Children of the Gathering Storm

By Andrew Walker

Sequel to Four Children of the Three Lands. The world is Broken, and more trouble awaits Dale, Jentria, Missalore, Farr and Brianna. All still young by most standards, and on journeys through dangers they never imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew Walker
• Release date: Jul 9, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452335582

Andrew Walker

 Andrew T. Walker (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of Christian ethics and public theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and an associate dean in the School of Theology. He is a fellow with the Ethics and Public Policy Center and managing editor of WORLD Opinions. He resides with his wife and three daughters in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Book preview

Four Children of the Three Lands

By Andrew Walker

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2009 Andrew Walker

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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For Jenny, who took my heart before I met her

****

Chapter 1

The world lay broken

Shattered, but not destroyed

Survivors hoped to live on

Among them were the dreamers

The planners, the defenders

The workers, the leaders

And those who would break it further

Martus Merrymac, Broken World, 1328-7 ER

~~~~

A wind swept over the plain, making seeds fly from the tall grasses dominating the area. The gust continued, happily dancing eastward towards the mountain known in the common tongue as Fierce Water.

The wind turned north when it reached the foothills, as if they held something known to ravage moving air, and the gust wanted nothing to do with it. An astute observer would note the unnatural phenomenon and might seek to investigate were it not for the trio of wingless dragons—wyverns—sunning themselves on the tops of the three westernmost hills.

Those hardy enough—or perhaps sneaky enough—to get past that concern would then pass a steaming hot stream passing through the area which came from the mountain and gave it its name. The creek was only three feet wide, but little gouts of flame occasionally shot from it, making passage risky at best.

Beyond the fiery creek lay a field of snapgreens, plants known for their predilection to nibble on those who tried to walk past them. Insects were their primary diet, but they did not hesitate to try for hardier fare when it presented itself.

Many equally unpleasant hazards and worse lay beyond this, right up to a hollow at the very base of Fierce Water Mountain, where there sat a small castle. It was a three story high, one-hundred foot wide square building with four towers attached to it. The towers were circular, thirty feet wide and nine stories tall, with their centers where the corners of the main building would otherwise be found.

The building was neither beautiful nor ugly, but had an indifferent sort of look, as if it tried to be unremarkable in its presence. Gray stone bricks fit almost seamlessly together with only a hint of mortar between them. No windows or doors were visible, hinting it might be a prison of some sort.

A long figure sat on the edge of the northwest tower, peering out over the plain. He was human, with dirty, brown, unkempt hair which fell halfway down his back and a beard which reached his lap. The man’s brown eyes sparkled with an inner fire whose purpose remained a mystery.

The man lifted his left hand and looked at the gold ring his pinky wore. "Josie," he whispered.

The ghostly figure of a woman appeared behind him. I am here, my love, she said. Her language was not the common tongue, but that of elves. Her thin face suggested this might have been her heritage in life, but her long, flowing hair kept the telltale pointed ears hidden, and most of her other features were too indistinct to identify her nature. Nothing below her neck was more than a wispy, smoky outline.

The world is broken, the man said out loud.

Yes, it is. Rark has had his revenge.

The man nodded. Is it time? he asked.

Mine grows short, Nate, my love.

The man looked back at his spiritual companion. Your face remains.

Not for much longer. I don’t think I have even a year left.

The man looked out over the plains again. I hate this part.

It is the last time, at least.

The spirit’s companion snapped his head back in her direction. What do you mean? he inquired.

The world is broken, and this castle’s chains with it, the ghost replied. Soon, you will be free to walk the world again.

A smile slowly came to the man’s face. There is a chance, then?

There always was, my love.

The man looked forward once more, and cried, It’s a beautiful day!

