THE HOUR

Dreser travelled in much haste after leaving the Hegleok house and family behind. He felt no regret for what he had done, in his mind it was justified.

“My father’s name must not die and that is what I have made certain of.” He moved in such speed, his form appeared as a blur to anyone watching but none saw him for Dreser took the paths of forests where dense trees grew and the soil underfoot housed venomous plant and creatures. Dreser covered long distances in little time and reached Syuolika paying no attention at all to what he trampled.

Syuolika resembled a battleground where here and there fires burned homes and nearly everywhere people lay dead or dying slowly. Very few structures stood erect, untainted by fire and the families living within these, Dreser saw, went about their doings as if whatever happened beyond the front gardens was not really happening.

The Kere house was one like this, a cheery light blazed from within. Dreser approached it but before knocking, peered in through a window and saw the light came from a lively fire burning in a fireplace. Before it sat a table with a crude surface and two seats one of which was occupied by an aged woman. A clay pot sat before her and a bowl that she ate from, a satisfied look on her face which even from where he stood, Dreser knew to be the appearance of someone under his father’s control. Indeed he had come to the right town and house.

Old woman Kere sat straight and gulped down large quantities of Meshmittle she had stolen from Geje after setting the woman alight with a torch simply because she refused to see the good in the other’s words. Screaming and burning Geje had run farther inside the house, her house in search of water or rags that she could beat her burning body with to put the fire out and in her wake Chyle’s grandmother had gone setting ablaze the old wooden doors and adding Meshmittle to the flame, the drink helped the fire spread and gave it a vigor to burn hotter and faster than otherwise. Geje perished as did the house but not before a barrel of Meshmittle was taken before the flames got to it.

As she drank it now, old woman Kere was glad she had spared the barrel from getting wasted away in flame. It tasted fine.

The bowl before her sat empty, she had finished the meal. A slight movement outside the window caught her eye and at once she got to her feet, grabbed a torch and lit it and threw open the door.

“Who is it that stands there in the light of the dark like a fool frightened of the darkness that lies within this here light?” she growled brandishing the torch in front of her. “Speak up if you dare!” A swift movement from her side and Dreser stood in front of her, he held her hand holding the blazing torch.

“I am no more afraid of the fiery darkness that you hold in a burning torch than you are of my father, Deituk.” Lowering her hand old woman Kere let the torch change hands, she scrutinized the young man before her.

“I do not fear Deituk true,” she said in a softer tone, “It is the foolish minds that do.” She gestured in the general direction of Syuolika.

“And it was you who taught them a lesson, is it not?” Dreser asked grinning.

The old woman grunted, “Learnt the hard way!” There was a short silence.

“I did see several homes and families unscathed,” Dreser said, “Are those who upon your word pledged to follow my father and Time?”

“Those are them,” she replied, “Only not all are of the same families and it was not upon my say alone that they decided to follow Deituk but their hearts are corrupt and they see this as an advantage to unravel all that they have kept hidden from the others’ eyes and from their own ambitions.”

A cold wind blew as she finished speaking, she remembered the stew and decided she could have another helping offering some to the young man as well.

“By what name is it you are called, Deituk’s son?” asked old woman Kere, Dreser smiled, “I am Dreser old lady,” he gave a slight bow. “Show me respect and I shall feed you a hot meal,” she gave a tight smile, “Now come in.”

Back in the Hegleok household, while continuing to sort out the ledgers and parchments containing details of cases that had been brought forth before the council during the entire long day, grumbling at the fact that neither of his brothers had taken their turns to put in order the mess he now worked on, Brestuev had no idea what was taking place beyond the four walls that surrounded him.

“Mother will hear of this,” he grumbled on, “What ever in Greo’s name has kept those two shall be nothing in comparison to mother’s anger at having disobeyed her say.” He worked on, a twisted smile on his face.

Up in her room Aliyha sat on her bed feeling suddenly very tired. The only light still came from the lamp by the door. Aliyha shivered as she pulled back the bed covers and slipped in under them. It took her a moment to realize the lamp still glowed, sighing she made to get up but was held back by a strong pair of arms.

“Worry less Aliyha Slyionthe,” the words were whispered and not unkindly, yet fear gripped her. “A little glow will not harm you while we lie here and reminisce… maybe even make new memories…who knows!” A soft laugh and Lady Hegleok’s vision clouded and the air around her burned as her force met that of the illusory character’s, one trying to flee while the other breathing passion at her. Just when she thought it was all a bad dream and that somehow she had fallen right to sleep, there, at the foot of her bed stood the young Aliyha.

“No, not you!” gasped Lady Hegleok, “You are no longer a living person, you died and if you have not, then you shall.” She began to scramble out of bed forgetting the previous moments when next to her a weight shifted and settled around her middle.

“You cannot avoid me forever,” the young Aliyha spoke quietly; every word rang loud in Lady Hegleok’s ears. "I am you and you are going to consent to us.” With that the elder Aliyha was thrown back upon her bed and her mind and body were taken over by helplessness and a sense of reckless passion.

The night wore on slowly as Aliyha Slyionthe and Lady Hegleok united, and the illusory character indulged in unmentionable doings. After a long while Aliyha Hegleok was left to herself, the young Aliyha having settled quietly in her mind while Time’s second hand adviser bid her farewell.

“The Hour is upon us

Take heart,

For we will meet again, this while

Not to ever part.”

These words stirred Lady Hegleok into an uneasy sense of being, she tossed her head this side and that trying to get awake but the words grabbed her firmly and she fell into a fitful sleep. The young Aliyha took immense delight in her lover’s rhyme as she silently rested against her older self’s unease.

“We will, I know.” was all she said, quietly.

What met his eyes when Inckle turned his back to Zetreh at the other’s say made him gasp, eyes wide with astonishment. The five friends simply stood there unable to hide their joy and relief while Zetreh said. “Each of you have done much to find your friend, and here he is. You are to accompany and assist him in returning to Wise Rieah what she has asked of him. May the journey ahead be, not unpleasant brave ones.”

Inckle half turned, “We will meet again, will we not?” Zetreh smiled. “We certainly shall. Do not let your queries stop you from acknowledging those who mean most to you.”

Saying that he raised his hand in a farewell gesture and left. Before he knew what was happening Inckle found himself surrounded by his friends in a tight embrace and joy gripped him and he cried as he looked first into his mother’s face and then into each of his friends’ faces. It was a long moment before the friends pulled themselves away from the embrace and looked at their friend and hero. Only Fiel remained at Inckle’s side, arms wrapped around him protectively.

“My heart is glad to have found you at last, my son,” she whispered hoarsely, “I always believed my Incky pie to be our creator’s favorite!”

Inckle laughed through his tears, “It is good to see you mother,” he kissed her face and spoke, “The task ahead has danger embedded in its very nature but I fear not with you and them around me.”

Fiel beamed. “Talk to your friends and your brother Inckle,” she said softly, pointing to Astra and the others as she spoke. “They too have waited long wakings and been through much trials, like me, to see you and I believe some of them have some words to speak to you.” She stepped aside so he saw the other four.

Inckle sat with them after much back slapping, Astra and Korehk had found themselves lost for words as Inckle stood facing them speaking amiably.

“I feel over joyed that the two of you are here,” he said as he put his arms across their shoulders, smiling. “Astra, I know you are not what all those wakings before you showed yourself to be, you never truly were but what circumstances made you out to be.”

Astra fumbled with the split ends of his sweater, “You are the kindest gamhnurt Inckle Vilksumer.” he spoke freely, “I am honoured to be standing before you now.”

