THE HOUR
VOICES

“I say choose! Know if you choose to leave your lovechild, she remains and I raise her as an Orliereas. If you stay, yours will be the riches and my family name that for long ages have held power in these lands and in the hearts’ of our folk, respect. Choose Lady Muoriel, wife and love of this old Orliereas Lord, choose well I pray.”

Aliyha awoke in the early hours of day to find that she was trembling. A voice had spoken those words to her. The voice had no face but she knew that a long while before now, that voice belonged to someone she had loved. Yet now she sat up in her bed afraid, ashamed… of what? She fell back, her hair spreading and breathed deep. Lady Hegleok could never feel afraid or ashamed, not now not ever, Aliyha told herself and she drifted off into yet another dream of a faceless voice.

'You do not see me

But we both know,

You hear

Words that escape my lips;

Returned I have

The Hour is ever so near.

I have returned for you!

“Force not yourself awake

This is a while to rest,

Very soon shall come

The day,

Our reunion, amid

Unrest!'

Aliyha heard this whispered rhyme, she struggled as a force held her to her bed, gentle yet firm and not once was she able to open her eyes so heavy was sleep upon those lids.

The illusory character had entered unnoticed into the Hegleok’s house and after long wanderings into every chamber found her, the one he had come to find. She could never do wrong. Looking down at the face in his hands, its unblinking eyes staring at him, the now tall, grim faced man counted how long it would be until the hour arrived when all but the two of them and Time were left standing. It was a few hours before dawn…

Aliyha rolled over to one side, a frown creased her forehead giving the impression she dreaming unwelcome dreams. He climbed unto her bed and lay beside the woman whom he so loved but could do not a thing except whisper to her of their past and watched how every word affected the sleeping figure. In her sleep every word formed strange images and made Aliyha react. She mumbled, tossed and turned but could not escape from the sleep that so captured her. Day broke when finally sleep became easy, the whispering stopped and she relaxed. Hardly had that happened when a rapid knock woke her up with a start. She sat up looked toward the door, which stood ajar. The broad windows facing the bed were closed but she thought she heard wind blowing, probably the after effect of the storm from the previous night Aliyha thought with a weary smile.

Standing at the head of the stairs, dressed and ready for another day at the council, Aliyha Hegleok heard someone breathe loud, a face appeared before her, a face she knew but could not place. It grinned and dissolved into air and was gone. She held on to the railing and descended, tired and inexplicably afraid all of a sudden. Entering the hall, she found all her children seated, breakfasting and again a strange feeling crept into her heart and she appeared to be looking for someone that was not there.

“Mother! We were beginning to think that the council was having an off from today’s sessions,” Cineon grinned exchanging a glance with Dreke and Dresser and practically everyone smiled avoiding eye contact. “After all, if the head of the council sleeps in till this hour … what with all the happenings of last night!” Again all were grinning.

Brestuev tried to keep a straight, serious face about the matter by saying, “Cineon, really now! What mother does away from her children is really not our business.”

“What! What are you all talking about?” snapped Aliyha as if shaken out of a trance and walking toward the table to her place at the head.

“Mother, I have not ever heard anyone speak so loud in their sleep before unless—” Dreke was rudely interrupted.

“I had a restless night because of your inadequacy. If you and your mouth could focus those energies on holding that criminal of a Lady yesterday, we would not be having this breakfast discussion.” She rattled the table with her fist, “And that goes to all of you not just Dreke!”

“Mother, we meant no harm. I apologize.” Cineon said sincerely. All nodded silent apologies.

“Lady Hegleok, greetings to you on this lovely morning.” Zetreh stood by the door impeccably dressed for a new day at the council.

Aliyha looked at him, “Mister Almonne! Will you not join us for a bit of breakfast before the start of a long day?” she smiled pleasantly, no trace of the angry rebuke from a moment before.

“You are kind Lady but I decline. There is however a matter that I must talk with you of.” Zetreh addressed her with a slight nod.

Aliyha, already on her feet and headed toward him called behind her back to the rest, “Hurry up. Council begins in just moments. You have not all day to feed yourselves.” Ermal sat with head bowed staring at the untouched piece of bread in front of him. Zetreh no doubt was going to discuss the issue concerning the Lady Deulore of the Mount mountain. What would be told, how many more lies for the sake of truth would be spoken he wondered…

“You seem in a world of dreams or worse a place of personal hell.” Observed Brestuev amused and glaced at Dreke.

“Tell us brother, what troubles you this morning or must I say whom have you troubled before dawn?” Dreke asked attempting seriousness. And with that the two laughed hard. Cineon joined in with the giggles that belonged only to an immature adult.

Ermal smiled slightly and rising slowly from his seat, with measured patience answered. “It appears to be what it is not. All that it really is will soon be apparent. If there is one request I wish to make this dawn, it is that the witless become knowledgeable and that the knowledgeable use their wisdom.” With that, Ermal Hegleok left the stunned silent table and headed for the Council Room.

Out near the half open door to the Council Room, he slowed down. There were voices coming from within.

“I think it unwise for you to travel to the Mount mountain. Whether alone or accompanied, the routes are not safe and the weather is harsh.”

“I know the weather is bad, it is very windy but that is hardly reason to avoid going. Now about the paths—” Aliyha was cut short.

“The paths as you call them Lady Hegleok are dangerous forest trails where you will without a doubt get yourself lost and hurt by the forest beasts. And what windy weather do you mean? There has not been any kind of breeze since the storm last night. It is dry as parched desert air outside. Merely stepping out would burn the skin and it could turn, get cold or stormy without so much as a warning.” Ermal tiptoed closer.

“Zetreh, you are here to hear my say, I say I can go.” Aliyha snapped.

“I have heard you, listened too but the Wise One has said that you must not go. I would not question if I were you.” That exact moment, Ermal entered, pushing open the door completely.

“Mother, Mister Almonne.” Ermal nodded his greeting and went over to his seat. “Have I interrupted something?” he asked, well aware of what he had done but not showing it.

“Are you the only one who is present here today? Are the rest not willing to work today?” Aliyha voiced her impatience, moving to her desk, flopped down onto the chair and looked at the two.

“I cannot answer for the rest but I am present.” Ermal replied exchanging a glance with Zetreh when his mother was looking away at some documents.

“What about taking you and the lads with me to the Mount mountain?” Aliyha was reading a yellowed page and thinking out loud.

“Mother, you want to go to the Mount mountain?” asked Ermal incredulously.

“Mister Almonne has told me that the Lady Deulore has indeed been found heading there after she left here last morning.” Aliyha said now completely abandoning the pretense of reading.

“Lady, please. It is not safe for any one traveling through forest paths, it, not ever is.” Zetreh spoke a firm request.

Kwairha and Swulirha along with their faithful companions had rested little. Inckle had dozed off several times and each time he did, voices had awakened him. Once awake he would look through the crack to see who was talking and bewildered that no one had uttered a single word much less moved from each seated positions, Inckle looked around him, there was no one there but the wind. Softly, muffled almost by the howling of the wind, Inckle could make out the urgent, gently spoken words.

“Sleep no more Inckle Vilksumer for ever so near is the coming of the Hour. Six wakings are all that are left before Time strikes erasing the past, by destroying the now present and controlling the future.”

Inckle trembled in the cold as it pierced through his clothing reaching into the very depth of his being.

“Gamhnurt, Inckle Vilksumer, you are an Earth Protector. Find me, your mother not of the soil. Bring to me yourself and the one part of me that dwells not in my physical form and together with the others, it is we three who can win this race against Time. Hurry!”

The gamhnurt stood and stomped the ground with his cold and near numb feet. Now was the moment to make known his presence. He paced back and forth before the front of the dwelling deciding how he would introduce himself and explain his mission. 'Knock on the door or be knocked to the floor.' A thought crossed his mind, he paused in mid step, considering but abandoning the consideration, continued his pacing.

