He marveled as the page led him past the many majestic buildings. He was completely awed in their presence. For one who had long desired to visit England and the castles of the British Isles, this was a dream come true. In stark contrast to the imposing edifices, the people they encountered were rather ordinary. Perhaps he had inflated expectations of those who resided in such places, but aside from their clothing, men and women alike were rather common in their appearance. Not the bigger than life aura about them the movie industry led one to believe they possessed.
He nodded to several, even offering a ‘hello’ to one grim individual who wore richly attire. All that was given back was indifference, if they even took the time to glance his way. Despite the cold reception, he was ecstatic to be in such close proximity to a real, bona fide, castle!
Their path took them down a short lane passing between two stone structures which had to have been at least four stories tall. It opened onto a courtyard with a magnificent four-tiered fountain amidst many beautiful flowering plants and bushes. Situated upon pedestals, statues and sculptures rose above the flowering bushes. James noticed several young ladies talking and laughing on a pair of benches near the fountain. One in particular, with flowing auburn hair, made James’ heart skip a beat when he spied her. What a vision of beauty! His eyes lingered on her for a second too long, for she turned and their eyes meet. About to turn his gaze away, he stopped when she smiled. Then she waved.
James waved back, feeling a little weak in the knees. He awkwardly stumbled into a bush bordering the walkway. The unexpected obstruction caused him to trip and tumble. Red-faced and feeling the fool, he quickly got back to his feet. The laughter of the girls by the fountain only worsened his feeling of embarrassment. Ears burning, he felt like curling up and dying right there. He hesitantly looked to the auburn- haired girl only to find her smiling. Her sweet smile left his pride at least somewhat restored. He gave her a quick, shy smile and then hurried to catch up with the page who had almost reached the other side of the courtyard.
“Who was that girl by the fountain?”
The page paused to glance back, “Which girl?”
Pointing, he said, “That one.”
“Oh, that is the Princess Alliende,” the page replied.
A Princess! A real honest to goodness princess, and she smiled at me! When they reached the edge of the courtyard, he looked back and saw Princess Alliende still watching him. She waved at him one more time. Smiling a crooked smile, he waved back and left the courtyard hurrying after the page.
Out of the courtyard, he was led down another avenue until they arrived at a medium- sized building made of stone, with a single large wooden door which stood open at the top of several steps. Leading James up the steps and in through the door, the page took him down a hallway. They continued past several doors until coming to a pair of double wooden doors at the end. Upon each of the doors was engraved the same symbol that had sealed the letter Ellinwyrd sent. The page tapped upon the door and from within came a muffled, “Enter!” at which the page opened the door and stepped to the side, motioning for James to enter.
The room was cluttered with papers and books that lined every surface including the floor. It was not at all what he had expected of a place called the Royal Archives. An elderly man sat behind a table, bent over a large book laid out before him. A shaft of sunlight streamed in over his shoulder from the window illuminating the pages. Hearing the door open, he looked up to see James enter. “Thank you Berin, you may go now.”
The page bowed to Ellinwyrd, and then left as he closed the door behind him.
Ellinwyrd motioned for James to come forward. “Please, sit down.”
James walked toward the table, having to step carefully around several books lying abandoned on the floor. “Thank you, sir, for taking time to see me,” he said as he took the seat.
Ellinwyrd closed the book in front of him. “The letter that was delivered to me did not give any names but bore the seal of a friend.” He looked intently at James and asked, “Can you name him?”
“Perrilin the bard wrote that letter on my behalf.”
Nodding agreement, Ellinwyrd said, “I heard that he was taken by the city watch the other night. How is it that he is with you now?”
“I came across him in an abandoned house outside of town,” he explained. “There were several men there who had him tied to a chair and were beating him pretty badly. I stopped them and brought him back to town.”
“Is he well now?” Ellinwyrd asked, obviously concerned.
“He’s still sore from his ordeal, but claims he will live. He’s resting in a room at The Silver Bells even as we speak.”
