Part 3
The second sketch Dark Natasha drew with both Charles and Kimberly is set
during this section.
Metamor Keep: Keeper's Return
By Charles Matthias
Feb 9, 708 CR
At the
southern edge of the valley the winter sun rose over rolling hills
instead of the mighty peaks of the Barrier Mountains. It was one of
the few places to see shadows that stretched three to four times the
height of a man. It was not often that Michael of the timber crews
had a chance to see such a dawn and he basked in it as long as their road
allowed them. Chief Tathom led them to one of the forests along the
rivers edge not half a mile from where it emptied into the sea. It
had been four years since they had harvested wood so far south, and the
first time in nearly two years since Michael himself could look upon the
mouth of the Metamor Valley and ponder the lands beyond.
Two years
before hed made his fateful voyage that led him into the Metamor
Valley. Waylaid and injured, hed woken from his wounds too late to
stave off the transforming power of the Curse. A little over a
month later and hed become a five and a half foot tall beaver with a
tail that weighed more than some children. If that hadnt been bad
enough, hed then fallen into the first of his many dalliances with
Pascal the Keeps alchemist. The eccentric porcupine had
experimented on him without his consent, and now he was covered in plaid
black and red fur with cream coloured skin beneath.
In the
many months since, hed grown used to it and even to appreciate his
unique appearance. And hed even spent more time with Pascal.
They saw each other frequently, and he couldnt help but admit that she
was fetching in her own way. But there was always some fight or
other that would drive them apart for months at a time. In his
heart, he hoped one day they could reconcile for good. But his mind
assured him that they had quite a bit more reconciling to do before that
happened.
The others
on the timber crews were supportive of him and wore plaid shirts of the
same red and black checkered pattern to make sure he didnt feel
alone. At first it had galled him, but now it was as common place
as anything else he saw in Metamor.
But what
he saw coming up the road from the south was anything but commonplace;
six heavily laden wagons led by weary horses and men draped in woolen
blankets was not unusual in the more kind weather of other season, and
not terribly out of place even in winter, bringing supplies or
travellers. Bearing trade goods in lieu of foodstuffs and other
much needed supplies in the depths of mid-winter was odd enough for him
to pause and take notice. A wariness clutched at his stomach, for
trade wagons did not bandy about in such weather without some reason of
worthwhile profit. These did not appear to be the wagons of yet
more refugees making their way north toward Metamor as had streamed in
through the late summer and to the first snows, or otherwise fleeing some
calamity, but the oddness of their appearance put Michael on edge.
He gave a thwack upon the snow with his broad, stout tail to bring
attention from the other woodcutters nearby and rested his axe upon his
shoulder to watch the wagons approach. As they drew nearer he was
able to pick out the individual drivers and guards who walked with alert
but dogged boredom alongside. His attention came back to the lead
wagon and drifted across the driver and another seated beside him,
dismissing them initially but snapping back a moment later. The man
who satin the lead wagon could never have been ignored or missed.
The timber
crews had already begun moving their equipment into the forest when the
wagons came around the bend in the road through a line of hills that
delved eastward and pushed the river on its course to the sea. But
Michael stood at the rear of their column marshalling the horses and so
had a clear view of the wagons. The figure he knew so well
recognized him immediately too.
Lindsey!
Michael shouted in incredulous delight. Is it really you?
The
red-bearded northerner smiled and leapt from the wagon. He ran
toward the beaver, waving one arm. Ho, Michael! Are you a welcome
sight!
From out
of the wagons popped several more Keepers, including a very familiar rat
that Michael hadnt seen in a very long time either. Michael rushed
to Lindseys side and clasped him in a firm hug, and then waved to the
rat. Charles! Youre back!
Michael! Its good to see you again! Good to see any of you
again! Charles hugged him as well, his grip firm and overflowing with
excitement. And, to Michaels astonishment, he seemed to have a
vine of ivy wrapped about his chest and back. But the beaver
couldnt bring himself to ask about it; there were too many other
surprises at hand to question them all!
