A Story Of River

by Lana Axe

  Noticing something was missing, Morek whispered to Mi'tal, “I think they've forgotten the meat.”

  River, overhearing the comment, said, “Our people do not consume the flesh of other living creatures. I'm sure you'll find some of our dishes to your liking.”

  Morek nodded. The food before him was very appealing to his eyes, and the mixture of scents were quite tempting. He had no doubt he would enjoy the meal.

  River took a seat at the side of the table next to Lenora. He gestured for the king to sit at his other side. Elder Brandor sat at the head of the table. Raising a glass, he said, “My dear elves, tonight we feast to honor the visit of King Aelryk of Na'zora and his friends. We welcome you all to the Vale.” He took a sip from his glass as the elves applauded. Aelryk felt honored by their immediate willingness to trust him and his companions.

  As the feast began, a beautiful elf maiden played a wooden flute. The music was soft and sweet and carried beautifully throughout the room. Plenty of conversation began among the guests, but the music provided a subtle backdrop to the noise of many voices.

  Aelryk sipped from the goblet in front of him and placed it back on the table. “That's quite good,” he said. “What is it?”

  “It is a wine made from pears,” River replied. “The soft flavor goes very well with desserts.”

  “Ah, I see,” the king replied. He took another sip of the wine. “It would go very well with chocolate, I'm sure.”

  “I've never heard of chocolate,” River replied.

  “My friend, you have been missing out,” Aelryk said. “We will have to remedy that, should you decide to accompany me back to Na'zora.”

  River smiled and continued tasting the variety of dishes before him. Alyra came running up to him and grabbed his hand. He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and then hugged her tightly. “My youngest daughter,” River said to Aelryk. “Her name is Alyra.” She gave the king a cheerful wave and then moved over to speak with her mother.

  “Do you have any children?” River asked.

  “I have a son,” Aelryk replied. “How many do you have?”

  “I have seven children,” River began. “Three of them are here in the Vale, two have gone to visit the dwarves, and the other two have gone with the river.”

  “They drowned?” Aelryk asked, his expression concerned.

  “No, they cannot drown. Not unless water poured from a glass into a lake drowns. They have traveled far from here, and I have not seen them for many years.”

  “That must make you sad.”

  “It does, but I know that they are well. Lenora's mother was against our union because she did not believe I could give Lenora elf children. So far, I've given her five.” River smiled and took another sip of wine.

  “But you said there are seven,” Aelryk said, looking slightly confused.

  “Five elves, two elementals. Perhaps more will follow.”

  “I see,” he replied. “And Lenora's father? How did he feel about the two of you?”

  “He was very much against it,” River said, shaking his head. “He didn't trust me. I think he feared me as many others did when I was young. No one had ever been granted life the way I was, and they did not know my true intentions. With time, they have come to trust and respect me.”

  “You're quite old, aren't you?”

  “Around eighteen hundred give or take a few decades.”

  “Here I thought I was getting on in age. I seem quite young at only fifty,” Aelryk said, laughing. “Your father, does he still live?”

  River laughed and said, “We thought he would stay forever, but he finally decided to cross over. He was a member of the Elder Council and truly enjoyed his position. Basically, the council are the eldest among us who are not yet ready to leave. In time, all elves must give their long lives back to nature. It is nature who gives them their existence, and to nature they return.”

  “You speak as if you are not an elf yourself,” Aelryk remarked.

  “I am both an elf and a water spirit,” River replied.

  “An elemental,” Aelryk said.

  “Yes,” River said. “My life belongs to the Spirit of the river. I will not always exist in this form.”

  Aelryk went silent, lost in his thoughts. He tasted some of the food in front of him and found it very pleasing. The flavors were brand new to him, and he enjoyed the culinary experience.

  The elves applauded as the flutist took a bow and left the stage. Lenora ascended the platform carrying a small silver lyre. The elves applauded and then fell silent. She began to sing as she strummed the strings.

  At sunrise I heard the voice so clear,

  the singing of water, the falls sang with cheer

  to herald the morning with chorus of birds.

  The sweetest of songs that ever I heard.

  How the lights danced on the river so wide.

  I longed to stay ever here by its side

  and never to part with this River, my love.

  Forever my heart would be dreaming of.

  I followed the River, my true love and I

  from mountain to forest under wide open sky

  and all the days long my heart it did sing

  Of River and water and the joy it does bring.

  My River led on and I did pursue.

  Its course ever steady, my love ever true.

  Such beauty my River and I did see

  the beauties of nature displayed before me.

  I love so my River and never would fear

  that ever I would part with my River so dear.

  At my River’s side I would always remain

  regardless of challenge or torment or pain.

  Still I did follow and never did stray

  from my River, my love, I would never away.

  We walked ever on, my River and me,

  to the edge of the land and the shore of the sea.

  The sea! The sea! The gluttonous sea!

  It threatens to take my River from me.

  A mouth ever hungry, the villainous sea

  would swallow my River for eternity.

  And into that water the sapphire blue

  my River did flow, but I could not pursue.

