Chapter Three: Collecting tears
Slow trickles of blackish blood oozed forth from Vollintus's eyes.
"Aiyee!" screamed Cespenar. "I has killeded him! Ooohhh! Terrible servant is I! Much hurtings should I receive!" Cespenar threw himself to the floor, curled into a ball, and started to cry whilst banging his head on the stone floor.
"Someone shut that beast up before I accommodate it!" barked Sarevok as he drew his dagger.
Imoen quickly lifted the imp into her arms, and retreated into the cabin's main room. "Kivan, ya have ta find Yeslick" Imoen cried in desperation.
"Why? What is it now," asked the gruff ranger.
"There is no time ta explain, you have ta go quickly." Kiven turned on his heel, and left.
"Alright then, if I were a burrow dweller where would I be? The cave of course," thought the elf. Kivan was not pleased at the prospect of entering that place; however, he would for his friends' sake. A few minutes later he stood at the entrance to the cavern. To his surprise a large iron bound wooden door now blocked the entrance. "Why not," he spat. "Things can't possibly get any stranger around here." Kivan tried to pull the great door open to no avail. Then he stepped back for a moment to evaluate the situation. In doing so he noticed a large mallet tucked behind a bush that he previously missed. Nodding, the ranger grasped the hammer and proceeded to beat the door with it. Moments later an observation plate slid open.
"Umm.. what yous want," a voiced queried from the other side.
"I seek a dwarf creature," stated Kivan.
"Yous leave. Dwarf for the eatings now.. Umm.. yous come again for da next eatings, Umm.will needs to fatten yous up." rasped the creature in broken common, it then closed the plate.
"I think not," the archer hissed! Kivan moved about sixty long paces away from the cave entrance, and dropped his quiver in front of him. He then staked several arrows in a line before him, and took a knee. "I have a present for you beast," he whispered with cold intent as he drew his bow.
Fire streaked from his bow as the arrow sped toward the massive oaken door. *BOOM!* The door gave way as an explosive ball of fire erupted at the mouth of the cave. In moments several creatures of varying shapes and sizes poured forth from within. *
Tung* *Tung* *Tung* The archers bow sang. Kivan fired low hoping to slow as many of the creatures as he could by taking their legs. Six of the beasts went down howling in pain as arrows slammed into their thighs and calves. Then he heard a mighty shout issue forth from the cave. "Blast it boy! Wat's wrong wit ye?" an angry voice called. Relaxing the grip on his bow Kivan hollered back, "Yeslick, is that you?!?"
"O' course it is ye git! Ruined me stew ye 'as, and ye tore up deze poor lads ta boot," bellowed Yeslick as he emerged from the cave! "Now get yer butt over 'ere boy, en' el'p patch dez fellers up!" Kivan came forward as he had been ordered by the angry old dwarf. "What got in ta ye lad? Come in 'ere firin' away 'en such, tain't rigt its not."
"Look dwarf, what was I supposed to think? The creature that answered the door said you were for the eating," snapped Kivan.
"O' course I be fer da eatin! I be hungry I am, 'en dez fellers offered me som' sup."
"Who are these creatures that you would dine with them?" Kivan asked as he looked upon the ogres, and orcs that lay about clutching their wounds.
"Dey be part o' Malduf's band. Built an outpost 'ere dey as' ta keep an eye on da village. What brought ye out 'ere anyways? Is da boy in trouble?"
"Aye, he seems to be, Imoen came to me frantic, and demanded that I find you."
"Alright den, I be dere directly. I's just gots ta fix dez lads up first. Ye bes get outta 'ere till I explain ta dem wy ye shot em'." With that the ranger collected his gear, and headed back for the cabin
"I's very very bad I is." Tears streamed from the little imp's eyes as he wailed. Imoen gently petted his head while cradling him. "Ssshhh. Shhh," she whispered to the imp in a comforting tone. "Ya were just tryin to help Cespenar. Ya dinay do anythin wrong," she cooed. Cespenar started to calm from her touch. "Yous thinks mes didn't killeded him then," asked the imp hopefull? Imoen smiled and said, "How could cute little Cespenar ever hurt anybody? Come on," she beamed. "Let's go see if he is doin better, okay?" Imoen rose from the bench joined the others in the bed chamber with Cespenar riding on her shoulder.
