by Eden Redd
“Long enough to be bored,” the bard said as she held her lute in her lap and began to caress strings into a small tune.
“We are happy to see you,” Claudia smiled.
“I know I haven’t been around for two days. How is everything in Elora?”
Rayna stopped playing, “Where do I even begin?”
“From the top?” Edric grinned.
Rayna gave him a chilly gaze before her eyes turned to the lute in her hands and she strummed a few chords.
“The city has been quiet the last few nights, aside from the troll murders,” Rayna began.
Edric’s grin melted away as the bard continued.
“Four severed heads have been found on the streets, three are from the trolls known to reside in the outside eastern camp and one of them was from Ralis’s personal guard. As far as witnesses, each one found a head after dusk. Word is the trolls were in the city after sundown, unauthorized.”
“The troll citizens in the Discord district have been out at night but the families are all accounted for,” Claudia chimed in.
Rayna looked up and stared at Edric, “I have people watching the troll citizens. They have come out at night and haven’t had any issues. Some citizens barely speak to them. Relations are strained but no one is threatening or harming them in any way. Whoever this killer is, they are only going after certain trolls.”
“Ralis keeps asking when you’re returning. He demands to speak to all of us at once concerning the murders,” Claudia said simply.
“No undead sighted in a while and now trolls are losing their heads. I doubt Ralis is going to back off if we tell him to make sure his people stay off Elora’s streets after sundown,” Edric leaned back in his chair.
“I have increased the guards at night but even with their numbers, the murders happened with no actual witnesses. Whoever it is, they’re a ghost,” Claudia said.
“And Juna,” Edric asked.
Rayna smiled. “Juna has been patrolling the streets on her own but hasn’t found or seen anything. Now, if I was a betting lady, I might say she was committing the murders.”
Edric and Claudia looked to the bard with wide eyes.
Rayna eased back in her chair, eyes sliding down to her lute, “But I’m not taking that bet. Despite her past, she seems like she wants to do the right thing. Besides, she could level the camp if she really wanted to instead of just killing some trolls after dark.”
Edric leaned forward, elbows on the table and fingers to his temples. He just returned and already things were a little strange around Elora. The fog of war clouded most of Lukken. Edric wanted to make their city a safe place but if trolls were killed on city streets, it was only a matter of time before Ralis and the masters would push back.
“How are our defenses?” the summoner inquired.
“The new scorpion crossbows and catapults have been installed on the walls,” Claudia nodded. “And I have about a hundred Lancer recruits. In another week, I should have twice as many.”
“Some of the citizens have taken to it?”
The lancer nodded again. “They have but many more are flocking to Faye’s pagoda. She has been training the populace to fight and they prefer her methods.”
“Elora,” Edric called out.
A glow filled the chamber for a moment before it faded away. Edric turned his gaze to the virtual woman standing in a pristine white robe. Brown hair framed her face while a gentle smile painted her lips. Eyes lingering, a small sliver of pain clawed at the player’s heart. Even after all this time, her image continued to take his breath away and drive the needle in his spirit a little deeper.
“Yes Edric, how may I help you,” the image said in a kind voice.
The summoner pushed away the gloomy vibration as his lips parted, “What is the main status report on the city?”
Elora nodded before 2D screens appeared in front of the three rulers. The players turned their attention to the screens, taking in the information.
Elora
Population: 17,690/30,000
Farms (8): 100% capacity
Runic Stone Mines (5): 100% capacity
Vineyards (8): 100% capacity
Guards: 2,000
Lancers: 100
Conflict Level: 12%
Edric drank it in. The population was large considering most kingdoms in Lukken were only about ten thousand. The major capitals were the only places that could have a population around a million. The time he and his fellow rulers used to create the city and the incoming refugees helped to allow Elora to have a sizable population. The number of guards was low and the amount of Lancers was tiny but it was a start. Edric focused on the conflict level and was pleased to see that it was so low considering there had been troll murders. The lack of any undead recently may have contributed to the sense of peace in the kingdom.
“The population grows daily,” Elora said with a melodic tone, “Once Elora reaches 20,000 citizens, two more farms will be required to ensure there is a surplus of food for everyone.”
“And the vineyards,” Edric asked.
“There is a demand for Elora wine. Traders are flocking to our city to purchase and resell on the open market. Gold income has been on the rise in the last number of weeks,” Elora smiled.
Claudia looked to Edric, “That is why I didn’t purchase any ordinary scorpions for the battlements.”
Rayna looked across the table to the green haired lancer, “You didn’t?”
Claudia nodded, “I did. Only the best defense for our city.” The lancer turned her attention to Edric, “I’ll give you a tour after you talk to Faye.”
Edric raised a single brow, “Talk to Faye?”
Claudia’s face took on a serious mask. “Don’t you think it’s been long enough? We should be ruling the city together but there is something going on between you two. She is even avoiding us and hasn’t been staying in the keep. Every time I visit her, she’s too busy to talk.”
Rayna’s fingers rested on tight strings, “I hate to admit it, but Claudia is right. Faye is pushing us all away and it has to do with you. I think you need to visit her and set everything straight.”
