“One day, I was helping clean a tavern in Darnum called the Whispering Springs when a drunk human attacked an elf. The man had become irate over some trivial matter that I cannot recall now, but he punched the elf over and over until blood covered the elf’s face, and he had not the strength to open his eyes.
“Others tried to stop him and eventually did, but not before the elf was painfully battered. I was asked to look after the elf while the others searched the town for a healer to save him because I was tending to the bar that day. The others who were searching had been gone for some time when the elf began crying, and it made me feel so helpless.
“I was looking down at him and wanted to soothe him because I did not know what else to do, so I sang to him. It was a simple song, words that I threw together on the spot, but I noticed after a moment of singing to the elf that he had calmed down. His crying stopped, and then his eyes closed as he fell asleep.
“A short time after the fight and the elf’s recovery, I was informed that the elf had healed rather quickly, and he obtained no infections from the bruising and cuts. I did not start adding it all together and understanding the power of my singing voice until several more instances when I sang to someone, and a similar effect was witnessed. Once I knew I could truly help others in their times of strife, like the elf in the bar, I knew what I wanted to do and found a purpose in aiding others in their times of need.”
Auvelia listened quietly while the soft healer explained her story. She was quite interested in the caring maiden’s unusual magical ability. Never had she heard of such a skill before by any natural means, and she was rather intrigued by its unique usefulness.
“Count yourself blessed; not many have such a direct path through life and are able to discover their purpose. Your voice’s unique ability is a great boon to those who are suffering, my son included.”
Aili glanced down at the young guardian and saw him smile pleasantly in return. She blushed in sudden remembrance of his presence and the admirable gaze. Her story had been so personal, and she felt slight embarrassment for opening up in front of him.
Faolan could not help but listen to the conversation since he was lying so close to them and discovered a growing interest in the fair maiden. The previously normal healer was becoming more intriguing with every interaction they had. She was undeniably beautiful with her long blonde hair and blue eyes, but he felt growing attraction for her as he noticed some of her more subtle qualities.
“Faolan, it is not polite to stare,” Auvelia informed him.
The young guardian shook his head as he pulled himself from a brief daydream and apologized profusely. He had not been aware of his watchful gaze as he had been drawn into his thoughts.
The fair healer laughed his stare off and assured him, “It is all right.”
Faolan shifted his gaze to the sky so as not to bother the healer again, though it did take a decent amount of effort for him to keep his stare from returning to her. He could truly not help himself, though he made every effort.
Aili giggled softly at his struggle as a fondness for him budded inside her.
Auvelia watched the amiable interaction and was quite surprised by the sudden connection between the two of them. She had never seen her adoptive son take a liking to an elf maiden before and was intrigued by his growing interest in the healer. Her son had always been focused on the duty of his position and making his parents proud. The motherly figure in her was happy for her son as she saw him finally begin to take an interest in someone. She silently watched the pair continue their pleasant interaction as their journey continued.
The conversation among the three walking next to the wagon had shifted from the king and his armies to the Shadow Guardians and their stationings. They speculated where the secretive warriors were and why they were unable to take this quest on themselves, in turn causing Faolan to be inducted.
Gavina posed a question. “Caedmon, have you heard from Jokal?”
“No, he has gone concerningly quiet. Last I heard, he was skirting the ogre lands in the south and watching their movements.”
“Do you believe that unusually large humans can handle the ogres?” Kellen wondered.
“Let us hope so; we cannot afford to lose them all,” Gavina sadly said. “Too many good ones fall every year, even if it is only one we lose.”
“Agreed, those are always sad days,” Kellen reflected. “What about Vina?”
Gavina chimed in. “I saw her the other day . . . well, I suppose it has been a couple of weeks now. She passed through Darnum before the Nathra charge, said she was going west to search for Alexi. The guardian was hoping to find her in the Kalnor Vale.”
“Alexi? The Blood-Kin Battle Magi?” Kellen questioned. “That beast of a female?”
“They say she is a gorgeous maiden of the vale,” Gavina said.
Kellen, the observant ex-general, scanned the forest and added, “Hard to tell under that molten dragon–scale armor Kalnorians are known for donning. That intimidating black armor is enough to scare any sane male away.”
“Maybe she is not interested in that aspect of life or does not need it,” the dark-haired general speculated.
Caedmon intervened. “It would be best to not speak ill of Alexi; she does not respond well to unfavorable words about herself. I am sure she will find someone when she is ready, but for now, she is needed for her unmatched power and abilities. She rivals my Ikalreev power and in some instances probably even surpasses my strength.”
Gavina agreed. “You are right, Caedmon; there is no question. She is undeniably the strongest mortal in all Verdunmull. I have heard tales of her unmatched fighting capabilities. Her magical sword and shield are undefeatable, and her Blood-Kin abilities strike fear even in our own soldiers when she is in public view.”
Kellen had a less favorable view of Alexi and voiced it. “Soldiers like her do not care for a kingdom’s safety or the health of its people. She is a Shadow Guardian, but she is also a Kalnorian. Her vale is served first, and our kingdom second. She comes and goes when she wants, listens to the king when she believes the request be worthy, and has a calmness to her that is unnerving to the bone.”
