A Ranger From Adamnar

Bruny rushed into the chamber. Iliard, Lord Berol, and Treise followed close behind. Bruny immediately knelt down, put his hands on either side of Laren’s head and joined Alana in prayer. With a stern look, he directed Treise to resume her place at Laren’s side. The cadence of their combined prayers rose and fell, echoing off the stone walls of the chamber, while Laren’s cries of pain injected a discordant counterpoint to their melody.

A shadowy figure gradually formed above Laren’s writhing body. The air of the room was thick with the reek of its manifestation. Sweat poured down Alana’s face as she struggled with the malevolent spirit. Both Iliard and Lord Berol had drawn their swords. Treise coughed and trembled violently even as she continued to pray. Bruny held firm in his place by Laren’s head.

The shadow form grew more solid as the moments passed. Red-orange eyes glowed from what now looked like a face. The thing reached a clawed hand down toward Laren. The tone of Alana’s voice changed to one of command. As she spoke, a shimmering white mist formed like a thin blanket right above Laren’s body and began to drift toward the entity. The mist looked like it should have passed through the creature. Instead, the shimmering cloud pushed the spirit’s arm up against its body, continued upward and wrapped around the entity until it was completely enveloped. A thin, piercing shriek echoed in the bathing chamber as the mist grew denser and began to shrink. The scream grew louder at first, but then faded as the mist continued to compress until there was nothing left of the evil being.

Alana sat back on her heels and bowed her head in weariness. Iliard and Lord Berol sheathed their swords. Treise put her head in her hands and began to sob. Bruny went over to comfort his assistant.

When Alana went to put her amulet back on, she noticed that its image had replaced the demon marks. Alana sighed softly. Laren would forever bear the mark of this attack. She rubbed her temples. She felt completely drained. She didn’t want to stand up for fear that she would fall over.

As if he read her thoughts, Iliard came over and extended his arm to her. “Let me help you.”

Alana smiled up at him and took his arm. “Thank you,” she said as she rose to her feet.

“Alana.”

Alana sighed. “I have to go.”

“What? Why?” Iliard asked.

“Asaeria is calling me,” she answered.

Iliard’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh.” After a short pause he said, “Well, at least let me walk with you to the sanctuary.”

Alana smiled wanly. “I’d like that.”

As the pair turned to leave, Bruny called out, “Wait.” He hurried over to Alana and said, “Your clothes. Let me help.”

Alana looked down and realized that her breeches were soaked from the knee down and her shirt was drenched with sweat. Bruny murmured a prayer and held his hand, palm outward toward her. Very soon, her clothes were dry. She bowed her head slightly. “Thank you, Brother Bruny.”

Bruny bowed deeply and replied, “It is an honor to serve you.” Alana swallowed convulsively and nodded. Iliard put his arm around her shoulders and guided her out of the bathing chamber.

Iliard waited at the back of the sanctuary while Alana went forward, knelt before Asaeria and bowed her head. “I heard your call, blessed one,” Alana said softly. “I ask your forgiveness.”

“Then you understand what you have done this night?”

“Yes,” Alana replied. “I despaired and tried to take my own life. I opened the door for the demon.”

“Yes child, that is correct. My brother feeds on pain and despair. That is how you surrender yourself to him. That is how he is able to take control of your life.”

Tears started in Alana’s eyes. “I know. I have no excuse.”

“You are young and your grief was great. It is fortunate that the Protector was at your side.”

Alana looked up at her goddess. “But I don’t understand. How was she able to fight the demon? How did she call the demon from the shadow plane?”

“She did not call the demon. She went onto the shadow plane to fight him. Once she did that, he was able cross over onto your plane.”

“How did she get onto the shadow plane in the first place?” Alana asked in confusion.

“As I have said before, the Protector is able to do whatever is necessary to protect you. She was able to go onto the shadow plane because it was what was necessary.”

“She almost died because of it,” Alana retorted. “And then that thing left its spirit inside her.”

“The Protector will do what is necessary to protect the Heir. It is the way of things.”

“Was the attack on this stronghold also the way of things?” Alana asked angrily.