He slipped off the edge, pushing himself away from the wall. I’m winning, you jackass! he managed to cry out before he hit the ground. His broken body lay there for a moment, and he moaned something unintelligible. This was followed by something which could have been laughter, but in his current condition it was more of a gurgling sound.

Nearly an hour later, his body vanished.

*

Halfway around the world, there sat a house made of stone. The house was once made of less sturdy materials, but most of the softer materials petrified over time while the harder ones—all metals—slowly rusted away.

A dozen ghosts now occupied the former two-story structure. Each was, in life, part of the staff who kept the place tidy, its residents fed, and the home protected. This final task they all shared in death, keeping marauding trolls, ogres, and other would-be threats from destroying or even occupying the house.

In recent times, they often congregated on the balcony at the top of the stairs in the foyer. A painting hung on the wall there. For many years, it was of the master of the house, Lord Zobal. Two years ago, after the spirits chose to let an ogre, a young wizard and the boar who was his friend and steed spend part of the night, the picture changed. Now a young woman’s face graced the fine fabric which somehow survived centuries of neglect.

Laurel, the spirit of a man who once held the position of butler in the House of Zobal, saw a resemblance between the young woman and the young wizard who passed through with his odd companions. The plaque beneath the painting bore the young man’s surname, adding to the mystery. As time passed, the woman’s appearance changed slightly, sometimes appearing younger and sometimes older.

On this day, the woman’s image vanished for nearly an hour in the middle of the night. It reappeared, looking younger than it ever did. Laurel watched the painting for several minutes, and then turned to the only spirit whose appearance seemed older than his.

Terella, he declared, this is of great importance, I think.

The aging ghost beside him nodded. The boy and his boar are out of reach, she told him.

The ogre may not be. Her kind control this area now.

I will contact her, if I can.

The elderly female ghost turned and walked down the stairs to the foyer. To her eyes, everything was in perfect order still, although she knew better. She walked to the double doors which led outside. They had a massive crossbar holding them shut. When the house was whole, it was made of wood; now, like the rest, it was stone.

Terella sighed heavily, and closed her eyes. Only she and two other spirits—Laurel and the head cook—could adjust their vision to see the house as it was now, rather than when they were alive. It was not an easy task for them, but it allowed them to pass through the walls in accordance with their nature.

The spirit left the house, and moved a few feet past the entrance before stopping. Beyond this, she saw only mists, for her afterlife did not allow her much flexibility outside the home she haunted.

The former head maid did not have to wait long; an ogre soon appeared in front of her. Terella spoke a single word, La, and the ogre nodded before—to the ghost’s eyes—he disappeared.

Two hours passed before another ogre appeared. This one stood less than fourteen feet tall, with long, stringy, greasy black hair framing a heavily-pierced face. Glittering stones and bits of silver, gold, and even a few precious jewels were pinned to her face in an apparently random manner. She had a blue swirl tattooed on either cheek, the start and end of which was punctuated by a tiny sapphire embedded into her flesh.

Hello, spirit, the ogre woman greeted.

Greetings, honorable La, great shaman of the ogres.

Honorable? You must need something important to be flattering an ogre with talk like that.

Terella smiled. The House of Zobal has need of you. My butler, who met you once before, wishes for you to see something.

La nodded, and started to do an odd, whirling dance. Every few steps, she cried out a syllable and threw some dust in the air. After several minutes of this, the ogre vanished, reappearing inside the foyer of the house.

Greetings, La, Laurel said.

Hello, honored spirit. We did not have a chance to speak much before, but you seemed like a nice ghost.

And you seemed to be one of the better-natured ogres I have met.

Woman spirit told me you have something I should see.

This painting, Laurel said, gesturing towards the artwork hanging on the wall. Do you see it?

La nodded. Her chin was two feet higher than the floor of the balcony, letting her see the upper floor without climbing up to it. It looks like Dale, if he were female and younger.