All this while the wise minds of Okir and Yiolj had won over other wise minds and their spirits. Elagust and Olaliefe went along pretending to be Allies to Time thus working their charm on the weather in lands around, near and afar of Flemezour. Rieah the wise mind’s spirit agonized over the fate of her beloved world and the life of the folk, her people but her main concern was for Inckle gamhnurt. She had faith he would find her but until he did, every life in every land breathed risk of the rage of Time. For only when the Wise One’s body and Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit became one would Time lose her power. And so Flemezour was the coldest land, its cold fiercely spreading out through other lands and just now the fingertip of snow touched the edge of the Creek woods dropping heavy snowflakes upon treetops and ground. It got still colder than moments earlier and the wind hurtled snow in all directions. The stream began a slow to turn to ice before Inckle’s eyes and as he contemplated the issue at hand, a strong wind current swept him right off his feet even as he paced to and fro. He fell hard and remained immobile his head having hit a boulder.

Kwairha shivered. She was beginning to feel the chill, as were the others. Firewood was stored at the back of the cabin so to get to it one had to step outside.

“Nuorta, will you and Westeria come with me outside, to the back? We need more wood.” asked she barely above a whisper.

“There is no need for you to step beyond the doorway, the two of us will get the wood.” Westeria gestured to Nuorta and the two walked to the door opening it wide and staring at winter square in the face. So cold was the blast of air that assaulted the interior that the four ducked, their cloaks covering them in protection.

“How long have we been in here talking?” Kwairha yelled over the roaring wind.

“Just one night…A snowstorm at such an unlikely time! Close the door Westeria! You are nearest.” Swulirha said through chattering teeth.

A hard shove against the force of the wind from the two; Nuorta and Westeria and the door shut. It was quiet inside once more but colder than before the door was opened.

“Swulirha, we cannot stay here like this. It is much too cold, a fire is needed.” Kwairha voiced what was on all of their minds.

“True. There is a way out that way,” said Westeria pointing toward the next room.

“Yes, I remember. When this dwelling was built, a board was left lose so we could get out unseen if need arose.” Swulirha agreed, hurrying to the next room. The others followed, hugging their cloaks to keep warm.

Moving the crude wooden table that stood by the tiny window to one side, Swulirha began tugging at a board closer to the floor. Her strong fingers struggled with the plank trying hard to dislodge it. The struggling fingers of the graceful and strong hand bled but Swulirha kept at it.

“How did you ever get out this way I cannot imagine!” exclaimed Kwairha winking at the friends. Her sister looked up quite serious.

“It has never been used, this entry. I have not ever felt need to get out this way.”

“Oh good! Otherwise that poor fellow waiting for you by the creek would turn older than stone!” Kwairha had a big grin and the other two were giggling. When finally the plank prying Swulirha caught on, she laughed hard and mingled with the roaring wind and falling snow was the sound of joyous laughter.

Xeira sat silently on the ram-shackled deck of the old sail that was her home. She listened to the talk of the wind, in the distance it bellowed but near her it whispered. The words that the gentle breeze uttered told her all that Xeira of the Kourass had waited to hear most her life and before that night passed to the next dawn, this Lady Truole knew she must leave to where the winds were harsh and the world stood on the brink of war against the power of Time and so, Xeira of the Kourass upon the wind a wish spoke. “Before this waking becomes the next let my being be not here but where it is needed.”

Foliek Erwufj had the three Redgate nurts nibble on such food as they could eat, mostly greens uprooted from the soil of the place where the Foliek graze and dwell upon. He looked down at the three resting figures and once again appreciated the valor of beings like the Truoles and the Gamhnurts.

“Such beings, born of the truest of love in a land of timelessness deserve no part in crimes Time has planned to commit.” Erwufj murmured in thought. “There are just a handful of these marvelous folk that remain alive of an entire peoples…” a deep sigh, “Stay with them Foliek Goulie. There are others here with you."

"Foliek Weulfoul shall fly with me to Kourass while the rest remain here.” Erwufj spoke slowly the simple commands. “When they awaken, I expect they will want to know a lot … send word to me, send Harfj who will know where to find me at any moment. Say nothing to them before I have arrived, only keep them fed and rested as best as possible. I am to tell the children of the Wise One what they will need to hear and bring to them the Truole Lady, she is like the Wise One on the right side of this mess.”

With that said, the Foliek prepared to leave Wyoungthed

“We shall return in two wakings, that is the fastest any Foliek can journey in dark alone and under such storms … who knows … we were meant to be a strong kind, the moment has come for us to prove it.” Foliek Weulfoul was heard saying as he readied himself for flight.

The people in Wild Narrow awakened to a promise of harsh weather. Many went to the edge of the marshy Kourass; they watched the far off glistening speck that was Xeira’s home and marveled for now the little speck had the appearance of an ancient sail, slowly evolving from the mire.

Whether a trick of sunlight upon eyes still awakening combined with the troubled minds burdened with the promise of hard weather or if the sight was real none could tell for certain. Xeira could be seen as a blur, with every changing instant on different points on the wreckage but then again, it could have been a feather on the gentle strong breeze, not Xeira at all.

“By the tales of the soil under our feet! My eyes will not ever deceive me while the mind remains alert and if alert it is not now, then what I see and what is understood are mere illusions of a careless thought!” An old man exclaimed as he looked on.

“The ancient Kourass swells after long ages, the Truoles live forever and their power is love!” said another onlooker who stood among the others. Though quite a few turned to see who had spoken such words, they saw not a soul out of place, which was strange because no one in Wild Narrow had talked this way before about Xeira and Truoles and with so much feeling. After a few more observations and comments the little gathering dispersed and folks went about their daily tasks, some unperturbed while others troubled, worrying about everything and nothing. The weather took a turn for the worse and the skies grew steadily dark. For generations, the folk, earth and green had not witnessed a storm. Light rain and warm breeze was all that most knew, most but not everyone for there were aged men and women still living from an earlier time who told stories of harsh days in bad storms and now, they recalled with dread those tales. Some even said they heard the voice of a soon reviving Kourass, its water returning to wash away the murk from skies above.

Again the voice of before was heard saying, “Pure and strong Kourass will flow and the Truole ship that was wrecked will sail on troubled waves, anchored. Two Truoles shall meet, Lady and Lord shall unite, one to leave the others to stay…”

The five had walked quite a distance over hillocks and rocky ground. They had reached the trees when a snowstorm hit hard. Neither was surprised for the weather was getting unbearably cold and windy and dark. Trejeth suggested they take a break but Korehk said no.

“Let us get a bit more deeper into the woods before we stop, I know a path where we will be safe and untouched by this cold.”

Untholio like most of the others gaped at the way Korehk now talked and what he said. Astra Deins was not in the least bit surprised and he said, with respect.

“Lead the way quickly now oh Wise Korehk of the Stone Lovers’, we shall follow.” This say bewildered the rest even more but none attempted to talk. They followed in silence.

Under the cover of trees the cold lessened and the shivering gamhnurts felt warmer though not as much as they would have liked too. They were grateful for the break from being constantly surrounded by cold winds and now the snow. It was a lot darker on the forest path compared to the open ground they had just left but not completely so that the journeyers could see around them. The first few steps rustled the fallen leaves as foot after foot dragged in walk.

“Can we rest now? I am certain that mine are not the only feet needing respite and my tummy cannot be the only one hunger stricken…” Untholio said pleadingly but again Korehk spoke.

“Your tiredness is understood because we all feel the way you do. This woodland is dangerous to strangers and even though it borders part of our land, one must still respect those who dwell here, greens and beings alike.” His voice went not above a whisper yet not just Untholio but the entire group heard it. “The only way to show that respect is by not setting up camp on the thresh hold of the entrance but rather sprawling on the floor of the grand hall*.”

Firm but not unkind, he continued walking, almost jogging so the rest had no choice, they had to follow and quickly.

Myeopike* sensed the disturbance in the forest around from within the grand hall. The party was still far off. The Spekai heard the faintest rustle of leaves under dragging feet, a great distance away it was. It was time to visit the Council of the Fair. There were intruders upon his land and that disturbed him and his lovely companion. Her, Myeopike locked in one of the many earthen chambers and left.

