Winged Warrior

by Richard S. Tuttle

  Princess Alahara walked to the window behind Garl’s desk. She leaned out and counted the windows from the corner of the building until she found Salfour’s office. She quickly wove an air tunnel and made it so that they could listen to what was said in the office.

  “Please explain what you are doing,” prompted Garl. “I have never seen that particular spell. Who taught it to you?”

  “The humans,” answered Princess Alahara as the sound of a knock on a door sounded. “We can discuss the spell later. Right now we need to listen.”

  Garl nodded, but his puzzled frown indicated that he wanted an explanation. Princess Alahara ignored him as Salfour gave permission for his visitor to enter.

  “Why are you back here?” snapped Salfour. “I told you that these meetings are to be kept limited.”

  “This is important,” panted Kara. “I just ran into Princess Alahara down by the river.”

  “Did she recognize you?” Salfour asked with alarm.

  “Recognize me?” echoed the boy. “How could she? She has never seen me. I told you that we ran from the ambush without ever seeing them. The other boys got spooked and I was not going to stay there alone. She has never seen me before.”

  Salfour sighed deeply. “Tell me what has caused you to come back here today,” he demanded.

  “I want to renegotiate the fee for the protests,” declared Kara. “I can guarantee that thousands will show up tomorrow if you are willing to part with a little more gold.”

  “Do not toy with me,” warned Salfour as sounds of choking came through the air tunnel. “Our deal is set in stone. What does meeting the princess have to do with this extortion attempt?”

  “You don’t have to kill me,” choked Kara. “I was just trying to make some more gold. I have done good for you, haven’t I?”

  “Speak,” demanded the mage. “What does this have to do with the princess?”

  “She is coming to the protest tomorrow,” offered the boy. “She doesn’t believe in the war and wants to protest against it.”

  “Are you a fool?” shouted Salfour. “She is the heir to the throne. There is no possibility of her being against the war that her father wants.”

  “She doesn’t want to be queen,” argued the boy. “She hates it here in Elvangar because no one likes her. She plans to flee the first chance that she gets. She was planning on taking one of the ships going during the war, but she would leave sooner if the chance came up. Don’t you see? If one of the princesses is against the war, I could get thousands of people to come to the protest. That should be worth a bonus of some kind.”

  “I cannot believe this,” Salfour said with uncertainty. “The king would not allow her to protest the war. It would surely defeat him and his cause.”

  “She doesn’t care what the king wants,” the boy said adamantly. “She really hates it here. I could tell. She will be at the protest tomorrow. Mark my words.”

  “And how did she find out that there is a protest tomorrow?” asked Salfour.

  “I said that I had heard a rumor that there might be one,” answered Kara. “She said that she would be there. I will have a busy night tonight spreading the word about her coming. That should be worth a little more gold.”

  “You will get nothing more until after the demonstration,” snarled Salfour. “If it is a huge success, you will be amply rewarded. If not, you had best be scarce around here. Now get out.”

  “Where will Salfour go next?” Alahara whispered to Garl. “Will it be the office of Maraton or Levitor?”

  “I do not know,” admitted Garl. “Can they hear through this spell you are casting?”

  “Only if I allow it,” smiled Alahara, “and I am not allowing it right now.”

  “Go two windows to the right,” instructed Garl.

  Princess Alahara moved the end of the air tunnel two windows to the right. She waited in silence for some sound that would indicate the presence of someone in the office. She heard nothing.

  “Maybe…” Garl began when a loud knock sounded on the door.

  Someone snorted loudly and moved as if roused from slumber. A voice called for the visitor to enter.

  “Come, Levitor,” said Salfour. “We need to talk to Maraton right away.”

  “About what?” groused the sleepy Levitor.

  “I don’t want to explain it twice,” growled Salfour. “Just come.”

  Noises or someone moving around was all that was heard.

  “Up one level and one window to the left,” instructed Garl. “I cannot believe what I am hearing.”

  “Is it enough to take action?” asked Alahara as she adjusted the air tunnel to the proper window.

