The Staff of Power

by D E Boske

  A deep sadness overwhelmed him when they first set out from Kaleika Bay. He could not explain it, but somehow it seemed as though he was finally home. This place was beautiful, serene, and for long moments, all they could do was stare.

  Opaque platforms created a complex network of walkways above ground. They built their homes in and around the trees, careful not to harm them. They seemed extensions of the trees themselves. Kryndale seemed to come around first.

  “Use your magic to blend in with your surroundings. Tryndil and I will appear to be alone and request an audience with the king. Once we find out what we need to know, we’ll prepare to leave. Do not under any circumstances harm anyone.”

  “Do you think he’ll tell you anything?” asked Kralkor.

  “I don’t know, maybe. Nephraete is no fool, she probably told him I would come for her. Ready?” When he looked back, all he saw were trees.

  The forest was conspicuously silent. They met no one along the way until, almost out of nowhere, an elf stood before them.

  “Greetings, it has been too long since you’ve been home. I trust you have not been harmed since your arrival?”

  “No, we’ve seen no one ‘til now. You knew we were here?”

  “Aye. I am Kinistaya. The Monarch sent me to make sure you find your way.”

  “I am Kryndale, this is Tryndil. Thank you for your guidance.”

  “You will be required to surrender your weapons until after your audience with the Monarch,” Kinistaya said, motioning to the trees. At his request, a company of elves materialized behind them.

  “I would expect nothing less.” Kryndale nodded to Tryndil and they removed their weapons and surrendered them.

  Kinistaya was the perfect host. On their way to the Monarch, he talked easily with them as if they’d known each other for some time. His calm manner put the Gor Li’ Khan at ease. When they approached the Monarch’s guard, they stood aside to let them pass.

  Kryndale paid attention to everything. Nothing was too small to escape his notice. He memorized each face he saw. For later use, if need be, should things not go well with the Monarch.

  “Dyvana, he’s expecting us,” said Kinistaya.

  “Yes, of course,” he nodded and knocked on the door.

  Galavad opened the door, taking Kryndale by surprise. His appearance was simply stunning. He was tall and lean, his hair was long, blonde and had several intricate braids. Piercing green eyes met the Gor Li’ Khan’s. He was everything a ruler should be.

  “Come in,” he said, standing aside. This was no audience hall, but the Monarch’s own personal chamber! Thelarki would never allow anyone in his personal chambers. Either he was everything he appeared to be, or he was a fool. Kryndale did not think him a fool. No, he could be coldly calculating even as he smiled and welcomed them.

  “Please, be at ease,” Galavad said, motioning them to sit.

  “Our thanks. I need some information and I believe you can help me.” Kryndale began, but the Monarch held up his hand.

  “First, why don’t the others’ come out of hiding? I do not believe only two of you set out from Kaleika Bay. I know Blavven Krill is deadly, but for you, the legendary Gor Li’ Khan, this should be a minor inconvenience.”

  So, he knew who they were. What else did he know? Kryndale signaled to the others and they materialized before them at once.

  “Kinistaya, why don’t you show them to their rooms? I’m sure they would like to clean up. It’s been a long, hard road.” Kinistaya bowed and left with Krayven, Kralkor, Malchyr and Loganthar.

  “Now, we may speak openly,” said the Monarch.

  “You’re very perceptive. I need to know, where is Nephraete?”

  “Ahh, you must be Kryndale. I am Galavad.”

  “I’m sorry. My manners are lacking, I’m sick with worry. Galavad if you know, please tell me where she is.”

  “She is gone. She left with my son Kyler. They are on their way to Thunder Peak to meet with the dwarves. Morphindinaetlus is free once more and has begun to ravage the land. He is building an army of fire dwarves and goblins. War is at hand. Will Thelarki and Kaleika Bay stand with us?”

  “Thelarki cares only for himself. He did not send us to aid you. We came on our own. I was to wed Nephraete, but I fear she holds no love for me. I think she ran to get away from me.”

  “What are your intentions, then?” asked Galavad.

