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15
Alec-Keo
All Alundi could feel was constant and unrelenting pain and exhaustion. Excalibur was still clutched by his right hand. He was only aware of this, mind, because Excalibur was aware of it. Through Excalibur he caught snippets of conversation mostly from Little Annabel and Calqui so he was aware that they had not left his side. Neither did Annabel. Soon his body would heal, but he, through Excalibur, feared it would not be soon enough. Assard now led the Quest towards Elf country but their pace had slowed to the speed of men. Assard had hoped to carry his father but the magic still coursed through him. It left only Kraco who could touch Alundi without being caused harm. Each day Alundi was strapped onto Kraco’s back as comfortable and securely as possible. Kraco had changed somewhat since Merlin was despatched and he seemed more than willing.
‘Doesn’t Alundi need to eat and drink?’ Little Annabel asked Assard who held his hand over his father's chest.
Four days of slow travel had passed since they had found him. He showed no signs of injury but Assard had explained that it was the internal wounds that Alundi was fighting.
‘No. You do remember what Alundi did for Knorrest after Stone Bay?’ He asked glancing up at her, she nodded.
‘Alundi has evoked the same. Knorrest will heal slowly as the magic Alundi used was not substantial. However the magic with my father is vast, far more than he or Excalibur could muster on their own. Lan must have passed magic to him through its contact with Excalibur, it is the only explanation.’
‘How long Assard?’ Calqui asked from the mouth of the tent.
‘I do not know. I have never seen anyone go through this, be this hurt and not die. Days, weeks, I’m afraid your guess would be as good as mine.’ He stood placing his hand on Little Annabel’s head then exited the tent glancing at Annabel and offering her an encouraging smile as he did so. He passed Calqui, nodded towards the outside and she followed. Slightly afterwards Annabel joined them. For a short while Little Annabel was left with Alundi. Tears were falling down her face at the sight of his alive and yet lifeless body. Her mother had tried and failed to comfort her. She shook her head knowing what Alundi would want from her. Wiping the tears from her eyes and cheeks she joined the others around the fire.
They were nearing Elf country as Assard now recognised some of the terrain from when he visited them to ask for the escort. Isacal was becoming intolerable. He mused that getting closer to her country was giving her better standing. But Assard assumed that she was doing this to show she was not being subservient to anyone, not Alundi and not ever Assard. He had put her in her place silently, not causing any scene, but warned her that if she continued he would silence her. She had replied with some vile insults and shouts, though silently, that he was just like Alundi. He had grinned when she had said that, knowing it would enrage her further. Calqui spooned a couple of spoonfuls of stew that boiled above the now dwindling fire into one of the bowls. She looked up and pulled in a sharp breath of shock.
‘Smells good.’ a voice croaked. All heads shot up and leaning heavily on Excalibur Alundi stood at the entrance of the tent. Calqui threw her bowl to the floor and ran to him. She embraced him tightly.
‘Whoa.’ Alundi said letting go of Excalibur he leaned forward heavily on to Calqui.
Little Annabel ran over and hugged them both around the waist. Annabel also stood and accepted Alundi's offered right arm, which he wrapped around her joining the multiple embrace. The moment they all separated Alundi grasped Excalibur to keep his balance. Assard stepped forward. There were a few moments of silence between them then Alundi nodded and father and son embraced. Afterwards Boahim stepped forward and extended his hand. Alundi shook it.
‘I’m glad you are well.’ He said with a slight nod.
‘Thank you Boa…’ Alundi was interrupted by Isacal saying coldly,
‘How do you know our Elders language?’
Assard spun round.
‘Will you give it a rest!’ He seethed but Alundi placed his hand on his son's shoulder.
‘No son. They deserve answers. She deserves an answer, she has always been perceptive and impatient, but first I’m starving.’
Calqui chuckled. He found a seat between Little Annabel and Calqui. He was handed a bowl and quickly starting to shovel the stew into his mouth.
Isacal stood and started pacing. Assard shot her an angered look and she quickly sat down.
‘You ask how I know your Elders language, but it’s more than that isn’t it?’ Alundi asked after he finished his second bowl of stew. He did not wait for her to answer.
‘It is not your Elders language. It is the ancient language last spoken in these parts during the Great War.’
