Chapter Three: Narón
Tranith Argan: Book 2
In seeking to save Felanar, his sister Kara has forced her way onto the sea elf boat, much to the displeasure of the elves on board.
Kara paced the deck nervously as the Erenár bustled about with the rigging and sails with impressive efficiency. No unnecessary word was spoken, no unneeded action was taken. Whether by means of such efficiency or by means of elven powers unknown to her, the ship sailed faster than Kara would have thought possible. There was a light wind but the ship cut through the waters effortlessly and swiftly as if pushed along by a gale. She thought of asking the captain how this was possible and then thought better of it. Alessa could explain this to her when they met again. Bothering the captain didn’t seem wise.
He would glance at Kara occasionally, and always with a look of displeasure. Kara wondered at the difference between these elves and all the others she had met. It was true, she thought, that she had previously spent time only with Findára. In their physical appearance, these Erenár didn’t seem any different from them. They had the same tall, slender build. The same hair of gold and brown. Garments that seemed to complement nature. Inner fire in their eyes. Yet their speech was archaic, and their manner decidedly cold.
Thinking back to her childhood lessons, Kara could think of nothing about the Erenár that would explain these actions. Perhaps just their general reputation for shyness? No, she thought, there was active displeasure at her boarding this vessel. There was history here that needed explaining. She determined she would get an explanation when the opportunity arose.
Her thoughts returned to the pressing matter of Felanar. She had been intensely relieved at hearing of his rescue by the Erenár. This was most welcome news. But then to have heard the elven horn of aid sounded! What could that mean? Could saarks defeat elves too?
“Pardon me,” she said to an elf who had paused near her while he tied off one of the sails. “Why do you suppose your brothers sounded an alarm? Saarks cannot defeat elves, can they?”
The elf looked up at her with disdain. His blond hair ruffled in the breeze and half covered his face, but the curl of his lips was obvious.
“Thy question is foolish. Klaubyn mean nothing to Erenár! Brutes and monsters are they, and being hunted down and killed is what they deserve.”
“I’m sure you are right,” responded Kara carefully, not wanting to offend the elf. “But we tried to fight them and were overwhelmed by their strength and numbers. I’ve learned, however, never to underestimate an elf, for their strength is very often hidden from view. Are you saying, then, that elves have no trouble in fighting such strong creatures?”
“Nay, woman, klaubyn are strong to thee, but not to Erenár. True words you speak when you talk about the strength of the Erenár. Klaubyn run when they see us, for they are no match for our strength. Thou wilt see. If our brothers have suffered any harm at their hands, they will rue the day they were born!”
Kara recognized in him the same fire she had felt earlier. This elf may not have believed it, she thought, but they were kindred spirits.
“So what may have been the reason for the horn being sounded?” Kara was still puzzling over this, for as much as the elf boasted about their strength and skills, the fact remained that the horn had been sounded and their brothers were in trouble.
Looking down, he responded with a voice barely audible. “I know not, woman. I know not.” With that he moved toward the stern and Kara was alone with her thoughts again, no much wiser than before. Evidently, the saarks by themselves would not have been a cause of trouble for the elves. That was one hurdle cleared. Nevertheless, if not the saarks, then what could have created such danger?
The sun was setting and dusk settled over the water. In response to the growing darkness, plant bulbs strung along the rigging began to glow, slowly growing in intensity until they provided adequate light for the deck. The boat continued to slip effortlessly through the water. As Kara stared up at the first stars of evening she wondered what Felanar was experiencing at that moment. Was he still in danger, or had the elves fought it off after their horn of alarm? Fought what off, she asked herself, again urgently.
After another hour of sailing, and the sky having turned deep purple, a cry went up from an elf at the bow of the ship.
“Faris!” he cried, and all the elves turned to see the ship in question. Kara strained to see the ship in the distance but the sky was too dark now to see anything but the nearby waves reflected by the lights. Ahead lay darkness and water as far as she could see. But soon they soon drew close enough for Kara to see what everyone else had long noticed. The other Erenár ship lay ahead, perhaps 30 yards away. As they drew closer still, Kara saw that it was damaged, with masts lying in disarray and a chunk of railing torn and fallen. A huge hole in her side was being repaired by the crew. Kara's heart sank at the sight. She looked around and saw concern on the faces of the elves.
As their ship sailed alongside the other, Kara was relieved to see that the Faris seemed to have a full crew onboard. She strained to see if she could see Felanar, and as soon as she was able, she joined the others in crossing over to the other ship. Climbing over the rail, she went to the elf that seemed to be the captain.
“Stay, lady!” cried the captain of her own ship with annoyance. He quickly walked over to the other captain’s side and addressed Kara. “Did I not tell thee about our ways, and yet thee dares to board even a second of our vessels without our leave?”
