The Greylands: Volume X

By Susan Skylark

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

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Skylark
• Release date: Sep 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005242350

Susan Skylark

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

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Susan Skylark

Copyright 2022 Susan Skylark

Smashwords Edition

Author’s note: each story is unique to itself and not related in any way to any other story, character, or world in this or any other series.

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 recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to an authorized retailor and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents:

An Hundred Years Old

Cold

Gathered

Dropper of Eaves

Escape

Nary a Horse for Hire

Idealist

Isle of Wights

Library

Impossible

So Much for Prophecy

Mist

Meddling with Mages

Grand Conspiracy

Journey

Path

A Front

Servants

Slave

Mitigation

Dreams

Move

Internship

A Walk

Wrath

Other Books by this Author

Excerpt From ‘Where Eagles Gather’

‘In Which Iris Misses Tea,’ excerpt from ‘Of Tea…and Things

‘The Pallid Knight,’ Excerpt from ‘The Greylands’

‘On Sleeping Beauties: A Foible,’ excerpt

Excerpt from ‘Shadow of the Unicorn’

Excerpt from ‘Over the Hills and Faraway’

Excerpt from ‘The Serpent and the Unicorn: Book I’

An Hundred Years Old

Why are you afraid? asked she gently, mindlessly stroking the ears of the large spotted feline that sat beside her, whose great head lay on her radiant lap.

I shouldn’t be, agreed the boy wistfully, but who knows what will happen after…

Who indeed! teased she, Have you not trusted Him in all else? Why is this any different? Is it not the Way of your race? How can there be anything frightful or ignoble in that, if it is what He thinks is best for each of your kind?

I’ve never had reason to fear or doubt in the past, said the boy wanly, but this is so very much different, no one knows what comes of a man afterwards!

He does, laughed she like a thousand bright mornings.

The boy grinned sheepishly, and in that I should fully trust, as I have a thousand times before, so why is this so very different?

Because doubt and fear will creep in where love and faith are not perfect, said she quietly, solemn as a starless winter night, and for you, that is still the case. You may still choose against Him, as has your companion in age. She smiled slightly, sloughing off the grim cloak that had momentarily draped their conversation, said she, her person alight with Joy itself, but so too can you fight against it, turn from the temptation to despair to Him and you have naught to fear, even fear itself!

Yes, said he, quietly at first, but his own smile was soon as radiant as her entire being, added he in growing eagerness, Yes, yes, yes! But shuddering slightly, as if a chill breeze had suddenly gusted into a summer afternoon, but what of the Accursed One?

She shook her head sadly, the choice is still before him, as it is before you, but the Day draws nigh when you both must live with the consequences of your choice.

Tomorrow, said he bleakly, but there was such anticipation beneath it that he surprised even himself, adding thoughtfully, but you say it is in nowise a Day to be dreaded?

She shook her head and smiled eagerly, only for those who choose Him not.

He eyed her plaintively, will you go with me?

Certainly, but only so far as anyone is allowed to accompany you, said she quietly, only you can enter the Cave.

Remember me, said he wistfully, whatever betide. She could only laugh at him, as if she knew full well he was being ridiculous but wasn’t allowed to tell him so; he stared at her in wonder for a moment, before joining in in spite of himself. Fear had lost its grip on him, only curiosity and a strange eagerness remained, making him wonder how he had ever dreaded the advent of this peculiar Day, and why now it seemed it would never come, though its approach had seemed all too swift but the day before.

You won’t change your mind? asked Bayard quietly of his companion, all their friends, family, and well-wishers watching and waving far behind them, for the remainder of the journey they must make alone, save for those in like circumstances.

If I haven’t changed my mind in a hundred years, snarled Tyne impatiently, why would I change it now? Who is he to think I want anything to do with him? To demand that I love him?!

Will you truly become Accursed? quivered Bayard in horror and astonishment.

Tyne sniffed contemptuously and said, that’s what he calls it, but what if it is no such thing? Why not join me? What has he ever done for you? He glanced grimly at the great gaping cavern that opened wide before them, like an insatiable mouth of starless night, if he were so good and loving, why would he demand that we go through with this?

For it is the way of our kind, sighed Bayard heavily, his latent doubts and fears suddenly stirring from what he had hoped would be their grave, and if He has decreed it, it must be for our Good, even if we don’t understand it.

Well I certainly don’t, hissed Tyne, but let’s get this over with! He plunged headlong into the darkness, Bayard swallowing hard and following immediately after, somehow knowing that even had they entered at the same moment, neither would see the other, for what lay ahead, must be faced alone.