‘But how do you know it?’ Isacal spat.
‘Where do you think Sara the magic teacher within the Skull comes from?’
Isacal looked up in surprise but scowled when Assard laughed quietly.
‘But that isn’t it is it? You haven’t changed a bit. Not one bit.’ Alundi said grinning wickedly.
‘What do you know about me?’ She growled.
‘More than you know, Teo.’
She gritted her teeth in anger.
‘I am only confirming what you have suspected since we have met.’
Isacal's mouth fell open and she said nothing.
‘My name is Alundi. And I used to go by the name of Galahad.’ He glanced at Assard who just shrugged. He scanned all of their eyes noticing their confusion wander; he finally rested his eyes on Isacal’s.
‘But I was born… Alec-Keo.’
Isacal's face screwed up in pure anger and surprise.
‘You insult my intelligence…’
Alundi smirked and snapped.
‘What are younger brothers for… ah sis?’
If Alundi had been fitter he would have sunk into magic and watched everyone’s' reaction. All of their jaws seemed to be kissing the ground. Assard being the exception and after glancing at him he winked at his father hoping that he had watched all their reactions in the way he had wanted.
‘Shaven? Why did Crimson and Merlin call you Shaven?’ Annabel asked after a short while.
‘It is an insult, I have shaven my ears.’
Boahim and Calqui looked shocked which surprised Alundi.
‘You recognise it don’t you?’ Alundi asked Isacal. They shared a strange look then Isacal cleared her throat.
‘It is an insult of ours, for corrupted Elves.’
‘Believe me corrupt or not Boahim, it matters little. I have learned and discovered magic beyond that of Elf, Dwarf or Man. I served Arthur at Camelot. I have killed a tyrant. I have become a father and a mentor. And I have passed all the knowledge I have gained on.’ He glanced at Assard who grinned broadly.
‘My apologies to you all but I have kept my true lineage a secret for the better part of three centuries. It was and is the only way.’
At that moment Alundi leaned down for his bowl and his whole body slumped. Calqui caught him as he grasped his chest in pain. His breathing became laboured, quickly the world started to spin and a throbbing started in his head.
‘I must sleep. We can quicken our pace tomorrow.’
Assard stepped forward and together with Calqui helped his father to his feet.
‘I’ll carry you old man.’ He said with a chuckle.
Alundi did also, though he did not lift his head.
‘But…’ Isacal started.
Assard span, still holding his father he spat.
‘We are still six days before we pass into your realm, so for now you can hold your tongue, Queen.’ Assard added with a growl.
‘I’ll take him, Assard.’ Calqui lifted Alundi’s right arm over her shoulders and easily took his weight. She lowered Alundi down on to one of the cushioned beds reserved for the Annabels and the Queen. He gave Calqui a concerned look but sh
e simply smiled. He smiled back and stroked the back of his hand across her cheek. She did not shy from the gentle touch.
‘I am sorry. Be patient with me. You will learn of me in time.’
She said nothing but kissed him upon the brow, there was obvious pain in her eyes but still she trusted him. She laid on the floor next to him rolling on to her left side she laid her soft and slender right arm across his midriff. He grasped it lightly with his left hand and quickly with Calqui’s help forced himself to fall asleep.
The following day's journey became so unbearably painful that Alundi had asked Assard to send him asleep whilst he was carried. He did not wake Alundi until night had fallen and the camp was prepared and the fire roaring. He struggled to stand but after a few moments there a was noticeable improvement to his balance. Isacal seemed to be controlling herself glancing up from her food the moment Alundi took his seat between Calqui and Little Annabel. They all ate in silence though it seemed Assard was constantly carrying on a silent battle to stop any conversation with his father, something Alundi was grateful for. Kraco growled that he would leave but be back before dawn as the food they were cooking was making the gold dragon unbearably hungry. After he had flown off and they had eaten and the fire had dwindled Isacal’s control diminished. Alundi held up a hand to silence her and Assard who was about to silence her himself.
‘Where do you want me to start?’ He asked her softly.
‘Why did you leave?’
Alundi hid a smile knowing that at least in part she believed that he was indeed her younger brother.
‘Because of our father. After serving my apprenticeship, I was at a loss, I wondered what I was going to do with my life.’
‘You did not have a path?’ Boahim asked in disbelief.
