Revelation, p.10
Revelation, page 10
“You see, Captain,” Dalyn continued, “there is no fear in these woods. The trees, the plants, the animals, all living things including myself live in peace, and the creatures that dwell here are left at peace. All that once was still remains in this place and in others such as this. But I fear that there are very few regions left in Celedon that still remember the ancient harmony of the King. I have remained in this forest for ages beyond count, and will do so until time itself will pass away. My brother, Kaylan, however, chose to dwell outside the tranquility of this forest.”
At the mention of Kaylan, Aaron’s attention was piqued. “Kaylan is your brother?”
“Yes, indeed!” Dalyn said, chuckling. “He and I are of a kind. He is the one who communicated to me your quest and the deeper pursuit that would grip you. It was no accident that brought you to his home. It was his purpose to not only assist you on your journey, but to help you find the right path. That’s why you were guided there. When you stumbled into his house that winter night, he helped you to a path that was yours all along.”
Lorik listened with intense interest as Dalyn and the captain conversed about the man called Kaylan. “But,” Lorik asked, “who are you and Kaylan?”
“You ask questions that cannot be answered, Lorik. I and my brother are of this world, or I should say, of the world that was and will be again.”
“You give cryptic answers,” Lorik said as he scratched his head in perplexity.
“He’s an Eternal.” Braden spoke as he slowly stepped into the doorway, leaning on the doorpost to keep from falling over. Lorik and Aaron simultaneously stood and went to Braden’s aid, helping him toward the table. They looked upon their host with fascination, dumbfounded at the prospect of sitting with a creature that existed throughout time.
“Yes,” said Dalyn. “I suppose that such a name would serve as any. I have been called many things, but my race is known as the Aionen. Now, Captain, there is much to discuss.” Turning to Braden he continued, “If you are able, we will have another setting of bread and honey and I will share with you information that will be of importance to your quest.”
“Yes,” Braden said, “your help has been more than enough to restore my strength. I would be honored to share a table with you!”
“Very well,” Dalyn said as he stood and went around the backside of the cottage. He returned with another wooden tray piled high with bread and a generous jar of honey. He also set down a carafe of hot coffee and a pitcher of cream with an assortment of cups for the men to enjoy.
After allowing Braden to partake of a generous portion of food, Dalyn began. “You are being pursued.” He said this with a calm, but serious disposition. “I have observed the one called Rayn. He has entered into the service of your emperor and has informed him that you, Captain, are a traitor to his empire and are pursuing the Book of Aleth for yourself. He has also informed the emperor of the resurgence of the dwarves and the location of the Hidden Valley.”
Braden gasped in horror at the thought that his people were exposed. “It can’t be! What does this emperor intend to do?”
“I don’t know.” For the first time, Dalyn’s voice wavered as he sat forward in his chair. “I cannot see clearly the intent or activity of that which is evil. All I know is that he has set his powers against the three of you. Outside the protection of this forest you will be hunted men. And Captain”—Dalyn turned to face Aaron directly—“Rayn has been given your command.”
“Impossible!” Aaron exclaimed. “He is far too young to take on the responsibility of an entire regiment of soldiers!” He stood and began to pace, exasperated by the news. “How is it that you know such things?” he asked, almost accusing.
Dalyn reached into an inner pocket of his garment and removed a smooth, round stone. “You’ve seen one of these before?” he asked.
“Yes,” Aaron replied. “It is a fire orb. It’s a stone that, when exposed to flame gives those who look into it the power to see things which are important to their lives.”
“You’re almost correct, Captain.” Dalyn looked at the three of them. “The fire orb is able to convey information only to those who have the power to use it. Lorik and Braden could gaze into it for the duration of their natural lives and see nothing more than the reflection of the fire.”
“How can that be?” Aaron demanded. “I’ve looked into one and was transported to scenes that were certainly more than the flicker of firelight.” Both Braden and Lorik looked upon the captain with astonishment.
