A Hidden Past
by Hway-Ling (© Hway-Ling, 2002)


Chapter One :: Outcast (Prologue)

"And from here on, I banish you and your child from the fairy world." a deep voice replied over the wailing cries. The speaker was sitting atop a huge platform surrounded by his six fellow peers. The group of seven was known as the Septal, the ruling oligarchy of the Fairy society. They exercised ultimate control of judgment and sentencing, and their word was the law of the land.

"Please! I'm begging you! Don't send us away! I swear I had nothing to do with the crime!!" sobbed the middle-aged fairy mother, holding her baby girl close to her. The child was crying softly, sensing fear in her mother.

"Also, to ensure safety to those around you, you are hereby stricken of your magical powers." continued the Septist speaker, closing his sore gray eyes for just a second to try to escape the emotion he was facing. His russet curly brown hair was tangled and messy, revealing the stress that he had undergone for the past several days. He was obviously in pain, and choked on his next word. The fairy woman sitting next to him stood up and helped him sit down. She picked up where he had left off.

"Erenta Norwood," the new speaker's cold steel-like tone was authoritative, "you are now forced to live as a human, without any powers or chance of being a part of this established Fairy society. Your child, will be stricken of her powers as well and will not be allowed to have any recollection of her heritage," with that, the former speaker uttered a cry. "Leave, now."

The mother looked up at the cold piercing eyes of the woman, tears streaming down her own green eyes. She then stood up, her head bowed; she turned slowly and walked out of the door. As soon as she walked out the door, she found herself in the dark woods with nothing but moonlight to lead her way. The room that she had just been in had vanished. This power, (the power to create a judgment room and then simply vanish after the convict was out of it) was only accessible to the Septal for sentencing grounds.

Wolf cries could be heard in the distance. Panic gripped the mother as she tried to hush her child. She wasn't afraid of the wolves that much; it was ogres that she feared the most. She began running, blindly, not knowing where she was going. Often she tripped over branches, or her bare feet would get stuck in sticky mud. Hunger overtook her body, and her weak limbs gave way as she collapsed. The mother looked at her child's beautifully clear hazel eyes, and the chestnut-colored soft curl on her tiny head, and seemed to gather strength from watching her baby. She began singing softly to the child as she fed her milk.

"Sleep, my sweet, into the night,

For come what may and come what might.

But I will always watch over you,

So wait for day to form anew."

The baby girl gurgled at her loving mother and fell fast asleep to the sound of the soothing maternal voice.

Each day passed with the mother running in what seemed like a never- ending forest. Cold, disease and hunger swept over the poor fairy, but her child's face continually motivated her to keep on going. When she finally reached a tiny village on the border of Bast, she placed her child gently on the doorstep of a tavern and pounded on the door, pleading deliriously.

"Please.. Someone come to the door," she croaked with the last ounce of strength that she could muster. "Please, please.."

The next morning, in the frostbitten air, the door of the tavern creaked open. A middle-aged man stepped out and saw a dead woman lying in front of his tavern next to a baby wrapped in a thick brown blanket.

"My word, what is this?" he immediately went beside the woman and looked to see if there was any sign of life. "Selene? Come here," he called.

A plump woman in an apron came to the doorway and gasped. "Why Richard! Is she."

"Yes. She's dead." He laid the lifeless body back onto the stone- paved road.

"And the baby?"

"Cold, but alive. Let's bring them in and warm the babe by the fire."

"Is it a girl?"

He nodded. Selene carried the child in while the man lifted the fairy and dragged her into the warm tavern room.

"She's a beautiful child," Richard replied, eying the girl.

"Not as beautiful as our Penelope," Selene quickly added.

Richard looked at his wife broke into a mumbling "of course of course. By the way, what's the child's name?"

"I don't know. Oh wait, it says here on the blanket," she showed him the stitched name of the baby girl.

He nodded in approval. "Tis a fine name. It even says the birthdate. Ahh, she must be one year younger than Penelope."

"Well. what are we going to do with her?" demanded Selene.

Richard considered thoughtfully for a few minutes as he paced around the room. "We could always. keep her."

"Richard! We can't afford to take in another child, especially during these times! Ogres have been known to come into town and plunder innocent citizens' houses!" She stopped in midair, and looked at her husband's face as he watched the dozing baby. It was too late; she saw the love that had already grown in Richard for the child. "I suppose. we could always manage."

"Hurrah! M'dear, you are an angel!" Richard grinned from ear to ear and kissed his wife in pure happiness. "I'll go upstairs to find more blankets for the girl as it is getting colder." He ran up the wooden stairs joyfully.

When Selene made sure she was alone, however, her face turned sour and she glared at the child lying on the table as if the baby had ruined everything. "We will take you in," she sputtered, in a low voice, "but from now on, everything in your life belongs to me. Everything valuable that you produce or discover will be mine. I will tolerate you only because of my husband. You mean nothing to me."

And with that she swept out of the room with the babe, rushing up the stairs, leaving the dead fairy on the floor near a warm fire. And not a sound could be heard except for the faint screaming of the cold wind outside against the crackling of the fire of the tavern room. Not a sound.

Chapter Two :: The Truth

Fifteen long years have passed....

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

The sun had risen bright and early in the morning, beaming delightfully down upon the earth. The town of Akardia lay on the edge of a large forest near Bast, and its inhabitants were already awake, very much alive, and busy at work. The marketplace was bustling with customers as well as peddlers from all over, bargaining and bartering many deals at a time. Several rich aromas of freshly baked bread, warm apple pies, and luscious berry tarts wafted in the air, clashing into each other and drawing tiny children to their origins. A young girl of 16 was walking through the crowd, enjoying the familiar atmosphere of her home and the people who lived in it. She carried a basket under her arm and looked around as she heard the loud voices of peddlers.

