The Staff of Power

by D E Boske

  “I’m in need of a good, long dagger. I seem to have misplaced mine,” the man said.

  “In someone’s back no doubt,” grumbled Stryker in dwarvish to his companion. He took out an exquisite dagger from beneath the table and laid it down on a black silken cloth. The man could not keep the hunger from his eyes. Picking it up, he slid it free of its sheath, the sun gleaming brightly off the blade.

  “That be four hunnerd fifty fer the blade n’ fifty more if ye be wantin’ the sheath.” The stranger nodded absently, removing a leather purse and handing it over. Stryker handed it to Kibblewolf, who dumped the contents onto a scale and nodded to his companion.

  “That be one strange fella’.” Stryker commented once he was gone.

  “Yeah. Why’d you charge him fer the sheath? N’ Alebeard was only askin’ tree hunnerd,” replied Kibblewolf.

  “He comes by coin easily enough. He’s a thief as sure as I be standin’ here or I ain’t me mother’s son!” Stryker exclaimed.

  “Why does he travel with a bard?”

  “Dunno. I feel we ain’t seen the last o’ that one.” Stryker said.

  They stored the rest of the goods in a wardrobe and locked it. The iron bound money chest, they stuffed under the bed. After Stryker made sure all his traps were in place, they went down to the common room, seating themselves in a booth along the back wall.

  Supper was served and consumed and still no Koryn or Rohn. They were on their third tankard, when a haggard looking elf came through the door. He stopped at the desk and asked a few questions, then made his way to the dwarves’ booth, sitting down without invitation.

  “Well met. I am Tansher Morningstar, leader of the Knights of Shorlan.” Stryker and Kibblewolf exchanged worried glances.

  “What kin we do fer ye?”

  “Two of my men did not report to their post this morning,” the elf said.

  “Maybe they had a rough night and’re sleepin’ it off. Anythin’ else?” dismissed Rikert.

  “Shut up, stupid! Please fergive me companion, Tansher. What do ye wish to know?” asked Kibblewolf.

  “I was told they had drinks with you last night. I’ve been everywhere trying to find you. Do you know where they could be?” asked Tansher, concern in his amber eyes.

  “What’re ye sayin’? Koryn n’ Rohn’ve gone missin’?” said Stryker.

  “I’m afraid so. They are never late. I’ve exhausted all other possibilities and came to find you.”

  “We’ll do what ‘ere we can. Rohn left with Larai last night.” At the captain’s bewildered expression, Stryker quickly added, “The girl at the counter. Koryn left with a servin’ girl, but so far t’night, I ain’t seen ‘er.”

  “Thank you,” the handsome elf said as he prepared to take his leave.

  “Wait!” Stryker said urgently. The elf returned to his seat.

  “There was a thief here last night, could no take his eyes off o’ us. He’s tall, dark of hair and eye, with a scar below his left one. He had part o’ his hair tied back with a cord.”

  “How do you know he is a thief?” asked Tansher.

  “Mark me boy, that one’s a thief or a goblin’s me sire!” exclaimed Stryker. Despite the circumstances, Tansher laughed merrily at the picture his words evoked.

  “Glad I am to have finally met you. Koryn and Rohn speak very highly of you. I need to ask Larai some questions. Fare thee well and may your weapons smite your enemies,” He said in the traditional dwarven farewell.

  “May Shenna guide yer footsteps n’ see ye safely home,” they responded. The elf captain made his way back to the front counter.

  “May I help you?” asked Larai.

  “Yes, I hope so. I’m looking for Larai,” he knew it was she, but didn’t let on that he knew.

  “I’m she. Do I know you?” she asked, perplexed.

  “No. I am Tansher Morningstar, captain of the Knights of Shorlan,” he switched to elvish.

  “Is Rohn alright? What’s happened?” she asked worriedly.

  “I was hoping you could tell me. He did not show up at his post this morning. When is the last time you saw him?” he asked, amber eyes intent.

  “This morning. He walked me to work, then left to his post.”

