Staring out across the countryside, Hanor stood firm, the great storm increasing in size as it approached. Violent and terrible, tearing up the earth as it moved, below him the field groaned in pain. Lurching back and forth like the ocean, the wind kept howling its defiant cry. Around his feet, blood started seeping out of the ground, oozing like the rising of a flood. Unexpected, an earthquake shook the foundations of The Freelands. Heaving and buckling, to his horror, a huge cavern opened before him. Teetering on the brink, a great booming voice called out, “HELP ME!”
Sitting up, his vision consumed by the images, Hanor gasped for air. Fighting the hand when it rested on his shoulder, still half-asleep, but its reassuring strength eased him down like a father to a frightened son.
“Everything is fine,” said a strange but familiar voice.
Opening his eyes, the dream dissipating with the arrival of the real world, two penetrating orbs peered down at Hanor, the kind smile restoring an element of control. Rubbing sleep-filled lids to wipe away the mist, the Heir of Manson sat up, a stiff neck reminding him of where he had originally fallen asleep.
“What… are you doing here?” he asked, a surge of questions rushing forward. “And where did you go?”
“I have been here for some time,” Brandor said, sitting next to the startled young man. “How do you feel?”
“I… am not quite sure.” Charged by the dream, its meaning remained elusive. “I would like a drink, if you will.”
Brandor pinpointed a jug of water nearby. “Here,” he said, handing him the glass, probing the boy’s features for any resentment.
“Thank… you,” Hanor said, scrutinising the older man. Permitting the cool liquid to settle him, he felt better and more himself. “Where… are the others?” Vague memories of their entry earlier climbed into a still fuzzy mind. His brother had prodded him with questions, but tiredness had closed him down.
“There was nobody here when I entered.”
A small blanket lay on the floor, Hanor supposing he must have been asleep for some time. Dark outside explained the possible reason for their absence. “They have probably gone for something to eat,” he said, rumblings in his stomach calling for its own measure.
“I cannot blame them for that,” Brandor smirked.
Recalling the wonderful events earlier, an echo of that otherworldly experience flushed through Hanor briefly, a gentle reminder of its genuineness. Lifting his woes as a result, incredulous to believe it possible, words could not explain it. To think this man had inflamed his whole being with such power was astonishing. Dwarfed by that realization, a sincere face opposite still advocated an approachability he liked.
Siding on caution, a dim smile revealing his fragility, the disturbing dream was put to one side. “What… did you do earlier?”
Relieved that rejection was not immediate, Brandor was determined to preserve this good start. “You certainly deserve an explanation,” he said, rising and strolling over to one of numerous large arched windows.
Outside, the early stages of moonlight were already casting twilight shadows across tidy gardens. A subtle warning of their grim future, he could only hope this young man’s potential might be something special. One moon was trying to break through thickening clouds above the outer garden wall of this High-house, the other one would follow the same route later that night.
Chuckling, ironic, Manson was the last place he had visited prior to having his original vision. Recalling them crossing at the foot of the main stairway, Hanor had just risen from his slumber, scoffing to himself at such idleness. Ignoring the lad, he had continued with what he thought were more important matters. Weird that their paths should cross again, life had a wonderful way of creating the most unforeseen circumstances. Even so, now that he was in the presence of the boy, a strange feeling did ease the apprehension. Detecting a deeper quality about him, an innocence generating respect, glancing back, two patient eyes waited for him to respond. Recalling how obedient he was at the lake, an openness to accept what was beyond him, perhaps he would be a good student after all.
“Yes,” he said, thoughtful. “I can understand it was unusual for you.”
“I… have no idea what happened.”
“There is no need to be alarmed,” Brandor assured him. “What you felt was the Powers of the Sacred.”
“It was… amazing,” Hanor said, wanting a repeat encounter.
“Yes…, it is,” Brandor agreed, seeing this as a positive sign. “More than you know.”
“So…, why did you do it?”
“Come here..., please,” Brandor ordered, gazing out through swirling patterns of charcoal silver embedded in the windowpane. Leaning against the rusty coloured wall, simplicity mixing well with elegance, a regular theme of this uncomplicated High-house, he did enjoy visiting here.
