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Chapter 6: The Funeral

Sar'Kal, Korek and Tian'shal approached the crowd of people standing around the building without a word. As they neared, people began to notice them and soon every eye was watching the trio approach. Nobody in the crowd said a word to any of the friends as they made their way through the mass of people. Sar'Kal caught a few disapproving looks, but ignored them and continued walking. When they reached the front door of the house Sar'Kal stepped forward and gave several firm knocks on the wood. Soon the door opened and the figure of Ranulth stood before them. He motioned for Sar'Kal to enter and then walked back into the house. Sar'Kal followed; Korek and Tian'shal staying outside.

Sar'Kal let the door close behind him and followed Ranulth into the sitting room. The once beautiful decor was now covered with the dark cloths of mourning which gave it a gloomy appearance. Ranulth took a seat in a large chair along one wall and motioned for Sar'Kal to take the one across from him. He did not feel like sitting; the situation being what it was, but he figured he best not insult Ranulth's hospitality. He took a seat on the dark, cloth covered chair. They did not speak; instead Ranulth just stared at him. After what seemed like ages to Sar'Kal, Ranulth finally broke the silence.

"I am glad you came Sar'Kal. It took courage to come here tonight considering all the rumors floating around. But from what I gather by your coming here, there's more to the story. You seem disturbed and out of sorts, if there is something to tell me, then now would be the time Kal." He adopted a friendlier tone towards the end, using his nick name. The old tiger shifted in his seat as Sar'Kal decided how to tell him.

"Yes Ranulth, there is more to the story. I know what it was that happened to Kendric. However, I'm afraid that it may indeed be because of me. You know who I am Ranulth... I have discussed my past with you before, what little I can remember. Well, a few days ago that which I have feared would one day happen, did. I was leaving for home after my mission, yet little did I know that someone was following me. After the first day, he left me and flew on ahead here to wait for me." Sar'Kal paused and took a deep breath before continuing.

"Ranulth, I spoke with him tonight. I actually spoke with the bastard who killed Kendric!" He slammed his fist on the arm of the chair in frustration. Then after he calmed down, he told Ranulth what had happened earlier that night with Feneric.

" ...and then when he was finished talking he just walked off. There was nothing I could do to stop him." Sar'Kal hung his head in shame as he finished speaking. "I'm sorry Ranulth. I'm sorry this happened, if there were anything I could do to turn back time and stop this from happening I would." He looked up as Ranulth stood, quickly following suit.

"Kal, there is nothing for you to be ashamed of. I do not blame you for what happened to my son. You were a good friend of his and he looked up to you. I know that you would never do anything to harm him." The old tiger gave Sar'Kal a warm smile as he said this. His smile soon changed to a frown as he continued to speak.

"However, there is no denying the fact that it was indirectly because of you that the fox came here, but their meeting in the forest was simply a horrible mistake. While I wish you had been successful tonight in taking your revenge, I realize that you will most likely have your chances in the future. I am not normally a violent man Kal, but I want that fox to burn for what he has done to the both of us. He is now my enemy as much as yours. I hold no hard feelings towards you Kal, but in return I would ask a boon of you."

"Anything Ranulth, Whatever it is I'll do it."

"I want that fox dead, and I want his body to burn until there is nothing left but ash. This fox has taken much. He does not deserve the final rights of death." There was vehemence in Ranulth's voice that Sar'Kal had never heard before, to deny anyone the final right of burial at the full moon was the worst display of hatred imaginable. Without it they would never find their way into the afterlife, and their soul would never be able to move on.

"You have my word Ranulth. If it is ever within my power to do, I will bring his corpse back here and burn it in the noon day sun 'till there is nothing left." Sar'Kal did not speak these words lightly; however he could not deny the satisfaction they gave him.

Ranulth gave a grim nod before moving back towards the hallway. "Very well Kal. Now then, you owe me nothing more. You have nothing to be sorry for, so rest at ease on this matter. I still hold you in high regard as a true friend of my son and family. If my wife had lived to know you better I'm sure she would feel the same." With this he gave a warm smile and motioned for Sar'Kal to follow him outside. "Come."

