What Comes By Night - The Chronicles of Curesoon - Book Two

By R. Jason Lynch

After crash-landing their airship, Curesoon and his companions find themselves upon the wrong side of a vast and deadly desert. Their only hope of surviving the perilous journey across the Sea of Fire is a gray-skinned shepherdess named Livid.
As they wind their way along the dusty road toward to the edge of the desert, Livid feels uneasy about leaving her old life behind. She has only ever known the life as a slave, and she is quickly finding her newly gained freedom to be somewhat overwhelming.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781365525964

Book preview

What Comes By Night - The Chronicles of Curesoon - Book Two

What Comes by Night

The Chronicles of Curesoon

(A Parable of Truth Finding)

By R. Jason Lynch

WHAT COMES BY NIGHT

The Chronicles of Curesoon - Book Two

Copyright © 2017 by Ronald Jason Lynch

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-365-52596-4

"Faithless is he that says farewell

when the road darkens." - J.R.R. Tolkien

Prologue

More Time

Now, where was I?  Raphael asked as he tapped his forefinger to his puckered lips.

Curesoon, Livid, Fain, and Tippleglee were just starting upon their journey together.  The young woman reminded and then added with a happy sigh, I’m so glad Livid was able to go with them!

Believe me, I am too.  The old man replied with a quick chuckle.  This tale would have been much shorter and ended much grimmer if it had not been for her help.  A thoughtful look came onto his aged face.  In life, it is often the case that the small kindnesses we show others later prove to bring about the saving of our souls.

This statement seemed to cause the young lady to slip into a moment of pensive contemplation.

Raphael did not notice, but instead, he started his story anew.  So it was that the small company made their way down the dusty road…

Chapter One

The Sea of Fire

Back down the dusty road the small band of friends traveled, and with every footfall, Livid left behind her old life.  As this thought grew in her mind, each step seemed slightly heavier than the first, for though some in Mudbrick had ill-treated her, they were the only family she had ever known.

As they turned the bend so that the city was no longer in view, Fain issued a call.  Whitepaw!  His small voice echoed across the mountainside.

Presently, the lanky red-wolf came wagging his bushy tail.  He put many licks upon the Kinderling’s face, and Fain hugged the animal joyfully in return.

With the wolf back among them, Livid felt the party was once again complete, and so they then journeyed merrily together through the dry, hot landscape.  The gray-maiden took the lead with Curesoon at her side.  Fain sitting astride Whitepaw came just behind them, and Tippleglee, with the permission of Dawdle, sat upon the cart while the donkey pulled up the rear.  With amazing dexterity, the old Gnome whittled busily upon a piece of wood as the small wagon bumped along the road.

They followed the road even as they had before until they came to a place where another path crossed their own.  They took this new way, and soon found themselves in a small canyon that steadily twisted and turned following its course downward out of the Red Mountains.  At the last, the canyon’s walls overhung to such a degree that it became almost a cave and then abruptly it opened up to the endless expanse of scorching dunes.

Curesoon began to walk out into the Sea of Fire continuing their course, when suddenly Livid clasp his arm.

We must not go now.  She said gravely.  If we walk out into the open desert by day, we will not see the sun set.

What shall we do then?  Fain asked bewildered.  Fain’s eyes were dark, for he worried about his friends’ safety.  The idea that he himself might be in any danger never once entered his innocent mind.

Livid knelt down and put her slender gray arm over the Noblin’s small shoulders drawing him closer in an attempt to reassure him with her embrace.  We shall rest here within the shadow of the canyon, and when night falls, we will trek out across the dunes always walking east against the movement of the stars.

But what shall we do once we’re out there, and the day comes anew?  Tippleglee asked with a growl.

Livid smiled at the grumpy old Gnome.  We shall pitch our tent before the sun rises and spend the days sleeping within its shade as best we can.  Though it shall be quite miserable, this is the only way we can survive our journey across the Sea of Fire.

The words Sea of Fire echoed in Curesoon’s ears.  He stood gazing out at the open desert beyond.  As he looked upon the scene, he began to feel that the great dunes were lined up before them as though they meant to bar their way.  The bard’s mind abruptly turned from the obstacle before him to the help that had been given.  Looking thoughtfully at Livid, he thanked the King of Heaven more than once that the gray-maiden was there to guide them.