“Indeed, young protector,” said Dalyn, “how can this be?” He looked intently into Aaron’s eyes. “You know nothing of your heritage?” Dalyn asked.
“No,” Aaron responded, “nothing. I was orphaned when I was four and left to fend for myself until I enlisted into the Royal Guard.”
Dalyn glanced over at Lorik for a moment then brought his attention back to Aaron. He spoke with intense seriousness. “Your heritage is more than you know. And your destiny is built upon it.”
“You and your brother are a lot alike!” Aaron commented. “You both speak in mystic riddles that make no sense to me.”
“I cannot tell you more,” Dalyn replied, “except that you will find both your heritage and your destiny.”
As they talked, the hours passed without notice. The sun, long having set beyond the trees, was now far beyond the horizon. The night sky, and a brilliant half-moon, illuminated the evening. Stars dotted the velvet night and a cold, sharp breeze wafted through the gently swaying trees. Nocturnal creatures began their serenade as crickets chirped, owls hooted, and wolves howled to welcome the hours of darkness. Dalyn stood and went back into the house, stoking the fire and inviting the men to sit with him.
The three companions followed their host, moving to sit near the crackling blaze, its warmth a welcome sensation to their tired bodies. Dalyn arranged several padded chairs in a half-circle around the fire where the men could enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the evening. He excused himself, and informed the three that they could use the pillows at the back of the room to bed down for the night. Then, without another word, he disappeared down the hall and into his room.
Braden looked at his two companions. His face was still pale from his experience, but his voice was strong and steady. “It’s a shame you shaved off your beards. You were becoming quite a pair of rather tall dwarves!”
“Certainly,” Aaron said, “but I don’t think the world is ready for dwarves, let alone two dwarves as tall as us!” The men fell silent again, resting and reliving the events of the evening in their own mind.
“Captain,” Lorik broke the silence, “what do you make of all this?”
Aaron breathed a heavy sigh, “I don’t know. But with every new encounter, I am more convinced than ever that the Book of Aleth is the key.” With that he retreated deep into his own thoughts.
Who am I? He wondered. What is this heritage that others speak of—this heritage that is mine? He began thinking of his parents, images that roamed through his thoughts, disconnected and dreamlike. He could vaguely remember his father taking him on a ship, sailing far from their home. He recalled images of his mother pouring over scrolls for hours. Then tragedy… he remembered waking up in an alley, alone and afraid. His family was gone, and he had no idea where to find them. He cried. He became hungry and scavenged for food in the refuse and waste of the local establishments. He entered the orphanage, only to be mistreated. Finally, he was old enough and joined the Royal Guard and found his life at last, dreams and hopes long since beaten out of his thoughts.
“Captain,” Lorik put his hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “Captain, you looked like you were miles away for a moment.”
“A lifetime away, Sergeant,” the captain said. “Let’s get some rest, and we’ll see what the morning brings us.”
****
They awoke early to a bright morning and a welcoming, brisk breeze blew through the opened window panes. Aaron rose first and went outside to stretch the sleep from his body. He found a fresh basin of water and other items just as the day before. He relished having a clean shave and went back inside to discover that the table had been set with a lavish amount of food for breakfast. Lorik and Braden were already seated and devouring the ample supply. He took an open seat and enjoyed the breakfast, topped off with a hot, steaming cup of coffee.
Dalyn entered from outside, hefting an armful of cut wood for the fireplace. The wizened man stacked the wood near the hearth and turned to the three companions with the warmth of hospitality. “Gentlemen,” he said, “I hope you’ll enjoy my home a little longer. It has been ages since I’ve had visitors and your company is well appreciated.”
“We’d be honored to stay,” Braden spoke out. However, after the night’s conversation, Aaron was eager to set out and recover the book before Rayn could trace their steps.
“We would certainly be honored,” Aaron said, “but we must be off and accomplish the task that is set before us.”