The name of the plaque matches his, too. Did he speak to you of his family at all?

Only very little. I know their names, nothing more.

Laurel frowned. I am afraid our mystery remains, and a problem with it.

What is the problem?

For many years, this picture was of our late master, Lord Zobal. After you and Dale and his boar left, it changed to this woman’s face. Earlier, it disappeared completely for awhile. I fear it bodes ill for her.

The ogre woman frowned. If this is part of Dale’s family, I must find her. I am guessing it would be his younger sister, Brianna. He came from the Three Lands, and I know where that is. I shall go there immediately, and see if I can find her.

Thank you. My intuition tells me this house’s survival may depend on it.

Perhaps more than that, La agreed. I will seek Brianna Eastwedge, and bring her back here as quickly as I can.

*

The world was a gray place with a single splash of color. Shadows tried to destroy the color, but they could not reach it. The colorful thing sliced at them, never missing and always lethal with its reach.

The colorful splash was a half-dragon, half-elf girl. If height had any meaning in this place, she stood seven feet high, with bright yellow hair which fell most of the way down her back. Her dragon half gave her all the colors of a rainbow and then some: Her head, shoulders, and arms had scales of red, blue, yellow, purple and green. From her armpits down to her upper legs, she had gold, silver, brass, copper, iron and steel scales. Below that, bits of rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, opals and quartz dotted her legs and feet.

Her head reflected her mixed heritage in other ways. She had six-inch high pointed ears, covered in scales. Her nose was nearly flat, barely there, with a pair of pinpricks for nostrils.

As the shadows retreated from their latest assault, she relaxed for a moment. I must escape this place, she said.

The day draws closer, a soft voice agreed, emanating from her sword.

Dale has had such trouble, though.

His difficulties have distracted you, Jentria. I can destroy this curse that afflicts you on my own, but it will take much longer.

The half-dragon nodded. I know, and I am grateful for your presence. It’s just…I am tired of waiting to end this.

You wish to go on the offensive?

Can that be done?

It is possible, but it is dangerous.

Jentria snorted. More dangerous than suffering through another two years of this while Dale is on a useless quest to save me?

His quest is not useless; we have just not fathomed its purpose yet.

That hardly answers my statement.

You are in no danger here. Fellnock’s curse is far weaker than it was, and I am confident the day of its defeat is very close indeed.

"This place is much lighter than when I started," Jentria said with a nod.

Precisely. The curse is much weaker, and you are much stronger.

Exactly why I want to go on the offensive, Lorevon.

We’ve had this conversation before.

Yes, we have, and I am tired of it, just as I am tired of this place and the shadows within it. Dale would not wait, his sister would not wait, and I am not going to wait any longer.

As you wish. Perhaps the reason for Dale’s quest is because this will—

Will fail? Jentria asked, shaking her head. It’s a chance I will take. Dale’s quest is either my backup plan, or it has some other purpose that we can only learn if I free myself from here.

Let us proceed, then.

Jentria charged forward, at least in the sense she moved her legs as if running. There was not a discernible surface for her to place her feet on, but the sensation of motion was there, and that was all which counted.

The half dragon sliced away at the shadows. At the same time, she focused her will inwards, and began to slowly draw her breath in. For several minutes, she did not exhale, but continued her inhalation until she could not do so any longer.

Her sword suddenly realized what she was doing, and knew her purpose. This is a bad idea! the blade thought at her.

Jentria hesitated only the barest of moments before she opened her mouth and let loose a blast of magical power. Cords of frost, flame, black goo, and electricity wrapped around a white hot core of energy shot out. The shadows vanished with a screech.

The sound caught Jentria’s attention, as her attackers had not made a single noise in the two years she had been trapped in the shadowy world. Blinding light suddenly surrounded her, but it only lasted a few precious seconds before the world went black.

****

Chapter 2

Slumber takes me away

But so does waking

One world or another

I am lost in both

Taggat Maelster, States Of Existence, 333-7 ER

