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21
Fractures
‘Who do you think it was father?’ Assard asked as they walked with Little Annabel and Calqui towards Quinn and Kraco who were waiting to carry Little Annabel back to the Ne-aans.
‘I have an idea.’ Alundi replied but did not divulge it.
‘Quinn, lets get to work.’
Kraco had taken to the sky with Little Annabel upon his back. Quinn assembled all and starting instructing them in their graceful sword wielding techniques. Both Alundi and Assard were impressed. However they both agreed quickly that improvement was needed. Their actual swordplay was brilliant but it was the way they moved. Their structure as a unit and their overall posture could be improved. Alundi and Assard sat down with Quinn and the instructors and started constructing a new training regime. It was a long and demanding process and the winter's day soon turned to night becoming bitterly cold. They called it a night. Assard leaving towards the Ne-aan camp along with Quinn, and Alundi headed home with Calqui wrapped up in his arms. They talked about the day past when Alundi heard someone approaching. They were almost perfectly silent, any sound they made was so similar to the wildlife within the forest that they would not be overheard. But Alundi's ears were far more sensitive than normal Elf ears and he could hear each careful foot fall.
‘My love, go ahead then circle back to the training arenas and summon Queen Isacal and the Wolf Guard.’
She did as he asked not breaking her stride. Alundi stood on the same spot and waited. For a few moments Alundi fell into himself and became nothing to everyone. Click, another step this one not so careful, he was losing his concentration which made Alundi smirk. His follower was close, just as he would enter sight Alundi sprang into a sprint, circled round into the woods and slammed his hand onto his pursuer's shoulder. Squeezing slightly and leaning in Alundi muttered.
‘Soni-Xao?’
The Elf that stood in Alundi's grasp emanated and radiated his regrets and hatred. Soni was Alundi's elder by almost two and a half centuries, but that just made the fact he showed these feelings even worse. Had he been harbouring, fuelling these feelings for the better part of six hundred years? Or had they been rekindled when word reached his ears of Alundi’s return. Either way it did not matter. Alundi could see through Soni and knew his intentions and even now, knowing he could not escape, knowing that Alundi had every right to kill him he still raged with hate. Alundi had never been close to his father and so could only accept some of Soni's reasoning. Alundi could see Assard avenging his death but not in this way. Letting go Alundi was surprised Soni did not pounce, maybe he still had some measure of control left. Passing by him Alundi spun to face Soni.
‘I’m not a patient man Soni, so if you are going to act, act!’ Soni met Alundi’s eyes, placid calm eyes in comparison to his hate filled, hurt eyes.
‘Man!’ Soni growled in true dragon fashion.
‘Yes Man, far greater creatures then you Elves, Are you going to act Soni, or just stand there?’ Alundi's left hand drifting, not unnoticed, to Excalibur.
‘You have no chance against me Soni-Xao, none! So you can act, but all that would be is an execution. Or you can listen and leave.’
Confusion and surprise splashed across his face. Alundi stepped closer opening his arms.
‘Your father was right.’
The mention of his father flared his hatred and anger but as the words sank deeper emotion surfaced.
‘My father was senile and he was leading all Elves astray. But even he, in his condition, is not entirely to blame. The Council supported his decision to kill your father and Isacal was ordered to do it. I could not let that happen.’
‘You did not save my father, you killed him, his blood is on your hands!’ Soni yelled pointing the tip of his blade at Alundi’s chest.
‘Not just my hands! On the hands of my father! And on the Council's! But not on my sister's! Not on your Queen's hands.’ That sparked it.
Not only did Soni share his father's beliefs, in his mind he was right, and in that he and Alundi had something in common.
‘Isacal was ordered to kill your father, an order she could not refuse and had she carried it out she would have fallen into corruption and I would have taken the throne.’
Soni's emotions were raging and the thought of another male in power scared him.
‘I wasn’t going to fight Isacal to stop her and neither was I going to let her kill Xais-Xao Which left me one option, one path to take and I took it Soni. Your father had a chance, a good chance. But like I said you do not. So this is your moment, your turn, leave and be thankful I am not your King. Or you can challenge me and die swiftly and follow your father. Decide.’ Alundi said softly stepping back a few paces.
The conflict of emotions raging within Soni's mind was perplexing even to Alundi.
Slowly very slowly Soni lowered his sword and held it low pointing towards the floor.
‘Good choice.’
Alundi glanced and saw Boahim emerge from the green followed by Isacal and Calqui. Fredren emerged from the opposite side. Soni shot the Elder a thunderous look of rage.
‘It is true Soni-Xao. The order was given by Alec’s father and was not opposed by the Council’. Fredren muttered. Alundi smirked, encouraged was a better description.