  “I just want to make sure that she is alright. I do not intend to try to make her return with me. I’m not that kind of man.”

  “Well Kryndale, I will extend the same offer to you that I made to Nephraete. You and your company are welcome to stay as long as you like. If you do not wish to return home, we would be honored if you would remain here with us.”

  The Gor Li’ Khan leader did well to hide his shock. He could not believe that Galavad would offer them a place among them so easily. Thelarki led them to believe their forest kin would be hostile.

  “Thank you, that’s very generous. Do you have a map that we might use? I intend to go after her in the morning.”

  “Of course, let me make myself clear though. I have granted Nephraete my personal protection. If you harm her or my people, you will bring down my wrath.”

  “I did not come here to harm anyone, especially Nephraete. I just need to see her again. If she only told me how she truly felt, I…”

  “I’m sorry. I can understand how you must feel. I’ve been there a time or two myself.” Kryndale found that hard to accept. If Galavad’s son was as handsome, he could imagine losing Nephraete to him.

  They passed the rest of the day in each other’s company and before they realized, it was time for the evening meal. Tiriel entered the room pushing a cart laden with food.

  Kryndale and Tryndil rose respectfully and helped her. The rest of the Gor Li’ Khan entered soon after and seated themselves.

  “This is my wife Tiriel,” Galavad said.

  “It is truly an honor to meet you,” said Kryndale, introducing the Gor Li’ Khan.

  After supper, Tiriel excused herself and let the men return to business. She left Nykessa

  and glasses for them and quietly shut the door. Galavad poured a generous amount into each glass.

  “They travel with a Mage of terrible power. Be wary and do not anger him. I do not know where they are for they left weeks ago. Continue west and you will meet up with them eventually. You will pass Mishkalan first and then Marubiel. Pass Marubiel by and do not enter if possible. It is a town of cutthroats and thieves. The town of Limmin is farther north on the Logan Plains. The last city you will see before you reach the dwarves is Al-Dan-Tir. That is the largest human city and it is southwest. I will have Kinistaya gather supplies for you. Most likely, by the time you reach Al-Dan-Tir, you will have to stop. The Logan Plains are vast and the last town before Al-Dan-Tir is Limmin. They lie many weeks apart. Be safe and may Shenna guide you safely home.” It was late when Kryndale and company returned to the rooms Galavad had been so generous to supply for them.

  Morning dawned bright and early. Among the supplies Kinistaya brought them, were two pairs of soft leather boots. The Monarch, his consort and Kinistaya saw them off personally. They wasted no time, taking off at a hard pace. They had come so far already, only to find they had many leagues to go yet.

  Kryndale did not intend to stop until they absolutely had to. They could go for several days without rest if need be. And he intended to see that they did. Galavad told them that his son traveled with a human. This would slow them down. They needed to catch them before they reached Thunder Peak.

  They were nearing Marubiel when the sky turned black, blotting out the sun. Lightning raced across the horizon and thunder boomed in the distance. Autumn storms were harsh and unforgiving.

  “I think we should seek refuge from the storm,” advised Krayven.

  “This is the one place we were told to avoid if we could,” said Kryndale.

  “Under normal circumstances, we’d
all agree. But with this storm, I think we’d be better served in a warm, dry inn with a hot meal and cold ale,” mused Tryndil. They all nodded their agreement and took off for the city gates.

  Once inside the city, they understood the Monarch’s caution. It was drab, seedy and all that walked the streets were people with dark intent. They gave the Gor Li’ Khan a wide berth, as if they sensed their own demise should they cross swords.

  They made it to the center of the city to an inn called Dragon’s Bane just as the rain turned to a deluge. The wind picked up, blowing garbage and anything else that was not properly secured, past the travelers. The common room was warm, bright and Kryndale secured their rooms while the others seated themselves at a large table. The innkeeper tried without success to hide her surprise at the appearance of six elves in her establishment.

  “I need rooms for the six of us please,” said Kryndale in perfect common.

  “That’s three silvers each a night,” said the innkeeper warily. Kryndale gave her two gold coins and she gave him two silvers in change.