Before Alundi could answer Annabel asked.
‘Why is that important?’
‘It gives us a purpose…’ Calqui started.
‘…from a very young age younger than you are now young Little Annabel I was always going to be in the Wolf Guard. And so I was educated and trained from that young age by my parents and teachers in magic and combat to be what I am now.’ Calqui finished.
‘Could you imagine it young Annabel. From before one could walk and talk their life was chosen for them. Whether I was correct or not I rejected such traditions, teachings and ideals. Being the Son of the King of our people, but not the next to the throne, it was expected of me to become a Council member.’ Alundi noticed a shudder run through Isacal knowing she felt fear of what Alundi could have accomplished had he followed his father's wishes.
‘I rejected his will and spent my very early years training with fist, sword and magic, wanting to be within the Wolf Guard. By my twentieth year I was the youngest most gifted warrior and magic-wielder of the entire Elf nation, a mantel now taken up by another.’ Alundi said glancing at Calqui.
'But it was a curse not a triumph.’
‘Why?’ Calqui asked quickly.
‘Because shortly after I became chief of the Wolf Guard such as yourself Boahim, four years later…’ Alundi bowed his head towards Boahim in respect.
‘…Xais-Xao happened.’
‘Be silent!’ Isacal fumed standing at the same moment.
Alundi looked over to her in anger but he only noticed fear in her eyes which surprised him.
‘I do not recognise the name.’ Calqui said quickly.
‘Neither do I.’ Boahim confirmed.
Alundi could not help smirking glancing at Isacal.
‘Fredren-Fro? He asked.
Isacal did not reply.
‘You are exactly like father. You deceive, cover and bend the truth to your whim. I am so glad I don’t serve you.’ Alundi chuckled as she sat abruptly and scowled at him.
‘Xais-Xao was the guardian of the Northern Province. He rejected our father's rule and I along with Isacal and the entire Wolf Guard were despatched to silence him.’ He had said this not taking his eyes from Isacal's. There was no longer fear or anger in them only sadness. Calqui and Boahim were in a state of shock knowing nothing of what Alundi spoke of, but somehow knowing it was true.
‘Silence him?’ Little Annabel asked warily.
‘I was not the one who our father intended to kill, murder, Xais-Xao. You see young Little Annabel what you have to understand is that in the Elves' entire history no Elf has ever killed another Elf under order. There has never been an Elf civil war, never a political assassination or a terrorist act. Any disagreement that could lead to bloodshed was taken before the Elder Council, they would deliberate, and their word was final. Sometimes a challenge is called which needs to be met but is never to the death. There are only two Elves alive this day who have taken the life of at least one of their kind. One rules Heeden and is our enemy. The other is speaking right this moment around this camp fire.’
Isacal stood in fury and walked out of the camp. Boahim went to follow but stopped when he caught Alundi’s eye.
‘She is pained Boahim. Let her be.’
He nodded slowly and sat back down.
‘The lives of Man and Elves are very complicated indeed. No wonder the fair Elf Queen is pained. My head throbs.’ Kraco growled.
Assard and Alundi burst out laughing but quickly lowered their voices. After a few moments all of them were laughing, Boahim being the exception.
‘I am afraid my wounds are taking their toll and I must retire.’ To Alundi’s pleasant surprise Calqui was the one that helped him up and into the tent.
‘Tell me more.’ She asked as she covered him in a thick sheep fur and lay next to him.
‘Only like this.’
She nodded as his voice echoed between her ears.
The next day mirrored the previous one. Assard carried the magically slumbering Alundi, the pain still sharp and present. By nightfall they had travelled further than on any day since Merlin. Again the camp was prepared and the fire burned before Assard woke Alundi. He ate two large bowls annoyed to find out afterwards that it was the last of their provisions save for a couple a loaves of bread. All, even Isacal did not agree with Alundi's annoyance in that all of them wanted him to become fit as quickly as possible. He and Assard and even Little Annabel knew it was going to be a long road to full recovery. He wondered why no one, especially Isacal, asked him any further questions about his past. However he realised after he noticed Assard and Calqui share a glance and a grin. He wondered whether his son had threatened Isacal but he doubted it as Isacal seemed calm, even at peace.
‘When you retire can we talk?’ Alundi heard.
