Second Comes the One Who Seeks

By Lynette S. Jones

Vanya is a healer, the daughter of a healer who lives in the Drakmoth Mountains. She has been given the task by the Creator to find the Words of Power. When Rengailai tore open the land, evil was introduced into the magic and that evil has slowly been destroying the balance between the light and dark magic. When Vanya finds the Words of Power, she must go to Mt. Pyrion with Leilas, who has the Staff of Power and try to undo the damage that has been done to the land. While she searches for the Words of Power, the Dark Lord's army is growing stronger and is overcoming the resistance in Solea. Time is quickly running out for the three who have been chosen to save the world and restore the balance in the magic.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lynette S. Jones
• Release date: Apr 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301495788

Lynette S. Jones

I was born in Tucson Arizona, but never really lived there. We moved to Washington State and stayed there until I was five. We then moved to Simi Valley, California where I stayed until I was 19. I was encouraged to pursue writing by a few of my English teachers in high school. I took their advice and began to write. I took creative writing and literature classes throughout my college years and after. I have been writing for many years for pleasure and have just recently released my novels as e-books. The Saga of Preterlandis series is now available in paperback. See my website for details. I hope that my readers enjoy reading my offerings as much as I enjoyed writing them. I live with my husband, and family in Eastern Washington, where the Yakima and Columbia Rivers merge. When I'm not writing I make my living by writing computer applications, designing small customized databases or working as a designer on industrial construction projects. I am looking for people to review my books and submit the reviews to Smashwords.com or to Amazon.com. If you are interested contact me at [e-mail]

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Vanya, Laman called again, his anger beginning to rise. Where was that daughter of his? He stopped one of the healers walking past him to the city square. Do you know where my daughter is hiding?

The young healer looked around guiltily. No, my lord, he lied badly. I haven’t seen her."

Laman was tempted to badger the real answer out of the boy, but he chose not to take his frustration out on him. He strode off, his anger flashing in his eyes. Since those resistance fighters had arrived in the mountains, his daughter had become even more disobedient. Lately, he was lucky if he could find her at all.

He didn’t want her joining in with those rebels. He’d already told all his people that they were to have nothing to do with the fighters, unless they came to Healer’s Hole for help. There had been many of the soldiers brought to them wounded and dying. But they didn't go out to find them.

They were fools, thought Laman again as he headed for Vanya’s favorite hiding spot. Believing they could win a battle against the Dark Lord himself. He was doing his best to keep his healers neutral. That was their best hope of surviving. If they joined with the resistance, they would be destroyed by the Dredracians when they finally stormed these mountains. Despite the victory at Barat, the fall of the mountain people was only a matter of time.

When the dark forces did come and they realized he wasn’t part of the enemy, perhaps they could form an alliance through marriage. Vanya was a very pretty girl and a gifted healer. If he could keep her from running off and joining forces with Prince Brenth and Duke Cheran, it would be a small enough sacrifice to keep his people safe.

Where is she? he asked the old woman when he reached the spot Vanya usually chose to hide from him. It was on the edges of the village, built into one of the cliffs. Vanya had often told him this was a special place, full of old magic. He didn’t feel any difference.

I don’t know Laman, She hasn’t been here today, replied Laodicea not looking up from the potion she was stirring.

Laman ground his teeth in frustration. He didn’t have time to go hunting for his daughter. She had defied his order to stay in the city –again. He didn’t want to make her a prisoner, but he would. He’d given his sons their freedom and look what had become of them, one was dead and one was missing. Vanya wouldn’t be given the opportunity to run away. When she returned today, he would lock her in the house. She wouldn’t be free to wander the Drakmoth Mountains anymore.

~~~

Vanya sat near the edge of the small canyon and cleared her mind of all thought. Slowing her breathing, the dark-haired, fair-skinned young woman listened. She knew she was pushing too hard to try and find the words she was seeking. Sometimes it took a lifetime just to find one new word. She was hoping to find a whole spell of healing in a matter of days. Still, she sat, listened and tried to understand.

She didn’t know how long she’d sat in this spot. The sun was beginning to set and her stomach was protesting the lack of food. Rising wearily, she turned to start for home and the endless chores her father would have left for her to do. He wouldn’t be happy that she’d spent the day away from town again.

Since the resistance forces had come to stay in the mountains, her father had become even stricter, if that was possible. She was practically a prisoner in the town. If she wanted to leave, she had to sneak away. Most of the time, there was a price to pay when she returned. Her body often bore the bruises of beatings delivered by her father.

Sighing as she walked slowly toward town, Vanya wished again that Jakob were here to protect her from her father’s heavy hand. He was more even-tempered when Jakob was near. But Cephom had told her that Jakob was far away on an important journey. It was because of Cephom that she was spending more and more time away from home. He’d given her an almost impossible task. She was supposed to find the words that would heal the illness at the Chasm of Ceryk.

The words that had created the Chasm had been lost in the ensuing cataclysm. It was hard enough finding words of healing, much less words from before the cataclysm; words that had caused the destruction. Even if she did find them, how was she supposed to control them? She was merely a healer from the mountains.

But Cephom had said that she would understand what she needed to do with the words once she found them. Cephom, she called him that, even though she knew he was really Sylph, because that was the name he was using when he gave her this task. Sylph was one of the Creator’s four crafters and was the Creator’s messenger. It was frustrating to know that he knew the words and yet he couldn’t tell them to her. She needed to find them on her own and while she searched, Preterlandis had to hold its own against Rengailai and the dark Lord Dredrac.

