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A Legend's Journey

Chapter 28

Jabari dressed in his customary dark clothing, his graying hair neatly combed straight back from his face. Hard, dark eyes stared out from beneath heavy dark brows that nearly met over his thin nose. Everything about him was dark, including his mood.

He wished he was anywhere except where he was! He had spent these last months establishing himself in the town of Maynon, many days journey from here, as an imminent scholar and had been successful. He enjoyed a lofty position in the eyes of the townspeople and he liked the deference shown to him.

Now he felt threatened. And by a woman yet. There was no way he could avoid attending these meetings between the Elders and scholars of Spira and Lady D'Auron. His non-attendance would be noted in Maynon and he needed to maintain a front, lest he lose status. Status was extraordinarily important to Jabari.

Play it cool, gather information, then plan any moves he felt necessary to keep his position and carefully crafted reputation intact. Jabari's lips curled into a thin snarl. Why didn't that man just die as he had expected? People don't survive injuries such as those he had.

He would have to be very careful and keep himself in the background as much as possible. He would be very, very careful! He and shadows would be as one for this week.

Auron's eyes opened as the first rays of light touched the sky. Raine's hair seemed to always to be in his face; a hint of a smile touched the corner of his mouth.

If it took all the heartache and misery of his lifetime to reach this point, it was all worth it. She was his first thought in the morning and his last thought when he closed his eyes at night. And he slept peacefully without the nightmares that had haunted him throughout his lifetime.

That deep, aching void in his inner being was gone, filled now with the happiness he had with her. He had a home and he had the love of his life; he felt fulfilled, happy and content.

He never thought that those words would be used to describe him! People who knew him from his former life would not believe it without seeing it for themselves. That corner of his lip twitched again.

The sky had lightened noticeably as he had enjoyed his waking thoughts. Today was the day. The first day of the meetings with the imminent scholars, Elders, Healers and leaders of Spira.

He looked at Raine, still asleep beside him. Dark lashes lay against her cheeks, soft hair all over the place, her head on his shoulder, nestled between his side and the arm holding her, her hand resting on his chest, sleeping peacefully. He hated to wake her.

His thoughts darkened as they turned to the coming events of the day. Most of those attending were honorable men simply seeking knowledge. But he knew that there were those who wanted nothing more than to gain attention for themselves, to use the occasion to attempt to further their own ambitions. Ambition and greed would never die. He sighed.

Well, he hoped that his presence would be effective in deflecting some of it. At times there were advantages to being The Legendary Warrior & Guardian of Spira. He snorted at himself and briefly wondered again who had come up with that ridiculous designation he was stuck with! However, it would be a full uniform today. Down to the last very last attachment, tassel, buckle, bracer, medallion and accoutrement! He grinned in spite of himself.

Raine stirred a little. He loved watching her wake up. A long stretch, a deep breath, dark blue eyes opened and always immediately sought his. A sleepy smile. A good morning kiss. Her warm soft body against his. Her stretching reach for his neck, stubbly face and hair brought more of her body in contact with his own. Some mornings they had breakfast later than others, much later.

But requirements of the day forbade any dalliances this morning. Sighing, he left her warm embrace and reached for his red and gold robe. No workout this morning so he got his shower and shave, dressed and went to the kitchen.

Resting against Auron's pillow while he had his shower, Raine inhaled the wonderful Auron smell still on his pillow. So uniquely him. She smiled. Then the smile faded as she had her own thoughts on the meetings that day. She felt a small knot of nervousness in her stomach. She just hoped she was able to give them the information they wanted. She decided that if they weren't satisfied with her responses they would just have to deal with it; she would do her best.

Hearing Auron's boots head in the direction of the kitchen, she located her robe and got out of their warm bed. She changed the linens, tidied the room which mainly consisted of picking up their discarded sleeping garments from the floor and putting them in their wardrobes, collected her clothing and went to get her own shower.

The dress she had chosen for today was the color of the softest butter yellow that covered her well at the top, but left her arms bare. The skirt was full and flowing and fell all the way to the floor.

She selected a shimmering gold band to wear around her midriff and waist. She liked the effect that she saw in the mirror Shandin had given her. Her hair, shining and lustrous, contrasted well with the pale yellow and soft gold.

