Large Group Speech @ MindSay 
§ Chapter 11 §
Tarin slammed the Tome of the Prophets abruptly on the floor in front of her. After her discussion with Taurnil earlier that day, Tarin had engulfed herself in the large book trying to find a fault in what the Elf had told her. It appeared as though what Taurnil had said was the truth. One of the prophets had even gone so far as to draw a sketch of the woman he saw in his vision. There was no doubt about it, Tarin was the person they prophesied about.
She sat on the pile of pillows staring blankly at the heavy leather bound book that lay in front of her. A tear welled up in her eye, and she brushed it away as it fell down her cheek. It’s not fair she thought. They should not expect so much out of me; I cannot do the things they imagine I can. Tarin felt as though the weight of the world was crushing her, and she lay back on the pillows.
“Perhaps next time you will do the homework assigned to you before walking into a trial,” she looked up to find Galdor standing on the edge of the platform. The Elves were always poking fun at the organized schoolhouses humans insisted on building. The only things not taught to the young Elf-lings by their families were the ability to wield a weapon and how to control their magical powers. These were taught by the masters, those who had been practicing and fighting for countless centuries.
“I did not ask for this,” Tarin moped.
“Anyone faced with such a responsibility would feel the same way,” Galdor comforted, taking a seat beside her on the cushions. “However, many of us are faced with obligations we are not prepared to accept. But if you do not accept your destiny, and take accountability for it, you will leave the world to fend themselves against an evil that only you can defeat. If you ignore this fact, you leave the world to certain devastation.”
“I know,” Tarin said, as another tear slowly rolled down her cheek.
Galdor reached for her face, and brushed away the tear. Tarin gazed at the Elf as he did so, catching a glimpse of his dark, glittering eyes for a brief moment, as his weather beaten hand graced her face. Tarin stiffened as he reached to sweep away a strand of hair that had come loose and fallen into her eyes.
“You do not need to be afraid,” Galdor whispered. “That is one thing I can assure you of. No matter what happens in this world, you do not need to fear me, for I will never harm you.”
Galdor stood and walked across the platform, turning to her before he stepped onto the adjacent dais.
“Have faith in yourself young Tarin, you are strong enough to accomplish whatever you put your mind to.”
Galdor stepped off of the dais, and disappeared behind the palm-sized leaves. Tarin watched as he left, then once again drew her gaze to the large tome located on the floor. She breathed in deeply as she forced herself to stand.
She wandered across the platforms until she located the dining tables. Final preparations were being made for the nights’ meal. Tarin did not realize that she was starving, and he stomach growled as she watched plates of fruits being placed on tables.
A crow-like call sounded from behind her, and Tarin turned to see an Elf holding a large black bird in his hands. The bird let out another caw, before the Elf released it once again. The blonde haired Elf smiled as he saw her watching him, and signalled for her to have a seat.
“Dinner will be served momentarily my lady,” the Elf said. “Please, make yourself comfortable until the rest of the guests arrive.”
Tarin sat at the table nearest to her, and waited patiently for others to join her. Moments later, Elves began to filter in from all directions and sat on the benches and chairs under the tables. The air was suddenly filled with Elvish laughter, and a minstrel took up song as more guests arrived. Eauthrin and Geheed joined Tarin, and told her many stories of the lands they explored that day. Moments later, Pansoic, Filmarc, and Manil joined the group and more stories were shared about the mysterious Elven city and the places they discovered.
Tarin sat quietly and listened to the stories, until Eauthrin asked of her day’s events. She shyly told the party about the mystical battle she had fought that morning, which was followed by a roar of laughter. Tarin’s face reddened as her colleagues continued laughing.
“Next time, you should join her,” Galdor said, taking a seat beside the blushing Tarin. “The training will do you well. And the encouragement would be greatly appreciated I’m sure.”
Tarin nodded, and the five Men quickly agreed to their new duties.
“Then it’s settled,” Galdor smiled, his dark eyes sparkling. “Tomorrow we will all go to the other realm and practice our skills.”
§
Tarin awoke early the next morning to the sound of heavy rainfall. She remembered instantly that she was sleeping outside and stood quickly to avoid getting wet. As she stood, Tarin realized that the leaves of the trees had merged together, creating a waterproof roof above her. Tarin stared at the magical leaves, astounded by the magic of the forest. She knew it would be many months until she fully understood the mystical forest, and smiled as she began preparing for the day’s training.
Galdor stepped quietly onto the platform, carrying a small tray covered with fresh bread and fruit. Tarin accepted the breakfast, and sat on the floor with him as they ate the meal together. He had also brought his long bow with him, and a few scrolls that he stored in a satchel.
