The Greylands: Volume II

By Susan Skylark

A land of shadows, of mystery, of obfuscated Truth. Welcome to the Greylands, that strange world, within the bounds of Time, peopled by mortal men. We cannot see truly, only as through a glass, darkly. There are things that move and have their being completely beyond our ability to perceive them. There are things beyond our mortal ability to comprehend. There are hints and glimmers hidden within the body of revealed Truth, but there is much we do not know, cannot yet understand, and could never dare dream. These stories are mere fancy, with a seed of Truth at their core. They play with the ideas of mortality and Eternity, Time and things beyond it, and of course the epic battle of Good against Evil. Each stands alone, and though there are common themes, threads, names, and concepts, each story is an entity unto itself and should not be seen as occurring in the same world or mistaken for installments of a series. These are random musings, not Gospel Truth, and should not be taken as such. Joy, hope, and encouragement are hopefully a byproduct, but certainly not sound Theology. If you would know more of the true world beyond these Greylands, one must be a careful student of the Scriptures, not of silly stories such as these.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Skylark
• Release date: Jan 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301901029

Susan Skylark

Once upon a time there was a sensible young lady who pursued a practical career, but finding it far less fulfilling than the proponents of the modern fairytale promulgate, she then married a clergyman, much to everyone’s astonishment, including her own, and in proper fairytale fashion keeps house for the mysterious gentleman in a far away land, spending most of her time in company with a very short, whimsical person who can almost speak English. She enjoys fantasy, fairy tales, and adventure stories and her writing reflects this quaint affectation. She considers Happy Endings (more or less) a requisite to good literature and sanity, though real stories never, truly end.

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The Greylands: Volume II

Susan Skylark

Copyright 2013 Susan Skylark

Smashwords Edition

Revised 2018

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Table of Contents:

The Mistborn

Nothing but Legends

Not Quite Human

Other Books by this Author

Sample Chapters

Author’s Note: These are independent, stand alone stories. Though themes and names may be similar, there is no relation between them.

The Mistborn:

Go not into the Elf Wood, grated the old man on the village green amidst the wide-eyed children that had gathered to hear his tales, strange are the rumors of that country. Those that go in never come out or if they do, they are never the same again. Tis far better to stay at home and mind your own business than risk that cursed place.

But do not fairies and unicorns dwell in the Wood? piped one small, hopeful girl.

Bah, scowled the old man, there be all manner of strange folk in that wood and none knows who or what might dwell there. As I said, it is best to leave well enough alone!

But it sounds the perfect place for an adventure, blurted out a boy a bit older than the girl.

Who needs adventure? groused the old man, Certainly not you. Forget such foolishness. Life is hard enough without going out and looking for trouble!

But I want to see the Unicorn, said the boy defiantly.

The old man glanced around cautiously, as if the roan cow tethered on the green might carry tales, before saying, those are dangerous words boy. Where did you hear such a tale?

The boy smiled mischievously, my old granny tells such tales before the fire each night.

The man said quietly, you would do well to forget such tales or at least not spread them abroad. I would bring this to your father but being the man he is, I doubt such tale bearing would be of much avail. But heed well my words lad, there are those in this world that would take such tales amiss and it just might bring unwanted attention upon your family.

The boy drew himself up and said, and why should I fear anyone in the least? Granny says all who follow the Unicorn have nothing to fear from man or beast.

The old man smirked, has your old granny never heard of the Blackguard? They would make short work of you and she, if they heard such prattling on. If you love your lives you will hold your tongues.

But papa is one of the Whiteguard, squeaked the girl, he would never let any such thing happen. And granny says we must not remain silent, for everybody should have the chance to hear about the Unicorn.

The old man shook his head in exasperation and quickly abandoned his eager young audience, fearing to hear any more of such nonsense. The Unicorn indeed! If that old myth were true the world would certainly be in a better state than it was. If such a benevolent creature ever existed, certainly it was dead and gone centuries ago as the old tale told. Those poor deluded youngsters and their stubborn parents would one day rue their fanatic devotion to such a pathetic cause. Everyone knew the only way to survive in this wretched world was to avoid the wrath of the Dark Prince and his thrice cursed Blackguard. If you had to cling to outdated superstition at least keep quiet about it, lest you get the whole village murdered! He hobbled slowly back to his crumbling hovel, muttering the entire way under his breath.

