�How do you suppose we could find Aislin, now? We do not have the Arrow Stone anymore, and I do not think Aislin can contact me, because Kayne is probably watching her every move�� I said while looking at the beer that was standing on the table before me. It had been a few hours since we arrived in the little hotel at the edge of a forest and the first thing I had done was fall down on the bed in the room we had rented. After two hours, Raghnall had awoken me to say it was dinnertime. And even though it had been more than a day since I had eaten anything, I did not feel hungry at all. Kayne had to persuade me to eat something, because, as he said, it could be a while before we could eat again. When everyone was done eating we had ordered something to drink and were now thinking of a way to find Keir and Aislin.
�We could�� Raghnall started, but then sighed. �No.�
�What about�� Kayne perked up, and slumped back in his seat. �No, that would not work either.�
�You know!� Cahal exclaimed, already drunk. He was on his fourth beer but did not seem to have a high resistance to alcohol, not matter how tough he looked. His pupils were dilated and he seemed to have a big urge to stand up and sing, because he tried to several times and we had to force him back down again. He had a stupid grin on his face and kept giggling and mumbling to himself in some odd language I could not understand. �Whenever I was stuck on something, I used to tickle myself under my foot. Don�t look at me that way! It really helped, I swear! I just did this�� Cahal lifted up his right feet and started to take his shoe off but Kayne stopped him.
�Keep it on, please.� Cahal pouted but obeyed and put his feet back on the ground and continued his story.
�As I was saying before I got so rudely interrupted,� He said while giving an angry look at Kayne, who just rolled his eyes. �tickling under your foot helps! Like when I was ten, I tried to find a way to get into the circus that was in my hometown at that moment unnoticed. I thought and thought and thought but I could not think of a plan! Then I pulled off my shoe,� He tried to pull off his shoe again, but Kayne stopped him. Again. �I pulled off my shoe and I tickled my feet and tada! I figured that I could crawl under the curtain and sneak in! Of course, they found me out, but that is beside the point. I found a way and that is all what matters, right? Why don�t you try it? It might help you how to find Aislin and Keir! By the way, you know that I imagined he would be bigger? He looked quite small when we were in that church. But maybe that is because he did not have his scepter with him, that thing is really big, did you know that? All pure gold, that is why I want it. I will sell it on the black market, to that guy that was there last year too. He said he would give 3723763 Schmir, for it, which I quite a lot, at least. I guess I am not that good in Math, because I never finished that class. Too boring for me! And you know what else?�
�The only thing I know right now, is that you should shut up, or else you will get a smack against your head. I am sure that a black eye would suit you quite lovely.� Raghnall said in a growl.
�Oh, really now, tough guy? Well, bring it on! Did you know I have spent five years of my life learning how to fight in the mountains? I bet you did not know that, huh, pretty boy? You want to fight? Come on, we�ll take it outside!� Cahal jumped up from his seat, ready for a fight. I sighed.
�Guys, please, not now. We are all tired and we are still stuck on how we are going to find Aislin. We could occupy our time better than with a silly fight.� I said while putting my fingertips against my temples, trying to suppress a growing headache.
�A silly fight�� Cahal grumbled, but sat down anyway.
�Shut up about it, okay? There will be enough fighting later, just not now.� Kayne added in.
And then everyone was silent again. It stretched on and on and on but no matter how much I tried to think of a way to find the Goddess, I could not think of any. And just as I was about to say �never mind, this is no use, let�s just give up� when Kayne lifted his head with a look in his eyes that looked like he just got a message from the God of Heaven himself.
�I think I got it�� Raghnall jumped up and closed his hands around the smaller man�s neck, strangling him.
�Say it, then! Say it before you forget what it was!� He hissed, looking like a maniac. I stood up too and pulled at his arm, freeing Kayne from the Elf�s grasp and putting both of them back in their chairs.
�Stop it! Raghnall, I do not think Kayne can talk when you are choking him.� Raghnall mumbled a soft �sorry� to Kayne. �Now, Kayne, what is it that you have come up with?� I said sternly while the wizard was catching his breath and clutching his throat.
