The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull, Page 2

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  2

  Knorrest

  The rays of the sun started to grace the Rising Sun Inn only two hours shy of high sun. The Harana Mountains prevented the sun's light for so long it was a wonder this place did not freeze. Alundi woke early and ate with the other guests at breakfast. Meredith had cooked a variety of foods in essence to satisfy as many different customers as possible. Alundi stuck to the lamb. Needing an excuse to move his legs in the early hours of the morning Alundi explored Mountain Rise. He also checked for anything that might have been of use. Good cover could be found in the shrubs that stood at the end of the garden of the home in between the Inn and Annabel’s home if for any reason he would have to hide the Annabels quickly. Four farm buildings were in sight from outside the Inn. Alundi walked to each one. Two were just for housing hay. One was an empty sty and judging by the smell had only recently been departed by a number of pigs, and the last was an abattoir. A useful place to run and get a blade but the odds of Excalibur failing him was so small it was not much of a positive thing. Staring down the westward road he mused that with preparation Mountain Rise could use the natural bottleneck that the hills and dense wood afforded as a means for defence. He actually wore Excalibur not because he had need of it but because there were a number of people at the Inn and in this village whom he could not trust. They would not be able to use it but they could still separate him from it. He would not be able to carry the sword all the time however, he thought of leaving young Annabel to care for it but in truth he still had to convince her more before then. High sun meant Mountain Rise coming to life. The village became active almost instantly as the sunlight kissed the ground around the village. 

  Alundi walked towards the Annabels' home. As he came close to the door it opened and Little Annabel was standing on the other side. Her shining white teeth gleamed in the high sunlight.  

  ‘Good day Alundi.’ 

  ‘Thank you, and good day to you. I wanted to speak with your mother.’

  ‘She is tending to someone, can I help.’ Little Annabel said excitedly. 

  ‘I came for the swords that I left with you. Would you know where they are?’ she grinned broadly.

  ‘I would and I will take you to them.’ She closed the door and brushed past Alundi. He followed her to a small shed to the right of their home. Disappearing inside she returned with the swords still bundled together lying in her arms. Alundi took a knee to take them off her. He stood and gave her a wink. Her smile grew. Little Annabel bowed and started for home. Alundi walked back round the house and headed for the forge. 

  Watching from outside Alundi could see just how good Knorrest was. He was not over hasty but was fast. Each hammer blow, whether it was with a sledge-hammer or his hand-hammer went roughly where he wanted it to go. The strength behind it was not always perfect but was corrected with the next hit, and the look on his face was a mixture of fatigue, concentration and joy. He enjoyed everything about his work. Alundi missed it. He was a warrior and had been a warrior for such a long time he almost forgot about his time in the forge. The young Man that was with Knorrest at the bar the previous night was working with him. Alundi’s guess as to who he was, was correct. They seemed to be forging two sets of horseshoes. Not wanting to disturb them during such a precise process Alundi returned to the Inn. 

  As he entered, Meredith gave him a passing glance and continued with her original task. He placed the bundle of swords on his bed and slowly took a knee. Withdrawing one of the blades he started to tap the floor around the bed. It took barely a minute to find a loose board and even less to pry it up with no noise. Unbuckling his scabbier that housed Excalibur he placed the sword in the void below. He left his hand on it and closed his eyes.

  ‘Only for this day you will remain here, my friend. Forgive me.’ A surge of magic touched the tips of his fingers, which he withdrew quickly. Afterwards a slight smile spread across his face. Replacing the floorboard Alundi returned the other sword to the bundle. He then pulled his sack from under the bed and stuck his hand within. A few seconds of feeling around and he grasped a handle. Pulling it from the bag he could not help the warm joyful feeling that swept over him whenever he looked at his hammer. Stuffing it in his belt he collected the blades and headed for Knorrest's forge. 