She went to the kitchen. Auron was sitting at the table, cup of coffee before him, staring out the window, absently rubbing his temple as he thought. Her movement in the entrance broke his reverie and he froze for a moment as his eyes took in the sight of her.

"You take my breath away, you know that?" as he stood, holding out his arms.

"No, but I love to hear it," she said, smiling in his embrace.

Then more seriously she asked, "Do you think this is appropriate for today, Auron? I'm just not yet familiar enough with all the customs to know what is appropriate or expected in some situations. And I've sure never been in this one!"

The softest of smiles touched Auron's lips. "You chose well and properly. You have nothing to concern yourself with on that account."

She was a bit shy as she responded, "I never want to cause you any embarrassment or discomfort in public, Auron. I want to represent you well. Your name is known by all, your place in the world is set forever! I'm really still learning and I don't want my mistakes to reflect badly on you."

Her eyes dropped a moment, then she looked up at him with genuine concern in her eyes. "I want you to be able to be proud of me and for you to have no regrets about having me as your wife."

Auron dropped his head for a few seconds. Cupping her chin in one big hand, he looked intently into those beautiful dark blue eyes he loved.

"Raine, never, never have any concerns about me not being proud of you! You have no idea how truly pleased, how happy, how proud, how honored I am that you are my wife and it grows with every passing day. If I started this very minute, I could never tell you before the end of time."

There was a short, reflective pause before he continued, "In all my life, I had never known happiness. Never! There was a yawning, gaping, empty hole inside me that you have filled with your love. No one else could do that - only you."

So softly, almost whispering, "I love you with every fiber of my being, my precious wife. I will even with my last breath."

He kissed her so tenderly, but with such intensity, that they both were shaken.

Raine looked into his dark eyes, "I never knew it was possible for one person to love another so completely and overwhelmingly as I do you, Auron."

They stood in their embrace for long minutes.

Finally, Auron loosened his hold on her. "We should eat. Time grows short."

Raine took a deep breath. "Yes. Though I'm not sure my stomach would welcome food this morning. I seem to have some butterflies."

Auron's big hand caressed her face. "You will do well, as you always do. Answer as you would to Jaho. These are just people, after all. They may be scholars and Elders but remember that it was they who requested audience with you ! You know things, many things, they've never even thought of!"

She smiled at him. "Thank you, Auron. I could never do this without you!"

"Yes, you could. I'm just here to remind you of it!" he smiled at her. "Here, why don't you sit while I fix a little something. I'm hungry. Do you want anything?"

"Do you have one of those little potions that will calm my stomach? I'm really not feeling well."

Auron searched through the potions he kept on hand and selected one, handing it to her. He was concerned at her nervousness but knew she would do very well when the time came. Her life had been one of mostly isolation and seclusion; the prospect of speaking before a large group would be intimidating. She gratefully accepted the small vial and drank the contents. It helped almost immediately and she smiled. "Thank you."

He quickly prepared and ate a small breakfast and put the kitchen in order.

He went to the bedroom and finished putting the last touches on his Warrior's uniform and returned to the kitchen.

"Are you ready, my love?" he asked. Raine had seemed to be lost in her thoughts. Auron recognized the look on her face - she had been thinking of her homeland.

She turned. "Yes." Looking at him, she smiled, "You are the most handsome man who has ever walked the earth."

He started to say something, but she interrupted him with a soft finger on his lips. "Don't argue with your wife!" she said softly and kissed him.

He helped her with her cloak, then he took a moment to don his scarlet coat and made sure that every buckle, every attachment, every adornment was just right.

Then he lifted his massive sword from the wall and sheathed it at his side. He debated about adjusting the sheathing to carry it on his back as he usually did, but decided that in this instance, he wanted it where he could rest his right hand on the hilt at his hip. The stance while standing for long times was more comfortable that way.

Raine silently watched as every detail of the uniform was carefully checked and adjusted. She knew that he was doing this for her, not himself. Those in attendance today would be speaking with her, but there would be no doubt in anyone's mind who was there watching over her. His appearance and powerful aura were truly magnificent, almost beyond description.

