THE HOUR

It is important to recall now that by this time on every land mentioned or not, there were but a handful of living folks and with every passing moment, Time’s arrogance in her power and in the strength and loyalty of her allies grew. It grew to such an extent that Time, her vision clouded by it saw not much else but her prize, which she wholly intended, to share not a tiniest bit of it with those whom she called friends.

“It shall all be mine, Adviser,” she said to her second hand adviser ever so often. “Before too long I shall rule all lands, beasts and plant completely! And those few who might survive, they will get by with whatever I hurled at them or perish trying!” And then the wild laugh that followed this say would echo from the hall of decisions through Time’s high tower. The second hand adviser gleefully agreed whenever words were uttered for he knew that being a constant at Time’s side, he would share her glory and power, that not a thing could prevent him from enjoying his well earned reward.

It was during one of these moments, when Time dwelled on the thought long on the future when hers would be supreme power, and challenged by none, that the troops commanded by Olaliefe and Elagust, though not the entire army but a half a dozen or so battalions defeated a great number of the other side’s troops driving back winter and Time’s other allies for a good long while.

In certain lands, patches of green sprung from the cracked cold earth one dawn as if the season was now changing and those who lived to see this rejoiced.

In Stompsledge and its surrounding forest it was the same, the sky above it had been gleaming weakly with a few rays of sunlight breaking the cloudy and stormy gray mask, and even the snowstorm ceased and a light snow fell.

And those who now sat at the head of the Hegleok council believed it was all because Cineon had taken her place as the rightful heir.

“It is my coming to power that is truly celebrated by not only you who support me but by the coming of spring,” Cineon addressed the council who now was made up of the young Aliyha filling in Zetreh’s post, Dreke and Brestuev who among them shared duties that once were Ermal’s, Dreser’s, Cineon’s and their own besides.

“You are indeed a remarkable figure seated there and all power to you!” the young Aliyha exclaimed.

“Before you quite decide to begin undoing the wrong those two have done this council, Lady Heleog, before you, reclaim what is yours and this council’s by law, there is one decision of an utmost importance you must make.”

Aliyha Slyionthe had walked to the back of the seat which Cineon now occupied and placed a hand on the other’s shoulder. “What is it you are going to do with Aliyha Hegleok and those two who have betrayed you? Neither can be left to be where they are for longer than they already have been.”

Dreke nodded, “She speaks well, sister. It is best to get it done with before all else.” Brestuev quietly assented.

Cineon breathed deep. “I shall take the matter of mother into my own hands, and deal with her as I alone see fit.” She told the others firmly.

“As to the two traitors’ whereabouts,” her eyes rested on the blazing fire. “I desire them found and dealt with in a manner most appropriate, and most of all, I wish it done as quickly as the weather has changed!”

She turned to Aliyha Slyionthe who now stood by the window gazing at the gleaming snow. “The title of ‘Lady Hegleok’ does not and shall not be mine,” she opened the big ledger where records of significant changes within the family and council were kept and therein scrawled her signature.

“From this moment, you this council, and the folk of every land shall know me, respect and address me as Lady Dreser. Make it known far and wide.” she continued to look at the younger Aliyha who had her own eyes turned on the head of council with a slight inclination of the head in acknowledgement.

“Make it known you whom I have chosen to be my council’s Peoples’ Person and upon whom I now hand the responsibility of finding the two whose names I no longer permit mentioned in my council.” Cineon stood and beckoned Brestuev to her. “And brother, you are to go with her.” There was mutual agreement on the chosen ones and it being settled that they must leave immediately, Cineon and Dreke were left alone in the council room.

The stormy weather outside had quite cleared giving way to a slowly brightening sunshine.

“It gets warm, Dreke,” said Cineon prying open one of the windows ever so slightly and with much difficulty. “I think it time to put out the fire. And then we might begin talking about getting you wedded,” she turned to look at a rather surprised Dreke. “Indeed, I have not forgotten!”

Spring had arrived very suddenly in Wyoungthed as in most other lands, it had turned the cold cracked earth soft and sprouting herb here and there in the old neighbourhoods.

By now Deituk, his son and grandson were and had been for several wakings in company with Chyle and the four lived under open sky and fierce cold quite unaffected and happy. The sudden changes however caught first Deituk’s attention as he sat with his son’s child tutoring him on evil doings and powers he had inherited from his father, every now and then throwing a good word regarding the young one’s mother simply because Dreser demanded the child know of her otherwise he might gather some ideas that Chyle was his mother and not Cineon.

“Why not return and live as a family then?” the father had often asked this of Dreser, to which he replied. “I am like my father, what you have done and still of a waking do, I do it too.”

Deituk accepted this as a fair answer and let Chyle and Dreser be. And now the change that stole suddenly over the surroundings went unnoticed by the two ardent lovers, and even when Deituk mentioned it at a meal, Dreser commented that it was “Probably the reflection of the deep affection which he and Chyle had felt toward each other and was now being unceremoniously exhibited. This continued for a while but when Chyle lay in Dreser’s arms quite content at the way things had turned out, her life thus far in particular, a ray of weak sunlight, gradually strengthening in brightness and warmth began to burn her as it heated the earth where she lay on and she shook Dreser awake.

“Awaken man of passionate evil!” When he opened his eyes, he saw the sunlight and flinched.

“Father was right, but let us not waste a moment longer in thinking this a defeat, I am certain it is Time playing a trick!”

Chyle frowned, thought it over a moment and then beckoned to the young lad. “Come here son of Dreser,” the young Deuglias sat by himself having just finished a lesson on how to enforce his power on others without their knowing it, he presently came to the place where his father sat in total disregard of the fact that he was bare bodied as was the one whom his father called his love and source of power. The boy himself was scarcely clothed but made certain he never was like the others about him, he disliked the way of being.

“Father, what is it you wish of me?” he stood at a short distance looking from Dreser to Chyle. “Grandfather will return any moment for he has yet to teach me more of our lessons before this waking is over.”

Chyle smiled at this, then said, “Be certain to learn well, you have to be like your father and grandfather and carry on their name.”

Dreser smiled. “Even if a second child is borne, you still have rights to be heir of your grandfather’s and father’s inheritance of power.”

“And what of mother’s inheritance?” Deuglias wanted to know.

“And your mother’s inheritance for sure too. She is head of a very powerful council,” said Dreser. “Deuglias, you shall visit the land where she lives soon I daresay but for now, tell your grandfather—”

“—That he was right,” Deituk cut in, “Save the lad the trouble son, I knew it then and now so does Time."

Ermal and Zetreh had left the Hegleok house in a hurry and fury; it had been blowing harsh snow and wind when the two made their way to the now near bare Greo. Once out of the main road and away under cover of some still surviving trees, Zetreh stopped saying to the other, “Let us halt for a moment, we must speak of which ways we are to go, separately.”

Ermal stood taken aback. “Why, I thought we were going away together to wherever,” he frowned realizing that what he had just said sounded silly.

“That was then young Hegleok, that was when you and I restored your family’s good name by righting those who had been wronged,” Zetreh patted the other’s back.

“We made a fair team young Hegleok, and someday your mother shall be glad of what we did. But now,” Zetreh stepped back and surveyed the forest. “It is time we go our own ways. I must direct my steps toward my future where it awaits me near the ancient Kourass… And you must find your way to where the Spekai dwells even to this day, and there you shall recover your infant heart’s best treasure.”

Ermal nodded, “Edsoniea! I am to find her well, I hope...” he fastened his cloak tighter about him while thinking aloud. “How will I find the Spekai’s place of dwelling…I wish I knew…”

Zetreh meanwhile had his own hand inside his cloak; he appeared to be adjusting it as well. “You will find it without a doubt, and your sister, her, you shall find well whatever her physical state might appear to the sight. Just remember, do not let any of them Hegleoks back from the old house find you when on your way forth and back for, they are out searching for our trail.”

