Elf Lords: 01 - Pearls of the Elf Lords

by Richard Saunders

  Jareel judged the location of the sun. “We have only a couple of hours of daylight left. We must move on quickly.”

  Landis rode beside Jareel, “Where would you suggest we make camp?”

  “There are some crudely built huts in a few places along the way. If we reach one then we can camp there. But I would prefer to remain out in the open.”

  The half-elf nodded in agreement.

  They rode along the peaceful smugglers road that cut deep into the forested valley between the mountain ranges on either side of them. They joked openly about the rumors and dangers of the haunted Widow’s Path that had turned out to be a simple afternoon ride. Jareel Greyfeather pointed out places of interest and shared tales of some of the more fascinating travels he had experienced during his adventures. Much of the way they had to ride single file, but there were times when they could ride two abreast. For the first time in many days the companions were beginning to feel comfortable with their surroundings. At least they had been comfortable until Jaylen made a nearly indistinguishable signal to his son. Landis cautiously and furtively motioned to Trevor and Konik, who in turn informed his nephew that something was up. Landis was slowly allowing his horse to drift behind the others and alongside Petra. Jordan, who had been riding in the rear with Eric, spoke up, “I think I spotted something in the woods to our right.”

  Landis cursed, “And now you have informed them that we know they are there.”

  Petra began looking about, concerned for their safety. Jordan, who had thought that he was helping, looked down to the ground, “I am sorry, Landis.”

  “Forget it, you meant well. Just learn to be more cautious next time.” Landis excused the Squire.

  Petra was peering into the woods trying to see whatever the others were aware of. “Are you not worried, Landis?” She instinctively moved her horse closer to the half-elf’s horse.

  “Worry will not do us any good, Petra. We need to seek a secure location and then find out who is watching us and why.”

  Jareel made three sharp whistles followed by two wavering—three-note whistles—and ended with two more sharp whistles. “If they are cohorts then I should receive the counter.” He explained.

  “Jareel Greyfeather, who is it that you are traveling with?” A voice from somewhere to their right called out.

  “Damn,” Jareel shook his head. “Not him.”

  “Who?” Trevor asked.

  “Mockabay. He and his sons are part of the Thieves Guild, but often run right up against the edge of threatening the Guild Master. It is no secret that he desires to take over the trade in Chio.”

  “I thought that we had permission to ride through with you.” Landis commented. “Did not Eric’s friend make the proper arrangements?”

  “Most certainly,” Jareel replied, “I took care of the matter myself. However, I was not completely honest with them for obvious reasons. Plus, I have a sizable gambling debt to Mockabay and he might mistake our journey as an attempt to escape without paying him.”

  “Perfect.” Trevor spoke up, trading glances with Konik. “Get in the middle and stay low.” He directed the princess while avoiding the use of her name.

  Landis looked back as Eric and Jordan closed ranks on Petra, “Eric, if I yell ‘down’ then you are to pull her off of her horse immediately and cover her.” He whispered.

  Eric nodded his understanding.

  Jareel kicked his horse ahead of the others, “Mockabay, I am escorting a group that has paid to use the path in order to get safely to Listol. You can check with the guild when you return to Chio if you wish.”

  A large man with fat jowls stepped out into the clearing. He was wearing a fur coat and brown breeches, and had a crossbow loaded and leveled at Jareel. “Perhaps you are correct, but I still do not like you leaving town while owing me money. It may be fortunate that my sons and I decided to wait the night in the travel hut, otherwise we may have missed you.”

  “You have nothing to fear, Mockabay. I will be back in a couple days and will be able to pay you once I have delivered these fine people safely to Listol.”

  “Or you can have them pay me what you owe me now. That way I will have nothing to fear.”

  Konik nudged his horse closer, “What is the meaning of this? Are you two in league and trying to trick us into paying you now, and then tonight you will skip out on us and leave us lost in this forest?”

