Velcan leaned back into the shadows. Below him the guards was searching every alley. Their shouts became quieter as they moved towards the lower town. The people of East Road Castle soon continued their afternoon chores and as everything went back to normal he sat himself down on the roof, leaning his back against the roof of another house. From his bag he took out a loaf of bread and some apples. His first meal of the day.
Carefully he tore the bread apart and put one half back into his bag. As he ate he studied the town. The houses of the common folk stretched out from the castle walls in all directions. The Great Est Road went right through, splitting the town in to. It would be easy to see who was passing, as long as they followed the road, and that was what Velcan was hoping for.
This land was strange enough as it was. He didn't understand the people or the customs.Why hadn't the Elder sent someone who had completed their education? Or at least someone who was in the top of the class. Searching for one human in this land was like looking for one needle in a haystack. Thankfully they had given him a picture of the person and the name of this place. Any day now this person would travel trough this town. If Velcan didn't find him he would have no choice but to start searching along the road, a task he didn't wish to take on. Easiest was to find him immediately.
No time to loose then. He stood up, stretched and then started moving over the rooftops towards the center of the city.
~
Yet another day had almost passed and still no sign of the human. Velcan had seen thousands of faces and he'd started to feel nervous. Two days more he could stay in East Road Castle, after that he had to hit the road.
He sighed, wishing he was back home, where he didn't had to hide or go hungry. The houses high up in the trees and the freezing mountain rivers, the music and the golden sunlight. What wouldn't he do to be back there and not have to look at these pitiful creatures who lived in dirt and misery.
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other and looked down on the crowd. Merchants, traders, travelers, guards and thieves were mingled with the normal people doing the last shopping for today. He recognized some but most faces were unknown to him. As the sun crept lower the streets started to empty. Just below him an old man begun to stow away the apples and pumpkins he hadn't sold during the day. Velcan watched him. The minutes crept by as he waited. When the old man was done he turned his back to his trolley to speak with someone and Velcan saw his chance. Quietly he swung himself down from the roof, landed beside the trolley and stretched out his hand.
"What do you think you're doing?"
The old man's friend, a giant man, looked straight at him.
"Guards! We have a thief!"
The shouting ("Thief! Guards!") were picked up by more and more people. Trying not to panic Velcan took three of the apples and one pumpkin before running. As he run he stowed them into his bag, cursing his inability to steal. I have to find a way back onto the roofs! He turned around a corner and felt a sudden pain to the side of his head. Then his shoulder hit a wall and he fell to the ground. Disorientated and confused he tried to rise but he had a foot on his back.
"What do we have here? Don't struggle, it's no use. You're defenseless."
Velcan turned his head to the side and felt the strangers hand pulling his hair from his face.
"Goddess of mercy!"
The foot disappeared from his back and he heard a sword being drawn. Velcan sat up and focused his eyes on the stranger. He gasped. I've found him! There in front of him stood the human the Elder had wanted him to find. It was no question about it. Velcan almost laughed but the eyes of the man before him made him swallow instead.
"Tell you why you are here", the man demanded. "You and you're kind are not welcome in these lands."
~
"Tell you why you are here. You and you're kind are not welcome in these lands."
Matt looked down on the creature in front of him. It might look like a man, and he'd thought him a man at first, but as soon as he saw those eyes... This can't be happening. I left them alone. I've held my promise not to touch their artifacts. He didn't like the look on its face. If he had to he would kill it, no one would ever find out, the streets had emptied and soon darkness would fall. A scream in the night wasn't the best when he'd hoped to pass unnoticed.
"Answer me or I'll kill you right now." He raised his sword, preparing for the killing blow.
"We need your help."
Matt stood frozen. What? Is this a trick? Slowly lowering his sword he tried to read its face. It was impossible. The characterizing blue fire burned in its eyes.
"Help? With what?"
Carefully it stood up.
"The Eastern Shore is about to do something that should be never be done and you're a piece in their plan. I can't tell you more until you gotten and accepted your task, but know this, I'll be there to guide you along the way, that's why I'm here. The Elder fear what will happen if this isn't treated with care."
"Why would I need your guidance?"
"Because this task will bring you to my homeland."
Matt stood quiet. This wasn't what he wanted. To have one of theses creatures as a guide could only mean trouble. But he couldn't get rid of him now. If it was true as he said and he had to travel beyond the western forests, then he needed a guide and protector.
