Evrah finally crawled from her hiding place once the sounds of departing dragons, heavy wagons moving out, and the trampling footfalls fell to silence. She had sat there at first, waiting to hear the robed figure speak, or the shouts of the soldiers, or even the screeching of dragons, yet for a long period, none of that sounded around her.
Her eyes and face burned from the smoke, and she was glad she could no longer taste or smell the things around her. The air was thick, making it hard to draw breath, and for a brief second, Evrah thought it might take her. This Hell might pull her into the dark void that had taken her village and end the agony it left behind.
It didn't.
She stayed until she felt it was safe. With blade in hand, she had finally emerged from the confines of her hiding place. As she stood, her gaze went around the area, and she thanked The Almighty it was dark and hid the gruesomeness of what she knew was there. With her heart and head hanging, she limped her way through the carnage, not knowing where she would go or what would happen next. She just wanted it all to end, but fate had other plans.
Evarh had made her way to a small clearing and sat with her back to the village, she could no longer stare at the emptiness left there. She felt as if she were drowning, the weight of this sorrow fighting to drag her under. Her lungs were tight and burning, making the slightest breath feel like glass shredding her from the inside out.
The once strong beating heart full of joy, dulled, slowed, and ached. Her flesh fashioned scorch marks laid over the tired and weary muscles inflamed from excursion and dehydration.
She didn't know how long she sat there, staring through blurred watery vision, gazing into nothing. The stars hung brightly in the darkened sky, while the moon seemed to spotlight the devastation behind her. As if it were showing off a prized possession it wanted to be sure all could see.
A beacon of light highlighting the darkness that consumed so much.
The breeze had begun to chill, awakening the creatures of the night that frolicked and foraged within the shadows. Trees swayed in the gentle autumn breeze, waving to the moon and the stars, as they did every night.
Caught up in turmoil and agony, Evrah never knew she had company until it reached out and touched her. Consumed by despair, she sighed and spoke softly.
“I have nothing to give unless it's my life you want...in that case, I have nothing to live for so if you're going to kill me, please do so or leave me alone.”
She had no desire to turn to see who had touched her. Defeated and numb, she half hoped that maybe they would knife her in the back and at last end the immense mind-numbing pain she was trying to shake. Much to her dismay, the mystery behind her was insistent.
The grip on her shoulder tightened a bit, followed by words she didn't want to hear.
“Evrah, you must get up. There is much to do.”
She turned her gaze, and half her frame to see the outline of a paunchy old man.
“Go aw- how did you know my name?”
The old man had stepped into the light. He had bright blue captivating eyes despite the disaster of gray hair atop his head. He looked as if someone had trapped a young man in the frame of an aging one. His stance gave away a bowed back and hurt knees, the way he fidgeted as he stood before her.
“I know many things, Evarh, none of which I can explain just this moment. As I have said, we need to go.”
She narrowed her gaze, “You hit your head, old man? I am going nowhere with you. I'm...”
“Going to die if you don't listen to me,” he said flatly.
