The Reunion: Warriors Legacy, #3

By Evan D. Heuker

The war with the Daigatons may have ended, but all is not what it appears to be… 

 

Twenty years have passed since the last battle against the Daigatons, and the Warriors have gone their separate ways. When Ezmer unexpectedly returns to the land of the living in spirit form, it sets off a cataclysmic chain of events.

 

Reuniting with Kendra, their now fully-grown daughter, and the other Warriors, disaster strikes when one of their own is kidnapped. With the help of a young, inexperienced Dragon and allies old and new, Ezmer must reconcile with the past when an old foe threatens the peace and safety of everyone he loves.

 

In this exciting conclusion to the Warriors Legacy series, secrets become known, enemies become allies, and the fate of their world hangs in the balance as their rescue mission becomes a deadly quest of hidden agendas when they uncover an evil conspiracy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BHC Press
• Release date: Aug 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9781643973722

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Warriors Legacy: The Reunion

Copyright © 2023 Evan D. Heuker

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, please write to the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published by BHC Press

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023930897

ISBN: 978-1-64397-370-8 (Hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-64397-371-5 (Softcover)

ISBN: 978-1-64397-372-2 (Ebook)

For information, write:

BHC Press

885 Penniman #5505

Plymouth, MI 48170

Visit the publisher:

www.bhcpress.com

41867

Warriors Legacy Novels

The Uncovering

The Confrontation

I am very thankful to my family;

Mom, Dad, Cody, and Joe and to my friends

who supported me throughout this process.

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Ihad died. It was difficult for me to comprehend. I was still trying to determine what had happened. The feeling of death was strange. It was a weightlessness and an inability to feel. I was affected by nothing, not heat from the sun, not chill from the wind, not even a tickle from the grass. I felt empty.

Somehow my ghost had returned to Rhybannon. Who was that spirit that led me to Kendra? Whoever he was had disappeared. It was all confusing, but it was a true joy to see Kendra. As she led me along the path in the trees, I was still trying to understand what was happening here. Kendra kept looking back to make sure that I had not left. If I had been outside of time for twenty years like she said, I could understand her concern. That had really thrown me for a loop. Why twenty years? Why couldn’t I appear sooner? I felt completely without control over myself, as if I had been unable to choose whether I wanted to appear sooner. Everything happened in an instant.

Hey, keep up now, Kendra said to me as I fell behind, trapped in thought. The inflection in her voice was different. I suppose twenty years would do that to a person. Her tone was more like she was ushering me. It was as if she was leading instead of just talking to me. Sort of like she was ordering me to follow.

What is it you want me to see? I asked her as I jogged up to her side.

It’s better to show you, she said with a grin.

We continued to walk back to the house. I kept an eye out for Vile to see if he would show up again. That was the best guess I had for that mysterious spirit that directed me to Kendra.

Kendra and I arrived at the glorious tree she called home. It reminded me of my house from way back before it burned down. Her home was a tree vastly larger than those around it. All the branches were packed full of foliage, and it had its fair share of hanging vines. It was near the end of the summer so some of the leaves were beginning to change color, but most of them were still that lush green that the Rhybainion trees were known for. I caught a glimpse of a garden in the back, but Kendra walked directly toward the front door and I gingerly followed.

Inside, there were a good number of flowers around the room and I expected there to be a strong scent. I was unable to notice any type of fragrance. My spirit form had hindered my sense of smell and touch, and I would most certainly guess that I wouldn’t be able to taste much of anything. Being dead was sad and strange and it would take some getting used to.

The home was rather cozy with knickknacks on all the shelves and counters and a variety of furniture all around. I was taken aback by one thing that was on a shelf just above a desk. There, in a frame, was the portrait that I drew for Kendra on her birthday all that time ago. She kept that little piece of paper after all these years.

Saria! Kendra called up the stairs. Could you come down here please?

I’ll be right down, came a voice from a room above.

Kendra looked at me and smiled. She had a wonderful glint in her eye that made me feel like I was still alive. Some things never change.

A girl walked down the stairs. She was a Rhybainion, probably near twenty. Her wings were somewhat brown instead of silver like the usual wings of our kind. Her hair was very blonde, close to white. Under that hair was a band that covered her eyes and shielded much of the upper half of her face. It was a silver band that had a similar look to Heart’s but was etched with a couple of engravings.

What do you need? the girl asked. Supper doesn’t smell ready.

