Bridgeiro, page 12
part #4 of The Xidoran Prophecy Series
As the threesome walked, Virgil changed the subject and told them about the recent adventure he went on with the knights.
Carson asked, “What does the return of the dragon mean to the kingdom?”
“The villagers have been made aware of the fact that they are going to have to share the territory with the dragon. They’ve heard the stories I have told around the campfire. He’s harmless to the villagers and their livestock. I suspect and sincerely hope that things will go along as normal. I’m certain that someday very soon you shall see it for yourself.”
Bev asked the question they both wanted to ask, “Virgil, earlier you mentioned Stella being the perfect owner for the cielterreiane filly.”
Virgil nodded. “I did.”
Bev asked, “Why Stella?”
Virgil’s expression changed to amusement. He stopped and looked at the couple, realizing they didn’t know what he knew. “Why Stella? Well she’s your great-great-granddaughter.”
Bev and Carson were confused. They asked at the same time, “How’s that possible?”
“Todd Schluter’s relative was one of my knights.”
Bev’s hand covered her mouth as she exclaimed, “Sophia! Sophie marries Todd?”
Virgil grinned. “She does and she will conceive twins. Thomasen can travel through the Passageway, his twin cannot. Anything is possible with altering time. The knights all came to Bridgeiro through their family’s Passageways. It’s only the Sojourner rules that won’t allow something like that to happen, not nature. All of the knights come from different times and places.”
Carson hugged Bev. “I think we suspected all along something was going on with those two.”
Bev nodded in agreement. “Of course. We didn’t know any of the knights’ last names. That’s amazing!”
Carson said, “I think it would be wise to keep this information to ourselves.” Bev and Virgil agreed.
Chapter 22
When the threesome came upon Eustoria and Stella in a clearing, the two waved at the visitors. Stella put the herbs she had collected down on the ground and ran for Virgil. She began repeating all of the things she’d learned from Eustoria. When she forgot an important detail that only a learned sorcerer or sorceress would know, Bev reminded her of that ingredient. Virgil, Eustoria and Stella turned and looked at her. Bev sheepishly shrugged.
Eustoria’s eyes were opened to Bev’s birthright identity and she glided over to where Bev stood. She and Bev mentally communicated with each other.
Eustoria thought: It all makes sense to me now why Stella is so powerful. I understand your disguise, Exalted Sorceress. Thank you for sharing with me why you want to keep your identity a secret. I promise I won’t tell anyone because it’s not my place to tell your information. I want you to know that I am your loyal supporter. I do have one request. May I inform Virgil of your status? It will clarify much that we have suspected. Bev nodded her assent and thanked her.
Carson took Bev’s hand in his, interrupting the awkward pause between the two ladies. He explained the situation regarding the filly.
Eustoria’s eyes lit up. “Fortunately, I have a nurse mare already in my stable. I can’t pass up this opportunity to train such a magnificent creature such as a cielterreiane. As far as I am aware, no one other than the Xidoreans ever acquired them.”
She looked at Stella and said, “A cielterreiane is like a winged clonsayee. Would you like to help train the creature?”
Stella replied, “I would love to assist in training a cielterreiane.”
Carson asked, “Stella, since you will be training the cielterreiane, would you like to name the filly?”
Stella smiled. “May I?”
Carson said, “You may.”
“Then I name her, Starlamere.”
Bev said with enthusiasm, “That’s a perfect name, Starlamere. That name comes from one of my favorite childhood stories.”
Stella was curious about Bev’s statement that she knew that particular story. She asked, “You know that story?”
Eustoria changed the subject. “Well, it’s settled. Starlamere will have the perfect home. Virgil would you please accompany Stella back to her parents? I need to run an errand before you bring that extraordinary creature to my stable. I will need to leave now if I am going to return in time to meet you at the stable.” Bev and Carson thanked her.
Bev and Virgil took the lead back to the village. Carson and Stella followed. Carson began entertaining Stella with stories about Bridgeiro.
As Bev walked with Virgil, he apologized, “Please pardon me for my awkwardness. I didn’t realize that you are the current Exalted Sorceress. Eustoria recently made me aware of your status. I’ve finally connected all of the facts. I knew the Exalted Sorcerer that sat on the throne of wisdom prior to your ascendance, before he became an esotreal. Exalted One, that’s a title I haven’t heard in such a long time since I haven’t been to Earth or the magical realm in eons. Obviously, I’ve been isolated for way too long and many things have changed with time in the universe.”
He stumbled on his words. “Is it true that some time ago you were granted a leave of absence from your responsibilities as the Exalted Sorceress by Panphilos in order to take up living as a mortal?”
Bev nodded as Virgil continued, “You may already be aware of the fact that your return to the throne has sent shock waves throughout the universe.”
She nodded again and said, “I’m well aware of the fact that there were certain sorcerers who desired that I would never return to fulfill my duty.”
Virgil said, “I’m rambling. Please forgive the musings of an old man and excuse me for not recognizing your magic title. At this age, I should know better than to believe gossip.”
