Elfhunter

by C S Marks

  Deep in the Barrens, Gorgon rested in his lair, unaware that Gaelen would turn the use of the mirror to her own purposes as he grasped it in his left hand. He stifled a small cry of pain and shook his head in frustration. She was alone again from the look of things, and was somewhere in the forest. That would not suit his purpose, and he nearly abandoned his effort, but he had learned to wait at least a few minutes before doing so, as the pain had usually lessened a bit by then (actually, he just became used to it), and she might yet reveal something. This time he was rewarded, or so he thought, as she began muttering to herself.

  "About time someone did something about this horror. After all, we carried the King’s message to Lady Ordath ages ago! The Elves of Tal-sithian are behind us, of course, but what of Mountain-home? We shall need their aid. I’m not certain this course of Ri-Aruin’s is wise. I wish Nelwyn were here…I would speak of it with her."

  Speak of what with her? What of Mountain-home, indeed? What did Ri-Aruin intend? Gaelen now had Gorgon’s full attention, but he would get nothing more from her this day.

  When enough time had passed that he realized this, he broke contact, and when she sensed that he had gone, she nodded her head slowly in satisfaction. She had paid very, very careful attention during this exchange and had detected no hesitation at all from him. There was a feeling of voracious eagerness, as though she could sense his thirst for any information that would aid him in planning some great day of reckoning. She sensed no trepidation, no hint that he knew that she was aware of him.

  She rose and stretched her body in a small patch of sunlight, banishing the lingering chill. She would wait until tomorrow to find and report to Rogond; perhaps Gorgon would try again tonight to gain additional insight, and she would again pay careful attention, refining her skills at discerning his mood. The better she became at this, the better it would serve them. Though she was still revolted by his presence, she smiled inwardly as she sensed his cold heart probing and questing for information that he would never receive. He was the victim of the mirror now, though he did not know it.

  Having received Gaelen’s assurance that Gorgon was unaware of their knowledge of the mirror, the Company now set about the task of setting the trap. This involved a number of carefully staged scenarios in which Gaelen was present. She had perfected a series of signals to let them all know when the now-familiar icy feeling assailed her, and they would then be aware that they were all speaking in the presence of their enemy. They went on their guard immediately if Gaelen alerted them, and they would be extremely careful until she let them know that the feeling had passed.

  At such times, Rogond felt a nearly overwhelming urge to take her in his arms and comfort her, for though she concentrated hard on the task before her, her eyes still occasionally betrayed her revulsion and vulnerability. And though Gaelen had professed her faith in him, naming him Thaylon, she still had not responded directly to his declaration of love for her, and he dared not force her decision now. She had warned him of the consequences of doing so. If you press me, I shall turn from you, do you understand? He did indeed.

  As much as he might want to hold and comfort her, he would have to wait until she came to terms with her own feelings and had decided what her course would be. His future would be in doubt and darkness until then, but there was nothing to be done for it.

  For now Rogond was thankful for the difficulty of the task set before them, as it would occupy him completely until it was accomplished, and he would not have to worry so about Gaelen’s choice. She could not afford to be distracted by such matters at the moment, anyway. At least he was in his proper place at her side and would remain there until she sent him from her, or until his life’s end.

  As the intricate plan began to take shape, Ri-Aruin grew concerned, as it carried considerable risk to all who would attend the "council", including his eldest son and heir. He once tried to dissuade Wellyn from taking part, an effort that proved to be a spectacular failure. He then suggested the option of sending a large, well-armed contingent of Elves to directly engage Gorgon’s army, but thought better of it, as they did not know his exact location. If Gorgon became alerted to the presence of an army, he would deftly evade them, go into hiding, and emerge at a time of his own choosing. Then he would have had time to increase his forces to the point that they would do serious damage to the Elves of the Greatwood, as Nelwyn had foreseen. No, better to lure him into a situation he was not prepared for and vanquish him before he could gather strength. Summoning Rogond before him, the King prepared for his own part in the plan.

