THE HOUR

It was now several long wakings later that Ermal and Zetreh returned to a lifeless Stompsledge, to the Hegleok house where everything was quiet and everyone quarrelsome. Foliek Harfj had caught Zetreh when he and Ermal had entered Greo and had delivered the Wise One’s message in quiet whispers so as not to awaken a resting Ermal and the rest of the forest. The two were in the remains of the Tree.

“I have still tasks to accomplish before I heed the Wise One’s word." Zetreh told Foliek Harfj, bowing. “The Folieke have been faithful friends and allies of the Wise One and be certain that your faithfulness will be rewarded.”

Ermal had then awoken but remained quiet in his place listening and watching. The young Foliek had murmured. “Serving the Wise One and being one of her many allies is reward enough Lord Zetreh.” he stepped back prepared to take flight. “Lady Aengomiern has been one of the Folieke’ dearest friends, we wish for her to find the happy end she has well deserved.”

Zetreh smiled, “Well, none could have prove more a truer friend to the Lady Truole than you, your words shall indeed be heeded and understood as warning that I will not ever fail to live by.”

The young Foliek took off but Zetreh called him back down. “Lady Aengomiern shall see no happy end but the beginning of the old ways anew with joy. That is the one thing old Dsarest shall see realize of his prophecy.”

Aliyha Hegleok remained locked inside her room only ever emerging from within it, and from her brooding at times to see her daughter who she still believed was with child, and who kept refusing to see her, and at other times to join Brestuev and Dreke at such meals as she felt like taking.

“I feel tired mother,” Cineon would say from within her chamber. “I cannot walk to the door for I fear to fall; my feet are unsteady.” And then she would sigh.

“I wish very much to see you daughter,” Aliyha Hegleok would then say. “I desire to see that my grandchild is growing well.” Cineon simply replied, “The child grows beautifully mother, now, leave me to rest.” It was always the same or similar turnouts of the visits but Lady Hegleok grew feeble with wrongful reassurances while every time Cineon lied, Aliyha Slyionthe grew stronger.

“Your mother is now not anymore powerful as she once was, no longer rich and wicked though she believes herself to be.” said the young Aliyha, in a vile and pleased mood after one such exchange of mother and daughter greetings.

“And every time you lie to her, your son grows up tougher and more powerful in his knowledge of his rights in this world. And the day you are found out, that shall be the day you shall need to stand and declare war openly in the name of your son.”

Cineon had nodded, she understood that she would have to fight her own mother but that did not bother her in the slightest.

The weather had turned worse and Time had promised Deituk, that with every battle won, his grandchild would grow taller and more knowledgeable while the rest of the human world passed away either putting on a brave fight or simply taking her blow resignedly.

On the day that Zetreh and Ermal returned, Aliyha sat with her other two sons in the Council chamber watching the firelight.

“We still have power sons,” Aliyha muttered, “It might not appear like it at the present moment but—”

“But that is untrue,” Zetreh stood in the doorway bowing, “Your power is a good word and deed. All peoples now respect you more as the head of the Hegleok council than ever they did before.” Ermal stood behind him in silence.

Aliyha swiveled around snarling. “You! You have brought ruin upon my name and this family!” she stepped closer to Zetreh. “What would the Wise One say if I were to go and tell all of what you have done?”

Zetreh simply stared at her, saying nothing.

“Mother, the Wise One undoubtedly has known all along, it was her ploy to get Zetreh to be your Peoples' Person, to fool you into believing you are bad and she worse,” Ermal stepped out from behind Zetreh. “Wise Rieah is no witch woman but very wise and powerful.”

Aliyha hit him hard across the face, “How dare you speak of things you do not know of!”

Brestuev and Dreke both came closer. “You two have plotted this family’s and this council’s downfall. It was you two!” Almost instantly the two brothers were upon the other two.

“Do you deny it?” yelled Aliyha over the blows and groans.

“I have done nothing that requires denial,” replied Ermal holding Dreke down. “Maybe my brother here has.”

He pushed his knee hard against the other’s back. “Is that not so Dreke?” Dreke groaned but did not answer.

Zetreh held Brestuev in a tangle of his own cloak so that he could not move.

“We have done our task to restore the Hegleok family’s name from bad to good,” he looked at Aliyha. “There are forces at work against you even you do not know of and cannot fight. The future comes at great speeds Lady Hegleok, the present, even as we stand here fighting, is rushing past us. The only one powerful now is, Time and her allies but we still have a chance of fighting her and winning…”

Aliyha looked oddly at him, “Time is powerful you say, and how can anyone fight time? I am powerful and even I have no power enough to fight time and its allies.”

A silence followed, Dreke groaned under Ermal’s knee. “Time is a Lady of evil intentions, of unbearable doings, of no remorse.” Ermal said. “It is she that has wrecked the lives of men across lands; she has been angered by the Wise One and this is her revenge on all that is fair and good.”

Zetreh said grimly. “Lady Hegleok, Time has your grandchild, for Dreser is one of her allies.” he looked steadily at Aliyha, “Your daughter gave birth to her son many wakings before this one…Time gifted your grandson the swift passing of seven long wakings in a single night.”

“You lie!” Aliyha spat, turning a livid color but then Brestuev said something that made it all look right, he said, “Cineon, why does she not come down any longer? We hardly ever see her…”

Dsarest travelled far and long and searched hard for his shattered stone slab holding the future in his own hand. He crossed desolate lands and destroyed forests. His anger did not allow him a brief moment’s rest for until he found his stone slab and returned it to his own keeping, he could not scrawl a new future to men and beast and green. Time encouraged him with soft whispers of where he might look and find it but it was all a wild chase.

Way overhead, Stragut followed with his wings spread out letting the wind and Dsarest’s movements guide him. It was a cold and sad sight to see below, and Stragut longed to flap his wings and scatter the lands below with new hopes and delights, new challenges and zeal to live but Rieah had said the moment had to be right so, he glided along in quiet desperation.

Swulirha and Kwairha, the ladies of the Mount, were heading in the direction of the Fordust Creek woodlands and the well-known lake close to which once upon a waking the two half sisters dwelled in a cabin, and were neighbors to the ladies in waiting who lived a short distance away. Now all was cold and silent, the forest appeared a deserted place where Nauoljath and the beastly folk had lived and prowled setting traps for those who trespassed the forest ground. Despite all that Nauoljath had done, no matter how bad he and his fellow beastly folk were, it was sad to see the forest in ruin with the presence of Time in their place. Nauoljath's heir could be heard from time to time, feebly crying.

