Chapter 34
Ramellean and Danir stood in a loving embrace that seemed long overdue. Tal and Milla watched the couple exchanging longing glances and small but affectionate drenched kisses and warm hugs that would melt the coldest of ice. Milla felt a pang of embarrassment as she caught herself staring at the couple openly show their love. Milla had known that her ancestor was one of the greatest warriors in Icecarl history but what she was shocked to find was that Danir had a love in her life and it wasn't just the thrill of the hunt either. Before the War Chief stood her great ancestor of her line, happy and giddy just being around her love, Emperor Ramellean. This was all too much for Milla. . .but then again deep down there was never really any true shock. Being of Danir's line, Milla could feel the passion held within Danir. She could feel it all her life. The driving sensation to find something that proved that there was more to life than survival on the ice. Milla could feel the sensation now. It was a blip of emotion that circulated through her veins. She had always thought it to be a distraction but only just discovered that it was that emotion that created the drive for her to become the best. Milla could feel the drive to do her best even now.
"I guess blood is thicker than water no matter how dilute it becomes," Milla thought as she leaned slightly on Tal's chest, resting her aching head.
"Yes that is true. My blood runs strong especially in you Milla," a voice said in Milla's head causing Milla to stiffen but not panic.
Slowly, Milla turned her head look around at the Crones because only they could have done such a feat of magic but then Milla listened to the voice again and what it had said and her eyes drifted to Danir who was looking directly at Milla with a knowing smile on her face. Milla raised an eyebrow at Danir in question and then she heard the voice in her head again, it rang sweet like a chime but resonated as deep as a large bell.
"Yes Milla, it is I Danir. I can read your thoughts so there is no need for you to hide anything from me. You can also read my thoughts too but that takes skill to learn and a lot of time which you apparently don't have," Danir said still smiling sweetly at Milla even though a word was not spoken.
"Really? I have to learn how. I would very much like to ancestor," Milla replied mentally quickly adapting to the new way o communication.
"You will child you will, but not any time soon. We must proceed with the Trials as I have learned that there is a new threat on the people which you must deal with," Danir said softly.
"I wish we had more time I would have liked to spend time with my greatest ancestor," Milla thought back in reply.
"Sadly this can never be but someday when you reach my plane we can spend all the time we want together but until then we must prepare you for your trial," Danir said a little sadly.
Milla nodded in answer and didn't realise that Tal had been watching her with a puzzled look in his eyes. Milla quickly explained in a short whisper.
"I can talk to Danir with my mind," Milla whispered.
"Really? How?" Tal asked in an excited whisper.
"Dear Tal I thought you would have found that out by now," Danir said in his mind.
Tal's eyes widened slightly in surprise but didn't react any further.
"This is really something," Tal thought, trying out the new communication method.
"It is boy but sadly this is not the time to play around with it," said another voice in Tal's mind.
This time it was Ramellean's and judging from Milla's stare towards him Tal guessed that she could hear him also.
"Come children we have much to do and little time to do it in," Danir said and moved to address the crowd "My daughters it is time for the trials to commence please leave this place," she commanded politely.
Everyone obliged quickly and left immediately on the platform rising quickly and disappearing over the canopy of the tall trees. Tal watched as they left in awe as he was the only one who had not paid attention during the trip to this secluded place. When Milla realised that Tal was still watching she nudged him lightly and drew him nearer to her. Tal snapped out of the trance and concentrated on the task at hand, the Trials.
"What do we have to do first?" Milla asked when she knew Tal had focused.
"We will each take one of you and lead you through the caves. In the caves are a series of tests. The aim of the Trials is to prove to the trail takers what they seek is really what they want," Ramellean said sharing with a knowing smile with Danir.
"What can we expect?" Tal asked businesslike.
"Anything and everything that is needed to help you decide," Danir said shifting her gaze from one to the other analysing the pair.
