The Warrior of Elamor (Saga of Zel-Elcon Book 1)

by Richard Wood

  Shaira sits in her chair in the same room but still worlds away from the conversation the three are having. In her world, there are no sounds, only organized flickers of what we consider thoughts; and touch, is a non-existing sense. She is for all purposes, alone and emotionless.

  Chloe goes to a cabinet and pulls a ball of yarn from a drawer. Pulling a short piece of the arm from the ball, she ties the piece around the carved dove. Then standing on a chair next to Shaira, she reaches up and ties the other end of the string to a rafter one. Stepping down from the chair, she looks up at the dangling dove. Still slightly swaying, it hangs right over mother Shaira. Looking over to Pala and the Page, Chloe exclaims proudly, “Now that will bring goodness down on mother Shaira!”

  Moments later, the door swings open and the massive Valcor walks in. Recognizing his father’s Page right away, he stops dead in his tracks. Staring down at the Page, Valcor asks timidly, “Is my father dead?” “No sir, Master Valcor”, the Page quickly answered, “But he is very ill and asking for you and Master Jesse.

  More than an hour passes and again the door opens, Jesse stands just outside of it dusting himself off. Looking into the house, he asks, “Whose horse is this out here?” The Page speaks up, “It’s mine sir, and would you be Master Jesse sir?” “Yes, I am”, Jesse replies. Stepping inside, he sees for the first time all the people in the room. Looking around, he asks, “What’s going on here?” Valcor answers, “It’s my Father Jesse, he’s ill and is asking for our help”. Jesse, knowing the Emissary, realizes he would not send for help unless there is a very serious problem. Jesse answers back to Valcor, “Then we must leave for the capital in the morning”.

  After a short conversation and a quick meal for Jesse, the Page asks, “Master Jesse, may I please see your Peace Cat? I’ve heard so much about it”. The whole room is filled with amused looks as Jesse answers back, “Sure, he’s right outside laying against the house. Go ahead, just open the door and look out at him”. The Page, hungry with anticipation, hurries to the front door. He opens it and looks out. Dararro, hearing the door open, looks up and then stands. The Page screams out and slams the door shut. The whole room then bursts out in laughter. The Page stands there with his head do lowered, totally embarrassed by his actions. Turning around, looking red faced, he says cruelly, “Ok, someone could have warned me about how big that thing is. Has it ever killed anyone?” Again the room howls with laughter. Jesse, waving his hand toward the Page says with a smile, “Well not since I’ve had him. Don’t worry though, if he knows you’re with me, you’ll be more than safe. Come on and relax, we have a long trip ahead of us”. The Page, still embarrassed, sits and finishes the meal and conversation.

  The next morning after breakfast, Jesse, Valcor, and the Page are standing together in the front yard of the house. Dararro is harnessed and the Pages horse is saddled. Valcor, looking over to Jesse asks, “Hey Jesse, where’s my horse?” Jesse, patting Valcor on the back replies, “You’re going to ride with me on Dararro”. Valcor shouts while waving his hands, “Oh no, I’m not Jesse. Look Jesse”, he continues, “Ask me to fight a giant, order me to charge up a hill at a full run, I’ll even pull a loaded wagon through the dry lands, but I’m not writing on the back of that cat. He eats things my size for breakfast. Besides Jesse, that thing doesn’t like me. I know he doesn’t!” Patting Valcor on the shoulder, Jesse laughs and replies, “Go into the house and get a blanket. It’ll make your ride more comfortable. Maybe we’ll find a horse in the next village”. Valcor hangs his head for a second then makes his way into the house. Polling the blanket from his bed, he walks back outside. Jesse and the Page are already mounted. Walking to Dararro, he timidly places the blanket on the back of the Peace Cat. Then giving a heavy sigh, Valcor leaps upward, but his stomach hits against Dararro’s hind legs and Valcor falls backwards onto the ground. Looking over to the Page, Valcor sees him holding his hand over his eyes, pretending to look out over the horizon. Valcor gives out an angry grunt then rises to his feet again. Looking up that Jesse, he says, “Ok Jesse, one more try!” Standing next to Dararro, the massive Valcor swings his hands upward as he jumps. But once again he slams against the Peace Cat. Embarrassed and frustrated, he flails his arms wildly shouting, “That’s it Jesse, I quit. I’m not going, Ok!” The Page suddenly breaks into the angry burst and says, “Master Jesse, if I may. What if Master Valcor rides my horse and I ride with you on the Peace Cat?” Nodding his head, Jesse replies, “That sounds good to me”. The Page then climbs from his horse and says, “Master Valcor, do me the honor of riding my horse. He’s strong and very obedient”. “Thank you”, Valcor answers back, swallowing his pride. Putting his foot in the stirrups, he lunges upward and onto the horse. The Page then walks over to Dararro and after adjusting the blanket, leaps up on the snow white Dararro. After the Page wraps his arms around Jesse’s waist, Jesse turns to Valcor and says, “Valcor, are you ready?’ Nodding his head, Valcor replies, “Yes sir, Jesse”. Jesse then gives the order, “Dararro go”. The Peace Cat begins a steady stroll forward with Valcor closely behind, and together, the Peace Cat and the horse leave the village border. No one knew it at the time, but the horse and the Peace Cat will spend years together carrying the two heroes of Paradore and Payne.