Suddenly Fain noticed for the first time the sound that drifted upon the gentle wind.  Who sings such a sad song?  Fain wondered aloud with indigo colored eyes.

It is the Lament of Felicitous, our mother of old.  Curesoon answered as he rolled out his bed and collapsed upon it with a groan.  He threw off his sandals and rubbed his way-worn feet.

Felicitous?  Livid echoed the name with a questioning tone.  I thought it was only the wind.

Curesoon shook his head and explained further.  "Long ago, the Sea of Fire was a fair land called Serenity.  It was a vast, lush forest where the Ancients lived in complete peace eating all manner of fruit from the laden branches of the giant trees.  They made neither house nor hovel, for they had no need of such things, but instead they made their homes under the thick boughs of those great trees.

I would that those trees remained.  Tippleglee grumbled around the stem of his pipe while he made ready for a smoke.

Curesoon nodded sadly with heartfelt agreement and then continued.  "When Felicitous put forth her hand and ate from the Tree of Deepshadows, all began to wither, for that vile tree was loosed so that it made all the North lands to freeze.  Thus it trapped the water within the peaks of the White Mountains in deep layers of ice and snow.  That same water once flowed freely into the great valley of Serenity by seven mighty rivers.  With the rivers dry, only the twelve fountains gave the land drink, but then came the storms of sand, and these buried the fountains stopping them up.  In the end, the people could no longer live within this place, and so the Ancients abandoned this dying land.  

"So it was that, before her death, Felicitous, the mother of all mankind, looked once more upon that dying land and wept over it for the evil she had done. 

When the King of Heaven heard her lament, he took her song and bound it upon the gentle breeze as a reminder to all who heard it.  For this reason, men also call the open desert by the name Weepingwaste.

Livid spread out her own bed, sat down, and gazed thoughtfully at the bard.  Her expression told Curesoon she had many more questions.

I wanted to ask before, but the hall of Jocund seemed too full for such conversations.  She unloosened her turban so that her gray hair fell down and dangled in long, stringy locks.  Brushing the tangles from her hair with her fingers, she continued with her inquiry.  Where did this ‘Tree of Deepshadows’ come from?  Before, you said that a thorn from that same tree was used to slay Eversave.  Surely, the King of Heaven did not make such a cruel thing.  When I read from the scroll, I did not see any record of such a creation.

That is because the King of Heaven did not make that tree.  Curesoon replied.  "Though He did permit it to be planted, for nothing happens unless the High-King either ordains or allows it.

A crease parted Livid’s delicate and colorless brow.  Then who made the tree, for I thought that none but He could sing the Song of Creation?

Curesoon took a drink of water from the cup Fain had given him and then smiled at its coolness.  The refreshment taken, he again refocused upon Livid’s questions.

The tree was not made.  The bard answered plainly.

Livid’s expression made it clear that clarification was needed, however, Curesoon yet felt exhausted from his illness and so wished to rest for a while.  It was then that a solution came into his mind.  I think it’s time you practiced again your reading.  The bard said with a grin.

Yes!  Fain smiled clapping his tiny hands together.  But this time, you must always read aloud so that I may listen.

Livid nodded approvingly, and so Curesoon took out the plain sword and opened its scabbard.  Removing the sacred scroll of Edict, he handed it to the gray-maiden, and she unrolled it quickly.  Finding the place where she had left off reading, she began to recite to them the words that marched before her pale eyes.

After reading the further details concerning the creation of the worlds, Livid came to that part which began to answer her questions.  "‘Now when all things were being made, the King of Heaven created also the Sons of Fire upon the fourth day.  And this is the details of their making: Around about the great Throne of Heaven there is a floor of burning pavement stones, and from their flames, He shaped the Sons of Fire.  They are continual servants of the High-King ever doing His bidding, for always do they live to serve Him.  They are not flesh as are the Children of Dust, but they are like burning flames: strong and mighty.

"‘Now there was among these servants one who was cast out, and it was he who became known as Foe.  He has within himself a heart of shadow, but he was not so from the first, for nothing is evil in its beginning.