~~~~

The company of soldiers marching towards the south side of Rupture looked like any other troop of military folk, with the possible exception of its leader. Marching at the front of the twenty armed and uniformed humans, elves, and dwarves was a girl short enough to be a dwarf, skinny enough to be an elf, but with the face and bearing of a human.

Standing fifty yards south of Rupture’s south gate was a seven-foot tall elf with a uniform similar to those of the approaching troops. His long, dark hair was tucked neatly under his helmet, and he had a grim bearing about him which spoke of ill things.

A few feet behind him stood a young human woman with long green hair and matching emerald eyes. Her look of concern mirrored, to some degree, the grim expression on the military man’s face.

The company of troops came to a halt at the command of their diminutive leader, who continued forward an extra dozen yards to bring herself closer to the man awaiting their arrival.

Captain Eastwedge reporting, sir! the girl cried out, saluting the man with the grim expression.

Brianna, we have ill news. Your report can wait.

Sir?

The man sighed. Give your report, he said, returning her salute, but give me the short version. I will hear the detailed one later.

Commander Dra’Spur, our mission had some success, but the spirits of Desiport seem to be gaining in strength. The city was measured to be at an angle of about ten degrees off perpendicular. We suffered no casualties, but there were injuries which we had to attend to.

Dra’Spur nodded and said, Very good. Dismiss your troops, Captain Eastwedge.

Brianna did an about face. Company Alpha, dismiss! she cried out. The troops slowly began to disperse. Sighing, the girl turned back towards Dra’Spur. What is this ill news you mentioned?

The green-haired woman behind Dra’Spur stepped forward as the man opened his mouth, and she spoke before he could. Child, it would be better for you to see, she said. Come with us.

Brianna nodded, and followed Dra’Spur and the green-haired woman—Beeoora—as they headed for Rupture’s south gate.

The city of Rupture was set into a deep depression. The depression was formed when the city which used to stand there—known as Center City, Brickwork, or Spec’Unis, depending on who you asked—collapsed into the ground during the global disaster known locally as the Stilling. The depression was hardly noticeable any longer, for the city was built up nearly to the depression’s edge.

A high wall ran around the outside of the city, built along the edge of the hole which gave the city its name. Near the south side of the wall stood a tower, seven stories high. There were two doors into the tower, one on the north and one on the south side. Colored stones set into the south side proudly proclaimed it to be Jentria Tower.

Beeoora and Dra’Spur led their young charge to the south door of the tower.

Is something wrong with Jentria? Brianna asked as they entered.

We’re not certain, Dra’Spur replied. Beeoora’s been working on that very question for several days now.

The trio started up the stairs which went up the side of the tower to the left of the door.

Several days? Why wasn’t I called back sooner?

"You had a mission to complete, Captain Eastwedge. That, and we didn’t have much information about what’s happened.

Brianna was silent until they finished their ascent to the seventh floor of the tower. The tower was home to her half-dragon, half-elf friend, Jentria, who had been in a coma for over two years now while she and her magical sword, Lorevon, fought the curse put upon her by an evil sorceress. To the outside world, she lay in her bed at the top of the tower with her sword through her gut.

The bed was now empty. The only evidence remaining of Jentria’s earlier presence was the slit in the middle of the bed where Lorevon poked through. Brianna shrieked when she saw the empty bed, and ran over to it.

Where is she? Brianna cried, kneeling down next to the bed.

We do not know, Beeoora replied. She disappeared three days ago. I have been casting about with my intuition, but I have only been able to determine that it has something to do with Fellnock.

Brianna stood up and put a hand on her sword. I must find her, then. A whisper of something echoed in her head, but she could not make out what it said. Before she could even begin to question it, a voice came from the stairs.

No, Brianna, you mustn’t!

The girl looked over to see her mother emerging from the stairs, followed by her father and the elven wizard, Geannax.

Mother, I must! Jentria means everything to me.

You’re only eleven years old, Brianna. You’ve not even had a childhood, and you want to skip even more of it?

Brianna opened her mouth to answer her mother, but her father cut her off. Brianna, it’s Dale that needs to find her, not you, the man said.

We don’t even know where he is, much less how to reach him, Brianna complained.

Beeoora shook her head. You have a journey ahead of you shortly, child, but this is not it. I believe I am to accompany you, so I cannot find Dale either.

I’ll go find him, Dra’Spur volunteered. "Or maybe I’ll go find Jentria myself. She is my daughter, after all."

Geannax shook her head. As much as I hate to admit it, Dra’Spur, we actually need you around here. I would go myself, but I know that my presence is also required. Therefore, I shall attempt several means of magical communication with Dale, and Sweets shall go find him.

You must be joking!

The group turned to find Geannax’s familiar—a blue-furred feline with a yellow tuft on its tail—sitting on the spiral staircase which led to the roof. His name was actually Mischief, but Geannax called him Sweets more often than not.

About such things I do not attempt humor, Geannax said. It is a lengthy journey, but you have the means to make it quickly. If our indications are correct, Dale is in South Frost.

Mischief shook his head. Years of faithful servitude, and how do I get rewarded? he asked as he trotted towards the stairs leading deeper into the tower.