As Ranulth opened the door the quiet murmuring of the crowd outside died down, all eyes on the old tiger and then on Sar'Kal as he followed him outside. Then Ranulth address the crowd in a calm voice.

"Everyone please hear me. I know there have been rumors going around about the death of my son. I know that many of these rumors pinned the blame on our friend here." He placed his hand on Sar'Kal's shoulder and looked at the crowd. "I think it is a shame that such rumors were formed. You all know as well as I do, how much my son looked up to him. He has been a friend of my family ever since he first arrived, even more so after my wife passed away soon after. He helped me around the shop when I needed it, he helped me several times by traveling to other towns and cities to get supplies that I otherwise could not have received. He did all of this without taking as much as a single coin in return. My son looked up to him as well. He was distraught after his mother died and I could do nothing to help him. Sar'Kal helped show both of us strength in those dark times. He would never do anything to hurt anyone in this town."

He gazed over the crowd with a disapproving look that made many drop their heads. "To those of you who started these rumors, shame... you need not say who you were, but all of you, know that I still see Sar'Kal as a true friend to my family and this town. Anyone who disagrees should be ashamed." He stopped speaking and many in the crowd had hung their heads, not wanting to look at either of the men by the door.

A quiet moment went by and nobody spoke. Then Ranulth looked up at the sky and sighed. "Enough, the moon has nearly reached its highest point. Everyone please ready yourselves and head to the cemetery."

Everyone began to move off and after a few minutes, only Tian'shal and Korek were left. They approached and greeted Ranulth.

"Hello you two." He said to them with a smile. "I am glad that you two are here. If you would all be so kind, it would make me very happy if you and Kal would help me carry the casket." He finished with a solemn voice.

"It would be an honor Ranulth." Said Sar'Kal.

"Of course we will." Replied Tian'shal and Korek together.

Ranulth smiled. "Thank you. Please follow me then." He said before turning and heading back into the house. The three friends followed and were lead into the back half of the house to the parlor. In the middle of the room, laying on top of an ornate table, was a polished red coffin. They all stopped and respectfully had a moment of silence, before approaching.

Tian'shal was the first to speak. "It is a beautiful casket. It looks like it's made of cherry, is it not?" she asked.

Ranulth smiled. "It is. Shraden the carpenter made it himself and offered it as a last gift. It was very kind of him, it is quite beautiful." He placed a hand on the polished wood and lowered his head for a moment. When he looked up there were traces of tears in the fur on his cheeks. He took a deep breath and then spoke. "Well. I guess it's time. Kal if you would take the left front handle opposite me, and you two grab the others then we'll be ready."

They all quickly obliged and on the count of three they all lifted the casket and started making their way out of the house. Once outside, they slowly made their way to the cemetery on the north side of Sharanol. When they arrived with the casket, all the other villagers turned and parted to let them through to the freshly dug grave, in front of a small ornate headstone. The only light to guide their way was that of the full moon and stars that shone from above. They positioned the casket on top of the leather straps that would let it be lowered slowly.

As Sar'Kal participated in these events something began to happen. Images began to flash through his mind. After they set the casket down he stood up and put a hand on his forehead. Suddenly something crystal clear flashed through his mind.

_Sar'Kal was standing next to the massive figure of his father. Masses of people were all around, people from all walks of life were present. Some were nobles, many were from lower classes. Yet they all seemed to be grieving and they all had hung their heads in silence. _

Sar'Kal flashed back to reality for a split second before he fell to his knees from a strange feeling of vertigo, and the images came back as vivid as if he was actually there.

_It was nearing twilight. Sar'Kal looked forward and saw a large stone altar that stood before him. Behind the alter the setting sun threw its final rays onto the outdoor temple. On the alter rested a beautifully crafted casket made of polished Ebony. It was inlaid with pure silver and on it's side was the Guarding Eye. The top half of the casket was open, but Sar'Kal could not see inside. Behind the casket stood a black panther dressed in silver robes. He was speaking to the assembled people in a solemn voice.

"...and so it is with great sadness that we are gathered here today to mourn her passing. She was truly a guiding light for us all. Now it is time for those who knew her to come up and speak their hearts." The panther made a sweeping motion toward Sar'Kal's father. "Your Highness... if you wish." He then moved aside and motioned for him to take his place to speak.

