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Click here"I've missed you, boy," Aran said as he fondly rubbed Strider's neck. The horse whickered and frisked a little; he was ready to run.
"I leave the management of the other par'vala to you, Kedron," Amina said after swinging smoothly into the saddle.
Kedron nodded firmly. "As you wish, Priestess. I will see it done."
"We will return as quickly as possible," Aran told the boys as he took his saddle. "Until then, be safe, be smart." It was strange thinking of them as boys when they were only a year or two younger than himself. They saluted, and after a few more instructions from Amina, they headed back toward the camp.
Aran looked up at the sky, then around at his companions. All were watching him, ready for him to take the lead. "Let's be about it, shall we?" He nudged Strider's flanks with his heels, setting the stallion to a trot.
"Where are we going?" Smythe asked as he came abreast of Aran. He was the taller man, and atop Thunder he was head and shoulders higher.
"To find a black mountain that shines," Aran replied.
"A bloody what?" Smythe said with a frown.
"That's what Vayani said. That's where we'll find Agni."
"I've never heard of such a thing," Elaina said from his other side. Noah rode back a little bit, and Amina was behind Smythe.
"I have," Noah called, pushing his grey a little closer. Aran twisted in his saddle to look at the hunter. "There is a region in the far northwest where the mountains are made of blackglass. It's said that when the sun hits the mountains they reflect the light."
"Sounds like obsidian," Smythe said thoughtfully. "That would do it."
Aran nodded. It was as good a place to start as any. "Then that is where we shall go." Under the grey pre-dawn, he kicked Strider into a canter.
***
END OF CHAPTER 14
***
- COMMENTS
BigotedeFoca3 months agoAbsolutely wonderful tale, your growth as a storyteller is a wonder to see. The essence of it is reminiscent of Tolkiens “Lord of the Rings “ or Asimovs “Foundation Trilogy” with the added benefit of some sexual hanky panky. Looking forward to your next chapter, many thanks for sharing your wonderful talent with us.
BarryAllen8884 months agoVery well written; I am conflicted about this chapter as you have tied up plot lines quickly. But my fears of the reunion between Aran and Elaina being terribly anti-climatic were founded. My interpretation of their Bond was that they were like each other’s oxygen, even saving the world came second to their Bond, yet how you wrote left me feeling that they were marginally happy to see one another. And Eames’ fate? The Paladins (and readers!) were robbed of some sense of vengeance. At least Aran and Braith had come full circle. Obviously my views are subjective, but can’t give this a full 5 stars. Some results have been cathartic, others hollow. Regardless, looking forward to your next chapter.
Anonymous4 months ago13 was a bit clunky for me but 14 is right back to the standard I've come enjoy from you.
dontyouwishyouknew5 months agoA most excellent chapter! While I expected that Smythe would live beyond the loss of his leg, and that it was possible it may be regrown, I certainly did not expect THAT! Bravo
TTVOL5 months agoYou write so well I cringe at the thought of the wait until the next chapter. That said, thanks!
