Chapter 9: Timeless
They were riding through the forest. Xev had no idea where Valon was leading them. He had refused to say. He seemed intent on getting there quickly. They had been riding for hours and it was nearly nightfall. Xev was not accustomed to riding and his body cried out for rest. There hadn't been a word spoken since they left the soldier. Zanir slowed his horse.
"I'm not going any further tonight!" yelled Zanir to Valon.
"He's right Valon. We need rest." Said Xev as he too slowed his horse down.
Valon pulled on the reins and came to a slow gallop he turned back towards the brothers.
"Yes. In these lands you do." whispered Valon more to himself it seemed before he dismounted.
Xev was too delirious to even question him. Valon led his horse to a nearby clearing where he tied his horse to a tree. The brothers did the same.
"We'll stay here tonight." a fire came into existence hovering a few inches above the forest floor seemingly doing no harm to its surroundings. It provided a comfortable amount of warmth.
They all sat around the fire that kept burning without a visible source of fuel. Everyone was exhausted mentally more than physically. Valon was his normal self, distant; as though his mind was somewhere else he kept staring at the fire. Zanir pulled out the pack from his horse and took a piece of bread and cheese he stared at the fire while chewing. Xev did the same. He wasn't sure if he should disrupt Valon with questions. He wanted to know what the object was that held the power that had surged through him. He felt a burning sensation to use it again.
"Valon? I was wondering if you could show us the object you carry." questioned Xev. "I'm just curious that's all."
"I cannot show you here, Xev. I would try to explain but only more questions would follow. I will tell you this. It cannot be seen in this time only felt."
Valon did not move while he spoke but suddenly a shape formed in the middle of the fire, invisible but highlighted by the flames surrounding the void. It took on a shape of a quarter moon with razor sharp points at the ends.
"This is what you speak of. The Amulet of Máttur. I carry it with me to ensure it is kept from the hands of Vraeza. Where it is from you will see soon enough." Said Valon his eyes glowed his metallic blue and the shape vanished from the fire.
"Can you tell us where we're headed?" asked Zanir between bites of bread.
"As I said, you will see soon enough."
A light whisper sounded. He noticed a cool sensation across his body. A bright violet light came through the trees towards him in the form of a beautiful woman.
"You're nearly home Xev." said the women as she moved elegantly towards him then a warm darkness overcame his consciousness.
Xev opened his eyes to see a blue cloudless sky above him through the opening of the canopies. His back and legs felt stiff and sore from the day of riding. He sat up and noticed Zanir still asleep. Valon was gone somewhere the horses where still tied up so he couldn't have gone far.
Xev pulled up his pack and broke off a piece of cheese. He sat back down while he ate thinking of what to do. His horse had a bow and arrow wrapped up and tied to the saddle bags. He thought he might as well practice.
He laid down the buddle and un-wrapped it revealing the bow. It wasn't anything special just a standard longbow he had used in training. After stringing the bow he knocked an arrow from the quiver and took aim at a tree trunk thirty yards away. He released and sent the arrow whizzing through the air. Just as it was about to embed itself in the trunk it stopped, disappeared, and reappeared before him frozen in mid-air.
"A little weak in the draw but otherwise a great shot." Said Valon as he emerged from the trees.
"You had me frightened for a second there Valon." Said Xev as he plucked the arrow from the air.
"Just thought you might want to keep your quiver full." He said with a quick smile.
"Where were you off to? Asked Xev as he sent the same arrow off reappearing before him afterwards.
"Off for a walk. Thinking." He kneeled next to his bedding and watched as Xev practiced.
"When are we leaving?" asked Xev.
"Once your brother wakes. Your skill in archery is far from lacking I see. A proper bow would serve you well."
Another snap of the bow string woke Zanir. He rolled over and did some push ups before getting to his feet.
"Onwards then." Said Valon.
They mounted up and continued north.