DNO’s Author Showcase: The Mosh – The Journey Untold Chapter 5

Ulric awoke dazed and confused. “You’re awake.” Her voice was familiar but he could not pinpoint where he had heard it before. “Where am I and who are you?”

“ My name is Saeema and this is Klassas.” He studied her closely and noticed her stunning features. She had fierce eyes with long black flowing hair. She wore a long robe and he noticed the double blade concealed underneath. The other one had similar features, it was hard to tell if he were a man or a woman. The bow and quiver at his back was much more apparent than her weapon.”

“You and the aged man are now safe. You both had been poisoned, had I not followed you. You would have succumbed to your injuries. “

“Why were you following me? And who are you?” Ulric asked

“I am the elven princess, what is your name?”

“Why should we trust you? What’s an elf anyways.”

“We are a race, similar, but different in many ways than humans. Time is different for us. We have lived for many years.”

“What do you mean many years? Like, are you sixty years old or something?”

“Sixty is an understatement, but we are not here to discuss age.”

“Why were you following me?”

“I was born with the gift of Augur. I can see things that have not yet come to pass. Over many months ago, I had a recurring vision. One of a burning world, a world of death and decay. And your face has been embedded into my memory.”

“My face, what part do I have to play in this vision of yours? “

“That I wish to find out.”

“Wait, you’re voice, you were the woman I saw in that nightmare where I was on fire. I am just a farmer. I have personal ambitions but none to the extent of what you speak. You must have me mistaken for somebody else. Where are Gaiden and the other prisoners? How has my wound healed already?”

“The old man is safe, he is still recovering from his wound, and the prisoners have been released and have gone their separate ways. Scared of their ordeal, they fled deep into the mountains. We have gifted abilities. This is one of many.” Ulric had a curious look on his face. He let go a deep sigh, it was so strong he felt the air pressing against his sensitive skin. Gaiden had been on his mind, were it not for him, Gaiden would not have been injured. Guilt overcame him, he blamed his inadequacies the cause of his and Gaiden’s pain.

“Who is the dark wizard? And why would he want people killed? I’ve seen nothing like this before, is this what this world has to offer?”

“Dark wizard? I know not of who you speak of, but this world does have evils you may not comprehend.”

“I do not wish to understand evil, nor do I wish to have any part to play in any of this. If your vision is to come to pass, I’ll just go back to my home. Away from everything. I’ll not be in reach to affect anything or anybody’s life.”

“This is all strange to you, but I cannot force you to seek a path you do not know. I see bravery in your eyes, but you are fearful of the unknown.”

“The unknown that I may be the one to cause pain and suffering? Or that I may save it? Yes I indeed fear it.”

“My heart tells me that only the latter is to be true. I cannot force you, I can only encourage you and hope you heed your calling. But if it is home you seek, we shall bring you. Your friend needs another day of rest. On the first light, we go back to your home.”

The following day, Gaiden was relatively back to normal. He winced when he tried to make sharp movements, but he was surprised at the speed of his recovery. Elven magic was a new concept to them. It capabilities beyond what their simple minds could comprehend.

Though the two questioned the authenticity of the princess, the magic that healed them was a strong indication that there might be truth to her tongue.  Both men decided that it was best they returned home.

Whatever the princess told him, Gaiden could see the pressure that weighed upon Ulric’s shoulders. Seeing Gaiden almost losing his life was something he couldn’t stomach and his desire to become a king’s guard dwindled slightly.

They began their journey back to Silver Waterfall. As they walked, they could see large deforestation that had taken place.

Trees cut down to the root, burnt forest. Embers lit up the nights. Emotions were different, Ulric was not bothered at the widespread destruction, and Silver Waterfall was far from everything. Nothing ever happened there.

However, Saeeme’s fears heightened.  They had been walking tirelessly for a few days without rest. They found the perfect area to camp for the night. Gaiden was usually assigned to getting the firewood, and Ulric was responsible for cooking the food on their previous adventure. Gaiden left in search of the firewood, he collected some dry pieces of birch.