The sisters reached their two-room cabin and as they had planned to rest for a while in the old place before heading for the Mount, the two paused in front of the dwelling, staring. The snow covered the roof and most of the front doorway.

“Wait here Lady Deulore,” said Swulirha over the roar of the wind. “I shall see if I can get the rear secret entrance to the cabin to open. Stay shaded from the cold and snow, step over there by the front door.”

Kwairha shook her head. “I will let you do no such thing without my lending a hand.” so saying, she began to clear the snow with her own hands at the front of the cabin.

Swulirha smiled. “Will you continue being this way even after you have taken your rightful place in the ancient house?” she looked at the other as she joined in clearing of the snow. Kwairha said not a word but went on with the job.

“I wonder at you…!” exclaimed Swulirha after a short pause, and then, no more words were exchanged or spoken until a small mound of snow formed on the other side of the cabin. Swulirha gently pushed the door open inwards, peering inside into the gloomy interior of the dwelling, she gasped while at the same moment stepping back, letting the door snap shut.

“Swulirha, what is the matter?” Kwairha asked, she looked from the cabin door, and back again at Swulirha concerned.

“He still lives, spared by Time and her malice to wreck misery on our lives, I fear.” Swulirha spoke in whispers and it was terribly difficult for Kwairha to follow what she was saying over the howl of the wind.

“You fear what, my sister?” She asked but the other shook her head and stepped aside leaving the doorway unhindered for Kwairha to enter, and go in she did.

“In the name of Grtrez Muoriel, Hyute! It is Nauoljath, guardian of the Creek woodland...” Kwairha said in a manner that suggested both fear and delight.

Swulirha entered behind her, cautiously following the other as she drew a few feet close to the beast. Upon a closer look, Nauoljath appeared extremely weak. Kwairha felt compassion stir within her bosom as her eyes took in the creature before her.

“Do not approach him Kwairha,” pleaded her sister, “You have no defense against such a beastly creature but me and I am of little use to you in my sudden fear of him. Pray, Lady Deulore, do not go any nearer.”

Again Kwairha made as if she had not heard the other and knelt down beside the creature that had his back against the wall and his huge head upon one of his bony paws.

Chyle lay in Hachael’s arms. They had already reached the nearly wasted land of Wyoungthed. Chyle having made the decision while the father and son were away on their business with their beloveds. She had left them signs along the paths she felt very certain they would take to Wyoungthed. Not that they needed to be shown the way but there was a hidden message in each of the signs for Dreser alone to make out and understand.

Hachael had tried to dissuade her from leaving. She just said, “Do you not see my purpose in leaving earlier than decided? It is so I can have you to myself and you may have to do with me what you will.”

It was so passionately put that Hachael agreed and now they were in each other’s intimate company. The vermin were spread about the entire wasteland, well, almost the entire wasteland. There was still a part of Wyoungthed that remained unspoiled by Time, the presence of Spring and Summer was too strong for the vermin that had known Winter all their life to endure.

“I wish for us to have a large palace,” said Hachael getting up and stretching, Chyle looked at him from where she lay upon the cold cracked earth, vile and sinful in appearance and thought.

Hachael paced a few times to and fro before coming to a stop right near her. “This shall be the spot to build it of course!” he said grinning, pointing at her even as she began to get off the ground only to be pushed back down again rather roughly.

“I have not had my fill of that what is your sweetness.” Hachael leered, he appeared ugly and hateful but Chyle let him caress her, indeed she let him have her but in her mind this was the last time he would. She began in a low mournful tone to sing:

“From the soil around me, rise

Your mission, to destroy,

What to me in my mind

Is trouble,

Deny it life.

Come now

My soldiers so small,

So valiant in your deeds

Thus far,

Destroy him who takes

Me now,

In the name of war!”

Hachael paid little attention to the mournful tone of his beloved believing she was expressing pleasure in his doings.

He felt reassured of the same when crawling creepers and tickle stalks began to climb unto his bare back, and about her as well. He believed they were celebrating the affair but when Chyle pushed him to one side and got to her feet, so much beauty and wickedness made her eyes shine, Hachael then knew and desperately fought to get the vermin off him but failed.

“Goodbye Hachael Aiker,” whispered Chyle bending over him as he struggled to breathe. “Love and lust are indulgences of the flesh, and power is what makes them vary in the mind of the empowered.” With that, Chyle left him to be taken by the vermin. She wandered a short way off and when she turned back, Hachael lay lifeless under a mound of vermin.

Chyle smiled evilly as she observed, pleased with her deed. At this moment, Dreser, Deituk and little Deuglias were on their way to the appointed place, and every sign that Dreser discovered along the way, made him hurry more and more.

Deituk caught on to what his son had in mind and said, “It might be wiser to seek companionship with an inhuman being, son,” he paused in thought. “I desire that my son not make the mistakes his father once made.”

Dreser halted, half turned and stared at his father, “What is it you speak of? Mother?” his tone was incredulous, “And here I was thinking you to be vile and carefree!”

Dreser glared at his father while at the same time starting to walk. “Whatever makes you think I am different from you?” Deituk laughed. “Spoken like my true son,” he patted Dreser. “I delight in your say!”

Aliyha Slyionthe had crept silently down stairs and on reaching the doorway of the Council room, had slipped inside unnoticed during the arguing and commotion. She sat quietly, in full control of herself on Lady Hegleok’s seat and surveyed the goings on. She had left Cineon to dress and prepare to show herself to the rest when the moment came for, the moment was nearing.

“And you must be ready to take control away from your mother,” she had said. “Aliyha Hegleok will be in no condition to think clearly or act by rights of law when she is confronted with the truth of all that has passed, all that you know, and me!” Cineon stood half way down the stairway and waited her turn to power.

“I do not lie, Lady Hegleok,” Zetreh answered, his tone firm. “You were taken ill when this came to pass, and by your side was your son’s father.”

Aliyha gasped when she heard him speak this. She struck at him but he caught her blow before he got hit.

“You spy, you evil wretched spy! The Wise One tricked me into being a fool in making me believe I had an ally…” Her face was ashen even as she screamed in rage.

“Mother, calm yourself,” Brestuev said forcefully, he had untangled his cloak from over his hands and grabbed his mother’s arm.

“What do you mean by saying our father was here present, when he has been dead for a long while now?” Dreke asked Zetreh, sitting up for, even Ermal had abandoned his hold on him.

