All sense of grogginess fell off of Diago’s mind and body as he followed where the wisp of Eeshak led. Out of the decrepit town and into the starry night they walked among the dunes which had turned pale in the moonlight. Diago followed with wordless questions brimming in his tumultuous mind. Before him walked a living-…a somewhat living, legend. A man revered for powers beyond understanding. Such as what stalked in front of Diago. The very idea that someone could..continue on? Such as Eeshak now did, was foreign and beyond anything Diago had ever even imagined a weaver could accomplish. I guess you don’t get named a “great” weaver for nothing.

  As they walked, Diago noted the cane once more. He wondered why a ghost would need a walking stick. It also didn’t look like he used it for support, so it was ornamental? Could ghosts have a limp? Was he a ghost? The questions felt too strange and too unanswerable, so Diago decided not to ask.

  They didn’t walk long before they found themselves in a rock formation. The scene was striking. A diminishing moonlight only just beginning to sway under the pressure of the rising sun. Stars still present, but winking low as the darkness retreated. The very peaks of spires illuminated against the light of the dawning sun, giving them an almost candle-like appearance. The soft wind stirred the sand beneath Diago’s feet and gently pressed against his face. Eeshak admired the view a moment before turning to face the boy from Tunaan.

  The ancient man smiled warmly, “You look just like your father.”

  “Yeah, you said that already,” said Diago, unsure how to feel, being compared to the father he had only recently fought so hard to reject.

  “Have I? Forgive me. This form is…Well, I am not what I was. I fragmented my own consciousness in order to implant myself into the Helm.”

  Diago lifted a hand to the unassuming circlet on his brow. He reeled with thoughts and frustrations alike, all cascading into a pool of questions that were more felt than verbal.

  Somehow the ghostly smile grew even warmer, “I understand. This is far too much to take in quickly. Please hear me, dear boy, I am here to help and guide, not confuse or hurt. I can see the turmoil within you in regard to your father and mother. It pains me to know what their loss has done to you… alas the Great One weaves far better tapestries than our eyes can comprehend. We see but fragments, he sees the whole.”

  Diago was still speechless, even though he wanted to talk. He was unsure how to even address a man…or ghost-man-thing, like Eeshak.

  Eeshak’s left eyebrow rose and his face turned coy, “you needn’t be afraid Diago. You can speak freely with me.”

  “What am I supposed to say, if you already know what's going on inside my head? Thanks for asking permission to stalk around up there, by the way.” Diago let his frustrations swell. If he was allowed to speak freely, then he would. “I was happy. Do you get that? I was happy being a boy from Tunaan, the son of merchants who had a tragic accident. Now I’m supposed to accept that I have a claim to the throne of a country I despise? Then there are my parents! Wasn’t it King Eton that started the stupid conquest that made the war break out, anyway? What right did he have to fight everyone and try to rule? And YOU helped him with this stupid armor, didn’t you!? What was the point of that? Why would I want to help with that? Now I have the call of a Fade on me…I have to go find armor that is technically mine by an inheritance that I want nothing to do with…”

  “Why do you despise Eldaren so much?” Asked Eeshak.

  “Didn’t you just hear me?!” Diago cried

  “Once that was your reasoning, but I know that it isn’t that simple anymore. I am inside your head after all.”

  Diago’s face fell, but not to anger. Eeshak was right. Those were always his reasons for hating Eldaren. That and its snooty occupants. However, his experiences with the corruption in the government recently, did shake his opinions on Tunaan at least, the kingdom he sided with…

  Also, Diago couldn’t deny that if the Fades were involved in the recovery of the Ariochmar rather than its destruction, then the Armor was more likely a tool for good and not evil. His thoughts on his parents were still jaded by…he wasn’t sure what they were jaded by anymore.

  “Diago, your father was called by the Fades too.”

  The words felt like a hammer to Diago’s head and heart. Eeshak continued, “Eton resisted the call for many years. He despised the idea of trying to rule over the five kingdoms. The Fades had warned him of a power stirring in the dark lands of Meremoth. One he had fought before, but one that had grown far worse than he could have imagined…”

  Diago watched as Eeshak grew thoughtful and pained. He wanted the Great Weaver to continue, but waited. Finally, after a long and mournful sigh,

  “Long ago…I trained a boy. The boy grew strong, far stronger than I had anticipated. At first, I was elated, but then the boy changed…power had made him jealous and arrogant. Eventually, the boy decided that he was meant to be a god.”