‘Just the treachery we would still have, if I was your King.’ Alundi said softly.
He opened his arms and embraced Calqui, turned and started strolling towards his home not looking back. Soni turned to Isacal and stared into her eyes, their faces inches apart, Soni fuming with rage. Isacal was a far stronger magic-wielder and her defences were up. But even she would admit that she was not as gifted a swordsman. Soni spat at her feet, an ultimate insult. Boahim faster than any time before drew his sword, grabbed Soni's hair and rested the blade across his throat.
‘Don’t!’ Isacal spat.
Boahim lifted his blade away and let go of Soni.
‘Leave this place Soni-Xao I hereby rescind the request upon you to serve in the coming wars.’
She spun round and left followed by Boahim and Fredren. Soni then realised just how many were present. There were easily all of the Wolf Guard and at least five patrols all with their arrows poised and blades drawn. They all started to filter back into the woods. Soni knowing what had to be done, sheathed his sword and then followed the bulk of them towards the training arenas.
‘Keep an eye on him.’ Boahim whispered to Crul-Teo.
She nodded then melted into the wood.
The following day Alundi arrived at the training grounds with Calqui. They were not the only ones in their warrior attire, in fact almost all were similarly clothed including the Wolf Guard. Calqui was sober but Alundi reassured her that Soni would not be an issue. He knew that he had not succeeded in permanently resolving the issue, but for now his work with the army was more pressing. Even in Alundi’s time the Elves had never gone to war but their training and teachings were of standing formations and great hosts of Elves. Such teachings were now obsolete. Magic had evolved so had the enemy they would be fighting, they had to evolve too. A sideways glance and Alundi was shocked to see the entire younger Council members all in warrior dress. Quinn strolled over, bowing his head but not saying anything.
‘My love, head for my sister and the Elder Council, tell them I request their presence.’
Calqui smiled, spun round and left.
‘Where might I find Gurean and his cavalry?’
Quinn smirked.
‘At the far end of the training arena, come.’ Quinn led the way. They passed the archers who were now struggling with the new magic Assard had taught them to strengthen their arrows and bows. Assard was not far away, he was with Alagon leading the sword drilling. Alundi smirked slightly. They had become fast friends and worthy ones too. Alagon was still obviously pained by his son's kidnapping but he was intelligent enough to know that for t
he moment at least a rescue attempt was futile, and that Little Annabel was far more important. Alundi wondered if he would be so understanding if their roles were reversed, but the truth of the matter was that they were not reversed and so he could not know. He whisked Assard away promising a more suitable training venue for at least the next few days. At the far end of the training arenas a good acre had been put aside for Gurean and his kin.
At one end of the acre Alundi first heard, and now could see, the familiar sight of hot metal being struck. Selec was obviously not the only sword-smith in Elf country but she was the best. Many had created swords that would have been worthy for any spirit but still they had not joined with them.
‘Son.’ Alundi called.
He casually strolled over not taking his eyes from the many mares and stallions that had been tethered to the fence before them.
‘Gurean and his puppets will be your best force after Little Annabel and I enter the Skull. They can easily pass for Man as they are and they can hide their magic better than Elves. I want you to train them so they can train others in fast hit and run attacks. It might be a bit ironic that they will end up training the elf masters.’ They glanced at each other and chuckled.
‘I cannot stress enough how you must prevent open war. I will present my reasoning to the Council this night. Isacal seems to be…’ Alundi trailed off as he noticed Assard stare past him, confusion and shock upon his face.
‘What the f…’
Alundi spun round and found to his utter disbelief a great host of Elves leaving the training arenas heading north. It took barely moments to notice what banner they flew.
‘Assard, get Isacal and Boahim. Now!’
Assard sprung into a sprint ignoring his father's tone. Heading towards the leaving host he outstretched his mind towards them all. Most were skilled and unconsciously defended their thoughts. Some were not but he was not fooled. He touched upon one and withdrew as the defences went up. It took another four attempts on four others before Alundi was successful. He had attached himself to a young female warrior similar in age to Calqui. She was gifted in sword and magic but obviously lacked in mind defence. She actually knew little but her faith in her patrol master was absolute and so Alundi had to find him. It did not take long for her to help locate her patrol master who was barely a few paces in front of her. Alundi waved Quinn over.
‘Who is that?’ He asked the instructor pointing out his target.
‘Sanda-Hoe, I know him, skilled warrior but he does hold a great influence with all from the Northern Kingdom.’
‘He turned them, I must find out how.’
Quinn was confused but before he could say anything Alundi had melted into the great host in front of him.
‘Make sure no one follows.’ Alundi’s voice powered into Quinn’s mind.
