Chapter 25
Petra awoke to find that Landis was already up and out of the room. She was supposed to stay in another room following the successful action against Diabolis, but she wanted to be with Landis. She had returned to the room and undressed in the dark before crawling into bed beside him. Landis had awoken once but drifted off to sleep beside her and did not stir again for the remainder of the night. The Princess of Birhirm got out of bed. It was much smaller than what she was accustomed to at home, especially when sharing it, but it was still a bed and was a welcomed change over the straw mats, wooden floors and hard ground that she had endured over the past several nights. And snuggling all night with Landis had made the size of the bed that much more comfortable. She dressed hurriedly. Petra was thankful for the hot bath that the monks had permitted her the night before, but wished that there was something she could do about her clothing. After dressing, she opened the door and found Trevor sitting in a wooden chair in the hallway.
“I suppose that you have been left here to protect me.” She said.
The former Knight of Alexon nodded, “Just because the assassins are dead does not mean that we have given up on guarding you.”
“Where is Landis?”
Trevor pointed down the hall. “He went to go check on Jordan. He said that if you awoke that I should take you down to eat, otherwise he will return to get you.”
“Then let me get my sword and we can go eat. Is there anyone else waiting?”
“Just me, Princess.” Trevor answered.
Petra went back into the room and walked over to where the Sword of Alexon hung on a chair beside the bead. She strapped the sword-belt around her waist, then wrapped her fingers around the pearled hilt and pulled it partially out of the sheath before sliding it back home. Petra was not a fighter, but she had used this weapon to kill in defense of her own life. She pondered over the fact that the only other blood ever shed by this weapon had been at the hands of Alex Sergius: The first King of Alexon. Petra could only barely comprehend the fact that this sword gave her something in common with her legendary ancestor that no one else in the world could claim. She fingered the white, cross-shaped pearl in the base of the hilt, wondering at the value of it and why it had been used as the only jewel to adorn the weapon. Remembering that Trevor was waiting in the hall, she left the room. “Come on Trevor; let’s go get something to eat.”
* * * * *
Landis entered the common room to find Eric, Konik, Jareel and Jaylen sitting at one of the tables enjoying a hot meal. Jaylen’s right leg was bandaged and someone had found a crutch for him to use. The wooden crutch was lying on the floor beside the elf’s chair and Landis wondered if it would still be there when his father left the room, as Jaylen was stubborn enough to try to get by without the aid of anything that might make him appear to look injured or weak. Landis had stopped in to visit with Twaller on his way to the infirmary to check on Jordan. He delivered the Green Staff to the druid and the two of them briefly discussed their shared vision with Triana the night before. Landis was greatly relieved to hand over the responsibility of at least one of the Pearls of the Elf Lords to someone else. Upon entering the infirmary, he was pleased to discover that Jordan was awake. The young man was in pain and the places where the arrows had struck him were badly swollen and bruised. Jordan was very groggy and the monk on duty advised Landis not to disturb him very much, so Landis limited his conversation to assuring Jordan that everyone was alive and well and that Petra was safe thanks to his efforts. Jordan smiled when told that the assassins had been killed. He drifted off to sleep, so Landis left him to rest, happy that Jordan was over the worst part of the poisoning.
Landis was updating everyone on Jordan’s recovery when Petra and Trevor entered the room. Behind them came Twaller—walking with his newly acquired green staff—and Katryn. Both of the women walked over to the table where Landis was standing and stopped on opposite sides of the half-elf. Landis introduced Petra and Katryn to each other and looked on uneasily as the two women awkwardly watched each other for an uncomfortably long time. Everyone in the room remained silent after witnessing the unspoken tension between the two blondes. Landis could not help but wonder if someone had been sharing with one or both of them about his relationships with each, or if this was just the result of some women’s intuition that he was now in the center of.
Twaller broke the silence by asking, “So, what are we eating this morning?”
“We have a real meal,” Konik answered, “These monks know how to cook. Eggs, meat, fresh bread; and it all tastes good.”
