by D E Boske
Darian woke Kyler for the second watch. Shaz finally gave up and fell asleep. The Mage did not even notice. The elf made his rounds around the perimeter of their camp. He spotted a grey wolf trotting toward them. He held his hand out for the animal to smell. He did not act threatening. He whispered in elvish to it and the big wolf walked up to the elf, sniffing him. When it was satisfied, it whined, looking up at Kyler.
“Hungry, huh?” he took some dried meat out of his pack and fed it to the wolf. The meat quickly disappeared. Kyler rummaged in his pack again, coming up with an apple and the wolf made quick work of that as well.
Kyler ran his hands over the animal. Its coat was soft and thick. When he was satisfied, he seated himself on the rock and pulled his knees up to his chest. The grey wolf lay at the elf’s feet, head on its paws.
He looked up at the moon and stars, thinking of Destiny. He could not wait to see her again, to tell her how much he loved her. It had been just over two weeks already and it felt like months. How will I tell father? He thought. He will not be pleased. Both of his children were in love with Ni’ Kulana. Though it did not translate too well, it meant human or non-elf.
It was not that the elves hated humans. On the contrary, they had established good relations, even opened up a somewhat steady trading relationship, albeit with limits. When it came to marriage and courtship, the elves usually stayed within their own ranks. It was almost unheard of to see the two races inter-marry. Sometimes, an elf would take a human for a lover, but they rarely married.
He pushed those thoughts away. Rising, he walked the perimeter of the camp again, the
wolf close on his heels. The rain began to slow, finally stopping altogether. The horses grew nervous at the wolf’s approach. He stroked each one on the neck and whispered soothingly in each ear to calm them down.
He woke Shaz for the final watch, and the bounty hunter rose silently, for once at a loss
for words. He nodded to the elf letting him know he would be fine. That is, until he spotted the wolf. He froze in place as the animal bared its teeth. Kyler stroked its head, speaking in elvish to it. The wolf turned away, following Kyler back to his bedroll.
The bounty hunter woke them at dawn. To Kyler’s dismay, he noticed the grey wolf was gone. They ate a hastily prepared breakfast, packed their gear and were off again. The ground was sodden from all the rain. Tiny puddles dotted the ground where it could not absorb any more.
They rode under a cloud heavy sky, and it dampened their mood. The air was chill and had a sinister feeling. Shaz remained silent, not yet ready for another confrontation. The road was muddy, and the horses became mired in it. It took them much longer than they had intended, it was growing dark when they reached the city gates of Marubiel.
They entered without incident, but not without notice. The city guards were whispering among themselves and pointing at Kyler and the Mage. For the most part, they paid Shaz no mind.
They entered the west gate. No matter how many times Kyler came here, it never lost its impact. This part was seedy, the buildings dilapidated, shabby and badly in need of some paint. Demolition would be even better. The air smelled like rot and garbage, a putrid stench that mingled with the smell of unwashed bodies and sex.
The men, who stood outside, watched with wariness as they fingered their blades. The small company did not escape their notice. Only the presence of the Mage held them in check. For the tall Mage looked menacing and dangerous. Much more than a match for the likes of them.
They rode through the city to its center, where the nicer inns were, and hopefully less trouble too. They came to a sign that read the Platinum Pony. They removed their gear, turned the reins over to a stable hand and went inside. The innkeeper was a portly, balding man with a beaming smile.
“Hello, what may I do for you?” he asked.
“Two rooms please. One with two beds,” Kyler replied politely.
“Yes, yes of course. That I can do. Will you be taking a meal?”
“Yes, but first we’d like to bathe,” said the elf.
“Of course, of course, I’ll have C.J. show you to your rooms. If you need anything else, Dirk’s the name. Don’t you forget,” said the innkeeper.
“Thank you, Dirk,” said Kyler.
The innkeeper looked a little nervous. He kept rubbing his hands together and wiping his apron. His eyes went back and forth from Kyler to Darian. It seemed no matter where they went they were bound to draw attention to themselves. A Mage of The Order and an elf were strange company. Darian always took it in stride, never letting it bother him. It seemed not everyone had forgotten the Mages. There were still those who recognized them and knew who they were. Darian wondered if that was a good thing.
