by Lawson, Alan
At first, Jason hadn’t noticed the strange shape of his rescuers ears nor did he take much note at their names, which were rather unusual to him - definitely not normal names that he was used to. Perhaps he had been too overcome by his brush with death to have paid more attention, but now in somewhat safer surroundings, Jason most certainly did notice, and what’s more, had time to think it through.
Jason walked with the three men for some time, passing through the dense forest listening to the many strange noises, wondering what other strange creatures lived there. Jason often heard the others talking in some foreign tongue. Jason had no idea what they were saying. Feeling a bit bold he spoke up and asked,
“Where are we going?”
Without stopping or turning around the man with the sword spoke up and said, “We are travelling to Glen Tirel, home to the elves in these lands, Lord Elindril should be able to shed some light on what has happened”.
“Elves?” Jason thought, feeling vaguely light-headed at having his impossible suspicion confirmed. “Okay,” his mental voice continued, “Let’s stop for a minute and review the important information. I know I’m not anywhere near home. I know I’m not even in Ireland. I’m pretty sure I could say I know I’m not anywhere I know of. And in this scenario the best thing for anyone to do, is to follow anyone who seems friendly.”
Hours passed. The evening sun left the sky, and Night took its place. The stars barely lit the forest.
“Keep close, young one.” San said.
Jason kept as close as he could. His sight didn’t seem to match that of his guides, and seeing any detail in front of him was a strenuous effort. They walked a little further passed much denser trees, until soon the trees started to become less dense, eventually they approached a clearing. San spoke again.
“We are here. The City of Glen Tirel”
Jason looked in awe at what lay before him. Today he had seen so many beautiful things that he thought could not be surpassed, but what lay before him easily outmatched any of the things he had witnessed. The three elves continued on as they walked toward the city among the trees. As Jason followed the three elves through the streets he noticed each building was elegantly crafted from pure white wood, with exquisite markings on each. He could hear beautiful music in the distance and ethereal voices singing. He felt he was in heaven. Looking ahead, Jason noticed that they were heading towards central tree, much larger than he had seen before. It rose high into the heavens, and had spiralling white stairs leading up to various different levels.
As the group approached the stairs, Jason noticed a figure in a long robe walking toward them. Whoever it was came close enough to allow the discernment of features. Jason noticed he too was an elf with long white hair. His garments were a soft and pristine white with a pattern woven down the seams.
“Greetings San, I see you have brought a human along with you. Dressed in rather peculiar attire, isn’t he?”
“Yes, my Lord. We found him at the Elderine Shrine. We saved him from a worg.” Jason stood, somewhat self-consciously, and watched as the two elves discussed his situation. Finally they turned and addressed him.
“What do they call you boy?” the older elf asked.
Jason replied with just his name.
“That’s interesting. Very interesting indeed,” he turned once again to the other elves. “Fetch him some clean clothes and bring him to my chamber. I am sure he has many questions to ask.”
Jason was escorted to a building close to the large tree. Inside, a young elf silently handed him clean clothes, which on closer inspection seemed much like Victorian clothing. The pile had rather baggy brown trousers, a white shirt, and an emerald green cloak. He was left with the clothes and directed to a room with a large bath. The door was closed behind him. Jason shrugged, and removed his clothes, which were definitely a little worse for wear following his experiences in the hut. He bathed thoroughly, pleased to find the water heated to the temperature he liked. He wasn’t worried about being in a strange place and expected to wash. In fact he was grateful, it had been a long day and he felt and looked unclean. When he felt he had soaked long enough, or rather when he remembered where he was and that he was most likely being waited for, he jumped out of the bath and changed into the elven clothing. He actually liked the clothes, they were soft and comfortable, the opposite of what he had expected. He rumbled his damp hair, choosing a style he was used to, a random arrangement, and then headed out of the room.
A different elf waited outside the building, this time, a female.
“Jason, follow me. I will take you to Lord Elindril.”
With that, she started walking towards the white stairs. Jason tried to follow close behind her. She walked slowly and gracefully, her white gown shimmering as she moved. Jason took a final look around the elvish town as he reached the bottom of the stairs. The elven lady stopped at the stairs and directed him onward. Jason smiled at her, and continued to walk toward the Lord Elindril’s chamber. Outside, the night grew peaceful.
Elsewhere things were far from peaceful.
“Emily! What did I tell you about casting spells in the house!” an angry sounding mother shouted.
‘Sorry mum I’ll do them outside from now on!”
Emily Talathin had just started studying the arts of magic. Her grandfather, who happened to be a fairly well known wizard, was teaching her. Emily lived with her family in a remote part of the Halin’nor Plains in Hasparia, which was mostly populated by humans, the odd travelling elf family and an assortment of goblins, wild beasts and fantastical creatures. The Talathin Family had found that they couldn’t live in one of the towns, as Emily’s grandfather was always concocting various potions into the early hours of the morning, which never went down too well with anyone who had the dubious pleasure of living near them. Emily’s Grandfather’s spells could be noisy and colourful when they succeeded, and his language even more so, when they failed.
