Chapter 10

A new crisis faced the people of Tarrus. The skies were darkened with the forms of gargantuan beasts. Leading the Sacred Animals was the most terrible of them all, the Great Black Dragon Graymor. Humanity cried out in terror, once again helpless before a power that no technology or weapon could avail. Like before, Balvor tried to reason with Graymor, but he could not forgive humanity’s trespasses. When negotiations failed, Balvor resorted to force against her mate and her children, but her power alone was not enough. Graymor and Balvor were roughly equal in strength, and though their children were not as powerful, they could overwhelm their parents by combining forces. Graymor ordered his children to destroy the colony while he kept his mate in check. Though Graymor did not wish harm on his beloved Balvor, he was determined that she should not interfere this time. After hearing the cries of grief from their mother, a few Celestial Beasts refused to fight, but they would not prevent the destruction of the humans. The Celestial Beasts feared what the humans might do, being the youngest sentient race with full command of Elemency. They believed that if such great power necessitated humanity’s survival, then perhaps it would be better if the human race did not exist at all. As the Celestial Beasts began to reign destruction down on the colonies, only Maranu and his Elemental followers prevented the planet’s destruction with their powers. However, they soon feared that not even Rhuknor’s blessing could prevail against the fury of the Celestial Beasts.

Ryan waved goodbye to Sharon just before she stepped through the Gateway that took her back to her ship. She looked back at him and smiled, her curious green and blue eyes quivering with emotion. Ryan had to admit, he was getting a little choked up himself at seeing her go, but he wasn’t really sure why. It was strange how familiar Sharon had become to him these past weeks. She was kinda funny, and also kinda weird, but in a good way. He hadn’t met many girls younger and less mature than he was. It made him feel a little self-important. Although, since she was a pirate, she probably had experiences and adventures that he could scarcely even imagine. Still, he really did like that youthful innocence of hers. It was almost hard to imagine her being related to a guy like James.

I hope we meet again someday, Sharon Morgan. I don’t think a man can have too many friends these days, thought Ryan somberly to himself, feeling a little melancholy when she vanished through the Gateway. Oh! And James too, I guess. But the guy kinda steals the thunder from my scoundrel vibe. There can only be one!

Sighing a little, and stealing himself for another heart-wrenching experience, Ryan said, “Alright, Zand. Take me to them ... please.”

Ryan tried to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ more since training with Zanderius. He learned from Éclair how important manners were in their family. He also tried not to cuss as much anymore since he knew Zand didn’t appreciate that kind of thing. Zand didn’t really object to swearing during their sessions, but Ryan could’ve sworn that the old guy punched a lot harder if Ryan started getting a loose tongue.

Man, do I feel tender, thought Ryan to himself with a groan as he rolled his aching shoulders while waiting for Zand to respond. I can’t remember ever feeling this tired and sore, even after training with Grafy. Zand might’ve healed my physical wounds, but repeated use of his healing powers has its own consequences. I can feel my psionic network working itself into overdrive trying to cope with the ongoing stress. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up ... and the worst part - Zand said that this is only a preliminary. Shit baskets. Oh, crud. I hope he didn’t catch that.

After Ryan very politely asked for transport, he didn’t have to wait too long. He soon felt the familiar sensation of Zand’s psions passing over his body. Zand had taught Ryan how to avoid being teleported if he wanted to, which was very similar to how he avoided a number of bad status spells that could be used instantly on a target without the opportunity to block or dodge. He simply had to flare the frequency of his psions, though it was easier to do with his Psionic Armor on. It was nice on some level to know that Ryan could prevent this teleportation if he wished. As that tingling feeling saturated his body, Ryan’s vision blurred until the vast plane of Zand’s dimension vanished altogether.

