From Distant Shores
Collection part 2
By K.R. Gomlok

(

This work (Which is the property of Keiran Gomlok) is dedicated to Jessica Campbell for her great support in bringing this work about)

"Keep moving,? Nafilas said, practically dragging Valormin by the hand behind her. ?We must make it to the shelter of the woods.?
?I?m trying!? He replied, trying with all his might not to raise his voice. ?Not everyone is as quick as an Elf!?
?Sorry,? She apologized, slowing to a more tolerable speed. ?I forgot again. For so long I was among my people and I have never traveled with another species until now.?
?Yeah?? Valormin said, still panting from the exhausting pace they had formerly been pushing. ?Well, better late than never.?
Nafilas sighed as they came to a halt underneath a grove of trees. ?Its full light now, I doubt they?ll pursue now. At any rate, I must teach you some Skaranite since Zalian is a little used language.?
Valormin grimaced, just the thought of trying to learn a new language when being hunted down by a Vampire and his allies made him question Nafilas?s judgment. However, he was out of breath and did not care to protest at the moment.
They spent the rest of the morning under the trees, slowly making their way beneath the sheltering branches while they recuperated from the previous night and attempting to rid Valormin of his thick Zalian accent.
?No,? Nafilas said, forcing down her instinctive smile with considerable skill, ?Don?t pronounce the ?K? so hard. Not Ickhiath, say it smoothly: Iki?at. See?
Valormin tried again, this time succeeding in not butchering the pronunciation. He smiled triumphantly at his growing mastery.
But Nafilas only laughed, her face warmed in the sunshine. ?You learn fast, Valormin. But don?t take yourself too seriously. Your accomplishments are astounding for one who has never known another language but do not become prideful. Pride is the beginning of arrogance.?
Valormin paused for a second, taken back by her comment, ?Why not?? he asked, profusely confused, ?It seems only fair to take joy in an accomplishment.?
?I said nothing about joy,? She said, a little reproach coming into her voice, ?Joy is a gift, do not let it go freely. But pride can lead to sole self-reliance and loss of trust. I don?t want you to end up that way.?
?And what do you care about me?? He inquired, though it was more of an idle question.
She halted, in the shadows of the trees Valormin now thought her to look a little older. Not aged, just more experienced. Though she could be any age and her eternal Elven youth would still conceal it. ?How old are you anyway?? he questioned, by now curious of the subject, ?I mean, with Elves it?s a little hard to tell.?
At this she smiled, ?Only eighteen, I am but a child in the Elven world?
Valormin had only a vague idea of how old he was; he had spent so long under his Galdrood, Nimrolav, that it now seemed unimportant. He guessed he was about seventeen but he could not be sure.
Before he had entered the shadow, he now remembered, he had just had his eighth birthday. He recalled that his parents had smiled and held him close, offering him a seed cake with butter and a little raspberry jam. Later on that same day, he had lost the robin they had caught for him, the first robin of spring. He remembered sobbing under the pine trees, alone with his empty cage, wondering how difficult it must have been for his father to catch the winged prize. ?What was your childhood like?? He asked Nafilas, though his gaze still remained in the past, digging up newfound memories.
?I was never alone for long, throughout my first sixteen years I was surrounded by my siblings.? She answered, she seemed to bask in the warmth of the memories, ? I always had someone looking after me, to be there for me when I felt sorrow, to care for me when illness had had its say. I can?t imagine what it would be like to live without them. They taught me many things and looked out for me when times got hard.?
Valormin looked away, how long had it been since he had known care? It seemed like ages since he had really sat down with someone and talked about simple things. Would that world ever be his? No one was with him now, and he could barely recall his distant memories about his fragile childhood. He felt a tear start to well up in his eye.
?What about you?? Nafilas asked, her idle stride taking her into Valormin?s path, almost as if she was confronting him, ?How were your younger years??
?What need have you to know of them?? Valormin said icily, looking down upon here with what little height advantage he had. If he had not been torn with envy for the world Nafilas lived in, he probably would have truthfully answered that he had little recollection of that time. However, Nafilas had stirred something in him. Something long lost in the shadows of Nimrolav.
?I?m sorry,? Nafilas said quickly, alarmed at his hostility. ?You?ll need to learn to fight sooner or later,? She continued hesitantly after a second or two of tension dissipation.
He nodded, accepting the change of subject but still brooding over his past. ?The sooner the better.?
Valormin drew the sword he had commandeered from Gorgrómith?s castle, it?s long blade was slightly curved to allow a wide sweep when unleashing it from its sheath. All along the handle were crystalline etchings that reminded him of ice, even the blade itself seemed to be lightly stained with an icy blue.
?It?s a Kivarian sword,? Nafilas explained, taking one step closer to get a better look at it, ?I believe it is called a katana. Nimoriwa, the kingdom of the Kivarians, is in upheaval right now; I wonder how the Zalians procured this without becoming embroiled in the conflict??
?It has a good balance.? Valormin commented, making smooth motions the blade. ?I don?t think it will be hard to learn with.?
Nafilas shook her head, an amused smile coming to her Elven lips, ?Then it?s a terrible shame you won?t be able to practice with it.?
?What?? Valormin demanded, his lack of sleep making him far too defensive. ?Why not??
?We must practice with sticks for now,? She explained, ?We can?t afford to risk killing each other out here.?
Valormin paused, feeling foolish for not thinking of such things before hand. Was it something Nimrolav had left him; an instinct of the darkness? Immediately, he pushed the thought away and assumed what seemed like a proper ready stance.
The rest of the day passed in a sparring match in which Valormin greatly surprised Nafilas with immense skill. Near afternoon however, they stopped and made a small camp under the leaves of the trees too long exposed to winter. Valormin was content; he already felt spring in the cool night air as Nafilas slept just on the other side of the tree. He looked to the stars and thought to himself: spring had arrived.

