Firstly, let me welcome you to my site. My name is Raymond Walker and I am an author. I write of many things and in many genres but one of my loves is the fantasy tale. In fact the very first novel I ever wrote was a fantasy Tale.
Quite a few stories and novels have followed since then, over the many years that I have been writing, I have produced the odd book or five. I do have other more general websites and I will provide links to them at the end of this site along with places that you can buy my books, so if you are interested you can read more there.
I have always felt that I should have a website dedicated to my fantasy novels and short stories and so here it is. I will try to entertain you with short stories and glimpses from my books. I hope that you enjoy all that you read here. If you do please feel free to follow the links on the last page to my other sites or even to a sales area to buy a book.
Well enough of this it is time that I let you read a story.
Sometimes an Eagle flies is a short story written many years ago now and to be honest one that I do not really like, though I know that others do and so thought that I would include it here anyway. I hope that you like it.
Quite a few stories and novels have followed since then, over the many years that I have been writing, I have produced the odd book or five. I do have other more general websites and I will provide links to them at the end of this site along with places that you can buy my books, so if you are interested you can read more there.
I have always felt that I should have a website dedicated to my fantasy novels and short stories and so here it is. I will try to entertain you with short stories and glimpses from my books. I hope that you enjoy all that you read here. If you do please feel free to follow the links on the last page to my other sites or even to a sales area to buy a book.
Well enough of this it is time that I let you read a story.
Sometimes an Eagle flies is a short story written many years ago now and to be honest one that I do not really like, though I know that others do and so thought that I would include it here anyway. I hope that you like it.
Sometimes an Eagle Flies By Raymond Walker
1.
Rob started the walk up the hill, the sun behind him and hot on his uncovered shoulders, it was warm even so early and he had decided to wear a vest rather than pull on a fleece or jumper.
He had woken early, the sunlight heating and lighting his small tent. Too early he thinks to himself; another couple of hours sleep would have been good. He had tried to get back to sleep but the strength of the sunlight, the heat in the sleeping bag and the heat of the sun on the small tent prevented him. So he crawled from it shivering in the cooler air and dragged his clothes on, he would find somewhere to shower later. He would just get sweaty in this sun on the walk he had planned anyway.
Rob had seen it yesterday before he camped. He was not sure but it looked like a ruined and ancient hill fort upon one of the hill crags over castle Sween. Castle Sween, was a ruin these days, even though it was an easily defensible, Sea loch keep. There was little these days on the west coast of Scotland to defend, in fact there was just little these days on the west coast of Scotland.
It had not drawn his eye but rather an eagle soaring above it, riding the thermals and circling in the brilliant blue sky had drawn his attention. He had taken his binoculars which were slung over one shoulder, his camera over the other to see it more clearly. He had pulled them out of their soft case and tried to focus on the eagle whilst avoiding looking directly at the sun. It had taken longer than he hoped and he was a little exasperated when he had finally been able to use the binoculars and focus upon the Golden Eagle majestically drifting upon the thermals.
He had watched it through the binoculars for a while; it described slow lazy circles the wings never flapping. Eagles are rare in Scotland now even in such remote locations, and seeing one so clearly is at best an occasional sight. Watching its progress drew his eyes to the hill that it soared above. There were stones upon it. A wall, obviously man made but they had fallen into ruin many years ago from the look of them.
He guessed it was a hill fort, for this land is covered in the remains of duns and brochs, castles and keeps. He was not far from Kilmartin glen and knew the areas history well. This part of Scotland was covered with antiquities. Mid Argyll is a treasure trove for the historian and viewer of the ancients. All history is gathered in a few square miles from the very dawn of time until the highland clearances.
He knew it could just be some dyke that had fallen into ruin but guessed not, why build a dry stone dyke on top of a hill?
It was a beautiful day for Scotland in May. The summer weather had not yet begun nor the winters ended so he was grateful for the warm sun that shone in so brightly.
He dressed quickly pulling on the jeans he had worn yesterday and pulled a vest from his rucksack. He sat again on the sleeping mat to pull on his heavy walking boots; the scree on some mountainsides in Scotland could be treacherous, so despite the brightness of the day heavy boots were in order.
He packed the sleeping bag, mat and small tent as well as his stove and light and set out.