How could the resistance fighters hold out against such overwhelming odds? She fretted over the question again as she descended the rocky path she was traversing to the main road. Every day she failed, more of the light forces were wounded or died.

Her father left her so little time to fulfill the task that the Sea crafter had given her. Trying to explain her situation to her father would be a waste of time. He would see it as siding with the resistance fighters and condemning her people to death. He was lost in the idea that he could avoid this conflict that had been prophesied for hundreds of years. If it weren’t so dangerous for the healers, she could almost feel sorry for him. But his delusion was likely to get them all killed.

Hello Laodicea, Vanya greeted the old healer as she passed.

Ah Vanya, I was wondering if I would see you. Your father came by this morning.

He didn’t give you any trouble, did he? asked Vanya, with a sinking feeling. His presence here meant punishment when she arrived home.

He wouldn’t dare, said the old woman with a grin. Then the smile faded. You mustn’t go home, tonight or any other night, if you wish to fulfill your destiny."

Vanya stopped and turned to face the old healer. She had great respect for Laodicea and for her ability to know about the future. She had come from the Menas years before, when Dane was the king.

Why should I leave? she asked the healer, looking around to make sure they weren’t being overheard.

Your father isn’t happy that you’re so often gone.

Tell me something I don’t know, replied Vanya with a sigh, but relieved that was all Laodicea was referencing.

He’s decided you won’t leave your home again, until he has chosen the man you should leave with as your husband.

He intends to keep me as a prisoner? asked Vanya in disbelief.

Yes, said Laodicea, nodding her gray head. He hopes to trade you for peace. I’m telling you this because I know that peace won’t come from any human union between light and dark. I don't wish Daina’s fate on another.

Vanya knew Daina. She was one of the leaders of the resistance. Brenth, her son, had become the official leader and Duke Cheran of Kyris had become his right hand. Daina was also the Queen of the Menas and a gifted healer, as well. Vanya had heard her story from those who remembered. How her father gave her as wife to King Leyhan, believing it would ensure peace. The only good that came from that union were her youngest son and daughter, the Chosen Ones.

But where am I to go? I can’t stay in the village. If father found me in anyone’s home in Healer’s Hole, he would banish them from the village.

You must go to Prince Brenth and ask him for asylum. He’ll protect you. In fact, if you tell him about your quest, I believe he will be willing to help you.

But the old magic is here. I need to focus my attention here, replied Vanya.

You won't find what you are looking for in Healer’s Hole, said the old woman. All you'll find here is pain, misery and betrayal.

What about my possessions? I can’t simply leave them behind.

If you don’t, you'll be a prisoner and your quest will go undone, said Laodicea, a dreamy look on her face. Vanya knew that look well. Every time Laodicea made a prediction with that look, it came true. She couldn’t afford to fail in the quest Cephom had given her to find the words of power. The fate of Preterlandis depended on it.

Bending down, the decision made, she gave the old woman a hug. I’ll miss you Laodicea. You’ve been my good friend as well as my teacher.

We'll meet again, said the old woman, returning her hug. Remember, you have friends in Healer’s Hole. Not all of us agree with your father. It won't be long until he loses his hold over his people.

I'll find that day sad, said Vanya, even while I believe it's necessary. He is my father, despite how he treats Jakob and me.

You're a better daughter than he deserves, replied Laodicea. Now hurry, before he comes looking again.

Vanya nodded, gathered the few possessions she had with her and headed in the direction she’d just come from a few minutes before. Once she was hidden from the eyes of the village, she would move into the forest. From there, she could seek out Brenth. She wasn’t quite sure where he was calling home right now. He moved throughout the mountain fortresses, checking on his people. Picking her way over broken rocks in the trail, Vanya had to smile to herself. It seemed that wherever Brenth visited, the people were always comforted, uplifted and more hopeful. He’d been named as the Champion. Duke Cheran had told her so on one of his visits. Vanya could see why. Although she supposed there was more to his being named Champion than infusing hope into the people.

Pausing at the spot where she’d spent the afternoon, she looked around to see if her father had discovered her or sent someone to follow her. Finding herself alone, she started along a second path that led away from the spot. This path led into the forest. She could almost walk it with her eyes closed she’d been down it so often in the past year. If her father had known how often she’d gone to help soldiers who couldn’t get to Healer’s Hole, she would have more bruises across her back than she already had. It was almost criminal to expect those men and women wounded in the raids to make the trek up the mountain to reach the healers.

Lately, there had been less and less wounded coming to their village. Vanya had heard the rumors that there was a powerful healer in Barat, not only a great healer, but a healer who’d been alive before the cataclysm. More than once she’d tried to figure out some way to meet him. But Barat had been too far away to visit without her father’s blessing and there was no way he would give his permission. Now that she was running away, perhaps she would have an opportunity to meet this man.

When Vanya reached the forest road, she stopped and considered which way she should go. Brenth could be anywhere along the line of fortresses. Until she found him, she would have to stay in hiding or her father would drag her back to Healer’s Hole and she would never have the opportunity to leave again.

She wasn’t concerned about finding places to hide. Over the last year, she’d made many friends and learned a great deal about the resistance fighter’s tactics. She’d also learned to live off the land, if needed. She chose to go in the direction of Kyris. There were more people settled between Healer’s Hole and Kyris. Also, her father believed Brenth resided in the fortress to the north. If she went south, she would have more time to discover where the prince was staying and to reach him before her father turned south to look for her.