  “Are you returnin’ home then?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “Course not. You goin’ after Kyler, aren’t you?” At his unreadable expression, she continued. “Well, they’re sayin’ he killed that girl, but I don’t rightly believe that. See, Kyler’s stayed here many a time and been nothin’ but polite. He even pointed out to me that I undercharged him once. I can’t see him doin’ this. Even though Dustin says he saw him leave Missy’s room. I ain’t sayin’ he’s a liar, but there must be some other explanation. Right?”

  “Indeed. Do not worry; we’re not here to cause trouble.” He made his way to their table, where they spoke their native tongue.

  “What was all that about?” asked Tryndil.

  “It seems they think Kyler murdered someone. Not the innkeeper though. She swears he could not have done it. Maybe we should look into it. She thinks we were sent after him. This could work to our advantage. We could ask some questions, even demand answers. They won’t know the difference,” responded Kryndale.

  “Why do we care? Why should we get involved?” asked Tryndil.

  “Information is powerful, my friend. We’re to meet up with Kyler and this information could grant us a place in their ranks,” replied Kryndale.

  “You desire this?” asked Tryndil.

  “For now, yes. I need to learn more about them and what better way than to travel with them?”

  “To what end? What do you mean to do? You do not intend to return home, do you? You’re going to accept the Monarch’s offer, aren’t you?” asked Tryndil, unsure of his feelings on the matter.

  “What offer?” asked Krayven.

  “Galavad said we would be welcome to stay as long as we like and I am seriously considering his offer. I have not been happy working for Thelarki for some time. Having no other option at the time, I kept my feelings secret. Now, I have a choice. Whatever your decisions, I will not hold it against you. As for me, I will never return to Kaleika Bay. I will make my home in Kiri A’ Nouell with our long distant kin. If you should decide to return home, tell Thelarki I was killed,” explained their leader.

  “I cast my lot with you my friend, I’ll not abandon you. I won’t miss our former employer either. I long to work for someone who appreciates our talents and uses them wisely,” replied Tryndil.

  With their two leaders switching sides, it left the others very little choice. If they returned home without them, the repercussions could prove fatal. They decided that none would return to Kaleika Bay. For once, they all felt a unified sense of purpose and peace. Now they would have no fear should they fail in their mission. Thelarki was a vengeful master and they were happy to be rid of him. They looked forward to serving Galavad and in turn Kyler, the Monarchs’ chosen.

  Outside, the storm worsened. Rain beat down, the wind howled and the thunder played an ear-shattering dirge. People began filing in to escape the storm and pass the hours by drinking. Soon, the common room was full to bursting with a host of curious gazes directed at the elves. To their credit, they appeared oblivious.

  “If anyone approaches, you do not speak common. I will handle the situation.” Kryndale commanded in elvish.

  Before long, they received their meal. They had been on the road a long time and even this paltry fare tasted good. The Dragon’s Bane inn did not have Nykessa, so they drank ale and wine from Al-Dan-Tir.

  In the morning, they went to the Platinum Pony. At the sight of the elves, the innkeeper nearly fainted. Carefully placed questions led them here to this man Dirk, by the description they had.

  “M-m-m-may I help you?” he asked, scrubbing at an invisible spot on the counter.

  “We need some information Dirk.” The fact that they knew his name was unsettling to him.

  W-w-w-what do y-you wish to know?” he asked, clearing his throat.

  “We need to see the room where Missy was found.”

  “Of course. Of course, it’s this way,” he led them to her room. I’ll be downstairs if ye need somethin’ more. I have no desire to see this anymore.”

  “You may go. If I need anything else, I know where to find you.” Kryndale said, firmly in control. Dirk nodded and headed back down the stairs.

  They went inside, closing the door for privacy. Malchyr stood guard while the others searched the room. They did not know what they were looking for, but so far, there was no evidence of foul play. Kryndale took his time, absorbing all the details. The air had a foul smell that made his skin crawl. He sensed magic, very faint, but there nonetheless.