Ermal nodded understanding at the warning but could not quite understand how he would find his way to where the Spekai lived. “He never took me there you know.”

The other was still fumbling within his cloak when Ermal pointed this fact out. “Ah, found it!” exclaimed Zetreh and his hands came forward out of his cloak holding a rock. He thrust it into the young Hegleok’s hands saying. “Follow the scratches on the flat stone. Follow the map Myeopike scratched out for this very purpose those long wakings ago. You will arrive for certain at your destination.” Ermal looked from the stone in his hand to Zetreh and back again at the stone.

“Did he not scratch a misleading map on this? That is what I thought it to be, while the others in the council accepted it as a real map of the actual location.”

Zetreh smiled. “It is young Hegleok, just look at it upside down this way and you have a crudely drawn but real map that will lead you to the grand hall.”

Ermal stared at the stone in amazement. “All this time mother had the whereabouts of Edsoniea in her possession and none were the wiser as to it!”

Zetreh nodded. “True but now you know and very soon, may the Wise One leave your path unhindered and let you cover the distance between here and the grand hall as if it were that you took a long step and were there!”

It began to get warmer and the two having not much else to say, decided to part. “The future might let us meet again,” said Ermal grasping the other’s hand. “And I do hope it be on a better waking. Farewell, let us part in peace and friendship!”

Zetreh bowed, turned and in a moment was off.

Glancing back over his shoulder he said aloud, “Go on young Hegleok, the Wise One’s thoughts are with you and your journey forth. Friendship will always remain between the hearts of man and Truole on fair days or otherwise!”

And he was gone, as quick as lightening he had vanished leaving Ermal gaping at the spot where he had turned but a moment before to speak. The sound of sharp voices caught his attention, he distinctly knew at once the individuals to whom the voices belonged, he clutched the flat rock in his palm, breathed deep and took off.

The Wise One’s mind’s spirit followed the young Hegleok’s run across the Greo and the tiny flame flared, in the mind’s eye the flickering flame cleared Ermal’s path.

“No one and nothing will hinder you, young Hegleok. Let swiftness be yours!” The flame spurted momentarily before the Wise One’s mind’s spirit resumed the task at hand.

Time held council with Wise Okir and Wise Yiolj along with her other allies, Deituk being one of them present there too. Her second hand Adviser spoke to aides of old Dsarest.

“The fool believes she has begun to destroy my power,” Time spoke in an amusing tone, her eyes stared at all present, they flashed fury and amusement in turn. “Prepare the next battalions before the next two wakings have passed, more stormy weather, disease inflicting vermin and harsh winter.” She paused before Deituk, leaned over and whispered, “Weave your evil spells on those that remain stubbornly on her side, and for your faithfulness you shall be rewarded.”

Then to the others Time said, “The future is mine, upon every land there shall be marks of my power. To live in my rule, you must deserve to survive this last battle against the other side. Go forth and show your valor.” Time then called the council session to a close leaving the hall of decisions for the high tower where she stood by the window with her second hand Adviser quiet beside her.

“I shall see how many of them who have just sworn strength and fidelity to my reign live through their own power torments,” Time smiled grimly, “Rieah might be a fool but not ever will she and her allies give up without equal or fiercer fighting for the right to rule land, being and green.” The second hand Adviser ventured a say, “Neither will you, Lady Time,” he cowered for a moment thinking he had disrespected her presence and authority by speaking when not asked but then he saw Time grin, and went on. “It is not hard to know even at the present which of you is to win.” This say earned him a fair smile from Time, if fair be the right way to describe it.

The grand hall lay silent for the master of the hall rested alongside his beloved in the darkened bedchamber. All was silent around the place so that even the ants had slipped into a stupor hardly noticing the changing weather. This state of affairs did not last long however. The scene turned tumultuous when the sudden appearance of Deuglias, wandering all by himself now that he was no longer a child but a young lad eager to inflict evil and fear on whoever and whatever caught his interest.

He stood watching the giant ants’ camp from a short distance, he saw the dull inactive soldiers silently, and before long decided that he did not like it at all. “Rise evil desire from the depths of the bosom of the one who calls to you, rise I say,” he muttered coldly. “Make known your presence in their midst. Do honour to your commander’s word!”

In a moment the ant soldiers of the Redtuth Squadron were jolted to alertness and a fright such like they had not ever known gripped them. Many noticed the brightness of the waking in wonder before being eclipsed by a sudden and irrational fright and confusion that made them scurry and view each other as ants of different squadrons would in war. They attacked and began killing one another steadily and before long there were but few giant warrior ants remaining, and they were tried and tortured by Deuglias before being taken in for his slaves. It all happened rather quickly, neither the brightness of the waking or the warm weather changed in the few moments.

Once Dreser’s young son had his slaves firmly controlled by a word, Deuglias looked about the ground and upon noticing the hidden entrance to the grand hall, wondered what lay within the hole.

“What is in there?” he demanded of one of his slaves who quailed at the tone of his voice.

“Therein lives the master of the grand hall,” came the reply, “With him his beloved companion dwells too.”

Deuglias was much displeased by what was said. “There are no other masters besides my grandfather Deituk the Cunning and his son, my father Dreser after whom I shall bear the title of Master of evil and cunning! Take me to the master of the grand hall of whom you speak.” nudging one of the ants forward while he made the remaining circle his finger; a slave ring.

“I desire to befriend him, and his fair companion.” He grinned wickedly as he said this.

Now, Myeopike awoke with a sudden jolt from a deep slumber. He sat looking about himself in the dark. All was silent and he could hear Rein’s soft breathing beside him, he smiled thinking she might have mumbled something in her sleep thus awakening him, he felt glad as he reached a little way off by the foot of the cot and grabbed the torch he had left there.

Getting up he walked the length of the chamber and stepped out onto the hallway where a torch or two burned in their brackets along one wall. He lit the one in his hand and turned back so as to light the bedchamber and awaken his fair lady. He had taken but a few steps toward Reign having placed the torch in its bracket near the entrance to the chamber, when, he heard the same noise only this time it sounded like an evil laugh and it sent a shiver through the Spekai’s being.

“Reign, beloved of my heart, you must arise,” Myeopike whispered urgently, he had run forward to her side and now spoke kneeling. “There is someone or some creature beyond this chamber who I fear brings disaster to the grand hall and its master. I wish it not to hurt you.”

Reign had heard the troublesome noise as well and now sat up grasping the other’s hand, “I heard it too Myeopike,” she said shuddering. “Whoever is beyond these walls desires to do us harm, I fear for my children!”

The two stood a moment not certain of what their next move to be. Myeopike quietly wondered whether the giant ants stationed outside the grand hall had taken care of the intruder for there seemed to have fallen a complete quiet about the place, no more strange noises or frightful laughs. Reign rested her head on his shoulder and when she lifted it and her face was turned up to his, he saw her lips move in silent say. She trembled, her eyes darted about the room while she continued to move her lips in a silent say.

“What is it, my fair one? Are you cold?” he tried to embrace her but she stepped back quickly and stumbled onto the low cot where she stared at Myeopike in horror.

The Spekai implored her to tell him what was wrong but it merely made Reign move her mouth faster silently and widened her eyes; shrinking further back on the cot.

“You question her with silly queries,” said a quiet voice behind Myeopike. “She is afraid of me you see, and it is wise of her to be!”

Myeopike spun around ready to strike whoever it was, somehow this someone had slipped passed the ants outside he realized in the same instant he saw a undefined form before him.

“You should fear me too, Spekai,” continued the voice, “For your end is near and as for your fair companion,” a soft wicked laugh, “She will serve me with all that is her own…a silent slave doing what I command!”

Myeopike struck but his fist seared with pain in the moment.

“Do not dare strike me,” came an angry retort. “No one dares strike Deuglias son of Dreser, grandson of Deituk the Cunning!”