* * *

?Valormin, Awake!? his eyes snapped open, wildly scanning the environment in search of the would-be threat.
?What is it?? He inquired, jumping to his feet. ?Are we???
Nafilas stood a little ways off, staring into the sky. ?They are coming. We?ll have to vacate the premise immediately.?
?I thought you said we were safe,? He grumbled, securing his few belongings and coming to her side.
She looked over at him, at that moment he felt as if he should have kept silent. It was not true fear or anger he saw there in her hazel eyes; it was as if she had just realized how ignorant he really was, ?No where is safe in the dark.? She murmured, before turning back to the slight semblance of a path they had been following. ?We?ll have to keep going until we reach daylight. Do not falter, if you fall?? She stopped and once again turned to him, ?If either of us falls, we?re finished.?
Valormin nodded, for survival, of course. But it had seemed for a moment she was about to say something different. He still was no master of emotion but he could almost say she cared about him. ?Nafilas? He said between breaths as they ran through the woods. ?Is something wrong??
?Something is always wrong in the world,? She said, not bothering to meet his gaze.
He stumbled in his step at the ambiguous reproach but quickly regained his pace, ?I meant with you?? he continued, ?And with me.?
She sighed, Valormin could now tell she was trying very hard to concentrate on the path instead of his conversation. ?Once, I had many friends,? She got out, though it was not the extreme sprint that was slowing her dialogue, ?Joria and I were so close, but now she?s gone. The loss was so great; I don?t know how I bore it. To bear another such loss??
?Wait,? he said, now with the distinct feeling he meant something to her. It felt warm to know some one cared for him. ?So you really??? He ran into her restraining arms as she halted quickly. ?What?? he demanded, bewildered at the interruption.
?Look,? Nafilas whispered to Valormin, pointing a finger to a watchtower at the village entrance, ?a sentry."
?Well?? Valormin asked, somewhat annoyed with the Elf, ? What are we going to do about it??
Nafilas put a finger to her lips, strained patience with Valormin?s volume showing on her face. ?I will get nearer. When I signal you, try to get his attention.?
Before Valormin could protest, she was gone, slipping through the trees and underbrush with ease. She almost seemed to be one with the forest.
Throwing his private doubts aside, Valormin moved nearer to the main road and looked to the watchtower for any sign of Nafilas.
The morning light shown through a break in the clouds on the distant horizon, illuminating the world around him. Then he saw her. She was by the wall, moving with fluid grace across the wooden planks. Her coppery hair was glowing in the dawn.
It occurred to Valormin that he rather enjoyed how her hair caught the morning rays, shimmering in the growing light. She was captivating now that he thought about it. But then, he recalled, the Elves had always been described as hauntingly beautiful in all the stories he had been told. His eyes followed her arm as it made a light gesture toward him. Towards him? It then caught Valormin?s attention that she was signaling him.
Somewhat embarrassed at being caught off guard, he stepped out of the trees and was about to shout when a stifled cry came from Nafilas?s position. ?Come closer,? A voice called to him from the gate. He noted that it held the same light quality of Nafilas?s voice. ?You should not be outside the gates at this hour, the darkness is still upon the world.?
?You should do as he says,? Another voice coming from behind him, also holding the gentle Elven quality. ?You are being tracked from three directions at the moment. I doubt you have room for negotiation at this point.?
Valormin let out a frustrated sigh before doing as his unseen superior told and moving inside the village.
Inside the settlement, Valormin noticed Nafilas and another Elf standing near the entrance. The Elf had golden hair and deep blue eyes that pierced Valormin with wisdom, as if he knew exactly where Valormin had come from. Upon his right cheek was a strange scar, curled at both ends.
At his side was a transparent blade lightly tinted blue. Its smooth surface shone in the morning sun with unsurpassed brilliance, yet Valormin could still see through the crystalline sword. Deep inside it was a faint white glow that forced off the last traces of night.
?What do you think they were doing?? The Elf said, his gaze still resting upon Valormin.
His apparent accomplice stepped out from behind Valormin, a cloak obscuring her features. ? They left the Zalian outpost, but I doubt they were spies. Especially since I know this one.? She gestured toward Nafilas.
Nafilas took a step forward squinting at the cloaked figure, surprise and doubt filling her expression, ?Joria?? She inquired hesitantly, ?Is that really???
The cloaked figure threw back her hood, loosing long brown locks of curly hair and a pair of Elven ears. ?Yes, Nafilas. I survived the attack. Though I would have died in the ruins were it not for the aid of Ikiaghn.? She motioned toward the remaining Elf.
?I?m glad I could help.? Ikiaghn stated, looking at Joria in a pointed sort of way, as if he would rather talk about other things, ? But we have some matters to attend to. If you?ll join us, Nafilas and??
?My name is Valormin,? the answer was quick and edging on the side of defensive. It slowly occurred to Valormin that he might not be making a very good first impression. ?Don?t worry about me, I?ll be fine out here.?
Ikiaghn stared at him a second before nodding in concurrence ? Alright, Bemaldar will wait with you, he doesn?t enjoy the meetings either.?
Bemaldar? He had heard that name somewhere before, but where? Might it have been??
Then he remembered, as he had escaped Ramador, he had met a man named Mäsene Turinil who?s last request had been to find his brother?
?Bemaldar.? Valormin whispered, recalling his first night of freedom.
Bemaldar turned out to be a rather well built man with long dark hair and a full, flowing beard. Across his back he wore a hulking war hammer thats handle was almost as tall as he was. His arms were huge, each one equal to a Halthact forearm. His distinguishing aspect was an oddly shaped scar on his left cheek, a scar that looked exactly like Ikiaghn?s, only deeper.
?How did you??? Valormin trailed off, after his recent conversation streak it seemed best he keep quiet for a while.
But it was to late, Bemaldar understood him to clearly. ?Get this scar? I earned it for challenging Nacyhd, the northern raider. His skill surpassed me the last time we met.?
He stood there for a second, decidedly distraught by Bemaldar?s insight. Inside the village was empty now that everyone was at the meeting, save for himself, Bemaldar, and two humans he looked to be soldiers of a sort. ?You?re brother?? Valormin began hesitantly, thinking of how to phrase the news, ?Mäsene Turinil is dead.?
Bemaldar was visibly shocked, though he covered it quickly after revealing it, ?And how do you know this?? He demanded, for a moment seeming very menacing as he towered over Valormin by a good foot and a half.
?I was with him in his last minutes,? Valormin said slowly, hoping dearly that Bemaldar would not get angry for some obscure reason and render him disabled. ?He told me to find you and? Say he was sorry for what happened.?
Bemaldar stepped back, this time not bothering to hide the growing sorrow on his face.
?Bemaldar, what?s wrong?? one of the soldiers called out to him, walking nearer to the scene.
Bemaldar shook his head, sending ripples through his midnight mane. ?It?s nothing, Rilth. Continue to guard with Serri. Who knows what may come in this dark hour??
Rilth nodded, his expressionless face giving nothing away. ?As you wish.? He murmured, before returning to his post.
Valormin waited a moment as Bemaldar stared off into the cloudless sky, ?So who exactly is Ikiaghn?? He asked, hesitant to break the berserker?s reminiscence.
A slight smile found its way to Bemaldar?s face, ?He is an Elf that I very recently met, he also met Nacyhd, as you may have noticed. I don?t claim to know a great deal about Elves but I will say they can be awfully reclusive. He hasn?t told me much but I suppose he?s on a mission of some sort. A creature that arrived with him, Ansoran it said it was called, is out scouting. Though if that?s what it?s really doing, I?m not sure.?
Before Bemaldar could say anything further, a cloaked figure vaulted over the village walls with an amazing jump and landed near their position, ?You mentioned me?? it said, straightening up.
?Don?t go sneaking about like that!? Bemaldar commanded, his hand by instinct was at his war hammer. ?Someday you?re going to get yourself hurt doing that.?
The figure, which was apparently Ansoran, laughed quietly, ?Don?t worry, master Turinil, it is quite safe now, the Zalians have stopped their pursuit, they are now retreating to their fortress.?
Before Bemaldar could further question him, Ansoran headed off into the depths of the village.
?That ones a little to queer for my taste,? Bemaldar stated, looking with annoyance in the direction Ansoran had disappeared. ?I wonder why?.?
?The meeting is over,? Ikiaghn announced as he exited the council chamber he had entered. ?We have come to our conclusion.?
Nafilas nodded, she did not meet Valormin?s inquisitive stare, ?We have decided it is time to turn back.?
?What?? Valormin asked, confusion once again dominating him.
She sighed deeply and looked up at him. ?We are heading back to the fortress... We are going to war with the Zalians.?