“You forget yourself, child,” Asaeria replied sternly.

Alana bowed her head again. “Forgive me, blessed one.

“Your enemy grows strong. He attacked this stronghold thinking to strike you down while you were still weak. His failure has cost him, and for a time he is greatly weakened. You must leave this place before he regains his strength, or he will destroy it.”

“I know I have to leave, but it’s hard.”

“I know you are afraid, but you have the courage to begin this journey. Your destiny lies outside these walls.”

“I will do as you say,” Alana said sadly. “I just need time.”

“Do not delay for long. Your enemy grows stronger by the day.”

Alana bowed her head. “Yes, blessed one.”

As Alana turned to leave, Asaeria said, “Alana, you would do well to always keep in mind that by which you have been blessed, and use it to its fullest potential.”

“I don’t understand,” Alana said.

“There are people in your life who can help you, if you let them. Iliard Candril is one of them.” Listen to him. You will learn much.”

Alana glanced back a Iliard, who had gone down on one knee and bowed his head. It suddenly occurred to Alana how devastated he would have been if she had succeeded in killing herself. Her throat constricted. She looked back at Asaeria, who nodded.

“Yes child, there are many who would have suffered greatly if you had ended your own life.”

“Yes, I understand now,” Alana said quietly.

“Go now, Alana Candril. It is time for you to begin your quest. Conduct yourself with grace and honor.”

Alana bowed her head. “I will blessed one.”

Alana stood and walked back toward Iliard, who now stood waiting for her. When she reached him, he put out his arms and drew her into an embrace. He kissed the top of her head. “I don’t know what to say. This must be so hard for you.” Alana didn’t answer, she just tightened her hold around his waist. “I am so sorry, Alana. There are so many things I should have told you a long time ago.” He pulled away from her and asked, “Do you think you have it in you to talk for a little while?”

Alana nodded. “Yes.”

The pair made their way to a stone bench in the temple courtyard. The rain had passed, but the bench was still wet. Iliard waved his hand over the bench to dry it. After they were seated, Iliard took one of Alana’s hands in his. He was silent for a long while as he tried to think of what to say. Finally he asked, “Alana, what happened?”

Alana didn’t answer right away. She looked down at the strong hand that covered her own and thought of all the things Iliard had done for her in her life. Her throat felt so tight. She wanted to cry, but she had no tears left. How could she have been so weak? Uncle Iliard had always been strong for her, even when she didn’t want him to be. “I don’t know,” she answered hoarsely. “After the battle…after Ben died, I couldn’t think. I just kept seeing the faces of the dead. I would dream about them and about Ben. It’s my fault they’re dead. The T’Rundi attacked the stronghold to kill me.”

“You don’t know that for sure,” Iliard protested.

“Yes, I do,” Alana replied firmly. “Asaeria told me. And the T’Rundi leader headed straight for me when he got onto the wall. He didn’t even bother fighting anyone else unless they got in his way. That’s why Ben died. He tried to get in between the T’Rundi leader and me.” Her throat tightened even more, but still no tears came. She paused a moment. “It was all I could think about. All the dead, and Ben, and how it was my fault they were dead. The only time I didn’t think about it was when I was leading patrols. But night always came, and I felt so alone. I would lay awake thinking about it. If I did actually sleep, I dreamt about it. I finally…I gave up. I just wanted the pain to end.” She bowed her head and finally tears fell. “I’m sorry, Uncle Iliard. I’m sorry I am so weak.”

Iliard got off the bench, knelt down in front of her and gathered her in his arms. He sat back on his heels and held her in his arms like he had done when she was a child. Alana sobbed out her grief while he wept silent tears of his own. “I shouldn’t have left you. I know better. It was my idiotic pride.” He pulled her closer. “Asaeria forgive my stubbornness.”

When Alana had quieted, Iliard gave her a handkerchief to dry her face. He helped her back onto the bench and, still kneeling in front of her, pulled up his left sleeve to reveal a long, thin scar than ran from the base of his palm four inches up his arm.

Alana stared at the scar on his wrist, her jaw going slack as confusion turned to comprehension. She looked into Iliard’s eyes and he nodded in affirmation.

