Forty-Seven - Tarka

The scene before me was playing in slow motion. Everything was a blur and I couldn't really take it all in or really even understand what was going on. The next thing I knew, Alden was flying out the door, and everything sped up again. My first instinct was to run after him, but Rhythmus put down his hand on my shoulder before I even took a step.

"Don't go after him; he'll be back."

"How can you be sure?" 

"He has to come to terms with this himself, without any help from anyone else."

I nodded, then turned to Tristram. He took a step back away from me, unsure of what my next action was going to be. I planted my feet firmly in the floor. "Why did you kill his brother? How long have you known that he was his brother?" 

"I've known almost as long as we've all been friends. I didn't want to tell him because no one would want to help me then. You two were my only refuge for a long time. I didn't want to lose that." He hung his head in shame. 

"So the first question still stands . . . why?"

"He was treating the Brackin people poorly on the job. He even pushed aside an old man! He was not such a saint like everyone thought, I guess. I could not stand by and watch. To think that my people actually tolerated this behavior! I got mad and threw a rock; it wasn't supposed to kill him, just to get his attention and teach him a lesson. I had forgotten my own strength. That is why I was banished originally." The story slowly came back to me as I recollected him telling Alden the story when they had first met, with either not knowing about the others' role in his brothers' life, or death. 

"It makes sense. I really wish Alden would come back and that everything would be alright."

Rhythmus took a step forward between the two of us. "It will be, eventually. Soon enough. Patience, my lady." 

I looked out the window towards the direction that Alden had run off to. "I hope so, Rhythmus." 

Forty-Six - Alden

When we had finally reached Tristram's homeland we were met by several guards. Rhythmus pushed his way through, explaining our situation and why we had Roman with us, and the guards let us through with a shrug. Once past the boarder it was surprising to see so many people, just out enjoying the day or buying food, it was the complete opposite of the desolation back home. For the first time, I think I realized my people were the ones becoming instinct; we are not so evenly matched as Lesion may have thought, which would be why so many Virdians are in our camps.

As we passed the townsfolk, everyone grew quiet, giving us mostly confused looks, with a few scowls from the older generations. I glanced back at Roman, he looked even more uncomfortable than I felt, which is saying a lot.

Rhythmus put a gnarled hand on Roman's shoulder. "Do not worry, friend, they cannot harm you while I'm around."

Roman looked unsure about that, but loosened up any way. After passing a few beggars and an old lady selling pillows we found ourselves at the place Tristram was meant to be. Rhythmus gave a rather slow but loud knock on the wooden door, and panicked scurrying could be heard from within. Tristram threw the door open, looking clumsy in his fine clothing.

"Alden!" He exclaimed, giving me a friendly punch in the arm, causing me to practically fall over.

"Hey--"

"You!" Roman yelled, drawing his scimitar and lunging for Tristram, the rest of his words coming out in unrecognizable screams. Several guards came up and seized him, but he continued to kick wildly and scream until his face was completely red. "You traitor! How could you? How could you? He was my best friend!"

Tristram's face went white, and everyone else had no clue what was going on.

Roman looked right at me. "How do you not know you're working for the man who killed your brother? How could you be such a traitor?"

I looked at Tristram and his face seemed to grow even paler. "No." was all I could manage before Tristram began to profusely apologize.

"You don't understand..." He said, but the rest of his words didn't reach my ears.

I felt I should have known, back in the forest when I first met him it crossed my mind, but I had been so malnourished at that point it all seemed like a bizarre dream. I looked at Tristram, and then to Rhythmus. What was my reaction supposed to be? Why was I not trying to avenge my brother like Roman had tried to do? I was hardly aware of the fact that my feet were taking me away, and that warm tears had made their way out of my eyes. I just had to get away.

Forty Five - Tristram

     King Pontus' eyes filled with understanding and horror as I told him of Lesion's plot to take over the three kingdoms. I also told him that his adviser was manipulating him and had probably killed his father. At the end of my explanation, he simply said "thank you, I need to think about this," and left. and left back towards the castle. After a minute, Elane came from the same direction but without any flowers.
 
     "What did you do Tristram?" she said sternly. Surprised at her tone, I searched for an eloquent answer. I failed. "I told him he was a pawn and started a war so Lesion could take over our kingdom" I blurted out. Elane punched my shoulder. "Idiot!" she shouted. "You have no idea how fragile my brother is! Would anyone react well to being told they are incompetent at being king? Pontus wants to be king even less than you but he is doing it because he wants to make our dad proud!"
     "Elane, why didn't you tell me any of this before? Had I known he was being manipulated in the first place, our entire plan would have changed."
     "You never bothered to ask. You never thought that I, the king's sister who lives in the castle, might have information that would help you stop this war."
     "That's a ridiculous reason, everything would have gone smoother if you had just told us. I wouldn't have to marry you if I knew your brother was on our side."

I regretted those words as soon as they left my mouth. Elane gave me a cold glare and said, "so you don't want to be married now, is that right? or is it that you feel like you HAVE to marry me?! Am I just part of your civic duty?! Well now that you know my brother is good, you don't have to marry me. You've escaped your horrible fate!"
     "No, I mean yes, I mean..." She threw up her arms, giving up, and stormed off back towards the castle. "Elane!" I called after her, "wait please! I love you, of course I want to marry you, but not under these circumstances. I want our wedding to be festive, not marred by a war. Most of all, I don't want to be king. Yes, I want to marry you, but I wish it could be done under better circumstances." She turned around sharply, "Tristram, get over yourself! I don't need a big wedding, I just want to be married to you, but only if you really want to be married to me." She started to cry; twin streams that raced down her face, though they didn't obstruct her speech. "We've been friends for ages, more than friends almost as long! Don't you think it is about time? I don't care about the circumstances, all I want is you and me at a wedding altar. Maybe a couple friends and family."

I paused for a moment, taking time to recompose myself and understand the situation. "I'm sorry Elane, I should have asked you about your brother first thing. I'm sorry I didn't take into consideration his feelings as being king. I'm sorry I didn't ask you about our wedding but assumed I knew you completely." I held her close and murmured into her hair, "I absolutely want to marry you, I've just been afraid that I wouldn't be good enough for you."
     "That's all I needed to hear." After a minute, she removed herself from my arms. she was smiling a little and the pain in her eyes faded away. "So," I said, "is there anything else I should know: about your brother, the advisor, or the war?"
     "No, I've basically told you all there is." A sheepish grin spread on her face."So how about tomorrow?" I looked at her, puzzled, then understanding came. "Yeah Elane, we can get married tomorrow."
 

Forty-Four - Tarka

I could not have been more relieved, excited, or full of dopamine as I did in the moment I ran and jumped into Alden's sweet welcoming embrace.

We stood silent for a moment, with arms wrapped around the other tightly, simply enjoying the other's nearness, until we heard someone clear their throat. We let go to see who was the intruder of the moment we were enjoying. Roman stepped towards me while speaking to everyone: "Thank you for coming to our aid. We might not have escaped again. I am . . . utterly grateful for your presence here," he added a little bit of dramatic flair to the last statement and tried to grab my hand. I drew back both of my hands and hid them away behind my back as I looked to Rhythmus while he gave his comment. "Oh, I too am glad that we came at the exact time we were supposed to. Funny how things happen like that."

Alden stepped closer to me, stepping in between Roman and I. "Now for a plan . . . We've got to get back to Brackin territory and help Tristram."

"Yes, by all means, we must make haste to our dear friend," Rhythmus agreed. "Onward!"

The barrier of the mountains seemed to be more of a challenge now than they were before. I was so tired of running around, of walking back and forth across the different territories. I wanted to be planted somewhere, anywhere, it didn't matter as long as I had my friends and loved ones by my side. I wanted peace in the world. I wanted Lesion dead. I wanted everyone safe. No more killing, no more madness.

We trudged through the valley in between the mountains once again. I could tell that I was not the only one who was tired (literally and mentally) of all the traveling. We would walk through several villages, catching the stares of the townspeople as we passed by. We did look like a funny bunch: a Viridian girl, two young Palkin men, a guardian, and a Brackin all walking together. Some saluted us as we passed by, which was an odd thing to experience. However, after it happened, it made me think of how there are several others who are scared of the fighting between the Brackins and the Palkins. I guess we as a group represented unity and peace to them.

Roman would also try to flirt with me and touch me; I avoided him as much as I could. I would also look over at Alden and give him looks that screamed, "Help me!" His facial expressions always had a look of sympathy and annoyance. I continued to wonder what was going on inside his head.

One night, we sat around a small fire because the nights had begun to get more chilly. Roman had plopped down next to me, and I tried to scoot as far away from him as I could. Alden saw what was happening and came over to sit next to me, to rescue me temporarily from my tormentor. I laid my head on his shoulder, and then realizing soon after what I was doing, I jerked my head up and looked at him apologetically. He turned up the corners of his mouth and patted his shoulder with his hand, giving me an official invitation. Relieved, I accepted it, and I couldn't have been happier.

Forty-Three - Alden

Roman and I had run from the tent as fast as we could, racing quickly towards the tall mountains. The terrain grew firmer and uneven, causing my footing be less stable, and the hunger and dehydration that I felt was almost all-consuming, but Roman kept nudging me forward.

Eventually there was a small stream of water that seemed to separate the loose dirt from our Palkin territory and a lush, green and rocky terrain of the mountains that stood between the Northeast border of my home, and the Northwest border of what must be Tristram's. I collapsed at the water's edge, and with shaking hands tried to get the water into my mouth. The trembling of my hands made drinking difficult, and I was lucky to get a good swallow all the way to my lips. A despair seemed to take me over once again. Was this my life now? Grateful for a sip of muddy water?

