Kethril

By John H. Carroll

Book three of the Willden Trilogy begins shortly after the events of book two. Tathan and his companions are on a mission to return Princess Anilyia to the Kingdom of Mayncal. The others begin to learn more about Tathan of the Shadows and his murky past. It seems that everyone else in the world knows more about his exploits than his friends.

His past isn’t the only one presenting problems for the companions. Sir Danth is missing his body and begins to wonder what truly happened to his people. Vevin has avoided telling the others about his time before joining them, bringing even more questions.

Princess Anilyia stays as far away from Vevin as possible because she is certain he intends to nom her. After all, princesses are not protected from his kind.

Their journey takes them through the country of Kethril. Getting the princess home appears to be a more daunting task than rescuing her was. The King of Kethril has a problem and wants to find adventurers to help. To make things worse, the green-eyed lady is still hunting Tathan.

Will the companions be able to accomplish the mission? Do they truly understand each other? Can Tathan keep from falling in love with a forbidden princess? Will Vevin’s past come back to haunt him? Do any of them truly know who, or what Liselle is after all?

The Willden Trilogy is an epic fantasy that follows the adventures of Tathan and his companions through the Willden Forest and into the depths of the world. A new race called Rojuun has appeared in the world and is threatening to make humans their servants. It is the companions’ task to learn more and perhaps rescue a princess if they have the time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John H. Carroll
• Release date: Jul 17, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466170940

John H. Carroll

John H. Carroll was the youngest of seven children and was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1970 where he was kept in a dresser drawer with the clean socks. Luckily, he wasn’t kept with the dirty socks or else he might have grown up to become slightly warped.As a child, John spent most of his time wandering through the Mojave Desert in an attempt to avoid people. He would stare at the sky, imagining what it would be like to explore different worlds. One of his favorite memories is watching his dad build the fuselage of Evel Kneivel’s skycycle in their garage. One of his least favorite moments was watching that skycycle fall into the Snake River. (Not his dad’s fault and he has documentation to prove it, so nyah)As a teenager, John spent most of his time driving wherever he could in an attempt to avoid people. He would stare at the road, imagining what it would be like to explore different worlds. He was the captain of the chess team, lettered in golf and band while in high school, and wasn’t beaten up anywhere near as much as one might imagine.As an adult, John spends most of his time staring at a computer screen in an attempt to avoid people. He stares at the monitor for hours, imagining what it would be like to explore different worlds. Occasionally, he looks around to see what’s happening on planet Earth. Quite frankly, it frightens him. He’s just going to do his best to write as many books as he can before aliens disintegrate humanity for being so irritating.Emo bunny minions surround John at most times. He is their imaginary friend and they look to him for guidance. At one point, they took over the world. No one noticed because they left everything exactly as it was. They gave the world back after a week because it was depressing.The Ryallon Series is his most popular endeavor into the field of writing. His Stories for Demented Children have lightened the hearts of many strange children and adults. He writes in the evenings and weekends whenever possible.

Book preview

Map of Nulanea

Map of the Willden Forest

Map of Kethril

Chapter 1

Year 1390, Fifth Age

Being three days after the events of Anilyia

Vevin is Evil.

The words still rang in Tathan’s ears and sent a chill up his spine. Three nights earlier, Princess Anilyia of Mayncal told him about the four colors of dragons: white and orange were good, purple and black were evil. Vevin, Tathan’s friend and his cousin Liselle’s lover, was a dragon in human form with purple hair, cream-colored skin that had a lilac tint, sharp teeth and liquid-silver eyes.

It was said that dragons lived on the world of Ryallon before humans. They were the most powerful and intelligent creatures in existence and very little was known about their lives or habits. It wasn’t for lack of curiosity on the part of humans who attempted to study the great creatures. The problem was that dragons didn’t invite humans into their homes or society. To make matters worse, they had a bad habit of eating any human who attempted to study them.

A treaty made long ago ensured peace between the two races. Dragons would not kill humans and vice versa. Enforcing the treaty wasn’t a problem because dragons didn’t care about the lives of humans. A few humans tried attacking or stealing from dragons, but they often became dessert. The treaty had an exception that allowed dragons to kill any human who tried to study, kill or steal from them. It also allowed dragons to eat princesses.

