The Fall of Eliel

he two suns of Neriwonda were slowly rising on the horizon, as its rays burst into the vivid leaves of Ilan’s tree dancing with the wind softly blowing. Singing with the fine morning were different kinds of birds of Firolwen proclaiming a wonderful day.
They were all awake except Bribble and Princess Meyah.
“I guess yer friends are really tired.” said Tuulikki the dwarf, who kept on combing his reddish brown beard with his little flabby fingers.
“It was a quite tiring adventure we had yesterday,” Drinn answered. “Should I wake them up?”
“Nay, nay, nay! Let ’em rest.” replied Tuulikki who almost pulled his long beard. “Ye’re master Cuauhtémoc’s guest and none should disturb the three of ye.”
“Sindri am I right? Sorry I think I got mix up with your names.” said Drinn.
“It’s Tuulikki me friend.” answered the dwarf. “Sindri is the one wearin’ eyeglass en white-bearded while Brokk is the one with the black beard.”
“Okay, Tuulikki got it now.” said Drinn as he snapped his finger.
“Is there a ladder going down?” Drinn asked. “I guess there is, dwarves don’t fly don’t you?”
Tuulikki laughed. “Of course we don’t fly. For those who can’t fly, there are two ways to go down. It’s either to use the stair or the lift.
“Do ye plan on goin’ down lad?”
“I guess I would like to see more of Firolwen.” Drinn replied.
The dwarf stood up then he said “Come follow me lad.”
Drinn followed him to the porch, and turned far right. There he saw a hanging bridge leading to a smaller porch near the trunk.
“Where are we going?” Drinn inquired.
“I’m goin’ to show ye the stair and the lift.” the dwarf answered as they crossed the hanging bridge.
“I did not notice this hanging bridge till now.” Drinn said.
“There’s more for ye to discover in Firolwen.” said Tuulikki as he stopped at the smaller porch. “Here is the stair lad.” He pointed out at the edge of the porch. Drinn looked at the stair and he seemed to felt tired already, for it’s rather a very long stair winding and circling on the big trunk of the tree.
“Well if you plan to go down don’t use it.” the dwarf said as he shook his head. “We use it very seldom or if needed.
“Ye use that rather.” he pointed at the south side of the porch, and there was the lift hanging on a rope.
“How do I use that?” Drinn asked.
“Ye see that lever?” said Tuulikki. “If ye pull it down, the lift will go down. Pull it up, and ye will go up. It’s that simple.”
“Wow! How does this thing works?” Drinn asked as they got closer to the lift.
“It’s a lil’ complicated, it has a pulley at the top, and it has somethin’ to do with water.”
“Water?” said Drinn “But how?”
The dwarf seemed to think and said “Well… Ah, let me see… I’m not good at tools, ye better asked Brokk.”
“Okay, but one last question. How am I to stop?” Drinn said.
“Oh, just turn the lever at the middle.” Tuulikki replied. “Wanna try it?”
“Can I?” said Drinn. His smile turned into an excited one.
“O’course, I’ll tell yer friends ye’re havin’ yer adventure in Firolwen as soon as they awake.” the dwarf said and smiled back.
“Okay, thanks Tuulikki!” said Drinn pulling the lever down and started to descend, while the dwarf waved his hand and said “See ye later lad!”