Finally satisfied, he gave her a long look, kissed her gently and escorted her out into the square.

The square was alive with activity. Visitors from all parts of Spira were present for these unprecedented meetings. The vendors were all smiles as many extra purchases were made by the strangers, small groups stood here and there talking, gesturing. Others were wandering around, just looking, while waiting for the meetings to begin.

As the couple paused a moment taking in the scene around them, a multitude of eyes fell on them and many breaths were sharply drawn.

The Guardian in his full magnificent uniform, standing with his straight military bearing at his full towering height of well above six feet, one hand at his hip near the hilt of a blade of impossible size, the other at the back of the lovely woman beside him.

Dressed in a soft yellow gown, gold band, and beautiful blue cloak edged in the same scarlet as his coat, her dark hair catching the sun's light as if it was touched with gold dust, she appeared as soft and gentle as he was fierce and intimidating.

Marin was waiting near the outer door. "Good morning!" he greeted them.

He got a "Good morning, Marin!" and a warm smile from Raine and a nod from Sir Auron. Marin knew that The Guardian was in his public persona and he would never have expected anything more. Sir Auron looked at him with one eyebrow raised.

Marin responded, "Everything looks good. My men are maintaining a high-profile presence. No problems reported. Seth is supervising the men on duty in the outer area and I'll be inside with you along with a contingent of twenty of my men."

Auron nodded. He knew that Kimahri and Alsa would be close at hand, as well. He didn't think there would be any problems but he would never be unprepared or let his guard be caught down again. Especially when Raine was involved!

They turned toward the entrance to Theron's building, being greeted by dignitaries as they passed. Auron responded only with a slight nod of his head. Inside, a raised platform stage had been placed at an angle near the corner to the right of the entrance. Two chairs had been placed upon it.

In front of the platform, benches and chairs were fanned out in many rows to accommodate the guests. Auron didn't know there were that many spare chairs and benches in the entire town!

As they entered the building, they were greeted by Mayor Cardin who seemed genuinely pleased to see them. The place was rapidly filling; Auron was somewhat surprised at the number of people present. There were easily three hundred people already in their seats. There were not that many accommodations in the town; he briefly wondered where they all slept!

Jaho appeared before them and explained that he had rigged an amplifier system that would enable Lady Raine to speak in a normal voice but it would easily be heard throughout the building.

Raine was relieved; her voice was naturally low and soft and she had been concerned that people may not be able to hear her well. Leave it to the Al Bhed! Jaho received a dazzling smile for his thoughtfulness and he beamed in pleasure.

Her eyes met Auron's and smiled. Behind the high collar and glasses, she knew her smile was returned. The fingers of the hand lightly resting at the back of her waist moved in a reassuring caress.

The remaining seats quickly filled, Mayor Cardin escorted them to the platform and indicated comfortable chair placed there for Lady Raine and another for Sir Auron. Raine removed her cloak and sat as Auron stood beside her for a moment, silently facing the assembly.

Everyone knew of Sir Auron, knew the stories of his feats and adventures, the battles he had fought, of his great courage and abilities as a Warrior and Guardian, even of the last battle he had fought near Cortland and of his near-death, but not that many had actually seen him or been in the presence of the revered Legend himself.

His imposing height on the platform, the splendor of the full Warrior's uniform, his upright military bearing, his size and obvious strength and the aura that surrounded him stilled every tongue, every movement in the building ceased.

Every eye on him instantly accepted, without question, every story ever heard as factual truth by the very sight of him. His aura was actually felt! There was no doubt in any mind that he was more than capable of accomplishing all of those feats and more. His being radiated power, authority and strength. Gasps were actually audible here and there. They were thoroughly awed. They were in the presence of The Legendary Warrior and Guardian of Spira.

After a moment, he moved to take up station on the far right side of the platform, somewhat in the shadows, yet in full sight but not close enough to detract attention from Raine. He had made his point to anyone who may have needed it.

Raine's eyes swept over the people before her and around the huge building. Many of Marin's men seemed to be present. And there. In that dark area out of the way but not too far away, she detected a large presence.

She glanced at Auron to her right. His head barely moved in a nod, indicating that he too saw. Kimahri would never be very far away. As long as he had breath he would be there.

