keeper and pruchased a room with two beds for the night. There were boys everywhere, in the hallways, on the stairs and in the dinning area.

“We must have taken the last available room.” Rythe said.

Clal and Rythe reached the end of a hall and stood by a door. Rythe unlocked the door with the key the inn keeper had given him. He opened the door and they both entered the room. It wasn’t long till there was a knock at theier door.

“Who is there, “Rythe said.

“Morry, the inn keeper.”

Rythe opened the the door to the room revealing a short middle aged man with a round face.

“Pardon the interruption sirs, but one of you dropped your pack when you came in a moment ago?”

Sure enough, Rythe’s pack was missing. He was the one who talked with the inn keeper. He must have set it down.

“Than you, Morry.” Rythe said.

“My pleasure,” Morry said. “I’ll be off now. Good evening.”

The door had almost shut when Rythe shouted, “Wait, Morry!”

Morry’s head popped back in the room.

“Tallon the blacksmith, have you seen him? Has he come to your inn lately?” Rythe said.

“Old Tallon?” Morry said. “Oh, no. I haven’t heard a tall tale from him since…” Morry scratched his beard, “...since three months back. And he used to be my best customer, too.”

“Thank you,” Rythe said and Morry closed the door behind him.

“It doesn’t make sense,” Clal said. “It just doesn’t make any sense. How can I be an apprentice to a missing blacksmith.”

All Rythe could do was shake his head. He layed down, rolled onto his side and was breathing heavily in a moment.

Clal, on the other hand, refused to sleep. He remained sitting up on his bed looking out at the night sky. The crescent moon that hung from the star speckled sky reminded him of Lyrune, and he slipped away into dreams of Crescent Keep Mountain where the days were innocent and free.

Chapter 3: Late to the Examination

Clal awoke to Rythe shaking him vehemently. “Clal. Clal. I’m late for the examination.” Rythe said. “We slept too long and too late.”

Clal jumped from his bed, pulled on his clothes, then grabbed his pack. They were both barely awake when they exited the inn and ran down the city road. They zipped through the city as fast as they could. Before long they were standing in front of the gate of the grand castle of Eldan Vyum.

There were three guards. Rythe approached them.

“We are here for the examination, sire. Are we too late?” Rythe said. “May we enter?”

“It’s about to start,” the guard said. “If you hurry, you may be able to make it there before the opening ceremonies begin.”

Then a second guard said, “I will accompany you to the great hall.” The guard stepped forward and began to walk toward the castled.

Clal leaned over to Rythe, “Wait, Rythe. I’m not supposed to be here. What do I do now?”

“Suppose you stay with me,” Rythe whispered, “There will be so many boys that you’ll be sure to get lost amonth them. They won’t notice that you don’t go up to get examined, and by the time they might, we’ll be gone. I’m one of the first because of my birth date.”

Clal shook his head. “I’m supposed to be at the blacksmith’s right now, not here.” He whispered back to Rythe. “I’m also supposed to be asleep at the moment, not walking into the great hall of the castle to be examined two years too early.”

“Don’t worry, Clal,” Rythe said with a wry sort of smile, “What’s the worst that could hapen.”

“I don’t think I want to find out.” Clal said.

They followed the guard the rest of the way in silence after Clal and Rythe caught back up. Clal wondered why he handn’t thought to stay at the inn and wait for Rythe. They were simply in too much of a hurry to think responsibly. This was his only explanation.

The guard turned around a corner with Rythe and Clal close behind. They could see the giant doors oto the great hall ornately decorated and as high as three grown men. Large frosted windows lined the long wall of the great hall. However, it was the group of statues that held Clal’s attention as they approached the place where they were positioned.

“Rythe,” Clal asked pointing, “Do you know what those statues are?” He spoke loud enough for even the guard to hear.

“It’s our Seldanolum and his brave companions,” the guard said. “The great sculptuer Bollono of the fifth age fashioned the final scene depicted from a prophecy, now lost to us, of the last days. It’s the great last battle when the dark one lurking will turn to ash, an dwhen life will prevail over death forever more, or so the prophecy goes.” the guard concluded.

They passed by the statues, six distince distinct figures, all appearing to be in the middle of a great atack upon their foe. They were etched in pure white stone and strikingly alive in appearence. Each stood on a pedistal like structure, square in shape with a string of characters etched on each of the pedistal’s four sides.

“Which one is Seldanolum, sir?” Clal asked the guard.

“It’s that one,” he pointed.

The statue was leading the others, Clal now noticed, and he held a two edged swoard of magnificant size. He held it pointing down his body twisted as if he had just motioned downward in a mighty blow. He wore a dagger by his side and strapped across his chest was a horn. Clal looked closer as he passed by. Etched into the horn’s side was a dragon that curved and wrapped around it.

“A dragon?” He whispered to himself.

Though Clal wanted to stay and study each sculpture in detail, he knew they must keep moving. It wasn’t long before they reached the grand doors of the great hall and the guard ushered Rythe and Clal in. The lurching sound of the doors on their hinges filled the hall way and they shut with a loud boom.

They walked under an archway then through a small throng of boys before finding an open aread to sit on the stone floor of the hall. They had come late and so they sat in the very back of the hall. Clal looked behind him and saw that there was a doorway with one guard at his post. He found other doorways through out the hall where there wasn’t a doorway without a guard. Rythe and Clal didn’t have time to discuss anything else because as soon as they were seated, the royal trumpet call began.

At the front of the hall on a stone platform rested a table with two chairs on each side. In the chair on the right sat, what must have been, the king, King Neldeer, who wore a crown and a grand robe. He held a golden scepter in his left hand. His face was smooth and his beard the color of sand but graying. He wore a smile and sat tall.

On the left sitting in the other less adorned chair sat a very old man, who Clal ventured to assume was the royal examiner. He’d never seen an examiner and didn’t have the faintest idea of what one would even look like or even really was or did.

The man wore a long robe, spectacles, and a strange neckless made of gold. As Clal looked closer he noticed the stone that was suspended in the center of a golden hoop that hung by a chain from the examiner’s neck. The stone, even from Clal’s limited view, was a deep blue that seemed almost alive to his keen eye.

The old man’s bierd fell down his chest and onto his lap. He wore no covered over his gray locks. The man was surveying the crowd of young boys, his head moving back and forth slowly. His eyes were green and surprisingly aware given his age though Clal sensed within their depths that they had seen even the ancient of all days.

“Rythe,” Clal whispered and pointed, “Is that the examiner on the left?”

Rythe didn’t speak but only mouthed the words, “I think so.”

The table was adorned with a scroll, a candle and a few other things which Clal was not able to descifer. When the silence began to give way to whispers, another royal official appeared from the side and stood in front of the table. The trumpets sounded again, then the man who just appeared spoke.

“I present our King, King Neldeer, son of Neldish, King of Eldan Vyum, High King and ruler of all Illia.” The trumpet sounded once more while the man turned and exited the hall.

King Neldeer arose and approached the wooden table.

“Welcome my young Illian youth, our future and and our destiny, the great sons of yesterday’s youth and the youth of our time.” The king smiled and scanned the hall. “You have come from the four corners of our lands and have traveled long to answer the call and duty for your examination in this coming of age time in your lives.”

“Most of you know the history behind this most noble and honorable occurence, however, there may be some who do not. I have asked our royal examiner, Morgreth, to instruct you in this matter.” King Neldeer turned around and took his seat.

Morgreth arose and approached the wooden table. “Greetings to our noble songs of Illia.” His voice was deep and rang through out the hall.

“I am Morgreth, son of Felsawn.” He paused. “Long ago this land was born and all evil had been remitted. The land grew loder, and the people grew greater in number. Though the darkness had given way to light, the great orchestrator of this world knew that this would not always be the case. And so, a bloodline was marked, a path was charted, and the destiny of a great deliverer was sealed.”

Morgreth paused and looked over the vast group of boys. All eyes were upon him. The words he spoke held every boy spellbound. Many of this young generation had never heard this version of Illian history before, especially presented in this manner.

“And though our fathers of old were confident,” Morgreth continued, “that the great deliverer would emerge in his appointed time and place, they did not want to leave the future of our world up to mere chance. Niether the day nor the hour is known by any man and never has been known since this wourld came to be when this deliverer, the chosen one, Sledenolum, would take his place and lead our people home.”

“And so, our fathers thought to seek out this one, to name him and to train him, early, before the dark one lurking and the evils of this world gain the upper hand.”

He stood even taller then said, “I am the examinor. I have been tasked to find this one, our deliverer. And with this yearly officiation and sacred searching hour, we believe the one will be found while the final seeds, the greatest evil that will be sewn by the dark one, are yet in their infancy.”

Morgreth paused.

I will now read the Prophecy.

“Look to the East to find the one,

Who only can unlock the sun

The powers of this world await

Who holds the key to open fate

And when is found this one to name

And take his place beside his fame

Remember this, that with his time

Comes danger, mischief, vicious crime

For not too far from this world’s birth

There was one who roamed the earth

Awaiting chance to stake his claim

Upon each heart that has a name

Yet if our one completes his task

The dark one lurking turns to ash

But if our one turns inward spite

All hope with fade without a fight”

Morgreth concluded and returned to his chair.

Then a woman walked onto the platform followed by a man carrying a lyre. This caused the boys to start to whisper, but they were immediately silenced by the beauty of the woman’s voice.

“O Seldinolum, O Seldinolum

The North Star calls for you

The leaves are falling for the good

That you will bring anew

O Seldinolum, O Seldinolum

The west wind calls for you

Your feet will shine above the land

Each step will bring the truth

O Seldinolum, sweet Seldinolum

The southern country sings

Of one who's task will save us all

Give place where new life springs

O Seldinolum, our Seldinolum

The eastern shores do hum

The tune of hope that truth previals

By that Seldinolum”

When the two musicians finished their presentation, the too exited the hall and disappeared.