Myeopike withered in pain and fell in a heap upon the earthen floor, the other had struck him while the few ants had scurried about the Spekai’s feet biting him. Deuglias felt pleased with what he had done so far, rendered the Spekai’s companion voiceless and frightened, striking the master of the grand hall to the floor where he now withered in pain and there he would lay until he, Deuglias, had his way with his fair companion.

“Rise desire

That what lies within me,

Child no longer

A man I am,

Now to be.”

Outside the grand hall, a chilly mist overpowered the brightness of the waking and its warmth. The mist swirled thick above the entrance and spread out across most of the woodland as Deuglias sang his rhyme in a voice that invoked all evil within him to passion.

Lady Hegleok came to her senses a long while after she had been locked in the dark chamber wherein her power days she had imprisoned those refusing to abide by her rules, particularly that young Hapledert woman whom Dreke had had his heart set on marrying. She sighed as she remembered the event preceding the moment when she, Aliyha Hegleok had been out witted by her own daughter.

“I have wronged myself and the memory of the only man who really had a heart,” she said to the dark. “I deserve this reward, after all I have done!” And she burst into tears. Aliyha wept through many recollections, she regretted her harshness and greed but knew it was too late to change what all had come to pass. For a very long time, days maybe, she could not tell, the dark chamber was her sole companion. It was her reward for all the evil doings, and Aliyha had not the heart to grudge it, for it was her first true friend.

“There is time still to undo the wrong,” said a small voice in the dark. “It is clear you hurt at the thought of your doings, undo them and that painful guilt will leave your bosom.”

Lady Hegleok knew who had spoken though she could see no one.

“It was you who aided me Wise One,” she said to the room, “You said it when first you found my deceitful and fickle mind wavering on a quest for power and said that my husband’s first born child would lead me to power and so on...” cried Aliyha stamping the hard floor, like a child that has discovered its parent has fooled it out of a promising treat. There was silence and Aliyha gritted her teeth.

“I know you laugh at me, it is all right for I laugh at myself! I have been a fool!”

There was the softest response, “You still do not see it, no one has lied to you, Aliyha Hegleok...” some way off, a clanging noise echoed and reached the room, followed by the sound of footfalls. “I have not lied to you, merely spoken a word of truth.” went on the soft voice. “Undo the injustice you have done your eldest child, give Edsoniea what rightfully is hers, her father’s name, the right to his family’s council chair.”

Aliyha for the first time since she became the council’s head realized the full meaning of what the Wise One had told her those many wakings ago, it was clear to her now and what shame she felt at the mere recollection of all her doings.

“I finally understand what your words meant when long before now you, Wise One, spoke to me of my stepdaughter… oh I am ashamed! Why have you allowed me to get on in my treachery this far?” She fell face down weeping. The footfalls from without sounded closer now, someone approached in a brisk pace.

“All that you have done had to be done,” said the soft voice. “It had to come to pass as written by the once Wise Dsarest who wrote this very present long before you ever came to breathe. The wakings to come are to be of a different kind,” a pause where the only sound came from Lady Hegleok’s muffled sobs, even the footsteps outside could not be heard; whoever it was had perhaps changed their mind thought Aliyha but had not a moment longer to dwell on it.

The Wise One started speaking again. “Your future and that of every being and green who has survived the wickedness of Time so far has been scrawled afresh.” Lady Hegleok sat up trembling at this.

“I shall abide by what the lines of destiny say or perish in the attempt.” She sighed, fresh tears spilled forth and once again she fell face forward.

Lady Aengomiern bent over the hill man who had drifted into an exhausted sleep having travelled on foot from land to land under harsh threats from the elements and strange and wicked creatures. ]

“Wake up strong one,” coaxed the Truole Lady, gently caressing his brow. “Your strength awaits your wakefulness for what you last spoke has been heard by even the Wise masters of the seasons. Awaken to your wish!”

Oliukus felt himself float on gentle ripples and then his body heaved and he opened his eyes wide for a moment, and there saw Tesma before him, weeping in delight or was it sorrow? He parted his lips to speak so he could tell her he was all right but no words did he utter instead swallowing a mouthful of water that made his breathing difficult, he slipped back into a senseless sleep.

“Do not try to speak,” he heard the voice again. “The Kourass is a little unsettled but very soon you shall be on drier surface.” He had not the energy to do anything but heed the words. He saw Tesma over and over before his eyes, little knowing that he was being borne by the Kourass and Xeira, to her.

The company of nurts had gone below deck in a bustle of activity. Fiel, Untholio and Inckle assisted Tesma in preparing a clean low cot where Lady Truole could place the hill man to recover.

Tesma appeared to have lost her ability to talk but redouble her energy to work as a result, she cleared the required space, laid the blankets and even made a herb meal ready before any of the rest could begin to comprehend what had to be done.

“So, it takes a strange human with features no gamhnurt could ever be glad they possessed to make that nurt child of mine hop on tiptoes!” Kirestle shook her head. “I never shall understand what goes on in her mind. Tesma, Inckle there wants to speak to you,” she gestured to where Inckle stood with his hands on his hips, his head inclined eyeing both Tesma as she moved about setting everything right and at a corner of the bedding that needed smoothing down.

Korehk and Wully along with Astra tried to keep Kirestle calm and quiet as she was getting upset at the sight before them.

“Inckle my friend, say what it is that you wish to talk of with me.” Tesma addressed Inckle after setting the herb meal bowl down.

Inckle smiled, bending down he straightened the blanket smothering it as best he could and stepped across it to where she stood.

“I wished to tell you, my friend of ages,” he said quietly holding her hands in his, “Before everyone here knows of it…” a pause during which Tesma expressed worry in the look she gave him.

In an instant he brushed it aside, “Do not think the worst, not when you are being reunited with your beloved!” he patted her hand while a smile lit up her face which only a moment before had been overshadowed.

“Lady Aengomiern is selfless and a true Truole,” stammered Tesma, “As for Oliukus, oh I do hope he is still with the living…” her face fell, along with it tears too.

“He is well Tesma, and if at this moment he is not,” said Inckle gently, “He soon shall be. Lady Aengomiern, she will not ever let life escape his body just as you must not hope escape your soul.”

Tesma nodded agreement and Inckle embraced her.

As the two were in conversation, the weather had brightened, the stormy sky was fast changing into a clear one and the wind blew warm and the Kourass had turned calmer with each passing moment. The other nurts who had stood about the cabin had moved onto the deck.

Kirestle of course could be held responsible for this. “I tell you now, if you ever desire to live to recall the wakings of old with an unbroken head on your shoulders, get yourselves out there!” It was rather funny because as she hissed this into every nurt’s ear with a menacing look, she herself strayed behind for a listen and Fiel had to grab her all of a sudden and bring her onto the sunlit deck where everyone stood glaring at her.

“No need to glare,” she said, “I merely slowed down my pace a little at the ladder; I have just discovered I fear climbs!”

Fiel burst out laughing while the rest did not hesitate to join in. Kirestle sat sulkily, making no attempt to say a word; she pretended not to hear the others and sat with her head in her hands.

“Is it falling apart then, your head?” Astra asked from behind Korehk, laughter broke out again.

Meanwhile, Inckle had told Tesma of his intention to leave for Flemezour straightaway. The worry that had clouded her brow when she had talked of the hill man now returned and threatened to stay there and in her heart.

“Should you not wait for Lady Aengomiern to return so she may go with you? I fear you will lose your way Inckle…” she paced forth and back, “I would accompany you, I will!"

Inckle shook his head, “You will not accompany me Tesma Redgate, and before you suggest anyone else from our company who willing might,” he paused looking at her kindly, “I was meant to find my way there alone, the Wise One shall not ever abandon one of hers. Fear not for me but take to hope and faith kindly for, they shall keep me safe and return me to where I am to be.” He kissed her before sprinting up the short ladder to announce his intention to the rest.