Inckle said simply, “And it is I who is joyous to have a brother in you.”

The other looked surprised and smiled sheepishly.

“Yes, mother told me and if she had not claimed you, I would have.” Inckle embraced the Stone Lover hard then turned to the other.

“You, I thank you for having the heart to believe,” the old nurt mumbled something but fell silent instantly. Inckle nodded.

“I look forward to getting to know you better my wise friend. Now come let us join the rest and talk of the past and future. There is much to hear and even more to talk of.” He gathered them all around the high stone seat.

In silence the companions along with Inckle sat studying the carvings on the high seat for several long moments. Korehk was the first to break the quiet when he took his eyes off the stone map and said, “I know where we are to go.”

The others looked at him with renewed awe. Inckle said, “Tell us Korehk wise nurt for I do not know to read carved stone and I believe neither do the rest of us.” Inckle looked around at each of them, each nodded agreement. Finally, Korehk leaned forward and running a gnarled finger on the stone seat explained.

“We are a good long march away from Angoruis, a place between Wild Narrow and the ancient Kourass’ course. This is the place where the Wise spirits’ minds dwell in wakings of lesser trouble. Its actual name is Flemezour and it is only the Wise minds who call it this for the folk who live near the river bank, they do not know of its true name.”

There was astounding silence as the rest absorbed this information. After a moment, Korehk went on. “It is said here in Flemezour there is a Tree just like the one we are in now, only it stands deserted,” he paused to look at them, his finger on the carving, “It is within Ailieth, the chamber of recreation and quiet that you Inckle, will find what Wise Rieah has not.”

Having read and explained the part of the carving, which was the map. That was not the only thing the high seat had carved upon it, but the rest of what was engraved on the stone could wait till time was less pressing, all agreed it to be so, and Korehk, he sat back straight and contemplated the map and journey in silence. The warmth that the sudden wind had brought with was ebbing slowly and a chill crept through The Tree making the nurts wrap their cloaks tight around themselves.

Fiel was the first to break the quiet this time, “Wise Rieah left two sacks filled with Floherb wrapped in earth cake for us to carry along with us on the journey.” She hefted two large sacks to the front of the company. “The lands we must pass through are desolate. Winter and Time have both joined strengths to achieve this,” she looked around, “We shall not go hungry, especially not you Inckle.” she ruffled his hair and went on. “But the floherbs will not last very long…we must control our eating and try to go by on a single earth cake for at least a week.”

The quiet contemplation became oppressive as each of the nurts thought it all over in their minds, then there was a slight movement and Untholio spoke.

“Are you certain you have read these engravings correctly, Korehk? It appears to be an awful lot of land to travel through to get to Flemezour…and all that cold and not enough to eat…”

Korehk grunted, “I fear I have read it right and the lands that must be travelled are going to be hard and cold…”

Inckle looked at Untholio and saw a flash of mischief in his eyes. Curious, he looked on.

“For certain you have read it correct,” grumbled Untholio in mock irritation, “A Stone Lover that you are, good for reading your precious stones!” Korehk jumped to his feet and lunged at the other. Inckle tried to break the fight but when he saw the others just grinning, he noticed that though the Stone Lover and Earth Protector were poised to wrestle, neither did. The two just stood fists raised and sweaters in tight grasps, laughing quietly.

Cineon’s eyes suddenly flew open; a faint streak of daylight penetrated the dark around her. Turning her head, she felt strangely fatigued. Dreser had not been to bed all night she noticed as she eyed his absent form beside her. For moments she lay there watching the faint light, she had to see her husband; there was certain urgency in that although she did not quite know why.

Even as she sat up she felt her child move within her and the swelling belly and strange fears returned to her in the form of whispers and a vague recollection of frightening dreams she had dreamed through the night. She fought back a scream, getting to her feet, she stumbled across the room toward the door but before she could reach it, the child moved and again Cineon was reminded of the strangest occurrences that had befallen her in her sleep. Looking around the room she saw that the light came from dying embers of a fire that had been lit a long while. The fireplace stood beside the old chest of drawers in the far side of the room, it was not daylight after all.

“My child has grown inside me,” she mumbled to herself. “How can this be? I have not been asleep for more than a few hours…” She stepped toward the window but halted as her own reflection on the pane caught her eye.

‘Cineon Hegleok you are wedded to evil and evil you carry…Great doings shall be expected from the unborn, do not fret for he who you have wedded for he is within you and within you he is not’ the whispers made her whirl, she sensed fear grip her and recognized the voice as the one from her dream.

“Dreser,” a trembling hand touched her brow, “Evil… It cannot be so. Dreser!” She lunged for the door again but stopped short. A wave of terror would not let her move any further; she sank to her knees and wept uncontrollably out of fear and sorrow.

That was how Aliyha Slyionthe found her, after awakening herself from Lady Hegleok’s conscience while her older self lay in unpleasant dreams. The young Aliyha left the chamber aware of feeling alive and content at finally having united herself with her beloved and most importantly with the part of her being that had long ago disowned her. Then a strangled sob was heard and the young woman knew it had come from someone in great distress.

“Your daughter Aliyha Hegleok,” said the younger Aliyha as much to herself as to the one whose mind now was tormented in harsh dreams of what had occurred to her and what her beloved’s child had done not that long ago. “Your daughter needs her mother…fear, for it is I who shall look in and see what troubles her right this moment.”

Cineon’s mind went blank as she sobbed, tears spilled to the floor and in her heart she let hate blossom. It was her very own mother who had been intent she marry just so the council could have its right number of members and it was her mother who had introduced Dreser to Cineon. Strange, she could remember not a thing of that meeting…

“It is just as well,” said Cineon to herself and to the emptiness, or so she thought it was just empty dark. “I wish not to recall treachery!” It was then that she felt subtle movements about her. The young woman scrambled quickly to her feet and said in as brave a voice she could.

“Who is there? I am not afraid of you!” She strained to see through her tears but the faint glow had finally given way to ashes and dark. So Cineon, saw nothing but still felt someone or something move around her in the darkness. Stumbling backwards she found the edge of her bed and sat there closing her eyes, trying very hard to control the panic within her. The child moved inside her as if sensing her fear, and Cineon's thought sharing it. She took a calming breath hoping to reassure the little one that all was well but then something made her start, a match was lit and the fireplace burned anew. Cineon gasped for there, stoking the blaze was a woman no younger then herself.

“It is well not to fear your own mother’s past, Cineon Hegleok,” said young Aliyha as she slowly approached the bed. “If only Aliyha Hegleok was as wise and brave as you!”

Cineon let out a soft scream and moved further back unto the bed. “You are not my mother and Lady Hegleok fears none.” The memory of the younger Aliyha smiled.

“I was your mother many ages before she met your father and abandoned me,” she was nearer to edge of the bed. “Do not pretend to have respect for her Cineon Hegleok for I heard you before and you resent your mother’s betrayal.”

Abruptly, she turned and walked back to where the old chest of drawers stood, on the far side of the chamber, and there Aliyha Slyionthe paused a moment. Cineon decided that no matter how she felt about her mother’s deceit, she had to find her.

“It is all in my mind…mother!” she dashed for the door and threw it open only to have a pang of pain which made her stagger, it was the child.

“Foolish girl,” snapped Aliyha turning as she heard the other’s cry of anguish. “Your mother lies in sleep,” she came to where Cineon now leaned. against the door clutching her belly breathing harshly. “You see, we, your mother and I only hours before reconciled with each other and with the father of our son.”