If she couldn’t find Brenth, she could probably find Duke Cheran. He was always kind to her and he was the second-in-command. If she found neither of them in the mountains, she would start for Barat. That thought filled her with both fear and excitement. Even though she’d seen almost seventeen years, she’d never left the Drakmoth Mountains. Barat might as well have been on the other side of Preterlandis, instead of a three day’s journey.

Although she moved quickly down the trail, she also moved cautiously. There was more danger in this forest than just her father and his men. Dark creatures had been seen more frequently since the dark army had lost the battle at Barat. While she had no desire to kill these creatures simply because they were creatures of the dark magic, they didn’t always share her reserve. Just last week, she’d had to hide in a tree for an hour while a group of goblins and orcs passed below her.

Vanya wasn’t sure why they weren’t using the roads through the midst of the mountains that had been made by the dark creatures that lived there. Those who passed through the forest didn’t seem to be scouting the area. They were merely trying to get back to their homes, braving the effects of the light magic of the mountains.

Dusk turned into darkness as Vanya hiked toward Braden’s Rock. It wasn’t the first fortress to the south, it was the third. It would take her two days to get there if she pushed hard. Braden’s Rock was only a few days from Barroon. If she needed to escape from the mountains completely, she could go to the seaside town.

Continuing until she was too tired to go further, Vanya found a deep crack between two large boulders where she could stretch out and yet still be relatively safe from discovery. Then thanking the Creator she’d taken her cloak that morning, she wrapped it tightly around her body and closed her eyes.

The sound of voices woke her. Her hand drifted to her knife as she pressed herself closer to the rock face trying to remain hidden.

Can’t say I blame her for leaving, said a voice she recognized as Thane’s. He was her father’s right hand man. I’m surprised she stayed as long as she did. She is our best healer and he treats her like a slave. But, I told him I would bring her back and I will.

She’ll be nothing more than his prisoner, said a second voice. Vanya recognized the person as Marin. Why do we continue to let Laman make the decisions for the community when so many disagree with him? We let good men die because he says we should remain neutral. We give aid to men and creatures who want to kill us, who will kill us one of these days. We’re out hunting down our best healer and our next leader so he can sell her to the enemy for a peace they won’t keep.

He’s our leader, said Thane. What would you have us do? Kill him? He’s also my friend. I won't allow anyone to kill him.

We wouldn’t have to kill him. Just put someone else in as leader, replied Marin.

He’d die fighting us before he let us replace him. Thane sighed as he passed close to Vanya’s hiding place. She didn’t know how they'd caught up with her so quickly. They must have been sent to search for her only hours after she left.

A good leader should recognize when he doesn’t have the support of his people, replied Marin.

A good leader doesn’t let a mob sway him from doing what is right, retorted Thane.

So now we're a mob and intent on following the wrong path?

That wasn’t what I meant, said Thane. He was so close Vanya thought she could reach out and touch him. There could be no way they would miss her. Her hand tightened on her knife. She couldn’t let them take her back to Healer’s Hole. All I was trying to say is that a good man will follow his conscience.

And if his conscience told him he should let Vanya escape from the heavy hand of her father? Marin was standing directly in front of the crack in the rock, his back to her. His hands were behind him and he waved them, signaling for Vanya to stay still and be quiet.

I can’t speak to that, Marin, said Thane, his voice heavy with regret. As for me, I've given my word to Laman. So, no matter what my conscience says, I must find her and take her home.

I'm sorry you're in a position where you must violate your conscience. It's hard to live with those decisions.

So it is, replied Thane. Let’s press on. She can’t have traveled much farther if she came this way.

No, it would be a hard journey to go much farther, said Marin. Do we turn back if we don’t find her at the first fortress?

If we haven’t found her before then, I would assume she didn’t come this way. She only had a few hours head start. It was lucky for us Damen saw her leaving. It would have been better had he reported it before we came asking.

Yes, Laman would have appreciated that more and it would have saved Damen a public beating. It was lucky Damen eventually told him which direction Vanya took, so Laman didn’t have to waste men searching to the north, only to the south and west.

You’re telling me this as if I didn’t already know. I helped devise the plan, grumbled Thane.

So you did, said Marin. He waited until Thane had moved out of sight from the crack in the rock then trailed after him. Vanya stayed where she was until she couldn’t hear their voices anymore. She’d never known she had such a good friend in Marin. Now, she owed him her life. It wasn’t something she would forget. Slipping from the rocks, she heeded Marin’s warning and turned to the east and started ascending the mountain.

CHAPTER 2

Vanya had found a stream and was following it up the mountain. She’d lived in these mountains all her life and yet she'd never visited the upper regions where the Drakmothian people dwelt.

The healers came from valley people who'd ascended the mountains for protection. The natives who dwelt in the upper regions were descendants of mountain people who'd settled here soon after the cataclysm. They kept to themselves, rarely descending to the lower elevations to visit with the inhabitants there.

Some people said they were more in tune with the magic of the mountains. Vanya had heard that one of the masters from the School of Sky had come from these regions. But she had very little to do with crafters. Adrian had told her that the Chosen One, Brenth’s sister, was a crafter, but she'd never met her. There were some crafters who lived in the fortresses. So far, none had required her attention.

It was rare though, for the natives to be crafters, or at least for them to study at the schools. As she climbed higher, keeping an eye out for any natives, she wondered how many might be crafters who didn’t go to the schools.

