A Distant Flare

It had been six turns since the Finders had rescued their kidnapped companion from the clutches of the dark lady. Four turns since the chieftess had given birth to a beautiful baby boy, and there had been no signs from Jade or her mistress at all. Ash had shown his face once for the soul purpose of taunting Snowstreak, but other than that, silence from their enemies.

“I don’t like it.” Skygem said at the meeting Duskwhisper had called that night. “Things have been far too quiet ever since we returned from the fortress. They’re up to something. By all the skies I know that she-snake is planning something as we speak!”

“Calm yourself, Skygem,” Duskwhisper told the glider. “Be grateful that we haven’t had to fend off any more of her attacks. Many of us are still recovering from our last encounter.” Indeed all Finders who had fallen victim to Jade’s mental attacks were still plagued with nightmares and having difficulty sleeping. The break from battle was welcome. “Still, Skygem has a point.” Duskwhisper continued, addressing the tribe. “Things have been very quiet, and while I am grateful for the chance to rest, I have never been one to sit around and wait to be attacked.”

“What are you suggesting?” Smokeweaver asked from beside her.

“That we take the offensive.” Was the chieftess’ reply. “I am not so foolish as to believe we could succeed in an all out frontal attack, but we must begin somewhere.”

“So exactly what is your plan?” Jrean asked incredulously. “To go back to the fortress and look at it?”

“Actually, that’s not far from what I want to do. An attack would be suicide, but a more subtle approach might work. What I want to do is simply get into the fortress and look around. See what we can find.”

“Oh that’s all.” Snowstreak commented from his place standing aloof and out of the circle. “While were at it, we might as well pluck a few stars from the sky... I’m sure that would be more probable.”

“Watch your tone when speaking to your chieftess!” Imberglow shot at the air walker rising to challenge.

“Imberglow,” Duskwhisper held up a hand to halt the young fire starter. “It’s alright. I’m sure all of you have your doubts, but we’ve done it before.”

“But they sensed our presence before.” Windweaver pointed out.

“They were also expecting us before.” Skygem countered. “I for one am with you on this Duskwhisper.”

“Thank you, Skygem, but we still need a plan even if we decide to go through with this.”

“Well, I’m sure we can find another entrance as we did before. They won’t be expecting us to try anything against them.” The raven-haired glider suggested.

“That may be true, but there is still the issue of getting in without being detected.” Teean interjected.”

“I may be able to aid in that area.” Wisedove said quietly, staring into the flames. She seemed distracted somehow.

“How, ‘Dove?” Duskwhisper questioned.

“I remember... something,” she began, eyes never leaving the fire. “An alteration of the minds of those who follow my lady. She looks only for those whose minds do not contain that alteration.” The circle grew silent as she spoke, all eyes were on Wisedove. Of all the Finders, Wisedove had come in closest contact with Jade for the longest period of time. Consequently, she was the one most altered by the encounter with the dark lady. As her memories of her time at the fortress returned, so did the other personality she had acquired, but the flashes only lasted momentarily. Teean placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder.

**Cala.** She sent. Wisedove blinked and it was as if she were awakening from a dream.

“Forgive me.” She said shaking off the last remnants of the flash. She took a moment to compose herself. “I believe I can mimic the mind alterations present in the followers of the dark queen.”

“How many of us can you shield?” Duskwhisper asked. Wisedove contemplated the question.

“Two definitely. Three, maybe.”

“Then two will go.” Duskwhisper said. “Myself and one other.”

“I will accompany you.” Before any others could speak, Snowstreak stepped forward.

“And why you?” Imberglow shot at him, rising to her feet yet again. “I want to go with Duskwhisper!”

“Imber, sit down.” Summerstream told his daughter.

“No father. I’m a flame shaper! I can help if Duskwhisper gets into any trouble!”

“I, on the other hand can walk the skies.” Snowstreak countered. “The chieftess will need an air walker in order to get inside the fortress. I also have many more years of fighting experience than you do youngling. Who do you think would serve best at her side?” Imberglow glared daggers at the other, but reluctantly gave in.

