Sample Chapter

The Chosen of Azar
by Carol Kluz

PROLOGUE

Those on the parapets were alert and silent. The only sounds were those of the night birds and the chirping of the crickets. Moments later the quiet was shattered by a resounding din of guttural roars as thousands of demons resembling huge, grotesque spiders with incredibly long legs and arms tore through the forest and onto the lea surrounding Haven’s Hold.

Mo Demz was transformed into an eagle. He circled above in communication with the seven Commanders who were stationed around the circular parapets. In close proximity to them were the seven Sect Sisters wielding their magic against the demons.

It was nearly five hours later that the Commanders led the units of Barrand Guards out onto the lea to finish off the demons.

With victory evident, Sect Mistress Asenda directed the transfer and care of the hundreds of wounded to the Omniplex. As she and her sisters brought forth their healing, those killed by the demons were laid out on the courtyard to be identified and cremated by Mo Demz.

About two hours later the Commanders began arriving in the conclave. Drai, the supreme Commander, was last to arrive. He scanned the room and saw only five of the seven sect sisters and only four of the six Commanders. He asked, “Where are the others?”

Mo Demz’ look was anguished and Drai knew. Asenda had her face buried in her hands. Drai stepped over to Mo Demz and pulled him to his feet. He draped his arms around him while his father mourned the loss of two sons and two daughters.

That afternoon Azar summoned Mo Demz. He was the god who created the lands, the animals and the races that inhabited it.  Azar consoled Mo Demz by his loving touch and assured him that his sons and daughters were well and happy in His domain. He gave Mo Demz the Book of Empyrean and instructed him to distribute it throughout the lands. In it, Azar talked about his creation and how he inspected it in the form of a white falcon. It told how his brother Condragon attempted to destroy it with his evil magic, and about His placement of the wizard Mo Demz upon the lands to destroy the evil spread by his brother. It even explained how Mo Demz, under Azar’s guidance, established the Barranda Sect, the Barrand Guards and Haven’s Hold.

It prophesied a battle in the fifth age between His five Chosen and five disciples of his evil brother. It said that Condragon would place three warlocks and two witches on the lands. The two gods agreed that if the Chosen of Azar defeated the warlocks and witches, one of the Chosen would battle Condragon to determine the future of the lands. 

CHAPTER 1

The tracker’s stealthy stalking of his prey was abruptly shattered by the piercing cries and terrified whinnies of his pack-horses. He tore through the forest with the bow and arrow in his left hand. As he ran, he drew his long knife with his right ready to take on whatever was threatening his horses and his livelihood. His panic increased as the sounds of the horses ceased. He raced into the small clearing where they had been tethered by long ropes so they could eat the grasses. Only one of the horses was there. It lay lifeless with a gaping wound in its throat. By the bent grass, it was apparent that the other had been dragged off. The tracker barely had time to register these facts when he heard the sounds of the killer returning for the other horse. It took only a millisecond for the tracker’s survival instinct to kick in. He moved with swift silence into the foliage of a chokecherry bush at the fringe of the clearing. Barely was he settled in with a small view of the clearing when it stepped into view. The tracker bit his tongue in an effort to remain absolutely quiet and unmoving. Never had he felt such terror. The beast wore clothing and boots; it carried a spear. Its head and arms were covered with black fur, eyes resembled those of a wolf and it had a pig-like snout instead of a nose.

The Churl stopped and sniffed the air; the tracker’s fear increased; the grip on his knife turned his knuckles white. The beast roared and lumbered in the direction of the chokecherry bush.

The tracker leapt from the bush, threw the knife and ran. He didn’t stop running for several miles until he collapsed on the ground completely spent; his every gasping breath a labor. He listened, but there were no sounds of pursuit. He knew that his knife penetrated the beast by the shriek of pain it emitted as he turned to run. When he rested enough to breath normally, he stood and looked up at the sky. He thanked Azar for mantling him. The tracker had heard stories of such creatures existing, but this was the first one he had ever encountered. He prayed it would be the last.