  Jareel looked back at his uncle, picking up on the ploy at once, “I assure you that there is no trickery afoot. This is simply a matter of me owing this man a debt. I am sure that he means you no harm.”

  “Then why are his sons hiding in the trees instead of out here talking with us.” Landis asked while climbing down from his horse.

  “Stay on your horse.” Mockabay ordered.

  “Father, where is the other one?” Someone yelled from the woods.

  Trevor looked into the trees, using the sound of the young man’s voice to determine his general location.

  Hearing his son’s warning, Mockabay pulled his eyes away from where Landis was dismounting to look at the rest of the group. There were eight horses but only seven travelers. “What happened to the man on the black horse?” He demanded.

  Landis’ ruse had worked. His misdirection had allowed Jaylen time to drop off of his horse on the opposite side of the group after Mockabay had focused on Landis. Then the elf blended invisibly into the woods. Jareel held up his hand, “Mackabay, you and your three sons need to calm down.”

  Landis was pleased with the way Konik’s nephew had picked up on things. Their guide had just managed to innocently inform them—and more importantly Jaylen—of the number of men hiding in the woods. Landis could see where one of them was hiding and was already formulating a plan of action should it become necessary.

  “Tell your friend to come back now!” Mockabay insisted.

  Trevor Kahn shook his head, “If you do not call your sons out into the open, then you are signing their death warrants. You can only kill one of us with that bow—if you can even manage to fire it accurately—that leaves the rest of us to swarm your arse. I doubt if all of your sons are armed with bows. And even if they are, our elven friend will be able to track each of them down and kill you before this night is over.”

  Mockabay was losing confidence but was doing his best to not let it show. “I have no quarrel with any of you, only Jareel. If you allow me and my sons to travel with you then I can collect what he owes me when you pay him.”

  Trevor had placed his body between the fat man and the Princess. “We have enough in our party now. Perhaps we can give you a deposit on what our guide owes you and you can collect the rest when he returns to Chio.”

  Mockabay saw the offered chance to save face. “Very well, I suppose that I could accept your offer.”

  Landis breathed easier, “We will pay you ten percent of what we owe Jareel.” The half-elf did not like the idea but thought it better to hand over some money rather than having to fight Mockabay and his sons. Even though they would likely win, they risked losing someone in this needless battle. Mockabay did not want to risk losing his life either. He stepped forward, aiming his crossbow away from everyone, but not removing the bolt from where it lay, cocked and ready. Then the fat man took notice of Petra, who had been riding with her hood pulled down in the safety of the forest. Recognition showed on his face and he raised his crossbow once more. “I know who you are. And you are worth much more than anything Greyfeather owes me.”

  With his bow trained on the Princess he said, “I would suggest that all of you drop your weapons and step down off of your horses, or else I will kill Princess Sergius.” Mockabay realized that he would be dead moments after squeezing the trigger, but he hoped that these men were too loyal to the Princess to call his bluff.

  “You do not want to do this.” Landis warned Mockabay.

  Mockabay’s thoughts were on the bounty he knew that the Stalkers would pay for Petra Sergius. He wrongfully believed that
with his three sons in the trees covering them—even though he was the only one of them armed with a crossbow—that they could separate the valuable Princess of Alexon from her escort and kill them off once they had dropped their weapons. In his haste to close in on Petra, Mockabay had unwittingly exposed his back to Jareel. The Eastlander spotted his advantage and presumed that Mockabay’s sons were too busy watching the armed men around his father. He was standing on the left side of his horse with the animal between him and the younger Mockabays. With his bow and arrow hanging on the same side, Jareel swiftly grabbed his bow and withdrew one arrow from the quiver. He quickly readied his bow and launched the arrow at Mockabay.

  Seeing Jareel’s actions out of the corner of his eye Landis yelled, “Down!” as he grabbed his bow and quiver from the side of his own horse. Petra screamed as Eric dropped from his horse, grabbing Petra and pulling her off balance. Seeing Mockabay lunge forward, Alek began pulling his sword free so that he could leap from his horse and run the man through. Mockabay gasped as an arrow struck him between his shoulder blades. Instinctively the man squeezed the trigger on his crossbow.