“I still want to make the journey with everyone.” She muttered sulkily.

“Then it’s settled.” Duskwhisper declared. “It’s time to fight back.”

** **

It had taken eight days to get there, but the small group of Finders had made it. Wisedove sat in the forest outside the fortress concentrating on concealing the presence of the two intruders. Imberglow, Skygem, Windweaver, Smokeweaver, and Longrunner were posted at various places around the fortress to guard the councilor as she sat defenseless, and to look out for signs of trouble. So far, everything had been going smoothly.

Duskwhisper and Snowstreak were inside the fortress now. They had managed to pass through all areas virtually unnoticed. All others who passed them in the corridors ignored them and continued about their duties. The two decided to risk splitting up in order to cover more ground. They agreed on where to meet each other, then went their separate ways.

In her short time exploring, Duskwhisper saw things that she could not believe. There were so many other elves within the fortress, all of which were slaves to the dark one’s will. The chieftess stumbled away from the breeding area in disgust and horror, head spinning. She saw an opening and stepped into the chamber to get away from the terrible sounds and scents of the area. Duskwhisper closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the stone breathing deeply. She had to get to the meeting place so that she could get out of this place. As she prepared to leave, Duskwhisper noticed a figure standing across the room from her, but unlike the others she had encountered, this one was obviously aware of her. She tensed ready to battle whatever threat he posed.

The stranger stared coolly at Duskwhisper from across the dimly lit room. The healer stayed tense as she gazed back, not sure what to make of him. He was tall, with black hair that he had tied back into a ponytail, and deep brown eyes. His skin tone was the same bronze as hers, and his eyes sported an enticing slant. In his hand he held a sword, but his grip and posture were relaxed. He obviously didn't find her to be a threat.

“Who are you?” she asked him.

“Are you Duskwhisper, chieftess of the Finders?” he replied.

Duskwhisper's jaw dropped. How could he know that? A grin spread across his face, and he sheathed his sword.

“I'm guessing by the look on your face that you are. I'm Sahkshen, and I rank just under Ash in this ordeal.”

At this news, Duskwhisper got into a fighting stance, desperately wishing she had her bow with her.

“Oh, no! It's not like that at all!” He nervously combed his fingers through his long bangs and looked around, as if checking for hidden eavesdroppers. “I...” He lowered his voice. “I want out. It's gone too far. Killing humans is one thing, but wiping out whole tribes of other elves?”

Duskwhisper relaxed, but remained alert. She said quietly, “And what do you want me to do about it?”

“Take me with you. Let me join your tribe. I won't be a burden! I can hunt and the like. But I have to get away from here! What Ash and Jade are doing is just wrong. And since I came in of my own free will, they never had me brainwashed. I've been watching this thing grow and fester, and you have been my first way out. Naturally, I'm seizing the chance.”

The auburn-haired maiden was skeptical to say the least. Just take one of the enemy into her fold? What if this was some plan made by them to ambush her tribe from the inside? Sahkshen seemed to have seen her uncertainty, because in a moment, the familiar tingles of a send encompassed her mind.

**I swear to you, chieftess of the Finders, I mean neither you nor your tribe any harm. I wish to join you as friend and ally, and right this wrong I have helped commit.**

That was enough for the healer. She nodded once. “All right, then. I'll get you out of here. But not now, Sahkshen. I must devise a plan, first. Believe me, I will return, and free you from this.”

** **

Duskwhisper hurried to the place where she and Snowstreak were to meet up.

She told about the fireshaper as she moved to the opening in the stone and pulled out her dagger. She caught the sun on the blade and flashed the area where the others were waiting, not wanting to risk sending. Even with Wisedove’s shielding, the dark ones might be able to detect foreign sendings. “He wants us to help him out of this,” she explained. “In exchange, I’m hoping he’ll help us.” Skygem appeared moments later gliding swiftly through the air.

