Revelyn: 1st Chronicles - When the last arrow falls (67 page)

It was Eldres Kreilliorn who spoke to Reigin in tones of greatest gentleness.

‘Reigin, we believe your story for now it all makes sense. I will explain, for you all need to understand this matter, and for you Reigin it will perhaps give clarity to your predicament.’

She stood then and spoke as though telling a most wonderful story, whilst walking back and forward across the raised platform on which the Elders sat. Her words and delivery were so beautiful that all within the Hall of Elders sat as though enchanted.

‘Long generations ago the
Edenwhood
lived in the lowlands as they are now called by most folk in Revelyn. This land in which we now live, the land of AlGiron was not occupied and the name itself had not yet been brought forth. We
Edenwhood
were oldest in that land below. We came before the ancient
Ravelin
, who settled from the north. They were people of the ice and sea. We were here before, and whence we came is no longer recorded so old in the land are we. We long farmed the plains and the hills and mountains around this mighty plateau and none in ages ever found a way to scale the cliffs which now separate us from all others.

But the
Ravelin
were a people of war and fought each other, then as they moved south we too were drawn into their petty conflicts. The mountain Dwarves were in the land then and they too were older by far than the
Ravelin
and perhaps even we
Edenwhood.
The
Ravelin
hated the Dwarves and sought them out and visited violence upon them without ceasing. It was seen as great valour by a
Ravelin
warrior to slay a score of Dwarves and they were good warriors themselves when hard pressed, but their heart was not in such mindless slaughter and in time they left this land and whence they’ve gone none can tell. The wars stretched south and met with stern resistance by other men who had settled there. These were the warrior
Kelts
who came from over the sea from warmer lands and who hated the
Ravelin
with a passion. We were fewer, for Edenwhood live long, but breed slowly, and though we could easily defend ourselves, and indeed cause great harm to our enemies, those we lost took an age to replenish. And we found that our own violence upon the field of war so great that we feared ourselves and did not wish to become so like the
Ravelin
or
Kelts
who thought of little else. It has long been held by the
Edenwhood
that those who live with the sword are in thrall to its call. We did not want that for ourselves. And so with the help of the Mountain Dwarves before the last had left the land we had them build for us the gates to this great land and AlGiron was born. They hewed the rock of East and West, they made the gates and crafted the magic which opens the doors by keys they too devised and were gifted to us; and so we separated from the lowlanders and came to live in peace in this high place; and this we have done for long generations, our contact with those who live below cut off, unless at our whim alone, and none from there is allowed to enter on pain of death, as you have learned to understand in these days past. This was the Great Separation and it has been for the best, for we are happy here in AlGiron despite the clans who fight as all humans will at times. For we are human, tall and powerful indeed, a race of men withdrawn, and this shall ever be. We are the
Edenwhood
of AlGiron.’

She finished with great intensity, and all who listened were mightily moved. She returned to her seat and Elder Anderlorn continued.

‘We Edenwhood are a people of clans. AlGiron is divided into many clans and each has right to land and water, mine and animal as they have chosen. There was once a powerful clan long ago called the clan of the wolf. This was before the Great Separation when we all lived in the lowlands. They were a difficult clan for they loved the battle and were great warriors. They grew to love the spoils of war and more and more resented the code of peace which the
Edenwhood
had always sought to live by. In time they lived almost as a separate people for they would not submit to the Elders or any laws which the other clans agreed upon. It came to pass that this clan chose to leave the
Edenwhood
and live elsewhere in Revelyn, and in time they were lost to us. We know they moved south and their numbers became fewer for whilst they loved war and violence they were not spared the law which rules their producing young, and on their own they became less strong until it was believed they had been overrun or ceased to exist.’ He paused for a moment and ran a hand across his chin as though far off in thought. After a time he spoke once more.