  Krayven stood over a dark stain on the floor. He dropped to one knee, running his

  fingers over it. He beckoned to Loganthar, who came over, looking vaguely alarmed.

  “What is this, can you tell me?” asked Krayven. Loganthar nodded, looking sick to his stomach. He cast a simple spell.

  “It’s blood mixed with … with… dragon se…” he reeled away, vomiting into an empty chamber pot. Krayven thought he knew what Loganthar was going to say and his stomach heaved violently, bile rising in his throat.

  “Krayven, what is it?” asked Kryndale, a bit concerned at what could make two of his best react like first year novices.

  “Blood. The girl… she… she… she coupled with the dragon,” responded Krayven, clenching his teeth to keep from vomiting.

  “Are you certain?” asked Kryndale intently. Krayven nodded.

  “This is good. It means Kyler was not the one who killed her. Now, we have our proof.”

  They stood before the angry townsfolk to present their case. Kryndale took charge, telling them only what he thought they should know. He left out the grislier details. He wanted to spare the girl her dignity, though he suspected she did not know it had been a dragon to share her bed. Now he knew the power of Morphindinaetlus.

  He assumed Kyler’s form. It was the only explanation. He must make the crowd see this as well. From the looks on many faces, he had his work cut out for him. As he began to tell the story, many accepted it, relieved. A few still clung to their beliefs, growing angry.

  “Of course they’re gonna’ protect him! They’re his people! They’ll just cover it up for him. Let him do it again. I say we don’t let his kind back in our town!” shouted one man.

  “How do we know that what you say is true?” asked another.

  “We found many troubling things. We would spare you this, please. Do not make me prove it further.”

  “You have proven nothing, but that you protect your own,” said Dustin.

  Dirk was uneasy. This was not going well. He knew it would not be easy. Missy was well liked. The crowd was getting out of control, arguing amongst themselves.

  “She slept with the dragon!” shouted Kryndale, trying to regain control. The crowd quieted immediately, shocked into silence.

  “The dragon assumed Kyler’s form, she had no idea. The stain on the floor is not just her blood. It is from the dragon too. We found a few o
f his scales in the bed as well. There is no doubt. He drained her life force and waited. He wanted one of you to see him, the perfect crime. The dragon has ever been our enemy. And what better way to defeat us all than to have us arguing with each other?” Kryndale finished quietly.

  “Our thanks to you for putting this matter to rest. You must understand, she was a nice

  girl and well liked. We just want to be sure the right one is punished for this. Now that we know the truth, and there can be no doubt now, how then can we exact revenge? Kryndale is right. The dragon has ‘ere been our enemy and would like nothing better than to devour us all. What do we do now?” asked Kal, squashing any arguments that might remain by showing he supported the elves fully.

  “Is there somewhere we can speak more openly?” asked the leader of the Gor Li’ Khan.

  “Yes, my office is this way,” said Kal. The crowd soon dispersed, much to the relief of Dirk. He always knew Kyler was innocent. The elf had taken no interest in her though the girl had tried. It all made a strange kind of sense.

  Later that same day, the Gor Li’ Khan set out once more, determined to catch Kyler.

  19

  Darian was lost to them for a day and a half. Tynuviel stayed with him the whole time. She ran her fingers through his hair and put cool cloths on his forehead. At last, his eyes fluttered open.

  “Gayla?” he asked softly.

  “No Darian, it’s Tynuviel,” she said, trying to stop the tears from falling. Gayla was the beautiful girl she’d met in Mogan Dar. She said they were lovers at one time. Well, apparently they picked up where they’d left off.

  The Mage sat up quickly, aware of what he’d blurted out. He cursed his foolishness. Well, now she knew. The tears ran freely down her cheeks.

  “Ty, I’m sorry. This is not how I wanted you to find out. In fact, I never wanted you to find out at all. I’m sorry.”

  “Darian, I don’t know what else to say. There was never anything between Trighton and me. I’ve always loved you. I hope she makes you happy.” She left him sitting there to collect his thoughts.