“We’re grateful for your assistance Lord Broin,” said Lee. “Our mutual friends speak highly of you.”
“Thank you,” he replied. “But you can drop the ‘Lord’ part; I’m not really a lord. About ten years ago there was a massive fire in the city, and I helped rebuild. Since then everyone started calling me Lord Broin. I’m actually just a merchant.”
Lee gave a knowing smile to Millet. “Lordship is earned,” Lee countered. “Clearly you earned it if that’s the title the people gave you.”
“I know,” he said. “But I still find it a bit…pretentious. I don’t dress like a lord, and I certainly don’t live like one.”
“I don’t know,” Millet commented. “You look much like some lords I’ve encountered. Not all wear silk and satin.”
“You sound like a man of experience.” Broin complimented him, laughing heartily as the barmaid returned. She carried a tray full of small glasses filled with pungent plum brandy.
“Please enjoy,” said Broin. “I would not have you visit our fine city without sampling what I consider to be its finest attribute.” Everyone took their brandy and raised their glasses.
“To new friends,” Broin toasted loudly, and they all took a sip. Gewey winced at the sweetness, but found the aftertaste to be quite pleasant.
“When you’re ready, we’ll go to my home,” Broin said as he held the glass under his nose. “I’ve had baths prepared. I know how time in the wilderness can take its toll.”
“That would be marvelous!” Maybell beamed. “You must forgive my rude companions for not introducing themselves. I’m Sister Maybell.”
“I’m pleased to know you, Sister,” he replied, nodding his head.
“While you’re here, I’ll have someone escort you to the Temple District if you wish.”
“That would be perfect,” she said graciously.
Embarrassed by Maybell’s words, each introduced themselves in turn.
“What a unique band of friends,” said Broin, his eyes fixed on Kaylia. “But enough of this. We should go, so you can wash off the dirt and grime of your long journey.”
Lord Broin led them to his home. It was a modest two-story structure, but it looked well built with sturdy red brick and hard pine. It had a small white balcony overlooking the street, and a flower garden surrounded the entire house. Inside the foyer, a staircase led to the upstairs bedrooms; doors on either side of the stairs led to the dining room, study, and parlor.
“I must apologize in advance,” Broin said. “I only have three spare rooms, but there are ample beds.” A series of clanks and rattles could be heard coming from the back of the house. “From the sound of it, Angus is preparing dinner.”
Broin led them to the bedrooms, where tubs of steaming water waited for them. Maybell took a room for herself, insistent that she get to bathe in private. Kaylia and Dina shared the next room, while Lee, Gewey, and Millet split the third.
“When you’ve washed, please join me in the parlor,” Broin said with a bow, leaving them to it.
“What do you think, my lord?” Millet asked, once they were alone.
“I trust Linis,” Lee answered. “But all the same, be alert.”
Chapter 21
When all had washed and dressed, they went downstairs to join Lord Broin. The door to the parlor was open, and voices could be heard speaking softly within. The parlor was sparsely decorated. A few paintings and some silver lanterns lined the walls, and a cherry wood table holding a crystal decanter and a dozen brandy glasses stood in the corner. Three well-cushioned couches atop a thick woven rug formed a semi-circle in the center of the room. At the far end of the room, a small fire burned cheerfully in the fireplace.
Lord Broin was sitting on a couch, having a spirited conversation with two unfamiliar figures. On his left sat a young- looking man with dark curly hair, wearing a red silk jacket and a black buttoned shirt with black trousers. To his right sat a blond elf dressed in common brown woodsman’s attire.
“Ahh,” Broin said as he saw them enter. “Please, join us.” The man and the elf rose to their feet and bowed low.
“Let me introduce my friends,” Broin said. “The young man here is Lord Ganflin from Althetas, and this is Malstisos.”
Gewey and the rest introduced themselves in turn. Lord Ganflin turned to Kaylia, who was still wearing her hood.
