Neither was able to stop for too long though, the compulsion that led him on seemed to flow to the horse and both were enthralled by it. He looked to the forest then, and to the trail that led into it and through it. He knew that on the other side of the forest lay the thing that pulled him on. He had to know, needed to know, what had happened there.

  He rode into the forest, low branches and thick growth along the sides of the trail eventually causing him to reconsider. He cursed low under his breath as he dismounted, holding a grudge against the forest for forcing him to walk when he was so weary.

  He led the horse then, walking along the tangled trail that was becoming increasingly treacherous in the ever-diminishing light. The only thing that kept him moving was the thought of his home just ahead somewhere. His face and hands were scratched from the branches that caught his skin, yet this was no more a distraction than the mosquitoes that bit at his hands and face.

  The march along the now indiscernible trail seemed without end. But he was determined.

  * * *

  “Adrina?”

  “Yes, it’s me. Open the door.”

  “Well?”

  “Well, what? Why is the door locked?”

  Emel looked to Myrial. Myrial looked to Emel.

  Adrina sat next to them. “I didn’t, I mean I couldn’t. First it was Father Jacob and then—”

  “What do you mean you didn’t—couldn’t? We’ve been waiting for hours.” Emel balled his hands into fists. “Damn your foolishness, I have so much to do. Let me go do it!”

  Adrina calmed Emel by putting her hand on his. “After Father Jacob visited the elves, there was no answer at the door. I knocked and knocked. Seth may be angry with me.”

  Emel stood. “It’s time to sleep then. Tomorrow’s another day.”

  “I don’t know,” said Adrina. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this. I must speak with Seth now. Before he does something.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Myrial.

  “It was something he said, something about showing the council his world. He said it; Galan got really upset. I’ve been trying to understand and I think I do now.” Myrial and Emel sat across from Adrina, their eyes telling her to go on. She told them of the image Galan had shown her—the palace with the beautiful, spiral towers reaching up into the heavens. “She was so tired afterward as if it drained all her strength. She went to sleep immediately, exhausted.”

  “And you think Seth will—”

  Adrina didn’t wait for Emel to finish. “Yes, I think Seth is planning something similar. Imagine how drained he’ll be after sharing an image with the entire council, but I think there’s more. I’ve never seen Galan so afraid. I think that that something more may kill him.”

  “And the orb? The orb is connected somehow to all this?”

  “I think the orb is some kind of key that unlocks hidden truths. Seth should be able to use it.”

  “To unlock the truth about what is being hidden. He won’t need to—”

  “Exactly, Myrial,” said Adrina, “Exactly.”

  Emel held out the leather pouch containing the orb. “Then we’ll go together—now!”

  “Together,” said Myrial standing.

  Adrina took the pouch and led the way. They reached Seth and Galan’s door quickly and knocked several times, but there was no answer. Emel looked to Adrina and smiled. “Private entrance,” he said, “Is there a private entrance?”

  Adrina’s eyes widened. She led them around through the back halls until they were in the private corridors designed for the royal family.

  “This one,” said Adrina pointing to a barely visible outline in the wall. “You’ll have to nudge it. It hasn’t been used in some time.”

  Emel pressed his weight against the door and it popped open. Adrina, Myrial and Emel hurried into the room. As Adrina came around the door, she called out, “Seth? Galan?” Her heart stopped when she saw them lying in bed together, arm in arm.

  Adrina put a hand to her mouth. Somehow she had never pictured Seth and Galan as a couple. Were they truly? Had she misunderstood their relationship?

  Not understanding, Emel didn’t know what to do. Should he do or say something? He didn’t know.

  Myrial did. She took Adrina’s hand, pulling Emel behind her. Emel closed the door and the three walked off. “Tomorrow,” Myrial said, “in the morning. It’s late already.”

  * * *

  With one hand held out in front of him for safety, Vilmos charged through the thick undergrowth, pulling the hesitant horse behind him. He knew that ahead lay his home, and with its finding, warmth and safety. It wasn’t until a low branch appearing from out of the darkness nearly poked out his eye that he stopped; jaded, he slumped back against a nearby tree.