By now the
rest of the timber crews had noticed that something was happening and all
came out of the forest to see. Their faces flashed from confusion
to delight in seconds. Even Tathom the bull lowed in delight.
Lindsey you barbarian! Welcome home! Grab your axe and help
us fell some trees.
Lindsey
shook his head as the wagons drew to a stop, the other Keepers remaining
where they sat watching these old friends reunited. Ill have to give a
report to his grace, but you can expect me back soon.
Where by
Eli have you been? Lance the moose asked.
Far, far
to the south. It is a long tale, but I will tell you soon. Lindsey
replied, his eyes taking on a faraway cast.
Michael
glanced over the others in their company, noted a brilliant white
gryphon, a black hawk, and a donkey whom he didnt recognize, a skunk
whose name escaped him, a short man who appeared neither midget nor
child, a strange man-like creature with pearlescent grey skin, long black
hair, and pointed ears, and over a dozen men, some of whom looked
distinctly foreign even for the Midlands. What mysteries this group
held!
But there
was somebody missing. Lindsey. Wheres Zhypar? I thought he
went with you.
Lindseys
smile vanished, and a look of profound melancholy came over him. Zhypar
sacrificed himself to save us. He... he has been gone for six weeks
now. I pray each day for his soul.
All who
heard lowered their heads. Michael felt the blow hard, as it had
been the kangaroo whod introduced him to Lindsey and helped him land a
position with the timber crews. The beaver pressed his tongue
against the back of his incisors for a moment and then said very softly,
Ill pray for him too. Are you all right?
I... I
will be. Now that Im home again. Lindsey gripped Michaels right
bicep firmly, and then nodded in approval. Youre even stronger than
last I saw you.
A steady
seven months of timber work will do that, Michael agreed without much
enthusiasm. At least you are all home now. Are you going to
Metamor direct?
Yes,
Lindsey replied, eyes turning north. Though it wasnt visible at
the Valley mouth, the Keep lay a little less than half a days ride
ahead. Im surprised the Longs havent spotted us yet.
It wont
be long, Charles agreed. Mishas probably out here himself somewhere.
The rats eyes widened. Michael, do you know if my family has moved back
to Metamor, or are they still living at the Glen?
The beaver
frowned. I heard your family came for the Dukes wedding, but Im pretty
sure they returned to the Glen afterward.
I thought
as much, the rat sighed, and then laughed. Well, I think I will go
there first. But I promise Ill be back to share a drink with you
all and tell you what I know of the tale! Charles dashed
back to the wagons and pulled something from his tunic and handed it to
the skunk. Kayla, can you give this to Rickkter for me? Let him
know that I am very grateful for the loan.
Kayla put
the compact Sondeshike into her travel pouch and nodded. Of
course. Hell be glad to have it back. But how are you going
to get to the Glen?
Charles
merely smiled at her, and then stood before the gryphon with a needful
gaze. Guernef, can you fly me north to my family?
The
gryphon squawked harshly in no language Michael or the others knew, but
the rat and his companions all seemed to understand. He scrambled
onto the giant beasts back, and with a powerful thrust of legs and
wings, the gryphon launched into the air and began beating its way north
over the trees.
They
watched the pair disappear to the north for a few seconds. Lindsey
turned back to his old friends and asked, How long will you be out here
chopping?
A few
days, Tathom replied as he chewed on some cud. We should be back at
Metamor in a week.
Lindsey
began patting them on the shoulder one by one. His smile was
genuine, though forced, I will see you all then. I should have
matters settled by then and Ill be ready to take my old place with the
crews.
You
always have a place with us, Lindsey, Tathom said, a brief smile
creasing his bovine snout. Now get back to the Keep. I dont know
where youve been, but if its taken you this long, and cost a damn fine
man and friend his life, then it must have been very important.
Well see you in a week.
Lindsey
grunted and nodded. In a week then. Lindsey looked as if he wanted to
hug each of them one last time, but made himself turn and climb back onto
the wagons. Despite their passengers decamping to greet the first
of their kind they had seen in many months the column had not
slowed. One by one the timber crews melted back into the
forest. Michael stood at the periphery watching the wagons until
the last one disappeared behind a long copse of elm.