Aliyha sat on the floor amid the lot looking suddenly frightened thought Brestuev who knelt by her. She opened her mouth once or twice to answer but no words came out and she continued to stare at each one of them with mingled expressions of fear and sorrow, anger and defeat.

Aliyha Slyionthe had heard and seen enough, she clapped her hands and got to her feet. “I would be honest in answering if I were you,” she said loudly stepping to the front of the desk.

“In a way, I believe I am you still…though you might say you have disowned your past.”

She stood there as real as all the rest and Aliyha Hegleok stared at her younger self in uttermost contempt mouthing curses.

The younger Aliyha smiled wickedly at Lady Hegleok and the rest. “How about that answer then?” A moment of silence while Ermal, Dreke and Brestuev looked from one Aliyha to the other. Zetreh alone observed neither but his thoughts were on other matters.

“Who is that other woman?” She talks as if she knows mother of old?” Ermal interrupted Zetreh’s thoughts with his question whispered loudly in his ear, Zetreh started and turned. “Why young Hegleok,” answered Zetreh slightly taken aback, “Do you mean to tell me you do not recognize your mother in her younger days?” That is her for certain.”

Ermal looked confused, “But how can one’s past be as real as the person? Is not the past only something one can recall in one’s own mind and reflect upon alone?”

Before Zetreh could answer, Aliyha Hegleok sprang to her feet and rushed at her younger self. A commotion followed wherein all the young men tried to separate the two struggling Aliyhas but in vain for, the younger for her part held on to the other’s neck in a vice like grip and the older Aliyha kicked at and dug her claw like hands into the other’s arms with just as much viciousness.

Cineon in the meanwhile found her way into the Council room unnoticed and unheard, upon finding her mother’s seat unoccupied, sat herself.

Aliyha Slyionthe held fast to Lady Hegleok’s neck while at the same time resisting the two pairs of strong arms that belonged to Ermal and Dreke trying to pull her away from their mother.

“You shall not win this time, Aliyha Hegleok,” she chuckled, “Once I let you but never, not ever again.” Her grip tightened so that Lady Hegleok’s next words were heard in a strangled whisper. “I have disowned you Aliyha Slyionthe and no matter how you think you have beaten me,” she struggled to breathe, “It means nothing for something that has not existed to claim no victory.”

This angered the younger Aliyha and she tightened her grasp ever more until the other slowly fell limp at the feet of the younger Aliyha.

Myeopike had carried his fair companion out of the bedchamber and into the hall where he lay her down upon a soft cushioned seat of dried leaves and dried roots.

“This indeed is a better place than the chamber back there.” smiled Reign, she settled comfortably and wrapped her arms about her for, it was cold. Myeopike hastily lit a fire upon the flat stone in the corner, a big blaze spread the warmth throughout the grand hall and outside to a certain extent so that the ant soldiers who had fallen asleep and were nearly frozen by the cold, began to stir at the warm drafts of a fire coming from within the grand hall, they knew something was a happening and before long there was much scurrying about and the ants already awake were awakening the ones who still dozed bringing their attention to the sudden warm drafts from below.

“Come, sit by me Myeopike,” Reign softly touched the Spekai’s arm as he dashed about her making certain she was as comfortable as could be. “I wish to speak with you my dear one.”

Myeopike abandoned all tasks and as before, knelt beside her. “Is it the little ones, is it time?” he asked concerned.

Reign laughed. “You are the sweetest of all beings,” she grabbed his gnarled hand and laid it on her tummy. “The moments are nearing for when we shall be parents but they are still a while away…oh the children shall be blessed and beautiful!”

Myeopike nodded. “And the girl shall carry your mother’s name.” Reign smiled. “My dear mother… and our daughter Feolsa shall be every bit like her!”

Myeopike beamed. “A lovely child she shall be, and when she grows,” he stared at the fire, “Like her mother she will be for certain.”

Reign shook her head. “I do not think that is all correct,” she sighed, “Feolsa will have her father’s heart as will her brother. He will be named after you.”

Myeopike frowned, “You speak of the unborn as if they really are my children you carry, when they are ---”

Reign’s eyes flashed in rage, “Do not dare speak his name! He has not a thing to do with me and our children, yes, our children Myeopike. You are their father and me, I am their mother.” Myeopike agreed never to utter Dreke’s name, and together the two sat in silence, contemplating the future.

The Redtuth ant squadron fidgeted and ants marched forth and back, revived with the warm draft from the burning fire below in the grand hall and mesmerized by the sound of the Spekai’s companion’s voice. They felt glad to be there and alive!

His back rested on something very soft yet stiff, the sound of whispering voices reached his ears as he lay in a waking sleep. His limbs felt heavy, as if restrained and yet his head felt light and every time he tried to open his eyes, the vision before his dim sight swam.

Inckle let his eyes remain shut while slowly regaining strength. He felt strangely safe and yet knew that he was somehow a captive. He slipped into sleep and dreamed, all about him, the voices whispered and he dreamed a face for each of these. Though, to one or two he felt unable to put face to voice.

“It is well I spotted them before the storm broke out again,” Kirestle Redgate said as she bent forward to look closely at Untholio who lay nearby. “My son, you are safe. How glad I am!”

“Your fears were for nothing, you see Kirestle Redgate?” Xeira spoke kindly. “Foliek Erwufj, you have seen your task undeniably well to this moment. I am grateful as I am certain is the Wise One.”

Foliek Erwufj blinked and nodded sadly. “I meant no harm to come to the gamhnurts,” even as he said this, Inckle started in his dream, mumbled something and fell silent again. “I just desired to hand the lot their sack full of floherbs so that they might feed themselves.”

“Do not be offended, pray,” Tesma said quietly, “They are unaccustomed to the Folieke ways and appearance.”

“I must agree,” added Wully, “I daresay I might have reacted the same way were I not acquainted with…” he broke off at the site of Inckle’s eyes fluttering open, and of him mumbling, “My friend Wully, I am terribly sorry for having lost your friendship…” he half sat up and fell back drained of strength from the sudden effort, he lay there looking widely about him but unable to say anything until his sight fell on Tesma.

“My dear Tesma,” Inckle muttered stretching out his arm. “I gladden at the sight of you and yet my heart cries for I know you have denounced me twice already.” Tesma let out a soft sob as she rushed forward and grasped his hand.

