Brinks in Time: The Unification

by Tom Rogal

  Levus asked, “Why didn’t we just stay in Barnat?” It would have been more comfortable there.”

  Divi explained, “This way will ensure us safe passage. As Izaris said, elves can be very territorial. They like to know everyone that enters their woods and whether they are friend or enemy. This alcove is perfect, as it is in their woods, but also far enough away so they would not be alarmed by our presence. I stay here anytime I visit them.”

  “I’m sorry if I’m asking so many questions. This is just all new to me.”

  Divi laughed and said, “Don’t feel bad. I’m sure you’ll have even more questions tomorrow when we first meet them. We should get some sleep, though. I’ll have more to tell you before we enter Lozela, and I’ll need your full attention for that.”

  “A few questions” was an underestimation. He probably had a day’s worth of questions, but she was right. They had been traveling all day and it would be wise to get as much sleep as possible. Levus fell asleep minutes later with the exuberance that he could be one of the first people from Arnis to see a real elf.

  Divi woke Levus early in the morning. The night had gone by without incident, which in these woods was a good thing. She stayed up longer than Levus had just to listen to the surroundings. The forests around Lozela were always so active. The insects seemed to chirp melodious songs while the birds' mating calls could drive anyone into euphoria. She could only imagine what Levus dreamed of last night, as those who slept here tended to have the most pleasant dreams they ever had. She could attest to that. Her attention, though, was trying to stay fixed on the winds. It was one of the secret ways the elves communicated with each other, much faster even then a mage’s telepathic messages . . . and more reliable. Telepathy could go only so far, depending on how powerful the mage was, and had many limitations. Since elves used the wind, the world was open to them.

  After making sure the horses were sufficiently fed and had enough water, Divi led them southwest through the woods. Levus was more than impressed by all the different leaf colors on the trees. The Dyyros Woods never got like this, even though many of the trees here looked like the ones on his home continent. In addition, the leaves only changed color when it was near winter. He could have sworn some of the leaves were changing from green to gold when the sun hit them.

  They passed many interesting animals on their way. Levus recognized deer like the Styligius back home, only their antlers were much larger. A kill like that would make enough money to feed his village for a month on the antlers itself. They also rode past a small herd of some strange creatures that stood on two legs. They had very tiny arms and a beak for a mouth. Although they looked sluggish, they were probably powerful runners. The birds were just about as big as their horses, leading Levus to wonder if one of them could be ridden. They must have been fearless too as they didn’t even jump when they neared them.

  After a couple hours, the trees grew shorter and the moist ground of the forest began to harden. They were almost there. To let them make it this far, the elves obviously knew they weren’t enemies, but Divi wasn’t certain if they would recall who she was. It has been nine years since she last visited the elves. They were much quicker to remember a grudge than a friend.

  As they exited the forest, they found themselves on the summit of a large hill. Levus didn’t realize how high up they had been. He didn’t remember going up any incline, but he hadn’t been paying attention. Divi stopped, and Levus’ eyes opened wide.

  “Wow!”

  In the short distance, two cities appeared. Levus had never seen anything so beautiful. From what he could see, they looked clean with no garbage and the walls looked as if they were just built. Divi rode next to him, tugging lightly on his tunic until he faced her.

  She said, “I’m gonna give you a short tour from here, as our business will be brief and you may not get to see this for a while. These are the twin cities of Lozela and Lozela Minor. Lozela Minor is built more like a traditional city. All business where the other races must meet takes place there. Elves use it more for an inter-trading market. It is also the best spot for them to view Fort Za to the southwest.”

  Levus looked carefully in the distance, but saw nothing but plains.

  “What do you mean, a fort?”

