Tidings of Bad News(Will//Tavalox,Lutrol)

Over the next few weeks Will spent his time learning as much as he could about his cousins and the elven way. Despite his desire to see Alex again, he was really quite content to be in Nordel. He had been told that time passed differently here, that what seemed like a week here is like a month in the outer world. At first he scoffed at this absurd notion but now that he was a part of Nordel, he believed that this idea could very well be possible. The weather always seemed too pleasant – just the right temperature, just the right amount of rain. The vegetation was so lush and green that he found one could sit idly gazing at the forest around him for hours taking in its beauty and serenity. Each evening he spent with his father and sister sitting around the fire place listening to elven folklore. The longer he was there the further away his other home seemed to drift, until it became nothing more than a memory or a place he sometimes visited in his dreams. Unfortunately, peace is not to be had by those who have yet to fulfill their destiny, and so, one day, William Paris’ time of rest came to an end.

While shooting target with several of his cousins a visitor came to Nordel. Will eyed the creature with much curiosity having never seen such a thing before – it was half man and half horse. He held himself with an air of importance, his dull brown hair glistening with the perspiration of his journey. The beast was accompanied by five other younger looking man/horse things, each in varying colors but all roughly the same size. Lutrol greeted them with a deep bow and escorted them to a nearby spring where they could refresh themselves. Will would not see them again until later that evening at a feast that was to be held in their honor.

Of course, Will wasted no time in asking his cousins several questions about these strange visitors. He was surprised to learn that they were centaurs from the Forest of Hereanafter, the eldest one being none other than Tavalox, chief of the centaurs. Even the elves seemed surprised by his visit and all were curious to know the reason behind it.
Will found the history of these creatures rather interesting. He was also relieved by their presence for it proved that Alex had indeed spoken truthfully about her experience in the forest. A chill ran down his spine as he recalled the other parts of her story in the forest and in the mountain; he felt an overwhelming urge to wrap his arms around her and protect her from any more harm. As always when his thoughts strayed to the young ‘cowgirl,’ he felt a pang in his heart that tore at his very soul. Shaking his head to clear his musings he resumed his bow practice with his cousins, pushing aside the foreboding feeling that had settled like a rock in his stomach.


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“I welcome you and your companions to Nordel, great Tavalox.” Lutrol gave a low bow to the regal guest. “If you wish I will personally escort you to the spring where you may refresh yourselves after your long journey.”

“Thank you, Lutrol” the aging centaur gave a slight nod of his head in respect of the elf’s royal position. “You may forego any further formalities; after all you are one of my oldest and dearest friends.” Lutrol gave a warm smile, but still took his guest personally to the stream leaving instructions with some nearby elves to bring food and drink suitable for the centaurs to the water’s edge.

After the centaurs had bathed and eaten Lutrol felt it appropriate to ask why the ancient centaur had came to Nordel.

“Serataom has died but before doing so she made one last reading of the stars.” Tavalox turned to his companions and instructed them to return to the main village and mingle with the elves. Once he was sure that they were out of hearing range he repeated what Serataom had last said.

“The half-breed has returned home at last and will soon learn his fate. The stranger has sailed to a new land where she will face her past once and for all . . . .

The warrior has challenged himself and has walked away the victor of that battle. However, the dog and cat still fight. Who shall win is shrouded in fog. . . .”

Lutrol sat quietly for a few moments, pondering the strange words. “Who is the ‘warrior’?

“We don’t know. I haven’t heard or seen any great warrior but I have my eye on a few possibilities – one of which is a young boy with blue tattoos on his head. He proved to be quite a fighter at a raid that took place several months ago in a little town. Of course warriors can fight in many different ways, not just physical.”

“Mmmm. And the half-breed?”

“We believe this to be your son.”

Lutrol looked into the faded blue eyes of the centaur, trying to see if he was serious. “Surely there are many other half-breeds out there. William can’t be the only one.”

“This is true. But he is the only one that returned home at the time of this reading.”

Lutrol rubbed his chin for a moment in contemplation. “You’ve never put much stock in the stars before, why now?”

The old centaur gave a soft chuckle, “I never have been able to slip anything past you, dear elf. The truth of my visit is I came to give you news of our leaving. Even as I sit here with you the herd is moving to a new forest.”

The elf stared at his friend in astonishment. “Leaving, but why? With you gone the creatures of the forest will have no boundaries.”

“They have already left their boundaries. The Borg was so outraged at the escape of two of his slaves, one of which I believe was an elf, that he has declared war on all creatures that refuse to do his bidding. I am too old and tired to go to war. My herd has thinned enough; I do not wish to shed their blood on a futile cause when I can find peace elsewhere.”

“But with you gone the humans will be at risk…”

“The humans don’t even know we exist. They do not follow the treaty that was put in place so long ago. Just this past year we have had five known violations. All were peaceful and innocent enough but it’s just a matter of time before they claim the forest as theirs as well. No I do not wish to do battle; the time of the centaur has passed. We will do as your kind did and retreat to a distant forest where in time we can pass into the mists and be forever more separated from the outside world.”

“We are separated yes, but we still fight for what is right. The Borg cannot be left unattended. It must be stopped before his forces leave the forest. It is an evil that cannot be left unchallenged.”

“And who will stop him? It will take more than the elves of Nordel to accomplish such a task.”

“We will have to ask the humans for help…”

“Ha! The humans don’t even know we exist. If they see you they will laugh and turn you into one of the freaks in their bizarre circuses.” The centaur got up from his comfortable spot under the tree and walked to the edge of the water. “If you are wise, you will stay in Nordel and allow the fate of the outer world to take place.”

Lutrol looked at the centaur with sympathy. He could now see the specks of gray streaking his back and hind quarters, see the wrinkles lining his face. He was indeed ancient and this would be a young person’s war to fight. “You do what you feel you must. I pray that the gods grant you the peace and sanctuary that you so desire. Let us put aside this burdensome talk for now, for my elves have prepared a fine feast in your honor. Come let us join them and enjoy some lighthearted fellowship tonight. Tomorrow we shall meet with my council to see what can be done about the Borg.”

Together the two aging leaders entered into the heart of Nordel where they found the tables already loaded with their delicious burden and the beautiful music of the elves enveloping the forest around them.