�Like I was saying, before some maniac tried to kill me,� Kayne panted while shooting a look at Raghnall, �I think I may have found a way to find Aislin. Listen��
~
�Um, Kayne?�
�Yes, Shaylee?�
�Are you sure we are going the right way?�
We were back in the mountains, but this time there was a big snowstorm raging around us. The curtain of snow was so thick that I could not see anything except for the black shadow that was Kayne, walking in front of me. We had flown with Cahal�s ship to the foot of the mountain, but then had to walk because of the storm. Dusk was setting because the trip had taken quite a few hours. The mountain was steep and we had been walking for a few hours now, resulting in me having trouble to walk. My body ached and I was cold and just tired, only wanting to sleep. But I knew that this was for a good cause.
We were searching for Keene.
Kayne had told me that Keene had been his old teacher when he was still young. Keene had seen the huge potential in the young boy, and offered to train him, which Kayne had accepted. Anybody would have accepted that offer, as Keene was one of the most important and wise teachers on Earth. The young boy had trained with Keene for several years, even after he had been cursed by the demon. Kayne had secretly hoped that the teacher would know a cure for his curse, but got disappointed when Keene told him that there wasn�t any. He had continued to train, though, up to the point where he was Keene�s best student and could take students of his own. And after a few decades Keene said there was nothing left to teach Kayne, and the wizard left to live in the mountains on his own.
This was what Kayne told us and he also told us that if there were anyone on the Earth knowing where Aislin was, it would be Keene. Keene had completed the Dai-Min-Hun technique, which enabled him to be able to see every corner of the Earth when he concentrated. And that was just what we needed.
�Yes, I am sure! I have walked this path at least a million times, trust me!� Kayne yelled back.
�Alright�� I mumbled, although I doubted that Kayne could hear me. Then it was silent again, save for the hollowing wind blowing right into my face. After a while I stopped and leaned against the mountain, totally exhausted. When Raghnall and Cahal caught up with me, they looked at me with a questioning look in their eyes and I just smiled faintly.
�Just go on. I need to rest for a little while, I will catch up with you later.� Cahal shrugged and continued to climb the mountain, but Raghnall shook his head.
�Can�t leave you here on your own, now!� And he turned around the crouched a little bit. �Come on, I will carry you.�
�Are you crazy? I can�t just do that! I am way too heavy for you.� I objected. The Elf just laughed and shook his head again.
�I doubt that.� I just sighed and did as I was told. I jumped on his back and he grabbed my legs while I held onto his neck. �See? I told you I could do it.�
�How could I ever have doubted you�� I said with a smile. Raghnall started to walk with me on his back, and we caught up with the others soon enough, on our way to Keene�s temple, high up in the mountains.
~
Keene�s temple was nothing like I expected. It was way more beautiful than I could ever have imagined. The entrance being a gaping hole, just like Kayne�s cave, the actual temple was inside of the mountain. And when I first had thought that this mountain was just like any other mountain, I had been wrong. It seemed like it had been a huge volcano thousands and thousands of years ago, but the magma was now gone, creating a huge crater in the middle of the mountain. And that was where the temple was located.
It was no longer snowing. The snow had stopped falling a while ago, and the snow that was now lying on the ground glistered in the sun, making me squint my eyes. Raghnall had put me down when I said I was rested enough to walk myself, and we were now inside the little cave that led to the temple. All around us, on the rocky walls and the roof, were strange letters carved into the rock. Kayne seemed to be able to read them, because he told us that they told the story of the beginning of the universe, and the Earth herself. How the Gods had created humans from rocks and fire and how they had given the human race intelligence and a soul. I saw a dot of light at the end of the tunnel, and before I knew it, we were outside again.
