"You won't believe what I saw!" Karlin McCray was sitting at the table in their farmhouse. The rest of the group sat around it face him, illuminated by the light of a single candle.
"Well dad, what? Don't keep us in suspense so long! It isn't as fun as you think it is." Marteen said exasperated, Enron his younger and thinner brother guffawed and quickly silenced it. They were both used to their father's antics from when he told the grandchildren tales of his past "that built character". Builds character indeed, no child needs to hear of that much gore at that age. Good job Aurora grabbed them and covered their ears besides, Air magic can be useful sometimes I suppose…better make sure I don't tell her that. Marteen allowed a small smile to play over his lips mirrored on Enron's.
"Very well, very well!" Karlin smiled back at his sons. "I was taking my usual morning wash a few weeks ago and then something came and bit me on the foot!"
Marteen stared at him with a bored expression. Nothing unusual about that, it would be more surprising if he hadn't been bit by anything.
"Yes, yes! Patience son, I'm getting to it! What was unusual came next! You won't believe it!" Karlin was building up a head of steam now, Marteen looked to his mother and sighed. He's at it again. His father might not lie or even embellish but he did like to tell a story in a way that made it sound fantastical and like a tale from the stories. He had mastered the anticipatory pause and the build-up. Sometimes it was worth the wait, but usually, because he refused to exaggerate, it felt dismally short. Marteen had found that the fastest way to get him to tell the story was to let him tell it his way otherwise he might never get to the point. Unfortunately, like now, he couldn't always help himself.
"So as I was saying, the next thing I know this creature that is camouflaged as the rocks and stones of the river bed, you know the ones?" Karlin paused for a collaborative nod. "Burst up out of the water as I tried to kick it off my foot where it had bitten me." Karlin paused again making sure he had everyone's attention.
He did now, none of them knew of a fish that could camouflage as stones. Stone coloured perhaps or stone textured maybe but actually changing to stone and sand as a camouflage? That seemed too sophisticated for anything in this river.
"It grew wings, and used them to slowly glide back into the water and entered again without a splash, just a ripple. If I wasn't watching I would have missed the re-entry! You understand what I am saying?"
"So what you're saying is that: A fish that can camouflage as stones and sand flew away when you kicked it? I have to say, Mr Karlin, this is a hard story to believe or follow. That a fish can fly… never thought I would hear something like this." Haemish came in at the end of the story, a little incredulous.
"No, what I am saying is that a creature that had was camouflaged as the river bed. Created wings….then glided back into the water like it was born for both sky and river…I have been trying to hunt it down ever since. I have never seen anything like it. Does that fulfil your request for 'anything unusual?" Karlin had a smug grin on his face.
"I want to believe what you are saying, Karlin…" Haemish started. Hmm, no more Mr I guess… he had known Karlin and even Marteen from the decades before when he came to the village from time to time while conducting research. Time moved strangely when you had lived past your first few centuries.
"Master Haemish, I know that it sounds unbelievable and I too find it a difficult thing to wrap my head around. But there is one thing that you much know about my father..." At this is glanced at his father and mother before fully focusing all this attention on Haemish, willing him to understand. "If he is saying he saw this and he is telling the story, then it actually happened, not only that but it actually happened exactly the way he is saying it did. He does not exaggerate or embellish and many times to his own detriment, he does not lie either." Karlin rolled his eyes at the last.
"Hmm, very well Marteen. I have met your father only a handful of times," he nodded in acknowledgement of Karlin, "so I did not know of his reputation. However, I have known you for some time so let us assume what you say is true. We need to plan what to do next. There are some strange and wonderful things in the forest, I have seen some, I am sure there are many others. We will need to proceed with caution.
"I will need to visit my home first thing in the morning tomorrow. Then from there, we will plan on our next course of action depending on what we find there. We can get load up there and then proceed into the forest for some foraging. We may find some useful plants and animals that we can use for experimentation. I have lived out in my cottage in the forest for over a century and I can tell you, even I don't know everything there is to know about the place."
Over a century…how old is this guy!? Haemish misinterpreted the looks of surprise at his revelation.
"Yes, the forest is a dangerous place but we have combat training, we will be fine! Rion, tell them!" Haemish insisted.
"Haha, Master Haemish, you misunderstand. I don't think any realised you were older than some trees!" The huge man's booming voice filled the house and soon the others joined in with the merriment. Finally, Haemish got over his surprise and grumbled at them which set Karlin and Martha off again at the chagrin on Marteen and Rion's faces.
