The road to Fenwell
A road to who knows where.
The road to fenwell lay north easterly, twenty eight rugged miles from the chapel of heronborn to the master of the lodge and his manse.
Behind the chapel of heronborn in the gloom of the night stood a wagon, in the darkening sky two moons are on the rise, accompanied by the haunting sound of an owl which in turn was joined by the intermittent squeaks of bats as they fluttered like shadows through the night air in their hungry aerial search for insects.
At the front of the wagon a shadowy figure sat hunched, watching as their small bodies, momentarily caught as black as black could be against the silvery hue of the disks that gave him the impression of watery pools. Such was his trance like state it would not have surprised him at all if their tiny wings had caused them to ripple, until his attention was drawn by the impatient snorting of the two horses hitched to the wagon.
The guardsman edminson, a very melancholic edminson at this particular moment in time, who had earlier discussed his plans for the coming journey with his close friend dovan, or rather what they would do afterwards.
These plans being the cause for his sadness, for he meant not to return, himself electing to take the dangerous route south and beyond the dorin mountains... the one route "they" won't dare to follow... he had told dovan.
Dovan was in full agreement as to why they would not follow, he remembered his words from earlier in the day... nor will I. He protested... I'll take my chances further north if that’s alright by you, thank you very much... He had blustered.
He sighed to himself... forty years of age and here I am on the verge of a new beginning, end maybes, what a mess, but what choice do I have... he mused cradling his head in his hands, all the while the lord rengars son, willum, lay snugly in the back ready for conveyance to the manse at fenwell.
Forty going on thirty most folks would say. Edminson had always looked younger, which he found very helpful when it came to the ladies, a shaved head and steely grey blue eyes and of average build he was considered to be a very good swordsman, though he had never been tested in a conflict nor had he ever drawn his sword in anger or defence, he was nonetheless held in high regard for the skills he displayed in training and in the training of others, he was also very handy in a scrap, as many a soldier or citizen will vouch.
Although he did not like being in the service of rengars, he had no say in the matter, he hated it, but on the other hand his life outside of his duties was ideal, as mentioned he had his way with the ladies, his social life and his hunting along with his beautiful house and grounds gave him all he could ever want, that far outweighed his tedious and resented work at the lord’s beck and call.
Be careful!..
Edminson almost jumped out of his skin and only just held back from firing off a few expletives on realising that it was none other than the lord rengars himself! Who, as it seemed, to appear from out of nowhere, stood looking up at him while leaning with his elbow atop the mud covered wheel.
...don't you go racing down that road... he pointed up the track... don't be in so much of a hurry, the most important part of this journey is that he arrives.
He then suddenly felt the dampness of the mud seeping through the sleeve of his coat, gently he tried to rub it clean and with a scowl looked back at edminson... safely! He almost snarled, then as if correcting himself, he forced himself to smile and lowering the tone of his voice whist stroking his chin slyly, he continued... so there is no set time, within reason. He wagged a finger and then sounding strangely alert... finless has been informed or should be very soon, long before you arrive, of his impending arrival and will reward you when you get there.
He rapped the side of the wagon with his knuckles and smiled broadly... as will I when you report back, these are strange days my friend and secrecy is the word.
Lord rengars then tapped the side of his nose... that is why I have chosen you, I know your heart is true edminson, stick to the road and stop for no one and nothing.
Edminson watched as the lord walked off and climbed into his coach and immediately sped off towards heronborn castle followed by three more carrying his less than happy “guests”.
I sure would not like to be in their place this night... he spoke under his breath.
No invitation then!
Edminson turned to find his friend dovan clambering up to join him.
Invitation? Haw I didn't hear any invitations this day, those poor buggers weren't invited dovan, uh, uh they were ordered and I don't envy them either.
You sure about this then... ask dovan, looking puzzled.
Why, you’re not having second thoughts are you?
No! Of course not, just checking is all.
Good, good because we have no choice in this matter.
Dovan nervously cleared his throat and spat over the side... as far as I can see we can take him to fenwell and come back home or do as we planned, that makes two choices if I'm not mistaken.
Wrong my friend, if we take him to fenwell then that will be our last port of call... edminson turned to look his friend in the face... EVER!
Yeah!
YEAH! I joke you not dovan, I joke you not!
What, erm I mean, do you really believe that?
Oh yes, yes I do, even more so now, listen, just before you turned up I had the misfortune of becoming our dear lord rengars friend... he looked at dovan who could only shrug his shoulders, giving him another dumb look
that's what he called me, his friend, he don't call no one his friend, he has no friends and wants no friends, all he cares about is lord rengars and he only wants providers, nothing else, no one gets close to him, huh that priest vinto will soon find that out.