"Can you do nothing witch," asked Sarevok. Viconia's eyes flashed with dangerous fury.
"Must you instigate trouble with every breath you take," Keldorn asked him?
"That was not my intention I assure you," he replied. "I simply want to know if anything can be done." Viconia attempted to wipe away the blood now pooling beneath Vollintus's eyes. *gasp*
"What is wrong woman," inquired Keldorn as he turned his attention back to the bed. "Look," exclaimed Viconia! She handed the knight the cloth she had been using to wipe Vollintus's face. It was clean.
"What do you make of it," asked Sarevok.
Then a tiny voice trumpeted! "OOOoooo, Shiny Ones!" Cespenar flew from Imoen's shoulder before she could stop him. The imp landed on the edge of the bed near Vollintus's face. Pointing, and jumping up and down with excitement the imp shouted, "Shiny Ones! Shiny Ones!" Everyone stepped closer to see what the small creature was screaming so excitedly about. "Oh my," exclaimed Imoen.
Within the blood pools rested two crystalline tears, one to either side of the young paladin's face. Without fear or hesitation the imp reached over plucked them from the pools. "Well, let us have a look at them then," declared the old knight. Cespenar guarded the tears with an unexpected ferocity.
"Nope, nope, yous can't have em'." Cespenar said while shaking his head back and forth. "Des belongs to the Master." Cautiously the knight reached forward toward the imp. "Come now my little friend we only want to look at them," said Keldorn. A hiss escaped Cespenar's throat, and a fiery glow came to his eyes. "Yous not be takin dem!" snarled the imp as he attempted to bite the paladin.
Keldorn quickly withdrew from the reach of the imp's razor like teeth. "Cespenar its ok we just wanna peek at em'. They might be a clue in helping Vollintus," Imoen told him. Cespenar took a step back, and thought for a moment.
"Umm.oks, but I be watchings you, if yous tries to leave, Kapow," he declared. Smiling Imoen picked up the imp and carried him into the next room with the tears, everyone except Viconia followed.
She knelt by his side, and laid her head upon his chest hugging him. "I have been selfish again my love," she whispered. "I have done something terrible," she almost laughed. "As if that is anything new from me," she thought. "I must speak with Keldorn before the day's end, I," she faltered in her speech momentarily. Pushing away her feeling of pride she continued, "I owe him an apology. I miss you greatly my powerful one.. I miss your hands caress, the sound of your voice.. your thoughts. I.. I.. do wish much for us. Please return to me, and know I will not abandon us. I will not!"
"Well, they look like Bhaal tears," said Keldorn.
"No. They do not," Sarevok replied.
"What do you mean? They are they same shape and size," said the knight. "Do not forget old man, I once held one of the tears. Yes, fool, they are the same shape and size but the color differs, these are crimson," Sarevok haughtily snapped. Keldorn almost retorted, but decided to let it go.
Sarevok reach out and touched one of tears. Electrifying pain ran through ran through his hand and up his arm. "Rragh!" Sarevok recoiled massaging his now stinging hand. "Hmmm....Well, whatever they are at least they have some taste as they don't seem to like ya either," laughed Imoen.
"That will be quite enough of that young lady." Keldorn said quickly before her brother could reply. Imoen cautiously reached out, and picked up one of them up. "Interesting, they do not respond in kind to her touch," the knight pondered aloud. "Yes, yes, fascinating. But, what are they? They are red, not smoke like my fathers tears," said Sarevok.
"Geez! Hows yous figure anythings out without Cespenar is beyond mes! Theys be the Masters tears," declared the imp proudly. "So much we can see little one, but what do you imply," asked Keldorn.
"Bhaal hads tears so dos the Master. Purgings they are."
"I think I get It." said Imoen. "He is saying that Vollintus's body is cleansing itself of the taint; probably removing residue, ill affects of the taint, or something like that."
"Me likes yous, yous smarts, and pretty toos," Cespenar said to Imoen with a toothy grin.
"Hmm.... It would explain much, but how long will this take, and is he in any danger," Sarevok wondered aloud.