Crafters were purported to be a strange lot. They weren’t like humans. They lived for centuries, if they didn’t kill each other in the wars. They took the words people like herself spent lifetimes finding and bent them to their will, using them to help or to hurt. To Vanya’s way of thinking, magic should only be used to help. But then, she was a healer, not a crafter.

Following the stream as it bent around an outcropping of rock, she came to a halt as she was confronted by a group of natives pointing spears and arrows at her. She didn’t make the mistake of trying to reason with them or trying to convince them she was no threat. The Drakmothian natives lived in loose tribes that were governed by councils. These men were either guards or hunters. Either way, she would be taken to the council. They were the ones she'd have to convince.

She'd been formulating an idea as she'd climbed higher in response to Marin’s warning. The magic in this region was older and purer than the magic in her valley. If they would allow her to stay, she might find some of the words she was seeking. While she was listening to the mountains as they spoke, she would be safe from her father. He would never think to look for her among the natives.

I am Padrigh Darcho of Treach. You will come with us, said one of the men pointing his weapon in her direction.

As you wish, said Vanya. She moved slowly in their direction, taking care not to make any sudden moves or to do anything that might appear threatening. The men moved around her so that she was in the middle of the group and then they set off down the trail. Following a narrow path that hugged a rock wall on one side and fell away into a deep canyon on the other, they walked steadily for most of the morning.

The path they were following began to drop into a valley nestled between two mountain peaks. Vanya saw the village they were heading toward tucked into the foot of the far peak. The Drakmothian village consisted of huts made of clay with thatched roofs. They formed a square around a large, open green that served as the common area. A large cooking pot hung over a fire pit in the center of the green. Vanya could see people milling around in the village, some were working on repairing tools or weapons, some were sewing clothes and others were preparing the midday meal. Outside the square of houses, she saw flocks of sheep and goats being tended by shepherds. Each flock had two or three shepherds, each armed with a weapon. Vanya had to believe there had been an increase in the appearance of dark creatures in this isolated valley, too. Her appearance was causing excited whispers and curious stares as they walked through the common toward the largest of the huts located at the far side of the square.

The guards stopped outside the hut and the man who appeared to be in charge of the group disappeared inside. In a few minutes a Drakmothian dressed in Sky crafter robes emerged accompanied by a red-haired giant of a man adorned in healer’s robes.

You're a long way from your home, healer, said the crafter, motioning to the guards that they could leave. The guards glanced at her suspiciously, but dispersed and disappeared into huts around the village. Vanya wondered if the crafter had been expecting her and had sent the men to collect her or if they would return to the mountain road once they had eaten and rested to guard the village.

I am far from my home, replied Vanya, careful not to say too much.

"We've been expecting you. The guards have been waiting for several days. I am Cedric Manchu, master of the School of Sky. My friend is Trion, the King’s healer.

Which king? asked Vanya, relaxing a little in response to his friendly manner. The School of Sky was aligned with the resistance fighters and healers were neutral. If these men were here, she was probably not in any danger, unless they felt bound by duty to return her to her father.

Trion smiled at her question and Vanya felt a wave of peace flow through her. She took the time to study this healer more closely. She could feel the power coursing through him. But if he was so powerful a healer, why hadn’t she ever heard of him before? She thought she knew all the healers in Solea.

The one true king of a United Preterlandis more than that I can’t say at this time, replied Trion.

Vanya’s eyes became unfocused as she listened to Trion, as if she were listening to more than his words. When she looked at him again, she had a thoughtful expression on her face. The king you served has been dead since before the cataclysm. Do you have knowledge there will be a new king who will rule a united land?

They told me you were gifted as a healer, replied Trion. They didn’t tell me you had the gift of hearing as well. Still, you are very young and a human at that. We'll have our work cut out for us.

Vanya looked from him to Cedric in confusion. I'm sorry if you think I came seeking your help. I've already been given a task to do and have accepted it. I'm not free to work with you. She stood up straighter, hoping she looked like a woman resolved to make her own decisions and not so much like the confused young girl she was.

Yes, said Trion, a bit impatiently. I've been sent to help you in your quest. Cedric was kind enough to bring me when he came to talk to the Drakmothians and ask them to join the battle.

Duke Donnegal and Prince Brenth can use all the help they can get until the forces from Sylphia arrive, said Vanya.

Yes, we've sent Master Ren Narwhal over to the School of Sea to help them convince King Danuu that he can’t afford to wait until Sylphia is overrun to act, said Cedric. It will be difficult to convince him to send his people to Solea and leave his kingdom less protected.

Surely he'll understand if Solea falls, Sylphia will fall as well, said Trion.

Vanya had to wonder at Trion’s confidence in his opinion. To her mind, it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that Sylphia would fall if Solea fell. Perhaps the light magic and dark magic would realign with the sea as its border. People would stay or go depending on their predilection toward one type of magic. Sylphia could stay within her borders and keep the dark creatures from gaining any more ground. Once the dark forces were in Solea fighting, they could take Crogmanland.

Cedric gave her an assessing stare. It's not quite as simple as you make it, child. Although from a strictly human perspective your idea does have some merit.

Vanya was amazed that he knew what she'd been thinking. Crogmanland is made up of entirely dark magic. The land itself exudes it. As much as the light forces of Sylphia might want to possess it, they won't be able to do so.

If that were true, said Vanya, Then the dark forces shouldn’t be able to possess Solea.