"Well knowing the Icearls as I do the trials would probably be some sort of combat or physical test," Tal said without thinking.
Milla slapped him lightly and gave him a scornful look.
"There are more to Icecarls than you think. We are not warmongers," Milla said a little upset at Tal.
"I know. When I met you I knew there was more to Icecarls. The time I have spent with your people has opened up my eyes. I didn't mean to offend but I only reasoned that the Trials were made long ago in. . .well. . .there times," Tal said gesturing to the glowing spirits "I just thought that they would be more demanding than Chosen tests," Tal said explaining his logic.
Milla shrugged and held Tal's hand, squeezing it to show him she understood but she stood a little apart from him to show that she wasn't totally happy with his little outburst.
"Let us commence," Ramellean said breaking the silence "Tal come with me please,"
"Milla with me," Danir said leading her over to the cave on the right.
Tal and Milla walked together to the front of the caves hands still locked.
"Tal you will go with me through your Trials," Ramellean announced solemnly.
"Milla I will guide you but the rest is up to you, brace yourself for the coming challenges," Danir advised.
Milla turned to Tal and held him close to her and felt his arms wrap round her tightly. The he let her go after a brief hug and spoke to her.
"Milla remember that I love you and your love for me is the only thing that will see you through the Trials, not let our love waver for one moment but if you do lose it just think I will be with you every step of the way," Tal said gracing her forehead with a kiss.
"I'll remember and I will also be with you every step of the way," Milla said hugging Tal tightly for the last time before letting a single tear escape her eye.
Tal pulled apart and noticed the tear and wiped it away with a thumb.
"Hey this isn't good bye, not yet anyway. I will meet you on the other side," Tal said kissing her cheek quickly.
Milla felt a wave of warmth envelop her as Tal kissed her and felt his reassuring love flow through her.
"Not if I get there first," Milla said as brightly as she could.
Tal flashed Milla a bright smile as he sensed their old rivalry flare up again.
"You're on," Tal said and finally parted to enter his side of the cave.
Ramellean winked at Danir before following after his charge into the cave.
"Milla it is time to go," Danir said and put a reassuring arm around Milla's shoulders in support and led her into the cave.
Milla walked into the dark cave cautiously moving her eyes from the ground to the walls to the non evident ceiling. She would be ready for anything. She had to be, for Tal and for herself. The narrow tunnel they were descending was made of ice that had no frost evident so the incandescent glow emitting from Danir reflected off the walls and lit the way for them. The light bounced of the walls with twinkling after effects that created an ancient beauty to the place but Milla tensed ready for action ignoring the lulling splendor of the cave.
"There's no need to lower my guard," Milla thought as she continued her
"Relax Milla, nothing should happen just yet," Danir said placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Milla slapped herself mentally; Danir could read her thoughts so it was no use hiding her anxiety.
"I trust you but I feel more comfortable when I'm on my guard," Milla said pointedly.
"Suit yourself but sooner or later you'll tire of doing it," Danir said boredly.
Milla noted her boredom and questioned it.
"Why would she be bored of being here?" Milla thought and slapped herself mentally once again as Danir answered.
"A legitimate question that has an obvious answer," Danir said and walked on down the tunnel that Milla could swear was the same tunnel they had past a few minutes ago.
Milla pondered Danir's reply silently as they walked through the narrow tunnel. Milla's ancestor, to Milla's annoyance, threw in random comments when reading Milla's thoughts.
"Maybe she knows because she has to know," Milla thought thinking up yet another idea that was read.
"Milla if I knew everything then that would truly make me a great ancestor," Danir said looking at the corridor walls to see her reflection.
Milla was now fed up with trying to think to herself as it was not possible anymore with Danir probing her mind all the time so Milla voiced her thoughts not caring if they were private or not.
"So the only other explanation would be that you also went through the Trials. Although I highly doubt that," Milla said finally feeling the relief to express herself without having to be mind read.