Tyne blinked and then blinked again, for he was not surrounded by utter darkness as he expected, neither was he wandering through the bowels of the earth, rather he stood upon a wide and dusty plain under a noonday sun, whose heat beat heavily upon him in a way he had never before felt. He sneezed as a sweltering wind gusted dust into his mouth and eyes, he vaguely noticed other uncomfortable sensations he had never before felt, but what he would come to recognize as thirst, hunger, and weariness. With a heavy sigh, he started walking towards what appeared to be a streak of green on the far horizon, hoping it meant at least water, if not civilization.

Bayard found himself in a great cavern, almost entirely filled with a deep pool that he instinctively knew had no bottom. Its waters were a radiant, fathomless blue that he felt he could gaze into forever and be content indeed. He stood on a little stony ledge, but otherwise there appeared to be no shore or foothold nor tunnel or passage in or out of the cavern. Even as he stood there puzzling over the ethereal scene and what he was to do about it, suddenly all choice was taken from him. The rocky ledge upon which he so precariously perched vanished and plunged him into that impossibly still pool, but his fall did not disturb its mirror-like surface, for even as he fell, his physical being ceased to be, dissolving into mist and moonbeams and then nothing at all, leaving the cavern again to its eternal, silent vigil.

He lay upon the wet rocks lapped by a river’s swirling waters, as they eddied in a slight bend in the channel, before resuming their relentless journey to the sea. He sat up slowly, wondering where he was and how, what was a dream and what reality? You?! came a startled but familiar voice, drawing the stymied boy’s puzzled gaze and attention away from his own confusion for a moment.

Tyne? said Bayard slowly, as if talking to someone he once met in a half forgotten dream.

Yes, it is me, panted the other, descending the grassy bank and kneeling beside the river, eagerly quenching his ravenous thirst, what happened to you? Bayard shook his head, still stunned and overwhelmed by whatever had happened to him, he was quite sure there were not words in any extant language to describe what he had just been through. Continued Tyne, as if he didn’t care that his companion hadn’t answered, I found myself wandering on some great, dusty plain, but I glimpsed a streak of green on the far horizon and made my way here. What a wretched place! I have never been so uncomfortable before, the sun beats overhead like an oven, the wind seers like a stove, my feet have never felt so heavy or my body so miserable!

Bayard’s eyes narrowed pensively, for though he hadn’t endured the same rigors as his companion had on his journey to the river, he was not in the least uncomfortable, though how long he had lain upon that cold, wet, stony shore he knew not. Could it be? It must, but it was impossible! Said he at last, we’re in the mortal world.

Tyne actually gaped at him, you really believe all those old stories about a world where men live sundered from their Creator, where death and sorrow and wretchedness beset them on every side?

Have you not been complaining of just that? asked Bayard quietly, Is that not what you sought in separating yourself from Him?

No! protested Tyne vehemently, Why would I wish such a thing on anyone, most particularly myself?

You want only His blessings and not Himself? persisted Bayard, So why are you so surprised when He obligingly withdraws Himself, that most of His blessings vanish likewise? One cannot complain of the darkness and cold after scorning the sun!

What of you? snarled Tyne angrily, Aren’t you as much an outcast as me? Where now is your faith?

Bayard smiled wonderingly, the same place it has ever been and now more firmly ensconced than ever, so much so that nothing shall ever shake it more!

But you’re Banished, just as much as me! huffed Tyne at his companion’s seeming indifference or even joy in his immediate circumstances.

Indeed, mused Bayard, but that doesn’t mean I am outside His keeping or blessing or knowledge, what is there to fear in that?

You’re mad! gaped Tyne in absolute horror, that his only companion in exile could be of such a mind, How can you be so complacent when Death itself might be stalking us at this very moment?

Know you none of the old tales? asked Bayard in wonder at his companion’s ignorance.

I learned them as a child, as we all did, sneered Tyne in reply, but as they had no bearing upon my own life or future, I chose to forget and ignore them!

But it is said He has conquered Death itself! rejoiced Bayard, That He came in the guise of a mere man, to seek those that had forsaken Him, and that they killed Him, the very Author of Life!

Good riddance, sniffed Tyne indifferently.

But He rose from the grave! persisted Bayard, He conquered Death, paid the Price of sin and rebellion, that those who live in this sad land might know Life indeed!

And I suppose you will say that so too might I partake of this splendid gift, if I would? hissed Tyne, Thanks but no, I’m my own man and don’t need fairytales to give me comfort, whatever betide. I begin to think this world is rife with opportunity denied us when we dwelt under his thumb. Are you coming?

