Journey to Vennashan
hree days had passed after the battle in Firolwen, Drinn’s friends and the villagers were on their way to Vennashan the Elven town in west. The long winding road and the slopes of Assiran Mountains made the journey very slow, as the villagers got footsore and worn out on the road rising gradually.
“We can’t continue traveling this slow.” said Hanguel behind the long villagers’ line walking abreast with his sister Eanna. “I’m sure the battle in Firolwen has ended, and we don’t know if there might be Amarashans chasing us by now.”
Eanna looked at the tired villagers’ line, her face was worried and she said “We can’t force them to hurry, most them are women and children and they are very tired.” she stopped and look behind the downhill road they had passed and the mountain peaks that covered Firolwen.
“What do you think happened to them?” Hanguel inquired.
Eanna’s eyes slowly became teary, but it was as if she prevents her tears to fall “You know why I strongly want to be in the war Hanguel? I know Reginleif very well,” she paused awhile and continued, “I’ve never seen that look in his face, and I’m sure that Firolwen is not just outnumbered in the war, it’s like five against one. It’s a suicide Hanguel; they just allow us to escape. And what depressed me is I’m here. They die that we may escape and we’re the last aderyns of Firolwen.”
“Don’t loose heart my sister,” comforted Hanguel, “Quinlan will make a river out in the desert.”
Eanna glimpse at her brother and gravely said “I hope he will. Come on we should be going.”
The journey went on the whole day and soon they reached the foot of Assiran. It’s becoming dark and cold that the villagers can’t continue anymore so they decided to spend the night there at the foot of the mountain. Brandeoulf explored the place and found a cave about three arrow shoot away south, so they decided to use all their strength left and head to the cave.
Night falls and they reach the cave. It was wide enough for all of them, and there was a bit of a warm air inside that was perfect to soothe them at the cold night. The dark cave was shed with light and heated more by the bonfires they made.
“At last we can have a rest. It’s been a long walk and I’m so exhausted. I’ll have my blanket ready.” said Brokk the dwarf as he stretched his little arms and then unpacked his bag.
Tuulikki the dwarf said “Are you sleeping with an empty stomach? We should eat something before we sleep.”
“Oh, I almost forgot it. My body is weary and really wants to rest.” replied Brokk.
“That’s a good idea Tuulikki, I’m so hungry.” Bribble added.
“You’re always hungry.” Tuulikki replied in a small laugh.
“Bribble gains more weight since he came to Firolwen!” added Sindri, and they all laugh.
“But do we still have enough food?” Brokk inquired.
“We still have bread tonight, but what remains are just enough for another day.” Tuulikki replied.
“It’s alright. We’ll be in Vennashan tomorrow.” Eanna assured them. “So tonight after we have our dinner we’ll all have a good rest. We’re going to wake up early tomorrow. I think every family has enough for tomorrow.”
“Hey where’s Princess Meyah?” Bribble asked Brokk.
“I don’t know she’s with you before we enter the cave.” replied the dwarf.
“Maybe she’s still outside. I’ll go and look for her.” Bribble said.
“And bring her food young man.” said Mrs. Kettlery.
Bribble went outside the cave and found Princess Meyah sitting on a rock holding her dove necklace and looking at the sky lightened by the moon and the stars. He then walk quietly and sat beside the Princess.
“Are you alright Princess Meyah?” said Bribble in a gentle voice. He looked up where the Princess looked and found out that the stars and the moon were shining very bright that night. “I know you’re worried about Drinn. I also do, but I’m sure we’ll see him in no time.” he said.
“The stars reminded me of Drinn.” replied the Princess.
“So do I, we often gaze at the stars and wait for shooting stars in Hywel.” said Bribble.
“In Firolwen he brought me at the top of Ilan’s tree and we stared at the stars that night.” Princess Meyah said. “Drinn love stars aren’t he?”
“Yes he does. He told me that it soothes his heart. It’s like it takes away every problem he has.” replied Bribble.
“I do love stars too,” said the Princess, “When I was in Plamaehan, I often went to my garden at night and fix my eyes on my favorite star. My mother told me when I was young that someone is destined for me. And most of the time we are both looking at the same star.”
“Oh, is that your favorite star?” Bribble asked pointing at the brightest star.
“Yes it is. It is the Venilon Star. I don’t know its name, until Drinn told me that night. He said it’s his favorite star too.” replied the Princess.
