From a Far Land Page 5

  “And you’ve earned her trust?” Jason asked.

  Gatlor shook his head. “Not I,” he said. “She accepts me because I have sworn a blood oath to serve the Circle. It is Loremaster Reyga that has earned her trust. I do not know how or where. You would have to ask him.”

  As Jason looked at Reyga, the Loremaster shook his head. “I am sorry, Jason, but that is one tale I cannot tell you. To do so would be to betray Lenai’s trust in me, and that I will not do.”

  Jason thought about it. “Okay,” he said. “That’s cool. I understand about keeping confidences. I can respect that.”

  Reyga inclined his head. “Thank you, Jason. I am glad you feel that way. Perhaps you may be able to win her trust as well. Then I will be able to share this tale with you.”

  “I would not get your hopes up, young one,” Seerka said. “I know several Shanthi, and they are notoriously distant to those whom they do not know, particularly humans.”

  Jason digested the Ferrin’s words for a moment, then said, “Well, we’ll see. Stranger things have happened, I guess.”

  Gatlor grunted. “Not many.”

  Then, turning to Reyga, Gatlor said, “I have procured pack animals for our journey, and basic food items and supplies. If there is anything else you wish to purchase, you should do it this afternoon. We leave at first light.”

  Reyga nodded. “We will be ready. Thank you for your preparations. We will meet you here in the morning.” He inclined his head to Gatlor, with the warrior reciprocating with a nod. “Come, Jason,” Reyga said. “We must secure lodging for the night, purchase some additional supplies, and I still must present you to the village leaders.”

  *****

  After the young man and old Loremaster left, Gatlor turned to the others. “Well? What do you think?”

  “I think this may be one of the more interesting assignments I have received from the Circle,” Seerka said.

  “Oh, aye,” Gatlor agreed, with more than a touch of sarcasm, “it will be most interesting.” Then, more seriously, “Of course you know we were being watched?”

  “When are we not watched?” the Ferrin replied. He showed his fangs in a feral grin. “We are very popular.”

  “Perhaps, but the attention we received today was for the boy, not for us. What about you, Calador? What are your thoughts?”

  The giant warrior considered for a moment, and then said, “I believe there is more to the youth than is readily apparent. I find myself liking him. I would not like to see him or the Loremaster harmed on this journey.”

  “If he does as told, he should be safe,” Gatlor replied. “But I sense a rebellious spirit in him that could get him into trouble.”

  “Yes,” Seerka agreed. “I see a little of the Ferrin in him. Accommodating when it suits them, but following their own choices when it does not.”

  “Perhaps,” Calador said, “but knowing that will simply serve to keep us more alert.”

  Calador chuckled at the disgusted looks from his companions, then, turning serious again, he asked, “Did you see who was watching us?”

  Gatlor scanned the busy square full of people. “No. Whoever, or whatever, observed us was well concealed. I am certain we will be followed.”

  “All the better to be alert,” Calador said. As his companions rolled their eyes at him, he began to laugh again.

  *****

  Jason followed Reyga as the Loremaster purchased supplies for the journey, including, after a rather lengthy search, a couple of pieces of calintha fruit. Even knowing what to expect, the invigorating flavor and aroma still surprised him. He tried to chew slowly, as Reyga had done, in order to draw out the experience as long as possible.

  Then they found a small garment shop where they purchased some clothing and soft leather boots that fit a little better than what Reyga had supplied. After brief introductions to the village leaders, they found an inn and got a room for the night.

  As they entered their room and Jason saw the beds, all of his strength seemed to drain down through his feet and disappear into the cracks between the floorboards. He flopped down onto the nearest bed with a groan.

  “Man, I’m beat,” he said. “I thought I was in better shape than this.”

  Reyga smiled. “I am sure you are more fit than you feel right now. Remember, this is only your second day. You are still acclimating to our world. That alone can be very draining for some.”

  “For some? So there have been others that have just popped in from other worlds?”

