THE LAST LIGHT

Ch V: Tol-Emuns

CHAPTER 5

TOL-EMUN

Idril sat on in the carved hall of King Amun. The wall was painted with beautiful paintings, which sang the glories of his ancestors. On the ceiling hung banners with the emblem of Liana, a shield and a sword in the red background. Outside, the sun was shining brightly and no one could have guessed that a great peril had befallen on them. The tension hung in the air as Idril and Ithil waited for the King and Herod to come forward with their decision. Herod had immediately called for a hasty meeting after Aerien disappeared, but King Amung had forbidden them to enter.

Idril shivered to remember how the darkness had taken over his mind, he could not move, he could not talk, only watch. Only Amung seemed to be able to defy the desire of the darkness. He cast a nervous glance at his sister. Ithil seemed to be more tensed than him. Idril knew that something had happened the day before that had changed her so suddenly. Even Aerien seemed to trust her more. But he guessed it was not the right moment to ask.

The door of the hall opened and King Amun stepped inside, followed by Herod. Both Idril and Ithil stood up from their seats.

“We have decided that it is not the work of Abadon,” Amun began before anyone of them could ask. “Abadon has not yet risen, and his faithful servant, Urkbane, would make, the return of his master the first priority. It is therefore, the work of other servants of Abadon, who wish to please their master. They can sense that He will return soon.”

“How can you be so sure? How do you know what Urkbane would do?” Idril reasoned.

“Urkbane was once, my friend. An ambitious young man. His name was Ayre, before he started serving Abadon.” Herod replied. A mysterious look hid in his eyes.

But Urkbane served Abadon ages ago. But could Herod be that old? But he looked no older than 45 years.

“If not Abadon then who else?” Ithil asked before Idril could ask more.

“We are not sure, but as far as we can guess, she must be somewhere near Folvar. There dwell the supporters of Abadon. We will send a search party there. The number should be less; we do not want more enemies on our tail. Herod shall go and two of my best soldiers. And Herod insisted that you both be allowed to accompany if you wish to.” Amung finished, disagreement clear in his voice. 

“Yes we shall go; we will not leave her alone.” Ithil said sternly, crossing her arms. It was her way of telling,  I-will-do-whaterver-I-want-try-to-stop-me-if-you-dare.

Amung studied her with half angry half amused expression.

“Then so be it. I have already made all the necessary arrangements. I would have accompanied you but I cannot leave the kingdom in these dark times. But how can I know if you need my help?” Amung asked turning towards Herod.

In answer to this question, Herod blew a whistle three times. And up from the sky came a falcon, beautiful and majestic. It sat on Herod’s outstretched hand.

“This is my friend Emmy, she shall carry any massage I shall give her or you give her for me. In times of danger, she has proven to be a true friend. Surely my King, you have not forgotten how to interpret the language of messenger birds?”

Amun laughed before answering. “No indeed not my friend. Though I never thought it would be of any use, but I have certainly not forgotten. You seem to have the solution of every problem.”

“Not every. For I do not know the solution of the present problem, that presses us. But come! We lose our precious time in talking. Every moment we lose, the enemy gets the upper hand!”