The ur’gels refused to retreat even as the elves decimated their numbers. There was no mercy and I gathered the elves were forced to protect the cliff on a regular basis from their movements. As I looked at the mountain, I could see built-in bunkers and fortifications facing the cliff. This must be a lookout or guard tower.
Once the ur’gel advance slowed, the gold-suited elf came back to face us. With a wave of his hand, two other elves brought a chair for him to sit on.
“You,” he pointed a finger at me, beckoning me closer. “Come here.”
I didn’t argue, kneeling before his chair, waiting respectfully for him to speak.
“I ask again. What are you doing here? This is not your land. We are not your people.”
“We are here looking for a High Elf, or at least, hoping to meet with someone who can answer our questions.” I hoped he could see the truth in my eyes. I wasn’t here to betray him or his people, but he had to believe me if I hoped to move past these elves.
“Why do you want a High Elf? They do not owe you anything. You have crossed dangerous lands to be here. Your reason must be life-threatening.” He leaned in, a look of interest replacing some of the distrust.
“Yes, it is life-threatening for many people, not just my own. It will affect your land as well. We're looking for whoever holds the key.”
“I do not know what you mean. What is this key you speak of?” He shook his head, eyebrows knitted together.
“It's a key to the prison. We need your help.”
He pursed his lips, then stood and walked away. His chair was removed, but our guards remained, spears raised.
Shoulders slumping, I rejoined the others. It appeared I’d failed to make him understand.
More elves surrounded us with their spears, pushing us closer to the edge of the mountain as they yelled in a language I couldn’t understand. As the edge neared, I braced for what was about to happen.
Chapter 19
“This way.”
After thinking I was about to be pushed over the edge, the path along the side of the cliff was almost anticlimactic.
The elves led us along a winding tunnel that extended from the edge deep into the mountain.
When we arrived on the other side, it was into an open field where they allowed us to walk around freely. We were deep inside of their world now, and it was beautiful. On the other side of the field were buildings far older and taller than I’d ever seen before.
As we approached the village, I could make out carvings in the stone walls, intricate and decorative, as well as those appearing to designate some buildings for different purposes.
Elves walked around in colorful clothing, some with bags and shoes that matched their outfits.
There was an outdoor eatery in the middle of the square, full of elves laughing and having a good time. Large flying ships soared over us in the sky, moving in and out of the clouds above.
Everything about the place in front of me was truly magical, especially the sight of the ships traveling in the sky. I knew I was staring in astonishment as another ship flew over us with three masts, its sails fully open and billowing in the wind. Behind the flying ship was a small flock of dragons. I had to bite my lip to hold back a squeal of delight when I saw three smaller dragons trailing behind.
“Wait here.” Beore, one of the elves who’d escorted us from the cliff, brought us to a table at the eatery. “I will see what I can do about your request to meet with a High Elf.”
We thanked him and took a seat.
A waitress came over almost instantly and placed food in front of us.
I looked down and my stomach rumbled with hunger before a wave of disappointment washed over me. A bucket of fried eyeballs, bird’s feet in what smelled like pickle juice, and another basket I couldn’t determine the contents of greeted me. Although I was hungry, I didn’t think I’d ever be hungry enough to eat any of the food in front of me.
Iri and Sade dug in, crunching on the bird's feet as I pushed the food further from me in fear I might vomit. “I hope they have better food than this.”
“I'm with you on this one,” Astor wrinkled his nose in disgust.
We sat in silence as we watched the elves mingling around us. I’d never been around any elves and had only heard bad things about them. Clearly, they weren’t all true. It was the most peaceful and beautiful village I’d ever seen.
Sade crunched once more before swallowing, then leaned forward to speak in a low voice. “I hate to be a negative nelly, but we should be thinking of a way to escape if we need to.”
“I agree. While I think they’ll treat us fairly, we should have a backup plan. The last thing we need is to be thrown into Widow’s loving embrace.” Iri continued crunching the bird’s feet in a manner that made my stomach flip.
I looked away quickly.
“I don't think they're going to throw us over the side. They've treated us with respect so far.” Beru was sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed, avoiding the food as well.
It was the first time we hadn’t all agreed on what to do, and since I was the reason we were here, I felt the need to serve as mediator.
“It can't hurt to talk about a backup plan. If we don't need it, great. But if we do, then we have it.” I hoped the middle road would placate everyone. I really didn't want to pick sides.
“Do whatever you like.” Beru shifted so he appeared to be sitting apart from the rest of us now, even though his chair was the same distance from the table it had been before.
I wondered if he had another alternative reason for being here.
He’d suggested Bruhier in the first place, so maybe he had another plan? But why wouldn’t he want an escape route?
“Are you honestly going to sit there and pout like a baby?” Astor demanded, sounding completely unlike his usual joking self.
“It's disloyal given how they’ve treated us. I don't want any part in thinking they’d betray us.” He pushed his chair back and stood.