Prying Cineon’s hand from the door she pulled her to a standing position and led her to the bed. “Do not weep woman, this is a moment you should be glad of.” The door shut silently.

Cineon began to tremble, “Mother, help me…my child… is in pain!”

The young Aliyha had Cineon on her back, she laughed softly. “Save the breath you use to call your mother, she hears you not but I do and I am here. Calm yourself Cineon wife of Dreser who is the son of Deituk the Cunning, calm is what you must be if your child is to breathe…” She stroked her brow and Cineon began to calm down. The whiplashes of childbirth no longer frightened her however much they pained, she spoke of them only once during the entire rest of the time, and she said, “It is early for me to be a mother…only a month and a week today… I fear for, my child might not live.”

The stroking of her brow never ceased, “You must fear nothing Cineon Hegleok,” said a soothing whisper, “While you were asleep, Lady Time let pass seven long months within your womb and the child is fully grown and ready to be born… it has been a long night but not all unpleasant.”

Cineon drifted into a moment of slumber and recalled the strangeness of the dreams that had plagued her earlier and understood.

“I have power of evil on my side and my child shall be first born, the rightful heir of Hegleok Council.” She had awoken to another sharp pain as she spoke this to the young Aliyha who nodded “And I shall be your advisor and friend, something your mother, Lady Hegleok, never could or would be… now breathe deep and allow nature and Time their hand in the matter of your child’s birth while I tell you of a tale not ever before heard, a tale of your mother and my past.”

Old woman Kere and Dreser had a pleasant meal together and a few swigs of Meshmittle, they had talked of his father’s doings and of her own hand in the wicked turn of events in Syuolika, Chyle’s and Hachael’s names came up and always with respect and awe. Dreser listened interested, while the other talked of her granddaughter and her beloved.

“Where might I find Chyle and Hachael, and how might I find them?” he asked at length, “I am here to join my father and it appears he is with them.” Of course he knew for certain that Deituk was with the two young lovers and he knew too how to find them, it was a test that the old lady passed instantly when she answered him. “Just follow the trail of vermin out of Syuolika and you will find them. Another gulp of this wonderful drink, my dear?” He smiled and nodded, slipped his hand across hers, “You are wise and for that I know my father chose you. It is for the same reason I reward you with this…” He planted a gentle kiss on her rosy cheek making it even rosier.

Dreser then left her and was soon on his way to meeting his father and the young couple whose love and loyalty he would soon test.

Old woman Kere simply sat at the table staring into the depths of the fire, its flame reflected in her eyes. “A gentle young man indeed,” she said satisfied, “Chyle would certainly do well if she were to take him for a lover and Hachael would never dare to disagree. There is no reason to do so, on the contrary, more than one person will have pleasure and the added benefits.” The flames danced as if they agreed with whatever she was saying, the old woman went on. “If Chyle decides against this, it shall be unwise for if she takes him, so I too can have him and Hachael the reward of Deituk’s favor.”

She laughed menacingly, the sound echoed throughout the house. She had already decided her granddaughter would have little trouble resisting the young Dreser.

“She has my blood in her veins after all!” This exclamation was the last thing she spoke before falling off to a dream filled sleep, head on the table and in her hand a tumbler with a tiny gulp of Meshmittle left.

The two sisters of the Mount crept silently along corridors and keeping close to the wall, daring to look inside rooms whenever they saw and neared a door.

“Is everyone of the Hegleoks awake on this night or do they not rest every night?” Kwairha voiced her puzzlement at having found chamber after chamber they came upon, empty. “Something is amiss, I feel certain,” replied Swulirha as the two continued to ascend the floors.“We could not be here at a better time for even though the entire family appears awake, Aliyha Hegleok is the one person at least who rests while the rest strive against troubles.”

They were now climbing the stairs to the floor where head of the council’s and Swulirha’s half sister’s bedchambers were. The sounds of distant footsteps reached them, loud voices echoed far below.

“Someone approaches!” exclaimed Kwairha in panic and she grabbed the railing hard. “Its men’s voices, Zetreh and the brothers.” Swulirha said and turning to her sister, “Do you not hear the sounds from this corridor, as well? Listen, someone appears to be in intense pain…this floor might not be deserted, come!”

The two climbed quickly and quietly and soon stood before the door leading to Aliyha Hegleok’s bedchamber, where she lay in a feverish state of mind. Though the sisters knew not of this, Lady Deulore of Mount Mountain, true heir of the Muoriel and Orliereas clans was about to meet the reason she was all these things, her mother.

“It is her I can tell,” said Kwairha stepping inside, her voice low and excited at the same time. “She appears ill.”

Swulirha entered behind the other and silently closed the door. The room was dimly lit by a faint glow from a lamp near the door. Aliyha Hegleok lay in bed, her face ghostly pale in the dim light. Her arms thrashed once or twice every few moments while the rest of her body remained motionless but for her lips which as the sisters noticed upon nearing the bed, moved in silent agony.

“Kwairha, do not let your heart feel pity by what you see,” warned Swulirha in a loud whisper. “You are here to claim your right as Lady Deulore of the house of Muoriels’ and Orliereas’ of Mount mountain and only she can grant you this right by law, and once she has, we leave.”

The other nodded even though her heart was already moved with compassion. “That is all well my sister but how will Lady Hegleok grant me my right when she lies ill like this without being able to see or hear me?” She took a step closer to the bed but the other grabbed her arm, “You are Lady Deulore of the Mount mountain,” she turned her sister’s face to her own. “Sit yourself over there by that window while I revive her so you and your mother can speak.” Kwairha hesitated, “My mother,” she said, the other spoke gently, “I understand but you have to do what you came here to do and now allow me to do what I must.”

Inckle and his friends and his mother decided that they should start out that very waking, they had already rested enough and felt strong and able to get on the move again.

“Every moment we delay is another moment we freely give Time to have her power spread over lands and men. Let us not allow her the chance.” Inckle had said just before they had set off through Greo. He had not mentioned Tesma and Wully but he decided he would do so when the company was well on its way and when dullness and tension threatened to over power him and the others. Besides, he thought that if he were to learn what became of the two, he might not be able to achieve the task so he let it be for a while longer.

Greo as we have heard before was as frightful and dark as ever. The Tree, now several hundred steps away and the moment they had set foot outside it the company began to miss its cold brightness.

“This forest does have a wicked vein pulsating in its very heart,” Korehk intoned as he moved along leading the others. “The trick is to avoid pressing your foot too hard upon the ground, or you will awaken the wicked creatures in the soil of Greo and thus stir the roots of dangerous plants into a tangle.” It was so that without realizing they were all merely caressing the forest ground with their hurried paces

“Korehk friend, how is it you know so much more than any nurt in Wyoungthed. You are very wise!” Inckle said coming up behind him.

“Korehk has travelled much Inckle Vilksumer and he will lead us well.” Astra said over the other’s shoulder.

“I have travelled far beyond Wyoungthed and my travels have taught me much,” Korehk spoke quietly, “As for being wise and leading our company well…it all is a matter of luck. I have been extremely lucky in my escapades thus far and do hope in the name of Rieah the Wise and Fair that luck continues to lead me on so I in turn, might lead us all to success and you to accomplish your task.” Inckle patted the aged Stone Lover’s back and the rest of them smiled at ease.

Thus it was they passed through Greo with little incident and took on the route that allowed them to travel the same way Lady Truole and her three nurt companions had passed through only this time the havoc brought on by the blow of Time met Inckle and the others like a fist in a black eye, hurting and making them increase their pace. The company of nurts passed along the base of the hills of Hurdar on their way to Angoruis and so before the fifth waking was over, cold from the constant wind lashing and hungry, they came upon the back of the cave where Oliukus had made camp for the three nurts and Lady Aengomiern.