  Strolling past the walls of Duesburg, Jesse is met with a much more pleasant welcome. It was the same village, the same people but a drastic change in personality and actions. Word had gotten to the village that they were on their way and this time, his friend the Forseean Elder, was also there to greet him. Jesse, excited to see his Ancient friend shouts, “Hello old friend!” Dismounting, he walks over to the giant and shakes his finger then introduces his two fellow companions, Valcor and the Page, Elven. That afternoon was spent catching up with current events and remembering older ones. In the evening, the Forseean Elder celebrates with a lavish dinner. Included are songs from the village children and music from the adults. Early the next morning, they were served a full breakfast. The Forseean called for one of the horses he uses to carry his personal supplies. From around a group of huts, the three began to hear a few thumps then a draft horse comes into view. It was huge, with long hair that hung from its belly all the way down to its legs and came to a puffy, dense coat around its hooves. It was ugly, but being a gift from the Elder, it couldn’t be rejected. “Look”, Valcor tells the Page, “Here comes your trusty steed”. The Page smiles, then looks away and rolls his eyes. Looking back at Valcor, he replies, “Thank you, Master Valcor. When we get to the capital, I can exchange it for a buckskin I’ve been looking at”. Then forcing a smile, the Page climbs in the draft horse saddle.

  “Look”, he says putting on his best false happy face, “It fits perfect!” Shaking his head, Valcor says, “Wait a minute, you’re getting a different horse at the capital? What about the one I’m riding?” The Page answers with a truly confident smile, “That one is yours, Master Valcor. You to make a good fit”. Valcor, now humbled, changes his attitude and lowering his head a bit replies, “Thank you Elven, you’re a good man!” Jesse, already mounted and watching the two talk asks, “Are you guys going to talk all day?” “Oh sorry”, Valcor replies and quickly mounts his horse. The three were a strange sight indeed. Jesse on a Peace Cat, the massive Valcor on a royal champion, and the Page on a hairy draft horse. One by one, they pass through the gates of Duesburg on their way to the capital.

  After two days of steady riding, they are still several hours from the capital. Jesse notices that the closer they get to the capital, the more travelers he sees on the road. People watch carefully as he passes. They are all afraid or amazed of him and the Peace Cat. Looking over to Valcor, Jesse asks, “Do all the people in the capital dress like this?” They were all dressed in bright colored clothing, some had thick woven robes and some had hooded riding jackets, like the one the Page had on. The women all had rings on their fingers and the men had wide metal wristbands. Valcor, looking over the travelers on the road, realized how desperately empty these p
eople looked for the first time in his life. Glancing back at Jesse, he answers, “These people all dress to impress each other Jesse. I’ve been gone so long that I’ve lost the need to do the same. I never realized how empty this life was until now. I kind of feel sorry for them all”. Jesse himself, might have been impressed by the sight of them, if he hadn’t already seen Elamor and its King. What impresses Jesse now, is a man who works hard to supply for his family or a mother who sits up all night with her sick children. These are the people who catch the eye of the person who knows true value. It’s people like these that make the world work.