King Neldeer arose. “We are pleased to have had our royal musicians present such beauty before us.”

“Now,” the King continued, “Each of you will be called to be examn9ied according to your indiviaual birth month and day. The following young men,” he said as he picked up a scroll from the table and unrolled it, “will approach this platform as your name is called.”

“Olios son of Olioth. Neethum son of Neethum. Sam son of Arg. Rythe son of Deamus. Tuloth son of Tul…” King Neldeer continued to call the young men as one by one stood and walked toward the front of the hall.

“See,” Rythe said, “Your fortune is turning already Clal.” Rythe smiled. “The sooner I’m examined the sooner we can figure out a way out of here...quietly.” Rythe stood then said, “Clal, I will be back soon.”

Rythe walked away just as the others were, through the mass of boys sitting on the stone floor and up the the long eisle to the stone platform. He watched Rythe smile at another boy and begin conversing with him and the boy next to him.

Whent King Neldeer finished calling several of the boys’ names he then added. “No Illian boy is to leave until all have been examined, until the feast afterwards has concluded, and until you all have slept and are well rested for your journey home in the morning.”

Rythe looked at Clal who was looking in Rythe’s direction. Rythe raised his eye brows. But as Clal was reminded by Rythe’s words he said earlier, who would notice them gone when there were so many boys to keep track of?

The boy in front of Rythe began to walk further down the eisle and Rythe followed disappearing from Clal’s site. Clal returned his attention to his immediate surroundings. He fumbled through his pack to find something useful to do, to keep his attention off of the complicated plight he had put himself in. His hand slide acoss something long and slender. “My Mother’s scroll” he thought.

Clal quickly pulled it out and unraveled it until it was full length in his lap.

“Clal, I’ve always loved my twins, my Clal and my Ansa. And though I am far away, you are always with me. Take great care of Ansa. She needs you and you also need her. And above all remember the Winden Family Creed.

“Let all that’s said and done by you,

Be always done and said in truth.”

With all my love,

Your Mother”

Clal smiled, then slowly ran his finger over the Winden Family Creed and across his mother’s name. His smile faded, however, as he realized how very far he was from her side. She was good to him, to all of them. He’s never felt to want for a better mother.

Clal looked up from the scroll paper and heard King Neldeer, once again, begin to announce the names of the next set of boys. A few of the boys had started to walk back from their examinations and Clal expected Rythe to be returning soon and that their plannings for their escape would also commense. Clal looked down again at the scroll from his mother and skimmed the rest of the contents. It was the directions to their new abode in Reubis.

Clal was sitting on the hard stone floor of the hall like the rest of the boys, looking around and fidgeting. Since he was in the very back Clal decided that standing up to stretch for a moment would be of no consequence to anyone around him. So, he rose and stood.

At that exact moment King Neldeer had announced antoher boy’s name and to those who were not privvy to the details, it would have appeared that Clal belonged to that particular name that had just been announced. And so, when Clal hesitated to move and proceed up the eisle of th great hall, the guard who stood in the doorway just behind him coaxed him to join the others promptly.

Clal froze. “I, I…” was all Clal could utter.

The guard stepped closer to Clal then reached over and grasped the hilt of his sword. “No one has ever refused a king’s command to arise and approach the royal platform.” He growled. “Is this what you proposing?”

Clal stared at the guard realizing that he had once again brought another ill turn to his already destitute predicament. “No, sir.” He quickly said. “No.”

“Then take your pack and be on your way.” The guard said.

So, Clal turned around, picked up his pack, and like a scolded dog, slowly made his way up the great hall’s eisle and arrived in front of the platform, a place he had never intended to find himself.

Chapter 4: Ansa

Ansa was awake before the sun had any chance to send its shaffs of golden light over the blue moutnains in the east. The morning sky glowed and she stood up from her bed to enjoy the scene from her window in her room. She knew where she was and her recollection of the happenings the night before were clear in her mind, however, her only unsurity was the feeling she felt that Clal was somehow in trouble.

But, she, was here, and Clal, he was at the blacksmith’s, and it would be three days until they would meet again. “I’m sure he’s fine,” she muttered under her breath. “What trouble could he possibly get into not even less than a day since they parted last?”

Having just made the bed, Ansa sat down retrieved her pack from off of the wooden plank floor and pulled out the scroll from her mother. She opened the scroll and read it allowed.

“To my dearest Ansa,”

“How you’ve grown ever so beautiful and bright. And though we are apart, I will be with you, always. Your dear twin brother, Clal, needs you, and you need him. Take care of each other. If you are ever confused, afraid, or you do not know what to do next, trust the feelings you feel inside, and do your best to follow them. Last of all, Ansa, nver forget teh Winden Family Creed.”

Then Ansa looked up and out the window, no longer needing to read.

“Let all that’s done and said by you,

Be always said and done in truth.”

Her watery eyes returned to the paper.

“Let your path always lead you to the light, my Ansa.

With all my love,

Your Mother.”

Tears were streaming down her face now as she gently rolled up the scroll and tucked it back into her leather pack. Then Ansa spoke without even thinking.

“I’m confused, Mother.” Ansa whispered, holding herself with her arms. She then shook her head and said, “Oh, Clal.”

She slowly arose and stood, frozen, the feelings in her heart were so poignant. She walked to the door, opened it, then carefully closed it until the click of the latch could be heard.

As Ansa walked down the hallway and into the dinning area where Gwen told her to me her the night before, the feeling of alarm did not leave her. She sat at the table and waited for Gwen, and determined that she would tell her about her concern for Clal.

AFter just a few moments, she had her chance. Gwen entered the room with a smile.

“Ansa, good morning.” She said carrying breakfast for the both of them.

“How was your sleep?” Gwen said as she set the plates before them and sat in a chair across from Ansa.

“Oh, fine, thank you,” Ansa replied.

“And do you like eggs and corn meal?” Gwen said pointing with a fork to the food on the plates.

“Yes.” Ansa said. “We had chickens and plenty of eggs growing up.”

“Wonderful.” Gwen said. They both began to eat their breakfast. After a few minutes of enjoying a very well cooked meal, Gwen turned to Ansa and said, “Tell me about yourself, Ansa.”

“Well,” Ansa said, “My full name is Ansallia, twin to Clalion, who we call Clal. He was born forty-one minutes before me. We were born the only day of the year when the crescent moon shines blue.”

“The Azure Moon”, Gwen said.

“Yes.” Ansa continued. “And so, Clal and I, we’ve always been together, never apart, until last night.” She paused. “Our family, we’re apple farmers and have been for many generations. We grow the reddest apples and they taste like they are from the heavens themselves. I have an older brother, Turl who is so kind and who will be taking over our orchards after my mother and father move to Reubis soon. They just told us that our family will be relocating right before our journey to Eldan Vyum.”

“I see,” Gwen said, “And how about you, Ansa.” Gwen sat back in her chair. “I would like to learn more about who you are.” Gwen was amused by her new apprentice’s youthful nature. Ansa brought a happy spirit into her life that was sorely needed.

“Me?” Ansa said, raising her eyebrows. “Well, I’m...a girl of thirteen, and my mother,” Ansa paused, “she calls me beautiful.”

“And you are.” Gwen added.

“I love the sea, as I was raised swimming in its waves and running along its shorelines. I never did mind the sand between my toes after getting home.” Ansa continued. “I like sewing, but never did much.”

“Well,” Gwen interjected, “that just won’t do. I’m here to help you mend your ways.” There was silence for a moment as they both looked at eachother. Then Gwen started to chuckle and Ansa burst out giggling and before long, they both couldn’t stop laughing.

They soon finished their food and Gwen took the dishes into the kitchen. The front room was designated by Gwen as her main work area. This was not customary as the workshop format of that day would have required all work spaces to be further into the house as some projects were private. The distractions of people walking by could also be a hindrance to the work she was about. But, this was the way Gwen liked it, the ability to see the townspeople and they surely could see her through the large shop window in the front.

Ansa entered the front room and sat down on one of the few soft chairs. She surveyed her surroundings; piles of fabric, half sewn clothing, and a hundred spools of thread of every color imaginable filled one wall of the large room. There was a large table in the middle of the room almost over run with various piles and half finished clothes. In the middle of the table was a large pin cushion the size of a bushel of apples. The walls were yellow, the light was dim, and by the looks of it, Ansa had arrived at an opportune time to help judging by the room being overrun with supplies.

However, Ansa’s heart wasn’t overjoyed like it was when they arrived yesterday. Part of her

However, Ansa’s heart wasn’t completely there and the excitement she felt last night had given way to the incessant feeling that Clal was lost, in danger, or worse, hurt. “I have to tell Gwen,” Ansa muttered.

“Tell me what?” Gwen said, walking into the room.

Ansa jumped and immediately stood up from her chair.

“Sit,” Gwen ordered, eying Ansa. “Let me tell you something.” She said with a smile.

“I knew Nareete before she ever met Dalbus. The moment I saw you, Ansa, last night, it was like I was seeing Nareete again. The two of us were good friends and knew eachother for a handful of years growing up.” Gwen sat closer to Ansa. “She was special and I grew to love your mother and I believe that we were so very close because we were so very much alike. And when I got her letter that she wanted to you become an apprentice and that she chose me, I was so flattered.”

“Now, I knew when I saw you last night that you were just like your mother. I knew that you too were special and so I felt like you and I were already old friends. I felt like I knew you and I don’t think you’ll disappoint me no matter what you say or do. But there’s something else Ansa,” Gwen said, now with eyes still bright but her smile had gone.

