The tall figure ignored the disheveled stacks of parchment littering his desk. His unseeing eyes gave no hint as to his thoughts, but clenched fists told of a matter most dire. He closed his eyes when he felt arms wrap around his waist and a head rest on his back.

"Wind will return soon, I'm sure there will be good news." Said his mate Larene, as she tried to ease the tension she felt in his rigid body. It had been some days now since they had returned from the Karana's and witnessed the devastation there, wrought by a plague, reminiscent of Bertoxxulous, the Plaguebringer. A name not heard for some centuries.

As always, upon returning from such unpleasant tasks, the two journeyed into the garden for a moment of peace. All was well until they tried to call their friend the Faerie Queen; she had a way of relieving pain, yet this day she appeared not.

Melazar closed his eyes for a moment, then turned in her arms, wrapping his own about her tightly. "It's hard to remember a time when I could not hear her happy voice in my thoughts." He opened his eyes and looked into Larene's speckled brown eyes, "I fear the worst. If..." his words were cut short by a slender finger on his lips.

"Ssshhhhh." She kissed him upon the brow. "The land will not allow the balance to be broken." She tried to smile. "Soon, she will appear and shower us in kisses, and fly about singing of the beauty of the world. And dear husband, we shall all dance the day away."

He looked into her eyes and smiled, "Aye, we shall dance the day away." He kissed her softly and held her close.

Shouts came from the towers above, a rider approached. "It's Wind. He would not have returned without news."

"Aye." He said as he turned back towards the window and the garden, resisting the urge to run outside. He knew Windsigh, Larene's cousin, to be an excellent scout, as were all in her family. If any could find what was amiss, it was he. He had been dispatched immediately to Faydwer, to seek knowledge from the Faerie villages. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Come."

He heard the door open.

"What news have you Wind?" he asked without turning. He waited and heard nothing, till Larene let out a gasp and grabbed him tightly. He spun and saw what he feared laying upon the desk.

Windsigh fought to calm his breathing; he had run and ridden hard for a day and a night to return with his report. "Mel..." he took a deep breath, "We first searched Greater Fae and found only the few ambassador courtiers who had none of them ventured home as late. Yet they questioned me about not receiving the normal dispatches themselves."

"Continue."

Larene rushed to a side table and poured drink and brought it to her cousin, "Drink first and sit." She said smiling at her cousin whom she knew already bore bad news.

Smiling he accepted the drink and drank quickly then sat. Wiping his lips he looked back up into his friends eyes. "We then next ventured into Lesser Fae." He shook his head.

"We knew something was wrong as soon as we entered the area. There were bodies strung out everywhere!" He fought revulsion at the memory of such carnage in his lands. "They were not killed by Orc nor Tier'Dal...they were torn to shreds. Nothing was taken from them, nothing, they were just slaughtered."

Melazar took in everything said an unsaid. After visiting the Karana's, this news held a greater portent than one area alone, the evil was spreading.

"What say you of the Fae folk?"

"We ran straight for the village...We had to fight our way in Mel." He closed his eyes.

"There were no Faeries in the village, not even a body. Only those abominations, Sprites… alive and undead, and something I'm told has not been seen in tha lands since before the oldest of the old were-beasts." He stopped when he saw his friends look to one another and bow their heads. He continued when they looked at him, awaiting more.

"We found these upon the undead sprites." He pointed to the assembled trinkets a faerie might have carried to amuse itself; a bit of glitter, a shiny shell, rose buds, and lastly that which a faerie never gives up, tiny bags of Faerie Dust. Through it a faerie could create wonders.

"I fear my lord...I fear they are all..."

Melazar skirted the desk as if it was cursed. Upon reaching his friend he pulled him up and hugged him. "Git some rest old friend. I fear your talents shall be needed sooner than later."

Larene smiled wanly at Windsigh, "Come, let us get you something to eat then it's off to bed for you." Turning she smiled and slowly batted her eyes once at her love. "I'll bring us something as well."

Melazar smiled in return and watched as the door closed behind them. He sat down in his chair and stared at the contents strewn about his desk and sent a prayer to Tunare, hoping against hope, that after so many centuries of silence, she may once again make her presence known to those who have not forgotten her.

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 2

The tall knight slowly moved his gaze to the items scattered over his paper-strewn desk, searching for a meaning other than the one he felt to be true. The Fae folk, long protected from the devastation felt by the land outside Faydwer by their commune with the lands power, had succumbed to the unnamed ancient evil that had as of late been awakened.

His thoughts were broken as the door opened, without turning he knew Larene had brought bowls of stew and hard bread. He was about to wave it off, he had pressing matters and had lost his appetite, when he felt her staring.

Turning about slowly, he couldn’t help but smile. There stood his mate, one of the greatest scouts ever to venture out of the lands of Tunare, arms crossed and foot tapping. Her smile and raised eyebrows countered any argument he could possibly bring forth against eating at this time…or any other time she deemed it necessary.

He walked to a book-covered chair and cleared it when he noticed there were two bowls. Swinging it around with a flourish and a grateful smile, he placed it beside her.

“Thank you my love, you’re always a gentleman.” Larene said as she quickly hoped onto the chair and kissed his forehead and clapped hers hands happily. She knew her mate better than anyone, and though she held the largest portion of his heart, there was a place held by the one he called Sweetie, a name he had given the Faerie Queen when he was but a young page. She always greeted him by flying up to his forehead and kissing him, then she would clap her hands and dance about in mid air. The effect was almost magical in its ability to relieve tension.

She almost lost her breath as she suddenly found herself enveloped in two strong arms.

“Thank you my love, I needed that.” He said almost in a whisper.

She smiled as she in turn received a kiss upon her brow. “Of course you did,” she paused and nodded her head towards the now cooling bowls of stew, “and food, you need to eat. You’ll need your strength to aid her and her people.”

Releasing his arms, reluctantly, her allowed Larene to sit and they began to eat. His stomach immediately gave its appreciation, which brought a giggle from the other chair. He ate in silence while she tried to make small talk to keep his mind off urgent matters…at least while eating. His thoughts raced announcements of births and amusing things his squire had done lately to ingratiate her. About the time his bowl was empty he realized his ears had gone deaf as his mind decided upon the only recourse…

A sound tried to break through his thoughts; he blinked his eyes and looked up from his bowl to see the sound was coming from the chair opposite him. “I’m sorry, what was that? I was…” he was interrupted.

“I said, when do we leave?” she said smiling that all knowing smile only a wood elf could give.

“I don’t suppose you would consider just letting me and Windsigh return for more scouting?” he put forward for her approval, all the while knowing the obvious.

She wiggled her eyebrows and smiled, “That would be all fine and dandy if you were actually going to just scout.” She said folding her arms and leaned forward to look into his green eyes. “But once the scouting is done you’re going to do what knights do, and to do that you’ll need an army.” She finished matter-of-factly.

“I wasn’t planning on taking an entire army along, too hard to scout that way.” He tossed back as he too leaned forward to look into her deep brown eyes.

“Well of course you won’t be needing an entire army, don’t be silly.” She smiled. “All that noisy armor clanking around would scare the animals.” She shook her head and placed the next bout on him.


He smiled at his favorite game, to see if he could get most if not part of his idea past the crafty druid. “You’re absolutely correct dear, plate would be too noisy for a scouting trip such as this, and an entire army IS out of the question, so..” he paused as he noticed she was nodding at each correct assumption. He grinned.

