THE HOUR
SEVEN LONG WAKINGS

Myeopike had barely set foot outside the hall all the while Reign slumbered, embraced in sweet dreams and being fed not a thing more apart from the last meal she had taken with her loved one for it was the bite and sip of the meal that had sustained life within her being because it had been consumed with great affection for the master of the hall. Her being rested at ease and the complexion and beauty that was Reign not ever changed, Myeopike often whispered to her of fair things and good deeds and love and honour. The lives within her womb grew in perfection and so it was that when Myeopike’s beloved opened her eyes, she felt the joy of wakefulness.

“Myeopike my love,” her voice rang in the bedchamber like a hundred twittering birds, “How delighted my heart feels that my eyes see you!”

The Spekai beamed, “The Wise One be praised, it has been seven long wakings since I have set sight on your awakened self, for seven long wakings has the grand hall been void of your voice and the master of the hall has for all the time you have been in slumber much desired that his beloved awaken and now, she has.”

Reign lifted her head and smiled, she sat up and looking at her beloved simply said, “Do tell me more about this grand hall and its master and his lady friend,” he laughed as he helped her to her feet. “I wish to hear of this enchanting pair,” another smile, “While I eat a morsel of herb. My child must be fed and so must I. Myeopike, you let me sleep too long!”

She gave him a stern look, and began walking toward the grand hall with him close behind. “Allow me to hold your fair hand, that you may not stumble.”

Myeopike slipped beside her and grasped her hand.

“My womb has grown heavy in the span of a single extremely long waking,” she mumbled, “I feel I bear two lives instead of just one…” a look of confusion masked her smiling face with every step she took, she looked at him.

“Calm yourself,” he said, “Just a few paces more and we shall find ourselves in the grand hall with platters of fruit and herb and tumblers of honey…there, there!” And indeed it was so and at the sight of the grand hall Reign forgot her confusion and Myeopike reminded her of it not once, there would be moments of remembering later and then he would have little to say.

Lady Time had worked a charm on nature’s elements. Dsarest the guardian of earth and nature had been for long wakings a captive of Time’s charms and in turn he and Time influenced the guardians under, his, wise Dsarest’s control. It was hence that winter governed and time simply passed in most lands under fighting and misery, sickness and blemish, but in one land, time dragged on while people fought and committed crimes of every possible kind. The justice council that once held authority and stood as a symbol of dignity now no longer held that identity, the Council of the Fair one time, was now vile and corrupt and Time made it all easier for this to be so.

Folks from across every land, people with troubles requiring the law to solve them found their way to the council and were robbed of what all they had and sent back to their lands. No different was it with Stompsledge’s folk, they too were deceived by the law and Aliyha Hegleok made most of the weary long day; she grew in power and riches.

“Do not let us worry about that last petitioner,” said Aliyha at a hasty meal, it was now dark outside and still the council doors remained open. “The gold in the old chests could not have been left in that young man’s name. The documents say not a word about it. Gregieo for certain would have mentioned it in the case document but he did not and that only works well for us.” A stiff smile, a gulp of hot soup from a bowl of silver.

“This has indeed been a long day,” Dreke commented. “I cannot ever recall a longer day than this one…it is as if time has suddenly stood still. Strange!” Brestuev made a sound.

“Do not tell me you are displeased about the way things have gone today,” he looked across the table at the other, “We just started at the earliest hour ever and that is possibly why it appears that time has stood still.”

He bit a large portion of bread and chewed. “You must admit though, this rather long day has brought us big fortunes and having said that, I could go on working all night and into tomorrow if it would add to our already accumulating power and riches.”

Everyone laughed, Dreser who sat nearest to Aliyha and Ermal this time nodded. “A toast to Hegleok power!” he raised his tumbler and drank deep from it, the others following his lead.

“All right everybody,” Aliyha had finished her meal, “I desire a bit of rest and though you do not claim to need it, neither of you, I still insist the council close its doors for at least a few hours.”

She stood up to leave. “Well, rest well my childr—what is it Brestuev?” He had rushed up to her.

“I feel someone ought to watch the doors…there are troubled people out there and they cannot be trusted.” He was right. There were scores of troubled people outside in the streets, squabbling for their rights, fighting among themselves and even threatening violence on the head of Hegleok council. It was not a scene of calm and Aliyha knew it to be true.

“You do have a point. Take it in turns,” she turned to her sons, “Brestuev will take the first watch and you Ermal and Dreke the next in turns. Dreser, I leave you to guard the Council chamber and organize the documents of the cases we ruled over today.”

She headed in the direction of the door,” paused, then turned around. “Ermal, I almost forgot, Cineon had requested a moment with you…you should go see her and do take some of this for her to eat.” She nodded at the food on the table, “The council shall meet again in a few hours.” She then left for her own chamber.

Meanwhile, in Cineon’s bedchamber where Time’s second hand adviser carried out his mission and the child bearing Cineon lay helpless in deep sleep, dreaming strange dreams of the quick passage of time and hearing a voice whisper to her child, tossing and flailing her arms as if to push away an unseen force, there in that chamber, Aliyha Slyionthe stood watching. She looked on at Cineon with a mixture of contempt and envy.

“I feel ashamed,” she was saying to the illusory character who now sat beside the sleeping Cineon holding her arms down and breathing time from all lands beyond into her being and into that of his grandchild’s. “That you are doing what I see you doing.” The illusory character let go the struggling arms and for a moment turned around.

“Time commands it of me,” he said, “And I obey for our future depends on it, do you not see?” In her sleep Cineon began hearing two voices whisper not far off, the whispering voice had been drawn away from her side but still was not very far, the passing of time seemed to slow. She began to awaken from the deep slumber.

Young Aliyha stepped forward and touched her lover’s face. “I apologize my love,” tears rolled down the sides of her face, “What you do is worth every bit of pain it causes me if it means that we shall be together again. Go back to her,” she gestured at the sleeping figure, “Before she awakens completely.”

The illusory character spoke in earnest, “I do not desire her but I must do what has been commanded of me.” Turning back to Cineon he placed both hands over her so that she lapsed back into deep sleep and strange dreams again.

“Aliyha Hegleok, was she pleased to see you?” The young woman laughed, “Pleased? Not ever.” She looked away, “Aliyha Hegleok hates me but I am her in the past and the future!” Again she turned back to the illusory character, eyes ablaze, “Before you return to Time pray come see Aliyha Hegleok in her sleep…she is not much different from me as I now stand before you.”

