The Eynan 2: Garileon

The Eynan 2: Garileon

Jhond stood on the deck of the
Horologue
staring at the diminishing coast of Rugarold. He'd been instrumental in the defeat and subsequent death of the Illurian emperor, Bardius, and his evil mage, Suvran, but it would take some time before it could be said the war against the imperial forces was definitely over. However, the responsibility for that no longer concerned Jhond; he'd left it in the hands of men experienced in such matters. One of them was his father.

In his mind's eye, he saw his father, Lord Girau of Reeve, on the quay below the stronghold, waving them goodbye as Jhond and Ninian set out to try to answer some of those remaining questions surrounding Jhond's position as the Eynan, the most powerful mage who ever existed. The threat of invasion and the reality of war had arrived too soon for Jhond to fully investigate all that it meant to be the Eynan.

Sighing, he also imagined Gallia watching as they sailed away, with her husband, Patinus, the prince of Irobi, by her side. Even now, it still surprised him how happy he was for Gallia; how pleased he was that she had found someone to love and care for. A man who was worthy of her and who loved her to distraction; a description that once could have described Jhond's feelings for his childhood friend. He had loved her deeply and had been determined to marry her, only to have his dreams shattered when he discovered she was in fact his half-sister.

Devastated, he'd left home, intent on finding a new purpose in his life. A casual encounter on the road proved a major turning point when he met the mage, Ninian. An experienced mage, a dozen years older than Jhond, and though they were of similar height and build, in looks they were opposite. Ninian had black hair and hazel eyes in comparison to Jhond's blond hair and blue eyes. They soon became friends, and together they had set out to solve the secrets of the Temple of the Magi, never imagining they would discover Jhond was the long-awaited Eynan. In the distant past, when the magi had decided the time had come for mankind to make its way without magistry, they had planned the Withdrawal, leaving spells behind that would come into being when the magi would be needed again in the world of men. One of the most powerful rituals involved the rise of the Eynan.

Jhond had doubted Ninian's belief that he would indeed prove to be the Eynan. It was part of Ninian's role as the last surviving member of the House of Hartees to seek out the Eynan, and Ninian had no doubt he had finally found him. Jhond was quick to claim he was nothing special, but Ninian had been firm in his belief Jhond not only fit the clues passed down in his family, but that he had the necessary qualities: the innate talent, the power and the determination, even Jhond's disbelief in his own uniqueness.

Despite his misgivings, Jhond had faithfully followed the man, who soon became his closest friend and confidante, developing into the student to Ninian's teacher until the time came when Jhond could no longer doubt. He did meet all the criteria and the day dawned when Ninian cast the final spell that sealed Jhond in his new role as the Eynan. Jhond was then the most powerful mage in existence, and Ninian gave him due deference, even following him into battle.

"Jhond?"

The familiar voice broke into his reverie, and he turned around to acknowledge Amired, the captain of the
Horologue.
Without Amired's help he and Ninian never could have succeeded in their quest. Amired might only be of medium height, but he was sturdily built, with warm brown eyes and long brown hair that he usually tied back at his nape with a leather thong.

"What is it?" Jhond queried.

"You seem...unhappy. I expected you to be excited, or at least pleased to be going back to the Isle of Truth to retrieve the artifacts and hopefully reveal more answers."

Jhond smiled. "I'm not unhappy, my friend. I was just reminiscing, thinking about all we've gone through. What we've lost--"

"What we've gained," interjected Ninian as he walked up behind Jhond.

"What you have yet to discover," added Amired with a grin. "With you two as my passengers, I'm expecting more excitement and probably more danger even than last time."

Lord Girau turned to Prince Patinus, who was watching his wife, Gallia, admiring the
Horologue
gracefully glide out of the bay, beginning its journey to take Jhond and Ninian to the Isle of Truth.

"I suppose it's time we said our temporary good-byes, too," Girau said. "I have a fair amount of work to do in the next day or so, trying to get the most up-to-date information before I send a report to the king."

"Pass on my warmest regards when you do so," Gallia said.

"Of course, my dear," Girau replied. "Will you return to your capital immediately?" he asked Patinus.

"Yes, but I've decided it will be good for my people if we travel back slowly across country. Rumors will already be flying about our defeat of the emperor, and though I have sent out messengers to every corner of my country, I think it would really help them to have confidence in our success if their victorious prince paraded in state back to the capital." He pulled Gallia close by his side. "I also think it would be good for those out in the countryside to see their princess. Many will only have seen portraits of Gallia following our wedding and to actually see my beautiful bride will add to the good feeling."

"Oh, what a lovely idea," Gallia said, smiling at her handsome husband.

"And a very politic one," Girau added. "But do you have a suitable vehicle for such a journey?"

"Ah, therein lies the only quandary. I have men checking the vast stables of the stronghold and am hopeful they'll find something suitable. If not, it'll mean sending to Vailon, Lord Monstor's estate, to borrow something from there, and that'll delay us by a couple of days."

