A VEIL OF SHADOWS IN LIGHT: BOOK I: INTO THE HEARTS OF DARKNESS

Prelude: Novalte

The Beginnings

      In the World of Novalte, there were a mix of many races, some goodly, some evil, some did not care whether or not a culture had a feud against the other; so as long as they did not impunge on their civil rights. These who called themselves good, were the long-living elves, who often claimed they were the first to ever walk among this world. And they also claim that they were the first who often used their brains and thus learned of magic and the gifts of nature that the Eternal Beings had given them at their birth. Although humans had neither the inborn powers that of the elves, or their skills for the natural, they had something the elves did not have: the ability to be curious and the ability to procreate faster than any living mortal on two legs. Then we have your Euliam-Harth, most certainly unprenouncable in the human tongue, to say the least. So, when first contact was made by the humans of the Euliam-Harth, they renamed them “barbarians.” Of course, to humans, anyone who did not think or act like themselves were often labled as such, but these particular barbarians lived in wastelands, deserts and mountains where many others have died. They had amazing abilities in tracking things and weaponry tactics. Thus did humans learn from them too. It was easier to communicate with everyone back then, for all the lands where mortals walked had been connected without vast water seperating them.

      There were other races who interacted little with the outside world: the Warhoekens, or “Tarrawarrians” in the human tongue, an avian like race who were peaceful merchants. Then Karradans, underwater folk who took care of the sea and those who lived with them underneath the blue barrier. There were the gem-loving, smithing and minoring Fejzahra’s, or simply called “Spindlers” by the humans. There were the evil folk who went against the peaceful everyday lives of these humans, elves, Spindlers, barbarians of the wastelands: the feared goblins, orcs, trolls, giants and mutated animals who had lived too close to the magical area of the Echo Valley during the Great Sundering.

      There were even some humans who sided with these unnatural creatures to either gain for more money or power. Humans arose during the cycles 2352 BGS-1827 BGS, where all of their creative powers and idealistic forms of government came to form. They were feuding tribes before then, much like their cousin the barbarians of the wastelands. A great King was named Turn Vallan turned humanity around and declared that all of the lands for their own birthright. Humans spread across Novalte then, like wildfire in the dry seasons. When they did spread, all mortal eyes saw in the heavens a bright star crash down in the still uninhabited human lands in the south. Two curious human magicians, who had learned the secrets of the mystic forces from the elves went to find out what this was. Even as they did, dark forces rose from that direction. So, the rumors spread, and fear overwhelmed everyone. And as they spread, the elves closed their doors to the outside world, as did the others races, fearing the rumors of darkness spreading. The magicians had discovered later that a powerful glowing rock from the heavens had strange magical properties that had to be discovered. Inside this rock they discovered six silver keys. Now known as Gate Keys. 

      As the two magi learned more about these keys and their properties, they began to hate each other and want to control the Keys for themselves. The two had a great magical battle performed over what was now known as modern day Alvantare, Silver City of Magic. This magical battle, called “The Great Sundering” by historians, did just that. This battle between two equal forces changed the world of Novalte forever. Their magic tore apart connecting lands, changed the atmosphere, killed several species of plant and animal life, and some humans as well. Worst yet, this magic created new mutated horrors. One mage who had won saw the terrible mistake he had made and created protection for such a thing. He created magical seals from the heavenly rock and imbued the Keys within, scattering them across the planet with his dying breath.

      To this day, peace returned, and the humans and elves have an uneasy understanding. All the good races still trade with each and make peace, although a few skirmishes here and there have been known to occur. Still, after the Great Sundering, the humans had been divided in to four parts: Each belonging to one of King Turan Vallan’s descendants. One sharing the same land, another in the southern land where still the evil rumors persist, and one in the territory above the Barbarians.

      Each of the goodly races keep a close eye on each other, the elves especially close on the warring humans. All of these races have however, forgotten the age old promise of one of the ancient magician apprentice made so long ago: He will return. This story begins in the Fifth Twilight of Novalte, where the goodly races have chased away the magicians and the priests and Faithhood dominates. Where the normal citizens depends on their Kings, Priests, soldiers and Knight Star for protection and civil liberties.

      Over the ages these humans became rigid in their society and understanding of the world. Though they protect their citizens and their goods without fail, they failed to protect their one utmost important thing: civil liberties, loss of freedom, overall happiness and the creation of intolerance and ignorance of other races. We begin this tale concerning one man and his struggles to understand the differences between society rules and how to live within. This tale happened to be about a knight, but he was not just a knight, for you see, in there was a human kingdom called Dalerime ruled by a King Threfeat Vallan. In this Kingdom, it was ruled by the King with his two advisors, a court magician who was elfin named Russel, and the Ambassador, who was this knight’s father. That was, until he vanished under strange circumstances one day, and then the knight in turn was promoted to the Ambassador. Then, because of another heroic deed he performed, the knight was promoted to the currently empty title of Knight Star. There was only one Knight Star for every twenty years, for this was not just an honorific title. One had to be a great soldier who performed many outstanding deeds for King and country before becoming one. The Knight Star had certainly privileges to be sure, but there were many disadvantages too. This was the ancient rule of the Knight Star and what it was meant to be one, at least according to an ancient text.

Volume I: To Be a Knight Star

“`To Be a Knight Star, one must not stray from Laws and King too far;

To Be a Knight Star, one must hold faith in the Eternal Ones, for loss of it creates fear for run;

To Be a Knight Star, your property is yours, one cannot steal; for loss of property is not as bad as loss of right to appeal;

To Be a Knight Star, to kill a man must have reason, if not, you yourself will be slain;

To Be a Knight Star, you cannot look upon other women if married or in love,

you must be as pure as a dove;

To Be a Knight Star, you honor yourself if you give honor to your elders and to your priest;

To Be a Knight Star, you cannot smoke, make merry or eat meat;

To Be a Knight Star, you must show mercy and make the kill quick and painless;

To Be a Knight Star, you must protect the Kingdom and people from all invasions;

To Be a Knight Star, you must not stray from your duty; `Kies Duras Mon’

`Your word is your duty and life’.

