CYRAN‘So. You’re the Bekkis twins everyone’s yapping about, eh?’ I exchange a confused glance with Saelyna. ‘”Everyone”? Who’s “Everyone”?’ she asks. ‘Well of course, the Network’. He shifts his glance from me to her and back again, reading our stares. ‘Oh. You don’t know’. ‘They talked about it earlier this evening’, Saelyna says, ‘Who are they?’ Quain puffs out his lips but he doesn’t wince from the scald like he does before I healed him. ‘Like the name suggests, we are a chain of folks with linked interests scattered over Quindar, though, we’re mostly south, and “headquarters” is in Tussel’. ‘How long? How long has the Network existed?’ Saelyna asks. ‘Since the rebellion. Still made up of wolvens and elves, but it’s not just to make a separate nation anymore. No, they’re too angry for that now’.I already know their agenda even without Quain saying it. I could see it in the green flash of Veesa’s eyes and the way Jenna banged the table hours ago in Argell’s hut. Quindar must be ta
RONNThe raveners have little in the way of kit. Nothing much to see; bags of clothes, fresh kill of deer and (surprisingly) a gazen, maps and the likes of traveling folk.It puzzles me still: how winter wolves would be this coordinated and organized. Striking without taking captives or loot. I’m not one for riddles, though. Besides, I’m grateful to them, though. The necessary distraction.The last tent Is larger than the others and has an odd smell of cheese and mothballs. I take it to be the captain’s quarters, the rather large white one that Caivan had chosen to spare. The one that killed Allos. I push his sneering face from my mind as my eyes fall on a long, silver coat laid out on a small box. ‘It fits’, Sirgil says, his yellow eyes gleaming in the darkness. ‘I’ll take your word for it’, I say and slip into the coat. Without second thought, I snatch the box as well.When I step outside, I half expect to see white shapes and fangs and more fighting. But there’s only Caivan, the ma
SAELYNAThe door opens and Quain walks out bleary-eyed, dark hair matted to one side of his face, covering the scar. He isn’t wearing the dirty brown coat he had on earlier, he wears a white shirt; on closer look, I recognize it’s Cyran’s.He releases a satisfactory sigh when a slight gust of breeze blows our way. I can guess at his thoughts; Quain lived in his family house on the hill overlooking the miller’s, and we used to spend afternoons on his toak tree in the fall, looking out over the northern plains and the kingsroad that we dreamed of traveling on one day, if we were to go to Qarax.That was a lifetime ago.‘Can’t sleep?’ I ask. He opens his eyes then, as if just recognizing my presence and gives me a wistful smile. ‘No’. He leans in and adds, ‘It’s just that your brother is a really good singer’. I chuckle at his sarcasm. The complete opposite in fact. ‘Sorry. Cyran snores like his life depends on it. I should know, I’ve lived with him all of my life’. ‘Oof. Talk about puni
SAELYNA I push myself to my feet, trying to find some chunk, some sort of thread of a lie in what Quain says. ‘I don’t believe you. I don’t’. I see their faces in the hut again, the inquisitive stare Caivan and Veesa shared, the way Cyran looked properly befuddled. It must be wrong. It all is. ‘How would you know, we were kids when it all happened’, I say. He stands up as well. ‘Yes we were. But there were others, remember?’ ‘How did you know, Quain?! Why did Veesa never tell me? What…what?’ I can’t think. My thoughts scatter over my brain incoherently, memories and speculations; I drop to the rock with the heaviness of it all. Quain squats in front of me, his face level with mine. I focus on the lines etched into the untouched side of his face, on the black hair and black eyes that seem to hold so so many secrets. ‘Obviously, this wasn’t how you were supposed to find out. I doubt Veesa even wanted you to know at all….I couldn’t tell you everything while she was there, I couldn’t be
SAELYNAHe smiles at me as I sit up on the cot. For a while, I’m completely disoriented, and it takes a while to recall I’m back in the hut.The hut. Last I recall, I was with…Quain? Caivan? I rub my eyes, attempting to squeeze out whatever sleep is left.‘Did you dream?’ Cyran asks, his eyes boring into mine with a fervent stare. I feel my brows crease at his pushy tone, and he seems to notice it too, because he shakes his head. ‘Sorry. That was odd’, he says. I don’t bother agreeing as I push myself to my feet.Sunlight falls into the room through the windows in large quantities, and I can’t hear a crow, so I know it’s past morning. I wonder how long I’d slept: four, five hours? It couldn’t be that long.I walk to one of the round windows, leaning against the clay wall, and take a peek outside. No one is about; the wind howls spookily through empty huts and a cuttard scuttles across the space as I watch into the forest on the other side. Eldad is silent.For a second, I get the absu
SAELYNAI finally find a spot to spend the morning alone and in silence. Around a curve in the creek, further down the plateau. The birds tweet rather sweetly here, and the air is soft and gentle. I wonder why it took me this long to find it.I drift off for a while before a strong smell penetrates my nostrils, that of smoke. I thought I’d had my fill of fires.When I trace the source, it comes from above me, on the tableland. Another funeral pyre.But it’s just Jenna. And an altar.She stands quietly, solemnly, her grey coat and dark hair billowing in the morning breeze, the smoke and smell of incense wafting around her in gentle curls. She looks serene, almost godlike in that posture, in the moment, until I remember the way her eyes had flashed and the fangs that protrude from her mouth. Wolves are not to be trusted, father would say, They give off an air of peace and certainty, like a foxan, but they cannot hide forever. Sooner or later, they’ll bite down and most times, it’s too l