Asenda rose from her desk and stared out the window over the eastern grounds of Haven’s Hold and beyond to the magnificent Barranda Mountains. She didn’t take in the beauty because her thoughts were on the tasks ahead. Already there were signs of evil on the lands, a sure sign that Condragon was stirring. She was apprehensive about what was to come; knowing the fifth age prophecy was in motion. It began seventeen years earlier when Azar placed His talisman upon the chest of a newborn. She knew that Azar had summoned Mo Demz and told him the time was at hand to gather His Chosen to begin their training. She also knew it would be the most important undertaking in the Haven’s history. There was a soft knock on the door.  “Come.”

A young girl entered dressed in the gray shift that signified her as a second-year trainee of the Sect. She bowed. “Mo Demz has arrived, Sect Mistress, and he awaits you in the conclave.”

Asenda smiled. “Thank you, Tina. Will you please summon Rheanna and Commanders Drai and Raza to join us in the conclave?” 

“Yes, Sect Mistress.”

A short time later, the four joined Mo Demz in the conclave. They sat at the sides of a long oak table with Mo Demz at the head. Mo Demz said, “It’s time to gather the Chosen.” He looked at Drai and Raza, a glint of humor in his eyes and a smile on his face. “Congratulations, you have just become fathers. Drai, you’re the lucky one. You have three!”

Drai’s expression was unreadable. “How will we know them?”

Mo Demz turned to Rheanna and nodded. The tall flaxen-haired Magisect spoke in a soft contralto voice. “Azar revealed them to me in a vision. I will project their images on the wall for you to study.” She stood, turned and faced the high wall. She pointed to her left. She did it five times, each time moving her arm until the final image was to her right. She finished and took her seat.

“The first three are yours, Drai, and the other two yours, Raza.” Mo Demz leaned back in his chair and quietly watched the Commanders. He asked, “Who do you think is destined to fight Condragon?”

Raza glanced at Drai and said, “I think it’s the one in the middle.” Drai nodded in agreement.

“Most intuitive,” Mo Demz said sincerely. “His name is Beni. He just turned seventeen. The girl and boy to his left are twins. They’re the youngest of the five at fifteen. Their names are Dell and Vina. Raza, your two are first cousins, but have been raised together. The cousins are sixteen, and their names are Jenda and Dane. This won’t be an easy task,” he warned. “Just because they’re the Chosen of Azar do not assume that they’re faultless; I assure you they’re not.” He chuckled and added in a serious tone, “I have no qualms that you two have been given the task of nurturing and training these children. Had the choice been mine, it would have been the same. There’s no one better suited to prepare them for their destinies which will determine all of our futures.” On a more serious note he said, “We must control them or they could pose a danger to themselves and everyone else. The key to their safety, and ultimately ours, is discipline.”          

They began their trek two days later. Raza headed northwest to Toranda to pick up Jenda and Dane. Drai and Mo Demz went southeast into Multa to pick up the twins. Five weeks later, they stopped at a house hidden within a clearing. It was in the country of Davrin where the oldest of the five Chosen lived. Drai left the twins in the care of Mo Demz and proceeded alone to get Beni.

Beni finished his meal and stowed the remainder of his bread and cheese into his pack. He stood and studied the sky. Ominous gray clouds bumped and roiled like cavorting dark mud giants to the north. Beni sighed audibly, slung his pack over his shoulder and turned north to Avenshore. He knew his brothers Joric and Allion would be worried about him because of his delay at Dain Crossing. His brothers entrusted him to set up a market for fresh and smoked fish at the Crossing. It took a great deal of persuasion before the skeptical innkeeper agreed.

Beni quickened his pace and pulled his cloak tighter about him as the wind whistled through the trees along the trail that wound its way through the forest of Kern and down to the Redwing Sea and the port city of Avenshore.

The first hour was strenuous for Beni. He bucked the wind and driving rain, but then the wind shifted to the southeast, pulling the brunt of the storm with it. All that remained was a slight mist and the promise of warmth to come as sunrays sliced through the thinning clouds. Beni knew his trek was nearing an end when he breathed in the salt-tinged air that spread from the Redwing Sea. He thought he should be home in one more hour.   