"‘Now this is the record of how Foe lost his light:  It came to pass that he began to go out into the darkness of the Void.  There, far from the Light of the High-King, he thought himself brightest of all the Sons of Fire, and so he began to admire his own brilliance.  Soon, he began to fantasize that he was more glorious than even the King of Heaven himself.  These imaginings caused the faintest of shadows to grow within the heart of Foe, and by this his own light was ever so slowly diminished.  Then it happened that he began to desire the Throne of Heaven for himself, but with this longing hidden within his heart, his radiance was very much darkened.

"‘When the shadow within him had grown still darker, Foe began to notice his light was fading.  Immediately he was troubled and fear came upon him so that he desired greatly to replenish his brightness.  Full of desperation, Foe came and thieved one of the Stones of Fire from which he had been made, for he hoped by its study he might learn how to renew his own light.

"‘Beware!’  The King of Heaven called out suddenly with a sad tone from His seat upon the throne.  ‘If you turn to me I can restore your brilliance, and you will again be filled with light.  But if you continue upon the path you have chosen, you shall be filled with the darkest of shadows and none shall be able to save you.  Furthermore, you will bring many sorrows upon yourself and others, and in the end, I will require of you that which you have stolen.’

"‘Foe did not heed the High-King’s warning, but instead he flew away with great speed.  Taking the Stone of Fire far out into the darkness of the Void, he reasoned that having the stone within himself would replenish his light.  He would have swallowed the whole stone, but it was too large for his mouth.  Then it came into his thoughts that perhaps swallowing only a part of the stone would be sufficient to renew his light.

"‘So it came to pass that he broke the stone asunder in his mighty hands, and with its splintering, the last light of Foe faded.  Thus, he began to be called ‘the one who broke himself.’

‘In his madness, he believed he had discovered a power greater than even the King of Heaven.  ‘Truly the High-King has made all that is,’ Foe reasoned, ‘But never has He brought a thing to ruin.’

Livid stopped reading for a moment, for she heard Fain sniffling.  He was sitting in her lap looking at the scroll as she read.

What’s wrong?  The gray-maiden asked softly.

Why would someone do that?  Fain inquired of her as he turned about and looked into her gray face.  His tender heart was full of confusion.

Livid shrugged her shoulders and squeezed the Kinderling tightly.  Shall I stop reading?  She asked while wiping away his tears. 

No.  Fain whispered.  Read on.  His tone was uncommonly sad, and the color of his eyes was the darkest indigo she had ever seen them.

After gently kissing the Noblin upon the top of his head, Livid continued.  "‘When the stone was broken into three parts, it began immediately to smolder, and thick, black smoke bellowed from within the fragments.  Where once shown a pure, white light, the shards were now lessened in their brightness, and they spewed unwholesome and noxious fumes.

"‘It came to pass that Foe swallowed the smallest piece of the shattered stone, and it renewed his light only a little.  However, in time he taught himself how to shine its radiance outward from within himself so that he appeared full of light.  In this way, he deceived many coming to them as though he were a servant of the High-King.

"‘After this, Foe took the largest part of the splintered stone and made a great smoldering mace which he named Ruinous.  With that weapon, he struck down many of his brethren, and so a great war began to rage in the heavens.  Some of those Foe had crushed came in their broken forms to the High-King, and He healed them everyone.  However, there were others of those who remained accursed shadows, and they are full of malice, for they sought not after healing from their King.  These linger in the world even to this day spreading their suffering among the Children of Dust and awaiting that time when destruction shall be given to all those who do evil.

"‘Truly, the King of Heaven was greatly angered by the misery Foe was bringing upon His creations, and so He sang of justice, and the Song went forth from his mouth and forged a mighty blade of light from an unbroken Stone of Fire.  So it was that the sword was named Reckoning, and with it, Foe was driven out from the heavens into the emptiness of the Void.