The sight before me was beautiful. Unlike on the outside of the mountain, there was no snow here. In fact, the sun was shining brightly and the sky was an azure blue. A big flight of stairs was leading to the temple that was standing a little higher than the exit of the cave. We ascended on the stairs and then I saw it. The temple itself was a huge, beautiful building; the roof was an upside down V shape just like the tavern we had stayed in the first night I was away from my village, with the roof tiles were a gray-bluish color. The walls from the temple were painted a soft red and looked very thick. Like the tavern, the temple had two wings besides the actual main building. The wings were identical and bigger than the main building; there were at least a dozen of little windows made into them, and on both of the wings was a little tower standing. The main building also had windows, but these were huge, and in the middle was an open door inviting anyone who would come by to come in. In this open door was standing an old, wise looking man. He was short and completely bald save for his eyebrows that were gray, and wearing a dark blue robe. On his feet were sandals and he smiled in a sophisticated manner.
�Master!� Kayne exclaimed.
�Ah, Kayne. I knew you would return someday, and I have been waiting for that time to come. I am glad you are here now.� The old man said with a deep, humming voice that made me feel relaxed immediately.
�Master�we are searching for-� Kayne started, but Keene silenced him with a gesture of his hand.
�I know who you are searching for. But please, let us drink something first.� We followed the old man inside the temple. The floor was completely made of a light red marble and I could see my own reflection in it. Our footsteps echoed in the temple, creating a feeling that made me feel like we were all alone here. I was wrong, though.
�Master�� I heard a voice say. I turned around to see a man standing in the doorway. The thing about him that I noticed first was the long, smooth black hair that was flowing to around the middle of his back, his pale skin and his piercing dark brown, almost black eyes. He was not very tall; about 5�2� with a slim frame and looked around 21. Wearing a shining gray armor and white, silky robes, he almost looked like a knight who had chosen to be a priest. There was also something about him that seemed off, but I could not put my finger on what it was.
�Ah, M�Kahless�� Keene smiled at the man. M�Kahless looked back at us and then back at Keene with a questioning look in his eyes, then asked:
�Who are they?�
�M�Kahless, remember when I told you about Kayne? Well, this is he.� The old man pointed at Kayne and I could swear I saw the wizard blush a little. M�Kahless walked up to him and extended his hand, which Kayne shook.
�I have been wanting to meet you for a while. Master Keene has told me a lot about you.� M�Kahless said in an even voice. Kayne let go of his hand and put his hands behind his back, looking up to the slightly taller man. It was a very weird sight; M�Kahless clearly admired the wizard, even though he looked so wise and Kayne so young.
�Really, now? I hope he only told good things about me.� Kayne said with a little smile.
�Is there anything bad to tell about you, then?� smiled Keene. �Come on now, let us drink something. M�Kahless, won�t you make some tea for us?�
�Right.� We followed M�Kahless and Keene into a room that was situated on the right. The sun shone through the big windows, and on the wooden floor and two red velvet couches and the oaken table that were standing in the middle of the room. It was a big room, but it was almost completely empty and our footsteps echoed. In the left corner of the room, there was a little sink where M�Kahless went to make some tea while Keene led us to the couched and ordered us to sit down. The old man smiled at us.
�So, you are searching for Aislin, am I right?�
�How�how did you know?� I asked, a bit surprised. Kayne, who was sitting next to me, elbowed me in my side and I remembered that this was Keene, who just knew such things. M�Kahless came back with the tea, which he put on the table before us and went to sit on the other couch. I picked up my cup and took a sip of it.
�Master Keene, can you help us? Do you know where Aislin is?� Kayne inquired.
�As a matter of fact, I do. As soon as I knew that you were coming here, I tried to find out where she is, and succeeded. But, before I tell you, you must promise me that you will stay here for the night. You have had quite a day behind you and I do believe that you all need a rest. Now, will you?� Keene said.
�Yes, we will, Master. Now, please tell us where she is so we can leave the first in the morning.� Kayne agreed.
�Right, then. I believe that this will only complicate the matter, because Keir has taken Aislin to his castle on the Black Mountain, far away from here. I am sorry to bring this news but I am afraid this is the truth.� The old man said while shaking his head sadly.
