Chapter 28: Ragnar's Difficult Choice
Ragnar walked a casual pace down the valley road, Darnell limping on a crutch to his right and Healie floating a bit behind on his left. The Sword of Malice bumped continuously on his hip, probably creating a minor bruise. The soldier hardly noticed, though. His thoughts were filled with joy, a sense of an accomplished mission that had never left ever since he and Healie fled the tower with the two young boys.
Yet, there was also something still missing from Ragnar's conscience. It had been nagging him ever since he gazed back at the burning tower in the middle of the lake as he rowed a raft across to safety. Seeing the tower slowly burn to the ground on the small island made the soldier think of Garn. He imagined his fellow soldier's body, calm and serene on the altar in the tower basement, completely helpless as the fire would inevitably consume him as well. Thinking of Garn caused Ragnar to remember his vow to the soldier to protect all children. When he made the vow, Ragnar had originally thought Garn was talking about the children the elves had kidnapped. However, after hearing the elf's threats just before he leapt into the flames, Ragnar wasn't so sure anymore.
After watching the two children, reunited with their mothers and fathers, dance gaily in Izmit's busy streets, Ragnar wondered just how long this kind of happiness could last if the elf's words were true.
What if the Ruler of Evil truly was making a resurrection? Would the world fall into a time of darkness not unlike before recorded history, as legend said? It pained the soldier to think of these two children, whom he and Healie had risked their lives to save, separated from their families once again, this time by a wave of darkness and evil.
Ragnar had already seen a portion of what could happen in such an event. Healie's bond between the children of Izmit was stronger than Ragnar could have imagined. The healer was truly torn when the children had to go into town where Healie could not follow. It may as well have been the last time the healer ever saw the children, for Healie had already mentioned that it would not return to the secret playground. The healer had no home there any longer with its entire kin in that area killed. Perhaps, if the healer ever did become human, Healie would return to Izmit. But such a time would not come that day, as Ragnar and the children had entered Izmit without the caring healer.
It would indeed be tragedy if those special ties were broken by a wave of evil enveloping the world. While in Izmit, as he waited for Darnell to recover enough to handle the travel home, Ragnar devoted some time at the Zenithian Temple in an attempt to discover exactly what the prophecy Garn had mentioned was all about. Of course, Ragnar could hardly make any sense of the ancient scriptures but Darnell, who had had a bit of time to learn a little more of Zenithism while at the temple, proved most helpful.
The results of their research confirmed Garn's words. The Ruler of Evil was indeed prophesied to make a resurrection at some point. However, just as Garn had said, a Chosen One, a Hero, would be born and grow up with the power to defeat the Ruler of Evil.
When read, it sounded just like another fairy tale. However, with the events witnessed in the last few days, Ragnar had a feeling that yet another myth was about to come true. To Ragnar's surprise, it wasn't hard to convince Darnell of his theory. In fact, all Darnell said was, "Yep," while slowly nodding his head.
Now, a week later, Ragnar, Darnell, and Healie were making their way back to Burland Castle. It wouldn't matter the time they arrived. Ragnar and Darnell would have to convince King Burnard to hold an important meeting to discuss their strategy, even if they arrived at midnight.
The soldier's gaze continued on the horizon and, eventually, saw the glowing lights of Burland Castle begin to appear. "We're getting close, Healie," Ragnar said, turning to the healer.
Healie stopped and gazed at the horizon. Ragnar wondered what his companion was thinking at that moment. Probably it longed to continue on, to be a part of Ragnar's life in a human settlement instead of having to remain outdoors, hiding in the shadowy confines of caves and other dark places.
Darnell turned to Healie and hobbled over. "It was nice meeting you, Healie," he said, outstretching his hand. Healie gently laid a tentacle in Darnell's hand and the soldier shook it.