* * *

The sun beat down on Nafilas as she walked alongside Valormin, she could not meet his gaze. It seemed that getting him out of danger just to thrust him back in was somehow wrong, and it felt like a fresh flog from Gorgrómith?s whip when she took into consideration his fragile trust.
?Are you alright?? Joria asked, coming up beside them, ?you look distracted. Its as if you are deeply concerned for something,? She paused a moment before smiling and looking directly into Nafilas?s astonished stare, ?or someone.?
Nafilas turned away, rejecting the idea, why was Joria bringing this up?
?Oh?? Valormin asked, looking over the top of her head to get a glimpse of Joria. ?You must be very skilled with this art of reading people. I cannot trace the smallest fragment of emotion that might betray her intent.?
Nafilas felt her face begin to turn red, and not from the heat. Did Valormin really feel he had to intervene for her? It was a kind gesture and she knew he was attempting to help her but it only made it all the worse.
?There are more important things to worry about at the moment,? she stated, attempting keep her voice calm, ?Such as Erima.?
?Erima?? the question came from Valormin, ?Who is Erima??
Now that it came up, Nafilas realized that she had never told anyone about Erima and her brother who were imprisoned in Gorgrómith?s castle. Last time she had seen them, Erima had been terribly ill and her brother, whom was actually never named in Nafilas?s short meeting with them, had been watching over her despite his obviously sickly conditions. ?Erima is one of the other prisoners,? she said simply, ?I promised her I would return for her someday.?
Valormin nodded, ?Then let us hasten to the battle, I didn?t quite enjoy my stay in that dark fortress and I doubt Erima is.?
?Be careful with your actions,? a soldier cautioned him, ?You may find yourself in a world of trouble with no way out if you try to fight every battle as soon as it arrives.?
?You?re Rilth, aren?t you?? Valormin asked, addressing the soldier. Nafilas took note of the name as well as the distinct armor of a Drummer class soldier. They were a legendary unit of warriors that had long fought against the Halthact and Zalians. If Rilth was truly a former or current Drummer their chances of survival were greatly increased.
Rilth nodded, ?You remember me from last night, don?t you? Ikiaghn is taking on quite a mixed bunch, I?d say.?
?So what do you think Ansoran is?? Valormin said in a conversational tone, looking around, as if he were ensuring whatever Ansoran was was not around. ?I cannot begin to guess from what little I saw of him last night.?
Rilth paused a moment as he thought his answer over. ?He is not human, I can tell you that. But he isn?t an Elf either. I can only tell you that there are things more ancient and fearsome than the Elves in this world, and none of them are to be trifled with.?
?I think we had best leave it at that.? Nafilas interjected before Valormin could say anything further.
Joria gave her a queer look before continuing on and talking to Ikiaghn. Nafilas stared blankly at her friend?s back, hoping the tedious journey would soon come to a close.
?Seems you?re in a hurry,? Rilth asserted, observing Nafilas?s subconsciously quickened pace. ?To tell you the truth, I?m a bit nervous myself. It may be daylight but that doesn?t stop me from thinking about what may be hiding in the shadows of these mountains.?
Nafilas waved off the comment with a hand gesture reminiscent of clearing foul air, ?It doesn?t matter, the fortress should be just around this bend. Let us refocus on the task at hand for now.?
She half expected him to protest, but it gave her no satisfaction when he simply fell silent and continued to match her hasty pace.
They came upon the gates of the fortress before long and arranged themselves into a battle line with Ikiaghn at the front.
?Come forth, shadows of the dark lands! Justice has come to your door and you must now answer it!? He shouted, notably keeping a confident stance.
For a moment nothing happened, but then a figure came up upon the ramparts and glared down at them. ?And who demands such things?? The figure spat, who was now recognizable as Gorgrómith. ?I do not answer to you, Éllossar.?
?Then answer to me!? Ansoran challenged, stepping forth from the crowd. ?Gorgrómith, man if Umvor, son of Sortho, I free you now from your bondage!?
Gorgrómith fell back holding his throat and coughing, unable to make any further reply. ?Thus it begins,? Ikiaghn said, drawing his diamond sword, ?Ready the grappling ropes, we are going over.?
At his signal, the assembled troops sent a hooked length of rope over the wall and began to climb it, releasing gate mechanisms and such as they proceeded to assume control of the castle.
Nafilas nodded to Valormin and together they once again entered the place of their imprisonment. But now, they had come to liberate those that still lingered in this dread place.
?Through Dungeons deep and Castles strong, my quest will end, and end this wrong,? She recited to herself, thinking back to the ancient epics she had read as a child. Stories of heroes and knights and noble things? And now it seemed she was living one of these tales with Valormin as at her side.
Instantly, she retreated from the idea of closeness between her and Valormin. It seemed that he did not really enjoy her company all that much as he was usually rather coarse in his manner. Was it her fault that he did not like her?
She brushed the thought aside as she came to the dungeons and found the keys at the entrance. Unfortunately, there was only one key for all the cells and thus she could not impart any to Valormin to hasten their task.
?I?ll keep watch,? Valormin said when he saw the circumstances, ?Who knows what lies in these dark places??
