Journeys: Are Not Defined To Have An End

“Journeys are not defined to have an end, by their very nature, they wind their way through time, connecting together until the next one begins.”

“A journey begins with a forward motion. There are events that bind one to the other, they may twist, turn back onto themselves, until they connect again. It is not a trip but a series of moments and events that connect together to determine a series of outcomes.” 

When Jerad arrived back at the camp the girls were both sitting up at the fire getting to know each other. He had heard their hushed tones. He heard an occasional giggle as he neared their location. He traveled along the path through the woods from where he had left Gerald to ponder his future.

He did not say anything to them at first and went to the water’s edge to clean out the pot for later. He would need to take Gerald some dinner as promised. He then headed into the main camp. The girls both looked up at him, neither speaking but both with questions on their lips.

He sat down on a large rock next to them. Jerad began speaking, “Gerald has had a hot breakfast, some water, and a heavy dose of reality. I have begun the process of allowing him a chance to find redemption. You know for his bad actions and thoughts.”

Jerad continued, “Not for you, not for me, but for himself. At his core, his heart, he is not a bad person. He is much like a child who’s overwhelmed. He has no good parents to guide him towards understanding how to deal with the conflicts he feels within him. You know those of truth, half-truths and lies.”

Kristyna spoke first, “I cannot forgive him for hitting me like that and treating me so roughly.” Jerad responded, “He knows. He spoke about you. He is not looking for forgiveness but in time he will hope to discover redemption.” Not for you but for himself so he never makes a bad decision like the ones he made here.”

Elyana then asked a question, “Why did you spare him, that was not his intent for you?” Kristyna looked up at him to wait for this response too, “I am not an angel of death or grim reaper as some have described me.” “For every person who lost their lives on the field of battle, there were many that I showed mercy to. They live on to tell the stories.”

“It’s not in my nature to be who I am perceived to be” “It was not of my choosing that I became what I am.” “The gods were at play here and I am only now beginning to gain a glimpse of what that destiny is to be.” At that Elyana looked away. She stared off into the woods surrounding the camp site as if stung by a sudden revelation she had not seen before.

Kristyna reached out to touch his forearm. She then said, “You are one of the most compassionate people I have ever known. In not only practice but a life lived of honor, but you also live it in everything you do or say.”

She paused but a moment and continued. “Your actions and words are not false empty promises as I hear from so many I have met. It is a way of life for you that permeates every action and thought you have. It is a truth of living and death, that you have come to understand like no other living person I know of.”

Jerad smiled at that and spoke. “Thank you, Kristyna, I will always remember you. Believe me, someday you’ll find that someone. A special person who will match your love for others and make your life complete.” Elyana turned at this understanding that Jerad had taken. The first step in letting her know that where he went, no they went together, he believed did not include her.”

Jerad was looking at Kristyna whose eyes had begun to tear up. He then asked, “Elyana are you ready for some more training?” She nodded and stood up to walk to the site where they had trained the day before. Jerad then said to Kristyna, “You will always be a part of my heart. Should you ever find yourself in need of me, let me know and I will come.”

Kristyna then said, “You know I wished it could have been more. But now I understand it was a stopping place along your road to something else.” “Promise me you’ll take good care of her; I sense something already growing between you two.”

Jerad tried to respond but she reached out and placed her fingers on his lips and said, “No, please don’t. I will always remember you for who you are not what they, others see you as. I thank the gods for our time together.” Jerad then got up and headed in the direction Elyana had gone to begin the training session for the day. Kristyna watched him go, went over to her tent, and rolled into the furs to cry herself to sleep.

Elyana was practicing various exercises of the sword. She was trying to loosen up and strengthen her muscles. She moved through several routines her father had taught her. Jerad watched her on his approach. Jerad allowed her to complete her warmup and then without asking attacked.

Elyana was faster this time in her response. She turned and planted her position while turning sideways to lesson what she exposed for him to hit. His attack was faster this time and came in rapid succession. There was a series of sharp cracks from the echo of the wooden swords meeting each other. Jerad continued to snap his sword against hers. She knew that this was being done in hopes that it might wear her down. At least that is what she sensed.

She kept her composure though and continued to look for an opportunity to gain an advantage. This continued for a minute or two. It was then she thought she had identified the pattern he was using and where an opening existed.

She watched him send a flurry of swings left then right then left and left again. She observed he would lower his target to try and get at her legs again. Then he would break a minute take a large swing meant to disable her and return to the beginning.

She pressed her advantage when the time was right, she thought to herself, “I’ll get you this time.” “We’ll see how you feel to be stung.” But within that second of movement. He had slipped his position to the side. She lost her footing extended forward farther than she would have done if she had contacted him. With her extended position in motion. Jerad slipped his training sword to her shins, and she began to tumble forward to fall flat on her face.

Yet before she hit the ground, she felt herself stop. He had knelt and slipped his arm under her. He caught her beneath her breast but above her stomach. He was being careful of the stomach injury she was still healing from. He rolled her over and laid her on her back on the ground. He sat down beside her allowing her to catch her breath. Elyana then began to laugh, and Jerad chuckled at her reaction to it all.

Elyana then said, “You know, you are something. I’ve never seen anyone who was so hard but so gentle.” “There’s not another person on the face of Riannon that is like you. Your one of a kind for sure.” Jerad responded, “I’ll take that as a compliment.” He chuckled and said, “You did good, but you became too confident in your ability to gain an edge on me.”

Jerad paused then continued, “Your need to show me up became your driving goal.” “You must learn to test whatever advantages you believe you’ve found. But never commit until, you are sure. Never commit immediately after a test.” Jerad continued, “In life you must learn to mimic the dance of the sword.” She asked, “What do you mean by the dance of the sword.”

He paused a moment and then replied. “Have you not noticed. That swordsmanship is like watching or participating in a complex but simple dance?” Jerad thought briefly, then continued, “It is complex in the way you have to expect what the next moves might be, but it is simple in the action of the movements themselves.” He paused again, then said, “It is also a series of tests. First this way then that until you understand in what direction to go that will benefit you the most. Life is that way as well, we learn through a series of testing movements until we find the one that works.”

She smiled at him and nodded that she believed she understood what he was trying to teach her. They both stayed there, her lying down resting with her head in the sand. He sat next to her watching the late morning sunlight play with the colors of her hair.

Jerad then asked, “Can I ask you something personal?” Elyana responded, “That depends on what it is.” Jerad then paused and asked, “Why is your hair so short?” “It has the most wonderful array of red and silver colors. I’ve never seen anything like it before.” Elyana found herself surprised at this observation. She then responded, “You know, you amaze me sometimes.”

Elyana then began speaking, “It was them, my keepers when I was captured. My hair was long and flowing at that time. They cut small sections off to try and break my will down.” She paused, thought a moment then continued, “I watched as each small section fell to the ground around me.”

Elyana frowned then continued, “I would not give them the benefit of seeing me cry. I sat there, and they butcher my hair each day for over a week.” She paused and Jerad did not respond at first. She continued, “I asked one of the jail servants to please sneak in a razor to shave my head. One of them, did so but would not do it herself, but left the razor for me.”

Thinking she said, “I saved it off during the night. When they returned the next morning to continue their torture, they were so mad.” She continued, “I can’t say any more about that time now, someday, but it hurts to remember what came next.” He nodded and said let’s get back to camp and check on things, we need to begin planning for our departure.”