Things in such a short time were falling apart. Alundi had to admit he did not see this coming. He expected Soni to voice his views but in truth he thought even with the Elves from the Northern Kingdom that their loyalty to their Queen was unshakeable, but obviously not. That they had risen up before against the throne was understandable, and in Alundi’s mind correct. However something new was afoot. He had learned from Isacal how the unrest and their father's death was bitter but very short. Isacal as a perfect Queen and politician had travelled to all corners of Elf country, the north being the first visit. That they felt slighted could not be the reason for their dissatisfaction, there must be other reasons but all were remote to him. Alundi held no position with his former kin, but many took his orders without hesitation. Through loyalty to him or his sister, or through some other reason he really did not know. Soni's influence over them was shockingly strong coin, maybe. However, though gifted, his abilities would not match even half the Elders that Alundi was walking with. Alundi mulled his wild thoughts. Yes he was here. Yes he was their former Prince. Yes he was corrupted. And yes, that was it. It struck him as hard as a heavily swung fist.
‘That’s it.’ He blurted not caring who would hear or notice him.
He concentrated on getting close to Sanda. But still he could not find what would make these Elves, in essence, betray their Queen. He got alongside Sanda and finally recognised the once gifted swordsman and tracker he had trained with before his entrance into the Wolf Guard.
‘You know who I am?’ Alundi calmly asked.
‘Of course Alec-Keo.’ Sanda's dry reply did nothing to him.
‘Why do you leave?’ Alundi asked using the same neutral tone whilst in the same moment stretching his mind towards Sanda. He did not answer.
‘Did you and Kili marry?’ Alundi asked.
This brought a smile to Sanda's face. Kili was one Elf maiden everyone within the Wolf Guard wanted, Alundi being no exception.
‘Yes Alec, and we have three children, two boys, one girl. Alundi could feel the joy within him and his voice.
‘I am happy for you. Have you met my son Assard?’
Sanda's disbelieving smirk did nothing to annoy Alundi.
‘A formidable warrior and a keen mind.’ Sanda replied.
That was a low blow but thankfully it succeeded as Alundi was able to slip into Sanda’s mind undetected. Within moments he retracted, gleaning all that he needed. This was indeed the plan if his assassination attempt failed, or as well. Soni was skilled in the dance of politics and cunning in his ways of persuasion and deception. A proud and powerful Dwarf he would have made. It was how he was doing this that still eluded him.
‘My love to you and your family Sanda.’ Alundi said, bowed and quickly withdrew from him.
He turned and headed for his sister who was striding towards the leaving Elves. To Alundi's surprise Soni was walking with her and the Council. He had called an official challenge. Alundi was certain of it now, however the combatants would have to be evenly matched otherwise victory would go to the lesser. He must have laid down the challenge during the morning Council session, knowing of course that regardless of Alundi's bloodline, he could not be called as he was corrupted. Now they had no choice. A challenge could not go ahead as it was unfair and so killing Soni was the only way, but that would only martyr him and his cause would grow. The only other choice was to try and convince his followers otherwise, which was close to impossible, as, in Elf law he was corrupted and so had no standing.
‘Father!’ Assard called from the far edge of the training arena.
He was chasing Calqui who was running towards Soni and the Council.
‘My love what are you doing?’ Alundi asked wearily.
‘What needs to be done my love.’ She answered and quickened her pace. Assard would not catch her in time. In time for what even Alundi did not know. He pushed and barged harder against the host he was in, trying to get out of the mass. Soni needed to be dead. Alundi despaired, here in front of all. Their relationship was no secret this could only end badly for all and maybe start a civil war. In this moment of despair it was if an explosion detonated in his mind and Alundi boomed.
‘NO!’ But it was to no avail as she now stood in front on the Council, which had stopped its march.
Alundi got out of the crowd and sprinted over.
‘The challenge has to be met!’ Calqui growled.
A smirking Soni replied.
‘I refuse to…’ He was cut off as Tei-Ore stepped forward.
‘You made the point yourself young Soni-Xao within the Chamber. If the challenge is called it must be answered and as you both are of equal standing in sword and magic, you have no choice!’ Tei-Ore boomed at Soni.
‘There will be no challenge.’ Alundi growled.
‘You cannot stop this brother.’ Isacal warned.
‘I can if I slit his throat.’ Alundi spat.
Soni stepped back in fear grasping the hilt of his sword.
‘Father this is madness, Calqui can easily defeat him, let her.’ Assard added in a stronger tone.
‘Assard, shut up.’ Alundi silently spat.
‘Brother this is the only way.’ Isacal's voice rang in his head.
He shot her a hate filled stare.