The twin brother and sister were at the height of their game when Elagust exclaimed, “Brother, I believe my battalions are gaining power over those of Time’s! I feel life bloom in certain lands.” This brought their play to a pause. Olaliefe smiled as he sat upon a green mound.

“I see you are right! There indeed is a fresh scent of spring in The Hidden and around.” He sniffed the air contentedly. “You are first to win every game thus far and the first of seasons to break the stronghold of winter on lands beyond.”

Elagust giggled. “Up for another game brother? We both must win to beat Time and winter.”

While spring continued to outrun winter upon lands turning cold hard earth, to a scented and soft and green one with short bursts of plant life, in some places quicker, in others slower; the weather on the Mount had not changed. It still snowed and blew hard, the Wise One sat under a bare tree, she spoke calmly to someone who was not within sight; Aliyha Hegleok.

After uttering the last words to the distraught prisoner, The Wise One turned to look at Lady Deulore and her sister who stood transfixed with fear as they stared at the gaping doorway with the howl of wind and the heavy snow around them. Swulirha moved back a few steps, the open entrance way looked frightening and there was no way she could step though it into the inside of the mouth of an ancient brick monster’s jowls.

She tugged at Kwairha’s cloak. “It is a wicked creature awaiting to devour us, step back!” Kwairha heard the words yelled to her above the wind, she grabbed the other pulling her the few paces closer.

“Do not behave so foolishly Swulirha,” she shook her hard by the shoulders. “There is no monster here, it is just our place of birth, our home.” She turned back to the old house and sighed. All her life this house had called to her to claim her rightful place in it and now, here she was about to do just that. |

“Let us enter it Swulirha, it might be warmer within.”

Swulirha shook her head but the other paid no heed and marched forward determined to enter. The moment the two drew close to the doorstep, one willingly, the other not, a voice sounded as if from within, it appeared to be addressing the Lady of the Mount. Kwairha stepped back aghast while Swulirha ran far back.

Lady Deulore placed her hand in the gaping doorway once she had recovered from the shock. The doorway appeared to the touch to be made of an icy web with a thin layer of ice behind it making it appear like a cracked mirror. And Kwairha noticed that however hard she tried looking inside through the webbed entranceway into the house all she could see was her own image covered in snow. And behind her, a cowering Swulirha.

“Greetings to you, Lady Deulore,” said a loud voice. “You are not to enter the house of Orliereas without your companion…Speak his name in true sentiment and you and the other behind you may take shelter from the cold just on the threshold but cross it, you will not.”

Kwairha stepped further back, she turned to Swulirha. “It is a test which if we do not pass, will result in us being turned to sculpted ice figures of our lost family line!”

The other looked straight into Kwairha’s eyes, shaking her head. “It is a test you must pass sister, I am not Lady Deulore, you are and it is you alone who can say the name in your heart with the truest feeling.”

Kwairha frowned. “This is my home by right! Who is it that questions me demanding a name I know none I love to be known by?” She felt her heart leap for in it she held affection for two who she doubted not held the same or certain amount of affection for her.

Retracing her steps back toward the webbed entrance she said, “Whoever it is that has spoken to me must know I have nothing to say…no, my heart holds no affection true or otherwise to anyone I might choose to honour as Lord of the Mount. Let me cross the threshold along with my sister for, therein await our faithful ladies in waiting, perhaps illness has already taken life from them…” Kwairha broke down as she said this.

Swulirha came up behind her quietly, she grasped the other’s hand comfortingly.

The Wise One hobbled from her spot under the bare tree, she appeared before the two unobserved. “I am the Wise One,” she said gently surprising both, she motioned them to rise. “Your ladies in waiting are within and well. Their illnesses did not claim their lives.”

Kwairha smiled through her tears embracing her sister. “You shall forever have my gratitude oh Wise One! You have saved my faithful friends, our faithful friends…” Kwairha embraced the Wise One’s little frame. “May our alliance and friendship last for all the generations of man and beast, that these may understand each other and respect what is their own and others’.

"Your gratitude Lady Deulore is rightly bestowed.” The Wise One having spoken, now stepped back and watched the two, a shrewdness in her manner, a glint in her eye.

“It does not appear to be getting warmer,” she cast a quick glance around, it was not entirely true for the eyes that took in the bleak surrounding also noticed a small change in the earth. It was very slowly turning its nature from cold hard to soft and the beginnings of green appeared under the slowly melting snow. “What good are friends if they let the others turn to ice sculptures when shelter is but a word away?”

Within the ancient house ladies Westeria and Nuorta were awake and realizing where they were, began cleaning and reacquainting themselves with the old house. They felt well and remembered nothing of how they had got where they were, it was decided that neither would let her thoughts wander into probabilities and possibilities of how they got there but both acknowledged that the house needed to be made ready for the Lady and Lord of the Mount, who before too long, would reign their realm again.

Zetreh had covered half the distance to his destination when he became aware that the future he had known to be his for so many a long wakings, had been altered as had the season. He paused for a brief moment, thought back to the Truole whom he had abandoned and realized that he was to reunite with Xeira only to be parted again.

“My future lies open before me

It is not to be the future I once,

Believed it would be…

My Truole blood

Is to mingle,

With not

Of the same kind…”

He sang these verses in half despair, half joy. He then went on quickening his pace toward the Kourass and following his wake, spring awoke the cold earth scenting the air with the smells of blooms.

On his path, Ermal did not pause. He kept steady pace and the ways he chose to journey through kept him out of his pursuer’s reach bringing him ever closer to the grand hall. Every now and then, the young Hegleok studied the flat rock in his hand but nothing of the scratching lines on it made sense to him yet somehow he felt he was getting nearer the place where his sister had dwelled for so long.

“Edsoniea, my sister, my friend, I come to return you to our father’s chair, and to the Hegleok family.” Repeating these words with true feeling, Ermal neared Wyoungthed and the Spekai’s home.

Now Ermal had never set foot in Wyoungthed, he knew not how to distinguish the land from those like Stompsledge and Wild Narrow but after studying the flat stone intently as he walked on, it became clear from the scratchy route the Spekai had carved on the surface that preceding the land was its woodland that surrounded it much in the way the Hooded Greo did Stompsledge. Here it was that the Spekai Myeopike lived and sheltered Edsoniea.

His feet ached but he did not allow fatigue to slow him down and this way entered the woodland without realizing he had. A sudden gloom engulfed the young Hegleok as he stepped through a great many withering trees. It was less warm in this little clearing and somewhat sinister. A heavy mist blocked out all brightness that had accompanied Ermal on his way. Deciding once again to consult the flat rock in his hand, he traced the crude map with his finger but try as he might, he simply could make no sense of it so he thrust the rock inside the cloak he had around his shoulders and felt glad to have it on him, it was getting chillier. He moved forward, like a blind man feeling his way with his feet.

The door to the dark chamber creaked open on its rusty hinges, in the doorway stood a formidable figure. Aliyha, who had crawled to a corner, came forward into the shaft of a lantern’s light, her face, resolute.

“It is you, daughter Cineon,” observed Aliyha, she neared the figure. “I knew the moment you had me brought down here, I knew you would realize your decision as foolish like the rest of the decisions you might have made in my absence.” Aliyha Hegleok even attempted a smile, she straightened her crumpled dress and stepped right in front of the other.

“Come, daughter Cineon, let us sort out differences.”

Cineon placed the lantern on a hook by the door. “I am here to sort nothing,” she pushed the other back several paces, her hand placed on Aliyha’s shoulder. “I demand to know where all the documents you would poured over with the eye of an hawk before you lost your place of power, the whereabouts of documents of the days not long ago when you were enamored of that traitor…where are they?” She spat out the question, her features ugly and distorted by the poor light.