With promises of more catnip, Geannax replied with a twinkle in her eye.

Mischief stopped at the top of the stairs and looked back at her. Your attempt at bribery means nothing.

Very well, I shall withdraw the offer of catnip.

The cat frowned. I did not say I would not accept the bribe.

This isn’t about the bribe, anyway. You’ve seen the same signs I have.

And I disagree with your interpretation.

Before Geannax could speak another word, the cat was gone, leaving her to frown at his sudden absence.

What signs? Brianna asked.

"As you know, Mischief and I have endeavored to track your brother’s progress on his quest for the items the Codex of Related Knowledge sent him on. This has been difficult since he left Rathsport, but we’re pretty sure he’s in South Frost. Recent signs from our divinations indicated to me that Dale’s quest is becoming more important somehow."

And Mischief disagrees with this?

Geannax nodded. Sweets thinks the signs indicate the quest is pure foolishness.

Divination is always prone to multiple interpretations, Beeoora said.

How does this relate to my finding Dale? How do you know I am not supposed to find Dale? Brianna asked. How do you know that’s not the journey you’ve foreseen me taking?

The green-haired woman smiled. My method of divination is not the same one Geannax uses. While still subject to some interpretation, it is somewhat more precise. It indicates that you and I and one other shall soon take a relatively short trip, which means we won’t be going to South Frost, but somewhere here on this continent.

I like short, Brianna’s mother commented. Dale’s been gone far too long, and he hasn’t even reached his first goal, as far as we know.

Brianna shook her head. That’s only because of his troubles in Ninnyport, Rathsport, and the twisted route he had to take to get to the southern tip of Sarfraxx. If a dragon had taken him where he needs to go…

Neither Dra’Spur nor myself could be spared for that length of time, Brianna, you know that, Beeoora said. South Frost is only the first place he needed to go.

Not to mention the difficulty of carrying Bart, Dra’Spur added. Carrying a human boy on my back is easy enough, but getting a boar to stay there is another story.

Brianna looked at the empty bed. I know, I just…I am just wishing there was a way to have cured her curse more quickly and easily.

We all wish that. Now, you are relieved of duty for the remainder of the day, and tomorrow morning you’ll be at the north gate. Beeoora told me somebody is coming from that direction for you, and will arrive in the next few days. Whoever it is may be related to the journey she has foreseen.

*

Two days later, a pair of Rupture Guardsmen came running up to the north gate. Brianna stood waiting in the road as they approached, and waited patiently for them to catch their breath.

Captain Eastwedge, Guardsman Crammel reporting, one of the two guards said. There’s an ogre woman heading this way, and she says she wishes to speak with you.

With me, personally? Brianna asked.

Yes, the man replied with a nod. She speaks the clearest common speech I have ever heard from an ogre, and mentioned you by name.

Brianna’s eyebrows shot up as a memory tickled her mind. Did she say her name was La?

Crammel nodded. Yes, Captain. Do you know her?

No, I’ve never met her, but my brother did. Please return and see that she is escorted here at once and treated with the greatest courtesy.

Both Guardsman nodded. Yes, ma’am! they cried as they turned and ran back the way they came.

An hour later, La approached the gate. She knelt down in front of Brianna, smiling. There was something odd in her expression, but Brianna could not identify what it was.

Lady Brianna Eastwedge, La said. I met your brother once, and he spoke of you.

And he spoke of you to me, La. I see your language earring is still working.

Perfectly well. I hope that I can spend enough time conversing with you that I shall not need it for human speech.

Perhaps that can be arranged. What brings you so far from the Wildlands?

I would rather speak to you of that in private. However, I am not sure how that can be arranged, given the small size of your buildings.

I can help, Beeoora said as she came walking up from the gate. I have a spell which will temporarily reduce your size to that of a human.

I fear I do not know you. Dale said nothing of a woman with green hair.

I am Beeoora, and I am an emerald dragon.

Dale did mention Jentria, right? Brianna asked La.

Of course, his lady love.

Beeoora was one of Jentria’s mentors. I will vouch for her.

La nodded. How temporary is this medicine?

It will last for exactly one day, Beeoora replied.