Now, the cave which we have heard of and which we know was from the time before the men of Hurdar took to the hills after being struck by Time, Oliukus knew the cave and resting ground around it as well as any other man but there was a single small detail about the cave he had not known. As it happened, Trejeth sat leaning against one of the snow covered side of one of the hilly cave running his fingers across the ragged cold surface when his finger cut on a tiny jutting edge, instantly he drew his hand back sticking the injured finger in his mouth. He tasted blood and something else, something that was not earth and rock tasting. Gamhnurts being earth soil and stone folk knew the precise way the soil and stone tasted when mingled with blood, on a cut and they normally either sucked on the wound or applied a paste of Seruil* to stem the flow of blood, it depended on how bad the wound was. Floherb paste was rarely applied seeing the nurts preferred eating the floherb which would heal the wound slower but which made the bloodstream full of its medicinal quality.

“Korehk, do you know if we have any Seruil among the Qesdaleenda?” Trejeth wanted to know.

Korehk, who was a short way off examining his toenails while the others ate a bit and rested, looked up. “Yes, we do have some, a dozen earth cakes or so of it, I found them the last time we stopped for a meal.” He glanced at Trejeth curiously, “Why is it you ask?” Trejeth walked over and crouched down, he stuck his finger back between his lips, for the bleeding had not stopped. “I cut my finger on the rocky surface of the hill side,” he said unconcerned, “And the cut has not stopped bleeding. See?”

Korehk frowned, “Are you certain nothing bit you and it was just the rock? This is a small wound but it appears to be deep.” Trejeth shook his head. “I have not seen a crawling creeper* since we left Greo. But the blood from the wound does taste not a thing like blood from a cut by a rock.”

Korehk’s eyes widened as he stood and walked over to the hillside examining it intently with his sight alone. “There is some Seruil in the other sack,” he said without removing his eyes from the rocky and snow covered hill surface he stood before.

Inckle and the rest were a short way away eating and resting for a bit, when Untholio exclaimed teasingly, “You Stone Lovers really like to know your rocks!”

Astra retorted in fake disgust. “If only Earth Protectors had their own rocks to fascinate them! Stone Lovers are the wisest in a way, we appreciate earth in a stone form and there are so many of those but once a stone turns to soil, not a thing more can the soil turn into and it just lies there underfoot and, you Earth Protectors admire that underfoot earth.” The effect he had hoped for was lost and it truly did not matter, on the contrary, he felt pleased when Fiel said, “I believe that would make Stone Lovers and Earth Protectors wise for appreciating the earth under our feet in its different forms, do you not say?” She smiled at Astra kindly and looked around at the others.

“You hold truth in your words,” said Astra, “For the earth has many forms and not merely stone and sand. We too believe that we were born into each other’s care from the soil and so we love each other.” As he said this Inckle nodded agreement, as did Fiel and Untholio, beaming.

Trejeth and Korehk however had not been listening. One had his eyes fixed on the hill and the other his brow furrowed, he examined his injured finger while at the same time chewing a Seruil with much distaste.

It was not long after that that Korehk returned to the others with a self-satisfied smile. “How is that finger of yours Trejeth?” he asked seeing the other’s face.

“Still oozing blood a little but hurting a lot.” Trejeth answered in a pained tone. “Keep a bit of moistened Seruil pressed against the cut, I do not think eating the herb will heal this wound.”

Trejeth frowned and Korehk beckoned the others close to them. “I have studied the hill and it appears to have an old blade embedded in it.” He addressed the company. “We need to pry it loose for if revealed it might show us a shorter way to the lands ahead.”

No time was wasted, the nurts dug into the hill surface with careful and nimble fingers. Even Trejeth joined in with his other hand. The surface in many places turned out to be loose pebbles held together by tangled and frosted moss and dried weeds, and so they broke away with force. The nurts’ fingertips were numb but not really bruised and cut. Fiel began pulling the last bit of moss and weed that was knotted about a large loose bit of hill, it was within her reach and she tugged at it hard. It finally came free showering her with snow, and stone. And there it was, the rusted edge of a hammer.

“It is a tool that has been embedded deep inside this hillside for long wakings,” she said to the others as she pointed at her find for them to see.

“It is a hammer!” Exclaimed Inckle rubbing his fingers together, “An old one but if it can be wedged free from the rock, it might be useful to break a bit more off the hillside.” Reaching out with his hands, he tugged but nothing much happened, “No, it will not come lose with me,” he turned to the others, his hands were now scarlet from the cold and from clawing at the hill. “Korehk, would you try?”

Astra stepped forward almost at once. “I will try, not he,” he said in a quiet voice, “You might not remember but I used to be known as the Hammer in my glory days!” this time he had a note of humor in his voice, the others grinned and stepped aside.

“Now, this is indeed a very aged hammer,” commented Astra as he gingerly ran a finger over the rusty edge and without warning yanked it free from the hillside and along with it came free an entire section of the snow covered hill. The nurts were caught unawares and so fell flat against the ground covered in dust and snowy stone.

Dreke sat on his bed completely drained of his strength, Zetreh attended to the injury on the side of his face. “It is going to hurt for a while,” he told the other, “This herbal paste should relieve you of the pain but the paste needs to be reapplied after washing the wound every few hours and you must rest.”

Dreke began arguing saying he had appointed duties and could not waste time resting but Zetreh cut him off saying, “Your brother and I shall take care of that, will we not?”

Ermal nodded, “Yes.” But Dreke showed no signs of agreeing.

Finally Zetreh sighed, “How will you face the Hapledert with the way you look and expect her to like you?”

Dreke frowned, and then nodded. “Mister Almonne, you have convinced me that rest is indeed the best remedy.” he smiled and grimaced all at once. “My, that pains!” a fresh coat of herb paste was applied. “I do not really care whether my future bride is taken by my appearance… The point being I am going to have her whatever way I look!” A harsh laugh, then he fell back and slept.

Ermal sighed and headed for the door with Zetreh behind. “Mother should know,” he said quietly, and once in the hallway he turned and said, “I shall tell and I think it better you tell Brestuev.”

He turned to leave but felt a restraining hand on his shoulder. “Do no such thing,” Zetreh’s eyes were shadowed and the light in the corridor made him look ghastly. “Your mother has other matters that concern her, that have for many long whiles eluded her awareness and acceptance. Leave her be. We shall tell Brestuev and take over our share of work, the night is now fast receding and by daylight who knows, a lot might have changed.” He turned to leave gesturing to Ermal to follow quickly.

Brestuev had a mean look when the two entered the Council chamber.

“Do everything but reveal my true name to him,” Zetreh warned Ermal out of the corner of his mouth as they neared the eldest of the Hegleok brothers. “He does not need to learn of it yet.”

Ermal barely nodded and then they were standing before the frowning Brestuev. “I see you have decided to show your face, finally.” He glowered at Ermal, “Do not think for a moment that your apologies will stop me from telling mother what has been happening…she will know.” He hissed as he said the last three words. “And where is Dreke? Chasing his fancies again, is he?” Zetreh cleared his throat and spoke with forced calm.

“Dreke is hurt and resting for he was assaulted by Lord Dreser who is no longer with the Hegleok Council. Lady Hegleok does not and will not hear of this now for she has other matters that need her attention. Your brother Ermal and myself, we shall do the tasks that were appointed to Dreser and ourselves but first you will hear me and understand what I say.”