He named you as a friend.... dovan’s face lit up like a surprised child.
He did indeed, when this man, this lord of ours makes his mind up he does so in an instant, my mistake dovan was to question him.
What you asked him something.
Yes, in the chapel.... he gestured with a twitch of his thumb to the rear of the wagon.... I asked him if the people think that he has been burnt then how we will explain his reappearance.
So! Tis a normal question to ask is it not?
So!... edminsons eyes grew wide.... first of all dovan, you do not question him, you do what your told, if you question then he suspects that you are second guessing him, you can think for yourself, your suspicious, and who would not be, eh! Sure he knows that everyone in that chapel was suspicious but they said nothing which showed that they would not dare breathe a word, mind you they have tonight to get through yet, and it would not surprise me if there were one or two who don't step out of that castle ever again, who knows if any will.
Oh come now edminson, they are the closest people to him they are land owners with many riches, some are even related.
Yes that is correct but you did not see the witch.... edminson blew on his fingertips.... It was none other than that kaleesha woman, now that is strange, things are heating up no doubt she was after revenge or she knew he.... edminson again jabbed a thumb to the back of the cart.... was making a return, then this other fellow turns up all dressed in black, as far as I could see he just came walking out from the shadows.
A witch man!
Eh, a witch man? Eh! Why… what… catching his breath he continued.... you mean a wizard don't you? He closed his eyes and shook his head.
Same thing isn't it, witch wizard whatever, they’re the same, sort of, in a way.
Man, woman, one is a, never mind, the place ended up in a right old mess, don't know how or what happened cos I didn't hang about, but anyway getting back to my “friend” I saw the look in his eyes when I foolishly questioned him, and then tonight he comes over to me saying to take my time and I will be rewarded when I get there and also when I get back.
What about me.... dovan almost shouted excitedly.
Oh yes, ha-ha you too.
Wonder what or how much we could, I mean would've got.
Are you completely mad or just not listening?
Curious is all.
We don't get rewards for doing a job we are paid for doing dovan, we were to be killed.
For doing our jobs.
Looking to the skies in despair edminson released the break and urged the two horses on and off they trundled.
Secrecy he, spoke of secrecy, all friendly like, tapping the side of his nose, hmm, know what that means don't you.... he looked at his friend.... well to me.... he smiled.... it means that I am not to be trusted, I have many friends not only in the guards but all walks of life who I might tell, that my friend is as good as an excuse as any to murder me, that is my reward, death is what awaits me, US!.... he corrected himself.... in fenwell, his son gets delivered and we simply fail to return, who knows there might be more to it than that, could we be the ones that shoulder the blame for “trying” to kill him in the first place only for the gallant young heir to take revenge on the road to fenwell thus paving the way for his miraculous return after an elaborate plan to uncover us proves successful!
Dovan jumped up and looked over the back.
Relax, relax it will not be him that would carry out the deed, that would be the job of finless and his men.
But why me, what have I done.
You’re my closest friend and we have not had the chance to talk to anyone else yet and so you are guilty by association, why else would he have selected you to accompany me, don't you get it.
A stunned dovan sat back and let the cart rock him as he gathered his thoughts.
Meanwhile in the back of the cart, rocking from side to side and lurching with the wagon over the uneven sun baked earth the body of the young lord, willum rengars begun to stir.
Slowly his bleary eyes came into focus to see the stars twinkling against dark sky high above him, confused he looked to the side and saw the two moons, one slightly higher than the other, the higher moon being slightly smaller, either that or it was further away.
Instinctively he remained still, as still as the cart would allow while wondering where he could be and why was he lying in the back of a cart.... am I supposed to be here.... once again he was drawn to the moons.... how can there be two he reasoned.... and rubbed his eyes, he looked again and saw that there were still two moons and against all self-reasoning he had no option but to accept what his eyes saw.... who am I.... he suddenly thought, horrified..... where am I, something is wrong.... he knew, just knew that somehow this was wrong, it just did not feel right, only he did not know why, just as he had a feeling of death, his death, should he be dead or was it just a feeling, a telling feeling of which he was sure of, and though he felt rather tired and drained he otherwise felt fine, after all he was seeing, hearing and breathing, but then his vision, just as it came, so it began to decline, first to a blur, then to grey and at last darkness once more swept over him.
Then in the dark peaceful silence he heard the far off sound of cannon, coming closer and closer, explosions, gun fire and the screams of men all around him, invading his mind and then suddenly he found himself up among the stars and all was peaceful.