“I knew that when I was with your mother, things wouldn’t always go as planned, something I’ll explain to you when we have more time.” Gwen said. “But, when I saw you last night, for that very first time, I knew my plan for you to work with me for several months, well, I knew it wouldn’t end up being like I expected it to. I didn’t understand why then, but now I think I’m starting to. So,” she sat straight up, “It’s alright. What is this that you feel you have to tell me?”

“I don’t want to tell you, Gwen,” Ansa said looking down at her lap, “But I will.”

“My brother, Clal, we’re twins. And though some do not believe it, wer’e…” Ansa hesitated, “...connected, though I’ve never fully understood how.” Ansa’s posture became less rigid and she felt better already.

“There have been times, many times through the years, when I’ve felt things, known things, well, about Clal and whether he needs me, you know, needs help at certain times. And when I’ve followed those feelings, I’ve always been glad that I did. And when I didn’t,” Ansa winced, “It’s always led to disaster.”

Gwen was watching Ansa and listening closely. But, Ansa stopped and took the opportunity to ask Ansa a question.

“So, is this what you wanted to tell me, about what it’s like to be a twin? Or…”

“Not exactly,” Ansa said.

“I believe you, Ansa.” Gwen said.

“This morning, when I awoke, I had one of those feelings, a feeling that Clal…” Ansa said, “...that something’s wrong.”

Gwen nodded then leaned over and clasped hands with Ansa. “I’m glad you told me. This isn’t just you worrying or you being nervious in a new place. I believe this is real.” Gwen smiled, “Trust your feelings. I will help you.”

“I know Clal went to the blacksmith’s, to Tallon’s. And Rythe went to the castle for the examination. He should be there now. But I can’t imagine what could have happened since last night. It hasn’t been very long at all.”

“It sounds to me like you are reasoning your way out of this.” Gwen said.

“What do you mean?” asked Ansa.

“Sometimes, the things that make the lease sense are those things that are the most clearly understood later on.” Gwen winked.

“So…” Ansa said feeling a sudden surge of courage, “Clal really does need me and I really am meant to find out why. Gwen, “Ansa stood up again, “I’m going to the Tallon the blacksmith to talk to Clal. And I’m going there right this instant.”

“Wonderful, Ansa,” Gwen arose from her chair. “And I will come with you.”

Ansa immediately embraced Gwen, “I’m so glad I’m not alone in this.”

“No,” Gwen, “You’re not alone. Even if you were, no one is ever really truly alone.

Ansa smiled.

“Let’s get going then, Ansa, right away.” Gwen said. “I must gather a few things. You be sure to go and get your pack. Meet me here shortly.”

Gwen left the room while Ansa returned to the room she had spent the night in. She grabbed her pack, felt the slender shape of the scroll then whispered as she turned around to leave the room, “I’m trusting those feelings, mother, and I’ll do the very best I can.”

Ansa entered the front room once again, but Gwen had yet to return. When she did, she too was carrying a pack and simply said, “I’m a fish out of water when I’m not prepared.”

They were soon walking down the streets of Eldan Vyum, a sleepy town beginning to wake up. Groups of boys were running through the streets, some marching quickly along the road. Ansa knew Clal wouldn’t be among any of them so she did not pay any attention to them.

They turned a corner and there before them was a building with a large sign above the door that said, “Tallon the Blacksmith.”

Ansa knocked on the door. There was no answer. She walked over to the window, rubbed the film of dirt from the glass. There was no light in the window. They quickly walked around the parameter and discovered that there was no light in any window of Tallon’s blacksmith’s shop.

“It looks deserted, Gwen. Clal isn’t here, is he?” Strangely, Ansa smiled. Though it was an alarming realization, and she was almost overwhelmed with the shock of it, she knew that following her feelings once again had not led her astray.

“Where do you suppose Clal is?” Gwen said.

Ansa didn’t answer right away. Gwen’s questioned reminder her of something that Rythe had said during their journey to Eldan Vyum.

“The inn.” Ansa said, “How many inns are there here?”

“Two, and there’s one just a mile north of here.”

“Can you take me there?” asked Ansa.

“I will,” Gwen said and once again they were off trudging through the city. They soon reached the inn and entered. Ansa and Gwen approached the counter. The inn keeper was standing behind with his back to them.

Gwen spoke first, “Pardon me Mr. Inn Keeper,” she said.

The inn keeper spun around, took one look at Gwen then said, “Well, Gwen, what a surprise to see you up this way.” He smiled. “I thought you had a room or two in that shop of yours. You haven’t come to stay have you?”

“Of course not, Morry,” she smiled. “We have a bit of an urgent matter and we need your help?”

Morry looked down at Ansa, then back at Gwen. Then he whispered, “Follow me.”

When there were visitors, and there often were, who insisted on speaking privately with Morry, there was always a room he took them to where their conversations could not be overheard. Gwen herself had been there before.

They sat down in the chairs that lined the room then Gwen said, “Thank you Morry.” Gwen turned to Ansa. “This is my friend, Ansa.” Gwen said. “Go ahead, Ansa. Tell Morry why we came.”

“It’s my brother,” she began, “I think he and his friend might have stayed here last night.”

“Oh,” Morry chuckled, “There were many boys last night and who’ve already left this morning. Are you going to ask me to try to remember your brother by your description because…”

“No,” Ansa said, “but he was supposed to stay with Tallon, the blacksmith. We visited the blacksmith and…”

“Was he there?” Morry said excitedly.

“Tallon wasn’t there and it looked like the place hadn’t been visited or lived in for weeks or even months.” Ansa said.

“Tallon the blacksmith,” Morry said scratching his beard. “Ansa, I remember two young men ask my about Tallon and if I had seen him lately, of which I replied that I hadn’t seen him for a very long time. Which, has been strange because of his frequent visits to my in. He was very fond of our particular ale that we serve here.”

“What did these two young men look like?” Gwen asked.

“One had blond hair and striking blue eyes. The other,” Morry thought, “Well he had curly brown hair with a cleft chin.”

“Yes!” Ansa said, clasping her hands together. “Can you tell Clal that I am here to see him?”

“I can’t,” Morry said, “They left this morning like all of the other boys for the examination. I assume that’s where they were going when they left only an hour or so ago.”

“The examination?” Ansa said with a furrowed brow. “But why would Clal go to the castle for the examination? Rythe is of age. Clal is not.”

“Perhaps the only way to find out is to ask him yourself.” Gwen said. “But, do we know that he’s there with him now?”

“I don’t know. But, if I were Clal, I would have decided to stick together,” Ansa said. Then she shook her head, “This doesn’t make any sense.”

Gwen put her hand on Ansa’s shoulder. “I’m sure Tallon’s absence would have been very confusing being late and having never met Tallon or even been in the city.”

“But why didn’t they come back to your shop, Gwen, when they discovered that Tallon wasn’t there?” Ansa asked.

“I don’t know, Ansa.” Gwen replied, “They might have had a good reason at that moment.”

“They left in quite the hurry,” Morry said.

They must have gone to the examination, Ansa thought. But why? She didn’t exactly understand. All she knew was that Clal and Rythe must still be together, that they were at the castle or in route, and that some danger had or would soon befall Clal or the both of them. What now?

“Morry,” Gwen turned to him, “Thank you for your help.”

“My pleasure,” he said.

“I think we understand enough for the time being. I believe we’ll be on our way.” Gwen concluded.

“Thank you, Morry.” Ansa smiled at Morry.

“I hope you find Clal and Rythe soon,” he said.

Ansa and Gwen said goodbye to Morry then left the inn and stood in front for a moment to gather their thoughts. Gwen looked around then motioned for Ansa to follow. They arrived at a quiet alley way between buildings.

“I should go home with you, Gwen.” Ansa said. “I should wait. Clal will be back.”

“What about the castle?” Gwen said. “And your feelings? They haven’t steered your wrong yet, now have they.” Gwen smiled. She really was a good friend.

“I can’t just walk into the castle and ask where Clal is.” Ansa said. “And if I find a way into the castle, which I can’t believe I”m even saying,” Ansa sighed, “Where would I look for him without being noticed?”

Gwen thought for a moment then said, “Ansa, what if walking right into the castel is the answer?

Gwen put her finger on her chin and her other hand on her hip. “We’ll go to the castle together,” She announced. “I’ll tell them we are there to deliver some mended clothing from Gwen’s shop.” Gwen pulled out a large pile of clothes from her pack. “I will tell them that you will deliver the goods and that I must be back to the shop for more mending. You’ll enter the castle then steal away and the rest will be up to you.”

“Hmm,” Ansa said, “That might work.” After thinking there could be no way to gracefully enter the castle, Gwen’s plan actually sounded believable.

Ansa smiled then said, “Let’s do it.”

“Here, take this.” She handed Ansa the pile of clothes as well as an apron. “These will help us look the part.”

They each tied their aprons around their waist, hands whipping back and forth. When they had finished Ansa asked, “Which way is the castle?”

“This way,” Gwen pointed. They left the alley and disappeared down the city street.

They walked a ways, the castle growing closer. Ansa marveled at the scene, a silent, grey giant towering over an endless seav of colorful buildings and rooftops of the city below.

Ansa bit her lip wondering if their plan would work. She followed Gwen until they both stood before the royal gate, three guards on the right. One guard walked toward them.

“State your business?” He said.

“I am Gew the seamstress,” she said. “We’ve come to deliver an urgent delivery.”

“There are no deliveries today,” the guard said. “It is examination day. Only a few are allowed in or out of the castle. Good day!”

“I am sorry but I believe you are mistaken,” Gwen said taking a step toward the guard. “This delivery is of the greatest importance.”

“I have not been informed of such a delivery.” the guard replied.

Gwen thought then dug into her pack and lifted out a small sack. “I have here, guard a pouch that might change the way you remember whether you were informed of our anticipated arrival.” She tossed the pouch, which landed at the guard’s feet.