A rider appeared out of the trees to Beni’s left blocking the trail. Beni instinctively reached for his long knife. The rider, cloaked in a camouflage cape of forest colors, had a warhorse that resembled one Beni had heard about in ancient legends. It was a huge animal with mottled colors that camouflaged it as well as the cloak did the rider; its eyes were yellow with black circles like coal in the center. The legends said these great warhorses could see in the dark. Beni had the long knife halfway out of its sheath when the stranger spoke in a commanding voice: “Don’t draw your knife, Beni. I wish only to speak with you and accompany you to Avenshore.”

In a voice barely above a whisper, Beni asked, “Who are you? How do you know my name?”

“I’m Drai, a Barrand Guard Commander. I’ve traveled a great distance to find you.”

“Why?” Beni whispered.

He flinched as the big warrior dismounted in a fluid motion. Drai spoke quietly into the left ear of his horse. The animal bobbed its head and galloped off into the forest.

“Come, Boy. Let’s walk to Avenshore, and I’ll tell you why I’m here.” Beni bristled at being called boy, but he let it pass as his curiosity compelled him to step forward and walk beside the tallest man he had ever seen. The size of the sword Drai had sheathed across his back amazed Beni. He caught a glimpse of the warrior’s mail through the movement of his cloak. After they walked a few minutes Drai asked, “Do you know about the Book of Empyrean?”

“My brothers spoke of it a few times.”

“It is written that Condragon will place upon the land five powerful disciples to destroy the races and claim the world for his evil spawn. Are you familiar with this prophecy?”

“Yeah, I think it’s a little far-fetched.”

Drai abruptly stopped and turned toward Beni, his blue-flecked eyes steely. “Empyrean is truth. The fifth age is upon us. You must set aside your impatience and listen. You’re an integral part of the prophecy.”  Beni was shocked by what he heard. He merely nodded.

Drai resumed walking, his demeaner calm again. He continued. “As I said, the Fifth Age is upon us. Already there are signs of evil that precede the three warlocks and two witches who will soon reside on the land. These are Condragon’s disciples.

 Their goals are to spread their evil and gain power. Azar appeared to Rheanna of the Barranda Sect. He named five on the lands to battle Condragon's disciples.” He stopped again and looked down at Beni. “You’re one of the five.”

Beni stared at him with disbelief. “How can this be? I’m nobody! I'm not even a warrior. Are you sure you haven't made a mistake?”

“I'm sure,” Drai said quietly. In a comforting gesture, he placed his hands on Beni’s shoulders. “You’ll be aided in your quest. You can’t refuse. Azar chose you. No greater honor could be bestowed on anyone than to be handpicked by our Creator to battle His enemies.”

Beni murmured, “He should have picked someone like you.”

Drai looked amused. “We must all do our part.”

A short time later they emerged from the forest of Kern, the view breathtaking.

Immediately before them lay the lush valley of Avenshore; beyond that the coast city glistened with its whitewashed stone and dark-wood buildings. The vast Redwing Sea dotted with ships, skiffs, and fishing boats expanded beyond the horizon. Seabirds of all kinds, including the red-winged albatross for which the sea was named, glided over the water and dove for fish.

With Beni leading the way, they skirted the city to the northeast gate nearest the fishing boat docks. As they threaded their way through the cobbled streets toward the docks, some people stared at Drai while others averted their eyes and quickly moved on. Drai had an aura that seemed almost supernatural. His fluid movements gave the appearance of gliding rather than walking, but most of all he looked dangerous. He boasted hard, chiseled features and eyes that resembled dark pools flecked with blue.

“There’s our boat,”—Beni pointed—“the one with the star and crown. Our building is the one with the blue roof up to the left.”

Beni led Drai around to the side of the long building where they entered into a kitchen furnished with a large stone table and wooden chairs. Beni offered Drai a seat and left to fetch his brothers Joric and Allion. He returned shortly with two burly men. After introductions, they all settled at the table. Drai told them what he had told Beni on the trail. He strongly implied there was no room for compromise as far as Beni's obligation. When he finished speaking, he leaned back in his chair to observe the reaction of Beni’s brothers.