  Alundi passed the Annabels' house to find Little Annabel standing at the door watching him closely. He grinned and continued on. The heat emanating from the forge was fantastic. He stepped over the threshold and the feeling of returning home surged through him. Knorrest was stoking the fire and his young companion was nowhere in sight. The forge was made from brick and stood in the centre of the forge building. The forge itself was octagonal in shape, over six feet across at the top and tapering down to three feet at the floor. Four separate fires were burning which could allow over eight to work off the forge at any one time. There were two anvils of similar weight and height one on the right and the other on the left. The one to the left of the forge must have been the one Knorrest had used for a long time as there was a distinctive amount of wear on the centre of the rounded, tapered end. Behind the fires were the leather bellows for which over four cows must have been used to make them. The air was pumped in from directly underneath the fires allowing for a good clean fire. A large water tank skirted the left side and slightly under the top overhang. A smaller one was on the right and in front of that a large pile of clinker sat. It must be the job of the young one to come in before Knorrest to start the fires, which on mornings like today would be difficult. He would need to clean out each fire of all clinker and re-bed and refill with charcoal. The wall to the left was laden with many different horseshoes. Damaged ones as well as freshly made ones for Shires and some for ponies. An array of tongs littered the table under the shoes. Oddly there seemed to be few hammers in sight. One sledge was shared between the two of them and only a hammer each which both seemed to be sitting on their respective anvils. The rest of the forge could be considered a mess. No doubt that Knorrest had a system and knew where everything was. In truth Alundi was just as messy and organised at the same time. He waited.

  ‘Ah, Alundi I see you are true to your word.’ Knorrest said walking towards him with an outstretched arm. Alundi shook it and was surprised at the strength of Knorrest's grip. 

  ‘Always.’ He said as their hands parted. 

  ‘So what do you think?’ Knorrest said outstretching his arms. Alundi took a quick look around though he had studied the forge completely already. 

  ‘The forge in the centre is of Elf design.’ The shock on Knorrest's face was obvious but he recovered quickly. 

  ‘It is. My grandfather was setting up in Mountain Rise when one came through. He showed him the design and helped him construct this place. I never met him but my grandfather spoke of him as if he was a brother to him.’ 

  ‘I have seen the Elf cities. They are a fascinating people but their blacksmithing is not as good as Man's, and I mean that. Maybe because they are immortal their views and wishes are different from Men. I have made things that will last after me. The Elves do not create in such a way. But they know their stuff. It was an Elf who taught me sword-smithing. Selec-Heo was her name.’ Knorrest was nodding but there was disbelief in his eyes. 

  ‘Everyone has heard of her. I even own one of her chisels. It has not been marked even when I have cut cold steel. Ah son, bring him around the back.’ Knorrest shouted out the door. He turned, grabbed a few tools and headed to the door on the left of the far wall. 

  ‘Grab a piece of metal and start hitting it. I’ll be back shortly.’ Knorrest said without turning. 

  Alundi placed his bundle of swords on the floor and glanced to the right to find a pile of used and rusted horseshoes in a very spider ridden, charcoal dust covered corner. Picking the largest piece he could find he pressed it in to the fire. Placing his arm against the side of Knorrest's preferred anvil it was far too low for him. He walked over to the apprentice's anvil on the right and
though it was still not best matched to him it was higher than Knorrest's. He pulled his hammer from his belt and placed it on the anvil. Stoking the fire it was not long until the piece of steel he held with the tongs was almost white hot. With the hammer in his left hand he started hitting. All the joy he ever felt when doing this work flowed through him and he could not hide his delight. It had been well over a century since the last time he stood in such a place and worked a piece of hot steel. Only a handful of hits were needed to open it out so the steel was flat. Alundi even had enough heat left to bend it back on itself length ways. He placed it back in the fire and brushed the scale of the face of the anvil. It was then he noticed someone watching him. Alundi did not look up but continued to stare at the flames. Concentration was needed. He pushed some of the coals off the top of his charcoal burning molehill to watch the intense, almost oxidising flames as they met the steel. As the colour of the steel became bright yellow he pulled it out of the flames, lay it on the anvil and struck it in three places but not hard. He repeated the same twice more adding a few more hits until the two surfaces of the folded steel was welded solid. Knorrest’s apprentice was studying Alundi's action as well as his stance and posture. Alundi continued forging with his audience watching. He folded and fire welded the steel twice more. Drawing down on two opposite faces his piece started to look like a hot chisel. With Knorrest now watching along with his son Alundi worked silently. The next twenty minutes went by in a series of hammer blows, stoking fires, burning coals and dripping sweat. His audience did nothing except watch. 

