The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull

by Russell Claridge

  ~~~~

  17

  Just Like Home

  Alundi exited the Council Chamber and rejoined the Quest and the Ne-aan’s. He had smiled at Boahim but refused to engage the Wolf Guard chief in conversation, which the Elf found confusing. The banquet had turned into a large celebration. The mourning for the loss was past and it was time to celebrate the lives of their fallen friends and family. The Elves that had been present joined in and were welcomed by the people of Ne-aan as they had been welcomed in Elf country. The Council broke shortly after and it did not take long before word spread of Alundi’s true identity. Many Elves started to gather to get a glimpse at their long lost Prince, some Elders obviously knowing him from the past. Most were younger than he who had never met the Prince. Alundi in no way resembled an Elf and had not done for many centuries and now he looked very far from the appearance of any Elf. His once trimmed blonde beard now hung from his chin a good three inches. His hair had grown out, mind, which did resemble other Elves but in comparison it was still shorter. Alundi had always been tall and broad which was rare for an Elf as their figures often were slimmer and sleeker, even the males. Whispers had started circling around the crowd of Elves and the Ne-aan’s. The crowd had started to part and Angeli walked into view who noticed her Prince near the banquet table. She regarded Alundi, amused at his look, ale in his left hand Calqui perched on his right leg, her arm around his back. She noticed Angeli and went to stand but Angeli stopped her with a quick glance. 

  ‘No young Calqui, I am the intruder here. Selec is not going to be happy Alec.’ Angeli said looking down at Alundi with a cheeky smile. 

  ‘There are far fairer and younger Elves for that old witch to fantasise about than I.’ Alundi retorted. 

  ‘May I?’ Angeli asked smiling brightly. 

  Assard immediately jumped from his seat and offered her it. 

  ‘This is Assard, my son, Angeli.’ He could not help smiling broadly at her and neither could Assard. Angeli looked Assard up and down for a moment then asked.

  ‘Adopted?’ She said confused. 

  ‘I thought the skin gave it away.’ Assard said forcefully but he was still smiling brilliantly. Alundi chuckled as did Calqui. 

  ‘I see you have inherited Alec’s wit.’ Angeli retorted with a grin.

  ‘I am far funnier then him. An Elf, a Man and a Dwarf walk into an Inn…’ 

  The party went on long into the night. Little Annabel had returned to them obviously tired and so Alundi excused himself and found Annabel talking with one of the other Ne-aan mothers. He politely whisked her away for a moment. 

  ‘For the duration of our stay here, do you wish to live with young Little Annabel alone, maybe amongst these people? Maybe regain what I have taken from you.’ Alundi said softly. Annabel placed her hands on his cheeks and pulled his face close. 

  ‘You have taken nothing Alundi. But yes living here with her alone would be nice.’ She said then lightly kissed Alundi. He smiled broadly, a smile she returned. It took no time at all to find the Annabels a suitable dwelling as the Elves had built a number of extra ones, which was a relief as Annabel did not wish to put anyone out. Alundi mentioned that the chances of the Elves turning on them were not gone, but they were minimal. In either case Alundi marked the dwelling and surrounding area from building to grass with the most precise magic to make sure they were safe. Little Annabel did not want to sleep but it did not take long to convince her, which meant she must have been tired. Alundi had a hand in it as he noticed that she was tapping Nasel’s magic to keep her awake. When he mentioned it she said that it was Nasel’s idea, which Alundi could not confirm, but conceded that it probably was as Nasel enjoyed the lives of those who carried it. 

  The party started winding down as many of the families started returning to their new homes. The Elves were all looking at Alundi who was oblivious to them all. He stared at the Annabels dwelling for a number of moments. 

  ‘I will watch over them this night perhaps with Kraco. Go to your home father and please take Calqui with you.’ Assard said with a mischievous grin. 

  Alundi smiled and patted his son on the shoulder. He spun round and was met by a host of Elves not ten feet from him. Calqui walked out of the crowd and wrapped her arm around his back. 

  ‘Why do they gather?’ Alundi asked. 

  ‘Most of them are younger than you and all have heard the stories. They are curious.’ Calqui answered in the same fashion. 

  Alundi pooled his magic and using Excalibur stretched out his consciousness towards Kraco. He was easily found within the forest as Alundi followed the weary trees. 