“So…we take a small army..” she nodded. “Small enough and quiet enough…” she nodded. “Wearing leather.” She again nodded and this time clapped her hands at his brilliant planning.

He began to chuckle, “And I’d say, this ..army” she tilted her head showing this was a key point. “This army should be…oh say...maybe,” he paused for effect and heard a foot stomp under the table.

“This army should consist of me, the valiant knight in forest green leather, Windsigh wearing self said same, and let me see…one other...” his grin burst forth as she stood and came to his side and looked very deeply into his eyes. “You of course!” he blurted out before laughter over took him.

She jumped into his lap and kissed him, then she wrapped her arms around him tightly and whispered into his ear, “You’re getting quite good at this you know.”

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 3

The trio had arrived at the port just after sunset, much to the captain’s delight, because the oddly blowing winds were keeping the tides from becoming as high as he’d like to safely leave port, and he wanted to leave as soon as possible. Lareen spent the better part of an hour it took to board the horses, well, horse, Melazar’s mount Bruno; asking her cousin Windsigh what all the strange words were coming from the seemingly angry captain as he shouted at Bruno, his crew, the wind, and most probably a god or two; this she thought most unwise, even if none had been seen or felt in many a century,

“What exactly is he shouting now?” she asked in a hushed voice to Windsigh.

“I believe he is questioning the marital status of his first-mates parents right now.” He answered as diplomatically as possible. Though diplomacy may not work in this case much longer, the captain seemed to have quite a colorful vocabulary, and he appeared to be able to use the entire list.

“Mel dear, I believe the captain would like us to board.” She said to her mate from a safe distance. It wasn’t wise to come near the iron-shod hooves of a warhorse, especially those continually crashing on the dock, as one unfortunate deckhand found out. She had already set the arm of one who failed to heed the warnings to stay clear.

The tall knight turned towards her, sweat streaming down his forehead. He shrugged with a sigh. “It’s the darkness, he prefers to see what he’s boarding. He did this once before.” He stated as he yanked on the reins again.

“What did you do that time? She asked trying to stifle a giggle.

Bruno suddenly stopped rearing up and faced Melazar. His jet-black coat shining in the torchlight seemed barely able to hold within the massive musculature underneath. He pointed his ears forward and seemed to be listening intently.

“We waited until morning.” He said slowly as he touched his head to his mounts. “And that’s something we can not do.” Bruno snorted his reply with a threat to continue his destruction of the dock.

“So…” she paused and took on her serious look, ”he’s afraid then.”

The pair, Melazar and Bruno turned as one to stare at her in utter disbelief. She batted her eyes. The pair switched to look at another. Melazar let loose the reins and Bruno climbed the plank with head held high.

Lareen sighed in relief, “Men.”

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 4

Lareen slept fitfully as the ship rocked in the wind swept waves. It wasn’t the motion; she’d grown up in the boughs of an ancient elm tree, swaying in the wind. Sea voyages usually brought a contented slumber, but this night a dream crashed against her mind like the waves on Sirens Rock.

Over and over she saw visions of her beloved trees being toppled and burned by an enormous iron contraption, it resembled a dragon only in that it spewed forth fire and flame. It was as tall as the highest house built in the old elms; its sharp metal teeth were as long as a tall man, and the sounds it made as it moved blasted the ear with that of tortured metal; rattling teeth and bone. Figures scurried about as ants under and around it’s gigantic feet. These were almost as horrible to look upon as the metal beast.

They walked on two legs; though they appeared to be have been a cross between man and wolf. Taller than a man, with a thick fur seemingly made of sharp quills, they ran about slashing anything that moved with what appeared to be six inch long razors where fingers should be. The most striking feature of these beasts were their eyes, huge and red with an inner glow so bright you could see the eyes before the beast.

Her mind tried to force the image away, only to replay the scenes of destruction over and over, that is until she noticed something that seemed just out of sight. She no longer fought to end this mare of the night as she focused on the shape. As hard as she tried she could not make the image solidify, and she found herself running towards it, seeking its identity. On and on she ran, ignoring the screams from the wood-elves being torn asunder, until it became apparent it would never take shape. It was a sickly greenish-brown cloud that undulated like a storm cloud with flashes of green light running throughout.

She froze in place, as the motionless cloud seemed to suddenly move towards her. Her throat became thick as she began to retch. Try as she might, she could not move. A sound began to replace that of the battle surrounding her, though it at first seemed to be nothing more than drums banging, she knew it was laughter. The figure of a horribly disfigured face appeared to form on the cloud, it’s eyes fixated on hers.

“Tunare save me!” she screamed as the world exploded in a blinding white light and she tried to bolt up as she awoke, only to find herself enveloped in her mate’s arms. She fought to catch her breath, as if the noxious fumes still lingered.

“There there.” Came a soothing voice. “It was just a dream,” Melazar said holding her close and rocking, “your safe.”

She began to shake as she held him tightly. “ I fear no one is safe this night.”

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 5


Sleep failed all the remainder of the night, as if everyone on board had felt Lareen’s mare of the night. Even the usually implacable Captain walked the decks in silence, his steady footsteps upon the wooden planks belied apprehension. His crew took upon themselves the manner of their captain, reassuring the searching eyes of the tall knight at the railing.

Melazar’s worried hands picked absent-mindedly at a splinter on the railing. The tall knight, locked in deep thought seemed not to notice the sun had delayed its arrival this morn. The fact that a mare of the night had chosen this night to show itself to his soul mate did not bother him; whose thoughts wouldn’t be upon the unknown dangers ahead.

It was the fact he had not felt her pain. The two had bounded so long ago and so deeply that each felt the other at all times. Try as he might, he’d found over the years hiding even the smallest thing, be it pain of limb or even a most intricately planned day of birth celebration was impossible. Yet tonight a light he could not peer through surrounded her mind. Without knowing, he removed his glove from his right hand and sought out the symbol upon his chest. It was ancient beyond time and thought, from the land of Panterra, lost to the waves in the great cataclysm.

It was now family heirloom, passed down through the centuries. It was told to each as it was passed down, “The symbol is sacred and holds great power.” Its surface, rubbed smooth and shining brightly in even the littlest of light, betrayed his families steadfast faith in the now missing visage that was once upon its face, that of Mithaniel Marr, father of justice and honor. For centuries the gods have been silent, since the cataclysm, it was told by naysayers, they had fought, light versus dark, good versus evil, until none were left to walk the great halls.

Only the truly faithful said the silent prayers, which ancient lore said was to keep the deities from fading into nothingness. After the breaking of the world, the lands peoples were so few and scattered, there were but few left to speak to the heavens. It was this unswerving faith in the unseen that had inevitably brought to Camelot, where belief and faith in many of the forgotten deities was not just practiced, but a true part of their very beings.

His eyes closed in thought; the tall knight could not notice a faint bluish glow, which found its way from between his grasping finger. A smile of relief suddenly came unbidden to his troubled mind as a single word fought its way to his conscious mind, “Faith.”

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 6


Lareen had gone below decks, not so much as to keep from seeing the fire on the horizon her dream had foretold, but to give her beloved a few moments of thought, as was his habit when he needed to “sort things out”. In fact, she herself felt the need for a time to her thoughts. The blinding light in her mare had a feel to it that was alien and yet felt familiar; not malevolent as the cloud, but as if her much-loved mountains of Faydwer had enveloped her…protecting her.