Again he woke and was disappointed to feel the trundling creaking cart beneath his now aching weary body, unfortunately it had not been a dream and just as he was about to ease himself in to a sitting position he stiffened at the sound of voices....
Fifteen miles I reckon and then we offload him from a great height into the big river, no one comes out of the big river dovan, and one of his great granpappies found that out, that'll do for me.
Is this an order edminson?
Ha! You fool only yourself dovan, do you think for one moment that if we are caught they will wave you on because you were merely carrying out orders.... edminson scowled and then growled.... friend!
No, of course not, ha-ha, a joke but I will tell you this, I go south with you.
Why? Do you no longer fear the untamed south?
Oh I fear it, of course I do, but I fear the house of rengars even more and his tentacles, at least I hope, will not stretch to the south as they do through the north, I tell you that family will send us all to the fires of eternal suffering.
For sure dovan.... edminson replied slowly and grimly.... and I for one will not obey those of the dark side and send this world to oblivion, we can only pray that the gods will see fit to forgive me, our past, misdemeanours, sort of wipe the slate clean, so to speak'.
Yes a kind of a service to us, as a payment say, a reward.... edmondson gaped at his friend, although astonished he said nothing, but shook his head as dovan continued.... do you think it wise to throw him in the river, after all, what if he survives he will most certainly come after us, he is the undead is he not.
Fine then, you can slit his throat and I'll dig the hole.
Still, if it’s all the same, I mean if he can die by the knife he can die in the water also, we'll just carry on as planned.
Hmm, I thought you'd say that, don't fancy slitting his throat then.
Meanwhile in the back of the wagon and having pushed himself up on to one elbow the “undead” wondered.... are they talking about me.... he blinked his eyes and shook his head.... whoever I might be.... he added as an afterthought and then he felt the blood in his veins chill as he realised that they meant to kill him, or at least make sure he is dead.... my god I must get out of here.... again the voices.
Well the sooner we get this over with the better.
I couldn't agree more.... dovan replied, but he would have found it to be much more agreeable to just pull up and abandon the whole lot, horses and all.
Well!
Well what?
Dovan my friend if you think I will hold your hand for the rest of our days you are mistaken, boy oh boy, get in the back and make sure he can't go a tumbling out! Go on then, don't worry I'll wait till you get back.
Hearing the two men clearly he lay back down and closed eyes just as dovan came clambering over from the front.
All seems fine back here.... he shouted nervously.
Please, please.... he silently prayed while holding his breath, expecting the clumsily sounding dovan to step on or even fall on top of him at any moment.
You best check good and proper dovan old boy, you best make sure that there tailgate ain't on the loose.
Only terror stopped him from releasing his breath as he listened to dovan muttering about it all being so creepy as he stepped over him to give the tailgate a shake before checking the pegs and shouting back.... all seems fine an secure to me!.... and after a short silence... can I come back now, this is giving me the flimmin shivers so it is edminson.
Ha-ha, hurry up and we'll get this thing moving.
Dovan had only just sat down when edminson let out a yell.... YEEHAAA!
Followed by the crack of a whip, the horses whinnied, the wagon jolted violently taking dovan by surprise, only edminson reaching out and grabbing him prevented him from tumbling over the side.
Don't you go leaving me with that, that thing in the back ha-ha.
Thing!... confusion may reign but his instincts left him in no doubt of the danger he was in.... thing!... he repeated as he forced himself to his knees, crawling and tumbling to the back of the wagon where he came to a jarring halt against the tailgate, peering over the back at the rushing earth beneath he then glanced back over his shoulder and decided to take his chance, once more he popped his head over the back and again saw the ground rushing past before ducking back down again with his back against the creaking juddering wooden side of the wagon.... whew! How am I going to jump out of here safely.... stay or go? In all honesty there was only ever one choice and finally he plucked up the courage and decided that he would lower himself over, gently, a bit at a time, as low as he possibly could, allowing himself to drag along the ground before letting go.
Pulling himself to his feet he leaned over the back in search of a decent hold when suddenly and violently a wheel slammed down so hard on to an uneven part of the solid earth it sent one side of the speeding wagon thumping downward and then back up causing it to leave the ground all together before slamming back down again shooting him straight up in to the air, he watched as first the wagon and its two occupants spun in his vision almost instantly to the horizon ahead which turned to the black sky and its sprinkling of silver twinkling stars above and then the rushing earth below as out over the back he spun where he came to meet that earth, landing on the long grassy raised isle that lay between the two jagged, treacherous ruts where his continued motion along with the rushing ground took him tumbling over and over down the track where he came to a bruising rough and most fortunately a safe stop on his backside facing whence he'd came, he watched in amazement as the wagon sped off without him, and thankfully none the wiser with the sound of laughter breaching the cool night air.... we're flying now boy, we're flying, aha ha-ha!