  ‘Kraco, I need you with me, if you could my friend. Assard will fill you in.’ Alundi did not have to wait for a reply as there was a low rumble and within moments the gold dragon was flying down from the sky directly for Alundi. All of the Elves looked up, some in awe some in horror. Alundi quickly wrapped his arms under Calqui’s legs and lifted her from the floor and with her in his arms bolted to his right. They had made it to the tree line long before the gathered Elves even noticed they were gone. Calqui was laughing so hard that it took her a while to stop. Alundi went to put her down but she grabbed his head and kissed him passionately. For what only felt like moments Alundi was lost in the smoothness of her lips and taste of her tongue. He smiled broadly as she pulled away. 

  ‘You haven’t done that in a while. I assume it’s the beard.’ 

  She chuckled and stroked it. 

  ‘I love the beard. It could be a bit shorter though.’ 

  Alundi laughed and kissed her again. 

  ‘I want to introduce you to my mother.’ 

  She frowned, confused but he smiled at her. He carried her deeper into the forest. It got denser which meant Alundi had to put Calqui down and lead her in.

  ‘Assard join me please for a short while.’ Alundi called to his son. 

  Before long the dense forest cleared and they stood in front of a white tree. Like the hall in Osia the base was as large as the Council Chamber and the centre had been hollowed out. It was a home still smaller than the Royal House but still sizeable He stared at it, his eyes glistening with tears. Calqui wrapped her arm around the small of his back and pulled him close. After a short while Assard and Isacal emerged from the dense woods. 

  ‘This is the closest I, or anyone have been able to get.’ 

  Alundi glanced at Isacal and nodded. He let go of Calqui and stepped forwards unhindered. He fell to one knee and bowed his head low. At first nothing happened but then a howl of wind rushed at him and them from all directions. What leaves were scattered on the floor lifted into the air as the howling wind picked up speed. 

  ‘Mother.’ Alundi whispered, and the howling wind in that moment changed to a roar then ceased. 

  There was a gasp from the others but Alundi was afraid to lift his head. The trees around them started vibrating and Alundi snapped his head up and before him stood the ghostly figure of his mother. Even this mere imprint of her still radiated her stunning beauty, the sharpness of her ears, the smoothness of her skin and the love in her eyes. Tears of joy and sadness started streaming from Alundi’s eyes and down his cheeks. She floated over to him and her hand caressed his cheeks and cupped his chin. 

  ‘My son.’ She said with a great smile.

  ‘Mother.’ He whispered back grinning broadly. 

  ‘My son, with a beard.’ 

  Alundi chuckled as more tears cascaded down his face. She looked past his shoulder and outstretched her hand towards Isacal. She walked forwards eyes wet with tears and wide in wonder. 

  ‘Daughter.’ Their mother said. She wrapped her arm around Alundi and his around her. Her mother stroked her face as she whispered.

  ‘Mother.’ 

  ‘I love you both so much. Keo’s return is what is needed daughter. Who are they?’ Their mother asked with a smile. 

  ‘My son Assard and my…’ Alundi stopped and glanced at Calqui. S
he stepped forward, quickly bowed and said. 

  ‘…wife, to be.’ Their mother smiled brilliantly and it was as if the ghostly face of hers became as firm as flesh.

  ‘I am so very proud of you my son, my daughter. This home is yours now Keo as long as Teo is welcome, always.’ She said softly. 

  Alundi simply bowed his head.

  ‘Forgive me for leaving, please?’ Alundi said the pain in his voice obvious. 

  ‘No need my son. You went with my blessing and my love. I love you both and always will.’ 

  The trees started vibrating again and the wind instantly picked up. Alundi and Isacal watched as the ghostly figure of their mother blew away with the wind. 

  ‘No!’ Alundi cried but it was too late as the last wisp of her loving smile evaporated into the breeze. 

  Isacal pulled him into a tight embrace of shared love and pain. For a long while they did not let go. Quickly Assard stepped over to Calqui noticed her pain and pulled her into a similar embrace. All his life Assard had never seen his father pained like this. He had told his son many years ago that the joy he would feel in seeing his mother again would only be outdone by the pain of losing her again and this time forever. 