‘It is our belief Reigin, that you are one of this lost clan which has survived although in a most bitter manner. Their young men are taken by the lowlanders to be trained as warriors, or
Wolvers
as you have been known. This clan has always been linked with the wolf down long years until the present. It is pleasing to know that out kin has not died out, but there is great sadness in learning of the manner in which they are kept to serve the Rulers of Revelyn. This we believe Reigin. You are one of us indeed, but your people have been lost to us for a great time. Perhaps this can be changed in time to come.’

The Elder paused and leaned forward toward Reigin and spoke in a most forceful manner.

‘One further thing stands as proof to us of who you are. Tell me Reigin of the lost clan of the
Edenwhood,
do you hold not a key to the gates of AlGiron?’

Reigin nodded. ‘I do Elder Anderlorn; it was given me by Rema as we stood before the door of the Eastern Gate, which he could not open...’ His voice trailed away, and in this moment the truth dawned on all that listened, but the Elder gave it voice.

‘None can use a key to the Gates save those of the
Edenwhood
. This magic was gifted to us by the Mountain Dwarves and it cannot be violated. Any other who try will die or suffer great injury. Is this not so Rema Bowman? He looked at Rema who remembered the burning he had suffered and understood then the reason he could not use the key and why Reigin could without issue. He nodded.

‘I see the truth in this Elder Anderlorn, and I agree it is a powerful witness to the truth of our companion Reigin’s identity.

Elder Anderlorn turned back to Reigin.

‘What say you of all this now?’

Reigin had seated himself throughout this retelling and he was mightily moved by what he had heard. He struggled to find the words to express himself, but in the end he spoke.

‘I thank the Elders for this new knowledge. It rings true to my ear. I will think long upon it, and perhaps when other matters have been decided, my people can be reunited with the
Edenwhood
from whence they came.’ He sat then and withdrew a little into himself. 

Then Anderlorn turned back to Rema.

‘Rema Bowman perhaps we should return to your quest, for we have digressed a little, although these matters needed resolving.’ The Elder paused before continuing in a most serious manner. ‘Reigin declares you to be the betrothed of this Sylvion Greyfeld, rightful heir to the throne of Revelyn. Is this true and what bearing does this have on your being here in AlGiron?’ He sat and indicated that Rema should step forward and speak.

Rema began once more to lay before the Elders of AlGiron his strange quest.

‘Elders,’ he said, ‘It is indeed true that I am to marry Sylvion Greyfeld, but this was decided before either of us knew that she was descended from the line of Hendon and was the last living heir to the throne of Revelyn. This came to my knowledge after I learnt news of her capture and in truth I have not seen her since this knowledge came to me. I stand before you to plead for your help in defeating the evil which had befallen Revelyn for King Petros and his advisor Zelfos are destroying the land which lives in great fear and a growing destruction of many things.’

Elder Anderlorn held up his hand.

‘Rema this is not enough. I believe your story and I am sad for your land, and we have heard reports of these things, but it has ever been that kingdoms rise and fall, good rulers come and go. We in AlGiron live apart from you and never have we sought your help when facing troubles which may have beset us. What in your tale is so great that we the
Edenwhood
should fear the travail of Revelyn?’

This was stated with genuine warmth and none of the five companions took any offence in its delivery but Rema felt a growing sense of defeat. The words of the Elder were true.

What had this to do with the Edenwhood?

‘If I may be permitted to speak?’ Serenna stood and spoke.

‘Please do Serenna.’ Eldres Kreilliorn smiled at her as she replied.

‘In Revelyn there are many great traditions as I am sure exist in AlGiron. Our history is long and well recorded. The land has lived through an age of Dwarves and magic, wizardry and sorcery. In times past there have been prophecies which tell of things to come. These are kept in the Book of Prophecies and these sacred writings are constantly studied by the
Wisden,
those learned in our land who can interpret such things. One such prophecy which they have interpreted has been at the heart of those things which Rema mentions. It has been through these writings that Lord Petros has learnt of the existence of another heir to the throne and one who will lead her to it. This man they all agree is one who with the bow has a skill beyond all others and in the final battle will, by the last arrow to fall bring this heir to the throne and renewal to Revelyn. This is why they captured the heir and hoped that this archer will attempt to set her free thereby allowing them to have her killed, for only in battle can this be done less a fearful judgment be visited upon those who do such a forbidden deed, to murder an heir to the throne of Revelyn.  The
Wisden
have concluded that Rema Bowman is the one foretold in the prophecy.’