  “I’ll explain later. The buildings past Lozela Minor are the Hall of Champions and the Colosseum. That is where the first event of the Bi-Century Elf Games takes place.” Pointing to her right, she continued, “That there in the forested area is Lozela, the new capital of the elves. Lozela is not like a typical city. It is composed of many small living areas with a river winding throughout them. Our destination is the large tree that grows over there. The palace of Lozela is part of that tree. It was said that they would not be allowed to settle on this land unless the land had a say in decisions concerning it. They agreed to connect their palace to it. It is also said that not one word can be spoken once inside that the tree does not hear. So, watch your tongue when we enter. Normally only elves are permitted into Lozela, but being an old friend of Thamalos, I’m certain we shall have no troubles . . . I hope.”

  She seemed a little doubtful, but he followed her down the slope. As they rode past Lozela Minor, Levus was amazed at the city. It was made of white stone, similar to the marble the rich had back on Dyyros. Elaborate archways led to the main entrance. He could only imagine what they looked like up close, and he also wondered about the living quarters, which he couldn’t see anything of. He would have to see if this Thamalos would let him explore after their meeting.

  After Lozela Minor, Levus got a clear view of the Colosseum. It seemed to be made of the same material as the city, but a deeper shade of ivory. Sculptures surrounded every crevice of the outside, showing presumably great tales of past participants’ valor. Levus could almost imagine the stadium full of people cheering on whoever was trying to win. It was just a shame that it wasn’t used more than once every fifty years. He wondered when the next games took place. Would he be able to participate in them one day? Perhaps a question to ask later, as he didn’t see any future so long as Ulcinar controlled Dyyros.

  As they approached the tree line beyond the Colosseum, two tall figures began to walk toward them from the direction of Lozela. So, these were the elves! Levus was amazed at their height, nearly seven feet. He wondered if all of them were this tall. They didn’t seem too muscular, but Levus was not one to underestimate a person from their size . . . especially not an elf. Their pointed ears could be seen even from their position at a distance. He was also struck by their beauty. Their skin seemed flawless. If the men look like this, Levus could only imagine how beautiful the women looked. They must appear like goddesses!

  Divi slowed her horse’s pace, ensuring Levus did the same. When close enough, the first elf yelled, “Halt! You are headed toward sacred grounds. Unless an elf or a friend to our leading family, you shall not enter. Our archers will ensure that you don’t even reach us.”

  Levus looked around. What was he talking about? The only two elves he saw were the ones standing in front of them. The trees were too far for a normal arrow to do any damage to them.

  Divi sat looking at the elf guards unfazed. They knew she and Levus weren’t elves as the guards spoke in the common tongue instead of elvish. She also knew that their threat was not an idle one. Their bows were much stronger than a human’s and their accuracy was nearly unmatched.

  Divi replied, “Juuii lukkonna. Friidillaa io mee ellvaas.” What luck, then. I happen to be a friend of the Elves.

  She continued with a series of gestures that ended with her pressing her palms together in the shape of an X. The elves began to whisper something in elvish that she couldn’t hear.

  The first guard again faced them. “Entriita, maginiia y friidill.” Enter, mage and friend.

  The two elves signaled toward the trees before quickly disappearing. Levus had no clue about the exchange that happened or how the elves were so quick. He would have to consider learning elvi
sh one day.

  Divi said, “Come. We have been granted access to Lozela, but we still haven’t attained access to the palace.”

  “Is it always this much work just to be a friend of the elves?”

  Divi laughed. “They don’t make it convenient like saying hello and shaking hands, no. Lozela and the palace are protected by magical barriers. If you tried to enter while the barriers were up, it would sap your energy so long as you touch them. There have been a few accidental deaths from people. It can deflect all known mage magic as well.”

  “Why do they have to take these measures?”

  “It goes back to the days of the Ettui invasion. They used such defenses for Barbata, but the Ettui found a way to attack the elves who supported the shield. They have doubled its strength here on the mainland.”

  Levus found it amazing how much power that the elves had. What were their limits? There seemed to be nothing they couldn’t do. And who were the Ettui she spoke of? Who was cunning enough to get past the elves’ impenetrable shield?

