Grim Insanity

Yana and Kac appear to go insane, calling names no one else seems to know. Yana appears to know more about Kac than anyone else.

Chapter 13 Grim Insanity

“Mahtan, pick that up now!” Yara yelled as they were building.

Hammers, swords, axes, and brute ripping filled the area. Mahtan had lead them all to the safe place that they were allotted. Mahtan was picking up debris so none of the little ones. Hacking and cutting of rope and supplies to create as much room as possible for such a large crowd in a small area. Surely extended families will be living next to one another, or in the very least the same rooms. His brother Ellessar was helping Kridruk and Cardur putting up a gate. Mahtan did not like the idea of a gate, but it went with his security sense so he had to allow it. Dorio was helping a few of the townsfolk put up wood to make the foundations of some houses. All of this seemed highly unnecessary to Mahtan, obviously he did not think they would be staying there too long for comfort, but perhaps those unwilling or unable to fight the good fight would be willing to stay here . Men and elves living all under the same roof, under same rules and regulations. As much as he knew they were supposed to, he could not see it being a good idea.

Little children were responsible for their parents security as they continued to build. One building on top of another. That was the plan agreed on everyone. Even with this elaborate scheme of planning it does not seem everyone would have room. Surely there would have to be shift arrangements for sleeping on everyone’s accounts. Lots of sacrifices were to be made, for those who never sacrificed anything in their life before today, they would learn by the end of the week.

Mahtan moved rubble, splinters and broken pieces of wood that could no longer be used. He brought it to the clearing, where all the trash and wood was, right in the center. They would burn it by the end of the night.

Much unpaid labor, but this labor was done out of necessity. Not wants or desire for people who want want but never work for it. People who need will work till they die for it. Such as anyone would be more than willing to die for a cause.

Blood sweat and tears stained the ground, as well as the wood that was hammered by unworked hands, built into bridges connecting the houses, and ladders so the second story of structures could be accessed. The houses were done by night fall, and was rough, but they were proud. People who never built a house built one, several in the matter of a few hours, which was only possible through need and countless numbers of hands working on these projects.

“More wood! I need more wood!” Cardur called out as his wall was not finished. “Get me wood!”

“No more no more! Cardur, I understand your need for a desire for security but we are safe here. No one enters Paxis, there is no desire to enter paxis for anyone. Even during the time of Great Trials where darkness was prevailing, they had no desire to come into Paxis.” Mahtan came running over. “We need wood for houses, not fortresses. I understand your desire Cardur, really I do, but here it is not needed.”

“But what if_” he began.

“No. No what if’s. The only security we need are of soldiers, and rangers and above all, Unverdus.” Mahtan sighed, looking towards the east, awaiting for the return of Gilmir, The wizard, the cleric, the captains, and the legends. The seven of them, he longed to see before he fell asleep. “Besides, the Old Forest us right there. It is a difficult place to travel, and the world knows that. Mind you we did make it easier to travel by cutting up all the roots that impeded everyone else, but no one knows that.”

“Yet.” Cardur implied his grim thoughts of having to travel again.

“Do not concern yourself with ifs yet!” Mahtan slapped him in the face. “Now is not the time for our mind to be in the future. Our time is now, not then, not when.” He pointed to the structures that were built. “You see this...all of it? That is all we need! That is what is important now! Tomorrow will have enough worries on its own. Worry about tomorrow when that worry becomes relevant. It makes no sense to worry about something that has yet to happen master dwarf. Truly I tell you as the sun shines over that tree line tomorrow…” he shed a tear not of sorry for his old home, but of the joy he anticipates he will see come the morning. “This is what we need. Right now, it is enough! This is all we need.” The last few words came out of his mouth with a bitter taste. Was it really enough...could they really go on in this mockery of a home that had the cultures of all man, dwarf and elf written on it? Perhaps when all is said and done, the former glory will be restored, and all mortal creations will be renewed.

Cardur took a moment, stepping back from the dwarf, clutching his fist. He was not done yet. Will there be time and supplies to finish the fortress he began to build? “But_”

“This fortress you are building is nothing more than sinking sand.” Mahtan said. “These walls will not hold up forever.” He reached over to the gate that was built, knocking on the wood, and it sounded hollow. Space within the reach of course, as air could easily flow in and out. “Hear all that noise? Knocking on a hollow surface produces a louder sound, and Cardur there is a lot of space here. This wood is inferior to the ones in Kinasa. All you are building is a perimeter. I have no intention of becoming a sheep in which you can shepherd me, I can only be shepherded by Yun, who alas is not here.”

“I understand that.” Cardur said, not fully seeing through Mahtan’s metaphors. He spoke in them often.

“See that it does seep through your river flow.” Mahtan turned to Dorio, and whistled. The large elf dropped the log he was carrying with Kridruk. The log rolled on his feet and he grunted. He did not yell for pain was what he was used to. Just unexpectedly. “Dorio, drop whatever you are doing and rally who you can for the center. We are going to burn many things.”

“Yes Mahtan. It will be as you say.” He started running off into a direction, climbing up the wood ladder, carefully. It was not tested and no one really know if the structure would hold.