C.J. finally arrived. She was tall and buxom with long golden hair and piercing blue eyes. She was pretty of face and slender of figure. The dress she wore left little to the imagination. She gazed at each of them in turn before settling on Shaz.
“It’s been awhile. I thought you forgot about me.” She spoke to Shaz in a sultry tone.
“Forget about you? Never. Come see me when you get off.” He replied, feeling a little better about himself. Maybe the elf wasn’t her type.
She took them to the upper floor, giving them two rooms right next to each other. She let Shaz take her in his arms as he kissed her. Then she was gone, going back to work.
Kyler and Darian went to take a bath. As they sat in the hot water soaking, Shaz entered.
“I’m glad you’re here.” He said, taking them both in his riveting gaze.
“Before you say anything, please, let me speak. I have been a lousy companion. I have not shown you any gratitude for saving my life. I’ve been over critical, and I’m sorry. I understand if you want no part of me.”
Without waiting for a response, he started walking to the far side of the bathhouse. Green eyes met grey, and Darian blew an exasperated breath.
“Shaz, wait,” the Mage called. “Why don’t you join us?” He did his best to look sincere, but wasn’t sure if he succeeded.
Shaz turned, shocked. He thought it would have been the elf to speak first. This was easier than he had expected it to be. They bought it. He was one of them now. Now he would be able to undermine Darian and maybe get a chance at besting him. The bounty hunter hated the Mage and wanted to pay him back in full for the beating he’d taken.
He grinned and walked back, removing his clothes. He immersed himself in a copper tub that sat next to the other two. When his head broke the surface, he found Kyler smiling at him. The Mage was lying back with his eyes closed.
“I said some pretty harsh things. I sometimes talk before I think,” said Shaz, trying to sound sincere.
“We all do at one time or another,” replied Kyler.
“I don’t,” Darian said, looking at Kyler. Kyler and Shaz looked at him in disbelief.
“What?” he said to their stricken faces. “Well I don’t.”
“As long as you are sincere, do your utmost to get along, and do what’s best for the group that’s all anyone can ask,” continued the elf as if there had been no interruption.
Shaz looked to Darian, but he lay there and did not make a comment. Shaz observed the Mage. He was muscular, not scrawny, like every other Mage he had seen; which come to think of it, were few. There was something different about Darian. He had no fear of anything, and that was something the bounty hunter could respect.
“You’re still here?” the Mage asked, opening his eyes.
Shaz laughed, and the Mage and elf joined in. Instantly, it seemed as if he was one of them. For some reason, being one of them was very important to Shaz. For so long he relied on only himself. He was a loner with no friends.
Being a bounty hunter was a cutthroat business and Shaz was very good at what he did. He wanted their approval and their respect, especially Kyler’s. Nevertheless, old habits die hard, and he still did not like the Shivvendar. Their personalities clashed and the Mage’s superior attitu
de was hard to swallow. To Shaz it seemed as though the Mage thought he was better than everyone else and he didn’t understand how the elf could tolerate it.
They decided to go to the common room for dinner. Since the bathhouse was connected, they did not have far to go. When they walked into the common room, all eyes turned to the newcomers.
The Platinum Pony was a respectable inn, the patrons being merchants and the well to do. For the most part, the rabble stayed clear.
They found a table in the far corner. It was more secluded, so they would be able to talk more freely. A pretty, young serving girl came over to take their order. She could not take her eyes off Kyler. She flirted with him incessantly throughout the evening, not deterred when he did not respond. Both Shaz and the Mage watched her walk away every time, enjoying her shapely form.
“How do you do that?” asked Shaz.
“Do what?” the elf replied.
“Get all the girls,” Shaz said.
“I seem to recall a certain young girl kissing you earlier, not me,” Kyler remarked.
“And glad I am for that! I was beginning to think I had lost my boyish charm,” said Shaz. Darian, who had been sipping his ale, spit it out at Shaz’ comment.