The small group of children listened in fascination as the boy regaled them with one tale after another about the Unicorn and the Fairywood. The older boys smirked in derision, thinking they knew better and were far wiser than the bold orator before them while the younger children hung on every word as hope stirred within them. The group only broke up when their various mothers called them home for supper. The boy took the little girl’s hand and together they made their way toward home. The children dispersed and there was much excited chatter over the evening meal and many concerned parents thereafter.

The boy’s father received many aggrieved visitors over the course of the next few days, all quite upset by the tales carried by his son. How could he let the boy carry such dangerous tales? Did he wish them all to suffer the wrath of the Dark Prince and his evil minions? The man only shook his head gravely and said that the boy was free to speak as he felt he must and if they objected they did not have to listen. They stormed away in a fury and muttered together their frustrations behind closed doors and over a mug of ale at the local inn of an evening. The man smiled slightly and hastened to find his troublemaking son. He found the boy busy about the farmyard with various small chores; taking the boy by the shoulder he led him to a quiet place alongside the woodshed and seated themselves on a couple convenient logs.

Son, said he, you have garnered the wrath of many in this village with your stories. The boy blanched, fearing some rebuke but the man continued, that it has caused such an outrage means your stories are having some effect on stony and hardened hearts. I must commend you for your courage in speaking so for I know others have warned you that such tales are quite unpopular of late. I am sorry to say my own enthusiasm for speaking thus has been dampened with care and worry, but I think you have the right of it. These great things must be spoken and not hidden from view simply for fear of our lives. Whatever happens for your temerity, I must tell you that I am proud of you and will try and be so bold myself.

Amazement stilled the boy’s tongue and was writ large in his eyes and upon his face. The man smiled, clapped the boy on the back, and returned to his own work. The boy shared a parting grin with his father and ran off to tell his mother. His mother and grandmother were busy about the house and listened with amused smiles as the boy told of his encounter with his father. His mother cautioned however, it is good to share your grandmother’s stories but you must be cautious in who you let overhear you. All must have the chance to hear, but caution is warranted lest you fall into the hands of darkness.

The boy’s smile slipped as he said, but father said all must hear and that caution is not needed. Will not the Unicorn protect us should some danger present itself?

His mother smiled gently and said, certainly you must speak these things. I only say be careful in whom you confide for many will carry tales to your enemies. The Unicorn shall certainly be with His faithful but that does not mean He shall rescue us from every evil and danger that presents itself. Suffering, sorrow, and danger are certainties in this fallen world, my son. The Unicorn has promised not to abandon us forever to such things and has in fact overthrown both evil and death, but that age is yet to come. In this present age we must endure that which we must. That is why I warn you not to court death by being too bold in your proclamations.

The boy drew himself up and said, I will not hide as if I am embarrassed of what I believe. Why does papa hide from everyone?

A look of surprise crossed his mother’s face and she said, what is your father hiding?

He sighed, I know he once rode for the Whiteguard. Why does he now live in obscurity and say nothing of what he once was?

His mother smiled weakly and said, no one is allowed to ride with the Guard who has dependent children. He has retired to raise a family. Once you and your sister are grown, perhaps he shall ride with them again.

The boy nodded sagely but said, then should he not at least be sharing the reasons for which he once rode? Is that not also a duty of the Guard as well as fighting against the minions of the Dark Prince?

His mother nodded sadly and said, your father and I have remained silent for fear that our family might suffer for it. It seems all his old spirit lives again in you. Not that long ago nothing could have stilled his tongue but our old courage is long fled. My heart stirs within me to have kept silent so long and deny our neighbors the chance to hear that which we consider most dear. Forgive me my son, and thank you for rousing again the courage that has waned for so many years. I shall speak to your father about it, but we shall also make plans to defend ourselves or escape should our enemies fall upon us for our renewed boldness. The boy beamed and ran off to find his little sister and tell her all the news. He found her running swiftly from the surrounding forest with much delight and eagerness.

She shouted joyfully to her brother, I have seen one! I have seen one!

Winded, she stopped her flight and gasped for breath, as Kyan said, what have you seen Clara?

The little girl beamed, one of the Mistborn of course.

He looked at her seriously and asked, truly?