The reasoning was that princesses had traditionally been offered as sacrifices to keep dragons from eating livestock and citizens. The kings who signed the treaty decided it would be sensible to keep the option of royal sacrifice open in case someone did something stupid and killed a dragon. It gave the kingdoms a means of peaceful resolution. Moreover, most kings considered princesses to be a pain. Sure, there was the occasional sappy king who allowed his daughter to wrap him around her little finger, but those were few and far between.

Princess Anilyia had been educated about dragons by royal tutors in case she should ever be needed as a sacrifice. Even with that education, she didn’t know very much about them. No one knew how dragons governed themselves, how they flew, what their social habits were . . . or much of anything.

Tathan hadn’t talked to Vevin or Liselle about everything the princess said. Anilyia had asked him not to and he didn’t know how to approach the subject anyway.

He also hadn’t spoken to Sir Danth, a bodiless suit of armor sixteen hundred years old, about the matter either. The knight had been especially quiet for the last few weeks and Tathan wanted to know what was bothering him before bringing up anything else.

At the moment, Tathan was relaxing atop a water tower. It was a beautiful morning and birds were singing merrily while searching for the first meal of the day. Mist had covered the forest around the Lost Road Inn the first few days the companions stayed there, but when Tathan had woken at sunrise, it was gone.

From his vantage point, he could see steam rising off the massive inn downriver as well as the outbuildings that once would have been filled with activity. Moisture on the stone evaporated in the sunlight, adding to the thick humidity in the air. Dense forest surrounded the intersection of two ancient highways. A cacophony of wildlife went about their daily chores while industrious woodpeckers hammered away at trees. Droning insects zipped about over the heads of woodland creatures rustling in the verdant underbrush. The sun warmed the dew-laden forest, drawing scents of moist wood and grass into the air.

The Lost Road Inn, the companions decided that would be its name, was a five level stone building at the intersection of two ancient roads from the Kingdom of Morhain. It had an enormous barn, servant’s quarters, innkeeper’s house, brewery and the water tower he sat on. A stone aqueduct carried water to the tower from a small waterfall upstream. At the bottom of the tower were stone pipes that led to the buildings below, providing running water inside.

After more than a millennium, it should have collapsed. Vevin explained that preservation runes were etched into everything, keeping it intact. He said they could last for thousands more years.

Vevin. Tathan couldn’t stop thinking about his dancing friend. They had found him injured in the ruins of Aaltdiin after leaving the valley. Something had hurt Vevin, taking his home and treasure while leaving him with a large gash along the left side of his face from crown to chin. The scar that remained was long and stark white. Throughout their journeys, Vevin had been an outstanding friend, fallen in love with Tathan’s cousin Liselle and even saved her life. He couldn’t be evil.

Tathan! Princess Anilyia called from below, having just exited the innkeeper’s house.

He lay down on the slanted stone roof of the tower so she wouldn’t see him.

Anilyia scanned the surroundings for a moment before holding the hem of her dress above her ankles and walking over the soggy grass to the inn. Her waist-long platinum hair swayed in time with the rest of her lovely body as she walked. The princess was truly beautiful. Her unique hair complemented the olive skin customary among the people of Mayncal.

Tathan was hiding because she had been spending all her time with him lately and he needed a break from the attention. He was attracted to her and she to him. However, the princess was engaged to marry in an arrangement that would bring peace between two hostile kingdoms. It was the same old bard’s tale Tathan had listened to at numerous faires and inns. Only this time, he and his friends were the ones rescuing the princess. The bards never seemed to sing about the princess running off with a rogue and leaving her kingdom to war.

After she disappeared around the front of the inn, Tathan climbed down the stone ladder attached to one of the tower’s legs, still sturdy despite being as old as the rest of the architecture.

When he reached the ground, Tathan decided to run into the Willden Forest away from the inn. The Willden was dangerous, but friendly towards him and his companions. Even with that, it was still a bad idea. He just didn’t care. Traveling with an evil dragon, a moody knight, an alluring princess, and a flower child with more power than he’d ever seen in his life was, at times, more than he could handle.

