Waking In The Real World
t did not happened like what Drinn had in mind. He thought that as soon as they fell on the river, they will magically vanish and wake up into a new world. And the scene proved him wrong. White foams below the water were all he could see as he struggled to come up for air. Tossed by the rapids he twirled under the river and spin more and more, until the water came into an unruffled part that Drinn managed to come up and breathe in. Although it didn’t last a minute or two before the water turned violent again he saw his friends from afar who seemed unconscious.
“Bribble! Princess Meyah!” shouted Drinn as he struggled to reach his unconscious friends. Princess Meyah was about five feet afar from him and then Bribble for another twelve feet or more. He gave all his strength and reached the princess, he caught her firmly close to him as he tried to reach Bribble as well.
Drinn shouted again and again, “Brib! Brib!” trying to get Bribble’s attention or somewhat trying to figure out if his old long friend was still alive.
His hopes quickly vanished as Bribble was swallowed by the water and the river turned wilder and stronger, then a swirl caught them and carried them round and round till the force of the water plunged them down. Drinn tried to pull himself up and the princess but he couldn’t for the force of the water was too strong. He never let go of the princess’ hand as they plunged deeper and deeper. Before he totally lost his breath, he heard a voice saying “It’s time to wake up Drinn, let go.”
The noise of the roaring river disappeared instantly and it happened as fast as a blink of an eye. He seemed to still drown for he was catching his breath and felt the water clashing on him but he was no longer in the river and the place was too quiet. He was sitting on a wooden chair, in front of a very long table covered with dusty tablecloth. The room was gloomy and wide but what suddenly got his attention were people sleeping all over the place, it was like that they all fell into an enchanted sleep, for he could feel the magic surrounding the place. At the end of the table was a man, seated on a great chair. He was wearing a crown, dressed in an elegant and decent suit that he appeared to be a king, and beside him was a lady in a queenly look. Drinn noticed an empty chair in front of him and surprisingly someone tapped his shoulder.
“We thought you won’t wake up from the dream.” said a familiar voice behind him, and gladly it was Bribble. “What took you so long?”
Drinn stood up from the chair then he said “I had a hard time saving you Brib.” then Bribble gave him a hug. He saw Princess Meyah behind Bribble and four dark figures who stood still behind the Princess.
“I’m glad to see you again Princess Meyah.” Drinn said.
“Glad to see you too Drinn.” she answered and nodded.
“Welcome to the real world lad.” said a voice that came from one of the four; he came near to them as a vague light revealed his face and said “I am Cuauhtémoc.” His hood was thrown back that his face was clearer, he has a long, straight, thin-stranded, white hair, although his eyebrow was black. Sparkling as blue as an ocean was his valiant eyes. He then introduced his three companions.
Reginleif, who was at the center of the three was tall and straight, his hair was of golden brown, a broad chin, young, fearless and full of joy. His bluish eyes were keen and bright. He was wearing dark green clothes, boots and two swords on his sides; a scimitar and a double-edged-black-bladed short sword. To his right side was Eanna, a female of their kind. An elven short bow was on her hand and arrows were hanging at her back on a red quiver, for she was the most excellent archer in their land. Courage was found in her blue eyes, and yet, a queenly look of beauty was upon her face. Her hair leaning on her back was long, and as black as the night. The last aderyn was the tallest and biggest of the four. He was huge in size like a giant, for he was more than seven feet tall. His hair was short and blonde though black was his brow and beard. A big battle axe was on his hand but weightless it seemed at his strong right hand and his name was Geironul.
“These are my friends, Reginleif, Eanna and Geironul.” Cuauhtémoc continued. All of them nodded their heads as they were introduced. They were all tall, and big mighty wings were at their backs. “As you may see, we are not humans like you. We are aderyns, winged-men, servants of Quinlan and the guardians of Neriwonda.”
“I guess this is so much for introducing ourselves—we must hurry,” Cuauhtémoc said, “Follow us.” and they walked towards a big door.
“Hey wait, where are we going?” inquired Bribble.
“Do you expect to stay on this dull place? The real world has much more!” said a merry voice of an aderyn. He looked back as he walked, it was Reginleif. “We’re heading to our homeland, to Firolwen Forest!”
