When Things Fall Apart

t was late at night and silence ruled the forest of Firolwen, Drinn was then on his bed staring at the ceiling, still reminiscing the time they’re on the top of the tree, telling stories, remembering Princess Meyah’s lovely face. For Drinn it was the most wonderful night he had his whole life and how he wished that he could always go back to that special time, treasuring the moment with Princess Meyah.
He then fell asleep and had a dream. In his dream there were four aderyns, Cuauhtémoc, Reginleif, Eanna and Geironul, with them were two dragons Gleep and Brinsop. Indeed Drinn was dreaming of the day they were rescued.

   “Quinlan told me to bring three aderyns with me, and I choose the three of you for you are the finest warriors of Firolwen.” said Cuauhtémoc.
“We are on a mission to rescue three humans. I believe this must be done to fulfill the prophecy, you knew the prophecy very well and I don’t need to sing it to you.
“Now be very careful. We are about to face peril inside the city. It is well guarded by velvrathes. See to it that none of you will be bitten by them. For once you’ve been bitten, you will be poisoned.”
Cuauhtémoc then turned at the two dragons “Gleep and Brinsop, there at the castle, wyverns are guarding, circling around the castle. You two are to destruct them and annihilate them, so we can enter the castle with lesser threat.”
“That would be easy master Cuauhtémoc.” answered Gleep’s deep voice. “Come on Brinsop!” and the two dragons made a great leap and flew away.

   The aderyns entered the gate of Hywel. Shadows surrounded the place, still and silent as a grave, noiseless, except for the wind singing as it whistled, and the sound of their careful footsteps. There were few times that lightning would flash and broke the silence completely as thunder rumbles, shaking the ground fairly.
Cuauhtémoc was on the lead, holding his long transparent sword—watchful were his vigilant eyes as he surveyed the road to the fore. Next to him were Reginleif and Geironul who were walking abreast, and on the rear was Eanna.
Soon they were at the village.
Mist covered the place and the breeze brought chills to their bodies. They hardly see a thing except for a few steps away from them.
The vague cube-shaped-house stood still and with no signs of light, their windows were swinging through the wind and few doors were open.
“Is the castle still far Master Cuauhtémoc?”  Eanna inquired softly.
“We just have to continue, it is located behind the market.” Cuauhtémoc answered “It has been many years, since I’ve been here. It seemed a lot has changed.”
The market slowly came into view as they strode at the quietness of Hywel when a daunting sound echoed in the hushed still air. The aderyns knew it very well and they prepared themselves holding up their weapons.
“Velvrathes!” Geirounul cried.
“Prepare for battle!” Cuauhtémoc commanded.
They formed a circle of defense as black shapes spring over fast and quiet all around them, snarling and with shining eyes peering out far behind the market stalls.
A velvrathe leaped out from the stalls, its long arms dangled nearly on the ground and its legs curved inversely. Its huge shoulder was broad and its body was covered with long grizzly fur. With fierce looking yellow eyes it ogled at the aderyns.
Reginleif took a few steps forward leaving the circle as his unruffled eyes matches the velvrathe. “Bring it on you stinking monster!” he grinned and step back near the circle, and with overconfident smile he looked and nodded at Eanna.
“Do you really need to do that?” she commented and squinted.
Then a long shuddering howl vibrated in the air, as the gleaming eyes started to rush forward.
Eanna’s bow started to whistle, her arrows darting on definite targets not missing a single shot. The market was suddenly filled with velvrathes’ cries as the four aderyn’s quickly slew the velvrathes.

   They continued walking and passed by at the big market until they reached the castle. The two dragons were there waiting for them.
“Good to see you again masters.” said Brinsop.
“Good to see you too.” replied Reginleif.
“We did not expect that the wyverns are too many.” said Gleep, “They were more than ten and one has escaped. So I suggest you rescue the humans at once, and as fast as you can Master Cuauhtémoc.” the dragon breathed out a smoke from his nostrils.
“Very well,” Cuauhtémoc answered, “You two should wait here. We’re going inside the castle, secure the place.”