To fail means to be less of a man and not enter Dartanest.’”

--From the excerpts of Dostriyema, the First Knight Star’s `Honor of Blood, Sweat and Soul’(Volume I)

Chapter I: Malleren and Eriana

      Hamil watched as his best friend, Malleren sigh repeatedly to himself from behind a red rose bush. He watched as Malleren walked about back in forth in a fast pace, his big feet even made sounds of booted feet on the soft carpet that lay rolled open on the cold stone floor of the courtyard. The Knight Star had been pacing about for nearly an hour now and muttering to himself, waiting for his wife and child, Eriana and Ke’leth to return home from the market. At least, Hamil assumed that’s where his friend’s family was. He felt a little guilty for eavesdropping on such a private moment, but he knew that Malleren would not mind, if he ever found out—which he won’t! Hamil had come home unexpectedly early, a few days early to be exact—from his training as a Ranger. He rushed back to Talen, the capital city of the Kingdom Dalerime to meet up with Malleren. Hamil had told his teacher and mentor, that in no certain terms was he going to miss his promise to Malleren about making it for their departure to the Bedelands on a most important mission. And so, he did, and miraculously back early. He had come through the Barrth’s unlocked private home and called out, only finding no one home, not even Malleren’s little sister, Kallindra. So, he elected to wait for them in his favorite spot in the courtyard. Unfortunately, he had heard Malleren return home and heard all the harried muttering that he quickly dove for cover. Whether that turned out to be a good decision, Hamil could not decide. He tried to blotch out what his friend was saying, but found it irresistible to listen to.

      “How am I going to tell her this? I just came back from a two month trip to the Northerners to see if they’d be willing to keep their peace,” Malleren muttered, his large, somewhat scarred hands to his chin. He kept looking up in the skies, at the beautiful starry night with the star formation of Scalergate, the Sun Lord dancing merrily in between one raised moon. It was pale orange in color, as it should be during the summers the hot sun in the day time often gave off remaining energy to the moon, which adds the color. The pale orange light reflected off of Malleren’s body, creating an outlining that seems ten times bigger than actual size. Though, if you just first met Malleren, the silhouette might not be so far off. He was an intimidating man in size. In fact, he was one of the most recognizable figures in all of Novalte, because he was a good one-foot taller than most average Novaltians. If his height did not make an average person feel dwarfed, his bear-like chest surely did. Hamil had seen Malleren break up many a fight just by walking towards the offenders.

      He finally sat down in a wooden chair and his body nearly engulfed the entire thing. He sat there, fidgeting around in obvious discomfort. Hamil suspected it was more than the chair that caused him the constant movements though. Malleren started to make a fist as he continued to mutter to himself, “How can I just do this to them? How can they do this to me? I’ve taken way too much already, maybe I should just tell the King `no thank you’ I have a family now.”

      “Kies Duras Mon,” muttered the Knight Star feverishly to himself as he shook his great head like sad bear. He repeated this oath of the Knight Star, meaning “My word is my duty and life”. He put his face in his hands as if tired. Hamil had thought just that until he saw his friend’s shoulder moving up and down. This almost forced the Ranger wanting to come out to comfort his best friend, but coming out now might have disastrous consequences, so Hamil forced himself to sit tight.

      Time passed, and Malleren got up again, wiping his dry face. “How can I tell her?” He repeated again.

      “How can you tell me what, Mullan Shurar?” said a sultry playfull female voice.

      Hamil’s eyes flicked over and saw the slender figure of a woman standing in the now lighted doorway. Her shadows somehow only reached halfway from the doorway, and Hamil thought that odd for the candles and lanterns in the house had been all lit. Eriana! He thought, smiling slightly.

      Malleren rushed up to his wife and grabbed her, kissing her passionately. She laughed as he tickled her and caressed her at the same time. “Oh my beautiful Rose Jaelen!” Malleren said with pure delight as he held her tightly and swung her about.

      She laughed, her dark purple eyes twinkling as bright as the twilight stars. Hamil could see that even though she stood straining on her tippy-toes, so that she could see at least up to her husband’s chin, her smile told him that all that effort was more than worth it. “I’m sorry you missed the Start of the Haera Matra,” Eriana said in a pouty tone. “Ke’leth missed his daddy, and I missed him too.”

      Malleren sighed and nodded, running his hand once again through his long light brown hair. “My love, my little Rose Jaelen,” he said in a tone that suddenly made the laughter in Eriana’s eyes and face disappear.

      “What is it, my Mullan Shurar?” she asked, her voice still sultry, even though she tried not to be.

      “I have to go again. This time to the Bedelands,” Malleren replied, the bitterness in his voice sent shivers up Hamil’s back.

      “Oh Mullan….I’m so…happy for you! This a great opportunity!” Either Eriana did not hear the despondent tone in his friend’s voice, or she ignored it, she did not look directly in his eyes. Hamil froze, for her gaze lingered in his spot even as her husband walked towards where he hid himself. The Ranger wondered if she had discovered him! He thought the rose bush hid him perfectly, especially since he wore green robes.

      Malleren stood over the Ranger and his spot, looming like a bear and then plucked a rose from the bush and played with it before returning to Eriana. “I’ve been promoted to Ambassador and Knight Star too, fulfilling Father’s wishes.”

      Anger and resentment from Malleren’s voice seemed to chill the weather. Even Eriana put her flimsy shawl around her body, despite the fact that no wind blew. She looked at Malleren and gave a visible shiver, “Oh..Mullan…Ke’leth would be so crushed.”

      Her voice hinted more than disappointment and anger than Hamil could guess what it was. His head pounded as he listened and began to rub it. “I know, how do I explain this to him and Kalli?”

      Eriana sighed, before she could speak, Malleren interrupted her, “You’re a bit older than Kalli and more traveled, that’s why I told you first. I know that you can take it more than she could, along with Ke’leth.”

      Eriana nodded, hiding her face with her long raven hair, a long habit. Her body trembled as if in tears or anger, it stopped as she looked at her husband’s face. “Then you go, my love. Go for the duty of your people—it’s a necessary thing. Ke’leth will understand, and Kalli will understand too, she has to grow up eventually.”

