Forgotten Guardians

The painfiil ritual lasted for four more days. Miranda’s screams echoed throughout the ancient temple like a wailing banshee. Josan walked around as if he was in a horrible never ending dream. Grimmly busied himself wilh repairing small things around temple. Frathe scouted the surrounding country side, leaving in die early morning and not returning until after dark and Uuger treated the children with herbs and remedies as the days passed. Wolf never left Miranda’s door and when permitted, stayed by her bedside. No one spoke unless it concerned the children or Miranda, even then, it was short and brief. The Watchers when not performing the ritual, kept a vigilant eye on the children and Miranda.

Charkic stared at the ceiling of his unusual cell. His arms and legs were still tightly bound to the bedposts. He received three meals a day and someone came at least twice a day to check his wounds, which were healing nicely and to let him use the privy. Several times he thought of escaping when they came to untie him, but they were always wary eyed and had weapons close to hand. The unusual behavior of his captures confused him. They knew he was a soldier of the Light, yet they never asked him a single question. This troubled him greatly as the days passed. Agonizing screams from some where else in the temple bombarded him and brought buried memories to surface, memories of his wife and children.

A knock at the door brought him from his terrible pondering. The door creaked open and the man in black walked inside. Charkic had seen him before many times. This man greatly baffled him, he always kept his hood up and shadows seemed to be perpetually painted over his eyes. He walked wilh a warrior’s grace which seemed familiar somehow. The man hardly spoke a word and would not answer any of Charkic’s questions. He held a small tray with a bowl with fragrant steam rising from it. The man set the tray down on a small tabic next to the bed and untied Charkic’s wrists, this was the usual routine. The man took a seat on one of the rickety chairs and waited patiently for Charkic to finish the meal. Charkic picked up the bowl and ate quickly. “Who are you?” Charkic asked between spoonfuls of soup, as always, the man said nothing, sitting motionless staring at him. Charkic set the empty bowl back on the tray and leaned against the bed’s headboard. “So who’s the woman? Some poor farm girl you brought along for your pleasure?” Charkic asked as he stared at the wall. He barely had time to register the movement before he felt cold steel against his throat. He looked over and saw the man was standing, wilh sword in hand. Charkic shrugged as the man in black loomed over him, ready to end his life. As he started to look away something on the sword caught his eye, he turned back and studied the strange familiar markings. Suddenly it struck him, “You!” Charkic bellowed at the shadow’s man face. “T know who you are, you’re that demon spawn, Josan.” he said wilh conviction. “Vander has told me all about you,” Charkic snarled.

“I would be careful about whom you call demon’s spawn, at least I don’t kidnap children.” Josan said widi venom.

“What are you talking ab... Parlon. That sneaky son of an ore,” Charkic spat. “I knew that damn wizard was trying to hide something,” Charkic said ignoring the sword at his throat. “When General Vander gets a hold of that slimy snake.” Charkic turned back to his captor, “What did Parlon do to those children?” he asked with genuine concern. Josan took the sword away from Charkic’s throat and eased it back into its sheath.

“The children have been tainted with evil. The woman you hear screaming is cleansing them of that taint, so don’t be too quick to point fingers at people,” Josan said, as he quickly reded Charkic to the bedposts and stalked out of the room, leaving Charkic to mill over these new revelations.

Miranda lay in her bed as she took in ragged breaths; the pain was increasing with each time. Her entire body felt numb and cold yet she was glistening with sweat. Nausea swept through her in waves and her head felt as if creatures were boring holes dirough her skull. Her body screamed for her to stop this assault, but she would hear die ten little heartbeats in the back of her mind and knew she could not.

The door opened and Master Veil slowly slipped into the room, as he closed the door a silver burr darted dirough the opening. Master Veil scowled down at Wolf with milky white eyes, as he made his way to Miranda’s side. As usual. Master Veil checked her health and helped her change out of her sweaty clothes. He changed the sheets and put her back into bed. Concern and pride always painted on his face.

“It will be over soon, two more times and the taint will be removed from diem all,” he said widi a faint smile.

