Queen's Rise

Waking Light

The morning came..

The party was now six, and the Riian guard.

They were given an extra horse, and food for the journey.

Callum and Daru would travel with them, for a time.

"Well, it looks as if we're travel mates" Daru jested, "and the prettiest I've ever traveled with... Two queens, and a light wielder.... An elvish king, and..." He took off his helm and scratched his head "Hell, I have no clue what this bloke is..." Pointing at Flynn, "but he's friendly enough" Flynn looked puzzled at the statement..

Aeliana laughed aloud.. "He's playing with you Flynn" she said, winking at Avari.

The two women shared a smile.

They headed south once again, walking at first. They'd spent a week in the great tavern, all together. Avari sent scouts out in all directions throughout their days of rest.

"Where now" Flynn asked, "On to Everbright?"

Catherine looked at Flynn, "I believe.." she was cut off.. by Aeliana...

"I feel an urge, deep within, to go with Daru, and Callum." She looked more confident "They will need us to convince their people to come to Everbright."

Aeliana and Catherine shared a long serious gaze, for what seemed like ages..

"Kaella sevt trdzt kota vyn" Aeliana said..

Avari looked in astonishment..

Catherine sat up "You're right."

They moved on, and camped within an ancient cave that night.

They ate well, and slept in shifts

"What did she say to you?" Avari asked Catherine when they had a moment alone.

"It was Valai..." Catherine replied. "They need us to find the light again... Those Were her words." Catherine looked pale...

"Those words..."

Avari, now stirred by Catherine's demeanor....

"You've heard them before?"

Catherine seemed to weep, silently...

"My father's words... When I was a little girl. I'd asked him why we must help people.. this was his reply. "

Avari covered her mouth, "I...."

Catherine raised a hand

"She is remembering what was..."

Catherine sat, in contemplation for a time

"Bring her to me....We must speak..

no one else is allowed in this clearing."

Avari nodded, and collected Aeliana.

"My lady" she bowed, "You sent for me?"

She smiled..

"Call me Catherine...." She said . "Or maybe I should bow to you." She laughed aloud.

"We must speak as equals, for now."

She beckoned Aeliana sit beside her.

The two say for a time..

Then Catherine spoke,

"Do you remember? The night upon the hill, North of Rii?"

Aeliana looked at her "a normal night.. beat sleep I can recall. Why do you ask?"

Catherine sat up.

"We were attacked by goblins that night... You saved us! Remember all the Ash around the camp?

That's when I realized you were Valai."

Aeliana started to deny it, then it dawned on her

"I...

I Burnt them... From the inside out... A light came from within.. and shot out, like arrows from a bow."

She sat astonished at the memories flooding through her head now..

"I see...."

She wept

"Yes" Catherine replied, reassuringly.

Aeliana opened her mouth..

"Kialis... I see the spires of the palace!

The people... The king.. umm, your father... " Her eyes flowed like the sun.

"Catherine! I see you! As a toddler.. is that Gal among the court? Are those his sons, you're playing with??" She laughed..

Catherine smiled..

"Those were grand days. I miss them dearly...

But we cannot dwell on the past, or long for it... Those people are gone."

Aeliana refocused herself, "this is the shared memory Gal was speaking of, isn't it?"

Catherine waved her hand, and Avari came over with a flask of wine.

Aeliana laughed...

"What's with you?" Avari asked

"Callum was right... You're the splitting image of Kariste! "Aeliana smiled.. it seemed her hair was now more golden than before...

Avari just laughed...

"She's unlocked her memories, I see?" Looking at Catherine..

"Yes" Catherine looked happier than Avari had ever seen her.

"We ride for Kazadaru at daybreak" she declared, and went off to bed.

Avari and Aeliana sat for a time, talking

" It's like I've found a long lost friend " Aeliana said "I know things.. I have no clue how... But I know what once was... I understand why we're here." She looked at Avari "why you're with us" Avari sat back..

"What?"

Aeliana smiled "it's ok Avari... You hope to be the greatest of all leaders of Rii.. to be the most fabled of all your kin"

She smiled again..

"Understand, there are greater to come.. but YOU must be humble. Your brother should be king. You have a higher purpose, shaman... " Avari gasped.

"How did you...." Collecting herself... She found a new sense of realization

"Jaryn! Come!"

The guard came forth..

"Kneel, brother..." He looked confused, then kneeled "Kora Rii!" She said.

The guards came and gathered round.

Avari stood, like a statue before them.

"My guards.... You have served me my entire life, walked with me, and beside me.. bled for me. Now I give you a new task." She borrowed Aeliana's sword

Raising it, when she spoke again "I relinquish the title of queen, and cling to the path of high priestess of Acheron, under the Valai Queen Aeliana Vyrl Aegyss...

I name my successor Jaryn Feladyn! My brother and rightful heir.

ALL HAIL THE KING!!!"

The guard repeated it .

"Go home and prepare, my brother. I shall return, when the time comes, defend the gateway to the south." They hugged, and he took control of the guard " We ride home!" The guard bowed and went to prepare.

He bowed before Aeliana "I swear my allegiance and fealty to the Valai," Aeliana, smiled, not knowing what to say.

"Rise, friend. And thank you " she now had a regal heir about her.

"Vus tyrd kota vei" she said, "May your reign be long"

The new king left, leaving them alone in the wood

They retired for the night