      Malleren nodded, “You’re right, of course.” Eriana jerked her head up suddenly, startling both Malleren and Hamil. It was as if she came up with an idea.

      “Do you think they’d allow us to be with you?” Eriana asked, her voice hopeful.

      Malleren shook his head, “No, it’s a warship. The Mermaid’s crew would never allow civilians on board, neither will the King. Plus, your Father will kill me if he found out that I stole his daughter for a second time!”

      The two said nothing for a moment, Hamil held his breath as a sharp itching returned from his skin, he dared not make any movement as Malleren offered his wife the rose. She accepted.

      “Then you should really go,” Eriana’s voice changed, as did the look on her face. She no longer carried the look of tears, which startled both Malleren and Hamil.

      “Why, I miss you too much to go you and Ke’leth, even Kallindra,” Malleren said with a gentle perplexed smile. “Wouldn’t you miss me?”

      Eriana gave a little laugh, “Don’t be silly, Mullan Shurar! Of course I missed you, you are the light of my life! It’s just that…you should go, Kies Duras Mon Kel.”

      Hamil raised an eyebrow, having never heard that saying before, and he intently ignored the sudden itching that flared up on his skin. He frowned, hoping that his Red Spots wouldn’t bother him…especially not now!

      Malleren frowned for a moment, as if considering Eriana’s words.

      “Isn’t that what we promised each other, Mullan Shurar? Kies Duras Mon Kel? `I work for my Kingdom first as well as my family?” Eriana asked, coming over to him and gently placing a dainty hand on his strong chest. She traced it along the contours from his chain-mail armor and smiled.

      “Besides, think of more of the fame and power you’d achieve, and then once you’ve had all that, you’d be finally left alone!” continued the young woman, her eyes glowing with a strange color that Hamil has never seen from her before.

      Malleren looked at her in alarm. “Power?” He sputtered, and shook his head, “No my Rose Julen, my little garden of roses! That’s not what all this is about…you know that! When did you become so…obsessed with power?”

      Eriana blinked several times, as if clearing a haze from her head than gave her lilting laugh. But both Malleren and Hamil could tell that it was strained, “I’m sorry my love, did I say power? I meant think of what it will mean for our peoples. Once you’ve accomplished the task—which, I know you will, the Kingdom will be much more safe. Then you could ask for Leave.”

      Malleren shook his head his voice weary and sounding a bit angry, “Tell me Eriana, you seem almost eager for me to leave, is there another man in your life?”

      Eriana took a step back, as if hit with a physical slap, “What? Where did that come from?”

      Malleren gave her a steady and concerned stare, “It’s just, you’ve never been concerned at all with power before. Maybe it is my tiredness speaking, it has been a very long two weeks.”

      Eriana looked as if she was about to speak, but a shrill cry of, “Daddy?!” echoed from within the household.

      Malleren’s muscles which had tensed clearly eased as a gentle smile, a rare one touched his face. “Besides, Mullan Shurar, my one Shining Love,” Eriana said in a low passionate voice as she melted into him, kissing him softly. “We could make up for lost time for the next few days in private and ask Hamil and Kallindra to take Ke’leth out to celebrate!”

      Malleren grinned, returning a large kiss, however, the look upon his face had changed from pure happiness to worry and slight emptiness. The two laughed gaily like a newly wed couple and entered the household, Hamil sighed and scratched at his dry skin irritably. The Ranger sighed, knowing that the upcoming trip to the Bedelands was going to be a hard one. He paused, something caught his attention from the now two different colored moonbeams shining down in the courtyard. Eriana had left the rose Malleren had offered her earlier on the table. Hamil shook his head sadly, for in the past, she would have kept it in a large vase full of roses and other plants Malleren brought back from his trips and adventures. The Ranger sighed, and guessed it was soon time for him to make his appearance in the Barrth household. He knew that going in through the unlocked back door would be suspicious and downright invading of privacy, so he decided to climb the walls. As he prepared to do so, he saw something else that made him back up a few steps.

      He thought it was just his imagination playing tricks on him. Sometimes when two lights of the moons and especially when the third colored moon rose, they mixed shadows. But, no, he could have sworn Eriana’s shadow left an imprint on the beam that she leaned against earlier. The Ranger rubbed his eyes, and blinked several times. He looked at the angles of the moons, the Moon Jander was particularly high in the sky. And again he stared at Eriana’s imprint and shuddered. He moved to inspect it, feeling a sudden unease as he neared. He could not put his finger on it, so he decided to leave it alone, and quickly climbed over the wall and disappeared. Very few things, if any, gave him the shivers in the world. This one did.

Chapter II: Malleren and Son

      Malleren’s clear booming laughter could be heard coming from even down the hill on which the Barrth household had been situated. It could, of course, be heard even near the road down the path to the Town Square, where Hamil had decided to take his time walking back home. He saw several passerbys smile at the warm and happy laughter coming from within the Barrth home. The Ranger had a candied pickle in one hand, and a box of Tae Liung candy, which he had in store for Eriana and Ke’leth in the other. He had something else special for Kallindra in mind.

      He smiled to himself and chuckled at his own fright earlier. He too, had a rough couple of months with all his intense training and all. He decided that his mind was playing tricks on him and he needed a good nights rest before the long journey ahead.

      At last he arrived at the Barrth’s household, as he munched on the candied pickle that he had bought from the live market in the Town Square. He had been disappointed not to find Kallindra there at all, where he had expected her, since their favorite merchant on Rare Books and Antiquities had his stand opened. Hamil had talked amiably with the man, and he said he didn’t see the little Barrth anywhere today. This must have been a special day indeed! For, rarely would Kallindra miss an opportunity to take a gander for ancient texts. She really would have enjoyed it! He shook his head and waited for the right opportunity to enter the house that had become his second home.

      The Ranger looked at it fondly as he recalled memories. Though not big, as one would suspect and expect from a well to do family, as the Barrths were, it was certainly finely lavished in the inside. He remembered one of Malleren’s father’s famous quotes, “`The outside of appearance isn’t what’s important, but the inside of appearance. The guests would be rather shocked and amazed and it would be the talk of the town.’”

