Swanheart

Chapter Twenthy

Unexpected Reunions

Carefully, Zaylan opened the door and entered the room, which he had given to the High Sorceress of Urdgard. "Ranya... I..." he began, but trailed off. He blinked, not sure if what he saw was real.

The dark-haired woman was floating calmly in the middle of the room. Her eyes were closed and her hands held the sacred jewel of Ashkyhra in front of her chest. Waves of light-blue energy surrounded her, making her red robes billow softly.

"She did it," Firetail whispered from her place at the window. "She got in tune with the magic of Ashkyhra's gemstone."

"I knew that she could do it," Zaylan mumbled, staring in awe at the High Sorceress.

"Lady Ranya had doubts about herself," the dragon said. "But I had faith in her."

"As did I," the king replied, stepping over to the window in order to talk with Firetail without breaking the High Sorceress' concentration.

Keeping the jewel in one hand, Ranya raised her arms and threw her head back. "Mighty Spirit of Ashkyhra, give me strength and save us!" The holy words reverberated from the walls.

"That should be interesting," the dragon announced, barely able to keep her voice down, because she was so excited. "She never got that far before."

Zaylan watched on with bated breath. If Ranya managed to summon the protectors of Ashkyhra their chances to actually defeat the masked sorcerer would rise further.

The High Sorceress' back arched and a soft moan erupted from her throat. Her body jerked once, twice and began to tremble. The energy around her crackled and hissed.

Firetail cocked her head. "This doesn't look right..."

"No, it doesn't," Zaylan confirmed, unsure of what was happening.

The energy suddenly vanished completely and Ranya dropped boneless to the floor. It was only due to Zaylan's quick reflexes that he jumped forward and managed to catch her.

Ranya's eyes fluttered open though her vision was blurry. "Zaylan, is that you?"

"Yes," the king answered, helping the High Sorceress to her feet.

Once standing, she felt a wave of dizziness hit her and held on to his arms to steady herself. "I can't. Zaylan, I'm so sorry. I'm nothing but a disappointment."

"What are you talking about, Lady Ranya?" Firetail interrupted. Her scales scraped harshly across the stones as she tried to shove her head further into the room. "Do you know what just happened? You were so in tune with the magic. You called upon Axana, attempting to summon the protectors of Ashkyhra. You almost succeeded!"

Ranya shook her head sadly. "'Almost' is the word that says it all. Unfortunately, 'almost' is not good enough," she whispered. "I failed again."

Reaching forward, Zaylan gently grasped her chin to make look at him. "You are too hard on yourself. It needs time."

"But time is the one thing we don't have. It has been days and I'm no closer to work the magic than I was the moment I set out to do that," she said, turning away, angry at herself. "I can't do it!"

Reaching for her shoulder, he turned her around to face him again. "Ranya this is not like you. Why are you giving up so quickly?"

"Zaylan, I can't take control of it. This is not my magic. I cannot make it work."

The king frowned, slightly confused. "What exactly are you talking about? Just a second ago, you were floating in the center of the room, surrounded by a light-blue energy field."

Softly, she shook her head. "It is too strong. It could easily overpower me and then only the Spirits know what would transpire."

Zaylan's frown deepened. "You fear it is controlling you?"

"Yes," she admitted quietly. "You saw me floating?"

He nodded.

"That was already the first sign of the magic taking over. I could not channel it to do my bidding. I'm afraid if I were to unlock it completely, it would just run wild, not differing between friend and foe. Air is simply not my element. As you know, every little gust of wind can make even the smallest fire rage out of control."

Zaylan regarded her thoughtfully. "Well, it was an attempt."

"I am sorry." Unshed tears glistened in her eyes.

"No Ranya, don't be sorry. It's alright. You tried and I'm glad we found out about the risks before we unleashed the powers. Like you said before, there must be a reason why a certain sorcerer is appointed by the Spirits to guard a certain gemstone."

"That is another reason I am so concerned," Ranya responded. "It takes such power, such effort to control an element, a force, a magic that is not yours. The masked sorcerer has three gemstones and he is able to control them..." Her voice faltered and she shivered, her eyes looking frightful. "When I think about how truly powerful he is..."

"Then don't think about it," Zaylan interrupted, shaking his head. "We still have three of the holy jewels and just because you're not holding your gemstone doesn't mean you won't be a force to be reckoned with, right?"

"That's right, Lady Ranya," Firetail chimed in from the window. "The dark wizard may have taken our jewel, but I am sure it will return to the rightful High Sorceress, namely you."

"The rightful High Sorceress... by the Spirits..." the king muttered, staring off space as an idea came to him.

"Zaylan?" Ranya asked, confused.

He started to pace while talking to work out his thoughts. "Do you remember what they told us at the Wizardry Academy?"