Ulric began unpacking his backpack, carrying his provisions and his favorite pot there.

The pot was his mother’s, it was special to him, and it was what she used to teach him how to cook up a perfect stew. Ulric was a really good cook, compliments Requia.

When Gaiden got back, Klassas was to the back, sitting by himself as if in prayer. Odd fellow thought Gaiden. The princess was staring into the water, her body was on the earth but her mind was miles away.

Ulric sat there, waiting for the fire to be started, he was rather hungry. Food was his comfort. He could picture heading back home back to his farming life. With all preparations done, he waited for the fire to start.

Gaiden cut up the pieces of wood, then took one of the sticks and some tinder to begin the fire. He vigorously twisted the stick into the tinder to create a spark, and then there it was, a little fire. A few minutes later, there was a big enough fire to cook the food and keep them warm for the night.

Ulric started cooking the stew, and was joined by the princess.

“You take passion in cooking this stew“, she questioned the stew as if it was something strange.

“Yes, mother always told me that food heals the soul. A healthy soldier is the difference between death and life.”

“Your mother, what kind of woman is she? “

“She is a strong hearted woman. It’s because of her I should know strength. She would be both disappointed and relieved that I am coming back home. She hates war, but understands them. She hates death, but understands its existence. “

“And your father? “

“He was brave and strong. He served as the king’s first commander and was a formidable soldier. I have goals of becoming like him. But I fear death, and I am not as good a soldier as he was. I have trained for a while, Gaiden has trained to the best of his ability, but so far I have been a disappointment to him. He instilled in me his abilities, but I am far behind what he expects of me. “He stirred the pot with the wooden spoon and took some out of the pot, he blew the stew from the spoon and then poured it into his hand and tasted it.

“mhmmm,  just as mother made it,“ he said with a big grin. He poured it into a bowl for Saeema, Gaiden, Klassas and himself. The two elves looked at it with a curious look on their face, this was something new to them. The elves did not eat much, only bread and biscuits. They believed in light eating and quick movements. Too much food would slow them down. Gaiden with no further delay already started eating. He cared not if the elves liked the stew or would eat it. More for him, he loved a good stew.

“Go ahead, dig in, “Ulric urged Saeema and Klassas on.

“Filled with rich potatoes, carrots, and yams. You’ll enjoy it,“he said with a smile on his face and began to dig in. Ulric slowly put his head up as he noticed they were going to partake in the meal. The elves both tried it in unison, and their expressions both indicated they had liked what they tried.

“Ahhh, you like it, look at those smiles, “he said laughing.

“It’s really good, “responded Saeema, still smiling, Klassas said nothing but nodded.

After they ate, Gaiden got himself cozy under a tree. With his head to the trunk of the tree and his feet crossed, he drifted to sleep. Klassas with his back to the ground and eyes to the sky fell asleep. Saeema fell asleep near the fire covered in a sheet, Ulric laid down next to the princess. His mind raced, and sleep avoided him. The more he thought about what Saeema said, the more it intrigued him.However, he was too scared. By the time his eyes closed, he heard movement and jumped asleep. Saeema was not there, her covers on the ground. He rose in search of her, he followed the footprints from near the fireplace and was led to a huge opening with a lake beneath. There she was sitting near it, he treaded down and joined her. The moonlight reflected on her silky hair, shiny and beautiful and her skin glowed from the light.

“Can’t sleep princess? “

“Can you? “ Ulric shrugged.

“What’s your story princess?”

“Please stop calling me princess, Saeema is fine. My story? “Ulric looked into her eyes as if nothing else existed.

“I don’t have a story, I was born of a great king, and a beautiful mother. You interest me, there is something special about you, you may not know now. “

“I wonder if you are right.”

With the morning sun out, they’re journey back home was almost completed. As they got above the hill, Silver Waterfall was now in their view, but something was amiss. Large smoke clouds rose from the village. Ulric rushed onwards, gut wrenching screams could be heard as they approached. “Burn it down! Let them know we are here.” The orc commander sounded. Ulric let go a gut wrenching scream, and tightened the grip around his sword.