No, supper isn’t ready quite yet. Could you sit down? I have someone that I’d like you to meet.

Saria took a seat. Okay, show them in.

I was confused. That seemed to be happening quite often. I was right in the room with them. Could she not see me? I figured that since Kendra could see me, anyone else could as well. Perhaps the band on her face blocked her vision.

He’s already here, Kendra replied.

I didn’t hear anyone come in.

I’m sure you wouldn’t be able to hear him.

There was a moment of quiet confusion between all of us. Kendra broke the silence. Saria, I’d like you to meet Ezmer, your father.

I was overcome with surprise. My daughter was sitting at the table directly in front of me. I could not believe it at first but the fact that it was twenty years to the day meant it could very well be possible. A flow of emotions flooded over me.

Saria was more frustrated with Kendra’s words than anything else. Mom, I’ve been to the grave, I know that today is the day of his passing, but this is a little unorthodox don’t you think? I understand that he meant a lot to so many people and he did great things, but I’m a tad old to go along with your charade.

It’s not a charade, Kendra and I said at nearly the same time.

Saria immediately stood up and went into a defensive pose. Who’s there? she asked in a threatening tone.

Can she not see me? I asked Kendra.

No, she can’t. Saria was born blind.

I was hit with sadness and sympathy for my daughter. I was blind at one point and it took me some time to get used to it. Although I may not have expressed it, I was freaked out when it happened, but I took it in stride. If my daughter was anything like me, she would do her best to not let others see what was troubling her. I think Kendra was the only one who could get me to talk about my troubles.

This better not be some joke, Saria said.

No joke, I told her. I’m looking at you right now and I can say that you’re as beautiful as your mother.

Saria lowered her guard. That’s what everyone tells me. I have yet to see it.

She spoke in such a way that it was easy to tell that she was emphasizing see just enough to distinguish that she wanted it to be a joke. On the outside, she was on good terms with her blindness and willing to jest about it a little, but I could also feel something deeper that she was hiding.

I moved closer to Saria and wanted so badly to hold her. This is quite the experience, I stated.

Saria took a step back as if she didn’t expect me to be that close to her.

Kendra walked over. She didn’t mean anything by that, Kendra assured me. If she can’t hear you coming, she won’t be ready. She can hear rather well so that’s what she relies on.

I guess I don’t make much sound as a spirit. I shrugged.

"So, he is still dead?"

I know, it’s news to me too.

We shared a little chuckle. It was more of an uncomfortable reaction instead of actual humor.

Saria appeared as if there was something she wanted to ask but didn’t know how to put it. I gave her some time to think about it, and then she spoke up. Where have you been this entire time?

There was much disappointment in her words. I had let her down and there was nothing I could do to make up for that. I was dead and I was powerless over the situation. What was I supposed to do? I truly had no control over the fact that I had jumped through time. But I was here now and needed to do the most I could. For all I knew, I could be whisked away once again without any warning.

Honestly, I couldn’t tell you where I’ve been. Last thing I remember is fighting Vile. The explosion went off and I ended up here. I wish that I had a better reason for not being there for you growing up, but please believe me when I say that if I could make it up to you, I would. I mean, you’re older than me for goodness’ sake.

Saria was unaffected by my words. It was strange knowing that other spirits kept appearing around our house and you weren’t one of them. I’m not angry, she assured me. I just figured you didn’t have any need to return.

Saria sounded optimistic about the situation and I was glad that Kendra raised her to be as kind as she was.

There is a lot we can talk about, I suggested. Where should we begin?

I could explain what happened after the large explosion, Kendra started.

Kendra told me that she had just made her way inside the Daigaton portal when she saw me fall to my knees. The moment the gem from my forehead touched the gem in Cleanser, a large wave expanded from me and the devastation it unleashed followed right behind. She flew away, retreating to the rift, and on her way to the other side, it started to close. She made it through the portal just before it sealed the blast behind it. They continued to battle the remaining Daigatons that were on Zelǹg. The halt to their reinforcements and ships from the other end of the portal slowed any of the strength and advantage the Daigatons had over the Pegglentaurs and Trimen. The real twist was when the Daigatons quit fighting altogether. Kendra said that all the Daigatons had regained some form of consciousness. Their will to fight had diminished and they had dropped their weapons. The Daigatons that were still alive had been placed in dungeon cells and held for some time.

