To say the chamber was large would be an understatement. It was a massive circular room easily more than a hundred feet in diameter. From this side of the wall he could see that the intertwined branches formed an intricate lattice pattern that completely surrounded the circular room. A total of five arches opened into the room, all guarded by two armed elves with their backs to the room itself. Thirty feet above him stretched a ceiling of leaves and vines. The fauna created a beautiful collage of light and dark greens while openings in the ceiling allowed natural light to filter through the forest canopy and light the room.
If he were standing in the very centre of the chamber, Logan realized that he would be standing in the centre of large five pointed star that seemed to be carved down into the floor. The sunken effect came from the five small steps leading down into the star pattern. At the apex of each of the stars five points, a throne seemed to grow out of the floor itself. The five thrones all faced the centre of the star and Logan got the distinct feeling that if all five had been occupied, the effect of being completely surrounded would be quite disconcerting.
It seemed an odd shaping for a throne room, though his confusion was tempered by the obvious skill that went into the room’s construction. Like the stairwell in the tree there were no apparent tool marks and the living room either required incredible amounts of maintenance or there were powers at work he didn’t understand.
More magic, thought Logan.
El led him down the stairs and into the centre of the large star-shaped floor. Logan looked around in awe and wonder. Here, in the centre of the room, Logan felt buffeted by the sheer energy of life as it moved in currents through the room. He had never felt anything like it and he struggled to keep his bearings. With his mind in such a state, it took several moments to realize that he and El were not alone. Four of the thrones themselves appeared to be vacant while the fifth held a solitary figure sitting so still he could have been carved in place.
The seated elf was a male with golden brown skin. His hair was metallic silver while his eyes held flecks of the same colour. Despite the silver in the elf’s hair, Logan found it difficult to gauge his age. The silver was more metallic than the grey tones of age and the elf’s face was smooth and wrinkle-free. He appeared to be in his late forties, but Logan’s father had told him that elves aged differently than humans. Assuming that his father was right, it was possible that the man could in fact be hundreds of years old.
The silver-haired elf was dressed in robes of deep rich greens and browns. His right hand rested lightly on an ebony walking stick that held a pattern too intricate to be carved. The pattern caught the eye but then led it astray with all its twists and curves. But it was the elf’s eyes that most drew Logan’s attention. The silver-haired elf’s gaze never left him and Logan felt that the elf was looking into him, not just at him.
Though the elf’s gaze made him uncomfortable, Logan followed El as she led him towards the throne. When she stopped and lowered herself to one knee Logan quickly followed suit.
Several moments of silence passed before the elf finally spoke. His voice was rich and deep, the kind of voice that was used to authority, used to being heard and heeded. Logan had no way of understanding what the elf said, but when he finished, El lifted her face to the throne and answered him in the same language. When she finished, she rose to her feet. Logan wasn’t sure if he should follow her lead until he felt El’s hand on his arm gently pulling him up. He rose beside her and stood stiff and formal before the throne.
The elf on the throne slowly rose to his feet. He seemed to use the walking stick as more of a prop than an actual tool. He slowly descended the five steps towards them. El’s hand still rested on his arm and Logan could feel her stiffen beside him. The elf slowly circled around and behind them. Logan could hear the tapping of the man’s walking stick as he moved. He could feel the older elf’s gaze upon him. The elf continued his slow circuit around them until he once again stood before them both.
Logan found he had to crane his head back to stare up at the tall elf.
He must be at least seven feet tall, he thought. And so thin.
Logan figured he couldn’t have weighed more than 160 lbs at the most.
The elf met his eyes with a steady gaze for a moment before his face softened into a wide grin. Logan felt El relax beside him and he let go of the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. The elf spoke softly to him in excellent Tir’anish.
“So you are the one who saved my little girl?” the elf stepped forward and grasped Logan in a hug that was surprisingly powerful for such a seemingly delicate creature. “My many thanks to you.”
Logan wasn’t sure which surprised him more, the elf’s action or finding out that El was his daughter. Either way, both options left him speechless. The elf released him and turned toward his daughter who was blushing fiercely.
“Daddy! I would have had the cat with my next spell,” she insisted.
Logan sincerely doubted that and apparently El’s father agreed with him. His tone grew serious as he regarded his daughter.
“Daughter, I’ve already performed a reading on the body of the tiger.”
Father and daughter’s eyes met for a few moments before El dropped her gaze. The older elf slowly mounted the stairs and regained his throne. Once he was settled, he looked to Logan again.
Logan tried his best not to let the elf intimidate him, but much like his dealings with his own father, he had little success. This elf had such a commanding presence that Logan’s reactions felt instinctive.
“Now, Logan, is it?”
Logan nodded.
“Yes sir, Logan Hammersmith.”
The elf continued.
“My name is Aerlian’thor and this,” he gestured around, “is Er’thaental. As its current chief, I welcome you.”
Aerlian’thor leaned slightly closer to Logan. His voice took on a brisk business-like tone and a strange hardness reflected in the chieftain’s eyes.