“Indeed,” replied Dalyn. “Wisdom is proved by the actions we take, and your actions are such that it demonstrates your wisdom… even in one so young.” He smiled. “But, Captain, don’t be hasty and miss your path for your anxious desire. Stay with me an hour more, and I will set you off in a direction that will aid you in your pursuit.” Without waiting for an answer, Dalyn was out the door again, and vanished into the woods.
He returned, a half-hour later, with three fresh, newly woven satchels for each of the companions. Inside were supplies of food and water, along with several leaves, carefully wrapped, of a tree that Aaron had never seen before. “Now, Captain,” Dalyn said, “You are well supplied and have enough food for many weeks. I promise you these satchels will keep your food fresh and your water cool even in the most extreme weather. I’ve wrapped several of the Terapan leaves for you, but I pray that you will not need them. I will also accompany you to the edge of this wood to see that you are unhindered in your travel. The trees are cautious enough, and you are strangers to them. Times are unsettled and evil abounds everywhere.”
“We are grateful for your help,” Lorik said, “especially for your company through these woods.”
“As I said before, I am a servant and am pleased to have rendered aide to all of you.” Dalyn stepped outside the door and began walking south through the woods.
“I guess,” Aaron said, “we are meant to follow him.” With that, they all left the cottage and followed Dalyn through the woods.
It was still a long march to the southern edge of the forest, but with the passage created by their host they were able to easily navigate the journey. They arrived at the edge of a large, open expanse. Marsh and bog could be seen to the distant horizon. Far to the east Mount Sonna rose in solitary splendor, unaccompanied by any other mountain or peak. Somewhere far to the west the Hoppe River flowed through the town of Hamilton and beyond. But ahead, in dismal display, the Waste stood as a broad, treacherous barrier.
“Captain,” Dalyn asked, “is it your intent to travel through this desolate land?”
Aaron looked with desperation at the swampland that stood before them. “Dalyn,” he said, “Rayn knew of our intent to travel around the Waste to the east, under the shadow of Mount Sonna. The road west toward Hamilton will put us too close to the Guard. The only other way to the Kanton Mountains is to cross through the Waste, and that is our path.”
“Impossible,” Lorik said.
“Unthinkable,” Braden whispered.
Dalyn looked at the three companions. “You must trust each other. The Waste is an abhorrent place, and is full of tricks and deceit. To travel through the heart of it is foolhardy at best, and deadly for most. Are you sure that you are to venture through and not around this despised place?”
“I know of no other way,” Aaron said.
“Then I must tell you, do not taste even a morsel that grows in the Waste. Nothing of virtue exists within the confines of this swamp. The water is polluted and the vegetation is the same. Also, there is a river that flows near the southern edge of this expanse. It is called the Dead River by some and is aptly named. Avoid it if possible and cross it with extreme caution. This region is the great collection of evil that was the making of the Great War and the cataclysm of Charis. Use what I’ve given you, it should last you until you reach the other side.”
“Thank you,” Aaron responded, bowing low to their benefactor.
“No, friend,” Dalyn responded. “Do not bow to me. I am just a servant as you are and do not possess the virtue that you should bow to me. Reserve your adoration for the rightful One. You will find Him, certainly, and you will know Him before all others.” Dalyn turned and walked gently back into the forest, vanishing into the trees and brush. His passage was quickly hidden by the undergrowth, as if no one had ever passed that way.
Aaron silently stared out at the vast area that stood before him and, with determination, stepped down from the forest and into the Waste. Close behind, with great caution, Braden and Lorik followed their captain.
5
The Trap
Aaron and his companions ventured into the miserable swamp, as the sun peered through a shroud of heavy vapor, brown and dismal. He stepped ahead, fixing his eyes to the south as he navigated through the maze of bogs and streams that trickled through the land. Carefully selecting his footing, Aaron did not want to be stuck in a sinkhole or have his feet sucked into some cleverly disguised quagmire. Braden followed close behind, and Lorik last. It wasn’t long before the stout sergeant was grumbling under his breath about their decision to press through the marshes of the vast, vile area. All around them massive swirls of reeking pools hindered their progress. The air was filled with a noxious stench bubbling from beneath the water.