“I have done wrong by doubting you,” she kissed his hand tenderly. “It is done and too late to undo it now… Oh forgive me my friend, I beg you to pardon…” she fell to crying.

Inckle sat up a little. “Your doing is not of evil intent.” he looked around at Wully and Kirestle. “You did what circumstance and society expected of you. I hold it not against you, I respect you for taking a stand.” Wully came forward as did his mother, and the three, embraced Inckle.

“We regret our taking a stand in condemning you out of our lives,” Wully confessed, “I regret it most of all other things that I have done.”

A silence followed where the only sounds breaking it were soft sobs from Tesma and her mother and brother. Inckle did not shed a tear but held each of them in a steady friendly gaze.

Lady Aengomiern checked on the others, quietly announcing that they would all be awake and restored to full health in a matter of a few wakings if not less. Foliek Erwufj fell in and out of a doze. Fiel was saved and her wounds were healing well. As were Trejeth’s.

Inckle was truly glad to hear it and finally broke the silence. “Time has changed us all in more ways but not ever will it steal our friendship away or turn it into animosity for Time holds no power over hearts, rather only over aging minds.”

The three Redgates nodded.

Xeira added, “And when the heart is young, it rules the mind to do its bidding so that the mind not ever ages.” Inckle smiled. and thanked the Truole Lady for saving his life and that of his friends’.

And in the large ship the wounded nurts rested with their friends and dear ones keeping close to them, several long moments passed this way and Lady Aengomiern remained alert as to the occurrences within the vessel with those still lying unconscious and without, on how the battles went on.

Time returned to her hall of decisions in fury at having the planned encounter at the Spekai’s grand hall, with his wretched beloved, for that is how she thought of Reign, foiled. She stood by the high window looking outside at the battles and urged her troops on.

“The miserable creature appeared at the crucial moment,” said Time’s second hand adviser. He hovered around a short way behind her, while Wise Okir and Wise Yiolj entered the hall talking in whispers.

“It could not have been a worse moment, I assure you,” Time said frowning at the sky. “I was near achieving what I went there to do and it might have all gone well for the twins heard every word I said and so did their mother… This was Rieah’s doing.” She slammed her palm against the window ledge, in rage, “Deituk be her fall!”

“I am certain we agree with you our dear Lady,” spoke Okir in his wheezing voice, “For not only did the creator of Wyoungthed foil your attempt in destroying the twins and the mother but…” he fell silent at once when he saw the look in Time’s unblinking eyes.

“What? Okir, what is it you refrain from telling me?” she demanded.

“It appears we have not done half as well on the battle field as we think,” Yiolj said stepping forward, “The brother and sister, twin allies of Rieah are and have been for sometime now, preparing a great army.”

Time looked on unperturbed. “Do not let yourselves be deceived by what you think foolish Olaliefe and Elagust are doing,” she gave the two a thin smile. “Ours is the biggest army and our troops have been doing extremely well in every battle they have fought. Am I wrong therefore in believing that however great an army the other side’s allies have, and no matter how prepared to fight against the army my faithful allies and I have put on every battlefield, that the other side shall lose every battle there ever will be, Adviser?”

Time turned to her second hand adviser as she asked this and waited.

“You are not ever wrong, Lady Time,” he answered bowing. “Our troops do not deserve to be doubted or questioned, they deserve to be praised and to be believed in for they are brave and loyal.”

Time clapped her hands together. “Well said, well said indeed.” She turned back to look outside, the sky warriors were in excellent form, fighting and riding on every lightening bolt and shooting down arrows in the snow and rain that made up the present storm.

“If I know Olaliefe’s and Elagust’s parents,” Time said grinning. “And I have known them, they are as dim witted as reflected on their children’s very existence. My army shall soon set its warriors’ feet upon the land those two call home and then all will be over with.”

Okir and Yiolj murmured assent without much conviction and retreated to a corner to discuss matters between themselves.

Time and her second hand adviser kept to the window in silence with Time suddenly caressing her brow, muttering, “I feel my strength of thought lessen in Flemezour… my hold on the place of the Wise weakens…”

Wise Olaliefe stood shoulder to shoulder with Wise Elagust, before the two stretched a grand sight, it was that of all strength belonging to summer and spring that had up until this moment been lying in wait of the words of command from the twins. The brother and sister dwelled in an obscure land where no winter could ever trespass though Time thought it only a matter of, well, time. It was the native land of summer and spring where every stretch of earth was abloom and the air warm and scented. The land had no name to it and its location was a secret so, Rieah had often referred to it as ‘The Hidden’ whenever the three talked of it among themselves.

“Behold! before you, brother,” Elagust said spreading her arms wide, “Is the power of ‘the Hidden’.”

Olaliefe nodded. “Indeed, dear sister,” he held her hand. “It is magnificent! Come, let us together address the brave army before it goes into war.”

Elagust agreed. “Let us, yes. That Time may wither under the powers of Rieah and her true friends.” The grand gathering before them, cheered as the two stepped forward extending their arms and waving for silence.

“You are essence of our existence,” Olaliefe said to the silent army stretching before them. “Do our power fair justice, that the lands beyond this, and the enemy, that they may not ever forget Wise Rieah is all good and fair and just.” Elagust spoke these words in a clear voice filled with passion. Much clapping and cheering followed, and then, Olaliefe raised his hand.

“To the battlefields where Time and winter have scarred earth, being and green you go to conquer!” There was a roar of the last two words as the army saluted and battalions marched off.

Elagust and Olaliefe stood a long while watching the troops till they were out of sight and the Hidden was a quiet place and the warm air riffled through their clothing and ruffled their hair.

“It is just us now sister,” said Olaliefe as he saw the last of the army go.

“May I then interest you in a little play of Skipping Toes*?” Elagust stood on her toes as she said this.

“Let me see just how much you have improved your skills at this.” she laughed, “You used to be terrible at it.”

Olaliefe grinned. “That would be delightful!” He rubbed his hands enthusiastically, “Though I should tell you sister, I shall beat you in the race, be certain!”

The other laughed merrily. “All the while at Flemezour has helped you contemplate how best to be champion in our childhood play… Beat me if you can, come!” And she was off on her toes with her brother close behind.

The tiny flame that was Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit flared and spread warm light within the entire chamber of recreation.

“And so begins the final battle,” it sputtered and flared again, “May the power of all that is fair strengthen spring and summer, and may it weaken winter. This is what shall come to pass!”