I believe that's true, to a certain extent, replied Cedric. At least they shouldn’t be able to possess certain parts of Solea. The land to the east of the mountains was also made from dark magic, the magic of Anhj. It would be and always has been hard for the forces of light to occupy, which is why that is the region of the School of Land.

So, if the land itself chooses, why do we fight? asked Vanya.

Also a very astute question, replied Cedric. The problem is this, there is evil in the dark magic. The dark and light magic balance themselves as long as nothing has been added to either one.

But since something has been added to the dark magic, it will have the tendency to overtake the light, said Vanya, grasping his argument.

Exactly. So, if Sylphia allows the dark to overcome the light in Solea, it will only be a matter of time until she falls as well. If King Danuu can help save part of Solea, there will be more people to help save Sylphia.

But if evil has been added to the dark magic, and we know that's true, then it is still only a matter of time until the light magic is gone.

That's where you, Leilas and Brenth come into the picture, said Trion. The three of you are meant to restore the balance that has been lost.

We've learned a great deal about this plan since Trion and Ariel have been here to help us decipher the prophecies. Their help has been invaluable. It's because of the prophecy that we're here waiting for you. Trion has come to help you succeed in your quest.

Vanya felt her face turn red. I didn’t realize I was part of the prophecy. I just thought Sylph needed someone to find a new spell of healing.

An old spell actually, said Trion. But where are our manners. We've kept you standing outside far too long. You've been traveling for days. I’m sure you must be hungry and thirsty and in need of some rest.

That sounds wonderful, confessed Vanya. I’ve barely had any food or sleep in three days. There are people looking for me.

Many of whom are looking the other way when they see you, said Cedric. "You're well-loved among your people. Don’t worry, they won't find you in Treach. I've made certain that this village is hidden from their eyes.

Vanya sighed in relief as they led her into the hut. It seemed she wouldn’t have to worry about being sent back to her father. The inside of the hut was lit only by a fire in the middle of an open space. A desk had been set up near the back. Vanya had to wonder how such a convenience managed to find its way to the primitive village of Treach.

Cedric was most certainly a Drakmothian by birth. She supposed this was his home and these people were his family. If he came to visit often, he might have brought the desk on one of his trips, or had one of the artisans from the village build it for him.

Cedric lit the lamp on the desk and motioned for Vanya to find a seat on the cushions strewn around the floor. The floor was dirt, covered with mats made of woven reeds. Trion sank onto the cushion nearest the desk. Vanya sat next to him. Although she hadn’t seen either man talk to any of the natives, several young girls arrived carrying fruits and some sort of drink that resembled beer. But, it wasn’t quite the same as the brew Vanya was used to drinking. This was lighter and tasted like grain.

I've sent some of my people to tell Brenth and Adrian that you're safe and with me, said Cedric as Vanya attacked the food. This was the first real meal she’d had since she’d left Healer’s Hole. It was lucky for you that Laodicea saw your father that morning and could warn you about his intentions. Once again, Vanya was amazed that Cedric could know so much about her.

He seems intent on getting all the healers killed or captured, said Vanya, darkly. As much as she tried, she had little respect for her father. He was a bully, a tyrant and he’d never treated her as anything more than a servant. I was going to be his negotiating chip to keep the healers safe. I don’t understand why he can’t see they would take me and kill them all anyway.

One would like to believe that in his goodness he's naïve about the evil of his enemy, replied Trion. But I don’t believe that's the case with your father.

He deludes himself by thinking they hold him in esteem as a great healer, said Vanya.

But you don’t believe they'll honor any treaty they make with him? asked Trion.

Do you? countered Vanya.

I come from a time when there were those who followed the dark magic who were honorable. I have to believe that there are still some of those people in Solea.

Vanya gave him a look of disbelief then went back to her food. That world is gone, she said, finally.

Trion gave Cedric a look that said I told you so. Vanya continued to eat wondering what test she'd just failed.

You should finish your meal and then rest, said Cedric. We have a great deal to discuss before you begin your training with Trion.

Vanya looked askance at Trion then back to Cedric. She couldn’t decide if he was ignoring the tension between Trion and herself, or if he really didn’t see it. It didn’t appear Trion had much regard for humans or their abilities as healers. She wasn’t sure why he was here.

Someone had twisted his arm, the answer seemed obvious to her. Someone he respected enough to put his prejudices aside and come to the mountains when they'd asked. She had no idea what he thought he was going to teach her that would help her find the words to the spell that Sylph had asked her to find. She was one of the best healers in Solea. All she needed was time and some quiet so she could listen to the magic speak. That wasn’t going to happen if she spent all her time doing whatever Trion asked her to do during his lessons. It would be as bad as running to do her father’s endless chores.

Finishing the last of her beer, Vanya settled back on the cushions and closed her eyes. She was so tired. She would worry about Trion later, after she’d rested.

The hut was dark, except for the light from the embers of the fire. It was also empty. Cedric and Trion were gone. Vanya didn't have any idea how long she'd slept but from the darkness inside the hut, she decided it had been several hours. Rising from the cushions, she stretched her sore muscles, brushed the errant stands of hair out of her face and went in search of the two men.

The native men, women and children who were sitting in the common around the fire talking softly among themselves fell silent when she walked by them. They stared openly with curiosity. Vanya didn’t understand the language they were speaking and wondered if they'd been discussing her.