They settled down in the chairs but Brestuev still uncertain how to react stared at Ermal sternly, Zetreh noticed and sighed. “Sit yourself Lord Brestuev, we have precious little time before war breaks out against you and me and Time.”

It had taken much effort for Brestuev to sit and listen without even the slightest reaction but once Zetreh had told him what he needed to hear, the eldest of Lady Hegleok’s children smiled thinly, and then a broad grin, finally a booming laugh. Ermal and Zetreh exchanged a quick glance.

“I am glad you see a certain amount humor in all of this,” commented Zetreh as he peered out the window at the slow rising dawn. “I fear I do not find any humor in the situation. The land and peoples’ lives, even your life stands no chance against the strengths of Deituk and his son and Time.”

Zetreh had indeed told Brestuev almost everything but still kept some of the truth back.

“You are mad!” Brestuev remarked and laughed more. “I am now going to bed but mother will hear what I have heard and by the time I am finished telling her how over worked you are, she will insist you take leave off the Council post – permanently!” Getting to his feet, still shaking with laughter he walked out.

Ermal turned to go after the other but Zetreh called out to him. “Let him be, by morning he will understand that what I have told him is mere truth.” He turned to the parchments and the two ledgers that Brestuev was organizing for Lady Hegleok and began rearranging the confusion he had created on his first night at the service of the Hegleok council. Ermal only hesitated a moment before joining in to help the other.

“You did not mention Edsoniea,” he said, “Why?” “Because some things are not meant to be revealed by a humble aid of the Wise One.” Zetreh answered without looking up. “It is for the best…believe in the Wise One and trust in the existence of good.” After several piles of parchment were set in order of the appropriate cases Ermal remembered he had not gone to see Cineon, he mentioned this to Zetreh.

“Go not just yet, your sister could be asleep. Wait till the first of the weakest rays of the new day to pierce the sky.” Zetreh said quietly.

Duilo Nacckle guided by Foliek Erwufj covered a long distance. “You are near the lower hills of Hurdar now,” the Foliek said to him at one point during the journey.

“Rest awhile, I shall fly a little way off and return. I wish to study a bit of the paths ahead.” Duilo munched a bit of floherb and sat observing the sky, he felt good he was doing the right thing.

“I did wrong by you, Inckle Vilksumer,” he said softly. “I shall live the last of my wakings undoing my wrong…” Just as he finished his floherb, Foliek Erwufj returned at speed.

“We must take to the path at once, the path going south west. The evil allies of Time are moving along the trail we were to take. There is a big storm on its way and we must try to outrun it as best we can. You on foot and me flying.” Scrambling to his feet and shouldering the sack of floherb that he brought with him for the other nurts and his own little bundle he began to follow the Foliek.

“You might do better with less weight,” Foliek Erwufj suggested swooping low. “Let me carry it, it is hardly a burden to me.” Clutching the sack from off the nurt’s shoulder he rose high again and a very grateful Duilo followed at a brisk pace.

Indeed, it was that a storm had begun to show its presence and approaching quickly, ominously. Threatening snow and rain, a violent wind began to blow. Duilo could hear it howling always feeling he was a mere few steps ahead of the catastrophe waiting to happen. And then he saw the vermin, at his heels.

“By my gamhnurt toes! The land beneath my feet breathes scurrying, evil things!” He began to jog and then run but somehow the vermin always surrounded his feet. Many got crushed underfoot but that many more came to life and now Duilo Nacckle felt a sharp pull upwards and his feet left the hilly ground and he was soaring up along with Foliek Erwufj.

“I thank you,” yelled Duilo over the noise of the wind from Erwufj’s wings. “You saved my life.”

“I saved you so you could accomplish your deed Gamhnurt Duilo Nacckle and because your heart is not unkind.”

For a long moment the two flew in silence, just ahead of the oncoming storm with the wind deafening them both. Sometime during the flight, the storm had begun destroying everything in its path, above and below and then, Foliek Erwufj was met by Foliek Weulfoul.

“Foliek Weulfoul brings tidings,” said Foliek Erwufj bending his head close to the nurt’s ear so the other could hear him over the wind. Duilo’s head snapped up alert. “I think it is a company of nurts that he and a few others have found.”

Duilo gasped, “Where?” “Foliek Weulfoul will lead us there, the same way we are headed. We must hurry.”

Korehk was the first to stir, he felt the biting cold wind hit him hard as he removed large bits of snow-covered rock from over his body and moved. His bones remained unbroken though his body felt wobbly, he stood shakily, then looked up and horrified by the gray clouds that threatened storm began to pull the others out from under the stone and snow rubble. Each of the nurts were on their feet in moments and then scrambling through the only opening they felt certain would shelter them from the oncoming storm.

“At least till we get our breath back, that was one bad stumble.” Untholio said quietly.

They were inside the cave and still cold and bruised but Astra soon found some twigs and built a fire of sorts.

Inckle wandered idly, it was then that he noticed two things. The first of the vermin caught his eye along one cracked wall of the cave, it got smashed with a rock only to be followed by another and then another, soon the better part of the wall began filling up with frightful insects and crawly things.

“We must leave,” Inckle announced to the quiet company, the fire crackled a little and began to burn stronger.

“Inckle, there is a storm raging outside,” Fiel pointed out, “We shall have a hard time getting past it if ever we do.” Inckle glanced back at the wall and was alarmed to see the vermin now covered almost all of it, he sighed.

“It is better to try and live through a storm like that than to die here with vermin at our heels.” Alarmed stares swept the wall and Fiel jumped to her feet.

“We shall weather that storm,” her voice was firm and the others followed her by standing up and stamping their feet hard against the cave’s floor.

“We have lost our food in the rubble out there,” Trejeth said. “Let us try and retrieve some of it or we will be left to eat snow.” Untholio began to move toward the way they had come in but stopped.

“I believe it is a wasted effort,” he said turning his head, “I can see the vermin are feasting on our floherbs.” There was not much more they could do, they had to get out and soon.

It was then that Inckle’s eye fell on the scribbled words, he knew. Tears filling his eyes, he walked away with the rest.

It was hard going, the wind a relentless whip of cold lashes cutting across the bruised bodies of the nurts and the snow and rain nearly blinding them so they stumbled onwards unsteadily until they came the edge of a deserted looking town and collapsed. Neither knew how long they had travelled or what waking it was but the weather was bad and the soles of their feet were bleeding, the stockings torn. Inckle stirred first and noticed the vermin all over him and the others! Getting to his feet he began brushing the crawly things off of himself. Untholio, Astra and Korehk found that they had a few bites but did the same and managed to rid themselves of the creatures. It was a while before the four were completely free and examining the bites, which were not all that serious, and their feet which were terribly hurt, when suddenly Inckle said, “Where is mother? And what of Trejeth?” They stared at each other and then began a frantic search calling out to Fiel and Trejeth and stumbling as they ran here and there looking for the two.

Wild Narrow appeared a ghost town, in fact, it nearly was with a mere handful of inhabitants alive and hiding from the rage of storm and deadly pests, they hid behind locked doors, every window and crack boarded shut in homes that were plunged in darkness and fear. Hachael and Chyle had passed this way and so had Deituk and Dreser, the father and son finally uniting. And in uniting they had stepped upon a prone figure of a nurt who after some considerable torment still had refused to join their side.

“Never, not ever will I be a puppet of evil!” she had growled crawling away from Dreser who had then decided it would not do and had sent forth a tiny crawling creeper upon the nurt. “You deserve a slow death for the hasty decision you have just made.” He had said and moved on leaving the helpless Fiel unable to even run with a venomous creeper making its way to her heart through all those sweaters.