“We can't leave yet.” I automatically stood as well. I wasn’t sure why everything was falling apart when we’d worked relatively well until now.
“I’ll sit.” He took his seat, but remained closed off, his expression not inviting further conversation.
No one spoke, likely afraid to make someone mad.
I thought back to what could have made him upset.
He wasn't acting like his usual self, but I had no clue as to why.
“Did you not like the food?” Beore returned amid the awkward silence and for a moment, we just stared at him.
“Erm, just a little different than what we're used to, that's all,” Astor smiled broadly at the helpful elf.
“Oh. Well, I have good news. I spoke to the king, and he’s agreed to hear your story in the high court. If you’d care to follow me, I’ll take you now.” He looked eager to lead us away as he bounced on his toes.
“Thank you. We appreciate your hospitality and assistance.” I stood to follow him, earning a shy smile in return.
“It's not every day we get your kind here. I’m excited to hear this grand story as well.” He walked swiftly through the town, turning to make sure we were still with him.
I did my best to keep up, practically jogging at times.
As we walked, he gave us a quick tour of the buildings and local elves of importance. He clearly enjoyed living here and took pride in the town.
“Have you ever been outside? Off the mountain, I mean.” I was curious. It had been so difficult to get here I couldn’t imagine doing this trip again anytime soon.
“Now why would I want to do that? We have everything we need right here. We're safe.” He stopped and tilted his head, examining my face for a moment. “You are here because you aren’t safe.”
“We do need your help.” I half-smiled, however I didn’t want to impose our problems on him. I wasn’t able to deny his presumptions though.
“I'm sure the king will do what he can. But his rule is
over our land only, so I don’t know if he will be of much help.” He stopped in front of a large golden yellow building.
We followed him into the building, taking in the ornate sculptures of long-gone elves and paintings of epic battles in the entryway with silent awe. None of us spoke as we took all the grandeur of the enormous hallway in.
We continued walking through the hall, on elegant Khasa marble flooring and past walls a dark color glinting with the lamplight, unlike any I’d seen before. When we reached two large grey marble stone doors, our guide stopped,
“This is the throne room. You will enter first, but I’ll be right behind you. Wait until he speaks to you.”
I entered the grand room behind Iri to what appeared to be court in session. There was a supplicant in the center of the room, about ten feet from where a single throne sat.
The king listened with his chin resting on his hand to the young elf in the middle, while rows of elves lined either side.
We were ushered to the side of the room to wait with the others and my spirits sank. Were they all waiting for a turn?
I’d hoped we’d have a chance to speak in private, but I should have known better. Now, I wasn’t sure we’d have a chance to ask anything. I turned my attention to the elf currently pleading his case.
It appeared he’d spent many nights courting another elf. Taking her out on expensive dates and showering her with gifts, while she’d only been trying to make an old boyfriend jealous. “She embarrassed me, used me, sullied my name. I ask you have her return everything I gave her and reimburse the cost of the dates. I want the chance to court someone who won’t use me for their own advantage. Thank you.”
My eyebrows shot up at his request. Would the king really humor his request?
My reaction wasn’t uncommon. I could see many of the ladies in the crowd politely muffling their laughter.
The king, on the other hand, showed no reaction to the story at all. When another elf whispered in his ear he sat up straight. “I will deliberate on your case later, Theodosius. You may leave.” He waved the young elf away, then gestured for us to approach. “We have a dreamwalker in our midst. You may approach with your party.”
We silently followed his command, walking into the center of the aisle toward where the other elf had stood while requesting help from the king.
“I am told you have come a great distance to ask for my help. As such, I will listen to what you have to say.” He gestured at me with his staff.
I stepped to the front of the group, moving a few steps closer before giving a low bow. “Thank you for allowing us to speak.”
“Tell us the story of the great Widow spider.” He tilted his head as the crowd gasped.
I told him everything, holding nothing back. From the very beginning when I had discovered I was a dreamwalker, to breaking into the prison to free Beru, and our journey since to find the Light Woman who we hoped held the key to the prison and would enable us to close the tear before any more damage was done.
When I finished, the king shook his head. “That is quite the story. I'm not certain if I should believe you. It sounds like a story for children to make them behave.”
“I assure you it is all true. We are here to humbly request your assistance to find the Light Woman.” I looked back at my group.
They were standing proudly as the crowd of elves snickered or outright laughed at our story. It was clear most did not believe what I had said.
I tried again. “We wouldn’t risk our lives for a story of make believe. We know there was a High Elf called the Light Woman. She held the key to the prison, but that was a long time ago. We think she passed the key on to another upon her death.” I looked around the room to see if my words had been believed but was met by more laughter.
“And who told you about this High Elf who holds such a key?” He banged his staff on the floor to regain control, and the laughter quickly died.
I glanced at Beru.