The guard retrieved the pouch from the grassy turf, opened it up and poured part of the contents into his other hand. Golden coins glinted in the morning sun. The guard stared at Gwen.

“Where did you come by such precious metals,” the guard said slowly. “How do I know you’re not some kind of thief?”

“A thief?” Gwen said, cheeks turning red. “All you do is stand still in order to earn your wages. I on the other hand toil with my hands for hours a day. I’ve saved for months not knowing what I might use these golden coins for. And now, I offer them as payment to be able to make passage into the castle so that I can deliver a royal delivery that on any other day would not have been questioned.”

“Sire,” Ansa said, “We need to deliver these clothes...today.”

The guard looked looked at these two standing in front of him. He handled the coins for a moment then fed them back into the pouch. He tied the string and walked over to Gwen.

“I cannot be persuaded by the contents in this pouch,” he handed it back to Gwen. “However, you appear to me to be honest women, sincere in your desire to fulfill your duty. That is honorable. I believe there is no evil deed at work here.”

“She will go in my stead as I am behind which is why this delivery is late.” Gwen said, which was the truth.

“What is your name?” the guard turned to Ansa.

“Ansa,” she replied.

“Ansa, you may enter the castle. If you are questioned, tell them Borrgof the guard allowed your entry today.” Borrgof turned, opened the gate, then returned to his post.

Another guard approached Ansa and said, “I will be your escort.” He started to walk toward the castle.

Ansa walked over to Gwen.

“What now?” asked Ansa.

“Ask for Lyoria, the royal maiden. Then, make this delivery.” Gwen embraced Ansa and felt as if she was her own daughter. “Then, dear Ansa, I believe you will know what to do.”

They released their embrace and Ansa said, “Thank you, Gwen. Thank you for everything. I will return soon.” Then they said goodbye and both walked in opposite directions. Ansa turned and watched Gwen disappear among the city folk busily passing through the streets.

The journey to the castle was short and Ansa found herself standing before one of the few castle doors. A guard standing near by opened the door, then Ansa followed her escort into the darkness. The door closed with a loud “Boom!”

Ansa’s eyes only adjusted when they turned the stone corner of a narrow hallway. She followed in silence as she rehearsed in her mind what she would say to Lyoria. She still held her pack at her side, all of her belongings brought to Eldan Vyum, safely tucked away. A bit of home was a comfort to Ansa in such a time of uncertainty.

The guard led Ansa down a few castle halls and around several corners and even up a few small flights of steps. Finally, they turned and followed the length of a short hallway with a small door at its end.

The guard knocked. They waited, then the door opened partially. He leaned over slightly and spoke a few quiet words and pointed in Ansa’s direction. He paused then directed Ansa to approach. He waved her into the room and the woman, whom Ansa assumed was Lyoria, guided her in as the guard closed the door to the room.

They walked to the center of the room and Lyoria turned around and addressed Ansa. “Greetings. I’m Lyoria, the royal maiden.” She smiled slightly. “What is this delivery the guard was telling me about on such a day as this?”

Ansa didn’t answer but handed her the clothing that Gwen instructed her to deliver. Lyoria received the pile of clothes. Then, a flash of white fell to the floor. They both had seen it. Lyoria quickly snatched it up. It appeared to be an envelope. Lyoria looked at Ansa then turned and walked toward a table. She set the clothes down on the table, picked up her spectacles then sat down on a chair and opened the envelope.

Ansa walked slowly toward Lyoria and watched as she pulled out a golden token of some sort and a piece of paper. She unfolded the paper and began to read. Here eyes shot back and forth and down the page. Lyoria looked up from the paper as she folded it up and returned the letter back into the envelope. However, the golden item Lyoria had been holding in her hand she set gently on the table.

“Please sit down,” Lyoria said, who was now reaching for a silver platter which she placed in the center of the table. “That was a note from Gwen.” Lyoria pulled a candle stick close to her which was currently lit and held the envelope above it. It took on the candles flames then Lyoria set it in the middle of the silver dish.

“Gwen has told me that you are her new apprentice, but that you have become more than just handmaiden. That you have bonded and that you are surely one of us.” Lyoria said. “And so, she is trusting me to divulge our secret to you...Ansa.”

“You’re secret? One of you?” Ansa repeated. By this time the letter was all but a pile of black and gray ashes.

“I am on the inside of the castle and Gwen is without. The kingdom, the land of Illia appears to be at peace,” Lyoria leaned forward, “But it is not.”

“Over many years there formed an underground force of men, women, and children, who bear this emblem as a token of their task,” she held up the golden token which bore a crescent moon and a cluster of stars encircled by a sun. “This force has no name but only this token. We exist to inform and to protect, and Gwen said she knows your heart Ansa. And so, will you join us?”

“I will,” Ansa said without hesitation. “I will because Gwen is right.” Ansa hesitated. Somehow she no longer felt like a girl in this moment, for she had put on her bravery earlier that day and her statured continued to grow.

Ansa felt to speek freely to Lyoria. “I have heard of the RISHK recently, Lyoria, and fell as if there is something wrong with who they are. And though I am scared even to hear or speak their name, I too wish to do something about them.”

“The RISHK, Ansa, we have learned much about, a topic of which we cannot discuss here.” Lyoria spoke quietly. “But, may you know that they are always on our watch, and that they are not as keen and witty as they think themselves to be.”

“Now, I like you Ansa. You remind me of Gwen in her younger years.” Lyoria smiled. “Let us discuss your brother. I wish to help you find him. Gwen tells me he may be in danger?”

“Thank you, Lyroia.” Ansa said.

“Please, don’t thank me yet,” she said, “I still have yet to think of a way for you to find your brother secretly. Is this what you wish?”

Lyoria looked at Ansa then arose. She spent a few minutes rummaging through piles of things and walking from one corner of her room to the other opening cabinets and drawers. It wasn’t until she picked up a white apron that she exclaimed, “Of course! The feast!”

She hurried over to Ansa holding the white apron up in front of her, “I believe this is our best chance. We’ll dress you up like one of the staff for the examination feast. You can casually find your brother, give him a note that you’ll write, then meet him in a secluded hallway for a brief conversation.”

“Do you really think that could work?” Ansa said.

“Am I not the royal maiden?” Lyoria said. “I too work my own magic here. Let’s get you into this apron and the rest of the staff uniform.”

Ansa slipped the uniform and apron over her own clothes. She kept her pack with her which was flat and couldn’t be detected from the baggy clothing she was now wearing.

“How do I look?” Ansa said.

“Perfect.” Lyoria said. “We should leave immediately.”

They left the room and Ansa walked beside Lyoria as they hurried through the castle halls.

“Now,” Lyoria said, “the feast begins when the great castle bell rings out its five great bellows. The great examination ends at different times each year since the number of boys varies. If the bell rings a total of ten times then this is the indication that the chosen one has been found ushering in a new Illian era.”

“I can’t even imagine such a day,” Ansa said.

“It will be a grand day, though not all things and people in Illia will rejoice.” Lyoria said. “The prophecy said that they will be days of danger, mischeif, viscious crime.” Lyoria spoke as they continued to walk down the long halls and up and down stair ways toward the place of the feast.

“When I was a little girl, Ansa, I wanted to help make those dark days brighter. When I met Gwen we became friends. Then I learned that she shared the same feelings. We organized a group and as the years passed on our group grew. We are now prepared to aid the chosen one in whatever is necessary to be done. And now you’re one of us.”

“Though I don’t know what to do.”

“Let’s find your brother first. Then, you can turn your attention to what this all might mean for you.” Lyoria smiled. “We are going to stop here before I take you to the kitchen.”

They approached two large doors. Lyoria pulled the brass handle and it swung open freely. A blinding shaft of light burst from behind. Lyoria walked through, then Ansa. It was the royal garden which was at the center of the castle surrounded on all sides by stone walls.

There were numerous bushes and flowers of all shapes and colors. Several wooden structures with benches beneath held tangles of ivy on top of them. Winding paths through a lush golden turf. And in the center of the garden was a tall held, three quarters rounded, that was as high as two grown men. White roses grew from the perfectly shaped hedge. The garden was half in shadow, as the sun had not yet reached its peak.

“We will select the best white roses from that tall hedge over there,” Lyoria pointed who guided her in that direction. She handed Ansa a basket which she hadn’t noticed Lyoria was carrying. Lyoria handed her a set of golden scissors. Ansa found the flowers with the largest blooms and brightest white petals to be of her liking and she cut the stems of these one and set them in her basket. She was only working like this for a few minutes when something caught her eye.

Lyoria was gathering flowers several feet away and on a branch above her there was a castle sparrow. It was looking in Ansa’s direction.

Ansa smiled, then laughed to herself. She continued to collect flowers when she heard the castle sparrow chirp and chatter. So she looked in it’s direction once again. This time, she began to slowly walk toward it.

She was close to Lyoria now and said to her as she was clipping another flower, “Look, Lyoria.” she pointed above her. The castle sparrow was still eying Ansa though she had walked part way across the garden.

“A castle sparrow.” Lyoria said. “They come here often.”

Ansa continued to walk closer to the castle sparrow until she was almost right below it. It hopped from one twig to another now halfway down the hedge.

“Hello,” Ansa said. “Aren’t you a sweet thing. “The castle sparrow fluttered it’s wings and hovered then chattered and chirped.”

“Come boy. Come.” Ansa said raising her hand in the air and extending her finger out.

To Lyoria’s great surprise the castle sparrow jumped from branch to branch then landed on Ansa’s shoulder. It paused for a moment then hopped down her arm and finally onto her outstretched finger.