  Gaelen was brought to the court, and when they were fairly certain that she was not alone in her perception, they began to set their trap. Ri-Aruin let Gorgon know everything concerning the nature of the "secret council" that would take place in a mere three weeks’ time, at the next new moon. He also informed Gorgon that Magra had been sent for long ago and that he would no doubt be attending along with Ri-Aruin himself. Gaelen, Nelwyn, Rogond, and Galador would be sent ahead to scout the Barrens, and to make certain that they were secure. They would be accompanied by a small but doughty host of Wood-elves, who would assist them in clearing the area of hazards and sinister influences. They would also set up the accommodations and amenities that would be provided to their important guests.

  Ri-Aruin emphasized the need for concealment; they could not attract attention to this area, as he hoped to engage the emissaries of Mountain-home and Tal-sithian in secrecy. The council would no doubt occupy many days, but they would come to a decision with all speed, for it was the intent of the Elves to quickly prepare to make war upon Gorgon and his army.

  Deep in the Barrens, Gorgon’s heart leapt with this news, the first news of any real interest in a long time. This, obviously, was the meaning of Gaelen’s musings in the forest. He sat with his back to the wall, face twisted with pain, heart pounding, breathing hard and sweating with effort, trying to endure the mirror long enough to learn all that he would. He was rewarded for his pains, as he now had the promise of an opportunity to destroy Magra, Ri-Aruin, and some other very important but as-yet-unnamed Elf, emissary from Tal-sithian.

  So! They planned to make war upon him, did they? Well, once he and his army overwhelmed and slew everyone at the council, that plan would be far less likely. He could hardly contain the fire in his heart at the prospect, yet there was doubt. He debated on what the wisest course should be—according to the Elves he had only three weeks to amass an army large enough to ensure that the unfortunate ones attending the council would be easily taken. And first he would have to move from his present location, leaving no trace that he and his contingent of Ulcas had ever occupied this place. It was time to get moving!

  He would try to use the mirror more often, especially during the daylight hours, when Ri-Aruin was most likely to hold council. Though it would pain him, he knew it would yield much of interest, and he looked forward to learning more. Yet deep in his heart, he was wary. He knew that he would need a more powerful force to accomplish the havoc he was planning, yet it seemed almost as though the Elves were handing him his heart’s desire on a plate. He would need guidance.

  First he summoned Kharsh, informing him that the Black Command was to be ready to move on by nightfall. All traces of their presence were to be removed. Gorgon looked up with satisfaction at the gathering storm clouds in the west; a hard rain would wash much of the evidence away. He would move the army farther south until he received additional instructions.

  He moved then to a quiet chamber, instructing Kharsh that he was not to be disturbed under any circumstances. Once there, he cleared his mind and sent his thoughts out toward Tûr Dorcha, asking that he be allowed to come into the presence of the Shadowmancer.

  Since Lord Wrothgar had first come to him in his need, Gorgon had known that there was a sort of connection between them. Wrothgar seemed to know when Gorgon required guidance; had not Kharsh and the Ulcas been sent at just the right time? It was understandable that he should nee
d aid and counsel in matters such as this, for though Gorgon was powerful and highly intelligent, he still had little understanding of the ways in which people interacted and behaved. After all, he had lived much of his life in solitude. He could not relate to positive emotions of any sort and was susceptible to false promises and flattery. It would be far easier for the Elves to deceive him than he would like to admit.

  Now he concentrated hard on re-establishing communication with Wrothgar, for he required a much larger force if he was to attack and destroy Magra and Ri-Aruin, and he was still in some doubt.

