To Hold Back The Dark - Chapter Four
The journey from the Merchant's Pass to Dari was a hard and swift one for David, Rhea, and Corin. They hadn't bothered to stop for food or rest for themselves, but instead stopped only when the horses needed to. As a result of this pushing, they arrived in the Elven city by mid-afternoon. As they entered the town, they were able to see the Hutheir Caravan in the Caravan Grove and were relieved to know that Kaythan had made it safety there. Rather than seek out Kaythan or the city elders, the trio decided they could do with some food and rest before having to face questions for which they had no answers. Besides, the city elders already knew as much as they did at this point. The party made their way to the Rested Traveler Inn, which besides having the best food, wine, and ale in town, was run by David's uncle, Raun Greenwillow.
The Elf greeted each of them warmly at the door, and, after sending the stableboy out to tend to their horses, hugged David tightly. Raun had been the main father-figure for David as he was growing up. David's father had died when he was ten and his mother had remained in Dari until eight years ago. That was when she moved back home, fell in love with another human and remarried. It was during his visits to his mother that he first met and then got to know her neighbor's, Rhea and Michael.
"David! Come on in and sit down. You look worn out!", Raun's voice bellowed above the din of the room.
They sat down at the table closest to the fire, which Raun had been reserving for them all day.
"We are beat, Uncle. It was a hard ride from Merchant's Pass."
"Ah, so you did wait for Michael and Allanah?", he looked around, "So? Where are they?"
"They never showed. We'll just have to meet them in Tralik.", Corin said, "Or maybe they'll be waiting for us there."
"Is there any reason to be worried about them? I understood that they went out after this thing."
David shook his head, "No. It's just a routine search for clues, although God only knows what type of clues a faceless, bodiless, blackness can leave."
"It's a horrible thing, David. A truly horrible thing."
"How many people know about it?"
"The whole town knows, and more messages have been sent to King Mark. There are some Caravans here that were heading for Marille, but now they aren't too sure if they should make the journey. I think that they're supposed to be meeting about it tonight. David, just how serious is this thing?"
"I don't know, Uncle. All but one person from the Naythor Caravan were killed or captured. Just what or who could be powerful enough for all of that is beyond us. I'm hoping that the King's scholars and magicians will know something, and that Allanah and Michael will find something helpful."
"We can only pray that they do. Ah, here comes Kaythan Hutheir now. He's been anxious for you to get here."
Kaythan smiled as he sat down next to David, "I'm relieved to see you here safely, but where are your friends?"
"They weren't able to meet us."
"Do you think they ran into trouble?", he asked as he motioned over a waitress and ordered a tankard of ale.
"I think they're okay. The trip back here probably takes longer than what I thought. They most likely saw that they wouldn't make it on time and slowed down their pace. We'll be spending the night here, so they may still catch up to us before we head for Tralik. If not, well, then we'll see them later. They are professionals and can handle themselves in any situation. We don't need to worry about them", David informed him.
"Nephew, are you trying to convince Kaythan of that, or yourself?"
David smiled weakly, "A little of both, I guess."
"Well, we leave tomorrow, but not for Tralik. We winter in Arphael, as Corin may well remember."
"Do I ever!", Corin grinned hugely, "Those were some wild times! That town has almost no nightlife, at least compared to Tralik, and we had to make our own entertainment. We had knife throwing contests, races, drinking games, dancing, wrestling. You name it, we must have done it. Say, did Ezira ever learn not to cross in front of a target when people are throwing knives at it?"
Kaythan smiled, "You can't get him near a knife throw now!", the smiled faded, "Or at least you couldn't. He's one of the ones we had to leave behind."
They were all silent for a moment, then Kaythan spoke again. "I have a small problem. Emilia wants to go to Tralik since she has family there. She obviously can't travel alone, and I can't ask my people to detour to Tralik when they're so anxious to get home. I have some men who are willing to escort her, but I'm a little worried about her state of mind. The healers say that she's still experiencing some shock, and last night she had a horrible nightmare. She awoke screaming, but after being calmed down she was unable to remember any of it. The healers thought that it was best not to press her too hard yet since she refuses to talk about the incident in the plain. They want her to stay the winter here, so they can watch over her and help her. She and I think that she'd be better off with her relatives."
David took a sip of ale, "I take it that you want us to take her to Tralik?"
"Could you? Corin is a healer and would be there if she needed him."
"Well, even though Tralik is only a three day ride from here, I want to get there as fast as possible. We're only staying the night here because we need the rest before pushing on through. Can she handle a trip like that? And does she have a horse?"
"I'll give her one of mine, and yes, she can handle that type of pace. Physically the girl is fine, it's her mental condition that has everyone worried. Hopefully, you'll ride so hard that she won't have time to dwell on what happened to her Caravan."
Rhea spoke up, "David, her story may be helpful to the King since she has first hand knowledge of the thing."
"That type of questioning may not be good for her, especially if she doesn't want to talk about it. I'll be better able to judge her condition by the time we reach Tralik.", Corin declared.