“I know it’s his favorite.” said Bribble. “And that’s why you’re looking at it tonight. I’m sure Drinn is looking at it too, at this very moment”
“You think so?” asked the Princess.
“I’m sure!” replied Bribble to comfort the Princess. “And oh, I almost forgot. I brought you a bread and water, you should eat.”
“Oh how nice of you Bribble. Thanks. But I’ll eat later, I’m not hungry yet.” replied the Princess.
“How did you and Drinn met?” the Princess asked curiously.
“We’ve been friends for a long time. I met him when we were still ten. I was born not knowing my parents, although it’s just in the dream world. I was a bad little boy then– One day I stole a fruit from a vendor, so I got chased and Drinn saw me and helped me. He hid me under the table were he sell potatoes. He was already a slave then. I thanked him, and he said that I should not do it again. He brought me to his master’s friend who was at that time looking for a slave servant and they took me. Although being a slave is not good, but at least I wont steal again for food. And we became best of friends. He also saved my life a lot of time, which is a far longer story. So I owe a lot to him, he is a true friend of mine.”
“You two are really best of friends.” replied the Princess.
Bribble yawned and said “Well– I’m sorry Princess Meyah, but I feel a bit sleepy. I’ll go inside and sleep, we’ll be waking up early tomorrow.”
“I’ll follow in just a minute and– Bribble, thank you for your time.” replied Princess Meyah with her smiling face.
“You’re welcome Princess and good night!” said Bribble.
“Good night Bribble!” the Princess replied.
“Good night Drinn.” the Princess whispered looking at the Venilon Star still holding the necklace. And after a minute Princess Meyah went inside the cave, eat and they all have their sleep.
Morning came and it was not a good day for them, for dark clouds were thick and was pouring a heavy rain. A cold breeze overcame the warm air inside the cave and chilled them.
“We can’t continue our journey today,” Brandeoulf said to Eanna as they stood at the mouth of the cave, “I think this rain will continue the whole day.”
“We should rummage around and make sure there was no Amarashans following us.” said Eanna. “If ever Amarashans had won the battle, some might be hunting us for they will find no villagers in Shandy-Wheen.”
“If there were some hunting us, we should destruct them and lead them far from the cave, or else they might find the villagers.”
“I guess you’re right Eanna,” replied Brandeoulf, “I’ll check the road where we passed and you check the opposite way.”
Eanna was soaked in the heavy rain as she flew carefully searching for a threat. The breeze was freezing cold and the fog was very thick that blurs the way and made it harder to fly, until the trees grow larger and darker. It was very quiet, save the sound of the raindrops falling heavy at the trees and the ground. Eanna was about to go back in the cave when she heard a flapping sound that might be a wyvern or an enemy’s dragon, so she flew down and hid on a big branch of a tree.
The flapping sound stopped a minute after and she thought that the enemy overheard her. She slowly pulled an arrow from her quiver and set it on her bow, and as she bends the string, a shadowy figure moved beneath the tree that she released the arrow at once but she knew it was a miss from hearing the arrow’s sound hitting the ground. Eanna was not moving; she discerned that it was an intelligent enemy, “A Dark elf it might be.” she taught.
The rain fell harder as Eanna set another arrow on her bow and wait for any movement from her unseen opponent. When suddenly, a thunder clapped overlapped the sound of the raindrops and with the sound of the thunder, a dagger flew at her that it almost hit her plunging at the trunk of the tree a few inches from her shoulder. She quickly jumped out of the tree for she knew that her unseen enemy had found where she was hiding, but as soon as her feet touched the ground she felt a sword pointed at her back.
“Move or you’ll die!” her opponent cried.
“Reginleif is that… is that you?” Eanna inquired at the familiar voice.
“Eanna?” he said uncertainly.
Eanna quickly turned and embrace Reginleif “You’re alive! I thought I would never see you again.”
“Good to see you again Eanna.” Reginleif said.
“Master Reginleif almost killed you Master Eanna.” a voice interrupted and it was Brinsop the silver dragon.
“You’re here too Brinsop!” she said gladly.
“Where are the villagers?” inquired Reginleif.
“They’re all safe,” she said “We found a cave last night and we stay there till morning. But as you see the rain prevents us from going to Vennashan. Brandeoulf and I search the place, for we thought there might be Amarashans chasing us.”
“Where are master Cuauhtémoc and the rest?” Eanna quickly asked “What happened to Firolwen?”