Mayor Cardin was speaking, making welcoming remarks but Raine wasn't really listening. She was gauging her audience. Most eyes were taking in her appearance with open, frank curiosity. Some looked skeptical, some looked interested, some looked unreadable.

Mayor Cardin finally finished his remarks and said, "Distinguished guests, I am privileged to introduce to you Lady Raine D'Auron of this town." Polite applause followed while the Mayor handed the make-shift microphone to her and left the platform.

Raine took one brief moment for a deep breath, then rose. A stray beam of sunlight found her as she stood center of the platform alone, a soft gown of pale yellow, a band of glimmering gold, the sun dancing on the dark hair cascading down her shoulders. As Auron looked at her standing there, he thought, 'I want to remember that as long as I live!'

She began to speak and her quiet, low voice filled the building, giving no indication of her early nervousness. She sounded composed, calm and in complete control of herself.

"Thank you for your invitation to be here. I know you are aware of my unexpected arrival in this place. The people who live here have taken me into their community and have helped me establish a life here. I am deeply indebted to them. Hopefully any information I can give to you that will be of any benefit someday will help repay that debt."

"You should be aware of my background. In my own time, I was an ordinary citizen, living with my mother who was in poor health. I was educated in the public schools of the time. Most of my years were spent caring for my mother, as my father had died when I was very young. I spent much time reading on many subjects that interested me. It was the year 2009 when I – was transported. I'm not an expert on anything, but I will do my best to answer your questions from what I know.

"I should also say that most of my responses will be from the standpoint of a citizen of the nation in which I lived. There were many, many nations that made tremendous contributions to society and were most important in the world. I take nothing from them, but my references will be from that which I know." She paused another moment then said, "I will take your questions now."

The thought flicked through Auron's mind, 'She has the internal fortitude of a Warrior!' She may be quaking inside, but nothing but complete control was visible on the outside. The truth of that realization surprised him for a moment and his respect for her climbed even higher. Her inner strength amazed him!

And as she returned to her seat, Auron thought with a twitch of his hidden lips, 'And if that voice doesn't charm them, nothing will!'

The questions began - the systems of government, the monetary systems, the banking systems, the transportation systems, the school systems, industry – and she answered.

Thinking of the needs of Spira, she described the beginnings of the postal system, even the old Pony Express rider system that carried mail quickly from one point to another. Thinking of the Pony Express reminded her of the old stagecoaches which she also described. Anything she could think of that could be quickly put into place to help advance Spira, she mentioned and described.

Her explanations were clear and concise, well informed. When there was something she didn't know, she said so. Auron found his own interest captured by her responses. He knew she was well informed, but he found himself truly impressed at how very much she knew. She put the scholars of today to shame!

Everyone seemed thoroughly engrossed in the information flowing from her mind and seemed to be impressed with the wide range of her knowledge. Many scribes in attendance were taking down every word she spoke which would be taken back the cities and towns throughout Spira. Many heads thoughtfully nodded as she spoke.

Hands were respectfully raised when additional questions came to mind during a discourse, leaving Raine the option of choosing exactly when to interrupt herself and acknowledge the questioner.

At one time the question was raised about the horrific wars which, in essence, ended the known world. Raine paused a moment, eyes downcast, as she considered her response.

"Obviously, it happened at some point after I arrived here. There were several rogue nations that had nuclear capability, nations whose leaders were mad men, fanatics. Even while I was still there, some of those leaders had made threats to use those weapons. It was a very tense time in the world. Diplomacy was useless in so many cases. I have to think that it started with one of them, other nations responding in defending themselves. I can only guess. I wish I had a better answer for you but at this point there is no way to know exactly. It is almost unthinkable that anyone with even a shred of sanity would start such a war. It meant certain death for billions of people."

A thoughtful silence hung over the assembly as they considered her answer. Then came yet another question.

Many hours had passed and the day was far spent. Auron sensed Raine's growing fatigue. Finally, when she had completed answering a question, he stepped forward before another question could be asked.

The participants had all but forgotten his silent, unmoving presence in the shadows as their attention had been so focused on Lady Raine. His movement onto the platform stilled every tongue.