‘My idea. This is more than you and me, my love.’ Calqui silently countered.
He looked round at her, no anger or sadness only the cold logic of acceptance.
‘If I do this I prevent civil war.’ Calqui muttered.
Alundi spun round, drew Excalibur and placed its tip on Soni's throat. It was in that moment he noticed a flash of anger and pure hatred in Soni’s eyes.
‘You are close Soni, to true corruption.’ Alundi seethed and sheathed Excalibur.
‘Stop them from leaving, NOW!’ Isacal shouted.
‘Of course, My Queen.’ Soni replied with a bow enjoying the moment.
Calqui did not know what to do and so just stood there and allowed the Council to walk around her. She stared at Alundi who simply stared back, longing on both their faces, both for different reasons.
‘Train me.’ Calqui pleaded.
‘I cannot. Assard.’ Alundi called, he stepped forward.
‘Train her, please son.’ Assard had only ever heard that pain in his voice when he had seen the spirit of his mother.
‘Of course father, forgive me.’ Assard silently replied.
Alundi nodded and not wanting to listen to whatever speech Soni had planned, he head towards the less complicated company of Man.
Prem was again with Annabel and Little Annabel who had both decided to start preparing the evening meal when Alundi came upon them. He learned that Kraco had already left that morning to hunt and so he could not escape by that means. He could not see or think right. Any Man would have killed Soni where he stood but Elves were another story. They were so logical that even in the quest for emotional ecstasy it was logically approached. For that reason alone Alundi was happy he was corrupted. It mattered not as Alundi was not worse for this, in fact he knew he was better for it. In truth so was Darz. They both exploited their corruption for their own gain of power. Alundi had killed obviously, and he had killed innocence, but he in his mind was a force for good. He could make himself greater without the pain and suffering of others but that was a thin line, a line that he had crossed before and would not again. He could not interfere with the challenge, it was out of his hands and the worst part of it was not only was he the cause of it, but he was also helpless. Calqui was right, but the thought of someone risking their life for him hurt. He had never had that before. Sucking a long breath of frustration he put on a brave face and joined Prem and the Annabels hoping to get lost in their company.
Assard quickly whisked Calqui off at the first moment he could, heading for Alundi’s home where Calqui donned her battle armour. Assard then watched her as she started reciting her sword training. He was impressed but there was need for improvement. He could not, nor could Alundi, teach her what they had been taught. He would need to be her master and dictate the battle, how he was trained. Stepping forward he brandished the Fire Sword and launched his attack. Calqui was equal to it. Assard moved no faster than an Elf. Calqui protected herself superbly but she could also not penetrate Assard’s defence either.
‘Stop.’ Assard boomed, she did so.
‘You are worrying. Your mind is on me, when only your eyes must be. And they must be here.’ Assard added pointing two fingers to his own eyes.
‘Again.’
This time Calqui’s eyes were locked on Assard’s. There was a noticeable improvement. She launched forwards, a piercing lunge. Assard slapped her sword away and sidestepped the lunge and struck with his left palm to her face. The strike sent her off balance. She rolled back and swiped her blade up, missing Assard by a hairs width.
‘No anger! Joy.’ Assard's voice powered into her mind. She unleashed a furious flurry of skilful strikes, each one simply dealt with by Assard but she was getting faster. They disengaged and duelled again and again, each time Calqui would quicken and strengthen.
‘Enough!’ Assard bellowed. Sweat had begun to pepper his brow.
‘You are ready.’
And with that Assard sheathed his sword and left Calqui alone in the dense wood of her home country. Assard made his way back to the puppets' cavalry area knowing it was the right place to be. Order had been restored and again the Elves practised and prepared for war.
‘What’s happened?’ Little Annabel's voice streaked into Alundi’s mind.
He had kept himself busy, first helping prepare for the evening meal but then telling tales of his adventures with Arthur and the Knights of the Round table to the Ne-aans. However he knew all too well that Little Annabel’s perceptions were second to none. He chuckled at the thought that he could have shielded his discomfort from her. She was truly blessed.
‘Something that is out of my control young one.’ Alundi replied with a sympathetic smile.
As he turned away his eyes caught the now unforgettable shape of Soni just within the wood.
‘Or is it?’ Alundi whispered to himself however Little Annabel easily heard him.
He dropped the cup he was holding, spilling the contents on the frozen firm ground around the large dining table. He walked past Little Annabel paying her expression no attention. He slowly stalked Soni. He became the hunter, carefully placing his feet. He was being baited but unless Nala-Kahn and Lancelot was in waiting for him, Soni had no chance and the fact that Soni knew this was irrelevant. It was too easy. Alundi quickened his pace. He closed the gap, but then he froze. He was close, too close. He whipped Excalibur around. The sword struck a familiar blade.
