La Forza del Destino
by RadjanPart I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII | Part IX | Journey, Part I | Journey, Part II | Journey, Part III | Journey, Part IV | Journey, Part V | The Search, Part I | The Search, Part II | The Search, Part III | The Conclusion, Part I | The Conclusion, Part II | The Conclusion, Part III | The Conclusion, Part IV | The Conclusion, Part V | The Conclusion, Part VI | The Conclusion, Part VII | The Power of Fate
Part I
Radjan sighed. The old alchemist continued to ramble on about ingredients and mixtures and Radjan found all of this extremely boring. Why her mother sent her to this place she would never understand. Alchemy was not a skill she desired to learn, yet alone master. She much preferred the flames and fire of the forge as she created armor and weapons. Becoming a master blacksmith took so little time and effort. It seemed to come naturally to her. Her mother, Beathus, shook her head disapprovingly at this, but kept her silence. Radjan's father was a master smith and she longed to have a part of him in her life. Her father had never been a part of her life. She had never known him. Her mother told her that he had died before she was born."Pay attention, Spyryt!" Qyrious, the old alchemist, hissed at her, "you do not want to mix the wrong ingredients."
Radjan sighed again. Today was the day of her birth. Her 21st year. She should be out celebrating with friends and family. She sighed as she thought of spending this day with an old alchemist instead of Strumm, her beloved. Now she sat on a rickety stool, somewhere deep in Nektulos Forest, in a dilapidated shed, and watched as the elderly man deftly combined fenugreek, bistlewart and a vial of wolf's blood together in his medicine bag. The result was a potion called Blood of the Wolf. It gave the effect of Spirit of the Wolf. Every school child knew how to make SoW Potions. It was among the most requested alchemedic potions created by the shaman. The alchemist placed the vial on the table in front of Radjan.
"The speed of the wolf!" Qyrious growled.
"Yes, m'lord." Radjan mumbled politely, eyeing the vial that contained the potion. "But, m'lord, I already know how..."
"Silence!" He shouted and turned to pull more ingredients from the workshop shelves.
His impatience angered Radjan. He was the one who requested her presence in the first place and her mother sent her to him out of respect for the ancient shaman. Beathus knew that Radjan did not want to learn the art of alchemy, but the old alchemist insisted and now Radjan found herself in his dusty workshop - a victim of tradition and his biting tongue. On her birth date, no less!
"I already know how to make SoW Potions!" She snapped, squaring her shoulders for conflict.
The alchemist stopped at her words. His aged hands froze, mid-reach. Slowly, he turned to face his student. The wrath etched on his face was obvious. His eyes were ablaze with indignation and his mouth was set in a thin line, white with fury. His wiry frame trembled with rage.
"You are Spirit!" He roared.
His words echoed in the small chamber and rang in Radjan's ears. Radjan felt her body go numb and all thoughts left her save for the three words spoken by the alchemist. You are Spirit. Then her body became cold, her eyes unblinking. She had heard of this curse from her mother, but no other shaman in her time had ever had these words spoken to them. Nay, no shaman in her mother's time had heard them, either. The legend and the curse lived, like a mythical faerie tale. It was used to frighten small children into obedience.
It is recorded in ancient shaman literature that one shaman shall become Spirit. A protectorate of his people. A powerful caster and warrior who passes into the realm of deities to become immortal. It was also written that this Spirit would be a Master Alchemist, capable of wreaking destruction and havoc upon the enemies of his people. With this awesome power, however, the Spirit paid a price. He would protect his people alone. Risen to the planes of the gods by newly grown wings, he would become a solitary being - unable to communicate with his people or any living thing. And he would live like this eternally.
Because the shaman people, as a whole, enjoy a strong sense of family and community, the Spirit legend was actually considered a curse rather than an honor. And to be called the Spirit was an insult.
Now, with the alchemist's words echoing through her still body, Radjan became infuriated. The fiery nature, which was her own, exploded.
"How dare you!" She screamed, her hands clenched in fists of rage. "How dare you say those words to me! I am not Spirit! I am a humble servant of the Tribunal! That is all!" Her mouth trembled as she spoke. Her eyes filled with angry tears. The words spoken by the old alchemist burned within her. In her anger, she grasped the SoW Potion on the table in front of her and slammed it to the floor, shattering the vial and splashing the contents on the cobblestones at her feet. Her eyes never left the eyes of the old alchemist.
The silence following her outburst was deafening. The two shaman continued to stare at each other, neither gaze wavered. Then the alchemist looked to the floor and saw the potion ingredients spreading toward Radjan. He watched first as the red blood of the wolf, then the greenish hue of the fenugreek, then finally the muddy color of the bistlewart touch her boots. Then he smiled. It was an eerie smile and it frightened Radjan. She followed his gaze to the floor and saw the last of the ingredients touch her boot, then the mixture evaporated in a whirl of smoke. Quickly, but not quickly enough, she stepped back.
"It is complete." Qyrious whispered.
Realization came to Radjan in a nauseous wave. And she remembered more of the legend. In the Spirit's anger, blood shall spill and touch the Spirit and it will be done. Frightened and in disbelief, Radjan began to cast the only spell she could think of which would get her quickly away from the alchemist and give her time to think about what had just happened. A spell called Gate creates a mystical portal and allows her to return to the place where she was bound.
The alchemist realized her intentions and screamed, his rage anewed. He ran toward her in an attempt to interrupt her casting. As the portal started to close around her, he reached for his dagger and thrust it at her, plunging the blade deep into her shoulder then quickly removed it, poised for a second stab. Radjan winced in agony as the steel pierced her skin, but she closed her eyes, regained her concentration, and continued her casting. The portal formed once again around her and she escaped from the old alchemist's workshop. The last thing Radjan saw was the pained fury in the old man's eyes.
Part II
Strumm was approaching the small brook, on his way to the old gnarled oak when he first heard the weak cry of pain. It was a cry of inner agony. He stopped and listened. He was on his way to the last place he had seen his beloved. The oak tree under which she had bound herself and they had said their good-byes. They had exchanged small tokens of love and kissed tenderly. He then sang a song to help speed her on her way. He came to this place every evening, just as the day broke. It had been nearly a fortnight since she had ventured into the valley where the old alchemist lived. He didn't expect her back this evening. He didn't expect her back for at least another fortnight, if not longer. But he came anyway, and, each night, he left a Firiona Rose at the base of the tree for her to find upon her return.Now he heard the cry again. It was weak, but it sounded familiar. He began to run, calling out, "Radjan?"
A sob answered him. A cry of pain, mingled with relief and sorrow. The brook opened into a clearing and at the edge of the clearing, near the base of the giant tree, was his love, crumpled, her face twisted in fear and agony. She was in pain. She was in tremendous pain. He arrived just as the pain was threatening to overwhelm her.
Not taking her eyes from his, she winced once, then whispered, "Play for me."
"As you wish," He whispered softly, too frightened by her fragile state to say more. He dropped the rose he was carrying and quickly selected the healing instrument.
He began his healing song and her delicate frame was lit with dancing blue lights. Her expression softened slightly and she relaxed against the old gnarled oak. As he played he kept his eyes on hers, his heart overflowing with love. Her eyes held steady with his own, although they would flutter slightly with each wave of pain.
Strumm continued playing. His fingers deftly running over the instrument in a familiar fashion. He had played this song many times, but never as earnestly as he played it now. His eyes shifted to glance around the area. Carnage from whatever battle had injured his love was not obvious. When he arrived he saw no signs of an enemy's corpse. The ground was not soaked with blood, save for the blood spilled by his own beloved. He continued playing.
Radjan began to feel only slightly better. The wound caused by the old alchemist was healing nicely, but a new and curious and most painful sensation was beginning to take the place of the dagger wound in her shoulder. This pain was emanating from her back, between the area of her shoulder blades.
She trembled in fear. The old alchemist's words was coming true. Tears sprang to her eyes at this realization and she closed them tightly, willing them to stop. She did not want Strumm to see her cry. Her dazed and pained mind conjured memories of the alchemist's words. They echoed and tormented her.
"You are Spirit."
"Strumm," Radjan gasped, her eyes closed in agony, "my love..."