Edric scratched his temple, “How do I do that? Last thing, I think, that bothered her was letting trolls become citizens. Am I supposed to tell them to pack up and leave?”
Claudia’s expression softened, “I don’t think we need to do that. Just talk to her and find out why she’s been so distant.”
“And report back to us,” Rayna said with a wicked grin, “with details.”
Edric sheepishly nodded. Uncomfortable feelings slid over his nerves the more he thought about it. The wood elf was strong, powerful and beautiful. It was no great secret that most of Elora’s citizens looked up to her above himself, Claudia and Rayna. Edric wasn’t jealous but he was concerned that she might not be too happy with all the attention. The people demanded on her time and she gave it to them. Was it simply being too busy or was there something deeper? Edric couldn’t fathom what it was and the longer he thought about it, the more Claudia’s words seemed to ring true. He needed to speak to her and put the silence and distance to an end if they were going to rule together.
“I’ll talk to her after the meeting,” Edric said with a soft exhale.
Claudia and Rayna nodded in agreement.
“But first, what are we going to do about the troll murders and what are we going to say to Ralis about it?”
“He listens to you. I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Rayna grinned.
“We could tell Ralis that the trolls fell down some stairs and accidently decapitated themselves,” Claudia said with a small smile.
The summoner and bard looked to the lancer and burst into laughter. Claudia’s cheeks burned a bright pink as she kept her small smile.
“When did you get a sense of humor,” Rayna asked with half closed eyes and a wide smile.
“From hanging around you,” Claudia winked.
Edric lean
ed forward, his chuckles fading away as he looked to his attractive co-rulers. “Let’s throw some ideas around before we leave and figure out what our next move is.”
Three
The castle keep was abuzz with activity as guards roamed and servants rushed to their duties. Edric and Leeta walked along as many servants smiled and guards nodded to their approach. Edric found it a little odd that he seemed to slip into the role of a lord rather easily. He often promised himself to never abuse his power but as he walked, he did feel a little taller from the attention.
A large door stood at the end of a corridor. The summoner picked up the pace as he hoped he wouldn’t run into the troll diplomat. Halfway to the portal of freedom, a voice boomed behind the summoner and ogre.
“Lord Temple!”
Edric froze in his tracks, his head tilting forward in defeat. “How does everyone find me just as I’m trying to leave,” the summoner thought before turning around.
Edric gave his best fake smile, “Ralis, so good to see you.”
The troll diplomat walked along with urgency. A flowing red robe billowed with each step, the front of it open in a long V cut down to his hard stomach. The diplomat’s shaven head gleamed in the corridors torches as a single dark braid flowed from the top and down his back. Dark eyes narrowed as he walked up to Edric with two large bodyguards behind him. The trolls and Leeta eyed one another as their masters stood face to face.
“Lord Temple,” Ralis said in a softer tone, “We need to speak on some dire matters.”
Edric lifted a hand as if trying to calm down the diplomat, “I know about the murders and it has become one of our priorities.”
Ralis’s brow went up, “One of your priorities? Lord Temple this is an extreme priority. I have lost several of my people and nothing is being done to find the killer. I cannot go silent to my masters about troll blood spilt on Elora’s soil. You understand why this must be attended to.”
Edric mentally rehearsed what he and his fellow rulers discussed. “Ralis, you must understand that there is much to do when ruling a kingdom. For now, Lady Discord will investigate the murders. Once I complete some of my duties to the kingdom, Lady Pearl and I will join the investigation and root out the killer or killers. For now, please inform your people about the accord and follow it to the letter. No trolls are to walk the streets of Elora after sundown, for everyone’s protection.”
Ralis’s demeanor slipped into a practiced flow, “I understand the demands of your kingdom and I do not wish to take away from your duties. After all, what is a few troll lives in the scheme of things. I admit, my people did break the rules by being in the city after dark but that does not mean it isn’t important.”
The troll diplomat clasped his hands behind him and stuck out his defined blue chest, “Before you attend to your duties, I do wonder about the undead that have recently been seen on Elora streets after dark.”
Edric’s brow sharpened.
Ralis’ mouth turned into a small smile, “Myself and my people have nothing to do with it but I may have some information that could assist you with this little problem.”
“There have been no undead on the streets lately,” Edric stated.
The troll nodded. “Yes, that is true but it’s only a matter of time before they return. The dead have a strange knack for appearing when they are not wanted. My people have noticed some odd goings on and I would be more than willing to hand over everything we know on the subject if a certain killer can be found.”
Edric’s jaw clenched before he quickly smoothed it away.
Ralis continued. “Of course, there will be a sizable reward for the capture of this madman or woman. I will do everything in my power to ensure our relations stay as hard as iron.”
The summoner eyed the smiling diplomat before returning his own grin. “Ralis, we will bring the killer in for swift justice as promised. We will still require a few nights so I suggest you and your people stay off Elora’s streets after sundown….for your own protection of course.”
Ralis bowed, “For our protection, of course Lord Temple. Please call on me and my people if you require any assistance.”
“I will, if we need it,” Edric bowed slightly.