  The chisel, though finished, lay still hot on the anvil. It needed hardening further but for now the sweaty heavy work was done. Alundi brushed his brow with the back of his hand and took one step back. Knorrest and his apprentice leaned closer to the chisel to study it closer. Knorrest leaned back and folded his arms. 

  ‘I am a better than good blacksmith but that would still taken me an hour, you have done it in half that.’

  ‘That is the extent of my skills, fire welding, drawing down and knowing all forms and techniques of hardening.’ Alundi walked over to the bundle of swords that he had brought with him. He withdrew one not caring which, as all were as poorly made as each other. He walked over to them both holding the blade one hand on each end. 

  ‘This blade has been hardened throughout. It is sharp and could easily slice you in two.’ Alundi spun round quickly and slammed the sword edge into the face of the anvil. The blade erupted in a cloud of razor sharp spears all of which Alundi deflected with magic. Both Knorrest and his apprentice turned and covered as he struck the anvil. They recovered, Knorrest checking whether there were any cuts. Alundi held the handle loosely in his hand; barely enough of the blade remained to cut into a melon. 

  ‘But useless in any sword battle. I will admit that all these swords are useless but with a small amount of annealing and re-hardening in the right places they will never be a great sword but could be made a fair one. A blade that any farmer could carry to use when he works and just in case the wrong person came a calling.’ More calculations and Alundi knew the numbers looked good.

  ‘These are yours. I can show you both what is needed to be done to them and you can either do it with me watching or the other way around.’ 

  ‘I watched you make that chisel and there was only one thing that has made me give you work.’ Knorrest stepped closer. 

  ‘You were enjoying yourself. We only have the two anvils you will have to share.’

  ‘If I have work with you Knorrest I would need some different tools. I will fetch them.’ Alundi added as he noted Knorrest's reaction. 

  ‘What do you need?’ The apprentice asked.

  ‘A grinding stone with a pulley system attached to make it spin. I believe I would be able to find one at the base of the mountains, and a tree trunk.’ Confusion enveloped both of them. 

  ‘A tree trunk, you say?’ The apprentice repeated slowly.

  ‘Yes, no smaller than two feet across and no shorter than five feet long. Who was the one selling charcoal, logs and kindling at Four Points yesterday?’    

  ‘Brisclim, he has a farm half a mile to the south. Conner, take Alundi, it looks like he will need a hand. Do not worry, he owes me for two sets of shoes so he will not demand payment.’ 

  Conner led the way up a well-trodden dirt track. He was saying nothing and Alundi could tell that Conner believed his standing with Knorrest would suffer with Alundi working with them. Their walk was brisk. The air was still warming and fog and mist still graced the fields around them. This was certainly a hill-ridden place, making it unlikely that if an army were to invade this place that any one would see them coming until it was far too late. The house came into view along with a large barn facing the west. Alundi could see four figures working around both buildings. Two seemed young and were sawing a large log held up with two sets of two smaller logs in a cross-form at either end. The log was not wide enough for what was needed. One of the younger ones waved at them both and Conner waved back.

  ‘That is my brother Samuel.’ Conner said pointing at the waving one. 

  ‘The other young one is not?’ Alundi asked slightly confused.

  ‘No. Brisclim adopted Samuel.’ Conner did not continue. Alundi was intrigued. 

  ‘Do not feel that I am intruding. I only intend to stay for the winter. In that time I can teach you or your father what either wants to know.’ 

  ‘Knorrest is not my father. He adopted me when my parents were killed. He calls me son. I like it. Though I am not his son by blood, he has raised me since I was four. I always wanted to be what he was.’