“By saving my daughter, you have performed a great service for my village and for me. I would see you rewarded for your effort. What do you wish?”
The question caught Logan off guard. He really hadn’t expected a reward for his actions, he had just done what he had been taught was right. He was quiet for a moment or two as he thought about Aerlian’thor’s offer. He could feel the layer of suspicion in the elf’s question and it made him feel uncomfortable. When he finally spoke he was hesitant and cautious.
“Aerlian’thor, when I helped your daughter I didn’t know who she was. I had never heard of Er’thaental before. I couldn’t even dream of a village such as this. I simply came across a maiden in trouble and did what I felt was right. I don’t seek or require any reward for doing that. In fact, I would like to thank you and your daughter for showing me that such beauty as your village could exist in the world.”
Aerlian’thor sat back slowly, studying Logan sceptically.
“So, there is nothing we can do for you?”
Logan considered for another moment.
“Well, actually, if you insist …”
A look of smug satisfaction spread across Aerlian’thor’s face.
“I could use a hot meal and perhaps some extra clothing if it’s not too much trouble.” Logan gestured down at the rags he wore as he continued. “My journey has been long and I’ve been traveling very fast. Anything you could spare would be greatly appreciated.”
Aerlian’thor’s eyes went wide with amazement and Logan worried that he had offended the elf. Then the deep laugh began low in Aerlian’thor’s chest and grew steadily louder. He clapped his free hand down on the arm of his chair and pushed himself to his feet.
“Yes, Logan, I think our humble village can spare some food and clothing for the man who saved my daughter and helped return our dead. You will dine with us tonight. I apologize for my scepticism. We have learned to be cautious with strangers.”
Aerlian’thor bellowed cheerfully.
“We shall have a feast! A feast for the man who saved my daughter!”
“Yes, sire,” came a response from behind Logan.
Logan jumped in surprise as he whirled around to face the speaker. A stately elf stood with his head bowed slightly to Aerlian’thor. Logan was amazed, he hadn’t even been aware that another elf had even entered the chamber.
“Very good, Ralt’hin. See to the preparations.”
Aerlian’thor’s attention turned back to his daughter.
“I’ll see you later, my dear.”
“Yes, father.”
Aerlian’thor looked back at Logan, a friendly smile on his face.
“My thanks again, young man.”
Logan bowed briefly as El’s father returned to his seat. He felt a slight tug at his elbow and Logan allowed El to lead him from the chamber.
Chapter Eighteen: What Do You Mean You Want To Measure My Inseam?
El led Logan away from the elfin throne room and through the maze of tree branch pathways.
“You didn’t tell me that you were the chief’s daughter!” he complained when they were well clear of the throne room.
“You didn’t ask.”
She flashed him a quick smile over her shoulder and continued along the branch path. He sighed in mock frustration and worked at keeping up with the long-legged elf.
She eventually stopped before one of the acorn structures. El pulled aside the leaf that acted as a door to the chamber within. She motioned for him to step inside and followed behind as he did.
The chamber itself was simple, but well appointed. A slight step dropped down from the entranceway and into the room itself. A bed seemed to grow outward from the far wall. A large leaf acted as a blanket and moss was collected in a neat pile at the head of the bed. Logan guessed that this served as a pillow. To the left was a chair that seemed to grow up from the floor. El seated herself comfortably in the chair and smiled at him while he continued to study the chamber.
To his right, tight up against the wall, was a small table. A mirror on the wall above the table caught his attention and he stepped up to study it closer. Logan realized with a start that the mirror was actually liquid. It was as though a two-foot by three-foot section of clear water had been picked up and somehow pinned against the wall.
“This is a guest chamber. It’ll give you a place to get cleaned up for the feast tonight and store your belongings. You may consider it yours until you’re ready to leave.”
Logan turned from the mirror and looked at the girl seated before him.
“How can I thank your people for their hospitality? This is more than I could ever have hoped for.”
“Nonsense,” she said with a wave of her hand.
“Besides, you saved the royal daughter from certain death at the claws of the great forest beast,” she finished with a dramatic flourish.
Logan blushed deeply and dropped his gaze. El laughed softly as she rose to her feet and crossed the small chamber to Logan. One of her small hands caught under his chin and gently lifted his face so that he was looking at her.
“I’m sorry, Logan. I’m just teasing you. I really am very grateful that you came when you did. I know that my magic had nothing left and that you risked your own life saving me. For that, I owe you my thanks and my life.”
Logan felt the colour rising in his cheeks and ears and a strange tingling in some other areas of his anatomy. He was embarrassed by the beautiful elf’s directness and desperately wanted to drop his gaze from hers but the pressure from her hand on his chin stopped him. Slowly she leaned forward and pressed her soft ruby lips to his.
“Thank you.”
She was at the door almost before Logan realized what had happened.
“I’ll have water and clean clothes sent to you shortly, until later.”
She slipped past the leaf door and was gone in an instant. His mind was still lost in the strange feelings El’s gentle touch had stirred within him. He turned and leaned against the table for support as he allowed his mind to relive the moment her lips had touched his.