The flame flared and a dazzling light illuminated the chamber, the cold that had inhabited Ailieth up until this moment, was destroyed by the heat from the tongue of fire and with the chill dying away, so did one of Time’s great many holds on the lands beyond her hall of decisions.

“Inckle shall open those doors,” the flame licked at the air around it, “And when he does, the entire of Flemezour shall see change, and happily!”

Old Dsarest sat against an old tree trunk; it was near withered by the harsh weather.

“So many wakings of travel and I find just a handful of pieces that once made the stone slab upon which I scribbled the future,” grumbled the aged Wise mind, he held the pebbles in his hands looking disconsolate.

“How far and for how long will my tired and old feet have to go to collect the entire future, I wonder!” He sighed, and for a short while he was silent as he tried to put the bits stones together so he could read his writing but failed.

“Maybe if I rest a little while,” he decided, setting his handful of stones beside the old roots.

“I rather think my tired self would act quicker and my mind think faster once I am a bit less tired.” He grinned at the little mound of stones beside him, “Deal with you lot, I shall then, and piece you together. And not just you but the entire stone slab,” he laughed, “Yes, that is what I will do!”

Stragut circled the high cold air, he saw all and heard every word Dsarest spoke that on a different waking he might not have been able to but for the wind that carried them to him. He also heard the Wise One whisper softly in same strong winds that he, Stragut had heard the last words of a very old man, but Stragut appeared not to understand and would have remained quiet regarding it except that Rieah realized at once.

“You have not understood what I have said, Stragut I know,” the bird stared bashfully about him.

“I say that you have heard the last spoken words of an old, old man for when Dsarest shall slumber,” a soft sigh was carried on the wind, “It will be to awaken not ever.” The voice died away as the wind grew less intense and Stragut flew stiffly around, always keeping Wise Dsarest in sight.

Rieah stood looking out of one of the three windows, which stood open to the sky, they made part of the chamber where ladies Westeria and Nuorta lay recovering from the injuries. They were still not fully awake, lying upon cots of elegant rich and soft warm covers the two appeared to have regained most of their color and it looked certain they might awaken any moment.

“All is well,” said Rieah with a serene air, she turned back to face the other two. “You two will soon be awake to a new world whose future, its peoples will need to uncover for themselves.” She then turned back to the window. “For even though I have scrawled every line of it, mingled with the earth of every land the written words shall find their place and lay there till they are found by one and all.”

In their slumber, Westeria and Nuorta dreamed of peace and fair scene, they were in a place unrecognizable and the winter of present was but a passing season. This was not all the two dreamed but a lot more fair visions crossed their sleeping sight. Rieah smiled for she knew what they saw would come to happen before long. It was time to leave the present chamber and linger out of doors of the house of Orliereas before Lady Deulore and her sister found their way upon the doorstep, and even though the Lady of the Mount would await the Lord of the Mount, her chosen companion to enter with her, she, Rieah must resume her wrinkled and aged form until the chosen nurt accomplished the task that was chosen for him.

“Only then will all life witness change,” said the Wise One descending the stairs on unsteady feet, stooped and unrecognizable as the Rieah of a moment before. “And this war will come to an end for everyone involved.”

Hobbling out of the main doorway, the Wise One went away to a certain distance and sat out of view of anyone trudging up the path toward the entrance way of the ancient house and under some bare trees suffering the cold wind and snow. And from her spot, waited and watched for signs of Lady Deulore and her sister.

“Your entry or denial of entry into the ancient house of Orliereas shall be the consequence of your honesty to your own heart and to the one it holds in earnest as the beloved to it, Lady Deulore.” The Wise One spoke softly.

“What has become of me, you wonder,” Nauoljath said hoarsely, his tone was that of one once mighty but who now had the taste of his bitter fall on the very tip of his coarse tongue and had to remain content with the unpleasantness of it to quench his thirst and satisfy his hunger.

“I have finally met my match and failed to destroy her when she crept beside me without my knowing it, and am now what you see, am a wretch!” The two sisters, one kneeling before the creature and the other standing at some distance back, both remained silent while Nauoljath spoke.

Swulirha was the first to speak. “Let us leave here for I sense a trap that will be the end of us.” She grabbed her sister’s shoulder and squeezed it. “Come along!”

Kwairha remained where she was. “I do not think he lies Swulirha,” she slowly stretched a hand forth and touched the bony paws of the near skeletal creature before her. Nauoljath eyed her, surprised.

“Do you not fear there might be truth in the lady’s words? Or is it that my appearance makes you believe I am harmless and useless?”

Swulirha whimpered but otherwise kept silent.

“My answer is neither,” replied Kwairha still with her hand on his paws. Then turning to Swulirha, “Do be kind Swulirha, to look in there and see if by some chance we left a bit of food behind before we left on our journey.”

She inclined her head in the direction of the next room. Nauoljath growled feebly. Swulirha gave a start and turned to leave on the search.

“Do not worry yourself about me,” said the beast exerting himself to a certain extent that it took a few moments for him to catch his breath. “I have little time left to live and cannot spend it on food of whatever kind. I thank your generosity all the same.”

Kwairha smiled. “We have not been generous, we have done nothing kind to win your gratitude… I merely wish you to know that we do trust you.”

Nauoljath groaned, “Strength leaves me ever so slowly,” he lifted his eyes to meet Kwairha’s. “Your trust means kindness. you are kind to me and for that you have my gratitude.”

A short pause followed where both seemed to be in thought.

Swulirha whispered that no store of any kind of food was left and that brought the creature out of his contemplation.

“Do not spare moments here when your presence is needed at the house of Orliereas where two of your company lay ill. You must hurry, leave me to be.”

Both ladies gasped. “How do you know of the house of Orliereas Is this a trick?” Swulirha demanded, she bent forward with contempt.

“The Wise One …” Nauoljath never had a chance to finish what he started to say, life left him a moment too soon.

At least five short wakings had gone by, and in the Wyoungthed’s woodland the presence of Time’s allies and Deituk’s followers was felt strongly even though not all of the company was together. Chyle had wandered about the part of Wyoungthed where was to be the stronghold of Time’s evil powers, she had disposed of Hachael’s remains; the vermin had feasted on his form and whatever got left Chyle then let it be for whatever wild beast of the sky to fly off with.

The nurt home on the border of the land where all this took place, with its garden around it abloom stood untouched, unchanged.