He got up and pulled her to her feet. She surprised him then. She placed her hands on his shoulders, stood up, leaned into him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.” She then turned and walked back towards the camp. He watched her as she departed and began to follow her thinking, “What a rare treasure this Elyana is.”

Jerad arrived back in the camp but a minute or two after Elyana. It was good that there was this separation of their activities for now. At least until it was necessary to be bound by the hip due to a change in coming events. He had a sense that interest in her was about to intensify even more. Especially, once Alonar delivered his message back to the counsel.

When he arrived back at the camp. Elyana and Kristyna were already talking about something. He gave them some space. Decided to patrol the island a bit to ensure that nothing unseen would force them to change their plans. He made his rounds. He went in concentric circles that overlapped with each other in their pattern. He was methodical to a fault when it came to scouting to ensure nothing unseen happened. He used the time away from them to finish up his thoughts about their plans for leaving the island.

Jerad thought to himself, “He did not trust the Lian now that Alonar was loose again thanks to Gerald. Although, he did read respect in Alonar eyes once he knew who he will dealing with. He had also determined he should be cautious the next time they met. He knew not to be so willing to be confrontational but rather use stealth to gain the upper hand.”

He paused and contemplated something and then continued with his thinking, “Unfortunately, Alonar had determined his fate a long time ago. It would not be in his nature to give up. Even when faced with overwhelming odds that he might not survive. In fact, he was sure they both knew the next encounter between them would not end well for Alonar.”

Jerad continued with his inward thinking, “Part training, part bad choices and who knows what hand the gods had in this. He was sure that their influence was being felt now in the events that were taking place. He could sense it now and everything that had happened up to this point. Once he became involved with Elyana everything changed.”

He completed his scouting and headed back to camp. He figured the girls had enough time now to get to know each other a little better. It should make the next conversation go easier. He walked into camp and they both turned at his approach. He sat down on one of the logs and asked, “You two ready for some planning?” They both nodded yes and so he began.

“I have a place further south near the border area with Anyathlion.” Both girls raised their eyebrows at hearing this name. He noticed their reaction and had expected it. He continued, “We’ll use it as a base to supply, rest when needed, and plan our next moves.”

“It is quite remote, no one else knows about it or ever comes within ten miles of it.” “It is easy to defend if needed too.” They both nodded to this. He then looked at Kristyna and asked, “Have you decided what you’re going to do next?” She paused a moment, “Try the south areas of Riannon. I’ve always thought about opening a shop there in one of those cities close to the ocean. They are full of opportunities for establishing a new life.” She paused, “Who knows, could get lucky and bump into someone like you.”

The reference was not lost on Elyana nor Jerad. Jerad responded, “I am sorry this did not work out the way you had hoped.” He continued, “You deserve the very best.” He reached out and touched her hand. He squeezed it to emphasize how much he cared for her. Not in the way she needed and wanted him too though.

Kristyna then said, “I would like to stay with you both until Elyana recovers completely. When I leave to travel to my new life. I need to have a clear consciousness, that I did everything possible to get her better and to full health.”

Jerad nodded agreement and then said, “We need to begin to ferry supplies over to the mule and horse.” He continued, “I will get both of you some horses that can make the trip once we’re on our way. I have a friend who raises them where we can pick up what you both need.”

Kristyna asked, “What are you going to do about Gerald?” I will begin stocking supplies for him to survive here until he is well enough to travel.” He continued, “Don’t forget his leg will keep him here for a while yet.” Kristyna then said, “You know he’s a pretty good tracker, is that going to be a problem?”

Jerad grinned and said, “No, Gerald understands that if I see him within ten miles of where we are. My assumption will be that he’s taken the path away from redemption. That he is willing to pay the price for that.” Both girls looked down as a reaction to this but didn’t interrupt. Kristyna then asked, “Can you do me a favor? You won’t like it.” Jerad responded, “What is it?”

Kristyna said, “I need to talk to him one more time, it may help him to make the right decision.” Jerad thought, “Only under the following conditions. I take you there and back, I will stay there while you’re talking, and he stays tied up.”

Jerad then said, “This will help him to control himself around you. To not give up his chance at redemption.” “This protects us from having to deal with a bad decision on his part.” She nodded in agreement. He then said, “okay, its best that we get this over with now.” Kristyna nodded her agreement. She sensed that there was no room for negotiation with him on when to go to Gerald.

They both began walking, turned to see if Elyana would be okay with what they were planning. She said to both, “I don’t trust this Gerald, although I know you did at one time Kristyna. I am glad that Jerad is going with you to be insurance that he behaves himself.” Elyana didn’t look too comfortable with it but nodded her agreement. She sat down to busy herself with some work around the campsite.

Jerad turned toward Kristyna and said to her, “let’s go, follow me to his location.” They arrived but thirty minutes later. As they came into the camp area where Jerad had taken Gerald the anxiety within Kristyna grew. She now wondered to herself if this was a good decision on her part.

Jerad turned and made Kristyna stay while he went over to talk to Gerald. He told him that she had come and wanted to speak to him, but Jerad would be close by. He asked him to please consider what he would say to her if anything at all. Gerald did not look comfortable with this as Jerad felt he would have preferred not to see her again. He sensed he did not want to remind himself of how poorly he had treated her.

Kristyna walked over to where Gerald was. She knelt to speak to him at eye level. At first, she said nothing but looked at him. Their eyes met and it was then she saw and felt the shame and hurt he felt for what he had done to her.

She finally opened a conversation with him and spoke. “I was your friend Gerald. I don’t know what came over you to treat me in such a rough manner. But I can never forgive you for hitting me so hard and treating me so roughly.”

She paused a minute and then said, “What Jerad has done for you was more than you likely deserved. But you should consider the gift you’ve received from him. Make your life stand for something other than yourself going forward.”

She knelt there a moment longer as her tears began to flow over her still bruised face. It was then she saw the tears form and begin to run down his large ruddy cheeks. She then said, “I will take that as your acknowledgment of your guilt. Try and become whole after this is over and make your life count for something.” She stood up then, turned and walked away back to camp without looking back even once.

Jerad had watched the whole thing. He thought to himself, “He knew that it had taken a great deal of strength for her to get through this and even more to walk away and not look back. They had been friends. It is not easy to lose the trust of a friend. It is also not something that is easy to gain back once it’s lost if ever.”

He left Gerald there to think about all that had just been said and happened. He told him before leaving that he would return later with his meal and water. He then walked in the direction that Kristyna had gone to return to camp.

Once back at camp, he looked at Elyana and she pointed to the tent. He could see the closed flapped. She told him that she had returned to the tent and had not come out since. He turned towards Elyana then and asked, “Ready for some more training?” Elyana smiled, stood up and walked towards the area where they trained each day.

Once Elyana was out of ear shot. He turned toward the tent where Kristyna was and said, “I am going to train Elyana some more. We will be close by if you need us.” He began to walk away towards where Elyana had gone when Kristyna opened the tent and stepped out. She ran towards him, stopped, turned, leaned into him, and kissed him on the cheek. She then said, “Thank you Jerad, thank you for everything.”

With that he turned and headed towards where Elyana was. She was likely beginning to practice. When he arrived at the spot, she was moving through a routine with the two-handed wooden sword he had made for her. Jerad thought, “Her father had taught her well and would be very proud of his daughter were he still alive. “

She didn’t stop when he arrived, so he picked up his training sword and stepped right into her routine. This time she was ready and parried his blows. He injected several rapid swings from different angles to test what she had learned from him.

