Revelation (12 page)

What amazed Aaron more than the tranquil scene was the casual way Dalyn seemed to influence the natural surroundings. Without any apparent effort, the environment would change to accommodate his need. Animals seemed to be quite at ease. A bear crossed their path with little more than a casual glance at the travelers. A herd of small, white-tailed deer bounded joyfully through the clearing, showing no sign of fear at the sight of Aaron and his companions. All seemed to be peaceful in the sphere of Dalyn’s influence.

They entered the house through the front door. Inside, Aaron noticed that the décor was not unlike the forest they just left. Green plants grew from a variety of different pots. A large table filled the center of the room and was covered in a cloth made to look like woven leaves of gold and red. To their right the fireplace, built into the far wall, was of smooth river stone, stacked and mortared to form a natural hearth. Inside the open hearth a fire crackled and flickered, warming the entire cottage. Six chairs were evenly placed around the center table with an assortment of large pillows against the opposite wall for reclining and rest.

To their left, at the back of the spacious hall, a corridor led into an antechamber. This is where Dalyn took Braden.

Aaron was anxious at the prospect, not wanting to relinquish care of the injured dwarf. “Where are you taking him?”

“Relax,” Dalyn said. “I assure you that in this house you will find only rest. But your companion is injured, and I am taking him to my own quarters.” By this time Braden was barely conscious and needed Dalyn’s help to walk down the hallway.

Dalyn returned quickly and began stoking the fire and preparing the room for his guests. The silver-haired host moved gently but swiftly as he prepared his home. Then Dalyn disappeared outside only to return a few minutes later with a large wooden tray filled with an assortment of fruits and vegetables, seemingly enough to feed ten men. Breads, cakes, and other pastries were carefully placed around the table by Dalyn, and a large ceramic jar of fresh honey was given center stage in the abundant feast that was prepared.

“Now, gentlemen,” Dalyn said, “why don’t you sit and enjoy a meal together? I will tend to the other and see that he has his needs met as well.” Almost as an afterthought he said, “There is also a basin of water and grooming items prepared for you just outside.”

Aaron ventured out to see a table, chairs and large basin of warm water to his right. Next to it was a stack of clean cloths and shaving knives. With eagerness, Aaron attacked his beard with fervor, removing every last whisker. Lorik, who had followed his captain outside, took the proffered opportunity and shaved as well. Then, returning into the cottage, Lorik sat and began to gather a plate of fresh bread, cake, and fruit. He slathered honey on his bread, poured a cup of water from a large decanter and sat at the table.

Aaron watched the sergeant with amusement, but quickly sat down as well and gathered around himself a heaping portion of fruits and vegetables, along with pastries of blackberry and strawberry. The two soldiers sat in silence as they ate a good meal for the first time in weeks. Their host was nowhere to be seen while they enjoyed the afternoon’s hospitality.

Aaron and Lorik finished the meal and reclined in their chairs when Dalyn entered again from outside. Carefully carrying something in his hands, he disappeared down the hall to the room where Braden was in a fitful, fevered sleep. Aaron listened as Braden moaned with fever. Deeply concerned, he strained to hear what was happening in the room down the hall. Time seemed to stand still as he waited, but then Dalyn returned and sat down at the table with them.

“Now,” their host said with his deep baritone voice, “we have much to discuss and there is little time. While you are here, you can be at peace and know that your enemy will not discover your movements within this wood.” Dalyn served himself a heaping plate of food and a generous cup of water then continued. “I imagine that you have many questions for me, so please ask them. I sense that we will not be able to discuss more important matters until your questions are satisfied—at least in as much as I am able.”

Aaron quickly spoke. “My first concern is for our companion, Braden. How is he, and will he recover?”

“The answer to that is: he is ill, and yes, he will recover. I know much about the ancient powers and know the cure for many ills. Braden’s wound was deeply infected by the blade that struck him and the infection had worked into his blood, but he is out of danger now.”

“How?” asked Lorik. “How is it that you were able to cure him? Braden spoke of a tree that possessed the power to heal.”