  There were small, uneasy ripplings in his mind. What if, somehow, the Elves had discovered his mirror? Though he knew not how it could be so, he wondered. He had noticed a change, subtle but definitely there, in the way Gaelen carried out her affairs of late. There were differences in the way some of her friends reacted to her, as well. Could they be aware of his presence? If so, then this was a trap set for him by Ri-Aruin, and he must not fall prey. Yet he had no real evidence, only a gnawing doubt in his mind. Perhaps Wrothgar would be able to discern the truth, as He had great power, and therefore must be very wise.

  Had Gorgon but known, his connection with Gaelen was becoming stronger with each time that he invaded her senses. Just as she could, with concentration, make herself at least partly aware of his mood, he was also picking up some impressions of her state of mind. But unlike Gaelen, he was not perceptive enough to make real use of this, and so it resulted in a sort of vague confusion that he could not banish from his thoughts.

  Now he sat in silent anticipation, trying to keep his mind clear in expectation of the coming of the Dark Power. All at once his eyelids grew heavy, and the strength seemed to flow out of him as the vision came. He drew himself up, resting his head on his knees, fighting a wave of dizziness that had suddenly come over him, hearing the voice of Wrothgar inside his mind.

  Thou hast summoned Me, Elfhunter. What is thy need? What aid dost thou require? Art thou pleased with thy gift, and with the aid I have sent already to thee?

  Gorgon knew he was referring to Kharsh and the Black Command. He tried to respond, but a wave of weakness overtook him, and he could not speak.

  Wrothgar seemed not to notice. I sense in thee a need for guidance. What hast thou learned, and what is thy intended course? Speak, Elfhunter, that I may counsel thee.

  Gorgon found the strength to speak at last. "My Lord, I would ask for direction in an important matter. It seems my course should be clear, yet I am in doubt."

  Over the next several minutes, Gorgon told Wrothgar of his discovery of the Elves’ impending council. He had discerned from their conversations that there would be fewer than one hundred Elves present, including Magra and Ri-Aruin. Gorgon knew the Barrens well enough to feel confident that if he had a larger force under his command, he would overrun the Elves and slay them all. Yet, he held doubt in his mind. He could not explain this to Wrothgar, for he did not fully understand it himself. He just could not seem to avoid the feeling that the council was in fact a trap that had been set for him. Yet Wrothgar was undaunted. He heard what Gorgon would tell, and then answered him.

  Most worthy Elfhunter, dispel thy doubt. The opportunity is before thee to eliminate a powerful force in Magra, and to throw the Greatwood into chaos with the death of Ri-Aruin. Our enemies will tremble before thee… do not give in to thoughts of defeat, for thy forces must act with all speed. I will send thee aid; I will empty Tûr Dorcha and send My finest warriors. But they must leave at once and be swift, as thy plans for their use must be made in advance. More than five hundred warriors will move at thy command. Does that ease thy doubt?

  Gorgon, who had always worked alone, had difficulty imagining leading a force of five hundred. He had never gone into battle before, and the thought of his force going up against a small force of Elves, who would be taken by surprise, thrilled him. Yet, he wondered.

  "Lord, what if this is a trap set to decimate our forces? If the Elves have somehow allowed me to learn of their plan…if they hold the mastery…"

  They would have no way of discovering the existence of the mirror. They could not know to set the trap unless they had gained such knowledge. Dispel thy doubt and take thy prize. Bring to Me the head of Magra, along with the King of the Greatwood. I shall have both the gold and the ebony!

  Gorgon heard Wrothgar’s harsh, malicious laughter as he imagined the heads of the two Elf-lords being carried by their long hair. It was a pleasing thought. Wrothgar hated Magra in particular; the Elf had caused great difficulties during the Third Battle and had historically turned up to combat the Dark Powers when it was most inconvenient. Gorgon knew he would have to go forth despite his doubts. Wrothgar would never let such an opportunity pass.

  Strengthen thy resolve, Elfhunter, and go forth to vanquish thy foes. It will be an experience they will not soon forget, and thy name will bring sorrow and dread throughout Alterra. Is that not thy fondest wish? Go forth, now. There is not much time—My warriors will meet thee soon. I will give them armor and weapons the Elves will not withstand. When next I meet thee, bring My tokens that I may rejoice in thy victory. With these words, Wrothgar’s voice faded and was heard no more.