Three brown robed acolytes entered the room carrying serving platters to welcome the latest arrivals. Landis took his seat across from Twaller and the two women sat down on either side of him. Trevor waited until all three were seated before stepping over to the next table and pulling up a chair to join the men. “I think it may be safer over here.” He whispered.
Landis looked his way, being the only one at his table who could hear Trevor’s remark. His look told Trevor that he wished he could join him instead of sitting between Petra and Katryn. While looking at Trevor Landis saw Konik reach over for a hot roll of bread. He noted with interest that the silver bracelet with the red pearl was on Konik’s right wrist. “New jewelry, Konik?” He asked.
Konik looked at his wrist, remembering that he had put the bracelet on after polishing it up earlier that morning while sitting watch over Jordan. “I am sorry, Landis. I cleaned it and took the liberty of trying it on and I guess that I just forgot to remove it. I have the broken staff in the bag here with me.” As Konik reached for the bracelet with his left hand Landis said, “Do not remove it, Konik. Perhaps it would be best if you wear it for safe keeping. I have given Twaller the Green Staff to protect. That leaves only the broken staff for me to have to worry about while we travel to Alexon.”
“How soon do you think we should leave?” Jaylen asked his son.
“We need to discuss that.” Landis answered, feeling better now that Petra and Katryn had overcome their initial reaction and were now talking in a friendly manner with each other. “I believe that we need to leave as soon as possible to stay ahead of the Stalkers, or any pursuit from Chio. But we need to scout ahead to see what danger the orcs may still pose. And Twaller and I both have reason to believe that Zenon is preparing to come after us soon.”
Landis and Twaller shared the information they had gleaned from Triana the night before with the rest of the group. The thought that the snow-elf was most probably planning his move against them was unsettling, especially knowing that he wielded the Black Pearl of the Elf Lords. Trevor was giving his advice as to what their next move should be when Jehu entered the room. The elderly cleric approached the table. “Please, pardon the interruption, but we have visitors at the gate who insist upon coming in and meeting with you.”
Everyone had the same intuitive thought; it was Landis who gave voice to it. “Is one of them the snow-elf who appeared in the courtyard yesterday?”
“No, there are no elves in this group. It is six Knights of Alexon and a black robed wizard who says that he knows you.”
“Natis.” Landis said, rising from his seat.
Petra rose just as quickly. “With Knights of Alexon! Then he travels at the behest of my grandfather.”
* * * * *
After receiving the instant and unanimous approval of his guest, Jehu sent one of the novice monks running to the front gate with word to permit the riders to enter and to lead them in to meet with the companions. A few minutes later, Natis and an older Knight of Alexon—a man in his mid-forties with prematurely graying hair and a long mustache, and wearing armor with Alexonian markings upon the breast—entered the room. Seeing Petra his narrow brown eyes opened wide, “Princess Petra, it is wonderful to find you.” He bowed deeply before her.
“At ease, Sir Knight DuJurner,” Petra responded, “Please, come sit down and enjoy some of the wonderful food that the monks provide. And please inv
ite your knights to come in with you.”
The Knight stood upright, “While my knights would be honored to dine with you, Princess, they are busy taking care of the horses. The monks have promised to feed them in one of the outer rooms.”
“Very well,” Petra acceded.
“Rathkemp DuJurner,” Jaylen said as he stood to greet the knight, trying to keep from putting too much weight on his injured right leg, “It is certainly good to see you again. How goes the war with the Snow Elves?”
Seeing the bandage around Jaylen’s leg, the knight made his way to the elf and the two men clasped hands, “War? I suppose that you are referring to that skirmish we had with those renegade elves from the White Wilderness. We have sent them running back into the safety of their frozen homeland. There are still a few of them scattered about, as well as numerous bands of orcs who were allied with them, but the threat is over.”
“Did you ever learn why they attacked in the first place?” Petra asked, seeking for some meaning to this petty war that had cost her father his life.
