A Ranger From Adamnar

Alana and Iliard walked in silence until the tavern was out of sight and they were near the front gate of the stronghold. Finally Iliard said, “Lord Berol told me about your test. He said you were amazing.”

Alana didn’t answer until they had gotten outside the front gate, “Did he?” she asked quietly.

“Yes,” Iliard answered, a bit puzzled by how long it had taken her to respond. “Is something wrong?”

Alana didn’t look at him when she replied. “Did he tell you about the healing?”

“Yes, he did,” Iliard answered carefully.

“And don’t you think it’s unusual for a Ranger trainee to do something that usually only high order Priests can do?”

“I…yes, it is unusual,” Iliard acknowledged quietly.

“And maybe it’s a bit strange that I mindspoke to Laren and she heard me?”

“You mindspoke?” Iliard asked in surprise.

“Yes,” Alana said in hard voice, “I mindspoke. Why should that be a surprise? I speak to the Gods. Mindspeaking should be no problem for me.”

“Alana…” Iliard began.

Alana didn’t let him finish. “I mindspoke, I reattached Laren’s hand and I finished the forest phase of the test in just over two hours.” She stopped walking and turned to face Iliard. “I can do all these things that I’m not supposed to be able to do, but no one will tell me why or how I can do them. I don’t know what I am or what I’m supposed to be. Every time I turn around, someone else is telling me, ‘you shouldn’t be able to do that.’ But I do it. I am doing it. I’ve done it all my life.” Tears of frustration started in her eyes and her voice rose with each question. “What am I? Who am I? And why is a Novadi Wielder watching over me?”

“Alana, you’re my niece…”

Alana cut him off, “And Bert is your nephew. But it was always me that you were with. It was me you took adventuring and me you taught the ways of the Ranger and the Novadi. Except for the time with Gellmy, any time something bad happened to me, you were there, if not right away, then pretty soon after. The night I left the castle, you already knew I was going to run away. You were ready for it.”

“Alana…” Iliard tried to put his arm around Alana’s shoulders, but she pulled away.

“No!” she shouted. “I don’t want to be comforted. I don’t want to be coddled or protected. I just want the truth. Why can’t you just tell me the truth?”

“Damn it Alana! It’s not as simple as that.”

She put her hands on her hips. “Why not? You’re a Novadi warrior. You’re supposed to tell the truth.”

“No, I am supposed to keep my oath. That’s not the same thing.”

“Oh,” she said derisively, “So you took an oath to lie to me?”

“No,” he said quietly, “I took an oath to protect you with my life”

Whatever words she was about to say caught in her throat. The look on Iliard’s face cut her to the bone. Here was the person she loved most in the world and she was treating him as if he were her enemy. A ragged sob rose from her chest and she put her face in her hands. Iliard took her in his arms and held her while she wept. She put her hands on his chest and sobbed, “I’m sorry, Uncle Illy, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it.”

“I know,” he murmured. He closed his eyes and silently cursed the choices that had brought them to this impasse. “I’m sorry too.”

He took her hands in his and stepped back a pace so he could look into her eyes. “There are things I cannot tell you simply because I don’t know the answers. I don’t know how or why you have the abilities you have. I might be able to make a guess, but it would be only that, and could do more harm than good.” He paused and let out a soft sigh. “Then there are things I cannot tell you because I made a promise that I am oath-bound to keep.” Alana began to protest, but he stopped her. “Please Alana, don’t ask me to break my oath.” Alana bowed her head and bit her bottom lip. “Alana, look at me,” Iliard said softly. When she lifted her head, he went on, “If I thought, for even one moment, that telling you the things I know would make you safer, I would do it without a second thought. But, right now, I think it would be the opposite.”

“But shouldn’t I be the one to decide?” Alana asked.

“Under normal circumstances, I might be inclined to say yes.” he answered. “However, nothing about your circumstance is normal. There are forces at work that I don’t completely understand and that worries me a great deal. My primary concern is your safety and it’s becoming more difficult to ensure that. Right now you are safe here because you are, for the most part, anonymous. The time will come, however, when you will leave this place and venture out on your own. When that time comes, I cannot guarantee your anonymity or your safety so I have to do my best now to prepare you.”

Alana let out a sound of exasperation, “Then why not tell me everything? Then I can prepare myself.”