The illusory character grinned. “How well I do know it…I shall come.” Cineon and the illusory character were then left alone; the young Aliyha exited the chamber quietly and wandered the hallway only to see Lady Hegleok come up the stairs.

Xeira and her three companions, three, for Wully had changed his mind about going off to war with Oliukus instead preferring to remain in company with his mother and sister, and for certain, with the Truole Lady. They had wound their way through lands where Time and her allies had wrecked havoc, lands where people destroyed each other’s lives in hate and jealousy. Anger and misery ruled and the weather proved a brewing pot for sickness of a many kind; the scene that met Xeira’s and the nurts’ eyes was a sight so devastating.

“The spirit of the Wise One’s mind

The people of every land, need you,

May your chosen one

Find where your wise mind, Wise One,

Before the Hour of Time strikes

Xeira Aengomiern for you fights!”

This is what the Truole Lady repeated to the howling wind and the nurts too murmured it ending the rhyme in each of their names.

Once on the shore of the ancient Kourass, Xeira halted and said to the nurts, “It flows now; the waters of my ancestors, the homeland of the Truoles, it flows.” The surface of the waters was covered in wrecked and damaged sails, she stepped into the water motioning the others to do the same. “To rebuild the largest ship once belonging to one tribal Truole family, the Aengomierns, that is my task, to clear the waters of Kourass up and down stream of debris shall be yours, my nurt friends.” She turned to them, all four were waist deep in the Kourass. Kirestle and Tesma nodded.

Wully said, “It will be an honour Lady Aengomiern.” He bowed, as did the other two.

“I wish to help you in the task of rebuilding the sail,” Tesma said quietly, “If Lady Aengomiern will let me.” Xeira smiled.

“I am grateful Tesma Redgate, you truly are Rieah’s creation for only Rieah the Wise One has a heart of kindness and a good word.” She moved on and began picking through the wreckage while the others began burying deep under the Kourass floor the remains of a long ago past.

“I fear only a Truole can rebuild its ship, alone.” Xeira spoke not ever unkindly, she went about her task.

The people dwelling on the banks of the ancient river, from within their homes and despite of falling prey to Time’s evil doings, noticed all that was happening on the river’s flowing waters and knew Xeira of the Kourass had indeed not ever passed beyond life.

“It is the Truole along with some strangers not from these parts,” went the whispers, “And they clean the river, the three strangers, and the Truole Xeira, alone builds a sail…”

“The ancient river course has not seen activity such as this since the days of the old Truoles!”

The folks talked, putting differences aside and some even stepped out of their homes chancing the cold harsh weather if only to see the Truole and her friends.

In Flemezour, within Ailieth, the wise mind’s spirit listened and saw many a thing; it also heard the Aengomiern’s prayer and the tiny flame flickered.

“Soon it is that the Wise One will reveal her mind’s spirit’s place of dwelling and the chosen one will find me and unite me with her. No one shall stop this happening.” Elagust and Olaliefe still standing guard outside the chamber heard the murmur and the tiny flames flickered and flared. “We stand by you wise Rieah!” they uttered in unison. The flame burned high and its warmth slowly spread across the cold chamber and began to replace the cold within Flemezour, the place where wise minds’ spirits dwelled in recreation and peace once, now, no longer remained inhabited but for the three spirits of the three wise minds.

Elagust and Olaliefe had been commanded by Dsarest to let remain their minds’ spirits guarding the spirit of Rieah’s mind and they had obeyed thus far but now it was time to show their alliance to Rieah, and Dsarest the old and once wise would learn of it too.

As the cold began to slowly ebb away in Flemezour, the lands beyond only experienced harsher weather. The twins; summer and spring were finally called upon by their physical selves and departed at once with Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit saying to them, “Leave here and return to where you are needed to rage war against Time. Again we will meet in better wakings.” And so, the Wise One’s mind’s spirit burned bright and merry, it waited.

No sooner had the Wise One dismissed the Folieke and began to pace forth and back then it was with a gust of cold wind there came one of Dsarest’s own aid.

“Greetings Wise One of Greo,” a featureless face said, “I have been sent by Wise Dsarest and he requests your company at a council of the all powerful.” The Wise One eyed the featureless face and at once recognized it.

“It is indeed a pleasure to see you again Stragut,” a sad smile, then, “Why is it you lie to me Stragut? You never used to.”* The featureless face answered, “I merely carry my master’s message.” The Wise One took several steps around Stragut. “Your master does not desire me at a council as much as he desires me out of the way of his precious love, Time, is it not so?” The aid fidgeted but said no word.

“You need not answer that for I already know the truth of it all.”

That said the Wise One stood before him, hands outstretched, “Grasp my hands in yours and lead me to wherever your maser has commanded you to but know that when you touch these hands should you flinch I will know you and I are still known to each other in the ways of old.”

Stragut whimpered, “I beg do not make me do it. Just let me bind you and with these and take you away.” Now the featureless face had a body of billowing threads of gray for its arms and feet while on the ground, and the threads is what it mentioned rising a little in the cold wind.

“I am no witch or criminal, Stragut,” said the Wise One not unkindly; “I beg you in turn, do not treat me like either.”

Even as they stood there, the Wise One’s form and features began to change rapidly. The face was now young and free of every wrinkle and age, the eyes bright and intelligent. The outstretched hands they were gnarled no more and the voice soft and musical. The bent body very slowly straightened to its height, to the full and elegant height of Stragut’s master’s dear old friend.

Stragut gaped. “Wise Rie—I am a coward!” The other smiled, “You are no such thing and we both know it. Where is it that your master wishes you to take me?”

Stragut gulped. “He wishes me to take you to where Time awaits, to the hall of decisions.” A great sob escaped Stragut, the thread body began to come apart. The Wise One now no longer old and bent, said slowly.

“That Stragut cannot ever occur for I am not Time’s ally and it is only those who are that can meet with her there. I am Wise Rieah and if Time desires council with me, bid her come to The Tree.”

The words bound the threads together in form and Stragut grasped the young outstretched hands by the wrists. There was an uproar of wind rushing through The Tree and Wise Rieah’s feet left ground, the cold engulfing the both of them and the threads binding the Wise One were unbreakable. Dsarest’s aid wept even as his grip tightened around the wrists, his mind’s thoughts and heart’s truest emotions were revealed.

