THE HOUR

The nurt ladder stood as still as possible while Trejeth Boint described in little above a whisper the details of each carving as he ran his fingers across them. Korehk mused these minutely accurate details over as they reached his ears.

“The face of an ancient forest guardian you say Trejeth? Maybe with a few coarse hairs along the jaw lines?” Korehk thought aloud as the first carving description reached his ears.

“I do think these might be hairs,” came back Trejeth’s reply in whispers.

“Ah! Then it must be Nauoljath’s ancestor, his great, great, great grandfather. Indeed, it was he who died very young…” Korehk felt excited.

“Trejeth, does the face not feel young to the touch?”

A barely audible answer followed by the whisper of the nurt above him.

“ The face is young Korehk but it is also every bit feminine.”

“Tell me of the next carving, it appears our host has a rather curious sense of humor.” So, it was that Korehk asked that Trejeth move on to describe the next carving.

“Tell me of the next then,” said the aged Stone Lover after Trejeth had described the second carving; a large four-headed snail.

“Hmm… are there more?” Korehk asked after some thought.

“One more, Korehk friend,” replied Trejeth from high up, his voice was not so much a whisper now. “If my hand serves me right as my sight would if I could see, my fingers touch a simple circle, it is carved just like the rest but for one difference, there are no minute details.” A short silence followed.

“Ah ha!” The Stone Lover exclaimed, “I do believe we have struck luck finally.” After some pushing at the door on the circled, it creaked open an inch first and then a few more inches until the one pushing it open climbed out through it pulling the one who had held him and that one grabbed the nurt below him by the arms and tugged…there was barely time to think or talk as each of them got free. Fiel was the last to leave the dungeon. The ones who got out first began searching for a length of rope to throw down at Fiel so she could climb up. Finding no rope and realizing how silly they were being, Fiel said in an exasperated voice, “Rope, where creepers grow wild in every direction?” She pointed to creepers adding, “Throw her a vine and it shall prove better than wasting moments looking for rope!”

Once they were all together in the open, standing in a tiny clearing Korehk sighed. “It is good to be on the outside of this dungeon,” he glanced up at the sky where there was a certain kind of veil come across it so that one could not say whether it was day or night.

“Whatever that appears to be,” said Astra who had caught on the other’s thoughts, “It is not yet the hour of the next waking or else,” he paused looking around in the distance under tree covers but seeing no suspicious movements, “The lot of Nauoljath’s soldiers would have come for us.”

All nodded. “True,” Trejeth said, he was still examining the heavy iron door and its carvings. “I can just make out an inscription below each carving. Korehk, come over here, this is interesting!”

Korehk swiftly stepped over to Trejeth’s side, peering over his shoulder, he watched as the other pointed the tip of his finger at each inscription.

“This is of much cunning,” muttered the aged Stone Lover. “I should think it best for us all to stand here not a moment longer.” Turning to the others who were a mere few feet away he said as loud as he dared, “Let us run before it is too late!”

Hardly had the nurts understood the warning and begun to run toward the trees then at least a dozen of Nauoljath’s beast soldiers appeared from under the tree cover and rushed at the group of nurts, all of them were led by Garge.

“Halt!” yelled Garge. “Halt before you are struck unto the earthen floor you are unworthy to even be standing on, rats!” He raised a clenched paw to signal his beastly troop to remain back.

“So, you have found your way out of the dungeon,” he smirked, “It is well for the hour of the next waking is already upon us and by getting yourselves out of there, you saved me and my men a lot of trouble.”

He drew close to Untholio and Fiel who were quite far from the other nurts, they were well on their way to tree cover.

“I am so grateful,” spoke Garge in mock thankfulness, “That you pretty rat, and all your friends here should come to tell my master of the birth of his heir, my child…My master knows why you rats were caught and it displeases him much that you lot were lingering in his forest…you for certain are not children of the Wise One for Master knows of the Wise One to be no rat creator.” he placed a paw on Fiel’s shoulder. “I can think of no better way to reward you and my master agrees that it shall be by death at his feet!”

His clenched paw he raised straight in the air and with a swift motion waved at the others to close in on the scattered nurts. “Gather the lot,” said Garge over the sound of running feet, in his front paws he had Untholio and Fiel dangling in the air wriggling madly.

“Rats! Do not move or I shall eat you instead of setting you free.” He spoke so quietly that only the two nurts heard him, he did not look so fierce as his words intended him to. At once the nurts dangling from his grasp turned motionless and stared at the beast. The other beasts who had come with Garge had the nurts all hanging by their hair or feet in certain instances, and they had all gathered around their master’s guard. Trejeth, Astra and Korehk were making it nearly impossible for the ones holding them to maintain a firm grip, they wriggled so much that finally Korehk turned quite motionless from fatigue and Astra seeing the other just gave up and Trejeth simply got struck across the face by a clenched paw.

“Listen, hear well all you beast of my squadron,” Garge addressed the others, “Master Nauoljath has given me orders to inform you that each of these prisoners must be taken back to the tree cover and set loose but not all of them together,” he sneered. “The rats might try and escape so we set one loose and let it wander until Nauoljath the greatest of all hunters hunts it down and then the second we shall set free, and so on.” He laughed wickedly and with him the others, the nurts heard it all, some too tired to understand while others like Fiel and Untholio, completely bewildered.

In the meantime Nauoljath paced his chamber impatiently, he awaited word from Garge and the rest on the captives.

“Children of the Wise One would be wise and know better than to linger in my forest,” he said to himself, “If the Wise One were somehow to show me a sign that these were truly beings of her creation, she would have my alliance and the friendship of all my people.” Somewhere in the distance, in a chamber down the dimly lit hall Galahj howled in pain and Nauoljath turned his immediate thought on his beloved.

“I wish to see her, I tell you!” He yelled at the guard outside Galahj’s chamber door, “Do not just stand there and expect me to remain away from my wife, you fool,” he slapped the guard with the back of his paw, “Aside I say and let me enter!” the poor beast quailed.

“Master of the Creek woodland,” he stammered, “I, a humble servant in your service would dare never disobey your word,” he breathed deep for he noticed his master step away ever so slightly, and mistaking the action and thinking that Nauoljath actually intended for him to speak on, he opened his mouth again.