Keldorn headed back into the bedroom to share their findings with Viconia. He found her draped across Vollintus's chest trembling. "Viconia," he called. She looked up to face him. Her eyes were swollen from tears again. "Come Viconia," Keldorn said has he extended a hand to her. "I may have some good news concerning our young friend." He related to her what the group had hypothesized. Viconia listened intently to the information he had to offer then said. "I.. I would like to speak now if you have the time." Keldorn drew a deep breath, and wondered if he would ever be able to finish his letter home. "Very well then, I shall make the time. However, let us go out and get some fresh air."
The two silently made their way to the natural steps that climbed into the hills just north of the cabin. Viconia motioned for Keldorn to sit as she did the same. Dusk was falling, and the crickets were starting to sing their evening song. Viconia looked to the fading sun, and said, "It is so empty Keldorn.. This setting of the sun.. He showed me the simply pleasure of it not long ago. We would sit together, and watch its death..," her words trailed off. "Aye, I know the pain of which you speak dr.., Viconia. I have missed many such events with my Maria." They sat quietly for awhile before Keldorn broke the silence.
"I know these feels are new to you, but know this. You do not have to face them alone. We have not always gotten along you, and I. However, I am willing to put our differences aside for the sake of our young lord," said Keldorn.
Looking him in the eye Viconia said, "I wish to ap.. I wish to apologize for what I attempted earlier, it was wrong of me to place you in such a position. I just feel so empty without him. A feeling, I must say do not enjoy, nor do I wish for it to continue." To her surprise an expression of understanding came over the old knight's face in the fading light. "Viconia, there is no weakness in what you feel. I forgive you. I also understand the ways of your race far better than I would like too, I must admit. And, in that understanding I think I can offer something to you."
"That which you have long known to be weakness, we know as strength. It is what has propelled Vollintus, and many other through life. Not the call of power, or glory. Not the need to dominate others by bending them to your will. Nor the wealth that one can accumulate. But feeling, and rightness, the desire to do well by others, and hold them in regard as high you hold yourself, if not higher. I know you are no paladin, but that is our call, and our hearts guide us through."
"But, this feeling you speak of Keldorn, must it bring such pain," Viconia asked?
"Aye, sometimes I am afraid it must, for there are lessons in it. Yet there is joy to be found, in loving another. You have experienced some of this already Viconia. Now claim the strength I know you hold, and dare to move forward Viconia! Climb above that selfish pit of despair which has been eating away at you for years! You have tasted life Viconia, real life, now dare to believe and share in it with Vollintus when he recovers," the knight spoke with fervor.
"You speak as if you know he will come back to us," said Viconia.
"He must. It is the power of hope. That young man has been through too much to let whatever he is experiencing now claim him. You have long lived another way; this is all very new to you, and it will take time for you to adjust to it. However, always keep in mind that if you talk about these things that are bothering, you be able to face them, and grow in light of them." The two sat in silence for awhile in new found understanding, and in the spirit of fellowship.
"Clangeddin's Axe, it be 'appenin' a'gain," exclaimed Yeslick. Truly, another set of tears had begun to form.
Hearing the dwarf's excited cry the others came to investigate his claim. They watched in horror for what seemed like an eternity as the blood pooled into new tears. When the formation of the tears was complete the remaining blood dissipated into a cloud of foul blackish-green vapor above Vollintus's head and disappeared.
Yeslick examined Vollintus's eyes to see if there had been any change. "Deres a good sign," said the old dwarf. "Da lads r'gained 'is color E 'as, en' 'is breatins back as well. Were be Viccy? She be want'n ta know bout dis." Kivan threw up his hands, and grunted. "Don't ask. I'll go; it seems that's all I'm good for anymore." Before anyone could reply to the elf's grumblings he was heading out the door into the night.
"Well, we should probably be getting back now," said Keldorn.
"I agree," acknowledged Viconia. "These insects are starting make a meal out of me," she complained. As the two started to make their way back to the cabin Keldorn stumbled in the darkness. Viconia reached out, and took the old knight's arm to help guide him. "You are limping Keldorn, what ails you," she asked.
"Tis just a bump I received from some foolishness on my part yester eve," the old knight said through gritted teeth. Viconia stopped him. "You should have said something," she scolded. "To whom," he queried. "Yeslick was no where to be found, and up until an hour ago I do not believe we have ever been civil toward one another outside of combat." Viconia chuckled at his words, and said, "True enough wizened one, but here, let me see what can be done." Keldorn winced in pain as she probed his knee. "You are much like my Vollintus, wise in word yet failing in deed with regard to yourself. Keldorn you have nearly ruined you knee. Come let us get you back to the cabin where I can heal you."