   The sound of the wind diminished as the aderyns entered the gloomy castle. The hush still air inside the castle hall was filled with foul-smelling creatures. Cobwebs almost wrapped around the walls and there were indistinct sounds of dripping water.
As they went ahead, a lightning flash revealed that the hall was filled with velvrathes. Reginleif took a peiheesa seed from his pouch. A glowing bean-shaped seed, and quickly threw it on the ground. The seed then rapidly spread its roots deep in the ground and vines extended all over the hall. The vines sprouted round-shaped flowers creating a soft green light.
The velvrathes revealed was indeed far too many than what they expected and they all started to snarl violently.  
“Come on! You stinking velvrathes think you can beat us with that number!” Reginleif said.
“Bigheaded…” Eanna sarcastically answered.
“What?” Reginleif replied with a wondering look.
“Focus aderyns!” Cuauhtémoc cut the two aderyns short.
Eanna’s arrows started to whistle while the three male aderyns initiated their attacks at the velvrathes.
Cuauhtémoc dashed ahead gripping the blades hilt with two hands. He leaped forward to meet the leading foe as he bended his hands to lower the sword and slashed deeply from the velvrathe’s left leg raising it up to the shoulder. And being aware on an incoming threat, he swiftly turned thrusting the blade behind to finish the leading velvrathe and swiped slantwise on the advancing monster towards him.
The wails of the velvrathes echoed in the hall as arrows passed by at the leading aderyn. He saw Geironul swinging his axed randomly, crushing the beast surrounding him, and Reginleif nearly eradicated the velvrathes nearby him.
After a minute or so of bloody battle, the velvrathes in the hall were all lying dead on the ground.
“Is that all!” Reginleif commented.
“Just like what I expected, you’ll sing your own praises!” Eanna replied as she picked arrows. “Bigheaded!”
“The humans are just upstairs.” Cuauhtémoc said.
They went upstairs, and just as they were about to go through a doorway, a huge velvrathe grabbed Geironul and they both fell on the stairs.
The velvrathe was atop on Geironul trying to sink its sharp teeth into his neck, while the tough aderyn block the monsters neck with his huge arm. He looked for his battle axe but it was no longer in his hand so he pushed his foe away a bit and smacked the velvrathe’s jaw with Geironul’s left hand. With speed Geironul stood up and shouted “Go on master Cuauhtémoc, salvage the humans!”
The three aderyns went ahead knowing exactly that Geironul could handle even to brawl against a wyvern using his bare hands.
The velvrathe slowly move in circle while Geironul stood still facing his foe unswervingly. And the aderyn warrior knowing well how velvrathes move in battle, and through his many encounters with the monsters, he stooped over and prepare for the velvrathes attack.
The velvrathe hammered its hands on the ground pushing itself with a greater leap, it spin once in the air and filched its claw at Geironul, but primed as he was, he rapidly ducked—and as the velvrathe passed above him he grabbed the monsters foot smashing the velvrathe on the wall.
The monster then quickly stood shaking its head and wagging its huge body. It snarled and then scuttled towards the aderyn. It leaped at Geironul again while the aderyn parried and grabbed the velvrathe’s arms and threw it hard on the ground with the monster’s head facedown.
Geironul pushed the motionless velvrathe with his left foot examining if the monster was still breathing. Assuming that his enemy was lifeless he turned to pick his battle axe near the stairways. As his right hand touched the axe, he suddenly felt a peril coming behind, he was about to turn but it was too late for the velvrathe has sunk its teeth on his right shoulder.
The aderyn groaned in pain as the battle axe fell from his hand. Geironul quickly grabbed the velvrathes upper and lower jaw, and with strength he tore it—ending the velvrathes life.
Geironul fell on his knees as his shoulder started to bleed. He stripped a piece of cloth from his raiment and bind up his wound.
The dream was fading into black and Drinn heard a word saying “A hidden weakness will lead to destruction, expose it and you’ll find healing.”

