SunRider

[17] Through the Bird's Window

—Heed now and perk your ear, for the song of the Ralain the Swordmaster, m'dear. With a swish and a twirl he cut the moons, and with a stab and a jab he formed desert dunes. Naught might nor speed could best his skill, all armies and beasts Ralain would kill. 'Til one day Ralain met the Shade of De'Mort, in battle, in love, the both did court. With a hiss and a swipe they kissed and fought, from Lenova to the Southern Kingdom of Rot. On beyond those aster-purple spines, that blocked those dead lands from our verdant pines. Ne'r to return, the watchmen said, they' gone to die facing the dead. Believe the words that come from my mouth, that on wintery nights a sound haunts the South. Of Ralain's blade finally breaking, and of him and the Shade last breath a-taking.—

-song unknown, date unknown

The ancient woman moved slowly, as if time bent to her will and would allow her as long as she needed. Her bare feet trod on soft grass and her arms extended as if to embrace Finn, even though it was impossible through the rock wall. He watched her from behind the peep-hole, wondering again how sunlight hit a place so deep underground. The woman smiled, her face crinkling up.

     "It's called the Bird's Window, love."

     "W—what is?" Finn asked, stumbling over his words.

     "The hole which you see me through. It's only a glimpse to where I reside. Not here, but somewhere else altogether."

     "Where is that?"

     She laughed softly, her voice frail yet melodic. "A place where Spring never ends and animals stay babies forever."

     She sighed and looked at him with the eyes of an examining practitioner. How she could see him so well while on the other hand he had to squint one eye shut to peer through to her? Startled, he covered himself and blushed. She tapped one bent finger against her cheek and pursed her lips. As she watched him, a squirrel ran up her leg and perched on her shoulder. The little animal turned and also stared at Finn, mimicking the woman before scampering away. She sighed, looking pleased. Whatever she'd seen in Finn, she'd liked.

     "Oh one who's footsteps are guided by fate! Behold Walker of Flames! The Unchosen! Truly the stars watch you as closely as bees do a flower! Well met, Finn SunRider! Well met indeed!" Her words rang of power and her chest puffed out. Behind her, birds took flight, chirping in songful delight. Finn didn't know what to say. He'd not expected to find this at the end of his quest.

     "Who are you?" he asked, suddenly feeling the need to act respectful. "How do you know me?"

     She shook her head and her flowing white hair danced. As her hair moved, Finn caught glimpses of grapes, leaves, and small red berries. They were woven-in like decorative beads. She crouched and plucked a flower with bell-shaped petals. She drank from it, a little golden drop escaping her lips and falling to the ground. The woman smiled in contentment.

     "So long have I been witness to the changes of Lenova, young hero-to-be. For many centuries I have watched these lands grow darker. But now, I've been given hope! To talk to you will be sacrifice, but sacrifices are part of what makes Lenova exist."

     She wiped at her eyes and in surprise, Finn noticed silver tears dripping from her cheeks.

     "I am Lady Tuliah, last of my kind, Grower of Berries, Sparrow-Speaker, Crown-Bearer to the Trees, Witness of Lenova, and Nature-kin."

     Finn took a step back, stumbling over his feet. It was as if he'd been hit by a log. His arms shook. The story was true. The three elder races. The great war. The last Nature-kin had spoken to him.