   The lift was made of wood like a big square basket. It’s a little bit shaky and since it was there for a long long time, it made a rasping sound as it lowered down, and as for Drinn, it added up to the fun for his love of heights and adventures. He appreciated Firolwen more as he gazed at its beauty, when unexpectedly; Reginleif appeared in front of him.
“Good morning Drinn!” he said as he hovered in front of the lift. “I guess we’re enjoying the scenery aren’t we?”
“Yeah, very much, I love forest and I love heights. I also want to see what’s below.”
“You love heights huh?” Reginleif said “Heights are common with aderyns, but I don’t think it’s the same with men.”
“Well if you promise to catch me, I would not hesitate to jump from here.” Drinn said.
Reginleif crossed his arms and said “Oh yeah? You have my word.” He dared and then he unconsciously looked up at the sky and continued “But I guess you wouldn’t dare…” but before he even finished what he was saying, Drinn vanished in front of him for he already made a freefall.
“Good heavens!” Reginleif exclaimed, he looked below and saw Drinn falling. He plunged in the air as he followed Drinn like an eagle who was about to catch its prey, and next, he was holding Drinn’s right foot.
“Are you out of your mind?!” exclaimed Reginleif “You might hit a branch and get yourself killed!”
“Well–I heard your promise, and I’m sure your fast enough to catch me. And I’m right!” Drinn said and they both laughed.
“I’m starting to like you young fellow!” said Reginleif “And for that, It will be my pleasure to take you to some excellent spots in Firolwen.”
“Okay, that’s very nice of you—but I guess it’s better not to carry me this way.” said Drinn and they both laughed again. 
They flew down till they reach the giant roots of the tree. There beside one of the root was a small house made of woods, and a smoke was coming out of its chimney.
“Seriously Drinn,” said Reginleif “You gave me a fright there when you jumped out of the lift. Master Cuauhtémoc might kill me if something happened to you.
“It might be my first and last dare!”
Drinn smiled and replied “Well sorry for that. Anyway, how’s your shoulder?”
“Never been better,” Reginleif replied, “Ilan’s healing herbs are like magic, it just took twelve hours to mend my wound.
“Anyway, come on I’d like you to meet someone very dear to us.” as they head towards the house.
“Are we supposed to knock first?” Drinn asked, for Reginleif had opened the door. “We’re trespassing.”
“Is that you Reginleif?” said an old sweet voice coming somewhere inside the house.
“Yes it’s me Mrs. Kettlery.” replied Reginleif; he was looking from where the voice came.
Inside the house were four chairs and a small table at the center. The rays of the suns were at the window gleaming, as the soft wind blew at the white curtains. From there a sweet and scrumptious smell was coming from the kitchen.
“You just arrive on time son, I’m baking a carrot cake.” said Mrs. Kettlery and she appeared from the kitchen. She was an old woman in late seventies wearing a white apron, but she seemed cheerful and strong for her age. “Oh, and look we have a visitor. Who is this gorgeous young fellow?” added Mrs. Kettlery.
“His name is Drinn Mrs. Kettlery.” said Reginleif.
“Nice to meet you Mrs. Kettlery.” greeted Drinn then he offered his hand for a shake.
“Well it’s nice to meet you too son.” replied Mrs. Kettlery with her merry smile as she shook Drinn’s hand.
“You two should sit there and wait for the cake and we’ll have some tea as well.” the old lady continued and after a few minutes, Mrs. Kettlery was back with a tray of cakes and teas. She put it on the small table and sat down on a chair beside Reginleif.
“These looks good.” said Drinn referring to the cakes.
“It looks good, and I don’t know what you are about to say after you taste them.” said Reginleif. “If there is a person to match the cooking skills of the Three Kitchen Dwarves, it is Mrs. Kettlery.”
“And good thing, Bribble is not with us.” Drinn added.
“Well you should start eating.” the old lady said. She then looked at Drinn and asked “You’re not from the village aren’t you, Drinn?”
“She is referring to Shandy-Wheen, the village in north where humans live.” Reginleif made clear for Drinn.
“No, I came from Hywel, Mrs. Kettlery.” Drinn answered. “There are three of us, Bribble my friend which I mentioned awhile ago, and Princess Meyah.”
Mrs. Kettlery sipped her tea and said “So you’re the ones mentioned in the prophecy?”
“Pardon me, I can’t understand. What’s about the prophecy?” Drinn curiously asked.
“And it shall come to pass, when three humans from East shall be awakened. And it will be a sign for the nearly coming of the Chosen One.” Reginleif said reciting the prophecy “That’s what the prophecy says. And I do believe like Mrs. Kettlery, that the three of you are the ones, the three humans from east.”
“So we are the signs before the coming of the Chosen One?” Drinn said “Well, then who is the Chosen One?”
“Do you remember your question about the White Warrior?” said Reginleif. “He is the Chosen One. He is called the White Warrior. The prophecy states that the White Warrior will overcome the power of Vibac and will restore peace to Neriwonda. We’ve been waiting for him for a very long time.”
Drinn inquired again. “If we’re the three humans from east as the prophecy says, what’s our connection to the White Warrior?”
“We don’t know yet,” said Reginleif “That’s all we know, and we’re glad that the Chosen One will come soon.”