“Oh and one more thing!” Mahtan called up as Dorio climbed up onto the structure. Each house-like structure. Each house was approximately fifteen by twenty feet, with the same size structure on top of it. Each structure was separated by ten feet, to reduce fire hazard. Mahtan claimed it did not matter since they were all to be connected anyway but the stubborn dwarf insisted.

Dorio stopped to listen, “Yes Mahtan!”

“Brag your lute!” Dorio nodded in agreement to Mahtan’s request, before jumping from house to house, calling down to others who were still working or had finished working.

“A lute? Ye mean to make song? What song can bring pleasant thoughts to unpleasant ears?!” Cardur asked. Yes, it can be said that these times of darkness are darker than any other that have been seen before, at least to them, Nonetheless, it will never be said that those who truly belong of the woodland realm who adore joy as opposed to happiness will seek good things even under the worse circumstances.

“Yes, I do.” The elf turned on the dwarf and stomped away.

“What be hiz izzue?” Kridruk said, recollecting himself from the log. “It seems they be on edge today.”

“I can not be sure Kridruk.” Cardur answered, watching the elf march off. “Homeless. Meaningless. all these things I know I have felt, as I am sure ye have also., yet I can't help but notice that they seem to have more answers to life. They know something, have something that we did not have. We found a new home, Malitu, which is now also taken from us. They found a home which is like their old one in so many different ways, yet it is not the same. They look for the beauty in nature, and I have not embraced its full glory or its divine beauty as it was said Kinasa was the only nation forged by Unverdus Himself. Is He real? What sin hast they committed that would bring evil in this world...was it them? Or someone else who, with great power and status, held above all sinned far greater than these, and all those who were better in the eyes of Unverdus suffered for one weak man’s mistake.”

“One begetz the world’z problemz.” Kridruk replied, turning away from the project. He left Cardur to ponder, as now there is no order, no one above anyone controlled anyone outside the Ranger’s Guild, which despite the chaos and decay of all things, it did not shake the order of the Ranger’s Guild. Its structure was sound.

“Yara?” Dorio said, poking the fabric of the tents, to make it known he was there.

“Yes Dorio?” she sleepily called back.

Dorio could hear the sound of soft foot steps on the earth, the soil which was untouched even by the halflings. Surely they had no use or desire to use of this plot that was entrusted to them. Yara pulled one side of the fold out to see Dorio. Her hair was frizzy, eyes red with exhaustion. He noticed during the days of traveling, while they rested she was busy reading from the Good Book. Not once did he catch her sleeping. “Mahtan, is gathering people to the center. He wishes us, I presume to make song and praise in this time of need. Would you care to join us, I understand you need your sleep.”

“No, some song would be good and restful. I could use some sensible music right now.” Yara said, looking above the tree line, seeing the orange glow from the sun setting over the horizon through the tree line. “Darkness is setting in, time to light up the fire so it burns and the light will beacon our friends who have yet to arrive due to the inconvenience of dark creatures. They are okay I am sure.”

“What makes it so? Help me to know? Can thee foretell the fate of them all to determine their destiny?” Dorio asked, before putting a hand over his mouth realizing how tired Yara is. “Nevermind. You are tired, and I should let thee rest. Rest Yara, sweet sung prophet.”

“I should like a short nap before the fire.” She said, yawning. She returned to the solitude of her tent and what he heard next was a loud snore. Elves do not snore, or rather it is uncommon for them do snore.

He left the tent, hurrying to his sack that was still packed with with the elves, who had kept it near at all times, not that anyone really had time to steal anything of value or not of value.  He pulled out his lute, molded with ancient moldings as the design he requested was a design he found delving deep into the ruins somewhere long ago. In that wretched lake. He returned to the place where Mahtan directed him to go. Many elves were there, around the place where Mahtan lit the fire, and it slowly began to grow such as the strength of their resolve. Ellessar too brought his flute. Kridruk and Cardur arrived, but most humans were busy getting their children to sleep.

Dorio looked around in the circle, and slowly men and women began to arrive, exiting their homes, quietly closing the doors. The only children up by the fire was Geff, and Eriphil, who held his parchment much as he always did, constantly writing down his thoughts. He always wrote, he may be the next poetic genius as he seems to write poems or memories to engage deep thought, emotion, and meaning.

Mahtan looked forward, left and then right until the people of the former village Malitu began to stop arriving. Many were silent, grim thoughts decorated their faces. This much was clear, their faces aged over the last several months. Almost a full year and yet they aged three times as much with the terror of Fakino, and Maya Truva, who were both defeated, but their terror defeated any hope of security or desire to live a bountiful life.

Mahtan raised his hand to speak, “I have little mastery over the tongue to bring forth great speeches like the heroes of old we long for. These great speeches have died since none now life that remember, and the library home to them have burned. We will never fully comprehend the ways of the past, the present, or the future. Alas, we are here together. We are now one people. Let us not think ourselves of elves, man, woman, child dwarf, or even the orc. We are all mortals and will all wither away. The life and lives we live and bear are but temporary but do not dishearten for our time will come again.

“I assure all of you that we live in despair, but we will have an everlasting hope In Unverdus for he will deliver us from this darkness. I will be sure to ask for answers not sought, and until our precious captains return, I will do my best in my power to take heed to the prophet, and voice concerns from thee unto her. We will make Decrepantaur, the Forgotten and the Drow answer for their crimes, rooting us up from our homes, I will not rest till the day they answer for this atrocity.”