“A very long time ago,” he began, “when I was not much older than you are now, I lost someone I loved very much. It was not in battle, mind you, it was just through my own childish stupidity. I felt as you do now. I blamed myself for her death. One night, I tried to take my own life. Luckily, your father was there to help me, just like Laren helped you—only he was a bit more forceful.” Iliard’s lips twitched with a quick smile. “After I regained consciousness, he dragged me to the first temple of Asaeria he could find and made me vow in front of the Priest that I would never do anything like that again. I bear this as a reminder. I should have known that you might react the same way. We are kin, after all.”

Alana looked back at the scar on her uncle’s wrist. It was an eerie reminder of what she had done to herself. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

He pulled his sleeve down, then sat back down next to her. “There was no need for you to know. I’m telling you this now so you know you’re not alone. It’s a mistake we both made. We tried to bear our burdens alone.”

“Laren tried to help,” Alana said. “But I wouldn’t let her. I didn’t want anyone to help. But Laren wouldn’t give up on me. And she almost died because of it.”

“Tell me about Laren,” Iliard said. “When we were in your room, Lord Berol asked you about her Priest-like abilities. You were not quite honest when you answered him.”

Alana glanced over at Iliard and then down at her hands. She didn’t look up when she finally answered. “Laren cannot heal anyone except me.”

Iliard frowned. “I don’t understand. Alana, look at me. What are you trying to say?”

Alana raised her head and met Iliard’s gaze. “Asaeria calls Laren the Protector. And she calls me the Heir. She said the Protector will do whatever is necessary to protect the Heir. That’s how the demon got onto this plane. Laren crossed over onto the shadow plane to fight the demon. That allowed the demon to come onto our plane.”

“Of course,” Iliard said thoughtfully. “When you challenge a demon on the shadow plane, that gives it the right to cross over onto this plane. But, I still don’t understand how she could have crossed over. That shouldn’t be possible for her.”

Alana let out short bark of laughter. “How is it possible that I am a High Priestess of three gods when I never wanted to be a Priest at all? How did I know how to fight the demon? How did I know how to expel its spirit from Laren? I don’t think the normal rules of ‘possible’ apply to me or Laren.” Alana watch Iliard’s expression as he tried to take in everything she had told him. Before he could respond she asked, “What does the prophecy say about me?”

Caught off-guard, Iliard stammered, “I…it…Well, it doesn’t mention you specifically, and for a while, I wasn’t certain it applied to you…”

“But now you are?”

“I’m not completely certain, even still, but I am more convinced than I was before,” Iliard replied.

“Why?” Alana asked. “What does it say?”

“Would you like to hear it in full?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Iliard let out a soft sigh and closed his eyes as he recited:

“I have dreamed my successor.

She comes a long night hence.

From my home she will wander

In search of what I have left her,

Though little will remain she can use.

She will have more masters than I

And so rise stronger.

She bows to the West

To the rising sun.

To the morning and creator of all.

She bows to the North

To the cold winter ice

To the truth and beauty there.

She bows to the East

To the setting sun

To the collector of souls and sorrows and pain.

She bows to the South

Where the hot wind blows

Where the fury of battle burns bright.

She bows to the Forest

In its great age and despair

A lonely spirit torn from within.

She bows to the Land

To the source of power

From which Darkness shall be overthrown.

The Heir will rise strong and she will gather the chosen to her,

taking them forth to the Source of pain.

She will end the Great Forest war, heal the land, and free its people.

She will lead the millions.

She will unite the Empire.

She will revive our Order and make it a living thing.

She will be Trinus.”

“How do you know it’s me?” Alana asked. “I don’t understand what any of that means.”

“As I said before,” Iliard replied. “I wasn’t sure it was you until I learned about your ordinations. Then it started to make sense.”

Alana shot up from the bench and started pacing. “What makes sense? How does any of this make sense to you? Who am I succeeding? Who are all these people I’m supposed to be bowing to? Who are ‘the chosen?’ What Empire? What Order? And what in all the hells is Trinus?”

