- Chapter 16 -
The Second Gem
©2000 Kilnamar
Killy ran through the shadow-filled streets, never daring to stop and rest. Time was growing ever shorter, as the
attitude of the people showed. Citizens everywhere were becoming confused and paranoid, not knowing who the
true enemy was or who to believe.
When Killy reached the edge of town, he kept running. For what seemed like hours he ran. Finally, he saw his
destination nearing. With a last panting burst, he sprinted the last few yards into a dense thicket and fell gasping to
the earth.
"That is hardly the position for a hero," Lldy's small voice squeaked. "Suppose a Nog Wumb was to find you at this
moment. Why, you would be helpless, silly."
Killy looked at the Wood Sprite, blushing slightly. Along there whole journey, the faery creature had been
'instructing' him on the finer arts of stealth and fighting. Rising slowly to a kneeling position, Killy sighed, still
breathing heavily. "You're right. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
"I'm sure it won't," Lldy giggled. "Now tell me, how goes the affairs in town?" The sprite took a seat a few feet
from the Toad so she didn't have to strain her neck to look him in the eye.
"Things are fast getting out of control," he said. "The ambassador is whipping the citizens into a frenzy. It is only a
matter of time before they do something crazy."
The small sprite's shoulders slumped. "Are we even now too late?" she said to no one. She folded her arms on her
upraised knees and lowered her head. Almost immediately, she raised it again, staring intently to the east.
At the same moment, the visions in Killy's head from the Egar Gem changed, becoming stronger, more clear. He
'felt' something in the same direction the sprite gazed. Something that drew closer.
Something entered the thicket, the soft swishing of branches the only sign. The sprite was on her feet immediately,
beckoning for Killy to flee with her. But Killy gave a calming motion with his hand. "It's ok, Lldy. It is our friend.
He has found us at last."
The sprite stared suspiciously as another small, cloaked Toad silently joined them. "Well met, friends," he said as he
pulled back his hood. "My mission has been successful. WhyKnot delivered the Egar Gem as she promised." He
held out a small trembling hand to Killy. "Take it. Please."
"May honor always be yours, young shysock," Killy said, as he gently reached and took the second of the priceless
stones from him. For a few moments he just stood, holding a gem in each hand. Already the images were much
stronger than before. The visions of battles and fighting from shysock's stone blending as one with the visions of
guidance from his own.
"Killy," said shysock, "you know I will do anything the Land asks of me, but..."
"It's ok," Killy said in a whisper, his concentration on the two gems growing more and more intent. "You have done
more than anyone could have expected. I know you want to return to your family. Go in peace, my dear friend."
Shysock looked down briefly, then shook his head and straightened his back. "My mind tells me to stay and aid
you, but my heart tells me to be with my loved ones. I will follow my heart, as you do." And with that, he
disappeared into the night.