Hachael had stumbled across Trejeth who appeared ill already and sat by a back wall of a ruined home. Chyle had said she might find uses for him but he was dying.

“See, he has a hurt finger… it must have been a rusted edge of a tool that hurt him.” She had then decided that leaving Trejeth as he was would be best; the cut was killing him slowly. “Let me not deny him the suffering that is rightly his!” Chyle said and turned away.

Then they were gone, taking disease with them and leaving fear behind to haunt those who lived in despair.

Dsarest observed his collective troops inflict havoc, he felt pleased as he acknowledged Time. “They do well,” he gestured toward the general direction of the raging storm. “How did it go with your second adviser?”

Time beamed, “Very well indeed. The hour is finally upon the living world.” The two held hands, looking out from the tower’s high window, both satisfied with the way it was all going. “Of course,” said Dsarest, after a moment. “There is still the matter of the twins, Olaliefe and Elagust…”

Time merely smiled, “I would not worry about the twins,” she let go of Dsarest’s hand and seated herself upon her high chair. “Spring and Summer are but a stumbling step for Winter and she will trample them in a long single stride.” Dsarest nodded, “I believe if you say it,” he went and sat himself by her side, a seat had been placed there for him.

“I believe yours to be the greatest of powers,” he said quietly, enjoying a moment with his lover. “Greater even than that of Rieah, the one who believes she is one of the ‘wisest ones’?” Time said, her voice a whisper of doubt.

“Rieah is no more powerful than the twins believe they are. Her strengths fail to measure up to yours.” Dsarest had been taken aback by the question but had answered truthfully until all of a sudden in a far and forgotten moment in his mind, he remembered the Wise One and his stone slab whereupon he had scrawled the future of all peoples. He started and tensed. That had been a long waking back and maybe, he could retrieve the stone and rewrite the future… he smiled, it would all be all right.

In Ailieth, the tiny flame of Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit flared and sputtered. It sent out a thought to the Wyoungthed woodland, to Myeopike the Spekai. ‘Find the stone slab in its many pieces upon which you were shown your future and the future of those who fight against Time, the future of the First Squadron, find the stone slab in its broken form and scatter the pieces across lands and forests and seas. Leave none of it within The Tree.’

Myeopike had been braiding Reign’s hair when his mind filled with these words. He did not need telling why, Dsarest intended to steal it.

Leaving Reign but promising to return soon; “Rest my love, I will return before the next waking dawns for you.” Myeopike headed for The Tree, his nimble feet carried him swiftly to his destination. He passed war zones, where folks fought each other in blinding thunder and snowstorms and sites of devastation, places where Time and Deituk had caused havoc inflicting misery and pain. Nothing missed to catch his eye and then he was within Greo. And even inside Greo, the changes were undeniable. The evil had awakened in the forest soil, joining the vermin and the strengths of Deituk and Dreser, Hachael and Chyle too, killing beast and plant, spreading disease among the ones who were wounded but who remained alive struggling for life.

Within The Tree the air was a mingled one of cold and warmth, branches lay fallen and a weak sun lit the interior. Myeopike began searching for the stone slab. There were several places the Wise One could choose to hide the slab but the Spekai knew exactly where he would find it and so headed straight for the spot.

The high seat stood empty of the creepers and moss, no one sat on it but it was underneath it that something lay bundled in large leaves and earth. “Spekai Myeopike,” said a voice behind the Spekai just as he was about to open the bundle up. He spun around pushing the bundle back under the seat with his foot.

“Foliek Harfj, I did not mean to trespass. The Wise One sent me to…” The young Foliek nodded. “I know why you are here for I am here to help you do, what of you has been asked.”

Myeopike sighed in relief, “Wise Dsarest has decided he wants the future back,” the Spekai said, he was pulling out the bundled slab pieces, “And that is something that cannot ever be.”

Foliek Harfj stepped closer. “Wise Dsarest will have to cross the length of lands and seas, forests and rivers if he desires to retrieve the future and rewrite it for the benefit of no one but Time and himself.”

The stone slab now lay unwrapped at their feet, it appeared a harmless stone upon which had been scrawled in the ancient words, the future and present of now, the past of then. No, it was no ordinary stone. “Let us lose it,” Foliek Harfj said quietly. “Fly upon me, Spekai Myeopike and the task will be over quicker than if you were to do it on foot.”

The other agreed. “I wish not to burden you, Foliek Harfj but all the lands and the folk and beast who inhabit them are being troubled by Dsarest’s change of heart and Time’s wicked mind… I therefore must agree to fly upon you and hope the burden of carrying me and the future will end sooner rather than later with every powerful flap of your wings.” He bowed as he spoke the words and climbed atop Foliek Harfj, who as he took to the sky said clearly. “No burden, however big, can weigh me down for, it is Wise Rieah I serve and her say it is that strengthens the Folieke’ resolve to follow her word.”

Back in Ailieth, Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit flared, it knew that her word was being taken to heart as encouragement. 'The strength of Wise Rieah shall be with you both, Spekai and Foliek. You shall not fail.' It sputtered and flared, spreading warmth of the thought.

Aliyha Hegleok opened her eyes; the first thing she saw was a blurry vision of the dimly lit ceiling. She felt tired, her limbs were heavy, the ceiling slid out of sight.

“Tired, I feel tired.” Aliyha mumbled, she felt a hand touch her arm. “You are well,” said a gentle voice, “It was just a dream but the waking hours are not. Awaken now wife of my father, mother of my sister, awaken.”

The ceiling was now a lot clearer, the light was dim, a narrow shaft. Aliyha Hegleok’s lips moved, “I have deceived the lives of hundreds just as I was once deceived and have been again.” she moved her head until her eyes fell on Kwairha.

“I wish it all to stop. I am an unkind person who has done doings unforgivable.” She sighed, and cried, “I am ashamed of my deeds!” Swulirha approached, she had been standing by a chest of drawers that now stood open by the far wall, most of its contents out on the floor.

“You can make it better,” she leaned closer, her face just a short distance away from the other’s, “That, who you see is Kwairha; she is your daughter Aliyha Muoriel of the house of Orliereas.”

The dazed Lady Hegleok gaped. “No, it cannot be so! You are no more than an infant.”

“Just because you left our father when Kwairha was but a child it does not keep her a child to this day,” Swulirha said in quiet resentment. “She has now come of age and is here to receive from you the title that is rightfully hers… bestow it upon her and you shall begin to undo the wrongs.”

Kwairha held her mother’s hand. “Mother, you do remember me.” tears streaked her face as she said this.

Aliyha stared for a long moment.

“I do not know you,” she pulled her hand away, “I have no other family but this, the Hegleok family is mine.”

Both Kwairha and Swulirha had stepped away, Aliyha was getting to her feet. “Out of my way, trespassers!” Despite the tiredness she felt, Lady Hegleok found strength enough to push Swulirha aside, and then her eyes fell on the chest of drawers, the mess on the floor. “Thieves as well I see,” she scowled, “I will have you punished for lying, stealing, trespassing… this is your end!” She looked wicked, even mad.

“You have no such power over Lady Deulore of the Mount,” snarled Swulirha. “Kwairha is her father’s daughter, you are not even a hair’s length worthy of you being her mother.”

Aliyha snapped. “Lady Deulore? Says who? I am the power in this land and in every other, I and the Hegleok council, we rule and grant powers to others, those deserving.”