  The world around him seemed a foreign place, not the place he had grown up in. He felt lost, completely lost, not knowing that where he stopped was just a few yards from the forest’s edge. Still, even if he had known, sleep would have come. He was utterly exhausted.

  Morning came as a rush of frenzied thoughts. He awoke waving a stick wildly, thwarting the attack of unseen hands. Perspiration dripped from his brow and into his eyes, blurring his already sleep-filled vision. He saw shapes looming before him and continued to wield the stick bravely.

  “Who is it?” He shouted as he tried to wipe sleep and sweat from his eyes. “Go away, leave me alone!” He didn’t know that he yelled into empty air and that his assailants were but images left over from a dream—a dream filled with dark images.

  He shook his head from side to side, attempting to chase away the last of the night’s chill as well as the dark spirits.

  His senses returning, he looked around for the horse. The horse was nowhere to be found. He was saddened by its disappearance, later thinking that it was just as well, for he couldn’t care for it or feed it. He couldn’t even feed himself. He was starving, or at least he thought he was.

  Bright sunlight from a clearing ahead caught his attention. He went to the light, slowly at first, then running, amazed when he came abruptly to the forest’s edge. Across a grassy field stood the white brick house he remembered so fondly. Smoke rose from the chimney and everything seemed well.

  Vilmos took off racing, wild thoughts spinning through his mind. He mounted the stairs, put his hand to the door, stopped. He didn’t know what to expect. What if his parents were lying on the floor, or what if they were there and nothing was wrong? What would he tell them? What questions would they ask? What questions would he answer?

  Still considering these thoughts, he opened the door and went inside. He ran through the kitchen, into the pantry. The pantry was full of fresh fruits, vegetables and bread. He ate.

  Moments later he found his room much as he left it. “Was it a dream?” he asked himself, saying the words aloud to break the silence.

  He ran into his parent’s room. The bed was made, the room tidy, clean as his mother always left it.

  A brief search revealed nothing out of the ordinary. The only thing wrong was that no one was home, but he was prepared to wait. Maybe they had gone into town? Maybe his father had a meeting in Olex or Two Falls, and Lillath went with him? If so, they would return soon and everything would be as it was.

  Hours passed. He waited. Hungry again, he went to the pantry a second time. Afterward he went to his room, plopped onto the bed, patting his full stomach. The house was warm. His bed, comfortable.

  Content, he lay still, staring up at the ceiling. A short while later he propped a pillow against the wall, removed his shoes and leaned against the pillow. His thoughts swept him away to the past. Everything had seemed so real. He could see Xith’s face. He could see Edward and the hunter beasts. He could see Valam, Adrina, Seth and Galan.

  A familiar place called him and so he went. He had not been there in what seemed ages. He stared down into the valley’s depths, out into the world—the valley that had its mirror in the realm of the real as well as the imagined. He felt so soothed by the vision that he followed the mighty eagle into the sky. Lazily he swooped and turned, unaware of the danger, unaware of the other lurking nearby.

  * * *

  “Galan?” called out Myrial, “The sun rises and still you sleep. You must be ready for council within the hour.”

  Seth?

  “He’s not here. You were alone when I arrived.”

  Galan lurched up, moving so quickly out of bed that Myrial shivered—it wasn’t natural for anyone to move like that. “Don’t be frightened, it’s just me, Myrial. We must find Seth. I’m afraid for him. He’s preparing to do something—something…”

  “I know,” said Myrial, “We’re worried for you.”

  “You know? You can’t know.”

  “Adrina was up all night pacing. She fell asleep a few hours ago. I’ll take you to her. I think she can help.”

  No! Galan thrust out harder with her mind than she intended and she hadn’t meant to slap away Myrial’s hand either—it just happened.