He sat for a while, eyes fixed firmly on the fast disappearing wagon bouncing off into the darkness until cloud blotted out the moonlight and a sudden rush of wind came from nowhere, swirling over and around him, as if inquisitive, before passing onward as though in an effort to catch up, leaving behind a somewhat bewildered soul who as far as he was concerned was no one, as yet!
Thanking his lucky stars that he had escaped relatively unscathed and unnoticed he stared on as if he still watched the wagon in amazement and then shuddered as only now the presence of that wind registered.
On his feet, dazed, but not by the fall, his surroundings, where was he? Where does he go? Cover! He looked about him and all he could see apart from the road, which he had no intention of travelling, was forest on either side and without much thought he wandered in, suddenly throwing caution to the wind he began to run, he ran and ran with all his might, feeling his heart pumping faster and faster with every leap and bound as he avoided tripping on the uneven ground and fallen trees and branch's, fending off the branch's with his arms until inevitably his foot caught on a root sending him crashing headlong in to the undergrowth where he lay still for a few long moments panting, listening, listening, the sound of crashing and cracking wood followed by a grunting sound which sent a chill stirring through his bones, what is that, was he being chased?
Slowly he raised his head and as his eyes adjusted he saw what looked to be a man, a huge man, but no it was not a man, he had never seen such a thing it can't be can it, he lowered his head terrified to move and then he heard, "sniff, sniff, man sniff, I smell a man", in a low growling tone.
Poking his head up once more he saw that it was sniffing the air, like an animal would tasting a scent, holding what looked to be a dead dear by its scruff in one hand and a giant club in the other.
An ogre! My god an ogre, what has become of me I'm in a living nightmare!!!!!
The ogre turned his gaze and suddenly their eyes locked, the man and the ogre transfixed.... Ahh mankind.... dropping the dead animal the ogre lumbered towards him.... OOOOOOAAAAARGH! it roared at the night sky.
Scrambling to his feet he sped off in the opposite direction, instantly the thundering footsteps from behind told him that the monster of childhood stories was in close pursuit, looking over his shoulder he saw that it was closing on him.... my god where do I go.... he ran to one side and then to the other, zig zagging frantically but having little effect, except for the huge beast stumbling and skidding as it turned.... if it can catch a dear what chance do I have.... he thought, just then he heard an almighty crash and then a sploosh closely followed by howling and a frantic panicky splashing sound, he then found to his relief that the chase was no more, the ogre was nowhere to be seen and he fell to his knees gasping for breath, his heart pounding in his chest close to exploding, swallowing hard he looked above him, to the side and over his shoulders, then he heard a gruff voice.
Help! Help me little man kind.... followed by a choking sound. At last his breathing settled and his chest no longer ached he forced himself back on to his feet and was about to walk away but found that he couldn't.
Help little man I can't get out, please help morpha me means you no harm, morpha scared.... then he heard the ogre choking and spluttering, wiping the sweat from his brow he shouted back.... where are you?...
Walks back the way little man, please be hurrying....
keep talking so I can find you.... he yelled feeling rather foolish.
I landed in the sloop little man in the sloop so I am, please hurry cos am scared of dying and sloop swallows all so's it does....
In a short while he spotted two massive hands at the end of two thick arms sticking up just above the ground, both hands grasping at the thin air, he rushed towards them but stopped when the ogre shouted.... NO! NO! Little man take care for iffin it swallows you then I shall surely be swallowed too....
What! Maybe I should I get you out first and then jump in, jeez....
Why, what’s for.... the ogre did not seem to grasp his would be victim turned would be rescuers sarcasm.
Gingerly he edged closer and found the edge of the “sloop” and sloop he found, irrefutably, to be the ogre word for quick sand or rather quick mud he pondered.
At first his amazement and then amusement at his would be assailants predicament and his own luck allowed him a wry if not smug smile which soon turned to an expression of urgency at the sight of the ogres face, it was everything he could ever have visualised an ogre to look, but those captivating features were in real danger of disappearing below the surface.... how on earth am I going to drag that out of there.... he spoke aloud, the ogre staying silent, probably because its ears were covered as it held its chin as high up as possible.