      Malleren’s father was certainly not a spendthrift by any means, but he, like many of the elite merchants and businessmen of Dalerime enjoyed to show off his wares. Indeed, for the outside of the brick home was nothing more impressive than a two-story building with a small garden in front and back. There were many more houses in Talen, the capital city of Dalerime that stood out amongst the scenery. Sometimes, the house seemed lonely on the front especially if you saw that there was only one window facing the east, where the sun did not light. This was Ke’leth’s room, surprisingly enough, and Hamil could see the shadows of his friends. At this very moment, Malleren lifted his son up high in the air and whirled him about. He could hear Ke’leth’s high-pitched laughter reverberating finely with his father’s strong one. Hamil had long decided that if it were not for Kallindra’s and Eriana’s special care of the gardens from both the outside and the courtyard, their house would be even more lonely and isolated.

      Even though their house was situated just right outside of central town, which was a great comfort for the mother, because of her low health she did not wish to walk more than fifty feet to anywhere at a time, their home seemed distant and not part of the city. The next farthest house was nearly a mile away, and the entire home was surrounded by large trees. Which was just fine with Hamil, since he and Ke’leth would love to play “Search and Find” until the firebugs came out to play.

      He supposed it was a safe way for them to raise a child, but also a very isolated one. The Ranger shrugged to himself, as he reprimanded and said, “Who are you to question the living style of others? Don’t you forget the troubles you had with Malleren’s dad! Ke’leth has friends, probably more than myself.”

      Not that he needed any. Henna, rather, nature, was his friend, and he made friends easier with animals and plants anyway. The Ranger was perfectly content living amongst the woods and their many wonders. In fact, if the elves had not kicked him out, he would have stayed there until his old age. Again, he shrugged and shook his head and continued to munch away on the tasty combination of caramel with nuts on pickles! He opened the silver-colored gate that ran along the property of the Barrth’s and walked slowly up the dirt path. It was not all made of dirt, since there was round marble inlaid steps where you can step on, if you did not want to dirty your clothes and feet. The Ranger chuckled, since that was Kallindra’s idea, and since it furnished the house their father had enjoyed the idea. He shook his head, wondering how people could waste their money and time on such a thing. He walked up, and saw a note that said:

      “Welcome Home my Friend! Come find us in the Comfort Room—Malleren”.

      Hamil chuckled and shook his head. He wondered if indeed his Knight Star friend knew that he had eavesdropped on their conversation all the time. He pushed open the door and entered, and relaxed.

      He took a deep breath to inhale the smell of warmth and inviting feeling of being home. Since he himself had no family or parents, Malleren’s mother had taken him in when they were all very young. Hamil remembered the Barrth father’s voice of disapproval, and could not blame him for that, since a `wandering glick’ would ruin his reputation; but Malleren’s mother—bless her soul, wherever she was now—took him in anyway.

      It had always been the same as he remembered it. A spacious greeting room, with six or seven antique vases made from glass to fired metals aligning the walls in a specific angle which coincided with the paintings that hung above them. These paintings ranged from the Emerous River, which Talen was situated upon, to dogs, and flowers. Some of them drawn by the mother of the household and Kallindra. Hamil spied the most recent addition in the center of the room, above their fireplace. He smiled, it was Ke’leth’s. At the age of five, he was already showing the creative talent that his grandmother had. Next to the child’s painting was Malleren’s father’s pride and joy: the rare painting of Van Kellion, the first Meralhn¹ built in dedication to the Eternal Being, Scalergate. There were many more such things scattered throughout the house, and seeing the frame and traps that laid around the painting, Hamil shook his head. He suspected the father spent more time upon his collection of stuff than his own children.

      He heard the child’s laughter in the room two rooms apart from here and hurried to greet them, with his typical grin that split his face wide open like a pumpkin. The Ranger saw Malleren playing terlock with Ke’leth, a typical child’s game on the floor, while Eriana sat reading a book on their sofa. He stood in the doorway for a silent moment, taking in the scene. “My friend!” Hamil finally greeted and was going to say more, but his words had been squeezed out from him as Malleren embraced him in his bear-like hug.

      “Uncle Hamil!” squealed Ke’leth. He ran up to the Ranger in full rush, nearly knocking him backwards, after Malleren had released him. Hamil recovered quickly, with a pretend `oomph’. “You’re getting stronger there, Ke’leth! You young bear!”

      He grinned at him, the young boy’s crystal clear blue eyes shinned back. The boy had black hair, with a sandy tinged hue. His skin was slightly rough with dark patches here and there, and also sandy in color. The five year old also had an egg shaped head, while his neck seemed to thin to hold it up. He had always told Kallindra that he found it strange the young lad did not resemble either of his two parents. But, as Kallindra had often pointed out to him that children often looked different when younger, and later grew to look like their parents to some degree. Hamil had to conceded the point. Still, there was something about the child’s eyes that seemed to be a dead giveaway that he was not the child of his friends. He was more robust, although that could be attributed to Malleren’s girth, but most importantly, he was already half Hamil’s height at the age of five! Most Dalerimite children would not be half that height until the age of nine or ten. “What is it, uncle Hammy?” the boy asked in clear concerned and a bit of a deep tone.

      Hamil chuckled, rubbed his stomach where the young boy had ran into him. “You’ve grown stronger since I’ve gone, Ke’leth! Another year, you’d accidentally punch me silly!”

      Ke’leth laughed gaily, his shrill laughter lighting up Malleren’s mood. “Do you have a present for me, Uncle Hammy?” He asked, staring at the candies in Hamil’s hands.

      “Ke’leth!” Malleren and Eriana said, shocked. “Where are your manners? Uncle Hamil just returned from a very tiring trip.”

      Hamil chuckled. “You wouldn’t like the pickle anyway, Ke’leth!” With that, he finished one of his favorites and walked over to Eriana. “Here you go, Lady Eriana.”

      “Oh stop it, you!” Eriana said with a giggle, punching him playfully. “We’ve known each other far too long for formalities!” She gasped in delight as he gave her the present.