His own reflection in the water mirror brought him back to reality. He shook his head in disgust with himself.
She was just saying thank you. There is no way that such a beautiful creature could possibly be interested in me, he thought. Look at yourself.
In the mirror, Logan could see that dirt from the trail still clung to him. He stood nearly a foot shorter than the shortest elf he’d seen and his body was so wide it barely passed through the doors of this village.
No, he decided. There was no way she could be anything more than thankful that I saved her life.
El leaned heavily against the outer wall of Logan’s chamber. Her heart beat heavily in her chest. She couldn’t believe she had done that. The man, Logan, was just so different from anyone she had ever met. He seemed to embody strength, from the powerful muscles that strained against his skin to the quiet confidence that seemed to radiate out from him.
She had always believed herself to be independent and strong, but something about this strange man made her feel safe, made her feel secure. She couldn’t explain it, couldn’t put it into words, but it was there.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to head back to her own rooms. She had a feast to get ready for, but first she needed to arrange for her guest.
Chapter Nineteen: Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness
A knock at the entrance of the chamber dragged Logan from his wallowing.
“Come in,” he called.
The leaf door was pulled aside and two elfin men came in. The first had hair of metallic red and gave Logan a slight nod as he placed a bowl and pitcher on the small table. The second was slightly taller and thinner than the first with deep blue hair pulled tightly back into a braid. He carried a bundle of clothing to the bed and began to lay them out. Logan studied the elves with interest as they went about their work. Both were extremely tall, the second easily reaching seven feet, and while both were obviously well muscled, neither of them looked like they cleared 150 lbs.
The first of the two elves left after pouring some of the water from the pitcher into the bowl. The second elf turned to face Logan when he’d finished laying out the clothes and stood rigidly before him. He spoke in halting Tir’anish.
“M’lady El’dreathia felt these clothes would be appropriate for this evening.”
The elf’s critical eye moved over Logan’s oddly proportioned body.
“Though, some alterations will clearly be required,” the elf added.
Logan looked at the cord-thin elf before him and chuckled loudly.
“Do you think?” He said with more than a hint of sarcasm.
“Quite,” responded the elf, though a slight smile did break the stone façade that was the man’s expression.
Rael, as Logan learned the elf’s name was, suggested that he take some measurements first, and then while Logan was washing he would make some alterations to the clothes. Logan readily agreed and placed his weapons and gear under the table, out of the way. Rael quickly and efficiently took all the necessary measurements and when he was done, Logan stripped the few rags he was still wearing from his body and began to wash himself vigorously.
“This won’t do.”
Logan turned in surprise at Rael’s interruption.
“I think, sir, that you are going to require more than a wash basin.”
Logan looked back at the already murky water in the basin and realized that Rael was correct.
Rael bade Logan to follow him. Logan gathered up his breeches and, trying to pull them on, followed. He found himself being led out of the chamber and down a small flight of stairs. Before him was a strange bowl-like structure filled with steaming water. Logan almost cheered in delight.
A bath, he thought. A real bath.
“I will return for you when I’ve finished with your clothes, sir.”
With that, the elf left him to his privacy. Logan again stripped off the breec
hes. Gingerly, he allowed himself to slip into the hot water. The cuts on his back and upper arms cried out in protest as they met the heated water. Logan laughed. He’d been so awe struck by the elfin village that he’d forgotten all about the injuries that the big cat had caused him, and he hoped they were healing well. Either way, he was sure they could use a good cleaning. He slowly allowed his entire body to submerge into the water.
Logan had lost all track of time when Rael finally appeared to take him back to his chamber. The elf handed him a towel as he stepped from the large elfin bath. Logan quickly dried himself, tied the towel around his waist and followed Rael back to his room.
Logan soon learned that Rael was a marvel with clothes. He found breeches of soft leather waiting on the bed for him. He pulled these on and was pleasantly surprised to find that they fit perfectly. Rael nodded and showed his pleasure with a small smile. He bid Logan good evening, turned and left.
No doubt to prepare a banquet or outfit an army or something equally as difficult, thought Logan with a wry smile.
Logan looked at himself in the water mirror. The hot bath had done him a lot of good. He felt like a new man and his reflection showed that. As he moved, he saw his muscles bulging under his skin. He couldn’t resist posing a bit in front of the mirror. He noticed that the tears from the tiger’s claws were already beginning to heal over. The scars on his arms and down his back wouldn’t be pretty but they wouldn’t slow him down either. Speaking of scars, he checked the arrow wounds. Circles of puckered pink skin were the only indications of the injuries he had suffered. Whoever or whatever was responsible for his healing left him with no complaints.
A soft whistle from behind drew Logan’s gaze from the mirror. He blushed crimson as he turned and saw El’dreathia peeking through the doorway watching him. She wore a dazzling smile as she watched him.
“Don’t you knock?” Logan snapped as he quickly turned and grabbed up his new shirt from the bed to cover his bare chest.
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