She handled them all well. He stopped her at this point by grabbing her wrist when she was ready to submit a blow at him. He took her training sword from her and said, “A change of pace today, he handed her two training long-knives.”

She looked up at him in surprise. He responded, “You need to prepare to use whatever is available. There may not always be a two-handed long sword around.” He continued, “I saw you practicing your routine. Now I want you to shadow me for the two-handed long-knives.”

He paused to see if she had anything to say. She took the two long-knives from him. She made a few swings with them. She observed the quality of the craftsmanship put into the length, weight, and balance. She smiled at this and said, “whenever you’re ready.”

Jerad told her, “I will begin with some simple movements, but it will get complex as the practice continues.” He paused, she nodded, and he said, “Try and see the changes as they come. Remember what I’ve told you. Sense as much with your connection to your opponent as your sense with sight.”

He then reached out, placed his hands on her shoulders and said, “Look into my eyes, say nothing and be ready to begin.” He raised her head to where she was looking at him. He probed her eyes with his and waited until her breathing was steady and even.

Jerad began and the two of them began a dance of knives that was unlike anything she had ever experienced. He took her through a series of more difficult moves and measured her pace with his. To an onlooker, they would have thought these two must be a mirror of each other. For with each movement, they emulated each other’s moves with perfection. Jerad and Elyana continued like this for another fifteen minutes.

Elyana thought to herself, “This is exhilarating. I’ve never experienced a form of fighting that felt so intimate.” The routine ended and she cried out in elation, “I’ve never felt so alive” She paused, “not in a very long time. Yahoo…”

Jerad smiled and asked, “How are your wounds, are they bothering you as much?” She said, “At first they hurt. But, once we started that routine, I never noticed it. It was if my spirit had been transported to another place. A place where all the bad that had happened before didn’t exist anymore.”

He responded, “Good, that’s enough for today.” Let’s go sit and talk for a bit if you don’t mind. ” She said, “Let’s go, and stuck her practice knives on the rack he had made to hold all the practice weapons. They walked down near the water’s edge and sat on the bench. This was one of her favorite places to come. She loved to listen to the water flow and ebb.

She also loved the smell of it. The breezes flipped back and forth between the water’s edge. The light scents of spring flowers swirled through the air. There were a mix of flowers that grew on the island and those coming across from the mainland.

They both sat there in silence for a while. She broke the silence first, “Jerad! I want to let you know; I appreciate all your doing for me. I don’t know that I could do this without your help. I guess what I am trying to say is that I like you and thank the gods that you are my guardian.”

He turned and looked into her eyes, “I don’t know where our journeys will take us. But I am thankful I will be taking them with you.” She blushed at this, “I am too!” The silence returned to the space between them, and they both let it continue a while longer.

Jerad finally said, “Time to get back to camp. We must start loading the boat with supplies. Tomorrow around lunchtime we’ll all take a trip back. I can get you both outfitted with some new horses for the journey ahead.” They both rambled into camp again. Kristyna was busy cooking something up for dinner. Jerad asked her, “Will that be a while, we need to get some supplies ferried over to the hunter’s camp.”

He saw her flinch at this thought, ” On second thought, Kristyna why don’t you stay here. If you can help us load up the boat, Elyana and I can handle the rest on the other side.” She then said with her eyes cast downward, “I need a little bit more space before going back there again.”

Jerad came over and touched her shoulder with his hand. “It’s fine Kristyna, there is no shame in not being ready to confront that yet. The amount of trouble that has come our way lately, has been like standing in a rushing river. We were all frozen in it waiting for the flood waters to overwhelm us.”

Kristyna reached up and squeezed his hand and said, “Thank you both for understanding.” Elyana then walked over and put her arms around her and held her. “I will never be able to pay you back for what you did to save me.” She continued, “Take all the time you need.” She paused and looked up at Jerad, “Or, at least up until we need to leave.”

The day finished without any incidents. Jerad had already visited with Gerald, adjusted, and dressed his leg injury. Took him an herbal remedy that would help to dull the pain so he could sleep better. He returned to camp to find the girls talking away about their childhoods. He thought, “it was good to see them getting along so well after all they had gone through recently.”

He walked off to the area of the island where the bench was. This was where he and Elyana came from. To spend time together after training sessions near the water’s edge. He sat down and began thinking about the days ahead. It was about thirty minutes later that he sensed something, a presence getting closer.

He had not recognized it at first and then he looked up at the night sky. There amongst the stars was a large outline of something hovering. He whispered, “Drako si, kiu estas el mia animo kaj sango” in the common tongue meaning. “Dragon, you who are of my soul and blood.”

The shadow in the night sky responded, “Amiko, mi vin agnoskas.” Translated to, “Friend, I acknowledge you”. The shadow began its decent and landed with a soft splash in the water nearby where he sat. Jerad stepped forward; it bowed its massive head down. Jerad reached out to touch it.

Upon his fingers touching its head there was a link established between their two souls. They began speaking but not through their physical voice. But rather a direct link between two souls bound by the blood they both shared.

Jerad spoke first, ” I have not seen you since the days of the border wars.” He paused and continued, “I take it your visit here foretells of trouble ahead.” A voice responded, “I am not here of my own accord.” “I am but a messenger.” Jerad responded with the respect this creature required. “Who sends this message that requires one such as yourself to deliver it?”

He then heard and felt the response deep within himself. “The mother of dawn and light has kindly asked for my help in this matter. She said it was important to deliver it with two souls whose beings were of the light.” Jerad paused and then responded. “Tell me, why is it that the gods are taking such a personal involvement in this girl?”

It laughed at this, he felt it as it rolled like thunder between them, “It is not only the girl but both of you.” Jerad stunned somewhat by this, “You mean the two rings made in separate places?” The response was absolute, “Yes, the same.”

Jerad paused again and thought, “I sense great discourse ahead.” The other said, “When is life not filled with discourse?” Silence grew between them for a moment. Jerad sensed the other was waiting. “You’re not telling me everything I need to know, are you?” The other said, “She is coming, you will need to let her join us.” Jerad reached out now with his senses enhanced by their meeting on this other plane of existence.”

He then said, “Are you sure about this? The other said, “it is necessary for the prophecy to fulfill.” “She will not see me, I am in shadow, she only sees you looking out beyond the lake with your hand pointing outward.”

Elyana came up to Jerad and reached out to touch his outstretched hand. It was with this contact that she was immediately bound to them both. She became stunned to her core by this sudden shift of perspective around her. When the transformation of binding her to them was complete. She gasped with surprise and asked, “Jerad, where are we, and what is this place?”

Jerad spoke, “We’re joined soul to soul. There is no physical restriction to our language anymore.” She paused a while, “I sense something else here with us. Jerad I am scared!” Jerad sent an emotion of love to her that she felt deeper than anything else she had ever experienced. It was a connection of absolute trust between them.

He said, “Welcome to the Amino, aligu al nia kunigo, pork e ni estu kiel unu” She shuddered, “What?” Jerad responded, “Soul mate, join our union so we may be as one.” He then said, “Elyana d’Abernon let me introduce you. To Drako del la steloj, Dragon of the Stars.'”

With that the other’s presence removed herself from shadow. There standing in front of them both with its head bowed and with Jerad fingers reaching out to touch it was a dragon. Jerad then said, “Do not be afraid Elyana, she is who saved me so many long years ago.” “She had come to speak to both of us about the future, our future. She needs to deliver a message from the mother of dawn and light, Aurian.”