   They had a good breakfast and then they say goodbye to the good old lady. They went to Shandy-Wheen Village, the Great River of Firolwen, the Tree of Metush-Shellah and the Caves of the Dragons.
Soon they were flying back to the great tree of Ilan.
“Are we going back now?” Drinn inquired as they flew towards the great tree.
“Not yet, this is the last, and of course is not the least. We’re going to the most significant place in Firolwen.” replied Reginleif.
“And what is that place?” asked Drinn.
“You’ll see!” said Reginleif as they ascended high till they reach the top of the tree where there was a small hut. From the heights where they were, they could hear nothing but the wind blowing and few indistinct noises. They entered the hut and found Geironul inside.
“Geironul?!” surprisingly Reginleif said “What are you doing here?”
“I’m just… Ahmm, ah… just checking the stone.” uneasily Geironul replied.
“I brought Drinn. I want to show him the stone.” Reginleif said.
“Maybe I’ll just leave the two of you.” Geironul said abruptly “I still have something to do.”
“See you later Geironul!” Drinn said as Geironul leaped out of the hut.
“He acts strange…” Reginleif said in a voice that is more or less a whisper.
“Why? Is it strange for him to visit this place?” inquired Drinn.
“No it’s just that…” said Reginleif “He seemed very grave lately. I wonder what’s wrong with him.
“Anyway, I guess you already know where we are.” inside the hut was something that looks like a candle stand with elegant designs curved on it. It was made with a smooth white rock and on it was the Amulen Stone shinning like a green crystal as small as an apple.
“Is this the Amulen Stone?” Drinn inquired as he went closer.
“Yes, and don’t touch it!” Reginleif exclaimed for Drinn was about to touch the stone.
“Whoa! Sorry–you did not say it at once.” Drinn said.
“It’s alright, its not that it can’t be touch.” Reginleif said “It’s just that we took extra care of it. I guess you know how important that stone is.”
They spent plenty of time at the top of the tree as they talked about the stone and old tales about Neriwonda, then they went back to the house.