“Do not weep Stragut,” whispered Rieah and despite the howling wind her voice, the other heard clearly, he started, the grip loosened. Rieah smiled. “Just follow fairness and listen to what it tells you.”

But Stragut listened not to old remnants of long conversations between two friends in the back of his mind and he ignored the guilt.

“I apologize Wise One but what needs to be done, must be done.” Rieah smiled through her tears, she nodded. They were now well on their way toward Time’s place of dwelling and far high beyond The Tree. From the ground, the two appeared a white cloud carried on the cold high wind until with a sudden force and harsh words the cloud burst apart; one half drifting calmly toward the nearest treetop and the other half merely dispersing into tiny specks of silver glint vanishing into the gray sky.

The sudden flash blinded the company of nurts; the friends lead by Korehk who kept talking of tales of the guardian of Greo who Myeopike spoke of to him on many occasions. They were not too far from The Tree when they heard harsh words loud as a thunderclap, the voice appeared to come from an angered beast. “Be gone from before my sight, you are your master’s fool,” it said, “I fear that in your foolishness to serve well old Dsarest, you have severed your heart from fairness and for that I shall not ever forgive you!”

The friends quailed as they caught these words and heard the harshness in the tone of voice, even Korehk appeared unnerved when only a moment before he had been speaking of the Wise One in all praise about how Myeopike had told him tales of unspeakable kindness and care. Was this it?

“Nauoljath has followed us here,” Untholio said, his voice a tremor, “He has abandoned the forest laws and hunts out of the Creek woods!” He started to run back in the general direction of the Creek woodlands.

Despite of the fear they all felt, Astra pulled Untholio by the shoulder. “Do not run,” he said as calmly as he could force himself to feel.

“The forest laws have not ever been broken till this waking.” the others too were gathering around the two and Korehk nodded.

“Astra is right, we must all calm ourselves.” He looked at Untholio’s frightened face and then slowly at the others. “I may behave as a fool does at times but I do know a thing or two about guardians of forests,” by this time the surroundings were dark and the fear that engulfed the group had lessened somewhat.

“Korehk, tell us what the Spekai of Wyoungthed woodland has made known to you about forest guardians and the laws they follow.” Fiel spoke courteously, she never really had felt afraid. “That I shall do, lady Fiel.” Korehk bowed, “It was not Myeopike though that made it known to me, rather I learnt it from the birds and beasts in the wakings of timelessness.” Here he smiled, breathed deep relishing the memory.

This was all it took, Untholio’s body twisted desperately and breaking free from Astra’s grasp began to back away but the friends barred his way. “Do not run, fear Nauoljath no longer,” Korehk spoke quietly, “It is not him that has you frightened so, and us all for a moment, and if it is Nauoljath,” the old nurt jabbed a finger in the air behind him, “Let him be, no harm can he bring to us.” Korehk clapped his hands together, satisfied.

“Is that all?” Untholio looked around wildly, “I respect you Korehk and you Astra, I respect you all but simply because he says it, does not mean the words hold truth.”

The old Stone Lover frowned, “Do you not understand?” he said exasperatedly. “The forest guardians have control and can use their power only within the forest they dwell in.” A pause as the frightened Redgate pondered this over.

“You mean he, if that is him over there, he cannot hurt us because that would be breaking the laws?” At last, thought the others, he understood, he began to calm down and Korehk opened his mouth to say something pertaining to it when from behind him came rustle and someone spoke.

“Child of Wyoungthed, you have understood well but it is not mere forest laws that keep creatures such as Nauoljath away from Greo,” the friends turned around, no one appeared to be there still, the voice spoke. “It is me, I am the Wise One, I am Rieah. Look not upon me in fear for that is not your way to be.” It was then that Fiel in her keen sight caught a glimpse of a feather drifting down toward them from a tall tree some distance away.

“I wish to hold council with you,” the voice said softly. “I have but a few moments before I must leave…not forever but just until my mind’s spirit is returned to my physical self.”

The nurts looked at each other and Untholio said, “Inckle, he has not come this way then?”

The Wise One smiled, the feather drifted straight onto his torn and dirty sweater. “Indeed, he is not far from here this moment which is why you must follow me, we should be within The Tree to speak.” The feather moved on a slight breeze leading the friends on into a sunlit circular area with tall trees surrounding them and to one side a high stone seat.

“Is there magic here in this forest?” Untholio asked nervously, next to him walked Trejeth who shrugged, “I do not know.”

They halted before the stone seat, the feather too. It lazily settled upon it, the sun was bright here in The Tree, its brightness with the structure made the rest of Greo look dark.

“No witch dwells within The Tree, I do not use evil powers.” Untholio flushed, he realized the Wise One had heard him earlier.

“Wyoungthed dies, Wise Rieah,” Fiel spoke, her tone barely above a whisper, “There are but the lot of us and Inckle who have survived…” Her voice trailed off in a sad reverie.

“There are things you know and things you do not have knowledge of,” the Wise One said as the feather quivered, “Wyoungthed the land as you know it and as I have loved it has been lost but with it not all life has died. As you will discover in Time’s own moment.”

There was a long silence during which the carvings on the high seat became clearer, the moss and creepers being brushed aside by the feather as it drifted to its spot on the seat. The creepers and moss covering the high seat had hidden carvings depicting strange scenes and words in the ancient language of the Spekai folk. A far off howl of the wind, the Wise One spoke again.

“The wind howls and very soon it will blow through The Tree and take me along with it to where winter can never hope to reach.” And the council began, the Wise One told many a thing and the nurts listened intently, their eyes not ever leaving the feather. The distant wind blew harsh once more, this time the sound seemed closer.

“My moment of leaving nears,” said the Wise One, “I sense Zetreh and Inckle are caught in the storm not far from here, the wind has the two unable to proceed.” A pause during which Fiel decided to speak her thought.

“We shall bring them to you Wise Rieah.” She began to move away gesturing Trejeth to follow but the Wise One stopped her. “Do not leave The Tree, they will soon be here but I will not…Listen to me.”

