Klunk seemed to think about this for a moment. “I confess, that is strange, that I should sing a song here and you heard it far away.” He smiled and shrugged. “Maybe that is a good thing. For I have a new song—the one that I told you would be sung at all the kraals in your honor. Would you like to hear it?”
Tovi grinned. He loved Klunk’s songs. “Sure. That would be awsie.”
Klunk nodded and composed himself. His voice started quiet and slow but grew bolder as he went on.
Across the distance
moon and stars
riding moonbeams
traveling far
Tovi traveled
leaving home
into the desert
sand and stone
Facing darkness
bringing light
dagger held
feels its might
Into the castle
facing fear
fighting evil
far and near
Into the tunnel
friends along
deeper still
the three were strong
Dagger high
and spirit bright
he flung himself
into the fight
Crystal shattered
battle won
eyes are turned
to moon and sun
Tovi comes
to Crystal Sands
evil gone
from all the lands
Come the time
when he must leave
but not forever
we believe
He lives eternal
in our songs
in our memory
ever strong.
As the words ended, Tovi felt overwhelmed. Klunk’s songs had always been just about them running around and having fun. But this was something different. Tears gathered in his eyes as he searched for the right words to tell his friend how much this all meant.
Kharla saved the day. “Klunk, that was awsie.” She hugged the young Azyrean.
They sat in silence a few more minutes before Tovi asked, “What now? Are you going home to your kraal?”
Klunk turned to Kharla and held her hand. “I… we will make a home, but we’re not sure where. Since all of this, the chiefs asked me if I would continue to speak for them. But I’m not sure who they want me to speak to. The elves and humans will all go home. So, probably it will go back to the way it was.”
Kharla spoke for the first time, her voice softer than Tovi remembered it. “No. It can never go back to what it was. We know too much now. We have known war and fighting. This changes things. In the past, we settled our arguments by just ignoring each other. But now… now we realize that we have to solve our problems. But we can’t resort to fighting about it.” Tears filled her eyes. “Tovi, I was wrong about you. I was wrong about Klunk. I was wrong about a lot of things. There was much death here—ogres, humans, and elves. And it is said that we won the war. But my papaw is still dead, along with all of the others. We must find ways to not fight. There must always be a better way, at least I hope so.”
Tovi lowered his head. “I’m really sorry about your papaw. I’m sorry about a lot of things.” He looked up at her and smiled. “But I am happy that you are my friend. And you will live with Klunk, is that right?”
The two of them nodded in unison. Klunk answered, “Yes. We have found each other. What else is ahead, I don’t know. But I know that whatever it is, it will be easier for me with Kharla here.” He squeezed her hand.
Tovi had a great idea. “You know, if we ever get the portals working, you two can come to Pangrove. I’ll show you how to ride moonbeams.” He grinned as he imagined the three of them on the slopes.
Klunk slapped his thigh. “Good one, Tovi.”
Kharla added, “That would be awsie.”
The grin faded as Tovi stood. One thing had been on his mind since returning. It was time.
◆◆◆
Tovi summoned all of his courage and opened the flap to the tent. “Hi. Ran said I’d find you two in here.”
Marzi and Elle sat cross-legged on the floor, talking quietly. His sister beckoned with her head. “Come on in. We were just talking about you.”
The young boy sauntered over, trying to appear calm and casual. “Hi, Elle. How are you?”
She smiled warmly. “I am well, Tovi. In fact, I am wonderful.”
He plopped down beside the two. He went over in his mind all the things that Myhrren had told him. But being here with Elle, he found himself once again confused. “You know, I was thinking about staying on this world.”
“Tovi!” Marzi shouted at him. “You know you can’t do that. Mom and Dad are… well, you have to go back, at least for now, until you are old enough to make your own choices and travel the world on your own.”
“I know. Myhrren told me that, too, but all my friends are here….” He stole a glance at Elle before averting his gaze.
Elle reached over and took both his hands in hers. “Yes, Tovi. You have friends here—elves, ogres, and humans. And your leaving will be hard for all of us. But you will be no less of a friend. You will remain in our hearts forever.”
“What will you be doing, Elle?” Tovi marveled at her beauty. It was everything he could do to keep from staring at her.
She laughed. “I will spend time with my parents. I will learn more of what I need to know to take my place as a dark elf of the Bough. And I shall think much about you and Marzi. I could never have imagined that two such marvelous beings would come to us and change our lives as you have.”
Tovi shrugged. “Myhrren said that I might be able to come back and visit.” He considered the possibility for a moment. “Or maybe you could visit Pangrove.” he said excitedly.
Elle smiled then grew more serious. “Marzi is right. Your parents have lost you for all this time. They have worried about you. I am sure that they have shed many tears in the dark of night. They deserve to hold you in their arms.”
He grinned. “Okay. But I am going to come back to see everyone, for sure.”