“The door, master, it…” a loud curse and a claw ripped through the creature’s head and he slumped back silent.

“Talkative fool!” remarked Nauoljath licking his claw, he tried opening the door but it did not budge. “Open the chamber to me, Galahj,” he banged a clenched paw on the door, “I demand to see you now!”

From within came the reply. “The master must be patient for only when his promised heir shall breathe his first worldly breath, only then shall master be let within this chamber.” There followed a short silence during which Nauoljath looked from the fallen guard to the door and back again at the guard.

“All you had to do was tell me the door was locked from within,” mumbled Nauoljath at the dead guard, he stared at him disgustedly.

“Look at what you got rewarded with, death! And all because you were being respectful to me.” Turning around, he broke into fits of laughter, “May the next one who stands guard by this door, learn from your mistake.” he walked back to his chamber, and still laughing wickedly he added, “I demand respect, not trifle talk and flattery from those in my service.” Then he yelled an order that the guard be replaced immediately.

It was a while later when word came to Nauoljath that Garge had removed the captives from the dungeon and now the hunt would commence at his master’s word.

“Just as well,” said Nauoljath, “Let my word be known that the hunt might begin.” And raising his head high he walked out of his chamber.

Inckle had his thoughts still on what Mister Kabbeas had said to him and without seeing where he was heading he walked straight into Swulirha who, having left the guest house stood at the bottom of the stairs brushing snow off her cloak and hair.

“My apologies Lady Swulirha,” the nurt stammered and blushed furiously at having stepped on the other’s foot making her hop on one leg and nearly fall.

“I clearly was not watching my feet.” Inckle added quickly as he supported her.

“It is quite all right,” Swulirha assured him, “It is just my toe you trod on, but tell me,” she now stood against the railing, “What is it you are doing down here?”

Inckle then explained what had happened and the reason why he had come down the stairs. Swulirha laughed as Inckle told her what Mister Kabbeas had said to him and the names he had been called, it was clear to the lady that the nurt felt disturbed at having being titled for he did not understand what the chosen names meant.

“My friend,” she said as the two climbed back up the stairs, “The reason you could not follow the mirth in the say was merely because of the words prince and pauper.” Now they were almost on the landing where their chamber was and here she paused on the stairway, testing her foot, and being able to stand on it she did and looked at her nurt friend.

“A ‘pauper’ is someone who is very poor and a ‘prince’ is a royal figure, the son of a king and queen,” seeing the look of complete confusion on Inckle’s face at the mention of ‘king and queen’ she grinned and said, “They are rulers of lands and countries and they have all power in their hands. It is the child of a king and queen, be it a boy, he is called a prince by right and if a girl, she is a princess.”

The nurt nodded. “I think I understand it all better now,” and then he burst into fits of laughter himself. “Mister Kabbeas truly is a funny man!”

Swulirha smiled patting him on the shoulder. “You are much too kind with words for any one else in your shoes, no wait, any other person in your stockings might have taken offence.”

Inckle shrugged and stared at the few stairs remaining, Swulirha giggled, she appeared to be seeing something he could not. The moment passed and the two reached the chamber door within moments. There was a slight glow that came from underneath the door.

“I think the firewood was brought up,” said Swulirha, “Let us get inside and warm ourselves before we leave.” She turned to Inckle, a serious expression on her face. “I have sent word to Zetreh and while I take myself and my sister to the Hegleok home to meet Lady Hegleok, you shall be accompanied by Nuorta and Westeria to the edge of Greo, it is the forest that borders this land on its eastern side.”

He nodded, in his eyes there was a quiet fear.

“Be not afraid Inckle,” she said, “Zetreh will come to you when he perceives the moment to be right. Merely wait on the edge of Greo.”

Then they entered and found a merry blaze, the firewood had indeed been brought up to the room and Kwairha sat with the other two, talking and gesturing but at the sight of Swulirha entering the ladies fell silent and then Inckle stepped inside and Kwairha looked terrified and sad at once.

“Lady Swulirha, is it time to leave?” Westeria asked, she broke away from the other two and stood before Swulirha as she warmed her hands by the fire. Inckle said not a word; he just sat quietly and stared at the burning logs.

“We leave in moments. I have sent word to Lord Zetreh and he shall meet Inckle here, at the edge of Greo, you and Nuorta go with him but leave him once the two have met and return here and await word from me.”

Westeria nodded. “The nurt and the Lord of the Mount mountain shall have much to speak of.”

Dreke had made clear his wishes to his mother. “I shall have to talk to the woman.”

Aliyha had assured him, “She has no right to deny me anything I ask of her, after all, she is indebted to me and the council.” Dreke had smiled, “True. You freed the woman from a miserable life she would have had with the Haplederts.”

The other members of the Hegleok family and council agreed on this. All but Ermal who silently hoped against his brother’s luck.

“The young lady deserves nothing of the sort in her life,” he whispered to Zetreh, “Let not her fate, be like that of my dear sister’s.” The two were having the meal on their feet by the window.

“The young woman now locked in that chamber shall see no fate as your sister’s, young Hegleok,” said Zetreh staring out the window, “Time in her way, unknowingly, will make certain of it.”

Ermal too turned his gaze to the outside, “How is my dear Edsoniea, I wonder…”

“She is well and Myeopike has her in sweet slumber,” said Zetreh, “Again I bring in Time for it is she who shall return your sister to you and this family.”

Ermal frowned, “You speak as if you are certain that the day will come before too long when my sister shall return here,” he looked seriously at the other while Zetreh nodded.

“Why then Zetreh, is it that I feel this to be the longest day Stompsledge has ever witnessed?” Ermal said disconsolately.

“It is the longest day,” said the other.

“By the end of this one day in this land, a great many dawns will have passed in the lands beyond.” Zetreh added before turning away from the window and returning to his seat at the table, he sat between Brestuev and Dreke. Ermal sat back near Aliyha, she being at the head of the table.

Cineon, who since the first meal of the day had settled herself in the dining chamber too ill at ease to be present at the Council room quietly observed her younger brother and Mister Almonne by the window. From her seat at the table beside Dreser and the others who talked about the Haplederts and Dreke more than any other issue, it was hard to hear even a single word those two spoke.