Now Korehk and Myeopike were old acquaintances and the gamhnurt had learnt a lot about how to respect each green and living being in the wooded land from this friend and in turn Myeopike had learnt much about gamhnurts from Wyoungthed.

There had been a great many wakings when the master of the hall had wandered away and left the grand hall open to all creatures within and traveling across his realm of woodland. Korehk had wandered many times and entered the place without the presence of his friend and though the hall not ever stood empty, Korehk mingled little, always hoping to find Myeopike back each time he visited. The true nature and reason of their friendship was not properly known but the greens and creatures around had a few ideas of their own which they spoke to one another but let us not go into what all they thought just yet.

The friends led by the once aged and tired but now the suddenly energetic Korehk shuffled endlessly along. All around and above them the treetops gathered snowflakes and every time the wind broke through the warm cover of the tree blanket, the branches let fall the snowflakes down. After what felt like forever, Korehk came to a sudden halt. They were staring at what appeared to Untholio and for a brief moment to Trejeth too as merely woodland ground. With tree trunks surrounding and earth under foot not a thing was different from the entire long way they had walked unless, one looked closely at the ground in front of where Korehk stood. Fiel saw it first.

The day that had started dull and windy in Stompsledge like in other places got from bad to worse and by mid morning a snowstorm broke out. The council came into session and the name of the first petitioner was called.

He entered without so much as a pause at the doorway while his name was being announced. Shabbily dressed, hair a matted mass of plant and moss his face a mask of facial scars and a beard that covered all but the eyes. It took all will for the Hegleoks not to cringe as this stranger stood before them. It was not that he looked frightful but he stank! Aliyha put her feather tip down, sat back a little trying not to wrinkle her nose and observed. Taking her lead, the others followed doing the same. Moments passed.

The first sound that shattered the silence was an explosive sneeze and it came from the stranger standing oblivious about how and what had just happened.

”Lady of the Fair Council looks not a bit fairer than me!” a chuckle that sounded like a bark then, “I beg pardon for the use of words like those, accept my uttermost respect I humbly ask.”

“What is it you want?” Brestuev said sternly.

“First, what is your name again?” Aliyha inquired disinterested, impatient to get this strange person out of her sight and home.

”I am Myeopike,” bowed the stranger. “Master of the grand hall I am and here I have come to ask Lady Hegleok and her Council to grant authority to imprison trespassers who come upon my area of tree land.” Aliyha and Dreser exchanged a few words, Cineon recorded in her ledger the proceedings and as she did, Brestuev and Dreke yawned. Each tired of this nonsense, each of the council members but two. Ermal sat alert and studied Myeopike while Zetreh listened intently to every word that was said.

“You are aware that this Council can deny authority to anyone, specially someone like you, do you not?” Dreser addressed Myeopike who blinked several times before nodding and saying.

“Yes of course but I think Lady Hegleok shall not deny me what I ask.”

“And why would you think that?” Dreke asked with a half smile.

“Yes, do tell. You seem to know me and this council so well.” Aliyha spoke; he had her attention even if it meant feigning interest.

Myeopike appeared insulted, he had thought his reason was obvious but none here saw it. He had just decided to help the Hegleok family acquire power over others, he said.

“I stand disappointed by what I hear and what I see.”

“And what might that be?” Aliyha shot back.

“Why! You have wanted control and power over everyone and everything for so long now, am I not right? Well, Myeopike is giving you the chance to have just that.”

“How interesting this is! Exactly how do you plan on being our ally?” Brestuev asked more amused than he intended to sound

“First of all let me say, for a Council you are all very impatient.” Retorted the not human neither animal being before them. “Again Lady, I ask you excuse my outburst but –”

“I can see you are a very disciplined man but what the council’s first adviser asks is a fair question? Tell us what you have in mind.” Aliyha smiled sweetly encouraging Myeopike to talk further.

Furrowed brow, fists clenched the master of the grand hall stepped forward and leaned closer to Aliyha, as close as possible. “Lady Hegleok, it is important that you and all here understand… I am no man nor am I a child of beast. Myeopike is one of the last survivors of a great folk. Spekai*. My ancestors were born from woodland earth and ancient roots of now long forgotten trees.” The voice, a low growl everyone heard. “If this council empowers me to capture trespassers,” stepping back he looked from face to face. “I will bring them before you to be tried and you Lady of Power will decide what fate is theirs. Well?” Very pleased with himself, Myeopike sat on the floor awaiting the answer either way.

Zetreh cleared his throat in the silence that followed and getting a nod from Aliyha approached Myeopike, bent down and kindly questioned him about the whereabouts of this grand hall.

“I am from the Wyoungthed woodland bordering a strip of its hilly side. The grand hall I speak of is my home where I live with friends of the woodland and my lovely companion. Reign is her name, well, the name I call her by. She is everything that is good and honourable!”

”Very well. I have considered your request and am inclined to give it to you.” Aliyha spoke firmly.

“However, there is one thing you must do.” Dreser said writing something down and passing it to Aliyha who nodded agreement.

The sitting figure stared up incredulously. “Myeopike is kind and has made such an offer that the Lady and her council cannot refuse and still they ask him to do more?”

“It is not that your alliance to this council goes unappreciated,” said Aliyha walking around to the front of the desk and standing before him. “I am willing to grant you what you have come to ask, what you have already asked, we just want you to show us, any one of us your home.” She waited for a reply.

Within The Tree, the Wise One paced forth and back. The wind was strong outside of The Tree and ever so often it penetrated its walls of and voices were carried so the ears heard enough to learn what already was known of every situation. “Zetreh!” a loud whisper on the breath of wind that swept through the forest.

Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit fought the urge to return to her owner, her physical self. It was not easy; Flemezour had become a place of conflicting thoughts. In just wakings Time would strike hard and the Hour lend a hurtful blow unto every being, green and stone. Inckle was the one the mind thought of and it was the mind’s eye that sought him. She found his mind’s spirit hovering, torn between Wyoungthed and Fordust Creek in a dream. Rieah’s mind ventured to think of a warm waking long ago when Inckle, the first of gamhnurts took breath and came alive… A warm glow engulfed the tiny flame as it danced. And from that warm glowing flame a thought of love in the form of a warm summer breeze escaped and out of Flemezour it went, over the ancient Kourass so that even Xeira felt it like a gentle caress after the harshness of the whip of the storm and onto lands unnamed. It passed over Wyoungthed and the land felt a rekindling of life. The Foliek who were watching, waiting for Foliek Erwufj and Foliek Weulfoul to return and also caring for the nurts felt the little change that meant much. It did not stop snowing and the bitter cold hardly ebbed but mingled with it all was the reviving touch of an undying life whose heart not ever stopped loving.

Through the woodland skirting Wyoungthed and into Greo the thought travelled and rested within The Tree for a while. All over the forest it slapped the cold hand of Time and into the town of Stompsledge it drifted where folk never felt anything for they had themselves locked inside homes. Ermal and Myeopike stood outside in the cold. They were the only two on the other side of the closed doors. The Spekai decided after much reluctance that the younger Hegleok should accompany him back to the Wyoungthed woodland, to the grand hall. Myeopike stretched out a hand and turned his head to one side.

“Do you hear what Myeopike hears?” he asked Ermal who stood looking around wondering how they were going to go in such weather.

“I feel a warm breeze, quiet whisper like sound…wait, I hear it.” Ermal held up a hand while he too tilted his head to one side. “It is not only cold wind that blows but a warmer touch.”

“I hear the Wise One.” Myeopike was alert.

“There are but seven wakings

That need to be prolonged,

Only a while do we have

You, me, stone and earth,

And greens

To fight Time.

A way must be found

So as to delay the end,

Of every waking

That remains…

When Inckle awakens

He must know this:

Though he lost the game challenge

A greater one is at hand.

Alone he is not

Find me, he must,

I am his peoples’ strength, their mother

And friend.

Wyoungthed is nearly

Gone,

But little of it still remains

In the breath,

Of those Gamhnurts that survived

The suddenness of the coming,

Of Time.