  “Oh, yes,” Reyga said. “Centuries ago, it was not at all uncommon. They usually arrived through one of the large rifts, although their journey through the Riftlands was almost always more unsettling than the journey through the rift itself.” He sat down on the other bed. “Over the last century, there have been fewer and fewer. It has been several years since our last one. We thought there might be no more until you showed up. Tell me, how did you get from the Riftlands to my home without learning where you were?”

  He rolled onto his side. “I didn’t,” he said. “I walked through that door I told you about, and then I was standing at your place.”

  “Do you mean to tell me that you came here through a chaotic rift? I had assumed you arrived in the Riftlands, where most others do.”

  “I don’t know. Is that what you call it? A chaotic rift?”

  “That is the only way I know of for you to have appeared at my door as you describe.” Reyga’s brow furled in thought. “But the odds of anyone coming safely through a chaotic rift are astronomical. There has been less than a handful in our recorded history. You are very fortunate indeed.”

  “So what is a chaotic rift?” he asked, and then opened his mouth in a huge yawn.

  “I think perhaps that is a topic for tomorrow,” Reyga said. “You are very tired, and we have quite a journey ahead of us. You need to get some rest.”

  He didn’t have the strength to argue. As he closed his eyes, he asked, “How long will it take to get to Lore's Haven?”

  “With good weather, and no delays, it is a five day journey.”

  “Okay, sounds good…” he mumbled as he drifted off to sleep.

  *****

  From the shadows underneath a tree across from the inn, two pairs of eyes watched the light go out in the upstairs room where the old man and youth were staying. They had seen the escort arrive that morning, and had observed the subsequent meeting with the two who now slept across the road. They had known instantly that the young human was a Far Planer. That by itself was enough to warrant further observation. The fact that he traveled overland with a Loremaster and an escort from Lore's Haven made it even more intriguing.

  One of the watchers shadowed them that afternoon as they went about their errands. The other reported what they had seen to the Master, who commanded them to continue watching and reporting. In the darkness, they received new orders from the Master. One scurried off into the dark night, while the other returned its attention to the room above. There was nothing they could do other than watch and wait, at least for now.

  A Matter of Opinions

  Jason woke from a dreamless sleep to someone shaking him. As he pried his gritty eyes open, he saw Reyga.

  “Oh, did I doze off while you were talking?” he asked with a yawn. “Sorry about that. What were you saying?”

  “No, my boy, it is time to get up. You have slept through the night, and now we must meet our escort and get underway for the Haven.”

  He stretched, and rubbed his eyes. “Are you sure? It doesn’t feel like I slept all night.”

  “Oh, I am quite sure,” Reyga said with a chuckle. “And if I know Gatlor, he and the others are already waiting for us even now.”

  “Okay, okay.” He struggled to his feet. “I’m up.” He looked around for the clothing they had purchased the previous day until he realized he was still wearing it. “Is there anything to eat?”

  “We will eat as we travel,” Reyga replied. “Time is of the essence.
If we are late you will find that Gatlor’s tongue is every bit as sharp as his blades.”

  They gathered their supplies and headed out into the pre-dawn darkness. Jason was glad Reyga was with him. He would have been totally lost otherwise. The deep shadows made everything appear eerily different from what little he remembered. The Loremaster seemed to know precisely where he was going, and soon Jason saw the stone building where they had previously met their escort. The three warriors were waiting for them as if they had never left, this time with gear and animals. They arrived just as the first signs of light crept across the sky.

  Jason saw Gatlor glance up, and then turn to Calador. He heard a clinking sound, and the rumble of the giant chuckling. As they put their supplies down, Gatlor turned to them. “Well,” he said, “a promising beginning, although you have already cost me coin.”

  “Indeed?” Reyga said. “And how have we done that?”

  Seerka snickered and said, “Gatlor had, shall we say, ‘concerns’ about young Jason’s fortitude. He was not convinced you would make it here by first light. Calador had no such concerns, and now has Gatlor’s coin.”