“Because,” he replied, “sometimes too much knowledge is a dangerous thing. I am asking you to trust me with this. When the time is right, you will know everything you need to know.”

Alana started pacing. “How am I going to know what to do? How am going to know what to be? Bruny thinks I should be a Priest. You want me to be a Novadi warrior. Everyone here thinks I’ll be the best Ranger since Lord Berol. What about what I want? I want to be your heir more than anything. That’s my dream.” Tears came to her eyes and she continued hoarsely, “Do I get my dream? Do I have any say in this at all?”

Iliard watched his niece as she struggled with her emotions. His heart ached for her. He wished he could give her the answers she needed. He wished he could just spirit her away from all of the danger surrounding her and let her live a normal life. However, he knew he could do neither of those things. He couldn’t meddle with her destiny without inviting catastrophic consequences. At the moment he felt as frustrated and helpless as she did. “Alana, I don’t know what to say.” he began. “I know this is very frustrating for you. I wish I could give you all the answers so I could tell you what to do. But I cannot and it’s probably best that way. I cannot see your future, but I know you have a great destiny before you. I believe that if you continue to do what you know is right your path will open up before you and you will know the right way to go. Will it lead you to the Wielders dais? I do not know. But wherever your path leads, I know you will be extraordinary.”

Alana sighed and closed her eyes. “That’s the problem, isn’t it?” she said softly. “Everything I do is out of the ordinary. I thought when I came here…” she paused. “I had a plan. I was going to become a Ranger and then someday a Novadi and one day I would be the Wielder of the Jade Dragon. Now,” she shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t know any more.”

“I understand how you feel,” Iliard said. “Everyone starts out with an idea of how their life is going to be. I thought I was going to adventure with your father for the rest of our lives. Neither of us planned to marry or have children. Then your Uncle Gregory died without an heir and your father had to take over the running of the Barony. That changed everything. Your father became Baron Candril and I became a Novadi warrior.”

“But I thought you always wanted to be a Novadi,” Alana said in surprise.

“Not really,” Iliard answered. “All I ever wanted to do was adventure with my big brother. It was only after he stopped adventuring that I started looking in a different direction. That was when Grand Master Philip approached me. My mother knew I wouldn’t leave Bert…your father…so she bided her time until I was ready.”

“But at least you got to be a Novadi,” Alana responded.

“But that wasn’t my dream,” Iliard insisted. “That’s was I’m trying to tell you. We make plans, but life changes those plans.”

“It’s so unfair,” Alana said plaintively.

“Yes it is,” Iliard replied. “Life is not fair. It never has been and never will be. It’s what you do when your life takes an unexpected turn that matters.”

“It almost seems like it doesn’t make any difference whether or not I make any plans for my life,” Alana said. “Things are going to happen whether I want them to or not. Maybe I’m just wasting my time.”

Iliard shook his head. “The plans you make are important because they shape your life. Your training here will be invaluable to you, not matter what direction your life takes. Nothing is wasted unless you waste it.”

“Is that why you asked if I was sure I wanted to be a Ranger?” Alana asked. “Is it because you knew that I had all these special abilities?”

Iliard shook his head. “No, I asked because I wanted to make sure that it was what you wanted and not what I wished for you. A Ranger’s life is not easy, nor is Ranger training for that matter. That was also the reason I allowed Lord Berol to have you work as a servant before you began your training.” Iliard paused for a moment, then he went on, his voice just the slightest bit hoarse, “You are very special to me. I love you like you were my own daughter. If I could, I would wave my hand and give you the life you want. You would never have any troubles or pain. But I cannot do that and even if I could, it would be the wrong thing to do. You cannot become the person you were meant to be without going through the struggles that life will throw your way. All I can do is be there for you and try to help you go through them.”

Alana looked up at Iliard’s face. She saw the love in his eyes. She knew he wanted her to be happy. She couldn’t imagine that many Novadi warriors would want to watch over a little girl, but he had. He had spent her whole life trying to protect her and make her life better. He had accepted the unexpected turn that life had thrown at him with honor and grace. Surely she could do no less than honor him by doing the same. She put her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “I love you, Uncle Illy,” she said softly. “I’ll make you proud of me.”

“I’m already proud of you, small one,” he answered and kissed the top of her head.

“I’m not so small any more, you know,” she said.

Iliard sighed. “I know.” He stepped back and looked down at her with a smile on his face. “But I’ll probably still call you that for the rest of my life.”