Lady Hegleok closed her eyes, sighed and spoke quietly. “I will tell you not a thing,” she turned and walked to the far corner of the chamber. “Zetreh, thank you Wise One…” she said to the dark, truly grateful for the revelation.

Cineon heard the murmur and advanced on the other pinning her to the wall with such strength that the entire wall trembled. “What did you say? Tell it to me or you shall regret it old woman!” There was a moment’s silence, and then a loud booming laugh.

“I will tell you for certain my daughter,” said Aliyha as the laughter died. “You will yourself not ever hold your precious place at the head of this family’s council.”

Cineon dragged her toward the lit part of the room. “And I suppose you will see to it that your words come to be?” she slapped her mother hard across her face. “Why! You could not even avoid my firm hand hitting that face you call your own!”

Aliyha gritted her teeth. “I have a face however shameful my deeds have been,” she pushed Cineon with sudden force. “You on the other hand, you my daughter whom I now and here disown, you have no face but that of shame and evil!”

Cineon’s face contorted with anger. “I do not recall granting you the right to speak to one of my stature in a manner you just have,” she reached out for her mother’s hair but Aliyha was too swift for her and evading the grasping attempt, sent Cineon to the floor.

“You have no power for granting rights, my dear,” said Aliyha holding her daughter down by the neck. “I still control this council by the title of my name, and power is mine until I choose to place it in the possession of my next of kin.” She kept a firm hold on Cineon’s neck, not pressing it too hard nor allowing her a chance to move her head.

“I shall have no other take my place of power other than Edsoniea Hegleok, the true child of Gregieo Hegleok.”

What Lady Hegleok did not consider, inexperienced as she was in physical fighting, was that her daughter could easily assault her with a kick or by throwing a hard fist at her with her unhindered hands.

Cineon Dreser had for long studied to perfection the art of faking belief, now, as she looked into Aliyha’s eyes, she appeared shocked. “Mother, do not say what you do not mean,” she pleaded, “Think of what that would mean, a murderer as the head of the Hegleok family council! I deserve the honour, I have lived by the rules that you and father laid down…”

It happened quick as a flash, the next moment Aliyha Hegleok hit the wall sideways and slid down in a heap seeming unconscious. Lady Dreser got to her feet, her left hand rubbing the right, she marveled at her strength, she had known that something in her had changed since her son was born now, Cineon understood, she was wicked and that satisfied her immensely.

She straightened her gown, walked over to the heap that was Aliyha and said venomously. “Now you must live by my rules for I am Lady Dreser head of Hegleok council.” She turned to leave muttering she would return for the answer about the whereabouts of those documents when, the senseless Aliyha grabbed one of her feet throwing Cineon off balance so that she fell crashing to the floor. With great difficulty, Aliyha pulled her closer till their faces were inches apart.

“Never will you succeed me evil and wicked hearted… I disown you your place in my family!” The stinging pain in Lady Hegleok’s side overwhelmed her and she lost consciousness.

Lady Dreser pounded the stone floor, got to her feet, picked the lantern from its hook by the door and left. Once outside, she breathed deeply, her fury made her utter harsh words.

“Child of Dreser

Born of me,

My word you have

Follow the lust,

You feel…

Evil doing is in

Your blood

Rise to do

It... Pray

From the world

Of the living,

Edsoniea Hegleok, erase.”

Within the dark chamber, left to herself in her unconsciousness, Aliyha Hegleok banished her past self. In her mind, a silent thought formed itself and unchallenged, escaped into the conscious world.

The Folieke were all gathered together at a great height in the slowly changing sky having decided that no place on land was safe enough for them to survive. They kept among clouds that still had not cleared away, there was continuous discussion of how they would hide themselves when the sky did clear and it was then that Foliek Erwufj said. “When the sky reflects spring, when the chariot warriors of Time war no more, then we shall reveal ourselves to the ones who have survived, to those who have not known us. It is time to walk among man and being, on land from the soil of which soon, will grow herb and plant so green.” The others flapped their enormous wings in consent. For a while they hovered about their spot, some remarking how quickly the weather appeared to be changing in certain places while others said the sky for certain slowly was turning a shade of a bright. It felt fair to be staring fairness in the face as she slowly turned it toward the dark frowning deeds of Time.

Not everyone was glad the season was changing. “There is something not right about the weather,” Chyle commented, she had been pacing forth and back in Deituk’s bit of land, father and son were in a debate about the same.

“Dreser, what do you think it means?” Chyle went and joined the two, she suddenly felt ill, as if her sight were dimming. It felt like a great many wakings had passed since she and Dreser had united in their want for each other, it would seem the land of Wyoungthed though robbed of its folk and once upon a time agelessness, still had in its heart a way of counting time and wakings different from the lands around and beyond it.

Chyle closed her eyes and leaned back where she sat beside the other two, her ragged clothes barely concealing her nakedness.

Dreser eyed her. “Do you not feel well, Chyle?” she opened an eye, he was leaning on an elbow smiling at her stupidly she thought.

“You do not mean to tell me that somehow the way I feel has anything to do with the weather changes, do you?” she scowled, sat up and waited for an answer.

Dreser laughed as he began to caress her hand gently pushing her back down, he talked of his son and wherever he might be…the subjects changed and the two began to express themselves how best they knew while somewhere not too far off Deituk was talking. “…Time prepares for a second strike that will for certain destroy all …she simply awaits the right moment.”

Chyle grunted and Dreser heard no word, he lost himself in the wonders of his companion’s form.

Deituk grinned, he had his back to the two but needed no telling what it was they were doing. “Deuglias you should know, he is about to turn into a man…that would explain this smog.” He sat down a way off, by this time Dreser and Chyle had completed their act of passion and she, having rolled over her side remained in half a sleep. Dreser had heard what his father had just said about his son. He felt glad to learn of it.

“I am surprised it took Deuglias this long to grow up,” he shook his head smiling. “It does our family well, this land. My next child shall grow into adulthood just as quick as his father and his brother.”

Deituk raised an eyebrow, “When did you manage to sneak your way back to Stompsledge, son?”

Chyle was now sitting wide-eyed, listening interested. “Dreser, what have you to say?” she asked her lover. “I say nothing,” came the response. Dreser turned to stare her straight in the eyes, “I merely ask, how is it you feel?”

Brestuev and young Aliyha had set out together parting ways just before entering the Hooded Wizard. The Hegleok took off after what he believed were footprints of his own younger brother while Aliyha Slyionthe followed the faint rustling which to her meant Zetreh’s noisy getaway, her hearing being rather keen. Every move each of them made however led them to a disastrous end.

Greo, the forest was withering but on the wicked creatures living in the depths of the soil, Time had not yet had her effect, perhaps because these were mean things dwelling within the earth and no amount of cracked cold earth hindered their existence, perhaps they were secret allies of Time. Whatever reason, they lived and when Aliyha Slyionthe stamped the ground under her running feet, she angered these cruel creatures so that at a certain point the earth beneath her opened up and the meanest creatures that lived in Greo trapped her in their grasps pulling her into the depths of darkness and never ending torment, for a great many moments she fought off the attacks running and drawing strength from her present self but all of a sudden when it appeared she was gaining on Zetreh, she, the past of Aliyha Hegleok began to weaken and the more she tried to remain on the traitor’s trail, the weaker she got until at last she fell, letting escape from her treacherous lips a wail and was gone into the realm of ancient wicked life that dwelled under the earth, forever.

Brestuev followed Ermal on the right path but whenever he would spot his younger brother around a bend of trees or when he was just two paces away with Ermal just head of him, something would catch the elder Hegleok’s eye, a strange sight or creature even and his attention would be diverted only to find upon turning back that he had lost track of his brother and for a something or someone that was not even there. It finally happened that the last distraction caused Brestuev to halt and stare for there was no mistaking it.