  ‘Comfort him Calqui. He has longed and feared this moment ever since he left here all those years ago. This is the most pain I have ever seen him endure.’ Assard pulled away and for a short moment they felt a shared pain for Alundi who they both loved implicitly. 

  ‘Mother.’ Assard’s voice whispered. 

  Calqui smiled brilliantly, kissed him on the brow and hugged him again before walking over to Alundi and Isacal who had released each other. Isacal stepped aside as Calqui hugged Alundi. 

  ‘I will return to the Annabels. I shall return in a few days. Give you two some time.’ Assard said only to his father. 

  ‘There is no greater son then you, Assard.’ Alundi boomed wrapping an arm around him. 

  Alundi glanced at Isacal who smiled and gave him a cute nod. He stepped towards his home without a backwards glance leaving Assard and Isacal outside together. 

  ‘Can you make sure they are not disturbed?’ Assard asked. Isacal nodded. 

  ‘Of course, nephew.’ She said facing him. Assard nodded approvingly. 

  ‘I like that, auntie.’ Assard said with a chuckle. 

  Isacal frowned at him then conceded. 

  Alundi was stunned at how little his former home had changed. Calqui held his right hand tightly as he studied the floor, walls and ceiling. 

  ‘Has it changed?’ Calqui asked softly. 

  ‘No. And it’s perfect.’ Alundi turned her around, cupping her face and kissed her ever so lightly. 

  ‘I need a bath.’ He muttered. 

  Calqui stroked his face. 

  ‘And a trim.’ She retorted. They both laughed and Alundi picked her off her feet and headed for the baths. 

  Alundi woke suddenly. He lay upon his bed with Calqui's perfect and naked body across him, her right cheek nestled in his large chest. Alundi took a long moment to remember the previous night. He had lost himself with Calqui. It took a few moments for Alundi to register what or more accurately, who, had woken him. He pushed his consciousness out and recognised who it was. Placing his hand on Calqui’s back to wake her, she slowly opened her eyes and smiled brilliantly. 

  ‘Have you ever met Selec-Heo?’ Alundi asked softly. 

  ‘No why?’ 

  Alundi winked at her. 

  ‘Because she’s outside.’ 

  Her mouth fell open in shock. She got up quickly and scurried around looking for any garment. Alundi pulled on some loose fitting trousers and walked to the door. Pushing it open the smile he noticed upon her face was fantastic. 

  ‘Come on in, Elder.’ Alundi said sarcastically. 

  She scowled at him but followed his instructions. He turned away as she entered his home. She looked up at him who had his arms open. She skipped forward and hugged her former apprentice. Calqui almost fell through the doors of the bedroom. Selec glanced at her but did not let go of Alundi. 

  ‘I hear you go by the name Alundi?’ Selec asked, Alundi nodded as they parted. 

  ‘Doesn’t Alundi mean…’ Selec started, but Alundi quickly said silently.

  ‘Not in front of my future…’ Alundi did not finish and a bow of Selec’s head was enough for her to become silent. 

  ‘Oh.’ Selec said mischievously. 

  ‘Calqui-Pao is it not?’ Selec said bowing her head low. 

  Calqui was in a state of shock, whether that was because Selec was here or that she knew her name Alundi could not say.

  ‘Yes…Yes Selec-Heo, Elder.’ Calqui bowed her head low. 

  ‘Young one, I may be an Elder but I do not like being reminded of it every time one of you youngsters address me.’ Selec growled. 

  Calqui bowed again afraid and ashamed. 

  ‘Don’t pay any attention to Heo my love. She actually enjoys being revered for her years and wisdom. She just attacks anyone I love in the ludicrous hope that I will marry her.’ Alundi said joyfully. 

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous Keo, I’m old enough to be your mother.’ Selec snapped embarrassed. 

  Actually you’re old enough to be my mother's, mother's, mother's, mother's, mother's, mother's…’ 

  ‘Shut it!’ Selec screamed. 

  ‘Mother.’ Alundi said quickly but ever so slightly quieter. 

  She growled at him which made him laugh even more. 

  ‘I’ve missed you old one.’ She smiled and her eyes glistened with tears. He pulled her into another tight embrace and kissed her brow. 

  ‘So when are you coming to visit mine forge?’ She asked wiping her eyes. 

  ‘I intend to stay here with Calqui for a few days.’ Alundi started smiling at Calqui who turned, embarrassed. 