  ‘Believe me when I say you would have to travel a very long way to find a better teacher. Other than me I might add.’ 

  Conner grinned. 

  ‘Are all blacksmiths this egotistic?’ 

  Alundi laughed out loud. It took a few moments before he stopped. 

  ‘I am much older than I look, young Conner. And I was forging blades long before Knorrest's father was born. I am an experienced bladesmith. Knorrest however is natural. That does not mean he is the best. But he would be the best teacher.’ 

  Conner grinned broadly and shouted. 

  ‘Rebecca, Juliana, Tayla!’ 

  Moments afterwards three young girls of different ages came running out of the house. Conner broke into a run and he was knocked over and completely set upon by the young girls. He was laughing so hard it was hard for him to draw breath. Alundi grinned at the spectacle. Samuel came running over and went to jump on them all, however he jumped completely over them pulling the youngest one off his brother. 

  ‘You fight with him then you fight with me.’ Samuel bellowed.  

  She screamed for a moment and then continued laughing. The other young Man walked over but did not join the ruckus. As did an older Man whom Alundi assumed was Brisclim. 

  ‘Brisclim?’ 

  He nodded. 

  ‘I…’ Alundi started however Brisclim cut him off. 

  ‘I know who you are. Your name reached my ears as I returned from Four Points. Why does Conner bring you to me?’ 

  ‘Knorrest has promised work however I am in need of a tree trunk of a certain size, two feet across five feet long. Would you have such a tree?’ 

  Brisclim gestured towards the barn. 

  ‘I do, however we will need more strong arms to get it on the cutting bench.’ 

  Brisclim called the boys over and Alundi followed. One tree that had just been freshly harvested lay on the floor of the barn. The branches had already been cut and hacked off but most of the larger branches still remained. It took Samuel and the other young Man whom Alundi now knew as Brigan only a few more minutes to clear the rest of the tree. Then with Brisclim, Samuel, Brigan, Conner and Alundi they carried the half tree out of the barn and with many hard breaths heaved it onto the cutting bench. There Samuel and Brigan started cutting where Alundi had pointed at. They were half way through when Br
isclim told them to have a break. Conner walked over to Alundi and for a few minutes he said nothing. However his curiosity had been aroused since they left the forge.

  ‘Why do you need this log anyway?’ Conner asked keeping his voice steady. 

  ‘If I am to use iron, working it on the wood will harden the surface of the metal and make it steel whilst leaving the core of the blade iron. It is softer and more flexible. Any impact would be partially absorbed by the iron. This reduces vibrations which if strong enough could seriously damage your arm.’ 

  Conner was looking at him with wonder. 

  ‘And the blades you have given Knorrest?’ 

  ‘They will have to be worked differently. I can show you this afternoon if you like we do not need th…’

   Alundi was interrupted when an ear wrenching yell came from behind them. He turned quickly to find Brigan on the floor with the log resting on his left knee. The two crossed logs must have given way under the weight of the log and fell on him. He and Conner rushed over. Brisclim and Samuel were both struggling to lift the log off Brigan. Conner started to help but it was hopeless, they were not strong enough and Alundi could not get anywhere near the log. 

  ‘Move!’ Alundi said to Conner and Samuel. 

  They did, as there was fierceness in his voice. He put his arm around the tree as much as he could. Willing his magic into his arms to reinforce his muscles he took two long breaths and then lifted. The tree moved off Brigan and Brisclim pulled his son away from the tree. Samuel and Conner did nothing to help until Brisclim shouted at them both. Alundi held it for a few more moments as his arms and leg were locked in their respective positions and then he threw it away to his left. Breathing heavily he fell to one knee. It took a few moments for Alundi to clear his head. There was so much noise. He could hear shouting from Brisclim, yells of pain from Brigan and screams from the girls behind them all. 

  ‘Calm down!’ Alundi shouted as he stood. 

  Fear gripped them all even Brigan was silent. Alundi walked over, fell to his knees and held his hand over Brigan knee. Closing his eyes he muttered a few words, words that none of them heard. With his hand still hovering over Brigan's knee he turned his head towards Samuel and Conner. 