It didn’t go unnoticed by Drai when the two brothers exchanged quick glances, and Joric gave a barely perceptible nod to his brother. Allion focused on Beni when he said, “The Golden Crest was a cargo vessel. Its destination was Avenshore. The ship sank shortly after entering the strait of Vargon.” He looked off for a moment before he forced the words out. “Joric and I sailed out to the Strait of Vargon the day after we heard of the Golden Crest's demise. We hoped we would get lucky and find some of the cargo floating about. We were told no one had survived the wreck. We used grappling hooks to pull in some bundles of wool and wood. After several hours we turned the boat back into the Redwing to head home. It was then, off the starboard bow, that we saw an object floating. We approached it and used the grappler to retrieve it from the water. Its appearance was similar to that of a woven picnic basket—only larger.” Allion asked Joric to continue.

Joric reached up and ran his fingers through his thinning gray hair before he spoke. “Inside that basket was a child . . . a baby. He didn't cry because he was too weak. Allion mixed together some honey and milk for him; the baby began to coo and respond. There was a letter tied in a pouch next to the baby. There were several gold coins in a bag under the blanket that swaddled him.” He searched Beni’s face and pushed out the words. “That baby was you.”

Beni paled. He tried to speak, but couldn’t. His mind raced with the implications of what he heard. He remembered asking Joric and Allion over and over to tell him all they could remember of his mother and father. He relished stories of how his parents met, and their early struggles and simple everyday events in their lives. Yet now, he realized these second-hand memories that he cherished had nothing to do with him. He looked at Drai and spoke with a mix of bitterness and anger. “You see? I told you I’m nobody.”

“You’ll always be our brother—our Beni,” Allion said in an emotional voice.

Beni glared at him. “Did you enjoy making a fool out of me? Did either of you ever intend to tell me?” With a sneer, he added, “And you, Joric, always claiming that the mark of a man is honesty…especially with himself. According to your philosophy, I could never be a man because everything I believed about myself would be a pack of lies, and the irony of it all is . . . because you lied to me, you’re not a man either.”

Joric reacted with such swiftness that Beni barely blinked before he was lifted from his chair and jerked to his feet. Joric lowered his face to a level with Beni’s. “Think,” He rasped, “Allion and I altered our lives for you. We loved you more as a son than a brother. You haven’t heard the whole of it; so don’t be so quick to judge. If you ever speak to me in such a manner again, I’ll make you scrub the boat from stem to stern. Now pick up that chair and sit down.”

 Allion left to fetch a wooden box stowed away in the office anteroom. Beni kept his head down. His cheeks were flushed, an embarrassing reminder of Joric's anger. Allion returned with the box. Joric reached in and took out a small bag closed with a leather drawstring along with a letter. He placed them in front of Beni and said, “These belong to you. This is the letter we found in the basket. Perhaps it will help you to understand our reasons for keeping our secret. It was written by your father . . . your real father.”

His heart beating rapidly, Beni carefully unfolded the letter, began to read.

 If you’re reading this letter, it means that my most trusted and close friend Captain Bostic handpicked you to care for my son. As he told you, it is imperative that my son’s true identity is not revealed—not even to him. The danger is too great. A few days after his birth, a triangular talisman with one rounded edge was found upon my son’s chest as he slept. It bore the clustered stars that represent Azar. My son’s mother died within hours of his birth. When I found the talisman, she appeared to me. She told me I must hide the talisman, telling no one where, and then send my son away or he would be killed by Condragon’s cohorts. With an anguished heart, I entrust my son to you. Until our paths cross, may Azar guide and protect you.

Beni read through the letter twice before he leapt from his chair and wrapped his arms around Joric. Joric gave him a strong hug. When Beni sat back in his chair, his brother said to Drai, “I think Beni is too young to set out on a man's quest.