‘Don’t do this brother.’ Isacal said emerging from behind Assard who held Excalibur at bay with the Fire Sword.
‘Easy for you to say.’ Alundi spat at her.
‘It’s Calqui’s decision!’ Assard shouted pushing slightly harder against Excalibur.
‘Or maybe, you are truly as corrupted as Darz.’ Assard fumed.
‘You watch your tongue, As…’ Alundi fumed but Assard cut him off.
‘I am no longer a child, father. What you are thinking now is more foolish, it’s pathetic and I thought you were above it. The Man I call father is above it. But if your blood is boiling for a fight…’
Assard stepped back and took his stance.
‘I’m right here.’ Assard silently growled.
Alundi listened to the harshness in his son’s words. He was right, of course he was. Slowly he lowered Excalibur.
‘I spanked you enough son.’ Alundi muttered.
Assard chuckled and sheathed the Fire Sword, Alundi followed suit with Excalibur.
‘She has found joy father, she will succeed.’ Assard reassured.
Confusion washed over Isacal and the other Elves that were present including Boahim.
‘Joy?’ Isacal asked Assard.
‘Yes my sister. Joy, and with it my Calqui will never be bound.’ Alundi smiled broadly which was reflected by Assard.
‘Come, lets eat. I can only be in public with Calqui this night.’ Alundi bellowed wrapping his arm around Assard’s shoulder.
Calqui arrived just as the Ne-aans were serving the evening meal. Alundi forgetting or perhaps just ignoring Elf custom, jogged to her and wrapped her in a long kissing embrace. There was a great cheer from the men, women and children of the Ne-aans, including the Annabels. Silent words were spoken between them as their brows touched. Calqui took a seat on Alundi's right leg, both ate from the same plate. Not long after her arrival they were slightly surprised to see Isacal striding towards them with her Wolf Guard. In contrast to the entire garment she usually wore, tonight her costume was bland and simple. After a few words Isacal and her Guard joined them. The company was louder this night than previous nights, however the culprit for this was easily recognised for Alagon’s spirit was higher than any time since his arrival within Elf lands. Alagon the family man, was remembering the feel
ings and joys of being Alagon the Knight. Unlike Alundi he was a Knight for far too short a time. At the Battle of Ulin he had watched Lancelot his idol, kill his father Bors and Callum his brother of no blood. Training for the war to come gave him a purpose that infused his soul, a purpose that made him certain that he would save his son Dagonet along with the other children of the Ne-aans. In this moment and every moment to come Alagon was sure he would succeed. Alundi wanted to join him upon this Quest and in truth he had contemplated launching a rescue plan before entering the Emerald Skull with Little Annabel, but she was far more important.
Alundi’s eye drifted over to Little Annabel who was eating and talking very fast with one of Prem’s many children, she was popular with the children here, he thought how could she not be, she was Little Annabel.
‘I don’t like that look. What are you thinking?’ Calqui whispered.
‘When I trained Assard he wasn’t missing anything. I saved him. And I was all he needed, wanted.’ Alundi corrected glancing over to Assard who was enthusiastically telling some Ne-aans and many very interested Elves a heroic story, no doubt.
‘I’m going to rob from her the rest of her childhood and her teenage years. They are all years when she will need companionship. She will have me, a mentor and a father. But that’s all she will have.’ Calqui gripped the back of his hand and rubbed it a few times.
‘Then, she is in the best possible hands.’
Alundi wrapped his arm around the back of her neck and kissed her slowly.
‘If only I could bring her mother along with me.’ Alundi muttered.
‘Why can’t you?’ Calqui asked.
‘It is dangerous for anyone not of magic, but also it is forbidden.’ Alundi answered.
‘But this Sara, can’t you ask her to make an exception?’ Calqui asked. In that moment Alundi smirked. Sara had the power, she was the control within the Skull. It was her decision.
‘If circumstances were different I would, but with the Skull fortified it would be far too dangerous for young Annabel to accompany us. She will have to remain here.’
Calqui felt Alundi's pain and understood it. He glanced at her kissed her upon the brow and silently whispered.
‘You should rest my love and this night I cannot join you. Take Assard and go to our home, I will remain here.’
Pain flashed over her face but she nodded and stood. They kissed passionately again then Calqui left followed by Assard. He did not even have to silently instruct Assard to follow which made him smirk.
Trying desperately to forget this night and not think about the morning to come Alundi made his way to Alagon's side. He sat with his arm around Maria who cradled a now fast asleep Donna. Alagon, knowing Alundi all too well, suggested that she get some sleep. She did so leaving the former members of the Round Table alone.