He enjoyed the short walk from his campsite to the bottom of the hill but knew he had some arduous climbing ahead, the hill looked steep with a lot of scree, he expected sore knees by the time he returned in the early evening.
It would be a sight worth seeing he thought, and even if nothing could be told from the ruins, the views over the isles of Jura and Islay would be a sight worth seeing.
His holiday had gone well so far, the weather clement for Scotland at this time of year the countryside rich in things to see and places to go. He was tanned from the unexpected sun and looked healthy with its glow, his grey hair still interspersed with the brown it once was, had grown longer than he was used to but seemed to shine in the sun, he had not bothered shaving this day for he would clean himself later and shower. He had booked into a campsite that night and the next and would enjoy the warm shower and shave these places provided along with, hopefully, a few beers in the local hostelry when he returned this evening.
The initial climb was easier than expected and the loose rock scree was not as treacherous as he had imagined so he made good progress for the first couple of hours.
With the warmth of the sun on his face and the eagle circling above him, hunting, it was a pleasant morning; very pleasant indeed.
He enjoyed the exertion of the climb and looked forward to the views and experiences once it was completed. He could see the ruins ahead, much closer now and thought to take a rest before completing the last, and from the look of it, most difficult part.
He found a smooth rock to sit upon and checking it for snakes relaxed upon it.
Adders tend to bask on the rocks on a day such as this, but they are rare, yet this was just the place that they would be were there any around. He lifted his binoculars to check the land ahead looking for bits to avoid and routes to take to the fort. He watched the eagle still circling in the brilliant cloudless sky took a can of coke from his rucksack and enjoyed the sunshine and rest.
The walk to the top was more difficult, some of it he even spent on all fours to avoid slipping but to no avail and when he eventually reached the top he had grazed his cheek and cut his knee rather badly, ripping one of his favorite pairs of jeans in the progress. All of these things just added to the fun and achievement of the day.
The ruined fort was a revelation and that made it all worth while. More of it was intact than he had imagined looking from below; the rocks still describing its shape and size. He looked around for a historic Scotland plaque to read its history but there was nothing. Could it be they do not know of this one he wondered, it is possible. Its location is very remote and in an underpopulated region but even then he finds it highly unlikely. He has traveled to other sites such as this and in even more remote locations they are posted and even then they are mapped and have historic Scotland descriptions on the site. Perhaps they think it not worth it at this one; he thinks as it is so far from any road but considers it unusual anyway.
He sits on one of the ruined walls and wishes he had brought sandwiches with him; he has soup and beans in his rucksack but fancies neither.
So he takes out his stove and makes himself some coffee which he drinks straight from the small tin he brews it in.
He stares again at the sky searching for the eagle which had become his constant companion during the climb but it has gone. Vanished for the moment, he hopes to see it again later.
The sky is now an unblemished blue.
He stares out over the peninsulas of Kilmory and Tayvalich to the isles, he had been right about the view, it was breathtaking. Jura was so clear he felt he could walk there in just a short while and the sun sparkling on the water was so pretty.
As he turned coffee in hand to look at the ruins he was startled to notice the eagle perched on the highest point of the remaining wall.
It stared directly at him with the intensity that only birds of prey and cats can have.
He was not certain wither to be scared or just to marvel at his luck at having seen a wild eagle up close. Not many people can have experienced this he thinks. He thinks of unhooking his camera and pulling it over his neck and getting a shot of such a majestic bird up close but knows if he even moves a centimeter then it will be gone, quickly and forever.
He is frightened to look away in case the eagle swoops at him, a thing he thinks most unlikely but is afraid to take the chance.
He stares back but is unable to match its unwavering gaze and has to blink in the bright sunlight.
In the space of that blink the eagle is gone and in its place stands a man clothed in a cloak of dirty feathers still staring at him.
I am sorry, it must have been the climb I thought you were, he faltered.
You saw what you saw the other replied in strangely accented English.
Sorry, I was just taken by surprise.
Am I not making myself clear the other replied, what you saw was what you saw.
But I saw an eagle.
His hair was long and rather straggly turning grey, his eyes of the brightest blue, he was tanned and looked athletic, he stood meeting my gaze never turning his eyes away never blinking; unwavering. I am Roack
Politeness and commonplace thought taking over, I reached out to take his hand; I am Rob or Robert if you prefer it that way.