After fifteen minutes of running, he stopped in a pleasant glade. The Willden was thick and didn’t allow a lot of sun to come through, but the pretty clearing had rays of morning sunshine tilting toward the grassy floor. Tathan was careful not to step on any of the beautiful flowers waking from their morning slumber. He wouldn’t want to upset his cousin.

Liselle was becoming an enigma to him. At first, she had started out as his simple relative living in the valley where they were both raised. Tathan had come home that spring after being gone for fourteen years. An attack by riders of the Iynath Empire had killed their family, causing the two cousins to set off into the Willden Forest alone after mourning the loss much too briefly. Now it was nearing the end of summer and Tathan was learning that his cousin was not at all simple.

Mother Tree, a magical entity that looked over the Willden Forest, told them that Liselle’s mother had lain in a flower-strewn clearing after discovering she was barren. The flowers took sympathy upon her tears, gifting life within her womb. Liselle’s father never knew the truth.

While growing up, Liselle began to gain magical powers that she kept quiet from her family. After beginning the journey with her cousin, Liselle began honing that magic into a powerful force by studying with Tathan and Vevin. Deep in the caverns of the Rojuun, she had touched awareness with the world of Ryallon who gave her even more knowledge of mystical powers. The result was that Liselle was more powerful than any wizard Tathan had seen and her full potential was yet unknown.

Tathan sat on an old moss-covered log to think, careful not to crush a spider looking for a strategic place to spin a web. The companion’s goal was to get the princess to her home country of Mayncal. They couldn’t go there directly because the Rojuun and the Empire of Iynath were that way and both wanted to recapture the princess. There was the obstacle of hundreds of miles of the imposing Caaldith Mountain Range too. Their current plan was to travel west to Kethril and find a ship that would take them on the two to three month journey along the coast. They would pass numerous countries along the way, many of which might try to confiscate the princess if they became aware of her.

Saving a princess always seemed fantastic when bards sang about it, but Tathan had known the reality wouldn’t be so wonderful even before they started. He agreed at the time because his companions wanted to and he wasn’t doing anything anyway.

A tear ran down Tathan’s cheek. He stood in alarm and wiped it off, not understanding why he would cry. Stress was one thing, but the unexpected sadness tugging his heart was out of character. Tathan looked around and saw the culprit at the other end of the clearing. A black emo bunny with grey paws and purple streaks through its fur was staring at him from next to a tree.

Bunnies didn’t seem dangerous considering how cute and furry they were, but the magic of emo bunnies was sinister. They had the ability to cause emotions of melancholy and gloom in creatures they considered dangerous. Those creatures became apathetic and lost the will to attack the emo bunny. A group of bunnies would create overpowering emotions in a predator and could even cause it to run off a cliff in an act of suicide. Tathan got out of the clearing in a hurry in case there were other emo bunnies around to drive him to madness.

He walked back in the direction of the inn, paying more attention to his surroundings. Tathan could handle himself well in a city, but forests had different types of dangers, many of which were subtle. He longed to be in a human city again after so much time traveling through wilderness and Rojuun territories.

Tathan sensed danger behind his left ear. He tumbled to the side, came up with sword in hand and swung it in a whistling arc. His blade thirsted for blood, telling him there was an enemy that must be destroyed. Tathan looked for the person who would dare to attack him, but the only thing he wounded was thin air.

He looked down at the slightly curved sword. It was stunning. Runes were etched the length of the black metal. Whenever it was out of its sheath, it hungrily ate nearby light. Tathan didn’t even begin to understand how and didn’t care. The blade made killing easy, drinking in blood the way it did light. It never took much, but some of the blood did stay in the blade. It also protected him from things that wanted to harm Tathan and it warned him about those things.

Liselle and the princess were afraid of the blade, but they didn’t understand what it meant to him and how much it protected him. He watched with fascination as the light warped into it. It made no sound, even when he slashed it back and forth. Just like light and blood, sound was absorbed into it.

A noise on his right caught Tathan’s attention. He crouched and looked to see a naked woman staring in fear from next to a tree. Blinking twice, he realized it was a dryad. They were mystical creatures spiritually attached to the trees of the forest. Legends told how a group of Druids once encountered wild magic and mated with the trees around them, resulting in dryads, which were half tree and half Druid. It occurred to Tathan that plants did a lot of weird things to people. He didn’t want to know what would happen if a person was lying next to a bush when wild magic passed through.

