Kerewyn's Quest Part 2: Journey Home

      Chapter One: Divine Intervention

       Kerewyn dreamt she was swimming underwater in the misty coral and kelp garden of the goddess Myrridia.  The goddess appeared in a shimmering ball of light that descended from the surface, as if the sun had fallen into the ocean near her town, Tanifwyd.  She stood in complete awe of her deity, as still as stone.  

      "Greetings my child, you can move now," said Myrridia to Kerewyn.  She chuckled slightly at the humorous expression on Kerewyn's face.  

       Blushing slightly, Kerewyn smiled and bowed.  "Greetings, Myrriddia."

       "You are probably wondering why I have summoned you here.  One is to congratulate you on your success in your quest!  I am very proud of you.  The second reason is sadly, not so pleasant."

        "Must I go so soon after returning?" demanded Kerewyn.

        "Unfortunately, yes.  Your town will soon begin dividing up the treasure which will cause division over who deserves what portions.  The only one who can stop this division is your grandfather's relative, Gwion.  However he lives in the Islands of Fire your people came from. So you must find Gwion and choose a crew of people to journey with you across the Myrridian ocean.  I apologize for making you do this, but being a heroine isn't all fun and games."

        Kerewyn sighed and replied: "I know, it's not your fault.  You're only doing what is best for us."

        Myrridia smiled, then hugged Kerewyn.  "I have faith in you!  Besides, you'll have me watching over you."

       "I thank you for that.  Okay, I'm ready."

       "Goodbye, Kerewyn.  My blessings go with you!" Myrridia smiled, and before Kerewyn could reply, she had awoken with a start.

       Larian stirred next to her.  

       "Dear, what's wrong?" he mumbled.

       "Just a bad dream," she snapped.  

       Then, she added more softly: "Nothing's wrong, dear.  Sorry to wake you--" she began. 

       Before she could finish her sentence, a dark figure burst through the bedroom door with sword raised.  It glinted viciously in the moonlight like a Rhakka's tooth.  The figure lunged for Kerewyn before she could grab her staff to parry it.  Larian shoved her off the bed, diving in front of the descending blade.  He grabbed the assailant's wrist with his hand and shook the blade loose with his crushing grip.  Then, he bashed the assassin's face in with his fist, sending the attacker across the bed and rolling onto the floor. Before Larian could reach him, the assailant had vanished back where he had come from.

       *         *         *

       The next day, the division of the treasure began, just as Myrridia had predicted.  Kerewyn met her grandfather, Gwyddion and Larian, her husband, in the town Hall to begin the meeting.  The stately, domed room was packed to the walls with sweaty bodies.  The tension was palpable.  The very air vibrated with it.

      The towns people milled about the tall marble columns until they found their way to the plush seats in the main chamber.  Amber sunlight streamed in through the open oaken doors into the massive rooms.  Kerewyn felt a sense of awe as she gazed about the hall with its magnificent, intricately woven tapestries of the history of Tanifwyd.    

      She bumped into Larian as a commoner shoved her aside.  Larian swore softly, catching her before she fell.  She looked back to see who had done it to give him a piece of her mind, but saw no one.  Sighing, she hugged Lariands broad, muscular body with her thin arms for comfort.  He patted her head with his hand.

Then they sat down in the front row of seats facing a podium.  

      The podium was embellished with ah carving of the Goddess Myrridia.  Gwydion got up and walked behind the podium.  He coughed twice and leaned on the podium for support.  Clearing his throat, he began to speak.  His voice rang out clear and loud over the audience hall.

       "My dear townspeople, today we have the honor of dividing the treaure my beloved daughter Kerewyn  has brought to us to save our town from starvation.  No more will our people suffer and die under the cruel rulership of the Tuathans.   We can form our own government and supply each part of the town with reasonable amounts of spending money."

        A hush fell over the room.  No one had dared speak out against the Tuathans like this before.  Then, suddenly a rallying cry erupted from the crowd and the audience rose to its feet cheering.  

       Gwydions face flushed with pride and honor.  He waited patiently for the crowd to fall silent.  As he began to speak again, the audience halls doors banged open and two Tuathans barged inside.  The one on the right was short, with long black hair tied in a bun.  She had a large build and a deathly pale face.  Her eyes were emotionless.  Her hollow stare made the bravest shrink in terror.  Her superior, a tall muscular male with a flowing black robe of stars and moons on it was evening more terrifying.

       "My name is Durionath," said the man.  "You have no claim over this gold.  We believe kerewyn has stolen it and brought it back to cause an uprising.  She is no hero, but a criminal as her father is."  Motioning for two guards to come to him he said, "Arrest them both."

       "What?! You have no proof!"exclaimed Kerewyn, her face a fiery red with rage.  "You can't arrest us without due cause!  Besides no one here will let you get away with it.  You probably sent the assassin that tried to kill me and larian last night!"

        She stood, quivering with volcanic rage.  Grabbing her staff she tapped it three times on the ground of the audience hall.  

        "In the name of Myrridia, great goddess of the sea, attend to me and set our people free!"

         A shimmering globe of blue and red light swirled around the staff.  Suddenly a raka burst through the doors and ate Durionath and his companion were both devoured by the raka.  Everyone was frozen with amazement and awe.  Then the raka raised its head and howled in rage.  Turning around it exited the building as dramatically as it had entered it.  Kerewyn collapsed to the seat and nearly dropped the staff;  Gwydion ran over to cradle her head and hold the staff while she recovered from wielding such power.  

       Gwydion helped Kerewyn back to her feet.  He hugged her close for he knew what she and Larian must do next.  They must leave Tanifwyd.  

       Chapter Two; Departure

       Kerewyn and Larian stood on the bow of the boat they had hired from two dockhands.  There was a crew onboard as well who would serve her if they were paid handsomely after they were done.  The ship's bow was carved to resemble a raka's head.  There were two large, oblong sails.

       The sun's rays shimmered like fire flies on the indigo water.  A cool, north east wind filled the sails and drove their ship onward towards their destination, The Islands of Fire.  Seagulls flew overhead, their white wings gleaming like marble in the suns' rays.

        Tears streamed down Kerewyn's cheeks as she mourned having to leave her beloved town again.  Larian held her close to his muscular body, giving her comfort.  It isn't fair, thought Kerewyn.  I've done my part.  I shouldn't have to do anymore...