The cloak parted and a long fingered hand appeared which Rob grasped in a handshake, formality taking over his shock at all that had happened and worse when Rob saw that the stranger was naked under his cloak.
Well met Rob.
Nice to meet you too he replied in turn.
Excuse my state, the stranger said glancing down at himself with embarrassment.
He pulled the cloak close to him covering himself and sat cross legged in front of me.
Sit Rob he said.
Sit. I did.
I have much to tell you and little time to do so for when she appears you must go.
Sorry?
Never mind, sit.
I have a story to tell you, will you listen to my tale?
Rob sits cross legged in front of him.
I will listen Rob replies for he wonders what strange tale this even stranger man would have to tell.
It is good he says that you will listen for there are things in this tale you will need to know and when she arrives you must go.
She?
Never mind just listen.
And so he listened to the tale of this strange man clothed only in eagle feathers that sat before him.
This was our home he said looking around at the ruined walls, we were the guardians of this place and its treasures. We are the guardians still.
What there is left to guard I do not know; just ruined walls and a few straggly weeds but we have done it for long.
I know it is hard to believe now but once this place was a shrine it was home to the two great treasures of our people.
We guarded them well, chosen from the villages of our people to guard them, we were proven in might and ability or skilled in magic.
When these treasures were coveted by others they were brought and placed in this fort with its strong walls and strong defenders. Many wished for these treasures but none could take them for we had might and magic wrapped in these walls.
Yes I see your look but it was many years ago and with time even magic dies.
Hear my tale the stranger said and he sat and listened.
Many sought to take the treasures and always we would stand till the people came to repel them, none breached the walls of this keep.
I spent nearly twenty years defending these walls; I met my wife here as she stood with me, a chosen defender.
Ah you should have seen her; she was as beautiful as the morning, swift as the wind as strong as a wolf and I loved her I loved her so very much.
His eyes seemed to glaze as though he saw her again in his mind and he shook his head sadly a tear running from his eye.
Many happy times we had together here, many good friendships were formed, loves found and life’s lost but many good times. We were like a family living so closely together.
But as things will, rumour of these wonders, our treasures, spread and others came looking for them, some human, others not but they failed as the others had before them.
Until without warning we were assailed by strange creatures from the north, or so we were told by Maelgwinn, our magician.
Many died on the first day of the attack for you could not see them until they were upon you. My good friend Thuor died that day with a knife in his back.
They came night and day only visible as shadows all we had to guide us were their shadows and sound. We could not send for help though we tried for all those that left the fort were killed so the people were not raised to protect us. We were strong yes but they were also strong and their magic was stronger than ours.
Enough of this, I will tell you what you need to know for the hour grows later and soon she will be here.
When she arrives you must go for I long to be with her again.
When who arrives, who is she?
Enough, quiet, hear my story then go.
After the third day of their attacks even Maelgwinn, our magician was wounded, many had died and all were exhausted for they came night and day; only myself and my wife were relatively unscathed.
How I long to see her again, it has been to long, too long, little did we know what maelgwinn meant.
His hand went to his eyes and he brushed it over them, clearing his head and continued.
All that lived still manned the walls but it was only a matter of time till they killed us all and took the treasures we all knew it.
But we fought well and many of them died, if they can die, in the process.
We took one prisoner on the first day and though tied and hurt he would tell us nothing I am ashamed to admit it but we even hurt him to try and make him talk. Maelgwinn made him visible; I can see him still his upturned eyes and cruel smile, he hated us though I still do not know why. Perhaps his kind just hate, I have heard tales of the cruelty of the lios alfar, for that is what I now believe them to have been, but thought till that time they were just folk tales.
The enchantments of our walls let us see them a little better, but at night, night was the worst time for you would find them at your back; their cruel sharp knifes at your throat.
I killed one as he unseen tried to slice my loves throat, had it not been for the noise of his knife leaving the scabbard she would have died then. But he was foolish and had my axe in his head as a punishment for that foolishness. At least I think I killed him for you cannot tell as there was never a body there to be found, they vanished as we killed them.
But I digress, my apologies, Maelgwinn called us to him and we went to his bedside gladly leaving the walls for a time, we were both bruised and battered but essentially unharmed. We will fall, he said.