"Cloth! Come look at the best Kyrrian cloth here in Akardia! The finest quality!"

"Fresh fruit! Come get your fresh fruit, harvested at the perfect time of ripeness and ready for your eating and enjoyment!"

"Jewelry! Handcrafted by gnomes themselves! Come look at the exquisite workmanship!"

The girl stopped at the jewelry booth and inspected the variety, including sparkling chains, rings, tiaras, and every other adornment possible. "Such a pretty girl! You need a pretty necklace!" persuaded the peddler behind the booth, intent on selling his merchandise to anyone possible.

"Oh no thank you, sir. I'm just looking," she replied politely while surveying the many items. She stopped at the small looking glass on the edge of the table and saw in the reflection a girl with long chestnut hair with a soft natural curl. Her hazel eyes gazed back, and there was a sprinkle of tiny freckles on either side of her nose. She had a slender body, fit from having run across the town for errands or such.

When the jewelry-seller saw her looking at the mirror and not his jewelry, he dropped his kind act and grew annoyed. "Miss," he retorted impatiently, "if you aren't going to buy anything, please move along."

The girl glared at the man, irritated at his rudeness, but she moved on anyway. Finally, she came to the stand she had come for. Her eyes looked hungrily at the crusty loaves of bread while the luring scent of butter, dill, and rising yeast drifted from around the stand. Her stomach rumbled in anticipation.

"Ah! Good morning Gabrielle! I see you've come for your bread!" A round, good-natured man had just finished business with another customer and had turned to the young girl. He inhaled the smell of his bread deeply and sighed with satisfaction.

"Hello Henry! How are you?" asked Gabrielle, smiling at her friend.

"Fine, fine. Business has been good. How's your family?"

"Penelope is... well, her usual self," she paused as he chuckled, "but Mother's okay. Her weak ankles are bothering her again, but she's managing."

"Good! And how's your father?"

"Not so well. His cough is getting the better of him, and he spends most of his time in bed."

The baker frowned. "I've always worried about Richard. Ever since that sickness swept through our town two years ago, he never went back to being the same person I knew."

"I just hope he'll get better soon. The tavern just isn't the same as it used to be."

"Business been bad?"

"Horrible. Hardly anyone is coming anymore, and now we're not the only tavern in town. Seems there's a new one, just opened, by folks who just moved here."

"Ohhh, that's right! I remember it opening a week or so ago. New building and all. I met the owner....err, can't seem to remember his name. But his wife and he are about middle-aged. Two sons, I believe."

Gabrielle looked thoughtful, and began whirling her basket around her arm. "Well, whoever they are, I hope they don't completely drive out our business."

"I hope so too, for your family's sake."

She smiled in thanks, but then her stomach grumbled again. Henry laughed heartily, and exclaimed, "Why, I suppose you haven't had your breakfast yet!"

Gabrielle smiled faintly. "You supposed right."

"Well then, I can't just let young maidens go wandering around in the marketplace with empty-stomachs! Here's a bit to hold you over." He tore a loaf of his bread that had just come out of the oven, its insides yellow from golden butter, and handed a piece to her.

She took it and tore a small piece from it, savoring the delightful seasonings and the crispy crust. "It's delicious Henry. Thanks," she replied, looking at him with genuine gratitude. "Actually, I need to buy your medium loaf of regular wheat bread, for my family," she added.

He pulled out the requested bread and gave it to her. Placing it in the basket, she took out the precious money that she had and slipped it into his hand. "Thanks again, I'll see you later." Henry waved to her as she walked off.

Gabrielle returned home to her tavern on the edge of town after a short walk. As soon as she walked in the door, she heard a loud shrill voice shout, "GABI! GET IN HERE THIS INSTANT!"

'What is it this time..' thought the girl. She was continually being commanded to "do this" and "do that" and she grew sick of it more and more each time. "Coming!" she called back as she put her shawl away.

As she walked into the kitchen, an older girl with bright blue eyes appeared, brushing the tangly blonde mass on top of her head that looked like it had the consistency of straw. Her nose was abnormally large, with tiny nostrils contrasting it. "Where have you been???!!!!" the sister retorted.

Gabi sighed. "I went to the market to buy today's bread, Penelope."

"You took forever!!" Penelope exclaimed with a completely exaggerated tone. "Mother thought that you had gotten lost and Father was starting to worry his poor dear head off!"

'Father? Is he alright?', Gabi thought, alarmed. Without a word, she rushed out of the kitchen and up the stairs to her father's room. Bursting in the door, she saw her father, pale and at a loss of blood, lying in his bed with a towel over his head.

"Father.." Gabrielle walked in slowly, pained by the sight of her father so ill and weak.

"Gabi.. my dearest," her father croaked, and suddenly choking.

"Father!" She rushed to his side and reached for his cold, lifeless hand.

He began coughing violently, so Gabi brought over a glass of water for him to drink. After drinking the whole glass and breathing in several breaths of air, he began again. "Gabi, you're back from the market."

"Yes, Father. I'm here beside you. I won't leave you until I'm sure you'll be okay!"

"My youngest, you know I love you dearly.."

"Of course I know!"

"And I know that your mother and Penelope have not had the best of manners toward you.."

At that she was silent, not knowing what to say because she knew it was the truth. Her mother had always been harsh and abusive toward her, favoring her sister always. Penelope had constantly acted superior and selfish, making Gabrielle work like a slave. The two had not exactly made her life pleasant.

"..but you must know that your mother truly loves you."

'That's hard to believe', she wondered. "How do you know?"

"Because she accepted you. She allowed you to stay when you were brought here as a baby, almost newborn.."

Gabrielle was bewildered. "What? What do you mean she allowed me to stay? Father, I think you're growing delirious! You've always told me I was born here."

