When Twins War: Book I

Chapter Fifteen

Rubbing his freshly shaved beard, Tarkanyon, with a smile, enjoyed the morning view from his balcony, breathing in the fresh and cool air breezing in from the Great Mountains to the north. It was breathtaking, the clear morning exposing a full view of the mountains in their wondrous beauty.

He spent a moment looking at the tower on the island while wondering about his dream. He had a strong unction to support Ay and leave to the Twins this morning, as his dream implied he should do, but he knew that a dream is not always trustworthy and that there could be another interpretation for what it meant anyway. He decided that it was best to stay a while longer and find out what he could about Ay, and to judge for himself what was prudent.

And that he did. For two days following they stayed, Tarkanyon gathering as much information as he could about the Earl. He was unable to find a correlated story. One claimed that he was giving too much of his produce to the Earl, who would pay nothing for it, while another said the Earl paid him too much – he was quite satisfied with the way things were governed. However, Tarkanyon was still disturbed at some of the things being said, and made it a goal to ensure that justice would be restored here. When Chrisolian challenged him on this, saying that perhaps they had lost sight of their original mission, Tarkanyon brushed him off saying, "We Outlanders must stand for righteousness if no one will." Chrisolian answered that there was a certain righteousness that was fitting, and one that was, in fact, only pride. Tarkanyon ignored him.

He also sent letters to Luillan explaining some of the strange things Ay had been telling him. He hoped he would receive Luillan's correspondence quickly when they arrived at Iza – for that is what their arrangements were.

After the two days Tarkanyon eventually began to calm down and heed Chrisolian's advice. He decided they would stay one more night. His thoughts were now beginning to pass to Altana, wondering what would happen if they left. Altana had already said to him that they would not leave until "it is assured that these once-were rebels serve our king."

He thought of leaving some of his company behind to keep a watch on both Ay and Altana. The dream he had was now beginning to prick his conscience and he longed for the peace he had experienced the morning after it.

On the third day, very early and just before first light, Tarkanyon awoke to hear splashing outside. He got up, looked out his window, and was astonished.

At the bank of the lake stood a dark cloaked figure, holding a thick double-edged sword before itself, the point in the ground. It stood very still with only its cloak moving in the breeze.

Tarkanyon grabbed his bo from the side of his bed. He jumped a little when there was a sudden knock at the door.

"Tarkanyon," whispered a raspy a voice. It was Ay. "Tarkanyon, you must wake."

Tarkanyon stood for a moment wondering what this was about.

"Tarkanyon?" Ay said again.

"I'm just getting my cloak," Tarkanyon replied and grabbed it, wrapping it around himself.

"You must come with me," was the response. "Quickly."

Cautiously, Tarkanyon moved to the door and slid open the lock. He saw Ay holding a lamp in his hand as he opened the door.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"No doubt you have seen the traveller?"

"If you speak of the figure below, at the bank, yes. Who is he?"

"I have seen her before."

"Her? So you have spoken with her?"

"Yes. But she was seeking for another."