Frowning, the High Sorceress of Urdgard looked at him. "They told us a lot."

"I know it has been a long time since then, but please go back to the time they told us about the 'Ritual of Choosing', when a magician is appointed to become the High Sorcerer."

"How is that going to help us? Zaylan, I don't understand what you are getting at?"

The king smiled. "There is a bond formed between magician and magic that is only broken when the High Sorcerer seizes to live. Maybe that is why you can't really take over the magic of Ashkyhra's stone, because Rovannah is still alive."

Ranya contemplated this idea, but then shook her head. "That can't be it. How could the masked sorcerer use the fire gem while I'm still here then?"

Zaylan's smile faded and he sighed heavily. "And here I thought I had finally figured it out."

She rubbed his arm. "It is a nice thought. It helps to keep the faith that Rovannah, Krymm and Tanith might not be dead after all."

"We will still defeat the masked sorcerer," Firetail declared strongly. "I carry Sastar in my heart and his breath in my belly."

Ranya walked over, placing her hands on the massive dragon's head. She smiled as the orange eyes looked into hers, the intense fire burning there reflected by her own. "So be it. We will fight for Urdgard, for our people, for our friends and for all of Yuron."

A knock at the door interrupted them.

Zaylan walked over and opened, revealing Loreen.

The Half-Elf's face bore an unreadable expression, but the king could tell from the way she clasped her hands that something made her uneasy.

"Loreen? Is everything alright?"

"We have a visitor."

"Oh, good." He followed the healer out of the room, down the staircase, indicating for Ranya to do the same. "Have Nirios, Niria and Samira finally arrived?" he asked.

Loreen inhaled. "No, though we have received messages that they will arrive sometime during the day."

"Is it Mandylor?"

"No."

Zaylan frowned. The healer had never been one for many words, but this sudden show of taciturnity was uncommon even for her. "Well, who is it?"

"Somebody rather unexpected."

The king exhaled, rolling his eyes. "The Elves and their riddles. I swear you got worse with that ever since your return from the land of your Mother."

Ranya grinned, while Loreen stopped expressionless next to the doors that led into the ceremony hall.

As soon as Zaylan had entered the room, his gait faltered.

Ranya stood thunderstruck. "I can't believe it."

The visitor waiting for them there in their shiny silver armor was indeed unexpected.

*****

"Look, over there," Enori announced, gesturing toward the large group of warriors. "The Women of Kharas are ready for battle."

The Elite Force of Slidur had gathered at the outskirts of the mangrove swamp. They stood at attention, clad in armor and were armed to their teeth. Some of them had painted their faces with lines of green and dark blue, just as Enori had. It gave them an even wilder appearance. Using the colors of both Slidur and Chitaan showed the loyalty of the tribe, an unspoken vow that they would not only fight for their own country.

Neva was giving her warriors final instructions for the upcoming journey, as Enori waved at Leigh, Alannah, Cerulia and Terrulli, indicating for them to come closer.

The knight stopped dead in her tracks as she saw the horses.

They were tall and of a strong build, their velvety black fur and smooth, long dark manes sparkling strangely in the sunlight, as if it had been gently sprinkled with dew.

Regarding the herd, Leigh could count about fifty animals. Calculating roughly, she came to the conclusion that each horse would have to carry at least two riders, plus weapons and provisions for the warriors and animals, which would slow them down further.

Eyeing their means of transport skeptically, Leigh noticed the absence of saddles though there were reins attached to the horses' big heads. Crossing her arms in front of her chest, she shook her head slightly. "You really want to go on horseback?" The question was voiced with a disbelieving look into Enori's direction.

The warrior grinned. "Remember what I told you earlier on the training grounds?"

Taking in a deep breath, Leigh replied, "I do. But, comparing our numbers with that of available horses, I really doubt that there are enough. We will have to double up, or do you wish for some of the warriors to walk? Not to mention that the additional weight of weapons and provisions is going to slow us down considerately."

"You have thought it all through, haven't you, little one?" Enori teased, still grinning.

"They call them the 'Steeds of Denora' and are a special gift from the spirit herself," Terrulli chimed in with a big smile before walking over to stand beside Queen Neva. "There are no other horses like that," she called back over her shoulder.

"That's what I thought. Of course, they would have a fancy name. Still, they are just horses," the knight mumbled. "I don't see anything special about them, do you?" she asked, turning to Alannah, who was standing next to her.

"Well, they are much bigger than the average horse and they are magnificent," the princess responded, slightly awed in the presence of the large animals.

"That was very helpful," Leigh stated sarcastically. "It will take us a month or longer to reach Chitaan that way."

"Wait and be astonished," Enori said, patting her friendly on the shoulder.

