by Lana Axe
Lenora thought about it as they continued walking towards the village. “I don’t believe I ever studied such a thing. I hope they aren’t a threat to us.”
River stopped and looked into her pale eyes but said nothing. “You seem troubled,” she said, breaking the silence. “What is it?”
“It’s just a feeling. Something is wrong, but I don’t know what it is yet.” He took both of her hands and kissed her cheek. “Do not worry, my love. The Elders will know what to do. I’ll speak with them immediately.”
River was highly respected among the Council of Elders. He frequently joined them in their meetings to share his visions and assist in any way possible to better the lives of his people. He had been feared by many of them as a child. His life essence had been granted by the river Spirit, imbuing him with great powers. No one knew his exact purpose, not even River himself. But their fears had all been for naught. The Spirit of the river was kind by nature and had no malevolence within it.
River headed towards the council house. It was a huge tree with silver leaves that stood at the center of the village. Two intricately carved doors opened to the hollowed area inside. The magic of the forest made the interior much larger than the tree outside would suggest. Most of the Elders had already gathered inside to discuss daily matters of life in the Vale.
“River, my friend.” Brandor, a tall fair-haired elf, strode forward to greet him. “Welcome this fine morning,” he said. “How are you?”
“I am well, Brandor, thank you. I have some news I wish to discuss with the council.”
“You are always most welcome here, River, of course. Please be seated while I gather the others.”
River sat at the oval-shaped table and waited. His mind swam with the images he had seen in the water. A heaviness weighed on the back of his mind, and he knew some work of evil was at hand.
The Elders each took their seats. “Good morning, gentle elves,” Brandor said. “This morning we are joined by Lord River, who has come bearing some news for us.” He gestured to River. “Go ahead, my friend.”
“My lords, I have had a vision that troubles me greatly. I have seen savage creatures roaming in the Wildlands. They are unknown to me, and they have a sense of evil about them. They have not, as yet, attempted to cross the river, but I sense that they do not fear the magical barrier. I believe they are powered by some unknown magic of a very dark nature. I cannot see where they are from or where they have been, but I do feel strongly that they are a threat to us. I believe it’s only a matter of time before they enter our lands.” River’s sapphire eyes were somber, his expression grave.
Silence filled the room with a heavy foreboding. The Vale had enjoyed many centuries of peace, and the thought of evil at its doorstep was difficult to digest. After a few moments, the Elders looked at one another. Finally, Rundil spoke. “My Lord River, will your magic be enough to protect our people from this menace?”
“For a while, I believe,” River answered. “But some unknown source is giving power to these creatures. I might be able to determine what they are if I could see them up close. I’m not completely sure whether they aren't able to penetrate our magic or are choosing not to at this time. All I know is that the matter is most pressing. We must determine what this threat truly is.”
The Elders began chattering amongst themselves just as the doors to the chamber flew open. “My Lords!” cried Rogin. “There is evil at work in our lands. A dryad was found badly beaten. She’s been taken to my mother for healing.”
Brandor spoke first. “This is indeed distressing news. A peaceful magical creature attacked near our very borders!” The room sounded with agreement and the anxious voices of the Elders.
“I must go to her,” River said as he stood. “If these were the same creatures I saw in my vision, perhaps I can glean some evidence from her.”
“I’ll go with you, Father,” Rogin said. River placed a hand on his shoulder and together they walked to the House of Medicine.
Inside, Lenora was ordering her maids to bring herbs to halt the bleeding. She was a highly skilled healer, but the dryad was severely wounded and near death. She looked up as River and her son entered. “I don’t know if I can be of much help to her,” she began. “This is savagery I have never seen. I fear her injuries will prove fatal. All I can do is try to make her passing as gentle as possible.” Tears filled her eyes as she looked down at the beautiful creature lying before her. This was a peaceful fae of the forest. Harming a soul such as this was truly a most vile act.
River took her in his arms to comfort her, and she sobbed onto his shoulder. Dryads were indeed peaceful creatures who often assisted those who had lost their way in the forest. They were playful and good-natured and had no natural enemies.
Lenora wiped her eyes and stood back over the dryad. She laid her hands upon the dryad’s heart and whispered words of comfort. White magic flowed through her fingertips and into the suffering form of the fae. Her face, formerly twisted in pain, changed to an expression of peace. She let out one final breath. Lenora whispered a prayer to the Goddess of the forest.
River knelt beside the lifeless dryad and laid his hand upon her forehead. He closed his eyes as blue magic spread over the dryad. Within seconds, her body disappeared. “She is at rest now,” he said. “Her spirit is free. I have seen the creature who did this to her. I know now what it is we are facing.” He looked into his life mate’s eyes. “It is far worse than we could have imagined.”
Chapter 4
Master Ulda stood at the coast, his black-red robe dancing behind him in the wind. He watched the black ships arriving from Ral'nassa and was pleased. His invasion could not have gone more smoothly. Sure, he had lost two assassins in his attempt to murder Al’marr’s royal family, but the third attempt had succeeded. Men are so easily swayed by their love of gold that gaining inside help had been simple. Now Al’marr was his and so were its rich gem mines. Those gems would be the key to unlocking his unlimited power.