Any who might have happened upon her, would have seen but a small woman of elven decent, dressed in woodland leather covered by her ever present green cloak, draped over her shoulders as if a field of flowing tall grass had sought to follow in her footsteps. Her deep brown eyes, so emotional and deep, one could find themselves lost for a time in a peaceful place she sought to enter, one known only to woodelves and a very few who, like her beloved Melazar.

A lush green meadow, with ankle deep grasses swaying in a gentle breeze, surrounded a forest of silver leafed trees. With steep cliff walls surrounding, the meadows only other protection seemed to be small rainbow colored clouds of tiny butterflies floating in the breeze. The peace of this place was but to help one prepare themselves for the sorrows that brought them here, for it was here the woodelves came when and unending love was all that remained in their heart. Her thoughts delved back in time, before she had wed but had already bonded with her mate. His thoughts of that day burned deeply in her mind…

"This is so beautiful my love." Melazar said while trying to take in the sights surrounding him. "I've...I've never been to this place, yet… I thought I'd traveled the length and breadth of this land." He fought for words as he looked upon trees like none other. Looking to Lareen, he saw her eyes held softness full of peace and sadness. She smiled while nodding, placing a finger over her lips, she motioned for them to continue along the path.

As they rode slowly down a well-worn path, he wondered how the path could show such wear, yet he not know of its existence. Shrugging the thought off, he looked about him again at silver leafed trees, each the same, yet...distinctive. A breeze wafted by, barley felt, yet the trees seemed to sway as if in a gale. He closed eyes, listening to the land as he'd been taught so long ago. He sensed something in the breeze, something he couldn't quite grasp. It was almost...

"We are here my love." Lareen said softly as she dismounted, breaking him out of his thoughts. "I've a task I must perform, but I shall not be long."

He looked down at his beloved, and noticed she had the same look as before… no… she seemed sadder somehow. He dismounted and was about to ask if she were well when she smiled and said she would answer all his questions upon her return. She held him tightly and looked deeply into his eyes, " The roots of our love grows deep in this land." She tenderly kissed him and ran off into the grove.

He watched until she vanished amongst the trees, then it came again, the breeze. This time, he felt it flow through him…sadness…longing…eternity. The strength of the emotions weakened his knees, such that he had to lean against a large tree to keep from falling. His sight failed as all turned to blackness, he wanted to shout for Lareen, but found he could do nothing but hold tightly to the silver leafed tree. After what seemed an eternity, the blackness began to lighten until he found himself looking upon a mist covered emerald green glade.

His panic was quickly replaced with a peaceful feeling of happiness as the morning mist dissipated into a fine crystal sheen upon the ankle high grass. He found his attention drawn to the sound of children playing. Looking around, his eyes fell upon a small girl of no more than four, at least as best he could guess, for the elves aged as slowly as their land. The suns early morning rays reflected off her gossamer dress giving her an otherworldly glow, only offset by her hip length honey colored hair. She ran through the grass, barely bending a blade. She ran with the freedom only a child knows; with her arms cast towards the heavens she laughed, leaving a cloud of tiny blue butterflies in her wake. He began to feel he could watch her for hours, and then he felt his sight drawn a short distance away.

He saw he was not the lone witness as he spied another small child, a boy. He was a bit taller than she; his shoulder length hair had the same deep golden honey color, broken only by his slightly pointed ears poking through his hair, showing a tinge of red, probably a bit embarrassed he thought as he remembered the first time he looked upon such beauty.

The scene changed once again to some few years later as he recognized the same two, only this time they ran together. The young boy watched as she braided flowers in her hair, then running through the morning dew, once again creating the blue cloud. She ran as he watched with the same awed look upon his face as the first time. She then ran up to him. She smiled as she looked into his eyes, and with the quickness of her kind she kissed him and ran off laughing, trailed by her cloud of blue.

Time seemed to speed up; he felt urgency, as if the story needed to be told. He saw a wedding followed by year after year of happiness. Then the vibrant colors of the images dimmed as darkness descended. The images began to blur as it became clear, a large party of mountain orcs was attacking their tree top valley. The images changed quickly as all prepared to fend off the attack. He ran into his home to get his weapon and found her standing with bow and quiver. He equipped them as he told her what had occurred, all the while keeping a brave smile upon his face. Just as he smiled, she did, though hers had a hint of being forced.

She checked him over, running her hands here and there to make sure everything was in order, though her hands lingered longer than was necessary. Once she felt she could hold him off no longer, she kissed him tenderly and sent him on his way. She watched as he vaulted away, hollering over his shoulder he’d be back with the morning sun.

The next morning came and found her upon the glade where she first kissed her love. She’d braided flowers in her hair and began running as the suns first light hit the morning dew. She raised her hands to the heavens and created her blue cloud as she spied a figure walking her way carrying the bow she knew all too well. Her knees buckled when she realized the one who carried it was not its owner.

The image seemed to become blurry once again, it almost seemed as if the flowers upon her hair actually wilted before his eyes, until it became clear they had, for she had not left that spot since word came of her beloveds death. Her anguish filled his very being as he watched time speed past. The scene once again changed, this time to one he knew, it was the path he’d taken just this day.

She walked resolutely down the path, her flower braided hair as beautiful as always. It seemed her anguish had been replaced with a longing. It almost felt to him as if she were no longer morning her mates death but once again awaiting his return. Another joined the trail beside her. Together they walked to a spot were the suns light seemed to glow brightest.

The two stopped here and embraced. Her new companion began to speak. “The great Mother of all things has promised that just as spring brings new life each cycle, so shall in the fullness of time its people be reborn anew. Sleep my friend, until that new dawn arises and you are reunited with your beloved mate.”

The grieving woman raised her arms to the heavens, just as he’d seen her do so many times. The suns light increased ten fold till he had to look away, after a moment he felt the warmth recede and returned his sight to the spot, only to find the woman’s companion standing before a small silver leafed tree where but a moment before stood none.

He looked closely at the tree and his mind exploded with impossibility, for there in its upper branches was the same flowers the woman had interlaced in her hair. His mind fought to understand what he’d witnessed even as the other woman turned around and seemed to look straight at him, it was Lareen!

His mind was at last released from the images, he found he was sweating and had been holding his breath for who knows how long. As he fought for breath he slowly opened his eyes and found himself looking into his wife’s tear stained eyes, “The roots of our love grow deep in this land,” she said softly as she fell into his arms.

As her thoughts faded from that time, she felt peaceful as warmth enveloped her; as if strong arms cradled her. A feeling crept through the warmth; the smell of fresh green grass came to her. Tender caresses gingerly brushed away her fears; a sound came to her as if from a far away valley, echoing off walls, straining to be heard, “Faith”

As if the link between the two had miraculously returned, they found themselves suddenly running towards each other, meeting with a deep embrace, they both smiled and whispered as one, “have faith.”

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 7


The two barely had a moments embrace before the world intruded once again.

“Lareen, Mel...” said Windsigh as he popped his head down the gangway, “Oh, sorry to interrupt.” He quickly pulled his head back out of sight.

The two grinned, “It’s alright Wind, what is it dear?” Lareen asked.

He popped his head back into the gangway, “Oh, it’s just that the crew wants to turn back.” And he was gone as fast as he came.

“We can’t have that, we need to see what is happening now.” Melazar said nodding his head, and under his breath, “and not to mention the damage Bruno will do if we have to do this again.