Lyoria’s jaw gapped open, eyes wide. “How...did you do that?” She continued to watch as this abnormally rare phenomenon continued to unfold.

Ansa was smiling from ear to ear. She too was amazed at the behavior of her new found friend. In all her years in the woods, nothing like this had ever happened to her before. Ansa looked at the castle sparrow as he looked up at her.

“Hello,” she said to the castle sparrow. “What brings you to the royal garden today?”

The sparrow flapped its wings and took to flight only to hover in front of Ansa’s face then rest back onto her finger. Then, the sparrow began to sing a beautiful tune.

“Lyonia, that sounds like a song,” Ansa said smiling.

“It...is,” Lyonia said slowly. “I can’t believe it. He’s singing the song of the prophecy.”

The sparrow continued to sing as Ansa and Lyonia were silently listening to his high pitched whistle. When he continued, the castle sparrow rustled his feathers then hopped up Ansa’s arm and rested on her shoulder.

“So what does this prophecy say,” Ansa asked Lyonia.

“It speaks of the chosen one, and of the time when…”

“Dong!”

Lyonia’s voice trailed off as the sound of the great castle bell boomed and echoed throughout the garden.

“Oh,” Lyonia jumped. “It can’t be. It’s the feast…we must be on our way.”

“Where do we go?” asked Ansa.

“They’re early,” Lyoria continued to panic, “Which means we’re late.”

“Dong!”

Then the castle sparrow chirped a few chirps and darted into the sky. When Ansa thought that her little friend had all but vanished, the castle sparrow reappeared, chirping and chattering and fluttering at eye level of Ansa.

“Dong!”

Then the sparrow did the same thing, up into the sky then down to Ansa, chirping and flapping vigorously. She put out her hand and outstretched her finger again, but the sparrow refused to come to her.

“He’s…” Ansa whispered to herself, “...trying to...tell me something?”

But Lyonia overheard, “Tell you what do you think?”

“Dong!”

“I...don’t,” Ansa too had the same question. She looked at the sparrow and nodded. “Yes? What is it little sparrow?”

“Dong!”

As soon as Ansa said the words the sparrow shot off in a different direction. It was soon hovering in front of the doors that they both had first entered the garden through.

“He wants me to follow him, Lyonia.” Ansa said starting to walk toward the doors. But, Lyonia didn’t move. Her hand was cupped to her ear and she was listening for something, unbeknownst to Ansa. “What is it Lyonia?”

“It’s the bell,” Lyonia whispered, “Will it ring a sixth time I wonder?” But, to her dismay the bell fell silent. There would be no displays of celebration heard from the castle bell to announce the finding of the chosen one this day. “No Seldinolum.” She frowned.

“He’ll come.” Ansa said.

Lyonia turned to Ansa and said, “We must leave and help for the feast. We must hurry.”

“But this castle sparrow, I must follow it.” Ansa then looked into her eyes. “It’s leading me somewhere.”

Ansa decided to leave Lyonia and ran to the doors to where the castle sparrow was now flying back and forth.

Once Lyonia caught up with Ansa, Ansa insisted, “We must open the doors.”

Lyonia moved to the doors and pulled open one of them enough for a person to enter. The sparrow dove in and disappeared behind it.

“Lyonia, I must follow where this sparrow takes me. I don’t know why but I know that I must.” Ansa said.

“May our paths cross again.” She walked over to Ansa and pulled something out of her pocket. “Gwen, wanted you to have this.” Lyonia took her hand and placed the golden token into her palm. “Safe guard this with your very own life, Ansa. Farewell.”

Lyonia ran to the baskets of flowers then off toward the other side of the garden. Ansa turned then slipped through the large garden door. She pulled it closed then spun around looking for the castle sparrow.

The castle sparrow was standing now in the middle of the stone floor. Once Ansa had entered the hallway it chirped two times then shot into the air and around the corner of another castle hallway. Ansa looked around, slowly inching forward then she lept forward and followed. She turned the corner and watched the sparrow zig-zag through the air. It was flying so fast, Ansa wondered if she would be able to keep up with the little sparrow. Through the castle it led her. She did not recognize any of her surroundings. She was almost certain the sparrow was leading her into an entirely different part of the castle.

At one point Ansa heard some commotion ahead of her which caused heart to beat twice as fast. But the sounds of talking and footsteps didn’t linger and so she ceased from her worrying.

The sparrow would often pause, hovering in the air or would find a perch to rest on, then would dart into the air and fly at full speed. At last, they came to a complete stop and the sparrow stood in the center of the hallway. Then Ansa heard footsteps to their left. They were guards and they came around the corner before Ansa could hide from their view.

“A girl!” one of the guards shouted. “What she doing in this part of the castle?”

Ansa gasped. The only option she had now was to run down the long hall in front of her. She darted forward.

“Halt!” said the guards. Then sounds both of squawking and yelling echoed through the hall. “Get rid of this rogue bird!”

Ansa had made her way down the hall and up a short flight of stairs. She thought she heard more voices and was about to turn down another hallway fearing that she was now surrounded.

Just then the sparrow zoomed past Ansa’s left ear. It flew for a moment then Ansa saw the sparrow swoop to the right and through a low archway in the center of the hallway. She followed the castle sparrow and ran through the archway. Ansa tripped on something right after turning the corner and slid face down along the stone floor. She looked behind her to where she’d just come.

The archway had now begun to close as one stone on the other began to materialize sealing her in. She heard the guards beyond the sealed wall run by and knew that she was safe there.

Chapter 5: The Examination

When Clal reached the front of the hall, a few other boys hd begun to gather. Clal avoicded any eye contact and looked ahead for chance to be one of the first boys to proceed. A man appeared than said.

“You may move forward.” he said and Clal followed the one other boy toward a door and out of the hall. “They turned a few corners then down a circular staircase. They entered a larger corridor with a vaulted ceiling. The line of boys marched along the length of it arriving before an ornately decorated wall made of blue, yellow and red stones.

A grand and tall door resided in the center of the wall and the knob was of the most exquisite polished gold.

A guard, decorated and adorned with a blue sash and blue jewels on the hilt of his sword stood before the door. The man that led them to this point turned to the boys and spoke.

“We’ve arrived before the examination chamber. Each one of you will stand before the examiner, the grand enchanter, Morgreth, who will employ an ancient magic to reveal the chosen one, Seldinolum, our deliverer. Once found, all other examinations cease and all boys will return to the great hall for the long awaited coronation ceremony that will immediately commence.”

The man knocked on the door, “tap, tap...tap, tap.” It opened. He turned to the boy in front of Clal. “Young man, you may proceed.” He was ushered into the room and the chamber door closed behind him.

Clal stood there looking at the door. He noticed a singulary tree at the top and a group of people on the bottom of the door connected by a long line. There were symbols that Clal could not read. The scene was curious to Clal.

Before Clal had a chance to think much about anything else, the door opened and the man turned to Clal. “You may enter” he said as he ushered him into the chamber. Clal stepped in and the chamber door once again slid shut. Clal walked several paces down a narrow hall then into the main chamber area. The room was lit by four torches in its corners and the ceiling was vaulted high above him up into a point.

The floor was fashioned of two large circles, the center as wide as a wagon wheel, made of a white, translucent stone. It was set inside a larger circle that was covered in strange markings and filled almost the entire width of the room.

The walls bore the same markings. However, each of the four walls depicted a scene that Clal did not recognize. Each scene was a representation of a prophecy fulfilled and of a time that had not taken place yet. There was a great battle with many people. A scene of just a forest. A dragon, white and masterfully depicted. And then there was a sword gripped by an unknown hand that was set inside the very sun itself.

Clal also noticed a table that was set almost against the wall opposite himself. There was a candle and a scroll and Morgreth sat in a chair behind it eyeing Clal’s every move. Clal was startled at first to see him so inconspicuously watching.

“Come forward,” Morgreth’s voice boomed. “What is your name?”

Clal hesitated. “Clal Winden,”

“Where are you from, Clal Winden?”

“I am from the west near the sea.” Clal said. “Do you know the valley of Lyrune?”

“Yes,” Morgreth slowly nodded. “I do know that region of Illia. It is beautiful.”

“Yes, it is.” Clal replied.

“And,” Morgreth continued. “Your age?”

Again Clal hesitated, but this time the words of the Winden Family Creed came into his mind, that he must always be true. “Thirteen.”

“Thirteen?” Morgreth his bushy eyebrows and he sat up a little taller and leaned into the table. “Then how did you come to be here?”

“By mistake, sir.” Clal said swallowing hard.

“I see,” Morgreth arose. “Remember Clal, there are rarely if ever any moments in our Illian time when, where we find ourselves can ever truly be called a mistake.”

Morgreth walked from behind the table toward Clal who was still standing in the middle of the room. When he was just a foot away from Clal, the stone in the center of the hoop that was hanging from Morgreth’s neck began to glow faintly. Clal’s eyes were wide as he watched the faint glow continue to increase in brightness. Then Clal began to inch backwards away from Morgreth.

“Clal?” Morgreth said.

“I’m sorry. I…” Clal continued to stare at the stone. “I am afraid.”

“Fear is the enemy, Clal, an enemy to all light, and is a thief. It devours everything in its path if we allow it to.” Then Morgreth gently said, “Do not be afraid, Clal.” He smiled then said, “Are you ready to continue the examination?”

“Yes,” Clal said.

When Morgreth again approached Clal, the stone began to glow just as before. This time Morgreth lifted the gold chain of the necklace off of himself then slipped the necklace over Clal’s hair until it rested on his neck. The stone continued to glow steadily while Morgreth returned to his seat. He sat down without a sound and continued to watch Clal. He waited.