After the fighting ended, Kendra said that she had ported back to the red planet to look for me. All the Warriors joined her in the search, but the only thing left in the wake of the giant crater was Cleanser, Purifier, Machine’s scythe, and my necklace. She took all the items and kept them with her.

Kendra informed me that after they had returned to the stronghold, they went to the dungeons to see what was occurring with the Daigatons. They were now coherent and responding to conversation. Each of them had their own personality, free from any sort of vicious intentions. It took some discussion amongst the Warriors but after a couple of days, the Daigatons were released from their prisons to start life anew.

The remaining Daigatons were freed from any type of war-hungry thoughts but were completely lost. They weren’t aware of who they were, where they were, or any of their previous actions. It took some time, but the Daigatons adjusted to civilian life. According to Kendra, they are still not considered a civilized people. I could understand why. The sad reality was that potion Vile had composed with that Daigaton witch had transformed innocent people into Daigatons. If these remaining Daigatons were in fact the remains of the innocent, were they regaining some of their previous livelihoods?

There was still that look of uncomfortable happiness on Kendra’s face. She was happy that I was here, but all the talk of the past was leaving her with unpleasant feelings.

Kendra had a thought come across her mind and a smile showed on her face. I have someone else I’d like you to meet.

We followed Kendra out of the room and back outside. All of us walked onto the stone pathway and Kendra let out a big whistle that echoed into the forest. We waited as all that could be heard was the breeze whisking through the trees. Something about that sound brought back memories of me in the branches of my home tree, waiting for dinner to be ready. The sound of the breeze was broken by a gentle howl, followed by the beating of heavy wings. I was perplexed but Kendra and Saria didn’t seem fazed. The beating came closer, and from the treetops, some creature swooped down with an armful of small game. This large animal-type being was covered in fur except for the long tail and giant wings that had a smooth, bluish-gray skin tone. He resembled something of a wolf but with a slicker, thinner physique. The dark in his eyes was a deep black with a hint of red. The animal landed, still looking down at the dead animals in his arms as he walked closer.

I didn’t get that much this afternoon, Kendra, he told her with some disappointment. Some kaltaks, choops and a smagle. He looked up from his catch to see me standing there with Kendra and Saria. He was surprised by my presence. He looked over to Kendra.

She stepped forward. Ezmer, I would like to reintroduce you to Christopher Vixxon.

His appearance was more distinguishable now that I knew who he was. He was a werewolf-vampire hybrid that had the slenderness and color of a vampire plus the canine form of the werewolf and the apparent strength that came with his great size.

Christopher was taken aback by the mention of my name. You’re Ezmer? I’ve been wanting to meet you for so long, he admitted. His body began to alter into a more human-like form. His skin returned to a Caucasian color and most of the fur disappeared. Some fur still remained, draping down his back and along his arms. His legs and tail were still present in their beastly form, but the wings did something quite interesting; they folded in such a way that they tucked perfectly under his arms and around his front and gave the appearance of a cloak that draped down over most of his body.

Christopher extended his hand. I stood somewhat confused. He looked down to his hand and realized what he did. Oh, spirit, right. I just have to say it’s nice to meet you. Kendra has been truly kind to me as if she was my own mother, and your daughter is more than wonderful.

The way he said wonderful made me think he was implying something more. I must have had a grimace on my face because Christopher went defensive.

I, if that is fine with you, I mean. He fumbled over his words as if I had intimidated him. As fearful and powerful as he appeared, Christopher had a little shyness to him.

What exactly is going on? I asked him, although I had something in mind.

They’ve been a couple for some time, Kendra informed me.

How long is some time? I questioned with more curiosity.

Ever since we were little, Saria explained. Chris has been living with us ever since everyone split up.

Now I was even more enthralled. Split up?

We can talk more about that while I finish making dinner. Kendra waved us back to the house.

In the kitchen, Kendra attended to the stove, Chris used his claws to skin and cut the small game and Saria set the table. They were all quiet, but it was a happy quiet. They all had their duties around the house and took to them gleefully, positively pleasant in each other’s company. What impressed me the most was Saria and how she could walk around without any hindrance. She had learned the layout of the kitchen so well and could pick up on the subtle sounds. She accidentally dropped two knives at one place on the table, knew it the moment it happened, was able to pick one up and set it at the proper seat.

I wanted to continue the conversation from earlier. So, when did everyone split up?