  ‘Grab some horses and bring young Little Annabel here now.’ He said quietly. 

  They sped away. 

  ‘There’s good news and bad news Brigan. You will not lose your leg. However I will need to push it back into place. Prepare him.’ Alundi said to Brisclim. 

  Looking around Brisclim got one of the young girls to hand him a short stick. He placed the stick into Brigan’s mouth and whilst holding him up with his own body Brisclim grasped both of his hands. His eyes were wet with tears. Alundi placed his left hand on Brigan’s left foot and slid his right under the back of Brigan’s knee. Making eye contact with both Brigan and Brisclim, Alundi waited for one second. Alundi pulled his right arm up quickly whilst pushing hard onto Brigan’s foot. The scraping and cracking of bones would have sent a chill down any Man's spine and these were no exception. Almost silent shouts of agony escaped Brigan but he bit down so hard that the stick started to break. All the pain he felt was in his eyes and though Alundi wanted to he could not take his eyes away. Moments later the agonising pain was gone and Brigan went limp. Alundi placed his fingers on Brigan’s throat to check for as pulse. 

  ‘He’s fine. The pain has knocked him out. We can move him now. I suggest we get him somewhere warm.’ 

  Brisclim picked up Brigan and carried him into the house followed by all the others. Alundi followed but slowly. He stood in the doorway, which opened into a room where a roaring fire was. They had laid Brigan on the table in front of it pushing whatever was originally on it onto the floor. Brigan's mother walked over to Alundi and embraced him. 

  ‘Thank you.’ 

  ‘Do not thank me yet. His knee is still in a bad way. I need young Little Annabel here with me and we can heal him completely.’ 

  ‘How?’ Brisclim said not taking his eyes off his son. 

  ‘I am of magic, just like young Little Annabel. But my strength is sapped however. With her I will be able to heal Brigan. He is in no danger at the moment.’

  Alundi felt awkward. He was indirectly responsible for this as they were cutting his log. Also he had Brigan’s mother, who he now knew as Catherine, thanking him and fetching him hot drinks whilst he had Brisclim angry with him or himself Alundi could not say. He drank but stayed back. Samuel and Conner were back with Little Annabel and her mother. They were fast but it seemed many hours had passed since they had left. Annabel walked in with Little Annabel directly behind her. She lit up when she saw Alundi but that smiled faded as her eyes fell on Brigan, she walked briskly over to him and closed her eyes. A few moments later she opened them again. The look on her face was enough to say that she could do nothing to help him. 

  ‘Young Little Annabel…’ Alundi stepped forward and took a knee.

  ‘I will heal Brigan, but to do that I will need your strength. Please take my hand.’ 

  She did with no hesitation. Alundi noticed Annabel shift slightly but she did not hinder him. 

  ‘You must will me magic but not too much. Say in your head. “I wish to heal Brigan through Alundi”. It will make it easier for you.’ 

  She closed her eyes and started repeating the words. Alundi closed his as well but then Alundi and Little Annabel looked at each other instantly. There was no fear in her eyes just surprise. 

  ‘Do you hear me young Little Annabel?’ Little Annabel heard though Alundi’s lips did not seem to move. The voice was an echo in her mind. 

  ‘I do?’ She said within her head. A moment later a warm secure feeling enveloped her. 

  ‘Your magic is intertwined with mine. I will use your strength and my skill to heal him. Observe, listen but must importantly, feel.’ Alundi said no more to her. He closed his eyes again and held out his arm hovering just over Brigan’s knee.

  It was as if Little Annabel was outstretching her hand and slowly gracing every piece of flesh, bone and skin within Brigan’s knee. Then they went deeper. Through the flesh into the blood, everything healthy was ignored. As her hand and Alundi’s passed over a damaged area a flow of magic left her. It was not draining however. The feeling of joy flowed from Alundi into her. A thank you it was not. The joy of the healing balanced the flow of magic leaving her. She started to smile. As each part was healed the happier she became and the fuller this experience felt. It took no longer than five minutes to heal the knee. Just before Alundi disengaged from the healing he pushed a bit deeper into Little Annabel's mind.