They followed the aderyns as they led the way out of that gloomy room. They came out to a more spacious room, where there were round tables scattered all over the place, and in each table there were five or more persons in a slumber. It looked as if there had been a celebration, a party, or a feast, for they were all dressed decently, and on the tables were cups, saucers, glasses and silverwares. After they passed the room, they came across with two curved stairways on both sides which led to the same directions on what seemed to be the castle’s hall. The right stairway was broken down by time, so they took the other one.
In the hall, what appeared to be huge bear-like creatures spread on the floor, lying bloody and lifeless.
“They are velvrathes if you’ll ask.” Cuauhtémoc mentioned, for he felt that Bribble was about to ask that question by merely looking at his face. “Come here’s the exit.” as the aderyn stopped by at the side of the door, to ensure that there were no signs of peril, while Reginleif led the way out.
Outside the castle, thick dark clouds encircled above them like a storm emerging, their movements were unpredictable, most of the clouds traveled fast towards East, and some were going North and South. There were few lightning that struck far south in the woods and the wind blew violently. But what the humans feared the most were two dragons standing side by side. One was like dark gold which produced a smoke on its nostrils and the other one was bluish-silver with fierce looking eyes.
“Don’t be afraid my friends, they are with us,” assured Eanna, “And they are harmless.”
“Harmless?” Reginleif interrupted “They are dreadful I’m telling you.” and then he grinned.
“Don’t mind him!” Eanna said as she tied her long black hair, and continued in a whisper “Most of the time he’s out of his mind!”
“The three of you will come with me.” Cuauhtémoc cut them short, who referred to Drinn, Bribble and Princess Meyah. “We are to ride Gleep.” he then pointed the gold dragon.
Cuauhtémoc pulled himself up on the back of Gleep the Dragon; Drinn followed him and helped the princess up, while Bribble seemed to hesitate to even come near.
“Don’t be scared Bribble!” shouted the annoying voice of Reginleif, “Gold dragons don’t like the taste of human flesh!”
“Stop it Reg!” exclaimed Eanna “You’re acting like a child again!” while Drinn was helping Bribble to come up on Gleep, the silver dragon flew ahead of them.
“Tie the harness tightly on your waist, and hold unto it as hard as you can.” Cuauhtémoc said, and they found the harnesses tied at the dragon’s huge body and it was exactly three for them. “Take your time or you might end up falling.” Cuauhtémoc advised as he tied his.
After a minute they were all ready to soar and Cuauhtémoc shouted “Let’s go back to Firolwen Gleep!” The humans felt a bit nervous and at the same time excited for it was their first time to ride and fly with a dragon. The immense and broad wings of the gold dragon started to spread out beside them, then Gleep lowered a bit from the ground and leaped high that shook the three humans and the dragon started to flap his great wings. The next moment, the city of Hywel dropped away beneath them, they whirled round twice and Gleep set off on a westward flight. Looking down, Drinn could hardly see the Hywel Castle and the houses seemed just spots below, the wind was on their face and far ahead of them was Brinsop the silver dragon. They went inside the dark clouds and cold water splashed at them, it went on for about a few seconds and what happened next was unspeakable. The daylight shined upon them while Gleep glided and settled a steady flight. Hywel was filled with darkness that Drinn thought it was night, but it was in fact the break of day. Looking back, Drinn saw the city of Hywel covered with dark clouds.
The humans were astounded, looking for the first time at the beauty of Neriwonda. The sky was bright and blue, sparkled by Genevier the bright white sun and Coltranthum the smaller red sun, which are the names of the two suns of Neriwonda. A field with widespread lawns dotted with different colors that may appear to be as rocks and different sorts of trees lay spread below them, a river winding like a ribbon all the way to a great blue sparkling ocean of Quariumora. They could see the top of the low hills beneath them while in north the green mountains spread, and in every gap peered out bluish grey mountains very far with white frozen peaks. At far west was an enormous forest that went on and on. And south were black cloudy mountains that only Drinn noticed but it didn’t bothered him at all. It was a cheerful experience for Drinn, Bribble, and Princess Meyah, to fly on a brilliant day, drinking on the enormous beauty of Neriwonda that none of them spoke or ask a question for a long time.
“I guess this would be the perfect time to ask questions.” Cuauhtémoc broke their silence.