Kendra thought about it for a bit. It was around five years after you died. It wasn’t because we were irritated with each other or anything like that. We just felt that it was time to move on with our lives since we didn’t need to fight the Daigatons anymore.

Where is everyone then? I felt that I really needed to see them since twenty years had passed.

Well, Endokia and Keli live a few miles away from here.

It was nice to hear that they were close by and still together. Endokia had had his doubts about Keli when she had returned to him with all those mysteries and that spectral being within her. It was good to know he had been able to look past all that.

Woran joined Korvic and the pirates. He even married Gloria.

I was surprised at that. Not only at him joining the pirates, but Woran and Gloria were quite the odd pair; a tiny Triman and a large golden-horned elf. The thought of it even gave me a little chuckle. I was certainly happy for them both and couldn’t wait to congratulate them.

K.C. joined the pirates as well and Jacob left Korvic’s crew to accompany Woran’s. He had an interest in K.C.’s robotic form, Flash and Shock.

This was a more fitting scenario. K.C. was trained to be a thief after all and being a pirate would be a perfect match for his talents.

After the Cabitai was removed from power in the Council of Stars, Slite took the lead and helped reform the new government. He’s been in charge for over a decade and he has been doing a wonderful job with all that he’s had to deal with, considering that the war between the orcs and the Fe’larians is starting up again.

It disappointed me that even after ending one war to bring some form of peace to everyone that another war would erupt again. But major kudos to Slite for taking charge. It was impressive.

Xackle left everyone. She was rather broken after the war. She wouldn’t explain to us why she wanted to leave but I have a feeling that it had a lot to do with her previous mistakes with K.C. and Dean. Xackle distanced herself from us and one day she said that she needed to find a new reason to fight and she left. I couldn’t tell you where Xackle went after that but I’m not sure she should be bothered if found.

My thoughts were not the same. Twenty years is a long time. Maybe it is time to find her, I suggested. Your company could be welcome now.

Kendra stayed quiet as she finished seasoning the vegetables. Chris had cut the critters into small chunks and tossed them into the pot. I looked over to Saria who had finished setting the table and took her seat. Kendra wasn’t continuing our conversation. There were so many things we could talk about and yet we remained silent until dinner.

We sat without a word. There was a lot to say but no way to say it. I felt awkward sitting at the table watching the others eat. The food looked delicious, but I could not eat nor was I hungry.

In our silence, I thought back to the confrontation with Vile. I was still uncertain whether I had made the right decision or if there had been any other possible way to come out of that fight alive, but if I hadn’t set off that explosion, so many others would have died. Alternatively, I may have been able to strike Vile down and release all the Daigatons from his control to end the fighting. He was so much more powerful than me and I was on my last legs, unable to even stand. It had truly appeared that I had no other choice, but I still wasn’t pleased that I had to die for the war to be won.

I’d like to see them, I said. I’d like to go see everyone.

But you’ve only just arrived, Kendra objected.

I don’t want you to leave. Saria too was struck by my words.

It’s not like I’m going to be gone forever.

Is that what you told my mother before you disappeared? Saria set her cutlery down and left the table. On her way out she bumped against the door frame. She muttered something under her breath.

Chris stood up from the table. She can’t keep herself straight when she’s angry. He left the room to go after her.

Kendra looked back to me and kindly spoke. I have told Saria so many stories about you, about what a hero you were, what you meant to everyone, what you meant to me, the love you had for everyone. The least you could do is show some of that to her.

I felt disappointment for sure but that wasn’t all I felt. What do you want me to do? Walk up to her with arms wide open? I wouldn’t be able to hug her if I tried. Like you said, you’ve told her so much about me, what else do I have left to talk about?

I don’t know but if you started talking, I’m sure you’ll find some common ground.

I just met her. Even though I had been able to befriend so many in so little time, we didn’t exactly hit it off on day one. There were always questions.

Then go ask her some questions. You know better than anyone that doing so is the best way to learn something new.

I stood up from the table and made my way to the stairs. I slowly approached them with an anxious feeling. I wasn’t sure what possessed me to stop at the bottom, but I turned back and said, Thank you, Kendra, for not forgetting about me.

She smiled that beautiful smile of hers. It’s hard to forget someone as wonderful as you.

It felt great to still have a connection with this wonderful woman, yes, woman. Kendra was no mere girl anymore. She was a full-grown woman, a loving mother and remained a loyal wife.