“The dwarf possesses a good bit of wisdom.” Dalyn smiled. “The tree he spoke of is the Terapan tree. Its leaves are able to heal even some of the gravest wounds and with those very leaves I was able to bring him back from the edge of death.”

Aaron relaxed a bit more to hear that Braden was out of danger. “So, then,” he continued, “who are you and how do you know about our quest?”

“As I told you, I am merely a servant,” Dalyn said, “and hold no special significance except that I may help you in your pursuit. As far as me knowing about your quest, as I have already spoken, another of my kind informed me that you were dispatched to recover the Book of Aleth. Upon the moment you entered the forest I was told of your movements. I watched as you passed through, but when I saw your injured friend I knew that you needed my help.”

“But you have power over nature itself!” Lorik protested. “How can you say you’re of no significance?”

“Power
over
these things?” Dalyn questioned. “You misunderstand what you see. I do not impose my will over anything. The ancient harmony of the world still resides in this forest. The power of this forest is such that all living things work with each other, not against each other. I simply know the forest, and the forest knows me, there is no other explanation that I can offer.”

“So,” questioned Aaron, “what would happen if you were to leave this forest and venture into the world at large? Would the elements of nature still respond to your presence?”

“Only those things that are of the nature as I am,” Dalyn replied. “There is great evil in the world at large and harmony does not exist any longer between the elements of creation. Come and see.” He stood and led them out the door to sit at a table on the deck. Dalyn sat silently, almost enraptured with the world around him. Casually a wolf strolled by the encampment, looked up at the three men seated on the deck and continued walking past. Not long after, a family of squirrels scampered along the ground, with a fox close on their heels. However, the fox only watched as the squirrels frolicked along the path and disappeared into the trees beyond. The fox simply twitched its nose and playfully ran off.

“You see, Captain,” Dalyn continued, “there is no fear in these woods. The trees, the plants, the animals, all living things including myself live in peace, and the creatures that dwell here are left at peace. All that once was still remains in this place and in others such as this. But I fear that there are very few regions left in Celedon that still remember the ancient harmony of the King. I have remained in this forest for ages beyond count, and will do so until time itself will pass away. My brother, Kaylan, however, chose to dwell outside the tranquility of this forest.”

At the mention of Kaylan, Aaron’s attention was piqued. “Kaylan is your brother?”

“Yes, indeed!” Dalyn said, chuckling. “He and I are of a kind. He is the one who communicated to me your quest and the deeper pursuit that would grip you. It was no accident that brought you to his home. It was his purpose to not only assist you on your journey, but to help you find the right path. That’s why you were guided there. When you stumbled into his house that winter night, he helped you to a path that was yours all along.”

Lorik listened with intense interest as Dalyn and the captain conversed about the man called Kaylan. “But,” Lorik asked, “who
are
you and Kaylan?”

“You ask questions that cannot be answered, Lorik. I and my brother are of this world, or I should say, of the world that was and will be again.”

“You give cryptic answers,” Lorik said as he scratched his head in perplexity.

“He’s an Eternal.” Braden spoke as he slowly stepped into the doorway, leaning on the doorpost to keep from falling over. Lorik and Aaron simultaneously stood and went to Braden’s aid, helping him toward the table. They looked upon their host with fascination, dumbfounded at the prospect of sitting with a creature that existed throughout time.

“Yes,” said Dalyn. “I suppose that such a name would serve as any. I have been called many things, but my race is known as the Aionen. Now, Captain, there is much to discuss.” Turning to Braden he continued, “If you are able, we will have another setting of bread and honey and I will share with you information that will be of importance to your quest.”

“Yes,” Braden said, “your help has been more than enough to restore my strength. I would be honored to share a table with you!”

“Very well,” Dalyn said as he stood and went around the backside of the cottage. He returned with another wooden tray piled high with bread and a generous jar of honey. He also set down a carafe of hot coffee and a pitcher of cream with an assortment of cups for the men to enjoy.

After allowing Braden to partake of a generous portion of food, Dalyn began. “You are being pursued.” He said this with a calm, but serious disposition. “I have observed the one called Rayn. He has entered into the service of your emperor and has informed him that you, Captain, are a traitor to his empire and are pursuing the Book of Aleth for yourself. He has also informed the emperor of the resurgence of the dwarves and the location of the Hidden Valley.”