Still unconvinced, Leigh looked from the horses to the warrior and back. "You said something about magic earlier."

Enori grinned, raising her left eyebrow.

"What? Are the steeds going to sprout wings so that they can fly?" the knight demanded exasperated, her impatience getting the better of her.

The Woman of Kharas chuckled. "Your humor is strangely refreshing, little one. I have not had such fun in ages."

"Enori, please, can't you be serious for a change?" Leigh begged. "You are a warrior. You know what is at stake. The more time we waste with silly discussions the tighter the crushing grip gets that the masked sorcerer has on Yuron. How will we fly with them?"

"Come along," Enori said, walking closer to the horses.

Standing directly in front of the animals, Leigh realized for the first time just how big they really were. Their legs were as massive as tree trunks. She wondered how fast these big horses would actually be during gallop. "The ground will shake with every step they take, that's for sure," she muttered under her breath. "It will need enormous wings to get these beasts into air." Contemplating this matter, Firetail came to her mind. The dragon was larger than the horses but due to the big wings able to fly.

"To answer your question, little one," Enori interrupted her thoughts. "No, they are not going to sprout wings and neither will they fly. The Steeds of Denora possess another unique ability. Una, would you show her, please?"

The blonde warrior in question nodded quickly. Then she turned to one of the horses. Reaching for the reins, she pulled gently until she was at eyelevel with the stallion. Whispering words in a melodic language, Una stroked her right hand gently across the horse's muzzle, all the while looking into the obsidian-colored eyes. Snorting gently, the stallion lowered his body so that the warrior could climb easily on his back.

Una reached for the reins as soon as she sat up straight and the stallion rose again.

"What is happening?" Leigh asked in surprise, as a flicker of light traveled first over the horse and then its rider, turning them blurry. Their image became fuzzy, then see-through until the two of them vanished completely from sight.

"By the Spirits, they can become invisible and it affects the rider as well?" Alannah breathed, amazed.

Enori smiled. "Actually, they blend in with their surroundings that it appears they have become invisible." She went over to the place where Una and the stallion had disappeared and reached out into the empty space. Her hand came to rest on the animal's neck and it returned to visibility along with the blonde warrior.

Impressed, Leigh whistled through her teeth.

"But," Enori added, holding up her other hand. "That is not the only thing. Watch."

Una bent forward and spoke softly into the stallion's ear.

The horse in turn reared up with a neigh, kicking his front hooves.

Leigh's eyes widened as she saw the animal getting ready to jump. It was too close for comfort and she didn't have much time to think. "Alannah! Look out!" the knight yelled, intending to take the princess' hand to pull her out of harm's way. A sudden strong gust of wind made her lose her footing and she fell before her fingers could close around Alannah's. Twisting her body around she looked back, but the horse including rider had once again vanished. Her brows drew together in a frown of confusion. "What in Ossyr's name..."

Alannah helped her up. "Leigh, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she said, brushing some dirt off her clothes. "What happened? Where did they go?"

Enori pointed in the opposite direction. "There. Look."

A sound like the crack of a whip could be heard and with another gust of wind Una and the stallion materialized about two hundred paces away from the place they had just been a moment ago.

At a leisurely pace, Una steered the horse back to the others.

"You see, little one, they don't need wings, because they can teleport," Enori explained with a smug expression. "Thanks for the demonstration, Una."

The blonde warrior smiled and slid gracefully off the tall animal's back. "I'm sorry for the scare," she apologized to the knight.

"Maybe a little warning next time?" Leigh responded.

"I will be sure to remember that."

Turning to face Enori, Leigh rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "You mean to tell me, all it takes is to sit down on the back of one of the horses and in the blink of an eye they can transport me to wherever I want to be?"

"Unfortunately it's not that easy. The 'Steeds of Denora' can teleport only short distances and only for brief amounts of time. It takes a lot of energy. Still, it will shorten our journey considerately."

"Do you as a rider have any influence on how they teleport and to where?" Alannah wanted to know.

Enori nodded and grinned. "Of course. If everything goes as planned we should reach Chitaan in a matter of three or four days."

"How does it work? What needs to be done?" Leigh asked, honestly intrigued and clearly fascinated by the turn of events.

"Have you heard about mind-links with animals?"

"Yes. King Zaylan does that with his eagle Saberclaw. When he sends him scouting, he can see what the bird sees in a crystal ball. Is it like that?"

The warrior nodded. "Yes, in a way. We link our minds with the steeds. We tell them where they need to go. You could say that we become one with them. It is only due to the connection that we can make use of their abilities to blend in and to teleport. Not everybody can gain their trust and not everybody is strong enough for a mind-link like that. The horses like their freedom. After all that said, are you ready to go?"

"Leigh! Can you please come here for a second?" Terrulli called, waving at the knight.