Bayard gazed at him sadly, but knew that for the moment, his path coincided with the journeys of the accursed boy beside him, said he quietly, certainly, whither are we bound?

Let’s follow the river, said Tyne practically, then we’ll have water, shelter, and a chance at food and perhaps even a settlement. He set off, his thirst quenched and his ire giving momentary strength to his weary limbs, not bothering to ask if his companion was likewise ready for such a journey or not. Bayard smiled ruefully at no one in particular and hied after the arrogant boy.

They walked on all day, until Tyne at last could go no further without stumbling over something in the dark. He was so weary that he could do naught but crawl beneath a sheltering bush and fall immediately asleep, leaving Bayard to stare about awkwardly in the dark, though strangely he was not blind in that starless night. He left the leafy dell in which Tyne had collapsed and paced beside the river, whose great voice filled the night with a strange and familiar peace.

You seem troubled? came the familiar voice that not very long ago he thought he would never hear again.

Kaya?! said Bayard joyously, approaching his dear friend but stopping short and staring at her dumbly.

She laughed at him, as she had before when he ridiculously proposed they would be forever sundered, what is it that strikes you speechless, my friend?

You’re, you’re… began he, unable to describe the phenomenon, making her laugh all the more at his stumbling speech and increasing awkwardness, ending lamely, like me.

And what are you? asked she, as solemnly and seriously as she could muster in such a delightful mood.

A boy, began he, frowning slightly and amending, as he grinned ruefully, not that you’re a boy, but you’re just a girl!

While she savored every moment of his ignorance, at last she reached out a tender, comforting hand and said with great anticipation, what mean appearances, my friend? But you are correct in saying we are alike, but rather it is you that is utterly changed.

Me?! said Bayard in disbelief, scanning his bland and dusty exterior in wonder.

She laughed at him anew, what did you think I was, but one of the daughters of men, if no longer confined by the laws of time or space?

The boy’s eyes narrowed pensively, you are saying that too is my curious state?

Yes, smiled she, like morning itself, that is precisely what I am saying, save that you must wait a hundred years before returning to the place you once called Home.

Tyne was right! said he in wonder, I too am Banished!

Not quite, grinned she in pure delight, you are not confined to this fallen mortal world as he is, a mortal creature himself, rather you can escape into all the wondrous things that lie beyond what we currently know as reality, but there is no coming back, save when He comes Himself, to overthrow evil and darkness forever on the Day, should you venture thither. We can also visit all the varied races and countries and times scattered over the breadth and width of these dreary lands, and once your hundred years are spent, so too can you return to the place of your birth, but for the sake of those still living in that unspoiled land, you cannot return during the lifetime of anyone you might have known in your previous life.

What an intriguing concept, said he, but his brow furrowed as he asked, what do you mean by the place of my birth? Is it not your own?

Certainly not! laughed she, I was born into this fallen world and entered this service upon my death. Then I was free to visit your homeland, a place as strange and legendary to me as this broken world is to you.

He laughed as brightly as his companion, saying, I never did wonder what you were, my friend, indeed, I just assumed you and those like you were just another race native to my homeland, the same as all the others, but here you tell me you are merely a child of men!

Quite, grinned she, though one beyond death and time.

He gazed at his own insignificant palm and mused, but what of me?

What do you think happened to you in that peculiar grotto? said she gravely, Men in this fallen sphere must suffer physical death, while in your homeland, when you have lived out your hundred years, you must venture into the Cave and either discover the Greater Things beyond what you knew as life or be cast into the mortal world, as an Accursed One, though still not beyond redemption.

And what are we to do in this curious new existence? queried he.

Either fly beyond it or linger here to be about whatever He would have of us, said she in growing anticipation, eliciting an equally vibrant smile from his previously pensive countenance.

For now I am to keep company with Tyne, said he.

She nodded happily, precisely, you’ll know what you must, when you must! And remember, He is ever with you! She winked at him playfully and said, before fading away into the river mist, bright with the imminent dawn, and you never know when I may pop in to tease you! He sighed wistfully as she faded from his perception and went in search of something for breakfast, for his companion would certainly need it, even if he did not need such sustenance himself. He grinned at the thought but grimaced at the results should he fail, for his companion was hardly genial under the best of circumstances, what would he be like, were he suffering from hunger besides?! With a wry laugh, Bayard went to see what he could do to prevent such a dreadful circumstance from ever coming to pass.