Braden gasped in horror at the thought that his people were exposed. “It can’t be! What does this emperor intend to do?”

“I don’t know.” For the first time, Dalyn’s voice wavered as he sat forward in his chair. “I cannot see clearly the intent or activity of that which is evil. All I know is that he has set his powers against the three of you. Outside the protection of this forest you will be hunted men. And Captain”—Dalyn turned to face Aaron directly—“Rayn has been given your command.”

“Impossible!” Aaron exclaimed. “He is far too young to take on the responsibility of an entire regiment of soldiers!” He stood and began to pace, exasperated by the news. “How is it that you know such things?” he asked, almost accusing.

Dalyn reached into an inner pocket of his garment and removed a smooth, round stone. “You’ve seen one of these before?” he asked.

“Yes,” Aaron replied. “It is a fire orb. It’s a stone that, when exposed to flame gives those who look into it the power to see things which are important to their lives.”

“You’re almost correct, Captain.” Dalyn looked at the three of them. “The fire orb is able to convey information only to those who have the power to use it. Lorik and Braden could gaze into it for the duration of their natural lives and see nothing more than the reflection of the fire.”

“How can that be?” Aaron demanded. “I’ve looked into one and was transported to scenes that were certainly more than the flicker of firelight.” Both Braden and Lorik looked upon the captain with astonishment.

“Indeed, young protector,” said Dalyn, “how can this be?” He looked intently into Aaron’s eyes. “You know nothing of your heritage?” Dalyn asked.

“No,” Aaron responded, “nothing. I was orphaned when I was four and left to fend for myself until I enlisted into the Royal Guard.”

Dalyn glanced over at Lorik for a moment then brought his attention back to Aaron. He spoke with intense seriousness. “Your heritage is more than you know. And your destiny is built upon it.”

“You and your brother are a lot alike!” Aaron commented. “You both speak in mystic riddles that make no sense to me.”

“I cannot tell you more,” Dalyn replied, “except that you will find both your heritage and your destiny.”

As they talked, the hours passed without notice. The sun, long having set beyond the trees, was now far beyond the horizon. The night sky, and a brilliant half-moon, illuminated the evening. Stars dotted the velvet night and a cold, sharp breeze wafted through the gently swaying trees. Nocturnal creatures began their serenade as crickets chirped, owls hooted, and wolves howled to welcome the hours of darkness. Dalyn stood and went back into the house, stoking the fire and inviting the men to sit with him.

The three companions followed their host, moving to sit near the crackling blaze, its warmth a welcome sensation to their tired bodies. Dalyn arranged several padded chairs in a half-circle around the fire where the men could enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the evening. He excused himself, and informed the three that they could use the pillows at the back of the room to bed down for the night. Then, without another word, he disappeared down the hall and into his room.

Braden looked at his two companions. His face was still pale from his experience, but his voice was strong and steady. “It’s a shame you shaved off your beards. You were becoming quite a pair of rather tall dwarves!”

“Certainly,” Aaron said, “but I don’t think the world is ready for dwarves, let alone two dwarves as tall as us!” The men fell silent again, resting and reliving the events of the evening in their own mind.

“Captain,” Lorik broke the silence, “what do you make of all this?”

Aaron breathed a heavy sigh, “I don’t know. But with every new encounter, I am more convinced than ever that the Book of Aleth is the key.” With that he retreated deep into his own thoughts.

Who am I?
He wondered.
What is this heritage that others speak of—this heritage that is mine?
He began thinking of his parents, images that roamed through his thoughts, disconnected and dreamlike. He could vaguely remember his father taking him on a ship, sailing far from their home. He recalled images of his mother pouring over scrolls for hours. Then tragedy… he remembered waking up in an alley, alone and afraid. His family was gone, and he had no idea where to find them. He cried. He became hungry and scavenged for food in the refuse and waste of the local establishments. He entered the orphanage, only to be mistreated. Finally, he was old enough and joined the Royal Guard and found his life at last, dreams and hopes long since beaten out of his thoughts.