Ryan blinked a few times after the transport finished. Teleporting always stung his eyes a bit. When his eyesight recovered, he found himself standing in a new room. From the spherical shape of the room and the white crystal walls, it was easy to guess that he was somewhere in Corinth. The walls were fogged over, making it impossible to see outside unlike the rest of the building, so Ryan supposed that he was in somebody’s quarters. He would’ve guessed the quarters of a Monk, but the decorations were too lavish for that. There were golden statues lining the walls and golden furniture adorning the living space. The artwork surrounding the room denoted a consistent theme of golden halos, stars, and feathers. There even seemed to be a few golden harps in various places, but Ryan couldn’t imagine anyone actually playing the harp these days. The room was lit with dozens of small, floating crystals in the shapes of snowflakes which glowed with a soft, white light. Various doors led to what he assumed were bedrooms or kitchens, meaning that this place was a fair bit larger than most Monk habitations. All in all, the place looked more like an apartment for a wealthy businessman than a Monk’s room.

As Ryan scanned the room, he soon found what he was looking for. The Elf children were talking with a taller, older Elf woman whom Ryan could only guess was Esan’s mother. Esan definitely took after his mother in the face and the eyes, but the hair was a different story entirely. The Elf woman, standing tall and regal with very long ears that indicated her status as a High Elf, had long, flowing green hair that went down to her waist. She was beyond gorgeous, as was to be expected of a High Elf, with an angular face, smooth, pale complexion, and a slim figure. Ryan had even seen quite a few Elves with green hair, though they didn’t use dye. Many Elves were just naturally born with green hair because of their connection to plants. In fact, many Demihuman races had strangely colored hair without using any dyes. Éclair’s own silver-gray hair was a natural trait, he learned, on account that she had Angel relatives somewhere in her bloodline. However, it wasn’t just the Elf woman’s hair that made her stand out. It was her ... everything. The full-body dress of green leaves that clung tightly to her perfect figure and hid her feet from view. The tiara made from brown sticks that adorned her head. She even seemed to glow a bit, as if there was a tangible aura surrounding her. It made him wonder just how highborn she was. Ryan had heard that Elves with royal blood exhibited traits normally only attributed to Angels. In fact, Ryan had heard that there was some relation between Angels and Elves, something that humans could never fully comprehend, not even Elementals. Just looking at her, Ryan could not help thinking of his mother and Éclair since both women seemed to have some connection to the divine.

The three Elves, who were conversing in High Elvish, stopped their conversation to look at Ryan. His Elvish was a bit rusty, but he could’ve sworn he caught the phrase ‘Pyro Hands’ from them. He’d heard Tork use that word sometimes, and sometimes even caught Kormal using it. He figured it had something to do with his status as a Child of Destiny, but he got the feeling that it perhaps meant something deeper for Demihumans. The three Elves all bowed to him in unison. Even the two Elf children, who would usually tease him, looked somber as they gazed up at him with solemn eyes. Ryan politely returned the bow, feeling a lump rise in his throat as his suspicions came full circle.

“Thank you for coming, Death Cleaver,” said Esan, his young voice seeming more mystical.

Ryan sniffed a bit. “Death Cleaver? That’s a new one. What happened to fatty?”

The older Elf frowned a moment in confusion as her gaze shifted to her son. She looked a bit disapproving.

Esan seemed to blush as he quickly said, “A private joke, Mother. Elan and I enjoyed teasing him when we realized who he was.”

Ryan huffed grumpily. “So you admit that I’m not really fat. Well ... good, then.” Feeling abashed given the presence of a woman who was probably related to the Elven royal family, Ryan cleared his throat. “Apologies. I don’t believe we have been introduced.”

Elan smiled brightly as she gestured to the older woman. “Ryan, this is Esan’s mother, Eldrial, my mother-in-law ... or she will be after our union has been officially ratified before the High Prophetess when we come of age.”

Remembering a formal greeting that Henry had taught him, Ryan held up his hand and said, “May the Tree of Life shelter you.”

The Elven woman gave a smile that was almost as dazzling as Éclair’s as she pressed her palm to Ryan’s. “And bear you fruit,” she said in a deep, melodic voice that seemed to echo across the room.

As their palms touched, Ryan could’ve sworn he felt a spark as if static electricity was coursing through his arm. Only difference was, the sensation was pleasant rather than painful. It made him almost crestfallen to lose the contact as they lowered their hands when the greeting ended.

Stealing himself, Ryan looked directly into the Elf’s sparkling blue eyes, and said, “Eldrial, though we have never met, I feel I already know you in a way. Tell me, did you know Henry Junice?”