Suddenly, the old man stiffened in his bed, his whole face frozen in a tight, scared look. Gabrielle grabbed his arm and shook it; she noticed the rigid ness of his muscles. "Father! What's wrong??" He didn't respond.

His body finally relaxed, but then he began slightly tossing back and forth, his eyes locked in position on the wall. He began mumbling strangely, as if he was in his own condition of mind. Gabrielle suddenly realized her father was in some mental state of shock. "Father!" She shook him, but he continued with his mumbling. Gabi finally stopped and listen to what he was saying.

"My word, what is this? Selene, come here. Yes she's dead. The baby? Cold, but alive. Let's bring them in and warm the babe by the fire."

'Oh my goodness! It's his memories and his thoughts!' Gabi realized what was going on, and listened intently.

"She's a beautiful child. Penelope isn't prettier, but I must agree with my wife. Of course of course. By the way, what's the child's name? Gabrielle. Tis a fine name. It even says her birthdate. Ahh, she must be one year younger than Penelope."

'This is the truth about how Father and Mother got me! But who is my real Father and Mother??' Gabrielle's head began to spin, bewildered at what she was hearing.

"What are we going to do with her? We could always.. keep her. I love her so much already, from the time I first saw her. Hurrah! M'dear, you're an angel!"

The mumblings began to end right there, but then Gabrielle's thoughts began to stir. She suddenly remembered a memory that had never been recollected. Random words being spoken to her, something like "take-you--in-everything- your-belongs-mine-mean-nothing.." 'What do these words mean? I've never thought of them before..,' she asked herself.

Gabrielle checked for her Father's heartbeat, and was reassured to find his heart still beating and also at a normal rate. He was also breathing normally now, in a peaceful dream. With that, she crept quietly out of the room, and then ran down the stairs in a fury like she had never been before. She ran into the kitchen where her mother and sister were seated, eating the bread she brought from the market.

"Mother!" She shouted.

Her mother, exasperated at the sound of the girl's voice. "What is it, girl?" But then she turned around and saw the hazel eyes ablaze and Gabi's hair wild from dashing about, and suddenly she was seized with a feeling of uneasiness and panic.

"Mother!" again Gabi shouted, this time in an even louder voice. "You lied to me about my birth! Tell me the truth!"



~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

Chapter Three :: Who Am I?

“What are you talking about???” her mother asked, glaring at her. Penelope was chewing loudly, staring wide-eyed at Gabrielle and looking very much like a cow.

“I’m talking about the truth!!! The truth about how I got here, and who I am, and everything about my identity that you have hidden and misinformed me about since I was a child!” shouted Gabrielle.

Her mother’s eyes dimmed. “How did you………”

“How did I find out?” Gabrielle finished the question in pure fury, tears coming down her eyes. “How did I find out that I’ve been told lies my whole life and that I haven’t the foggiest idea who I am? I’ll tell you who told me! Father did! The only person who actually cared for me through my whole life! The only person who has actually treated me as a real person and not just some worthless creature to enslave and abuse!”

Penelope, her mouth full, retorted, “How DARE you speak in that kind of tone to us!”

Gabrielle ignored her, speaking even louder. “Mother! TELL ME!”

The mother was staring at the wall, as if remembering past memories. Then, she snapped back into attention and looked at her youngest. As if the very sight of Gabi enraged her, she immediately hardened her will. “Foolish girl,” she snarled. “Get out. NOW.” The mother rose up and came toward Gabi as if to strangle her.

Gabi, tears streaming down her eyes, ran out of the tavern and into the night. She ran, not knowing where she was going or who she actually was. Finally, she came to a fountain where she sat down and just leaned back, sobbing gently. She was alone and deserted. Not knowing where to turn. The cold wind blew all around her.

Who am I???, Gabrielle thought, shivering as she hugged her knees. Mother won’t tell me…… Father’s too sick to say anything… Penelope doesn’t know anything at all. And now I can’t go home without receiving some kind of punishment……

She looked up at the bright stars, forming the many pictures in the sky. There was the constellation Vadia, the elf huntress, with the end of her bow pointing north. And next to her was the unicorn, simply known as the Great. Gabrielle traced the constellations with her hand, whispering to herself the familiar childhood poem.

“Follow Vadia’s bow, swift and strong.

To the Great’s glittering horn.

And you shall never go wrong,

During your search of Bhoria’s Thorn.”

The poem was just jibberish, nothing but a chant that children would learn as they were growing up. Gabrielle had no idea who or what “Bhoria’s Thorn” was, but it didn’t matter. How can I be thinking of childish songs at a time like this? She asked herself.

“Excuse me, miss. Are you alright?” a kind voice asked.

Gabrielle looked up, startled. She saw a young man with curly auburn hair and kind blue eyes gazing at her from around the fountain. He was wearing tan trousers and a white shirt with an olive green cloak overtop. She quickly wiped away her tears and told him, “Yes. I’m fine thank you.”

“Oh… Well, you looked a bit…” he seemed to be searching for the right word, “flustered.”

Gabrielle smiled faintly. “I’m fine now. It was nothing.” She shivered in the harsh wind.

“Here, you look cold.” He took off his cloak and wrapped it around her. The clock was warm and soft, of good quality wool, but not itchy.

“Thank you!”

He scratched his head. “I was just wondering what a girl like yourself is doing out here at this time of night……”

“Just taking a walk. I was thinking about a lot of things.”

“I see.” Silence took over for a bit while both sat by the fountain. Suddenly, he burst out, “I’m Phillip.”

“People call me Gabrielle.”

“Gabrielle? As in daughter of the tavern-owners?”

“Yes. Those are my father and mother,” she replied while thinking, Well at least the people I call father and mother……

“Oh.” He looked around sheepishly.

