Read Online The Awakening by Gary Alan Wassner - Free Book Online

knew then that he was stricken by the hand of destiny.”
    “Davmiran,” he mused upon the name, as he slowly paced the floor.
    “A gentle name, but one of strength,” she replied, though her eyes were still blankly staring at the wall of books behind the imposing table.
    “A familiar name, although I know not its derivation,” he commented. “I suppose we will learn all that we must shortly, my wife. They departed Pardatha just before Baladar sent us word. It should not be much longer now.”
    “Have you informed the scouts of their impending arrival?” she asked, focusing her gaze once again upon her husband.
    “Of course, my dear. They have been so nervous lately, with all that they have recently seen. It has not been easy keeping everyone contained in the city and the lifts sealed as well without providing an acceptable explanation. But, I believe it was for the best. Even though we were not directly attacked, I could not take any chances.”
    “You did the right thing, husband. The people have been kind to understand without questioning your directives. They believe that we were in danger and that is true nonetheless, despite the fact that they do not know the true reason why. The boy’s safety and security is paramount. Do not concern yourself over the deception. It was a noble one,” she said, and she walked to his side and took his hand in her own.
    “I pray that they arrive safely. The wolves have been quiet of late. I hope that they are not resting in order to gather their strength for a renewed attack.”
    “They have a Chosen among them. They will be safe.”
    “Yes, I am sure they will. I am just so anxious to see Elion again.”
    “I miss him dearly too, Treestar. It must have been so hard for him to disobey your will and sneak out of the city when he did. But he had too. I think about that often.”
    “He was driven by honor, not deceit. I know that now. What terrible pain he must have suffered thinking he had done so great a wrong. I too think about it a lot,” Treestar rejoined.
    “Yes, his journey was borne of sadness and regret. But what a wonderful twist of fate it must have been to finally learn of the fortuitousness of his deed,” she replied.
    “Luck played no part in our son’s encounter with the heir,” he said sharply. “And luck will play no part in ours either. We do what we must.”
    “May the First always guide him so serendipitously nonetheless, dearest,” she reiterated fondly, taking no offense to his retort.
    Treestar walked slowly across the burnished wood floor. The archways that formed the windows were high and graceful and they allowed just enough sunlight in to warm the room and illuminate it, but not too much so as to cause an inordinate amount of heat to accumulate within. He walked to the one nearest him and leaned upon the balustrade. From this vantage point he could see the glimmering roofs of the nearby houses, and in the distance he saw the greenery of the fields, blooming abundantly despite the turmoil on the earth below.
    “How ironic, my dear,” he thought aloud. “The sun rises each day, the trees continue to grow and support us, the fields bloom and blossom, our people remain safe and secure here in Seramour and yet the Lalas die below, and darkness approaches the very edge of the city. Are we the last haven, Elsinestra?” he asked.
    “We harbor the heir, dearest. He is the last haven, the last hope. You have read the same words as I. He will find the Gem and with his discovery, we will defeat Caeltin,” she answered.
    “Yes, I have read the Tomes over and over again. You know as well as I do that the books are filled with double meanings and riddles so obscure that when they seem to speak the obvious, I fear that I may be missing the true message,” the wise old elf answered.
    Elsinestra walked over to the wall of shelves on the opposite side of the room. Her light-weight silks rustled only slightly as she moved, graceful as she was. She