The Long Journey

The adventurers climb to the top of a cliff overlooking the hidden cove where they left the serpent prowed boat. It sits quietly in the waters, its bulk moving almost imperceptibly atop the rolling waters. From their vantage, all appears in order.  A shared sigh of relief echoes through the party. Just before they left, they had been unsure about leaving the ship essentially dead in the water without its navigator. Dierdre, so far, has been the only person to be able to harness the magical energies of the vessel. Lance agreed to stay behind and look after the boat, and the stone statue that is the helpless Archu. Lance, impeccable in his duty, has not failed them.

Or has he?

Cian from atop the ridge spots something the rest of the party cannot see. Or rather a lack of something. He turns a suspicious eye to Kentaka, his familiar. The same worried look in his eye confirms Cian's doubts. Wordlessly, they dive toward the ship. They circle cautiously, going over every inch of the ship. Kentaka, sensing his master's next thought, climbs high into the sky surveying the landscape around the ship. 

Cian finds no sign of Lance or his horse. 

With growing concern, Cian dives in closer, skimming the deck, penetrating the hold. Still no sign.

Cian explodes upward out of the hold, headed to the ridge where he left the now curious party members. He clears the deck and his eye catches something it hadn't before. A flutter just on the edge of his vision. He swings wide and spirals in to investigate. Tacked to the main mast is a note. 

I saw him again.

He stood above the horizon, his great spear outstretched toward the mountains. Even he seemed distant by those peaks. The mountains towered over him, yet there was no height among them, no towering ridge he could not reach.

He calls me. Not by name, not by command, not by force. He calls me by duty. He knows my soul, he knows I will do what must be done. He, Lugh. Slayer of Beasts, Conquerer of the Sky. His spear is my light, it's flight is my own path. I shall travel to the mountains as duty requires, as my own soul demands. 

Upon the spear's head I glide, cutting through the air, slicing through the clouds. We shall not rest until burrowed deep within the heart of the beast. The beast who seeks to encircle the world sevenfold. I am the hunter armed with light. Spearhead forged of the sun. Shaft of piercing wind. The Manterlaug my prey.

This is my journey and mine alone.

The god's speed to you my friends. If we see not each other soon, may we rejoice in the company of Lugh and may Eyru lay safe with the children of Danaan forever more.

Lance Von Rose

As he reaches the end, Kentaka's shrill voice penetrates his thoughts, "I see him! Just on the horizon. Shall I fly to him?"

Cian pauses. He looks down at the letter. Carefully written, it shows a steady hand. Steady and unwavering. The script is clean and decisive, it's message clear. He couldn't have left long ago, perhaps when he saw the party approaching from the very same ridge they no wait upon.

"No, let him be on his way. He has work to do. A duty for him alone and which none of us are prepared for."

The boat sways gently and a stiff wind washes the deck. The still wet ink of the note runs slightly as a drop of rain strikes the page. Slowly, it is joined by several others, lightly dotting the once impeccable surface. The light rain continues as a ray of sun breaks the chill, gray sky.

Liam watches from the ridge, now understanding what has happened. "Smile friends for we are in the company of Lugh, Arm of Justice and Slayer of Beasts. He heralds his passing with the rain, rain even on such a bitter winter's day."

The mysterious showers roll steadily off to the north, toward the towering peaks known only as The Giant's Stair.

 

In memory of Damian Deaton

I know you have reached your destination my friend. May the wilds of eternity not be so great that we do not see each other again. I shall think of you along my own journey and let your strength lend me comfort when the distance seems too great, or the night grows dark.