�The Black Mountain�that is at least a week away from here, if not more.� Raghnall concluded.
�Which is why I want you to stay here for the night. Now, drink your tea and we will sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day, if you are going to the Black Mountain.�
~
�You seem sad.�
�What?�
I was standing in what was my bedroom for that night, looking outside the open window. Even though it had been snowing on the outside of the mountain, the trees and flowers were growing here as if it were spring. The wind was making them and the curtains around the window wave softly and the smell of the flowers was in the air. Keene had given me a big shirt, which fell to my knees, to wear at night. The sword Bredon was standing against the wall next to my bad and I was fumbling with the buttons when I heard a voice coming from the door, and turned my head to see M�Kahless standing in the door opening.
�Sad. Are you?� He asked.
�Me? No, I am fine, really�� I said while looking at the sleeves of my shirt. I heard M�Kahless walking towards me, and he came to stand next to me, looking outside the window.
�Is it because of your friend?�
�My friend�?� I looked at the man. Was he talking about Teagan?
�I saw such a thing while I was meditating. You lost someone dear to you, did you not?�
�Yes�a friend. Keir killed him.�
�I see. Do you miss him?�
�Miss him? Of course I do! He was my friend and now he is dead�of course I miss him�� I said and I felt tears prickling in my eyes. A little embarrassed of showing my emotions like that in front of a stranger, I quickly wiped my eyes with my sleeve. �It is not fair. He should not have been killed like that, by that�monster of a God. It is just not fair��
�Life is not fair. Do you not know that by now?� The man asked.
�I guess I should�� I sighed, and then changed the topic. �Say, what are you doing here anyway? Alone in the mountains, with only an old man�don�t you have friends to hang out with?�
�No, I do not have friends. No one wants me around, because I am only half�so I decided to stay with Master Keene, because he does not care.� M�Kahless answered, and I was even more confused.
�Half? Half of what?� I asked.
�Half human, half elf. Elves do not seem to accept me, because they look down on the human race. Humans think me as a strange creature. Almost an abomination. Staying here is better than being rejected by everyone.�
�I�I am so sorry�� I stammered, not having expected this at all.
�Don�t worry about me. You should worry more about what is to come tomorrow. It is best if you go to sleep now.� He walked to the door, but stopped before he was out of the room completely. �Goodnight.�
�Right. Sleep.� I mumbled before crawling on the bed, pulling the covers over my head and closing my eyes. Sleep.
~
I think it was only hours after I had fallen asleep that I was awoken by a weird noise. It almost sounded like someone was breathing into my ear. I felt the breath on my face and it smelled horrible, like sulfur and something that had been rotting for a very long time. When I opened my eyes, I saw that someone actually was breathing on my face and when the light shone on their face, I saw a horrible, malformed face. The skin was reddish brown and looked like it was covered in black blisters. Its body was the same color as the face and was naked, but seemed to have no distinctive features. Black wings were attached to its back, looking like a bat�s and dull, golden eyes stared at me. Then, the creature lifted its hands and wrapped them around my neck, sharp claws digging into my neck. My breathing was cut short and I struggled, but to no avail. The creature was way too strong for me and I thought for sure I was going to die as I saw black spots dancing before my eyes when suddenly there was a sound from a place that I could not see and the creature suddenly screamed, deafening me. Then it slumped against me and the hands let go of my neck and I gasped for air. I looked up only to see M�Kahless standing next to the bed, a long sword, which I guessed belonged to him, plunged inside the creature�s back.
�What�what was that?� I asked, still a little breathless.
�Demon�� He simply answered and pulled the sword out of the demon�s body. Then, I heard some commotion on the hallway and M�Kahless turned around. I heard footsteps running and then saw Raghnall, Kayne, Cahal and Keene appear in the doorway, looking worried. I saw that Cahal had a very weird expression on his face, but did not pay much attention to it.