_

_Sar'Kal's father moved up and took the sage's place on the alter. He took a moment and looked out over the crowd. As he gazed at the multitude before him a small smile broke the hard expression on his face. He spoke slowly in his loud deep voice.

"It lifts my spirits to see so many of you here today. I knew that many of our people loved Mirra, but to see so many faces, from all over the country here today is a true testament to that fact... In life Mirra was a kind and loving person. Anyone who met her would say that she was uniquely gentle and caring." Many of the people around Sar'Kal nodded their silent agreement.

"She was also an extraordinary mother. She was the mother of four sons, to each of whom she gave as much love and care as any mother could. Unfortunately she lived to see three of her sons pass away at a young age. So to her last remaining son she gave everything. No mother could have loved a son like she did." Sar'Kal felt the gaze of those around him turn to him and saw his father smile at him from where he was.

"And finally... she was the best wife and queen that anybody in all of Thulmar could wish for, I loved her deeply. She was a queen who would not shirk her duties. She was always present in the court for important decisions... and we all listened to her wisdom with the deepest of respect. Her council undoubtedly helped to avoid many a wrong decision. And not only that... she was a queen who truly loved her people. It would give her great joy to see so many of her beloved people here today and for that you all have my deepest gratitude. I hope that all of you will remember her, and know that one of her final wishes was for the people of Umbra'Kahn to remain united and to prosper for all time."

"And now... Our son, prince Sar'Kal has told me he prepared a small speech of his own. Mirra would have been proud of her son today. She would also have been saddened that this unhappy event had to take place on his fourteenth birthday. So please, lend him your ears, and take to heart his words, for few knew Mirra better than him." With that, the king motioned for Sar'Kal to join him up on the alter and took a step down to make room.

Sar'Kal was trembling as he straightened and made his way up to the alter. Each step seemed to go by in slow motion and once he had reached the top he slowly turned to face the crowd. Every eye was on him now. He had never spoken to any of his people before and he now felt extremely nervous.

He looked down into the casket and saw his mother. Her beautiful features still and unmoving. Her black fur did not stir under his gaze. However, her face held an expression of contentment and he was glad she had passed happily. He looked back up and cleared his throat. He then spoke in a shaky voice as a tear slid down his face.

"F-for as long as I can remember... my m-mother... was always there for me. Even as her health began to fail her, she never let it interrupt her life until she had no choice." He stopped and had to wipe his eyes before he could continue.

"S-she was an extremely strong p-person and I followed her example all my life. She taught me a great many things, But one of the things she would always tell me was that when things seem difficult or when life gets rough, that you should never let it weaken your resolve. That you should always push on and tackle whatever hardships are thrown your way no matter how impossible it seems." He paused for a moment and took a deep breath to steady himself before continuing.

"And you know what? I never really took her words to heart until about a year ago when her health first began to fail. But that was when it really began to mean something to me. I watched her fight her illness for over a year when the best doctors in the country gave us the news that she most likely had only a couple months to live. I watched as she continued doing what she loved for as long as possible. I remember asking her once why she insisted on going to the court to participate in strenuous meetings because, I could not see how it could be good for her. Her answer is one that I will never forget, and one that I intend to live by when_ my _time comes. She said, that she kept pushing on because she did it for the people she loved. She did it not only for her family and loved ones, but because she loved her people and that she would do her best to guide them until her dying breath." Sar'Kal now had tears rolling down his face and he had to stop to compose himself.

"I-I'm s-sorry... If t-there is anything my mother would have w-wanted the people of Umbra'Kahn to remember her for. It would be that. To never give up, but to fight on when life gets hard. That is the way she lived her life for as long as I can remember, and that is the way_ I will live my _life. So please... do not feel sorry for her or pity her, for she passed happily, but instead take her actions to heart and follow her example. Live life the way she did and nothing will ever be able to crush our resolve as a people. ...t-thank you."