“How did you know?”

“Well, my family just moved here, and we have opened up our own, er……building.”

Gabi stared at him. “So you’re the family who owns the other tavern!”

“That’s us.”

“How has business been for you?” Gabrielle asked politely, not meaning to sound competitive.

“Fairly good! My mother’s currant bread is quite popular since she is known for it, and Father’s ale has received many compliments. How about for you??”

“Oh……um…… it’s been alright.”

He seemed a bit embarrassed, and then added, “I’m suppose to be looking for my older brother.”

“Any luck?”

“No. He goes about often, coming home late and worrying Mother.” He sighed, and then turned his head in the direction of voices. Squinting, he whispered to Gabi, “Oh no…… there he is now.” A young man was seen shouting down the streets with a group of friends.

“Why! There’s my brother over there right now! PHILLIP! Hey Phillip!” the young man bellowed, coming over and slapping his younger brother hard on the back. The older brother looked similar to the younger in stature (both being tall and well-built), but with blonde hair with more waves than curls.

“Hello Luke,” Phillip greeted exasperatedly.

“Whoa… you’ve certainly outdone yourself this time little brother,” Luke yelled for everyone to hear while staring at Gabrielle. “She’s a real beauty! Where’d you find her?” His friends snickered behind him, but completely agreed as they stared at the maiden.

Phillip turned about five shades of red before answering, “I didn’t find her! We just met here near the fountain!”

“Well, whatever happened, nice choice!” Luke then turned to Gabrielle, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously. “If he gives you any trouble miss, I’ll always be available.” He winked at the astonished girl. “I am Luke, at your beautiful service.” He bowed low.

Gabrielle smiled and curtsied. “I’m called Gabrielle.”

“Ahh! Gabrielle! The name of angels and beautiful women! It’s a pleasure to meet you!” Then turning back to the furious Phillip, he asked, “Now Phil, I heard you were looking for me!”

“For the past three hours! Where have you been????”

“Enjoying myself like any sensible person at my age does! Lady Pherosonine was great fun. While my boys were distracting her, I was able to teach her talkative parrot some delightful phrases in Elfin such as ‘Kur mund ules ommek nix vorje’ or ‘Yos ol gasdl kun.’ It was quite amusing.” The friends began laughing at the phrases.

“You speak Elfin?” asked Gabrielle, intrigued.

“Korh il naqu,” he answered with a boyish grin. “Enough for me,” he translated after seeing Gabrielle’s puzzled face.

Phillip asked, “What do those phrases in Elfin mean?”

The friends began chuckling again hysterically and Luke looked both pleased and thoughtful. One friend called out, “You don’t know?” Phillip and Gabrielle both shook their heads. “The first phrase means ‘My mistress smells like rancid milk,’ and the second,” he was doubling up in laughter, “is not appropriate to be uttered around a young maiden.” Luke laughed so hard until tears began running down his face.

Phillip was attempting to keep a straight face, but was not succeeding. A combination of smile and frown formed on his face, but he decided to change the subject. “Mother wants you to help her with cleaning the cellar.”

“Pshaw. Tell her I send my love but I’m too busy at the moment. Wait, y’know what’s a great idea though? I’ll just entrust my work duties with you!”

A friend of Luke’s called, “Luke! ‘Urry up! We’re gonna leave!”

“I’m coming!” he answered. “Okay Phillip. I’ll be back soon! G’night and sweet dreams Lady Gabrielle,” he told Gabrielle charmingly while kissing her hand.

“But Luke! Father wants you to come— ”

“G’bye!” Luke had run off with his friends leaving a speechless Gabrielle and an enraged younger brother.

When he was out of sight, Gabrielle burst out laughing, something she didn’t think she would be doing on such a day, but she couldn’t help it. Her clear and bright laughter resounded in the night air, and Phillip’s scowl managed to slightly subside. “I’m sorry,” she explained, “but your brother is so……” She searched for a word.

“Rude? Uncouth? Vulgar?” He rolled his eyes. “Or perhaps all of the above?”

She laughed again. “Hilarious.”

“He’s always like that. Father calls him the Jester of All Living Things because he can get along with anyone and anything. Probably even ogres if he was up to the challenge.”

“How old is he?”

“Nineteen last time I checked. Two years older than me.”

Her lovely smile flashed. “I like him,” she declared decidedly.

“Everyone does. You can’t be mad at him for more then two minutes,” Phillip sighed, as if referring to past experience. “Well, now that I’ve found him, I had better go tell Father and Mother. Shouldn’t you be heading home? It’s getting pretty dark.”

Gabrielle’s mind snapped back to reality and her horrible experience at home. She didn’t want to tell Phillip anything though. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be going home,” she replied quickly.

“Okay then. I hope to see you soon. Farewell! Or as the elves say (in the only Elfin I know), ‘Vib ol pess waddo!’ ”

“Farewell!”

Phillip turned and ran in the direction of his tavern. Gabrielle sank back down around the fountain, knowing the truth that she wasn’t going back home unless she wanted a thrashing or some type of brutal punishment.

She couldn’t stop thinking about the two brothers, though. They were so different, yet both extremely likable (especially Luke). Phillip’s serious and caring personality contrasted Luke’s charm and charisma completely. Meeting the two brothers had taken her mind off of the dreadful morning, but now she was alone. I can’t stop running from the truth, she thought. If Mother won’t tell me, I’ll have to find out myself, anyway possible.

She looked up and again found herself gazing at Vadia and the Great. Vadia’s bow pointed to an unnamed constellation. It seemed like a cluster of seven powerful and bright stars. One of the stars was on the edge of the cluster, next to a dimming star. Suddenly, a tiny twinkling of a new star appeared by the pair just as the dimming star completely ceased.