Tears welled up in the Elf woman’s eyes, but she continued to smile. “Yes. My full name is Eldrial Junice. Henry was my husband.”

Ryan’s chest tightened, and he had to bite down on his lip to keep from crying. Feeling that a gesture of some kind was needed, Ryan took a knee as he lowered his head. He then summoned his sword, careful to keep the energy low so as not to harm the Elves with the flames. The summoning was gentler as his sword appeared in his hand without the usually accompanying red flames. Holding the golden cross guard, he placed the tip of the blade to the floor without charging the weapon with psions so the room wouldn’t be damaged.

“I regret to inform you that your husband is dead. He died saving my life on Black Star,” said Ryan in a low voice. He found breathing quite difficult at the moment, but he kept his voice steady as he said, “He was my friend. In payment of his sacrifice, I pledge you my sword. If ever you have need of me, you have but to ask, and I will lay down my life for the family that Henry loved.”

Ryan couldn’t bring himself to raise his head, couldn’t bring himself to look into the eyes of the child that lost his father, nor the wife who had lost her husband.

For the longest time, the room was deathly quiet. Then in a soft voice, Eldrial said, “I hear your pledge, and I will accept it, warrior, so long as you heed two requests of mine.”

Ryan sniffled a little, but kept his composure as he said stiffly, “Name them.”

“Firstly, please raise your head and look upon me. I bid you tell me how my husband perished.”

Ryan lifted his head. All three Elves had tears in their eyes, yet their postures were completely stiff as they watched him. They didn’t pout or moan, but their sadness was quite palpable. Ryan remembered that Elves grieved differently than most humans. They didn’t usually break down into sobs, but that didn’t lessen the magnitude of their sorrow.

Ryan determined to do his best not to disgrace Henry’s memory and tell his story without falling to pieces. His voice breaking only slightly as his eyes grew watery, Ryan said, “We ... we were fighting a monster on Black Star. The Horde Mother. The creature responsible for creating the Parasites. The Horde Mother’s existence is classified by the government, but I feel like you all deserve to know the truth.”

Ryan had to pause and take a breath to steady himself. “I didn’t recognize him at first. He was a little boy the last time we saw each other. On Black Star, he looked like a withered old man. But he recognized me right away. Henry ... Henry took a poisonous barb from the Horde Mother that was meant for me. He told me ... he told me that he knew he would die if he came to help me, but he came anyway. He said that he wished to repay me for saving his life from the Black Dragons. Though for me, that was a debt that he never should’ve had to repay ... at least not like that.”

Ryan smiled a bit through his tears, recalling the days of his youth with Henry. “I ... I want you to know what he meant to me. We were friends on Toramirese. We grew up together, playing tricks on the grownups ... always getting into trouble. The Elves there didn’t know what to make of us. We did just about anything to get attention. Henry ... some would say that I was a bad influence on him, but at least he grew up right despite me.”

Eldrial knelt down until she was eye-level with Ryan, her long green hair partially hiding one side of her face as she placed her hands over Ryan’s on the pommel of his sword. She continued to smile so gently. He wished she wouldn’t smile at him. He wished she’d spit in his face and curse him for letting Henry die.

“He grew up because of you. Henry told me many times how grateful he was that you protected him from the Black Dragons by hiding him and leading them away. I am indebted to you as well. If not for you, I never would have met the man I was destined to love. I never would have given birth to my beautiful son.”

Ryan looked over Eldrial’s shoulder to see Esan standing behind his mother. The boy gave a weak smile, tears still shining on his youthful cheeks.

Ryan wetted his lips when his mouth felt dry, finding it harder and harder to get the words out. “He told me to give his best to his wife and son when I saw them again. The only Elves I could think of that I had met recently were Esan and Elan. I always got this nagging feeling that they knew me from somewhere. After Henry told me that, I started putting the pieces together. Although, this is the first time I’ve ever seen you.”

Eldrial nodded slowly. “Though it is not the first time I have seen you. I was in attendance on Galsin for Esan and Elan at the Second Level Placement Exams. I remember watching you battle with your Saurian brethren during the preliminaries. You both certainly lived up to the legends of your Wingless Dragon kin.”