"You seem to know a lot of what's going to happen. Very well, come with me, I might need you."
"You will need me."
Feeling safe Matt put away his sword and as they left the alley he asked one last question. "What if I don't accept the assignment?"
"You will lose your head. Lord Matthew doesn't take no for an answer."
1/29/2014
1/22/2014
Birdsong - Chapter 2
Julia walked slowly past the doors to the council chambers. She heard angry voices arguing but could not make out the words. However, it was a good sign. She continued walking as if she was like every other noble lady in the castle. Her long dress flowing behind her.
Back in her room, behind locked doors, she took pen and paper and started to write. As the letter became longer her facial expression changed. The former smile was gone, taken over by a calm seriousness. When done she lit a purple candle, walked over to the window and shut the curtains. A smell that brought your thoughts to winter chill and howl of wolves filled the room.
Julia picked up the letter with both hands and held it high over her head. Her long hair falling down her back. She closed her eyes.
"Oh, you great beast of the north
Hear my question
I beg of you to bring my word
Over the lands
Through forests and over seas
Hear my question
Oh, you great beast of the north."
Her eyes shut open. A purple fire burning in them. Shadows seemed to spread out all around the room, shadows of wolves. She put the letter in the candle flame. It immediately caught fire. She let go of the letter and backed away. Eyes glowing. The letter hung in the air above the candle as it burned. The shadow wolves drew closer. When the last corner of paper was gone they let out a hollow howl that was more felt than heard and dived at the candle. Everything stood still.
Julia was left in darkness. She couldn't move, not yet. The magic slowly left her body, leaving her cold and tired. When the final thread of magic was gone she let out her breath, shivered and hurried to draw the curtains from the windows. The sun shone bright. Such a contrast to the dark. Smiling she started to hide away everything that might give a hint about what she'd done.
Knock knock.
She twirled around, almost knocking an ink bottle of the table. "Lord of the seven hells" she cursed.
"Yes?" Her voice neutral.
"My Lady, young lord Devan has asked for you to join him for dinner." Julia recognised the voice. It was Ella, her personal maid. "Your door is locked, my Lady."
"Yes, sorry."
Ella gave her a curious look as she opened the door but said nothing. A locked door meant secrets. And if you didn't know the secret, you couldn't betray it.
~
The sun had started to set when Julia, led by Devan, made her way through the castle. The servants had started to light torches along the corridors. She lifted her skirts to be able to walk up a few steps and then they made it out on one of the big terraces. A table was set and candles burned. Servants stood ready halfway in the shadows.
"I hope you're hungry, my Lady", Devan said.
"Starving, my Lord."
He showed her to her chair and then sat down himself. The servants immediately begun to work. Wine was poured and starters presented.
Julia did what was expected, sitting still and smiling lovely. Underneath the surface her mind worked on high speed. Why has he asked me to dine with him? Does Matthew know? Of course he does. Is this his plan? They can't possibly know who I am... Thought after thought came and went. When the servants were done she had four escape roads and five possible (and two not so possible) murder attempts on her and nine on Devan, in her head.
"You look lovely tonight." Devan smiled at her.
"Thank you, my Lord."
"Please skip the 'Lord' talk. Tonight I'm just Devan."
"There is nothing 'just' about being you." She gave him a shy smile. What are you up to?
He burst out laughing. "You're to kind."
After that the conversation became less formal and Julia relaxed a bit. The main course tasted like it was cooked by angels and when it was finished she found herself studying his face. There were no scars on his 17-year-old face. He blinked as a blond lock of hair fell into his eyes. Casually removing it with his hand. He turned his head demanding more wine. His nose was straight and a little to long. When he turned back his deep blue eyes met hers.
"Enjoying what you see?" he teased her. Winking at her with one eye.
She felt how she flushed. "You have a beautiful face..."
The desert was brought forward. It looked delicious. Chocolate cake with strawberries. They ate under silence.
What the hell am I doing? Yes, he was attractive but that didn't excuse her words. Sometimes she fell to deep into her role as a lady of the north. She had to be careful. There was to much at risk for mistakes.
"You are an extraordinary woman, Julia."
Surprised Julia looked up at Devan. His face was serious.