�What has happened here? What is that?� Raghnall asked, wide-eyed. He approached the demon that was still half lying on me, and I quickly moved away from it. When he saw what it was, he gasped and looked at me. �Are you okay? Did it hurt you?�
�No, I am fine, really�� I said while rubbing my sore neck with my hands. �What I would like to know is what that�thing there exactly is and what it was doing here, and why.�
�It came to kill you, and I highly suspect Keir was behind this. � Kayne said.
�Me? Kill me? But�why? Would it not have been more likely to kill one of you? You are the strong guys here, I can�t do anything�� I stammered.
�That is not true, and you know it. Surely you remember what happened in Morvyn, do you not? Keir sees you as a serious opponent, Shaylee. I am just wondering how it came in here just like that�Demons like these cannot just barge in just like that, the charm that is put here prevents them from doing that.� The wizard wondered.
�He could only have come in here when someone would have invited him to enter. But, I cannot understand who would have done such a thing�� Keene said.
�An opponent�� I whispered, still not really believing all this. �Now what do we do? I do not want to go back to sleep when those things are around here!�
�Don�t worry, I will stay here and watch for anything unusual, so you can go back to sleep. I suggest everyone will go back to their rooms now and rest for tomorrow.� Raghnall ordered.
�You do not have to do that! Don�t you have to sleep�?� I objected.
�I am fine, trust me. Now, please go to sleep.� And with that, everyone left the room, leaving Raghnall and me alone.
�Um�what do we do with this guy?� I asked and pointed at the demon lying on my bed. Raghnall picked it up like it weighed nothing, walked to the window and threw it outside, high up in the air. He quickly moved his hands together and created a big fireball, which he fired at the demon�s body. The fire surrounded the body and consumed it within a second, leaving only the ashes that were blown away by the wind right away.
�There.� Raghnall said with a nod. �Now sleep, okay? Tomorrow will be a long day, because we will go to the Black Mountain. I want you rested by then.�
�Right�� I said, feeling tired again. I moved back under the blankets and pulled it up till my chin. Looking up, I saw Raghnall standing in front of the window, the pale moonlight shining on him so that I could only see his silhouette.
�Hey, Raghnall�� I mumbled. The Elf turned his head to look at me.
�What is it?�
�Do you think we can beat Keir and save Aislin? He is a God and we are only mortals�Is it not a little bit foolish to think we can beat him like that?� I asked.
�We can beat him, I know it. You should not worry about these things. If you just have enough confidence, we can do it. Trust me on that.� He answered.
�I really hope so�Ah, Raghnall?� I asked again.
�What?�
�What are you going to do when all this is over? When we have saved Aislin and defeated Keir and everything is back to normal?�
�I�do not know yet. What about you, then?� He countered.
�I will go back to my village, maybe. Or maybe I will just travel around the world until I have found someone who does not think I am to young for them. But Raghnall�even if all of this is over, will you still come visit me wherever I am? Will we stay friends?� I said while my eyes shut close.
�If you want to��
�Yes, I want to�promise me we will stay friends forever.�
�It�s a promise.�
�I�m glad�� And then, I sighed and feel asleep, so that I did not hear what Raghnall said.
�I will stay with to the end, Shaylee��
~
In one of the high trees that surrounded the temple, there was a shadow. It was standing on a branch of the tree and the big moon that was in the air behind it made it clear that this was the silhouette of a man. The man was looking at the window of the room Shaylee and Raghnall were in, watching the conversation that occurred right before Shaylee had fallen asleep. As soon as Raghnall had said those last words, the shadow moved its hand up to its mouth and chuckled in a way that would make even the toughest of the man shake on his legs. In the faint light of the moon you could see the man smile a sinister grin with his pale lips.
�The end may come sooner than you think, Mr. Elf�� The man whispered, after which he sprouted a black pair of wings from his back, stretched them and jumped off the tree. His wings flapped and he lazily flew away, the pale moon shining on him and not leaving any trace behind him that could tell that he had been there in the first place.