Ragnar smiled. When Darnell had first met Healie on the outskirts of Izmit, the soldier had been very hesitant to shake Healie's tentacle, despite all of the good things Ragnar had told him of the healer. Ragnar couldn't blame Darnell, though. After all, it was Healie's kin that had ambushed Darnell in the Burland Tunnel at the beginning of the mission.
After Darnell released Healie's tentacle, he turned to Ragnar and nodded once. "You go on ahead," Ragnar said. "I'll catch up." Darnell nodded again and limped down the valley road towards Burland Castle. Ragnar watched him walk off for a while, smiling.
Once Darnell was out of hearing range, Ragnar turned back to Healie. The healer looked up at Ragnar, a strange look glossing over the shiny, blue head. Healie's tentacles were swaying side to side slowly. In the short time that he knew Healie, Ragnar had learned that many of the healer's emotions were expressed with its tentacles. When Ragnar watched the gentle swaying, a sympathetic, compassionate feeling swept over him. He was probably the closest thing to having a family Healie had left. The healer wouldn't have followed Ragnar all the way to Burland Castle if it didn't feel otherwise. Now, Ragnar was returning to his home, maybe never venturing out again. He desperately wanted to bring Healie with him but he knew the city wouldn't accept it. Deep in his heart, Ragnar knew what he had to do.
"I'll be back," he compassionately smiled, patting Healie's head. "It may be a while but I promise that I'll be back out here to see you."
Healie continued to stare at Ragnar but its tentacles waved a bit faster. "I..." Healie began but didn't finish, unable to find the words it wanted to express in its limited vocabulary.
Ragnar continued to pat the little monster's head, smiling. "Don't worry," he said. "I already know how you feel." He removed his hand and stepped back. "Please, just wait nearby. I promise to see you when everything is sorted out in the castle." Ragnar stood still for a moment, watching the expressionless healer stare at him, hardly moving. "So long for now," the soldier added. He took a few steps back, stood still for a bit, then slowly turned to walk to the castle, sighing as he did so.
Healie remained in the middle of the valley road for several minutes after Ragnar had already disappeared over the horizon.
Ragnar quickly made his way towards the meeting room where King Burnard, his advisor, the priest of the Zenithian Temple, and the remaining Royal Soldiers awaited him. He was late as it was for the late-night meeting, his reunion with Mary lasting much longer than he had anticipated.
Of course, she was overjoyed to see him walk into her home and they embraced each other for more than an hour, Ragnar briefly explaining what transpired in his absence. He had been so enthralled in seeing Mary and describing his adventures that he had lost all track of time. Now, three hours after finally arriving back in Burland Castle, the soldier was running down the empty hallways towards the meeting room.
The moment he entered, the people sitting around the meeting table stood up and began clapping. The soldier was caught completely off guard.
"Welcome back, Sir Ragnar Calgor," King Burnard enthusiastically said, clapping. "I'm truly impressed with your accomplishments. I'm proud of having a soldier like you!"
"Well, thank you, your Highness," Ragnar replied, flushing, "but I don't deserve all of the credit. Many others helped me along the way."
"Yes, I know," King Burnard said, "and each and every one of them will be receiving the highest honors that I can bestow." Ragnar smiled, already seeing the irony in his King's statement. Healie, who had played a major role in Ragnar's success, would never receive recognition for its efforts. It was the sad truth and Ragnar had to accept it.
After the clapping subsided, King Burnard said, "Please, join us."
Ragnar bowed and sat down at the meeting table between Harald and Elric. Sir Elric, as it turned out, had never even left Burland Castle. Once Harald had recovered from the babble poison, the soldier had remained at the castle to help organize new defenses with the increased monster activity. While in the surrounding city, Harald had quite accidentally bumped into Elric, who was with the woman Sandor had been seeing. Elric admitted to never leaving, claiming that he was scared to venture out into the larger world. Sandor's old girlfriend had convinced Elric to remain behind, obviously grabbing the opportunity to be with Elric while Sandor was away. Now, with Sandor dead, Elric was planning on marrying. It was a twisted love story but it made for great gossip in the city's shopping square.