  “Did you see anyone around who looked suspicious?”

  “No, not this morning, but last night a stranger and a bard came in for rooms. It seemed to me they knew each other, though they didn’t speak. The tall stranger did nothing but watch the dwarves, Rohn and Koryn.”

  “Have you seen him this evening yet?”

  “No, but their rooms are paid in advance,” said Larai softly.

  “Thank you. Send word if you see this stranger.”

  “I will. Please, let me know when you find out anything new.” He nodded to her, gripped her hand in silent assurance, and then he was gone.

  Rohn awoke to the sweet sound of harp music. He tried to open his eyes, but could not. His hands and feet were bound and he was gagged. His keen elven senses told him there were two others here with him and he suspected he knew who they were. What in Shenna’s name do they want with me anyway?

  He could feel the magical pull of the music and not for the first time, wondered why the bard traveled with the tall stranger.

  “Ah, it seems our guest is awake. I’m terribly sorry for the way in which we brought you here, but, under the circumstances I felt that it was best. Now, I will remove the cloth gag if you promise to behave.” Rohn nodded stiffly and the stranger removed the gag.

  “What am I doing here? What do you want with me?”

  “Well, I was fairly certain you would not come willingly. Was I correct in my assumption?”

  “What do you want from me?” he repeated.

  “Some information, nothing more. Tell me what I wish to know and I will set you free. I have no wish to harm you. I have no quarrel with the Knights, nor do I want one,” said the dark stranger.

  “A little late for that now, don’t you think?” the elf asked, holding up his bound hands.

  “Once again, I will sever your bonds, but do not try anything foolish.” The stranger said as he carefully cut Rohn free.

  “You must be famished. I took the liberty of ordering for you. There’s roast chicken, Nykessa and a crusty loaf with wedges of yellow cheese.” At the mention of food, his stomach betrayed him.

  “Release the spell,” he told the bard. Almost at once, Rohn could open his eyes.

  “Please, eat first. Then we can discuss what I wish to know.” Rohn could sense no poison, so he ate his fill.

  “What is it you want to know?” asked Rohn, wiping his mouth on a napkin.

  “It took me a long time to find you. I never gave up though. You had to be somewhere. You couldn’t just disappear, could you? But, I’m getting off the subject. I want to know about the Mage and his companions. Tell me of them.”

  “What? What Mage? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Rohn, more confused

  than ever.

  “Do you take me for a fool? Are you trying to pretend that Kyler has not come through here yet?” he said angrily.

  “He has not.”

  “Maybe that sweet girl you’re sleeping with would know something, do you think?” he asked, quietly threatening.

  “No! She doesn’t know. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Kyler has not been here

  in quite some time.”

  “You know what? I believe you, but I’ll be staying here for a while and should he appear, I guarantee the Mage will be with him. That’s who I want, the Mage. Oh by the way, he travels with someone who may be of interest to you.”

  “Really, and who would that be?” he asked disinterestedly.

  “Ah, you are either very good at hiding emotion, or you really do not know.” He stroked his chin, deep in thought. He knelt down before Rohn, looking him in the eye. “Your sister,” he whispered softly, for the elf’s ears alone.

  It was as if he shouted it. Rohn sat
quietly, in shock. He did not know if he believed the stranger. He had no idea what motivated him, what he wanted, or who he was. He did not understand what was happening. If it were true, he might see his sister again. A knot formed in his belly at the thought of the unlikely reunion. She thought him dead at the very least. What was she doing coming this far west? And when had she met up with Kyler? Who was this Mage?

  He had many questions. Questions he was sure his captor would not answer.

  ﴾﴿ ﴾﴿ ﴾﴿

  She opened her eyes slowly, her head still pounding. Wiping stray strands of her silvery blue hair out of her eyes, she tried to sit up. Waves of dizziness overtook her and she lay back down. She needed to get to Al-Dan-Tir. She needed to warn them all. She lost her grip on reality, slipping into unconsciousness once more.

  ﴾﴿ ﴾﴿ ﴾﴿

  They came upon her three days past Mishkalan. Chamlen came trotting back to Kyler.