Sotto
voce, the beaver said, Welcome home, Lindsey. Welcome
home.
----------
Metamor. Charless heart ached to see it again. He poked his
head over Guernefs shoulder and peered down at the tree tops and
snow-covered fields as they flew north beneath a grey sky huddled within
the valley. The last time hed seen his home in the flesh had been
from the edge of the Barrier Range last Summer Solstice, over seven
months ago. Now he was back, and with it came so many memories that
he had to brush his face against the Nauh-kaees feathers to dry his
tears.
The wind
whipped through his tunic and breeches; very cold, but pressed close to
Guernefs back he felt some measure of warmth. The cold was
familiar to him after so many winters at Metamor, but still, it was
different flying. The vine pulled taut against him, and he had to
stifle an urge to pet it. He needed all of his paws to keep steady
on Guernefs back.
Beneath
him he saw the main road winding northward through fields and
forests. To his left he saw farms dotting the river, while pastures
for cattle and sheep were more abundant on his right. Many of these
were places hed trod while serving in the Longs over a year past.
He thought he recognized the field that hed waited with Finbar,
Murikeer, and Llyn the night the Patriarch had been slain. And only
a few months later Llyn would join him in death. Murikeer would
traverse Sathmore, and Finbar... he hoped Finbar was alright.
Charles
lifted his head back up and gazed wider around the valley. Guernef
was coasting on a northerly wind for the moment, and the relative calm in
his muscles gave the rat a chance to stretch. He did not recognize
most of what he saw it looked so different from above and he was sure
that the few villages he saw must have names and must have seen the tread
of his paw in years past, but he could not recall them. Only the
larger towns such as the Iron Mine on his right, were immediately
recognizable.
Guernef
could outpace any of the Keep scouts, but still it would be a few hours
before he reached the Glen. What would he find when he
arrived? What could he saw to Kimberly? What would she say
when she saw him? Shed never seen him with the black hand-print
over his right eye. And she definitely had never seen him with a
vine growing from the top of his tail! Hed have to hide that
beneath his tunic before they arrived; one shock would be more than
enough.
Did she
even know he was coming? Surely by now the Long Scouts had figured
out that theyd returned. But did Kimberly know? Charles
would never be able reach her before one of the Glen scouts told her, but
he hoped shed have more than a few moments to prepare. Just the
thought of reaching out and touching her face, running his claws through
her fur, savouring the earthy aroma of her presence, filled him with a
heat greater than any fire beneath the mountains.
And he
probably shouldnt turn into stone in front of her just yet either.
He laughed
lightly and then felt a scowl creep up along his snout. He could
see Lorland ahead. Though the castle at its centre had been under
renovations for the last year and a half, far too much of the
unlamentable Altera Loriod remained in its towers and buttresses.
Memories of Phils plight returned, and of course, seeing Loriod that one
last time in Marzac, the tool of that great evil now destroyed. At
least from what hed heard before leaving Metamor, the people of that
land were once again happy and living as freemen should.
Charles
lifted his eyes and gazed over the head of Guernef. White tufts of
feathery ears framed a view of arboreal splendour blanketed in a gossamer
white film. The further north they travelled the thicker the
forests became. If not for the faint snowfall, he would have been
able to see much further. Somewhere ahead in the distance nestled
his wife and children.
Oh his
heart swelled at the thought of his five little children. He barely
had time to know them before he had to leave. What were they like
now? Did they remember him at all? Would he recognize them
when he saw them? He would know their fur patterns, for that
wouldnt change. He ran their names through his mind, putting the
image to each: Charles, Bernadette, Erick, Baerle, Ladero. So small
when he saw them, he could cradle them in his arms and have room left
over. He couldnt wait to hold them all and tell them how much he
missed them. Especially Ladero. He so wanted to begin
training his boy in the ways of the Sondeckis. Even his vine seemed
to hug him at the very notion.
It was his
duty, something that must happen. He wouldnt let anything else get
in the way of that!