The first few moments of Zetreh’s and Inckle’s slow yet somewhat hurried pacing toward The Tree were uneventful except that the nurt felt his heart heavy with grief and uncertainty and in his mind were thoughts of all he had lost since the game challenge. Zetreh spoke little and what he said when he did talk, it was in praise of the Wise One and of the horrors of Greo. Inckle only half heard it all, he walked as if dazed and not a thing Zetreh said roused his interest for more than a fraction of a moment.

It was only when a blinding flash disrupted the gloom about them and Zetreh cried out, “Stragut has been sent on Dsarest’s command,” he began running shouting over his shoulder. “Hurry, before the wind hinders our going! The Wise One will soon be gone from The Tree, we must reach it before that happens, hurry Inckle Vilksumer!” But even as these words were spoken the wind surrounded the two and more than once Inckle was lifted off his feet and brought up hard against a tree trunk or another. Zetreh grabbed the other by the arm as he got carried past him; the two hugged a large tree and waited anxiously for the harsh wind to die.

It was hard to ignore the warmth that suddenly engulfed them, that was not all.

The air carried with it the scents of spring. Turning to Zetreh Inckle saw the grin on the other’s face, a moment later and over the roaring wind Zetreh shouted. “The Wise minds Olaliefe and Elagust, they have come!” Inckle opened his mouth intending to ask what it was the other was so glad about but simply managed a cough. This made Zetreh laugh out hard swallowing dust and leaves carried on the wind.

Inckle stared puzzled, not comprehending. Branches fell off the tree under which they sheltered crashing around the duo and got carried by the wind; it was like a mid air sea of leaves and branches and flying earth. Moments passed, the two clung on to the tree trunk with every ounce of strength until finally the wind’s fury began to diminish and they were able to let go and continue on their way to The Tree. Even though the wind blew less strongly, it still somewhat hindered their progress as all across the forest path lay fallen branches and in certain places uprooted trees, picking their way through these obstacles would have been easier if the companions could keep their eyes focused on the ground but the wind carrying dust and leaves along with it made it hard and Inckle and Zetreh stumbled along half seeing.

“How far is it, Mister Zetreh?” Inckle asked in a rather tired voice. “My eyes they burn and I have bruises all over my stumbling feet.” Zetreh pulled him up for what was like a hundredth time. “Not much further Inckle,” he paused, looked sideways at the nurt whose face appeared pained and tired all at the same time.

“I am called Zetreh and I accept no other name of calling.” Inckle nodded, “I understand, Zetreh.” They lapsed back to silence.

“It is not far Inckle,” said Zetreh not unkindly, then in a sharp voice asked, “Are you not the fastest nurt that ever walked and won every game challenge in Wyoungthed?” Inckle blushed, said nothing and went on.

“Well?” Zetreh looked over his shoulder at the nurt, “Are you the nurt or is it just rumors carried on by the wind of ages?”

Inckle turned scarlet, “I have not won all game challenges.” The Earth Protector pouted.

Zetreh laughed, “Well now that is because you chose to lose the last challenge. Your heart is kind Inckle Vilksumer.”

The wind had somewhat picked up again. “Inckle stopped walking altogether.

“I could not have let myself win after I let myself look into Astra Deins’s eyes?” Innckle Vilksumer mumbled.

Zetreh nodded, “The Wise One has gifted compassion to the nurts of Wyoungthed, to you the more of it.”

For a moment the two stood facing each other ignoring the urgency.

Zetreh was the first to stir, “Well, all the other game challenges you did win,” Zetreh eyed the other sternly, “It was not by standing still I am certain. Now would be a splendid time to prove your worth as the fastest walker in Wyoungthed.”

Inckle took the hint, “I am a champion in tiptoe walking and I challenge you.” Before Zetreh had said even a word, he was off, a wide grin lighting up his face for the first time in a long time.

Before too long Inckle reached The Tree, Zetreh close behind. What he saw made him stop laughing. The halt was so sudden that Zetreh ran straight into Inckle’s back, nearly knocking him over.

Aliyha had no sooner left the room when Dreser approached Brestuev.

“I do not feel at ease handling the documents,” he said, his voice anxious. Brestuev was taken aback. “That is absurd, you are a member of this family and council.”

He looked at his sister’s husband worriedly. “It is your right as much as either one of us within here to handle the documents. Do not believe any different.”

Dreser smiled, “I thank you brother by law, you speak what is true. However,” he ran a hand across his hair, “I believe I could handle the people down at the entrance,” he took a step back as if what he had said suggested the other might get angry but Brestuev raised his hands, palms open.

“Say no more, I understand your place of power.” He bowed a little to the other, “I shall take over your duties.”

Dreser patted him on the back. “I thank you, I shall be at the entrance defending this council’s rights to power!” So it was that the duties between the two were exchanged and each one went their way.

The Hegleok house loomed dark against the slow changing night sky even as within its closed doors the children of the powerful Aliyha remained awake, those that were not on watch, occupied themselves with helping Brestuev, Dreke was aiding his oldest brother with the sorting of the documents in the Council room, Ermal was there too though not really lending a hand.

Ermal decided he would go and see Cineon before his turn to go on watch. If she were asleep, he would leave her a scribbled message letting her know he had come by to see her. Making up his mind he headed for the door when Dreke stepped away from his task at that exact moment. He had been sorting a particular messy sheave of a yellowed document by the window.

“There appears to be some trouble by the main entrance, I do think it better we go and try sort it out.”

Ermal looked uncertain, “Is Dreser not able to control it, whatever the trouble?” Dreke shrugged. “From up here, I cannot seem to set my sight on Dreser. I fear those trouble makers might have tricked him somehow.”

The young Hegleok sighed, “Cineon requested to meet with me and this she did after our previous meal…” Dreke gave him a suspicious look. “It is not the Hapledert—”

Ermal never let him finish his say, “For you to even think such a thing!” he exploded, “I might be your brother but my actions shall not ever follow in the wake of your doings.”

He strode past the other, anger barely contained. “Where is it you are going?” Dreke called after him. “Follow and find out!” Ermal shouted over his shoulder.

Dreke hesitated only a moment before following Ermal out into the hallway, when he reached it Ermal was nowhere in sight, only footsteps at some distance could he hear.

“Ermal! Where in Hegleok’s name have you gone to?” he barked, his thoughts only on one thing, the Hapledert woman. “Do not play me for a fool brother,” Dreke called. “That Hapledert is mine for the taking.”