I sat and stared at the flowing stream, imagining what life might have been like if I were a fish or some other aquatic creature. Maybe it would have been shorter, but it would have been less painful too.

"We need to keep moving." Roman insisted, tugging up on my arm.

"I'm tired of moving." I complained, using my weight to free my arm. "All I ever do is run and abandon people."

Roman knelt down, his face like stone, a common facial expression amongst the Palkin soldiers. "I don't care. You don't get to play momma's boy any more, this is war. Do you think I never wanted to just stay home instead of trampling across borders? Wouldn't it have been great if I could sit around instead of having to miss every big day in the lives of my sisters just because Callow said so? How about the day I had to leave camp just to watch my best friend killed?" Roman grabbed the back of my tunic and forced me up. "My sisters died while I was fighting this stupid war because they didn't have any food, and I could have saved them." He said with an air of defeat, and a wetness in his eyes. "I played with girls and did my duty, and my sisters died. I'm not going to make that mistake again." With a light shove I had been pushed across the stream and was moving once again towards the mountains.

We walked in silence for a long while, neither of us sure what to say after that. "I'm sorry about your sisters." I finally said, still refraining from looking his way.

Roman let out a deep sigh. "I'm sorry about your brother."

I looked to Roman now with a sense of urgency. "Wait, you know what happened to my brother?"

Roman seemed to look at me with pity. "I--" he started, but the sounds of the animals around us suddenly became quiet. Roman held a finger to his mouth and drew his scimitar. Three Viridian men dropped from nearby trees, each wielding a sword and quickly circling in on us. One made a quick swipe at Roman, leaving a shallow cut just beneath his ear, while another knocked the scimitar from Roman's hands. I scrambled for anything like a rock, but came up short, and with a quick kick to the ribs.

Just as I was about to suggest we run through them the ground began to shake, knocking all of us onto the ground. Once the ground had stopped moving I looked up to find the Viridian men dead, and a younger man standing above them. "Who are you?" I asked indignantly, but he simply stepped to the side revealing both Rhythmus and Tarka. "Tarka?" I gasped. Roman quickly went for his scimitar, but I grabbed his arm. "It's okay, they're friends."

"Friends?" He asked in disbelief, eyebrows deeply furrowed.

"Yes," I assured. "Friends."

"Ah." He sighed. "I remember the girl now..." He said, a smirk obvious in his voice.

"Seriously?" I groaned.

Forty-Two - Tristram

The decision to remove my charges for murder were unanimous as well as the decision to to place me, once again, as captain of the guard and a member of the war council. I was able to move back into my old home near the palace, permitted to walk freely, allowed to shop, play, and converse with my old friends. But two things needed to be done first: I needed to marry Elane and reveal King Pontus to be acting against the good of the Brackin People. Galea had been working the latter since we entered the city and had started to dig up some evidence. I was to focus on Elane, a task I was more than willing to partake. 

In celebration of my freedom, I took Elane to our favorite spot: in a meadow next to the creek just outside the city walls. it was here that we first met. I was around 15, having recently joined the city guard. After my watch, I would go sit in the meadow and wash my armor in the creek. Elane's room in the castle overlooked this meadow and she would often walk around it collecting flowers. On that day, she was wearing her favorite white dress and had her blonde hair braided. The sun was out so her jasper eyes shimmered. She had decided to pick only yellow lilies too; she would only pick one type of flower each day, that way they would all be picked equally she said. I was lying on the sandbank when she appeared standing over me with the most curious grin. Every boy my age new of Elane and all hoped to marry her so I did what every teenager would do: I ran. I returned to the creek the next day and found Elane waiting. I set down a ways off from her and she didn't move any closer. The next day she brought her own laundry to do as I washed my armor. After about a week, I would move farther up the creek when I washed my armor, closer to her. A month later I finally said hi. She pretended to run away just to make fun of me. She smelled like lavender that day

Our first date had been in this meadow and she always meet me here when she had a bad day. It was like our private spot, though she always had a royal guard or two with her. Even now as I carried a picnic to our spot, we each had three soldiers. We sat down at our laundry spot and I unpacked lunch: pumpkin stew and fresh celery. It had been so long since we had been there... Everything felt right in the world now that I was back. It was like the war didn't exist, only Elane and this meadow. Only the guards and my brand (now seared with an x to signify my reinstatement) served as proof to the contrary. Elane looked as happy as I was and we ate in joyous silence.

Halfway through eating, we heard footsteps coming up over the hill. King Pontus appeared at the ridge, smiled when he saw us, and started to walk down. He was eight years older than Elane, very built with short blonde hair and dark brown eyes. He had a face that conveyed kindness and strength. "Tristram," he called, " Sorry for interrupting but I have been longing to see you!"
"Hello my king," I said as I bowed.
"None of that Tristram, you are like family. Call me Pontus like my sister." He glanced at Elane and smiled."Sorry Elane, but can I borrow Tristram for a few minutes?"
"Sure," Elane said, "I'll go pick some flowers. I'm thinking of picking some sweetpea today.

After Elane crossed the ridge, Pontus turned to me expectantly. After a few moments he asked, "Don't you have any questions to ask me?" he pointed a thumb in the direction Elane had walked off. Being Elane's brother, he knew of our relationship. Also, with Elane's dad dead, Pontus was now her caretaker and the one I should ask if I wanted to marry her. The suddenness of the question threw me off guard and my tongue refused to work properly. I stuttered and Pontus started to laugh. A happy laugh, not one of ridicule. He smiled at me saying, "Tristram, you have permission to marry Elane, you've always had it from me. How I wish you had married sooner! Then I wouldn't be the king in this aweful war." His mood fell.
"Thank you Pontus," I managed. I didn't mention the king comment. I had not known Pontus well before my banishment but I had never heard anything bad about him. This meeting here seemed to confirm a fear I had had since I heard he was king. Pontus was a pawn, he had no idea he was being manipulated by the Viridi. I wasn't sure if this made our job easier or harder but I decided to risk everything.

"Pontus, I have something to tell you. Have you ever meet Lesion?"

Forty-One - Tarka

My legs could not walk or run fast enough for me to get to Alden as soon as I wanted. There was nothing more I desired than to kill the snake of a man Lesion and have Alden safe and sound, sitting next to me.

I could hear Rhythmus breathing heavily behind me. "Slow down my dear girl! We are all anxious to get to our friend. But my old bones aren't as swift as they used to be." I slowed my pace and turned around to flash him a half smile. His eye contact with me made me realize that he knew what was going through my spinning head and softened heart.

Despite everything I have gone through in the past year, in the short amount of time that I had known him, Alden had kept me from letting my heart go bitter. His boyish ways and shining eyes gave me a glimpse of hope: hope for what was to come and peace because there was still good left in the world. It may be a small bit, but that little ray of sunshine has been my salvation.

We took a water break when we found the river again. "All we have to do is follow this back to Lesion's camp."

Askimi nodded. "It shouldn't be too far from us now. Hopefully they haven't done anything to the poor kid."

That statement made me stand up. "All the more reason to get going as quickly as we can," I stated. Askimi got up and led the way.

Rhythmus kept in pace with me for a good few minutes, and then we naturally started to slip away little by little from Askimi's pace. Still following him from a distance, Rhythmus spoke quietly. "It will be alright, you'll see. You three are doing a marvelous job and have already gotten most to join forces with us!"

"Yes, but we still have to defeat Lesion before his army does any damage," I stated looking down at my trudging feet.

"I know that's not your primary concern at the moment."

I turned to him and saw his slightly raised eyebrows and somewhat of a smirk. "You're a beautiful young woman, Tarka. And a strong one at that. You think you are able to put a mask on and nobody will be able to see you, figure you out. Your eyes speak what the rest of you keeps hidden."

"I was afraid of that. That used to be my worst fear, you know."

"Is it not anymore?"

"No. I mean, not really. I still care deeply if people are able to find things out about me, such as how I'm feeling. But . . ." I turned to face him again. "That's not my primary concern anymore."

The corners of his wide mouth turned upward. "I know your feelings, Tarka. They are noble ones. Do not be afraid of them. But don't act rashly with them either." I nodded in agreement.

We both quickened our pace to catch up with Askimi, who realized we were lagging but didn't give much thought to why. When we got closer to the campsite, we the trio crouched down as much as possible while walking briskly. At the edge of the trees where the campsite started, we stopped and looked around for any potential sign of where Alden could be.

I happened to look over to my left and saw two figures running off to the other side of the tents. Could it be...?

An angry yell came from a tent to my right. "AUGH! Where did the Palkin boy go? Why did you not stand guard like I told you to?!" came an all too familiar voice. A poor soldier was getting lashed out on by the Viridian snake. "I--I'm sorry! I just had to --" A slap reached my ears before the soldier could finish. "You idiot! You let them get away! Go find them, or I shall do things much worse than what I have done to you now." The soldier ran off towards the trees where the two figures had gone.

Askimi, Rhythmus, and I looked at each other in wonder. Who had rescued Alden? Who was running off with him at that moment?

And how were we ever going to find him?

Forty - Alden

I laid in the darkness, streaks of light crossed my body casually, as if taunting me of the freedom beyond their boards. My mind felt numb; not even the pain from the ropes that bound my hands and feet together bothered me anymore. I suppose I was always the useless one, the one to be cast out, and the one to be caught. I let out a heavy sigh, blowing little bits of dust off of the dirt packed ground that had become my new prison.

"Why such a sad sigh?" A voice hissed.

I glanced up to see the light streaks now lying on Damian's face. "You're alive." I stated, almost surprised, but not quite caring.