  Miles from the capital, they got a closer view of its true size. It looks almost like a small world sitting on a much larger one. Jesse had never seen a site like it before but still was not impressed. As they got closer to the capital, they could see hundreds of finely dressed guards lined along the top of the city’s walls. The guards wore a rusty-red colored uniform with a bronze breastplate. Everyone was armed with spears and bows. As they approached one of the many open gates of the capital, they were met by a large group of soldiers carrying spears. Most of them backed up when they sought Dararro. Some of them recognized the Page and let Jesse and his companions pass freely.

  The capital is alive with movement and activity but it all came to an instant stop as Jesse and his men passed. For the first time, Jesse realizes how loud silence can be. A few people pointed and yelled, “What is that thing?” No one ever seems to be ready to meet Dararro. Jesse just smiles and continues on.

  Everywhere, there are large buildings. Most so big, Jesse has never seen the like. Every building seemed to have a different color. The Page would explain later that they were all painted. Suddenly Valcor yells out, “Follow me. I know a quicker way to my father’s house”. Going ahead of them, Valcor turns into a narrow pass between two huge buildings. Just before passing the shadow that filled the pass, Valcor stops. Cutting his hands around his mouth, he shouts into the narrow pass filled with whispering voices, “I’m the son of Kimble Spause, the king’s messenger”. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps filled the narrow pass as people inside the shadows flee into all directions, then nothing but silence. Valcor looks back at Jesse and says confidently, “Follow me, we’re safe now”. The three make their way into the narrow, darkened passage. Ahead of them, is an open crevice that runs the length of the buildings and beyond that is open daylight. Halfway through the darkness, the odd sound of frogs croaking was heard among the crickets. It was a bizarre sound coming from a huge city filled with movement in the middle of the day. It all created an eerie feeling in the walled darkness. Seconds later, they all emerge from the darkness into the controlled confusion that was the capital.

  Valcor, still leading the way, looks back at Jesse and the Page and exclaims, “Follow me, we’ll be there in no time”. Once again, the movement of the crowd ceases and all eyes are focused on the three strange looking men. The massive hairy man on a royal steed, the peasant villager on a Peace Cat, and the Royal Page on a hairy draft horse. None of them looked ready for the capital. Then the voice of a man rings out of the crowd, “Hey village fool, where did you get that cat and sword?” As Jesse looks into the crowd, Dararro turns facing them as well. As the silence becomes even louder, the tension begins to build. Jesse reaches down and pulls his sword from its sheath, making a ringing noise as it exits, raising it into the air, it transforms into a crystal clear royal blue blade. The crowd flinches and several women scream out. Reacting to the crowd’s attention, Dararro gives out a terrifying roar. As he did, a violent vibrating force bursts from his breastplate, flattening the crowd in its path, throwing some against the wall. It ripped clothing and left some people unconscious. Looking over to Valcor and the Page, Jesse sees the two brave man shocked by the power of Dararro’s breastplate. Finally, Valcor speaks up, “We better get going before I end up having to explain all this to the capital guards”. While turning Dararro back toward Valcor, Jesse replaces his sword.

  Valcor, looking back at Jesse, asks politely, “Why did you do that?” Jesse says, “These people all believe that they are above us. They have better clothing, more beautiful homes, and the protection of the capital guards. I needed to show them that true value isn’t with the clothes they wear or the company they keep, but with the unseen power that flows from those things created by Elamor. They needed to know that we may not look like them but what we do have, allows us greater authority than that of their voices, guards, or high king. To tell you the truth Valcor, I had no idea that Dararro’s shield could do that, even I was surprised”. Smiling Valcor replies, “Yep that was an amazing thing to see for sure. I wonder what else it can do.” Nodding his head with a puckered smile Jesse answers, “I don’t know but I bet is going to be exciting and noisy”. Laughing together, the three return to their journey to the Emissary Spause’s house.

  Word travels fast in the capital and before long, the giant city was at a buzz with conversations about the village peasant with the Peace Cat and the magical sword. Soon all of the capital’s streets were lined with its citizens. The young and old, entire families, the powerful and their servants all eager to see the three strange riders who have invaded their capital. It was obvious to Jesse that his quiet visit to Paradore’s capital has been changed to a visit full of curious eyes and crowded masses. The whole trip has turned into a major event, with him as the main attraction.