The fair general defended the Kalnorian by arguing, “The king is wise and knows Alexi’s personality. She would not be a Shadow Guardian if the king did not approve. Remaining calm and collected is vital for her level of power; else she would become a tyrant and conqueror. The Blood-Kin Battle Magi could rule over all Verdunmull and bend all souls to her will if she so chose.”
Kellen disagreed. “If she so chose, she could command peace among the many races of this world. The southlands would not be in turmoil, and our armies would not be spread as thin as they are. She has the power to command peace or war but chooses neither because she does not care.”
Caedmon interrupted and intervened. “Please speak no more ill words toward Alexi. You have no idea what she struggles with or the turmoil she endures. Her responsibilities go far beyond the elven kingdom, and to expect her sole attention is selfish. Her loyalty is to the Kalnorian Vale that is her home and where her kin thrive. The Kalnorian history is steeped in tradition and obligations, not just to her people but also to her blood-bonded creatures, with which she has entered into a lifelong blood tie that cannot be forsaken or broken. You are unable to fathom her life and reasoning, so speak no more ill words toward her, please.”
Kellen saved his words for another time to honor the ancient guardian and knew his own view was of little importance on the matter. He had strong opinions about Alexi, some more favorable than others, yet he rarely spoke his mind because he knew only speculations would come from them, and disrespectful words were unsought.
The group of travelers continued onward toward Lesley as their conversations came and went over various topics of interest and intrigue. The day passed without conflict or danger, and their pace was steady. The group did not stop to make camp that night because the wolf was concerned about the ill omens. On
their way back, one thing remained the same. Treasach and Leith bickered just as before on the front bench like brothers getting on each other’s nerves, although it was mainly Treasach poking fun at Leith, in a good-humored sort of way, but one that the healer was not fond of enduring.
Aili’s and Faolan’s roles were reversed this time. Before, the young leader had been concerned about the troubled healer and how she was feeling after seeing the vision in the castle courtyard. This time, she cared for his wounds, cleaning them and rewrapping them with bandages. During their return trip, no one was afraid of running into the demon or the Drey’kan, but they did begin to feel a slight curiosity about what Caedmon would find in the Ikalreev Prophecies.
The journey continued through the night, and they reached Lesley the following evening.
Caedmon informed his fellow travelers that he would be consulting the ancient texts for an extended amount of time and instructed them to rest and recover from their trip to Mor. The blue wolf departed for the castle and its vast library.
Gavina informed the others she would notify the king of their return and left as well in the same direction as she hurried to catch up to the old wolf.
The wagon rolled steadily along the main road of Lesley toward the castle gates and soon passed through the massive inner wall’s northern gateway. Leith was very happy to have returned to the city and hear its bustling people, an environment he much preferred to the dangers of the wilds.
“There is no comparison to the comfort these great walls of Lesley bring, always formidable and a sight to behold. The people are lively, and the traditions are rich. I am relieved to be back.” Leith was elated. “No Drey’kan or demons here!”
“A bit boring, really. Safety versus adventure, I would gladly take the latter.” Treasach frowned.
“I doubt that. Adventuring is rarely enjoyable,” Auvelia disagreed from the back of the wagon. “There is plenty to take the enjoyment out of adventuring between all the bug bites, sleeping on the ground, the random attacks, and the sore feet from walking.”
“What! Auvelia, were you not a Shadow Guardian once?” Treasach was shocked.
“Yes, but being a Shadow Guardian is far from pleasant. There was always trouble. I always had to watch my back and whom I trusted. I was always moving, unable to enjoy the wind in my face or the sun’s warmth. You are lucky to be a prince and not a frontline soldier,” Auvelia explained.
“I do not think so. I think it would be more enjoyable to adventure than to sit in an uneventful city,” Treasach said. “Nothing ever happens here. The days just come and go.”
“You are not worried about dying?” Aili asked him.
“Umm, well, of course I am. I never said that. I just want to see things and experience what the world has to offer,” the prince said.
“This trip was not enough for you?” Leith questioned with a tinge of hopefulness. He could not take Treasach’s pestering anymore. The poking. The joking. Inside he was thinking, Please say yes. Say yes!
“Hardly.” Treasach laughed.
Leith frowned as he thought to himself, Well, at least I do not have to travel with you anymore. I am free!
They rolled through the inner wall’s gate and heard the loud commotions that the forge and trade district of Lesley brought forth. There were smithies forging metal, stonemasons molding boulders, and many other crafters hard at work. Soldiers patrolled the long street with seemingly limited concern that anything dangerous would occur. Various trees and small shrubs dotted the area, bringing a bit of home back to the elves.
Auvelia picked the conversation back up as she grew curious. “Then I suppose, Treasach, you will be accompanying us on future adventures?”
“Of course! That is, if my father allows me.”
Leith screamed in his mind: Nooo! His dreams of being free of the prince were dashed. His happy thoughts of having the whole front bench to himself once more were fading as he subconsciously patted the wooden seat. Auvelia noticed Leith slumping forward and shaking his head. She put a hand over her mouth, trying to stifle a laugh. The poor healer was so soft at heart, and she thought it was adorable, but a part of her felt bad for teasing the kind-hearted elf.