"Of course." He seemed to snarl, the edges of his lips pulling back into a scowl. Beneath a light weighted tunic a bandage peaked out, a bit of faded red barely showing up in the darkness of the shack. Damian walked over with a swish of his tale, taking notice of the sad situation I was in. Kneeling down, he stuck his face right up to mine. "Where did you send her?"

"I don't know." I said through clenched teeth, trying to keep from gaging on the smell of salted fish that clung to his clothes.

Damian stood up and gave me a good kick, knocking me against the wall a few inches away. Grabbing the hair on my head he pulled me up. "I'll ask you again. Where is the girl?"

I said nothing, concentrating on not showing pain.

"You're nothing but a sad little creature. She could not possibly care for you." He tossed me down and bent down close once again. "You're no better than me, you know." He hissed. "Just as I left her for my cause, you have abandoned her for yours." He stood up and gave one more good kick. "I'd keep your eye out for a knife if she ever comes back around."

A door opened and closed and I was once again alone with the streaks of light. Perhaps he was right, she never cared for me as much as she had Damian, so why should I expect to be treated any differently? My stomach sank, and a nausea over took me. Everything I have ever done has been pointless. Not only have I forsaken Tarka, but my own mother as well. For all I knew she was still waiting at home for son to bring her food. Maybe she thought I was only a dream, that both of her sons are gone forever.

The heaviness became too strong, and in my anger I swung my arms against the wood that held me captive, screaming with all of the fury of my people, of all the ones I love and have hurt, and for myself, because how could I be any better?

"Alden." A voice whispered.

In the light of the doorway, Roman stood before me; the light streaks covering his face, as tears covered my own.

"It's time to go."

Thirty-nine Tristram

I dropped my dinner when Tarka walked in with Galea. Soup splattered across the floor in her direction. She was caked in dust and small dark red stains (blood?) dotted her tunic and pants. She was exhausted, ready to fall at the slightest breeze. Her arms were wrapped around her tight and her eyes looked out into nothing. Alden wasn't with her. "T-Tarka?" I stammered. Light, though dim, returned to her eyes. "Tristram... Tristram!" She ran to my cell and clung to the bars, her eyes wide. "We have to help him! He took him, he took him!" Her voice raised and Rythmus, who had been eating with Elane in the corner, pulled Tarka in close as she started to sob.

"Tarka," Rythmus started, "where is Alden?" She continued to sob., managing only to choke out one word, "Lesion." Rage filed my body. Not only at Legion for capturing, and likely torturing, Alden, but also at myself for not being there to protect him. Maybe if I had sent Rythmus with them or if I had hurried on my own quest then perhaps I could have... Maybe. I forced myself to focus. Alden needed action, not maybes and whatifs. 

Rythmus lead Tarka to a seat next to Elane who started comforting Tarka. Galea then turned to me expectantly, raising his eyebrows. He expected me to make the decision here yet I had no idea what to do. Every nerve in my body screamed to rush out and hunt down Lesion but my brain and heart said stay. My mind knew it was suicide, that I could never rescue Alden by myself. My heart yearned for my people, to remove the traitorous king. It also wanted to stay with Elane. Galea must have sense my hesitation. "The choice is obvious," he said with a hint of anger, "you have to stay. Your people need you. You can't go running after some stranger! You are needed here!" 

SHUT UP!! 

Tarka stood, hands clenched at her side, eyes wide, and tail standing straight up. She was glaring at Galea. Her shouted at him, " Alden is not some stranger. He is brave, smart, and stronger than you'll ever be!" Galea looked as stunned as I was. I had no idea Tarka had come to care for (maybe even love?) Alden that much. 

She turned on me next. " Tristram! Why didn't you run out of here the second I'd told you who took him?!" She clung to the prison bars again, eyes still brimming with tears. "We have to get Alden, Tristram. He is our friend, we owe him that." Her tone softened and she started to fall. Elaine caught her and looked at me with sad eyes. She didn't want me to leave either. But I had killed Alden's brother. Didn't I owe him that? 

Rythmus coughed and all eyes riveted on him. "Tristram, I will not tell you what to do. Only you can make this decision.  But know your resources, know how to manage them. We can sit here all day and argue, but in the end, only you can decide what we do. Now how about we all finish our dinner and letTristram think." 

Elane and I were given privacy to talk and we ultimately came up with the plan. Rythmus, Tarka, and my friend Askimi would go and rescue Alden who was probably in Palkin territory somewhere. Galeo, Elane, and I would stay here. The best way I could help Alden was not by storming a fortress but preparing an army against Lesion so nobody could be hurt by him again. 

Thirty-Eight - Tarka

All I knew what to do at that moment was run.

I could hear leaves rustling behind me with heavy footsteps accompanying it, so I knew someone was following me in hot pursuit. I scrambled up a tree as fast as I could, thinking in that moment that it would be my only option of throwing off whoever was chasing me. I had forgotten, though, that this was a Viridian soldier behind me, who also had the ability to climb trees in a hurry. I heard him two levels below me, but I kept climbing.

I finally got to the point where it was no longer safe to climb any higher. I looked down for a split second and clung to the trunk beside me, for I was up over 100 feet into the air. The Viridian soldier was out of breath and climbing slower than I had, but it gave me enough time to act.

I coiled my tail around the branch to steady myself, took an arrow out of my quiver and shot him in the shoulder. He cried out, but it didn't phase him other than that. I looked around, felt around me, heart thumping from the adrenaline. In seconds, I felt my potential salvation in my pocket, and I took the chance. I threw down the knife, and it lodged into the soldier's chest. He let go of the branch and fell to the ground, dead.

Nausea overwhelmed me. As I climbed down slowly, it won over me, and I ended up vomiting over on the other side of the tree. Feeling weak, I wrapped my tail around the branch I was currently on and laid my head back against the trunk. I closed my eyes and took in a few deep breaths. I needed water, but where would the nearest lake or river be?

After a few minutes of rest to get my beating heart to slow down and for the nausea to go away, I continued my way back down and jumped down to the solid ground. I took care not to step on the body of the poor soldier. I stared at him for a minute. He died fighting for a cause he thought was right . . . Little did he know he was fighting for the wrong side. Poor man.

I started walking, not knowing where in Terraro I was going. Where was Rhythmus? What was happening to Alden now? Should I go back for him? Realizing I was still too weak to fight anyone else then, I knew the only thing to do was to find Rhythmus. I knew he had been with Tristram, but who knows if he was still there? Better to find at least one of them than nobody.

For hours I trudged on toward the Brackin territory. I at least found a stream to drink from; it was better than nothing. Not only was I thirsty, but I also needed to get the awful taste out of my mouth from earlier. At dusk, I reached my destination. I walked in through the gates, anxiously waiting to catch sight of my friends.

"A Viridian!" a Brackin woman exclaimed. "She must be a spy. Help! Police!"

I turned my head violently around me, looking for a place to escape to, but I took too long. Before I could even cry out, a huge Brackin man put his hand on my mouth and a sword pointed towards my side. I stood perfectly still, not wanting to make enemies with the brute.

"You're coming with me!" he bellowed. He guided me to a tent that was highly guarded and opened the flaps. The air was knocked out of me as he threw me to the ground.

"Who are you? And what are you doing trespassing in our land?"

"I, I'm looking for my friend Tristram."

His eyes widened. "How do you know Tristram? And how do I know that you're a friend and not a spy of Lesion's?"

"I killed one of Lesion's soldiers myself. I am also looking for Rhythmus, where are they? I must find them immediately!"

The Brackin man was silent for a few moments. He walked up to me, lifted me gently off the ground. Then he put his hands on my arms. "If I tell you where they are, you will not leave our land without our consent, is that clear?" he spoke softly but sternly.

"Yes sir," I answered equally softly. We stood in that position for a few moments just looking into each others' eyes, trying to read each other, with me breathing heavier than I wanted to show. I didn't want him to see my fear.

"Tristram is in a cell in the prison for safekeeping. We are looking to have him married to the REAL king's daughter, Elane, but until then, he needs to be in a safe place where we know where he is at all times. Who knows where Rhythmus is? Probably roaming around the town. He comes and he goes. It's a bad habit of his."

"I know all too well," I affirmed. "I don't know where the prison is, could you escort me so this doesn't happen again with someone else?" He nodded and took a hold of my arm. A strong hold, but not uncomfortable.

We took a few steps toward the tent flap when I remembered something and turned to him. "I almost forgot, what's your name?"

He almost smirked at me as we started walking out of the tent. "Galea. And yours?"

"Tarka."

"Tarka . . . I like it. It slips right off the tongue."

Thirty-Seven - Alden

We ran as fast as we could across the stretch of sand that stood between us and the border of trees that would offer much better terrain for stealth. My foot steps were clumsy with the shifting sand, and the picture of my mother sitting at home began to burn into my conscious, a guilt I'm not sure I will ever get past. Tarka kept a good pace and gave off no sign of an emotion. I can't help but wonder how she could stab Damian. Not less than twenty-four hours ago she loved him. I suppose this is what Fastus would have called a woman scorned, which no man was to mess with.

Regardless of the emotions either of us may be experiencing, we both knew we had to get to Rhythmus. My people are too well aligned with the Viridi, and our only hope now is just to cut the head off of the snake and hope two more don't grow back in its place.

As we neared the forest line, a sound of foot steps soon began to thunder behind us. Three Viridian soldiers, dressed in tunics and turbans to shield their eyes from the sun and sand, were quickly gaining ground as they rode short haired beluas, with their tongues flopping to the side of their mouths.

"Run, Tarka! Faster!"

We ran even quicker, Tarka moving ahead of me, but before we could reach the trees a whistle seemed to cut through the air. I tried to see what it was, but in mere seconds a stabbing pain dug into my legs, and I fell to the ground. Reaching down I found a rope twisted around my ankles, secured by two sharp pieces of iron that were now lodged into my legs. I tried to pull it out, but the blood made it hard to know how serious the injury was, and time was quickly running out.