Strange as it seems, I say strange because it was but moments earlier that he was running for his very life from this now helpless beast, he searched all about for something to aid him and finally he stumbled upon a fine sturdy limb of a tree which he dragged towards the sloop and its captive.... boy this had better do, it’s a tree in itself.... he grunted as he huffed and puffed, heaving with all his strength, until at last he found himself squelching as he neared the edge of the muddy trap, here he took hold of one end, lifting it up on to his shoulder he pushed it forward forcing it into the soft earth he continued to push and at the same time he moved along its length, shoving upwards until at last it was upright, taking care with his aim he pushed gently forward and watched with bated breath as it toppled, slowly at first, and then down it crashed to his delight bridging the “sloop”.
His attention now turned to the ogre but he could no longer see any trace of its face, he rolled and pushed the huge wooden limb closer to its hands and then jumped back as they instantly clamped around the rough flaking bark and watched nervously as the wood began to bow downwards as it strained against the force of the ogre pulling on it and then suddenly with a whoosh! The ogres head burst through to the surface spewing liquid mud from its mouth and wheezing.... thank thanking you mister man.
Yea sure.... he thought to himself... I must be really stupid... Before stammering... y you can get out now, can't you.... questioning his own sanity?
Ooh I can, does that so's I can.... the ogre dragged itself closer to the edge.
As soon as he was sure the ogre was safe he turned and ran, all the time looking back to see if it was coming after him.
He ran and then walked and ran and walked some more, eventually coming to a small clearing strewn with large boulders, walking among them he marvelled at their size, how did they get here, why were they not overgrown, the whole area was clear excepting a short mat of lush soft grass covering the ground all around, not a bush or tree grew in the surrounding area.
Finally he found past events had caught up with him and settled on a reasonably sheltered spot where he could rest up for what remained of the rest of that night. This was when he noticed for the first time, the clothes he was wearing, how, what he asked himself....
For in all honesty he had no idea what he should be wearing, it was just something inside telling him they were, well....
Pulling the silk shirt open and pulling off his boots and then pulling up his trousers he inspected himself for injuries and found nothing, not a scratch could he find and these strange clothes that he wore.... they are, I don't know.... he held his head in his hands and then ran his fingers through his hair from front to back and sighed wearily before lying down hidden among the giant boulders where he slowly drifted off to sleep.
As darkness overcame him he saw the stars high above, the sound of war, the familiar sound of war was slowly rising in his mind, the shots and explosions as plain as day and then suddenly all was silent, he found himself looking down on a field of destruction, a field that spread so far, much too far to see where it might end, he then looked up to see the clear blue sky and a feeling freedom, he rose, higher and higher, then looking back down he could see in the distance a marble sized earth surrounded by blackness.... this is it.... he heard a voice he believed to be his own, as he watched the earth shrinking into the vast blackness.... I'm rising to the heavens, it must have been some place in between, that monster, ogre, could it have been some kind of a test.... then he heard the sound of distant horns along with the toll of a giant bell being struck, both echoing with no gaps in the sound, he felt elated as he found it so beautiful and somehow reassuring, he looked up and then like a reversal of what he had just seen, there in the distance was a small marble earth, not the same, but another, of that he was certain but could not, did not have to know how he knew, he just did.
Though he had no body that he could tell of he felt himself turning and was now looking down at this other earth, fear struck him like an icy blast, panic stricken he looked above him for his mother earth but could only see the blackness of space peppered with stars, he tried to scream but found there was no way to do so, he had no feeling of wholeness just that of something, of emotion only.
I have only my mind.... he screamed silently, then more calmly.... is this my soul released from the body that once encased me....
Once more he looked down but now he found himself hurtling towards this other earth, bigger and bigger it grew, filling his whole vision, green brown and blue, green and then black.
He woke screaming and banged his head against the boulder he had somehow partly squeezed himself under soaked with sweat, holding a hand to his head.... good god a dream why oh why can't all this be a dream.... he cursed.
Bad, bad dream so it was....
Scrambling away from the rock he had squeezed beneath, he looked up and there in the dazzling sunlight leaning on the very same rock looking down at him was the ogre.
Nervously he looked about for an escape route but quickly decided that to run would be hopeless and instead surprised himself by demanding.... how long have you been here, did I not show pity, what is it you want!...
Since before you sleep.... replied the ogre picking his nose and then taking two deep breaths he sneezed sending a lump of snot through the air narrowly missing him.
Urgh! That's disgusting... he scowled forgetting his fear.
What be your name asked the ogre.
Eh, em, its alix... he replied with surprise.... yes alix that is who I am... more to himself than the ogre.
Hmm my, my name is....
Morpha! yes I know I heard you earlier.... alix replied as he recalled the ogres pleas.
I suppose you think morpha is bad....