After a long pause with no immediate change, Morgreth placed his palms on the table and leaned forward to raise himself up from his chair. It was then that the blue stone burst forth a brilliant beam of light that collided with one of the walls. The wall itself began to illuminate, then the next wall, then the next until all of the walls were glowing. The circle upon which Clal was standing also began to glow.

Clal raised his hands in front of his chest. He rotated his hand back and forth as the light from the stone bathed his fingers and palms with blue light. Clal’s attention was drawn back to the walls as he began to hear faint noises and noticed that the scenes on the walls were moving. The greatest of all was the scene where Seldinolum was swinging his grand sword against his mighty foe, the brightest of all, the sword was in flames.

As Clal continued to look at each wall a song began to emit from the stone that hung from his neck. Clal heard the song begin to echo in the chamber and did not recognize the tune. He wanted so much to know what it was. “What is this song Morgreth?” he said.

“It is the song of the prophecy, Clal, that I recited just a few hours ago in the great hall.”

Clal listened to the song. In that moment Clal felt peace, he felt strength, he was filled with hope and joy. He could not remember what it ever felt like to feel fear, to feel doubt.

When the song completed, to Clal’s surprise and almost by instinct he pulled the chain from his neck and returned the necklace to Morgreth.

“Clal,” Morgreth immediately said. “It is vital that you listen carefully to what I am about to divulge to you.”

Clal nodded.

“I am a keeper of the ancient light and from those ancient days I have come to shepherd the wielders of light.” Morgreth arose once again and stood in front of Clal.

“Clal, I am certain,” he now spoke in a quiet voice, “that you are indeed the chosen one. But...” Morgreth then leaned even closer to Clal and said, “...Clal, you and I will be the only ones who knows this when you leave the confines of this chamber. We will safeguard this truth for the entire examination tradition was concocted by our forefathers as a grand diversion. I alone am the only one that knows this.” Morgreth paused, “The chosen one, now you, Clal, was never intended to be exposed in the manner that has been invented by the kingdom’s magistrates. For the darkness, the enemies of Illia are not all known and the purpose of your calling, Clal, is only to be known at the utmost necessary moment.”

Morgreth reached into his robe and retrieved from deep within a scroll and passed it to Clal who took it from him. “But enough of that for now. Take this scroll. You must be on your way so as not to cause suspicion that you are the chosen one. Read it in private then meet me after the fifth ring of the great castle bell.”

“Where?” Clal said.

“It is all in the scroll.” He then motioned for him to walk down the hall and exit the chamber. “Through that door down there. We shall see eachother again shortly Clal Winden.” Then Morgreth added, “And please bring Rythe along.”

Clal walked down the hall, opened the door and before he closed it he heard Morgreth say, “Please send another youth in.”

When Clal closed the door a man was awaiting Clal. “Follow me,” he said. Clal followed the man down a very long hallway. They then passed under a large arch and into the great hall once again. Remembering where Rythe and him had been sitting before, Clal walked toward the back of the great hall. He saw Rythe sitting there. Rythe caught sight of Clal and sit up quickly keeping his gaze fixed on him.

“Clal, hello.” Rythe said.

“Hello Rythe.” Clal replied, and for the first time in his life he could not think of anything to say.

Clal and Rythe sat there quit for a long time as names were called and boys went to be examined. They both knew the examination process now, it was no longer a mystery. The great mystery that remained was how Clal could truly be the chosen one, and how what was said in the prophecies, the lore, and in the songs of old were all referring to him, Clal Winden of Lyrune. This was unfathimoable.

He remembered the greatness depicted in the statues and in the walls that were so vividly moving in the examination chamber. How could that be about him? It was too much to think about. He turned his attention to the last things Morgreth told him which was to read the scroll and meet him after the fifth chime of the castle bell.

“Clal? Where were you? Were you...examined?” Rythe finally asked.

Clal turned to him and nodded. “I stood up to stretch my legs and the guard coaxed me thinking I arose at the call of my name.” Clal smiled. “But, I survived. See, I’m here.”

“The examiner,” Rythe said, “did he take off that strange necklace and put it on you too?”

“Yes,” Clal said.

“Then what happened?” Rythe said.

“Nothing.” Clal said sitting rigidly. His palms were beginning two sweat.

“Me too. I imaged an entirely different process.” Rythe said smiling from one side of his mouth.

“I didn’t know what expect exactly. I was just afraid they would somehow find out I wasn’t supposed to be there.”

“Well we’re supposed to be concocting a plan to get out of here with out being noticed.” Rythe said. “Have you thought of anything?”

“Yes, Clal smiled.” I have just the thing. “But first, I have to read something.” Clal pulled out the small scroll Morgreth gave him. “Rythe, can you sit behind me and cover me as I read this. Sometimes castle guards can be quite nosey I’ve heard.”

They repositioned themselves and Clal began to read the contents of the scroll.

“To the chosen one,

At the time that you read these words you will have already been directed to meet me, Morgreth. Here are your instructions. When you leave the great hall there will be a long hallway on your right that will lead you to a flight of stairs. Once you’ve reached those flight of stairs your path will be marked by a symbol on the walls that will be very small. The token or symbols to look for will be a crescent moon and a cluster of stars enveloped by a great sun. You will find your way through the castle and to the appointed location only by following the symbols inconspicuously placed on the ceilings or walls.

Do not delay once the fifth chime has rung.

Until we meet, may safety be at your side, always.

Morgreth.”

Clal quickly put the scroll in his pack and turned to Rythe. “I’m finished reading. Do you know about the feast.”

“Yes,” Rythe said.

“We will leave after the castle bell is finished ringing. It rings five times.” Clal said quietly.

“Right.” Rythe said. Then he leaned over and said, “Clal, are you alright?”

“Yes,” Clal sighed. “It’s just been a very different few days than I would have ever imagined. I’m still in the castle and never should have been here. I’m worried. It’s alright Rythe. We’ll soon be on our way, I'm sure.”

There were boys still coming and going but time seemed to be passing quickly. Soon, Clal knew, it would be time to try the plan that Morgreth set out for him. He trusted Morgreth, and that made all the difference.

King Neldeer arose once more after Rythe and Clal had been talking for a while. “I’d like to announce that this is the final group of Illian youth to be called for the examination.” He then began to call out several more names and several boys arose and took their place at the front of the hall.

Rythe leaned over to Clal, “We are close, Clal.”

“Follow my lead, Rythe.” Clal said smiling.

They both sat in the back of the hall waiting, barely even breathing. Clal had never attempted anything so daring and dangerous before. His heart began to race as he imagined sneaking off into the hallway and running through the halls as all the guards in the castle chased them down. It was a thrilling thought, one that he would have rather kept as a scene from one of his imaginary adventures. But here he was, awaiting the castle bells, on the verge of attempting an escape almost against his will.

“Dong!”

“Rythe, the castle bells.” Clal said. “The feast will begin soon. This marks the end of the examinations.”

“Dong!”

“The examinations have now concluded for the year,” the King announced. “The feast will begin shortly. Please wait to be escorted to the royal dining hall.”

“Dong!”

Boys all through the hall began to stand in groups and the hall almost erupted immediately in conversation. Rythe and Clal also stood and styed close together eyeing every doorway.

“Tell me, Clal,” Rythe said, “Which way?”

“We’ll be using the right hall so stay to the right when we finally begin to move.” Clal said.

“Dong!”

“When did you think up this plan, Clal?” Rythe said with a smile but squinted eyes.

“I will explain later, Rythe.” Clal met his gaze and smiled. “Remember what you said about fortune turning in my favor…” Clal winked.

“Dong!”

“That’s it,” Clal whispered to himself, “That’s it.”

King Neldeer once again addressed the great hall. “Guards, please escort the sons of Illia into the royal dining hall.”

Boys began to file through all doors that led from the great hall. Clal and Rythe, as planned, stayed to the right and entered into the hallway. Clal looked ahead and indeed as described by Morgreth in the scroll, the staircase was there up ahead of them.

When they arrived at the staircase Clal slowed his pace then leaned to Rythe. “Do you see this symbol Rythe,” Clal had taken his scroll out of his pocket and was pointing to the Crescent Moon, Stars and Sun symbol.”

“I do,” Rythe said, “Where did you get this?”

“Follow me and look for that symbol and the walls and ceiling along the way,” Clal said.

Just then, a guard noticed that Clal and Rythe had stopped walking toward the royal dining hall. “Move along he said.”

“I think it’s time, Rythe.”

“I said move along.” The guard said now moving toward Clal and Rythe.

“Now!” Clal said and they bounded up the stairs and down the hall.

“Halt!” the guard said. Several boys and other guards heard the commotion then a group of guards ran after the escapees.

“Clal,” Rythe said out of breath, “I hope you have a plan after all because those guards…” Rythe gasped, “...they don’t look like they are happy with us right now.”

Clal desperately searched for the symbol on the walls or ceiling as they ran down the hallway. They turned then Rythe said, “Clal I see the symbol.”

Clal turned, spotted the symbol and turned down the hallway that was marked.

“Halt! Boys, that’s not the way to the feast.” they heard the guards behind them.

Once again Clal spotted a marked path through the halls as the symbol was visible on a stone wall. This happened several more times, on archways and behind torches, always placed in shadows where only the careful eye could see them.

They turned a corner and up some stairs then in the corner of Clals eye he saw a symbol right right in the middle of a passage way in the center of an arch.

“Rythe,” Clal said, “it’s a dead end. But here’s the marking.” He pointed.

“Halt! Boys stop!” the guards said. Then from down another direction Clal heard screaming and squawking. “What’s that sound?” Clal said.

Rythe had been studying the wall when he said, “Clal, maybe it’s a secret passage way. Maybe we are supposed to push on one of the stones or something.”

Clal turned from the noise and surveyed the wall.

“Clal, push the wall.” Rythe said.