Can you teach it to me?

I will be happy to try.

Very well, then, make me smaller. Then please take me to where we can speak privately. Also, it may be good to have Dale and his parents here, as what I have to say may concern them.

Brianna shook her head. I’ll send a runner for our parents, but Dale is not here. He’s off seeking help for Jentria again. And that…well, it’s complicated.

I would like to hear of it.

Brianna nodded and looked to Beeoora. Beeoora whispered a spell and gestured at La. The ogre shrank, becoming half her original size. She stood up and said, I am much smaller! This could be handy!

You’re still big to me, but you’ll at least fit into our meeting areas now, I think, Brianna said. She looked back and cried out, I need a runner!

*

Several buildings sat near the gates at either end of Rupture to house the city guard. Each of these had its own kitchen and mess facilities, as well as a couple of rooms set aside for classes and conferences. La, Beeoora and Brianna found their way to the nearest of these rooms and sat down at a circular table while they waited for Brianna’s parents to arrive.

Brianna’s mother, Joanna, was a seamstress who primary duties involved making and repairing uniforms for the Rupture Guard. This kept her and the other seamstresses fairly busy, as most of the able-bodied men and women of the city spent at least some time in the Guard.

Joanna arrived at the meeting room twenty minutes after her daughter and the others sat down, and her husband, Edwin, came in a few minutes later. He was on the Rupture Council, and his duties in the administration of the city kept his schedule quite full. Nonetheless, he never failed to show up when his daughter requested it; she always had good reason.

Father, this is La, Brianna said when her father walked in.

Edwin extended a hand to the ogre, who—for an ogre—shook it gently. It’s good to meet you, La. Dale told us quite a bit about you.

Thank you. I apologize for interrupting your day—Brianna tells me you both keep quite busy—but there is something I need your help with that you may shed some light on. What did Dale tell you of the house we went into?

As I recall, he said it was petrified, Edwin replied. Turned to stone. He said it was a big house, mansion-like, if I remember right.

That is correct. Did he tell you the name of the house?

Edwin nodded. The House of Zobal.

Does the name Zobal mean anything to you?

The man looked at his wife, who shook her head. No, I am afraid not. Should it?

I believe so. In this house, there is a painting. Until Dale came to the house, it had a picture of the last lord of the house. The ghosts there told me that after he left, it changed to a different picture, with a different name.

Eastwedge? Joanna asked.

Yes, and with Brianna’s portrait.

Joanna and Edwin sat back, eyes going a little wide. It’s family history that ‘Eastwedge’ was given to one of my ancestors for their defense of the Three Lands, Edwin told the ogre. But I’ve never been told what family name we had, if any, before that.

The way the story is told, it always sounded to me like we didn’t have one, Brianna commented.

And now the family archives which might shed some light are under several yards of rock, sand and ocean. It was all buried in the Stilling.

Perhaps this is the journey you foresaw, Brianna suggested, looking at Beeoora.

Beeoora shook her head. I think attempting to retrieve your family’s archives may be part of it, but there’s something more. Is there something you’ve not told us yet, La?

There is one thing. The night before the ghosts contacted me, the portrait went blank for awhile, and then her image reappeared. The image it holds now—and I have seen it myself—is exactly as Brianna looks now, although in the portrait she wears fine clothes instead of a uniform.

Beeoora shook her head again. This is ill news. Something is chasing Brianna, but I do not know what.

I have to go to the House of Zobal, Brianna said.

The House Awakens.

Brianna’s eyes went a little wide at the whisper in her head. She glanced left and right, but nobody else reacted.

I wish I could deny it, but I fear you are right, Joanna said, sighing. What comes for you could come for all of us, especially if this relates to some ancient family history we have lost.

Edwin nodded. Captain Eastwedge, I want you to assemble…Beeoora, how many people can you carry?

Beeoora raised an eyebrow. That would depend on how I carried them. If the right container was constructed, I could probably carry quite a few.

Do we have time to construct a container, as you suggest?

Beeoora closed her eyes and concentrated. Slowly, her head began to shake. I do not know what it is, but it comes in a fortnight if we do not leave before then.