For a few moments he was shocked at the sound but then composed himself recognising Isacal’s voice. He nodded at her but he failed to hide his anger with himself for how easily she was able to reach his mind. He retired shortly afterwards eager to get the confrontation out of the way. When Isacal stood to help him he shot Calqui a glance and held up his hand to stop Assard. She laid him onto his bed and sat cross-legged facing him.
‘Go ahead.’ Alundi said silently.
‘Can we share a fiction together? Can we ignore the world around us? Forget where our lives have taken us and just speak as sister and brother?’
Alundi simply nodded.
‘I will not pretend to know the full reasons why you left, nor will I ask, but why keep yourself hidden? Why pretend to be dead? Why the new identity?’ The pain in her voice was something Alundi had not heard for a very long time.
‘It was necessary. Arthur knew my lineage; Merlin and the other Knights did not. I was planning to return but I did not know when, but even you can agree I am no longer an Elf neither can I be again. I am as corrupted as Darz. The only true difference between us is that I have embraced love and him hate.’
Isacal closed her eyes as tears started falling from them.
‘I have missed you baby brother.’ Her pain reached new heights and Alundi opened his eyes. He sat up quickly and embraced h
is sister. She pulled as much as he and the two long separated siblings were for this moment at peace and only love was between them.
‘Father you must wake. We have a problem.’ It took quite a few moments for Alundi to register what was going on. It was not even high sun but quickly Alundi steadied his thoughts, tapping Excalibur to help compose him he slowly walked unassisted to Little Annabel’s side. She stood rigid as a statue staring towards the west.
‘I am uncertain father, I do not recognise it.’ Assard said from behind him. Placing a hand on Little Annabel’s shoulder he asked.
‘May I young one?’
She nodded and outstretched her left hand. He took it softly. Merging his magic with hers he followed her sight and feelings. He felt what she felt and it did not take long for him to determine what it, they, were. He withdrew and instantly his legs gave from under him and he collapsed to his knees. Assard failed to catch him in time.
‘We need to flee with all speed.’ He said as Assard helped him up from the ground.
‘Who is it?’ Isacal asked.
‘Elemamtels.’ He laboured.
‘How many?’ Boahim asked resting his hand upon the pommel of his sword.
‘Many, they must have been tracking Merlin not us.’
‘We can fight them.’ Calqui said walking over with Kraco in her wake.
Alundi shook his head.
‘No do not underestimate them. Without my father we will struggle to succeed. Our goal is to get Annabel and Little Annabel safe.’ Assard said helping Alundi to his feet.
‘We run, day and night. We do not stop until we are within your borders. Agreed?’ Alundi asked Isacal.
She gave him a quick nod.
Alundi suggested that both the Annabels be helped to sleep as he was. Being carried for such a time and at such a speed could cause a great number of complex injuries that even with magic were difficult to heal. They submitted but only after a great deal of convincing. Assard found it amusing that Alundi refused to do the same however. His reasoning was sound, but Assard knew that his father did not enjoy putting his life in the hands of others even Assard. A couple of times Little Annabel would wake by her own choice breaking the hold of sleep anyone placed on her. For the first day and night Alundi allowed Little Annabel to be awake but after that she started developing painful sores and Alundi insisted that she slept for the rest of the journey. Kraco had offered to carry them all but Alundi had asked the gold dragon to fly west periodically to check on their pursuers. The third time Kraco returned he relayed that they were indeed being followed by a few more than fifty Elemamtels. Their progress was very good though they were slowing and tiring. Alundi had finally given in and allowed Assard to put him to sleep, demanding however that he be woken the moment they got within sight of the Elf country. Before this, Isacal had expressed her concern on the reception Kraco would get from her people. Knowing now that her misgivings had all but gone Alundi was tempted to tell her to order the Elves not to be so stupid, but he was too tired to argue and Kraco would be just another headache for him to contend with. He instructed Kraco that after they entered the Elf border to keep out of sight of their pursuers until he could secure a place for the great dragon to land within Elf country. Kraco had asked if this had something to do with the complexities of the Elf people and when Alundi confirmed it he agreed without hesitation not wanting another throbbing head.