And then,
the mists parted before him and rising up on a ridge he saw the gates of
Metamor. Beyond them, the alabaster towers of the Keep. A
lump pressed into his throat, and his tears came again. Hello, Metamor,
he said, still so far away, but ever so close now. Im home.
The castle
grew in the north, patiently waiting for his return.
----------
Three
hours after leaving the timber crews behind they were met by several Long
Scouts. Kayla heard them coming and stood up in the wagon, both
blades drawn with a metallic hiss before anything emerged from the
concealment of the dense evergreens. She had to quickly return them
to their sheaths as she witnessed Finbar leap out of the woods, barely
touch the snow-covered grass, and then vault onto the wagon to give her
an impromptu hug. Kayla! Jessica! Youve made it back! The
ferret brimmed with more excitement than she could ever recall
seeing. He was usually so withdrawn and secretive, but here he was
as boisterous as most of the ferrets she knew.
Finbar!
Kayla exclaimed, barely getting the blades seated in their sheaths and
releasing the hilts as the ebullient ferret barrelled into her. She
reeled under his eager hug and returned it perforce before his inertia
took them both over the far side of the wagon. It is good to be back!
Three other Longs emerged from the woods, the bear Meredith, the rabbit
Padraic, and the youthful Allart. They were no less enthusiastic,
just not as blindly quick about it.
The
Keepers all greeted other in delight at the reunion, with several of the
Longs commenting on how much stronger and sturdier each of them looked
after the many long months. All of them noticed Jessicas black
feathers, and she promised to tell them all why they were black
soon.
And they
also noticed the absences. Wheres Charles? Allart asked as he surveyed
the wagons. The seamen with Captain Aldanto were all edgy with the
nearness of so many more Keepers, while the merchants from Ellcaran
regarded their presence with only mild irritation. And Zhypar?
You
missed Charles, James said and pointed into the sky. Guernef flew him
north to the Glen so he could be with his family. And Zhypar...
The donkey looked to Lindsey.
And with
him went all eyes. Lindsey sated their curiosity without suggestion
of feeling. He lost his life in Marzac. But because of him the
evil was defeated.
Im sorry
to hear it, Finbar said as he looked over the wagon crew. Save the
stories until we get to Metamor. Weve been keeping an eye out for
you the last few days. Misha was hoping hed be the first to greet
you, but he had to stay at the Keep today. Well ride with you on
the way back.
That is
most kind, Abafouq said with a lop-sided grin. What other greetings do
we have awaiting us in Metamor?
Well,
Misha and his grace will want to hear everything you have to tell,
Finbar replied as the wagons resumed their northward progress. And we
have a party prepared at the Long House for you all. I was hoping
Charles would be there too. He... hes not going to be in the mood
for celebrating soon.
And what
does that mean? Jessica cawed, wingtips fluttering.
Not a one
of the Longs wanted to say it, but the rats companions cajoled them
until they did. They werent much interested in celebrating either
when they heard.
----------
It was
well past noon by the time that the Redwoods of Glen Avery came into
sight. Charles felt his heart tremble in his chest. The vine
squeezed as if to reassure him. The rat tapped Guernef on the
shoulder and pointed toward a small opening in the canopy of
treetops. Down there would be the ice-locked lake that provided the
Glen with fish. It would be the easiest place for the Nauh-kaee to
land.
Down
there, land down there, Charles shouted over the wind. Guernef
nodded and tilted his wings, angling toward the arboreal window.
The trees all around were still covered in needles and chock full of snow
on every branch. Many of the lower hanging branches would have been
cleaned to provide better purchase for the Glen scouts. But there
were very few who would risk climbing so high to look into the sky at
this time of the year. Of all the ways into the Glen, this would
keep his arrival secret the longest.
Not that
it would be secret after he landed. There were always a dozen men
out on the ice fishing through holes theyd chopped during the day.
And it was a five minute hike from there to his home, so Kimberly would
surely hear of his coming moments after his paws touched the earth
again.