Despite his words, he seemed subdued by the thought of potential uselessness. He was learning how to conceal his feelings, she noted as she searched the hall for Erima?s cell. She hoped that he would not lose his honesty. She had enjoyed his straightforward manner even if it had been a little short tempered?
?Nafilas!? The cry broke her thoughts as a teardrop breaks upon meeting the ground. It was not Valormin who was calling her though; it was a far higher in pitch, indicating that it was a child.
?Nafilas!? The unknown prisoner called again. This time Nafilas derived that it was coming from the far end of the hall and fading quickly.
?Valormin!? She uttered sharply before sprinting after the voice source, ?This way!?
The cries continued and now Nafilas could discern that they had been joined by that of the boy she had met in her previous incarceration. Spurred by thoughts of failure, she quickened her pace despite Valormin?s protest.
There, at the top of the stair, stood a very familiar figure. A sharp grin split his pale face and his bony hands were clasped among two children. ?Through mountain top, and stone and steel, Sorrow is all the heart will feel.? Rithan said slowly, his eyes filled with triumph, ?No rest awaits your weary plight, no end to chase and test of might. Druvor and Erima are coming with me.?
Erima, whom Nafilas recognized immediately, struggled in the grasp of the Vampire. Her young eyes emanated fear and despair as her work came to no avail.
Druvor, the young lad she had talked to in the cell, was calm as he stared at Nafilas and leaned forward to whisper, ?Take care of her for me.?
With these words, Druvor threw himself into Rithan and forced him to stagger back towards a window. ?Go!? he shouted, ?Take Erima and run! Escape while you can!?
Rithan, who by now had regained his balance, forced Druvor down and curled his long nails around his neck. In his face was now a rage of unspeakable magnitude. ?Never get in a Vampire?s way,? He hissed as his grip tightened, ?You may find yourself a little pale.?
But before Rithan could further strangling Druvor, Nafilas drew her sword and slashed Rithan across his abdomen, drawing forth a howl of pain and fury from the Vampire.
?Insolent Elf!? He exclaimed, ?I should have killed you before Gorgrómith decided to let you live!?
?No!? Valormin burst from the staircase, brandishing his katana in a heavy thrust. ?You shall not touch her!? With a deft movement, he ran the shocked Vampire through.
?Fool,? Rithan taunted softly ?You cannot kill me with this toy.?
Valormin?s face was taut with concentration, ?I know.? He murmured, and stepped back to let pass a clear ray of sunlight from the window.
Rithan?s face suddenly became horribly contorted with pain and rage as the beam of light burned into him. And so Rithan, former Alimirian, passed in the castle of Lutholian the gray.
?Is he really gone?? Druvor asked hesitantly, his gaze not leaving the pile of ashes that remained.
Nafilas nodded. ?Yes,? She said quietly, ?You need not fear him any longer. Let us join the others now, there may still be work to do.?
They walked down the silent corridors, every once and a while encountering a member of their party, until they came to a balcony overlooked the main courtyard. Ikiaghn stood in the middle of it all, directing the efforts to salvage materials and escort prisoners as Ansoran stood by his side overseeing the whole process.
?Do you think Ikiaghn is Ansoran?s apprentice?? Valormin whispered to Nafilas.
She shook her head no, though she still stared hard at the two. ?I think Ansoran is one of the old Alimirian; the first born of Tharis. Very few of them are left in the world, even fewer than the Elves. Any skills Ansoran possesses, I believe to be his own and non-transferable to Ikiaghn. He is simply here to assist him.?
Valormin nodded to show some form of understanding but it was apparent he was still unsure. ?Shall we continue down to them??
Nafilas smiled, she would have to have a long time before she got used to how humans could jump from subject to subject so easily. ?Of course.?
?Where will we go?? Druvor asked uncertainly. ?Erima is in no shape to travel.?
?Our friends will help you,? Nafilas soothed, taking his hand and motioning to Valormin to pick up Erima. ?A new day is dawning on Xan Conten?
When they finally arrived in the courtyard, Ikiaghn, Rilth, Serri, Ansoran, Bemaldar, Joria, Nafilas, and Valormin stood round in a circle and presented their progress as Druvor and Erima went off with one of the soldiers who had accompanied them. ?The fortress is now ours.? Ikiaghn stated at long last, his tone unbearably passive. ?We have taken no casualties and Gorgrómith is now in our hands. The former prisoners are now to be escorted home. Rilth, Serri, Ansoran, and a few of our other soldiers will take on this task while the rest of us proceed to the Fillinian valley. It is there that we will meet the main Zalian force and end this once and for all. If we do not stop them, dawn will not come for the southern continent.?
Rilth nodded and grabbed Serri, ?You can count on us sir. We will join you as soon as the task is done.?
As they departed and went their separate ways, Valormin pulled Nafilas aside. ?We?re waging full out war with them, aren?t we?? He asked. His voice was low, almost threatening.
?It is for the good of these people.? She said simply. Even if they are not my own, she thought silently.
Valormin sighed, ?So we?re putting everything at stake for them??
It then occurred to Nafilas that she was not the only one who did not belong here. ?I suppose so,? She finally said, and walked to the fortress gate, out of it?s darkness but still within the shadow of the mountains above.

