by Lana Axe
“What is it?” Galen asked, noticing her tensed posture.
Kaiya held a hand up to silence him as she swiveled her head to locate whoever was near. Movement caught her eye from high above, a glistening object descending from the sky. “Move!” she cried to the others as she spun to one side.
The shining tip of a spear landed in their midst, embedding itself in the frozen ground. The trio looked at one another, realizing they were under attack. A second spear followed the first, but Kaiya was ready. Steadying her hand, she forced the spear away, guiding it to rest at Raad’s feet. He swooped to grab it, clutching the weapon in his hand.
When the third spear neared her location, Kaiya had had enough. She summoned a gust of wind, turning the spear and forcing it back toward its owner. A cry of surprise echoed through the mountains as the spear found its mark, nearly missing the man who had thrown it. It was not Kaiya’s intention to hit him, but rather to let him know that she would not tolerate a continued attack.
The trio moved close together, staring ahead as their attackers moved into view. A group of no less than a dozen figures moved their way, led by a female figure in a long wooden mask. The mask’s expression displayed anger, but the figure’s body language displayed caution. With her head shaved smooth and rows of beads dangling across her chest, Kaiya knew the woman must be of some importance to these primitive people.
Kaiya furrowed her brow impatiently. “Why have you attacked us?” she demanded, shouting.
The masked woman moved closer, her ebony skin contrasting against the snow. In her hand she clutched a staff, the bleached white skull of a goat upon its end. “You have invaded our land!” the woman called back. “You will come with us, and we will determine your fate!”
Raad laughed low in his throat. “I guess they don’t know who they’re dealing with,” he said, nudging Kaiya slightly.
Raising her hands defensively, Kaiya prepared to defend herself and her companions. But the wind rustled her hair, whispering a message in her ear. To her surprise, she replied, “We will go with you.”
Chapter 6
“Are you crazy?” Raad asked. “Those are mountain wild men!”
Her expression serene, Kaiya replied, “I know what I’m doing.”
“I don’t think you do,” Raad stated, gripping the spear tighter. “You should blast these savages before they kill all three of us. They practice evil magic.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“They’ve put curses on us miners before,” he said. “Boils and dysentery are their favorite weapons besides the spear. They hate us. They don’t want us in these mountains, and they’ll kill any dwarf they can get their hands on.”
“These people have no magic,” Kaiya replied. “You’re mistaken, and I won’t harm them.”
“Did you miss the part where they attacked us?” he asked, lifting the spear to her face.
“I miss nothing,” she said, placing her hand on the spear shaft and lowering it. “Put this down before they think you’re threatening them.”
Raad stared open-mouthed at the sorceress. Taking a look at Galen, the dwarf weighed his options. “You agree with her, Elf?”
“I trust her judgment,” Galen stated. “She won’t let them harm us.” His voice betrayed no hint of deception. If Kaiya did not fear these people, Galen would not.
With a huff, Raad tossed the spear to the ground in front of him. The attackers approached with caution, the masked figure leading the way.
Kaiya spread her arms in a nonthreatening manner. “We aren’t here to hurt you,” she said. “We will go with you to discuss our presence in your land. We want no trouble, only to pass through. Our kinsmen are in need of our help.”
Removing her mask, Tashi studied the travelers before her. Raad was uninteresting. She had seen hundreds of miners before. But Kaiya’s presence demanded a second look. Studying her face closely, she asked, “Are you a being of magic?”
“I am,” Kaiya replied.
Tashi’s eyes widened. She didn’t know how, but she could sense the magic in this woman. It radiated from her, her power unmistakable. Never before had Tashi encountered a being of true magic, and it was both frightening and intriguing.
The warriors moved to a position behind the intruders and lowered their spears. The priestess led the way, heading back toward her tribe’s village. Instead of continuing north, the travelers were forced in a westerly direction, rounding a steep hillside and hopping over a deep crag.