Tarka had kept running, but as I fell she stopped to look at me.

"Keep going!" I cried. "You have to get to Rhythmus at all costs! Please, go!"

Tarka stared me for a brief moment, but at the sight of another rope being swung in the air, she took off, disappearing into the safety of her trees. One of the Viridian soldiers followed after her, but the other two stopped to take care of me.

"This was all too easy." One hissed as he slithered off his beast.

"Sorry to be such a disappointment." I growled.

"Oh, don't worry." He went on, dragging a clawed hand across the left side of my face. "We will have plenty of fun with you."

Thirty-six - Tristram

People crowded the streets and the rooftops cheering as I entered the capital. Banners waved, bands played, and merriment overwhelmed the people :their savior had come. I walked with my head high, smiling and waving at everyone. The shackles were still on, but loose enough so that everyone knew I had come willingly. It was great seeing the capital again: a sight I only dreamed about! To see all the townspeople celebrating my return was even sweeter. In the past thirty years, my banishment had been one of the darkest days, especially with a war following, but my return would be seen as one of the greatest in centuries. At least, I see it that way. This was all I had hoped for....But I wasn't free yet. Despite what Galea said, retracting my banishment would still be a difficult task, especially is Legion or King Pontus knew what I was up to. 

The "parade" wound its way through the capital up to the prison. Galea had been sure to not only announce that I was entering the city today, but also to plan the perfect route to parade me through the city. It was all too soon when I was handed over to the prison guards, schackled a little more securely, then led into my cell. On the bright side, my cell was clean and Askimi had ensured two guards loyal to our cause would stand at the cell door. I could still hear all the celebrating from the city hours later when my dinner arrived. Tomorrow I would have to go and plead my case in front of the council but tonight, tonight I could rest. 

Then she arrived. Elane in a plain white dress. She actually came running for my cellar door as I jumped up to met her. At first we just looked at each other, hardly believing this was possible, then our hearts caught up and we grabbed each others arms, both of us radiating joy. She had thinned since I last saw her and her shinning blonde hair had dulled. Her green eyes , however, still sparkled with the life inside her. The guards seemed to have disappeared, leaving Elane and I alone to talk for the first time in months. But we didn't talk much. Mostly, we just sat there, holding hands, wondering how we ever could have lived without each other before. 

Thirty-Five - Tarka

I was enraged.

It took everything in me not to scream til my lungs hurt. The man I thought was dead was alive. The man I thought loved me betrayed me.

Maybe this was all a dream. Or just a mistake. Maybe I can reason with him. Surely he still loves me and will listen to me. That's my only hope...

I looked over at Alden. His arms were moving slightly behind him. He made eye contact with me, then motioned towards my hands with his eyes. I nodded slowly, wanting to be rid of the scratchy bonds.

Before he could scoot over to where I was, the tent flap flew up, and in walked someone I also knew all too well.

 His smile sent chills through my body. And not in the good way. He made his way over to where I was hunched over in the corner of the tent.

"This little rat looks familiar," Lesion sneered.

I tried to kick him but my feet were also tied. He gave an evil belly laugh.

"And who's your friend?" He turned to Alden. I kept silent.

"It doesn't matter, I'll both be rid of you soon anyway. For now, I --"

"Hey boss!"

Lesion turned and snarled, "What do you want?!"

Damian shrunk back, a bit startled. "You're needed in the other tent, the council wishes to speak to you. It's on important business."

"Ugh, fine. I'll have to deal with you two when I get back." The ugly son-of-a-snake humphed out of our tent, brushing away the tent flaps like they were gnats in his face. Alden silently passed his knife to me.

I slowly started cutting the ropes when Damian turned to us and raised his eyebrows at the two of us. Then, he turned specifically to me and knelt down by where I was tied up. "So how long have you two been running around together?"

"Not long enough. Damian . . . what happened to you?! I thought you were dead."

He stood up and paced with his tail swinging back and forth. "I thought I was going to be when they took me back then. I was scared for you. I longed earnestly for you." The look he gave me then almost made me pity him.

"They took me to the dungeon. Lesion's. I didn't even know he had one. He came in, and I was never so scared for my own skin. Do you know what he said to me?" We shook our heads. "He said, 'Damian, you're a young strong fellow. I would hate for you to waste your talents and energy on a false conspiracy.' Of course I didn't want that. He said to me, 'Damian, we are not the enemy! I don't know where you got the idea that we were doing bad things. Yes, we are behind something, but it's for the good of the people, our people, and the Brackins and Palkins. Don't you want to help make the world a better place?' I said, 'Well of course I do.' 'Good,' he said reassuringly. 'I want you to be one of my lead soldiers, to help thwart the plan of an evil man, whose name is Rhythmus. He's trying to destroy our plans! Because he doesn't care about our planet! All he does is live by himself in his little hermit hole.'"

When Damian turned around just long enough, Alden looked at me and made a slight motion with his head towards Damian, and I nodded in acknowledgement and agreement.

Damian turned back to us. "So, my mission is to send out for him."

I felt my face go hot. "What are you going to do with him?" I whispered, scared to know the answer.

"If all goes well, either Roman or I will have the honors of killing him." I gasped.

"But you can't! He's not the bad guy! Don't you see? Lesion's brainwashed you. He's wanting to take over the whole planet of Terraro!"

Damian just laughed. "You're a fool, Tarka. I thought you were smarter than that. YOU'RE the one that's fooled."

I didn't have much time to retaliate before Alden yelled "NOW!" and we both charged toward him. Alden socked a surprised Damian in the nose, and I stabbed him in the back with my knife that I had pulled out of my pocket. He fell back in shock just long enough for Alden and I to escape through the outer tent flaps and run for the forest.

Thirty-Four - Alden

A sudden brightness hit my eyes as a burlap sack was pulled from head, allowing the salt from the built up sweat to cascade into my eyes, adding another factor of pain that could not be relieved as my wrists chaffed against the ropes that are binding my hands behind my back. I shook my head and blinked my eyes rapidly, searching for Tarka as well as our captors. As my vision became clearer I saw a thin, scaly figure standing before me, pulling off a pair of gloves. What? I thought to myself, as I then glimpsed Roman with a burlap sack in his hands, standing beside the scaly man.

"Roman?" I asked, my voice cracking with the pain of thirst. I should have had something to drink while I had the chance.

Roman avoided eye contact and staggered back through a pair of door flaps. The Viridian watched Roman leave, standing with the posture of a soldier, before he walked over to Tarka, who was lying in the far left corner. As the burlap sack was pulled from Tarka's head, Tarka's eyes widened and she seemed to recoil from the man.

"How?" She gasped.

"There are things you do not know." He said, voice firm and pointed, as a glare passed my way. Grabbing Tarka's tied up hands, he secured them to the pole that held up the stretched out hide of the tent. Tarka said nothing, but stared at him in an enraged disbelief. 

Roman called from somewhere else within the tent. "Hurry up, Damian. He'll be here soon."

Now I looked at the man in disbelief. Damian walked to me so he could secure my hands to the far right pole. As he did I looked into his eyes, but saw nothing in them. It was as if they were a blown out candle. "I thought you were dead." I said, not really suppressing my disappointment.

Once my hands were tied, he looked to me. "How disappointing it must be for you." He sighed, leaving me and Tarka alone on the sandy floor. 

"How is this possible?" I asked Tarka, but she gave no response. My stomach seemed to sink. Tarka's has always loved Damian, and I knew that. Perhaps this is how I go out, losing Tarka to them, and being tied up like a farm mammal. Even my brother's best friend had shown no mercy, but betrayed me and led me to believe I was safe when I was not. 

I sat still for a long time, feeling nothing but emptiness, when the voice of Lesion filled the tent. An anger began to rise within me, and I tried to stand. I refused to look weak in front of the man who cannot even fight his own wars. As I was part way up, my back fell against the pole and a clanging sound, followed by a soft thud, was heard. Looking over my shoulder I saw a small glimmer of light. I squatted back down, and searching with my hands until I found the point of a knife. Pausing for a second, I made sure Lesion was still busy talking. Then I quickly took up the knife and began sawing away at the ropes. I worked as fast as I could, not even questioning where the knife had come from, and jumped up to make my escape.

But then I thought of Tarka, and looked at her sitting sullenly in the corner. Did she even want me to save her?

Thirty-Three - Tristram

Having been captain of the guard, the men at camp trusted me as soon as Askimi walked me in. About fifteen of the twenty guards had trained under me and remembered me for the man I was. What was so special about me back then? I don't know. I was very short sighted and honor-bound. I was very prideful of my race. Yet somehow, the men still looked up to me. I told them of Legion's plot over breakfast, a typical army ration of some wafers and salted jerky, and they listened without skepticism. Many of the guard welcomed me back warmly before heading off to their duties around the camp and I headed off to the showers. My first shower since I had been banished. I had washed in streams, but they carry dirt too so you can never get quite as clean as you want. A Brackin shower is another thing. The Palkins taught us how to rig up portable bags and tubing so that by heating up warm water, we could have the luxury of a shower out on the mine sites. Of course our king quickly adapted them for the guard to use when out on the border.
 