Drai shifted slightly as he responded. “He won’t be endangered at this time. I’ll take him to Haven's Hold where his schooling by the Barrand Guards in weaponry and the use of his magic by the Sect will begin. As I said before, he won’t be alone. There are four others with their own special magic who will also be taught by the Sect. When the time comes to set forth it won’t be to confront the enemies of Azar, but to retrieve the talismans of Azar. It isn’t the individual talismans that will defeat Condragon. When all five fuse into a circle, the joined talismans will attain the power to defeat him. Before any of this comes to pass, Beni will be a man . . . perhaps the most powerful in all the land, for he alone will possess the starred circle of Azar before the final battle.”

Beni blurted, “I have no magic!”

Drai gave him a penetrating look. “Yes, you do. You were born with it. There has been no need for it to manifest itself, but soon it will. This is why you must go to Haven's Hold. You must be taught to control it. Uncontrolled magic could destroy you.”

Three days later Drai and Beni left Avenshore with Beni leading a dappled gray stallion. They were about midway through the Valley of Avenshore when Drai stopped and emitted a shrill whistle. Beni shot him a quizzical look, but Drai offered no explanation. Beni turned his head to look in the direction of Drai's gaze. He saw something moving out of the edge of the forest of Kern. Astounded to see that it was Drai's warhorse, he asked, “How did he hear your whistle from such a distance?”

With a hint of a smile, Drai said, “Raider is no ordinary horse. Perhaps one of his kind will adopt you someday.” Beni puzzled over his statement when the horse galloped up, bobbed his head and nuzzled Drai's face. The gray became skittish and jerked on his reins. Drai spoke into Raider's ear. The huge horse nickered with sounds that calmed the gray.

When they reached the fork on the trail of Kern they turned west. On the third day of traveling through the forest of Kern, Drai and Beni emerged from the western edge onto a sloping plain. The plain dipped into a valley dotted with farms and furrowed fields of wheat and corn. It puzzled Beni when Drai took the south fork that led to the valley. He called out to Drai, “That isn’t the direction to Barranda. Shouldn't we continue going west?”

Drai slowed Raider allowing the boy and his horse to come abreast before speaking. “Others are in the valley that will accompany us to Barranda.”     

“Why are they going with us?”

“You’ll find out in due course.” Drai nudged Raider with his knees and the horse took off at a canter leaving Beni and his gray behind.

Drai’s response irritated Beni. You have the personality of a rock, he thought angrily as he urged the gray forward to shorten the distance between Drai and himself.

By late afternoon low-slung clouds hovered over the valley casting a yellow-gray haze. Beni was hungry not having eaten since shortly after dawn. It appeared they’d passed out of the farm country; the terrain was changed. The ground was harder and strewn with rocks, saw grass and occasional stands of trees. Beni felt relieved when Drai led the way toward a cluster of trees. He thought they would rest and eat. After they approached the trees Drai continued to ride through them. They weren’t far into the wood when they came to a small clearing in the middle of which stood a stone and mortar dwelling. On one side was a garden with a cluster of fruit trees situated several yards behind. It had an open porch made of wood where two cats rested. An attached stable was on the other side.

Drai dismounted and in three long strides reached the door. Mo Demz opened it. “That was fast.” He looked out at Beni and said, “You're just in time for supper. I have a big pot of stew and some fresh bread. Are you hungry?”

“Yes!” Beni didn’t mean to speak so loud. He flushed with embarrassment.

Mo Demz smiled, patted Beni on the back, and said. “Sit and eat.”

They ate quietly. When they finish, Mo Demz asked Beni, “Sure you had enough? Help yourself to more.” Beni thanked him but declined. He thought his stomach would burst if he ate another bite. He wondered why Drai hadn’t introduced them, and as if Mo Demz read his mind, he reached his hand out to Beni and said, “Young man my name is Mo Demz; you must be Beni.”

It surprised Beni that the old man's grip was so strong. He was taller than Beni.

He had shoulder-length white hair, a mustache and a beard. Thick dark brows framed his face and contrasted sharply with his white hair. His blue eyes seemed to reflect the sky.

For the first time since entering the house, Drai spoke in his deep-timbered voice. “Where are the others, Father?”

“Didn’t I teach you patience, Drai?”

“Where are they?” Drai asked again, a slight edge to his voice.

“Calm down. They went into the village to have the horses shod for the journey.”