Cold

The stars shone crisp and bright in the frosty sky, but the night was dark and cold about him, the wind moaned in the naked trees like an old woman bereft of all kith and kin. He shivered and pulled his thin cloak closer about him, as if it might keep out the searching chill, but it was only a futile motion to momentarily distract himself from the bitter cold lurking about him like some fierce predator set to pounce but letting its prey stew in terror and helplessness for an interminable and wretched few minutes to sate its innate cruelty before satisfying its hunger. He looked again at the stars, beloved by the elven folk as well as mortal men, he was a fool to have come, to respond to a call no man could hope to successfully answer. He huddled deeper into his thin rags awaiting an answer that would never come, but the night and the cold only intensified around him, the only sound the shrieking of that grievous and terrible wind.

He must have nodded off, for the first glimmerings of dawn were peaking over the eastern hills. The wind had resigned itself to a fretful breeze that barely stirred the shriveled and lingering leaves on the surrounding branches while the temperature must have risen radically during the night, for he was no longer bitterly cold and frozen through and through. He smiled brightly at both the quickening dawn and the significant lessening of winter’s bite, as he rose from his awkward seat, half balanced against a broad trunk and half toppled in the snow. He brushed the worst of the clinging snow and dead leaves from his patched attire and hastened out into the little glade before him, wondering when, and if, they would ever come or if he’d be able to see them when they did.

At last his ears caught the sound of something besides the rattling leaves and his smile blossomed the more, for he heard the slight sound of many feet stepping lightly through the snow, crunchy and deep as it was, which meant it could only be elven folk, for man or beast would tread far more loudly be it only a single individual rather than a whole troop.

You have come, you have come! cried the boy in delight, running out into the midst of the glade to greet them.

They halted in their approach, each bright eye studying the boy as if they had never beheld a man before, but there was rather amusement and curiosity in their gazes than wrath or contempt. Said their leader at last, and who might you be?

I heard your Call and have come in answer to the Summons, replied the boy joyously, can I not join you in your long march to battle?

This is certainly help unlooked for, agreed the captain, his voice intrigued, come along then lad, but what know you of war?

Nothing at all, replied he, happily indifferent even to his own ignorance, but all the same I know it must be done.

Very well, said the elf slowly, we can certainly use another page! The boy grinned broadly, bowed deeply, and joined himself to the nearest edge of the small band, numbering no more than two dozen individuals. They all exchanged wondering glances at such an advent amongst them, but set off again, singing as they went, their song as bright and joyous as the stars of the previous night, the boy lost himself in the strange words and unearthly melodies, easily keeping apace of his new companions, which made the elf captain grin all the more.

For how many days and nights they marched on, Bayard could not tell, but he rested when they did and ate what they felt inclined to share, perhaps there was some magic in it, for he thought a mortal man must soon come to grief with so little respite and so much physical exertion to maintain such an unwearied pace amidst winter’s wrath, but he didn’t seem much hindered thereby so contented himself with listening to and observing his uncanny companions and occasionally growing brave enough to engage in conversation himself, which seemed to amuse them no end. They were kind to him and fully accepted him for who and what he was, and therein did he find great joy, for even his own village could not do likewise.

But this idyllic journey could not last, for it was not the way of the fallen world, and one night as they marched along under the brilliant stars, singing as they went, darkness seemed to overcloud the sky while a palpable dread fell upon them all. A cloaked figure on a dark, reptilian horse suddenly appeared upon the path before them, his eyes lost in the shadows of his hood but skeletal hands clutching the reins. The elves huddled together, even their exuberantly cheerful spirits quashed by this apparition.

You shall go no further, grated the phantasm, go back to your little huts and be content with your lot. Take another step and your lives are forfeit!

Bayard stood at the back of the company, overlooked and forgotten as usual by anyone of importance or power, but he wasn’t cowed in the least by the uncanny vision or its theatrics, rather he smiled grimly and dashed forward as an insane idea suddenly occurred to him. He snatched a dagger from the belt of the nearest trembling elf as he hastened forward, and when he was within range, he launched the blade at the hideous thing. It squawked in dismay one moment before the next it and its fell beast fell to ash, dissipating the grim ambience as suddenly as it had come, the merry stars again bright overhead and the elves free of the disquiet horror that had had them trembling like anxious sheep not a moment before.

I believe you have quite earned your place amongst us, grinned the captain widely at the wondering boy, but I fear that particular dagger vanished forever with its target.

I hope you will forgive my temerity, replied the boy ruefully to the owner of said weapon, but it seemed the right thing to do at the time.

It is a small enough price to pay for the lives of the entire company, laughed the elf in relief, so I shall overlook it this time!