Strumm continued to play his healing song long after the dagger wound on her shoulder had healed. The torment on her face told him that he should continue his song. He continued to play as he answered her.
"I am here, my sweet."
"You must leave." She managed.
"I will never leave your side again, my love."
She cried out and her eyes fluttered open. "No, you do not understand..."
"Radjan, I will stay with you for all eternity. Nothing can keep me from you."
His words filled her with love for him and created an inner turmoil that matched the pain she continued to fight. She looked at him and their eyes locked. His green eyes wide with concern and compassion. She saw her own reflection in his eyes and knew that they were locked together forever. She struggled into a sitting position. Her back was toward the oak tree, but she was hunched forward.
"Strumm... I do love you so..." Her breath caught and she began to cry.
"My love! What has happened! Did my song not heal your wound? Have you been poisoned?"
Radjan shook her head, "No, I am not poisoned. The dagger wound is gone." She stopped and took a breath. Strumm was her one true love. He would not accept anything less than the truth and she would never lie to him. "I am Spirit."
Strumm missed a note and his healing song came to an end. He stared into his lover's eyes. "You..."
Radjan nodded her head, "Yes, my love." Then she winced as a fresh wave of pain overcame her.
Strumm quickly began his healing song again as he spoke, "I thought that was a legend...."
"I thought so, too," Radjan grimaced ruefully.
Strumm looked concerned. "What will happen now? What can I do to help you?"
His kind words brought fresh tears to her eyes and she could not answer him for a long while. He continued his song and let her cry. Her sorrow and grief could no longer be hidden and the tears she wept were bitter. Fresh waves of pain and agony mingled with her tears and Strumm felt helpless. His heart was breaking for her pain. She stared at him, her eyes hollow. Then slowly, she began to undo the fastenings of her tunic. "Help me, please," she gasped.
Part III
Strumm stopped singing for a moment and knelt before his love. His fingers fumbled with the fastenings of the bloodstained mail. He slowly eased the tunic away from her body. He glanced at her shoulder. There was no sign of the dagger strike and he thanked the gods that his song was able to heal her cleanly, with no trace of a scar. She reached for the tunic, folded it and placed it on the ground. Then she turned her back to Strumm, faced the oak tree, and lay on her side on the mossy grass, her head resting on her tunic.Upon seeing her so vulnerable, Strumm began to play a song of warmth twisting it with his healing song. He gazed upon his beloved and smiled. Her hair spill over her shoulders and onto the ground. The gentle rise of her hips looked soft and warm. Her back, so strong and...
Strumm looked closely at her back. Between her shoulder blades, a dark redness was forming. Two oblong marks, each a hands-length long, formed at the base of her neck. They were the color of fire and in the very center of the oblong marks blood began to pool. Strumm quickly changed songs and now twisted his healing song with one which protected against fire, for fire was the only way to describe the marks which burned on Radjan's back. He saw her body relax slightly as his song continued. He moved nearer the tree and looked upon her face. Her eyes were closed and her breathing steadied. She was in a trance-like state, away from the pain, so he did not attempt to wake her or talk to her.
He glanced once more at her back. The two oblong marks were swelling, but the bleeding had stopped for the moment. As he watched, a claw from inside her pierced her skin at each of the swollen, fiery marks, escaping from her skin. Her body convulsed slightly with the pain of this, but she did not move, nor did she cry out. Strumm watched, fascinated, as the claws continued to rise out of her back. Each claw was a single appendage, extending forth outward from her back. It pulled along with it a softer, blood-covered expanse. The ground near her body became soaked with her blood. The expanse became larger. To Strumm, it looked like two great staffs, folded in half, jutting out from her back. There was something softer and fuller there, as well, but it was blood-covered and unidentifiable.
He watched as the objects stretched out from her back, then slowly folded themselves up against her. Her back was completely covered in blood, but he could see that she had finally relaxed. He could sense that she was no longer in pain. He looked once again upon her face and watched her eyes flutter open to look back at him. Gone was the distant trance-like quality of her gaze. A weariness had replaced the pain.
She touched the tip of her tongue to her lips to moisten them, and she rasped, "So, how do they look?"
Strumm's face was clouded with concern and fear, "Let us clean your wounds, my love. How..." He swallowed hard, "How do you feel?"
Radjan looked into his eyes, "Frightened."
She tried to sit up. The loss of blood made her weak and she had to prop herself up on one elbow before trying to continue. Strumm quickly stowed away his instruments and scooped Radjan carefully into his arms. He carried her toward the brook on the other side of the clearing. He placed her down, gently, onto a mossy bank. Then he waded into the brook and soaked a cloth with fresh spring water. He began to wash Radjan's back, slowly, deliberately, cautiously. He was terrified of hurting her. She had already endured so much pain.
He cleaned the area around her back, careful to avoid the fiery oblong areas from which the wings jutted until last. Until he was sure the healing was complete. He made trip after trip to the brook, rinsing his cloth and gently cleaning his love. When Radjan had rested long enough, he helped her take off the remainder of her clothing, and supported her as she bathed fully in the brook. Her blood-soaked wings lay limp down her back until she dove deep beneath the surface of the cool water and was able to wash the blood away. When she resurfaced, Strumm was waiting for her. She felt shy stepping out of the water and onto the bank. She shook her wings and they rose, like a phoenix from her back, as white as the snow in Everfrost. They were much larger than Strumm had realized.
The sun, setting behind her, struck fiery rays through the trees in the forest and came to rest on her. Strumm gasped in awe at the beauty of his love as she stood there, naked, her wings gloriously expanded to their fullest. He suddenly felt frightened of this creature and he took a cautious step backward. Then she smiled a brilliant smile and opened her arms to him.
"Oh, my love! I could not have done this without you. You are my champion!"
Strumm moved forward to take Radjan in his arms. And suddenly she was the same person with whom he had fallen in love. She folded her wings up, tightly, against her body, and he held her and smoothed her hair, and reached down to crush her lips beneath his own. He felt her shiver with desire, but he released her lips, gathered her clothes, and helped her get dressed. "Another time," he whispered, his eyes full of promise. Her tunic concealed her wings and when they collapsed together, in each other's arms, in the warmth of the sunset, he felt that his Radjan had finally returned to him.
Part IV
They spent the night in each other's arms under the dark Norrathian sky. The night swallowed them in its great expanse and enveloped them in its grasp. They awoke before the first light of dawn and sat together in the clearing breaking their fast. Neither of them spoke of the events of the day before. They spoke only words of love and commitment, future and promise, hope and joy in their lives together. They knew that they would be forever entwined, like some intricately woven tapestry. Finally, Radjan broke their reverie."We must return to Oasis." She said calmly.
"Yes." He agreed simply.
"When word gets out about my leaving the old alchemist, mother will be furious."
"What about...?" Strumm began, then stopped.
Radjan's face went still and her eyes moved away from Strumm to stare vacantly into the forest, "Yes. What about me?"
Strumm reached for her hands and held them tightly in his own, strong hands, "I will be with you always, my love."
She moved her eyes back to her love and she smiled faintly. "If I am Spirit, I must leave and never return. We shall never see each other again."
"Yes." Strumm responded flatly.
"Neither of us want that," Radjan said hoarsely.
"But how can we alter your fate? Your wings..."
"...Can be concealed beneath my tunic."
"When people find out you have been called to be the Spirit, my love, there will be no end of trouble for both of us."
"Then we shall simply not tell them." Radjan's face lit up with hope, "The only people who know of this are you and me. Even the alchemist does not know that my destiny is, in part, fulfilled. He does not know that I have grown the wings."
"But you can not keep them hidden forever. There are too many people here who know you and they will be suspicious. If we are to make this work, we must leave Oasis."
Radjan sat quietly, pondering this. Strumm was right. If she wanted to stay with him, they needed to leave her home and travel together, away from Oasis and her family.
"Let us return home and make our plans to leave. We shall depart in two day's time. That will be sufficient." Strumm declared. Radjan looked at him with loving, grateful eyes. She never knew how she existed all her years without him in her life. They were best friends. They were lovers. They were soul mates. They were kindred spirits.