  “Hardly,” frowned Garl, “although I now believe that those three are involved. All that we have heard is that they are paying boys to instigate the protests. That is hardly a criminal offense.”

  “They knew about the ambush on Alastasia and me,” Alahara pointed out.

  “I also know about it,” sighed Garl. “Does that mean that I ordered it?”

  “Who is it?” a voice shouted in answer to the knock on the door.

  “Me and Levitor,” came the answer as the door opened and two men shuffled into the room. “We have a problem or an opportunity. I am not sure which.”

  “Shut the door and explain the problem,” instructed Maraton.

  “Kara just came to visit me,” informed Salfour. “His purpose was to try to extort more gold out of me, but he delivered some interesting information.”

  “Go on,” urged Maraton.

  “It seems that one of the princesses does not care for life in Elvangar,” Salfour continued. “She plans to escape to the human lands. She is also against the war and plans to take part in the protest tomorrow.”

  “What?” Maraton asked, his voice rising with disbelief. “Which princess?”

  “Alahara,” answered Salfour. “She is the heir to the throne.”

  “I don’t believe it,” Maraton said skeptically. “It is a ruse to infiltrate the organizers of the protests. You are to get rid of Kara and the others immediately.”

  “I was skeptical at first, too,” admitted Salfour, “but this story rings true. She claims that she hates it here because no one likes her. She probably had many friends among the humans.”

  “Then why is she against the war?” retorted Maraton. “If she likes the humans so much, she should want the elves to go save them.”

  “The princesses did run away once before,” Levitor pointed out.

  “They were imprisoned,” scowled Maraton. “They also came back with Avalar. I am telling you that it is a trick. Get rid of Kara and the others. I will not have them tied back to us. Staging protests is one thing, but Kara and his friends know that we tried to assassinate the princesses. You will get rid of those boys tonight. Do you understand me?”

  “Do you mean kill them?” asked Levitor.

  “No,” Maraton sighed as he shook his head, “buy them sweets. Of course I mean kill them. Are you a fool? Do you know what happens to people who try to overthrow the throne?”

  “But they do not know about you or me,” Levitor pointed out. “Salfour has been their only contact.”

  “Don’t be giving him any ideas,” scowled Salfour. “I will get rid of the brats, but this is going to destroy the chances of staying out of the war.”

  “Get other organizers for the protests,” ordered Maraton. “I will not risk my life for three boys.”

  “It is too late to get other organizers,” objected Salfour. “The council is starting to lean towards Avalar, and I suspect that he knows it. If tomorrow’s protest is weak, the king will strike and call for a vote.”

  “Then cancel the protest until we can assure a good turnout,” countered Maraton. “We are too close to success to abandon this now.”

  “We cannot even cancel the protest now,” Salfour shook his head. “Everyone has already been notified. If we tried to call it off, even a weaker demonstration would be t
he result. We have to go forward with it.”

  “Wait a minute,” interrupted Levitor. “Even if the princess is trying to infiltrate the organization, she will still show up at the protest, right?”

  “What are you thinking?” asked Maraton.

  “Right now,” explained Levitor, “all she knows is that Kara and his friends are part of the organization. So what?”

  “So they will squeeze the boys for information and they will discover that Salfour has been paying them,” scowled Maraton. “We cannot afford for that to happen.”

  “So it won’t,” smiled Levitor. “The boys are to start a riot at the protest, aren’t they? People are going to get hurt, right? We just have to make sure that the princess is one of those killed in the riot tomorrow.”

  “Along with the three boys,” Maraton nodded in agreement. “Now that is a plan that I like. I will leave the details to you, Levitor. See that it happens.”

  “Me?” asked Levitor. “Why not Salfour? This is his mess.”

  “Because Salfour will be busy looking for new organizers,” smiled Maraton. “He knows how to find the dregs in this city.”

  “And what will you be doing?” asked Salfour as he brushed off the taunt.

  “I have a meeting tonight with Kanis,” replied Maraton. “Avalar is not happy having her in the palace. We have to make our move soon, or we will miss our chance. The Royal Family must die this week.”

