Page 12 of Ruins of Magic
“What are you looking at?” she asked in wonder.
“There are magical runes marking the cavern,” he finally confessed. It was then that he realized one of them shown brighter than the rest. He was certain it hadn’t been there the night before. All the runes on the walls were for protection, but this one was different, one simple marking. He reached out and slowly traced it with his finger.
“The rahd,” Valaria whispered.
“What?”
“Did you just trace one of the runes you see?”
He nodded.
“It’s the rahd. It symbolizes a journey. Many say it’s the rune that leads you on the path of discovery.”
“I think the zanzar left it for me. But what does it mean?”
“You met a zanzar?” Valaria asked. Her eyes were wide with a mix of surprise and excitement.
“How do you even know what a zanzar is? I didn’t even know what he was.”
She shrugged and he could have sworn her cheeks darkened. “I-I like to read, a lot,” she added like it was something to be embarrassed about. “I especially like to read of the forgotten and expelled creatures of Gavalon. There’s an entire section of banned texts in the castle library, and if I can’t find something I’m researching there, then Zallon has always been able to assist from the ancient scrolls.”
“Zallon lets you read from the ancient scrolls?”
“Yes, ever since I was a little girl.”
“Then how had we not met sooner?” he asked, skeptically.
She frowned. “It was always in secret. My father was not fond of my choice in reading materials, so Zallon assisted me in keeping it under his radar.”
Arion almost blurted out something like, “But Zallon doesn’t even like you.” Fortunately, he caught himself just in time to bite his tongue instead. It didn’t make sense, yet he couldn’t bring himself to doubt her.
Before he could find the right words to say, Valaria reached out and ran her hand across the glowing rune. “I wish I could see it as you do. Wow, what I wouldn’t give to meet a zanzar.”
“Arion, are you eating or not? The rain has stopped, and the sun is bright. We should make haste and continue our trek soon,” Taneth said.
“Eat,” Valaria commanded as she walked over to the fire and sat down leaving room next to her for Arion to join her.
He did, eating quickly so not to hold up the group. Once done he gathered his things while Ailsa packed up the remainder and Leeric ensured the fire was out. When the last glowing ember disappeared, the room darkened, even to Arion’s eyes.
Using the torches they had fashioned the night before, Taneth led the way out while Leeric brought up the rear. That left Arion walking next to Valaria. Her hand brushed his lightly as they walked. He savored that simple touch and the pleasant feelings it caused to well up in his gut. He was glad it was still too dark for anyone to take notice of the smile crossing his face.
As they turned the last corner leading to the main cavern at the entrance to the cave, Arion looked up to see a large, ugly troll next to the opening. On instinct his body tensed and he pushed Valaria behind him, protecting her with his body.
“What is it?” she asked, alarmed.
Arion stared at the troll waiting to see what he would do. He knew from talking to the zanzar that humans couldn’t see them unless the troll chose to show himself. By nature they steered clear of humans, but that didn’t stop his heart from racing and his breathing to become ragged.
Taneth, Ailsa, and Garron passed without issue. The troll was too busy watching Arion with open curiosity. Still he couldn’t bring himself to allow Valaria to pass and risk her life at the hands of this retched looking beast.
Leeric drew his sword sensing the tension in the room and took the other side of the princess for her protection.
“Where?” he asked simply not even questioning Arion’s behavior.
The troll’s eyes went wide when Arion took a step further to test the creature’s response. He was readying for an attack, but instead, the troll fell to his knees and bowed before him.
“You have nothing to fear of the trolls,” the creature spoke in a deep rumbling voice. “We do not harm humans and would not dare cross you, Arion of the druids. You have my full allegiance. When the time comes, you can count on the trolls to fight alongside your command. It is an honor to have met you. Many blessings for a safe journey ahead.”
“What is it?” Valaria asked again. Her hand now rested on his shoulder and grounded him back to reality.
