A Story Of River Read Free

back. She knew
that one day the river would claim him.
    His long brown hair flowed carelessly at
the water’s surface. Though his back was facing her, Lenora could see that
River had completed his offering and was conversing with the water’s Spirit.
Many times the Spirit had granted him visions to aid their people. They knew when
danger was drawing near and also when the rains would come. The Westerling Vale
was a beautiful and magical place, thanks to the Spirit’s presence.
    River turned and smiled at Lenora. Coming
up from the water, he touched her chin and kissed her softly on her lips. She
welcomed the kiss and enjoyed the warmth of his lips. After helping him on with
his robe and placing a silver ring with a sapphire stone on his left hand, she
put her arm in his and said, “Did the Spirit give you good news?”
    “Today’s news is somewhat troubling,” he
began. “I am not exactly sure what to make of it. It would be best if I called
a meeting of the Elders and discussed it with them. Perhaps one of them can
identify the creatures I saw.” He paused for a second and then asked, “Have you
ever heard of a dark man-like creature with long curving claws? They seem very
unfriendly but have so far avoided entering or crossing the river.”
    Lenora thought about it as they continued
walking towards the village. “I don’t believe I ever studied such a thing. I
hope they aren’t a threat to us.”
    River stopped and looked into her pale
eyes but said nothing. “You seem troubled,” she said, breaking the silence.
“What is it?”
    “It’s just a feeling. Something is wrong,
but I don’t know what it is yet.” He took both of her hands and kissed her
cheek. “Do not worry, my love. The Elders will know what to do. I’ll speak with
them immediately.”
    River was highly respected among the
Council of Elders. He frequently joined them in their meetings to share his
visions and assist in any way possible to better the lives of his people. He
had been feared by many of them as a child. His life essence had been granted
by the river Spirit, imbuing him with great powers. No one knew his exact
purpose, not even River himself. But their fears had all been for naught. The
Spirit of the river was kind by nature and had no malevolence within it.
    River headed towards the council house. It
was a huge tree with silver leaves that stood at the center of the village. Two
intricately carved doors opened to the hollowed area inside. The magic of the
forest made the interior much larger than the tree outside would suggest. Most
of the Elders had already gathered inside to discuss daily matters of life in
the Vale.
    “River, my friend.” Brandor, a tall
fair-haired elf, strode forward to greet him. “Welcome this fine morning,” he
said. “How are you?”
    “I am well, Brandor, thank you. I have
some news I wish to discuss with the council.”
    “You are always most welcome here, River,
of course. Please be seated while I gather the others.”
    River sat at the oval-shaped table and
waited. His mind swam with the images he had seen in the water. A heaviness
weighed on the back of his mind, and he knew some work of evil was at hand.
    The Elders each took their seats. “Good
morning, gentle elves,” Brandor said. “This morning we are joined by Lord
River, who has come bearing some news for us.” He gestured to River. “Go ahead,
my friend.”
    “My lords, I have had a vision that
troubles me greatly. I have seen savage creatures roaming in the Wildlands.
They are unknown to me, and they have a sense of evil about them. They have
not, as yet, attempted to cross the river, but I sense that they do not fear
the magical barrier. I believe they are powered by some unknown magic of a very
dark nature. I cannot see where they are from or where they have been, but I do
feel strongly that they are a threat to us. I believe it’s only a matter of
time before they enter our lands.” River’s sapphire eyes were somber,