He held up a hand with his palm facing the ships. His impatience fueled the spell to move the ships along faster. They carried inside them the rest of his army. With them, he would have an easier time controlling his new subjects and quelling any rebellions that might be planned. The people of Al’marr would work for him, or they would die. He needed miners, polishers, and shapers for his gems. Naturally, he would still need farmers and bakers to provide food for the workers. It was not his desire to kill his own subjects. No, it would be much easier to kill citizens of the nearby kingdom of Na’zora. They were numerous and had provided him with several quality souls for binding.
Finally the ships made it to shore, and the soldiers began to disembark. Master Ulda turned to look at General Fru. “I trust you have assignments ready for these troops?”
General Fru replied, “Yes, your majesty. The plans are all in hand. Every inch of Al’marr will now be under watch by our troops. We should have extra to tend the mines and prevent any theft or halt of work.”
“Excellent,” Ulda replied. “Make sure they are aware that anyone caught stealing from me will face most dire consequences. I will deal with them personally.”
“Yes, my lord.” General Fru bowed and strode forward to meet his lieutenants.
Ulda turned and headed back up the slopes to his palace. It was small but suitable as a home for now. After he had secured his place as absolute sovereign, he would begin work on a much more lavish home. By that time, he would be able to control the will of every subject in his realm.
He approached the palace doors as his servants rushed to open them. They bowed low as he walked through. First Minister Tu’vad was waiting for him in his throne room. Tu’vad had been an invaluable ally in Ulda’s seizure of the throne. As First Minister to the former king, he had provided nearly every bit of information necessary for the murder of the royal family. He had personally opened the doors for Ulda’s assassin. When the king’s youngest daughter had tried to run, it was Tu’vad himself who
grabbed her and snapped her neck.
“Majesty,” Tu’vad said, bowing.
“Ah, Tu’vad,” Ulda began “The rest of our army has arrived, and soon every corner of the kingdom will be fully under our control. I’m putting you in charge of the mines. They are of the utmost importance to me, so naturally I need someone in there I can trust. Make sure you install supervisors who are trustworthy as well. I cannot afford to lose a single gem. Ensure the largest gems are brought to the palace immediately. Have you taken care of the jewelers for me?”
“Yes, Majesty,” Tu’vad replied. “Every jeweler in Al’marr has been brought to the palace, and a workshop has been set up on the lower floors. They are at your service, my king.”
“You have done well again, Tu’vad. I shall not forget it. Do we have any new prisoners?”
“Today has been surprisingly quiet. I suspect word has gotten out of what happens to those who disobey their new king. Once the new troops are in place, I doubt you will have any trouble from the outlying villages for very long.”
“We can always keep a few prisoners on hand, though.” Ulda shook a finger at Tu’vad as he spoke. “You never know when we will need to use them.”
Tu’vad nodded. “I’m sure there will be some petty thievery once the mines are running at full capacity. Even knowing the punishment, some people are always tempted to break the law.”
“Very good. I don’t want to run low on specimens.” Ulda sat upon his stolen throne. If only those elves who were so keen to reject him could see him now. The ideas which caused him to be reviled by his peers in Ral'nassa were all coming into fruition now. He had managed all this with only a small group of soldiers and a few purses full of gold.
Humans were certainly much easier to conquer than elves. Had he tried to stage a coup in Ral’nassa, he would have had countless sorcerers to deal with. Surely some of them would have come to his side. Limitless power would be a very attractive reward for a sorcerer, but given the so-called morals of the royal council and the general dislike of dark wizardry, Ulda was sure to fail.
Here in Al’marr he had succeeded. Men are weak and their souls easily corrupted. They are easier to intimidate and not nearly as resistant to magic. Their so-called mages have to ingest regular potions just to cast the simplest spells. Without a doubt, Ulda would be able to persuade many human mages to assist him. He could offer them powers they had never imagined possible. All he would require is that they bend the knee to him.
Chapter 5
The drums summoned the clansmen to the feast. The emissaries were seated next to the Overseer in a place of honor. Mel took a seat on the log bench next to Thinal, who already had a mouthful of honey cake. She swallowed the cake, gave Mel a guilty smile, and proceeded to lick her fingers. Mel smirked and shook his head.
The Overseer stood and raised a goblet. “These men here are emissaries from the king of Na’zora. They have come in peace to request our aid in a most urgent matter. Tonight, they are our honored guests, and tomorrow they will leave us.”
Mel looked at Thinal, his jaw dropping open slightly. “Tomorrow?” he whispered.
Thinal smiled and shrugged.
“Eat, drink, make music, and dance!” the Overseer continued. “Tonight we feast!”
The clansmen responded with a cheer and began grabbing at the ample supply of food before them. Drums pounded, wooden flutes sang, and bones and shells rattled. A group of ladies began to dance. The shell bracelets on their ankles jingled and kept time with the music.
Despite the festivities, Mel was not fully at ease. He was not looking forward to working with these men from Na'zora. He didn't trust them and didn't want to work with them. He filled his plate with every kind of food available: fruits, nuts, boar meat, elk meat, and sweet cakes. Since he would be eating trail food for who knows how long, he was determined to enjoy a good meal tonight. The ale was in good supply as well. After a few mugs, he might be able to take his mind off the journey ahead.