"Best be off then. We should have an early night, much to be about in the morning. I am not sure how long this will take but forays into the woods will be best done with the cottage as a base. Let's get to it. Best to get Taler up and out early as well, that man is not well suited to being in the field…" Haemish pushed up and out of the comfy seat his girth causing him to bump the table in front of him. A little red from his embarrassment that his belly got in his way made his exit swift and silent, not wanting to garner further attention.
As Haemish beat a hasty retreat Marteen apologised to his parents for their quick departure, having not had time for a meal which Martha had tried to insist on several times or a mug of ale that Karlin had requested. "Sorry Ma, Da, we need to be on quickly this time."
"Not to worry lad, your working hard, we can see it. But do pass our love on to Aurora, Korin and little Sophie, and tell Aurora not to work so hard at that Academy in the city. She should spend time with us here on the farm as well!"
"Son, have a good one and come back soon, eh? Your mother misses you." Karlin went a little red and Martha smiled at her husband. "Yes…anyway, Enron, you wanted to say something. I have some dust in my eye."
Karlin stepped aside for Enron to take his place while fusing with his eyes. They did look a little red.
"Enron, it is good to see you, waiting for you to fill out still though…haha. Only joking…I don't understand how you do some much physical work and remain so thin…I know farming is no blacksmithing but still…" Marteen continued to be baffled by his brother's thin and fragile appearance. It was deceptive though, other than Marteen himself Enron could out-compete most. His was quiet confidence and an unusual appearance, though at only nineteen he still had some growing to do. In Darf men grew until twenty-five while women continued for a further ten years. So there was still time. Quietly so as not to be overheard, Marteen asked "How is Maria these days?" and then, because he couldn't resist, waggled his eyebrows suggestively. It was a big brother's duty to tease the younger brother after all. That the way I see it anyway!
Enron groaned at his brother's antics and just gave him a shove to get him on his way. "Love you, bro!" Marteen yelled at his retreating back, and he had the distinct satisfaction of Enron hunching his shoulders and ears going red. The elder brother continued to smirk to himself.
"Stop teasing your brother!" It was exactly what Marteen wanted to hear from his mother, because looking back at Enron, he could see even with his back turned that his little brother was mortified that mother had stepped in on his behalf. Best reaction ever! Nailed it! Karlin couldn't stop himself at his point having watched the whole exchange after sorting out the dust situation in this eye. The rumbling laughs finally gave him a good reason to have tears in his eyes. Martha just watch all the boys in her family and sighed in disappointment, one day they would grow up…
Deep in the hallowed halls of the Academy, an elderly woman in dark brown robes, covered and the colour of mud continued to read the dusty tome in front of her. Her thin greying hair dripped with sweat in the warmth of the underground room and her robes were doing no favours. She had to wear it though, being a mark of the order, the temple of Ursa, the Order of Earth would not accept any deviation from custom, and if she were honest with herself, neither would she. Perseverance and fortitude, the two foundational pillars of Ursa's philosophy. There could be no leniency and there would be no quarter in this.
In utter secrecy, Garva had been tasked with this burden from the Terratrite. Very few could be entrusted with a task such as this other than one of the four Brundrites of the order, most didn't even know of the title given to the head of the Order of the Earth Monks. Sharing it was tantamount to treason against the Order and would only be suffered by death. After all, information on their activities could not and would not be allowed to leak to the other factions, the fake factions as far as Garva was concerned. The Ursan religion was the only one, only Ursa promoted the growth of the forest and plants that allowed them all to live, so what if there was some rumbling of the earth now and then; people died all the time, that was the price that must be paid for unlimited resources, food mainly, and growth. Garva would see her beliefs prevail in the face of adversity.
Beady green eyes continued to pour over the manuscripts in front of her. A short cackle escaped her dry and cracked lips. I drop of blood oozed from too dry skin and her tongue darted out to catch it before it fell to the ground. Well, this is an interesting tome! Who knew the academy was hiding this little tidbit from the holy faction! "I'll need to tell the Terratrite about this!" A gnarled hand emerged from the folds of an overly large and dusty grey robe. Sand and dust fell to the ground of the already dusty room. The only illumination in the darkness was the glow of two bright haunting green eyes, the light of which Garva was using to read.