  “Enough,” groused Garl as the meeting broke up. “I have never heard such disgusting talk in all my years.”

  “Not even from Karaza?” asked Alahara as she dropped the air tunnel.

  “Not even from Karaza,” replied Garl. “Oh, Karaza was evil. I grant you that, but he tried to use the laws to complete his nefarious schemes. These fools have a total disregard for our society. They would not only assassinate the Royal Family, but they would destroy Elvangar in order to rule it.”

  “So what do we do now?” asked Alahara.

  “I must find mages that I can trust,” answered Garl. “It will be dangerous to go up against those three alone.”

  “I thought you were the most powerful mage in Elvangar?” asked the princess. “Why do you need help?”

  “Because I do not wish to destroy Morada in the process of capturing those three renegades,” answered the Head Mage. “Do not underestimate their power. If they are cornered, they will seek to destroy everything around them.”

  “You are the Head Mage,” frowned Princess Alahara as she turned to leave. “It is not my business to tell you how to conduct yourself. At least you finally believe in the truth.”

  “You do not seem to be satisfied,” frowned Garl. “You are a headstrong young woman, Alahara. Do not do something foolish that will affect the lives of thousands of elves. Maraton and the others will face justice. Be patient and believe in me.”

  “I will try,” Alahara said with an attitude as she walked out the door.

  The princess made her way to the Royal Tree, her mind fuming with the lack of action on Garl’s part. While she was expecting Tamar to show up later that night, she was surprised to find that he had already arrived. Princess Alastasia called to Alahara as she entered the quarters reserved for the princesses. Alahara entered Alastasia’s room and saw that Tamar and Avalar were already there.

  “You do not waste time with your spying tasks,” smiled the king. “I understand that you have identified the boys who tried to attack you yesterday. Alastasia also told me that Salfour might be mixed up in this in some way. Is that true?”

  “In some way?” Princess Alahara replied a little too brusquely. “I am sorry,” she apologized in a softer tone. “I do not mean to snap at you, Father. Salfour is not only involved with the protests, but he, along with two others, are planning on assassinating the Royal Family.”

  “That is a serious accusation,” frowned the king. “I am not doubting your word, but what proof do you have?”

  “I just came from the Society of Mages,” answered Alahara. “I let Garl listen in to conversations that just took place there. Salfour, Levitor, and Maraton are behind all of these troubles. If anyone doubts my word, I am sure they will accept the word of the Head Mage of the Society of Mages.”

  “They admitted their crimes?” asked Tamar.

  “Among themselves,” nodded Alahara. “I used an air tunnel to listen into the conversation. Garl heard everything. I used his office to spy on them. Tomorrow when the protest turns violent, they plan to kill the three boys and me. They think that I am trying to infiltrate their organization so they decided that the boys must die so that they cannot lead anyone back to the Society.”

  “And what did Garl say about all this?” asked Tamar.

  “That is the frustrating part,” frowned Alahara as she caught her sister’s eye. “There is no doubt that he believes everything now, but his response is hesitancy. I think he is afraid of the rogue mages. I fear that he will do nothing.”

  “Then you do not understand Garl very well,” smiled the king. “There is nothing that Garl fears, but he is slow and deliberate in his methods.”

  “But we cannot afford to go slow,” objected Alahara. “While Salfour and Levitor almost bought my ruse about being disenchanted with Elvangar, Maraton did not. He saw through it immediately. He knows that they must act quickly or risk discovery. I think that they may be willing to take a greater risk now. Perhaps I was wrong to stir up this hornet’s nest.”

  “Do not second guess yourself,” comforted the king. “Was there anything in their words to tie Kanis into all of this?”

  “Maraton is meeting with her tonight,” nodded Alahara. “He fears that you will kick her out of the palace, making their move that much harder. He said that they must strike within the week.”

  “You have done exceedingly well,” smiled the king. “No matter how much I ask of you two, you always deliver more. It is by Kaltara’s grace that you were both spared in that shipwreck. The people of Elvangar will flourish under your rule.”