Turning to Zetreh she said, “Mister Almonne, this entire council has been speaking about my brother soon becoming a groom and then a husband to a very fortunate young lady,” Zetreh nodded, “Indeed, that must make you very pleased.”

Cineon smiled. “I am glad, but tell me,” her smile vanished, “What was it you and Ermal were whispering about by the window?”

“Merely talking about your brother’s possibly soon to be wife,” said Zetreh, he spoke a lie which Cineon saw right through. “You lie Mister Almonne,” she said, her face stern. “I have not ever known Ermal to speak in that manner about any of us except that murderous woman of course, the one who killed our father.”

Her voice shook with surpassed rage and she looked at Zetreh daringly. “Tell me I am not right in my say,” she appeared to be pleading with him in a rather challenging way.

“I apologize, Lady Dreser,” Zetreh shook his head ever so slightly. “Only your brother can tell you what you wish to know from me.”

“Very well,” Cineon muttered, “I will ask him.” Getting to her feet, she made to go near Ermal but before she even took a step in his direction, Aliyha declared the meal to be over and the question remained unasked, the Council went back to work and Lady Hegleok’s daughter was made to rest up in her room.

“I feel well enough to attend council mother,” she protested, “Besides, I must speak with Ermal just now.”

“No, no you must rest now daughter dear,” Aliyha told her not unkindly. “Once the council is done for the day, I shall send Ermal to you. Now, march right on to your chamber.”

The ladies of the Mount mountain set off. Earlier on, before sending word to Zetreh, she went to see the landlord about the room the ladies and Inckle were occupying. Swulirha paid Mister Kabbeas with a promise that once she asserted herself as the Lady of the Mount mountain together with her Lord, the expense of the room would be settled.

“You must know that a lot can occur before then.” the landlord had frowned. “The way time flies nowadays… I could cease to live or the Lord you so swear by could deny you his word…”

Swulirha had scolded the man. “And the world as you know it could fall pray to Time, we could all just die.” Her scowl was unbearable to look at. “Or not a thing as such might happen and my promise shall be kept.”

Mister Kabbeas thought for a long moment before saying, “All right, the room is yours on your word! Do not fail to keep it.” Swulirha said she never did fail to keep her word and left.

Inckle strode on with his head bowed, not a single word did he utter for on his mind were troubling thoughts and he felt their burden too hard upon his whole being. Westeria and Nuorta chatted in whispers about the future of the Mount mountain and perhaps the fact that Lady Kwairha with the Lord would not long from now begin to live in the ancient house of Orliereas, how this would affect the folk of Fordust Creek …

Swulirha remained in the lead, she held her sister’s hand and though the two spoke little, a lot was said in silence and Kwairha knew her life was to change.

“I want you to understand what will happen once we reach the Hegleok house,” said Swulirha after a long silence. “The Lord of the Mount mountain will meet with us before he meets with the nurt, he shall see you, the rightful Lady of Mount mountain and we will then—”

“Say not a word more, sister dear,” the other cut her mid way, “I already feel afraid. Let it happen as it may.”

Swulirha smiled understandingly. “Be not afraid Kwairha, you must delight in what is to happen!”

The other looked at her sister, “Why?”

Swulirha paused in her walk. “You are what all these years, I have claimed to be. You are the rightful heir of our father, Lady Kwairha Deulore of the Mount.”

Kwairha nodded, “True it is, I am father’s successor but Swulirha,” she held the other’s hand tightly, “You are great grand niece to Hyute Muoriel and my mother was our father’s second wife.”

Swulirha’s face turned stern and her hand clamped down on Kwairha’s shoulder. “Do not speak in this manner for you have a right to power while I have rights to whatever it is you allow me to own. Do you not realize it yet, my sister?”

Everyone had stopped walking, Swulirha’s voice had risen so that the entire group halted. “Your dreams about the ancient house on the Mount mountain and how it beckons to you … it all comes to this moment, you being here and in the long moments to come, you meeting your mother and the Lord of the Mount. I surrender him to you, be not afraid, and do not shy from your name.” Swulirha continued to speak before she began walking again for she and Kwairha had stopped walking. And from Swulirha's eyes, there gushed sorrow. Swulirha had given up her love for the man whom she had taught that she herself to be Lady Deulore of the ancient house.

The others too began to walk again and this time Westeria and Nuorta joined Inckle on a quick pace while Kwairha and Swulirha walked a little ajead and apart.

It felt a long while that they had been walking until the Hegleok house loomed in the distance.

“This is where we must part only for now,” said the older sister, “The house of the Hegleoks is over there, see?” she pointed at it.

“The ladies shall wait with you here, Inckle our friend,” Lady Swulirha who was to be Lady Deulore for the last time embraced the nurt while Kwairha avoided eye contact with him. “Venture nowhere into the Greo by yourself," Swulira warned Incle quietly. "Zetreh will have received the message and he will meet with you soon. Stay safe, remain unseen.”

With that the sister bowed to the nurt, and heard him say, “I thank you Lady,” he bowed as well. “Do not forget that whatever happens from this point on, when I journey back to my home land Wyoungthed, you I wish to take with me.”

While he had been saying these words, Swulirha had straightened up and nearly said something in response when she realized that Inckle had been talking to Kwairha who now stood watching him and while he strode off toward the edge of the forest with Nuorta and Westeria close behind, sighed.

The two sisters of the Mount mountain resumed their walk after some moments of standing and watching the others get further under tree shadow along the edge of the forest. It was a while before Swulirha spoke.

“You are in fear of the gamhnurt, why?” Kwairha shrugged, “I fear no one, Inckle has grown very dear to me and that is all.” She hoped her sister would accept this say as the truth because that is what it was at least in part but there was barely a moment more to speak about it for, as the ladies walked getting closer to the Hegleok house Zetreh made his presence known by a whispered, “Lady Deulore, halt I pray.”

They were far from the place where the other three had left them and a hundred paces or so from the house, at the mention of the name, the two ladies turned around and were face to face with the one they both so dearly loved.

“Zetreh!” Swulirha exclaimed, he grasped both her hands within his. “Fair one, it warms my heart to see you,” he kissed the hands gently, and without another word led them on a different path to the house.

