The Elven Powers

Chapter Twenty five: Faowin (Galandria)

There were few things I remembered of the white witch Faowin. She was mysterious, kind, strange etc. Yet still a mystery to me. Polaris, I discovered, accompanied her all the time. It couldn't be a coincidence that the bear I saw roughly 15 Elven years ago, was still guarding Faowin if their destinies weren't intertwined. Faowin had stated they were friends, however I believed it went deeper than that. I resolved to ask her about it some other time. There was no telling why Faowin was here, but the last time we saw her being the only occasion we have since, her affairs were probably private. 

As we stood there looking at the pair from our childhood, a smile spread across Faowin's face. All the same, I couldn't bring myself to be quite so trusting or carefree with her, as I had the first time we met her. All the same, I couldn't bring myself to hold her in my hate. I had come to terms with the whole Guardian business from practically the beginning, vowing to protect my friends and country. Besides that, there would be no reason to blame her. She had only operated in a businesslike manner, doing me no personal wrongs. All the same, I didn't completely understand the witch before me. Even despite the reputation of white witches. 

Faowin, approached us causing me to step back a little. Her smile wavered for a moment. Morgel, seemed less effected by the sudden visit. "What do you want Faowin?" He spoke in a monotone voice that gave nothing away.

Faowin smiled even brighter. "Oh good, I thought for a moment you may have forgotten me." She spoke in her sing-song voice. 

Morgel stood his ground. "Anyone would know the white witch when they saw her."

She smiled sadly at that. "After all these years, how business like you have become Morgel." Then she laughed. "And much braver too." 

I decided to step around Morgel and meet with Faowin properly. She was the white witch after all. "White witch." I used the traditional Elven greeting. "Forgive us, but considering the terms we met upon last time... We are not altogether certain how to greet you." 

She sobered a little. "I suppose it has been a long time Galandria." She sighed. "Very well, I will reminisce on what fine people you have become later. You are probably already aware, I only show up for a purpose and when great events are about to unfold." She walked over to a tree and looked at us. She then took a seat on the roots, Polaris settling in beside her. Polaris watched us with a piercing gaze, though it was not threatening. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat, as we waited for her to explain.

She set her staff against the tree next to her carefully. Looking at us with a serious expression, she smoothed her cloak. "I am guessing, you don't need me to tell you the Queen does not approve of you abandoning the army. Your small party has the odds stacked against you, as I am sure you are aware. But awareness is besides the point." She took a deep breath and sighed. "I am here instead of the search parties. The Queen did not send me personally. In fact, it may surprise you to know I have had no contact with her on this matter. I simply sent a letter telling her not to send anyone after you, accept the army. Because believe me, you will need them."

I nodded. "We need the army, this we accept. However, I am sure you are aware, a siege threatens Elrohir's life."

She smiled sadly at us. "I am aware of all attachment to Elrohir Celemar... I agree with you." Morgel started forward but I held him back. "I know of this, because it was written. Only you two can end the third realm's suffering. I feel their suffering day by day." Beside her Polaris Keened. "Polaris and all of nature can feel the Power suffering."

I was shocked. "Someone is hurting the Power?" I could not bring myself to fully understand this. The Powers were unfathomable. The great apple tree at home, was immense. I could not understand how they could be hurt, although I do not believe anyone has tried before. 

Faowin looked at me knowingly. "The Powers are more delicate than you think. Despite popular opinion, they can be hurt just like the creatures they represent. This is to teach us humility and respect for nature. After all, the Powers are the life force that governs nature. So yes, they can be hurt and there are those who will orchestrate suffering for the Powers. " She spoke gravely. "As a result similarly, the Power is running out of time just as Elrohir is. Whoever is leading the Corkash, knows what they are doing and is more organised than we thought. I fear your run in with the Mararan of Killelvris, was no accident. I confess, I have been tracking them and have followed a faint trail towards the third realm itself. "

I grunted. "At least now we know it is not just a land play. Still, with those who hate the Powers involved, this becomes a more precarious situation than we thought. Will you notify the Queen and the army?" 

She nodded. "It is being done as we speak. I wanted you to know. When I found out you had left the army, I was hopeful. It is true only the Guardian's will satisfy the requirements for this task. I am also glad you have Morgel for company." She smiled at him. "Being one with such a heavy destiny, you will need his help. You need to remember the prophecy from this point onwards."

I scratched my neck. "It was a long time ago that I heard those words. It hasn't really seemed of much importance before, though as a child it settled my resolve to be a Guardian."

She stood before me."Regardless of that, it is paramount you remember the following words. They will guide you from here. I can no longer guide you, despite my part in Ardeth's fate. Though, if you lose all hope I will be there. But there are smaller battles in the shadows that I must attend to. It is my job to call on all of Ardeth's hero's not just the Guardians." She laid a hand on my cheek. "This will help you on your journey, just not in a way you expect. I have never abandoned either of you."

She picked up her staff motioning for Polaris to stand. She made her way slowly over the grass towards the clearing, her movements slow. She stopped at the clearing, turning back to face us. She had an unreadable expression on her face. "Remember the Prophecy Galandria."

"Two babes will be born of purity,

To save sacred animal, jewel or tree,

One will become guardian of the realm,

Defending with sword shield and helm.

One day darkness will come,

To destroy the spirits and extinguish the sun,

the nine realms shall become eight,

and the darkness a lord of power shall take.

Unless eight guardians should rise,

To defend Land, sea and skies,

This shall lead to Ardeth's demise."

With that, she raised her hood. She gave me the Elven farewell gesture, which I returned. She then disappeared into the forest, Polaris trailing behind her. We watched them go in silence. The clearing became still and somewhat darker than it had been. A small songbird fluttered to the ground. It hopped around, chirping happily, then took flight. I felt it leave, as my heart desperately tried to take off after it. My destiny was fast approaching, Faowin was right about that. 

Morgel placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. My body shivered slightly, as I took in everything. I felt fear linger in my bones. Though, I knew it was not uncommon for a person to fear their destiny. It is what defines us, our reason for existing. Still the anticipation weighed heavily on my heart. "How long?" My voice came out at a whisper. I did not turn to look at Morgel, wondering at his answer.

The wind whistled through the glade as Morgel breathed heavily. He took his hand from my shoulder. "Less than a day... In less than a day we will set our eyes upon Tasathhel."

I sighed and looked up into his eyes. He looked, almost pitying. My resolve screamed at me. I would not have this. I set my features, determined. It was time I embraced my destiny. I was going to save the Third realm. I had to rescue the intertwined fates of not only my beloved, but the mighty Power of the third realm. Still, I would not have to do it alone. Eventually it would come down to me somehow, but Morgel and the strength of Ardeth would support me along the way. If all hope seemed lost, Faowin would appear. Nonetheless, it was down to me. The First realm Guardian.

"Morgel" He jumped at my smooth voice, my determination showing through. "I am ready."