Ellinwyrd chuckled, “That sounds like him. We’ve been friends a long time now and I hate to see him get into these situations.”
“Situations?”
“Always something happening when he is around,” Ellinwyrd said. Waving his hand dismissively he continued, “But enough about him, what is it that you think I can help you with? The letter stated you thought there was something in which my help may be needed?”
James removed the medallion from around his neck and handed it across the table to Ellinwyrd. “I had hoped you might know if this design held any sort of significance?”
Ellinwyrd brought it closer and took a good look. After a minute of examination, he said, “It looks familiar, but I can’t quite remember why.” He contemplated the design a moment longer, then turned it over and examined the smooth back side, rubbing it with his thumb. “What can you tell me about it?”
“Not much really,” he answered. He hoped he wouldn’t have to tell him the exact circumstances by which he acquired it.
“Hmmm…” Ellinwyrd got to his feet and walked to one of the many shelves in the room with the medallion still in hand. He picked up one book, flipped through the pages briefly before returning it to the shelf and then chose another. “It seems that I remember seeing this in one of the older tomes, perhaps one dealing with…” he began to explain before trailing off. Removing a tome with aged, yellow bindings and cracked by the march of time, he nodded to himself and then brought it back to the table. “This may be it. This tome relates the history of various religious orders in the area, both those currently popular and others that have fallen out of favor.”
He placed the book between them. Carefully opening it, he said. “There used to be other religions around than there are now, but for one reason or another have disappeared.”
“Disappeared?” James asked. “How can a religion just disappear?”
“Perhaps disappear is not quite accurate.”
Looking up from the book and glancing across the table at him, he said, “You see over time, some religions are no longer sought after by the common man. Their temples close, people no longer wish to be priests of that religion, so the religion, sad to say, fades away.” He returned his attention to the book, and continued to flip through the pages. Every once in a while would pause when he came to a drawing, stopping only long enough to compare the diagram on the medallion to the one in the book. When it proved not to be a match, he continued on.
“Have there been many religion’s to fade away?”
“I would think so,” he said. “Though how many is hard to say.” He turned to another page and brought the medallion closer for a comparison. “I think we may have found it.”
“Really?” said James excitedly. He leaned across the table to get a better look at the picture. “What does it say?”
Ellinwyrd handed the medallion back to James and silently read the section in the book relating to the design on the page. “There is not very much here, just a paragraph,” he said, moving the book closer to James. “This is the symbol of the god Morcyth. The man who wrote this did not know very much about those who believed in Morcyth, simply mentioning that it was an ancient religion whose priests were scholars and teachers.” He turned several more pages but found nothing further. He closed the book.
<
br /> “Have you heard of this Morcyth?” James asked him.
Nodding, Ellinwyrd responded, “A little. His influence waned over five hundred years ago I believe, though I am not sure why. I do know his priests were good, always helping everyone they came into contact with.” He looked questioningly at James and asked, “One wonders how you came to be in possession of a medallion bearing the sign of a god whose priests have not been seen for over five hundred years?”
James shifted in his seat under the eyes of Ellinwyrd “It was given to me.”
“Oh?” Ellinwyrd said as he arched one eyebrow questioningly.
James was not sure why, but felt that he could trust him. “It’s a rather long, unbelievable story.” He paused a moment, gauging how much he should tell, then realized he would have to trust someone. “I was not born in this world.” He looked to see the reaction his words were having.
“Truly?” asks Ellinwyrd, intrigued but somewhat skeptical. “What world were you born upon?”
“We call it Earth,” he explained. “It’s very similar to this one, but with many differences. One of the major differences is that magic doesn’t work in my world.”
“Fascinating,” Ellinwyrd said, then prompted James to continue.
James related the tale of how he answered the ad and all the events from the time he entered this world until the time the god, or whatever that little creature was, gave him the amulet. He further explained how he came here to Cardri, how he hoped to discover the meaning of the amulet, and how he hoped in some way to shed light on all this.
