Under Darkness of Night: Part VIII

Corwin wept……he wept for this man who he had raised from infancy. The tears fell from his cheeks and crystallized, shattering on the altar. He blamed himself for this, if he had taken care of Dahen all those years ago this day would never have come. He struggled with his grief thinking if only he could trade places with him and give Rohan the chance to live his life. He looked upon Rohan's lifeless form and whispered softly, "All my gifts and I am powerless to help you." A voice echoed in Corwin's mind, "Do not mourn Asgorath. I gave my word to you that I would protect his life and so I shall…..as my last act as Guardian of this sacred place I shall give of myself to return my clansman to those who need him." Corwin stepped back and watched as an apparition of the Guardian appeared and moved to Rohan's side. The figure reached down touching Rohan's chest and then began to fade into a deep mist that seemed to swallow both. After a few moments the mist began to flow into Rohan's body then was gone. Corwin stepped forward holding his breath as he watched. Suddenly Rohan took a deep breath then another. His eyes opened and focused on Corwin, "Whe…..where am I?" Corwin smiled and simply said, "On the way home…..son." Rohan seemed to accept that and laid his head down once more. Corwin laid his hand on Rohan's arm, "Rest now. The trial is over."

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Corwin prepared Rohan for the trip home then moved to the altar once more. "You have served the clan with honor Guardian. You made the greatest sacrifice and being could by bringing Rohan back to us. What you have done here this day will not be forgotten. I have set wards to prevent any save those of direct blood to our kind from entering this place again. May you and the souls of our fallen brethren be at peace finally and for all time. Safe journey to your destination old friend." That said he walked to Rohan and lifted him into his arms then stepped through the gate.

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Rohan opened his eyes to the dimly lit dawn sky. His head hurt unlike anything he could have imagined. What had happened? Where was he? Who…..was he? He sat up quickly then as quickly regretted it, as everything seemed to swim about him. "Easy Rohan……you are not well." Corwin moved to help support him. Rohan looked at him blankly, "Who are you? Rohan? I….I don't remember……ohhhh, my head." Corwin frowned slightly, "Slowly son. In time, with help, you will remember everything. Right now we must get home. Judging by the sky and the land around us I fear we have been gone far longer then it seemed to us. Many will be worried about us. Rest now then we will continue on when you are feeling stronger."

Corwin sat watch over his friend for most of the morning light before he woke again. After some reassurance Corwin helped Rohan to his feet and summoned his energy. "Rohan as soon as this portal is complete hurry through it, my power is still very weak so I can't hold it long." Rohan nodded and watched as Corwin opened the portal then Rohan stepped through just behind him. The gate opened into the great hall of Amber and closed once more as soon as they had stepped out. Corwin looked to Rohan and smiled, "Home."