Well you could say that, why did you chase me, were you going to... he hesitated and then blurted out… “Kill” me... then his eyes widened and he asked... you weren't going to EAT me were you...
No, hmm do you man folks say ogre eats you, that would be more man lies, morpha already had dinner, he stood up smiling, morpha stole a dear from the wolf pack...
I thought you'd have lost that chasing me, would've served you right...
Morpha go,ed back and finded it...
Alix looked over the rock... where is it... he asked searching with his eyes.
The ogre frowned, me eats it o course, it was dead poor thing...
Good grief this is insane, tell me em morpha where are we...
In the forest... he looked at alix as though he was stupid, his head to one side and his arms spread out.
Yes, yes your right, silly me of course, please, if you don't mind that is, why are you here what made you come here, to me...
Alix good man saved me from the sloop when alix feared me, good man so morpha protect alix....
Protect you say, em good, em, good er ogre, morpha good ogre, did you eat all your dear then... he asked feeling more than a little stupid.
Morpha looked glum and nodded his head and then smiled, still got’s one horn left... he held it up smiling broadly... alix can have a sook if he likes...
No morpha I don't think so, I didn't mean, never mind, tell me do you know if there is a town or a village nearby...
Many long ways away over the hills and through the valleys, morpha take alix some ways but not to nears, no mister alix too nears mean bad for morpha, man folk kill morpha, not many of me’s left...
So that's why you chased me, jeez I've got to find some help from somewhere, okay morpha, over the hills and far away I guess, shall we go...
So off they went the man and the ogre, the ogre as it turned out a very welcome if somewhat strange companion, alix convinced that he himself was in fact dead and was trapped in some sort of never land that was so beautiful but apparently just as violent had decided to take things as they come and just get on with it and was not in the least surprised when after three days travelling, they had settled down for the night he was later woken by a whisper in his ear, wake up alix wake up!
Alix cautiously turned on to his back where he stared up in to the branches and leaves above him and then checked either side, but saw nothing, no one and decided it must have been part of a dream and closed his eyes again.
Alix wake up alix...
Again he opened his eyes but this time to see a thin trail of fading stardust just above him and then in the corner of his eye, the flutter of a small winged creature, not a creature as such, this creature had a face and it was smiling.
Is this a faery... he muttered and then looked over to see morpha snoring with his mouth wide open with flies buzzing about his head.
Shush, be quiet I come to warn you alix of the danger you are in, tis alix within but not alix without, you tread the earth were most would not, you must find kaleesha... the fairy searched about her for prying eyes and unwelcome ears... only her seat lies at the heronborn hills, the elves seek you alix but if they find you who will they think they have found! trust none... she looked across to the ogre... he is safe, thanks to you, you showed your heart with this one alix and that can only bode well... and with a buzz of her wings she sailed in to the night sky to join up with others who darted to and fro as though waiting impatiently, where they exploded in a bright white light before shooting off, leaving a sparkling trail that flickered out behind.
As the days past the fay became but a memory and then a dream, almost as if it had never happened and before long it was pushed, not purposely, to the back of his mind.
As they were sat on the top of a rocky hill morpha pointed in to the far distance towards more hills and mountains... man folk, man folk over that way.... and counting his fingers... one, one, one, he stuck the finger he was counting with in his mouth thinking as alix watched... ah and one... nodding his head with a huge smile on his face seemingly quite pleased with himself... that be how many big hills to them.
I see... said alix... one, one, one, and one... he repeated realising that he meant four and looked out across the distance where saw quite a few hills and what looked more like mountains and sighed... you mean the big ones don't you.
Only big ones count, little ones not big, but morpha go as far as one and then one, me not going further, many bad men over there.
Alix smiled and for the first time in days the fay came to the fore of his mind... do you see much of faeries and the like in these parts morpha... still not sure of what he had seen.
Faery people left long, long time ago but some say they are coming back and even seen some, I hope they do.
Why.
Silly, cos that means things be getting better, any’s ways I think the elf's folks’ will come back and help all the good folks’ and creatures and thingies and ogres. Them folks’ where you go tried to kill all the witches in the world so they did, oh and the wizard folks’ too, tut, tut now the lands are ill and them from the blackness have taken over the magic, don't knows what they wants it for but it won't be for good things mister alix, no mister alix it won't...
Morpha fell silent for a while and as alix watched him he thought him so sad, morpha turned to him and said.... don't go to them alix don't go to them’s nasty folks's across there, you stay with your friend morpha and no bad folks's will come and harm you.