They descended slightly, taking the trio farther away from their original destination. The landscape smoothed, and a tiny village came into view. Evergreens surrounded it, stretching on to eternity, lifting their snow-covered boughs in praise of the life-giving sun. In the most beautiful stretch of the inhospitable mountains, the tribe had carved a home.
“Wait in there,” Tashi commanded, pointing to a hut.
The three did not argue, instead stepping inside without a word. They sat cross-legged, facing the door flap and awaiting whatever might come through it.
“You’ve encountered these wild men before?” Kaiya asked Raad.
“I’ve seen them from a distance,” he replied. “Mostly it’s stories. Lots of miners have seen things, and some of our caravans have been attacked.”
Galen shook his head. “These are the Ulihi. They keep mostly to themselves.”
“How do you know?” Kaiya asked.
“I’ve read about them,” the elf replied. “There are several old volumes that mention this tribe. Once they populated the entire mountain range and lived peacefully with the earliest dwarves. Now they’ve all but disappeared. I’m actually surprised these people are still living here.”
“How do you know that’s who we’re dealing with?” Raad asked, his tone skeptical. These were undoubtedly the people the miners had encountered before, and they were anything but peaceful.
“Their clothing or lack thereof is a dead giveaway,” Galen explained. “They have ebony skin, blessed by the hand of the mountain itself. It’s said they’re impervious to the cold.”
“That would explain why they’re scantily dressed,” Kaiya replied. The tribesmen wore little more than colorful beaded collars, loin cloths, and goat-hair adornments on their ankles. The priestess wore only a bit more. By comparison, the dwarves wrapped themselves in thick woolen tunics and cloaks before traveling high in the mountains, and their faces still became raw and red from exposure. The Ulihi appeared not to notice the frigid temperatures, and they had managed to track Kaiya’s group through heavy snowfall. She could understand why the miners thought these people practiced magic. In reality, they were doing what their ancestors had done for centuries, with no help from magic at all.
“There’s also a theory that these are the ancestors of the dwarves,” Galen added.
“You’re speaking like there aren’t two dwarves sitting next to you,” Raad grumbled.
“Sorry,” the elf replied. “What I should have said was, these people could likely be relatives of yours. It’s speculated that some Ulihi refused to modernize when the rest of the dwarves moved lower in the mountains and built a new civilization. The holdout groups have changed little over time, continuing the traditional way of life your own people once lived.”
“I think these are the people from our children’s fairy tales,” Kaiya said. “There have always been rumors of their existence, but they’re usually considered to be creatures of myth.”
“As you can see, they’re no myth,” Galen stated. He had to repress his smile to keep from insulting Raad. To Galen, this was an amazing discovery. Here he sat in the village of a long-forgotten race. It was as if the pages of one of his history books had suddenly come to life.
“Maybe they’re your ancestors,” Raad said, narrowing his eyes.
“No, the elves have always been elves,” Galen replied. “But if I were descended from the Ulihi, I’d be proud.”
“Why’s that?” the miner asked.
&n
bsp; “Because they’re an amazing people,” the elf replied. “They’ve managed to stay hidden for centuries, their numbers dwindling but their spirits unbroken. They didn’t flinch for a second when they saw us coming.”
“You’re out of your mind,” Raad said.
The argument was interrupted when Tashi stepped inside the hut, two armed warriors close behind her. All three stood the same height as the dwarves, but they were of slighter build than their stocky counterparts. The captives rose to their feet, Galen’s head brushing against the top of the hut.
“My name is Tashi,” the woman announced. “I am High Priestess of the Ulihi. We have discussed your intrusion upon our hunting grounds,” she announced. “We will let two of you go. The third must pay for the transgression.”
“What’s the price?” Galen asked.
“Death,” she replied.
“Peaceful,” Raad spat, staring at the elf and shaking his head.
Tashi stared at Galen, her eyes full of curiosity. “Dwarves I know, but you are strange.”
“I’m an elf,” he replied. “A Westerling Elf of the Vale.”
