by Lana Axe
As River and Lenora stepped onto the bank, Ryllak grabbed his son and squeezed him tightly. “It’s good to have you back,” he said, his relief obvious on his face. His son had never been away before, and he was glad to see him unharmed.
Myla and Albyn were not nearly so happy. Seeing their daughter locked in River’s embrace did not sit well with either of them. Still, they were glad to see Lenora home safely, and they greeted her warmly.
Myla noticed the ring on Lenora’s finger. “Did the dwarves give you that?” she asked, already knowing what Lenora would say.
“They crafted it, but it was a gift from River,” she replied. “I love him.” Turning away from her parents, she rejoined River. Slipping her arm in his, they walked together under the moonlight, ignoring the rest of the world. This night they would spend together.
Chapter 48
Yiranor was surprised to hear that Telorithan was waiting for him in the sitting room. He had not expected there to be any new developments in his former student’s soul binding research so quickly. Perhaps he had more questions, but Yiranor had already given him every bit of information he had on the subject. He doubted the visit was merely a social call. Telorithan wasn’t the sort of elf who enjoyed company.
Telorithan tapped a finger on the arm of his chair as he waited for his former mentor to meet him. He had no intention of telling him about his recent failures. Only Sirra had knowledge of the mess he had made with Koru’s binding, and he had told no one else of his encounter with River. His eyes narrowed as he peered into his ring, wondering if Sirra might have the ability to mock him in her current state. Nonsense, he thought. I control her essence. She no longer has any free will.
Finally, Yiranor made his appearance, a warm expression on his face. “Welcome back,” he said. “What brings you to see me again so soon?”
“I’m heading to the Red Isle,” he replied. “I’ve come to see if you have thought of anything else I need to know.”
Yiranor’s eyes went wide, as he was visibly taken aback. “Already?” he asked. “You’re going to attempt binding an elemental?” He couldn’t believe his former pupil could have perfected his technique in so short a time.
“I have augmented my own supply of power. There is no use in waiting any longer.” His expression was smug and self-assured. With Sirra, he knew he would not fail again.
“I have searched my library most thoroughly, I assure you,” the old elf said. “I have found no further information that could assist you.” He stared openly at Telorithan, still dumbfounded by his announcement.
Telorithan stood. “I suppose I’ll be off, then.”
Before he could leave, Yiranor remembered something that might help. “Wait, please,” he said. “I have an item which might prove useful. Give me a moment to retrieve it.” Gesturing with his hand, he implored the silver-haired sorcerer to sit down.
Telorithan obeyed with a sigh. Whatever the old master had in mind had better be worth the delay. It was clear he had learned nothing new, and Telorithan was now eager to leave.
After a few minutes, Yiranor returned with a jeweled cuff in his hand. “This is an heirloom of my house,” he explained. “Take this. It is said to contain immense power.” As he handed the cuff to his student, he caught a glimpse of the purple stone on his forefinger. Inside was the unmistakable visage of Sirra, her form trapped forever in a swirling silver mist.
Yiranor drew in a breath quickly at the sight. Staring only a moment, he looked away before Telorithan could notice his shocked expression. He understood how Telorithan had come by the power to face an elemental so quickly. Taking the essence of the thief had been a small matter, but binding the soul of a dear and trusted friend was another thing entirely. Yiranor shuddered at the thought. It could easily have been him in that ring.
Taking the cuff from his former mentor, Telorithan turned it over in his hand. He could feel magic radiating from it. Its edges were embellished with runes, and four rubies glowed brightly upon it.
“This is a generous gift,” he said.
“I have no sons of my own to give it to,” Yiranor replied. “I hope you will use it well.” For an instant, he wondered if giving him the cuff sooner would have saved Sirra’s life. He knew better, however. If Telorithan could accumulate different sources of power, he would take them no matter the price. Sirra sealed her fate by getting too close to him. Yiranor hoped that Telorithan would succeed in his quest, and leave him in peace thereafter. He both loved and feared his former student. Telorithan was capable of almost anything, and there was little help for those who stood in his path.
“We shall meet again,” Telorithan said as he stood near the door. “Once I’ve bound one of his minions, I will require further research before challenging Yelaurad.”
“You are traveling today?” Yiranor asked.
“This very moment,” he replied before exiting.
Yiranor was relieved to have his guest depart. Still, part of him yearned to see Telorithan succeed. No elf in history had accomplished what his pupil was setting out to do. He marveled at the power Telorithan might possess at their next encounter. If more research were in order, Yiranor would begin now. Staying in the sorcerer’s good graces was his only chance of avoiding his anger.
Telorithan found himself once again at the docks, where he had already arranged private passage to the Red Isle. Few elves traveled there, and the ones who did were normally students. There would be no other ships bound for the same destination on this day. He made sure of that using a bag of gold and gems. Today was for him alone, and he would not have any interruptions.
Slipping the cuff onto his wrist, he could feel its warmth against his flesh. It was truly a thing of beauty, and he respected Yiranor for gifting it to him. Perhaps it would be the tipping point to success should his encounter prove more difficult than anticipated. The item was clearly ancient, created in a time when the Enlightened Elves held true power. Now, they were servants of the University and the Grand Council. They had given up raw elemental power in exchange for a pathetic civilization. The elves willingly limited their own power for the sake of adhering to the rules. Telorithan had always disagreed with such nonsense. A sorcerer’s power should be inhibited by nothing.