He’d been the one to tell us the story first, and the old witch had confirmed it. When he felt my gaze, he stepped forward. “It is I who first told them of the Light Woman. I am the one who broke free from the prison where I was held for over two hundred years.”
When Beru spoke, the room quieted fully. I wondered how much they knew about the prison and the war which had trapped him there.
The king was silent as he examined Beru from head to toe. He didn't ask questions though, perhaps because he knew about the war and the recent prison break. “You survived two hundred years in that horrible prison?” He motioned for Beru to come closer, looking intrigued in spite of himself.
Beru obeyed, approaching him to speak directly beside his chair.
I waited awkwardly, unable to hear their conversation from where I stood. I hoped whatever they were discussing meant he would help us.
As Beru returned to where the rest of us were waiting, the king shifted and sat up straight in his chair again.
“I have no interest in your wars, and I have no idea where the notion of a Light Woman came from. Rest assured, there has never been this person in the Halls of the High Elves.”
When he finished speaking, the elves in the building burst into laughter again, as if they’d merely been waiting for the signal.
“But—” I began, but Beru reached for my arm.
Shaking his head slightly, he pulled me back. “It's no use.”
I looked him square in the eye.
His face was blank, and his irritating lack of expression made me wonder if he had sabotaged this visit. Why had he done that? And why had he brought us here in the first place if he’d been planning to do this all along?
Chapter 20
Beru and I were invited to have supper with the king in his private quarters.
I was hopeful speaking with him in private would entice him to help us yet, if only I could convince him the Light Woman was real.
“I must admit, I’ve never heard a story like yours before. I'm surprised a mere woman was able to break into the prison and free such a great warrior.” The king held his chalice up in a toast to Beru.
I ignored the slight, biting my tongue for an opportunity to steer the conversation back to finding someone who knew the Light Woman or something about the key.
“Aria is a great warrior. I'm thankful she carried through and was able to free me. Despite my ignorance.” Beru smiled at me, his last comment sounding almost like a secret between us.
“I would love to hear this story.” He shoved a large drumstick in his mouth, ripping off a piece with gusto.
Beru lowered his head, seeming almost ashamed. “I didn't believe her at first. That I could be freed.”
I thought back to my many visits.
He’d ignored me so many times, no matter what I’d said or done. He’d had no faith in my ability to free him, but then again, neither had I at first.
“And now you’ve freed him? Has the aftermath been worth it?” The king’s eyes bored into mine, his drumstick resting on his plate as he waited for me to answer.
“Yes.” I agreed quickly, but the truth was I second-guessed myself all the time. Life would have been so much easier had I not broken into the prison. I forced the thought away, knowing I would have done anything to get Gavin back.
“You say yes, but then look away. Your eyes speak a truth different from your words.” He looked at Beru, gauging his reaction.
Beru was staring at me, his face pale with an expression I hadn’t seen before.
I wondered if I’d said something to hurt him and tried to smooth things over with the truth. “I was thinking about my brother. He’s the reason I agreed to dreamwalk in the first place. The ur'gels had taken him as a bargaining chip, after first killing another of my brothers to show me what they were capable of. But it has turned out well, now Gavin is home and we’ve found an ally in Beru.”
“You should not have broken into the prison. It sounds as if you have quite a mess to clean up now. But this is not
my war, therefore I cannot help. I wish you luck along your way.” He loaded more food onto his plate and shoveled it into his mouth, as though the subject was closed.
I wasn’t ready to accept his response. Surely, he must know something.
“You're certain there is no Light Woman?” I glanced between the king and Beru, trying to see if they were hiding something.
“Never to my knowledge.” He put his utensils across his plate, ending the subject.
Servants immediately descended to remove everyone’s plates. It was clear, even before Beore, our guide from earlier, entered the room and bowed, it was time for us to leave.
“You won't be safe up here in the clouds if they get free. No one will.” I gripped the table as I begged him to believe us.
“We will be safe on the island. Now you may go. I wouldn't want you to climb down the cliffs at night. People have been known to fall.” He stood and left the room without a backward glance.
“What are we supposed to do now?”
I turned to Beru, frustrated and scared. I hated having to tell the others we’d failed. There was no backup plan to finding the Light Woman, and I didn’t have any idea what to try next. I swallowed, wondering if working with Runa would end up being my only option.
“It was a long time ago. We need to keep asking people,” he leaned over to whisper so Beore wouldn’t hear.
“I’ll take you to the veil. You’re on your own from there, but we can do a little exploring before you leave if you’d like.” Beore’s wide, friendly face made me smile. Clearly, our elf guide was eager to show off his home some more.
“Thank you, we’d appreciate that.” Beru placed his hand on the small of my back, gently pushing me forward. The contact caught me off guard and I almost stumbled.
“You know, you could take a ship. The king only said you had to leave, he never said how.” Beore practically skipped as we walked through town.
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