A nod to Mayor Cardin brought the Mayor to the platform. Auron took the microphone from his wife's hand and handed it to him. "That is enough for today. We will return in the morning."

They watched silently as he gently placed a blue cloak over his wife's shoulders and ushered her out of the building, escorted by a young man wearing the uniform of the town's impressive Security Forces.

A lingering silence filled the building for several moments after they left. Then, as if the assembly took a collective deep breath, they began stirring, murmuring to each other on the information Lady D'Auron had given them, about actually seeing The Guardian for themselves. Soon the whole place was abuzz with conversations.

Outside in the late afternoon sun, Raine looked up at her husband gratefully as he escorted her toward the villa compound. Marin excused himself to attend to several things that required his attention.

Once inside their home, her cloak removed, Raine moved into his arms and he just held her for long, long moments. She looked up into his eyes and said softly, "You give me strength. When you hold me, it's as if your strength flows into me."

He held her, thinking about her words. He knew that holding her made him feel stronger. Maybe their spirits were so intermingled that they completed each other. He knew that he had felt her strength flow into him while he had been in the coma for so long. Somewhere deep in his soul he had been aware of her presence, of her touching him, singing to him, being there.

They ate a little food, discussing the day's events, until Marin returned for their daily sword workout with Sir Auron.

After a short but good workout, Auron stopped them for the evening. He knew that both Raine and Marin were tired and fatigue makes for mistakes. Calling it an early night, Raine got her shower and was asleep early.

The days of the meetings passed quickly and suddenly they had reached the final day. Raine felt almost drained by the non-stop stream of questions directed to her. Shortly after the questioning began this last day, one man stood and Raine nodded at him.

"Lady D'Auron, some of us have noticed that when some of the questions have overlapped, that many of your answers do not seem to match with previous answers given. Can you explain?"

Raine thought for a moment. Then she answered.

"Sir, I have been asked questions non-stop for a week. I have answered each question to the very best of my ability. I see many scribes here taking down every question and answer. I believe that if the questions and answers were compared, there would be no conflict in any answer."

She continued, "I told you in the beginning that I am an expert on nothing, simply an ordinary citizen of my time. I answered every query the best I could. There are many things I know existed but I do not know exactly how they worked. I see the beautiful Al Bhed airship flying in the sky here and I know that it does fly because I can see it. But I don't know how they make it fly."

Another man stood and she nodded to him. "Lady Raine, we are very aware of the incredible volume of information you have given to us and we deeply appreciate it! I personally have noticed no conflict in any answer you've given." He paused a moment, and, with a small shrug and a grin, he said, "I don't know how they make the airships fly, either!"

His colleagues chuckled at his comment, agreeing with him.

As the day passed, the sunlight traveled from one side of the building to the other. As Raine continued to answer questions, her attention was caught by one thin dark man who had previously been seated in the deep shadows, but who was now spotlighted by a ray of sun.

Raine never missed a beat in the answer she was giving but her eyes never left the dark man. Auron followed her eyes, wondering about her visual focus on this man. He didn't recognize him and the man had drawn no attention to himself. He watched intently, his senses on full alert.

As Raine talked, she walked to the edge of the platform and stepped down, slowly but steadily making her way toward the mysterious man, her eyes locked onto him. Marin seeing her leave the platform but not seeing who she was heading for, began to make his way in the direction she was moving.

Auron saw that her quarry's face was beginning to show signs of distress. He took several steps closer, his hand now on the grip of the hilt of his astounding blade.

By now, everyone in the building was straining to see where she was going. The expression on her face was neutral but her eyes were icy lasers locked onto the man.

She reached the place where the man was seated, the ray of sun still holding him in its light. Raine continued answering the question, still not missing a beat, as she very slowly walked around the man's chair, circling like a shark.

Marin had moved closer to her. Though her eyes had never left the face of the dark man, she slightly lifted one hand to Marin, signaling him to stay back.

After having made several slow circles around him, she stopped in front of the man as she completed her response to the last question asked. He kept his eyes down as if afraid to look at her, his mouth open as if he couldn't get enough oxygen. There was total silence in the enormous building, every eye focused on this unexpected drama unfolding before them.