“Let’s get out of here!” Snowstreak scooped the chieftess up in his arms and drifted back towards the forest. When they landed, the rest of the group had already gathered and were awaiting their arrival. Again, Duskwhisper told a hurried tale of the elf trapped inside.

“His name is Sahkshen, I’ll explain in more detail later,” she said placing a hand on Wisedove’s shoulder to wake her from her trance.

“Flare.” She said looking at her sunset-tressed chieftess. “His name is Flare.”

“It’s Sahkshen, and he’ll be joining our group,” the healer replied.

**He wants to escape the queen,** she lock-sent to the snow-haired maiden before her.

**You know it will not be easy.** She continued the silent conversation.

**With my help, it can be done.**

**You cannot imagine the pain you will put him through. Be prepared.**

Duskwhisper nodded. **I’ll need your help, friend. I know I cannot save him alone.**

The group gathered their equipment and silently moved away from the fortress to camp for the night and form a plan of rescue.

** **

Duskwhisper was frustrated. She tried and tried, but try as she may, she could not think of a way to help the stranger from the dark queen’s fortress without hurting him. She approached Wisedove that night after they had stopped to set up camp. She sat before the fire staring into the flames. The others were setting about at their own tasks. There was only the two of them.

“I need your advice, Counselor.” Wisedove looked up at Duskwhisper then gestured for the healer to take a seat beside her. “You know what Sahkshen is about to go through, and I can think of no other way to help him than to simply pluck him from their midst. It cannot be helped, it seems. But my magic did not work on you, and I fear it won’t work on him , either.”

“I’ve been thinking for a while about my memories.” Wisedove began. “I find it strange that the knowledge I attained as Ivy seems to be resurfacing, but my memories from all time before that are lost to me. I cannot tell you how I arrived at the fortress, I cannot tell you what happened to me there...” she trailed off a moment as some ill emotion passed through her. “But so much more does come to me.” Duskwhisper listened silently allowing the councilor to tell her story. “It occurred to me that Ivy is another person created by the influence of the queen’s magic, and Jade’s control. She and I are one, but we are not the same. When I remember information learned during my time there, it is not me who recalls, but Ivy...yet at the same time I am aware of that knowledge. It has been very confusing for me.

“Then I realized that while she is not me, she is still a part of me. Part of me was manipulated to reveal qualities of myself that I had turned from... qualities that I as Wisedove would never imagine turning to, but they are within me nonetheless, and only I can overcome them.” The councilor paused to see if the healer was understanding her point. She smiled as understanding dawned on Duskwhisper, then continued. “The choice to accept the queen’s power was my own. Ivy accepted that power freely into me--”

“And so that power became a part of you as well.” Wisedove nodded.

“Part of me as my very soul. Your power cannot heal damage to the spirit, just as you cannot heal a broken heart. The pain he experiences now will pass on its own...the question is whether or not he can wait until that time.” Duskwhisper looked at her friend, solemnly staring into the fire. She knew that it would take tremendous strength on the part of the stranger, because Wisedove had barely made it herself.

** **

The morning of the rescue was foggy, almost as if the clouds themselves wished to aid the Finders. Duskwhisper had Wisedove shield herself and “go out” to touch minds with Sahkshen, to let him know they were on their way.

It was rather simple, actually. Skygem and Snowstreak flew up to the same opening they had entered the Black Mountains before, sharing Duskwhisper’s weight between them. Sahkshen was waiting for them, and he threw many silent, grateful glances the chieftess’ way as they glided back down to the waiting group.

“It is done,” Snowstreak said testily. He hadn’t been too keen on the idea from the start. “Let us be off before the fog lifts to reveal us. Nodding their agreement, everyone gathered their things and set off.

They had not gone far when Sahkshen suddenly stopped and fell to his knees.