Miranda nodded and lay back against me pillows. A small knock at the door brought her out of her daze. Wolfs head sprang up from the foot of me bed, sniffed the air, and men he lay back down. Uuger pushed me door open with his little body as he carried a small tray with a bowl steaming soup. Slowly, careful not to spill a drop, he made his way to Miranda’s other side and laid tie tray on the table. The herbal smell of die soup made Miranda’s stomach turn. Uuger waited patiently at her side, dry washing his hands with sorrow etched across his face. She gave him a smile of thanks. Uuger lifted me bowl from the tray carefully and handed it to her as if it was a fragile gem. She was reluctant to take it, but Veil insisted she must eat. She quickly finished the bowl, so her stomach wouldn’t have time to reject it. Uuger gently took the bowl away, as Master Veil asked him to leave. Uuger hesitated for a moment then scurried out with the tray.

As Uuger shut the door Master Veil turned Miranda, “What you’re doing is very brave, do you know that?” He asked encouragingly.

“I’m not doing it to be hero,” she said in a horse voice.

“That is why it is brave,” Master Veil said and lend over and kissed her forehead, “Get some sleep child, tomorrow it will be over,” he rose and made his way to the door.

It had been two days since the end of the ritual and everyone was eager to leave the decrepit temple. Uuger and Josan packed away all the food they could fit in their bags, Grimmly prepared the wagon with wild hay he had found and made a small bed in front for Miranda. Frathe and Wolf scouted for the quickest and safest why back to Lord Tylin’s Keep. The Watchers gathered the children up and loaded them into the back of the wagon. They gave each child a thorough examination. The children were tired and a little disheveled from the ordeal, but they would he back to normal soon. After Grimmly was satisfied with the small little bed he marched back into the temple and after a few moments passed he came out with Miranda in his arms. He gently laid her down on the soft bed in wagon as if she was a new bom babe. The ritual had taken its toll; her body was weak and exhausted. She could not stand on her own and her skin was a pasty white. She didn’t fuss as Grimmly carefully lucked her. Uuger came out of the temple with one sack on his back and another being dragged behind him. Uuger and Grimmly loaded the supplies in the cart careful not to disturb Miranda.

Frathe and Wolf stepped out of the tree line and conversed with Grimmly about the easiest path to the Keep. Grimmly latched on the harness to the wagon and easily hoisted it level. Josan came from around the building followed by a thick rope which was connected to Charkic’s hands. Charkic walked upright proudly. Josan tied him to die back of the wagon without a word and headed up to Grimmly. The two shared a few quiet spoken words and then they were off.

Days passed fast for Charkic as he tried to keep up with the wagon, afraid mat if he didn’t they would drag him all the way. At night he was fed and someone always to guard over him. He kept his mind busy with mental notes which he would divulge to Vander. Small things he hoped would add up. The number of the party, each of meir roles, their weapons, the way they spoke to one anodier. All these things would add up to a weakness he could exploit. As he walked, he mentally ran through his list of notes, but his attention kept being distracted by the old blind wizard staring at him.

“What do you want. Wizard?” Charkic asked scornfully.

“What troubles you so?” Veil asked with open concern.

“Oh, I think it’s a jolly day when I’m a prisoner of a demon’s spawn and his group of filth,” Charkic answered sarcastically.

“That is not what I’m talking about, why do you hate them so much? They have done nothing to you and yet you hate them for some reason.” Veil pointed out.

“Look at them, they’re evil beasts and look at what they did to that poor woman,” Charkic said as if it was as plain as day.

“You judge them by their heritage. It is not their fault who their parents were.” Veil answered calmly, “and Miranda chose to help these children, so do not shame her deed with your ignorance,” Veil said with a touch of

anger. Veil took a moment to calm himself before he continued, “I undersland that they are kin to races who condone violence, but you seem to have a personal grudge against them.”

“It’s none of your business,” Charkic bellowed. The cart came to a halt and Grimmly turned and raised a questioning eye brow at Charkic. Veil waved him on and the cart jerked forward.

“So you have suffered a loss. You have my sincere condolences. You hate these six, but they are not the ones who did it. You have no reason to hale them.” Veil said.

Charkic scowled back, but the words had already taken root. They walked on as he pondered the wizard’s words.