      “Thank you!” She said, smiling, giving Hamil a peck on the chin.

      “You’d best be careful, Hamil, she’s my woman you know…I may have to beat some sense into you if you’re not careful!” Malleren said, grinning.

      “I’d fight for her to the death, oh Knight!” Hamil replied grinning in a mocking stone. He winked over at Eriana who blushed with her laughter.

      Malleren laughed, and hugged Hamil again. “It’s been too long my fine friend. I see you have the Robes of a Ranger now. How did it go?”

      Hamil’s smile collapsed quickly and said, “Let’s not mention it here, ok? We’ve got a long tri..er..time to catch up.” He caught himself, as he nearly spilled the trip out.

      “It’s all right, Uncle Hamil,” Ke’leth said in a surprising serious tone, “Daddy told me about his very important mission. I’m glad you are going too. He will miss us, his family, and since you are like family, he won’t miss us as much.”

      Hamil grinned, and chuckled, an eyebrow raised. The Ranger glanced at Malleren and returned the Knight Star’s smile. Either children these days were sharper than they had been given credit, or Ke’leth just has one sharp mind, because of his inheritance!

      “Come, let me hear about your adventures with the elves,” Malleren said. “Eriana will get on the cooking in a bit.”

      At the mention of food, Hamil’s stomach growled. He blushed in embarrassment, and everyone in the room laughed. Hamil joined them a moment later. “Ah, Eriana, I hope you have prepared that famous very berry pie of yours!”

      Eriana smiled mysteriously and said in a sultry whisper, “You’ll see!”

      During the late evening meal, it became clear to Hamil that Ke’leth was the pride and joy of both Eriana and Malleren. He supposed more Malleren than the mother, which he found strange. But, considering the relationship that Malleren had with his own father, the Ranger supposed it was not too strange that he doted on his only child. For some reason, Eriana had a distant look throughout the entire meal. True, she asked many questions of the elfin lands, some Hamil found questionable at best, and listened intently on his tales. There was something remote about her, even as absorbed as Ke’leth and Malleren had been.

      However, the meal that Eriana created was one of her masterpieces: from the braised duck in sweet and sour sauce(sprinkled with many herbs such as thyme, of course!), to the grilled mushrooms stuffed in roasted lamb, to the lightly cooked vegetables within a soup, and finally to her famous very berry pie filled with an assortment of berries, Hamil soon forgot his worries. Afterword he borrowed one of Kallindra’s musical instruments, a base, and began to sing his favorite song, Knight’s Honor.

      He sang it, however alone for Ke’leth

      “Out of the darkness there is a hero.

      He marches against all odd,

      Turns to his friends, and turns to his enemies in salute and nods;

      Enemies cower as beams of bright light stream

      The Knight marches and stands bathed in sadness and peace;

      A beam of light becomes him as he strades towards the enemy;

      Enemies cower as beams of bright light stream

      The Knight marches and stands bathed in sadness and peace;

      He marches against everyone’s fears and all odds;

      Why does he do this? He does this because

      He is a Knight, and a hero for the weak and innocent;

      The Enemies cower as beams of light streams.”

      Ke’leth clapped as Hamil strums his last tune. He looked over at Malleren, who seemed to be lost in a dream of sorts. Malleren smiled at his son and said, “You liked it huh? Do you want to be a knight eventually, like your daddy?”

      “Yes, I do!” the son replied with pure delight even as Malleren shook his head.

      “It’s no more glory than the song, my son. But, whatever you want to do is fine with me,” Malleren whispered, tousling the boy’s hair and kissing him lightly on the head.

      “Hamil, do you think you and Kallindra could take Ke’leth out to the Garden while his father and I uhm…talk?” Eriana said quietly. Ke’leth looked around, his eyes wide. 

      Hamil chuckled, “Sure. If it isn’t too late? It is probably pass his bedtime. As its past mine. Say, where is Kallindra anyway?”

      “She’s with some boy,” chuckled Malleren.

      Hamil raised his eyebrow, “Oh?”

      Eriana nodded, “Seemed like a nice young man. You’re right, time to go to bed, Ke’leth.”

      He squealed, “I want Uncle Hammy and Daddy to put me to bed!”

      “All right, all right! You didn’t need to shout in my ear,” Eriana muttered. Hamil looked at her in curiosity. Then he and Malleren went to put Ke’leth to sleep. 

Chapter III: Malleren and Kallindra

      “So you’re home,” Kallindra said in a taught voice as she saw Malleren sitting on the floor and playing with Ke’leth. Hamil popped his head out from the kitchen as he heard her familiar thin under the wind whispering tone.

      “And you’re home late. Did you have a good time?” Malleren asked in his best sweet voice.

      Hamil sighed as he saw the clenched jaw of the young curly haired woman who stood in the doorway of the comfort room. “More fun than I’ve had the last few weeks,” Kallindra replied as her steady gaze became a glare at her older brother and his wife who came to stand besides Hamil.

      “Look, you know I don’t like being away more than you. But, you have to understand its my duty, my honor,” spat Malleren, anger and hatred filling his voice. Whether the anger was directed at his sister, or something else, Hamil could not tell.

      “That’s what you keep saying. When will you and Eriana actually take care of Ke’leth? I don’t want to be an old maid forever,” Kallindra retorted.

      Malleren seemed to speak but Hamil strode into the room. “Welcome home, Kalli!” He said with his ridiculous, face-splitting grin that had won so many over.

      Kallindra’s frown turned into a smile and she relaxed, her eyes glittering with joy as Hamil approached with open arms. She embraced him deeply, and whispered, “I missed you.”

      “I know. I have something for you, its in your room,” Hamil replied, his smile still on his face. “And you won’t ever be an old maid!” He said, smiling, giving the young black haired woman a up and down glance.

      Kallindra shivered with open delight. “Oh you! You are my Knight in Shining Armor, aren’t you?”

      “Green robes, actually,” Hamil replied, with an embarrassed grin.

      “You made Ranger?” Kallindra asked, her voice in a halting crescendo.

      “Take it easy!” Hamil reminded softly, “Remember to breath, I’m glad you’re excited for me, but I am only a true Ranger if I pass the Guild test. Or join them.”