Bev said, “No, please forgive me, Virgil. The truth is that you weren’t supposed to recognize me. As a matter of fact, no one was supposed to recognize me. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you from the beginning.
“It’s true, Panphilos granted me a leave of absence to live as a mortal. I had legitimate reasons for my absence. Not long after I married Carson, I ascended to the throne in the Earthly realm. I was very involved and I made many necessary changes in the proceedings. During the time that everything was becoming organized under my watch, Carson and I had a precious daughter. The elders came to me with serious concerns. I was informed that they had heard rumors of contention among several sorcerers. Those sorcerers were contemplating changing the status of the Earthly realm. The elders requested that I research the history of magic on Earth because they wanted to know more about the age of magikism from the time when sorcerers flourished on Earth to the current times. They were interested in learning the names and biographies of all the learned masters at the height of enlightenment.
“When our kind coexisted peacefully with mortals, the knowledge on Earth greatly increased as a direct result of our presence because we shared our wisdom with mankind. When we departed from Earth, taking our magical knowledge and teachings from their society, over time their course changed. We had thought that mortals would continue on with what we’d taught them and that magic would spread. However that didn’t happen. The people on Earth have chosen an altogether different path from our teachings and the ways of old have been almost forgotten. The elders were skeptical that we could ever once again assimilate with mortals on the same level as we had previously. They wanted to know if it would even be possible to reestablish the old fundamentals of magic on Earth. When they came to me about their dilemma, I jumped at the chance to conduct the research because I would be afforded more time with my daughter as I looked into the facts regarding how mortals progressed to where they are currently. As time passed, I found that I had adjusted to my life as a mortal. At first it was difficult not to use my magic around mortals but I grew to become self-reliant through observation of their ways.
“When I finished my research, I shared my findings with the elders that we could in fact consider being reintegrated with mortals, if we were to do it slowly and thoughtfully. I believe that there are mortals that are still receptive to the mystique of magic. I learned that it is inherent in most mortals to be drawn to magic at an early age. They’ve learned to compensate for what they cannot explain and become what they refer to as magicians using sleight of hand instead of utilizing a true form of sorcery. It is because of this factor that I drew my conclusion that the true art of magic could be revived. My conclusion was also based on the fact that there are plenty of mortals that would be interested in the apprenticeship of wizardry if the masters of sorcery were to once again take on apprentices.”
Virgil said, “I have heard of this argument that the learned should consider mortals as apprentices. Daemiani is an example, he cannot find a master sorcerer to train him.”
Bev nodded and continued, “At the point that I had concluded my research, I acknowledged my position and reclaimed my title along with my birthright. Now I am bound by the obligation that comes with my title. I admit I came to love mortal ways but I suppose we cannot change who we truly are.”
“I agree. We cannot escape our destiny. In some ways I understand your circumstances.”
She thanked him for understanding and then went on to say, “Since I have been reinstated, I have spoken with many sorcerers. We all believe that things are changing not only on Earth but throughout the cosmos as well. The continuous evolution of change began slowly but it is now gaining momentum. All around us a quickening of sorts is taking place. Those of us who are sensitive to such things must pay careful attention to significant events as they are occurring.”
Stella had been quietly listening but now sheepishly interjected into the conversation that she too had sensed that there was something peculiar occurring out in the universe that she didn’t fully understand. Virgil acknowledged her and said, “Neither of you are alone in your observations. There may very well be troublesome times ahead of us.”
As the group continued to walk back to the village, Stella told them of the wondrous things that she’d learned to do with spellcraft. Stella explained that as she was maturing in her use of magic, she now understood the reasoning behind Eustoria’s lessons. She believed that because of those earlier lessons she was becoming more connected and in tune to her surroundings and the greater energy that connected everything. Stella was very excited about the knowledge she’d been given in concocting potions of awakening. As Bev listened to her, she saw the resemblance between Stella and Sophie. It was then obvious to Bev that Sophie had been the one teaching her. That made Bev very proud that her granddaughter had passed her craft on.
Once Bev and Carson said their goodbyes to Stella, they quickly went to the Passageway and returned to the office. From there, Carson drove the truck to the barn where they hooked up the horse trailer. Carson drove to the stable and pulled the truck inside. Then they went to Persuasion’s stall to find Todd.
When they walked closer to the stall, the couple heard Sophie’s voice. They stopped and looked at one another. Bev thought: This is going to be interesting.
Chapter 23
When the couple walked around the gate, Todd stood up and said, “I’m sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Jones.” They knew he was referring to Sophie being in the stable.
Sophie was petting the cielterreiane. The creature was nudging her. She smiled at her grandparents and said, “I knew all along Todd wouldn’t have done that. I waited until Mom and Dad were asleep and then I sneaked out of the house. I crept into the far side of the stable and sneaked up on Todd to find out the truth.”
Bev looked at Carson and said, “Well, she is her mother’s daughter.”
Carson agreed. “Sounds like something Molly would do. I’m surprised she hasn’t. Which is even more of a reason for us to transport the creature to a place that is safe.”
Sophie remarked, “She’s extraordinary. Can’t we keep her?”