For five days they trekked through the woods, stopping only for short rests. As the days passed Miranda’s strength returned and the children grew hearty and healthy. On the fifth day as the sun began to set, they crested a grassy hill to see the Keep in view. They quickened their pace and by nightfall they entered the Keep’s grounds. Cheers and praises erupted as they passed through the gates. Guards whooped and howled from their posts at their return. A crowd quickly formed around the returning party, where they were welcomed with hand shaking and slaps on the back as they passed. Grimmly lowered the wagon and unfastened the harness between handshakes. A sudden pam opened in the crowd. Lord Tylin, dressed in battered armor and widi soot smeared across his face, hurriedly made his way to the returning party.

“It fills my heart to see you return, we began to worry,” he said as he clasped Grimmly’s huge hand. He turned and greeted each group member warmly and bowed and giving a respectable greeting to the Watchers. Josan eased Miranda down from the wagon, she being still too weak to stand on her own, as Lord Tylin made his way to them. He stopped in mid-stride, “My Lady, you’re hurt. Stretcher!” he yelled behind him.

“That is not necessary, my Lord.” Miranda said with a faint smile.

“We must gel you inside at least,” he side with urgency. He came to her other side and lent his support as they headed for the Keep. People quickly widened the path for ihem, men offering to help, women offering medicines and herbs. Servants ran ahead to make preparations and fetch a healer. Councilor Langon stood at the door with a scowl of rage painted across his face.

Miranda awoke to find herself in a large bed with light creeping in through the drapes. A door opened and a plump little woman walked in carrying a tray, Miranda recognized her from the day of the festival as Lord Tylin’s maid. As the woman came closer Wolfs head popped up from Ihe foot of the bed then crept back down under the foot board. The woman glided over to the bed side.

“Oh, you’re awake, that’s good.” the woman side as she laid down the tray, “I’m Naeven, personal maid to Lord Tylin.” Naeven bent down and started to examine Miranda.

’The healers came earlier,” Miranda said as the woman finished her examination, content with her findings, “They said all I need is rest.”

“Phah, men. They wouldn’t know how to cure a splinter,” Naeven spat. “Rest huh? Well they’re half right suppose, but you don’t need to be in a stuffy, dark room, sleeping on your rump all day long. Now have some porridge while I draw a nice hot bath for you, it will make you feel better,” Naeven said as she pulled back the drapes to let sunlight inside. She cracked the windows and a warm spring breeze filtered in with the scent of spring flowers.

Miranda ate her porridge while Naeven had servants bring up a large copper tub and fill it with steaming water. Wolf lay in his spot, watching the servants scurry about their business, keeping a wary eye on anyone that came into the room. Naeven helped Miranda undress and get into the tub where she scrubbed her back. Naeven was right. Miranda could feel the dirt and the stain of the taint wash away.

“Is Aielia here?” Miranda asked.

“The elf woman? No, she and the dwarves left a few days after you did, we haven’t heard from them since.”

Miranda felt a sting of dread for her dear friend and prayed she was alright. Miranda looked around at the

large room, “I feel bad for taking up this room when more than just me could be inhere.”

“Don’t worry honey; nobody’s sleeping in the mud. The people who were here were more than happy to give up the room for you after what you did for those children,” Naeven said as she started to rinse out Miranda’s hair.

’They know?” Miranda turned her head around a little surprised.

“Of course, everyone knows. Gossip spreads faster than wild fire around here,” Naeven chuckled as she poured a pitcher over water over Miranda’s long hair. “Now let’s get you dried off and into some fresh clothes.”

Miranda dressed and Naeven ushered her out into a small private garden with Wolf by her side. Spring was in full bloom. Small flower beds flourished with every type of flower Miranda could think of and few she didn’t recognize. She was starting to feel better, yet Naeven still had to help her walk. After an hour or so, Josan appeared in the door way to the small garden.

He casually strolled to Miranda’s side, “Lord Tylin wishes to see you in his counselor chamber.”

“About what?” Miranda asked curiously. Josan shrugged his shoulders; he bent over and lent her his weight as Naeven slipped away.

“Now don’t have her walking all over the Keep, she needs her rest,” Naeven said with a firm motherly voice.

Josan nodded and lead Miranda to the doorway. They made their way through the Keep with a little haste. They entered Lord Tylin’s councilor chamber and saw him at the far end of the room conversing with a group of people. As they approached the people became clearer. There was a couple of commoners, a man wearing a leadier apron with large tree trunk arms, a blacksmith by appearance, a man dressed in a soldier’s uniform, as well as a pair of well dressed people, probably nobility. Lord Tylin turned and his face brightened at the sight of Josan and Miranda’s appearance.