"It will not be easy to say good-bye to my mother, my love. She will attempt to persuade me to stay."
Strumm gently let go of her hands to reach up and cup her face in his palms. He looked longingly into her eyes and held her gaze steady. "Then I shall have to use better persuasion to make you come with me." And he brought his face to hers and took her lips with his own. His tongue traced her lips, then found its way into her mouth. His breath was heavy with passion. He pulled her closer to him and she could feel her body respond. Her arms slid around his neck and held onto to him tightly, not wishing this moment to end.
His hands reached behind her to cradle her head. He felt her fragile body warm against him and he deepened their kiss. He always felt the same thrill of pleasure when she responded so passionately and readily to his kisses. Reverently, he caressed her neck, shoulders, and reached experimentally to her back to touch the area from which her wings jutted. Her only reaction to this caress was to press her body closer to him. She let a soft moan escape and he felt his body tighten.
Part V
The following day, Strumm escorted Radjan home. She was overjoyed and she chattered on and on during their journey about arriving home, visiting friends, seeing her mother. Strumm listened to her chatter, but was thinking of the journey they had waiting before them. It was midday when they entered the village. The sun was perched directly above their heads. Strumm began to think about their noontime meal.As they turned toward the main street, Radjan began to notice the silence. At first, she felt it was slightly unusual for the town to look so barren and empty, then she grew concerned. Strumm felt the disturbance in the atmosphere, as well. They slowed their pace and began to look around. Shop doors, normally propped open, were closed tightly. Windows were shuttered. The children, who usually ran races along the streets, skipped pebbles in the Ocean of Tears, and played with their pets on the dunes were strangely absent. A wolf howled mournfully in the distance. Radjan began to have a sickening feeling and her heart felt heavy.
They stood alone, quietly, in the street and cast about for an explanation. Then they heard a door creak open slowly. They turned toward the sound and Xeus, one of Radjan's oldest friends, walked slowly toward her. Radjan gazed worriedly into his eyes as he approached.
"Hail, Strumm," He bowed politely to the bard.
"Greetings, Xeus," Strumm bowed in turn.
Xeus turned to Radjan and reached for her hand, "Radjan. You have returned."
Radjan glanced from Xeus' concerned face to Strumm's expectant one. She swallowed hard and turned back to Xeus. Suddenly she knew what had happened. "Mother..."
Xeus hung his head and squeezed her hand slightly, "You are not too late, my dear. Follow me."
Radjan followed Xeus toward the door from which he had appeared. It was dark inside the room and she blinked her eyes to adjust them from the bright sunlight. Although the day was quite warm, she shivered. Strumm felt her shiver and moved from behind her to place his hands on her shoulders. She reached up and placed her free hand on his. He was her rock.
Squinting into the darkness, Radjan saw the outline of a massive bed. Propped up in the center of it was a fragile looking creature, her eyes closed in sleep. Radjan looked at Xeus. He let go of her hand, moved toward the bed and whispered, "Beathus." The figure on the bed stirred slightly and her eyes slowly fluttered open.
Strumm gave Radjan a gentle push and she went toward the bed. She felt another presence near the bed, but she paid it no heed. She had eyes only for her mother.
"Mother?"
Beathus' eyes shifted to find the source of the sound and her eyes came to rest on Radjan.
"My Jan," she gasped, "You are here...""Oh, Mother..." Radjan choked, her eyes filling with tears.
"My baby..." Beathus weakly held out her arms and Radjan fell into them.
Part VI
Xeus and Strumm quietly left mother and daughter and went outside into the empty street. They stood quietly for a long time. Finally, Strumm broke the silence."What happened?"
"The old alchemist." Xeus stated flatly.
"Qyrious? He was here?" Strumm replied, shocked.
"Aye. He was here."
"And Beathus?"
Xeus gazed into the distance, lost in a sorrowful reverie. Strumm patiently waited for the elder shaman to explain.
"He came looking for her," he said finally, "he was furious. He was beyond reason. He began to torture his own people in his attempt to get to her. The elders, myself included, decided to put an end to his wrath." Xeus sighed, then continued, "We lost one of our best warriors in the battle." He raised his eyes toward the afternoon sky, "May the Tribunal look kindly upon Ragnvald Ironthorn. He laid down his life for his sister."
Strumm bowed his head in reverence.
They were quiet for a while, then Xeus continued. "Before Qyrious fell amid our caster's spells and our warrior's blades, he found Beathus and cast upon her a poison so strong that we have been unable to counteract. She is dying." Xeus hung his head once more.
Strumm was silent, unable to find words of comfort for his friend. Then, he spoke, "What angered him?"
Xeus looked at Strumm and Strumm saw the message in Xeus' eyes. He knew. Strumm sucked in his breath and asked, "Who else knows?"
"Only myself and Beathus. I have been waiting for Radjan's return. I wonder what her plans will be now." Xeus looked expectedly at Strumm, "Has the transformation been complete?"
Strumm nodded.
"There is one thing about the legend that I do not know if you are aware. The Spirit is a Master Alchemist. Radjan is not. It is tradition among our people for a shaman to be trained by the Ancient Shaman of our village in the art of alchemy. Qyrious is dead. The next in line for the title is Beathus, and she is dying. That leaves Brunosi or any descendents of either of them."
"Brunosi?"
"Yes, he is the only remaining Master Alchemist from our village now. He left many ages ago to wed Shadowy, a rogue." He said her name in disgust. "He has never returned."
"So Radjan cannot become the Spirit until she is trained by Brunosi to become a Master Alchemist."
Xeus nodded sagely. "Yes."
"You may as well know, my friend, Radjan and I planned to leave the village on the morrow."
"Yes," Xeus dropped his head sadly, "I presumed those would be your plans."
"Do you wish us godspeed?"
Xeus looked into his friend's eyes, "You love her like no other, do you not, Strumm?"
Strumm looked back, his gaze unwavering, "As midnight loves the stars."
Xeus bowed. "Then I wish you godspeed, my friend." He lowered his voice to a whisper, "Take care of her, Strumm. May the gods of the Tunare look upon you warmly."
Part VII
Radjan cautiously maneuvered into a sitting position, her arms still holding her fragile mother. She slowly moved her fingers over her mother's face, pushing her hair gently back. She continued her caress even as her mother spoke."My Jan," she whispered, calling her by a name she has used since babyhood.
"I am here, Mother."
"I am so glad... you are..." Beathus coughed as the poison worked its evil.
"Mother..." Radjan began.
Beathus interrupted, "Listen well, my child..." Her breath was unsteady but her gaze became clear, "I know..."
Radjan felt her body go numb. She swallowed hard. "What Mother?"
Beathus struggled to sit upright and was wracked with cough. Radjan waited patiently, but her Mother fell back on her pillows, exhausted. The poison was threatening to overwhelm her.
Radjan cried out in agony, "Mother! Please! Do not leave me!"
A voice near the bed responded to her plea. "She is just resting, Radjan. She is strong. Death will not come fast to her."
Radjan turned toward the man sitting quietly in the chair near the bed. She blinked her eyes. The chair had been empty earlier. "Who..." Radjan stopped, and moved closer to her sleeping mother in a protective fashion.
"No need to worry, Radjan. Your mother is safe with me here. I am Brunosi. I have known your mother my entire life. We were... good friends in our youth."
"Why have I not met you before this, sir?"
"I have been traveling in distant lands. I must return soon. I received a message from your mother a fortnight ago and I arrived moments following... your mother's illness."
"What is wrong with her?"
"Qyrious poisoned her."
Radjan gasped in horror, "But why?"
"You are Spirit."
Radjan froze at his words. She felt herself grow cold in the warm chamber. Her heart raced and she felt a pounding in her temples. Then she felt her eyes burn with unshed tears. She looked at the elder shaman and her voice cracked as she spoke, "You know?"
"Yes, my dear. I have known for a very long time. Your mother sent for me because she knew as well. She wanted us to complete your training together."
"My training...?"
"Your mother is a Master Alchemist. As am I."
Radjan was confused. "Then why did she send me to Qyrious?"
"He is the Ancient Shaman. His title allows only him to train shamans to become Master Alchemists."