After everyone sat back down, King Burnard eyed Ragnar and said, "So far, Sir Darnell has been telling us of your encounters with the elves and the tower, and we are all saddened by the losses of Sir Garn, Sir Denuve, and Sir Mandrake." Ragnar noticed he intentionally left out Sandor, the soldier's betrayal earning him the disrespect of every participant of the meeting. "Is there anything you wish to add?"
"Yes," Ragnar said. He stood up and took out the Sword of Malice in which he still had fastened on. He then laid it out on the table. "This is the sword Sir Sandor had attacked me with. As you can see, no human could ever have created such a sword."
"It surely is a finely crafted blade," the advisor said, looking up at Ragnar, "but how can you prove that it's elfish?"
"The sword has certain magical properties in which no human could ever imbue it with," Ragnar explained. "I am not certain, but I believe it has the ability to spew forth fireballs by drawing upon the user's life force."
"It's true," Darnell added. "I tried it myself and it indeed felt as though by creating flames it was burning my soul. I've never seen or heard of such a blade in all of our history documents."
King Burnard tapped his fingers on the large table for a moment, and then turned to the Zenithian priest. "Brother Omnin," he said, "you have heard Sir Darnell's account of his and Sir Ragnar's research on this prophecy. Is there anything in the ancient Zenithian texts that can verify a resurrection of the Ruler of Evil?"
"There are references to a resurrection of one of the great demons," Brother Omnin replied softly, "and there are references of a Chosen One who will be the light against the demon's dark." He looked down at the table, a frown forming on his face. "I just had no idea that these prophecies would be coming true during this time in the world history," he muttered, more to himself than the rest of the meeting table.
"What do you mean?" Harald asked, looking intently at the priest.
Brother Omnin looked up at the table again, sighed, and gravely explained, "The prophecies are mentioned at the latter end of the Zenithian Texts. From my understanding of them, either the Hero will succeed and peace will prevail or the forces of evil will engulf the land."
The King slowly leaned back in his small throne at the head of the table, rubbing his double chin. The room was quiet for the moment, each participant in the meeting taking in their own thoughts. Finally, King Burnard broke the silence. "I'm not sure there is really much we can do here," he solemnly stated. "After all, we are a very small country and usually don't play a large role in world events."
He leaned forward again, tapping his fingers on the table. "However," he continued, "we can do as much as we can to help protect our own country if in the event that..." He paused, carefully choosing his words. "If in the event that this prophesied Hero fails." He turned to Ragnar and said, "Sir Ragnar, I am placing you in charge of organizing the country's defenses."
Ragnar looked up, shocked by the King's command. The soldier stared blankly, not knowing how to react. "Congratulations!" Harald said, patting his friend on the shoulder. "It was what you always wanted." Indeed, right from the very beginning of searching for the children, Ragnar had been more concerned about organizing the castle's defenses in the event that an invading army of monsters should appear.
However, the King's words echoed through his head: "If in the event that this prophesied Hero fails..." What if the Hero did fail? What good would rudimentary castle defenses do against an army of evil? Ragnar had stopped the elves' search for the Hero but what if he had only delayed the inevitable? Could all that he had done to return the children to their families been for nothing? Thinking of the Izmit children, again, brought a flashing vision of the burning tower, and of Sir Garn's last words: "Save all children..."
Ragnar suddenly stood up and firmly said, "I am honored to receive such a responsibility. However, I am bound by an even greater responsibility and must decline."
King Burnard looked at Ragnar, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I wish to go on a journey," he replied, keeping a stiff posture. "I intend to search out the young Hero who is at this very moment growing up and protect him from the forces of evil."
"I see," the King quietly said, rubbing his chin. The meeting room remained quiet for long moments, the participants relatively stunned by Ragnar's request. The soldier kept his posture straight, a few beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he became a touch nervous from the prolonged silence.
