“What happened to you?”
Her hands ran down along his chest, even so light a touch caused him to tense in pain. Logan’s ribs were badly bruised, which in itself was amazing since he was sure they should have been broken. Another groan escaped his lips as El ran her hand along the side of his face.
Sure, he thought. I may heal quickly but that didn’t stop it from hurting like Hades while it happened.
“I fell,” he replied lamely.
Forcing a smile, he pushed himself from the bed. El sat as Logan tried to wash himself from the bowl at the table. She watched him struggle for a few moments before rising and joining him at the basin. Taking the washcloth, she dipped it in the water. Gently, she began to wash his face and chest.
“I don’t believe you, you know.”
Logan flashed another smile as he reached for the towel with his left hand and dried his face and chest as she continued.
“Did you get in a fight last night?”
“Would I do such a thing?” he answered evasively.
Logan took a clean shirt form the table and El helped him put it on.
“My father wants to see you before you leave,” El continued.
Logan nodded and offered her his left hand.
“Shall we go then?”
El frowned at him before turning and leaving the chamber. Logan shook his head and laughed to himself as he followed her out.
When they reached the main throne room they were ushered in immediately. Unlike his first visit, this time Logan found that all the thrones were filled and a large crowd had gathered around the outside of the central star. Logan noticed Lan’thor standing next to Lean’thor. He favoured his left side and a large patch of hair was torn from his head. Logan wasn’t the only one to notice the tall elf’s condition, or his slight nod to Logan. El’dreathia shot him a dark glance. She came to a dead stop and glared at him, when she caught Logan’s return half smile and nod.
“What did you two do to each other?” she demanded.
“Come on, your father’s waiting,” replied Logan with a wink as he stepped past her to kneel before her father. El followed him angrily.
“Please stand, Logan,” Aerlian’thor said from his throne.
Logan slowly rose to his feet, his aching body protesting the movement. El followed closely behind.
“I understand you wish to continue your mission today,” Aerlian’thor continued.
“Yes, that was my intention.”
Aerlian’thor ran an appraising gaze over the battered Logan.
“Are you sure you’re up for it?”
“I heal quickly, sir,” Logan gave a slight reassuring smile as he answered.
“Yes, good,” Aerlian’thor continued. “It is the considered opinion of this council that in light of your service to our community in saving El’dreathia and helping to bring back the bodies of our dead that we should try to assist you in your undertaking.”
The clan leaders nodded in agreement from their thrones. Taelen’thor rose from his throne and approached Logan. In his hand was a foot long cylinder of bark with a cap on either end.
“Inside you will find a map of the world,” said the clan leader. “It contains all that my clan has been able to learn from our travels and our trading with the other races.”
The elf handed the bark case to Logan.
“And if you pass this way again,” the elf said with a smile. “We would truly appreciate any additions you would care to make to it from your own travels.”
Frea’lin was next. In her hands was an earthenware jar. She handed it to Logan.
“You seem to have a propensity for getting yourself into potentially painful situations,” she said with mischievous smile. “Inside the jar you will find a healing salve. It is designed to reduce the risk of infection and assist the body in its healing. Just apply it to any injuries you sustain and it will heal them at twice the normal speed.”
Arian’tae came forward as Frea’lin stepped back to her throne. She carried a heavy bundle of cloth.
“This cloak was made from the pelt of the Tir’anish Tiger that you yourself killed. Its natural colouring will provide you with excellent camouflage in the jungles as well as offering warmth in the cold altitudes of the spine.”
She draped the cloak over Logan’s outstretched arm. Lean’thor nearly leapt from his throne, a wide smile spread across his lips. He snapped his long fingers and Rael came forward carrying a wide section of tree bark. Logan looked at the strange gift in confusion.
“Lad, this is the type of armour my own warriors wear into battle,” Lean’thor explained.
Rael held up the thin bark breastplate, it had been cut to fit Logan’s wide chest.
“Don’t worry lad it’s much stronger than it looks,” added Lean’thor as he caught Logan’s look of disbelief.
Rael continued to hold the armour as Lean’thor clasped Logan’s hand.
“Good luck lad.”
“And finally, my turn,” announced Aerlian’thor.
El’s father hung a thick chain around Logan’s neck. The eight inch long incisor tooth of the Tir’anish Tiger dangled from the chain. Logan realized with a start that it had been taken from the tiger he had killed. Aerlian’thor smiled gently at the boy.
“This talisman will allow you to understand any language that is spoken around you. I thought you might find it useful.”
“Yes, sir, very much,” he answered.
Logan found himself overwhelmed by the elfin people’s generosity.
“Thank you, thank you all,” he stammered.
“You’re very welcome, Logan,” replied Aerlian’thor. “Of course, we’ll also provide you with spare clothing and food for your journey.”
Aerlian’thor looked around at all the clan heads.
“Well unless anybody else has something to add, I think that is about it …”
“Wait!” Lan’thor called as he stepped forward.