I argued with him but knew it to be true,
I will go tonight and try to get help but he shook his head. No you will die if you do. We will both go said my love, I was startled and tried to protest, perhaps one of us can reach a village. She stared back into my eyes as she glared at me defying me to say something.
She was as strong as me and much swifter, perhaps we could make it
No neither of you will waste your lives that way; we must use the treasures, when I knew what came our way I knew that we would have to but delayed making the decision; now I have no choice. If we use them we will be safe, they will never be able to protect themselves from us.
Yes of course we must then I said thinking the treasures some kind of magical weapon.
Not so quick Roack, there is a price to be paid for using them. Then we will pay it I said with bravado for otherwise all will die.
He looked directly at me his voice cracking with pain and said; sometimes death is the easier option, he steadied himself and asked.
Will you both accept the task?
You are the only ones left that are sound of body and can accept but I must warn you that if you do accept, you will remain with them for longer than I can foresee.
You will protect this place until a stranger appears, he will have a gashed cheek and bloody knee.
If you do not accept we will all die and the treasures be lost forever if you do accept then we will live, you will both live a long time, longer than I wish to think of, he said this with eyes downcast.
I did not even look to her, I should have for she knew more than me and sometimes just understood things that were beyond my ken, but in my pride and arrogance I did not.
I said yes without a moment’s hesitation after all I was going to live longer, the treasures be safe and stay with my love for longer than he wished to think of.
There was nothing that could have seemed sweeter to me, do you understand?
He held my eyes with his
Nothing, do you understand?
It seemed as though he was asking for my forgiveness.
I understand.
He nodded
I do not think we know what he meant at the time but I was to know, I would grow to know so well. And now that I do know I think I would rather have died.
We accepted for we wanted to continue our lives, or I should say I accepted for us. We were strong in our love so very strong, do you understand?
I nodded agreement.
Thank you he said, now let me continue for there is little time left.
Sorry? I asked.
There is little time left. Soon she will be here and what is left I wish to spend with her.
I nodded.
He looked down, it is growing cold, let us build a fire, I wish to see her in the fire light as I once did.
Though I knew not what he spoke of I agreed, it was getting cold, the sun beginning to dip. You collect wood and I will get it started.
He looked at me skeptically but having gathered some dry grass I lit it with my lighter which I always carried in case my matches got wet; igniting the twigs I had arranged above it.
He laughed as he saw this returning with the wood.
You are a magician Robert he said, now I know why we must give them to you; you seemed a strange choice up till now a strange choice indeed.
A magician?
Never mind sit and we will heat ourselves at the fire and I will tell you all that remains to be told.
I sat and heated myself as did he.
We helped him from his bed his wound again opening as he walked and helped him to the chamber bellow the keep, we knew the treasures were there but had never seen them nor knew what they were but we all respected maelgwinn for we had seen his magics at work.
He opened the chest that lay there and removed from it two cloaks; the one I wear now and another of owl feathers.
I was to wear one my wife the other he said, though such a thing was obvious.
We knew not the nature of this magic nor did I care though my love may have but should I be able to be with her for longer and protect us I knew it good.
Remove your clothes and don the cloaks.
We did as instructed and walked from the room into the sunlight clutching the cloaks tightly around us both to cover our nakedness and against the chill.
Maelgwinn said but a single word and I became what you saw.
Sorry?
I became the eagle that you saw.
I started to laugh but he silenced me with a look.
I could see them as an eagle and was able to kill them, they tried for many years to gain access to the keep but always they failed. I in the day and my love at night would kill them, they never again got close. Never again did they make it to the walls and after a while they stopped coming but still we were here to protect it.
We watched our friends grow old as they stood on the walls, we saw children born and people die I watched Maelgwinn die many years later from my lofty position; I do not know if it was my imagination or just my perspective but I thought he said sorry as he passed beyond.
I do not know for sure and never will but I like to think he did say sorry for he was my friend and I loved him.
But my love flew by night and I by day and never have we touched nor have I seen her in longer than you can imagine but I have not finished he said.
Let me, it was almost a question. I nodded.
Eventually the people moved on and our race changed the places and villages became larger and we became a nation and our nation was bread into others but still we soared and circled.
I have never again been human till this day.
He looked me directly in the eye. It does not matter if you believe this story or not, but that is it; now darkness comes close.
I noticed, and to my surprise that he was right, that it was true and indeed the sun was setting.