Finally, King Burnard stood up and slowly walked over to Ragnar. The soldier kept his eyes on the King, nervous as to what he planned. Once he reached him, the King gently put his hands on Ragnar's shoulders and quietly said, "Sir Ragnar, you will have my fullest support." He then smiled and Ragnar could not help but smile as well, an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment filling every crevice of his body.
Ragnar was packed and ready to leave the next day. He had the Sword of Malice strapped to his hip in a larger scabbard and his family's armor packed along with a few medical herbs. He had already said his good-byes to Harald, Darnell, Elric, and any other member of Burland Castle he knew relatively well. He was ready to leave on his journey except for one thing: Mary.
Standing just outside her door, Ragnar tentatively knocked. He hadn't yet told her that he was leaving, possibly forever. He knew that it would be difficult for her but she deserved to know, no matter how much it might hurt.
The door opened and Mary looked up at Ragnar, surprise in her beautiful face. "Ragnar!" she exclaimed and gave him a large hug. As she hugged, she felt the hilt of Ragnar's sword press into her hip. "Ouch!" she gasped, rubbing her hip. "Why are you wearing that silly thing? Forget to take it off?" She looked into Ragnar's eyes and easily read the anxiety in them. "What is it?" she asked worriedly.
"May I come in?" he asked evenly. She nodded and Ragnar entered, sitting down at Mary's sparsely furnished home. They both sat down at her table where they had shared many dinners together, just the two of them. He sighed, wanting so much not to have to tell her the news. Yet, when he looked into her sweet, caring eyes, he knew that she must know the truth.
Sighing again, he said evenly, "I'm... going on a journey."
Mary looked at him for a moment, hardly even blinking. Eventually, she asked, "What do you mean?"
"I'm leaving again," he gently said. "Probably for a very long time."
"You're joking!" she said, her eyes widening with realization.
"No, I'm not," Ragnar said. He gazed outside the window beside him, watching several small children run by in a game of tag. "I take it you've heard the rumors of the resurrecting Ruler of Evil and a prophesied Hero," he said, keeping his eyes on the window.
"Yeah..." Mary slowly said, unsure what Ragnar was talking about.
Ragnar turned his gaze back to Mary, sympathy in his eyes. "These rumors are very true," he quietly said. "My recent experiences alone confirm my belief in them."
He stood up and walked over to Mary, their eyes continuously locked. He knelt down on one knee and took Mary's hand. "The Hero is still young and needs protection from the forces of evil," he said. "I intend to search him out and protect him myself."
Mary's hand began to shake, cold sweat seeping onto her palm. Ragnar looked at her, pity in his eyes. He quickly grabbed her and held her tight to his body, feeling a few tears trickle onto his neck.
"W...why...?" he heard Mary whimper as she wrapped her arms around him.
Ragnar took a deep breath, a few tears forming in his eyes as well. It pained him whenever Mary was in pain as well. Gently, he sat Mary back down, and kneeled in front of her again. "I keep seeing the Izmit children," he gently explained. "I keep seeing them dancing in the town square, so happy to be with their families again." He paused, choosing his next words carefully.
"I then think back to what the elf at the tower said to me, saying that others would follow in his footsteps to kill the Hero while he is still young and vulnerable."
Ragnar then stood up and looked back out the window, watching the children play. "If that happens, the ancient Zenithian Texts claim that darkness will envelop the world like a blanket, the Ruler of Evil's power unchallenged."
He clenched his fist. "I cannot allow that to happen. I would not be able to sleep if I knew there is the chance that our world could one day soon no longer be safe for the people out there, for all of the families out there, for all the children out there..."
"But-" Mary began but Ragnar once again kneeled in front of her and took her hand.
"For our children..." he gently said.
"I..." Mary began but tears filled her face and she couldn't speak, her feelings mixing like a whirlpool of emotions. She fell into Ragnar's arms, crying with joy and pain.