David nodded, "I guess it's settled then. Can she be ready to leave at first light?"
"She will. I'll go over to the House of Healing and tell her."
Corin spoke up, "I can tell her. I have to go over there anyway on other business.", the waitress returned, setting down bowls of stew and bread and cheese., "I'll go as soon as I eat. I'm starved!"
The three hungrily dug in, while Kaythan and Raun nursed their respective mugs of ale and wine.
As soon as he was full, Corin headed out to the section of the city devoted to the art of healing. It was referred to as the House of Healing, but it was far too large to be in any one building. Instead, it was a group of buildings surrounded by a low stone fence. On the grounds were dormitory's, class rooms, and the actual House of Healing itself, where patients were tended to. While Allanah had been busy learning magic on the Amber Isle, he had been busy learning here. As a novice, he had spent all of his time within its walls, studying both ancient and modern texts. As he progressed in his learning he was allowed more free time with which he could enjoy the pleasures of the city, and he did this wholeheartedly. It was during this time that he first met Raun, and became well acquainted with the Rested Traveller. He also gradually grew to know David. They had practiced fighting on many a long hot afternoon, and it was from David's stories of the road that had led him to desire the same freedom of travel. It was this desire that had resulted in his present employment as a royal troubleshooter. He loved the adventure that he encountered now, but he also loved the art of healing, and it was his occupation as a healer which led him to the House of Healing now. He needed information of a herb which he had heard about in Emeralde, and he knew that he could find out about it in the library. He also wanted to check on Emilia. He had watched her carefully while they were escorting the Caravan to Merchant's Pass, and he was unable to get her clear, but trouble blue eyes and lovely face out of his mind. He wished that he could see her face when she wasn't sad, for he was sure that a smile would render her truly beautiful. He paused as he entered the gateway of the compound and saw Emilia sitting in the last warmth of the autumn sun. She had settled herself on a bench near the hospital, and was apparently reading one of the library's many books. He approached her cautiously, but still she jumped when he spoke her name.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you", he apologized.
She smiled weakly, "It's all right. I guess that I'm just a bit jumpy.", she looked closely at him, "You look tired, Corin. Here, sit by me."
"Thanks. I am a little tired. We didn't leave the pass until this morning."
"David must have pushed you hard.", she place her book between them on the bench.
"He's in a hurry to reach Tralik. Speaking of Tralik, Kaythan Huthier told us that you want to go there."
She nodded, "I have relatives there. People who gave up Caravanning just as father did. I feel so bad that I didn't stay with my parents, but I just couldn't bear the thought of staying anywhere that close to the Plain. I just couldn't.", she brushed away her tears.
"I can understand that. We're willing to take you with us, but we will be riding hard. Kaythan has offered you a horse."
She smiled, "That would be good. I know that he's worried about me. Everyone here seems to be worried about me. They shouldn't be though. They should be more worried about the Caravan people and themselves."
"Why do you think that?"
She shrugged, "I don't know. I guess that I just feel that this thing won't be content to stay on the Plain."
"I hope you're wrong about that."
"So do I.", she whispered. She gazed down at the ground, "So, when do we leave?"
"Daybreak. Can you be ready?"
"I'll be ready. Shall I meet you somewhere or will you come here?"
"We'll come to get you. Emilia, this trip will be as fast as we can make it. Despite his willingness to stay here overnight, David is anxious to reach the King. I want you to understand that."
"I do, but what happens if you do reach the King quickly? The King won't do anything until your friends show up to report. And then when he does do something, it most likely will be to send all of you back out after it. Out to die or be captured."
"It's true that he may send us out. However, I doubt very much if we'll let ourselves get taken. But as you say, nothing will be decided until Michael and my sister return."
"You're very close to your sister, aren't you?"
"Yes. We're twins and have a close bond. I'd know if she...well, if anything really bad happened to her, just as she'd know it about me."
A bell resounded twice and she shook back her long red hair, "I have to get in. It's supper time."
"I know. I used to live here."
She blushed, "I forgot that you trained here. Well, I guess I'll see you in the morning."
"Sleep well, you'll need your rest."
Shortly after she entered the building, an older woman came out and approached Corin. It was the healer who he had apprenticed under, Mariana Fitzgerald. She was now one of the top physicians and teachers in Dari. She greeted him with a smile, kiss and hug.
"Corin, it is so good to see you! Will you walk with me to the Dining Hall?"
"I'd be delighted to. I'd like to talk with you if you don't mind."
"About Emilia Naythor?"
"Yes."
"We can walk and talk at the same time. I'm starving.", they started towards the Hall, "What questions do you have?"
"How is she? Mentally?"
"The girl has been through a very traumatic experience. She lost nearly her entire family and is feeling some guilt over the fact that she was spared. Her mind is in a very fragile state, that's why the healers want to keep her here."
"You say that as if you don't agree."
"I don't. There's something strange about her, Corin. Something that I can't put my finger on, but I do know that I don't like it. The further that she is from here, the better."