There was silence following a somewhat confusing speech. Yes he admitted it to be so, but he was no mastery of the tongue. Vengeance and humbleness before the Lord Unverdus.

“I ask thee all to join me as we worship. All man, woman, child, orc and dwarf. Despite all this, I will not falter in my honor to be able to worship Unverdus, even though by that Name has been the source of our strife through the works of Decrepantaur. He will not win, for with the select few of us left, we will worship him louder! And Stronger than before!”

Ellessar began to play his flute. Dorio recognized the tune. The Battlement of Unverdus. It was song he knew well, and often hummed it when he played his soft lute during the loneliness, or depressing days when he was a drunkard. It was a good song, with his flute he began playing. Much to his surprised delight, many of the other rangers joined in with harps, violins, trumpets. Those with voices could sing, and they sang louder than ever before, than ever they thought was possible.

March march march forth

Alas alas

Here is the march

March march march march

Bring forth your light

Backs against the wall

Soul weary tir’d

Torn, born distort

Thy truth never

It shall be wrong

It is the way

The only way known

Unverdus it will be us

I raise my;

Spears! Swords! Bows,

Bring forth your battlements!

Alas, this battle I do unto you!

Arise arise

Come forth all ye

All ye who lead

I will pray thee

Come unto us

Darkness dare thee

I dare ye now!

Our backs ‘gainst walls

I have no fear

Not anymore

Come now, fight us!

Light prevail us!

Unverdus it will be us

I raise my;

Words, declarations

Bring forth your battlements!

Alas, this battle I do unto you!

Darkness reigns, bells

At horror sounds

Trumpets, music

Give us thy light!

Darkness will end

Unverdus please

Guide our thoughts, minds

Souls through the gates

The gate’s final!

Will we walk through

Design our form

The battlements

Unverdus it will be us

I raise my;

trumpet, music

Bring forth your battlements!

Alas, this battle I do unto you!

March march march

Our funeral march

March against the flood

March against the blood

March forth

Bring forth our battlements!

To Our Funeral March!

With such a tremendous sound it is surprising none of the children put asleep by their parents woke up. The parents were happy considering their children remained sound asleep, in their peaceful beds. Dorio cried on his lute as he continued to play his lute. Tears wept across the ground, not near the fire. Geff cried, so did Eriphil. The elves knew, the men did not. Nor would they be allowed for their ears, eyes, and hearts were hardened.  There was clapping.

“Bravo bravo!” Said a familiar voice. Mahtan looked to see Kac, and Kora holding up the elves defeated in battle. Gilmir, and Yun leaned upon his shoulders. Kora carried Lorana and Gorda. Yana was using Lorana’s staff as a crutch. “A song fitting for the occasion. Alas there is a God! His name is Unverdus! Such forth as he points I will strike. My friends, for those of you whose heart are not hardened. We are the battlements!”

Yara yawned as she arrived in the clearing. “Beautiful music!” she raised her hands, still in a modest green tunic. “Alas Yes indeed we are the battlement! Oh Holy Battlement!”

“What?” Cardur asked. “What are you saying...how can the two of you share similar thoughts and yet not see each other for hours as the candle burns?”

“Intertwined lines.” Kac answered. “This truly is a new age.” He laughed, and his smile grew too much for the dwarf’s content. “Alas, do not fear war for these things must come to pass!”

“What have you done!”

“I have defeated a demon, and sent his soul back into the abyss from whence it came. I will stay there for awhile, and provided that a certain drow tells of his findings, the drow will begin to think twice before using that foul magic of theirs.”

Gilmir stumbled as he awoke, Ellessar and Mahtan rushed over to him, getting him on his feet. “You fool. You never should have stayed there!”

“Aye,” Gilmir laughed, and grunted in pain. “Yet, I took a few with me ha!”

“Impulsive fool.” Ellessar said. “Better impulsive fool, and an indecisive rabbit.”

Yun fell to her feet, still embracing Kac. She would not let go, another face she wore, one rarely seen on her. Dependency. She depended upon Unverdus, and to her heart’s belief, she believed that Unverdus delivered her from certain death. Even less so, she depended on Kac, he had to be there, more so than ever.

Kridruk remained silent. Dorio dropped his lute on the ground, and its strings broke. He ran over to Lorana, pulling her softly to the ground. The humans and other rangers stood and watched as the events unfolded. Kora rested Gorda on his back, next to the fire, not once taking her eyes of Kac.

“And?” Cardur asked, with less passion in his voice. “I saved the rest of these, and all of you, and by extension the halflings that host us, though they may never know it. It is best that way.” he answered.

“Drive them into the darkness! That darkness is where they belong!” Cardur replied, shifting his anger at Kac, to the drow.

“That darkness, Cardur.” Kora replied. “Is my home. I have the desire to see it once more.”

“Do you?” Yara asked, walking over to her ever so slowly, kneeling on her knees. She took Kora’s hands in hers. “You may have a chance to go back.” She rose up to her feet, next to the fire, calling forth the rangers. “In a dream, I saw an ancient statue, reclaimed by the woods, perhaps it is free of its grassy bounds. It lies deep in the realm of Kinasa, the former Capital. Rivewla. In this place is a maze upon mazes, of traps triggered but not reset. It will be easy enough.