Iliard stood and stepped in front of his niece. Putting his hands on her shoulders he said, “I know this is frustrating for you. In many ways, I share your frustration. I’m not going to pretend I know the answers to all your questions, but I will tell you as much as I can. Will that be all right?” When Alana nodded in agreement, Iliard put his arm around her shoulders and said, “Let’s walk a little. What I have to say is for you alone.”

Alana saw that her outburst had gotten the attention of Lord Berol and a few other Rangers who were gathered outside the infirmary. She nodded and fell in step with her uncle as he walked away from the infirmary toward a small, well lit, grotto. When they had settled themselves on another bench, Iliard began. “The prophecy of Jeragoth is thousands of years old.”

“Jeragoth?”

“Yes,” Iliard replied. “That is the ‘who’ of the prophecy. It seems that he was a very powerful ruler, possibly an emperor, and we are his descendants.”

“An emperor? There was an empire on Ranwar?” Alana asked.

“Well, that’s a good question. There is no recorded history of an empire on Ranwar. There have been, and still are, plenty of kingdoms, but I cannot find any evidence that an empire ever existed, except…” here he stopped and fell silent.

“Except what?” she asked impatiently.

“The damned Tan Medrak Society.”

“What…?”

“It’s ridiculous group of fops and dandies who claim that the ancient Empire of Tan Medrak stood where Narsacalius stands now.”

“I’ve never heard of the Empire of Tan Medrak,” Alana said.

“Nor has anyone else,” Iliard replied.

Alana shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

“These people claim an empire, but there is not one shred of hard evidence that it actually existed. They have a library full of thousand-year-old books and scrolls that say nothing about the empire itself, only about the rumors of its existence.”

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Alana said.

“I know,” Iliard replied. “At first I was suspicious and thought they were hiding something from me. I think I must have touched the minds of twenty different people. Not one of them knew anything about Tan Medrak. I was ready to give up and leave when I heard the name Jeragoth whispered somewhere near me. When I looked for the source, no one was there. I asked again, this time about Jeragoth and still got nothing.”

“So, you still don’t know anything about Jeragoth or this supposed empire.”

“No, I do not.”

“So, which part of this makes sense to you?”

Iliard let out a soft sigh. “Believe it or not, the part about all the bowing.”

“Figures,” Alana said. “So, what does it mean?”

“Do you remember the sanctuary of the noble gods in Castle Candril?”

“Of course,” Alana replied.

“What you may not have noticed is,” he continued, “each niche is set at one of the four cardinal directions: Aniyatomei to the west, Asaeria to the north, Diasamon to the east and Taelerion to the south.”

“Like in the prophecy,” Alana added.

“Yes,” Iliard said. “That was why your ordinations were key to at least part of my understanding of the prophecy.”

“Oh.” Alana bent down and plucked a small flower from the grass. She inhaled its delicate fragrance. “I remember your installation ceremony,” she said quietly. “That was the first time I heard the Heart speak to me. I had no idea what it was then.” She looked up at him and asked, “Do you think I’ll ever be the Wielder of the Jade Dragon?”

Iliard took her hands in his. “That is my greatest hope. I wish I could say it was a certainty, but I cannot see your future. You are my choice to be my heir.”

“What about…children of your own?” she asked.

A sad half-smile touched Iliard’s lips. “I have no intention of fathering children of my own.”

A dozen questions came to Alana’s mind, but the look on his face told her that his reasons were none of her business. Instead she said, “You’ve always been a good father to me.”

Iliard’s eyes got a little brighter and he looked down at their clasped hands. “Thank you,” he murmured. “That means more than I can say.”

The pair sat in silence for a long time. Finally, Alana drew her hands from Iliard’s and said, “I have to leave the stronghold.”

“Alana, don’t let what happened tonight cause you to make rash decisions,” Iliard said.

Alana shook her head. “I’m not making a rash decision. I knew after the battle that I would have to leave. The stronghold was attacked because I was here. I don’t want to leave. This is my home. But Asaeria has told me that the enemy will strike again with more force if I don’t leave soon. I cannot let the people of this stronghold suffer any more because of me. She told me it was time to begin my quest.”