"Would you please excuse me?" The knight went over to join the Animorph and Queen Neva.

"What about Cerulia though?" Alannah asked concerned. "How will she be able to travel with us?"

"Don't worry about your wolf. I have thought about something," Enori explained and pulled out a big linen bag, which could be strapped to a person's body. "With this, you'll be holding her safe in an embrace. She will be as snug as a bug. Curled up in there, she will be fine. You two will go with Una. She is the best rider we have."

"Really? Better than you?" The princess smiled at her friend's unlikely admission.

Placing both hands on Alannah's shoulders, the warrior looked seriously at her. "I would entrust you and Cerulia to nobody else's care when it comes to riding the steeds. There is no other more sensitive to the moods of the horses than Una. Trust me."

Alannah reached up to squeeze one of the hands that lay on her shoulders. "I believe you. Just make sure you deliver Leigh safely to Chitaan or I'll be hunting you down," she said, poking one index finger repeatedly against the taller woman's shoulder, reinforcing her playful threat.

Enori smirked and chugged her gently under the chin. "Should I sign a contract with my blood concerning that matter?"

Alannah chuckled softly. "No, I don't think that's necessary."

The warrior pulled her in for a hug. "I know how you feel about Leigh."

Alannah stiffened in Enori's arms. "How do you know?" she whispered and her heart stopped for a moment. She had not been talking about it with anyone.

"I can see it plainly written all over your face whenever you look at her."

"And what do you think of it?" The question was asked so softly that it was nearly inaudible, but the Woman of Kharas had exceptional hearing.

"I like her. She is nice. You better hold on to her."

Alannah breathed a sigh of relief. "That is good to know, my friend. For right now though you will have to be the one to hold on to her and keep her safe."

"I promise, I will take good care of her and defend her with my own life until there is no breath left in me," Enori vowed sincerely. "You can count on me and on the Women of Kharas."

"I would entrust her to nobody else's care," the princess whispered through a sudden tight throat, unconsciously using the same words as Enori did before.

Cupping Alannah's cheeks tenderly, the warrior lifted her head and placed a gentle kiss on a smooth forehead. "I will not let her fall off the horse."

"Just one more thing."

"Which would be?"

"Could you please stop intimidating Leigh?"

"I can't promise that. It is just my natural charm," Enori answered, waggling her eyebrows. I can't help the way it is always affecting people. You are the only one ever it didn't work."

Alannah chuckled. "Well, I guess that makes me special."

The knight returned with an unreadable expression on her face. "Queen Neva just informed me with whom we are going to ride and how Cerulia will be taken along."

Alannah nodded. "I guess Terrulli will go with Neva?"

Leigh smiled. "Of course. I just hope the Queen will have a high tolerance for the curiosity of the youth and not get aggravated about the constant questions."

Turning to Enori, she inquired, "Is everything set? Your fellow warriors and the horses are getting restless."

"We are ready," the warrior responded confidently.

"Good. Let's go then and chase that masked bastard off our beautiful land."

*****

The boy's body twitched and quivered restlessly as he fought hard to free himself from the dark veil that covered his senses. Low groans of discomfort escaped his throat while his head thrashed from one side to the other.

"My Queen, I think he is coming to."

The soft, distant voice was familiar, but the name of the person it belonged eluded him in his cloudy state of mind.

"Tyrel? Tyrel, my precious, can you hear me?"

His mouth moved, but only incoherent sounds erupted.

"It is alright, my son. You are safe now." Gentle hands were placed carefully against his face, tenderly stroking his cheeks and forehead. "Tyrel, it is time to leave the darkness and come to the light. You have a strong will, you can do it."

His hands clenched and unclenched while they flailed over the patch of moss his weakened body was resting on, his eyelids flickered.

"That's right, my child. Fight it, fight the dark spell that was placed on you and return to me, Tyrel."

"Tanith!" With that desperate outcry on the lips, Tyrel jerked awake. Sitting up, he wrapped his arms around his chest in an attempt to protect himself. His eyes wide with fright, Tyrel looked around, taking in the surroundings. Gone were the walls of the prison cell that had held him. He swallowed hard and his lower lip trembled as he gazed upon a forest clearing. Tyrel could see through gaps in the tree tops that a red sun hung low in the sky. The chilly morning air bit into the exposed skin of his bare arms and he drew them tighter around his ribcage. "Another trick," he mumbled, trying hard to keep the tears of disappointment and rage away that wanted to well up.

"Tyrel."

His eyes closed as he recognized the voice of his mother. He had no proof before, but now he was certain that once again the masked sorcerer had entered his mind, seducing him with a vision of freedom and his heart's most desperate wish. It was just an illusion, like so many others before in the dark wizard's attempt to extract the location of Ashkyhra's sacred gemstone from the boy's mind.

