Undetected Secrets: RiftRider's Return, #2

CHAPTER ONE

––––––––

The sun was slowly setting as he watched his mother pack his clothes. I’m old enough to be able to pack my own laundry, mother. His emerald green eyes seemed to sparkle with delight, however.

She turned to him and noticed the look on his face. Then you can do it. I was trying to be nice because this is our last night together as mother and son, Herrick. She tossed a shirt at him and moved out of his way.

She was a simple, yet beautiful woman who had crimson hair with flecks of gold throughout it and dark sapphire blue eyes. Herrick was at least a head taller than she was, but she still thought of him as her little boy.

Mother, I’m able to do this for myself. You don’t have to worry. I’ll be fine, he said in a matter-of-fact tone. In fact, I’ve have been to Elmwick on my own several times and you know that.

He moved around her and began to pack his clothes before she could jump in and say otherwise. I just worry, she said in a hushed voice. That they’ll know you’re not full forest elf.

She sat down on a window seat as he turned to her in a bit of shock. Mother, no one will know the truth unless you tell them. I’m certainly not going to tell them.

Slightly sniffling, she stared down at her skirt and brushed a piece of lint off of it. I know, but I worry. I’ll always worry about you and what people will learn about you.

Herrick sighed, put a shirt on the bed and sat down beside her. Mother, I don’t know why you worry. It isn’t like my grandmother is going to spread the word about me. I’m certainly not going to let someone stop me from doing what my grandmother trained me to do. Besides. He took her hand gently before he continued, You raised me better than those beasts. I won’t let a hint of bad blood take hold.

She patted his hand reassuringly and gave a weak smile. It’ll be okay. I trust you to do the right thing. You have to watch out for other people. They could bully you if they found out you have even a hint of blood elf in you. Don’t let them push you around.

He frowned for a second, stood up, and walked to his bag. Mother, those kids will bully me one way or another. Kids are mean that way. They really don’t care who you are, they’ll find something to make fun of.

As he finished packing his clothes, she patted his hand and smiled softly. You’re a good son and I know you were raised right. I just don’t trust others.

He gave a knowing grin back and turned and hugged her tightly. Mother, I know you raised me right and grandmother Aubri taught me to use my powers for the betterment of all elves. We might not always get along, but I believe we have to find a way.

Smiling happily, she sat down beside him and watched as he stopped packing. What? she questioned as he stared at her a bit puzzled.

He chuckled with amusement. You aren’t going to finish packing for me?

She gasped and tossed a large shirt at him.

He grabbed it and laughed. Mother, you know you love doing my laundry for me.

Rolling her eyes, she sat back down on the window bench and watched him. He had grown to be a handsome man despite the reason he came into her life. Herrick was the result of an unfortunate event, but it didn’t mean she loved him any less. She continued to watch him and then decided he needed a bit of help. Standing up, she made her way to him and helped him.

Besides, Mother, he said unexpectedly. I’m just going to be in Elmwick. It’s not like I’m going to a far and distant land to attend the Choosing Day events. You can come see me any time and do my laundry.

His mother, Elierbe, gave him a good shove. and then he fell to the ground laughing. Please, Mother, I need you to come do my clothes for me, he said with more drama.

Fine son you are! Your clothes always take me a full day to wash. It’s about time you learned to do laundry on your own, she said in an aggravated tone.

Laughing even more, he replied, But I thought you loved doing my laundry. You seem to miss it.

One of the rare things I’m not going to miss is doing laundry for you.

I thought you loved doing my laundry, he said, standing up and grinning.

Placing her hands on her hips, she replied, That’s where you’re mistaken. I’d rather take an arrow in the knee than do your laundry.

Feigning a look of hurt, he shook his head and spoke, Is my laundry really so bad that you’re willing to go out and hurt yourself before you do it?

Elierbe knew that look and folded her arms. You need to learn to do it for yourself now. You’re not prince Treidon who has servants who do things for him. What if you’re out on the road and you need a clean shirt?

I would just buy another one, he said as he rose and began to pack his clothes again.

There won’t always be an opportunity, son. You’ll will need to learn to do some laundry.

You’re right, but, once again, you don’t have to worry about me. I can take care of myself and I’m sure that others will learn.

They worked together to get his clothes packed. He sat on the edge of his bed and watched his mother as she finished up a few final details for him. I’ll be okay. You know that right?

She glanced at him for a moment and gave a knowing nod. Yes, but it doesn’t stop me from worrying. Besides, you’re my son.

True, but with me out of the house, perhaps you can pursue something you always thought of doing.

Shrugging, she sat down beside him and patted his leg. The Shadow Walkers have been asking me to come back and join their guild. You’re right, I shouldn’t focus on you and worry about you so much. You’ll be in the capable hands of the Riftriders.

You’re a Shadow Walker, Mother?

She nodded then patted his leg again. There are a few things I didn’t tell you about me to keep us safe.