Without a word to the crewmen, he boarded the small vessel that would bear him to his destiny. A force was pulling at him, willing him to complete his mission. It was almost as if a voice were saying, “Come and claim me. I am yours!” Every elemental on the isle would tremble before him, and he would choose the strongest for his opponent. Today, he would meet his destiny.
Chapter 49
Life in the dwarf village returned to normal for the most part. The only thing that remained out of the ordinary was Galen’s presence. He was likable and friendly, and most of the dwarves took to him readily. He was settling in nicely and eager to learn all he could. For the first time, he felt like he belonged. Not only had he found a profession that suited him, he had found where his heart truly longed to be. Having Kaiya nearby was an added bonus.
Kaiya returned to the farmhouse with her mother. Kassie was no longer needed as a nurse, and she was content to return to the farm and her knitting. Kaiya loved living on the farm, and she could not see herself moving to the village in the near future. The citizens had been much more friendly to her since the evil presence had been vanquished, but Kaiya still didn’t feel comfortable around them. Too many years as an outcast had taken its toll, and she was happier staying away from the village most days.
Galen had promised to visit often, and she would be willing to spend time in town to enjoy his company. Today, she sat behind her favorite tree, listening closely to the wind. Sparks danced on her fingertips as she playfully moved her hand along the breeze. Deep inside, new powers had been unlocked during her journey. Her desperate desire to help a friend had opened up a new world of possibilities. She could feel her powers growing stronger, and it was exhilarating, as well as frightening. Someday she hoped to visit
the Vale and learn from the scholars who lived there. One of them might be able to help her develop her gift properly. For now she would continue to practice, learning only from the wind itself.
As night descended, Kaiya went inside. She was glad to have her mother at home to cook. Darvil’s cooking was less than edible, and Kaiya’s kitchen skills left much to be desired. Kassie enjoyed feeding her family, and she took pride in her cooking.
Before beginning his meal, Darvil said, “I still wish you’d find a husband. Someone out there will have to look after you when I’m gone.”
“I can look after myself,” she replied, feeling as if she’d had this conversation a million times. “My magic is stronger now. I’m in a better position to protect my future husband, should I choose to take one.” Her thoughts turned to Galen and whether they might one day be wed. Neither culture had any precedent of marriage between them.
Shaking her head, she put the thought away. The two certainly had feelings for each other, but whether it would turn into something more than friendship she could not be sure. Galen was too quick to make jokes, and getting him to be serious and discuss something so important might prove impossible. Still, she hoped to have such a conversation in the near future. Her heart leapt at the sight of him, and she suspected he might have a similar feeling upon seeing her.
“My precious girl can take care of herself and her husband,” Kassie said, taking her seat. “There’s a handsome elf in the village who’s been keeping a close eye on her.” She smiled knowingly at her daughter.
Kaiya blushed. Had her feelings been so plain to see? Her mother always knew what she was feeling, and it was difficult to keep secrets from her.
“Elf?” Darvil asked, his brow ruffled. “I never heard of such a thing,” he scoffed. “An elf and a dwarf.” He took a bite of food and chewed it thoughtfully. After a moment of silence, he added, “I guess that wouldn’t be so bad.”
Kaiya couldn’t help but smile at his words. Darvil had made it clear that he would be highly selective about the man she might choose to wed, and having his approval meant a lot to her. She and Kassie exchanged looks, both trying to contain their joy.
* * * * *
River and Lenora spent a pleasant evening together beneath the stars. Seeking privacy behind the waterfall, River carried Lenora through the water to keep her dry.
As he placed her on a large stone, she asked, “How is it you can come out of the water without a drop on you?”
He shrugged and raised his eyebrows. “It’s an elemental thing, I suppose.”
Sitting by her side, he placed his arm around her shoulders. The sound of the rushing waterfall filled the air, and fireflies glowed on and off above the flowing water.
“Lenora,” River said. “Would you consider becoming my life-mate?” His sapphire eyes looked into hers. He knew he would never desire another woman, nor would his love for her ever diminish. She was everything he could ever wish for, and he hoped to join with her forever.
“Yes,” she replied. “But not yet.”
He looked at her questioningly. “When?” he asked.
“I have much still to learn, and I would like to travel as well.” She paused for a moment and looked away. “You could come with me.”
“I may leave the Vale only with the Spirit’s consent. I doubt I could be away for long.” He bowed his head, sorrow overcoming him.
Lenora placed a hand on his cheek and said softly, “I love you, and I will be your life-mate someday. There are other cultures where I can learn medicine. There is knowledge that has been lost to our people who are blessed with such resilient health. Other races are not so lucky. I might have saved more dwarves if I had more knowledge.”
“I understand,” River replied. “I’ll be waiting for you when you return.”
“I’m not leaving yet,” she said with a smile. She snuggled up next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. “Tell me,” she said. “Can you see my future?”
River smiled and remained silent.