Inhaling the fresh forest air, he had to admit that never before had it seemed so real. Tyrel heard the calling of birds, as they greeted the arrival of a new day. He felt the cold wetness against his fingers as they dug into the moss that covered the ground.

"Tyrel, open your eyes, my child."

He shook his head defiantly, biting his lip to keep from whimpering. His heart constricted painfully in his chest, waiting for the sharp pain that was bound to pierce his mind any second, the herald of the punishment which was certain to occur should he continue to defy. He swore silently he would not give in. He vowed he would not be tempted by another delusion of the dark wizard.

The warm hands returned and cupped his cheeks. A lone tear escaped from behind a tightly closed lid. A thumb brushed it away. 'By Axana,' he thought to himself. 'It feels so real. I wish it would be real. Why can't it be real?'

"Tyrel, it is real," Rovannah reassured him.

"No! It is not! It is just another trick!" the boy shouted in despair, tightening his arms around his body, fearing it might fall apart from the searing pain of longing that tore through his heart and soul. "I will never reveal the gemstone's location to you! Never! No matter what disguise you chose, no matter what clever illusions you conjure up, this is the one thing I will never give to you. I will take it with me to the Different World!"

"Tyrel, my son, listen. Open your eyes and look at me!" his mother's voice urged. "You are safe now. You are not in the dungeons anymore. I am here. Indira is here. Open your eyes and see the truth!"

His eyes flew open, glaring hard with the fire of defiance at the deceptive vision in front of him. He could see his mother and Indira, the servant. Both were sitting in front of him, regarding him with a mixture of worry, relief and hope. His face hardened, turning into a mask of hatred. "You will not win!" Tyrel snarled.

Shocked by the loathing tone, Rovannah pulled her hands back. "Tyrel," she started, keeping her voice low and gentle. "Listen to me..."

The boy jumped up, his hands curling to fists. "I will not listen to any of your lies!"

Indira leaned over, whispering something into the Queen's ear.

Tyrel watched them suspiciously. Whatever the masked sorcerer had thought up to finally get what he wanted, he would stand his ground and would not be defeated.

"My son, I know you have been through a lot and I can only imagine the torture you were put through. But that is all over now," Rovannah declared and rose, her eyes locked with her child's, searching for a glimmer of recognition there.

The cold, hard orbs didn't reveal anything.

"You have to believe me," she pleaded.

Tyrel kept silent, harshly glaring at the deception that had appeared in the shape of his mother. She looked different from what he remembered. Her blond tresses were unruly, her face and clothes streaked with dirt, her cheeks gaunt with lines of worry around her eyes and mouth.

The corners of her mouth curled in a tentative smile. "We are now free."

It was said with such conviction that he felt his resolve falter. Crossing his arms, he shook his head in denial, reaching deep inside to find the fountain of strength to resist the temptation. "No! All of this is unreal. I see your face, but I know who is truly behind it. I hear your sweet words but they are like poison. Lies, they are just lies!"

Rovannah sighed helplessly and turned away, thinking hard of the proof she needed to convince her son of the truth.

"I will not tell you where the stone is, no matter what crazy ideas will form in your twisted mind," Tyrel snapped angrily.

The Queen's eyes widened as the revelation hit her like a thunder bolt. Whirling around she reached for her son's shoulders only to have her hands coldly rebuffed.

"Do not touch me!"

Her breathing hitched but she quickly regained her composure. "Tyrel, please listen to me. I can prove to you that this is real. I am your mother, and I know where the stone is."

Tyrel's face paled. The masked sorcerer had never tried this approach. He knew it was important to regain control of the situation. Should his tight control on that one thought slip now, all would be lost.

"I know it because I am the one, who hid it."

His body began to quake. "No." The word sounded strangled when it left his lips.

Rovannah took a step closer, placing his hands on his shoulders.

The boy relented to the touch, his body's trembling increasing.

Drawing him in, Rovannah held him against her chest, burying her nose in his hair. "I put it in a secret pocket in Terrulli's dress. And how could I know that if I were just an illusion by the masked sorcerer?"

At that the ice was broken. Thin arms wrapped tightly around her waist, Tyrel hugged his mother fiercely, convulsing with harsh sobs. "I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry..."

"Shhh, shhh," Rovannah cooed, running her fingers through his short hair. "Everything will be alright now."

Indira, who was only a step away, covered her mouth with one hand and watched the reunion of mother and child with unshed tears glistening in her own eyes.

*****

Zaylan stood rooted to the spot, staring wide-eyed at the unexpected arrival, unable to fathom the emotions that were rushing through him. His face displayed a mixture of wonderment and shock. He didn't dare blink, scared that he would vanish like a specter if he were to take his eyes off him. "Cibor... how... what..." he croaked, taken by surprise.