Alana laughed. “I know. And I’ll probably always call you Uncle Illy.”

“I don’t mind that at all,” Iliard said and hugged her again. He let her go and said, “You should probably go back to your friends now. I’m sure they’re eager to celebrate with you.”

“I guess so,” Alana replied. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Cadius came looking for me.”

“The Warrior?” Iliard said. “He seems a little old to be a Ranger trainee.”

Alana looked at him in surprise. “How did you know he used to be a Warrior?”

Iliard touched the hilt of the Jade Dragon and answered, “It’s one of the powers of the Nyla Blades. I can see the auras of the people around me and I know what kind of adventurer they are. Of course most of the time it’s pretty obvious, but in his case I was surprised.”

“I guess his aura will change when he becomes a Ranger,” Alana said.

“It should,” Iliard answered. “Actually, it should be changing now. But he’s still more Warrior than Ranger. He’s going to have a tough time in fourth phase.”

“Why do you say that?” Alana asked in surprise.

“Because, there’s more to being a Ranger than just knowing how to use the skills. There’s an attitude—a philosophy almost—that comes when you’re a Ranger. I cannot really explain it. I probably shouldn’t explain it to you anyway. It’s something each Ranger trainee has to find out on their own. A trainee may be excellent in all of the Ranger skills, but still not make their trials because they lack that one thing that they can only learn by knowing what it is a Ranger is really supposed to be.”

Alana frowned thoughtfully. “I never thought about it. I wonder…”

Iliard put his hand on her arm, “Don’t wonder too much tonight. Go have fun. Tomorrow you can start wondering about fourth phase.”

Alana smiled up at him. “All right, Uncle Illy.” She put her arms around his neck, pulled his head down and kissed his cheek. “I’ll see you when I make my trials.”

He kissed her forehead. “I’m might come see you before that.”

“I’d like that,” Alana replied. She stepped away from him. “Good bye till then.”

“Good bye Alana,” he replied. He watched as she ran back into the stronghold. A strong feeling of foreboding suddenly hit him. “Damn it,” he murmured. “Damn the flaming prophecy.”

Lord Berol was sitting by the fire in his study reading a scroll when a light knock sounded on the door. “Come,” he said.

A young Ranger stepped into the room and said, “Lord Berol, Master Iliard is here to see you.”

“Thank you, Stefan,” Lord Berol replied. “Please let him in.” Lord Berol stood up when Iliard came into the room. He indicated a chair across from his. “Please sit, Master Iliard.”

Iliard smiled as he took the proffered chair. “I suppose I still cannot convince you to call me Iliard.”

Lord Berol smiled as he took his own seat. “Probably not. I won’t soon forget your installation ceremony. You deserve the title you have been given.”

“Ah well,” Iliard said. “Just be warned—I will keep trying.”

Lord Berol chuckled. “I consider myself duly warned.”

“So,” Iliard began, “what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?”

“I am…well…concerned about Alana,” Lord Berol replied.

Iliard sat forward in his chair. “Is there a problem?”

“Well, yes and no,” he answered.

“What do you mean?” Iliard asked.

Lord Berol let out a short sigh and replied, “About three months ago, Alana used your dagger against Waylan. She almost killed him.”

Iliard leaned back in his chair and let out a long slow breath. “She drew a Novadi dagger in practice? I thought she knew better than that.”

“I’m sure she does,” Lord Berol said. “Waylan said she wasn’t aware that she had drawn it until he brought it to her to attention after practice. It’s just as well, because she would have been thrown out of the stronghold if she had done it on purpose.”

“Blessed Asaeria,” Iliard said quietly. “What happened?”

“Waylan told me that she got angry with him when they were sparring. Apparently she temporarily lost control of her actions. She didn’t remember drawing the dagger.”

“Why wasn’t I told about this before?” Iliard asked.

“Mainly because Maralene asked me not to,” Lord Berol replied.

“Maralene?” Iliard questioned, “What does she have to do with this?”

“She has been helping Alana learn how to meditate as a way to control her anger.”

“Well, if any Ranger knows how to meditate it would be her,” Iliard said. “Did it help?”

“Yes and no,” Lord Berol answered.

“What does that mean?” Iliard asked, a bit exasperated.