  Gorgon knew that the "tokens" Wrothgar was referring to were the heads of Magra and Ri-Aruin. He would have the might of the Shadow to aid him, and his doubts seemed to fade away even as Wrothgar’s voice had done. They did not return to disquiet him for a long while.

  Chapter 28: The Trap Is Set

  Now that the Company had laid their plans to trap Gorgon and his army, the reality of all that needed to be done came down hard upon them. Gaelen, of course, could be party to only those preparations they wanted Gorgon to witness, and it was occasionally quite frustrating staging elaborate displays only to wait, sometimes in vain, for Gorgon to use the mirror. Rogond worried constantly, though he gave no outward sign. They all knew the consequences of failure. Yet they were hopeful, as Gaelen gave no indication that she had received any warning sign from Gorgon. Everything was proceeding according to plan.

  Meanwhile, Gorgon and his forces were making preparations of their own. The host of Ulcas sent by Wrothgar had assembled in an area of the forest between Tûr Dorcha and the Barrens. Gorgon had been instructed to rendezvous with them there and to get to know his three new lieutenants. He was glad for Kharsh, who interacted well with them and smoothed over the initial difficulties. They spent some days planning the assault, but in the end it was quite simple.

  They would wait until all the Elves were occupied at the council, and after surrounding them the Ulcas would launch their attack, leaving none alive. Gorgon now had many skilled archers and swordsmen at his command, and though he did not reckon that the Elves would be taken without a fight, they would be so surprised and outnumbered that his forces would overwhelm them quickly.

  Gorgon inspected his new Company with approval. They were well armed and provisioned with armor that, while not of the same quality as his own, was still formidable. It would be very difficult to see the dull black armor as they moved by dark of night. Still it would be difficult to orchestrate a stealthy approach, as they would be in the close confines of the forest while in full armor, and would be at great risk of being heard. But Gorgon planned to wait until the council was well underway and the Elves’ attention was diverted. Hopefully, if there were lookouts, he would learn through Gaelen how many and where they would be found. Then his archers could eliminate them before they could raise the alarm.

  It was ten days until the council and just before dawn when Kharsh approached Gorgon as he sat brooding in his temporary headquarters.

  "I sense you are troubled, my lord," he said. "We are nearly ready, and the time for the council is not for many days yet. Is not everything proceeding according to your design? Why are you not content?"

  Gorgon snarled at him. "And what business is it of yours, Kharsh? My thoughts and plans are my own."

  Kharsh bowed low. "Forgive me, lord, I merely w
ant to make certain that we have not caused you to doubt our diligence or our dedication, nothing more. We have great confidence that victory will be ours. If something troubles you, it is of concern to me, for I have learned that your insights are usually quite worthy of attention."

  "Flattery will not avail you. I sense that you would have attempted to cut my throat long ago but for fear of the Shadowmancer. Your question, however, shall be answered. I am not content, for I have gained some rather disturbing impressions from my contact with the Elves of late. I cannot explain, as there is nothing definite. I just cannot seem to shake the feeling that they are planning something more than we are expecting."

  Kharsh was taken aback. Gorgon had not intimated that he was receiving any but useful insights from the Elves or that anything was amiss until now. "My lord, do you mean to say that you believe this may not go forward as planned? If so, this is fairly serious! Do you think we should proceed if we are uncertain?"

  Gorgon drew forth the mirror and held it before Kharsh, who immediately dropped his gaze. "The Shadowmancer expects a return for His gift, and if I do not bring Him that which He desires, I had better have a more compelling reason than a vague impression gleaned from the Elves. We must proceed, or face His wrath. He has made it plain to me that He will not tolerate failure, for He greatly desires the downfall of the Elf-lords. We must proceed, certain or no."