One of the dancing ladies twirled by, bent down, and kissed Mel on the cheek. She offered a hand inviting him for a dance, but Mel shrugged and waved her away. Though their society was not particularly monogamous, he only had eyes for Thinal. She too was free to take other mates, but she seemed to prefer Mel above all others.
A group of fire twirlers took over the dance. They each held flaming wooden batons which they tossed back and forth and threw high into the sky. Applause roared from the gathered elves. The twirlers took a bow, doused their flames, and began dancing with the ladies. The music swelled louder, and many elves from the crowd joined in the dance.
Thinal, who had just downed a mug of ale, grabbed Mel by the arm and dragged him to the dance area. He still had a mouthful of food, but he swallowed, smiled, and began dancing. Thinal's eyes twinkled with starlight, and she smiled and laughed as they danced. For the moment, Mel forgot his troubles and focused only on his lover.
After several dances, the pair sank back into their seats and reached for more ale. They touched glasses and drank. Once his cup was emptied, Mel stretched out on the log bench and focused his green eyes up at the stars. Thinal, mug in hand, asked, “What do you see up there?” She smiled as she gazed up into the heavens.
After a pause, Mel replied, “The future and the past.” He sighed and added, “Everything.” With another sigh, he sat up and looked at Thinal. She set down her mug, took his hands, and looked up towards the sky.
“I think I see it too,” she said with a smile.
“Pardon me,” a voice said. “I don't wish to interrupt.”
They looked and saw Mi'tal standing next to them. He took a seat on the log next to Mel.
“Perhaps this isn't the best time, but I would like to say a few words to you both. I know my people have not always treated you kindly. There is tension between us because of the past, but I do not believe we are the same as we once were. King Aelryk is older and far wiser than he used to be. He is no longer a young prince under the orders of his father. In his youth, he was eager to prove himself a true leader in battle. He followed his father's orders without question. Many years have passed since then, and I do believe his views have changed. He enjoys the peace we share with your people. I truly believe that in time he will do all he can to make amends.”
Mel was silent, contemplative.
“The war was a long time ago,” Thinal said. “Neither of us had been born yet. Our parents fought in it along with some of the elder members of our clan, but I think you have a chance for a fresh start with the youth. It's true our numbers are growing, and in time we will need more space. I hope you will allow us an audience with your king, and I hope he will listen. Personally, I am helping you because I want to see what lies beyond our borders. I also wouldn't mind the chance to take on a few of these monsters of yours.” Her lips turned up into a mischievous smile.
“You may not wish that once you've seen them, my lady, but you are indeed brave,” Mi'tal said. “It will be an honor to have you and your sword along on this journey.”
Mel remained silent. He was listening to every word, but he had nothing to say. Perhaps this man was telling the truth, and perhaps this king had grown wiser over the years. Thinal was going, so he must go. She was willing to trust these men, and Mel trusted her judgment.
Mi'tal rose. “I suppose I will see you both in the morning then.” He nodded at Mel and walked away.
The festivities continued late into the night, and finally Mel and Thinal headed for their hut. Once inside, Thinal undressed and washed her face. She pulled the shell comb from her hair allowing the dark tresses to fall freely. Mel lay flat on the bed, exhausted. Thinal, however, was still swimming with excitement.
“I can’t wait to get started!” she said. “This is a chance to wander farther into the Wildlands than any of us has ever been. Maybe they’ll even let us explore part of Na’zora. Just imagine being allowed to wander freely in their lands. What if their king actually granted your request? That would
mean so much to our people.”
She sat on the edge of the bed and put her hand on Mel’s shoulder. “I know you’re going to hate these men and any others we have to deal with, but promise me you’ll see it through to the end. Promise me, Mel.”
“I promise,” Mel said. He closed his eyes and slept.
Chapter 6
“You will not win this war without the river! There is a war coming. I have seen it. I cannot change a prophecy for anyone. Not even for you, your Majesty.” Orzi stood with his back bent and his fists pressing hard upon the table. He was clearly exhausted. His apprentice helped ease him back into his seat.
“I wish you would make your prophecy more clear,” King Aelryk said with a sigh. “I have three mages, four historians, and every scholar at the college looking into this. No one has discovered anything useful. There simply aren’t any lands of spring. I fear it is hopeless.”
Orzi closed his eyes. It was always the same with kings. They wanted every prophecy to be specific and tell them exactly what to do. That just isn’t how prophecy works. Why couldn't they realize that if he could be specific he would do it? He wished he could always tell them exactly how to make things right. It just wasn’t that easy.
“My king, I have told you everything that I can. I will keep trying to see more, but for now that is all I see. An evil is gathering and you need the river.”
“That raises another question that I haven’t wanted to consider just yet. How am I supposed to bring a river back with me? Do I have to move the entire river, or can I bring some back in a jar?” Aelryk changed to a gentler tone. “Orzi, I know you are doing everything you can to help. I hope you can understand my frustration. Lives are at stake. I only wish to protect my people.”
