The Gathering Dark

Chapter 1: A New Road

When the hand reached out to help him up, it was like he’d been thrown in a furnace. One burning so high and with such intensity, Anargen couldn’t imagine how he wasn’t incinerated in an instant. The light had already been so bright he could scarcely open his eyes, but this was more. This fire crept into his skin, tracing out his entire frame, burning him not from outward in but inward out. Anargen couldn’t close his eyes though the sensation intensified. 

Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the brilliant light filling his vision faded. In its place was the world he knew. Around him was a small gathering of people. Most of them were talking amongst themselves and not aware of what had just transpired. 

Standing from a kneel, he felt wholly consumed. Everything within the light and fire had burned away. Now there was a newness, a different edge to everything about him. As though light touched everything around him more solidly. It felt . . . good. 

Sounds of familiar voices in a low conversation drifted to him. Anargen tried not to give in to curiosity and listen in. Despite his intentions, he couldn’t help overhearing the final words spoken between Anargen’s best friend, Caeserus, and Knight Errant Cinaed. 

Sir Cinaed’s deep voice was remarkably soft in tone. “In three days you will have your conferral ceremony. We will discuss this further afterwards. Till then, meditate on this and obey the Great King’s will.”

Caeserus nodded, a bit of reservation hindering his movements. It reminded Anargen of a horse wanting to race off as soon as the stall is opened to him but, barred by his rider, must stay where it stood. A few moments later, Caeserus stalked through the building’s simple wooden doors and into the night. He did not look back as he left. 

“Can I help you with something, Anargen?”

The teen took a step back and stared blankly at the imposing form of Sir Cinaed, unsure of what to say. Cinaed was at least fifty with broad shoulders betraying an innate and honed strength of limbs and sinews few could boast. He wore the ornate and formidable armor of his order. Palatini Lucis Aeternae or the Knights of Light as they were more generally referred to in these days. 

Dark days, in which many erroneously questioned what it was the Knights’ light revealed. Anargen had never been amongst those who doubted their purpose. From a time before his memory of life was fully formed, he had been in attendance for the meetings in this Hall. First with his mother and later with his father as well. Each parent was a member of the Order, devoted to their duties. Even now they were off on errands for the Hall, seeking out and acquiring provisions necessary for its upkeep. 

“Anargen?” Cinaed’s thick eyebrows were lifted in concern.

“Sorry, sir. I had the vision tonight. Of the High King. And I, well, what do I do?”

“Have you now? That is good news indeed. You pledged your fealty to the High King?”

“Yes, sir. Whatever service I may render my Lord, I will.” These words came out steadier, almost zealous in their pronouncement.

Cinaed’s large hand clasped Anargen’s shoulder. “Very well, my lad. I will tell you what I just told your friend, Caeserus. In three days, I will hold a council with some of the elder Knights of the Hall. They will then examine you to ensure your oath is sure and you truly discharge your duties in a fitting manner before our king. Then you will be given your first task. For the moment, you should ponder on what Quest the Great King has for you. You know what the Quest refers to, correct?”

“Oh! Um, yes. It is the act, or set of acts, which defines the life of a Knight.” Displeased with the formal taste of his answer, Anargen added, “It’s the goal a Knight is to work towards. Upon completing it, he may rest from labor and join the High King in his Hall.” 

“That is a good answer, Anargen. But you must also remember, it is not the completion of your Quest which has earned you a spot at the High King’s table. He chose you, specifically, and on your confession of him as your king, he has now reserved your place.” Cinaed seemed to be finished and then added in a gentler, less instructive tone, “Remember this when things seem to go awry while striving to complete your Quest.”

Anargen nodded emphatically, repeating the words to commit them to memory as if carving each one in stone. “When all goes awry.”

Sir Cinaed smiled. It must have been a relief having a willing learner. “Well then, you better be getting home.” He nodded toward the exit. “Your mother and father could return any time and will be glad to hear this news. Give them my regards.”

“I will, sir. May you have a good night as well.” Anargen gave a shallow bow and hurried out of the Hall and out into the warm night beyond. 

Once outside, he expected the late summer air might dispel some of what he was feeling. 

It was as if the world had undergone a metamorphosis. Each breath of air tasted sweeter. Each sound was sharper. Every contour to the world around him was more defined. Did all Knights feel this way? Did it ever diminish? How could anyone be sleeping in such a world?

These and a thousand other questions swirled in an unavoidable dance around him. Popping up, disappearing, and then reappearing before he’d handled the last. This village he had known his whole life appeared so much the same and yet fundamentally altered. True enough, terrible things could lurk in the dark, but tonight he feared none of them. Perhaps he would if he knew what stalked in the woods of the world. 

All too soon his pleasurable stroll was ended by his arrival at the darkened doorway to his stone and stick home. Stepping inside, he fumbled about for a well-used lantern. Lighting it, he blinked as the lantern cast about the confines of the room a tiny aura of luminance. Just enough to find his way to his rough straw bed with its brown, woolen covers. 

Dropping onto the familiar pallet, he sat, too engrossed with the events of the day to sleep just yet. He watched the lantern flames die down and let his mind’s eye rove over the expansive landscape of the Lowlands, wandering in search of a place he’d never seen, where land and sky touched. He recalled it was said of that place, “High atop a plateau is founded the City of Light, the home of the Great King, which stands magnificently overlooking all the realms.” 

Wondering after the magnificent city, Anargen found his way into a restful slumber.