  And here at the shore I shall ever stay

  ‘til my River, my love, shall take me away.

  Aelryk joined the others in applause and glanced over at River. His eyes were fixated on Lenora, and Aelryk could see how much in love he still was with his wife of so many years. River stood as Lenora walked back to her seat. Taking both her hands in his, he kissed her long and full on her lips. She blushed a little as they separated and settled back into her seat.

  The festivities continued late into the night. By the time Aelryk retired to his rooms, his belly was quite full and his thirst was more than satisfied. These elves certainly treat their guests well, and he was grateful for it. The Vale was, in his mind, a bright spot in a world quickly being overrun with darkness. Tonight he would forget his troubles and sleep peacefully in this fairytale land of spring.

  Chapter 27

  Tu'vad stood in amazement as he stared at the gold his miners had accumulated in a cellar near the mines. This was a fortune beyond his wildest imaginings. With this gold he wouldn't have to depend on Master Ulda for his livelihood. Next, he would need to take more workers away from the mines to begin refining his treasure. Getting it out of Al'marr in rock form would be far too difficult.

  He left the cellar and locked the doors behind him. The mine supervisor was barking orders to his men as Tu'vad approached. “We need to speak,” he said. The supervisor nodded, and the pair walked together until they were safely out of earshot of the miners.

  “I need workers to begin refining the gold,” Tu'vad said.

  “Mine production has already been slowed by the search for gold rather than gems. His majesty is going to be angry with us if we aren't providing as many gems as he had hoped.” The supervisor seemed very nervous and shifted uneasily as he
spoke.

  “We'll simply divide up the gems from the other mines and say they're all producing equal shares. He's too busy to investigate further.” Tu'vad was smug and very sure of himself. The gold was more important to him than finding gems for Ulda.

  “We'll get started straight away, my lord.”

  Tu'vad turned to leave and began dreaming of the many ways to spend his newfound wealth. Perhaps he would purchase a ship and crew and sail to the Sunswept Isles. He had heard they were beautiful year-round, and the weather was always pleasant. It sounded like a marvelous place to retire from a life of service. He would no longer answer to great men or elves. He would have servants of his own and all the women he could want. Life was going to be very good.

  * * * * *

  Ulda waited impatiently as the elderly jeweler wheeled in his wooden cart. The old man stopped in front of the throne and bowed low. Ulda moved to the edge of his seat and shouted, “Let's see it!”

  The old man removed the cover to reveal the large polished gem beneath it. It was a perfectly smooth oval at least a foot long and six inches wide. The facets caught the light and twinkled before Ulda's eyes.

  “It's magnificent,” he said as he descended from his throne. He took the stone in his hands and held it close to his face. He gave the stone a kiss and said, “You have done well, master jeweler. You deserve a great reward.”

  “Your compliments are reward enough, majesty,” he replied.

  “No, you shall have a real reward. You will no longer live in your workshop. You will be given some of the finest rooms this palace has to offer. When I build my new palace, you will be given a place of honor.”

  “Thank you, your majesty,” the old man replied, bowing.

  “You are dismissed,” Ulda said.

  The old man took the cart with him as he left. Ulda stood fascinated by the gem in his hands. This was the very thing he had needed. He would no longer need to hybridize his entire army. With this stone, he could bind their wills without taking their lives. They would serve him unfailingly and obey his every command. They would no longer think for themselves or their own well-being. He could send them into any battle, regardless of the danger, and they would obey him without question.

  “Slave!” he yelled to the boy outside the door.

  The pale young boy poked his head inside and bowed.

  “Send for General Fru. Have him assemble all of my troops in the courtyard by morning. I need every one of them present.”

  “Yes, your highness,” the boy said, and he ran away down the corridor.

  Ulda placed the gem on his throne and headed toward his laboratory. Inside, his Soulbinders were working diligently to create enough of his skin-strengthening potion to distribute among his troops. They stopped as he entered and bowed before him.

  “How are the test subjects?” he asked the Soulbinder who was wearing a deep blue robe.

  “They have done well, your majesty,” he replied. “The girl's potion wore off after about eighteen hours, but the woman's stayed active for almost twenty-five.”

  “Good,” Ulda said. “I am having my troops gathered in the courtyard tomorrow morning. Make sure the woman is among them as well as the others who are in the dungeons.”

  “Yes, my lord,” he replied.

  Ulda approached his desk and caught a glimpse of a golden light within his orb. “What could this mean?” he said out loud. He peered into it and realized that the small amethyst he had placed inside the orb contained flecks of gold dust. This could only mean that it had been in contact with gold at some point. “Have any of you been using this orb?” he asked.

  All of the Soulbinders denied touching it. Clearly, he was the last to have handled it as his magical imprint was still upon its surface. The jewelers who cut the amethyst were not allowed to handle any other precious metals or gems, so this must mean that one of the mines also contained gold. Gold holds fantastic magical properties and may also be used to bribe their way into Na'zora. He would have to discover which mine contained the gold, and the miners could start collecting that as well.