"‘Then it came to pass that the King of Heaven made the Tree-Glimmering, and Foe, seeing it and despising its light, came to the world of mankind and stole a single fruit from that most precious tree.  He seized it even as he had the Stone of Fire and broke it in the darkness of the Void changing its light into shadow.  He then took the fractured fruit and went into the far North.  There he struck the earth with his smoldering mace, and he placed the fruit within the hole he had made.  Lastly, he poured a part of himself over the fruit to water it, and thus it began to grow drinking up his black essence.  However, even with all this, our world was not yet named Riven.

‘That broken fruit grew into a vile tree full of darkness, and so it is called the Tree of Deepshadows.’  Livid stopped reading and looked over at Curesoon.  Her gray face conveyed her sudden understanding concerning the tree which was not made, however, Curesoon never saw her expression, for he had fallen fast asleep.  Seeing this, Livid shrugged her delicate shoulders and turned again to her reading.

"‘Immediately the Tree of Deepshadows began to spread out its roots sucking all life and all heat and all goodness from the North-land.  It would have covered the entire world with its black roots and thereby bring death to all, but the King of Heaven sang of mountains, and the Song went forth and caused the Northern Mountains to rise up fencing in the tree and shielding the world from its darkness.  So it was that the tree filled this new valley, but it could not pass beyond the borders of that vale, for it had not dominion in the world.

"‘It came to pass that the King of Heaven made also the first two Dragons, and truly they were lovely creatures, for He had given them long sleek bodies and beautiful scales which were much like jewels.  Their color was after the likeness of a rainbow, and the light from the sun sparkled upon their skin.  These were given the gift of wisdom, and with it they were to aid the Children of Dust.

"‘Now it happened that the Mother of all Dragons laid her first batch of eggs upon the beach near the sea, and afterwards she returned to the water.  Of these eggs were hatched seven males and seven females, and it came to pass, as they grew, that the sixth hatchling would not linger long in the water, but instead he preferred to lie upon a rock in the sun.

"‘Then came Foe forcing outward the light of the shard so that he seemed a servant of the King, and he observed the young Dragon’s discontent.  So it came to pass that Foe said to the Dragon: ‘Why sit you here upon the shore?  Is not the sea your province?’

"‘The Dragon answered, ‘I do not desire the sea, but I like instead the sunshine and the wind.’

"‘Yes, perhaps you do,’ Foe avowed feigning thoughtfulness.  ‘However, the King of Heaven has determined that you should remain in the sea, for He gave you not even one leg.’

"‘The Dragon sighed.  ‘Of a truth, I do desire legs, and not legs only but wings also.  Then I could walk and fly over the whole land and always be within the warm sunshine not needing to return to the cold depths of the sea.’

"‘If you would serve me,’ Foe proposed, ‘Not only would I cause legs to grow upon you and give you wings, moreover, I would put within your breast a fire that would ever keep you warm.’

"‘Now when the Dragon thought of having a warmth within himself, he greatly desired this thing as well as legs and wings.  He answered Foe, ‘I will do for you any service if you can make me warm in this way.’

"‘So it happened that Foe took out the third shard of the smoldering Stone of Fire and held it out to the young Dragon.  ‘Eat this and not only shall you have warmth within yourself, but you shall have the power of fire also.’

"‘Thus, the young Dragon ate the shard and immediately he lost his Gift of Wisdom.  The Dragon writhed in pain because of the great heat within his breast, and the fire was too much so that he vomited forth smoke and flame.  Thus it is to this day that Dragons must at times spew fire lest it destroy them.

"‘When the hurting was slowly replaced by numbness, Foe spoke again to the Dragon.  ‘Now, go to the far North, and amid the frozen land you will find my tree.  Eat thereof, and you shall be changed having legs and wings.’

"‘The young Dragon obeyed Foe going north, and the snow was comforting to his soul, for it cooled his skin.  Then, finding the tree, he ate, and the taste of the black fruit was exceedingly sweet.  However, after a while, agony came upon him once more as his body began to change.  Writhing again in pain, the sea serpent began to grow legs and wings.  After many days, when his transformation was complete, he coiled himself around the fell-tree and slept.

"‘Now this is the manner in which Foe betrayed the Children of Dust:

"‘After it had happened that the King of Heaven made the first man and woman, He named the man Argillaceous because He made him out of the dust which He had worked into clay.  He called the woman Felicitous because she was perfectly suited as a companion for the man.