Garva grimaced. "Not a name to say aloud, I'll need to be punished when I get back!" Another cackle followed the first and the illumination of the eyes dimmed as the cracks in the lips widened and bled a new at the curve of wide grin that revealed blackened and mouldy gums and more spaces than teeth. It was a smile that had sent the roughest in Pravwell scurrying for cover. The idea of being punished sent further shivers of euphoria up her spine. Strength! The best way to strength was self-inflicted!
The message will need to be conveyed, the Terratrite would want to consult with the highest-ranking amongst them to decide what to do next with this information. Garva knew exactly what she wanted though. She would make sure it was done. She had never made her motives a secret and knew that some of the others found her over-eagerness a little disconcerting. But they were not true believers, not like her. She would show them. She would show them all what she was willing to sacrifice!
The prophecy before her was the key to everything, and if she played her cards right. Garva rubbed her hands together as she envisioned her future.
"Taler, I told you we were getting an early start today! What part of 'at first light' did you not understand?" Haemish was beside himself with frustration. The dandy was almost paralysed with pain from the ride yesterday something that could be easily fixed with healing but there was no one of sufficient talent in the area and healing came at a premium. If they could get to his home in the forest and if the repairs had been done, it might be possible to get him a salve that would cure his aches. Excruciating as they may be. Regardless, the most important thing is to be on their way!
Taler continued to waddle out of the inn, it had been a reasonably pleasant night, Haemish, Rion and Calder had made it back to the inn the same way and Mira Craden had greeted them with a disgruntled look on her face. "Don't you dare track mud into my inn! Haemish, you and I have gotten to know each other well enough over the years that I expect you to know what I will and will not abide. But you!" She pointed a finger at Marteen as if you skewer him on the point of her nail. "You have grown up here and I expect better from you. I saw you about to enter without cleaning your god awful boots on. Ursa take you! And the mud you are about to bring in. I spend a lot of time cleaning this inn and will not have it ruined by a few bumbling oafs that have no manners…" The tirade had continued for well over twenty minutes, even Rion had not been spared though it was the first time he had met the disarming woman. Honestly, it would have been faster if she just gave us a mop and bucket, we could have cleaned up any mess we made faster than that lecture. Haemish hid his eye roll. Over two and a half centuries I've been alive and this woman is still taking me to task. Considering how much younger the woman was Haemish did not feel it was right for her to chastise them so but Marteen was still young enough to have gone red in the face with embarrassment, even Rion's hard complexion had taken on the rosy tint of shame.
None of the men looked up or and each other as they had taken off their boots, scraped them clean with the tools provided and quickly headed upstairs to sleep. Just before they were out of sight; "How are Aurora and the little ones? Hope they are well; it has been a long time since you were back. Please send them my love, and I suppose it is good to see you as well, my boy." Mira smiled at the last, the transformation was astonishing. Rion had been completely caught off guard. Gaping at the warmly smiling, previous tyrant, it was a comical look on the otherwise stoic man.
They had taken two rooms, Marteen in the room with Taler and Haemish and Rion were bunking together. While he had heard Taler's obscene snoring faintly through the wall, Rion was blessedly quiet and Haemish had fallen asleep quite quickly, thanking his lucky stars that he would not be sleeping next to Taler any time soon.
So Haemish spry and ready to go, Taler hunched over and protecting his nether region from further punishment and Marteen groggy and bleary-eyed stood outside while Rion had gone ahead to fetch the Griffin for them. Haemish had not seen Rion this morning yet but he had seemed in a bit of a rush to get out of the room this morning. Good man, eager to get on with the work! Haemish smiled toward the stables and then turned and grimaced again at Taler. How are we going to get him on that mount? If they didn't fly getting to the house was going to be tedious and they didn't have the time. Time could not be recovered.
Mira ended up presenting the solution. While she would never lower herself to apologise for what she thought was right, she may have felt she was a little harsh last night. Haemish would have wholeheartedly agreed in that case. While the solution she did come up with was not perfect it would get them to their destination. Walking out with a thick moth-eaten woolly blanket that was folded up neatly, she presented it to Taler..who just looked at it completely baffled.
"Um…th..thank..you?" Taler reached out to take the blanket then covered his lower half with it, wrapping it around like a towel. Then he just stood there while everyone else shook their heads, sighed or laughed in amusement at the man's antics. Perhaps he thought it was to hide his embarrassment?
"Taler, that is to be additional cushioning for your saddle, son." Haemish was exasperated and time was still ticking, it waited for no man….or woman he thought belatedly. Mira unnerving stare had shifted to him.
"Well, there is no need to embarrass the lad!"