He finished speaking and looked down at his mother once more before leaning in and kissing her forehead. "I promise I will live my life by your example mother... I love you." He then stood up straight and looked once more at the crowd before heading over to stand next to his father. Many people had tears in their eyes and were nodding their heads in approval. Sar'Kal's father put a hand on his shoulder and gave him an approving smile before approaching the alter once again. _

That memory flashed through Sar'Kal's mind and was quickly followed by many others, triggered by that one. All of them were of his mother and his life when she was around. He slowly began to come back to himself and when he became fully aware once again he was lying in the grass next to Kendric's casket crying.

The next thing he knew Tian'shal and Korek were kneeling next to him as he slowly sat up in the soft grass, not trusting himself to stand yet.

"Kal what's wrong? What happened? Are you ok?" they both asked.

It took him a moment to compose himself enough to look around at them and the people around them. Everyone was staring at him with bewildered expressions. Ranulth was close by as well and he offered him a hand. Sar'Kal took it and slowly stood up.

"Thank you Ranulth. H-how long was I out?" he asked the tiger.

"Oh not long, only about five minutes, but you were certainly upset about something while you were gone. You were crying quite hard." Replied the old tiger.

Tian'shal approached him; Korek right next to her. They both looked very concerned. "What happened Kal?" she asked.

"I... I remembered my mother's funeral... and then it...it all came back to me. At least... everything about her. It...I... I can't believe it. I can finally r-remember her." He suddenly hugged Tian'shal and began to cry with happiness at his returned memories about his mother. She was surprised but returned the hug and comforted him.

It took a moment for Sar'Kal to stop crying and to compose himself. When he had, he turned to face Ranulth and the others. "I'm sorry Ranulth, I did not mean to interrupt the ceremony."

Ranulth gave Sar'Kal a smile and a pat on the shoulder. "Don't be ridiculous Kal. You were only out a few minutes and we still have some time. Besides! Some of your memories came back to you! That is truly splendid news and I'm very happy for you. I'm sure that Kendric would be happy that this ceremony helped to bring it back."

"Thank you Ranulth, now lets get on with the ceremony. The moon is at its highest point." He said as he looked up at the sparkling sky. He took his place amongst the crowd along with Korek and Tian'shal, a few rows behind Ranulth who took a seat in the front.

Another figure approached the casket and turned to address the crowd. He was the towns sage and he began the ceremony. He chanted for several minutes in a beautiful tongue that Sar'Kal did not understand. The words were smooth and luxurious and flowed seamlessly together. It was mesmerizing and wonderful and everyone listened intently. This was the opening funeral prayer and it was filled with sadness, hope and happiness all at the same time.

After the sage had recited the opening prayer and spoken briefly about why they were there, he asked for anyone who wished to speak to approach the casket, starting with Ranulth and the front rows. Ranulth slowly stood and walked over to the casket. He cleared his throat and began to speak.

Ranulth did not speak for very long. He simply spoke of what Kendric had been like and had voiced his regrets. When he returned to his seat, he was visibly crying and the people around him tried to comfort him. One of them, a leopard, placed a calming hand on his shoulder. It was Shraden the carpenter. Ranulth looked at the carpenter and straightened, attempting to calm himself.

Only a few other people decided to speak and many of their speeches were short and only moderately heartfelt. This annoyed Sar'Kal a great deal and once it appeared that everyone who was going to speak had spoken, he stood. Many people watched as he made his way up to the casket. He looked at Ranulth as he passed and the old tiger smiled and cave him a nod. Sar'Kal nodded in return and turned to face the crowd.

"You know... earlier this night something happed to me. As I helped carry this casket here tonight it triggered memories from many years ago to finally break through and return to me. The memory was of my mothers funeral. As happy as I am to have these memories back, I am deeply saddened at the cost it took to get them back. However, I remember now what it was that my mother used to say to me when I was growing up. A lesson that I swore to live by at her funeral on my fourteenth birthday."

"She told me as a child, that when things seem difficult or when life gets rough, that you should never let it weaken your resolve. That you should always push on and tackle whatever hardships are thrown your way no matter how impossible it seems. I quote my mother here tonight because I believe that this is a lesson that can be learned everywhere. I knew Kendric. So I know that he would not want us to be overwhelmed, by grief at his passing. Instead he would want all of us to push on and live our lives, while remembering him as he was. A kind, and responsible young man full of promise." Sar'Kal looked at Ranulth as he spoke these last sentences, almost speaking to the old tiger.