* * *

Nafilas stood; armor donned, and stared across the future battlefield. Trees grew in thick clumps here and there, creating islands of shade on the otherwise empty landscape. It was a coastal plain, the Fillinian valley, covered in the thick morning mists from the ocean. Across the plains, she could make out the outline of the mountain range looming over and around the scene like a great beast perched on an unfair vantage point, waiting to jump onto its prey.
Beside her stood Ikiaghn, an Elf she had met only recently, and Joria, her friend and commander. Near by, Valormin sat in the tall grass, thinking about subjects he apparently did not see fit to disclose to his companions.
Valormin was different from the others, Nafilas already could tell by the look of him. His hair was now a deep, natural brown and his skin was a rather healthy hue. He was still young, sixteen at the most was her estimate, but his emerging features were sharp, commanding, and almost regal. She absently started wondering about his heritage. Now that she thought about it, she knew little more about him than the fact that she had met him in the dungeons of Gorgrómith?s castle, she didn?t even know what he had been doing there. Still, she felt something for him, for he had a way about him that she could not help but feel attached to.
Just then, her acute Elven hearing caught a sound originating from across the plain, a sound that echoed from the mountaintops, rolling down in small fragments like a sprinkling before a rain storm. ?They come,? she murmured to her companions.
?Let them come,? Bemaldar muttered as he approached them, ?The sooner they face us the better.?
Ikiaghn looked unsettled at the old Berserker, ?Patience, we?ll do no good rushing into this. You appointed me leader and so I shall lead you.?
Bemaldar sighed, his weathered face softening for a moment, ?Yes, I know. I?m anxious to kill these slime though, they have enslaved many of my people.?
?We all have a reason to stand against the Zalians,? Ikiaghn said, turning his gaze to the distant mountains. ?Yet some of us more than others.?
Joria turned, staring straight at Valormin, ?So then why are you here, drifter??
?Drifter?? Valormin mumbled back, still lost in his own thoughts.
?Sorry,? Joria apologized, ?I forgot your name. Things have been so rushed that I never really committed it to memory.?
Valormin looked at her blankly, ?I thought Elves remembered everything.?
?Valormin!? Nafilas exclaimed, caught off guard by the offhand insult, ?What?s gotten into you??
?No,? Joria interjected before Nafilas could further inquire, ?I take the fault. There are kinder ways to phrase things. Besides, this is no time to fight amongst ourselves, there is a battle near at hand.?
Leaving the conflict alone for the moment, Nafilas turned her attention to her imminent task: a battle of light and darkness.
Ikiaghn drew his sword, facing the now visible advancing Zalian army. It was at least two thousand strong, overwhelming compared to the four hundred warriors who stood behind him. Raising his sword, he shouted to his troops, ?Gonhiem?at Yetan! Rally to me! Now is the time to show your valor, for all that you hold dear to your hearts, go forth, free peoples of the shores!?
Joria gave Nafilas a quick glance, ?Remember Cioellen and Lisean,? She whispered, ?Separate in combat??
?Together at heart. May Kithur guide our swords. ? Nafilas replied. There would be no escape this time; the Zalians were no longer interested in prisoners.
Nafilas fit an arrow into her bow. It was a swan-feathered arrow, given to her by Xölwin. Remembering her old friend, she drew the bowstring back and readied herself for the command.
She felt a hand on her shoulder; she almost mistook it for Xölwin?s as he had often practiced with her. ?What will happen if it ends here?? it was Valormin, his voice quavered a little, ?What if we die? What?s the point of it all??
She drew a deep breath, steadying herself. ? The point is that we have done all we can and that we have played our part in this battle. No one will say we stepped down. We all need something to hope for Valormin. There is still a chance we may win. We must hold out until the end because the world will be without hope or goodness if we forsake our posts. I promise you this though, Valormin Korlon, I will protect you till my last breath.?
?Then let us fight the good fight together,? He said. ?After all, I wouldn?t be so afraid to die. Not with you beside me.? He gave her a quick, unsteady smile before looking back to the waves of Zalians who were very near now. He released his sword from his scabbard?
The battle commenced with deadly results. The Zalians had no archers among them, but their dark hordes surged past the rain of arrows that met them and into the ranks of swordsmen.
After the first few seconds, Nafilas became separated from Valormin, who had joined the fray and protected his ground with the ferocity of a true warrior. ?Don?t worry, Nafilas!? he shouted back, tension obvious in his voice. ?They shall not come any nearer!?
Things went from bad to worse as the surging hordes of adversaries overran the ranks of the defenders. Nafilas tightened her grip on her bow, firing arrow after arrow into the writhing mass of darkness that stood beyond Valormin who still faithfully held his ground in front of her. There were so many?
?Nafilas!? Valormin cried as he threw himself against the never-ending tide, ?I can?t hold them back much longer! We need to retreat!?
?No! We need to hold here! Be strong Valormin!?
Yet even as she said this, a Zalian berserker caught him in a sweeping blow with a war hammer. Nafilas watched horrified as Valormin careened through the air and landed on his back behind her. He bounced like a rag doll thrown by an angry child against the grassy field. He looked into her eyes as blood started to trickle down his face, which was frozen in shock. His stare did not accuse her, it did not demand retribution for ordering him to his doom; it simply asked: Have I failed you yet, Nafilas?
Nafilas was vaguely aware that Joria was now at Valormin?s side, dragging him back off the battlefield. But all she could think about was the utter despair she had seen in Valormin?s gaze as he had stared back at her. She had failed him. She let loose a terrible cry of hopelessness and yanked her swords from their sheaths. If only she had more power, she could have saved him. She could have saved Cioellen and Lisean; she could have stopped this battle before it had gone so far. If only she had the power? She reached into her depths. Dark shadows swirled around her, enticing her to draw from their strength?
?So Ginrial, we meet again,? Two ember eyes met her; She felt a dry, hot breath on her neck.
She gasped, ?I?m so sorry Valormin??
She plunged into the shadow?