  “Slave,” Ulda called to the frightened boy in the corner. “Send for Minister Tu'vad. I have urgent business for him. I shall await him in the throne room. Be quick about it!”

  Ulda headed back to his throne room to await Tu'vad's arrival. He lifted the gem again and turned it towards the light coming from one of the massive windows. This was indeed a great prize. The cut was beautiful, and the dimensions matched perfectly with the description in his book. Never before had he held such power, and it was intoxicating.

  Tu'vad entered and bowed. “You sent for me, your majesty,” he said.

  “Yes, I did. I have noticed traces of gold dust on an amethyst in my lab. Find the mine containing the gold and have it extracted.”

  “I personally inspect the mines every day, my lord. I have seen no hint of any gold,” Tu'vad replied. He did not relish the idea of sharing his gold with Ulda.

  “I have seen it,” Ulda snapped. “You will find out where it is and bring me as much as you can find. Dismissed!” Ulda waved his hand toward the door.

  Tu'vad bowed again and turned to leave. Once outside, he took a deep breath and shook his head. Now he would have to split the gold with Ulda, but he had no intention of giving him the lion's share. If he had seen dust, then Tu'vad would offer him more dust and only the smallest pieces. He would keep all the gold that had already been mined, and Ulda could settle for the trace amounts. As long as he was given a small portion, he would never know the difference.

  Tu'vad smiled to himself as if he didn't have a care in the world. His day was coming. Soon, he would be his own master with more riches than he had ever dreamed possible.

  Chapter 28

  It was mid-morning in the Vale as River led Mel to the home of the dryads. The air was cool, and a soft mist fell leaving tiny water droplets dangling from the lush green leaves of the groundcover. A rabbit darted across their path and paused to observe the two elves as they passed.

  “These dryads can teach me to use magic?” Mel asked.

  “They can teach you to unlock the power within yourself,” River replied. “The magic will come with practice, but these ladies can help you to begin.”

  They halted at a clearing where River sensed the presence of the dryads. A tawny-skinned dryad came forward to greet them.

  “Good morning, River,” she said, her green eyes sparkling in the morning light.

  “Good morning,” he replied. “I've brought a friend to meet you and your sisters. His name is Mel, and he would like to learn more about earth magic.”

  “Indeed,” she replied, looking Mel over. “I see he is gifted. Do you wish to learn from us, Mel?”

  “I do,” he replied.

  “Then come and join us.” She extended her branch-like arm to Mel. He glanced at River before taking the dryad's hand. “We will keep your friend quite safe,” she assured River.

  “Thank you, sisters,” he said as he turned to walk back to the village. His pace was slow, as he was in no rush to return home. He knew the question that awaited him there, and he wasn't in a hurry to answer it.

  Aelryk was waiting outside River's home when he finally arrived back in the village. “May we speak?” Aelryk asked.

  “Of course, friend,” River replied. They sat together on a silver bench overlooking the river.

  “I must tell you the whole reason I am here,” Aelryk began. “My kingdom is under attack by dark sorcerers. They are slaughtering my people and carrying others away for some dark purpose. A trusted prophet has informed me that a war is coming, and that I have no hope of defending my people without your help. He told me to travel to a land of spring and bring back the river. That can only mean you.”

  “I have been aware of this since the morning you first arrived, my friend,” River said. “Once you tried to cross the river, all of your secrets were revealed to me.”

  “Will you come to Na'zora with me?”
Aelryk asked.

  “Yes, though I do not know how I can help you,” River said. “I dislike leaving my home, and I do not do it often. If I alone can save your people, then I must travel with you to your kingdom.”

  “I am grateful for it,” Aelryk said. “Do you have any information about our enemy?”

  “I do,” River began. “The dryads of the Vale were attacked by those wolf hybrid creatures, and I was able to read their thoughts. They are the bound souls of humans combined with the souls of wolves. I do not know their purpose, but there are few sorcerers capable of such dark magic.”

  “I have heard tales of Telorithan, who captured the essence of an elemental,” Aelryk said.

  “Yes, he is quite powerful. However, these beasts came from the sea. I doubt they are under his command.”

  “Still,” Aelryk replied, “I think he may be involved. Do you know where he is?”

  “He lives a few hours from here if you travel by the river. If you truly believe he is involved, we could go ask him.”

  “Is it very dangerous? Would I need to bring an army?”

  “Yes, he is very dangerous,” River said, “but I would not bring an army. If he feels threatened in the slightest, he will attack first. He's going to see us coming from a long way off. It would be best if only the two of us went to speak with him.”

  “When can we be off?” the king asked.

  “Now, if you like,” River replied.

  “There is one more thing,” he said. He pulled out the purple gem that Mel had taken from the sorcerer who killed Thinal. “The sorcerer we killed in the woods was carrying this. Does it hold any significance?”

  “It does,” River said, inspecting the gem. “This gem is used to hold the essence of a bound creature. Sorcerers can use it to create powerful enchantments or to supplement their own power.”

  “It was in the sorcerer's hand when he died. A purple light had surrounded our friend for only an instant before Mel put an end to him.”