“I walked to this statue and alas I see on a plaque, it says, ‘Here is the monument of the great creator’s creation and hero. Here is the founder of Kinasa!’ There we must go, we must. It holds many secrets needed to be uncovered. I found some stairs...hidden amidst a moldy carpet. I descended upon those dreary steps, still the wood was strong, and held my wait. There was no creaking to my surprise, nor did the wood underneath seemed to be rotting. It was preserved still. I descended upon the floor underneath, and the floor underneath that one followed by a third and a fourth. These walls remained smooth, though there was still signs of fighting. Corpses among corpses lay there, unchecked. I could not count them, but there seemed to be more than elves as you would suspect., but of some larger bodies too. I think they may be of orcs. I followed the trail of slain, which seemed to congest further and further I delved in, to this grand room. This room was created by delicately carved stools, desks, drawers and the like. I found a box on one of those desks. I opened it, and found a stone, black. I picked it up and it said to me, ‘Who picks up my ancient stone...the stone that will restore my life, and bring destruction to this world!’”

Yana awoke, tuning her ear to hear the last few words, few enough for her to know what she described.

“We must go in and grab that stone before someone else does.” Yara said. “Or Decrepantaur will have gained even more power.”

“You speak of one such stone, The stone of Immortality.” Yana sat up, placing her hands on her sore legs. “I have seen the exact stone you speak of. I have seen it...when I drove Decrepantaur out of those ruins. Those were dark days and the elves you saw in your dream, fell under a spell of great poison. The air was poisonous, such air as I remember breathing in ages past before that. I remember, and can guard my senses against it. Truly, it really was only I who defeated Decrepantaur, for in great confusion and dismay, my comrades turned against me. To no avail.” her eyes went absent. “Memories of great past as it were, and legend and truth tells it the same after four thousand years. Those great legends of Decrepantaur brought kings to their knees, without effort, and in great malice killed all leaving none alive. I am the only before the great war that saw Decrepantaur face to face! His image still haunts me as it is so horrifying that the only thing that could birth it was the foul pits of the Abyss of Chaos, which I have only had the misfortune to delve into once. This is a dangerous game, and it got deadlier as we played it. Now I can say for certainty these are the end days of which spoken about my the former Prophet Cornelius which I am sure some of you know, and know of the prophecy I speak of. The end is coming, when new things will become new, and old things be destroyed.”

“But then there is the question of course of the covenant! I cannot forsake my duties to blow those trumpets!” Kac said.

“Yes, that might do something, before the end of time!” Yana said coldly. “The most pressing matter is this stone. We need to send someone there, someone who can handle it.”

“But the Covenant!”

“THOSE TRUMPETS ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!” Yana roared. “Besides, do you even know where they are?”

Kac did not answer. He usually had an answer for most things, even if it was not accurate. He was hiding something. After a long pause he said, “It is the divine_”

“It is not through divine will you foolish elf!” Yana said, grabbing a rock on the ground. “It your selfish need to be a divine weapon. The ultimate weapon will not shatter you, for you desire nothing more any more than to be that indestructible weapon!” Yana panted. “We have need to go into those lands and take that stone, delve deep into those woods as cruel as they be. We cannot allow Decrepantaur to return again else the world will be destroyed where the fabric woven by Unverdus will be undone! It will destroy world order should he return!” She paused to let her words sink into the mind. “What happened to you! This is not you! Even as I inspect my suspicions this makes no sense to you or I, and as to why Yun, our beloved Guild Master depends on you and holds you as she still does! Release his spirit demon!”

“I...I am sorry Yana. I am sorry you feel this way, and forgive me for any offense I have given, but I cannot abandon the quest altogether.” He answered, brushing his hand through Yun’s hair.

“Then you shall have to send a capable group to go into that darkness.” Kora explained, taking her suspicious gaze away from him. “A small group, hand picked. It shall be so.” Her eyes scanned the small numbers of rangers left, everyone grew uneasy as her eyes shifted upon them, letting out sighs of relief once her eyes passed by. “If it is allowed, I would like to take six with me. Three other rangers, aside from Yana Sua and I. I would also desire to take along with me, Gorda. Close friend, please be with me til the end.”

Yana walked by her side as Gorda nodded his head. “So be it old friend, then alas we fight with one another once more.” she said, carefully scanning the gaze of Kora as they focused on the brothers: Mahtan, Gilmir and Ellessar.

“Please do not send me back into that abyss!” Ellessar’s hands began to tremble. His nightmares turned into daymares as the time flew by, mere moments seemed like hours to him. “I do not want to relive the horror. Please send me into Cadrasar instead!”

“Ellessar, I know it is difficult for you, but I chose thee for a reason.” Kora said. “You and your brothers are the only others I can trust with us, for even in dire need you made sacrifices for the great unknown, not knowing whether or not your sacrifice was worth it. I know you will have nightmares, and am not entirely insensitive to your need, but I need you three. I will accept none less.”

“Ellessar,” Mahtan placed his hand on his shoulder. “I know you are still young, but adventure awaits, and though I admit that I am no all that eager to go back into the mockery of a forest that Kinasa has become,, but duty also awaits. Ellessar, think of it like a new dungeon.”