The dryad’s green eyes were large with fright as she stared at the horrific weapon. Her skin was like a birch tree, white with strips of black color. Long leafy hair flowed like a willow to the ground. She was five feet tall with delicate features and all the curves of a woman.

Another thing Tathan knew about dryads was that they adored human men, taking them into the branches or a secluded clearing for a few days to show them the pleasures of nature. They always released and guided the men out of the woods afterwards. Tathan realized he was pointing the sword at her and sheathed it.

Instead of taking him into the branches, the dryad ran away at supernatural speed, disappearing within the thick foliage.

Tathan sighed. Getting lost in the trees for a few days would have just complicated things. Liselle would have found him anyway. He continued walking back to the inn, enjoying the sounds and smells of the forest. While there were many dangers, it could be peaceful and relaxing at times. He saw a doe walking a short distance away. It didn’t notice Tathan because he was just as silent and there was no breeze to carry his scent.

Upon reaching the edge of the trees, he paused to look around. Everything was peaceful and as it should be. The only sign of life was a wisp of smoke rising from a chimney on the far side of the inn near the intersection. Tathan debated whether to rejoin the group. If he was in a city, he’d disappear for the day, but he just wasn’t in the frame of mind to deal with forest dangers, so he sighed and trudged to the inn.

He was ready to go to Kethril. It was a kingdom he hadn’t visited yet and the spirit for adventure was strong in him. Tathan was looking forward to visiting Mayncal too, another country he had never been to. Traveling by ship was best because he had a price on his head in a few of the overland kingdoms between Kethril and Mayncal.

Tathan wasn’t a bad person. He just tended to get into trouble. There were laws against theft and killing people even if it was justified. Most of the killing he had done was in self-defense. Usually he had to defend himself against somebody who was mad at him for stealing, but that was a minor detail.

The biggest problem he faced was the princess. He liked her so much it ached. It would be fantastic to run off to some big city and live in secret with her, never telling anyone where they were. That wasn’t going to happen because Liselle and the others were determined to take Anilyia home in order to prevent war, the collapse of kingdoms and the loss of tens of thousands of lives. They were being quite selfish about the whole thing.

He paused to enjoy the pleasant scent of the river flowing under the bridge. Tathan relished his life. Sure he had come close to dying more times than he could count, been thrown in jail, bound in chains, even undergone a little torture. Most of the people he had met along the way were borderline crazy . . . actually, most were far beyond the border. Tathan liked crazy people. They fascinated him. Some said he was crazy too.

The one thing Tathan hated was the suffering he saw. Throughout all his journeys, he had seen the pain and horror in people’s eyes. Too many times, he had passed an alley and listened to the screams of an unfortunate woman, or entered a tavern and seen other women so tormented that any trace of hope was gone. Men on the streets held cups out for a copper when in truth they only wanted their dignity and self-respect.

Tathan had tried to help a few of those women and men. Yet his efforts failed and there were always so many more suffering the same fate. Sometimes, when he slept, he could hear screams or see despairing eyes. Even in rural villages or homesteads, he found suffering and people looking into his eyes in hopes he would rescue them. The worst of all were the children. He could see hurt and desolation in their eyes.

At various times, he asked others if they saw those things too, but none did. For some reason people looked at him differently, as though their souls communicated their suffering to him alone. It haunted Tathan, although he didn’t speak of it.

The one person who had never shown him eyes of suffering was Liselle. She was pure and untainted by any darkness found in the world. Once, in the bowels of the world, a twisted creature called Krraa kidnapped and tortured her. Even that nightmare didn’t create suffering in her eyes.

Tathan walked around to the front of the inn and entered through the large stone doors carved with trees surrounded by a pattern of vines. The common room of the ancient inn was enormous and in excellent condition, though it was unfurnished. Everyone else was standing at the bottom of the grand staircase that led up to a gallery along the back and sides of the common room.

Tathan! There you are. We were worried about you. Princess Anilyia’s voice was rich and mellow. She came over to grab his hand. She always held his hand whenever it was free. I was surprised when I woke up and didn’t find you in your sleeping bag. Where’d you go?

