Into the Gilded Walls

chapter thirteen

Gilian was woken up by Jrack, shaking his shoulder. The older man had said something, but it was drowned out, Gilian only being half awake.

“Hrm?” He murmured as he nodded and sat up. He was in a tent, covered with a blanket. He had no recognition of walking to a tent, so the only logical answer was he was carried there. His confusion was broken by Jrack.

“Pup, c'mon, we need to… Discuss something with you.” Jrack left the tent, and Gilian yawned as he slowly woke up all the way. He decided it was warm enough, he didn't need the cloak from the caves. He was relieved to see a bucket of clean water, and he washed his face along with his hands. It felt refreshing, and it lightened his spirits.

It was cool, fresh water that must've come from a nearby stream or river. Gilian took a deep breath and walked out into the camp after drying his face and hair with a towel he had found nearby.

He saw Valri talking with Sahrah and felt glad she was able to make friends. She was a slightly social person but she had quirks. Gilian knew of her determination and strong will, but she also had a selfish side, and in most situations, that wasn't the best.

His thinking was interrupted when he saw Jrack wave him over, the man was standing by the big tent across the middle of the small campgrounds. Gilian walked over and met Jrack’s serious gaze. “If this news is too much… I understand, a lot has happened to you in quite a short amount of time.” Gilian got a pat on the shoulders then he followed Jrack into the tent.

Mitchal was sitting at a table that was in the middle of the tent, his feet propped up on the table. A map of Galadanra set up on the table, an inkwell and quill to the side. But the Mountaineer wasn't looking at the map. His focus was a yellowed old paper in his hand. He looked up at the two as they walked in, flashed a grin and put his feet down, brushing the paper that was in his hands onto the table.

“Ah, ye got him, Jrack? Good, good.” The man took a breath and exhaled slowly. Gilian dreaded the worst, and mentally braced himself for it.

“Peace only will come within the gilded walls," were the words that the bald man spoke. Confusion struck Gilian for the second time that day, and Mitchal sighed again.

“It's part of an old prophecy. Around twenty years before the Enslaved Days. It prophesied the coming of the Ra’aven, and apparently their going. Hopefully. Prophecies are confusing and difficult to discern.” He pushed the paper across the table to Gilian, who read the words on the paper, repeating them out loud.

“What does it mean, ‘again the fox calls’?” He mused, and Jrack answered the question.

“In old Galadanra beliefs, the fox meant peace.”

“Aye! That's our banner fer the rebellion actually. Associated with the colors of peace and victory.” Mitchal motioned to a flag that was on the right wall of the tent. It was a light purple silhouette of an antlered fox.

“Why the antlers?”

“They symbolize victory, anyways enough about that.” Mitchal shrugged.

“I don't see how you find this stuff boring!” Jrack gave Mitchal a look. The bald man rolled his eyes.

“I bickered enough already this morning, shut yer trap, aye? And lemme explain to the laddie why he's here.”

Jrack gave Gilian an apologetic look. “Sorry pup, I'll let you get to it.”

The boy looked back at the leader of the rebellion, who stared at him intently.

“The gilded walls the prophecy speaks about? That's the castle ruins right about here.” Mitchal got the map and pointed to a place in a big clearing.

“And what do I have to do with it?” Gilian raised an eyebrow, curious. But inwardly, he was excited, if he was allowed to help get whatever this peace was from these ruins, he'd do so without hesitating. As long as it helped the country, he was obliged to do so.

"I was gettin’ there, slow down.”

“Sorry.” Gilian said softly.

“No, don't be sorry… just,” Mitchal sighed, “there was another part of this prophecy. It was left out because it spoke of one. One person who could get the peace from these walls…” the man's voice trailed off. Gilian’s interest was piqued even more. He listened to every word.

“Someone who has the heart of a leader, true, courageous. A valiant soul.” The leader of the rebellion looked like he was describing himself, and his chest puffed with pride. But then he sighed, and grimaced, “but that isn't me.”

“Then who? I mean, that description sounded like… you.”

“Aye, thanks for the compliment, but nah. It isn't me.”

“Then who? And why am I here? Why not get the person that is the one?” Gilian tilted his head, then looked at Jrack for an answer. Jrack and Mitchal shared a glance, then Jrack took a deep breath.

“Guess. Guess why you're here.” were the words spoken by the shapeshifter.

A minute or two of silence lasted for a few moments as Gilian was deep in thought. Why did they bring him here? Why not the one? Did he know them? Maybe he was supposed to tell them instead of Mitchal, to make it less stressful? But that wouldn't make sense.

He looked helplessly at Jrack, who sighed. And Gilian felt conflicted. Why was he upset? Did Gilian do something wrong?

“Think, laddie.” Mitchal spoke up.

“The only other person I know here is Valri and well, she wouldn't make the best leader. No offense to her, she's just…”

“Oh fer the love of the Wolves, are you dumb?” The leader of the rebellion stood up suddenly, patience gone. Gilian's brow furrowed, and he was a bit frightened at the suddenness. Suddenly he was reminded of the harshness of the Ra'aven and was scared that Mitchal was going to slap him.

The boy stepped backwards, fear written over his face. A hand was on his shoulder, and he was relieved to see Jrack. But he was still cautious, and he looked back at Mitchal. The man's face had softened and he muttered a curse.

“Pup.” Jrack said softly, and his voice helped ground Gilian. He was more focused now, and wasn't too scared of getting hurt. Especially after seeing the look of remorse on Mitchal’s face. He took a deep breath and looked at his friend.

“You're the one. The one the prophecy spoke of.”

Those words hit Gilian like a cold gale. Him? He was one who was prophesied to bring peace to Galadanra?