Kivan could see reddened forms moving toward him in the night; they were approximately fifty yards out. One considerably smaller than the other, was supporting the larger and headed toward him. "Hail, there," he challenged! "Kivan, is that you," the drow called back? "Yes, what is wrong?"
"I seem to have made a mess of my knee friend. Some assistance would be very much appreciated," the knight replied. With Kivan's aid they managed to return to the cabin swiftly. Once inside Viconia instructed him to sit on the bench near the long table that dominated the cabin's western section. Keldorn grimaced as she helped removed his leggings.
"Viccy lass, I 'aven some news fer ye," Yeslick beamed when he saw the drow. Viconia looked to the dwarf with anticipation. "E's getten' better lass, E's breatin rigt, an' 'is eyes 'az cleared."
"Truly," she hopefully asked. Keldorn placed a hand upon her shoulder and with an understanding tone said, "Look to him Viconia. I shall have Yeslick tend to my knee."
Viconia examined him carefully. Indeed he appeared to be resting plainly now, the blood was gone, and his breathing was normal. Fearfully she lifted one of his eye lids. With relief she saw his color had returned, but he still looked so pale. She decided she would not leave his side this night, and began to disrobe. After Viconia finished undressing she climbed into the bed with Vollintus, and tightly pressed herself against him. "Feel me my love, and return. Know that I long for you, and.. that I need you here.., for you are my alur kitrye," she whispered to him. Viconia softly kissed his cheek, and soon after she drifted into the first peaceful state of sleep she had known in weeks.
************************************************************************ Author's note: To those who are unfamiliar with requirements for followers of Torm. After the Time-of-Troubles Torm demanded that his followers make restitution for their persecution of other good religions. This is to be done through The Penance of Duty. I will not describe in detail what that is. However, I will list the debts Torm told his people they must repay: Persecution, Dereliction, and Destruction. This accounts for much of the behavior Keldorn displays in the first few chapters, and in the one which follows.
Author's note: alur kitrye= better half
Slow trickles of blackish blood oozed forth from Vollintus's eyes.
"Aiyee!" screamed Cespenar. "I has killeded him! Ooohhh! Terrible servant is I! Much hurtings should I receive!" Cespenar threw himself to the floor, curled into a ball, and started to cry whilst banging his head on the stone floor.
"Someone shut that beast up before I accommodate it!" barked Sarevok as he drew his dagger.
Imoen quickly lifted the imp into her arms, and retreated into the cabin's main room. "Kivan, ya have ta find Yeslick" Imoen cried in desperation.
"Why? What is it now," asked the gruff ranger.
"There is no time ta explain, you have ta go quickly." Kiven turned on his heel, and left.
"Alright then, if I were a burrow dweller where would I be? The cave of course," thought the elf. Kivan was not pleased at the prospect of entering that place; however, he would for his friends' sake. A few minutes later he stood at the entrance to the cavern. To his surprise a large iron bound wooden door now blocked the entrance. "Why not," he spat. "Things can't possibly get any stranger around here." Kivan tried to pull the great door open to no avail. Then he stepped back for a moment to evaluate the situation. In doing so he noticed a large mallet tucked behind a bush that he previously missed. Nodding, the ranger grasped the hammer and proceeded to beat the door with it. Moments later an observation plate slid open.
"Umm.. what yous want," a voiced queried from the other side.
"I seek a dwarf creature," stated Kivan.
"Yous leave. Dwarf for the eatings now.. Umm.. yous come again for da next eatings, Umm.will needs to fatten yous up." rasped the creature in broken common, it then closed the plate.
"I think not," the archer hissed! Kivan moved about sixty long paces away from the cave entrance, and dropped his quiver in front of him. He then staked several arrows in a line before him, and took a knee. "I have a present for you beast," he whispered with cold intent as he drew his bow.