Lareen smiled and pulled her leather sleeves up, “I’ve just the thing.” And she bolted up the stairs and quickly found a place between the two masts on the deck. Closing her eyes she began to mouth what seemed more of a prayer rather than the druidic spells Melazar had seen.

“Dear, please have the stomping captain have him and his crew look to me for a minute.” She paused, then added, “Thank you dear.” And returned to whatever it was she was doing.

Melazar sprinted up the short stairway to the captains deck and interrupted the very eloquent tongue lashing the captain was giving a group of shouting and frightened sailors. “Captain…” Melazar said…”Gentlemen!” he roared when they seemed to ignore him.

He tossed a quick look towards Lareen; she was now becoming surrounded in a white glow.

He quickly returned his attention to the arguing crew and its captain; slowly he pulled his great sword from its scabbard, which quieted a few. His left had clasped his the symbol about his neck, “I know this is to used against only an enemy, but it is a righteous cause.” He whispered as he let loose the spell to bring upon a Righteous Blow and slammed the point of his sword into the deck creating a great clap of thunder and a bolt of blue lightning, leaving him illuminated by the small fires glow through the smoke.

“That’s better,” he said as he noticed he had everyone’s full attention. “Captain, my wife would like you to all…and I mean ALL, have a look at what she’s doing.” He looked sternly at the captain, “That is unless you plan on dying out here while arguing.”

The captain, being a good captain, took full advantage of the fact the crew was now more frightened of the tall knight than the sea. “Hope to it ya swabs!” he yelled. “All of ya eyes on the little…” he noticed the glow about her now that was becoming more pronounced, “glowing lady.”

Melazar didn’t have time to admire his handy work, for his eyes too were drawn to his wife’s visage. It seemed that even as the glow about he grew, the sound of the ocean and the ships rigging faded; Melazar thought even the salty breeze had changed, it reminded him of a green meadow. He could now begin to hear what she was saying.

“….we beseech you my Lady, give us strength of heart. We but seek to…” she continued.

“Gentleman, please repeat after my wife please, she is trying to save our lives, at maybe the cost of her own.” He said quickly and slightly worried, for if the gods had truly began to make themselves know once again, the ship was not on land, and not the domain of the one she sought out. It was unfortunate that the gods had the same affliction of pride and jealousy as mankind.

“We are far from your beloved lands and its peoples... We are upon the watery domain of your brother whose slumber seems overly troubled… We are brave and deserving in your grace…” she was beginning to show strain as her shoulders momentarily slumped, only to be replaced with a renewed strength as he righted herself; he voiced seemed to come from all directions now.

“Your children are in danger Mother, your daughter seeks but to save these that would save your own. Show them your compassion…they’ve come to your peoples aid without ever seeing your tranquil great forests…Tunare please show them, that their courage may be renewed.” She seemed to turn her palms away from her, releasing the power. A bright flash blinded all for a moment, when they looked back she was floating in the air, arms out stretched, with bright glowing runes orbiting her, as if protecting her from the maelstrom.

The blinding white light began to swirl in front of her; slowly…ever so slowly it began to change color to that of the forest. The wind began to take shape as a spinning cloud of giant oak leaves…it seemed as if someone had begun to play a serene tune upon herder’s pipes as a gentle rain fell upon the cloud. Then as quickly as it began, the cloud dissipated to be replaced by a might silver oak tree, whose only substance seemed to be the waves radiating out from it of leaves, which brought on a tranquility as they passed through each of the crew, which almost immediately began to return to work.

Melazar broke out of his amazement long enough to race to his wife as she began to slowly be lowered. Though he soon saw he’d not need worry, for she was conscious and was lowered as gentle as a mother would set down her child. The light seemed to fade from around her, yet the glow upon her face remained.

“Was that…” he asked without finishing as he saw for the first time her cloak had changed. It seemed to flow into, or rather grow from, the very deck below her unseen feet. Within but a moments time of looking upon it, a scene appeared showing a meadow which surrounded the large silver oak. The scene changed to the silver colored tree, which brought back deep memories to Melazar, he noticed the branches were bare. Then quickly the picture zoomed in on a single leaf, which sought to nourish the mighty tree.

He wondered how a single leaf could keep life in such a mighty tree. The scene changed once again as if in answer to his thoughts. The scene zoomed out, showing the dying tree with a lone figure standing before where before there were none. The figure seemed to talk to the might tree and then looking towards the heavens. The picture became filled with a face; it was the face of hope… it was Lareen. Her face held the same glow, as before, her shining eyes seemed to grow larger and larger as the scene became that of a single tear.

New scenes seemed to play out across the glassy surface of the tear as it fell. First of a young child running threw a meadow, without a care in the world, full of wonder and joy. Then devastated forests and burned fields, giving a feeling of hopelessness. Once again it changed to the sun shinning down on a small flower as its petals opened to receive the life-giving rays. Now onto a dying young boy with hands clasped in prayer. Now rain fell lightly upon the meadow, almost a mist that glowed in the broken sunlight, promising life. This was replaced with a diseased wolf waiting for death in its lair, surrounded by its hunger pups. And finally a scene that held no dead nor dying, no disease nor destruction, only the hope of its people for the future.

The picture pulled back as it followed the tear as it fell upon the giant roots of the silver oak. Once again the picture pulled back showing the whole of the tree, it was as if tree was awakening from a long sleep…its leaves began to sprout everywhere, till within but a moment where before was all but a dying tree, stood a mighty, vibrant, living tree. A smile crept over Melazar’s face as he witnessed another time in his life that will never leave.

The tree, so strong and tall, began to shimmer, to change shape. It began to pulsate and shrink in size; soon the outlines fell away until the glow was but a head taller than Lareen. What followed was very quick, but it seemed the glow solidified into that of a woman. He wasn’t sure, it happened so fast, but the figure appeared to wear a robe, which moved as this. Almost in a blink, the woman bent down and kissed Lareen upon the forehead and vanished in a shower of silvery leaves.

It took a moment for Melazar to look away as the scene began to replay itself. Looking up he heard “Yes, Mother Tunare has returned from her long sleep. The roots of her love for the Land grew deeply.”

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 8

There are fleeting moments in life, like wind through a chimney smoking,
When all the worlds in pain, and your heart is breaking,
That a miracle can pass your eyes, unseen … yet wanting,
But if your faith holds true, with heart ready to receive,
The faith of one can give hope to an entire world, if you but believe.

~ Lareen D’Ahrwen Tel’Hedrita ~



The silver leafed tree glowing brightly upon the deck, its branches moving to an unfelt breeze, seemed to have somehow altered time for all but the ships crew; who were fast a work as the ship sped over a dead calm sea without wind yet steering straight and true.

As for the three passengers, each neither heard nor felt their surroundings as they sought to take in the miracle they had witnessed, none more so than Lareen. She stood smiling, as she’d done since the tree appeared, with her mates arms wrapped closely about her, yet her eyes seemed not to see Windsigh sitting cross-legged under the glowing tree, his eyes closed, yet seeming to sway to a song the Great Tree sang for just him.

Lareen had always had faith in the Great Mother, but even she had not been prepared for what that faith truly meant. Her very being seemed to expand beyond herself, she felt her cousin’s joy as he communed with the Great Tree, listening to the songs long ago forgotten; yet now come alive. She felt her soul mate, in whose arms she felt safer than anywhere else, finely at peace for the first time in weeks. His thoughts no longer on what could have happened to those he cares about, but on the infinite possibilities hope. She could even feel the power from his ever-present amulet, still far off yet awakening. But more so, she heard a voice.