She grinned all the more, it could have been nothing else! Let us find granny and perhaps she will tell us more of them!

In any other child this mysterious sighting might be thought a fancy of the child’s imagination but Clara was not prone to such whimsies. They ran together into the house where granny sat by the fire with her knitting in her lap. The two breathless children stood before her, Clara made her declaration and demanded to know all the old woman had to tell about such creatures.

The old woman’s eyes sparkled in delight but were wide with surprise as she said, the Mistborn? Child, are you sure? Clara glowered at not being believed but nodded succinctly. The old woman nodded sagely and said, as the two children sat at her feet, "the Mistborn is it? They are strange and mysterious creatures certainly, perhaps the most mysterious to haunt this world, if they truly walk upon it. Much is rumored about them and almost nothing known. What is true and what is folly I cannot tell. I will tell you that which I consider closest to the truth but even that is hard to believe.

For all the long ages that the Dark Prince has ruled over the lands of men, he has fought constantly against the Unicorn. You have heard many times the tale of Him that left His beautiful kingdom far from mortal sorrows and became mortal Himself for a time, to right the wrongs of mankind. He came and spoke peace but men heeded Him not and allowed Him to fall into the hands of those who mocked and killed Him. The Dark Prince had thought himself victorious that day but little did he know that he had sealed his own doom, for death could not hold such as He. He rose again to life, and by trusting in Him, we also might live. For it was His blood that paid the price demanded of each and every man for all his many crimes against his Maker and his fellow men. The Unicorn then returned to His own country but promised to return one day and finally overthrow the Fell Prince and restore the world to what it should ever have been, save for the folly of man.

He left his followers to spread the tale of His coming that all might hear and find hope and life anew. The Dark Prince in his wrath, has long hunted down and destroyed anyone found believing such heresy as he sees it, but this is just the latest offensive in a war that has lasted since the Dark Prince himself rebelled against his Master and will last until the end of time, when the Unicorn shall end the rebellion once and for all. Now you know the Dark Prince has many servants, both of men and strange and terrible creatures, but the Maker has His own armies and servants as well.

You both know of the Whiteguard, of which your father was once a part. It is composed of those men and even a few daring women who ride against the minions of darkness and also spread word of their Master everywhere they go. There are other, more mysterious creatures and people in the world and where their allegiance lies, only they and the Unicorn know. Most dwell in the Fairywood but are sometimes seen abroad. Among these are the elves, the Mistborn, and other more mysterious races. A few of the more daring elves have actually left the Wood and have ridden abroad and have even ridden with the Whiteguard at times. These creatures are quite different from men but similar enough in their physical characteristics that we can at least comprehend something of their nature.

The Mistborn are another matter entirely. They are rumored to frequent the Fairywood but legend holds that they can be seen almost anywhere and at the strangest times. They go about by means unknown, upon errands of which only they know the purpose. They are said to be not quite solid just like their namesake, neither are they thought to be easily slain by mortal blade. Some say they are servants of the Master, while others think them quite their own masters, and still others fear them to be some phantasm of the darkness. They seem to appear most frequently wherever trouble is or is soon to be. Some consider them harbingers of doom while a few whisper that they are actually saviors in a hopeless night. Whatever they are, I would be cautious in my dealings with them my children. Now Clara, tell me what happened when you glimpsed this creature. Did you interact with it at all or simply glimpse it from a distance?"

Clara beamed in delight and recited her full tale, I was in the wood a’gathering berries as mama told me when thin tendrils of mist crept out of the low places and gathered round about me. Suddenly it started to glow with a light like the morning sun and a woman appeared in its midst, as if she had been lost in deepest fog and suddenly became visible as the fog thinned. She was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen and it seemed the light came from her. She asked if I would like to go with her. I was silent for fear and awe and then cried out in a fright that I would have to ask my mother and ran with all my might until I came out of the woods. What does it mean granny?

Granny looked thoughtful for a moment and said, I do not know my dear. Perhaps there is some danger coming and she wishes to bear you to safety or perhaps she wishes to spirit you away for her own strange reasons. You must certainly tell your mother.

But what am I to do if she comes again? asked the girl.

The old woman shook her head gravely but made no answer. Clara wasted no time in telling both of her parents as they sat over supper. The pair exchanged a concerned look and her mother said, darling, are you certain you saw such a creature and it was not just weariness playing on an overactive imagination?