Her weary head rested gently on the side of the fountain, and she shivered in the cold, pulling the olive cloak tighter around her. It smelled of freshly baked current bread and several pleasant spices. She shut her hazel eyes, and immediately fell asleep, dreaming of her unknown past, the two brothers, and a family she could call her own.

In the middle of the night, a pair of strong arms picked the sleeping girl up gently, and carried her away from the fountain and the cruel wind. She was placed on a sweet-smelling bed of absolute softness next to a warm crackling fireplace. And all through this, Gabrielle slept soundly, not even stirring once.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

Chapter Four :: Free

The fireplace was so warm and cozy, and the bed was absolutely heavenly. So soft and relaxing. Gabrielle snuggled into her pillow more, enjoying the goose down. This is so comfy, she thought in pure bliss. This must be some kind of dream.

Suddenly, she sat straight up, and jumped out of bed suddenly wide awake. “Where am I?” she asked herself aloud in a hoarse voice, beginning to panic. “How did I get here? Help!” She felt quite weak for some reason and extremely hot.

A plump woman walked into the room carrying a bowl of steaming water and towels. Her kind voice instructed, “There there now child, get back into bed or you’ll catch cold!”

Gabrielle obeyed, getting back into snug bed. She watched the woman soak the towels in the hot water and wring them out gently. The woman’s blue eyes were so familiar… “Why, you’re—”

“Phillip and Luke’s mother? Yes, that’s me.”

“Your eyes are exactly the same as them! A beautiful bright blue.”

The mother beamed at her. “Everyone says that. My sons got my eyes, but everything else is their father’s. Phillip does have that special curliness, too. By the way, you can just call me Mother Rhea. My boys have been up to mischief I declare, but they’re so adorable.” She sighed, and then took up a towel and began wiping Gabrielle’s feverish forehead. “You just can’t help but love them.”

Gabrielle couldn’t help smiling at the loving maternal figure with her tender care and gentle caress.

The mother continued. “Now, that dear Phillip was a bit absent-minded since he left you there by the fountain out in the cold, sleeping, I dare say! And with only his thin cloak to warm you! But when I sent him to go bring his brother home again, he found you and carried you back himself, those gentlemanly wits of his finally kicking in.”

“He carried me back?”

“That he did, lass. He’s a strong one, and quite caring. His brother would have done the same.”

I’m sure he would, thought Gabrielle.

“What is your name child?

“Gabrielle.”

“What a beautiful name. You’re a bit feverish, but you’re a strong girl. Nothing to worry about, although Phillip was worried sick, and when Luke came home, the two started arguing. You held on though, and I reassured them you’d be fine.”

“I hope I haven’t caused any trouble ma’am…”

“Why of course not! Don’t you worry now. Although, I haven’t seen them both this anxious since……why, I believe since Luke had the chicken pox.” She laughed, remembering the fond memories. “Phillip was so scared of getting the pox from his brother because Luke kept on telling him that the chicken pox would all turn into little monsters that would come alive any time.” She smiled, recalling the fond memories. “I must say, their father gave Luke quite a scare when he told him that it was really true! My, you should have seen the look on that young boy’s face! A sight to see!”

Gabrielle laughed, imagining Luke’s surprised face. They were interrupted by the door opening slightly with someone peaking through. There were sounds of snickering outside and stifled laughs. The door burst open completely and in walked the procession of the two brothers with joyful faces carrying two trays. They bowed deeply in minstrel fashion, careful to balance the trays (one had a colorful little teapot while the other had some delicious-looking food). “Lady Gabrielle,” Phillip came closer, with an amused smile on his face, “we are completely at your service.”

She looked at both of them in gratitude while their mother poured the fragrant tea. “Here, drink this, dear,” she urged, handing her a hot mug.

Gabrielle inhaled deeply, and took a sip. It was a delightful tea, the spices blended perfectly as they tickled her nose. She could taste a hint of lemon and mint combined with the flavorful essence of ambereye, a distinctive spice used in many desserts. “It’s wonderful!”

“Phillip brewed it,” Luke reported. “He also made the cake, although he didn’t know that I added some of that dragonwort that mother uses in her Inferno Stew,” he added innocently, watching Phillip choke on the bite of cake that he was eating.

Mother Rhea laughed, “I’d watch out, Luke. Phillip will get you back one day.”

“Aww… Little Phil wouldn’t do that to his big older brother. Haha!”

Mother Rhea turned back to Gabrielle. “Dearest, I was going to just tell your father and mother that you were here with a bit of a fever. I’ll probably see your mother in the marketplace, right?”

Hardly a chance that she’ll be there, thought Gabrielle, but she responded, “Oh! that’s alright. I’m actually suppose to… go to my… aunt’s house, in a far-off town.”

“All right then. I’ll just let her know that you’re…”

“No!” she cried, Mother Rhea looking shocked at her response. Gabrielle quieted down and spoke calmly, “It’s really okay. You don’t have to go through all that trouble.”

“Hmm…” she was skeptical. “Okay. Here, drink some of this broth. It will do you good.”

The broth was delicious and warmed her whole body. She yawned, beginning to feel sleepy again.

“You should get some rest again,” the mother saw the signs of fatigue. “Sweet dreams, Gabi,” Mother Rhea rose to leave. “And if you need anything, we will be close at hand.”

“Sleep well!” Luke sang, following his mother. Phillip waved as he went out the door.

“Thank you!” Gabrielle called after them. When the door was shut again, she found herself missing their warm and loving company. And yet she also felt pangs of envy, for the two brothers had the one thing she lacked: a true family. Gabi settled down into her bed once again, feeling extremely weary. She immediately fell into a deep sleep full of mystery and confusion…

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

Gabrielle was in complete delirium. Her mind was surrounded by so many different voices. Then, two voices surfaced above the rest.