She would have liked to ask them where the two crafters had gone, but wasn’t sure they would understand her. Walking through the common, she searched around all the huts, stopping short of looking inside them. She made a complete circuit, but was still unable to find the two men.

Stopping by a group of women sitting near the fire, she asked if they knew where Cedric had gone.

Master Cedric is gone, said one of the women in halting common. The red-haired man went with him.

Do you know where they went? Vanya tried again. Cedric had said she was safe here in Treach. But he hadn’t said he was leaving and taking Trion with him. Would she still be safe with them gone? Could she trust the natives to keep her presence in Treach a secret?

He didn’t say, said the woman. He often leaves suddenly.

Will they return tonight? asked Vanya. Even as she asked she knew that this woman couldn’t know when the men would return if she didn’t know where they'd gone or why.

The woman shrugged and didn’t answer. Falling silent, Vanya sat down a few feet away from the group not knowing what she should do. Should she leave and continue to try and find Brenth? Cedric said he'd sent word and she'd taken it for granted that he had. But was that wise? What did she know about the two men who'd found her? They claimed they were here to help her, but could she trust them?

They'd felt trustworthy. But that didn’t always mean much in this age of war. Every day she heard stories about people they'd thought were allies betraying their trust and crossing over to the enemy. Even her father wanted to betray her. It might be wiser to continue traveling alone.

Closing her eyes, she shut out the noise around her and listened as the magic whispered through the valley. Familiar words slipped in and out of her consciousness. There didn’t seem to be any special magic in this place.

Disappointed, she opened her eyes and stared at the fire. If there was no special magic and the two men had been called away, she would be better off heading for one of the fortresses, or for Barat. Daina was in Barat. She was a great seer. Perhaps Daina could point her in the direction she needed to go to find the elusive spell she was seeking.

Having made up her mind, Vanya rose and returned to the hut where she'd met with Cedric and Trion earlier. Picking up her few belongings, she made her way across the common and started for the trail that led out of town. She hadn’t gone far before a shadow detached itself from the cliff wall and barred her way.

You go no farther, said the guard. She recognized him as Padrigh. You go back. Master Cedric wishes you to stay. The last sounded like a quote from Cedric himself. Had he been expecting her to try to leave?

Master Cedric isn’t here and I need to go, replied Vanya trying to step past the guard.

He’ll be back, replied Padrigh, blocking her way again. Go back to the village.

Vanya tried side-stepping him again with no success. Frustration welling up inside her, she turned and started back toward the huts. What trouble had she walked into by coming to this village? She was as much a prisoner here as she would be at Healer’s Hole. Not quite as bad as at Healer’s Hole, she told herself honestly. There she was likely to get beaten and she wouldn’t be allowed the freedom of walking around the village. Still, she was a prisoner here.

How was she going to be able to fulfill Sylph’s request or the prophecy, if what Cedric told her was true and she was the third person spoken of in Greyan’s predictions? There was no old magic in the valley, despite what she’d been told. She wouldn’t find the words of the spell she needed here, yet she couldn’t go to where she might find them.

She knew she wouldn’t be able to fight her way out. There were too many guards and she was no fighter. She’d spent her time learning to heal people, not kill them. There might be a chance she could sneak out of the village. But that would take time. She'd have to learn the schedule of the guards and plan her escape for a time when they were preoccupied with switching posts or personnel. Or she would have to take a chance and brave the peaks of the mountains where there were no roads to keep her from losing her way. If she chose the latter, she couldn’t be sure she wouldn’t end up in a worse position than she was now or still trapped in the valley.

If she was going to go, she would have to be gone before Cedric returned. She would have very little chance against his magic. She didn’t know if she had anything to worry about with Trion. If she tried to leave, she wasn’t sure he'd even try to stop her. The healer didn’t seem impressed with her abilities.

Deciding she'd watch for her best opportunity, she headed back for her hut. As she passed the people of the village, she noticed that many of them were sick. The animals she’d passed were sick, too. Stepping into her hut, she wondered why Cedric and Trion would allow the people to remain sick when they had the ability to heal them. Perhaps they hadn’t been here long. They could have arrived to make sure she was safe, after hearing she'd disappeared from her home. Perhaps Brenth or Adrian had asked them to come. That could explain why they didn’t stay.

Vanya took some fruit from the tray on the desk as she pondered that thought. If Brenth or Adrian had sent them and they wanted her here until the two men could come it might be better if she waited. She’d feel better about the situation if Cedric had explained or if he were here to answer her questions. Fluffing her pillow impatiently, she laid back and tried to be patient.

CHAPTER 3

Cedric hadn’t returned by the time Vanya emerged from the hut the next morning. The smell of food drew her to the center of the green. One of the women sitting near the pot ladled some food into a stone bowl and handed it to her. She took the bowl, noticing that the woman had a rash covering her arms and face. Placing the bowl on the rock she was going to use as a chair, Vanya touched the woman and began her chant of healing. When she opened her eyes again, the rash was gone and the woman was looking at her with thankfulness mixed with fear.

Don’t you have healers in this part of the mountain? asked Vanya, picking up her bowl and beginning to eat quickly, replenishing the energy she’d expended.

All those with gifts leave the mountains, replied the woman. The rest of us do the best we can.

You could come down to the fortresses for healing, food or supplies, replied Vanya.

If we did that, we’d be gone in a generation. Why would the children wish to remain here when there are so many wonders for them to explore?

So you give them no choice? asked Vanya indignantly. You keep them here against their will?