‘We have decided not to camp young Annabel, but you should wake nonetheless.’ Boahim said softly. She looked around noticing Alundi however was not awake, and hung limp upon Assard’s back. Her daughter was awake and alert upon Calqui’s. She noticed in that moment just how ill and frail Alundi really looked. Assard mentioned to her that he had been falling in and out of consciousness for most of the day prior to this, but Assard had spent some of his dwindling magic and helped heal Alundi partially. Though it seemed that they were at least a league from the Elf border the tree line stretched away from both sides of the horizon. She had never seen such a sight. Led by Isacal they slowly stepped through the threshold and into the Elf realm. Kraco had bid his farewells and told only Alundi where he was going to go until he was called. He reassured Little Annabel that he would be safe and flew north skirting the border heading towards the R’hop River.
‘Who goes there?’ A harmony of voices echoed in and around them even Annabel heard it.
Calqui closed to Assard upon Little Annabel’s instruction. She placed her palm upon Alundi’s back. Within moments Alundi’s limbs were no longer limp. He raised his head and opened his eyes. Glancing around, his eyes fell on Little Annabel’s and for the first time since Crimson had first attacked them Alundi smiled his infectious smile and he showed no fear. Isacal stepped forward quickly proclaiming who she was and waited. She did not have to wait long. Elves seemed to appear from all around them. Annabel counted over fifty as Boahim helped her from his back to her feet. She quickly stood behind her daughter as she too was helped to her feet by Calqui.
‘Forgive us, My Queen.’ One of the Elves said bowing his head to her with the others all following suit.
‘Nothing to forgive, Dosia-Buo, we travel to Osia where we will rest for the day and night. Send a runner to announce our arrival. And despatch another to Wen-Fen-Nu to alert the Council of our return.’
‘Instantly My Queen.’ The same Elf replied. Two flicks of the Elf's hand and two of the Elves sped off in opposite directions.
‘Boahim, assist me.’ Assard said softly.
Boahim did as he was asked. Annabel noticed that these Elves were a proud people judging by the reaction when Assard asked Boahim and the way he responded. It is obvious that they saw Man as an inferior race. Maybe this was not a good place to come after all, Annabel thought.
They passed under a stone archway into Osia where they were greeted by many Elves who now stood on either side of the path they took towards the centre of Osia. Alundi had silently asked Calqui to switch places with Assard and assist him. Again this was met with surprised glances from the Elves that noticed. Assard took up a spot directly behind Little Annabel urging Annabel to stand at her side. She did so and took her daughter's hand. Little Annabel looked at everything in wonder. Annabel could not do the same however. The faces of the Elves waiting for the Queen at what seemed to be the centre of Osia were twisted in surprise, joy, and anger as their eyes landed upon their Queen and then Boahim and Calqui who carried Alundi. It must have been such a sight for them to see the chief and most gifted warrior of the Wolf Guard carrying him. Few here knew that Alundi was Galahad and none other than their party knew he was in fact not only one of them but their prince. They headed to the largest tree the Annabels and even Assard had ever seen. The trunk itself was almost the size of Meredith’s Rising Sun Inn, and by the looks of it the tree had been hollowed out. Two stepped forward from the group and after bowing one of them took another step forward.
‘It is gratifying to see you safe My Queen. This is truly an honour, please find food, baths and fresh beds inside.’ The Elf said gesturing to the great tree behind him.
‘Thank you Gurean.’ Isacal said softly.
‘That is not an Elf name?’ Little Annabel asked instantly. Assard lowered his head so his mouth was at her ear and he whispered.
‘He’s one of the puppets.’ He knew that all present would have heard him, Annabel being the exception, mind.
‘My Queen.’ A voice proclaimed from behind them. They all turned.
‘Elder Fro.’ She said with a smile. He walked over to her and they embraced. In no way did he seem old in fact he looked as young as all the Elves and puppets around them but it seemed that he commanded a great deal of respect from his peers.
‘I know you have had a long and tiring journey but if you would permit me. Are the rumours true?’ Isacal looked confused so the Elder continued.
‘That Merlin the greatest Man magic-wielder and trusted friend of old is dead.’ Isacal let o
ut a sigh and glanced at Alundi who simply shrugged then her head fell.
‘It is true Elder. Merlin’s heart and mind had been twisted with fear and greed and he turned on us. Alundi wielder of Excalibur despatched him but he did so Elder with a heavy heart.’