Roark stood and removed his cloak throwing it at his feet. It is yours now he said turning and staring into the gathering night.
I saw a shadow form in the gloaming and it grew as it neared. I was worried for a second but it coalesced into human form.
A beautiful woman stepped in from the night; she gathered him into her arms and kissed him deeply. I turned away embarrassed at the sight.
He turned towards me and said;
“Go now; we have much time to make up”.
He looks at her and says “I did not think you would forgive me”
And she replies; “I do not but let us not waste what we have”
He turns to me and says,
Take the cloaks, hide them or use them I do not care which.
Another cloak landed at his feet but he never looked up, somehow it would seem a sacrilege to him to see her naked.
He gathered them up and walked over the walls into the night knowing that
The trip back down the hill would be terrible in darkness.
But it was not for he heard a voice; Roarks come out of the night.
The word is…….
Rob started the walk up the hill, the sun behind him and hot on his uncovered shoulders, it was warm even so early and he had decided to wear a vest rather than pull on a fleece or jumper.
He had woken early, the sunlight heating and lighting his small tent. Too early he thinks to himself; another couple of hours sleep would have been good. He had tried to get back to sleep but the strength of the sunlight, the heat in the sleeping bag and the heat of the sun on the small tent prevented him. So he crawled from it shivering in the cooler air and dragged his clothes on, he would find somewhere to shower later. He would just get sweaty in this sun on the walk he had planned anyway.
Rob had seen it yesterday before he camped. He was not sure but it looked like a ruined and ancient hill fort upon one of the hill crags over castle Sween. Castle Sween, was a ruin these days, even though it was an easily defensible, Sea loch keep. There was little these days on the west coast of Scotland to defend, in fact there was just little these days on the west coast of Scotland.
It had not drawn his eye but rather an eagle soaring above it, riding the thermals and circling in the brilliant blue sky had drawn his attention. He had taken his binoculars which were slung over one shoulder, his camera over the other to see it more clearly. He had pulled them out of their soft case and tried to focus on the eagle whilst avoiding looking directly at the sun. It had taken longer than he hoped and he was a little exasperated when he had finally been able to use the binoculars and focus upon the Golden Eagle majestically drifting upon the thermals.
He had watched it through the binoculars for a while; it described slow lazy circles the wings never flapping. Eagles are rare in Scotland now even in such remote locations, and seeing one so clearly is at best an occasional sight. Watching its progress drew his eyes to the hill that it soared above. There were stones upon it. A wall, obviously man made but they had fallen into ruin many years ago from the look of them.
He guessed it was a hill fort, for this land is covered in the remains of duns and brochs, castles and keeps. He was not far from Kilmartin glen and knew the areas history well. This part of Scotland was covered with antiquities. Mid Argyll is a treasure trove for the historian and viewer of the ancients. All history is gathered in a few square miles from the very dawn of time until the highland clearances.
He knew it could just be some dyke that had fallen into ruin but guessed not, why build a dry stone dyke on top of a hill?
It was a beautiful day for Scotland in May. The summer weather had not yet begun nor the winters ended so he was grateful for the warm sun that shone in so brightly.
He dressed quickly pulling on the jeans he had worn yesterday and pulled a vest from his rucksack. He sat again on the sleeping mat to pull on his heavy walking boots; the scree on some mountainsides in Scotland could be treacherous, so despite the brightness of the day heavy boots were in order.
He packed the sleeping bag, mat and small tent as well as his stove and light and set out.
He enjoyed the short walk from his campsite to the bottom of the hill but knew he had some arduous climbing ahead, the hill looked steep with a lot of scree, he expected sore knees by the time he returned in the early evening.
It would be a sight worth seeing he thought, and even if nothing could be told from the ruins, the views over the isles of Jura and Islay would be a sight worth seeing.
His holiday had gone well so far, the weather clement for Scotland at this time of year the countryside rich in things to see and places to go. He was tanned from the unexpected sun and looked healthy with its glow, his grey hair still interspersed with the brown it once was, had grown longer than he was used to but seemed to shine in the sun, he had not bothered shaving this day for he would clean himself later and shower. He had booked into a campsite that night and the next and would enjoy the warm shower and shave these places provided along with, hopefully, a few beers in the local hostelry when he returned this evening.
The initial climb was easier than expected and the loose rock scree was not as treacherous as he had imagined so he made good progress for the first couple of hours.