Chapter 50
Telorithan stepped onto the barren wasteland that was the Red Isle. Taking in a deep breath, his lungs filled with hot air and ash. The ground beneath his feet quaked as the volcano spewed forth an orange river of lava. The island was alive with fire, and he could sense the presence of many elementals.
Yelaurad himself was said to have taken up residence inside the volcano. The Sunswept Isles experienced many earthquakes and tremors, thanks to his presence. He was a wrathful god who did not like to be forgotten. His rumblings were a constant reminder of his continued presence among the Enlightened Elves. Though they no longer worshiped the old gods, they revered them as beings of pure magic. The true nature of the gods was not fully understood.
The sorcerer toyed with his ring momentarily, twisting it back and forth upon his finger. He looked into the dull eyes of Sirra, hoping she would provide enough power to tip the scales in his favor. The jeweled cuff on his wrist was already buzzing with energy, sensing the presence of raw, untamed magical power.
Keeping his distance from the volcano, Telorithan intended to find an elemental on the side of the island that sat nearest to the rest of the Sunswept Isles. It was far too dangerous to approach the volcano, and the concentration of power there would be overwhelming in his current state. Elementals were in good supply all over this island, and he intended to challenge one in single combat.
The water elemental had no honor, he mused. It brought along a friend for help. With a deep breath, he put his thoughts of River and Kaiya aside. Anger would not help him in his endeavor. He needed a clear mind and the ability to focus if he wished to succeed. His revenge would have to wait a while.
Spotting a smaller magma flow that was slowly creeping away from its source, Telorithan decided on his target. There was clearly an elemental within this flow, and it would serve his purpose well.
Striding forth to challenge his opponent, he approached the flow with confidence. “I am Telorithan, master of fire. I challenge you to combat.”
There was no reply other than the continued sputtering of the volcano, and the gentle roar of the ocean. Refusing to become angry, the sorcerer reached into his pocket and retrieved a large, flawless ruby.
He held the gemstone in front of him and declared, “This shall be your resting place! I summon you from your fiery home. Face me, coward!”
The ruby’s presence caught the attention of the nearby elemental. It knew Telorithan’s purpose, and it would be forced to defend itself. To do otherwise would be risking eternal torment. It took on a humanoid shape, rising to a height of nine feet and wearing a shield of lava.
Telorithan took a step back, awed by the form of the elemental. It was a beautiful sight, which he beheld with envy. His own beauty paled by comparison. Here was a creature of pure fire, and he lusted to possess it. Not only would he bind its essence, but he also would combine it with his own, intertwining their powers for all time.
Mustering all of his strength, Telorithan struck first. His hands radiated with red energy as he lifted them toward the elemental. Throwing blast after blast, he hoped to weaken it before tapping into his newest resources.
The elemental roared as it was bombarded with wave after wave of energy. It became furious, its red coat bursting into flame. Moving forward, it shot fire at its attacker, but the sorcerer was prepared. He protected himself with a green earthen shield, courtesy of Sirra’s magic.
Telorithan held fast against the elemental’s constant barrage of attacks. Sirra obviously possessed more power than he had realized. Keeping his mind clear, he tapped into the power supply of the cuff. With its added strength, he created a blast powerful enough to knock the elemental off-balance and send it tumbling among the ash.
Once the elemental was down, Telorithan knew success was at hand. With a deep breath, he reached inside for his last ounce of strength. Using the combined powers of earth and fire, he sealed the elemental in a web of magic. He drained its power as
it writhed and kicked in agony.
Telorithan’s excitement grew as he felt the elemental’s raw power enter his body. This was far more thrilling than his previous attempt on the water elemental. Water was nothing. Fire was his true nature, and he would have it.
Drained and weak, the elemental could no longer defend against his attack. With a smile of triumph, he reached forth to remove its essence. A beam of red light emitted from the creature’s heart, despite its feeble attempts to squirm free. The beam only intensified as it fell upon the ruby in the sorcerer’s hand. With a blast of light, the form of the elemental disappeared before his eyes. In its place was only a burned shape upon the sand.
Nearly overcome with pride, Telorithan gazed inside the ruby. It was hot to the touch, and it burned his skin to hold it. A burn was a small matter, and he found he enjoyed the sensation more and more as he continued to squeeze the gem in his hand.
“I shall be a god!” he cried, turning to face the volcano. Lifting the gem high in the air, it reflected the orange light spewing forth from the caldera. It was an intoxicating feeling that Telorithan had craved for so long. Now the power was his, and he had only one step to complete: combining his own essence with the one trapped inside the ruby.
Far away in the Vale, River felt a sudden sensation of heat. Looking toward the ocean, he shuddered. The natural balance of the world had been disturbed. An elemental had been defeated.
About the Author
Lana Axe lives in Missouri near the edge of the woods. She is inspired by her love of nature to write about elves, magic and adventure. Growing up in Mark Twain's backyard inspired her love of fiction from an early age. She grew up an avid reader and went on to study literature in college.
After eight years of jotting notes and building a fantasy world, she has finally begun releasing novels in her Tales from Nōl'Deron series. They will feature many of the same characters, but each novel will stand alone.