He shrugged. I took a walk into the forest a little ways to enjoy the morning.

"But you told me the forest was dangerous and I shouldn’t go in there even if it is friendly to us." Anilyia frowned at him and set her free hand on a hip.

That’s correct. You shouldn’t go into the forest, Tathan replied with an impudent grin. It’s very dangerous and you never know when an emo bunny is going to sneak up on you.

Oh, ha, ha. That’s so funny . . . what’s an emo bunny? Her platinum eyebrows furrowed.

It’s a yummy snack! Vevin did a snack dance. He always had a dance for whatever was going on. The most common was the happy dance and its infinite variations.

Liselle smacked him in the chest, which didn’t slow the dance down even a little bit. She was five foot ten inches with long black hair and grey eyes that matched Tathan’s. A purple flower in her hair paid attention to everything that went on. Tathan was careful not to upset the flower if possible. He didn’t understand what the flower was or how it communicated with his cousin, but it looked at him sometimes when no one else was paying attention.

She wore a black and grey swirled robe made for her by a Rojuun girl. It was her favorite outfit when not traveling. Her arms were crossed and she was half glaring, half grinning at Tathan. An emo bunny is a type of rabbit that creates great sadness in other creatures to defend itself, she explained to the princess. There were a few in the valley where we lived, but the flowers kept me safe from them. They’re dangerous because they can cause a creature to take harmful actions against themselves.

That’s . . . interesting, Anilyia said. I haven’t learned about them in my studies. My tutors didn’t find it necessary to teach me very much about animals other than creatures that could be poisonous. She looked up at Tathan. Why were you in the forest?

I told you, I was taking a walk and enjoying the morning. The mist is gone and it looks to be a nice day. Tathan stretched his muscles and yawned, causing everyone else to yawn too. The lone exception was Sir Danth.

The knight was a bit of an anomaly. He was charged with guarding the Crown of Morhain sixteen hundred years earlier and had magical armor bound to his soul. His body died after the first couple hundred years and now the armor was hollow. The companions were the first people he had seen since taking his place to guard the crown and he begged them not to leave him alone. It turned out that the vault where the crown was had been tunneled into from behind and all the treasure was gone anyway.

When do you think we should leave, Master Tathan? the knight asked in a deep, clear voice that had a metallic tone.

Honestly, I’m ready to leave whenever Vevin’s had enough rest, Tathan answered, gesturing at their purple friend. Dragons could stay awake longer than humans, but tended to sleep longer as well. The Lost Road Inn is a nice place, but it’s too empty. I’m ready to get back to civilization.

Oh, I’m ready to go anytime. I feel much better! Vevin did an ‘I feel much better’ version of his happy dance. The last few days have been wonderful. I’ve slept a great deal and cuddled with Liselle the whole time. Liselle grinned at him. Vevin was also wearing a Rojuun robe much like Liselle’s, only his was green with silver patterns that highlighted his mercurial eyes.

Sir Danth clapped his gauntlets together. I would like to venture forth into civilization as well. It should be interesting to see what changes have occurred to modern cultures.

I want to go home, Anilyia said, taking the opportunity to hug Tathan. The closeness of her body felt wonderful and Tathan couldn’t help but wrap his arms around her. Her hair smelled nice too, although he resisted an urge to bury his face in it. As it was, Liselle’s eyebrow arched at him.

He ignored the accusing eyebrow. Then I say we go. Are you ready to travel, Cousin?

Hmm . . . I like it here, but yes. I’m ready to go as well. I just need to change into my travel clothes and get my pack together.

I need to do that too, Anilyia said, still pressed against Tathan’s chest.

All right, I say we get our things together and meet in front of the inn when we’re ready, Tathan told them.

With nods, they all went to get their things. Sir Danth went outside right away, not needing anything other than the enormous sword strapped to his back, a rich burgundy cloak he wore and a utility belt with a coin purse, dagger and various items.