Fire streaked from his bow as the arrow sped toward the massive oaken door. *BOOM!* The door gave way as an explosive ball of fire erupted at the mouth of the cave. In moments several creatures of varying shapes and sizes poured forth from within. *
Tung* *Tung* *Tung* The archers bow sang. Kivan fired low hoping to slow as many of the creatures as he could by taking their legs. Six of the beasts went down howling in pain as arrows slammed into their thighs and calves. Then he heard a mighty shout issue forth from the cave. "Blast it boy! Wat's wrong wit ye?" an angry voice called. Relaxing the grip on his bow Kivan hollered back, "Yeslick, is that you?!?"
"O' course it is ye git! Ruined me stew ye 'as, and ye tore up deze poor lads ta boot," bellowed Yeslick as he emerged from the cave! "Now get yer butt over 'ere boy, en' el'p patch dez fellers up!" Kivan came forward as he had been ordered by the angry old dwarf. "What got in ta ye lad? Come in 'ere firin' away 'en such, tain't rigt its not."
"Look dwarf, what was I supposed to think? The creature that answered the door said you were for the eating," snapped Kivan.
"O' course I be fer da eatin! I be hungry I am, 'en dez fellers offered me som' sup."
"Who are these creatures that you would dine with them?" Kivan asked as he looked upon the ogres, and orcs that lay about clutching their wounds.
"Dey be part o' Malduf's band. Built an outpost 'ere dey as' ta keep an eye on da village. What brought ye out 'ere anyways? Is da boy in trouble?"
"Aye, he seems to be, Imoen came to me frantic, and demanded that I find you."
"Alright den, I be dere directly. I's just gots ta fix dez lads up first. Ye bes get outta 'ere till I explain ta dem wy ye shot em'." With that the ranger collected his gear, and headed back for the cabin
"I's very very bad I is." Tears streamed from the little imp's eyes as he wailed. Imoen gently petted his head while cradling him. "Ssshhh. Shhh," she whispered to the imp in a comforting tone. "Ya were just tryin to help Cespenar. Ya dinay do anythin wrong," she cooed. Cespenar started to calm from her touch. "Yous thinks mes didn't killeded him then," asked the imp hopefull? Imoen smiled and said, "How could cute little Cespenar ever hurt anybody? Come on," she beamed. "Let's go see if he is doin better, okay?" Imoen rose from the bench joined the others in the bed chamber with Cespenar riding on her shoulder.
"Can you do nothing witch," asked Sarevok. Viconia's eyes flashed with dangerous fury.
"Must you instigate trouble with every breath you take," Keldorn asked him?
"That was not my intention I assure you," he replied. "I simply want to know if anything can be done." Viconia attempted to wipe away the blood now pooling beneath Vollintus's eyes. *gasp*
"What is wrong woman," inquired Keldorn as he turned his attention back to the bed. "Look," exclaimed Viconia! She handed the knight the cloth she had been using to wipe Vollintus's face. It was clean.
"What do you make of it," asked Sarevok.
Then a tiny voice trumpeted! "OOOoooo, Shiny Ones!" Cespenar flew from Imoen's shoulder before she could stop him. The imp landed on the edge of the bed near Vollintus's face. Pointing, and jumping up and down with excitement the imp shouted, "Shiny Ones! Shiny Ones!" Everyone stepped closer to see what the small creature was screaming so excitedly about. "Oh my," exclaimed Imoen.
Within the blood pools rested two crystalline tears, one to either side of the young paladin's face. Without fear or hesitation the imp reached over plucked them from the pools. "Well, let us have a look at them then," declared the old knight. Cespenar guarded the tears with an unexpected ferocity.
"Nope, nope, yous can't have em'." Cespenar said while shaking his head back and forth. "Des belongs to the Master." Cautiously the knight reached forward toward the imp. "Come now my little friend we only want to look at them," said Keldorn. A hiss escaped Cespenar's throat, and a fiery glow came to his eyes. "Yous not be takin dem!" snarled the imp as he attempted to bite the paladin.
Keldorn quickly withdrew from the reach of the imp's razor like teeth. "Cespenar its ok we just wanna peek at em'. They might be a clue in helping Vollintus," Imoen told him. Cespenar took a step back, and thought for a moment.
"Umm.oks, but I be watchings you, if yous tries to leave, Kapow," he declared. Smiling Imoen picked up the imp and carried him into the next room with the tears, everyone except Viconia followed.