A fortnight should be plenty of time—

The sooner we leave, the less chance of it coming here, whatever it is. If we delay even a week, it could come here.

Joanna and Edwin frowned. And no idea what it is? Joanna asked.

Beeoora frowned as well. Nay, it escapes my intuition. I think part of it is my own involvement. My divination does have the weakness that where I am involved in an event, my ability to foresee things is clouded.

Perhaps I can try, La suggested.

The group looked at the ogre. Can you name the evil that pursues me? Brianna asked.

La untied a pouch from her belt and began shaking it. She chanted several words none of the others recognized before tossing the bag on the table. Bones and chipped pieces of shiny stones spilled out of it.

The ogre woman stared at the scattered bits of things on the table for several minutes before she spoke. This makes little sense to me, but perhaps you will understand it.

What does it mean? Brianna asked.

There are two meanings here. One is the killing of a tree, and the other is the preparation of a spear.

Preparation of a spear? Brianna asked. I know how to throw one, and they don’t require a lot of preparation.

That is part of what confuses me.

Are you sure it is a spear? Beeoora asked.

La pointed to a several teeth laying on the table. These indicate a spear, as they mean an object that is hurled through the air at a target.

Spears aren’t the only things thrown through the air, Brianna said. Depending on what you’re trying to do, that could be a catapult, a ballista, a crossbow, a slingshot, or maybe a bow and arrow.

Do all of those things require preparation?

Well, sort of. A catapult or ballista requires some effort to load its ammunition. Sometimes, depending on how they’re constructed, it can take several men to make it ready to fire.

And the others?

Brianna shrugged. Crossbows and bows are like ballistas, but much smaller. A slingshot doesn’t require much, you just put a rock in it, pull back, and let go.

That’s the same thing you do with a bow, for that matter, Edwin said. Except it’s called nocking.

Brianna nodded. Crossbows are cocked, bows are nocked, and ballistas and catapults…I guess those are cocked, too, but on a larger scale.

Oh, gods, Beeoora cried, her face paling. The other looked at her, and saw her eyes were wide with horror.

What’s the matter, Beeoora? Joanna asked.

I understand the message. When you kill a tree, you ‘fell’ it. When you prepare a bow, you ‘nock’ an arrow.

Edwin, Joanna and Brianna’s eyes all went wide as the message came through. Fellnock, chorused.

What is Fellnock? La asked.

Fellnock is the witch that put a curse on Jentria two years ago, Edwin replied.

She is a sorceress of significant power who was imprisoned centuries ago, but broke free when the Stilling happened, Beeoora added.

And she may bear ill will towards Brianna?

My brother and Jentria, as well as Beeoora and Dra’Spur—who you haven’t met yet—killed her a couple of years ago, Brianna told her. Although maybe they didn’t, she added with a frown.

Now I remember! La said. Dale mentioned her. This is bad medicine indeed, then.

Brianna looked at her parents. I am leaving first thing in the morning. The couple opened their mouths to object, but their daughter had already turned her attention to Beeoora. Can you carry six humans and an ogre without special preparation? she asked.

Easily. Choose five companions and meet me outside the south gate at first light.

Brianna— Joanna cried, but her daughter cut her off.

No, Mother, I must go, Brianna said. Someday, I may regret missing my childhood for doing these things, but…I would rather we all survive to have that regret than have one or all of us killed by Fellnock because I didn’t take action.

You…are an Eastwedge, Edwin said. Of that there is no doubt. Please see if you can be excused from duty for the rest of the day.

I’ll grant that, Dra’Spur said as he came through the door.

How much did you hear? Brianna asked.

All of it. I’ve been standing on the roof listening to all of you since shortly after your father arrived.

Damned dragon’s ears, Brianna muttered.

You should have come in and joined the discussion, Beeoora said crossly.

There was silence for a moment, and then Brianna turned to La. "La, this is my commanding officer, Dra’Spur. Dra’Spur, this is La, a friend of Dale’s from his journey to get the Codex of Related Knowledge."

Well met, Dra’Spur said, shaking La’s offered hand.

And you, good sir.

You wouldn’t call me that if you knew me better. Of course, you may have the opportunity to do that on our journey.

You’re not going anywhere, Beeoora said.