“Please, my dear. You don’t need to hide here.” Kaylia nodded and removed her hood, although she didn’t fully remove her cloak.
“Linis told us there would be both elves and humans,” Lee remarked. “Still, it’s odd to see.” Broin laughed. “I know what you mean. I’ve been friends with Malstisos here for over a year, and it still shocks me when he removes his hood. A good lot, though-the elves, I mean. Once you convince them not to kill you.”
“I only tried that one time,” Malstisos joked as he turned to the others. “I’m sure Linis told you of our efforts to build relations with humans. As you surely know, it has not been well received by the elders. People like Lord Broin and Lord Ganflin provide a safe place where we can talk and plan. The elders may wish to stop us, but even they wouldn’t dare assault us in a human city.”
“In Althetas,” Lord Ganflin added, “there are even elves walking openly in the streets.”
Kaylia marveled at the idea. “I imagine that took a while to accomplish.”
“Not as long as you might think,” Ganflin replied. “You’d be surprised how quickly people can get used to a thing, though I admit there are still some who are opposed to the idea.”
“Prustos left word that you would need passage further west,” Broin interjected. “Where is it you need to go?”
“Actually,” Dina answered, “we’re headed for Althetas.”
“Then you shall travel with me,” Ganflin declared. “I will be here for two more days, and then I depart for home. I can delay if you need more time.”
Lee looked at Maybell, who nodded in response.
“Two days should be plenty of time,” said Lee. “We have some business here to attend to, but it should be finished by tomorrow.”
“It’s settled then,” Broin said as he stood up and opened the decanter on the table. The air filled with the scent of plum brandy.
“Until then, you shall stay here as my guests. My house is yours.” He then proceeded to pass around glasses of brandy to the entire table.
Dinner was pleasant. The dining room was large and could have easily accommodated twice their numbers, but the dark wood paneling and pastel drawings on the walls made it feel cozy. Angus, Lord Broin’s servant, served the meal unaided, with a speed and precision that impressed even Millet. Conversation was light, focusing mainly on trade and merchant affairs. Malstisos spoke to Kaylia and Dina, telling them tales of Linis and the rest of his band. They had apparently traveled more than any other elves in history-or so it sounded to hear Malstisos tell it. As they finished eating, Broin instructed Angus to see that there were enough chairs in the study to accommodate their guests.
“I trust you’ve all had your fill?” Broin asked, wiping his hands with a napkin.
“Indeed,” Lee replied. “I haven’t eaten that well in quite a while.”
“Then if you will join me in the study, we have matters to discuss,” Broin said, pushing back his chair.
Broin led them from the dining room, across the foyer, and into the study. A large mahogany desk sat at the far end of the room next to a fireplace that glowed dimly as a small fire crackled and popped. Bookshelves lined the walls, and cushioned chairs had been placed in front of the desk. The lanterns in the corners had been dimmed, giving the room a very relaxed atmosphere. When they were all seated, Angus entered the room and gave them each a crystal glass filled with cider.
“My friends,” Broin began. “As you all know, darkness is covering the land. In the north, Angraal is gathering its strength and preparing to march. We’ve tried to warn the western nobles, but they refuse to listen. In fact, Angraal alrea
dy has representatives engaging in open negotiations with other northern kingdoms.”
“Do you have word of Hazrah?” Lee asked anxiously.
“Not specifically, no,” he answered. “But Hazrah is most certainly in danger. If you have friends or family there, you should get them out before it’s too late.”
Lee lowered his eyes in thought.
“I don’t know what causes your flight west,” Broin continued. “But I can guess you are not unaware of the things I speak of.”
“We are aware,” said Lee. “But I cannot tell you the reason for our flight. I can say that we have similar goals, and by helping us, you help protect your lands and homes.”
“I thought as much,” Broin said with a knowing smile. “You have the trust of Linis, so I won’t press you to tell me things you think you shouldn’t. But if you know anything about what we face, I hope you will share it.”