With the warmth of the sun on his face and the eagle circling above him, hunting, it was a pleasant morning; very pleasant indeed.
He enjoyed the exertion of the climb and looked forward to the views and experiences once it was completed. He could see the ruins ahead, much closer now and thought to take a rest before completing the last, and from the look of it, most difficult part.
He found a smooth rock to sit upon and checking it for snakes relaxed upon it.
Adders tend to bask on the rocks on a day such as this, but they are rare, yet this was just the place that they would be were there any around. He lifted his binoculars to check the land ahead looking for bits to avoid and routes to take to the fort. He watched the eagle still circling in the brilliant cloudless sky took a can of coke from his rucksack and enjoyed the sunshine and rest.
The walk to the top was more difficult, some of it he even spent on all fours to avoid slipping but to no avail and when he eventually reached the top he had grazed his cheek and cut his knee rather badly, ripping one of his favorite pairs of jeans in the progress. All of these things just added to the fun and achievement of the day.
The ruined fort was a revelation and that made it all worth while. More of it was intact than he had imagined looking from below; the rocks still describing its shape and size. He looked around for a historic Scotland plaque to read its history but there was nothing. Could it be they do not know of this one he wondered, it is possible. Its location is very remote and in an underpopulated region but even then he finds it highly unlikely. He has traveled to other sites such as this and in even more remote locations they are posted and even then they are mapped and have historic Scotland descriptions on the site. Perhaps they think it not worth it at this one; he thinks as it is so far from any road but considers it unusual anyway.
He sits on one of the ruined walls and wishes he had brought sandwiches with him; he has soup and beans in his rucksack but fancies neither.
So he takes out his stove and makes himself some coffee which he drinks straight from the small tin he brews it in.
He stares again at the sky searching for the eagle which had become his constant companion during the climb but it has gone. Vanished for the moment, he hopes to see it again later.
The sky is now an unblemished blue.
He stares out over the peninsulas of Kilmory and Tayvalich to the isles, he had been right about the view, it was breathtaking. Jura was so clear he felt he could walk there in just a short while and the sun sparkling on the water was so pretty.
As he turned coffee in hand to look at the ruins he was startled to notice the eagle perched on the highest point of the remaining wall.
It stared directly at him with the intensity that only birds of prey and cats can have.
He was not certain wither to be scared or just to marvel at his luck at having seen a wild eagle up close. Not many people can have experienced this he thinks. He thinks of unhooking his camera and pulling it over his neck and getting a shot of such a majestic bird up close but knows if he even moves a centimeter then it will be gone, quickly and forever.
He is frightened to look away in case the eagle swoops at him, a thing he thinks most unlikely but is afraid to take the chance.
He stares back but is unable to match its unwavering gaze and has to blink in the bright sunlight.
In the space of that blink the eagle is gone and in its place stands a man clothed in a cloak of dirty feathers still staring at him.
I am sorry, it must have been the climb I thought you were, he faltered.
You saw what you saw the other replied in strangely accented English.
Sorry, I was just taken by surprise.
Am I not making myself clear the other replied, what you saw was what you saw.
But I saw an eagle.
His hair was long and rather straggly turning grey, his eyes of the brightest blue, he was tanned and looked athletic, he stood meeting my gaze never turning his eyes away never blinking; unwavering. I am Roack
Politeness and commonplace thought taking over, I reached out to take his hand; I am Rob or Robert if you prefer it that way.
The cloak parted and a long fingered hand appeared which Rob grasped in a handshake, formality taking over his shock at all that had happened and worse when Rob saw that the stranger was naked under his cloak.
Well met Rob.
Nice to meet you too he replied in turn.
Excuse my state, the stranger said glancing down at himself with embarrassment.
He pulled the cloak close to him covering himself and sat cross legged in front of me.
Sit Rob he said.
Sit. I did.
I have much to tell you and little time to do so for when she appears you must go.
Sorry?
Never mind, sit.
I have a story to tell you, will you listen to my tale?
Rob sits cross legged in front of him.
I will listen Rob replies for he wonders what strange tale this even stranger man would have to tell.
It is good he says that you will listen for there are things in this tale you will need to know and when she arrives you must go.
She?
Never mind just listen.
And so he listened to the tale of this strange man clothed only in eagle feathers that sat before him.