It was the voice of Mother, no longer The Great Mother, nor Mother Tunare, for she had been reborn as daughter and high priestess of Tunare with but a kiss. Much lore had been passed down through the ages, which turned to legend, then mere whispers, as to how to awaken the Great Mother. Many had tried it was said, but lacked the faith to travel to where mortals dare not go, for it was thought she waited in the land of the dead.

But Lareen had performed the Ritual of Slumber more times than she cared to admit over the years, for the pain was too great as she took on their suffering and anguish with each ritual; that the trees roots might grow strong as they awaited the return of the one they loved. She had never performed the Ritual of Awakening, for the time of rebirth had not come to this world; a task, which must be freely given, was rumored to cost the priestess her own life.

The voice, so soothing, gently caressed her very soul as it told her only one of true faith would have known that a ritual of life such as that of the awakening could never involve death. She felt the voice weakening…

“ Daughter, we are awakening, but it will be sometime before our powers have returned after such a long slumber. Yet already the trees sing to our people, you feel it too. Hope is rekindled, yet faith must continue as The Foul One has awakened before us, his sickly powers grow from his pestilence. You’ve healed the sickness of mankind, now heal the land, it will aid you.” The voice faded away.

A single tear fell slowly down her cheek as but a mere whisper came, “A last message from your sister for Dear One, we are alive.” And the voice went silent, yet the warmth of her presence stayed.

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 9



The tall knight felt at peace for the first time in weeks, no, to tell the truth, he could not remember a time when he truly had this feeling. He stood upon the deck, his arms wrapped around his mate as he had untold times. He felt her heartbeat, steady and unhurried. He shared her warmth, like a blanket of serenity; for such was the feeling he felt her give as surely as if they were in his garden. Yet even as a part of his mind told him there was nothing more required in life than this moment, he knew there was something else…something important, something more than they two.

He looked about, the seas were unnaturally calm, a patch of clear sky seemed to follow the ship, a wind blew the ship forward not as a gale, but as if but a mothers tender hand guiding her child’s first step. There was a song on the breeze, ancient yet seemingly familiar, as if a memory from another time, a song of hope. Not a song from a minstrel plying his trade, more like that a mother sings to her child in the deep of the night.

Then there was the tree, which sat upon the deck before them, not so much a miracle as a proof of faith. He knew this was a sign, more than a means to calm a riotous crew, but one that foretold of a new dawn…a new age. The Gods awakening indeed gave hope, but more than their awakening, which none could deny meant a change was coming; it was the awakening from a many centuries slumber of the people, who had done naught but just survive these past years. A very wise person once told him, “Change is inevitable. Not all change is bad. Just remember not to fight it too hard, or you might just miss something wonderful.” He gave that very wise person a quick hug as he looked to the east and awaited the suns rising.

As if all on the ship had read his thoughts, he found all had turned their attention to where the false light of dawn even now appeared. Memory appeared in his mind as he waited for what he hoped would be another sign. This memory did not feel old nor recent, but all the same his. He’d felt this feeling before, like from another time. He knew that the elves believed that no one ever truly died, but were reborn anew, to continue along the circle which has no end, yet many forks all leading back to the path. And in each new life a different path is chosen, for the Circle of Life teaches us all things are infinitely possible.

As the memory overtook him, he wondered if it was from a future path or the past…

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 10


I believe there has never been a bard yet who could have described that kiss. Truly, it was forged in a thousand lifetimes. I knew she wished as I, that time would cease its march, even if for but another moment.

"Dear Ones." We each received a kiss upon our brow. "The Circle of life continues because of such moments. Come, I've another memory for thee." The scent of mirth and seriousness mingled together as she flew towards the garden.

I opened my eyes upon hearing the tiny reminder we were not alone. I saw an embarrassed look upon my loves face, and her giggle meant she saw the same in mine. We both laughed, and arm in arm, headed towards the garden.

As we neared the entrance to the garden I stopped and turned to look into my soul mates eyes. "I'll not enter without you my love. We can stay here and..."

Lareen placed a finger over my lips, "We shall enter together," she smiled, "there have been too many uncrossed paths, this one, we cross together."

I wondered only for a moment as to what she spoke; yet her smile made me forget anything other than her face. I cared not. I pulled her finger just far enough away to give it a kiss, "Together."

We faced the archway and entered. The scene had changed; Faeries always in a state of constant play now flew in a perfect circle, with their queen at the far end. I now wondered at the portent of a memory that would cause such a somber mood.

Laughter filled our thoughts as a hundred tiny minds sent congratulations. I looked to Lareen she shrugged and smiled. I squeezed her hand in mine as we walked forward to join the circle, as I had done on the few occasions I'd been allowed in the Celebration of Life. As we stopped in our places, Sweetie motioned for us to enter the circle. "Milady, I.."

"Dear Ones," she smiled as she motioned again. "Tis an honor, please."

Our minds felt a hundred happy smiles, quickly erasing any doubts. I bowed my head to the great lady and arm in arm; we crossed the circle and entered its center. I could not help but look back and saw indeed the circle was made whole once again, symmetry, always a circle.

"Indeed Dear Ones, always the circle must stay unbroken. For without it, there is an end."

The room erupted in celebration as the circle came anew. In all the lands there is nothing like the happiness these tiny beings bestowed, if you would but have the heart to see it.

"We gather this day for rebirth." She smiled as her clan danced around the circle. I pointed out the tiniest Faerie to Lareen, "Lady Blue Rose." I said grinning ear to ear. "The same?" she asked of me, for I'd told the tale many a time by the hearth late at night when remembering the fallen.

"Then it is true?" she said marveling at the tiny lady as she flew up to her and did a little pirouette and then kissed her upon the forehead and then flew back to her spot giggling happily.

"Aye, seems this day is full of wonders." I looked into her eyes and knew there was all the wonder I'd ever need.

"Aye, tis truly a day of wonders Dear Ones. Birth ensures the circle continues unbroken. This day The Land gave rebirth to three." She smiled pointing to Lady Blue Rose and then to Lareen and me. "Twas set in motion when the first dawn broke the endless night." Sweetie grew before our eyes, as did the shapes upon her flowing robe.

"Remember."

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 11



The happiness I felt in those next two days were beyond belief, as my love and I watched over our two miracles, as she'd come to call them. I think we slept not a wink during the next two days and nights as we awaited The Celebration.

It's hard to believe the joy it brings to ones soul, as you try and count ten fingers and ten toes, only to have this tiny little hand reach up and grab hold of your finger, as if saying, "I only need one."

Soon it was time to ready ourselves for The Celebration. My hands trembled as we first adorned Tandarius, and then Tanisha, with the tiny robes we'd been given. As any father or mother feels towards their children, I could not help but feel, there was something special about them, It was when I bent to give each a kiss upon their forehead, that I realized what I'd sensed, there was an almost tangible aura of peacefulness emanating from each. I then looked to Lareen, to see if she to felt something, and found her smiling a mothers knowing smile.

She nodded to me as she reached for my hand and guided it to within a few inches of each child. "You feel it. Tis a gift." She said to me in an excited whisper as she wrapped her arms about me. It was then I was sure I'd not imagined it, but with that thought, a cloud of dread crept into my heart, what was the price of this gift.