Lee took a sip from his cup and looked at the tense face of Lord Broin.
“The power you face in Angraal,” Lee said, “is known as the Dark Knight, though some call him by other names. He is far more dangerous than you might have guessed. He has stolen a powerful weapon not meant to be wielded by mortal men. With it, he has locked the door to Heaven, and if he isn’t stopped, he’ll reshape the world into a living hell.”
“You speak of the Sword of Truth,” said Ganflin. “I’ve read about it, but I thought it was just a myth.”
“I wish it were,” Lee said solemnly. “The one who stole it is the power behind the trouble in the north. He seeks to destroy the gods, and with the sword, he might find a way. He hasn’t yet reached his full strength, but the longer he possesses the sword, the more powerful he becomes.”
“How can he be stopped?” asked Broin. “I have heard of the Sword of Truth as well, and if the legends are true, then he now holds the power of a God.”
“He may have their power, but he is not a God,” Lee asserted. “He can be killed.”
"Among the elves, hatred of the Gods runs deep. There are many who would side with this Dark Knight." Malstisos noted. “If he is as powerful as you say, we will need to convince them to do otherwise.”
“For that, we must count on you and your brethren,” Lee said. “I’ll aid you in any way that I can, but I doubt my interference in this particular matter would help.”
“Hers might,” Malstisos said, nodding toward Kaylia.
“They want me dead,” Kaylia retorted. “They are even willing to ignore tradition to see it done. I doubt I can say anything to sway them.”
“There is at least one elder that doesn’t seek your death,” he countered. “It may be that he is our only hope.”
“He wants nothing to do with me,” Kaylia replied coldly. “That my own kin has been sent to kill me tells me that.”
“Who are you talking about?” asked Gewey.
“My uncle,” Kaylia answered in a whisper. “He fought in the Great War alongside my father-his brother. After my father died, he raised me as his own. But that was long ago.”
“Still, it might be worth the attempt,” Malstisos argued. “He is not as stubborn as the other Elders. He may listen to reason.”
“He will not,” Kaylia said firmly. Her tone was full of hate and anger. “My people could not have been sent to kill me without his consent. You would be better off if you told him you had murdered me yourself.”
“I think you underestimate him,” Malstisos said, his voice softening. “But as you wish; I will press you no more.”
Kaylia got up and stood by the fireplace.
“In any case, we have further matters to discuss,” Broin said.
“There are rumors that the dead walk the earth. At first I thought them nothing more than nonsense, but now I’m not so sure.”
“They’re not nonsense,” said Lee. He told Broin what had happened with the baker’s wife in Sharpstone, though he left out the name of the town.
“How is such a thing possible?” Broin asked, horrified.
“When the Dark Knight locked the door to Heaven, he trapped the souls of the living on Earth,” Lee explained. “As his power has grown, there have been certain…side effects. I believe it may be a result of his growing power. Whatever the case, it’s effective in spreading fear, and that’s his greatest weapon.”
Broin took a deep breath and sighed. “Be straightforward with me,” he said. Lee could hear the desperation in his voice. “Is there a way to fight him?”
“Yes,” Lee answered with conviction. “He is not all powerful-at least, not yet. Keep doing what you’re already doing for now. Before it’s over, we will need allies anywhere we can find them. It may not come to all out war, but if it does, we’ll need to be united and ready. My friends and I are journeying to a place that may reveal a way to end this without bloodshed, but there is no guarantee of success.”
“Then we will aid you in any way you wish,” Broin said with resolve. “Simply tell me what it is you need.”
“There is only one thing I would ask,” Lee replied. “It is a personal request, but one of great importance to me.”
“Ask,” Broin invited. “I will help if I can.”
“There are people dear to me in Hazrah,” he said. “I cannot abandon the things I must do, so I will send my friend and companion in my stead.”
Millet’s eyes went wide. “You don’t mean to send me away!” he cried.