  As they approached the border of Lozela’s main grounds, wild flowers sprouted out in clusters like Levus had never seen before. They almost seemed to follow them as they passed by.

  Even though Levus had no magical ability, he could still feel a certain strangeness in the air. Then again, the more he thought about it, perhaps he did have some sense of magic. The sword allowed him to do strange things that even Divi seemed amazed at . . . and afraid of. What did she have to fear? Levus would make sure nothing happened to her. These abilities would allow him to do this more effectively.

  When they entered the sacred grounds of Lozela, the elves nearby all stopped what they were doing to view their approaching visitors. Divi assumed they were surprised to see non-elves given permission to enter their holy grounds. She had received this same response the last time she was here. Thankfully, Thamalos showed her what she needed to do, though she hoped that she hadn’t forgotten all the steps.

  Divi turned to Levus and said, “Follow my lead. It assures any elves looking at us that our intentions are peaceful and that our business will be brief.”

  He watched as Divi swept her palm across her mouth and then across her heart in a swift motion. The elves watching her returned back to their work. That seemed easy enough, thought Levus. He tried to offer this gesture to a couple of the elves watching him, but when he finished, they didn’t move.

  Levus asked, “What’s the deal? What did I do wrong?”

  Divi replied, “You are not doing it smoothly enough and the motion was too high. The speed at which you do a gesture can determine whether you are offering respect or insulting them.”

  Horror entered Levus’ eyes as he asked, “Did I offend them?”

  “No, they are probably more confused than anything. The way you did it told them it was a good rain and that their crops will grow. Pauses in each gesture are essentially the end of a sentence.” Divi laughed.

  “I’m gonna leave the gesturing to you until I’ve had time to practice.”

  The rest of the trip was rather silent, as Divi had to double her gesturing efforts to assure everyone they were friends. Levus took this time to view his surroundings, primarily the elves themselves. It seemed like both male and the female elves wore the same clothes, only adjusted to accommodate the gender specific parts.

  He was most interested in the elf women. They were stunning! Their features were flawless and they moved just as smoothly, like the wind. He was glad Divi was busy greeting everyone, otherwise he thought she would have slapped him. He did see it as sweet that she cared for him so much. It was not forced in a way like his and Leeta’s affection was at times. He liked Leeta a lot and she was very attractive; they have had their problems, though. Many of which no one in Arnis realized existed. Divi was not like that at all.

  Hiiutto.

  A couple of elves Divi recently greeted looked up at Levus. He gave them a half-smile. They could hear it too! He could feel their eyes staring at him, even after he turned his attention forward again. As easily as Divi had made them trust them, he had just as quickly disrupted that trust.

  As they advanced down the winding path and numerous streams, Divi suddenly stopped. Levus stared in awe.

  “Welcome to the Palace of Lozela, the center of power for the Elves.”

  In the clearing in front of them stood the large tree Levus had seen from the hill. The palace was connected to the tree just as Divi had described dwarfed by the magnificent size of its wooded companion, even though the building was huge itself. More of the splendid archways and elaborate designs covered the palace. Its entrance seemed to be at the between the roots. This made sense if the tree was as powerful as Divi had described, it could then see all that enter and leave it.

  In front of the palace was what appeared to be an open meeting area. Levus assumed that many ceremonies were held there, given how vast it was. He suddenly felt Divi’s hand on his shoulder.

  She explained, “We have one more test before we can enter the palace. Just wanted to point out a couple more points of interest. That shop over there to the right is the home of Juiiladdor, the most famous elven weapon maker. Every weapon in Lozela was crafted and named by him. He is also the only one authorized to repair the sacred weapons from their gods. The area in front of the palace is primarily used during their harvest celebration. This forest becomes . . . quite wild during that time. We’ll thankfully miss it.”

  It sounded like she was quite knowledgeable about the festival . . . like she was here once for it. Divi could see Levus’ eagerness, but avoided answering it.