  Diago must have made a face of incredulity, because Eeshak then said, “Don’t misunderstand…there is a reason the Great Weavers are no more. They fell to the same idea. I’m ashamed to say that I was among them for a time. Those thoughts caused them to turn on each other. I am thankful to the Great One that I saw sense before I also was too far gone… that is a story for another time, but I will say this: power has a way of seeping into you, Diago. It can make a good man into a vile one. It can turn even the most innocent…into monsters.”

  There was a solemn pause before Eeshak continued his story, “The would-be-god turned on me. It was the kindness of the Great One that Eton was there. The boy would have killed me, but Eton was able to turn the tide of the conflict and saved me from a horrible death.”

  Diago shook his head, “I don’t get it…you are- were a Great Weaver. How was it that you almost lost?”

  Eeshak leaned heavier on his cane, “It wasn’t about power, dear boy…I was-…at the time I couldn’t-…”

  Eeshak looked directly into Diago’s eyes and let the silence speak. Diago understood, but asked anyway, “It was your son…wasn’t it?”

  Eeshak nodded, “Daegan…once my greatest pride…now?” Eeshak’s mournful eye drifted once more. Then, still staring into space, he continued, “Daegan fled to Meremoth and convinced the dark lands that he was their new god. Because of me, he had the power to prove it. His forces and power grew quickly. That’s when the Fades called your father to unite the kingdoms, so that they could meet this threat. Eton never meant for there to be conflict, but I knew it would come… especially when the time came to confront Meremoth. So, I made the Ariochmar and gifted it to Eton.”

  Diago was spellbound by the tale. Everything he knew about the conquest and the war was wrong…no, not wrong, just…incomplete. He still wasn’t sure how to feel. He knew he would need a lot more time to process than one conversation.

  “I say this because it is important to you now, Diago.” Eeshak took a deep breath before saying,

  “Daegan is not dead.”

  The words hung in the early morning air like the corpse of a murderer. To Diago, the atmosphere grew thick with dread.

  “I’m sorry…what?”

  Eeshak sighed with what seemed to be regret, “During that final conflict of the

  Arochm, I knew that Daegan would have made contingencies should he be killed. To avoid those possibly cataclysmic events from ever taking place, I banished him, hoping that would be enough. However… I was wrong. I failed to see how strong he had become and how cunning. I am unsure how, but he still has-…for lack of a better word, he has tethers to this realm somehow and that means there is a

  chance he could return. It is for this reason, I believe that you and the others have been called.”

  Diago did his best not to fall over then and there. First, his perceptions of himself, his parents, his country, and more, were all completely shattered and rearranged. Then, he learned that his journey would potentially lead him and his friends to going up against a god…or a facsimile of one.

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “Do not be afraid, Diago. The Great One makes no mistakes. You have been called at the right time and have been given what you need. That is His way. Daegan is no god. He is dangerous and powerful and cunning and-”

  “Yeah, if you are trying to encourage, may I suggest just not trying anymore,”

  Diago interjected while the sweat gathered on his brow.

  Eeshak smiled, “Daegan is just a weaver. No more. He CAN be beaten.”

  Diago wanted to believe the old weaver, but there was a tone in Eeshak’s voice that made it sound like he was trying to convince himself. Naturally, that didn’t inspire much confidence. However, Diago thought about it and remembered something Sulien once taught him.

  When faced with an overwhelming task, first boil it down to its simplest form. Then break it down into steps. Then take those steps, one after the other. Small steps, big steps, either one. Just take the steps.

  Diago and Aylah and Thatch had been called to search the Ariochmar. He knew from the beginning that it was going to be dangerous…or at least that is what he was told. He had already taken so many steps and that led him all the way here without dying, mostly… what's a few more steps, right?

  Eeshak must have understood what was going on in Diago’s head, because his smile deepened and became one of pride.

  “Very good, Diago. Not many would be able to accept what you have just heard so readily”

  “Accept?! Oh no, that is not the word I would use. I feel more like I have drunk a gallon of cold cream cider and before a wrestling match with an Aazotas. I have no idea what I am doing.”

