Talibah - The Egyptian
Chapter 11 - Page 1
New Paths and Possibilites

Late afternoon shadows spread from the trees as if slowly stretching their limbs, the sun beginning to wash the sky with his evening colors like a long cloak wafting into the infinite. Talibah sighed long as she looked about herself, feeling as if the whole little band of riders about her had sighed as well as the horses' hooves beat in a natural rhythm on the earth beneath them. The fields about the mountain were well defined now, the movement of people busy at their tasks as livestock and horses wandered near and away about the mountainous edges. Watching all the movement, Talibah could make out various openings in the mountains itself realizing that now and again people and even riders on horses emerged or disappeared to and from those openings. The sense of a strong, living and vibrant community emitted its essence from the scene, a spiraling vibration that moved across Talibah in a warm embrace of welcome.

When it was obvious that their little band was easily seen, Taliesin finally told Kevyn to raise the standard of the Council to formally announce their presence. Talibah had never seen this standard before and was pleased by it seeing the unicorn and dragon of white facing inward to a gold and silver harp between them. “Feminine and masculine balanced and in harmony make the greatest sound of all.” Remarked Talibah impulsively watching the cloth gently sway in the afternoon breeze.

“What a lovely summation.” Said Taliesin riding up to her, “And very correct. The Bardic Path is ultimately about balance. Especially within oneself.” Then he looked out over the countryside in a rather wistful manner as he pulled out a cloak of many colors from his pack to wrap about his shoulders quickly. Talibah frowned, uncertain if she�d ever seen it before but had no space to query as Taliesin spoke again, “Well, then... Are we ready, friends? Shall we give our horses their heads and make for Wynseren?” With that everyone seemed to smile as they set themselves into a graceful gallop across the land. As they truly neared the outer edges of the fields, shouts could be heard and some of the people could be seen running here and there. Many folk stopped whatever it was they had been tending to watch the riders as they progressed nearer the mountain itself. Some of the people waved and even threw early spring flowers as the band passed. It was a pleasant feeling of welcome as the party got closer, though Talibah sensed a certain amount of puzzlement as well. All here knew the Acting Head of Council and had heard of Taliesin, yet too few had ever seen or remembered this figure with the long, braided white hair, the cloak of the Head of Council on his wide shoulders in its intricate design of animals and trees in multi colors. Despite the small escort, he was an impressive sight that all seemed to wish to view as the small group continued to ride.

Getting close to the mountains, Talibah noticed that there were no actual barricades, no walls; no real fences even for the livestock as there had been everywhere else they'd been in Cymru. It gave everything a curious sense of openness and freedom in a land that was already fairly open and free in its ways. With a little astonishment she also noted that there were many children, even babies, and though she expected enough young folk, she was surprised at how many were truly as young as they were. A well pounded dirt road that winded through these village areas finally led to a great cavern entrance that although Taliesin had slowed their pace some as they neared it, did not stop until they had gone well within. It quite amazed Talibah as they entered for the cavern was great and the ceiling high with torches affixed in sconces along the walls and lit everywhere giving it a magnificent sense of both openness and majesty.

To read the rest of the chapter in e-book format, click here.