Chapter 5: Eryut Village

Rating: Teen

Disclaimer: Yeah, yeah, the usual.

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Bast's Point of view:

We had been traveling for six days straight, and I was impatient to arrive at Eryut village. We had only ran into a few minor difficulties so I was thankful for that at least. I watched Winter, and her new found guardian Miranda talking to each other up ahead of me on the narrow path we were traveling on in Golomore Jungle. Of course no one bothered to ask me my opinion on whether or not we should allow this stranger into the Resistance. Winter explained to me that she was not the only Singer left in Existence as she once thought. She also told me how they wished for her to reclaim the throne of Idendryll, and how she refused because of her mission to destroy Shota. She had informed me that this "Miranda" had asked her if she could become Winter's guardian because she felt it was her duty to protect the future queen of Idendryll. The two of them had become thick as thieves ever since. Winter assured me that all Singers had a sense about these things, and could tell if people meant them harm. I really had no choice in the matter, and so Miranda was accompanying us on our way through Golomore Jungle, and wherever else our journey may take us.

" How much further until we reach the opening into Eryut Village"

I asked in a bored voice. It got tiring riding on horse back for hours on end.

" We're here," said Winter sighing

" How do we get in?" I asked, there seemed to be some kind of barrier blocking our path.

" Don't worry I've got it under control" She replied amused.

She preceded to pull some kind of charm out of one of her pockets, and held it up to the glowing symbols blocking our path. There before my eyes the wall began to dissipate, and we were soon making our way from the dark jungle into the beautiful forest that was Eryut Village.

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Winter's point of view:

We made our way into Eryut Village, and were met by several tall, and intimidating Viera. That is if you weren't a Singer. Even the ancient Veira had to admit to the powers of a our ancient race.

" What business do you have here in Eryut Village?" said a tan Veira with black hair.

" We wish to speak with the Council of the Elders" I replied in a voice as equally stoic as the Veira's.

" Very well.... As a Singer of Idendryll you have that right, but I cannot say the same of your party. You know we cannot allow such a large force into the village. Not only because they are soldiers, but because they are Humes and would defile the forest.

" I order you as Winter Shadowfall, and Queen of Idendryll, to let the Resistance, and I speak to the Elders." I said starting getting agitated.

" Very well..... The dark haired Viera complied, As Queen you know I cannot deny you access to the Village, but I must insist that the rest of this ragtag band of "Soldiers" stay behind in the lower levels of the forest."

" Fair enough, I said, But Sir Bast, and Lady Miranda, are to accompany me as my consultants, and personal guards. You have my word as a Singer that they are completely trustworthy, and shall keep all things they witness to themselves."

The Viera simply nodded, and stepped to the side to allow the Resistance access to the path leading deeper into the Village.

We were about halfway into the Village when Bast told his troops to wait where they were, and to enjoy the rest while they could. We were then on our way to the chambers where the Council of the Elders held their meetings. We had been walking for about a mile and, were passing a row of the huts where that Viera lived in, when Randa, and I felt the presence of another Singer. We stopped dead in our tracks making Bast run into Randa's back, and making her fall over. She began cursing him in our native tounge, and out of the nearest hut came a handsome young man appearing to be about seventeen or so, and whom Winter guessed to be very shy due to the way he looked down when he had spoke to them. He had the traditional raven black hair, but had startling eyes even for a Singer. His right eye was a beautiful golden color, but his left eye was an awe striking orange.

" Pardon me, he said in a soft, but beautiful voice, But I seem to recognize that language you were speaking in, although I'm sure I have never heard it before."

" What do you mean you've never heard it before?" I began confused, "How could you not know your own native tongue?"

" "What are you saying?" He asked bewildered.

"Come with me," I commanded" We are going to see the Council of the Elders right away."

He shrank back against the door of his hut. I Grabbed him by the arm, much to his protests. I found that he was strongly fighting me so I began singing to him. Softly at first then rising to a crescendo my voice calmed him,and soon he wasn't even trying to struggle anymore. I turned to see Bast with tears in his eyes that he was quickly trying to wipe away. It was not long until we made our way up the steep hill that lead to the large building where the Elders held the council meetings. I slung open the door, and demanded,

" What is the meaning of this?" As I pointed to this strange Singer. "How dare you keep his birthright a secret from him!"