If they want to go when they reach adulthood, we allow them to go, said the woman, ignoring Vanya’s indignation and picking up her knife. She began to whittle a large piece of wood.

Do many leave? asked Vanya.

Look around. Do you see many young people? We're slowly dying out. Soon there won't be any mountain people left.

Vanya had to admit there weren’t many young people among the villagers. But there were some who’d chosen the traditional mountain life of the Drakmothians.

She hadn’t seen many Drakmothians among the people of the fortresses either. She finished the simple meal of porridge thoughtfully, wondering where these people went when they left the mountain. There were villages to the east, though she didn’t know much about them. Traditionally they belonged to the School of Land and the dark magic. Why would anyone from here choose to go to a place where the people and magic were against all that they were?

She supposed they could go to Barroon and cross the sea to Sylphia. Perhaps the people there were like these mountain people who were so different from her own people. It amazed her how they could live in the same mountains and be so different.

Are there others among your people who are sick? Or are any of your animals sick? There is no point sitting in my hut waiting if I can be useful.

There are some who are sick. I’ll ask if they wish to see you.

As they walked toward the first of the huts they would visit, Vanya wondered if this old woman had been told to keep an eye on her. She’d been sitting in the common last night and she had been there again this morning. Cedric did seem to be insistent that she didn't leave, even if he wasn’t interested in explaining himself further than that.

The woman, who Vanya learned was called Katya, greeted each person and talked about daily affairs before she brought Vanya forward and introduced her as a healer. It was hardly a surprise that these people were leery of those with special gifts. There were only normal humans here. It seemed strange to Vanya who’d grown up in a village full of healers to not see another person like herself. It must seem as strange to them to see a woman who could touch them and make them well.

Though some were reluctant, by the time night was beginning to fall, she’d healed all those who had afflictions. If Cedric didn’t come in the morning, she would begin healing the animals. After she’d healed a few in the village, several of the shepherds had come to ask her to look at the sheep and goats. It seemed that lately they’d been sicker than usual and several of the ewes had died. A loss a village this small could hardly afford.

Even though she knew she should try and head for Barat, she found that she was content to stay with these people. For the first time in a very long time, she was doing what she was born to do without having to stop every few minutes and run off to do her father’s bidding. It had been a peaceful day, learning to know these people and their needs. Her work had also given her satisfaction because she knew there was a need and she was the only one present who could fill it. In Healer’s Hole, there were dozens of healers who could have helped. Vanya closed her eyes and breathed deeply. The night air was crisp and beginning to cool. But while she had the time, she silenced her mind and listened to the earth whisper its words.

She knew she was different from the other healers at Healer’s Hole when she listened to the earth speak. Not every healer was blessed with the gift of hearing the words the magic in the earth spoke to those who could hear. It was a rare gift. Now that she was away from her father, she had more faith she would find a way to hear the words of power and create a spell of healing that would reverse the damage Rengailai had caused. She hadn’t done a lot of healing of the earth, but she listened to the magic and knew that healing the earth was basically still healing. She should be able to create a spell that would do what Sylph wanted done.

She tried to push away the feeling that there wasn’t enough time to find the words that Rengailai had used to create the Chasm and create a spell of healing that would reverse the damage that had been done to the earth. The world was falling apart around them. Everywhere she looked, evil masters and their followers were overwhelming the few who still followed the pure magic. Solea was besieged and it was easy to despair. Brenth was a ray of light in the darkness. Everywhere he went, people took heart and strove to fight rather than succumb to what seemed to be overwhelming odds. But how long could he keep going? He was, after all, just a man. The man the Chidra had named to be the Champion of the people. Vanya worried that he was too young to accept such responsibility. But who was she to question the Creator? The whispering around her began to fade as the worries began to grow louder in her mind. With a sigh, she opened her eyes. How would she ever find the words if she couldn’t train her mind to listen?

Katya had appeared from one of the huts and had begun to fix the evening meal. The people of the village slowly began to appear in groups of two or three and sat on the logs to wait for the meal to begin. Vanya could hear the bleating of the sheep and goats as the shepherds brought them to the pens for the night.

The worries that had been bothering her just a few minutes before began to lessen as she watched the people go about their daily business. The worries and struggles that were taking place in the rest of Solea seemed to pass by this peaceful village. She wondered if that was why Cedric came back here.

Katya handed her a bowl filled with vegetables and meat and a tankard of beer that she’d learned was made from fermenting bread. It was simple food but hearty. As soon as the people finished eating and cleaning, instruments appeared from nowhere and a woman began to sing.

It was an old song, one Vanya had never heard. Sitting on the ground, her back against the log, she sipped her second tankard of beer, closed her eyes and listened to the song. The woman was singing in old common, a language that hadn’t been used in hundreds of years. Vanya was intrigued that this group of people had kept it alive, if just in song.

She struggled with some of the words, but understood enough to follow the story. It was about a man who led his people away from a great danger and brought them to this village where they would be safe. He was a great warrior and his chosen one was a woman wise in the ways of the world. Together they fought against the people who’d gone crazy after so many had been lost in the cataclysm that had shaken the known world. They were willing to take anyone who would come.

The earth continued to shake and shift as the Chasm at Ceryk grew. They made their way to the mountains from the plains. Each time the earth shook, they lost more of those who followed. It was as if the earth swallowed them. Each time the woman spoke words of healing to help and they were able to continue on the journey.