“Maybe I will go on first,” said the princess, “I noticed the resemblance of the castle on the dream world with the castle where we woke up. Is that the same castle? And why are all sleeping?”
“You figured it out correctly Princess Meyah.” Cuauhtémoc answered. “That is the Castle of Hywel. As you have seen, Hywel was put into a dark spell where all Hywelians fell into a deep sleep and live in a dream. It was cast by Celandine, a powerful sorceress, Vibac’s second in command.”
“A sorceress?” Bribble added, “And who is Vibac?”
“He is the leader of the enemy from the land of Amarash.” Cuauhtémoc replied as he pointed the black cloudy mountains on south. “And he wants to conquer Neriwonda. Many lands have been put into Celandine’s spell. Some in deep sleep, others are destroyed by fire and all sort of her evil spells. And this is the real world. The real world is at war.”
“And how about you, the aderyns, how did you escape from her spells?” Drinn asked.
Cuauhtémoc looked back slightly and said “Every place where living creatures live have a powerful stone, the Amulen Stone. It is a powerful defense against the enemy. As long as the stone is on the proper place, Celandine’s spell cannot pass through it, even Vibac himself.”
“So Hywel once had an Amulen Stone, and someone took it, am I right?” Drinn inquired.
“Yes, it is Mizra who took the stone.” replied Cuauhtémoc.
“Mizra!” exclaimed Princess Meyah. “King Mizra my father?”
“Yes and no.” Cuauhtémoc said. “Yes Mizra took it, and no because Mizra is not your father. He is your uncle. Your true father is King Mathias the true King of Hywel. Mizra longs to be the king, his mind was poisoned by his greed and made an agreement with Vibac. He took away the stone in place of him being a king, a king on a dream, and a king on a lie.”
They had a few minutes of silence and then Drinn rose up another question.
“Cuauhtémoc, I’m just wondering. Why did you rescue us?”
“And only the three of us?” added Bribble.
“Good question!” replied Cuauhtémoc. “As I said, I was sent to set you free. It’s not I…
I was sent. So you owe your freedom to him.”
“Sent by who?” Bribble asked.
“By Quinlan.” answered Cuauhtémoc as his face seemed to brighten up on mentioning the name. “Quinlan is the Spirit of power and might, the Spirit of counsel and wisdom, the Spirit of hope, faith and love.” Drinn tried to remember where he heard the name Quinlan but he can’t, then Princess Meyah continued asking.
“A spirit?” she asked.
“Yes he is a Spirit. He speaks to me in dreams.” Cuauhtémoc answered. “He told me to rescue the three of you, told me everything to do, and even show me your faces in my dream.”
“And how are you to enter our dreams?” asked Bribble.
“I’m the only aderyn who is able to enter someone’s dream.” replied Cuauhtémoc. “It is a gift, given to me by Quinlan since I was a child. But we must go inside the city of Hywel, for I need to hold someone’s head to enter his dream.”
“I believe Quinlan has a purpose why he wakes the three of you.” Cuauhtémoc continued.
“Can’t you wake up all the Hywelians?” inquired the Princess.
“I can’t—it requires a lot of strength. It is also a very risky thing to do. For I can stay in your dreams for only five days, I will die if I exceed with that.” replied Cuauhtémoc. “And velvrathes and wyverns guards the place, we need to eradicate them in order to get inside.
“Wyverns? What are wyverns?” asked Bribble.
Cuauhtémoc explained, “Wyverns are winged serpent like creatures. They are sort of dragon cousins. But unlike dragons, wyverns have only two legs. They have no magic, cannot breathe fire and are smaller. That’s why we bring Gleep and Brinsop; we leave the wyverns to them. But Celandine might discover it for no wyverns will come back to her. It’s the reason why we hurriedly leave.”
They were flying for about a long time and Drinn was still trying to figure out where he encountered or heard the name of Quinlan. Beneath them were just trees, it was an enormous forest where there were two great rivers winding and at some point they were joined together. Cuauhtémoc pointed out to them a far westward forest which is their homeland, the Firolwen Forest. It was encircled by the Great River of Firolwen; they were about a few miles away from Firolwen when they heard Reginleif shouted, “Look behind!” for far behind them numerous wyverns were chasing them, ridded by dark elves.
“This is no good!” Cuauhtémoc exclaimed.
