sneak peeks

The Battle of Zephanaia

They continued to head east and a bit north at a fast clip. None of them wanted to be caught by Azuan and Draila. Nenia, Ilena and Prasworth all knew what would happen to them if they were caught. It was considered the act of highest treason to run to Zephanaia, and they would pay for their “crime,” or so it was called, with their lives. Most of the citizens secretly idolized those who dared brave the king and queen’s fury and ran away.

Fred, unlike the others, had not the slightest idea as to what would happen to him if he was caught. He just knew it would be bad, but not as bad as it would be for the others.

The foursome had lost themselves in their gloomy thoughts when night fell. None of them realized the time until Ilena accidentally walked into a birch tree. When she was knocked down flat, she muttered a few choice words that she had learned in the kitchens.

“Are you all right?” Nenia asked.

“Aye, I’m fine. This tree just grew out of nowhere and decided to knock me down.”

The other three started laughing. Ilena, after a moment joined in. Their joined hilarity made the forest ring. Several birds took flight in fright.

“Are you really all right?” Nenia managed to gasp after a few minutes.

“Yes, I’m fine. Just a little sore.” Ilena cracked a grin. “But I don't know about the birch. You had better ask it and make sure it’s all right.”

This made all of them start laughing again. Fred, while he was laughing, realized with a start, She’s not being sarcastic. Or a smart aleck. She’s actually got a sense of humor! This thought took away his breath for a moment. He needed it, though.

Because at that moment, Nenia walked up to the birch, and patting it, asked, “Are you all right, Mr. Tree?”
None of them could stop laughing at that.

At least, they couldn’t until the tree replied, “Of course I am. What, did you think that having some oaf walk into me would hurt me?”

They all stopped laughing immediately and stared dumbfounded at the tree. Except Ilena. She had known that it could speak, but how she knew, she did not know. It was she who replied to the tree, “I am dreadfully sorry for walking into you. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” As an afterthought, she added, “My name is Ilena, and the other lass is Nenia. The two young buffoons standing over there with their mouths hanging open are Fred and Prasworth. Might I ask your name?”

The tree brightened visibly. Suddenly, Fred caught sight of a wise brown eye the color of new spring leaves. He suppressed a yelp. “Yes, you may, Ilena. I am Hnrfcltnbskrtzma.”

Ilena looked daunted. “I am truly pleased to meet you, Mr. Hnrfclbk. . . wait, it’s Hnrt. . .” After several more tries, she threw up her hands in exasperation. “I can’t pronounce it. I am dreadfully sorry. Is there something shorter that we can call you?”

Hnrfcltnbskrtzma laughed. “First off, Ilena, I am not a mister. You may leave off any title before my name, although if you must, the proper title would be ‘miss’. As for something shorter for you to call me, Tzma would work.”

“Well then, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Tzma.” Ilena made a little curtsy to Tzma.

Scrambling around, the other three also told Tzma how pleased they were to meet her. She nodded at each one, her leaves rustling pleasantly. When they had finished, she asked them, “Now, why have four such young people set out through this area?”

Ilena’s smile dimmed. She liked Tzma, and had a feeling she had met the tree before, but she did not like the tale she was being asked to tell. However, because she respected the tree, she told Tzma why they were running.

When Ilena had finished, Tzma shook her leaves sorrowfully. Unlike Ilena, there was no uncertainty in her feeling that she had met the young woman before. Since she liked Ilena, and because she knew that she would never rest until she reached her destination, she decided to help them. “All right, Ilena. I’m going to help you. And your friends.” The four let out a cheer. “Quiet now, or I can’t tell you my plan.”

When they had calmed down, Tzma continued. “Now, I know something of Azuan and Draila. They will follow you, and then woe to you. However, if you leave a false trail, it is unlikely that they will be able to find you. You must go directly south from here for half a day. Then come back here, covering your trail. Can you do that?”

They all nodded.

“You can stay here in my glade tonight. You should have no reason to fear Azuan tonight, for he is still at least a day’s journey away from you. However, if it will make you feel better, you may sleep in my branches.”

Before climbing up, Ilena curtsied again. “Thank you, Tzma.”

Prasworth and Nenia climbed up after her. When Fred made to climb up after them, however, Tzma stopped him. “Just a moment, Fred.”

He came back down and sat before the birch tree. “What do you want?”