A suddenly familiar voice rang through the group of people, “Lady Miranda!” a small figure cried racing towards her.

“Theras,” Miranda’s voice filled with joy as she reached down and embraced die young girl. The young girl looked like her old spirited self. Miranda suddenly wondered if die children had found their parents. Her prayers were shortly answered when me tall soldier walked over, his armor creaking from use. Josan helped Miranda back io her feet and steadied her. The soldier stopped in front of her and suddenly went down to one knee, “I have heard of what you did for my daughter and I cannot give words which would credit my thanks. She is all I have in this world. My sword is yours, my Lady, whenever you wish it.”

Miranda was awe-struck; she had no idea what to say. If it had not been for Josan holding her, she would have fallen to the floor, “Th... Thank you,” was all she could say. The soldier rose, gently look her hand and kissed it. As he glided back into the crowd, Miranda noticed the group of people stood in semi circle around her, children in front of their parents. Even now she could still feel their heart beats in the back of her mind.

Namis, the oldest boy, stood next to the blacksmidi and a woman Uiat must have been his mother and father, stepped forward. Namis, trying, to stand tall with shoulders square, knelt and kissed Miranda’s hand. The blacksmith, a balding man with a dark mustache, and built like a mountain followed his son with a joyful glitter in his eye. He kissed Miranda’s hand and spoke, “You have saved my boy. I don’t think I can ever repay you,” the blacksmith said with tears welling up in his eyes. “My son told me that you are somehow bonded to him. My home will always be open to you, for you arc family now and if there is anything youneed, just ask,” he finished with a gentle hug. Namis* mother followed by embracing Miranda and kissing her cheek. The formalities continued, men swearing fealty to her and women kissing her on the cheek. Last came the noble couple with their son and daughter. The man stood rigid and slender with a beak nose which made him look like he was always to looking down at people. The woman, elegant and naturally beautiful, stood behind her husband with a caring smile. The noble man stepped forward with a swagger and extended his hand. Miranda took his hand as he spoke, “Thank you, for your bravery,” he said almost mockingly. He spun on his heels and started back to his wife and children. The noble woman intercepted him, a white fury burned in her eyes. A delicate hand trimmed with lace slapped die arrogant noble across the face and sent him staggering back a step, “You pompous ass!” me woman wailed. She quickly turned away and the caring smile returned to her face. She glided to Miranda and curtsied. She took Miranda’s hands in hers, “Please forgive my husband, you have saved my children from damnation, I offer myself to you as a sister, to share your pain and your joy with you,” the woman kissed her hand and rose and embraced Miranda.

Miranda didn’t know what to think of all this display of gratitude, her mind swirled with emotions. Never in her wildest dreams did she dream of this, these people respected and accepted her.

Vander rode into the horde camp at dawn with a detachment of soldiers. Most of die filmy creatures quickly scurried away as he made his way up to ihe mouniain path. At the cave opening Parlon stood waiting. Vander dismounted and threw his reins to one of the soldiers. He stalked over to the wizard in a torrent of rage.

“You have a lot of explaining to do, wizard,” Vander said widi cold fury.

“I am at my General’s command,” Parlon said humbly.

Vander looked around the small clearing, “Where is Charkic? I wish to speak with him immediately.”

“Charkic? I have not seen Charkic since last I left your side, General,” Parlon said looking confused.

“I sent him two weeks ago,” Vander spat.

“He has not arrived here my General. There are many of the kingdom’s patrols searching the area, he might have been captured,” Parlon said trying to act concerned.

For a long moment Vander stared at the wizard with an unreadable gaze, “Very well, send word, we march at dawn. T have to fix what you have blundered.” Vander said calmly as he made his way back to his horse.

Vander quickly made his way back to camp. As he rode thoughts circled his mind. He knew Charkic was not captured; the man was very capable and had a good head for bailie. Vander didn’t put it past the wizard to dispose of Charkic if he had the chance, he would add Charkic’s name to thelistofpeoplehehad to avenge. Vander kept thinking ihe wizard was hiding something from him. If he was, it didn’t surprise him in the least.