After my shower, I slept in Askimi's tent till noon. I went out to the mess hall/tent to see Rythmus sitting at the head table with Askimi and Galea, the head of this troop. Rythmus signaled me to come sit with them. As I walked over, I noticed the worry on their faces. They were all concentrating on a piece of paper on the table between them. As I got closer, I saw it was a map of Terraro. Rythmus rose to greet me. "We were just discussing the best plan of attack" said Rythmus. Galea looked up, gave me a short curt nod, then went back to focusing on the map. Askimi, who had been writing something on the lower left corner, suddenly noticed me and rose to greet me as well. "So," I asked, "What have you come up with?"
     Askimi replied, "Well our first priority is to remove the Viridi counselor, and possibly King Pontus if need be. Perhaps if we can get a new ruler in place, we can at least halt the war."
     "Yes, but the problem is, we have no idea how to remove either of them from power." Rythmus continued. "We need proof to remove either of them, and an heir if we want to remove Pontus. Who is next in line?"
     Askimi blushed and glanced at me. "Currently, the next of kin would be Lord Backus. Though I wouldn't want him in power. He's very snooty. He lives very grandly with little attention given to his household." Galea coughed... I could practically feel Galea and Askimi's eyes staring at me as I looked at my feet. Rythmus broke the silence. "Is there something you need to tell us Tristram?" I continued to state at the ground.
     "Tristram has a sort of relationship with Elane, King Nami's daughter. If Tristram was to marry her, he would have the strongest claim to the throne if King Pontus were disposed," Galea said, with just a hint of jealousy.
     "I'd have to be unbranded in order to marry her," I replied.
     "That won't be hard!" Galea scoffed, "With the war going south, convincing the council to unbrand you would be the easiest thing on our list!"
     "but... but I..." I stammered. It wasn't that I didn't want to marry Elane. I did, I really really did! Ever since I had met her I had wanted to marry her! I just didn't want to marry her only to gain the throne... I didn't want to even be king!
     "But nothing," said Rythmus. His glare seemed to the only rational thought in my mind. I knew I had no choice but to go along with their plan. I bowed my head and submitted the argument. "Well that's one thing" Askimi smiled, "now we just need proof of Legion's involvement."
     "I'm sure we can find something once we get to the capital." Rythmus replied, "shall we head out at dawn?"

The next morning, a small group of soldiers, including both Askimi and Galea, left for the capital city. They had one prisoner in irons... me. Rythmus followed behind at a distance. My chains were loose and mostly for show but I was still weighted down. Not by the irons, but by the burden fate had given me. Not only did I need to stop the massacre of two races at the hand of another and dispose my king of his throne, but I was to become king myself. I see that my punishment had only started with banishment. certainly it would end much worse.
    

Thirty-Two - Tarka

"Who was THAT?" I asked Alden, walking away from our interesting encounter with his so-called "friend."

He rolled his eyes and let out a huffy breath. "Nobody important. All he cares about is getting girls. I should have known he hadn't changed a bit."

"Huh," was all I could say about that.

"I didn't want him to get any ideas about you."

"That bad, huh?"

"Pretty much. I don't want anyone getting any ideas about you." I turned to look at him and raised my eyebrows. He realized what he had said and blushed. "I mean, uhh, you're such an awesome girl, and a good friend, and I'd hate to see you get tangled up in a love-mess and get hurt somehow."

"Riiiight. Not like I haven't already been hurt." I scoffed and looked at my feet as they went in front of each other.

"I'm sorry," Alden was sincere.

"It's getting better. But I'm not completely over Damian yet."

"Oh," Alden sounded surprised and disappointed. "I guess it's going to take a while, huh?"

"Well, yeah. We were in love. Nobody gets over something like that quickly."

"I wouldn't know, I've never had that happen to me before. I've never loved a girl before."

I stopped. My eyes got wide. "Never? Not even a crush?"

"Well, yeah, I've had a crush on a girl. But she never knew. I'm not the aggressive type." He avoided eye contact.

"I guess I should give you some pointers then."

Alden grinned. "I'd like that," he said warmly.

We continued walking and talking, and we continued to search for potential food. The whole time, I was hoping and wishing he would really take these pieces of advice to heart. Because even though I wasn't completely over Damian yet, this Palkin boy, this young man was growing on me, and I was wrapped around his finger like a vine on a tree trunk. Even if he wasn't as masculine as the other men in his country, he had a heart of gold. He was protective, caring, and brave, whether he believed that for himself or not.

We finally came to another field, where there were large wild birds trying to scavenge for their own food. We stood really still, and lowered ourselves as close to the ground as we could. Alden whispered, "Do you have something to kill one or two of those? They would make a feast compared to what we've been eating lately."

I nodded and lifted my bow and arrow ever so slowly, so I wouldn't be noticed. 1... 2....

Something hit my back like a brick wall, and I let the arrow fly, of course missing the bird I had been aiming for. Before I could turn around, a gloved hand flew over my mouth and one over Alden's. Another set of hands tied our flailing hands, and then we were gagged and dragged away from the scene.

I looked up to see who had kidnapped us and couldn't believe who it was.

Thirty-One - Alden

When I had woken up the sun was already high in the sky. I had stayed up late trying to clean up Fastus' room, but hardly anything could be saved. Peering into the small closet Fastus had made, I found piles of dirty shirts. I grabbed one of the cleaner ones and pulled it on, sick of wearing my own torn up clothes, and left Fastus' room to see Tarka and my mother sipping tea in silence. For the first time I recognized a likeness between them. Before I would have rejected any kind of notion that said anyone was like my mother, but the truth was my mother did make me better in her own way, and so has Tarka. They're both the strongest people I've met.

My mother glanced up at me and did a double take. "Alden, you're awake."

"Late as usual." I said, sitting next to Tarka and across from my mother. "How are you feeling this morning?"

She gave a small sigh, but I could tell that the confusion and strangeness from yesterday was already starting to subside. "I'm doing much better now." She said, laying her calloused and worn hand on top of mine. "I quite like Tarka." She added, taking another sip of tea.

I nodded and looked at Tarka who seemed transfixed on the tea. "I'm going to go look for food today." I said, standing up from the table.

"I'm not sure you'll be able to find any." Mother said, eyebrows furrowed.

"I think I know a place." I muttered, thinking of what I had seen yesterday. On my way towards the door I grabbed a machete and a burlap sack. "I'll be back in a bit."

Taking a deep breathe I headed towards the cattle's tent. Peeling back the flaps to the entrance, my eyes began to sting and several hundred bugs seemed to swarm at me, as if even they didn't want to be trapped inside. I found my way to the last remaining cattle that I had seen yesterday. It looked up at me with bulging eyes, and a dry tongue hanging out of its mouth. Kneeling down, I put a hand again the short, tan hairs on its head. It gave a low moan, and leaned into my hand.

Gosh dang it, I thought to myself. How can I kill something so helpless? 

"Here for a mercy killing?"

I jumped up to see a young man standing before me, helmet held in one hand. "Roman!" I exclaimed, giving him a good punch in the arm. Roman had been my brother's dearest friend, and was just like Fastus, with the exception of his outstanding record with women, which Fastus never wasted time with. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing." He said, kneeling down to pet the dying creature. "I left the war." He shrugged, standing up straight.

"What do you mean?"

"I got sick of it, so I left. Callow has basically given us all a death sentence out there, and I'm tired of seeing people die."

"Well you came to the wrong place then..." I said. "There's hardly anyone around here, it's a ghost town."

"Ah yes... but there are women here." He smirked. "Surely Callow wouldn't mind my helping us create the next generation before we completely die out."

"You're disgusting." I said, giving him another good punch. "By any chance can you help me with this thing? I have no idea what I'm doing, all I did was shovel their manure... "

"When you showed up to work at all." Roman scoffed, but he knelt down anyway and took the machete from my hand. "Why don't you wait outside."

I gave a shrug and headed out of the tent, grateful to breathe the fresh air, when I spotted Tarka heading this way.

"What are you doing out here?" I called to her.

She came up to me and gave me a half-shrug. "Your mother decided to take a nap, so I thought I would wander around. I've never been outside of my terrain before."

"Well, you should be careful, I don't know who all is around here." I said, just as Roman burst through the tent holding my burlap sack.

"The animal has been put out of its misery!" He exclaimed. "Now--" he stopped having seen Tarka. "Well, well, well... who do we have here?"

"No one." I said, taking the bag from Roman, and pushing him away from Tarka. "Thanks for your help." I grabbed Tarka's hand with my free one, and pulled her quickly back towards home. "Good luck with your women!"

Thirty - Tristram

The moonlight shone on our swords, mine was a thin, but long, blade Rythmus  had given to me and his was the heavy sword standard to the guard. His name was Askimi and I knew him well. We circled around each other, swords held ready, yet hesitant. "Tristram, please turn back. I can pretend I didn't see you," he said. 

     "I can't Askimi," I replied. 

     "Elane isn't worth you dying for!"

I stopped and lowered my sword, stunned by the name I thought I might never hear again. Askimi stopped too, though his sword remained up. "Tristram, She misses you, probably more than you miss her, but trying to see her will do you two no good. We are in a tough spot with the war and there has been talk of asking you to return, but King Pontus would never allow it if you discovered you crossed the border. Please go back across and maybe we can try and get you reinstated as head of the guard..." 

War? Tough spot? King Pontus rather than king Nami? reinstated? She misses me? To many questions came up just in that short statement alone! Askimi started to speak again but I held up my hand and he stopped... he still respected me as his leader then, but did he still see me as his friend? After a minute I spoke "if I go back across the border, do you promise to stay and talk with me? tell me what has happened since I left and of this war we are in?" Askimi actually smiled. I walked back to the edge of the forest and sat down, so did he. He let out a heavy sigh and laughed! "I've missed you so much Tristram! I thought you were actually going to make me fight you there for a minute!" I smiled myself. Of all the guards I had to meet at the border, it had happened to be the only who could present a challenge to me in a dual, my best friend. 