"Where is he now?" Radjan asked, worriedly.
"He is dead."
"Who succeeds him?"
"Your mother."
Radjan was silent for a moment, cradling her frail mother in her arms and absently caressing her. Her voice was a mere whisper when she asked, "Who succeeds her?"
"I do."
Part VIII
Strumm entered the darkened chamber and moved closer to the bed. Beathus' breath was raspy, but steady. Beside her, curled up, was his beloved. Her eyes were closed and her soft hair had fallen across her face. He sat gently down on the edge of the bed and, with his fingers, brushed the wayward lock from her face."How did I ever live without you, my love?" He whispered. He sat watching her sleep. He thought about moving to the empty chair next to the bed, but decided to stay where he was. He closed his eyes and began to plan their trip away from Oasis. The trip would have to be delayed, obviously, in light of what was happening to Beathus. Just as he was mapping out the course they would take, he felt a presence in the room that was not there earlier. He opened his eyes and saw an elder barbarian shaman seated in the chair near the bed.
"Do not be alarmed, Strumm. I am here to safeguard your beloved and her mother."
"You know me, sir?" Strumm asked quietly.
"Aye, my son, I do. I am a very close friend to Beathus. She asked me to be here with her for Radjan's training."
"You know that, as well?" Strumm looked back at Radjan and saw that she continued to sleep peacefully.
"Aye." Brunosi nodded solemnly.
"And your name, sir?" Strumm inquired.
"I am Brunosi."
Strumm turned sharply toward Brunosi. "But..."
Brunosi held his hands up to stop Strumm's question. "Beathus sent for me over a fortnight ago, when Radjan was first sent to Qyrious. She knew then, as did I, that the time had come for Radjan to be told that she was the Spirit. Beathus wanted me to be with her when she was told. Unfortunately, that old fool Qyrious decided to take matters into his own hands. He was given the title of Ancient Shaman much to the chagrin of the Tribunal Council. Then, in his anger, he decided to wage a one-man war against your village. I arrived just after Beathus fell to his poison. I have been here, guarding her, since she was brought here." His voice became soft, "She has always been... very special to me." Brunosi's voice trailed off and he sat on the chair, quiet, for a long time.
Strumm absorbed this information, watching Radjan's face, listening to her soft, steady breath. He was thinking about his future. About their future together. No matter how hard he tried to imagine a future without Radjan, the image never existed. They were meant to be together. They were one. He would draw breath without her, but he would never really live. He turned now toward Brunosi.
"She does not want to become Spirit."
Brunosi nodded sadly, "The transformation has been complete, has it not?"
Strumm hung his head, "Yes, sir. It has."
Radjan stirred and opened her eyes. Her waking thought was of her mother and she reached gently over to her and was reassured by the gentle rise and fall of her chest. She then turned toward Strumm and Brunosi. Strumm leaned down, helped Radjan into a sitting position, and kissed her full mouth.
Brunosi watched this exchange with a sad expression. He was losing Beathus, a life-long friend, as well as Radjan, the woman he considered to be his daughter.
Radjan looked from Strumm to Brunosi, "I see you two have met."
"Yes, Radjan." Brunosi's voice was steady.
"What do we do now?" She inquired of the elder shaman.
Strumm took her hands into his own and grasped them tightly, "I was just telling Brunosi that we intended to leave Oasis."
"Radjan," Brunosi interrupted, "You are Spirit. Nothing can change that. If you do not receive your training from me, there is no one else who can help you. I am old. I do not know how much longer the gods will allow me to stay in this realm."
Radjan looked frantically from Brunosi to Strumm, "But I do not wish to become Spirit!" She cried out, sobbing, "I do not wish to spend eternity alone!" She threw herself down upon the bed and buried her face among the downy pillows. Beside her, Beathus stirred. Radjan was immediately sorry for her outburst. She sat up quickly and reached to comfort her mother. Beathus was wheezing and rasping. Strumm reached down and helped her up.
"My... Jan..." she finally managed to say, "All will... be well my... baby. Find your... own course... follow where your... heart... leads you." She took Radjan's hand and reached for Strumm's. She gave them each a faint squeeze, and brought them together, placing Radjan's hand into Strumm's.
"Mother, please!" Radjan cried, "Do not leave me!"
"You will never... be... alone, My Jan..." Beathus choked.
"No, please! You are all I have left!"
Beathus' small frame was wracked with another fit of coughing. When she could speak, she made her voice steady, "My Jan... you are not alone… you have a brother... Jan..." Beathus' eyes struggled to remain focused. Radjan blinked back tears and watched her mother gasp for breath, "Janamor." With this confession, Beathus closed her eyes and relaxed. She smiled faintly, then, "Find him, My Jan…."
The poison had run its course and had claimed its victim.
Radjan let go of Strumm's hand and threw her body over that of her mother's, grief burning within her. Strumm sat silently, the hand in which Beathus had placed Radjan's just moments earlier, felt warm, alive, wondrous. Beathus had given them her blessing and Strumm was honored to receive such a gift of love and sacrifice. He placed the hand on Radjan's shoulder, comforting her as her body trembled with inexplicable loss.
Part IX
Two days later, following the traditional burial of an Ancient Shaman of the Tribunal, Strumm and Radjan sat together on the shore of the Ocean of Tears. A comfortable silence surrounded them as they sat throwing stones into the water. It was the first time they had been alone together in days. The afternoon was clear and the sun sparkled off the still waters. They were alone on the beach, save for a fisherman about a hundred paces to the north of them, near the Northern Desert of Ro. Occasionally, a sand scarab would works its way out of the sand dune behind them, skitter near the water, then disappear into a neighboring dune.Finally, Radjan broke the silence, "Thank you, Strumm."
Strumm turned his head to look at her. She smiled at him and he smiled back, "Why do you thank me, my love?"
Radjan shrugged her shoulders, "For being here. For understanding. For loving me. It has been a most difficult time..." her voice trailed off and she turned once again toward the water.
Strumm put his arm around Radjan's waist, just below where he knew her hidden wings where folded and pulled her to him. He kissed the side of her head and nuzzled her neck, "I will be with you always, my sweet. There is no need to thank me. You are my life, Radjan. I love you."
Radjan wrapped her arms around Strumm and held him tightly. "My mother told me to find my own course and to follow my heart, Strumm. You have my heart. Therefore, I go where you lead. I love you more than the tide loves the moon."
"This decision, Radjan, is up to you." Strumm said seriously, "If you do not wish to fulfill your destiny as the Spirit, I will stand with you. Brunosi said that he would train you if you wished. If not, there is another to succeed him."
"I succeed him, Strumm, how can I train myself?"
"No, my love, there is another before you. Your mother spoke of him just before she passed from this realm."
Radjan looked at Strumm sharply, then her eyes became clear. Remembering, she whispered, "Janamor."
"Your brother."
"Mother told me to find him." Radjan looked away, over the calm water toward the horizon.
Strumm skipped another pebble into the water, "I am sure Brunosi can help us. And answer any questions we may have."
Radjan picked up a pebble from the dwindling pile beside her and skipped it across the smooth surface of the water. She watched as the ripples formed around each skip and slowly made their way to the beach, lapping softly upon the sand. Janamor. Her brother. Why had her mother never spoken of him until now? He must be older than she. Where was he now? Radjan sighed and picked up another pebble. She held it in her hand and it was solid and warm. Her fingers tightened around it as if to embrace it, then slowly she placed the pebble back upon the sandy shore and turned to Strumm.
"Strumm?"
"Yes, my love?"
"What do you think we should do now?"
Strumm sat quietly for a moment. He gazed down at the pebble he was about to skip in the water. He seemed to be struggling with a decision. "You have your mother's blessing to chose your own course, Radjan. Follow your heart." He tossed the pebble into the ocean. "Where does your heart lead you?"
"My heart leads me straight to you, my love. You are my life. I could never leave you. If it is my fate to be the Spirit, I will become the Spirit, but not now. Not after I have finally found you. The loneliness would overwhelm me and my heart would break."
"Then let us go and find Brunosi. We shall leave on the morrow."