“An interesting tale,” Ellinwyrd said. “It seems strange that you were brought to our world and not told why.”
“I agree,” James said. “All I was told was to do what feels right.”
“And it felt right to tell me your tale?”
“I feel I can trust you with it,” James explained. “Odd, but you’re the first one I’ve met in this world that I’ve felt that way about. Even Ceryn doesn’t know the whole story.” He looked to Ellinwyrd and asked, “I hope that I am not mistaken?”
“Oh no, your story is safe with me,” Ellinwyrd assured James. “I can understand where secrecy about this might be the prudent course of action at this time.”
“Having heard my tale, what would you propose I do now? Should I go in search of Morcyth? And if so, where do I start?”
“You are the only one who can answer that,” Ellinwyrd said. “You were told to do what feels right. Does going in search of Morcyth feel right?”
He considered the idea a moment, then said, “I still feel that I need to know more, so I guess it does. Where would be a good place to start?”
“I am not sure,” he admitted. “Morcyth in his heyday was fairly widespread, with local temples in almost every major town. I believe I read somewhere that the central temple to Morcyth had been located in the Kingdom of Madoc, somewhere around the Sea of the Gods.”
“Sea of the Gods?” James asked. “Where would that be?”
“As you may be aware, the Silver Mountains lay along Cardri’s eastern border,” he explained. “On the other side you will find the Kingdom of Madoc. In the central area of Madoc sits an enormous body of freshwater called Sea of the Gods, with many cities lining its shores. Quite likely, one of those cities once housed the central temple to Morcyth,” continued Ellinwyrd. “However, which one eludes me.”
“Well at least that’s a start,” James acknowledged.
“One slight problem however.”
“What would that be?”
“In case you haven’t heard, the Kingdom of Madoc has been invaded by the Empire from the south. Travel there will be difficult at best. The Empire is currently besieging the town of Saragon, some hundred or so miles south of the Sea.”
“I heard about that,” he admitted. “Is there any way to get there without running into the Empire’s forces?”
“There are two passes that allow travel between Cardri and Madoc which would not take you near the fighting, at least where the fighting is right now. One is the Merchant’s Pass, just east of the city of Trademeet. That one is the most direct path to the Sea and is still some distance north of the invading forces so should be relatively safe. The other one is the Dragon’s Pass. It lies further north past the Forest of Kelewan. It would be the safer of the two but will take you many days out of your way.”
“I see,” said James, He stretched his hand across the table to Ellinwyrd and then continued, “I appreciate you seeing me and being so helpful, but I must be going. I still have many things to do before I set out in the morning.”
He motioned for James to sit down. “Don’t be in such a rush. Maybe I can help you further on your quest.” He walked to a table with many books upon it. He picked up one and brought it back to the table.
“I have been meaning to send this to a colleague of mine who maintains the Great Library in the City of Light, which lies on the southern shore of the Sea of the Gods. His name is Ollinearn. From time to time we send each other copies of books and manuscripts that are of interest.”
He took a large sheet of paper and proceeded to wrap the book tightly, inserting the corners within the folds until he had a nice, secure package. He took a lit candle and dripped wax over a seam, then pressed his ring into it, making his sign. Satisfied, he handed it to James.
“If you would be so kind as to deliver this,” Ellinwyrd said as he got a quill, ink and paper out. “I will write him a letter asking him to help you in any way he can.”
“I would be glad to.”
Ellinwyrd took but a moment to write out the letter, then rolled it up and placed his seal upon it. He handed the letter to James saying, “Give this and the book to him and he should be willing to help.”
“Thank you for your help. I will be sure to give him the book and letter when I arrive at the City of Light.” James stood as he held out his hand.
Taking it, Ellinwyrd said, “I am glad I could be of some help. Should your travels bring you back to Cardri, please feel free to stop by for a visit. I would dearly like to hear more about you and your world.”
