THE LAST LIGHT

CH I: Frost

CHAPTER I

The wind was howling loudly in the isolated green meadow, and the company anticipated an oncoming storm. It was the middle of the summer when the weather was supposed to be blissful, removing all weariness of heart with warm, gentle breeze. When the sunlight spreads it blanket and laughs upon the green meadows and seasonal fruits. When the brooks and river comes from haunts of coots and heron to sparkle out among the fern. When the children’s laughter echo in the fields, and their song lift up many a hearts. But instead, the wind was cold and had a sinking felling. The meadows were dark and the trees had gone to sleep. The water in the rivers was icy and not a soul was in the sight.

It was four days since the company took leave of the Immortal City of Zhield to go on a perilous journey, away from the comforts of home. The company consisted of Aerien, the sword bearer, Ithil and Idril, her loyal and trusted friends and their wise guide, Herod. The weather was pleasant when they had begun their journey but today, darkness had fallen. The sun was nowhere in sight and the wind was roaring loudly. As if it was not enough, it started raining.

“It is no good. We may as well as catch a cold.” Idril said, the gloomy mood taking over him.

“Well then, we better find a shelter.” Herod said. “As far as I know, there is a small village at the other end of the small range of hills. Come”

“But that is too far!” Ithil complained.

“Then would you rather camp here in the cold?” Herod said sharply.

“It is of no use to fight. And Herod is right. We cannot camp here. It is too open. Let us at least get nearer to the hills.” Aerien said, directing her horse that way.

Ithil looked at the hills and shrugged. But she followed her and all of them went towards the hills in a file.

“What is the name of the village Herod?” Idril asked.

“It is the village of Dellbarrow. The people there are simpletons but rather helpful. It would be a good place to stay.” Herod replied.

“Is it my imagination or the wind grows colder?” Ithil commented.

“Yes it indeed grows colder.” Aerien said and looked up in the sky. The clouds were getting thicker and all of a sudden, the gentle drizzle turned into a downpour. The heavy rain fell upon them and their exposed skin hurt. The horses became suddenly agitated. They bared its teeth and started bucking up and down wildly. The riders tried to take control but the horses seemed mortally afraid of something. They neighed loudly and stamped their foot impatiently. Then they reared up abruptly, throwing the riders roughly on the ground and taking flight, they ran away in the opposite direction.

“What madness is this?” Ithil groaned, standing up and caressing her bruises.

“Madness indeed. Some madness that affects the weather as well as the horses cannot be good for us. Come! We must make haste.” Herod said urgently and strode forward. Aerien followed without a word and Ithil and Idril at the last. By the time they had reached the hills, the precipitation had decreased. But it was only the beginning.

Idril looked up at the still heavy clouds. Soft fluffy cotton like flecks fell on his hand. He licked it and laughed.

“Why this is snow! It is such a long time since I saw them!” He exclaimed.

“Snow? What in the middle of the summer?” Ithil said. Indeed flecks of snow were falling from the sky.

Aerien looked up. She had never seen a snow fall. She had heard of them. But Othohon basically experienced a tropical climate. She had never seen snow fall in real life. Snow was supposed to be mystifying and enchanting. But these certainly did not feel enchanting.