Find me. My mind

And physical being,

Must unite

If any should win,

The fight against Time…”

Myeopike gazed down, his face sad. “Where Inckle sleeps, I know.” he muttered then gazing away he said with conviction, “When he awakens, alone he will fight not the coming of the Hour.” Ermal wondered about the whispered message on the wind, he understood little and his face showed it.

“Zetreh will tell you what you wonder about.” The Spekai had read his thoughts. “Let us not delay longer,” he said starting to move, quick paced. “You must return sooner than you know. Come.” That said, the two hurried off, one moving to lose his follower, the other struggling on running feet trying to keep up.

The warm breeze went toward Fordust Creek and the Mount mountain. Kwairha and Swulirha along with their two friends were still indoors, laughing and Inckle was still outside under a cover of snow.

She appeared the most peaceful being the Spekai had ever set eyes on while on his long walk through the tree clad path connecting Wyoungthed woodland and Greo, he had very near stumbled over her on his way to see the Wise One, they were allies since long wakings before. The Wise One had sent word with a forest friend and so, Myeopike was on his way but he never reached The Tree, at least not that night.

He stared down at her fallen form, so lovely and sad she looked. Fairness of heart was all she was about he knew and something had made her run, someone, Myeopike thought, had done this fair Lady wrong and now, the Spekai took it upon himself to be her friend. He carried her back to the grand hall where he let the fair beauty rest in one of the many hidden chambers deep inside one of the walls of the grand hall. She lay in sleep for many days and nights of the Wyoungthed counting*. The Spekai rested little and the fitful naps he took were counted as wakings. After two such naps, Myeopike went to meet with the Wise One and the two talked. It was the night after Aliyha Hegleok took to being Head of Council. On being asked for a reason as to why the Spekai paid no heed to the message from the Wise One the waking before, Myeopike said simply, “Myeopike fell in love.”

The Wise One beamed. “I am glad to know of your find.” The Wise One said. “Keep her safe my friend, it is because you both are lonely that you have found her. Love her with your heart for when she awakens, the past she will not recall… until the child is born.”

At that Myeopike frowned, he was upset. It was unfair that such a circumstance come between the two of them but the Spekai nature is not rebellious or hateful so Myeopike argued little and accepted the gift of a chance to love such a fair person and be loved in return if only for a few wakings of Wyoungthed count. So it was decided by the Wise One that a large forest ant community should set up camp outside the entrance to the hall. Giant ants would make it impossible for the Spekai’s lovely friend to escape, should she attempt to, once she awoke and not a single soul be it being or plant from without would ever be able to enter without being seriously hurt.

“And Myeopike,” added the Wise One before they parted. “She is never to see her own reflection, be it on any ripple surface or in any mirror.”

Later that waking after the meeting with the Wise One, Myeopike returned to the woodland and on his way back, paid a visit to the chief of ants of Derumdorum, an ant community living on the part of the forest where trees stood densely together. On each branch of each tree marched a platoon of ant warriors and in the center of the close knit tree area, on the tallest of them trees, lived Kotulous the chief of the Kotulous clan Big he was with an aloofness that matched no other creature’s and a zest for inactivity.

After elaborate greetings, Myeopike and Kotulous talked. What the Spekai promised the chief of Derumdorum ant community was not a thing the chief ever thought of accomplishing much less attempted. So, it was agreed. The chief sent forth a troop of his strongest most valued warrior ants with Myeopike and among the chosen lot appointed a new chief to keep order and make certain that the Derumdorum ant community and the name Kotulous live up to earn reward.

When the master of the grand hall returned home he did so with the Redtuth ant squadron which set up camp at his front door so to say for the front entrance to Spekai’s home was more a hole with a strong creeper for a ladder descending into it. Upon his return, Myeopike found a lot of his forest friends had entered the place and having paid proper respect to the host friend’s forest, thrown a feast, sharing one and others food and belongings. The lovely Lady of fairness still lay in dream and after he saw that, he had every one of his forest friends leave and not ever return. The ants he told them not unkindly but firmly would make certain none of them ever set foot, claw, wing or root inside the grand hall again. The forest in the immediate surroundings lay quiet that waking and from then on no one and not a thing dared go near that place. Myeopike the Spekai was feared in the woodland so much so that when anyone stepping on the borders or nearing the grand hall would in some way warned by creatures around. And so it was that when Inckle fell paces near the part of the woodland where was situated the grand hall, he dreamed of the fear that every foot, claw wing and root lived in and saw the Spekai in his rage dragging Inckle away… That was the fear the creatures of the woodland had and the voices had urged Inckle to awake and pass through quick. Not linger long there in sleep or allow himself to get close to the grand hall.

Inside the grand hall and its chambers, life went on in one long quiet and sleepless waking. Food was plenty but Myeopike ate little and the ants took their share not ever complaining about however small the amount or what ever kind it was. Just when the Spekai thought he would never see his beautiful find, now center of his life smile and awake, she did and the first thing that happened was, she smiled. He called her Reign and she felt love kindle for him in her heart and for the place she lived in she felt care. Thus the two became close and Reign loved the Spekai deeply while he too felt the same for her, he feared in his heart the day the child would come to breathe.

Now, getting on to the present moment in the story. Later that day, Ermal and Myeopike headed for the woodlands the Hegleok had never been to. The master of the grand hall sped on his feet and the Hegleok found it increasingly hard to keep up.

“Myeopike, why are we running?” “It is a test. Myeopike wishes to see if young Hegleok can keep up and follow.”

Twice Ermal near lost the Spekai and before the third time came, he decided that a break was needed. So, when Ermal found the running Myeopike the second time he said to him, “Let us rest a while. I have a question for you.” Myeopike grinned and sat on the ground and Ermal flopped down next to him.

“It is apparent you wish me to lose my way.” said the Hegleok not amused.

“To lose your way, no. I simply do not want you to find the grand hall.” The Spekai responded sincerely.

“And why is that may I know?” Ermal’s voice rose, he stared at the other waiting for an answer. No answer came, instead the Spekai began to sing softly and even though not a word of the song did Ermal understand he began to feel sleepy, he dozed for just a short moment but dreamed of fearful happenings, explainable… He awoke startled by the cold wind and found that he lay somewhere inside Greo, not completely far from the road but still surrounded by enough trees to make anyone feel lost. Myeopike was nowhere in sight.

It was there that Zetreh found Ermal not a moment too soon. The young Hegleok felt ashamed that he had failed in this simple mission, his face besides fear, showed embarrassment.

“Myeopike has asked me to give you this.” Zetreh handed him a flat stone on which crudely carved were lines and curves forming a map. It was a vague map of the whereabouts of the grand hall.

“Show this to the Lady if asked where the grand hall lies. It is best that you allow her to inspect the map and make of it what she does.”

“I have failed Zetreh! I am not worthy of a place at the family’s council.” Ermal mumbled as the two walked back homeward.

“Failed? You have not failed young Hegleok. There you hold proof that you went with the Spekai to his home in the woodlands of Wyoungthed, on fast feet you walked even the many, many miles discouraged you not a bit.” Zetreh spoke facing the other.

“Myeopike gave this to you so you could give it to me…? That song, it put me to sleep and I saw horrible happenings and felt pain of fear in every bone of my body like I was there and it all happened to me…” Ermal continued mumbling.

Zetreh held his shoulder and together the two walked. “You have reached the grand hall from without and in a dream. The Spekai did what otherwise the creatures of the woodlands do, he warned you about the fear and pain you would feel if you reached and entered his home.”

Before Ermal was aware Zetreh had stirred him off the road homeward bound and had entered a forest path.

“Where do lead me Zetreh?” the Hegleok stopped in his tracks. “If you return home this soon, doubt will fill the minds of the others—”

“And they will not believe me and what I say.” Ermal said, he understood what Zetreh was trying to say. The other smiled grimly, “Now, I have been sent to meet with the Wise One who lives in The Tree. It is your mother who sends me forth with a message.” A slight pause and then a smile, “I think it is time you met the Wise One young Hegleok.”

