by Brad Clark
The sailor that was working with her took a step back as Conner approached. Elissa turned, anger clearly on her face.
“What?” she snapped. She kept her sword up and pointed it at Conner.
They had said little to one another since she had first mentioned that she wanted to learn how to fight with a sword. He had stayed away from her, as much as he could on the small ship. She had occupied her time with her teacher and making friends with the sailors while he sat around waiting for her to change her mind. It was time for him to stop playing the young fool.
He reached out for her sword, but she pulled it away, turning her body in defense as if he were about to attack her.
“You’re not holding it right,” he said.
“I’m doing just fine,” she replied sharply. “And what makes you think I care what you think!”
“Because if you don’t hold it right…” He didn’t finish his thought and quickly stepped up to her, grabbed the sword, and yanked it out of her hands.
“Hey!” she cried out, watching the sword tumble across the deck.
“If you want to fight, then you’re going to learn to do it the right way,” Conner said. He turned his body to look back at the sailor. “No offense, but you’re not teaching her what she needs to know. Go grab that sword and bring it to me.”
The sailor dutifully ran across the deck and retrieved the sword. Conner took it and handed it back to Elissa. She took it, holding it with her right hand.
“Two hands,” Conner said. “You don’t have the hand or arm strength to fight for any length of time with just one hand. And I showed you how easy it is for me to take it from you.”
She looked at him skeptically.
“Two hands,” he repeated.
She put both hands on the worn leather grip of the sword’s handle. Together, her small hands fit almost perfectly. Conner lurched forward and grabbed the sword, but this time, Elissa was able to resist and pulled the sword out of his grasp.
“Two hands are better than one. At least until you can work on your hand and arm strength.”
Elissa stepped back, a smirk on her face. With the two handed grip, she swung across her body and stuck him hard on the arm with the flat sided of the sword.
“Ow!” Conner cried out.
She swung again, but this time, Conner was able to jump out of the way. She continued the attack, swinging the sword with reckless abandon. Her chaotic strikes kept him out of reach, but like in any sword fight, the lesser skilled always fell into a predictable pattern. The moment he recognized when she was going to swing to one side, he ducked and darted to the other side. She let out a shriek as he took her around the waist and pulled her down onto the deck.
He rolled on top of her and pinned her arms to the deck.
“That wasn’t fair!”
Conner laughed, but then his face got serious. “When it’s life or death, there is no fair. There is only survival.”
Her green eyes flashed a hint of fear, but her jaw remained firm. “I know.”
He leaned over and kissed her hard on the forehead. “Spoils go to the victor!”
“Hey!” she cried out, pushing him away.
Conner jumped to his feet and helped her up.
Underneath a furled brow, she said, “This doesn’t mean we’re all better.”
“I’m sorry,” Conner said.
Elissa couldn’t help but smile.
“Land, ho!” a sailor suddenly shouted from above them. A rope ladder was strung up the side of the ship’s main mast. Hanging on to the top of the rope, the sailor pointed directly ahead of them.
All eyes turned towards the horizon. Conner ran to the bow, his eyes searching for the land the sailor saw.
“Indeed it is there,” Glaerion said. “Shrouded in the haze of the horizon, I can see it from down here. Your lookout must be seeing the tops of the tall trees of the jungle.”
Captain Gorge came running from below deck. “Land? Already? By my reckoning, we had almost two weeks of sailing left.”
“The wind appears to have been blowing harder than you expected,” Glaerion said with a firm jaw.
Conner glanced over at Glaerion, his suspicions confirmed. The Elf had spent much time alone on the voyage, and whenever Conner mentioned it, Glaerion just got more gruff and defiant. Eventually, Conner left him alone and only interacted with him when he was clearly not preoccupied. At first, he thought Glaerion was acting anti-social, but the tingle that he had felt whenever a magical spell was cast became a permanent fixture. He knew it could only be Glaerion, but he didn’t want to interfere or even mention it. Glaerion was just too unapproachable most of the time. Now, however, the look on his face and the tone of his response told Conner that Glaerion was indeed working a spell to help the ship move faster through the water. It didn’t really matter that he was doing, but Conner still wished that Glaerion had been willing to share it with him.
For a brief moment, Conner thought about mentioning it, but Glaerion stepped towards the pilot and pointed to a spot on the horizon a few degrees to the right of where they were heading. “There is a small, protected bay there. Watch for the reef as we approach, but it is plenty deep enough on either side of the reef to sail into the bay.”
Captain Gorge looked at his pilot to be sure he heard the Elf, and then he gave the nod to make sure the pilot followed the order. “It will be good to get on land and hunt for some fresh meat,” the captain said. “Even a sailor like me tires of fish after some time.”
“There are small game animals that can be found at the edge of the jungle,” Glaerion said. “But I must warn you against going too far inland. There are many dangers. Some of which are the wild animals and snakes you will find, but mostly the Elves of my village will not be welcoming and may find your presence threatening.”
“Threatening? How can that be? You are with us!”
“That may be so, but until I have time to talk with the king and the Elven Council, they will see you as a threat.”