His irritation evident, Drai said, “I told them not to leave here. Didn’t they tell you?”

Mo Demz shook his head indicating they hadn’t. Drai added, “Having the horses shod could be a signal they’re going to travel. You know the dangers as well. Just one slip of the tongue could put them in peril. Why did you allow them to leave?”

Mo Demz met Drai's gaze head on. “The horses needed to be shod for general purposes. There’s nothing suspicious about it. People around here have it done all the time.” He took a swig from his tankard and then added, “As for a chance slip of the tongue, I took the precaution of cutting out their tongues before they left.” Drai shook his head; Beni stared wide-eyed with shock at Mo Demz. Suddenly, Mo Demz burst into uncontrolled laughter. Tears glistened and rolled down his cheeks. He started to speak several times, but began laughing anew. Finally, emotionally drained, he said, “Drai, you’ve nothing to fear. I told them to say it was for their grandfather.” He picked up the dishes and carried them to the water basin—still chuckling.

Beni tried to absorb all he heard when Drai's voice startled him. “He’s a Wizard. We’ve known each other a long time. For some reason, he enjoys laughing at my expense.”

“Sometimes you’re the perfect target for it, Drai. Beni may wonder if you even know how to laugh.”

Drai ignored him and spoke to Beni instead. “Come, we need to unsaddle the horses.”

Later they sat on the wood porch, Drai and Mo Demz drinking wine and smoking pipes. Beni sat on the edge; he had a black and white cat purring contentedly on his lap. He idly petted it, his thoughts on Mo Demz and Drai. He now realized Drai's gruff manner with the old man about the joke was only a facade. He thought they were father and son since Drai called him Father.

The sun hovered over the western horizon, a deep red ball painting the sky and clouds with hues of dark blues, pink and purple. As Beni silently thanked Azar for its beauty, a boy and girl astride their horses burst from the trees at such a speed they were hard pressed to prevent their mounts from clambering onto the porch. Their horses were winded and lathered. Beni was surprised. He definitely hadn't expected a girl.

“You cheated, Vina,” the boy said breathlessly. “I win!”

“Don't whine, Dell. You lost . . . so live with it.” They continued to argue, totally unaware of the others on the porch.

Suddenly! Drai stood. “Silence!” he thundered. The two turned at once to face him. “How dare you treat your horses in such a manner,” Drai scolded. “Get them unsaddled; dry them down; brush them; feed them—walk to the stream and bring them fresh water and when you’re finished, come to me.” They were frozen until he rasped, “Move!” They quickly rode the horses around to the stable. Drai shook his head and went into the house.

Beni understood why Drai was angry since he was taught at a young age to respect animals. Yet, he couldn’t help sympathizing with the twins. He turned his gaze to Mo Demz. The old man spoke softly. “Drai is very impressed with you because you traveled nearly a whole day without rest or food and didn’t complain. He wanted to test you. If you had asked, he would have stopped. Trust him, Beni. There is none better to prepare you for what lies ahead. Whatever he does, remember it will be for your betterment. Some lessons come hard…just as it will for those young rascals, but they will learn because they have a master teacher.”

“Who are they? Don't they have a family?”       

“They’re Chosen like you, twins. Their parents went down on a ship called the Golden Crest, the same accident from which you were rescued.”

“How did you know about that?” 

“It was my job to watch over all of the Chosen. The twins lived with a maiden aunt who raised them—and spoiled them. Drai will have a double handful with them.” He chuckled and went inside.

Beni stayed on the porch, unsure about going in. After a while Drai came back out and gently gripped his shoulder. “You’ve had a long day. Come, I’ll show you where to sleep.”

Drai was alone on the porch when the twins came to him. Beni and Mo Demz slept soundly. He studied the young miscreants a moment before saying, “I told you not to leave the clearing in my absence. Why did you deliberately disobey me?”

Vina replied, “Mo Demz told us we could go to the village to get the horses shod.”

“He didn’t know my instructions to you . . . and you didn’t tell him. It’s the same as a lie. You disobeyed me; you lied to Mo Demz; you mistreated your horses. Follow me.” He stepped off the porch and strode off toward the woods.