      Kallindra put her hands together and hugged Hamil again, “Still, I would like to see those robes! If you got them, that means you are a true Ranger.”

      She gave a beaming smile, “Why don’t you put them on for me? I’d love to see those beautiful silk robes! I’m going to get my gift, so you can have time to put it on.”

      “Only a gift from Master Stanton,” Hamil replied smiling. “I will show you when we…leave…”

      She turned to leave upstairs and paused, hearing Hamil’s statement. Eyes widened and narrowed, “What do you mean?”

      Hamil gulped, and gave Malleren an apologetic look. He sighed, shuffling his legs.

      “Hamil?” Kallindra asked, as she took a step down from the steps.

      “I have to go to the Bedelands to sign a peace treaty and make a possible alliance with the barbarians,” Malleren said with a seething undertone.

      “What? Say that again?” Kallindra asked, her voice a hint of desperation as she walked unsteadily towards her brother.

      “I have to go. I know it will be a long trip, and Hamil will come with me. I know its not fair to you…but, I need you to take care of Ke’leth for me. Eriana will be here too…”

      The rest of his words were cut off in an angry screech by Kallindra, “You can’t do this to me, Malleren! Everywhere you go, I have to take care of him! What about my own life? Why it is that I am here stuck to do maid work when I need to go and do my own things?”

      “Like what?” said Eriana’s soft silky voice that resembled a whisper cut through the anger like a knife, “Like looking at old moldy books, and picking up strange homeless animals? Who are your friends, Kallindra? Trisha? Who else?”

      Kallindra’s face contorted with anger that made her look like a banshee, “At least I do things, and not become rich just because I married to a rich man just for his money, Eriana!”

      “That’s enough, Kalli!” Malleren’s voice boomed, his tone has that no-nonsense anger that quieted everyone, even Kallindra. Everyone looked at the Knight Star who stood with his hands on hips in the middle of the room.

      “I did not come home for this after two long weeks of painful negotiations to find that I have to do the same thing here! This is home, and there will be no more arguments! You will take care of Ke’leth, whether you want to or not, Kalli. And Eriana, I am not sure where you’ve been when I’m gone, and I don’t care. But he’s your son, not Kallindra’s so you have to stay home too. I don’t want to come home to find everything a mess!”

      Hamil sighed and shook his head. Eriana murmured something under her breath and stormed to the kitchen. Malleren rushed after her, a look of pain on his face, “I’m sorry Eriana I…” the rest of the words were buried underneath the noise of pots and plates.

      Kallindra grumbled, “I am going to die a lonely old maid, Hamil. I won’t have anyone to love me, not just because I’m fat and ugly.”

      Hamil studied the young woman who was in her early twenties. She had some chubby areas, like around her stomach and legs, but she was certainly not ugly. Her face had some pimples and splotches that never healed, but that was what made her attractive, at least in Hamil’s mind. “You are not ugly, you are a very pretty young woman, who will find her Prince Charming someday,” he said softly as he walked over to her and embraced her gently.

      She giggled as he caressed her arms and then kissed her gently on the neck. She twisted out of the embrace and said, “You’re only saying that `cause I’m your friend. And only true sister. You’re too kind Hamil, you should find your own special someone.”

      Hamil smiled, “You know my woman is Henna, and no one else, Lady Kalli.”

      Kallindra smiled, but there was little light behind it.

      “Don’t forget your gift,” Hamil said, chuckling, reaching over to tousle her bouncy curly hair. 

      Kallindra giggled and squirmed out of reach and bounced up the stairs.

      Hamil sighed and sat down. This was certainly not the homecoming he had thought it was going to be. He wondered what had happened over the last few weeks that had changed this family so much. Or maybe it was because he was so blinded by the love the Barrths showed him, he ignored the growing separation that may have been in existence long before this. He was more and more anxious to get on this trip, to get away from it all, even though he did not like the cramped feeling of ships. And the long years needed to get to the Bedelands and to be spent there….well, another day for adventuring, Hamil sighed. He got up and went to his own room to put his new green robes to show Kallindra.

      He sighed as he regarded his hard earned Ranger Robes, and then regarded the family that he adopted. Or, more rightly, the family that adopted him, Hamil corrected himself. Maybe his leaving was not such a good idea after all. Still, he had never truly stayed in one place for very long. He would come and go like he always did, this new adventure that awaits him, he could feel will be one of the few things he would stick to for a very long time.

      Hamil sighed, and leaned against the headboard of his bed. This was going to be a very long trip, he reflected. He opened his favorite book and began to read a bit before Eriana called for breakfast.

      “At least some things don’t change,” Kallindra said grinning, watching Hamil eat Eriana’s meal of hot berry muffins, corn and glazed potatoes.

      Malleren chuckled as he watched Ke’leth attempt imitate Hamil’s eating habits. “Don’t eat like me, Kel,” Hamil said in between mouthfuls of corn and potatoes to Ke’leth, who had grabbed a corn in one hand and a spoon of glazed potatoes in the other.

      Malleren chuckled and cleaned off some glaze from his son’s chin as Ke’leth accidentally splattered some when his slippery hand dropped a spoon in the glaze. Eriana muttered, “Now I’m going to have to clean this mess.”

      “For once,” Kallindra uttered.

      Eriana glared at her as Kallindra returned her glare.

      Hamil winked at Malleren and tossed some glaze at Malleren. The Knight Star ducked, but not quick enough as some managed to clip him on his shoulder. Malleren chuckled and grabbed some corn butter and tossed it at Hamil.

      Eriana frowned and was about to speak, when Kallindra started to laugh hysterically. She joined in the food fight when both Hamil and Malleren pelted her with some fruit. Eriana gave in and joined as the free-for all raged on, even though Ke’leth sat through it all eating like a pig. His eyes wide with surprise at the actions of the supposed adults!

      The two men cleaned up the mess they started as Kallindra and Eriana played with Ke’leth at the dinner table. Malleren said suddenly, as he looked at the hourglass trickling down against the wall, “It’s time, Hamil.”