“Will he be pleased at the sight and presence of me?” asked Ermal.

“Do you not want to know the Wise One Ermal?” Zetreh inquired.

"I do, really.” Ermal replied quickly.

“Whoever has desire in depths of their heart to know her, she not ever turns away from them. Come, we must not delay in our step.” And Zetreh quickened pace.

“Her?” a bewildered Hegleok raced to gain on the now far off figure of Zetreh.

Folieke Erwufj and Weulfoul neared Kourass as the dull light of day faded slowly behind a darkening sky. It was cold and none of the Wild Narrow folk strayed outside their homes. The few curious had watched the ancient shores of the Kourass as long as light lasted in the sky, the Kourass was reviving and from one point far toward the end of the shoreline, water bubbled under slowly surfacing over all the marsh.

Xeira stepped onto the watery mess and felt the slow rising and stirring Kourass wash the rubble of ages away from under her. Truoles lives that had been lost, the youthful faces of the sea people flashed before her eyes. A sad sigh escaped her lips as every Truole she loved bid her farewell in memory while water gurgled its way filling up the murky old riverbed. Washing her feet clean of age long murk the water began to rise until Xeira had her head under and so swam the length of the river bed. Ancient sails, tiny treasures caught her eye and her hands touched every single one. Lifeless, they lay there all, but one. When the Truole Lady touched an ancient jeweled goblet, she felt a surprise when what she touched she felt unable to let go. Whoever among the Truoles had drunk from this cup was alive… Xeira swam to her wrecked sail and sat on its half sunk deck clutching the object in her hand she studied it more closely.

“A cup of an Eangomiern Truole!” she softly exclaimed in the last fading rays. Hope she had not known for ages surged within her and Xeira the old, wicked Truole transformed before unseeing eyes to the beautiful Truole Lady she was.

“What can a dash of hope do to one who has been void of it for so long?” Erwufj circled lower with every word.

“A lot my friend, a lot!” Xeira had heard him and her eyes shone like jewels in the night sky.

“One of the Eangomiern lives Erwufj, I feel it.” Xeira caressed the cup and with touch hope strengthened itself in her heart. “I have for long waited to feel hope again like this and now, I have, who it is I do not pretend to know. Ereth the Wise was wrong, I am not the only one who lived.”

Weulfoul had circled high three times during the conversation, keeping watch and counting moments. Wild Narrow was dark and near quiet. The wind howled and the sky began to weep a drizzle, none of the folks remained outdoors or even at windows.

“Let us not linger here any longer.” Weulfoul screeched over the wind. The new born Kourass had begun to stir and clear away the marsh slowly. Xeira slipped the found treasured hope inside her ancient Truole garments which appeared to be made of delicate fish skin but in fact was wavespun*.

“Weulfoul fears. The dark sky deepens, rain is coming. It is to the land of Rieah you come to take me I know.” Xeira stood on the unbalanced sail. “Lead the way on wings my friend and I shall follow you on feet.” She dived into the ever-rising waters and swam to shore. Her feet touched earth for the first time. “The earth feels dry to my Truole feet. Lands are parched, their people on the verge of war and sickness and death in the hands of Time. There is only so much each of us can do to try and stop Her menace, do it we will.” And the three left Wild Narrow and the Kourass.

She looked toward Flemezour and spoke quietly the words, “I go to the aid of those whom you love Wise Rieah. My feet will walk the distances they not ever before have. I am honoured to be on your side.” A warm breeze in the cold wind brushed her face and Xeira knew Rieah the wise mind had heard her and consented the alliance.

In her mind, Aliyha kept thinking of a voice that spoke to her in words she failed to understand. And so she wrote them on a page torn from her personal scribble book. The pages were gold lined and those words she wrote stood out, every word in dark ink. As Aliyha put down word after word, she heard them mutter themselves in her ear as if alive. Though it was daytime and all of the council members downstairs waited for Myeopike the Spekai’s decision, a fear ran through her. She trembled and not from the cold outside but from a deep fear.

“Who are you that haunts my mind and speaks in whispers to me of things I do not understand?” She staggered to the door and fell hurting herself. Landing on her back she read the page and a greater fear came over her.

“Zetreh! Zetreh!” She screamed and lunged out the door and down the stairs went Lady Hegleok the power of law frightened to the point of madness by words on a page. Zetreh stood at the doorway to the Council Room when he saw Aliyha running away from no one but running to him. Upon reaching the stair landing, calm had replaced terror.

“The Wise One!” she exclaimed to Zetreh handing him the page and then she rejoined the others. “My apology for leaving so suddenly, the matter was of utter most importance and quite a surprise! Ah, so what has been decided here?”

The warm thought that left Rieah’s wise mind’s spirit made its way to Fordust Creek and the Mount mountain. The dwellers of Fordust Creek like those of Wild Narrow and Stompsledge among other unnamed lands were behind locked doors, sheltering from the sudden but terrible snowstorm. They had never witnessed such harsh weather before. It used to rain for sure but not ever had it snowed. Some were afraid while others; specially the children thought it a story that out of weaving words spoken by elders had come to be and so many a child peered out of cracks looking at the heavier flakes just drop to the ground and pile while the lighter flakes were carried away by wind and scattered about. It was fun to their eyes but not so to the near frozen Inckle who heard strange words he did not understand in a dark sleep of emptiness.

Swulirha finally pulled apart the plank and they found the opening blocked with snow.

“The only way out is through the front door, we cannot stay in here for long.” Westeria sighrf glancing at the dying fire.

“One of us has to get some firewood or we will turn cold, I am barely able to feel my feet.” Kwairha cried softly.

“Lady, let me run out and bring back some wood.” Nuorta pleaded.

“I will come along my friend. Let Kwairha and Westeria remain here.” Swulirha replaced the wooden board lightly and headed toward the door. Wrapped in a blanket for protection she motioned for Nuorta to do the same. The two covered from head to foot and ventured forth. The door opened and the two were gone. The roar of the wind and rage of the storm sounded inside the tiny cabin, loud and harsh and the next instant, it felt faraway, somewhat muffled. In that brief instant before the door slammed shut, the chill entered and spread through the cabin like tons of water spilled over a small floorboard. It felt colder than the first blast.

“It has begun,” murmured Westeria and her voice conveyed fear. She leaned closer to Kwairha keeping the other as warm as possible. “Time has announced war on every creature and green. Even seasons slowly forget to change… Winter is all Time knows in her heart and now every creature shall know the same… Loneliness, pain and hate toward each other …”

Kwairha trembled and sobbed. “Where are they? I meant not to hurt my sister. She has been my life, the reason I have a life… Oh Westeria!” The two huddled, it seemed an eternity that the others had gone off to get firewood.

“Has the storm claimed them, you think my friend?” Kwairha, the Lady of the Mount mountain worried.

“Think no thoughts as these Lady Kwairha. Your sister is not easy to defeat and Nuorta, well if you know her not by now … not even if the sky turned to earth and the earth to sky could hinder their return to you.” Westeria assured the frightened Kwairha even as in her heart she felt uncertain.

“Listen, over the sound of the storm, I hear something. Can you hear it?” Kwairha on her feet, the cold forgotten now paced to and fro. “I am certain it sounds like yells… Swulirha!” And without a moment’s hesitation she threw open the door, before the other companion had a chance to get feet.

There covered in snow were three figures. Two holding the third between them. It was hard to make out faces what with all the snow falling and wind blowing so the first reaction that Kwairha had was that of fear.

“Sister dear! Swulirha!” Westeria had rushed to the struggling figures outside and also to help the shocked Kwairha.

"Let us get inside, we hold no wood but a young man.” It was the voice of Swulirha as she and Nuorta pushed past the other two with what looked like a snow covered log.

“Swulirha! Nuorta! It is you!” Kwairha embraced the two weeping.

“Certainly you did not think that weather could keep us apart, did you?” Nuorta smiled while trying to help Swulirha warm the young man’s feet and hands.