Radjan smiled at him and gazed into his eyes. Strumm stood and reached down to help her to her feet. As they turned to leave, a small shadow stretched across the sandy beach from behind them. Startled, they turned quickly. A boy, perhaps in his 9th or 10th year, stood shaking. It was Alix, Xeus' youngest son. A barbarian shaman, like his father.
"Well, hello there, Alix." Strumm smiled at the boy.
Alix glanced nervously first at Strumm, then at Radjan. He held out his hand. In it, he held a piece of foolscap.
He handed the note to Radjan, "For you, m'lady." He stuttered, bowing.
Radjan beamed a smile at the lad, "Thank you, Alix." Then she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. The boy flushed a deep crimson, turned, and bolted toward the trail which lead home.
"What is the message, my love?" Strumm inquired.
Radjan unfurled the parchment and scanned the contents. Strumm watched her face grow pale and he stepped quickly to her side. She looked up from the document, her expression solemn, "The council… I've been summoned to stand before the council…"
The Journey, Part I
Journal Entry
1 July, 3188I was terrified at the thought of being summoned before the council. Were they aware of my becoming the Spirit? Did they know the reason for Qyrious' wrath upon our village? I did not know. Fortunately, Strumm was able to accompany me and he stood beside me as the council called me forward.
I relaxed when I saw my dear friends Gurni and Binedina sitting among the council members. Gurni winked at me and I felt marginally better.
I did not know what to expect when the Elder Shaman unrolled a piece of foolscap and began to read.
"Radjan Spyryt, on the occasion of your twenty-first year, and as a Priestess of the Tribunal, you are hereby requested to perform the wedding ceremony of Cendor Keenleaf and Laoghaire McLaughlin on 9 July, 3188. You are to begin your journey to Everfrost on the morrow. Go with the blessings of the Tribunal to this holiest of rituals."
With this, the Elder Shaman rolled up the parchment and handed it to me with a smile. I turned to Strumm and his eyes twinkled back at me. This was an answer to our prayers. We could begin our search for Janamor!
As we were dismissed, a noise sounded from the back of the council chambers. Brunosi appeared on the cobblestone floor, before the council leaders. The audience gasped in astonishment. This was the first many of them had seen of the Ancient Shaman. Rumblings and whispers from the crowd became louder. I could hear their words.
"'Tis Brunosi!"
"He has returned!"
"This is an ill omen."
I felt Strumm's arm move slowly around my waist and I was comforted by his strength.
Brunosi was silent, but his face was alive with fury. The Elder Shaman's pleasant features dissolved into a mask of fear and concern. The crowd quieted, waiting for him to speak. I tried to take a tentative step forward, to reach out to Brunosi, but Strumm gently held me back.
The room grew still. Then Brunosi spoke, "No. Radjan will not go to Everfrost."
The Journey, Part II
Journal Entry
2 July 3188I am sitting in my chambers, alone, waiting for word from the council. Brunosi created much turmoil among the people of our village yesterday by appearing before the Elders. As soon as he spoke those words, the room erupted in shouting and arguing.
I was terrified.
The Elder Shaman tried in vain to restore order to the room. He looked to Strumm who nodded at him in silent agreement. Strumm escorted me from the council chambers and brought me here.
"Stay here, my love. You will be safe. I will return shortly with news."
I was too stunned to argue with him, but I knew I needed to be alone. Alone with my thoughts. So much had happened to me in the past few days and I was scared and exhausted. I slept fitfully last night. I had the most disturbing dream...
I dreamt of one man killing another. A terrible death. One of betrayal. The dying man was my father. I saw his face. A face I had never seen, yet I knew it was him. The killer looked like Brunosi, yet I knew in my heart that it was not Brunosi. I remember holding my dying father in my arms and he whispered my mother's name. He told her to take care of the children...
The Journey, Part III
Journal Entry
7 July 3188It has now been five nights since Strumm and I have started our journey. I am sitting by our campfire somewhere in West Karana, weary and fatigued from travel. The meeting between Brunosi and the council members did not go well. Strumm told me the story when he met me in my chambers that evening.
"We must start our journey now, my love." He told me.
"Now? But why? Why so soon?" I must have sounded like a lost child because he immediately came to sit beside me and hold me in his strong arms. We sat there in silence for a time. I did not cry, but my heart was breaking for many different reasons.
"Brunosi is gone. He pleaded his case with the council, but they stood by their decision. They fear, however, that he will return and convince you not to leave. They want us to leave tonight." Strumm's eyes lowered, "They are concerned for your safety, love."
There was a knock at the door and Strumm went to answer it. He opened the door slowly, cautiously. I wearily watched as he accepted a backpack from the female Erudite Magician who stood outside the door.
"Thank you, Riah." He told her, whispering, handing her a small sack of money.
She held up her hands in protest, "No payment is needed, my friends. I have these for you as well…" Riah entered the room and lowered a necklace over Strumm's head and then another over mine. "These will help guide you tonight. Godspeed, my friends. I wish you a safe journey." Then she bowed to each of us and quickly vanished into the night.
I watched as Strumm inspected the backpack. It was full of conjured food and water. Enough for several days. When he was through, he looked up at me and I stood. I looked around my small chamber and tried to think of what to pack for our journey. Strumm was silent, but his eyes were full of understanding and concern. He stood quietly while I gathered the few things I felt I needed to take.
I reached first for this journal and a quill and ink. I also brought along my mother's Batfang Headband. An old trinket given to her by her dear friend Berber, an old druid, long since passed from this realm. She treasured that gift all her life, and wore it always. I could never leave it behind. I sighed as I glanced around. There was nothing left I needed to take.
Strumm quietly opened my chamber door and we stepped out into the night…
The Journey, Part IV
Journal Entry
8 July 3188We traveled through a place called Qeynos Hills last night. The sky was clear and the grass and trees were green and verdant. Creatures roamed lazily through the land, seemingly oblivious to our presence.
We followed the cobblestone trail and soon came upon a guard near a stone marker. He directed us northeast and warned us about the gnolls who inhabit a place called Blackburrow. We assured him that we would use caution and continued on our way.
After moving only a few paces northward, we heard shouts of merriment coming from ahead. There was music and laughter. It grew louder as we approached. The sounds seemed to be coming from a small cottage near the trail.
As we drew near, the door of the cottage burst open and several young ladies, around my age, stumbled out. They were barbarian females like myself. They spotted Strumm and one of them shouted, "A bard! It's a bard, girls! Come play for us, m'lord!"
Several shouts of encouragement and bursts of drunken laughter followed and I turned to Strumm. He was blushing profusely. I could not help but laugh at the look on his face.
His face stretched into a broad smile. "It is so wonderful to hear you laugh, my love," he said.
"Play for them," I giggled.
He looked at me and started to laugh. Then he bowed deeply before me and whispered, "As you wish."
My heart was filled with love for him as he removed his mandolin from his backpack and went inside the cottage. I followed, warm with joy.
Inside were more ladies, barbarians and other races. All were intently watching a young male paladin dancing before them in the middle of the room. They were cheering him and playfully teasing him as he danced. I heard someone call, "Someone give Delphi another Ale!" The dancer laughed along with the ladies and continued his way around the room. His face was smiling and I could tell he was enjoying himself.
Strumm began to play a merry tune, in rhythm with the dancer and the room erupted in more joyous laughter. I watched the people in the room, looking from face to face.
"Welcome, friend," said a voice from beside me. I turned toward her. "I am Jamili," she said, bowing.
"I am pleased to meet you." I bowed in return, "I am Radjan. The musician is Strumm."
Jamili looked shocked, "Did you say your name was Radjan?" she asked quiety, pulling me away from the crowd.
"Aye."
"You are going to perform a wedding in two days time, are you not?"
I was surprised at this statement, but I managed to nod, "Aye."Jamili smiled at me. "This is the bride's bachelorette party. She will be pleased to meet you."
I was aware, suddenly, of another presence near me. I turned slightly to my right and looked into my own eyes. I saw my own mouth. My freckles were scattered over my small nose. Yet it was not me.
"I am Laoghaire," said the woman.