Then Clal placed his hand on the wall and was about to push, but the wall began to disappear before them. Clal fell inside a small chamber having no way of holding himself up as the wall had all but vanished. Rythe jumped in under the archway and partially dragged Clal further in. They both stood up and inched backwards as they looked at the arch and wall that had been there. On the floor there was the same mark that they had followed to this point, it being much larger than they had seen before.

Suddenly, Clal and Rythe heard comotioned beyond the chamber, guards yelling, and footsteps fast approaching. They both were ready to pounce as they prepared to stand their ground against the next onslought of attackers when, like a flash, something wizzed passed them. Immediately after a small figure appeared in the archway and turned the corner falling to the floor. The person looked back at the archway as the wall reappeared and sealed them in.

Then the person turned their head and looked straight at them and said, “Clal!”

It was Ansa.

<<< marker: outline >>>

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Fills in broadens culture, information about country

Rythe and Clal talk about past days together, fills in characterization.

Ansa shows interest in Rythe. Shy around him. Is more quiet.

Rythe is going for the examination, first mention of the exam

Clal goes for to work

Ansa goes to work

Talks about myths???

They open their scrolls. (What does the mother say?)

“I want to tell Rythe about the Skyland.” Ansa, “I trust your judgement that you will tell anyone you feel like when you feel it’s right.”

During cart drive they meet someone who provides interesting information..????? Maybe

Or rythe just creates information and things to think about instead

Chapter 4: Into Eldan Vyum

Very early morning

Drop off Ansa, the lady is awake early

Black smith’s shop is vacant, no one there

Rythe will show Clal around a bit in the city, (useful places) plan to return later that day.

Medicine shop???

Other Place

Other Place

They walk toward Castele

Pass statues - Seldonolum?

Rythe tells th story of the statues

Clal started to tell Rythe about the Skyland, couldn’t handle it any longer…

Interupted by some commotion in front of the castle…

What is the commotion

There were Guards coming?

Gruff, Clal was caught up with Rythe and entered the castle and couldn’t get out.

Clal mistaken for an examination boy.

Rythe reassured Clal that they would find a way to get him out.

Why couldn’t they just tell the guards that he didn’t belong there???

Chapter 5: In the examination

(Meets Morgreth)

There are boys from all over Illia, all 15 years of age

The court/castle know who should be there and who should not.

Also, when all the boys listen to announcer, more back story, culture is exposed about the land, the purpose of the exam and why it started, how it started.

One boy is missing, they call three times……then Clal says he that boy and the roll call moves on.

That is worthy of imprisonment since the idea of finding “The One” through the exam process is so important to the future of the country and everyone.

But Clal didn’t know.

Rythe is examined, tells Clal what it was like.

Describes Morgreth and the process, the stone…

Clal sneaks out during the night to look for a way out planning to meet Rythe at the Smith’s shop the next day.

Clal sneaks in the dark…but finds Morgreth.

Morgreth knows his name somehow and performs the test though he’s only 13 years old. Same as Rythe’s description of the examination.

Description of a miraculous display of light, both in Clal’s body and in the room.

He is “The One.”

He recites the prophecy…

Morgreth also tells him that he has many things today and that nothing is by chance.

“Go get your friend. He is coming with you.”

Clal returns to Rythe, wakes him up, and tells him that they need to leave.

They leave the area.

Another boy follows them.

They meet Morgreth, “Did anyone see you Clal?” “We don’t think so.”

The boy that followed returns and tells someone that his real name is Clal and that he was an imposter

Chapter 6: Journey through the castle dark

√“What’s going on?” Rythe asks concerned.

√Morgreth takes them through the castle, a secret underground way so no one can follow or detect.

√Rythe recognizes the Wizard as the examiner.

√Run into Guards looking for Clal (and maybe Rythe)

√Just as they are surrounded, Morgreth says to Clal, “Place your hands here.” Walls open

√They rush in and it closes just in time for guards to pass by, they are unoticed.

√Room full of stuff

√A bird flys in right before the walls close

√Ancient things.

√Clal is transported in feelings to familiar feelings.

√All life wanted to be a hero, clal did, but now, he’s not so sure.

√Morgreth explains additional things about Clal and his quest.

√Clal is for bidden to open some things, but he sees a book, “The Book of Legends.” Opens it.

√“Even I do not dare to claim to know the extent of how the future should unfold.” Says morgreth.

√You must retrieve your sister.

And the smithy, borrow some swords & daggers.

√Learns of the ancient story of

√Opens book of legends and says, hey, I know this, it’s a song, my mother used to sing it to me.

(Could that be a significant family thing marking his heritage as the chosen lineage???)

The song:

Dragon and the seed of stone

Rode out to eat, dark and how he was alone

This was a lullaby…..only one verse was known

But there is another verse.

The second verse if found in the Book of Legends…..

Clal finds the second verse and sings it to the tune he’s always known.

It sings of a forgotten people (which ties into the dragon and the land and lost people???)

And how they were hidden away……

And how “we will come find you and set you free.”

(No hint of 5 here, no hint of 5 crystals)

Hittle is noticed - maybe he sings the tune and that’s the segue to introducing him

They exit chamber another way.

When they are almost out, they are caught and run…Rythe and Clal.

Chapter 7: Gather Ansa and Weapons

Running, still night time.

Must loose the guards….they loose them quickly.

Clal runs into the statue, (though reader thinks it’s a guard => segue to another thought => no longer chased by guards)

Rythe and Clal both marvel that it’s a representation of Clal as the hero in the end. Strange.

They get Ansa first.

They go to Black Smith’s,

If Ansa would not have been there, they would not have been able to get weapons.

They decide that the only hidden people possible are the Skyland people so they head in the direction of home again.

They leave Eldan Vyum just as the morning sun is rising….on foot.

Chapter 8: Back Hom

Ridders come on trail they hear

They hide

It’s king’s guards and they assume that they are headed for Clal’s home….or at least the boys do.

Ansa doesn’t know all the details so they tell her.

She’s upset and is worried. Why did you do it Clal???

They watch their family from the bushes and trees.

Memory of Turn “don’t doubt self”

How to deal with family being questioned?

And patronized.

Can they really go on before clearing this up?

Their journey is not there, their family will have to deal with it

But what if they can enlist Morgreth’s help.

Ansa, writes a letter that Clal and Rythe help draft.

When the guards leave, Turl is out there last and Clal throws a rock at him.

Turl turns around, and Ansa pokes through a bush and waves for him to come over…

She motions for him to be quiet and to be secret.

So he understand right away and comes over.

She gives him the note and reassured him that everything is okay and that they are now embarking on a quest.

He trusts them and prays for them to be careful and that he’ll do all he can to support and help them.

He tells his parents that he came across this note….but doesn’t tell them that they talked…

They understand and things are okay for a while.

Turl is quested to seek out Morgreth or something to help die down the guards.

They decide they can’t climb crescent keep, have to lay low and go another way.

Night fall, will camp in a few hours.

Chapter 9: Rythe’s Home

Wake up at camp early.

Rythe stops by his house, leave not, shows love for widowed mother, worried for her that guards will come. Tells her in a note to stay with her sister. “I will be gone for longer than expected.” He is on a good errand.

What do they need for their journey?

Who do they need to visit?

Read Book of Legends. Read about a character, someone who they think can help them.

Before they can go to the Skyland they need a clue of more about it

Amnber - Read about it, ancient place

Hittle starts to make a bunch of noise when that name ‘ Amnbir’ is spoken of…..

He darts off and they follow him.

<< book mark >>

Chapter 10 - Amnbir Part 1

Amnbir place of ancient images? And things

Chapter 11: Gulnerye Comes

Amnbir - The place of the Great Bird - Gulnerye’s Legend. - The Place of the Bird Taimer.

This man-bird sent Hittle to bRing Clal to him

Hittle keeps getting them to read the Book of Legends…

They get there to Amnbir, the man flys down after they re there for a while.

Tells them the way to get noto Skyland

Tells of the Rishk and Krothwing

Tells why the people started learning how to fly, tame the wind,

He can understand what Hittle says.

Gulnerye gives them a token to further prove to the king and queen of Skyland that they are come for a noble purpose

“I am a Skylander. I come from Skyland. Long ago we were an island and were left alone as elves, sea farers. We leaned of a stone and tried to retrieve it. (Morgreth secretly gave them knowledge of a stone.) The moment we did we went skyward.

OR, THE PEOPLE WERE ASKED TO BE “CRYSTAL KEEPERS” BY MORGRETH.

Big sacrifice, in return, they were given a power or gift beyond any other…

The ability to wield wind

Ability to become invisible - wield sight, vision…

Ability to wield fire

Ability to wield water

Illia - ability to wield earth.

MOrgreth tells all people toabout the crystals and they all disappear.

People are hidden away.

Island in sky

Mountain moved

Invisible sands of illusion

Sea people depths of sea

Illia, center of continent, hidden in the beginning.

Gulnerye says “The people harness the wind and wear wing type things on their arms

Sea farers, needed to travel, learned how to fly

Sacred wind and sacred wings they worship and honor with reverence

Asked Morgreth for learn how to find flight???

“The only way to get up to the Skyland is to summon the great dragon. You do this with the horn to summon…but he doesn’t know where to find it. The only clue is a legend about the Dragon Tail river, but he also does not know where that is.

CRYSTAL KEEPERS - name of the people who keep watch over the Crystal.

He said to find it go to where the river dragon tail river begins.

There is a place there. This is all he knows

He flys away.

They leave with the token.

Chapter 12: figure out where Dragon Tail River Is

Travel to find the Dragon Summoner - Gulnerye Didn’t have

White carved dragon on it, the one Felsawn was wearing.