Kwairha no longer cared to claim her title and the sight of Zetreh brought to her very being a terrible ache, she had loved this man, the Lord of the Mount for long ages that it would be expected of her by those around her, by her folk and even by herself to claim him as her love and Lord of the Mount and Fordust Creek but even as she realized this, she also understood that Swulirha, her sister, had loved him too and for much longer, in his eyes she was the Lady of the Mount and he her Lord and love…

They were now few steps from the back of the house when Swulirha decided to tell Zetreh about Kwairha and who she was when her sister shook her head.

“Do not speak, not now, not until you hear my say.” In her eye Swulirha saw a pleading look and sighed, they were led inside and up a dimly lit stairway. Nearly every other step had a fault; either they were broken or missing or simply creaky.

Zetreh led the way, he spoke quietly. “These stairs lead to one chamber used by Gregieo Hegleok’s doorman long before now,” he turned to look over his shoulder, “It is far from prying eyes.” Swulirha moved up a step. “Good, that is exactly what is required. See, my sister and I have need of a place where we can converse freely, much is there to discuss.”

They began ascending again, Kwairha who was at least some way behind her sister suddenly dashed forward, racing the other she tapped Zetreh on the shoulder and said, “You speak of prying eyes and my sister has told you she and I have much to talk of,” he spun around and almost fell, the stair he stood on was splintered.

“Lady,” he bowed slightly, “I apologize for my oversight. It is an honour.”

“Kwairha, my name is Kwairha and I would like to know if the chamber you speak of is free from prying ears. Well?”

Swulirha had hurried forward and grabbed her arm. “Kwairha, look what you nearly did!” Zetreh stood spellbound at the sight and speech of Kwairha, he laughed despite the situation and urgency.

“It is quite all right, Lady Deulore,” Zetreh smiled, “The chamber Lady Kwairha has a right to know is safe from all meddling, now, please follow me.” All this had taken considerable amount of time and Zetreh thought it better to head back to the Council chamber as quickly as possible which is what he did just as soon as he left the ladies outside an old wooden door.

“I shall return when the tasks ahead are done and moments permit me.” he said to Swulirha, “I wish you well in your own task.”

“Mister Almonne,” snapped Aliyha, “What in Greo’s name took you so long to get from that room to this? Answer me!” she looked thunderously at him as Zetreh walked in, quick paced and apologetic. Ermal shifted uncomfortably, their eyes met quick as a flash and he knew at once that something was going to happen that would change the course of the whole council and the lives of its members.

“Lady Hegleok, may I request a moment with you, alone?” Zetreh said urgently.

“You certainly may request it Mister Almonne,” Aliyha answered him sweetly, “Only I am afraid you shall be denied that moment with me alone!” she snapped, her eyes bright with fury. “Honestly Mister Almonne, have you no respect for this council and its leader?” She spat the last few words and Zetreh only just managed a smile before quietly and calmly saying to her, “The Wise One will not be very pleased with your behavior if I should say how you treated her aide…the one she has kindly allowed you to have as your own…It is the Wise One who sends for me.”

This did it, Aliyha’s whole attitude changed. The cold angry glare was replaced by fear and she stuttered.

“O-of course you must go right away,” she twirled the hem of her cloak between her fingers, “Pardon me Zetreh and please say no word of this to the Wise One.” She said this in a whisper and waited, together with her the entire room waited in silence.

Zetreh cleared his throat, nodded and said. “It is well Lady Hegleok, I shall return with another bit of a profitable case for this council.” He stepped back, bowed and left. By now Aliyha had resumed her composure to that of an angry but tolerant head of council, she looked around.

“I tolerate him for he brings me and my council cases to try but I will not do so with you lot,” she rounded on them and sat. “Brestuev, you are going to do your work as well as Cineon’s and Zetreh’s. On with it!”

Hachael remained locked in his room for most of the following days and no one in the Aiker house desired it much otherwise. That night when Chyle’s old grandmother had openly accepted Chyle’s viewpoint on beliefs and people who were superstitious, Hachael had met with his friend in the dark of night and they had claimed each other in silent passion. No one knew of this other than the two of them, except of course Deituk, he, the master of bad doings.

Young Mister Aiker made an attempt at conversation with him but the attempt proved useless for, not only did Hachael ignore his father and indeed the entire family but Deituk tutored the lad well in the thought of superiority so that Hachael Aiker when spoken to, regarding his friendship with Chyle Kere, he would simply answer, “I gave nobody permission to pry into my life.” And it always ended with him saying this but it so happened that on the evening we are interested in Hachael’s father pressed on.

“Son, I really wish you would speak to me, to your family here,” his father had set his soup bowl down calmly, he kept his eyes on his son, “Do not shut us out, we love you.” Hachael dropped his spoon with a clatter, he looked sad but Deituk turned that sadness into anger.

“I would not waste my breath speaking with fools such as you!” he was on his feet and to the old Mister Aiker and his wife, their grandson appeared suddenly to grow, menacing.

“You say the word ‘love’ when neither of you here know that it comes into hearts of lesser fools!” The boy spat.

The old Mrs. Aiker choked. “He utters insults at us, his own flesh and blood! Pray, let him who murdered his mother, let him be gone!”

While her son and granddaughter tried to calm the old woman down, Hachael and his grandfather were left to themselves at the other side of the table.

“How dare you speak that way young man?” the old man growled, “Have you no respect left for your family?”

Hachael leaned in toward the old man so that their noses were inches apart from each other’s. “Be quiet stupid fool! I respect those who fear not what you and your lot fear!”

Old Mister Aiker gasped. “How dare you –” he never finished his say, for, his eyes met the eyes of evil and the sight of what he saw within took away his life.

In the confusion of trying to calm his mother down, young Mister Aiker failed to notice his father and son until flames began licking his foot where he knelt with old Mrs. Aiker lying on the floor screaming to be let alone.

“It is he you should watch, he is the end of us all!” The blaze spread slowly across the table where Hachael had knocked down a candle on a tumbler of water which somehow did little to kill the flames, it spread unto the floor boards and engulfed the three struggling Aikers immediately, and the more they tried to escape the fire the faster it spread and scorched them and everything else in its path.

Round the back, out by the weedy field, Chyle waited. She had been standing on the spot for not more than a few moments when her friend walked out the back door, unperturbed by the burning house he was casually walking away from.