“What do we do after you speak to the head of the council?” asked Shaz in a serious tone.
“I don’t know. We’ll see when we get there.”
“I’ve never been to Kiri A’ Nouell before. I’m looking forward to this,” said Shaz eagerly.
“So am I,” whispered Darian.
Kyler watched his friend for a moment before going back to his ale. The girl came back with the food and winked at Kyler. They ordered more ale and began to eat.
The meal consisted of thick slices of meat in brown gravy, whipped potatoes, fresh bread and yellow cheese. When the meal was finished, they rose one by one to retire to their rooms. The elf was last, and the girl came out of nowhere.
“Can I get you anything else?” she asked, moving closer.
“No. Thank you,” replied the elf as she put her hands on his chest.
“I’ve never seen you here before. Are you staying in town for a little while?” she asked, looking into his eyes.
“No. We’re leaving in the morning,” he replied, removing her hands.
“I get off in a few minutes. Would you like some company?” she asked, tilting her head.
“No. Please, I don’t even know you,” said the elf.
“My name is Missy,” she said, moving closer once more. Her perfume filled his head. She was touching him again, but not on his chest. He removed her hands again.
“Missy, you’re a beautiful girl.” She beamed at the compliment. “But I’m spoken for already. I’m sorry.”
“She doesn’t have to know. I could take you to my room out the back door,” she said in a pleading tone.
“I would know. I’m sorry. Good-night,” Kyler said, turning to leave. Missy watched him go, unable to believe he turned her down.
Kyler made it to their room without further incident. He related the whole story to Darian, who listened and shook his head, smiling. The Mage put his book away so they could sit at the table and talk.
They retired late and were in Ru Nay’ Sha when they heard a knock on the door. Kyler rose to answer it. It was Dirk the innkeeper, wanting to know how their stay was so far, and if they needed anything before he went to bed. Kyler told him no, bolted the door and came back to bed, a bit perturbed at being disturbed so late.
A few moments later, they heard a knock on Shaz’s door and assumed it was Dirk. They heard the table crashing over, and they heard laughter. Shaz had company, and her screams of pleasure lasted long into the night.
Finally, Darian had to enact a sound shield around their room so that they could rest. Kyler removed the pillow from over his head and smiled his thanks to Darian.
“I know what we agreed on, but that was definitely needed.” The Mage remarked from across the room.
6
The sunlight streaming in through the windows gently woke them. They rose, dressed and went to the common room for breakfast. They were almost through with their meal when Shaz came down, his eyes bright; seeming more relaxed than they ever saw him.
“Morning!” he said, happily seating himself at the table.
“Morning,” they replied, genuinely amused.
“If you wish to remain behind, we understand,” said the elf.
“Remain behind, why would you think that? You mean C.J.? Oh no, don’t get the wrong idea, I see her every time I come through here. We’re not serious or anything,” he replied.
He noticed at once the disapproval on the elf’s face. He could not understand why. It could not be that he had spent the night with C.J.? Surely, he did such things. What business was it of theirs anyway?
The remainder of the meal passed in silence, and soon after, they were on their way again. Kyler was anxious to see Kiri A’ Nouell once more. He had been gone many months now, and he longed to be back among his people. He conjured images of his favorite places, the many waterfalls and gardens that he frequented when he was home. He wanted to share these places with Destiny, but he was being foolish. The elves would never welcome her there. She was Ni’ Kulana. They would never understand his feelings for her, but Tynuviel would.
Suddenly, he wanted to speak with his sister. She would understand because she loved Darian. They really must work to get that resolved. Surely, they could find a way to be together. If only Darian confided in him. After all the time they had spent together, he should trust Kyler with any problem. He suspected there was a lot about the Mage that he did not know. Darian was thickly layered in secrets, and he did not let them go easily.
The sun was struggling against the clouds, trying to break free. They would camp out in the open tonight because there was not another town for many miles. The day passed easily; Shaz entertained them with stories of his past, and they laughed and joked like old friends.