Hanor did as asked.
“What do you see?” the Dai-Laman asked, indicating the shadowy gardens.
Confused, “What do you mean?” Daring a quick glance, Hanor could only see the odd silhouette of tree or bush. A few stone benches populated the darkness, but he presumed there was something specific.
“What do you see?” the mysterious figure repeated, unwilling to accept such a quick response.
Cupping hands to the side of his head, Hanor leant against the pane and peered out into the twilight. Searching through the dimness, lamps on the High-house walls were not yet lit, limiting his view. Half-expecting something dramatic to occur, a small light in front was his best guess. “There is a glimmer of light, is that what you mean?”
“Just a glimmer of light?”
Thinking it a game, “Yes…,” he said, shrugging as though not important.
“And… what about the light?”
“Er…, it is quite bright,” he offered, rather poorly.
“Look again.”
Agitated by this seemingly pointless exercise, when Hanor peered out again, it dawned as to what it actually was. “It is a reflection of moonlight.”
“It is,” Brandor acknowledged.
“But… what is so special about that?”
Expecting nothing less, but still appreciating this interaction, the Dai-laman had not taught anyone for a very long time. “Why are you able to see it as a reflection?”
Hanor shrugged.
Brandor waited, again not accepting how quickly he was prepared to give in.
Not savouring the sense of inadequacy, memories of nights at the lake sprung to mind, reflections of the two moons on water. “Water,” Hanor tried, still unsure what the man was getting at. “There is a small water table out there.”
“Hmm,” Brandor was far from impressed. “Have you ever asked yourself what water actually is, and why it is able to reflect the light as it does?” Not waiting for the boy to respond, he continued to make his point. “Have you ever considered how and why the moons arc through the sky? Where does their light come from that are beacons for any traveller at night? Why are there two moons and not three… or one?”
The young lad did not move. Staring through the window at the questions he had never asked before, he felt uneducated. An element of shame heckled as life by the lake lost its sparkle. “I never thought about it,” he admitted, as if sacrilegious that he had not.
Resting a hand on the boy’s shoulder, sensing the turmoil within, it was at least a start. “Do not worry about it now, for there are many things that you have taken for granted, not realising powers are at work just so you can run, play and have fun without a care in the world. It is nice to live a free life without concerns, but everything has its price.” Squeezing his shoulder, “You are at a cross-road Hanor, and important options lay before you.”
“What options?” His mood by the lake prior to Brandor’s first arrival proved there was a gap in his life. Filling that void with the attentions of certain females, but it would not be enough to dampen the disquiet inside he knew. With the arrival of this mysterious man, Hanor could see a door opening.
“Playing by the lake with your friends has its benefits,” Brandor started. “But you are missing out on what life is really about. There are mysteries that dazzle the senses, which cannot be experienced by a complacent mind.” Wary that Hanor could be overawed, life had been too comfortable for him. Confessions of his parents earlier did release the boy from some blame, but a significant shift in attitude was required if he was to reach new heights. “There are many people relying on me for help, and I too need help to achieve what has been set before me. I see great potential in you, but that is all it is at the moment, potential. It is a matter of whether you wish to explore that potential and join us.”
“Why would you want someone like me to join you?” Hanor asked, astonished. “I am hardly useful, and do not see the potential you speak of.”
“Do you not think there was a time when I was a young man like you, and that young man grew into adulthood just like you will? If I had not chosen at your age to follow a certain path, I would not be in a position to help others now, would I?”
“I suppose not,” Hanor admitted, toying with the idea of actually making a difference.
“So here we are, facing the same sort of choice I did all of those seasons ago,” Brandor stated, waiting for a reply.
Sobering, the future now looked quite daunting. Giving up his leisurely lifestyle was not a problem, but the suggestion of aiding others triggered doubts. “Who needs help?”
“Have you not asked yourself why your father is gathering numbers to fight?”
“I… I have been meaning to ask but…,” Hanor said, shame flushing through him again.
Surprised at just how blinkered this boy was, the Dai-laman continued. “An evil power is rising in the north, and people are lying in its wake. If they do not receive support, they will not survive.”