Milla awaited a witty comeback but when nothing came Milla found it odd but before Milla could speak Danir cut in.
"Why would you doubt the idea that I was here myself?" Danir said a little sadly stopping their stroll to caress a many faceted wall as if remembering something.
"The idea is absurd!" Milla blurted out "You are the ancestor of everyone in your line! You were the. . .are. . . the beginning of my line how could you have gone through something like the Trials," Milla said unsuppressing her emotions.
Silence greeted Milla's outburst then a long sigh escaped from Danir's lips.
"Milla, regardless of how high you think of me I'm still human...was human...I made mistakes then just as you did when you fought Sharakor. Believe me when I say I have been here. This place was in fact constructed for me to use by a few Crones I were on friendly terms with," Danir explained.
"No it can't be...the thought of the legend of history herself would succumb to such a thing is...is...absurd," Milla stuttered.
"Is it really so hard to believe?" Danir asked turning to face Milla squarely in the eyes "You yourself thought yourself unworthy to be War Chief when you were sitting in that ice forsaken chair! Remember?! Odris was bounded to you and you were going up the mountain of light to siege the castle..."
"How did you know that?! That is a private memory! I never permitted you to see that! Stop probing my mind," Milla said raising her voice.
"I never needed to probe your memories, I was there Milla," Danir said calmly trying to lower Milla's voice.
Clearly Milla was in shock about Danir's behaviour when she was still alive and it was expected really but Danir had to let Milla know otherwise they would be stuck in the trial's tunnel forever.
"Milla please calm down and listen to me. You know me. My blood runs through your veins. Do you think I would have been satisfied in my life if I had not found a love to call my own?" Danir coaxed softly.
Milla didn't answer the constant shocking revelations were getting to her and she was speechless.
"No Milla, I wouldn't have been satisfied," Danir said answering her own rhetorical question "Yes I found a love and he just happened to be of the Chosen. I think you know whom I speak of so I won't mention him but I will mention this, I have never regretted my decision," Danir said with a finality in her tone.
"Then why all this? Why the trials?" Milla asked as the questions bubbled up in her mind.
"Unfortunately I was like you...indecisive..." Danir said sadly and turning back to face the multi faceted walls before continuing.
"I was the first ever to do anything like what you are doing now. I was the first to choose a lover of the Chosen and that was more than sacrilege back then. Not many stood by me except for my remaining sisters and I was beyond afraid when I was threatened to be casted out." Danir said shedding a tear as a horrible memory surfaced.
"But you weren't cast out. Why? Why was no one ever told of this?" Milla asked now thinking logically.
"You are War Chief correct?"
Milla nodded.
"Then you know how damaging it can be when a leader that everyone looks up to is at fault. As legends we hold a mighty responsibility that haunts us even as we pass away. If you want proof then look at the way you just acted when I told you I was at fault,"
"Please spirit give me a direct answer," Milla pleaded, her mind was numb and was not registering any of what was being said.
"In short, I was not casted out but given a choice. I had to choose life as an Icecarl or life as a Chosen. I chose Ramellean but not before I was subjected to this torturous maze of harsh truths," Danir said ignoring Milla's plead.
Milla's mind was now beyond shocked and was finally starting to absorb information again.
"You just said you chose Ramellean, how are you still remembered as the warrior of the ice who shackled Sharakor?" Milla asked.
"I wasn't accepted as an Icecarl anymore but my sisters kept my name alive and gave everyone the impression that I was a legend, a pioneer...I was now that I think about it..." Danir said with a sad chuckle before turning to look at Milla firmly and continuing.
"But that is not what you should be asking me, you've missed my point," Danir said wiping tears from her eyes.
"What is it then?" Milla asked finally getting up back to speed.
"I said outside that I can only be your guide, the rest is up to you Milla," Danir said sternly.
"But what if I don't get the point of your sad tale?" Milla asked pointedly.