As I walked up the wooden stairs—beautifully grown stairs I might add, as if they were formed from the tree and not cut or crafted—I was trying to come up with questions to ask. There was so much time lost between us, but I needed to let her know that everyone else had also lost out on that time. No, that was a bad idea. I needed to make her tell me first. However, if I went with that tactic, then I wouldn’t be letting her know how I felt. I acquired the father role all too quick. Saria had a great heart from what I could tell, and we would be able to reach some common ground.

All my thoughts distracted me from my walking and next thing I knew, I was at Saria’s door. All right, here goes nothing. I raised my hand and went to knock, and my arm went right through the door. That was not what I expected but it was just another reminder that I was dead. How I was able to sit on a chair and walk upstairs without passing through them, yet my arm could go right through the door, had me perplexed. There were some things for me to learn.

I wasn’t sure if my hand phasing through the door was detected by either Saria or Christopher, so I spoke up. Saria, may I come in?

After a little moment of waiting, Chris opened the door. He stepped aside and let me walk in. Saria was sitting on her bed. I could tell that she sat there often as the cushioning had an easier give to it. I walked over to her and before I said anything I looked back to Chris. I gave him a look that sent him out of the room. Now that Saria and I were left alone, I decided to open up to her. So, this is your room. It’s nice.

Saria remained quiet. I couldn’t tell if it was because she was mad at me or if she just didn’t have anything to say.

I needed a topic that I could use to connect. I looked around the room. She had a minuscule amount of material objects. The room was well organized, but the lack of furniture made it feel empty. She only had a bed, a dresser and a desk. On the desk, there was a plethora of stones, all of which were different sizes and shapes and textures. That’s a neat collection you have there. So many stones in one place, it’s like you’ve been all over the planet.

Saria put her hand out and placed it on the corner of the desk. They’re memories, she said with a bit of joy.

I was interested. Memories you say. How’s that work?

Hand me one and I’ll show you.

I went to pick one up and my fingers whisked around the stones. I can’t. I can’t pick them up.

Saria took off her eye band and set it on the corner of the desk. It was apparent that she set it there often with all the scuff marks that were under the band. I got to see her eyes and they were pale white with a gray ring that outlined what would be the iris. It made her appear empty. I could understand the use of the band to avoid disturbing any strangers.

After setting down her band, Saria picked up a stone from the desk. It was a green and yellow gem, swirled and flat, about the size of her palm. She touched the rock to her face and moved it up and down her cheek. I was twelve, I got caught out in the rain. I used my wings to protect myself from the downpour. Mom showed Chris and me how to fly through a storm.

Saria set down the stone and picked up another. This one was brown and jagged. She closed it in her hand and brushed it with her fingers. I collided with something on a flight with Chris. I landed in Lake Aquwers and I was rescued by the Queen of the Lake, Angelina Lizkin.

I was hit with a realization that I needed to see Angelina, not only to tell her thanks for saving my daughter but for a promise that I made her a long time ago.

Saria set that stone down and picked up one more. It was gray with a faded dot and not much else seemed special about it. It was nothing more than an average rock. Saria didn’t even have to do anything more than pick it up and she shivered a little. This is when I lost my pet saber. Kil’Gor was a silver-striped timber saber and that apparently is rare since timber sabers are usually spotted. He just found me one day and followed me home. Kil’Gor and I were inseparable and we went everywhere together. We were out for a walk on the paths and, out of nowhere, we were attacked by an eagle. Kil’Gor fought off the eagle as I went to get Chris. I was lost for some time, screaming for help before Chris found me. When we returned, the eagle was gone and Kil’Gor was dead.

An eagle had attacked my daughter as well. I could still recall when I was attacked the first time. The beast had been so intent on killing me, and I’m sure that if Kil’Gor hadn’t been there, Saria would have been taken apart by the beast. Something wasn’t right with the situation, especially since I had faced a shadow eagle during one of the challenges at The Center in an attempt to return power to the Goddesses.

Saria placed the rock back on the desk and returned to her sitting position. She went into a melancholy state and left the conversation flat. I wanted to keep talking, but it seemed that continuing the conversation would only bring her more sadness.

I decided to redirect the conversation to what I had originally wanted to talk about. I’m sure that you’d give anything to see Kil’Gor again. He sounds like a wonderful pet.

He was my guardian. Kil’Gor was by my side every day for a long time and to have him taken away from me in an instant was beyond words.

