Avandor's Gift

“You cannot be serious about this path that you have chosen.” said Tetje with great trepidation.

“Of few things I have ever been sure and this is one of them.” I said as I closed the door behind me and entered his house.

“What path?” asked Lishpa as our company had risen and seemed to be waiting for us.

Where have you been? demanded Greyshanks.

“We went to the library and as to the path, I intend to go to Agden.”

Noran and Nivraél took in a sharp breath that. “Surely he doesn’t know of the danger he speaks of?” said Nivraél to Tetje.

“He is aware, but his decision is set it seems.” said Tetje as he went to join the others at the table.

“But Huma...” started Noran.

“I know and I have a way to bypass that.”

“You do? Well let us hear it.” said Tetje arching an eyebrow.

“It is nothing definite,” I started defensively, “But I was offered a boon which comes with an unnamed price. Now seems the time that I shall accept it.”

You cannot mean to accept Manneth’s offer? said Grey

“You speak in riddles.” said Tetje.

“You have heard the lore of the beginning.”

“Yes but it is somewhat vague in my remembrance.” said Tetje.

“Then I shall remind you.” I said. “In the beginning there were the gods...”

“Manneth’s price that is what you are going to pay?” said Tetje.

“Yes,”

“And what is his price?”

“I do not know, but I am ready to pay it.”

“I see.” He paused. “Manneth is a god and how do you suppose that he will hear your request and come to grant it. Gods from my knowledge are quite capricious in their blessings.”

“I will speak to him the way everyone else does, through prayer.” I said.

“I see.” He said as he seemed truly disgusted by my answer.

“You shall,” I said as I headed towards the door.

“I am coming as well.” said Lishpa.”

“No you cannot. This is a place I will not bring you as you may die. I cannot add another weight to an already leaden conscience. You will stay behind with Greyshanks, Noran and Nivraél. They will keep you entertained until my return and if I fail, they shall grant you passage back to your homeland.”

The two changelings nodded their heads and said in unison, “It shall be done Grey Mage.”

I felt anger and hurt emanating from Greyshanks. It is not safe for you. I told her.

Nor you, but I will not protest this time.

“And me?” asked Tetje.

“Naturally you come with me. I will prove to you that I am not a liar. I will show you what it means to trust a human the way both your father and sister have done.”

“A lofty goal, but I will come nevertheless,” said he.

Despite my urgency to leave, I was convinced to wait until dusk. Provisions and weapons were packed and nothing held us back.

“May all be well with you Cargo.” said Lishpa as he patted me on the shoulder once. His gripped tightened and he pulled me closer to his mouth and whispered. “Be watchful of that one with whom you travel; has a mean streak about him that I don’t like.”

“I will and you do the same. This is a dangerous land, with dangerous folk.”

“That I will do Cargo.” He said patting me on the shoulder once more.

“Long-winded chumans.” said Tetje as he stepped passed us.

We were several hours outside of the city. Night had fallen and the forest had gone quiet.

“Look at the light up ahead, do you see it?” said Tetje pointing to a small hillock a little way off. “Seems like someone is camping in a cave.”

“Someone or something.” I said as I recognised the pulsing nature of the light. “You stay here, I will go ahead.”

“By Avandor why would I let you do that!” said Tetje.

“Wrong god.” I said throwing down my pack. “It is me he wishes to speak to no one else.”

“Well at least bring a sword.” He said as he took his off and handed it to me.

I latched the weapon around my waist and started the ascent. After forty minutes of climbing I pulled myself up over the shelf, panting in exhaustion.

I saw his figure perched at the back of the shallow cave, minding a fire. “What no thunder this time?” I said as I walked over to him.

“I decided to be merciful and give you a dry start to a very wet journey.” He said looking up.

“So you know what I wish to ask then.” I said facing him.

“I do, but do you know what it is you are asking for? Is Agden worth the price for which you will pay?” he said lifting up a brow.

“I do not know what your price is, but I am willing to pay it. I need Alphandé or rather another staff. It is the only way I can save Tet and stop whatever evil that has overtaken this land.”

“Very well. I shall give you passage into and out of Agden, but heed my warning. Four days, that is all the time you get to find the staff. I shall open a portal and after passing through you have four days before it re opens, no earlier and no later.

“The waters there are thirsty, the land hungry and the air wafts with the bread of deceit. The trees are your only friends, but do not anger them as friends will fast become enemies. You have four days, look for the portal at dawn and it closes on the dawn of the fourth day.” His figure started to shimmer and fade.

“What of your price?” I said.

“No worries young king, if you live, you shall pay it. If you die, I take it from one born of the same blood. But the price will be paid.” He laughed and then the cave was void of his presence.

“I am the only one left of my blood. Am I not?” I puzzled out in the darkness.