The Journey, Part V
Journal Entry
20 July, 3188I am seated at the end of a bar in a tavern called The Fish's Ale in the city of Qeynos. I have found little time to write in my journal since the day of Laoghaire's wedding. I am slowly nursing my third vodka and my thoughts are jumbled as I recall the news I discovered that day. My hand reaches tentatively up to my head to gently touch the bandage on my brow. I wince when I think of how I sustained the injury.
The wedding never occurred. The groom was mysteriously absent. Though nothing was said, I had a feeling of foreboding about what might have happened to him. Laoghaire was quiet that day. She and Jamili talked together for some time. About what, I do not know. They did not approach me, except to apologize for the cancellation of the ceremony. I assured them both that it was no trouble. I was more than happy to make the journey to this new land.
Although there was no wedding celebration, there was much revelry among the guests. Friends and kinsmen did their best to liven the mood of the day. Strumm and other bards began to play merrily for the crowd. Two half-naked barbarians, Ragnvald and Ragnhiild, constantly dueled to the delight of the congregation. Much alcohol was consumed.
I was watching the crowd from afar. Not really knowing these people, but enjoying the day despite the cancelled wedding. I was alone near the side of the pavilion, near the vendor, when I heard whispers coming from below.
"I am frightened for him. Where could he be?" I heard Laoghaire whisper hoarsly.
"I shall find him, Lheerila." Came the response from the darkness of a fallen column.
"Thank you, Janamor."
At first I was numb with shock and confusion. My brother! He was here! I ran toward the voice, but in my haste I lost my footing and fell from the pavilion onto the stone column below.
I must have fallen unconscious, for when I woke, I was lying in a bed, with Strumm at my side, in an Inn in the city of Qeynos.
The Search, Part I
Radjan woke suddenly to a heavy pounding on the door to their darkened chamber. Strumm was already on his feet and reaching for his Dragoon Dirk. He hastily pulled on his lambent greaves and lit the lantern beside their bed. The pounding continued as Strumm moved cautiously toward the door.Before sliding the heavy iron bolt away from the catch, he glanced back at Radjan. She was struggling into her tunic in an effort to conceal her wings. Her fingers fumbled with the fastenings. The pounding continued, this time mixed with muffled shouts from outside the door.
"Milord!" called a small, frightened voice, "I beg of you to open the chamber door!"
The voice on the other side of the door was a vast contrast to the incessant pounding that, for a moment, Strumm was startled.
"Strumm, milord! I come bearing an urgent message for Radjan!" The woman pleaded.
Strumm slid the bolt from its catch and opened the door. The ancient hinges squeaked as he pulled the heavy oak door inward. Two flickering sconces illuminated the dingy tavern hall. Thick, elaborate tapestries hung dark against the walls. Before him stood a small female wood-elf. In her hands she clutched a piece of foolscap. Her blue eyes, wide with panic, stared up at him. Beside her was a large ogre shaman, the source of the excessive pounding.
The wood-elf met Strumm's eyes and bowed politely, "I am Morgyn," she announced, then turned to the great beast beside her, "and this is my escort, Fkin."
Strumm bowed to both of them in turn as she continued, "This note is from Rowyn, Bard of the 50th song. I was told to deliver the message to Radjan. May I see her please, milord?"
Radjan now appeared at the door beside Strumm. Her eyes wide with worry. "Well met, Morgyn. What is this message?"
Morgyn handed her the piece of parchment and stepped back into the darkness of the hall. Then she and Fkin, simultaneously, began to cast a spell, and they vanished.
Radjan quickly scanned the missive.
"Radjan, do not attempt to find Janamor. You will only be hurt and betrayed, as I was long ago."
The note was signed, "Brunosi."
The Search, Part II
Entering the frozen land of Everfrost for only the second time in her life, Radjan felt a keen sense of familiarity. The rise of the snow-capped mountains called to her, gentle shouts of welcoming. This place was warm to her despite the bitter cold and the hollow moan of the wind as it navigated through the icy valley.Beside her, Strumm played a steady rhythm on the finely crafted Mistmoore Drum, allowing them a song of Selos to speed their journey. Radjan stopped, willing the song to close.
"Your song," she whispered, "stop, please, my love."
He smiled at her. "You do not wish to run?"
"Nay." Radjan's eyes drifted from his to the landscape before her. This place was so serene. A snow wolf howled in the distance and his mournful cry was echoed along the hillsides. "Let us walk, Strumm. Does this place feel warm to you?"
Strumm watched Radjan closely. No, this place was not warm. It was bitter cold and the brisk wind blew mercilessly. But he saw the soft emotion in her face and understood that it was not the weather to which she was referring.
"We'll walk, love." He whispered, leaning in to kiss her full lips. Radjan's eyes fluttered and she wrapped her arms around him to deepen the kiss.
They broke their embrace reluctantly and he stowed the drum carefully among his packs. He opened a second pack and withdrew two small bottles of white wine.
Radjan smiled at him lovingly and accepted one of the bottles.
"I looks to you..." she began the traditional barbarian toast.
"...and I raises my glass." he finished.
Then they began their walk northward toward Halas.
"Let us go and find Laoghaire."
The Search, Part III
"May I be of ssservice to you, milady?"Radjan jumped at the deep, rasping voice which sounded very near her ear. She turned to find an Iksar lizardman. A race she had only recently heard of in her travels.
This particular lizardman was wearing silk garments and carried very few backpacks. In his strong claws he grasped two large staffs. He was tall - as tall as Radjan - but he was very nimble and seemed to move in a fluid-like motion.
His eyes, watery by nature, gazed at her warmly as he repeated his question.
Radjan blushed slightly, "Forgive me, milord, I did not mean to be rude. You - you are of the Iksar race, are you not?"
"Aye, milady," the deep voice hissed, "I am Draleon."
Draleon stepped toward Radjan and she could hear the soft scratching of his scales as he moved. "You look lossst, milady. I thought perhapsss I could guide you toward your dessstination."
Radjan glanced around the frozen courtyard in the middle of Halas. Water from the well shifted in its icy cocoon creating an eerie creaking noise which echoed off the cold stone walls of the fortified city. Her eyes rested upon the door in which Strumm had walked moments earlier, then she returned her gaze to the courteous lizardman.
"Nay, milord," she answered, smiling, "I am waiting here for my friend to return."
Draleon bowed, then moved a slow, liquid step forward, "You ssseek Laoghaire. Do you not, Radjan?"
Before she could recover from her shock and surprise at his statement, Radjan heard a commotion near the entrance to the courtyard.
"Halt! Halt in the name of Antonius Bayle!" shouted an angry guard as he came charging toward the Iksar.
"Iksar's have no place in our realm!" came the fury of another guard.
The courtyard filled with barbarian warriors - all wielding their finest weapons. Shouts and screams pierced the frigid air. Out of the corner of her eye, Radjan saw Strumm exit the shop from which he was purchasing supplies.
To her horror, the guards began to strike Draleon. "No!" she screamed. But her cry was drowned in the din. The passive Iksar did not return the blows, even though Radjan could tell by his weaponry that he could easily defend himself against the Halas guards.
Draleon seemed to be concentrating on an inner strength. He closed his eyes and accepted the strikes and blows from the guards.
As a shaman, Radjan's first instinct was to heal the lizardman against the unprovoked attack. She began to move forward but stopped when she felt Strumm's strong arms encircle her waist.
"No, love," he said softly in her ear, "You will only anger the guards."
Radjan nodded her head in silent understanding and watched as the Iksar began to fall beneath the blades of the barbarians. Hot tears of frustration welled in her eyes.
Draleon's face suddenly relaxed and he opened his eyes. Then the lizardman crumpled to the ground with a loud moan and hiss. His body stretched on the frozen ground, still. The two large staffs at his sides.
Radjan turned away from the horrible scene and buried her face in Strumm's chest. His arms held her tightly. Only when the guards began to slowly wander back to their posts did Radjan turn from Strumm's embrace.
She took a tentative step toward the Iksar's dead body, then let out a surprised gasp.
The corpse had winked at her.
The Conclusion, Part I
Radjan ran toward the fallen Iksar, a shocked expression on her face. Strumm was right behind her. She knelt down and reached out to touch Draleon's face."Milord?" she whispered.