Elyana said, “I thought that they had all passed beyond the stars.” “No one has seen or heard from them in ages.” Drako de la steloj spoke to her, “You were not meant to see us, there are few of us left to see. I would have traveled beyond the stars if not for my tie to this one’s destiny.” A quiet reference to Jerad. She then said, “listen, my time with you is short.”

The Dragon of the Stars began, “There is a battle that has existed since the early days of creation. It is the balance between the light and the dark. The good and the bad. Life and death and then there are that which exist between the two.”

The Dragon paused but then continued, “It is rare in any age that the balance does not wobble back and forth. But every so often something may try and influence that balance for the worst. It is at those times that the difference between them becomes a focal point. That it often manifests itself in your world as war.”

The Dragon of the Stars paused, waiting for questions. None came so she continued, “Listen, feel, and learn.”

When she finished, she sensed the tears that rolled down their cheeks. She enclosed them with her massive wings. A light grew amongst them that filled the dark with the brilliance of day. Jerad and Elyana felt the transference of something to them. It flowed to them as each felt it different. Yet, also between them as well.

She then said to them both, “Both of you blessed now. Not only the mother of dawn and light. But by all the gods that would see the coming darkness crushed and the balance returned. Know also that I Dragon of the Stars have named you both with one name. “Unu vero, unu lumo” “In your language. ‘One Truth, One Light.” May it give you both strength when all other truths have laid bare, and you need hope to guide you through.”

“Look to each other, for your strength comes from your bond to one another. You will both not see me again until near the end of your journey.” With that she spread her great wings. She broke off the connection and vanished into the night without a trace.

They stood there together holding on to each other. The light that the Dragon of the Stars had left on them still lit up the area where they stood. Elyana tears still ran free, and Jerad reached out with his fingers and wiped them away. He pulled her close and kissed her on the forehead.

He then said, “let’s sit and talk. Tell me what you’re thinking right now.” They both sat down on the bench nearby. Where they had been spending time in the days before getting to know each other. Elyana took a moment to compose her thoughts. She then asked, “Jerad, please tell me of what happened? How did you and she became dragon blood or in old Liandish, “Ramaloke Serek?”

Jerad responded, “You must read a lot of books. I have never met anyone so fluent in so many different areas of knowledge.” Elyana smiled at this and spoke. “Thank you and yes I will tell you about that someday but you’re avoiding the question.”

Jerad sighed, “It was during the border wars. The battle of ‘Riftdion Lagoon’ was won by the free territories at that time. I was scouting the parameters of the battlefield. I then heard the clatter of steel against something hard. Then a loud voice boomed, “You shalt not win against The Dragon of the Stars” “I will smite you all”.

Jerad then said, “I don’t know why I did what I did to this day. But the dragon was surrounded by a hundred enforcers. There were also other men that were mercenaries they had hired.” “I charged into them. Before fifteen minutes had passed twenty-five of them laid bleeding out.”

I had hoped this would put fear in them, but I was wrong.” “There was something going on there. Something controlling their fear and keeping them in place. Regardless of the wounds they had received from her, or those new ones received by me. They would not move from their position.”

Elyana continued to listen. “I jumped off my horse and stood there in front of the dragon as she towered in height behind me. “We both waited but a moment. Then the whole of the Lian and mercenaries came against the two of us. They move onto us like a flood overcoming a lone house that stands in its way.”

Jerad continued, “As they washed upon us. I moved through them with both long knives. I cut a swath through their ranks so I could be free of the madness that had come upon us.” Elyana asked, “What happened then?” Jerad responded, “The dragon seems to come to life after seeing me make a defense for her. She saw how many already laid dead.”

“She cried out in the language of the dragon tongue, ‘Morta vento’, meaning ‘Death Wind’ in the common tongue.” “With that she flew up and burned the rear third of the Lian enforcers.” “They exploded in place, never stood a chance against such a force.”

Elyana paused but a moment, and then she asked, “Jerad what happened next?” He then responded, “The battle continued for another thirty minutes.” When done, “Only the dragon and I stood on that ground alive. All others had perished either by my knives or her jaws, talons, and flame.”

Jerad paused and appeared to be in pain. She took notice of it, and asked, “Are you okay? If this is too much…” Jerad said, “No! let me finish, I need to tell you.” “I turned to face her, she bowed her head to me, and I reached out to touch it in reverence and respect to her.” “It was at that moment that my wounds overtook me. I slumped to the ground.”

“I told her, thank you for allowing me this one final battle of honor.” It was then I had realized I had received injuries that were mortal.” “I then collapsed onto the ground completely.” Jerad then said, “After 3 days and nights I awoke surprised to be alive. I sensed many of my wounds had healed. The dragon was still there. looking down at me.”

Elyana asked, “What happened then?” Jerad replied, “I sat up and looked at her. She lowered her head and waited for me to place my hand on it.” I could sense that is what she wanted me to do somehow.” “I had already noticed that my sense of the world around me seemed extended somehow.” “I reached out and upon touching her she began to speak as she did to both of us today.”

Elyana asked, “What happened next? What did she say to you?” He paused a moment and then began. “She told me that in the long history of dragons there was no record in dragon memory of a human defending one of her kind, ever!” “She asked what moved me to do what I did.”

“I told her that there were things in my past that I was unwilling to speak of at that time. That it was all those things that came before that had made me the warrior I was. That defending the innocent and insuring justice was my creed, my testament of life.”

“It did not matter to me whether you were human or not. I told her that I had done the same before for others. It matters not whether you were human, Mer, or creatures. If I saw you were in trouble. That the odds might overwhelm you I would come to your aid.”

He paused but then continued, “I remember she chuckled at that. If you can call what a dragon does a chuckle. She said to me, “the gods have been busy crafting you. For no one else could or would make a claim to defending the weak as you have.”

Elyana looked at Jerad with a different light of respect. As if she had learned something new about him that explained some of the questions, she had about him. She then asked, “please continue.” Jerad then said, “After I told her that she spoke and said, ‘You were willing to give your life for me. It is why you are still alive today.”

I asked her how she had saved me, she said “Your blood and mine are now intertwined.” “You share the blood of the ‘Dragon of the Stars’. ‘I share the blood of the ‘Warrior who served in the name of justice’. ‘You must sense by now that everything has changed, you will never be quite human again.’

She paused then asked, ‘Does that disturb you?’ Jerad told her, ‘No, but what does that mean?’ She thought, then said, “You see the lone tree at the edge of the forest about a mile away?’ I responded, yes, why? ‘She said get up, move there as quick as you can and back again and cut off a branch while there and bring it back to me here.”

I stood up, and then I readied myself, I snapped into action. In less than a minute I had covered that distance of a mile and back again with a branch in hand.” “I was not winded; it was if I had separated out of this world into another and back again while traveling.”

Elyana went silent after hearing all this, she contemplated what all this meant for him, her, and them both. How it fit in to the prophecy of the two rings. She then said to Jerad, “What and how is what happened different? For I sense something has changed. Not only with me but with you again and with the both of us together?”

Jerad thought about this for a moment contemplating the best way to answer her. He then said, “The ways of the dragon are not always clear on the surface. Sometimes it takes an event, or a trigger to discover what change they have made to us.” Elyana said, “You mean we may not know until we are in danger or something else occurs? Something that would cause that change in us to manifest itself?”