Chyle attempted a great many times to enter it but the moment she set her soiled foot upon the flowering ground, something made her retreat and she felt rage at this so that all vermin were ordered over and over to destroy the soil, the green, the loveliness of the little patch of earth but they too were forced to scurry back.

“Very well,” said Chyle sitting herself at some way off. “Let Deituk and Dreser get here, they shall do what you or I, cannot, and then that shall be my palace where Dreser and I shall raise his child while Deituk controls all life on every land and creatures that still live in this here land shall be no more. And with Time for his companion from his own high tower right where that unworthy Aiker saw his end, the world will be ours…mine!” As the last word was spoken, a cold gruff laugh filled the air and was carried on the cold wind to those with ears to hear and hearts to fear.

Dreser, son and Deituk were nearing the borders of Wyoungthed when they heard it. “We had better quicken our pace,” said Deituk. “I daresay the lover may well be dead now.” Dreser was taken aback. “Certainly father, you do not speak of the Kere maiden?”

Deituk laughed. “Certainly not! She awaits you,” a moment of quick pacing and then, a booming laugh.

“Maiden… however did you think up that title for the woman?” Dreser grinned as he held his child inside of his travel cloak. “It is an amusing word to imagine her to be so!” Father and son laughed while the infant grew a little bigger with every stride they took, thus the three got closer to the appointed place.

Myeopike sat by a very merry fire humming a Spekai tune and braiding Reign’s hair. She delighted in this song and occasionally joined in so that their voices made a harmony to warm hearts Even the ant soldiers outside felt winter ebb away when they heard this song being sung.

The feeling of warmth did not last long though, for very soon the cold intensified and the harsh laughter belonging to the evil father and son reverberated through the stretch of woodland they were passing through. They were terrible moments for the ant warriors who stood guard at the entrance of the grand hall, many brave ones of the lot considered abandoning the post they held for a last chance to see the home they had long since left but after the moments had passed, they realized that it would be in vain to have left to return to a home place that probably did not exist any longer.

Inside the grand hall, during the moments just spoken of all humming ceased and the Spekai held a cowering Reign in his arms, the fire appeared to burn with no vigor spreading cold instead of warmth.

“It is an evil feeling that embraces the air of this place,” murmured Reign. “Something wicked is near.”

Myeopike knew this to be true but said nothing; he soothed her with quiet reassurances.

“Do you mean to say, I alone feel the cruelty in the air we breathe?” asked Reign lifting her head from off his shoulder.

“I do not desire to cause you to panic,” he answered, looking at her kindly. “It could prove ill to you and the lives within you to fear the sudden change that is bound not to last.” By this moment, the two evildoers with the young one were some way off and the fire glowed warm again.

“See my dear, it has passed.” said Myeopike calling her attention to the changes. “Whatever it was, it is now far away from you and me.”

Reign arose, and pacing before the blaze said. “May the Wise One bring them, the evildoers to their end for, no being, human or beast, and no green deserves to feel the wickedness that just went through this stretch of woodland.”

She stopped and stared at the fire a long while. “Whoever it was, still is present in Wyoungthed though further from this here hall.”

Inckle had quickly recovered his strength and in company of Wully and Tesma, his health improved too. Untholio, Korehk, Trejeth and Fiel were conscious and though still too weak to be anything but lying down, they spent some delightful moments on their backs with the rest. Xeira had sent the Foliek on his way to join the others of his folk and gather together those of them scattered about before the coming big change.

“Stay together,” were her words before the Foliek left, “Any moment of any waking a change might come about…those who remain together shall not be parted, ever!”

It was some while before Inckle could move about within the confines of the ship and that is when he and his dearest Tesma of old had moments of quiet to converse about what was in their hearts and minds and what had up until then been left unsaid.

“It has been long wakings since you and I shared a quiet talk alone,” observed Inckle leaning against the railing, the wind had somewhat lessened. “A very long while it has been since…so many changes have turned our lives’ dreams into shambles.” Tesma who had been pacing up and down the deck, now came to stand beside him.

“However grave a shambles life might appear, friendships such as the kind we share will not ever change.” Tesma held his hand. “You must know this, and believe it, I have not ever disowned you as a friend.”

Inckle smiled, nodded. “But yes as a beloved one,” he looked kindly at her. “It is all right and be assured, I do believe you for I saw in a different way too all those wakings ago when I toiled to retreat from Wyoungthed.”

Tesma sighed. “You saw me in the light of a deserter, no doubt.” She turned her head aside to hide her disappointment when Inckle held it in his hands.

“You are far from the truth, you assume wrong.” He grinned. “I saw you in the light of a friend.” he turned away and glanced afar, “And then when I found your scratch say on the floor of the cave of the Hurdar hills, I felt certain you and I to be bound in friendship for all of the remaining wakings of our lives.”

When next he faced her, both were in tears. Inckle wrapped his arms about her and thus they stood in embrace, in friendly comfort of each other’s presence.

Kirestle who at that very moment had stepped out from the cabin where she had been in attendance of the yet unwell along with Lady Aengomiern. Her sight met the two Earth Protectors in an embrace that made her believe she had been right in her beliefs all along. Smiling, she trotted toward them.

“It so pleases my eye,” said she upon reaching them. “To see you have reclaimed the affections you two share for each other, it so pleases my aged eye!” Kirestle dabbed at her eyes; tears appeared to flow freely.

Tesma broke away from Inckle looking embarrassed and irritated all at once. “Mother, you ought to know,” began Tesma in quiet voice that trailed off as she faced the aged Kirestle. “We have reclaimed no lost affections but have indeed ascertained our relationship.”

Inckle smiled, he nodded at this. Kirestle stood looking from one to the other in such contented joy that it was a moment or two before she found her voice. During these moments of silence, the wind had once again picked up bringing along with it more snow than before, if ever that were possible.

It soon turned very cold to remain standing on deck so Inckle suggested they go back below; where warm blankets awaited them, as did the rest of the company.

“Let Lady Aengomiern hear of what I have just been told!” exclaimed Tesma’s mother happily. “That will make her realize that Truole though she is, she knows not everything of a nurt’s nature of heart. Ha!”

Tesma frowned as she made her way to the cabin closely followed by her mother. “Mother, do not speak of Lady Aengomiern that way,” she said sternly. “Not even you know a nurt’s heart better than Lady Truole!”

Inckle who was coming up behind the two, tried to lighten the whole argument.