"Then we will be trapped in here forever until you do,"
Ramellean and Danir stood in a loving embrace that seemed long overdue. Tal and Milla watched the couple exchanging longing glances and small but affectionate drenched kisses and warm hugs that would melt the coldest of ice. Milla felt a pang of embarrassment as she caught herself staring at the couple openly show their love. Milla had known that her ancestor was one of the greatest warriors in Icecarl history but what she was shocked to find was that Danir had a love in her life and it wasn't just the thrill of the hunt either. Before the War Chief stood her great ancestor of her line, happy and giddy just being around her love, Emperor Ramellean. This was all too much for Milla. . .but then again deep down there was never really any true shock. Being of Danir's line, Milla could feel the passion held within Danir. She could feel it all her life. The driving sensation to find something that proved that there was more to life than survival on the ice. Milla could feel the sensation now. It was a blip of emotion that circulated through her veins. She had always thought it to be a distraction but only just discovered that it was that emotion that created the drive for her to become the best. Milla could feel the drive to do her best even now.
"I guess blood is thicker than water no matter how dilute it becomes," Milla thought as she leaned slightly on Tal's chest, resting her aching head.
"Yes that is true. My blood runs strong especially in you Milla," a voice said in Milla's head causing Milla to stiffen but not panic.
Slowly, Milla turned her head look around at the Crones because only they could have done such a feat of magic but then Milla listened to the voice again and what it had said and her eyes drifted to Danir who was looking directly at Milla with a knowing smile on her face. Milla raised an eyebrow at Danir in question and then she heard the voice in her head again, it rang sweet like a chime but resonated as deep as a large bell.
"Yes Milla, it is I Danir. I can read your thoughts so there is no need for you to hide anything from me. You can also read my thoughts too but that takes skill to learn and a lot of time which you apparently don't have," Danir said still smiling sweetly at Milla even though a word was not spoken.
"Really? I have to learn how. I would very much like to ancestor," Milla replied mentally quickly adapting to the new way o communication.
"You will child you will, but not any time soon. We must proceed with the Trials as I have learned that there is a new threat on the people which you must deal with," Danir said softly.
"I wish we had more time I would have liked to spend time with my greatest ancestor," Milla thought back in reply.
"Sadly this can never be but someday when you reach my plane we can spend all the time we want together but until then we must prepare you for your trial," Danir said a little sadly.
Milla nodded in answer and didn't realise that Tal had been watching her with a puzzled look in his eyes. Milla quickly explained in a short whisper.
"I can talk to Danir with my mind," Milla whispered.
"Really? How?" Tal asked in an excited whisper.
"Dear Tal I thought you would have found that out by now," Danir said in his mind.
Tal's eyes widened slightly in surprise but didn't react any further.
"This is really something," Tal thought, trying out the new communication method.
"It is boy but sadly this is not the time to play around with it," said another voice in Tal's mind.
This time it was Ramellean's and judging from Milla's stare towards him Tal guessed that she could hear him also.
"Come children we have much to do and little time to do it in," Danir said and moved to address the crowd "My daughters it is time for the trials to commence please leave this place," she commanded politely.
Everyone obliged quickly and left immediately on the platform rising quickly and disappearing over the canopy of the tall trees. Tal watched as they left in awe as he was the only one who had not paid attention during the trip to this secluded place. When Milla realised that Tal was still watching she nudged him lightly and drew him nearer to her. Tal snapped out of the trance and concentrated on the task at hand, the Trials.
"What do we have to do first?" Milla asked when she knew Tal had focused.
"We will each take one of you and lead you through the caves. In the caves are a series of tests. The aim of the Trials is to prove to the trail takers what they seek is really what they want," Ramellean said sharing with a knowing smile with Danir.
"What can we expect?" Tal asked businesslike.
"Anything and everything that is needed to help you decide," Danir said shifting her gaze from one to the other analysing the pair.