Evrah looked around, they were completely alone. Even the night creatures had quieted and stilled. She had no intention of entertaining this old man, as she was in no mood for parlor tricks today.She assumed he must have been one of the many travelers and swindlers who came to town predicting they knew the future. They were all fools, and those who bought into it were bigger ones. They always drew a crowd, foretelling of woes with one hand and robbing folks blind with the other. She had never paid much attention to any of them, and she wasn't going to pay attention to this fool either.“Death would a great favor at the present. Go away and leave me be.”She dropped back into a sitting position only to be dragged back onto her feet, the old man's voice worried in her ear.“Not now. We have no time. You must come with me now. You have about four seconds before the choice is made for you.”She had planned to object but just then the old man pointed off into the dark, and she thought she
Albian, stood scratching his head a moment, staring at the girl face down in the debris. He didn't have to see the matted hair, the tear streaks on her face, or the ripped and tattered wet clothes clinging to her slender frame to know just how much she had been through.Mud and ash smeared all over, let him know she had indeed been in Forrest Keep during the chaos. He knew by looking at her, she must have been on Karlear Mountian when it began because the only way she would have been soaked to the bone was if she crossed the Keepers River.His heart broke for the pain and suffering she had to endure watching death devour her village, but he was immensely proud that she had somehow survived it. Also, It showed she had what she needed to survive and what was in store for her going forward.This was going to be a very hard journey...for all of them.It would be the hardest for her, but none would escape the trials this war would bring. The chaos so far
Evrah's eyes fluttered as she woke from a hard sleep. The smell of damp grass in her nose. She moved and stretched, only to be nuzzled a bit tighter. She opened her eyes fully and gazed around. Bright red copper fur surrounded her, holding her close and keeping her safe.She noticed her clothes were dry and the patches of mud and grime erased from her skin.She placed her palm over her face and sighed, Oh, good grief, this thing didn't wash me like a puppy, did she?Propping herself up on one elbow, she took in her surroundings, trying to figure out where she had been taken. It looked as though they were hidden deep in the underbrush of Widowwoods, just outside Forrest Keep. Next to one of Foxfire's boat-sized feet sat a wash bucket and a cloth, and Evrah sighed with relief.There was no fire, or any other trace they were there. Other than the forest noise, and the old man snoring, she was confident they were indeed hidden away. She slid her gaze
Again, he waved her off, “That is why I told you my name, Evrah. We have many things to discuss but first and foremost, if we are going to work together to fix what has been done, there must be respect between us. You will not like the things I need to tell you, you will not like the things that will have to be done and you will not like me by the time we have finished, but I will always speak to you and treat you with respect and I demand the same from you. Is that understood?”Evrah stood for a long moment staring at the man in front of her. This all seemed like a very bad dream she couldn't shake loose but his tone and the lesson he was teaching sounded much like her father and mother. She remembered how much, above many other things, they hammered that lesson home to her. Respect. You have it and you give it, even when the person in front of you doesn't deserve it. You do. Therefore, you always keep it at hand, like the wind among trees. This small collection of memories struck a
Evrah was in awe of the place. She didn't catch the name of the place as the beauty drowned everything else out. It was a mix of majestic creatures and a wonderous landscape. One fused with the other, as if the two were a pair of lovers twisted around one another dancing to the sweet melody of nature. Soft light split through the canopy above, splashing the dark green plush grass, lighting each blade as if to showcase how individual each was and how they worked in harmony to cover the canvas, making an extraordinary picture. Small fluffy-tailed creatures darted from one branch to another, gathering nuts, berries, and twigs. Birds of every size, looking as if they flew through a painted rainbow, gathering varying colors, squawked and flew from here and there, dodging the other wildlife or perching for rest. Out in the expanse of land, ran herds of animals, none hunting the other, all gathered in peace- roaming, playing, or lying in the sun, enjoying the bliss of the sun's warmth upon t
Albian replied, “This is Pax. A peaceful realm very few have ever witnessed. You are the only reason we are here. It was the power in you that led us here, and the power in you that allowed us entry.”“I don't understand. If you could never get here, how do you know it was me and some kind of power I possess.”He pointed a finger in the air, “Books, my dear. Books. There is much legend that is written about the existence of this place.”“That doesn't sound right., Evrah replied. "If it is such a secret, and hard to find, how would someone know it existed enough to write about it?”“There are many things you do not yet know, but I will say this, your lineage is why we are here. It is the ancients that gained us entry. It is that tie to the past, that you must embrace in order to save the future.”Evrah shook her head, “More cryptic talk. Can you tell me what that means, 'my tie to the past'?”A soft almost musical voice spoke from behind her.“Evrah, wisdom comes with age and experienc