  As Valcor makes a turn to the left, the crowd divides and allows the three to pass then closes up again behind them. Turning around, Valcor shouts out excitedly, “Here we are, my old home”. Jesse looks out over the most beautiful little meadow he had ever seen, at least it looked like a meadow. The ground was covered with a rich green, velvety grass. There were fruit trees and all kinds of flowering plants. In the middle of it all stood a huge yellowish brown building that was full of windows. Jesse would learn later that it was a three floor home owned by the Emissary soon to be pledged to Valcor, should his father die. This mounting, they all three walk together toward the entrance to the Emissary’s house with Dararro and the horses behind them. Valcor and the Page both tie their horses to a metal post and Jesse orders Dararro to lay down. Turning to the crowd, Jesse shouts out, “If you tried to approach this home, my Peace Cat will kill you!” The crowd immediately backs up about twenty steps and then stops, already too committed to their own curiosity to flee any danger. Turning to join Valcor and the Page, Jesse glances down at the post and smiles as he recognizes his father’s design. Pointing at the post, Jesse yells to the other two, “Look, this is my father’s work”. Valcor nods and smiles as Jesse meets them and they walk together to the front door. Almost there, Valcor explains, “My father has a servant here who makes the best fruit tarts. She’ll have some ready for us”. Raising his right hand to the sky he says comically, “Thank you for fruit tarts”.

  As they reached the front door, it opens. A well-dressed young lady stands there, smiling big she says kindly, “Hello Master Valcor, your father already knows you’re here”. Valcor, Jesse and the Page walk into the home of the Emissary. Bowing her head to Jesse, the girl says respectfully, “Welcome to our home Master Jesse, my master welcomes you”. Jesse bows his head to her and stumbles clumsily as he passes by. The inside of the Emissary’s was fresh and clean, lingering in the air was the aroma of fresh baked bread and sweetly spiced treats. Valcor sniffs the air and smacks his lips. The Page looks over to him and exclaims, “I know it smells like cinnamon and sugar fell in love”. Valcor smiles and briskly nods his head. As Valcor leads them through the huge home, Jesse begins to hear the familiar sound of the Emissary’s voice. Listening closely, Jesse becomes slightly confused. The Emissary sounds much too excited to be sick. Then the sound of hurried walking gets louder as someone approaches them from another room. Suddenly entering the room from a hallway, Jesse sees his good friend the Emissary. Looking over to his son, “Valcor”, he says, “Hello son, you look good. By the way, the cook left you something in the kitchen”. Val
cor’s face excitedly lights up as he and the Page head for the kitchen. Reaching out to shake Jesse’s hand, the Emissary smiles and says, “Hello Jesse, I’m glad to see you. I’m sorry I sent the Page with a message that I was sick, but I needed you here in a hurry”. As their shaking hands unlock, Jesse replies, “Well I’m glad you’re not sick. But tell me, why have you sent for me?” Pointing to two cushioned chairs next to a small fireplace, the Emissary says, “Please, let’s sit down”. Adjusting his sword, Jesse sits in one of the chairs as the Emissary sits in the other one.

  Crossing his legs, the Emissary gets comfortable and begins, “We have been keeping this very quiet Jesse, but we have captured one of the members of Quygon’s Horde. We have it locked away in the Kings’ dungeon under the palace. So far, we haven’t had a chance to get any information from it. The creature can’t talk or to eat and doesn’t seem to respond to pain. We are at a loss as to what to do next. I told the king that I could send for you, that you might know what to do”. Looking confused, Jesse replies, “I don’t understand, what do you think that I can do?” “I don’t know Jesse”, the Emissary replied, “But you are the only person who has had personal contact with the Horde and not only lived, but defeated them. You have abilities, Jesse, that no one else has and we need you to use them. You could save our world Jesse”. Jesse’s mind goes back to the last conversation he had with the Secret Guardian and his oath to protect his world and its family’s. Then straightening his back, he looks over to the Emissary and asks with a voice of confidence, “What can I do for you?” Giving a comforting smile, the Emissary replies, “We’ll go to the palace dungeon and see together what can be done”. Shaking the Emissary’s hand, Jesse exclaims, “Ok then, let’s do it!” “Thank you”, the Emissary replies as he rises from his seat. Pointing into the direction that Valcor and the Page went, the Emissary says kindly, “Go ahead and go to the kitchen and get yourself something to eat. I’ll go and send for a palace carriage”. As Jesse heads for the kitchen, the Emissary goes to another part of the house.