Iliard straightened up and looked at her, alarmed. “Asaeria has given you a quest?”

“No, not like that,” Alana hastened to reassure him. “She just said it was time to begin my journey—whatever that means. I just know I have to leave soon.”

“But where will you go?” Iliard asked.

“I don’t know yet. I haven’t figured that out.”

“I could bring you to the Novadi stronghold.”

Alana couldn’t hide her surprise. “Why?”

“You would be safe there,” he replied.

“But what would I do there?” she asked quietly. “I wouldn’t be able to train as a Novadi, I’m not a Ranger lord yet. How would I become a Ranger lord if I stayed at the Novadi stronghold and did nothing?”

“I…” Iliard smiled then chuckled softly. “That was pretty ridiculous, wasn’t it? It’s hard for me to get used to the idea of you going off on your own, even though I know you must. But as you prepare for your journey, you must promise me something.”

“What’s that,” Alana asked warily.

“I want your word as a Ranger that you will not adventure alone.” When she didn’t answer right away, Iliard said, “I mean it, Alana. If you cannot or will not give me your word, I will have no choice but to take you to the Novadi stronghold for your own protection.”

Alana shot up off the bench. “That’s not fair! You can’t do that.”

Iliard stood and went over to her. “I have been charged with protecting you since the day you were born. That has been my primary task for the last eighteen years. I have not yet been relieved of that task. Therefore, I will do whatever is necessary to protect you.”

“Even die for me?” she asked in a low voice.

“If it comes to that, yes,” he replied.

She turned away from him, her eyes glistening with tears. “I don’t want anyone else to die because of me.”

Iliard turned her so she was facing him again. “Death is a daily possibility for every Ranger in this stronghold, including you. Every Ranger knows this. You cannot take responsibility for all their deaths. The stronghold was attacked by T’Rundi. T’Rundi killed those Rangers, not you.” Seeing Alana begin to protest, he held up his hand. “Yes, they were here to kill you, but don’t you think these Rangers would have protected you if they had known that? The result would have been the same. Rangers protect. That is their charge. Now,” he continued, looking into her eyes, “do I have your word that you will not travel alone or adventure alone?”

Alana held his gaze for a long moment, then bowed her head in acquiescence. “I give you my word as a Ranger—I won’t travel or adventure alone.”

Iliard gave her a quick hug. “Thank you.” He took a step back and said, “This is the best way. Besides, you know the saying…”

“Yes, I know,” she said. “Only fools and Journeymen adventure alone.”

“And an occasional Novadi,” Iliard added with a guilty smile. “However, since you are none of those things—yet—it is best that you travel with at least one companion.” He glanced over at the infirmary. “What about Laren? Asaeria called her the Protector. Doesn’t it make sense that she go with you?”

Alana followed his gaze and shook her head. “When I first met Laren, she wanted to have nothing to do with me. She was actually afraid of me because she used to have nightmares about her own death that always involved me. Look at what happened today. She almost died because she was trying protect me.” She looked up at Iliard and said, “She’s my best friend. I won’t put her through that again. I’ll find another way.”

Iliard would have argued with her then but for the look of weariness that came over her. He recalled all she had done that night and silently cursed himself as a fool. He put his arm around her shoulders and said, “I had better bring you back to the infirmary before Brother Bruny takes me to task for tiring you out.”

Alana didn’t argue with him, she just allowed him to lead her back to the infirmary where Bruny was anxiously waiting for her. He whisked her away, barely giving her time to say goodnight to Iliard. Treise wated for her inside. They led her to a bed next the one Laren occupied. Alana went over to her friend and looked down at her now peaceful face. “How is she?” she asked Bruny.

“She is much better,” Bruny replied. “There is no trace of the curse. She will be in a deep sleep for several days so she can fully recover.”

Alana nodded. “Good.”

Treise brought her a dressing gown and said, “May I help you change, your Grace?” Alana was too tired to be surprised at this new display of reverence. She just nodded and began to take off her sword belt. It seemed like forever until she was finally changed and in bed.

After Treise left, Alana looked over at Laren and said softly, “Now it’s my turn to protect you.”