  “If Elvangar survives that long,” sighed Alastasia. “Everything seems to be conspiring against us.”

  “Nonsense,” retorted Avalar. “Alahara, can you attend the protest tomorrow and remain safe?”

  “How did you know that I was planning to go to the protest?” asked Alahara. “I said nothing about that.”

  “Are you the only princess who knows how to use an air tunnel?” grinned Alastasia. “You didn’t think I would listen in to my sister’s conversation with a boy?”

  “You brat!” laughed Alahara. “I hope I get the chance to repay you.”

  “You are thinking of letting her go?” Tamar frowned with disbelief. “It is much too dangerous. That crowd is going to get out of hand.”

  “And you let her drag you to the Island of Darkness?” chuckled Avalar. “I think we both must accept the fact that the princesses can take care of themselves. That does not mean that I will not be worrying, but I will no longer try to protect them by isolating them.”

  “I can keep myself safe,” declared Princess Alahara.

  “I will be going as well,” stated Princess Alastasia. “What do you want us to do?”

  The king’s eyebrow rose as he looked at Alastasia, but he did not object.

  “I think we need to develop a plan for tomorrow,” answered the king. “One of the things we need to do tonight can be done right here. I want to learn the air tunnel spell.”

  “I can teach you that,” offered Alastasia.

  “Good,” nodded Avalar, “that will leave Alahara with time to visit Aunt Kanis.”

  “Visit Aunt Kanis?” echoed Alahara. “Do I have to?”

  “Yes,” grinned the king. “I want you to be very friendly to her. Convince her that you hate it in Elvangar. Let it slip that you are going to the protest tomorrow. Basically,” the king continued, “I want you to sell her the attitude that you presented to Kara. I think that Kanis will convince Maraton of your sincerity when they meet later tonight. Tha
t may buy us some more time to think about what needs to be done.”

  “Why would Kanis believe me when Maraton does not?” asked Alahara.

  “Kanis is a vain creature,” explained the king. “She will reason that anyone who tells her how beautiful and intelligent she is must be telling the truth, therefore, she will believe everything that you say.”

  “Was Mother ever like that?” frowned Alastasia.

  “No,” chuckled Avalar. “Alycia has never been like that. It is hard to believe that they are sisters. Even when she was under Karaza’s spell, Karaza was not able to control her completely. I am sure that he found that very frustrating.”

  “Let me get this over with,” shrugged Princess Alahara. “I don’t want to miss too much of this planning session. I am sure that I will have some ideas to contribute to it.”

  Princess Alahara left the room and headed for the lift. She closed her eyes and pictured Aunt Kanis on the ride down to the proper level. By the time she reached her aunt’s chambers, Alahara was ready for mischief. She knocked on the door and Kanis replied with permission to enter. The princess walked in and closed the door.

  “Are you lost?” quipped Kanis. “Why are you here?”

  “Shouldn’t I want to know my relatives better?” smiled Alahara as she gazed around the room. “Why are your quarters on such a low level? Surely you deserve better than this.”

  Kanis cocked her head and stared at the princess, trying to determine if she was being mocked or not.

  “I shall speak to Mother about this in the morning,” Alahara declared seriously. “Avalar has no right to treat you this way.”

  “Avalar?” questioned Kanis. “You do not call him Father?”

  “Hardly,” Alahara snickered. “If I knew him well before we rescued him from the Island of Darkness I would have saved myself the trip. He doesn’t care for me. To him I am just a status symbol. All he cares about is power.”

  “And you don’t care about power,” Kanis replied skeptically. “Please, spare me this little drama of yours.”

  “No, I don’t,” Alahara replied adamantly. “I can find no fun in living in a tree watching elves run around the city. In Fakara I had real friends, and they were friends who truly cared for me. I haven’t found an elf yet who is worth knowing. Mother comes the closest to being a friend. I was hoping that you would be different, being her sister, but I guess the elves are all made from the same mold. I won’t trouble you any longer.”