He sat in shock for a moment, but then again, it didn’t surprise him at all. She had Dragon blood. That’s what Shadow Walkers were, Dragon heirs with the talent of stealth, used for assassination.

I can see why, but why didn’t you tell me, he said with a bit of puzzle in his voice.

To keep you safe. Now that you’re about to be a Riftrider, I don’t have to fear for your safety as much and can begin to take the steps to return to what I once loved.

He hugged her tightly and stifled a yawn. I’m glad you’ll be returning to what you love. I’m sorry you had to give that up for me.

What nonsense! Herrick, you’re my greatest joy and I love you. Never think I gave up anything for you. It was just put on hold until I could return. She returned the hug gently.

Yes, Mother, but did you ever miss it while you were raising me?

Of course, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying every minute with you. She again patted his knee and rose back to the window. Thanks for reminding me that you’re old enough and mature enough to take care of yourself if you were to get into trouble.

Were there ever any doubts? he asked as he watched her sit back down across from him.

There are always doubts, dear boy. Don’t think for one second I had doubts raising you. I just wanted to protect you and now you’re going to be a Riftrider, so I know you’re more than capable of handling yourself. Now, it’s time for bed. Tomorrow is a busy day for the pair of us.

He nodded and stifled another yawn. Moving his pack to the floor, he turned to her. Do I have to start worrying about you?

Chuckling loudly, she stared at him for a moment. Remember who I am, son, then stop worrying. Now get to bed.

He climbed into his bed and told her good night. The mother and her son were off to sleep until the morning when they arose to start the new day.

A light skinned elven male with flowing white hair and lavender eyes sat staring deeply at the wall. He wondered how Meranda was going to react to the news. She wasn’t just a Riftrider, she was more than that. She was a demon hunter.

How did I not see it sooner? He thought as he shifted in his chair and continued to gaze at the white wall. She was his granddaughter and he had left her to defend for herself, listening to the advice of some woman who pretended to be the daughter he loved dearly.

He groaned as he leaned back. Meranda was going to be angry, not to mention Treidon. He was going to be furious and with good reason. All the training she had in the past won’t help her face the demons that still haunt her. Fear would be the hardest thing for her to face. Sighing, he heard a knock at the door and called for the person on the other side to come in. Macala, how is it going this evening?

Well, I’ll feel better when I know why I was summoned, Hariton, she said sitting down.

Macala was a sierra skinned woman with long ebony hair and peridot eyes. She sat patiently waiting on Hariton to speak.

I called you here, because, he paused to get his bearings straight. My granddaughter has the mark of a Demon Hunter. We weren’t made aware of it until recently.

She sat in disbelief for only a moment. Then without caring who he was, she stood up and slammed her hands on his desk. You mean to tell me, you allowed her to be tormented by demons? They know these things and won’t stop until one of us is dead, or we have discovered who we are. Once they find out, we know the truth, they will fear us. We should have learned about her when she was a child. This isn’t good news in the least. Are you not concerned with the fact your own granddaughter was nearly killed? Now you tell me, we could have saved her long before now?

Macala’s anger was well placed and Hariton took it in stride. He let her continue as she paced the room. For her to learn this now, will be devastating, because she should be training. Demons should fear her. Instead, she has the nightmares. They won’t quit until she fights them off. You allowed this to happen to her and you need to feel some kind of guilt for this.

He nodded at her and began to speak, but she interrupted him. I mean, how many years has she suffered from this? And now you’re just going to tell her? No. You shouldn’t be the one to do it. I will take pride in telling her this because I don’t think you deserve such an opportunity!

Hariton glanced at her and spoke, Are you done? Because every time I see her suffer from the slightest nightmare, I cry. I suffer from her pains because this could have been prevented. You know as well as anyone, I love my family and knowing that one of my own has the privilege to join your ranks—to be the one to rid the realm of demons—I kick myself every day. Every breath she takes hurts me to know she could have been so much more.

Could have been? Macala didn’t sit down, but instead was angrier. Just because she hasn’t started her training, doesn’t mean she won’t ever be a demon hunter. I’m sure Meranda will be one of our best. If you will excuse me, however, I must make my way to see her and Treidon. I know this is not going to end well, so I need to be there for her.

Macala turned, stormed out of the room, and slammed the door. Hariton knew her anger was well-placed. She had every reason to be mad at him and the other Dragons for not informing the Demon Hunter about Meranda, but he didn’t know the truth about her himself.

He rubbed his forehead and heard another gentle knock on the door. He told whoever it was to come in, although he already knew it was Morida.

I take it you told Macala about your granddaughter?

Nodding, he stared at her for only a moment and then glanced down at his desk.

I could tell, Morida said as she sat down. She was a beautiful woman with dark tan skin and bright red hair. One could tell, simply by looking at her, where Treidon got his looks.

Meranda will be fine, I’m sure of it, Hariton said in hushed tones.