The unicorn spoke, “I can tell you what I can.”“Can you start with who you are? Do you have a name?”The unicorn laughed but it sounded like a small song playing, “All creatures have a name, child. I can tell you my lower realm name, which is Sylvrmane, but I cannot tell you my spiritual name.”She scratched her head, “Spiritual name?”“Yes, every creature ever created has a spiritual name and a lower realm name. Your lower realm name is, Evrah. That is what you are known by in the lower realms.”“And what is my spiritual name?”“I cannot tell you that...But you already know.”She looked at every face around her, searching for answers or at least further comment but nothing. Everyone was quiet.“I think you are mistaken. I am Evrah Evergreen. That is the only name I have. That is who I am.”Sylvrmane shook her head, “It is not. Your spiritual name is there, inside you. It is the essence of who you are and when the time is right, it will reveal itself to you. Beware Evrah, it is a nam
Evarh awakened with a mouth full of dirt and a twinge in her leg. Sputtering, she pushed herself onto her knees and looked around. Nothing was familiar to her. Yet another place she knew nothing about. Albian and Foxfire lay a few feet away and seemed to be awakening as well.The sun was low behind the staggering trees surrounding them. Here and there you could hear the early rustling of the night animals creeping from their dens into the shadows. Night birds began their melody, coaxing day dwellers to sleep and alerting the night walkers, the all was clear.Evrah dusted herself free of the dirt and grass. For the first time, she noticed that her body had been healed and her clothes looked brand new. Even her worn-out dirty boots were as shiny and tough as the day she received them seven years ago, yet they still had that well-worn comfortable feeling.Her focus went to Albian when he spoke.“Evrah, we must be going. We cannot linger here.”She glanced around, searching for a threat t
Evarh awakened with a mouth full of dirt and a twinge in her leg. Sputtering, she pushed herself onto her knees and looked around. Nothing was familiar to her. Yet another place she knew nothing about. Albian and Foxfire lay a few feet away and seemed to be awakening as well.The sun was low behind the staggering trees surrounding them. Here and there you could hear the early rustling of the night animals creeping from their dens into the shadows. Night birds began their melody, coaxing day dwellers to sleep and alerting the night walkers, the all was clear.Evrah dusted herself free of the dirt and grass. For the first time, she noticed that her body had been healed and her clothes looked brand new. Even her worn-out dirty boots were as shiny and tough as the day she received them seven years ago, yet they still had that well-worn comfortable feeling.Her focus went to Albian when he spoke.“Evrah, we must be going. We cannot linger here.”She glanced around, searching for a threat t
The unicorn spoke, “I can tell you what I can.”“Can you start with who you are? Do you have a name?”The unicorn laughed but it sounded like a small song playing, “All creatures have a name, child. I can tell you my lower realm name, which is Sylvrmane, but I cannot tell you my spiritual name.”She scratched her head, “Spiritual name?”“Yes, every creature ever created has a spiritual name and a lower realm name. Your lower realm name is, Evrah. That is what you are known by in the lower realms.”“And what is my spiritual name?”“I cannot tell you that...But you already know.”She looked at every face around her, searching for answers or at least further comment but nothing. Everyone was quiet.“I think you are mistaken. I am Evrah Evergreen. That is the only name I have. That is who I am.”Sylvrmane shook her head, “It is not. Your spiritual name is there, inside you. It is the essence of who you are and when the time is right, it will reveal itself to you. Beware Evrah, it is a nam
Albian replied, “This is Pax. A peaceful realm very few have ever witnessed. You are the only reason we are here. It was the power in you that led us here, and the power in you that allowed us entry.”“I don't understand. If you could never get here, how do you know it was me and some kind of power I possess.”He pointed a finger in the air, “Books, my dear. Books. There is much legend that is written about the existence of this place.”“That doesn't sound right., Evrah replied. "If it is such a secret, and hard to find, how would someone know it existed enough to write about it?”“There are many things you do not yet know, but I will say this, your lineage is why we are here. It is the ancients that gained us entry. It is that tie to the past, that you must embrace in order to save the future.”Evrah shook her head, “More cryptic talk. Can you tell me what that means, 'my tie to the past'?”A soft almost musical voice spoke from behind her.“Evrah, wisdom comes with age and experienc