“Can you tell me ... tell me about my friend?” Ryan asked hesitantly. “Tell me everything that happened to him after we got separated during the Massacre of Toramirese.”

“Yes,” said Eldrial, giving a slight whimper as she nodded. “Yes. He would want you to know. In his absence, the duty of his memory is mine to bear and to share.”

Eldrial stood up, tugging Ryan gently up with her. Ryan let her lead him to a couch blanketed with white wool. Esan and Elan just stood and watched, both still crying quietly to themselves. He dismissed his sword as he sat down with the Elven woman, some of her long, green hair falling over his arm as she continued caressing his hand.

Eldrial took a breath as she locked gazes with Ryan, her eyes strangely determined. “After the massacre, Henry traveled to the Elven homeworld, Shakarass, along with a few surviving refugees. He was ... changed by his experiences, as I’m sure you know. He went through what we call the Shonsu, the breaking. The transmutation of the soul into flesh. Not all Elves experience this form of growth. Many of us age more gradually, mostly those who live more peaceful lives or who do not possess strong psions. However, Henry unfortunately did not live a peaceful life, and his psions were not weak.”

Eldrial paused, a distant look coming to her timeless eyes as she spoke. When she told the story, Ryan felt he could just picture it ... as if Henry’s ghost was coming alive before his very eyes. “Henry ... when I first saw him, I imagine he looked quite different than his final moments with you. He was young, but not immature. A hardened man whose soul had been battered by adversity. It is rare for a Wood Elf to undergo the Shonsu, but that only demonstrated Henry’s latent prowess.

“I met him shortly after he arrived on the homeworld. Before our marriage, I was known as Eldrial Melaneth, a member of the nobility with ties to the royal family. My father adopted Henry into our household, along with several other survivors who had blood ties with our line. Henry showed himself to be a prodigy with Plant Elemency, the greatest power of the Elves. He soon mastered our ancient arts after my father realized his potential. I began tutoring him to take his mind off his recent woes, though my heart had already been snared by his beautiful, forlorn eyes.”

A fond look came to Eldrial’s face as she recounted Henry’s tale. “He was a quick study, his nimble mind able to process information much more rapidly than normal students due to his transformation. It is often said that those who experience the Shonsu as drastically as Henry did live impactful but tragically short lifespans. They burn brightly like a falling star dancing across the night sky ... and then fade just as quickly. So too was it so for my dear Henry. Though born as a Wood Elf, he soon earned the respect of the High Elves when he joined the Royal Guard and led a raid against the Black Dragons still lingering within our territories. Many more Elven Colonies would’ve suffered the fate of Toramirese if not for Henry Junice.”

Eldrial’s eyes went downcast, her voice more whimsical as she said, “After he defeated the Black Dragons, I took him as my husband. My family did not object too strongly given the prestige that Henry had already won for himself. Though my father did need a little more convincing, so I told him of my Matchmaker’s Prophecy.”

Ryan’s eyes narrowed in confusion. “Matchmaker’s Prophecy?”

“Elves on Shakarass often receive a blessing from one of the Angel Prophets to wed,” answered Elan. “They can use their clairvoyance and their connection to the Lord Caretaker to predict who is best suited for matrimony.”

Ryan jerked a bit in surprise as he contemplated such a phenomenon. “And ... and they’re accurate? These Matchmakers ... they’re never wrong? They can seriously predict ‘happily ever after’?”

“Yes,” said Eldrial simply, as if it were obvious. “Unlike with humans, the notion of divorce is entirely a foreign concept for us. When the Fair Folk receive an Angelic Blessing, we are parted only by death.”

Ryan glanced at the two younger Elves, feeling a little uncomfortable about this alarming revelation. “Is that what happened with you two? That’s why you call yourselves ‘lovers’ ... because you’re betrothed through one of these Matchmaker Prophecies?”

The two younger Elves glanced at one another in puzzlement before turning back to Ryan, and saying simultaneously, “Yes. We thought you knew, having spent your youth amongst our people.”

“Not really. To be honest, you kinda weirded out me and Éclair when you said that. And I definitely don’t remember a Matchmaker’s Prophecy for the Elves at the Colony.”

“Many Elves from Toramirese, like Henry, shared ancestry with humans, so it’s no wonder that some of our customs became diluted,” explained Eldrial politely.