  ‘But rest assured I will pay you a visit before I leave.’ 

  ‘Leave?!’ Selec asked in dread. 

  ‘Yes Heo. I am not here for good. Soon I will have to leave. But soon is not now. I hear from Angeli you have taken another apprentice. Have you forgotten your oath never to take another apprentice after me?’ Alundi said hoping to lighten her mood. 

  She smiled, thankful at the change of subject. 

  ‘No, I promised not to take another Elf apprentice.’ 

  Alundi frowned confused. There were Men here for certain but even the magical ones would not and could not keep up with the speed or have the strength required. 

  ‘You have me at a loss, Heo.’ Alundi mumbled. 

  ‘You’ve met him before, you and Assard. You almost cut his head off.’ Alundi chuckled. 

  ‘The Dwarf.’ Alundi laughed out loud and struggled to stop.

   Selec scowled at him. 

  ‘Did you have to lower the logs, or make a step?’ Alundi burst out laughing again. She growled again. 

  ‘A step, I’ll have you know.’ Selec said crossing her arms over her chest. 

  ‘He’s a devious one. He was pleased with my craftsmanship, mind. Also pleased with Excalibur, he tried to steal it.’ 

  Selec's mouth fell open in shock but she then grinned. 

  ‘So that’s why you almost did it. Do you have it, here?’ Selec asked in wonder and glee. 

  Alundi turned and entered the bedroom. A few moments passed and he returned carrying Excalibur in its sheath. Alundi drew it and held it out to Selec. All the legendary sword-smith could do was gape at it. She quickly shook herself out of the trance and took the sword. She ran her finger tips down both faces of the sword. It was as if Alundi, Calqui and the rest of the world had ceased to exist. She studied every aspect of the sword from the intricate indentations of the handle to the polished smooth faces. Calqui was mystified by Selec’s interest, whether this was because she was in the company of it or something else, Alundi could not say. They both waited in silence, Alundi placing an arm around Calqui’s back, she doing the same. Selec looked up a
s if shocked they were there. 

  ‘So what do you think?’ Alundi said with a grin. 

  ‘This sword is in no doubt the greatest sword of all time. It is perfect, the balance, the lines and oh so beautiful.’ Selec said to them both. 

  ‘Don’t say stuff like that, Excalibur's ego will swell.’ 

  ‘No sized ego can compare to yours Alundi.’ Excalibur boomed. 

  Selec was so shocked at hearing Excalibur that she let go of the great sword. Alundi skilfully caught it by the blade. 

  ‘I’m so sorry.’ She blurted. 

  ‘No harm done old friend. Listen I’ll come down in a few days and bring my son and young Little Annabel with me. Both carry some things you will want to meet.’ He smiled broadly. 

  She returned it then glanced at Calqui.

  ‘You have yourself a fantastic…’ Selec paused and looked at Alundi from head to toe. 

  ‘…Man here Calqui. Even with the beard he still looks rather dashing. Keep hold of him.’ She winked at her then Alundi and spun on the spot and left without a backwards glance. 

  ‘She loves you.’ Calqui said softly. 

  ‘For over a hundred years we spent pretty much every day together. I love her as another mother, but at the moment all I want to think about is a young Elf maiden who I have fallen in love with and is at the moment at least under my spell of charm and wit.’ Alundi said gently. He lowered his head to her and they kissed. She screamed when with lightning speed he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. He placed Excalibur down in a corner and using magic closed both doors.

  Annabel woke to a loud boom and the floor shaking. She was so startled that it took her a few moments to realise where she was. She dressed quickly with clothes that had been placed just inside the door. They were all of Elf design and she was spoilt for choice. However shortly afterwards she stepped out of her dwelling searching for her daughter. She did not have to look long as she noticed her sitting on a great boulder talking with Kraco. She noticed Assard standing with two Elves at the large table where they had the banquet the night before, an assortment of bows on it. He was asking which bows could be strung tighter to make an arrow fly faster. The Elves were very interested in what Assard had to say. Annabel stepped down from her new home and headed for her daughter who was waving frantically. 

  ‘My apologies Annabel, did I wake you?’ Kraco asked. 

  ‘Yes you did dragon, but apology accepted. I needed to wake anyway. What did you do?’