Brestuev poked his head out of the council chamber, “Have you been yelling at ghosts Dreke? Or was it me you were talking to?”

Dreke turned sharply, his forehead cringed, “Neither,” he said hoarsely, “Ermal is the one – he has gone to that Haplede—” a loud clang cut him off, Dreke frowned, the noise appeared to have come from the entrance. “Never mind that. He has gone that way, the entrance.” He took off in the direction of the clanging sound.

Brestuev returned to his task, sighed and muttered, “As long as you both return to do your task.”

Deituk followed in Hachael’s and Chyle’s wake, inflicting pain on damage wrecked by the two. The spirit of Deituk not ever tired, it was thrilling at the opportunity to cause hurt.

“Thank you Lady Time,” Deituk mumbled as he went about his tasks, “You have given me a chance to live again.” He paused, looking down on a pale faced woman, he breathed hard on her the woman while she withered away in agony.

“Much better!” he grinned and sped on and continued to mutter to himself about how easy a job it was, his part in the destruction of peace and health and all that was good. “Hachael and Chyle are the ones doing the hard part… Still when my son returns to me I shall be stronger still.”

Time heard Deituk’s mutterings and sent word for Dreser to return to his father immediately.

“A stronger Deituk is preferred much more to a weaker one. Join your father son of Deituk.”

So it was that when Lady Hegleok spoke of her daughter’s husband taking up the task of sorting through the documents of all the cases the council had ruled over, he, Dreser knew that his father was in need of him. Deituk would not ever be denied the strength in his son.

Kwairha and Swulirha sat silent, afraid to even breathe. The loud thudding noises from outside made it clear something was not right. People were yelling a protest of some kind and somebody seemed to be running, whether away from the sound or toward it, was not possible to say.

Soundlessly Swulirha stood and crept toward the single narrow door, for the first time since they had been there she noticed a fine crack across it, she pressed her ear against it and listened intently but the sounds were muffled and far off to make sense. Motioning for Kwairha not to move, she opened the door and peered out.

Receding shadows of two running men played on the opposite wall, the light from a torch down the corridor threw a flickering light making the shadows appear misshapen. Swulirha stepped out into the hallway, quietly observing. There was a window at the far end, it stood ajar and a faint draft of wind invaded the otherwise stuffy passageway; hence the flickering light Swulirha understood. The sounds of running feet died down as a door opened, the same door through which the two ladies had followed Zetreh in, only sounds from the people which she imagined were gathered outside could now be heard far off.

Swulirha stood a moment looking from side to side, a chill wind she knew had rushed in through the stairwell below made her shiver, she grasped her cloak ends and wrapped it tightly about her. The torchlight flared and dimmed casting wild shadows around her and despite the resolve and strength Swulirha was known for, there came a moment when Lady Deulore as she was known to the folks in Fordust Creek and the Mount mountain, stifled the scream that threatened to escape her lips. From among her distorted shadows across the floor and walls, the shadow of a hand appeared from nowhere reaching for her shoulder.

“Swulirha, it is me!” gasped Kwairha in a whisper; the other had spun around and twisted the hand not really seeing who it was.

“Lady Deulore! I said to you not to move from out of there,” she had let go of her sister’s hand. “Why ever did you come out here?” Kwairha spoke quietly, “Two pairs of eyes and ears do better than just one.”

Swulirha smiled in the semidarkness, “It is brave of you my sister, you truly are our father’s daughter.” They stood there for a moment in silence, one remembering their father, the other thinking of her mother she never knew.

“I wonder,” said Kwairha voicing her thoughts, “Could this be the right hour to meet my mother?” she almost immediately considered against the idea. “No. Lady Hegleok must be resting, this is after all an untimely moment to be in the council chamber…”

Swulirha however was not listening, she had begun walking up the corridor toward some stairs that led to the upper floors, along with her she dragged the rather confused Kwairha.

“Where are you taking me, Swulirha?” Kwairha’s voice echoed and seemed to carry her words and confusions to the upper floors. The other placed a single finger on her lips.

“Do not speak in such a loud voice, Lady Deulore, we are intruders and cannot yet risk being heard or seen by anyone.” She looked sternly at the other.

“Lady Hegleok alone shall and must see and hear you, you are no petitioner like them outside and you are here to assert your right.”

Again she began moving up the stairs. “Do not tell me that you mean to take me to my mother now, I plead with you, tell me it is not so.” Kwairha whispered, fear in her eyes. “It must be done now while she rests for, you are correct in your say, it is an untimely hour to hold council but the perfect one to be reminded of one’s daughter and the power she has. Come along.” There was not a word more Kwairha could say to change Swulirha’s mind, they went on in quiet quick steps.

Cineon was left alone, deep sleep wrapped its arms around her and the words the illusory character had left her with evoked dreams of fright and unpleasant wonder to the sleeping mind. Within her the child had grown, the promptings of the illusory character and Time were embedded in the heart of the unborn so that even where it was, within the womb it knew who it was and its rightful place. Cineon felt the weight about her middle but her eyes just stayed shut, refusing to open, she turned this way and that, every moment of every dream made her fear and worry.

“Dreser,” she mumbled, “Where are you husband?” As if in answer, the spoken words returned to her in her dream, barely spoken above a whisper, “The child is yours, Cineon Hegleok you are wedded to evil and evil you carry…Great doings shall be expected from the unborn, do not fret for he who you have wedded, for, he is within you and within you, he is not.”

The night crept on ever so slowly, the child and mother restless in slumber.

Aliyha thought she heard Cineon call out as she passed her daughter’s room in the hallway on her way to her own bedchamber. She smiled, Dreser she thought, he was with Cineon, it was after all not against the law for a husband to wish a fair slumber to his wife. Lady Hegleok entered her own bedchamber.

Once the door closed behind her, the torchlight that lit the landing, like all the other landings and corridors and hallways was blocked out and Aliyha stood surrounded by a blanket of dark, almost. Far across the room the only curtained window stood shut allowing only a faint sliver of light in from the outside, lanterns on the street corners and a few flickering torches from the people gathered in protest. Aliyha sighed, what an unusually long and lucrative day it had been. Reaching the desk by the other side of the door she fumbled for a moment with a lamp, finally lighting it. It was cold and damp, the housekeeper had not made a fire tonight.