Wars had happened throughout history, but it seemed strange to think it might happen now. “What evil power?”
“I will leave it for your father to explain, for my time is short,” Brandor said, thoughtful. “He is preparing for war using traditional means, but there are other ways that are more potent. Those paths are the routes by which I travel, and others like me. Thwart with perils, but they are trails that give hope, and is the way you will go if you are willing.”
Gulping at what he could volunteer of any worth, this was going too fast. Today by the lake had opened Hanor’s world to powers surpassing his wildest dreams, the charge of loving energy lifting him towards a new way of living, but to think he could do anything was hard to imagine. Even so, the idea of receiving further insights urged him to say yes. “It is like… you are offering me a new start,” he said, seeing it as forgiveness for his idleness. “I am still not sure what you expect of me, but I will learn if you are willing to teach me.”
Satisfied by his reply, “You underestimate yourself, and you have made me very happy.”
“But what of my father, and you have still not told me what happened earlier?”
Lowering his smile, “I have already spoken to your parents, and they have placed their trust in me. That need not concern you for now, I have ample to keep you occupied.”
“Where do we begin?” The idea of repeating what they had done earlier surged, so too the desire to wield powers like his new mentor. Presuming Brandor was a Master of the Arts like some of those mysterious people he had heard lived in the larger cities of The Freelands, his imagination exploded into life.
“We start with reality,” Brandor said, picking up on the boy’s fanciful ideas. “For this will not be an easy road. It is beneficial to start small, rather than trying to grasp everything. Your eyes tell me you are looking in the wrong direction.”
“What do you mean?”
“Wielding powers against our foe will come in its own time,” the Dai-laman explained, keeping him inquisitive yet sensible. “This may be exciting for an untrained mind…, but there are natural laws governing everything. There may come a time when such powers become a great burden.”
“That does make sense.”
“Let us sit before I continue, I am not as young as I used to be.”
Moving to the cushioned chairs opposite the unlit fireplace, Hanor tried to stay calm. Scenic tapestries ensured no precious words could escape as young expectations increased.
Brandor’s approach shifted. “Your parents have entrusted you to me,” he repeated, pausing on how they might be coping with it.
Sensing more to the statement, Hanor was astounded they had agreed to it.
“They have raised you the best they knew how,” the Dai-laman continued. “But we both know you are short of skills and experience. I detect honesty and integrity about you that I rarely see nowadays, and for me, that means more than the use of a weapon or ability to absorb a great many facts. Such characteristics are invaluable in times of duress, and usually stand firm in situations that may threaten the individual or group.”
The young man sat straight, unused to praise.
“But that does not mean it is enough,” Brandor went on. “I mentioned about an evil preparing to invade The Freelands.”
Hanor listened, eager for more light to shine into his shallow life.
“I have been rallying support from all Nations to unite and meet this threat head-on. The people of Manson are part of that support.”
The hastily built training camp was a testament to that.
“What you experienced earlier were invisible forces that are an integral part of life. You encountered The Forces of Light, which leads all towards a dominating good. Against that, a dark resistant power is trying to hold back progress, generating pain and misery, destruction and death. These two Forces face each other at opposite ends of The Freelands. There is a great deal of history encompassing it all, a tale of which would take to the morning to tell. We can ill afford the time, so for another meeting perhaps.”
Hanor sat astounded, each explanation painting a scary albeit wider picture.
“You Hanor, are part of that confrontation, now that you have accepted my lead. You must grow up by discarding those childish attributes wrapped around your neck. No more abandonment of yester-turn, the work begins now. The future is unknown, but with the guidance of the Sacred, we shall prevail. I trust few, especially in these dark times, so we have to be certain we can rely on those we know. You already have my seal of approval, I trust you will use it wisely?”
“Er…, yes…, of course,” Hanor stuttered, fidgeting. Disbelieving he had been targeted for such an honoured inclusion, he was determined to do whatever was asked of him.
“Good.”
“So what happens now?”