“Let us leave this place,” he whispered, his arm locked around hers. “I have lived in this place of unwise thinking for far too long.”

She said not a word, just looked at him admiringly. He was hers now. There was a crashing noise as wood splintered and burned and the Aiker house began to crumble to ashes. “Come along,” Hachael said as he broke into a run, “Let us rid the world of those who believe in what you and I do not any longer believe in.”

Deituk breathed relief as he followed the two; they raced through the dark. He was once again proud of his accomplished task, the second in many to be done. The lad and lass were now nearing the border of Syuolika, it was time for a bit of rest, thought Deituk as he closed his eyes and let himself get carried away by the wind which followed Hachael and Chyle in their wake. Even the wind had no thought of its own but to obey Time and her strongest ally. The two crossed the center of Syuolika on their flight and as they passed old Geje’s house, for a brief moment Chyle thought of the old woman with affection but that soon changed to dislike and shame. Deituk was not about to let her feel anything other than that, except maybe, when the moment was right, a sense of power.

“I hardly understand why that woman still lives,” said Hachael looking in the direction of Geje’s house.

“She does not view life the way we do, she should not be allowed to be part of the new world for, her aged thinking will be a hindrance to the changed minds.” Chyle said nothing for some moments, again she found herself overwhelmed by admiration for her friend, and the soil under her quick paced feet turned to vermin that scuttled along in every direction.

“From the soil under foot you rise

Your mission, to destroy,

What to you in my mind

Is trouble.

Wherever I go

My soldiers so small,

So valiant in your deeds

None other but me

You will follow,

To war!"

Chyle sang softly the song of their war, and from under her feet there continued to come alive more and more vermin soldiers, and they knew their tasks, and contrary to what Chyle thought, they the creatures of filth and disease knew their creator and leader and paid respect to him, each with a promise to destroy what could not be changed. Deituk’s resting time ceased, he felt no need of it anymore. In Hachael’s mind he whispered a very powerful thought, which the lad quickly believed it to be a very strong feeling, and he transmitted it into words.

Chyle accepted his say and by the time the two had crossed the borders of Syuolika and set foot in a new place and a new land, they no longer considered each other mere friends but were now one to the other just like a husband and a wife, and they wedded themselves in their minds and hearts and Hachael promised that when all men in every land were won over to their side, then theirs would be the world and a big celebration lasting a great many days and nights would tell the lands the two were husband and wife.

“I am pleased, Hachael love,” said Chyle, a shy smile on her face. “In every land we pass through, we leave behind a follower of our rules.”

They were standing on the border of a new land, a place much larger than Syuolika and they were holding hands, looking ahead. “I do believe you think well.” said Hachael approvingly, “We change the minds we can and leave the rest to our follower men.”

Chyle smiled, said nothing to him but under her breath muttered, “And to the fearsome vermin warriors of the land, we entrust to destroy those minds that refuse to accept our ways.”

Back in Syuolika old woman Kere awoke before the rising of the day star and stepped outside. Chyle had left with young Hachael and together they would achieve great doings.

“Ah! My dear grandchild has not left me alone,” she said to herself, “I have new beliefs and a different way of thought.” Then she walked back inside and decided to part with her knowledge of how wonderful life without superstitions was.

“Those who relinquish the old ways like I have,” she muttered to no one, “They shall be happier and wiser but them who do not,” and she was standing before the mirror in her room, “Their lives will fall prey to ruin.” The old woman spoke the last few words at her reflection in the old mirror with relish, and walked away and out of the house.

Korehk was the first of the five to be set free under tree cover but before that happened, Garge had ordered the nurt to be laid on the ground where he could revive.

“The Master hunts fairly and that means his game has to be alert which is exactly what this rat here is not.” Garge explained to the bewildered beasts, he dropped Fiel and Untholio nearby and Trejeth and Astra were set down as well. Garge asked that his men fan out and await his word on further action regarding the other prisoners.

“Alourse, you and Bloursee and Yolifol,” he motioned for the three to come forward and they stood before him.

“You three shall station yourselves in wait for the master. You do know the three arches he passes under on his way into the forest, do you not?” they nodded a yes, “Good. The others will spread across the hunting ground where they will stand as lookouts,” here he paused and pointed at Astra who happened to be nearest, “Once one of them is spotted, the lookout will make a noise apt to his kind so Nauoljath will follow the sound.”

Alourse and his two comrades understood and immediately left for the three arches. While the leader of the troop talked to his men, Fiel crawled to where Korehk lay.

“Korehk, Korehk open your eyes,” she whispered urgently to him and when the nurt did not respond, Fiel kicked a large stone in frustration and almost instantly regretted it. Again she bent down and hissed at Korehk while gesturing to the others to come and pick him up.

“If ever there was lazier Stone Lover…!” Soon they had him up on his feet and were dragging him away, as fast as they could.

“Wait,” whispered Astra, not far from where the friends had picked the old Stone Lover. “Let us carry him between ourselves, if we drag him, we shall make it mighty easy for the beasts to come after us, the trail.” He nodded to the earth floor as he said the last words, the others agreed and Korehk was lifted off the ground and carried away.

While the gamhnurts were escaping secretly and as silently as was possible, Garge stood several feet away surrounded by the remainder of his troop discussing the details of the hunt. It was some moments later that the troop around him dispersed at command and began scrambling to their posts, and it was then that one of the beasts yelled, “The prisoners, they have gone!”

All movement ceased, the entire immediate forest surrounding went silent.

Garge turned, “Gone?” he frowned, “What do you mean, gone?” His eyes turned to slits as he glanced about the place, no prisoners! The roar that followed shook the treetops and the ground got pounded as the angry Garge stomped about giving orders to begin searching the forest.

“Search the master’s woodland for the prisoners,” he said and cursed at the luck of the troop. “But beyond the Creek woodland, Nauoljath and we, his men have no authority to prowl.”

The entire troop scattered and once Garge was alone for he had decided to stand lookout around the spot where Korehk had been lying on the forest floor, it was then that he gave a soft laugh, he felt satisfied, the plan was working, any moment now his master would arrive and there would be much trouble.