“No...no, NO!” The young elf put his hand over his ears as his other brother, Gilmir put his hand on his other shoulder.

“Why are you so frightened brother. We took the oath, to fight and go where is needed despite our fears.” Gilmir began, and only then did Ellessar’s heart soften, and did he open his ears to allow words to enter his mind. “Ellessar, it is a promise we must keep, besides you know we three work together best. No other trio can do what we can, since we have worked on it for months. Adventure! Think of all the things you have created in that basement. Do you not think it be a good idea to see it again, or destroy it as you see fit. New discoveries?”

“AH!” he raised his arms in frustration. “Alas, you imbecile, poking at my vice for grand adventure and knowledge. I seek inventions, new creations unheard of with multiple uses uncounted. My lust for knowledge will be the death of me, but alas I am still hesitant.”

“Look at it this way...You did not have the misfortune to anger one of the drow commanders who put a price on your head for execution now do you?! No that is my problem to deal with, yet I will go nonetheless. Think on it Ellessar.” Gilmir jested. “Besides, there is the library...near Kerina you always wanted to go to.”

Lorana stirred at the mention of the library. Books! Books! Books! She stirred, looking up to the end of that conversation. Why would he use a library to get his brother back there...is he trying to get him killed? It is infested by elf hating drow, he could not touch a book even if he tried. She sat up, and watched the two brothers converse.

“Fine, it will be as you say. I will go into that great abyss that was once our homeland.” Ellessar said.

“Worry very little. Gorda will be there to guide us with his light, and you have me and Kora, we will not let any evil befall your misfortunate lives.” Yana said in a rather sarcastic tone.

Kac laughed. “Well then, you six will decide when to leave for that yes? I can entrust it to thee?” The six of them stood together nodding. No one knew why Kora had pushed for this mission, outside its importance. Further more, she was sure if it was something as precious and well hidden as the immortality stone, it can be sure that more than one party will be looking for it, or what guardian the Dark Lord left for them to contend with.

“The trumpet...the only one I have seen was in Sterilus.” Kac said, recounting the memories of that day when he killed Maya Truva with the help of a mysterious drow he had not encountered, and Fakino, whose whereabouts are unknown.

“There might be a correlation between the seven servants and the trumpets. There are Seven of the Forgotten Servants of Decrepantaur and seven servants. Perhaps it is a good idea to look back into Terra Silenti. It is currently uninhabited by any dark forces.” Lorana said. “Unless...no that cannot be it.”

“Maybe...I am not sure. Irenue, I think that is who that was. He was in there last I knew, and I was nearly killed by him.” Kac said. Kridruk shivered at the name. He remembered the black blade. “There were many creatures that followed us, and many levels yet to be explored.”

“By you or any of us anyways. Fakino knew the place like it was her own.” Yun said. “So there we must go eh?”

“Yes.” Kac said. “I will leave, I will take Lorana and Dorio with me. Perhaps this event will explain itself within the prophecy of old.” He turns to Yara. “Is this agreeable with thou prophet?”

“Aye.” Yara yawned. “I suppose the best course of action is to rest tonight and tomorrow, prepare the final meals and rations.” She turned around, yawning once more. “I am going to get some much needed rest, and I should hope all acquire the need for joy they have tonight. Though tonight we rest, I cannot say that the forces of evil will.”

“Kac I wanna go with you...into that dark dreary place that brought us close together.” Yun said, referring to the past. It was true, had he not delved into Terra Silenti, unlocking so many secrets. Those secrets brought more questions than answers but what it did bring, was the mend of their sacred bond they held so many years ago. “I feel ominous.”

“That cannot be done, Yun.” Kac said. “With me gone, Mahtan going to Kinasa with his brothers, there will be no one but the prophet, which is more than capable, but I cannot place that burden on her shoulders.”

“But.” Yun said. “No buts Yun. That is that.”

“How far is Terra Silenti from here?” Yara asked, turning around.

“Inside a month maybe, as we travel. Inside a month back.” Kac answered.

“So perhaps a few months you will be gone correct?” Kac nodded to her. “And your will as Guild Master is to maintain order within our small community, seeing what needs to be done, as well as maintaining the relationships of our hosts? Is that everything you currently need attending to?”

“That sounds about right.” Kac replied, looking at the ground, for a moment. It appeared he was not thinking about anything else.

“Make sure no one disturbs me tomorrow as I rest. I will take care of everything in your absence.” Yara replied. “Yun, you can go.”

“Thank you.” Yun replied.

It was the first time since the prophet met Kac since Yun exchanged pleasant words with Yara. She often time would exhibit irritation or as of later days words of great anger and hate since the coming times. It was clear to Yara that Yun was finally accepting the fact that Kinasa could no longer be returned to its original state of perfection.

Mahtan, Ellessar, Gilmir and Kora left the circle. Mahtan for the most part decided it was best to pack for the evening, before sleeping. There were be plenty of time to sleep tomorrow, and he was sure he was going to need every ounce of rest he could manage.