“That is the kind of question I like to hear,” Brandor said. “For the time being, you must stay here and learn some survival skills. Mastering a Kyboe for one, how to cook, and using a sword.”
“I was expecting something more exciting,” Hanor admitted, frowning. Many attempts by his father to do the same had been rebuffed by excuses, his mother supporting them.
“I thought as much, but much suffering can be prevented by learning to be patient,” the Dai-laman decreed. “Your life may depend on it.”
That statement stopped Hanor’s active mind, a shiver running through him. Living a sheltered existence, the reoccurring dream returned, a timely reminder of what he was getting himself into. Could he really get involved?
In silence, the two sat for a while listening to the backdrop of noise filtering in from adjacent rooms. Other activities equally at threat as they bustled about, more attuned to the workings of this House than the worries of The Freelands. Like Hanor, many had risen that morning under a veil of ignorance. But as their future ruler pondered the implications of what he had accepted, things were about to change for everyone.
Brandor appeared to be resting, so Hanor copied him. Trying to return to that inner tranquillity he had experienced earlier, just switching his attention seemed to work. Concentrating on the rhythms of his heart, the beats quickened, a permanent peace rising that felt blissful.
“What is it you want me to do?” Hanor asked, daring to break the silence. Enjoying the peace, but flickering thoughts of what was ahead meant he could not sit still.
“You are a brave young man,” Brandor praised.
“I have had it easy for long enough, it is time for me to give something back.”
“Wise words,” the older man approved. “You have still made a courageous decision Hanor, one that many people may come to appreciate someday.”
Self-conscious, the Heir of Manson remained silent.
“Right, enough of the pleasantries,” the Dai-laman said, stretching his legs out in front. Weathered hide-boots indicated a seasoned traveller who had spent many turns on the road. “After your initial training, I will send someone to take you to Tarden - the main city of Tardania.
“Tarden of… Tardania?”
“Yes, a wonderful place, have you not heard of it?”
“The name is familiar, but…”
“Well, no need for specifics, for anything else will have little meaning to you. Do some research, I am sure your Reading Hall will have plenty to look at. As to your travelling companion, his name is Kifter - of Fion. He is quite capable of nourishing your newly found appetite for information. But a word of caution, as patient as he is, unruly young men would surely irritate him.”
“I will remember that,” Hanor said, barely believing this was taking place. Tarden in Tardania!
“Good,” Brandor said, rising. “Night has closed in, and there are some things I need to tend to. Stand up!”
Numb, Hanor did as asked.
Soaked in astonishment, the lad’s large brown eyes stared up at Brandor, taking a moment to appease any woes. “Questions will mix with fears, but the lesson for now is… patience. Control that imagination and you will grow ever wiser. Kifter will inform you of a great deal, but for now, I must leave. I intend to meet you at Tarden, so in the meantime, I will speak with your father about training. Do not shy away, and learn as much as you can. The protective embrace of your parents will not help when you are out on the road. I trust no one more than Kifter, who will look after you.”
Hanor nodded, bewildered by the pace of it. “I… I will do… my best.”
“Good,” Brandor said, lacking the time to nurture him through the shock. “Have an early night, no more half-day rises.”
Hanor looked away.
“You have started a new chapter, get rid of the old and learn. Cultivate a sense of purpose, and make a difference, Hanor!”
Forcing resolve to the surface, “Old habits die hard, but... I can manage it.”
“Is there anything else?” the Dai-laman asked. So much remained a mystery.
“I still do not understand what happened to me today.”
“Remember what I said, a little at a time. It is beyond your understanding to grasp, but answers will come when they are ready.”
Thoughts of Nole and Bane sprung to mind. “What about my brother and friends…, what shall I say? They will not like me venturing off without them.”
“This is to stay secret. You are moving into the big world Hanor, and walls have ears. Loose tongues can be just as dangerous. The fewer who know… the better. I believe in stealth, that is why I am entrusting you to Kifter for the time being. Are we in agreement?”
Gulping, “Yes,” Hanor answered, unsure how to deal with the issue.
“We will meet again soon. Get some rest, for an early start is essential.”
Before Hanor could add anything else, the mysterious figure turned on hi