  What happened next would later be revered as a legendary and miraculous feat; Jordan pulled his sword, arcing it wide in his panicked attempt to ready the weapon to fight Mockabay. As the sword swung through the open space to Jordan’s side, in the short distance between Mockabay and Petra, the blade and oncoming arrow met in mid air, resulting in Jordan’s sword slicing the arrow in two and sending it harmlessly away from everyone.

  Landis had no time to marvel at the bizarre accident that had probably saved Petra’s life. As Eric pulled the frightened girl to the ground Landis knelt under his horse with his bow and shot an arrow in the direction where he had seen one of Mockabay’s sons. The young man cried out, letting Landis know that his arrow had struck true. At the same time Jaylen appeared off in the distance. The bloody dagger in his hand, and the man that tumbled out of the brush spouting blood through the hands that frantically closed about his neck as he fel,l meant that there was only one son left.

  “He’s running!” Konik pointed out into the woods.

  They could see someone in the trees running away from the fight. “Jareel, with me!” Landis yelled as he swung his quiver of arrows over his shoulder and ran into the brush after the man. Jareel grabbed his quiver and did his best to follow the half-elf as the two of them hunting after the last of Mockabay’s sons. Despite his best efforts, Jareel was unable to keep up with the half-elf who bounded through the woods like a deer while Jareel was slowed down by his efforts to keep his feet from becoming tangled in the brush and stumps in his way.

  Jimay, the second youngest of Mockabay’s three sons, ran haphazardly through the woods hoping to escape the fate that his father and brothers had already succumbed to. His only hope was to flee into the forest and hide until they had given up on the search for him and continued on. But he would have no such luck. Landis closed the gap on the young man. The half-elf came to an abrupt stop and readied his bow. Estimating the man’s route Landis fired the arrow. Jimay did not realize what had happened until after he finished rolling in the brush. Only then did he look down to see the arrow that stuck out from his chest. The arrowhead glistened with his blood, which was trickling out from where the arrow had exited. He looked into the trees above him as the breath left his body for the last time.

  Landis made his way through the brush until he stood over the body of the young man. Behind him he could hear Jareel brambling through the woods after him. He turned around to begin his walk back and stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of Zeon standing before him.

  “Greetings again, Half-Man.” The Snow-Elf addressed him.

  Landis reached for another arrow as Zenon laughed at Landis’ folly. “Please, Half-Man. Do you think that you can harm me? I would have hoped that you had learned that I was not really here after our last meeting.”

  “What do you want?” Landis confronted the elf.

  “You know what I want. I gave you the chance to sell me the pearls. Now I will offer you the opportunity to live if you turn them over. I will assure that you and your Princess make it to Alexon alive and all I will ask for in return is for you to turn over everything you took from Sedau. Otherwise you will all die.”

  Landis took aim at the elf standing before him. “The answer is the same as it was in Chio.” He said as he released the string.

  Zenon smirked as Landis fired the arrow at him. He knew that he was in no danger as he transferred his image the distance of well over one-hundred miles to where the half-elf stood. The arrow passed through his body as expected, but the snow-elf staggered backwards as pain filled him. Landis saw Zenon’s reaction just before the snow-elf vanished and felt a small amount of satisfaction at the surprising result.

  Zenon clutched at his chest as he stood there in the clearing where he had cast his spell. “How could that arrow have hurt me?” He asked aloud as he examined his chest, pleased that there was no real injury but still concerned that Landis and he had somehow linked together momentarily enough for the arrow to make minimal contact, something that should have been impossible. Zenon knew at once that he had underestimated this half-man. But even with that realization came a positive result; the momentary link between them had provided an intimate contact between the two that lasted long enough for the snow-elf to magically learn more about this half-man than he had previously known before. And that information gave Zenon the inspiration for how to handle their next meeting.