“I have cleared the snow away from the rear opening at the back of the cabin so, you can get the firewood inside and burning faster.” Westeria dashed to the back and removed the plank that had just been lightly placed and stepped outside, with no blanket or cloak.

Soon, with the door bolted against the wind and a fire roaring, the cabin was warm once more. Two on each side of the still cold, sleeping figure did all that was in their hands to awaken him and keep him warm. Under as many layers of blankets as they could spare they tucked the sleeping nurt, by the roaring blaze they lay him and sat around whispering. It had been a long morning and afternoon was just fading when Inckle’s brow twitched.

“He dreams, see?” Swulirha pointed to the others who were busy rubbing his hands and feet and talking.

“But he is still so cold. How long could he have been out there, in the cold?” Westeria wondered.

“Since the night of yesterday when the wind blew strong and we talked within these walls of things unspoken before.” Came the unexpected reply from Kwairha who just stared at Inckle’s face. “I saw him through there.” she added pointing out the tiny crack in the wall opposite.

“Why did you not say something?” Nuorta inquired.

“I did not feel like talking Nuorta dear and I thought it was a boy from the river side just wandering into the night. It appears I was right.” Kwairha answered, glancing at her friend.

“Little different than the Creek folk in appearance though, would you not say?” Swulirha observed as she caressed the hair on Inckle’s head. “He could have swam across…ah but the water is nearly frozen…” Kwairha looked at the fire.

“He did have a pair of stockings on his feet, they were torn… he must have walked a long way from where ever it is he set out.” Nuorta observed as she warned his feet.

“True Nuorta, this young man cannot be from the river village. I wonder… could he be from Stompsledge or Wild Narrow or the far hills of Hurdar*?”

“You know the people from these places, Lady Kwairha, does he resemble any of those peoples? Certainly not the young men of Hurdar for they are built like hard stone and appear not in any likeness to this beautiful person.” Westeria cradled Inckle’s head on her lap.

“You found him under a cover of snow few paces from the door you said?” Kwairha wanted to know.

“Yes Kwairha, he was, several paces away from our friends’ cabin.” Swulirha moved to the next room, she returned with fresh herb stew poured in two bowls, for Kwairha and Westeria.

Once again she went back to bring back two more bowls, these for herself and Nuorta.

“It is I who found him Lady Kwairha.” Nuorta said between mouthfuls.

“I sent her to check on the cabin while I cleared the snow-blocked way behind there and picked some good logs that were under trees whose tops somewhat protected them from the snow. Thought we could use all blankets we can get.” Swulirha recollected.

“Alas! Our cabin did not withstand the storm and it is now broken by wind… no blankets, no home.” Nuorta sighed.

“The snow fall may lessen, and if that happens, and the wind too becomes less we can go and search among the wreckage for things we need. Two or three of us could.” Westeria suggested,

“We have no home Westeria,” said Nuorta glumly.

“You know that is not true.” Kwairha said. The others breathed audibly but said nothing. “It was on my way back to find Swulirha, I found him.” Nuorta placed her bowl in her lap.

Inckle could hear voices, lovely voices beyond the darkness of sleep. He could not wait to match the gentle tones to the faces that were inside his dream but simply could not get his eyes to open. His head ached, as did every limb on him. He smelled herb and dreamed of the floherb stew his mother made, how hungry he was!

The voices slowly faded and all quieted, far off the wind roared and whistled. The four ladies had one by one drifted to sleep. Too hungry to rest any longer than he already had, the nurt hoisted himself up on one elbow. Pain surged through his entire body and his head felt like it would explode, he blinked hard, once, twice … until the hammering lessened and his sight focused. By the slow dying fire, Inckle could make out sleeping forms around him. He was far from home he realized and it all came back to him. Inckle recalled in detail his entire journey this far up until the moment he had paced back and forth deciding whether to knock on the cabin door and then everything went blank.

Hunger announced itself in a rumble in the tummy loud enough to wake an entire sleeping village so to say but that was not what happened. The cabin lay quiet, the wind howled as Inckle swayed on his feet for a few moments before his food hunting, short journey began. Kwairha felt someone move and heard a creak in the floorboards but could not be certain. The house on the Mount mountain held her sight captive in dream and she could not break away, awaken.

The night wore on…

Fiel gasped and stumbled back tripping over a large tree root. Even as she fell, she felt the bite. Trejeth rushed to her aid and reached her in time to break the fall. “My toe, my toe, my tiny toe!” cried Fiel as she landed straight into Trejeth’s arms. Astra dashed forth dropping whatever he carried. That left Untholio and Korehk, one with all the luggage he could hold, the other staring at the giant red heads marching on the ground about them.

“Pick up the bags!” yelled the nurt and without further a do, lifted up the bags of food and clothing Astra had dropped. “Step back everyone, back! Ten steps to that tree and we will be all right. Go! This ground has an army of ants marching across it. We must not disturb them.” And so they turned back. Untholio with his share of the bags, Trejeth carrying Fiel and Astra and Korehk bringing up the rear with the remaining food and clothes packed bags.

“Can any of you tell me why in Wyoungthed’s name do we carry so many bags?” asked Astra short of breath from running. “Change of clothes, extra sweaters, food… Take a pick.” Untholio snapped even as they reached the ten steps away tree, and let everything drop to the snow patched ground.

“How many change of clothes have any of you had since starting out from home? Food yes but …” Untholio inquired.

“I am wearing two sweaters and I am still cold! I do not know about you… what are you made of if not flesh and bone?” grinned Untholio, he was of course only teasing the fellow. “Hmm… of snowflakes I suppose. That is perhaps why I feel not the chill that troubles you so, how could a snow nurt complain about the cold?!” Trejeth who had just put Fiel down on a snowy patch of ground exchanged a glance.

“Trejeth! How could you?” Fiel grumbled looking at the ground and up at him. “What?” Trejeth looked nervous. “How could you just drop me on Astra!!” In her hand she grabbed a handful of the snow from under where she lay half seated. Korehk chuckled, as did Trejeth and Astra all simultaneously. It took but a moment for Untholio to realize that it was all for his benefit and he grinned sheepishly. Fiel smiled at her own mastery; she had turned a would be argument to a joke but the Stone Lover and Earth Protector involved knew it would not ever have come to blows.

“Let me have a look at your toe Lady Vilksumer.” Korehk suggested and gently held the hurt foot. But like all gamhnurts, Fiel wore stockings that made it impossible for poor Korehk to see the bite.

“I do not see any swelling.” Muttered the nurt, maybe it was not an ant bite after all.”

“Korehk my friend, it feels sore. I know, I will just pull down my stocking so you can look at my toe.” said Fiel.

The Stone Lover turned scarlet and the others could not help but stare at Fiel stunned.

“It is just a stocking my nurt fellows, and be glad I remove just that. Come now.” She pulled off her stocking and revealed little but her foot as the baggies covered the leg down to the knees. “See? Nothing. Although I see the ant has made a hole in my stocking, here see.”

“I see you are right,” said Trejeth peering close at the place where there was a hole. “I also see that the red head is caught in the net of fine threads. Aha! Hold still, as still as you can for I must pluck it from the trap threads.” Trejeth smiled meanly. “Come here tiny foe, for a giant ant you are smaller than my little toe.” And with that said, he lunged at the mini giant ant with his forefinger and thumb and out and away from the threads pulled it.

“Aha! Ouch!” For a moment Trejeth felt triumph and the next pain and disbelief. The ant bit him trying to get away but Korehk appeared at Trejeth’s side and trapped the red head in an earth cake that contained remains of some floherb roots.

“There now, let us just hope the tiny one finds the floherb remains to its liking.” Handing the earth cake over to Astra, Korehk went over to Fiel. Trejeth had no complain about his slightly swollen thumb and settled on the ground to nibble on some floherb. Untholio sat building a miniature nurt of the snow.

”Your toe appears a bit swollen but otherwise unharmed Lady Vilksumer. Do you feel you will be able to walk? Or does it still feel itchy?” Korehk held the foot in his hand and carefully probed the toe in question.