  Little Annabel slapped the boulder she was sitting on and beamed at her. Annabel just laughed. She found out that it was Assard who wanted the boulder but he was being very tight lipped about it to everyone. He had reiterated its importance and they would know soon enough. Even Alagon who had been taught and trained the same way as Alundi was at a loss. Annabel joined Maria at an open fire preparing the afternoon meal. Little Annabel filled her time running around with the Ne-aan and Elf children and failing to convince Kraco to let them fly around on his back. The Elf children were just as wild as the Man children. Annabel noticed one of the parents, and after finishing her preparations she walked over to her and introduced herself.

  ‘An honour young Annabel, I am Prem.’ Annabel bowed whilst taking a seat. 

  ‘Just Prem?’ 

  Prem smirked. 

  ‘Prem-Pre. But since the Ne-aans’ have arrived I have spent much of my time here and Men seem to have only one name.’ She chuckled which sparked a smile from Annabel. 

  ‘What would you like to ask?’ 

  Annabel seemed surprised for a moment but she knew just how perceptive Elves were. She looked over to the children who were now running around Kraco striking him with sticks. Kraco rumbled and it seemed he enjoyed it. 

  ‘Your children, Elf children seem to be more exuberant than I suspected.’ 

  Prem smirked at how carefully Annabel chose her words. 

  ‘I have seen Elves emotional and I’m not talking about Alundi. Isacal your Queen, Calqui, Boahim all have expressed feelings but your body language, your, you seem to be more logical than Man. I have no doubt you feel but you seem to always think and let your mind make a decision and never go with your gut or heart, even if they are opposites.’ Prem listened intently finally realising what Annabel was trying to say.

  ‘It is magic. Your daughter's instincts drive her to heal with her magic, yes?’ Prem asked. 

  Annabel quickly nodded. 

  ‘Elf children's instincts are not as apparent as Man children's. One could say we are logical from the moment when we are born however we are not intelligent. So without instinct and the knowledge to use our magic we cannot control it. This is dangerous to one and others and so we bind. Bind their magic for the first ten years of our lives which makes us as free as a mountain bird, within this forest, mind.’ Prem added with a smile. 

  ‘By the age of ten we are tutored to control our magic in the paths that have been set and our lives are open to us.’

  ‘And all Elves are bound?’ Annabel asked instantly.

  ‘Not just Elves but the Man-Elves as well.’ 

  Annabel stared at Prem in shock. All Prem was saying was confirming what Alundi had already informed her.

  ‘Alundi told me that as my daughter grows her magic will increase. Would this happen if she was bound?’ Annabel asked shaking slightly. 

  ‘No it would not. If the Council try to force a bind on her you must prevent it though I am sure Alec would die before that would happen. What those Elders do not realise is that the foremost expert on magic available to us is Alec.’ 

  Annabel noticed a proud smile spread across Prem’s face. 

  ‘You know Alundi?’ She asked.

  ‘Yes, I helped raise him. He needed more help then most.’ 

  Annabel was about to ask for more detail when an Elf child ran up to them. His eyes were streaming with tears and he was holding his right shoulder in obvious pain. 

  ‘Has it popped out again Mel?’ Prem asked. The boy Elf nodded frantically not releasing any sound. Little Annabel had followed and came to Mel’s side, all she was staring at was his shoulder. 

  ‘May I?’ she asked not looking up from it. 

  Mel looked up at Prem who nodded and so did Mel. Little Annabel lightly placed her hand upon his shoulder. There was a violent jerk but before Mel could feel any pain from the shoulder being pushed back in Little Annabel slowly pulled her hand away. Mel started moving his shoulder in every direction then he smiled. 

  ‘There is no pain?’ Prem asked leaning forward and placing her hand on his shoulder as well.

  Mel simply shook his head. Both the Annabels smiled then Little Annabel ran off back towards Kraco.

  ‘Amazing. Our best healers have never been able to cure Mel’s shoulder until he was fully grown.’ Prem was saying it to herself in utter shock. 

  Mel kissed Prem and ran after Annabel’s daughter. 

  ‘Skilled and intelligent as we are we have failed where your daughter has succeeded.’ Prem said taking her seat again in disbelief. 

  ‘Why did Alundi need more help?’ Annabel asked softly. 