“Indeed, you are come from the Wise One,” mumbled the beast quietly musing the nurts’ doings. “For only the Wise One’s children would act with the slightest say…!” he paused in his mumbling. A distant roar reached his ears, “The master is here,” Garge said to himself, he stood his ground, a disappointed and disgusted expression on his face. “Galahj, my love for you has made me betray my master and our first born will be his sole heir…bring him to the world before too long for the Wise One has said it is indeed to be a boy!”

He whispered this as if she was there by his side and could hear him.

Moments after whispering this say, Nauoljath the Cruel, with fury in his eyes stepped out from under tree cover. “Garge,” he called to his servant. “Is the hunt all ready to begin or am I to be made to wait out here as well?”

Cineon lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling. “Mister Almonne and Ermal,” she said softly, “They plot against mother and I am almost certain of it.” She rolled over and her eye met the ancient chest of draws. “Edsoniea cannot ever return here, mother’s place cannot be taken by a murderer!”

She sat up and decided she would wait not a moment longer, she had to talk to Ermal before she talked to her mother but even as she placed her foot on the floorboard, a sudden invisible ripple in the air made her tremble and sit back down, Cineon’s vision dimmed and a terrible wave of drowsiness and fatigue embraced her being so that all seemed faint and far. She felt frightened and her limbs were as heavy as lead, her voice betrayed her and the very air seemed to whisper to her words in urgent rhyme.

“The day is long in the whole of Stompsledge

Longer than days in lands beyond,

But the Hour is fast nearing

And your unborn child,

It must grow

That is why I have come,

Lady Time, she asked of me

That I might breathe into you,

The breath of time and day

From lands far away…”

Cineon tried to sit up, open her sleepy eyes that she might see who it was that had her bound to his will, for she knew it was a man who spoke the words to her.

She screamed but the sound remained within her own lips and the soft voice grew ever softer as it said.

“Grow little one; grow

Your place of power,

Awaits you…

Grow, child of my son

Grow!”

Time, she paced forth and back in Dsarest’s own bed chamber, the two had shared a long promised and much awaited passionate moment and Time kept her word.

“Has your second hand adviser been sent forth, lovely one?” the old guardian of the earth and nature asked, to him. Time appeared an elegant lady of power, he adored her.

“He has,” she answered him softly. “And even as I speak to you he performs his duty.”

Dsarest held out his hand, “Return to my side dear lady,” he said to her smilingly, “the moment has been much too short, soon we shall both be much to occupied for matters such as old promises…”

Lady Time stopped her pacing and looked at her old friend and ally, she laughed.

“For certain you know how to charm me!” Placing her hand in his, she sat beside him, then said, “I have always known that to be the reason that we have been allies.” Dsarest grinned.

“How can a real lady not be charmed by a gentleman like me?” the two spent a few moments laughing and Time had him in the palm of her hand* and the old fool took pleasure in her attention.

“Will you grant me a request Dsarest?” Time held him in a tight embrace as she asked it, the smile and laughter had vanished from her eyes. “Ask of me what you will,” he said barely above a whisper, “And it shall be yours. Have I not already given you my loyal support in deed and in kind? Tell me, what is it that you desire?”

The council ploughed on through case after case and still time appeared to be standing still, since the last meal the council had tried and reviewed a great many cases, and each case made Aliyha Hegleok richer and more powerful in all the lands and Stompsledge became her personal property.

“I own the land of Stompsledge,” she said rather satisfied, in between cases, her head she held high with pride, “It is my very own to do with it as I wish…” A sigh of contentment, “Of course, it is every bit yours as it is mine.” She added looking at all the members present. And then the next case was brought forth and the work went on. Brestuev was juggling tasks; he was not at all happy with the present state of things but refrained from mentioning it. He would have a talk with Mister Almonne he decided, just as soon as the other returned from wherever it was he had gone.

Zetreh left the Hegleok house in urgent steps; he did not slow down until he was at a considerable distance near to the edge of the forest where he knew Inckle Vilksumer would be waiting for him.

“And as the Hour draws ever close, the gamhnurt nears his task… O Wise One, guide your chosen one well.” These words Zetreh muttered as he strode on.

“I see a man approach,” said Inckle, he had been nervously breaking twigs from a low hanging treetop while the two ladies who were with him peered to where he was looking but saw no one.

“Do you not see him?” Inckle asked sensing their puzzled expressions, the two turned to face each other, eyebrows raised.

“I see no one,” admitted Nuorta. “Neither do I,” said Westeria,

“Are you certain your eyes see correctly?” the two asked Inckle who nodded and was about to say that gamhnurts’ sight had not ever failed to be precise when a voice from behind him spoke his word.

“Upon his word ladies, it is a true Earth Protector who is gifted with the sight of seeing someone, something you cannot.”

The three spun around and there stood Zetreh. He held his gaze with Inckle and he smiled. “That is what I was going to say,” the gamhnurt said, “You know the gamhnurt folk well.”

The ladies bowed, “Lord of the Mount mountain,” the two said in unison, “We are pleased to meet you.”

Zetreh gave a gracious bow, “And I you lady Westeria,” he greeted Westeria taking her hand, “Lady Nuorta,” he greeted the other in the same manner.

“I have met with Lady Deulore and her sister,” he went on, “They are in safe surroundings but for how long, that, I cannot say.” He spoke urgently and while doing so missed the looks on the ladies faces.

Inckle stepped forward. “You have met Lady Kwairha Deulore?” he asked very simply, they glanced at him and then at the other, eager to hear the answer. For an instant Zetreh stood motionless, in his mind’s eye he saw Kwairha and showed understanding, after all this while.

“I believe I have.” Was all he said in reply, he quickly stepped closer to the nurt.

“The Wise One shall gladden at the sight of you…let us go.” The two said goodbye to the ladies and Inckle with his heart beating wildly with apprehension set off behind the Lord of the Mount mountain, he also became aware of a deep regret within his breast, he had become very fond of Kwairha and now she stood beyond his reach. She now was Kwairha Deulore, Lady of the Mount mountain and Fordust Creek, rightful heir of the ancient house of Orliereas… His eyes stung as tears threatened to spill forth. Inckle forced a smile and went on dragging his feet he felt not all like the champion of the many game challenges he had won.