   Time flies so fast, the sky started to get dark and the lamps were lighted up. Princess Meyah was at the porch gazing at the stars, for it was a very well night. The sky was cloudless, the moon was waxing, and the stars were scattered on the night sky as they glittered vividly.
“Hey I think someone took my place!” said Drinn as he approached the Princess. “And the Princess hasn’t had her dinner.”
“Hi Drinn!” she answered, “Look at the stars Drinn they are wonderful!”
“Are you doing something tonight?” Drinn inquired as he looked up at the stars and seemed mindful.
Princess Meyah glanced at Drinn and said “No, why?”
“Well… ahmm, I…” Drinn stuttered “I want to show you something. That is if it’s alright with you? I mean… you might… you know…”
The Princess chuckled and said “It’s alright!” she paused for a moment that she seemed to think and continued “Well, what is it?”
“It’s a little bit of a surprise I think,” Drinn said “But it’s not with me, it’s a place, where going somewhere.”
She stood up from the chair and said “Well, what are we waiting for?”
“Okay then, just wait for me right here. I’ll be back in a moment.” Drinn said as he delightedly ran inside the house and was back carrying a lamp with his right hand, he almost slipped as he came out of the door.
“Come on I’ll show you.” Drinn said leading the Princess to the hanging bridge. “Do you have fear in heights Princess Meyah?”
“No I don’t,” she answered, “Except for plunging in the air like what we had the other day.”
Drinn smiled and said “Yeah, I remember, you and Bribble were screaming at the top of your lungs.” he then offered his hand to the Princess for they were about to ride the lift.
The Princess held on Drinn and then she asked “If I may ask, what is this Drinn?”
“This is the lift,” he replied “From the name itself I guess you have an idea where we are going.” Drinn then hung the lamp and said “Hold on Princess Meyah.” and then he pulled the lever up and they start to ascend.
“I guess you have your adventure this morning.” she said.
“Tuulikki told you?” asked Drinn.
“Yeah, during breakfast.” the Princess replied.
“Those are houses aren’t they?” she pointed at the yellow dots in north.
“That is Shandy-Wheen village, humans like us live in there.” he answered.
“You’ve been out there don’t you?” she said.
“Yes, Reginleif brought me.” replied he. “He also brought me at the Great River of Firolwen and the Caves of the Dragons.” they had a few minutes of silence and then Princess Meyah said.
“I like that star, the red one.”
“Oh, that’s the Venilon star. It is really a beautiful star.” Drinn replied as the moon reflected on his eyes. “See those stars?” Drinn pointed at the four stars separated from the other stars that are diagonally aligned. “They’re called the Quadrantum.”
“What about those stars?” Princess Meyah asked pointing at the stars forming a circle.
“It’s called the Baron’s Ring.” Drinn replied.
“Wow! I guess you know them all very well.” Princess Meyah said.
“I’m glad that the constellation here is the same as the constellation in the dream world.” Drinn said.
“We’re here already.” Drinn said as they stopped. “I guess you should close your eyes Princess Meyah.” Drinn stepped in at the hut’s small terrace and said “And no peeking!” and they entered the hut.
“I wonder what kind of surprise is this?” she asked.
“Just wait and see.” Drinn replied holding Princess Meyah’s hands as he led her in front of the Amulen Stone.
“You can open your eyes now.” Drinn said. Princess Meyah opened her eyes slowly and saw the Amulen Stone shinning and flashing a green light at her lovely face. She was speechless at the beauty of the stone, and it really was very beautiful to see it glowed in the middle of the night.
The Princess was ardently staring at the stone for a long time and then Drinn butted in “I guess this is the time for you to say something? We can leave now if you don’t like it?” Drinn said in a worried tone.
“No! I like it Drinn!” exclaimed Princess Meyah who almost forgot that Drinn was with her, “No I don’t like it, I love it! It’s very beautiful!
“How nice of you to bring me up here and this is a lovely place and a lovely night.”
“Reginleif brought me here this morning and Tuulikki taught me how to use the lift. I think the stone will look beautiful during the night so I brought you here.”
“Why didn’t I thought about it earlier.” she said “This is the Amulen Stone am I right?”
Drinn nodded “Yes it is.”
“Do you know where the stone came from?” Princess Meyah inquired.
“Why do you want one of those?” Drinn answered in a small laugh “Reginleif told me some old stories this morning including that one. Want to hear it?”
“Of course.” she replied.
“Very well, I guess I could tell the story.” replied Drinn and he then started.

   “Long time ago, when Neriwonda was still in peace, there was a good king, an Aderyn king named Daryn. With him were his three sons, the eldest was called the Morning Star. He was second-in-command to the king, the strongest, and powerful in terms of magic. His name was Eliel. The second Prince was called the Defender. He is strong in battle, fearless, wise, and the leader of the aderyn, dwarven and elven armies. His name was Zuriel. And the third one, who was the youngest, was called the Messenger. He was bright, strong and a humble prince. He has a gift of visions in dreams, and his name was Cuauhtémoc.

   “When time had come for King Daryn to give his throne to Eliel he called his three sons before him.
“‘Why did you summon us father?’ Eliel asked, as they all got down on their knees.
“‘I have an important thing to say my sons.’ said King Daryn ‘You know it very well, that tomorrow is the time for me to give my throne and all authority over Neriwonda. Last night, prophet Glahei sent a word from Quinlan.’ the king paused as he looked at Eliel. ‘He said that the three of you will rule Neriwonda at the same time.  Each of you will be given lands on where you are to rule.’
“‘I disagree, my father,’ said Eliel as he rose on his feet, ‘It is our custom that the eldest son of the king will rule after his reign. And it all came to pass with many generations, it must be a mistake.’
“King Daryn replied ‘It is also true that Neriwonda kept its peace and prosperous land by obeying the Prophet’s word. And it is not from him, it is from Quinlan. It will be for our own good my son.’
“‘Quinlan, I have enough of Quinlan!’ shouted Eliel ‘I grew up obeying Quinlan’s word. But where is he? I’ve never seen him nor felt him. He’s just a creation of that Prophet Glahei, for you to obey him. You are the king and you should be the one ruling this land not that old prophet and his invented Quinlan!’
“‘How dare you to talk about Quinlan like that!’ the King exclaimed, ‘May Quinlan have mercy on you.’
“‘It must be done, you can go now. Tomorrow I will bless the three of you and give you your lands to rule.’