"I have often thought I finally understand you, but then you do something unexpected. I've lived here all my life and still you seem to know more about this place than I. You're smarter than most." He rose from his chair. "You're stronger than any ordinary woman." He walked over to her. Julia sat still, keeping her face a mask, but underneath the surface she prepared. If Devan hadn't looked her so deeply in her eyes he would've seen the muscles in her arms tense. "I've never met anyone like you." She felt his hand under her chin. He tilted her face upwards. "Let me have you, Julia", he breathed as his face came closer.
That's when she slapped him. Possibly a little harder than necessary.
"Sorry my Lord." Her voice filled with poison. "I've got to return to the quiet of my chambers."
Then she stood up, gave him a last look, and turned her back. She heard him curse silently behind her.
Back in her room she let her anger free. When she finally cooled down the room was a mess.That thick headed pig without brains. She looked around. The servants would clean up everything tomorrow.
Sitting on the bed she went through the evenings events. She might be in trouble. Not officially, but Devan was like his father. Neither him or Matthew forgot or forgave easily.
Back in her room, behind locked doors, she took pen and paper and started to write. As the letter became longer her facial expression changed. The former smile was gone, taken over by a calm seriousness. When done she lit a purple candle, walked over to the window and shut the curtains. A smell that brought your thoughts to winter chill and howl of wolves filled the room.
Julia picked up the letter with both hands and held it high over her head. Her long hair falling down her back. She closed her eyes.
"Oh, you great beast of the north
Hear my question
I beg of you to bring my word
Over the lands
Through forests and over seas
Hear my question
Oh, you great beast of the north."
Her eyes shut open. A purple fire burning in them. Shadows seemed to spread out all around the room, shadows of wolves. She put the letter in the candle flame. It immediately caught fire. She let go of the letter and backed away. Eyes glowing. The letter hung in the air above the candle as it burned. The shadow wolves drew closer. When the last corner of paper was gone they let out a hollow howl that was more felt than heard and dived at the candle. Everything stood still.
Julia was left in darkness. She couldn't move, not yet. The magic slowly left her body, leaving her cold and tired. When the final thread of magic was gone she let out her breath, shivered and hurried to draw the curtains from the windows. The sun shone bright. Such a contrast to the dark. Smiling she started to hide away everything that might give a hint about what she'd done.
Knock knock.
She twirled around, almost knocking an ink bottle of the table. "Lord of the seven hells" she cursed.
"Yes?" Her voice neutral.
"My Lady, young lord Devan has asked for you to join him for dinner." Julia recognised the voice. It was Ella, her personal maid. "Your door is locked, my Lady."
"Yes, sorry."
Ella gave her a curious look as she opened the door but said nothing. A locked door meant secrets. And if you didn't know the secret, you couldn't betray it.
~
The sun had started to set when Julia, led by Devan, made her way through the castle. The servants had started to light torches along the corridors. She lifted her skirts to be able to walk up a few steps and then they made it out on one of the big terraces. A table was set and candles burned. Servants stood ready halfway in the shadows.
"I hope you're hungry, my Lady", Devan said.
"Starving, my Lord."
He showed her to her chair and then sat down himself. The servants immediately begun to work. Wine was poured and starters presented.
Julia did what was expected, sitting still and smiling lovely. Underneath the surface her mind worked on high speed. Why has he asked me to dine with him? Does Matthew know? Of course he does. Is this his plan? They can't possibly know who I am... Thought after thought came and went. When the servants were done she had four escape roads and five possible (and two not so possible) murder attempts on her and nine on Devan, in her head.
"You look lovely tonight." Devan smiled at her.
"Thank you, my Lord."
"Please skip the 'Lord' talk. Tonight I'm just Devan."
"There is nothing 'just' about being you." She gave him a shy smile. What are you up to?
He burst out laughing. "You're to kind."
After that the conversation became less formal and Julia relaxed a bit. The main course tasted like it was cooked by angels and when it was finished she found herself studying his face. There were no scars on his 17-year-old face. He blinked as a blond lock of hair fell into his eyes. Casually removing it with his hand. He turned his head demanding more wine. His nose was straight and a little to long. When he turned back his deep blue eyes met hers.
"Enjoying what you see?" he teased her. Winking at her with one eye.
She felt how she flushed. "You have a beautiful face..."
The desert was brought forward. It looked delicious. Chocolate cake with strawberries. They ate under silence.
