They now simply treaded through the rough ground, their paths unexplored. The trees, Mel noticed, was slightly regaining the color they had lost for the last few days. Nobody seemed to live in these parts, and they didn't encounter anyone on their way, man or beast. At around mid-day, they reached a river, shallow but a relief from the hot sun. Edward's gaze followed it down on the mountainside. They could no longer see the forests around Thais, as of earlier at the start of the mountains.
'This must be the river of Narol Isin, famous as a mark of the end of the way' he said grimly. 'Few ever cross it, and the lands beyond are known often to be hostile. Further in this direction, beyond the mountains, lies the kingdom of the Orcs, who were long ago allies of men, but the relations are now strained. We're not far now, though'
They didn't say much as they ate the dwarf-made meat sandwiches. They were rough and spicy, but all the same worth giving a taste. The ground was cracked due to dryness, despite of its proximity to the river. The river water was saline and muddy, and they didn't bother to refill their bottles with it.
They rode slowly, for the way had turned increasingly narrow and dangerous. The horses padded the ground nervously and the wind was blowing loudly to make things worse. A few rocks often tumbled from above, almost falling on them. Their speed had become painstakingly slow, and they hoped the wind would stop soon.
As evening fell, the wind had indeed reduced, but there was a slight drizzle in the air. Taking refuge in a cave, Edward lit a fire on which they warmed their hands, eating the now slightly stale sandwiches. Stella was quiet, though Edward and Mel did chat for some time before silence fell. The place was imposing onto them. They decided to take turns to watch out for anything dangerous, though they had encountered none as of yet. Mel fell asleep soon, being extremely tired of the journey.
Edward woke her some time later, but it was still dark, and Stella was looking outside at something.
'Have a look here' Edward whispered. Mel suddenly noticed that the fire was extinguished, seemingly stamped out. She slowly crept up beside Stella and looked into the valley below.
A large creature, seemingly a bird was perched on a spire. It was the size of an elephant and was completely black, with only the moonlight shining on its wet back.
Every now and then, it would turn and look around.
'A Wyvern' Edward whispered. 'I didn't know any still existed'
'Why is it here?' Mel asked. To her surprise, Stella answered.
'It's a guardian of the lands' she said slowly. 'The protector of all that flies and walks in its domain. It stands against anything that goes against the dwellers of the land and sky'
'How do you know that?'
She turned around, looking puzzled.
'I don't know...' she said hazily. 'I feel like I was told this long back... as a child'
She turned around again. There was a crash as rock fell, throwing up lots of dust. The ground below Stella had given way.
'Stella!' Mel cried out. She, fortunately, was still hanging off the edge. Together, the two pulled her back up.
'Hide!' Edward yelled suddenly. For a moment, Mel couldn't understand. Then she heard it, and saw it as she turned.
The Wyvern had left it's perch and was making straight for them. The huge wings beating the air were causing a ear-splitting roar. Mel and Stella ran inside the cave, but it was shallower than they had expected. Edward moved back, drawing out the Excalibur as the Wyvern levelled with the cave.
It was larger than anything Mel had seen move. Veins extended onto the wings, making it look like a dragon. The beak was large enough to eat her whole. The whole body gleamed brightly in the moonlight. The ancient creature would have looked magnificent if she hadn't been fearing for her life.
'Who are you, thief in the dark?' the Wyvern spoke slowly, the old, but extremely powerful voice resonating through the night.
'I come in peace, great guardian of the mountain!' Edward said loudly. 'I hail from the kingdom of Thais, and we forever have been of help to these lands'
'I do not trust anyone. What seek you in my lands?'
'I seek naught but safe passage, great guardian' Edward said loudly. 'I wish to cross the mountains into the lands beyond'
The Wyvern breathed out loudly.
'You are a thief and a liar, fool!' it said, menacingly moving closer. 'Tell me the truth. Why hide your companions if seek no harm? Let them come forth to bear the same fate of yours'
Edward stepped back too.