You’re not my commander.

But as part of the Council, I am, Edwin said. You’re staying here.

Dra’Spur looked at Brianna’s father. And why is that?

You’re needed here. We can’t have both of this city’s dragons gone at once, not if we can help it.

Dra’Spur looked as if he wanted to argue, but then he sighed and said, Very well. I will stay.

La, you may stay in our home tonight, if you wish, Joanna offered.

Have you a room where I will fit? La asked.

So long as you don’t get any larger, yes. Dale’s girlfriend is a bit on the tall side, and we planned our home around the possibility that someday she might sleep in it, so there is a guest room waiting for her or somebody of her size.

Then I would be honored to stay with you.

*

La used the offered bedroom in the Eastwedge home in a minimal fashion. When it was time for sleep, she lay down on the floor next to the bed, used the leather bag she carried for a pillow, and fell asleep. In the morning, she left the room as she found it, have disturbed nothing more than the dust on the floor.

Brianna and La breakfasted before sunrise, leaving the sleeping house just as the sun peeked over the eastern horizon. The human girl got a dozen steps from her home when her mother’s voice beckoned.

Brianna! Joanna called out in a half-whisper.

Brianna turned around. Yes, Mother?

Did you think to leave without saying goodbye?

The young girl walked back to the doorway where her mother stood. I’m sorry, but I didn’t want to wake you, she apologized.

The two hugged, and her mother said, Be careful. This trip frightens me.

Brianna and Joanna broke their embrace, and Edwin stepped around his wife. He hugged his daughter and said, Be strong. I know you will do what is needed, and then return to us. You are an Eastwedge.

Brianna nodded and kissed her father on the cheek. I’ll be fine. I’ll have an ogre and a dragon with me, and the five best troops in all of Rupture. We’ll all be back in a few days, I promise.

Some part of the young girl cried out, not wanting to leave. The last bit of her youth fought to break free, but the soldier she had become in the past two years was too strong now, and with moist eyes Brianna turned and walked away.

Beeoora stood waiting in the clearing south of Rupture’s south gate. She was now an emerald dragon, and the morning sun glinted off her green scales, sending sparkles of light everywhere. Her body seemed translucent, but this was an illusion; nothing could be seen behind her.

Emerald dragons are, as dragons go, relatively small. Beeoora’s five-foot wide, eight-foot long head sat atop a neck thirty feet long. Her body was sixty feet long and almost twenty-five feet wide, and her tail extended fifteen feet when it wasn’t curled up as it was now. This made her over one-hundred-ten feet long from tip to tail, but other dragons her age were often two or even three times as large.

La and Brianna found they were the first to reach Beoora, but the five members of the Rupture Guard Brianna picked the night before arrived within ten minutes. Three of them were men—Daniel, Migol, and Ja’Noog—and two were women—Tara and Neesa. Ja’Noog and Neesa were elves, but the rest were human.

Has any of you ever ridden on the back of a flying dragon before? Beoora asked when the last of them arrived.

Everyone shook their heads, and Brianna said, Jentria promised once to give me a ride someday, but she never got the chance.

Then let me start by assuring you that you will not fall, no matter what I do. La, Brianna, and the five Rupture Guardsmen suddenly flew off the ground and flew onto Beeoora’s back. As you can see, my telekinetic power is significant. I moved each of you as an individual, and I did so with significant ease. I can keep you all on my back without much effort, even if I fly upside-down.

That would be amusing, Brianna said with a giggle.

One thing that will help is La. The ogre suddenly grew, returning in less than a second to her normal size. She will bear the brunt of the force of the wind, which is why I put her in front. Brianna, you’re the smallest, so I put you behind her to get the most protection. I put the elves next for similar reason, and the remaining humans may get a little buffeted but you will be okay. I’ll also be using some magic to keep most of the wind off of all of you, so I can go full speed.

How fast is full speed? La asked.

Beeoora winked, and then leapt into the air. She soared eastward, picking up speed but keeping close to the treetops at first so her riders could get a better idea of how fast she flew. After a few minutes, she moved higher and picked up even more speed.

Had Brianna and her companions been on foot, the trip to the coast would have taken several days at best. Beeoora flew out over