His eyes
gazed heavenward, a prayer forming on his lips, one of thanksgiving and
hope. The grey vault of clouds overhead answered with the light
sprinkling of a gentle snow. He leaned his head closer to one of
Guernefs feathery ears and said, Thank you for bringing me here,
Guernef. I... I couldnt wait to see my family again. Do you
have family waiting for you in the mountains?
The
Nauh-Kaee squawked in some surprise at the question. In a fashion that
you cannot understand, but yes, I have family in the mountains. And
upon the mountains too. One waits but another does not.
The answer
confused the rat, who kept his eyes on the various trees as they slowed
and began to spiral down into the recess above the lake. A shining
white disc awaited them below. All was quiet but for the rip of
wind through fur and feathers.
Youre
right. I dont understand what you mean.
Guernef
said nothing. For nearly a minute they glided down in tight
circles, the Nauh-kaees wings spread wide, and his body tilted inward so
as to make the rat clutch tighter to his back. Below them several
Glenners about their fishing abandoned rods to gawk at what descended
from above. Gryphons were not unknown in Metamor, but there was
something visceral in the Nauh-kaees demeanor that made it seem alien
and unfamiliar. The Glenners all kept trying to move away from
where they thought Guernef would land.
Charles
poked his head over the side and recognized a few of them though their
names slipped from his excited mind. His tail whipped against the
wind and pull of Guernefs circling descent, so delighted was he by the
sight of so many familiar trees and faces. So close, only the
distance of a few seconds separated him from running to his wife.
And then,
Guernef turned his wings, stretched out all four of his legs, and landed
on the northwestern shore, piles of snow bursting around him in a white
plume. Charles held tight for a second more, and then leapt to the
ground, legs sinking into the snow up to his calves. He turned and
patted Guernef on the side. Thank you, my friend! Thank you so
much!
I will
remain here until you are ready to return to the Keep, Guernef replied
with a nod.
Charles
smiled, and then turned to face the road leading up to the Glen
proper. Already several of the fishermen were either running toward
him or running back up to town. Charles squirmed out of his tunic
and then drew it ack over the vine to keep the plant close to him and
hidden from view. By the time hed drawn the vest hed claimed in
Sutthaivasse back over the woolen tunic, the first of the Glenners had
reached him and stared in awe.
Charles
Matthias! By all the gods youve returned!
The rat
strove to recall the otters name, but nothing came to him.
Instead, he smiled and nodded. Aye! Im back! It is good to
be home! Now, if youll excuse me, I wish to see me wife and family
again.
The otter
and the other Glenners whod run up to him all parted for him.
Charles ran up the hill, his whole body bristling with excitement.
They followed after him, shouting in delight that hed returned at long
last. Other faces popped out of homes or from out of trees.
Charles smiled and waved to them as he ran past, long tail following him,
and more and more Glenners following his tail. He saw a few whose
names came to him immediately, Angus the badger, Marcus the marten, and
Alldis the deer, but they could not reach him either. But they
cheered him home, welcoming him with their boisterous voices and
clangour.
And as the
rat finished ascending the hill into the main clearing for the Glen, he
saw that another crowd was gathering about another rat whod emerged from
her home clad in a woolen green dress that hed bought her last
year. And then all the rest failed to pierce the rapport they
shared. The two rats ran to each other, until in the centre of Glen
Avery they were in each others arms. Tears stood in Kimberlys
eyes as she held him tight, not even noticing the odd ropey vine hidden
beneath his tunic. All she and he knew were that they were in each
others arms again after so many months apart.
Charles!
she cried, voice both rich and spent from the long nights not knowing
whether he was alive or not. Her eyes were wide and wet, arms soft
and fur warm. Charles held her close, nuzzling her face with his
snout, nose brushing her tender scalloped ears, whiskers drawing across
the sweet touch of her flesh. Ive missed you.
And I
you, my Lady, he replied, smiling in a way he could not ever recall
smiling. But were together again.
They
leaned back, holding each other in their arms, and her eyes lifted to his
face. And then her body shivered, one arm reaching up to touch the
black hand print over his right eye. Her dark eyes widened in
wonder and fear. He did his best to reassure her with his smile and
hold on her back.
