Sekali, "The Sister City"
Chapter 38
They sat and ate as the Knowledge Master fiddled with a few things in his hands, mumbling to himself.
“Let’s see, how did this go? One, two, three. Hmmm, there are five here.” He laid out five amulets on his lap, intensely studying them. Then he picked out two and placed them back within his robes.
“There we are . . . three. These are the correct amulets for the occasion, I believe. Here.”
He handed each of the company one amulet and did not give an explanation to their origin, what they were for, or when they should be used, or even if they should be used. There was simply no explanation for them.
He then bade them put on their new gear. As they did, he told them what they were. Their armor and shields were all crafted by men, though they housed an enchantment within, so as to make them very durable. The most intriguing aspect about these enchantments was that they slowly healed if damaged, so they would never need to mend them.
Uther grunted in satisfaction, and Finyat’s eyes widened like a child that had just been given a surprise. Each of their blades was enchanted with a sharpness of edge beyond what the normal metal could hold. Thus, with a well-placed swing they could cleave with a more devastating effect. The axe was especially created to bite deeper than any common axe. Uther was most pleased to hear it.
All three looked like something out of old legend, for they adorned themselves with armor and carried the weapons of war from ages past. The old man told them these items were over an age old, at least (which is one thousand years); the weapons were older. The three marveled at this and bowed low in gratitude and thanks.
The old man bowed back, smiling, seemingly pleased at what he was conjuring and weaving for the future. For these items were not just given to the three, he told them, but had to be earned by doing a deed for him. They agreed to the task faithfully, for they knew the White Lady had brought them here for a reason. The old man nodded in satisfaction, pleased to have seen no hesitation with the acceptance of this thing they knew nothing of.
Ahh, faithfulness he thought, A most blessed aspect of those who are in the midst of growing and expanding themselves beyond the common man of selfish desire and want. Again he bowed to them.
“You three will travel to the Sister City and reclaim it. You will throw down all resistance and defeat many minions. The amulets are the key to victory. I ask you now to go. Take your belongings and return to the forest of the druid. There you will receive further instructions. Farewell, my friends, until we meet again. Vannar watch over you. Farewell.”
The three bowed once again, retrieved their belongings and departed from the presence of the Knowledge Master.
The old man stared after them for quite some time after they had departed. At length, from beside him, came the voice of the White Lady to the Knowledge Master.
“Do you think they can do this thing, sir?”
The old man turned to the beautiful Herald as if it was no surprise to see one of Vannar’s personal servants on the earthen plane.
“There is strength and determination in those three. Each has his own personality and ability, quite unlike those of the others. They have as much a chance as you or I would to do it. Now, don’t look at me that way, dear friend, I was jesting about that. But I am tired of being here, stuck in a library of which all books are as familiar as the house one lives in. I want to see trees, fields, waters and stars again. Will you petition my lord Vannar to help them in some way, milady? I would be in your debt.”
She smiled at him fondly and embraced him. He held her tightly in return.
“I know you are. I will ask aid in this matter, my most loyal friend. I will ask. Patience for now. Patience.”
He let go of her and smiled. “Of course milady, what else is there? Only folly. Thank you.”
Once again the old man returned to his chair and sat down gently into its comfort. He retrieved the book on the table beside him, opened it and turned to the last written page. After a moment words began forming on the pages streaming slowing from left to right. He followed the words intently as the White Lady faded out of view with a smile directed at him. Without looking up, the old man waved her off and smiled back.