The girl glowered at such an insult and then sighed in exasperation as she saw plainly that neither of her parents believed her. Mama, said she, what am I to do if she comes again?

Her mother smiled slightly and said, of course you may go with her dear, but you must be home in time for dinner.

Clara sighed and finished her food in silence. Granny and Kyan exchanged a concerned look at the disbelief of the others while the skeptics shared a knowing smile. Their daughter was not prone to fits of whimsy but there was no reason she could not suddenly start, especially after all the recent excitement over Kyan’s tales and the complaining of the old man upon the green about such fancies.

After the meal was cleaned up, Clara said sadly to granny, they do not believe me!

Granny said gently, grownups sometimes forget the wisdom of childhood, but take heart my dear, for perhaps they will realize their shortsightedness soon enough.

Clara sighed again but tried to find solace in her grandmother’s words. Kyan sat quietly by the fire, contemplating his sister’s strange adventure and trying to decide whether he should follow her into the woods on the morrow to see this strange apparition for himself, should it appear. Kyan awoke early and hurried through his morning chores that he might be free in time to follow his sister should she venture again into the woods in search of berries, wraiths, or both. He was intrigued, terrified, and skeptical that such a creature could truly visit so common a place as the woods about their farm. The Fairywood, where such creatures must certainly be common, lay far to the north while the dominions of the Dark Prince lay far to the south.

In between lay a vast stretch of land inhabited by men and divided up into many countries, each ruled by its own King, but the minions of the Dark Prince rode freely wherever they would and did as they pleased. They killed, kidnapped, or stole whatever and whomever they wanted. Some of the local lads sometimes volunteered to ride away with the Blackguard in hopes of joining it and gaining for themselves power and wealth beyond the normal means of men of their standing. Besides the human soldiers, it was rumored that there were far more terrible and unnatural creatures that roamed about at the bidding of their dark master. Such a patrol however, had not ridden through this part of the world in a generation and it was hoped that such peace would continue. Many rulers paid tribute to the Dark Prince in both valuables and people that their own lands might be spared such predations by his roving minions. Those nations closest to the south and the least despotic of those elsewhere were the most prone to such invasion.

Clara was sent again into the forest to gather the seasonal fruits with which her mother would make many lovely jams and pies. Her supposed encounter of the previous day had cut short her foraging so her mother was even more anxious to be provided with the first fruits of the season. The girl was eager but also a little afraid to meet the strange woman again in the woods. She clutched her basket, as if it were the only thing protecting her from the strange apparition and boldly made her way again to the place where she had seen the woman.

Kyan followed at a distance and kept to the cover of the bushes that lined the path upon which his sister trod. Now and then she would gather a handful of berries but for the most part she spent her time looking about anxiously for some sign of her phantasm. The day was growing old and the normal mist of evening crept out of the low places as Clara turned towards home, rather disappointed, when there before her the mist began to glow, but this time with the intensity of the moon rather than the new risen sun. Again the woman stood before her, though this time she looked more solid than before but also more anxious. She glanced about carefully and seemed to be straining her ears at something beyond mortal hearing before she focused on the child before her.

Kyan crouched on a slight ridge above the path, well hidden by the verdant growth. He was silent in awe as he watched the pair interact. The woman said in a voice sweeter than that of any bird, will you come away with me child? There is not much time! Again she seemed to listen to something beyond hearing. She glanced anxiously down the path and finally said, we must go now else it is too late. Will you come?

Clara smiled in trepidation and said, mama said I could go as long as I was back for supper.

The woman said simply, I fear you shall have no supper to return to. But take my hand now, if you will.

The girl thought about this for a moment but suddenly grim determination blazed upon her face as she remembered her parents’ disbelief; she thrust her hand into that of the waiting woman. No sooner had Clara taken the woman’s hand than they both grew very misty and suddenly vanished, as if becoming part of the fog itself. Suddenly the sound of many hooves thundered in the near distance, and a dozen horses galloped through the place where the pair had stood. Kyan froze in terror, his heart clenched to see the black banner and uniforms borne by the party which could mean only one thing: the Dark Prince had not overlooked their small corner of the world forever, as some had foolishly hoped. Once the party was past, Kyan sprang to his feet and ran towards the village with all the speed he possessed. He came in time to see the men dismounting on the green and the soldiers running from door to door, demanding that all present themselves before ‘his Fell Majesty’s honored servants.’ There were many groans and screams of terror as the horrified villagefolk assembled themselves on the green and cowered before their visitors.