Ignoring him, Kara spoke to the second captain, who seemed to have a kinder countenance. He too, though, look puzzled by this strange woman in his presence.
“I beg for your forgiveness, but I am frantic to hear news of my brother. Is Felanar aboard your vessel?”
Narón, the second captain, looked at Kara with curiosity.
“I perceive in thee the same fire as thy brother. Truly thee are royalty.”
“Then you have rescued Felanar!” Kara cried out in gladness.
Narón’s face turned sad and he spoke low in return. “I regret, lady, that thy brother was rescued by us only to be taken again.”
“What caused this damage, Narón?” asked the first captain, irritated at having to deal with the affairs of men and not the elves who had been under attack. “This vessel hath smell of fire and damage like of a Draigú.”
“Alas it is so,” cried Narón. “We suffered no loss of life,” he said to the second captain, and then he turned back to Kara. “Yet thy brother was not as fortunate.”
“Was he killed?” cried Kara in alarm.
“Nay, lady, he lives yet, if I read the signs aright. The Draigú attacked us. I know not why, for such has never been the ways of the noble beasts. Yet this was not as any Draigú I have known. Strange he seemed, fearful even as he attacked. We spoke with him and asked why he attacked us. ‘Not you I attack’ is all he would answer. Thy brother was his focus and he was taken, alive, into the night.”
“Why did you not stop him?” Kara said in anguish. “Why did you not attack him, stop him with your arrows at least?” She looked wildly at Narón and the other captain, who, now that he knew his people were safe, seemed inclined to be more sympathetic to the plight of this young woman.
“Nay, lady,” answered Narón. “We do not attack such noble creatures, and our arrows would have little effect in any case. Our peoples have been friendly since our first entrance into this world. Though it is true we have no recent dealings with them, actually not in many an age now, and for reasons I have not learned. So I do not know the cause of this strange behavior, but I would not attack out of ignorance.”
“But my brother has been taken! We must do something. Where would the dragon have taken him?”
“I know not. He flew west, so perchance he took him to Ynis Draigú, though for what reason I cannot say.”
“Please, I beg of you,” cried Kara, “take me to the island. I must rescue my brother.” Her eyes pleaded with Narón.
The two captains glanced at each other. A thought seemed to pass between them and then Narón turned back to Kara.
“I shall do as thou ask, lady. I chose to help thy brother and he was taken from my care. As I can aid, I wilt do so."
“Oh, thank you!” said Kara as she flung her arms around Narón’s neck and hugged him tight. Reaction from the other elves was mixed, with some smiling at this emotional response, but most others seeming to view the scene with distaste. The other captain, for his part, seemed glad to part with Kara. He and his crew returned to their ship and set sail back to Elaria, leaving Narón to deal with this impetuous woman.
Nothing Kara said could alter the fact that the ship needed to be repaired before they could sail on. Water still poured in through the hole in the side that was already being repaired. The elves worked hard and fast, but even so it would be at least another two hours before they could resume their journey. Exhausted with grief and worry, Kara found a quiet place on deck to lie down while she waited. It wasn’t long before she fell into a deep slumber. Seeing this, Narón called one of his crew over and whispered something to him. This elf then approached the sleeping Kara, tenderly lifted her up and carried her below deck to one of the crew’s quarters. There he placed her in a bed, covered her with a blanket, and returned to the top.
“As you have ordered I have done, Narón,” he said as he approached the captain. “She did not wake. The weight of her troubles lies heavily upon her.”
“Her eyes told me so,” responded Narón. “She has the fearlessness of the warrior, yet the tender love of a sister in anguish. I do not know the meaning of the signs this day. Klaubyn capturing a man who claims to be king of men. Draigú searching for this same man, even attacking Erenár to do so! Now a sister of the king appears in the guise of a warrior. In part, I agreed to this chase only to learn the answers to these mysteries.”
“Narón,” continued the other elf with a lowered voice and a serious look, “what if they be royalty in fact? Should we be aiding them in any quest? For millennia of seasons their throne has remained empty, and we the better for it. Should we now aid an heir come from the past only to have him continue the work started so long ago?”
Narón seemed to wrestle with this thought. He glanced back at the stairs leading below and said quietly, “I do not know of men’s thrones and I care not about royalty. What I do now I do because it is right to aid a traveler in need. I think not of consequences. I see only a man and his sister beset with troubles and as long as it is within my power, I wilt aid them.”
The other elf looked away as he said, “As you wish, Narón,” and then went back to his repair work. Narón again glanced back at the stairs and thought long about this passenger.
An hour or two passed before Kara awoke. Startled by a sound, she opened her eyes and tried to make out its cause but the darkness hindered her. She realized she was in a bed, though she could only imagine how she got there.