The family had been “required” to move house on more than one occasion as a result. Emily could remember three other homes before their current one, but she knew that they would be allowed to stay in this one as long as they wished. The grandly sized house built in and among the roots of a large Accuro Terradea tree was a gift from the King of Hasparia himself.
Emily was a happy young girl around the age of fifteen. She had long flowing golden hair and eyes the colour of emeralds. She had always had a heart for adventure, and was greatly excited when her grandfather had told her that he had to go to Glen Tirel on important wizard business. Of course, Emily did everything in her power to sway her grandfather and parents’ opinion into allowing her to accompany him on his journey. After much turmoil, and a few rants and raves, Emily got her way. They were set to leave that night.
It was to be a long journey, but Emily was positive that she was going to make the most of it. She had never left the region before, never mind gone on a journey to an elf-populated forest. This was to be a journey that she would never forget.
The day passed slowly as Emily waited around, jumping about in frustration. Finally her grandfather left the house with his travelling cloak draped around his neck.
Master Aber Talathin was a medium-sized man, his face almost hidden behind thick, white hair, and a beard that was almost as long as he was tall. He carried one rather peculiar old looking wooden staff that was unremarkable in itself, but every so often a small twig could be seen growing from it, and sometimes these twigs bore tiny leaves.
Emily had always been fascinated with her grandfather’s staff, and he had always been amused by her interest, often passing a quiet chuckle when she noticed fresh, new leaves.
Aber almost always wore his dark grey cloak, which was woven from nymph hair and enchanted by the druids of Feril. A nymph cloak was rare enough, and the extra enchantments placed on it affected its power and value greatly. Aber would seldom let it out of his sight. No one knew where he got it, as he had always seemed to have it. No one asked.
He patted himself down, found his clay pipe and popped it into his mouth, chuckling at Emily’s expression.
“Well Emily, I guess the time has come to make our way. Say your “farewells” and let’s be off, and don’t forget your staff.”
Emily ran into the house and moments later, out she came with her cloak and newly made walking aid, as many wizards tended to call them. Hers was long and almost the same height as she was. It too was made from sturdy wood, and at the top four points had been carved, almost like twisted fingers, which wrapped around a red stone.
“Well child. It is time. Now let me tell you this, it will be no easy journey,” he paused and considered a moment, then looked at her with his usual mirth. “Or perhaps it will! It all depends on how much poplin I have with me.”
Master Talathin chuckled again he pulled himself up off a tree stump where he had been sitting, using his staff for support.
Poplin was the weed that Emily’s grandfather used in his pipe. He had always had it. Emily tried to recall a time when her grandfather had been without his favourite smoking weed, but she failed. In fact, she believed her grandfather stored a never-ending quantity of the plant in his secret quarters which was nestled next to the Talathin tree home.
She really cared for her grandfather. He was such a noble man, and an amiable character. He was almost an idol to her, it was her desire to be like him one day, maybe not as powerful; but as kind, and both respected and respectful.
“Now, now! Less thinking and much more walking,” Emily’s grandfather commanded.
Emily was always amazed at how her grandfather knew exactly what she was doing. She expressed a grin at the thought of him being always able to outthink and outsmart her. One day though she hoped to have gained enough experience to be on par with her grandfather, the Great Master Talathin. She glanced back once towards their home, but it was getting late, and she knew they had to get underway. The time for goodbyes was over.
Jason stood in the beautifully decorated room, gazing out through the windows that filled each wall. From this height, he could see the whole city. It looked so peaceful. It seemed unreal, almost like a dream. At that thought he secretly pinched himself, letting the sharp pain he felt under his arm convince him that everything in front of him was real.
“Jason, please come and take a seat; I am sure that you have many questions, and I am willing to answer, but I must also ask some of you, in return.”
Jason heard Lord Elindril behind him. Turning to look at him, Jason was reassured by his warm, if regal, smile, and took a seat. Not knowing what to say, he simply stared at the older elf, who in return, smiled, sitting down gracefully in the chair opposite him.
“You have no need to be anxious, Jason. Nothing shall harm you here. You must have many questions, you are in a strange place having travelled very far I can imagine. Perhaps your questions will help calm you, so ask when you feel you are ready”.
Hesitantly at first, but with growing confidence, Jason began to ask questions about the land in which he found himself. Elindril seemed happy to talk about his home, and answered openly. Jason thought to himself that no adult had ever treated him like this at home. Elindril spoke to him as though he was worthy of attention, as though he mattered, which encouraged Jason to respect Lord Elindril more and made him feel more at ease. When he asked how he happened to be in Hasparia, as he found this place to be called, Lord Elindril sighed, and leaned forward, pressing his long, elegant hands together.
“Jason that is the question I hoped you could answer for me. Please, could you help me, by explaining what happened before you found yourself here in the Elderine Forest or in Hasparia for that matter?”
Jason took a deep breath, and began to tell him about the hut, and the hole. Elindril listened intently, and when Jason described the pedestal and the stone, and the images he had seen, the Elven lord drew back in his chair, an expression of horror passing over his aged face.
Alarmed, Jason broke off his story, and resisted the urge to reach out and reassure the troubled elf.