"Taler," Marteen sigh and put his large forge sculpted muscles to work, "give it here, I will set it up for you, with any luck we can make to Master Haemish's cottage before you pass out." Grabbing the cloth from around Taler's waist he suddenly and unceremoniously whipped it off. Taler just stood stunned with a wall of a man in front of him feeling a little exposed without the blanket though he just put it on. Marteen promptly turned and folding the blanket laying it gently on top of Bucktooth's saddle. Yes, Taler had insisted on using his original mount again, it was unclear why he would put himself through that but neither Rion nor Marteen had the energy to argue the point. Then he stepped back to Taler to help boost him into the saddle. Taking a wide stance Marteen braced himself with his knees and cupped his hands together for Taler to step onto. Once again though, Taler was oblivious as to what was happening. He really had led a sheltered life, hasn't he… "Taler, step onto my hands and then onto Bucktooth. Rion, could you just grab the reins so that it doesn't move?"
Rion stepped up and held Bucktooth steady, Taler looking decidedly green again stepped up and took the first step into Marteen's hands, took hold of the pommel of the saddle and then took the next step to swing his body over the saddle and settle down on it. He gasped in pain as his legs hit the blanket, harder than he intended. The blanket immediately began to slide off to the other side threatening to dump him on the ground again. Marteen acted quickly and spinning around grabbed his foot and set him right on the saddle again.
"Oof, that hurts!" Taler ground out. His face was a mask of pain. "Done some damage I think." He was wheezing now and the rest of the group outside the inn looked at him with some genuine concern.
"M'boy, would you like to stay and we can bring the salve to you from the cottage?"
"No Master, I will manage! And it will slow us too much if I stay here."
He had grit. That much is clear, it seems I was right about him, well suited I said! Haemish smiled with some small pride at the man as he overcame this difficulty for the sake of the mission. It was only going to take a short time to get him the salve he needed to heal. Time to go!
"Right, the faster we get you to the cottage, the faster we can get you that healing salve and get you well again. I few days is all it will take to get your ride ready. Not only that but you know the fastest way to travel on Griffin is to fly. Haha, that, is the true power of Griffin! Exhilarating!"
Taler had a… interesting expression on his face, something between mortal fear, pain and excitement. Haemish had been expecting the first two but excitement…hmm, well that's unexpected.
Despite the delay in setting off they made good time out of the village and across Flue Bridge. As they approached the towering tree and the foreboding atmosphere of the forest Haemish called a halt.
"Right, Taler, time to fly. You know how to get your mount airborne?" Haemish was sure this would be an exercise in futility but it was worth a shot. Even more than the trip from Brewyn this would cut down their travel time because the riding pathway was winding and treacherous for hooves. Carts did better and larger companies did worse. The forest creatures were much less of a problem, by comparison, especially this close to the edge.
"Sir…what do I do?" There it was again, that mix of apprehension and excitement, the pain was still there but muted somewhat, as was the fear.
"Right, squeeze on the sides and gently pull up on the reins, like your urging forward as well as pulling Bucktooth's head back. Gently though!" Haemish warned.
As usual, Taler followed the instructions as best he could. And as usual, as best he could fell far, far short of what was needed. It started with Taler squeezing but as he did so the tensing of the muscles in his legs caused pain to shoot through his body which set off a chain reaction of muscle spasms as he groaned in pain, this squeezed Bucktooth's sides more sharply than intended followed by him jerking back on the reins hard when he felt Bucktooth shift under him. The result wasn't exactly what everyone else had expected.
Instead of tumbling off and crashing to the ground when Bucktooth reared and took off, Taler kept hold of the reins in a death grip determined to stay on at all costs, tagging along for the ride. After the initial moment of panic and disorientation, Taler realised that he was really enjoying being in the air. He had never flown before but a small part of him had always longed to escape to the air to feel that freedom and see the ground leap away from him. The small voice that he had ignored for so much of his life as a flight of fancy now came to the fore with joy and Taler took a deep breath of fresh air as he crested the trees. Whopping with excitement.
"This is brilliant!" Taler yelled down at the other three, pain forgotten for the moment, to find them all with shock and surprise on their faces. The transformation of the haggard individual to this screaming child was too much for them.
"Come on! Better follow him, we'll call this a win and try to understand it later!" Haemish squeezed and burst into the air followed closely by Rion and Marteen. Well, this explains the excitement, but who would have thought…perhaps, air…? No, it can't be…maybe…