"She said some things to me that were, well, I guess you could call them peculiar."
"That's part of what I mean. She'll say something strange, and then shrugs it off. Mostly it is about doom and gloom and all of us being in danger. I don't know if she is just frightened or if it is something else entirely. I think that a long rest in Tralik will do her good."
"That seems to be what she thinks, too. She does have relatives there."
"It's a pity that she couldn't stay in Emeralde."
"I don't blame her for not wanting to stay. She's expressed some guilt over not being able to stay with her parents, but I think that I would feel the same."
"But you would stay anyway and overcome your fear. Be wary of her, Corin."
"I intend to keep a close eye on her, don't worry. Well, here we are.", he held the door open for her, "After you."
"My thanks. Will you sit with me?"
"I can't. I saw Allyn when he rode in and he made me promise to sit with him and the old gang. Sort of reminise about old times. They also want to hear all my exciting adventure stories."
"Still humble, aren't you?", she smiled. "Some of us will be going to the Caravan Grove later. The Caravan people are not sure about whether to stay here or return home. We also want to discuss the events of the past couple of days. Will you join us? Your input would be greatly appreciated since you tended to the injured when they first arrived in Emeralde."
"I will be glad to go."
"Oh, by the way, I understand that your parents will be arriving sometime today."
"Oh? Why?"
"Your sister Aline has completed her year as a traveling apprentice and is ready to head out on her own. She's due to leave the day after tomorrow."
"That's great! I didn't even know that she was here! Allyn certainly didn't tell me!"
"I guess that they meant to surprise you, so act surprised.", she pointed to the table where Allyn sat with an anxious expression on his face, "You better get on over there before he bursts!"
"I'll see you after dinner.", he bounded on over to the table and plopped down on the bench beside his old friend. "Pass that meat! I'm starved!"
Allyn smiled as he handed him the platter, "I have a little surprise for you."
Corin tried to look puzzled, "What?"
"Aline's here."
Corin tried to look surprised, "Aline! Where?"
"Try looking behind you.", a very pretty voice laughingly said.
Corin stood and turned at the same time, "Aline! Now you are a sight for sore eyes!", he hugged her tight, lifting her up off of the ground to do so.
"Corin! I'm so happy to see you. You're looking good."
They sat back down and he looked her over closely. Despite his being Allanah's twin, Aline looked more like her than he did. They both had the same light amber eyes and long blue-black hair. Aline was slightly shorter than Allanah, but both women were small compared to him. Most Elven women were small. He nodded, "You've filled out quite nicely, young lady."
"She has, hasn't she.", Allyn nodded, "It's amazing what being out on the road for a year can do for some people, especially women."
"Quit drooling!", she ordered, "Corin, I get to head out on my own in a few days, and as a full-fledged healer, just like you!"
"I'm really happy for you! I remember how excited I felt when it was my time to go. I wish I could be here to see you off, but we're leaving for Tralik first thing in the morning. I can't even visit with you tonight. I promised Mariana that I'd go to the Caravan meeting with her."
"Yeah, we heard about those attacks. Kaythan Hutheir said that Allanah and Michael were checking things out. What did they find?", Allyn asked between bites.
"I don't know. They weren't able to meet us.," he saw the worried expression in his sister's eyes, "Now, don't worry. From where they had to go in the Plain, they would have been hard pressed to meet us at Merchant's Pass. We'll probably be seeing them in Tralik."
"Father won't be pleased to hear this. He was hoping to see Allanah here."
"Why?"
"Someone has asked for her hand in marriage."
"Who?", Corin felt immediately protective and a little jealous.
She shrugged, "I don't know, he's being awfully secretive about it all. I don't even think that Mother knows. I do know that not even Darion knows."
"And he usually knows everything. Is he here too?"
"Everyone is here. Arianna and her family, and Dhillon brought his family. They plan to go back to Arvada to visit. Everyone misses Dhillon since he moved to Tralik, but since that's where he was needed, that's where he went."
"He's a very respected magician, and the King values his opinion. Allanah and I hardly stay at the castle anymore. It just feels so good to stay with Dhillon and Mifiera. Besides, I like playing with little Darin, he has got to be the cutest kid that ever came along since Arianna's two adorable little brats!"
"That's a fine way to talk about your namesake! Little Corin is a very good-natured child. It's Alicia that's the devil!"
"Um, guys, I'm sure that it's very nice for you two to sit around and talk about your family, but it's kinda boring for the rest of us. Save the family stuff for later. Tell us what you've been doing."
Corin laughed, "Okay. I'll tell you what I can, which isn't much."
They ate while Corin told tales of his adventures. They had to speculate on what the King had him doing in Marille, but they each knew that until he reported back to King Mark, he wasn't able to tell them much. Sometimes, if the King ordered it, Corin could never reveal certain details. However, he was able to tell them what he knew about the attacks out in the Plain, and they were all able to discuss their theories on what it was that was going on out there.