   And Drinn woke up.
“What was that dream about?” Drinn said as He sat and saw Bribble lying at his bed still snoring, but what quickly grabbed his attention was a beautiful music playing outside the room. He got up and went outside finding Sindri playing a fipple flute, with him were Reginleif, Hanguel, and Isaiuhloc.
“Good morning Drinn!” greeted Isaiuhloc.
“Good morning.” Drinn replied. “It’s a nice music Sindri, I like the melody.”
“Well, thank ye lad,” replied Sindri and he stopped from playing, “The tune is called Caelestis.”
“Caelestis?” inquired Drinn.
“Caelestis means heavenly Drinn.” Hanguel added “It is an old aderyn tune.”
“This flute was kept for about years already and they asked me to play it again.” said Sindri.
Drinn sat beside them and said “I love the phrasing and the broken arpeggios you’ve just played awhile ago.”
“Oh, ye played flute too lad?” Sindri asked as he lowered his eyeglass a bit and continued, “You’ve noticed the broken arpeggios.”
“Yes I play the flute,” Drinn answered. “But… It’s in the dream world. Maybe I can still play here in the real world.
“Where is everyone?”
“Brandeoulf, Princess Meyah, Ilan and my sister went at the village to get some vegetables.” Hanguel answered. “Tallac and the Kitchen dwarves went at the Great River of Firolwen to catch fish for our lunch.
“Well… Master Cuauhtémoc and Geironul are…”
“Master Cuauhtémoc is at the Caves of the Dragons.” Reginleif interrupted. “I don’t know where Geironul is—I think he got up early this morning.”
Drinn stood up and said “I still love to sit down and talk, but I need to see Cuauhtémoc.” said Drinn.
“I’ll go with you” said Reginleif, he went beside Drinn, put his hand on Drinn’s shoulder and whispered “But first, let’s have tea with Mrs. Kettlery. Would it be fine my friend?”
   “Sounds good to me.” Drinn whispered back.

   The small table of Mrs. Kettlery was all set, saucers, plates, spoon and fork, cup of hot teas, toast and eggs. They were having tea and Mrs. Kettlery was merrily telling old stories of her childhood, about her father and mother, and about her late husband Mr. Breenheilen. She also showed an old box of souvenirs she hasn’t opened a long time ago.
“I’ll give this one to you Reginleif.” said Mrs. Kettlery, who just found an old brown hat “This was of my brother’s you’ll look decent with this I’m sure.”
She stood up and went in front of Reginleif and tried to fit it on Reginleif’s head “Here you go dear.” She stared at Reginleif’s face smiling as if remembering the cheerful memories of her brother.
“Thank you Mrs. Kettlery.” said Reginleif who seemed to hide his dislike of the hat, while Drinn tried to hide a laugh slowly sipping a tea.
“Well, do you need a mirror?” the old lady inquired.
“No, I will be fine. Thank you Mrs. Kettlery.” Reginleif replied. “Are you sure you’re giving this to me?” he took the hat off and continued, “You said it’s of your brother, I guess this hat have some memories of him.”
“No, it’s alright I still have three more of his hat.” she answered, “Do you want one Drinn?”
“Thank you Mrs. Kettlery,” said Drinn “But I’m not quite comfortable with hats.”
“Oh I see, well…” she said as she tried to think of something, “Oh, I know what I am to give you young man.”
“This one!” she said as if she found a treasure in the box. “I want you to have this Drinn.” she then handed a pair of necklace at Drinn. It’s a necklace with a dove pendant made in silver.
“Well, thank you Mrs. Kettlery, what’s this?” Drinn said and he looked intently at the dove. “And—I think you gave me two, here I’ll give you back the other one.”
“No, no, no my dear!” answered Mrs. Kettlery, “It’s a pair of dove necklace. Here’s what you have to do with that. You should keep one and the other one you should give to someone special. When you gave it to someone, it means that even if you don’t see each other, you’ll be both in each other’s heart no matter what.”
“Wow, thanks again Mrs. Kettlery!” Drinn said and then he wore the other one as it sparked through the ray coming from the window. “I’ll promise to do take care of this.”
“You’re welcome son.” she said.
Drinn drank and finished his tea and said “I really appreciate this Mrs. Kettlery, the necklace and the breakfast, but I think we should be going.”
“Oh it’s nothing don’t mind it!” said Mrs. Kettlery.
Drinn smiled at the old lady as a reply and then looked at Reginleif “Are you done with your breakfast Reginleif?”
“Yes, I guess we can leave now.” Reginleif answered. “Goodbye Mrs. Kettlery! And thank you for the nice breakfast.”
Drinn who was beside Reginleif quickly whispered “Don’t forget the hat!”
“Oh and thank your for this nice hat!” added Reginleif.
“Don’t mention it, and you too are both welcome here, always.” the old lady said.