Mahtan packed his rations in his pack, just inside his tent. This tent was where all of the rangers were sleeping, it was there area, not to say others were not welcome to come by, it was just where they slept. Nothing more. He could hear his brothers entering the tents, and for awhile heard a lot of shifting in the other tents, small shifts. He could hear the movement of clothing, arrow counting, the splashes of water inside the waterskins, and finally the head hitting the pillow. Indeed they were finally asleep, making their packs light for the road, but getting it read so they could sleep all day the next day. “Good night.” He whispered. “Brothers.” He laid himself down to sleep.

There were a few instrumentalists still playing by the fire. Dorio was fixing his strings but to no avail. They were useless, so he tossed his lute in the fire. He took a seat on the ground, watching some of the couples dance.

He observed their dancing and what a marvelous thing it was. People dancing...would do anything to get their minds off in the past, and enjoy the present, not thinking about tomorrow. It was how one should live, if one must worry...only worry about today. Tomorrow has enough troubles on its own.

Lorana sat next to him, still aching from the strenuous encounter with Grendum. It was a painful experience, and lots of energy was spent, trying to get everyone here safely. The effort was not in vain surprisingly. No one died. She came close, but no one died. “How goes the adjustment?” she asked him, also observing the dancers.

He watched the wind brushing everyone’s hair, even that of Kac and Yun who were sitting in a branch with each other, talking together. “Alas, it is not the same...But I will take it. Truth be told, I wish I was going to see that memorial with the brothers, and the legends. Yes, I know it is not the same, but I would be interested no less to see what became of my house. I have not seen it since I left, evading the assassins that put me on the run.” he replied. “And I would not mind seeing the memorial Yara described. She described it well enough to get me to want to go in there, even if just to see it.”

“Aye, and what a beautiful sight that would be. I have but read about those memorials, never have I been there. The tale goes, as the creation of Kinasa began, the statues of stone rose and carved themselves to meet what ever force created them. Based on my research, I can only assume that the statue was what Aikanaro looked like. A legend who mysteriously vanished one day. No one knows.” Lorana said, looking up at the rising smoke which partially veiled the blackened sky of night, stars and the moon. “There will be a day when you will be able to go back, when all things are made new.”

“Small chance of that happening.” Dorio said in minor irritation. Not irritation of Lorana but the irritation that his memories of Kinasa faded. All of the good ones, and the only ones that stuck were the last few days, his drunken brawl, him needing to run before meeting Solistus. Solistus. Another name he remembered dying trying to save him. Was his sacrifice worth it? He redirected his thoughts to Kac’s personality change. It was not like him...not always grim, but never smiled in grim circumstances unless his death was along the line. He brought his voice to a whisper, “What...happened to Kac? You were traveling with him in Kinasa...what have you noticed?”

“It started in the sanctuary.” Lorana said. “He had some time alone as we were all resting. Yurilo obvious paying attention to everything. Oh! Yurilo how I miss you. He read the note that was given to him by the High Priest of Corela. He read it, and I remember hearing crying. Yurilo later read without Kac’s knowledge of it. He has a grim fate.

“After reading that night, I realized that he grew colder. He did not seem like the Kac I began to know, but then I just met him earlier. I have little knowledge of his history. On one skirmish, which nearly claimed all our lives, he grew angry. After defeating all of the drow, he cut them into pieces and spread their limbs all over the place, sticking them on branches and such. His anger frightened us all, even Yun; though she will never admit to it. You saw how she embraced him did you not? Well it is said her love for him, and his for her will outlast the sands of time as I recall.

“Notice that bow of his Dorio,” she said. Dorio looked at the red-green bow that leaned up against the tree with ancient carvings that no one could interpret. The string was also did not seem natural, it was of a strange leaf, or so it seemed. A leaf as a strong? It seemed frail enough to make sense, but how can a leaf carry an arrow? “That bow does not belong to this plane of existence.” She put her hand on his shoulder, and he placed his hand on top of hers. “It does not belong here, and I know not how he came in possession of it.”

“Could it be of the Abyss of Chaos? Could it belong there?” Dorio whispered softly. “I know he has been there at least once.”

“No. The bow itself is too natural to belong to that plane.” she answered, putting one hand on the soft, cool dirt, digging into it until it covered her hand and part of her sleeve.

“How many other planes are there?” Dorio asked curiously. “I know of the Abyss of Chaos...and Alkathos, and Heaven.”

“There are many. The Abyss of Chaos is one plane, but it is one of nine layers of hell. There is Alkathos, the world in which we live. Heaven. There is the Astral sea, which few venture off into. It is a place of illusion, and just as mysterious as it is, it is even a mystery trying to find out where it is, or how someone would get there.”

“What is it?” Dorio asked about the astral sea.

“It is a starry plane, Dorio. Dwarves would marvel at the gems around them, then obviously go insane; like our captain over there for they can never grasp these gems. It is much like...standing among the stars themselves.” Dorio turned his head to the starry skies. “Yes, Dorio I understand you look at them and you are not wrong in your wonder of great things. However, that is not the astral sea. Those stars above are part of this plane. They do not exist in the astral sea, they exist in our plane.”

“Oh.” Dorio said, putting his hand in the dirt. “So our captain is insane?”

“Yes. That letter, oh how I desire to read exactly what misfortune Yurilo dictated me, yet by his love I am bound to him. Kac Xaixan, I am bound to you until our fates intertwine our demise.” Lorana answered. Dorio observed a tear in her eyes. Her eyes closed and she turned to face Dorio with a great smile upon her face. “But all enough for grim thoughts do you not think Dorio? I think it time for some pleasantries!”