Zetreh glanced over his shoulder at the nurt. “Whatever might be weighing on your mind my friend, let it not slow down your pace,” he fell back in step so that he and Inckle were now walking together, he tapped the other on the back. “Not a thing can be gained by allowing burdens to slow one’s pace, especially if there is a task ahead but,” here he stopped and stood face to face, “Much can be saved otherwise. Do you follow me Inckle Vilksumer?” a tight grip on Inckle’s arm, he shook his head.

“I do sir.” Inckle answered without hesitating. Zetreh smiled, “Good. Come now, the Wise One awaits.”

The Wise One sat cross-legged on the high seat, the face was free from wrinkles for the most part and the hands were less gnarled than before. The Folieke were with her in council, this was to be the last council for some time.

They had discussed the doings of every power in every land; the Folieke had once again proved their faithfulness to the Wise One.

“It is nearing, the Hour is, and,” spoke the Wise One calmly, “Two moments shall soon be upon us.” Looking around, the eyes shone bright as the sun that now filled almost the entire Tree except the immediate surrounding where the Wise One sat. “Both will have the future in their grasp and how and whatever happens in the two moments, shall determine the future of every land and its peoples.” There was much murmuring among the Folieke, the Wise One held up a hand, “Go away, it is time you do your part in fighting the coming of the Hour.”

The first battalion of the Hurdar men was already invading minds and hearts that Time had claimed as her own. Yesew had been separated from Oliukus who had with another battalion marched off to a different land. Doukest was a very large town in the land of Solius near Syuolika and the present moment finds Yesew and his men spread about and trying to mingle with the folk of Doukest. “We come from distant hills seeking to help save such loveliness as yours.” Yesew said to a fair lady who appeared not much older than Yesew himself had been when Time gifted him his punishment.

“No one has thought me to be of such great loveliness before you, kind stranger.” Yesew had smiled and taken her to his heart. Now, the way Yesew won the young woman’s heart is just one of hundreds of similar ways men of Hurdar began conquering love even though Time fought to keep control but failed. Rieah the wise mind’s spirit flickered violently, every command Time gave for obedience, the spirit of the Wise One’s mind turned to kind visions and sweet words, the men of Hurdar were beginning to fight back and reverse their gifted fate and Time could no longer deter them from the companionship that lay within reach.

“Men of Hurdar were rewarded ageless lives, lonely lives for denying me their alliance,” said Lady Time in rage, she stood by her window overlooking the happenings around, above and below, in every land, her eyes glowered as they took in each sight unblinking, menacing in their stare.

“It is time I gift them age... how long shall the young ladies of the lands hold hands with age old men? Your moments of companionship are numbered, yes they are!” Turning she spoke a word to one of her many aides, her second hand adviser had not returned yet and Time felt certain he would not until his task was completed. Dsarest stepped beside his lovely, “Trouble?”

Time simply said. “It is nothing I cannot make the most of by once again being generous.”

Dsarest chuckled, “You are most kind!” he patted her back lightly, “As am I.” A wink and Time smiled for the first time since the two had left company.

“Why did you not wish me to speak your true identity, my sister?” Swulirha and Kwairha were alone, Zetreh having left them. The younger sister sat on the only narrow bed in the room and stared in the distance, lost in thought.

“We have returned here to claim your right, Lady Deulore,” Swulirha said, she clasped the other’s hand. “You do realize that, do you not?”

“I understand I have come to state my claim as my mother’s daughter and our father’s heir,” replied Kwairha still looking away, “And since I am who you no longer desire to be,” at the mention of this Swulirha sighed and nodded. “I have the right to ask you as the Lady of the Mount mountain and all authority that goes along with that title not to forfeit your present charge.” Kwairha finally looked at her sister who appeared confused.

“I do not follow your say,” she said apologetically, “What charge is it you speak of?” Swulirha remained seated but the other had arisen, she began pacing forth and back. A short silence followed.

“I wish you to hold your claim as Lady Deulore, Swulirha,” the pacing continued, “That is, was and always shall be your charge.”

The sitting figure gasped, “Never! I cannot be who I am not in truth!” She stood and grabbed her sister’s shoulders. “Ask of me not to rob you any more my sister, I beg!” Tears rolled down her face, “I have done it for far too long and it was not the rightful thing to do. Let me no longer wrong you Kwairha.”

In a tremulous voice Kwairha spoke. “If you relinquish the title you have held for so long a time,” a sigh and single tear, “You shall be denying me my authority. Do you really wish to do that, my sister?”

Swulirha stammered an answer, “N-no indeed n-not.” Kwairha smiled as she turned away. “It is agreed then.” The two sat in silence for a while.

Swulirha was the first to break the silence. “Why is it you ask this of me? Kwairha, our father made a promise to your mother that should she remain his wife ---”

“Enough said about an old man’s mistake,” Kwairha said, her eyes glowering, “My mother left and that means whatever father promised was turned down. I have no claim in father’s promise.”

Swulirha shook her head, “Our father was a man of his word and he would have desired his heir to respect his say.” Swulirha twirled her finger around a few strands of her hair, “Do you not remember the dreams you used to talk to me and the others about until recently? About how the ancient house on the Mount beckoned you and how your very being was drawn toward it?”

Kwairha smiled, “…Until recently…” she intoned, and then much louder said. “I do remember the dream and the feeling but Time has changed all of it. The house beckons me no longer and my being desires to be elsewhere.” Kwairha touched her sister’s face, caressingly.

“It is you who belongs there, you and your lord for I have no right to desire to be what I very well know is what you have wanted for such a long time.”

The other said scolding. “Behave no longer like a child who understands little her own words! Lady Kwairha you are now, then and always shall be!”

The other gaped at Swulirha. “Have you lost all sense of where we are? Raising your voice like that!”

Swulirha looked embarrassed. “I apologize. You are quite right.” By now Kwairha had thrown off her boots and sat cross-legged on one side of the bed, “Come and sit for a moment,” she motioned to Swulirha and once she was seated beside her, Kwairha went on.

“I do indeed understand every word I say, I was and am Lady Kwairha Deulore of the Mount mountain and Fordust Creek right this moment, on this, I acknowledge your say to be true. Mother shall know it too.”

Swulirha smiled and began saying something but Kwairha cut her off. “As for the fact that I always will be, now that is one say you have spoken wrongly.”