   Drinn and Reginleif were at the road heading to the Caves of the Dragon. Drinn suggested that it’s better to walk, for he wanted to learn the roads of Firolwen. And when they were about halfway to the Caves of the Dragons, they met Eanna, Ilan, Princess Meyah, and Brandeoulf who was holding Eeloi, a brown pony carrying bags of vegetables.
“Good morning Reginleif!” said Brandeoulf, “Where are you two going?”
“We’re about to see Master Cuauhtémoc, he’s at the caves of the Dragons.” replied Reginleif as he approached the pony.
“Poor Eeloi you’re carrying all their burdens.” Reginleif continued holding the pony’s mane.
“You can carry it for Eeloi if you want.” Eanna cut him short.
“Never mind what I just said Eeloi, I know you’re strong enough to carry this burden.” said Reginleif to the pony.
“I guess we should be going now.” said Eanna. “See you later Drinn.”
Drinn answered “See you later then.”
Reginleif and Drinn went ahead, and as they separated ways with the group, Drinn glanced back and his eyes met Princess Meyah for she was looking behind at him.

   “Drinn, I think you and Princess Meyah would be a great couple.” said Reginleif.
“Hey, what gave you the idea?” replied Drinn.
“Don’t deny it Drinn!” said Reginleif “You like the Princess don’t you?
“Well… Yes I like her.” said Drinn. “I guess she’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever saw.
“Anyway, I also got something for you.”
“What do you mean?” inquired Reginleif.
“Don’t you like Eanna?” answered Drinn.
Reginleif stopped walking and said “Now, my question returned to me?”
Drinn chuckled “Well, answer the question.”
“Ahmm… No, I mean yes!” Reginleif answered disconcerted. “Okay, you got me. I really like her, but the thing is… Eanna and I were best friends. We’ve been friends for a hundred years or more. I don’t want to let her know about it, I might ruin our friendship.”
“Wait, a hundred years?” asked Drinn, “Do I heard it right?”
“Yes you heard it right. Aderyns live for a very long time,” said Reginleif, “A decade with humans is just like a year to us.
“I’m two hundred and sixty years old, so that would be twenty six if I’m a human, still not that old.”
“Wow! That’s amazing.” Drinn exclaimed.
“The story I told you, about the fall of Eliel happened a very long time ago.” said Reginleif. “I was a hundred and sixteen then.”
“Anyway, but I think you should tell Eanna about what you feel for her. It’s unfair not to tell her about it. And it’s just being true to what you felt.” Drinn advised.
Reginleif continued walking. “I can slay orcs and velvrathes but this feeling for her, I’m not sure if I can.” he laughed and then continued “But you’re right, some other time I guess I will tell her, if I find courage or maybe after another hundred of years!” the aderyn then sighed.

