The Daywalker
893 Words
Aeliana, Avari, and Catherine remained, looking back and forth between each other
"Did you two see what I saw in that vision?" Aeliana asked.
"And what were you and Callum doing in there for so long?" Avari jested.
Catherine scowled at Avari... with a veiled smile.
"It seems, our friend Flynn is more than we know..." She looked at her friends "maybe more than even he knows."
Aeliana started to speak, but Catherine raised a hand for silence.
"Aeliana, you must know now the truth.
Veridonia has fallen, and the relic you once sought was never there.
Blyxx has returned, meaning the wards on those ruins are no more.
When I sensed the shades, that is when I knew we must leave
I read the scrolls you took from the library..
Whoever wrote those scrolls knew what was entombed there, and aimed to release him."
Aeliana gasped. "Who would have done that?"
Avari seemed unfazed
"That explains the Orcs..."
"What?" Catherine turned to Avari
"Jaryn" Avari called out. The guard came forth "You called?"
"Three weeks ago, describe what happened near the grey forge." Avari looked around "The orc party headed, North."
Jaryn nodded, then took a seat "On the morning of The Reeds, our sentries called for reinforcements at the grey forge.. when we arrived, one third of the residents had been slain, the rest taken by an orc raiding party near the mountain of whispers..." He paused and thought... "Irikaz" Catherine added "Yes. Thank you, my lady. I could not recall the name the elves gave it.." He continued
"It took us three days, but we caught up to them. They put up little fight, as one came forward, speaking the dark speech.. They left, and abandoned their captives. He was not quite a man, but not an orc either... His eyes were red, his skin white as snow, with black hair." Catherine sat up straight. "Did he have a scar across his left eye, and a glowing gash on his hand?"
Jaryn looked startled"Yes..." He gulped.
Catherine's stare turned cold....
"Dyrvx....."
Avari gasped...
The tavern went silent
"We don't speak that name here" Gal said from across the room.
Catherine nodded "I apologize for any discomfort... But this explains much of what is happening.. upon my authority, I must now speak to you all." Catherine took off her cloak, revealing a blood red noble's outfit, and a golden sword.
Her skin took an ivory hue, while her hair shone like molten gold... Her eyes, now like glowing coals
"I am Catherine Brii!
Queen of Illia!
The daywalker!
Avenger of the dark, and grand sorceress of The Glade.
You will heed my warnings, good people.. and pass the message along to the world."
Everyone there stood in astonishment, ready to hear. Gal bowed, while the staff ran to the back, cowering in fear.
She continued,
"The hour is late....
Grave news has brought me to this harrowing conclusion...
The rumors you are all hearing of darkness and unrest are true.
Veridonia and Galador have fallen, Blyxx has escaped, his prison in Valdonia keep has been destroyed by Dyrvx the reaper.
Dark creatures are roaming in mass for the first time in a thousand years.
All that still have a nation, petition your leaders to Everbright.
All that do not, find your way to the Tower of Garion.
The visitor has come....
War is here!!!
We must all prepare to fight for our very souls"
Some were dismayed, others resolute. Some left the moment Catherine finished, vowing service or taking messages to various kingdoms. Many even Avari had no clue where they were.
"And what my lady, do you ask of the Dwellyn?" A hearty dwarf asked "The wood elves will not work with us.."
"They will at my order" Callum entered the room.
"And who are Ye?" The dwarf asked..
Callum bowed "I am Callum, son of Kael."
The dwarf's arrogant manner softened
"I apologize sir... I was with your father when he fell. I wept for the loss of such a great leader...we thought you were dead as well . I am old your people blamed the Dwellyn for it. I am Daru, prince... Well, king, as soon as I return to the under keep."
Callum set his hand on Daru's shoulder.
"It was not your fault...
nor mine..."
He turned to Avari
"To answer your question Avari, Catherine showed me how my father fell. He actually saved us, sacrificing himself..
The witches of Everyn, they betrayed us all"
He called for ale
"Daru, we must both return to our homes, and then to Everbright. I would be honored to stand by your side."
Three Halflings came up to Catherine and Callum, and bowed...
Callum stopped them...
"Friends! We have not forgotten...
You bow to no one!" And he himself bowed, the others around him followed his lead, the entire tavern bowed....
Avari nodded to Aeliana to do the same
"Why are we bowing to such small creatures?" She whispered to Avari
"What..." Avari raised her hand...
"Long ago, they were simple farmers.. peaceful... In a time of darkness and despair, four of them saved us all. The story is lost today.. but some still remember."
Aeliana wept "That sounds beautiful... I hope to hear the story one day"
Avari took her hand and smiled.
Everyone returned to their seats.
- Writer