  “There’s been trouble here recently. There is an elf, she’s unconscious and near death.” He led them back to where he found her. There were at least a dozen slain goblins strewn about her. She was pale, her silvery blue hair matted with dried blood. Darian lifted her gently and laid her on a blanket that Chamlen had spread out for her.

  Her breathing was shallow and uneven. She did not have long to live and the Mage had no time for secrecy if he was to save her. From inside his Shryvven, he withdrew an Orb and began to sing to it in an ancient elven tongue. It blazed to life, bathing her in a soft, golden light.

  She had many cuts, scrapes and punctures from goblin arrows and a deep, bloody gash on the back of her head. The light enveloped her and slowly, her natural color began to return. The cuts, scrapes and punctures vanished before their astonished eyes, leaving fresh new skin.

  “Make a litter for her. She will not wake for some time, and we need to get away from this field of death,” the Mage commanded.

  “Darian, you need rest. Will you be alright to travel?” asked Nephraete, who could feel his strain.

  “I’m fine,” he lied. He was on the verge of collapsing. Healing took a lot out of him because the power came from within the one healing; unlike spellcasting where you pulled the power from the Magical Weave. When the victim was this close to death… He marveled that he retained consciousness. When he’d healed Gayla, he collapsed. He wanted to give in to the blackness encroaching on his consciousness. It took everything in him to remain on his feet now.

  The elves worked quickly and soon had a litter made. They transferred her to the litter, wrapped her in an extra blanket and were soon moving on again.

  It was growing dark when they stopped. Darian gave in to the exhaustion at once.

  “Well, the all-powerful Mage has limits,” said Shaz caustically.

  “Let’s see you heal someone. You’re nothing but a hired thug!” Tynuviel snapped, pushing past him and going to Darian.

  “Say excuse me, bitch!” Shaz made as if to follow her, but found himself surrounded by angry elves, blades drawn. Kyler was in the center with him.

  “Shaz, your manners are poor and sometimes nonexistent. You try my patience and one morning you will wake to find yourself alone. We are lighter, swifter and can go days without rest. But you… You are Ni’ Kulana and can do none of these things,” Kyler said scornfully as he spat on the ground. This was a side that none present had seen before and they were shocked.

  “You cannot ditch me like some bad date. I’m a tracker, remember? Besides, the council said that I was to accompany you.”

  “To track an elf, you must have superior skill and patience. Somehow, I think you lack these abilities. As for the council, I let you come along. Don’t think I can’t change my mind. There’s not an elf present that will stand by you.” He replied contemptuously. He turned to Asa and in elvish, told him to make sure they watched Shaz at all times. At Shaz’ questioning look, Asa sneered, twisting his handsome face into an evil caricature. The elves reverted to their native tongue, no longer feeling the need to be polite. Those times were past now.

  “Takasha, Kyler! What was that thing?” asked Asa in elvish.

  “I do not know, brother. I still do not know much about him. I get the feeling he wished to keep this a secret, but she had not long to live.”

  “Our sister has not given up I see. I hate to see her fawn over him like that. Especially knowing he will reject her once he wakes.”

  “I know, but she loves him. In time… who knows? Do not let Shaz out of your sight. He has tried my patience for the last time. And if need be, kill him.” Eagerness shone in Asa’s eyes.

  “I will make sure of it. Consider it done.”

  “No Asa. Only as a last resort. We are not murderers. We are elves and that is not our way. Kill him only if there is no alternative, no other option.”

  “Of course,” Asa replied, a little disappointed.

  Everywhere Shaz turned, there were elves. He was sick to death of them. He longed to be on his own again, but this smelled like an outrageous adventure and he did not want to miss it. Kiel watched him intently. It seemed he had worn out his welcome. They no longer spoke in common, but reverted to the elven tongue. Oh well, he thought as he watched Nephraete bend over to pick something up. Now that’s a lass with a fine lookin’ ass! He thought with a smile.