“Certainly it is not hard to know the hearts of two dear friends, friends such as us, really!” Kirestle halted so suddenly when she heard this, that Inckle who had been glancing over his shoulder as he spoke walked right into her, making her in turn tumble forward knocking Tesma off balance, and all this on the rather short stairway leading to where the others were.

“Friends, you say?” snapped Kirestle turning around to face Inckle once they had reached the bottom step.

“Yes, certainly! Are we not so, Tesma?” Inckle nodded enthusiastically at Tesma and her mother. Tesma smiled. “We are Inckle.” She touched her mother’s hand, “And mother, do not ever deny us that!”

Tesma walked to where Wully sat talking with Untholio and Korehk and joined them. She would soon be a part of the heated argument they were having about Time and Rieah and who had power to change the world if Kirestle had not yelled. “You silly, silly daughter of Wyoungthed! What ever have you said to your beloved to make him speak this way?”

She laughed glancing at the rest. “If ever there were truer hearts that took seriously every word spoken by each other, it is in the two of them!”

Inckle felt uneasy, he sat with Fiel with his head bent thinking how better to put the facts to his friend’s mother. Fiel, who knew his every thought and was very aware how very much Kirestle Redgate wanted her daughter and Inckle to wed by promises of old.

Fiel being confided in by Inckle as to whom his heart belonged and not a moment since she returned to consciousness, had a doubt that Tesma too had pledged her love to another; she now spoke.

“Kirestle, how well I understand your desire to see what was once promised come to be.” Kirestle stared at her, Fiel went on, her smile was kind, “Time has unfortunately found her way to these young ones’ minds. And they think they are friends and can live by in that manner, let them.”

These words were met by a silence that was unbroken until a gaping Kirestle stammered something to this effect. “Yes, well… I see the wisdom in your words Fiel Vilksumer,” she looked at Tesma who had her eyes locked on her friend across the cabin, and then at Inckle, who sat in much the same manner as the other.

“Friends, let us let them be and eventually when Time relinquishes her hold on their minds rending them free to think clear, they shall discover deep affections that were never lost. Yes their friendship shall be soon found out. By Rieah! it will be!”

This way, the matter settled, everybody broke out into conversation and Xeira who had witnessed all from a spot by the top step, now, smiled at Fiel’s wise words, and murmured. “Wise Rieah, you have imparted great wisdom to your own!”

“That is quite enough!” Cineon demanded seeing her mother fall at Aliyha Slyionthe’s feet senseless. “My brothers, if you will please take her away.” Brestuev and Dreke only wasted a moment to ask where she should be taken to.

“Why, to the chamber where your would be bride was kept Dreke!” said Cineon, and the other two soon made off with their mother.

Ermal stepped forth not before they even got a few paces toward the door. “Cineon, you cannot do this! Mother is head of the Hegleok council! Stop in father’s name, stop!”

Brestuev and Dreke halted uncertainly. Cineon stood up from the high chair.

“That is no way to speak to the head of this council, brother,” she came toward Ermal and touched his face. “I ought to correct myself, the new head of council.”

Ermal spoke in a low controlled voice. “You do not have rights to be head of this council. Mother has!”

Cineon laughed harshly. “Mother has disgraced herself before us all, her past is shameful! I hold the seat of power until my son and the grandson of Deituk comes of age to take his rightful place!”

Dreke and Brestuev who had stood on the spot, now murmured. “Shameful past …and to think I am part of it…a victim nearly…!” Dreke grumbled.

“We are all victims of mother’s doings!” Cineon waved her arms around the room, and turning to the two brothers added, “Go on, take her away.”

Zetreh who had been quietly observing all the goings-on from a spot by one of the many chairs in the council room now stepped forward. He appeared so unlike the Mister Almonne they all knew that Cineon gave a little shriek when he caught her eye. Even the daring and wicked young Aliyha gave a start and stared at the fire suddenly feeling as if the cold from the outside had somehow made its way into her soul. The Eangomiern had come alive within his being; his appearance was more of Truoles than common man. His garb shimmered and to the eye that looked straight at it, it blinded by its silver like shine.

“The seat of Head of this Council belongs as little to you as it does to Lady Hegleok,” his voice was stern, “Not only have you claimed what is rightfully your father’s first child’s inheritance and legal authority, you have discredited your own mother out of her position of power such as she had.”

“Where is my father’s first born? Where is the murderer Edsoniea to whom you say the seat of power belongs?” spat Cineon recovering from the initial shock and scare. “She is as disgraceful as mother, she is a criminal and may breath be chocked out of her unworthy body!”

Cineon turned around and walking back to her seat, breathed in deep and sat herself down.

Ermal who all this while was watching Zetreh without flinching even the slightest, now said. “You could not be more unjust Cineon,” he glanced at Zetreh who nodded. “And more wrong!” Cineon frowned, “Wrong and unjust? Ermal, you dare speak of me in such a manner?”

Her anger showed in her eyes as she got to her feet and turning to Aliyha Slyionthe inquired. “Do you know of what he speaks about?” The other shook her head in the negative, “I would not heed a word those two say, they are traitors and so not worth the thought.”

“How could a selfish ghost who has her mind bent on reliving her past in an unjust way know of the present? She knows nothing but revenge and the art of turning daughter against mother and sister against brother, and the like.” Zetreh said, his tone harsh. “I have the answer you seek from her.” Zetreh folded his arms across his chest, unperturbed.

Cineon eyed him suspiciously. “Do you now, Mister Almonne? Well, let me hear it then.”

Zetreh bowed slightly, “Your father’s first born is alive and very worthy of her rights. She will return before too long, and with her she shall bring the future generation’s rightful heir to this family’s council.”

Cineon blanched even as Zetreh stopped speaking, she rushed forth. “How dare you!” she struck him. “Edsoniea is an outcast and never, not ever will she take from me what is mine by right!”

Zetreh hardly ever flinched. “Your striking me will not change facts Lady Dreser,” Zetreh looked about the chamber once before returning his sight on the lady before him. “Listen to what I say, I speak of what I know will come to pass.” he stepped to the window.

“I mean no disrespect, only wish to state the facts of what you are happily unaware. Young Deuglias will before many wakings have gone, meet an end as will his father and grandfather.” he turned to face Cineon, whose face appeared ghastly.

“Ermal, this man is no longer to be in my council,” said she in a trembling whisper, while Ermal merely stood there unmoved. “Why will you not say word, my brother?”