Valormin came to in the arms of Joria; her warm Elven hands were tending a wound on his forehead. ?Joria?? He croaked, his throat was parched from the heat of battle. Was the battle over? No, it couldn?t be, he could still hear it raging on. ?Where is Nafilas??
?Thank the lord of the heavens! You?re alive!? Joria exclaimed, ?I thought I?d lost you! After you bumped your head on that rock I thought you?d??
?Where is Nafilas?? He repeated, jumping to his feet. Immediately, he was forced back down to a kneeling position by a heavy welt left on his side. Grunting in pain, her eased his way back up to a stand.
?Easy,? Joria soothed, ?The last time I saw Nafilas she was still holding her own on the battle front. We needn?t worry about her yet. She is an able warrior.?
Despite Joria?s words, Valormin was very much worried for Nafilas. ?By your side,? he said quietly, starting back towards the battlefield, ?That?s where I need to be.?
He needed to help her, if he had any courage in him at all he could not abandon her. ?No giving up,? He muttered, drawing his sword.
?Valormin, stop!? Joria called after him, ?You are in no condition to rejoin them!?
He stopped and looked back at her, ?Not on my own.?

* * *

?Over here!? Valormin called to Joria, desperation taking total dominance in his voice, ?We last saw her over here! Where can she be? Nafilas!?
The battle still raged on, all around him Valormin could see the ravaging horror of war as humans destroyed humans in a struggle for survival.
Behind him, Joria was locked in combat with three Zalians. ?Either she has left or she is dead,? She shouted back to him, ?That position is overrun.?
Valormin?s breath was ragged, not only was the welt on his side slowing him down but he now was beginning to taste despair, the terrible, awful, despair that he would never see Nafilas again. He had only met her a few days ago but still he felt inseparably connected to her. And now he wondered if he would ever talk to her again, ever here her laugh to lighten the mood, just to have her there to reprimand him would have been more than enough. How could he live without her? To this question, he knew no answer.
?Valormin! We need to fall back!? Joria yelled at him, she was now fighting five Zalians at once. ?We cannot hold this position! Fall back to the camp! Valormin!?
But he was no longer listening. Drawing his sword for what might have been the last time, he took a deep breath, ?Separate in combat, together at heart. I will avenge your death, Nafilas of the Elves.?
?No!? Joria cried, breaking through the ranks, ?Valormin! Come back to the light! Come back! Please!?
Valormin Snarled at her, what did she know? He had lost her, she was gone forever. His promise was broken, his friends were dying, and he had nothing left to lose! Yet something inside him begged him to stop.
He whirled about, spinning his blade through countless Zalian swordsmen; none would match his ferocity. His rampage continued on through their ranks with undiminished power. He let loose a roar of challenge, ? All ye who have slain my friend, come now and slay me if you can!?
He laughed, feral with the rush of combat, the feeling of instant gratification. This only lasted for a minute or two, however, before he ran into Joria.
?Stop, Valormin Korlon,? She ordered, forcing his blade back with a blow of equal energy. ?You have strayed to the enemies ways. You are no better than them!?
?I am infinitely better!? He spat back at her. But his skin had started to go pale and the voice inside him was getting stronger.
She blocked his continuous barrage of swipes, ?How? Look at yourself! You are acting like a beast!?
?No!? He countered, spinning with wide sweeps that still cut through Zalians and allowed him to keep Joria on her feet. ?I am acting for Nafilas! I am acting to avenge the death of a noble person! How can you despise that? Answer me, O? wise Elf!?
No!

