Chapter 06

Family Descent

Book One �" Divergence

Part I �" Novices

Chapter 06 �" Paths Parting

April 1657

 

 

            Upon the flanks of Mt. Xagyg on the wide deep ledge whereupon sat the grounds of the SilverStar Academy spring had at last come in full. The latter days of April saw the trees of the glade full of young leaves and the vines that climbed the walls of the ancient castle had changed from the brown grey of winter to vibrant emerald green. Too, the flowers of the many gardens were in full bloom their fragrance to mingle in the evening with that of the earlier blooming mountain jasmine.

            The carefully manicured lawns were a verdant carpet and the pools and fountains were clear of winter ice and their merry bubbling accented to song of bird and bee. Overhead lazy billowing clouds floated serenely overhead and would not bestir themselves to rain on the gathering held within the courtyard below.

            Nearly two dozen members of the Imiriss family and academy staff were assembled together to see off the eldest twins of Korbin and Marya as they each went their separate ways in the world beyond. Too, Jonathan Derbin would join them on the initial leg of their journey for they would pass by his family’s inn on the road to Orlon.

            Korrie, Iyara and Jonathan were saying their farewells and giving and receiving embraces of affection and hopes for future well-being and success. At last the twins were approached by their parents. As regal as ever the pair appeared but at the fringes of Marya’s startling golden eyes shimmering drops of moisture lined her lashes and Korbin, they saw, held her hand tightly. Korbin released her hand and she embraced each of the twins in turn. She stepped back.

            “Twice the joy it was when you twain came into the world and now twice the sorrow as you leave us to pursue your destinies.” Marya said unto them.

            “But twice the pride as well.” Their father added with a wide smile.

            “And twice the worry.” Marya continued with a sheepish smile that brought wider smiles all ‘round.

            “No need for worry, mother.” Iyara assured her. I will be but a two hour ride down the mountain and in the governance of the temple priestesses. I will be well cared for to be sure.”

            “And what place safer than within the protected marges of an elven city?” Korrie asked. “Among family no less, as Hanna would remind me.” At that, he looked around the gathering seeking out the headmistress. The he spied Shalhanna coming down a path from the direction of the small cottage she kept on the academy grounds. She bore several bundles in her arms. And the sunlight high above filtered down upon her through the trees in a dappled shower.

            She handed out three folded cloaks one each to Korrie, Iyara and Jonathan. The cloaks were elven made and rarely seen upon any but elven folk. “They and the brooches were special made and arrived only yesterday. I feared they would not arrive in time.” She explained as she presented each. Iyara unfolded hers and marveled at the lightweight cloth that seemed to change color from brown to green to grey even as she moved it in the sunlight. Pinned to her cloak was a brooch fashioned of silver in the shape of a rose �" the symbol of Ilmatar. Iyara threw her arms around the small elf as Korrie and Jonathan examined their gifts. Their cloaks were nearly identical to Iyara’s save they were each sized to fit the owner. Jonathan’s brooch was bronze and shaped like a disk with intricate markings all round.

            “’Tis the world as seen from above.” Explained Shalhanna at Jonathan’s puzzled look. “Or so the sages tell.” She added with a smile. Korrie’s brooch was in silver, like his sister but in the shape of a twelve pointed star. A clear crystal was set within the center that caught the sunlight and reflected a rainbow. Korrie embraced Shalhanna and she whispered into his ear. “Fare thee well, my Liatain. Fare thee well.”

            “Good bye, Hanna. Thank you.” He whispered back and she knew that the gratitude was for far more than the cloak and the brooch.

            At last all the farewells were made and the three; Korrie, Iyara and Jonathan mounted the light-footed horses they were to ride and they set forth from the gates of the academy waving as they did.

 

            As the three rode out of the gates Marya grasped Korbin’s hand and turned to look into his steely grey eyes.

            “Still I fear for Korrie’s well-being. I like it not his traveling to Chevranta on his own.” She said to her husband. “What if his illness were to flare up and there was no one at hand?” Korbin shook his head.

            “I don’t like it either, but what could we do?” He asked. “Did we send an escort with him, he would protest.”