"Well knowing the Icearls as I do the trials would probably be some sort of combat or physical test," Tal said without thinking.
Milla slapped him lightly and gave him a scornful look.
"There are more to Icecarls than you think. We are not warmongers," Milla said a little upset at Tal.
"I know. When I met you I knew there was more to Icecarls. The time I have spent with your people has opened up my eyes. I didn't mean to offend but I only reasoned that the Trials were made long ago in. . .well. . .there times," Tal said gesturing to the glowing spirits "I just thought that they would be more demanding than Chosen tests," Tal said explaining his logic.
Milla shrugged and held Tal's hand, squeezing it to show him she understood but she stood a little apart from him to show that she wasn't totally happy with his little outburst.
"Let us commence," Ramellean said breaking the silence "Tal come with me please,"
"Milla with me," Danir said leading her over to the cave on the right.
Tal and Milla walked together to the front of the caves hands still locked.
"Tal you will go with me through your Trials," Ramellean announced solemnly.
"Milla I will guide you but the rest is up to you, brace yourself for the coming challenges," Danir advised.
Milla turned to Tal and held him close to her and felt his arms wrap round her tightly. The he let her go after a brief hug and spoke to her.
"Milla remember that I love you and your love for me is the only thing that will see you through the Trials, not let our love waver for one moment but if you do lose it just think I will be with you every step of the way," Tal said gracing her forehead with a kiss.
"I'll remember and I will also be with you every step of the way," Milla said hugging Tal tightly for the last time before letting a single tear escape her eye.
Tal pulled apart and noticed the tear and wiped it away with a thumb.
"Hey this isn't good bye, not yet anyway. I will meet you on the other side," Tal said kissing her cheek quickly.
Milla felt a wave of warmth envelop her as Tal kissed her and felt his reassuring love flow through her.
"Not if I get there first," Milla said as brightly as she could.
Tal flashed Milla a bright smile as he sensed their old rivalry flare up again.
"You're on," Tal said and finally parted to enter his side of the cave.
Ramellean winked at Danir before following after his charge into the cave.
"Milla it is time to go," Danir said and put a reassuring arm around Milla's shoulders in support and led her into the cave.
Milla walked into the dark cave cautiously moving her eyes from the ground to the walls to the non evident ceiling. She would be ready for anything. She had to be, for Tal and for herself. The narrow tunnel they were descending was made of ice that had no frost evident so the incandescent glow emitting from Danir reflected off the walls and lit the way for them. The light bounced of the walls with twinkling after effects that created an ancient beauty to the place but Milla tensed ready for action ignoring the lulling splendor of the cave.
"There's no need to lower my guard," Milla thought as she continued her
"Relax Milla, nothing should happen just yet," Danir said placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
Milla slapped herself mentally; Danir could read her thoughts so it was no use hiding her anxiety.
"I trust you but I feel more comfortable when I'm on my guard," Milla said pointedly.
"Suit yourself but sooner or later you'll tire of doing it," Danir said boredly.
Milla noted her boredom and questioned it.
"Why would she be bored of being here?" Milla thought and slapped herself mentally once again as Danir answered.
"A legitimate question that has an obvious answer," Danir said and walked on down the tunnel that Milla could swear was the same tunnel they had past a few minutes ago.
Milla pondered Danir's reply silently as they walked through the narrow tunnel. Milla's ancestor, to Milla's annoyance, threw in random comments when reading Milla's thoughts.
"Maybe she knows because she has to know," Milla thought thinking up yet another idea that was read.
"Milla if I knew everything then that would truly make me a great ancestor," Danir said looking at the corridor walls to see her reflection.
Milla was now fed up with trying to think to herself as it was not possible anymore with Danir probing her mind all the time so Milla voiced her thoughts not caring if they were private or not.
"So the only other explanation would be that you also went through the Trials. Although I highly doubt that," Milla said finally feeling the relief to express herself without having to be mind read.