  Prem regarded Annabel with a small amount of suspicion but sighed loudly knowing that she had opened the door for the question. 

  ‘We Elves require a mass amount of magic to have children. This magic is provided by both the mother and father. But in truth the mother uses much more.’ Prem adjusted herself so she faced Annabel. 

  ‘To be safe, it takes us Elf maidens a century after giving birth before we can carry a child again. The ones that do so beforehand risk their child's lives and forsake their immortality.’ Prem's head fell in shame and pain. 

  ‘Forty years separate Queen Isacal and Prince Alec. When Isacal was born I could see the disappointment in the King's eye. He loved her I have no doubt, but he wanted a son.’ 

  Annabel looked at Prem concerned as sadness and anger were in her eyes. 

  ‘Alec’s m
other became so weak that I helped her as best I could with magic and with care. Alec was born with greater magic than any Elf before him. No bind held. He needed an outlet almost instantly.’ 

  ‘That's when he became a warrior?’ 

  Prem nodded. 

  ‘He felt so guilty.’ Prem said with even greater pain in her voice but Annabel shocked her by saying.

  ‘No, he feels so guilty.’ Annabel corrected. 

  Prem bowed her head. 

  ‘We Elves, corrupted or not have long memories.’ She said with a small grin but the pain had not disappeared.

  They both jumped when a loud bang sounded from the main camp. They looked over to see many Men and Elves clapping and laughing with Assard standing with his arms high and open in triumph. Prem stood and walked over with Annabel in her wake. They looked at the large boulder which had a standard Elf arrow embedded three inches in it. The surrounding face of the boulder was cracked and splintered. Assard was in intense discussion with Alagon who had had the same training within the Skull as Alundi, who taught Assard, and yet Alagon was just as shocked and impressed with Assard's arrow as everyone else, even Kraco took an interest.

  ‘I would prefer it if whatever you did to the arrow did not become common knowledge, Assard.’ The gold dragon boomed frightening many around him. 

  ‘Do not worry Kraco most magic influence ceases before it strikes you.’

  ‘The magic you fought me with did not cease.’ Kraco growled.

  ‘That was pure magic my friend. this is simply magical influence, it will cease before it would strike you.’

  ‘How do you know that?’ One of the Elves asked before anyone else could. 

  ‘He is a dragon. And that makes you, Kraco, far more magical then any and all of us.’ Assard said with a grin. 

  He grasped two arrows and forced the same magic into them. He strung the first and aimed it at the boulder and let loose. The arrow flew towards the boulder with lightning speed and struck it just above the first impact. A deafening crack rang, pieces of the boulder splintered off. Assard quickly strung the second one, aimed it at Kraco and let it loose. The arrow sailed towards Kraco who had no time to do anything except close his eyes and expect pain. A few moments passed with Kraco standing perfectly still, he eventually opened his eyes and noticed the arrow lying on the ground just in front of him. Looking up he noticed Assard just beaming at him. 

  ‘The only thing that prevents you, hinders you, is a lack of knowledge Kraco. The more skills you learn, the more knowledge you absorb, the greater your understanding will be and the better you will be.’ 

  A loud rumble shook from Kraco and he stared at Assard who simply smiled back. Kraco swiped one of his talons at Assard who along with the others ducked skilfully. All of them fell to the floor, Assard and Alagon being the exception. 

  ‘That was poor.’ Alagon said turning to Assard. He grinned broadly.

  ‘Are you telling me?’ Assard replied sarcastically. 

  ‘Fancy your chances in catching me dragon?’ Assard muttered daringly. 

  There was a low rumble but this one was warmer than the one before. Kraco slammed his talon down right at Assard who easily side-stepped it, though a great deal of dirt was kicked up by the strike. 

  ‘My turn.’ He said mischievously. 

  He leapt high and forward discarding the bow with such speed that only Alagon saw him do so. He landed on Kraco’s snout and squatted staring into his friend's great eyes. 

  ‘Come on Kraco. You can do better than that.’ The dragon growled and went to grab Assard but before he noticed, Assard was not there. He twisted his neck round and found Assard standing on the furthest most dwelling behind Kraco. The dragon leapt into the sky intent on catching Assard. 

  ‘No fire, Dragon!’ Assard shouted at the top of his lungs. 

  ‘No magic then Wielder!’ Kraco boomed back. 