  Although Calador said nothing, he jingled the coins in his massive hand, and Jason again heard the giant’s rumbling chuckle.

  “Oh,” Jason said. He looked at Gatlor. “Sorry.”

  Gatlor scowled. “Aye, well, it was worth it. I would rather get a timely start to our journey than take coin from this great lout’s purse.”

  Calador and Seerka laughed.

  “Do not let him fool you,” the Ferrin said. “Gatlor despises losing bets.”

  “I also despise falling behind schedule,” Gatlor said pointedly, “and we are wasting time with this idle chatter.” He turned to Reyga and Jason. “I have secured several charnoths for our journey. We have left one unburdened for you to load your supplies on.” He gestured toward the animals standing nearby.

  Reyga turned to Jason and said, “Would you please see to the supplies? I need to have a word with Gatlor.” Then the Loremaster walked off with the warrior, speaking to him in tones too low for Jason to hear.

  Seerka walked over to Jason. “I will assist you,” he said. “You do not want to approach the charnoths without being properly introduced.”

  The cat-man grabbed one of the bundles and walked toward the unloaded pack animal. Jason followed, carrying the remaining supplies. The animal looked like a rhinoceros, minus the horn, and stood about five feet high at the shoulder. Its legs and feet were like the legs of a big cat, complete with claws, and two wickedly curved tusks emerged from its mouth. The hairless gray skin looked thick enough to stop a bullet.

  “Not so glamorous as horses, perhaps,” Seerka said, “but these will also serve to guard our camp during the night. Come, we must introduce you.”

  They moved to the lead animal. Seerka held Jason’s hand up to its nose. The animal snuffled at it for a moment, then studied Jason’s face with what looked to be more than the usual animal curiosity.

  “Are they intelligent?” Jason asked, returning the animal’s curious gaze.

  “More so than most other animals. That is one reason they are preferable to horses on a journey such as this. They can be fierce fighters when confronted by an enemy.”

  The beast blew a short gust of breath at them and tossed its head. The other charnoths turned to look at Jason, and then they too tossed their heads before turning their attentions elsewhere.

  “There,” Seerka said. “You have been accepted. The charnoths know you are part of our group, and will defend you with their lives should the necessity arise.”

  “Well, that’s good to know,” Jason said. I’d hate to have one of them mad at me.

  *****

  Gatlor and Reyga returned as Jason and Seerka were finishing. While Reyga checked their supplies, Gatlor motioned for Seerka and Calador to join him.

  When they had moved out of earshot, Gatlor told them, “We have been instructed by the Circle to use no dimsai in front of our young visitor unless we are in jeopardy of our lives.”

  “Interesting,” Seerka said. “And did they tell us why?”

  Gatlor shook his head. “No, and I did not ask. If the Circle thinks we need to know the reasons for their actions they will tell us. My oath is to serve, not question the orders of the Circle.”

  “True enough,” Calador rumbled, “but I do not recall the Circle ever giving an order such as this. It does make one wonder as to the reason.”

  “You may wonder all you like,” Gatlor said, “but see to it that he does not see any power being used unless and until the Circle gives us leave. Understood?”

  As the others nodded their agreement, Gatlor looked over to where Reyga and Jason were waiting. “Something tells me I am going to be very glad to be rid of this Far Planer by the time we get to the Haven.”