Jerad responded, “Yes, exactly.” What I had learned when she first explained it to me. One of the changes that was clear immediately after recovering. Was nothing compared to what I learned over time. Time helped me to discover new layers of things I could do. Feats of abilities that were not possible by anybody else.”

Elyana began to tear up again, “I am scared Jerad, I did not ask for any of this.” The anger was beginning to swell within Elyana. Then she spoke with force, “What gives her the right to do this to us? What gives the gods that right to force us down a road we might not have ever chosen for ourselves?”

Jerad responded, “We appear caught up in something larger than the two of us. Something that will impact many, many more.” He paused then said, “We are pawns in the games of the gods, and only time will tell what it means and what its cost will be to us.”

Elyana began to weep in earnest now, “She cried out into the night sky. “I want to live a normal life, why can’t you let me live a normal life? You took my childhood away from me, you made me run to stay alive, you now do this to not only me but to others. When will it stop, what will happen when it does?”

Silence returned to the glen where they sat alone along the water’s edge. The only thing heard was the sounds of her gentle weeping. “Jerad moved by this, reached out with his hand to grab hers. She held on tight as if he was the only anchor, she had left in this world.

In time Jerad stood up and pulled her up as well saying, “we need to return to camp and get some rest.” She nodded, and they both walked off with her still gripping his hand, afraid to let go. They returned to camp. Kristyna looked at them and watched as Elyana went to her tent and laid down to fall into a deep sleep.

Jerad came over to sit near Kristyna at the fire and asked, “How are you, everything okay before I turn in? “Kristyna responded, “What about you and her, what happened out there? I saw this bright light by the lake appear out of thin air. It looked as if the sun had fallen to the ground and was lighting up the place. I couldn’t move, frozen in place, I couldn’t even run, not understanding what was taking place. “

Jerad paused and said, “I will tell you about it in time. I promise before we leave to go our separate journeys you will know.” She nodded then said, “Jerad, get some rest, I’ll see you and Elyana tomorrow. With that he rose and went to his bed, slipped into it, and fell fast asleep. Kristyna did the same and so the night fell into silence.

The Dragon of the Stars watched over the campsite that night. She understood the weight of the message she had delivered to these two. She hovered in a sort of stasis she had created with her magic. She then reached out to another, “Are you sure about this? It is a heavy burden to place on any creature, let alone those sleeping below.” Aurian responded, “It must be so, the power of the prophecy is now ruling the outcomes of us all.”

Aurian paused but a moment in time then said, “We must see it through.“ Drako, de la steloj nodded, “We will see it to its end as you so command. You know I trust in you. So let it come to pass, the Age of The Two Rings.” With that silence fell upon the night. The heavens turned towards daylight and another day.

The next couple of days passed with everyone at the camp helping to prepare for the journey ahead. The ladies had taken the trip with Jerad to buy some horses for them. The journey ahead was too long for walking there. They may need the horses anyway if they find themselves pursued. Which he expected they would be. If not immediately, then in time for sure.

In fact, they were likely to find themselves pursued with extreme prejudice. Once the high counsel received the message, he gave Alonar to delivery. They would not be happy. He had continued training Elyana each day. He forced her to react with different weapons during the same fight. Trying to discipline her to react based on her opponent and what they were using.

She had not shown or expressed any newfound ability due to her time with him and the dragon. He could tell this was something she worried about, so he decided to talk to her about it to see what he could learn. Jerad thought to himself, “It’s best that she does not keep the power of that much emotion corked up in her. It wasn’t healthy and would not contribute to her recovery.”

They were in the middle of a complex set of moves. He invoked the dragon blood to move in the blink of an eye behind her. He grabbed her wrist and disarmed her afterwards returning to his original position. Before she could even react to a series of not too lady-like words for him. He smiled and grabbed her hand. This had the effect of relaxing her a bit.

He said, “come on, we need to talk”. She nodded without saying anything and walked with him over to the bench. She appeared hesitant to be here. As this was where the event with Drako, de la steloj, Dragon of the Stars, had delivered the message to them. It was also where she had transferred some type of transformation to them. Still, he insisted they stay here and talk.

Jerad let her tensions settle down a bit before turning towards her. He said, “Please relax and enjoy yourself. She is not here and if she said not until the end of our journey will we see her again, you can count on that being the case.”

She sighed, tried to relax a bit. Then looked out over the lake beginning to appreciate the beautiful day before them. He turned to her to say, “I can see that your distracted by your concern that nothing happened. That it appears that there is no change due to the blessing and gift from her.”

He paused and waited for her to respond, Elyana looked away and thought. Minutes later she turned back towards him and said, “Your right, I am not comfortable with the thought that my… our lives are so changed and influenced by choices made to us vs. those that we make ourselves.”

Jerad continued to listen without comment. She continued, “I don’t know what to expect. It’s like I’ve lost control over my own destiny Jerad!” “What right do they have to do this?” she said in an exasperated voice. Jerad waited a moment, then spoke to her. “Elyana, you’re trying to put their motivations and desires into human terms. They are not human; we are speaking about deities and dragons.” Elyana thought about this for a moment then responded, “We don’t have any choice in this do we?”

Jerad responded, “We have many choices in any given day to decide a lot of things. But there appears to be this thread that binds us together in a much greater world. A place where our destinies have already been determined. If not us than someone else will come along to help the gods achieve their goals.”

Elyana appeared to be adjusting herself mentally to her fate. A single tear rolled down her cheek which Jerad caught. He then kissed and placed his fingers on her mouth saying, “I am here for you, we will take this journey together. Lean on me whenever your strength falters.” With that she leaned her head against him, and they both sat there on the bench starring out across the waters.

Jerad finally broke the silence after what seemed like a long time had passed. “It’s time for us to leave, let’s get Kristyna and get both of you across to the camp. I’ll come back and complete things with Gerald and return so we can be on our way. Elyana stood up and they both walked their way back to camp.

Kristyna had been waiting as she knew it was time to go after all their discussions and planning. Everything was on the boat ready to go. Jerad said, “Elyana, get on with her and let’s get you two over to the camp. I need to get back here so I can finish up with Gerald and get back. We start today on our journey to the border area. He unmourned the boat, pushed off and it slipped off into the water. The sail raised, and Kristyna took the helm and began to steer the tiny boat towards the hunter’s camp.

It took them less than thirty minutes to make the trip as they had a good wind behind them. Once in the camp. It was the first time Elyana had the time to see the cairn and memorial of honor Jerad had built. She observed that around the hunters were the armor and weapons placed with care. He had positioned them to stand as if guarding the site of those they had killed.

Kristyna had noticed her looking at it and walked over to her, grabbed her hand, and pulled her to the site. She said, “Come on Elyana, I will teach you an old song we can sing for them. They will like it.” Jerad watched them both walk off. He smiled that Kristyna had taken back on the role of caretaker with Elyana. That she had done it without anyone asking her to. He then jumped off into the boat to return to the island.

It was time to free Gerald to take care of himself. In time he would return to the mainland to continue with his own journey, wherever that might take him. Back at the site of the dead hunters and the cairn. Kristyna began the song and said to Elyana, “please join in whenever you can with me.

Elyana listened in silence as Kristyna sang it alone at first. Something moved her though. She raised her voice and joined in the song. Her voice sang out like crystal drops flowing through the air. The two girls continued through two more repeats of the song. It carried loud and clear across the lake and reached the ears of Jerad. Near the end, they could both hear him singing back to them,

The girls heard his clear voice roll over the water to join theirs in the final farewell to their lost friends. As they shared the last verse in honor of their lives well lived. The silence returned, Jerad in the boat made his final approach to the dock. He arrived back to spend his final time with Gerald.