Bev said, “No, my dear. Unfortunately, we cannot keep her here.”
Sophie sighed. “I was afraid of that. Where is she going?”
Bev and Carson looked at one another. They weren’t prepared for this discussion. Bev cleared her throat and said, “We are going to take her to a new home.”
Sophie asked, “What is she?”
Carson said, “She’s called a cielterreiane.”
“Oh, I thought she was a Pegasus.”
Carson said, “Similar.”
“Where did she get her wings and feathers?”
Todd interrupted. “Sophie. I think that’s enough questions for right now. Some things are maybe better left unanswered.”
She looked at Todd. “I’ve already seen her. What does it hurt to tell me the whole truth? There’s something magical about those horses. I know it.”
Bev said, “You’re right. There is, but we must keep it a secret.”
Sophie nodded. “I won’t ever tell it. I promise on my wand.” She closed her eyes realizing she shouldn’t have said the words.
Bev hugged her and said, “Okay. It’s a deal.”
Carson and Todd loaded the cielterreiane into the trailer.
While they were gone, Sophie apologized to Bev.
Bev looked in her eyes and said, “It was an honest mistake. We trust Todd.”
Sophie said, “Me too.”
Bev couldn’t help but hug her granddaughter. At that moment she was so proud of the young lady Sophie had become. Her mistake simply wouldn’t matter. She knew what Sophie didn’t at that moment. Bev had seen her great-great grandchild and she knew that the secret would be kept safe.
Bev said, “I really must be going now. We’ve found the perfect home for the cielterreiane.”
Sophie smiled. “I know she’s going to a loving home. Thank you for not being mad at me.”
“I’m not mad and neither is Paw Paw. I’m sure Todd will be happy to take you home. You need to get some rest.”
Before Bev got into the truck, she went to the tack room and chose one of her family saddles. Todd helped her gather all of the tack that would be needed for the cielterreiane and they put it in the truck. She kissed Sophie on her forehead and left with Carson. They waved as they drove off.
Todd and Sophie stood silently not knowing what to do next. There was an awkwardness between them that they’d never experienced before.
Todd spoke first, “Your secret is safe with me. It actually makes sense.”
Sophie tilted her head. Inquisitively she asked, “It does?”
Todd nodded. “It does. A lot of things are finally making sense.”
She moved closer to him and whispered, “They do?”
When Sophie looked up at him, Todd leaned forward and gently kissed her. It was unmistakable how they felt about one another.
**********
Bev and Carson hurried back to the office. Once the couple arrived, they took the tack out of the truck and placed the items in a box. Bev noticed that the creature had grown significantly in the few hours after it had been foaled. Bev stood beside the cielterreiane and introduced the halter to the creature to see how she would react. The filly seemed calm enough so Bev slowly haltered it. She praised the creature and gave it a pat. Then she attached a lead rope to the metal ring at the bottom of the noseband. She held the rope close to the halter in her right hand. With her left hand, Bev held the excess rope while she slowly led the creature into the office and through the marble track Passageway. Meanwhile, Carson picked up the tack in the box and followed Bev. He set the box down on the ground then returned to the office for the saddle. After Carson secured everything in the office, he carried the saddle through the Passageway to where Bev and the cielterreiane were waiting.
When Virgil arrived, he looked the cielterreiane over very carefully. “She’s the most gorgeous creature I think I’ve ever seen.”
Bev agreed. “She’s a beauty and she’s growing rather quickly.”
“I can see that she appears to be larger than an average filly. Has she opened her wings yet?” Bev said she hadn’t.
“May I be of assistance with what you have brought along with the cielterreiane?” Carson thanked him. “I went ahead and prepared one of my clonsayees and a cart to transport the cielterreiane to her new home. Shall we?”
Carson helped Virgil get everything ready. Then Bev led the winged creature into the cart and they headed in the direction of Virgil’s cottage.
Virgil said, “I thought it would be faster if we rode the clonsayees to Eustoria’s stable.” Bev and Carson agreed.
Virgil saddled the clonsayees and prepared everything they would need. He then opened the gate to the stall where he had a Passageway set up. They mounted the clonsayees and made their way into the stall. They crossed over through the Passageway and made their way in the direction of Eustoria’s stable.
Carson said, “Thank you, Virgil, for going to all the trouble to help us.”
“It was my pleasure. Honestly, I should be thanking you for allowing me to see such a splendid creature. Stella will be delighted when she sees the filly.”
Bev looked forward to seeing Stella’s reaction when she first saw the cielterreiane. She hoped that the filly would show them its wingspan before they had to leave because they might never see it again after they left it in Eustoria’s care.
Chapter 24
What they hadn’t been aware of was that Daemiani had been on his way to visit Virgil when he saw the group in the distance walking the cielterreiane toward the barn. Once he realized what the magnificent creature was, the wizard hid from view behind a tree and watched. Daemiani happened to know quite a bit about the winged creatures from past experience. When he was young and just beginning to get into wizardry, he had traveled with one of the creatures for several years. The thought of seeing another one of the creatures again after all those years brought back a bittersweet memory from his youth.