“Say Darian, how did you get to become a Mage so quickly? I know of Mages that have been around a lot longer and you outrank them.”
Kyler knew Shaz was entering dangerous territory. Whenever conversation turned to the Mage’s past, he became a stone wall. He obviously did not like to talk about his time spent at Piri-Tuma.
“I paid attention and studied hard,” he replied noncommittally.
“Right,” Shaz said sarcastically.
The elf shot him a warning look and shook his head. In effect, telling him to drop this line of questioning. Shaz didn’t understand why Darian was so touchy about this subject. He thought the Mage would be proud of his accomplishments.
Darian seemed just as glad to pretend he was not who and what he really was. Why would that be? Shaz thought. Did Kyler know everything about the Mage, or had the Mage locked him out as well? He would ask later if he could get the elf alone long enough without drawing attention to them. He didn’t want the Mage to get angry and turn him into something. He enjoyed being a man and how good a woman could make him feel.
It was growing dark when at last, the clouds drifted away and the moon and stars emerged. The air no longer smelled of impending rain. They would have to stop for the night. They left the road and moved back fifty yards to a well-known campsite. There was a fire pit, neatly stacked wood for a fire and logs for sitting.
They tethered the horses and Darian built a fire. Kyler went off into the trees to catch something for dinner. He returned a short while later with two birds. He cleaned and dressed them, putting them on sharpened sticks to roast over the flames. Shaz sat on the ground with his back to the log; he put his hands behind his head and sighed deeply.
Darian laughed, and Kyler joined in.
“What’s so funny you two?” Shaz asked.
“You,” the Mage replied.
Shaz let the joke slide easily off him. Being with C.J. really helped to relax him.
Kyler told them stories of Kiri A’ Nouell and of his people. Shaz
was fully absorbed, but the Mage seemed preoccupied. Darian retired early, and it gave Shaz the chance to confront the elf about their companion.
“Why is he so touchy about his past?” asked Shaz.
“I don’t know. He has been like that since I’ve known him. I think something may have happened to him that he does not wish to be reminded of,” the elf said quietly.
“Why does he not wear his robes?”
“For the same reasons, I’m guessing. There’s a lot about him that he chooses to keep carefully concealed. I feel that when he’s ready, he’ll tell me,” replied Kyler.
In the morning, they ate quickly, eager to get back on the road. The sun was shining brightly, quickly raising their spirits. The horses’ steps even seemed lighter and they almost forgot the reason for their travel.
The smell of wild flowers drifted across the wind and butterflies flocked to them before flying away once more. The summer air was warm and quickly began to dry up any evidence of the recent rain.
Gently rolling hills dotted the landscape, bursting with wildflowers of all colors. They should reach the next city by nightfall. Along the way, they would pass a small farming community. It was nearing midday, and they were getting ready to stop and rest.
“Darian!” Kyler called, pointing some distance ahead.
“What is it?” the Mage asked, hearing the urgency in his friends’ tone. Then he saw the pillars of black smoke rising in the air and he knew there was trouble.
“Riders!” the elf called. “Let us go and meet them. All speed!” he called, pressing his knees to his horse.
They galloped off, hoping they would be in time to be of help. They were about one mile from the community when they met the riders, women clutching their children. There were no men. The Mage and the elf shared a look and knew the men were defending their homes.
“What’s happened?” asked Kyler of the first woman.
“Goblins!” she cried. “Goblins and a huge beast straight out of a nightmare. They attacked a short while ago. Please, will you help us?” she asked.
“We’re on our way.” Kyler promised. The woman breathed a sigh of relief through her tears and when she laid eyes on the Mage, she felt a surge of hope. For the tall, dark stranger could be none other than a Mage of The Order. Though he did not wear his robes, his bearing and his features told her what he was. Unlike many humans, she had not forgotten the Shivvendar and the allies they were since time began. Though they detached themselves from Corillia long ago, it could not remain so. It was unnatural. Looking at him now, she saw how at ease he was. He had power, power she could feel. She felt drawn to him in a way she had not thought possible. He winked at her and she felt a warmth flush through her.