  Eeshak laughed. It was a warm sound that rang in Diago’s ears so pleasantly that he couldn’t help but smile as well, even in light of the circumstances. The once Great Weaver’s laugh relaxed into a warm smile,

  “I’ll tell you a secret, my dear boy: I am over three hundred and ninety-five years old, or I was at least, and I feel that way all the time.”

  “Very inspiring,” Diago said flatly

  Eeshak laughed a little again, “It’s about trust Diago. You have been called. The Great One will guide you. He already has and brought you help to boot!” Eeshak proclaimed.

  Diago thought about his friends. He thought about the problems they had overcome and the ways they were able to. It was something else, he had to admit. Though it had been an incredibly challenging journey already, and was only going to get worse it would seem, he was grateful for what he and the others had accomplished. The thought made him smile. Even befriending Saama and the-

  Diago’s thoughts were interrupted by a new set of questions, “Hey, Eeshak… Maybe you can help me understand something. I have this thing…like an instinct or something like it, when it comes to animals. It feels like a tugging in my gut and it's like unspoken directions. When I follow it, strange things happen sometimes. Also, animals seem to…I don’t know how else to put it. Animals like me? But almost unnaturally-”

  Eeshak raised a hand to stop Diago, “That is because you are Biesaroch. The first in many generations.”

  “You called me that before…what does that mean?”

  “It means you are ‘king of the beasts’. It is something that predates even myself. Legend says that it was the gift of a Great Weaver. Whether he had the gift or gave it, is unknown. However, we do know that, every so often, someone is born with a deep connection with living things. It is as if your spirit is knit together with life around you. The greatest effect is on animals. The more you are around a creature the more you will share in their instinct and their strengths. Perhaps you noticed whenever your jynx was nervous, or that she deeply understood you. Perhaps you noticed that your reflexes and your strength have increased since being so near her. This is the effect of being a Biesaroch. You learn from each other.”

  The more he thought about it, the more the weird feelings he had recently made sense. He had noticed all those things and more. The thought excited him…what was the limitation on learning from Saama, or even other animals? Was there a limit? Diago would seek to find out.

  Eeshak understood where Diago’s mind was raking him and interjected, “Not every animal will accept you immediately. Some never will, like the Earth Siren. People will reject the rightful rule of a king for reasons of their own. It is much the same with beasts sometimes, but you have the unique gift that connects you to them. You will understand more the more you encounter.”

  Diago nodded and went silent. Eeshak, more than comfortable in the silence, allowed the quiet to reign while Diago attempted to process everything. This conversation had felt like one explosion after another and Diago was beginning to feel exhausted from pure mental expenditure…and he had been asleep for almost a whole day. It’s funny how you can long for answers, but when they come it almost always feels like too much to take in.

  Slowly, Diago allowed all the information to sink in and settle in his mind. To Diago it felt like there was a puzzle inside his head that he had been trying to fit together correctly and just when he thought he might be getting somewhere, someone gave him pieces he didn’t know he was missing. Now the pieces were there…they just weren’t put together. He had a feeling it would take a long time before they were.

  “It’s a start,” Diago said out loud

  Eeshak stared at the boy for a beat, “Indeed.”

  The sun crested the horizon and illumined the world in bright array. Morning mist began to retreat. Desert creatures began to emerge and scour their surroundings for food and nourishment. Diago took it all in, the scenery, the wind in his face, the smell of morning dew evaporating in the sunlight. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. He opened his eyes slowly and nodded to Eeshak,

  “Alright then, oh mighty once weaver, what do we do next?” Diago knew that the teasing could offend. However, Eeshak did say he could speak freely.

  He did not take offense. Eeshak nodded and said, “At the time when I was taken by the Siren underground, much of the information I had on the armor was partial and inconclusive. However, that doesn’t mean no information.”

  Diago shrugged, “Point the way, ghost compass”

  That one did cause Eeshak to smirk, “You have your mother’s wit, a trait I always appreciated.”

  Diago wasn’t sure how to respond, so he didn’t. Eeshak thought for a moment, fingers twiddling a knot on the crooked cane he leaned on. Then, judging by his ethereal body language, he came to a conclusion,

  “Go to the kingdom of Marien. There were wild tales connected to every piece of the armor, but the ones concerning Marien were just strange enough for me to believe.”

  “To Marien?” Diago asked, somewhat rhetorically

  Eeshak nodded.