Figure out dragon tail river, where it is

The figuring out of where the river is…

Chapter 13: Travel to river

Travel to river,

More dialogue that develops characters

Set up story passing Pale Forest???

They get to the beginning of the river. But nothing

Do they see that the river is flowing up stream?

Is Clal the only one that can see that?

Clal’s powers unlock the opening of the Water Falls

Chapter 14: The finding of the dragon summoner

They meet keeper of horn, noble man of the falls

Learn is his daughter

Talk with Leara, her father and mother there.

Illian legends and knowledge

How do they know he is “The Chosen”?

Does the noble man give it to Clal, the horn? Is it time?

men’s voices are heard outside…

Even though they can’t come in, they may have some sort of magic or cause a threat…actually, Clal and his party can’t go out that way.

Leara is assigned to show them through tunnels to lead them away from danger

Chapter 15: journey through the dark tunnels

Through caves, bring out north shores

Learn more about Leara

Learn more about other things From Leara,

Other characters communicate with Leara and reveal more.

Hittle gets excited and darts off down a cavern passage way.

What does he find?

How does this add to the plot?

They follow him

How does the Book of Legends play a part.

Illia glimpse of?

Meet Morgreth?

Set up for Book 2?

Next place, next people?

Of, they find another exit that they use in another book?

They eventually come out of winding caves

The close is more visible, Skyland.

The decision for Leara to join them is made.

Chapter 16: the making of the boat

Have to use both to travel to a rock out in the ocean.

They can’t call the dragon so close to the shore, must be out at sea.

Dragon will only come to one spot. How do they know this?

Always above the water, the little island is.

They don’t have a boat, how to get there.

Clal encouraged by Rythe to use some of the powers he saw him used earlier.

They gather wood, sticks…

Touches, doesn’t work or works a little.

Leara touches and they make the boat together by magic.

They get in the boat and use some kind of oars

They go in the direction of the mini island.

Chapter 17: travel to the mini island

Amazingly beautiful water, so clear like Hawaii.

See the fish swimming, colors…rocks below.

Fear they might capsize and become overturned…

They become overturned and it is scary for a moment…

The book of legends gets wet, fear it’s destroyed

What other things get wet that aren’t good

Book of Legends

The horn

Their scrolls

Other paper

Someone can’t swim - fear of drowning - “I never learned.”

Leara can’t swim

Clal saves her, holds her.

They get back in the boat.

Leara starts crying and Ansa comforts her.

“I’m sorrry. I feared for my life just then. I never learned how to swim. As a the keeper of the Summoned horn, we never swam in the river…..???

Hittle lightens the mood. Humor, funny.

She explains more about how they came there.

More history of dragon summoning

Felsawn’s horn

The horn has white dragon on it

Can also use other calls not just to call Dragon.

The pass under the Skyland which is a cloud like figure high, high, high above them.

They reach the island and it takes a few hours.

They can no longer see the shore but they see Crescent Keep mountain in the far distance.

The island has ancient writing on it, symbols.

Ansa writes down the symbols in the book of legends.

Leara gives the horn to Clal to blow.

He blows. Some water comes out and it makes no sound. They clean it sufficiently

He blows and there is a sound this time. Waits. Nothing.

Chapter 18: the summoned dragon

Clal blows again. Waits. Nothing.

They are getting worried, having traveled all this way to get nothing.

He is just about to blow a third time when someone (Rythe, Ansa, or Rythe and Ansa at the same time spot movement around the Skyland cloud.

The Dragon, he’s really coming.

He comes and rests beside them, big enough island for him to rest and not touch the ocean

“I am Sedrak. I have been waiting for this day for ages. What is your name?”

Clal, Clal Winden.”

They talk with Sedrak.

Warns that things aren’t perfect up in Skyland.

There is a Rishk, an enemy to look out for.

It’s cold, forever frozen lands, snow and ice

Sedrak can only take them to the edges of the land.

They get on the back of Sedrak and travel up.

They leave the boat on the shore as to not leave any trace or allow the boat to float off to sea to be found by someone.

[Clal, Ansa, Rythe, and Leara]

Climb higher in the sky…see the shore where they left again

One just before they enter the cloud of Skyland they see that there are people where they left the shore on the boat.

How did they know where they were???

They also saw the great city of Eldan Vyum maybe???? Maybe too far?

They then move into the cloud, a raging blizzard is going on,

They, can see no land or sea below, entered a different world now it seems.

Chapter 19: Blizzard

Sedrak has to mender differently, scary a bit on his back.

They come to the edge of the island

He tells them to blow the horn again when they are ready to depart from Skyland

He leaves……

They don’t really know where to go,, jus

Next step: find some kind of shelter so they can have some sanity and make a plan, it’s freezing.

Rythe puts his cloak over Ansa.

Clal try the same for Leara but she refuses and says she’s okay

They run, dodge wind,

Someone falls

It is day

It’s bright, blinding some times….

Sun is not visible however

They find a snow/ice canyon to hid in.

During this time of finding shelter Clal notices some fast movement here and there.

He feels like they are being followed

He tells Ansa

So when they get to the Canyon Clal tells the others that he thinks they are being followed

The pace quickens and worry sets in, feeling of danger, “let’s hurry” type of feeling.

They walk through the canyon and at some point Rythe sees that there is ice below them.

At some point right at this moment they think they see some kind of figure of a man or shadow…

Rythe instinctively grabs his sword, thrashes it into the ice ground.

They sink into that ground and enter a chamber below.

Clal then thrashes with his sword the walls or ceiling above to seal off and they are safe from the mysterious threat of that unknown person.

It is all dark, there is a sudden fear that they are trapped in a dark place.

Ansa has been singing the second verse of that song about the people…

The only thing she can do is make her self calm down by singing

So without any prompting she starts singing and something far in the distance begins to glow and make light.

Leara tells her to keep singing…

The light continues and it gets brighter…..then they run to the source

They realize it’s a beautiful ice/glass/stain-glass-ish door. They try to push it open but it won’t budge.

She completes the entire second verse and then Ansa pushes the door open which is swings open easily.

Song about hidden people, we will come find you and bring you home.

They close the door and all is dark again.

Chapter 20: Search for Crystal Keeper

Two individuals, Skyla and Larkin hear the singing.

And shortly after going through the door, they find these two starring at them.

They are older, 20.

They are starring at them…

Clal and his party go They go through a dimly light cave and around the corner they bump into or are startled by these two who were coming to find out who was singing that song.

That song was special, ancient, and it was miraculous that it was even being sung…

They explain who they are and what they are there to do.

The twins believe them and tell them they will bring them to their parents, the King and Queen??

Don’t forget to make the twin elves fly some how

Chapter 21: The Crystal Keepers

Meet king and queen

Show Gulnerye’s token

The twin elves sing the FIRST SONG WITH A MORAL TO IT.

Above the oceans, lands, and clouds

The winds of earth do sing aloud

In constant song of onward light

Of birds that wing a lighter flight

But if the ear finds no such voice

Such things as this require a choice

For though the arts of sound are learned

Its greater part must first be earned

See more of the city and the people

The people are looking at them

There are some flying

meet Krothwing,

Chapter 22: battle with Krothwing, climax scene

Loosing and finding the crystal

Krothwing obtains it

Larking flys after him and gets it back

Chapter 23: leave with Sedrak,

fly over land,

Clal/Characters think about the wonder,

come to dawning of time cave

Dawning of Time, Dawning’s Peak

Sedrak speaks many things

Tells them there is a way to get him inside

He leaves

Call me Clal if you need me

Chapter 24: deposited crystal

Finds out that there are 4 other places

Learn that the purpose is to create a master weapon, they look for the information about this in the Book of Legends and find it.

To defeat the dark lord

They read the prophecy again.

They all agree to be part of the quest, giving for life or death

Those who are now part of the Quest.

Clal

Ansa

Rythe

Leara

Larkin

Skyla

Hittle

(Turl in second book?)

The time has come, the beginning of the end of the world.

Let’s go home.

Chapter 25: journey home

They see a place, a cave, where they know this is the way out…

They know it’s magical some however and they are not afraid.

There is a door though and somehow they can’t figure out how to open it

They eventually figure it out, but how? And why is this important.

To open the door, as singing opened the door on Skyland…… the people of song, the wind people, sky people: Larkin and Skyla, they sing the Prophecy as it is known to them as a song.

The door opens to song.

They all come through, only a few short turns and they are on top of Crescent Keep mountain again.

They all look in the distance, they see Skyland, and they also see a faint figure, Sedrak, return to the “cloud in the sky”

They travel down the mountain, hide in the bushes to make sure the coast is clear. It is.

They approach the house, a group of 6 people and a bird.

Clal and Ansa approach the door as they told the other four to hide and they will summon them.

They knock on the door and their mother answer, hugs, father comes then Turl.

They tell them that they are here…but only for a short time.

They brought some friends with them.

They summon to come out and they do.

Hittle flyes to the mother or Turl or the father or all of them and lands or communicates with them through some funny gestures, shows that he likes them. Twitters.

The father invites them to come in.

“Father,” the twins say at the same time.

“we have so much to tell you all.” Clal says.

“I’m so glad to be back home.” Anasa says

They all go in,

Someone, Turl, Father, or Mother, or Clal looks outside to check to see if there is anyone there.

The door shuts.

The narration finishes the story, but only a short paragraph.

The Prophecy:

Look to the East to find the one,

Who only can unlock the sun

The powers of this world await

Who holds the key to open fate

And when is found this one to name

And take his place beside his fame

Remember this, that with his time

Comes danger, mischief, vicious crime

For not too far from this world’s birth

There was one who roamed the earth

Awaiting chance to stake his claim

Upon each heart that has a name

Yet if our one completes his task

The dark one lurking turns to ash

But if our one turns inward spite

All hope with fade without a fight