You need not speak aloud. I can hear your thoughts. It’s part of being a tree. Fred began to interrupt, but she shook her leaves at him and he fell silent. Listen to me, Fredrich. We trees are wise beyond any wisdom that a human might have. We live far longer than humans or even elves, though not quite as long as Shadows. 

Fred nodded, although he hadn’t the slightest idea what she was talking about. Elves existed only in fairy tales, and shadows only live as long as whatever made them. Tzma cut into his thoughts as she continued. I can tell by looking at you that you have heard the Prophecy of Redemption.


Is that what it is called? Fred was breathless.

Aye, young lad. I can tell you are worried that your task will be unsuccessful without the child in the prophecy, aren't you? He nodded, and she continued. Calm your mind. She-


Fred interrupted, I’m sorry to be rude, but do you know the prophecy? I have not heard it, just of it.


She smiled at him. Aye, I know the Prophecy of Redemption. I should, since I was the one who made the prophecy, at the birth of Helath’s daughter. She drew herself up and then began to recite.

When a king marries the daughter of Helath,
And cloaks the world in his wrath,
Then must Zephanaia stand forth
And her heroes show their worth.

To a woman shall a child be born
Not to feel thistle or thorn
Until she is torn from her mother
Who will be killed by Helath’s daughter.

She will be forced to work her life away
Forced to hide and heal her own pain
With her hands from work scarred
And her face seemingly ill-starred.

But when the king misplaces his ire,
The child shall forget the kitchen’s fire
And her face shall grow red from her fury
No longer contained or buried.

She shall scorn the queen, the king
And frustrate the king’s offspring
And return to her land
With little but her scarred hands.

When she returns to Zephanaia, woe to the king
And Helath’s daughter, his queen.
For this woman shall destroy his kingdom
And restore to all their freedom.

So run, you, evil Azuan you,
And tear away to hide, most foul dropping of Lithmiru.
For lo, the day of your death shall come
On the day the child comes home.

Fred sat back in astonishment. And frustrate the king’s offspring.


Yes. On the whole, a rather nice little prophecy for those in Zephanaia. But not for Azuan and Helath’s daughter. They had better run from the child in the prophecy.


Fred asked, When was Helath’s daughter born?

Oh, about the year 682.

Fred stood up to leave, completely shocked. The current year was 973. And Fredrich?


Yes, Tzma?

I must tell you that you are correct in your guess of who the child of the prophecy is. But do not tell her. It would only worry her more. As an afterthought, she added, Don’t tell any of the others. It would not be wise.


All right. Can any other beings do this?

Aye, lad. Other fantastic creatures, of which you have little to no knowledge. Your father outlawed them. Most of them live in the unknown lands.

So you are a fantastic creature?

Aye, Fred. I am a Ewnifling. A young Ewnif.

You are young?

Aye. Now get up there and go to sleep. When he hesitated, she swung one of her lower branches and knocked him onto the branch, then placed it back where it had been before.

As he climbed up Tzma’s trunk, he thought, Well, that was one interesting conversation. But no, I won't tell the others. It would just worry them. Especially, he thought as he reached the branches where they were sleeping, especially since I know who it is.


“What did Tzma want to talk to you about, Fred?” Ilena asked when he came up.

He looked at her, then away. “Nothing.”

When he woke the next morning, he had forgotten the identity of the child of the prophecy.

~~

The Journey

They continued north at a relentless pace, Enna driving John on almost without stopping. As they drew closer to the palace of the Witch, their surroundings began to show the influence of her power. The trees began to look dead, and the grass was brown and brittle. There were frosts, cold and heavy. Soon, there was snow on the ground. John was shivering one night when they stopped for their brief rest. “How are you continuing like this? Aren't you cold?”

“No.” And it was true. Enna was only wearing her shift and skirt. Yet she acted as if it was in the middle of summer in the south, and not this unnatural winter.

“But you aren't wearing shoes! And your dress is so thin...”

“Don’t ask me why I’m not cold.” She glared at him. “It’s something beyond my control. It’s surprising me, too. There is the possibility that it’s because of my Ilendel blood. But I don't know!”

He sighed. “I’m sorry. It’s this infernal cold. And as we draw closer to the Witch, it becomes harder for me to keep going. It was only by sheer will that I was able to throw the spell off before, and I have to continue to fight it off.”

Enna looked at him with concern. “Here, let me try something for the cold.”

She gathered a small pile of sticks and twigs. Then she held her hands over the wood and said softly, “Ignēté!” There was a spark, and then a small flame. Soon, a small fire was crackling cheerily, and John was warming his hand over it.