As she addressed him, she could well have been asking someone if he or she was having a good day. "Sir? Will you tell us your name?"

The man spoke, his eyes flitting back and forth. "I – I am Jabari. A s-scholar from Maynon." The man swallowed hard.

Raine's dark blue eyes had not left his face from the moment she saw him. Her voice smooth and calm, "A scholar? From Maynon. Is that what you said?"

"Y-yes."

Her voice subtly commanding but quiet and smooth asked, "How long have you been in Maynon, Jabari?"

His breathing was becoming quite labored, his eyes constantly moving. "M-many months now. Uh, I'm – I'm not feeling well. I th-think I'll have to leave now."

Shocking everyone, Raine's voice being carried throughout the building by the amplifier system, said very smoothly, low and quiet but with steel in it, "Oh, I don't think so, Jabari! I really don't think so."

She paused for a moment before continuing, her voice coated with ice, "I think people ought to know exactly who you are, Jabari! I think these esteemed leaders, scholars, Elders and Healers of Spira should know your name and especially your face!"

Auron watched all of this carefully. From her words, he knew this had to be connected to something that had happened in Cortland and he saw that she had full control of the man, but he never relaxed his readiness to spring to her assistance if the man made a wrong move. He also saw Marin's readiness.

To those assembled, she said, "Look carefully at this man! Look at his face. Remember him!"

Jabari was now sweating profusely. He desperately wanted to flee, but his legs wouldn't have carried him if he tried.

Still not moving her eyes from Jabari, Raine now motioned Marin in a little closer. When Marin saw Jabari's face, his body stiffened and his face wore an expression of cold rage which was not missed by the assembly. When Jabari saw Marin's face in front of him, he completely collapsed inside. There was nothing but the shell of the man left.

Raine, still locked onto Jabari's face, began speaking in a voice tinged with scorn. "Gentlemen and esteemed visitors, Marin and I have met this man before. At the time we met him, he was claiming to be a 'Healer'. A 'healer' who was willing to let a man die because he felt his pride had been injured. A 'healer' who felt it was more important to finish his lunch at an expensive establishment rather than come to the aid of a critically injured man. A 'healer' who neglects - and lies - and runs away in the middle of the night."

Her eyes boring a hole into the quivering man as she continued, quietly yet firmly, "We met you in the town of Cortland, Jabari!" The mention of the town of Cortland started a buzz in the building. The story of Cortland was now well known.

Addressing the gathering, Raine finished in a low voice, "The man he refused to treat, that he was willing to let die – was my husband!"

Gasps and exclamations exploded all over the building. Jabari's face was committed to the memory of everyone present.

Auron nodded to himself. He understand the raw rage that that Raine felt towards this man. She had utterly destroyed him with nothing but her words. The man may as well be dead – and probably wished he was!

She addressed Jabari in a low, ice-laden voice that very slightly shook, "I told you then, Jabari, that you were a useless worm and you still are. I told you then to get out of my sight and I tell you the same thing now!"

Silence filled the building except for the sound of the boots of several of the Security Forces moving in at Marin's gesture and his order to them, "Take this man to collect his personal belongings. Then take him immediately the closest gate. He is never to enter this town again!"

Raine stood unmoving, watching, as Jabari was forcibly carried from the building, his legs failing to function. Her rage and anger spent, she began to tremble.

Auron was suddenly at her side, his huge hands draping her cloak over her. He gave the Mayor one look and handed him the microphone. The meeting was over.

Auron said nothing as they walked the very short distance to the outer door to their home. Inside, he simply took her in his very strong arms and held her. Minutes passed and neither moved.

Raine was completely drained from her unexpected encounter with Jabari. Finally she said from within the comforting warmth of Auron's arms, "I didn't think I'd ever see that man again, Auron! I can't believe he came here!"

Auron's deep, soft voice said, "I don't think he ever expected to be caught in a stray beam of sunlight. And he sure didn't expect to have you skewer him for everybody to see! The man has nowhere to hide; he has been exposed for all to see. He'll spend the rest of his life regretting his actions."

After a moment, he said, "You did well, Raine. You saw that justice was done today. He'll never cause harm to anyone again. I'm very proud of you."

His kiss said much more. Much, much more!