‘Would now be a good time to discuss your…’
Alagon interrupted by saying
‘Hell yes, old friend.’
Alundi chuckled and they dove straight into strategies. Alundi detailed all he knew of the Fortress of Mielach, a great deal of it gleaned from the memories of Lan and what Assard had learned and shared from the Fire Sword. It was long past midnight when they had agreed a plan. The best plan never survived contact with the enemy but they were both confident that this was the best course of action.
‘It is a solid plan Galahad. But there is a great deal being left to chance. If one rider got ahead of us, to one of the many road garrisons our escape would be slowed. Maybe enough for Lancelot or Nala-Kahn himself to catch up with us.’
Alundi knew this all too well. He doubted that Nala-Kahn would leave his fortress but Lancelot wanting to get involved was a distinct possibility. He had no doubt that his former ally and friend would like nothing more than to lay all the heads of the surviving Knights of the Round Table at Nala-Kahn's feet, Alundi’s especially.
‘I could get you in and out, easily.’ Kraco’s voice boomed in their minds. He emerged from the black sky slowly descending to the ground a few tens of feet away.
‘No Kraco, you would be spotted instantly, in fact I would have no doubt that there are patrols, Man and Elemamtels, searching the sky and earth for you as we speak.’ Alundi muttered in a low tone, Alagon was nodding in agreement.
‘A small group could enter undetected whether with the aid of disguise or not. You would be seen two leagues away.’ Alundi continued.
‘Ah, but Kraco could get us out. If we raised the alarm he could fly in and rescue us like a cavalry strike.’ Alagon said out loud.
‘You could do that my friend but you be forgetting something. Once I, and more importantly young Little Annabel are within the Skull, the oath you took no longer holds you.’
Kraco rumbled slightly.
‘I, nor Assard, will hold you to any oath, or ask one of you, once Little Annabel is within the Skull. Your kind flew southeast, over and beyond the Harana Mountains and the desert Plain of Keldon. Beyond the edge of the world as us land dwellers know it.’
Kraco slowly and carefully made his way closer, skirting the houses treading softly.
‘You could go in search of them my young friend. These lands are troubled by Man, Elves and Dwarves, not by your kind.’
Kraco stared up at the sky. Everyone knew if dragons could fly without landing they would. Alagon looked longingly at Alundi. They both knew that with Kraco this perilous mission could work. Silence enveloped them. Patience was a skill long learned with the Knight's Order.
‘What will happen when Little Annabel enters the Skull?’ Kraco eventually asked.
‘I along with Sara, will instruct her in all ways of magic and combat.’ Alundi answered.
‘And this will take a year?’
‘A year will pass on the outside, but many within.’ Alagon answered.
‘And afterwards, you will make war against Nala-Kahn?’ Kraco asked glancing down at them.
Alundi just bowed his head slightly. Kraco refocused on the sky above them which was turning more blue than black. Dawn was approaching. The sun started to skirt the tree line before there was any movement from Kraco.
‘Crimson tortured me, all my life. Whether that was by Nala-Kahn's order or not, I will do whatever is necessary to see that pathetic magic-wielder headless.’ Kraco seethed viciously.
Alundi nodded, as did Alagon. Such hatred was naturally justified and in their mind, perfect.
‘I’m hungry. I shall return.’ In that moment Kraco leapt into the air and his powerful wings lifted him higher. Within moments he was out of sight.
‘Is it me, or is he turning red?’ Alagon asked as he stood.
‘Yes, he is growing my friend. In all ways an intelligent being can grow.’ Alundi answered standing as well.
Many were already stirring and before long all the Ne-aans were up and going about their chores. Alundi found a quiet spot and simply watched. Few even noticed him, the ones that did simply nodded at him not wanting to engage with him, understandably he thought. His silent observation was broken when a concerned looking Annabel embraced him. That made him chuckle knowing that Little Annabel must have said something.
‘GALEN!’ Little Annabel screamed as she noticed and ran towards him.
The young Dwarf embraced her and lifted her off the ground, which in truth was not that impressive Alundi thought, smirking at the same time. Zeece, Nyorn and Selec were all there striding towards them. They received many curious looks namely because many if not all the Ne-aans had never seen a Dwarf let alone a family of them. Alundi hugged both Zeece and Selec.
‘I know what has happened, Alec. Uran has gone straight for the arenas, in truth I am surprised you are not there.’ Selec said concerned.
‘The horn has not sounded. Until it does Calqui and I must remain apart.’
Selec nodded but was not convinced by the strength of Alundi’s words.