“Please,” Lee begged. “You must see my wife and child safely away from Hazrah. I can trust no one else, and they will believe you when they see you.”
Millet nodded his head and put his hand on Lee’s shoulder. “I will do everything in my power to make sure nothing happens to them.”
Lee turned to Broin. “I would not have him go alone, so I ask that you send someone to help him as he needs. I can pay all of the expenses, and whoever goes will be well rewarded.”
“I will go,” Malstisos volunteered. “But do not insult me with promise of reward. You are a friend to my kin, and that is enough.” He smiled at Millet. “We leave when you are ready.”
“Thank you,” said Lee. “I hope one day to return the favor. Now, if you all don’t mind, we’ve had a long journey, and I’m sure my companions are longing to spend some time in a warm bed.”
“I agree,” said Broin. “We can talk more tomorrow.”
They all stood up from their chairs and bid one another goodnight.
Gewey went straight to bed, while Millet and Lee discussed the rescue of Lee’s family. Kaylia stopped in to give Gewey his nightly dose of jawas tea, a routine he had come to look forward to.
“She certainly does take good care of you,” Millet observed. “A thing not to be taken for granted.”
Normally such teasing would have embarrassed Gewey, but tonight he just smiled and let the jawas take him away.
Chapter 22
Gewey was the first to rise the next day. He got dressed and wandered downstairs, following the smell of sausage. Angus was setting up the table when he spotted him at the door.
“Please sit,” Angus urged him, pulling out a chair. “It’s good to see an early riser around here.”
Gewey thought about waiting for the others, but dismissed the thought when Angus placed a plate filled with sausage, eggs and fresh biscuits in front of him. To top it off, there was even fresh orange juice. In Sharpstone, orange juice was rare; the only times he’d had it before were when his father had taken him to visit Lee as a child.
The sun was shining through the windows and Gewey could hear the bustle of a new day beginning outside.
“It’s been some time since the sun has broken through,” Angus observed, pleased.
“Let’s take it for a good omen,” Broin said as he strode into the room.
Gewey felt embarrassed for not waiting to eat, but Broin didn’t seem to mind. In fact, Angus brought him a plate and some juice and he immediately started in himself.
“You said very little last night, my young friend,�
� Broin noted. “What are your thoughts on what goes on in the world?”
Gewey had to wash down a mouthful of sausage before answering. “Honestly, it’s hard to make heads or tails of it. Compared to what I’m used to, things have been moving very fast.”
Lord Broin nodded with understanding. “Yes, indeed. Things feel out of control, even for those of us who are more accustomed to dealing with the fast pace of the world. But I’m curious, how did you end up involved in all this to begin with?”
Gewey was unsure how to answer. Broin could see his unease and waved his hand.
“Forget I asked,” he said. “Let’s talk about your companions instead. I’ve noticed you seem quite comfortable traveling with elves. Have you always been so accepting?”
“I think the elves are a wonderful people,” Gewey replied earnestly. “After being around them, it’s hard to imagine why they aren’t welcome among us. They may be terrible and dangerous when they want to be, but they are also wise and full of joy. I’ve never seen anyone who loves his brother so selflessly, or defends his honor so passionately. Of course, my experience is limited to the few I’ve met.”
“You are wise beyond your years,” Broin told him. “Now if you would allow me, I would give you something.”
“Please,” Gewey protested. “Your hospitality is more than enough.”
“But I insist,” he said, leaving the table. A few minutes later, he returned carrying a long sword sheathed in a black leather scabbard. There were symbols running down the length of the scabbard in silver inlay, and to Gewey’s eye, it appeared to be the same type of ancient writing that decorated Lee’s box. Broin attached the scabbard to a studded leather belt, and then handed it to Gewey. “This sword was given to me by the King of Gol’Giatha, for saving the life of his son when I was a young man. I want you to have it.”
Gewey stared at the weapon, stunned. “This is too much. I can’t possibly accept this.”
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