‘Who did this twisting?’ Gurean asked before the Elder could say anything.
‘Darz.’ Alundi growled softly.
What followed put a great smile upon his and Assard’s face as every Elf and puppet present spun on the spot and spat upon the ground, only the Elf members of the Quest not reacting as such.
‘Merlin is dead. The greatest wielder of Man dead because of this young one, what is so important about you I wonder.’ Gurean stepped forward and placed his hands under Little Annabel’s arms and lifted her so their faces were level. Anger exploded through Alundi and before even Assard reacted Alundi slammed his magic between Gurean and Little Annabel making sure that she was in no way injured. She was flung back and caught by Assard skilfully. Alundi lifted his arms from Boahim and Calqui’s backs and bolted forward. He grabbed Gurean with his left hand by the throat, lifted him two feet off the ground and crashed him into the great tree behind him. The bark cracked and splintered at the impact. It took a few moments for even the Elves to gauge what had happened. The sound of the impact echoed through the trees.
‘Pay attention puppet for I will only say this once. You are forbidden to touch young Little Annabel, all of you are, without my permission.’ He seethed through his teeth glancing around.
‘Do I make myself clear, puppet?’
‘Stop this.’ Isacal said stepping forward.
‘Be quiet.’ Alundi spat.
‘I asked you a question puppet. Am I understood?’ Alundi growled sinisterly squeezing Gurean's throat tighter. Gurean kicked his legs and grasped Alundi’s arm with both his hands in an attempt to loosen Alundi’s grip, but his efforts were futile. He called upon his magic but it drained from him.
‘It’s a curious sensation isn’t it? Your magic seeping out of you, you powerless to stop it, it is being put to a good cause, mind.’
‘ALEC, STOP THIS!’ Isacal shouted.
Alundi quickly turned his head towards her.
‘I SAID, SHUT UP!’ The anger in his voice stung her and he knew it. He returned his attention to the man struggling to breathe at the end of his left hand.
‘You haven’t got long Gure…’ Alundi was interrupted when someone shouted.
‘You heard our Queen, stop this madness or I’ll…’
In that moment Alundi drew Excalibur with his right hand, whipped it behind him and rested the razor sharp tip upon the Elder’s neck. The Elves all around them drew their blades and pulled the strings of their bows. Assard spun round and brandished the Fire Sword. A shiver shook through the land and trees around them.
‘Do what?’ Alundi spat.
‘I did not take her instruction, do you really think I am going to take instruction from a senile old goat like you?’ Alundi fumed.
There was a sharp intake of breath from the Elves around them. For a number of tense moments nothing happened then Annabel stepped forward.
‘Alundi, stop this. No harm was done.’ She said calmly but he heard the fear in her voice.
As quickly as he drew Excalibur he sheathed it. Loosening his grip he allowed Gurean to draw breath however did not release his grip. He pulled him away from the tree and tossed him into the mass of puppets who had pushed their way forward through the crowd as if throwing a stone.
‘Alec I will not have you treating my people like…’ Isacal started forcefully but Alundi whipped round stopping her in her tracks, calmly he said.
‘You really need to learn when to hold your tongue sister. May I remind you that you swore an oath to the Quest, my Quest, and if I so choose, I can take command of any and all of your subjects, do not, test me.’ Alundi added sinisterly. It was a threat and he hoped she took it seriously.
‘Travelling through your country was a last resort, that is because I do not trust any of you.’ Alundi said spinning slowly, scanning the faces off all the Elves and puppets present.
‘Except you two.’ Alundi said nodding towards Calqui and Boahim who stood where Alundi had left them.
‘Now no one but the Quest can enter this hall unless I or Assard says so, am I understood?’ He knew he was though no one moved or made any sound as an answer.
Assard led the Annabels inside followed closely by Calqui and Boahim. Alundi stepped towards Isacal and the Elder mirrored him.
‘And sister you are not welcome.’ He spat though quietly.
‘How dare yo…’ The Elder stopped in mid sentence as confusion swept across his face.
‘Sister?’ he asked and Alundi grinned.
‘Do you not recognise me Fredren-Fro elder?’
The Elder shook his head. Alundi chuckled, leaned closer to him and spat.
‘Good.’
The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull Page 15