It had been a long time since he had seen the other man. He remembered the foggy, cold night, their friendship no longer existent after angry words had fallen. Over twenty years had passed since then.

"You look as if you have seen a ghost," the other man said in a husky voice, his grey eyes shining with mirth. "Is that a way to greet an old friend?" He smiled, spreading his arms wide.

Ranya reached for Zaylan's hand, her features betraying the shock and disbelief she felt at seeing the other man. The vision differed greatly from the last memory she had of Zaylan's best friend.

Though he was still tall and slender and had the same air of arrogance about him, something was different, but she couldn't put her finger on it. He had aged tremendously, that much was obvious, though it was uncharacteristic for a magic-wielder. Gone were the shiny, black curls, leaving short white hair in their place. Dark circles lay under his eyes and the mess of gray unshaven stubbles didn't hide the gauntness of his face, his cheek bones and chin strongly protruding. He appeared to have lost a lot of weight and his once tanned skin had taken on an ashen complexion. He looked indeed like a ghost that had just fled his grave if it weren't for the armor, which looked new and unused.

Hesitantly, the King of Chitaan crossed the floor, until he was standing right in front of him. He looked at him, his eyes asking all the questions that his mouth couldn't form.

Cibor's arms fell and so did his face as he saw Zaylan's unsure expression. "You still have not forgiven me, have you?" Sighing, he ran a hand through his thinning hair. "Of course not, I should have known. You have always been so stubborn."

"And you are still the same arrogant bastard I remember," Ranya growled, coming to stand beside Zaylan, feeling the flame of anger stir in her belly. "How can you expect him to have forgiven you after what you did?"

"Ah, Ranya, I so have missed our arguments, oh fiery one. Are you still High Sorceress of Sastar's country? Tell me, how is Urdgard fairing these days?" Cibor asked, crossing his arms with a sleazy grin.

Inhaling sharply, Ranya managed to withstand the urge to punch her opposite. During their time at the Wizardry Academy he always had enjoyed driving her mad. "If you came here after all those years to pick arguments, you chose the wrong time," she snapped.

Cibor quickly sobered and shook his head. "No, that is not the reason I came."

"We don't care what you want," Ranya hissed furiously.

"Listen to me. I..."

"You are not welcome here," she interrupted, unwilling to let him finish. "It will be best for you to leave."

With a challenging expression, he glared at Ranya, getting into her face until their noses almost touched. "Did I miss something? Since when are you the ruler of Chitaan? Shouldn't Zaylan make the decision?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

She huffed. "You may have been his best friend once, but those times are long gone!"

"Enough you two!" Zaylan's strong interception stopped the bickering, but not the harsh glares.

If looks could kill, both of them would have fallen to the floor, struck dead.

He stepped between them, holding them apart, worried that they might actually start casting spells at each other. "Compose yourselves, would you? We are not at the Academy anymore."

Cibor held up his hands, taking a step backward. "I'm sorry. I did not come to pick fights."

"Zaylan, throw him out," Ranya insisted. She had enough and the presence of the other man made her skin crawl.

"No! No, please, Zaylan, listen to me!" Cibor pleaded. "I came to offer help."

"Help," Ranya snorted in disgust. "The last time he needed your help, you decided to turn your back on him."

"You have no idea what happened," he muttered. "You don't know..."

"I know that Chitaan was attacked and you were not there because you were still mad at us all!" she raged, brandishing a finger angrily in front of his face. "Many people, good people, were killed as this one tyrant tried to conquer Chitaan. More than one child lost their parents and Zaylan almost died because you had forsaken him help!"

Cibor stood looking at Zaylan, flinching as each angry word of Ranya was driven into his heart like a dagger. "I have no apology for not taking action then. It was a terrible mistake, I know. But can we not let the past be in the past? I've come to offer my help now and if possible make amends."

The High Sorceress opened her mouth to object.

"I said enough!" Zaylan interrupted once more and took Ranya's elbow to lead her away.

"What are you doing?" she sputtered in surprise. "You don't actually believe him, do you? Zaylan? You can't!"

"I want you to calm down and let me talk with him."

She looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "What is there to talk about? I don't know what made him all of a sudden come crawling out of whatever hideout he's been in, but I don't believe anything that's coming out of his lying mouth!" she declared angrily. "We all know that he was upset and jealous for not having been appointed ruler of one of the magical countries. But it was the decision of the Spirits and they didn't think he was worthy of such power. None of us were to blame. Instead of coming to terms with it, he tried to make us all feel guilty for having been chosen by the Spirits. You reached out to him, many times, because you knew it was hard for him to handle the rejection. Then he abandoned you in an hour of most dire need. That is not how a best friend acts! And now, after over twenty years he's decided to make amends? Oh, please!" She crossed her arms, continuing to shoot evil glances towards the other man over the King's shoulder. "How dare he?"

