Before Shadowgate by F. X. Nine

Author:F. X. Nine [Nine, F. X.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Fantasy & Magic, Gaming
ISBN: 9780590443135
Google: CzmiVp8LmCgC
Amazon: 0590443135
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Published: 1991-05-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

It was with heavy hearts that Jairen, Hawk, and Fez left the ruined village, and they walked for some time, without talking at all. Jairen could not forget the look he'd seen on one small girl's face; he'd never seen someone so young look so hopeless.

"It's not fair!" he burst out finally. "What did those people do to deserve that?"

"They did nothing," said Hawk. "They are simple, honest folk. But fairness is not a quality that the Warlock King is known for."

"Hear me now," said Jairen, coming to a halt in the middle of the road. "Here before you both, I vow to never abandon my quest until the Warlock King is lain to rest." His voice trembled with emotion.

Hawk clapped him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit, lad!" he said.

Fez nodded. "And I vow to stay by your side for as long as it takes," he said solemnly. "Especially now that you're learning some swordplay," he added with a grin. "I feel safer already." He mimicked Jairen walking a straight line with his eyes closed, arms waving wildly for balance.

Jairen laughed, shaking his head. Trust Fez to make a joke out of a serious moment, he thought. But he was grateful for the fenling's lighthearted ways. The journey seemed less treacherous with such a clown along.

"Perhaps, Fez," he said, "when we find the faceless king he will give you a job as a jester at his court!" He laughed. "You'll have to wear one of those caps with bells on it, and—ohhhh, look!" Jairen broke off in the middle of his sentence and pointed ahead.

There, on a large, flat rock by the side of the road, lay four of the most beautiful creatures he'd ever seen. They slept peacefully on the, warm rock, their golden coats glinting in the afternoon sun. Even at rest, their sinewy bodies looked ready to leap and run. The tasseled tail of the largest one twitched as he dozed.

"What are they?" asked Jairen, breathless at the sight of such noble grace.

"Tyens," answered Hawk. "And they have wandered far from their home in the Eastern continent. Ty'Enoa is their native land."

"Tyens," repeated Jairen. "I don't remember Delma telling me of that race."

"Not many have heard of them," said Hawk. "Legend has it that they were created when an ancient and very powerful wizard made a spell that crossed a man with a lion. They are true warriors, the Tyens." He sounded admiring.

"Oh, they're just a bunch of overgrown pets," said Fez, jealous of the attention the lionmen were getting. "Let's get on with our journey."

But by then, the Tyens had heard the travelers' voices and had begun to stir. They stretched as cats do, drawing out each muscle to its full length. Then, calmly, they stood and refastened their leather armor. Picking up his broadsword, the largest Tyen looked directly at Jairen and asked, "Friend or foe?" in a voice that was closer to a roar than to human speech. His noble face was like a man's, though his golden beard matched the fur on his body.

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