Chapter 2: Another visits.

I made my way back towards Rigbat-Ûr. I thought about the meeting that I had with the elven queen. Both the queen and her dragon had been very kind to me. Most of that was expected, for she was an elf and he a dragon, but the truth of their words had struck me. The way they talked to me felt so comfortable, as if I was one of their friends; though we had not met before. It made me feel accepted in a lot of ways. They had reacted surprised when I brought up my magic use, which I had expected, but then they accepted it, and that felt very good. Normally people would scold at that, but not them. For they knew magic had bonded them together, and nothing else would have done the same. I was so lost in thought, I lost the way. I had taken a different direction, and was now on my way towards the river, instead of the village. I could reach the village no problem, but then I had to climb the stone cliffs next to the river, which could be a bit dangerous. I did not worry about that, for I had done that a few times before. I came closer to the cliffs, and then I stopped. I saw a great deer lying next to the cliffs.

It was dead, and something had eaten from it. Not a humanoid being, at least. A Fanghur? It sure looked like it, but there were not many Fanghurs in this region. Then I heard a roar. Such a roar, could it be a dragon? No, Fírnen and Nazada were too far away to hear. It had to be something else. What could it be? Then in the corner of my eye, I saw a red dragon gliding towards were I stood. A red dragon, that had to be Thorn, and with him Murtagh. I put up my barriers, and waited. Almost instantly two minds touched mine. Finding my barriers, they broke not through them, but retreated. Instead, Murtagh called to me: 'What is your name, Kull, and what are you doing here?'

'My name is Utumros, and why are both of you here, Murtagh and Thorn? Here for the Choosing Ceremony? Why are you not with the official convoy?'

Surprised that I knew their names, they landed first, and Thorn answered: 'We are on our own, Utumros, not aligned with anyone but ourselves. That's why we came alone. But tell me more. Who are you?'

'I am the nephew of Nar Garhzvog. I am on my way towards my village, Rigbat-Ûr, where the Choosing Ceremony will be held. Have you come for it?'

'That is why we are here, Kull. How do you have such a powerful shielding? It is uncommon for anyone but the elves and Riders.'

'That is because I am one of the few rams who can use magic in my tribe. I have learned it from the elves.'

Murtagh dismounted and came to me. His red sword, Zar'roc, was at his side. He wore steel armour, battered because of his journeys, and leather boots, which were in bad shape. 'So, you have learned from the elves. How is that?' I was surprised he asked me that, for his voice was harsh and his mind seemed to be filled with hardships alone. 'Come, sit and eat. I have food with me. I see that your mind is suffering, and I don't want that to determine your life. I have suffered too much to let anyone have the same feelings and not talk about it. What is it that has happened? Me and Thorn are the only ones around here, and if you want you can tell it with your mind only. But explain, tell about it. That is the best way to relieve your burden.' I went silent for a moment. His intentions seemed to be true, but how could I know? The moment I talked, he could enter my mind without opposition. 'Why do you say that? Why should I tell you anything about my past? We don't even know each other yet. How can I tell you anything if I don't know if you will not tell it to anyone else?' He was taken aback a moment, and then he answered: 'I swear I will keep this between us. The same goes for Thorn.'

'Can you repeat that in the ancient language?'

'I will: Eka thorta du ilumëo! Atra nosu waíse fricai. Atra nosu waíse vardo fra eld hórnya. Do you want to start now?'

'I will.'

The ancient language:

Eka thorta du ilumëo! : I speak the truth!

Atra nosu waíse fricai. : Let us be friends.

Atra nosu waíse vardo fra eld hórnya. : May we be warded from listeners.

These translations come from .com.