“I will,” James assured him, and then turned toward the door to leave.
Before he took two steps, Ellinwyrd stopped him by saying, “Just a moment, you require an escort to pass through the castle area.” He tugged on a decorative hanging rope, and Berin, the page who had previously escorted him, entered.
“Berin, please escort this gentlemen back to the gate.”
“This way, sir,” Berin said.
“Goodbye, Ellinwyrd.”
“Have a safe journey, James.”
James exited, following Berin along the same path that they had taken to the Archives. Entering the courtyard with the fountain, he sadly discovered that the Princess Alliende was no longer there. He would have dearly loved to see her one more time.
As he followed Berin, James realized how late it was. It didn’t seem as if he had been in there all that long. When he arrived at the gates, Berin took his leave, “Good evening to you, sir,” and then returned to the castle area.
He needed to get some errands done before he left in the morning. He found Thelonius’ shop. Entering through the door, the ever present guards looked him over, while the other went into the back to fetch him. The guard reemerged from the back not long before Thelonius made his appearance at the window.
“Good evening to you, James,” he said, greeting him with a smile. “How may I help you this evening?”
“I wish to withdraw two hundred gold pieces.”
“Let me get the coins,” he replied. “I shall be but a moment.” He soon returned with a tray of coins and two small empty pouches. They counted the coins, and when they had made sure there were two hundred golds worth, he put the coins into the two pouches and handed them to James. He then produced a paper which James signed, signifying that he had withdrawn two hundred golds.
Thelonius asked, “Is there anything else I may do for yo
u?”
James picked up the sacks of golds and said, “Not right now, no, this is all I needed. Thank you.”
“A good evening to you as well, sir,” Thelonius said before he returned to the rear of the shop.
One of the guards held the door as he left with a sack full of coins in each hand. Walking down the street back to The Silver Bells, he realized that having pouches filled with gold coins in plain view may not have been the most intelligent thing he had ever done. He didn’t observe anyone follow him, and quickly made it back to the inn and straight to his room.
There he found Perrilin asleep and a bored Miko, looking out the window.
“How did it go?”
He set the two sacks of gold coins in the corner, then took a seat at the table. “It went well” He took out the medallion and showed it to Miko. “This is the symbol of a god named Morcyth whose influence waned over five hundred years ago. He didn’t know much more than that. However, Ellinwyrd did mention the area around a body of water called the Sea of the Gods where the central temple to Morcyth had been located. He couldn’t remember exactly where.”
“In the morning, I plan to head that way, taking the road through the Merchant’s Pass and cross over into Madoc. It’s my hope to find this temple or perhaps someone who can further enlighten me about Morcyth.” He glanced to Miko and said, “You needn’t feel that you have to accompany me, this could be dangerous.”
Looking hurt, Miko replied, “Haven’t I been a big help so far?”
“Yes, you have”
“Then I want to come along,” he insisted. “You are about the only friend I have and if I can help, then I want to.”
Seeing that Perrilin was awake and had been listening in on the conversation, James looked to him for help. “Would you please tell him that traveling to a kingdom at war is not the best of ideas?”
Miko looked anxiously to Perrilin as the bard carefully considered his answer. “Though there may be dangers, Miko is old enough to make his own decisions and has proven quite helpful thus far. From all I have gathered, he has been someone you have been able to trust and count on. That is a rare thing to find.”
Miko beamed at the praise while Perrilin continued. “A lengthy venture should never be attempted alone and there are too many possible situations you may find yourself in where you may need someone with you, such as if you get hurt. Also, he has been quite good at ferreting out information in the city which could prove most useful since you are in search of information. And…”
“Okay, okay, I’m sold.” He held up his hands in surrender. He turned to Miko and said, “If you are going with me then we will need to get you a horse in the morning. We won’t make much time with you walking or us riding double.”
Miko’s eyes lit up. “My own horse? Can I pick it out?”