Once all had assembled, their dark captain said, is this all your folk? There were some murmured assurances as the captain scanned the crowd and counted his men.

Not all my lord, said a tall boy, stepping out of the terrified mass of people.

The captain eyed him curiously and asked, and who is missing, my bold young man?

The boy smiled maliciously and said, heretics, my lord. A family of heretics dwells not far from here.

Heretics you say? smiled the captain darkly, Let us to these heretics and we shall see what comes of them. What is your name lad?

The boy bowed deeply and said, my name is Roan, my lord.

The captain said, well Roan, we shall soon deal with these heretics of yours and if all goes well, perhaps you would be pleased to join my honored company?

Roan nodded his pleasure and bowed once more, saying, if you shall follow me my lord, I shall show you the dwelling place of our enemies.

The captain motioned for the boy to lead on and for the entire village to follow. Most were terrified for the lives of those who had been their friends and neighbors for so many years, but no few thought whatever their fate, that it was justly deserved for their behavior of late. It was not long before they stood in a great throng in the farmyard while soldiers, clutching their swords and bearing torches, pounded upon the door of the house. Kyan rushed ahead, hoping to raise the alarm but found several soldiers had mounted their horses and ridden ahead to block escape through the backdoor should such be attempted. Kyan crouched once more in the veiling vegetation, praying desperately that some miracle might deliver them from this nightmare.

The summons was not answered and the door was broken down. The soldiers forced their way in, two were cut down by Kyan’s father before he was subdued and disarmed, though mortally wounded in the process. His mother and grandmother were caught by the rearguard as they tried to sneak out the backdoor. The dying man and two women were brought before the captain as the entire village looked on.

Such behavior is proof enough of heresy, snarled the captain, is this all the family?

Roan said grimly, there are two children, a boy and a girl.

The captain growled at the man, where are your wretched spawn?

The man coughed and a trickle of blood dribbled from one side of his mouth, that you shall never know.

The captain sneered, fear not, we shall find them and then bear them with all speed to our master who shall do with them as he pleases. I am well informed that your entire family is composed of heretics and the penalty for such stupidity is death. Do you deny it? The three prisoners stared at him grimly but said nothing. The captain smiled terribly and turned to the villagers, are there any here who would speak in defense of these rebels? The villagers stared stonily back at the man, none dared to look upon the condemned, save Roan, who wore a malicious smile. Will you even now denounce your heresy if I promise to spare your lives? asked the captain in his most condescending tone. Again he was met with grim silence. Very well, said the captain, you have condemned yourselves. Each of the prisoners was bound hand and foot and cast back into the house; the doors and windows were barred from without.

Kyan watched in trembling horror as his father succumbed to his wounds even as he was thrown back into what was once his home. His mother fainted and his grandmother struggled as she would but could not escape her captors. Once all were locked inside the house it was set afire; the villagers watched in silent horror as the flames consumed the house and all within. Kyan felt as if his own heart were afire with guilt, grief, and shame. He watched his entire life disappear in flame and smoke until nothing remained but a smoldering heap of rubble. Content with their night’s work, the soldiers returned to the village to root out any more heretics, to enjoy a night’s carousing, and to see what plunder they could gain for themselves and their masters ere they rode off in the morning.

Kyan lay in a miserable heap among the bushes and hardly held back his sobs until the last of the soldiers had vanished beyond sight and hearing, then he wept bitterly. He had cried himself out, save for an occasionally sobbing breath, when an airy voice from above said, and what will you do now? Kyan looked up in alarm to see a magpie sitting upon a branch not a foot from his face. His surprise almost overcame his anguish of heart as he sat up to look more easily at this strange bird.

You talk? said the boy in amazement.

Of course, said the bird, but you have yet to answer my question.

The boy said, I almost wish to surrender to the soldiers and meet whatever end they will mete out. It would be easier that way.

The bird cocked his head and said, really?

The boy stared at the bird in anger at his temerity and said, how can I go on living when all I love have perished and the Master has failed me?