Milla awaited a witty comeback but when nothing came Milla found it odd but before Milla could speak Danir cut in.
"Why would you doubt the idea that I was here myself?" Danir said a little sadly stopping their stroll to caress a many faceted wall as if remembering something.
"The idea is absurd!" Milla blurted out "You are the ancestor of everyone in your line! You were the. . .are. . . the beginning of my line how could you have gone through something like the Trials," Milla said unsuppressing her emotions.
Silence greeted Milla's outburst then a long sigh escaped from Danir's lips.
"Milla, regardless of how high you think of me I'm still human...was human...I made mistakes then just as you did when you fought Sharakor. Believe me when I say I have been here. This place was in fact constructed for me to use by a few Crones I were on friendly terms with," Danir explained.
"No it can't be...the thought of the legend of history herself would succumb to such a thing is...is...absurd," Milla stuttered.
"Is it really so hard to believe?" Danir asked turning to face Milla squarely in the eyes "You yourself thought yourself unworthy to be War Chief when you were sitting in that ice forsaken chair! Remember?! Odris was bounded to you and you were going up the mountain of light to siege the castle..."
"How did you know that?! That is a private memory! I never permitted you to see that! Stop probing my mind," Milla said raising her voice.
"I never needed to probe your memories, I was there Milla," Danir said calmly trying to lower Milla's voice.
Clearly Milla was in shock about Danir's behaviour when she was still alive and it was expected really but Danir had to let Milla know otherwise they would be stuck in the trial's tunnel forever.
"Milla please calm down and listen to me. You know me. My blood runs through your veins. Do you think I would have been satisfied in my life if I had not found a love to call my own?" Danir coaxed softly.
Milla didn't answer the constant shocking revelations were getting to her and she was speechless.
"No Milla, I wouldn't have been satisfied," Danir said answering her own rhetorical question "Yes I found a love and he just happened to be of the Chosen. I think you know whom I speak of so I won't mention him but I will mention this, I have never regretted my decision," Danir said with a finality in her tone.
"Then why all this? Why the trials?" Milla asked as the questions bubbled up in her mind.
"Unfortunately I was like you...indecisive..." Danir said sadly and turning back to face the multi faceted walls before continuing.
"I was the first ever to do anything like what you are doing now. I was the first to choose a lover of the Chosen and that was more than sacrilege back then. Not many stood by me except for my remaining sisters and I was beyond afraid when I was threatened to be casted out." Danir said shedding a tear as a horrible memory surfaced.
"But you weren't cast out. Why? Why was no one ever told of this?" Milla asked now thinking logically.
"You are War Chief correct?"
Milla nodded.
"Then you know how damaging it can be when a leader that everyone looks up to is at fault. As legends we hold a mighty responsibility that haunts us even as we pass away. If you want proof then look at the way you just acted when I told you I was at fault,"
"Please spirit give me a direct answer," Milla pleaded, her mind was numb and was not registering any of what was being said.
"In short, I was not casted out but given a choice. I had to choose life as an Icecarl or life as a Chosen. I chose Ramellean but not before I was subjected to this torturous maze of harsh truths," Danir said ignoring Milla's plead.
Milla's mind was now beyond shocked and was finally starting to absorb information again.
"You just said you chose Ramellean, how are you still remembered as the warrior of the ice who shackled Sharakor?" Milla asked.
"I wasn't accepted as an Icecarl anymore but my sisters kept my name alive and gave everyone the impression that I was a legend, a pioneer...I was now that I think about it..." Danir said with a sad chuckle before turning to look at Milla firmly and continuing.
"But that is not what you should be asking me, you've missed my point," Danir said wiping tears from her eyes.
"What is it then?" Milla asked finally getting up back to speed.
"I said outside that I can only be your guide, the rest is up to you Milla," Danir said sternly.
"But what if I don't get the point of your sad tale?" Milla asked pointedly.
"Then we will be trapped in here forever until you do,"