"‘And when after a year the woman was with child, the King of Heaven visited them saying, ‘Have a care that you go not into the far north, for my enemy has planted in that far country a tree full of Shadows.  Its fruit is poison, and if ever you eat of it, you shall surely begin to die.’

"‘Argillaceous and his wife heeded the words of the King, and they remained within the land of Serenity.  However, a day came when the two were separated, one from the other.  Then those accursed shadows, who did not go to the High-King for healing, whispered dark and fearful thoughts into the ears of the man and his wife.

"‘So it came to pass that Argillaceous feared his wife had gone north, and Felicitous worried that her husband had went toward that black tree.  So, they sought franticly for one another, until at last the man arrived at the foothills of the Northern Mountains.

"‘As Argillaceous gazed up into those mountains wondering if his wife had gone that way, Foe appeared before him radiant with light.

"‘Why have you come to the North?’  He asked accusingly.  ‘Has not the King of Heaven said you shall not come this way?’

"‘The man’s eyes were full of dread.  ‘I seek my wife.’  He answered.  ‘Know you if she went this way?’

"‘Alas, I fear she has found some secret way into the valley beyond the mountains.’  Foe said full of deceit.

"‘Do you know that secret way?’  Argillaceous inquired believing Foe was a Son of Fire sent to aid him in his search.

"‘Foe acted sorrowful.  ‘Regretfully, I do not.  However, I could make a pass through the mountains if you so commanded me.’  He said this because he sought for an occasion to rightfully open the way, and only the king of the world could give it.  Otherwise, he would have no recourse to argue his right before the King of Heaven, and so He would simply close the way once more.

"‘Argillaceous, not realizing his peril, approved, and so it happened that Foe took out his great smoldering mace and struck the mountainside so that a way was opened before the man.  Suddenly, as soon as the breech was made, a frigid wind blew through the newly made gap.  Argillaceous paid the chill gust no mind but went forward seeking for his beloved wife.

"‘As the man sought her within the valley, Felicitous came to the newly formed pass, and Foe met her saying, ‘Your husband has entered the vale!’  Then the broken-one pointed the way to the Tree of Deepshadows, and for this reason she went within the valley quickening her pace.

"‘When she came before that black tree, she found the land around about frozen and gray.  Then looking upon the tree itself, she saw the young Dragon laying around its gnarled roots having his legs and wings hidden within his coils.  Great fear immediately filled her heart and she shouted, ‘Dragon!  Come away from that tree, for it is full of poisons!’

"‘The serpent opened his eyes and gazed sleepily at the woman.  ‘This tree?’  He asked drowsily sending out his forked tongue and grasping one of the shimmering black fruit.  Opening his mouth wider still, he quickly flicked his tongue tossing the fruit inside.  Thus, he ate the fruit in the presence of the woman and then grinned with a jagged smile.  ‘This tree has no poison, but it makes those who eat of it wise.  Did you not know how we Dragons gain our wisdom?’

"‘The woman was amazed.  Though the Dragon ate, he had not died.  ‘But the King of Heaven said we would die if ever we ate from this tree.’

"‘The King of Heaven meant to keep this from you, for He knew that when you ate, your understanding would be even as the wisdom of the King.’  In this way, the Dragon spoke falsely.

"‘Seeing the Dragon eating and wanting to be wise also, Felicitous put forth her hand and ate.  Immediately she felt ill, and the pains of birthing came upon her.  Then the Dragon unfolded his great wings, and mounting upon the wind, he flew away toward the South.

"‘It was then that Argillaceous found his wife, and seeing she was not well, he asked, ‘What harm has come upon you?’  However, she was unable to speak because of her hurting.  Then he saw within her hand the Shadow-fruit from the fell tree.  Immediately understanding what she had done, he called with great anguish for the Eagles, but only one came, for she alone had heard his shout.

"‘Bear away my wife and take her to that glorious tree where she might find healing.’  And so, the Eagle took to the air carrying the woman.