You are most gracious indeed, smiled the boy keenly, as they set off anew, but he was in nowise so bold when next their company was importuned that very night, as a glorious spectacle stood before them like an earthbound star. The ragged boy slunk back into the ranks of the intrigued elves, this time intentionally trying to avoid notice, as the great and shining warrior, astride an even more impressive horse, spoke urgently with the captain, but as their conversation proceeded, the man’s concern and haste seemed to abate while a smile of pure delight grew upon his countenance.

Said the brilliant warrior in parting, I’ll see you at the front! His horse turned slightly and then they were gone as suddenly as they had come.

What was that?! demanded the boy of the nearest grinning elfling.

An ally in this strange business, smiled the elf the more, why were you so disturbed by him but not by our former guest?

I don’t know, frowned the boy pensively, I don’t know that it was fear so much as awe or wonder, or perhaps rather embarrassment of being presented to such an astounding individual in such a state.

Yet you do not feel ashamed to accompany us? retorted the elf knowingly.

You don’t seem to hold my dearth against me, smiled the boy from his very heart, but what would such a glorious personage think of the matter?

As little as we, chuckled the elf, there will be many and varied people within the ranks of our gathering host, lad, will you hide from them all in shame?

I guess I am being rather ridiculous at that, frowned the boy anew, but I don’t think I would react the same to a centaur or even a giant, there was just something uncanny and unsettling about the fellow.

And there wasn’t about the Shadowman? queried the elf, grinning the more.

You all seemed to feel it, certainly, agreed the boy, but why didn’t I?

That I fear you’ll have to descry for yourself, replied the elf, as they marched ever on.

It is certainly a puzzle, agreed the boy, adding hesitantly, will there be others like him amongst us?

Many, agreed the elf.

The boy shuddered but then grinned ruefully, so I had best get used to the idea and resign myself to the inevitable?

That would indeed be wisdom, agreed the elf, mirth strong in his voice, but there is no reason for abashedness, shame, or fear in such a circumstance, do we not all serve the same Master? The boy could only shake his head, smile wanly, and let loose a long and wondering sigh, at which the elf laughed brightly before leaving the lad to his rather unsettling and confounding thoughts.

But it wasn’t as bad as the elf had prophesized, for there were no bright and shining warriors distributed amongst the gathering host, though there were plenty of strange and wondrous folk to gaze upon, none unsettled the lad as much as that brilliant visitor had. There were even a fair number of Men amongst the throng, tall, broad fellows with wisdom and mirth shining in their bright eyes, but happily not literally alight therewith. In such a host, the boy was easily overlooked, but his courage and boldness had grown significantly since encountering the elves, or so he thought, and he was not shy in introducing himself to any number of creatures, be it Man or Dwarf or Centaur. He was especially intrigued by the Men, and wondered how it was they came to answer the desperate Call of the Fairyfolk as he had himself, though what good he could do in such a fracas was yet to be seen.

Grinned one such Man brightly as the bold boy importuned him shortly after their arrival in the bustling camp, here’s a rare sight indeed! How is it you’ve come to join the fairy host, lad? And without even a sword to your name?

The boy grinned ruefully and could only shrug and study his boots, before meeting the stranger’s bright gaze and laughing, I felt I must come and fell in with a company of elves bound thence and here I am.

Cautioned the man, perhaps you think it a grand adventure lad, but think of your poor mother’s tears!

She died two years ago, sighed the boy sadly, I’m alone in all the world, and leave nothing behind but a hardscrabble life amidst a rather indifferent, if not annoyed, village.

That is something at least, agreed the Man, but what of all your future? Though it is not of mortal glory or profession I speak.

I’m His, smiled the boy like Glory itself, what need I fear even in death or beyond it?

Nothing at all, agreed the Man, have you any skill in combat or the arts of war?

I was a pretty good shot with my bow, replied the boy, and apparently I can even throw a dagger with some finesse, he then told of the shadowy villain that had importuned their company, the Man’s expression growing both amused and thoughtful as the tale was told. Added the boy with a little shudder, but there was also another visitor, a shining warrior aback a fabulous horse. While I was not put out in the least with the evil fellow, the second vision quite unnerved me. The elves wouldn’t say aught about it but said there would be such unsettling folk about within the host gathering for battle. Know you anything of the matter?

Perhaps, grinned the man enigmatically, as if an elf himself, but it isn’t for me to betray their secrets at the present moment, but perhaps you could get to the bottom of the matter when next you glimpse one?

If anyone would answer my questions, indeed I might, smiled the boy archly.