That’s how many people feel about loss. I was devastated when my parents died. I was excited when I saw them for that little bit when they returned as spirits. Even though I didn’t get to see them for long, it was worth it. That’s why I’d like to go see everyone. I don’t know how long I’ll be here and I’m sure they’d love to see me before I’m off for good.

I felt a little dirty for using her loss to make my point, but I hoped that she understood my intent. I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to see my friends again.

She snuggled her face into her knees. I’m tired, she told me. I think I’ll go to sleep. Saria carefully laid down and settled into her bed.

I wanted to pat her on the head, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to touch her. Sure, I’ll see you in the morning.

I left her room and went back into the hall. Christopher was standing outside, waiting. Were you listening to that? I questioned him.

He pointed to the side of his head. These ears don’t miss a thing.

Chris waited for me to say something, but he wasn’t the one I wanted to talk to. I walked past him and went back downstairs to the kitchen. Kendra was cleaning up the table and getting ready to wash the dishes. She noticed me. How’d it go?

Well, I wouldn’t say that it went bad, but I did learn a little about her and Kil’Gor.

A little smile appeared on Kendra’s face. He may have been the best thing to happen to her. Sure, Christopher has been a good part of her life, but Kil’Gor actually got her to open up and go out into the world more often. With Kil’Gor at her side she felt invincible, like nothing could stop her. Why he decided to be so good to her is beyond me. Not only did he help her, but he made things so much better around here. I didn’t have to worry about Saria every second of every day when he was around to keep an eye on her.

Yeah, she spoke of him like he was the greatest thing ever. Attacked by an eagle though?

Kendra stopped for a second and looked over at me. She knew exactly what I was implying. It’s only a coincidence.

What if it’s not? What if there is something going on with the eagles? Remember that shadow eagle I fought during the challenges? I think there is something going on that we may not be aware of.

You are overreacting. The Rhybainion eagle is a savage creature by nature and that challenge must have been feeding off your fear.

Her reasoning was sensible, but I was not convinced. Mania had the same dark aura around him when he attacked us on Zelǹg. I don’t want to rule out the possibility that it is somehow connected.

Sure, fine. We’ll make a note of it but for now we can’t do anything about it. She spoke to me as if I were a child and less like her husband.

I couldn’t be overreacting. It could not just be a coincidence. Unfortunately, I could not put any of it together. I wanted to stay on good terms with Kendra. I didn’t know when I may leave but I didn’t want to leave on a bad note, so I decided to leave it alone. Instead, I changed the subject. I want you to come with me.

What do you mean come with you? You’re a spirit, you can go anywhere you please on a whim. I don’t have to go with you.

"You don’t have to. I want you to. I know this hurts you just as much as it does Saria and I don’t wish to stay away from you, but I can’t leave the others out of the fray. You said yourself that you haven’t seen some of them in a long time. They’d probably be happy to see you as well."

Kendra sighed. I can’t leave Saria and Christopher here all alone.

They can come too. It could be an adventure without all of the trouble to follow. Kendra did not seem convinced. What about you? What do you want to do? Sit here and do nothing? There may not be a reason for you to come with me, but you also have no reason to stay.

When she did not answer me, I left in a huff and headed outside. It was night now and I could see that I had a distinctive glow about me. I didn’t feel any different, but the glow was more powerful now that the sun had gone away. I looked up into the night sky. It was clear, the stars shone bright and the moon shimmered down rays of blue. It would have been a wonderful night to fly but after flapping my wings a few times I discovered that I was unable to push against the air to give me lift. My freedom in the skies had been taken away from me. At least the freedom of flight. Who knew what I could do as a spirit?

It’s a shame, isn’t it? a voice came from the trees.

I turned and spotted the spirit I followed when I first arrived on Rhybannon. The one that led me to Kendra had reappeared. Vile?

The spirit looked at himself. Not exactly.

What do you mean? Why are you here?

That’s the big question. Why are any of us here? I have been roaming around for nearly a year now trying to find out who I am, where I came from and why I became what I was. I found no answers, but I did learn something. I learned that dwelling on questions does you no good, and that the answers will come to you when the time is right.

So, you gave up?

Did I say that? No, I didn’t give up. I did, however, find answers, just not to the questions I was asking.

What are you talking about?

Vile smiled a devious smile. He was hiding something and was reveling in that fact. This was some sort of game to him.

Ezmer! I heard Kendra call from the house. I turned to the door to see her coming