Smiling at his exuberance, James said, “We’ll let someone who knows horses pick it out, okay?”
“Alright,” Miko agreed.
“Now go downstairs and see if you can arrange for a couple of baths here in the room. Also have dinner sent up.”
“Okay, James,” Miko said, practically skipping out of the room.
Perrilin chuckled from the bed, “He sure is happy.”
“Yes, he is,” James said. “I hope he still feels that way later on down the road.”
“There is some strength in that boy,” Perrilin observed. “I think you could do worse in traveling companions.”
“I suppose so. Are you going to be alright?”
“I’ll be fine,” he said. “Miss Gilena will allow me to stay here for a while, at least until I’m much better.” Lowering his voice he said, “Actually, I’m pretty much okay now, just a bit stiff and sore. But I like the attention.” Smiling, he lay back on the bed.
“Enjoy it while it lasts.”
Miko returned saying that the baths would be up shortly and that dinner would follow. They didn’t have long to wait until there was a knock on the door. Miko let in the staff bearing the tubs. To James’ surprise they brought in three, not two that he had expected. Mystified, he looked to Miko who was blushing slightly. “Three?”
“One for each of us,” he said slightly embarrassed. “Well, I kind of liked it last time. I didn’t think you would mind.”
“Mind?” James replied. “Of course I don’t mind.” Laughing at Miko’s expense, James related to Perrilin the circumstances of the last time they had a bath. “But I thought we were to keep Perrilin a secret?”
“Miss Gilena said that she has talked to her staff and if they want to keep their jobs they better be quiet about the whole thing. She feels that they will keep the secret, at least for a while.”
They waited while the staff brought in buckets of hot water. Soon the tubs were filled and towels were laid out. Miko was the first undressed and submerged in the tub. James asked Perrilin if he needed any help but the bard refused, saying he could manage to get undressed and into the tub himself.
James climbed into a tub filled with hot, soothing water. The heat suffused every muscle and sinew, slowly taking away the aches.
A knock at the door was immediately followed by Miss Gilena who walked into the room. She saw the three of them relaxed in the tubs. “Comfy are we?”
“Yes we are,” Perrilin replied. “Perhaps you should come back when we are less exposed?”
Waving away the comment, she closed to the door and said, “There’s nothing here I haven’t seen before, so don’t you be worrying about my delicate sensibilities. I just came to see how you were doing.”
“I am fine, thank you,” he assured her. “Just need a few more days rest and I’ll be as good as new.” He glanced at James and gave him a look that said, ‘Don’t say anything.’
“Miss Gilena,” James said, “Miko and I will be leaving in the morning. Our business here in Cardri is done. We are going to need a second horse for my friend and I wondered if you knew of a place where we could purchase one?”
She thought for a moment. “Lufer sells horses outside the walls near the river. He’s honest and usually has a fair selection.”
“Thank you. I’ll be by later this evening to settle what I owe you, after dinner.”
“Don’t worry about it,” she said. Then she looked toward Perrilin. “Consider it a reward for rescuing him.”
“Thank you again.”
“Well, since all is well here I must go, this place won’t run itself,” she announced as she left.
They relaxed in the tubs for a while longer, until the water began to turn cold. Once out, they sent Miko down to get the staff to remove the tubs. It was a long process since first they had to remove the water before they were light enough to be carried out.
Shortly after the last tub was removed, their dinner arrived. It was larger than the previous with two whole chickens, a big platter of vegetables, and three loaves of bread, James didn’t think they would finish it all, but Miko proved him wrong. He continued to be amazed at just how much that boy could eat.
That evening, while Perrilin rested, James and Miko went down to the common room to enjoy the evening’s entertainment. The bard who performed for the patrons was enjoyable, though in James’ opinion, not even close to being in Perrilin’s league. Still, they had a good night and when he caught Miko yawning, they headed upstairs to sleep.
Chapter Fifteen
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