Askimi and I talked for several hours. I asked him about the war first. A month ago a Palkin caravan was lost in the desert yet they blamed it on us, the Brackins. They retaliated by razing a border village. King Nami attempted diplomatic negotiations but he was poisoned apparently by a Palkin scientist staying in the palace. His son, Pontus, took the throne, brought in a new Viridi advisory, and declared war on the Palkins. While we have the strength and materials, the Palkins were currently winning due to their inventions. Askimi had yet to see any fighting having been posted on the neutral zone border in case the Palkins invaded it. I then told Askimi about my time in the jungle, meeting Alden and Tarka, and about Legion's plot to take over both the Palkins and the Brackins. 

Light, warmer and brighter than moonlight, shined on our both our swords. Dawn had come. Troubled by the fact that the Viridi could be the masterminds, Askimi invited me to his camp to discuss this with the rest of the men. This was news to share and discuss, not to keep secret. I crossed the border this time without being confronted and followed Askimi with a new fire in my heart. I was a Brackin again and I had my best friend back. But the warmest fire was the one Askimi had so recently kindled, that I might see Elane soon. 

Rythmus watched the events unfold from the trees. He did not particularly like the company of men and preferred to dell with his own thoughts. And dwell he must do for he heard troubling news in Askimi's story. To think that Legion had actually planted a counselor in the Brackin counsel and murdered the king was grave news for it wasn't what he had seen in the future. Legion's wish to change the future might actually be coming true...

Twenty-Nine - Tarka

It was so dark in Alden's room. Really cold too. And quiet.

Even though I was used to the quiet, and even though I was a cold-blooded creature, it still didn't feel natural to me. Maybe it did, but I was too busy thinking to even feel comfortable and fall asleep.

Alden was lucky. He at least had his mother. I would give anything to have my mother back. To feel her embrace and to hear her say, "Tarka, I'm proud of you, and I love you!" I will never be able to hear those words in that sweet voice again.

I wondered where his father was. Was he killed? Will he ever come back? Why do I even care?

Poor Alden. His brother was dead, his father missing, and his mother probably heartbroken. At least she still has him.

I still have him, too. I wonder, does she think we're "together"? What does she think of a Viridian in her house? She hasn't expressed any hard feelings towards me yet. Just her grief. Maybe she doesn't know what we know. Wait, of course she doesn't! . . . What would I talk about with her? Would I even have a chance to talk to her? Would Alden introduce me? He didn't when we walked in and saw her. We had all gone straight to bed.

I couldn't handle it anymore; I couldn't sleep, so I got up from the bed, and opened the door. Only one light was on in the kitchen. The door creaked so loudly when I tried to open it slowly, so I just swung it open and stopped it before it slammed into the wall. I tiptoed as quietly as I could to Alden's brother's room where Alden was sleeping. I cracked open the door and peeked in. He was passed out on his brother's messy bed, with his clothes still on. Laying on his back made him snore. I stared at him for a few seconds to take in the precious sight before I closed the door again.

"I can't believe he came back," a voice whispered behind me that made me jump. I turned around and let out a huge sigh of relief. "Could you not sleep either?" I asked his mother.

"No, I almost never sleep at night anymore. I've always been afraid of the dark, but my husband has always been here, and he made me feel safe. He was my rock and safe haven. Now, he's gone," she shook her head slowly as if she didn't believe it herself.

My heart went out to her. "I've lost someone I loved, too. Two people in fact."

"From the war?"

"You could say that one of them was. The other was my mother; she fell very ill and passed away less than a year ago."

"Oh, dear, I am so sorry . . ."

There was a slight awkward silence for a few minutes. Then, I stated, "I guess you know that I'm a Viridian. You must hate me."

"No, I don't, dear. You seemed to have protected my boy while he's been banished, and I am truly grateful."

"Do you love him?"

"Of course I do. He's my son. However, I know he has hard feelings towards his father and I because when his brother was alive, Alden was the lesser of the two in both of our eyes. And for that, I am sincerely sorry. I hope he will forgive us, especially me," she said quietly, looking straight ahead with tears brimming in her eyes.

"He seems grateful to be here; at least he has a home to go to."

More silence.

Then, she turned to face me again. "So, my question never got answered. Why did he come back? And why are you here with him?"

I let out a deep breath. "It's a very long story, but I'll try to sum up. We met in the Viridian jungle when he was just wandering around, and we met up with a Brackin man --"

"A Brackin man!" she gasped, then hushed her voice again. "Was he dangerous? Did he try to hurt both of you?"

"Oh, no, no! He never tried to hurt either of us. He had been banished from his own people, too. He had murdered someone, on accident."

Alden's mother's eyes got wide, then relaxed again. "I wonder . . . No, it couldn't be."

I didn't know what she meant by that, so I continued. "Anyway, we ran into a man, a really old man named Rhythmus. He is not part of any of the three tribes, so I don't know what kind of a creature he is exactly. But he told us that we had to go back to our own lands and try to stop the war, because Lesion, the Viridi elder, is trying to convince both lands to go to war with each other. Once that's done, and they've turned on each other, he plans to take over both tribes and rule everyone!"

Alden's mother stared blankly at me. After the story had seemed to sink in, she asked, "Really? Can it be true?"

"Yes!" I exclaimed in a whisper. "I know Lesion personally. He's responsible for my . . . friend's execution. He is very evil and must be contained or destroyed before it gets worse."

She sighed. "I know I've only just met you, but I trust you. I like you."

I smiled bleakly. "Thanks."

She started to stand up from the cushion she had been sitting on and yawned. "For once in a good while, I'm feeling sleepy. I guess I should head to bed. You should do the same, and both you and Alden should explain more in the morning."

"That sounds like a plan," I nodded.

"Goodnight dear girl," she said. "Oh, I never asked your name, what is it dear?"

"Tarka."

"That is one of the most beautiful names I have ever heard. Goodnight dear Tarka."

"Goodnight," I echoed. I slept more peacefully that night than I had in months, now that I had found a friend in Alden's mother. For a moment, I had two friends in the same house as me. Two more were out adventuring who knows where.

For a moment, all was right with the world.

Twenty-Eight - Alden

We stood at the rock I had run to so many times growing up. With the war ensuing I figured they hadn't  moved around, so we had maybe an hour or two until we got to civilization. It was all becoming real to me: the searing pain of my brand, the guilt of leaving my family, the anger in Callow's naive trust in Lesion.... I mourned for my people. When I left I mourned for myself and my brother, but now I realized this was about them; the people I had once resented really were my family, whether I had realized it or not, and I knew I had to mourn for them as well.

Tarka reached her hand out and gently gripped my arm just above the elbow, giving a small twitch of a smile. She knew this would be hard, I think more than I had. I glanced up at the sky, and noticed the sun beginning to pass the top of the sky. It wouldn't be long until it started to get dark.

I tapped my hand against Tarka's and gave her a smile. "Well, we should be on our way now, it'll be getting dark soon." She gave a quick nod and dropped her hand from my arm. "It'll only take an hour or two to get there... if they haven't migrated to a different spot in the desert." I explained, moving around my once-treasured rock.

We walked for a long time, no words being spoken. I respected that about Tarka; we didn't have to have conversations to be comfortable with one another. I wonder what my brother would have thought about all of this. The thought of me telling him about Tarka made me smile. No doubt he would have me sent to the medic for testing. I was picturing the confused look Fastus would have when Tarka and I stumbled upon a giant wooden pole lying abandoned in the dessert. I bent down to look closer and realized, underneath burn-marks, were markings of Callow's old hut.

"We're almost there." I said, glancing at the place his giant hut use to be; it was nothing but sand. "Lets keep going."

It took us about ten minutes to find ourselves in the middle of what appeared to be a ghost land. We walked into town between the cattle's hut and the recruiting tent, but even the usual sounds of the animals was lost. Out of curiosity, I slipped into the cattle's hut, but no one was inside except for a helpless, half starved creature and the smell of what I imagine death to reek of. I backed out as fast as I could, tripping over Tarka who was standing behind me.

Pushing me back to a standing position, she commented, "This looks bad." She looked at me quickly before adding on, "Unless it's supposed to be this way..."

I shook my head, trying to gather myself. "No, this isn't good." A panic started to rise inside of me, and my heart start racing. "My parents." I ran as fast as I could to my parent's hut, and didn't bother to slow down as I rushed inside. "Mom! Dad!"

My mother walked out from behind the flaps that lead to her and my dad's bedroom, her cheeks significantly sunken in, and her eyes heavy with dark circles. She dropped the wooden bowl she was holding and stared at me looking dazed. "Alden?"

My breathing slowed down, but a new fear began to rise inside of me. What if, after all this time, she never knew I wasn't a traitor? What if my own mother hated me? "It's me mom... it's Alden." I choked out.

She exhaled a large sigh, as if she had just remembered to breathe, and her thin fingers of one hand covered her mouth as the other reached out to me.

I grabbed her hand and held it to my face as I stepped closer, letting out a sigh of relief. "Where's dad? What's happened here?" I asked softly.

Her head bobbed a little bit and then she peered into my eyes. "I thought they had you too, they take everyone. Everyone leaves...."

"What do you mean? Where's dad?"

"We are just so small, so frail. The Brackins make us tooth picks, and he laughs at us." She looked at me with an anger I had never seen in my mother in all my years, even though she always seemed so upset with me. "Lesion laughs at us all."

"They sent dad to war, didn't they."

"Everyone leaves." She said, staring off into the distance before her eyes settled on Tarka. "Everyone leaves." She told Tarka.

I moved my mother gently back into her room. "You need some sleep, I'll find you food tomorrow." I gently set her down on the bed and pulled the covers up to her chin. "Rest up, I'll be here when you wake up."

When I was sure she had fallen asleep I returned to see Tarka standing awkwardly next to our dinner table. "It looks like Rhythmus' table."