**Where are you going, Flare?** Jade’s voice sang through his mind. **Who are you with?**

**Release me she-snake! I am no longer yours.**

**You will always be mine. You cannot escape.**

**You are wrong.** A new voice hit the dark lady. **You taught me well, sister. Perhaps too well.**

With that, Wisedove took Sahkshen’s head between her hands.

“Help me.” She whispered, and together, they black sent their resentment to the dark lady breaking her hold on the fire starter. Wisedove then, using the borrowed power within Sahkshen, threw up shields around the minds of everyone in the group, who had been watching the silent struggle in confusion, thus protecting them from Jade’s influence. She fell back panting from the exertion, but made sure to hold on to Sahkshen, for she knew what he faced in the times to come.

“Duskwhisper...” she breathed heavily. “He’s going to need your help.” Already the other was trembling as the icy pain gripped his body.

“What’s wrong with him?”

“It is the fate that befalls all who accept the power given to them by my queen.” Duskwhisper looked up to see Ivy’s cold stare looking upon the suffering elf on the ground. “Grant him sleep. It is all you can do for him.”

The tree shaper stood and glided away leaving the healer to her work. She began shaping poles to make a stretcher for the fallen elf. It would be a long journey back.

** **

Several nights later, after they had made half the distance progress back to Stormsinger’s Rest, Duskwhisper was pulled from her sleep by something she could not quite place. She stood to stretch her muscles when she saw something moving in the moonlight. A quick glance revealed Sahkshen to be missing. She hurried after him.

**Where are you going?** she sent out to him.

**It was a mistake!** came his tortured response. **I cannot escape Her! I need Her!**

**No you don’t!** She had caught up to him by now.

“Sahkshen!” She was shocked when he actually stopped his escape.

“I can’t.” He said brokenly. “I didn’t know...”

“So what would you rather do? Go back to that life?” Snowstreak appeared from above. “Would you truly prefer to be a slave to Her for the rest of your life?”

Sahkshen fell to his knees not knowing what to do.

“Come back with us.” Imberglow appeared from behind Duskwhisper. “Duskwhisper will do anything she can to help you, and so will the rest of us.” The stranger turned glossy eyes on the young elf even as the rest of the group emerged from behind her. Apparently they had been awakened by Duskwhisper’s hasty departure.

“It’s not that simple little one.” He responded sadly.

“It can be.” Duskwhisper kneeled beside him. “It will not be easy for you, but if you just trust us... the pain will pass.” He did not respond, but he did not move, and that was all the response Duskwhisper needed. “Sleep now,” she said placing a hand on his head. “You’ll feel better when you awake.” As Sahkshen fell into her arms, she beckoned others to come help her get him back to the camp.

“The worst of it is over.” Wisedove told her as they walked.

“I know,” replied the healer looking to her patient. “He can rest easy now.”

** **

The touch of a rabbit pelt brush against your cheek as you lazily turn over in bed is one of the most exhilarating feelings for some reason, and this very sensation is what woke Sahkshen. He felt very relaxed, but his brain felt dead behind his eyes as if he had been sleeping far too long. He continued to lay in the furs, not opening his eyes, until the touch of a very small hand got his attention.

With a start, the fireshaper opened his eyes all the way, only to find himself staring into large blue-green eyes as clear as still pools. He blinked a few times and refocused. A young boy with warm silver hair was sitting at his side, curiously touching his hand, but staring at his face.

"Where am I?" Sahkshen asked the boy.

"In me and my mommy's den," the boy answered promptly, fearlessly.

"And, who's your mommy?"

"The chieftess. Someday, I'll be chief instead."

The flameshaper was startled to see an intense, distant look in the boy's eyes, as if he took his future job very seriously already. "What's your name?" he asked the distant-future-chief.

"Tarn."

"Tarn," Sahkshen repeated, and smiled. "My name is Sahkshen. Would you like to be friends?"

Tarn smiled, a huge engaging grin that showed off a pair of sharp fangs. "Okay. But you'd better be able to keep up with me an' Ekdak!"

** **

TBC…