I found myself holding onto Lareen as I prayed to Mithaniel Marr to watch over our children. I knew there were forces at work here beyond my comprehension, and I also knew I'd have to hold tightly unto my faith. Faith seemed a very steep hill where the safety of ones family is concerned, but if faith were what was required of me, then I would swim its oceans for them.

As if on queue, the woman I'd known most of my life as Sweetie appeared smiling before us, she smelled of roses as always, just as if she'd come straight from the garden. As I looked upon her, I knew somehow, the name I'd called her these many years, must have seemed childish to her.

"Dear one." she said, "tis a name I shall ever cherish, and none other shall I be known by, for twas one chosen from thy own heart."

It was then a new scent came floating our way, 'twas that of 'A Knights Heart', the very same I'd made for Lareen.


"And where better to get ones name."

She then kissed each of us in turn, and as she bent low to give the children their own, I swore she spoke to each. What, I could not hear, but when she arose I saw that each child held not only a smile upon their face, but the hand of the other. The sight made my heart soar; it was as if in answer to my prayer, for they seemed to say they would ever watch over the other.

"Faith, Dear Ones, 'tis a wonderful thing." She then placed a hand over each of our hearts. 'There is a strength here beyond thy understanding." She then waved about us to the crystal mountain, "Beyond even the powers of the crystal of life. For as its powers are to create life," she placed her hands upon our breasts once again, "in here," she patted each of us, "lays the power to preserve it."

Her words seemed to overwhelm me as I tried to comprehend how ones heart could hold such a power, and then, as if sensing my confusion, I felt Lareen’s hand gently take my own, and the thoughts lost their grip.

'Twas at that moment I knew in my heart and soul, if the mere touch of my love could take away my doubts, all things were possible.

The room suddenly filled with tiny beating wings, and the seriousness of the past few minutes floated away.

"Tis time." Sweetie said joyfully.

I pulled Lareen into my arms and looked deeply into her eyes, "When I look into my heart, I see you there. When I close my eyes, I see only your smiling face, and in my dreams, your there holding me close against the nights mare. If these be the powers she speaks of, then I know in my heart and soul, I shall ever love thee, and with that power, all things are possible."

We left the last few moments of preparation to our hosts, for it suddenly seemed, a hundred lifetimes passed between us, and with each passing, the strength of our love increased.

It wasn't until I heard the great Lady clear her throat that I realized; Lareen and I had locked ourselves into an embrace. There was a time when this would have embarrassed me to no end, but now, I could only smile, and wonder what other marvels this night would hold.

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 12


At last the time for The Celebration had arrived, I almost felt as if I were a child again, awaiting the visitor who came but once a year when the snows fell. Just before we exited the cavern, which had been our sanctuary, these past months, I stopped suddenly.

"What is it my love?" Lareen asked me with her curious sideways tilt of the head.

"Hmmm? Oh, it's just that, that it'll be so dark along the way, and I know fire is not permitted in the celebration, but I thought I might find a brand for the walk there." I frowned as I looked upon Tanisha whom I held, still worried I might accidentally drop her, or stumble, she seemed so fragile!

Lareen righted her head and smiled that all knowing smile once again. "I think we shall not worry for light milord." She said as she pointed towards the cavern walls.

As I looked I noticed the normally luminous crystalline walls, were more aglow than normal. Looking closer, I saw it was not the walls, which glowed brighter, twas a reflection! Lareen used her free hand to lead to the exit and a truly wondrous sight. There must have been hundreds, if not thousands of floating lights lining a winding path right into the center of the forest below. "Shall we?" she said as placed her left hand upon my right forearm.

It seemed this night was destined to give up one surprise after another. The lights bobbing lightly in the gentle breeze were Faeries! I knew now, we witnessed Faerie fire, though I'd thought it but a fable. As we passed each pair, they would slowly extinguish their magical light and in turn fly down and kiss Tandarius and Tanisha upon the forehead, and fall in line behind us.

When at last we reached the forest edge, the lights had all been extinguished, but we had to worry not, for the very stars seemed to expand themselves, adding their own light to The Celebration. I looked to Lareen and witnessed what my own face must have looked like the first time I'd witnessed this oldest of celebrations. All I could do was nod my agreement as I led her down the path.

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 13

Lareen and I stood together overlooking the natural bowl shaped depression, waiting our turn in The Celebration. We marveled at the endless procession below, as the old brought forth the next generation, to ensure the Land its cycle of life will continue anew once again.


Each of the Lands inhabitants reverently presented their newborn, and in turn each received a blessing from the same ageless woman I'd seen before. As before, she seemed to grow out of the forest floor. Her most striking feature was the robe, which seemed to flow into, or rather grow from, the very grass below her unseen feet. Scenes moved across it as if it were a living picture, playing out the lives of those who came before her, changing only as the next appeared before her. I could not help but wonder what it would show when we presented our two miracles.


As I glanced about, I saw Lareen eyes riveted to the robe. "What do you see my love?" I asked, knowing that since arriving in this place, her sight had changed. She had become aware of things even I could not see.


She looked my way with a broad smile. "Tis the life cycle of the young!" she said excitedly. "Look." She said pointing below. I turned my gaze towards the small mound and watched as the scene being played out upon the living palette showed the small colt with wobbly legs would grow to be a mighty stallion, guardian of an entire herd. It would sire many young, ensuring the herds continuation. I could almost feel the wind in my face as the robe showed the young colt its first taste of freedom as it ran free through a sea of tall green grass.


This scene was repeated over and over as the procession continued until all the forest creatures had presented their young. I was becoming anxious; fearing once again. My new family and I would be but spectators. Lareen must have once again felt my fears, for just as before, her hand moved to caress mine, and just as before, my feelings of anxiety drifted away. I looked to her and was about to ask if this ability was something new too, when she nodded once again towards the woman below. "Tis time." She said smiling.



Looking below, I witnessed the same as I seen before; every eye was upon the spot where we stood. Reflexively, I looked behind us to see if Sweetie stood there, for I still harbored the feeling we would not be allowed below. Finding we were alone, I felt my spirit soar, and taking Lareen's hand, we walked slowly towards what I hoped was truly a blessing and not a ....


My thought was cut short, when I noticed for the first time the face of the ageless woman upon the mound; it was my old friend, Sweetie.


"Step forward Dear Ones, that we might see The Chosen."


Lareen's grip tightened, for my sake or hers I knew not, but we did as bade. I became self-conscious of the parting sea of animals surrounding the center mound. I tried to make out the expressions upon the animals, but could not tell whether what I witnessed was fear or joy.


Lareen whispered as she gently brought my hand to her lips, "Have faith my love." I smiled and nodded as I returned the sentiment, kissing her palm.


At last, after what seemed a thousand lifetimes, we stood before...The Land was all that came to mind, as I looked upon my friend in a different light.


I felt a soft caress in my mind, and knew I had found the correct words, at least by my own understanding.


Lareen and I bowed before the great lady before presenting Tanisha and Tandarius.


We watched on, as the one whom I’d thought I knew, began to speak to all assembled.


"My family," she began, her voice seemingly coming from all directions at once, "the time of The Chosen is upon us. Let us rejoice, for the circle is almost complete."


She looked down and smiled, showing me the sparkling eyes I’d come to know. "All in good time Dear One." She whispered, cutting off the questions she knew I was begging to ask.


"It is time for the great tale to be told. Listen upon my words, for a time will come shortly when we shall all be tested."