"Yeah..." I said, peering into Fastus' room. Everything looked torn up, and splintered wood scattered the ground. I sighed and moved to look in my room and found everything in order. It made no sense to me that my room would be tidy when I was the traitor in the family, but at least I could let Tarka sleep in there. "My brother's room is trashed, so you can go ahead in sleep on my bed."

With a sigh, I walked back to the table and sat down on one of the cushions. My head spun from everything that was going on, and all I could think is that my mother doesn't hate me like I always felt she did, but what does it matter if I can't keep her safe? I looked up at Tarka, my eyebrows furrowed. What if I can't keep her safe either? I would have nothing, nothing but despair.

Twenty-Seven - Tristram

I was excited. So excited that after our meeting, I ran off into the jungle forgetting my tent.. and my sword, pack, and food. Well I actually forgot everything. That wouldn't be the only mistake my excitement caused. After a minute I realized Rhythmus wasn't following me... and that I was walking West, not East where my destination was. I walked back to Rhythmus's home just in time to see Alden and Tarka disappear into the foliage. Rhythmus stood next to the door with all my provisions packed up next to him. While his face was stoic, his amusement at my excitement clearly showed in his eyes.

A short hour later, we arrived at the Brackin border. Legend has it that hundreds of years ago,the three tribes were once again at war. This happened a good five or six times throughout our long history but this one was the first. We all had started on campaigns of expansion and the three armies met in battle over a small, yet fertile, section of land. In the middle of the battle, a flash of light stunned the armies and a man appeared in the middle of the field. He spoke with an amplified voice and demanded to speak with the leaders of each tribe. The four of them met in the middle and here the wizard, for that is what the man was, laid down the borders for each of the tribes. The middle section where this fertile meadow was would serve as the wizards home and he would take a section of land as a buffer zone against the others. Since then, the descendants of the wizard have lived on the land, each also practicing the art of magic and serving as a neutral diplomat in order to keep peaceful negotiations and not allow one tribe over power another.
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Map of Terraro

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When I saw the Brackin border, I realized that we had been inside this middle neutral zone, having patrolled this border myself back in the day. This man next to my, Rhythmus, was a wizard. Once more, excitement overtook me and I stepped over the border, back into my homeland, to safety, to fam-

       "You there, stop." A guard spotted me cross the border and my brand shone in the moonlight. I then realized a second oversight my excitement back at the camp had caused: I was banished and condemned to death for reentering my territory, as Alden probably was too. For the second time in three days, I saw men with swords running at me, but what would I do this time? Should I run or should I fight my own brothers?

Twenty-Six - Tarka

There was a teapot sitting in my empty tree hut back home. Every night for months, I would make myself a cup of tea, and the water would finally get hot enough to the point of bubbling. I'm pretty sure the amount of steam coming out of my ears was more than that kettle produced, and the blood in my lizard veins turned more hot than that water.

"I KNEW it," I muttered under my breath. Then, I thought to myself, "Anything against Lesion is music to my ears."

Tristram and Alden turned toward me. "Do you know anything about him? He is one of your leaders."

"I know he's a dirty scumbag, personally."

"Ouch, what did he ever do to you?" Tristram asked.

Alden said nothing, only looking at me with a slight anticipation. I shook my head.

"We'll talk about that later. So, what's going on exactly?"

Rhythmus looked at each of us before explaining. "I guess you young ones have been out in the jungle for so long that you don't even know."

"Know what?" Alden asked.

"There is now a world war being fought this very moment."

All fell silent.

"That's terrible!" a depressed Alden exclaimed, eyes widened.

Tristram slammed his fist down on the table. "That coward! Scoundrel!" Composing himself, he quietly asked, "What should we do, Rhythmus?"

"We must convince the Brackins and the Palkins that Lesion is the evil one creating all the chaos in the others' worlds, not each other. Since the three of you are all from these three lands, you should convince your people to stop the war before more damage is created. If we don't succeed . . ." Rhythmus trailed off. "Well, let's just hope there'll be a world left to live in."

"Well, we can't ALL go together. We have to split up somehow. But we can't go alone; we need to pair up," the Brackin strategized. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was loving this already and wanted to redeem himself. I could see that in Alden's eyes, too.

"I'll go with Tarka," Alden piped up. I raised my eyebrows at him, and finally agreed that the two of us would go together.

Tristram turned to the old man. "And what about you, Rhythmus? Are you coming as well?"

"I suppose I must; since I don't belong to anyone's land, I would be on a neutral ground with everyone. Well, except with Lesion," he grumbled.

"Then it's all settled then! Why don't you two go towards the Palkin land," Tristram pointed at us, "and Rhythmus and I back to the Brackins'?"

I shrugged. "I really don't care where I go. I won't be accepted anywhere anyway."

Alden and Tristram both sighed as if to say, "Whatever, don't even go there."

"Now, now, don't fret my dear," the old man patted me on my scaly back. "You don't know that. Honestly, Tristram and Alden might not be accepted back in their homelands either."

"Oh yeah, they were banished. I almost forgot."

So, we all went our separate ways.

About 45 minutes or so into the trek, Alden turned to me. "So, you were prompted to tell a story about Lesion. What did he do to you? Did he hurt you?" he asked with concern in his eyes.

"Not physically . . . to me. I don't know if you really even care to listen to me. I don't even think I should be telling you this. Why should I trust you?"

"I've kept you safe thus far."

Good point.

I took a deep breath and dove in. No turning back now.

"A year ago, I met someone at the supermarket. His name was Damian. He was a natural Viridian rebel," I chuckled remembering that day. "He became my best friend. He was there for me when my mother passed away and when my father . . . kicked me out of the house."

Alden's eyes drifted toward the ground. "Oh . . . I'm sorry."

"It is the Viridian custom. At age 16, you are considered old enough to live on your own and create a life for yourself. But he really did want me out; he never loved me like my mother did. After she died, I had nobody but Damian. He didn't have anyone either; his parents were gone. He needed me, and I needed him."

We stopped at a creek for a water break and to rest a few minutes.

"So, what about Lesion? What does he have to do with this?"

"Well, I already told you that Damian was a rebel of sorts. He knew something was going on, and that they were evil. He wanted to expose them, but he never got a chance to." I started pulling some grass out of the ground. "The leaders found out about his plan to expose them, and they captured him from his hut and arrested him. I was nearby and ran to the leaders, kicking and pounding them with my fists, screaming at the top of my lungs to let him go. Two more leaders grabbed my arms and held me tight. Lesion emerged from the group and told me that Damian was a traitor to his people, and he needed to be punished. I screamed at him all the more, but he and the other leaders ignored me, and the leaders that held on to me tied me to a tree. 'Damian!' I screamed for him, but I couldn't see him. I finally got free of the bonds, but no matter how long I ran in their direction, I couldn't find them. The next day, I went into the market and found newspapers of the news that Damian had been sentenced to death; he was put up in a tree to be pushed off and fall to his death below on the jungle floor." I took a deep breath, realizing I hadn't been breathing at all for the past three minutes. Salty water started dripping out of my eyes before I could control myself. "I ran all the way back home without stopping, and I cried on my bed for days. I didn't eat for nearly a week. And now I have no one." I started sobbing. "Alden," I looked at him and then buried my face into my lap. "I loved him."

Alden was silent, unsure of how to take in all of what I had said. He scooted over closer to me and wrapped his arms around me. After a few minutes, he whispered, "Tarka, I had no idea. No wonder you don't trust anyone. I am so sorry. Shh shhh shh, it's okay. Please stop, I hate when girls cry," he urged. He gave me a handkerchief he had in his pocket. I wiped my face and blew my nose.

"Please don't ever use that against me." I could barely whisper as I buried my face into his chest.

"Never."

Twenty-Five - Alden

The three of us stared at the old man who seemed to be carrying buckets full of tools and scrolls. Save the world? I felt a sickening nausea roll over me like a sweeping wave. Just when I thought I was going to vomit, Tristram let out a rumbling laugh, causing him to bend over with his hands pressed against his knees.

After a minute or two, Tristram straightened up, wiped a tear from his eye, and said, "Good one, old man. Save the world."

The old man look at Tristram, his face in an unamused stare of seriousness. "Please, call me Rhythmus." He said, heading towards the door of his hut, sitting just to our right. "Old man... I could take you all with my pinky finger." He mumbled, shuffling inside.

We looked about at each other briefly before following Rhythmus inside. Sure, he was a complete stranger and just randomly told us to do the most burdensome thing, but I think we all felt a certain responsibility to see this guy through. Crazy or not, he was the first person we had come across that hadn't tried to kill us in a long time aside from each other.

"How old do you think he is?" I whispered to Tarka as she followed behind me.

She stared past me for a moment, probably to get a look at the man in the giant green cloak, which easily blended in with the color of the trees and bushes around the area. Shaking her head Tarka looked back at me, "I am not use to this kind of species... fifty?"

A chuckle emanated from the center of what appeared to be a decent sized hut made of wood. Rhythmus stood in the middle of a large circular room, placing his buckets upon a table that looked almost like an exact copy of the table my family ate meals on. I wonder if they're okay... if we are at war... if they miss me as much as they miss my brother.

"So, the young miss Tarka believes me to be of fifty years old?" Rhythmus said, giving a small smile to a wide eyed Tarka. "Oh, I know all about you three." He said, sitting down on a soft beige cushion. "Please, have a seat."

We glanced at each other once again.

"Hmmm..." Rhythmus mused. "It would appear you three all seem to rely on one another to do anything."

"That's not true." I huffed, plopping myself down on a cushion across the table from Rhythmus. "I can make my own decisions."

Rhythmus stroked his beard for a moment, eyes slitted and concentrated on me. "It is not a bad thing, young Alden. Having trust and respect to consider the feelings and instincts of those around you is a good practice, indeed."