  Chapter 19

  When Landis and Jareel returned they found everyone but Jordan and Petra standing in the woods over the body of the son of Mockabay who had been felled by Landis’ first bowshot. “What is going on?” Landis asked.

  Trevor looked to the half-elf as he approached. “Your arrow did not kill this man quickly. He lived long enough for us to question him.”

  Seeing blood on Konik’s hands and the tearing of the man’s wound where the arrow had struck him Landis realized that whatever answers the now dead man had given had not have been voluntary at first. “What did you learn?”

  “That we may be in trouble.” Konik answered.

  Trevor provided more details, “These men apparently learned in Listol that someone wants Petra dead. They did not know that we traveled this way and only happened upon us. But this explains why Mockabay reacted the way that he did when he recognized her. Apparently someone in Listol may be expecting us.”

  “How in the Abyss can anyone know that?” Landis asked in alarm.

  “It appears that there must be a leak in the Birhirmian Network.” Jaylen said.

  Eric was taken aback by the accusation, “The message from my father to Semmit was coded in a way that only a few know. Any leak has to be coming out of Alexon and not Birhirm. Besides, our message from Chio could not have been received by Alexon yet.”

  “Well the Stalkers have learned of our plans from someone.” Konik retorted.

  Eric looked at all of them one at a time before daring to say anything more, “What about Natis?”

  “Natis would not sell us out.” Landis defended his old friend.

  “He knew of our plans to come to Chio and decided to go to Aeth instead. What if he is arranging things so that he can steal the Pearls of the Elf Lords?”

  “I cannot believe that he would do that.” Landis said.

  Jaylen called a halt to the speculation, “We have no proof that Natis has betrayed us. So until we know more we should let the matter rest. The important thing is to figure out how to get Petra safely home to Alexon.”

  Everyone agreed to focus on the immediate concerns and not worry about who may or may not have betrayed them. Landis shared his most recent visit from the Snow-Elf, Zenon, as they dragged Mockabay’s body into the woods so that it would not be discovered by anyone passing by. After concealing the body they mounted their horses and began riding. Night was falling so they agreed to make camp at the site of the first travel hut, which w
as very close to the place where they had encountered Mockabay and his sons. At the hut they discovered some of Mockabay’s belongings, including a three quarter full jug of Dwarf Spirits; a particularly strong beverage that had been a staple of dwarven festivities for centuries. It was a potent drink that would inebriate humans much more quickly than wine or ale ever could. They lit a camp fire and cooked dinner and afterwards took turns sharing a few sips of the Dwarf Spirits, being careful not to overindulge. Eric took his second sip out of the jug and grimaced, “Perhaps we should save this and I can take it home for Weslocke.”

  “He would surly appreciate it.” Konik agreed, accepting the jug from the Prince as it was passed around amongst the men for the second time. Jaylen refused to accept it, having long ago sworn off such strong drink. He was instead more concerned with keeping watch. “I will stand first watch for the night.” He volunteered, leaving the comfort of the campfire.

  “Relax,” Jareel said as he accepted the jug. “We are safe here on the Smugglers Road.”

  “That was what you said before we ran into your fat friend.” The elf reminded him.

  “Jaylen is correct,” Trevor said, “We cannot drop our guard, especially with Landis’ invisible snow-elf popping in and out at will.”

  Jareel took another swig from the jug before handing it over to Landis, reluctantly agreeing that it was time to stop.

  “Let me have a sip.” Petra asked.

  “I do not think you should try Dwarf Spirits.” Konik said chided her.

  Petra was insistent. “I have ridden with you, and even killed with you. I think I deserve to be able to drink with you as well.”

  Landis handed the Princess the jug. Petra took a drink and lowered it from her face, gagging from the effect of the spirits burning her mouth and throat. Landis took the jug from her, stifling a laugh as he spoke, “It is a bit harder than anything you have tried in the castle at home.”