Vanya was especially interested in the words of healing. They were words she’d never heard before. As the singer sang them, she repeated them in her mind, committing them to memory. She wondered what they were meant to heal. The song didn’t say. But as she whispered them to herself, Vanya could feel their power.

When the song ended, Vanya cleaned her mug along with the other villagers and then bade them a good night as she made her way to the large hut at the far side of the green. She wondered if Trion knew the meaning of the words and their function. Preparing herself for sleep, she tried to figure out where Trion came from originally. He was a crafter as well as a healer. It was possible he knew all the words she needed to find. But if that were true, why would Sylph send her in search of them? That question along with the haunting strains of the song wound their way through her dreams.

The rooster’s crowing and the sheep bleating woke her early the next morning. She was tempted to roll over and go back to sleep, but the smell of food and the growling in her stomach had her rising from the cushions and heading outside to face the day.

The morning mists hung low in the valley. Feathery wisps dropped low and Vanya felt their moisture as she walked through them to the common. The shepherds were almost through with their meal and were getting ready to head out toward the pastures.

You will come look at the sheep today? asked one of the young shepherds, turning red as he talked to her. Several of his friends smirked at his obvious discomfort.

I’ll follow you out as soon as I finish eating, said Vanya, ignoring the smirks and knowing glances.

Francho would like for you to look at his flock, too. The young man pointed to an older man standing off to the side of the group of younger men. He asked me to tell you. He doesn’t speak common.

Perhaps you could take me around to the different flocks and point out what needs to be done. That way, if the men don’t speak common, we won’t have a problem.

The young man blushed again but nodded agreement. My flock will be near the base of the mountain to the south. I’ll be waiting for you. The group of young men snickered again, but they quieted when the young man joined them. They walked off, speaking among themselves in their native tongue. Vanya wondered what they were discussing uncomfortably aware it was probably her.

Drago is quite taken with you, remarked Katya, handing her a bowl of porridge and a mug of warm beer. But he's already spoken for. Katya pointed to a young girl who was glaring at her suspiciously from her spot on the logs.

She has nothing to worry about, said Vanya, trying to reassure her. I’m not looking to settle down, yet.

That doesn’t mean she has nothing to worry about. If Drago loses his heart to you, she has lost him, whether or not you return his feelings.

Vanya thought Katya was being silly, but chose to keep her opinion to herself. None of the boys in Healer’s Hole had ever found her attractive or tried to win her affection. She’d decided that she must not be one of the pretty girls and she knew she wasn’t one who won people over easily. She was too quiet and spent too much time alone. When she wasn’t listening to the earth speak to her, she was busy healing the resistance fighters. Boys didn’t seem to like girls who weren’t content to stay home and put family first.

Idly, she wondered what type of girls caught Brenth’s eye. She’d never seen him with any of the girls in the fortresses, but he could have any girl he wanted. She sighed disconsolately as she ate her breakfast. She was certain he would never look twice in her direction.

Katya filled her bowl with porridge and came to sit next to her. We're a small group of people, she said as she began to eat. We don’t want our young men to leave. I hope I didn’t offend you.

You didn’t offend me, said Vanya. But like I said, there is nothing to worry about from me. I have a mission I must complete. I can’t stay.

You must stay until Cedric and Trion return, said Katya.

I can’t wait too long. I need to find Prince Brenth before my father discovers where I am.

You won’t find what you’re looking for in Prince Brenth’s fortresses, or in Barat.

Does everyone know what I’ve been asked to do? asked Vanya in frustration. I didn’t tell anyone what Cephom asked of me. How is it that everyone knows?

Cedric brought it up in the council meeting, said Katya. He's asked us to help.

How did Cedric discover my mission?

He has many gifts, replied Katya. One of which is mind speaking. But in this case, I believe Sylph, the Sea crafter himself, told him. Sylph has been in Barat for many weeks helping where he can.

If he's in Barat, why didn’t he turn away all the dark forces there instead of letting so many die?

He is, after all, just one crafter, replied Katya. But he isn't allowed to use his craft to sway the outcome of human affairs. He can only use his power to heal and guide.

Other crafters use their power to sway the outcome, replied Vanya.

It's different for those born crafters in Preterlandis. Sylph is one of the four who were in the beginning.

Why does that make a difference?

That is something you'll have to ask Sylph the next time you run into him, said Katya with a smile.

Somehow I think I wouldn’t get any more of an answer from him, said Vanya ruefully. She rose from the log and went to clean her bowl. If you don’t think I'll find my answer in the land that Prince Brenth holds, then where do you think I should look?

Katya followed her and rinsed her bowl and set it on its edge to dry. That's for you to decide. But I would point you in the direction of Kyris.

Kyris? There's nothing there but ruins, replied Vanya. She’d heard the story of Kyris’ fall from Adrian Cheran, ruler of the fallen city. Its fall was the reason there were people in the fortresses of the mountains.

Great magic was performed there. The earth was uprooted. There may be something to be learned from the rift, for one who can hear what is being said.

It's something to think about, replied Vanya, considering the old woman’s words. It seemed Katya was privy to what went on in the council, if she wasn’t a member. Vanya wouldn’t dismiss their wisdom lightly.

She was still pondering Katya’s suggestions as she started the trek to Drago’s flock of sheep. Kyris had never entered her mind as a destination, but the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. The whispers from the land were always louder after a disturbance. She thought back to all the words she’d learned the last time they dug a well and that was nothing compared to what Joshuas had done at Kyris.

The only problem with the plan was that she had no idea how