She paused then and every eye and ear was drawn to her for her eloquence was great and powerful. The Elders nodded for a deeper understanding had been given them through her words.

‘And further,’ Serenna continued, for she was suddenly gifted with great confidence and clarity of thought, ‘contained within this prophecy, is a strange mention of the soldiers who from the Eagle’s Eye set forth, to join in the last battle.  The king and his advisor Zelfos fear this greatly for none in the land have seen it, not even the
Wisden,
but Rema solved the puzzle and so we stand before you, for you are the fulfilment of this prophecy. AlGiron is the Eagle’s Eye.’ She finished with an intensity which matched the wonderful address just given by Eldres Kreilliorn.

No one spoke for Serenna’s mention of the prophecy had brought a strange sense of mystery into the Elder’s Hall.

‘I have it here.’ Serenna spoke once more, ‘and by your leave Elders of AlGiron I will read it to you and you will see the power of it.’

The Elders nodded in reply, for even they were under the spell of what was unfolding before them.

Serenna knew it by heart, but she took the crumpled parchment which she had kept safe through many adventures and holding it before her, spoke loud and fearlessly of those things which were foretold, and from the Elder’s Hall within the Eagle’s Eye the word went forth into the vastness above Revelyn. And so the prophecy was read.

At the instant the last word was spoken, a shudder ran through the very rocks of AlGiron and a mighty wind seemed to rush past the assembled company. And then there was a stillness in which no sound could be heard as though all worlds were waiting for what came next.

After a long time in which they all waited for some further sign or action, Eldres Kreilliorn stood and spoke once more.

‘Serenna you have done a mighty thing here this night for your words have given great weight to the plea of Rema Bowman. We Elders cannot deny that there is truth in all you have put before us.’  She sat and Elder Anderlorn stood.

‘I am greatly persuaded as to the gravity which faces Revelyn. I am not sure about our part in this, for never have I heard of AlGiron spoken of as an Eagle’s Eye.

Rema then stood and explained his reasons for believing that the mighty Eastern Upthrust was indeed the Eagle’s Eye. Maps were then produced and they all spent some time looking at what seemed a strange but recognisable interpretation of the prophecy.

It was Scion who gave another insight which seemed to impress the Elders greatly.

‘I am not great at these prophecies my Lords and Elders,’ he said when given permission to speak, ‘in fact until now I had never heard one told, but just a short time ago I stood upon the stone platform above and marvelled at the Shinning Eagles high above, and heard tell by Rhynos, Keeper of the Eastern Gate that these great creatures are trained to bear the young ones of Alderyn. If you are not a people of war, then perhaps you are a people who watch with Eagle’s Eyes, and use these birds to see from high above what others in Revelyn do not.’ He coughed nervously. ‘At least that is my opinion on this matter.’ He sat quickly and looked around as if to see how well his words had been received, and realised that all were stunned at the simplicity of his declaration.

Eldres Kreilliorn replied with a deep respect clear in her tone.

‘You have spoken well Scion. Sometimes we can look too deeply and the truth is but before our eyes. There is truth in what you have perceived of these creatures and how we use them. The Elders of AlGiron give you thanks.’

And then when all the words had been spoken, and all the questions asked, they all sat in silence and thought upon what had been made plain and what had been resolved.

It was at that moment when all had been done and yet no way forward had been agreed upon, that there was a loud knock upon the great doors to the hall which was clearly heard by all.

The Elders looked surprised as though strict orders had been given that they were not to be disturbed.