This was our home he said looking around at the ruined walls, we were the guardians of this place and its treasures. We are the guardians still.
What there is left to guard I do not know; just ruined walls and a few straggly weeds but we have done it for long.
I know it is hard to believe now but once this place was a shrine it was home to the two great treasures of our people.
We guarded them well, chosen from the villages of our people to guard them, we were proven in might and ability or skilled in magic.
When these treasures were coveted by others they were brought and placed in this fort with its strong walls and strong defenders. Many wished for these treasures but none could take them for we had might and magic wrapped in these walls.
Yes I see your look but it was many years ago and with time even magic dies.
Hear my tale the stranger said and he sat and listened.
Many sought to take the treasures and always we would stand till the people came to repel them, none breached the walls of this keep.
I spent nearly twenty years defending these walls; I met my wife here as she stood with me, a chosen defender.
Ah you should have seen her; she was as beautiful as the morning, swift as the wind as strong as a wolf and I loved her I loved her so very much.
His eyes seemed to glaze as though he saw her again in his mind and he shook his head sadly a tear running from his eye.
Many happy times we had together here, many good friendships were formed, loves found and life’s lost but many good times. We were like a family living so closely together.
But as things will, rumour of these wonders, our treasures, spread and others came looking for them, some human, others not but they failed as the others had before them.
Until without warning we were assailed by strange creatures from the north, or so we were told by Maelgwinn, our magician.
Many died on the first day of the attack for you could not see them until they were upon you. My good friend Thuor died that day with a knife in his back.
They came night and day only visible as shadows all we had to guide us were their shadows and sound. We could not send for help though we tried for all those that left the fort were killed so the people were not raised to protect us. We were strong yes but they were also strong and their magic was stronger than ours.
Enough of this, I will tell you what you need to know for the hour grows later and soon she will be here.
When she arrives you must go for I long to be with her again.
When who arrives, who is she?
Enough, quiet, hear my story then go.
After the third day of their attacks even Maelgwinn, our magician was wounded, many had died and all were exhausted for they came night and day; only myself and my wife were relatively unscathed.
How I long to see her again, it has been to long, too long, little did we know what maelgwinn meant.
His hand went to his eyes and he brushed it over them, clearing his head and continued.
All that lived still manned the walls but it was only a matter of time till they killed us all and took the treasures we all knew it.
But we fought well and many of them died, if they can die, in the process.
We took one prisoner on the first day and though tied and hurt he would tell us nothing I am ashamed to admit it but we even hurt him to try and make him talk. Maelgwinn made him visible; I can see him still his upturned eyes and cruel smile, he hated us though I still do not know why. Perhaps his kind just hate, I have heard tales of the cruelty of the lios alfar, for that is what I now believe them to have been, but thought till that time they were just folk tales.
The enchantments of our walls let us see them a little better, but at night, night was the worst time for you would find them at your back; their cruel sharp knifes at your throat.
I killed one as he unseen tried to slice my loves throat, had it not been for the noise of his knife leaving the scabbard she would have died then. But he was foolish and had my axe in his head as a punishment for that foolishness. At least I think I killed him for you cannot tell as there was never a body there to be found, they vanished as we killed them.
But I digress, my apologies, Maelgwinn called us to him and we went to his bedside gladly leaving the walls for a time, we were both bruised and battered but essentially unharmed. We will fall, he said.
I argued with him but knew it to be true,
I will go tonight and try to get help but he shook his head. No you will die if you do. We will both go said my love, I was startled and tried to protest, perhaps one of us can reach a village. She stared back into my eyes as she glared at me defying me to say something.
She was as strong as me and much swifter, perhaps we could make it
No neither of you will waste your lives that way; we must use the treasures, when I knew what came our way I knew that we would have to but delayed making the decision; now I have no choice. If we use them we will be safe, they will never be able to protect themselves from us.
Yes of course we must then I said thinking the treasures some kind of magical weapon.
Not so quick Roack, there is a price to be paid for using them. Then we will pay it I said with bravado for otherwise all will die.
He looked directly at me his voice cracking with pain and said; sometimes death is the easier option, he steadied himself and asked.
Will you both accept the task?
You are the only ones left that are sound of body and can accept but I must warn you that if you do accept, you will remain with them for longer than I can foresee.