   After an hour of walk they came into a field of green lawn. Genevier and Coltranthum were up in the bright blue sky shining brilliant that morning. The wind from the north was blowing a fresh air and the magnificent dragons were everywhere hovering around the place with their great wings, some were playing fight on the sky, and some were napping at the fine grass. At the side of the wide lawn stood still a rock-hill filled with big holes which are the caves of the dragons.
“Good morning Master Reginleif.” said one dragon standing on the lawn as they passed the dragon by. He was a gold dragon and seemed very old with the look of his eyes, the tone of his hoarsely voice, and his dark gold skin.
“Good morning Krettus!” replied Reginleif as he bowed his head and continued “This is Drinn of Hywel.”
“Nice to meet you Krettus, sir!” greeted Drinn politely, for deep inside him he felt a great honor on meeting the old gold dragon.
“I’m honored to meet you,” said Krettus, “I sense great strength in you young Master Drinn.”
The dragon then stood up and looked intently at Drinn’s eyes and said “A great part of the prophecy you will surely have Drinn of Hywel. I’m glad to see Quinlan’s prophecy fulfilling one by one before I pass away. Complete freedom is drawing nearer and nearer.” he then turned his gaze at Reginleif “And what brought the two of you here master Reginleif?”
“We’re looking for Master Cuauhtémoc, Krettus.” Reginleif answered, “This morning he told me that he’s going to ask you for a few things.”
“Yes he did, he went at the Shrine.” the dragon looked up at the top of the hill “He’s trying to communicate with Quinlan in dreams.”
“Let’s not disturb him Reginleif.” Drinn said, he looked at the dragon and said “Thank you sir Krettus, I’m well please to meet you.”
Drinn and Reginleif was about to leave when Krettus said a word that made Drinn to stop. “I felt something is bothering you young master Drinn.” Krettus said solemnly. “Make known your troubled heart, and the old dragon might help.”
Drinn turned at the old gold dragon and felt a sudden trust then slowly he said “I’m hearing a voice Krettus.” He sighed and continued “It is what troubles me sir, and it’s the reason I want to see Cuauhtémoc.”
“A voice?” inquired Krettus surprisingly, “How, and what did the voice told you.”
Drinn replied “In the dream world I had a dream of a voice telling me about my heart’s desire, about freedom and truth. Next is at the river when I was about to lose my breath, he told me to let go.”
“Is that all young master Drinn?” Krettus asked “How about here in Firolwen have you heard his voice?”
Drinn answered “Yes, he told me strange things I can’t understand.”
“Like what Drinn?” the dragon asked curiously.
“He said I’m a warrior and Drinn is my name.”
“Did he tell you his name, the voice?” said Krettus.
“No he didn’t.” Drinn answered.
“Master Cuauhtémoc should know this at once!” Krettus said.
“Wait, I do remember something.” said Drinn “In the dream world I saw him, walking away from me. I only saw his back; he was wearing a gold armor. And…” Drinn seemed too hesitant of what he was about to say.
“Yes Drinn, and what?” inquired Krettus.
“And I now remember his name—His name is Quinlan.”
Krettus and Reginleif stood still speechless as if they heard an unbelievable news. And then Krettus broke the silence.
“Have you met him here in Firolwen Drinn?” Krettus asked eagerly.
“No I don’t, why?” Drinn said.
“You should see him!” said Krettus, and then he recited a prophecy. “And the Chosen One shall be knighted by Quinlan, and there and only then shall He be ready to face the fallen prince.”
“Wait sir I can’t understand.” Drinn said.
“Drinn,” said Reginleif, “What Krettus is saying is that you are the Chosen One, the White Warrior.”
“What?!” Drinn took a few steps backward. “It’s a mistake, I can’t be. Look at me Reginleif. I can’t even hold a sword!”
“In time you will, young master.” said Krettus, “The prophecy must be fulfilled you must be knighted by Quinlan.”
“Come and ride on my back!” said the dragon at Drinn, “We should see master Cuauhtémoc right away, even if we have to disturb him.”

They flew at the top of the hill where the shrine was, it was painted white and blue beside a small round tower. Inside many candles were lighted, and in front was a table curved with many strange marks, too strange for Drinn, and there was Cuauhtémoc lying asleep.
“Sorry to bother you master Cuauhtémoc,” said Krettus, “You should now rise up.” Cuauhtémoc opened his eyes and was surprised at seeing Drinn and Reginleif.
Cuauhtémoc stood up and inquired “What is this all about?”
“Our long awaited time has been fulfilled Master Cuauhtémoc.” Reginleif answered. “Drinn is the White Warrior.”
“No I’m not!” said Drinn.
“Yes he is, master Cuauhtémoc.” added Krettus. “He is dreaming of Quinlan and could hear Quinlan’s voice.”
Krettus turned at Drinn “That’s the greatest proof Drinn. As the prophecy says, ‘In wisdom and good judgment He will lead an army. The voice of Quinlan audibly he will hear, and none shall but only Him, the Chosen One, the White Warrior.’ No one could hear Quinlan’s voice Drinn, except for the Prophet Glahei and Master Cuauhtémoc. They could speak to Quinlan, but it is rarely in dreams.”
“No Krettus, what you’re saying is impossible!” Drinn said shaking his head. “I can’t be the Chosen One!”
“Impossible is not in Quinlan’s vocabulary Drinn.” said Cuauhtémoc seriously. “The first time I saw you I had a glimpse of strength in your eyes, I know something is hidden in you. That’s why I’m here seeking Quinlan’s knowledge. And he answered me at once.”
“This must be kept secret for now.” said Krettus. “There will be a peril if Vibac would know about this. We don’t know how strong his forces are right now, who are his allies and what he can possibly do.”
“When was the last time you had a word with Quinlan Drinn?” inquired Cuauhtémoc.
“It’s the reason why I came here.” Drinn answered. “Last night I dream about you, Reginleif, Geironul and Eanna!”
“What’s the dream about?” said Krettus.
“I dreamt about the day we’re rescued from Hywel. And what troubled me in my dream, Geironul was bitten by a velvrathe and he hid it. Before the dream fades I heard a voice saying, a hidden weakness will lead to destruction, expose it and you’ll find healing.”
Cuauhtémoc’s face became troubled and said “We must find Geironul he must be poisoned by now!”
“What do you mean, will he die?” asked Drinn.
“No, it’s more terrible than that Drinn.” Cuauhtémoc answered, “If he can’t resist, Celandine’s spell might control him. Firolwen is at risk and…”
“The Amulen Stone!!!” they all exclaimed in chorus.
Reginleif quickly ran outside the shrine, and a loud bell rang echoing from the tower beside the shrine for Reginleif sounded it as an alarm. A few minutes after, it was joined by another bell from afar, till all the bells in Firolwen were ringing loud.
“Please prepare all the Dragons Krettus incase of a war.” said Cuauhtémoc.
“Wait, a war?” said Drinn.
“Yes Drinn, I’m afraid a war might come.” replied Cuauhtémoc anxiously.

