woven rugs and the sculptures? That was all left for us by our ancestors. You've perhaps heard them referred to as the Ancients. They are the Adorians who existed before the fall of man. They decided our role as guardians. If you'd like, I'd planned on riding out to some of the less populated areas today. The place I'm thinking of isn't far from here.'
'I'd love to.'
They rode in silence for a while, passing forests thick with snow and the frozen lake.
As soon as they'd slowed down, Ariana turned to him with an inquisitive look on her face. 'You mentioned the ancients — did they write the scrolls that I've heard Bronach speak of?'
Duncan nodded 'Some are letters written to the former monarchs, and others are more expository in nature. That was a big word — are you proud of me?'
Ariana laughed, as he knew she would. He'd studied human history and warfare in school. Very little time had been spent on grammar lessons, though he still felt as though he could hold his own with any Adorian. 'Why do you think Father never told me of Adoria or its history?'
Her question shouldn't have surprised him. It wasn't as if he hadn't thought of it many times himself; he had just never considered how she might feel about it. He didn't know what to say, there was no clear answer. He shook his head.
'I'm genuinely unsure. I know his intentions were always for your good, so you needn't worry about that. You're all he talked about when we were away. Not that Michael is the jealous type, but I think it might hurt his feelings if he really knew how much your father adored you.'
Her eyes filled with tears and he briefly paused, unsure of whether he should continue.
'Please, tell me more about him.'
'Though he was Braeden, his soul was true Adorian. He was bound to the same principles as your brother. The word 'compromise' didn't exist in his vocabulary. If it needed to be done, it would be done, no question. The only time I saw him outside of his character was when your mother died. Your father never let go of the fact that he wasn't there.'
Duncan cleared his throat. He'd been more wracked with emotion in the few weeks surrounding Palingard's fall than he'd been in his whole adult life. He really didn't know how to deal with it.
Duncan's mind wandered. The last time Duncan and Gabriel had spoken, it had concerned Ariana. They'd returned to Adoria mainly for the Braeden to assemble. Anxiety had deepened for several of the smaller villages in the outer regions.
Duncan had been in the pub, which was the only place in Adoria that even remotely resembled Middengard. Gabriel had sat down in the booth across from him. His eyes looked tired.
'Of all the places in Adoria, how did I know you'd be here?' Gabriel had motioned for the barmaid, who approached their table carrying a pitcher of ale. She refilled Duncan's mug.
'I'll bring you a mug, dear, just one moment,' she had said to Gabriel.
He had grabbed her on the arm as she turned from him. 'Thank you, but I'd prefer kestath juice instead.'
She had nodded, smiling a little before turning to fetch it for him, probably because Gabriel had been the only person to order the nonalcoholic beverage in awhile. Duncan, personally, hated the stuff. It stunk like old leather and tasted even worse.
'You knew I'd be here because it's the second stop I make every time I come into this realm. Call me homesick,' Duncan had said.
Gabriel had just laughed. He had a deep baritone voice, its timbre almost a purr. 'As am I, my friend. As am I.' He had looked down and begun to fiddle with a stick that he'd pulled from his pocket. It was twisted in such a way that it had appeared to be some sort of animal. Duncan had been able to make out four crude legs made from bent pieces peeled from the body of the twig.
'Should I ask?'
A smile had spread across Gabriel's face. 'It's a dog. At least, I assume it's a dog. It was left for me with a note on my shield before I left Palingard. It's just about the only time I see the little girl in her anymore. She's so solemn these days, her behavior far more mature than her age dictates. Not that I blame her. She's been through more in this lifetime than many who are thrice her age. But it's nice to see her laugh now and then.'
Duncan had understood perfectly what he meant by this. Ariana had been nothing like the human girls. She had perceived things the other children were too busy or frivolous to notice. 'Perhaps it's time to tell her. She's only as her Adorian nature dictates.'
Gabriel had shaken his head. There always had been a seriousness that radiated from him whenever this subject was brought up, but Duncan couldn't help himself.
'I know that I ask much from all of you to keep this unavowed, but I've never needed your help more. Her existence cannot be made known. Trust that I have more dire reasons than I can express — please.'
'You know that none of us would do anything to betray you.'
'Even if it meant holding a pledge beyond my death?'
Duncan had been taken aback. 'Certainly. But what talk is this?'
'Simply talk of what will come to pass. This is a reality for all of us; I am not excluded.' Gabriel said. 'Eidolon grows in power each day, with every stronghold they overcome. Middengard is vanishing before our eyes. We may no longer count on our victories as our ancestors once could.' Taking the twig from the table, Gabriel had tucked it with care into the inside flap of his cloak.
'True, but you've never spoken like this before. What's brought about this change of heart?'
'I wouldn't call it a change of heart, Duncan. I've always carried these sentiments, but my dreams have been dark of late. My heart is heavy for the future. I see my son, my vision in his eyes, and my sweet daughter. It reminds me of the things that I never wanted for them. I envisioned a world without darkness and ruin, as things once were in Middengard.' Gabriel had shifted in his seat, placing his back against the wall, stretching his legs out in front of him. 'Palingard will be the last to fall, but it will fall.'
Duncan had looked at him, bewildered. 'Don't be so pessimistic, there's still hope for its survival. As long as there exists one kingdom in the world of man — '
'Palingard's fate is already sealed. Middengard's enslavement under Ciara has been established irrevocably.'
'Then what have we been dying for? What purpose can be found in preventing the inevitable? If we don't have faith the Laionai can be overthrown, we're more than wasting our time — we're sacrificing all of Adoria. Braeden or citizen, it makes no difference. Every Adorian has been touched by loss in some way due to this guardianship. Are you telling me all of that is for naught?'
Gabriel said nothing for what felt like an eternity. 'The spell separating our realm from Middengard is powerful, but it isn't eternal. Once Ciara has spread her sickness unto all of man, Adoria will not be far from her path. I've told you on more than one occasion that I believe her intent has never been carried in human souls, but in Adorian power. Our realm, carrying the seed of immortality itself, has far more worth to her.'
Duncan had scarcely been able to believe what he was hearing. Gabriel had never been so forthright. 'You are grave. Whatever ails you, I pray it passes. Have you lost faith entirely?'
'The very nature of faith is to believe when all else fails — when reason or logic cannot provide proof of hope. It's easy to leave with nothing left behind. A true test of character is if one is able to willingly leave what means the most to him, his very heart, for the sake of a greater cause. This is the fear that creeps into my thoughts when I set it free from my subconscious. I didn't come here to burden you — these things are of no consequence to you yet.'
'You speak in riddle this day, friend.' Duncan had laughed. 'Just send me in the right direction with arms, and I'll serve you well.' He hadn't known how else to answer.
Now, Duncan rode in silence as he thought of the irony of their conversation. He never had the chance to mention it again. Gabriel was killed soon after. Any death wrought by Morior hands was a violent, merciless death and he shuddered to think of it.
Ariana's gaze was fixed upon the scenery, in deep thought as well.
'You are thinking about Palingard,' he murmured.
'Are you not?'