"I know Ranya, and you are right," Zaylan confirmed. "Nonetheless, he was my best friend. Look at him. He has changed a lot since storming angrily out of the High Halls of Shircon. He seems a broken man and I don't have it in me to send him away without talking to him."

Ranya sighed, defeated. "You and your soft heart. I think you would actually dine with Cerrn himself to find out what drives the Dark One."

Quirking a smile, he answered, "I would. As for Cibor, for my soul's sake I have to listen to what he has to say, please, understand."

"You really have to do that?" she wanted to know, regarding Zaylan with concern. "I don't want him to hurt you again."

"I promise. I won't let him do that. Alright?"

Glancing between the two men, Ranya eventually relented, giving a nod.

"Thank you," Zaylan whispered, caressing her cheek briefly. "It will be fine." Turning on his heel, he walked to Cibor. He still could not believe how much the other man had changed. "Cibor..."

"Zaylan, please listen. I swear in the names of the Spirits, my intensions are good," he said urgently and spoke fast, fearing that his former best friend would stop him before he had his say. "I want to help. My army is marching as we speak and they will arrive here in a few days. Please, Zaylan, I need this chance to find peace."

"Why now?" The softly spoken question held no accusation or suspicion. "Why after all that time?"

"My life has been a sole nightmare ever since the ceremony at the High Halls of Shircon. I had worked so hard and got nothing accomplished. It was wrong of me to blame you for that, but I was just so angry and my temper got the best of me. I felt betrayed. Although that wasn't the reason I did not come to your aid when Chitaan was attacked." Cibor swallowed hard.

"What happened?"

"My wife... she... she died... and I fell into a dark hole after that... I wanted my existence to end... I did not care about anything... It didn't matter who would suffer... It was as if my heart and soul had died along with her. I am ashamed. I am deeply ashamed."

Zaylan regarded him with great compassion. He knew what he was talking about, having experienced the same when Alannah's mother had entered the Different World. "I am so sorry. I wish you would have told me."

"And now... my son... Keenan..." Cibor's voice broke and his chin trembled. "He has disappeared. I need to find him. I couldn't bear it if I were to lose him too. Zaylan, please, let me help. That fatal night when I ended our friendship has been haunting me for the longest time and I just can't live like that anymore. Will you please forgive an old friend for a foolish decision?" Tears welled up in his red-rimmed eyes.

It wasn't hard for Zaylan to make up his mind. "Do you know what we are up against?"

"No and it doesn't matter. We have made it through hardships before and this will be no different. "

"We are about to face a master of dark magic that is attempting to unleash Cerrn upon our beautiful country. He has three holy gemstones in his possession and he has an army of Shadow Warriors at his beg and call, as well as the aid of the Dark One," Zaylan announced, placing his hands on Cibor's shoulders.

The other man wiped at his eyes and then gave him a somewhat watery grin. "Is that all? And here I thought we were in grave danger."

Zaylan chuckled and then pulled him into a bear hug. "Welcome back, old friend."

Returning the embrace, Cibor patted his back, feeling relieved. "Thank you."

They parted as the door opened, revealing Ranib and Wyan. "Zaylan, Nirios, Niria and the army of Livos have arrived."

"Great." Keeping one arm around Cibor's shoulders, he guided him out of the hall. "Come along, my friend. I will introduce you. There will be battle strategies to be talked about."

Warily, Ranya watched them leave, Loreen's first reaction when she had led them into the room replaying itself before her mind's eye.

The Half-Elf had been extremely uneasy and she knew that Loreen's instincts were more reliable than that of Humans.

Contemplating the talk the High Sorceress had just witnessed, she felt a strange sensation deep in her chest. Cibor's words had touched her, despite the hatred she carried for him. She felt her heart going out to him for the pain he had endured. Maybe she was too prejudiced concerning him, but she couldn't shake the image of the arrogant, ambitious bully he had been during their time at the Wizardry Academy. Maybe Cibor had changed and maybe he deserved a second chance. Zaylan was willing to grant it to him and she trusted the king like no other. If only there wouldn't be the nagging doubt and the feeling that she was missing something.

*****

Tyrel's head was still spinning from the events that had come to pass. He had found his mother again and due to some miracle combined with a dose of sheer luck, they had managed to escape the dungeons of the masked sorcerer.

Sitting next to her in front of the campfire, he held on to her hands, his fingertips tracing the tiny cuts and lines. "I could feel your presence, mother," Tyrel admitted quietly.

She looked at him, astonished.