“We have never encountered your people,” the priestess replied. “You are a creature of the old songs.”
“You mean, I’m a myth to you?” he asked, his head cocked to the side.
Tashi nodded.
“Fascinating,” he replied. He had never considered himself to be anything special, but he could fully understand why the Ulihi would not know of his people. The Westerling Elves kept to themselves, rarely leaving their own forest. His own ancestors had inhabited all corners of Nōl’Deron. Now, their descendants populated the forests, but only the Westerling Elves maintained the same physical appearance of the original elves. It was a flattering thought that someone considered him a creature of legend.
“I will not accept you as a sacrifice,” Tashi said. Executing a descendant of the Ancients would bring destruction upon her tribe. The old tales spoke vividly of encounters with elves, the benevolent beings who had whispered to the Ulihi the secret of creating fire.
“I appreciate that,” Galen said.
“One of you must die,” Tashi said, looking to the dwarves.
Knowing that the Ulihi’s primitive weapons held no danger for her, Kaiya stated, “Our kinsmen need our help. If you allow my friends to travel in safety to the northern mines, you may execute me if you wish.” She stood tall, her chin held high.
Tashi examined the dwarf’s face, wondering how she could so easily offer her life for the others. “You are a woman of honor,” she stated. “You may go. We will keep the male.” Her eyes looked to Raad, who stammered over his protest.
“I will not allow that,” Kaiya said. “This man is under my protection.”
“Who are you?” Tashi asked.
“My name is Kaiya, and I am a mistress of air magic.”
“A sorceress,” Tashi said.
“Yes,” she replied. “There is a dark presence in these mountains, and I have come to find it before it can do any harm.”
“It has already caused great harm,” Tashi said, lowering her eyes. “Leave us,” she said to the warriors.
They hesitated a moment, but a harsh look from Tashi convinced them to honor her request.
“Darkness has settled upon our tribe, but I do not know its source,” she said. “Do you have the ability to sense it?”
“I do,” Kaiya admitted. “I feel no magic among your people, but something is out there, and it’s hiding from me.”
“Why is that?” Tashi asked.
“Perhaps it is afraid,” Kaiya said, uncertain. “Or it is ill-prepared and awaiting the proper time to show itself.” She was not so foolish as to believe herself a major threat to an unknown magical entity. Whether it was more or less powerful than she, Kaiya had no way to tell. Only when she met it face to face would she know for certain.
“I have seen dark shadows,” Tashi said. “There is evil here, and I cannot contain it.”
“I will if I can,” Kaiya said.
“You would fight for my people?” Tashi studied Kaiya’s face for any hint of deception.
“I would,” the sorceress replied.
Instinctively Tashi knew that the dwarf woman was sincere. A silver spark lit in the sorceress’s eyes, a message to the priestess that she could be trusted. A gentle breeze moved through the hut, stoking the fire and catching Tashi’s eye. The face of her mother flashed before her, fading to that of her sister. The gentle cry of her niece sounded from the village, music to Tashi’s ears. This could be the woman who put an end to the Ulihi’s curse. Tashi would not let her out of her sight until she knew for certain.
“You are a brave woman,” Tashi said. “We are honored to have you among us, and we will accept any help you are willing to give. There are matters we must discuss.”
“I’m happy to help you,” Kaiya repeated, “but there are dwarves being injured at the mines. I have promised to help them, and I must. Lives are at stake.”
“Lives are at stake here as well,” Tashi replied. “Many have already been lost.”
“What’s happened?” Kaiya asked.
“It’s as I said before. We are cursed.” Tashi’s eyes filled with tears. “Too many women are lost in childbirth, and our children no longer survive their first year of life. It is not natural. The gods do nothing to protect us.”
“I’m sorry,” Kaiya said, the priestess’s pain piercing her heart.
“Your magic could save us,” Tashi went on. “Will you speak to the Wind God on our behalf?”