      Hamil nodded. The family quickly got prepared to say their good-byes and for the depature.

      Chapter IV: The Depature

      The friends said their farewells the next day at the docks of Talen, the sun shining and dancing happily amongst the occasional clouds. The sea birds squawking their songs, as a soft breeze helped carried their songs with them. The mercenary warship, The Mermaid, waited at the dock to bring its crew to their destination. The sun’s rays beamed down on the tall masts of the ship, as if showing off the pride of the new day.

      “See you in the next sunrise, Daddy,” Ke’leth spoke with such a soft sniffling voice that it broke everyone’s hearts as they watched Malleren hold his son in a tight and long embrace.

      Eriana rubbed a hand across her eyes as she walked over to shake hands with Hamil. Hamil gave her an inquiring look and before the young woman could react or protest, he put her in an embrace as well,

      The young lady tried to free herself from the hug, but eventually relaxed. “We’ve been friends too long not to do this,” Hamil said smiling at her.

      She replied with little humor, “Or do you truly enjoy just having lots of pretty women in your arms, even if they’re married?”

      Hamil chuckled and released her. The two stared at each other uncomfortably. Hamil felt a cold air about the woman when he hugged her, and even worse now. The two looked at Malleren and Ke’leth dancing around each other in gay laughter. “Good journey, Hamil. May it bring you success where you go,” she said at last.

      “Who says I’m not returning?” Hamil replied, smiling, shaking her hand. 

      Hamil was about to say something more when Ke’leth ran into his stomach hard, burlbbling and crying. He patted the boy’s head gently and picked him up. “Now, now. I’ll have so many stories and treasures to tell and show you when I return, I wouldn’t even know where to begin. Wouldn’t that be fun?”

      Ke’leth nodded, sobbing. Hamil sighed, and ruffled the young boy’s head as he turned to see Malleren say farewell to his wife. He could barely make out their words, since they were so far away, but he could see the movements and could guess to a point.

      Malleren stood awkwardly on the beach behind a tree, away from plain sight. “It’s going to be hard not having you besides me everyday,” He said finally.

      Eriana smiled gently and raised a hand. “I’m sorry for what I said last night, I truly did not mean it.”

      Malleren’s mouth moved, and he quavered. “Hush,” Eriana interrupted, “Just a minute more. I love you, my Mullan Shurar with all my heart and soul. You know you’ll never be alone, wherever in the world you are.”

      Malleren nodded.

      She moved in and kissed him and said, “Close your eyes and hold out your hands, my love.”

      Hamil watched with fascination as Eriana did something he had only seen once before a long time ago. His eyes narrowed as he watched Eriana gesture in the language of magic. Malleren had no idea, of course, what was going on, since he had his eyes closed. And, this spell involved no words spoken, apparently.

      The Ranger gasped as did Ke’leth when a small silver circlet slowly faded into view in Eriana’s slender hands. She placed it in Malleren’s hands, his hands engulfing hers. “Open your eyes, Mullan Shurar.”

      Malleren opened his eyes and smiled, like a child finding a treasured item. He opened the Promise Locket. “There you will always carry your loved ones with you, and you can always see us when you are feeling pained or lonely.”

      “It is beautiful, my love…my Rose Jaelen. Where did you get it?” Malleren asked, his eye lit up.

      “I bought it simply. Do not ask me any more, I am sad as it is already,” Eriana said, her voice creating an aching in Hamil’s heart.

      “I love you forever. Eriana,” Malleren said in choking sobs.

      “And I you, Malleren,” Eriana replied, tears in her eyes. “I will think of you, I promise. There will never be another man in my life. Even if anything should happen…”

      “They won’t,” Malleren promised. “I will return.”

      With a final kiss, the Knight Star took his son his arms once more as the captain of The Mermaid hailed them. Malleren embraced his family one last time and walked aboard, with Hamil in tow.

      “I will see you both in the next sunrise!” Malleren promised and saluted.

      Eriana returned a salute, as did Ke’leth. The bright light blinded Hamil’s eyes, and he was forced to turn away and cover his eyes with his new hooded robe. He only wished Kallindra had showed up to say farewell and see his robes. But, he could feel in his soul that she wished them well. The crew of The Mermaid, plus two extra headed for their long journey ahead.

      They just did not know how long it was going to be.

Chapter V: Hamil Torin

      On the warship as it traveled lazily and slowly, Hamil Torin thought about the welfare of his best friend and what it must feel like to leave a family he loved so. Hamil never had a true family, neither parents, siblings, nor his own to raise. He was found clothed in baby swaddles at the doorstep of a wizardress’s home. She kindly took him in, seeing no one around. There was a note in the basket that came with him, and it said: “Please look after my precious baby. I did not want to leave him, Scalergate only knows! But, with ten others to feed…”

      So, the wizardress, not a young woman, but raised him to a firm and fine young man. When he was old enough, the wizardress did him an even greater favor than by sheltering, feeding and raising him. She had asked him what his heart’s desires was. She tried raising him to be a magician, but found that he had not the inborn talent. He certainly had the sharp mind, but not the talent. She also found that he an affinity for animals. Early on, Hamil always knew that animals were his friends, for they would speak with him and he them. They trusted him like he trusted the wizardress. At this time, he already became fast friends with Malleren and his family, as well as a few others. Without even telling her what he wanted, she knew. She gave him some money and told him to search for someone named Stanton who lived near the elves. With wide eyes and tears, he took his leave never looking back. He indeed found Stanton, after a brush with several goblins. The goblins scared him to death, and nearly took him to Dartanest! But, somehow, he was able to call upon the help of a great bear who happened to be foraging for food.

      The bear mauled the goblins, and to say the least, Hamil became utterly convinced of his path. He found that this bear was also friends with a human named Stanton. Stanton, a hard teacher and mentor soon learned just how much Hamil had to do with nature. He became the star pupil, much to the dismay of the other fledging Rangers! He spent many years of his youth learning and traveling with Stanton and then went under more intense training with the elves.