The voice cut through his thoughts. Suddenly he recognized it; it was Nafilas. He stumbled in his stance and dropped his guard.
Without further hesitation, Joria ducked under his sword, tripped him with a sweeping kick, and forced her blade to his neck. ?Do not fool yourself! You are not honoring her memory! Nafilas died to save you! She fell in hopes that you might live on in the light! Can?t you understand that? She never would have wanted to push you this far! She loved you, Valormin! She never told anyone, but I could see in my old friend that you had pierced her heart! Please Valormin, I would do anything for Nafilas! I would have gone with her through the darkest of nights! She is all I have left, I was happy she had found someone she cared for. Please, will you not leave her image intact? I beg you, come back before it is to late!?
Valormin stopped struggling, his breathing became labored, and he looked across the unfathomable space that separated him from Joria. He felt his sword fall from his hands. He gasped for air, ?By the light of the heavens, what have I done??
?Don?t worry,? Joria said, though her voice still quavered, smoothing back his hair with her long Elven fingers. ?It?s over now, return to the light. We shall end this together.?
Valormin nodded and took Joria?s hand. As they looked firmly into each other?s eyes, he grasped his sword and smiled a small, shaky smile, ?For Nafilas,? he whispered.
With this, he charged into the battle, fighting side by side with Joria in perfect synch, ?There are too many,? He stated with effort, though his tone was calm, ?How shall we end this??
?Just keep fighting,? Joria replied, her breath becoming as ragged as his, ?Until the end of your strength, we will persevere. Truth and life are with us!?
Valormin was about to inquire what she meant when he came face to face with someone very familiar. ?Nafilas?? He blurted out, hardly believing his eyes, ?What are you??
His question was cut short by a quick kick to his stomach. Nafilas twirled and tripped Joria before pinning them both to the ground. ?Nafilas! What are you doing?? Valormin cried as one of her hands curled around his neck.
But in that moment, he realized it was not Nafilas, The palm that choked him was rough and ashen, and the tortured eyes he looked into shone with a fierce delight in his struggle.
?Nafilas is no more!? The ersatz Nafilas spat back, dark saliva dripping from the corners of its mouth, ? I now hold total dominion over what she once was, for I am Safilan!?
Safilan? Suddenly, Valormin understood, in his days in shadow he had been detained by a being known as Nimrolav. Nimrolav, Valormin. When Mäsene had died he had referred to his Galdrood as Enesäm. And now this creature that was named Safilan must be?
?Consuming darkness,? He whispered, ?Nafilas, why did you fall? What have you become??
?Quiet!? Safilan hissed, ?Your voice can no longer reach her. Don?t you understand? She wanted to save you! She turned to me because the light she fought in was to restraining. Now die knowing it was you who turned her to darkness!?
?Wait, Safilan!? The voice was terrible and dark, ?I still need him! He knows something that may prove crucial to our plot.?
?No, Ragsol,? Safilan said, contempt dripping from its dark mouth, ?This one is mine!?
Ragsol, who now appeared in person, stepped back, ?You will be your own ruin, mark my words.?
?What?? Safilan exclaimed. But it was too late, Ragsol had disappeared.
Before Safilan could turn back to Valormin a clear voice broke through the air, ?Túvro mril, Galdrood!? Ikiaghn shouted, Valormin could see him through a break in the crowd. His diamond sword was now shining with a heavenly light, ?Jaï thren rakka! Gallo túvrin lé giëh lor klona rilam umlar!?
With these words uttered, something amazing happened. Every Zalian still standing went limp, falling to the blood stained ground. Suddenly, Nafilas?s eyes became clear and she stared into the face of Valormin, who trembled beneath her grip. A great, relieved smile came across her face, ?Valormin?? She said. And he smiled back. As they exchanged looks, Nafilas felt faint. With a contented sigh, she collapsed beside Valormin and fell into a deep slumber.

Joria stared at her friends. For a moment the whole world had gone silent. Then, without warning, dozens of beings composed entirely of shadows and embers materialized and with a roar of unison, leapt upon Ikiaghn. ?No!? She cried out, springing to her feet, if they caused the slightest harm to him?
But before she could regain her balance, much less, get over to Ikiaghn, his sword flashed through them, dissolving a considerable segment of the writhing mass that had encased him. He fought gallantly, and deep within the darkness, she saw glimpses of light start to shine through.
Yet still this was not enough, the shadows came out of nowhere and were so numerous that she estimated their sum to be at least a thousand. ?High Lord of the Heavens,? She pleaded, ?Do not let him fall.?
Then, as she stared in horror at Ikiaghn?s epic prowess being matched with sheer numbers, she felt a rain drop. Looking up, she found that the sky was now cloud filled and stained blood red from the distant sunset. The shadows stopped and gaped at the looming cloud blanket.
And the cleansing rains fell from the heavens, cutting through the last remnants of the Zalian army. Deep within her heart, Joria knew the purifying flood was not of the earth, it had come from distant shores?