            “Perhaps not an escort, but a companion.” She continued. Then her husband’s raven brow rose as a thought came to him.

            “Perhaps not even a companion, but a watcher instead.” He said and Marya’s mouth turned down in a frown as she tried to discern his idea.

            “I’ll send Tismet to watch from afar.” Korbin explained. “Korrie will never know he is being looked after.” Marya smiled.

            “Splendid, my love,” she said. “Devious, but splendid.”

 

            Down the switch back road the three went. All around spring fairly shouted out its dominance over the other seasons. Among the fir and birch wild apple and pear put forth blossoms that sent a sweet intoxicating fragrance on the breeze. The road was little more than an oft traveled path. Wide enough for a carriage it was wide enough for the three to ride abreast of one another.

            They talked of many things did the three graduates as they descended the mountain. They talked of the past, of life in the academy, of friends that had already graduated or those who had not yet graduated. Too, they talked of the future. Iyara, of course was entering into the holy orders of Ilmatar. Korrie, after his apprenticeship, thought he might travel for a while as his father and Shalhanna had done seeking adventure. Jonathan declared that he would seek out ancient ruins and, upon digging them up, divine their secrets.

           

            A little over an hour after leaving the gates of the academy, the trio came to a large white wood house that was set off from the road by a neatly tended lawn surrounded by a white picket fence. A sign at the gatepost read “The Briar House.” The three stopped and Jonathan jumped from his saddle. He took the horse’s reins in hand and turned to his former classmates.

            “Well, my friends, here we part ways.” Jonathan said. “I hope it won’t be long before our paths cross again.”

            “I am certain it will not.” Iyara said with a smile.

            “Perhaps you will come by Chevranta on the way to your first adventure.” Korrie said with a smile very much like his sister.

            “Perhaps I will.” Jonathan answered. “Fare you well, Iyara. Safe journey, Korrie.” He said and the twins waved farewell and turned their mounts down the road to the city.

 

            Hidden in a tree near the roadside, the small reddish brown quasidrake sat unseen on a sturdy branch and watched the parting. Idly, his right fore talon toyed with the small silk pouch that hung around his neck from a silk cord. When the twins resumed their trek, Tismet spread his dragon-like wings and took to the air. Tismet shared many of the features of his larger dragon kin but a quasidrake never grew to more than three feet long and often they sought out the company of others. Still, Tismet was no ordinary quasidrake either; he was a familiar. Many mages summoned what they believed to be simple animals to serve as companions or perhaps minions. What the mages never understood �" would never understand, is that it was the familiar who chose the mage for they had their own timeless agenda did the familiars.

 

            Another hour passed and the city of Orlon came into view again. Now it was nigh at hand. Red clay tile roofs peeked over the top of the pale grey stone wall that surrounded the city entire. From their vantage point above, as they descended the last stretch of road, they could see four stone bridges crossing the Orfane River as it bisected the city east to west. Spires could be seen from towers and temples. Large mansions stood on small hills within the city perimeter; the grandest set apart from others by large estates. On the highest hill, above all else, stood the palace of the Duke of Oruz; the entire hill top part of the estate and encircled by another wall.

            The road led them to a small gate in the northern wall. It was a small gate because the road up the mountain was little traveled. As it did most often, the iron bound wood gate stood open and a single watchman stood there. He straightened when the twins came down the road.

            “Good day.” He called out to them as approached; and, though not particularly alert he did pause to give them a good looking over. “Business in the city?” He asked when they drew to a stop.

            “Aye.” Answered Iyara. “I am bound for the temple of Ilmatar to enter into the holy orders.” The gatekeeper nodded.

            “And your companion?” He asked.

            “I am escorting my sister to the temple.” Said Korrie, “and then through the east gate will I go and to the Baltic Wood beyond.” Again the gatekeeper nodded.

            “A fair journey that.” He commented.

            “Indeed.” Korrie replied. “And the sooner begun, the sooner done.” He added.

            “Just so.” Agreed the gatekeeper. “I’ll keep you no longer.” He stepped aside and Korrie and Iyara tapped their heels to the horses’ flanks and the entered into the city streets.