The Iksar did not stir, but his deep voice rasped, "All is well, Radjan. Laoghaire sent me to find you. She is waiting to meet you."
"Laoghaire?" Strumm inquired, "How is it you know of this, sir?""Rowyn asked me to assist in this meeting. There is much to discuss. Many people are involved and want to see this conflict resolved. I will take you to them."
Radjan was more confused than ever. She sat down and opened her spellbook. She found comfort and solace in the familiar yellow pages. She turned immediately to the page that included her Invisibility and Spirit Sight spells. Silently she began to memorize them. Strumm began to sing a new song and her mind cleared as her body regained mana. Strumm extended an invitation to Draleon to join them and he accepted.
Once the spells were memorized, she stood and began to cast. First Spirit Sight on herself and Strumm. Then she cast Invisibility on the Iksar. Once he vanished, he stood and began to lead Radjan and Strumm out of the city of Halas.
After they entered Everfrost, Draleon lead them east. They approached a frozen river and crossed it without event. Soon they came upon a stone pavilion.
Radjan slowed and approached the pavilion with cautious steps. There were several people seated there, deep in conversation. A flash of familiarity surged through Radjan as Laoghaire stood and walked toward her.
Laoghaire held open her arms and said a single word, "Sister."
Without pause, Radjan rushed to embrace Laoghaire. Tears of joy ran down her face and landed softly on her sister's shoulder.
The Conclusion, Part II
Reluctantly, Radjan and Laoghaire broke their embrace. A thousand unanswered questions sprang to her head, yet she could not utter a word. Laoghaire took Radjan's arm, smiled at Strumm, and escorted them to the ring of people, now standing, on the pavilion."Radjan," she introduced, "I believe you recognize some of these faces."
Radjan scanned the crowd. Her eyes fell upon Gurni and Binedina from the Tribunal Council. She felt a surge of joy as she watched Xeus walk toward her. Many more faces appeared in the crowd. Jamili and Delphi, from the party in Qeynos Hills. Radjan's eyes searched the crowd, wanting to recognize one more face. The face of her future teacher and mentor. But Brunosi was nowhere to be found.
Then another face appeared before her. It was a face not unlike her own. Strong, blue eyes appeared from beneath a banded helm to gaze at her with a saddened expression. The man took a step toward her, removed his helm. then stopped, waiting for her to recognize him.
And recognize him she did.
"Janamor."
Radjan suddenly felt dizzy. As if the appearance and recognition of Janamor triggered some unknown feeling within her. Laoghaire had let go of her arm and was smiling at her. Radjan looked back over her shoulder and adjusted her clouded eyes, desperately searching for Strumm. A sharp jolt, a powerful shock of pain, shook her. She let out a terrified scream and felt herself falling. Strumm caught her, steadied her, and lowered her to the ground. He cradled her in his arms.
Xeus started forward, then stopped as he realized that Radjan was safe in Strumm's arms. He shook his head sadly. It was complete. Nothing could stop the final transformation now. He saw the pain intensify, then glanced at Janamor. Janamor had fallen to his knees, head bowed, silently whispering a cant of understanding. The young man knew as well.
Strumm looked into Radjan's ashen face and was astonished by the frightened look in her eyes.
Radjan heard the crowd gasp in astonishment and she closed her eyes to the pain. It was eminating from her back. Her wings.
Strumm held her tightly in his arms. He leaned close to her face, "What is it, my love?" he whispered, concerned.
"'Tis my wings," she gasped, "I feel them…" she searched for the right word, "binding within me."
Radjan opened her eyes and gazed into Strumm's, "I am Spirit," she whispered, barely audible, "Janamor will teach me the ways of the Alchemist. It is done."
Strumm held her more tightly than before. He felt hot tears well in his eyes. "If no one knows…" he began.
Radjan shook her head slightly, "Look at them, my love," she gasped, "they all know."
Strumm felt a wave of indescribable pain surge through him. His face drained of blood. He could feel the pressure of his heart as it pounded within his chest. Then he became angry. His eyes became fierce as he tore them from Radjan's face to the gathering crowd.
"NO!" He shouted. The cry of despair echoed through the frozen tundra. He lowered his tear-stained face to Radjan's, "No."
The Conclusion, Part III
Brunosi stood by the icy north wall, invisible, and surveyed the gathering crowd on the pavilion. Even at that great distance, he could see the Iksar monk as he lead Radjan and Strumm toward Laoghaire and Janamor. Vile bitterness welled up inside him as he watched Beathus' daughters reunite in a warm embrace. He scanned the crowd and saw Janamor approach Radjan.The man who killed MacCauley.
For Beathus' sake, he had tried to forgive the young man. But over time, as he watched and learned of the jealous rage which resulted in the death of his son, his heart hardened.He knew everything.
He knew that on the day of Radjan's birth, another daughter had been born to Beathus and Rademus. Sadly, Beathus knew she could not remain with Rademus. She had an inner calling which could not be denied. Although she loved him very much, the news of this calling would have brought endless strife to her family. She had planned to leave after the birth of this child.
Alyce, the old midwife, had administered a strong dose of laudanum to Beathus upon the delivery of her daughter, Laoghaire. Beathus, in her drugged state, was unaware when Alyce whisked Laoghaire away and settled her snuggly in Rademus' arms. She never knew her. The second child was delivered soon after and was handed to her mother. As soon as Beathus gazed into her daughter's eyes, she knew she could never be separated from her. In those eyes, she recognized the strength and future. Beathus knew Radjan's fate from that first glance.
As soon as Beathus could gather her strength, she bundled her infant daughter, packed a few meager items, and fled the city of Halas, never to return. She named her daughter Radjan. The first part of her name from her father, Rademus, and the second part from Janamor, the brother she would never know.
Beathus settled in the small Barbarian village in the Northern Desert of Ro where she raised Radjan to become a powerful shaman.
Now, Brunosi reflected, they were reunited at last. Now Beathus' daughters would have to face the fact that their brother was a cold-hearted killer. Janamor was only two when his mother left. He and Laoghaire were both told their mother had died. But Janamor remembered her and he studied the ways of the shaman in her memory, while Laoghaire followed in their father's footsteps to become a mighty warrior.
Brunosi had employed every tactic he could to prevent this reunion. He had failed. He fell to his knees and sent a silent cry to the spirit of Beathus.
But Brunosi was wrong. He did not know everything.
The Conclusion, Part IV
Radjan struggled into a sitting position and wrapped her arms around Strumm. She buried her face in his shoulder and wept bitter tears. Anguish poured from her heart. Her body wracked with grief. She could feel Strumm's strong arms as he gathered her closer to him.Laoghaire knelt beside her sister, unsure of what was happening, and less sure of what she could do to help. Her eyes went to Strumm's and he felt her gaze upon him. Holding Radjan against him, his hands moved to touch the area at the base of her wings. His eyes pleaded with Laoghaire to understand. The warrior reacted to this as if she had been hit with a stunning blow. The pain in her back, which she had experienced on her twenty-first birthday, returned with a vengeance.
Laoghaire winced, but remained by her sister's side.She reached forward and placed her hand next to Strumm's on Radjan's back. She felt them. And she understood. Her eyes went from Strumm's to Janamor's. She nodded slightly and he came forward and knelt by his sisters. He, too, reached out a hand, placing it near Laoghaire's. His eyes met Strumm's. And he understood.
With the weight of her sibling's hands upon her back, Radjan relaxed slightly. The pain from the bonding ebbed and she was able to steady her breath. Strumm loosened his grasp on her, and she lifted her face from his shoulder. She looked up into his face. His beautiful green eyes were still clouded with grief, but they were also full of love for her. She leaned into him and pressed her lips to his. He returned her kiss passionately, his tongue tasting her full mouth. She pulled away from him slowly and lowered her head, her eyes closed. Her thoughts were filled with love for him.
He rested his forehead against hers, their noses barely touching.
"I love you," she whispered.
Strumm's hand went to her chin and lifted her face to his. Their eyes locked.
As he watched this reunion, and the family gathered closely to each other, Brunosi's anger grew. He saw in Janamor the young man his own son would never become. Struck down by a warrior's blade. Brunosi rose and started to run toward the pavilion. He drew his spear and held it high. He did not mutter a word, but his silent rage fueled his forward motion.