  ‘Please tell your mother I will come and see you both later. We have a great deal to discuss.’

  ‘We will cook for you.’ Little Annabel's echoed voice rang within Alundi.

  ‘And I have a favour to ask of you both.’ With that Alundi left as if he walked out of the door of her mind. He placed his right hand on Brigan’s shoulder.

  ‘Wake young Brigan.’ he said loudly. He did instantly. There were a few gasps of shock from the young girls in the room.

  ‘Your knee is healed. It will be sore for a week or so. But it is as good as new.’ Brigan rubbed it and smiled as he felt no pain. 

  ‘My apologies Brisclim, I should not have pushed you for that tree.’ 

  ‘Your apology is not required Alundi, thank you.’ 

  Alundi bowed his head and instantly held it as an unbearable ache in his head took hold and his legs wavered. 

  ‘Alundi!’ Little Annabel yelled. 

  He gestured for her to stop as he was certain she was about to try and heal him. He muttered a few words under his breath and the pain lulled but did not cease. 

  ‘I am fine. I used up all my magic for the day. I need to rest. May I take a horse to the Inn?’ Alundi asked Brisclim. 

  ‘Samuel go with Alundi, Brigan take Annabel and Little Annabel back home. Conner you may as well return to Knorrest. Alundi
, I will buy you a drink this evening at the Inn.’ 

  Alundi chuckled 

  ‘It would be my honour, young Brisclim.’ Alundi mumbled whilst he staggered out of the door into the fresh cool air. 

  Alundi was followed back to the Inn by Samuel. Dismounting his horse was a challenge and Samuel grabbed the reins of Alundi’s horse and just before he trotted back to the farm he gave Alundi a generous nod. Alundi walked upstairs ignoring everyone. His door closed rather loudly. A warm feeling flowed through him as Alundi stepped onto the floorboards that hid Excalibur. Its proximity was refreshing and very welcome not just to him. His pain was not of his magic running its course but rather the immense power he felt from Little Annabel to his core. He would have to rethink what he had to do. In no way could he do it alone.  

  Alundi could smell the heady mix of food, beer and body odour through his door from the very loud drinkers in the bar. He had already released Excalibur from its hiding place or prison depending on whose point of view one would take. Hanging it on his belt Alundi covered the handle and collected his long grey cloak to cover it further. He descended the stairs and was greeted by the loud pungent smell that was the custom in establishments such as this. 

  ‘Alundi!’ Brisclim called from the bar. 

  Walking over he noticed Knorrest leaning on the bar with him, 

  ‘What can I get you?’

  ‘An ale, please.’ Brisclim nodded at Meredith who served Alundi quickly. 

  ‘Your tree has been delivered.’ Brisclim said not taking his eyes off his drink. 

  ‘Thank you.  How is Brigan?’

  ‘He puts on a strong face but I can tell he is in discomfort but not much. I gave him the rest of the day off after he returned from the Annabels.’ Alundi took two large gulps of his drink. 

  ‘If you want I can make you a steel cutting bench that could take the larger trees.’ 

  Brisclim lit up, at the same moment Knorrest mellowed. It seemed Brisclim must have been asking for such a thing off Knorrest and he had not wanted to commit. 

  ‘Well what do you know Knorrest, a mind reader as well as a magic-wielder, you have certainly ensnared a useful worker.’ Knorrest lit up again. These two were very good friends. It was obvious. Brisclim had won a battle with the cutting bench and to save face he praised Knorrest to get him back into the mood of the drink fuelled evening. Alundi finished his drink with one last complete drain of his pitcher.

  ‘You are too kind Brisclim but I am afraid I must leave. I have a dinner to go to.’ Alundi said patting Brisclim on the back. Brisclim and Knorrest nodded as Alundi passed and walked through the door. 