Swulirha laughed. “That all might be true for the rest but it holds no truth in this case.” she beckoned to Kwairha and said, “In this case, she has power granted to her by father and I relinquish my hold of her title granting her complete authority to do as she will with it.”

Aliyha said, her voice rising, “Why are you here then? To annoy me?”

“We are here because I asked to come,” Kwairha replied. “I wished to know my mother and ask her to grant me what has for long been mine. I see it was a terrible illusion to think you would have.”

Turning to Swulirha she said, “Let us not delay here a moment longer, I desire not, to see her fall however deserved that reward might be.”

They were out of the bedchamber in an instant. Swulirha lead the way with Kwairha close behind. Halfway across the hall, they paused.

“I cannot be who I am.” stammered Kwairha standing rigidly. “Lady Deulore is the name of the wisest and strongest leader of the Muoriel clan and that has been the title of generations of leaders and rulers that have made the name proud – I am not…” tears flowed now, close by Zetreh and Ermal heard the words, outside dawn was awakened.

“Do not speak such matters, you are every bit Lady Deulore as every other leader has been - more so.” Swulirha shook her by the shoulders, “You cannot deny yourself this right, I have denied you it long enough.”

Ermal made to stand but Zetreh motioned him to stay and not make a sound. Zetreh’s face showed no emotion but his heart heaved. He recognized the voices and understood, after a long moment of quiet and the front door creaking open and then close he spoke. “It appears this dawn has brought with its rising a new truth to every tale,” he moved to the door, “Come along with me, first we free the Hapledert woman and then we try and help those who have been robbed by this council get back what belongs to them.”

Ermal looked puzzled. “How shall we do that? We have no records of the cases but the ones here.” Zetreh merely smiled, “We have everything we need to correct the wrongs done by the Hegleok Council.” he sighed, “The parchments you believe to be true are not so… All the people who have been before this council since Lady Hegleok took control by cheating the rightful heir of her right, all of them have lost nothing…they only think they have and that we can change. Or I can change if you wish not to join me.”

He looked the other in the eye, waiting. Ermal finally spoke, he had been peering intently at the floor. “Mother will think I have betrayed her and this council but if it will mean that in the end the name of the Hegleok Council, its rightful be cleared of ill reputation, I will come.” He stood up, Zetreh nodded, “Good man,” they walked in long strides across the room. “You are good hearted.” Ermal grunted, “I imagine not all peoples shall be too pleased with my, our, goodness of hearted but it troubles me little.”

Zetreh smiled. “By the time we are finished undoing the wrong, it will trouble you not at all.”

The Hurdar men had scattered across various villages in different lands, many had already perished as a result of wars between those in the villages, those folk who had allowed Deituk and Time and the allies of misery to conquer their spirits. Time had also presented the men of Hurdar with the gift of aging so that youth no longer inhabited their form, their movements, their features but old age crept in. On the already aged, the gift proved fatal and since a great many of the men had long since fathered heirs and had not been in their youth when Time had awarded them agelessness, these now passed on, leaving their sons to continue the fight until they themselves turned old and died. Oliukus, Yesew and Urmier along with a hundred others found themselves a-midst never ending battles; they were young and had found young companions, they had wedded, most had, but Oliukus held fast to his promise to Tesma and let no other woman take her place.

“I care for another unlike that of human kind,” he would say to any lady who attempted to capture his heart while he aided the hurt or was aided, “She is the beat of my heart and I dare not let myself forget it.” The women would laugh and tell him that he was slave to her but he simply said. “I love her with every breath, I am slave save to my own passion and wait. When we finally unite for all time, I shall be a free man in my beloved’s embrace.”

Back in the Hurdar hills, Strong Hurdernut and the few who had remained behind with him slowly succumbed to death unable to avoid Time’s harsh kindness. On the cave floor lay Hurdernut, it was cold beyond belief and the fire that he had started had kept the chill at bay but now that fire had for many long moments died. The very aged Hurdernut reflected on the cruelty of it all and yet believed. It was in Hurdarel that he scratched thus upon the cave floor:

’What a fool Time is

In destroying,

She has found a way to

Keep alive,

A memory that will never die!’

And then, just as he completed his rhyme, his breath left him and Strong Hurdernut lay still.

As dawn slowly lit the sky outside, within the chamber lay Cineon holding her child in her arms while young Aliyha cleared the mess the child birth had left behind.

“You must prepare to keep your child away from prying eyes until it is time,” Aliyha Slyionthe spoke calmly, her eyes shone. Cineon nodded. “I have to pretend to be carrying a child when I am away from here,” she seemed determined but then doubt voiced itself. “But what of my child, who will care for him while I am away?”

Aliyha smiled. “I will. Have you forgotten I have promised you to remain by your side?”

“I have not,” Cineon shook her head vigorously, “I fear mother will learn of our friendship and take a drastic step to disown me and my son.”

Aliyha took the baby from her and laughed softly. “Your fears are needless my dear,” she placed the child gently on the bed, “Aliyha Hegleok will not ever dare hurt you in any way, specially once she realizes who’s child this is, really.”

She fussed over the other’s comfort. “The past is like a venomous snake, once it strikes you, you are poisoned for life. And the night that has just gone by, was the kind that brought your mother’s past back and she has been struck.”

Cineon had fallen asleep and heard none of this but the young Aliyha let be.

Aliyha dressed herself for another day at the council. “A new day of innumerable gain for the Hegleok Council this shall be.” she uttered to the empty room as she pinned her hair up. Her hands trembled from fatigue but she ignored them.

“Some breakfast will do me well,” she said to herself, and holding her head high she walked out of her bedchamber. The sun shone weakly and the day was as bright as the day before, a snowstorm threatened to break the quiet gloom.

Aliyha walked down the long staircase on wobbly feet but kept herself up by a certain stubborn determination. There was no hint of the earlier meeting and the effect it had on her, her face showed nothing. Nothing and no one could ever interfere with Lady Hegleok and her power for she had the peoples of every land under her feet. She thought and smiled, “If I do not yet have it this way, I soon will!” By now she had reached the kitchen where the table was laden with the first meal of the day. Already there were Brestuev and Dreke.

Lady Hegleok paused at the doorway. Brestuev sat sipping from a cup while Dreke stood facing the window. He was saying, “—completely had us all fooled and now our sister must face the world with a…” Aliyha had walked in on a conversation, she interrupted. “What is it you speak of?”

Dreke started but kept his eyes on the window. Brestuev exclaimed, “Mother, you are awake! And looking refreshed, do come and have some breakfast!” Aliyha entered and looked from one to the other before saying, “I am here, now why not tell me what it is you two were speaking about?” a moment of silence followed during which Aliyha abandoned the thought of food and went to stand by Dreke’s side. This son of Lady Hegleok had left his bedchamber at daybreak right after Mister Almonne had looked in on him and inspected his wound.

“Do not wander beyond these walls, you must rest.” Mister Almonne had said and then departed on some business. Dreke had not for a moment intended to oblige with Mister Almonne’s telling so just as soon as he felt certain the other was out of the house, he left his room, his sole intention to see his future bride.

Now he stood averting his face from his mother’s stare. “Why is it that neither of you will answer my question?” said Aliyha, her tone demanding. “It is better if you sit to hear the answer, mother,” said Brestuev gently. “Since the last meal we had in this room, much has altered of what before was believed unalterable.”

Dreke by now had made a sudden turn and had his back to the window, his leg trembled violently from but he stayed upright. His face was swollen.