Chapter 2

They joined Sir Danth at the intersection. Liselle wore woolen leggings and a green tunic she had made while living at home. They showed wear from months of journeying. Vevin wore purple leggings and vest lined with gold filigree in intricate designs. The magically enhanced clothes looked brand new no matter how much he traveled. His feet were bare as was his thin, muscled chest and arms underneath the unclasped vest. Anilyia was in sturdy tan travel clothes with intricate blue needlework, fit for a princess, but capable of handling the abuse of the road.

Tathan’s jacket was pure black with runes down the front opening. He wore dark brown leggings with thin bands at the ankles to keep them wrapped around his boots. The tunic was black with brown leather sewn throughout and the clothing was snug, enabling him to be silent at all times.

You said Kethril is about a week away, Vevin? Tathan asked as they began walking west along the Lost Road. They had traveled for weeks down the mountains in the east to get away from Rojuun Territory. The dirt was still damp from the moisture of previous days, but it was firm and easy to walk on. Princess Anilyia had a hold of his left hand as usual, a fact he didn’t mind at all.

Oh yes. We may make it there a day earlier if the weather is nice, Vevin answered while doing the peculiar walking dance he was fond of. He took two steps to the diagonal one way and then the other way with a hop thrown in. Liselle had begun to match his steps in order to keep hold of his hand.

Sir Danth asked Vevin, How long would it take you to fly there?

Well . . . depending on the winds, I could make it there in half an hour, but that would take lots of work. He bobbed his head and took an extra step to the diagonal right, which Liselle followed. I don’t like to waste energy while I fly, so I’d probably take five to eight hours while gliding along on air currents.

And do you know where the country begins? the knight asked.

Oh yes! Vevin took two extra steps to the left and one less to the right.

Liselle glared, let go of his hand and walked beside him.

He smiled apologetically before answering the question. Kethril’s eastern border is along the edge of the Willden Forest. We’ll reach that in about five or six days, but it’s another day before we reach a village where there’s a small inn we can stay at. I checked it out in my first flyby.

Do you think it’ll be safe, Vevin? Were there soldiers around or anyone who looked dangerous? Tathan asked.

Soldiers? No, I don’t think so. There’s an old wizard tower on the forest side of the village, but I didn’t see anything that would be dangerous to us.

It sounds nice. Liselle smiled. I want to see what the world is really like, not the Rojuun version of it. You told me about so many cities and villages that sounded treacherous and shady, Tathan. I want to see those.

Tathan blushed. They’re not all treacherous. I . . . I think I see the worst places have to offer. Honestly, I hope you never see what I do.

You worry me sometimes, Cousin. Concern was evident in Liselle’s voice. When you first arrived at home, you looked haunted. You’re much happier now, but I still see that look behind your eyes sometimes. I fear it’ll grow stronger in the cities.

Umm . . . Tathan was afraid of the same thing, but didn’t want to admit it. He thought he was better at hiding his feelings. The fact that Liselle could see past his barriers worried him. A small part of him was curious if she could cure his darkness while a larger part was afraid she would. The darkness had become a comfortable blanket he liked to wrap around himself. I am happier now. Thank you for worrying about me. He smiled, hoping that would prevent her from digging further.

She narrowed her eyes. His cousin might be naïve, but she was by no means a fool. Very well, but I’m still going to worry.

Tathan didn’t think it was fair he was getting all the attention. Originally, he had wanted to talk to Sir Danth about the knight’s moodiness when they were alone, but since feelings were being discussed, it seemed like a good time to bring it up. Sir Danth, I’ve noticed you seem to be gloomier than usual.

I’ve noticed the same thing too, Liselle agreed. For a while you were playful and laughed on occasion, but you’ve been very quiet ever since leaving the caverns.

Sir Danth showed no indication he had heard them.

They walked a short while before Liselle asked, Sir Danth, did you hear?

I heard. Another minute went by without a word. The others exchanged worried glances, but didn’t prod him further. Then he spoke. I am unhappy. It has happened at times where my mood is dark for years, but I was alone and in the cave where I guarded the crown. A deep sigh emitted from his chest. Being out underneath the sky and traveling with new friends rescued me from those doldrums.

I understand how you’d get depressed standing guard all alone in that cave, Tathan empathized. I’d probably kill myself.

Both Liselle and the princess smacked him hard. Tathan, don’t be a wretch! Liselle said. Go on, Sir Danth. Perhaps we’ll be able to help you feel better . . . if Tathan keeps his mouth shut that is. She glared at her cousin.