“What about us?” Elissa asked.
“As long as you are with me, they will do nothing. But if they come across any sailors, they may not react too friendly to them. Stay near the beach, or on the ship, and they will not bother you. But if you come into the jungle, they will not like it. And if you go anywhere near our village, they will likely kill you.”
“Friendly bunch, aren’t ya?” Captain Gorge said.
“Towards Humans, no.”
***
It wasn’t long before the outline of land become clear. The tree-covered coast stretched in either direction as far as they could see. The waves of the ocean crashed over a reef that would have ripped the bottom of the ship open if they tried to pass over it. Being the expert seaman, the grizzled pilot saw it and maneuvered the ship around it.
Soon after they passed the reef, the water settled to a gentle calm. The captain called for the sails to be lowered and the ship’s anchor prepared. Sailors darted about while Conner, Elissa, and Glaerion stood out of their way. There was nothing for them to do, other than to wait for the ship to be anchored. As close to the shore as he dared, Captain Gorge dropped anchor, the heavy iron head dropping in with a loud splash. It took only a moment for it to hook on the bottom and pull the ship to a stop.
“The current is strong,” the captain observed. He called for another anchor to be cast off the stern.
Once the ship was secure, Captain Gorge walked up to his passengers. “The shore boat is being pulled out. I’ll have you rowed to shore right away. It should take at least two or three days to reprovision for our trip back north. I’d like to have some fresh meat, too.”
“We should be no longer than four days,” Glaerion said. “For whatever reason, if we do not return in that time, you should leave and not wait for us. Under no circumstance should you try to find us.”
“You think it will take that long for us to travel to your village?” Conner asked.
Glaerion gave a quick glanced to
the jungle and the direction of his village. “Travel will be short. Less than a good day’s walk. Convincing the Elven Council may take some time.”
“Even after you tell them all that is happening?” Elissa asked.
“If the Council does not listen to us, then yes. The threat of Humans is still fresh in our minds.”
“Even after all these years?” Elissa asked.
Glaerion nodded with a sorrowful look on his face. “Many thousands of years have passed, but our memories have not faded. It is the curse of our race.”
“That is sad.”
Glaerion stood thoughtfully silent for a moment. “It was your honesty and pure hearts that changed my mind. Hopefully, the council will feel the same, and their hearts and minds will listen to what we have to say. If not, then all may be lost.”
“If they do not listen, then we will return to Karmon at once,” Conner said. “Marik will need all the help he can get, and even if it’s the three of us and a handful of sailors, then that’s what he’ll get.”
Glaerion let out a sigh. “If they let you leave. In their minds, you are still the enemy. They may choose to imprison you. Or worse.”
The splash of the shore boat hitting the water ended the conversation. A rope ladder was dropped down into the boat and a sailor scampered down before the boat drifted away.
Captain Gorge extended a hand to Conner. “If the gods of our ancestors still listened to us, I would pray to them for you.”
Conner took the offered hand, gripping it with a strong grip. “There is at least one God that will listen to us.”
Captain Gorge smiled. “The One God? The Creator? I have been to the west and heard the ramblings of your people, the Hurai. They are devout in their beliefs. I hope you are right.”
“Four days, no more,” Glaerion said. “Then you must leave. If we aren’t back by then, we won’t be coming back. And if we’re not coming back, the rest of the Elves will treat you with hostility.”
With little effort, Glaerion jumped over the side of the ship and landed gracefully in the shore boat. It barely rocked, but the sailor who was in the boat lost his balance and nearly fell over.
Conner helped Elissa over the side of the ship, and she quickly climbed down the rope ladder. She was still wearing the loose tunic and trousers of a sailor. Once she was in the boat, Conner gave one last nod to Captain Gorge before he climbed down to join his companions.
Immediately, the sailor took the oars and started rowing to shore.
“It would be quicker if you would let us just walk across the water,” Conner said with a smile.
“Elves do not foolishly use magic for convenience sake,” Glaerion said. “Magic is a treasure because it is to be used only rarely. If it were to be used for any common convenience, it would no longer be worth anything. We would become lazy, selfish, and arrogant.” He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts.
But Conner spoke for him. “Like the Humans of your past.”
Glaerion nodded. “Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. The power of magic is greater than any can truly imagine and Elves have always respected that.”
Conner’s lips curled into a smile. “Yet, you used your power to move the boat faster?”
Glaerion raised an eyebrow, showing surprise that Conner knew. “That was not a matter of convenience. That was a necessity. The winds were not in our favor, and we would have taken many more days, or weeks, to get here.”
“What’s it like?” Elissa asked Glaerion.
“Magic?”
“Yes, what does it feel like to use it?”
All eyes turned towards the Elf. Even the sailor slowed his rowing cadence so he would be sure to hear what the Elf had to say.