Of course, she will. She has Dragon blood in her, more than a Riftrider would. That’s why she was born with that mark. Listen, Meranda will be strong and she will defeat those demons who want her dead. Don’t count her out just yet. She’ll be strong and able to triumph over all of those things.

I hope you’re right, she certainly has been through a lot, speaking as he turned his head up to her.

Of course, I’m right. When have you known me not to be?

Well— Hariton started to speak up, but before he could continue Morida shook her head and retorted.

"Don’t you dare answer that question if you value your life. I know I’m not perfect by any means, but I do know I’m right about this one. Meranda is strong and strong willed. She will get past this. Besides, she has me and Treidon on her side, not to mention Pagues and my daughters. Who do you think sent him over there in the first place?" she asked.

A sly smile appeared on Hariton’s face because he knew the answer to that. Before he could reply she stood up and walked toward the door. I’m going to tell Meranda who she truly is before Macala has the opportunity to do so. We’ll soften the blow and she’ll be great at this. Trust me.

She left him to his thoughts as he stood up and moved around the room. She was right though. Meranda was headstrong like her mother and her grandmother. Macala was right also, it was never too late to train as a demon hunter. She would have to face her fears.

He walked to the window and stared at the sun setting. The mountains on this side of Rishmede were certainly beautiful. The fading light gave the mountains a purple hue and the brilliant orange color deepened in the sky. The town below seem to be bustling with excitement now that Siebrien had recovered himself and his family was rescued recently.

Closing his eyes, he focused on trying to reach his daughter, although he knew it was impossible. The last he had heard of her was when she left the continent to speak with the Kobalds about forming an alliance. The Barbarians were making more trouble on their coasts and the Kobalds were known for sailing and their cunning ways. He sent her on her way to take care of that business, but hadn’t heard from her in a long while.

Hariton didn’t believe it would take years or centuries to find out what was going on. He was unsure as to what was happening, he worried about her and what the mission entailed, but he knew she was strong enough to take care of herself and certainly get the job done.

Turning back to his office, he sighed then decided it would be best to go to Elmwick for his granddaughter. Meranda would need the support with this new information and would need someone to take the brunt of the news out on. Hariton was certainly willing to allow her to hit him and do what she needed to do to feel better after the news hit home. The problem was, he knew Treidon would be more than furious with him. His support in the matter was the least he could do after all everything that happened to her in the past. She would have more information to process. Learning she wasn’t worthless, a Riftrider of all things, and now to learn she was a Demon hunter would certainly take it out of her.

He turned to walk out of the room, before he left it, he made sure everything was in its place then walked down the hall.

CHAPTER TWO

––––––––

The sun peeked through the window, stirring Alard awake. He groaned and climbed out of bed. Wiping his face, he walked to the kitchen area and looked out of his window. Alard noticed the gnomes were getting in each other’s way, grumbling and being testy. In fact, he noticed he himself was testy. He was a plain gnome with gray hair, brilliant blue eyes, and gray skin.

Something needed to be done about this and soon. He decided to bring it up to Dexterin and talk about perhaps attacking an elven city nearby, something big.

Getting ready, he fixed himself a bite to eat and headed to the office. There he was greeted with a smile by Dexterin.

Dexterin was a small gray king with long thin chestnut hair and emerald green eyes. You could see why he was king; his posture was tall, even for a gnome. Alard smiled in return and gave a quick bow. Sire, may I have a word with you?

Before he could answer there was a fight not far from the office. The pair rushed out to see the commotion. Alard jumped in and broke the fight up. What’s going on here?

One gnome, slightly smaller, pointed to another one. He stole my gold. I saw him do it and I want it back.

The other gnome was head and shoulders taller, and more prominent looking. I didn’t and wouldn’t steal from anyone, sire. I only took what was mine.

This puzzled the king. What do you mean took what was yours? Slox, care to explain this to me?

Slox glared at the other gnome then pointed at him as he spoke. Gloink here is charging me twenty gold a month to use his protective services. I told him I didn’t need it. He had someone steal money from me just to prove that I did.

Alard turned to Gloink and grumbled. How dare you charge for something that is already given? Slox, please tell us how long he has been doing this?

Slox, a bit intimidated by the way Gloink glared at him, didn’t speak at first. Dexterin pulled Slox away from Gloink and into his office. Alard turned to see Gloink following behind, but he put his hand up and shook his head. You’re not allowed in there.

Gloink thought he was bigger than Alard and tried to take him on then found out it wasn’t the size that mattered. Alard brought him down with a swift kick to the knee. Gloink hobbled away, but not before he cursed Alard.

He waited until the gnome walked away and returned to the office to listen in on the story that Slox had to tell.

Slox was a bit nervous at first, but once he realized he was in safe hands, he told everything. Gloink had been charging a street of businesses protection and had been doing it for months.

Dexterin was none too pleased to hear this and cursed under his breath. "Thank you for this information, Slox. Please, tell the others of the street, I will take care of Gloink and to come to me for the gold