“Are they suppose to come from south?” said Reginleif.
“They did not come from Amarash!” Cuauhtémoc shouted back. “I guess they are from Plamaehan! It is now the dominion of dark elves!”
“Hold on tight friends!” Cuauhtémoc shouted as Gleep descended in a sort of a nosedive, followed by Brinsop. Princess Meyah and Bribble were screaming as they plunged down from hundreds of feet above the sky going down to the forest as the strong wind stretched their faces. Gleep shift his flight straight again when they were about ten feet high; they used the forest as a cover for the dark elves might possibly rain them out with arrows.
The humans were breathless as they swiftly glide into the forest, and the screams of Princess Meyah and Bribble were turned into “Whoas!” and “Watch outs!” for Gleep dashed as he turned left and right in the forest trying to avoid hitting a tree.
Soon arrows whistled out from all over and the two dragons struggled to steer clear of the trees and the drizzling arrows. But before long, the trees came close with each other that made them impossible to fly inside the forest, so they flew out again above the trees. The dragons flew faster and they out run the wyverns, although they were still far behind them shooting arrows.
They were nearly in Firolwen forest, and from there they could see dragons and aderyns heading towards them who were about to aid them out.
“There goes reinforcement! They had seen us!” cried Reginleif. “Fly ahead master Cuauhtémoc, we’re going to fight back!”
“No, I’ll go with you!” Cuauhtémoc shouted back.
“Gleep take them to Ilan.” Cuauhtémoc commanded the dragon. “See you later friends!” as he quickly jumped out of Gleep on a freefall and his wings spread out and soar.
The four aderyns were flying on their own wings, Cuauhtémoc drew his sword and Eanna started to shoot her arrows. But it’s all that Drinn and his friends saw, for they were heading towards Firolwen Forest. Dragons and aderyns were passing them by to aid the four aderyns, and they were closely in Firolwen Forest. Soon the winding river separate ways again on both sides, and they passed by on giant trees twisted and meshed up with each other as if forming a huge wall of trees. It goes on wide forming a circle-wall on the entire forest. They knew it was Firolwen, for from there, the forest was different from all the forest they had passed. There were giant trees with wooden houses on their enormous branches and flying aderyns were all over the place. At the far south of the forest there was a small village and rice fields. In the north were hills dotted with what seemed to be caves, and dragons were flying out of it. But what quickly got their attention was a giant tree on the center of the forest. It was the biggest and tallest tree upon all. It might be hundreds of feet high with a wide enormous trunk.
“Hold on tight!” a voice said. They were sure it came not from one of them, for it’s a deep low voice.
“Don’t be afraid it’s me Gleep.” said the dragon.
“We don’t have an idea that you can speak.” Drinn said.
“Yes I can, and not only I but we. I guess you will be surprise if you’ll know what more can dragons do.
“But it’s no time for lectures about dragons. Hold on tight we’re going up!” Gleep ascended, they were heading to the great tree at the center of the forest. Its massive trunk was of dark brown, it seemed like it was there for a very long time, or maybe at the beginning of time it was already there. On its largest branch, there was a wooden house, a big tree house with a wide porch.
“You are to stay on that tree house.” said Gleep as he approached the porch.
“You can get down from here fellow friends, you are now safe.” said Gleep. “I need to go back and help my masters.”
“I will go with you!” said Drinn.
“That’s a great courage of you my friend, but you can’t help by now.” answered Gleep. “Maybe soon!” as Gleep allowed them to go down and he flew away again.
“Welcome friends.” said a voice behind them. It’s a soft female voice. They looked back and found a woman who just came out from a door. She has wings but not big wings like of an aderyn, it’s rather a fairy-looking wings somewhat resembles to a butterfly, has a long, shinny, blue hair and wearing a green fine linen dress.
“I am Ilan.” she said.
“Are you also an aderyn? You don’t look like one of them.” Princess Meyah smiled as she inquired of the lady.
“No I’m a dryad,” Ilan said, “I’m the spirit of this tree.”
“Oh, I see.” said the princess.
“Don’t be afraid, the enemies can’t come closer for we are protected by the stone. And the enemies are out-numbered by now. The aderyns will soon be back.” said Ilan. “Come inside, so you can rest.”