“For an Elf, it is always with us. From the day we are born, we are tied to the Web of Magic. We can feel it all around us. It envelops us and permeates our being. To draw from it is to satisfy a hunger. Not a ravenous hunger, but just a regular it’s time to eat kind of hunger. We spend all our lives learning the discipline to control the power of magic. Young Elflings are forbidden to cast magic until they are deemed ready physically and mentally. Many Elves are so disciplined that they have never reached into the Web of Magic to touch its power. They are able to control their cravings for the power of magic and end up being the elders on the Elven Council and leaders of our people.”
“I find that hard to believe!” Elissa said. “I can think of a million ways to use magic. I think it would be so fun!”
Conner cleared his throat, and Glaerion let out a long sigh.
“What?” Elissa asked.
“Humans have not changed in five thousand years.” His tone was harsh and accusing.
“Glaerion!”
Glaerion shook his head. “I know, I am slowly getting immune to the stupidity of Humans. Soon enough, I will no longer react to it.”
“Stupidity?” Elissa asked. “What are you talking about?”
“Your words that you just spoke. Your feelings on magic, they are the same now as they were five thousand years ago when Human mages walked the earth. They, too, used magic for convenience and for fun. That is why we had to kill them all.”
“There was a great war between Humans and Elves,” Conner explained. “It was not a good time for anyone. Glaerion is still a bit bitter about it all.”
“Oh,” Elissa said. “I guess maybe I’d best not ever become a mage. Could I be a mage?”
“The power to cast magic is passed from parent to child. Not all humans have the power. Many of the rulers of kingdoms and empires did. Like Tarcious and Hargon. Their power comes from their father. It is always possible that you could have the right blood to cast spells, but you would have felt the power of the Ark of Life when it was released. It would have been an odd feeling of great warmth passing through your body.”
Elissa shook her head. “I never felt anything like that.”
“Good,” Glaerion replied softly. “I wouldn’t want to have to kill you.” He turned away to watch the sandy beach approach.
Elissa bit her lower lip wondering if Glaerion was serious or not. Based on his solemn demeanor, she guessed he was serious.
***
The sailor left them on the beach and quickly rowed back to the Flying Narwhal. Clearly, Glaerion had spooked him.
“It is some distance to the village. I did not want the ship anchored in the harbor commonly used by our fishing boats. Our sailors are not warriors, but I can easily imagine a battle starting. Unfortunately, the trek from here is not easy. The jungle between us and the village is dense and filled with the most dangerous jungle predators. Follow closely, and you will be fine. Do not stray into the trees at all.”
Glaerion started walking across the sandy beach with long strides. Elissa followed him and Conner took up the rear.
“How dangerous things out here?” Elissa asked.
“There are large black cats that have been known to attack without provocation. There are also little animals that look like small hairy men that swing in the trees. But they run and hide when we come near. The are many kinds of snakes and most of them will kill you with but a single bite. You won’t see but a fraction of the jungle animals, as they are as afraid of you as you would be of them. But although the jungle abounds with danger, there are safe passages throughout. We will follow these paths.”
“Maybe I should have brought my swords,” Conner said, looking back at the ship through the trees at the edge of the jungle.
Glaerion stopped and replied, “You do not need them and having them would only provoke the sentries. They have already seen us and will be reporting to the king that we have arrived.”
“Where?” Elissa asked. “I don’t see them?”
“We are Elves of the woods. You will not see us if we do not want to be seen. Now, less talk and more walk!”
Glaerion’s long legs carried him easily across the uneven terrain, but he kept his pace slow enough so that Elissa could keep up. She was v
isibly struggling in the heat, but she kept a smile on her face and refused to complain. Conner also did his best to not show the struggle that he was enduring. Sweat was pouring down his temples and down his back. Even in the shadows of the trees, the air was thick and heavy. Occasionally a breeze would make its way through the leaves to cool them off, but it only lasted a moment before the wind stopped and the oppressive heat came back.
Conner blamed his fatigue on his inability to train on the ship. His chest wasn’t heaving, but his breathing was labored enough that he could hear himself with each step he took. He did not like how he felt, and he vowed he would spend every waking moment on the return trip getting back into top shape. If he were to fight right now, he didn’t know how long he would be able to fight. He wiped sweat once again from his brow before it dripped into his eyes.
Glaerion glanced back, noticing that Elissa and Conner had fallen a few steps behind. He stopped and waited for them. “There is a cool stream not too far ahead. We can quench our thirst there.”
“I’m fine,” Conner said.
Glaerion shook his head. “You are not used to this heat and heavy air. It will wear on you and dry you out. You will need to drink plenty of water. Over five thousand years, our bodies have gotten used to it, so it does not bother me as much. But this climate is much different than Karmon.” He saw the skeptical look on Conner’s face. “Trust me, I know how you are feeling. Our homeland is much cooler than here, and it took us many, many years to get used to the heat. Our first summer here was deadly for us. Too many of our young Elflings perished because of the hot sun and heat. Your legs are heavy, and you are feeling fatigue like you have not felt in some time. It is the heat and humidity. A few mouthfuls of water will refresh your energy.”
“How much farther?” Elissa asked.
“The stream is not far. A few minutes.”
“No, to your village. Are we going to be here in the dark?” She looked around, not seeing any dangers, but feeling them.