"Yeah, sure." I said, crossing my arms and staring at the table.

The others sat down, Tarka to my left and Tristram to my right.

"So, how old are you then?" Asked Tristram, who still had a smirk pulling at the side of his mouth.

Rhythmus seemed to sigh. "Oh, I do not even know anymore. I last track around five."

"Five years old, really?" Scoffed Tristram.

"Five hundred, sir Tristram."

Tristram eyes fell away, looking a bit uncomfortable.

"So... what do you mean we have to save the world?" Tarka asked, in a quiet, hesitant voice.

Rhythmus rolled out one of his scrolls so that it faced us. On it was a giant image of Terraro, separated into the three Territories that each of us came from, and in the middle sat a small, squiggly square. Rhythmus pointed to the little square with a long, gnarled finger, "This is where we are. The center of Terraro." He said matter-of-factly, "As you all know, Palkins and Brackins have been long time friends, learning and surviving off of one another. But, over here, " said Rhythmus, dragging his finger to a spot in the Viridian territory not far from the square, "The Viridi people have simply kept to themselves, until Lesion got a taste of power." Rhythmus looked up, staring each one of us in the eyes before saying, "Lesion will bring this whole planet into chaos and destruction. He, alone, can destroy everything I've worked so hard to create."

Twenty-Four - Tristram

Obvious right slash
       *CLANG*
He blocks
Feint low, stab high
       *CLANG*
He blocks
Roll behind and stab in the back
       *CLANG*
He blocks
Alden goes in for the wrist grab
       *THUNK*
A nut hits his head. This momentary distraction gives me time to place my feet so that Alden stumbles over them and falls to the ground. I place my blade to his lower back "dead".
     "No fair," Alden said, "Tarka threw the nut at me!"
     "Because I told her to," I replied. " You have to learn not only to be aware of your surroundings, like noticing Tarka had been throwing nuts at you since we started, but also not to be distracted." Alden grumbled inaudibly and went for a drink from the nearby well. Tarka dropped down next to him. "It wasn't that bad Alden, you've really improved! He usually gets you with that roll and stab move."

After our flight yesterday, Alden had expressed a renewed interest in swordplay. After swapping escape stories, he had insisted on practicing then and there. With the light fading and Tarka's eyes drooping, I had promised him we would practice today after they had rested. I had needed no rest. The old man, while I was passed out, had healed my wounds and renewed my body. Even my handful of battle scars had disappeared. So had the old man. I hadn't seen him since I had woken yesterday and he hadn't returned.

Alden came back. He was using a short sword we had found in the hut, I was using the sword from the soldier I disarmed yesterday. We took our stances and he attacked first. He went straight for a low stab, feinted, twirled and surprised with a slash from the right. I saw it coming in the shifting of his feet and counter, sidestepping his slash and stabbing at his exposed chest. He blocked we continue to exchange blows. I notice Tarka preparing a nut... and a flicker of movement in the woods to my left.  I was distracted and wasn't prepared for the side block Alden delivered, stunning me and flicking my sword arm high above my head with no chance of return. He pointed his sword at my chest. "Dead" he grinned.
     "Go Alden!" Tarka shouted from the trees.

I gave Alden a quick approving smile before looking back into the forest as the old man appeared from the tree line. "I'm glad to see you are still here," the old man said, " as I knew you would be. My name is Rhythmus and I am here to teach you how to save the world."  

Twenty-Three - Tarka

For being creatures that live in trees, Viridians are very clean people. None of them like to get their hands too dirty, so to speak. I, however, was not like most of my people.

I had forgotten how to have fun by myself, let alone with another person. Especially with someone I'd only just met recently and really didn't know anything about. What was it about this Palkin? He was not terribly handsome. He was humorous to a point. Why does he remind me so much of Damian?

Maybe he would be a good replacement . . .

After somewhat snapping back to reality, I realized just how covered I was in mud. There was a small patch of hair on both of our heads that wasn't muddy. I giggled from deep within my belly like a little girl at the sight of him. I must've looked pretty funny to him, too. Laughter really is the best medicine for a depressed spirit like mine. Not being able to climb trees because of my shoulder really stunk. I guess I would have to adjust. No matter.

Alden wiped his face off as best as he could, but didn't get much off, forgetting that his hands and arms were also covered with the earthy brown stuff. "I would ask if we could find the river again, but what if Mother Beasty comes back?"

"Yeah, I wouldn't suggest trying to trek back up there. Let's see if we can find a lake or maybe the river will wind down towards us. Besides, even if we can't wash up, we could use it as a good camouflage."

"Good idea, Tarka."

The way he said my name made my stomach almost hurt. Something flew around inside of me like the pesky mosquitos we get around the hut in the summer months. The last time I felt like this was with Damian.

"NO, Tarka! You're not giving away your heart to this guy that you barely know." "But you could get to know him." "And something happen with him too?! No way. You're crazy." "Do you want to spend the rest of your life alone? Then get over it."

I love having bipolar thoughts.

As the two of us walked on down the way with the mud beginning to dry and crust on our skin, I noticed there was more wildlife near the river that I had never noticed around the village. It was more refreshing out here away from the trees than I had learned from my parents.

We found a light at the end of the day in the distance. Maybe Tristram is trapped there, we both thought. We reached the camp and crawled around in the tall grass, trying to find him. With him nowhere in sight, we crawled to what seemed like the back of the camp and hid behind some thicker trees.

Alden, still trying to keep as silent as possible asked, "You don't think they would've killed him already would you?"

I shook my head. "They would want to question him and possibly torture him before they did that."

"Where do you think he is then?"

"That's a good que-"

My heart seemed to leap into my mouth as I was looking around us, for in the tree branch above us sat a very large man staring at us. Alden was quick to put his hand over my mouth to keep me from making noise. The large man came down from the branch as quietly as possible. He crouched down by us and grinned.

The fear in my heart turned to joy. "How did you escape?!" I half-whispered.

Tristram grinned even bigger. "I'll explain in a minute. Boy, am I glad to see you guys!"

Alden raised his eyebrows. "You seem a little TOO excited to see us. What all happened to you?"

"I feel like I should be asking you two that question. What on earth are you covered in?"

"Earth," Alden and I stated at the same time. Tristram chuckled. "We had a run-in with a furry beast and her baby, and it didn't go over so well."

"Well, I'm sorry I missed out on the fun. I guess I should tell you all about my grand escape now."

Twenty-Two - Alden

We followed the river for as long as we could, clinging to its sense of safety, but in reality we both knew it would not bring us any closer to Tristram. When we could not put off that feeling any longer we broke off, and Tarka tried to use her tracking skills to try to find some sign of life.

It had taken me by surprise by how quickly she seemed to heal, it clotted much faster than any wound I had ever received; I still had to be careful with the scratches a few thorns gave me.

Tarka stopped at a nearby tree, bent her legs, and launched herself to a branch, but as she grabbed hold a gasp escaped from her mouth and one of her arms dropped. The wound keeps her from being able to climb, I realized. Tarka wasn't use to surprises, so her grip loosened, and I braced myself beneath her, catching her as she fell, which knocked the both of us to the ground.

"Agh!" I cried, the wind being knocked out of me again. Tarka landed on top of me, no further harm to her aside from the look of shame she held in her eyes. "Are you okay?" I asked.

Tarka looked at me indignantly. "Whatever." She said, rushing to get up. With a quick brush off, she took down the trail, her hand pressed against her already closed wound, as if hoping to stop her emotions from escaping.

I jumped up and quickly followed behind her. "Tarka..." I tried, but to no avail, which I suppose was fine, since I didn't know what I was supposed to say anyway. Glancing around I realized the trees were starting to thin, bushes now taking their places. Looking up I saw clouds, a nice sight since I felt I had not seen them in a while.

Tarka started to slow in front of me, her emotions starting to drain instead of fuel her. I thought to reach out and touch her, but before I had the chance a rumble emanated from the nearby bushes. A brown furry creature appeared, standing on four legs, and with a long face on a head that reached up to my shoulders.

It made a loud bleating sound and I jumped back, as if I could hide behind Tarka.

A small smile spread on Tarka's lips. "It's just a baby." She said, although I wasn't sure whether she was talking to me or the creature. She reached out and rubbed it's the brown fuzzy head, and the creature let out another rumbling bleat.

"Yeah, right, of course. Just a baby." I stated, reaching out to pet the thing along with Tarka, when I saw two eyes peering at me through the shrubbery. The two eyes then grew much, much taller than the baby, probably triple the size, and slobber rained down as the new beast roared at the two of us.

The baby let out another bleat, and Tarka's movements froze.

"Not a baby." I stated.

"No, that would be the mother." She said as more slobber rained down.

"So we run?"

"I would advise it."

The two of us took off down the path towards the more hilly terrain. We ran as fast as we could, but the mother seemed quite angry at our touching of her baby, and her strides were much larger than ours.

"This doesn't look so good!" I exclaimed.

"Don't worry!" Tarka turned off the path, and I followed as quickly as I could, hoping to not be thrown into another river. She slid down one of the steeper hills, and I clumsily followed behind her. Once down the hill, Tarka grabbed hold of my arm and pulled me back into a kind of muddy hole that could fit the two of us if we stayed close together. The ground rumbled as the mother beast galloped over the fields, and flew right over the hill we hid in.

I looked over at Tarka, who had a kind of goofy smile on her muddy face. "You're pretty smart." I said, feeling kind of amazed. "And that means a lot coming from a Palkin like myself." I explained, hoping she would never know I was likely the dumbest one from my people according to their standards. I smiled at Tarka, forgetting for a moment all the hard and terrible things going on in the outside world.