That would be a great help indeed, but alas miracles are by definition rare, laughed the Man brightly, but adding graciously, now what can I do to help you prepare for what is to come?

Do you know where I could borrow a sword? asked the boy, adding with a laugh, I don’t think I should steal any more weapons, especially in the heat of battle!

That wouldn’t do at all, agreed the man, removing his own weapon, belt and all, take mine!

I couldn’t?! protested the boy at such overt generosity.

It is no trouble to me, smiled the man in vast amusement as he tightened the belt around the gaunt waist, and will certainly be a nuisance to our side if you aren’t so equipped!

Very well, grinned the boy despite his apprehensions, thanks!

Focus on such monstrosities as that shadowy thing you met on the way hither, smiled he, leave the orcs, evil men, and all such foes to the Fairyfolk. The boy was about to ask why but that mysterious smile and a sense of innate rightness silenced him, for he’d get no more answers out of the grinning man and he knew his words were true even if he didn’t know why. The man smiled proudly as the boy stifled his tongue and said with an arch smile, that’s right lad, don’t ask foolish questions and let time and experience reveal what it will and must. You must trust and act even when you don’t understand.

I’ll try, smiled the boy in anticipation, at which they shared a conspiratorial grin.

That’s all any of us can do, agreed the man, Garren by name, now why don’t you come along with me as I take my turn riding patrol?

Certainly! cried the boy, leaping at the chance, but adding a little reluctantly, At least if you are sure I won’t be more an encumbrance than a help?

I wouldn’t have asked otherwise, said the man wryly with a shake of his head, eliciting a rueful grin from the lad, as they hastened off to wherever the man had tied his horse. As they trotted off, another man joined himself to their party, eyeing the boy speculatively, he asked of Garren, you’ve found a friend?

That I have, chuckled the man warmly, I thought it might do him some good…! He trailed off and ended with an agonized cry as an arrow took him in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. Their curious companion drew his sword and urged his horse forward, after whatever foe waited ahead while Bayard slid from the saddle and knelt beside the injured Garren, who grated through the pain, but no little amused even so, you should have stayed put lad!

That he should have, hissed a cloaked villain, perhaps the same as had imperiled the boy and his elfin companions not so very long ago, but it was impossible to tell. Garren struggled to his feet and reached for his sword, even as the fell thing took hold of the boy’s shoulder and both vanished in a dark mist.

Garren pulled the arrow from his shoulder and cast it aside before leaping into his saddle as if he had never been injured in his life. The other man came cantering back, shaking his head in dismay, I couldn’t find the villain… He didn’t finish but frowned pensively, where’s the boy?

Garren shrugged and smiled in anticipation, kidnapped by a Shadowman.

The other’s frown deepened as he eyed his friend askance, and you aren’t the least bit dismayed?

The man could only chuckle heartily and wonder who would be the more surprised, the kid or his kidnapper! But he made no reply to his comrade, but rather turned his horse and continued their circuit. The other could only shake his head in wonder and accompany his longtime captain and friend, knowing whatever betide, it was in far greater Hands than their own.

What does this mean?! protested the General of the Fairyfolk, a centaur of incredible age and wisdom, but for the first time in many long ages, he was astonished.

Hissed the shadowy villain from the depths of his concealing hood, you will surrender immediately or we will do terrible things to the least of your soldiers.

Replied the centaur gravely, we all knew the risks in opposing any scheme of your Fell Master, it is regrettable but we each accepted the risk before leaving home.

The vile thing laughed long and hard at the grave and stern General, scorning at last, this is no wayward dwarf or renegade elf but a mortal child, a very child of Men!

The centaur frowned deeply, how can this be so, it is forbidden for any mortal creature to serve in such a capacity?

Who cares how it came about, rather what will you do about it? retorted the uncouth entity in malicious delight.

The boy will have to accept the risks just like the rest of us, sighed the quadruped sadly, by joining us, how ever it was accomplished, whether witting or not of his danger, so did he accept whatever might come.

But do you not fight on the morrow to maintain the peace and ignorance of the mortal world from being overrun with worser things? mocked the monstrosity.

We are already sacrificing much for Man’s sake, certainly, agreed the centaur, so how is it you can think to demand even more of us for one life? Would we not hand you the whole mortal world thereby, thus making our sacrifice moot?

The wraith shrugged, if you pious fools are determined to sacrifice everything for no reason, why do you fault me for thinking to take even more advantage of just that? But as you are not willing to negotiate, we’ll dispatch the wretch this evening within sight and hearing of all your precious little followers, and on the morrow we’ll crush the lot of you!