What he saw made him think he had gone mad. There before his very eyes was the spot he and Aliyha Slyionthe had stood on before parting ways. He had tramped for so long in pursuit of Ermal or that is what he thought he had done when truly he had run in circles. A shiver rattled his frame, some distance off, he thought he heard an inhuman yet girlish scream. Was it Aliyha that needed help? And then, it occurred to him that the Aliyha he felt concern for, was not even real and alive but a ghost of … ‘Mother!’ the truth of it all hit him like a lightening bolt… it was his mother’s long ago past somehow survived the long ages of change now come to avenge an unforgotten grudge. He pulled himself together and took off at a brisk pace, this time for home.

The company of nurts listened intently to what Inckle had to say, none tried to utter a word of discouragement for all knew that what the valiant Earth Protector had to do simply needed to be done and those who did not know this were quietly told so by those who did.

Still, Kirestle Redgate was behaving badly. Accusing Inckle of being a liar unfaithful to her daughter when Tesma always intended to be his wedded companion. She wrung her hands, shed tears and even fell overboard.

“You know what you claim to be the truth is not,” said Tesma angrily to her mother. “Inckle and I were to be wedded one waking before this one but that waking never came to be, instead, we have endured Time’s whip upon all our lives and it has brought us here.”

Kirestle stared at her in complete horror. “Foolish daughter! All the lashing from Time’s whip it appears has not pained you enough to realize where your future lies and with whom, has it?” There was a collective sigh of disbelief.

Fiel held Inckle’s arm as he attempted his say in the matter but he insisted and she let him speak.

“Do you not see it, mother of my dearest friend,” Inckle stepped in front of Kirestle, his eyes glistening with tears. “It is Time’s whip lashes that has made your daughter and me understand that though we are of the same creation, we have very different ways of looking at what is known as life and friendship, love and companionship.” He reached over to where Tesma stood, placed an arm around her shoulders. “We are united in friendship. Only Tesma will ever be my truest friend and I know I shall be hers.”

Tesma embraced her friend. “Life is not worth a breath without friends who hold friendship in its truest form. And the love that binds a companionship must not ever be forced on friends for, companionship is a matter of two souls uniting and friendship is what they feel toward those around them but not always toward each other.”

Kirestle turned away from the two. Fiel who had been standing behind her now, caught her eye.

“I know now your words meant more than their mere say,” she nodded at Fiel, walking over to her and simply said, “Wise Rieah! I see no point in denying what has for long been known.” So saying she went below deck.

Tesma smiled and hugged Inckle harder. “Mother fights us no more,” she said, her voice muffled as she pressed her face into his sweater. “Nothing shall ever break the bond of our friendship now.”

The sky had lightened from the dull gray to light gray and the Kourass rippled calmly. Xeira was now by the side of the great ship with one arm around the hill man.

Untholio saw her, he was leaning over the railing looking at the Kourass lost in thought over all that happened so far. With the help of Korehk and Wully, he lowered an ancient wooden silver lined raft, it had upon it the symbol of the Truole ship and Xeira’s sea family name in Truole script. They lowered this into the water so the hill man and Lady Aengomiern could be brought back on board. Tesma and Inckle were among those pulling the ropes securing the raft. Soon the hill man lay on deck with Tesma weeping over him while Lady Aengomiern spoke to her quietly saying he would be all right.

Oliukus was carried down to the cabin where Xeira said she would in a moment or two come to attend to him. She knew already that Inckle Vilksumer had something to say, and she would listen. “Speak Earth Protector for though I know what it is you desire to speak about, I must hear it.”

Wise Dsarest sat leaning against a withered and decaying tree bark. His breath was shallow and he could hardly see. Dsarest had rested for many long moments not letting his tired eyes close fearing he would remain asleep and thus loose a great many wakings, no! he had to find as much of the flat stone bits if not all of them…no! he must find the entire flat rock upon which he had one waking ago scrawled the present future…it was now a great many tiny pieces but that was his incentive to rest and regain his strength.

“I shall rewrite the future,” he muttered weakly, leaning his head against the bark, eyes squinting at the brightening sky, “The new fate of all living shall come from my doing and not from any other Wise mind’s!” The weather was changing rapidly and greens were sprouting from the turned earth, a warm scented breeze blew making the old man breath deep involuntarily recalling springs from a long while ago. How the lands had been then.

“Fair nature…pleasant weather…like now, you were not…” mumbled old Dsarest incoherently, he stared about him merely moving his eyes, their sight grew dimmer. “You were and soon will be, wintry lands unlike the present past…future shall be by my doing, better…” he smiled, and dropped off to an endless slumber.

From out of the sky, Stragut descended, his wings still, he moved them very little only just enough to steer him in the direction of the wind.

He circled low saying to his old master. “You have passed from the living world knowing how true your last words are. I mourn the death of Wise Dsarest of old,” the bird lowered his head. “It was he who spoke and his doing is a reward for those still alive.”

With this said, Stragut allowed himself to be lifted high by a gentle wind, high he remained beside a large color changing cloud watching it turn from dark gray to lighter and eventually white. He paid attention to the light wind as many clouds dispersed or drifted by him, the Wise One might utter the say he had been told to expect.

Dreke had left the council room heading for Cineon’s and Dreser’s chamber when on the way he encountered an enraged Lady Dreser.

“What has happened? Has mother refused to disclose the whereabouts of the documents?” Dreke’s brow was furrowed, he held Cineon’s gaze.

“It is impossible to get the truth out of her,” she threw up her hands. “Our mother believes she can denounce me!”

Dreke grinned. “Let her believe whatever she desires, I might know where the documents are.”

Cineon stared wide eyed. “Tell me...where!” she gripped him hard around the wrist, Dreke winced.

“Inside your chamber there is an old chest of drawers… mother mentioned it once –”

“That room was where she, her younger self occupied before she became a Hegleok…of course!” Cineon cut him short by dragging him across two floors to her chamber as she spoke.

Once inside, the two emptied the contents of every drawer going through parchment after parchment, yellowed with age, some so brittle that even the lightest of touches crumbled them.

“This is of no use,” snapped a quickly tiring Cineon, she had tossed a large pile of love pledges and letters of a long ago romance, aside. “You were what came from this rubbish – denials, confessions, promises, lies… How can you be so calm?”

Dreke stretched and stood. “If you see it the way I do just now,” he gave her a hand helping her to her feet, “You would understand.”

“And how is it that you see this…?” she paced the length of the room. “Wherever could the documents be?”

Dreke heard a whispered voice tell him. “Make her see what is in your mind, for, it will be rewarding to have her be pleased and please her in turn.”

Cineon felt her brother’s gaze follow her, she stopped pacing. “What is it you think of, Dreke?”

The other walked over to her, took her in an embrace and whispered. “I desire to have you, will you grudge me my want?”

Cineon stepped back, her eyes blazing. “You are my brother! Get away from me, demented mind!” she pushed aside, running to the door throwing it open and would have been out if not for Dreke’s arm wound around hers and his words spoken quietly, words that awakened the evil immoral in her.

Time awoke from a brief moment spared to Deituk and their passionate adventure. There would be more whiles for longer adventures. Now, it was time to address the armies. She called her adviser into the chamber. It took him longer than a moment to heed her call consequently, she shot him a furious glare.

“Where have you come from, Adviser? Answer quick!”

“From seeing my son, Lady,” he bowed. “He was in need of some fatherly advice upon a matter that often plagues the heart of lust within him.”

He stood to one side, awaiting Time’s instructions on some task but she smiled.

“I see you are one step ahead of me,” she nodded getting up from where she lay. “Tell me then, has your son taken your words to act upon?”

“I do believe my words have not failed yet,” came the reply. “It is quite possible that not long from now, the most powerful council, recognized as the lawful authority in every land shall belong to my son, in turn to me, and Lady Time, I exist as part of you so the reward is really to be yours.”