You will protect this place until a stranger appears, he will have a gashed cheek and bloody knee.
If you do not accept we will all die and the treasures be lost forever if you do accept then we will live, you will both live a long time, longer than I wish to think of, he said this with eyes downcast.
I did not even look to her, I should have for she knew more than me and sometimes just understood things that were beyond my ken, but in my pride and arrogance I did not.
I said yes without a moment’s hesitation after all I was going to live longer, the treasures be safe and stay with my love for longer than he wished to think of.
There was nothing that could have seemed sweeter to me, do you understand?
He held my eyes with his
Nothing, do you understand?
It seemed as though he was asking for my forgiveness.
I understand.
He nodded
I do not think we know what he meant at the time but I was to know, I would grow to know so well. And now that I do know I think I would rather have died.
We accepted for we wanted to continue our lives, or I should say I accepted for us. We were strong in our love so very strong, do you understand?
I nodded agreement.
Thank you he said, now let me continue for there is little time left.
Sorry? I asked.
There is little time left. Soon she will be here and what is left I wish to spend with her.
I nodded.
He looked down, it is growing cold, let us build a fire, I wish to see her in the fire light as I once did.
Though I knew not what he spoke of I agreed, it was getting cold, the sun beginning to dip. You collect wood and I will get it started.
He looked at me skeptically but having gathered some dry grass I lit it with my lighter which I always carried in case my matches got wet; igniting the twigs I had arranged above it.
He laughed as he saw this returning with the wood.
You are a magician Robert he said, now I know why we must give them to you; you seemed a strange choice up till now a strange choice indeed.
A magician?
Never mind sit and we will heat ourselves at the fire and I will tell you all that remains to be told.
I sat and heated myself as did he.
We helped him from his bed his wound again opening as he walked and helped him to the chamber bellow the keep, we knew the treasures were there but had never seen them nor knew what they were but we all respected maelgwinn for we had seen his magics at work.
He opened the chest that lay there and removed from it two cloaks; the one I wear now and another of owl feathers.
I was to wear one my wife the other he said, though such a thing was obvious.
We knew not the nature of this magic nor did I care though my love may have but should I be able to be with her for longer and protect us I knew it good.
Remove your clothes and don the cloaks.
We did as instructed and walked from the room into the sunlight clutching the cloaks tightly around us both to cover our nakedness and against the chill.
Maelgwinn said but a single word and I became what you saw.
Sorry?
I became the eagle that you saw.
I started to laugh but he silenced me with a look.
I could see them as an eagle and was able to kill them, they tried for many years to gain access to the keep but always they failed. I in the day and my love at night would kill them, they never again got close. Never again did they make it to the walls and after a while they stopped coming but still we were here to protect it.
We watched our friends grow old as they stood on the walls, we saw children born and people die I watched Maelgwinn die many years later from my lofty position; I do not know if it was my imagination or just my perspective but I thought he said sorry as he passed beyond.
I do not know for sure and never will but I like to think he did say sorry for he was my friend and I loved him.
But my love flew by night and I by day and never have we touched nor have I seen her in longer than you can imagine but I have not finished he said.
Let me, it was almost a question. I nodded.
Eventually the people moved on and our race changed the places and villages became larger and we became a nation and our nation was bread into others but still we soared and circled.
I have never again been human till this day.
He looked me directly in the eye. It does not matter if you believe this story or not, but that is it; now darkness comes close.
I noticed, and to my surprise that he was right, that it was true and indeed the sun was setting.
Roark stood and removed his cloak throwing it at his feet. It is yours now he said turning and staring into the gathering night.
I saw a shadow form in the gloaming and it grew as it neared. I was worried for a second but it coalesced into human form.
A beautiful woman stepped in from the night; she gathered him into her arms and kissed him deeply. I turned away embarrassed at the sight.
He turned towards me and said;
“Go now; we have much time to make up”.
He looks at her and says “I did not think you would forgive me”
And she replies; “I do not but let us not waste what we have”
He turns to me and says,
Take the cloaks, hide them or use them I do not care which.
Another cloak landed at his feet but he never looked up, somehow it would seem a sacrilege to him to see her naked.
He gathered them up and walked over the walls into the night knowing that
The trip back down the hill would be terrible in darkness.
But it was not for he heard a voice; Roarks come out of the night.
The word is…….