  Assard bowed at the waist then spun and leapt toward the tree line. 

  ‘Come on Goldie!’ Assard yelled from the edge of the forest. 

  Kraco snarled which made Assard laugh then he bolted into the forest with Kraco hot on his tail flying over the thick canopy. 

  ‘I’ll tell you all that Assard is a breath of fresh air.’ Alagon boomed to the laughing crowd. 

  ‘I only pick the best.’ 

  Everyone spun round to see Alundi striding towards them with Calqui on his arm. She wore a loose dress that stroked the ground as she walked. For the first time Alundi did not wear his travelling clothes, he sported a plain white tunic and leggings that only fell over his knees. 

  ‘Galahad.’ Alagon called. 

  They greeted each other in the time-honoured tradition of Camelot, by locking their forearms together. Alundi started to assist in the preparations of the coming meal. Many Elves started to gather, obviously because of Alundi’s presence, however he seemed not to notice them. They hovered at a distance muttering amongst themselves, Alundi seemingly oblivious. He spent most of his time accepting the handshakes of Ne-aans claiming what an honour it was to meet him. He did not enjoy it but neither did he hate it. Eventually some of them started noticing the massed Elves that now numbered close to a hundred. Eventually Alundi stepped forward towards them. One stepped out of the crowd who he recognised but could not put a name to the face. She bowed low then looked up at him. 

  ‘Prince it is…’ 

  Alundi stepped forward and grasped her shoulder lightly and pulled her upright. 

  ‘Listen, all of you. My name is Alundi and that is how I am to be addressed. I am no longer your Prince, neither am I Alec-Keo. Should you wish to speak to me then you must learn to speak to me as an equal for that is what we are now and do not bow.’ Alundi added a bit more forcefully. 

  All the Elves nodded but before they could continue there was a roar from above and Kraco came into sight. He flew down to them and landed next to the boulder shaking the ground as he did. 

  ‘How go the hunt Kraco?’ Alagon shouted. 

  ‘I lost Assard near the Northern Kingdom.’ He growled evidently frustrated. 

  ‘No.’ Assard’s voice bellowed. 

  Kraco snapped his head round looking for his prey as did everyone else. 

  ‘You just didn’t look in the right places.’ Assard said again but was still nowhere in sight. Little Annabel who was busy eating a bowl of stew glanced at Alundi who was staring up just beyond Kraco's head. She followed his stare and using her magic sight noticed the outline of Assard clinging to the large spinal plates on Kraco’s back. 

  ‘He’s on your back!’ She screamed jumping and pointing. 

  Assard stood rolled his eyes and leapt from the dragons back just before Kraco swiped his tail at him landing on the table, his feet expertly missing the food that was on it. Alundi laughed but Kraco roared loudly which struck fear in almost everyone present. Alundi glanced at Assard who spun round. 

  ‘How about a rematch, tomorrow at dawn?’ Assard asked. 

  Alundi coughed loudly and Assard quickly corrected.

  ‘At dusk.’ 

  A low growl escaped Kraco but he eventually nodded.

  ‘I’m hungry.’ Kraco said dismissively. The Ne-aans and Elves close to the dragon backed off which made the entire Quest laugh. After a moment Kraco joined in. 

  ‘Do not worry Men and Elves. You do not taste nice.’ Alundi fell into his seat laughing harder which finally broke the fear of many others and they joined in. 

  ‘Remember today!’ Alagon boomed standing on the table. 

  ‘You, we have all suffered but today is a good day!’ LET US FEAST!’ Alagon shouted at the top of his lungs. There was a loud cheer and everyone started, the Ne-aans gesturing to the surrounding Elves to join them. Calqui sat upon Alundi’s lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist and they kissed passionately. Annabel noticed and grinned but then spun round quickly not wanting to watch. Her eye locked with Prem’s who noticed what Annabel saw and realised her
feelings towards Alundi. Prem walked over and took her hand. 

  ‘Relationships between Elves, corrupt or not, and Man have always been thwarted with pain. I am sorry young one but it is for the best.’ 

  Annabel nodded and sank her head into Prem’s chest. She glanced up to see Alundi staring at them both through the active crowd. There was only shock in his eyes, which meant he did not know of this and is as innocent as Annabel, both slaves to their feelings.