“Sounds like a nice change in pace.” Dorio commented, listening again to the song. “Care to dance?”

“It has been such a long time since that happened.” Lorana pondered, thinking about the last dance she went to, over 200 years ago. “Yes, people stopped asking me to dances for I always had this reputation to talk the ears off of people. Normally passed the point of annoyance.” Dorio chuckled. “I would not mind another dance. Come.” She took his hand and lead him by the fire, they held each other close as they turned and stepped with the sound of the music. One and two, one and two, one and two.

They never let go, always stayed very close together. Dorio could hear her breathing lessen intensity. She laid her head upon his shoulders as they continued to dance slowly. “I am sure some good will come from this trip.” Dorio said, trying to help her through the difficult thoughts he percepted her to have. He was sure she was thinking about Yurilo. “How long have you known him?”

“Hmm?” she asked, quietly murmuring to herself. Dorio saw the fire shine upon her face, though it was dirty from the fighting he could still see the perfect sculpture. The fair skin, softly tired eyes, and the complexion examined through the firelight was beyond all comparison.

“Yurilo. How long have you known him?” he asked again, very patiently.

“We just met this past year. We met very shortly after I started my research project with the knowledge of the Serpent, now I question myself, was it worth going through all of the pain and suffering, knowing all the invaluable books are now out of my reach forever. I can never return, and neither can Yurilo. He was a high elf so did not hold of the commandments. He saved me after someone tried to kill me; kill me for researching the task that was meant before me.” she said. “We had been companions ever since, wherever I go he followed, he protected me, unconditionally.”

“Such as the way of love. I am sure he made it known to you that he loved you.” Dorio replied.

“Yes, yes that he did when at once he no longer referred to himself as an assassin but a Warder. My Warder. Mine and only mine. Now he is gone.” She said, allowing tears to flow, and stain the paladin’s shirt. “I will see him again, I know I will.”

“If I can help...I will.” Dorio replied.

“No, I am not ready for that yet.” Lorana chuckled, thinking about death. How soothing it must be, but it is not the appropriate time. When that time comes, it will be on my terms. If by grace I can, I will take as many of these evil things with me! She thought to herself.

Yana observed the dancing. She observed the new friendship between Dorio and Lorana. Good. Alas that has happened. Someone, now two I can count on to bear truthful news. Kac, whoever you are...there will be no secrets my friend. I have allowed you to grow thus far, and though there are certain implications where I cannot kill you or your doe. You especially, you mockery of an elf, you fool hearted mortal. There will be a day where no one or nothing can protect you. Your mother as it were. Your demise is surely at hand...if not by my own...I will make sure you will no longer stand!

Kac and Yun sat together in the branch, watching the dancing and listening to the carefully picked notes of the instruments. There was always a pleasant transition from note to note, chord to chord. Often times they would turn and gaze deeply into each other’s eyes only to look back up in the sky to gaze into the stars once more.

“Once again, the stars are lined up. Yes the perfect line for the perfect song ending a perfect night.” Kac said to Yun, sitting in the tree, observing all. “How are you feeling?”

“I am...well.” she brought herself up to say. noting the implications of being helpless before the eye of Grendum. Still many questions haunted her mind. “Thank you. What brought you back so far? How did you know you were needed.”

“I am needed everywhere. Where I am needed, there I will be.” he assured her. “Nothing will keep me from restoring peace or protecting those that need to be protected, no matter who they are. No matter where they are.” He was right and sure he would be there when he needed to be. For whoever needed him.

Yun pondered, leaning her head against his chest, resting. Her eyes gazed up at the grand constellations, the moon barely visible over the veil of smoke. One constellation she perceived was the shape of an elf, with a cross. Yes, that is what it was. “Do you see that over there?” She pointed to the strange constellation.

Kac looked over, squinting his eyes to focus on the view. He grew frightened. “What is that!?” He observed what used to be. Stairs, steps and steps echoing in his ears. A creature looked right back at him, turning as he realized he was recognized. “Is that…? No it cannot be. Can it?”

Yun felt his breathing grew heavier, the heart pounding on his chest like the hammer on anvil. She shifted a bit, giving him room. to shake. He stood up, the only one who seemed to notice his odd behavior from below was Lorana, who made every effort to make her perceptions unknown. She continued to dance with Dorio, undisturbed.

“Sit down!” Yun tugged at his arm. “Sit down you galook!”

Kac began mumbling incoherently as he jumped out of the tree. Many of the humans stopped dancing and just observed Kac; going to every tree, knocking on it as if it were a door. He placed his ear on every one of the trees, to listen for untold secrets, told only by the trees.

Yun jumped out of the tree, biting her hand until it dripped blood. Yana, Dorio, and Lorana rushed to Yun’s side, placing their hands on her, preventing her from acting as she watched helplessly at Kac’s paranoia.

Everything stopped. No notes. No chatter. No whistling wind or crackling fire. Only knock knock knock!

“So is this it?” Dorio asked. “Is this what you were speaking about.”

“How long before...he starts hearing things? Voices in his head, relentless attack on his psyche?” Yana asked. Yun said nothing.