“Take me to the cave and I’ll answer all your questions there.” Reginleif answered. They went back to the cave and Brandeoulf was already at the mouth of the cave waiting for Eanna and the rain continued to pour out heavy.
“We’re glad to see you again son.” said Mrs. Kettlery. They were all sitting round and a fire was burning bright at the center.
“You can start and tell us what happened to Firolwen Reginleif, were all listening.” Brandeoulf said, while Reginleif’s face was so grave and was staring at the fire, his eyes were glowing red reflecting the fire. They were all barely waiting for Reginleif’s story with mix emotions, some felt sad, some fear, and others felt hope.
“What happened to Drinn?” Bribble asked.
Reginleif’s eyes were still fixed at the fire and said “We lost the war. Vibac and Celandine were with the Amarashans and we’re so outnumbered.” He paused for awhile and continued “I saw with my own eyes how Vibac put Master Cuauhtémoc to death. Aderyns and Men alike in Firolwen were slaughtered by the Amarashans. I was just rescued by Brinsop, we’ve been chased by them but luckily they had no dragons left so we escape from them.”
“No Drinn is still alive…” Bribble whispered with teary eyes.
“I’m sorry Bribble, the last time I saw him was he got shot by an arrows,” said Reginleif, “I can’t do anything for I was surrounded by the enemies.”
Tears started to fill their eyes and they all had a silent cry for they do not want to be overheard by the villagers.
“Are we going to tell the villagers about this?” Eanna asked.
“Yes we should.” Reginleif answered, as he stood and went on a place where all the villagers could see him and hear him.
“People of Firolwen, this is hard for me to say. We all here have love ones left on the battle. But I’m grieving to tell you. We lost the battle.” and the place started to be filled with cries, weep, grieve and mourn. “Bare with me people of Firolwen!” shouted Reginleif. “They all pass away, but what waits for them is a real life, a true rest and an eternal freedom. Don’t loose heart!” Reginleif ran and went to a place where no one can see him, and there he wept. Eanna followed him and cry with him. Everyone was grieving for the lost of their love ones.
An hour passed by, the rain stopped and they continued on their journey to the elf town in west. The news that they all heard made their journey slower, some were still weeping as they walk and some refused to go as they were on the way, but the journey still continued. Soon they crossed the Ledien Woods, a very silent and strange woods that the trees seemed to be watching them and no birds where singing. The suns were hardly seen but just a few rays that break in through the thick leaves above them and oddly the strangeness of the woods don’t gave fear in their hearts but hope instead. When they were halfway in the Ledien Woods, they stopped to have a rest and have their last lunch on the journey, for Vennashan was just about six to seven hours of walk away from them.
“Where are we Mrs. Kettlery?” Princess Meyah inquired.
“This is the Ledien Woods, if my memory serves me right this is the woods of the elves. Some of them guard this place.”
“How are you feeling now my daughter?” asked Mrs. Kettlery.
“I’m alright Mrs. Kettlery.” the Princess replied.
“No you’re not,” said Mrs. Kettlery, “You hardly touch your food.”
“Why it is that such a thing should happen?” Princess Meyah asked. “Everything was very fine and suddenly it fades away.”
“Things happened for a purpose Princess Meyah.” the old lady replied. “The question we should ask is not ‘Why these things do happen?’ but ‘What is the purpose of these things?’ Circumstances will teach you something my daughter.”
Princess Meyah paused for a moment as if she was thinking and said “Thank you Mrs. Kettlery.”
“You’re always welcome, my dear Princess.” replied Mrs. Kettlery. “You’re thinking about Drinn isn’t it?”
“He promised us that he will see us again.” Princess Meyah replied.
“And you think he failed his promise?” the old lady asked. “What does your heart tells you? Is he alive or not?”
“I don’t know, I wished he is still alive.” the Princess replied.
“Have Drinn told you what does the Dove Necklace means?” Mrs. Kettlery asked with a smile on her face.
“No, why?” the Princess inquired curiously.
“It is a pair of Dove Necklace, and it means that no matter what happened, you two will be both in each other’s heart. And death won’t separate you from him; his heart is living on that necklace.”
“Come on then, eat your lunch you must be in good shape when you see Drinn again.” comforted the old lady.
The Princess smiled and said “I really appreciate it Mrs. Kettlery. Thanks again.”