CYRANThe bathhouse is where I head after the cremation. I hope for some quiet, but also Gylen.Before the fire had died down, Gylen walked away, conspicuous in his dark brown coat. I waited a while before following him, a decision I regret a bit. If a wolven wished to stay hidden, he would stay hidden.I push the door open, cursing and wincing when it creaks loudly. I blink once to adjust my sight to the darkness, and the first thing I notice is that the water is gone. Drained out, it seems, and the place is just an empty, normal hut with a small trench in the ground. Perfect.A wooden stool stands beside the door. The work of a seasoned craftsman, its four legs are carved with symbols…no, not symbols. Wolf faces, styled to resemble ideograms.‘Wonderful workmanship’. The dirk is in my hand before I turn, but it’s just Ronn.I right my stance as I lower the blade but I don’t sheath it. Whenever I see him, tall and threatening in his ash cloak, I see the silver wolven that attacked us
68. DEPARTURE.CAIVANGylen returns with Farden and Pedran from their scout and reports the area empty. "And what about Halden?" I ask. They exchanged glances, and Farden spoke: "It was... deserted." ‘Deserted?’ I repeat, "How is that?" "Not a living soul stirred." "It was like death had struck in one night," Pedran says. I smelled them. The winter wolves like they had been in the village. But if they had, they left little in the way of blood," Gylen quips.I nod. I avoid the temptation to start speculating and connecting ropes, instead turning to Argell’s hut. "Get ready, brothers," I say, "we're headed for Tussel."Someone, most likely Veesa, has cropped his hair so that it lies close to his scalp, low and spiky. It's almost like Keilen’s. They still haven’t seen her, not since yesterday, and I don’t want to bother Father about it. Lupion, I don’t want to think about it. There’s no telling how we’ll find her, dead or alive.I shut down the ill thoughts and walk up to him, where he s
Reflections Their progress was slow, and the constant motion did little to lessen the stress that weighed heavily on their hearts. Each minute brought them closer to the witch, closer to the woman who threatened the safety of the people of Eriu and their future. Every inch took them further away from home, further away from their families and their friends. Time was running short, and soon enough they would be forced to make a choice. Either they could save their Kingdom or die trying. They had lost track of the number of times they had narrowly escaped the clutches of the witches; yet, none of them gave up hope. A feeling of uneasiness settled inside of them, an uncertainty that they were approaching the center of the witch’s domain. Finally, the group reached an intersection, and all eyes turned in unison towards the hallway that split down the middle, one path leading to freedom and the other to destruction. The Queen raised a trembling hand towards the rightmost passage, ta
Their progress was slow, and the constant motion did little to lessen the stress that weighed heavily on their hearts. Each minute brought them closer to the witch, closer to the woman who threatened the safety of the people of Eriu and their future. Every inch took them further away from home, further away from their families and their friends. Time was running short, and soon enough they would be forced to make a choice. Either they could save their Kingdom or die trying.They had lost track of the number of times they had narrowly escaped the clutches of the witches; yet, none of them gave up hope. A feeling of uneasiness settled inside of them, an uncertainty that they were approaching the center of the witch’s domain.Finally, the group reached an intersection, and all eyes turned in unison towards the hallway that split down the middle, one path leading to freedom and the other to destruction. The Queen raised a trembling hand towards the rightmost passage, taking a deep breath,
With the amulet clutched tightly in his hand, Caivan rejoined Saelyna and Gylen, his expression determined. “I’ve found it,” he declared, his voice filled with a mix of hope and determination.As Cyran continued to engage the witch in a fierce battle, Saelyna stepped forward, her eyes meeting Caivan’s. “Give me the amulet, Caivan. It will amplify my magic and weaken her grip on the Queen.”Caivan nodded, passing the amulet to Saelyna with care. “Use it well, Saelyna. We’re counting on you.”Saelyna held the amulet close to her chest, feeling its power resonate within her. She took a deep breath, channeling her courage, her determination, and the collective strength of her friends.In that moment, time seemed to stand still. The air crackled with anticipation as Saelyna prepared to confront the witch head-on, armed with the ancient incantation and the newfound power of the amulet. The final battle was about to begin, and Saelyna was ready to seize their chance at victory.The room puls