‘Something to
cheer you up.’ Selec boomed swinging a pack from her shoulder to pull out what seemed to be a number of leather straps all intertwined. Seeing it did bring a smile to Alundi’s face. He looked over to Little Annabel who was at that moment up on Galen’s shoulders laughing very loudly. He was about to call her over when the sound he had been dreading all morning and the night before sounded. A low horn sounded through the air from a distance behind him. In that moment his smile had turned to fury. He slowly handed Selec back the scabbier, spun on the spot and headed with intemperate haste towards the arenas. Selec, the Annabels and all the Dwarf family followed. He walked with a furious purpose struggling not to break into a run.
‘Calm yourself Alundi, young Calqui will succeed.’ Excalibur exclaimed.
He wished he could believe the legendary sword. The logical part of Alundi’s mind did. And in truth the rest of Alundi did believe that Calqui would succeed but fear was ever present. It was easily overcome for oneself, but fear for others was harder to overcome than any other type of fear. Alundi was an emotional being, he embraced his feelings. The joys were higher than anything anyone could experience. But the despair, anguish and fear were just as powerful. He had learned a long time ago to trust fear. Trust was the first step to conquering it.
There was little to no activity within the arenas. The mass of Elves had congregated in the centre of the clearing, most sitting crossed-legged in a staggered pattern. Alundi sped up and did not even think about navigating them. Pooling his magic he leapt into the air. He sailed through the air not unnoticed. He scanned Soni as he prepared for the bout to come he noticed the Elf's fear. Alundi landed, rolled once and with his momentum strode towards Soni. There was terror in his eyes and even Alundi wanted to see the look of shock and horror in his sister’s eyes fearing the worst. However, he stopped short of Soni whose hand had grasped his sword.
‘You are close Soni-Xao. Do not lose yourself.’ Alundi whispered.
With that he spun round and strode towards Calqui who was being strapped into her blue battle armour by Assard. Alundi pulled her close and kissed her passionately. Whilst their moist lips rolled over each other he silently said.
‘Find the joy my love, and you will see victory.’
Pulling away he stared into her eyes and for the first time since she had called the bout on his behalf, he knew she would win. He stepped away, bowed low then took up his place to Isacal’s left. Boahim strolled between them and beckoned both combatants and their aides forwards.
‘It is done!’ Isacal exclaimed.
‘Pran-Deo, check Calqui-Pao.’ Boahim firmly said.
Pran after a moment nodded.
‘Assard, check Soni-Xao.’
Assard nodded also before retreating to the sidelines along with Pran.
‘The challenge has been called. This is a non-magic bout. And not to the death!’ Boahim could not help glancing at Soni who did not react.
‘The victor will be decided by knock out or killing blow, understood?’ Boahim looked at them both in turn.
Both nodded. Calqui sank into herself. All of her life she had been taught and conditioned for fighting albeit not against one of her own. Assard had said that who or what her opponent was, was irrelevant. Never underestimate them, or lose faith in one's own abilities. It was such a different lesson she had been taught for the better part of a century and a difficult one to understand. She slowed her breathing, allowing every breath that escaped her to cleanse her mind and soul. Fear was nothing, anger was nowhere, she was neutral - she was ready.
‘FIGHT!’
Soni bolted forward and charged, all hate and rage fuelling his muscles. Calqui was rooted to the spot and just as the tip of his elegant blade neared her she spun right smacking the face of her sword hard onto his back. Soni stumbled forwards and almost lost his footing altogether but was able to slow and steady himself. A grin spread across her face and she could not help glancing at Assard who was smiling proudly. This was it, the truth that Assard had struggled to teach her. It did not matter if Soni was a better swordsman or warrior. She immersed herself into the emotion. Allowed it to consume her. All eyes watching were bewildered by her as she smiled brilliantly. Only Assard, Alagon and her Alundi were not. Soni advanced. Each strike was equally parried. Each time their blades met and rang a thrust of joy swept through her. She now started to realise how the corrupted Elf she loved and now fought for, felt in battle and in life. Soni pressed harder. His skill was greater than hers and though the joy she felt made it almost easy to defend against his onslaught there were no openings that she could exploit. In that moment of doubt Soni swung his sword two handed. Blocking the strike sent Calqui stumbling. He brought his blade down. She met it but the strength behind it pushed her to her knees. He pushed with all the strength his muscles and weight could muster. Despair started to set in. She held his blade and seething face that was inches away from her frowning face at bay, barely. Frustrated, Soni pulled away and kicked out smashing her beautiful face, blood spouting from her nose. Soni charged giving her no time to recover. However the skill in Soni's attack had evaporated and all he did was swing wildly with his rage and anger. Two of his strikes she met, the third caught her on her shoulder, bouncing off her armour sending her sprawling to the floor.