After they all had their lunch they continued their journey till afternoon came. They were just a few hours of walk, away from Vennashan. Reginleif and Eanna were now leading the villagers while Brandeoulf and Hanguel were at the rear.
“We’re almost there.” said Reginleif, when suddenly he felt a strange thing “Stop!” he said and signaled his hand as the villagers stopped and everyone whispered with each other.
“Someone is watching us.” Reginleif softly said to Eanna as he observed the place.
“Yes you’re right, I sense it too.” added the lady aderyn.
“Show yourself!” Reginleif shouted. “I know you’re all alone!”
It was followed by a few seconds of silence and then the spy went out jumping out from a tree. Two short swords were hanging at his back. He had a warrior look in his green noble eyes, and a youthful impression was on his face, his hair was black and long. Two blue gem earrings were on his left ear and was wearing a brown cloak. In fact the spy was an elf.
“Why are you heading to Vennashan?” inquired the elf.
“I’m Reginleif, we’re from Firolwen forest. Vennashan is the nearest place protected by an Amulen Stone. We’ve been overrun by Vibac, and we’re the ones left alive. Can we have a word to your leader?” he asked.
“It’s a terrible news. I’m Halvene son of Ecklaer. My father is the leader of the elves in Vennashan. I’ll take you to him right away, come follow me.” he answered.
Halvene led them as they came out of Ledien woods till the road turned into a slightly green downhill road. And from there the villager’s hope arose from seeing the town of the elves in west. Vennashan was at the foot of the hill and few houses were gleaming with green, gold and silver light for it was nearly going dark. At the center of the town there was a lighthouse and a green light was gleaming at its peak for the Amulen Stone was in it.
“Is that Vennashan Brandeoulf?” Bribble inquired for he was walking abreast with Brandeoulf.
“Yes it is, and at last we’re safe.” said Brandeoulf. “In the old days, aderyns, elves, dwarves, and men were living in one place.”
“You mean elves live on Firolwen?” said Bribble.
“Not in Firolwen and not in Vennashan,” replied Brandeoulf, “It’s in the city of Lughnien where the great castle of Clenn-Daryn was.” Brandeoulf sighed as if he remembered a very wonderful memory.
“Was? Why what happened?” said Bribble.
“Have you heard the story of the great battle of Lughnien?” asked Brandeoulf. “It is during those years that Vibac who was formerly called Eliel rebelled against his father King Daryn. It was a long story. These days the city was in ruined and the castle was abandoned. The elves flee there in Vennashan, the dwarves in Thorriat-Elleg, Men in Plamaehan, Hywel and other regions of Neriwonda; while the aderyns live in Firolwen led by Master Cuauhtémoc, and the other half live in Fortress Hill led by Master Zuriel.”
“Can’t we go in Fortress hill?” Bribble said.
“It’s too far. Fortress Hill is in far North of Lughnien.” Brandeoulf replied. “But as for me, after the villagers settled safe in Vennashan, I will flee to Fortress Hill and tell Master Zuriel what happened in Firolwen and to Master Cuauhtémoc.”
“And maybe it’s time to reunite the elves and the aderyns?” Bribble said.
“Yes you’re right Bribble.” answered Brandeoulf “And I guess were nearly here.”
The wall of Vennashan was tightly shut and was about fifteen to twenty feet high made from a various kinds of woods and wild plants almost covered the wall. Halvene spoke to the watchman in an elven tongue and the gates opened.
Their weariness fades as they enter the town as if magic surrounded the place. Elves were everywhere watching the long line of the villager’s line as one elf inquired of them.
“What is this all about?” asked the elf.
“Father these are men of Firolwen.” Halvene replied. “I will let Reginleif their leader to speak on their behalf.” Halvene look at Reginleif and said “This is my father Ecklaer you may now speak.”
Reginleif bow his head and said “If we found favor in your eyes, may you let these villagers live here in your noble town. Firolwen was overrun by Amarash and we’re the only ones left alive. This is the nearest place we know protected by the stone.”
“What happened to Master Cuauhtémoc?” Ecklaer inquired.
“He passed away in the battle.” Reginleif replied sadly.
The elf leader was in silent for a few seconds and then said “Very well then, for tonight some can sleep at the temple and some can stay on other elf houses for awhile. Tomorrow you can all start to build your houses and the elves will help you.”
“We’re very grateful for your kindness.” said Reginleif.