“I know of no such being,” Kaiya replied. Never in her studies had she encountered anything that could truly be considered a supreme being. There were powerful elementals and powerful wizards, but none had attained the status of a god in her eyes.
“It does not surprise me,” the priestess replied, bowing her head. Her own gods had abandoned her, why would the dwarf’s gods be any different? “Will you at least meet with my niece and bless her with your magic? She is the only child in our village, and I fear for her.”
Looking into Tashi’s pleading eyes, Kaiya could not refuse her request. Though she doubted her definition of “blessing” and the Ulihi’s were the same, Kaiya would do what she could. “I will,” she stated.
“The elf too,” Tashi said, nodding toward Galen. “Your people have magic, and it might be of help to my niece.”
“I’d be happy to help, and you may call me Galen,” he replied. He swallowed hard, knowing that his own magical talents were severely limited, and nearly nonexistent when compared to Kaiya’s. But even without magic, Galen was not blind to Tashi’s pain. Her yearning to ensure the safety of her niece came from her heart, and the sentiment radiated itself toward the elf. He might be of no help at all, but the least he could do was give Tashi hope.
“This one can stay behind,” Tashi said, indicating Raad.
“This one’s name is Raad,” Kaiya said. “And he goes where I go.”
“Very well,” Tashi agreed.
The four stepped outside the hut, Tashi pointing toward a woman cradling an infant in her arms. As they moved through the tiny village, every member of the tribe laid eyes on the only visitors they’d witnessed in their lifetimes. Only occasionally did the hunters encounter dwarves, and none had ever been brought back to the village. They were most fascinated by the presence of an elf in their midst, not only for his height but the history he represented. In ancient times his people had been of great service to their own. They looked upon him with wonder.
Visibly frightened, the doula’s eyes grew wide. She clutched the infant tightly to her breast, fearing the strangers’ approach.
“It’s all right,” Tashi assured her. “These two have come to help.” Tashi reached for her niece, and the doula reluctantly passed the child to her waiting arms. Presenting the child before Kaiya and Galen, she said, “This is my niece, the daughter of my sister, Annin.”
“What’s her name?” Galen
asked, smiling down at the child.
“She has none.” Seeing the elf’s confusion, she added, “We do not name a child of this age. She will earn a name after one year.”
Kaiya instinctively reached for the child, her gaze fixated on the girl’s dark eyes. Tashi hesitated a moment, her heart nearly ceasing to beat. Taking a deep breath, she passed the child to the sorceress.
Cradling the infant, Kaiya closed her eyes and focused her mind to the wind. A glow of silver spread over the child, Tashi taking a step backward at the sight. As quickly as it appeared, the light faded, a silver sparkle remaining momentarily over the child’s heart.
“Grow strong, and walk with honor all your days,” Kaiya whispered to the child. “May the wind be ever your guide on this journey through life.”
The infant looked up at the sorceress and smiled.
Chapter 7
Staring at the infant in her arms, Kaiya beamed with pride. The child squeezed her finger and cooed, warming the sorceress’s heart. She had given the child the only blessing she knew, the one her mother had given her when she decided to forgo traditional schooling in favor of learning on her own. Dwarf schools would not teach a child magic, for the simple reason that they had no knowledge of it to pass on. Only elven schools taught such things, but they were too far away from home. Kaiya had learned on her own, and this child could as well. A silver sparkle remained in her eyes, and Kaiya suspected the girl might have an affinity for elemental magic.
Turning to Galen, Kaiya extended the child toward him. “Your turn,” she said playfully.
Galen leaned down and took the child as if she were made of porcelain. “Hello, little one,” he said softly.
The baby’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked upon the elf. Suddenly feeling awkward, Galen’s face reddened. He seldom held babies, but somehow it felt natural to him. The tiny bundle was the most precious thing he’d ever seen.
“May the blessings of the elves be upon you,” he said, doing his best not to stumble on the words. This was a special moment to the Ulihi, and he didn’t want to spoil it.