  A voice broke through the air behind Diago. It was Thatch calling out for him. Soon he heard Aylah call out as well, somehow she managed to make the yell sound like she was annoyed and urgent at the same time. He’d have to ask her how she did that. The question would likely upset her…He could live with that.

  Eeshak raised an eyebrow, “interesting”

  Diago’s face fell to a frown, “Not you too”

  Eeshak raised his hands in defense, “I won’t pry…much”

  Diago’s eyes rolled.

  The voices rang out again, this time much closer. Diago could feel Saama getting nearer as well. She knew where he was. “I guess I have an explanation for that now…” Diago’s face fell thought to himself.

  “Diago listen to me,” Eeshak said with a touch of urgency, “What you are talking to is a fragment of what I once was, I cannot help anymore than inform, but I also do not know how long I will last.”

  “What do you mean? You mean you’ll just…stop?”

  Eeshak laughed, “I ‘just stopped’ a long time ago, dear boy. I am more of a memory and memories have a way of fading with time. Truthfully, I am ever grateful I lasted this long. With that in mind-…I guess everything I say is ‘in mind’ isn’t it?” Eeshak chuckled to himself, then shook his head, “Do not use my consciousness unless it is absolutely necessary. Perhaps that will allow me to remain longer.”

  Diago nodded. He wanted Eeshak to last a long time, but he also wanted to hear more from him about…well everything. He wouldn’t call on him all the time, but he knew he had to know more if he wanted that puzzle to be completed.

  The voices were even closer now. Aylah would turn past a dune and see him any second now. Diago looked back to double check, he confirmed that the were not there yet. He turned again to face Eeshak, but he had already dissipated into morning mist. A pang hit Diago a lot harder than he anticipated. He sat in that moment, drinking in the early morning sun and whole Aazotas load of information. Finally, his friends spotted him. Thatch was the first to call out, though Aylah was certainly the first to see him. Diago smiled, knowing that Saama was about to pounce on him. He let her and they tumbled to the ground.

  “Good morning to you too, Saama,” Diago said affectionately

  “What are you doing all the way out here?” Asked Aylah her voice was a simple cocktail of frustration and curiosity.

  “We were worried,” stated Thatch.

  Diago stood, looked at them both, and sighed. He decided not to tell them about Eeshak just yet. He doubted they would even believe him. He hardly believed it himself. Instead, he just smirked,

  “I was getting directions”

  Thatch cocked an eyebrow and Aylah scoffed, “From what? The Helm?” Aylah asked as though the thought was ridiculous.

  Diago smirked again, “Yes”

  “Wait-”

  “Marien.” Said Diago, cutting Aylah off

  “Marien?” Asked Thatch.

  “Yes. That’s our next location.” Said Diago with confidence.

  Aylah and Thatch and Saama all exchanged glances. Diago almost laughed. The image of a beautifu-.. an Onterrin, a rough-looking man from Tunaan, and a jynx with a surprisingly human facial expression, exchanging glances was almost unreal. Thatch looked back at Diago, “The Helm told you that?”

  “In a way, yes,” Diago replied. Thatch could tell he was dodging, but didn’t press.

  “Well, you got any better ideas?” Thatch asked Aylah

  She just shook her head. Thatch turned to the jynx, “You, Saama?”

  Saama’s head cocked sideways.

  “Alright then, to Marien it is. Better than roaming to nowhere.” Thatch said.

  Breaking camp was easy as there was no camp to break. Diago thanked the Great One for his good luck when he found several water canteens that had been left in the village. After they had drunk their fill and filled the canteens for the journey, the took one final look back to where they had been.

  In a short time, they had accomplished much. Now, they were on the run from members of the Tunaan government and fleeing the kingdom. They did retrieve the Helm, but this was merely the beginning.

  “Off to it?” Thatch asked the group with a smile

  Diago nodded and petted Saama, who wheezed contentedly. Even Aylah’s mood seemed to resolve itself. She smiled at Thatch, “Let’s get moving before they pick up our trail”

  “That armor is not going to find itself,” Diago said and immediately chuckled a little. Technically, it was the Helm that told him where to go next.

  Thankful not to have to push their pace like the last time they were on the move, they all set off toward Marien, toward the next leg of their journey, toward danger and conflict, toward fate, toward answers.

  They set off toward the next step in finding the Armor of Kings.