“I feel it is all right Korehk. Maybe a little bit of rest … what are these ants doing in these parts, in Wyoungthed woods? I have not ever in my life seen an ant in Wyoungthed, have heard of the red heads but am a first time seer.”

Korehk nodded understandingly, he handed the stocking back to Fiel and straightened up.

“It is time we find out what has happened to bring these creatures here and where is Myeopike…” he mused aloud. “Do not move away from here any of you until I return. I will be back sooner than later.”

“Wait!” Fiel nearly stood up to follow but he had vanished.

“Leave him be, he knows these woods better than any nurt ever has or ever will. Korehk is more than meets the eye and I have come to respect him and his word.” Astra said not removing his eyes from the earth cake and its prisoner.

“At least tell me, who or what is Myeopike?” asked Fiel settling back down for a rest. “That is for Korehk to say for I do not know. Forgive my ignorance Lady Vilksumer of Wyoungthed.” Came Astra’s apologetic reply. All was quiet for a while.

“There you have it. A real snow Astra just for you!” Untholio uttered suddenly as he held the snowy nurt he had been making in his hand for all, especially Astra to see.

“Why! That is exactly how I look with all these clothes off!” Exclaimed the nurt and everyone laughed heartily. “Where is Korehk?” asked a bewildered Untholio looking around.

“Gone!” Trejeth wiping his mouth on the sleeve of his sweater, an entire earth cake lay empty at his feet. “He will be back though. He wanted to find the cause that brought the ants here to these woods.”

All of them rested but did not sleep. They talked, joked and kept an eye on their prisoner who scurried about inside its earthen prison.

“Wonder where these ants come from?” Untholio asked ignoring his snow nurt for a moment.

“A forest far away for certain,” Fiel looked away into the tree clad land.

“Korehk appeared to know these creatures’ home place… I do hope he returns quick.” And so the present waking slowly drifted into the next as unwillingly one by one the nurts fell asleep and they all dreamed frightful dreams but had not the power to awaken.

While the waking ended for the four under the tree upon a snowy patch of ground, for Korehk it was a long way from being over. He retraced steps, which he and the others had taken to the grand hall and took another route. All the while he studied the ground and rarely looked ahead and up. The Stone Lover knew his ways through the woodland so well that even with his eyes shut Korehk could well reach the grand hall which ever route he chose. With every step, Korehk studied the ground carefully. He sensed that something was not quite right… these ants were somehow out of place and where was his friend the Spekai? About half way down the new route, Korehk began to notice the ground beneath his feet unleveled, like it had been dug recently. Now, he had taken the route that Inckle had but a power Korehk possessed made him reach it in just moments it appeared and the nearer he came to the grand hall the more unleveled the ground became. He was ten steps from the grand hall, when Korehk’s foot fell into a very recently covered hole. With one finger the nurt slowly poked and felt the earth.

“This earth is different to the touch…” He muttered under his breath and slowly lifted the muddy fingers to his nose for a sniff and recoiled. “Food remains! And not floherbs but meat and strange water like which men consume… Myeopike! What have you done?” At that a giant ant soldier marched up and readied to attack.

From the entrance of his home, Myeopike watched. On one side the four nurts slept and he knew dreamed horror happenings and on the other side, Korehk his friend, the Stone Lover had addressed him regarding his actions. The Spekai sighed feeling sad.

“Indeed, what have I done… I have become selfish!” Then a voice sounded in his head and it was that of the Wise One and words that had been spoken came back to him clearly and the frail features of the one whom he called Reign flashed before his mind’s eye.

“I do feel terrible Korehk my friend but love has bound my will…” Myeopike let out a sigh and went inside, to see if Reign had awoken only to find that indeed she had. There she lay on a rise inches from the floor covered in a dry leaf entwined with stems of flowers just blooming. There she stared up at the uneven ceiling of rock and yawned.

“You are awake!” Myeopike greeted her and at the sound of his voice, the fair lady sat up and stared.

“Where am I? What is this place?” She looked around.

“Did you dream of sweet blossoms and pleasant song?” Myopike asked with a smile.

“How did you know? I did.” She smiled brightly, getting to her feet walked toward the Spekai. “You were part of my dreams, you strangely wonderful man…Who are you?” The Spekai smiled and reluctantly reached for her hand which she held out.

“I am Myeopike no man but a Spekai. Lady Reign is in my heart and this is my home.”

She looked at him, frowning slightly, “Who is Reign? Why do you live inside a rock?” She wandered in the direction of the grand hall.

“Myeopike dwells deep inside the earth. Do you not know your own name Reign?” A broad smile lit her face as she stepped onto the grand hall even as she heard these words.

“This is no rock, this is a –” she paused thinking, “a grand hall, it is!” The Spekai’s lovely guest wandered about the hall and its various rooms and Myeopike grinned delightfully as he watched her explore.

“That is what the creatures of the woodland call it, this place is called the ‘grand hall’ And you and I my fair one, we live here. Come, there is food if you are hungry.” Taking her by the hand he led her to a low crudely fashioned table from an old tree bark set with splendid earthen pots filled with honey and fruit, floherb stew made from the Qesdaleenda variety of floherbs. As they sat to eat their mid waking meal, the Wise One had thoughts turned on Myeopike’s lovely companion.

“So it is that Dreke Hegleok’s evil desire will come to be… And the fight he sought shall seek him only to defeat!” With that the Wise One smiled thinly and awaited Zetreh and Ermal.

Rieah’s wise mind thought it over, what the Wise One had granted Aliyha when she let the woman’s son do what he did. Lady Hegleok had wanted to be rid of the rightful heir of the Hegleok council, Edsoniea. Little did she know that the future of the Hegleok family and all that it represented now; power of corruption and wickedness, all of this hung by a very fine thread and that thread would break when Reign’s child breathed its first. The wait had begun but it certainly was not going to be an idle one. Time was preparing for the first strike and it would hit every land, man, beast and plant in ripples… slowly spreading from one to the other. Rieah’s wise mind wandered in thoughts of what was to come and the tiny flame burned vigorously; passion for her land and people and fury at Time.

Dreke had gone to bed early. He was suddenly troubled with visions of what he had done and tried hard to fight the fear he felt. It made no sense, he thought, Edsoniea had deserved every bit of torture and more, she had killed his father after all. Somehow though Dreke Hegleok, son of Aliyha Hegleok was frightened especially after listening to Myeopike mention his lovely companion.

Climbing the stairs to his room, Dreke felt cornered and like someone was watching him. Once inside his room, he locked the door and fell limply on his bed. Lying there he stared up at the semi darkened ceiling and his thoughts drifted back to the day he thought he would relish remembering but he shuddered realizing he was all of a sudden cold.

He sat up and thought about lighting a fire, which he did in his hearth. Once he had a big blaze burning bright and warming, Dreke sat as close to it as possible and warmed and thought of the deeds he had performed so shamelessly, the Spekai’s words regarding his ‘lovely companion’ and of what it would be if Edsoniea one day returned. A while passed, then an unexplained calm washed over him. It was as though a secret and invisible informant told Dreke that even if his banished sister did return, she would have not a thing of power to fight him and fight for the name of the family she had been banished from. And there might be a son who would without a doubt be on his father’s side, the voice inside his head laughed softly. Was it inside his head or was there someone in the room whispering to him?

And then, there was silence even as Dreke’s head touched the pillow and with a satisfied smile drifted into relishing dreams of what was and what might be.

Time watched as her second adviser made his way toward her in the hall of decisions.

“You have seen him?” The face of Time remained impassive.

“Indeed I have good Lady and it appears I reached him at the moment when he needed to feel good about his past actions—the right moment.” Came the reply.

“But of course it was the right moment, I created it so you could be there.” Time reminded the other, “And what is it that you whispered to him? I certainly hope you reassured his, easily corruptible human soul that he had done not a thing wrong but that only from one bad deed, a thousand good things can happen.” Her stare pierced but Time’s second adviser not once looked away. And the two talked and plotted the future of the world.

“A child in its own moment will come to the world that shall be filled with despair and everything wrong and that child shall choose the right way, my way.” Time spoke with satisfaction.