Aliyha gritted her teeth. “If somebody does not speak of what has happened right now,” she stepped in front of Dreke, “I shall reward you both with punishme—” her eyes widened in horror as she beheld Dreke.

“It is all right mother,” he tried to reassure her, “It is a mere scratch…”

“And a broken leg as well I see,” added Aliyha stunned. “Who did this to you?”

“Not a broken leg but a badly hurt one, it shall heal in time.” Brestuev interjected, his tone a painful attempt to sound cheerful but Aliyha simply said, “Who did this?” Her eyes were ablaze as she stood breathing hard.

Brestuev sighed, “It was entirely Dreser’s doing.” he left his place at the table and came to stand beside the other two. “I fear to say it but our dear sister’s husband proved a traitor and he has left our company,” he paused only to allow Dreke to speak, “And if our Peoples’ Person who is nowhere to be found, if he is to be believed, we have not seen the last of our deceitful brother-in-law.”

Aliyha staggered, she sat heavily on a nearby cushioned seat, “The head of the Hegleok Council has been deceived and along with her, the council itself has been entrusted in the hands of a vile pretender as have this family’s members!” exclaimed Aliyha in disgust, and then her voice softened. “What of Cineon? Does my daughter know what has occurred?”

The others shook their heads. “We think not, she has been resting since we last saw her.” Brestuev spoke, “Maybe it is best we do not mention it to her until all is certain.”

His face appeared sagged. He sat besides his mother. “I fear we cannot call council into chambers today.” Aliyha looked fiercely at him, “And why might that be? Do you believe my judgment to be clouded by the light of present happenings?”

Dreke sighed, “Just tell her brother, tell her before she understands wrong and believes we insult her ability to make decision.”

Brestuev grasped his mother’s hand, “I do not mean that you are rendered incapable to make a decision or pass rightful judgment but fear you might be once you learn,” he halted, his face appeared more lined with worry than ever. “Once you learn that Mister Almonne has taken with him our brother and your son Ermal...not to be found until this very moment.”

Aliyha Hegleok for the first time since becoming Lady Hegleok and wife of Gregieo Hegleok, felt a weight upon her being and a shadow of fear masked her face.

“And you are certain he is gone with Mister Almonne?” Aliyha said in a whisper, her eyes appeared wild as if she had half expected this.

“Could the two simply not have gone off on some council business together? It is possible I am certain…” her voice trailed off into a disquiet silence. “Brestuev and I have searched the council chamber for something that might indicate such a matter but there is not a thing there that would require the two to leave unannounced unless…”

Dreke turned toward the frosted windows, his eyes searched the distance. “This family has been betrayed by more than one unfaithful; Mister Almonne has betrayed us too and so has Ermal by deserting you and the rest of us.”

Aliyha jumped to her feet, “Speak not in such a manner of your brother when you by your deeds were the first to betray this family!”

She glared at him as he turned to face her as if confused, his face wore a look of hurt and disbelief. “I have done no such thing, mother,” he spoke defensively. “Whatever made you say it?” He neared his mother and gazed at her with a saddened sight, moments passed as they regarded each other and then Aliyha cried out. “Forgive me dear child, I do not know what made me speak such evil of you...” she embraced him and wept for the present thoughts of betrayal by her own flesh and blood were too obvious in her mind and yet even as she embraced her son, she knew he had done wrong by her and the Hegleok name but remained silent.

The three remained thus, Brestuev and Dreke related the happenings that had preceded the disappearance of the other two and Dreser and it became clearer by each said word, the council could not open its doors for judgment, not until the wrongdoers were traced and justice brought on them by the one they had betrayed.

Swulirha and Kwairha were on the way to the Mount, they had covered a great distance already from the time the two had left the Hegleok house. It was cold and yet not unpleasant to the two for they wore long travel cloaks that shielded them from the otherwise would be whiplashes of the wind.

“I must send word to Westeria and Nuorta to rejoin us along the way to the house,” Swulirha said. he wondered how she might do that, “If only there was a means of sending word…” Kwairha remained quiet. Her disposition was one of resigned fate, she studied the sky, and before too long perceived a speck. It seemed a mere dot at first and then steadily grew in size. Before a moment, Kwairha realized it was a flying giant bird and eagerly pointed this out to the other.

“I see it coming this way.” they were now far beyond Greo and well on the way to the Wild Narrow and the distant hills. The bird flew lower and from its back someone drop what appeared to be fine rock pieces, then spotted the ladies and said to the thing on whose back the person sat.

“Halt a moment, I see two fair ladies, they transverse these parts alone and might be in need of aid.” So it was that Myeopike met with Lady Deulore and her sister and promised to carry forth the message to the two ladies in waiting before returning to his woodland after completing the journey he was on.

“Foliek Harfj, I do believe that old Dsarest is certain to have a hard time finding the future he once wrote, do you disagree?” “Praise Wise Rieah, I believe much as you do!” Foliek Harfj replied.

Myeopike continued scattering the fine stone bits over the lands and forests, lakes and rivers below. Upon the snow cover the scatter of the stone sprinkle appeared like pepper on a white crust of bread.

In the ancient house of Orliereas the physical form of Rieah stared out the window, one of many in the place, she contemplated on how well the Spekai had carried out her word. Olaliefe and Elagust had retreated to their place of command, to prepare their armies for battle. “Spring and summer shall be upon every corner of the earth not long from now,” murmured the Wise One, “My land may have perished but the handful of chosen ones will not and Inckle will prove himself my first and most loveliest child.” A placid smile lit her face.

Dsarest sat at his desk in his chamber, it was a place of discussion and plotting and most of all it was a place where Wise Dsarest, the guardian of all nature kept record of everything on unending scrolls of parchments. Indeed, there were piles and piles of these in every corner and on every inch of the room and floor and Dsarest alone knew what was scrawled on each of the parchments and when and if he chose to alter the fate of anyone or anything in the living world, he only had to rewrite a scrawl before destroying the previously written one and that is exactly what he was now doing when one of his most trusted aides appeared in a panic at his side, interrupting his task.

“I return with ever the worst of tidings master,” said Stragut flustered, “I fear your displeasure, Wise Dsarest…” Dsarest who until that moment had tried his best to ignore this unwanted distraction, now let his quill pause in its scrawling and sighed irritably.

“You render me impatient,” growled the old man, “Speak clear and speak fast of what you think shall displease me if it is something other than your presence that is.” He sat glaring at the aid before him, the other nodded. “Wise Rieah has escaped my grasps, I was thus unable to capture her as she was taken by the winds of –-” “Summer and spring, the twins who foolishly still remain on her side…” Dsarest cut him short, his eyes blazed. “This is no surprise to me although it does make me angry,” he paused and paced back and forth in thought. Then he abruptly stopped and said, “Is this all you feared to tell me, Stragut?” The other shook his head, “No, Wise master, there is still one more thing.”

“Well, speak it then and quickly, I have the future to rewrite!” “If that is so, then maybe the news I bring will not upset you,” Stragut nodded, a small grin played on his face threatening to break into a huge smile.

“Very well, I desire to hear it at once, that what might not anger me.” The two waited in silence for a moment. Dsarest picked up his quill and set it to the parchment, he had scrawled but a word when Stragut said, “It is well you rewrite the future of every living being again so soon after the stone slab entrusted to Wise Rieah long wakings ago has been turned to dust and scattered across lands and forests and rivers even as I speak.”

An angry yell left Dsarest’s lips. The quill smudged ink across the parchment as Stragut fled his master’s rage and the old guardian of nature stomped around his room in violent temper and finally headed out in search of what had already been destroyed.