‘You are faster my love. Find joy in the miss.’ Alundi's caring voice whispered within her.
She stole a glance at him and noticed no worry in his eyes. No frown across his brow, no clenched fist or any sign at all of worry. He knew, not hoped knew that she would succeed.
The realisation of Alundi's undying faith in her exploded, flooding her entire being with all the joy she had ever felt in her life. It measured the equal of when Alundi confessed his love for her. She rolled away from Soni's descending blade, got to her feet gracefully and took her stance. Soni's fury now knew no bounds. Charging he let loose a roar. Calqui pooled all the joy she could feel, bringing to the surface memories of her happiest moments. Her eyes closed as she pictured the day her father gifted her his sword. The day she was initiated into the Wolf Guard. The look of pride on her father's face. The moment Assard called her mother, Alundi’s confession of love and the pleasure when his body had caressed hers. The joy moved her arms, she allowed it. With her eyes still closed she whipped her sword above her head smacking Soni’s blade right. She whipped it again above, slicing across Soni's chest scratching his armour but not penetrating. She could feel his fury and smiled. With her eyes still closed she advanced striking faster then ever before. Soni had no answer to the onslaught. He parried as best as he could but her speed was far greater than his. She dropped to one knee and sliced her blade across his thigh which could have cut his leg completely off. Her hand shot up like a spire and the tip of her sword resting on the soft spot directly behind his chin. She had won.
Boahim strolled towards them. A loving and proud smile upon his face.
‘The Victor, Calqui-Pao!’
In that moment Alundi sprang towards her pushing over Soni in the process, she dropped her sword not daring to prevent her love from holding her. They kissed passionately but this was different. All the joy she felt exploded ten fold. She did not know how long they kissed but when Alundi pulled away from her, her eyes widened in horror as they fell on the form of Soni's dagger descending towards Alundi’s back. Horror and joy raged a battle within her but both came to the same conclusion. She pulled Alundi left, spinning in the spot putting her in his footprints. The blade sliced into her back just right of her spine cutting through the gap between her ribs, entering and exiting her right lung before cutting out of her right breast.
‘LITTLE ANNABEL!’ Alundi screamed as he caught Calqui. Assard grabbed Soni's hand pulled it up and away, lifting him from the ground before kicking him in the chest. Soni sailed away smashing into an invisible form. Assard held out his left hand. The magic held Soni in the air. He clawed at his own throat unable to breath. Assard's right hand grasped his father's sh
oulder as Little Annabel grasped the other. Alundi was on his knees holding Calqui who was also choking, blood seeping through her teeth.
‘Look at me.’ Alundi whispered.
Calqui did so. The magic that drained from all three was immense. The dagger dissolved into nothingness. The skin and muscles kissed but did not seal. The blood leaked away trickling to the ground. Calqui spasmed twice and writhed in pain. Assard slumped, magically letting go of Soni who was then surrounded by the entire Wolf Guard, all of their swords resting on his shoulder tips at his neck. If anyone gave the order all of them would have killed him.
‘I will take her.’ Little Annabel silently whispered.
Alundi placed her small hands on the shoulder of Calqui, stood and waited. Silence had fallen. Little Annabel’s eyes closed. Her magic intertwined with all the healing Alundi had already done. She expanded his influence stroking every cell within Calqui’s wounds, giving them the strength to repair themselves. Calqui took a long breath and her eyes slowly opened. She was healed. Alundi spun slowly and walked over to Soni. He sat starring at him as he approached. No one not even Soni's most trusted, could or did condone what he had just done. Alundi grasped him by his long blonde hair and lifted him off the ground. His fear was only matched by Alundi's fury. Staring into his eyes for only a moment he then dropped him.
‘You are corrupted, Soni-Xao. Consumed by hate, loathing and anger. Pathetic! This is how our kind feels when they kill one of our own.’ Alundi said.
Leaning closer Soni cowered in fear.
‘Your father would be ashamed of you.’ Alundi whispered.
Soni reached for Alundi but it was futile, Boahim was resting his sword across Soni’s neck.
‘Boahim, give him his blade.’
Confusion washed over many. Alundi glanced at Isacal and she stepped forward.
‘Soni-Xao, you have broken the laws of our kind, by spilling the blood of a fellow Elf. Your punishment is exile, you and your corrupted soul.’ There was a slow intake of breath from many, whether it was shock or not it did not matter.
‘Boahim, escort him to our borders, there you can give him his sword. You are forbidden to ever return to our lands.’ Isacal turned away and crouched next to Calqui who was lying on the floor awake and alert in Little Annabel’s lap.
The Legend of Alundi - Journey to the Emerald Skull Page 21
