A Tale of the Nine Lands by J. K. F. Sandham

Author:J. K. F. Sandham [Sandham, J. K. F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Elderworld Studios
Published: 2024-03-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11 – Theo

Theo and Avira lay on Toarer’s bed. Avira rested her head on Theo’s chest. He felt so comfortable and tingly he dreaded the moment the work bell would ring. They had just eaten Toarer’s leftover breakfast. It had been delicious.

Toarer was looking out of his open window longingly. Theo felt sorry for him. He knew that Toarer was often sad and conflicted, and Theo knew those feelings all too well. Toarer said, “Pika told you then?” He turned from the window and his expression was sincere and caring. “Please go with him. I have never been able to forgive myself for what we have done to you. It would make me so happy to know I helped you become free.”

“We’re scared,” Avira said. “We have to go though, don’t we?”

“Come here a moment,” Toarer said. He helped them onto the window frame. A vast land of green and golden hues sprawled out in front of them under a pale blue sky. They looked out onto the lake, the woods, the plantations, the wildlands, and the mountains in the distance. “I had a dream last night. Everything you see now was shared by all of us, there was no servitude, no violence, and there were cute little houses for all of you, nice ones. I was so happy. Then I woke up. But the thing is, it felt so real it must be meaningful. I can’t shake it now. We have to make it happen.”

Avira took Theo’s hand as they looked out over the land. He thought about his dream of being a butterfly and the sense of freedom he felt once he had broken away from the flames. The morning breeze tickled his skin. He felt a strange sense of hope brewing in him, a small, almost invisible, Maybe. He didn’t like it at all. Hope meant disappointment. He had learnt that many years ago. “It’s impossible. A dream, nothing more,” Theo said.

“Don’t say that, Theo,” Avira said. “Everything starts as a dream, a hope, an idea, doesn’t it?”

The giant put his big, heavy, comforting hand on Theo’s shoulder. It radiated warmth. “I understand Pika hasn’t had an opportunity to tell you our plan, but I assure you, it’s a good one.” Toarer’s endearing optimism and calm transitioned to hesitation. “I can’t tell you every detail though, the mindwatchers could find your thoughts.” Toarer’s eyes sparkled as he continued.

“Before the giants and witches ruled, dwarves lived in the mountains of the Nine Lands. They were a mighty civilisation with a close connection to the magic of the earth, and they could coax ores from rock, and craft like no other. But although they were strong, they were no match for the giants and witches, who together were relentless and powerful in battle. All the dwarves’ riches were taken and the dwarves that didn’t escape were enslaved.”

“It sounds like a fairytale,” Avira said.

Toarer smiled. “I have seen enough to know it’s true. There are records of old alliances

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.