Chapter Three

The Sindarin Legend

Within hours of their arrival at New Galeigh, Prince Lukku and his entourage, riding on the backs of horses or centaurs, began their journey to Aliettega, the small mountain village that served as the stop-post between Ankya'myrrh and Harmonia. Aliettega was only about a days journey away, but from there, it was a whole week to the capital of Ankya'myrrh, Ankya. Pesmerga knew this for a fact, as his home town was not by a half days walk from the capitol.

Pesmerga rode beside the Prince, whom was holding on to the waist of his mount, the centaur leader by the name of Emyrrh. Emyrrh was a handsome centaur, both human and horse halves. While he was muscled, he didn't look to be an idiotic muscle-bound fool. Chestnut brown hair was pulled away from his face in a leather cord which matched his leather vest. The horse half was large and muscular, with the same beautiful color hair. If Emyrrh had been completely humanoid, and if Pesmerga didn't have the feelings he had for his lost wind mage, he would have considered the man for a bedmate more than once.

"There's a flat a few feet up with a good deal of room. Once we reach it, we'll stop for a break. Is that alright, my Prince?" Emyrrh asked.

"Yes." Lukku replied. Pesmerga wanted to shake his head. The boy was trembling with cold, despite his warm cloak and clothes. From what Pesmerga could see, he guessed that Prince Lukku had never *seen* snow before. The boy wouldn't have to worry, though. While Ankya'myrrhin winters were awfully cold, they barely lasted for more than a few weeks. By the time they reached the palace, they would be well into spring. Spring in Ankya'myrrhin lasted all year except for a month, with decent weather and no snow.

One by one, each member of the entourage joined Lukku, Emyrrh and Pesmerga on the flat. Pesmerga was already setting up a fire while Lukku rested against Emyrrh's warm body when Shu, the final member of their small group -- small whenever one added all members of the Alliance and Liberation armies -- joined them.

"Ferthir, go ahead to the village and announce that we will be arriving within a few hours. I want a room prepared for the Prince, but ask nicely." Emyrrh ordered, sending the youngest and fastest centaur. Prince Lukku shivered by the fire, his emerald eyes staring at the flames as if entranced.

"Have you ever been to Ankya'myrrh before, my lord?" Pesmerga asked the Prince, handing him a cup of warm tea.

"No. I've never been further north than Harmonia. It's so cold up here, I never expected it to be like this, the foundation of the Sindarin King." Lukku replied softly. He held the cup in his hands, warming his fingers.

"They say that the Sindarin King was but a boy when he came into power, don't they?" Flik asked. Lukku sighed and looked into the flames. His 'entourage' listened closely.

"It was a long time ago, many a century. Back before the Massacre of the Gate Rune Village, which lies in ruins somewhere in the Black Forest. According to our legends, the Sindarin King was a boy from this village, spared from the Massacre only because he was on a journey of manhood with his brother. Once he returned, he and his brother formed Sevitte, the Dark Knight Village to the east of Ankya, the capitol of my country. However, peace did not last long. Back then, the Ankyans ruled over this entire continent. With the Sindarin King's return, though, a new group moved in, the Harmonians. No one is sure where they came from, however, they attacked the Ankyans, who had been weakened by the Massacres. They pushed them far into the north, but stopped at the chain of mountains, here, because it would be their downfall to go further. The Ankyans attempted to fight off the Harmonians, who were also after the True Runes, but it was a close battle. The Sindarin King fled with a few of his friends, leaving his family behind to protect a secret treasure. Some believe this treasure is a true rune, some believe it is gold and jewels. I hope it is neither. I would much prefer to protect scrolls of knowledge and fairy tales of my ancestors than their gold and runes, even if they are True Runes." Lukku explained.

"You said that the entire country was weakened by the massacres, but you only mentioned one," Nanami stated. Lukku nodded his head.

"The people of my country are caled Ankya'myrrhin, Guardians of Power. They protected the Gate Rune, the Wind Rune, the Earth Rune, the Water Rune, the Fire Rune, the Lightning Rune and one village, one that was destroyed long before the Sindarin King appeared, protected the Rune of Immortality. The Gate Rune was split into two halves, the Elemental Runes disappeared years ago when the Harmonians invaded, and we believe that the Sindarin King found the Rune of Immortality. However, where he and it are now, is a mystery to all. Not even a non-human with a True Rune could find his whereabouts."

"You tell the legend of the Sindarin King as an Ankyan. Was that how you learnt it?" Leknaat asked.

"I have heard many tales of the Sindarin King, but I prefer the Ankyan way. They wrap much mystery into their tales, it captures ones heart for life, no matter how many times one hears it. Not even the best scribe could capture its magic on paper." Lukky replied. He shook his head. "But my teachers did not tell it to me that way. I learnt it on my travels."

"My Prince, we should be leaving soon." Emyrrh said softly. Lukky nodded and climbed upon the centaurs back as his entourage put away small items and put out the fire. They began their ascent to the mountain village.