As they finished their breakfast, Enelya led the group of Men to the dais, explaining the process to which they would enter the other realm, and encouraged them that the trip was safe and that they would not be hurt during the battle. Once the group was assembled, Enelya wished them good luck, and clapped her hands together while whispering an enchantment. Tarin closed her eyes, and seconds later felt the warmth of the morning sun beating down on her pale face.
When she opened her eyes again, she found herself standing on a large ridge located on a cliff face. They were quite far off the ground, and Tarin stared at the horizon. She looked upwards, and found that they were on a cliff, but could also see more rock beyond the top of the cliff face. She looked behind her to find Galdor and the rest of the company inspecting the ridge, trying to find a trail.
After much searching, Eauthrin found a trail wide enough for them to walk across leading to the edge of the cliff face, where they would be able to reach the top of the cliff. The party followed him and made their way to the top of the cliff. As Geheed pulled Tarin up from the trail, she gazed upon a large metal door leading further into the mountain.
“What now?” Manil asked, tapping the hilt of his sword against the ten-foot high door.
Tarin could see that there was no door handle or hinges anywhere on the entrance, and breathed heavily as she approached the metal door. A fine writing could be seen halfway up the door, and she squinted at the script.
?????????????
?!?!?!see below?!?!?!?!
“What does it say?” Tarin said as Galdor came and stood beside her.
“I am not sure yet,” he said, his dark eyes scanning over the runes. “I have seen this script before. Give me a few moments and I will try to decipher the code.”
The group stood around patiently as Galdor examined the runes. Tarin watched respectfully as he tried to determine what was written there. After pondering the runes for several minutes, Galdor let out a call.
“I’ve got it!”
The group gathered around to listen to the Elf’s dictation of the lettering.
“It says: ‘Pull with all your might, only a whistle you'll gain but almost out of sight, someone may shrink in pain.’”
“And what exactly is that suppose to mean?” Filmarc said as he stared at the strange lettering.
“It’s a riddle,” Manil said, teasing his older brother. After considering the answer for a few moments, he smiled and quickly shared his response. “I believe the answer is ‘a bow and arrow.’ But I have no idea how that is going to help us open this door.”
“Well, young Manil,” Galdor started. “You never quite know what will open these doors. Everyone look around for a hole large enough for an arrow to go through.”
The party began scouring the area, trying to find the answer to the riddle. Tarin looked behind a few large boulders to the left of the doorway, and called out to the party as she realized what she had found. Seconds later, the company had gathered behind the large boulders, and gazed upon the answer to their riddle.
It was not somewhere an arrow could be shot, but an engraving of a standard long bow and an arrow carved into the back of one of the boulders. Galdor removed his bow and an arrow from his quiver, and gently placed his weapon into the carving. The arrow fit perfectly, but the bow was too small for the impression. He was about to remove the bow, when a piece of the boulder moved. The etching had magically changed size to fit the bow, and gripped onto the weapon tightly.
The company ran out from behind the boulders to see the large metal door moving slowly upwards. When the door had reached the top of the doorway, a loud clank was heard, and the door clicked into place. From behind the boulder, they heard the rattle of the bow, as it was released from the impression and landed on the hard stone ground. Galdor returned carrying his bow and urged the group onwards.
“Shall we?”
!?!?!?!?!?This part is suppose to be written in Runes, however, I am not able to upload them here. So imagine you are reading beautiful Runes instead!?!?!?!?!
§ Chapter 8 §
“Do you not sleep?” Tarin heard as she awoke the next morning. She sat up and saw Eauthrin talking with Galdor.
“Of course not,” Galdor joked. “I am an Elf.”
Eauthrin laughed, as he walked away from the stubborn Elf. Tarin knew that Elves did not ‘sleep’. They were able to stay awake, which made them good watches through the night. As they stared off into the darkness, the Elves fell into a trance-like state, and even though they were fully awake, were able to get the rest that they needed. Nothing ever slipped by an Elvish night-watch.
Tarin looked around for the other men of her travelling party, and found Manil and Filmarc on the far bank of the river, rummaging over the bodies of the wolves. Filmarc called back to them when he saw Tarin was awake.
“These are no ordinary wolves!” He cried. “The look to have the bodies of a wolf, only larger; and their heads look like that of a bear’s.”
“It’s just as I thought,” Galdor worried. “There are new, more dangerous creatures out here, and unfortunately, they are getting bigger.”
Galdor paused, and looked around the large plain. He turned back abruptly, and quickly began gathering their belongings.
“We must make it to Jehi immediately,” he called to the party. “We are leaving now.”
The party rushed back to the campsite and gathered the rest of their camping gear. The horses were quickly mounted, and the group took off at a run. Tarin did not have enough time to fully understand what was happening, but followed Galdor’s orders without question.