      He was the first human since Stanton to be allowed into the world of elves, their shining world of Rae La’Toth. The reason being, his first great deed for the elfin people was that he saved their pride and daughter, little Faelia, from a pack of angry bugabens. He did it without weapons, and without the help of others. Then Ranger Stanton left him unexpectedly to look for evil in the south. As was the rumors at the times. So, he trained with the elves and learned more about magic and Henna then he could ever have dreamed.

      He passed many more tests, and became a Ranger in their eyes. He even gained the love of young Faelia who had grown up quite a bit. But his heart missed something, and he decided to leave. He had wanted to go home and find his friends again. Now he was not so sure as he wondered what kind of life it would be like to continue to travel on in the name for your King and people. 

      The Ranger was glad he did not have to answer to many others, and only his heart as he glanced at the melancholy Knight Star. “You’ll see them again, my friend,” Hamil said, patting Malleren on the arm.

      Malleren smiled, but the light was gone. His hand on the Promise Locket that Eriana had created for him. The two friends stared out at the clear blue sea on the open night skies. Hamil sighed as a sudden cold wind picked up and blew his hood off.

      “Don’t worry about a thing, Malleren. Your family will be ready to see you, even Kallindra.”

      Malleren chuckled and nodded. He stared at the open sea, and saw the tell tail signs of fins. The whales played with the warship and danced along as if they were saying “hello”. Hamil smiled and made clicking noises that coincided with the blue-finned teraashes.

      Malleren looked at his friend in amazement. “What else did you learn while you were away, my friend?”

      Hamil chuckled. “The Gifts of being at one with Henna, Mal. I’ve learned quite a bit, do you want to see a teraashe up close?”

      Malleren nodded. “Yes, but, they don’t dare come up to humans.”

      “Only fishing boats, and we’re not one,” Hamil replied, he cupped his mouth and placed three fingers inside it and made snapping sounds with his tongue and cheek and called out. “They know the difference, trust me.” Malleren watched in awe as the giant sea fish leaped over the warship and echoed the Rangers’ call. All the crewmembers also ran to watch, some with mouths open wide, others pointing and jabbering. The sun glinted off the light blue color of the twenty-foot long whale’s topside, while it seemed to be absorbed under the dark gray underbelly. Three more followed suit, each with its own unique stripes and spots.

      Hamil smiled and made strange tongue rapping sounds to acknowledge the whales. On the other side, they seemed wave their large fins in response and swam off to rejoin their school. Even though Malleren was thoroughly wet from the splashing of the whales, he had a bright smile. “Ke’leth would have loved it!” He said. 

      Hamil nodded. “Hopefully, my knowledge would come in handy someday.”

      Malleren smiled, “They’ve already brought some joy to people, look.”

      Hamil nodded, and returned `your welcomes’ to the crewmembers who were lucky enough to witness the spectacle. “Don’t worry, Ham, I’m sure your years of hard studying will help us someday. Tell me about it, will you?”

      Hamil chuckled, “The voyage has yet to begin, my friend. Where shall I begin? When I left the first time after the wizardress, or after?”

      “Where we last parted. It has been a long while, after all,” Malleren offered.

      “I received some special training from the elves, when I returned. And I got this wonderful robe Master Stanton gave to me. He said to tell you good bye, by the way.”

      “Is he …ill?”

      “He was old, my friend. The journey we’re making we probably won’t get a chance to meet him until Dartanest,” Hamil shook his head sadly. “He missed giving you some lessons of blending, and just giving you some cuffing!” The two said it at the same time, and laughed. They were silent for awhile, Ranger Stanton was a harsh teacher, but a good one. Both men learned a great deal from him. “He’s a good man, we’ll miss him, all right,” Malleren said quietly. Both looked over the seas, as if to say farewell to him.

      “So tell me, are you a full fledged Ranger?”

      “No. I have to enter the Guild, just like the way you had to pass the Academy,” Hamil said with a bitterness never found before in his voice.

      “Then why didn’t you? Everyone could use your skills,” Malleren said in bewilderment. “You said that the Guild has some things where you could not even gain access to.”

      “That’s all, some things,” Hamil said with acidity. “Let’s not talk about the Guild ok? I have the amulet of Henna, even though it is borrowed from Master Stanton, it is still mine. I earned it. This robe is also a gift, and better yet.”

      The Ranger paused, his eyes glittering as he reached within his robes. “I received this beauty from the elves for all my years of service.” He pulled out an ornately carved long bow made from black oak and inlaid fire menak, which was a rare metallic substance to be found anywhere in Novalte, let alone the elfin homeland! The bow was about six feet across when he laid it flat and had the symbol of Henna carved in the front where you knock the arrow. Malleren whistled at it, “What a beauty!”

      Malleren looked at his friend, “Is it magical?”

      Hamil nodded. “Indeed it is, the Heartseeker, they call it. One of only two they have ever made. I hope I never have to use it for violence.”

      Malleren neared his hand to touch it hesitantly and looked at Hamil who nodded. The Knight Star placed a hand on the sleek bow and he felt a stinging vibration through the wood itself! It was as if the bow was alive! “The bow knows its own master,” Hamil said chuckling, seeing his friend’s expression. “So, even if I misplace it, I will know that no harm can come to it.”

      He traced the bow lovingly with his fingers, almost as if it was his lover. He then placed it back within his robes. The bow disappeared! Malleren shook his head in wonder. “Let’s hope we don’t need it ever, my friend. But, I would like to see its arrows in action against the filth of this world!”

      Hamil grinned a secret grin. “Ah, that’s the other beauty, my friend! This bow…well, you will see someday.”

      “That is truly a remarkable gift.”

      “Not as remarkable about some of the sights I saw in elfin homeland which I will speak of someday.” Hamil left it alone at that and the two watched the setting sun.

      Then Malleren stared east towards their destination and then back at their homeland. He said in an uncomfortably bitter and ominous voice, “You know, there has always been turmoil in my orderly life, but this trip has come at the worst time possible. I won’t see my own son grow up, or see my sister possibly marry. My orderly life shaken first by my Father’s unexplained disappearance and now this.” He clenched the railing and then said no more, his eyes staring at his homeland.

      Hamil sighed, and wished it his friend had not spoken it, for he too felt the change coming.