Evrah was in awe of the place. She didn't catch the name of the place as the beauty drowned everything else out. It was a mix of majestic creatures and a wonderous landscape. One fused with the other, as if the two were a pair of lovers twisted around one another dancing to the sweet melody of nature. Soft light split through the canopy above, splashing the dark green plush grass, lighting each blade as if to showcase how individual each was and how they worked in harmony to cover the canvas, making an extraordinary picture. Small fluffy-tailed creatures darted from one branch to another, gathering nuts, berries, and twigs. Birds of every size, looking as if they flew through a painted rainbow, gathering varying colors, squawked and flew from here and there, dodging the other wildlife or perching for rest. Out in the expanse of land, ran herds of animals, none hunting the other, all gathered in peace- roaming, playing, or lying in the sun, enjoying the bliss of the sun's warmth upon t
Again, he waved her off, “That is why I told you my name, Evrah. We have many things to discuss but first and foremost, if we are going to work together to fix what has been done, there must be respect between us. You will not like the things I need to tell you, you will not like the things that will have to be done and you will not like me by the time we have finished, but I will always speak to you and treat you with respect and I demand the same from you. Is that understood?”Evrah stood for a long moment staring at the man in front of her. This all seemed like a very bad dream she couldn't shake loose but his tone and the lesson he was teaching sounded much like her father and mother. She remembered how much, above many other things, they hammered that lesson home to her. Respect. You have it and you give it, even when the person in front of you doesn't deserve it. You do. Therefore, you always keep it at hand, like the wind among trees. This small collection of memories struck a
Evrah's eyes fluttered as she woke from a hard sleep. The smell of damp grass in her nose. She moved and stretched, only to be nuzzled a bit tighter. She opened her eyes fully and gazed around. Bright red copper fur surrounded her, holding her close and keeping her safe.She noticed her clothes were dry and the patches of mud and grime erased from her skin.She placed her palm over her face and sighed, Oh, good grief, this thing didn't wash me like a puppy, did she?Propping herself up on one elbow, she took in her surroundings, trying to figure out where she had been taken. It looked as though they were hidden deep in the underbrush of Widowwoods, just outside Forrest Keep. Next to one of Foxfire's boat-sized feet sat a wash bucket and a cloth, and Evrah sighed with relief.There was no fire, or any other trace they were there. Other than the forest noise, and the old man snoring, she was confident they were indeed hidden away. She slid her gaze
Albian, stood scratching his head a moment, staring at the girl face down in the debris. He didn't have to see the matted hair, the tear streaks on her face, or the ripped and tattered wet clothes clinging to her slender frame to know just how much she had been through.Mud and ash smeared all over, let him know she had indeed been in Forrest Keep during the chaos. He knew by looking at her, she must have been on Karlear Mountian when it began because the only way she would have been soaked to the bone was if she crossed the Keepers River.His heart broke for the pain and suffering she had to endure watching death devour her village, but he was immensely proud that she had somehow survived it. Also, It showed she had what she needed to survive and what was in store for her going forward.This was going to be a very hard journey...for all of them.It would be the hardest for her, but none would escape the trials this war would bring. The chaos so far
Evrah looked around, they were completely alone. Even the night creatures had quieted and stilled. She had no intention of entertaining this old man, as she was in no mood for parlor tricks today.She assumed he must have been one of the many travelers and swindlers who came to town predicting they knew the future. They were all fools, and those who bought into it were bigger ones. They always drew a crowd, foretelling of woes with one hand and robbing folks blind with the other. She had never paid much attention to any of them, and she wasn't going to pay attention to this fool either.“Death would a great favor at the present. Go away and leave me be.”She dropped back into a sitting position only to be dragged back onto her feet, the old man's voice worried in her ear.“Not now. We have no time. You must come with me now. You have about four seconds before the choice is made for you.”She had planned to object but just then the old man pointed off into the dark, and she thought she
Evrah finally crawled from her hiding place once the sounds of departing dragons, heavy wagons moving out, and the trampling footfalls fell to silence. She had sat there at first, waiting to hear the robed figure speak, or the shouts of the soldiers, or even the screeching of dragons, yet for a long period, none of that sounded around her.Her eyes and face burned from the smoke, and she was glad she could no longer taste or smell the things around her. The air was thick, making it hard to draw breath, and for a brief second, Evrah thought it might take her. This Hell might pull her into the dark void that had taken her village and end the agony it left behind.It didn't.She stayed until she felt it was safe. With blade in hand, she had finally emerged from the confines of her hiding place. As she stood, her gaze went around the area, and she thanked The Almighty it was dark and hid the gruesomeness of what she knew was there. With her heart and head hanging, she limped her way throu