  *****

  Tal Vardyn sat in his chambers mulling over the meeting of the Circle the previous day. The gathering had started out civil enough, but as he related what Reyga had told him about the young Far Planer, he had seen a myriad of emotions running across the faces of the Loremasters. Then he mentioned the prophecy. That may have been a mistake. Almost before he finished, several Loremasters were on their feet. He leaned his head back against the chair and closed his eyes…

  ~~~

  “He must be killed immediately!” Chon Artel, the Obsidian Loremaster, bellowed. “The prophecy is clear! His destruction is our hope!”

  In a smooth voice that seemed to glide through each part of the chamber, Seryn Shal, the Diamond Loremaster, said, “We must not do anything rash. Now is not the time for ill thought out action. We need to meet this young man, and ascertain for ourselves what manner of person he is. The prophecy is not as clear as we may think.”

  As Chon glared at her, the gathering dissolved into pandemonium, each Loremaster trying to be heard over the others. Tal watched the scene for a few moments, and then, with a blast of dimsai that cast a glare over the entire Circle, he roared at the top of his voice, “ENOUGH!”

  Silence filled the room.

  “We are Loremasters,” he said sternly, “and we will conduct this assembly, and ourselves, with the dignity and honor that our office demands.”

  In a lower, yet no less authoritative voice, he went on. “The next one among you who displays another outburst like that will answer to me.” He gave them all a hard look. “Now, everyone sit back down and let us discuss this in a calm, rational manner as befits civilized people.”

  He watched as the Loremasters took their seats. “I realize it is no small shock to suddenly find ourselves in the middle of a situation that, if it is what the prophecy refers to, may very well determine the future of our world. While we are all familiar with Taleth’s prophecy, I am certain none of us expected to be living it. Nevertheless, that is the path fate appears to have given us, and it is up to us to walk it as best we can.”

  He paused for a moment to study their faces, and then went on. “Loremaster Reyga is bringing the young man here. They are coming overland, so we have a few days to discuss our options. I personally agree with Loremaster Seryn. I believe that we should meet him. After that, we can decide what to do with him. Until they arrive, I believe we need to devote ourselves to studying the prophecy to see whether or not we can divine exactly what it is saying.”

  Chon stood up once more, although with somewhat more dignity than the first time. He was a short, stocky man, with a thick black beard and bushy eyebrows. “As I said before, High One,” he said in gruff voice, “the prophecy seems clear enough to me. ‘His destruction is our hope’ it says. That seems easy enough to understand.” A couple of the other Loremasters nodded thoughtfully as he sat down.

  Seryn stood. “The prophecy also states that ‘for our land to live, the far land must die.’ What land would that be?” She looked around the Circle. “It does not sound so clear to me when you consider the entire prophecy instead of just one line,” she finished, looking directl
y at Chon, who favored her with a scowl.

  Jarril Breth, the Amber Loremaster stood. He was Ferrin, one of only two non-human Loremasters on the Circle. His bright green eyes scanned the faces of the other Loremasters as he spoke. “Something else to consider: Taleth also said that although Jaben would be the last to arrive, he would already be here. What are we to make of that? Are there two of him? Will he have an accomplice? No, I do not believe the prophecy is clear at all. We must study her words and meet this Jason Bennett. Perhaps after we speak with him, we will be able to understand the prophecy better. Or we may decide that this young Far Planer is not the Jaben of Taleth’s prophecy at all.”

  For the next hour, the Loremasters took turns expressing opinions and asking questions. Finally, Tal stood up.

  “I believe we have discussed all we need to today,” he said. “We all have much to think about, both concerning Taleth’s prophecy, and also each other’s words. Let us adjourn for now, and we will meet again in three days.” He looked at each Loremaster in turn. “I urge all of you to seriously consider each position and opinion that has been presented here, even if it differs from your own. Only by exploring all of our options can wisdom prevail. May the mantle of wisdom ever rest upon your shoulders,” he concluded.

  “May your power be exceeded only by your honor, High One,” came the formal reply from seven voices as the Loremasters stood and began to file out…

  ~~~

  On the whole, he thought as he opened his eyes, although it had not gone as well as he would have liked, it also had not gone as badly as he had feared. Perhaps the meeting two days hence would not be too trying of an ordeal. He opened another of the texts and resumed his studies.

  *****

  From this vantage point, the world spread out before her like an intricately woven tapestry. A chill breeze whispered against her cheek. She didn’t notice the cold, immersed as she was in secret thoughts of her own.