Wait! protested the General pathetically, I won’t give up the entirety of my army to your fell mercies, but perhaps you would accept a life for a life?

Don’t bother, replied Garren merrily, appearing suddenly in the tent with the General and his shadowy guest, eliciting an irate hiss from the latter.

You are one to talk, wraith! spat the fiend, It was from your custody I snatched the wretched creature and you did naught to resist me!

The centaur frowned at the uncanny man and demanded, what know you of this child?

Not much, sir, grinned the man the more, but enough to know you needn’t worry about his fate, mortal or eternal, and to say nothing of needing to exchange yourself for him.

We’ll see if you change your tune as the wretch dies in agony before everyone! cried the villain in abhorrence.

Out, said Garren sternly, his hand on his hilt. The thing hissed its wrath but slunk from the tent like a beaten dog, more than ready to take out its ire upon the unfortunate Bayard.

Are you sure about this? gasped the General in wonder.

Garren snorted a laugh, the kid bested just such a fiend with a borrowed dagger, I don’t think he has much to worry about. Whatever his guise or tale, he isn’t some clueless mortal lad. Added the Messenger with a bright chuckle, though he is a clueless lad for all of that! At which even the stymied and stoic centaur was forced to join in despite his best efforts to the contrary.

An anxious murmur ran through the gathered ranks of the Fairyfolk like wind through the grass as the villain made good on his promise that evening. Bayard found himself stripped and tautly bound within easy sight of the Fairy Host, but he felt no fear only a rather rueful sort of embarrassment as all those bright eyes studied him in horror and pity, much as he had felt in the presence of that strangely glorious man. The wraithlike creature raised its dagger to begin while the entire company, as if of one accord, flinched away at the opportune moment, as the first incision was made, but it wasn’t the boy who howled in agony, but rather the would-be executioner himself, though Bayard cried aloud, it was in wonder and surprise rather than pain.

As the shadowy thing struck, it seemed his whole being rose up in protest, perhaps the wrath of an exploding star. Gone was his gaunt and stunted frame, instead, he found himself kneeling, a full grown man in his prime, but alight from within with all the gathered light of a thousand stars. He smiled joyously as he took it all in, particularly the delight of the Fairyfolk at the debacle the fiendish thing had unleashed upon itself. With one swift motion, Bayard rose from his crouch, drew his sword, and smote the blinded thing through the heart, and as it vanished into ash once more, so too did the radiance composing his person dim to the dull ambiguity common to mortal men, though now he was a man indeed rather than an ill-fed and undergrown child.

He put up his sword and walked boldly back to join the Fairy Host, joined joyously by a widely grinning Garren, who clapped him on the back and said eagerly, welcome Home, lad! Welcome Home indeed! The others soon joined round him and offered their own congratulations, but they still had a battle to fight on the morrow, and no matter their joy or triumph in the moment, still they must prepare as best they could by getting what rest they might.

Now can you explain a few things? queried the boy eagerly, once the host of well-wishers left him alone with the Captain.

Most certainly lad, and most gladly indeed! they shared a hearty laugh before the Captain began in earnest, the boy hanging on every word.

Gathered

They had all gathered in that wide valley as the Horror had demanded, every single person in the Kingdom, as the King had ordered, at the monster’s behest. But the question still remained, would anyone save the Kingdom? All those knights and nobles and men bold and wise, would any pay the blood price that the rest might live another day? For that is exactly what they had gathered to decide. A monstrous black dragon sat in the very midst of them and demanded just that, that one man come willingly to die to spare the rest, but would his cruelty be satisfied therewith, or would he demand more and more until none were left to amuse him thereby? But if no one volunteered even for this first test, he had promised to destroy them all then and there. Did they really have a choice? Even so, no one seemed all that eager to put themselves forward to discover the monster’s true intentions, even if it meant sparing the Kingdom thereby.

Will no one spare us this doom?! asked the astonished King.

Your nobles and princes certainly do not live up to their supposed reputation, Highness, taunted the great wyrm, what of your only child and heir? Is it not the very duty of a Prince of the Realm?

My own son, sighed the King heavily, but glancing about hopefully for the boy, said he gravely, will you not consider it, my child?

The insolent youth snorted contemptuously at his royal father and spat, why not do it yourself, Sire?

I am not allowed, said the old man, now ancient beyond reckoning, aged much by the last few days, particularly the last several hours.

And I certainly shall not, sneered the boy, haven’t we a peasant or minor noble to sacrifice instead? Who would miss one of them?