   Reginleif flew outside Firolwen forest to find out if an Amarashan army was approaching, while Drinn and Cuauhtémoc flew back at the Tree of Ilan; the bells were still ringing from the tree houses and from the Northern Village.
“Where is Geironul?!” Cuauhtémoc asked Eanna when they arrived at the Tree of Ilan.
“I don’t know Master Cuauhtémoc.” she replied.
“Does anyone know where he is?!” inquired Cuauhtémoc, and none of them answered.
“This is not good!”
“Brandeoulf, Isaiuhloc, go and ensure the Amulen Stone right away.” and the two aderyns quickly leaped off the porch and flew up to check the stone.
Bribble came out from the house, he was awakened by the loud rang of the bells “What’s happening Cuauhtémoc?” he asked.
“I’ll explain everything, as soon as everyone has returned.” Cuauhtémoc replied gravely. “Just wait and hope that Quinlan will keep us.”

   Cold wind stretched Reginleif’s face as he flew swiftly heading east. His heart was beating loud, and his mind was troubled, fear was creeping in his heart—He never felt that fear before—yet his fear grew intensely when he heard a vague sound of an orc horn coming south east.
In no time the aderyn reached the Eastern Mountains of Assiran, with the force of his flight he nearly loosed his footing as he landed on the peak.
He was breathing heavy, his knees were shaking, and his broad wings almost wrapped around him. He slowly looked Far East and the sight stunned him. Thousand upon thousand black armies of Amarash and a multitude of dragons came into view. It was what Reginleif feared the most, the kind of army strong enough to raze the heart of his heart.
“Protect us Quinlan.” he whispered a prayer. “I do hope that the Amulen Stone was still there.” he then flew back to Firolwen to tell the news that he only wished was not true.

