Light of Elliana: Book One—Of Tears & Darkness

Chapter Seventeen: A Tour

An hour later, Donovan and Changa were riding beside Morgan, giving her a personal guided tour of Kandalare. With a great sense of pride, both Changa and Donovan looked forward to showing her the great city’s wonders.

First, Donovan and Changa led Morgan to the great Outdoor Market where flowers, perfumes, exotic spices, filled the air with sweet scents. Various fruits and vegetables were plentiful, as well. Fine linen cloth and fabric spun from the iridescent wool of golden sheep were available, dyed in many colors. Beautiful rugs, blankets, curtains, cloaks, robes, and various clothes filled tables and wooden racks as well. Multiple pets chirped, squeaked, cawed. Metalworkers displayed household and unique items for sale, and potters sold their sun and kiln-dried wares.

Scattered amongst the numerous bays were small eateries, from which heavenly aromas abounded. Here, one could watch while imbibing drinks, as a cook prepared your meal. Donovan led them to one whose cuisine he favored over all the rest. They ordered a feast of lightly spiced meat and vegetables, which Prince Donovan thought was exceptional. The other two did also, for nothing was left to waste. A small goblet of white wine apiece followed the sumptuous meal with a fruity bouquet, which complemented it perfectly. Happy and full, they continued their journey.

From the small eatery in the Outdoor Market, they visited Port Bardow. As on any other day, the river was full of dug-out boats, hulks, balingers, prams, and coracles. The lifeblood of Kalandare and Etmindor itself depended upon various trade goods, fishing, and visiting dignitaries from the Five Kingdoms.

“I had no idea, this many boats and ships existed on the Thunder River. I find this utterly fascinating,” Morgan commented. She mounted her horse, and they started to ride to their next destination.

“The trade generated among the Five Kingdoms is enormous and is growing larger every year. It’s what keeps our economies healthy and provides a constant variety for our citizens. It’s the life-blood of our alliance.

Changa and Donovan led Morgan to the Leia Water Gardens, which was meant to be a park. Many of Kandalare’s citizens visited the water gardens to retreat and relax. From beneath the base of the mountain, springs flowed and provided cold freshwater. One of the larger springs fed the swiftly flowing Leia river, which flowed past Conroy’s worksite. Downriver, the stream ran over a series of granite shelves, creating a multitude of waterfalls of varying sizes, which reformed the river and ran through the great city.

Morgan dismounted and reached out a cupped hand to capture some of the cold water of a nearby waterfall. She drank the water and smiled at Donovan. “The water is so cold and pure; I had no idea water could taste this delicious.”

“Within the park is an amazing variety of plants and flowers which are quite rare. Our caretakers have worked hard to increase their numbers and have started to plant them outside Kandalare’s walls. We intend to make them readily available to all who need them,” Changa said. The Centaur stopped to get himself a drink from a nearby waterfall and rejoined them.

Within the park, the three of them walked upon a rose-colored flat-stone walkway. Morgan followed the pathway, which wound around various waterfalls, quiet pools, and grassy glens as Donovan and Changa walked behind. The princess paused at the pools, where a variety of water flowers of varying colors floated, and she turned to take it all in. The markswoman silently stared at the tall majestic trees which arched over grassy meadows, where many flowering plants grew, which favored the shade and misty air. Around them, bloomed both large and delicate flowers in bright colors.

Donovan led Morgan to the garden’s center. The statue of a smiling woman stood there, which gazed at them with arms raised. At her feet knelt the stone figure of a man with a crown upon his head.

“Many years ago, before Kandalare had grown large enough to surround this place, there lived a woman named Leia. She had an amazing ability to treat others with what grew in this area and on the mountainsides. One day, my Great, Great, Great Grandfather, King Astana became ill, and all were certain he was about to die,” Donovan explained carefully.

Morgan listened intently with a smile.

“Leia came to visit King Astenaw, and with great care, she determined the condition of the king’s health. The healer told others she would return and quickly left to gather what was needed to treat him.” Donovan paused, cupped his hands, and captured some water from a waterfall for himself to enjoy. “Upon her return, the kind woman gave the ruler a small jug with a top and showed him how much to take each morning and night. By the next day, he was feeling better, and within a week, he was whole of mind, body, and spirit.”

Morgan nodded while listening. She was smelling a small white rose and looked as if she was enjoying herself.

“King Astenaw found this place and asked Leia what she desired most for having saved his life. She told him her time upon this world would soon be coming to an end, yet many others could benefit from what grew here. “We have protected this place ever since, so all might enjoy its natural gifts and benefit from her uncommon wisdom,” Donovan finished with his story, allowing the rush of the falling waters and cries of the birds to add their special touch.

“This park must be blessed by the Great Mother herself. It’s beauty and tranquility fill me with peace,” Morgan said with a gentle smile.

“The Leia Water Gardens have never failed to soothe those who are weary of life and have forgotten to appreciate the smaller things in life,” Changa said while smiling kindly.

Gradually, their journey wound its way upward upon Kandalare’s busy avenues. It was truly the only way to appreciate the cities size. Donovan led them into the Temple of Life, where Morgan could watch the interplay of sunlight through the shrine’s colorful stained-glass windows, contrast with its colored floor tiles.

Morgan left the site, utterly amazed. “The colors keep changing to make different pictures. How did they figure out how to make it work?”

From there, they visited the Starger Horse Farms, which stood upon the great grassy glens above the city. For years, the families here had provided excellent horse stock. Morgan, Changa, and Donovan watched colts and fillies racing across the meadows bursting with energy. The horse farms had always been a favorite place to visit for Prince Donovan. From the smiles and laughter expressed by the markswoman, he knew she was enjoying the show also.

“Our courses for the Dawn Breaker Mounted Brigade are raised and trained here. These horses can be counted upon to be dependable, strong, and long-winded. Thus, they are well suited and dependable for traveling long distances,” Donovan explained with a smile.

Prince Donovan and Changa led Morgan out onto a grassy bluff, which overlooked Kandalare far below. There they dismounted, and Donovan proceeded to unfasten a clean blanket that he unrolled on the grass for them to sit on. Morgan dismounted and walked over to admire the view.

“Above us is a large plateau which had been a Royal Hunting Preserve for years. It is now largely going to waste, as we prefer to travel away from the city on hunts, to escape from the constant tedious tasks which are our duty to perform.” Donovan walked over to stand beside Changa and Morgan.

Morgan silently stared into the distance for some time. “The view is incredible and extends literally for miles and miles.”

“From here, you can tell Kandalare is massive. Only from here, can you get a firm grasp of its size,” Changa said, smiling.

Morgan stood while staring upon the great city for some time. The expression upon her face was one of amazement and delight. On a day like today, the view never ceased to take Donovan’s breath away. Each day Prince Donovan visited this bluff; a sense of freedom filled him, and today was no different.

“The vast green area over there is the Delwar Plains. The settlement on its edge is the clan where Changa and his family live. Tell me, do you agree Kandalare is a marvelous city?” Donovan asked with a pleasant grin.

“This is all so beautiful—Donovan, I believe you live in a wonderful place. The few times I’ve traveled here with my father, I was never allowed to see anything other than the way to the Royal Palace. I never dreamed so many exciting places existed.”

They stayed there, enjoying the view and relaxing for hours. Afterward, the three of them made their way back to Kelner’s Bastian for dinner. Donovan had wanted to impress Morgan with the splendor of Kandalare. He silently smiled, knowing he had succeeded. Tomorrow, they would leave and escort Morgan to Etria with an entourage of guards. As the prince entered the Royal Dining Room, he already regretting she was going home in the morning.