"I know, it sounds weird. Tanith didn't believe me either when I told her. She thought it was my wishful thinking or that I was hallucinating from missing you so much. I tried to talk with you in my mind."

"Oh, Tyrel, I attempted to speak with you," Rovannah confessed. "I was scared the masked sorcerer would find out that I was still alive. I had to hide my magical abilities and I didn't want to endanger you further. But all that doesn't matter anymore. We are safe now and together."

He leaned into her, resting his cheek against her arm. "Where are we? What is going to happen now? What will we do?"

Before Rovannah could answer, a rustling noise could be heard and a tall man entered the forest clearing, carrying a large bundle.

Indira went to him to relieve him of his load. "What is all that?" she asked suspiciously, unwrapping the bundle. She found a woven blanket and two cloaks, as well as a loaf of stale bread and a couple of dried fruits. "Where did you get that? Did you steal it?"

He chose not to answer, turning his back on her.

"Hey! I'm talking with you. Don't you dare ignore me!"

Grabbing one cloak and the blanket, he went to the Queen and her son.

Tyrel recognized the black armor and immediately stiffened.

"It is alright," his mother said, rubbing his back. "You do remember General Burak?"

The boy eyed the soldier carefully, nodding hesitantly.

"He was under a spell of the dark wizard," Rovannah explained. "He helped us to free you from the dungeon and to escape. He can be trusted."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," Indira spat. "What poor people did you rob for the gifts you brought?" She stressed the word 'gifts' and the remark oozed sarcasm.

Rovannah looked at him questioningly, as he held out the cloak for her to take.

Exhaling sharply, he rolled his eyes. "I didn't rob anybody. I was scouting ahead and I was trying to find us something to eat. I came upon an abandoned farm," he explained. "The people had left everything behind so I took what I thought might be useful."

"Nice tale," Indira snapped.

"If you don't want the cloak and rather freeze, be my guest," he retorted, annoyed with the servant's constant, unfriendly behavior.

"Thank you, I might just do that!"

"The bread is as hard as stone and definitely not worth killing somebody over it!"

Rovannah reached for the cloak and wrapped it around her servant, ending the argument. "Don't be silly, Indira. I know the situation is hard, but it won't help if we make it even harder on ourselves with stupid fights."

Pressing her lips tightly together, Indira relented, though she wasn't happy about it.

"Here, that will keep you warm, boy," Burak said in a gruff voice, placing the blanket around Tyrel's small shoulders.

"Where is Tanith?"

The boy's softly asked question took him off guard. Squatting in front of him, he adjusted the blanket.

Tyrel regarded him, waiting.

Sighing, Burak leaned back on his heels. "I don't know and that is the truth. When we entered the cell to rescue you, she was gone."

"We will go back and find her." The statement was said with such conviction that it didn't leave any room for an objection.

Burak reached forward, holding out his arm. "I promise you, we will."

Taking the presented hand, Tyrel looked deeply into his eyes. "On your warrior's honor?"

"I swear, on my warrior's honor."

Indira doubted that the vow was sincere, but she bit her tongue for Tyrel's sake.

Rovannah stood back, watching the interaction of her son and Burak with great interest. She was fascinated by the bond that had formed between them.

"You look different," the boy said after inspecting the soldier's face up close.

"I guess it is from seeing me in broad daylight for the first time."

Tyrel shook his head. "No. It's your scars. They are disappearing."

Touching his cheeks in wonderment, Burak found that the boy was right. Turning to the queen, he asked, "How can that be? What's happening to me?"

"It's the spell. It must be warding off," Rovannah replied. "I told you that not only are your true memories blocked, but your appearance was altered as well. Here, so far away from the masked sorcerer's influence, the dark spell is losing its power. If you want, I could try now to break down the memory blockades that were installed."

"No, you need to rest more," Burak insisted. "The transportation spell has consumed almost all your energy. You are exhausted and will need what strength you have left to make it to Chitaan. I wish I could have found us a couple of horses. That would have made the journey quicker."

"We are going to Chitaan? Why?" Tyrel chimed in. "Mother, we have to hurry. We need to rescue Tanith!"

"And we will," Rovannah said, holding up her hands to forestall further outbursts. "But, we are not strong enough to defeat the masked sorcerer as it is, my son. We need allies. King Zaylan is gathering an army. He has built the Resistance and we will join him."

"You think he will help us?" Tyrel asked, skeptically.

"I know he will. Only with united forces will we be able to defeat the dark wizard and with the help of 'The Deliverer of Peace'," she added, smiling.

Frowning, the boy contemplated her words. "The masked sorcerer likes to call himself that. He also thinks he's the 'Chosen of the Spirits'."

Rovannah sneered. "Well, he is wrong. His reign of terror is soon going to end."

*****

Continued...