“Thy ears are keen if they perceive elf step,” said a voice in the dark.
“Narón?” asked Kara sleepily. She saw a dark shape near the hatchway leading to the steps.
“Yea, lady, it is I. I do not desire to disturb thy slumber for you seem in great need of rest. Resume thy sleep.”
“What do you want? Why were you staring at me?” Kara sat up and, as if on cue, some dim lights began to burn on the walls. She saw Narón’s features in the light.
Narón stared at the young princess. Her long blond hair was disheveled, and her clothes bundled up around her. Her face was full of sleep and weariness. Yet through it all shone the light of . . . something. Narón couldn’t interpret what he saw.
“I beg thy pardon, lady, but I wished to attend to your head wound.” He paused. “Also I sought to perceive thee a second time. Thy face contains the past; yea I see it clearly. You are royalty. Yet was not the royal line of men destroyed? So it has always been told among my people.”
His face showed his curiosity through his kindness. Kara had not experienced these qualities among the other Erenár and she visibly relaxed at his words.
“Kara. My name is Kara, so you need not refer to me as ‘lady’ if it pleases you.” She smiled at the elf and, in response, he smiled back.
“Narón am I called, as you have already heard. It means protecting defender in our tongue. Pardon my ill manners in not introducing myself sooner. Thy appearance was as unexpected as thy story and I have not been myself.”
“Please, Narón, do not apologize. You have been gracious and kind beyond my expectations. You have been a defender to me, and I am grateful to you beyond words. I have made myself a nuisance to your people and they will not soon like me, I fear.”
“Alas, Kara, but thy words speak truth. My people do not deal well with others in this world. We do not even agree with our cousins the Findára at times. Our ways are stubborn and old. I ask thy forgiveness on behalf of the others. Thou hast done nothing to earn such scorn. However, I would know thy story. How comes it that a king now lives among men? Hold, I speak rashly. Did I not say thou should rest? Sleep now and talk will come when it is time.”
“I do not mind, Narón, for I am awake now and it does me good to talk. I have been alone with my thoughts for too long. I would enjoy talking for a while and then I can sleep more easily once I have shed some words. Could I please have something to drink? I find I am quite thirsty now. And do not trouble yourself with my wound. It was treated already and it will heal soon enough.”
Narón went to the stores to fetch a bottle of liquid and two cups. Into these cups of crystal he poured a pale red liquid and he offered one to Kara. She sipped it and found it to have a delightful fruit-juice taste and slightly fermented. It was delicious.
“As to thy wound, Kara, what is healed to men is not to elf. Allow me to attend thee.” Kara gestured for him to proceed and Narón took a piece of golden cloth from a small wooden container. He then took some leaves from the container, crushed them together in his hands, and mixed in a little water. The resultant paste he put on the cloth and carefully rubbed along the wound on Kara’s forehead. She felt a cooling sensation on her head and the pungent fragrance of the herbs filled her nose.
When he was done, he gently wiped the excess paste off her forehead and declared her healed. “By morning thou wilt see no sign of thy injury.”
“I thank you, Narón. It is written in our books that the elves are the master healers of the world. Truth be told, I feel refreshed already. Come, now that I feel better, ask me your questions and I will answer.” Kara and Narón sat on the bed, opposite each other. In the dimness, the inner light of Narón’s eyes shone brighter than usual as he began asking questions.
“We have heard that the kingship died out among thy people. How comes it that thy brother is king?”
Kara explained the history of her family as Ravesfel had explained it to her just – had it been so short a time? – three nights ago.
Narón’s eyes widened. “Thou hast been a princess for such a short time!”
“Yes, it is so, and much has happened in those days. Much that is bad, I’m afraid. It seems we found out only just in time.” Her eyes lowered as she thought of Felanar. “Or maybe not in time after all.”
“Despair not, Kara. Erenár do not fear Draigú. Our peoples have been friends since ere we first came to these lands. I believe thy brother has naught to fear from such creatures. Though I admit I cannot say the motives of this particular Draigú. Still, if he wished to kill thy brother, he could have done so instantly, and yet he did not. Take comfort in that knowledge, for therein lies hope.”
“Dragons may be friendly to your people,” said Kara, “but to my people they are spoken of as an evil legend. We fear them greatly when they attack. Still, you do give me comfort. I have learned to trust elves when they talk about their abilities, for they have often surprised me in many ways.”
“We are under way again, Kara, and making swiftly for Ynis Draigú – excuse me, I should say Dragon Island in your tongue. If the wind be favorable, we may hope to see its shores by midmorning. I thank thee for thy story and I pledge to aid thee in any way I can.”