“Is the child awake?”

“No, she’s still sleeping. She doesn’t know anything yet.”

“When will he reveal himself?”

“He is biding his time. She is not ready to meet him.”

“I don’t think she will ever be ready, after all that happened? Such a frightful event. The poor child…”

“She’ll have to accept it.”

“But I thought the ruling was clear.”

“I don’t know… I just don’t’ know.”

Gabrielle woke up again, sweating. The voices immediately ceased, but she could barely remember what any of them had said. The fireplace was out, and the room was extremely cool even under the thick blankets. She felt a rush inside of her, and so she dashed out the door and down the stairs to the loud voices in the tavern room. Gruff men were feasting on platters of food while drinking tankards of ale. Many of the drunker men started singing songs while making a mess.

“Gabi?”

She turned and saw Phillip wiping his hands on a towel. “I’m awake,” she replied.

“I can see that,” he smiled, “although, you look a bit pale. Do you need some fresh air?”

“I’d love to. That’s just what I need.”

“Great! I’ll meet you outside in a little bit. You might want to wear something a little bit warmer though.”

“All right. Hold on for a moment.” She went back to her room and found a clean dress lying on the bed. It was a lovely forest green, soft to the touch, and a perfect fit. She also grabbed Phillip’s cloak, hugging its warmth.

Gabrielle went outside, and found him sitting on the doorstep munching on an apple. His kind blue eyes were staring straight ahead. “Ready?” he asked.

“Yes,” she answered. “Oh, and here’s your cloak.”

“Keep it. You’ll probably need it another time. Plus, I have another,” he told her as they began walking.

“Phillip…” she paused as he handed her a red russet. “Phillip… I just can’t tell you how much your family has done for me. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude.”

He looked sheepish, and then responded, “It was mostly Mother. She’s a wonderful woman.”

“Oh! But not only her! Luke is so charming and lifts my spirits. You were the one who carried me back. And all of you have taken such good care of me!” Gabi didn’t seem like she had convinced him enough since he kept his eyes downcast. Finally, she stopped walking, and kissed him lightly on the cheek as a way to express her appreciation.

He blushed. She continued and began walking again, “I just want to say how grateful I am. I will miss you all so much.”

Phillip’s eyes looked alarmed. “You’re leaving?”

“Yes, tomorrow. I must.”

“Why so soon?”

“It’s… important for me, and plus, it’s a long story. I hope I’ll be able to tell you someday.”

“I hope so too.

There was silence as each gazed at the starlit sky.

“Phillip?”

“Mmm?”

“What do you plan on doing… I mean, after your family settles down here with the tavern?”

“I’m not sure exactly…”

“Do you want to stay with the tavern?”

He shook his head. “I’ve always had a dream to travel to all the different cities and meet all sorts of creatures. Learn about culture. That sort of thing. What about you?”

“My dream… is to just… discover myself.” She was hesitant in telling him, unsure if he’d understand.

But he nodded, without saying a word, and she felt as if she didn’t need to explain for he already knew what she meant. For some reason, Gabi found herself communicating with him in a way that she had never felt.

Phillip finished his apple, and threw the core into the nearby woods. “When will you be coming back?”

“I… don’t know.”

He paused, his crystal blue eyes looking straight at her. “Well, Gabi. I hope you’ll be happy, wherever you are.” He sounded disappointed.

They returned back to the tavern, and Phillip walked to her room with her. “Tell your mother, father and Luke that I am eternally thankful.”

“I will.”

“…good bye, Phillip…”

“G’bye…” He looked as if he was about to say more, but then he turned around and ran down the stairs.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

The next morning, before dawn, Gabrielle was up and ready, completely recovered. She had written a thank-you note on her bedside, explaining her abrupt leave. When she made sure of everything, she crept out of the tavern and into the streets where it was basically deserted.

She had decided the previous night that she would visit her father before she left Akardia. It didn’t matter how long, she just had to see him. She would climb through the bedside window and spend a few precious moments with him.

As she raced back to her house, she made sure that she made no sound as to wake anyone. Her strong arms and legs enabled her to climb the sturdy tree growing next to their tavern, and so she was able to enter in fairly easily. Her father lay in his room, still on his bed and closing his eyes. He looked paler than before, tittering on the edge with death’s fatal grip closing in. Gabi waited for a few moments to make sure no one was around, and then she quietly slipped into the room.

Her father’s breaths were thin and uneven, as if he were struggling to breathe. She knelt by him and took his hand, feeling the coldness in his thin fingers. Tears were streaming down her eyes, and she wept over the fact that she probably would not see her father ever again.

For some miraculous reason, the father’s eyes fluttered, and then opened to see his youngest daughter weeping. She felt his hand move. “Oh my goodness…” Gabi hugged the hand even more, trying to give some of the warmth of her hand into his.

“My daughter…” he croaked in pain.

“Father,” she explained soothingly, “I’m leaving. I must leave… to find out my past. I only came back to see you once more. I know you’ll understand…”

“We… will…see each… other… all in good…timing…” he whispered, leaning back his head and closing his eyes.

Gabi wiped away her tears, and kissed her father’s hand. “I love you father…” She arose and walked to the windowside, preparing to leave.

“Gabi…” she heard her father say with all his strength. She turned back and found her father looking at her with teary eyes. “Before… you leave… look in the… bottom drawer…” he trailed off.

She looked around and came upon the bedside table. Yanking out the bottom drawer, she found it empty. “Trap… drawer…” the father murmured.

Gabrielle examined the drawer, and found the outside dimensions too large for the inside size. Somehow maneuvering around, she found a small latch which she lifted off, revealing a trap drawer underneath. Inside, was a thick, brown blanket with the name “Gabrielle” etched in. Beside it lay a pure silver ring.