The travellers trekked across the plain throughout the day, without stopping for lunch or for a break. By the time the sun had reached its height, Jehi’s great black tower was coming swiftly into view. Galdor urged them to move faster, and the great wooden gates of Jehi grew ever nearer. Before long, the gates were swinging open, and the travelling party was galloping under the wooden entrance.
The city of Jehi spread out before them, the tall black tower reaching out to the sky above them. The city was small, and somewhat cramped, but it provided safety for Tarin and her group of travellers. The horses trotted through the tiny city, heading directly for the tower, where they would seek council from King Findecan.
Findecan was an elderly man, who cared deeply about his city. The only thing Findecan could not do for his city was provide an heir to his throne. His wife died many years before, and Findecan never cared to remarry, leaving the city of Jehi heirless and in somewhat of a commotion, as Findecan grew older.
As the travellers neared the tower, the saw the large steel door swing open, and a young man come walking out to greet them. Galdor dismounted from his horse, and handed it off to the stable boy standing nearby. The young man walked forward and greeted Galdor with a smile.
“Galdor,” he said. “We in Jehi are glad to see you again. I see you have brought many friends with you this time.”
“Yes Caranthir,” Galdor replied. “We journey from the city of Nim, and we have an urgent message to give to your king.”
As Caranthir moved aside to allow Galdor to pass Tarin ascended the three steps leading to the large doorway of the tower. Caranthir’s smile grew as she approached, and bowed so low his shoulder length hair nearly touched the ground.
“My lady,” Caranthir said as she grew near. “It is an honour to meet the young Tarin from Nim. We heard rumours that you were coming. It appears that the messengers from Tarou travel much faster than your travelling party does.”
“Well then” Tarin said, as she bowed slightly. “Perhaps I shall have to find someone to teach my men how to fight off strange creatures as they ride across the River of Fire, hoping for some sort of safety from the unknown beasts we encountered last night.”
Caranthir gave Tarin a strange look before continuing.
“What do you mean by ‘unknown beasts’ my lady?” Caranthir asked politely.
“Last night, shortly after sundown, we had not yet crossed the river, as we approached its banks; a herd of wolf-like creatures attacked us. My men fought strongly, and slew many of the large beings. This morning, as my men investigated the charred bodies, they noticed that they were not wolves, but a hybrid of wolf, and bear.”
“I see,” Caranthir replied. “Well, I will not stall you any further; King Findecan will need to hear of this immediately.”
Tarin bowed in thanks, and walked swiftly past the doorman, following Galdor quietly. Tarin turned to see the rest of her party following her into the cold dark interior of the great black tower. Before long, the party entered a large room, with a throne placed on a platform near the center of the far wall. A strong, yet still fragile looking man sat quietly in the large chair, with his servant standing calmly beside him.
King Findecan stood slowly as they walked across the large room, and greeted them in a booming voice.
“Galdor, it is good to see you once again,” Findecan hailed. “Who is it that you have brought with you?”
“This is Lady Tarin, from Nim,” Galdor introduced her, bowing as he spoke. “These are men of her brother’s army, Eauthrin Brordain, Geheed Celcor, Pansoic Pentz, Filmarc Manicar, and his brother Manil Manicar. We are travelling through this land to reach the forest beyond, and wish to stay here in the beautiful city of Jehi to rest our weary bodies.”
“Of course Galdor,” Findecan continued. “Anything for an old friend.”
“We also bring news of strange creatures roaming through the lands,” Galdor resumed. “It is a matter I must discuss with you.”
Findecan nodded as he sat back down on his throne, and Galdor recounted the previous night’s events. Findecan was riveted throughout the entire story; his wrinkled face showed many different emotions as Galdor told their story.
Tarin stood behind Galdor as he told the king what had happened, and watched Findecan carefully as Galdor described the strange wolf-bears to him. Findecan’s face showed a great deal of surprise at the thought of these large, dangerous creatures roaming through the lands. He quickly ordered guards on all of the city’s walls and a curfew of sundown for the townspeople.
“Do not fear young Tarin,” Findecan said to her as he realized how intently she was watching him. “You will be kept safe in the walls of Jehi tonight. Nessa will show you to your rooms. I will expect to see all of you for dinner when all is prepared.
The party bowed once again to the grey-haired king as a middle-aged woman walked towards them from a nearby hallway, and instructed them to follow her. The overweight woman showed the travellers down the hallway, and directed the men towards a group of rooms near the end of the hallway. She then led Tarin down a small hallway to a wooden door.
“This will be more comfortable for you than having to sleep in a room full of men,” Nessa said, as her chipmunk like face curled into a smile. “Rest well dear.”
Tarin watched as the plump maid disappeared around the corner, then pulled open the wooden door and stepped into the small, cozy bedroom.