“It’s nice to meet you Ilan, allow me to introduce myself first.” said Princess Meyah. “I am Meyah of Hywel...”
“Yes I know, the Hywel Princess, and your friends are Drinn and Bribble.” Ilan said while the three humans looked at each other as if wondering why the dryad knew them by name.
“Anyway I guess you are hungry by now, come now.” she motioned her hand.
“Famished!” Bribble answered.
They felt a sudden peace as they entered the house; it was bright, enveloped with a sweet scent from some kind of a flower, wide enough and fully furnished. There were doors at the left side with curves of strange markings, chairs and a big round table at the center. A nice pantry was on far right where there were three dwarves standing still and they looked as if they were expecting a long awaited visitor.
“Sindri, Brokk, Tuulikki, these are our guest, Princess Meyah, Drinn, and Bribble.” Ilan said to the dwarves. “Can you please prepare foods for them?”
“Foods comin’ right up!” the dwarves replied in chorus as they went at the kitchen in their funny way of running.
“Are they… what I’m thinking?” said Drinn. “They’re dwarves aren’t they?”
“Yes they are.” Ilan replied “They are the ones who hated caves and mines. That’s why we called them the Three Kitchen Dwarves.”
“Please sit down.” she pointed at the chairs, while Drinn started to stare at the window.
“Are you sure they are alright?” Drinn asked.
“They will be back soon.” assured Ilan. “Aderyns are one of the finest warriors of Neriwonda.”
“I guess you’re right.” Drinn said as he went towards the window. “I think their coming back now.” Princess Meyah and Bribble quickly got up from their seats, and went looking at the window with Drinn.
“I told you.” Ilan said. Drinn ran out of the door for a better view and they all followed him, except of course for the dwarves who were at the kitchen. From there the aderyns and the dragons were just like spots scattered in the air going on different directions, and some were heading towards them. Some were flying group into three and some in twos; it was like their carrying each other.
“It’s them,” Ilan said, “Master Cuauhtémoc and the rest.”
“Is there something wrong? Why are they flying like that?” Drinn asked.
“I think some are wounded.” Ilan said as her voice shifted into a troubled tone.
Soon the aderyns were at the porch, some were injured as Ilan had thought. Hanguel, who was Eanna’s younger brother, was shot by an arrow on the right leg, Tallac’s shoulder was bleeding, Brandeoulf had a cut on his chest, Reginleif’s shoulder was pierced by an arrow, and Isaiuhloc’s left wing seemed broken.
Reginleif said to Drinn “It’s been a long time since we had a fight like that!” he still seemed glad at all in spite of the arrow on his shoulder. “They’re quite many than we’ve expected. But of course they can’t match us–aderyns. But it’s a nice fight anyway.”
“And you got hit by an arrow!” Eanna cut him short.
Reginleif pointed the arrow on his shoulder and said “This? This is nothing!”
He turned at Drinn again as he continued bragging “And to tell you Drinn, dark elves are good archers. Of course they originate from the elven tribe. Oh! But Eanna is better of course.” he said and glanced at Eanna. “Am I right Eanna?”
“Alright, alright, alright!” Eanna said, “Just go inside before I put another arrow on your shoulder.” she turned to Drinn as she smiled and said “Get use to him. He loves singing his own praises.”
Drinn adored the aderyns more, for what seemed to be a heartrending incident, was just like a funny game to them. Or it might be all because of Reginleif, who was a humorist among them. He even thought that Reginleif did it intentionally, to make it appeared as nothing, for them not to worry, or they were just used to with fights, battles, and wars.
The wounded aderyns were aided as the day fades and the sky turned grey. The stars slowly appeared at the cloudless sky and a cold breeze wrapped the forest. That night, Cuauhtémoc arranged a special dinner. They were all at the big round table, Cuauhtémoc, Reginleif, Eanna, Geironul, Brandeoulf, Tallac, Hanguel and Isaiuhloc. They were the Council of Firolwen. Also with them was Ilan the dryad, Sindri, Brokk and Tuulikki the Three Kitchen Dwarves, and the three humans, Drinn, Bribble and Princess Meyah.
“This toast is for the success of the mission and for the rescue of the three humans!” Cuauhtémoc said who rose his glass of wine made from mixed raspberries and apples.