“I will deal with her in the morning,” muttered Aliyha crossly. “Lady Hegleok need not request comforts, they should be bestowed upon her lavishly.” She took off her cloak, washed her face and hands, she would have to find warmth under blankets though how she did not know for everything in the room seemed icy cool to the touch.

“Whatever are those people trying to accomplish down there?” Aliyha had walked across toward the window and frowned as she looked down, “Senseless.” A slight and sudden movement by the light of the lamp caught her eye and she turned but saw nothing further.

“I must rest a while before my mind and sight begin a game of tricks on me.” She smiled to herself as she headed for the bed.

Before Inckle and Zetreh there was a flurry of leaves that had once been dry and part of the forest ground but now swirled around in a strong wind, the kind that had assailed the path the two were on when on their way to The Tree. Among all of the leaves, there was the whitest of feathers. Inckle stared on.

“What is happening?” he muttered, Zetreh knew that the only way to answer the nurt’s questions was to drag him right in the center of the little storm. Grabbing hold of the other’s arm he pulled him forward into The Tree and among the swirling leaves, it was warm and bright and Inckle though he felt unaware of what exactly was happening, he instantly remembered Wyoungthed and its unending sunlit wakings and warm weather.

“I am glad you have come,” a soft voice said to him above the rustle of the leaves brushing past in the wind. “I am to go with Olaliefe and Elagust to the ancient dwelling of the Orliereas.” Inckle turned this way and that, trying to see who was talking to him but all that met the eye were leaves, swirling leaves.

“Zetreh!” Inckle called above the rustling.

“He does not speak to you,” the voice continued, “Listen child of Wyoungthed, I have chosen you from among the rest of my children – return to me what my physical self possesses not. Look in the land that to the human eye does not exist, the place some fear to believe in and others refuse to deny the very existence of.” The wind suddenly lessened, a few leaves began to drop. Inckle frantically looked about but again saw only swirling leaves and now, a moment later, the wind picked up again, it felt warmer than a moment ago.

“Who are you? And where is it you speak to me from?” Inkcle asked.

A white feather landed on his shoulder. “I am Rieah the Wise One,” the expression on Inckle’s face was at once one of fear.

“I am the creator of Wyoungthed and its folk, pray do not fear me Inckle Vilksumer for I am no monster, merely a feather at this moment.”

The Wise One laughed softly, then in a tone of regret, “The wind hastens my going.”

The wind had indeed increased even more. “I shall leave you, but not alone, reunite me with the flicker of a thought for only then shall you and all folk be strengthened to fight and win against Time. And the future of all beings, green and man too shall be forged anew.”

Inckle shielded his eyes from the swirling leaves while trying mightily hard to stay on his feet; the wind was a lot stronger than before. Inckle came to a quick decision, he began to step against the blowing wind, soon he was straining to get out of The Tree but his will and efforts got Inckle nowhere, he just remained unmovable, rooted to the spot and for the briefest moment a vision met his eyes, Tall and fair of clothing and kind of heart, among the leaves on the wind swirled Rieah, in her hand a white feather. And then, the wind dropped drastically, the circling leaves fell lightly to the ground, in Inckle’s hair and on his clothes. It was clear the wind had left behind broken branches off trees and a neat mess about The Tree, it was also clear to Inckle that there was someone else with him and Zetreh, possibly even a small company. ‘“I shall leave you now but not alone…”’ the words returned to him just as he almost forgot them, behind the high seat he could glimpse a face peeping at him. The high seat itself revealed carvings, to the nurt it looked like a depicted map, even from the distance he stood at, Inckle noticed the markings. There would be moments later, he could inspect the high seat then but first he had to find out whom it was that the Wise One had left him in company with. He took a cautious step forward, then stopped,

“Zetreh, are you here still?” Zetreh had been crouched behind a tree just a short distance behind Inckle, now he too took a step forward, “I am my gamhnurt friend,” he patted Inckle on a shoulder, “I can tell you the Wise One was indeed very pleased to have had a moment in conversation with you.” Inckle shook his head.

“A moment of conversation? It felt like a lot of moments, not just one moment!”

Zetreh laughed, “You do speak with little thought as to how you might sound but nevertheless, you speak true. The Wise One has the power to enchant and when one is thus fascinated, time appears to move in slow stride because the heart and mind desire to make the experience last for long.”

Inckle smiled, “I understand now.” He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

“Erm…Zetreh, Wise Rieah said she was not leaving me alone,” a pause, the other nodded, “What of it?”

“Well, the Wise One was referring to you, she left me with you, did she not?” It was Zetreh’s turn to shake his head.

“I fear it is not so, I must return to my duties, the Wise One has entrusted me with many a task but if you wish to learn what the Wise One truly meant,” he gestured, “Turn around and look behind you Inckle Vilksumer, Earth Protector of the Qesdaleenda lane, go on turn around and find out.”

Fiel, Untholio and Trejeth had stepped out from behind the high seat, they now stood silently behind Inckle, Fiel barely being able to contain herself while Untholio inching forward toward Inckle until Trejeth grabbed his sleeve pulling him back.

Trejeth himself felt overwhelmed to the point of not daring to believe.

Korehk and Astra stood behind the three both on the verge of bursting from joy. Astra felt such honour and friendship within his heart toward the Earth Protector who had lost so that he himself could win on that fateful waking that he whispered. “You let me, an undeserving nurt, own the glory of winning the game challenge by Rieah! Inckle Vilksumer, you shall win the race against time… I will run alongside you and not against you, not ever against you my friend.” The whisper reached all ears, Fiel turned and reached out a hand, she pulled Astra to stand between her and Untholio and Untholio beckoned Korehk to stand between Trejeth and himself. Thus the five stood in line, arms across each other’s shoulders, the moment they had gone through so much to get to was here, all that was left was for Inckle to turn around. The friends knew that the task ahead would prove difficult but not impossible because Inckle would have them and they were glad of it.

Far away in the deserted house of Muoriels, on a rickety stair halfway down a nearly broken staircase sat Rieah aglow in her white feather garb. She illuminated the better part of the gloomy room, Olaliefe and Elagust stood at the foot of the stairs, Wise minds having united with their physical selves. The sister and brother had presented the garment which Wise Rieah wore at their first meeting when Wyoungthed and its folk were being created.