Sar'Kal looked at the casket in next to him and noted how blank it was. With a sudden thought, Sar'Kal unsheathed his dagger, and to everyone's surprise brought the blade down to the center of the casket's lid. The blade's incredibly sharp edge cut a clean groove in the wood as Sar'Kal began to trace an image onto the surface. First a horizontal crescent moon appeared and was followed by a band of six four-pointed stars above it. The final touch; a large eye which rested above the stars finished the symbol of the Guarding Eye.

Ranulth had stood and approached when Sar'Kal had began his work. He had first been angry that Sar'Kal would do such a thing, but as he watched the panther work, and saw how deliberate his motions were he stopped and watched. As he saw the symbol take shape he seemed both impressed at the quality of the carving, and confused. He felt like he had seen the symbol before, but he couldn't remember where.

When Sar'Kal finished he noticed Ranulth next to him. The old tiger asked quietly. "What is that symbol you have carved onto the casket Kal?"

Sar'Kal gave a grim smile. "That Ranulth... that is the Guarding Eye. It is the symbol of my people. We also believed that if placed on a casket's lid it would ease the spirit's journey into the afterlife." He placed a hand over the symbol, almost lovingly. He closed his eyes briefly and only wished that he could do more. The crude carving seemed so meager.

As Sar'Kal laid his hand on the symbol and wished there was something more he could do, his bracer began to glow once again. This time however it glowed in a clear bright light that radiated positive energies far different from those he had felt at Korimond. His eyes widened as his hand seemed to be held in place for a moment. The cool light radiated out from his bracer and hand and slowly spread across the casket. As the light finally covered the entire casket, it dimmed and faded until the bracer returned to normal. However, it was the casket at which everyone was now staring.

All along its surface, where before there was simply polished wood, there were now intricate patterns similar to those on the casket of Sar'Kal's mother. The patters were marvelously inlaid into the wood with silver. In the center of the casket's lid sat the Guarding Eye, the symbol and the new engravings sparkled in the light of the full moon.

Sar'Kal looked at the casket and then at his forearm in wonder. He hand no idea how that had happened, how it was even possible. He rubbed and flexed his right hand which had been the one glowing. It felt completely normal. Once again his bracer had shown just how mysterious its power was.

He was shaken from his confusion by Ranulth. The old tiger had a look of amazement on his face and tears in his eyes. He glanced once more at the casket and then back at Sar'Kal. Words had escaped him. He held out a hand and Sar'Kal took it. They shook hands and finally Ranulth managed so speak the only thing he could think of. "Thank you." Was all he said, as he looked at Sar'Kal.

Sar'Kal smiled. "It was my pleasure." Was all he could say. For that was the truth. He was deeply happy at what he had done, regardless of its mysterious circumstances.

The two separated. There was nothing else to be said. Without speaking they lowered the casket into the hole and covered it, sealing it away. It was done.

he crowd dispersed and headed back to their homes. The only people who remained were Sar'Kal, Ranulth, Tian'shal and Korek.

"Well Ranulth... I guess this is farewell. I will probably not return here for a very long time. But I will some day... I gave you my word." Said Sar'Kal grimly.

Ranulth nodded. "Well then, Farewell my friend. And thank you." They once again shook hands and went their separate ways.

Sar'Kal joined Tian'shal and Korek and Korek spoke. "Well I guess its time to leave. Lets head over and grab the supplies and get moving I guess."

Sar'Kal shook his head wearily. "No... lets rest for tonight. There's no hurry to leave. We can leave in the morning. I need to rest and think about what happened today."

Tian'shal and Korek didn't argue. They just nodded their agreement and Korek said farewell and left for his house. Korek and Tian'shal continued home.

...Somewhere off on the edge of the forest near the cemetery of Sharanol a certain fox leaned against a tree and smiled. "Good job young prince... that was well done. Perhaps you have what it takes after all." He glanced once at the full moon above, then slipped quietly once more into the dark forest.