Looking at her father, she realized that these were hers. She didn’t know how or what their meaning was, but she knew that they belonged to her. Suddenly, she heard voices coming from the hallway coming closer. While slipping on the ring, Gabrielle kissed her father on the cheek, pushed the drawer back in and climbed out the window just in time.

While climbing down the tree, she saw a 3-wagon train begin moving down the pebbled road. Gabrielle raced after it and called out to the driver.

“What do you need, lass?” the driver asked her gently.

“Where are you going, good sir?”

“We travel all around, miss. Our first stop will be Ayortha.”

“Would you happen to have room for another passenger?”

He stopped and thought, looking at her. “All right miss. Hop in.”

She jumped into the last wagon with her belongings, and the wagon- train started once again. And when Akardia gradually became only a dot in the distance, Gabrielle kept on thinking, I’m free… I’m finally free…

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

Chapter Five :: Ehana

It was five days since the wagon had left Akardia, and Gabrielle had begun wondering when they would ever arrive at the designated destination. She began to feel slightly suspicious of the band of men she was traveling with. They would constantly talk in an unknown language (it sounded like Ayorthaian) and look at her in a critical way. She made no attempt to befriend them since they often became drunk and violent with each other while yelling curses, but as they were her only way out, she had to tolerate it all.

“Anori …ovwku ebinu??” a man slurred his words, clearly drunk, and stretching out his hand to Gabrielle.

She looked at him, confused. When she didn’t answer, he became angry and started cursing, eventually kicking a man who was sleeping nearby. The man yelped and woke up yelling at the other. The two started wrestling on the floor angrily, gritting their teeth and then biting each other viciously. Gabrielle backed away to avoid the scene.

“He was asking you if you wanted to dance,” replied a voice with a thick accent from behind the tree. Out stepped a gruff-looking man with a twitchy mustache.

“Oh… um… well, I see he’s too busy to dance now…” Gabrielle saw the man make a face, a half-frown half-smirk. “Is everyone here from Ayortha?”

He nodded. “We’re natives of the tiny village called Arverdu near the Ureuda Mountains.”

“How long will it take to get to the nearest Ayorthaian town?”

“Shouldn’t take too much longer, just as long as we don’t run into any ogres or monsters. Mayhaps a day or two?”

She sighed. Another day or two with the crazy drunken band. Well, if it was only one or two days till she reached true freedom, she would bear it. “Could you….teach me.. some Ayorthaian?”

His mustache twitched. “Why?”

“If I’m going to be in Ayortha, I might as well know some of the language.”

He stroked his chin. “No.”

Gabrielle stared at him for a moment, and then turned away. She stopped when she heard his voice ask, “Why are you walking away girl? When I say ‘no,’ you should say ‘ipujsi’ back to me. That’s your first lesson.”

Turning, she asked, “What does that mean?”

“Please.”

She smiled. “Ipujsi.”

“Ojetsu. That means okay. We’ll begin with the basics. Yes. No. Greetings. The whole bit.” His mustache twitched again. “And we’ll add in some insults just for the fun of it. I’m sure they’ll come in handy around here,” he glanced around.

They walked to the wagon and sat down near it, Gabrielle repeating after him. By the time evening came around, she had learned the basics and was starting to learn questions. “You’re a pretty fast learner,” he admitted.

“I never knew I could do this kind of thing.”

“Well, now you know.”

Silence took over, but then Gabrielle laughed out loud. “What should I say if another one of the men ask me to dance?”

“Hmm…. Say ‘arivu oqinti unemi.’ It means ‘you smell like grime,’ or more like ‘get away from me.’”

Her laughter filled the air, knowing that she probably wouldn’t want to say something as direct as that unless she wanted to become part of a wrestling tournament. The camp was gradually becoming quieter and quieter until the man and Gabrielle were the only ones awake.

“Here, take this. It will help you.” The man handed her a thin dusty book.

She looked inside, turning the onion-like pages with care. “It’s an Ayorthaian dictionary!”

“Unem (“Yes”). Since I’m in no need of it, this will probably help you more.”

“Erviji inoha!” (“Thank you!”)

He grunted. “We should get to sleep if we want to reach Ehanu tomorrow.” He walked over to the second wagon and jumped in.

Gabrielle leaned back against the wagon wheel, closing her eyes and repeating the things she had learned in Ayorthaian over and over again in her head. After a few minutes, she opened one eye, and called out, “What is your name?”

A curse was heard in the wagon, since it sounded like he had hit his head on the wagon side. “Aoli.”

“Good night Aoli.”

“Good night…”

“Gabrielle,” she finished for him, climbing into the empty third wagon. Soon after, all were peacefully asleep.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

THUD! “Ouch…” Gabrielle hit her head on a wooden crate lying next to her. She sat up drowsily, and saw that the three wagons were traveling down the bumpy dirt road. It was a bright sunny day with trees surrounding the path. To the right were the great Ureuda Mountains, known for their sparkling brooks and waterfalls, and straight up ahead, when she squinted, she could see… “Ehana!” She worded breathlessly.

The town could be seen coming closer and closer. They would be arriving anytime that day. It looked beautiful from here, a peaceful town, and a starting point for her journey to find her past. Gabrielle leaned against the wagon side, feeling the bumpiness in the path. She glanced at her ring, it’s smooth silver shape glinting in the sun’s rays. Taking it off, she twirled it in her hand; it spun around, growing faster on its on accord and catching the light beams as if absorbing them.