“Another toast, for the victory over dark elves and wyverns!” said Reginleif.
“I believe Quinlan is starting the next chapter.” Cuauhtémoc said. “The rescue of the three humans was of great purpose. I can feel it in my spirit that they’re the ones we’re waiting for.
“The prophecy is about to be fulfilled; the appearance of the White Warrior, the victory over Amarash, and the peace of Neriwonda.
“So this last toast—is for Quinlan and the new chapters to come!” Cuauhtémoc shouted, as glasses came up in response, and clanged together.
The food was splendid; they had grilled fish with tomatoes and onions inside, a soup made from boiled bore, shrimps cooked in egg and broccoli, rice, wine, and blueberry cakes. They were all happy as they ate dinner particularly Bribble who had a very good appetite that night.
“Well, there are many things I can’t understand.” Drinn quietly asked Reginleif who was right beside him. “What is it about the prophecy, and the White Warrior?”
“It’s rather a long story Drinn.” he replied. “Maybe tonight is not a night for tales. And you’ll be in Firolwen for a long time I guess, maybe some other day I will gladly tell you.
“And I might run out of tales for the days you’ll stay here.”
“Yes, he is right Drinn.” Bribble interrupted who was at the other side of the table eavesdropping, “You hardly touch your food. Let’s just enjoy eating tonight. This is the best dinner I ever had.”
“And we might run out of food, for the days Bribble will stay here!” Reginleif added and they laughed.
Time passed by quickly and most of them were on bed, except for Drinn who was at the porch. The moon stood still bright at the solemn night, and the sky was filled with twinkling stars. From there, Drinn saw the northern village with tiny yellow dots, which are the windows of houses lighted up.
“What is the knight thinking?” said the delightful voice of Princess Meyah as she approached Drinn.
Drinn had a small laugh and said “Knight?” he paused and continued “I just can’t sleep that’s all My Lady.”
“Did I tell you never to use that word again?” she snapped.
“What word?” Drinn asked.
“Oh, nothing My Lady!” she replied abruptly.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Drinn said. “And why are you still awake?”
“I tried. But I can’t sleep too.”
“Maybe it’s because we’ve been sleeping for such a long time.” Drinn said and they laughed.
“And where is Bribble? You’re sharing a room isn’t it?” the princess asked.
“I’m sure he was snoring by now, and was back on the dream world.” Drinn replied and they laughed again. Then it was followed by a long pause and they were both silent.
“Seriously…” the Princess broke the silence. “You’re thinking of Hywel don’t you?”
“Well–how can you read my mind?” Drinn replied while the princess just smiled as a reply.
“Yeah you figured it out right.” he gravely said and turned east from where Hywel was. “I don’t want the three of us to be the only free Hywelians, they should know the truth. I want to set Hywel free.”
Drinn sighed and continued “But I guess it’s impossible.”
“Did I call you a knight?” she said. “Who knows, maybe someday.” she then touched Drinn’s shoulder. “I guess we should go back inside. It’s getting late and cold.”
“I’ll just follow you in a few minutes,” Drinn said, “You go ahead first.”
“Okay, don’t stay too late.” she said. “Goodnight Drinn!”
“Goodnight Princess Meyah, and thanks for the time.” he waved his hand goodbye as the Princess went inside. Just as the Princess closed the door, Drinn heard a voice.
“You are a warrior, and Drinn is your name.” whispered the voice. Drinn felt it and knew it’s an inner voice.
“Stop it Drinn.” he said to himself, “You’re making it up, you’re imagining things again—you are a nobody. Who gave you an idea about you being a warrior? You are weak Drinn.”
“Who gave all of his strength saving Bribble and Meyah at the rage of the river?” asked the voice.
“It’s… it’s me.” answered Drinn hesitantly.
“Who wants to help fighting dark elves and wyverns?” again the voice asked.
“It’s still me.” replied Drinn.
“And who wants to set Hywel free?” asked the voice.
“It’s me…” said Drinn as if something was awakened inside of him.
“You have a warrior heart Drinn.” said the voice. “You are a warrior and Drinn is your name.”
“Who are you?” Drinn asked the voice, but the voice answered no more. It was a long silence for Drinn was still waiting for an answer. He then realized that it was the same voice he heard at the river when he was about to lose his breath.