  As they rode closer to the palace, which was surrounded by a beautifully made metal fence, five elves appeared in front of them from seemingly nowhere. Levus couldn’t believe how fast they were! As soon as Divi saw them, she stopped their advance. He assumed this was for the last test, whatever that was going to be.

  She never had to do this before because Thamalos usually met her in the meeting area. He had to have known she was here, and she wondered what could keep him from meeting her like usual.

  The strange voice of a woman spoke in Levus and Divi's mind. He looked around frantically. Where was it coming from?

  “What is your purpose?”

  Divi calmly replied, “We seek the guidance of Prince Thamalos. My name is the Honorable Divi of Myyril, daughter of the Honorable Neeza. I am a friend.”

  Levus could hear Divi’s response, even though her lips never moved. What was going on was over his head, and all he could do was stay silent.

  Divi hoped she was doing this right. Since the voice was telepathically talking to them, she figured it was the appropriate way to respond.

  “And what of your friend?”

  “His name is Levus Sintar from Dyyros. We share a common purpose.”

  After a brief pause, the voice replied, “At last, the blood of the Champion has returned! Like him, your friend carries a dark burden. His will is strong, but his soul is weak. There is much confusion clouding his judgment. He has another inside him . . . one with evil intentions. As you are friend of our kind, I shall let you pass. But your friend must wear an amulet the guardian gives him. He must wear it at all times while in my halls. It is but a small favor that I ask for my granting you access.”

  Levus was offended. What did they mean, his soul was weak? What did it mean there was another inside him? Sure, he had moments he felt . . . different, but that didn't prove something was evil inside him. If only he knew how to respond the way Divi did. Then again, maybe it was a good idea that he didn’t. What he had to say would probably get them both banned from Lozela forever. And what did it mean that he had the blood of the Champion?

  Divi replied, “He will wear it. I will promise you that.”

  “Be mindful, friend of Divi. Your soul is being consumed by the one that is invades it. In time, it will grasp your heart and drive you to do things you don’t want to do. It will give you desires that are not your own. Divi, be
mindful of your surroundings as well. You house great abilities, but lack diligence in using them. Sharpen your skills, and you can avoid great tragedy.”

  Divi nodded uneasily. Was it suggesting that she . . . learn magic? She certainly hoped that was not its meaning, but its suggestions were hardly something to take lightly. Premonitions were one of its specialties.

  “Very well, you shall pass.”

  A section of the fence began to sink in the ground. To Levus' amazement, they were not actually metal, but tree roots. This place was so magical! All but one of the elves stepped aside to allow them to pass.

  As they moved forward, Levus asked, “So who was that you were talking to? I could hear everything.”

  “I believe that was the tree. Our final test was to get acceptance from it. You will have no choice but to wear the amulet they give you, at least while we are in the palace.”

  Levus remembered Divi mentioning that no one entered the palace without the tree knowing about it. Now he could see how. No one could even enter without its permission. He wondered if this Thamalos had to do it every time he wanted to enter his own home. He was sure he would find out soon enough, but not before receiving the amulet he was to wear while inside. They neared what resembled a stable, and an elf waiting there held out the piece of jewelry on a gold chain. He quickly put it around his neck.

  The gem inside began to glow and all his muscles clenched tightly. What was this thing doing to him? A look of concern grew on Divi’s face as she saw him struggle. After a moment, the gem’s luminance died and Levus’ muscles relaxed. What was that all about?

  In silence, they walked their horses to the stable and after leaving them there, headed for the entrance of the palace.

  Inside a large room in the palace of Lozela, Prince Thamalos sat in a simple throne. Thamalos was short for an elf, standing six feet tall. Then again, his clan had always been the shortest. His eyes were grey in color, another feature commonly found in his clan. Although he usually wore his hair in a ponytail because of its length, it flowed freely on this day. His clothing was very elaborate having a silk tunic with an expensive leather vest, yet with a commoner style.