What
happened to you? she asked, her voice very small and frightened.
It is
nothing to fear, my love. I was burned by a Shrieker the day I had
to leave Metamor so many months ago. There is no pain there, and
there is no injury to my eye.
Kimberly
traced her fingers and claws over the outline of the hand print. It...
it looks so evil.
It
was. But I survived it. My Kimberly, my sweet Lady Kimberly,
do not fear it. It is a scar, one given by an evil now
overthrown. It is a sign of our victory. He didnt even really
know what he was saying; he could only gaze at his wife and love her with
all that he was. He leaned forward and kisses her on the bridge of
her nose. The fear melted from her eyes and she kissed him in
return, their arms wrapped about each others necks.
Huzzah!
the many whod gathered shouted in glee. Huzzah! Huzzah for
Charles and Kimberly!
But their
voices were insignificant next to the chorus of little squeaking voices
that came next. Dada! Dada! Dadas home! Kimberly stepped
aside as the little rats clustered about Charless legs. He bent
down, and nuzzled them each in turn, one, two, three, four... Only
four? He opened his eyes, and looked them over, still smiling, but
a little confused.
There on
his left was his eldest, little Charles, with dark brown fur all over his
body that still gave way to pink coloured paws, ears, and nose, and white
whiskers. To his right was his eldest daughter, Bernadette, with
soft tan fur like her mothers, lightening to white beneath her chin and
down her chest now bundled in a green tunic and breeches. Between
them was Erick with his tan fur that darkened over his shoulders like a
cape. And behind them scampered little Baerle, her fur also dark
like her oldest brother, but with a white underbelly like her
sister. But where was his third son, whose head and back where dark
of hue with a lighter underbelly as if he were wearing a great
hood? Where was Ladero?
Charles
hugged his children close and squeaked to them. Oh Charles, Bernadette,
Erick, Baerle, Ive missed you all so!! They squeaked back to him
and hugged him wherever they could and held tight. But their father
was already looking at his wife. Wheres Ladero?
Baerle the
opossum stood behind Kimberly now, and she bit on her knuckles, tears
standing in her eyes. Kimberly trembled and then put one paw on his
shoulder. Ladero became very sick last year... we lost him. We
lost him.
No...
Charles felt as if a sword had been thrust into his heart. He held
his four children tighter. No... that cant be. It cant be!
Hes... hes my little one. My... my... Sondeck child.
Kimberly
leaned over him. The crowd, once so excited, was now muted and
stepped back to give them some room. Her eyes, so beautiful, were
now crying even more. I know. Im so sorry. Even Raven
couldnt save him... Im so sorry, Charles! She flung her arms around
him. Charles felt his little ones holding tight, shivering for fear
at seeing their parents so.
And then
he let go of them, and pushed Kimberly off. He stood up, shaking
his head. I need to see him. Show me where he is.
This
way, a new but familiar voice said. The rat turned an found a
grey-furred ferret dressed in green at his back. Come, Charles.
Laderos this way.
Garigan,
the rat said, and then followed him through the crowd. Kimberly and
Baerle were right behind him, and his four children scampered both on
hind legs and on all fours around him. Most of the other Glenners
kept back.
They
walked north of the Glen into the woods a short distance until they came
to a place where the trees sheltered a small grove filled with stone
markers. Each marker stood at the head of a small tumulus.
Most were covered in snow and ice, but one, a simple cross with a yew
chiselled into the front, had been swept clean with flowers resting upon
its base. Charless felt his entire body constrict, the Sondeck
tightening into a fist within his chest. The name, Ladero
Matthias was inscribed into the trees trunk.
No,
Charles whispered, and then fell to his knees, his little children
scampering out of the way. The vine pulled taut against him as if
sucked inward. He shook, tail curling around his legs until it too
was wrapped tight. Oh, Eli, please! No! He curled his chin
to his chest, paws covering his head. My Ladero, he wept.
