Riding over the last hill, Daryn Jerenath signaled a halt. His sister, Shanaya, rode up beside him and looked down at the green fields of Farilon. They seemed to go on forever, with a small town here and there, and one road connecting each town with the others. The wildflowers were in full bloom, and the different colors, all blended together, made the lands below seem like a living rainbow. The warm, midafternoon sun shone down on the twins, and a slight breeze stirred their hair. Shanaya brushed a few blackish-brown strands behind an ear and turned to her brother. "How much longer are we gonna ride, Ryn?" she asked him.
"About 5 miles, maybe 10 before we come to the town Cil's in. We should reach there before sunset," he replied.
"Well, come on, then," Shanaya said, and urged her horse Firestar forward. Daryn smiled and shook his head.
"Well, let's go, Ranger," he said to his horse. Ranger neighed and started after Shanaya. They caught up with her about a mile and a half down the road.
"What kept you," Shanaya asked, a grin on her face.
Daryn chuckled. "Just admiring the view, Shan," he replied, returning her grin with one of his own.
Shanaya laughed and took a swipe at him. They rode for some time, until they came to a town.
"Well, here's the town," Daryn said, looking around. "Now we need to find the Drunken Dragon Inn. Maybe we can find someone to ask."
"It's over there," Shanaya said, pointing to a large old 2-story building.
"Oh…" Daryn dismounted and walked over to the inn. Shanaya followed him, leading the horses. She knocked on the door.
"Just a minute," called a voice, which was soon followed by the opening of the door and the appearance of its owner. "Good evening, friends," the man said, smiling warmly. Daryn smiled back and looked at him closely. The man was a head shorter than he was, with red hair and dark emerald green eyes. He had a stained apron over shabby, yet well-made clothes of forest green.
"Are you the innkeeper?" Daryn asked.
"Indeed I am, sir. Gerai Jonan, at your service" the innkeeper said.
"We need rooms, and stabling for 2 horses." Daryn said.
"Right, sir," Jonan replied. "I'll get Jarrad to take the horses for you"
"Uh, I'll take the horses myself, if you don't mind," Shanaya said. Jonan nodded and pointed out the way. "Thanks," said Shanaya, with a smile. She led the horses to the stables and made sure they would be well housed and provided for, while Gerai showed Daryn the rooms.
"These will be fine.," Daryn said.
"If you need anything sir, just shout," said Jonan.
Daryn nodded, and asked, "Is there a tavern or common room here?"
"Yes, sir," Jonan replied. "It's just down the stairs, first door to your left."
"Thank you again, Mr. Jonan" Daryn said with a smile.
"My pleasure, sir." Jonan replied, and exited the room.
Daryn walked out of the inn to see how Shanaya was doing with the horses, and met her on her way back to the inn. "How are the stables," Daryn asked, walking with her back to the inn.
"Pretty good," she replied. "The horses will be well sheltered tonight."
"Good," Daryn said. "Shall we join the company?" He gestured to the open door to the tavern room.
"Why not," said Shanaya.
Daryn grinned, and they entered the room. They chose a table by the wall, and Daryn began scanning the room, looking for Cilen. "He should be here soon," he said. Just then, someone bumped into their table.
"'Scuse me," he said.
"Cil? Cilen, that you?" Daryn asked, looking at the man. He was a bit taller than Daryn, with light brown hair and brown eyes, which had a mischievous glint in them when he smiled. He had on a shirt and pants, the latter a darker shade of brown than the former. Round his waist, on a leather belt, were a sword and dagger, and on his feet were a pair of well kept, yet worn boots.
"Elan?" the man asked, looking at Daryn.
Daryn grinned. "Hello, Cil! Good to see you. Sit down," he said, gesturing to the empty chair.
"Thanks, Elan," Cilen said, sitting down. "This your sister?"
Daryn nodded. "Yeah. This is Shanaya. Shan, this is Cilen," he said.
"Nice to meet you, Shanaya," Cilen said, smiling.
Shanaya nodded and returned the smile. "Pleasure's mine, Cilen," she said. "And call me Shan. Everyone does."
Daryn glanced around the room once more. "Cil, where are Tek and Dad?" he asked.
Cilen sighed and looked at the tabletop. "They were taken prisoner, by Rethlon."
"Rethlon? Rethlon Karevin?" asked Shanaya, a worried look on her face.
Cilen nodded. "Yeah."
Shanaya looked amazed. "I thought he was dead."
Daryn's eyes narrowed. "When'd it happen?"
"About three days ago. We were attacked by Rethlon's men, some two score at least. They went straight for Lan and Tek, and carried them off East, to Rethlon's stronghold, Tir Aronyl, in the Black Hills."
"Oh no," Shanaya said.
Daryn growled softly. "'Reth has gone too far this time," he muttered, then turned to Cilen. "Cil, how long will it take you to get prepared for a journey?"
"You're not going after them, are you?" Cilen asked, in disbelief. "The journey is very perilous, and it's impossible to enter Tir Aronyl unless you're a prisoner or a servant of Rethlon."
"How long, Cil?" Daryn repeated, looking his friend in the eye.
"About 3 hours," Cilen answered.
"Then we leave when you're ready, Cil," Daryn said, rising.
Shanaya started out to the stables, calling over her shoulder, "I'll get the horses."
Cilen followed her. "I'll help."
In three and a half hours, the three friends were on the road, heading east, towards the castle Tir Aronyl.
Go to Chapter Two.