What the hell am I doing? Yes, he was attractive but that didn't excuse her words. Sometimes she fell to deep into her role as a lady of the north. She had to be careful. There was to much at risk for mistakes.
"You are an extraordinary woman, Julia."
Surprised Julia looked up at Devan. His face was serious.
"I have often thought I finally understand you, but then you do something unexpected. I've lived here all my life and still you seem to know more about this place than I. You're smarter than most." He rose from his chair. "You're stronger than any ordinary woman." He walked over to her. Julia sat still, keeping her face a mask, but underneath the surface she prepared. If Devan hadn't looked her so deeply in her eyes he would've seen the muscles in her arms tense. "I've never met anyone like you." She felt his hand under her chin. He tilted her face upwards. "Let me have you, Julia", he breathed as his face came closer.
That's when she slapped him. Possibly a little harder than necessary.
"Sorry my Lord." Her voice filled with poison. "I've got to return to the quiet of my chambers."
Then she stood up, gave him a last look, and turned her back. She heard him curse silently behind her.
Back in her room she let her anger free. When she finally cooled down the room was a mess.That thick headed pig without brains. She looked around. The servants would clean up everything tomorrow.
Sitting on the bed she went through the evenings events. She might be in trouble. Not officially, but Devan was like his father. Neither him or Matthew forgot or forgave easily.
1/15/2014
Birdsong - Chapter 1
Matt looked around one more time. The camp was still empty. He had to hurry if he wanted his visit to be unknown. Careful not to touch anything he walked to the main tent, always listening after the smallest of sounds. He sneaked into the tent.
The smell that hit him was hideous. Rotten food and wet dog, urine and old sweat. Breathing through his mouth Matt started to look for the casket. "It has to be here..." he murmured. Under the blankets and behind heaps of filthy clothes he searched, not finding it. It was still silent outside, but for how long would it be? Matt started to grow nervous. "It has to be here. They wouldn't take it with them. Maybe..." He had to search some of the other tents. Nervous and a bit disappointed in himself (he had been sure it was in this tent) he walked towards the exit. And there it was. Just inside the opening. A little wooden box with feet of iron and a pentagram engraved on the lock. So innocent it stood there. With a smile on his lips Matt picked it up and left.
~
A few days later Matt lay on his bed in The Blue Knight. He felt great. His assignment had gone without any trouble, it had almost been to easy, and when he'd delivered the casket those rich aristocrats had praised him and paid him double. There were no new assignments waiting or people to meet. Maybe I should take some time off. It'd been to long since he'd just enjoyed his life. He could travel south, to see the sand sea, or to the cold north. To the east was the sea and he'd had enough of that and to the west was the dangerous land of the elves. It would be easiest just to stay here. I've got everything I need right here. Soon he drifted of to sleep.
Knock knock.
Matt opened his eyes. It was dark. His every muscle tense.
Knock knock knock.
He rolled out of bed, his hand lifting the knife from the bed table. With the knife raised he slowly stood up. There was no one there.
Knock knock.
"The window." Matt turned. Outside the window sat a grey dove. It looked at him and waited. Matt lowered his knife and walked over to let the bird in. It was carrying a letter addressed to him. Matt opened it.
Matt frowned his forehead. The Eastern Shore. The land of the seafarers and star readers. He'd hoped not to have to go there again. Reading the letter again, he hoped to find a clue telling him if it was a new assignment or an invitation to his imprisonment. Nicolas of Sundale, I haven't heard your name before.
"Be damned." Matt folded the letter and started to pack his bags. Luckily he didn't have many belongings. Soon he was on his way. He had to hurry to be there in time. It was a long way and if he didn't made it he was as good as dead. Everybody had heard the stories of the High Lord of the Eastern Shore.
When the sun rose the Two Rivers' City was far behind him.
The smell that hit him was hideous. Rotten food and wet dog, urine and old sweat. Breathing through his mouth Matt started to look for the casket. "It has to be here..." he murmured. Under the blankets and behind heaps of filthy clothes he searched, not finding it. It was still silent outside, but for how long would it be? Matt started to grow nervous. "It has to be here. They wouldn't take it with them. Maybe..." He had to search some of the other tents. Nervous and a bit disappointed in himself (he had been sure it was in this tent) he walked towards the exit. And there it was. Just inside the opening. A little wooden box with feet of iron and a pentagram engraved on the lock. So innocent it stood there. With a smile on his lips Matt picked it up and left.