“To appear desirable to your beloved,” the brother had teased while the sister had said, “Rieah does not require it for use in such a manner, she is every bit lovely.” The three had laughed and Elagust had gone to say that it was a token of their friendship to the Wise One. “Olaliefe and I have made it between us while seasons changed. It is the work of our hands and of the many winter birds that have generously welcomed summer and spring after the harsh winters. Wear it and let our friendship forever remain unchanged.”

Now, after many long wakings the three had come together, the twins had their bodies reunite with the spirit of their minds just long enough to carry out the Wise One’s escape. Once the task had been accomplished, Olaliefe and Elagust had commanded the spirit of their minds to return to Ailieth in Flemezour saying words like: “The mind is both wise and unwise, be company to Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit before, in loneliness it abandons wisdom.”

The two now looked up at the fair figure descending the creaky stairs light footed and were much pleased. In a moment she was among them, her hands grasping her friends’. “Olaliefe, Elagust, my dear friends,” said Rieah, “My heart is glad for a lot of happenings this waking.” They sat down on the bottom step.

“And our friendship over the long wakings stands above all others, tall, like it did and always shall, the test Time.” The twins chortled, “We are the race she will not ever win!” They remained in deep conversation, the gloom surrounding the three in the ancient dwelling.

Dreke had followed Ermal out through the entrance of the house, they stepped into the cold dark and began looking for Dreser among the people gathered in protest against the Head of the Hegleok council and her rulings. Dreser was nowhere to be seen. Ermal searched with his eyes while Dreke searched for him among the people who were nothing short of violent. The young Hegleok, a safe distance from the main rear gate suddenly caught a glimpse of Dreser some distance off in among the crowd, he shouted for Dreser to return to the safer side of the gate and was amazed to see that Dreke had at that moment reached their man and was trying to stir him in the direction back to the house, talking and gesticulating at the same time. Ermal who now had stepped closer to the gate so as to open it when the two reached it though he saw Dreke being pushed back a step, he shut his eyes thinking he might have imagined it, after all it had been an unusually long day and the jostling of the crowd helped little. When after a moment he opened his eyes again, what he saw made him start, there came his brother half running half limping elbowing the crowd out of his path, as he got closer Ermal noticed the bleeding gash on the side of the other’s face. Soon he found himself unlocking the gate to go aid his brother but Dreke shook his head painfully, and within a long moment he entered through the gate narrowly escaping a blazing torch.

“What ever happened Dreke?” asked Ermal clanking the gate shut and looking at the other in shock. “He tricked us, all of us and Cineon too!”

Ermal scanned the crowd, “Where is he? I merely shut my eyes for a moment and the next instant I see you limping…” Dreke stumbled toward the door and leaned against the frame.

“Our sister’s husband has gone…he left, ran away. He betrayed the family’s trust and we might now not ever see him again… what shame he has brought our sister!” He fell back in pain, blood covering half his face and neck. Ermal just stood there unable to move or say a word.

“You will see him again, this family has not heard or seen the last of Dreser son of Deituk.” A shadow had appeared on the wall before Ermal and spoke.

“Mister Almonne,” Dreke greeted Zetreh, his eyes on the man. “Have you seen him, which way did he go?” He sounded furious, his eyes had a look that suggested he might just take off after the other but of course the present physical condition did not permit it and Zetreh quickly pointed this out.

“Do not think for a moment you can catch him for even if you were not hurt as you are,” a quick glance at Ermal who caught his eye and gulped frightened as he understood that the next words were not to be comforting ones, “You could not ever hope to follow him for the paths he now threads are through forests of great fears and immense hate for all that is fair, and the one Dreser follows these paths to is an evil doer, one he has no heart to remain away from.”

There a long silence, the crowd outside yelled and banged the gates but gained nothing. At last Zetreh spoke again. “Let us get back inside, your wounds need tending and we all need some rest before council is called into chamber again.” In his mind he knew that would most likely never happen, at least not with Lady Hegleok as the Head but he maintained a quiet that suggested exactly what he had said.

They had barely climbed a few stairs, Ermal and Zetreh supporting the limping Dreke between them, when Dreke said inquiringly.

“You took mother’s leave saying there was a something that required your immediate attention…well, were you able to sort the trouble out, Mister Almonne?”

Zetreh was slightly taken aback, he did not answer right away for he knew that he had never mentioned the word ‘trouble’ or even said there was any, he caught Ermal staring at him flushed and quickly answered, “Trouble, is that what I said? No, no … Clearly you misunderstood the entire affair.”

Dreke turned to him, the injured side of his face now swollen. “You did take leave to be someplace else, did you not?” Dreke’s tone was irate.

“Indeed,” Zetreh said calmly, “A very displeased petitioner, or so I had thought, demanded to see Lady Hegleok but of course that is against—”

“The Council’s new laws,” cut in Dreke nodding, “You went instead as it is your duty as Peoples’ Person, of course.” They began ascending again, very slowly, Zetreh said quite pleasantly, “It turned out to be a misunderstanding as the petitioner really wanted to thank the council and the messenger muddled up the message.”

The three resumed their climbing at a slow pace, and by the time they had reached the corridor where the Lady of the Mount had been left it was quite a while. As they headed straight for the next flight of stairs, Zetreh stole a glance in the direction of the chamber where he had left Lady Deulore and her sister and he knew at once, the door stood ajar, the ladies were gone.

After a lengthy meal of herbs and honeyed fruit, Myeopike hummed to Reign while he braided her hair, something she had taught him how to do over many meals in the past.

“Myeopike,” interrupted Reign as the last of her hair strands got entwined, “I wish to wander around here and make the grand hall more homely for our young one who before too long will be born to us.” She looked expectantly at the Spekai, he smiled warmly.

“Then that is what you shall do,” Helping her to stand, he added, “The child that bears the Spekai name will be gifted with joys of the land which I have guarded and the joys shall be many and be granted to her in many different ways.” Reign who by this moment was halfway down the hall smiled. “You are certain then that your heir is to be a girl?” Myeopike grinned. “In ways of nature nothing is certain but better a girl heir than otherwise, I desire my child to look and to be like her mother Reign and not like her father.” The two stared at each other from across the grand hall in love of the deepest kind.