She squeezed his hands. “And everyone here will be delighted when you do.”
Chapter 96: Crystal Sands
“When are you returning home to the Quel’dethain Mountains?” Marzi sat in the shade munching on a sweet cake beside Elondiel. “And will everything go back to the same as it was?” She was thinking about what Arien and Ariessa had said about the Bough and the cliff elves, how they were all really dark elves. But Elondiel’s people were not really dark elves any more. They were frost elves. Was there such a difference?
“I will wait here until Corhymin is able to return with me. Andu’lar will see to our affairs well enough until then. With regards to the way things were, that is a matter of great concern to us. I assume that you mean the connection to our cousins, the dark elves. Without a doubt, we all hope for a more open relationship. But, at the same time, we have our own homes, our own problems, and our own values. To be sure, we shall remain in the mountains and continue to govern ourselves. But we have already discussed expanding the trails and building way-stations between Quel’dethain and the Bough for more convenient travel between the two. I confess that my attitude has softened. Perhaps it stems from the reunion with my cousin, Rintaur. Or maybe it flows from the events that we have all witnessed. But one thing is certain, Marzi. You have played a role—you have influenced us greatly—and we are better for having known you.”
Marzi smiled sheepishly. His words embarrassed her a little, but they made her feel good. She wanted to believe that the elves would be a united race. She so loved them all. “What will happen to the humans that you held captive in the Quel’dethain Mountains?”
“That is a good question—one that has teased at my mind over the past few days. Clearly, you were right to suggest that we should spare their lives. Now comes the hard part—what to do with them. And that problem suggests a much larger one. They came to the land of the frost elves.
Some of those humans may have family yet in Caravast. I am inclined to send them home to take care of those that depend on them. But what of the ones that might choose to remain in the mountains with us? Should they be allowed to stay, to roam the area freely? That is a harder question. I will be consulting with the leadership of the humans before leaving, and I am sure we can reach a fair solution for all. But having met and come to understand you as an outsider, I am not convinced that it would be a bad thing for the humans to stay if they choose. I am hopeful that we will become a more open culture in the future. And perhaps that starts with opening our hearts and lands to these beings.”
◆◆◆
How will the elves get home? Are they going to have to bring crystals and make portals? Marzi sat in the moonlight, Valyn floating next to her.
“That is entirely up to them. The fading is gone. With Dredwyn banished and our renewed confidence in humans, there remains no reason to prevent travel between the realms.
So they can just walk home, if they want?
Valyn’s laugh exuded warmth and caring. “If they so choose. But it seems to me that it would be a long trek. The journey to Menalor from here would be across the desert and through the realm of the humans. The connection is in the north of Caravast, in the icy pass that opens into the Quel’dethain Mountains. They are certainly free to go that route, but I suspect that creating portals would be much easier.”
In the future, they can travel to see each other? The humans can come here, and the elves can go to Ebon Hills and the ogres….
“Yes, Marzi. That is the way most worlds work. We put the fading in place not to punish the races but rather to protect them. At the time, our fear was that, left to their own devices, they would destroy each other. I am hopeful that those days are behind them.”
I’ve been meaning to ask you. If it is such an easy matter for you and the other gods, why can’t you just create the portals as we need them or create them to stay in place so we would no longer need crystals?
Valyn laughed like Marzi had never heard before. “Marzi, Marzi, if you have learned nothing else from this whole experience, you should know by now that you are responsible for yourselves and need to learn to take care of yourselves, as well as others, and that we gods are not always here at your beck and call. Yours is not the only world we have to look after.” Valyn’s smiled lingered until she eventually vanished.
Marzi had to admit that what she was told made sense. The races would have to depend on each other. But now, at least, they would have a professional beam keeper at their disposal. Wow, Jarek would be popular… and rich… in no time, she thought as she chuckled.
◆◆◆
The next morning, as Marzi stood on the edge of the encampment, her eyes fixed on the distant horizon, across the blistering sands, a sound from behind caught her attention, and she turned to see a human striding across the compound. The woman was dressed in chocolate brown trousers and a forest green leather tunic. She appeared to carry no weapon. Marzi stood as the visitor approached.
“Hello, I’m Commander Emmanuelle West. Could you tell me where I might find Captain Virgil, the leader of the human contingent here?”
“Hi, I’m Marzi Gloam.” She held out her open hand, as she’d seen some of the humans do. “He’s over in the medical tent. I’ll take you to him.”
As they reached the tent, West stepped out in front and pulled the covering aside, allowing Marzi to enter first.
Virgil lay on a cot against the right side of the wall. Ryshara sat beside him, his hand in hers as they talked quietly.
“Hi, Rys. This is Commander West and she wants to talk to the captain.”
Virgil propped himself up on an elbow. “Commander. You’re here. I heard that things went well over there.”
West laughed. “Things went great until I heard that you got yourself hurt. How are you, Virg?”