“His insanity will run its course.” Lorana commented grimly. “Why why why does my responsibility always lead me to even worse places!” She tossed her arms up in frustration. Yun pricked up her ears at the word, ‘Insanity.’

“He is not insane! He is stressed nothing more!” Yun cried. The people around the circle left, leaving the fire to tend itself. All left until all that remained, was Yun, Yana, Lorana, Dorio, Cardur, Kridruk and the increasingly insane Kac Xaizan. “He needs home!”

“Home is gone. He be needin’ somethin’ else lass. Pure will power will not help him anymore.” Cardur replied. “How did this start?”

Yun pointed to the constellation. “There is a particular constellation that is unique, never seen it before. I pointed at it then he said some strange things, as if that constellation was a person.”

Lorana remained silent as she observed the constellation, still going strong. She observed the various gases that surrounded the stars. Dorio observed but noticed nothing. Of course Cardur and Kridruk watched and yet like Dorio saw nothing that stood out. Yana looked at the constellation very carefully.

“No! It cannot be you.” Yana fell to her knees sobbing. “After all of this time! Ages beyond ages pass and you have the nerve to return to this world and not even say one word! AIKANARO!” the other people around her made a circle around her, keeping her away from them. “I will kill you! AIKANARO! ANSWER ME!”

“I see nothing. I sense nothing.” Lorana planted her staff in the ground, placing her hand on her back, rubbing it to comfort her. “There is nothing.”

“But Kac and Yana both saw it!” Dorio commented. “Surely two different beings cannot conjure an image that would illicit insane reactions!”

“I am sure it can be done.” Lorana pointed to Yun. “I do not know Yana very well, but I do know that Kac is not right in the head. Something is wrong with him, wrong with them both. I fear that if your destiny is intertwined with his, then something will be wrong with you, just as it has already begun in me.”

“What are you speaking of?” Dorio replied.

“We have been severed from the light and now all elves are doomed to face a grim insanity. It is inevitable.” Lorana focused her attention on Yana whose face was buried in her hands. “Oh Unverdus...please please please bring us back to your arms, even for only a little while.”

Dorio knelt down, paying close attention to the insane elf that used to be his captain. This cannot be Kac Xaizain. Could he be possessed again?

“YAH!” Kac screamed, and looked towards the crowd, seemingly focused on the area just above Yana’s face extreme prejudice: anger, irritation, hate. “GET OUT! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!”

“Aikanaro.” Yana replied solemnly, reaching for her sword as she noticed Kac reaching for his. Everyone gasped as they knew they were about to witness two people fight to the death, and they were too strong for them to hope to stop it. What could possibly provoke this anger? “How dare you torment this youngling. The youngling? A strange word for someone who knows so much about death. After so many years you come back. Why now? Now of all times! I deserve an answer! GIVE IT TO ME!”

“RUN! RUN FROM IT! DO NOT SEEK IT!” Kac said as he drew his sword.

Dorio wanted to stop it, but knew only more harm would come from it. He could only get in the way, however, he did see a yellow light descending from atop the treeline. It descended upon the angry, and seemingly insane elves in the middle. Descending to their eye level, and burst sending the two elves flying in opposite directions of each other.

The light remained, but particles of light also continued to descend upon the ground like light snow. “You have no right to demand such things from me Yana.” Said a voice. Yana and Kac looked up.

“I know that voice!” Kac and Yana replied.

“I am exactly who you think I am.” the voice said. “I will not have thee fighting with one another. Think past your differences!”

“ANSWERS AIKANARO! ANSWERS!” Yana screamed.

“There will be a time and place for answers. They will be revealed to you at the proper time. Now get to sleep all of ye. You are going to need it.” The light disappeared, sending a shiver down everyone’s spines. The wind was so cold the fire froze in its place.

“Does everyone feel better?” Lorana asked. This question was obviously for the two who started the confrontation. Now I do not know who or whatever that light was but it is causing us problems, problems we do not need. I strongly urge everyone to stay on your guard when you sleep, even more so when you are awake. Go and sleep.”

Everyone nodded, and slowly walked away from the icy pit. Lorana walked over with everyone out of sight. “I demand answers, and I will find them. There is too much confusion...too much insanity...too much depression. I fill find out if you are real or illusion.”

“Kora?” Yara asked, just outside your tent. He walked in, moving the flaps to enter inside.

Kora turned over in her sleeping sack; wiping her eyes and sat up. The covers began to slip off but she caught it in time with a deft movement. “Yes Yara, What is it?”

“I know why you are going into Kinasa. It has been revealed to me, and due to the noise I heard earlier I thought it important to say to you,” Yara said, looking to her in despair as grim thoughts plagued her mind and her face. “You will find answers, you really will. You will not like them.”

“So be it, but I have to know.” She whispered, before letting her head fall back to sleep.

Yara silently left the tent, walking through the cool breeze and observing the sky. The fire was out, that she was sure for there was no light. She walked and nodded as she saw many of the rangers silently returning to their tents for rest. She observed many grim faces, anxious ones. Cardur who was overly tired, just like her was not stone faced. She observed a very small tear that she was sure nothing but an elf would pick up. When time permits...I will find out what happened to Kac. At the very least, I will be alone and away from him, oh the poor innocent fool. I am truly sorry for your condition, and only time will heal your grim insanity…