Beni opened his eyes. He wondered what had awakened him. He heard muffled sounds coming from the other cot in his room. He knew it must be Dell. “Are you all right?” he whispered.

“As well as can be,” Dell whispered back.

“What happened?” 

“He made us gather dry wood and stack it next to the porch. It wasn't just because of the horses. It was because we went into the village when he told us not to leave the clearing…and for lying to Mo Demz about it.”

“Are you tired?”

“Yes,” Dell whispered, “and hungry,” he added. “He only gave us bread and a chunk of cheese for supper.

“Try to sleep. Breakfast isn’t that far away.” 

It seemed to Beni he had barely fallen asleep when Mo Demz shook him awake and instructed him to get dressed. Beni looked over at the other cot surprised to see it empty. A hint of light trickled through the window. He washed, dressed, and went into the main room where Mo Demz motioned him to sit at the table. The old man placed a bowl of hot wheat meal, a pitcher of honey, and a spoon before him. It appeared no one else was in the house. Beni gave Mo Demz a questioning look. “They ate about an hour ago. They’ve been busy picking grass and hauling water to the horses . . . all of the horses.”

Beni scowled. “It’s a lot simpler to lead the horses to the grass and water.”

Mo Demz eyes seem to delve into his soul. “Of course, but what sort of lesson would they learn from that?”

“They’ve already been punished.”

“True, but it’s no guarantee a lesson was learned. For some, punishment is merely something to avoid. For others, it’s an instrument of learning—of knowing not to do it again because it’s wrong and not out of fear of being punished. Drai is older, wiser and more experienced in life than you, Beni. Don't question his motives. He cares deeply for those children. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be bothered. Finish eating.”

When they set out Drai led. He was followed by Vina and Dell both on foot and leading their horses. After them came Beni on his gray with Mo Demz in the rear riding a buckskin mare. They retraced the way Drai and Beni came the day before through the valley, past the farms and up to the western edge of the forest of Kern where they turned west.

Beni's sympathy ran deep for the twins. He felt guilty riding while they were made to walk. He stopped, dismounted and walked himself. Mo Demz rode up next to him and said, “Beni, they weren’t ordered to walk as you’re thinking; they wanted to make amends for mistreating their horses, and they asked to walk.”  Beni flushed and nodded. He wondered how Mo Demz could read his thoughts.

A short time later, Drai veered off the trail to the right and down an embankment where a small stream wove through the trees. There he stopped and announced they would set up camp. Vina limped over to a tree and tethered her horse. Then she removed the saddle and pack. She sprawled on the ground on her side exhausted from her long walk. Drai strode up and said, “Don’t forget to water your horse.”

Beni overheard. “I can do it.”

“No, it’s her horse. She must care for it herself.” He looked back to Vina. “It will soothe your feet if you walk out into the water with the horse.”

When he strode off, she whispered, “I’m too tired to get my boots off; if I sit, I may fall asleep.”

Beni said, “Stand against the tree. I’ll pull them off for you.” She did as he suggested. “By the way, I'm Beni.” He pulled off one of her boots. She winced when he pulled off her other boot causing Beni to examine her foot. The back of her heel sported a large broken blister; it was raw and red. “Just a moment, Vina, I’ll take off my boots and help you into the water.”

“But, you can’t. Drai said I must do it myself. Don’t disobey him, Beni,” she warned.

Beni thought about it. “I think I have a solution. You can lead your horse into the water as he ordered. At the same time you can lean on me.” Moments later they moved down the bank to the stream. Her left arm was on top of Beni's right. Vina's foot was so swollen and red; it was difficult to put weight on it. It puffed up rapidly after Beni removed her boot. Beni looked up to see Drai striding rapidly toward them.

Drai scooped Vina into his arms. He told Beni, “Take care of her horse.” He hurried to Mo Demz, dropped to his knees and sat back on his boots. Still cradling the frightened Vina in his arms, He told Mo Demz, “Her foot is infected.”

Mo Demz examined her foot before nodding in agreement. “It needs to be lanced and seared, now before it spreads.” Mo Demz yelled to the boys, “Tether those horses and gather firewood quickly.”