He made stock of everything in the camp then went to the part of the island where he had been caring for Gerald. When he arrived, he appeared to be waiting as if he knew it was time. Jerad walked over and untied him completely this time. He told him to take some time to get up and move around and stretch. He gave him the walking stick he had made for the big man.

It would help provide support until his leg finished healing completely. Jerad then said, “Come on, follow me back to the camp.” Gerald followed him back to the empty campsite without speaking a single word. The fire was burning, the stocks were full. A single tent with provisions for any type of weather stood there ready for Gerald to use.

Jerad then turned to him and said, “You have a gift, don’t throw it away. Take some time to allow yourself to heal and determine your path forward from here. I am leaving the boat for you. You can return at any time, but my recommendation would be to wait until you’re completely healed.”

Gerald said in return, “Thank you Jerad for everything you’ve done. I won’t forget that you showed me grace and let me have a choice at redemption. How are you going to make it off this island?” Jerad smiled and said, “I have transportation already arranged. Don’t you worry.” Jerad then spoke to him. “Your choices will make what you do with your life. From this point forward, something that others will sing or curse. It’s up to you, no one else.”

With that Jerad turned to walk away. He did not go towards the shore but inland towards a rise rising up out of the center of the island. Gerald watched him in silence as he walked away. Saw him walk to the top of the rise. Then to his complete surprise what appeared to be a large shadow enclosed around him. He vanished into thin air.

Gerald would never be able to explain it. Later, once he was better, he made the trek several times from the campsite to that hilltop. He would trace the footsteps that Jerad had left. He saw them for a while in the sand but all evidence of anything had vanished at the top of that rise. It was as if something had spirited him away into air.

Jerad was back on the mainland in, but minutes and he said his goodbye and thank you to the Dragon of the Stars. She said nothing else and vanished into thin air again. He walked down to the campsite where the girls were waiting for him to return in the boat. When he popped up behind them and said, “Ready, let’s get going.”

Both ladies stood there stunned. They had turned around to see him standing there with the biggest grin either of them had ever seen him express. He said, “The winds were promising.” He laughed with such a contagious laugh that they all began to chuckle together.

He then said as he mounted Princess Ali, “I’ll explain it to you both sometime.” He turned his horse with the mule following behind. Elyana coming next with Kristyna bringing up the rear. They moved into the woodlands. The trees and plants swallowed them as they disappeared like they were never there. Silence returned to the land.

They had been traveling for several hours now. Jerad knew they were nearing a campsite where they could recover for a while. They were still three days away from arriving at Anyathlion and the safe house he was taking them to. They had been winding their way up a switchback trail for the last hour when Jerad stopped them.

He motioned for silence and both the girls dismounted from their horses. He signaled for them to leave the horses where they were. They went back up the trail a bit where there was a separation in the rock facing. It would allow them to move out of this long thin defile they were currently making their way through.

Once they were all back where he wanted them to be. He had them take up a defensive position and he signaled he would be moving ahead to do some scouting. Both girls felt that the message from Jerad was he had suspected there was something amiss ahead. He would likely see what he could do to take out the bite before they moved forward again.

Elyana and Kristyna both prepared for a possible defense. Kristyna was preparing her bow and arrows to lay down a barrage of fire if need be. Elyana was preparing to defend Kristyna. Especially if anyone was to break through her arrows. She had her long knives out.

She loosened the strap on her long sword. She began to think about how they might approach, how she would handle each group that came at them. She had learned a lot and listed to what Jerad had been trying to teach her. She hadn’t forgotten what she learned through all the long training sessions. There were also the talks that came afterwards.

It seemed like only minutes that Jerad was gone. A wave of mercenaries and enforcers came rushing at them. They came from the heights down to the woods. They were growing thinner as they had reached higher elevations.

Kristyna already had her bow in hand. Her mind was evaluating the speed of each person coming at them. She was determining who would fall first. Elyana was there to feed Kristyna arrows and if need be, jump out to cut down anyone who got to close.

As the first target reached the point of release. An arrow flew with deadly effect from the bow Kristyna held. It hit the mercenary with such force that they flipped over to fall dead. Her bow was already pulled to its fullest measure again as she released it to down the next person. It was a matter of a few short minutes and six mercenaries laid dead from her arrow fire.

There was a slight pause. The enemy appeared to have been measuring their ability to defend the position. With a sudden bark of commands. The next wave came, and the numbers increased by several fold. There was no time to react, so the girls continued their routine. The enemy position had gotten closer. It was enough so that Elyana was getting ready to pull her long knives from their sheaves. Her muscles were ready to spring into action. There was a sudden flash of steel and a blur of motion that went along the front line.

They had crumbled to the ground bleeding their life out in front of them. They all had a look of shock on their faces. Then Kristyna took out another three. Then the next line crumbled again after a flash of movement along the length of its line.

It was in the middle of this that Elyana sensed more than heard a party of enforcers coming at them from behind. They had reached their position when Elyana sprang into action. She met them with such ferocity and speed that it felt as if she was watching herself from outside of her body.

She had thrown a withering number of strikes at them. They began to fall before the onslaught. She had anticipated their moves before they could muster to defend themselves. They fell to the ground either with mortal wounds or already dead.

It was several minutes later that it was all over. There laid eight mercenaries and enforcers either dead or wounded on the ground. Not a single blow had touched Elyana or Kristyna and all the enforcers were either dead or close to death.

It was at this point that Jerad came back with the captain of the enforcers in front of him. His sword point stuck in his back ready to strike him down. He and the captain arrived back at the girl’s location. Jerad immediately noticed the enforcers had tried to sneak in from the rear. They were all lying dead or almost dead on the ground. It was eight of them in total.

Elyana stood there with her bloody long knives pointing down. Her hair full of the shine of sweat from the effort she had expended. Jerad said, “Well done, guardian!” “Is everyone okay here?” Kristyna responded first, “yes we were both uninjured thanks to you and Elyana.”

Kristyna then continued, “I can see your investment in her training had paid off in full.” Jerad chuckled at this statement, and said, “Elyana has been a great student.” He turned towards Elyana then and said, “We’ll talk about this later.” She nodded to acknowledge that she needed to.

Both girls asked him at the same time what they were going to do with the captain. Jerad said, first we need to get moving, we’re changing our plans so for now he comes with us. Jerad tied the captains’ hands and then told him. “I will leave your mouth uncovered so you can breathe easier. But if I hear a peep out of you that will change by your own choice.”

The captain nodded and so he tied him to a rope tied off to the mule’s saddle. They all jumped upon their horses to continue their journey. Jerad took them by a different route to a lower elevation. Then through a very dense part of the wooded land until they came upon a clearing. There was an old campsite already set up with several lean-to. A rock boundary existed on three sides and there was only one approach to it.

The girls looked around and knew why they were there. It would be very difficult for any kind of sizable force to come at them. He sat the captain down. He then asked the girls to begin the meal. He jumped back up on Princess Ali to head back to the battle site to check and make sure they weren’t followed.

To his surprise he did find a forward scout looking over the battle scene trying to make sense of it. Jerad had come up behind him, within a split second he had his weapons disabled. Jerad had placed his knife at his throat. The scout said nothing at first. Surprised by the speed in which this had happened.

