Igus asked. “I ran from Welshire Igus. I could no longer face the death and destruction. Igus what can I do?” Devon said, not able to look at Igus. Igus’ eyes suddenly flashed with a realization.
“Devon, you are not a coward,” Igus said softly. “How can you say that after what I have told you?” Devon asked. “No Devon, listen. Two years ago, when the war was waning, while you were considering taking your final vows, you had a dream,” Igus stopped, watching Devon for his reaction, then continued, “Though the war would not last much longer, there were still small battles taking place around Welshire.” “How do you know of these things Igus? That is over a hundred miles away,” Devon asked, listening intently now. “I know what I know Devon, now let me continue. The dream was a nudge, if you will, from destiny. Though I do not know the contents of the dream, it did give you a direction. No Devon, you did not run away, you merely followed destiny’s plan.” Igus said waiting for Devon’s reaction. “I have carried this guilt for a long time. I wish I had told you sooner, you could have absolved it anytime during this last year,” Devon said, more calmly than Igus expected, “But why me Igus, why not Loanna, she has been more privy to the knowledge of the children, why me?” “Devon, there is so much more to it than just you or I. This forest, perhaps this whole countryside depended on destiny’s choice…” Devon suddenly cut Igus off, “What choice would that be Igus!? It seems that all the choices have been made for me! I could not even save Gareth on my own!” Anger now clouded Devon’s mind. “Devon, the truth…” Igus started, but again was cut off by Devon, “What truth Igus!? It now seems that I have no control at all! I should have listened to Father Leonis and stayed at the monastery.” Devon then thought back to his final conversation with Leonis.
“Devon it makes no sense, you have lived and studied here since your parents were killed over fourteen years ago,” Leonis said. “I am sorry Father, but I cannot explain it. For months now, something has felt wrong.” “You have been an excellent student. You have been a tremendous help mending the wounded, not to mention a good friend to the other novices. Have you lost your faith Devon?” “No Father, my faith is stronger than ever, I just cannot take the final vows. I am going to request you allow me a sabbatical leave, to spread the word outside these walls.” “Devon, you have been as a son to me. Though I think it is a mistake, I will allow it. The necessary documents will be drawn up so you can travel.” Father Leonis then put his hands on Devon’s shoulders, “Go my son, but know you will be missed.”
“What are you thinking Devon?” Igus asked quietly, jarring Devon back to the moment. “You say it was a dream that brought me here. How do you know?” Devon asked. “I am not sure. I was only aware that someone was coming, someone that destiny had chosen,” Igus replied. Devon looked at Igus and thought for a moment. He thought of all he had learned at the monastery. He then thought of how much more he had learned since. He then looked squarely at Igus.
“I have but one question, all I ask, is that you answer truthfully. Am I in control of my mind?” Devon asked. Igus felt relieved, “Yes Devon. To my knowledge, the only time your thoughts were interfered with, was in the dream.” “Then, I suppose it is time to let go of the past. It actually has been a wonderful year after all.” Devon said, now smiling. “You are wise beyond your years Devon. It is an honor to have you as a friend,” Igus said, knowing that destiny was not finished with Devon Gable.
During the following year, while the church was being built, Devon spent many hours in the forest. Save his first visit to the Echo Forest when Igus levitated to the top of the great rock, Devon had seen little evidence of the magic Igus had talked of, however, Igus was about to introduce him to the crystals.
Devon seemed to take no time learning how to relax and meditate. As Igus handed him a crystal, he could feel a warmth and kind of tingling sensation go up and down his spine within moments. Though Devon could not seem to focus long enough to understand what Igus explained as a communication of sorts with the crystal’s power, he was on a path to learning after a few short months.
Loanna saw that Igus was showing Devon much more than she had ever been allowed but tried to hide her feelings. It did not go un-noticed by Devon. One day, Devon could not abide the friction any longer.
"What I am about to show you is the basis for all the magic each child of nature learns. You must also remember that this magic is of nature...," Igus' voice trailed off as he noticed Devon looking to Loanna, who had just walked into the clearing. Devon felt suddenly torn between two people he had come to care deeply for, and looked at Igus.