She knelt by his side, and laid her head upon his chest hugging him. "I have been selfish again my love," she whispered. "I have done something terrible," she almost laughed. "As if that is anything new from me," she thought. "I must speak with Keldorn before the day's end, I," she faltered in her speech momentarily. Pushing away her feeling of pride she continued, "I owe him an apology. I miss you greatly my powerful one.. I miss your hands caress, the sound of your voice.. your thoughts. I.. I.. do wish much for us. Please return to me, and know I will not abandon us. I will not!"
"Well, they look like Bhaal tears," said Keldorn.
"No. They do not," Sarevok replied.
"What do you mean? They are they same shape and size," said the knight. "Do not forget old man, I once held one of the tears. Yes, fool, they are the same shape and size but the color differs, these are crimson," Sarevok haughtily snapped. Keldorn almost retorted, but decided to let it go.
Sarevok reach out and touched one of tears. Electrifying pain ran through ran through his hand and up his arm. "Rragh!" Sarevok recoiled massaging his now stinging hand. "Hmmm....Well, whatever they are at least they have some taste as they don't seem to like ya either," laughed Imoen.
"That will be quite enough of that young lady." Keldorn said quickly before her brother could reply. Imoen cautiously reached out, and picked up one of them up. "Interesting, they do not respond in kind to her touch," the knight pondered aloud. "Yes, yes, fascinating. But, what are they? They are red, not smoke like my fathers tears," said Sarevok.
"Geez! Hows yous figure anythings out without Cespenar is beyond mes! Theys be the Masters tears," declared the imp proudly. "So much we can see little one, but what do you imply," asked Keldorn.
"Bhaal hads tears so dos the Master. Purgings they are."
"I think I get It." said Imoen. "He is saying that Vollintus's body is cleansing itself of the taint; probably removing residue, ill affects of the taint, or something like that."
"Me likes yous, yous smarts, and pretty toos," Cespenar said to Imoen with a toothy grin.
"Hmm.... It would explain much, but how long will this take, and is he in any danger," Sarevok wondered aloud.
Keldorn headed back into the bedroom to share their findings with Viconia. He found her draped across Vollintus's chest trembling. "Viconia," he called. She looked up to face him. Her eyes were swollen from tears again. "Come Viconia," Keldorn said has he extended a hand to her. "I may have some good news concerning our young friend." He related to her what the group had hypothesized. Viconia listened intently to the information he had to offer then said. "I.. I would like to speak now if you have the time." Keldorn drew a deep breath, and wondered if he would ever be able to finish his letter home. "Very well then, I shall make the time. However, let us go out and get some fresh air."
The two silently made their way to the natural steps that climbed into the hills just north of the cabin. Viconia motioned for Keldorn to sit as she did the same. Dusk was falling, and the crickets were starting to sing their evening song. Viconia looked to the fading sun, and said, "It is so empty Keldorn.. This setting of the sun.. He showed me the simply pleasure of it not long ago. We would sit together, and watch its death..," her words trailed off. "Aye, I know the pain of which you speak dr.., Viconia. I have missed many such events with my Maria." They sat quietly for awhile before Keldorn broke the silence.
"I know these feels are new to you, but know this. You do not have to face them alone. We have not always gotten along you, and I. However, I am willing to put our differences aside for the sake of our young lord," said Keldorn.
Looking him in the eye Viconia said, "I wish to ap.. I wish to apologize for what I attempted earlier, it was wrong of me to place you in such a position. I just feel so empty without him. A feeling, I must say do not enjoy, nor do I wish for it to continue." To her surprise an expression of understanding came over the old knight's face in the fading light. "Viconia, there is no weakness in what you feel. I forgive you. I also understand the ways of your race far better than I would like too, I must admit. And, in that understanding I think I can offer something to you."
"That which you have long known to be weakness, we know as strength. It is what has propelled Vollintus, and many other through life. Not the call of power, or glory. Not the need to dominate others by bending them to your will. Nor the wealth that one can accumulate. But feeling, and rightness, the desire to do well by others, and hold them in regard as high you hold yourself, if not higher. I know you are no paladin, but that is our call, and our hearts guide us through."
"But, this feeling you speak of Keldorn, must it bring such pain," Viconia asked?