The gamhnurts had gone on as fast as their legs along with the weight of the unconscious Korehk would allow them to go. They had cleared the Creek woods at full trot despite the limp nurt between them and were now on the outer edges when Astra grunted, “Let us stop a moment, I can no longer feel my arms and my feet – oh my feet…” he looked at the others, they all wore similar expressions of tiredness.

“I reckon we will be safe here for a while,” said Fiel breathing deep, she was holding Korehk’s head and shoulders while Trejeth and Untholio supported his back and Astra held his feet.

“We are out of Nauoljath’s wood, nearly.” Fiel was right, they were nearly out of the Fordust Creek woods, just a few steps more and they would be completely free.

“Maybe just up till that tree over there,” Trejeth nodded in the direction of a tree standing some short way off.

“No, not that tree but that boulder some steps away over there, we should get on the other side of it, maybe we can sit there for some while.” Astra said knowingly. “Nauoljath’s realm of control and power ends on this side of the big rock, the side that faces us.” A pause as they all considered.

“I know so because Korehk once many long wakings before now walked in on it being planted by Nauoljath’s own great predecessor; his father. I was with Korehk, I saw it too as I stood with him behind that boulder…” he began moving at once without a further thought as to what the rest were thinking or considering, “Ask him when he awakens and he will tell you but now, I fear my arms are about to collapse as I am certain are your own.”

They dashed forward letting Korehk slip suddenly and dangerously from their grasp before gripping him tightly again. The jolt brought the old Stone Lover to his senses and upon blinking his eyes open, he glimpsed the boulder, mumbled something and began struggling. As the friends tried to maintain a hold on their struggling friend and thinking that perhaps their strengths were failing them, began panicking until the words, “To the boulder you lazy set of feet!” met their ears and they knew.

Untholio nearly cried out in joy but quickly got poked in the ribs and his excitement subsided then turned to irritation. All of them exchanged meaningful glances while continuing to take long strides and holding onto Korehk as best they could and when the group were a few steps away from the boulder, the struggling and muttering Stone Lover all of a sudden found the ground rush up to meet him, a small cloud of dust and he realized what had happened.

The friends all rested against the boulder and waited for Korehk to stagger to the safe side. Loud grunts and heavy breathing for several moments and then the old fellow stood before the company as they regarded him pleasantly. It was cold and snow had fallen on the nurts’ heads giving them a peppery look.

“Ah! You are here!” Untholio exclaimed, his tone an irritated one, upon his brow beads of sweat glistened from the effort he had put in to hold on to his friend, the others too were sweating a little as well from their efforts and this despite the cold.

“We thought we would allow you the use of your feet,” Astra said, he smiled warmly.

“Neither of us have hearts that can deny you the right to flee for your own life, on your own!” Fiel turned her head grinning. Trejeth spoke next, “You have walked your way out of a death trap… all by yourself leading us along behind to follow you to safety…Well done and thank you friend!”

It was clear to Korehk what they were all up to and shaking his head turned a laugh to a cough and assumed a serious air. “You are more than welcome. I do hope you have learnt a thing or two from this experience.” his voice sounded grave and as he sat himself down heavily, on the snowy ground, he sighed in relief. The old Stone Lover knew what was going through each of the friends’ minds. He quite enjoyed the situation by himself; he even smiled.

Untholio caught him at it, smiling, and nudged Trejeth who in turned poked Astra who leaned across to whisper a quiet word to Fiel who giggled.

“You wish to know what we have learnt from earlier, Korehk friend?” Untholio had got to his feet and stood before them wearing a nice smile himself.

Korehk nodded, “I do not deny I very much would like to know.”

Trejeth and Astra were next to rise, “Good. We are going to tell you exactly what you want to hear!” the nurts chorused and Fiel who still remained seated now spoke.

“I have learnt that you are a wise nurt,” she said and quickly joined the others who said each in turn.

“A wiser nurt there never was,” added Trejeth with a bow, “You know your way through woodlands of old and their guardians your friends you call.”

Korehk grinned, this was turning into a rhyming song and he knew how it would end.

Astra said his bit next, “A wise nurt, a feather light nurt, we had to let you fall,” he smiled and Untholio patted his shoulder before saying, “For the trouble of carrying you to safety, we should be allowed to gift you, our ‘teacher’ snowballs!” and with that Korehk was pinned to his spot by a dozen snowballs thrown at him. In turn he laughed and apologized and promised to behave henceforth.

“But,” he said as they all got ready to move on, the snowballing over. “Have I not helped you in a way to forget our plight for a while?”

For certain he had and they all hugged him for that and there followed another round of snowball throwing. They headed in the direction of Greo, it stretched forbiddingly before their eyes and Untholio stepped back.

“I fear entering another forest when we just barely left the last one alive.” His face was paler than the white of snowflakes, “I shall remain here,” they were now in a tiny area of deserted wild land between the Creek woodland and Greo.

“It seems safe here, I will be all right,” he told himself more than the others, “I might even find Inckle right here, who knows.” Even as he said this, the Folieke who had some time before held council with the Wise One and who had moments earlier left the Wise One in flight now swooped down on the nurts so that they were made to run straight under Greo’s tree cover and the first to do that was Untholio.

“Birds of prey!” yelled Untholio as he raced past the others into the frightening forest.

“They nearly caught us,” panted Trejeth as he and the rest joined Untholio.

“Not quite. I somehow feel they merely wanted you to have a quick change of mind my friend.” Korehk said mysteriously, he walked ahead, “Come along, we might as well go on.”

Silently they followed him a few paces, the darkness of Greo closing in around them. After having gone on far enough to consider themselves well into the forest, Trejeth spoke. “You do know something about the guardian of this forest, do you not Korehk?”

Korehk made a sound somewhere between a disbelieving laugh and a grunt to mean ‘yes’ and went along.

“What do you know that you will not share with us your friends?” Untholio demanded, he stopped following, “I refuse to go any further!”

“Do you honestly believe I know the guardians of every forest in these close lands?” Korehk retorted, he stood scowling at the other. “If you do my friend,” he paused and a huge grin broke the frown. “You are not wrong there. Now come on, this forest has things wicked growing and breathing you should know.”