"I do not pretend to know what my role in destiny is or if the knowledge of the crystals is crucial to that end, but I do know that every time I am here with my friends, I feel as a wedge separating you both. I will be the reason of your discord no longer. Igus, I will, of course, visit the Echo Forest often, but from this day on, I will have nothing more to do with the crystals,” Devon stated firmly.
Gareth sat by the Serenity and wondered why it had turned on him last year. Of course, he also remembered how foolish he felt, after all, he had just finished boasting to Melanie of how he was the best swimmer in the land. He was deep in thought and did not hear Katryn approach.
“Gareth.” “Mother, you gave me a start!” “I am sorry, I saw you sitting here and thought you might need some company,” Katryn said, sitting next to him. “Actually, I was thinking of last year’s celebration.” Katryn shivered as she remembered also, “Yes, that was quite a scare, but you should not dwell on it.” Katryn said, trying not to make too light of it. “Mother, these last five years have not been easy, you know that. You must also know that Melanie and I have grown…to love one another.” Katryn knew of Gareth’s love for Melanie. As they sat quietly, watching the Serenity slip by, Katryn thought back to the first celebration. She also remembered her husband.
Gareth the First, was a powerful man with a gentle disposition. His wavy brown hair and soft brown eyes caught the attention of every maiden in the area. But Gareth did not marry until he met Katryn. She was sixteen when they met and Gareth found himself smitten. Though he was twenty-two, Katryn’s father gladly gave Gareth permission to court her. Gareth won the affections of the beautiful Katryn and they married within a year. Gareth the second was born less than ten months later. Katryn was as happy as a woman could be until the war found Kingsland.
When young Gareth was eight years old, Gareth the First invited Martin, Lord of the Manor of Landon, to Cashell. Gareth extended his hand to Martin. As they shook hands, Martin introduced his wife Lisa and their daughter Melanie. Gareth in turn introduced his wife Katryn and their son. Gareth instructed Sir Ian to escort the women and children to the Serenity for a picnic, as he and Martin went to share an ale and talk of an alliance. The two families became quick friends, as did the children, who seemed inseparable as the years passed.
When High Lord Thomas, asked for troops to defend Welshire, the forces of Cashell and Landon fought side by side. It was in the second year of the war that Gareth was struck down in battle. They were able to get him back to Cashell before he died.
As they stood at his bedside, Gareth opened his eyes, “Thank you Martin for getting me home one last time. You have been a good friend and ally.” “You would have done nothing less for me my friend,” Martin said, squeezing Gareth’s limp hand. “Sir Ian, please show everyone out. I need to be alone with Katryn and my son,” Gareth said weakly. “Yes my lord,” Ian said, knowing the end was near.
As the others left, Katryn went to his side and softy kissed his forehead. Young Gareth, tears flowing from his eyes, stood at the foot of the bed.
“My beloved Katryn, no man could have asked for a better wife. This wound has finished me. I know the pain you are feeling, but you must be strong for our son and for the people who look to us for protection. Do not close your heart, my love,” Gareth said. Katryn buried her head in his chest and cried.
“Gareth, my son, do not be afraid, come to my side.” Gareth
went his father’s side, “Oh father, what does it mean?” He asked, tears staining his face. “Many things in life change. Death is one of those changes,” Gareth said, putting his arm around his son, “I love you and your mother very much and will miss you both. Now, you also must be strong and take care of your mother. I know you are very young, but I have faith in you.” Gareth put his head on his father’s shoulder, “I love you father.” That was the last thing his father heard.
As the war moved to the northeast and the countryside began to pick up the pieces, Katryn thought that a celebration might help lighten the air of doom that surrounded the manor. She decided to hold it on Gareth’s eleventh birthday, which became a yearly event. She made a guest list and had Sir Ian deliver the invitations.
“Lady Katryn, two of the names on this list, with all due respect, are a mistake,” Ian cautioned. “Why do you say a mistake Ian?” Katryn asked. “As you well remember, the Harrisons were slaughtered prior to the battle of Welshire.” “Yes Ian, the whole countryside was in shock. If I remember correctly, the children survived.” “Yes, James Harrison got wind of the attack and