“What is wrong, Leith? Do you not enjoy your new travel companion?” Aili joked.
“What type of question is that, Aili? Of course he does!” Treasach gave Leith a friendly slap on the back, fueling the healer’s growing despair. “I am a great conversationalist. In fact, I bet we will be the best of friends in no time.” Treasach smiled widely. The prince was completely unaware that Leith’s nightmare was coming true.
Leith shed a solitary tear at that very moment.
A look of confusion crossed Treasach’s face. “What? Are you crying? I was not aware you were so happy to have my friendship, Leith.” The prince was shocked.
Aili and Auvelia giggled in good fun, but they both knew they would have to console the poor healer as soon as the prince left them.
They traveled a bit farther up the road and stopped outside the castle’s gate. The group had finally returned to the point where they had started their short journey. Treasach fetched a number of guards to help them move Ireli and Faolan inside. They were placed on neighboring beds in the same lavishly decorated room. The prince mentioned he was going to go and sleep and left the room yawning. Kellen and Auvelia left at the same time, saying they were tired as well, and they trusted the healers to take care of their son. The twin healers decided to watch their two patients in shifts and take turns catching up on sleep. Aili opted to take the first shift, and her brother did not oppose the offer. He slipped into a third bed, shut his eyes, and fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Aili checked on Ireli and noticed she was a bit hot to the touch. The healer grabbed a small towel and dipped it into a bowl of water. Then she laid the towel on Ireli’s forehead. Once she was done tending to Ireli, she glanced over at her brother and saw he was snoring with his head hanging off the bed. He was obviously too tired to feel any discomfort. She walked over to him, shifted his head back up onto the bed, and attempted to shut his mouth, but it just popped back open with a loud nasal snore before he quieted back down into heavy breathing. She gave up and walked away as she thought about her ridiculous brother. How he could sleep in such a way was beyond her.
She walked over and sat on the edge of Faolan’s bed. The healer looked down at the guardian’s motionless face and focused on his subtler physical qualities.
She could hear his voice in her mind as she thought about his words back in Mor: Aili, I will protect you until the day I die. The healer smiled but thought it was a bit much coming from a boy she barely knew. Why would he say such a thing? Silly boy. She gracefully touched the side of his face, and even though most of his body was wrapped in bandages, the guardian looked to be at peace. She bent down and softly kissed him on the cheek.
“I shall pray for your safety,” she whispered into his ear. “Always.”
The fair healer sat back up and watched over her patients as well as her brother, who actively sought to fall off the bed while dreaming. Time passed slowly as minutes faded into hours and hours changed into shifts.
◆◆◆
Leith woke with a start as an abrupt knocking sounded at the wooden door. He looked around in a daze and realized he must have fallen asleep on his watch. He stood up out of his chair and moved to open the door. Another urgent knock sounded before he reached the door, waking Aili. He opened the door to see Gavina standing on the other side.
“King Zael has called a meeting and requests all of us to be in attendance,” Gavina said in a hushed voice.
“Faolan is still asleep,” he whispered.
“Let him sleep, but you and Aili must be in attendance. It will be in the throne room. You have five minutes,” Gavina said.
“Understood.” He acknowledged the urgency.
Gavina left, and the sound of her light metal armor could be heard clanking down the hall.
<
br /> Leith wondered what the cause was for the abrupt summoning. He shut the door and turned around to notice his sister standing behind him. She had a curious look on her face.
“The king has requested our presence.” Leith answered her silent question.
Aili looked back at Ireli and Faolan with a concerned expression.
“They will be fine. Neither of them has woken up since Mor. We should not keep King Zael waiting,” he urged.
She conceded, and the healers left the room, quietly shutting the door behind them. They walked down the long hallway and entered the main hall. They walked up the three-tiered stairway to the heavy throne room doors. The guards let them through without words of verification, and as the guards shut the doors behind them, they took note that the others from their group were present and accounted for already. Everyone but Caedmon sat at the table; he stood to the king’s left.
The healers quietly sat down at the long table and waited patiently for the king to address them.
After a few moments of silence, Zael spoke. “I thank you all for attending on such short notice. I also thank you all for your service to Mor and Harmaalinna. Caedmon has informed me of your trip’s events and conclusions. I am saddened to hear about Faolan’s condition, but I am confident Aili and Leith will show their medical aptitude. As for the human accompanying your group back from Mor, Caedmon has been diligently trying to uncover the mystery that surrounds her condition. I will let him inform you about what he has uncovered thus far.”
The king motioned to Caedmon, who stepped forward. “With our recent history, I believe I may trust the seven of you in confidence. The information I divulge to you must remain between us and be told to no one else.”
He waited a moment to check if there were any objections or questions. There were none.
“Upon reviewing the Ikalreev Prophecies, I have discovered what must be done. The Ikalreev have written in great detail about the mages, the seals, and what is to come. The ancient ones were quite cryptic at times, and reviewing their script proves exhausting, though what the prophecies foretell is worrisome.
Verdunmull Page 16