Suddenly, the ring began glowing and radiating a brilliant light. She gaped at the sight, watching her ring transform. It hardened for a moment, slightly growing hot, and then it ceased its form, becoming a silvery puddle lying in her hand. Fascinated, she tilted her hand slightly, watching the silvery liquid flow around. It was thick fluid, cool to the touch yet quite light. “Amazing…” She began to wonder, This ring is definitely mine, but it must have some sort of magic in it! I wonder what it can do…

The ring, as if responding to her thoughts, began to form shapes in her hand, transforming from centaur, to a tiny book, and even to a figurine. It seemed to have a mind of its own, trying to show off its abilities. She was astonished. What was this magical ring? How did it relate to her past? Again, the ring transformed to the questions in her thoughts. It became a flat, thin rectangle, and silver forms began to float on top, as if it were a moving picture! She saw seven figures, and then an eighth figure join the group, standing next to one of the seven. But then the pictures began moving too quickly and she was completely bewildered. “You’re going too quickly!” she said to the ring, but it continued going the same pace. “Well, that didn’t help. I don’t know how I am to use you!”

The ring flashed a blinding light, and then began to glow a dazzling yellow. Then, the radiance just died down and in her hand lay a tiny parchment. She read,



“Greetings oh possessor of the Vornor Ring! Know that the ring has limits: It cannot change into food, drink, nor living flesh. Only objects. It can also show an image of any persons that the commander wishes to see. This ring will only react to the will of true Vornorians. BEWARE all those who use this ring that are not of the Blessed Descent, for they will endure the pain of a thousand deaths.”



Gabrielle just sat there, staring at the parchment. Vornorian? She was a Vornorian? “Well that’s nice,” she thought, “but what’s a Vornorian?” The ring lay there, not moving. Nothing happened.

“That’s weird…” She wondered. But then, suddenly remembering what the parchment said, she spoke, “May I see Father??!!”

The parchment became its liquidy form and changed into the same rectangle. She saw a clear picture of her father, lying on the bed. He was calling out, but no one came. The old man reached his hand out, but it dropped because he was just too weak. Gabrielle was pained to see him struggle, but she couldn’t do anything since she was too far away.

She was interrupted by Aoli jumping abruptly into the wagon. “Gabrielle. We’re arriving in town now. Get ready.”

“I’ve been ready.”

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

What a spectacle! Ehana was such a beautiful city with towering stone buildings and dangling grape vines weaving around them. There was a tiny river that cut through the middle of the town with a beautiful bridge and children playing in the clear, sparkling water. But what was the most amazing thing of all was that everything was rather quiet, considering the circumstances. The marketplace was full of the bartering, bustling people, and yet it was not the normal chaos as seen in Akardia. It was a much calmer atmosphere, and the beautiful language of Ayorthaian could be heard all around.

Gabrielle was fascinated with the beauty of the city. She picked up a couple words that she heard as they passed by children and immediately fell in love with the language that seemed to have a soul of its own. “Abensa utyu anja ubensu Ehana…” she breathed.

The wagons rolled over to the end of the market. There were a few men leaning on the wall of a building, who smiled when they saw the wagons come closer. They shouted in greeting while the driver smiled back at them. The wagons stopped, and soon all the men began conversing. Gabrielle walked over, listening to the talking, hopefully picking up a few words. All she could understand were “uvoni” (“girl”) and “ikanno” (“good”), and the driver was pointing at her while the other men nodded. She noticed Aoli wasn’t within the group. “What’s going on?” she called out, while looking at the faces with sinister grins on them.

The men ignored her and continued talking. She moved closer and asked even louder, but before she could say another word, the men surrounded her and grabbed her arms, locking her in place. “What are you doing????” she shouted, struggling.

The driver smirked and said in a mocking tone with his thick Ayorthiaian accent, “Why, little girl! You didn’t think that your journey with us would be free, did you?”

“What are you talking about??? Get off me!”

“Calm down. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new life with your master…” he laughed evilly.

“Master? I’m a servant??? How dare you sell me! I’m not property to sell!” She screamed, kicking him in the face. More men came and held her legs down but with great difficulty.

The driver rubbed his bruised chin and glared at the girl. But then he smiled sweetly, and spoke with dripping sarcasm, “Well, they don’t know that now do they? And since you don’t know any Ayorthaian, you won’t be able to tell them. Awww… poor girl…”

“Arivu oqinti unemi!” she shouted, spitting in his face.

He wiped off the spit, his eyes ablaze with fury. “Stupid girl…”he muttered, but then smiled, “A feisty one. Her new master will have fun with her.”

Gabrielle’s head turned violently, her brown locks thrown all over the place. “AOLI! Aol--” The men covered her mouth.

The men started dragging her away, but then Aoli suddenly appeared. He jumped off the wagon and saw Gabrielle. His eyes widened, and he began asking the driver questions. Soon, they were in a fierce argument, disturbing the peacefulness of the town. They stopped midair when they saw townspeople looking at them strangely, and then continued their argument in Kyrrian.

“Whoever gave you permission to sell the girl?”

“I found her so I have the right to sell her!”

“She could be useful to us!”

“Exactly! She’s being useful right now!”

“I won’t stand by watching while you—”

The driver, grabbed Aoli’s shirt, pulled out a dagger and thrust it at his throat. “One move Aoli, and I’ll be able to slice your flesh neatly and feed you to the gryphons,” he threatened, whispering.

Aoli struggled to breath, the blade nearly choking him. “You….wouldn’t…”

“Watch me.”

Gabrielle watched the two men in fear, and the men dragging her had stopped to watch as well. The driver called out in Kyrrian, “Well don’t just stand there you oafs! Her master is waiting! Bring her to the place while I finish business! You know where it is!”

The men grunted in reply and continued dragging her down the road. She tossed her head and tried to break loose, but then something hard hit her on the head, knocking her senseless. Her limp body was easily carried away to her new fate.

The arguing had ceased; in its place lay a dead man with a pool of blood laying around him. And the streets of Ehana became peaceful once more…