Aerlian’thor raised a brow at the young elf while Lean’thor shot his son a dark look.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, patriarch,” said Lan’thor as he bowed his head low to Aerlian’thor. “But, I have a request.”
Aerlian gave a questioning look to Lean’thor who responded with a mystified shrug. The elfin chief nodded for the young elf to continue.
“With my father’s permission,” continued Lan’thor. “I wish to accompany Logan on his journey.”
Lan’thor looked to his father.
“Are you sure son?” asked his father, slightly stunned at his son’s request.
“Yes, father, I am. If I am to be worthy to succeed you then it’s time I learned about the world myself,” he paused and looked back at Logan. “If, Logan, will allow me, of course?”
Logan smiled broadly, stepped forward and clapped the young elf on the back.
“Of course I’ll have you with me Lan’thor, if that is what you want.”
Lan’thor smiled and nodded back at Logan. He then turned back to his father and the chief waiting for their answer. Lean’thor nodded slightly and Aerlian’thor continued.
“It is agreed then. Lan’thor will accompany Logan Hammersmith on his journey. Good luck, boys.”
“I too wish to accompany Logan on his quest.”
The room fell quiet as everyone stared in startled disbelief at El’dreathia. It was Aerlian’thor who recovered first.
“No, daughter, that is not possible.”
“Why, father? If Lan’thor can go, I should be able to go as well. I have as much right to choose my path as he does. If I were anyone else you would let me.”
“No, El’dreathia, your father is correct,” announced Frea’lin before Aerlian’thor could respond. “You cannot make this journey and it has nothing to do with who you father is. You know as well as anyone that until you pass the rites of the forest you may not leave the protection of our lands.”
“But, I’ve taken the rites of the forest and I returned alive,” El plead
ed.
Arian’tae continued her voice flat and emotionless.
“Yes, my child, you have taken the rites of the forest. Unfortunately, you did not pass them. There is more to the rites than just your return. There is also the preservation of the forest and the protection of your companions. In both these areas you failed. Your own survival was only ensured due to the timely arrival and heroic deeds of this stranger. Unfortunately, my child, you are at best unproven and it would not be in Logan or Lan’thor’s best interest to allow a potential liability to travel with them. The road they will travel is hazardous and they will need to depend on each other completely to survive. You know this to be true.”
When she had finished, all eyes turned to El’dreathia who stood speechless and still before the council. Her eyes blazed in frustration, anger and shame.
“You are, of course, correct,” El responded her voice harsh and edged. “I thank you for explaining the error in my judgement, mistress.”
Logan’s heart hurt for the elfin girl, but the council’s logic made sense. He had no idea what to say in the awkward silence that followed El’dreathia’s response.
“If that is all?” questioned Aerlian’thor before dismissing them all.
Logan waited for El outside the throne room. When she finally came out, she did not look happy.
“El?”
She whirled to face him, stopping short when she realized that it was Logan she was facing. Managing a slight smile, she responded.
“Yes, Logan?”
Logan felt the colour rising in his cheeks again. There was just something about the way she looked at him.
“I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to miss you,” he stammered slightly as he spoke.
El stepped up to Logan and kissed him softly on the cheek.
“We’ll see.”
With that, she gave him a mischievous smile and a look of steely determination before turning and disappearing along the tree paths. Logan’s confused gaze followed her retreating back.
I wonder what she has in mind, he thought.
Arrangements for Logan and Lan’thor’s departure occurred quickly. Shortly after noon that day, the two found themselves moving along the forest floor. Each carried their preferred weapons as well as a large pack containing supplies given to them by the elves.
They were chatting quietly as they walked, when Lan’thor suddenly stopped. Logan turned to regard his friend who raised a hand to silence him. Logan listened intently and heard the sound of a branch breaking under foot. They both laid down their packs and pulled their weapons free. They placed the packs between them and stood back to back.
“Look at the two of you jumping at shadows.”
El’dreathia stepped out from a tree in front of Logan. She carried a heavy satchel over her shoulder and her traveling cloak was clipped around her neck. Logan stared at her in amazement.
“You didn’t really think I’d let the two of you go wandering around in the forest alone did you?” she announced. “I mean, someone has to keep you out of trouble.”
She started walking in the direction the two of them had been heading.
“Well, are you coming?” she called.
Logan and Lan’thor stood open mouthed for a moment before Lan’thor nudged Logan with his elbow and smiled. Logan returned the smile and shrugged. They fell into step behind El.
Chapter Twenty-Six: On the Road Again
They had been away from Er’thaental for three days and had already been walking for the better part of the morning on the fourth when El suddenly stopped in her tracks. Lan’thor had been leading with Logan in the middle and El’dreathia in the rear, so it took a moment or two before Logan and Lan’thor realized that she wasn’t following them. When they finally stopped and turned she was glaring at them with her hands balled into fists on her hips.
“This is just stupid!” she announced. “You two stay right here and don’t move.”
With that, she turned around and disappeared off the trail into the woods. Logan and Lan’thor cast confused looks at each other. Lan’thor just shrugged in response to Logan’s unasked question.