  Myrial was shivering uncontrollably. Her bones felt cold, her soul. “All this talk is frightening. I shouldn’t be in the middle of this, I’m nobody. I’m better with the floors and a broom than this. My mother always told me never to try to rise above your station. Look what I’ve done now. It’s—”

  “You’ve done nothing.” Galan touched her hand to Myrial’s. The hand was cold. Galan could feel Myrial’s chill reaching to her almost immediately. “What does anyone know of class and rank? I would be the first to tell you that anything is possible—your dream, the thing that frightens you is possible. You can rise above—you don’t have to be frightened by what you have achieved. There is no devilry in it, you are not being punished, you did not bring bad luck.”

  “I brought this on as surely as I broke a mirror—I should’ve broken a mirror. Why can’t I just keep to my own?”

  “You are very brave, Myrial. Your heart is true and you deserve whatever it is you desire. You can’t wish something into existence any more than you can bring bad luck.”

  You’re in my thoughts, aren’t you? whispered Myrial to herself.

  Yes, I am. I know it doesn’t offend you as it does others. You have a gift, Myrial, you have a pure heart. Now, do we sit and cry or do you help me find Seth?

  Myrial led Galan to the dressing partition. “First you have to look presentable for council. Then we’ll find Seth.”

  “Everything has its order, doesn’t it?”

  “It does,” admitted Myrial as she handed Galan the clothes she had prepared.

  Chapter Seventeen:

  The Final Truth

  The council was gathered and in full readiness as Seth, Galan and Adrina arrived. This day there was no way Adrina would not be present, she felt she had earned the right to sit beside the two and so she did.

  When Father Jacob arrived, the proceedings began. Seth was not in a civil mood. From the moment he entered the council until the very instant he left he planned to seize the council’s attention. A heavy burden of duty pulled down upon him—failure meant disgrace, a yoke around his neck that he shouldered silently.

  He waited for the correct moment to seize the floor and when the time was right, he circled his voice around the room. What I am about to do may take you by surprise, but when I am finished I am confident you will have no more doubts concerning your obligations.

  Chancellor Yi stood. “Elf Seth, you are breaking protocol. We are to begin with a review of yesterday.”

  Seth glared at the chancellor. “Your eyes betray you, chancellor. You have not slept well this past night and you are haunted by conscience. Tell King Andrew of your secret desire.”

  Murmurs swept through the council. Several council members jumped to their feet. Chancellor Yi thumped his long staff against the floor. “Order!” he called out, “Order!” He turned to Seth. “No more outbursts or this proceeding will end, Elf Seth. I assure you.”

  Seth ignored the chancellor. He used the momentary disquiet to focus and gather his will. He closed his eyes and began a silent prayer. A glowing light, soft and pure began to enshroud his body. The rhythm of his chant reached out to all, though few understood the words.

  With each word Galan felt stabbing pain in her heart. She burst into tears. You promised you wouldn’t! she screamed into Seth’s mind.

  Seth ignored Galan, the chancellor’s continued demands for order and the King’s own command for silence. He launched his spirit upward, spiraling, soaring. His features changed and for an instant, it was as if another stood in his place.

  His voice followed the changing flow of his body, shifting from unnatural to captivating and finally to a strange echoing rasp. Slowly his facial features changed, blended and melted away. Then a form, beautiful and feminine, filled the place where he had been. The distortion ended. A woman’s face replaced Seth’s. The voice enthralling, almost delicate.

  I am Queen Mother of the Eastern Reaches, first to convey the will of the Mother and the Father. I have been long waiting for this day…

  Shocked silence followed. Disbelief showed. Some of the council members started praying. “Witchcraft! Devilry! Wizardry!” they shouted. “Devil be gone!”

  Chancellor Yi thumped his staff, attempting to restore order. Keeper Martin rose to his feet, waving his hands for calm. Father Jacob followed saying, “Please, good councilors, there is no devilry afoot! Listen, and we may all find the answers we seek!”

  The murmurs and disquiet continued.