"Will you let them see that you've rescued your sister?" Girau queried.

Patinus glanced at Gallia as he replied, "I'm quite happy for the announcement to be broadcast, but I'm not sure Ilada is ready to be seen in public yet."

"No, I think not," Gallia confirmed. "She is still very nervous...and ashamed of what she went through at the emperor's court. If you wish us to use an open carriage, I think she might prefer to travel in another carriage, a closed one."

"We will have to see what kind of vehicle we can find. I do prefer an open carriage for you and I, my dear. Nor do I wish to delay our journey, if possible." Patinus looked thoughtful before adding, "If we do only find one vehicle and it is an open carriage, Ilada can keep her hood up and have no need to interact with anyone during the journey."

Gallia didn't look happy, but she didn't respond.

"Well, I must leave you to finalize your arrangements and sort out my own. I need to procure a good mount and ride back to Robat as quickly as I can. I'll see you there in a few days," Girau said.

"I wish you luck, sir," Patinus said.

Gallia stepped close and reached up to kiss Girau on the cheek, and he drew his daughter close and embraced her. "Be careful, Father," she whispered.

"I will," he replied. As he turned to leave, a man was hurrying toward them. Girau recognized his uniform as that of an Iroban captain.

"Your Highness," the officer said, "we've found a store of half a dozen carriages, one of them in particular just what you're looking for. It might be a little dated in style, but it is a large, opulent open carriage."

"Excellent...show us," Patinus said.

As they hurried away, Girau heard Gallia ask, "Is there also a small closed carriage?"

Girau smiled as he followed, but veered in another direction when they approached the stable block.

* * * *

Within three hours, Patinus and his retinue were all set to leave on their journey home. He and Gallia were seated comfortably in the ornate golden carriage pulled by a team of four horses driven by one Patinus' soldiers, who snapped the whip over the horses' heads as he slowly drove them out of the yard. Behind, in a small closed carriage, rode Princess Ilada, accompanied by two of the other ladies who had been captured from Irobi and treated as little more than concubines by the now dead emperor.

Accompanying the small party was the captain who had found the carriages and a dozen Iroban soldiers. One man had been sent on ahead to inform the owners of the estates where the prince wished to stay overnight during his progress. The rest of the small Iroban army had already ridden north with the Timendran army, expecting to be joined by others as and when more countries were freed from what remained of the Illurian army that was still fighting under senior officers who refused to give up even though the Illurian Empire was now defunct.

Patinus was under no illusion it would be easy to defeat the Illurians, but he was also very sure it would be over sooner rather than later. He was already aware that armies from Amister and Colyon, the two small states adjoining Irobi, had also joined the main Timendran army. The combined army would continue to grow as they travelled north across the continent freeing other states as they went.

It was a good feeling to know the future could only get better. He took his wife's hand, and she squeezed his in return, smiling at him. He was pretty sure she was feeling just as happy as he was.

They made good progress that first day, though they only travelled for about four hours. As they approached the first small town, it was clear the population was aware they'd been coming, as the streets were lined with folk already cheering as the outriders entered the main roadway. Voices were raised in approbation as the prince and his princess came into view, their carriage rolling slowly past the cheering inhabitants. Patinus and Gallia cheerfully waved back and let the people see how happy they were.

It didn't take long before the small town was behind them, and the driver turned their coach into the driveway of the first home where they planned to spend the night. Lord and Lady Talrus were standing on the top step of their lovely home, full of smiles and welcoming words.

After thanking the couple for welcoming them into their home for the night, Patinus was careful to mention the delicate state of his sister's health following her rescue, along with the two ladies travelling with her. Lady Talrus was very understanding and took charge of the young princess and her friends with a gentle attitude. Lord Talrus apologized that their evening meal would hardly compare with the usual fare of the royal couple, though when they all met again a short time later after refreshing themselves and changing their attire, the food was excellent and plentiful. Ilada decided she preferred to eat separately with her ladies, and Patinus didn't press her to join them at table.

They got an early start the next morning and, after thanking their hosts for their gracious treatment, the party climbed aboard their carriages and left to continue their journey.

It was obvious now that the whole countryside knew of their progress across the land in celebration of their success in helping to bring down the Illurian Empire, including the death of the emperor and his evil mage. There were also repeated calls for the Eynan. It wasn't long before Patinus was stopping in each town they passed through to thank his people and to tell them the Eynan did indeed exist, but that he had left to embark on a new mission. Princess Gallia was also a success with her new people and they called out loudly to see her. Patinus was relieved the populace didn't shout out their desire to see Ilada.

The third day began well, the weather was wonderful and the people were still happily cheering as they rode by. Gallia had been very touched by the reaction of the people, but Patinus knew she was finding the trip a strain, though she didn't complain.