The hole in the ice went unnoticed by the furious shaman. Its gaping jaw, edged with jagged ice, was only a small distance from Brunosi. As he raced forward, blinded with rage, he slipped and fell into the hole. The icy shards along the edge bit into him and he sunk, unconscious, into the blackened depths of the river.
The Conclusion, Part V
Suddenly, Radjan panicked. Without regard to her pain, she quickly stood. She heard a cry from within her, then she felt her mother's presence. She glanced around frantically, looking for the mother she knew was not there. Then she felt herself staring westward, toward the frozen river.Strumm, Laoghaire and Janamor stood quickly, as well.
"Radjan?" Strumm asked, startled, "what is it?"
"What is happening?" Laoghaire cried.
Janamor stared at Radjan for only a moment, then followed her gaze to the river. Then they looked at each other briefly and simultaneously raced forward in total understanding. When they reached the edge of the river, Janamor opened his spellbook. Radjan continued running toward the hole in the ice. At the edge, she peered into the cold, murky water and could make out a figure near the bottom. It was Brunosi. His life was slowly draining away.
Radjan felt Janamor behind her as he cast a spell. She dove, without regard for herself, into the icy depths. Janamor quickly followed. The two of them swam down to the drowning shaman. Radjan arrived first and reached forward to grasp Brunosi's tunic to pull him toward the surface. He was too heavy. She saw Janamor's hands next to hers and together they fought to save Brunosi.
As they continued to swim to the surface, Radjan noticed Janamor was struggling. Only then did she realize that he had cast Enduring Breath upon her and not himself. An act of total selflessness. Brunosi's unconscious body grew heavier and Janamor's strength was fading. Janamor was losing consciousness as well. Radjan could breathe, but now the weight of the two men threatened to overwhelm her.
Her body screamed with frustration as she looked once again into Janamor's face. His eyes pleaded with her and she knew what she had to do. With one hand holding Brunosi, she began to unfasten her mail with the other. She wriggled out of her Bloodstained Tunic and let it drop to the bottom of the river.
Radjan's wings unfolded themselves from her body and sliced powerfully through the water toward the surface, pulling Brunosi and Janamor along behind her. When they reached the hole in the ice, Janamor grasped the edge and took a deep, rejuvinating breath. Strumm assisted Janamor out of the water and Laoghaire dropped to her knees beside her brother, holding him tightly.
Brunosi regained consciousness just as he was being lifted from the water. His eyes were blurry, but he could see the glowing light of a bard song as it played a healing song. He accepted Strumm's invitation and joined the small group. He noticed Janamor and Laoghaire were also a part of the group, but not Radjan. His sight cleared and he looked for her.
The air was full of shocked surprise as Radjan rose from the icy river on wings of brilliant white.
The Conclusion, Part VI
"I am in your debt, Radjan," Brunosi told her that evening as they dined in the great hall of Rademus' keep, "you revealed your fate as the Spirit when you opened your wings and saved my life.""Nay, sir," Radjan told him, "You are not. I would not have been able to do what I did without Janamor's assistance. He cast Enduring Breath upon me and not himself, yet he dove beneath the ice to save you."
Brunosi fought the despair within him. Now he was indebted to the man who killed his son. "I do not know if I can repay that debt, my dear," he grieved, "there is much you do not understand."
"What, sir?" Radjan queried, "what do I not understand? Let us clear this matter!"
Brunosi sighed heavily. The burden of the truth now rested on his shoulders. A knowledge he did not wish to share. Yet he knew he must. "Find your sister and your brother, Radjan. They know the truth as well."
"Laoghaire and Janamor are coming toward us now, m'lord," Radjan stated quietly. Radjan turned toward Strumm and smiled sadly at him. They had much to discuss that evening, as well, but she knew the matter of her family needed to be settled first. Strumm nodded his understanding.
"Good evening, m'lord Brunosi," Laoghaire said cautiously as she took her seat across from Radjan.
"M'lady," Brunosi acknowledged with a nod, then turned toward Janamor, "McLaughlin," he said flatly.
Radjan gazed at her twin sister. "There is a truth of which I am unaware, Sister," she began, "I would appreciate any assistance you could give me."
Laoghaire glanced at Janamor, then back at Radjan. She began to speak, then stopped and bowed her head. She slowly looked up at Brunosi and her voice was barely audible as she confessed, "I killed MacCauley."
The Conclusion, Part VII
Brunosi's face turned ashen as the confession was revealed. He felt numb with grief and pain. The resentment and hatred he had harbored all these years was for the wrong person. He looked sorrowfully at Laoghaire, "Why?"Laoghaire's eyes were brimming with tears and her mouth trembled. Her words were choked as she explained, "He killed my father."
Brunosi leapt to his feet in outrage. Radjan gasped in shock. Her eyes darted from Laoghaire to Janamor in confusion, "What?" she exclaimed, "What do you mean?"
With a warriors instincts, Laoghaire was on her feet as well, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. Angry tears streamed down her face as she continued, "'Twas on the eve of our wedding!" she shouted, "MacCauley was alone with Rademus in the courtyard and he stabbed him to death! He betrayed my father…" her eyes darted to Radjan and Janamor, "our father. And he betrayed you as well!"
Brunosi's face was full of rage. He pointed at Janamor, "He confessed to the murder!"
Laoghaire stood her ground, "Aye, m'lord, to protect me. He has always protected me! But no longer."
"Who shall bear witness to this?" Brunosi cried, his eyes searching every face in the hushed chamber.
Silence echoed in the great hall.
Laoghaire remained standing. Then Jamili stood. And Rowyn stood. Then, each in their turn, Riah, Morgyn, Draleon, Fkin, Xeus, Binedina, Gurni, and Delphi stood. Janamor slowly stood. All stood in witness to the truth. Soon, the only people left seated were Radjan and Strumm.
Brunosi bowed his head. In his heart he realized the truth. The son he had hoped would become a great shaman instead followed in his mother's footsteps and became a rogue. A dishonorable rogue, it seemed. He was deeply saddened by this and his shoulders slumped, overwhelmed with despair.
Radjan rose to her feet and went to stand in front of Brunosi, "Justice is done, m'lord."
Brunosi held out his arms and Radjan stepped into his embrace, "I can do nothing to alter the fate of my son. He has gone to his reward. You are your mother's daughter, my Jan. So much like her…" her head rested on his shoulder and he smoothed her hair gently as he spoke, "You will continue where she began, Radjan. You are Spirit."
Radjan felt tears in her eyes as she finally accepted this news. Her mother had denied her fate as the Spirit and had perished as a result. Radjan could not let the same thing happen to her.
The Power of Fate
The reflection of the gaslights glowed warmly on the cold waters of Lake Halas. Even at this late hour, merchants traded for various food items, fishing implements, and sewing needs. Shouts and joyful laughter from the nearby tavern filled the cool evening air. Radjan and Strumm sat silently on the pier, overlooking the dark water.Although they had recovered her Bloodstained Tunic from the river in Everfrost, and it was now concealing her folded wings, people would stop and stare at her as they passed. Radjan listened to their hushed comments, but did not respond. Strumm also heard them, but remained silent. Many avoided her altogether, out of fear of the unknown. To answer this, in a gesture of reassurance, Strumm placed his arm around her waist. She leaned her head back against his strong shoulder.
This was their time. The night, in all its coveted mystery, belonged to them. Many distractions held their attention during the day. Many things came between them. People. Distances. But when the night began its breath, they came together as one. Kindred spirits locking hearts and souls and minds.
As the Norrathian sky shroud itself under a great velvet cloak, they drew closer.
"Strumm," Radjan whispered.
"Aye?" he breathed.
"I…" her voice caught. She was unable to continue.
Strumm held her closer to him. "I know, love," his voice was barely audible, "I know."
Radjan turned and lifted her hand slowly to touch his face. She rested her palm on his handsome jaw and brushed her thumb across his cheek. She looked into his eyes and saw her future.
His eyes held her gaze.
"La forza del destino, Radjan."
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