Time had begun to change her attire, there were no reservations when it came to undressing for her illusory figure could hardly be held before eyes other than her own but her adviser had devised ways of viewing her true form and now he watched transfixed.

‘…And you shall be my reward for being the faithful servant I am…no one shall ever have you once your power rules every land of man, beast, being and green.’

She sensed his gaze. “Are you at it again Adviser, imagining you can please me as my beloved?” she laughed, her attire of a dull hue gave her form some meaning, though still illusory. “You forget, you are part of my being and I do not permit affairs of the kind your mind dwells on.” She patted his face, walking out she headed for the hall of decisions.

“You must address the troops Lady,” he said following in her wake, sulking, it had been a pleasant thought but he accepted the truth of her words, at least for now.

“I shall address them just as soon as I decide what I wish to say.” Time shot back shaking her head in annoyance.

Outside the high tower the sky slowly darkened as battalion after battalion took their positions awaiting Time’s appearance. Their leaders had told them that her High Power would address them before the final battle.

Inckle, having taken leave of Lady Aengomiern rowed on the raft to the shore. His journey forth to Flemezour was one the Earth Protector looked forward to in fear and excitement; it would be a true challenge to find the land where once not long ago the wise minds’ spirits dwelled.

Lady Aengomiern had told him all she knew of the place and how to get there. It would be hard she said for being a nurt did not give him the power she had, the power to see what to other beings was invisible.

“I come forth to perform my task, the task you have chosen me to do… I am to enter a world none but all the Wise minds’ spirits have been to and lived in… Guide me well Wise Rieah.” Inckle said softly to the wind.

Once on hard ground, in Wild Narrow where life had returned upon the earth in forms of greens and the few folk who had survived now wandered freely in the open exchanging greetings and news of each others’ families and talked of the miracle of the way the season had changed saving them from perishing, there were hardly any inhabitants that had lived along the banks of the ancient Kourass. All nearly dead under Time’s blow. A few had fled to Wild Narrow from the nearby lands, seeking refuge with a relative or friend and it was one of these that Inckle first crossed paths with upon entering the recovering town.

“Greetings stranger,” was how the young man whom Inckle approached on a by path greeted him. “What news do you bring from wherever you come?” The nurt responded by shaking his head and taking a seat on a small pile of wood and bricks.

“What tidings can there be but of the recent disastrous storms that have ravished every life on land, sea and air?” Inckle let his gaze wander into the distance, he could see the mighty ship far off, he wondered how the hill man was. The young man who had been collecting wood and rubble, having greeted the nurt had gone back to his task but now he paused.

“You look afar stranger,” he came to stand before Inckle, his gaze following the nurt’s. “Were you one of dwellers settled on the banks of the ancient Kourass?” he inquired quietly, sitting on the earth ground.

“I come from the Truole ship, there far out beyond the bank,” said Inckle. “Though I am no Truole.”

The other’s expression turned from that of pity to awe. “You hold the favor of the Truole Lady Xeira? You must truly be a person of much importance.” His eyes grew round and big as he imagined he was in company of a dignitary. He began telling of how he and the other settlers from old to recent wakings believed the Truole to have been a ghost and wicked being until Xeira had rebuilt her home on the renewed flowing waters of the Kourass.

Inckle listened patiently, he did not mind the non stop talking, he could use the time to collect his energy and thoughts.

“…with her she had three companions who helped her put the ship together and up. They feared neither the rising waters nor the Truole. They cannot have been from these parts…” he said thoughtfully.

“They are not from these here lands,” said the nurt. “They are from Wyoungthed as am I.”

“Wyoungthed,” the stranger was startled by its unique name. “Is it far from here Wyoungtheian? I am certain it is as fair as its name brings to the mind a vivid delight of colors. Oh do tell more of it, one could use a little distraction from the dreary existence here by gaining knowledge of some place beyond this... of its people and ways of life.”

There was a long silence interrupted only by an occasional yell from one of the handful of the other folks dwelling about. Beside the Folieke, no bird species had survived the blow from Time, not that before she dealt it there were any kinds of birds worth mentioning but the fair singing ones that once inhabited the Wyoungthed woodland who lived no longer and the winter birds of a great many wakings before, these went away a waking before the war between Rieah and Time started not ever to return it was thought.

Inckle sat deep in thought, he had heard the enthusiasm in the other’s voice, it had brought back to his mind his homeland of old, its folk and how life used to be. The Earth Protector could feel himself back on Wyoungthed soil living, laughing while spending long moments with his friends, the special thoughts before the end of a waking; thoughts of his beloved Tesma… playing game challenges… His thoughts turned to Astra Deins then and how they called him the Hammer – a name Astra, they all believed felt immense pride in…the truth was that Astra had always believed in Inckle, admired him even…Inckle felt pride in his new friend and brother…

The feelings he felt must have clearly shown on his face for, the young man beside him interrupted the silence and his train of thought saying, “Wyoungtheian,” that is what Inckle was now being called. “Is it not what I have described it as, this land you come from? I beg pardon if I have wronged in its description.”

The nurt shook his head, smiling, “What is it you are called by?” he looked at the other adding, “I am Inckle Vilksumer Earth Protector, and I am no Wyoungtheian but folk from Wyoungthed are Gamhnurts but what you called me makes more sense, really.” A short pause followed.

The other opened his mouth to speak but almost at once the nurt began to talk again.

“Wyoungthed was a place so fair and timelessness dwelled at the heart of it but now,” Inckle once again turned his gaze toward the Kourass. “It is Time’s very own…my homeland no longer is what it was when I lived there, only a handful of folk live still and them that do, are with the Truole in her ship anchored there…I have come from there myself,” he went on, “leaving my mother and friends a second time.”

Here Inckle dropped his head into his hands and sighed. The young man stood up abruptly, “What is it you folks eat?”

The nurt looked up in surprise. “Oh…I apologize…gamhnurts eat a green that we call floherb…back home, we used to grow a variety of them herbs in different neighborhoods.”

The other stood a moment blinking down at the nurt, then clapped his hands which made Inckle start. “Herbs it shall be then,” he motioned for Inckle to follow him. “I am not best with the meal making job but I think a nice hot…well, just a hot soup would do us both good. Come along Inckle Vilksumer, I wish to hear all about your life and how you came to be here.”

Brestuev returned home avoiding the main way leading to the house where his sister, now the present head of council that did not even bear her husband’s name, thought the Hegleok angrily, could see him coming back with neither ‘traitor’ as she had referred to Ermal and Mister Almonne.

He took the by path running to the rear of the old house, still in thought as he stealthily made his way.

“It is you Cineon Dreser,” Brestuev gritted his teeth. “You are the traitor, a streak of cunning in the bad! A fool really, to listen to the says of a bitter memory!” He snapped a twig, for loads had fallen near the house during the storm, and now that the ground had dried, so had the fallen twigs, leaves and the path was void of snow. He proceeded unperturbed by the snapping and crunching underfoot. His mind was for the first time since he could recall, thinking clearly and most of what he thought about made sense if he did not question it.

“Mother can tell me what I do not know, and what she knows not,” he stopped short, he had reached the rear entrance, gate and all. “I hope to learn somehow. Truth is what will triumph over all else.” He climbed over the gate; it towered high and could only be opened from the other side.

He made his way with speed and silence to the chamber where he and Dreke had carried Lady Hegleok; he was halfway there when a thought struck him. Retracing his steps, he moved toward the council room by the main staircase.

Now, he passed his own chamber with its door shut and then Dreke’s, also closed. Next came the room that had belonged to Edsoniea, having been her own since she was a child for at the time, that was the topmost floor of the Hegleok house. He did not pause but on he went downstairs, on tiptoe. As he neared the floor where Cineon’s and his parents’ bedchambers were, he thought of his father and how he had raised his family.