As time passed, the two of them started to get restless.
Enough’s enough, thought Logan. What is she up to now?
He didn’t like just standing around looking stupid. He was about to go looking for El when she suddenly appeared from amongst the trees. She slowly walked back along the trail toward them, a self-satisfied smile on her lips.
“Well?” Logan finally demanded. “What was that all about?”
She stopped in front of him and regarded him evenly.
“It will take us the better part of a year to walk across the entire continent of Tir’an,” she finally answered. “That’s just stupid. I decided to see if I could get us some help.”
“And?” asked Lean’thor.
El merely smiled slightly and gestured behind the two of them.
“Look for yourselves.”
Elf and man turned and watched as a large stag strode through the forest towards them. The stag was powerfully built with a wide chest and a massive rack of antlers on his proud head. The antlers ended in fierce looking points and Logan was willing to bet that the big animal knew how to use them. The stag sniffed the air intently as he moved confidently towards El. On either side of the big male and slightly behind came two slightly smaller bucks. Both of these animals had much smaller racks, though Logan figured they would have been quite impressive if not compared to the lead animal.
Lan and Logan stared open mouthed at the beasts. The smaller two stopped a few feet from them but the large stag continued forward until it was close enough to nuzzle at El’s outstretched hand. El giggled slightly as the stag tickled her hand with the fine hairs around its muzzle. She stroked the deer’s neck lovingly before turning back to Lan and Logan.
“They’ve agreed to help us by carrying us through the forest.”
El stepped to the side of the big stag and pulled herself lithely up onto its back. Lan’thor smiled at Logan and quickly followed El’s lead. He mounted one of the smaller animals and nodded reassuringly to Logan, who moved cautiously to the other deer. The stag watched him nervously as he approached and snorted derisively as Logan gingerly reached up for the creatures back. The deer shied slightly as Logan pulled himself up onto the deer’s back and clung precariously to the animal’s neck.
“Not so tight, Logan, you don’t want to strangle him,” Lan’thor called from his own mount.
Logan gave a quick glance to the tall elf, then a short nod, as he carefully loosened his grip on the deer’s neck. Slowly, Logan felt his confidence returning.
Okay, he thought. Maybe, I’m not going to fall off.
He let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and started trying to adjust his perch into a more comfortable seated position.
Logan barely had time to resettle himself before the young buck bounded into the forest after the others. Almost thrown from the animals back, Logan had to quickly grab hold of the deer’s neck to avoid a harsh landing on the hard forest floor.
Logan clung to the animal for dear life. He hadn’t realized that the creatures could move so fast.
Traveling by deer allowed them to make better time than they ever could have hoped for on foot, though, in some ways Logan’s backside would have preferred the latter. The animals moved quickly and surely through forest paths that were all but hidden to the casual observer.
Each day, about an hour before nightfall, the deer stopped and the three friends would make camp. Logan usually gathered wood for the fire while Lan’thor hunted for their dinner. While they were gone, El’dreathia would start a fire and prepare the camp for their return. At first, they took turns with the various jobs but everyone quickly agreed that it wasn’t working out.
The first time Logan went hunting, he came back with nothing but roots and berries. Lan’thor informed him that this wasn’t at all surprising, consider
ing Logan possessed all the stealth of a cat with three broken legs. Lan’s smile had taken much of the sting from the words, but Logan knew that compared to elfin standards his friend was right.
El’s attempts at firewood gathering were just as effective. It took her an extremely long time and the boys would still have to scramble around for more when they ran out in the middle of the night. As for Lan’thor and camp building, well, anthill was all that really needed to be said about that. It was after a long cold night of scratching, with only berries and a pitifully small fire for breakfast that the three friends decided to work to their strengths.
What did surprise Logan though, was the elves’ willingness to hunt game in the forest. Sitting around the fire one evening, Logan took the opportunity to ask his companions about it. El looked a touch uncomfortable by the question while Lan merely smiled as he answered.
“Logan, elves are the protectors of the forest and that is a job we take extremely seriously. As a group, we generally believe that life is, in fact, sacred and you should never take more than you need. Hunting, to feed ourselves, is simply an extension of that belief. We never take more than we need to survive.”
Lan cast an amused glance towards El before continuing.
“Though, there are some members of our people, including many from the magic caste, who feel we should be able to exist and survive on plants alone. But, we warriors believe that life is life. There is really no difference between taking from the plants and taking from the animals.”
Logan thought he understood what Lan was getting at and it made sense to him. He got the distinct impression, that El was probably one of those who believed that plants were okay but animals weren’t, especially considering her reaction to the tiger he had been forced to kill. Either way, El didn’t make a fuss over the food that Lan brought back in the evenings and Logan assumed that she saw the necessity of fresh meat given the scope of the journey before them.
After the evening meal, El would excuse herself and go off to practice her magic. She explained that when she did this she was able to meditate and absorb energy from the world around her. She was also able to commune with the trees themselves. This allowed her to learn about the terrain ahead as well as any possible dangers.
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