* * *

When Valormin finally awoke, it was morning again; the lush, damp grass that was under him felt pleasant against his sore back and other wounds. A little ways away he could see Nafilas, her coppery curls splayed around her. She was still in her battle stained armor, though it seemed as if the rain had carried away some of the scars. A new beauty had come about her, or perhaps it had always been there, but as Valormin gazed upon her peaceful face he wondered if he would ever be enough for her. Could he ever be deserving of her favor? Sub consciously, he reached out to brush aside a wayward curl.
?Don?t wake her, Valormin,? He twisted around to see Ikiaghn sitting against a nearby tree. There was something new about him that Valormin could sense, a newly asserted confidence in? something. It was not an eerie feeling, rather a reassuring one, like the sound of the waves upon the sand saying that things will always heal; all darkness will wash away. ?She will awake in time,? Ikiaghn continued, still watching Valormin, as a shepherd watches sheep. ?Go refresh yourself at the shores, there will be food when you return.?
?Thank you, Ikiaghn,? Valormin said slowly. It seemed like a foreign thought that there would finally be peace. For so long he had been running, always falling from one frying pan to another. But now the battle was over, was it not?
Shaking off the thought, Valormin walked off to the tranquil waters of the ocean. He winced as the icy waters engulfed his feet but still continued until he was immersed up to his waist. After the shock had worn off, he released a long, contented sigh. The cleansing waters were washing away the darkness.
After a while, Valormin pulled himself from the waters. He felt rejuvenated, but something was still missing. During that last battle, in the very end, he had felt so desolate at merely the thought that he might have lost Nafilas. He never would have talked with her again, laughed with her when things had finally come to rest, or cried with her when times of mourning were at hand and comfort was scarce. He realized he never wanted that to happen again. But how could he stop it?
Walking back to the field where he had awoke, he noticed the bright colors of spring were about him. Kneeling to the ground, he could see the life coming into the world that had been so dark and terrible yesterday. Robins were in the air, singing songs of renewal as wild flowers turned their bright faces to welcome the new day that had dawned on their valley. Did Nafilas like flowers?
He stepped back for a moment and examined himself, what was he thinking? Did he really believe he could change things with a few flowers?
He shook off the thought; he wanted to do this for Nafilas. She had become dear to him, how could he deny it? Taking in a deep breath, he picked flowers of deep, soothing blue, the color of the heavens, and some golden orange poppies, almost the color of Nafilas?s hair.
He turned his gaze heavenward, whatever power had saved them yesterday, it must have been of the supernatural. Sighing to himself, he wondered if he would have the courage to offer his gift to Nafilas. Now that he looked at it, it seemed pitiful. The petals were wrinkled with dew and the color did not seem quite so vibrant now. Now or never, he thought to himself, I can?t lose her again. I?ve fought battles against monstrous odds, how can I back down now?
Some how, this did not fill him with the courage he had hoped. And, as he came upon an empty field with Ikiaghn still sitting peacefully by the tree like some kind of sentinel, he panicked even more. ?Where?s Nafilas?? he demanded, ignoring the biscuit Ikiaghn offered him despite his alarmingly empty stomach.
?She went to the cliffs to eat her breakfast,? Ikiaghn explained, gesturing towards a small path that lead out of the field. ?She seemed disappointed when you weren?t here when she awoke.? He had just the beginnings of a grin touch his face as he continued, ?I told her I?d send you to meet her as soon as you returned. Don?t worry Valormin, she?ll be pleased to see you. Even if you?re a little wet.?
Ignoring Ikiaghn, Valormin snatched the biscuit and began his march to the cliffs he had indicated. They offered an amazing view of the ocean. Sitting alone on the cliff side, Nafilas was bent over something in her hand, she was so absorbed in whatever it was that she did not detect Valormin until he was sitting beside her.
For a while, they both were silent. Valormin still held his bunch of wild flowers out of her view and she was still looking at her secret treasure in a manner that prevented Valormin from knowing what it was.
Desperately, he hoped the moment he unveiled his tribute to her would not be one of the awkward kind. With him pouring out his excessive emotions he had kept inside and her standing there, not quite knowing what to do but tolerating him out of sheer pity. Oh, how he wished he could know if she cared for him. Just in the slightest.
He released a nervous sigh, after all the corruption and dissidence they had experienced he could not name one scenario in which he had been half as worried about the consequences of his actions. Something this simple should be?
Then it struck him, this was not just that simple. This was a choice that might alter his life forever, and not just his, but hers too. Was he really qualified to make such a decision?
Now or never, right. Clearing his throat as subtly as possible, he prepared for the hardest moment of all his freedom. ?Nafilas?? He asked after a second of hesitation. He noted, with dismay, that his voice was trembling. ?Could I?that is?? He stalled for a moment, not knowing how to bring forth something of such magnitude. ?Do you like flowers?? He got out at last. No! He wanted to snatch his words out of the air and back into his mouth but there was nothing to do about it now.
?Nature has always held its place within me,? She murmured back, still not facing him.
Valormin swallowed, was she even paying attention? ?Because, this morning?? He began again, still searching for the right words, ?I found some I thought you might like so I picked them for you, after all, I?m really grateful to you for saving me? numerous times.?
She turned to him, the golden sunlight shimmering off her long, beautiful hair. She smiled at him and caught his gaze with her deep, hazel eyes. In her hand was a white rose; its radiant petals gave off a fair scent. ?Something new has begun,? She said, ?Just like this rose and all the flowers in this valley. They sense it; a small part of the world was saved. There is beauty all around us and I?m glad we saved it, but that was not the reason I fought on the battlefield. I fought for you, Valormin, because you have become dearer to me than anything in this whole world. Come what may, Valormin Korlon, your companionship will stay in my heart forever.?
Valormin smiled as she completed her monologue and smiled back at him. They embraced upon the cliff top, staring into each other as the morning sun shed its light upon their joy. After a while, they finally came to rest beneath the trees, laughing together. ?So what will you do now?? She asked him as they sat beneath the guarding branches.
?I don?t know,? Valormin answered, partially turning his mind to the task, ?I think I?ll find Kädorin.?
?Kädorin?? She inquired, seeming surprised he knew the word. ?Who told you about???
?From the far off shores of Kädorin? He began, still staring into her eyes, which began to widen, ?A sleeping power lies within, a hero yet to realize might, a royal yet to take his right. My memories are deep and dark, but from the shadows I must embark, and find for myself this far off land, and rule it gently with my hand.?
?For fear of loss, of moments wasted,? They said together, hand in hand, ?I think of fruits not yet tasted, that lie far off forevermore, upon the sands from distant shores.?
?I wrote that!? Nafilas laughed, recalling the joyous times she had had in her youth, listening to old legends. ?How did you find it??
Valormin shrugged, ? I suppose you could say it was destiny. I promised myself I would find Kädorin right after I read it, it gave me something to live for.?
At the mention of promises, Nafilas suddenly became downcast, ?I?m sorry Valormin,? She said quietly, turning away from him.
?For what?? He asked, turning to her, slight confusion and some caution coming into his voice.
She sighed, ?Back on the battle field, I gave in to the darkness. I tried to use my Galdrood to save you but in the end all the darkness consumed me. Would you please forgive me??
?Of course,? Valormin said simply, ?I could never bring myself to do otherwise.?
?But I said I?d never leave you.? She reminded him, am unresolved question in her eyes.
Valormin smiled, turning back to the sky and grabbing her hand, ?You never did.?

The greylands never wander,
Neither through shadow nor through light,
Their paths lead far out yonder,
Beyond the edge of night.

But one day through the heavens,
You cast me a distant hope,
It led me off this road of bends,
And warmed me with its cloak.

I dreamed a dream of lands beyond,
Of lands glowing in glorious light,
It held beauty in every glistening pond,
And glory in its might

This land far off, had caught my eye,
Away forever more,
I give my love no last good bye,
For we have reached those distant shores.

-Valormin?s poem for Nafilas


Additional poems and songs

Shattered light, broken peace,
The days of Giëh?vol Londe now Cease,
But some light may still lie within,
The last remnants of Kädorin.

Flames of betrayal wrought our path,
As we fought through the aftermath,
From the fall of warriors great,
To the loss of our cities gate.

And so now, as light has waned,
And the world outside does ever change,
We look to the morning light once more,
Ninniach Londe, the distant shore.

-?Remembrance of Light?s Haven? by Relakyn Callenk?gún

Haven Hunter, strong and bold,
His hands are swift and light,
At his side is a mighty sword,
To aid in any plight.

He does not seek for glory,
Or look for ill felt pride,
His journey and his story,
Make what he is inside.

He searches for sanctuary,
But not just for his own,
He shelters travelers weary,
To ease their empty groan.

Korlon, stand beside me,
My strength is at its end,
From my side do not flee,
My eternal friend.

-?Korlon? by Nafilas

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 18.11.2009

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