Despite his anxiety alix decided to carry on towards the villages and towns that morpha tried constantly to dissuade him from.... if those men on the cart come from there, they will get you.... he warned, no sooner had morpha finished his warnings alix grit his teeth in pain as visions flashed through mind, but were they his, a large domed ceiling echoing to the sounds of chaos, another flash and he saw the the top half of a man with his arms raised... ahh... another blinding flash splitting through his skull and the man was replaced by a women who seemed to be caught in a swirl of some kind looking down from the domed ceiling, another flash and another vision, this time he was being carried, the domed ceiling passing above him, bump, bump he could tell but not feel or hear as he descended down a set of steps and then along a dimly lit lengthy corridor, flickering torch light after torch and just as he sensed the light becoming brighter the vision slowly began to fade and then dissolved all together ending in darkness with an echoing voice.... but vinto he is not normal, this may be the body of willum rengars but it is not he who resides in it… In it… In it... It... It...
Urgh.... alix arched his back in agony as the darkness inside his head lit up with another terrific flash, but this time no vision as darkness instantly followed with the pure silence of peace.
He later opened his eyes to the motion of gently bouncing along and watched as the ground passed below, his head swaying from side to side and it was only when he looked up that he realised he was laid across the ogres shoulder....
Whoa morpha, whoa, put me down, put me down will you I'm okay, let me down morpha.... and then he felt the world turning as he was sent sailing from morpha's shoulder and landed on his back with a thud.... harr-harr-harr... Morpha crowed as he bent over him with his hands on his knees.
Alix come awake again, tut-tut alix really do sleep too much me thinks.
Sleep, sleep did you say, oh yes right, I see, well thanks for carrying me morpha, I mean was there any need to... alix frowned thinking, lord he's babysitting me now... well I hope it wasn't too long a sleep... he added as an afterthought.
Uh me not sure how many longs a man sleeps mister alix but you sleeped all the day gone by.... he held up a thick finger and then holding up another finger on his other hand.... and the day of today.... he held his arms out and looked to the setting sun on the horizon... Is not long more to go! and, and, em goodly gum what do I say for that one he scratched his head... ahh, night!
What you mean I was out, I mean sleeping all day yesterday last night and today... he looked to the horizon where morpha had pointed to behind him to see the sun was slowly slipping down behind the hills... Good lord all mighty, it must have been those flash's and memory things, dreams that did it, I don't know... he turned and looked morpha up and down, not entirely convinced of his interpretation of one day leading to the next.
Morpha pursed his lips and leant forward with his hands on his knees... dreams, dreams, oh hmm, you do many dreams mister alix, shouting and shouting and, and a wriggling so's you did.
Yes well that's what happens huh quite a lot it seems... alix picked himself up and rubbed his shoulder... it seems that I'm mixed up in something my good friend morpha and I think your magic people, the faeries and such have a wee bit to do with this mixing.
Hmm I be thinking like that, them faery folks's telt me in the night to turn back, but I says no, no cos mister alix here says tis kaleesha he seeks.
Did I.... alix could not remember saying that he sought anyone in particular and then switched his thoughts.... hang on a minute there morpha, did you say you saw the faery folk.
They twinkled above so's they did, missus faery comes down and says, no, you no take him to tenizar he will die before he is truly born.
Lord I feel sick, why is this happening, how, why is it I am here?
Cos you come to helps mister alix you come to helps.... the ogre leaned his head to one side looking sympathetic.
Have I.
Yes um, you not knowing just the now, that's all.
Kaleesha you say.
The ogre stayed silent and pursing his lips again looked all ways excepting at alix.
Yes of course, the other night, when you were sleeping, a, a, jeez I can't believe I'm saying this but here goes, a faery came to me and spoke of this kaleesha, but I never once said that I was going to her or him.
You be drawn that be how they know.
What or who is this kaleesha.
She be a she and she be a witch.
A bloody witch... alix screwed up his face.
Has been bloody yes, but has been cos she need to be, for the good so's am telt.
I don't want to go to see a witch, no way, what the hell do I want to go and see a witch for.
Why do you be here then mister alix... the ogre wagged a finger, comically alix thought.
What! This is meant to be? he shook his head not entirely in disbelief.
The ogre spread his arms out wide and turned looking at the sky, and then bent down and said.... here! why tis it that you be here, faery woman say you come from far, far away when the skies bumped together with other skies and then put you here, she say some other be here too, but no say whereabouts.
Is that so.... alix wandered a few paces from morpha.... could that dream not be a dream, did I leave one world for another.
Faery says so's.
Well then let’s find that witch woman, at least take me as close as you dare.... he managed to force a smile.
Alix again smiled as the sun finally dipped from view behind the distant horizon, why the smile?
You may well ask.