"Then Argillaceous called again hoping another would hear his cry.  And so it happened, that Irenic, the father of all Unicorns, was nearby with his herd grazing in a shaded glen when he perceived the distraught call of his king.  At the sound, he raised his noble head, and the light glinted within his single, spiraling horn.  The lord of the forests stood erect and attentive for many moments listening closely to see if the sound would come again to his ears.

"‘When he heard the man’s shout a second time, he leapt forward, but suddenly the young Dragon landed in front of him causing the earth to tremble and hindering him from going forth.

"‘Where are you off to?’ The winged serpent asked in his deep hissing voice.

‘Our lord calls for us.’ Irenic declared hurriedly.  Let us go to him."

‘Our lord?’  The Dragon echoed with a questioning tone.  He is my lord no more, for I am servant, now, to Dazzledin.’

"‘The Unicorn turned his right eye to gaze at the serpent.  ‘What treachery is this?!?’

"‘The serpent only offered a rumbling chuckle in response.

"‘Well, I, at any rate, still serve the man and his wife, so stand aside that I may go to them.’  Irenic demanded with a stamp of his cloven hoof.

"‘If I were you, I would not go, for my lord has stolen a look into the King of Heaven’s scroll, and there, he foresaw your death.’  The Dragon warned and then growled menacingly.  ‘If you go to him, the High-King will, Himself, slay you for the man’s sake.  Stay now and serve me instead, for I will not require your life of you.’

"‘The noble Unicorn reared upon his hind legs and shook his snow-white mane.  ‘Get behind me, servant of Foe, and may the King of Heaven rebuke you, for even if He take up His shining sword to slay me, I will ever serve the King-Glorious.’

"‘With those words, the fleet footed Unicorn leapt past the Dragon and went forth.  When at last he came to the man, he let him ride upon his back, and thus the swift animal took Argillaceous to the Tree-Glimmering.

"‘So it happened that when they arrived at the Tree, the man bore his wife up in his arms to bring her to the roots of the Tree of Light.  However, when they were only some distance away, the young Dragon came and vomited forth flames consuming all the fruit that hung laden upon its branches leaving only the blackened and scorched skeleton of a tree.  For this cause, they name that fell-Dragon Illwind.

"‘Argillaceous fell to his knees while despair filled his heart, and with silent tears he watched as that glorious tree smoldered.  As he wept, he saw the fruit still within the hand of his wife, and out of utter hopelessness, he took it and ate it also.

‘I shall not live without you!  He cried, for he thought their only means of healing was destroyed.

"‘What he knew not was this: Because he was the king of the five lords, when he gave Foe permission to destroy the mountainside and when he ate of his fruit, he gave that blackheart dominion over the four realms.  So it was that with that last bite our world became known as Riven, for that very day, the fair land of Serenity began to wither, and the Sea of Fire began to grow.

"‘Then it came to pass that the King of Heaven sang, and the Song went out from Him seeking for the Children of Dust.  However, when He found them, the mighty sword called Reckoning sensed the darkness within the man and his wife, and it leapt from its scabbard to slay them.

"‘Restraining the sword so that it should kill them not, the Prince of Life quickly questioned the man.  ‘What have you done?  For see, the light within your flesh is diminished so that your nakedness is shown.’

"‘Then trembling, he who could not live without her, turned and blamed Felicitous for his misdeeds, because already the fell-fruit had made a shadow to grow within his heart.  So, the Song turned to the woman asking of her why she ate, and she blamed the Dragon, for truly he had betrayed her with a lie.

"‘The Prince of Life wept saying, ‘You have within you the shadow of my enemy, and the blade Reckoning has detected it.  Moreover, I cannot now re-sheath the sword until blood wets its metal.  Alas!  I would that I myself could now quench the sword’s thirst!’

"‘Then stepped forward the father of all Unicorns, and he spoke thus: ‘I would give my life so that the man and woman can live.’

"‘Only if it is your love that compels you and not a thing you feel forced upon you.’  The Song replied with a sorrowful gaze.

"‘The Unicorn held himself in a noble stance while the light shown within his golden horn.  ‘I ask this because of my love for the man and his wife; my king and queen!’

"‘The Song conceded to the Unicorn’s request, and as Argillaceous and Felicitous watched with tearful eyes, the Prince of Life did what is foreign to His nature: He let fall the