"Aye, sometimes I am afraid it must, for there are lessons in it. Yet there is joy to be found, in loving another. You have experienced some of this already Viconia. Now claim the strength I know you hold, and dare to move forward Viconia! Climb above that selfish pit of despair which has been eating away at you for years! You have tasted life Viconia, real life, now dare to believe and share in it with Vollintus when he recovers," the knight spoke with fervor.
"You speak as if you know he will come back to us," said Viconia.
"He must. It is the power of hope. That young man has been through too much to let whatever he is experiencing now claim him. You have long lived another way; this is all very new to you, and it will take time for you to adjust to it. However, always keep in mind that if you talk about these things that are bothering, you be able to face them, and grow in light of them." The two sat in silence for awhile in new found understanding, and in the spirit of fellowship.
"Clangeddin's Axe, it be 'appenin' a'gain," exclaimed Yeslick. Truly, another set of tears had begun to form.
Hearing the dwarf's excited cry the others came to investigate his claim. They watched in horror for what seemed like an eternity as the blood pooled into new tears. When the formation of the tears was complete the remaining blood dissipated into a cloud of foul blackish-green vapor above Vollintus's head and disappeared.
Yeslick examined Vollintus's eyes to see if there had been any change. "Deres a good sign," said the old dwarf. "Da lads r'gained 'is color E 'as, en' 'is breatins back as well. Were be Viccy? She be want'n ta know bout dis." Kivan threw up his hands, and grunted. "Don't ask. I'll go; it seems that's all I'm good for anymore." Before anyone could reply to the elf's grumblings he was heading out the door into the night.
"Well, we should probably be getting back now," said Keldorn.
"I agree," acknowledged Viconia. "These insects are starting make a meal out of me," she complained. As the two started to make their way back to the cabin Keldorn stumbled in the darkness. Viconia reached out, and took the old knight's arm to help guide him. "You are limping Keldorn, what ails you," she asked.
"Tis just a bump I received from some foolishness on my part yester eve," the old knight said through gritted teeth. Viconia stopped him. "You should have said something," she scolded. "To whom," he queried. "Yeslick was no where to be found, and up until an hour ago I do not believe we have ever been civil toward one another outside of combat." Viconia chuckled at his words, and said, "True enough wizened one, but here, let me see what can be done." Keldorn winced in pain as she probed his knee. "You are much like my Vollintus, wise in word yet failing in deed with regard to yourself. Keldorn you have nearly ruined you knee. Come let us get you back to the cabin where I can heal you."
Kivan could see reddened forms moving toward him in the night; they were approximately fifty yards out. One considerably smaller than the other, was supporting the larger and headed toward him. "Hail, there," he challenged! "Kivan, is that you," the drow called back? "Yes, what is wrong?"
"I seem to have made a mess of my knee friend. Some assistance would be very much appreciated," the knight replied. With Kivan's aid they managed to return to the cabin swiftly. Once inside Viconia instructed him to sit on the bench near the long table that dominated the cabin's western section. Keldorn grimaced as she helped removed his leggings.
"Viccy lass, I 'aven some news fer ye," Yeslick beamed when he saw the drow. Viconia looked to the dwarf with anticipation. "E's getten' better lass, E's breatin rigt, an' 'is eyes 'az cleared."
"Truly," she hopefully asked. Keldorn placed a hand upon her shoulder and with an understanding tone said, "Look to him Viconia. I shall have Yeslick tend to my knee."
Viconia examined him carefully. Indeed he appeared to be resting plainly now, the blood was gone, and his breathing was normal. Fearfully she lifted one of his eye lids. With relief she saw his color had returned, but he still looked so pale. She decided she would not leave his side this night, and began to disrobe. After Viconia finished undressing she climbed into the bed with Vollintus, and tightly pressed herself against him. "Feel me my love, and return. Know that I long for you, and.. that I need you here.., for you are my alur kitrye," she whispered to him. Viconia softly kissed his cheek, and soon after she drifted into the first peaceful state of sleep she had known in weeks.
************************************************************************ Author's note: To those who are unfamiliar with requirements for followers of Torm. After the Time-of-Troubles Torm demanded that his followers make restitution for their persecution of other good religions. This is to be done through The Penance of Duty. I will not describe in detail what that is. However, I will list the debts Torm told his people they must repay: Persecution, Dereliction, and Destruction. This accounts for much of the behavior Keldorn displays in the first few chapters, and in the one which follows.
Author's note: alur kitrye= better half