And what of you, my nobles and lords? came the King’s desperate plea, but they only turned their haughty glances elsewhere, agreeing fully with the Prince’s sentiments: it was the peasantry’s job to succor their betters, not vice versa. The King turned to his soldiery, his foremost knights and warriors, and you, bold men all? They glanced awkwardly at their feet, none daring to meet his gaze, each and every one willing to die in valiant combat, but to lie down like a lamb to be slaughtered was unthinkable.

I’ll do it! came a quiet voice, barely heard, as a shepherd lad put himself forward.

There! said the Prince eagerly, That’s a good lad, now let’s get this little matter settled and be on our way.

Would you truly stand there, bold as anything, and let me immolate you, boy? came the serpent’s question.

If it would save my folk, quavered the boy, what is my life to that!

When all your so-called betters would have nothing to do with the idea? continued the wyrm.

The boy shrugged diffidently, saying quietly, a man must make his own decisions thereupon, sir, it is not for me to judge their courage or intentions. But if they will not, that leaves only me, such as I am.

Well spoken, grinned the serpent joyously, turning his attention to the King, he asked, are you content Highness?

In the boy, yes, said he grimly, but turning stony eyes upon his soldiers, lords, and own son, he shook his head in disgust, with my court, certainly not!

Father?! said the Prince in dismay, What is this?

A test, hissed the wyrm, and you have failed utterly.

What do you mean? demanded the Prince of the monstrosity.

You have demonstrated your unfitness to reign in your own turn, said the dragon quietly, as has the court shown their complete indifference to aught but their own concerns.

No! said the now anguished Prince, This cannot be!

But it is, said the King coldly, this shepherd will be the next King and I must carefully consider what is to come of the balance of my court!

No! snarled the Prince, drawing a dagger and flinging himself at the flabbergasted shepherd, too stunned by such pronouncements to say aught or even move, proving an easy target for the enraged Prince.

He fell with a pained gasp, the exultant Prince standing over him, bloody dagger held high that all might see his triumph in this matter, but before the boy passed forever into darkness, the world suddenly froze, as if all but himself and that great wyrm were carven of stone. But it was a dragon no longer, rather a little bird fluttered down to perch upon the stricken shepherd’s knee, saying quietly, there is a task I would have you accomplish, child, ere death seizes you utterly?

Certainly, sir, said the boy weakly, I am yours to command, such as I am. He coughed weakly and smiled wanly, though even breathing is a heavy labor at the moment.

Off with you then, said the magpie, as if he routinely sent the moribund on errands and expected them to accomplish them with alacrity, bring the son of one of the great lords hither that he might deal with your murderer. He must strike the moment he is able, without question or qualm or worry for his own life.

Yes sir, said the boy weakly, utterly confused but determined to at least attempt this thing, if he was the least bit able. But the moment he agreed to this odd quest, the pain and gnawing darkness vanished, though the wound lingered still and blood covered his tunic, but he gained his feet and found himself suddenly in another place entirely. He smiled grimly, thinking he looked quite an astonishing sight, especially as he found himself in the courtyard of some great manor house, though the place seemed abandoned but for himself, as it should be since the King had ordered everyone to attend him that day in the distant vale.

His grim smile deepened as he hastened into the house, eager to find his quarry. He froze, suddenly hearing voices coming from a room just down the hall. He crept closer and listened. An old man carried on in a whining, imperious voice, wretched children! Have I not spared you death or worse? Is this how you repay my consideration?

But father, came a young man’s reply, did not the King order everyone thither?

I am sure he will excuse me, for my gout is flaring up something awful and I certainly cannot abide here alone, thus you and that ridiculous girl must attend me since the servants cannot, as they must all go to that ridiculous gathering.

He said everyone, sir, said the boy quietly, and I do believe he meant everyone!

Do not be ridiculous, retorted the old man coldly, he would do no such thing to those of us of noble stock, that command applies only to the peasants!

The boy sighed heavily, made the proper courtesies and left the room, stalking grimly down the hall, lost in thought and oblivious to all else, even the bloody shepherd that had been spying upon his conversation. The boy followed hastily after the young lord, whose quick steps brought him out into one of the gardens where a young lady was trying to enjoy the summer morning. The boy shook his head grimly and said, he just will not listen Clara.

You did try, said she heavily, perhaps we should hie ourselves thither regardless?

It is too late for that, said he solemnly, whatever comes of the matter.

What if no one volunteers? said she tremulously.

That is what so sorely grieves me, my dear, said he quietly, for I would spare the Kingdom this doom if I could. Breaking the King’s command is bad enough, but perhaps to doom everyone if no one else comes forward!

"Perhaps I could be