“That is still a mystery,” Rathkemp answered, “although the wizards from Lonia believe that it may have something to do with seeking magical artifacts similar to the ones your friends have discovered.” Rathkemp motioned for everyone to be seated; then he looked directly at Trevor Kahn. “I see that what I have been told is correct. You are indeed a part of the Princess’ protective detail.”
“I am.” Trevor responded coldly.
Petra spoke up on Trevor’s behalf, “He has indeed, Sir Knight DuJurner. Not only was he instrumental in retrieving the sword of Alexon,” she drew the sword and held it for Rathkemp to see “Trevor and Konik have been very valuable in keeping me alive and well during my travels. I have promised them my protection and permission to ride with me to Alexon.”
“You really do have the sword…” Rathkemp’s jaw dropped as he looked upon the fabled weapon of King Alex Sergius. Bringing his attention back to what Petra had said concerning Trevor, he replied, “Your word is good enough for me, Princess. But I must warn you that there are those in Alexon who will not be pleased by your decision.”
“I will gladly vouch for him as well,” Jaylen offered, “you know that I never believed any of the charges leveled against Trevor.”
“And I have doubt of them as well,” Rathkemp agreed, “but that does not change the fact that he was banished. Still, with the word of the next Queen and the Sword-Master behind him, then who am I to disagree. You are welcome to ride with us, Trevor Kahn.”
“It will be an honor.” Trevor returned.
“How is my grandfather?” Petra asked.
Rathkemp DuJurner’s expression changed from joy to sorrow. “The King is not doing well. His illness has made him bedridden, and he still mourns the loss of your father. He has allowed the Knight-Elder to handle all matters on his behalf concerning the conflict with the snow-elves. All he thinks about now is your safe return. He has followed reports sent by King Jobez of Birhirm concerning you, and when Natis brought news that you have the Sword of Alexon I saw him happy for the first time in months. Once we learned that you were traveling this route he sent me personally to come for you and take you home.”
“I am honored that he would send a Captain of one of the Orders to escort me.” Petra said.
Rathkemp accepted Petra’s gratitude, “I must say that this is the first time that I have ever ridden with a wizard. Your friend Natis would not take no for an answer when he insisted on coming.” He said to Landis.
“I for one am glad you came, Nate.” Landis said to his old friend.
“I had to make sure that you did not lose the Pearls.” Natis said, masking his sense of concern. “I see that you have allowed the Twaller Oakleaf to have the Green Staff.”
“Only after careful discussion with the same people who told me about it in the first place,” Landis answered, “Do not worry, I still have Aaron’s staff.”
Natis was happy to hear that. “I suppose that if anyone is going to possess the Green Pearl then perhaps a druid would be the appropriate choice. Magic of nature can probably be trusted with them.”
“I thank you for your trust.” Twaller said to the mage.
The two men had met only two or three times before when their paths had crossed with Landis. Neither knew the other well enough to claim any sense of friendship.
“It will do for now,” Natis added, “but once we reach Alexon we do need to discuss all of this with the Masters of the Tower.”
“How is Alek Jarobohim’s brother?” Rathkemp interrupted, “I wish to express my condolences for the loss of Alek.”
“Jordan is recovering from two poisoned arrows that he took in my place just yesterday.” Petra informed the Knight-Captain. “Indeed, he has saved my life three times since leaving Birhirm.”
Rathkemp DuJurner was impressed by this news. “Then he is deserving of great honors when he returns home. I will have to hear the tales of what you went through and how he saved you.”
“You will be awed by his actions.” Landis said. “But I fear that he is unable to travel.”
“Can he ride in a carriage?” Rathkemp asked. “We brought one for the Princess to ride in.”
Jehu considered it. “If you can lay him flat, then it should be safe for him to ride. But he will need something for the pain.”
Katryn looked into one of her many pouches, “If you do not have anything to give him then I can provide him with something to help him while we travel.”
“Thank you, but we have some medications that we will provide you to help comfort the young man.” Jehu responded.
“How many can ride in your carriage?” Landis asked.
With Squire Jarobohim lying on one seat, then we can carry the Princess, plus one more at most.” Rathkemp answered.