  Well, if he woke up and they were gone he would be better off. Then he could turn for Mishkalan and the best-known brothel in these parts. How he longed for the sins of the flesh!

  He watched as Tynuviel cradled Darian’s head in her lap as she hummed, softly stroking his face. The sight was enough to make him spew. He shook his head, unable to understand love on any level. He saw Nephraete look longingly at Kyler and he almost laughed aloud. Even he had to admit they looked good together. It was as if they were made for each other. He did not believe in destiny, fate, or much of anything else though.

  He did not think they would leave him behind. Whatever Kyler and Asa spoke of, he knew it couldn’t be good. The seriousness in their tone and eyes told him as much. He figured it was about him they spoke, who else? Asa had murder in his eyes. He decided to tread lightly for now. At least until things calmed down. He was a good fighter, but he was not conceited enough to believe that he could best nine elves and a Mage. He would have to be on his best behavior for a while.

  He was not a thief but if he were, he would attempt to steal that Orb. He knew it was ancient, the tongue Darian had spoken only confirmed as much. Where did he come by such an artifact? He really needed to be more careful when choosing his foes. Why was Darian on his own outside of Mogan Dar anyway? The Shivvendari rarely left their magical city, usually only in times of war. Was he in exile? Were they after him to kill him because he left? So many questions, so little time. He burned with curiosity. He was fairly certain Kyler did not know either. In

  fact, the only one that did know was passed out from exhaustion.

  He had watched the Mage carefully since his return. Each night Darian would leave the camp. As to the where and the why of it, these questions weighed heavily on the bounty hunter’s mind. When he left, he was so secretive, always looking around to see where Tynuviel was. He filed the information away for use later. He fell asleep to the watchful eyes of Lorin and Tireniel.

  18

  “Kiri A’ Nouell is less than a day ahead. We’re getting close.” Krayven announced upon his return from scouting.

  “What do you plan to do when we get there?” Tryndil asked Kryndale.

  “I do not know. I have to find a way to get her alone so we can talk. I need to understand why she left, why… I know she does not love me. It is obvious. She should have told me; I never would have forced her to marry me. I thought… I thought she felt the same. I cannot force her to go back to a life she loathes. I love her Tryndil, and it pains me to know that she’d rather risk her life to flee her father and her land than be with me,” he said for Tryndil’s ears alone. The others did not bother them, but went about their tasks quick
ly and efficiently. This was why he’d chosen them.

  “I’m sorry, friend. You’ve known all along then?” asked Tryndil, as he put his hand on his friends’ shoulder.

  “I suspected, but the closer we get, the more certain I become. If she just would have confided in me. We have been friends for years and I just assumed she felt the way I do. Takasha! I feel like a fool!” the leader of the Gor Li’ Khan said, hanging his head.

  “I think you are too hard on yourself. Anyone who saw you two together thought you

  were a perfect match. No one could have known how she truly felt. Thelarki, had he known her true feelings, would probably have forced the marriage anyway. Do we go on or turn for home?”

  “I must find her. I have to see her again, to hear her voice. You must think I’m crazy,” said Kryndale softly.

  “Not at all. I’ve been there before. Remember Tryllia?”

  “Oh yeah. Whatever happened to her?”

  “I don’t know. It took me a long time to get past those feelings, with your help. Do not worry, it will pass. It just takes time. And some female companionship helps as well.”

  In the morning, they set out for Kiri A’ Nouell. Kryndale and Tryndil felt certain that the magic of their forest kin would not keep them out.

  Once inside, they would use their innate abilities to blend in and get to the king. If anyone knew anything, he surely would. If they stayed close to him, they were bound to find out something.

  It was late afternoon when they neared the border of the forest. Kryndale and Tryndil were in the lead. Never once did they slow their steps or seem unsure of their actions. They approached the magical barrier and walked right through.

  The late afternoon sun shone through the trees, lighting their path with soft, golden light. The rest of the Gor Li’ Khan stepped through only seconds later. An overwhelming sense of ancient beauty struck them all. Kryndale was in awe of this place.