Zetreh continued to stare at Cineon, and more than ever he appeared an Eangomiern. “He too is in league with that traitor.” offered Aliyha Slyionthe seizing the moment. “That is why he says nothing.” Nobody said anything for long moments.

“Is this true?” Cineon inquired boldly, “Does my new People’s Person speak fair?” Ermal looked at the Aliyha by the fire.

“Now I understand why mother disowned you, her younger self,” Ermal glowered. “I see her now, surrounded by the poison of your very existence, and know I might have done the same to rid myself of you!”

Cineon lifted her hand to strike him but Ermal held it firm in midair, “Do not give her power over all your doings and decisions, I mean well.”

Zetreh cleared his throat, “And you must not trust your husband, the father of your son, for he is like his father and has taken to heart another.”

Cineon screamed in agony and rage. “Leave here now! Liar and traitor! Leave I say!” Zetreh complied. Ermal followed but not without a moment’s pause at the door where Zetreh said, “You in this council as its head holds no value if you are not able to control the wandering heart of Dreser.”

Kwairha and her sister did not waste a moment in making off to the Mount after Lady Deulore had seen to it that the two of them carried the beast’s body into the depths of the Fordust Creek woodlands and there, amid the bare trees and a snow covered ground, laid him to rest.

“All mighty fall fastest when the hour comes,” said Kwairha as a matter of reflection, as she and Swulirha were halfway up Mount mountain. “Time preys on strength and weakens it.” The wind and snow having begun blowing afresh, the two wrapped their cloaks tighter about themselves.

“She seems to think it pointless to consider making a victim of a weak being.” ventured Swulirha with a meaningful glance at the other. “That is when the presumed weakened beings must turn her misjudgment to their advantage.”

Kwairha went on head bent against the cold wind, maintaining silence. They reached the top of Mount, and having tired themselves, stood a moment to regain their breath but it turned out to be a much harder effort to do than the climb had proved to be.

“It is better to rest once at the house,” Swulirha said.

Kwairha agreed adding. “You think well, for if we are to remain here in this way, we shall turn into perfect ice carvings of our present selves.” And so the two, numb limbed and nearly frozen just as Kwairha had said they reached the ancient house.

Oh how gloomy it appeared! The cold wind and snow blowing in all directions around it and its entryway gaping made the sisters tremble more so for even Kwairha who thus far had shown courage and strength beyond doubt felt afraid of the old house and Swulirha, well, she long before this while had by some means been made to abandon her fearless ways, she now stood cowering behind Kwairha, both blinking up through the falling snow at the house.

Two wakings of immeasurable length had gone by since the wise words from Fiel had settled that what troubled Kirestle in regards to their children being wedded, at least for the present, there was no more talk of the subject. All were wonderfully comfortable and recovering rapidly in the care of the Lady Truole.

Inckle and Tesma were often seen deep in conversation with each other, they sat a little apart from the rest and whenever Kirestle came upon the two, she grinned as if the plain sight of them together proved a point in her mind.

Fiel kept company with the others within, and rarely went up on deck for she still felt weak and the cold was too severe for her to bear.

Oliukus had walked through lands fallen prey to Time’s whip, had encountered folks dead and half alive, endured snow storms and blistering winds and lived through all of such to finally, stand upon the shore of the ancient Kourass a ghost of his former self.

“Oh the Wise One has spared me thus far! Oh that the Wise One might keep me from the clutches of Time until I set my sights on my beloved!” His words seemed to lose themselves on the howling wind, or so he believed and fell upon the ground tired and weeping.

It happened that at the time when Oliukus knelt in despair, Xeira Aengomiern stood against the railing on deck and the wind brought to her the afflicted cry. She knew the voice to belong to Strong Hudernut’s son, and she being of Truole blood, she plunged into the nearly frozen Kourass and swam toward shore to where the hill man knelt, hopeless. The company of gamhnurts on board were alerted to what was happening by Xeira’s fierce call as she splashed into the water, the lot including Fiel stepped on deck to witness what it was all about.

“There is a lone figure on the shore ahead,” observed Astra, “It is hard to tell but it appears to be bent over or kneeling.”

Fiel and Tesma turned their gaze toward where Astra was pointing while the rest remained watching the Truole Lady’s nimble body slash through the freezing Kourass in quick and easy strokes.

“Wise Olaliefe, Wise Elagust,” were words that the Truole Lady uttered through chattering teeth. “A Truole is but so strong as to bear a long lifetime of wreckage and ruin… Now my being is near whole, I pray, warm these waves I swim.”

The twin brother and sister heard the prayer from an earnest being and sent forth a thought to one of the nearest battalions on the borders of Wild Narrow to do what had been requested of them.

Stroke by stroke Lady Aengomiern felt a certain change in the water temperature, the cold was leaving it ever so slowly, and a gentle sunshine ray was reflected on the water’s surface. The others on the ship saw it too though they could not feel the change in the water from where they stood.

“A ray of the day star appears mirrored on the surface of them waves,” Korehk said with much joy. “This is a good sign!” Everyone agreed.

“It has been long wakings since the sky has showed sea and land its luminous face, however slightly.” Untholio remarked, his own face bright. As they watched Lady Aengomiern gradually near the bank of the Kourass, the ray of sunlight appeared to brighten, the sky turned a lighter hue, and they now could see the figure on the shore.

“It is he!” Tesma exclaimed all of a sudden, the rest of the company turned around, there were tears in her eyes.

It was not necessary for Inckle or anyone else among the company to inquire who it was she had recognized for they knew already and silently kept a-watching as the Truole Lady set foot on the shore and met the the lone figure.

“He lives, and will soon be among us, and with me. Oh dear, dear Oliukus!” Tesma exclaimed.

Untholio had his arms around his sister in an embrace while her mother paid little attention to the remark engaging the others in a quiet discussion about the old gone by wakings back in Wyoungthed when Tesma had shed tears for silly occurrences unworthy of a second thought.

“One might have thought her ways changed,” said Kirestle shaking her head from side to side. “After all that has happened I could wish to see a change in her thoughts but it is not to be… See her cry!”

Fiel merely glanced at Tesma and then met Inckle’s eye, he acknowledged the significance of his friend’s claim, and in his heart he felt no hurt and held no grudge. His face showed plainly his sentiment.

Just about the same moment the ray of sunlight broke through the gloomy sky, the first signs of spring appeared on the winter soil across many a land. The numerous battalions that Olaliefe had commanded forth struck the wintry face of land, making their presence and intentions clearly known to Time.