Master Tathan is correct. I tried to figure out a way to kill myself, but the armor and sword prevent me from doing so. He shrugged his metal shoulders.

That’s inconvenient. Tathan nodded.

Both women smacked him again.

Hey!

Sir Danth nodded as well. Verily. Meeting you all has made me very happy. You are wonderful people and I enjoy traveling with you. However, that makes me all that much more depressed.

Anilyia frowned. That doesn’t make any sense.

Liselle’s head tilted to the side in confusion.

Sure it does, Vevin said. It’s Sir Danth logic. He says things like that all the time. Being in a cave all alone is depressing, not being able to kill himself is depressing, making friends is a happy thing, but once it’s done making him happy, it depresses him more than being in a cave while not being able to kill himself. Now he’s very upset that he’s enjoying how happy he is and the unhappiness he feels is causing him to be in a dark mood, but he likes us a lot and that depresses him even more. In addition . . .

Please stop! Anilyia rubbed her temples. I didn’t understand a word you said and it’s hurting my head. I’d rather you just eat me and be done with it.

Sir Danth was frowning and scratching his helmet in thought. Master Vevin is right though. Anyway, the point is that I like having friends again, but it makes me realize how much I’m missing.

What are you missing? Liselle asked.

A life. Upon seeing their puzzled looks, he clarified. I am not alive, nor am I dead. My existence is in limbo. Sir Danth stopped and faced them. I can fall in love, but cannot consummate that love. I was once handsome, but no woman will see that. I cannot touch or smile, though I convey expression through magic. He hung his head.

Liselle put a hand on his arm. My brave, sorrowful knight, I can’t imagine how that feels. Is there anything we can do to help?

I’d suggest getting him laid, but he just pointed out the flaw in that plan, Tathan said with a smirk. Princess Anilyia smacked him in the chest again. She seemed to be relishing the gesture.

Liselle shook her head in displeasure at her cousin’s lightheartedness. Don’t mind him. He’s an oaf. What can we do to help?

I don’t think you can, Milady. I see you and Vevin in love and it makes my heart . . . my absence of a heart . . . ache. He resumed walking again. "Princess Anilyia holds Master Tathan’s hands, a gesture of comfort and pleasure, a gesture I cannot feel. Have I told you what I can feel?" he asked.

You have not, my dear knight, Liselle answered, walking alongside.

I feel death. Not my own, but the death of whatever I kill. His voice gained a new, disturbing tone. I can feel my sword sliding through a person’s body. I feel the soul leaving the body. He stared into her eyes. I like it.

Liselle ran back to Vevin who wrapped a protective arm around her shoulder as she buried her face into his chest. Once again they all stopped.

Tathan decided the journey was going to take a long time at their current pace. My friend, you know my cousin is a gentle soul. I don’t like the way you’re speaking to her. It’s almost as though upsetting her gives you delight.

I lost my people! the knight yelled, causing them to take a step back. I have no betrothed to hold at night! He gestured angrily as he spoke. "My cities are in ruins and my friends no longer exist! And yes, I like killing. I like it very much. I want to go to war and kill thousands of people. I’m angry, Tathan. I’m mad at the universe for taking my people away and leaving me buried beneath the world to protect a stupid piece of metal that was stolen anyway!"

With that, he drew his sword and attacked the nearest helpless tree. Great swings cut through the trunk, knocking it over with a crash. When it was fallen, he continued slicing into it. The trunk gave his sword about as much resistance as butter would a table knife. They watched the knight with dread as the rage proceeded. Tathan had drawn his sword out of caution and stood between the knight and Anilyia. Vevin stood protectively in front of Liselle.

Sir Danth dropped his sword and fell to his knees. Great, heaving sobs shook his shoulders and he held his head in his hands. Even though he didn’t have a body, the gestures he made were eminently human. His emotions were real, powered by centuries of solitude.

Tathan sheathed his sword and went to put a hand on the knight’s shoulder. He didn’t say anything, merely provided small comfort while Sir Danth spent his despair. The others sat down across the road.

It took some time before the last of the sobbing finished. Sir