  Alundi was glad he had picked up his cloak as a bitter stiff wind flew down from the mountains. He walked pulling his arms close to his body for warmth. As he got within a few steps of the Annabels' front door it opened and Little Annabel stood looking up at him. Alundi could not help grinning. 

  You are early. Dinner will not be ready for at least another hour.’ 

  ‘Then we will have time to talk. May I come in?’ 

  Giggling, Little Annabel stood aside. Alundi walked in to find Annabel standing in front of him with what seemed to be a large mug held out in her hand and a kind welcoming smile on her face. Alundi took the mug and followed her through to the kitchen. Little Annabel followed behind after closing the front door. Pulling off his cloak Alundi folded it and placed it on the back of his chair and sat. Annabel's eyes glanced at Excalibur but that was all it was. Both Annabels sat, each one of them with a mug in front of them. 

  ‘I have not come here this evening to tell any stories. I am here to answer your questions, you both must have many. Please ask away.’ Alundi expected a pause as both would most likely try to think of important questions however there was not one. 

  ‘How do we have magic?’ Little Annabel asked almost immediately after Alundi had finished his sentence. 

  ‘Well…’ Alundi started however he was interrupted. 

  ‘Is it passed on, from parent to child? Is my father a magic user?’ Little Annabel said, excitement within every word. Alundi took a sip of his warm and delicious drink. 

  ‘It does not happen like that.’ Alundi said slowly. 

  He could almost feel the disappointment of Little Annabel. Annabel was caught not knowing what to do or say. 

  ‘What do you know of young Little Annabel’s father?’ Alundi asked Annabel. She seemed to be in complete discomfort. Alundi was asking a very personal question this he knew but it still needed answering. 

  ‘He was jet black and he was of Paulk the farmer to the north's people. His name was Ciro.’ Each sentence became more difficult for her. 

  ‘He came through Mountain Rise seven years ago.’ Annabel chuckled. 

  ‘I fell in love with him instantly. He stayed for winter and then travelled south, looking for his ancestral home.’ 

  There was more but Alundi was not going any further. Little Annabel was grinning but her disappointment still remained. 

  ‘I lie actually. Magic can be passed on from father to son, mother to daughter but that is only with Elves. No for Man, it’s different.’ Alundi took another sip of his drink and took three long breaths. 

  ‘Some many, many thousands of years ago, when Man first arrived in this land, they fought with the Elves. The world was in its infancy, as was magic. There was a great battle. Hundreds of thousands on each side, it is not known what exactly happened. What is known is that every soul on that field lost their lives in that battle. But die they did not.’ This sparked intense curiosity within Little Annabel. 

  ‘Whatever happened rid them of their flesh. Their souls, their hearts, their minds, their memories, all still complete all still whole. They became spirits.’ At that moment Alundi glanced at Excalibur and placed his hand on its pommel. 

  ‘Some of those spirits still float over this world. However they are only watchers. Without body, they can do nothing except watch.’ Alundi went quiet for a moment and finished his drink. 

  ‘After many years of just watching, loneliness, bitterness and helplessness enveloped many of them. You have magic young Little Annabel because when you were young or when you carried her...’ Alundi said looking at Annabel, 

  ‘...a spirit entered you.’ Horror struck Little Annabel like a mace. 

  ‘Know please young Little Annabel that the spirit has no control now.’ Confusion and fear still gripped Little Annabel. 

  ‘A spirit can do nothing in this world except watch or enter someone to give them magic. When they do this, their mind, soul and memories die. But their heart gives you magic. In essence they have died wholly and completely but have left you a gift. That gift is something to be proud of young Little Annabel. The spirit searched for someone and that spirit chose you for a reason.’ Alundi was smiling broadly so was Annabel. 

  ‘What reason?’ Little Annabel asked. 

  Alundi chuckled. 

  ‘Potential, honesty, integrity, pureness, the list is endless. Think about this however. Every magic-wielder before they learn to control their magic, can have magic escape them in many different forms. But all these forms I have seen have been simple. For instance the ability to cast fire, or fly, or summon animals but you are different young Little Annabel. Do you know why?’ No more fear was in her. She searched. 