Ralis straightened his back, “Before you go, how is Lady…Juna is it? No one can seem to tell me her last name but the people of Elora have taken to her. I would like to arrange a time when we can dine together so I can get to know her better.”
A flash of heat swirled around Edric’s heart and he quickly snuffed it out. He couldn’t understand why it bothered him that Ralis wanted to dine with her. The summoner’s eyes narrowed a hair before smiling confidently.
“You will have to speak to her. I am far too busy to arrange meetings.”
Ralis slowly closed his eyes and opened them, a smirk stabbing into his cheek. “I understand Lord Temple. I look forward to our next meeting. For now, I will ensure my people are off the streets before sundown and if I see Lady Juna, I will be sure to invite her to a fine meal.”
Edric simply nodded, turned and walked toward the door. Leeta followed, her yellow eyes shifting to her master’s side. The summoner opened the door and stepped out into the brilliant daylight. A dark cloud cast a shadow over his mind as the clear sky filled the heavens. Edric stepped out into the streets of Elora as Leeta followed. The day was a marvelous one as the pair walked along but Edric tried to fend off harping thoughts stabbing at his conscious.
“Edric,” Leeta said with a touch of concern.
Edric looked up to the beautiful ogre and turned away with a smile, “It’s okay. The longer he’s here, the more he pushes my limit. We will stick to the plan, but now I’m concerned about the dead returning.”
“Do you believe he has nothing to do with it?”
Edric sighed, “I’m not sure. He could be blowing smoke just so we can capture the troll killer. Either way, it will have to wait a few nights until we are sure our defenses are ready.”
Leeta nodded as they walked. The streets filled with citizens going about their daily tasks and chores. Many smiled and bowed to the summoner and ogre as they turned from the street around Gray Haven Keep and began walking down Riverwood Street. The shops were open as shafts of sunlight penetrated the tree canopy over the cobblestone street. Walking bridges crisscrossed overhead as many citizens talked and drank, taking in the beautiful district.
“Have you thought about what you’re going to say to Faye?”
“No, not really,” Edric huffed.
Leeta nodded as they continued to walk. Shop owners and citizens waved to the lord and ogre. Edric looked to them with a small smile. Drinking in the smiling faces, the player’s eyes shifted to blue pieces of cloth wrapped around their arms. Many shop keeps and citizens had a single piece of cloth around their right arms. The summoner glanced about and could see many in the district wearing them.
Leeta caught the questioning gaze of her master, “I noticed the armbands in the last few weeks. When I asked, citizens informed me it is to show their dedication to Faye’s teachings.”
“How many students does she have?”
“I lost count after a few hundred,” Leeta shrugged.
Edric nodded as they continued through the district. Turning a corner, they slipped onto a side street and made their way deeper. The stone buildings stood among many trees. The streets grew narrow but citizens moved along with ease.
The summoner looked up and saw the four towers of Faye’s pagoda. It was just a few streets away as the Asian motif blended with a medieval castle design. The street opened and several parks appeared. Edric walked along, taking in the cherry blossom trees as pink and rose petals fell from their branches. Citizens basked in the beauty as they walked along. Edric and Leeta stepped onto a snaking path through the trees, making their way closer to the pagoda.
The thick double doors of Faye’s pagoda stood open. The sound of bodies moving and fierce shouts filled the air. Edric and Leeta stepped in, eyes on the main
courtyard filled with citizens. They changed their stances in unison, bringing a foot down, punching forward and exhaling a strong shout. The wood elf stood with her back to the entrance, her body in a warrior’s stance. She punched out with a fist before bringing her foot up and planting it forward. Edric and Leeta stood just in the courtyard as many followed the monk’s movement.
The player smiled as he looked to the determined faces of Faye’s students. All eyes were on the wood elf as she moved with strong liquid grace. Each strike was true and every turn of her legs set her up for counter moves. The summoner was content to wait as arms, legs and bodies flowed to Faye’s teachings. A blue body caught Edric’s attention and he looked over to a student in the front row. A troll moved, mimicking the elf’s movements in perfect precision. He too, just as with all the other students, wore a blue cloth armband on his right arm.
Faye brought her legs together and arms to her sides. She bowed to the fifty students and they returned it. When she stood up, the students followed and soon they broke their formation. Warm chatter filled the courtyard as a sliver of contained excitement touched the student’s eyes. Edric could see they were enjoying the experience and it showed.
Faye turned from her students and gave Edric a small smile. The summoner stood straighter, returning her smile but a gloom in his eyes. The troll broke from the groups of students and moved to Faye’s side. The wood elf looked up into his smiling face as he bowed his head.
“Again, thank you for letting me be a part of this experience,” the troll said with wide black eyes.
Faye bowed her head, “Nimor, it’s a pleasure to teach you. I hope your wife can join us again.”
The troll nodded. “Our little one has been a handful lately but I’ll bring it to Sanna’s attention.”
The troll looked up to Edric and Leeta before bowing. “Greetings Lord Temple.”
“Greetings,” Edric said simply, unsure what else to say.
The troll raised his head and bowed to Faye once again before turning and walking off. Edric kept his gaze on the troll as Faye turned to him.