At the outset the passage through the wasteland was difficult, hindered by the many pools covered over with thin sheets of moss and debris. Aaron stepped onto what he thought was dry land when the ground beneath his feet suddenly sloshed under his weight, and he toppled over in a heap. Braden lunged forward and grabbed the captain’s belt just before he plunged head-first into the pool.
Several hours into their journey, Aaron hated that they were often blocked by the trickery of the region and needed to backtrack to find a more secure path. Occasionally, they would find small islands of solid earth with stunted trees and other unsightly foliage growing upon the hump. All around the region the vegetation was brown or black, filling the air with the reek of its decay. Dalyn’s warning rang clearly in their ears; nothing in the waste was fit to eat.
Upon one of these small islands Aaron stopped for a much-needed rest. The day’s travel wore him to almost despair, his feet were soaked and his clothes hung heavy with the foul smelling water of the Waste. He was cold and tired and dragged himself with slumped shoulders up to the solitary dry patch of earth. His companions did the same.
Lorik discovered a flint stone with a striker in his satchel, but all the moisture in the region prevented him from sparking anything into flame. “It’s no use!” Lorik threw up his hands as he exhaled a frustrated sigh. He put the flint and stone back into his bag and sat upon the ground with the other two.
Braden opened his pack and distributed several items of fresh fruit and bread, along with a skin of water. Aaron took the proffered items with gratitude. His eyes glazed over with despair as he gazed out over the horizon, chewing on the meager meal. The sun hung low in the west, dropping past the Shadow Mountains to shower the world in a brilliant display of orange and red.
Looking south, the captain glared as he gazed upon the Waste. “I wish we could cross this… this Waste… without having to double back so often.”
“These pools and bogs are far too dangerous,” Lorik said. “I think it better that we keep our feet on solid ground as much as possible rather than risk being swallowed up by this place.”
“One thing is certain,” Braden said, “if there is anyone trying to follow us, they would be hard pressed to do it here.”
“Let’s hope you’re right,” Lorik remarked. The sergeant turned to Aaron. “Captain, do you think that there will be anyone in pursuit?”
“No,” Aaron replied. “But I fear that we might find opposition waiting for us on the other side.”
“Do we keep going tonight?” Braden asked, hesitantly.
“No,” Aaron answered quickly. “It is far too dangerous to wander these pools and bogs at night. We would be more likely to fall into some quagmire and not find our way out. We’ll make camp here; the ground is solid, and we need the rest.”
The last, pale light of the day drifted out of sight to the west, leaving them to the damp, cold evening. As stifling as it was during the day, the night’s frigid conditions gave no comfort to the shivering companions. Aaron decided against posting a watch, knowing there was nothing living in the Waste to trouble them. Huddled together, they gave themselves over to a shivering, fitful night.
Several times Aaron woke up, as all three companions huddled close together to stave off the cold. Braden would occasionally mumble something, restless in his dreaming. The night passed in eerie silence, not even a breeze to carry a gentle sound to the ears of the three wanderers. No life could be heard; not even the chirp of crickets or the buzz of passing insects would break the unnatural stillness of the region.
Lorik woke and looked over to Aaron. “Of all the places that we could have come,” he said, “this is the one place I never would have imagined.”
“You and me both,” Aaron said as he leaned back on his hands.
“You know,” Lorik said, “when I was a young boy living in the north, I was terrified by stories of this place.”
Aaron smiled briefly. “I’m sure they told you those things to keep you out of here. Could you imagine what would happen to a child lost in this place? They wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“I just wonder,” Lorik stretched and pulled his cloak tighter around him, “after all we’ve been through, if those stories might have been true.”