This brought to mind the code, which had become such an integral part of my very being.


"In the battle which comes, you may be called upon to show kindness to those unknown to you. This simple act may be all that is needed for the Land to prevail,"


"Courtesy" shot to the forefront of my mind.


"Others may be called upon to fight without fear for life nor limb, the menace which even now walks The Land.


"Valor" my mind spoke unbidden.


"And there will be those not called upon, but they shall not feel as if they help not the efforts of those who shall battle that which comes, for they shall watch over the young, ensuring the circle continues."


"Humility"


"In the days that come, we may feel the need to deceive. Never must we allow ourselves to cloud the truth, for it alone shall be our guide to the One Who Walks The Land Unseen. This one must know the truth of our efforts. That the full power of The Land stands strong, and will not be moved aside."


"Honesty" I began to feel she where speaking only to me, but it took but a glance around me to see that each stood poised on each word.


"We must be true to ourselves. We...are The Land. We must show the one who seeks to destroy, that we seek only to preserve life. We shall take life only when all else fails, for to do else would be to diminish the circle."


"Honor"


"Look about you. Assembled here are those whose abilities may require them to lead you unto safety or battle. This must be done without question nor fear, trust in them. In the time to come, foe will turn into friend, prey to savior, and the weak," she looked upon a family of field mice at our feet, "mighty."


"Fealty"


"And lastly, we must trust that the Circle shall continue. When all seems lost, look to that place where our strength lies. Know this to be true. We are not alone. We must have the faith to continue what was started in the beginning."


"Spirituality" I wondered at her choice of words, but knew her better than to think them a mere coincidence. Now more than ever my mind begged answers, but I knew I'd have to await them, for she continued.



"All these we must do, if we are to prevail. But fear not, for it was foreseen in the beginning, that a time would come when The Land would be tested. It was then that those before us," she spread her hands to encompass my small family, "were set into motion upon the circle, awaiting this time. Rejoice, for The Chosen have exited the circle, to journey to its center and the battle which comes. We shall guard them as they seek the path which can not be seen. For it is they, to whom the power to end our peril has been bequeathed. Only they may travel where The Land can not."


Icy tendrils gripped my heart, but only until she continued, reminding me once again we are not alone.


"But they shall fear not. For just as they seek to travel the path which can not be seen, so shall they feel enlightenment and peace of mind, from the power which itself can not be seen, yet embraced."


I noticed a glow upon the great Lady, instinctively I reached for the symbol I carried ever over my heart. Knowing even before looking, it glowed with the warmth of Marr's strength. Lareen did the same as I said a prayer of forgiveness and thanks for a renewed faith and the protection of my family and The Land.


"Now let us return to The Celebration, for there are still those who have not been received." She smiled as she awaited us to offer up our children.


I nodded as Lareen raised little Tandarius before the great Lady. As we looked on, she slowly placed her hand upon his small chest.


"This one shall find the unfound." She said before bending down to kiss him upon the brow. As she arose she noticed my eyes upon her robe, awaiting the revelations we'd witnessed before.


"Thee will not see that which you seek, for as those of the circle have a path which is known, thee and thou, are beyond the circle. Your paths can not be followed, that thee might travel the unseen path without fear, for just as the One Who Walks The Land Unseen travels, so shall thee."


I nodded gratefully. We begin the journey on equal ground.


She then looked upon little Tanisha in my arms as Lareen hugged Tandarius to her chest with a glow upon her face. I raised Tanisha to receive her blessing.


Both Lareen and I watched, as once again, one of our children was about to receive a blessing, and together we held our breath. What would be her gift and task in the battle yet to come?


As the great lady placed her hand upon little Tanisha's chest, she closed her eyes and frowned!


I reflexively pulled my daughter back into my arms, futilely trying to protect her from a future not yet written. I was about to back away when the great lady opened her eyes and smiled.


"Thee have no need for fear here Dear Ones." She said looking first to me then Lareen. "This ones gift was not decided upon, until this very moment. I had thought it would fall upon your mate." she indicated Lareen. "But this task has been given to the smallest, she shall walk in deaths shadow and bring forth life."


I looked down at the tiny child I protected in my arms, and could not imagine her ever venturing into deaths shadow...but a glimmer of hope found a way to make itself known, "bring forth life." I took a deep breath and blinked the beginnings of a tear away before I looked to Lareen who only showed pride.


"She shall bring forth life!" she said with a look of joy on her face. "Life." She said again looking softly into my eyes. "Life." I said softly in return, as I returned my eyes to Tanisha. I gazed deeply into her baby blue eyes, looking for a sign, something, anything. Just as I was about to look away, a flash! It was but a tiny spark, and I looked to see if any had seen it, but none seemed privy. I slowly reached my right hand down to touch her face, only to have her grab my forefinger with all her might. As I looked from the finger to her face I saw the spark again, I knew then she would do this thing.


"You shall be a Knight." I said softly with my face close to her ear. "You shall have all the knowledge and skills this land has to give, that you might return safely to my arms."


I pulled the symbol from around my neck, and while draping it around hers, I prayed that her path through the shadows be illuminated with Marr's love, and just as before, the symbol glowed brightly warming my heart. As I finished my prayer I looked up and found two sets of smiling faces hovering over me.


"My love," I said softly, "she shall.."


"Be a Knight like her father." Lareen finished for me.


"But I...I thought you would not understand." I said wide-eyed, but with a feeling of such love for this woman who never ceased to amaze me.


"Who better to travel in deaths shadow," she said as she placed her hand over my heart, "than one whose very life..." she smiled and blinked her eyes slowly, "Means battling death...that life might go on," and looking to the other great lady before me, "and allow the circle to continue."


I brought my face forward and kissed her lips, and afterwards I looked to Tandarius and smiled.


"He shall be.." she began


"A scout as his mother, that he might find the unfound." I finished for her, before it was her turn to give a kiss. We stared into each other’s eyes until the great lady began again.


"We are not finished Dear Ones. For there are two others who shall receive blessings this eve."


I saw Lareen mimic the look I must have had upon my face, wide eyed, as if about to open a present. Together we turned to receive our blessing.


The great lady placed her hand over my heart and smiled. "Thee shall be the strength that binds."


I felt a glow through my very being, which did not subside, even when she removed her hand to give Lareen her blessing.


"And thee," she said with a sparkle in her eyes, as if she saw something unseen before this moment, "Thee shall bring the many together, " she stopped and kissed Lareen upon the brow, "and heal with a mothers kiss."


I watched Lareen beaming with the glow, I knew myself what she felt, as she received her blessing. I moved closer and put my free arm around her and hugged my small family as we listened once more to the great lady.


"Hearken and hear my words, for the Chosen before us, shall not remember the tale of the battle to come after this night."


Lareen and I looked on in astonishment. We tried to protest! But she only continued.


"This must be, for The One Who Walks Unseen looks even now for The Lands champions, and they must not be looking over their shoulders, that duty falls unto us." She spread her arms to encompass the entire gathering. "We shall watch over them as they prepare without worry. This task may take many years as The Chosen learn to walk the Unseen Path." She stopped momentarily to look upon us.


"Thee two," she said nodding to Lareen and I, "shall learn the ways of magic, that thee might know He Who Walks Unseen. But fear not Dear Ones, thee shall not forget all of this night, The Land...I... would not take all from thee," she looked into my eyes, "Thee shall remember receiving The Lands blessing, and..." she stopped and pointed to the horizon just as it exploded in a brilliant flash of light!