“Why did you separate ways with the White Warrior?” a roughly old voice interrupted them. He was an old man with a white long beard; he was wearing an eyeglass and holding a wooden staff in his right hand.
“He is Hermit Klahei.” Ecklaer introduced the old man.
“What do you mean we separate ways with the White Warrior sir?” Reginleif asked curiously.
“The White Warrior was awakened a few days ago,” the hermit replied and walked near to them, “He came from Hywel and moved to Firolwen and now he is heading to the northern woods of Firolwen. I guess he is a human for he was awakened from Hywel. I never thought that the White Warrior would be a human.”
“Are you referring to Drinn? Is he alive?” Reginleif asked.
Hermit Klahei replied “I don’t know his name. Don’t even know what he looks like. I’m referring to the man who came from Hywel and travel to Firolwen. Do you know him?”
“Yes it is Drinn!” Reginleif said, “How do you know concerning this things?”
“Drinn is alive!” Bribble interrupted gladly. “But Drinn? White Warrior?”
“If that would be his name. This is a magic map.” said the prophet showing an old brown cloth with a map printed on it. “It shows where the Chosen One is going. A few days ago the White Warrior appeared on the map.”
“So he is really alive!” added Princess Meyah.
“And he is the Chosen One!” exclaimed Sindri as he jumped with joy that his eyeglass almost fell if not for a cord tied on his eyeglass to his neck. “Thank Quinlan he is alive!”
“But where is he heading?” Reginleif asked.
“I guess he is looking for the prophet.” the Hermit respond.
“But what is he doing out there?” asked Bribble.
“I don’t know. Possibly he is starting his task as the Chosen One. If you want to follow him, I’m willing to give you this magic map.” said Hermit Klahei.
“Let us follow Drinn!” exclaimed Bribble.
“We’ll start our journey tomorrow.” said Reginleif.
“Should we all go?” inquired Sindri.
“If you want to.” Reginleif replied.
“I also want to come.” said Princess Meyah.
“But Princess Meyah, it would be very dangerous.” Reginleif said.
Eanna interrupted “Let her come with us Reg. I understand what the Princess felt. Please let her.”
“Okay, I do understand. Tomorrow we’ll look for Drinn.” said Reginleif.
“I will not go with you Reginleif.” Brandeoulf interrupted. “I think some of us should go to Fortress Hill and tell the news to Master Zuriel.”
“Yes I guess Brandeoulf is right.” added Hanguel “I’ll accompany him.”
“Very well then, we all should rest now, for tomorrow comes a new journey and a new chapter.” said Reginleif.
They all have a good sleep that night from hearing the good news about Drinn. The next day came Brandeoulf and Hanguel started their journey at dawn and the villagers started building their houses and elves helped them out, while Reginleif and the rest prepared themselves for a great journey. Ecklaer gave them foods, weapons and horses. They said their goodbyes to the villagers especially to Mrs. Kettlery and thanked Ecklaer, Halvene and the Hermit Klahei. They were already outside the town of Vennashan when they heard a horse gallop behind them and it was Halvene.
“I’ll go with you. I think I can help a lot.” he said.
“Thanks Halvene. But why?” asked Reginleif.
“I’ve been longing for this day that the White Warrior will appear and defeat Vibac. I want to be in his army.” the elf warrior replied.
“Welcome to the group!” exclaimed Tuulikki who was on the same horse with Reginleif. “I am Tuulikki the dwarf and allow me to introduce the rest. This is Reginleif, but I guess you already knew him. Those two dwarfs in the pony are Sindri and Brokk, Sindri is the one in front. And those two beautiful ladies are Princess Meyah and Eanna. And of course that dragon is Brinsop.”
“It’s my honor to meet you all warriors of the Chosen One.” Halvene said.
“Reginleif I have a suggestion if you don’t mind.”
“What is it? I’d like to hear it.” Reginleif respond.
“I think we should not take the way going east. As you said, that Firolwen has been overrun by the enemy. I’m sure that the enemy has already camped in Firolwen.” suggested Halvene.
“So what do you advise?” Reginleif inquired. Halvene direct his horse side by side with Reginleif for Reginleif has the magical map.
“I suggest we take north to the Woods of the Dryads, and then we go east going to the temple of prophet Glahei.” he said and point at the direction of the map.
“I think you’re right. It would be safer to take that road.” Reginleif respond. “So to the Woods of the Dryads we go!”