Has he? asked the bird.

The boy growled, what else would you call it? My sister is spirited away and all my family is dead!

You are alive, said the bird.

The boy scowled, and what use is that when all of me yearns for death?

The bird squawked a laugh, and you think those fiends would give it you? I think not. They would force you into their fell service and there you would die a miserable death, a rebel against your true master, and forever sundered from those you love.

The boy sighed, I suppose you are right but how can you claim that the Maker has not abandoned me?

The bird would have smiled if he could, you are alive, your sister is safe, and your family now beyond mortal suffering and you think yourself abandoned?

He looked at the bird curiously, I suppose if you put it that way. But I thought the Unicorn was to protect us and look after us in all things.

The bird laughed, He does, but that does not mean everything will turn out the way you want it to. All things are accomplished for the good of those that love Him, but that does not mean everything in this life will be sunshine and roses. There will be plenty of trials, tribulations, and sorrow but He shall give you strength to bear all things and be with you all the long and weary way. What He considers to be in your best interest may seem appalling to you but in the end it will turn out for the best if you remain true to Him. What about my question?

The boy sighed, you know too much for a bird! I do not know what I shall do. I cannot stay here or the villagers might betray me to curry favor with the soldiers. I think I will head north and perhaps discover if all the legends of the Fairywood are true or not. Failing that, maybe I will try and join up with the Whiteguard. What has come of my sister?

The bird said, your sister is safe and that is all you need to know for the moment. As to your plans, it seems a sensible idea, for now. And who ever said I was a bird?

The boy gaped at the bird, but before he could speak the creature had taken wing and disappeared into the night dark forest. The boy sat for some time pondering the creature’s words and wondered what this strange apparition might portend. Finally he rose with a sigh and approached the silent farmyard. He carefully skirted the ash heap that had been his home and made for the barn. He saddled their plow horse, gathered what supplies he could for a journey, and silently led the animal out into the night. He reached the cover of the woods before mounting and then sped off as fast as the aged creature could go. The moon was rising and gave light enough to see the path; he traveled long into the night until the moon had fled and the darkness forced him to seek a hiding place where he might rest for the day. He led the creature off the great road upon which he found himself and secreted himself in a little dell surrounded by a dense growth of young trees. He slept most of the morning, until he was wakened by the rhythmic trotting of many hooves upon the adjacent highway. He crept close enough to see who it was upon the road without being seen himself, and was both satisfied and terrified to see the same soldiers from the previous evening coming along the road behind him.

He was even more dismayed to see Roan riding proudly among them. He counted eight soldiers and wondered where the others had gone, when it occurred to him that someone might have noticed the missing horse and raised the alarm and that the missing guards might be out looking for him. Quite an astute observation, said the magpie in his ear. Kyan stiffened, thinking the soldiers might overhear but soon relaxed thinking that such a strange creature must certainly know the danger and would not do anything to endanger them both. The bird winked, another good assumption.

The boy stared at the bird, how is it you can read my thoughts?

The bird shrugged and said, let us just say there is nothing that escapes my notice. But now let us attend to your predicament. You cannot ride ahead until you are certain these soldiers are well beyond you yet you cannot go back for fear of scouts and remaining here will be dangerous, for the returning scouts will surely search this place for you.

That is quite helpful, snapped the boy, as you know, I am well aware of that.

The bird cocked his head and stared at the boy hard with one of his beady eyes, until the boy flushed crimson and mumbled his apologies. The bird gave a curt nod and said, you would do well to remember to respect all with whom you have dealings, most especially those who serve the King. The boy nodded glumly and the bird said, fear not, but learn well. Now I shall advise you if you have the patience to hear me? He looked questioningly at the boy, who nodded eagerly.

The bird continued, very well, there is a village well to the east of here that you will reach by nightfall tomorrow if you press hard. Those soldiers are bound thence after stopping at several more villages along the way. I advise that you ride in that direction and give aid to the one you will find there. This personage must not fall into the hands of the Enemy.

The boy gasped, what then am I to do? How can I, a mere boy and refugee myself, give aid to another?

The bird eyed him sternly and said, I would not appoint you a task if there were not some hope of you accomplishing it.

The boy again mumbled an apology and said, then I shall succeed?

The bird said, "there are