“Much better now. Oh, by the way, this is Ryshara. She was with me at the final battle. In fact, she saved my life.”
The commander nodded to the elf. “And so I owe you my thanks.” And then West seemed to take notice of the fact that Virgil and Rys were holding hands. She cocked an eyebrow. “Hmmm. I see.”
Ryshara quickly took her hand away and stood. “I have some things to attend to. I will check on you later, Captain.” She hurried out of the tent.
West plopped down beside the injured man. “She didn’t have to leave. After all, it’s not like I couldn’t tell what was going on.” She chuckled.
Virgil stuttered and stumbled with his words. “Uh, well, it’s just that, when I was injured, she helped me in here and—”
“Oh, come now, Virg, let’s not dance around this.” West softened and put her hand on his shoulder. “She’s a beautiful young woman. You chose well. You know, over the years, I wondered when you would find the right person. I suspect that you have.”
“She’s—I don’t know, but yes, she is very special.” He cleared his throat. “But don’t worry. I understand that I have a duty to Caravast.”
“Captain, you have acquitted yourself magnificently. Caravast is safe. There is much to do, but that does not rest on your shoulders. After the dust settles, there will be much discussion about who does what. And I expect that, if you wish, both you and Ryshara will be a part of that. All I expect from you right now is that you recover fully and then take some much-earned respite. We’ll talk more later.” And with that she rose and turned to the Azyrean. “And Marzi Gloam, I am very honored to meet you.”
Chapter 97: Crystal Sands
The cloak had changed. She laid it out on her pallet, running her fingers gently over the silken fabric. It was the same cloak—the colors, the border, and the runes—all the same. But it no longer glowed or tingled with energy for her. It had become just a cloak.
Then she recalled what the runes said when Maw’thryn had translated them. The cloak chose its wearer, not the other way around. The cloak would always pursue a purpose. And when that purpose was complete, it would pursue another, choosing a different wearer. Maybe it was time.
“You have learned much, Marzi. Your understanding has grown.”
Marzi inhaled the aroma of lilac, jasmine, and lemon. Valyn. I hoped you would come back. I need your help now.
A gentle laugh filled Marzi’s mind. “You are too quickly moving on from your accomplishments. Your actions at the portal will change the course of history. What would have been a bloody slaughter that served no useful purpose became, instead, a demonstration of compassion and kindness, of understanding and acceptance. You must not so quickly distance yourself from this.”
I don’t understand. There’s nothing left to do.
“Yes, my child, there is much left to do. It is true that the war has ended. And the aftermath and rebuilding are tasks that fall to others. But you must allow them—elves, ogres, and humans all—to celebrate your deeds. They must be allowed to express their gratitude. They will pen songs and epic poems recounting the events of the day. You must indulge them.”
Marzi heard the words but could summon little enthusiasm. She was tired. What about the cloak?
“You were correct. Its purpose with you has been fulfilled. It will choose its own future. Who it will choose as its new champion or caretaker I know not. But trust that, when that time comes, you will know it. Until then, wear it with pride.”
◆◆◆
The tent flap pulled back and Elle entered. “Ariessa has called a leadership meeting for this evening, right after the meal. It will be in the medical tent so that Corhymin and Virgil can attend. She asked me to let you know.”
“How is Corhymin doing?” Marzi hadn’t seen the commander in several days.
Elle grew quiet for a moment before answering, “She is improving. But I think it will take time. And sadly, she will never be the same elf that she was before.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Do not be. Corhymin is alive. She is in good spirits and accepts her situation wit
h much grace. She will be a part of the elven community. Others have not been so fortunate. Elves, ogres, and humans alike—many have crossed over from this life before their time. War is not what I thought it would be. It is not all glory and fighting. It is death and loss. And those things are forever.”
Marzi struggled to hold back the tears. The images of the fallen came to her—Saige, the dark elves in the Ruins of Koror, the ogres who fell to battle, and all of the others. They were gone. “It’s hard not to feel it.”
“Grief—yes. It is right to grieve and mourn the passing, but we must also celebrate and remember their lives.”
◆◆◆
The evening meal was a strange mix of celebration and sadness. There were lots of smiles and embraces. And there were plenty of tears and quiet moments. The three races intermingled, exchanging greetings, anecdotes, and words of cheer and encouragement.
As the last of the food was consumed and plates set aside, Ariessa rose. “I would draw this meal to a close. Thank you all for joining us. I trust that we will speak at greater length in the days to come. But for now, I request that the leadership of all factions assemble in the medical tent. We have a long road ahead of us, which must start with this first step.”
About ten minutes later, Ariessa called the leadership meeting to order. Some stood, some sat on pallets or on the bare floor. “Thank you. The ogres have been most gracious hosts. I offer my most profound thanks. Klunk, if you could please convey that to the kraal chiefs, I would be in your debt.”
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