  ‘I heal.’ She almost whispered it. Alundi smile grew even bigger. 

  ‘Exactly!’ Alundi boomed shocking them both. 

  ‘You still have no control of your magic. Only your instinct is controlling it, not your mind.’ 

  ‘My first instinct is to heal others.’ Little Annabel said as quietly as before. 

  ‘Pure of heart, if ever that be the reason that would be my guess.’ Alundi said starting to laugh. 

  Annabel was almost also laughing. Only happiness was apparent. She stood quickly and walked over to the stove. 

  ‘Dinner is cooked, help me will you Little Annabel.’ S
he stood instantly and started to set the table. 

  ‘I am not often doted upon like this. Is there something I can do to help?’ 

  Annabel looked around and then gestured to the fire.

  ‘You could fetch another log from the shed out back.’ 

  Alundi stood. He was only gone a minute or so and when he returned the table was set and the two Annabels were trading plates.     

  No questions were asked during dinner. They all ate in relative silence. Alundi was astounded at the deliciousness of the meals Annabel cooked. He noted to himself that he would find out how she did it. 

  ‘Alundi, can a spirit only enter people?’ 

  Alundi could not help but to chuckle. 

  ‘You have a gift of asking the perfect questions. No, they can enter other things as well. But their choices cease at that moment just as they cease when they enter people.’ Alundi looked down at Excalibur and nodded a moment later. Still sitting, Alundi drew Excalibur slowly and placed it on the now clear table. Little Annabel was staring at it in wonder. The magic emanating from Excalibur was noticeable to any magic-wielder. 

  ‘Excalibur was forged by a master blacksmith over three hundred years ago.’ 

  ‘From a falling star.’ Little Annabel said not taking her eyes from Excalibur. 

  Alundi grinned, as did Annabel, as it was now obvious that Little Annabel had heard at least some of their conversation the previous night.

  ‘Yes, the blade itself is the strongest this world has ever seen. You feel Excalibur don’t you.’ Alundi did not wait for a response. 

  ‘Shortly after the sword was completed a spirit entered. The spirit melded with the sword and Excalibur was born. Excalibur serves me. There is no other way to describe our relationship. Many swords carry spirits. They cannot choose who they serve. Only their wielder can. Excalibur was passed to me and has saved my life a countless number of times. For that I am ever thankful.’ Alundi said glancing at Excalibur. 

  ‘You talk to Excalibur as you talked to me when we healed Brigan?’

  ‘Not just me. Talk. Excalibur will hear and understand.’ 

  Little Annabel took a long breath and waited a few moments. 

  ‘Great sword Excalibur, it is an honour to meet you.’ 

  A build-up of magic flowed towards Little Annabel.

  ‘Young Little Annabel, the honour is mine.’ 

  Little Annabel smiled and breathed quickly. Alundi nodded and took another sip of his drink.

  ‘I sense three young Little Annabel, whom is the third?’ Little Annabel glanced at them both and answered out loud.

  ‘My Mother, Annabel.’ Little Annabel said. 

  ‘Greet her for me, as she cannot hear as you do now. And thank her for her care.’ 

  Little Annabel looked up at Alundi not knowing what to do. 

  ‘Go on.’ 

  Alundi's voice echoed in her head. She looked over to her mother who was looking quite confused. 

  ‘Excalibur wishes me to greet you, and thank you for your care.’ 

  Annabel grinned broadly remembering when she held the great weapon. 

  ‘It was my honour to hold you oh Great Excalibur.’ Annabel said looking directly at Excalibur. A warm and affectionate feeling flowed from Excalibur through Alundi and Little Annabel but also Annabel herself. They all laughed. 

  ‘Rarely does Excalibur do such a thing. Excalibur has marked you both. The blade of Excalibur can and will never harm you.’ Alundi stood, grasped Excalibur and placed it back in its scrappier. 

  ‘I need a favour from you.’ Alundi asked. Annabel quickly nodded. 

  ‘Would I be able to leave Excalibur with you? I can trust no other.’