“Can this supposed Feylander actually prove that he’s one of the children?”

Brandwin spun his chair away from Ryja and steepled his hands together, looking out the long tall open windows that flanked his desk. The bright sun of the desert was muted by wispy tan cloth that hung in the window frames.

“He is what he claims to be. And he asked to speak to you. I’d like to know why.”

Ryja wrinkled his brow. This was unexpected.

“A faerie shows up in the night with a secret note and asks for me? Specifically?” He was a bit flabbergasted.

Brandwin slowly spun to face Ryja again. “Once again Ryja, I think you’re more than you’ve told me. And the “faerie” proves it. I’d like to bring him here and we’ll see what he has to say. Together.”

“What do you know of the faeries, Ryja? Surely, you’ve come across some of their histories in your work?” Brandwin’s question startled him out of his thoughts.

“I know a bit more than the next man, but I’m by no means an expert. I’ve read Purt’s “Treatise on the Fey” in the original Tyrani and “Amongst the Children” by Kleff. Both were fairly suspect, as Kleff was a known drunkard and Purt’s “Treatise” was written nearly 200 years ago. But I suppose that there was some interesting information to be learned from both.”

“According to Purt, the Children of the Dawn as they call themselves, were here long before the race of man. In the early days of the world, the Children were widespread. They lived in every hill and dale and mountain and were prolific. They planted the trees and flowers and made the world green. The first Queen of the Children, Kamasha, was said to be more beautiful than any woman the world has seen. Her husband, Jutaro, was supposed to be the finest archer ever known. Together, they ruled the Children for over 600 years, peacefully.”

“Then the first Men appeared and encroached on the Children’s land and holdings. At first, the Children welcomed them with open arms, sharing their knowledge on farming and smelting iron, settling Men within their borders. After a few generations of peace, the jealousy and violence of Man reared its ugly head, as it is wont to do. The first Fey Wars broke out, and Men rose up against their peaceful neighbors, wielding the very weapons that the Fey had taught them to make. The Fey fought them off successfully at first, but they were outnumbered. Kamasha and Jutaro withdrew deeper into the dark places at the edge of the world, leaving behind the ruined wrecks of their once beautiful cities.”

Brandwin’s gaze met Ryja’s and held them for a few moments before speaking. “The Fey Wars were centuries ago. They Fey do not tread amongst us any longer, at least that we’re aware of. Most use the Fey as a story to frighten their children, or think they don’t exist at all. So how does one come to the Library in the middle of the night looking for you? You’ve never divulged much of your past to me or anyone, Ryja. What are you hiding?”

Ryja returned his gaze stoically and remained silent. Brandwin waited for long moments, but finally gave up. He muttered to himself for a moment and then rose to his feet and walked to the door of his office. Motioning to the guard outside, he spoke quietly and then returned to his desk. A few minutes later, the guard returned with a hooded figure and led it into the Loremaster’s office. Ryja and Brandwin both rose to their feet, as the figure stopped before the empty seat in front of his desk. The guard stood against the wall, and nervously fingered his sword hilt.

Bowing slightly, the figure took down its hood, revealing him to be a man with long white hair and a narrow aquiline face. The pointed tips of his ears poked out through his thick hair, confirming his identity as one of the Children.

“Yomaani, Loremaster and Lorekeeper. I am Linturo, an emissary of the Children. I have traveled for many weeks to reach you,” The Fey’s voice was smooth and low.

“Yomaani-es-gro,” Ryja returned. Linturo’s mouth turned up in the shadows of a smile at the traditional response to his greeting. Brandwin looked perplexed. “It has been a very long time since one of the Children walked amongst us. Your need must be great.”

The Feylander stared at Ryja for a few moments, before responding, “Indeed it is. The Children have seen something coming that affects us all. We bring ill-tidings.”

Brandwin huffed for a moment, and then said “Worse than the Breaking? Where were the Children then?”

“The Breaking was merely a harbinger for that which has come. It has taken us this long to figure out the signs. Most of my brethren are not so concerned with the happenings of Man. There are still some of us that realize that what happens to you affects us as well. It is those that I represent. Ryja, I believe you are aware of the Kyth?” Brandwin grunted and looked reproachfully at Ryja. The Lorekeeper seemed to be full of secrets.

Scowling, Ryja replied “I have heard things. But here is not the place to talk of them.” He shifted his gaze over to the guard, who looked utterly bewildered.

“I concur. I have been sent to retrieve you, Lorekeeper Ryja. The Children have need of your skills,” Linturo said, and held out one of his hands, revealing a small token shaped like four pointed star, with one point being longer than the others. Ryja looked down at it, and sighed.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, we are sure. His agents already walk amongst us. My folk do not react quickly, and I fear we have wasted too much time already.” Linturo’s pale brown eyes met Ryja’s and would not let them go. After a few moments, Ryja nodded once.

“What? What is going on? How does he know your name Ryja?” Brandwin sputtered. “Who’s agents? I demand an explanation!” Ignoring his questions, Ryja bowed to the Feylander, and made his way back out into the corridor. He had many things to attend to. He sighed to himself, pulled his hood up and made his way back out into the heat and sun.

Brandwin called one of his guards in.

“Tell Cellios to follow him. He is to report only to me.” The Loremaster once again steepled his fingers together and looked out over the burning desert. He had no idea what Ryja was hiding, but it was his duty to find out.

Next Chapter: Chapter 8