“Edsoniea is your rightful heir father,” said he quietly, his hand on the door to his parents’ chamber, where his father breathed his last. “Me and my siblings were and are still simple additions to the Hegleok family just as these higher floors you built to shelter us.”

He felt sad but at the same time a deep joy, he moved on nearing the chamber that his mother had once lived in before her marriage to his father.

It had been gifted to Cineon and Dreser as their own chamber within the Hegleok home, a wedding present that welcomed the groom to the bride’s home and family. Brestuev fought back bitter exclamations and determined to head on as fast and quietly to the council room where he felt certain to find Cineon and Dreke but as he walked past the chamber just mentioned, he caught the sound of hushed voices, the door stood ajar allowing a sliver of flickering firelight to penetrate the darkened section of hallway.

“We cannot let passion control our knowledge, you are my brother Dreke,” Cineon spoke hurriedly as she pushed the other away. “It is not right. I have power to do as I please but I desire to do nothing morally wrong.” She stepped closer to the fire, it was warm outside but when they had rushed into the chamber suddenly lighting a fire seemed appropriate. She decided to put it out.

Dreke held her back grabbing her arm and saying, “Let it be, Cineon Dreser,” he stepped closer to her, “The flame burns with vigour, much as my want for you and yours for me. Do not deny it!”

Lady Dreser pushed herself aside. “I will not allow this, we are of the same blood- our father’s.”

Dreke shook his head. “I am not our father’s son, and no wrong can be done if I love Lady Dreser for you are Hegleok no more.”

Brestuev watched and heard with growing disbelief and disgust.

“Our mother is Aliyha Hegleok,” said the distressed Cineon. “Have you forgotten that already? I am leaving!” she made for the door. Brestuev quickly stepped back from where he stood peeping and listening.

“My mother conceived me in lust before she married Lord Hegleok, did you not hear her speak to you of it? Aliyha Slyionthe will not ever grudge us our desire because I am her son and you,” he neared the door yet again pulling Cineon away from it and toward him. “You are the child of Lady Hegleok whom she hates for having destroyed her own.”

A short silence followed, Brestuev leaned into the slight opening, and the two were standing mere paces apart. “Do you take kindly to your mother, Lady Dreser?”

Back in Wyoungthed, the smog hung low making the young Hegleok’s progress forth very slow as his eyes barely saw a few paces ahead of him. Ermal had already stumbled twice but both times, he noticed the fog swirling denser around him while an eerie silence pierced through his being, like a silent scream fighting to burst forth from a horror struck victim of some wrong doing.

“Edsoniea, child of our father,” said Ermal under his breath, “Pray let this here fog mean not that ill fate has fallen you but that my coming be a surprise, a warm delight as of sunlight breaking through the misty veil that holds you captive.” In his heart he felt every bit of regret at the way he had thought of her all those days ago, he promised himself not ever to disown her, deny her a place, the rightful place in his life. He stepped blindly into emptiness and tumbled downward, a human ball of weeds and earth.

Deuglias towered over Edsoniea as she lay struggling to push herself away from him onto the other side of the low cot. It was dark except for a low burning torch along the one wall with a bracket.

At any moment the flame would die out plunging the chamber into total darkness, and not even light from the torches in the hallway outside would throw in a sliver of light, the entrance way to the bedchamber from the hall had been closed, secured.

She could not see him but knew someone frightful was present meaning to harm her. The son of Dreser laughed a wicked quiet laugh, “It appears to me,” he addressed Edsoniea, “You are afraid…it is just as well.” He leaned over her, placing a hand on her arm, such strength. “I respect fear and those who feel it.”

Edsoniea struggled harder to break free from the grasp but he, now suddenly seeming more adult than a moment before held fast.

“I must satisfy my yearn, oh child bearer.” Now he had her completely pinned to the cot by his iron clasp, the unborn within Edsoniea’s womb moved hurting her worse than Deuglias was, even as he began to commit his crime.

“I am no longer child once I control you, by breaking your strength and taking your life. I am then to be a man, my father’s true child…”

Edsoniea hurled him off her with all strength and with much effort rolled off the cot onto the floor where for a brief moment she lay breathless and in pain. She raised herself to her feet only to be thrown back down flat with Deuglias clasping his hands around her neck choking the air out of her. Even in the dim torchlight, she recognized his features, a horror of what she just saw showed on her breathless pale face so that he laughed.

“That is right, I am the son of Lord and Lady Dreser.”

The pain inside her increased, it was time for her children to come to the world, the world of evil and wicked doings!

“Goodbye mother’s sister, take with you your fatherless children and be gone!” The light dimmed further and Edsoniea saw only blackness.

The soup was hot and rather tasty, Inckle slurped a bowlful and some more, reminiscing in silence the wakings gone by and most especially his mother’s floherb stew.

“Not tasty, I know,” said his host squatting a way off, “But it is all I know to make and under such shelter and surrounding, green herb is all I get…” he let his thoughts trail, he gulped down his own meal casting his gaze about the shabby small one room hut built from wood and stone that belonged to some of the many homes along the banks of the ancient river, most of these were washed out to the very depths of the Kourass and those that were not, got destroyed by strong winds and harsh weather.

“I built this shelter from all the wood and stone I gathered after the storm cleared just days ago. I ate nothing during the tempest for the river was ravenous and wicked, and the earth grew nothing.” A sigh as he got up to keep his bowl and ask if the nurt would like a bit more to which the Earth Protector seemed to be recalled from a far of place and thought, to the present, finished what remained in his own bowl and acknowledged the soup as, “Second best to my mother’s herb stew, I thank you kind host!” shaking hands with the other, he added, “Your shelter is the kind of home we nurts used to live in, so you must know, it is like my very own abode to me.” His host stepped outside to where a barrel of clear river water stood to one side of the hut, here he washed his face and hands after Inckle washed his own, then, they stood about in silence again.

“Kind host,” Inckle said, “You have treated me well but I must not take more of your time and kind hospitality…it would be unfair of me.”

The other began to protest, “Do not say such things and do not call me ‘kind host’,” he patted the other’s back. “I am Kabah, my family lived long ages ago up on Mount mountain where it used to be told by my mother and grandfather that our ancestors, both women and men served in the ancient house of Orliereas when masters and wives and large families dwelled there… it was a very long time ago and the last to serve the master of the house was my father, I was but a child then…” again he let his say go on unfinished.

Inckle was looking at him with a new found interest and respect. Kabah’s story had brought to the nurt’s mind the image of Kwairha and along with it, a gush of feelings he felt for her.

“Kabah, I delight in hearing part of your tale, and I know you asked to hear about me but that must wait for there is some place I must be before long.” He felt a pain as he remembered Kwairha and how he loved her… Lady of the Mount she was and would soon claim her title alongside Zetreh, her chosen Lord of the Mount… he shut his eyes turning his head slightly.

“May we meet again on a better waking when we can talk. I will tell you about Wyoungthed and my life there, and may that be in the house of Orliereas where you shall, like your father and his parents before him serve the Lady and Lord of the Mount, where you might receive me in your quarters as an old friend who when you spoke to of your past, told you, he would be there…”

Inckle looked the other in the eye. “Think well of me for so saying, the new line of the ancient family will soon be in power and you have to promise me, to present yourself at the old house, and to its new master and his bride.” He smiled. “You must give me your word that you will do this.”

The other could merely nod, dumbfounded as he was. Inckle went on more calmly, “I am to find my way to Flemezour …do you know how one finds such a place?”

Kabah stared at him wide eyed, “Flemezour, the land of ghosts?” he swallowed dryly. “No one can see it but its horrors are known nonetheless.” He sat down by the barrel, uncertain and a little shaken.

“I greet you not for, you are not assembled before my tower to be treated cordially,” Time stood at the window of the high tower addressing the battalions before her. “You must do me honour by winning the final battle, only by destroying the life source of summer and spring, will you receive a cordial wintry greeting. Earn what you know you deserve!”