“Is everything okay?” Jason asked “Do you understand how I got here, how I can get home?”
Elindril briefly let his eyes meet Jason’s gaze, before frowning at the floor. He moistened his lips and spoke in tones much softer that he had before.
“It… has been a long time since we have heard any tales of the Elderine Stone. We have long thought that it had been lost to time. I do not want to trouble you with its issues and history now. Though, you should know that as far as I can tell, there is no way to send you home to your world.”
He paused, giving Jason time to accept the reality of this news.
“I am sorry Jason, and I do not wish to cause you any alarm but I must take my leave. I must discuss what you have told me with the fellow elders here in the city. When you are ready, Melina will take you to a room you can use, and see that you are given more clothes.” His face softened. “Take your time, Jason. Take as long as you need. I trust that in time you will accept this kingdom as your home. Come to me in the morning, and we will talk again. Jason, please do not worry. This is only the beginning, you have much to learn about this world and the world has much to learn about you, you will need your rest.”
With a small bow, Elindril left the room.
The female elf that Jason had met earlier slipped into the room, and waited at the doorway. Still in a daze, Jason allowed her to escort him to his room. Alone, he sat on his new bed, which had a pleasing softness, and tried to think things through.
He wasn’t too sure about what would happen in the future, but he did know that he would probably be stuck here forever. He considered the beauty of the city, and the kindness of the elves, and decided that whatever was to come, he would make the most of it. “After all,” he thought with a small smile, “this kind of thing doesn’t happen to everyone.”
Morning seemed to come too soon for Jason, who had been more exhausted than he realised. He was awakened by a knock at his door. Though at first he did not realise what it was that had disturbed his sleep. He sat up in bed hearing another knock. He tried desperately to work out where he was, and why Aunt Florence had come to his door instead of just shouting as usual. As the events of the preceding day flooded back into his mind, he jumped up, grabbed the robe that someone had thoughtfully hung on the door, pulled it on, and opened the door. San was waiting outside with a smile on his face.
“Good Morning, Jason! I am glad to see you slept well. Food has been prepared for you in the Lord’s chamber. You should dress, and proceed there as soon as you can.”
Jason thanked him, went back into his room, had a quick wash and put on some of the clothes that had been left for him. Once dressed, he left his room and with San as his guide, walking hurriedly towards Lord Elindril’s Chamber.
Having travelled all night with her grandfather, Emily was now thinking that this journey was not all she had expected it to be. In fact, it was rather uneventful. The greatest moment of excitement was when her grandfather’s told old tales about his youth. Emily was footsore and weary when her grandfather finally stopped and nodded.
“Ah! At last we have arrived.” He turned cheerfully to his granddaughter. “Wasn’t that a splendid walk?”
He struggled to suppress a grin at Emily’s baleful expression.
“Well, I guess we’d better head to Lord Elindril’s Chamber. He has been expecting us.”
The two wizards, one jauntily swinging his staff, the other using hers as a much needed support, passed up through the town to the central tree. Emily had heard many tales about this elvish town, but her tiredness prevented her from fully appreciating its beauty. She did remember that a great and very wise elf lived here. She assumed that this person must be Lord Elindril.
Despite the haste with which he had begun, Jason had slowed on his way to Lord Elindril’s chambers. He took his time so he could watch some of the elves of this town go about their daily business. It was so different from a
ny town he had ever visited back home, and he was interested in everything that went on about him. Finally, he made his way to the top of the white stairs and walked into Elindril’s chamber. Finding that he was alone, he walked to a seat and sat down. The scent of the freshly cooked breakfast reminded him that whatever else had changed, he was still a growing boy who could happily eat a horse, or whatever horse equivalent they had here. As if in answer to his hunger’s unspoken cry, a smiling Melina brought in a tray of breads and fruits, and a large cup of steaming, dark liquid.
“Here is your Breakfast.” she told him simply, and withdrew.
The food was filling and tasty. Some of the fruit tasted familiar, but others had a strange yet pleasant tang; while some of the smaller berries were spicy enough to bring tears to his eyes. He found that they went especially well with the drink they had provided, which was chocolaty and rich, but as refreshing as tea, or coffee. With a happy sigh, Jason finished everything he had been given, and sat back to wait for Lord Elindril. His mind kept returning to a single question: why was he here?
A short time passed, in which Jason watched, life at the Elven life go by. The silence was broken by a girl’s voice. Jason turned as the source of the voice walked in, accompanied by an old, but sprightly looking, bearded man. Jason did the quick calculation in his head of “pointed hat plus beard plus staff” and sat up straighter. He was evidently in the presence of a wizard. Lord Elindril stepped in from another room.
“Master Talathin! I am pleased that you could come, and I see your granddaughter has joined you on your journey.”
Removing his pointed hat, the robed, elderly man spoke,
“Indeed. I hear you have news that you wish to discuss with me. I assume it concerns the boy?”
The wizard looked at Jason with one arched eyebrow raised higher than the other, as if he was probing his very mind. Emily stood behind her grandfather, also looking directly over at Jason. However she wore a different expression upon her face. This expression could only be described as complete interest.