The scout then asked, “Who are you and what happened here?” Jerad responded, “Two good questions. But you’re not exactly in the position of the inquisition, are you?” The scout responded, “No” and went silent. Jerad pushed him into a sitting position. He then sat down in front of him and measured who he was.

Jerad then asked, “You’re not with them, are you?” The scout responded, “No, I was scouting ahead for some merchants. They need to deliver goods down to the villages and towns on this side of the mountains. I stopped when I came upon this battle scene.”

He chuckled, and then said, “Of course I am not sure I would define it as a battle.” “It appears to have been very one sided. Although I can’t explain how so many died falling in an almost perfect line. It’s as if they were all struck near the same time as each other.” Jerad paused; “they knew what to expect. Although, I am not sure their leaders told them the whole truth.”

The scout then said, “My name is Lightfoot. I had heard of someone such as you from my grandfather who fought in the border wars.” Jerad said, “Go on.” Lightfoot then said, “He would tell us all stories of a man. It’s rumored at some time in the past, his life became blessed by one of the last dragons.”

“It’s said that he stood alone to defend this dragon from the oncoming wave. It’s ranks were swollen with a hundred Lian enforcer soldiers and mercenaries.” “My grandfather told us that as a gift for standing to fight for it, it saved his life. That this changed him in ways no one knew.” “My grandfather told us, his grandchildren, that he was the Dragon Blood.” “He said he was not human like the rest of us and could move faster than the wind.” Jerad asked, “Anything else?”

Lightfoot thought for a moment. “They, being most of the soldiers back then, called him the Weapon’s Master. But it’s said that only somewhat described him.” “My grandfather said he himself had his life saved by this man once. It was back during one of the bad battles. He told us that every one of his family owed him a debt. That it might not ever be repaid, no matter how many years and generations had passed.”

Jerad felt himself surprised by this last statement. “I remember that battle, I remember a soldier who had fought with ferocity and honor. He showed mercy when he could but delivered death with equal measure.” Jerad paused, “I remember at some point though the enemy had determined he was too great a risk to live. He had ordered a second wave to move against him and that no man should come back without his head.”

“It was then that I moved and saved him. I remember he was a man of honor. He thanked me for what I did. He had told me his debt was a blood debt and if not him, then someone else in his family would someday pay it back. Or at least in part.”

Lightfoot then said, “You’re not supposed to be alive anymore. Everyone said that you had died because no one had seen you since the close of that war.” “My grandfather said it was not so. That he believed he was still out there. That he would come back again once the world was in danger, that he was a guardian to us all.”

Jerad smiled, he stood up and pulled Lightfoot to his feet and handed him his weapon back. “Tell the merchants that they should wait another week. These paths will not be safe until then. As it will take that long for them to be convince there is no sense in patrolling these woods anymore.”

Lightfoot then said, “Thank you Dragon Blood. For I would not be standing here today if not for you saving my grandfather all those year ago.” “I will never forget this meeting with you. When I return home, I will tell my grandfather even though he is old and his life slipping away that I met the Dragon Blood. That I came upon a field of honor. There I thanked him for saving our family.”

Jerad paused, walked over to the field of the dead, picked up several swords and then found what he was looking for. He examined the weapon for weight, balance and quality of the metals used as well as the construction. He then closed his eyes and began drawing out runic symbols in the air between the blade and its grip. Lightfoot watched on in growing amazement as the air around the blade began to glow.

Jerad then began to speak a language Lightfoot did not recognize. “Arcnisss, Bensvelk, Faesto, Fraereak, Ixin, Isk.” As he spoke the air around it grew into a blinding light. As he continued to move his hand along its edge it’s blade began to glow and then burned with a bright burning light.

He stopped then, looked over his work and waited for the blade to cool. As he did so he created runic symbols that embedded themselves into the blade. Once done he walked back and handed the sword to Lightfoot.

He spoke to Lightfoot, “Take this weapon, it is now changed, it can cut through anything, any armor stone or wood.” “Its name is Brightstar.” “But beware Lightfoot. Use it only for good, if ever you try and use it for dark purposes it will turn against you when you need it most.”

Lightfoot asked him, “what were the meaning of the strange words you spoke? I have traveled the lands and learned a great many languages but did not recognize that at all.” Jerad looked at him surprised at the layers to this newfound friend. “I spoke to it in a language almost as old as the beginning of creation. It means the following,

Lightfoot stood there lost for words, he could not believe the power of those words and what it meant to him. He then spoke to Jerad, “I will carry it with honor and be sure never to use if for dark purposes.” He paused to look down at the blade and how the sunlight sparkled off its edge. When he looked up again Jerad was gone, he was nowhere at all. As if he was never there.

Jerad had determined it was time to get back. He had accomplished his goal. He had come upon a chance meeting with a descendant of someone he had saved some time ago. He smiled at this as he walked back into camp.

The girls were busy with dinner and preparing the campsite for the evening. He said, “Those sure smell good.” They both smiled at him. They both said we hope you’re hungry. Then he looked at the captain who was sitting with his hands and feet tied.

Jerad responded, “Is it ready?” They said in about ten minutes it would be good to go. He then went over and sat in front of the captain. The girls were watching him as they both were curious where this was going to go. Jerad looked at the other for a while, saying nothing, doing nothing.

When the captain said, “Why don’t you kill me and get it over with.” Jerad broke his silence, “Would you prefer that I do that?” The captain responded, “Isn’t that what you’re going to do anyway?” Jerad shot back, “I never said anything about what I would or would not do at all.” Jerad then said, “Are you passing judgment on yourself?”

The captain seemed unsettled by this conversation, “No, I would prefer to be home with my wife and children.” Jerad said, “Well that possibility is within your power. But the choice will be yours so be careful how you answer things going forward.”

The captain went silent. He watched this man who had disabled the larger part of his company along with two girls. One he didn’t know and the other who had once been a slave under one of their generals.” Jerad began by saying, “I am going to ask some questions, you need not say anything more than yes or no to each one.” The captain nodded then Jerad began,

“First of all, did my message get delivered to the high counsel as requested by me?” He responded, “Yes.”

“Second, your company’s attack was their response?” He responded, “Yes.”

“Third, are there more companies looking for us?” He responded, “Yes.”

“Fourth, is the general and his special forces looking for us?” He hesitated, fear clear in his eyes, “Yes.”

“Fifth, did they tell you why this girl was so important to them?”, He replied, “No, but everyone knows a little.”

“Sixth, what is it they know?” He replied, “That she was a personal project of the general. That when she escaped, he was so angry that he killed the whole household. Everyone working for them at the time and stuck their heads on posts outside his base of operation.”

“Seventh, do they know who I am?” He paused again, “Everyone thought you were dead; the general wouldn’t have anyone speak of it.”

“Do you think I am dead?” There was real fear shown in his eyes now, “No, I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years.” “My grandfather who fought in the border wars saw you in action once. He would tell us stories of this warrior of justice who could cut down enforcers as if they were children.”

Jerad said, “I will take you somewhere tomorrow morning early, and let you go, “What you do with this gift is up to you. If I were you, I would go home to my wife and children and move them if needed? To come after me again would be dangerous to your retirement.”

Jerad then loosened the rope on his hands and handed him a bowl of stew and some bread. Eat and when you’re done, I am going to tie you up for the night again. I’ll make sure your covered to keep you warm until morning.