'We're not lying!' Mel said, stepping forward. 'What is that we could possibly want in these lands?'
'Relics beyond the understanding of men rest in these lands and the skies. Few men ever know of them but they come here for no reason other. Now tell me why you have stepped in my lands'
'I swear, we only wish to go to Naylith' Mel said aloud.
'Ah, yes' the Wyvern said, sounding satisfied. 'But tell me now what seek you in Naylith'
It wasn't an easy question to answer.
'We go there not for our gain, but for humankind's' Stella said.
'Yes, the third. I knew there were three men somewhere tonight, but I couldn't have guessed that there would be someone whom I have heard before'
'Before?' Stella stammered. 'You're mistaken, guardian of the skies, for I have never before been in these lands'
'Again, you lie, but I know not why. Tell me what seek you in Naylith, master of Elethor'
'I'm not a master of anyone' Stella shouted. 'But I can tell you this: our passage to Naylith is vital, for all life shall be endangered the other way'
The Wyvern roared. It lay its claws on the mouth of the cave.
'I know not why you are so keen, but you cannot go to Naylith' it said. 'The key has been broken. The alliance has won. Elethor is gone, and he shall never return. I am Remedath the terrible, and forever shall I remain! It would be a pain for Elethor, ever should he return, but I cannot let you pass'
She had no idea what it was speaking, but it didn't sound good.
'Die, now for you have destroyed the peace in my heart, and awakened me from my slumber!' it said coldly. Without warning, it swept onto Edward, throwing him inside the cave. Stella ran forward, Mel behind her.
'Stop!' Stella shouted. 'We mean no harm!'
The Wyvern stopped.
'You serve not me, Elethra the Blue' it said. 'Elethor would have had to let you go, but not I. All are foes of mine!'
It swooped down onto her. There was a blinding flash of light, which seemed to have come from Stella. The Wyvern screeched and they all clapped their hands to their ears. Swiftly, still screeching, it flew away into the darkness, their ears still echoing.
'Are you hurt?' Stella said immediately.
'No' Edward replied, standing up. 'Thank you for that! How...?'
'I know it this time' she said looking outside. 'I guess you were right, when you said I was from the healer's clan. Wyverns protect their lands, but often not by will. They are bound to the cause by their masters, who themselves are healers. The Wyvern answers to ones whom it protects only'
'So that means you...'
'No' Stella said, shaking her head. 'I don't need to be the one who bound it. Any healer can punish the Wyvern if it doesn't follow it's oath'
'But you said it answers to those whom it protects' Mel said, puzzled.
'Yes' Stella nodded. 'I couldn't believe it when it said it had heard my voice before. So when it came close enough, I took a chance. "Nyum aror tyu itsil" - literally meaning "Go back to your oath", an ancient spell in Naysil'
'He called you something like "Elethra" and master of Elethor...' Edward said, his voice trailing off.
'I know...' Stella said, looking confused again. 'But I've never heard of either'
They didn't speak for a few seconds, Stella looking at the now distant silhouette of the winged beast.
'You knew this all along?' Mel asked.
'No' Stella said turning away. 'It came back the moment it looked back at me... I don't...'
Her voice trailed away. For a few more minutes, they didn't speak. The drizzle had completely stopped.
'You must sleep' Edward said finally. 'Both of you look terrible'
They nodded.
'Stella' he looked at her. 'How do you know Naysil?'
'I'm not sure...' she said, looking confused.
'What's that?' Mel asked.
'The language of Naylith' Edward answered. 'Not many people speak it these days'
'Then can't Stella be from Naylith?' Mel asked. 'That seems likely'
'No she doesn't' Edward said. There seemed to be a hint of laughter in his voice.
"Why?' Mel said stubbornly. 'How can you rule that off like that?'
'Trust me' he said, positively smiling now. 'You'll know soon enough'