  “Do not disbelieve,” said Queen Mother through Seth. “The crossing of the minds is an ancient gift. Our council had discussed at length how we could prove our need to any doubters. We had faith in Brother Seth’s resourcefulness and knew he would choose this method if the need was great. Please, I beg of you, listen. The link is taxing and cannot be maintained long.”

  Adrina gasped. She was so close to Seth that she could see his face beneath the mask of Queen Mother’s—as she imagined Galan could as well. Huge tears welled up in her eyes. She could see the link feed off Seth’s living soul. It was as if his life energy poured out of his body and into the image.

  “Father, bring order,” Adrina called out, “Do this for me, I beg of you!”

  Mesmerized by the images, King Andrew was slow to respond, but when he did instant silence followed.

  Queen Mother said, “Join hands all to complete the link… Quickly now!”

  Councilors returned to their seats, joined hands. Adrina grasped Seth’s right hand, Galan his left, completing the circle and the link.

  The completing of the link was as the turning of a switch. Suddenly, they were in a different place, seeing through another’s eyes. It was a strange and beautiful place wrapped in white. It was the royal palace seen through the eyes of a roaming hawk, soaring on puffs of air, zooming in through an open window, coming to rest just inside.

  The hawk cried out, a high piercing cry that echoed in the ears long after it passed. It launched from its perch, bringing with it a light breeze that trickled around the room, blowing in a downward spiral—the same downward spiral that the hawk descended.

  The hawk landed on a high-backed chair, calling out one final time before the vantage point changed. They saw through another’s eyes now—a view from the throne, through the eyes of the Queen Mother herself.

  Her eyes drew up, up to the window on high, waiting until the free-spirited hawk passed without, then returning to the calm crystalline walls about her.

  “High Council Hall of East Reach.” Queen Mother paused, continuing in a soothing whisper, “Chambers are chosen for specific reasons… as I am sure you know.”

  As the queen’s voice massaged their minds, the scene focused once more. High Council Hall at first seemed cluttered, designed without purpose. Then its purpose became clear, patterns in the walls told stories, depicted adventures, told the history of the elves, ever growing, ever changing.

  Keeper Martin held his breath as the focus turned to the oaken table that seemed a living thing, growing in the center of the hall.

  “Great structures house tremendous power and it is this power that you must understand.” Everyone in Kingdom Hall could feel Queen Mother’s mood grow dark. “The business at hand is unpleasant, but it must be. Sathar has returned from the Dark Journey and the end of our age is at hand. Whether we succumb or survive is in your hands.”

  The hall shook as the image began to fade, not a flutter or a falter but an emotion-filled tremble.

  Adrina screamed out even before the vision focused. A murmur rose, growing steadily loud and disquieted. Ripping winds swam across the chamber. Hands gripped a porous crag as eyes looked down from a mountaintop. The wind was cool, the touch of the rock cold. The mountain trembled and shook. A great mass of soldiers could be seen in the fields below, spread out like ants, tiny specks of black moving by the thousands. The earth shook to the beat of their march.

  “Behold the great western plain! This mountain range marks the boundary between East and West Reach. The army on the western plain is the army of Sathar. Soon our mountain outposts will be overrun. They will pour through the mountain passes and not stop until our lands are his and then—”

  “Queen Mother,” said King Andrew, “Please, I beg of you, order. We have much else to discuss. We can see your need is great, but to send our people—”

  Silence! Listen Man-Child, Queen Mother commanded. “Listen to what will happen, this will be your future! When the Cursed returns from the Dark Journey, all will flock to his banner or fall. Any who oppose his total domination, any who resist, will be enslaved or killed. During the time of the Gathering the earth shall be torn asunder and thus will the Coming begin. The tormented will cry out in anguish for their blindness. For at the very end of their existence they will discover their grave error, but it will be too late, their kind will be lost.”

  Queen Mother paused. “Behold Sathar the Dark,” she said casting the image of the dark lord into their minds.

  As the image of Sathar faded, thousands of marching soldiers and riders swarmed over the land, coming to rest before a great castle. The viewpoint was the same, a far-off rocky precipice, but the location was different. The rock was cold, as was the wind.