He then went off to sit with the girls. They were both trying to think of what to say after they listened to this conversation. The curiosity of Kristyna got the best of her first, “Jerad, how old are you?” Jerad responded, “why do you ask?” She answered, “All these men, they all talk about their grandfathers who had fought in the border wars. They were young men then; I expect you were too.” She paused and then spoke, “Yet you are still young, at least everything about you says you are.”

Jerad said, “Is it a curse or a gift? I have not aged since she saved me. At least not in the same way other humans do.” Elyana was listening to all of this. Jerad could tell this realization about him bothered her. He turned and said to her, “We’ll talk on this later.”

He then finished his dinner, took the dirty dishes from the captain who had finished off his meal. He went off to wash them in a nearby stream. He returned and had the captain stand up and go walking a bit with him to get the kinks out of his muscles. He told him it would help before he had to bind him for the night.

Once he they done walking with the captain. He tied him up again for the evening. He turned towards Kristyna and asked, “Do you mind keeping an eye on things. He looked over at where Elyana sat but Kristyna grabbed his hand and pulled him down. “She has feelings for you, please be gentle with her.” He nodded that yes, he would.

He walked over to Elyana, tapped her on the shoulder and asked, “Will you go for a walk with me?” She turned around with tears glistening at the edge of her eyes and said, “Yes, I would like that.” She stood up and they both walked outside the parameter of the safety of the camp.

Jerad knew where he would take her. He grabbed her hand which she did not deny. They walked up a trail towards a ridge where the moonlight and stars shone down. When Jerad and Elyana arrived at the top of the ridge, Jerad pointed to a large flat stone. It looked like a giant had carved a bench out of it. He walked over to it and waited for her to sit down. She came over hopped up onto the large flat stone.

He sat down next to her. They both looked out over the vast woodlands around them. They could see down in the valley that they had traveled up from earlier in the day. There was silence for a while and then she spoke, “Its beautiful up here Jerad. Thank you for bringing me here.”

Jerad remained silent. He was waiting for her to open about the questions he sensed she had surfacing in her head. All they could hear was a quiet breeze. It rustled the leaves in the trees. The sounds of the night animals were all around them. They were making their way through the woodland. Elyana finally said, “Jerad, I am scared.”

She then said, “Yes, I know I keep repeating that to you, but that’s only because it’s so and I am hoping someday it won’t be.” He reached out with his arm to pull her close to him. He could sense her trembling. “The power of the blessing is beginning to manifest itself in you. I told you that many times it took some trigger. An event of some type before these special abilities became activated in us.”

Elyana then said, “I felt as though I was moving outside of my own body. Like I was watching a performance on stage from the seats below.” Jerad said, “Yes, it is similar for me, but I have lived with it now a long time and so I don’t even give it a second thought.”

She responded, “They never stood a chance. I was moving through them as if they were leaves blowing in the wind.” “There was no fear, no emotion to it, only action.” Then silence fell between them again. A few minutes later she said, “I’m uncomfortable with this detachment. It’s as if I am forced to take another’s life.”

Jerad responded, “Why is that you believe I always pay my respects. Build a shrine or cairn in dedication to those whose lives I took. It is so I remember that I have taken someone else’s life.” He continued, “Yes, they would take mine if I had not taken theirs, such is the way of war.” “Without that, I would feel less human less compassionate.”

Elyana listened to the breeze for a moment. She then responded, “Is that why there’s always at least one person you show mercy to?” Jerad responded, “Yes, and if possible, I would do more. In all the time I have been fighting, I have grown an extra sense about people that I come up against.

I can sense the truth within their heart. I know if they are a good person by nature forced into taking lives to survive or an evil person who enjoys killing.” “He then said in time, if you look for it, you too will be able to determine, if is something you want to.”

Elyana continued to listen, “Killing or injuring another is not a choice I make on my own. I am forced to do it in reaction to how someone else chooses. If you notice, you’ll never see me strike first. It is always in reaction to someone else’s choice.”

She squeezed his hand and said, “You’ve given me something to hold onto. Something to consider of how to cope with this kind of stuff, that’s happening to me.” Elyana then reached out and turned his head to look at her and asked, “How old are you Jerad?” He responded, “How old should I be, or how old am I actually?” Elyana said, “Either one.”

Jerad thought for a moment about how to respond to this. “I am only four years older than you are currently. I have not aged since that day the dragon saved me.” Elyana then said, ” Will that happen to me?” Jerad paused and then spoke, “Yes, although only time will tell for sure.” “Remember, we are linked together now. Not of our own choosing but through the events that swirl around us.” Elyana then asked, “Would you still care for me even if none of this had happened this way?”

Jerad paused then said, looking into the windows of her soul. “I know we are for each other, that we would be together. That there is a bond that begins in the heart, touches the soul, the very being of who and what we are. Regardless of the events that surround us. We would be.”

Elyana then leaned forward and placed her lips on his. They were both lost to each other in an embrace and kiss that seemed to go on forever. She was almost dizzy with emotion that swelled up within her and she had never felt this way before.

Elyana then said, “Promise me you will always be there.” Jerad looked at her without speaking a word. “She said please promise me that no matter what, you will be there. That you will be my soul mate for all eternity if the gods so will it.” “I need to know that Jerad, please.”

Jerad finally responded, “I promise you I will always be there, until the end of time.” She moved forward to allow herself to feel the kiss they were about to have. She wanted it to consume her and didn’t let go for a long time. Elyana then said, “Jerad, thank you. I need to know that this wasn’t a duty or obligation you felt compelled to do.”

He responded, “It is not, it will never be that.” The silence returned to the ridge, and she laid her head upon his lap and in minutes was sound asleep. As she slept there with her head in his lap, it was then he recalled the verse from the old crone at the site so long ago now.

She stirred on his finishing this, and her eyes opened and looked up at him. “Unbroken for all eternity” is all she said. Then her eyes closed, and she was sound asleep again. It was if her soul had heard him and had responded to it. With that the night passed as he let her sleep for a while before lifting her up and carrying her back to camp.

When he arrived, Kristyna looked at him with a worried eye and he stated, “exhausted. She’s sound asleep. She rose and said let me help you get her settled in. They both walked to the tent where the two girls would be sleeping. Kristyna pulled back the furs and then said, “give me a minute. I need to make her more comfortable” and he stepped away while she removed her armor.

She came back to the fire where Jerad had been sitting and spoke. “I was beginning to worry about both of you. You had been gone for some time.” Jerad looked at her and said, “She had a lot to work out that she had whirling around in her head.” Kristyna then said, “Is she okay now, I worry about her.” Jerad said, “Yes, she’ll be fine.”

Kristyna waited a moment and then asked, “How about you Jerad, how are you doing? I know you’re this mystical person of legend guy. But I also know you’re still human” she paused a moment, “At least in part still human.”

He smiled at this and responded, “More human than you might think but I do appreciate your concern. It shows why I chose to help you when you first called out to me.” “Also, why I like you so much and consider you a very special friend.”

Kristyna eyes glistened with the moisture of the tears forming in her eyes. “You know, you are a very special person and if the gods allow it. You will make some lady someday a very good husband. You know I wanted us to be more. But I understand your destiny’s tied to hers”, as she pointed towards the tent where Elyana slept.

She then got up and gave him a kiss on his forehead. “I will never forget you, or the kindness you showed not only to me but everyone who deserved to see it.” Jerad said nothing but smiled, and she turned and went to the tent to crawl under her furs next to where Elyana slept.