   Time passed by and the suns of Neriwonda were shining bright at the horizon. It was eleven in the morning and the council of Firolwen was assembled at the Tree of Ilan, they were at the round table, but instead of having lunch, they were all sitting in silence listening to Cuauhtémoc.
“By now the humans in Shandy-Wheen and the dragons were prepared and waiting for our news as well as some of you who doesn’t know the whole story.” Cuauhtémoc said and paused. “I have news, and it’s rather a terrible news.”
“A vast army of Amarash was spotted south east and was heading towards us. They will be in Firolwen by night. And the Amulen Stone, our protection was stolen.”
“What! But who stole it?” Brokk inquired. “The one who is not present in this council.” he answered sadly.
“Geironul, but why?” said Ilan.
“He was bitten by a velvrathe,” Cuauhtémoc replied, “He hid it from us, and was controlled by Celandine the Sorceress.”
“Good heavens!” cried Tuulikki the dwarf.
“So what is our plan Master Cuauhtémoc?” Reginleif asked.
“We can do nothing but to fight, all aderyns, dragons are going to the war, including all male of Shandy-Wheen who are willing to fight, while women and children will leave Firolwen at once.”
“And where are they to go?” Reginleif said.
“The Amarashans will enter Firolwen from east.” Cuauhtémoc said pointing at the map on the table. “This is the only way they could enter Firolwen easily, they would not risk climbing the mountains. The evacuees will escape on the west passing the Mountains of Assiran and should reach Vennashan the town of the elves. Vennashan has an Amulen Stone and they will be safe there.”
“But who among the villagers of Shandy-Wheen knows the way to Vennashan?” Brandeoulf asked.
“None.” said Cuauhtémoc. “You, Eanna and Hanguel will lead them.”
“But master Cuauhtémoc?” said Eanna as she stood.
Cuauhtémoc looked at Eanna’s eyes and said “I know Eanna. You want to go to the battle. But protecting the villagers is of the same importance as going in a war. It’s a noble task.”
Eanna sat back on her chair and seemed anguished as Cuauhtémoc continued “We don’t know what the Villagers might face in the Mountains of Assiran, they need you to protect them, and two aderyns are not enough.
“Brandeoulf will lead the way, while Eanna and Hanguel will guard the back of the villagers. It’s more possible that attacks may come from the back—incase we lost the battle.
“Sindri, Brokk, and Tuulikki you are to go with the villagers, and as well as the Princess. But before you all go to Shandy-Wheen, take Mrs. Kettlery with you.
“And you Ilan, I know you can’t leave the tree for it is your life. Protect it as possible as you could.”
Cuauhtémoc stood and said “Any further questions then?” it’s a long paused and then Bribble said “I have sir. It’s not a question, I have something to say.”
“What is it Bribble?” said Cuauhtémoc.
“I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I can’t stay and fight.” Bribble said nervously.
“Very well, I understand.” Cuauhtémoc said, “And how about you Drinn?”
Drinn seemed undecided and he looked at Bribble and Princess Meyah as if he was conversing with them with his eyes. It appeared that he wanted to fight but he doesn’t want to get separated with his friends.
“I don’t know Cuauhtémoc.” Drinn said silently and he lowered his head in confusion.
“If you’re undecided, you may go with them in the village for awhile and you should be able to decide when you arrive in Shandy-Wheen.
“Now Isaiuhloc and Tallac, you two are to gather all men from Shandy-Wheen and lead them in the Firolwen field where Reginleif and I will assemble the aderyn army. I already told Krettus to get the dragons ready.”
“Very well, may Quinlan be with us.”

   Three hours had passed and they were in Shandy-Wheen Village. The news had been brought by Isaiuhloc that a great turmoil surrounded the place, as grief and cries overcame the hearts of the villagers. Families are packing their things up, and weeping as they say goodbye to their relatives and friends.
“Are ye still undecided, lad?” said Tuulikki the dwarf, “We’re ’bout to leave.”
“I’m going to stay Tuulikki.” Drinn replied.
“Are you sure Drinn?” said Bribble who was about to cry.
“Yes I am.” Drinn said “Something’s telling me that I must. I’ve been set free, and now I want to fight in return. Be very careful then Brib.” as Bribble burst out with tears and embraced Drinn tightly.
“You take care too Drinn!” said Bribble crying, “Promise me that we’re going to see you again, or else I won’t let go of you!”
“I promise Brib, I do.” Drinn said.
Drinn then said goodbye to each of them.
“Drinn please tell Reginleif to do take care.” said Eanna, “And as well as to Master Cuauhtémoc.”
“I will Eanna.” Drinn said, and then lastly he turned at Princess Meyah. Tears were falling from her eyes as she cried in silent and she can’t even look at Drinn.
“Stop crying my lady.” Drinn said softly to get the Princess’ attention, for he made a promise not to use the word ‘My Lady’ again. Princess Meyah looked at Drinn with a little smile as she cried.
“I knew it. You will look at me when I use that word.” said Drinn. He then put his hand inside his right pocket and took the other Dove Necklace. He put it on Princess Meyah and said “I want you to have this Princess Meyah. It’s a pair of dove necklace given to me by Mrs. Kettlery.  Here I’m wearing the other one.
“Be very careful on the journey to Vennashan.”
The princess embraced Drinn and said “You do take care too Drinn. I’ll take care of this, and I will see you soon.” as Princess Meyah’s tears fell on Drinn’s shoulder.
“Yes, we will see each other soon.” replied Drinn. “We can’t waste time you should leave now. The villagers had started going.”
Drinn turned around as his friends walked away and tears slowly fell from his eyes.