Could it simply be the beauty of the sun stained sky or is it the fact that he is actually witnessing such an event and as night surely follows day it tells him that life goes on and another day will surely follow this coming night, and here he is, alive!
Looking down from a lofty perch atop a mighty hill, he watched as a shadow crept steadily along and across the land like a curtain shutting out the day... “What will tomorrow bring”... he asked himself... “what will the night bring”... a voice deep in his mind answered, suddenly filling him with an urge to look back, and taking a long deep breath through his nostrils he expanded his chest so far that he was sure he could hear his ribs creaking in protest, and held it until he was no longer able to resist his bodies protests or ignore “that” urge any longer, he at last exhaled and turned to look behind him where he witnessed the darkening roof of the world, pressing down a feeling upon him, a feeling of unease that seeped into and travelled through his sense's, appearing to mock him with its heavy almost claustrophobic presence as it too spread from the opposite horizon, as if reaching out to embrace its ally far below to become one with each other and engulf his very being and all others in a world of shadow.
But soon those ominous feelings that had sought to invade and smother his newly found positive outlook began to fade, just as the glint of twinkling shimmering silvery and yellow stars that somehow seemed to smile, smile without the evidence of any action at all, caught his eye and so erased that emptiness, the fear that had threatened to envelop his very being, his being becoming even further imbued when at once he returned his gaze back to the hills far ahead, where lighting up the gloom he saw what he likened to an orange halo, which had formed along the horizon cast by the hidden sun which also threw up a series of long thin shafts of golden spears, as if held aloft by an invisible force in defiance!.. Nature’s very own crown... he whispered, looking back at the shimmering stars and back again at the crowned horizon with a feeling of hope... hope for what?... he did not know but it was there!
* * * *
Alix looked down to see morpha had long begun the descent and he was almost halfway down to where the hill levelled out for some hundred yards or so.... where did the time go.... he wondered, hurrying to catch up he leaped and bounded downwards and only realised his mistake when out of control he found he could not slow down, gravity came in to play as he accelerated and inevitably found that his legs were unable to keep pace, he found himself tumbling, head foremost at first, skidding over the tussocks of grass and the shingle that lay between, his legs involuntarily rising up backwards towards the back of his head as the momentum took him over, feet first on to his back where this time he did not skid but bounced, bounced upward, or was it outward, he could not tell, but on he bounced and after every bounce the longer it seemed that he was falling through the air leaving him unsure of when the next contact would occur, or if it would again not quite sure of which he preferred as he tensed himself for a shuddering collision it did not come, only to cruelly shoot pains through his body when unexpected he crashed back to earth and as the night air whizzed past he could not make head nor tail of his surroundings, with an oof and an ahh, which alerted morpha who stopped to watch in amazement at the sight of his companion hurtling by, and as he progressed down every contact made brought with it the small but self-explanatory grunts of complaint, which became all the more frequent as alix came closer to the bottom where the hill tapered out to meet the small grassland shelf that fortunately for alix separated this particular mountainous hill in to two separate inclines.
At last his body stationary but his mind and sight still to catch up alix lay staring at the whirling night sky for a moment and then as his focus came into line he laughed... ha-ha what's keeping you!... he shouted and rose to his feet, surprisingly none the worse for his jaunt, but what did surprise him was the sight of morpha trundling down towards him, his legs tucked under held tight by his arms with his head safely tucked in, thundering along as a boulder would, whooping and hollering all the way until finally coming to rest but a few feet past alix, where he rose and stood proudly, hands on hips and a huge beaming smiling face.... harr-harr-haaarrr! he bellowed heartily.... alix very tricky me thinks.... and then grunted as he forced a finger so deep into his nostril that alix thought he was going to end up popping an eye out.
And so they continued, uphill and down dale, through the wooded valleys and o'er the next horizon to ford the streams and rivers that flowed through the vast open meadows that nestled between the hills and mountains in a never ending wonderland that alix found so endearing that he would not be too disappointed if it never did come to an end, and all the time never encountering a living soul.
Morning came just as night fell and each new day more glorious than the last, coming to life with birdsong welcoming in the first rays of light filling an already re-energised and eager alix with a mystifying feeling of wellbeing, with a deep yawn he stretched out his arms in the warm morning sun and scanned the area about him when the sound of a small rock fall caught his attention, he watched as the small stones that had come loose from the rocky slopes above tumbled down to pass harmlessly by, he scoured the rocks above looking to see what might have caused the disturbance and not so far up saw a shape disappear between the larger rocks.
Morpha! Morpha!
Green is the prime colour of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.
Pedro Calderon de la Barca
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