Back in Wyoungthed woodland, Myeopike waited till Reign had finished eating before he took her by the arm and led her to an empty chamber far back from the rest. It had a flowered floor that rose on one side of the room like a low bed. “Rest my dear. For now you rest and when you awaken next, there will be much to be happy about.” Myeopike seated her on the flower petal bed.

“I could rest no more my love,” Reign replied gently caressing the petals. “I am happy! I live in the grand hall with Myeopike and he is the kindest ma—he is kindest and nicest. What else could make Reign happier?” She smiled and lay down. “Wait, I know.” She said in answer to her own question. “Tell me the story of how we met. I have no memory of the past. You know, I have slept long and hard and dreamed of strange faces of… men and lands Reign has never been to.” Her face was serious, sad almost. Myeopike smiled kindly, sat by her and told a good tale. Long and happy it was so that when it ended, his lovely companion he saw lay asleep and a smile kissed her lips. How he loved her, this woman from a land far from his home.

“Edsoniea Hegleok, Lady fairness and the rightful heir and leader of the Hegleok Council. I pray that when the moment comes, you will hold not against me your wrath because I am on your side Lady, and Reign you shall one day and with you, your child.” With that he left her to dream of happiness.

Now, in every chamber inside the wall of the grand hall, torches burned in brackets carved from the rock so while the grand hall itself was somewhat lit by sun light, the chambers were lit by torches. As the Spekai left his sleeping companion he was tempted to take with him the single torch that burned on a bracket in the wall but let it be in case fair Reign awoke and wished to find him, she would for certain be lost and afraid in pitch dark. Outside in the grand hall he found an ant soldier waiting for him on the thresh hold. Myeopike went over and spoke briefly to the giant ant soldier. Afterward, the ant left carrying a message to the chief of the Redtuth ant squadron. Myeopike had decided that the group of nurts must be allowed to go, pass through but to do so, any one of them would have to win a challenge put forth to them by the ant chief. It did not have to be very hard to do but it simply had to be tricky. If the nurt or nurts participating in the challenge lost or just gave up, then he would take them prisoners and at a later waking to his convenience take them one at a time to Stompsledge, handing them over to Lady Hegleok as in keeping with his deal. Sitting on the thresh hold, idly twirling the end of the vine ladder between his fingers he hoped it would not come to that. These were his friends and he hated to think of them in the hands of Aliyha Hegleok and her clan.

“Korehk Stone Lover, I beg you find your way to freedom no matter what challenge is put forth to you because you do not want to go there and I, I would not want you too either.”

Meanwhile, Korehk having checked all three ways to the grand hall and finding them guarded was making his way back to his friends, when all of sudden he found ants coming toward him from every side. He stopped knowing that if he had continued it would only make it worse, he would be stamping on them and they would for certain bite him. Giant ant soldiers marched in rows of twos and once a step away from their target, stopped.

”What?” scowled the nurt as he stared at the tiny army at his feet.

One soldier came a bit forward and said something that sounded like a question but in a voice so thin that Korehk strained to hear.

Frowning, the Stone Lover stared. “What are you saying? I can barely hear from this height and do not understand the words that you say.” Without warning a mid sized stone slab was thrown upwards at him by the ants to his right. Korehk caught it just in time before it hit his temple.

“A note from Myeopike!” Korehk exclaimed and turned the smooth surfaced, roughed edged stone over in his hand. ”It is a map with no markings? This cannot be from Myeopike,” he thought out loud, “the drawing is tinier than what Myeopike would normally scratch on a stone.” He looked at the ant that had spoken then back at the stone. Thus several moments passed with eyes darting from stone to the ant and back and all the while the tiny giant soldier kept shouting up its question.

Remember Astra saying to Untholio and Fiel that Korehk was more than just an ordinary gamhnurt? It was the ability to make sense of nonsense in situations where an ordinary nurt would walk away. So after carefully observing the stone and the ant, Korehk understood that it was a sort of a challenge.

“Ah! It is a riddle correct?” he nodded happily, “And I must make sense of what this scratch is about. Hmm!” And he began studying the stone slab while the ants patiently stood on guard while that one ant kept yelling until Korehk held up a finger to mean silence.

One other thing had become clear to the nurt, it was obvious that the ant soldiers understood the common language but spoke it not. Rather they spoke a different tongue of their own and Korehk was learned in the many languages that various creatures spoke in this woodland and beyond. All he had to do now he thought, was search his mind for the name of a place where creatures spoke a language the ant was speaking, a place which looked like this scratching on the stone slab, a map of it perhaps or it could even be an alphabet in the language. He set thinking, mentally checking off the names of places and languages that were no match. It would probably take a long, long while to guess the right answer and already he felt tired and thought of his companions, hoping that at least they were resting. He swayed on his feet and instantly the entire rows of ants moved back because big though they were, they wished not to get squashed under this swaying nurt should he fall. The nurt took this chance to sit, knees folded to his chin he began studying the scratch. By now he was positive that the small diagram meant a letter or word, even a name connecting the ants to the place they came from.

Sensing no threat from the nurt, slowly the gathered rows of ants, which stood to attention, began to relax. Some grouped together whispering, some stayed where they were. Others wandered a way off a bit, not far though. Moments passed…

“Applute, Apoliyes, Abearth, Agtrewelsfh?” Korehk muttered as much to himself as to the ants that were close by. He had begun guessing loudly the places around the woodlands and other forests where these ants might be from with the letter ‘A’ but half way through, changed his mind. “This cannot be an ‘A’, in any language this alphabet is written with two points upwards not down and surely there is no curve cutting across and joining the two points from a third … hmm…” he abandoned the ‘A’ and moved on to ‘B’. Finding no similarity there either, after comparing with every alphabet he knew in his mind. “Babcol, Bhresfk, Brushol… no this is not ‘B’ either.” It had started snowing harder and the cold pierced. “’C’ then? Ok.” The nurt shivered but went counting off name places with ‘C’. “Cactouslake, Crethroke, Creekgulf…” his teeth chattered and he wished he had brought along at least one more sweater. “W-who w-w-would haa-ave t-thought …?”

The ants had completely vanished under a thin layer of snow and Korehk noticed this, made to stand but only succeeded in calling attention to himself so the ants came back into view. They had taken to the roots of nearby trees for cover. They came forward like wave upon wave and stood around the nurt, their anger apparent from the way they surrounded him.

“I was not going to leave, honest!” And back he stared at the stone. “What will happen to me if I cannot solve t-this puzzle, eh?”

The ant attacked verbally, screaming its lungs out and among all the words that came out of its mouth, slipped a word that should have been left unspoken. Korehk heard it but showed not a sign. The ant fell silent having realized perhaps that it had said too much. The Stone Lover breathed deep, cold stinging his nostrils.

“Hmm time to move unto ‘D’ I suppose… lets see,” he looked shrewdly around at the giant ants who stood their ground. “Daskus, Dyolki, Deethdut…” he went on until suddenly he stood up and yelled, “Derumdorum! Ah ha! Now what?” the tiny army had readied to bite but now disappointed moved back, clearing a path for the nurt to pass through. Without even bothering to look back or say a word, Korehk took off. The ants ganged up on their captain and finished him off hungry as the lot were and also there was the punishment. Korehk saw none of this as he ran and ran to his friends. It took but moments it seemed to reach them.

Fiel and company were pacing forward and back discussing his long absence.

“Could something have happened to him? I worry…Not impossible what with all these ants … I should have gone with him.” Untholio moaned as Fiel put an arm about his shoulder in a half hug.

“He will return, I know Korehk and he will not ever let himself get into trouble.” Astra maintained his surety about his friend’s character and trustworthiness.

“Well, what if trouble found him?” Trejeth said looking at the ant he was now holding in the earth cake.

“It almost did but here I am! Come on this is the way and it is ant free though for how long, I cannot guess. Hurry!” Korehk appeared out of the trees grinning and beckoning them to follow. “Bring all the bags and that earth cake with our little prisoner inside.” And along they went, with Korehk telling them all that happened to him.

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