"The dawn of a new age."

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 14

The scene before the old knight seemed to become translucent as the ship he stood upon began to reappear beneath it, overlaid as such, he began to wonder which was reality and which the memory. All seemed chaotic except for the beautiful woman who stood before him with the robe flowing with life. His eyes blinked as he looked here and there trying to remove one of the realities while his mind sought to hold onto both, for truly both were important to him. Absentmindedly as always, his hand sought his medallion. His fingers grasped air…he slowly looked down and found it was as the shades before him, of no substance. Once again he looked upon the woman before him; the only thing he could not see through and knew he was to make a choice. His eyes closed as he fell to his knees…

As was his want at times like this, he began to speak aloud, that his ears might help him decide as well as mind and heart…

“How can a man make such decisions?” he asked himself aloud. “In each, The Land is in imperial.”

“What decision troubles you so?” returned the familiar voice in his head.

“That I should choose between this life or the other.” He answered.

“What choices do you think you have but to save The Land?” was the response.

“The Land is not a choice, for surely it must be protected no matter which I choose, but the children.” He said softy.

“Oh…” the familiar voice responded in a curious manner.

“How can I not choose the children?” he paused awaiting the other. “I know it is selfish to choose only for ones self. But…if it is true we’ve lived these many lives, why should we not enjoy what others have. For surely The Land is in need in both.”

“Indeed!” the familiar voice responded. “But can we not have both?”

“How can we have both….” He paused when he realized what the voice had said…We…

Slowly he opened his eyes, expecting to see two realities, insubstantial and ghostly. But his mind only allowed him to see was the one thing that anchored both, the beautiful woman in the flowing robes of life. He blinked as before as she began to speak.

“Can we not save The Land and have children? The circle can not continue without such things.”

He blinked once again as the woman’s face changed from that of The Great Mother to that of Sweetie, the Faerie Queen. He closed his eyes once again.

“But how am I to know which time to choose? How am I to know if I doom one age of man to save another? I am but a mortal man, and my mind is not made for such things as the vast passages of time.” He pleaded and received a kiss upon his brow.

“A mere mortal man are you?” he heard soft laughter. “ Why would I choose such a man when I could have one whose heart has traveled the circle since time began. One which searched as I, for untold lifetimes?”

His mind balked at what it heard, for it was true he did love the woman who stood before him, but…”My lady, I do surely love you, but my heart holds in its sway but one whom I would share these many ages with, children or no.” and he opened his eyes to see her reaction. What he saw made him blink once again as the woman before him once again began to change shape.

“As does my heart my love.” Lareen said as she wrapped her arms around her old knight, pulling him close. “Come to me my venturesome knight, let us travel together, one age at a time.”

His arms too wrapped themselves about his wife, his mate, and his anchor. His mind began to soothe as his troubles seemed to fade, as all thought of choices slipped away as if a cool breeze upon his face on a warm day.

“Now tell me this tale of children again my love.”

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 15

“Three days and nights now she’s had the bone in her teeth.” The captain of the Maryanne said to the old knight who’d taken to standing watch upon the wheel deck.

Melazar gave him a quick look; the two had come to know one another quite well these past days. In his life, he’d witnessed many extraordinary things and knew it sometime changed people; he knew he’d felt many changes himself of late, but one change he’d never allow was disrespect.

“I’d think after all you’ve witnessed,” the old knight said slowing holding back a sudden flare in his temper, “you’d not think to show any disrespect to my wife. Especially after…”

“Whoa matey, furl in them sails a bit.” The captain broke in quickly. “I was meaning the Maryanne,” he said holding his hands in front of him and smiling, “she’s kicking up spray, sailing fast and true.”

The old knight’s shoulders relaxed visibly. “I’m sorry my friend.” He apologized with and embarrassed grin. “I guess I’m a bit tired.”

“Think nothing of it my lord.” He grinned. “Ain’t no captain I ever met wouldn’t want a figurehead on his bow such as she.” He said tilting his head at the small figure leaning upon the boomkin extending in front of the ship, as if she were willing the wooden vessel to follow. “She has the Lord of the Deep as a friend rightly so. I’d say we’ll sight land in two days at most.”

The old knight absentmindedly nodded as his gaze returned to his wife. This voyage has brought about many revelations; he feared more were to come. He knew his mate’s small frame held great strength and an even greater power. Even now he marveled at her stamina, and feared it at the same time. She’d not left the bow since they’d talked of children two days hence. All she would say when he’d tried to convince her to get some rest was she had a question that needed an answer.

“That’s good news…good news indeed.” Melazar said as his left hand sought its customary place; grasping the amulet about his neck.

A Mystery in Faydwer – Part 16

True to what the captain had said, the ship indeed was sailing fast and true, kicking up spray over the bow, though neither wind nor water seemed to touch the lone figure. Her small frame draped in the flowing green robe that had materialized upon her during the Right of Awakening some days before, how many she did not know. For all appearances, she truly was the ships figurehead, face forward and unmoving, guiding the ship and its crew safely through troubled waters; though in fact she was moving, just not in body, but in mind.

It had been two days since she’d sent out her thoughts, seeking answers to questions known and unknown. She felt neither thirst nor hunger as her mind communed with The Land. She sought the limits of her new abilities, battering down barriers as they appeared, except those of the enemy; a small whispering voice deep within her mind told her she should not let herself be known to him just yet.

She found the extent of the corruption was less than feared, yet far worse where it attacked than told of in ancient writings. Animals and plants alike lay dead or dying, and with each such, the corruption spread as the land sought to reclaim them, as the circle of life demanded.

She saw hungry wolves claim the dead, and those that did not die from the foul feast became distorted and wild, unrecognizable and diseased. What was once friend to every young wood elf was now but a perverted way to infect any who walked The Land. For no wood elf had ever feared an animal. Now…the mere thought was repulsive. With such a way to spread the disease, one bite and then once again it spreads.

Something hovered just beyond her minds eye. She saw a weakness in this terribly fast spreading disease. It killed too quickly, yet on it continued…she put a part of her consciousness to work on the problem and continued her search. She desperately needed to talk with one she’d known for many a year, but whose true identity had but recently been revealed to her as daughter to her own Mother.

“Sister, I beseech thee. Help is but a short while away, yet I would ask thee a question most troublesome to mine own self.” These thoughts she sent to and fro, to every corner Faydwer, always receiving silence as an answer, yet on she traveled, to places and possibly times unknown to her. An instinctive feeling began to take over, as if a door had opened. Faster and faster her thoughts traveled, towards an unknown destination which was as clear in her mind as if she’d visited it everyday of her life.

A great barrier, shimmering like a dome of mist in the mornings first light, appeared before her where none should be, for she had twice at least passed this way in her travels. The barrier did not have the feeling of the enemy; it felt of nothing, as if it were but a trick of the light. She knew now, no one could find this place, for it existed not but in the mind!

“Enter mine sister and be comforted, for truly thee have traveled far and learned much in but a short time.” Came the familiar voice she’d known these many years as Sweetie, a name she’d taken from her own beloved Melazar when he was but barely a young boy. He’d known her as a Faerie Queen, yet Lareen knew her now as sister and daughter to Mother Tunare, Goddess of The Land.

“Here thee are beyond time, fear not mine sister. I’ve waited long for this coming, and would give thee and Dear One the answers I mayest.”