Vina trembled. Drai hugged her to his chest and pushed her hair away from her forehead. In a soothing tone, he said, “Don’t be afraid, Mo Demz will draw out the infection.” When the blade was heated, Mo Demz gave Drai a nod. Drai brought his hand around Vina's head and gently pushed her face into his chest. Dropping her lower body to his lap, he reached under her left leg below the knee and bent his arm back in a vice grip. Mo Demz moved swiftly. He grasped Vina's ankle firmly and made two crisscrossed cuts right on the heel. Then he squeezed before turning the hot knife sideways directly over the wound. Vina cried out, emitted a moan and passed out.

Drai withdrew his arm from under Vina's leg and reached up to caress her face. He looked at Beni and Dell. “Gather leaves and spread a blanket on it. Put it near the fire so she doesn't get chilled.” When they returned, Drai still held Vina, his cloak wrapped around her. Even after the boys arranged her bed, he continued to hold her. At last, she stirred and opened her eyes, a look of alarm in them. Drai smiled. “It’s over, Vina.” He put her on the bed the boys made. Mo Demz wrapped her foot in a poultice and gave her a drink of water. Very soon her color returned; the swelling and redness in her foot was diminished.

Drai saddled Raider shortly after placing Vina on her makeshift bed. Then he rode off into the forest. The rest of them ate a supper of cold smoked ham, cheese, bread and fruit. Dell wrapped up in his bedroll soon after and fell asleep. Beni talked quietly to Vina until her eyes closed. Beni was still sitting next to Vina, lost in thought, when Mo Demz broke into his reverie. “Go to sleep now, Beni.”

Still awake several hours later, Beni heard Drai return. Drai didn’t unroll his blanket as Beni had expected he would. Instead, he walked to the bank of the stream, sat, pulled his long legs up and wrapped his arms about his knees.

Out of the shadows Mo Demz approached Drai. He sat beside him and they talked in hushed tones. Beni watched the two unmoving figures for a while before sleep overtook him.

Mo Demz awakened Beni and the twins just before dawn. They ate quickly and packed their gear, except for Vina who was instructed by Mo Demz to stay off her foot. He asked Dell to saddle his sister's horse for her. Then he rolled her blanket and attached it to the back of her saddle.

Drai strode up to Dell and said, “There will be no walking today. We’ll be moving at a faster pace.” He reached down and picked up Vina's left boot. He drew his knife and slit it down the back before cutting out a hole in the place where it would have rubbed against her heel. He made another slit a quarter inch parallel from the first, making a thong. He picked up the other boot and approached Vina. He put the right one on, and then carefully slipped the other on her left foot before tying it above her ankle with the thong. He scooped her up and placed her on her horse. “If your heel aches . . . tell me.” He mounted Raider; they set out just as the first light of day expanded over the eastern sky.

The next day the twins were well rested. Vina could walk and they left Davrin, Beni's land and crossed over into Manchard.

Drai came to Beni after supper on the following night and said, “Come, Beni, we must talk.” Beni followed him around an outcrop of rock and up a grassy hill to a stand of fir. Drai stopped and sat leaning against one of the trees. He motioned Beni to do likewise. “Beni, it’s good you’re befriending Dell and Vina. They’re younger than you. If something . . . dangerous should occur, it’s imperative for all of you to obey me without hesitation. If such a circumstance should ever arise, I’ll be counting on you to watch over them because I may be engaged.”

 “What sort of danger?”

“Mo Demz heard that Churls have been loosed on the land.”

“What are Churls?”

“They’re big wolf-like creatures that dress like people and carry curved spears. They feed on animals and humans.” Drai sensed Beni’s fear. “Don’t be afraid. Mo Demz and I will keep you safe.”

With skepticism in his tone and look, Beni muttered, “Mo Demz is an old man.”

 Drai grinned. “Don’t underestimate him. I told you he’s a wizard. There is no one stronger than he in magic—not even the Sect. Come.”

When Beni joined the twins he told them about the Churls and about the magic of Mo Demz.

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