" Calm down Winter." Mjrn the leader of the Viera said smoothly." All will be explained in time."

" What is going on? Asked the dark headed boy quietly. What are you talking about?"

"Jason.... Mjrn said softly, It's time you heard the truth. You have always known you were different. Jason nodded, But you are not even of this race. You belong to an ancient, and superior race known as the Singers. You are not of our blood, but we are your family, and we love you. We only wanted to keep you safe."

"No.... No...." Jason muttered as he ran from the room. I looked Randa, and she nodded running after him.

"Why is Jason here with you, and why have you lied to him all these years? You know male Singers are very rare, and much valued in Idendryll. Surely he must recognize his own power?" I asked incredulous.

" Jason came to use quite by accident actually. Began Mjrn, A Singer was here in Eryut Village learning our technique for making stronger bows, and arrows. She was with child, and soon it as her time to give birth. We did all we could but the delivery was a hard one, and she was not strong enough to make it. With her last breath she uttered her baby's name, Jason Thomas Heartsong. We then decided to raise him until he was old enough to receive his birthright. But before that could happen, we received news that Idendryll had been destroyed. We then decided to raise him as our own. We knew not what else we could do. We did not even know any Singers where still alive until you came here to us today."

"Be that as it may, I stated, We need him now more than ever, and we need to explain to him his full birthright before he does something dangerous with his power on accident. I trust Randa will handle that, so I will move on to the matter we originally came here for." I began to recite the poem we found in my mothers secret treasury. None of the elders had any idea what it could mean, but told me I might be able to seek help if we traveled past the Paramina Rift, and into the barren lands once ruled by the Kiltas.

" On another, but equally important matter, Began Bast, I am the leader of the Resistance Bast Fon Ronsenburge, and I come to you asking for your help in our quest to defeat Shota, and her army. We cannot do it alone, and none in Dalmasca have your skills in weaponry, and magic."

"Yes we know of your Resistance, said Mjrn, and we have no wish to involve ourselves in this folly. We are safe here in our Village where thousands of years of magic protects us, and are not going to expose ourselves in the defense of mere Humes!"

" How long do you think that will last? asked Bast, Shota is growing stronger everyday. She has already conquered almost all of Ivalice, and we are the last of men fighting of our own free will."

About that time one of the Viera we had seen earlier at the entrance to Eryut Village ran into the hut, and exclaimed," Elders! We are under attack, and we must prepare for battle quickly! Shota, and her army have invaded the Forest!"

"Gather your troops Elva, Answered Mjrn, We will get ready here. It seems we have been foolish in thinking we were safe here in our Forest. Gather your troops Bast, and get ready for battle!"

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Miranda's point of view:

I followed the strange eyed boy out of the Elder's hut, and found him sitting up in a tree, not too far away.

" Hi there! I said cheerfully, My name is Miranda Praxis, what's yours?"

When he did not reply I climbed up the tree, and sat next to him on a long tree branch covered with moss, and tiny pink flowers..

" You don't have to be afraid. I said softly ,I won't hurt you."

" My name is Jason Heartsong. He said quietly, Can you tell me what's going on?"

" Sure. I said kindly to this shy boy, You are not a Viera, and I'm sure you might have guessed that but have been afraid to believe it. He nodded slightly, and I went on, Well the reason you will live a long life like the Viera is because you belong to the ancient race called the Singers. I am also a singer who survived the destruction of Idendryll our homeland. How old are you I asked."

"17 "he replied

I continued," As a Singer you have special powers that are only to be used for good." I went on to tell him the basics of being a Singer, and of what happened to our home of Idendryll. After I finished he asked,

" So you wish me to become a member of this Resistance?" I nodded, Then I guess I shall accompany you if only to learn more of my Birthright, and to avenge my family even though I did not know them."

" I am your family , and so is Winter even though she may seem a little cold, she has a kind heart. I know we shall be good friends."

No sooner was that said when from our perch on the tree limb we saw an explosion coming from the entrance of Eryut Village.

" Do you have any weapons?" , I asked Jason, and In a weak voice he said "Yes"

" Then get them ready. This is going to be a hell of a battle!"

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Short chapter I know sorry! I was rushed, but the next one should be longer! All reviews welcome. Thanks to Imagination 5, and Moonlight Enchantress! I.5. Gave me a wonderful character, and M.E. is full of support. Thans you guys!