Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 85

“I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but Erlenkönig passed from our world nearly fifty years ago.” “Fifty years?” He could see the sadness envelope his face as the elf moved between his world and reality. “And Aisling?” “Sadly, she has left us as well, last year.” Joulupukki saw a tear drip from the old one's eye disappearing in to his beard. “That is one of the reasons why we are here. We have retrieved both my mother and my fathers remains so we can re-inter them at the Keep in the Village. The other reason was for you.” “I have no reason to leave here.” “You were my father's friend. You stood by him in his time of need. Your magic became a part of him and his a part of you. I believe your magic will be needed in the years to come and the people of the Village will, once again, require your gift.” “Gift? What gift? My magic is all but depleted. I couldn't even help Erlenkönig when he needed me most.” “That is not my understanding of what happened. Do you not think that my father knew your strength, knew you as a capable elf, able to bring forth the magic that he needed to defeat Rian, an elf who was loyal to the kingdom? He knew who you are Bréagán.” The elf gazed at him until he heard his name spoken again. Joulupukki saw his look glaze to a stare and knew he had reverted back into his hidden place, deep in his own mind. A place of safety where his reality was touched only slightly by that of the rest of the world that surrounded him. “Bréagán,” he whispered to himself, as if it was a name he once knew. A name that remained hidden in his past, in the deep recesses of his memory. “Bréagán,” he said again, someone he once knew, but, like his King, passed from this world and no more remained. “I can not help you, young one,” Bréagán stated and turned away. “I am beyond saddened to hear of your loss,” he stated to Joulupukki over his shoulder. “It hurts me more deeply than I could ever express to you. He was a great king,” and after a moments hesitation added, “and more importantly, he had a special soul.” The elf covered his face with his hands before stumbling and falling heavily onto a small boulder. Jessica was first to reach him grabbing his arm and steadying him on the rock. They all saw the tears dripping through his fingers as he finished what he was saying, “and he was my friend.” “And you his,” Joulupukki returned. The elf looked up at him. “I should say,” Lumi joined the conversation. “After he recovered from The Battle of The Keep, one of the first things he did was to set aside the cave that overlooked the Village, the cave that you used during the battle. He had the stone carved with the words, 'Be It Known By Order Of The King, Erlenkönig, King Of All Elves, That Upon This Spot, Bréagán The Wise, Bréagán The Gentle Saved The Village From The Notorious Evil Darkness. It Is Hoped By This King, And Special Friend To Bréagán The Elf, That He One Day Return To His Home In The Village. For This Purpose, This Sight And The Land And Buildings Surrounding It Are Set Aside In Perpetuity'. He had a beautiful cottage built for you in case you decided to return.” Bréagán's gaze lifted toward Lumi as he spoke; while, a few more tears fell from his eyes, but this time with a smile on his face. “May I say, it is an honor to finally meet the Great Bréagán who stood with Erlenkönig, who was friend to Dyndoeth and brother to Gwaldon, as well as, apprentice to Andghul, one of the greatest Elementals to ever live. “Andghul, does he yet live?” “I am sorry, Bréagán, he lived very happily for many years after The Battle of The Keep but he was among the eldest of the Elders and passed away, peacefully, a few years before Erlenkönig, but Dyndoeth and Gwaldon would love to see their old friend.” “It would be nice to see them,” Bréagán admitted. “Young lady, what is your father's name again?” “Raðulfr, it is OK if you do not remember him. You have had so many important elfin friends and we are but common humans, nothing special, and it was so long ago.” “Nothing special? Everyone is special, be they elves or humans, tell me more about him and give me a moment to think and I'm sure I will remember.” He stood, placing his arm around her for support as they strolled to the back of the cave. Joulupukki listened as Jessica told Bréagán about her father and that he was still living in Nordgrend, until their voices faded. As they did, he saw in the direction they walked, a glow coming from the back of the cave.