Caught in the crossfire SAELYNAQuain let out a long sigh, he was very curious, but, seeing how I answered, he thought he didn't want to disturb my concentration. I tried to concentrate as I thought about the sentences I had read from Gylen's writing.The sound of the door opening made Quain and I turn our heads. Caivan had just come out in the clothes he had changed into."Quain," Caivan called, causing Quain to raise half an eyebrow in surprise. "Me, Saelyna, Cryan, and Gylen are leaving. I trust you to take care of the others. Stay alert and keep an eye on the surroundings. Don't trust anyone except Prince Charles. I'll be back in a little over an hour, but if we're not back in an hour, I authorize you to take the others with you. Caivan gave Quain a message, then reached for me. "Leave the stone the queen gave to Quain, so he can access it if anything happens to us."I immediately nodded in understanding, it was only fitting that Caivan became an Alpha, famous for his ruthless wa
Walking togetherCAIVANThe one I've been waiting for has finally arrived. Saelyna and Cryan came into my room."There's Gylen too," Cryan said to himself, then Gylen told him to sit by his side while Saelyna sat next to me."Why are you all here? Are you having a little meeting?" Saelyna asked with a half-raised eyebrow in surprise."No, we're just having a little discussion," I replied, standing in for Gylen.While Saelyna just nodded in understanding. "What about when you met Prince Charles? What did you talk about?" Saelyna suddenly remembered and asked me and Gylen."I'll explain it to you, but first I have to ask you," I grumbled as I looked at Saelyna from the side, then I picked up a map and some notes we had made because it would be useful for Saelyna and we didn't have to go too far in explaining it. It was all done by Gylen before the two of them came to my room."Everything is summarised here. I'll explain later. But where are you going?" I said, wondering when I saw that
An unsolved mysterySAELYNA"Are you called the Queen?"I nodded my head as Caivan asked. "I will see her now." I quickly closed the door to the room as Caivan made way for me. Maybe Cryan had told him. "When I get back, tell me what happened while you were talking to the prince."Caivan followed my footsteps towards the room where the Queen was. "Of course, you must be careful. I will be waiting for you in the room." When we reached the centre room, with the Queen's room in front of it, guarded by several soldiers, Caivan told me to leave and that he would return to his room.Feeling my heart pounding, I steadied myself before walking over. The soldiers made way for me to pass, apparently they had been informed by the Queen that I was her guest."Excuse me Queen, it's a pleasure to be here and thank you for inviting me." I bowed slightly and waved my hands in front of my stomach.The Queen, who was in her seat, smiled at me and then told me to sit down in one of the empty chairs she
An unsolved mysterySAELYNA"Are you called the Queen?"I nodded my head as Caivan asked. "I will see her now." I quickly closed the door to the room as Caivan made way for me. Maybe Cryan had told him. "When I get back, tell me what happened while you were talking to the prince."Caivan followed my footsteps towards the room where the Queen was. "Of course, you must be careful. I will be waiting for you in the room." When we reached the centre room, with the Queen's room in front of it, guarded by several soldiers, Caivan told me to leave and that he would return to his room.Feeling my heart pounding, I steadied myself before walking over. The soldiers made way for me to pass, apparently they had been informed by the Queen that I was her guest."Excuse me Queen, it's a pleasure to be here and thank you for inviting me." I bowed slightly and waved my hands in front of my stomach.The Queen, who was in her seat, smiled at me and then told me to sit down in one of the empty chairs she
First mission CAIVANI saw the Prince's legs move, he was about to turn and face us. This was the first time we had met, and I had sent the Prince a letter before we had spoken by telephone."Yes, you are my people. And we should protect you if you need our help." The Prince smiled broadly, he was quite handsome and authoritative. He shook his robes back, then walked over to me. I sat up and looked at him seriously. "Have you looked around your room?" he asked again as we faced each other."I have, Your Honour." I wasn't the only one who answered him, my friends in the back also replied."All right, just call me Charles. Are you the leader of them? Is your name Caivan? It's good to see you here, I hear you're a great fighter. If you are not tired from travelling and have more time, perhaps we can have a chat first. Or if you want to bring your deputy with you, that's fine too.I smiled broadly at that, then nodded briefly. "At your service, Your Honour." Then I turned to look at Gyle
Prince's welcome SAELYNAI don't want to, he must be very tired. And who really needs to be carried by Caivan? We decided to walk together. Five minutes was not too far and long, we could observe each other's surroundings and make small talk."Later we will come to a village where people live a simple life and we have to be friendly, don't make any noise. Be polite if you want to pass through their area, when we walk again we will meet the market before entering the city park and there we can see the huge city of Lexington. Then our goal is to find one of the kingdoms there, the kingdom of Brahzeil is the largest and has a lot of knowledge we can seek. There is a prince there who will help us, I hope you don't make a fuss. This prince is called Charles". Gylen explained to the others as Caivan's representative, while they all nodded in agreement. There are ten of us on this journey. We had a well thought out plan and had made sure that we would not betray each other.After about five