~
A few days later Matt lay on his bed in The Blue Knight. He felt great. His assignment had gone without any trouble, it had almost been to easy, and when he'd delivered the casket those rich aristocrats had praised him and paid him double. There were no new assignments waiting or people to meet. Maybe I should take some time off. It'd been to long since he'd just enjoyed his life. He could travel south, to see the sand sea, or to the cold north. To the east was the sea and he'd had enough of that and to the west was the dangerous land of the elves. It would be easiest just to stay here. I've got everything I need right here. Soon he drifted of to sleep.
Knock knock.
Matt opened his eyes. It was dark. His every muscle tense.
Knock knock knock.
He rolled out of bed, his hand lifting the knife from the bed table. With the knife raised he slowly stood up. There was no one there.
Knock knock.
"The window." Matt turned. Outside the window sat a grey dove. It looked at him and waited. Matt lowered his knife and walked over to let the bird in. It was carrying a letter addressed to him. Matt opened it.
We've heard about you and your skills and we would be pleased if you cared to pay us a visit. We'll await you on the 21st day of the fourth moon.
Nicolas of Sundale, Writer to High Lord Matthew of the Eastern Shore.
Matt frowned his forehead. The Eastern Shore. The land of the seafarers and star readers. He'd hoped not to have to go there again. Reading the letter again, he hoped to find a clue telling him if it was a new assignment or an invitation to his imprisonment. Nicolas of Sundale, I haven't heard your name before.
"Be damned." Matt folded the letter and started to pack his bags. Luckily he didn't have many belongings. Soon he was on his way. He had to hurry to be there in time. It was a long way and if he didn't made it he was as good as dead. Everybody had heard the stories of the High Lord of the Eastern Shore.
When the sun rose the Two Rivers' City was far behind him.
1/08/2014
Birdsong - Prologue
It was still dark and quite under the trees. The animals of the night had gone to sleep but it was still to early for the day walkers. The forest floor was wet. A child's bare feet made no sound as he ran lightly down the path.
As the dark night turned into dawn the child reached a lake. The water was still.
"I'm not to late", he mumbled.
Slowly he walked down to the edge of the lake, carefully not to disturb the stillness, seated himself on the ground and waited. The minutes passed by and slowly the sun rose higher.
The young boy had almost lost hope when it happened. The sun had reached over the treetops and birds were singing. One bird sang brighter and more beautifully than any other. Its song flew like golden threads through the air, spun itself around the trees and flowers, giving them life. It touched the water, turned the surface bright blue and gold. Everywhere colors exploded like fireworks.
This can't be of this world, the boy thought to himself as the golden threads reached him. They spun around him, without touching him. Soon he's at inside a golden bubble, the song of the bird echoing in his chest. He had never seen anything such as this. He laughed, a free, honest sound only a child can make. The golden threads drew closer to him.
"Aaaaaaaaaaa...!!!!"
The boys scream made a strange contrast to the song of the bird, but it wasn't for long. The screaming stopped as suddenly as it had started.the golden threads started to draw back and fade. All the trees an flowers were standing tall, the lake was clear and still. Nowhere was a boy to be seen.
The song of the bird had come to an end.
As the dark night turned into dawn the child reached a lake. The water was still.
"I'm not to late", he mumbled.
Slowly he walked down to the edge of the lake, carefully not to disturb the stillness, seated himself on the ground and waited. The minutes passed by and slowly the sun rose higher.
The young boy had almost lost hope when it happened. The sun had reached over the treetops and birds were singing. One bird sang brighter and more beautifully than any other. Its song flew like golden threads through the air, spun itself around the trees and flowers, giving them life. It touched the water, turned the surface bright blue and gold. Everywhere colors exploded like fireworks.
This can't be of this world, the boy thought to himself as the golden threads reached him. They spun around him, without touching him. Soon he's at inside a golden bubble, the song of the bird echoing in his chest. He had never seen anything such as this. He laughed, a free, honest sound only a child can make. The golden threads drew closer to him.
"Aaaaaaaaaaa...!!!!"
The boys scream made a strange contrast to the song of the bird, but it wasn't for long. The screaming stopped as suddenly as it had started.the golden threads started to draw back and fade. All the trees an flowers were standing tall, the lake was clear and still. Nowhere was a boy to be seen.
The song of the bird had come to an end.
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