“I cannot begin to express my gratitude, Narón. But now I think I would sleep so as to be rested for the dragons – Draigú. Thank you for the drink and the company.”
“Thou art most welcome, Kara. Thy company is good for being not an Erenár.” Narón got up and walked up the stairs. Looking back, he saw Kara lie down again. The instant she was down, the lights dimmed and went out. Narón smiled and went up to the deck.
By the time Kara woke it was daylight. She stretched in the bed feeling energized again. Glancing to her right, she saw some food had been set out for her breakfast. She sat up and began to eat. Strength entered her body as she enjoyed the elven food. Still chewing on the last biscuit, she walked up the stairs to the deck. It was a beautiful, clear day. The deep blue sky held not a single cloud. The breeze was stiff as the ship continued to fly through the water. At the stern stood Narón, staring at her. As Kara walked over to him, she wondered when he slept, if he did at all.
“Good morning, Narón.”
“Welcome to the day, Kara.”
“Is it really as late as the sun makes it out to be?”
Narón laughed and said, “Aye, it is so. Thy worries have caused thee to sleep half the morning away. No matter, thou hast missed nothing but the beauty of the sky and the water. Look to the side, see over there. It is Elaria in the distance!”
Kara looked over the port side and saw, barely visible, the green line of land. Her heart leaped at the sight of the place she had enjoyed in her childhood. Even at a distance, and barely perceived, it felt good to see that joyous land again. She also thought they had made excellent time to be passing Elaria so soon.
“Didst thou refresh thyself with the food?” Narón stared at Kara with a kind expression. As she turned to him with a smile he continued, “More there is if thy hunger remains.”
“Thank you, no, I require nothing more. I feel full of energy today and want nothing more than to slay a dragon!”
Several Erenár turned in shock at these words and even Narón frowned. Realizing what she had said, and to whom, Kara added, “I beg your pardon, for I meant no disrespect. It is a saying among my people, but it is clear that we have much to learn of the world from the Erenár.”
With that diplomatic phrase the tension was dissolved. Narón said to her, “I do not think it will come to that. Draigú – dragons – do not harm others and need not be harmed. Gentle beasts are they and full of intelligence.”
“Then I do not understand,” said Kara, “for attack us they have. Even my brother was attacked by one not long ago. They may be peaceful to Erenár, but to men they are feared for good reason.”
Narón stared thoughtfully at Kara for a moment. “So thou hast said, and so have I heard. Yet I have no explanation for this and cannot say the meaning of this riddle. It is not the way of the dragons, I assure thee.”
“Perhaps you can ask it when we meet it again. It seems elves can talk to dragons even if my brother was unable.”
“Ah, but can a man speak with beasts?” asked Narón with a smile.
Kara responded forcefully. “Yes, Narón, a man can, or a woman, for Alessa has taught us how.”
This seemed to surprise Narón and he looked at Kara strangely. “Thou speaks of Alessa, even as thy brother spoke of her parents. Thou hast noble friends indeed. However, what is this about beast talk? Can thou truly speak with the birds?”
“Yes, Narón, and horses and rabbits too!”
Narón stared at Kara with surprise and then called out to a passing pelican, inviting it down for a talk. The bird soared downward and then flapped to a stop on the deck, craning its neck toward Narón.
“Awk! What want us?” it squawked.
“Want thee talk to woman,” answered Narón, pointing at Kara.
The bird turned its head toward Kara, squawked again and said, “No elf, no talk!”
“Ah, but woman said she talk to bird,” Narón responded.
“Indeed I can,” interrupted Kara who then turned toward the pelican and asked, “Good fishing today?”
The pelican hopped backward in surprise and squawked loudly. Turning its head sideways to get a better look it said to Kara, “Ack! Fishing no good, fish no surface. No good, no good.”
“Perhaps elves give you food, no?” asked Kara with a twinkle in her eyes.
“Ack! Elf food no good, no eat fish. Want fish, good fish.”
“There you go, Narón,” laughed Kara. “It seems not everyone likes your food after all.”
Narón laughed in return and said, “So our friend has said. I see thee has the gift of speech and thou has learned well. Truly thou art elf friend.”
The pelican took offense at all this laughing and with one more squawk it flapped its wings and soared back into the sky.
“Narón, why could my brother not speak with the dragon? He has the same gift.”
“He can speak, I am sure, but the dragon may not choose to answer. I cannot say, but Draigú are the most intelligent of creatures. If he did not return thy brother’s speech, it must be because he did not want to.”
Kara pondered this mystery as she walked over to the railing and stared down at the water. Noon came and went and soon the distant shores of Elaria passed by and were gone. They were now between it and Dragon Island. Wondering what the island would be like, Kara’s thoughts were interrupted by a shout. She whirled around and saw, high in the air, a dragon flying toward the ship.