“Spekai Myeopike,” said Reign at last, “You have to be the kindest, most silliest of them all Spekais.” And with a throaty laugh that filled the hall and all its dimly lit corridors, she burst into song and all the ant soldiers guarding the grand hall in a bored, tired stupor for the past seven wakings felt a sudden wakefulness and their hearts lightened as did the hearts of the birds flying high overhead and the cold troubled them not, just as long as they flew over Wyoungthed’s woodland.

Myeopike was glad to have his beloved awake again, for seven long wakings he had watched her lay in slumber and the grand hall had felt empty and cold, and how he had dwelled that way before he had found her he never knew but one thing was certain, he, Myeopike would have to learn to live without her again and the thought saddened him even as Reign’s singing voice echoed through the grand hall delighting the beings outside and around it. Myeopike dared not hope to think, no matter what the Wise One had told him and shown him in Dsarest’s message, that one of the children his fair Lady would give life to would grow to be a Spekai in every way even though not in looks.

“I am the last of my folk,” he muttered at thin air never realizing Reign who had stopped singing and stood frightfully staring at her own shadow along the wall of one of the many corridors heard him, it distracted her.

“That is untrue Myeopike,” she said coming up to him and slipping an arm across his shoulders, “You forget, I carry your child within me.”

The Spekai sighed, “You are kindest and loveliest of all the others I have crossed paths with…” He turned to her and the two shared a quiet moment of passion. “You crossed paths with others before me,” A rather angry sounding Reign shrilled in Myeopike’s ear, “And you never said a word before now?”

Her face twisted in fury, the Spekai chuckled as he tried to calm her saying, “I recall my mother having a fight like this with father a great many wakings ago and only to find out he was talking of his mother and his sisters.” In this fashion the wakings passed by quickly and always with the both of them ending arguments in splits of laughter.

Back in the now almost completely withered and dreary Wyoungthed, around every neighborhood now truly devoid of what life that once breathed seven long wakings before, plant and nurt now lay under thick snow cover. Homes had crumbled and collapsed across the land, whether earthen or stone built, the hand of Time had spared them not her blow. It was heartbreaking and were Inckle to see his land now he would have wept for certain at what he saw, of course if he were to walk to the very borders of the once Stone Lover neighborhood, it would all be different. For there, around a one room home that not merely appeared to have survived the test of Time thus far but to have done so along with the little floherb garden of the Qesdaleenda variety.

The patch of earth upon which the nurt dwelling stood was soft and humid unlike the rest of earth in all of Wyoungthed that resembled the surface of rocks and boulders broken free from each other in fury.

Inside the nurt home, not a thing had changed or been moved but for the bowl that once had been used for the nurt’s meal, it lay shattered on the floor beside the figure of a rather aged nurt who travelled all through the land in search of this home and its inhabitant. Duilo Nacckle stood weakened and hungry and disappointed. “I have survived seven wakings of seemingly unending moments, I have roamed the entire land barely being able to stand on my own, crawling even, to find an empty dwelling!” Enraged, he banged his fist on the flat stone, yelling in pain even as he did so.

“Do not yet give up your search for the Stone Lover you and the rest of the Ministry so clearly declared winner of the last game challenge?”

Startled, Duilo Nacckle looked up and what he saw made him cower in fright. “Who, what are you, creature?” Duilo asked in barely above a whisper. He backed a few paces as the visitor took several steps toward him.

“Foliek Erwufj here with a message for you,” the Foliek gave a slight bow, “I mean no harm, you need not fear me or my kind if you see more of the Folieke on the journey henceforth.”

Duilo gulped, “I am not journeying, my health does not allow it – I am aged… you bring a message? Who from?”

By now the nurt seemed less frightened and even getting accustomed to the other’s presence and appearance.

“The Wise One has sent me…you need follow the path through the woodland and onto Greo, the forest known by the men of distant lands as the Hooded Wizard to find the nurt you came here hoping to find, and to him you are to say what it is you believe in your heart for, it is that very belief that has kept you alive. And it now is time to join the fight against the coming of the Hour.”

Foliek Erwufj bowed and turned to leave having delivered the Wise One’s message but Duilo whimpered.

“The Wise One…? I journey through woodlands to the menacing Greo? And to fight against the hour?” He appeared lost, alarmed. “I fear I am much too aged…this is my reward for awarding Inckle Vilksumer the gift of an exile.”

The Foliek spoke quietly, “I do not disagree that your aging is the reward you earned by your decision to banish Inckle Vilksumer but your heart has spared you death and Wise Rieah has rewarded you with a chance to join in the fight against Time, she who has destroyed Wyoungthed and Rieah’s folk.”

A strange change came over Duilo in the moments following Foliek Erwufj’s say, and it was with a grave voice that the nurt finally spoke. “I shall not disregard that what Wise Rieah asks of me,” he stepped aside so that light, however weak fell on his face. “I am uncertain of my strength but Wise Rieah is not… Will you be leading the way?” Foliek bowed, “I will lead you to where the ones you seek soon shall arrive.” Duilo appeared a little relieved on hearing this; he moved toward the shattered bowl on the floor and began picking up the pieces. A short while later Foliek Erwufj spoke.

“We had better be on our way,” it reached the open doorway, “The Folieke fly high for we wish not to be seen by humans or other beings but those we are in league with.”

Duilo looked up from the broken bowl pieces in his hand, he stammered, “H-how am I to follow you if I cannot see you, Foliek?” The giant half snail and frog replied, its tone amused. “I do believe that shall not be hard to do, after all, the Folieke are Wise Rieah’s oldest allies and her friends are ours as are her children the Folieke’ next of kin.” The nurt stood on the spot taking in every word, then said, “Lead on Foliek Erwufj.” The Foliek nodded. “I am impressed on the command you have in saying my name…you are truly Wise Rieah’s folk, you nurts of Wyoungthed.”

They had stepped outside and Duilo readied for the journey when the Foliek spoke quietly. “Take a sack from off the wall within and fill it with fresh floherbs. Your companions will be before too long in need of a well earned and deserved meal.”

The aged Stone Lover plucked the floherbs of three different kinds and threw them into a sack he took off the wall and soon he had it full and heavy, Foliek Erwufj decided to carry it as it was too much of a weight for the nurt to hoist onto his shoulder. Duilo carried only a tiny bundle in his arms, his own meals throughout the journey, it contained. Then the two left Wyoungthed.

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