   “Eliel accepted what King Daryn said, but not in his heart. Evil has crept in him. Years had past and the three of them ruled each given lands. King Daryn was then very old and weak and Eliel has planned his evil plot against Neriwonda.

   “‘My lord our plan is almost complete.’ said Eliel’s general.
“‘It is nearly mine. And all mine!’ said Eliel, sitting on his throne. ‘All I need now is a strong ally. And I know the perfect person for that.’
“‘Release Celandine!’ he shouted
“‘Right away my lord!’ replied the general.
“Celandine was released from her prison and was sent in front of Eliel.
“Baleful and mysterious was her cunning, almost yellow eyes, and has a long-dark wavy hair. Little skulls were hanging in chains on her lilac robe.     
“‘Celandine, your dark magic has been broken many years ago. And with that I can help you.’ said Eliel. ‘I will give you back your power–the Zerhak-Quittan.’ Eliel then threw a skull staff in front of the Sorceress.
She looked at Eliel with clever eyes and said ‘And what would you ask in return?’
“‘You are to arise all your armies again!’ Eliel replied ‘I want to be the only king of Neriwonda. And for that, my brothers will oppose me. I’m planning a war.’
“‘I knew it from the start that you are wiser than your two brothers.’ grinned the sorceress as she picked the Zerhak-Quittan.
“The evil staff then started to radiate a bluish light as Celandine started to levitate from the ground. ‘Soon Neriwonda will be ours my lord Eliel!’

   “It did happened and Celandine summon all her wicked armies. And a great war started in Neriwonda. It was one of the greatest battles of Neriwonda. The power of Eliel and Celandine rose up and defeated the aderyns, dwarven and elven armies. For his lust of power, Eliel killed his own father.
“He fought Zuriel in a long dreadful fight. But Eliel’s magic was stronger than of Zuriel’s and when Zuriel was almost defeated there appeared in the midst of them, a great light shining brighter than the sun.
It was Quinlan who appeared for the very first time. His eyes were blazing in fire and the sound of his voice shook the mountains.
“‘What have you done Eliel?’ as Quinlan drew his blade and made a sidelong swipe.
“Eliel tried to block the Blade of Quinlan but the force of the assault was tremendous that it threw Eliel in air, and then he plummeted helplessly on the ground.
“With Quinlan’s right foot he pounded Eliel, clutching the aderyn’s wings. And then he tore Eliel’s wings.  
“‘Your heart was filled with evil that you even killed your father!” said Quinlan. “Therefore I will throw you away in Amarash. You will no longer be an aderyn for you deserve it no more, and you will be called Vibac.
“‘You will live in darkness with Celandine and his army. But soon the Chosen One will appear and defeat you.’
“And stones were given to Zuriel, Cuauhtémoc and other kings and leaders as a protection against Vibac and the Amarashans; for after a year Vibac’s power still grew stronger, dark powerful magic and again he started a war against his brothers. With those years Quinlan never appeared again. And up to now Vibac is still advancing and some lands of Neriwonda were being dominated, mainly the lands from the east.” Drinn said ending the story.

   “That’s quite a story. And you are good in story telling.” said Princess Meyah “I hope the Chosen One would come in time. Before Eliel, or should I say Vibac destroy everything in Neriwonda.”
“They said that there’s a prophecy regarding us.” Drinn said.
“What do you mean?” the Princess inquired.
“There’s a prophecy that when the three humans from the east were awakened, the Chosen One will soon come.” Drinn said “And they believe that we are the three humans.”
“So that’s what Cuauhtémoc was saying the first night we were here.” said Princess Meyah.
“Well, sorry Drinn. But, is it alright if we go back down now? I guess I felt a little hungry now.”
“Alright then, come on.” Drinn said.

   They went down and Drinn joined Princess Meyah at the table for dinner. After a few conversations they said goodnight to each other.
“Hey, wait Drinn!” said Princess Meyah before she entered her room.
“Thank you for this special night. And I think you deserve this.” and she gave Drinn a kiss on his cheek.