And then,
the ever tightening ball of sorrow inside of him could go no
further. He thrust his arms before him, head snapping back and
bellowed, No!! before falling arms across the gravestone, hugging it
close, cold and unfamiliar. But it was stone. Heart
miserable, his fingers slid within its cool embrace to find a tenant that
in so many images described its watchful regard over the little body
buried at its feet, and the string of faces filled with anguish that had
come to pay their respects and shed their tears.
Charles! Your arms! Kimberlys voice broke through his granite
communion. He opened his eyes and saw that his hands were imbedded
in the gravestone, and that his arms were stone all the way to his
elbows. He sighed and drew his hands back and let his flesh
return.
His voice
was quiet and desolate, his eyes smeared with tears. I will tell
you about that later, my Lady. But first, how did he die?
Kimberly
crept up beside him, eyes on his arms, and then laid one paw on his
back. The children clustered around, silent and wide-eyed.
Garigan and Baerle stayed close, but all the others were gone. It
started as a cough in early Autumn. Jo gave me broths to feed him,
but it only got worse. After Garigan returned from Metamor, he said
that there was a tear in his Sondeck. Charless ears perked but he said
nothing. Jo did all she could but we had to send for the
Lothanasa. But she arrived too late and our little boy died.
Garigan did all he could to hold his Sondeck together, but it nearly
killed him too. I still dont understand what happened.
Charles
turned on the ferret, staring at him through his black-hand eye. His
Sondeck was torn?
Jagged as
if it were ripping itself apart, Garigan replied. When Raven touched
the boy she felt such terrible pain she yanked her hand back
immediately. I chewed out one of my own teeth and had blood poring
from my face and chest before I passed out. He lowered his head. Im
sorry. I didnt know what to do.
The rat
lowered his eyes. Sondtodt.
Sond-what?
Sondtodt, Charles repeated. Its a sickness that sometimes strikes
Sondecki children whose parents are both Sondeckis. Very rarely it
strikes a Sondecki child with only one Sondecki parent. The rat sighed
heavily. There was nothing you could have done, Garigan. I could
have held him together longer, long enough to have a dragon fly us to
Sondeshara, but that is what it would have taken to heal him.
Although Im sure Akkala could have done so as well.
She said
only one man in all of Galendor could have healed Ladero, Kimberly
whispered.
Charles
pondered that for a moment and then nodded; he felt even more dead inside
than if he were nothing but stone. Krenek could have. He trained
in the arts of Sondeckis healing. But Akkala helped heal me from
something stranger, and Rickkter too! Why not my boy?
Kimberly
swallowed, sniffling, but no more tears would come to her eyes. She said
that Ladero had to die to save you.
What?
Baerle
nodded her head and stepped closer, reaching out one paw to steady him.
She did. She said Laderos death would save you.
Save me?
Charles blinked and then his emptiness was consumed by a fierce rage.
Save me! That bitch! She demands I go to Marzac and leave my
family behind, and then wont lift a finger to heal my boy! My
Sondecki boy! Damn her!
Charles!
Kimberly wailed. The children!
Charles
rose and kicked the snow around, swinging his arms at the empty
air. The vine writhed against his chest. He felt as if his
fur would catch fire. No! Ive been used by these ungrateful gods
and had my son snatched from me! Damn them all! He kicked the snow
one last time, and then stormed over to one of the trees and beat it with
his fists, cracking the icy bark. His children squeaked and hid
behind Kimberly and Baerle.
But the
ferret wasnt afraid. He grabbed Charles by the shoulder, spun him
around, and then pounded him in the centre of the forehead with his
fist. The rat blinked and stumbled backward, stunned by the
blow. He fell to his haunches, tail bunching painfully beneath
him. His legs kicked out through the snow, toes splayed wide, while
his arms hung limply at his sides.
And just
as the anger burned so bright, so too was his grief deep. Oh Eli, my
Ladero. My little Ladero is gone! Charles sobbed into his
paws. He could feel the touch of his family and friends as they
gathered around. Kimberly at his chest, Garigan and Baerle at his
sides, and his four children in his lap, crying for their hurt Dada.
Like that
they stayed as the cold winter air blew the snow back over Laderos
grave.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
!DSPAM:4b9987ae138451443720711!
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