Ryan tried not to think too harshly of the concept of an arranged marriage via prophecy. Every culture came with its own traditions that he had been taught to respect as an Elemental. It kinda makes me wonder what a Matchmaker might say about me and Éclair. Probably nothing good judging by how things turned out.

“And let me guess. Your Matchmaker’s Prophecy ... it was about Henry.”

Eldiral’s blue eyes lit up as she said, “Yes. I was told that I would fall in love with a scarred Wood Elf, and my heart was indeed captured by Henry as soon as I laid eyes upon him. My father gave us his blessing to wed, and Esan was born soon after. Like his father, Esan experienced the Shonsu, though not quite as dramatically. He appears as an adolescent, though he is only five years old as humans measure time.”

Ryan glanced at Esan, who still looked so sad when compared to his usual cheerful self.

“I am twenty according to human years,” said Elan as she put a hand to her chest and held Esan’s hands. “But I never aged past this point as I experienced the Shonsu in reverse. My life was carefree, and I was content to remain a child ... until I met the man I was meant to marry. Then I started growing a little so that I stayed the same age as Esan.”

Talk about an age gap. Though I guess that kind of thing is more negotiable with these guys. A question came to mind as Ryan focused on Eldrial, but he shook his head and dismissed it quickly, thinking that it might be rude.

However, Eldrial seemed to sense his question as she smiled, and said, “You needn’t be embarrassed to ask. Elves are not as sensitive about the subject of age as humans. Understandable as time does not affect us in the same way. Before I met Henry, I had lived eight hundred and ten years as humans measure time.”

Ryan’s mouth hung open. “And Henry, he was younger than I am ... at least, you know, as humans measure time.”

“He lived less than twenty years within this realm, but his experiences and fortitude bestowed him with wisdom that outstrips some of the eldest of Elves. Before he died, he had accumulated knowledge and strength that made him more than worthy of being my match. We lived lifetimes worth of memories in the few years we were together ... memories that I would not trade for anything.”

Ryan could only stare in utter disbelief as he found himself asking, “And for eight centuries, you were never with anyone except Henry?” Ryan immediately regretted asking that, realizing how impertinent it sounded.

Eldrial looked completely unoffended as her smile deepened. “I had many would-be suitors over the years, but none that won me the way he did. I waited until I knew I had found the man that fit my Matchmaker’s description. But it was not just the prophecy that dictated my standards. I waited until I met the man that could win my heart. He was and will always be the only man I will ever love ... to my dying day.”

Ryan could tell that she meant it. Elves were not capable of insincerity, not in the same ways that humans were. For some reason, his mind drifted to Éclair. I wonder if I could wait that long to be with Éclair ... or if she might wait that long to be with me?

Ryan immediately dismissed that thought, realizing that such a thing was impossible now. His thoughts turned darker as he started to consider the more serious ramifications of these glimpses into the future.

“Tell me something,” said Ryan slowly. “You said an Angel Prophet predicted that you and Henry would be the perfect match for each other. Did one of them have something to do with Henry going off to find me so that he could die in my place?”

Eldrial looked away as an ominous note seeped into her voice. “Yes. It happened shortly after we took Esan to Sanctuary to find his destined match. He matured quickly, already at a level far beyond most of his peers in terms of his physical development, scholarly studies, and Elemency. A Matchmaker pointed Elan out to us, but she was already within the Angel’s domain waiting for us after receiving her own foretelling. All they had to do was set eyes on each other, and they knew they were destined to be together forever.”

Ryan gave the two younger Elves a critical eye. “And their engagement, how long does it last exactly?”

“Their union will only be official after the two have grown into adulthood. For Elves as powerful as them, that could take decades or even centuries depending on their mental maturity. But something tells me that they will not stay children for long,” Eldrial explained sadly.

Ryan blew out a sigh of relief at that news, though he still didn’t quite understand the practices of Elves even after living his childhood among them. “I can’t help but wonder how effective these Matchmakers would be for human couples,” he said offhandedly, though mostly to himself.