“Then my father will ride with the Princess.”
“I will ride my horse.” Jaylen insisted.
Landis faced his father. “I am not saying that you cannot ride, father. But you make the most logical choice to ride with Petra. With your skills, and with you carrying my bow, then we know that Petra is in safe hands.”
Jaylen could not argue with the logic. He was injured and would be of less use to them on horseback. “Then I will ride with the Princess.”
Rathkemp spoke up, “Very well. I would suggest that as soon as you all are ready and my knights have been fed, that we leave. The roads are safe for now, but we know not what they will be like tonight or tomorrow.”
As everyone began moving about, Rathkemp motioned for Jaylen and Landis to draw near. “We need to get Petra back to Alexonian soil as quickly as possible, for I fear that the King has only days left. And there are those who are already acting to lay claim to the throne in Petra’s place.”
Chapter 26
Petra’s carriage rolled through the gates of the monastery, accompanied by mounted knights and her friends who had been serving as her protectors. Twaller Oakleaf and Katryn rode with them. Katryn had agreed to serve as nursemaid to help care for the squire, and as such they had placed her in the carriage. Jaylen chose to ride atop the carriage, beside the knight who drove the wagon. Landis’ white bow and a full quiver of arrows lay at the elf’s side. Just ahead of the carriage rode Rathkemp DuJurner and Prince Eric. Ahead of them, riding in pairs was Landis, Natis, Twaller and Konik. Riding point was a pair of knights. Behind the carriage rode Trevor and Jareel. The former knight did not feel comfortable riding up front with Rathkemp DuJurner, but desired that Konik be up front as someone he trusted to keep watch on the road ahead of them.
Jareel’s original intent had been to return to Chio. But after the series of events that had occurred, he believed that it might be safer to continue on to Alexon and spend some considerable time away from Chio, until he knew for certain that he would be at no risk returning to the town.
Behind Trevor and Jareel rode the remaining two knights who had traveled with Rathkemp. Jehu stood outside of the gate as
the travelers exited. The Princess had rewarded him with a hefty payment for the monks’ services. Jehu already had men digging graves for the two acolytes who had been murdered. The remains of the assassins would wait until after the services for the young monks before being burned. Jehu watched in silence as they turned west and headed down the road before walking back inside the gate. He expected to hear the gate closing behind him and when nothing happened he looked over to the gatekeeper. He saw the man standing at his post atop the wall looking skyward, his mouth agape and his eyes wide with fear.
“What is it, Theolarn?” He asked.
When the sentry did not respond Jehu turned around to see what had captured the guard’s attention. Fear gripped him in the pit of his stomach. “Merciful Jahan…” He stammered in prayer to his god.
* * * * *
Landis was chatting idly with Natis, catching the mage up on what had transpired since they had parted in Birhirm. Natis had explained that King Jobez’s Network had done a very good job of keeping King Semmit informed, despite their best efforts at remaining secretive throughout their journey.
Landis had just begun his version of the tale when something caught his attention above the trees. He looked up and had to fight a wave of panic that washed through his body at the sight before him: Zenon, the Snow-Elf was riding towards them on the back of a white dragon. Those around Landis saw the dragon approaching them and dragon-fear welled up within them as they witnessed what had until today been a mythical creature. “Please tell me that’s an illusion.” Landis said to Natis.
“I wish I could, Landis. But that is all too real.” Natis replied, doing his best to overcome the fear he was feeling. “That is an Ice Dragon. At least that is what I read that an Ice Dragon would look like. It would be appropriate, as the Snow Elves are from the White Wilderness and that would likely be the home of this dragon.”
Even the horses were affected by the approaching dragon. Rathkemp’s horse stopped in its tracks and the animal was nearly run over by the horses pulling the carriage that were attempting to flee in panic. Only Jaylen’s quick intervention, as the elf grabbed the reins away from the panic-stricken knight, saved the Knight-Captain. Inside the carriage, Petra looked out of the window and screamed in fear.
Elf Lords: 01 - Pearls of the Elf Lords Page 19