“From Waylan’s account, the meditation helped Alana gain control of her fighting abilities. Unfortunately, it didn’t help her control the world famous Candril anger. She pulled the dagger on him again during an argument just a few days ago.”

“Those are his words all right,” Iliard said. “But why didn’t Lord Waylan come to me with this?”

“Because this is my stronghold and she is my trainee,” Lord Berol said quietly.

Iliard looked at Lord Berol and said, “I’m sorry Van. I know that. But Lord Waylan knows me. He knows Bert too.”

“Yes, I know,” Lord Berol replied. “Waylan told me your brother came here with you to train. That’s why Waylan wanted to keep this in the stronghold. Alana needs to learn how to control her anger on her own. She cannot rely on you to help her every time she has a problem.”

“I know. I know.” Iliard said. “It’s just that I’m so used to taking care of her. She has been my charge since she was born.”

“I don’t suppose you can tell me exactly why,” Lord Berol said.

“Not really,” Iliard replied.

“But it has to do with that war you spoke of when she first came here.”

“Yes,” Iliard answered. “And it seems like it’s getting closer all the time. I’m getting worried. I’m afraid that someone might try to bring the war to her.”

Lord Berol sat up straighter. “You mean here to this stronghold?”

“Yes.” Iliard said. “Well, maybe. I can never be sure. I cannot see her future. She and I are too close.”

“So, you’re telling me that someone might attack this stronghold?” Lord Berol asked.

Iliard shook his head. “I don’t know. I wish I could be more sure one way or the other.”

Lord Berol let out a short laugh. “Don’t we all. It’s unusual for a Novadi to be unsure of the future.”

Iliard sighed softly, “Future sight is not all it’s cracked up to be. The future is constantly changing. We can only see possibilities.”

“I can tell you this much,” Lord Berol said. “This stronghold will be ready for any possibilities. The Rangers here are well trained and well chosen.”

Iliard nodded in agreement. “I know. That is why I brought her here. I knew you would be able to handle whatever came your way.”

“I am honored by your confidence in me, Master Iliard,” Lord Berol said with a slight bow of his head.

“Don’t be so sure it’s an honor, Van,” Iliard said. “I may have brought more on you than even you can prepare for.”

“I imagine we’ll find out eventually,” Lord Berol replied.

“Yes, indeed,” Iliard said softly. After a moment’s pause Iliard said, “Van I can tell there’s something else you want to tell me.”

“There is, Master Candril,” Lord Berol said. “I haven’t forgotten your first warning about Alana. It weighed heavily on me for quite some time. After Alana went on to her second phase, Maralene came to me. She had inadvertently discovered Alana’s true identity and you had explained to her Alana’s circumstances. She wanted to know why she and the other Lords hadn’t been told of the potential danger to the stronghold. I knew she was right. I had considered telling them earlier and I should have. I feel they can be better prepared if they know the reason for any trouble.”

“How many people in your stronghold know her last name is Candril?”

“Just my Lords,” Lord Berol said, “and young Benarion Hadrigan. I’ve asked them to tell no one else.”

Iliard asked, “And you’re sure the truth will not get any further out.”

Lord Berol raised an eyebrow. “Master Iliard, I trust my Lords with my life. If I ask them to keep Alana identity a secret, I’m sure they will do just that.”

Iliard sighed. “I know. I apologize for putting you in such a position. It was wrong of me to ask you to keep secrets from your Lords. I should know better. I was being overly cautious. There are strange forces at work here and I am concerned that I will not be able to avert a crisis.”

“Sometimes all we can do is prepare and hope,” Lord Berol said.

Iliard smiled at him. “Van you would have made a great Novadi warrior.”

Lord Berol gave Iliard a half smile and answered, “Thank you, Master Iliard, but my heart is here in the forest and in the strongholds. I like being just a Ranger.”

Iliard laughed. “There’s nothing about you that’s ‘just a Ranger.’ I am convinced you will one day be the Ruby Ranger.”

Lord Berol’s eyes widened. “If that’s true, I hope it’s not for a very long time. I don’t think I’m quite ready for such a responsibility.”

Iliard nodded in understanding and rested his hand lightly on the hilt of the Jade Dragon, “Who is? Even when we know what’s coming, we never truly know.”

“That’s for certain,” Lord Berol answered with a smile. “Who knew a fourteen year old girl would bring such…excitement to our stronghold?”

“Who indeed?” Iliard replied softly.