All three Elves shared a giggle, which made Ryan feel a tad embarrassed for some reason. “The fates are not so certain for human couplings, I’m afraid,” explained Eldrial mirthfully. “Your people are still far too young and flighty for the skill of the Angels to predict in matters of the heart with much veracity. Nor am I certain your kind would wish such an arrangement even if it were possible given how free-spirited you tend to be.”

Ryan made a clicking noise with his tongue and shrugged. “Judging by how everyone’s whining about how lonely they are these days, I could beg to differ ... but I’ll take your word for it.”

“Shortly after we met Elan,” continued Eldrial, her voice growing more haunted by the second. “Another Angel Prophetess came to us on Sanctuary. This was not a Matchmaker. She was known as a Gatekeeper, an Angel whose visions of the future usually entail death. She told Henry of how he would die ... if he chose to save your life.”

Ryan drew in a sharp breath, feeling dead inside as if he’d been the one to die after all.

Eldrial sniffled a bit as she wiped at her eyes. “Henry agonized for weeks after hearing the news. He cared for you immensely ... even tried to find you after the massacre. He had all but given you up for dead until the Angel visited us. Please forgive me, but I almost wanted to tell him to ignore the portent ... ignore the Angel, and just live his life in peace with me and our family.”

Ryan gave a slow shake of his head. “I ... I would’ve done the same if I were in your position ... if it was someone I loved,” he said hoarsely.

“In the end, though, he chose to go,” she said slowly. “Despite the pain it brought me ... I could never stop loving him. I could never regret meeting him.”

Blinking back his tears, Ryan said softly, “And ... and she told him that he was supposed to become a pirate?”

Eldrial sighed a bit. “The way the prophecies unfold are ... often unpredictable. She said that Henry would find you after becoming a privateer on Nirvana, but she was vague on the details. They cannot see the whole future, just glimpses. It’s up to us to fill in the gaps. While staying with Captain James and the Legacy Pirates, he took on the name Nazz in honor of his uncle, Kazzerin, who also had dealings in the underworld, and helped him make contacts within Nirvana.”

Ryan gasped softly at this discovery. Uncle Kazz! I wonder if he’s still around! I should ask about him later! Maybe I can find him too one day!

“After he decided to leave, he began to age rapidly, soon becoming the old man that you saw on Black Star. It was as if his body was preparing him for death after he had accepted it. Such changes often come upon an Elf as the time of their death draws near.”

“Did you ... was that the last you saw of him?” asked Ryan.

Eldrial did not meet Ryan’s eyes as she said, “Before he left, he told me he loved me and Esan with all his heart, and begged for our forgiveness. We told him that he did not need our forgiveness ... that we were proud ... proud of all that he had accomplished, and all that would be accomplished by saving your life. After he left for Nirvana, maintaining communication became difficult. His voyages often took him to the deepest recesses of space. He still fulfilled his duty as my husband, sending us his earnings whenever he could. The last time I spoke to him was through a holochannel a few months ago ... just before he set out to find you when he realized that you and Éclair were missing. The Angel didn’t tell us where exactly he would die, but that his death would be imminent the moment you and he were reunited.”

“The Angel said that Elan and I might also meet with you,” Esan said suddenly. “She said that you would need our aid someday at the Fire Ministry. So Elan and I decided to do our part in honor of my father, and we set out to join the Ministry soon after. However, we had no idea that we would meet you before Father. We almost sought him out to tell him when we realized who you were ... but I ... I was weak. I knew that the moment Father found you, the prophecy would come to pass. If Father knew where you were, his death might’ve been hastened, so I kept your existence hidden from him even after I realized the truth. Although, he did his own research, and soon discovered on his own that you had joined Squad 99 through the contacts he cultivated on Nirvana.”

Ryan’s eyes went wide with shock. “You mean ... you two knew the whole time! Why didn’t you say anything?”

Esan and Elan smiled sadly as Esan went on. “What could we have said? How would that have helped you or my father had you known the truth ... that someday, you and my father would meet again, and he would perish soon after? Would it do you any good to bear that burden? Or perhaps it would accomplish the opposite. Perhaps you would try to do everything in your power to prevent that future. If that were the case, perhaps you would have died and my father would have lived. I’d commend you for such a sacrifice, but that would be a dishonor to the sacrifice that my father had already decided to make on your behalf.”